Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Defense spokesperson says PLA's drills around Taiwan "legitimate, necessary, reasonable" Xinhua) 09:04, April 03, 2025 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday said that the latest multi-subject drills conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in waters around the Taiwan Island are completely legitimate, necessary and reasonable. Zhang Xiaogang made the remarks in response to a relevant query. The PLA Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday conducted multi-subject drills in waters to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island. On Wednesday, the Shandong aircraft carrier task group was deployed to simulate strikes on ground and maritime targets in areas to the east of the island. In his remarks, Zhang condemned the Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te for recklessly carrying out provocative actions to seek "Taiwan independence," and escalating tensions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. The PLA's drills demonstrated the determination and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, serving as a strong deterrent to separatists who intentionally instigate conflicts, Zhang said. Noting that "Taiwan independence" and peace in the Strait are as irreconcilable as fire and water, Zhang said that those who play with fire will eventually get themselves burned. "The more provocations they make, the faster they will meet their demise," Zhang said. The spokesperson also said that certain countries -- if they truly wish for peace and stability in the Strait -- must adhere to the one-China principle and stop sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The PLA will continue to intensify military training and preparedness, enhance its real combat capabilities to counter secessionist attempts and foreign interference, resolutely crush all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and firmly advance the process of China's national reunification, Zhang said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Strong winds and high waves cause private vessel to partially sink off Cancun coast Cancun, Q.R. Authorities were notified of a boat that was seen partially sunk Wednesday morning off the coast of Cancun. Reports say the boat took on water and began to sink due to high waves. According to the Secretary of Citizen Security (SSC), the report was made at 10:16 Wednesday morning that a moored vessel off the Puerto Juarez Marina NHDS del Mar was under water. When authorities arrived at the vessel which was found approximately 200 meters off shore, it was found without crew. The Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) said the relevant authorities were notified and an investigation into the exact reason for the partial sinking was underway. In a statement, the SSC said the Secretariat of Citizen Security reports that at 10:16 a.m. Wednesday, a report was received of a vessel sinking at the Puerto Juarez Marina NHDS del Mar, located in the municipality of Benito Juarez. Emergency services immediately responded to the scene to respond to a report of a yacht sinking approximately 200 meters from the coast. It was confirmed that the vessel had no crew members on board. The relevant authorities were also notified and are conducting the necessary investigations to determine the cause of the incident. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through the official Quintana Roo government networks. On Wednesday morning, the Harbor Masters Office informed the maritime community that due to local weather forecasts and increased wind speeds, navigation to vessels under 40 feet was suspended. Winds of 15 to 20 knots with gusts of 25 to 30 knots and waves of 4 to 6 feet were reported by the Isla Mujeres Harbor Masters Office Wednesday. The port was declared closed to general navigation within the jurisdiction of the Harbor Masters Office of Isla Mujeres, which is in the same area where the partially sunken vessel was located Wednesday. Educating young people in a mass democracy proves no easy task. Variations in location, the abilities and interests of the students, the role of the parents, and conceptions concerning the end(s) of education create much confusion that aggregated metrics fail to capture. A young person must be forgiven for not knowing what the point of it all is, particularly if the demands rub up against nature. The crisis of boyhood results in no small part from the unreasonable expectation that a boy sit still for eight hours a day without any clear idea why. The failures of our system of public education are well-documented and surely connected to its lack of clarity about purpose while making attendance compulsory. In the last 30 years or so, we have witnessed a dramatic rise in alternate schooling. Granted, the super rich have long been able to opt out of the public school system, sending their progeny to Choate and Sidwell Friends and the like, but middle- and lower-class families pursuing alternatives is of more recent vintage. The number of students homeschooled jumped from around 93,000 in 1983 to over 3.7 million in 2021. In the fall of 2011, the percentage of students attending public schools was 87%, and by 2022 it was 83%. The percentage attending charter schools in that time rose from 4% to 7%. Between 2019 and 2023, 264 new classical schools were started. This occurred with an average 4.8% growth rate of new schools per year. A defining feature of these alternatives is that these schools have not only a clear mission but also a concrete one. When surveying the goals pursued by our public schools, one cant help but be struck with how abstract they seem, while those of the non-public schools are comparatively specific. This gives those schools a leg up not only with parents who pay tuition on top of their taxes but also with students. Perhaps the most decisive feature of the impulse to create new schools is that it typically occurs bottom-up. Unhappy with the monopoly exercised by state-sponsored schools, parents create their own. The skill and knowledge required to run a school, however, may prove more demanding than the mere initiative required to start one. David Heins Teaching the Virtues attempts to step into that gap. Having served as a boarding-school master in Virginia as well as on the boards of two private schools, Hein knows well what makes a classically minded curriculum work. The book is intended as a primer for parents and teachers at these private schools and approaches its topic not as a treatise on either virtue or teaching but as one on teaching virtue, an impulse not without ambition, for philosophers have long wondered whether virtue can be taught. ~ ~ ~ What dynamics occur in a classroom? Emphasizing the humanities (but not neglecting STEM fields, even if they do get short shrift), Hein takes seriously the interaction between three parties: the student, the teacher, and the material presented. Primacy is given to the world of the students, for everything will depend on the motivation and effort of the individual student. A good teacher will appeal to the students imagination, engaging that student deeply in a morally complex world the student already experiences as real. The challenge for a classical Christian school is balancing this inner life of the interest and freedom of the student with the stated mission of the school. How might any conflict between the two be best managed? Teaching, to be fully effective, ought to bring together the great tradition and the students passions. Hein suggests we see the interests of the student and the mission of the school as a ball bearing with an inner and an outer ring. The outer ring would represent the mission of the school while the inner ring, separated by but also connected to the outer ring by the bearings themselves, possesses its own freedom of movement. In this way, the school balances inner freedom and outer structures, which harmonizes individual liberty and institutional tradition. Heres the rub: One cant assume that what is good for the outer ring is good for the inner one. Experience and individualized attention alone can get the two working in tandem. This balancing ensures a students greater commitment to his or her own education while respecting the authority of the teacher. So how do these bearings stay properly lubricated? What keeps friction at bay? Here the reality of the virtues comes into play, for a focus on the virtues extends the teachers authority while engaging the moral imagination of the student. The purpose of the classical school is to make the young person a fully integrated and virtuous adult, but anyone who has stood in front of a classroom knows what a tall order this is. Indeed, anyone with children of his or her own has found it a daunting task. Socrates may have regarded the possession of virtue a gift from the gods, but such grace may prove too arbitrary and unreliable a source for those committed to the task of cultivating virtue. Virtue cannot be taught deductively, starting from general and abstract principles and applying them situationally. Heins approach operates more in the tradition of moral casuistry: looking at particular cases and figuring out how rules might apply or develop from those cases. Hein argues that we need to give young people examples of moral conduct. True to his word that the book is not an examination of virtue itself, he assumes the existence of the classical virtues and looks for exemplars. This elevation of practical reasoning over theoretical reasoning may irritate a philosopher or a thoroughgoing nihilist, but it acknowledges the reality that virtues arise within our practices. This is especially true for children. It also corresponds to common sense. Do as I do and not as I say has moral purchase for a reason. Parents can recite all the nostrums concerning right conduct, but in the end the child will imitate the parents actions. Our sense of right and wrong emerges from observing right and wrong and connecting it to our intuitive sense. Hein thus insists, in a mode similar to Aristotle in his reflections on the mature man, on sharing with students the stories of people who exemplified either one particular virtue or a range of them. Furthermore, Hein attends to the ways in which fiction may stoke the students imagination in constructive ways, for the imagination integrates thinking, willing, and acting. ~ ~ ~ The bulk of Heins book involves either stories about historical figures or a retelling of movies and novels that a teacher could use in the classroom. In the former category, he offers figures such as George Washington, George Marshall, Booker T. Washington, Hannah More, Frederick Robertson, and Henry Coit. The juxtaposing of famous and unknown figures has the salutary effect of making the right thing seem achievable. It also allows Hein to highlight specific though often neglected virtues such as patience, courage, prudence, temperance, and honor. I found the lengthy digressions into books and movies less interesting and satisfying, even though he did discuss one of my favorite novels, Robert Penn Warrens All The Kings Men. Both the summaries and the interpretations dont fully hang together, in part because Hein stitched those sections together from previously published work. Hein recognizes this, I think, because he concludes this section with a suggestion to the reader (teacher) that he or she might want to substitute a different book or movie. Fair enough. I can say from my own experience teaching political philosophy at the college level that I sometimes got more traction with a novel than a work of philosophy (having them read Camus The Plague, for example, instead of Foucault) or with a movie (such as Christopher Nolans Batman trilogy along with Machiavelli). How can one best use preciously scarce class time to appointed ends? All too often when my children were in school, teachers used movies as a way to avoid preparing for class. When my high school junior came home and discussed spending two class periods watching Finding Nemo, I knew something was afoot. I fear Heins lengthy digression may send the wrong message to some teachers. Along with his emphasis on the moral imagination (borrowing from Burke and Kirk), Hein reminds teachers of the importance of attentiveness. I think this is the strongest part of Heins argument, but also in some ways the least satisfying because he doesnt spend as much time on it as he could or should have. We live in a technocratic world designed to attenuate our powers of attention, and young people in particular suffer from this. In an age when attention gets directed inward, causing all sorts of pathologies, we have an imperative to figure out how to direct that attention outward. This begins with the teacher, who must be attentive to both the student and the curriculum. The school may be the outer ring and the student the inner one of the bearing, but teachers are the balls themselves. Great teachers are attentive to students and their world and to the idiosyncrasies of each of them. This is why parents are almost always better teachers than public employees who have too much demanded of them. As importantly, the students attention must be directed outward. Hein gives us little guidance as to what this means practically speaking, and I suspect his emphasis on literature and movies might distract here particularly. Im more sympathetic to curricula that supplement classroom instruction with hands-on learning and outdoor activities. We, and children especially, are not Cartesian minds but embodied creatures whose imagination can be well-stoked by engagement with the natural world. Annie Dillards Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is a fantastic reflection on attentiveness, but I would supplement reading it by taking the children to an actual creek. In sum, Teaching the Virtues attends to the relationship between ordering the classroom and ordering the soul, recognizing that this involves loves and allegiances that necessarily transcend those in the public school system. Heins emphasis on training in piety, one of the stronger parts of the book, shows how only a spiritual capping of the students experience can prevent that student from being misled. The moral imagination and the emphasis on attention congeal into character that displays unity and focus. This integrityor wholenessdoes not make them perfect and it does not exclude further growth. It does, however, put them on the path to being good. If a school can do that, it will have done enough. 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The Loveland Frogman has been a part of Ohio folklore for decades, with sightings dating back to the 1950s. Some witnesses claim the creature has magical abilities and can even emit sparks, while others believe it is simply a misidentified animal. Advertisement The legend has captured the imaginations of cryptid enthusiasts, inspiring everything from local t-shirts to eerie camp stories. So, is this a new kind of rare, unidentified amphibian species, or is it just another cryptid legend? SIOUX CITY The earliest days of Sioux City's first roundabout were not necessarily the smoothest. About two weeks before the traffic circle officially opened to motorists, bikers caused $15,000 in damages according to the Sioux City Police Department which meant contractors had to tear cement out and repour it. Once it did open, a number of residents complained, repeatedly, online, about the price tag for the broader project the roundabout was a part of ($1,419,784.22) and questioned the need for it while also showing some misunderstandings about usage. (The city put out tips for handling a roundabout when it first opened. One of the suggestions: Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic flow. Another: Drivers inside the roundabout have the right-of-way over any driver entering the roundabout.) Since the perhaps inauspicious debut, it's been relatively smooth sailing through the circular intersection at Old Lakeport and Elk Creek roads. "During the times I have driven through there it seems to have the same amount of volume as it did prior to construction," Sioux City Engineer Gordon Phair said. "However, I have had people tell me that they have used that route just so they could go through the roundabout." Phair said that in May 2024, when a traffic volume measure was taken for Lakeport from Singing Hills Boulevard to Southern Hills Drive, the annual average daily traffic figure was calculated to be 2,291 vehicles. That did not measure Southern Hills Drive or Christy Road which intersect with Old Lakeport and Elk Creek roads as well. When the project first came before the council, Phair told members that a roundabout was one of the best solutions for a five-way intersection where one of the roads, Old Lakeport, has a dead-end section. Along with the creation of a new stop, the Elk Creek Road construction project included: paving on Elk Creek Road as well as construction of new water mains, storm sewer and sidewalk crossings. The measure passed 4-1 before the Sioux City Council with Mayor Bob Scott being the lone "no" vote. "I'm not for that roundabout. I know the rest of you are," Scott said before the vote in April 2024. "I think there's places for roundabouts and that's just not one of them. I think the citizens out there have spoken about that, but yet we don't seem to want to listen." In early January, the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors approved new speed limits that set 45 miles per hour as the high for the newly paved portion of Elk Creek Road with the first 1,200 feet off the roundabout being 35 miles per hour. Country Engineer Laura Sievers told the board at that time that a speed study was conducted on the portion east of Old Lakeport Road and that the limits were "typically what people are driving." Phair said the 85th percentile for a speed study was 33 miles per hour. "I thought it would have higher because south of Singing Hills Boulevard to Hawthorne Drive on Old Lakeport the 85th percentile was 45 miles per hour during the same time frame," he said. "I would have thought those two roadway segments would be closer in speeds. This speed study was done because a stop sign was requested at Singing Hills at Old Lakeport. That intersection does not warrant a 4-way stop." A roundabout database from the transportation engineering and planning consulting firm Kittleson & Associates shows more than 10,000 roundabouts for the United States through March 2025. The Des Moines area has the highest total anywhere in Iowa with 46. Second is the Cedar Rapids area with about 26. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil and Tufts University graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk have become national symbols for the Trump administrations harsh crackdown on free speech on college campuses and on vulnerable people espousing ideas at odds with the administrations worldview. It is unclear what Khalils role was in the Columbia University protests beyond serving as a negotiator for pro-Palestinian students, or what Ozturk has done beyond co-authoring a 2024 op-ed in her school newspaper questioning Tufts Universitys refusal to divest from companies with ties to Israel. Whatever the case, the governments failure to provide Khalil, Ozturk, and other green card or student visa holders with the basic procedural safeguards of our legal system and the Trump administrations disregard for free speech should give pause to every American who cherishes freedom and democracy. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials who arrested Khalil informed him that his student visa had been revoked. But Khalil was not at Columbia on a student visa; he is a green-card holder whose pregnant wife is an American citizen. ICE officials did not charge Khalil with any crime. They secretly transferred him to a detention facility in Louisiana. And they repeatedly denied him the opportunity to speak privately with his lawyers until a federal judge ordered the government let him to do so. The six plainclothes ICE officials who arrested Ozturk while she was on her way to break her Ramadan fast did not initially display their badges. They did not file any charges against her. Ozturk, who the Department of Homeland Security claimed engaged in activities in support of Hamas, was taken to the same Louisiana detention facility as Khalil. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned student visa holders not to create a ruckus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story is not over, though. Khalil and Ozturks best hope going forward is to rely on a Supreme Court decision won by radical New York lawyer Carol Weiss King. King hailed from a prominent family of New York lawyers; her brother founded the New York firm Paul Weiss. King took a different path from her family. A lawyer from the 1920s to early 1950s for the International Labor Defense, the legal arm of the Communist Party USA, King assisted in saving the Scottsboro Boys, nine young Black men wrongfully convicted of raping two white women in a railroad car, from the electric chair, and Angelo Herndon, an 18-year-old Black Communist convicted for attempting to incite insurrection under an old Georgia slave insurrection statute, from 18 to 20 years on a Georgia chain gang. Related From Slate Who Gets to Be an American This Week? Read More Crucially for the current moment, King specialized in defending radical immigrants from deportation. She had been outraged by the Palmer Raids and the Red Scare following World War I that resulted in mass deportations of radical immigrants. One of her highest-profile cases established an important Supreme Court precedent about the rights of noncitizens to due process and free speech. During the 1940s, King joined the legal team that prevented the U.S. government from deporting Harry Bridges, the Australian-born head of the International Longshoremen and Warehousemens Union. The U.S. government initially alleged that Bridges belonged to the Communist Party USA, but a hearing examiner found no proof that Bridges had officially joined the organization. Congress subsequently amended the statute to make affiliation with the Communist Party grounds for deportation. A second hearing examiner found that Bridges had joined organizations affiliated with the Communist Party, and the attorney general ordered the union leaders deportation. Advertisement Advertisement In a 1945 Supreme Court opinion known as Bridges v. Wixon, Justice William O. Douglas rejected that Bridges had been affiliated with the Communist Party, found that Bridges due process rights had been violated because the government had introduced unsworn testimony against him during his second hearing, and ruled that his detention had been unlawful. Advertisement Most importantly for Khalil, Ozturk, and other legal residents and student visa holders who may be facing deportation because of their political beliefs, the court in Bridges v. Wixon held that noncitizens enjoyed the same First Amendments rights as everyone else. Freedom of speech and of press is accorded aliens residing in this country, Douglas wrote. So far as this record shows the literature published by Harry Bridges, the utterances made by him were entitled to that protection. They revealed a militant advocacy of the cause of trade unionism. But they did not teach or advocate or advise the subversive conduct condemned by the statute. Advertisement Justice Frank Murphy went even further in his concurring opinion: The record in this case will stand forever as a monument to mans intolerance of man. Seldom if ever in the history of this nation has there been such a concentrated and relentless crusade to deport an individual because he dared to exercise the freedom that belongs to him as a human being and that is guaranteed to him by the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement The courts opinions in Bridges v. Wixon built on the ideas of Justice Louis Brandeis that free speech plays an essential role in American democracy as well as the ideas of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. that free speech means freedom for the thought that we hate. It is incumbent upon the nine current justices to reaffirm Bridges v. Wixon establishing due process and free speech rights for noncitizens facing deportation and to embrace Brandeis and Holmes ideas about free speech. The Roberts Courtin gutting provisions of the Voting Rights Act, denying that the 14th Amendment protects abortion rights, and outlawing affirmative actionhas often overruled or ignored precedent in high-profile cases. But the justices should think twice before erasing the legacy of Carol Weiss King and the other courageous lawyers who represented Harry Bridges and saved him from deportation. Harry Bridges lived for the rest of his life in this country and died in 1990 in San Francisco at age 88. His memory lives on through the important Supreme Court precedent that bears his name. The cases of Khali, Ozturk, and many others like them represent a fundamental challenge to our country. They are about whether the American people want a legal system that prioritizes basic procedural fairness and a democracy that tolerates unpopular ideas and protects the hard-won First Amendment rights established by Carol Weiss King in the case of Harry Bridges. Donald Trump won the presidency in part on promises to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records. But his earliest executive orderstrying to undo birthright citizenship, suspending critical refugee programsmade clear he wants to attack legal immigrants, too. In our new series, Who Gets to Be American This Week?, well track the Trump administrations attempts to exclude an ever-growing number of people from the American experiment. So far, Donald Trumps deportation numbers dont seem to be that different from Joe Bidensbut this administration has been resorting to using drastic and unprecedented measures to carry them out, all with reckless disregard for the law and due process. And who they are targeting has changed, with a greater focus on people who are here through legal forms of immigration. Heres the immigration news were keeping an eye on this week. Another Federal Judge Stopped Trumps Plan to Deport Venezuelans Without Due Process U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy of Boston slapped a temporary restraining order on the Trump administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act after four undocumented people filed a lawsuit. It was in response to Trumps deportation flights of other migrants to a notorious Salvadoran prison, including at least one man who was protected from removal. Immigration authorities now have to give each person written notice of where they will be deported to and an opportunity to seek legal counsel and contest their deportation. The restraining order is limited to only those who have a final order of removal on their immigration case. Murphys order will stay in effect until he considers whether to issue a preliminary injunction in a hearing thats scheduled for April 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alien Enemies Act, which was enacted in 1798 when there was no federal immigration policy, was intended to allow noncitizens who were part of an invading army to be deported from the U.S. during wartime. It does not include any due process protections, and some experts believe the act should have been repealed a long time ago. Nevertheless, the Trump administration is using the law to deport any immigrant it believes to be a member of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, without a court hearing or evidence. Murphy is now the third judge to rule against the use of this arcane wartime law to deport people without due process. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg was the first to block the administrations deportation of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants, though the Trump administration flew at least three planes full of people to El Salvador anyway, claiming the judge had no jurisdiction over the people in question. The administration tried to appeal Boasbergs injunction, but an appeals court rejected the request. Now, the ball is with the Supreme Court, where the administration has chosen to further escalate the fight over the lawfulness of the Alien Enemies Act. Advertisement Advertisement The Secretary of State Says Hundreds of Student Visas Have Been Revokedand There Are More to Come While traveling with reporters, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he has revoked over 300 visas since taking office in January. Rubio confirmed that many of the visas are of students who participated in the pro-Palestine protests that roiled the country over the summer. As a heated debate ensued over the ongoing war in the region, hundreds of college students were arrested and university presidents forced to resign. If you are in this country on a student visa and are a participant in those movements, we have a right to deny your visa, Rubio said. He went on to equate supporting the pro-Palestine movements to supporting Hamas. Advertisement Mahmoud Khalil, a green-card holder who graduated from Columbia University and served as a negotiator between students and university leadership during the campus protests, was one of the first to get caught in the administrations crackdown. Rumeysa Ozturk, a Ph.D. student at Tufts University who co-wrote an op-ed criticizing her universitys response to the pro-Palestinian movement, was also arrested. Footage of Ozturks arrest was particularly alarming, with multiple officers dressed in plainclothes approaching her on the street and forcing her into an unmarked SUV. When reporters asked how Ozturks op-ed, which made no mention of Hamas, was used to determine that her student visa should be revoked, Rubio claimed that the activities presented to me meet the standard of what Ive just described to you: people that are supportive of movements that run counter to the foreign policy of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio refused to offer specifics, and said that the department wont provide that information unless a court compels us. Meanwhile, tourists from Europe and Canada have also been held at the border in a series of high-profile incidents; a Canadian woman was detained for two weeks after immigration agents revoked her work visa, a backpacker from Wales was detained for three weeks for allegedly violating the terms of her visa, and two German tourists were detained, with one being held for over 30 days, though its not clear why. A Federal Judge Pauses Plans to Deport Latin American Migrants on Lawful Parole U.S. District Court Judge Edward Chen directed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to stop all plans to cut short the temporary legal protections that were granted to 350,000 Venezuelans under the former Biden administration. The order was prompted by her announcement that the Department of Homeland Security would begin revoking temporary legal protections from over 500,000 immigrants currently living in the U.S. who came from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. They had been granted humanitarian parole under the Biden administration, allowing them to live and work here lawfully. Advertisement Advertisement Chen declared that Noem failed to identify any real countervailing harm in continuing TPS for Venezuelan beneficiaries and her action suggested the Trump administration is motivated by unconstitutional animus. The entire idea of revoking Temporary Protected Status was initiated by the president when he signed the Securing Our Borders executive order, which directed Noem to terminate all categorical parole programs, including the processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. This is a program the Biden administration established in 2022 as a way to stem the flow of migrants at the southern border. The program also included Ukrainians fleeing the ongoing war with Russia, though Noems announcement notably excluded any mention of Ukrainians. Advertisement A coalition of immigrant advocacy groups sued to stop the president and has been successful, so far. Chen has allowed the government to file a notice of appeal and also given the plaintiffs opportunity to request a pause of Noems action for 500,000 Haitians whose TPS is set to expire in August. Advertisement Tax Data Might Be Used to Target Undocumented Migrants The Internal Revenue Service is finalizing an agreement with immigration officials to start using tax data to obtain the names and addresses of folks suspected of living in the U.S. without legal status. This is probably the first time tax data has been used for immigration purposes in such a sweeping way. The agreement would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement to submit names and addresses of migrants who are suspected of being undocumented to the IRS, which would cross-reference that information with the agencys taxpayer databases, according to unnamed sources who spoke to the Washington Post. This is not a typical relationship, as the IRS normally treats taxpayers information as confidential, and under federal statute the agency generally prohibits the release of tax information by an IRS employee. There are limited circumstances where it is allowed, though immigration enforcement is not one of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Center for Democracy and Technology noted that immigrants, including undocumented people, pay billions in federal and state taxes every year, despite not receiving many federal benefits. In fact, millions of undocumented immigrants pay taxes primarily to demonstrate financial responsibility for future discretionary immigration proceedings. Instead, the Trump administration wants to use those taxes to deport tax-paying immigrants, which could incentivize them to simply stop filing their taxes to protect themselves and their families. (Nothing screams government efficiency more than kicking out taxpayers!) If the IRS caves, it could set a dangerous precedent for other federal agencies to fall in line with the presidents immigration agenda. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. On Wednesday, we wrote about how CEOs were starting to get buyers remorse about Donald Trump, the presidential candidate that many of them supported despite his promises to impose what essentially every economist in the world said would be market-crippling tariffs. After we published that post, Trump went through with his promise and announced a huge new system of tariffs, individualized for each foreign country, that will tax almost all goods being brought into the U.S. at rates as high as 50 percent. The presidents operating premise is that if a foreign nation sells more physical goods to the U.S. than it buys, it is taking advantage of Americans and that tariffs should be imposed on those goods until the balance equals out. The administration is also spinning the tariffs as an incentive for the country to rebuild its manufacturing and agricultural base: If its now super expensive to buy things abroad, the thinking goes, the market will naturally reward companies that can produce those things domestically. But Trump has not taken any measures to prepare the U.S. economy to manufacture, for example, white undershirts; it is also impossible for the U.S. to produce some of the things it imports, like natural resources that dont exist within its borders and foods that cant be easily grown in its climate. Then you have the issue of why Americans would want to leave their current jobs for a worse-paying job in, lets say, a shoe factory. (This is why prior political efforts to boost American manufacturing have focused on high-value products, like semiconductors, that can be built domestically.) Advertisement Long story short, American consumers can look forward to price increases, and American companies can look forward to consumers buying fewer of their productsnot to mention other economic powers, like China and the European Union, limiting access to their own markets in retaliation. So this is happening: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If theres any silver lining to any of this, though, its that were getting some funny details about the, uh, robustness of the process that went into setting the new numbers. The ostensible premise of Trumps tariffs is that they are reciprocal, i.e., issued in response to tariffs that other countries have already set on American goods. As part of the announcement, the White House issued data that purported to show the tariffs that other countries currently charge the U.S. But, as writer James Surowiecki first figured out, those numbers dont have anything to do with actual tariff rates and in fact are just existing trade deficits turned into percentages. The example he uses is Indonesia, which in the most recent annual data exported $28 billion of goods to the U.S. and imported $10.1 billion. That means the U.S. has a $17.9 billion trade deficit with Indonesia, and $17.9 billion is 64 percent of $28 billion. The Trump numbers thus therefore claim that Indonesia is setting tariffs of 64 percent on the U.S. The logic, essentially, is that in a fair way of doing things, Indonesia would have 64 percent fewer exports to the U.S. The new discounted reciprocal tariff that Trump is imposing against each countrythats the White Houses term, discountedis just half of the deficit percentage, which is to say that the United States new tariff against Indonesian goods is 32 percent. As the Verge details here, a number of observers have noticed that this approach to calculating tariffs is exactly what a number of leading chatbots suggest if you ask them for an easy way to level the playing field between countries engaged in trade (or, to use the White Houses language, balance bilateral trade deficits). Two of the botsGrok and Claudeeven suggest cutting the resulting figure in half. (Grok is the chatbot developed by Elon Musks Twitter/X.) The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the similarities. The executive branchs official paper on the tariff calculations essentially acknowledges that Surowiecki is correct about how the White House arrived at the numbers, but it includes two other constants in the formula, which allegedly represent elasticity of import demand and elasticity of import prices. These constants are delineated in the statement by Greek letters epsilon and phi, which gives things an authentic academic feel. But the value of one of the constants, the administration has determined, is 4, while the value of the other is , and theyre multiplied by each other. Which is to say that they balance out to 1 and thus have no influence on the actual result of the calculation. The administrations list of entities affected by the new tariffs includes Heard Island and McDonald Islands, an Australian territory in the Antarctic that is not inhabited by humans but does have populations of penguins. So the captains of U.S. industry, particularly those in Big Tech, convinced themselves over the course of the past several years that by collaborating with Trump, despite his hostility to democracy and the rule of law, they were poised to help rule a kind of Singapore-ized version of Americaone in which theyd benefit from deregulation, lower taxes, and perhaps the suppression of labor and the press. Instead, they seem to have boxed themselvesfor now, at leastinto an American version of North Korea. Perhaps Grok can tell them what they should do next? https://sputnikglobe.com/20250403/ukraine-attacks-russian-energy-infrastructure-amid-moratorium-1121736683.html Ukraine Attacks Russian Energy Infrastructure in Violation of Moratorium Ukraine Attacks Russian Energy Infrastructure in Violation of Moratorium Sputnik International Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces have attacked Russian energy infrastructure FOUR TIMES despite the moratorium on attacks on energy facilities, the Defense Ministry said. 2025-04-03T11:33+0000 2025-04-03T11:33+0000 2025-04-03T11:38+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis ukraine kursk terrorism https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/1a/1120300105_0:163:3064:1887_1920x0_80_0_0_68ea2897815ff504f7cd09561778f906.jpg A branch of Russia's power company Rosseti was attacked in the Kursk region, leaving more than 1,200 consumers without power. Another Rosseti branch was attacked in the Belgorod region, leaving more than 1,700 consumers without power. In addition, the Vasilyevka electrical substation was attacked in the Zaporozhye region, and the Svatovo gas distribution station in Lugansk, where the gas supply to more than 11,000 consumers was cut off. c https://sputnikglobe.com/20250328/himars-attack-on-sudzha-gas-station-reveals-ukraines-continued-assault-on-russian-infrastructure-1121704697.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia's special military operation, ukraine crisis, ukrainian crisis, ukraine terrorism, ukraine terrorist state Century Downs celebrated its 10th anniversary on Wednesday, April 2 with its first card of harness racing conducted under its newly-installed lighting system. In concert with the nighttime card, Century held a 10th anniversary gala, with invitees and attendees including Dale Nally, Alberta's Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, local MLA Angela Pitt as well as representatives from all the Alberta racetracks, ASHA, HBPA, CTHS, WPCA, AGLC and executives from Century Casinos. As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations, Century Downs introduced its own beer Get Lucky Lager, a collaboration with Born Brewing. Before the on-track activity, there was also a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the track lighting project with representatives from the aforementioned groups a part of the festivities. The main event during the seven-dash card over the track rated 'good' featured a better than good group of distaffers in the $16,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred Pace. A compact field of five went postward in the third race, with fairly even support offered to 6-5 choice Red N Ready, 8-5 second choice Sunshineatthebeach and 2-1 Goodbye Ceia Later. With those three horses receiving that much support in a field of five, 17-1 shot Century Mach and 31-1 choice Outlaw Blue Isle appeared to be on the proverbial outside looking in. And for the first seven-eighths or so of the mile, that's exactly how the race shaped up. Red N Ready (Brandon Campbell) scooted out from post two once the gate wings folded to gain early command, but post five starter Sunshineatthebeach (Kelly Hoerdt) had sights on a front-end mission once the inside four dropped down to the pylons and left no room for a tuck. Hoerdt asked Sunshineatthebeach to press on through a :27.1 opening quarter, eventually clearing to the top around the three-eighths mark. Pressure would be applied by Goodbye Ceia Later (Mike Hennessy) after the :56.3 half, with Century Mach (Logan Gillis) following that cover into the outer flow. Goodbye Ceia Later continued that first-over grind through three quarters in 1:25.3 but couldn't collar Sunshineatthebeach. As the field turned for home, Sunshineatthebeach's lead diminished to a half length, but that's as close as Goodbye Ceia Later could get. However, after saying adios to that rival, Gillis and Century Mach loomed the danger from that second-over tow. Gillis tipped into the three path turning for home and his mare hit the afterburners with the wire in her sights. A :29.2 final quarter sealed the deal for Century Mach, tripping the timer in 1:55.2 some two lengths to the good over longshot Outlaw Blue Isle (Dave Kelly). Sunshineatthebeach stayed for show honours. A seven-year-old mare by JK Royal Flush out of Mach Away, Century Mach (pictured above) is trained by lessee Shelly Arsenault of Sherwood Park, Alta. With her second win of the year, Century Mach notched her 34th lifetime victory and lifted her career bankroll over the quarter-million dollar mark to boast $257,154 in earnings. She paid $37.70 to win. After a seven-race win streak to end 2024, Baby Limbo is streaking again in 2025. The four-year-old daughter of Captain Crunch - Wanda Bayama picked up her fifth straight win in a $8,900 conditioned event prior to the Preferred. Brandon Campbell engineered the winning effort, a 1:56.3 win by more than two lengths, for owner Don Howlett of West St. Paul, Man. and trainer Mathew Howlett. That win is her 13th in 20 lifetime appearances, and she hasn't finished worse than second in seven seasonal starts. Live harness racing returns to Century Downs on Saturday, April 5 with first post at 12:45 p.m. (MDT). To view the results from the first card of nighttime harness racing at Century Downs, click the following link: Wednesday Results - Century Downs. (Standardbred Canada) Legislation seeking to decouple Thoroughbred racing as a requirement of gaming licensure in Florida progressed with amendments from a Senate committee on Tuesday, April 1. Florida Senate Bill 408, the companion legislation to House Bill 105 sponsored by Republican Senator Danny Burgess, advanced from the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries in a 5-2 vote in favour of the bill with amendments increasing the amount of notice required should a Thoroughbred permitholder decide to end live racing. The amendment requires notice be provided to the commission no sooner than July 1, 2028 with racing to continue at least four years after the date of notice. Thoroughbred racing media has reported that the committee heard more than two hours of testimony from mostly racing and related industry participants in opposition of the legislation, with 30 people speaking against the bill and 40 others opposing the bill but waiving their right to speak. Only one person reportedly spoke in support of the bill, a lobbyist for Gulfstream Park, which is operated by The Stronach Group's 1/ST Racing. Two years ago everyone else [in Florida in the gaming sector] was decoupled, Republican Senator Jennifer Bradley, who chairs the committee, was quoted as saying by Thoroughbred Daily News. But not [Thoroughbred racing]. And there is an unfairness in that. There is a sense that the future does not look like the way it is as we sit here today. Things are changing. They're going to change. Let's find a better future with a better balance that is going to let the horse industry thrive. There is no one here that is just wanting to throw it to the side and say, 'If it doesn't work, it doesn't work.' I promise you, this Legislature and the Senate recognizes the value [of] this industry. The bill will move on to the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government and then to the Rules Committee before going to the full Senate. When asked if he supports the decoupling bill by reporters in an Ocala press conference on Wednesday, Governor Ron DeSantis said "I have not endorsed that bill. I know there's different bills floating around. My practice is typically, let's let this thing work through and then if it lands on my desk, then I'll come out with a decision one way or another on it. I will say, if you put Florida first, then you are looking to make sure that Floridians can be successful, and the horse breeding is a part of our states culture, its part of the culture here. I'm concerned with some of things I hear about these proposals, about what that would mean for the viability of that going forward. But well let the process work out and well see how it ends up. (With files from Thoroughbred Daily News, BloodHorse & WKMG News 6) Saturday nights fifth race at The Meadowlands has one starter that may have onlookers rubbing their eyes in disbelief. Yes, Always B Colour IR looks different. So different, in fact, youve likely never seen one behind a starting gate that looks like him. You see, Always B Colour IR is a pinto, or skewbald, as they are known in Australia. A pinto is a horse or pony of various breeding that is marked with patches of white and another colour, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary website, but the definition doesnt do justice to just how striking one of these horses are once one sees them up close. I grew up knowing these horses to be called skewbald, said Shane Tritton, trainer of Always B Colour IR. Theyre very rare. Obviously, its the colouring. They have skewbalds racing in Australia and Europe, but theyve always had a notorious history of not producing the best horses. People want these things and try to breed them because they love the colouring but not many of them have turned out to be high-quality racehorses. So, what is Always B Colour IR doing at The Meadowlands? In certain parts of Ireland, they predominantly only race the skewbalds, said Tritton. Every now and again, one ventures out of their little racing community to try and mix in with the other racehorses and some of them rise up and theres been a couple whove done fairly well. But this horse, we believe, is on a whole new level, and thats basically why hes come to us, because they believe based on what theyve seen of him in Ireland, hes possibly the best one thats ever been produced and thats why hes here. To give him a shot to prove that. A four-year-old son of Always B Miki-Mamma Said who has drawn post four on Saturday in his first start on American soil, Always B Colour IR showed speed before finishing third in what was a solid qualifier. According to Tritton, his mile time of 1:52 was the fastest-ever for the breed. His last charted line before that was a third-place finish racing in Ireland seven months ago. We went to the Vincent Delaney Memorial in Ireland last year, said Tritton. He raced that day and my wife Lauren fell in love with him straight away, as she does. He raced quite well and we approached the trainer and said hes a beautiful horse, and mentioned that if he wanted a home for him, wed love to have something to do with him if he progresses. I think it was three or four months later we got in contact with a couple of people, the breeders from over in Ireland that put the owner, Shane Curtin, in contact with us and he kind of reached out and said, Would you be interested in giving this guy a shot? I think he could be pretty special.' We were happy to give him a go. Weve had a bit of luck with these Irish horses. We know that they can step up to the plate in this country. I do believe he is every bit as good as they think he is and, hopefully, with a bit of experience racing over here, hes going to prove it. Shane is his stables trainer, but when it comes to Always B Colour IR, Lauren, who is the horses driver, was the person who got this all started. Hes a really lovely horse to have around the barn, said Lauren. I saw him in his stall at the Vincent Delaney Memorial and there was no one around. I walked past him and I said to Shane, Find whoever owns or trains this horse, because we are taking him home. Lauren, a two-time winner of the drivers premiership back in her native Australia, is looking forward to the process with her new horse. He has a lot of learning to do, said Lauren. When I first sat behind him, I felt so much raw talent but he just didnt know what to do with it. He needs help. Hes good gaited and has lovely manners. Its not going to be hard to teach him. Im really excited to be a part of this. This type of thing is something the industry needs right now. Due to the small purses he raced for in Europe, Always B Colour IR, who is in a non-winners of two on Saturday, fits the maiden four-year-old class, so Shane is hoping a win will come shortly. The mother looks the way he does, said Shane. She was good in their racing. Hes the most unique horse youll ever see. We were walking back from the qualifiers to warm up and there were 30 people that stopped him on the way to the track. He is certainly something people dont see every day. Shane is optimistic about what lies ahead. I have a very high opinion of him, said the trainer. Hes held his own against some of the nicer horses we have at home. I know hes still very green but my dream is that hes going to be the first horse with colouring like this to break 1:50. That would be what dreams are made of. (With files from Meadowlands Racetrack) Synechron announced the launch of Synechron CyberAI accelerators program. This suite of four AI-driven solutions enhances enterprise security, streamlines compliance, and reduces risk exposure through automation and intelligence. Top Breaking News Of The Day Synechrons 14th accelerator program includes: RiskControl.AI: Automates IT risk management, offering real-time control assessments and compliance insights. AppSec.AI: Provides a unified view of security vulnerabilities, streamlining risk prioritization and remediation. Resolve.AI: Categorizes and manages application and security incidents, providing prioritized responses and system reliability. Validate.AI: Safeguards GenAI models by implementing industry guardrails including detecting prompt injection, data and privacy leakage, and insecure output handling. Faisal Husain, co-founder and CEO of Synechron, said, We identified a gap where businesses struggled to keep pace with the speed and complexity of cyber threats. Synechron CyberAI fills that need by delivering solutions that scale, adapt, and strengthen defenses through AI-powered automation. Synechron CyberAI is the latest FinLabs accelerator program, which is a solutions suite that will empower large organizations to stay ahead of emerging threats, delivering AI-powered security at a time when both proactive defense and efficiency are critical to businesses. Sandeep Kumar, Synechrons head of FinLabs, said, Synechron CyberAI aims to give companies the tools to anticipate and address security challenges before they become crises. We provide a framework for businesses to integrate AI into their security strategies, which in turn makes risk management more proactive and effective. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Weather prevented a rocket carrying the first batch of Amazon satellites designed to compete with Elon Musk's Starlink from lifting off Wednesday, in a setback for the planned Project Kuiper network. "Stubborn cumulus clouds and persistent winds make liftoff not possible within the available window," read a liveblog update from operator United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Cumulus clouds are a particular danger for rockets as a nearby launch can trigger lightning strikes, ULA added. Livestream footage showed steam venting from the white Atlas V rocket laden with 27 Project Kuiper satellites as it stood on the launchpad through successive delays. Liftoff from Cape Canaveral in the US state of Florida had originally been slated for 7:00 pm (2300 GMT). Like Starlink, the Kuiper service is designed to provide internet access to even the most remote and underserved areas around the world, including war zones or disaster-struck areas. Once in orbit, the satellites will be positioned hundreds of miles above Earth, where they will form the foundations of Project Kuipera constellation that Amazon says will include more than 3,200 satellites. Amazon, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has said the internet service will go live this year. The project's pricing has not yet been revealed, but Amazon has promised it will be in line with its existing reputation as a low-cost retailer. Its first launch will put Amazon into direct competition with SpaceX's Starlink and other satellite internet providers. The Musk-owned SpaceX launched the first batch of its more than 6,750 operational Starlink satellites in 2019 and is by far the sector's biggest player, boasting over five million customers worldwide. Starlink has provided internet access to several disaster and war zones, including Morocco after a devastating 2023 earthquake there, as well as on the frontlines in Ukraine in its war with Russia. High competition Unlike traditional internet services that rely on fewer satellites that are situated more than 35,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) from Earth, those offered by Musk and soon Bezos use a low earth orbit of between 550 and 1,300 kilometers (350-810 miles). This allows them to relay data more rapidly to Earth, enabling internet access in areas without landline connections by copper or fiber optic cable. "Cost, complexity, and geography can make it difficult to install traditional, ground-based fiber and wireless connectivity solutions in these areas," Amazon says. A lower orbit, however, means so-called LEO satellites are only reachable from a smaller area, meaning more are needed for full global coverage and launches are more regular. Still, it provides a large potential market for Amazonone in which it is hoping to become a key player by catching up with its main competitor. Amazon is planning to boost satellite launches in the coming months and years, with more than 80 flights ordered by firms including ULA, Bezos's space company Blue Origin and even Musk's SpaceX. These satellites will be gradually dispatched to the low earth orbit, which is increasingly populated by Starlink as well as other emerging actors including Europe's OneWeb and China's Guowang. Some have voiced fears the growing number of satellites could lead to congestion and possible collisions, as well as disturbances for astronomical observations. The role of private hands in space has also raised political questions, particularly given the role of Musk as a key advisor to US President Donald Trump. Musk has cast doubt on the future of Starlink in Ukraine, where it is essential for military operations in Kyiv's war with Russia that Trump wants to see ended. He said in March, however, that "no matter how much I disagree with the Ukraine policy, Starlink will never turn off its terminals." 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: China's transition from coal will be key to meeting global climate goals. The world added the smallest amount of new coal capacity in two decades last year, a report said Thursday, but use of the fossil fuel is still surging in China and India. Coal accounts for just over a third of global electricity production and phasing it out is fundamental to meeting climate change goals. Just 44 gigawatts (GW) of new coal power capacity was produced globally last year, the lowest figure since 2004, according to the report by a group of energy- and environment-focused research organizations and NGOs. "Last year was a harbinger of things to come for coal as the clean energy transition moves full speed ahead," said Christine Shearer of the Global Energy Monitor, which co-authored the report. But new capacity still outstripped coal closures, meaning a net increase in the global coal fleet, the report noted. China began construction on a record number of coal plants last year. Last year also saw a record number of new coal proposals in India, the report warned. "Work is still needed to ensure coal power is phased out in line with the Paris climate agreement, particularly in the world's wealthiest nations," Shearer said. 'Dubious' coal technologies The International Energy Agency (IEA) says global coal demand will plateau from 2024-2027, with declining use in developed countries largely offset by growth in emerging economies. China's electricity sector accounts for a third of all coal consumed worldwide, according to the IEA, making its transition from the fuel key to global trends. While coal construction hit record highs in China last year, new permits in the country fell back from the breakneck levels seen the two years prior, the report said. And in Southeast Asia, where coal has powered emerging economies like Indonesia, new proposals for the fossil fuel have declined. That is the result of various deals and pledges in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam to phase out the use of coal, the report said. But among wealthy economies, Japan and South Korea were singled out for their promotion of "dubious 'decarbonization' coal technologies domestically and abroad." The report warned these technologies are "expensive and unlikely to deliver the deep emission cuts needed for climate stability." Chief among them is co-firing with ammonia at coal-powered plants. Substituting ammonia for some of the coal used in a plant can reduce emissions, but ammonia's emissions profile depends on how it is produced. And even co-firing with low-emissions ammonia still produces more carbon dioxide than many other power generation technologies, the report warned. The groups also flagged uncertainty over coal commitments in the United States after Donald Trump returned to the presidency. But they pointed out that more coal plants were shut during Trump's first term than under his predecessor Barack Obama, or successor Joe Biden. "Trump's first term shows the difficulty of counteracting the declining economic feasibility of coal power in the US, coupled with the advanced age of the country's coal plants," the report said. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Workers outside the Stellantis assembly plant in Windsor, Canada. Auto giant Stellantis said Thursday it was pausing production at some plants in Canada and Mexico, a major disruption for the sector on the day US President Donald Trump's auto tariffs came into force. The announcement from Stellantiswhich owns Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, among other major brandsimpacts thousands of workers who have faced fear and uncertainty amid Trump's efforts to force companies to make more vehicles in the United States. "Stellantis continues to assess the effects of the recently announced US tariffs on imported vehicles," a company statement said. "Immediate actions we must take include temporarily pausing production at some of our Canadian and Mexican assembly plants," it added. Vehicle production in North America is highly integrated and the full impact of Trump's 25% levy on foreign-made vehicles and parts, which came into effect on Thursday, remains unclear. Individual parts can cross the US-Canada border several times during the assembly process. Trump's tariffs will apply only to a vehicle's non-American components and adhering to the policy could cause headaches at the border. Stellantis said it would "continue to engage with the US administration" on the new policies. The company confirmed the Chrysler plant in the Canadian city of Windsor, across a river from US auto capital Detroit, will pause production from April 7 to 21. The factory, which employs around 4,000 people and is one of three Stellantis has in Canada, manufactures the Chrysler Pacifica minivan and the electric version of the Dodge Charger. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday he stood "in solidarity with those workers in Windsor and all those hurt by President Trump's tariffs." Carney said Canada would retaliate by imposing a 25% tariff on all autos imported from the United States that are not compliant with an existing North American free trade dealroughly 10% of all vehicles shipped from the United States to Canada, or about 67,000 vehicles annually. 'Everybody's uncertain' Windsor has been on edge since Trump first announced his plans for auto sector tariffs. US auto companies have employed people in the city for more than a century and the industry is vital to the local economy. Detroit and Windsor are connected by a suspension bridge and tunnel, with people crossing back and forth daily. Outside the Stellantis plant on Thursday, 58-year-old auto worker David Lumley told AFP Trump was making "a big mistake." "We're all intertwined," he said. A two-week production pause was manageable, he said, but warned: "We don't know what's going to happen after the two weeks," raising concern Windsor's auto industry could ultimately shut down. "This Donald Trump, you don't know what he's going to do," Lumley said. Trump has publicly told auto companies that to avoid tariffs they need to build plants in the United States and employ American workers. Industry experts note North American production chains have developed to maximize efficiency and unwinding those links to relocate jobs to the United States would take years, if not decades. On a break outside the Windsor plant, Philip Sauve rejected Trump's suggestion that he had taken a job which rightfully belongs to an American. "I feel like these jobs have been ours for a long time and I don't really feel like we've taken anything from them," he told AFP. Trump and Carney spoke last week and agreed Washington and Ottawa should discuss the broader future of bilateral trade after Canada's April 28 election. "You feel nervous and you don't know what the future's going to be like," Sauve said. He told AFP his job "provided a good situation at home... Food on the table and a house and a pretty good life so far and I would like to continue that." 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Demonstrators protest at a Tesla service center in Berlin. Tesla sales plunged again in Germany last month even as the broader electric car market rebounded, data showed Thursday, the latest sign of a growing backlash against billionaire owner Elon Musk. Just 2,229 of Tesla's electric vehicles (EVs) were registered in March, about 43% fewer compared with the same period last year, the KBA federal transport authority said. Overall electric vehicle registrations rose 35.5% in Germany year-on-year as sales continue to rebound from very low levels seen in early 2024. Like elsewhere in Europe, EV sales slowed in Germany last year against a weak economic backdrop, with the situation worsened in the region's biggest auto market by the withdrawal of government subsidies. Tesla's sales have been slowing worldwide as Musk faces anger over his role overseeing cuts to the federal workforce in U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, and due to factory upgrades. But he has faced particular hostility in Germany after he vocally backed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)which is shunned by mainstream partiesahead of February elections. Some German Tesla drivers have put "I bought this before Elon Went crazy" stickers on their vehicles, Teslas have been targeted in suspected arson attacks in Berlin and Dresden, and protesters have staged demonstrations against the carmaker. Over the first three months of the year Tesla registrations fell a whopping 62.2% compared to the same period in 2024, the KBA said. Overall in March, the number of new vehicle registrations in Germany fell to 253,497, down 3.9% from a year earlier, the latest sign of weakness in the market. German auto manufacturers are now facing another headache after Trump slapped 25% tariffs on car imports into the United States. 2025 AFP South Carolina plans to execute Mikal Mahdi this month. A bare description of his crimes might make that seem justified: In 2004, Mikal murdered Christopher Boggs, a store clerk in North Carolina. He then traveled to South Carolina, where he hid in a building on a farm owned by Orangeburg Public Safety Capt. James Myers. When Capt. Myers came across Mikal, Mikal shot and killed him. Mikal set Capt. Myers body on fire then fled to Florida, where he was arrested. Five years later, Mikal and another inmate seriously wounded a corrections officer. These were horrible acts. Theres no excuse for them. I cannot begin to imagine how much pain Mikal caused, not only to the victims, but their families, too. But there is more to Mikal, and to his story. I knew Mikal when he was in third grade. He was 9 years old and had just been released from a psychiatric hospital, where he had been committed after saying he wanted to kill himself. Since I often worked with troubled children, I was chosen as Mikals teacher for that school year. Despite his serious mental health challenges, Mikal wasnt so different from my other kids who needed extra support. He misbehaved at times, but he also responded to care. Initially withdrawn and apprehensive, Mikal gradually opened up to me. Over time, when I hugged him, he began to hug me back. His deep intelligence and creativity emerged. He showed promise in art, writing and poetry. When shown patience and consistency, his talents were ready to flourish. I wish that this was the beginning of Mikals story. That he built on the progress he began with me and went on to thrive. Tragically, thats not what happened. After leaving my classroom, Mikal was thrust back into a nightmare. At 10 years old, Mikal was sent to Virginia to live with his father, who was mentally unwell. When Mikals teachers suggested special education services, his dad decided to homeschool him instead. As it turned out, this consisted of survivalist training in the woods. Not surprisingly, Mikal started to get into trouble with the law. By 14, he was sentenced to juvenile prison for property crimes. From that point forward, Mikal spent most of his life in prison, including thousands of hours in solitary confinement. This torture only deepened Mikals despair. When he killed Mr. Boggs and Capt. Myers, Mikal was only 21 years old. Today, I serve my Baltimore community as a pastor instead of as a schoolteacher. When contemplating all of the pain Mikal suffered and caused, I turn to my faith. In Luke 6:36-37, Jesus says, Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father is also merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. God has endless mercy for us, and not because we get it right all the time. He shares his love with all his children no matter our circumstances, no matter our mistakes. Mercy, I believe, is a universal value that transcends even faith. Its never easy to find empathy for someone who has harmed others. Mikal himself did not show mercy. But Mikal is more than a murderer. He is also the anguished third grader who needed love and compassion. He is the confused child ripped from school and left in the wilderness. He is the frightened teenager isolated and brutalized in our prisons. We should remember all of these Mikals before we condemn the man who sits on death row. If we do, perhaps we, too, can be merciful. Sparing Mikal Mahdi from the death penalty would send a powerful message to all of the other wounded children like him: We know you were fragile, and that you were broken. We will never stop caring for you. And we will always believe you can be better than the worst thing youve ever done. Myra Harris is a retired educator who currently serves as lead pastor at her church, Rebirth Tabernacles of Glory in Baltimore, Maryland. Former prime minister Stuart Young is leading the legal team representing former Central Bank Governor Dr Alvin Hilaire in his wrongful dismissal battle against the State. On Wednesday, Hilaire told the Express that his attorneys issued a pre-action protocol letter to the Attorney General and the Cabinet Secretariat. When asked by the Express to provide a copy of the pre-action letter and the names of his attorneys, Hilaire responded yesterday, declining to share the letter but confirming that Young is leading his legal team. A PRIVATE contractor is dead after an accident in Tobago. Police have identified the victim as Darryl Figaro of Black Rock, Tobago. He died on Wednesday after falling from a ladder while working at a private villa. An autopsy of Figaros body yesterday at the Scarborough Mortuary determined injuries were consistent with a fall, and it ruled out foul play. The body was previously identified by the victims daughter. My wife and I are in our sunset years and have been trying to deal with the many issues of our health, so our doctors have been giving us prescriptions for medication which is needed to try to control our health issues. We would normally go to distributors of the various medications that are prescribed, and purchase two months supply at any one time. Alas, we no longer can do this because of the recent ruling by the respective Government agencies, and now have to purchase these medications from registered pharmacies. The visitor centers at Saguaro National Park are open again on Mondays, thanks to a pair of recent court orders that restored the jobs of thousands of federal employees fired by the Trump administration. The park resumed daily operations at its Rincon Mountain Visitor Center on the east side of Tucson and its Red Hills Visitor Center on the west side on March 31, about two weeks after federal judges in California and Maryland ordered the Trump administration to rehire some of the more than 24,000 probationary workers it summarily fired in February. Those reinstatements included all 1,710 employees who were still in their trial or probationary periods at the Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service. Fred Stula, executive director of the nonprofit Friends of Saguaro National Park, said two workers from the parks interpretive staff got their jobs back as a result of the court action. When they were terminated, the park closed the visitor centers on Mondays. Since their reinstatement, the visitor centers are now back open seven days a week, Stula said. The park announced the return to normal visitor-center hours in a Facebook post, but Park Service officials have so far declined to discuss any of the recent changes to staffing or operations at the 92,000-acre preserve bracketing Tucson. Stula said the two employees had been on staff at Saguaro for less than a year when they were fired. Prior to that, they worked as interns at the park as part of the Next Generation Ranger Corps, a partnership between Saguaro and the Friends group to recruit young people interested in careers with the Park Service. Since the NextGen Ranger program was launched in 2015, Stula said, it has provided more than 125 interns to the chronically understaffed park, with the Friends covering 25% of the wages for those workers. Its unclear whether the government employees who have been reinstated will be allowed to keep their jobs going forward. The Trump administration has appealed the district court rulings, which came in response to lawsuits brought by 19 states, including Arizona, and a labor union representing more than 750,000 federal workers. The White House is also said to be pushing additional budget cuts and workforce reductions across the government. Stula said such moves could further jeopardize infrastructure, services and science at the nations parks, which have seen their budgets decline by 20% and their visitation increase by 20% since 2010. Its something thats concerning not just in the near-term but in the long-term, he said. These amazing places are being, in many ways, loved to death. Last year ranked as the busiest in the history of the National Park Service, with more than 331.8 million visits to almost 400 park sites from Maine to the South Pacific. Saguaro contributed more than 946,000 visits to that total, the parks sixth-highest attendance on record. Since the Friends of Saguaro National Park was founded in 1996, the fundraising and advocacy group has provided more than $12 million in support to the park, including a record $895,000 in contributions and donated services last year alone, Stula said. That money was used to fund all of the parks environmental education programs and pay for roughly 60 miles worth of trail work in 2024, among other projects. Before that, the Friends covered the cost of the scientific work and lighting retrofits necessary for Saguaro to be designated as an Urban Night Sky Place in 2023 by DarkSky International, a Tucson-based group that fights light pollution around the globe. Stula said national parks are going through some challenging times right now, and Friends groups like the one at Saguaro are being called on to help like never before. But while nonprofits can lend a hand on an interim basis, even in the face of sweeping staff reductions, its not the solution, he said. Thats why the Friends of Saguaro National Park will continue to advocate not merely against the ongoing Park Service cuts but for real and lasting increases in funding and staffing for the nations most treasured places, Stula said. PHOENIX Calling the voter-approved measure legally flawed, a Hispanic immigrant rights group is asking a judge to block Proposition 314 from taking effect. Legal papers filed Wednesday in Maricopa County Superior Court say the key provision of the measure allowing police to arrest those who cross the border at other than a port of entry illegally delegates the question of whether it can be enforced to what happens to a similar law in Texas that is being challenged. If Arizona legislators want to make a law, they have to decide that themselves, not make it contingent on what happens elsewhere, said Jim Barton, attorney for Living United for Change in Arizona. That is just part of the problem, he said. Barton said the Arizona Constitution says any voter-approved measure that carries a price tag also is required to have a plan to fund it, now and in the future. He said even proponents admitted there will be a cost to enforcing the provision allowing police to make arrests, as well as for court costs and the expenses of other provisions, including requiring checks of federal databases to verify someones immigration status. Legislative budget staffers pegged the cost at close to $60 million just for the first six months it is in effect. Finally, Barton said the measure illegally spells out what a police officer can consider probable cause to determine if someone entered the country illegally. Only the courts can make that definition, he said. Alejandra Gomez, executive director of Living United for Change in Arizona, which is challenging the law along with the Arizona Center for Empowerment and two individuals, said the legal fight is about more than whats in Proposition 314. She said the Arizona measure is part of a larger coordinated effort to turn Arizona into a testing ground for Trumps mass deportation strategy. We are taking this fight to the courts because our families, our rights, and our future are on the line, Gomez said at a news conference Wednesday. Prop. 314 is not just about enforcement. Its about fear. The most visible part of the measure, approved in November by a margin of 62.5 to 37.5, allows police to arrest people who enter Arizona from Mexico at other than a port of entry. It is modeled after SB 4, a similar law enacted in 2023 in Texas. Enforcement of the Texas law remains on hold while a federal appellate court decides whether immigration is the sole province of the federal government. Arizona lawmakers, rather than pick their own legal fight, conditioned Prop. 314 on Texas getting the final go-ahead, which could require the issue to get all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Republicans in the Arizona Legislature had approved a measure last year to authorize such arrests, only to have it vetoed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. GOP legislative leaders decided to bypass the governor and send it directly to voters. The final version that went on the ballot, though, also contains other provisions, including creating one crime of using forged papers to seek public benefits, and another one making it illegal to get around existing requirements to prove legal presence to work in the state. Lawmakers also added a section on fentanyl sales. Selling the drug already was a felony, punishable by a presumptive sentence of five years in prison. The new language adds another five years if the seller knew the drug being sold was fentanyl and if it resulted in the death of another. This lawsuit seeks to overturn the entire statute. So much of it is unconstitutional that it cant stand on its own after you take out all of the unconstitutional bits, Barton said. The tattered remains of this law are not enough to stand on its own. There was no immediate response from Senate President Warren Petersen. The Gilbert Republican, who is running for attorney general in 2026, was one of the key supporters of the effort to put the issue on the ballot. GOP backers already anticipated the litigation, particularly over covering the cost of the measure. The constitutional provision cited by Barton spells out that any ballot measure that proposes mandatory spending must also provide a new source of dollars sufficient to cover the entire immediate and future costs of the proposal. A report by legislative budget staffers said there will be costs associated with arrests, prosecutions and incarceration of those police arrest for crossing the border illegally. Those include an estimated $41 million in law enforcement costs and $16.6 million for incarceration in just the first six months, with that latter figure estimated to hit $178 million by 2029. But putting a precise figure on that has been difficult, at least in part because there is no way to know how long any individual who is arrested will remain in the system. That is a critical number because the measure says anyone arrested for a first-time offense of crossing the border illegally can agree to be deported instead of risking conviction and time behind bars. And there are no estimates of how many of the estimated 1,500 to be caught annually a figure the Governors Office said came from the Department of Public Safety would choose deportation versus incarceration. There are smaller costs, as well. For example, the report said the law requires state and local agencies that provide public benefits to use a database administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to verify if someone is eligible. The cost, currently $1 for each inquiry, will rise to $3.10 by 2028, plus a minimum monthly service charge. Proponents of the measure, however, cited figures from the Federation for American Immigration Reform which estimated there are 610,000 people in Arizona without lawful presence. It pegged the potential savings at $3.2 billion a year, including nearly $1.4 billion for education, $631 million for justice-related and incarceration programs, and the balance for other programs such as health care and public assistance. But the legislative staffers said they were unaware of how FAIR derived its figures. Costs aside, the heart of the issue is giving state and local police the authority to arrest border-crossers, and whether it can be enforced in a race-neutral fashion. The ballot measure says police can arrest someone only if they have probable cause. That includes actually witnessing someone entering the United States illegally or if they have a recording of the event. There is also a catch-all provision that allows police to make an arrest if they have any other constitutionally sufficient indicia of probable cause. That, however, is not defined in the legislation. Challengers say the law is likely to be enforced in a discriminatory way. Martin Hernandez, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said many Latinos already fear being targeted, which is why they often are hesitant to deal with police. When you look like me, speak like me with a heavy accent, and when your English is less than perfect, you know that reporting a crime youll be the one thats going to be questioned, not the others, he said. Gomez said all of this is part of a larger MAGA agenda. This new political order is targeting our communities by criminalizing immigrant families, undermining civil rights, and fueling fear and division across our state, she said. The MAGA extremist agenda is not about safety or justice, Gomez said. Its about control, its about cruelty, and silencing the voices and the very people who make Arizona vibrant. Chinese PLA concludes latest joint exercises: spokesperson Xinhua) 09:26, April 03, 2025 NANJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has successfully completed all designated tasks of the joint exercises carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday, said a spokesperson for the theater command. Senior Colonel Shi Yi said the drills tested the troops' integrated joint operation capabilities. The troops of the theater command remain on high alert at all times, and will continue to strengthen combat readiness with intensive training to resolutely thwart all separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence," said the spokesperson. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Hopes for local quotas on Streaming platforms, many of which are US-owned, appear to be fading fast with the implementation of US tariffs. In its 397 page 2025 National Trade Estimate Report Foreign Trade Barriers, Australian Audiovisual Services was singled out under the Services Barriers. Australia is considering imposing Australian screen content requirements on streaming video services as part of its National Cultural Policy. The Policy, published in January 2023, recommends that the Australian Government introduce requirements for Australian screen content on streaming platforms to ensure continued access to local stories. The Australian Government has consulted on potential models and intends to introduce legislation codifying the selected model ahead of the federal election, which must be held by May 2025. The United States will continue to monitor this issue to ensure Australias compliance with its FTA obligations. 14 territories were singled out for Audiovisual Services in various versions: Argentina Australia Brazil Canada European Union India Indonesia Korea Philippines Russia Switzerland Thailand Turkey Vietnam Australia did not implement local quotas by July 1 as it had promised under the Albanese government, maintaining it was committed to local stories but putting the quota question on the backburner. Also name-checked was the Media Bargaining Code. Mandatory Bargaining Code On March 2, 2021, the Australian Government passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code) Act 2021 (Bargaining Code). Under the Bargaining Code, designated platform services companies are required to engage in negotiations with registered Australian news media businesses to pay the news businesses for content accessed via certain services offered on the companies digital platforms. In December 2024, the Government announced its intent to tighten the rules surrounding the Bargaining Code, including by introducing a financial penalty for designated platforms that do not reach or renew commercial agreements. The United States continues to monitor this issue. News.com.au reports PM Albanese said, We will not weaken the measures that protect our farmers and producers from the risks of disease or contamination. Another key point was technology. Our Government stands by our media bargaining code. We strongly support local content in streaming services so Australian stories stay on Australian screens. And we have no intention of repealing the world-leading legislation that we passed with overwhelming support that set the minimum age for social media at 16. That policy is about whats best for Australian children and Australian parents. These are our priorities. We stand up for Australias interests. Screen Producers Australia: The hundreds of small screen businesses and the thousands of their employees and partners across a range of creative sectors will welcome this statement by the Prime Minister. It signals the ongoing solid support for our creative industries and the importance of local content rules to Australias cultural sovereignty, said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner. I know that the Australian Government has been under enormous pressure from the USA on this front, amply evident from the aggressive position of the Motion Picture Association, who has sought to resist, delay, and read down the local content rules agreed to in the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement and attempt to force a back down on the commitment made to us and the Australian public in our National Cultural Policy Revive as well as the Coalitions position when it was last in Government. In upending trade conventions, the Trump Administration has given the opponents of these rules a big boost. Thats why todays statement by the Prime Minister is such a welcome indication of the Governments continuing stance in this situation. SPA has long advocated for local content rules so that our screen stories are available to our audiences as they move to streaming platforms. Because of the delay in putting these rules into place, right now, finding our own screen stories is getting harder and harder, and thats not a good situation. Local content rules have served Australian audiences very well ever since they were first introduced for television in 1961 nearly 65 years ago now. Without them, as a small, English-language nation, we would have had little ability or capacity to develop our own local industry and to compete on commercial terms with the scale and dominance of the massive USA and UK industries. It is SPAs highest priority to secure a robust regulatory framework on streaming platforms, and we will continue our fierce advocacy for our industry until this is done. Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance: Erin Madeley, Chief Executive, MEAA said, The next federal government must mandate local content quotas for streaming services, requiring 20% of revenue derived from Australian audiences to be invested back into the production of Australian content, if they want to make sure Australians can see their stories on our screens and support the workers who bring these stories to life. TCN News Desk New Delhi: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was approved by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, securing 288 votes in favor and 232 votes against. Alongside it, the Lower House of Parliament also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024, which repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923. The ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition INDIA bloc engaged in a heated debate that lasted for more than twelve hours. The bill was fiercely opposed by the united Opposition, which described it as unconstitutional. Support TwoCircles Ahead of the introduction of the controversial bill, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal voiced strong opposition. The provisions of the Constitution are essentially violated by this bill. The INDIA alliance parties have reached a unified decision on this. We ask other parties that share our views to vote against this bill as well, he said. DMKs A Raja called the proposed legislation anti-minority and unconstitutional, asserting that Muslims would suffer as a result of the bill. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav too expressed concerns that the law was intended to polarise people and harm Indias secular reputation. This law will backfire on the party, he warned, claiming that the BJP introduced it to control its diminishing vote bank. Yadav further argued that the bill was a distraction designed to divert attention from Chinas land capture. Iqra Hasan, Samajwadi Party MP from western Uttar Pradeshs Kairana Lok Sabha constituency, strongly opposed the Waqf Bill, claiming its purpose was to erase the presence and legacy of Muslims rather than promote their welfare. This law compromises the Muslim communitys independence in running its religious affairs, she argued. Congress MP Imran Masood said that the 1995 Waqf Act, which the Amendment Bill seeks to replace, did not include provisions for litigation. However, you obtained the ownership rights and opened the door for encroachers to file lawsuits, he said. Commenting on the changes in the proposed law, he stated, You have made non-bailable offenses bailable. Masood also questioned the exclusion of Muslims from the trusts of other religions, and pointed to the inclusion of non-Muslims on the Waqf Council in the Waqf Amendment Bill as problematic. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi described the bill as an attack on the fundamental framework of the Constitution. The government is trying to defame and disenfranchise minorities, he argued, calling it a 4D assault on the Constitution diluting the Constitution, disenfranchising minorities and dividing Indian society. He charged the government with attempting to weaken waqf laws and deny minorities the right to vote. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee described the proposed law as arbitrary, illogical and misconceived, claiming that it was an attempt to limit the rights of the Muslim community. The performance of religious obligations cannot serve as the foundation for any laws, he said. A significant talking point that emerged during the debate was the noticeable absence of prominent Congress leaders such as Priyanka Gandhi, who did not publicly oppose the law outside of Parliament. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was present in the session but did not actively participate in the discussion, though he did show up for the vote. Rahul, however, took to X, where he strongly objected to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a tool used to marginalize Muslims and usurp their property rights and personal laws. While targeting Muslims now, the RSS, BJP, and their allies assault on the Constitution establishes a precedent for future attacks on other minorities. The Congress party is adamantly against this legislation because it violates Article 25, the Right to Freedom of Religion and challenges Indias basic foundation, he wrote. Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded by stating that PM Narendra Modi was carrying out the wishes of RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav through the proposed legislation, a task the Opposition had failed to accomplish. He accused the Opposition of spreading false information about the Waqf Bill to increase their support bases. Shah emphasised that if the Waqf (Amendment) Bill had not been passed in 2013, just months before the Lok Sabha elections, when the Congress-led UPA II was in power, the new legislation might not have been necessary. The majority of the land, whether it be government-owned or not, has been taken. All of the finest land has been sold by members of waqf boards. Apartments have been built on the Dak Bungalow site in Patna. This type of plunder has been common, he claimed. He further clarified that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was not against any faith. Responding to the Oppositions accusations, he stated, No non-Muslim will participate in waqf. The appointment of a non-Muslim to run the religious organisation is not covered by any laws, and no such laws will be implemented. He rejected the allegation that the bill was intended to interfere with Muslim religious activities and land donations. The minorities are being intimidated by these false accusations, he asserted. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju defended the bill, explaining that several suggestions from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) had been incorporated into the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. It is incorrect to claim that this measure does not incorporate the JPCs recommendations, he stated. He also emphasised the importance of the newly structured system, introducing the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill, saying, A feeling of hope will result from this. In response to criticism, Rijiju questioned, Why are we being challenged when we are introducing positive changes? He accused the Opposition of misleading the public on matters unrelated to the Waqf Bill, citing a lawsuit over multiple properties claimed as Waqf properties by the Delhi Waqf Board. These were claimed as waqf properties by the Delhi Waqf Board. The UPA government denotified 123 properties and turned them over to the Waqf Board while the lawsuit was still pending, he said. Rijiju warned that, had the current government not proposed the modification, properties like the Parliament building could have been claimed as waqf property. The minister dismissed claims made by Opposition parties that minorities were unsafe. In a democracy, it is acceptable to make accusations and chant anti-government slogans. There is no place where minorities are safer than in India. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey supported the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it could improve accountability and transparency in the administration of Waqf properties. He accused the Congress of misleading Muslims to win elections, using religious differences for political gain. There is nothing unconstitutional about the Bill, he stated. JPC Chairman and MP Jagdambika Pal also defended the bill throughout the debate, criticising Asaduddin Owaisi for calling it unconstitutional. He has done the unconstitutional thing by tearing up the bill, Pal said, questioning Owaisis motivations. The four largest NDA constituents after the BJP the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena and the LJP (Ram Vilas) also issued whips to their MPs, urging support for the governments position. Chirag Paswans LJP (Ram Vilas) initially voiced concerns about certain parts of the bill but changed their stance after the parliamentary committee accepted some of their recommendations. JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, who is also a union minister, addressed the Oppositions portrayal of the bill as anti-Muslim. The bill is not anti-Muslim at all, he stated, explaining that a waqf is a type of trust established to serve the interests of Muslims, and the Bill aims to prevent abuse of waqf properties while ensuring fairness in their administration. TDPs Krishna Prasad Tenneti supported the bill, noting that waqf properties, amounting to over 36 lakh acres of land and Rs 1.2 lakh crore, could lead to social and economic change for minorities. These properties have been mishandled and underutilised with malicious purposes, he claimed. He added that the bill now includes changes his party had recommended. With eight hours allotted for discussion, the bill is being debated in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi, who is also chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, called the Waqf (Amendment) Bill a brazen assault on the Constitution, accusing the BJP of using it to ensure permanent polarisation in society. She criticised the government for bulldozing the Waqf Bill through the Lower House. An estimated 10,000 East Texans tuned in Monday night to a telephone town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Tyler. Residents called in from various locations across the states first district using a provided phone number or video link to hear Moran address their questions on various topics. People said why dont you do an in-person town hall, well I do, Moran said. We try to do both tele-town hall and in-person. Were going to do more of that this year the first half of the year is just really tough because were in Washington D.C. a lot until the end of July. Constituents wanted to hear Morans perspective on a number of topics, including federal budget cuts, tariffs, election integrity and more. DOGE Several callers asked questions and were concerned with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musks role in government, emphasizing how spending cuts could affect Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP benefits and have impacted local food banks. Moran recognized how important these programs are for many people and talked about working to find a balance between saving money and protecting these vital services. Its kind of like spring cleaning, Moran said. If youre going to do appropriate spring cleaning you have to pull everything out of the garageYou got to look at everything as it sit in your driveway to figure out what have I used recently that Im going to use again, that is of value to me, that I need to put back and what is it that I need to put on the curb to go to the dump. Republican and Democrat representatives have pushed everything aside in the garage for the past 40 years, Moran said. The process of removing everything from the garage: can be painful at first. However, Moran believes some of the items pulled out will be returned once the cleaning is done. Dont react initially, because there is a reset here, Moran said. The only way to reset it from all the overspending is to swing the pendulum back and then find the sweet spot where we need to focus, where are the core responsibilities of the government. When he was the Smith County Judge, supporting the East Texas Food Bank was a priority for him. Some of the decisions made over the past few months have been tough on the organization. As rebuilding happens, its a priority for him to ensure vulnerable people have access to these programs. He added that people have become dependent on the federal government to handle things that should probably be managed by the private sector. He also mentioned that while people want the government to address the national debt and spending, they dont want it to affect their own lives. The department Musk is heading up was created during the Obama administration, but renamed. Musk didnt start it and will only maintain his role for the duration of his appointment, but the Department of Government Efficiency will continue after Musks tenure. DOGE identifies cuts and refers them to department heads; it doesnt cut people directly. It has found $130 million in cuts that department heads can make, but other cuts will need to be approved by Congress. He supported the federal workforce return-to-work order, noting that many people in Washington D.C. were working remotely since the COVID pandemic under the Biden administration. Federal unions are upset that employees are now required to show up in their seats. Moran said while it may be easier to believe everyone working from home is just as efficient, they are not. There are just too many distractions at home. Tariffs Other questions about tariffs on imported goods were raised. Residents wondered if tariffs would make domestically and internationally produced products more expensive. Moran explained that tariffs are essentially a tax, and consumers will always end up paying for that tax. He expressed hope that it does not lead to a long-term tariff war as an economic strategy. As a negotiating strategy, it serves as a reset on the world economic stage. I believe its working already, and I am glad the president is using the strong arm, Moran said. President Donald Trump is not starting the trade wars, Moran said. European and other countries have imposed tremendous tariffs on American products to keep them out of markets. Trump is looking for reciprocity, ensuring other countries treat U.S. products fairly. They are afraid to compete, frankly, with American manufacturers and producers, Moran said. Moran referenced Trumps stance on tariffs, saying that unless a country lowers its tariffs on American products, the U.S. will impose tariffs on theirs. He added that a couple of countries have already come to the table to negotiate. SAVE Act The Safeguard Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act was co-sponsored by Moran. The bill intends to strengthen election security, improve voter ID laws and ensure the integrity of the voting process in U.S. elections. A caller raised concerns that organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which defends and preserves individual rights and freedoms, believe the bill might make it difficult or even prevent people who have changed their names from voting. The caller pointed out that not everyone has the means or documentation to change their name on official records. They asked whether, if someone tried to use state identification cards or birth certificates but the names didnt match, they would be denied the right to register to vote. Moran responded that this is a false rumor that has been propagated on social media. He assured listeners that the bill would not prevent individuals from voting simply because their names dont match on documents like state IDs or birth certificates. Moran explained the bill would require people to show proof of citizenship when they register to vote. Currently, the law states individuals must be citizens to vote, but there is no system in place to upload proof its just a box people check off. The new bill would change that by requiring actual documentation to verify citizenship during the voter registration process. Documents that can be used to prove U.S. citizenship include a U.S. passport, a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory, a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship or a consular report of birth abroad for those born to U.S. citizens outside of the country. The notation that people that get married and change their name wont be able to [register to vote], thats false too, because there is a documentary trail about that change of name, Moran said. Theres a lot of myths that are going around. Other questions A caller asked what is being done about rogue district court judges who are filing suits against every action the president is taking. H.R. 1526, or the No Rogue Rulings Act, means that the bill seeks to restrict the power of federal district courts in issuing injunctions that can block government actions. The bill would make it so a district court can only issue an injunction that affects the specific parties involved in the case, not the entire country. Moran said it is important to keep the branches of government in their own roles. He is concerned that a single federal district court judge can issue nationwide bans, which he believes is not what their power was meant for. He said letting one judge make decisions for the whole country can upset the balance of power in the government. Another concern raised by a caller was how to prevent foreign entities, especially those from hostile nations, from owning property in the United States. Moran said there is legislation at both the state and federal levels aimed at amending property laws to restrict these entities from purchasing properties near sensitive sites and agricultural land. He said most of this is being addressed at the state level. Moran also addressed rumors that veterans would lose their benefits and discussed reshoring investments. He mentioned the Rural Opportunity Zone Act, which would require investors who want to take advantage of rural designations to actually invest in rural America. Moran talked about misconceptions hes heard from Republican and Democratic sides. Hes heard claims that Republicans are cutting funding for Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, but clarified those programs are not included in the budgetary resolutions that have been passed. He added that the reconciliation process doesnt allow anyone to touch Social Security. The reconciliation process is a legislative procedure used in the U.S. Senate to expedite the passage of certain types of budget-related bills. Moran also mentioned a screenshot circulated by conservatives showing the vote count from the budget resolution, claiming every Republican voted against exempting tips, overtime and Social Security from taxes, while all Democrats voted in favor of exempting tips from taxation. That was not part of that vote, Moran said. Thats going to come at a later stage. Morans takeaway was for residents to be informed and stay in the realm of truth. He emphasized the importance of not simply accepting what is being shared on social media as truth, urging people to seek out accurate information and understand the full context behind political issues and votes. I miss you guys when Im here in D.C. I love representing the First District of Texas, the absolute best congressional district in the United States. I appreciate and am humbled by the fact that you would allow me to serve you in Washington, D.C., Moran said. In Morans first term, he hosted 15 tele-townhalls, with an average participation of 6,000 people per call, totaling 90,000 participants across all calls. The telephone town halls are open to anyone who wishes to call in. In hosting these virtual events, Morans office said he has engaged over 1.2 million times with constituents across the district on topics like border security, taxes and energy independence. Since last August, Moran has held more than 20 in-person engagements, according to his office. To contact the congressman, visit moran.house.gov/contact or call his office at 202-225-3035. If youre looking for something to do this weekend, check out this list of events and activities around East Texas. Verify all events the day of, due to weather concerns. Tyler Run for Autism, 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, 3030 New Copeland Road in Tyler (Pollard United Methodist Church). In its 14th year, the Tyler Run for Autism helps local children afford critical medical treatment, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Treatment and Learning Center for Children with Autism. Information: www.tylerrunforautism.com. The Cher Show, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3900 University Blvd. in Tyler (UT Tyler Cowan Center). This Tony Award-winning musical will bring Chers journey to life with three women portraying different stages of herlegendary career. This show has mature content and language. Tickets and information: cowancenter.org. Ode to Texas, 6 p.m. Saturday, 2000 W. Front Street in Tyler (W.T. Brookshire Conference Center). The Junior Symphony League invites guests to an evening of dinner, dancing, and live music at their annual black-tie gala. Co-chaired by Holly Freeman and Ashley Washmon, the event benefits the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and the Womens Symphony League Music Education Programs. This event celebrates the joy of music while supporting vital music education initiatives in East Texas. Information: www.wsltyler.org. The Marketplace on MLK, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 309 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Tyler (Texas African American Museum). The Marketplace on MLK is a vibrant community hub celebrating African American culture and history, featuring local vendors, cultural events, and key institutions like the Texas African American Museum and the Veretta and Jesse E. Rider Fine and Performing Arts Centre. Information: www.facebook.com/empowermentcdc. Spring Food & Diaper Drive, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Monday, 450 S SE Loop 323 in Tyler (Walmart). Join Jammin Jimmy Olson for a pantry drive benefiting PATH. Donate food and essential items to support local families in need. Volunteers are needed. Information: www.facebook.com/PATHhelps. RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 12: Ride of Remembrance CANCELED: East Texas Fire & Nature Festival Bubbles and Bingo, 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 300 Tuttle Circle in Longview (Infinity Event Circle & Ballroom). The 4th annual Bubbles and Bingo will support the East Texas Angel Network, a nonprofit organization founded by Neal McCoy that financially supports families who have children with serious illnesses and/or disabilities. Information: www.facebook.com/EastTexasAngelNetwork. Cat Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 100 Grand Boulevard in Longview (Maude Cobb Convention Center). A family-friendly cat show will feature up to 35 cat breeds, competing for Best in Show across five separate judging rings. The event includes a cat costume contest, with cats dressing up around lunchtime, and a vendor fair offering cat-related products. Attendees can watch the judging, interact with the cats between rounds, shop from various vendors, or find out adoption information from a local rescue. Admission is available at the door, with free parking, and a food truck will serve Mexican cuisine. Information: www.facebook.com/CFAGulfShoreCatShows. Downtown Live, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, 219 E. Methvin St., Longview (Heritage Plaza). Downtown Live returns for its free outdoor music series featuring music, drinks and food trucks. Bring a chair and enjoy music from Lee Mathis and The Brutally Handsome. Information: visitlongviewtexas.com . Risk it for the Brisket Concert & Festival, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 100 West Tyler St., Gilmer (Gilmer Square). Credit Union of Texas, in partnership with Live Gilmer, will host a free concert as a part of the fifth annual Risk It For the Brisket competition. Throughout the free, family-friendly event, attendees will enjoy a barbecue competition with a $10,000 jackpot prize, live performances from Texas musicians and a variety of activities, including a kids corner, local vendor fair, corn hole tournament and pie-eating contest. Information: livegilmer.com . FFA Car Wash, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1900 Maverick Drive in Marshall (Marshall High School). The Marshall FFA is inviting the community for a car wash at the high school parking lot. Weather permitting, students will wash cars for $10 for basic wash. The FFA Booster Club will offer sausage on a stick as well. Information: www.facebook.com/marshallisdffa. AUSTIN Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton leveraged news Thursday that the Justice Department declined to prosecute him to attack his likely primary opponent, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Justice Department officials effectively ended their corruption investigation into Paxton in the final weeks of Joe Bidens presidency, just before allies of President Donald Trump were confirmed to lead the federal agency, the Associated Press reported. Paxton has repeatedly signaled his intent to challenge Cornyn for his Senate seat in Washington, recently participating in rare national interviews with print and digital media outlets and frequently targeting Cornyn online. He shared an online screenshot Thursday of the Justice Department news while reviving a February 2024 spat with Cornyn, who told Paxton at the time it would be hard to run from prison after the attorney general suggested the senior Republican senator will have a highly competitive primary in the 2026 cycle. This former TX Supreme Court Justice and TX Attorney General ignored the rule of law, the Constitution, and innocent until proven guilty while standing with the corrupt Biden DOJ cheering on the bogus witch hunts against both me and President Trump, Paxton wrote on X. Care to comment now, John? Cornyn launched his reelection campaign last month for another six-year term. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Paxtons latest attack. The news came hours before a Texas Senate committee takes up a bill to reform the states impeachment process following the Houses historic impeachment of Paxton in 2023. The House impeached him over alleged bribery, abuse of office and obstruction of justice in relation to claims he used his powerful office to benefit real estate developer and campaign donor Nate Paul, who renovated Paxtons Austin home and employed a woman Paxton was reportedly seeing. The Senate acquitted Paxton after a two-week trial. Paul pleaded guilty in January to one count of making a false statement to a financial institution and is expected to be sentenced later this month. A recent audit found the impeachment process cost Texas taxpayers more than $5 million. Donald Trump unveiled a range of tariffs in a speech at the White House on Wednesday evening, with a 10% baseline import tax slapped on every country that sends goods to the US. This means the UK will be hit with the 10% tariff on all exports compared with a 20% rate facing the European Union, and significantly higher levies for countries such as China and Indonesia. Meanwhile, car, steel and aluminium exports will all come under a 25% tariff. Below, the PA news agency looks at which sectors will be most affected by the plans and what it means for businesses and households. Carmakers and manufacturing Cars are the top product exported from the UK to the US. In the year to end of September 2024, car exports were worth 8.3 billion and made up nearly 14% of all goods going across the pond, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. For UK carmakers, the US is the second largest export market behind the European Union. Industry groups have warned the taxes will hammer the industry and force firms to rethink where they trade. More than 25,000 car manufacturing jobs in the UK could be at risk because of US tariffs, according to a report by think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research. Jaguar Land Rover is one of the UKs biggest carmakers (Chris Ison/PA) Jaguar Land Rover, one of the countrys biggest carmakers, exported about 38,000 cars to the US in the third quarter of 2024 almost equal to the amount sold to the UK and the EU combined. A spokesman for JLR said the group was addressing the new US trading terms, but assured the business was resilient and accustomed to changing market conditions. Tom Jervis, consumer reporter at motoring publication Auto Express, said it is the blue-collar worker and consumer that will be affected the most. He said the tariffs could, in a very worst case scenario, see UK factories close in favour of new facilities being opened up in the US, or perhaps more likely, instigate hundreds or even thousands of job losses as firms scramble to cut manufacturing costs further. Retail Experts said Mr Trumps worldwide reciprocal tariffs could have a significant knock-on impact for retailers that export goods to the US from international markets, particularly Asia. Kate Calvert, an analyst for Investec Economics, highlighted the new 46% tariff on Vietnam, 49% on Cambodia, and 42% on Indonesia. These charges could result in higher costs for clothing and footwear retailers that source materials or manufacture from these countries and sell goods in the US. Some companies could be hit hard, with the likes of Adidas and Nike and most athleisure brands particularly affected, she said. President Donald Trump called the punishing tariffs he announced on Wednesday reciprocal, claiming that the new levies on imports from pretty much every nationincluding some that are longtime allies and others that are literally uninhabitedare in response to foreign tariffs levied against imports from the U.S. and other forms of cheating. But in reality, several social media users realized, the numbers the White House released on a chart under the label Tariffs Charged to the U.S.A. Including Currency Manipulation and Trade Barriers could be calculated much more simply: by dividing the U.S. trade deficit with a country by the U.S. imports from that country. Trumps Discounted Reciprocal Tariffs are that result, halvedor at least 10%, whichever is higher. Economists have warned that the burden of these new taxes will be passed to American consumers, and foreign nations have been quick to react, some promising countermeasures that could negate any competitive benefit for American manufacturing and exports. Heres what to know about the countries and territories facing the biggest reciprocal tariffs from the U.S. Lesotho - 50% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $237.3 million worth of goods from Lesotho last year, while Lesotho imported $2.8 million worth from the U.S., according to 2024 figures from the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. ADVERTISEMENT What to know: Lesotho is mainly an export-driven economy, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA), with garments, diamonds, water, electricity, wool, and mohair as its major exports. Saint Pierre and Miquelon - 50% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $3.4 million worth of goods from Saint Pierre and Miquelon last year, while Saint Pierre and Miquelon imported $100,000 worth from the U.S., according to 2024 figures from U.S. Census Bureau. What to know: The French overseas territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, which has a population of about 5,000, is a high-income economy which relies on fishing exports, according to the CIA Factbook. Cambodia - 49% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $12.7 billion worth of goods from Cambodia last year, while Cambodia imported $321.6 million worth from the U.S. ADVERTISEMENT What to know: The U.S. is Cambodias largest single-country export destination, with approximately 40% of Cambodias total exports going to the U.S., mainly apparel, footwear, and travel goods, according to the ITA. Laos - 48% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $803.3 million worth of goods from Laos last year, while Laos imported $40.4 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The top U.S. imports from Laos are in the electronics industry, including telecommunications equipment, cellphones and other household goods, and television and video equipment. Madagascar - 47% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $733.2 million worth of goods from Madagascar last year, while Madagascar imported $53.4 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The United States is Madagascars second biggest export market. Its key exports to the U.S. include apparel, vanilla, titanium, cobalt, and nickelaltogether accounting for around 15% of the countrys total exports, according to the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar. Vietnam - 46% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $136.6 billion worth of goods from Vietnam last year, while Vietnam imported $13.1 billion worth from the U.S. ADVERTISEMENT What to know: Vietnam is a significant exporter of high-tech goods and textiles to the U.S., and has benefited from the U.S.-China trade war after many companies began investing in the Southeast Asian country for its cheap manufacturing abilities. Vietnam tried to shield itself from Trumps reciprocal tariffs by announcing a cut on duties on U.S. imports of fossil fuel and automobile products. A White House fact sheet criticized the country, alongside Brazil, Ecuador, and Argentina, because they restrict or prohibit the importation of remanufactured goods, which the White House claimed restricts market access for U.S. exporters. Myanmar - 44% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $656.5 million worth of goods from Myanmar, while Myanmar imported $77 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The U.S. has sanctioned Myanmar following a military coup in February 2021, including restrictions on exporting jet fuel and specific aircraft supplies to the countrys military and the suspension of a 2013 trade and investment agreement. Trade between the two countries has declined since, and much of trade has been carried out through border crossings, both legal and illegal, according to the ITA. Sri Lanka - 44% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $3 billion worth of goods from Sri Lanka last year, while Sri Lanka imported $368.2 million worth from the U.S. ADVERTISEMENT What to know: The South Asian country, for which top exports to the U.S. include apparel, is still recovering from a severe financial crisis. The U.S. has provided Sri Lanka $2 billion in assistance since 1948. Falkland Islands - 41% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $22.8 million worth of goods from the Falkland Islands last year, while the Falkland Islands imported $4.1 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The Falkland Islands is a British overseas territory in the Atlantic with a population around 3,600. Its economy relies on sheep farming. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, its main exports are food products, particularly shellfish and fish. Syria - 41% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $10.7 million worth of goods from Syria last year, while Syria imported $2 million worth from the U.S. What to know: Since 2004, Syria has been subject to economic sanctions from the U.S. that broadly restrict transactional dealings involving Syrias government. Mauritius - 40% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $234.5 million worth of goods from Mauritius last year, while Mauritius imported $48 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The U.S. exports agricultural and industrial machinery and optical/medical instruments to Mauritius, while among the top U.S. imports from Mauritius are textiles and garments, precious stones and jewelry, processed fish, and primates, according to the ITA. Iraq - 39% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $7.4 billion worth of goods from Iraq last year, while Iraq imported $1.7 billion worth from the U.S. What to know: Iraqs main export to the U.S. is crude oil, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity. Guyana - 38% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $5.375 billion worth of goods from Guyana last year, while Guyana imported $1.32 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The South American countrys main export to the U.S. in 2023 was crude petroleum, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity. Bangladesh - 37% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $8.4 billion worth of goods from Bangladesh last year, while Bangladesh imported $2.2 billion worth from the U.S. What to know: Bangladesh specializes in ready-made garment exports and has identified the U.S. as one of its major foreign markets. Botswana - 37% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $405.1 million worth of goods from Botswana last year, while Botswana imported $104.3 million worth from the U.S. What to know: Botswana, an African nation with high rates of poverty and unemployment, has a trade balance that hinges largely on its diamond exports. Liechtenstein - 37% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $243.7 million worth of goods from Liechtenstein last year, while Liechtenstein imported $66 million worth from the U.S. What to know: According to the Embassy of the Principality of Liechtenstein in Washington, D.C., the European country is export-oriented. The Embassy says that Liechtenstein companies play key roles in the supply chain of goods in specific U.S. sectors such as construction, automotive, dentistry, agriculture, audio-visual and coating. Reunion - 37% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $44.1 million worth of goods from Reunion last year, while Reunion imported $11.9 million worth from the U.S. What to know: Food products make up the primary exports of the French overseas territory that has a population of around 890,000. Serbia - 37% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $814.4 million worth of goods from Serbia last year, while Serbia imported $209.9 million worth from the U.S. What to know: FIAT automobiles are a major U.S. import from Serbia, according to the ITA. Serbia also mainly exports rubber tires, frozen fruits and nuts, hunting rifles, and ammunition to the U.S. American exports to Serbia primarily include aviation parts and machines, as well as pharmaceutical and medical supplies. Thailand - 36% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $63.3 billion worth of goods from Thailand last year, while Thailand imported $17.7 billion worth from the U.S. What to know: Thailand, an export-dependent economy, has had a robust trade alliance with the U.S., and the Southeast Asian country is currently the 18th largest goods trading partner for the U.S. Its main export to the U.S. is machine parts. The Southeast Asian country tried to avoid Trump tariffs by narrowing the trade deficit through imports of American corn and soybeans as well as petroleum products. Bosnia and Herzegovina - 35% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $179.1 million worth of goods from Bosnia and Herzegovina last year, while Bosnia and Herzegovina imported $53 million worth from the U.S. What to know: According to the ITA, the southeastern European countrys primary exports to the U.S. are leather products, apparel manufacturing products, and furniture, while the U.S. mainly exports agricultural products, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals and mineral fuels to Bosnia and Herzegovina. China - 34% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $438.9 billion worth of goods from China last yearmore than any other country outside North Americawhile China imported $143.5 billion worth from the U.S. What to know: China is the worlds second-largest economy and leading exporter of goods. The country has been engaged in a trade war with the U.S. since Trumps first term. The latest Liberation Day tariffs bring the total U.S. blanket tariffs on Chinese goods to 54%, while some specific industries face even higher tariffs. Economists expect the average tariff on Chinese imports to go as high as 65%, Bloomberg reported, while others estimate it could even hit 76%. Contact us at letters@time.com. US president's 10% tariffs on UK could cause "untold damage", firms warn - but Britain gets off lightly compared to other countries. The government is considering retaliatory action over Donald Trump's trade tariffs on the UK, with products including whisky, jeans and motorcycles among those that may be affected. Trump slapped a 10% tariff on UK exports to the US on Wednesday as he confirmed sweeping import levies on countries across the world on what he referred to as liberation day. Business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds told the Commons the UK government will seek the views of business stakeholders until 1 May on products that could potentially be included in any tariff response. He said the government believes a deal with the US is "possible" and "favourable" but added that the UK reserves the right to take any action it deems necessary if an agreement is not secured. ADVERTISEMENT The government has drawn up an "indicative list" of US products the UK could tariff in response to Trump's 10% tariffs. The UK fared better compared to some markets who were hit with much tougher import taxes the EU will attract a 20% rate, China 34%, South Korea 25% and India 26%. However, a 25% tariff on all cars being imported into the US is expected to hit the British auto industry hard. UK business groups said the tariffs would be devastating and cause "untold damage" to small businesses. The British Chambers of Commerce described it as "lose-lose situation for everyone" saying it will "wreak havoc on businesses communities across the world". Yahoo News will be pulling together all the key reaction to Trump's announcement. Follow our live coverage below for the latest news and insights from experts as to how this could affect you. Niger's junta stopped uranium production when they took power in 2023 Maurice Ascani/Areva/AP Photo/picture alliance Niger wants to boost its economy and expand its mining industry by mining copper in the Agadez region. The country granted a permit to national firm Compagnie Miniere de l'Air (Cominair SA). "Niger is continuing its programme of diversifying mining production" with a move that "marks its entry into the restricted circle of countries producing this strategic mineral," according to a statement from Niger's military government, which took power following a July 2023 coup. Ulf Laessing, head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Sahel regional program in neighboring Mali, said the concession is part of Niger's strategy to reduce its reliance on foreign companies for mineral extraction. Laessing said that it was impossible to predict how successful the project will be. ADVERTISEMENT "The copper mine is in the north, not far from Libya, where the security situation is very poor," he noted, adding that Niger is following a trend seen in Burkina and Mali, where military governments rely more on local companies, rather than Western ones. Job creation and business growth The operators of the mine located in Niger's second largest city, Moradi, expect to produce an average of 2,700 tons of copper per year over a period of ten years. Niger's government hopes that the mine will create hundreds of new jobs and a lucrative business. Copper is currently traded on the world market for $9,700 (8,789) per ton. A small scale permit has meanwhile been granted to Nigerien firm Compagnie Miniere de Recherche et d'Exploitation (Comirex SA) at Dannet to produce lithium, a key component of the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that power everything from cellphones to electric vehicles. ADVERTISEMENT The company expects to produce 300 tons of lithium a year. The Nigerien state holds a 25% stake in the Cominair copper mine and a 40% stake in Comirex in order to maintain the government's control over the nation's resources. Impact of military coup For decades, the desert state was also a major producer of uranium, known as the "white gold" of the renewable energy revolution. According to the World Nuclear Association, Niger has two significant uranium mines, where around 5% of the uranium produced worldwide was mined in 2022. Since junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani seized power in the military coup , uranium production has come to a standstill. "This is because the border with Benin is closed and uranium can only be exported via Benin," Laessing told DW, noting that only the Beninese port of Cotonou has been licensed to do so, highlighting the difficulties on the ground. ADVERTISEMENT "The government wants to do much more itself and no longer work with French companies or other Western companies," he said. However, Laessing noted that this does not guarantee the success of "in-house mining" due to a lack of local experience, technical qualifications and the necessary mining equipment. As long as the border with Benin is closed due to disputes following the coup, said Laessing, "nothing will happen" in uranium production and it is questionable how quickly progress will be made with copper mining. Decline of French influence The source of funding for the mining projects is not clear, said Laessing, who suggested that copper mining could be partially financed with revenues from oil production, he told DW. Niger's former colonial ruler, France, has become unpopular in the Sahel and has lost influence. The junta no longer considers itself bound by partnership agreements from the aegis of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in the 2023 coup. ADVERTISEMENT The military junta recently withdrew French nuclear company Orano's license to mine uranium after 50 years of operation in Niger. Canadian company GoviEX also no longer has a permit to operate the Madaouela uranium mine. "These are symbolic acts to make us less dependent on Western companies," said Laessing. "The chances of success is difficult to assess." When it comes to raw materials for energy transition, neighboring Mali is also well positioned for the future: In recent months, two new lithium mines have started production, partly in cooperation with China. The new concessions complement the extraction of mineral resources, which are abundant in the Sahel states of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Niger, for example, has significant deposits of uranium, tin and phosphate, as well as crude oil. Burkina Faso has copper, zinc and manganese. Mali has several previously untapped oil fields. All three countries have large gold deposits. Anti-Western alliances All three countries are also pursuing an anti-Western course and are looking for new allies: Russia wants to profit from uranium mining through its nuclear company Rosatom; the mining company Azelik is majority-owned by China. According to the Africa Defense Forum, Niger's ruling junta and Iran have been "working secretly on a deal" to buy 300 tons of uranium. "Iranian officials approached the Niger junta in August 2023, about one month after the July 2023 coup," according to an October 2024 article in the military magazine. "The visit was the first step toward circumventing international sanctions aimed at preventing Iran from developing a bomb." However, in 2024 Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine insisted that "nothing" had been signed with Iran with regards to uranium. Following coups between 2020 and 2023, all three Sahel countries are under military governments. In an effort to emancipate themselves from their old partners and avoid sanctions, they also withdrew from the West African bloc ECOWAS and founded their own Alliance of Sahel States. "There has long been a strong desire for diversification in international relations in these countries," said Seidik Abba, head of the Sahel think tank CIRES, based in Paris. Unequal economic relations Even after the end of the colonial era, economic relations with the West were never on an equal footing, Abba said in an interview with DW. "The conditions were dictated unilaterally by Western countries. For example, they set the prices for the raw materials they bought from African countries. And that was and is perceived as unfair in Africa," said Abba. Burkina Faso is Africa's fourth largest gold producer with an estimated 58 tons per year. "The country has not yet taken the step like Mali, where they want a lot more money, royalties and taxes from Western mining companies in gold production; they still rely on cooperation," said Laessing. "Burkina Faso has understood that it would be difficult to continue producing gold without foreign companies." After producing 66 tons of gold in 2022, Mali is considered the center of gold production in Africa and exerted pressure on the companies exploiting the gold deposits. Mali's military-led government, for example, is demanding 125 billion CFA francs ($199 million) in back taxes from Canadian gold giant Barrick Gold. Officially, the government's discourse is that they are now sovereign and pan-African. In practice, though, Laessing noted that foreign companies still play a major role. Antonio Cascais and Eric Topona contributed to this article. The article was originally written in German. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, Viet Nams agricultural, forestry and fishery exports had reached US$15.72 billion, marking a 13.1 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024. With this strong start, the ambitious $70 billion export target for the year is well within reach. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung uc Tien speaks to Viet Nam News reporter To Nhu to discuss this achievement. How do you evaluate the performance of the agricultural sector and, in particular, agricultural, forestry and fishery exports during the first quarter of 2025? Since the beginning of the year, Viet Nams exports have faced considerable pressure and challenges due to global and regional developments. However, thanks to the leadership of the Government and the Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, as well as the active participation of ministries, local authorities, and businesses, agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports in Q1 2025 achieved impressive results, with total export revenue reaching $15.72 billion - up 13.1 per cent year-on-year. These strong first-quarter results set a solid foundation for the coming months, bringing us closer to our goal of $70 billion in total exports by the end of 2025. What factors contributed to this growth? In the first quarter of 2025, some agricultural exports saw increased volume but lower value, while others experienced growth in both areas. For instance, coffee exports in the first quarter of 2025 reached 509,500 tonnes, generating $2.88 billion - a 12.9 per cent decline in volume but a 49.5 per cent surge in value compared to the same period in 2024. The average export price of coffee in the first three months of 2025 was estimated at $5,656 per tonne, a 71.7 per cent increase year-on-year. The top three export markets for Vietnamese coffee were Germany (16.2 per cent), Italy (9.9 per cent), and Japan (7.4 per cent). For rubber, export volume in Q1 2025 was 396,100 tonnes, earning $765.8 million - a 4.4 per cent drop in volume but a 26.1 per cent rise in value compared to Q1 2024. The average export price of rubber increased 31.9 per cent to $1,933.3 per ton. China remained Viet Nams largest rubber market, accounting for 73.7 per cent of total exports, followed by India (3.8 per cent) and Indonesia (3.2 per cent). Aquatic product exports also performed well, generating $2.29 billion in revenue - an 18.1 per cent increase year-on-year. The top three markets for Viet Nams seafood exports were China (21.7 per cent), Japan (15.6 per cent), and the US (15.1 per cent). Wood and wood product exports in Q1 2025 totalled $3.95 billion, marking an 11.6 per cent increase over the same period in 2024. The US remained the largest market for Vietnamese wood products, accounting for 53.1 per cent of total exports, followed by Japan (13.2 per cent) and China (10.6 per cent). Pepper exports reached 47,300 tonnes, generating $323.6 million - a 16.7 per cent drop in volume but a 37.3% increase in value. The average export price of pepper in Q1 2025 was $6,845.4 per tonne, up 64.9 per cent year-on-year. The top three markets for Vietnamese pepper were the US (24.4 per cent), Germany (10.4 per cent), and India (6.7 per cent). Fruit and vegetable exports faced challenges, declining 11.3 per cent year-on-year to $1.14 billion. China remained the largest market, accounting for 44.5 per cent of total exports, followed by the US (9.6 per cent) and South Korea (6 per cent). For rice, exports in Q1 2025 totaled 2.2 million tonnes, generating $1.14 billion. While volume increased by 0.6 per cent, the value dropped by 19.7 per cent year-on-year due to a 20.1 per cent decline in average export price, which stood at $522.1 per tonne. Over the years, Viet Nam has implemented a sector-wide restructuring program, aligning agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports with market demands, traceability requirements, green economy principles, and international standards. This has ensured steady growth in both output and export value. Seafood exports face potential bans from the US due to non-compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). What is the ministrys plan to address this? The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently issued a preliminary ruling stating that Viet Nams marine mammal conservation measures are not equivalent to US standards in 12 seafood industries. If this ruling is upheld, several key Vietnamese seafood exports - including tuna, swordfish, squid, mackerel, grouper, snapper and crab - could be banned from the US market starting in 2026. The US argues that Viet Nam lacks sufficient measures to prevent the unintentional capture of marine mammals and has not yet met US regulatory standards. While Viet Nam has proposed monitoring solutions, the US insists that we need to establish concrete regulations. To address this, the US has given Viet Nam until April 2025 to provide additional evidence and demonstrate progress in implementing effective management measures. A final decision will be made on November 30, 2025. If the preliminary ruling stands, seafood from the 12 non-compliant industries will no longer be eligible for export to the US from 2026. In response, we have already taken proactive steps, including: enhancing legal frameworks and regulations on marine mammal protection, providing NOAA with comprehensive evidence of our management improvements and strengthening monitoring systems to ensure compliance with US standards. Recently, a delegation from the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) attended the Seafood Expo North America in Boston, US, where they negotiated with NOAA. As a result, NOAA agreed to extend the deadline to July 2025 for Viet Nam to submit further evidence and demonstrate progress. The US is Viet Nams largest seafood export market, accounting for $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024, so resolving this MMPA compliance issue is a top priority. VNS HA NOI US President Donald Trump has announced a new base tariff rate of 10 per cent on all imports into the United States. However, countries with significant trade surpluses will face much higher rates. Viet Nam will be subject to a 46 per cent tariff, the second-highest after Cambodia, which faces a 49 per cent levy. Other affected economies include China (34 per cent), the European Union (20 per cent), India (26 per cent), and Japan (24 per cent). Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Thailand will be subject to a 36 per cent tariff, followed by Indonesia with 32 per cent, Malaysia with 24 per cent, the Philippines with 17 per cent and Singapore with 10 per cent. Viet Nam is one of the USs key trade partners, with its exports to the market reaching around US$124 billion in 2023. Major industries, including textiles, footwear, furniture, electronic components and seafood, will be significantly impacted if the 46 per cent tariff is implemented. The US is the largest market for Vietnamese textiles, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of the industry's total export revenue. Companies including Vinatex, May 10 and TNG could struggle as higher costs lead to reduced orders and weaker purchasing power from US partners. The tech sector could also be hit hard. Apple, the worlds largest technology company, has relocated part of its production from China to Viet Nam to avoid US tariffs. However, with Viet Nam now facing a 46 per cent tariff, suppliers including Foxconn, Luxshare and Pegatron will experience significantly higher costs. If this tariff is implemented, Apple and other tech firms will need to reassess their manufacturing strategies. Shifting production from China to Viet Nam to avoid tariffs may no longer be an optimal solution, Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, warned. This means many multinational companies may seek alternative manufacturing locations such as India or Mexico, potentially diminishing Viet Nams attractiveness for foreign direct investment (FDI). According to a White House statement, the 10 per cent tariff on all nations will take effect on April 5. For countries subject to higher tariffs based on trade deficits with the US, the new rates will be enforced starting April 9. This gives Vietnamese exporters less than a week to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Some experts suggest intensifying bilateral negotiations with the US, urging the Government to work with Washington to seek exemptions or tariff reductions for certain strategic products. Viet Nam should also accelerate market diversification to reduce reliance on the US by expanding exports to Europe, Japan, South Korea and the Middle East. Attracting investment in domestic manufacturing is a crucial solution, encouraging US firms to invest directly in Viet Nam. Furthermore, providing domestic businesses with financial and tax policy support will help them cope with the effects of US trade policies. Vietnamese exporters are facing a challenging period, requiring rapid adaptation to survive and grow. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI A Viet Nam-Belarus business forum was held in Ha Noi on Wednesday, aiming to promote economic and trade co-operation between the two countries. The forum was organised by the Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the National Marketing Centre of Belarus under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, and the Belarusian Embassy in Viet Nam within the framework of the Viet Nam International Trade Fair (Vietnam Expo 2025). Speaking at the event, director of the MoITs Trade Promotion Agency Vu Ba Phu highlighted ample room for the two countries to expand cooperation and fully utilise the advantages offered by the Viet Nam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement. To further develop the Viet Nam-Belarus economic and trade relationship, it is essential to enhance trade promotion and investment initiatives such as trade fairs, forums, thematic workshops, and trade connections, which serve as an important bridge for businesses from both sides to meet, connect, and seek cooperation opportunities, he said. Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Sivak said Belarus sees great potential for co-operation with Viet Nam in vaccine production, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment, and Viet Nam can export electronic components to Belarus, contributing to diversifying bilateral trade. Moreover, Belarus is particularly interested in cooperation between scientists from both countries to promote research and development of new technologies, he said, adding that developing high-tech industries will not only help both nations meet domestic demands but also enhance their competitiveness in international markets. Furthermore, technology security is increasingly becoming an important factor that plays an essential role in reinforcing each nation's independence and autonomy. Therefore, both countries need to strengthen co-operation in this area to ensure sustainable development. The Belarusian official said that he hopes the two countries will continue to develop the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), thereby facilitating the expansion of cooperation in various fields, particularly high-tech industries. Statistics show that in 2024, the total import-export value between the two countries reached approximately $59.7 million, an increase of nearly 45 per cent compared to 2023. Viet Nam exports to Belarus key items such as aquatic products, fruits, cashews, rubber, machinery, electronic equipment, and components, while importing from Belarus fertilisers, chemicals, components, spare parts, milk, and pharmaceuticals. Pavel Pigal, head of the Foreign Economic Relations Department at the National Marketing Centre of Belarus, said that the Viet Nam-EAEU free trade agreement not only increases trade exchange between Viet Nam and Belarus but also facilitates Viet Nam's relations with the entire EAEU region. VNS HAI PHONG Stavian Group and Shinec Group officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement on Thursday in the northern port city of Hai Phong, to jointly develop industrial real estate projects throughout Viet Nam. Both parties will leverage their strengths, resources and expertise to foster a mutually beneficial collaboration, aiming to create sustainable value through strategic partnerships in Viet Nams industrial real estate sector. As part of this collaboration, Stavian Group and Shinec Group will share expertise, technology, and experience while optimising their respective strengths to develop eco-industrial zones and clusters. This approach aims to drive sustainable growth in the industrial real estate market, aligning with global trends and environmental considerations. The list of industrial zones and industrial clusters that both sides plan to develop includes projects in Quang Ninh Province, Hai Duong Province, Khanh Hoa Province, Ba Ria Vung Tau Province, Hau Giang Province, Can Tho City, Bac Lieu Province, along with many other projects that both parties are jointly researching and developing. Speaking at the ceremony, Tony Dinh Chairman and CEO of Stavian Group said: "The industrial zones that both corporations aspire to develop will not only ensure sustainable growth but also provide an optimal working environment for businesses and workers alike. These zones will feature modern infrastructure, cutting-edge technology and effective environmental protection solutions, contributing to the creation of a harmonious and sustainable industrial ecosystem." Pham Hong iep, Chairman of Shinec Group, said: Throughout our journey, Shinec has consistently focused on building a sustainable industrial ecosystem that balances economic development with environmental and community well-being. We are pioneers in implementing circular economy models, optimizing resource utilisation, minimising waste, and fostering environmental responsibility. In addition to ESG reporting and sustainable development initiatives, we actively seek like-minded partners to create eco-friendly industrial real estate solutions. "Today, the strategic partnership between SHINEC GROUP & STAVIAN GROUP has been officially established. Together, we will set new standards for Made-in-Vietnam industrial real estate, meeting the increasingly stringent demands of global clients. More importantly, we are shaping a new benchmark for Viet Nams industrial real estate market, leading the industry toward a more sustainable and forward-thinking future." As a large-scale multinational industrial-technology and trading corporation, Stavian Group operates in over 30 countries and exports to more than 100 countries and territories. Stavian Group is currently focused on the core business in industrial manufacturing and related ecosystems, encompassing five key sectors: industrial production, high technology, industrial infrastructure development, energy transition, trading and investment. Industrial infrastructure development plays a key role in Stavian Groups industrial ecosystem. With a strong commitment to building sustainable industrial parks, Stavian Group focuses on developing green, modern and well-equipped zones that meet the needs of both domestic and international enterprises. Stavian Groups existing projects in Vinh Phuc, Hung Yen and other provinces in Viet Nam are expected to become ideal destinations for investors, contributing to local economic growth and community development. VNS HA NOI American chipmaker Qualcomm has acquired a 65% stake in Vietnamese artificial intelligence firm Movian AI from conglomerate Vingroup. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Vingroup confirmed the transfer of all its shares in Movian AI, ending its status as a subsidiary. Bui Hai Hung, founder and CEO of VinAI, will join Qualcomm as part of the acquisition. Movian AI was established in late November 2024, following Vingroup's split of its AI subsidiary VinAI. The company specialises in AI research and development and has a charter capital of nearly VN227 billion (approximately US$9 million). In December 2024, Vingroup also sold another AI company, VinBrain, to US tech giant Nvidia. This acquisition marks a significant step for Qualcomm in enhancing its AI capabilities and expanding its influence in the Vietnamese and broader Asian markets. VNS HA NOI In the wake of the US' fresh announcement of a 46 per cent tariff on Vietnamese exports, director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)s Department of Foreign Market Development Ta Hoang Linh remains optimistic about the potential for negotiations to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. Speaking to the press in Ha Noi on Thursday, Linh expressed the MoIT's regret over the US tariff decision, effective from April 9. Highlighting the complementarity of the two economies, including their export and foreign trade structures, he emphasised that Viet Nam's exports to the US primarily compete with third-country goods, not US products, while providing US consumers with affordable, quality options. The most-favoured-nation (MFN) tariff rates Viet Nam is imposing on imports average 9.4 per cent, so the reciprocal tariff of up to 46 per cent that the US plans to levy on Vietnamese goods lacks scientific basis and unfair, not reflecting Viet Nam's goodwill and efforts in addressing trade imbalance between the two countries over the recent past, he added. The Vietnamese Government, ministries, and sectors have recently taken proactive steps to address many problems facing US companies operating in Viet Nam, including a decree reducing the MFN tax rates, which benefits 13 categories of US goods. "Besides, a large number of US investment projects have had their difficulties tackled," he said. According to the White House, the reciprocal tariffs on trade partners of the US aim to address the injustices of global trade, reshore manufacturing, strengthen national security, and boost economic growth, with the tariffs remaining in place until trade deficits and perceived unfair practices are resolved. "Therefore, in our opinion, the two sides still have room to negotiate to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome," Linh said. As soon as the US announced the tariffs, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien sent a diplomatic note requesting US authorities delay the imposition to allow for constructive dialogue to seek a reasonable solution for both sides, Linh said, adding that the MoIT is arranging a ministerial phone call and technical talks with the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) as soon as possible. According to the official, the MoIT set an export growth target of 12 per cent for this year, equivalent to about US$450 billion, driven by a recovering global economy and Viet Nam's robust network of 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) with over 60 countries and territories. While the US tariffs may cause certain adverse impacts on the export growth target if the two sides fail to seek a positive solution, he assured that the ministry had foreseen such risks and prepared a detailed action plan. The MoIT has submitted proposals to the Government and issued guidance to enterprises to mitigate potential impacts, he said. To meet the export targets, Linh called on businesses to leverage Viet Nam's FTAs and 70 bilateral cooperation mechanisms while diversifying into new markets. With the US accounting for 13 per cent of global imports and 30 per cent of Viet Nam's export turnover, he pointed to the vast potential in the remaining 87 per cent of global markets. "The Ministry of Industry and Trade is intensifying efforts to open these pathways," he said. The ministry is stepping up FTA negotiations with new markets such as the Middle East, Latin America, Central Asia and other emerging markets. It is also enhancing trade promotion, upgrading logistics infrastructure, and expanding Viet Nam's network of overseas trade offices, according to Linh. Looking ahead, the official stressed that Viet Nam will restructure its economy and diversify markets, products, and supply chains to ensure fast and sustainable development. The implementation of concerted measures will help Vietnamese businesses improve their resilience to global trade volatility and maintain long-term export sustainability, he said. VNS CAN THO Representatives from the World Bank (WB) and the Swiss Government had a working session with the Peoples Committee of Can Tho City on Wednesday to discuss the implementation of the Can Tho urban development and resilience enhancement project (Project 3), which has already protected over 442,600 local residents from flooding. The project had a total investment of nearly VN9.2 trillion (over US$402 million), with WB loans worth nearly VN5.7 trillion, non-refundable aid from the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research totalling $10 million, and corresponding fund of more than VN3.37 trillion. The project, implemented from 2016 to 2024, aims to protect Can Tho's urban core from prolonged flooding while promoting environmentally friendly urban development. According to director of Can Tho's Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects management board Bui Thai Thuong, under the project, flood protection infrastructure has been improved, including embankments, tidal sluice gates, and pumping stations. Additionally, urban transport infrastructure has been developed under the project. At the meeting, WB Country Director for Viet Nam Mariam J. Sherman urged Can Tho City to ensure the project's sustainable operation to promote local socio-economic development and multiply its experiences to other localities, noting that the WB not only provides financial support but also global technical expertise through its partners. Meanwhile, Swiss Ambassador to Viet Nam Thomas Gass expressed his delight at the success of the project, helping Can Tho develop infrastructure and improve flood control while building a smart, future-oriented city with effective water and flood risk management and climate change adaptation. For his part, Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Thuc Hien stressed that the project has received strong support from residents, especially those living in previously flooded areas, allowing them to confidently engage in business activities and contribute to the city's socio-economic development. Hien hoped that experts will regularly visit to inspect the operation of the projects technology system and support upgrades to more advanced equipment in the future, serving the development of the city and Viet Nam as a whole. VNS HA NOI Individual and group winners have been honoured at a painting contest launched by Viet Nam Denmark Friendship Association (VIDAFA) and the Embassy of Denmark. The Denmark in Your Eyes painting competition is a unique way to go beyond the existing government-to-government cooperation under the bilateral Green Strategic Partnership, engaging children and young people in Viet Nam in the countrys green transition. This year the contest, with the theme 'Green Initiatives', received more than 24,600 paintings and artworks submitted from over 260 schools and clubs nationwide. The top prize went to Nguyen Hoang Thinh, a 6th grade student from Ha Noi Victoria School. His award-winning painting Green World - Green Future, was created from fabric scraps. "Through my painting, I hope to inspire my friends and those around me to join hands in protecting our planet and environment," Thinh said at the award ceremony on April 2. "By repurposing discarded materials to create meaningful artworks, I am celebrating the beauty of our world and our lives while promoting sustainability." An additional 73 individual awards, which included two first prizes, four second prizes, eight third prizes, 50 fourth prizes and nine prospect prizes were given to students of elementary and lower secondary schools from various provinces and cities in Viet Nam. The group prizes went to the Can Tho Unions of Friendship Organisations, Hue Unions of Friendship Organisations, ong Thap Unions of Friendship Organisations, Nguyen Sieu Secondary and High School and the Education and Technology Primary School. The contest theme offered Vietnamese students a platform to raise awareness about climate and environmental issues, giving voice to their concerns and showcasing their inspiring initiatives, according to Ambassador of Denmark, Nicolai Prytz. "In Viet Nam, there are countless opportunities for young people to engage in society and make a meaningful impact," said the ambassador. "The contest highlights the deep passion and unwavering commitment of young people in Viet Nam to creating a sustainable and green future for all." The high artistic quality of the submissions as well as the creative ideas behind them made it very challenging for the judges to select the best paintings. The panel of judges was comprised of acclaimed painters from the Ministry of Education and Training, Kim ong Publishing House and the Thieu Nien and Nhi ong newspapers. The annual Denmark in Your Eyes competition has been running since 2016. VNS HA NOI The online travel platform Agoda has just released the results of its 2025 Diving Deals survey, revealing trends among diving enthusiasts across Asia. The survey was conducted in 11 key tourism markets in the region, with a focus on Southeast Asia. Across Asia, Indonesia takes the top spot as the most popular diving destination, followed by the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Viet Nam. These countries boast unique marine treasures, attracting divers from all over the world. Thailand was voted by Vietnamese travellers as the top diving paradise, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine ecosystem and world-class dive sites. Beyond Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are also among the most favoured destinations for Vietnamese divers, reflecting a growing interest in exploring the underwater world. The report also highlights that underwater relaxation is the biggest inspiration for diving enthusiasts. Nearly 30 per cent of survey participants said they dive to experience the calm and tranquility of the vast ocean. This trend is particularly popular among travellers from the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand. Additionally, the passion for exploring the underwater world is another major motivation, with 24 per cent of travellers drawn to the mystical beauty and rich marine ecosystem. Scuba diving enthusiasts tend to seek affordable accommodations, but are willing to spend more on underwater experiences. 40 per cent of respondents said they are ready to pay 15 to 30 per cent more for diving trips compared to regular vacations. Short trips are becoming a trend in scuba diving tourism, with 48 per cent of travellers preferring trips lasting between four and seven days. Weekend diving trips are also gaining popularity, with 40 per cent of surveyed participants choosing this option. This reflects the growing demand for short yet fulfilling experiences, catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern travellers. Coral reefs remain the top diving destination, with 75 per cent of diving enthusiasts prioritising reef locations for their ocean explorations. With its diverse marine ecosystem and vibrant coral reefs, Asia continues to be a must-visit destination for diving lovers. VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary To Lam chaired the 13th conference of the Communist Party of Vietnam's Central Military Commission (CMC) in Ha Noi on Wednesday to review and provide feedback on a new proposal for a more streamlined, efficient and capable local military structure to meet modern defence demands. The meeting gathered top leaders of the Party, State and the armed forces to discuss significant restructuring plans under new national strategies. The proposal, reported by the CMC's Standing Committee, aims to reorganise local military commands to align with national resolutions on trimming the state apparatus, streamlining administrative units, and building a two-tier local governance model. The Ministry of National Defence, under the guidance of the CMC, has developed the proposal through multiple consultations and revisions. The ministry proposes methods of adjusting the organisation of local military commands in parallel with the planned reduction of provincial and commune-level administrative units and the potential removal of district-level governments. The plan underscores that restructuring must stem from national defence realities, incorporate strategic Party and State guidance, and build upon Viet Nams rich military traditions and historical experience in warfare. It also considers the evolving nature of modern conflicts, globally and regionally. Discussions at the conference examined the scope, guiding principles, objectives and implementation challenges of the proposal, offering solutions to address potential obstacles. Participants stressed the need to ensure that local military units continue to be the core force in defending the country while adapting to new administrative and strategic realities. In his concluding remarks, General Secretary To Lam, also the Secretary of the CMC, affirmed that the reorganisation must align with Viet Nams military and defence strategies and uphold the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam over the Peoples Army. The army must remain pivotal in building and implementing an all-people national defence posture and safeguarding sovereignty. The proposal calls for reducing intermediary levels of command, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the role of provincial Military Commands and Border Guard units, especially following upcoming provincial mergers. It also aims to improve the integration between military and civilian defence plans, particularly in border protection and territorial security. The General Secretary urged careful, scientific and context-appropriate adjustments, drawing from past organisational models and current socio-economic realities. He emphasised building a revolutionary, regular, elite and modern local military and border guard system, with suitable structures and readiness for both peacetime tasks and rapid expansion when necessary. To implement the plan, the General Secretary tasked the CMC's Standing Committee with finalising the proposal for submission to the Politburo. Upon approval, a resolution will be issued for nationwide implementation. VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam will lead a high-ranking delegation of the Party and State of Viet Nam to Vientiane on Thursday to pay respects to former President of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and former President of Laos Khamtay Siphandone, who passed away on Wednesday. Khamtay Siphandone passed away at 10:30am on April 2 at the age of 102, according to a special communique by the LPRP Central Committee, National Assembly, and Government of Laos, and the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee. To express deep respect and profound gratitude for him, the LPRP Central Committee, National Assembly and Government of Laos, and the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee have declared five days of national mourning from April 3 to 7. Official memorial services will be held at the National Convention Centre, Vientiane. Condolences The Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee, the President, the Government, the National Assembly, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee late Wednesday has sent a message of condolences to their Lao counterparts over the passing of General Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, and former President of Laos. The message wrote that Comrade Khamtay Siphandone is an outstanding leader of the first generation, a key nucleus of the LPRP Central Committee, an eminent son of the Lao people, and a steadfast revolutionary soldier who dedicated his life to national independence, and freedom and happiness of the people, and the prosperous development of Laos. His passing is a great loss to the Party, State, and people of Laos, as well as his family. The Party, State, army, and people of Viet Nam have also lost a great friend and a close comrade who stood side by side during the long resistance wars of both nations. He consistently supported the Vietnamese people's efforts in national construction and defence and made significant contributions to building, consolidating, and advancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos. The Party, State, and people of Viet Nam highly appreciate Comrade Khamtay Siphandones great contributions to the Lao peoples past struggle for national independence as well as the present cause of reform, and national protection, construction, and development. The Party, State, Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, and people of Viet Nam extend their deepest condolences to the Party, State, Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction, and people of Laos, as well as the family of Comrade Khamtay Siphandone, according to the message. "We firmly believe that the Party, State, and people of Laos, along with Comrade Khamtay Siphandones family, will soon overcome this profound loss and continue building a prosperous Laos, the message said. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam consistently considers Japan as a top important partner, and a sincere and trustworthy friend, accompanying the Southeast Asian country during its development journey, Party General Secretary To Lam said while receiving Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki in Ha Noi on Thursday. The Vietnamese Party chief highlighted the substantial and comprehensive development of the Viet Nam-Japan relations after more than a year of upgrading it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, stating that Viet Nam looks to work with Japan to effectively and substantively implement this partnership framework. Political trust has been further strengthened, and economic cooperation remains the key pillar in the relations, he stressed, adding that Japan continues to be Viet Nam's top economic partner, and cooperation in new fields such as green transition and digital transformation has progressed with many specific projects. To achieve the goal of becoming a developed country with a modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed country with high income by 2045, Viet Nam has strongly implemented a revolution to streamline its political apparatus, focusing on addressing institutional bottlenecks, improving the quality of infrastructure and human resources, thus promoting a favourable investment environment for private enterprises, including those from Japan and other countries. Lam praised the diplomat for his efforts and positive contributions to advancing the Viet Nam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and effectively implementing agreements between senior leaders of the two countries. He urged the two sides to continue increase the exchange of high-level delegations, boosting economic cooperation, and encouraging Japanese businesses to take part in key and strategic infrastructure projects, and new energy initiatives in Viet Nam. The Party chief also suggested intensifying cooperation in high-quality human resource training, science and technology, innovation, local cooperation, culture, and tourism; and expanding partnerships to new fields such as green transition, energy transformation, innovation, AI, and semiconductors. He called on the two sides to strengthen coordination, share positions, and support each other at international and regional forums. For his part, Naoki highlighted the flourishing cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan across fields, from economy, trade, and investment, to defence, security, and people-to-people exchanges. He affirmed that Japan always treasures and prioritises Viet Nam in its foreign policy in the region and it is eager to accompany and support Viet Nam in realising its industrialisation and modernisation goals to become a developed country. Showing his belief in the Vietnamese leaders determination to streamline the political apparatus, the diplomat reaffirmed his commitment to continue closely coordinating with ministries, sectors, and localities of both countries to further promote substantive cooperation, contributing to deepening the Viet Nam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas. VNA/VNS YEREVAN Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Armenian counterpart Alen Simonyan held talks on Thursday in the Armenian capital city Yerevan, following the official welcome ceremony for the former. Chairman Alen Simonyan extended a warm welcome to Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse, and the high-level delegation of the Vietnamese parliament, expressing his honour at hosting and meeting Chairman Tran Thanh Man again in Armenia. He recalled his memorable visit to Viet Nam in November 2024, highlighting his deep impressions of the country and its people. Recalling President Ho Chi Minhs visit to Armenia in July 1959, Chairman Man emphasised that his current visit, along with Speaker Simonyans trip to Viet Nam in November 2024, would serve as a driving force for strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Congratulating Armenia on its achievements in political and social stability, economic development and international standing, Chairman Man also shared Viet Nam's significant economic and social progress in 2024 and its major directions for 2025 towards a new era of national prosperity. He reaffirmed Viet Nam's long-standing appreciation for its traditional friendship with Armenia, acknowledging Armenias support during Viet Nam's struggle for independence and national development. He expressed a desire to further enhance bilateral cooperation across all channels, including Party, State, Government, Parliament and people-to-people exchanges. To further parliamentary cooperation, the Vietnamese top legislator announced the establishment of the Viet Nam-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group, expressing confidence that the activities of the friendship parliamentary groups in both countries would facilitate increased exchanges and collaboration, fostering closer ties between Viet Nam and Armenia as well as their legislatures. Armenia's top legislator expressed strong agreement with the Vietnamese proposals, affirming that Armenia highly values Viet Nam not only as a friend but also as a key economic and trade partner in the region. He noted that Armenia would host the United Nations Conference on Biological Diversity (COP 17) in 2026 and expressed his hope for Viet Nam's high-level participation in the event. Both parliamentary leaders agreed that bilateral relations had witnessed positive developments across multiple fields, yet there remained untapped potential for further cooperation. They concurred on the need to increase high-level exchanges and engagements to bolster political trust and facilitate collaboration in various sectors. The two leaders welcomed the signing of a cooperation agreement between their respective parliaments during this visit, which provides a legal framework for strengthening legislative collaboration. They agreed to enhance high-level parliamentary exchanges, cooperation between parliamentary committees, and interactions among friendship groups, young parliamentarians and female legislators. Both sides committed to reinforcing coordination and information-sharing among specialised committees and parliamentarians, particularly in legislative and supervisory activities. Furthermore, they pledged to oversee the effective implementation of bilateral and multilateral agreements, especially those that foster economic and trade cooperation. Both sides acknowledged the positive growth in bilateral trade, particularly since the Viet Nam-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement took effect in 2016. However, despite reaching nearly US$500 million in two-way trade in 2024, trade relations remained unstable. To enhance economic cooperation, Chairman Man called on Armenia to facilitate Vietnamese businesses access to the Armenian and EAEU markets, particularly through mechanisms under the Viet Nam-EAEU FTA. He advocated for increased policy and market information exchange, enabling businesses to participate in investment and trade promotion activities, industry-specific fairs and international exhibitions in both countries. He also urged both sides to address challenges faced by businesses investing in each others markets and to identify potential goods for bilateral trade diversification. Recognising the significant potential for cooperation in culture, tourism, education and training, transport and local exchanges, the two countries' parliament leaders agreed to strengthen partnerships between Vietnamese and Armenian localities to maximise these opportunities. On this occasion, Chairman Man proposed that Armenia support and encourage cultural exchange initiatives to promote mutual understanding among the younger generations and strengthen bilateral friendship. He also suggested exploring the establishment of an Armenia-Viet Nam Friendship Association in Armenia. The two parliamentary leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination and mutual support in multilateral parliamentary forums, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Francophone Parliamentary Assembly (APF). They pledged to contribute proactively to regional and global peace and stability. As an active ASEAN and AIPA member, Chairman Man affirmed Viet Nam's willingness to serve as a bridge for Armenias engagement with ASEAN, AIPA and other member parliaments. He also urged continued cooperation in regional and international forums, supporting ASEANs and Viet Nam's stance on the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), advocating for peaceful dispute resolution based on international law, the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary To Lam has written an article highlighting Vietnams rise to prominence in international integration. The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) introduces a translation of the article: RISING IN INTERNATIONAL INTEGRATION To Lam General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Looking back at our nation's revolutionary history, Viet Nam's integration and development have always been tied to the transformative currents of each era. From the earliest days of our independence, in a letter addressed to the United Nations, President Ho Chi Minh clearly articulated Viet Nam's aspiration to be a friend with all countries, expressing a desire "to implement an open policy and cooperation in all fields." This can be considered the first "declaration" of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam's approach to the international community. The philosophy of combining national strength with the strength of the times has been creatively applied by our Party over the past 80 years, consistently linking our national revolution with the progressive trends of the era and humanitys common aspirations. Stepping into the renewal period, our Party determined that to achieve peace and development, it is a must to open the door to the outside world and cooperate with other nations, with international integration representing the highest forms and level of international cooperation. In the other word, international integration means placing our country in the mainstream current of the times, beating with the same rhythm, and breathing the same air of the era, enhancing our strength through global connections. The Party established a policy of international integration, first economic integration then comprehensive integration to expand relations with countries and international organisations, leveraging external resources for socio-economic development and elevating the nations role and position, integrating Viet Nam into the global politics, international economy, and human civilisation. Our country is now entering an era of the nation's rise for prosperity and strength, toward a "wealthy people, strong nation, democratic, equitable, and civilised society" that demands a new mindset, position, and approach to international integration. The Politburos introduction of Resolution 59-NQ/TW on January 24, 2025 regarding "international integration in the new situation" marks a "breakthrough decision" and a historic turning point in the country's integration process by positioning international integration as a crucial driver propelling the country into a new era. This transition moves from reception to contribution, from deep and broad integration to full integration, from the position of a latecomer to the status of a rising nation pioneering in new fields. Our Party has viewed international integration as a critical strategy to strengthen political position, promote economic development, ensure national security, and elevate the countrys influence on the world map. International integration has gradually evolved through various periods, from limited, selective integration with ideological considerations and initial pure economic integration to todays broad, comprehensive integration. The 9th National Party Congress first introduced the international economic integration policy. The 11th National Party Congress marked a shift in mindset, from international economic integration to international integration in all areas. The Politburos Resolution No.22-NQ/TW on international integration dated April 10, 2013 concretised the international integration policy with the guideline of proactive and active international integration. Most recently, this strategic direction was furthered developed and refined into proactive, active, comprehensive, extensive, and effective international integration at the 13th National Party Congress. In 40 years of renewal, Viet Nam's international integration process has achieved important results of historic significance. From an isolated and embargoed country, Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries worldwide and formed Strategic Partnerships and Comprehensive Partnerships with 34 nations, including all permanent members of the UN Security Council and major countries. Viet Nam has been an active member of over 70 regional and international organisations, with deep, substantive political, defence, and security relationships. From a poor, backward economy at a low level of development and under embargo and sanctions, Vietnam has become one of the world's 34 largest economies, with an economic scale nearly 100 times larger than in 1986 and per capita income rising from under 100 USD to nearly 5,000 USD. Engagement in multi-tiered international economic cooperation agreements and linkages, particularly 17 free trade agreements (FTA) has connected Viet Nam with more than 60 key economies, enabling deeper participation in global production and supply chains, positioning Viet Nam in top 20 countries with the largest trade volume in the world, top 20 economies attracting the biggest volume of foreign investments, and top 10 countries receiving the largest remittances globally. However, looking at the overall picture seriously and objectively, the results of implementing international integration policies still fall short of expectations and set goals, failing to meet development requirements, with many constraints, bottlenecks, and barriers impeding the progress. International integration brings not only numerous opportunities but also challenges and downsides such as unfair competition, unsustainable growth, widening wealth disparities, environmental pollution, risk of going astray, cultural invasion, self-evolution, self-transformation, and erosion of trust internally. The world is standing at the threshold of fundamental era-defining changes, undergoing profound transformations in all aspects under the influence of major political, economic, cultural, social, and scientific technological shifts. The period from now to 2030 is the most crucial phase for shaping and establishing a new world order. These changes are creating a more multidimensional international environment, opening up tremendous opportunities alongside significant challenges for our country. In this transitional period between the old and the new, medium and small countries often find themselves in reactive positions, unable to adapt quickly enough. In this transformation, if we fail to promptly catch up with the world, recognise and seize opportunities to place our country in the right current of the times over the next 10-20 years, the risk of falling behind will be more real than ever before. The strength of the current era lies in global political, economic, and social trends such as peace, cooperation, and development, and the trend of democratising international relations, sustainable development, and economic cooperation and connectivity. It is the power of the international consensus on building and reinforcing a multipolar, polycentric, democratic, fair, and equitable world, based on international law, and especially the ongoing science-technology revolution, which is opening up endless development opportunities based on knowledge and human potential. At this historic moment, the country needs historical decisions. Building on the established values, Resolution 59 captures the flow of the era's strength and "elevates" international integration with highly revolutionary, groundbreaking, national, scientific, and contemporary perspectives. The 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam convenes a meeting in Hanoi on November 25, 2024. VNA/VNS Photo Firstly, alongside national defence and security, "promoting external affairs and international integration" is a crucial and regular task. The key and regular spirit in international integration is to optimise external resources and favourable conditions for the goal of protecting the homeland and developing the country early and from afar, and ensuring the highest interests of the nation, as well as the best interests of the people. Secondly, in terms of perception, international integration must be an endeavour of the entire people and the whole political system, under the leadership of the Party and the management of the State. The people and businesses are taken as the centre, subjects, driving forces, main forces, and beneficiaries of international integration. Integration should go with national identity preservation, not dissolution. Thirdly, international integration must be based on intrinsic strength, which plays a decisive role, with the enhancement of internal strength going hand in hand with utilising external resources. Internal strength serves as the main resource and the root for power, so it must always be promoted to ensure proactivity, independence, and self-resilience. At the same time, it is essential to make the most of external resources to complement and enhance internal strength. A harmonious combination of national strength and that of the era would create the power of Viet Nam in the era of the nations rise. Fourthly, international integration is a process of both cooperation and struggle, that means cooperating to struggle and struggling to cooperate. It is important to focus on partnership and limit confrontation, and at the same time, respect the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. In the process of integration, it is a must to demonstrate the spirit of being an active and responsible partner of the international community, staying ready to contribute to the common efforts of the region and the world. Fifthly, international integration must be "concerted, comprehensive, intensive, and extensive," with fields closely linked and complementing each other in an overall strategy, with a clear focus and appropriate roadmaps and steps. We are facing the need for a revolution with strong, comprehensive reforms for development. Along with the "spirit of innovation" in restructuring the organisational apparatus of the political system as outlined in Resolution No. 18, and the "breakthrough thinking" on science-technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation in Resolution 57, the orientation on international integration as the action manual of Resolution 59 will create a "strategic trio" with a focus on "Long-term stability - Sustainable development - Improved quality of life," as outlined by the Party. In this revolutionary phase, we need to implement decisive and effective actions in the following directions: Firstly, new mindset, awareness, and actions in international integration must be deeply grasped and put into practice. Accordingly, the consciousness of proactive and active international integration in a harmonious, comprehensive, intensive, extensive, and effective manner is a major strategic direction of the Party, serving as an important driving force for the development and safeguarding of the Fatherland, the achievement of social progress and justice, the protection of the environment, and the preservation and promotion of the national cultural identity. This must be unified from the central to local levels, and extended to every organisation, individual, and business. The Party and State's guidelines and policies on international integration, along with the requirements, tasks, opportunities, benefits, responsibilities, and obligations of Viet Nam in this work, need to be widely disseminated and deeply understood throughout the Party, the people, and the army. Secondly, economic integration is identified as the core, and integration in other fields must facilitate economic integration, with the top priority being restructuring the economy, renewing the growth model, and promoting digital transformation. Focus should be placed on sectors with advantages and potential, and priority should be given to mobilising resources for key sectors and projects such as strategic infrastructure in transportation and energy, including high-speed railways, expressways, seaports, airports, and nuclear, wind and solar power plants, and those reducing emissions, and achieving carbon neutrality to avoid wastefulness and achieve high efficiency, especially in the context of digital transformation and the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is essential to bring into full play international economic commitments, agreements, and linkages, particularly new-generation Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), to enhance mutually beneficial interests and avoid dependence on certain partners. Domestic institutions should be consolidated to improve the capacity of implementing international commitments and agreements. Special mechanisms and policies should be developed to attract high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI), especially in important emerging sectors and new drivers for labour productivity growth, such as information technology, telecommunications, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. Appropriate policies should be in place to encourage foreign investors to transfer technology, governance, and professional skills to Vietnamese enterprises and labourers. Vietnamese businesses should be encouraged to invest and do business effectively abroad, and build national brands with international standing. Thirdly, the political, security, and defence integration must aim to strengthen the nations capacity and position, and protect the nation early and from afar, before the country is in danger. International integration must effectively utilise established partnerships to promote political trust, mobilise resources for development, resolve outstanding issues through peaceful measures, and strengthen cooperation based on respect for and compliance with international law. The nation must strengthen coordination with partners to effectively address traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including the East Sea issue, water security, food security, pollution, epidemics, cybercrime, and transnational crime. With new position and strength, we can take on a core, leading and reconciling role in appropriate fields; contribute more actively to international peacekeeping, search and rescue activities; and diversify defence and security cooperation, and develop a self-reliant and modern and dual-use defence and security industry. Fourthly, science, technology, and innovation must be identified as top important breakthroughs, drivers for the rapid development of productive forces, thus improving production relations in line with Resolution 57. Therefore, international integration in these fields must aim at aligning domestic standards and regulations on science and technology with advanced international norms and practices. This will quickly improve national competitiveness, expand the country's development space, mobilise and take advantage of international resources and strongly promote domestic resources to develop prioritised and spearhead industries, emerging sectors and innovation fields. Fifthly, comprehensive integration in culture, society, tourism, environment, education - training, health care, and other sectors must be promoted. In terms of culture, integration should be linked with the preservation, promotion, and introduction of national culture; developing cultural industries, content industries, and high-quality cultural products and brands with global competitiveness capacity. In health care, cooperation in research and application of science in public health care should be strengthened, along with developing specialised international-standard medical centres that integrate both Eastern and Western medicines to treat diseases. In education and training, efforts should be made to standardise, innovate, and improve the quality of domestic educational institutions to match regional and international standards. In tourism, attention should be paid to expanding and diversifying markets, focusing on high-potential markets with large numbers of visitors, high spending, and long stays. For labour, it is necessary to implement mechanisms to develop high-quality human resources, enhance lifelong learning skills, and increase the capacity and productivity of the Vietnamese labour force. Above all, a strategy should be outlined for the development of Vietnamese people of the "rising generation so that by 2045, young men and women in their late teens and twenties will stand shoulder to shoulder with their international peers in both intellect and physicality. Sixthly, it is important to address bottlenecks in implementing international commitments and agreements, and accelerate the finalisation of institutions and policies, focusing on efforts to review and incorporate international laws into domestic laws to fully, consistently, and effectively implement our obligations and commitments. Organisations and associations must enhance supervision for the implementation of policies, laws, and international integration commitments. Ministries, sectors, and localities must speed up the enforcement of international agreements and commitments. At the same time, it is essential to institutionalise and specify international integration strategies by sector, especially in areas such as green economy, digital economy, circular economy, energy transition, digital transformation, carbon emission reduction, and outer space. Seventhly, promoting the spirit of Resolution 18 in international integration, the focus should be on streamlining specialised agencies towards the lean, efficient, modern, and professional direction. The goal is to make these mechanisms operate more effectively, creating positive changes in coordinating international integration efforts across all levels, sectors, localities, and among people and businesses. The personnel work must be viewed as fundamental, focusing on building a team of professionals in international integration that possesses high expertise and skills at the international level, and capable of participating in mediation and resolving international disputes. Innovation should be encouraged to improve the proactivity and creativity of localities, people, and businesses in international integration. Finally, international integration will only succeed when it becomes a conscious culture of all organisations, individuals, businesses, and localities; and harnesses the central role and active, proactive, and creative participation of people, businesses, and localities in linking international integration with domestic integration, connecting regions, localities, sectors, and fields, as well as bridging research with implementation, to achieve tangible results from the integration process. Our Uncle Ho creatively applied the idea of combining national strength with the power of the era, finding the path to national salvation, bringing Viet Nam out of slavery and regain independence and freedom. In the interdependent world today, the development of each nation cannot be isolated or immune to the influences of the world and the era, or the prevailing circumstances. Following Uncle Ho's example, we must keep pace with the global movement, find a way to peace, stability, prosperity, and development, and build a higher and more solid position for the nation in the new era. The nation is facing a great opportunity to rise, but it is also confronted with immense challenges. The integration achievements so far have contributed to building the strength and momentum for the next breakthroughs. Building on this spirit, Resolution 59 marks a significant shift in our Party's mindset and orientation for international integration in the upcoming period, creating motivation to propel the country toward the glorious stage of independence, freedom, happiness, prosperity, and lasting success./. VNA/VNS VIENTIANE Party General Secretary To Lam on Thursday led a high-ranking Vietnamese Party and State delegation to pay their final respects to Gen. Khamtay Siphandone, former Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), former President and former Prime Minister of Laos, who passed away a day earlier. On the occasion, Lam also held meetings with Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, and PM Sonexay Siphandone. Expressing sorrow over Khamtay's passing, Lam extended his heartfelt condolences to the high-ranking leaders and people of Laos, and the late leaders family. He described Khamtay as an eminent figure of the first generation of Lao revolutionaries, who played a pivotal role in building the Lao revolution, leading the national democratic revolution, and safeguarding and developing the country. He was also a pioneer in implementing the LPRPs comprehensive renewal policy, and a loyal, close and steadfast friend of Vietnam who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Vietnamese people through their struggles for national protection and the nation building. His passing, Lam noted, is a great loss to the Party, State, and people of both Laos and Viet Nam. To honour Khamtay's contributions, Lam announced that Vietnamese Party and State have decided to observe two days of national mourning. PM Sonexay Siphandone expressed sincere gratitude to Lam and the Vietnamese delegation, noting that they were the first to come to Laos to offer condolences to the Lao Party and State, and the later leader's family. This gesture, he noted, reflects the deep bond and affection for their beloved father, a great leader of the Lao Party, State, and people. Lam and the Lao leaders reflected on Khamtays illustrious revolutionary career, which began with his involvement in the Indochinese Communist Party. They underscored his close ties to the Vietnamese revolution and his strong relationships with Viet Nam's senior revolutionary leaders, describing these as vivid manifestations of the rare unbreakable and loyal relationship between the Parties, States, and revolutionary causes of both nations. The Lao leaders affirmed that future generations of Lao leaders will continue to work alongside their Vietnamese counterparts to nurture the special friendship and solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos, built and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, and other leaders of both countries. Party chief Lam commended Laos for its active preparations for the upcoming Party congresses at all levels in the lead-up to the 12th National Party Congress next year. He stressed that streamlining and reorganising Laos political apparatus is a critical task, signaling positive progress that will bolster national development in the new phase. He also reaffirmed Viet Nam's readiness to continue supporting Laos in its efforts to build, protect, and develop the nation. The Lao hosts noted that they are studying and applying Viet Nam's experience, committing to bold reforms to meet the demands of national development and enhance the quality of life for their people. Both sides agreed to maintain frequent exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially high level, and effectively follow existing agreements, including those from the trilateral meeting of leaders from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. They stressed the importance of Viet Nam and Laos standing side by side and supporting each other to foster the great friendship and special bond between their Parties, States and people, ensuring this relationship remains increasingly fruitful. VNA/VNS YEREVAN Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man met with Hasmik Hakobyan, Chairwoman of the Armenia Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Group, in Yerevan on the morning of April 3 (local time). Hakobyan welcomed the establishment of parliamentary friendship groups in both countries, pledging her utmost efforts to enhance cooperation between the two groups as well as the two parliaments. She expressed her satisfaction with the sustained and reinforced collaboration between the Vietnamese and Armenian parliaments through bilateral engagements and interactions on the sidelines of multilateral conferences and forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). Despite the recent growth in bilateral trade, there remains considerable potential and advantages for the two sides to tap into to promote the export and import of agricultural products, Hakobyan opined. She also voiced her hope that Viet Nam will soon open an embassy in Armenia, and that the two countries will reach an agreement on visa exemptions to facilitate people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, she recommended a direct flight route be launched to further promote trade and investment ties. Chairman Man, who is paying an official visit to Armenia, stated Viet Nam always treasures its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Armenia, and wants to deepen their comprehensive and long-term cooperation, especially amid an increasingly complex global landscape. He highlighted the Vietnamese Party, State, and people's appreciation for Armenias support for the past struggle for independence as well as ongoing national development efforts. Showing Viet Nam's support for Armenia in strengthening ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the top legislator affirmed that Viet Nam is willing to serve as a bridge to bolster Armenias cooperation with other bloc members, and it wishes to work together to actively contribute to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. He applauded the enhancement of bilateral relations through high-level mutual visits, noting that the two countries' partnerships have enjoyed progress in multiple spheres over the recent past. The NA Chairman highly valued Armenia attaching importance to developing collaboration with Vietnam and viewing the latter as an important partner in Southeast Asia. He noted the Viet Nam Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group has been established recently, expressing his belief that both friendship groups will actively promote exchanges and experience sharing, particularly among parliamentarians, female legislators, and young lawmakers. Acknowledging Hakobyans proposals, the visiting leader vowed to instruct relevant Vietnamese authorities to study and consider them in due course. VNA/VNS HCM CITY King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium visited the War Remnants Museum and met with children affected by Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin in HCM City on Thursday, as part of their ongoing state visit to Viet Nam. At the museum in District 3, the King and the Queen toured an exhibition on the consequences of AO/dioxin. They also attended "Agent Orange: From Past to Future", an event organised by the museum, where they learned about the latest technologies and achievements in cleaning up AO-contaminated areas in Viet Nam, by Haemers Technologies, a Belgian company. Speaking at the event, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Development Cooperation Maxime Prevot highlighted the rapid geopolitical changes worldwide. Amid these changes, he reaffirmed Belgiums steadfast support for Viet Nam. One of the key demonstrations of this commitment is the Belgian Chamber of Representatives' adoption of a resolution in support of the AO/dioxin victims in Viet Nam. He emphasised that Belgium stands ready to support its Vietnamese friends through scientific and technical cooperation in the treatment and cleaning of dioxin-contaminated soil, backed by a solid financial solution. On this occasion, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were also introduced to the Aquitara Impact Fund, a Belgian investment fund dedicated to partnering with Haemers Technologies. The fund aims to integrate environmental restoration with economic redevelopment by cleaning up contaminated land, developing eco-industrial zones, and incorporating renewable energy solutions. Earlier in the day, the Belgian monarchs visited Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in District 3 to explore Vietnamese Buddhist culture. Before that, they had a meeting with Nguyen Van Nen, Politburo member and Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee. VNA/VNS MOSCOW Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son underlined the pivotal role of legislative cooperation between Viet Nam and Russia in advancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during a meeting with Speaker of the Federation Council (Upper House) of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko in Moscow on Thursday (local time). Son expressed gratitude to the Federation Council, particularly Speaker Matviyenko, for their special affection toward Viet Nam and their steadfast support for enhancing bilateral relations across diverse sectors. He highlighted the close and effective coordination between the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) and the Federation Council, both bilateral and multilateral frameworks. He hoped that the Federation Council would continue working closely with the Vietnamese NA to oversee and step up the effective implementation of cooperation agreements signed by the two countries' top leaders and Governments. He also urged the Federation Council to serve as a bridge fostering partnerships between Vietnamese cities and provinces and Russian localities to deliver tangible results based on existing agreements. Welcoming Son on his official visit to Russia, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Matvienco reaffirmed that Viet Nam's status as Russia's largest and most trusted partner in Southeast Asia. After hearing Son's briefing on the outcomes of talks between the two foreign ministers, she praised the recent strides in bilateral relations across multiple domains, noting that the increased exchange of delegations at various levels and through multiple channels offers a prime opportunity to deepen cooperation and bring agreements to fruition. Matviyenko also expressed her wish for a meeting with Vietnamese NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man on the sidelines of the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly in Uzbekistan. She stressed that despite representing diverse regions and political parties, all members of the Federation Council and parties in the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation share a deep fondness for Viet Nam and a firm commitment to strengthening the traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. She urged Son to further enhance bilateral coordination, including through parliamentary channel. The same day, Deputy PM and FM Son met with Russian Deputy PM Alexey Overchuk, who affirmed the great importance Russia attaches to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Son stressed that increasing bilateral meetings and information exchange provides opportunities for the two sides to strengthen the coordination of action, in both bilateral and multilateral settings. The two Deputy PMs discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, and investment. They shared the view that with the close attention and direction from Vietnamese and Russian leaders as well as efforts by both sides ministries and sectors, economic, trade, and investment collaboration has made encouraging progress, but many hindrances remain. Therefore, joint efforts are necessary to fully capitalise on potential and optimise economic cooperation. On specific obstacles, the officials agreed on the need for prompt decisions and close coordination to resolve as in line with the faithful relationship, mutual trust, and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Son called on Russia, which plays an important role in the Eurasian Economic Union, to encourage other member countries to remove trigger safeguard measures against Vietnamese exports. He also proposed Russia increase Vietnams rice export quotas, seek new investment avenues, and create favourable conditions for businesses from both countries to invest in each other's territories. The Vietnamese Deputy PM went on to suggest further common efforts be made to enhance direct aviation connectivity, promote tourism, and facilitate travel and people-to-people exchanges. Also on April 3, Son visited the Presidential Academy and met with Kudryashov Sergei Ivanovich, General Director of Zarubezhneft, a Russian company with long-time oil and gas cooperation with Viet Nam. VNA/VNS YEREVAN Viet Nam always values the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Armenia, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man told Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan during a meeting in Yerevan on Thursday (local time). Chairman Man said the Vietnamese people always remember the invaluable support extended by the Armenian people during Viet Nam's struggle for national independence and its ongoing journey of national construction and development. He extended congratulations to Armenia for its significant achievements, particularly in socio-economic development and its rising stature on the global stage. He expressed Viet Nam's commitment to deepening political trust and fostering comprehensive and enduring cooperation that benefits both nations while contributing to peace, stability, and progress in the regions and the world. Sharing Viet Nam's notable socio-economic achievements in 2024, Man highlighted its key priorities for 2025 and beyond as the nation moves toward a new era of prosperity. He briefed President Khachaturyan on the outcomes of his talks with the President of the Armenian NA, spotlighting the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two legislatures. The two sides also established the Armenia Viet Nam and Viet Nam Armenia parliamentary friendship groups to strengthen the countries' overall ties as well as legislative bonds. President Khachaturyan, for his part, warmly welcomed the visit the first by a high-ranking Vietnamese leader since bilateral diplomatic ties were established, hailing it as a landmark in advancing the traditional friendship and expanding bilateral cooperation. He expressed profound admiration for President Ho Chi Minh and praised Viet Nam as a heroic nation whose struggle for independence and socio-economic progress serves as an inspiring model for Armenia and others. Building on a foundation of steadfast friendship and shared aspirations for national development, he affirmed that Armenia and Viet Nam will broaden collaboration in various areas, especially economy, health care, tourism, infrastructure, and transport connectivity, thereby maximising the potential of each nation. Lauding the positive development of bilateral relations across multiple sectors, the leaders recognised the effectiveness of maintaining the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level, across all channels, which has reinforced mutual trust and cooperation in a way that benefits both nations. They also commended the steady growth of economic and trade collaboration, particularly following the coming-into-force of the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union in 2016. Bilateral trade turnover reached US$342 million in 2023 and neared $500 million in 2024. The leaders also praised a recent business dialogue between the two countries, which helped connect their enterprises and promote investment cooperation. Discussing major orientations to promote potential cooperation fields, they agreed that geographical distance should not be a barrier to strengthening ties. They consented to enhance coordination between their parliaments, governments, and relevant agencies to establish a favourable legal framework and conditions for their businesses to connect and seek investment and partnership opportunities. They pledged to improve information exchange on policies and market trends, address challenges faced by enterprises, and expand investment-trade cooperation in such key sectors such as light industry, food industry, agricultural product processing, and the production of modern building materials using Armenian resources. The two sides also expressed interest in fostering collaboration in emerging fields, including aviation, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and green transition. Man affirmed Viet Nam's readiness to apply its advanced technologies in joint projects related to telecommunications, industrial technology application, and tourism development. The two leaders agreed on the importance of promoting cooperation in the fields of defence, security, education-training, culture, sports, people-to-people exchange and tourism. Man suggested that Armenia support Viet Nam in training human resources in high technology while increasing student exchange programmes to foster mutual learning, knowledge sharing and cooperation for development. In response, President Khachaturyan urged relevant agencies from both countries to implement favourable visa policies to facilitate travel for their citizens. Regarding multilateral and regional cooperation, the two leaders consented that the two countries will continue to closely coordinate and support each other at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF). The top Vietnamese legislator affirmed that Viet Nam is ready to bridge Armenia and ASEAN. He also urged Armenia to support the stance of ASEAN and Viet Nam on the East Sea (known as the South China Sea) issue, resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the UN Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). He announced that his country will host the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime in October in Ha Noi, inviting Armenias senior leaders to attend the event, contributing to global efforts in combating cybercrime. Appreciating Viet Nam's organisation of this important event, the President informed that Armenia will be the host country of the United Nations Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in 2026 and hoped that Viet Nam will send high-ranking leaders to this conference. On this occasion, NA Chairman Man conveyed the invitations of Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong to President Khachaturyan to visit Viet Nam soon. The host leader accepted the invitations with pleasure, confirming that he would visit Viet Nam at a time convenient for both sides. VNA/VNS BA RIA - VUNG TAU For nearly 48 years, the Long at Rehabilitation Centre for War Veterans and People with Meritorious Services has been providing care, rehabilitation and medical treatment for many severely wounded veterans, in Long Hai Town, Long at District, in the southern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau. The veterans receive dedicated and thoughtful care from a team of doctors, nurses and staff at the centre, with many of those who are being looked after having spent more than half of their lives at the facility. One such veteran, Nguyen Van Kha, 65, of the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang, has been receiving care at the centre for 22 years. Kha is now more alert, and his mental state has gradually been stabilising. He still remembers his hometown and the years he has spent at the centre with remarkable clarity. In moments of mental stability, he even serenades doctors and staff of the centre with a Vietnamese song titled 'Nguoi tinh tren chien tran' (The Lover on the Battlefield). Another veteran, Thach Thi Lam, 75, who is from the central province of Nghe An, has been at the centre for 34 years. Reflecting on her youthful days of service, Lam recalls how, at 17 years old, she deceived her parents, adding an extra year to her age in order to meet the recruitment requirements for the army. In early 1968, she was called up to serve as a worker in the Military Engineering Station on the battlefront in Laos, tasked with building the military routes and guiding her comrades. In 1971, during one of her missions to guide the troops, she stepped on a landmine, resulting in injuries to both legs. Her right leg was amputated above the knee, while her left leg was severely damaged at the calf. "When I first learned of the severity of my injuries, I was utterly devastated. I saw a dark future, she said. However, thanks to the support of her friends and family, she slowly overcame her despair and found peace in her treatment. After receiving care in northern rehabilitation centres, Lam requested a transfer to the centre in 1991. "The place is a home built on the profound kindness of the State for us those who have sacrificed part of our bodies for the nation, she said. At the centre, the doctors, nurses and staff are sometimes even more caring than the veterans own families. The centre is a source of happiness and consolation for many of us as we approach the final years of our lives," she said. Another veteran, Nguyen Duy Minh, suffers from 96 per cent disability. He was wounded while serving on an international mission in Cambodia. In 1986, he was brought to the centre for care, rehabilitation and treatment. After 39 years of living at the centre, it has become his second home and the doctors, nurses and fellow veterans are like his own family. "Having been here for so many years, the doctors, nurses and staff treat me with such care and attention, as if I were their own kin," he said. The Director of the centre, Tong uc Binh, said the institute was established in 1977 and currently cares for 46 severely wounded veterans, with a disability rate ranging from 81 per cent to 96 per cent. The veterans come from 20 provinces and cities across the country. This is the only facility in southern Viet Nam dedicated to caring for veterans, who served during the resistance against American imperialism and in the Southwest Border Defence War. Most of the veterans at the centre suffer from spinal injuries, paralysis of the lower limbs and other severe disabilities that leave them confined to wheelchairs, with no movement or sensation in their limbs. Among the 46 veterans, the youngest is 64 years old, while the oldest is 85. The centres Mental Health Department currently cares for 15 veterans with mental health disorders, including two female veterans, who require special care and attention. Binh said that, over the years, the centre's staff, including civil servants and medical personnel, have always considered caring for the veterans to be like caring for their own relatives. The veterans receive healthcare, emotional support and welfare benefits as stipulated by the Government. ang Thi Nghia, a nurse who has been with the centre for two years, considers the veterans to be like her own family. Her daily tasks involve dressing wounds, cleaning injuries and administering medications to the veterans. She said: Caring for the elderly is already challenging, but caring for veterans with physical and mental disabilities is even more so. However, she sees serving the veterans and people with meritorious services not just as a responsibility, but as a great honour. I treat them as family and always do my best to ensure they are happy and healthy, she said. VNS TIEN GIANG Tien Giang Province is implementing various measures to enhance the quality of Thai jackfruit and boost its official exports. The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province is applying advanced farming techniques to cultivate Thai jackfruit, encouraging farmers to adhere to food safety and environmental protection standards, while also developing production codes for designated growing areas. It has also urged packaging establishments to obtain packing codes to facilitate exports. As the countrys largest fruit-producing province, Tien Giang has nearly 16,000 hectares under Thai jackfruit, producing 300,000 tonnes annually. The primary growing areas include Cai Be, Cai Lay, Chau Thanh, and Tan Phuoc districts and Cai Lay Town. With favourable soil and climate conditions, the province achieves high yields of around 20 tonnes per hectare annually. According to its Department of Agriculture and Environment, there are 72 officially recognised Thai jackfruit growing areas covering a total of 8,600 ha, which have all been granted production codes for export. In addition, 300 packaging codes have been issued to facilities exporting jackfruit, durian, dragon fruit, mango, and other fruits to China. The province is implementing a project to restructure crop and livestock farming in the upstream areas of the Tien River, a tributary of the Mekong River, north of National Highway No. 1. This initiative encourages farmers to convert unproductive farmland into specialised fruit-growing areas for Thai jackfruit and durian or vegetable cultivation, improving productivity and profits. As part of the project, research is being conducted to prevent diseases, enhance jackfruit quality and utilise by-products for value-added products. Nguyen Van Nha, who converted his 2.2-hectare rice field into a Thai jackfruit plantation in My Thanh Nam Commune, Cai Lay District, said the fruits began to grow after three years and nearly year-round, and the yields are 25-30 tonnes annually. He earns nearly VN1 billion (US$39,000) a year. Nguyen Van Hat, chairman of the My Thanh Nam Commune Farmers Association, described Thai jackfruit as a poverty reduction crop due to its high yields, strong export potential and economic value. Farmers in the commune have converted hundreds of hectares of unproductive rice fields into Thai jackfruit plantations, using both monoculture and intercropping methods. Authorities in key growing areas such as Cai Lay and Cai Be districts have provided farmers with technical training in intensive farming methods and good agricultural practices. They are also encouraging farmers and businesses to establish specialised growing zones and acquire production codes to meet export standards. The price of Thai jackfruit has risen significantly since Tet (Lunar New Year), which started on 29 January. In early February prices in Cai Lay Town were at VN15,000-27,000 per kilogramme depending on quality, VN3,000-5,000 higher than a month earlier. Nguyen Thi Ngoc, a trader in the town, said prices have surged due to a limited supply and strong demand. VNS HCM CITY Behind every safe metro train is a team of maintenance technicians. They are like silent 'doctors' who take care of the trains health, checking, detecting and handling any technical problems to ensure the trains operate smoothly. Deep inside the Long Binh depot in Thu uc City, the metro maintenance team carries out its work. They are considered 'doctors without white coats", diligently inspecting and repairing train components every day, from engines to control systems. Keeping metro trains 'healthy' The maintenance team is an indispensable part of the operation process of metro line No 1. They include highly qualified engineers, fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform periodic maintenance and troubleshoot problems. All staff here wear protective gear, their faces always showing high concentration. Luu Cao Huy, 28, Head of the Locomotive - Carriage Team, told the Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper that metro maintenance and repair was a continuous process. Every day, when the metro line has not yet started rolling, the maintenance team thoroughly inspects the equipment from the beginning to the end of the line, checks the electrical system, the signal system and many other important stages such as cleaning the rails and cleaning the wheels. Huy's team conducts daily, weekly and monthly inspections according to regulations. Huy said that the maintenance team had many members, divided into five main groups, including signalling, construction, electrical, locomotive and carriage team and groups who look after the stations and building utilities. Each is in charge of a separate task, working together to ensure the safe operation of the railway. "If just one part is not guaranteed, it will lead to many consequences, affecting the entire metro line. The locomotive and carriage team is responsible for ensuring that the train operates properly, on time and does not endanger passengers," said Huy. For normal vehicles, there will be a periodic maintenance schedule such as every few months or once a year. But the metro must be checked regularly because problems can happen at any time. The metro is not only a mechanical system but also integrates a complex signal information system. Just a small mistake can seriously affect the entire system," said Huy. Inside the maintenance factory, all the machinery and equipment are state-of-the-art, requiring the maintenance team to have deep expertise and proficiency in operating and mastering them. That is why members doing maintenance work like Huy need to be trained continuously, study documents carefully and deeply, and participate in technology transfer training courses. Man masters machine A team's workday begins with checking the maintenance plan and assigning specific tasks to each member. Every step in this process must ensure absolute safety for both people and the train. Normally, each test session typically last about six hours, including visual inspection combined with measurement and analysis of specific parameters using specialised machinery. The inspection process includes two steps - checking electric systems and checking non-electrical components. Checking electric systems is checking the sound systems, speakers, controls and air conditioning meticulously. Checking non-electric components includes inspecting the train's roof, steering column, and cleaning dust. There are also many systems under the train such as signal information, bogies, braking systems, checking non-electric mechanical systems to ensure they meet standards. If we find any problems, we will handle them immediately," said Huy. As a team leader, Huy sometimes feels pressured because of the great responsibility. He himself was always proud to contribute to a large project of the city, but along with that came high demands on expertise and skills. "Metro No 1 project is a very new project in our country Viet Nam, all the machinery and equipment systems here are almost the most advanced in the world, so we have to learn and improve every day to receive and master them, said Huy. In the future, the metro will develop even more, so anyone who studies engineering will have the opportunity to work here. The important thing is to have a foundation of knowledge, then come here to be trained again, there is no limit on age or gender because the maintenance profession is very broad," he said. To become the head of the locomotive and carriage team at such a young age, Huy said that he had worked hard to study and improve himself since his school days. Many years ago, when the metro line No 1 project was just laying the first foundations, he was determined to take the entrance exam for the metro train major at the HCM City University of Transport. "At that time, I saw that many countries had developed metro systems, so I also wanted and aspired to work in this field one day. Coming to HCM City, seeing the metros foundations, I had more confidence. After many years of studying and waiting, now I can work here, fulfilling my dream," Huy said proudly. Currently, the maintenance team of metro line No 1 is trained alongside the contractor Hitachi and Japanese experts. Each project has its own specific equipment, machinery and technology. Therefore, receiving training, technology transfer and continuous learning are prerequisites for the maintenance staff to master the metro system. Metro line No 1 is not only a turning point of the urban railway industry in HCM City, but also demonstrates the ability to learn and master technology of the Vietnamese technical team. Without them the silent 'doctors' inside the Long Binh depot, the metro line would not be in healthy conditions to serve millions of people and foreign tourists. VNS In the wake of a devastating earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, the Viet Nam People's Army dispatched several search and rescue teams to the Bala Tidi residential area of Zabu Thiri District, Naypyidaw, Myanmar. With unwavering determination, they continue their search and rescue operations, scouring through the debris under the cover of darkness, driven by a profound sense of responsibility to aid those in need. Among the many stories of hope is that of Phyo Pa Pa Moe, a resident of building 2367. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she recalled how the dedicated team from the 229th Engineer Corps of Viet Nam recovered cherished belongings and mementoes thought lost forever. "Thank you for your help. You are so kind. We are so happy!" she said. "My family and I are safe - my mother, my father, and even my dog are unharmed." In a heart-wrenching scene, the Bala Tidi residential area stands in ruins, with collapsed first floors weighing down the upper stories. This has made the search for buried victims a daunting challenge for the rescue teams. Before the Vietnamese team arrived, other rescue personnel assessed the situation. Captain Yar Zar of Myanmars Fire Prevention and Fighting Department expressed his appreciation, saying, When the Vietnamese rescue team arrived, they conducted their search with incredible precision. Both Myanmar and Viet Nam are united in the effort to locate the missing, whether alive or dead. We are deeply grateful for your support. The challenges are significant. With limited machinery and the inability to use drills, the ingenuity and strength of the engineers are critical to their success. Power outages and hot weather have further complicated search and rescue efforts. Yet, undeterred by these obstacles, the teams remain resolute in their mission. Tragically, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Securitys rescue force has already encountered heartbreak. They discovered the body of a child beneath the rubble of a four-story building. The team managed to bring the corpse out and handed it over to local authorities and grieving family members. Their search continues, aided by sniffer dogs, as they strive to find an adult still trapped in the ruins. In these moments of despair, the resilience and compassion of the Vietnamese rescue workers shine through, offering a glimmer of hope to those affected by this tragic disaster. VNS HA NOI The Viet Nam People's Army (VPA) rescue team, in collaboration with counterparts from Myanmar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recovered the bodies of three elderly earthquake victims at Ottara Thiri private hospital in Myanmars capital Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday. Supported by the UAE rescue teams sniffer dogs and specialised equipment, the Vietnamese team overcame intense heat and challenging conditions to locate and retrieve the victims buried under rubble. Their joint efforts resulted in the successful recovery of all three bodies by midday. On the same day, the Vietnamese team deployed a medical unit to establish a field tent at the hospital, providing consultations and distributing essential medications to local residents affected by the disaster. Additionally, another group was dispatched to survey Nay Pyi Taw to identify further areas in need of rescue and relief operations. Further operations Myanmars Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement today held a working session with the Vietnamese rescue delegation to exchange information and formulate plans for the next phase of earthquake-related search and rescue operations in the disaster-hit nation. Myanmar Minister of Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement Soe Win expressed appreciation for Viet Nam's support, particularly in rescuing victims trapped in the Aye Chan Thar Hotel. He commended Viet Nam's efforts and extended heartfelt thanks to the Vietnamese Government, people, and rescue delegation. In addition, Myanmar thanked Viet Nam for dispatching its rescue forces and providing emergency aid worth US$300,000 to assist in disaster relief efforts. The Vietnamese rescue delegation also contributed $5,000 from its operational fund to support the Myanmar people. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the earthquake as a highest-level emergency and called for urgent funding of $8 million in 30 days to save lives and prevent disease outbreaks. According to Myanmars military authorities, as of April 3, the death toll has exceeded 3,000, with thousands injured and over 370 people still missing. Structurally vulnerable buildings continue to collapse due to aftershocks. VNA/VNS This event was part of the state visit to Vietnam by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. Bac Tien Phong Industrial Zone Service-Office Complex marks a new step in completing the ecosystem of utilities and support services for investors at Bac Tien Phong IZ and Quang Yen Coastal EZ, affirming investor DEEP C's long-term, sustainable commitment to synchronised infrastructure development in Quang Ninh. The project has a total investment of $5 million and took 14 months to complete. This office model has been built according to sustainable criteria, aiming to reduce CO 2 emissions and meeting international standards for green buildings. Additionally, the service office complex includes full high-quality amenities. Delegates at the inauguration of the modern service-office complex at Bac Tien Phong Industrial Zone Also within the programme, King Philippe-Queen Mathilde and the Belgian delegation were introduced to the potential and strength of Quang Ninh province, including the DEEP C Industrial Zones in Quang Yen town. Accordingly, with special incentives, Quang Ninh has enticed more than 200 foreign-invested projects from 20 countries and territories with a total investment exceeding $16 billion, including many investors from the EU. Earlier, King Philippe-Queen Mathilde of Belgium, along with the delegation, visited and had a working session with Quang Ninhs management authorities. Welcoming King Philippe-Queen Mathilde and the delegation to Quang Ninh, Vu Dai Thang, Secretary of Quang Ninh Party Committee, noted that this is a particularly important milestone in the cooperation relationship between Quang Ninh province, and partners and localities of Belgium, as it opens up valuable opportunities for both sides to encourage comprehensive cooperation in the future. Introducing King Philippe-Queen Mathilde and delegates to the potential, strength, and socioeconomic development achievements of the province, Vu Dai Thang declared that with the existing potential and open cooperation spirit, leveraging the good Vietnam-Belgium relationship in recent years, Quang Ninh valued and wished to encourage extensive, practical cooperation with localities and partners in Belgium. Delegates witness the opening ceremony of a modern service-office complex at Bac Tien Phong Industrial Zone King Philippe of Belgium congratulated Quang Ninh on the provinces development achievements, noting that the province possesses great potentials and advantages, creating new cooperation opportunities with European countries in general and Belgium in particular. Appreciating the province's proposals, the King said that he would connect with businesses and investors to elevate cooperation programmes with Vietnam and Quang Ninh to new heights. He also suggested that Quang Ninh province facilitate Belgian businesses to have opportunities for cooperation and investment, especially in logistics and seaport development. Over the years, the Vietnam-Belgium relationship has developed substantively. Belgium is an important trade and investment partner of Vietnam, with bilateral trade value continuously growing year after year, boosted by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. Additionally, Belgium has many successful investment projects in Vietnam, reflecting the trust, long-term cooperation commitment, and sustainable development between the two countries. Quang Ninh is a strategic gateway connecting Vietnam with ASEAN and China, with a continuously invested and modernised infrastructure system, especially in transportation (roads, seaports, airports), urban infrastructure, tourism, and services. In recent years, Quang Ninh has consistently maintained double-digit economic growth, leading the country in the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), continuing to be a bright spot for economic development and political stability with a consistent foreign policy as well as a safe, stable, and reliable destination for international friends and partners. Quang Ninh is one of the few localities in the country with five economic zones (EZs), including both coastal and border EZs, with a total area of about 380,000 hectares. Additionally, the province has plans to develop 23 industrial zones (IZs) with a total area of nearly 19,000ha. To date, nine IZs have been established, attracting over 200 FDI projects with a total registered investment capital surpassing $16 billion, including projects from European investors. The modern service-office complex at Bac Tien Phong Industrial Zone Investors in IZs and EZs will benefit from the best investment incentive policies from the government and Quang Ninh province, creating a truly attractive environment for investors. Regarding industrial clusters (ICs), the province currently has 11 ICs with a total area approximating 578ha. Of these, six have completed technical infrastructure and are operational, with a total area of 375 ha, while five clusters are under infrastructure investment, including Dong Mai in Quang Yen town, Van Don in Van Don district, Trang An in Dong Trieu city, Yen Than in Tien Yen district, and Eastern Dam Ha B in Dam Ha district. This solid foundation has helped Quang Ninh's IZs and EZs capture interest and become a reliable choice for many international investors. Quang Ninh acknowledges and appreciates the positive contributions of Belgian investors, notably the pioneering role of major IZ developer DEEP C, along with partners with large-scale projects being implemented in Quang Yen Coastal EZ, including the 1,193ha Bac Tien Phong IZ and the 487ha Nam Tien Phong IZ. Bac Tien Phong and Nam Tien Phong IZs, invested in by DEEP C, are set to develop into modern, high-class industrial-port-logistics centres. To date, the two IZs have brought in nearly $3 billion from secondary investors. Quang Ninh has supported investors effectively in land clearance, completing IZ infrastructure, and attracting secondary investment projects. With a clear direction, complete infrastructure, and sustainable commitment, these IZs will play a key role in attracting high-quality investment, creating significant economic growth for Quang Ninh. Quang Ninh reaffirms role as national hub for FDI In the first seven months of 2024, Quang Ninh, a coastal province in Vietnam's northeast region, ranked second nationwide in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), with over $1.56 billion in registered foreign direct investment, accounting for 8.7 per cent of the total registered investment capital. Bac Ninh province shows great potential for industrial real estate Bac Ninh province is a magnet for investment thanks to its geographical advantages, favourable policies, and the implementation of key transportation projects connecting domestic and international economic hubs. Rescue forces are racing against time to search for victims of the earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) Hanoi The United Nations and international relief agencies reported that they are still unable to determine the full extent of destruction from the earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, warning the disaster could worsen hunger and disease outbreaks in a country where nearly 20 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance before the quake. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said it has reports of three hospitals destroyed and 22 partially damaged among more than 10,000 buildings collapsed or severely devastated in central and northwest Myanmar. However, according to the International Rescue Committee, the true scale of devastation remains unclear at this stage, with unverified reports that 80% of structures in one town near Mandalay have collapsed, though confirmation is hampered by telecommunications disruptions. An AI analysis of satellite images of Mandalay by Microsofts AI for Good Lab showed 515 buildings with 80% to 100% damage and another 1,524 with 20% to 80% damage. It was not clear what percentage of the citys buildings that represented. On March 31, Myanmar's state media quoted military government leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as saying the earthquake death toll had reached 2,065, with more than 3,900 injured and some 270 missing. Aid agencies forecast these numbers will rise significantly due to information blackouts in remote areas. Even before the quake, the countrys healthcare system and infrastructure were already severely underdeveloped due to long-term underinvestment. As one of the poorest countries in Asia, Myanmar has struggled to respond to serious disasters. Relief efforts are further hindered by power outages, fuel shortages, and unstable communications. The lack of heavy machinery has slowed search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, daytime temperatures in Myanmar exceeding 40C (104F) are exhausting rescue workers. The WHO has declared the earthquake a highest-level emergency and appealed for 8 million USD in aid, while the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has called for over 100 million USD to help Myanmar recover in 24 months, concerned the earthquake could exacerbate famine and disease outbreak risks. Thailand's payments system, businesses operating normally after quake Thailand's financial payments infrastructure and businesses remain unaffected following the powerful earthquake in Myanmar. Laos sends 33 officers to Myanmar for earthquake relief efforts The Lao Ministry of National Defence on March 31 afternoon sent a 33-member emergency response team to Myanmar to assist with search and rescue efforts following the devastating March 28 earthquake. Authorities conduct a rescue operation at the scene of a passenger bus crash into a ravine on Bao Loc Pass, Lam Dong province, on March 30. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi A total of 4,755 traffic accidents occurred nationwide in the first quarter of this year, resulting in 2,598 deaths and 3,198 injuries, according to the Office of National Traffic Safety Committee. Compared to the same period last year, the number of accidents, fatalities, and injuries declined by 27.8%, 1.9%, and 38.3%, respectively. The majority of incidents took place on roadways, with 4,710 accidents causing 2,565 deaths and 3,192 injuries. Meanwhile, 30 accidents were recorded on railways, and 15 occurred on inland waterways. No maritime accidents were reported during the period. In March alone (from February 2 to March 14), Vietnam recorded 1,312 traffic accidents, resulting in 730 deaths and 886 injuries. This reflects a year-on-year decrease of 23.14% in accidents, 4.82% in fatalities, and 29.4% in injuries. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Bill Winters, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered in Hanoi on April 2 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Bill Winters, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered in Hanoi on April 2 evening, asking the groups support for Vietnam in establishing international financial centres, obtaining green finance, and developing the private sector. Expressing gratitude to Standard Chartered for its active role as the sole advisor to the Vietnamese Government since 2012 on improving the nations credit rating, the PM praised the bank for supporting Vietnamese ministries and agencies in implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in Vietnam, as well as for working with the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) to help the country achieve its sustainable development goals. Standard Chartered has signed cooperation agreements, providing over 8 billion USD in financing to Vietnamese businesses and partners. Highlighting that Standard Chartered has been present in Vietnam for over 120 years, the Government leader encouraged the group to continue sharing its experience and consulting on the selection of models and solutions for the development of Vietnamese international financial centres, particularly regarding related institutional frameworks, policies, human resources training, management science, and comprehensive financial ecosystem solutions. The PM also called for the banks increased assistance for Vietnams implementation of JETP, provision of green development credit, and business support in projects involving wind energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable trade. Additionally, he suggested Standard Chartered help the country develop its private sector, attract more foreign direct investment (FDI), while assisting Vietnamese companies in both domestic growth and global expansion. Chinh also asked for the banks continued advice for the Vietnamese Government in raising the national credit rating to investment grade and policy reform recommendations for the nation to attract high-quality investment in key sectors like high-tech manufacturing, green agriculture, and clean and renewable energy. For his part, Winters said he is impressed by Vietnams remarkable development as a bright spot in the context of a challenging global landscape. Acknowledging the countrys commitments to climate change response and its potential for green and sustainable development, he said that the group is working closely with local authorities to further support Vietnam in green development, particularly in the establishment of international financial centres as suggested by his host. PM chairs meeting of 14th National Party Congresss sub-committee for socio-economic affairs He requested that the draft report must adopt innovative, breakthrough thinking, methodologies, approaches, and practices, in alignment with the global and regional situations as well as the country's development requirements; and that the content must be more up-to-date, proposing new breakthroughs and drivers for development. PM hosts official welcome ceremony for Singaporean counterpart Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted an official welcome ceremony for visiting Singaporean PM Lawrence Wong and his spouse at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on March 26 morning. This marks the fifth Asia-Pacific country in which Westcon-Comstor will distribute AWS solutions, following Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Singapore. This expansion underscores the growing demand for AWS services and solutions, and the pivotal role Westcon-Comstor plays in facilitating cloud adoption across diverse markets. Already a distributor of AWS services in Asia-Pacific since 2013, Westcon-Comstor also covers Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Singapore within Asia-Pacific. Westcon-Comstor's entry into Vietnam represents a significant milestone in its goal of driving end-user adoption of the AWS Cloud and AWS Marketplace as a way for resellers and customers to transact independent software vendor solutions. Westcon-Comstor will utilise its cloud capabilities, providing partners with comprehensive support designed to accelerate their AWS success. This includes helping partners to develop their AWS go-to-market strategy, access AWS funding programmes, and build technical expertise through enablement. As part of its AWS offerings, Westcon-Comstor will be harnessing the expertise of Rebura, an AWS Premier Tier Services partner that it acquired in 2024. This will empower partners to provide a comprehensive suite of AWS services to their customers, spanning migrations, modernisations, and managed services. Rebura and Westcon-Comstor will support partners with technical guidance and hands-on expertise through flexible engagement models, giving them immediate access to in-demand AWS capabilities. Westcon-Comstor was also the first IT distributor in Asia-Pacific to earn the AWS Security Competency Status, demonstrating its deep technical expertise and success in delivering secure cloud solutions to its partners and their customers on AWS. In addition to driving the adoption of AWS cloud services in Vietnam, Westcon will also be helping partners and their customers to transact on AWS Marketplace in Vietnam. With hyperscaler marketplaces forecast to hit $85 billion globally by 2028, Westcon sees just as much demand for Vietnam. Westcon helps customers transact on AWS Marketplace with simplified procurement and accelerated transaction time. Patrick Aronson "This expansion into Vietnam is a testament to our strong relationship with AWS and our dedication in driving cloud innovation in Asia-Pacific. By continuously expanding our distribution network, we are enabling more businesses to leverage the power of AWS to transform their operations and achieve greater efficiency. We are excited about the opportunities this brings and look forward to supporting our partners in Vietnam," said Patrick Aronson, executive vice president of Asia-Pacific and chief marketing officer at Westcon-Comstor. Eric Yeo Eric Yeo, country general manager at AWS Vietnam, added, "We are thrilled to welcome Westcon-Comstor as AWS's first authorised distributor in Vietnam. In this era of rapid digital transformation, this strategic partnership will empower local partners to fully support their customers' transformation initiatives. Westcon-Comstor's value-added services and proven enablement programmes will equip our partners with the essential tools and support needed to unlock new business opportunities, and help customers thrive in today's digital economy." Unlocking business potential with AWS Partner Network Businesses in Vietnam and the region are increasingly benefiting from the expansion of the AWS Partner Network to scale up their operations. Chris Casey, director of AWS Partners Asia-Pacific and Japan, spoke with VIRs Bich Thuy about the development potential. The solutions to success for generative AI in healthcare While AI is making increasing impacts on the healthcare sector, bringing more benefits to patients, some uncertainties still remain. 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Published: Thursday, Apr 3rd, 2025 Mark Drakeford warned Wales could miss out on up to 65m to cover the increased costs of employer national insurance contributions in the public sector. The finance secretary confirmed that Rachel Reeves, the UK chancellor, has decided to distribute national insurance funding via the Barnett formula. I think that she is wrong to do that, he said. And I have said so in direct terms to the chief secretary of the treasury as did the finance ministers for Scotland and Northern Ireland. He stressed: We should have been compensated for the actual costs, not a Barnett share. Prof Drakeford told the Senedd: The result is that we are now, it could be as much as 65m short of what we estimate public services in Wales within the chancellors own definition will have to pay. Not fit for purpose Labours Alun Davies described the population-based Barnett formula, which was devised in the late 1970s as a temporary measure, as not fit for purpose. During finance questions on April 2, he told the Senedd: It also ensures that Wales does not get a fair crack of the whip when it comes to the distribution of funding across the UK. The Blaenau Gwent Senedd member voiced concerns about the UK treasury using the formula to compensate public sector employers for national insurance costs from April. Mr Davies said this would break an agreement that where one government takes a decision that has a negative impact on another, it should provide the costs in full. Prof Drakeford agreed with his Labour colleague and Joel Barnett, who many times has described the formula he devised as no longer fit for purpose. Actual costs Holding a copy of the statement of funding policy referred to by Mr Davies, he said talks with the UK treasury on the matter continue and the figures will not be confirmed until late spring. He said: Paragraph 10 on page 13 says when decisions are taken by any of the administrations which leads to additional costs of another of the other administrations, the body whose decision leads to the additional cost will meet that cost. Well, that suggests to me that when the UK Government made its decision that it should reimburse Welsh public services for the actual costs of the increase in NI contributions not a Barnett share of the costs in England. The Conservatives Janet Finch-Saunders supported reforming funding to be based on need rather than population, calling for help for care homes with the costs of NI increases. Judge, jury and executioner Prof Drakeford reiterated his position that the Welsh budget should not be used to plug gaps created by UK Government policies. He emphasised the real issue is that the formula can only be reformed if every part of the UK agrees, and some parts do rather well out of the Barnett formula. The pressure on them to seek reform is not the same, he said. Describing national insurance as a shocking example, Adam Price said: The Barnett formula is not just clearly unfair, its also inconsistently applied and lacks transparency. The Plaid Cymru politician warned: Its not working at any level. Prof Drakeford called for an independent oversight body: We cannot go on, I believe, indefinitely having the [UK] treasury, the judge, jury and, occasionally, the executioner when it comes to the Barnett formula. Worst-funded Questioning the first minister a day earlier, Mr Davies argued reform of the Barnett formula is one of the most important questions facing Wales. He said: The real question facing this government and this parliament is protecting and investing in the future of our people and our communities. We cant do that if Wales is the worst-funded country in the United Kingdom. Eluned Morgan responded: I couldnt agree more and thats why I have made it a point of bringing up these issues at every opportunity I have had with the prime minister. Andrew Jeffreys, director of the Welsh treasury, last week reiterated the Welsh Government position that spending should be distributed based on need rather than the Barnett formula. But he told a Senedd committee on Friday: The UK Government doesnt seem interested in any substantial reform to the way that system works. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Hit Netflix series Adolescence could be screened in Wrexham schools This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 3rd, 2025 Hit Netflix series Adolescence which explores the pressures of social media and toxic masculinity on young boys may soon be screened in schools across Flintshire and Wrexham. The streaming giant has made the four-part mini-series which tells the story of a young boy who kills a female classmate having been influenced by misogynistic content available to schools for free as an educational resource through Into Film+. Now the education departments of both Wrexham County Borough Council and Flintshire County Council have confirmed they will allow schools to show the series if they feel it is appropriate to help spark a conversation with pupils about the themes and influences it highlights. Schools that choose to do so will be able to access specific guides and resources to support teachers from healthy relationships charity Tender to help ensure those conversations are constructive and positive. Asked whether it would be using the material, Wrexham Councils education department said in a statement: Whilst not age appropriate or suitable for all schools and age groups, having programming such as this as a free resource can be an important tool in opening conversations and learnings around the subject matters. Flintshire County Council said schools had the discretion and independence to choose whether to show the series. Any decision to show the programme would be a matter for each individual school, said a council spokesperson. That will not be determined by the council. Anne Mensah, Netflix vice-president of UK content, said: Adolescence has captured the national mood, sparking important conversations and helping articulate the pressures young people and parents face in todays society. Were incredibly proud of the impact the show has made, and are delighted to be able to offer it to all schools across the UK through Into Film+. Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the move. As a father, watching this show with my teenage son and daughter, I can tell you it hit home hard. This is an important initiative to encourage as many pupils as possible to watch the show. Openly talking about changes in how children communicate, the content theyre seeing and exploring the conversations theyre having with their peers is vital if we are to properly support them in navigating contemporary challenges, and deal with malign influences. Jack Thorne, who co-wrote Adolescence with acclaimed actor Stephen Graham added: We made this show to provoke a conversation. We wanted to pose the question how do we help stop this growing crisis? To have the opportunity to take this into schools is beyond our expectations. We hope itll lead to teachers talking to the students, but what we really hope is itll lead to students talking amongst themselves. By Alec Doyle BBC Local Democracy Reporter (Picture: Netflix) Senedd holds urgent debate on callous and unethical welfare cuts This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 3rd, 2025 Senedd members criticised Westminsters short-sighted, immoral and unethical plans to slash spending on welfare by 4.8bn a year by the end of the decade. Sioned Williams said she was extremely disappointed it took a motion to call an urgent debate to force Labour ministers to discuss the issue in the Senedd. Plaid Cymrus shadow social justice secretary raised the Bevan Foundations warning that the cuts will have a huge and concerning impact on 275,000 people in Wales. Ms Williams described the reforms as the biggest cuts to disability benefits on record, with hundreds of thousands of people at risk of being pushed into poverty. Calling for unambiguous condemnation from ministers in Cardiff Bay, she said: The impact of these unprecedented cuts to disability benefits on Wales will be devastating. Doing nothing is not an option Leading the urgent debate on April 2, Ms Williams criticised first minister Eluned Morgan for reserving her position on the welfare reforms. Altaf Hussain, the Conservatives shadow social justice secretary, stressed that welfare is not devolved to Wales, suggesting the debate will have little-to-no impact. This is not a UK Government known for listening to the Labour cliques in the Welsh Government, he said. Why should they pay any attention to what we say here today? Dr Hussain added: Doing nothing is not an option, the bill for health and related benefits for people of working age is set to rise to 71bn a year by the end of the decade far more than we spend on defending our nation. Something has to be done and I congratulate the UK Government for finally realising this but they are being disingenuous and hypocritical. Trapping people Labours Hefin David, whose autistic daughter is in receipt of disability living allowance, told the Senedd: I want her to be able to work. At the moment, I dont know if she can but shes very creative and I would hope that the system will find, one day, a job for her. That is the role, I think, of the benefit system. At the moment it is trapping people with autism, learning disabilities and other disabilities out of work and in poverty. The Caerphilly Senedd member voiced concerns about people with mental health conditions being stigmatised by some of the language in the UK Governments green paper. Dr David said he was willing to take Liz Kendall, the UK work and pensions secretary, at her word that the green paper is the beginning of the conversation not the end. Criticising political pointscoring, his Labour colleague Alun Davies pointed out that the Welsh Government backed the motion to hold the urgent debate. He said: I would have preferred the UK Government to make a clear statement that its purpose is the eradication of poverty, that it actively seeks a reduction in inequality. Same mistakes He added: My fear at the moment is that this current UK Government is in danger of repeating the same mistakes as the Liberal Democrats in 2010 by accepting a conservative economic analysis then becoming the over-enthusiastic supporters of Tory austerity. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth argued Labour ministers have proved themselves terribly ineffective at influencing their UK colleagues. He told the Senedd: Thats reflected in the fact that no assessment has been made of the impact of the welfare cuts on Wales its astonishing. Mr ap Iorwerth said: We have been taken back to a time reminiscent of Conservative rule at Westminster, unleashing austerity failing to consult with [the] Welsh Government and showing a carefree attitude to the impact of decisions on the people of Wales. Welsh Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds warned that disabled people face increased costs in their day-to-day lives as she criticised Labour for choosing not to tax the wealthiest. Economic folly Ms Dodds, the sole Lib Dem in the Senedd, said cutting benefits creates a false economy, raising concerns more people will be pushed into poverty and homelessness. Plaid Cymrus Adam Price accused Labour of choosing austerity over investment, warning: The economic folly of these cuts is matched only by their moral bankruptcy. The former MP said the UK Government has unveiled a plan so callous in its conception that it stands as nothing less than a betrayal of everything Labour once represented. Jane Hutt said the Welsh Government would carefully consider the impact of the proposed welfare cuts before responding to the UK Governments consultation. The social justice secretary pledged to ensure the voices of disabled people are heard in the Welsh Governments response to the consultation which closes on June 13. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Wrexham man among 10 arrested for drugs offences following warrants in Chester This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 3rd, 2025 A man from Wrexham has been arrested as part of a police investigation into the supply of illegal drugs in Chester. On Thursday 3 April 2025, over 100 officers took part in executing 12 warrants at addresses in Chester, Staffordshire, North Wales and Liverpool. Officers from Chester Proactive Team were supported by teams from across Cheshire Police, North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Staffordshire Police. It follows an investigation into an Organised Crime Gang (OCG) believed to be operating in the Chester area. During the warrants, a total of 10 people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a class A drug. These include: A 36-year old man arrested at an address in Burton Road, Blacon A 44-year-old man arrested at an address in Wordsworth Crescent, Blacon A 29-year-old woman arrested at an address in Wordsworth Crescent, Blacon A 42-year-old woman arrested at an address in Wordsworth Crescent, Blacon A 32-year-old man arrested at an address in Wordsworth Crescent, Blacon A 43-year-old man arrested at an address in Wemyss Road, Blacon A 29-year-old man arrested at an address in Palgrave Close, Blacon A 43-year-old man arrested at an address in Dee Park, Holt, North Wales A 45-year-old man arrested an address on Beeby Way, Broughton A 36-year-old man arrested at an address in Clayton Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme Cheshire Police say that the 10 men currently remain in custody assisting police with their enquiries. During the warrants four high value cars, one motorcycle, a boat, and several high value watches were seized, as well as a substantial amount of class A drugs. Chief Inspector Paul Fegan, Local Policing Commander for Chester, said: Todays arrests are the result of a long running investigation into an OCG based in Blacon involved in the large-scale supply of cocaine. On top of the arrests, in addition to a substantial amount of class A drugs, officers also seized four high value cars, a motorcycle, a boat, and several high value watches as suspected criminal property. Illegal drugs have a devastating impact on communities and bring with them many other problems which negatively affect those living in the local area. The gang have been profiting from the misery of drug users and intimidating law-abiding citizens. No one should have to live in fear of criminals; by cutting off the supply and removing dealers from our streets, we are working to break the cycle and make Cheshire a safer place to live. Action like this can only be achieved with information from communities themselves. Sometimes it takes time to build a bigger picture, but these warrants demonstrate that our teams are committed to doing all we can to tackle drug-related crime to make our communities safer places. If you have information about drug dealing within your neighbourhood, please report it to us on 101 or through our website and we will do the rest. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo's housing bill had its first hearing in the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee on Wednesday. This is the Governor's first bill in the 2025 Nevada State Legislature. It was first introduced last week as Assembly Bill 540. The Governor thinks this will help the housing crisis, but some lawmakers have specific issues with the bill. To kick off the hearing, Lombardo sat down to address the committee. This bill is a part of the Governor's plan for the Nevada Attainable Housing Act he first mentioned in his State of the State Address earlier this year. Essentially, it's trying to gather attainable house funding that would be stored in a specific account that would then be distributed by a new Nevada Attainable Housing Council. "We're intending to put in a $200 million tranche into the act," said the Governor during a press gaggle. "Part of it is a council that's going to manage the $200 million and it's going to go across six separate pieces of legislation to ensure that we hit every community." That money would stem from Nevada's State General Fund. Currently there are three tiers in affordable housing. The first tier is for residents who bring in 60% or below the area median household income. Tier two is between 60-80% and the third is 80-120%. This proposed bill would add a fourth tier, that the Governor says will focus on essential workers who make more money but still can't afford a house. "Traditionally the cap would be 120 percent," he said during the gaggle. "Now we're going to 150 percent, because you get the middle mile, or the middle issues of people associated with the workforce." The bill is also looking to acquire more federal land from the Bureau of Land Management to be used for housing developments. Lombardo also wants to put an emphasis on the rural communities. "We're having the same crisis in the rural Nevada," he said. "So, the bill ensures is addressing the two large urban areas, along with the rural Nevada." After the initial presentation from the Governor, he stepped out of the meeting and the other applicants took over explaining the bill that's almost 50 pages in length. Once that was over, Assembly lawmakers got the chance to ask some questions. One form of opposition came up both in letters that were submitted and from lawmakers, was the portion of the bill that's proposing exemptions for prevailing wages. "It may not be the intent, but every person that presented talked about asking construction workers to work for poverty wages," said Assemblymember Max Carter during the hearing. Prevailing wages are the set amount that an employer must pay a worker on a public works job that's funded by the state. People were arguing that this bill could take a massive hit for construction workers pay, giving them lower wages. "There are some provisions to exempt, but there is an ability for them to receive a prevailing wage it's a matter of a level of bid price," the Governor said in response to these claims. The Democrats have the majority in both the Assembly and Senate. So, the fate will essentially lie in their hands if this bill does pass. Lombardo is hoping to work across the aisle. "I'm optimistic and I would think, you know I mentioned in my introduction of the bill that it's a bipartisan bill," he said. "It addresses all communities." The applicants said they heard the committees concerns and will work to address those before the next hearing. Beginning May 7th, a Real ID will be required for Nevadans to travel through airports, board all domestic flights, and secure entry into federal buildings. With the deadline looming, travelers here in Reno will need to complete their applications and set their appointments to secure a "Real ID." Per Nevada state law, after May 7th all travelers 18 and older will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, a passport or another TSA-acceptable form of ID to pass through airport security. A Real ID will clear your access for airport flights, while a standard-issue driver's license or ID will be declined. Real ID compliant cards or alternatives are currently required to enter secure federal facilities such as military and federal courthouses. According to Communications Director, Paolo David with the Reno DMV, "the easiest way to apply for a Real ID is to go to getrealnevada.com. It's an interactive website and you can actually make an appointment through there. If you only have a small amount of time, we actually open up our appointments on Wednesday and you can book the appointment on Tuesdays." Planning ahead and securing your appointment online will help you zip through the process faster. You will find the steps simple and stress free, to secure your documents and get the application submitted. Once your application is complete with required forms, including your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, or social security, your Real ID will be mailed out within two weeks. Ellie Anest, co-founder and CEO of Napa's Eleven Eleven Wines, grew up on a farm in small-town Nebraska. The descendant of Greek immigrants, Anest was a little girl with big dreams. She recalls cutting images out of magazines and pasting them into a visionary scrapbook. I created pictures of what life could look like outside of this small towna world where theres diversity and opportunity and art and interesting people. One has to wonder if any of those photos included a vineyard. Anest's penchant for imagining led her from Nebraska to San Diego, where she studied sociology and accounting and met Eleven Eleven co-founder Carol Vassiliadis. That dreamingthe ability to have possibilitiescame a lot from [my mother], Anest says. She left her home in Greece at age 18 to seek opportunities in North America. Throughout her career, Anest has "always had a bit of a side hustle, she admits. (Even as a child, she was involved in everything from swing choir to Future Farmers of America.). When Anest was working as a business and financial consultant, she and Vassiliadis discovered a real estate opportunity in Napa. They invested in that first property, a vineyard with 3.5 acres of vines, with the vision of acquiring a small portfolio. I literally fell into this, Anest says. We bought the house and that year we had to figure out what to do with those grapes. As luck would have it, Anest connected with local winemaker Kirk Venge who turned their first harvest into an incredible pinot noir. Before I knew it, I was in the wine business, says Anest. It was that fast. Eleven Eleven's tasting room is tucked away at the edge of Napa. (Courtesy of Eleven Eleven) That kismet is one reason Anest selected "Eleven Eleven" as the name for the business. Many people consider 11:11 to be a meaningful number and a serendipitous time for wish-making. When I first read about the concept, I said Oh my gosh, this is everything! It brought her back to those childhood days of magazine clipping and scrapbooking. Though winemaking wasnt exactly what Anest initially had in mind, she didnt let that stop her from stepping into the opportunitydespite being confronted with skepticism when she first entered the industry. People were questioning, Why do you know what youre doing? And the truth is I didnt, but I knew I could figure it out. After purchasing the initial property (which can be rented through the winery), Anest and Vassiliadis went on to buy the 16 acres of vines that make up Destin Vineyard and the 12-acre estate where they built the Eleven Eleven tasting room. The Eleven Eleven tasting room is surrounded by 12 acres of vines. (Courtesy of Eleven Eleven) The journey from investor to CEO has required Anest to take on many roles, from hospitality director to interior decorator. On any given day Im wearing different hats, she says. Being adaptable and versatile are skills that Anest attributes to her small-town upbringing. I can jump in and out of things fairly quickly, and sometimes I take it a little bit for granted, she says. I feel like its my superpower. Versatility is reflected in Eleven Elevens portfolio of wines, too, which includes a fruit-forward rose of syrah, a fascinating tropical fruit sauvignon blanc, and a clean, crisp rieslingas well as a sultry pinot noir, three cabernets, and a late-harvest zinfandel. Which is her favorite? I know this sounds corny, but its like saying whos your favorite kid? She notes that each wine is uniquely beautiful. It really depends on who Im with and what Im doing. Selecting the right wine to meet the occasion is just one aspect of Eleven Elevens make your moment tagline. But for Anest, it isnt just about the wine. The wine is a vehicle to bring people together, she says. It has to be more about the magic of what it does when it brings people together. Id like to build on that here at the winery. Early efforts in this area include a series of wellness experiences that engage the senses, spark connections, and celebrate the art of living well. Held the first Thursday of the month, these events feature guest speakers on various wellness topics paired with small bites and wine. Eleven Eleven also hosts winemaker dinners, release parties, and, of course, tastings. Reflecting on that little girl in Nebraska growing up and looking ahead and wishing for something more, something different," Anest believes anyone has the power to make a similar wish. You have to focus your energy where you want things to happen, she says. Make a wish and make your moment. // 620 Trancas St. (Napa), elevenelevenwines.com If your child has just committed to a college, congrats ... and prepare yourself for a new online adventure. Just as your kid will communicate with future classmates over social media, you may soon be initiated into the strange new world of the parent Facebook group. Almost every U.S. college has at least one of these private groups, which are often created by the institution itself. One of the reasons is to reduce helicopter parenting by giving the parents who want to get overly involved in their childs lives an outlet, says Nancy Darling, a professor of psychology and business at Ohios Oberlin College and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Adolescence. It gives a place to vent about emotions without burdening the child. Darling knows this from personal experience. Her son had a chronic illness when he went away to college; a parent group helped her deal with her own anxiety. Members only These groups also allow parents to exchange information that can ease their childs life on campus. In some cases, though, parents can go too far. On a Facebook group for people who are, like me, the parents of a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, one parent asked: Does anyone know where my child can buy stamps? How did they get into college if they dont know where to buy stamps? wondered my friend Amy McCormick, 55 the mother of two recent University of Wisconsin alumnae when I told her about the post. To get the most out of these private groups without doing anything silly, I asked more-experienced parents for advice. Here are their dos and donts. DO: Ask for immediate help if you need it. Lets say your kid returned to school from break but forgot their laptop. Another parent from your area might be about to make that same drive. DONT: Ask searchable questions. I think some parents may have forgotten how to use Google. Theyll ask questions like When is spring break? McCormick says. Its very easy to find if you just take 30 seconds to look for it. DO: Remember your audience. Venting frustrations is one thing; complaining is another matter. Your kid is having difficulty making friends? Go ahead and vent; someone may offer help or emotional support. The dining hall doesnt serve your kids favorite foods? Take that up with the university, not your fellow parents. Commences Second Production Well Sydney, April 3, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Jade Gas Holdings Limited ( ASX:JGH ) is pleased to announce drilling has commenced on the second Red Lake lateral gas production well. This second well immediately follows the successful completion of the first horizontal well1 at the Red Lake gas field, located in the South Gobi region of Mongolia. Highlights - Following successful completion of first production well, Jade has commenced drilling of its second horizontal production well at the Red Lake gas field - First horizontal production well casing cementing operations completed with well to now be equipped for gas production - Jade remains on track for first gas production mid-2025 Gas Production Program Located approximately 100m south from the first production well (RL-Hz-002), and drilled from the same pad, RL-Hz-001 is to be drilled to a target measured depth (mMD) of approximately 1600mMD on similar trajectory to RL-Hz-002, which intersected almost 700m of gas bearing coal in seam IIIb, with 98.6% net coal. With the top section of the hole previously completed, the drilling of the horizontal section through to TD is expected to take approximately 12 days. After installation of the liner and production casing both wells will be completed with downhole pumps and commence dewatering in late April 2025. Commenting on the drilling progress, Jade Executive Chairman, Dennis Morton, said: "Excellent results from the first horizontal gas production well in our program have been enthusiastically received by all our shareholders and also stakeholders in Mongolia. This is the first ever horizontal coal seam gas production well to have been drilled in Mongolia. Our drilling contractor, DWK, has performed extremely well. We look forward to maintaining the momentum with the drilling of the horizontal section of RL-Hz-001, immediately followed by the downhole completions for both wells in order to commence coal dewatering operations and gas production." *To view images, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/98EZ4LQJ About Jade Gas Holdings Ltd Jade Gas Holdings Limited (ASX:JGH) is a gas exploration company focused on the coal bed methane (CBM) potential of Mongolia. Jade's flagship project is the Coal Bed Methane gas project over the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) area of Tavantolgoi XXXIII unconventional oil basin, (TTCBM Project). Jade operates and manages the project through its subsidiary Methane Gas Resource LLC (MGR), a joint venture (JV) company partnering with Erdenes Methane LLC (EM), the representative of the Mongolian Government. The TTCBM Project has a 2C Gross Unrisked Contingent Resource of 246 Bcf. Jade also entered into a JV with Hong Kong listed Mongolia Mining Corporation Limited (MMC), for the CBM rights over MMC's Baruun Naran coal mine, immediately adjacent to the TTCBM Project, called the BNG Project. MMC is Mongolia's largest publicly traded miner with a vision is to become the country's largest diversified mining company. With a known coal resource and operating mine at Baruun Naran, Jade is working with MMC to further appraise and determine the commercial pathway for gas in this project. Related Companies Among the recommendations made by the Pensions and Private Capital Expert Panel is a call for the Government to support a new programme that will increase opportunities for investing in venture and growth capital funds, and meet the needs of UK pension fund investors. Design features of the new programme should include: Investment marketplace the creation of NOVA (New Opportunities for Venture and growth Acceleration), an initiative modelled on Frances successful Tibi Scheme, to create a market of private capital funds specially accredited for DC schemes to facilitate investment in strategically important sectors. Investment vehicle - a new Fund of Funds investment vehicle as part of a series of further initiatives to build on the British Business Banks (BBB) British Growth Partnership, which will enable access to returns generated by smaller private capital funds. Industry-approved directory the introduction of a private capital directory, containing the key facts and information of specific private capital firms/funds which would be made available to UK DC schemes, acting as a shop window to accelerate investment. The Panel urges the Government to consider supporting this programme through endorsement, raising the profile of the programme, and continuing to support the British Business Bank in building on the British Growth Partnership and developing new partnerships to help DC pensions invest in private capital. The report also calls for regulatory urgency in addressing some of the investment barriers that currently limit DC fund investment into the UK private capital industry. At the same time, the report underlines both industries commitment to continue the constructive engagement and collaboration which has made major progress for savers and investors over the past year. The Expert Panel was established in February 2024 to take forward key aspects of the Mansion House Compact and Investment Compact for Venture Capital and Growth Equity. The Panel is convened by the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA), and includes leading figures from across the pensions industry including the ABI, PLSA, Phoenix Group, M&G and NEST. It has acted as the focal point for increased engagement between the industries, and has worked to identify the current barriers to investment by UK pension funds in private capital and develop solutions. A new survey carried out by the BVCA found that 62% of Investment Compact for Venture Capital and Growth Equity signatories are actively contacting Mansion House Compact signatories, up from 50% in September 2024. This rise in engagement signals steady progress in achieving commitments made by Venture Capital firms and UK pensions investors to develop a long-term and constructive working relationship with each other. The Expert Panel believes that implementing a new government supported programme would further enhance this progress, and in enabling domestic funding to fast growing businesses, can provide UK pensions savers access to the same returns experienced by international counterparts. Kerry Baldwin, Chair of the Pensions & Private Capital Expert Panel said: It has been very encouraging to see increasing pension funds making private capital commitments over the last year. Work by the Expert Panel has brought both the pensions and private capital sectors together for the first time to provide solutions for regulators, government and industry. The Expert Panels recommendations will enable greater investment for venture and growth funds, and for founders to continue to establish and grow their business in the UK. Government has an opportunity to build on this growing momentum with a new programme informed by what both pensions and private capital leaders believe will make a difference. In addition, creating a shop window for pension funds to better evaluate individual private capital firms will accelerate and prompt new conversations with Mansion House signatories that will ultimately drive increased investment in ambitious businesses, and result in greater returns for pension savers. Michael Moore, Chief Executive of the BVCA said: The private capital and pensions industries have come a long way in the past year, improving our mutual understanding and removing some of the obstacles to achieving our objectives of improving savers pension returns and providing capital to invest in the UKs future growth companies. With the right kind of government support we can do more. The Chancellor and other ministers have already shown strong leadership on this agenda, and the panel believes this progress can be further accelerated with the right support. Hannah Gurga, Director General of the ABI said: The pensions industry is committed to allocating more investment to private capital where its in savers interests. Providers are making significant progress, which is already visible with several new funds launched in recent months. The new programme set out by the Expert Panel demonstrates a path forward for both industries and for the UK economy to achieve further growth. Julian Mund, Chief Executive of the PLSA said: Cross-industry collaboration between pensions and private capital has ensured greater understanding of the structural, regulatory and economic challenges DC investors face when investing in these assets. The Expert Panels recommendations for industry and government will help tackle these. We look forward in particular to engaging further with government and the private capital industry on initiatives which improve the pipeline of quality assets for schemes to invest in to generate better returns for their members. Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King said: "This report is another important step in unlocking private capital to fuel Britains high-growth businesses. The BVCAs backing of the Mansion House Compact is helping to bridge the gap between pensions and private markets, ensuring savers see the benefits of long-term investment. One of the clearest ways to accelerate progress is for the Government to implement the Value for Money framework without delay, pension funds need certainty to invest at scale." James Mitchell, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Phoenix Group added: Phoenix is delighted to have contributed to the Pensions and Private Capital report over the last 18 months. By pooling cross industry knowledge into this forum, we are crowding in further capital to private market investments in the UK. Through Future Growth Capital, our joint venture investment management business, Phoenix aims to allocate 2.5bn over the next 3 years to a diversified private markets strategy. Our partnership with FGC puts us at the forefront to deliver better outcomes for our DC customers. The polling, by Pension Insurance Corporation plc, the specialist insurer of UK DB pension schemes, reveals that many of the 8.8 million people who still belong to DB pensions sometimes known as final salary schemes feel the Governments plans could jeopardise their incomes in later life. The vast majority of DB pension members 94% - say they dont want politicians interfering with their pensions. Ministers are drawing up plans to allow the companies that sponsor DB pension schemes to receive surplus cash from those schemes, saying this could unlock new investment in the economy. However, early evidence from companies getting access to surplus money shows they are more likely to pass the funds to their shareholders. The surplus cash in many DB schemes is also a relatively recent phenomenon, that began in the summer of 2022. Prior to that many DB schemes were in deficit for most of the previous 15 years. The prospect of funds being removed from their pension schemes worries many DB members, the polling of 1,000 members reveals. In the survey, 60% of DB members said they fear that the Governments plan would create risks for them and other members. When asked about the purpose of pension assets, 56% of DB members said they want money in their scheme to benefit them, not be given to employers. The original Government consultation on the surplus extraction policy says: Any extraction of surplus will reduce security for members. But the polling shows that security is extremely important to pension scheme members: - 96% say certainty about the level of their pension over future years is very important, or important - 96% also say that having secure pension income not affected by financial markets is very important or important - Older members those with most to lose if things go wrong - are consequently overwhelmingly opposed to surplus extraction: 70% of over 55s oppose extraction There is very strong opposition to politicians having a role in DB pensions: - 94% say it is important that politicians cant interfere with my pension - Only 8% of members trust politicians to take decisions that affect their pension incomes By contrast, DB members have very high trust in scheme trustees: - 90% say it is important that trustees look after my pension, meaning employers can't get access to the money in the scheme Tracy Blackwell, CEO of PIC, said: We think the views of DB members, many of them elderly, many of them classified as vulnerable, should be properly considered in any decision about a policy that the Governments own document says would reduce the security of their pensions. So far, their voices have been entirely absent in this debate. What this polling shows for the first time is that many of the people who rely on a DB pension are afraid of changes that could make their pensions less secure. It took a long time to build up a legal regime for DB pensions that puts members first, after the scandals of the 1980s and 1990s. Members are clearly concerned at the prospect of these vital protections being watered down and I would advise them to write to their MP about these proposals. Finally, it is right for us to acknowledge that like all the other participants in this debate, PIC has an interest in the outcome. We take on DB schemes and pay the pensions of 400,000 people, and have paid more than 16 billion to our pensioners so far. Our view is that it is fundamentally right that members benefits are fully secured before the sponsoring employer gets any cash back a position which should align everyones interests. Minsters need to be very careful with this issue given that this is about the financial wellbeing of generally older, and potentially vulnerable, people. Breaking new ground in Telugu cinema, internationally acclaimed actor Adarsh Gourav is set to make his south indian film debut in an unconventional way. Unlike many mainstream debuts, Adarsh is stepping into an untapped genre in Telugu cinemaa psychological horror film with a science fiction twist. Produced by Jahnavi, daughter of RRR producer D.V.V. Danayya, the film, currently running under the title Happy Birthday Uma, is being shot in Hyderabad. With a gripping, genre-bending narrative, this project marks an exciting new chapter in Adarshs career. Sharing his excitement about the film, Adarsh said, "Stepping into Telugu cinema with a film like this is truly exhilarating. Ive always been drawn to stories that challenge conventions, and Happy Birthday Uma does exactly that. Its a psychological horror film, but at its core, its also about science fictiona combination rarely explored in Telugu cinema. When Baba narrated the script to me, I was hooked. The way he has woven suspense, emotions, and science fiction into one narrative is remarkable." He further adds, "As an actor, I constantly look for roles that push me beyond my comfort zone, and this film is exactly that. Shooting in Hyderabad, speaking in my mother tongue, and being part of a film that experiments with genre excites me. Telugu cinema is known for its grand storytelling and innovative filmmaking, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this new wave. I cant wait for audiences to experience this filmits going to be unlike anything theyve seen before. Adarsh Gourav, known for his stellar performances in The White Tiger and the recently released Superboys of Malegaon, continues to expand his repertoire with diverse and challenging roles. With Happy Birthday Uma currently in production, fans can expect an edge-of-the-seat cinematic experience that blends horror, sci-fi, and psychological drama. Alcatel, is a French tech brand independently operated by TCL Communication under trademark licensing from Nokia, is set to begin its operations in India, one of the worlds fastest-growing smartphone markets. The brand will launch a smartphone with a stylus, making premium technology accessible to the mass market in India. Advancing its legacy, the brand will introduce a range of premium smartphones that combine cutting-edge technology and Indias first patented innovations (pending or granted) along with a stylish design inspired by French heritage, advanced hardware, and unique featuresall while remaining accessible to the rapidly expanding Indian consumer market. The brands smartphones will be manufactured in India from the beginning, aligning with the Make in India initiative. Recognizing India's immense potential, the brand aims to reach millions of new users as mobile technology adoption accelerates. Additionally, Alcatel will establish a robust pan-India service network to ensure seamless support for its consumers. As Alcatel enters the Indian market, it brings not only its patented technology and decades of expertise but also an unwavering commitment to providing Indian consumers with exceptional experiences that enhance their everyday lives. With a deep-rooted history of pioneering in innovative technologies and an uncompromising focus on quality, Alcatel India is excited to introduce this rich heritage to a market that values and nurtures progress. The brand aims to make premium features more accessible, targeting urban aspirants, tech enthusiasts, and digital nomads. Atul Vivek, CBO (Chief Business Officer) said, "At Alcatel, our vision for India is to democratize innovation by making premium features accessible to a broader audience. Our devices seamlessly merge with style and performance, catering to tech enthusiasts, urban aspirants, fashion-conscious consumers, and digital nomads alike. We believe that technology should not only be powerful but also reflect the latest trends, and we are excited to introduce products that embody this philosophy in the Indian market." Adding to the same, Ansh Rathi, COO (Chief Operating Officer) said, "As we expand our presence in India, from day 1 we have embraced the Make in India initiative by focusing on local manufacturing. By producing our devices within the country, we aim to enhance supply chain efficiency, ensure superior quality, and contribute to India's growing technology ecosystem. This strategic move not only strengthens our commitment to the Indian market but also reinforces our mission to make cutting-edge technology more accessible and affordable for consumers." With its rich heritage and strong commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and consumer-centricity, Alcatel looks forward to delivering a comprehensive tech ecosystem to Indian consumers. By combining premium design, cutting-edge innovation, and an unparalleled user experience, the brand aims to redefine the Indian smartphone industry. Carrier Midea India, a leading name in the Indian air conditioning industry, has announced the onboarding of actress Rashmika Mandanna as the brand ambassador for its Midea brand in the HVAC category. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen Midea HVACs positioning in the competitive Indian air conditioning market, expand its consumer outreach, and drive engagement through a comprehensive marketing approach. The collaboration comes at a time when the Indian air conditioning segment is witnessing significant growth, driven by rising urbanization, increased disposable income, and a heightened focus on energy-efficient cooling solutions. The sector is projected to grow at a healthy CAGR over the next five years, intensifying competition among both global and domestic players. Midea HVAC, known for its advanced technology and superior cooling performance, is poised to capture a larger market share. The association with Rashmika Mandanna is expected to serve as a key differentiator, helping the brand connect more deeply with a diverse consumer base. Speaking on the collaboration, Sanjay Mahajan, Chairman and Managing Director, Carrier Midea India, stated, "The Indian air conditioning industry is evolving rapidly, and consumers are seeking brands that offer not only superior products but also an emotional connection. Rashmika Mandannas association with Midea air conditioners will amplify our presence and strengthen our commitment to providing smart, sustainable, and high-performance air conditioning solutions. With this partnership, we aim to significantly increase our market share over the next few years." Rashmika Mandanna, celebrated for her charm, relatability, and wide appeal, aligns seamlessly with Midea HVACs brand values of innovation, high performance, and modern living. As the face of Midea air conditioners, she will headline a nationwide multimedia campaign spanning television, digital platforms, print media, and retail touchpoints. The campaign aims to reinforce brand recall and strengthen consumer trust in Mideas smart and efficient cooling solutions. Expressing her enthusiasm for the partnership, Rashmika Mandanna said, "I am happy to partner with Midea air conditioners, a brand that truly understands the importance of smart and efficient cooling in todays homes. With rising temperatures and increasing energy concerns, Midea air conditioners are setting new benchmarks with their technology-driven solutions. I look forward to being part of this journey and sharing its vision with millions of Indian consumers." Depender Redhu, National Sales & Marketing Head, Carrier Midea India, added, "This partnership comes at a pivotal time when we are expanding our distribution network and strengthening our consumer outreach. Rashmika Mandannas endorsement will boost brand preference and credibility, helping us reach all of India this year." Alok Kohli, Head of Marketing, Carrier Midea India, commented, "Todays consumers engage with brands beyond traditional advertising, and we are committed to meeting them where they are. Alongside TV and digital campaigns, we will leverage social media activations, influencer collaborations, and interactive content to create a deeper connection with our audience. Our campaign will build a more immersive brand experience. We expect to see a significant increase in brand engagement as a result of this association." Midea HVACs campaign strategy includes the high-impact 360-degree "Yeh Air Conditioner Nahin, AI Conditioner Hai" campaign, starring Rashmika Mandanna, to emphasize the brands advanced cooling technology, energy efficiency, and smart home integration. The brand will also activate retail demo zones at leading electronics stores, offering live product experiences. Additionally, Midea HVAC plans to collaborate with top digital influencers, launch interactive social media challenges, and roll out customer contests to encourage user-generated content and engagement. These initiatives aim to drive consumer preference and set new benchmarks in brand engagement. Cheil South West Asia (SWA) has announced the appointment of Jitender Dabas (fondly known as Jeetu) as the CEO of Cheil X. Cheil X operates as an independent, full-service agency under the Cheil India SWA group managing accounts beyond Samsung. In this role, Jitender will lead Cheil X offices across Delhi & Mumbai as well as overseeing the agencies that Cheil SWA has under its umbrella to deliver creative, strategy, digital marketing, digital media, Influencer marketing, tech, content production, retail design and performance solutions. He will also provide strategic oversight to all the agencies of Cheil SWA group. Jitender joins from McCann Worldgroup, where he was the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer for India, as well as the Head of Effectiveness for APAC. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Jitender Dabas is widely recognized as one of the top strategic leaders in global advertising. With a distinguished career across WPP and IPG, he has earned accolades for both thought leadership and creative effectiveness. A recipient of the WPP Atticus Award, he has also served on the juries of Cannes Lions, 4As Jay Chiat Strategy Awards, WARC Awards, and national and regional Effies. His work has been honored with more than 100 advertising awards across India and international platforms. Carlos Limseob Chung, Managing Director of Cheil India and President of Cheil South West Asia, said: Were thrilled to welcome Jitender Dabas to the Cheil SWA Group and family. His reputation as a professional and leader precedes him, and his appointment marks a significant milestone as Cheil X enters its next phase of growth and transformation. With our scaling up of our capabilities in digital marketing through Experience Commerce, content production through CYLNDR, retail design & branding through newRx, and digital media and influencer marketing, there couldnt have been anyone better than Jeetu to drive this intersection of creativity, strategy, and technology into a new future-focused agency. Jitender Dabas shared his perspective on the move: I am really excited about leading Cheil X at the pivotal moment in its journey in India. As an industry, we are all acutely aware of the change that is upon us. The old models are giving way, and newer models havent yet crystallized. And the truth is that disruptive creativity and big brand strategy, only when deployed across the persuasion funnel, will lead to truly impactful outcomes. Cheil is a global leader when it comes to solutions at the intersection of creativity and technology, and I am excited about partnering businesses and brands in India with all the new-age capabilities that Cheil is building in India. Im looking forward to creating something future-facing: an agency that doesnt just keep up with change but leads it. DDB Mudra Group today announced a significant strengthening of its DDB Tribal North leadership with the appointment of two seasoned industry heavyweights. Ashna Nandrajog joins as Senior Vice President - Business, and Mohini Varma steps in as Executive Vice President - Planning, signalling a major push for growth and innovation. Nandrajog brings a formidable 20-year track record, having steered global brands like Bata, Ford, and Maruti Suzuki to success at agencies including Contract, FCB Ulka, Ogilvy, and Publicis Capital. Her passion for travel and family fuels her drive and creative approach. Varma, an award-winning strategist and former NDTV correspondent, has shaped brand narratives for giants like Netflix, Google, and PepsiCo at agencies such as Toaster, FCB, and JWT. Her strategic prowess is underscored by a Gold APAC Effie for impactful campaigns that drive tangible change. "We're scaling new heights, pushing boundaries, and hungrier than ever," said Ashutosh Sawhney, President, DDB Tribal. "The industry thrives on exceptional talent, and in Ashna and Mohini, we've found the perfect blend of fire and maturity to capitalize on the immense opportunities before us, delivering outstanding work for our clients and building formidable teams." Nandrajog commented, "In an era of rapid digital transformation, DDB Mudra Group stands out for its integrated approach. I'm thrilled to join a company that champions brand building through impactful creativity and delivers holistic solutions across its diverse businesses. I'm eager to contribute to DDB's continued growth and success." Varma added, "At DDB, we believe in emotionally resonant creativity, rooted in deep human insights, that transform brands, markets, and culture. In a world where attention is a premium, genuine insights are paramount. I'm excited to co-author the next chapter of growth for our dynamic brands." Equitas Small Finance Bank, the second largest SFB in India, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Balaji Nuthalapadi as its Executive Director Technology and Operations, effective March 29, 2025. His appointment, approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Board of Directors, underscores the Banks commitment to advancing the banks digital transformation initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and driving tech-led customer solutions. Commenting on the appointment, Vasudevan P N, MD & CEO of Equitas Small Finance Bank, said, We are delighted to welcome Mr. Balaji Nuthalapadi to our leadership team. His vast experience in banking operations, technology and digital transformation will be a valuable asset as we continue to enhance our operational efficiency and drive innovation. His passion for digital banking, financial inclusion and social impact aligns seamlessly with the values and mission of Equitas Small Finance Bank. Prior to joining Equitas Small Finance Bank, Nuthalapadi served as Managing Director & Head of Centralized Controls Testing Execution at Citi Bank, where he was instrumental in building a 1,100-member team in India to oversee global controls testingone of the largest such teams in the banking industry. In his previous role as Managing Director and Head of Operations and Technology for Citi South Asia, he oversaw operations and technology functions across India and Southeast Asia, playing a pivotal role in scaling up Citis global hubs in India. As an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, he has demonstrated expertise in operations, technology and wealth management, with a proven track record of strategic leadership and digital innovation. The bank looks forward to leveraging his expertise to accelerate its growth trajectory in the digital banking space. The Indian government has defiantly dismissed concerns over its declining Global Press Freedom Index ranking, asserting the strength and independence of its media. In a fiery response to a Lok Sabha query by SHRI K SUDHAKARAN, THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN) declared, "India has a vibrant press and media ecosystem, which does not need validation from foreign organizations". DR. L. Murugan backed this assertion by highlighting the sheer scale of the Indian media, stating the nation boasts "about 1,45,000 printed publications, more than 900 private satellite TV channels and numerous publishers on digital media including OTT platforms, e-replica of newspapers, digital newspapers, news websites and news channels on social media platforms etc.". The government's statement further outlined the legal safeguards in place for journalists. It emphasized that freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution. The Press Council of India (PCI), an autonomous statutory body, plays a key role in protecting press freedom. The statement quoted the PCI's mandate: "Under Section 13 of the Press Council Act 1978, the PCI is also mandated to take suo-motu cognizance on the pressing issues concerning freedom of Press and safeguarding of its high standards". Additionally, the government pointed to the self-regulatory mechanisms governing electronic media under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and stressed the importance of India's robust judicial system in upholding constitutional provisions. This bold stance from the Indian government signals its unwavering confidence in its domestic media environment and its rejection of external assessments of press freedom. Jain Amar, the parent company behind fashion brands Madame, Camla Barcelona, and mSECRET, has promoted Akhil Jain as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO). This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment in the companys evolution as it sharpens focus on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation. With deep roots in the promoter family, Jain brings over two decades of hands-on experience, having worked across every vertical within Jain Amar. An alumnus of NIFT and a lifelong learner with executive credentials from global institutions like Harvard and IIM-A, Jain has been serving as Executive Director, driving innovation across brand, technology, and retail strategy. His elevation was announced recently at the Jain Amar Leadership Summit 2025, attended by the top 25 leaders of the company, including the Board of Directors and heads of department. The workshop, themed From Vision to Execution, laid out bold goals across topline, bottom-line, calendarization, and accountabilityanchored by a shared commitment to becoming IPO-ready by 2027. This is not just a new roleits a new rhythm. Were moving from isolated departments to a single unified movement. I believe Jain Amars next era will be defined by how well we align people, process, and purpose. Im grateful for the trust placed in me and excited to lead this extraordinary team into the future, said Akhil Jain. The Board expressed strong confidence in Jains leadership, noting that his elevation comes at a critical time when the fashion industry is embracing digital disruption, fast-evolving consumer behavior, and a renewed focus on agility. When leading women professionals from diverse sectors unite to offer integrated marketing communications solutions, OON is born. OON, a dialectal for ONE in British English, is the brainchild of industry veteran Rekha Rao who has nearly three decades of experience spanning advertising, film production, public relations, and corporate and marketing communications. It is a pioneering agency with two core goals: providing clients access to top-tier expertise across fields and at the same time, creating a unique collaborative platform for independent women professionals and entrepreneurs to work with each other. OONs powerhouse network includes marketers, entrepreneurs, strategists, journalists, content specialists, art directors, filmmakers, LGBTQAI+, PwD and sustainability advocates, digital marketers, influencers, practising professionals (doctors, lawyers, CAs, academicians), brand experts, corporate communication leaders, and just about any independent women professionals, each with 15+ years of experience. Members range from consultants to freelancers to owners of agencies, all seeking a space that values individuality while fostering collaboration. Over the years I have seen women navigating multiple challenges to thrive and succeed in the challenging punishing marketing, media, and communications industry. Many an exceptional talent either quit or take a break from their careers, and then struggle to fit back. This wealth of potential and experience with women who are already successful and the women who have immense talent but need the opportunity inspired me to create something uniquea format that can bring the women in touch with clients looking for expertise, experience, and dependability, says Rekha Rao, Founder and CEO. A collective of the 49.75% of the world that is women, OON creates shared opportunities for them while offering clients access to some of the finest professionals across industries. OON is not just an agencyits a movement. From design and advertising to PR, content to reputation management, digital marketing, policy and advocacy, Inclusion and sustainability communications, crisis, internal communications, and employee engagement, OON curates expert teams tailored to diverse client needs from their pool of experts. With experience spanning global brands, corporate leaders, start-ups, and entrepreneurs, OON offers a fresh, adaptable approachdelivering impactful, sensitive and well-balanced communication that truly speaks to all audiences. I am delighted to mentor this first-of-its-kind initiative. Oon is a collective of diverse skills & experience with proven expertise to offer holistic solutions for reputation & brand management that require a long-term communications strategy which straddles public policy, brand campaigns & reputation management & provides solutions & mentoring to drive purpose-driven business strategy for CXOs & leadership teams led by women leaders. Today the world needs to humanise brands and create long-term impact, build frameworks for responsible business solutions that integrate high-impact social campaigns & stewardship with transparency, ethics & governance. This platform gives a whole new meaning to set the balance right for business & communities. Roma Balwani |Industry thought leader | Mentor, Oon Creativity is the algorithm that turns data into magic and business into art. We are creative brand architects who are the bridges that connect business goals to human emotions, and in this continuously evolving digital age, human connection is the ultimate differentiator. Amee Sanghvi| Creative Brand Partner, Oon In todays competitive and fast-evolving market, brands must do more than just existthey must resonate, engage, and grow. In OON, I will extend my core expertise of helping scale businesses, while guiding brands to break through growth plateaus and achieve sustainable, long-term success. The interesting mix of professionals in OON, naturally lends to cross functional collaboration organisations can leverage, and I am looking forward to ensuring the brands we work with dont just competethey lead, thrive, and set new industry benchmarks. Anshul Mishra | Strategic Growth Partner | Scale-up Specialist |Marketing Counsel @ OON 2 "Im happy to support this inspiring womens collective by shaping authentic content, meaningful communication, and inclusive narratives that amplify voices and drive lasting impact." Anusha Subramanian| Award winning journalist | Content Consultant | Inclusion Advocate | Strategic Content Counsel @ OON In today's fast-paced business environment, start-ups and entrepreneurs require more than just a compelling idea to thrive. They need a robust public image and an effective communication strategy. A specialised Integrated Marketing Communications firm like Oon can be instrumental in helping these emerging businesses increase brand awareness, attract investors, and establish themselves as industry leaders. By working with Oon, organisations, especially start-ups can leverage this expertise to lay the foundations for long-term success and accelerate their growth trajectory. Dipali Sikand | Serial Entrepreneur | Women Empowerment Champion @ OON Most corporations understanding and commitment to DEI stops at having a token diversity hire. At OON we help corporations navigate the multiple challenges they can face when formulating policies or attempting to integrate persons from the LGBTQIA+ community into their workplace. Being a collective of women with various specialisations, the counsel coming from OON will be well-rounded and will safeguard the intent and reputations of organisations striving to create a truly integrated workplace. Gauri Sawant |Transgender Activist | LGBTQIA+ Counsel @ OON 3 The idea of a collective providing multiple perspectives to clients is a much-needed service to Corporate India. As a sustainability and DEI advocate and enthusiast, it is good to see Oon coming in to fill a space that is presently under fire. When the counsel provided brings in the expertise of a change management specialist, a lawyer, a journalist, and a reputation management practitioner, imagine the value of such well rounded advice a client receives! This is what OON is all about, and I am proud to be part of such a unique initiative. Gayatri Ramanathan | Sustainability and ESG Storytelling Expert @ OON I am delighted by the coming together of this impressive network of professional women, a unique form of leaning in that enables us to learn, collaborate and succeed together. Its good to see women increasingly recognize the power of networking but what I especially like about Oon is that its much more than that - an unusual womens cooperative of diverse skills and multi-faceted experience; where we retain our individual identities and professional lives but can still come together as and when needed to offer an extraordinary gamut of services that frankly goes way beyond any traditional brand building agency. The permutations & combinations it makes possible are fascinatingly wide-ranging. Wishing more power to Oon and the talented women it brings together. Minari Shah | Corporate and Brand Narratives | Building Leaders of the Future | Corporate and C-Suite Reputation Counsel @ OON As an advocate of including marginal & diverse voices in climate & sustainability discourse, I am excited to be a part of this formidable Oon Collective. I am looking forward to supporting organisations, businesses, individuals & enterprises that are or endeavour to be true champions of walking the path of Conscious Sustainability and help align their purposes with what is of utmost urgency towards a better planet and all its residents. Nitisha Agrawal | Founder & Director, Smokeless Cookstove Foundation | Access to clean energy & climate adaptability for the most marginal communities | Climate Change from the Grassroots Specialist @ OON 4 As part of OON, I feel privileged to stand alongside such remarkable womenborn creators who bring their talents to the world with vision and purpose. The strength of this collective lies in our ability to uplift one another while shaping impactful narratives. With my background in consulting and geopolitics, I aim to contribute a strategic perspective that helps navigate complex global landscapes, ensuring OONs impact extends across industries and borders." Pallavi Mutalik Hebbar | Consulting & Risk Advisory, Geopolitics, AI Counsel @ OON Coming from a place where empathy rules to bring partners on the same ground for mutual growth, where meaningful dialogues are based on data insights, and keeping it simple yet effective, these are the attributes women at OON bring to Integrated Marketing Communications. I see the rising need for leaders to be seen and heard, and my contribution to OON is helping individuals build their personal brand for success. Preeti Juneja, DreamWeb India | Personal Branding Counsel @ OON "As OON, we harness the power of storytelling driven with the insight, resilience, and strategic vision that women bring to the table. We help businesses enter new markets; and shape narratives that build credibility. Through our capabilities in strategic communications, digital outreach, and market intelligence, we ensure our clients thrive with impact where it matters most." Dr. Rachana Chowdhary | Founder & CEO, MediaValueWorks | Partner, OON The pressure of the virtual and real worlds is exponentially stressful for most individuals navigating these two universes. As a clinical psychologist, I have seen coping mechanisms being stretched, and its effect is seen in both personal and work lives. As part of Oon, I help organisations build employee morale and trust by bringing in the understanding of the human mind, and helping formulate employee policies and engagement programmes which are genuinely impactful. The aim is to help in better retention and productivity, while being an organisation of choice for employees because of how you deal with your 5 biggest asset, your people. Renuka Sanghvi | Mental and Emotional Health Counsel @ OON As an educationist I see Oon as an excellent partner that can help schools shape into real nation-building institutions while ensuring they remain profitable. The right curriculum can shape a regular classroom into a smart learning room. The idea of unschooling schools is what we strive to do with communications amplifying these differentiators. The right understanding of the business of education with communications is a winner for extraordinary educational institutions setting themselves apart from the ordinary ones. Roopa Arun |Educationist | Policy | Institution Building | Education Industry Counsel @ OON Inclusion is a 360-degree approachand strategic communication is its cornerstone. At Ashtavakra, we enable brands to walk the talk with authenticity, empathy, and measurable impact. Im proud to join hands with OON, the worlds first women-led integrated marketing communications collective, to amplify inclusive narratives and drive systemic change through the power of purposeful storytelling. Dr. Sangita Thakur | Sangita Thakur Founder, Ashtavakra Accessibility Solutions | PwD Counsel and Inclusive Communications Strategist @ OON Collaboration is the heart of innovation, and OON is a testament to what happens when experienced, independent women come together with a shared purpose. As someone who has built businesses from the ground up, I understand the power of strategic communication in shaping brands and driving growth. OON is a culture that empowers, transforms, and delivers with unmatched expertise. Smita Uchil |Co-founder, Mavendoer | Digital Partner, OON 6 Internal Branding and Employer Branding need the width of Integrated Marketing Communications to dovetail into the depth of HRM. With the acute talent crunch across sectors, communication can play a critical role in not only enhancing the value perception of the organisation in current and future talent markets, but also helps in building loyalty and engagement with existing talent. And this eventually translates into delivering business more effectively and profitably. Sowmya Raman |Organisational Transformation | Change Management Specialist | Talent and Internal Communications Counsel @ OON In a world that is becoming increasingly sensitive and intolerant, how and what corporations and brands communicate is even more hyper critical. Oon recognises the need for communications to not just be relevant and impactful, but also on the right side of law. Having a legal lens on internal policies, stakeholder communications, and even the noblest of initiatives will help organisations avoid conflict and litigation. As OONs collective of women professionals we come together to bring forth multiple perspectives to every critical communication you put out, so your reputation stays safe and intact. Talish Ray | Partner TRS Law Offices | Policy and Law | Legal Expert @ OON Joining OON is about more than representationits about driving real change in the digital, tech and B2B space. As women in marketing, we bring fresh perspectives, challenge norms, and create space for the next generation of leaders. At Be Bold, we believe in the power of collaboration, authenticity, and courage to reshape industries. Through OON, were not just amplifying our voiceswere building a future where diverse leadership is the standard, not the exception. - Wei-Ling Chiu | Founder & Chief Client Engagement Officer, Be Bold | B2B and Enterprise Technology Counsel @ OON Spotify has announced a significant evolution of its advertising platform, introducing a suite of innovative tools aimed at simplifying and enhancing the advertising experience for brands. The announcements, made at the Spotify Advance event in New York City, highlight the company's commitment to driving innovation within the digital audio advertising landscape. A key highlight of the update is the launch of the Spotify Ad Exchange (SAX), a new programmatic offering that allows advertisers to access Spotifys engaged, logged-in users through real-time auctions. This provides advertisers with full addressability and measurement capabilities, expanding their reach and targeting precision. SAX is now available through major platforms like The Trade Desk, Googles Display & Video 360, and Magnite, with partnerships with Yahoo DSP, Adform, and others on the horizon. The exchange is currently accessible in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Brazil, and Mexico, covering audio, video, and display formats, with podcast integration coming soon. In addition to SAX, Spotify is enhancing its Spotify Ads Manager with advanced targeting, measurement solutions, and outcome-based objectives. These updates include the Spotify Pixel, Custom Audiences, and new third-party partnerships, along with a new App Installs Objective to drive app downloads and a Website Traffic Objective to optimize website views. Spotify is also focusing on creative innovation with the introduction of Spotify Gen AI Ads. This new feature leverages Spotify's AI expertise to enable advertisers to create scripts and voiceovers at no extra cost, streamlining the production of high-quality audio ads. Gen AI Ads are currently available in the U.S. and Canada within the Spotify Ads Manager. The company's Spotify Creative Lab continues to collaborate with brands and agencies to develop unique and effective campaigns, exemplified by successful partnerships with Coca-Cola, Oreo, American Express, Resy, and Chevrolet. Furthermore, Spotify AUX, the companys in-house consultancy, is expanding its reach by welcoming new partners like Visa and Kona Big Wave, while continuing its multiyear partnership with Coca-Cola. To enhance measurement and demonstrate campaign effectiveness, Spotify has rebuilt its first-party measurement stack and forged new third-party partnerships. Updates include the revamped Spotify Brand Lift, which is now integrated into Ads Manager, and the integration of Spotify Pixel. These tools aim to provide advertisers with a comprehensive understanding of their campaign performance across the marketing funnel. "We are modernizing our ad platform to give advertisers the flexibility to buy Spotify in the way that works best for them," said a Spotify spokesperson during the event. "We are also making it easier than ever for advertisers to create with Spotify, and helping them reach their goals with new measurement tools built just for Spotify and new 3P partnerships." These advancements underscore Spotify's commitment to providing advertisers with powerful, efficient, and creative solutions to reach their target audiences in the dynamic world of digital audio advertising. Taapsee Pannu is one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema, captivating audiences with her stellar performances. Beyond her on-screen brilliance, she possesses a heart of gold, often making heartfelt gestures that leave a lasting impression. Recently, a journalist shared an Instagram post revealing how a small act of kindness from Taapsee turned into a deeply cherished moment for an elderly couple, forging a beautiful, unforgettable bond with them. Justin Rao a journalist, shared a heartwarming story about his father, who suffered a brain stroke and struggled with memory loss, even forgetting family names. However, six months later, oddly enough, one name remained in his memoryTaapsee Pannu. As he regained speech during daily walks, he amusingly labeled a bungalow at the end of their lane as The Taapsee Pannu House. Despite forgetting so much, his mind held onto her name, creating an unexpected yet touching connection. Justin shared another beautiful coincidence. When his parents recently stepped out in Delhi, his mother wore a saree she had saved for a special occasionthe same saree gifted by Taapsee when she launched her brand last year. This touching connection highlights how a small, thoughtful gesture from Taapsee left a lasting impact, bringing unexpected joy to the couple and creating special, cherished moments in their lives. Even Taapsee reacted to the post and revealed how she is going to cherish this forever. Taapse wrote in the comments, Thank you for reminding me that i have a lot more impact n responsibility than just being an actor good enough. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story which forever will become my daily dose of encouragement. This is the love i will treasure for LIFE and hold it closest to my heart. N tell your dad Taapsee sends across a big hug and she would love to see him soon but maybe not in that villa ?? On the work front, Taapsee has her upcoming film, Gandhari, an intense action-thriller where she plays a determined mother on a relentless mission to save her kidnapped child. What sets this role apart is her commitment to performing every stunt herself, delivering an unfiltered, powerful portrayal. Releasing this year, the film promises a gripping, emotional experience. Authored by Prady, CEO and Co-Founder, NP Digital India Indias digital landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. With over 900 million internet users and counting, the country is poised to become one of the worlds largest digital economies. For marketers, this presents both opportunities and challengesespecially in performance marketing, where results are measured by clicks, conversions, and ROI. As brands strive to stay ahead, lets explore the trends reshaping performance marketing in India and what the future holds. Hyper-Personalization Powered by AI- Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all campaigns. Todays consumers demand relevance. Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, marketers can now analyze vast datasets to deliver hyper-personalized ads. For instance, a fitness app might target users in Mumbai with monsoon workout tips, while a regional e-commerce platform in Tamil Nadu could promote monsoon-ready footwear. Tools like dynamic creative optimization (DCO) are enabling real-time customization of ads based on user behavior, location, and preferences. The Rise of Vernacular and Voice Search- Indias internet boom isnt limited to English speakers. Over 70% of users prefer consuming content in regional languages. Performance marketers are tapping into this by creating campaigns in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and other regional dialects. Simultaneously, voice search is gaining traction as affordable smart speakers and voice assistants like Alexa penetrate households. Optimizing for long-tail, conversational keywords (e.g., Best budget smartphones under 15,000) will be critical to capturing voice-driven queries. Video Content Dominates- From YouTube to Instagram Reels, video is king. Short-form video platforms have exploded in popularity, and performance marketers are leveraging this trend with shoppable videos and interactive ads. For example, Nykaas 15-second makeup tutorials with instant Shop Now buttons have driven impressive conversion rates. Live commercea blend of live streaming and instant purchasingis also gaining momentum, particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities. Influencer Marketing Gets Micro and Nano: While celebrities still hold sway, micro (10k100k followers) and nano influencers (<10k followers) are becoming the secret sauce for performance campaigns. These creators boast highly engaged, niche audiences. A skincare startup might collaborate with a micro-influencer in Pune to promote acne solutions, yielding higher trust and ROI than a generic celebrity endorsement. Platforms like Instagram and Koo are even testing affiliate-linked stickers, turning influencer posts into direct sales funnels. Privacy-First Strategies: With data privacy laws tightening and third-party cookies disappearing, marketers are pivoting to first-party data collection. Brands are incentivizing users to share information via quizzes, loyalty programs, or personalized discounts. Contextual targetingplacing ads based on webpage content rather than user trackingis making a comeback. For example, a cooking oil ad might appear on a recipe blog instead of relying on invasive user profiling. Integration of E-commerce and Performance Marketing: Social commerce is blurring the lines between discovery and purchase. Platforms like Meesho and Flipkart Shopsy allow users to buy products directly through WhatsApp catalogs or Instagram shops. Performance marketers are optimizing campaigns for click-to-cart and checkout actions, reducing friction in the buyer journey. Even traditional sectors like real estate are adopting AR-driven ads, letting users virtually tour homes via their smartphones. Expansion of Performance-Based CTV and OTT Advertising: The rise of Connected TV (CTV) and Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms in India is creating new performance marketing opportunities. As more consumers shift from traditional television to streaming services, brands will invest in performance-driven video advertising on platforms like Hotstar, JioCinema, and SonyLIV. The ability to track engagement, retarget viewers, and measure conversions will make CTV advertising a game-changer in performance marketing. Agile Measurement and Multi-Touch Attribution: Last-click attribution is no longer sufficient. Marketers are adopting multi-touch models to understand the full customer journey. Advanced analytics tools now track cross-device behavior, attributing conversions to multiple touchpointsfrom a Google search to a retargeting ad on Facebook. This shift ensures budgets are allocated to high-impact channels. The future of performance marketing in India hinges on adaptability. As technology advances and consumer behaviors shift, marketers must stay agileexperimenting with emerging platforms, prioritizing data ethics, and fostering collaboration between creatives, data scientists, and CX experts. One thing is certain: performance marketing will continue to thrive, but only for those willing to innovate. The question isnt if brands will adapt, but how quickly. Authored By Alok Bhargava, Chief Marketing Officer, Prudent Insurance Brokers The general insurance sector in India is rapidly evolving due to advancements in digital technology that are reshaping how businesses engage with their clients. As more people, two in three, now turn to the Internet to research insurance options, it is crucial for insurers to leverage digital marketing strategies to stay relevant and competitive in the market. How Digital Transformation is Changing Customer Engagement The way insurers communicate with customers has evolved significantly. In the past, people had to visit an office or speak to an agent to buy insurance. Today, digital marketing allows insurers to engage with customers through websites, social media, emails, and chatbots. Customers can compare policies, read reviews, and make informed decisions at their convenience. Digital tools enable insurers to provide quick responses, personalised recommendations, and seamless service, making the process more efficient and customer friendly. Effective Digital Marketing Strategies for General Insurance To attract and retain customers, insurers can adopt various digital marketing strategies, such as: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Studies suggest that Indian consumers do not conduct extensive research before making a purchase. They tend to click on the top 34 search results and often ignore those ranked lower. This makes it even more crucial for insurance brands to optimise their digital presence and ensure they appear at the top of search engine results. Online Advertising: Running targeted campaigns/ads on social media and search engines like Google to reach potential customers. Content Marketing Developing educational articles, videos, and infographics to build awareness about insurance. Social Media Marketing Engaging customers through platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Account-based Marketing Sending personalised messages to keep potential and existing customers informed. Influencer Marketing Partnering with trusted figures to promote insurance products. How AI and Data Help Create Personalised Marketing Campaigns Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics are helping insurers better understand their customers. By analysing the data, customer behaviour, insurance needs and risk capacity, insurers share personalised solutions and recommendations. AI-powered chatbots provide instant support, while predictive analytics enable companies to target the right audience with relevant coverages. This perceived one-on-one and personalised engagement increases sales and strengthens loyalty towards the brand. Capturing Young Customers India has a predominantly young population, and this segment is more digitally savvy than older generations. They spend more time on social media, mobile apps, and online platforms, making digital marketing the ideal way to reach them. This generation values clear and straightforward information, which enables them to make quick purchasing decisions. They also expect a quick, seamless, and hassle-free shopping experience. Digital and tech-driven transformation enables insurers to meet these expectations by providing instant comparisons, easy online purchasing, and rapid customer support, making it the perfect medium to engage and convert younger customers. Improving Customer Experience with Multiple Digital Channels Customers today expect a seamless experience across different platforms, whether they visit an insurers website, use a mobile app, or interact via social media. An omnichannel approach ensures consistency across all touchpoints. Features like live chat, WhatsApp support, and easy online policy management enhance convenience and improve customer satisfaction. Human expertise meets AI/Digital power Insurance brokers serve as vital intermediaries in the insurance sector, connecting insurers with businesses. Leveraging advanced technology and artificial intelligence, they provide tailored solutions to meet their clients' unique needs. By using data-driven insights and automation, brokers streamline decision-making and enhance protection, guiding businesses toward smarter insurance strategies in a fast-paced market. Enhanced Client Servicing Digital tools enable real-time policy comparisons, risk assessments, and instant quotes, making decision-making faster and more efficient. Personalised Risk Management Solutions AI-driven data analysis helps brokers tailor insurance solutions to meet the specific needs of businesses. Stronger Customer Relationships Digital platforms, CRM tools, and automated follow-ups allow brokers to maintain consistent communication and provide timely assistance. Efficient Claims Management Digital processes streamline paperwork and improve claims handling, resulting in quicker settlements and greater client satisfaction. With their digital strategies, intermediaries position themselves as trusted advisors, offering their clients greater transparency, efficiency, and customised insurance solutions. Data Privacy and Compliance in Digital Marketing As insurers collect vast amounts of customer data, they must comply with strict privacy regulations, such as Indias Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB). Ensuring data security, obtaining customer consent before using personal information, and following guidelines set by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) are essential. Tackling Misinformation and Promoting Ethical Advertising With the vast amount of information available online, there is always a risk of misleading advertisements or false claims. The responsibility to ensure honest and transparent messaging lies with the insurers. Ethical marketing practices not only build credibility but also prevent regulatory issues. The Growth of InsurTech and Digital Ecosystems The rise of InsurTech startups is revolutionising the insurance industry. These technology-driven firms simplify processes and enhance customer experiences through digital-first solutions. Many traditional insurers are partnering with InsurTech companies to offer better services via mobile apps, online comparison tools, and AI-driven solutions. Collaborations with financial technology firms and payment platforms make insurance more accessible to a wider audience. Conclusion Digital marketing presents immense opportunities for the general insurance sector in India. By leveraging the right strategies, embracing AI, and offering seamless customer experiences, insurers can expand their reach and strengthen their brand. Intermediaries like corporate brokers can also benefit by providing personalised, efficient, and technology-driven services to their clients. However, ethical marketing practices and compliance with data protection regulations remain crucial. As the industry continues to evolve, insurers that invest in digital transformation will stay ahead in the competitive market. Adgully has been turning the spotlight on the entrepreneurs who fought against all odds to bring their dreams to fruition in our special series START-UP STARS. We at Adgully wholeheartedly support the Vocal for Local movement and have been featuring numerous local/ homegrown businesses, brands, and Apps in the country launched in the last few years. In this interaction with Adgully, Akash Agrawal, Co-Founder, ZOFF Foods, is redefining the spice industry with its commitment to purity, innovation, and quality. Having transitioned from steel to spices, the brand overcame challenges through digital marketing, innovative packaging, and a strong brand story. With Series A funding from JM Financial, ZOFF aims to expand its product portfolio, strengthen its digital presence, and tap into global markets while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. ZOFF Foods is a unique and distinctive name. Could you share the meaning behind it and what inspired you to choose this name for your brand? ZOFF stands for Zone of Fresh Food, reflecting our core philosophy delivering freshness and purity in every product. We wanted a name that was simple, modern, and trustworthy. Spices are an integral part of Indian kitchens, and our goal was to create a brand synonymous with unadulterated, high-quality spices. ZOFF Foods has positioned itself as an innovator in the spice industry. Could you elaborate on the companys vision and mission, and how they have shaped your growth strategy? Our vision is to redefine the spice industry by offering pure, unadulterated, and fresh spices. The industry has long struggled with contamination and quality concerns, and we aim to change that through innovation in processing, packaging, and distribution. Our mission is to deliver Asli Khushbu, Asli Swaad by maintaining world-class food safety standards and using cutting-edge cryogenic grinding technology. This commitment to quality has driven our growth strategy, ensuring we build a brand that stands for trust and transparency. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while transitioning from a successful steel business to the spice industry, and how did you overcome them? Switching from steel to spices was a drastic shift, and the biggest challenges were: Understanding consumer behaviour Unlike steel, spices are deeply emotional and cultural products, requiring us to build trust in a new industry. Retail and distribution dynamics The food industry operates differently, and gaining shelf space was challenging. Brand recognition Competing against legacy brands with decades of consumer loyalty was a major hurdle. We overcame these challenges by focusing on product quality, leveraging digital marketing, and introducing innovative packaging that preserves the freshness of our spices. Startups often face hurdles in securing funding. Could you share your experience navigating the investment landscape in India and how ZOFF Foods secured its Series A funding? Raising funds in a competitive market is always challenging. However, our strong brand positioning, innovative product line, and commitment to quality helped us attract investors. Our Series A funding was secured from JM Financial, who believed in our vision, product differentiation, and market potential. Transparency, a solid business plan, and a clear growth trajectory were key factors in securing funding. Have there been any government initiatives or policies that have positively impacted your industry or benefited ZOFF Foods? How do you see the role of such initiatives in supporting business growth? So far, we havent directly benefited from any government policies, but we are looking forward to opportunities that can support our growth in the future. As an entrepreneur, what advice would you give to young founders entering the food and spice industry, especially in terms of innovation and market positioning? Focus on quality and differentiation The market is competitive, so having a unique value proposition is crucial. Build a strong brand story Connect with consumers emotionally, just like we did with Khade Masale Matlab ZOFF. Leverage digital and quick commerce Consumer habits are shifting online, and convenience is key. Never compromise on transparency In the food industry, trust is everything. The Indian spice market is evolving rapidly. How do you see its growth compared to global markets, and what are the key trends and drivers shaping its future? India, as the largest producer and consumer of spices, is witnessing a shift towards premium, organic, and unadulterated products. Globally, there is a rising demand for Indian-origin spices, functional spices (turmeric, cinnamon), and blends catering to international cuisines. Key trends driving the future of the spice industry: Health-conscious consumers Increasing demand for chemical-free, unadulterated spices. E-commerce growth Quick commerce is making premium spices more accessible. Sustainable sourcing Consumers are prioritizing ethical, farm-to-fork products. ZOFF Foods has already made a mark with its unique product innovations. Could you share your expansion plans, both in terms of product portfolio and geographic reach? We are expanding in two key ways: Product Expansion While whole and ground spices remain our core, we plan to expand into other kitchen essentials to position ZOFF as a one-stop brand for Indian kitchens. Geographic Expansion We are strengthening our presence in Modern Trade, Quick Commerce, and E-commerce, while also scaling up international exports to tap into the growing global demand for Indian spices. Sustainability and inclusivity are becoming key business priorities. How does ZOFF Foods integrate these values into its operations, and what impact do you aim to create in the long run? Sustainable Packaging We focus on eco-friendly, minimal-waste packaging. Ethical Sourcing We work closely with farmers, ensuring fair trade and sustainable practices. Women Empowerment & Local Employment A significant part of our workforce consists of women in production and quality control. In the long run, our goal is to set new benchmarks for sustainability in the spice industry while making a positive social and economic impact. China Search and Rescue Team carries out joint search and rescue operation in Mandalay, Myanmar Xinhua) 09:37, April 03, 2025 Father of Shin Shin draws a sketch of their home for the rescue team in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) China Search and Rescue Team, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carry out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Mother of Shin Shin prays in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) China Search and Rescue Team, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carry out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Mother of Shin Shin prays in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) An aerial drone photo shows the collapsed Sky Villa residence in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) This photo shows the collapsed home of a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) China Search and Rescue Team, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carry out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) This photo shows the collapsed home of a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Parents (2nd and 3rd R) of Shin Shin communicate with rescue team members in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) China Search and Rescue Team, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carry out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. China Search and Rescue Team, assigned by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management, and a rescue team from China's Hong Kong carried out a joint search and rescue operation for a missing child named Shin Shin at the Sky Villa residence on Tuesday. The 5-year-old girl has been missing since the earthquake last week. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) India's Farm Exports Poised to Thrive Despite US TariffsExperts See an Edge 2 Indias agricultural exports to the United States may remain resilientor even expanddespite new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, according to leading agricultural economist Ashok Gulati. Unlike some competing nations facing even steeper trade barriers, Indias exporters could find a relative advantage in the new tariff structure. The 26% discounted reciprocal tariff on Indian goods is expected to have a limited impact on key agricultural exports like seafood and rice, compared to the significantly higher duties imposed on regional competitors, said Gulati, former chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). We should not look at the tariff increase in absolute terms but in relation to our competitors, Gulati told PTI, pointing out that China now faces a 34% tariff8% higher than Indias. Other nations face even more severe trade restrictions: Vietnam (46%), Bangladesh (37%), Thailand (36%), and Indonesia (32%). For shrimp exports, Indias key advantage lies in quality packaging and bulk-handling capacity, according to Gulrej Alam, General Secretary of the Shrimp Feed Manufacturers Association of India. While Ecuador enjoys a lower 10% tariff and a geographical advantage, Indias established processing infrastructure is expected to sustain demand in the long run. Similarly, Indias rice exports, which currently face a 9% US tariff, will now see an increase to 26%a challenge but not an insurmountable one. Former All India Rice Exporters Association president Vijay Sethia acknowledged short-term setbacks but expects market stabilization in the long term. Experts believe that India could even gain market share as competitors struggle with higher tax burdens. Gulati, now a chair professor at ICRIER, emphasized that while tariffs create short-term disruptions, they could ultimately open doors for Indian exporters in markets where other nations become less competitive. Lok Sabha Passes Controversial Waqf Bill Amid Fierce Opposition, Sparks Political Firestorm 2 After a heated 12-hour debate, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, early Thursday with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The ruling NDA government defended the bill as a progressive step for minority welfare, while the opposition labeled it anti-Muslim and a direct attack on constitutional rights. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly refuted claims that minorities were unsafe in India, stating, There is no place in the world safer than India for minorities. He emphasized that the bill would unify all minorities, citing overwhelming support from the Christian community. Rijiju added that the bill would streamline Waqf property disputes and provide justice to widows, divorced women, and orphans. Home Minister Amit Shah accused the opposition of spreading fear and playing vote-bank politics. It has become a fashion to create fear among minorities. No citizen, regardless of religion, will be harmed under the Modi government, he asserted. Shah further claimed that the 2013 Waqf law was a last-minute appeasement tactic before the 2014 elections, resulting in 123 prime properties in Delhi being handed over to Waqf just days before polling. Opposition leaders launched scathing attacks on the bill. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi called it an assault on the Constitution, designed to disenfranchise minorities. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi protested by tearing a copy of the bill inside Parliament. Rahul Gandhi took to social media, warning that the bill was a weapon aimed at eroding Muslim rights and setting a precedent for future attacks on other communities. The Samajwadi Partys Akhilesh Yadav went a step further, declaring the bill would be the BJPs Waterloo, hinting that some NDA allies were unhappy with its passage. Critics also argued that the bill would damage Indias secular image globally. According to the bills provisions, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, state-sponsored audits will be mandatory for high-earning Waqf institutions, and a centralized portal will track Waqf property management. Additionally, it proposes non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards and restores pre-2013 rules allowing Muslims to dedicate property to Waqf after five years of practice. While the NDA hails the bill as a landmark reform, the opposition vows to challenge it both legally and politically. With tensions running high, all eyes are now on the Rajya Sabha, where the bill is expected to face another fierce showdown. A convicted killer has avoided possible execution by pleading guilty to a second murder that happened in Birmingham nearly four years ago. John David Johnson, 58, was charged with capital murder in the shooting death of 41-year-old Robert Jonathan Roy, who was killed May 27, 2021, at the Chevron on Ensley Avenue. Johnson, who also pleaded guilty to a reduced murder charge in 1993, on Wednesday pleaded guilty in Roys slaying before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Kandice Pickett. The plea came after years of Johnson undergoing evaluation on whether he was mentally competent to stand trial, which the judge last month ruled that he was competent, court records show. Johnson also entered guilty pleas to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling in an unrelated case. Pickett sentenced Johnson to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the murder conviction, and to 20 years on the other two cases. The case was prosecuted by Jefferson County Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts. Johnson was represented by attorneys Maston Evans and Julian Hendrix. Had the case gone to trial, prosecutors would have sought the death penalty. The family of Jonathan Roy is satisfied that this defendant admitted his guilty and will serve a life sentenced for the murder of their son Jonathan, Roberts said. This process has taken almost four years and they are thankful that there is finally a resolution. Roy was shot that Thursday at 8:57 a.m. at Chevron at 2301 Ensley Avenue. He was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:18 a.m. the following day. Police said the shooting happened during a theft in which Roy was the victim. Investigators obtained the warrant against Johnson the following month and began searching for him. He was taken into custody in July 2021 when a West Precinct officer on patrol spotted Johnson. The following year, records show, Johnson applied for a mental evaluation, which was granted. An Alabama Department of Mental Health psychologist recommended he be admitted to Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility, which he was. In March, a competency hearing was held before Pickett, who deemed him competent to stand trial. Court records show Johnson was arrested on a charge of capital murder in the December 1990 shooting death of a man named Wilbert Witcher Jr. That deadly shooting also happened during a theft in Birmingham, court records show. In 1993, he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. It wasnt immediately clear when he was released from the Alabama Department of Corrections the first time. Johnson remains held in the Jefferson County Jail awaiting transfer to the Alabama Department of Corrections. A second teen has been charged in Birmingham for being in illegal possession of a Glock switch. The Birmingham Police Department reports Special Enforcement Team arrested the 17-year-old boy Sunday, Birmingham police announced Thursday. Officers arrested the suspect on Sunday, March 27, in the 7700 block of 1st Avenue North following serving an arrest warrant for a separate suspect who was with the juvenile. BPDs Felony Assault Unit detectives also investigated the case. The Jefferson County Juvenile Magistrates Office issued a petition on the juvenile suspect for illegally possessing the machine conversion device. He was taken to the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center. Police last week announced the arrest of a 15-year-old on the same charge, and that teen became the first person in Birmingham to be arrested under Alabamas new state ban on Glock switches. The new law just recently went into effect and makes possessing any part or combination of parts designed and intended to convert a pistol into a machine gun punishable by a term between 366 days and 10 years, according to state code. Glock switches - also known as auto sears or a button or a giggle switch - can unleash 20 rounds per second or 1,200 rounds a minute. Up until the new Alabama law, the federal government prosecuted all Glock switch cases. Mayor Randall Woodfin has said a Crime Stoppers program would facilitate $1,000 rewards for the arrest of people caught in possession of gun conversion devices. Woodfin encouraged calling Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777, and in a part of the message aimed at the general citizen, wrote in a social media post, Help us get these switch boys off our streets. After about an hour of debate, the Alabama House passed a bill which stops K-12 students from using cellphones and other personal devices during class. HB166, sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey (R-Jefferson), also says the State Department of Education also must provide training on the risks of using social media and how to use social media safely. The bill passed 70-15 with some amendments. Its going to have them focused on whats going on in that classroom, working on developing these critical social skills and then continuing to learn how to have great debates in their classrooms, just like we did on the floor today, Hulsey told AL.com after the bills passage. I think this is going to be a game changer, and Im really excited to see how this plays out in our kids lives in our classrooms, she said. The bills would ban students from using cellphones, tablets, laptops or other portable communication devices on campus during the school day. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, devices must be turned off and stored in a locker, backpack, car, or a pouch monitored by a teacher. Lawmakers removed a proposed penalty for local schools that dont create and enforce a policy. Studies have shown that cellphones and other electronic communication devices are negatively impacting learning outcomes, according to the language in the bill. Increased social media usage may negatively affect the mental health of school-aged children. In February, the Alabama state school board adopted a resolution to strongly encourage local school districts to have a policy that would limit cellphone use on school grounds, citing their negative effects on learning and retention. Gov. Kay Ivey voiced support of the legislation in her State of the State address. Rep. Mary Moore (D-Jefferson County) opposed the bill during the debate, saying there needs to be more research before passing a ridiculous bill. She said the state board of education, who should be the experts, are the weakest people Ive ever come across. They ought to have the courage and the professionalism to say this is good, this is bad, Moore said. But they dont. Several legislators had safety concerns about students not having access to their phones. Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) said because of the prevalence of school shootings, students need to be able to call 911 or their parents. She said that as a grandmother, it would be nerve-wracking if her grandchildren didnt have access to their phones. Hulsey said the National Association of School Resource Officers recommends students dont have phones when an event happens, because it actually makes the situation harder to manage and deal with successfully and quicker. Hulsey said three exemptions should address legislators concerns: Students will be allowed to use phones for medical purposes, such as when a diabetic student needs to monitor glucose levels; during a life-threatening emergency; or for educational purposes under a teachers supervision. Rep. Anthony Daniels (D-Madison County) praised the bill, saying the governors office should look into starting a campaign to start educating the public on the impact of cell phones in the classroom. The amended bill removes punitive actions for schools that dont comply. Rep. Pebblin Warren (D-Lee County) said they may need to put some teeth in this bill later. If we get data back that says that theyre not complying, we need to look more seriously at coming back and amending this to add those punitive damages, Hulsey said. The Senate companion bill, SB92, was referred to the Senate Committee on Education Policy Feb. 4. When visiting Alabamas beaches, you have plenty of meal-worthy restaurants to pick from. So many, in fact, that choosing just one is no easy task. Thats why This is Alabama recently asked the followers on its Facebook page to fill them in on what their favorite must-visit beach restaurants are. The responses ranged from iconic eateries that have been in business for decades to hidden gem dive bars, stylish spots with waterfront views and so much more. You can check out 14 of the submissions below, and you can see all of them on the This is Alabama Facebook page. Duck's Diner has been a fixture in Orange Beach since 2001. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Ducks Diner 4560 Easy Street in Orange Beach; 120 E. Fort Morgan Road in Gulf Shores With more than 20 years in business, Ducks Diner (which has a location in Gulf Shores as well) has become a favorite among families from across the country who visit Alabamas beaches each summer. Its eclectic breakfast menu, served seven days a week, includes everything from country fried steak with gravy to banana-stuffed French toast, Creole shrimp and grit cakes and more. In addition, you can dine on classic Southern fare, with all the fixins, during the meat-and-three-style lunch. Read more: A new old favorite serves up breakfast, burgers and more in Gulf Shores Sea-n-Suds Restaurant and Oyster Bar 405 East Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores Sea-N-Suds Restaurant and Oyster Bar has been attracting hungry diners in Gulf Shores for nearly 50 years by offering a little bit of everything from fresh oysters, sweet heat shrimp, fried crawfish tails, gumbo, chicken wings and more -- and thats just the appetizers. For dinner and lunch, which is served Tuesday through Sunday, options range from Nathans famous hot dogs to fried oyster sandwiches, stuffed crab and seafood platters. Of course, theres also the popular all-you-can-eat salad bar to keep in mind. Read more: 8 places to get great seafood in town and on the coast You can order breakfast any time of day at Sunliner Diner, a sleek, retro eatery in Gulf Shores, Ala. (Michelle Matthews/mmatthews@al.com) Michelle Matthews Sunliner Diner 100 East Second Avenue in Gulf Shores For a one-of-a-kind meal served in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, head over to the Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores. Its become a favorite among visitors due to its retro 1950s look and its all-day, every-day breakfast menu. While there, you can enjoy waffles with all kinds of toppings, omelettes, steak and eggs and more. Theres also a lunch and dinner menu that offers specialties like meatloaf, chicken fettuccini alfredo and shrimp platters. Just be sure to save room for one of their decadent milkshakes! Read more: This Gulf Shores diner is a total 50s throwback Mikees Seafood 205 East Second Avenue in Gulf Shores When asked about their must-visit beach restaurants in Alabama, readers mentioned Mikees Seafood early and often. In business since 1987 and open seven days a week, Mikees has become known for its all-you-can-eat specials, which include catfish, whitefish, shrimp, clams and snowcrabs, as well as its wide selection of po boys, salads, pasta dishes, steaks and seafood. Whatever you order, be sure to save room for some of their peanut butter pie or key lime pie as well. Read more: Southern Living says this family-owned restaurant is among Gulf Shores best Wolf Bays Captains Platter is just mouth-watering. (AL.com file photo) AL.com file photo Wolf Bay Seafood and Steak 24131 Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach Wolf Bay Seafood and Steak is a family-owned restaurant that has become a favorite among tourists and locals alike during its more than 50 years in business. Whether you visit the Orange Beach location or the Foley one, youre bound to enjoy a meal filled with fresh seafood, like oysters served every kind of way, stuffed shrimp and the filling captains platter, as well as steaks, pasta, sandwiches and more. Theres also a large salad bar and the specialty sides, like smoked gouda grits and truffle parm fries, to keep in mind. Read more: 12 beach restaurants Alabamians love Big Fish Restaurant 25814 Canal Road in Orange Beach For a more upscale vibe thats still close to the beach, Big Fish Restaurant and Bar in Orange Beach offers diners fresh seafood served in a comfortable and stylish atmosphere. Open for dinner Monday through Saturday, the restaurants seasonal menu includes unique, Asian-inspired seafood dishes like meatloaf muffins, sesame seed seared ahi tuna, award-winning ginger glazed shrimp skewers and more. Theres also plenty of fresh sushi rolls, nigri and sashimi to choose from. Read more: Ask an Alabama chef: If you could eat at only one restaurant, what would it be? The Flying Harpoon in Gulf Shores has a lot of history on its walls. And its ceiling. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com The Flying Harpoon 23479 Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach If youre looking for a good place to score an even better po boy any day of the week, The Flying Harpoon in Orange Beach is the place to go. Served on New Orleans Leidenheimer French bread, you can have your pick of everything from Conecuh sausage to roast beef, oysters, flounder and more. In addition, the menu also includes crab and crawfish cakes, oysters every kind of way, salads, gumbo and other Cajun-seasoned favorites, all made from scratch. Read more: 5 great dive bars at Alabamas beaches Cosmos Restaurant and Bar 25753 Canal Road in Orange Beach For more than a decade, Cosmos Restaurant and Bar has been a popular upscale eatery for those visiting Orange Beach as well as locals thanks to its unique dishes. Open for lunch and dinner daily, you have your pick of tuna poke nachos, pecan redfish, lobster andouille mac-n-cheese and more, which you can enjoy in Cosmos cozy dining room or out on its spacious outdoor deck. Just dont forget to try one of our mouthwatering desserts like banana fritters, key lime pie and Cosmos chocolate creation. GT's on the Bay serves a stellar bushwackers. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com GTs on the Bay 26189 Canal Road in Orange Beach For a memorable meal with a gorgeous view, GTs on the Bay in Orange Beach has you covered. Overlooking Wolf Bay on Canal Road in the heart of Orange Beach, GTs offers diners a large menu filled with dishes that offer a little Cajun flare, like seafood gumbo, Creole linguini and po boys. In addition, theres also Southern favorites like shrimp and grits, burgers, salads, pizzas and plenty more up for grabs too. Whatever you order, be sure to have one of their popular bushwackers along with it -- it doubles as a drink and dessert. Read more: Alabamas Bushwacker Trail: Ranking more places you can get the legendary drink Original Oyster House Boardwalk 701 Gulf Shores Parkway in Gulf Shores In business for more than 40 years, The Original Oyster House Restaurant in Gulf Shores has garnered a strong reputation for being a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and it has a lot to do with their large menu filled with fresh seafood and Southern sides. Whether youre craving fried shrimp, broiled flounder, steak, crab legs or a classic cheeseburger, youll find it on the menu at Original Oyster House. Just dont skip dessert. That chocolate chip peanut butter pie isnt going to eat itself. Read more: 14 things you might not know about Original Oyster House Country-fried steak at DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen in Gulf Shores, with lima beans and fried green tomatoes. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Desotos Seafood Kitchen 138 West First Avenue in Gulf Shores Another popular pick among readers is DeSotos Seafood Kitchen, which has been in business for more than 20 years. Open for lunch and dinner daily, the award-winning restaurant includes a little something for everyone, including its popular Hawaiian Ribeye steak as well as fresh seafood, pasta dishes and more. Their lunch menu also includes a meat-and-three-style option with a rotation of Southern favorites and sides, like fried chicken and fried green tomatoes. Read more: Youll find more than seafood at this Southern Living favorite in Gulf Shores Bahama Bobs Beach Side Cafe 601 West Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores Looking for a restaurant offering waterfront views and a full menu? Bahama Bobs Beach Side Cafe in Gulf Shores has it, which is likely why so many readers said its their must-visit eatery when visiting Alabamas coast. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, their menu offers sandwiches, salads and fresh seafood cooked every kind of way, but keep their specialties, like the paradise island fried pecan flounder and the crab cray baked flounder, in mind when deciding your meal. Read more: Southern Living says these are the best restaurants in Gulf Shores Jean-Claude Van Damme, seen at New Line Cinema Los Angeles Premiere of "Keanu" at ArcLight Cinerama Dome Theater on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, is facing criminal charges in Romania. (Photo by Dan Steinberg/Invision for Warner Bros./AP Images) Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP Jean-Claude Van Damme is facing criminal charges in Romania. According to CNN affiliate Antena, a criminal complaint was filed with the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) against the action star, 64, alleging he knowingly engaged in sexual relations with women trafficked by a criminal group led by Morel Bolea. The actor is accused of having sexual relations in Cannes with five Romanian women who were in a state of vulnerability, with the suspicion that they were exploited within the meaning of Article 182 of the Criminal Code, lawyer Adrian Cuculis said, per the report. Jean-Claude Van Damme allegedly knew that the Romanian women were victims of a network of traffickers. One of the women who witnessed the incident shared what she saw with prosecutors, according to Antenna 3 CNN. Van Damme exploded onto the scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s with blockbusters like Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Double Impact, Universal Soldier and Sudden Death. Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily. Actors Michael Biehn (left) and Val Kilmer co-starred in the popular 1993 Western film "Tombstone." (The Associated Press) AP When Alabama actor Michael Biehn appeared in 1993s Tombstone alongside Val Kilmer, who died Tuesday at age 65, the two actors portrayed enemies. But watching Kilmer act left Biehn with great respect for Kilmer, who starred in iconic films like Top Gun, The Doors and Batman Forever. In an interview with CBS42 in Birmingham, Biehn, an Anniston native, said Kilmer was one of the finest actors of his generation. In Tombstone, Biehn played deadly outlaw Johnny Ringo, a rival of Kilmers famed gunslinger and gambler Doc Holliday. He was a true professional and was always fascinating to watch, Biehn told CBS42. MORE: Hollywood reacts to Val Kilmer, star of Tombstone, Top Gun, dead at 65: You truly were an icon Biehn said their roles as real-life enemies Ringo and Holliday meant the actors didnt spend much time together offscreen, but he admired Kilmers commitment. When we were doing our first read-through, I said to myself Michael, you better step it up here or hes going to walk all over you, Biehn recalled. Biehn also appeared in such classics as The Terminator, Aliens and The Abyss. Read the full CBS 42 article. Kilmers portrayal of Holliday, who was sick with tuberculosis, is one of his most beloved. Rolling Stone magazine said Biehn and Kilmer gave us the best gunfight of the modern Western era. The face-off between Kilmers Doc Holliday and Michael Biehns Johnny Ringo in 1993s Tombstone captured the nervy emotion of a deadly duel, the magazine wrote in an April 2 article. Watch a scene between Kilmers Holliday and Biehns Ringo from Tombstone in the video below. Kilmer died Tuesday of pneumonia, according to the Associated Press. The actor, known for his intensity, was the youngest actor ever accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School at the time he attended, the AP article said. Kilmer had more than 100 acting credits, according to his IMDb page. Popular films included Top Secret!, Real Genius, Top Gun, Willow, The Doors, Batman Forever, The Saint and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. His final film role came in 2022s blockbuster hit Top Gun: Maverick, in which he reprised the character Tom Iceman Kazansky. Rep. Mark Gidley, R-Hokes Bluff, speaks in support of HB178, which would require Ten Commandment displays inside schools during an Alabama House Education Policy Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala. John SHarp Ten Commandments displays would be moved to history classrooms and college buildings where history classes are held under the latest proposal Alabama lawmakers are considering. However, one longtime advocate for Ten Commandment displays criticized the brief debate over HB178, calling it amateur hour and urging Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to take charge. She (Ivey) said she would put it in every public building including school rooms, said Dean Young, an Orange Beach businessman who led efforts in 2018 to get Ten Commandment displays enshrined into the Alabama Constitution. She brought it up during the State of the State address, and now shes trying to put them only in the history classes. Gina Maiola, spokesperson for Ivey, said the governors position remains unchanged and that she is a supporter of displaying the Ten Commandments in public places with other founding documents, like the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights. The debate on HB178, which requires biblical directives to be displayed at schools, is expected to resume next week in Montgomery. Lawmakers on the Alabama House Education Policy Committee decided Wednesday it was best to hold off on voting for HB178 until more information about it was provided. Governors influence Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey delivers her State of the State address, March 7, 2023, in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Julie Bennett, File) AP Rep. Mark Gidley, R-Hokes Bluff, and pastor of Faith Worship Center in Glencoe, said revised version of the Ten Commandments legislation was the result of work supporters did with Iveys office. Ivey called to incorporate key historical documents and the Ten Commandments in classrooms during her State of the State address in February, setting up for a potential legal showdown over separation of church and state. The original version of the legislation sparked a lively public hearing early last month. The Ten Commandments, as recorded in the Bible, are a set of moral, religious, and ethical directives believed to have been given by God on Mount Sinai. They include directives for people not to steal, commit adultery, murder, honor ones mother and father, etc. My ask was that it be placed in a strategic location, Gidley said about the displays. The (new version of HB178) asks that it be placed in the classroom where American history is taught. This brings the Ten Commandments into a strategic place and places it where the history of America is taught alongside other historic documents. The original version of HB178 required the Ten Commandment displays to be inside the entry way or other common areas of a school, such as a school library. It also required that each display be on a poster or framed document at least 11 inches by 14 inches. The bill also does not require public bodies to spend money for the displays. Payment, locations Rep. Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, asked Gidley what entities were willing to pay to have the Ten Commandments displayed inside the schools statewide. Gidley said he had one entity come forward willing to pay for the displays but declined to disclose any names. The main part of it is we dont place a financial burden on our school systems, he said. It will be up to the people in the community and the school board to ask for donations and make sure people are aware this is not paid for with school dollars. Daniels expressed hope for more details in HB178 to clarify the requirement for schools to display the Ten Commandments. The requirement applies not only for K-12 schools, but also higher education institutions in Alabama. For me, I just dont know how you require something and expect the school system struggling for funds anyway to go out and solicit and find supporters to pay (for the displays), Daniels said. Rep. Marcus Paramore, R-Troy, said he was concerned about where the displays would be placed at colleges and universities. I can understand in a K-12 (having them displayed) in a prominent place where government and history is being taught, he said. But the institution in my district, there is a whole building full of classrooms that teach government and history. Are you requiring it to be in all 20 classrooms and all four floors of that one building? Gidley said he initially wanted the Ten Commandments displayed in every classroom throughout the state. He said he realized that position was what he classified as overkill. I would say if you have an entire building dedicated (to history classes), a prominent place would suffice, Gidley said. Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, and chair of the committee, said the bill needed more work. She also said there needed to be more discussion about what kind of inscription to include on the poster that would be displayed at schools statewide. Reaction Dean Young of Baldwin County, rallies for support of a constitutional amendment in 2018, for Ten Commandment displays. Young, who watched the proceedings, said he felt Gidley was ill-prepared and called on Ivey to push forward the displays if she wants to follow up on a prior campaign promise. Young has been critical of Ivey, who pledged with his political action committee to have the Ten Commandments displayed within the three months after the amendment was adopted in 2018. The amendment was approved with 72% of voters backing the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools and public property. Former Chief Justice Roy Moore stands next to his Ten Commandments monument after moving it into the office of the Foundation for Moral Law in Montgomery on Feb. 11, 2020. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com) The issue takes on heightened interest in Alabama, which was Ground Zero over the battles about Ten Commandment displays following Roy Moores defiant stand in the early 2000s after he installed and refused to remove a massive monument with the directives on them. The original legislation wasnt solely focused on the Ten Commandments. It also allowed school boards to display other historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Mayflower Compact (signed in 1620), which served as the first governing document of the Plymouth Colony, and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which outlines the process for admitting new states to the Union. Ryan Jayne, senior policy counsel with the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) Fund said the legislation is based on what he said is a falsehood in that they pretend not to promote Christianity over other religions. He said that HB178 is based on dubious claims that the Ten Commandments have an important role in Americas founding, and that posting them in public schools is based on history rather than on religion. Theyre trying to convert students to a particular brand of Christianity, plain and simple, Jayne said. But the bill sponsors know that if they admit this, they are admitting (it is) unconstitutional. Previous efforts to require Ten Commandment displays in other states have met legal challenges. A federal judge blocked a Louisiana law from going forward in November. The judge called the law unconstitutional on its face because it violated a separation of church and state. It is currently being litigated before the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. This story was updated at 10:02 p.m. on April 2, 2025, to include a comment from the governors spokesperson. An Alabama nonprofit organization warns that thousands of low-income households could face life-threatening risks after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services fired all employees overseeing a federal utility bill assistance program. Energy Alabama said in a Thursday press release that low-income families receive help with energy bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, especially during extreme weather. The nonprofit noted that intense summer heat and winter cold in Alabama can be dangerous and called for immediate federal action to restore this crucial program. This decision will likely strip essential utility bill support from tens of thousands of Alabamiansand millions more across the country, Daniel Tait, executive director for Energy Alabama, said. Without this critical assistance, many households face the very real risk of utility shutoffs, leaving families in unsafe, even life-threatening, conditions without power. According to news reports, HHS recently terminated about a dozen staff who managed the utilities assistance program. Six million households nationwide depend on the program. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who announced the departments restructuring last week, said the focus is on consolidating departments for more accountability, and noted that the bid is to reduce full-time employees by 20,000. As part of President (Donald) Trumps DOGE workforce reduction initiative, we are going to streamline HHS and make our agencies more efficient and more effective, Kennedy said. We are going to streamline our agencies and eliminate the redundancies and invite everyone to align behind a single bold mission. An HHS spokesperson said in a statement to AL.com on Thursday that the department will continue to comply with statutory requirements, and as a result of the reorganization, will be better positioned to execute on Congresss statutory intent. Alabama U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville did not immediately respond to requests for comment for this story. A view of the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility at the Port of Mobile. The ICTF transfers shipping containers to and from rail cars. Alabama Port Authority How will Alabamas international trading partners react to Wednesdays round of sweeping tariffs announced by President Donald Trump? Trump imposed a minimum tariff of 10% on imports, with the tax rate running much higher on products from certain countries like China and those from the European Union. [Cant see the map? Click here.] The danger for Alabama companies that export around the world is in any retaliatory tariffs imposed by those countries. The European Union has not said yet how it might strike back, but last month it responded to steel and aluminum tariffs by announcing $28 billion worth of tariffs on American goods exports. Alabama exported $26.8 billion worth of goods in 2024, the second highest annual tally for worldwide shipments in the states history. The bulk of those exports are motor vehicles, chemicals, minerals and ores, primary metals and paper. And in all, Alabama exports went to 201 countries last year. The top destinations for the states exports in 2024 were: 1. Canada: $4.3 billion (up 7%) 2. Mexico: $4.2 billion (up 32%) 3. China: $4.1 billion (up 11%) 4. Germany: $4.1 billion (down 19%) 5. Japan: $880 million (down 8%) Canada and Mexico avoided new duties, as the president had already imposed 25% on steel and aluminum. China faces 54% tariffs, when earlier ones are factored in. Germany in the European Union was slapped with a 20% tariff, while Japan has a 24% tariff. Several nations have said they are open to negotiation on tariffs, while others have promised to respond in kind. The Washington Post Thursday reported that China has promised Thursday to retaliate, while the European Union prepared another salvo of tariffs against U.S. goods. According to the Guardian, potential Chinese countermeasures could include reciprocal tariffs, devaluing Chinas currency, and more restrictions on the export of certain rare earth metals. This morning, Canada responded with 25% tariffs on U.S. automobiles, according to Bloomberg. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that the country would not pursue a tit-for-tat on tariffs but would rather announce a comprehensive program. According to The New York Times, the state of Japans economy and the central position of its trade relationship with the U.S. makes it difficult to strike back. In the last several years, the people elected to run Alabamas largest county have been doling out more and more pork, dipping into public dollars set aside for road paving and instead letting individual county commissioners pass out money to their favorite nonprofits and local projects. In 2018, each of the five Jefferson County commissioners got $100,000 of public money to distribute to community organizations and infrastructure projects. Six years later, that figure had ballooned to $1.1 million each, according to the county commission. That allowed them to pass out bigger checks and more of them for pet projects. Some commissioners based in Birmingham wouldnt answer calls to talk about how they chose to hand out millions. One past commissioner said he was concerned that the large amounts create a chance for mischief. One current commissioner defended the setup. Weve gotten the county out of debt, said Commission President Jimmie Stephens, who represents the western, rural side of the county. We are now in a position to return money to the taxpayers for a good and sufficient public purpose. These people who did not have a ball field now have a place to have a ball field. In the past six years, the county commission has distributed more than $25 million through the Community Grant Program, AL.com and The Birmingham Times found in a review of county finance and budget records. Some of that spending has gone to government-related recipients, such as the Jefferson County Board of Education, libraries, and fire districts, while other grants have been distributed to nonprofits. [Cant see the chart? Click here.] But most of the organizations arent providing reports of how theyre spending the public dollars, and the county commission isnt asking for the receipts, two commissioners said in interviews. Thats despite the countys rules requiring the nonprofits to report back about how the money was spent within 60 days of spending the money. AL.com and The Birmingham Times identified a sample that included some of the top recipients over the past six years and requested that the county provide the spending reports and any other documents they had received from the recipients. While the county provided the applications for funding and other records the groups submitted in their requests, the county could only provide a report on how the money was spent for just one grant. Empowerment Inc., which received a total of nearly $700,000 in grants between 2022 and 2024, provided a receipt to the county for $450,000 in 2023 for the Steel City Jazz Fest, the records show. [Read more: Here are the top recipients of Jefferson Countys pork money] Other organizations did not provide spending reports, according to the county officials. In a response to a records request on Feb. 7, the county said it did not have spending reports for any of the other recipients. At this time Finance has shared all of the documents that it has received, said Helen Hays, county spokeswoman, in an email. We acknowledge it is not all of the required documents, but it is what has been provided to us. Hays referred questions about the lack of receipts to the organizations. It creates mischief In one instance, Commissioner Lashunda Scales distributed a $100,000 grant, pulled directly from federal pandemic aid money, to the Penny Foundation in 2023 for the nonprofits Magic City Connections program, which founder and CEO Lyord Watson Jr. said included an economic empowerment conference and a stop the violence rally. Scales, whose district includes north Birmingham, declined to answer questions for this story. Commissioner Joe Knight, whose district includes the northeast part of the county, said in an interview that the countys rules for the grants require recipients to keep their receipts for three years in the case of an audit. Yes, there should be receipts. Its important for proof of purpose, Knight said. You got this money, how did you spend it? And its up to each individual commission office to understand that and to be able to provide that. David Carrington served on the commission from 2010 to 2018. He said he was concerned about the apparent lack of oversight of how the community grants would be used and voted against discretionary spending when the resolution first came before the commission in his second term. It creates mischief, he said. It concerns me materially. Its the publics money. Carrington added that he believes that a lack of spending reports constitutes a failure on the part of the commissioner distributing the money, as well as the recipient, the finance department, and the county manager. In times past we knew there was mischief, he said. The contract is clear that there is supposed to be a report of how the money is used. Commissioner Sheila Tyson, whose district includes central Birmingham and parts of Bessemer, did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story. Heres how the grants work: Organizations submit requests for the money each year, typically including their plans for spending the money, along with a budget and tax records. In some instances, the countys finance and legal departments have rejected the requests during the vetting process. But once the applications go to the county commission for a vote, the commissioners almost always approve them. In times past we knew there was mischief. The contract is clear that there is supposed to be a report of how the money is used. Former Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington The grant recipient has a year to spend the money. The recipients are supposed to provide detailed reports to the county finance department, the granting commissions office, and the county managers office, per the countys community grant program. In addition to not obtaining receipts in some instances, commissioners distributed public money including some originally intended for infrastructure projects to the same nonprofits over and over again, a review of county records by AL.com and The Birmingham Times found. For example, one nonprofit, Exposure Community Development Corporation, which provides music education, got 11 grants in five years. We should not be doing discretionary grants in order to perpetuate an organization, in other words each year were funding a certain entity, Knight said. It should be a one-time thing. I cant support your project each and every year. Where does the money come from? The commission votes on the budget for these grants each year, said Theo Lawson, county attorney. When the federal government sent emergency pandemic funding to state and local governments through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Act (CARES) in fiscal year 2022, commissioners in Jefferson County voted to redistribute millions of dollars to bolster their pork fund. They put an additional $2 million each into the grant fund in fiscal year 2022 and another $1.63 million each in fiscal year 2023 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), county records show. But even after most of the pandemic-era funding ran out before 2024, commissioners still gave themselves more than $3.5 million total in county funds to spend during the 2024 fiscal year, which ended September 30, 2024. According to county records, in September 2021, the commission approved $10 million to be equally distributed among each district at $2 million each for that year to advance the improvement of Jefferson County infrastructure. But, a year later, the commission passed a resolution to expand the use of that money to include community grants. Weve gotten the county out of debt. We are now in a position to return money to the taxpayers for a good and sufficient public purpose. Commission President Jimmie Stephens Lawson said in an email that the legal and finance departments vet applications for funding based on how the money will be used. We ensure that the purpose meets all legal requirements prior to presentation to the Commission for consideration, he said. Even if a spend report is not received, the County has a built-in fail-safe mechanism by requiring that recipients retain spending records and make them available to the County for inspection upon request. Lawson declined to comment on why the county commission was not following its own policy to request the spending reports. But if a commissioner had a reason to believe that grant funds werent spent based on the contract, the countys legal office would take any appropriate legal action to recover the funds, Lawson said. Commissioner Stephens said the countys spending has increased because theres more money to spend now. I can look and make sure taxpayer dollars are spent like they are supposed to be spent, Stephens said. If you look at the majority of our [spending], they are mainly tangible items, things that you can see have been done. Stephens added that he can see the commission being more vigilant about requesting spending reports from the grant recipients in the future. What will change moving forward? Last fall, Knight, who is the commissions finance chair, prepared a memo about his ideas for changes to the way the money is handed out. He wrote in the draft memo that commissioners would no longer be able to access a contingency fund intended for emergencies, and that $400,000 for government entities only per commissioner would be strictly set aside for road paving and other infrastructure. And a separate fund of $1.5 million, pulled from interest earned on the federal pandemic money, would be used for nonprofits. Knight also wanted to propose a new rule. I would recommend that no one entity be allocated more than $200,000, Knight wrote in an internal memo that he sent to commissioners while they were working on the budget. Danielle Cater serves as the chief of staff for Commissioner Mike Bolin, whose district includes over-the-mountain communities like Mountain Brook and Homewood. She also held that title for former commissioner Steve Ammons, who stepped down in May 2023. Cater said the office rarely has received detailed reports and as a result has taken steps to ensure that grant recipients follow up. All of our new contracts have an extra page in them, a reporting page after they spend the money, Cater said. We added that page starting in October, and checked with legal to make sure, because follow-ups have been rare The thought going forward is, If you dont turn in the Use of Funds report for your money in 2025, were not giving you future grant money in 2026. Dr. Martha Bouyer gives a talk outside of the historic Bethel Baptist Church during the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth: Actionist for Justice" on October 15, 2022. Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth: Actionist for Justice" was an Alabama Humanities Alliance teacher's education program. (Shauna Stuart| Al.com) A plan to slash funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities will cripple its Alabama affiliate by ending grant programs and canceling longstanding initiatives that promote history, art and culture throughout the state. Chuck Holmes, executive director of the Alabama Humanities Alliance announced major cuts to his agencys services and urged public support in a letter Wednesday. Heres the short answer for what this NEH news means to us in Alabama, Holmes wrote. The Alabama Humanities Alliance is the state affiliate of the NEH, and if the NEHs budget is indeed slashed, then we are likely to lose all or most of the federal funding that sustains us. In Washington the NEH was told Tuesday of major cuts to its funding, cancellation of previous grants and massive layoffs. The cuts are part of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiencys plan to slash federal spending and shrink the government workforce. The DOGE reductions would reduce NEH staff by up to 80 percent. The federal agency currently has 180 employees. In response, the non-profit Alabama Humanities Alliance has suspended its grants program for initiatives around the state and paused bookings for its Road Scholars speakers program. That program brings experts to libraries, schools and civic organizations. Road Scholar engagements already booked will be honored. These decisions are deeply painful to us, Holmes wrote. We know Alabamians enjoy hearing from our Road Scholars thats why we put on 82 talks across the state last year. And we know how many Alabama nonprofits rely on AHA grants to create vibrant, humanities-rich programming in their local communities. Holmes noted that the Alliance in 2024 provided $380,000 to support storytelling festivals, local history projects, cultural celebrations, humanities-focused podcasts and documentaries. And we arent embellishing when we say folks rely on us for these grants, Holmes wrote. When we surveyed our 2024 grant recipients, 90% of them replied that their programming would not have been possible without AHAs support. Holmes urged supporters to donate to the alliance to support existing programs and call their congressional leaders and senators to advocate for the agency. We were heartened by our recent meetings in D.C. with Alabamas Congressional delegation, and have long appreciated their support for our work, he wrote. Its Congressionally appropriated funding, after all, that has long made this federal-state partnership work between the NEH and state humanities organizations like ours. Just a day after Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch announced he would not seek a third term a council member has thrown her hat into the ring. City Councilor Graham Smith is launching her campaign to succeed Welch as mayor of Mountain Brook. Smith won her 2022 city council seat with 74% of the vote in what was the highest turnout municipal election in Mountain Brook history. The Mountain Brook municipal election will be held on August 26, 2025. Im excited to announce my candidacy for mayor of Mountain Brook, Smith said in a statement. It has been a tremendous honor to serve as your city councilor, and after a lot of reflection, I believe the time has come to step up and continue the work that has made this community so special. Graham was born in Long Island. She served as U.S. Senator Richard Shelbys legislative director for 4 years and worked in the Office of Advancement for the University of Alabama. In 2002, Smith graduated from Washington and Lee University in Virginia then went on to earn her MBA at the University of Alabama in 2007. Smith is a longtime volunteer and board member for multiple local organizations including the Mountain Brook Planning Commission, Friends of Jemison Park and the Alabama Trails Foundation. Smith has lived in Alabama for 17 years, 14 of those in Mountain Brook Currently, Smith is a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer, which includes serving on the Mountain Brook city council. Since joining the council, Smith has worked closely with city leaders on solutions to infrastructure challenges, local business support and quality-of-life enhancements. Smith also praised outgoing Mayor Welch and City Manager Sam Gaston for their service, saying they leave behind a city in a position of strength. Their departure presents us with a new opportunity. As our city enters this next chapter, Im committed to keeping our momentum going a Mountain Brook that continues to be safe for our families, vibrant for our businesses and provides excellent services to the taxpayers, Smith said in a statement. I wasnt born in Mountain Brook I chose Mountain BrookWe are blessed with an incredible town and thats exactly what I plan to continue fostering as your mayor. Thinking of barging in on a Huntsville city official unannounced and recording them while they conduct business? That action could land you an appearance in municipal court and a fine. The Huntsville City Council voted to limit access to city government buildings, including City Hall, to prevent city officials and residents from being harassed by First Amendment Auditors and others seeking to post confrontations on social media. One of the things that brings this on is the advent of a popular thing that is occurring across the country, the so-called First Amendment Auditors who sweep into a building, overwhelm your security staff and the next thing you know, they are all over the building sticking cameras in peoples faces, as a general rule, trying to incite anger or misconduct on the part of employees, City Attorney Trey Riley said. Its quite a disquieting experience. Riley said he recently experienced such action. Its very disruptive to city business, he said. Its invasive of the privacy of our employees and it destroys their ability while they are there to service the public. Under the new ordinance, people will not be allowed to drop in unannounced, record videos or take photographs in restricted or private work areas without the consent of those conducting business. The rules will not apply to areas designated as open meeting areas such as the City Council Chambers. Those areas are subject to the Open Meetings Act of Alabama. Residents are free to record public meetings in those areas, Riley said. People are still allowed to record in public-facing areas like lobbies, provided they do not disrupt ongoing business. adds Sgt. Chris Jackson of the Huntsville Police Department, In HPD lobbies, for example, individuals often visit to file reports directly with officers, he said. A citizen who is not recording themselves may not want their conversationpotentially involving sensitive or protected informationcaptured by a third party. In such cases, we would likely ask the person filming to step away to respect the victims privacy." Riley said city government buildings have security personnel in public entrances to screen for weapons. He said stairway access doors in places like City Hall are locked to prevent access to individual floors where city employees are doing business. The individual offices in the building are locked as well. This ordinance is intended to enhance those security efforts and also to enhance the privacy of not only employees but of citizens as they come to conduct city business, Riley said. They dont want while they are giving out their confidential information, application of a business permit or building permit or business license to have someone over them filming them or asking them a bunch of questions or disturbing them while they give their Social Security number or other confidential information. District 4 City Councilman Bill Kling asked Riley if the new ordinance would prevent a person from having access to their elected officials or if it would interfere with activities such as the Presidents Forum hosted by Council President John Meredith in the City Council Chambers. You would be allowed to invite whoever you wanted to in your office, Riley said. By the same token, someone would not be able to enter the building and any floor and barge into your private office and start filming you, question you and interfere with whatever relationship you have with a citizen there at that point. Riley said signage would be put up to help residents who arrive at a city facility needing to conduct official business. He also said security personnel would also offer guidance and, in some cases, provide an escort to the area where the resident needs to conduct business District 3 City Councilwoman Jennie Robinson said she observed the recent posting of an incident of First Amendment Auditors in Huntsville. First Amendment Auditors tried their level best to provoke a reaction and didnt get it, she said. Everyone really did a fine job of responding appropriately firmly, but politely. District 1 City Councilwoman Michelle Watkins asked Riley what kind of penalties violators of the ordinance could face. Riley said violators could face fines set by municipal court. He said fines will likely not be exorbitant limits, but at least it will be such that someone will have their attention gotten. The idea, of course, is not to try to punish people, but to maintain security, safety and privacy in the building, Riley said. Riley said the ordinance does not apply to playing fields or recreational facilities. They have their own sets of rules that are not impacted by this, he said. An example of a First Amendment Audit can be found here: Huntsville, AL West Precinct 1st Amendment Audit Everhome Suites is at 5581 Holmes Avenue in Huntsville and has 98 rooms, Choice Hotels Choice Hotels International has opened a new Everhome Suites Hotel in Huntsville. It is located at 5581 Holmes Avenue and has 98 rooms, the hotel chain said in a news release on Thursday. Choice Hotels said the hotel is near U.S. 72 and offers convenient access to the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Medical District. It is one of three Everhome Suites opened by the company recently. The other two are in Chandler, Arizona and Temecula, California. Choice Hotels now has 10 Everhome Suites open across the country providing modern, apartment-style accommodations designed to meet the needs of long-term travelers in high-growth markets, the company said. The growth of Everhome Suites is a direct result of our strong collaboration with developers and owners to continuously value-engineer the brand so that it is well positioned for growth within the new construction midscale extended stay segment, said Ron Burgett, senior vice president, Extended Stay Development, Choice Hotels. For the combined economy and midscale extended stay segments, our brands including Everhome Suites represent about half of all hotels that opened in 2024 or are currently under construction. Everhome Suites offers the comforts of home with many amenities, including: Every room has a fully equipped kitchen with full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, stovetop, microwave, flatware, cookware and plenty of counter space Spa-style bathrooms with high-quality fixtures Large closets and additional open and closed storage Select number of one-bedroom suites that feature in-room washer and dryer Locally inspired touches including artwork, food and beverage offerings in the Homebase Market, and a signature mural at the main entrance Weekly housekeeping Free WiFi Pet-friendly options Contemporary multipurpose lobby Communal outdoor amenity area with barbeque grills, firepits, and green spaces; pools at select locations 24/7 self-serve, tech-enabled Homebase Market with food, beverages and groceries 24/7 fitness center with state-of-the-art cardio and strength-training equipment, including Peloton bikes 24/7 guest laundry facilities. Everhome Suites is on track to have 25 hotels open by the end of the year with 20 currently under construction. Overall, the Everhome Suites brand has over 65 hotels in the pipeline. The Huntsville hotel was eveloped by EHS Huntsville LLC, the property was designed by Woolpert and constructed by Integrated Construction. Choice Hotels said Huntsville was an ideal location because it is a thriving hub for aerospace, technology and innovation. Choice Hotels is experiencing significant expansion with Everhome Suites, said Matt McElhare, vice president and lead for Extended Stay Brands, Choice Hotels. Our recent openings in top markets like Huntsville, Chandler, and Temecula reinforce our first mover advantage in the segment and the value of our proven extended stay support system to developers and operators. Everhome Suites provides long-staying guests with a fresh, modern, affordable product and we look forward to introducing the brand in another 15 markets this year. For more information, visit https://www.choicehotels.com/everhome-suites. Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff stand before greeting Vice President-elect JD Vance and Usha Vance at the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP After a decisive loss in 2024, Democrats are prioritizing the 2028 primary candidate with the best shot to win the general election, according to YouGov/The Economist poll released Thursday. But that statement does not square with the candidate Democrats are most likely to consider supporting in the primaries, according to the poll. A majority of Democrats -- 58% -- say their preference is a nominee who can win the general election in November, the survey found. The remaining 42% said theyre preference is a nominee who agrees with them on most issues. Democrats were asked who they would consider voting for based on a list of 10 potential candidates who fared the best in another YouGov/The Economist survey. The results added up to more than 100% because the poll allowed Democrats to choose all candidates they might look at in the primary. On top was former vice president and 2024 presidential nominee Kamala Harris. A majority of Democrats -- 58% -- said they would consider voting for Harris in the 2028 primary. Harris also led all potential contenders when voters were asked who was their ideal candidate in 2028. A plurality of respondents -- 29% -- said Harris was the ideal primary candidate. The polls results dont jive with Harris losing the general election in 2024 to President Donald Trump and Democrats saying they want a nominee who would win in a general election. Behind Harris was 2020 Democratic presidential primary contender and ex-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whom 39% of Democrats said they would consider voting for in the 2028 primary. Buttigieg also came in second on Democrats ideal candidate at 9%. In third was a tie between 2024 Vice Presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, whom 38% of Democrats said they would consider voting for. Just 3% percent said Walz is the Democrats ideal candidate and 7% described Ocasio-Cortez as the ideal candidate. No other potential contender besides Harris achieved double digits on the ideal candidate question. In fourth was independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders (36% would consider, 6% ideal candidate), followed by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren (33% would consider, 2% ideal candidate); California Gov. Gavin Newsom (31% would consider, 8% ideal candidate); New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker (27% would consider, 8% ideal candidate); Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (25% would consider, 2% ideal candidate); and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (23% would consider, 4% ideal candidate.) Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk as he arrives to watch SpaceX's mega rocket Starship lift off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP) AP Elon Musk is reportedly expected to step away from his role as President Donald Trumps most prominent adviser in the coming months amid widespread questions about his political effectiveness. Trump recently told members of his inner circle that he and Musk have agreed the worlds richest man will soon return to mostly running his companies like Tesla and SpaceX, Politico reported Wednesday, quoting three unnamed Trump aides. The president is denying reports of any political split with the billionaire first buddy and has portrayed the shift as mutually agreeable. A source also confirmed the basic contours of the move to ABC News. Even in public, Trump has hinted at an impending reduced role for Musk, who has become the face of the administrations budget-cutting austerity push. At some point Elons going to want to go back to his company. He wants to, Trump told reporters Monday. Id keep him as long as I could keep him. Musk has long been cagey about his actual role in Trumps administration. Even though hes widely considered the most powerful person next to Trump, he has no formal post and is officially listed only as a special government employee. People are permitted to remain in such positions, which allow them to avoid intrusive financial disclosures, for no more than 130 days within a year. The purported decision by the White House to put some daylight between Trump and Musk come as serious questions arise about his popularity and political effectiveness. Musk plowed hundreds of millions of dollars into the MAGA campaign and has become perhaps Trumps biggest cheerleader on the campaign trail. Since Trump took office, Musk has effectively led the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which has mounted an agency-by-agency effort to slash government operations. Polls have showed most Americans disapprove of Musks prominent role. Democrats have made him the poster boy for Trumps cuts, which they portray as an attack on basic social services that millions rely on. Musk suffered a major political black eye Tuesday when Democrats dramatically outperformed expectations in two Florida congressional special elections and a marquee vote for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The South African-born mogul poured millions into the Wisconsin race and donned a cheesehead hat for an election eve rally at which he claimed Western civilization was at stake. The conservative candidate he backed, Brad Schimel, lost to liberal Susan Crawford by 10%, a relative landslide in the evenly divided perennial swing state. Crawfords victory led Democrats to proclaim Musk as a liability to the GOP. Musk (is) a big loser, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Wednesday. Republicans can keep spinning the American people. Were gonna keep beating them. _____ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This is a guest opinion column It was 2015. I had just started my medical residency at UAB when I met a patient I will never forget. Carrie was a 20-year-old woman with Crohns disease, an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the intestines. Her inflammation was so bad that she needed part of her large intestine removed. She was working at a fast-food restaurant, saving up to attend nursing school. While hospitalized, she lost her job. How did her Crohns get so bad? I wondered. Many people thrive with Crohns disease thanks to treatment advances. Thats when I realized that she had lost her pediatric Medicaid coverage at age 19 and therefore, had lost access to health care. Carrie would not be the last young adult with a chronic healthcare condition Id meet whose life would be greatly altered by insurance loss. I attended medical school in North Carolina and chose UAB for my residency because of its world-class facilities, excellent faculty and collegial environment. I figured the challenges of practicing medicine in Alabama would be like those in North Carolina. At the time, neither state had expanded Medicaid and both had large numbers of under- and uninsured patients. In 2023, though, I watched as North Carolina moved forward, choosing to expand Medicaid and provide health care to thousands. Alabama, however, still denies care to its young people who so desperately need it. And now, potential federal policy changes threatening Medicaid funding cuts could make things worse. In states like Alabama, where coverage is already limited, these cuts could be catastrophic. Over the last decade, I have watched, helplessly, as patients succumbed to preventable illnesses because they could not afford medical care. Alabama Medicaid covers health care for children, but once they reach age 19, their care is cut off, denying many sick kids access to care that would allow them to live the lives they wanted. I am not the only doctor who has had patients die because of insurance loss. Blakes story is another thats seared into my memory. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 12, his condition was well-managed with insulin he could get thanks to his fathers insurance. But everything changed when his father died. Despite the heartbreak and hardship of losing his dad, Blake persevered. At 17, Blake qualified for Medicaid. He worked part-time at a gas station to help his mom make ends meet while he finished high school. He even adjusted his work schedule so he could help care for his younger siblings. But when he turned 19, Blake aged out of Medicaid. Suddenly, he could no longer afford insulin. Forced to pay out of pocket, he resorted to using inferior insulin and rationing it. Hospitalizations became more frequent, and he lost his job as a result. On one occasion, Blakes blood sugar soared to dangerous levels. By the time he was admitted to the hospital, it was too late. Blake died of complications from diabetes a condition that was manageable when he had access to proper care. He left behind a mother and two siblings who adored and depended on him. Blakes death wasnt inevitable. It was the result of a healthcare system that abandoned him. And hes not alone. In Alabama, Medicaid covers children and some pregnant women but offers no help to low-income adults. Alabama remains one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid, leaving over 200,000 Alabamians in the coverage gap. These folks earn too much money to qualify for traditional Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance or marketplace plans. People like my patients, young people who just want to work, go to school and become independent adults. Medicaid expansion states have seen increased access to preventative care, fewer uncompensated hospital visits and reduced rural hospital closures. In Alabama, expansion would create jobs and provide health insurance to working families who struggle to survive. Studies show that Medicaid expansion reduces mortality rates for conditions like diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure conditions I see every day in patients who are dying because they cant afford care. I went into medicine to save lives, not to watch as preventable deaths become inevitable. Alabamas doctors are treating symptoms of a broken system one that forces hardworking families to choose between food on the table or life-saving medications. Protecting Medicaid will save lives. Funding cuts would be devastating not just for patients, but for our entire health care system. People like Carrie and Blake deserve a chance to thrive. And physicians like me deserve a fighting chance to do what we trained to do: heal. Please write to our Alabama legislators and tell them to protect Medicaid. For the sake of our patients, their families and the future of our state, its time for Alabama to do the right thing. Lives depend on it. Dr. Madeline Eckenrode is a med-peds physician serving patients in Birmingham, AL. These views are her own and do not reflect those of her employer. Names and circumstances have been changed to protect patient privacy and comply with HIPAA. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is arguing the constitution gives President Donald Trump authority to deport people to third countries, according to a 27-state brief he has joined. On March 15, the Trump administration deported hundreds of alleged gang members to an El Salvadoran prison known for its brutal and inhumane conditions. About 238 Venezuelans were sent after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, claiming the transnational gang, Tren de Arauga, was an invading force. Civil and immigrants rights groups have argued the deportations of the individuals violated their rights to due process as the deportees had not been convicted of being gang members. Reuters reported that many of them also had active asylum cases. On Friday, a federal judge issued a nationwide temporary restraining order halting the Trump administration from deporting people to third countries unless they are given written notice and the opportunity to seek legal redress. But Marshall and other Republican attorneys general believe the judges order infringes on the powers the constitution provides to Trump and should therefore be vacated. The district court also erred by failing to afford the President proper deference in his exercise of his statutory and constitutional powers, the brief says. In doing so, the district court violated important principles of separation of powers. The attorneys general argue that Article II of the Constitution gives Trump great authority over national security and foreign affairs issues without needing Congress to exercise that power. This is about more than just one policythis is about preserving the Presidents ability to enforce the law. If the judiciary can strip the executive branch of its power to control immigration, it wont stop there, Marshall said. The very foundation of our constitutional system is at risk if courts overstep their bounds and substitute their own policy preferences for the rule of law. The brief also argued that preventing the Trump administration from quickly removing alleged Tren de Arauga gang members harmed the public interest. But the Trump administration has not provided evidence all of the deportees were gang members. The Trump administration has admitted to sending a Maryland father with protected status to the El Salvadoran prison due to an administrative error and argued that they could not return him to America. Aside from Alabama the states involved in the lawsuit include Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. A crowded committee room attends a public hearing on legislation that will allow for the creation of a health plan provided by the Alabama Farmers Federation on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala. John Sharp A new health care plan for Alabamas farmers is on the table, promising to be the most comprehensive and restrictive of its kind in the nation. But as lawmakers debate the details, some fear it could leave critical gaps in consumer and provider protections. At stake, different sides say, is not only the economic survival of the states farming community but the very future of Alabamas health insurance market. The proposal, HB477, backed by Rep. David Faulkner, would create an unregulated health plan exclusively for members of the Alabama Farmers Federation. ALFA, a powerful lobbying force among conservative lawmakers, claims the health plan will offer a lifeline for struggling farmers and businesses. State Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, speaks during a public hearing before the Alabama House Health Committee on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala. John Sharp Similar plans are offered in 10 farm-rich states, led by Tennessee, which has had a similar plan in place since the early 1990s. Efforts are also underway this spring to approve health care plans for the farm bureaus in Missouri and Ohio. The Farmers Federation is not looking to change Alabamas health care, said Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook. The bill could get a vote in the Health Committee next week before it heads to the Alabama House floor. It has yet to be heard in the Alabama Senate. The legislation has 39 co-sponsors in the House. Hear me out, this is not a plan for everyone, Faulkner said. This doesnt even save the nation and the state in health care. But it is an option. Its an option for some. It could mean economic survival for small business owners and farmers. Insurance chaos Opponents warn the bill could create chaos and concerns in the states health care landscape. Though not classified as insurance, the health plan would operate outside the Affordable Care Acts requirements and promise lower premiums anywhere from 30% to 60% cheaper than traditional insurers. It will destabilize the insurance market, said Jane Adams, government relations manager with the American Cancer Society. Those who need the coverage will face skyrocketing premiums. The creation of an unregulated health plan for farmers faces opposition from 30 organizations including the American Diabetes Association, American Lung Association and the American Heart Association. The critics blast the health plan as an alternative that does not cover people with pre-existing conditions like cancer and diabetes. It does not protect them from high health care costs, said Deanna Deschenes, an activist with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In fact, enrolling in these unregulated plans and the lack of transparency around them, makes it more likely farmers will encounter financial harm. The legislation was first introduced in Alabama last year and faces opposition from Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Alabama. Related content: Political heavyweights wage battle that could greatly alter Alabamas health insurance market Faulkner has met with representatives from BCBS and the Alabama Hospital Association, both of whom have expressed concerns about the lack of oversight for the Alabama Department of Insurance in administering the health plan. As the dominant health insurer in Alabama, controlling over 90% of the market, BCBS argues that HB477 circumvents industry regulations and could mislead consumers. Ted Hosp, vice President for Government Relations at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, speaks during a public hearing into the potential creation of a health plan for the Alabama Farmers Federation during an Alabama House Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala. John Sharp Ted Hosp, vice president for governmental affairs with BCBS of Alabama, seemed resigned to the eventual approval of the new health plan. Hosp urged lawmakers to considered some of the companys concerns that include protections from cancellations or premium hikes for people who fall ill and offer mental health care and prescription benefits that are not written in HB477. Hosp also said there should be more transparency on coverage costs, and he urged the Department of Insurance be granted investigative authority over the health plan. We think its a mistake to sell an unregulated health insurance, but we realize it will happen, Hosp said. Its entirely reasonable to include some basic protections. Defending plans Faulkner admitted that ALFA isnt required to provide coverage to someone with a pre-existing condition. However, he said farm bureau plans offered in other states, particularly in Tennessee, have an 85 to 90 percent acceptance rate. He also noted that once someone joins a farm bureau plan, they are neither canceled nor subject to rate increase because of a change of health. Ben Sanders, executive director with the Tennessee Farm Bureau who has advocated for similar plans in other states said his agency uses evergreen contracts that do not expire. Those contracts ensure that people who have a farm bureau health plan are not kicked off of it. Faulkner does not expect widespread adoption of the farm health plan, suggesting it is not intended for those with employer-sponsored insurance. In Tennessee, the farm bureaus health plan covers 138,000 people. Tennessees population is 7.2 million, while Alabama has a population of 5.1 million. The Alabama Health House Committee meets on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala. The committee is chaired by Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan (pictured back row, center). John Sharp Some lawmakers want assurances, written into the bill, that ALFA will not pick and choose people to be part of the health plan. You can pick a good crop of people to be in insurance, said Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, and chairman of the Health Committee. But what happens if you have two healthy young farmers, and 18 months from now they have a child with cancer, and have to go to UAB, Mobile or Texas or wherever (for treatment). I want those guys to have assurance that its an evergreen policy that they have it as long as they pay the bill. I dont think its too much to ask. Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, R-Foley, a longtime insurance agent along the Gulf Coast, has said she is troubled with the lack of transparency with the plan. Game changer? Phillip Hunter of Shelby County speaks in support of legislation to create health plans for members of the Alabama Farmers Federation during an Alabama House Health Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala. John Sharp Supporters at the public hearing said the creation of a health plan for farmers would reduce costs and could offer a lifeline for struggling farmers faced with soaring operational costs and declining commodity prices. Faulkner claims the plan could save farmers up to $18,000 per year, calling it a game changer for the industry. Phillip Hunter of Shelby County, whose families owns and operates an ornamental tree nursery in Talladega County, said health care premiums cost more than it costs my son to go to Auburn University each year. Hunter said without an alternative to paying escalating health care premiums, it will be difficult for young farmers to make a living. The costs are grim, Hunter said. Emmanuel Bankston, vice chair of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Young Farmers Committee and a Henry County farmer, speaks during a public hearing into legislation that would create a new farm health plan administered by ALFA before the Alabama State House Health Committee on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala. John Sharp Emmanuel Bankston, a 34-year-old farmer from Henry County and vice chair of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Young Farmers Committee, said that health costs can amount to two mortgages. If youre a young farm family, a reduction in that could be the difference in having a profit, Bankston said. We have the opportunity here in our state to make it better and have another option. English News Health sector boosted with Chinese medical doctors Alwihda Info | Par Liapeng Raliengoane - 3 Avril 2025 LESOTHO The health sector experienced a boost of doctors when yesterday (Tuesday) the country welcomed the 19th Chinese Medical Doctors team at an event hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Maseru Lesotho. This celebration was meant to bid farewell to the 18th team of medical doctors who were deployed at Motebang Hospital and later Maseru District Hospital while also welcoming the 19th team of medical doctors who will be deployed at Maseru District Hospital. According to the agreement between the Chinese Government and the Government of Lesotho, China has been sending medical teams to Lesotho since 1997 and there have been 19 batches of Chinese Medical Teams thus far. Speaking at the event, the Chinese ambassador to Lesotho His Excellency Yang Xiaokun highlighted that the arrival of the 19th team is not only the continuation of Chinas 28-year long tradition but also an important measure to implement the China-Lesotho strategic partnership and the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new are. What I would like to share now is the spirit of Chinese medical teams. That is fearlessness of hardships, willingness to sacrifice, helpfulness to patients, boundlessness of love. The 18th team lived this spirit and I hope the 19th team will perform this spirit as well, He added. H.E Xiaokun further reiterated that the China-Lesotho cooperation in various has been continuously expanded and deepened. In the future, China will continue to truly deliver for Basotho people and jointly formulate predictable development plans. On behalf of the outgoing medical team, Captain of the team, Dr. Jeff Wang expressed that they officially started working at Motebang Hospital in April 2024 and amongst many things, they launched new technologies. We successfully treated many critically ill and complex patients. Despite the dark nights and cold winter, we have been fighting on the front line of treating patients, he made known. In February, the medical team officially started working at Maseru District Hospital and the established the 1st Traditional Chinese Medicine section. From April 2024 to February 2025 they consulted 15 271 outpatients, emergency visits and hospital visitations. From the government of Lesotho, the Minister of Health Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane expressed gratitude to the Chinese Government for the long-term support it has been offering to Lesotho. As we stand here to celebrate the remarkable tenure of the 18th Chinese Medical Team, we are reminded of the challenges faced, the milestones achieved and the lives saved under their steadfast leadership. The Chinese medical team has not been only the steward of health care but an advocate of equity and innovation of progress. Their unwavering vision has brought hope to many and serves as a legacy that will continue to inspire long after their departure, highlighted Mochoboroane. To the incoming team the minister expressed hope that they would keep the graph of working well, going higher. This year marks 31 years since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Lesotho. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Low-altitude economy lifts off as Chinese automakers enter the eVTOL era China expands efforts to boost global e-commerce cooperation Legacy of Tea-Horse Road lives on at China-Laos border Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News "World's supermarket" Yiwu launches new trade reforms Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 3 Avril 2025 From Yiwu, countless small commodities reach global markets, while high-quality international goods enter China and circulate nationwide," Zhang noted. He added that the city's innovative trade model not only fuels local economic growth but also provides a blueprint for trade development across China. By Kong Dechen Yiwu International Trade Market - the globe's premier hub for small commodities trade in east China's Zhejiang province - hummed with energy as buyers and sellers converged. Zhang Shidan, founder of Yiwu Jinshang Daily Commodities Trading Company, was processing a scaled-up order for children's straw cups from her Middle Eastern clienta follow-up order triggered by the client's exceptional sell-through rates in their regional markets. "To maintain our edge in this fast-paced industry, we roll out 1-2 proprietary designs monthly and release 1,000+ new SKUs annually," Zhang emphasized. "We also prioritize hyper-localized customization to align with distinct regional preferences." Chris, a London-based procurement specialist with a decade of sourcing expertise in Yiwu, expressed enthusiasm for the city's ever-evolving product landscape. "I purchase over 100 shipping containers annually - spanning jewelry, tools, and beyond," he noted. "Each visit unveils fresh innovations. This time, I'm gearing up for a substantial procurement campaign." Dubbed the "world's supermarket," Yiwu boasts 2.1 million product categories that sustain the operations of 2.1+ million SMEs and micro-enterprises,.while maintaining trade partnerships across 230+ countries and regions. Annually, 600,000+ global buyers flock to Yiwu, supported by 28,000 permanently stationed international traders. The city's 650,000+ digital-first e-commerce enterprises amplify its cross-border influence through online channels. In late 2024, China's State Council greenlit a comprehensive reform blueprint to propel Yiwu's international trade modernization. The plan outlines 97 targeted initiatives across five pillars: streamlined procurement frameworks for agile cross-border trade; deeper integration of domestic and global supply chains; next-generation logistics infrastructure; enhanced regulatory ecosystems; a world-class business climate. To advance innovative import development, the plan proposed a positive-list management mechanism for select imported consumer goods, simplifying customs procedures while maintaining security protocols. "Yiwu holds inherent advantage in broadening import channels by capitalizing on its robust logistics and digital infrastructure cultivated through decades of export expertise," remarked Zhang Yongjun, secretary-general and researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. "With tens of thousands of global buyers visiting annually, these professionals can act as bridges to introduce premium and niche products from their home markets into China," Zhang added. To enhance market procurement mechanisms, the plan established a trade consolidator system, integrated into formal trade frameworks. It strengthened real-time market oversight, cargo consolidation protocols, and streamlined customs documentation. Leveraging Yiwu's digital trade service platform, the entire supply chain - covering transactions, logistics, payments, and financinghas undergone end-to-end digitalization. For secure global service networks, the initiative incentivizes businesses to develop proprietary international digital platforms incorporating functions like cross-border marketing, last-mile delivery, and post-sales services. For secure global service networks, the initiative incentivizes businesses to develop proprietary international digital platforms incorporating functions like cross-border marketing, last-mile delivery, and post-sale services. Concurrently, it prioritizes optimizing logistics through expanded direct shipping routes, centralized cargo resources, and upgraded "door-to-door" and "warehouse-to-warehouse" freight solutions. In today's global economy, supply chain security and stability have emerged as pivotal challenges. Lu Jing, head of the Department of International Trade and Economics at Zhejiang University's School of Economics, highlights that Yiwu's reforms present innovative strategies for optimizing global supply chain. Lu emphasized that China is advancing a more efficient logistics network for small commodities, utilizing China-Europe freight trains and multimodal transport solutions integrating air, sea, and rail to lower trade costs and bolster the supply chain resilience. Since the approval of its comprehensive reform plan, Yiwu has pioneered transformative initiatives with measurable outcomes. Toy import certification now requires only five days, down from twenty, while the inaugural "Yiwu Selection" store - a platform for Chinese brands to enter global markets - generating 120 million yuan ($16.56 million) in orders within five hours of opening. Additionally, Yiwu launched an e-commerce industrial park processing over 10 million parcels daily, and its airport was upgraded to a visa-free transit hub. Zhang Jianping, deputy director of the academic committee of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, described Yiwu as a microcosm of China's international trade, reflecting both the prowess of its manufacturing sector and the dynamism of its domestic market. From Yiwu, countless small commodities reach global markets, while high-quality international goods enter China and circulate nationwide," Zhang noted. He added that the city's innovative trade model not only fuels local economic growth but also provides a blueprint for trade development across China. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Low-altitude economy lifts off as Chinese automakers enter the eVTOL era China expands efforts to boost global e-commerce cooperation Legacy of Tea-Horse Road lives on at China-Laos border Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) Everyone including me was apoplectic over President Trumps full-throated endorsement of Lindsey Graham for his 2026 Senate race. What was POTUS thinking? Graham is a RINO, a war hawk. This man hates MAGA. Lindsey Graham said Trump-supporters embrace demagoguery, called MAGA bats--- crazy, said Trumps foreign policy is gibberish, that Trump doesnt have the temperament or judgment to be president. Then Graham lined up with the real January 6 insurgents (Democrats) and attacked MAGA as violent. He tried to implicate President Trump in the alleged insurrection. He said, Those responsible for Capitol security, including our political leaders, must also be held accountable and followed that up by blaming Trump for a self-inflicted wound and said that his actions were the problem, not the solution. Graham in no way represents patriots in this country. So why did President Trump come out with this glowing endorsement for him? Well, lets try to look at POTUSs position from a 10,000-foot view. President Trump is attempting to dismantle not just the Deep State here in the U.S., but the Deep State around the world. This is why global leaders swear they will never surrender to Trumps tariffs. Actually, theyre saying theyll never surrender to President Trump, to Americas sovereignty. Too many countries have been taken over by the one-world crowd. Theyre destroying their economies with the Green New Deal, diluting their populations, censoring their people. They dont need an example of a country that successfully rejected that tyranny. This movement for global domination didnt start in the U.S.; they were just trying to finish up with the U.S. Only by the grace of God did we escape (hopefully) with the election of Donald Trump. I say hopefully because POTUS is still in the fight. Our President is facing a weaponized Judiciary that is blocking him at every turn. Ive lost count of the number of judges who have jumped on the take over the Executive Branch bandwagon, but its enough to impede the presidents agenda. Democrats are winning or stealing races across the country. The latest was a state Senate seat in Pennsylvania that narrowed the Republican majority there. A Democrat won a more critical race on April 1 for the Wisconsin supreme court. This could cost the GOP the House, as she wants to redraw congressional maps to favor Democrats. Its not all eyes on these races, as it was with the presidential race, yet these defeats make President Trumps job even harder. Meanwhile, the presidents Cabinet is under attack. Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency, is being attacked through his businesses. Tesla dealerships are being firebombed and Teslas keyed, shot up, set on fire. Theres the latest wrap-up smear on Defense secretary Pete Hegseth over the secure messaging app Signal. Apparently, someone invited Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg into the thread. Goldberg claims he didnt know it was a call about national security, yet he stayed, and then published the full Signal chat messages. President Trump stands by Secretary Hegseth and confirmed that Hegseth had nothing to do with it. Yet the attacks continue. Conservative influencers are swatted, met with armed police over fake calls of violence in the home. This is such a dangerous practice, but then casualties might be part of the lefts equation. And in the midst of all this inflicted chaos, theres the economy. Biden or whoever was running the government back then set up to tank the economy, to force us onto their digital dollar, into full government control. Now President Trump has to pick up the pieces and put our economy back together. Bottom line: POTUS is literally up against the world, his administration under constant attack from all sides. Just to put America back on track is a herculean task that President Trump has willingly taken on. So how does all this relate to the incomprehensible endorsement of Lindsey Graham? Graham is a minuscule piece of the puzzle, insignificant in the long run. And Im sure POTUS has his reasons. Maybe Graham really is President Trumps friend, though that argument strains credulity. Or maybe the endorsement was the art of the deal. Or it could just be the only practical move at this point. Fact: Senator Graham is there at least until Jan 2027, even if he loses in 2026. Now, POTUS could refuse to endorse him and live with another enemy in the Senate for the next nine months, or he could endorse him, take the blowback from supporters, and hopefully use Graham to help advance his agenda. But even if the Graham endorsement is just a misstep, President Trump is turning the Deep State on its head, drastically reducing the size of government, setting up for other countries to fund the U.S. in order to free Americans from taxation. Hes working to achieve his goals every single day, accomplishing massive reform. So he endorsed a RINO for re-election. Progress, not perfection. By choosing progress, we let go of the unreachable ideals of perfectionism, and instead set achievable, realistic goals that guide us toward success. POTUS is not just achieving realistic goals; hes achieving the impossible, dismantling a deeply entrenched bureaucracy, rebuilding a broken economy, protecting our borders, restoring justice, and more. Hes doing what needs to be done, what no one else could have done. Im sure POTUS knows that Graham is a RINO. He said as much when Graham said J6 pardons were a mistake. RINO Lindsey Graham doesnt know what the hell hes talking about, President Trump responded when asked about Grahams opposition to the pardons. So since POTUS knows that Graham is a RINO, and since he knows that MAGA spends much of its time fighting RINOs, Im sure he knew that MAGA would bristle at his endorsement. Yet he went ahead. We may not know why, but we can be sure hes not turning on us, not one of them. His sole focus is now and has always been to take our country back, to Make America Great Again. The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom. Sun Tzu Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. War is an unpleasant business. That two-word euphemism reflects the divergent experiences of two separate groups: those who profit from violence and those who experience violence firsthand. For anyone in the latter group, war is hell. Thats how Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman described it, and he was an expert in the subject. He set everything ablaze on his marches through the South. Scorched-earth conquests are meant to break the spirit of opposing soldiers and civilians alike, and Sherman broke everything in his sight. Shermans effectiveness in demoralizing Southerners influenced military minds around the world and shifted military war planning toward tactics that would define the total wars to come. Psychological warfare, industrial sabotage, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and even the targeting of noncombatants became standard practices of war in the twentieth century. The First Great War introduced the terrors of trench warfare, mustard gas, mechanized weaponry, and widespread use of explosives that left many survivors permanently shell-shocked. Civilians faced their own horrors as the slaughter of livestock and ruination of farmland spawned famine and disease. When hostilities officially ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, nations around the world marked the cessation of atrocities with annual observances on November 11, known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day. For years, people not only took time to remember those who had died during the Great War, but also took time to remember the terrifying carnage. Because the violence and death of WWI were so horrendous, survivors wanted to make sure future generations would never walk down the same terrible path. The unthinkable could be avoided only if people thought about the horrors of war; the indescribable could be prevented only by describing the evils of war in detail. In the United States, successive presidents issued annual proclamations reminding Americans of everything that had been lost during the Great War, and in May of 1938, Congress made November 11 an official holiday. In the statutory text, lawmakers designated Armistice Day as a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace. World War II was in full swing sixteen months later. After a second global conflict that mass-produced death on a scale never before seen including through the firebombing of entire cities and the annihilative power of nuclear weapons a kind of nihilism ate away at the souls of survivors. In the United States, Armistice Day was eventually replaced with Veterans Day a wonderful occasion to remember the sacrifices of all service members, but an inversion of Armistice Days original intent nonetheless. Rather than reminding survivors of the horrors of war and dedicating Americans efforts toward the cause of world peace, Veterans Day proffers a patriotic message that subtly encourages the uninitiated to march off to war, too. Eighty years after WWII and over a century since the conclusion of a conflict so savage and awful that witnesses simply called it the Great War out of an expectation that there could never possibly be another so vile, we sit on the precipice of a third world war that will eclipse the twentieth centurys mass slaughter. Some military historians believe that war has already begun. They have plenty of evidence: the Hamas terror attacks on Israeli civilians, Israels defensive response in Gaza and the broader region, Irans nuclear brinkmanship and proxy wars throughout the Middle East, the fall of Bashar Assads Syria and the ongoing Christian genocide, the Russia-Ukraine War, civil wars raging in parts of Africa and Asia, rebellions brewing in parts of Europe, North Koreas saber-rattling, Chinas advanced preparations for seizing Taiwan, and the hybrid warfare now common between the Chinese Communist Party and the United States. Some forty countries are today in a state of armed conflict. Many other countries, such as China and the United States, are directly funding or arming sides in those conflicts. With fewer than two hundred sovereign nations in the world, that means somewhere between twenty and twenty-five percent of the planet is already fighting. We are one Franz Ferdinand assassination away one flick of the infernal lighter from global conflagration and a level of bloodshed never witnessed by anyone alive today. One military miscalculation, one technical snafu, one errant drone, one stupid provocation, or one unmeasured response could send the world spiraling toward chaos. We have not sufficiently remembered the last two global wars, and because we have forgotten that war is hell, we are galloping toward the Devils gates too fast to heed Dantes eternal warning atop Infernos entrance: Abandon every hope, who enter here. What makes this moment in history particularly dangerous is that so many weak and unserious global leaders seem to believe that foreign wars will save them from domestic problems. For nearly a century, Canada and Western Europe have depended upon the United States to provide for their actual defense. During that time, they have declared war on all the wrong things: global warming, hate speech, secure borders, patriotism, dissent, Western civilization. Theyve gotten really good at fighting ideas. They punish citizens who reject man-made climate change for the crime of denying Science. They jail citizens who object to mass immigration for engaging in illegal speech. They censor political dissent. The United Kingdom is excellent at imprisoning Christians who silently pray. Western governments love waging war on their own peoples, and persecuting unarmed civilians has apparently convinced some of these tyrants that they would excel at the real thing. Or at least they believe that it makes sense to send unhappy citizens off to foreign battlefields before those citizens decide to overthrow oppressive governments at home. The U.K.s Keir Starmer and Frances Emmanuel Macron talk of war with Russia like prep school boys who got beat up at recess and now want to prove their toughness to the world. Germany is openly calling for the return of mass conscription. Glossy magazine covers picturing young Germans wearing combat uniforms implore teenagers to fight for New Germany. What is New Germany? Its a woke world of political correctness, censorship, and Christian persecution, where socially conscious soldiers are expected to take up arms to defend diversity. Forget fighting for freedom, free speech, patriotism, or any other antiquated obsession of the fringe far-right. Climate change warriors who despise their own countrymen for being systemically racist are now the very model of a modern major-general! Unserious people start wars, and unserious leaders end nations. Europe is filled with an unhealthy supply of both. While European politicians inch closer to waging war directly with Russia over Ukraines thirty-year-old borders, perhaps its worth remembering who Ukraines leaders are. A former adviser to holdover-president Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine has a secret last-ditch doomsday plan that involves blowing up all of their nuclear power plants in an act of self-destruction that would make the Chernobyl disaster look minuscule by comparison. Calling Zelensky and his senior staff a group of deranged people, the whistleblower explains the suicidal rationale as we all bite the dust, but so will they. European governments wish to conscript boys and girls and send them off to war to defend Ukrainian madmen who would scorch their own country and irradiate much of the continent. If nobody lives, no problem! In an effort to mitigate Ukraines demographic death spiral after sacrificing the countrys healthy, young men, business leaders want to relocate more than eight million migrants from Africa and Asia to provide cheap labor for all the post-war rebuilding. Thats nearly twenty percent of Ukraines population. As Raheem Kassam warned last year, Ukraine will soon be Europes first African nation. Now, thats a model Germany, France, and the U.K. would love to follow! Western globalists seem to enjoy the unpleasant business of war. They wont find hell so satisfying. Image: CristianIS via Pixabay, Pixabay License. The war on Elon Musk and Tesla is driven by far more than politics. One thing is for sure: Tesla owners never saw this one coming. After all, Tesla fans are generally predisposed to embrace climate change and much of the Green New Deal -- positions with large support among people on the Left side of the political spectrum. For many, owning a Tesla is a statement of virtue signaling that you are doing your part to save the world and save the environment. Owners of Teslas are more likely to vote Democrat than Republican. So why would Tesla dealerships and Tesla car owners be targeted for destruction? And who are these radical property destroyers? If the American people have learned anything in the last ten or fifteen years -- particularly highlighted by the $2 billion destruction of national urban properties that came about after the police detention death of George Floyd in May of 2020 -- it is that destructive riots are not organically spontaneous. The trigger events for riots are understood and sometimes planned well in advance. Once the trigger event happens, the riot plan gets executed and implemented. Militant activist rioters -- many being members of BLM and Antifa -- can be mobilized and bussed to target areas, paid as much as $300 a day from various NGOs, to engage in protest, obstructionism, and property destruction. Other evidence that the 2020 riots were planned and managed could be clearly observed in the strategic delivery of pallets of bricks in many of the targeted cities for the purpose of facilitating the breaking of windows and looting. With the deterioration of law and order in urban America, which has also been planned, and with very few rioters arrested and sentenced to jail time in 2020 and the years that followed, it is little wonder that this is happening again. Ostensibly, the domestic terror attacks on dozens of Tesla dealerships nationwide and random vandalism and destruction attempts of Tesla vehicles are being done to protest and stop Elon Musk and his DOGE audits of federal government agencies and NGOs. Trumps DOGE initiative is the most important initiative ever undertaken by a Republican administration because it is directed at dismantling the administrative state by unmasking waste, fraud, and abuse and defunding the deep state internal enemies of America. One thing should be clear to everyone now: The deep state is not going down without a fight. But the real agenda and targets go beyond Tesla and Elon Musk. Donald Trump is the ultimate target, since he is the first American leader to exhibit the courage and persistence to take on domestic enemies attempting to subvert the Constitution, with a mind to totally defeat them. Trump has now connected the dots to show that America has actually been going through its own color revolution with three stages: 1) Demoralizing and disorienting the American people by driving God out of the culture and disconnecting the people from the virtues of their heritage; 2) Dividing the American People along racial, economic, gender, and ethnic lines; and then 3) Creating a crisis (like a civil war) from which the country cannot recover. America has already passed through the first two stages of this color revolution and is now in the crisis stage. If we have learned anything about the enemies of America, we know they are unscrupulous, unprincipled, and unrestricted by any traditional norms. But because they tend to run with a limited repertoire of operations that have worked in the past, its possible to figure out what the enemies of the United States are likely to attempt. There will only be a dent in the numbers of illegal immigrants deported from the United States by the summer -- only a few months away. Its likely that the domestic terror attacks on Tesla dealerships and privately owned Tesla vehicles will be followed this summer with greater destructive violence. A likely planned target, which would serve as an ideal false flag, is a large gathering of illegal aliens. An armed confrontation with Trump supporters could easily cause mass deaths, or simply be orchestrated in such a way as J6 was, to make Trumps MAGA supporters look like guilty perpetrators of crime -- the alleged killing of innocent immigrants. It is impossible to forecast the future, but because Trumps enemies are likely to get more desperate rather than back down, American patriots need to prayerfully connect the dots and thread the needles of entrapment scenarios. As we approach Americas 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, we must remember that vigilance is the price of liberty, and it requires us to keep our eye on the prize of a restored and victorious constitutional republic, and the defeat of a corrupt administrative state. Scott S. Powell is senior fellow at Discovery Institute and a member of the Committee on the Present Danger-China. His timeless book, Rediscovering America, has been #1 Amazon New Release in the history genre for eight weeks. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637581599. Reach him at scottp@discovery.org Image: Montecruz Foto I have often written about the reasons for why one would embrace a lunatic movement like climate catastrophism. I have given explanations that vary a bit. In A Short Political History of Climate Change, I asserted that the modern environmental movement and its precursor, the socialist movement, had adherents that derived lifes meaning from being part of something larger than themselves. In an earlier religious era, those people would have found their calling with the Jesuits or Jihadists. Another explanation that I have postulated is that people regard themselves as intelligent if they go along with beliefs which experts hold with certainty. The fear of being regarded as ignorant stifles critical thinking on their part and leaves them vulnerable to false narratives. A third reason is that people may go along with a movement to be agreeable and do not readily perceive the economic pain that usually accompanies the policies put forth by those in a movement. The last reason is that people may believe themselves to be wealthy enough to withstand any fallout and clever enough to benefit from it. Its the clever enough to benefit from it set that I want to write about in this article. Although many individuals fall into this category, it is corporations with this type of mindset on which I want to focus. To start, the reader needs to become acquainted with the phrase Baptists and Bootleggers which refers to a concept popularized by economist Bruce Yandle in the 1980s. It describes a situation where two seemingly opposing groups one with a moral or ethical agenda (the Baptists) and the other with a financial or self-interested motive (the Bootleggers) both support the same regulation or policy. In Yandles original example, Baptists represent religious groups who advocate for prohibition, citing moral reasons to ban alcohol consumption. Bootleggers, on the other hand, are people who profit from illegal activities, in this case, from the underground sale of alcohol. The Bootleggers benefit from prohibition because it creates a black market for alcohol, while the Baptists support the same policy for its moral or religious reasons. The concept highlights how different interest groups can join forces and support the same policy, even though they have very different motivations. This dynamic is often seen in regulations that benefit one group financially (like creating barriers to competition or fostering illegal markets) while another group pushes for those same policies based on moral or ethical arguments. The concept is useful in understanding why a regulatory framework would benefit both environmental activists (the Baptists) and corporations (the Bootleggers). Environmental activists call for regulations on industries for supposedly moral reasons, while corporations only mildly object, if at all, because they see that the cost associated with regulatory compliance raises the barrier to entry and keeps out potential competitors and might encourage existing ones to exit. Other rent-seeking corporations (the Bootleggers) benefit directly from regulatory incentives. The wind and solar power industry is a perfect example. Without the mandates, subsidies, and tax breaks, those industries would not even exist. All this might explain why large corporations are often the least critical of environmental activism, even that which targets their own industry. It is not a strategy based on keeping a low profile, so they wont notice. It is not a strategy of pretending to be a conscientious corporate entity, so they will go after the other guy. It is a strategy where if you play your cards right, you might profit. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. I am at a loss to understand what lefties are trying to achieve by keying, spray painting, or burning a Tesla, or lots of Teslas. What, exactly, do they object to about Elon Musk? Over the last three months, Musk and DOGE have uncovered billions of dollars of waste, fraud, and abuse. What that means is that our government, Democrats and Republicans, have been spending our tax money like drunken sailors. As a result, we are $37 trillion in debt. When Musk bought Twitter, he fired 80% of the workforce -- 6,000 employees. What that means is that those jobs were not necessary in the first place. It is suspected that the 6,000 were actively working on algorithms that would keep conservative voices out of Twitter or at least to a very small percentage of column inches. It is no wonder that when Musk and DOGE got into some government agencies, they were collectively responsible for the shedding of up to 75,000 federal workers in just two months, jobs that should probably never have been created in the first place. One can only wonder what they were doing. Musks Space X program did something that NASA couldnt do: bring home astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore after an unexpected nine-month visit to the International Space Station (ISS). It should be noted that Musk offered to rescue the two astronauts during the Biden/Harris administration but were denied the opportunity. Thank you, President Trump. Musk is also working on Neuralink, a brain-computer interface that should revolutionize the prosthetics industry and bring welcome relief to many people. Then there is Starlink, Musks constellation of satellites that has brought the digital age to many, especially those hit hard in North Carolina. In addition, Musks DOGE Team has uncovered billions in waste at the USAID agency. At one time there were over 13,000 employees at USAID; now there are about 300. The agency was supposed to promote the American system of ideas to other countries, but instead here are some of the programs expenditures: $1.5 billion for DEI in Serbia $70,000 for a DEI musical in Ireland $20 million for a Sesame Street program in Iraq $2 million to promote tourism in Lebanon and so on, and so on I could go on and talk about all the great things that Elon Musk has done for this country, but the bottom line is that Elon Musk is a good friend of President Trump and the left hates Trump. So, by burning a Tesla, the Left is somehow getting back at Trump. Bill Guild is a former art historian, retired Boeing Industrial Engineer, and the proud father of two children. Democrats are rhapsodizing about the fact that the compellingly manly Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) spoke for 25 hours without a bathroom break. This manufactured drama tells us a lot about the dismal, theatrical, and ultimately empty state of the Democrat party. A few years ago, during the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, the fiercely masculine Booker called for the release of classified emails about Kavanaugh, a stance that entailed no risk to himself because his political base supported him and there would be no consequences. Nevertheless, Booker was so impressed with his courage that he claimed he was having an I am Spartacus moment, a reference to the classic 1960 movie. In other words, it was not a Spartacus moment at all. Booker was roundly and soundly ridiculed for being such a drama queen. But the one thing you can say about the incredibly heterosexual Booker is that, when it comes to casting himself in old Hollywood movies, he doesnt give up. So it was that, on Tuesday night, Booker decided to emulateindeed, beatfellow Democrat Strom Thurmond by speaking for more than 24 hours. And Booker, like many women before him,* did manage to speak for more than 24 hours. In fact, he clocked in at 25 hours and 5 minutes, breaking Thurmonds record by 47 minutes. So brave. YouTube screen grab. According to Booker himself, the physical trauma was intense. He began fasting several days before the event so he wouldnt need to...er, how do I say this politely? So he wouldnt need to poop. In addition, the day before, he stopped drinking fluids so that he could avoid the inevitable Biden/Depends comparisons. And he suffered for his passion. According to Booker, he got cramps. So brave. But Booker wasnt the only one impressed. Another person who was impressed was Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). According to him, what Booker did was a pretty stunning biological feat: VIDEO - Sen. Murphy: Pretty Stunning Biological Feat Being Pulled Off By Cory Booker on the Floor of the Senate Right Nowhttps://t.co/PJbYK3u3gV Grabien (@GrabienMedia) April 1, 2025 This is where my personal storyor rather, my mothers personal storycomes in and leaves me not only unimpressed but actually disgusted with these histrionics. In 1941, my mother, 17 years old, and her 13-year-old sister were living in whats now Indonesia, but what was then Batavia, a part of the Dutch East Indies. After attacking Pearl Harbor, the Japanese successfully invaded the entire Malayan peninsula, bringing under their control the Philippines (an American colony), Malaya and Singapore (British colonies), and the independent nation of Thailand (Bridge on the River Kwai territory, to cite another famous movie). My mother and her sister, along with thousands of other European civilians, spent the war in concentration camps, a situation that ended only when Truman dropped the atomic bomb. By doing so, he ended the war quickly, rather than dragging it out for another year, which was the best estimate if the Americans had to invade the Japanese mainland. (For more on the virtuous nature of this decision, I highly recommend Princeton Historian Paul Fussells 1981 essay, Thank God for the Atom Bomb. The reality is that the Japanese would have died fighting down to the last man, woman, and child if thered been a mainland invasion, such was the power of the Bushido cult, even though they would ultimately have lost. In the meantime, hundreds of thousands of troops and prisoners of war would have died, too, my mom and aunt included.) Whats forgotten about the Bushido-era Japanese is that they often eclipsed the Nazis in cruelty, although thats hard to believe. The torture they inflicted on prisoners was staggering (a practice they began when they invaded China and Korea), and they were saved from comparisons to the Nazis only because they didnt do it on an industrialized scale, complete with the attempted genocide of an entire race of people. My mom and aunt were interned in a couple of camps, one of which was called Tjideng. For the last year, it was under the command of Kenichi Sone, who was the only Japanese civilian camp commandant sentenced to death for war crimes. As Wikipedia says, He organised kumpulans or roll calls where women, children and the sick had to stand in the hot tropical sun for hours. Thats a very sterile way of saying it. Heres the real story. By the time Sone took over, all the women and children in the camp were already profoundly weakened by chronic starvation and disease. My mother had tuberculosis, beriberi, and two different types of malaria that had two different fever cycles. She was not unique. They were all like this. It was this population of women and children that Sone made stand in the sun for hours, something that meant not one or two but sometimes as much as 24 hours. The average daytime temperature all year long is about 90 degrees, and the women and children were denied either food or drink. Many of them simply died where they stood. Those who survived, like my mother and my aunt, accomplished a pretty stunning biological feat. The virile Booker, who stood in an air-conditioned, indoor room, well-fed but a little bit hungry and thirsty, should not be celebrated for managing not to wet his pants. That he cramped a little does not impress me. The Democrat party is, ultimately, a brutal party. Its goal is to force election outcomes, allowing it to attain one-party rule and, through that rule, to break the American constitutional republic and replace it with a heavy-handed leftist paradise. In a TV age, Democrats quickly realized that showmanship was one of the ways to advance the cause. The transgender agendadestroying children, upending reality, undermining Americas Biblical valueswas hidden behind the whimsical sparkle of drag queens. George Floyds criminal history and drug death were overshadowed by the drama of Democrat politicians kneeling under the Capitol dome, attired in Kente cloth, the fabric of Africas biggest enslavers. These dramas have been successful. With this successful theater in mind, the defiantly macho Booker thought he could capitalize on it (despite his Spartacus fail) to elevate himself to a leadership position in the currently leaderless Democrat party. But for those of us who understand true strength, the display was both stupid and insulting. ___________________________ *Dear angry feminists: That was a joke. One of the dumbest women in Congresswhich I understand doesnt narrow it down whatsoeverjust conceded that she only got a job as a public defender because she was black, admitting that she was completely unqualified for the position, bringing no experience to the table. Jasmine Crockett Admits she was only hired because she was Black... "I had no experience... you should hire me because I'm Black" Yeah, because you're a Racist Miss Crockett pic.twitter.com/roWMWNSafy kevin smith (@kevin_smith45) April 2, 2025 To be honest, I had no idea that Jasmine Crockett had ever held a job outside of Congress, but its fitting that it was still governmentthe only place that useless eaters can actually find employment is when somebody else works hard enough to earn two salaries. The woman who just recently claimed that it is not a criminal violation to enter the country illegally is a DEI hire? A woman who apparently has a law degree and some background in legal work but says its not a crime to commit a crime isnt gainfully employed because of merit? Gee, who could have ever figured that out! It is not a criminal violation to enter the country illegally Its not a crime. - Rep Jasmine Crockett pic.twitter.com/9tYYEvowlZ Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 9, 2025 In other news, the sky is blue. Whats also criminal is that a criminal defendant was ever saddled with Crockett as their public defenderwhatd she do, get a client the death penalty over a speeding ticket? The Democrats truly have weaponized incompetence to a shocking degree. Image from X. The media loves to whimper about illegal migrants being sent back to their homelands, as if living any place but the U.S. is the same as hell on Earth. But it's almost always a pack of lies intended to allow every illegal alien a "right" to stay in the U.S. forever -- and pad congressional districts as well as vote for Democrats. Attorney Will Chamberlain looked into the records in the latest sob story du jour. Over at The Atlantic, writer Nick Miroff went full throttle on the case of a "Maryland father," calling him a legal resident just minding his own business who was swept up in an ICE dragnet and repatriated to his homeland of El Salvador, all based on what they claim was "an administrative error." Actually, he was a guy who should have left the U.S. back in 2019, having entered the U.S. illegally in 2012 and having lost all of his appeals to being allowed to stay. He was in removal proceedings. Immigration Law is incredibly complex. Most of the reporting on innocent Salvadoran father deported to El Salvador fails to mention he was NOT granted residency, he was not a permanent resident, he was previously denied bail bc of gang affiliation, and when country conditions https://t.co/zs2zW2CiOb Esther Valdes Clayton (@Esther_Valdes) April 2, 2025 A number of left-wing commentators have been getting basic things wrong here. @timodc calls Abrego-Garcia a "legal resident." WRONG. Abrego-Garcia's asylum claim was denied, he was a removable alien. pic.twitter.com/SdYpz2DsxY Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) April 1, 2025 Chamberlain brought all of the receipts. He described what his game was. Let's tell the story of Kilmer Armado Abrego-Garcia, the "Maryland Father" (read: likely member of MS-13) who was removed to El Salvador, and who The Atlantic (and apparently the entire political left) are demanding be returned to the United States. pic.twitter.com/m3TRAFFGs0 Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) April 1, 2025 The TRUTH About Maryland Dad Kilmar Abrego Garcia | Ep 105 https://t.co/640fgabM0I Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) April 2, 2025 And actually, he was an MS-13 member. Maryland father who was actually an MS-13 member pic.twitter.com/HizMfdS7LO Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) April 1, 2025 NEW: In an article this evening, The Atlantic pretended that a deported MS-13 gang member was merely a Maryland father. https://t.co/ckFeuIeJsS pic.twitter.com/eLJv1jGOxj Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) April 1, 2025 This explains why a judge had earlier put a temporary hold on the order removing him to El Salvador -- the illegal successfully argued that despite his final deportation order, following his many appeals in 2019, as a gang member in good standing, he'd be killed by other gang members in his home country. Sound like the kind of guy who belongs here ahead of all the legal immigrants who'd like to come in? This guy had lawyered up and used every trick in the book to being allowed to stay. When it was time to go, he didn't go, and as a result, found himself on the jet plane bound for El Salvador's high-security prison specially designed for housing gang members. He shouldn't have anything to worry about from other gang members because the security is airtight and the discipline is strong there. Who knows how many crimes he committed? This White House statement here says he was into human trafficking: Karoline Leavitt shuts down reporting claiming the Trump administration deported an innocent man to El Salvador The man in question Salvadorian national, Kilmar Abrego Garcia: 1. Is a member of MS-13 2. Theres credible evidence that he engaged in human trafficking 3. He pic.twitter.com/2YOr74vq26 The Conservative Read (@theconread) April 1, 2025 And he's also got an honesty problem: This whole thread is excellent https://t.co/VxahlqOdrO Todd Bensman (@BensmanTodd) April 2, 2025 Chamberlain points out that the so-called administrative error was in sending him to El Salvador, the one country the judge granted him reprieve at being removed to, before filing the paperwork about his "fundamental change in circumstances." Chamberlain points out in his attorney's capacity that it could have voided the judicial order based on his change of circumstances. The MS-13 gang member faced threats from the Barrio 18 gang -- which has since been crushed by President Nayyib Bukele of El Salvador. Now he faces no such threats -- and in fact, is being removed to a country that is safer than the U.S., so with safety his supposed concern, he is being done a favor. Remember that Abrego-Garcia's withholding of removal in 2019 was based on his fear that the 18th Street Gang would persecute him if he returned to El Salvador. Well, thankfully, Nayib Bukele has CRUSHED the 18th street gang. It is now safe for Abrego-Garcia to return! pic.twitter.com/M4cJcfGnxR Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) April 1, 2025 It just goes to show how dishonest these press accounts around illegals are. Far from crudely removing just anyone off the street, which is what the press is attempting to convey with these mass repatriations, the Trump administration is actually being pretty careful, keeping the focus on the worst of the worst, and those with final removal orders after exhausting all due process, which this guy seems to fit into both categories for. They did the right thing. And every illegal at the top of the list for enforcement would be smart to get out now, because the administration means what it says. Image: Screen shot from X, fair use A superiority complex is a defense mechanism that develops to help a person cope with feelings of inferiority. It involves exaggerated beliefs about ones own achievements or abilities leading to behaviors such as being boastful, vain, or unwilling to listen to others. The term was coined by Alfred Adler as part of his school of individual psychology. (Wikipedia) The above definition describes former President Joe Biden to a tee. In fact, it describes his entire family. It describes his entire circle of pals, that cabal that lied to the American people for four years about his mental status. It perfectly describes almost every member of the mainstream media who excoriated anyone, any guest who dared to suggest he was damaged goods. Now that Biden is out of office, those same defenders are all rushing to write their books, to tell the truth about how seriously cognitively impaired Biden was. Maybe Dr. Jill will write a memoir about her brave Edith Wilson heroism; she will claim it was she who was so competently running the country. Much of the damage the nation has suffered has been decades in the making, but the damage done by the Biden regime has been catastrophic in every way. He planned and executed the invasion of the country and spent so irresponsibly that the national debt is now $37 trillion. Congress, of course, is culpable for that as well, both Democrats and Republicans. Spending is what they do best, but few seem to have mastered Econ 101. The list of Bidens failures is long and excruciating and hardly needs to be repeated here. Every American is aware, except, of course, the Democrats, who continue to pretend that he was sentient and that Trump is ever so much worse. Exercises in futility like Cory Bookers 25-hour rant on the floor of the Senate are just sad...pathetic. The highly organized, rent-a-riot, violent protests against Tesla will not convince anyone who knows what Elon Musk and DOGE are doing is long overdue and needed beyond measure to switch sides. Such obviously Soros-recruited demonstrations may entertain the participants, but are imbecilic to normal people. The Democrats all have their knickers in a twist over what DOGE audits are revealing massive corruption in every agency and institution they have so far investigated. The Dems both fear and resent their deep state control of nearly everything governmental being not only exposed but interrupted and maybe even ended. But one thing is clear, thanks to DOGE it is now quite obvious how this country came to be $37 trillion in debt. The taxpayers have been used and abused to support the lifestyles of the swamp dwellers for probably a hundred years. And because the swamp dwellers all suffer from that superiority complex, they feel entitled to use and abuse the taxpayers and are furious that it may end if enough members of Congress can do the right thing. Therein lies the rub. Consider the face in our faces recently, Rep Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas). She is rude, crude, and inauthentic. She is also vying to be the face of her party and is succeeding. She clearly wants to supersede the moronic AOC and apparently figures that threatening Republicans with physical harm is the way to do it. Crockett is a classic sufferer of the superiority complex, inferior in every way, and most likely a sufferer of narcissistic personality disorder, too. She is a nasty piece of work, and her antics are not doing her party any good. And yet, not one of them has called her out. They seem to approve, just as they approve of the Tesla violence. They used to love Musk and Tesla, but now they dont. They think all this is helping them. Its not. It is dragging the party into the gutter. The Democrat party is chock full of arrogant characters who defend to the death their own crooks (Hillary Clinton comes to mind) and then, in true hypocritical fashion, come down hard on any Republican who dares to even vaguely behave in a like manner. Crockett is angry that Republicans speak about impeaching out-of-control federal judges, but she wanted to impeach SCOTUS Justices Clarence Thomas and Sam Alito. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer threatened them as well, with reaping the whirlwind and with the intel communitys ability to go after them six ways for Sunday. Sens. Mark Warner, Richard Blumenthal, Chris Murphy, Elizabeth Warren, and especially Adam Schiff all think they are celebrity senators who can do and say whatever they like, even if what they choose to do is treasonous and what they say are utter lies. Why, Attorney General Pam Bondi, has Schiff not been indicted for treason and for lying to Congress over and over again about the Russia and Jan. 6 hoaxes? The man is a menace but still has his seat. He most definitely has that superiority complex. The House has its share of arrogant egotists aside from Crockett: Nancy Pelosi, Eric Swalwell, Maxine Waters, Ilhan Omar, Pramila Jayapal, Steve Cohen, Jamie Raskin (the communist), etc. How these people continue to be re-elected is a mystery. Smart (Pelosi) or not (Swalwell, Omar, Waters), they all fervently know they are better and smarter than the rest of us. Not one of them actually cares about his or her constituents; they care about staying in office and getting rich. President Trump, whom they thought their wholly unconstitutional binge of lawfare would ruin forever, is back, and they did not see that coming. They actually thought Kamala Harris could win! The Republicans have their share of self-appointed swells who should retire, too, Lisa Murkowski, for example. She always votes against her constituents. Then there are the RINOs (Mitch McConnell, Jim Lankford, Mike Pence, Dan Crenshaw), who are essentially controlled opposition. They let themselves be manipulated by the Democrats and the media. It takes more than a little self-regard to think oneself qualified to govern in any capacity, and this country has had some truly great and selfless leaders and representatives who were qualified, competent, and did care about their constituents. But the notion that a person is so hubristic he or she believes himself or herself far better than the citizens they are elected to represent is a problem, and it is destroying the Democrat party. It is now only the opposition party its members oppose anything and everything Trump and his supporters want for the country the end of the proxy war in Ukraine, closed borders, an end to the mutilation of minor children, and the societal supplication to gender dysphoria, no men in womens sports, an end to the grievance ploys of DEI and CRT, an end to the waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer money, the deportation of criminal illegal migrants. The Democrats support open borders, the mutilation of children, the war in Ukraine, DEI, CRT, and the rampant waste of taxpayer money. Worst of all, they want to protect those criminal aliens murderers, rapists, sex traffickers and do not give a damn about the bloody trail of victims they have left in their wake. They support and want to institutionalize and preserve all those things most Americans abhor. The only explanation for this is their superiority complex. They are classic virtue signalers who think that by defending everything the American people oppose, they are courageous, the revolutionaries of today, but they are just cheap, inferior imitations of real Americans. As we can all see, they are consumed with hate for Trump, for his supporters, and for the country. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License For far too long, America has been the worlds punching bag regarding trade. Foreign nationssome allies, some adversarieshave exploited our generosity, reaping profits while draining our industries, jobs, and national pride. However, under President Donald J. Trump, that era of weakness is over. With his bold tariff policies, Trump is fulfilling his promise to put America first, leveling the playing field and restoring the United States to its rightful place as an economic powerhouse. The globalists, the outsourcers, and the Fake News can scream all they wanthistory shows theyve been wrong every step of the way. Trumps recent statement on X encapsulates the essence of this struggle: In the coming days, there will be complaints from the globalists, the outsourcers, special interests, and Fake News... Never forget that every prediction our opponents made about trade over the last 30 years has proven completely wrong. Hes right. For decades, experts championed disastrous trade deals like NAFTA, celebrated Chinas entry into the World Trade Organization, and supported the Trans-Pacific Partnershipall while promising prosperity that never came to fruition. Instead, we faced shuttered factories, lost jobs, and a diminished middle class. Trump saw through the deception, and his tariffs are the remedy for years of betrayal. Simply put, other countries have taken advantage of America for years. China, for instance, has flooded our markets with cheap goods, manipulated its currency, and stolen our intellectual propertyall while enjoying unequal trade imbalances. Meanwhile, the European Union imposes hefty tariffs on American products while expecting us to keep our doors open. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the trade deficit with China alone reached $367 billion in 2015, before Trump took office. Thats billions of dollars flowing out of American pockets and into the hands of nations that dont play fair. Enough is enough. Trumps tariffs serve as a wake-up call. By imposing strategic levies on imports, he forces these countries to reconsider their predatory tactics. His first term offers proof: despite doomsday predictions of economic collapse, Trumps tariffs on steel and aluminum revitalized American industries. The U.S. Department of Commerce reported that domestic steel production increased by 8% in 2019, and thousands of jobs returned to rust-belt states like Pennsylvania and Ohio. The economy didnt crashit soared. As Trump himself noted, In my first term, they said tariffs would crash the economy. Instead, we built the greatest economy in the history of the world. The numbers support him: pre-COVID GDP growth reached 3%, unemployment fell to historic lows, and wages rose for working-class Americans. The criticsthose same globalists and elitistsargue that tariffs hurt consumers by driving up prices. However, thats a tired scare tactic. In reality, foreign nations often absorb the costs to remain competitive in our market; when they dont, American companies step in. Consider the resurgence of manufacturing during Trumps administration. His policies encourage businesses to bring production back home, creating jobs and reducing our dependence on countries that dont share our values. Thats not punishmentits patriotism. Online, Trump supporters are rallying behind this vision. On X, @RealPatriot1776 posted, Trumps tariffs are a gut punch to China and the EU. Theyve been screwing us for decadestime to fight back! Another user, @MAGA4Life, wrote, Globalists hate tariffs because they cant control us anymore. Trumps bringing back American steel, American jobs, and American pride. These voices echo a broader sentiment: Americans are tired of being the worlds doormat. A quick search of pro-Trump sites like The Gateway Pundit and Breitbart reveals article after article praising Trumps trade stance. A recent piece from The Gateway Pundit declared, Trumps tariffs are the ultimate America First movesuck it up, Beijing! The enthusiasm is palpable. Of course, the left and their media lapdogs will cry foul. Theyll present sob stories about poor multinational corporations or claim that Trump is alienating our allies. But who are these allies when theyve been picking our pockets? Trump isnt here to coddle foreign leadershes here to protect American workers. And lets not forget: his trade war with China forced Beijing to the negotiating table, resulting in the Phase One deal that secured billions in agricultural purchases for U.S. farmers. Thats not chaos; thats winning. The truth is, Trumps tariffs involve more than just economicsthey concern our sovereignty. For too long, weve allowed unelected bureaucrats and foreign powers to dictate our destiny. Now, we have a president who prioritizes America, who recognizes that a strong nation begins with a robust economy. The naysayers have been mistaken about trade for 30 years, as Trump has pointed out. NAFTA harmed us, China exploited us, and the TPP wouldve completed the damage. But Trump is rewriting the narrative. With tariffs as his tool, hes reclaiming what belongs to usone job, one factory, one victory at a time. This is the MAGA approach, and its just beginning. Image: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered. After securing the Southern border in less than two months, President Donald Trump and his team are gearing up for an even tougher challenge: unraveling the mess of Joe Bidens programs and regulations that enable foreign nationals to take up permanent residence in the U.S. The process is exposing how immigration programs have been misused to allow unchecked mass migration into the country. The Trump White House recently announced that it would revoke the parole of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Latin America and Haiti that came here during the Biden administrations Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela (CHNV) program. Launched in 2022 to allegedly reduce chaotic illegal border crossings and provide legal paths for migration, CHNV is perhaps the most outrageous Biden program to violate American sovereignty. The program allowed up to 30,000 citizens of the specified countries to enter the U.S. per month on commercial flights. Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection data reported that roughly 532,000 migrants had entered the U.S. through the program as of last month. Thanks to CHNV, cities throughout the U.S. received planes full of migrants on flights arriving under cover of darkness, presumably so as not to attract attention and protests. Why would there be protests? Maybe because Bidens DHS was essentially dumping the migrants into unsuspecting communities with no approval from or prior notice to local officials. Airports in the New York City region alone received about 33,000 migrants on night flights directly from foreign airports, many from safe third countries. But wait, theres more. In August 2024 the Biden White House paused CHNV after an internal audit reported widespread fraud among those sponsoring the applicants. Among the revelations were that 100,948 program applications were completed by just over 3,000 sponsors. Twenty-four of the 1,000 most used Social Security numbers belonged to a dead person, and one sponsor phone number was submitted on more than 2,000 forms. There were 2,839 forms with non-existent sponsor zip codes. To date, there has been no further details on the alleged fraud and no one from the Biden administration was held accountable. CHNV wasnt the only program Bidens handlers used to push a de facto amnesty. Trump also took steps to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protection for about 350,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S. The anti-borders activists predictably responded, forum-shopping for a fellow traveler judge in San Francisco who issued a national injunction to stop the deportation of the Venezuelans. Like several other injunctions issued by district judges against the White House immigration agenda, this will likely be resolved at the Supreme Court. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the countrys nationals from returning safely. The key word there is temporarily, such as until a country has sufficiently recovered from a natural disaster or other upheaval. Like so many other federal programs, however, the program has drifted far from its original intent. In 1999, citizens of Nicaragua fleeing Hurricane Mitch were granted permission to come to the U.S. temporarily. As of 2021, DHS counts 4,250 Nicaraguan nationals still living here under TPS. Are those Nicaraguans really unable to return because of a hurricane more than two decades ago, or is TPS just a thinly veiled backdoor into the country for more foreign nationals to get on public assistance, provide cheap labor to employers and possibly vote in U.S. elections? If theres a hurricane and it devastates a part of the country, well give them TPS until that country gets back on their feet, Trump border czar and former Immigration Reform Law Institute Senior Fellow Tom Homan told Fox News. But TPS is not meant to be decades long. Those who fled the storm in Nicaragua represent a small number of the more than 429,000 foreigners currently living under TPS. Citizens of other countries here under the program include 241,699 from El Salvador, 76,737 from Honduras, and 53,558 from Haiti. As this data was taken in 2021, the current numbers are likely exponentially larger after three additional years of the Biden administrations open-door policies. After Biden and Kamala Harris insisted that the Southern border could only be secured with a sweeping new act of Congress, Trump showed it could be done very quickly and without new laws. The more difficult and time-consuming fight will be undoing the manipulation of immigration programs by Trumps predecessors to fulfill agendas that go against the will of the American people. Brian Lonergan is director of communications at the Immigration Reform Law Institute in Washington, D.C., and co-host of IRLIs No Border, No Country podcast. Image: Screen shot from Fox News video, via YouTube Its Thursday, and a sizeable crowd has gathered at the corner of Plaza de la Virgen in Valencia, Spain, near the Apostles Gate of the citys central cathedral. Mostly tourists, they have come to witness the Tribunal of Watersan ancient court that convenes to resolve disputes over water distribution in the plains of Valencia. What makes this open-air tribunal remarkable is its continuous operation for over 1,000 years, making it the worlds oldest court and the oldest democratic institution in Europe. The Tribunal de las Aguas of Valencia in session in 2006. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons The Water Tribunal of the Plain of Valencia (Tribunal de les Aigues de Valencia in Valenciano) was likely established during the Caliphate of Cordoba, which ruled over the Iberian Peninsula more than a thousand years ago. Faced with a shortage of water for irrigation in Valencias fertile valley, the rulers constructed an extensive network of canals to divert water from the Turia River to the regions agricultural fields. Aside from irrigation, the water was also used for domestic consumption as well as for public bathing and waste disposal. As access to this precious but limited commodity became increasingly vital, disputes arose among farmers over its distribution. To address these conflicts, a tribal court was established to adjudicate water-related issues. The system proved so effective that when King James I of Aragon reclaimed Valencia in 1238, he decreed that the tribunal should continue to operate as was established and become custom in the region. Originally, the court held inside the main mosque, but with the arrival of Christian rule, the mosque was demolished and replaced with a cathedral. Since most farmers were still Muslim and barred from entering the cathedral, the tribunal relocated just outside its doors to accommodate all claimants. The Tribunal consists of eight trustees, each elected from one of the eight Irrigation Communities. These representatives are farmers themselves, who must earn their livelihood from the land and make their living off it in order to be elected by the community. They must also be known among their peers as honourable men. The Tribunal de las Aguas of Valencia by Bernardo Ferrandiz Badenes (18351885) Every Thursday, the Tribunal meets in public at the Plaza de la Virgen to address disputes over water distribution and usage. The trustees take their seats in chairs inscribed with the names of their respective aqueducts, while the bailiff, holding a brass harpoon in his right hand, calls forth the disputing parties. Common offenses include water theft during shortages, damage to channels or walls, unauthorized water use, and clogged drains that disrupt proper flow. To ensure impartiality, the trustee representing the aqueduct involved in the dispute does not participate in the deliberation. Cases are often resolved quickly, though in some instances, a site visit is required to reach a verdict. Once a decision is made, it is final and cannot be appealed in an ordinary court. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Tribunals proceedings is that they are conducted entirely orally, with no written records kept. There are no lawyers, no documents, and no lengthy bureaucratic delays. However, following the enactment of the first Ley de Aguas (Water Law), the need for documentation led to the creation of a Libro de Registro (Registration Book), where basic details of each case and its judgment are recorded. Despite its simple operation, the Tribunals continuity and longevity underscores its efficacy and success which has largely been attributed to its reputation. The institution commands wide respect for its impartiality and the social standing of its trustees, and recognizing this significance, the Spanish Constitution of 1978 formally enshrined the Water Tribunal, acknowledging it as the oldest democratic institution in Europe. In 2009, UNESCO added it to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, cementing its place in history. The Cathedral of Valenica outside which the Tribunal sits. Photo credit: Andrew H References: # Drink in History at the Worlds Oldest Court, Smithsonian Magazine # History of The Water Court, Tribunal de las Aguas de la Vega de Valencia Summary: According to a report, Google is working on its Password Manager to bring an import/export feature for passkeys. The company will reportedly also restrict users from exporting passkeys to potentially sketchy apps. Its unclear when the company plans to roll out the feature to the masses. Passkeys are great and all, but theres a major limitation associated with them. Since passkeys are tied to your device, many believe that they cant be imported or exported. Well, you cant just yet, but the FIDO Alliance announced last year that it was working on a protocol that allows you to import/export passkeys. Guess what? Google has reportedly started working on its Password Manager to make the import/export of passkeys a reality. Google may soon allow you to import/export passkeys saved in the Password Manager Folks over at Android Authority recently dug through Google Play Services 25.13.31 beta and reported spotting evidence of Google working on the import/export feature for passkeys in its Password Manager. The news isnt that surprising, given that major password managers, including Google Password Manager, follow FIDOs passkey standard. It seems Google is also concerned about you casually leaking your passkey chain to the world. The outlet reportedly found some code strings that suggest you wont be able to export passkeys to apps that dont follow best security practices. A related code snippet spotted by the outlet had a note that reads, Export blocked for your protection: The password manager youre trying to export to doesnt follow best practices. Whats interesting is that the export feature alone would solve many passkeys limitations. You may wonder how it is beneficial, right? With the support in place, you wont have to worry about switching platforms. This means if you have passkeys stored in Google Password Manager, but are willing to switch from Android to iOS, youll be able to do it without any hassle. Its unclear when the company will roll out the feature If Apple offers similar passkey export support in the future, transitioning from iOS to Android would also be easier. Thats not all; in case of a stolen device, you wouldnt risk losing all your accounts as you would now. The upcoming support might also be able to backup and restore passkeys later on a new device. All that said, theres no word on when Google plans to roll out this feature for passkey users. Summary: OPPO recently introduced its in-house smartphone imaging technology brand called Lumo. Despite the new brand, OPPO will continue its collaboration with Hasselblad. The companys upcoming Find X8s, X8s+, and X8 Ultra will all offer both the Hasselblad and Lumo camera technologies. OPPO held its 2025 Imaging Technology Night event on April 2nd in China to introduce Lumo, its in-house smartphone imaging brand. The upcoming Find X8 series of smartphones will premiere the new camera tech. Soon after the introduction of Lumo, there were some doubts about OPPOs partnership with the legendary camera maker Hasselblad. However, according to @nakajimegame on X, OPPO will continue working with Hasselblad. OPPOs Find X8s series will offer both Hasselblad and Lumo imaging technologies At the launch event of Lumo, OPPO confirmed that both Hasselblad and Sony are key contributors in the development of its in-house imaging brand. The upcoming Find X8s, Find X8s+, and Find X8 Ultra will all feature the Hasselblad branding in the middle of their camera island, as seen in the renders of these phones. The new devices will have both the Lumo and Hasselblad imaging technologies. OPPO has already confirmed that the Find X8 Ultra model will feature a Sony Lytia LYT-900 sensor. It will also include the industrys first Danxia original color lens zoned temperature application (machine translated). OPPO announced a collaboration with Hasselblad in 2022 for its Find X5 series of smartphones. The company also offered Hasselblad camera technology in the Find X6 series, the Find X7 Ultra, and the Find X8 series of phones in the past. Now, it will also offer the same in the upcoming Find X8s series of flagships. Lumo will offer both hardware and software-level innovations in OPPO phones According to OPPO, its in-house Lumo imaging brand will provide both hardware and software-level innovations to deliver stunning image quality. The company also mentioned that it has designed Lumo for portrait photography. OPPO refers to it as the Lumo Light Condensation Imaging System (translated), which combines a super light-sensitive optical system with variable focal lengths of 15mm, 23mm, 70mm, and 135mm. It is accompanied by a super-sensory digital imaging engine and ProXDR. Furthermore, the Lumo imaging solution also implements a supercrystalline blue glass on top of the light sensor of the Find X8 Ultra. The company also mentioned that this tech offers a 30% faster focus speed and a 10cm minimum focusing distance. We will find out more about the capabilities of the Lumo tech at the companys Find X8s series launch event on April 10th, so watch this space for regular updates. Summary: OPPO has announced Lumo, its own image engine for smartphone photography. It will debut with the OPPO Find X8s, Find X8s+, and Find X8 Ultra on April 10. Theres a lot of tech included here, and Sony is also playing a role in the whole setup thanks to its camera sensors. As promised, OPPO has just announced Lumo, its own image engine for smartphone photography. This image engine will debut with the OPPO Find X8s, Find X8s+, and Find X8 Ultra smartphones on April 10. The OPPO Lumo is now official, the companys image engine During the announcement, OPPO said that Lumo will feature both hardware and software-level innovations in order to deliver stunning image outputs. It was also mentioned that its designed for portrait photography. OPPO added that its built with precision-engineered optics and cutting-edge computational imaging. Furthermore, the upcoming flagship phones from the company will feature the Lumo-oriented imaging system. OPPO refers to it as the Lumo Light Condensation Imaging System (machine translation). It combines a super light-sensitive computational optical system with focal lengths of 15mm, 23mm, 70mm, and 135mm, along with a super-sensory digital imaging engine and ProXDR. OPPO even managed to implement a supercrystalline blue glass on top of the light sensor The company also implemented a supercrystalline blue glass on top of the light sensor for the OPPO Find X8 Ultra. It used a rather advanced packaging technology in order to achieve that. That should improve the infrared cut-off rate by 81% compared to standard solutions. OPPO also mentioned that a two-group floating design for the periscope setup further strengthens the camera system on offer. It will offer a 30% faster focus speed and a 10cm minimum focusing distance. The OPPO Find X8 Ultra will also arrive with the industrys first Danxia True Tone lens, which will offer OPPOs self-developed zonal color temperature perception. It should be able to restore colors accurately across different zones. Sony will play a major role in the evolution of Lumo OPPOs True Color ProXDR Live feature also enables real-time HDR effect previews while capturing as part of all this. The company also mentioned that Sony will play a crucial role in the evolution of Lumo. As a reminder, the OPPO Find X8 Ultra is tipped to offer the Sony LYT-900 camera sensor with Danxia original color lens, on top of the Lumo image engine. Samsung launched its first smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, in 2024. While its not a perfect product, its a solid starting point for improvements for future generations. According to reports, upcoming models will have enhancements in battery life, design, and measurement accuracy. Now, a patent from Samsung suggests that Samsungs next Galaxy Ring could support wireless charging. Future Galaxy Rings may let you use wireless charging without charging case, patent suggests The current Galaxy Ring comes with a charging case, which is the only way to charge it. The charging case also supports wireless charging. The Qi2 standard allows you to use compatible wireless chargers or even Wireless PowerShare-enabled Galaxy devicesthat is, reverse wireless charging. However, you cant directly put the ring on a wireless chargerwell, you can, but it wont work. A new patent application from the company suggests that Samsung is working to solve the problem. According to the filingspotted by 91MobilesSamsung could launch a Galaxy Ring with wireless charging support integrated directly into the ring. This means you could place the wearable on a wireless charging pad or on a mobile device compatible with reverse wireless charging to fill its battery. The patented ring integrates sensors to detect its correct placement on a wireless charger. If its not properly placed, youll receive notifications on your smartphone. Once charging has started, your smartphone will display data such as the rings battery level, current status, etc. This patent application doesnt guarantee that Samsung will implement the technology in the next Galaxy Ring. However, it seems like a very plausible and logical step. Previous patents from the brand showed potential new, more complex features. For example, one described a ring that automatically adjusts to your finger. On the other hand, patents such as the one for temperature measurement seem more realistic. Its still too early to really know everything that the potential Galaxy Ring 2 will offer. Hopefully, new information will emerge soon. Summary: Samsung is partnering with Microsoft to release Copilot as the new voice assistant on its smart TVs. This comes as a replacement for Google Assistant which had occupied this role for years. Samsung has been phasing out Google Assistant on all of its TVs, and now we finally know why. Microsoft Copilot has emerged as the new voice assistant for Samsungs smart TVs. The reason for this is simple: AI. Microsoft copilot leverages LLM technology to understand human speech more accurately. The Samsung TV copilot feature would work in real-time to grasp user intention and offer smarter suggestions. Samsung isnt the only manufacturer moving to integrate copilot either. LG has also partnered with Microsoft, bringing copilot-powered AI search to its latest TVs. Google Assistant is now history Google Assistant was once ubiquitous for Android phones and smart TVs. But AI has brought chatbots into the mix, and they perform much better than the simpler Assistant. Samsung has been dropping Google Assistant from its lineup in the last couple of years, completing the transition recently. LG hasnt removed it yet but has stopped marketing Google Assistant as a feature. Even on phones, Google itself has been pushing Gemini as the new AI assistant, taking Google Assistants role. While Assistant still remains functional, Google has announced its intention to drop support on any device that runs on Android 10 or higher. Enter Microsoft Copilot Parallel to these developments, Microsoft has been aggressively putting forth its own AI chatbot: the Copilot. Marketed as a complete AI companion, the chatbot has already been integrated into its Edge browser, Windows 11, and now Bing. Developed in partnership with OpenAI, Microsofts Copilot uses the same GPT model that ChatGPT is based on. As a result it actually performs quite well, communicating with users in natural speech seamlessly. In contrast, Googles Gemini was built from scratch, and is yet to reach the performance of OpenAIs GPT. This presents Microsoft with the rare opportunity to establish itself as the market leader in a space Google is yet to capture. AI Assistants Are the Future Voice assistants simply work too well with AI models to not use the technology. Googles Gemini is coming out on Google TVs later this year as well, completely replacing the older Google Assistant. In contrast, Microsofts AI chatbot is already up and running. It comes as no surprise to see Samsung TV adopt copilot as the new voice assistant, moving away from Googles dominance for the near future. Other major manufacturers are following suit, so expect to see Microsoft Copilot integrated with most smart TVs. Summary: Counterfeit Android phones are showing up preloaded with the Triada malware, a dangerous trojan that embeds itself deep into the system and cant be removed without reflashing the ROM. Hackers use it to steal social media accounts, send fake messages, and even hijack cryptocurrency wallets. The next time youre tempted by a suspiciously cheap phone online, think twice, it might cost you way more in the end. There are counterfeit handbags, wallets, and shoes. But did you know there are counterfeit phones? Turns out there are, but if there is a good reason not to buy counterfeit devices, no matter how cheap they are, it is because they could come preloaded with Android malware. Counterfeit Android smartphones Kasperskys report revealed that a new version of the Triada malware came preinstalled on counterfeit Android devices in Russia. The researchers noted that counterfeit versions of popular-brand phones came preloaded with Triada. Online stores sold these devices at discounted prices, presumably to lure in customers. Unfortunately, this tactic worked. The worst part about the Triada trojan? You cant remove it unless you reflash the ROM. This isnt terribly difficult, but the process might be a bit complicated for those who arent particularly technical. Triada trojan risks The Triada malware is also pretty insidious. It hides in the targets phone and embeds itself into every process on the phone. Hackers use the malware to steal accounts from messengers and social media platforms. They also use it to send and delete messages through apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. If youve ever received a weird message from a friend, theres a good chance this is the reason why. It also has financial risks, where it can hijack your cryptocurrency wallets and replace the address. This means that the crypto you receive will no longer go to your wallet, but the new address placed by the hacker. To date, Triada has managed to steal at least $270,000 worth of crypto. Honestly, this isnt a lot when you think about past incidents, but its still a substantial amount. According to Dmitry Kalinin, a cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky Lab, The Triada Trojan has been known for a long time, and it still remains one of the most complex and dangerous threats to Android. Its new version penetrates smartphone firmware even before the gadgets reach users. Probably, at one of the stages, the supply chain is compromised, so stores may not even suspect that they are selling smartphones with Triada. So, how do you protect yourself? For starters, dont buy phones from unknown online stores with little to no track record. If its too cheap to be true, it probably isnt worth the risk. Summary: Trump might have a solution to the TikTok ban, which comes in the form of a new company called TikTok America. The US President is expected to make an announcement soon, but it is unclear if this proposal has the blessing of the Chinese government. The deadline for TikToks ban is this Saturday. So far, we havent heard anything that sounds like a deal is close. However, according to a report from The Information, US President Donald Trump might have a solution, which comes in the form of a new company called TikTok America. Meet TikTok America Basically, this TikTok America company Trump is proposing will be 50% owned by US investors. It will also license TikToks famed algorithm. Its actually pretty clever. This means ByteDance will still partially own TikTok. The algorithm, which China deems as core technology, still belongs to ByteDance, too. Licensing the technology also means that ByteDance will gain a new source of revenue. TikTok America will exist as a separate company that shares a similar name and the technology underlying TikTok. This could finally be the solution to a problem that just wont go away. However, as The Informations report highlights, it remains unclear whether the Chinese government has approved this structure for the Trump administrations TikTok America plan. After all, this proposal reduces ByteDances overall ownership in TikTok down to 19.9%. Existing investors will have a roughly one-third stake in TikTok America, while the remaining 50% goes to US investors. However, some may still view it as a win that ByteDance gets to keep TikTok and hold on to its proprietary algorithm. Other US bidders Currently, it is still unclear who will be TikTok Americas investors. Weve heard many names tossed into the ring. The most recent is Amazon. However, the general consensus is that Oracle will be the most likely candidate. US venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz is also reportedly planning to join Oracle in its bid. Weve also heard other names like YouTuber MrBeast and Reddits co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The report claims that Trump will make an announcement soon. Trump recently stated his confidence that a deal will be struck before the deadline. However, as were only a few days away, the world is watching with bated breath. Summary: A new report suggests that the Gen Z population is helping Tumblr revive its popularity. Currently, Gen Z makes up 50% of active monthly users and accounts for 60% of new sign-ups. To keep up the momentum and please Gen Z, Tumblr recently rolled out a few updates, introducing Reddit-style Communities and Tumblr TV. Social media has changed significantly over the years. Companies are constantly adding something new to their social media apps or platforms. In the past few years, major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (FKA Twitter) have seen various changes, many of which users didnt appreciate. Tumblr, on the other hand, hasnt been able to catch up with social media tech giants. This very fact is helping Tumblr see a surprising resurgence, all thanks to Gen Z. Tumblr is reportedly becoming quite popular among the Gen Z population Although Gen Z plays a key part in hyping todays social media noise, many still believe its not worth the time. This is why Gen Z is flocking to Tumblr, as it helps them feel more human. If you have ever used the platform, you must be aware that it lets you connect with others without the pressure of engagement, likes, algorithms, and endless ads. Thats the plus point of Tumblr; its far quieter than the heavily commercialized social media we all are part of. According to a new report by Business Insider, Gen Z makes up 50% of Tumblrs active monthly users. Thats not all; the report also mentions that 60% of new sign-ups come from the Gen Z population. In January, Tumblrs active user count jumped significantly at the time the TikTok ban in the US was nearing. Gen Z users on Tumblr reportedly started dedicated communities to archive and share their favorite TikTok videos. The platform also saw a spike in the number of sign-ups when the Brazilian government temporarily banned X last year. The platform recently introduced a few new features In response to the growing number of young users, Tumblr surprised everyone by updating the platform with Reddit-style Communities in December. These communities allow users to connect with others who have similar interests. Earlier this year, Tumblr also debuted Tumblr TVa short video-sharing platform that serves as a GIF search engine. If you grew up with siblings or have kids of your own, you know that sibling rivalry is a real thing. As a mom of three teenagers, it can get exhausting to deal with, too! That's why I cracked up when I found Sam @Foster Town USA's video of two kittens 'battling' as they tried to nurse, and mom's face says it all! In the video, the feral cat named Tawny is trying to nurse her 10-week-old kittens, Hawk, Graya, Pearl, and Screech. Two of the kittens seem to be doing just fine, but the other two are duking it out for the best spot on their mom. The look on mom's face is so relatable! Make sure your sound is on because the accompanying song makes the battle even funnier. The two fighting siblings appear to be both fighting and then kissing each other. It's so sweet to see and I'm glad that Sam was able to capture it to show us! Sam said in the video's caption that Tawny is taking excellent care of her kittens. If you ask me, she looks exhausted, something else I can relate to! I had twins, and trying to feed them at the same time was quite a chore - I couldn't imagine trying to feed four at the same time! Related: Nursing Mama Cat Accepts Abandoned Kittens Like They Were Her Own Caring for a Feral Nursing Cat We have a feral neighborhood (or abandoned) cat that I've been trying to befriend for nearly three years. He comes to visit (read: to get fed) and will let me hang out near him, but I still can't touch him. I wish I could! If you happen to come across a feral or stray mama cat, she probably won't let you anywhere near her babies, but she could still use your help. She most likely hasn't eaten much, so offer her some high-quality dry food. Make sure that she has access to clean, fresh water. Never give a cat milk or cream instead of water or even as a 'treat'. Most cats are actually lactose intolerant and giving them milk usually leads to an upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, or vomiting. You may also want to provide some old towels in a box as a bed for the little family. Mama cat may choose not to use it, especially if it's in an area where your family passes by often, but she also might be grateful for a soft place to lay. New Ford trucks at a dealership in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on 22 March. Photograph: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images Canada will retaliate against unjustified, unwarranted tariffs imposed by the United States with a 25% tax on US vehicles, says Mark Carney. On Wednesday, Donald Trump announced wide-ranging tariffs on dozens of countries, but did not add new trade levies to Canada or Mexico. Despite the reprieve, however, the US has placed 25% taxes on Canadian steel, aluminum and vehicles. The presidents actions will reverberate here in Canada and across the world, the Canadian prime minister said at a press conference. They are all unjustified, unwarranted, and in our judgment misguided. Related: Trump announces sweeping new tariffs, upending decades of US trade policy In response to US trade policy, Carney said his government would impose the taxes on vehicles that are not compliant with the continental free trade deal. The new tariffs would not apply to auto parts and would not affect vehicle content from trade ally Mexico. Carneys comments come against the backdrop of a global economy in turmoil. Trillions have been wiped from markets as multiple nations digest a new and grim trading relationship with the United States. The newly installed prime minister cited recent conversations with Mexicos president, Claudia Sheinbaum, as well as with European leaders and trade officials amid a broader attempt to pivot trading relationships away from the US in the pursuit of free and equitable trade relationships. If the US no longer wants to lead, Canada will, he said, outlining new relief measures for sectors affected by looming job losses, including using the money generated from the taxes to support workers and companies. In this new world, we need to look out for ourselves. Because we are Canadian, we will always look out for each other. The trade war comes as Canada is in the midst of a federal election campaign. Carneys incumbent Liberals have experienced a dramatic reversal of fortunes in recent weeks, in large part due to the actions of Trump. Recent national polling suggests the party is likely to secure a majority government in the coming weeks if support holds. Related: Canada Trump tariff exemption like dodging a bullet into the path of a tank, says business leader Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre pledged on Thursday that if his party forms a government, he would push hard to end the tariff madness and demand a quick renegotiation of the pact governing free trade in North America. The Tory leader said he plans to remove federal taxes on automotive purchases, saving families thousands of dollars. Experts agree that sustained tariffs on the automotive sector, as well as on steel and aluminum, would inflict the most damage in Ontario the countrys economic engine and largest manufacturing base. Already, one car plant in the border city of Windsor has announced a temporary shutdown of two weeks, a move that will affect more than 3,500 workers. Ontarios premier, Doug Ford, who oversees an economy worth more than C$1tn, said he was a strong supporter of showing the US that we negotiate through strength not through weakness ahead of Carneys announcement. Ford told reporters the consensus among premiers was that Canada got the best of a bad deal in Wednesdays theatrical unveiling of global tariffs, but that the current levies on Canadians goods remained totally unacceptable. Canadian PM Mark Carney warned that while Trumps tariffs had preserved key elements of the bilateral relationship, the global tariffs fundamentally change the international trading system. Photograph: David Ryder/Reuters Canadas exemption from Donald Trumps global tariffs was like dodging a bullet into the path of a tank, say business leaders as other levies are poised to hit key industries that drive the countrys economy. In a theatrical unveiling of tariffs on countries with unfair practices on Wednesday afternoon, Canada was noticeably absent, alongside trade ally Mexico. But speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill, prime minister Mark Carney said 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, as well as on automobiles, will come into effect within hours. Related: Trumps wall of tariffs is likely to raise prices and cause chaos for business Canada would fight these measures with countermeasures he said, ahead of a meeting with cabinet ministers. In a crisis, its important to come together. Its essential to act with purpose and with force and thats what well do. Already, Canada had put a 25% tax on C$30bn ($21bn) worth of US goods in response to Trumps tariffs. Among the products targeted are spirits, wine and orange juice items meant to inflict targeted economic pain. The federal government has repeatedly pledged to keep its retaliatory measures until the US lifts all levies on Canadian products. Carney warned that while Trump had preserved key elements of the bilateral relationship, the global tariffs announced earlier in the day fundamentally change the international trading system. The prime minister is expected to outline the next stages of Canadas response on Thursday. According to the prime ministers office, a meeting of Carneys cabinet will follow. The Liberal leader is also expected to meet virtually with Canadas premiers. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association posted on social media the result was like dodging a bullet into the path of a tank. The. Auto. Tariff. Package. Will. Shut. Down. The. Auto. Sector. In. The. USA. And. In. Canada, he wrote. Dont be distracted. 25% tariffs are 4 times the 6/7% profit margins of all the companies. Math, not art. Related: Liberation from what? Trump promised lower prices his tariffs risk the opposite Candace Laing, head of Canadas Chamber of Commerce said in a statement the world was waking up today to a reality that Canada has been living with for months and that the tariffs mean businesses around the world have had their uncertainty expanded chain reaction of tariffs and counter-tariffs will have a real and distressing economic impact on Americans, Canadians and the global economy. It is unclear the extent to which an extremely productive telephone call between Trump and Carney last week influenced the decision to grant a reprieve to Canada. The call, requested by the White House, was the first time the two leaders have spoken since Carney became prime minister on 14 March. Carney had previously said he would not speak to the president until Trump showed respect for Canadas independence. Im available for a call, but were going to talk on our terms. As a sovereign country not as what he pretends we are and on a comprehensive deal. The sprawling tariffs, some of which apply to remote and uninhabited islands, have rattled markets and Canadian officials were planning for levies that could devastate manufacturing hubs and resource-based economies. The positive thing that I saw was we werent on that list, Ontario premier Doug Ford told reporters at Queens Park. Lets hope that theres some positive news coming. The much-hyped announcement from the White House has already thrown a wrench in the federal election campaign. Carney flew from Winnipeg back to Ottawa on Tuesday night in order to convene a virtual meeting of business and union leaders who are part of the Canada-US Relations Council. In a handout, the White House said the presidents use of the international emergency economic powers act remained in effect a declaration made in reference to the alleged movement of both migrants and fentanyl over the border. None of the items that comply with the continental free trade agreement will be taxed, the White House said, but non-compliant goods will have a 25% levy and energy and potash products will have a 10% tariff imposed. If the emergency order was rescinded, all non-compliant goods would face a 12% tax. The news pushed Canadas dollar up, a currency that has over the last few months been depressed by the ongoing trade war. Canada has repeatedly argued a minuscule amount of the fentanyl in the US from the north. In new figures published by the Globe and Mail, the US border agency attributed less than one pound of seized fentanyl to Canada, or 0.13% of all seizures. Canadas efforts to reach key voices in the US has met some success. On Wednesday evening, a bipartisan group of senators passed a resolution to end the national fentanyl emergency the president invoked earlier this year in order to justify the 25% tax on Canadian imports. The move, which attracted Republican senators Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul to across the political aisle, is seen as a strong rebuke to Trump. But the vote is likely to be largely symbolic. House speaker Mike Johnson is unlikely to bring the measure to a vote. BBC surveillance thriller The Capture, starring Holliday Grainger, is to return for a third series. The next instalment of the hit BBC One programme will put Graingers character, Rachel Carey, at the heart of the conspiracy, according to series creator Ben Chanan. Rachel has become the acting head of the Counter Terrorism Command (SO15), amid an inquiry into the unlawful use of Correction the UK intelligence services clandestine video manipulation programme which she exposed in series two. Holliday Grainger attending the world premiere of Mickey 17 (Jonathan Brady/PA) She is determined to regain the publics trust in surveillance technology when a well co-ordinated act of terror that affects the British establishment leaves behind just one witness. Grainger, 37, said: Im thrilled to be joining The Capture team once more for series three. Ben Chanans scripts are as electrifying as ever and Im excited to be stepping back into Commander Rachel Careys world. (Spoiler alert!) Game Of Thrones actor Joe Dempsie, Kaos actor Killian Scott, Black Doves star Andrew Buchan, Gangs Of London actress Amanda Drew, and Highlanders Hugh Quarshie all join the cast for season three. Returning cast members include Indira Varma as BBC Newsnight presenter Khadija Khan, Ben Miles as Danny Hart, and Nigel Lindsay as DSI Tom Kendricks. Chanan said: Previous seasons have seen Hollidays Rachel Carey investigate others as their lives fall apart. Most of all, I am excited that Series 3 puts Carey at the heart of the conspiracy. Joe Dempsie joins the cast (Isabel Infantes/PA) Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: The Captures irresistible blend of timely, state-of-the-nation commentary with edge-of-your-seat thrills has made it a big hit with millions of viewers, and were so pleased to announce its return to the BBC. Bens scripts for series three will dazzle and terrify you in equal measure. The first series followed a former British soldier trying to clear his name of a crime he claimed he did not commit. While investigating the case, DI Carey uncovered a wider complex conspiracy. In series two Graingers character broadcast a live deepfake of a government minister to the nation, exposing the UK intelligence services clandestine video manipulation programme Correction. The Capture is produced by Heyday Television for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Filming is taking place in the south east of England. Eurostar is the sole existing operator for trains between the UK and the rest of Europe. Photograph: Nicolas Tucat/AFP/Getty Images Cross-Channel train services serving new destinations will be cheaper to run under a scheme to grow international rail travel from the UK. London St Pancras Highspeed (LSPH), which owns and operates the railway and stations from the capital to the Channel tunnel, said it would slash charges for operators planning new routes. Eurostar is the sole existing operator between the UK and Europe, with regular direct trains reaching only Paris and Brussels, as engineering work affects the Amsterdam route until May. Related: St Pancras and Channel tunnel plan rail routes to Germany and Switzerland LSPH, formerly known as HS1 Ltd, said the significant financial incentives would lower costs for any and all additional international services, but with particular benefits for those calling at different stations or introducing new trains. It said the track between St Pancras International and the Channel tunnel was effectively half-empty, with only 50% of potential train paths used. LSPH will also discount certain charges for intermediate stations hoping to attract services back to the Kent stops of Ebbsfleet and Ashford abandoned by Eurostar. While hopes for further international rail services through the tunnel have been raised and dashed before, the chief executive of LSPH, Robert Sinclair, said the growth of high-speed rail in Europe, increasing passenger demand and the removal of impediments to new entrants were now aligning. Sinclair said the incentive scheme, due to take effect from the end of May, was a groundbreaking proposal. He said: We are enabling operators to expand their services, increase the network of destinations they serve and invest in new rolling stock. Our ambition is to make rail the preferred mode of travel to Europe, and we know that high-speed rail can reduce carbon emissions by up to 96% compared with flying. Sinclair said there was opportunity for growth on existing routes, as people were hoping to connect onwards in Paris or Brussels, adding that there was significant generational demand from younger people: Growth will come our way more than aviation. The scheme will cut up to 50% off certain charges paid by operators on the first year of new services including any additional trains put on by the current sole operator, Eurostar while overall track access charges could also be reduced if the high-speed line was used more fully, Sinclair said. The operator is charged about 7,600 on the track from London to Folkestone at present and there would be approximately a 2,000 reduction on a new route, with a smaller discount in the next two years. There could be an outlay of 40m-60m from LSPH, although that sum would be a fraction of the revenues it could expect to earn from a growth in the number of services on the route. The rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, this week said Eurostar was able to make room in its Temple Mills depot for competitors hoping to start international rail services. Virgin Group said it meant the last hurdle had been cleared in its ambition to run trains to France and beyond. Two other potential entrants are the Spanish firm Evolyn and British startup Gemini Trains. Getlink, the owner of Eurotunnel, is also pushing for new routes and competition to Eurostar. Sinclair said the combination of factors meant a step-change in the availability of trains to Europe was coming including plans for redevelopment of parts of St Pancras and faster check-in and boarding, upping the capacity from about 2,000 passengers an hour to nearly 5,000. He said: This is a system, and there are a lot of parties working to achieve this and the government is very supportive. It wants economic growth, sustainable travel and better relationships with Europe, and we tick all of those boxes. A spokesperson for Eurostar said: Eurostar welcomes any incentives which enable more sustainable international travel and support our plans to run more services. Our ambitions are why were also investing in key international stations like St Pancras and the Temple Mills depot to create more space. Denmarks prime minister, Mette Frederiksen (C), Greenlands acting head of government, Mute B Egede, (R), and newly elected PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen, aboard the Danish navy inspection ship Vaedderen on 3 April. Photograph: Mads Claus Rasmussen/EPA The Danish prime minister has put on a show of unity with Greenlandic leaders in her first visit to the Arctic island since Donald Trumps renewed threats to acquire the territory, telling the US: You cannot annex another country. Speaking onboard an inspection ship in front of a military helicopter, alongside Greenlands new prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and its outgoing prime minister, Mute B Egede, Mette Frederiksen switched from Danish to English to address the diplomatic standoff with the Trump administration. This is about the world order that we have built together across the Atlantic over generations, she said. You cannot annex another country not even with an argument about international security. Her words came after a six-hour boat trip on the ocean-patrol vessel HDMS Vdderen with the two Greenlandic leaders during which they also viewed the area from above in a helicopter. If you want to strengthen security in the Arctic, as we would like, lets do it together, she told the US. Denmark and Greenland want to cooperate with the United States, she said. If you want to be more present in Greenland, Greenland and Denmark are ready. If you want to strengthen security in the Arctic, as we would like, lets do it together. Accusing the US of subjecting Denmark and Greenland to pressure and threats, she said: What should we believe about the country we have admired for many years? Nielsen said: Dialogue is of course the way forward, but it is also a great uncertainty that there is no dialogue now. That is why it is important to have dialogue that is based on respect. Calling for unity, Greenlands prime minister said: Because of the things happening outside the country, we must stand together. Also within the realm, but also in our relationship with our allies. Egede said Greenland wanted to cooperate with the US on trade, but reasserted his previous comments, saying: We are not for sale. Meanwhile, in Brussels, the US state department said Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, had reaffirmed the strong relationship between the US and Denmark during a meeting with Lars Lkke Rasmussen, the Danish foreign minister. Afterwards, Rasmussen said that he had used this opportunity to state some things on behalf of the Danish kingdom. He added: More specifically, that these repeated statements from the US president with a vision or ambition to control Greenland are in no way sustainable. It has reached a point where it actually challenges our sovereignty as a kingdom. In contrast to last weeks Greenland visit by the US vice-president, JD Vance which, after a diplomatic outcry, was limited to the US military base Pituffik and did not involve Greenlandic or Danish representatives Frederiksen was greeted at the airport by Egede and went straight to the capital, Nuuk, where she met Nielsen. Frederiksens visit had initially been criticised by members of the governing coalition because the new government has not yet been officially approved. However, before her arrival, Nielsen said: Denmark is our closest partner and it is natural we meet as soon as possible. The last time Frederiksen was in Greenland was in March 2024 on a joint visit with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. As a former Danish colony, Greenland remains in the kingdom of Denmark, which continues to control the territorys foreign and security policies. Greenlands long-running independence movement has been gaining momentum in recent months momentum the Trump administration appears to be hoping to capitalise on particularly after claims of alleged mistreatment of Greenlanders by the Danish state. But the threat of US intervention appears to have slowed down appetite in Greenland for a rapid move towards independence. A general election last month resulted in the most US- and Trump-friendly party leaving coalition talks, after which the four other parties, led by Nielsens Democrats, signed a coalition agreement hours before Vance touched down in Greenland last Friday. Page one of the agreement stated: Greenland belongs to us. Frederiksens visit takes place amid reports from the US that the White House is preparing an estimate of what it would cost the government to control Greenland as a territory. According to the Washington Post, the White House budget office is assessing the cost of running Greenland and working out an estimate of how much revenue could be earned from its natural resources. Among the options on the table is to offer Greenland a higher figure in subsidies, approximately 500m a year, than Denmark currently does. David Moyes believes James Tarkowski was lucky to avoid a red card for his reckless challenge on Alexis Mac Allister as Everton were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool on a controversial night at Anfield. Diogo Jotas 57th-minute goal, which Moyes claimed should have been ruled out for offside, gave Liverpool a 100th derby win and moved them a step closer to the Premier League title, but both sides were left unhappy with decisions from referee Sam Barrott and his assistants. The first concerned Tarkowskis early foul on Mac Allister, the Everton defender clearly winning the ball but catching the Argentinian high on the back of the calf with his follow-through. Barrott showed a yellow, a decision quickly upheld following a VAR check, but one few agreed with. Former Everton hard man Duncan Ferguson said it was a straight red all day on Sky Sports. Moyes said: I thought at the time it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game. You people are all asking for (physical play) and then when you get it you want a sending-off, so be careful what you wish for. I thought it was a brilliant tackle, but since Ive seen it and come back in we could have been lucky he didnt get a red. It looked high, but it depends what era you want to watch your football in. Liverpool manager Arne Slot (left) and Everton boss David Moyes embrace (Peter Byrne/PA) Liverpool boss Arne Slot, sent off for his protests when these sides met at Goodison Park in February, held his tongue. I dont want to comment on the situation because so many already did and even people who are not liking Liverpool a lot are saying how clear and obvious it was, he said. Jota took his goal, his first since January, in some style, but Moyes fumed over the build-up after his nine-match unbeaten run since returning to Everton ended. Luis Diaz was in an offside position when Ryan Gravenberch played the ball forward, but Jota capitalised after Tarkowski cut out a pass heading in his direction. Hes offside, Moyes said. Ive not sought an explanation. Ive said to (the officials) Im disappointed. I think its quite an easy one to give. All our players are holding the 18-yard line and Diaz has come from behind and affects Tarky from behind. Im really surprised it wasnt given, or maybe Im not surprised. I dont think theres many managers who come here and think they get loads of decisions at Anfield. I wasnt sure how well the linesmen have done their jobs tonight. There were early flags, late flags, I didnt think theyve done particularly well. These two tonight pic.twitter.com/QQgCezTpzx Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 2, 2025 Moyes even got some sympathy from Slot. It was not offside according to the rules, the Dutchman said. Do I like the rules? No. I do not like the rule, it is not a rule that helps the team wanting to attack. So I hate that rule, but the execution of the rule was fortunately for us well done in that situation. While he questioned the officials, Moyes had no complaints over the result away to a side now 12 points clear at the top and Slot admitted Everton had made his players work hard for their win. It was hard fought, but that is definitely not a surprise, he said. Nine games unbeaten, Everton, they hardly concede a goal, hardly ever conceded a chance. We had to be there many times and you hope one time it will be enough and it was for Diogo. The sudden deaths of a married British couple at their home in the south of France are being treated as a murder-suicide. Andrew Searle and Dawn Kerr, who were both aged in their 60s, were found dead in the hamlet of Les Pesquies in Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Aveyron, in the early afternoon of February 6. Mrs Kerr was found lying dead in front of her house partly undressed and with a significant head injury while Mr Searle was found hanged inside. Police launched an investigating to establish whether the couple died as a result of a murder-suicide, or if a third party was involved. Prosecutor Fabrice Belargent said that the analysis carried out does not so far show any evidence that a third party was involved. It is understood Ms Kerr and Mr Searle were the mother and stepfather of Scottish actor and musician Callum Kerr, who played PC George Kiss in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, and appeared in Netflixs Virgin River. A statement posted on Mr Kerrs social media accounts on February 8 said: At this time, Callum Kerr and Amanda Kerr are grieving the loss of their mother, Dawn Searle (nee Smith, Kerr), while Tom Searle and Ella Searle are mourning the loss of their father, Andrew Searle. It asked for the familys privacy be respected during this difficult period. According to his LinkedIn page, Mr Searle was a retired fraud investigator specialising in financial crime prevention who worked at companies including Standard Life and Barclays Bank. A statement issued by French prosecutors in February said: The two deceased persons, a man and a woman, were the owners of the house in which their bodies were discovered. They were British expatriates, retired, and had been living in Aveyron for five years. The first victim, Ms Kerr, has a significant head injury. A box containing jewellery was found near to her, but no item or weapon which could have caused the injuries were located. Mr Searle, who was found hanged did not show any visible defensive injuries. Social medias influence on the Southport riots has not been acted upon by the Government, a Labour former minister has said. Nationwide disorder broke out last summer after three young girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Anneliese Dodds warned there are many other canaries choking down the coal mine, as she spoke in a Commons debate for the first time since her resignation. Ms Dodds resigned her position as international development minister earlier this year over the Governments decision to cut foreign aid from 0.5% of gross national income to 0.3% in the next two years. Speaking from the backbenches, the MP for Oxford East said: I do deeply regret that I cannot continue to serve in the Government that I campaigned for so long for, I wish my successors Baroness Chapman and Smith, all the very best. She added: Last summer saw the worst racist riots in our country since the Second World War. None of us can forget those appalling scenes when racist thugs set fire to hotels knowing people remained inside, and all in the name of three poor, beautiful little girls, may they rest in peace. The policing and criminal justice response was swift, and I commend the Government for that. But in this case and others, the influence of social media has not been fully digested, let alone acted upon. And there are many other canaries choking down the coal mine, not least due to the growth and impact of violent online misogyny. Policy must deal not with how things were 10 years ago, but with the reality of an online world, which is having huge offline consequences, Ms Dodds told MPs. Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood (Oliver McVeigh/PA) The former minister also called for structured dialogue between the UK and the European Union on a digital policy to defend democracy. She said: We must work more closely with others seeking to protect their democracies, from Helsinki to Rio, Tallinn to Ottawa, Chisinau to Berlin. In that vein, paralleling the Prime Ministers push for a UK-EU defence partnership, we surely also need a UK-EU structured dialogue on digital policy and the defence of our democracies. Elsewhere in the debate on the impact of digital platforms on the UKs democracy, Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood said influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate came after and targeted her online after she criticised X owner Elon Musk. The Lagan Valley MP said: Figures like Andrew Tate have built empires manipulating young men into their worlds of violent misogyny, lies and conspiracy, ingratiating himself with Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Does he care about men? Not a bit. He exploits them. She added: The loudest free speech warriors are the first to silence criticism. I know this personally. After I called out Elon Musk for platforming extremism, Tates followers immediately descended on me with the flood of abuse and harassment that was not random. That was a deliberate attempt to silence an elected representative. I was bombarded with death threats, rape jokes and abuse from accounts both local and international. Then the Tate brothers themselves came after me. Two men running from the most serious criminal charges, propped up by the worlds most powerful leaders, and they targeted me, an elected representative from Northern Ireland, for daring to speak my mind. It wasnt even about them, it was about Musk. But it was a calculated attempt to silence an elected politician. I was, in their words, a nice target. A direct attack on democracy and this House itself. But this is not just about individuals. It is about democracy. We have seen a deliberate organised effort to create an online environment where extremism flourishes, where intimidation becomes the norm, and where women, minorities and political opponents are driven out of public life. Tates lawyer Joseph McBride said her allegations were fantastical poppycock. He went on: Shes one of many UK-based politicians who fail to understand that freedom of speech is essential for democracys success. She speaks about democracys importance with one side of her mouth while labeling opposing views as extremist with the other. Young men worldwide despise this kind of doublethink and the fact that theyre viewed with suspicion for being born with testicles. In summary, MP Sorcha Eastwood is strengthening Tates position, not weakening it. Speaking to the PA news agency before the debate, Ms Eastwood said Sir Keir Starmers move to show Netflix drama Adolescence in secondary schools shows the Government is out of touch and blind to concerns. Ms Eastwood continued: Its already clear that the Online Safety Act isnt robust enough. These companies will only respond to what they understand, and thats money and thats cash, and thats hitting them where it hurts, right in the pocket. Technology minister Feryal Clark thanked Ms Eastwood for sharing her experiences and said there is no place for the abuse she has received. She said: The Government is committed to combating violence against women and girls and the Online Safety Act requires Ofcom to develop and enforce guidance for tech companies, and this guidance aims to ensure that platforms implement measures to reduce harm to women and girls online. The Act imposes a legal responsibility on online platforms including social media platforms, gaming platforms, dating apps and search engines to protect users from illegal content and material harmful to children and addressing issues that disproportionately affect women and girls. On Southport, Ms Clark said: During the unrest last year, the department worked with major platforms to tackle content contributing to that disorder. This included proactively referring content for platforms to assess and act on it, in line with their terms of service. And through our engagement we have been very clear that social media platforms should not be waiting for the Online Safety Act to come into action and they should be actively removing harmful content. The crossbench peer Beeban Kidron said voters could not conceive Labour would trade child safety for crumbs from Trumps table. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP Child safety campaigners have warned the government against watering down landmark online laws as part of a UK-US trade deal, describing the prospect of a compromise as an appalling sellout that would be rejected by voters. A draft transatlantic trade agreement contains commitments to review enforcement of the Online Safety Act, according to a report on Thursday, amid White House concerns the legislation poses a threat to free speech. The Molly Rose Foundation, a charity established by the family of Molly Russell, a British teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful online content, said it was dismayed and appalled at the prospect of the act being a bargaining chip in a deal. The MRF said it had written to the business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, outlining its concerns and urging him not to continue with an appalling sellout of childrens safety. The commitment to review enforcement of the OSA and another tech-focused piece of legislation the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act was reported by the online newsletter Playbook, which said the legislation would undergo a review of how it is implemented and not a do-over. This week, the Guardian reported that the US state department had challenged Britains communications regulator, Ofcom, over the OSAs impact on freedom of expression. The Online Safety Act focuses heavily on child safety and requires that tech platforms should shield under-18s from harmful content such as suicide and self-harm-related material. Companies that breach the act face fines of up to 18m or 10% of worldwide revenue, which in the case of those such as Facebooks owner, Meta, or Google would equate to billions of pounds. In extreme cases, services can also be taken down in the UK. Beeban Kidron, a cross-bench peer and internet safety campaigner, said: The Labour party has lost its way. Its pretty clear from my inbox this morning that their voters could not conceive that they would trade child safety for crumbs from Trumps table. The NSPCC, a UK child safety charity, said the government must not roll back on its commitment to improving the online environment for children. Asked in the House of Commons on Thursday whether the digital safety and competition laws and the digital services tax were part of the trade talks, the business secretary said there were real differences of opinion on some issues such as VAT but refused to go into the content of all of the negotiations. A source close to Reynolds did not deny the Playbook report. The technology secretary, Peter Kyle, told LBC last month that the government was standing behind its online safety measures and none of our protections for children and vulnerable people are up for negotiation. The prime ministers spokesperson said the governments position on online safety had not changed. Weve said previously our Online Safety Act is all about protecting children online, making sure what is illegal offline is illegal online, they said. The technology secretary has reiterated that our basic protections for children and vulnerable people are not up for negotiation. Jenny Garner, 41, was diagnosed with incurable cancer after going to a routine appointment to donate blood. (Jenny Garner/SWNS) (Jenny Garner/SWNS) A mum has shared how she got diagnosed with incurable colon cancer after her low iron levels was spotted during a routine blood donor session. Jenny Garner, 41, a community carer for the elderly, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, was told she had dangerously low levels of iron after going to give blood in September 2024. "When I went to donate, the blood droplet didnt sink fully, which was an indicator of low iron, but I had just enough to donate," she explains. "I just assumed it's because I'm a vegetarian, and that's what the doctors seemed to think too, so I was told not to worry." Nevertheless, staff recommended she visit her GP, where she was referred for a further blood test. The results showed her iron levels had dropped even lower and led doctors to suspect she could be experiencing internal bleeding. Jenny had a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) - which is used as a screening test for colon cancer - and this came back positive, so she was placed on a two-week cancer pathway, before undergoing a colonoscopy in November 2024. Following the blood donation Jenny went to her GP for further testing and was later diagnosed with 'incurable' bowel cancer. (Jenny Garner/SWNS) (Jenny Garner/SWNS) "A member of staff told me: 'I dont think for a second you have cancer, you have no symptoms but we need to rule it out'," she says of the procedure. "They found some polyps for removal and then this angry red thing - that was bleeding. I asked what it was and they said theyd discuss it with me later. I knew then it wasnt good." Just 30 minutes later Jenny was told she had colon cancer. The mum-of-three underwent surgery to remove the tumour, part of her bowel, and the surrounding lymph nodes. But in February, she got the devastating news that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes behind the stomach too, and is now "incurable". "I don't remember really reacting, I was stunned," she says of learning the news. "My husband, Mike, was so upset - this is not something you expect at 41, to be told you havent got long left. My first thoughts were my children." Jenny Garner, with her husband Mike. The family are fundraising for further treatment. (Jenny Garner/SWNS) (Jenny Garner/SWNS) Jenny and her husband Mike, 46, a Royal Navy officer, are now trying to make the most of the time they have together as a family with their children - Isabelle, 14, Thomas, 11 and Charlotte, 10. "It's been really hard, Mike has taken it worse," Jenny says. "In his job he solves problems. If there's a problem he cant solve, he finds it really difficult. He has done nothing but non-stop research to see what could help." Jenny pictured with daughters Isabelle at the back and Charlotte at the front. (Jenny Garner/SWNS) (Jenny Garner/SWNS) Currently Jenny is undergoing fortnightly chemotherapy sessions and will have another scan in eight to 12 weeks to assess progress. She has also looked into alternative treatments - which are not available on the NHS - and her family have set up a fundraiser to help fund these, with family, friends and strangers raising 10,400 in just three weeks. "It's frustrating," Jenny explains. "I'm 41, I'm not old and I've got three young children. "I'm naturally a stressy person but that doesn't help, so I've had to change my mindset to stay positive," she explains. "It's hard even now to believe that this is happening to me - but I'm not giving up." Read more about colon cancer: Two UK women are aiming to become the first team to row the Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported. Miriam Payne, 25, from East Yorkshire, and Jess Rowe, 28, from Hampshire, are planning to set off from Peru on Friday as they look to complete an 8,000km journey. The duo hope to raise 50,000 as part of the mission for Outward Bound Trust, a UK-based charity which helps children develop lifelong skills through adventure. Challenges will include sleep deprivation, large waves, potential injuries, capsizing, and sea traffic (Seas the Day/PA) I think we got bored of real life, Ms Payne told the PA news agency. At this point were so ready to get out there and get away from this chaos and all the packing and planning its been a long process. Ms Rowe added: We absolutely love being at sea and the simple life as well I think we might even get a bit more sleep out there! Ms Payne and Ms Rowe plan to row in alternating two-hour shifts, and predict it will take around six months to reach Australia, aiming for Sydney Harbour. The pair met in 2022 in the Canary Islands when they were preparing for The Worlds Toughest Row previously known as the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge for which they rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. Ms Payne broke the race record for the fastest female solo row, which was also her first sea race, while Ms Rowe participated with a team of four women called Full Throttle, winning the female race and Murden Cup. The pair met in 2022 in the Canary Islands when they were preparing for The Worlds Toughest Row (Seas the Day/PA) Coincidentally, we both signed up to row the Atlantic the same year, and we chatted a bit online beforehand and then met at the start line, and became really good friends through that, said Ms Payne. Jess was working on yachts at the time, so I did it solo, she did it as part of a four, and she was there in Antigua for my arrival. I think it was the sole reason why I had a really good arrival party, because she brought all her friends and stuff like that and within a few days we were sat on the end of my hotel bed figuring out whats the next big adventure we could do?' Alongside working full-time office jobs, both women have spent two years preparing for the expedition, driving around the country on weekends to train in Hartlepool and Chichester. Challenges will include sleep deprivation, large waves, potential injuries, capsizing, and sea traffic in areas such as Lima, where there will be large container ships. Theres lots of things that can go wrong out there, it is a very dangerous environment, said Ms Rowe. Meanwhile, although the trip is expected to take around six months, Ms Payne acknowledged that they do not have control over the elements. I think ultimately its that respect for the ocean and it is up to Mother Nature to decide, she said. Theres a lot of people saying you conquer the ocean but you absolutely dont. The pair will be entirely self-sufficient during the expedition and have learned to fix things on the boat including their water maker, electronics, seats and oars. Both women completed first aid training to deal with any injuries and also have the support of a TeleMed service, a remote healthcare service which will give the crew 24-hour access to a doctor. They aim to eat 5,000 calories a day, and they will use a desalinator, a device which removes salt and other minerals from seawater, to create fresh drinking water. The duo have been in Peru for a month and wanted to set off earlier than their start date, but their boat was delayed in customs for two weeks. They said they will return to their jobs at the end of the expedition, but the campaign will not end there as they plan to carry out talks at schools and to continue working with the Outward Bound Trust. To find out more about their fundraising, visit: givestar.io/gs/AGS4ZMK. The Governments failure to order a public inquiry into the murder of GAA official Sean Brown in 1997 was unlawful and cannot stand, the Court of Appeal in Belfast has ruled. Northern Irelands Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said she would not make a mandatory order at this point that NI Secretary Hilary Benn should establish a statutory inquiry, but has instead given him four weeks to reflect upon the judgment of the court. The UK Government said it will carefully consider the court judgment, while Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill urged it to end its blockade and allow the Brown family access to truth and justice. Mr Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in Co Londonderry, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997. No-one has ever been convicted of his killing. The Government had appealed against a decision by the High Court last year to order a public inquiry to be held into the murder. The Brown family attended the latest hearing in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Browns widow Bridie Brown attended the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday. Delivering the Court of Appeal judgment on Thursday, Dame Siobhan said there had been no human rights compliant investigation into the murder 28 years ago. She said: This is a shocking state of affairs in that a quarter of a century has passed since Sean Brown was murdered and yet there has been no lawful inquiry into the circumstances of his death. The Lady Chief Justice said: We find the decision to refuse a public inquiry cannot stand and is unlawful and in breach of Article 2 obligations. She added: An independent public investigation dealing with the coroners concerns, capable of dealing with sensitive material, with the Brown family legally represented, provided with the relevant material and able to examine the principal witnesses must be held without further delay in order to satisfy the obligations imposed by Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which all parties agree the UK Government is in breach of. She said she would adjourn the case for four weeks to give the Secretary of State time to consider the judgment of the court and to confirm how he would comply with the order. She said: We stress there can be no further delay in this case. Last year a coroner halted an inquest into the Brown killing, expressing concern that his ability to examine the case had been compromised by the extent of confidential state material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds. Preliminary inquest proceedings had already heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents. It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning. Coroner Mr Justice Kinney called on the Government to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist murder. Mr Benn decided against holding an inquiry, arguing that the case could instead be dealt with by a new Troubles investigatory body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Mr Browns widow Bridie challenged Mr Benns decision not to order a public inquiry and High Court judge Mr Justice Humphreys found in her favour in December and ordered the Government to establish one. The Government then appealed against that decision. Dame Siobhan told the court the limitations of the ICRIR to deal with cases like the Brown killing are apparent. She said the commission, as it is currently established, is not equipped to deal with cases which involve sensitive material. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn appealed the case following a judgment last year (Niall Carson/PA) She said: Mrs Brown is 87-years-old. She has been pursuing her remedy for 28 of those years. In this case, the ICRIR is not fit for the purpose of delivering the remedy she needs now. Dame Siobhan said the court recognised that in the past some inquiries have been costly. But she added that the coroner had already undertaken the bulk of the work and reviewed sensitive material in the case. She said there was nothing in theory to stop Mr Justice Kinney from being appointed to chair a public inquiry in the case. Such a bespoke inquiry, already fully armed by statute, with the powers to address sensitive material and building on the work of Mr Justice Kinney would be capable of delivering a remedy for Mrs Brown within a timescale that is relevant to her. Dame Siobhan said some of the advice given to the NI Secretary by civil servants around the cost of a public inquiry was flawed. A further hearing in the case will take place on May 2. First Minister Michelle ONeill (Liam McBurney/PA) A UK Government spokesperson said: We have enormous sympathy for Mrs Brown and her family who have suffered so much. The Secretary of State has been clear that he wants to see a full investigation into the murder of Sean Brown. We acknowledge todays judgment and will carefully consider it. This will not delay the Governments determination to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, and to implement mechanisms that are human rights compliant and can command confidence across communities. Ms ONeill said: I want to again commend Bridie and the family for their courage and their tenacity, for their steadfastness in terms of getting access to truth and justice. But the British Government need to now get on with the public inquiry, end its blockade and allow access to truth and justice. Mette Frederiksen, Denmarks prime minister, is hugged by Mute B Egede, at Nuuk airport as she arrives for a three-day visit - Mads Claus Rasmussen Denmarks prime minister vowed she would not surrender Greenland to the US as she visited the autonomous Danish territory that Donald Trump wants to take over. Speaking in English and addressing Mr Trump directly, Mette Frederiksen said, you cannot annex another country. Tensions between the United States and Denmark have soared after Trump repeatedly said he wanted to take control of the Arctic island for security reasons. Ms Frederiksen was cheered on Wednesday as she arrived for a three-day visit that has been characterised as a show of solidarity in the face of repeated US take-over threats. One resident, shouting from a window, said: Hey Mette! Thanks for being here, according to Danish public broadcaster DR. Footage of the prime minister descending the steps of her aeroplane shows two people embracing her. Ms Frederiksen walks with Mr Egede through the streets of Nuuk - EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Ms Frederiksen greeted people on the streets - Juliette Pavy The scenes marked a stark contrast from the arrival of JD Vance, the US vice-president, and his wife at a US airbase on the island on March 24, when no official representatives from Greenland or Denmark came to greet them. It is clear that with the pressure put on Greenland by the Americans, in terms of sovereignty, borders and the future, we need to stay united, Ms Frederiksen said after arriving. Her visit is timed to reassure the islands 57,000 residents, the vast majority of whom want to become independent from Denmark but do not wish to become part of the United States, polls show. Donald Trump has repeatedly said the US should take over Greenland for security reasons and has not ruled out the possibility of using military force to do so, causing relations with Denmark to sour. The vice-president and his wife were widely mocked when the second ladys plans for a solo visit to the island were jettisoned after locals refused to greet her. Holy Cow! Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen just sent a very stern, serious and condemning message to Donald Trump about his attempts to annex Greenland! "When you ask our businesses to invest into the US. They do. When you ask us to spend more on defense. We do. And pic.twitter.com/YkIVqYh8oy Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) April 3, 2025 Mrs Vance had originally been slated to visit the territory with one of her sons to watch the Avannaata Qimussersu dog-sled race in the city of Sisimiut. However, the programme was reorganised amid diplomatic backlash, with Mr Vance announcing he would join his wife at the last minute. Reports later emerged that US representatives had spent a week canvassing door-to-door in Nuuk ahead of the diplomatic sojourn to sound out if residents would welcome a visit from Mrs Vance. The US advances were shot down by Greenlandic residents, according to TV 2 reporter Jesper Steinmetz, who said the Americans charm offensive mission has failed. During the visit, which lasted only a matter of hours, Mr Vance addressed US troops at a Pituffik military base, where he criticised Denmark for not having done a good job by the people of Greenland by underinvesting in security. JD Vance and Usha Vance on their visit to greenland - JIM WATSON Mr Vance declared that the US could no longer bury our head in the snow and ignore Chinas attempts to establish itself in the semi-autonomous territory. He also explicitly urged Greenlanders to vote for independence from Denmark, urging its citizens to join the USs security umbrella in comments that caused outrage in Copenhagen. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Greenlands foreign minister, responded in a post on social media that we are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which its being delivered. Meeting on the sidelines of a Nato summit in Brussels on Thursday, Marco Rubio, the US state secretary, reassured Mr Rasmussen of the strong ties between the countries. According to The Washington Post, the White House is currently estimating the cost for the US federal government to control Greenland, and the potential revenues it could derive from exploiting its largely untapped natural resources. JD Vance said the tech mogul was not close to done with his work Credit: Fox News JD Vance has dismissed reports Elon Musk is being sidelined by Donald Trump. The vice-president said Mr Musk will remain a friend and adviser to me and the president even after his 130 days as a special government employee are up. Dismissing claims by Politico the billionaire is being turned out as false, Mr Vance said the tech mogul was not close to done with his work at the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). According to Mr Vance, Mr Musk had signed up to work for the Trump administration for six months and that is what he plans to do. It comes after Democrats won a crucial election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Mr Musk spent $20 million in a bid to sway the race and personally appeared at rallies wearing a cheese hat, handing out $1 million cheques to voters. Elon Musk wearing a cheese hat during a campaign rally in Wisconsin - Vincent Alban Politico claimed Mr Musk, who spent $280 million to help get Mr Trump elected in 2024, was stepping back in the coming weeks from his current role as governing partner, ubiquitous cheerleader and Washington hatchet man. The report sparked political obituaries for Mr Musk, who has been leading the Trump administrations efforts to shrink the federal government, with The Washington Post saying that the Elon Musk experiment looks like a political failure. But appearing on Fox News, Mr Vance said the reports were total fake news. He said: Elon came in, we said we need you to make government efficient, shrink the bureaucracy that thwarts American people and also costs too much money. We said that will take six months. That is what Elon Musk signed up for. Of course he will continue to be an adviser. And by the way the work of Doge and Elon is not close to done. Doge has a lot of work to do. Yeah that work will continue after Elon leaves. Fundamentally, Elon will remain a friend and adviser of me and the president and hes done a lot of good things. Mr Musk is reportedly acting as a special government employee, a classification for people who have specialised skills and only work for the US for a short time. SGEs can only work for 130 days, just over three months, annually, however they can work across multiple years. Even without a formal role, Mr Musks vast financial resources mean he remains useful to the president. Elon Musk during a cabinet meeting - BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI The New York Times reported Mr Trump has no intention of cutting ties with the worlds richest man, even after he leaves government. Mr Musk is now viewed as an essential component of both Mr Trumps political operation in part because he controls the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, which has become the biggest mouthpiece for the Maga universe. ABC News reported Mr Musk wanted to take a major role in the midterm elections despite Democrats turning him into their bogeyman in the Wisconsin election. The Washington Post quoted a source familiar with Mr Musks thinking as saying the setback in Wisconsin was not deterring him at all. The person said: Hes still wanting to be heavily engaged in politics going forward. They are full steam ahead, referring to the midterms and other elections. Among those sounding caution about Mr Musk playing such a public role in future was Liz Mair, a former senior aide to former Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, a Republican. Ms Mair, who described herself as a fan of Mr Musk, said: Candidly, if you look at the polling, Elon polls worse than Trump does. The reality is Elon is not as popular. Keir Starmer speaking during the launch of the Labour party local election campaign in Chesterfield. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA Keir Starmer has accused Reform UK of fawning over Putin as the prime minister used the launch of Labours local election campaign to attack Nigel Farage repeatedly over his past comments about the Russian leader. With Labour viewing Reform as potentially its greatest rival in next months elections, Starmer devoted more time to attacking the rightwing populist party than criticising the Conservatives. Labour chose an area of Derbyshire with a reputation for having the worst pothole problem in England as the location for the launch, in which Starmer accused the Conservative-controlled Derbyshire county council of being responsible for the poor state of the roads and anti-social behaviour. The council is a key Labour target. However, the prime minister devoted most of his political attack lines to Reform, zeroing in on a number of areas on which Labour hopes Farages party is particularly vulnerable. These included the NHS, workers rights and national security. Polling and focus groups show the British public is firmly pro-Ukraine and against Vladimir Putin. Referring to Reforms internal war involving Farage and the MP Rupert Lowe, Starmer said the party says it wants to run the country but cant even run itself. Turning to the voting record of Reform MPs, he said: They talk the language of workers rights. They talk it all right online, sometimes on the doorstep. But what did they do? They voted against banning fire-and-rehire, they voted against scrapping exploitative zero-hours contracts, they voted against sick leave and maternity pay. And what about the NHS? They want to charge people for using our NHS. In a line that Starmer repeated a number of times at the event, he added: They claim to be the party of patriotism. Ill tell you this, theres nothing patriotic about fawning over Putin. The Reform leader appears to have become more critical of Russia in recent years but Labour is eager to seize on how Farage has often still appeared to be less hostile to Putin than many of his political opponents. Farage made 17 appearances on the Russian state-funded RT between 2010 and 2014, and while he was an MEP for Ukip and the Brexit party his parties several times aligned with hard-right parties in the European parliament to vote against EU motions critical of Russia. Over the past year, Farage has said that of course Putin was responsible for the war in Ukraine and rejected Trumps description of Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a dictator, though he said the country should move towards democratic elections and has long been saying there should be a negotiated end to the war. Some of the most difficult moments for Farage during last years general election campaign came when he was challenged over past comments about Putin. Farage has also said the EU and Nato provoked Russias invasion of Ukraine by expanding eastwards. Starmer joined the deputy leader, Angela Rayner, at a pharmacy outside Chesterfield for the launch of Labours local elections and mayoral campaigns, where they emphasised plans to move bus services under public control and put 1.6bn into local roads. Elections are taking place in 23 councils, and there are mayoral elections in the West of England, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire. Mayoral contests will also take place for the first time in Hull, Greater Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire. An aerial view shows homes destroyed in the Eaton fire along with lots cleared of debris in Altadena, California, on Friday. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images Months after wildfires tore through Los Angeles communities, officials announced this week they had discovered another set of human remains, bringing the death toll in the disaster up to 30. Investigators were dispatched to Altadena on Wednesday to investigate possible human remains in the community, which was hit hard by the Eaton fire in January. The special operations response team confirmed that the remains were human, the Los Angeles county medical examiners office said in a statement. The discovery this week brings the death toll from the Eaton fire up to 18, according to the statement, while 12 people were killed in the Palisades fire. The remains were the first death reported by the office since 25 January when the office announced that Hak Wong, 69, had died in the hospital. Related: California atmospheric river threatens flooding in areas still reeling from fires In January, hurricane-force winds that pummeled the area for days helped create raging conflagrations across Los Angeles from Altadena to the Pacific Palisades that would become among the worst wildfires in California history. The fires forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people in the region and within days laid waste to 60sq miles (97sq km) and destroyed nearly 17,000 structures. The city is continuing to reckon with the aftermath of the blazes and rebuilding is expected to take years. Meanwhile, several victims from Januarys wildfires are still unidentified. Identifying remains from the fires relies on complex scientific methods, the medical examiners office said, including comparisons using dental records and DNA and the use of radiographs to find any medical prosthetics or devices that might have serial numbers. The DME also works with law enforcement agencies to gather information on suspected missing persons to conduct follow-up with families, the statement said. Due to the complexity of these methods and the process, it can take considerable time to confirm a decedents identity in these types of cases. David Lammy accused Russias Vladimir Putin of dragging out and obfuscating efforts to find a peace deal to end the Ukraine war. The Foreign Secretary was speaking at a meeting of Nato counterparts where he called on the alliance to increase pressure on Russia. With Donald Trumps commitment to Nato under scrutiny, Mr Lammy also stressed the need for European members of the alliance to step up spending on their own defence to be fairer to the US. Mr Lammy said: Russia continues to rain down bombs on Ukrainian families, on Ukrainian armed soldiers and, of course, on Ukraines infrastructure. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Nato members should increase defence spending (Stefan Rousseau/PA) And they are dragging out and obfuscating all efforts to negotiate. Putin, we see you, and its hugely important that Nato allies come together to place more economic pressure on Russia so that they respond and are responsive to the negotiation attempts that President Trump has set out. The UK has set out plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product from 2027, in excess of the current Nato benchmark of 2%. Mr Lammy, speaking at the Nato foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, said it was important the alliance remained fit for purpose in an extraordinary geopolitical moment. .@SecRubio is in Brussels for @NATO's Foreign Ministers' meeting to advance @POTUSs call for 5% defense spending. As Secretary Rubio says, "Its time for Europe to step up and invest more in collective security."#NATOFMM pic.twitter.com/pElOjarn4o U.S. Mission to the EU (@US2EU) April 3, 2025 He said: Nato will have to be fairer. It will have to ensure that it is more lethal in the years ahead and that its stronger in the years ahead. And that means that we will have to increase spending, that we will have to produce more and that we will have to deliver more. He said it was hugely important that all allies step up, particularly in Europe, over this next period. At the meeting, US secretary of state Marco Rubio played down the prospect of Mr Trump abandoning Nato but said he wanted members of the alliance to move towards spending 5% of GDP on defence. As we speak right now, the United States is as active in Nato as it has ever been, he said. And some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media and some domestic media in the United States about Nato is unwarranted. President Trump has made clear he supports Nato, were going to remain in Nato. Mr Rubio said: We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway, to every single one of the members committing and fulfilling a promise to reach up to 5% in spending. The last time this led to Great Depression, Irish money minister warns An Irish Cabinet minister has compared US president Donald Trumps tariff regime to the circumstances which precipitated the Great Depression. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said the extent of the tariffs that was announced by Mr Trump has not been seen for 100 years. He said Mr Trumps announcement, which includes a 10% baseline tariff on all imports along with higher rates for many countries, will be a great disruptor to the trading environment. Speaking to reporters in Dublin, he said: If you look at the fundamentals of whats being imposed, its going to have a serious impact on consumer confidence, its going to have an impact on investment confidence, potentially increases costs and inflationary impacts on ordinary citizens all of that yields great uncertainty. The last time the scope or extent that this was tried globally in trading terms was around 1930, which led to the Great Depression. In fact, the tariffs that are being imposed now are in excess of that. Irelands surplus was bolstered by a huge amount of Apple back taxes (Yui Mok/PA) Mr Chambers made the remarks as the Irish Government recorded a 4.1 billion euro Exchequer surplus at the end of March. As the country moves into a period of heightened uncertainty under new US tariffs on the EU, the figures compare favourably against a recorded 300 million euro in the same period last year. However, most of the improvement comes from receipts from Apple back taxes owed to Ireland after a judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in September. Without those receipts, the surplus was 900 million euro. Ireland is in the process of recovering more than 13 billion euro plus interest in corporation tax from the US tech giant after the European Commission successfully argued that Apple had been given undue tax benefits that were illegal under EU state aid rules. Apple and the Irish Government had argued that the correct amount of tax had been paid and fought the commission on the matter in a years-long legal dispute. The ruling was criticised by Mr Trump when he met Irish premier Micheal Martin in the White House last month. The decision formed part of Mr Trumps criticism of the EU which he said had not been fair to Apple. The president said: The United States of America is going to take back a lot of what was stolen from it by other countries and, frankly, by incompetent US leadership. Mr Martin said Ireland had fought with Apple on the matter after the president said the iPhone manufacturer had been treated very badly. Micheal Martin with Donald Trump (Niall Carson/PA) Its the European Union, isnt it? The European Union is going after our companies, Mr Trump said when asked if Apple should relocate from Dublin back to the US. He added: Im not happy with the European Union and were going to win that financial battle. He said previous presidents had lost big segments of the US economy, adding that the European Union treats us very badly. They have not been fair. They sue our companies and win massive amounts of money. They sued Apple, won 17 billion US dollars and they use that for other reasons, I guess, to run the European Union. So Im not knocking it. Theyre doing what they should be doing, perhaps, for the European Union, but it does create ill will and as you know, were going to be doing reciprocal tariffs so whatever they charge us with, were charging them. Nobody can complain about that. Mr Trump announced a 20% tariff on most EU exports on Wednesday, with some exceptions thought to be temporary for sectors including pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. Irelands tax revenue to the end of March was 23.6 billion euro, which was 3.5 billion or 17.5% ahead of the same period last year. However, when the Apple revenues are excluded, underlying tax receipts were 21.9 billion euro. Gross revenue to the end of March was 31.3 billion euro, a 22% increase on the March 2024 position of 5.6 billion euro. Non-tax revenue and capital resources were 3.3 billion euro, up by 2.1 billion euro on March 2024, largely driven by transfers to the Exchequer arising from the CJEU ruling, mainly consisting of EU interest. Appropriations-in-aid of 4.5 billion euro took total other revenue to 7.7 billion euro. Total expenditure to the end of March was 27.2 billion euro. Of this, gross voted expenditure was 24.8 billion euro, which was 2 billion euro ahead of the same period last year. Non-voted expenditure was down 200 million euro to 2.4 billion euro. Roughly 4.8 billion euro was collected in corporation taxes throughout the first quarter of the year, up 2.3 billion euro on last year or 600 million euro ahead of the figure for the end of March 2024 figure when the Apple receipts are excluded. The legacy body tasked with probing outstanding cases from Northern Irelands Troubles has said it is now carrying out 50 live investigations involving 96 deaths. The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which became operational in May 2024, said the number of people coming to it continues to grow. The ICRIR was created by the previous Conservative governments controversial Legacy Act which halted scores of civil cases and inquests into Troubles deaths. Bereaved families, victims and certain public authorities can instead request the ICRIR carry out an investigation. While Labour has committed to repealing the Act and has said legacy inquests will resume, it is continuing with the ICRIR. In its latest accountability update, the body said: In the period from May 1 2024 to March 31 2025, 154 people (requesting individuals) have come to the commission. There are 50 live investigations under way. The report said the 50 investigations relate to 96 deaths. Commissioner for investigations Peter Sheridan said: There are forensic opportunities. There are investigative lines of inquiry. Our work is not a light-touch review. Were trying to encourage people and build confidence in this commission. I will sit down with anyone and explain how, in every single case, I put senior investigating officers in to investigate all of the information available. The commission, headed by former Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan, has faced opposition from political parties and victims organisations in Northern Ireland, and its powers have been subject to legal challenges. Sir Declan Morgan, chief commissioner-designate of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery during an interview at Goodwood House in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) The latest case which the ICRIR has said publicly it is investigating is the murder of an RUC reserve constable by the IRA in October 1982. John Eagleson, a father of three, was shot in the chest while making his way to work on his motorbike. The commission is also investigating the murder of Judge Rory Conaghan, who was shot dead by an IRA gunman in front of his daughter at their Belfast home in September 1974. The accountability update said the ICRIR now has 172 staff, with 66% based in Belfast and 34% in London. It said: As at March 31 2025, 43 staff work in the information recovery (IR) team of the investigations directorate; 65% are based in London with 35% based in Belfast. This includes senior investigating officers, IR team supervisors, investigating officers and investigation support officers. The wider operations work also includes case support and findings. Of the 86 people working in operations, 45% have investigative experience in Northern Ireland. A further 36% have investigative experience solely outside of Northern Ireland. The remaining 19% of people have other relevant experience for the delivery of the commissions work. Luke Littler admits money is likely to be the main motivating factor in his long-term quest to surpass Phil Taylors record tally of 16 world titles. The 18-year-old claimed his first World Championship crown by beating Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace in January. Taylor widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time was 29 when he won the first world title of his glittering career, in 1990, with his final triumph coming in 2013 at the age of 52. STF: LUKE LITTLER Life As World Number One at 18! Testing The Teams Darts Skills! Goals & Catching Phil Taylor United Favourite Player Revealed! Watch now on YouTube and listen on all major platforms! pic.twitter.com/PKl6vaSh1K The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) April 3, 2025 Littler suggested boyhood idol Taylor would struggle with the competition in the modern era. Theres a record there to be broken, but its going to take some doing, he said, speaking with Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane and Jill Scott on the Stick to Football podcast. He (Taylor) also won the World Matchplay 16 times, so hes won two of the big majors 16 times itll take some doing. It (the competition) is a lot better now. You still had Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow it was still a good field but nowadays, I think Phil would struggle. Phil Taylor won 16 world titles (Steven Paston/PA) Since becoming world champion, Littler has maintained his form by winning the UK Open, while he sits eight points clear at the top of the Premier League ahead of week nine in Berlin. Asked what would drive him to continue playing long enough to overhaul Taylors achievements, Littler replied: Probably just the money, to be fair. Phil Taylor was my idol. If I can be bothered to stay around for that time (I could maybe beat his record). If I want to (continue playing), then I will. Littler has transcended darts since bursting on to the scene at the end of 2023. Luke Littler became world champion in January (Zac Goodwin/PA) The Warrington teenager, who has set up his own academy, admits he rarely practises amid the sports packed schedule. Some people practise, but I barely practise, he said. We have the Premier League on a Thursday and then usually on the Friday well fly to Germany or Belgium for a European tour and then well play Friday, Saturday, Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday, we tend to have pro tours and then back to the Premier League on a Thursday. My practise is playing in these tournaments every week. Stanley Spencer, Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta (1952-9), detail - Private collection That Marvellous Atmosphere at the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham hones in on the artists last major work, Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta (1952-9). The ambitious painting, just over 2m x 5m, was nine years in the making and left unfinished upon Stanleys untimely death in 1959. It relocates the New Testament episode of Christ preaching from a boat on Lake Galilee to the Grand Evening Concert at the Cookham Regatta. Christ, clad in a black boater and cassock, lunges, fire and brimstone, out of his wicker chair aboard the old horse ferry barge towards the assembled villagers, in their Sunday best. For those who are not familiar with Spencers unorthodox work, the adaptation of biblical stories to a familiar socio-temporal iconography was an idiosyncratic part of his oeuvre. Some of his most famous paintings present religious scenes through the lens of the historic Thames-side village in which he grew up, most notably The Resurrection in Cookham Churchyard (1924-7), which depicts Stanleys contemporaries rising from the dead at the graveyard of the local Holy Trinity Church. Spencer is also known for his more provocative works. His paintings have sparked controversy as recently as 2023, when Love Among the Nations (1935) was deemed too racist to keep on show at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. Curator Dr Amy Lim succinctly sums up the artistic world of Stanley Spencer as God, sex and Cookham. He considered the village in which he grew up to be a Holy Suburb of Heaven and often used his childhood memories as fodder for creative inspiration. This directs us back to the centrepiece of the Spencer Gallerys summer exhibition, which draws on the artists recollection of the Cookham Regatta, a bustling social event that took place on Ascot Sunday to conclude the week of races in June. At its peak in 1890, the regatta was attended by 10,000 people, and the popularity of boating on the Thames is reflected in contemporary literature such as Jerome K Jeromes Three Men in a Boat (1889) and Kenneth Grahames The Wind in the Willows (1908), which was written in the nearby Cookham Dean. The Spencer familys keen interest in the festivities is documented by Spencers brother Gilbert who recalled how the gentry and their ladies in their evening clothes joined in with the hoi polloi the mix-up was attractive and complete. Spencer funnelled his whole imaginative world into this last great painting. His writings record that he stayed up sketching until four in the morning, and one of the studies on show was drawn on loo paper it seems there wasnt a moment when he wasnt thinking about Christ Preaching. Unfortunately, Spencer was fiscally irresponsible and romantically indecisive (he at one point had two wives simultaneously, and ended up divorcing both). This meant that he spent the final decade of his life fulfilling commissions in order to support himself, rather than working on his less commercial passion project. Stanley Spencer, Dinner on the Hotel Lawn (1956-7) - Tate/Tate Images Spencers tableau Dinner on the Hotel Lawn (1956-7) is one-part surrealist, one-part Botticelli, and two-parts mad. If this picture, on loan to the Stanley Spencer Gallery from the Tate, is anything to go by, the finished version of Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta may even have rivalled his paintings at the Sandham Memorial Chapel in Burghclere for a position to be his masterpiece. When Spencer died, he had completed three-fifths of the canvas; his patron Viscount Astor bought the unfinished painting and exhibited it at the 1960 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, where it was praised as the epitaph of Genius. The Stanley Spencer Gallery was founded soon after this in 1962, in a converted Methodist chapel that Spencer used to attend with his mother. The gallery is run entirely by volunteers, who are admirably dedicated to upholding the legacy of this local artist. From the talented and exceptionally knowledgeable Lim, to the wonderful trustees who get involved in the intricacies of gallery logistics (right down to designing the tote bags) it is impressive to see the community coming together to celebrate this kooky Cookham disciple. Until Nov 2; stanleyspencer.org.uk James Nelson-Joyce has also urged for more filming in his native city of Liverpool - James Stack/BBC An actor playing a gangster in a new BBC series says that he would love to be the first Scouse James Bond. James Nelson-Joyce, who plays crime boss Michael Kavanagh in the highly rated This City Is Ours, said it would be a privilege to play 007. Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside about the potential of him becoming the next Bond, the Liverpudlian actor said: I mean00-Scouse, Im here for it. Amazons takeover of the British spy franchise has reopened speculation into who could take over the role following Daniel Craigs final film performance as Bond in No Time to Die. Craig played Bond in five films with a received pronunciation accent, which is often associated with the British upper class. Nelson-Joyce taking on the role would mark the first Scouse actor playing 007, but would follow Scotsman Sean Connery playing the part with a regional accent. James Nelson-Joyce would be the second 007 to perform the role with a regional accent, following Scottish Sean Connery - Bettmann British actors James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James are all among the top contenders to fill Craigs shoes. Norton, who starred in Happy Valley, and Taylor-Johnson, who appeared in action movies Kick-Ass and Kraven the Hunter, are particular favourites, while Andrew Garfield, the British-American Spiderman actor, and Oscar Isaac, an American, are also said to be in the running. It comes after former 007 Pierce Brosnan insisted that the next Bond should not be American after the Amazon takeover. He told The Telegraph it was a given the next actor to take on the mantle should be British to carry on the tradition. Brosnan also said he lamented the corporations takeover and that Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, the long-time Bond custodians, showed great courage in handing creative control to the US firm after more than 30 years. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is in the running to be the next James Bond - Getty Images The half-siblings have presided over the franchise, based on Ian Flemings spy novels, for three decades after inheriting it in 1995 from Albert Cubby Broccoli, their father and a decorated producer. Brosnan said: In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, [the takeover] does come with a certain lament. I thought it was coming for some time, I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael. He added: It takes great courage for them to let go. They will still have a say in matters. I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect. Nelson-Joyce, who is also known for his roles in Time and Little Boy Blue, also urged for more filming to be done in Liverpool. He said: We want more filming in the area Its the third most filmed city in Britain [and] the second outside of London. We want to push that and use it as much as we can because it generates so [many] opportunities, money and employment for the area. Pettitt with the train that was named after him visiting the Bluebell Line at East Grinstead - Courtesy of Derek Hayward Gordon Pettitt, who has died aged 90, was one of British Rails most visionary and effective leaders in the years leading up to privatisation, as the last general manager of BRs Southern Region and managing director of its Provincial sector, which he relaunched as Regional Railways. Gentle-mannered but decisive, with a first-rate mind and unruly hair, Pettitt was a key lieutenant of BRs reforming chairman Sir Robert Reid in transforming the railways component parts from quasi-military fiefdoms into hard-nosed businesses. After three Southern Region trains collided near Clapham Junction in 1988, killing 35 people and seriously injuring 69, he offered Reid his resignation, but his chairman refused it. He trusted Pettitt who had just given a series of dignified television interviews to prevent a recurrence, and restore staff and passenger morale. Pettitt, notably, withstood media pressure to sack individual signalling engineers he felt were being scapegoated for a systemic failure. Working alongside Chris Green, the buccaneering sector director of Network SouthEast (NSE), Pettitt at the Southern pushed through the electrification of several lines, improved service quality, and prepared for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Politically astute, he personally signed every letter to the 62 MPs in his patch. In 1990 he took charge of BRs heavily loss-making Provincial sector, with more than half its route mileage and stations and 37,000 staff. He was tasked with reinventing Provincial whose offering had already started to improve as a self-contained business responsible for its own infrastructure. Pettitt launched Regional Railways in April 1991, with an emphasis on congestion-busting in Birmingham, Glasgow and Leeds and driving down costs. But a year later, John Major was re-elected on a manifesto commitment to privatise the railways, and with another upheaval in prospect, Pettitt left. Gordon Charles Pettitt was born on April 12 1934, and brought up at Hatfield, Hertfordshire, by adoptive parents, Charles and Annie Pettitt. His father drove local trains for the London & North Eastern Railway. Father and son sang together in the choir of Hatfields parish church, until Charles Pettitt suffered a fatal heart attack during an evening practice. Gordon developed a passion for the railways, and leaving St Columbas College, St Albans, at 16 joined what was now British Railways as a junior clerk at Knebworth station. Either side of National Service with the Army in Germany where he met his wife he worked in operating posts in BRs Kings Cross division, being selected for management training in 1960. Pettitt: a first-rate mind and unruly hair - Courtesy of Derek Hayward Pettitt became BRs Sheffield divisional commercial manager in 1974 and regional freight sales manager in 1977. The next year he was transferred to the Western Region as chief passenger manager, just as the High Speed Train fleet was introduced. He returned to the Eastern Region in 1979, as divisional manager at Liverpool Street, a demanding role in operating and industrial relations terms. He was heavily involved in planning the redevelopment of Liverpool Street station, preparing and presenting BRs evidence to Select Committees of both Houses of Parliament. The creation of BRs sectors alongside the regions in 1982 brought Pettitts appointment as deputy director, London & South East and deputy general manager of the Southern Region; two years on, he was promoted to general manager. The Clapham disaster, during the morning peak on December 12 1988, overshadowed his eight years of achievement on the Southern. The 07.18 from Basingstoke to Waterloo was approaching Clapham Junction when the driver saw the signal ahead of him change from green to red. Unable to pull up at that signal, he halted at the next and urged the signaller to set all signals at danger and contact the emergency services. Shortly afterwards, the 06.30 from Bournemouth ran into the back of the Basingstoke train. Then a third, empty, train passing in the other direction ploughed into the wreckage. The driver of a fourth train managed to pull up. Pupils and staff from the adjacent Emanuel School were first on the scene, being commended for their help by Margaret Thatcher. The rescue operation was hampered because the railway is in a cutting, with a metal fence at the top and a wall at the bottom. Hurrying to the scene, Pettitt met key staff, then briefed the media. He said more work was needed to establish the exact cause of the accident, but the fault appeared to be with how BR had installed the signalling equipment, rather than the system itself. Accepting responsibility on behalf of BR, Pettitt said: You can rest assured that no trains will run until we are satisfied with the safety. He then rallied his shell-shocked management team, reminding them that they still had a railway to run. The collision turned out to have been caused by a wiring fault. New wiring had been installed, but the old wires had been left in place and loose. The work had been done weeks before, but the previous day equipment had been moved and the loose, uninsulated wire had created a false feed to a relay. An inquiry chaired by Anthony Hidden QC heard that the technician responsible was working his 13th consecutive seven-day week and his work had not been independently inspected, as it should have been. In particular, a wire count that would have shown a wire had not been removed was not carried out. Hidden was critical of the health-and-safety culture within BR, and among his 93 recommendations were that a senior project manager be responsible for all aspects of any major, safety-critical project such as re-signalling. BR was fined 250,000 for violations of health and safety law in connection with the crash. As Reid made way to a second Bob Reid (from Shell) as BR chairman, in May 1990 Pettitt took charge of the Provincial sector. A month later, the BR Board announced the abolition of the regions from April 1992, with each sector gaining full responsibility for the infrastructure and safe operation of its railway. In 2004 a preserved former South West Trains electric unit was named after Pettitt: I was bowled over when I was told I would have a train named after me. The unit has been beautifully restored and for the general public its a piece of history - Courtesy of Derek Hayward Pettitt covered 15,700 miles by rail getting to know his territory being most concerned at BRs awful offering between Birmingham and Manchester. Setting out to run Regional Railways like a company, he moved its headquarters from London to Birmingham, split it into five geographical profit centres one for ScotRail and recruited finance and planning directors from industry. Chris Gibb, later chief executive of Virgin and ScotRail, says: Gordon had been given a lot of railways that didnt make financial sense, and he turned them into something we could be proud of. Commissioning research that showed the worst loss-makers were rural lines recommended for closure by Beeching in 1963 but reprieved, he concentrated investment on getting commuter traffic off the roads. Closures of the Settle & Carlisle line and in Lincolnshire were still on Whitehalls agenda, but despite having himself pushed through closures in the past, Pettitt held the line against more. When BRs workshops put up the price of new electric trains that Provincial was expected to buy for Birmingham and Manchester, Pettitt found a private-sector supplier. When the Government vetoed new trains for newly-electrified lines into Leeds and Bradford, he secured redundant units from NSE to plug the gap. Regional Railways increased its income despite the economy going into recession, and opened or reopened 25 stations and three branch lines. Regional Railways operated for just 374 days before Major was re-elected and privatisation became a prospect. By the time Pettitt put his congestion-busting proposals plus plans to electrify the trans-Pennine route to the transport minister Roger Freeman, the governments mind was on other things. Pettitt was prepared for the possibility of privatisation, but assumed that Regional Railways would be sold off as a whole. When it became clear this would not happen, he retired. For the next three decades, key figures in the railway industry queued to pick his brain, on a commercial basis or informally. Asked by the Department for Transport for his opinion on the structure of privatisation, Pettitt suggested separating Glasgow commuter services from the rest of ScotRail, but was told that this was politically unacceptable. He worked as railway adviser to the first rail regulator, John Swift QC; contributed to the development of High Speed 1 and the railway to Heathrow Terminal 5; and was involved with French-owned Connex as it bid for franchises. From 2003 to 2006, he served on Network Rails property advisory board. In 2004, a preserved former South West Trains electric unit was named Gordon Pettitt. He told the naming ceremony at Waterloo Station: I was bowled over when I was told I would have a train named after me. The unit has been beautifully restored and for the general public its a piece of history. It was brought back to Waterloo for his 90th birthday. Since 2014, Pettitt had been president of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society, having been instrumental in securing the steam railways reconnection to the main line at East Grinstead. He was at various times president of the Institution of Railway Operators, a governor of Middlesex Polytechnic and a trustee of the Woking Homes and Railway Charities. He is the author (with Nicholas Comfort) of The Regional Railways Story (2015). He was appointed OBE in 1991. Gordon Pettitt married, in 1956, Ursula Hokamp. She survives him, with their three daughters. Gordon Pettitt, born April 12 1934, died March 31 2025 People protest outside the High Court against the decision to charge private schools VAT, which will hit children with special needs - Guy Bell/Shutterstock Labour deliberately chose the most disruptive start date for its VAT raid on private schools, internal Government documents have revealed. Court documents obtained by The Telegraph show that the Government was still undecided about when to implement the changes two weeks before Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, announced that they would hit in the middle of an academic year. Ministers ultimately decided on the most disruptive course of action for schools in order to maximise revenue, The Telegraph can disclose. The documents also show that the Chancellor was warned eight months ago that the tax raid would probably lead to an extra 100 private school closures, despite ministers only making that estimated figure public last month. Treasury officials emailed Ms Reeves and two other ministers days after the general election last year with a pros and cons list about potential start dates for the VAT levy. In a briefing prepared on July 6, they warned her that hitting private schools with VAT from January 1 this year would be the most disruptive option for pupils and local authorities, and would allow little time for schools to get ready. Civil servants advised the Chancellor that a start date of April would grant longer for schools and HMRC to prepare, along with the prospect of fewer errors and more time for schools to consider how to manage additional costs. They said a September 2025 start would present the least disruptive option for the education sector and reduce potential teething issues, although it could eat into the overall revenue raised by the policy. The documents also reveal that the Department for Education (DfE) appears to have lobbied against a January start date. The Treasury briefing sent to Ms Reeves on July 6 claimed that DfE have noted it may be less disruptive for schools and parents, and allow more time for schools, LAs [local authorities] and the DAs [devolved administrations] to prepare if the changes took effect from August 2025 (to capture the September 2025 term, as schools start earlier in Scotland). Ms Reeves chose to go ahead with the earliest start date despite these concerns in order to maximise the net gain to the Treasury, court documents show. The Government is being sued over its decision to apply 20 per cent VAT to private school fees. Three separate challenges are being heard together in the High Court between April 1 and 3, using more than a dozen families as case studies. A separate document obtained by The Telegraph through the High Court shows that James Murray, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, took less than two weeks after the general election to decide on the course of action over the VATs plans. An email sent by a Treasury official to colleagues on July 15 last year claimed he wanted to put the two options of a January 2025 and an April 2025 start date to CX [the Chancellor] for a final decision, noting the trade-offs between revenue maximisation (January) and giving schools time to prepare (April). The document referred to a separate briefing by the Treasury drawn up on July 12 last year which said the key trade-off is between maximising revenue and giving stakeholders more time to prepare. On July 29, Ms Reeves announced that the VAT policy would come into force on the first day of 2025. The Independent Schools Council (ISC), one of three groups suing the Government, criticised the rushed rollout and said there had effectively only been a few weeks for schools to properly get ready. Julie Robinson, the chief executive, said in a witness statement that the short window of time means that schools and parents have been forced to scramble. Documents seen by The Telegraph show Treasury officials advised the Chancellor to leave at least a three-month window between the introduction of the Finance Bill and the VAT start date to ensure these schools have had time to familiarise themselves with their obligations. Instead, Ms Reeves formally unveiled the VAT legislation in the Budget on Oct 30, before the Finance Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on Nov 7. This left less than two months before the tax raid kicked in. Court documents also reveal that the Government prepared for a backlash over the July 29 announcement, but had still not decided the start date when it prepared communications mock-ups just over two weeks earlier. A briefing prepared for Treasury ministers on July 12 provided counter-factuals for ministers entitled if challenged on how a January 2025 start date will impact the state sector, and if April 2025 start date for VAT. The document also suggested Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, had still not been properly consulted over the policy two weeks before it was unveiled. It added: We understand DfE have not yet discussed the policy with their ministers, and we may need to revert to you following that with further advice if they raise any concerns. Cabinet ministers were advised that going ahead with the VAT raid on Jan 1 would raise an extra 900 million for the Government in 2024-25. However, they were told it could create increased demand for state school places in a number of local areas by 2028-29, with significant pressures in the 16-18 age group. Treasury officials also informed Ms Reeves in July that around 100 additional independent schools may close over the next three years directly as a result of the new VAT charge, documents show. It proves the Government knew about the likely impact of its VAT raid on schools eight months before the figure was made public in March by Torsten Bell, a Treasury minister. In a debate on independent schools in Westminster Hall last month, he revealed that the Government was expecting an extra 100 private schools to close because of VAT on fees, on top of the annual closure rate of around 80 schools across the UK. More than a dozen independent schools have blamed the policy for forcing them to close so far, while many more have cited worsening financial pressures for causing them to buckle. Claimants suing the Government argue that the VAT raid interferes with the fundamental right to education for some pupils, and disproportionately affects lower-income families. The Treasury is defending the challenges, with HMRC and the DfE also taking part. Sir James Eadie KC, representing the Government, insisted that taxing education through VAT on private school fees is a legitimate aim to raise money for state schools. Speaking on the third and final day of the court case on Thursday, the Governments top lawyer said ministers considered exempting special needs pupils from the policy but decided it would be too costly and could lead the system to be exploited. Sir James told the High Court that granting a VAT exemption for all children with special educational needs or disabilities (Send) that are not in receipt of council-funded support would have cost the Treasury around 450 million. Perverse incentive In written submissions to the court, the leading barrister added that a carve-out for special needs pupils would bring the possibility for abuse by private schools who may over count pupils with Send or give parents a perverse incentive to seek that their child be identified as having Send. Sir James also disputed arguments made by Lord Pannick, who is representing the ISC, that a significant proportion of private school parents are below the average wealth level. Evidence submitted to the High Court showed that Ms Reeves was briefed last July that a quarter of all private school families affected by VAT would fall in the bottom half of the household income distribution. The Chancellor was also shown charts produced by The Treasury illustrating that around 70,000 private school families have a household income of less than 50,000, and 170,000 have a total income lower than 100,000. Sir James told the court on Thursday that some of those people with low income have high wealth, including asset wealth. The judicial review was heard by Dame Victoria Sharp, Lord Justice Newey and Mr Justice Chamberlain. The three judges are expected to issue a single written judgement at a later date. The claimants are seeking a declaration of incompatibility under human rights laws. Although this would not overturn the VAT policy in itself, it could force the Government to take a second look at the tax raid or hand out exemptions. The education secretary will say in a speech today: With toxic online influences on the rise, our boys need strong, positive male role models to look up to. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images The fate of boys is a defining issue of our time, according to the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, as she calls for more men to become teachers to combat toxic behaviours. Speaking at a conference on Thursday, Phillipson will warn that boys and young men growing up in Britain need stronger role models to counteract the dangers they face, illustrated by the Netflix series Adolescence. Its clear the behaviour of boys, their influences, and the young men they become, is a defining issue of our time, Phillipson is to say, adding: We need to raise a generation of boys with the strength to reject that hatred curiosity, compassion, kindness, resilience, hope, respect. Related: The Adolescence alarm: If theres a problem with boys behaviour, its because of us Keir Starmer has said Adolescence was really hard to watch with his teenage children. The series has been credited for invigorating public debate about the links between digital media targeting boys and misogyny. Phillipson, addressing the first festival of children organised by the childrens commissioner for England, will say: With toxic online influences on the rise, our boys need strong, positive male role models to look up to. At home, of course, and at school too. Schools cant solve these problems alone, and responsibility starts at home with parents. But only one in four of the teachers in our schools are men. Just one in seven in nursery and primary. One in 33 in early years [education]. And since 2010 the number of teachers in our schools has increased by 28,000 but just 533 of those are men. Thats extraordinary. So I want more male teachers teaching, guiding, leading the boys in their classrooms. Phillipson is the latest education secretary to be concerned by the lack of men training to become teachers in England, especially in primary schools, where the proportion of men has barely improved despite recent recruitment drives. But research into the impact of male teachers on boys and young men is mixed: few researchers have found any significant improvements in boys attainment or behaviour from having male teachers. Rachel de Souza, the childrens commissioner for England, will call for adults to be more receptive to children, warning that many boys and girls are feeling disconnected from society and instead seeking answers online. Children want to be listened to. They want to be heard. They want to work hard and do not expect things to come without effort. They understand that they have a part to play in shaping society, De Souza will say, according to remarks circulated by her office. Related: Social media platforms must be brought to heel, says UK schools leader But some of these foundations of childhood are cracking. A different version of childhood is playing out one that we are struggling to be honest about. A crisis developing in childhood. There is a risk of inaction, of apathy and the antidote to this is listening, connecting. That is why we must listen to children, to engage them. We need to be willing to accept failures of the past and do better. That means not just papering over those cracking foundations, but fixing them for childhoods being lived right now and for the ones to come. If we want children to experience the vivid technicolour of life, the joy of childhood, the innocence of youth, we have to prove that we will respond more quickly to them than ChatGPT. De Souza plans to investigate the use of mobile phones in schools, using data gathered from a national survey she has launched, and to examine childrens trust in the police, and the impact on children of deepfake technology that uses AI-generated images or audio to replicate faces and voices. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were drawn into a row about the charity he founded in Africa, Sentebale - Yaroslav Sabitov/PA The Duke of Sussex has hit out at blatant lies about Sentebale, his African charity, which is at the centre of a race row. Prince Harry said he hoped the Charity Commission would uncover the truth about a bitter boardroom battle after it opened a case into the concerns that have been raised. The watchdog said it was now in direct contact with those involved, to gather evidence and assess whether the charity and its trustees past and present had fulfilled their legal duties. The Duke and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, his co-founder, quit last month, alongside the trustees, after unthinkable infighting within the organisation. There have been claims and counter-claims of racism, bullying and mismanagement. The Duke said in a statement: From the inception of Sentebale nearly 20 years ago, Prince Seeiso and I have had a clear goal: to support the children and young people in Southern Africa in memory of our mothers. What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal. No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself. On behalf of the former trustees and patrons, we share in the relief that the Charity Commission confirmed they will be conducting a robust inquiry. We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign. We remain hopeful this will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately, for the sake of the communities we serve. The Charity Commission confirmed on Thursday it had opened a regulatory compliance case after ten days of mudslinging over the way Sentebale has been governed. Sophie Chandauka, the chairman who first raised concerns with the watchdog in February, said she welcomed its decision to look into the management issues. She revealed that Sentebale had launched an internal governance review last year and would share its findings with the commission. Ms Chandauka said: We hope that, together, these actions will give the general public, our colleagues, partners, supporters, donors and the communities we serve comfort that Sentebale and its new board of trustees are acting appropriately to demonstrate and ensure good governance and a healthy culture for Sentebale to thrive. The Charity Commission said: The regulators focus, in line with its statutory remit, will be to determine whether the charitys current and former trustees, including its chair, have fulfilled their duties and responsibilities under charity law. The Commission is not an adjudicator or mediator and is guided by the principle of ensuring trustees fulfil their primary duty to their charitable purpose and beneficiaries. After a period of assessing the initial concerns raised with the Commission, the regulator informed the charity on April 2 2025 it had opened a regulatory compliance case. The regulator has not made any findings at this time. A regulatory compliance case focuses on the conduct of trustees and their leadership. In cases of abuse, or where there are suspicions or evidence of mismanagement or misconduct, the Charity Commission will open a statutory inquiry. Through that formal investigation it then has the power to obtain information and to protect the charity, its beneficiaries, assets or reputation, which includes appointing or removing trustees. An untenable situation Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso said last month that the relationship between the trustees and Ms Chandauka had broken down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation. They said they would be sharing their concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about. When Ms Chandauka first raised a complaint with the watchdog, she accused the board of bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir prejudice directed at black women. But a source close to the trustees claimed that Ms Chandauka was playing the race card because she had realised things were not going her way. The source claimed Ms Chandauka had also accused the trustees of bullying when she was challenged over the loss of a major sponsor of the annual Sentebale polo cup. When the board urged her to resign, she launched legal proceedings at the High Court, prompting mass resignations. Shes a very poisonous woman and its very sad its come to this, the source said. Horrific accusation In response, a source close to Ms Chandauka described the allegation she had played the race card as horrific and extraordinarily ironic. The source claimed that one of Sentebales white trustees had likened Ms Chandaukas chairmanship to the white minority rule of 1960s Rhodesia. The charity insisted that it would plough on amid the crisis and was focused on its mission. Ms Chandauka said: We appreciate the patience, understanding and tremendous support we have received from our existing and prospective partners and supporters, and look forward to continuing to work together with you as we recalibrate for an ambitious future. Carmel Gaillar, Sentebales executive director, also welcomed the watchdogs decision to formally assess their concerns. She said: Transparency and accountability are central to how we operate, and the executive team and I are fully committed to supporting the Charity Commissions regulatory compliance case in any way needed. We will also continue to work closely with the chair and the new board of trustees to ensure the smooth running of the organisation, keeping our focus firmly on delivering for the young people and communities we serve. The film Adult Human Female argues against claims made by trans rights activists A union tried to stop gender-critical views being expressed at a university by creating a hostile environment, an employment tribunal has heard. Academics Deirdre ONeill and Michael Wayne are suing the University and College Union (UCU) after its Edinburgh branch said their film Adult Human Female was an attack on transgender identity. The film challenges trans rights claims and sparked protests when the academics tried to show it at the University of Edinburgh, the tribunal heard. The academics say the UCUs public opposition to them amounted to unlawful discrimination on grounds of their gender-critical belief that there are only two sexes. On Thursday, Dr Lena Wanggren, who was president of UCU Scotland from May 2021 to May 2023, said it was absolutely not the case that the union had tried to create an intimidating atmosphere. Protesters, including some in balaclavas, twice blocked screenings at the University of Edinburgh and hurled insults at those trying to attend, documents presented to the tribunal said. Naomi Cunningham, for the academics, said: The conduct of the union in encouraging protest against these screenings and calling for the venue to be withdrawn was a completely consistent part of a wider course of conduct. She said that Dr Wanggren, Grant Buttars, UCU Edinburgh branch president, and the union had sought to create a hostile environment for anyone who held a gender critical view. Intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating Ms Cunningham added: You were trying to create an environment, both at Edinburgh University and in the union as a whole, in which it was simply impossible to discuss gender critical ideas or arguments at all because you regarded those ideas as inherently transphobic. She went on to say: The branches conduct in response to the two proposed screenings was for the specific purpose of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for any member of the union with gender critical views, whether at Edinburgh or elsewhere, wasnt it? Dr Wanggren replied: Absolutely not. Ms Cunningham suggested that large numbers of gender-critical members of the union have now left. Dr Wanggren said that was not to my knowledge but that she is aware that some people had left, and said a comparable film with different or opposing views would likely have been treated the same way. She said: I am telling the tribunal that if a comparable film against any other minority group that used the kind of language, the broad brush strokes that harm that minoritised community, UCU would, in line with our policies, have] acted in a similar way. She said the union has a policy on a range of equality issues, including those affecting trans, race and LGBTQ communities. Trans women should be treated as women In November 2022, Ms ONeill, a lecturer at Hertfordshire University, and Mr Wayne, released Adult Human Female, which examines claims that trans women are women and should be treated as women in all legal and social contexts, the tribunal heard. When UCUs Edinburgh branch became aware of a planned screening in December 2022, it demanded the event be cancelled and called the film transphobic, the tribunal was told. Protesters blocked the venue, preventing 100 to 150 attendees from watching the film, it was said. The screening was rescheduled for April 2023 but was again blocked by protesters. It went ahead in November 2023 with extra security, the tribunal heard. The tribunal continues. The owners of the container ship that collided with a US tanker in the North Sea earlier this month have filed a legal claim against the owners of the tanker, records show. Court records indicate that a legal claim was filed at the Admiralty Court on Thursday by the owners and demise charterers of the Solong, against the owners and demise charterers of the Stena Immaculate. The case is the latest to be filed at the court in London after the Portuguese-flagged vessel crashed into the anchored tanker Stena Immaculate off the East Yorkshire coast on March 10. It follows a separate legal claim being filed at the same court on Monday by Stena Bulk Marine Services USA LLC, which owns the Stena Immaculate, and Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions LLC, the maritime company managing the ship, against MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft MBH & Co KG, a subsidiary of Ernst Russ, which owns the Solong. No further details about either claim are currently available, with Stena Bulk approached for comment. The US oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate following the collision (Danny Lawson/PA) In a statement on Thursday, a spokesperson for Ernst Russ said: As part of the legal proceedings arising from the collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate, the owners of the Solong have filed a claim in the Admiralty Court in London. This is usual process for large maritime casualties and represents another step in working toward the conclusion of this tragic incident. Meanwhile, Ernst Russ continues to offer all necessary assistance in support of the ongoing investigations. Rescuers saved 36 people from both ships following the collision, with one sailor from the Solong, named as Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, missing and presumed dead. The Solongs captain, Vladimir Motin, 59, of St Petersburg, Russia, appeared at the Old Bailey on March 21, charged with gross negligence manslaughter and is due to face trial in January next year. A previous court hearing was told that the collision happened at about 9.47am on March 10, at 10.2 nautical miles from the nearest point on the coast. The Stena Immaculate anchored at the point of the collision at 6.50pm on the previous evening, with the Solong travelling at about 15 knots when it hit the port side of the other vessel. Stena Bulk said following the incident that 17,515 barrels of jet fuel were lost due to the collision and the subsequent fire, with the Solong still burning a week after the collision before arriving in Aberdeen on Friday. On Monday, Ernst Russ confirmed that it had set up a fund ahead of any verified legal claims against it following the incident. King penguins on Heard Island. Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on the uninhabited Heard and McDonald islands near Antarctica, along with other remote external Australian territories the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island and Norfolk Island. Photograph: Matt Curnock/Australian Antarctic Division A group of barren, uninhabited volcanic islands near Antarctica, covered in glaciers and home to penguins, has been swept up in Donald Trumps trade war, as the US president hit them with a 10% tariff on goods. Heard Island and McDonald Islands, which form an external territory of Australia, are among the remotest places on Earth, accessible only via a two-week boat voyage from Perth on Australias west coast. They are completely uninhabited, with the last visit from people believed to be nearly 10 years ago. Nevertheless, Heard and McDonald islands featured in a list released by the White House of countries that would have new trade tariffs imposed. The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said on Thursday: Nowhere on Earth is safe. Related: Trump announces sweeping new tariffs, upending decades of US trade policy Heard Island and McDonald Islands are among several external territories of Australia listed separately in the tariff list to Australia, which will see a 10% tariff imposed on its goods. External territories are part of Australia and not self-governing but have a unique relationship with the federal government. Such territories featured on the White House list were the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island and Norfolk Island. Norfolk Island, which has a population of 2,188 people and lies 1,600km (1,000 miles) north-east of Sydney, was slugged with a tariff of 29% 19 percentage points higher than the rest of Australia. In 2023, Norfolk Island exported US$655,000 (A$1.04m) worth of goods to the US, with its main export being US$413,000 (A$658,000) worth of leather footwear, according to Observatory of Economic Complexity data. But George Plant, the administrator of Norfolk Island, disputed the data. He told the Guardian: There are no known exports from Norfolk Island to the United States and no tariffs or known non-tariff trade barriers on goods coming to Norfolk Island. Albanese said on Thursday: Norfolk Island has got a 29% tariff. Im not quite sure that Norfolk Island, with respect to it, is a trade competitor with the giant economy of the United States, but that just shows and exemplifies the fact that nowhere on Earth is safe from this. The export figures from Heard Island and McDonald Islands are even more perplexing. The territory does have a fishery but no buildings or human habitation whatsoever. Despite this, according to export data from the World Bank, the US imported US$1.4m (A$2.23m) of products from Heard Island and McDonald Islands in 2022, nearly all of which was machinery and electrical imports. It was not immediately clear what those goods were. In the five years prior, imports from Heard Island and McDonald Islands ranged from US$15,000 (A$24,000) to US$325,000 (A$518,000) per year. The White House, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Antarctic Division were contacted for comment. Two otters escaped from a Green Bay, Wisconsin, zoo for nearly two weeks, and residents have been keeping an eye out for them. Luckily, one of the otters, Ophelia, was found on March 28th, though the search continues for the second otter. ABC News reported on Wednesday, April 2nd that Ophelia had been found, and fans of the zoo found the news bittersweet. The otter had been spotted and was "safely secured by a trap" before being returned to the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park in Suamico, Wisconsin. She received a comprehensive veterinary exam on Monday, and the zoo shared that she is "in perfect health," though napping more than usual. ABC News reported, "Despite the joyous news of Ophelia's return, the zoo said the search continues for her partner-in-crime, Louie." The zoo remains hopeful that the otter will be found, "This is otter breeding season and we expect that, as a male otter, Louie is likely ranging a bit further from home than Ophelia did, but it's still likely that he's not all that far away." The zoo also added that otters are "territorial and prefer to stay close to what's comfortable and known to them." Good news about the missing otter. Related: 2 Otters Bust Out of Green Bay Zoo During Winter Storm Like Escape Convicts Commenters Reaction to Ophilia the Otter's Safe Return to the Zoo Commenters were both relieved that Ophelia was back home safe and sound and concerned about Louie's whereabouts. @Nidhi Singh shared, "The community likely feels a mix of joy for Ophelia's safe return and concern for the other otter. The zoo will provide updates to keep everyone informed about the search efforts. Another commenter was glad to hear that Louie was still on the lam, "Probably living his best life." @Rhonda Jean agreed, "I hope Louie finds a new girlfriend and freedom!" @Tameka Elliot was skeptical, "They escaped, and no one has seen them anywhere around? They are river otters and escaped on land?" River otters make their homes near lakes, rivers, swamps, and estuaries. He could be anywhere! Louie is quite capable of living in and around icy water and snow; his thick fur helps him thrive in freezing cold environments. Otters also have a second layer of fur that allows them to maintain a layer of warm air close to their bodies. In short, it acts as a natural winter coat. I'm concerned that Louie's used to being fed and may not know how to hunt for himself. I hope the zoo finds Louie safe and sound soon and that he enjoys his big adventure. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov tried to make contact with the reclusive indigenous inhabitants of North Sentinel Island An American danger tourist who models himself on Tintin faces up to five years in prison after illegally sailing to a remote island and leaving a can of Coke for the worlds most dangerous and isolated tribe. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, from North Goldwater, Arizona, tried to make contact with the reclusive indigenous inhabitants of North Sentinel Island, part of an Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, which is off limits to visitors to protect the islanders way of life. Indian police said Mr Polyakov travelled to the island in the early hours of Saturday morning using a makeshift craft to cross a 25-mile strait from Kurma Dera beach on South Andaman Island. This is it. The last uncontracted tribe. The last mystery. If they see me, will they attack? Or will they accept me? his Go-Pro camera microphone recorded him whispering as he approached the forbidden island. Indian police said Mr Polyakov crossed a 25-mile strait from Kurma Dera beach on South Andaman Island After landing, he briefly stepped out of the boat, left a can of Coca-Cola and a coconut as offerings, collected some sand samples, and then departed. He returned to Kurma Dera Beach at 7pm, where fishermen spotted him and alerted the police. He was arrested and remains in custody. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, director general of Andaman and Nicobar Police, said.If found guilty, he may face three to five years in prison for breaching the law that prohibits unauthorised entry into the areas inhabited by protected tribes of North Sentinel Island. This was not Mr Polyakovs first attempt to reach the Sentinelese, a pre-Neolithic people who have rebuffed all contact with the outside world, shooting arrows at passing helicopters and killing those landing ashore. The Sentinelese, a pre-Neolithic people, have rebuffed all contact with the modern world In October 2024, he prepared a reconnaissance mission using an inflatable kayak but was stopped by hotel staff before he could launch. In the same month, he posted a cryptic image on his YouTube channel captioned A little Columbus Day teaser for the fans. The image, a cartoon in the style of The Adventures of Tintin, showed a boy with a dog aboard a motorboat approaching an island resembling the one home to the Sentinelese. Mr Polyakovs YouTube channel, called Neo-Orientalist, revealed other risky adventures including exploring an abandoned US military base in Afghanistan. In another video taken during a three-week road trip in the Taliban-controlled country, he is seen brandishing an assault rifle alongside Islamist militants. In January, he returned to the Andaman archipelago, staying in the city of Port Blair while attempting to procure an outboard motor for a boat to make the illicit crossing. Around this time, he visited Baratang Island, where he illegally filmed the semi-nomadic Jarawa tribe before departing on January 27. In March, he returned to Port Blair. After fitting the motor to his boat at a workshop, he purchased fuel and checked into the Andaman Sunset View Resort. Over the following days, he meticulously studied sea conditions, tides and landing sites for the journey. On March 29, he launched his boat under the cover of darkness, carrying the coconut and Coca-Cola can he intended to give to the islands inhabitants. After nine hours at sea, he reached its northeastern shore. Using binoculars, he scanned the area but saw no signs of life. He then filmed himself wading onto the beach and placing his offerings on the sand. Authorities said Mr Polyakovs journey was meticulously planned The video, later recovered by police, captures him exclaiming: I have landed here. I am a solo traveller. No one has landed here before. This is anti-climactic. No one has done this before. He remained offshore for an hour blowing a whistle in an attempt to attract attention, but received no response. After three hours, he began his return journey, reaching Kurma Dera beach by 7pm where he was spotted by fishermen. Authorities said he used GPS to navigate seas around the island, they said. After his arrest on March 31, authorities confiscated Mr Polyakovs passport, mobile phone and Go-Pro camera. The unauthorised entry into the North Sentinel Island is not just a breach of Indian law, but a serious threat to the safety of the both Sentinelese and the individuals involved, Mr Dhaliwal said. Any unlawful attempt to enter restricted tribal areas will be met with strict legal consequences, he added. Mr Polyakov told police that he was drawn to the island due to his passion for adventure and his desire to undertake extreme challenges, as well as by the allure of the mysterious Sentinelese. A pedestrian whose death is being treated as murder after he was struck by a car has been named by police. Arlind Xhokola, aged 26 and from London, died at the scene near Momples Road in Harlow, Essex Police said. The collision happened at around 5.30pm on Saturday. The force said that 50-year-old Jeremy Heath, from Ladyshot in Harlow, has been charged with murder. Essex Police said officers are continuing to explore the possibility that the fatal collision is connected to the robbery of a Ford Fiesta in nearby Pennymead, Harlow, at around 4pm on Saturday. In a tribute released through police, Mr Xhokolas family said he was a friendly, supportive man who was easy-going. Arlind wanted to help everyone, they said. Friends and family counted on him for help and support. He was a mellow, relaxed and patient man. He was respected and loved by many and will be missed. His girlfriend, who police did not name, described him as a lovely person and family-oriented since a very young age. Arlind was working in construction to help his family and he was always telling me that he wanted to create a family, she said. Heath, who is also charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place, appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Wednesday. He was remanded in custody to appear before Chelmsford Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on Thursday. Police said four more arrests have been made in connection with the case and detectives are not currently seeking anyone else. On Tuesday, three men from Harlow were arrested. Two, aged 39 and 50, will be questioned on suspicion of robbery and murder and remain in police custody. The third, aged 42, was questioned on suspicion of assisting an offender and has since been released under investigation while inquiries continue. A fourth man, aged 37 and from Harlow, was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of robbery and murder. He remains in custody. Detective Inspector James Holmes, senior investigating officer, said: This was a complex incident and its taken time, patience and hard work from my team, together with officers and staff across the force, to reach this stage. A number of key arrests have been made and I can confirm were not currently seeking anyone else in connection with our investigation. Were determined to establish what took place that day and why, both to get answers for the family of a man who has lost his life, and for the people of Harlow who are understandably concerned. I would like to thank the many people who have reached out to us to help us with our inquiries and I would continue to call on anyone with concerns, or information, to get in touch. There are a number of ways to do so, but the simplest is through a dedicated online portal set up specifically for this investigation. Find the online portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020125R42-PO2 Russian bloggers have launched a scathing attack on the countrys Muslim population - Roman Naumov/Getty Images Vladimir Putins supporters have turned on the Kremlin over Muslim migration into Russia from Central Asia, comparing the situation with that of European cities with large minority populations. Rybar is a prominent Telegram blog with more than 1.3 million subscribers and whose founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, a former military translator, was awarded the Order of Merit of the Fatherland Second Class by Putin in 2023. Yet last month, it posted a scathing analysis of Russias changing demographics, using the Moscow suburb of Kotelniki to illustrate its point. In a flashy, well-produced video, the channel pinpointed several areas where migrants had reportedly attacked residents. It also claimed that out of 8,000 local schoolchildren, only 50 per cent were ethnically Russian. The clip said terrorist recruiters were active at a Moscow junk market where weapons and Russian passports could be bought, and identified the locations of ethnic brothels and illegal mosques. It ends with the on-screen message: So, who benefits from this breeding ground of Islamic radicals, Russophobes and bandits near the Russian capital? Despite Putin criticising high levels of immigration in the West, the Kremlin has relied on migrant labour to plug the gaps in Russias workforce since its birth rate plummeted after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The situation has been aggravated by the war in Ukraine, with civilian workers syphoned off into the army and defence industries leading to a current record low unemployment rate of 2.3 per cent. Responding to the Rybar report, Ria Katyusha, another Russian nationalist channel, compared the situation in Kotelniki to similar stories about Paris, Hamburg or British cities. Boris Rozhin, a blogger with more than 850,000 subscribers, said the Moscow suburbs transformation was reminiscent of the minority-dominated neighbourhoods in Marseille and Paris. The town, which was previously dominated by ethnic Russians, has seen an influx of migrants from the Caucasus region and Central Asia, he added. The Kremlin has struggled to balance bringing in the workers needed to keep the economy and the war machine going while, at the same time, easing the fear of cultural displacement among its nationalist supporter base. Long-simmering ethnic tensions boiled over after the Crocus Hall terror attack last year, in which authorities said Tajik Islamists massacred 145 people waiting to see the Soviet-era rock band Picnic. Several Islamic State gunmen burst into Crocus City Hall in Moscow and killed at least 145 people in March 2025 - Dmitry Serebryakov/AP In response, legislation was amended giving police powers to expel migrants without court orders. Reports, and footage, also circulated of police raids on migrant dormitories and mosques, as well as typical migrant workplaces such as construction sites and warehouses. Yet the Kremlin continues to stress the need for foreign workers. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlins press secretary, told state media in November that migrants are a necessity. The fact is, we are facing a very strained demographic situation, he continued. We live in the largest country in the world, but there are very few of us. Mr Peskov attempted to draw a sharp distinction between illegal and legal migration, saying that only unlawful migration fostered conditions for religious extremism and drug abuse. But this will do little to allay fears of Russian cultural and ethnic dilution. Putin puts on multi-confessional front A poll published in May 2024 by the Moscow-based Levada Center found that 56 per cent of Russians surveyed would only allow people from Central Asia into the country temporarily, or would block their entry entirely. Furthermore, Alexander Gorovoy, the first deputy minister of internal affairs, told the Kommersant newspaper in September that only 9 per cent of the six million foreign citizens the Kremlin says are in Russia are there illegally. Migrants, particularly those from Central Asia, also obtain citizenship in large numbers. In 2022, a reported 174,000 Tajik nationals became Russian citizens, up from 104,000 in 2021. Putin, although a critic of multiculturalism in the West, has repeatedly made efforts to present himself as the lofty imperator of a multi-confessional realm. Traditional Islam is an integral part of the Russian cultural code, and the Muslim Ummah, without any doubt, is a very important component of the multinational Russian people, he said in 2018. Vladimir Putin, pictured at the 2015 opening of the Moscow Grand Mosque alongside Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan, has for years praised Russias integration of Muslim immigrants - REUTERS/Alexei Druzhinin/RIA In Kotelniki in July 2023, both sides of an ethnic feud appealed to the Russian president to intervene in their squabble. According to Russian media, riot police raided an illegal mosque in a high-rise building in response to complaints raised by a Telegram channel called Russian Community Zov, which shares information about crimes committed by migrants. Three days later, the Muslims involved released a video statement addressing Putin directly, saying: Mr Putin, we appeal to you for protection. We ask you to intervene in this situation. Our congregation includes participants of the special military operation [the Ukraine war], they said. In response, Russian Community Zov released a message from Slavic Kotelniki residents in which they said: We must all understand that we cant go on living like this; were not France, not Kosovo, which continue to descend into chaos. The flow of migrants coming into our country must stop immediately. Otherwise, theres going to be a social explosion. A week after the Kotelniki raid, a similar incident was reported in the nearby town of Dzerzhinsky. Baza, a popular Telegram channel with alleged links to the Russian security services, said police arrived at a mosque during prayers to check documents and that a dispute broke out because officers entered with their shoes still on. Footage showed police, with their faces covered and carrying assault rifles, inside the mosque as worshippers pleaded: You are stopping me from praying. Do you see a man praying?... we cant pray and then show all our documents after the prayer? Credit: Telegram/@pdmnews Russias military bloggers are a motley crew of former defence industry figures, amateurs, journalists and veterans. Often fiercely pro-war, they report from the front line and have exclusive contacts within the Russian military, providing a vivid and frequently accurate account of the war that has been cited by international media and analysts. Their gonzo style, which contrasts sharply with the Kremlins often staid and controlled coverage, has led to immense popularity in Russia, which they are able to monetise by selling advertising space on their channels. The Kremlin has tried to keep them onside with moves such as the state honours awarded to Rybars founder, but it has also introduced legislation requiring blogs with more than 10,000 followers to submit information to the Russian media regulator. Recently, some of them have alleged that the West has a hand in Russias migration situation. Andrei Medvedev, a reporter and Moscow city councillor with nearly 200,000 subscribers, posted this month that the growing number of migrants in the Sverdlovsk and Yekaterinburg regions could be part of a Western ploy to destabilise Russia. The two regions, he said, formed Russias key logistics hub in the Urals, which would be an ideal recruiting ground for foreign intelligence services to spy on and subvert Russia. He suggested that this could be a British operation owing to its experience deceiving Russia during the Great Game in the 19th century, when the British and Russian empires competed for influence across Central Asia. This is what British and partly Turkish intelligence, which traditionally knows how to work well in Asia, is clearly paying attention to, he wrote, before claiming that British organisations and USAid had funded Russian NGOs that were promoting a positive view of migration into Russia. Russias population issues have been well chronicled, however, and Putin who has often warned about his countrys demographic problems is well aware he is facing a crisis. UN data show that Russias median age is 40.3, having risen from 23 in 1950. Its fertility rate the average number of births per woman sits at 1.5, down from almost three in 1950. The Atlantic Council, a US think tank, said last year: Vladimir Putins war has virtually guaranteed that for generations to come, Russias population will be not only smaller, but also older, more fragile and less well-educated. It will almost certainly be ethnically less Russian and more religiously diverse, it added. Samoa is in the grip of an energy crisis Photograph: Maximilian Weinzierl/Alamy Samoa is in the grip of an energy crisis prime minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said this week, as she declared a state of emergency over power outages that have swept the country for weeks, causing huge disruption to businesses and daily life. The government is scrambling to provide relief to affected businesses and households, with temporary power generation units due to arrive next week. For weeks, frustration over regular electricity blackouts has been building across Upolu, Samoas main island where the capital Apia is located. The tourism sector has been heavily affected and only major resorts have back up generators. Hospitals, schools and households have also struggled with regular interruptions to power supplies.. Related: Explainer: what will the withdrawal of USAid mean for the Pacific? On Monday, Fiame warned the crisis could wipe off about 16% off the national economy this year due to severe disruptions to public services and economic activity. Business owner Filisitia Faalogo, who runs a small shop on the southern side of Upolu, is among those to suffer heavy losses. Faalogo told the Guardian she had just bought over US$500 worth of frozen goods when the power outages began more than two weeks ago. Initially the ice was able to hold up the goods, but after the second day, I literally had to give the meat away to save it from spoiling, Faalogo said. The loss meant she could not make a profit for the month, as she only sells basics to the local villages, such as milk, bread, butter and canned goods. This is just outrageous, this is a bare necessity I need to run my village store, she said. Faalogo is just one of many business owners who have suffered as a result of the failure of the power sector. More than 90% of businesses have experienced frequent outages, with 70% facing disruptions multiple times per week, according to a survey by the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted in mid-March. Firms reported equipment damage and significant revenue losses. More than half of the businesses reported losses exceeding $1,000 tala ($350) per incident. Power outages are not unusual in Samoa, but they are usually associated with cyclones. It is rare for them to occur island-wide and drag on for such a long period of time. The crisis has been caused by multiple technical issues, including the breakdown of key generators at the Fiaga power station on Upolu island, and a fault in a crucial underground transmission cable. These problems, compounded by ageing infrastructure and delays in acquiring replacement parts, led to widespread electricity outages across Upolu. At one point, the entire island was without power. The state of emergency declared on Monday will run for 30 days. Authorities have begun efforts to urgently restore power supplies and support affected homes and businesses. Full power restoration across Upolu is expected before the end of April. Permanent generators arent due to be ready for use until August. Pacific business sustainability expert Tupaimatuna FotuoSamoa said the persistent power failures have harmed Samoas economy. There is significant impact on business continued disruptions can have long-term impacts for many in our community. While its welcome news that there is consideration for relief, such as importing generators, you need to think broader, not just relying on hydropower but incentivising other means of power generation nationally. Recovery workers survey storm damage to a warehouse in Brownsburg, Indiana, on Thursday. Photograph: Michael Conroy/AP Violent storms and tornadoes have torn across the US south and midwest, killing at least seven people and downing power lines and trees, smashing homes and upturning cars across multiple states. The outbreak of storms and tornadoes has resulted in at least seven deaths in Tennessee and Missouri, with further fatalities expected to be confirmed. One of the victims has been named: a 68-year-old man named Garry Moore who was a fire chief in Cape Girardeau county, Missouri. At least a dozen injuries have also been reported from the storms. The White House has approved a state of emergency request from Tennessee, where rising floodwaters have menaced Nashville. Indiana, meanwhile, has declared its own state of emergency, activating 50 national guard members to deal with severe weather that has affected 41 of the states counties. In times like these, Im immensely grateful for the soldiers who are on the ground ensuring Hoosier safety, said Mike Braun, Indianas governor. The storms are now tracking east, after leaving more than 213,000 households without power from Texas to Ohio. A high-risk excessive rainfall warning was issued by the National Weather Service for parts of Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky that are expected to be deluged over the next two days. Dozens of tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Mississippi on Wednesday evening. In Arkansas, the National Weather Service told residents: This is a life threatening situation. Seek shelter now. At least one person died due to the storms in Missouri, police there said, with multiple reports of damage across several states. Homes were ripped apart in Lake City, Arkansas, with trees shredded and cars flipped over. In parts of Tennessee, people were told to not use the roads due to the amount of debris on them. Several Tennessee school districts have announced closures or virtual learning in preparation for tomorrows anticipated storms, the Weather Channel reports. The Tennessee governor, Bill Lee, after examining the devastation, said Thursday it was too early to know whether there were more deaths as searches persisted. A rare tornado emergency was declared around Blytheville, Arkansas, on Wednesday evening after debris was hurled at least 25,000ft into the air. Its definitely going to be a really horrible situation here come sunrise in the morning in those areas, coming out of Arkansas, Chelly Amin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told the Associated Press. In Indiana, winds reached 81mph (130km/h) and caused widespread power outages. Debris from damage has covered roads in the state and schools have been closed. While the US south and midwest have long faced the prospect of such storms, the severity of such events is being amplified by the climate crisis, scientists have said. Tornadoes may be shifting to different parts of the country, while a warmer climate holds more moisture, leading to more intense downpours. The coming days are likely to bring severe flash flooding across several states, with more than a foot of rain possible. There will be significant, life-threatening flash flooding until Saturday, the National Weather Service warned, adding: Historic rainfall totals and impacts are possible. Flooding in rural south-eastern Oregon caused by historic levels of snowmelt and rainfall has prompted evacuation orders, school closures and public health concerns. Officials say more than 1,000 people are under the highest level of evacuation orders. County authorities say drinking water is safe, but warn that floodwaters could be contaminated with bacteria such as E coli. Residents have been urged to avoid floodwaters when possible. The Oregon governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency due to the flooding, which followed rapid snowmelt in the area. Heavy rain has already started to swell rivers around Memphis, Tennessee, with the National Weather Service warning of the threat of flooding in the city as soil becomes saturated with water. Flash flooding will emerge as a primary concern with this extremely active pattern, the weather service said on Thursday. The looming floods are likely to cause further damage and increase the death toll. One man did manage an unusual escape, though, after a tornado destroyed his home in Selmer, Tennessee. Matt Vandevander jumped into his bathtub to shelter from the storm but it ripped him out of his house and threw him into his neighbors yard. Somehow, Vandevander survived with just a few scratches. Its a miracle, he told WMC, a CNN affiliate. Im very happy happier than I probably should be. The shingles vaccine has been linked to a reduced risk of dementia. (Getty Images) (Pornpak Khunatorn via Getty Images) Shingles is a common condition experienced by one in four in their lifetime. While most people go on to make a full recovery, in the older generation and those with a weakened immune system there can be an increased risk of experiencing some pretty unpleasant complications. That's why those eligible are offered to take up the offer of a free shingles vaccine on the NHS. Though the jab can help reduce the risk of developing shingles and of experiencing long-term pain from the condition, a new study has revealed another potential benefit with researchers uncovering "striking" evidence that the shingles vaccine could help reduce the risk of developing dementia. The study, published in Nature, analysed records of more than 280,000 older adults and found that those who received a largely discontinued shingles vaccine called Zostavax were 20% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the next seven years than those who went without. The researchers were able to conduct what they describe as a "natural" experiment taking advantage of a shingles vaccination rollout that took place in Wales more than a decade ago. The programme stated that from 1 September 2013, people born on or after 2 September 1933 became eligible for the Zostavax jab, while those who were older missed out. After accounting for the fact that not all those eligible for the vaccine received it, the researchers found vaccination led to a 20% reduction in dementia risk, with the strongest effect in women. While it is unclear exactly how the shingles vaccines might protect against dementia, one theory is that it can reduce inflammation in the nervous system by preventing reactivation of the virus. Another theory is that the vaccines could lead to changes in the immune system that are protective. Although it is still unclear precisely how the herpes zoster vaccination lowers the risk of dementia, the implications of the study are profound," Anupam Jena, from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, wrote in a Nature News and Views. "The vaccine could represent a cost-effective intervention that has public-health benefits strongly exceeding its intended purpose." The NHS runs a shingles vaccine programme for those over 65 and with reduced immune systems. (Getty Images) (AndreyPopov via Getty Images) It isn't the first time is shingles vaccines have been linked to a reduced risk of dementia. Last year, Oxford researchers reported an even stronger protective effect in people who received Shingrix, a newer type of vaccine. Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimers Research UK, welcomed the study at the time but said further research was needed. She said it "isnt clear how the vaccine might be reducing risk, nor whether the vaccine causes a reduction in dementia risk directly, or whether theres another factor at play". She added: "While research into whether vaccines affect dementia risk continues, people should be aware that there are other factors that have definitively been linked to an increased dementia risk. These include things like smoking, high blood pressure and excessive alcohol consumption." What is shingles? Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you've ever had chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in your body long after you've healed. Around 194,000 people in England and Wales get shingles every year. The first signs of shingles can be a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, a headache or feeling generally unwell, according to the NHS. It is likely a rash will appear a few days later. Usually you get the shingles rash on your chest and tummy, but it can appear anywhere on your body including on your face, eyes and even on genitals. Treatment can include medicine (antiviral tablets) to help speed up your recovery from shingles, but can also include medicines to help relieve pain, such as painkillers, steroid tablets or medicines that help with nerve pain. Shingles is also one of the seven health conditions you can visit your pharmacy for. The shingles vaccine can reduce your risk of getting the condition and also how severe the symptoms are. (Getty Images) (Prostock-Studio via Getty Images) Why is the shingles vaccine important? Most people recover from shingles without any problems, but it can sometimes cause complications including deafness, long-lasting pain, and blindness. Shingles occurs most often as people get older and is more likely to cause serious problems in older age groups. In the first five years of the national herpes zoster programme, there were 40,500 fewer GP consultations for shingles related disease and 1,840 fewer hospitalisations. Each year, about 14,000 people go on to develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) after shingles and over 1,400 are admitted to hospital because of PHN. This is a particularly unpleasant condition with severe burning, throbbing or stabbing nerve pain. The older you are, the more likely you are to have long-lasting pain. The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of getting shingles and PHN. Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine? The shingles vaccine is recommended for some older adults and people with a severely weakened immune system. The shingles vaccine is available on the NHS for: people who turned 65 on or after 1 September 2023 people aged 70 to 79 who have not yet been vaccinated people aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system The NHS says the vaccine helps reduce your risk of getting shingles. It can also mean the symptoms are much milder. You can get shingles more than once, so it's important to get vaccinated even if you've had shingles before. You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or an ingredient in the vaccine. Your GP surgery will usually contact you when you become eligible for the shingles vaccine, but you might be offered the vaccine during a GP appointment you're having for another reason. Like most vaccinations, the vaccine will be given as an injection in your upper arm. Shingrix is a non-live vaccine and you will need 2 doses to give you the best longer-lasting protection. For most people the second dose of Shingrix will be offered from about 6 months after the first dose. Read more about health conditions: Stephen Bunting turned his Premier League form around in stunning fashion to claim victory in Berlin after Luke Littler crashed out early. Bunting had failed to win a match in the first eight rounds of the series but he saw off Nathan Aspinall to break his duck then eased to victory over Luke Humphries before defeating Gerwyn Price 6-5 in the final. Littler still has a comfortable lead in the table but this was an off night for the teenager, who struggled to land doubles and fell 6-2 to Chris Dobey in his opening match. BUNTING WINS NIGHT NINE! Stephen Bunting was winless for eight weeks, but has now won three games on the spin and beats Gerwyn Price in a last-leg decider to secure his first nightly win! https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 #PLDarts pic.twitter.com/SCpvlRHLE7 PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 3, 2025 Humphries beat Rob Cross but was out of sorts in a 6-2 loss to Bunting, while Michael van Gerwen did not even take to the stage, the Dutchman withdrawing ahead of the event with a shoulder injury. That gave Price a bye through to the semi-finals, where he dominated a 6-2 win over Dobey to earn himself a shot at a third nightly victory. A tense final rarely hit the heights in terms of quality, with the first six legs all going against the darts before Bunting finally held with a 96 checkout. It was advantage Price, though, when he broke the throw again to lead 5-4, and he had two match darts but missed them both, making clear his displeasure with noises from the crowd. Chris Dobey stuns the Berlin crowd and beats Luke Littler 6-2 to set up a semi-final with Gerywn Price Incredible performance from Hollywood #BetMGMDarts #PLDarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/dINF677aJB BetMGM UK (@BetMGMUK) April 3, 2025 Bunting made the Welshman pay by levelling the contest and then finished in style with a checkout of 107. He told Sky Sports: After the first win I was so relieved just to get off zero points. Ive put a lot of work in behind the scenes, Ive tried every week 110 per cent. Tonight, oh my God, Ive won an event and Im so happy. Its such a special moment. Theres been times through the Premier League where Ive thought, Can I finish on zero points? To get off the mark tonight and to win a night, such a special feeling. I know Ive been playing well, Ive just not got the result. Now this is going to give me huge confidence and I cant wait to finish the campaign. Bunting remains bottom of the table despite the victory while Price is up to third as the series moves on to Manchester. This is so sad! It hurts to see the cutest German Shepherd mix just hoping that someone will give her some love! The good girl is currently at the Humane Society Broward County in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and has to sit by and watch people walk by her kennel door. All she really wants is someone to care for her! Wont someone come and save this good girl, ASAP? At just 3 years old, Luna is far too young to be stuck at a shelter like this. Whats the world coming to when an adorable pup has to beg for attention like this? The German Shepherd mix is a friendly, calm, sweetheart, according to Broward Humane, whos great with kids and selective with other dogs. Although a meet-and-greet can be arranged if you want to see how your current pup and Luna get along. Related: Shelter German Shepherd Mix Who Has 'Lost All Hope' Deserves His Christmas Miracle A true snuggle bug, Luna enjoys playing with rope toys but mostly just wants to be near you, soaking up all the affection, they explained in the post. Luna really sounds like she could make one lucky person really happy. All she needs is for someone to give the German Shepherd mix a chance! People in the comments section were hoping that the right person would come along and scoop Luna up. Please someone take this sweet baby home, wrote one person. I hope sweet, precious, beautiful Luna finds her loving forever home ASAP! Such a loving personality! Shell bring a wonderful family lots of joy and love! one person praised. Shes cute, hope you find a loving family that will take you for walks and treat you like a queen, added another commenter. Boosting. Hoping for the best outcome, someone else wrote. Adopting From Broward Humane Luna could go home with one lucky person today, if they see this video and decide to save her life. All you need to do is head to the Broward Humane website and fill out an adoption application. Again, plan a meet-and-greet between Luna and any animals you might already have. Luna is such a special girl, she deserves a home thats the right fit! 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. John Swinney said he would leave no stone unturned trying to protect major industries - Andrew Milligan/PA John Swinney has denied behaving like a tourist on a high-profile visit to the US starting on Friday after it emerged he had sought no meetings with the Trump administration to discuss tariffs on Scottish produce. The First Minister is to visit New York for three days for Tartan Week, during which he will help lead a parade through Manhattan and hold meetings with business leaders. He told MSPs that he would leave no stone unturned trying to protect major industries such as whisky and salmon, which are expected to be damaged by the tariffs. But the Scottish Government then admitted that Mr Swinney had not sought any meetings with US officials to discuss the charges during his US trip. Mr Swinney is expected to remain in New York rather than take a 90-minute trip to Washington DC to speak to figures in the Trump administration or Congress. This is despite him admitting at First Ministers Questions at Holyrood that the 10 per cent tariff Mr Trump had imposed on British imports will be damaging for economic activity. In contrast, it is understood that Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary in the UK Government, has used his US visit for Tartan Week to meet Mark Burnett, Mr Trumps special envoy to the UK. Mr Murray is also meeting State Department officials and congressman Steve Cohen, a senior figure in the Scottish American congressional caucus. Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, was also in Washington on Thursday and planned to attend a reception at the British embassy hosted by Lord Mandelson, the UK ambassador to the US. Mr Sarwar was hosting a separate Scottish Labour reception in the US capital that was expected to be attended by congressmen and senators from both the Democrats and Republicans. Sources described Mr Swinney as an absent First Minister. Mr Swinney was forced to defend his lack of direct engagement with the Trump government during his US trip the day after the president unveiled the 10 per cent tariff on UK exports. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), which represents the industry, said it was disappointed by the move and welcomed intensive efforts by the UK Government to reach a deal with the US administration. Mr Trump hit Scotch whisky with a 25 per cent tariff in 2019, during his first term, a move the SWA estimates cost the industry 600 million. The charges were repealed 18 months later. About 225 million of Scottish salmon is sold in the US annually, making it the industrys second largest export market after France. Mr Swinney is expected to arrive in New York at lunchtime on Friday and depart on Monday. He will help lead the annual Tartan Day Parade through central Manhattan on Saturday. After facing criticism for ducking meetings with the Trump government, Mr Swinney said later: The responsibility for negotiating trade deals between the UK and the US rests with the UK Government and Im not going to get in the road of those negotiations. Its their responsibility. Theyve got to fix it. What I can do is I can use my time to attract investment directly into Scotland and thats what Im going to do. The First Ministers official spokesman told journalists at Holyrood that no attempts had been made to meet anyone in the Trump administration. I dont believe any meeting was sought, no, he said. The focus of his visit to the US in the coming days is around Tartan Week, so hes going to be in New York promoting Scotland as a place to do business, promoting Scottish culture. Pressed repeatedly why the First Minister had not sought a meeting, the spokesman said Mr Swinney was visiting New York for Tartan Week rather than Washington. Asked if the Foreign Office or Lord Mandelson had warned Mr Swinney off directly engaging with the Trump administration, the spokesman said this had not been the case. Mr Swinney was challenged if his failure to meet anyone from the US government could lead to the perception that he was a tourist rather than a leader. Im going to be undertaking a whole range of different business visits, on financial services, on food and drink, on tourism activities, which are all integral to the Scottish economy, the First Minister said. So Ill be working hard to make sure Scotland is promoted and to ensure that the interests of Scotland are asserted to the United States market. He also said he was not confident that the UK Government would agree a trade deal with the US so the tariffs could be repealed. But Alex Cole-Hamilton, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, said: In the middle of a trade crisis, taxpayer funded flights and overseas government missions should be being used to deliver for those Scottish businesses under threat for tariffs. Instead it seems like John is on a jolly. Russell Findlay, the Scottish Tory leader, argued that Mr Swinney should bring down tax bills for workers and businesses to compensate for the impact of the tariffs on the Scottish economy. John Swinney has paid tribute to his Royal Marine uncle on the 80th anniversary of his death in the Second World War. Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter, of 43 Commando Royal Marines, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for bravery after he was killed in action in Italy in 1945. The First Minister gathered, with his father and cousin, in Leith, to lay a wreath in memory of the 21-year-old. Corporal Hunter offered himself as a target to save his comrades, charging alone across 200 yards of open ground under fire towards a group of houses where German machine guns were positioned. John Swinney attends a wreath laying ceremony to mark the sacrifice made by his uncle Thomas Peck Hunter in the Second World War (Andrew Milligan/PA) Six enemy gunners surrendered while others fled as his troop reached cover before Cpl Hunter was shot and killed, the Ministry of Defence said. Speaking after the ceremony, the First Minister told the PA news agency the sacrifices of the past should not be forgotten. He said: I think its important on these landmark occasions, 80 years to the day since he died, that we commemorate the sacrifices made by so many people, one of them my uncle, to make sure that we can live in freedom today. Mr Swinney said he first found out about his uncles death after finding the Victoria Cross in his grandmothers house. I grew up with this story, he said. I was stunned when I was a small child to discover the Victoria Cross in a frame in the wardrobe of my grannys house in Stenhouse in Edinburgh, the house where she had been told that her son had been killed in the war. And Ive lived with a story all of my life, understanding the sacrifice that was made by my uncle and also by millions of others in war. I think its so important that we remember and recall the sacrifices that have been made and learn the lessons from that sacrifice that we must all work for peace and for unity and cohesion within the world. The SNP leader said those lessons extended into the modern world, including Russias war against Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2022. Retired officer Ian Gardiner speaks during the wreath-laying service (Andrew Milligan/PA) He said: We can look back in history and look at the suffering in the First World War and the Second World War. My grandfather served in the First World War and pleaded with his sons not to get involved in the Second World War but they felt they had a duty to do so to protect the freedoms that we now enjoy. But we have to learn those lessons, and the importance of diplomacy and negotiation and the avoidance of conflict is absolutely central. But equally, weve got to be prepared to stand up to tyranny, which is whats going on in Ukraine today, and thats why we should support Ukraine. The commanding officer of 43 Commando, Colonel Adam Whitmarsh, added: The determination, courage and selfless commitment to his comrades displayed by Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter VC highlights the spirit and the values which are as relevant to todays Commando Forces as they were in 1945. Victory! People online are cheering for an update on a shelter dog, who came in with the worst case of broken bones weve ever seen. The appropriately named Flipper came to the Stumptown Strays Dog Rescue in Portland, Oregon with both her front legs badly broken. But thanks to the love and support of her community, Flipper will be a-okay. A story like this one really is so heartbreaking. When Flipper arrived at the rescue, her limbs were practically at 90 degree angles! Its painful to see her move. But thankfully things have changed. Scrawny, scared, and looking worse for the wear, Flipper story was shared by the 15/10 Foundation, a group that partners with shelters and rescues to raise awareness about worthy pets. The Miniature Poodle hadnt been allowing her injuries to stop her, however. The brave girl would launch herself off of furniture like she had wings, a member of Stumptown Strays explained in the post. Related: Injured Dog Checks Himself Into the Animal Hospital Of course, the humans around her realized it was a problem. So they rallied their community to pay for Flipper to get surgery to fix her poor legs. Now shes fully healed and fully cleared to zoom around to her hearts content, the posts caption reads. The pup is now available for adoption, which means you can be part of Flippers next chapter! People in the comments section were so pleased with her transformation. Omg thank god! She looks so good!! cheered one person. She is precious, she'll get a family very soon, I'm certain! someone else agreed. What a transformation!! So pleased that Flipper has done so well. Shes ready to zoom!! added a third person. Big love to Flipper and all the caretakers involved. Such an inspiration, wrote one commenter. Adopting From Stumptown Strays You really can change everything for Flipper today! The rescue now has the pup up for adoption. All you need to do is head to Stumptown Strays website and fill out an application. Flipper will make one lucky person the most loving pet. Will that person be you? 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. Claudia Winklemans favourite sweater, which features the logo from hit TV show The Traitors, is among a number of items being auctioned for charity. More than 80 celebrities have donated pieces to War Childs Spring Clean, which is giving the public the chance to own pieces including a Twisters: The Album vinyl, signed by actress Daisy Edgar Jones, and a handwritten recipe by US film star Stanley Tucci. Winkleman, 53, said: Its an honour to support War Child and I will always help in any small way that I can. Claudia Winkleman is helping War Child by donating a red sweater (Ian West/PA) This is my favourite sweater of all time. A brilliant woman made it for me and I actually skipped about when I opened it. The TV presenter hosts BBC reality series The Traitors and is known for wearing stylish outfits on the show, often featuring sweeping coats, turtleneck jumpers, fingerless gloves and heavy eye makeup. Winklemans donated item is an oversized red sweat vest, featuring The Traitors logo, which she wore to the press launch of series three. While most celebrities have donated items, The X-Files actress and War Child ambassador Gillian Anderson will have an in-person cup of tea with three members of the public. Im so proud to be supporting Spring Clean for its second year, she said. Daisy Edgar Jones with the Twisters: The Album signed vinyl (Daisy Edgar Jones/PA) This time around, Im donating a cosy tea and chat with me and two of your friends at a favourite tea spot in London. Of course, all of this is for an incredibly urgent cause. Among the other items being auctioned is a poster signed by Ed Sheeran, a guitar signed by James Bay, two tickets for Auroras upcoming OVO Arena Wembley show, and a crocheted jacket from music star Sam Ryder. Charlotte Nimmo, fundraising engagement director at War Child UK, said: We are delighted to announce the second year of Spring Clean, made possible through the hugely generous support of the creative industries and remarkable individuals who have decided to donate this year. The specialist charity for children affected by conflict will run its Spring Clean auction from April 3 to 24. The trial of a former Russian minister accused of breaching sanctions in the UK is not about Vladimir Putin or the war in Ukraine, jurors have been told. Dmitrii Ovsiannikov, 48, the former mayor of Sevastopol in illegally annexed Crimea, is facing seven counts of circumventing sanctions between February 2023 and January 2024. He is said to have deliberately avoided sanctions by opening a Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) account on or before February 2023 and having tens of thousands of pounds transferred to it by his wife, Ekaterina Ovsiannikova, who is facing four counts of breaching sanctions by assisting with the payments totalling 76,000. During closing arguments on Thursday at Southwark Crown Court, his defence barrister, Rosemary Davidson, told jurors that the case is not about the war in Ukraine or Ovsiannikovs work as governor of Sevastopol. Ms Davidson said: It may be that you have strong views about this, or not. But it is not about that. Nor is this case about Vladimir Putin. She noted that a column of evidence on the Russian leader had been presented, but added you have heard almost nothing about him, thats because this case is not about him or his appointment of Ovsiannikov as governor. Evidence in the case has been accepted but the lawyer representing Ovsiannikov, who has not given evidence, denied it amounts to the charge. The sanction breach charges allege he intentionally participated in activities knowing that the object or effect of the activities was to circumvent, or to enable or facilitate the contravention of financial prohibitions. It has been argued that Ovsiannikov was unaware of the sanctions imposed on him in the UK, which included an asset freeze, and did not intentionally circumvent them. This was shown by there being nothing to suggest that he took any steps to hide what was he doing, Ms Davidson said. In one example, Ms Davidson questioned why Ovsiannikov would open a bank account at a well-known high street bank if he believed he could be blocked from doing so or that his money may eventually be frozen. He used his bank card in numerous traceable transactions and gave his name and address to other vendors when required, she added. This is not someone squirreling it away or taking out large quantities of cash, she told jurors. Ekaterina Ovsiannikova (left) and Alexei Owsjanikow leaving Southwark Crown Court (Lucy North/PA) It had been claimed Ovsiannikov was flying under the radar, but in fact the evidence shows that he repeatedly made contact with various authorities, she said. During his closing argument earlier, prosecutor Paul Jarvis reminded jurors that on February 7 2023 Ovsiannikov contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) requesting his sanctions in the UK be revoked. His European Union prohibitions were lifted the day before the email was sent. He also applied for the Halifax account on February 6, which was the first charge on the indictment. At that point, he was living with his family in harmony, living in Ekaterinas five-bedroom house in Clapham, south London, Mr Jarvis said. This included his wife and his brother, Alexei Owsjanikow, who is also on trial. Mr Jarvis said the reality is that everybody knew about the UK sanctions. He added: The defendants are connected not just as family, but because they live together. You see a degree of financial dependence on each other. None of them can claim we are ships in the night, we hardly see each other or that they lived in this bubble of ignorance, the prosecutor told jurors. Ovsiannikova is facing four counts of breaching sanctions by assisting with payments. Owsjanikow, 47, has denied circumventing sanctions to buy him a Mercedes Benz worth 54,500, as well as spending 41,027 on fees at the Royal Russell School in Surrey for Ovsiannikovs children. Ovsiannikov also denies one count of using criminal property and one of possessing criminal property. The latter charge relates to the 76,000 transactions. The UK economy has avoided a direct blow from US President Donald Trumps tariff regime but will still face a significant impact, according to economists. In his liberation day announcement, the US president slapped a 10% tariff on US imports of UK goods, as he hit out at exorbitant VAT rates. It came as he announced heavier tariff plans on a raft of other countries, including a 20% tariff on imports from EU nations. Nevertheless, UK car manufacturers will be hit by a 25% tariff on all foreign cars imported to the US, which experts have said could put 25,000 UK jobs at risk. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chairs a roundtable after Donald Trumps tariff announcement (Ben Stansall/PA) Economists have said the UK currently exports around 60 billion in goods to the US, including pharmaceuticals, cars and technology equipment. Experts have indicated the impact of the tariff plans will not be as bad as many had feared. The UKs official economic forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility, warned last month that a more severe scenario, in which the UK and other nations also retaliated to the imposition of tariffs, would have dragged UK GDP 0.6 percentage points below forecasts this year. It had said this would have had a one percentage point impact next year, and almost entirely eliminate the Chancellors 9.9 billion headroom against her fiscal rules. Economists said UK firms still face significant uncertainty despite avoiding the 20% tariff scenario that some had feared. Barret Kupelian, chief economist at PwC, said: The UK avoided a direct blow but the global economy has taken a substantial hit. For the UK, the impact is significant though less severe than for some other countries. In the short term, businesses face a sharp rise in uncertainty. UK business leaders have called for the UK Government to avoid further escalation in order to limit the economic impact of the policy announcement. Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the CBI (Confederation of British Industry), said: A cool and calm reaction from the UK Government is the right response: UK firms need a measured and proportionate approach which avoids further escalation. Retaliation will only add to supply chain disruption, slow down investment, and stoke volatility in prices. Six decades on, mainland water nourishes Hong Kong's growth Xinhua) 09:41, April 03, 2025 GUANGZHOU, April 2 (Xinhua) -- In 1963, Hong Kong endured its worst drought in a century, leaving three million residents struggling for water. Six decades later, the once-parched city has bloomed into a vibrant financial hub, a transformation enabled by the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Project. Breaking ground in 1964 and completed in just one year, the project diverts water from the Dongjiang River, which originates from east China's Jiangxi Province and flows to the Pearl River Delta in the southern Guangdong Province. Its 83-km pipeline channels water from Guangdong's Dongguan City to Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Reservoir. To meet Hong Kong's growing demand, the project has undergone multiple expansions, increasing its annual supply from 68 million cubic meters to 2.42 billion cubic meters. By March 12, it had delivered more than 30 billion cubic meters of water to the city, now supplying around 80 percent of Hong Kong's freshwater needs. Safeguarding this vital water source is a shared priority. In Jiangxi's Ganzhou City, forests around the river's headwaters are protected by strict conservation laws and regular patrols. Downstream, Guangdong's Heyuan City has invested over 10 billion yuan (about 1.39 billion U.S. dollars) in river restoration and rejected over 500 pollution-prone projects. "This project is a testament to the mainland's care for Hong Kong, and reminds me that Hong Kong and the mainland are one family," said a Hong Kong student from Raimondi College. As the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) develops, the water supply project is embracing advanced technologies: drones monitor reservoirs, robots inspect pipelines, and real-time data feeds into an intelligent surveillance network. "With patrol drones, we can conduct five daily inspections, transmitting real-time data to ensure water quality," said Liu Kuanguang with the Guangdong Yuehai water supply company. Cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong has also deepened. In 2020, the Ministry of Water Resources and the office of the leading group for GBA development introduced a water security plan outlining a multi-tiered approach to sustainable management. The following year, an innovation center was launched to advance research and technology in water resource management. Beyond infrastructure, the water supply project has become a cultural bridge. At Guangdong University of Technology, students are rehearsing a play reenacting the dedication of volunteers who joined the project's construction. "When we performed in Guangzhou, the audience response was overwhelming. In July, we will perform in Hong Kong to share this story with a wider audience," said the director Zheng Meng. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The UK could see its warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures higher than European holiday hotspots, after firefighters battled wildfires across the country. Much of the country will be dry and sunny on Friday, and some parts of central England may hit 24C as weather nearer to what wed expect in July continues, the Met Office said. The highest temperature recorded so far this year was 21.3C in Northolt, west London, and Chertsey, Surrey, on March 20. (PA Graphics) It means the country is expected to be warmer than Marbella and Ibiza in Spain, Mykonos in Greece and even Los Angeles in California, according to Met Office forecasts. Southern England hit highs of 20.7C on Thursday, while Achnagart in the Scottish Highlands reached 20.1C. Eastern areas of the country were cooler due to easterly winds over the North Sea. The Met Office said on social media: Temperatures (on Thursday) have been nearer to what wed expect in July in some inland and western areas, but conversely a chilly easterly breeze has kept many eastern coastal regions much colder. The average temperature for this time of year is around 12C in England and 10C in Scotland. Forecaster Dan Stroud said: Weve got an area of cloud and showery outbreaks of rain moving northwards across south-west England and parts of Wales overnight tonight and into tomorrow. So that will bring some welcome rain for small parts of the country, but much of the country is looking at another fine and dry spring day tomorrow with a lot of warm sunshine on offer, although still holding on to those cool temperatures near the east coast. But one thing we are expecting tomorrow is for temperatures to creep up into 23C or maybe the odd isolated 24C, so potentially the warmest day of the year so far. It comes as firefighters have been tackling major blazes in Scotland and Dorset. Mr Stroud said wildfires have hit the country after a dry period in March. There have been a series of blazes in recent days (Hayleigh Carter/PA) In Scotland, crews have been fighting a large grass fire at Gartur Moss in Port of Menteith, Stirling. The alarm was raised around noon on Wednesday and four fire engines remained at the scene on Thursday morning. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the blaze stretched half a kilometre. It added that a very high to extreme risk of wildfire remains across the country until Monday and urged the public not to light fires outdoors. Crews have already extinguished a wildfire near Bonhill in West Dunbartonshire and another in the Kilpatrick Hills near Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, earlier this week. Moors Valley Country Park on the Dorset-Hampshire border will remain closed after being hit by multiple wildfires since Monday. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said crews were called to the park again on Wednesday after more hotspots were discovered during a reinspection near Ringwood. Several hectares of woodland have been destroyed. No injuries have been reported. Firefighters responded to two more major wildfires in Dorset overnight. The first broke out at Upton Heath, near Poole, just before 11.45pm on Wednesday, spreading across more than 37 acres. Crews were then called to a blaze at nearby Canford Heath at around 5.30am on Thursday, which covered six acres. DWFRS said both fires had been brought under control by 7am, with crews continuing to damp down hotspots. US embassy in China The US has banned staff in China from sexual relationships with Chinese citizens over fears that Beijings agents could pass secret information to the ruling Communists. The ban the first non-fraternisation policy publicly known about since the Cold War underscores the increasing US suspicion of China as the two countries battle for global influence. Nicholas Burns, the outgoing US ambassador, introduced the policy in January just before his departure from China. A scaled-down version of it was brought in last summer, banning American personnel from engaging in romantic and sexual relations with Chinese citizens employed as guards and support staff at the US embassy and five other consulates. Mr Burns took it one step further just days before Donald Trump took office, extending it to include any Chinese citizen. It is not uncommon for American diplomats and other governmental officials overseas to engage in relationships and even marriages with the countrys citizens. But intelligence services across the world have long used attractive men or women to obtain secret information, particularly during the Cold War. According to Peter Mattis, a former CIA analyst, there have been at least two publicised cases of Chinese agents seducing American diplomats stationed in China. Americans vulnerable to coercion The ban was first discussed when members of Congress contacted Mr Burns to express concern that restrictions on such relationships were not stringent enough, two sources said. The new policy forbids any form of romantic or sexual relationship with Chinese citizens, but it is not clear how these relationships are defined. It applies to US diplomatic missions across mainland China, including the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan and Hong Kong. Only those with a pre-existing relationship with a Chinese citizen can apply for exemptions. If their exemption is denied, it has been reported that the couple must end their relationship or leave their position. Anyone who violates the policy will be ordered to leave China with immediate effect. As well as its network of spies, Chinese state security obtains information through interrogating ordinary citizens, making those who date Americans vulnerable to coercion. Last year, China warned its citizens against exotic beauties seeking to trick them into releasing confidential information, in a move that analysts said indicated a growing sense of insecurity from Chinas leadership. Its ministry of state security reported a case of a Chinese man called Li Si, who was allegedly blackmailed by foreign spies after visiting a nightclub during an overseas trip. A wheel that fell off a passenger plane during a flight from Edinburgh to Belfast could have fallen on an urban area if it had happened later in the journey, an accident investigation has found. According to the Air Accident Investigation Branch report, one of the two wheels under the nose of the aircraft became detached as it was taking off from Edinburgh Airport at 9.17am on October 31 2023. Neither ground crew in Edinburgh, nor the flight crew on board the plane, noticed the wheel had fallen off, and its absence was spotted only after the plane had landed at Belfast City Airport and was being taxied into a stand. Despite missing one of its two front wheels, the plane was described as stable, but additional support was added to the nosewheel to provide protection against the wind. Once the missing wheel had been reported, both airports carried out runway inspections and local police searched the area under the approach path into Belfast. The wheel was found next to the runway at Edinburgh, along with a number of components related to it, including the wheel axle nut. None of the 55 passengers or four crew on board the plane were injured and, besides the missing wheel, the aircraft itself was undamaged, and nor was there any damage to airport infrastructure. However, the report indicated the incident could potentially have been much worse. There were no indications to the flight crew during the flight that the nosewheel had detached from the aircraft, and it was not easily detectable in Edinburgh because it came to rest away from the runway surface, the report said. Communications by airport staff meant any debris was located promptly. Aside from risks inherent to debris on active runways, had the nosewheel detached during the approach at Belfast, it could have fallen on an urban area. An investigation into the incident found that bearing overheat had caused the axle on which the wheel was mounted to fracture, through a combination of thermal shock and liquid cadmium embrittlement. It said the specific cause of the overheat could not be positively determined, but that there were a number of potential contributing factors linked to non-conformances with approved maintenance procedures. These include, the report said, the over-greasing of bearings, the lack of wheel balancing weights, or the presence of an interposition product between the two half-wheels. A spokesperson for flight operator Emerald Airlines said: Emerald Airlines acknowledges the release of the investigation report by the AAIB regarding flight EI3651. The aircraft operated normally throughout the flight and landed safely at Belfast City Airport, where passengers disembarked as normal. At no point was safety compromised. As the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority, recommendations stemming from any investigation are carefully reviewed for implementation. Three Juneau businesses dependent on cruisers told Business Insider they support the city's ship and passenger caps. Sergi Reboredo/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Juneau, Alaska, has implemented cruise ship and passenger caps to curb its cruise boom. Three local businesses told BI they support these limits despite relying on cruisers for revenue. The influx of Alaskan cruises has increasingly strained Juneau's residents and infrastructure. To visitors scurrying around Juneau, Alaska, Caribou Crossings may look like any other seasonal tourist town gift shop. To its owner, Laura McDonnell, the 28-year-old storefront means so much more. McDonnell has worked at Caribou Crossings for 25 years, starting when she was 16. She said she "grew up in that little store," staying through high school and college before eventually purchasing the business in January 2020. She remembers holding one of her current employees as a baby. When she went into labor, her obstetric nurse had been a previous employee, working at the gift shop to put herself through nursing school. It's a self-described "typical Alaskan tourism love story" and it's all thanks to Juneau's booming cruise industry, whose passengers account for 98% of the store's revenue, according to McDonnell. Laura McDonnell stocks her Juneau gift shop, Caribou Crossings, with products made by Alaskan artists. Laura McDonnell Like many local businesses, cruisers are vital to Caribou Crossings' health. Yet, its owner supports the city's recent limitations on the vacation-at-sea industry and she's not alone. "Southeast Alaska is a challenging place to live, and those of us live here because it's beautiful and because of the lifestyle that it offers," Alexandra Pierce, Juneau's visitor industry director, told Business Insider. "People in the visitor industry, myself included, are locals first, and protecting that balance in our communities is really important to us." Juneau is the state's busiest cruise hub. Alaska State Sen. Jesse Kiehl told BI that the city only saw 170,000 non-cruise visitors in 2024. It's a drop in the bucket or snowflake on Denali compared to the record 1.73 million by-ship tourists who visited last year a 33% spike from 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study commissioned by the city. If the growth continues at this rate, it could be a windfall for local businesses like Caribou Crossings. Juneau Tours operates whale-watching and Mendenhall Glacier tours. Serene Hutchinson According to Juneau's study, the cruise industry fed $375 million into the city's economy in 2023. Most of this came from direct passenger spending, as Serene Hutchinson, the general manager of tour operator Juneau Tours, can attest. "These cruise lines coming to Juneau may be big corporations, but they're benefiting us local companies," she told BI, noting that 95% of her company's customers are cruise passengers. Yet, like McDonnell, Hutchinson supports Juneau's implementation of a five-ship per-day cap in 2024 and a 16,000 cruise passenger per-day restraint (12,000 on Saturdays) in 2026. The limitations, negotiated with the cruise industry, are projected to maintain the volume of cruise visitors for this and next year. For McDonnell, it's a worthy trade-off. "We need to manage the tourists we've got before we talk about growth," she said. The majority of Juneau's tourists come by cruise. Ken Schulze/Shutterstock The self-imposed restrictions may seem counterintuitive to outsiders: These floating resorts and their passengers are consequential to the livelihood of Alaska's capital city. It's spurred a locally-operated visitor industry boom, a shortlist of which includes gift shops, helicopter tours, whale-watching boats, and excursions to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. "Without this economic bright spot, the region would be a different, more struggling place," Pierce said. However, for residents like Holly Johnson the 52-year-old chief marketing officer of tour operator Wings Airways and the Taku Glacier Lodge these caps are a "sweet spot." About 85% of her company's clients are cruise passengers. Yet, she too supports the restrictions, calling them a "really good sense of what Juneau needs and what is happening in the industry, growth-wise." Without them, the vacation-at-sea boom could have become increasingly overwhelming for the city fettered not by demand (which feels seemingly endless) but by the local infrastructure. Holly Johnson said she's worked at Wings Airways and the Taku Glacier Lodge for 25 years. Holly Johnson Like other cruise-plagued towns, as cruises have boomed, so has local discontent. In the survey of 501 Juneau residents in late 2024, 20% of respondents said further limiting cruise volume should be the city's most important priority up 5% from 2023. On days when the 31,555-person city is slammed with upward of 17,000 cruisers, residents have complained about traffic, noise, excessive wakes from whale-watching tour boats, dropped cell reception, slower WiFi, and even bears searching for garbage visitors leave behind. "We have to drive through these streets every day, too," Caribou Crossings' owner said. "We know what it's like to live here with cruise ship passengers." Read the original article on Business Insider A Texas special education teacher and two paraprofessionals were thrown behind bars for allegedly taping up the hands of a student with Down syndrome and forcing the youngster to walk in circles for more than four hours while being cursed at, according to police and reports. Krystina Rena Haas, 35; Prisicilla Gutierrez, 22; and June Tryon, 57, were arrested Friday after police obtained surveillance footage of the alleged heinous abuse inside the Tyler High School classroom on March 12, according to court records obtained by CBS 19. The disturbing incident lasted about four hours and 15 minutes, police said. Its not going to hurt them to stand for four hours or to walk, Haas, the special education teacher, said during an interview with police the day before her arrest, court documents showed. Theyre not precious babies, theyre 14 or 15-year-old teenage kids. Three staff members at Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas were arrested for abusing a student with Down syndrome. Tyler ISD Police said the special needs student was sent to a life skills room around 11:30 a.m. and instructed to walk in circles. Two hours later, Haas was seen storming across the room where she screamed in the students face before telling Tyron, her aide, to get the tape, the outlet reported. Tryon, with Gutierrezs assistance, used packing tape to bind the students hands together so his fingers couldnt move. Haas later added more tape to tighten the wrapping, according to police records. Krystina Rena Haas, the primary special education teacher in the classroom, was arrested on Friday. Smith County Jail Gutierrez, the other classroom aide, reportedly sat back down and crocheted as the child was forced to continue walking in circles for another 30 minutes. He was then placed in the corner of the room where he stood for an hour and 44 minutes until he was dismissed for the day, police said. The boys grandmother reported the incident to the school district after she picked up her emotional and bruised grandchild from the bus. Haas, who defended the brutality, told police it is common practice to make students walk around the room for 10 to 15 minutes if they misbehave. She claimed the boy was punished after he repeatedly flipped her off and refused to complete his work, court records showed. June Renee Tryon, one of the paraprofessionals, allegedly used packing tape to bind the students hands together. Smith County Jail She said he was the only student whose hands were ever taped but that it happened once before. The three employees were each charged with injury to a child, elderly individual or disabled individual and booked at the Smith County Jail Haas on $300,000 bond, and the other two each on $150,000. The cold-hearted educators were also fired from the school district following their arrests. Prisicilla Gutierrez, the other classroom aide, is accused of crocheting as the child was forced to continue walking in circles for another 30 minutes. Smith County Jail We believe in being transparent with our community while respecting the legal process and student privacy, the Tyler Independent School District said in a statement, KETK reported. This situation involved a student with disabilities, while it did not include sexual acts or severe bodily harm, we take any breach of student safety with the utmost seriousness. As soon as these allegations were brought to our attention, the district took immediate action launching an internal investigation, notifying Child Protective Services as required by state law, and fully cooperating with law enforcement. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs Wednesday affecting all U.S. trading partners and imports, plowing ahead on a risky economic strategy that promises to further accelerate a global trade war and raise anxieties about higher consumer prices at home. Trump hailed the massive tariffs as a "declaration of economic independence," arguing the far-reaching duties will rejuvenate the nation's declining manufacturing sector. "We're standing up for the American worker, and we are finally putting America first," Trump said during a Rose Garden ceremony before signing the tariffs through an executive order. But many economists worry the large-scale tariffs Trump's most expansive tariffs to date and larger than most experts expected could further hurt a weakening economy, send the stock market plummeting and even lead to a recession. More: Trump announces 10% tariff on all imports, ratcheting up pressure in global trade war Here are five takeaways form Trump's long-awaited tariffs. A 10% baseline tariff for all countries Trump's tariff plan includes a 10% baseline tariff on goods from all countries, a dramatic shift in current U.S. trade policy. Trump declared a national emergency on trade in the U.S. which imported $1.2 trillion more in goods in 2024 than it exported as legal grounds to invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to issue the tariffs. "We import virtually all of our computers, phones, televisions and electronics. We used to dominate the field, and now we import it all from different countries," Trump said, adding that a single shipyard in China produces more ships every year than all U.S. shipyards combined. "Chronic trade deficits are no longer merely an economic problem, they're a national emergency that threatens our security and our very way of life," he added. The baseline tariff applies to about 185 countries in all, even the uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands, remote external territories of Australia in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean that have more penguins and seals than people and no apparent trade activity. What the Trump administration means for your wallet: Sign up for USA TODAY's Daily Money newsletter. Reciprocal tariffs target about 60 additional countries Trump said he is imposing additional tailored tariffs on about 60 countries that contribute the most to the U.S. trade deficit and have placed the most barriers on U.S. exports. A White House official called the countries "the worst offenders." Rates of the targeted tariffs have been set at about half what these countries charge on U.S. exports. More: Art of the tariff deal: Trump's end game brings strategy and chaos into focus Southeast Asian countries are among the nations hit with the highest reciprocal tariffs, led by Cambodia, 49%; Laos, 48%; and Vietnam, 46%. New duties for other major U.S. trading partners include an additional 34% tariff on goods from China, a 20% tariff on goods from nations in the European Union; and a 26% tariff on goods from India. For China, the 34% tariff is on top of recently imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese goods, meaning Chinese imports are effectively hit with a 54% tariff. "For years, hard working American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines as other nations got rich and powerful, much of it at our expense," Trump said. "But now it's our turn to prosper." Russia, North Korea, Cuba and Belarus are exempt from the tariffs. The White House cited previously imposed sanctions on each that "preclude any meaningful trade with these nations." Trump recently threatened sanctions on imports from Russia if President Vladimir Putin does not end the war in Ukraine. Trump's universal 10% tariffs are set to go into effect at 12:01 am EDT Saturday, and his reciprocal tariffs will begin April 9. Trump's previously announced 25% tariffs on foreign automobiles and auto parts, will also kick in this week. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs as US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick holds a chart during an event in the Rose Garden entitled "Make America Wealthy Again" at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. Mexico and Canada exempt from new tariffs Neighboring Mexico and Canada are exempt also from Trump's latest tariffs, but the 25% tariffs that Trump previously levied on both countries will remain intact. Trump levied those tariffs last month as retaliation to the flow of fentanyl from both countries and migrants from Mexico. He later agreed to exempt goods that fall under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade deal Trump signed in his first term. More: Trump backpedals on Mexico, Canada tariffs amid consumer anxiety, stock market tumble Imports from Canada and Mexico that are compliant with the USMCA will continue to see no tariff, according to the White House, while non-USMCA compliant goods will be hit with a 25% tariff. Non-compliant energy products from these countries and potash key ingredient to make fertilizer used by farmers will face a lower 10% tariff. President Donald Trump signs an executive order after delivering remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled "Make America Wealthy Again" at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. Economists fear economic downturn Some economists expressed alarm at the scale of Trump's across-the-board tariffs, saying they're even larger than expected and warning that an economic downturn could result. "Those are really big tariffs, and if fully implemented, I think they'll drive the economy into a ditch," Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's, told USA TODAY. Zandi said the tariffs are a tax increase that will result in higher prices for consumers and weakened profits for companies that import goods. How the economy responds will depend whether Trump moves fully ahead on the duties or agrees to various carve-outs, exemptions and relief for farmers, he said. Since returning to the White House, Trump has deployed a whiplash approach to tariffs, threatening tariffs on some nations, only to pull back after receiving concessions. Trump's order imposing the tariffs includes "modification authority" that allows Trump to increase or decrease the tariffs rates. "If you take those numbers at face value, I just don't know how the economy can digest that. I think that would be the prescription for a downturn," Zandi said. "They're on the very high end of what I anticipated." Trade advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump Peter Navarro arrives for a "Make America Wealthy Again" trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. Retaliation expected from U.S. trading partners Trump's massive round of tariffs is expected to trigger retaliatory tariffs from key U.S. trading partners, further igniting a global trade war. Ahead of Trump's announcement, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signaled plans for a significant response from Europe in a speech to European Parliament members. Europe holds a lot of cards, from trade to technology to the size of our market. But this strength is also built on our readiness to take firm countermeasures if necessary," von der Leyen said. "All instruments are on the table." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned other nations that if they respond by raising tariffs on U.S. exports, the Trump administration will hit back. "My advice to every country right now is do not retaliate," Bessent said in an interview with Fox News following Trump's announcement. "Sit back. Take it in. Let's see how it goes. Because if you retaliate, there will be escalation. If you dont retaliate, this is the high-water mark." Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 takeaways from President Trump's massive round of tariffs 11KHOU Image of dog being taken out of the apartment complex A 6-month-old baby girl is dead in Texas after being attacked by her family's dog, according to multiple reports. FOX 26 noted that the attack occurred in an apartment in the 1300 block of E. James Avenue, just after 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1. A neighbor who did not wish to be identified told KPRC that they called 911 after the child's mother, who had just moved into the complex and had recently celebrated the child's 6-month birthday, knocked on her door asking for help. Related: Pregnant Mom Was Found Bludgeoned to Death in Shopping Cart and Search of Man's Home Revealed Horrific Scene She knocked on my door, baby in hand. Blood was everywhere. The mother was just devastated," the neighbor told the outlet. The same neighbors told KHOU that the mom kept repeating, "God I trust you, God I trust you, God," while holding her injured infant. Ken Sheltoe, another neighbor, told the news station that the scene "wasn't pretty." "There was blood all over the babys head. Prayers out to the baby, he said. Following the incident, the 6-month-old was taken to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, per the outlets. Related: Mother and Daughter Fatally Shot Near Calif. School While Waiting at Stoplight Getty stock image of a black pitbull Jason Calder, a public information officer for the City of Baytown, told KHOU that the attack happened inside the apartment. Following the incident, Baytown Animal Services responded and took two pit bull mixes into custody. According to KHOU, the dog in question was a red-collared pit bull mix that was approximately 1-year-old. The family has verbally agreed to sign a surrender order allowing the city to euthanize the dog, per KPRC and KHOU, both of whom cited City of Baytown officials. 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. The second animal, a blue-collar pit bull mix, was not involved in the attack and was inside the kennel at the time of the incident, per the outlets. PEOPLE reached out to the city of Baytown and the Baytown police department but did not immediately hear back. Read the original article on People Getty Images Selena Gomez wearing red lipstick on a red carpet. Selena Gomez knows good makeup. The Rare Beauty founder's approach to glam has evolved over the years, but the one constant has always been her stepping out in looks that feel authentic to her. Whether it's a glamorous, bold red lip reminiscent of the '50s or a soft and radiant complexion that looks like second skin, she's mastered the balance between classic and modern. "What really makes these makeup looks so good is the Old Hollywood movie star-inspired looks with a modern and playful flair," says celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. "But what makes them unique to her is the fresh, natural approach to her complexion. Soft and radiant. Definitely a great collaboration between Selena and her makeup artist." Meet Our Expert Christian Briceno is a celebrity makeup artist. Ahead, we break down six of Gomez's recent iconic makeup looks alongside tips on how to recreate from a makeup artist. Oscars Glow Getty Images The award goes to this beautiful nude and glowy makeup look. For the Academy Awards this year, Gomez opted for a subtle glam that let her complexion shine through. According to Briceno, this look was all about glow. "A skin tint can help achieve this effortless look," he notes. "She also paired this with a highlighter and bronzer combo to add some subtle dimension." Statement SAG Awards Red Getty Images One thing about Selena Gomez? She loves a good red-lip moment. It's something her and her BFF Taylor Swift both share it seems, "This bold lip gives this look a more playful and romantic feel," shares Briceno. "A good option is to use a matte lipstick for a modern approach. Keep the complexion with a satin finish a luminous foundation." Fluffy BAFTA Brows Getty Images While attending the BAFTAs, Gomez went for a luminous glam that drew attention to her fluffy brows and eyes. "This super soft makeup its all about keeping the skin fresh and clean for an expressive and youthful look," explains Briceno. "Blush is kept to a minimum with glossy lips." For those wanting to get the look, the artist advises you wear a light shimmery eyeshadow with a generous amount of mascara. Rare Beauty Royal Flush Getty Images For her Rare Beauty event in New York City to celebrate the launch of the brand's new bouncy blush, Gomez added a stunning pop of color to her lineup. "Wearing a dramatic lip color paired with golden eyeshadow helps keep the complexion fresh for a festive,' shares Briceno. "It's an easy-to-achieve look that can be done with an almost sheer-like blush." Golden Globes Princess Getty Images The Disney alum was a princess vision while attending the Golden Globes this year. For her glam, she went for a sophisticated matte finish with a barely there lip. "With a more defined brow and bronze and golden hues, this look reads elegantly," shares Briceno. "To complement the smoldering eyes, grab a beautiful lip stain to give the makeup a modern, feminine feel." Pink in for Variety Getty Images A vibrant pop of pink lipstick paired beautifully with her baby pink outfit for Variety's 10 Directors To Watch and Creative Impact Awards. "This look is extremely wearable for many occasions," says Briceno. "Here, she keeps the complexion clean and fresh, like most of her looks." Read the original article on InStyle Apple CEO Tim Cook. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Donald Trump's tariffs are about to hit Apple hard. Tariffs are set to hit Apple's key manufacturing hubs, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, and others. It could mean more expensive iPhones if Apple passes the costs on to consumers. Tim Cook might be out of luck this time: Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs look like they're about to hit Apple hard. A long-expected executive order signed by the president on Wednesday introduced a 34% tariff on goods from Apple's most important manufacturing hub China. It adds to an existing 20% tariff, meaning the effective tariff rate on the country is now 54%. China has long been its central hub for manufacturing and assembling everything from iPhones to MacBooks. Tariffs now threaten to raise the cost of Apple goods imported from the center of its supply chain universe. Although the sweeping tariffs are also set to hit other tech companies with sprawling supply chains such as Tesla or Nvidia it's a particularly big hit for Apple. Jamie MacEwan, senior analyst at Enders Analysis, previously told Business Insider he estimates that "almost half of Apple's revenue is exposed to China through direct sales and the supply chain." It is also a blow to Cook, who has spent years trying to build a tight-knit relationship with Trump. The Apple CEO met the president for dinner at Mar-a-Lago in December, attended his inauguration in January, and pledged a $500 billion investment in the US in February. Apple has made moves in recent years to diversify its supply chain away from China in the face of geopolitical tensions, but Trump's levies appear to diminish even those efforts. The countries Apple has increasingly shifted manufacturing and assembly operations to India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Ireland have all been hit with tariffs above Trump's baseline 10% rate. Though Cook managed to secure an exemption for the company when Trump first escalated a tariff-led trade war in 2018, as things stand, Apple has no escape from the latest wave of tariffs. Apple did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment. The reality facing Apple is already being digested by markets. Apple shares fell by about 9% on Thursday as investors triggered a panic sell-off over fears of the implications of Trump's plans. In a note, analysts at investment bank Citi wrote that "if Apple cannot get exempted this time and assuming Apple gets hit by the accumulative 54% China tariffs and does not pass it through, we estimate about 9% negative impact to the company's total gross margin." Analysts at Jefferies, meanwhile, wrote in a Thursday note that in their worst-case scenario one in which the 27 million iPhones made in China and imported to the US are subject to the 54% tariff Apple's net profit for the fiscal year could be reduced by 14%. This all paints a less-than-pretty picture for Apple and, potentially, its consumers. Without an exemption, there could be more expensive iPhones on the way, Apple's margins could take a hit or both. Read the original article on Business Insider Gilbert Flores - Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Are you ready for more Wicked? Although were still more than half a year away from the theatrical release of Wicked: For Good, costars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo reunited in Las Vegas last night to unleash new footage from the Broadway adaptation sequel. Along with director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt, the duo appeared on stage at Caesars Palaces Colosseum, where they not only teased the first look at the sequel, but also a look at their next stab at method dressing. Getty Images Getty Images Gilbert Flores - Getty Images With For Good expected to have a darker tone than the first film, Grande and Erivo sartorially followed suit. Both stars offered two different takes on all-black dressing. Grande continued to channel her inner Glinda via a strapless black Emporio Armani dress. The piece featured a velvet bustier and drop-waist design, which plunged into a tiered ruffled skirt with cutout strips. She rounded out the look with stud earrings, a diamond choker necklace, and classic black pumps. Gabe Ginsberg - Getty Images Gilbert Flores - Getty Images Meanwhile, Erivo pulled look fresh off of Alaias Spring/Summer 2025 ready-to-wear runway in order to emulate her character, Elphaba. This included a hooded blouse and a pair of loose baggy pants, both made out of the same gauzy and transparent black fabric, layered underneath a fluttery peplum waist attachment. Erivo added gold accents with a pair of chunky hoop earrings, the ends of which were fastened to a strand of long gold fringe that slung low across her chest like a necklace. She completed the look with thick gold arm cuffs and black pointed-toe pumps. VALERIE MACON - Getty Images Gilbert Flores - Getty Images Wicked: For Good will arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025. You Might Also Like A man who said he was "angry with pharmacies" is charged with fatally shooting a Walgreens employee after a gunman opened fire inside a California store Monday night. Narciso Gallardo Fernandez was arrested in the parking lot of a Walgreens in Madera after police got a 911 call about a shooting. He is charged with murder; police allege he shot and killed store employee Erick Velazquez. Madera, Calif., police arrest Narciso Gallardo Fernandez. The shooting happened around 9:35 p.m., less than 30 minutes before the store closed. When officers arrived, people were sheltering in place inside and one employee was hiding in the bathroom. Two other employees had fled as Fernandez shot at them, police alleged. Velazquez was found dead inside the store. Security video released by Madera police showed Fernandez waving at the camera with a gun in his hand before he shot out the camera. A man police identified as Fernandez in the Walgreens on Monday. He was standing at the back of his vehicle in the parking lot, reloading a handgun, when officers arrived, Lt. Josiah Arnold said. Arnold said it was "clear to us that he intended to continue to shoot at people." Fernandez was taken into custody without incident. A motive remains unclear. Fernandez "made some statements about being angry with pharmacies," police said. Authorities are also looking into whether a car accident Fernandez was involved in a few months ago played a role in the shooting. Fernandez lives about an hour away from Madera. It's not clear why he would have opened fire at the store, Arnold said, adding that he has no known connections to the city or the victim. Police said Velazquez and his wife were "pretty well-known in the community ... pillars of the community." They have two young children. Erick Velazquez. "Erick is a completely upstanding, good citizen," Arnold said. Walgreens said it was "deeply saddened." "Erick Velazquez was a valued colleague, leader, father and member of his community, and we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones," the company said in a statement. "Were focused on supporting our employees, as we have and will continue to offer on-site counseling services." Fernandez pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of murder with a gun enhancement and attempted murder with a gun enhancement. Bail was set at $3 million. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Metropolitan Police A man convicted of drugging and raping 10 women across multiple countries this year may have dozens of additional victims, police in London claim. Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese Ph.D student, was found guilty in London last month of drugging and raping 10 women both in the United Kingdom and China, according to the Metropolitian Police Service. Zou has lived in the UK since 2017 as a student at Queens University Belfast and University College London. This week, the Met Police said in a statement that 23 additional women had come forward to make reports about Zou following his conviction, after police publicly pleaded with survivors to come forward. Authorities also say they have "evidence to suggest that there may be more than 50 other victim-survivors" who have not yet been "traced," per the statement. Police found through their investigation that Zou met women using social media platforms and dating apps such as WeChat, Little Red Book, or Bumble and would invite them to his home under the guise of studying or having a drink with him. Once inside his central London home, he would offer the women a drink which contained a substance that left his victims drifting in and out of consciousness. While the women were unconscious, Zou filmed himself as he raped and sexually assaulted them, according to police. Metropolitan Police 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. After a woman came forward to report Zou, police searched his home and found the substances as well as a number of hidden cameras, laptops and cell phones that investigators said uncovered the true scale of Zous offending. One of the victims who came forward to police, Rachel," told the BBC that she held off on reporting because she initially agreed to go back to his place for drinks, so she thought it was consensual. When at his apartment in Dongguan, China, Zou turned his back to Rachel and spiked her drink. Rachel told the BBC that she experienced a wave of dizziness before Zou took her up to a bedroom, where she was unable to speak or move as he allegedly raped her. Metropolitan Police Zhenhao Zou is a dangerous and prolific sexual predator, who manipulated and drugged women in order to prey on them in the most cowardly way, Kevin Southworth of the Met Police said in a statement. We are determined to support all victim-survivors and are now asking women who believe they may have concerns about Zou to please come forward, Southworth added. Zou was found guilty of 28 offences in March 11 counts of rape, three counts of voyeurism, 10 counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image, one count of false imprisonment and three counts of committing an offense with intent to commit a sexual offense. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Read the original article on People Just over two years after three children and three staff members were killed at the Covenant School, the Metro Nashville Police Department closed the investigation believing the shooter's primary motive to be notoriety. Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs, all 9, as well as Covenant School staff members Michael Hill, Katherine Koonce and Cynthia Peak were killed on March 27, 2023 when a shooter entered the school armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun. The shooter was killed by Nashville Police officers. In announcing the closure of the case, the department also released a 48-page report detailing its findings Wednesday. Police were able to determine motive based on journals left in the suspect's car, they said. In total, the various notebooks contained 1,299 pages of content, police said, noting the shooter did not leave a single reason for attacking the school. According to police, the shooter: Wanted material to be publicly released and commented upon. Wanted books, documentaries, movies to be made about the attack. Wanted the firearms used to be placed in a museum; and wanted their bedroom to be left as it was when the attack occurred as a memorial to them. Wanted to mentor other shooters to show how they could succeed with proper planning. Wanted to show off their superiority to others. The shooter chose the school because of "the notoriety (they) would obtain and considered it a soft target." The report said the shooter became fascinated with school shootings and began researching news articles, watching documentaries and gathering information on mass shootings particularly the Columbine school shooting in the United States. According to writings left behind, the Covenant School shooter took inspiration from the Columbine shooters because they suffered similar mental health issues and the level of notoriety they received was appealing. Stefan Banks, a parent of two children at the Covenant School, said during a Wednesday press conference there will never be closure for the families as the city concluded its investigation. Details of the report vindicated the parents' stance in blocking the release of the documents, Banks said. "The conclusion of this investigation establishes beyond a doubt that the legal battle against the public release of the shooters evil material is just, appropriate, and should silence any critics of our efforts, Banks said. The report said the shooter began targeting the Covenant School in 2021 after initially targeting Creswell Middle School in 2019. The shooter decided against an attack at Creswell, citing its minority student population and not wanting to be branded as a racist, according to the report. Police also said the shooter acted alone and no one provided the suspect "with material support or assistance knowing that an attack would take place." The shooter's parents assisted them with finding mental healthcare, but the shooter "chronicled that (they) withheld information from providers to prevent (them) from being stopped." Fire alarm leads to danger At 9:53 am. on the day of the Covenant attack, the shooter sent a goodbye message to a friend through social media. Less than 20 minutes later, the shooter entered the school with three guns by firing into the school's door, shattering the glass. Michael Hill was cleaning an adjacent room at the time and came out to investigate the sound. The two saw each other, and Hill began running. The shooter fired multiple times, striking Hill. Smoke from the gun triggered a smoke detector on the ceiling, causing a fire alarm to ring out. The magnetic-locked doors automatically unlocked at the triggering of the fire alarm, the report said. Students and staff inside the school began an evacuation process. Students formed single-file lines with their teachers following behind as they organized to leave. Evelyn, William and Hallie, who were in the same third-grade class together on the second floor, entered the stairwell, where they were met by the shooter, who opened fire, striking the three children. Cynthia Peak, who had left the office to assist students in an evacuation was also in the stairwell. She too, was fatally struck. As the shooter moved through the second floor, Katherine Koonce, still unaware of an active shooter at this point, was investigating the reason for the fire alarm when she came face-to-face with the suspect. Koonce asked why the shooter was at the school, the report said. The shooter then opened fire again. Police arrive to gunfire At 10:19 a.m., nine minutes after the shooter began firing, Metro Nashville Police and first responders arrived at the scene. For two minutes, from a second floor window, the shooter stood and fired at first responders. Due to the sound of gunfire and the fire alarm, the report said the suspect did not hear police make their way through the lobby to confront the shooter. One officer fired a 5.56 mm caliber rifle at the shooter, striking the shooter and knocking them to the ground. A second officer fired a 9mm pistol at the shooter, fatally wounding them. Shooting sparked protests, legal battle The shooting prompted protests at the Capitol. Students and parents begged state legislators to address gun violence in Tennessee, though it led to little change. Gov. Bill Lee called a special legislative session in 2023 in the wake of the shooting. Lee wanted to pass an extreme risk protection law, which would allow courts to remove firearms from people deemed a danger to themselves or others. Instead Republicans focused on policies to "harden" physical security at places like schools. The shooter's journals also sparked a lengthy legal battle between media organizations, who were barred from obtaining the writings through public records requests, the city and later the parents of the Covenant students. The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, was one of those news organizations seeking access, though there was never any intent to publish the content of the writings. As the journals were tied up in legal proceedings, a conservative media personality first published three pages of the shooters journals that were leaked to him. In September, conservative news outlet the Tennessee Star published 90-pages in another leak. The Star also sued for access to the records. After the first leak, the Police Department launched an investigation. They ultimately weren't able to find the source of the leak and said investigators tried to interview a former detective who had the images at one time, but the detective declined the interview request and is no longer working in law enforcement. Shooter's parents at one point took weapons According to the report, the shooter first started fantasizing about committing a school shooting in November 2017 after watching documentaries about school shootings and remembering their own social struggles. The shooter first purchased a weapon in October 2020 and continued purchasing more weapons over the coming months, the report states. After the shooter's mother discovered they purchased a book discussing another school shooting, the shooter agreed to give up the weapons, which were then taken to their grandmothers home. At this point, the shooter was also referred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for an assessment. According to the report, the shooter's parents later returned the weapons to their child. The shooter was told to sell the weapons. The parents said they did this in hopes the shooter would demonstrate that their homicidal and suicidal ideations were behind them, the report states, and also because under Tennessee law, it would have been illegal for the parents to sell the guns. The shooter had not lost their legal right to possess a firearm at the time of the shooting. Leak of documents hindered police investigation, report states A leak to the media of certain investigative materials apparently hindered MNPDs ability to effectively investigate the shooting. The shooters parents, which police relied on for voluntary sharing of the shooters mental health records, no longer trusted police to safely handle the records. The shooter's parents declined to share mental health records from the shooters final therapist. After information from the case file was leaked to the media, which included information regarding Hales medical and mental health treatment that was to be kept in the strictest of confidence, Hales parents no longer had confidence in the ability of the MNPD to safeguard this information," the report states. "After being unable to devise a mechanism to satisfy their concerns and obtain their consent, and without any other legal mechanism being available to obtain those records, further attempts to obtain those records were abandoned. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville police probe reveals motive for Covenant school shooting By Doyinsola Oladipo (Reuters) -A deadly spring storm killed at least seven people and spawned tornadoes and drenching thunderstorms in a swath of the U.S. stretching from Texas to Ohio for a second day on Thursday, raising the risk of flooding. The powerful system is expected to stall over the country's midsection, the National Weather Service said, fueling further deluges and possible tornadoes in areas already drenched with heavy rain. "We're concerned there could be some strong but essentially intense tornadoes across Northeast Texas up into Western Arkansas," said Evan Bentley, a forecaster at the NWS' Storm Prediction Center. The NWS upgraded the storms to a risk level four out of five on a scale used to measure the expected intensity of severe weather. Only 10 to 12 storms are given a four rating per year, making them "pretty rare," Bentley said. The extreme weather has killed at least seven people since Wednesday, according to media reports. The fatalities include a father and his 16-year-old daughter who were killed when a tornado hit their modular home in Tennessee, according to the New York Times. Five people in total died in Tennessee in weather-related incidents, one in Indiana and one in Missouri, NBC News reported. At least 13 were injured across the region. About 34 tornadoes were reported across the region on Wednesday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. It confirmed that at least one tornado touched down in Wilmington, Ohio, about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Cincinnati. Twisters were confirmed overnight in six states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. Climate change is bringing heavier rainfall and related flood risks in most parts of the U.S., with the upper Midwest and Ohio River Valley among the regions most affected, according to Climate Central, an independent nonprofit that researches weather patterns. In July 2023, for example, days of historic flash flooding spread across western Kentucky into portions of southern Illinois after six to 12 inches (152 to 305 mm) of rain fell, mostly within 10 hours, the NWS said. On Thursday, the risk of rainfall topping flash-flood guidance was at 40% or higher for an area stretching from western Arkansas northeast to southwestern Ohio, according to NWS maps. Flash-flood warnings are in effect in the Ohio River Valley from the northwestern corner of Mississippi to northeastern Kentucky. "Any flash and riverine flooding across these areas will have the potential to become catastrophic and life-threatening," the NWS Weather Prediction Center said on social media. The NWS is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The wave of severe weather is one of the first since the Trump administration began to sharply cut NOAA's workforce, part of an initiative by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, to slash the size of the federal payroll. The weather service is housed within the NOAA. The layoffs and a buyout program are expected to shrink NOAA's headcount by roughly 20% and could hamper some of its operations, scientists and researchers have said. Despite those concerns, there were no apparent delays or disruption in the weather service's forecasts for the areas affected by this week's storm system. (Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Frank McGurty and Rod Nickel) Impact Plastics Inc. surrounded by mud and debris in Erwin, Tenn., in 2024. Tennessees workplace safety agency has absolved a plastics plant of responsibility in the deaths of six workers who were swept away by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene in September. The Sept. 27 deaths gained national attention when community members and relatives of the mostly Latino plant employees questioned why they hadnt been dismissed from work early enough to escape the record levels of rain that overcame the plastics factory in Erwin and the only road out. The report from the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) published Wednesday, said that because work operations had stopped and employees had left the building, the deaths were not work-related and thus not within its jurisdiction. After considering the evidence," Chris Cannon, a spokesman with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, said, "TOSHA determined that company management exercised reasonable diligence in dismissing employees and providing them sufficient time to leave the facility safely. A criminal probe by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into the deaths is still underway, said Leslie Earhart, the bureaus spokesperson. Five employees and one contractor were killed when the semi-truck trailer they had sought refuge on was overtaken by raging floodwaters. They were Monica Hernandez-Corona, 44; Bertha Mendoza, 56; Johnny Peterson, 55; Lidia Verdugo Gastelum, 63; Rosa Maria Andrade Reynoso, 29; and Sibrina Barnett, 53. Six others were tossed from the truck bed and later rescued. Attorneys representing relatives of some of the deceased employees rejected the probes conclusions. TOSHAs report ignores multiple witnesses testimonies, critical text messages, emergency alert logs, and photographic evidence that tell the real story about Impact Plastics fatal failures," Zack Lawson, an attorney representing Alexa Peterson, Johnny Petersons daughter, in a wrongful death lawsuit against Impact Plastics. "Were grateful that in America, juries not bureaucrats citing unnamed sources will decide the truth based on all the evidence." Greg Coleman, an attorney for the Mendoza and Barnett families, said in a statement from his firm that they vehemently disagree with any characterization that Impact Plastics exercised reasonable diligence in dismissing employees. According to Coleman, "the facts simply do not support" a finding that the floodwaters were already too high and strong when the factory "finally, and begrudgingly, allowed workers to leave." While he agreed with a suggestion from the safety administration that the plant should improve its emergency plans, he stated that "this comes far too late for our clients." The Rev. Tom Charters speaks during a vigil for the flood victims in Erwin, Tenn., in 2024. Relatives of the missing and dead factory employees, and those who survived, have alleged they were made to show up to work even as the hurricane was moving through the area. The day before the historic flood, the National Weather Service in Morristown, Tennessee, issued several warnings of potential flooding for the rest of the week. The local school district canceled school, citing weather warnings, and at least one other company in the same industrial park as Impact Plastics, Foam Products Corp., closed their doors Friday. It was the first time their Erwin plant had ever closed for extreme weather. Impact Plastics, which manufactures components for cars, helicopters, furniture and other products, decided to open that Friday, as did several other nearby businesses. Through lawyers, Impact Plastics said in a statement Wednesday that it welcomed the results of TOSHAs investigation and that the company and its founder, Gerald OConnor, have cooperated with it. Impact Plastics and Gerald OConnor continue to concentrate on seeing to the needs of members of the Impact Plastics family and grieving over the wonderful people who were lost in the flood," the company stated. "Mr. OConnor is focused on rebuilding Impact Plastics for the benefit of the employees, the customers, and the community. Image Credit: Dans Destinations/Shutterstock. With record expansion for Disney Cruise Line happening this decade, the House of Mouse aims to replicate the success of its theme parks on the high seas. Last summer, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro announced four new ships joining the fleet between 2027 and 2031. By the end of that period, Disney Cruise Line's total fleet size will sit at 13 ships. In addition to the four announced last summer, two new vessels will embark on maiden voyages this year. The upcoming additions include the Disney Destiny, which will launch this November out of Florida, and the Disney Adventure. The latter marks Disney Cruise Line's entrance into Asian home ports, as the Adventure will embark on fully at-sea voyages from Singapore starting this December. Whether a family finds themselves among the first to sail aboard Disney's brand-new ships or chooses an older vessel, travel experts advise planning in advance. The growing demand for sailing with Disney Cruise Line in 2025 makes booking new itineraries and finding savings more challenging. New Ships And Island Destination All signs indicate a busy 2025 for Disney Cruise Line, which includes the debut of two new ships. In addition, the cruise line launched its sixth ship, the Disney Treasure, at the end of 2024. This ambitious era of growth also includes new onboard experiences that become destinations in and of themselves. For Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit, bringing aspects of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort's attractions to the cruise ships widens a potential new market of cruising clientele. He shares, "Disney is increasingly integrating elements from their theme parks on their cruise ships. This is perhaps most evident with the wildly popular Haunted Mansion Parlor, which debuted on the Disney Treasure in 2024 and will be seen again later this year on the Disney Destiny." The upcoming Disney Destiny will also feature the Cask and Cannon, a bar and lounge space inspired by the popular Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park. "Fans of these classic Disney attractions should prioritize this immersive lounge space on their next cruise," Doyle adds. Due to the demand for these new experiences, Kimberly Fidler, Vice President of Marketing for Get Away Today, recommends staying on top of the cruise vacation planning process. She says, "If you have your eye on sailing aboard one of the newer ships, book as early as possible." As Disney brings more ships online in the coming years, travelers will find booking the Treasure or Destiny easier. In addition to the Adventure and Destiny ships, Disney Cruise Line brought more new offerings to travelers with the opening of its second Disney private island destination in the summer of 2024. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, located in the Bahamas, adds another port of call to Disney's Bahamian cruise itineraries. Lookout Cay brings quintessential Disney magic ashore in the form of white sand beaches and crystal blue water, creating a new experience for cruisers. The Existing Fleet In addition to the new offerings, families often seek out Disney Cruise Line's older ships. Sailing on one of Disney's original four vessels the Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy provides a more accessible option for families, as Fidler explains. She notes, "New ships launching can often bring deals to older ships, so watch for that if you're looking for a deal. Disney offers an amazing experience, no matter the ship." On the contrary, theme park journalist Megan duBois warns travelers of sticker shock with the most in-demand Disney sailings. She warns, "Travelers should be aware that cruises on the newer ships are often more expensive." No matter the ship, Disney Cruise Line has the goal of building its itineraries with the entire family in mind. Fidler adds, "Cruises, in particular, are wonderful for multigenerational vacations because your together time is already built in. You don't need to worry about making dining reservations for a large group." Fidler recommends that families new to cruising book with an expert agent who can walk them through everything and help them plan the best trip possible. swissmediavision - Getty Images You know that a lack of sleep can hurt your heart. But if, like 30 million other Americans, you have sleep apnea, you could be getting plenty of zzzs and still be putting your heart at risk. We asked experts what they wished more people knew about this sleep disorder, including what sleep apnea is and possible treatment options. Sleep apnea deprives your brain of oxygen Terri E. Weaver Ph.D., R.N., dean emerita of the College of Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago, explains: When a person has sleep apnea, something (such as anatomy, fat that narrows the airway, or an issue with nervous system stimulation to airway muscles) causes the partial or complete closure of the airway. This makes it hard to breathe in sufficient oxygen during sleep. Your brain registers that its not getting enough, and the low O2 wakes you or arouses you (often with a gasp or a snort) to a lighter stage of sleep, depriving you of deep sleep. It also kicks airway muscles back into gear to open the airway. Most people are not aware of the arousals because theyre typically brief and they drift back to sleep once O2 starts flowing again. But when youre asleep, the airway muscles relax, blocking the airway and repeating the cycle. People with mild sleep apnea have five to 15 arousals per hour, and those with severe cases have more than 30 per hour. The repeated stints of oxygen deprivation and sleep disruption damage organs and can affect daily activitiesa big reason sleep apnea is linked to a higher risk of heart problems, kidney trouble, diabetes, dementia, some cancers, and accidents. Snoring isnt the only symptom Gracie Pien, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, explains: Step one of managing sleep apnea is knowing you have it. Besides the hallmark snoring, snorting, and coughing during sleep, other signs include waking up with a dry mouth, daytime drowsiness despite devoting enough hours to sleep, morning headaches, difficulty focusing, or feeling more anxious, depressed, or irritated. Oh, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. While being older, overweight, and male increases a persons risk of sleep apnea, those arent prerequisites. In fact, women are more likely to develop it once they hit perimenopause. Certain hormone-related conditions like hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome can raise the risk too, as hormones affect several body systems. Having large tonsils, an overbite, certain neuromuscular conditions, or Down syndrome can also up ones risk. There are effective treatments If youre experiencing symptoms, let your physician know. Some primary care doctors can diagnose and treat sleep apnea, but if they dont have the expertise, theyll refer you to a specialist, who may require you to complete a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. Laura Gross, M.D., a primary care physician at Stanford Health Care explains: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the most common treatment, she says. It gently pushes air into the throat via a facial mask or nasal pillows, which are spongy inserts that go over the nostrils. A CPAP is highly effective and works best if you use it every night. There are different types of machines, but your insurance may not cover multiple masks or follow-up appointments with your doctor for adjustments. For milder cases, a dental device (which fits similarly to a retainer) may help. I also advise joining a support group in which people with sleep apnea can share what works for them, ask questions, and learn how others cope. You Might Also Like Scientists are finding microplastics everywhere from brain tissue to arteries and warning of the health risks posed by their buildup inside our bodies. Theyre also discovering just how easily the tiny particles get there. Microplastics dont just shed off of plastic items from overuse, like when a water bottle breaks down over weeks or months of being washed and refilled. They also leach into our food and drinks with even the brief use of a product with plastic components, alarming scientists. Were talking about cardiovascular mortality, said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, director of the Grossman Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards at New York University. Were also talking about hormone-sensitive cancers breast, thyroid, ovarian, not to mention kidney cancer that have been associated with these chemical exposures. Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 millimeters in diameter, some a fraction of the width of a strand of human hair. And nanoplastics, even tinier plastic particles measuring less than a millionth of a meter, are too small to see with standard light-based microscopes. Takeout containers can leach microplastics into food and beverages, even if theyre used just once. Scientists have found these particles across the globe, from Antarctic snow to coral reefs and throughout our bodies, including in babies. Theyre raising concerns about how quickly microplastics can build up in humans and ecosystems. And while much remains unknown about their impacts, researchers increasingly fear these contaminants are fueling ecological and health crises. Microplastics are constantly coming off of everyday items like containers and cups, including products we dont always think of as plastic, according to Victoria Fulfer, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Rhode Island studying how microplastics get into water. Were storing a lot of our food in plastic, said Fulfer, who also works for the 5 Gyres Institute, a nonprofit group researching plastic pollution. Victoria Fulfer, a researcher at the University of Rhode Island, studies how microplastics get into water. Not only is it packaged in plastic when we buy it from the store, but then we cook it, and we often put it in plastic containers to store it in our fridge, because its easy and its cheap, she said. And that plastic is leaching into our food. Fulfers research has shown that even tiny plastic particles can amass in large volumes over relatively short periods, reflecting just how widely used plastic materials have become and how easily they break down. A paper she published in 2023 found more than 1,000 tons of microplastics have built up on the floor of Rhode Islands Narragansett Bay in just the last two decades. Fulfer gave NBC News a demonstration of how easily microplastics can shed into food and drinks at her university laboratory. She chopped up just two slices of a white onion on a red plastic cutting board, rinsed the slices, filtered the rinsing water and put the filter under a microscope. The slide showed tiny red specks of plastic that had come off the cutting board and onto the onion. A microscopic view of the microplastics that shed off the cutting board onto the onion in Fulfers lab. When Fulfer put hot pasta in a black plastic takeout container and followed the same procedure, she again saw microplastics under the microscope. Even more came off the container and leached into the pasta when she microwaved it in the same vessel. Mostly, when a container says microwave safe, it means its safe for the container to be in the microwave its not going to melt, said Fulfer. But that doesnt mean that its safe for you as a person, because microwaving plastic particularly changes the chemical bonds they make them more weak. And that allows any chemicals that are in those plastics, and also nanoplastics, to leach from that container into the food that youre heating up. A recent study at the University of Nebraska found heating a plastic container in the microwave caused more microplastics and nanoplastics to leach into food than refrigerating the container or keeping it at room temperature. The problem isnt just with single-use containers that are meant to be thrown out already a major source of plastic pollution worldwide. Fulfer also found microplastics when she microwaved peas in a plastic container that was designed to be reusable. Even products people might not think of as plastic can shed microplastics, Fulfer has found. When she microwaved hot water in a paper cup with a laminated interior, stirred it briefly, filtered it and ran an analysis using lasers, she found polyethylene fragments, a type of microplastic. Other researchers have even flagged chewing gum as a potential culprit, with one very small study finding a single piece could release hundreds to thousands of microplastics into saliva. Researchers say the plastic in our food and drinks is likely to be building up in our bodies. In a study published this year, researchers with University of New Mexico Health Sciences found alarmingly high levels of microplastics in human brains. There appeared to be more in people with dementia, though scientists dont know whether more plastic actually caused those symptoms. A separate study published last year by a group of Italian researchers found people with microplastics in the plaque in their arteries had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke or death though that finding also doesnt prove a direct cause. Plastic producers insist their products are safe and say there are few materials that can rival plastics for versatility, cost and convenience. There is nothing more important to our industry than safe products and materials, said Plastics Industry Association President and CEO Matt Seaholm. These materials are not only safe but also essential to our daily lives keeping food fresh, ensuring medical supplies remain sterile, and enhancing overall quality of life. Trasande said consumers dont need to cut out all plastics but recommended using them less. We need to take the safe and simple steps now to reduce our plastic footprint, he said. That could involve switching to more glass or stainless steel containers, or swapping out plastic cutting boards with wooden ones. For heating food and drinks up in the microwave, glass or ceramic might be a better option. Were talking about very low-dose exposures that have serious impacts, Trasande said. Changing those exposures, even in that very low range, can have huge benefits. By Kalea Hall DETROIT (Reuters) -General Motors plans to increase production of light-duty trucks at its Fort Wayne, Indiana, assembly plant, it said in a webcast sent to plant employees on Thursday and viewed by Reuters, a day after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on auto imports. GM CEO Mary Barra had hinted at the possibility of increasing the output of trucks in the United States during GM's January earnings call in response to tariffs. Automakers in the United States utilize a complicated supply chain integrated throughout North America, with production facilities situated in the United States, Mexico and Canada. "From a Mexico perspective, we do build trucks in Mexico and in Canada and in the United States. And so we have the capacity in the United States to shift some of that," Barra said on the January earnings call. The Fort Wayne plant makes the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, which GM also manufactures at plants in Mexico and Canada. About half of GM's large pickup truckproduction is done in Mexico and Canada, according to a recent Barclays report. Trump has said that high tariffs will induce companies to relocate manufacturing to the United States, but that process would take years and in the meantime could add thousands of dollars to the cost of a car. The Detroit automakers may use excess capacity to shift some existing production, but additional factories would take several years to build. GM may also add overtime days to the schedule, plant director Dennys Pimenta told employees in the webcast. In a letter seen by Reuters to United Auto Workers Local 2209 members at Fort Wayne, local shop chairman Rich LeTourneau told employees that as part of the line-speed increase at the plant, 225 to 250 jobs will be added. "Always remember volume is our friend and protects our job security," he wrote. GM said in a statement on Thursday that it will hire temporary workers for the Fort Wayne assembly plant, saying that will be part of "operational adjustments" at the plant "to support current manufacturing and business needs." A company source said several hundred temporary workers will be hired to increase employment at the plant. GM said that to implement the changes at Fort Wayne, the plant will be taken down from April 22-25, following the Easter holiday. The company's plants in Oshawa, Canada, and Silao, Mexico, where the trucks are also made, are currently running regular production, the company source said. (Reporting by Kalea Hall in Detroit; Additional reporting by Nora Eckert in Detroit; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Leslie Adler and Matthew Lewis) President Donald Trump fired at least three National Security Council officials this week after far-right activist Laura Loomer met with him and expressed dissatisfaction with some officials on his national security team, three people familiar with the matter told NBC News. Trump confirmed the meeting Thursday but denied that Loomer whom he called a "patriot" and a "very strong person" recommended any terminations. The president told reporters on Air Force One that it was customary to let go of people that we dont like, or people that we dont think do the job, or people that may have loyalty to somebody else. He said he wasn't sure how many officials had been fired. Follow live politics coverage here Among those let go were senior officials Brian Walsh, Thomas Boodry and David Feith, the three sources told NBC News. Walsh previously was a top aide to Marco Rubio on the Senate Intelligence Committee. Boodry was a legislative director for national security adviser Michael Waltz when he was in Congress, and Feith worked for the State Department during Trump's first term. Loomer met with Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon in a meeting attended by Waltz and Vice President JD Vance, two people familiar with the meeting told NBC News. One person also said Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, was present. According to one of these people, Loomer pressed Trump to fire members of his national security staff, and Waltz defended them. It's not clear whether Loomer specifically named Walsh, Boodry or Feith. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes declined to comment. Reached by phone, Boodry declined to comment. Walsh and Feith did not reply to requests for comment. Loomer confirmed the meeting in a statement, calling it an honor to share with Trump her research on the staff, and said strong vetting is needed for the sake of national security. Out of respect for President Trump and the privacy of the Oval Office, Im going to decline on divulging any details about my Oval Office meeting with President Trump, Loomer said in her statement. It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my findings, I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of strong vetting, for the sake of protecting the President and our national security." Trump said Thursday that at the meeting, Loomer recommended "certain people for jobs." "She makes recommendations of things and people, and sometimes I listen to those recommendations, like I do with everybody.I listen to everybody and then I make a decision," he told reporters on Air Force One. Status was first to report that Loomer visited the White House on Wednesday. The New York Times was first to report that she told Trump to fire members of his national security team during the meeting. Trump has defended his national security team after The Atlantic magazine revealed last week that its top editor was added to a high-level group chat about U.S. military strikes in Yemen. Waltz has said he was responsible for the error; Vance also participated in the group chat. Loomers access to Trump became an internal flashpoint during last years campaign. Aides and advisers were not always successful in shielding him from her. For example, she traveled on Trumps jet to his debate in September with then-Vice President Kamala Harris in Atlanta and to 9/11 memorial services in New York the next day. Her presence at the latter infuriated some Democrats and Republicans, because one of the many conspiracy theories she has promoted is the false notion that the 2001 terrorist assault on the United States was an inside job. For three weeks last May, employees of the AI giant Nvidia and Recursion Pharmaceuticals slept on the floor of a data center in Salt Lake City. They were there to build a machine that Recursion, a decade-old biotech company, believes will give it an edge in the contest to develop the next great new medicines: BioHive-2, the largest and fastest supercomputer owned by a biopharma. It's an audacious bet that the future of Americas pharmaceutical industry will be as much about computing power as it is about scientific talent. Theres a reason for the rush: AI-powered drug discovery has been in development for years, but ever since ChatGPT rocketed into the public consciousness in late 2022, the hope and hype around its potential has reached a fever pitch. The question the tech and medical worlds want answered is, when will AI bring its magic to the long, hard, terribly expensive business of pharmaceutical research and development? Is it possibleas OpenAIs Sam Altman has musedthat one day well simply ask ChatGPT to cure cancer, or Alzheimers, or any number of other intractable human diseases? The race to achieve that sci-fi scenario is well underway. As of June 2023, more than $18 billion had poured into some 200 AI-first biotechs, and by January 2024, at least 75 drugs or vaccines from those companies had entered clinical trials, according to Boston Consulting Group. Citeline, a pharmaceutical market research firm, meanwhile, has counted 446 financing rounds totaling $30.6 billion in the AI-driven life sciences space since 2020. Recursion is hoping to pull ahead of the crowd in a field that has so far been more promise than performance. While there has been a boom in AI-discovered compounds, none so far have made it to market as approved drugs. Most are still in early stages of development, but some AI-discovered drugs have suffered the same dreaded fate as many traditionally developed ones: Theyve failed in human clinical trials. Its too early to judge the whole sector based on those setbacks, but many have been tempted to, given the sky-high expectations driven by AI enthusiasts and the success of large language models. It leaves the industry in an awkward place: Generative AI in its current form is mostly built around language processing; it hasnt proved to be that helpful in the world of moleculesat least not yet. But even if it isnt yet originating new drugs, theres no question that AI is significantly changing the drug development process. Modern drug development is a crazily inefficient pursuit: It takes, on average, well over a decade and an estimated $2.6 billion to create a single medicine. And making it to the finish line with an FDA-approved drug is no sure thingonly 5% of experimental drugs that scientists design in the lab ever get there. AI canand increasingly doeshelp do this work faster, cheaper, and with greater odds of success. And many pharmaceutical companies tell Fortune that AI is already saving time and money in several ways. Moderna, which has used machine learning tools for nearly a decade, points to a number of use cases, from optimizing mRNA sequence design to writing a several-hundred-page regulatory filing. What once engaged a whole team now just requires one human to review the computers work. But the vision of companies like Recursion is grander than that: Their bet is that by pairing massive amounts of scientific data with powerful new computing tools, AI can unlock the mysteries of biology and design drugs to cure the diseases were plagued by. Much like OpenAI shoveling the worlds text into a large language model to create ChatGPT, Recursion believes that by feeding its fast-accumulating cellular and medical data to BioHive-2, it can break open biologyproviding the insights, long elusive to humans, needed to understand hard-to-treat conditions from cancer to neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. A Fireside Chat at Recursions Download Day event with co-founder and CEO Chris Gibson and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Bullish investors convinced of this thesis include Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang, whose companythe third-most valuable in the worldmade a $50 million investment in Recursion in 2023. In a conversation with the biotechs employees and investors last June, Huang compared Recursions opportunity to Nvidias at the beginning of the chip revolution a few decades ago. This is such a fun time for you guys Im jealous, he told them. You might be within a click or two away from really being able to understand the meaning of life. A little company making bets where others are scared In some ways, Recursion, an 11-year-old biotech with 800 employees and zero approved medicines, is an unlikely steward for the drug industrys mightiest computer. In 2024, the Utah-based biotechor TechBio, as Recursion prefers to call itselftook in just under $59 million in revenue and recorded a net loss of $464 million. In the companys early days, Chris Gibson, Recursions CEO and cofounder, frequently predicted that his company would develop 100 drugs in 10 years. Like all of its AI-native peers, its still working on its first. But what Recursion is unusually rich with is data. Every week, robots in Recursions automated labs run as many as 2.2 million experimentstransferring various experimental solutions into miniature samples of cellseach one resulting in a high-resolution image that captures detailed cellular morphology and features. Those experiments can run on 50 human cell types and have drawn upon millions of compounds, thousands of genetic modifications, and over a trillion lab-generated neurons. The point is not about the outcome of any one experiment but rather mining the data from so many of them. Add to those reams the around-the-clock video streaming in from the companys animal labs, where cameras are trained on hundreds of mouse and rat cages to more precisely analyze drug-induced behavioral change. At last count, Recursion had generated 40 petabytes of data from over 300 million experiments. And it has no plans to slow downwhich, of course, is why it needs a supercomputer. This little companyis making bets where others are scared, Gibson told an audience of investors. We've made these investments because we believe the intersection of data and compute is the future of this industry. And we intend to lead it. Recursion has some steep competition. New entrants to the space continue to emerge, with deeper and deeper pockets, and bigger and bigger names involved. Insitro, founded by AI pioneer and McArthur genius Daphne Koller in 2018, is backed by a whos who of biotech investors and has a reported valuation of $2.4 billion. Xaira, which employs a fresh Nobel laureate, launched with $1 billion in funding last April. And in late January, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman announced he was teaming up with Pulitzer Prizewinning oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee on Manas AI to develop cancer drugs. Gibson marvels at the almost overnight change in industry interest compared with the dismissive skepticism he encountered just a few years ago: We mostly got laughed at, he recalls. But when he appeared with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at JPMorgans health care conference last year, he found a room packed with Big Pharma CEOs eager to hear his pitch. The cusp of a boom, or an overhyped moment? For most of history, the development of new medicines depended on a combination of astute observation and luck. The ancients made the serendipitous discovery that willow leaves and myrtlethe natural precursors to aspirinalleviated fever and joint pain. Edward Jenner came up with the smallpox vaccine from the insight that people who worked with cattle and had been exposed to cowpox, a milder disease, werent affected by the virus. And the blood thinner warfarin emerged from an investigation into an epidemic of spoiled clover disease among a population of Wisconsin dairy cows that bled to death. Late last century, advances in genetics and molecular biology allowed scientists to more precisely focus their efforts by identifying biological targets and designing drugs to engage them in a way that alters the course of disease. Still, the process remains largely one of trial and error that plays out over many years and across many stagesfrom drug discovery and design to preclinical development (testing compounds for safety and efficacy in cells and animals) to clinical trials in which the experimental medicine is tested in three successive studies in people. Staggeringly, 90% percent of all drug candidates fail in humans, meaning only one in 10 drugs makes it through that stage to approvaleven after millions have been spent. Given that status quo, if AI could help better predict which drugs are likely to work, or even which ones will notsparing time and investment on expensive late-stage failures and increasing the percentage that succeedthat would make a meaningful difference. What I always tell the team is, If 80% of our drugs fail in the clinic, we are twice as good as the industry average, and we can be the most disruptive company in this space, says Recursions Gibson. A future in which computers predict, or even create, our next blockbuster medicine feels closer than ever, thanks to some remarkable recent tech breakthroughs, from large language models like ChatGPT, to tools of the resolution revolution, like electron cryo-microscopy, that have equipped scientists with richer data. Add to that AlphaFold, the platform developed by Alphabets DeepMind subsidiary, that quite accurately predicts the structure of over 200 million proteins, including the tens of thousands found in humans. Now known as Google DeepMind, the first iteration debuted in 2020; its main architects won the Nobel Prize for chemistry last year. Recursions automated wet lab runs over 2 million experiments every week. Some feel these innovations have put the industry on the cusp of an unprecedented productivity boom, while others regard this as an overhyped moment in a long process of incremental change. The latter camp will tell you AI is really just the latest buzzword for an evolving technology that has been expected to revolutionize their field for years. (See: machine learning, big data, and, going way back, QSAR or quantitative structure-activity relationship.) Indeed, this is a revolution long in coming, one that Fortune teased on a cover featuring a drug Merck designed on a computer with the text The Next Industrial Revolutionin October 1981. Computers and data have played a role in drug development since then, but their use has so far failed to translate into widespread R&D productivity gains. In fact, for the past seven decades, the pharmaceutical industry has experienced the opposite, with the development of new medicines generally taking longer and growing more expensive over time. The number of new drugs approved for every $1 billion spent on R&D has halved roughly every nine years. This phenomenon even has a name: Erooms Law: Eroom is Moore in reverse, a cheeky nod to Moores Law on increasing speed in computer chip development, pointing out the opposite trajectory in pharmaceutical innovation. Several reasons are given for this trend: Government regulation is stricter now, for one. But mostly, our difficulties with R&D boil down to our limited understanding of biology: Weve already solved the easy stuff. Solving the harder stuff requires new biological insights and modelsand generally, weve underinvested in that science, explains Jack Scannell, the R&D productivity expert who coined the term Erooms Law: We're left with diseases where the models all too frequently give us the wrong answer. The science is just extremely challenging, given the vast, mutifaceted, heterogeneous nature of human biology. Aviv Regev, the AI-minded head of research and early development at the biotech Genentech, compares the industrys work to develop drugs in such an enormous landscape to looking under multiple little lamppostsa little bit here, a little bit here, a little bit here. This is where Regev says the convergence of new technologies with human insight is game-changing: Scientists alone cannot make sense of the exploding amounts of biological data now available to them, but an AI trained on that informationfrom high-resolution images of neurons to genetic sequences to patient recordscan help researchers find patterns and make connections to come up with the novel insights that are needed to understand disease and develop drugs to treat them in various populations. But can we trust AIknown for hallucinations in other realmsto give us good information on, say, the brain chemistry behind depression? Or the inner workings of a cancer cell? To provide checks and balances, Regev promotes a method of operating, widely adopted in the industry, known as lab-in-the-loop where an AI models predictions are tested in a physical lab. The data from those real experiments is then fed back into the model, so the AI is constantly learning and refining, to make better, more accurate predictions. She adds that experiments must be done at a huge scale to reap the benefits, train effective models, and work faster and better. Genentech has partnered with Recursion on some of this work, which Regev describes as promising: We are seeing biology that is known to disease area experts as well as potentially compelling biology that is not previously known. Tantalizing breakthroughsand setbacks Gibson got the idea for the Recursion in 2013 while doing doctoral research at the University of Utah on Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a rare neurovascular disease that is thought to affect more than a million people globally. Theres no therapy for CCM, which can cause brain bleeds and stroke, and the typical way to develop one is difficult and laboriousrequiring first the identification of a molecular target and then a drug to meaningfully interact with it. Gibson had a different idea. Using a new machine-learning image-analysis software called CellProfiler, he could compare images of diseased and healthy cellsand see whether any compounds restored the diseased cells to health. Using the technique, Gibson found two possible drugs that appeared to treat CCM: Vitamin D and a compound known as Tempol. These were just hits, drug candidates that would need to be tested and further refined, but it seemed promising. He wondered, couldnt he apply the same method on other hard-to-cure diseases? That year he took leave from medical school to found Recursion with his professor Dean Li (now the president of Merck Research) and a friend, Blake Borgeson, with ambitions to industrialize drug discovery. Eleven years since its founding, the company is still working to bring REC-994the compound that Gibson first got excited about back in grad schoolto market. In September, when the company first announced the results of a Phase 2 study involving 62 participants with CCM. The drug proved to be safe and well-toleratedthe point of the studybut preliminary efficacy data appeared mixed. While patient MRIs suggested that the medication was working to some extent, physicians and the patients themselves reported no improvement. Recursions stock fell nearly 17% that day. The company released more detailed, but not statistically significant, data in early February that signaled patients were experiencing functional improvement as well; the companys stock rose 2.7%. Gibson shrugs at the markets fickleness. I am encouraged by what we were able to show, he told Fortune by email in February. I believe we have a potential medicine in a space few others have even attempted to explore. The company is discussing next steps with the FDAthere are challenges with a first-in-class drug, like figuring out how best to measure clinical improvementwhile moving forward with seven other drugs that Recursion has in trials, for conditions including for cancer; C. Difficle, a stubborn bacterial infection that causes diarrhea and can be life-threatening; and neurofibromatosis type II, a disease characterized by the growth of noncancerous tumors in the nervous system. Others, though, viewed Recursions underwhelming results as part of a pattern in the field. BenevolentAI, a buzzy U.K.-based firm founded in 2013 and once valued at $2 billion, stopped work on its most advanced candidate, an eczema drug, when patients in a Phase 2a trial showed no clinical improvement in 2023; the stock dropped more than 80% on the results, and two rounds of layoffs later, the companys market cap is now around $13 million. Exscientiafounded in 2012 and once valued at $3 billionhas had two of its programs dropped in late-stage development; in September, the company merged with Recursion. Recursion's systems map and navigate trillions of biological and chemical relationships derived from approximately 65 petabytes of proprietary data. Insilico Medicine, which claimed to be the first company to have a wholly AI-discovered and -designed drug in phase 2 studies, boasts that it got the molecule from concept to human trials in 18 months (compared to the industry average of 4.5 years). Founder and co-CEO Alex Zhavoronkov recalled his head of R&D waking him with a 2 a.m. phone call to excitedly share preliminary results from the study in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The rare but increasingly prevalent disease affects an estimated 3 million people globally, scarring and stiffening lung tissue and typically leading to death within a few years. In November, Insilico publicly reported the results of that study in 71 patients across sites in China. Data showed the drug to be safe, and while the results were not statistically significant, patients got better on itwith improved lung function corresponding to the amount of drug they received over the 12-week study. We didnt expect to see that for that short period of time, Zhavoronkov told me last fall. Another phase 2 study of the drug in the U.S. is ongoing. Preliminary as those findings are, Zhavoronkov declared the phase 2a results to be a critical milestone in AI-powered drug discovery. Research by the Boston Consulting Group suggests AI is taking some of the uncertainty out of the medical trial process. The firm reviewed the pipelines of more than 100 AI-native biotech companies and found these companies have enjoyed an 80%90% success rate in phase 1 trials (small safety studies), which is considerably better than the industry average of only 40%65%. In phase 2 studies, success rates were comparable with the industry. There is not yet data to draw conclusions about phase 3 trials. A high-stakes race Who will benefit from AIs efficiency improvements, and be the first to bring a fully AI-discovered medicine to market? Some argue that Big Pharma companies have the edge in this race because of their considerable resources and the fact that they have enormous amounts of proprietary data that they could in theory use to train an AI. But bigger isnt necessarily better here, others point out: Much of Big Pharmas data is messy and unstandardized, requiring considerable cleanup to use for these purposes. Plus, the organizational change required to overhaul a massive R&D operation is fraught. AI-native startups, like Recursion, meanwhile, are building datasets from scratch expressly for the purpose of feeding them to an AI, and hiring bilingual teamscomputer engineers as well as biologists and chemistswhom they believe are better suited to the job. I visited Recursions headquarters on a blazingly hot day last June for Download Day, the biotechs annual status update for investors, and the event at which Nvidias Huang spoke. The companys offices, located in a gentrifying pocket of downtown Salt Lake City, fill an old Dicks Sporting Goods store. Between the companys gleaming robot-powered labs and an area with employee desks is a massive three-story climbing walla recreational perk and perhaps a metaphor for the steep and humbling path before an AI drug discovery company like Recursion. Given the disconnect between inflated expectations of AI-driven change in the sector and the reality that it will take time to deliver on that promise, the market seems unsure of how to value a company like Recursion. Four years ago, in the frothy days of the pandemic and not long after it went public, Recursion had a market value of $7 billion. Now, in the waning days of a yearslong biotech winter on Wall Street, Recursion is plugging away on 20-some preclinical and clinical development programs, and is worth $2.1 billion. The company has broadened its platform considerablyacquiring multiple companies and capabilities, forming notable partnerships with pharma, drawing an enviable $50 million investment from Nvidia, amassing crazy amounts more of data, and of course building the industrys largest supercomputer to process it. We have been running this thing hard, Gibson said of BioHive 2 in a February earnings call, noting that the team was building new models of biology with all that computer power. Recursion is years ahead of almost anyone else in the space, he said. Recursions BioHive-2 is the most powerful supercomputer in the pharma industry, and was built with Nvidia over the course of three intense weeks. The real race for companies like Recursion may be one against time: Investors are restless and hungry for proof points. Insilicos Zhavoronkov thinks skepticism of the industry will persist until the field produces an AI-generated blockbuster, but in the meantime, he encourages investors and the industry to focus on data-driven benchmarks rather than splashy funding rounds. "Almost at the top" Recursions story represents both the hopeful and humbling nature of its missionand the necessary fortitude and inevitable hubris of those who take it on. Biology is marvelously complex, and developing drugs is incredibly hard. Resources (and investor patience) are limitedand even with the smartest, most cutting-edge technologies, certain phases of the process will take a long time. AI may revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry, and Recursion may emerge as a winner. But for now, theres still a lot of work for humans to do. Gibson is candid about where his company is in its journey. In his Download Day presentation, the CEO pulled up a slide depicting technological progress in the transportation industry and compared Recursions place to a Model Tahead of the horse, but far from the modern-day Tesla. We are fundamentally changing the way that one discovers and develops medicine, Gibson told the audience of investors. But we have a long way to go. Later in the day, Nvidias Huang offered a more optimistic vision: Youre that yellow hold, he told Gibson, pointing to a foothold high on the companys rock-climbing wall. Youre close. For those who cant see, Gibson noted, thats almost at the top of the wall. Clarification, April 3, 2025: This article has been updated to clarify the amount of data Recursion has generated and the goals stated for its drug development. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Skoda is defying a broader downturn for the Volkswagen brand. (Milan Jaros/Bloomberg via Getty Images) There is a shadow hanging over the Europe. The ascent of Donald Trump to the White House has exposed brewing fragilities within the continent's economy and military prowess. That hasnt been evident anywhere more than in Germany, the industrial powerhouse reeling from two years of negative growth. Now, Germanys allies, who have lived in their own shadow of Europe's biggest economy, are left facing questions about their own survival. Thats most evident in its neighbor to the east: the Czech Republic. Within the giant $348 billion Volkswagen group lies Skoda, a quiet success story for the Czech Republic that says as much about the countrys post-Cold War ascension as it does about its long-term risks. The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, has built its post-Cold War economy in the same way Germany did post-reunification: with a focus on industry. Manufacturing as a share of GDP has hovered above 20% in the country for the last 30 years, joining Germany in bucking the Western trend of deindustrialization. A third of Czechias exports go to Germany, while 20% of its imports come from its closest neighbor. The ties between the Czech Republic and Germany are best exemplified by Skoda, the Czech Republics largest company, which is owned by Germanys largest company, Volkswagen. Skodas strength Skoda makes up a significant chunk of the massive Volkswagen group, which also contains Audi, Seat, Porsche, and the Volkswagen brand itself. The carmaker raked in 26.5 billion in revenues in 2023, a massive 26% increase on 2022, and equivalent to nearly 10% of the Czechian economy. If it were an independent company, Skoda would rank in the top 150 of the Fortune 500 Europe, as one of the top 10 carmakers, and by far the largest Czech company on the list. The automaker also hasnt faltered in recent years like its fellow automakers under the Volkswagen umbrella. In the first nine months of 2024, Skoda increased operating profits by nearly 35% compared with the same period in 2023, while the Volkswagen group as a whole faced a 10% decline in profits. The groups profit margin in the first nine months of 2024 of 8.3% also puts it among the most profitable brands across Volkswagen and well above the collective group margin of 5.6%. Skoda is, according to David Havrlant, chief economist for the Czech Republic at ING, the golden egg within the Volkswagen group, he told Fortune. The carmakers sales are overwhelmingly Europe-focused. Around nine in 10 of its cars were delivered to Europe in 2023, with the remainder going to Asia-Pacific. That appears to have shielded the manufacturer from the fall-off in sales experienced by Volkswagen, which built its dominance on Chinas burgeoning consumer market, which has gone into reverse in recent years. Indeed, through 2024 Skoda increased its deliveries by 6.9%, compared to the Volkswagen brands 1.4% decline, reflective of a nearly 10% reduction in China deliveries last year. That divergence from Volkswagen speaks more broadly to a divergence between Czechia and Germany. The Czech Republic, alongside Germany, struggled through 2024, with GDP declining 0.3% in the wake of sanctions on Russian energy. Yet the country is expected to rebound faster than its partner to the West, with growth projections of 2.3% in 2025, almost triple Germanys projected growth of 0.8%, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts. The Czech economy has proved more attractive for businesses looking to expand their footprint. Wages in the country, for example, are around half what they are in Germany, lowering input costs. Its wider population seems more content too. I would say that the Czech consumer is less depressed than the German consumer, Ana Boata, head of economic research at Allianz Trade, told Fortune. Domestic demand is expected to be a big driver of Czech GDP growth this year, reflective of that higher consumer confidence. But seemingly unshakeable bonds between Czechia and Germany continue to threaten the countrys economy. Czechia's obstacles Czechias manufacturing output has moved in lockstep with Germanys since the latters downturn began in 2022. Both countries PMIs have been in contraction territory for nearly three years as manufacturers battle with higher energy costs and falling demand, causing knock-on effects to producers downstream. Ladislav Tyll, a lecturer at the Prague University of Economics and Business, notes that between manufacturers and companies in the supply chain, the automotive sector in Czechia accounts for around half a million jobs. So frankly speaking, if anything goes wrong they are out of business, and this country could technically financially collapse, Tyll told Fortune. Both countries have been struggling with falling investment, creating a barrier to future growth. That's really not good for those economies, and that doesn't signal anything good for the coming years, said Tyll. One of Chezias primary concerns for its manufacturing-heavy economy is oppressive climate targets. The country joined Italy last November in calling for a relaxation of the EUs climate rules that will lead to the banning of the sale of carbon-emitting vehicles by 2035. Allianzs Boata says 2025 is a year of transition for carmakers and the economies they occupy. On the one hand, they will need to up their production of electric and hybrid vehicles to comply with environmental regulations. On the other, this means wading into much more competitive markets beset by cheap Chinese-made competitors. That will also imply some impact on the turnovers of those Czech suppliers that are basically interlinked with the German car makers, not only volume, but also price, says Boata. INGs Havrlant writes extensively about the Czech economy. He says that there are four stages of structural crisis a country must pass through before policymakers can step in. You have to recognize there is a problem. Second, you have to admit it is your problem. Third, you have to force yourself to get across that you want to do something about it. And fourth, you do something about it. The Czech Republic is somewhere before stage three and four when it comes to its automotive sector, Havrlant says, while he thinks Germany is stuck at point zero. As a result, Havrlant believes the Czech economy is slowly decoupling itself from Germany. Their order books have been bad for such a long time that until now, it was always enough to wait until things got better, but that's not the case anymore, Havrlant said of Czechia and Germanys relationship. Political headwinds The political story in Czechia is also the same as in Germany and, increasingly, across the rest of Europe. Like in Germany, elections beckon in 2025, and there is a similarly populist tone to polling in both countries. Between Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) in Germany, National Rally in France, Brothers of Italy in Italy, and Reform in the U.K., Europes biggest economies have been rocked by surging support for far-right political parties ready to upset the status quo. So follows the similarly jingoistic Patriots for Europe, the insurgent Cezchian populist party set to sweep elections later in 2025. Tyll says the potential victory of Patriots for Europe would likely have a positive impact. Instead, its Germanys February elections that pose more of a risk for Czechias economy. He worries that the rising influence of the far-right AfD could cause Volkswagen to target job cuts outside of Germany, with Skodas tens of thousands of employees a potential target. The country will hope Germany recognizes the importance of its golden egg and the deeper partnership that looks like its serving Czechia more than its ally. Editor's note: A version of this article first appeared on Fortune.com on January 21, 2025. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com At the Shoptalk retail industry conference last week, Gap Inc CEO Richard Dickson touted the apparel maker's limited exposure to China and the tariffs about to be imposed on imports from there after years of efforts to diversify its supplier base. "Big credit goes to our supply chains. We've been working on diversifying our manufacturer footprint for quite some time. Less than 10% of our product is coming out of China," said Dickson. Now Gap's biggest supplier country is Vietnam, followed by India and Indonesia, all well ahead of China. Dickson's counterpart at Levi Strauss & Co Michelle Gass echoed the reduced exposure to China at Shoptalk too, saying "Of what we know today, right now it is fairly minimal." In recent years, many U.S. apparel makers have gradually reduced their reliance on China because of rising costs there, the abundance of capacity in Southeast Asia, and the threat of a trade conflict with the U.S. always looming. But Dickson and Gass' sanguine reactions of course came before the Trump Administration's announcement on Wednesday that it planned to impose punitive tariffs on 60 countries, including across-the-board levies of 46% on imports from Vietnam and 26% from India. Suddenly, Gap Inc and Levi's don't seem inoculated at all from Trump's tariff war with the rest of the world. Gap Inc shares were down 22% in early trading on Thursday, while Levi's were down 11%. Other apparel-heavy retailers saw big drops like Macy's, down 16%. (Home goods retailers, also very exposed to tariffs on Asian suppliers, similarly got dinged, with Restoration Hardware down 42%.) When President Trump this winter announced his first salvos in the tariff wars, focused initially on China, Canada and Mexico, many retailers rushed to reassure investors that over time, they had lessened their exposure to China, long known as a maker of cheap items for Western brands. Target's Chief Commercial Officer said in March that Chinese goods now represent 30% of its merchandise, down from 60% in 2017. Yet Target's shares were not spared in Thursday's stock market bloodbath, falling 12% as it became clear that less China exposure had its limits. Ditto for Nike, which said in its most recent annual report that factories in Vietnam made half of the shoes it sells and more than a quarter of the apparel in Vietnam. The sportswear giant, trying to carry off a turnaround amid waning interest in its wares, saw its shares fall 15%. What has investors worried is that it is very difficult to shift production elsewhere with any speed, and there are few new options left anyway. "The advantages of chasing low cost bases of manufacturing has effectively reached its limit," TD Cowen analyst John Kernan wrote in a research note. "Tariff mitigation practices will occur (e.g. sharing cost with manufacturing partners) but there are zero countries with factory capacity for companies to shift production." This story was originally featured on Fortune.com It's true in the airline businessand in any business. Sometimes the wind is at your back, sometimes it's all headwinds. And it's the latter weather pattern where KLM CEO Marjan Rintel finds herself these days. Like many companies, KLM had been banking on strong macroeconomic factors to power it through this year, but instead the company faces an uncertain global environment, a darkening outlook for global travel, and the added challenge of sometimes tense relations with regulators. It's something of a feat that the tiny nation of the Netherlands birthed such a huge airline. With a population of only 18 million people, and virtually no need for domestic air travel, the Netherlands wasn't naturally the home of one of the busiest airports in the world. But KLM has played a role in making Schipol a global hub for people traveling elsewhere Europe, and the fourth largest in Europe after London Heathrow, Istanbul and Paris Charles-de-Gaulle. Formed in 1919, KLM had revenues of 12.7 billion euros last year, and flew 34 million passengers. It is now part of Air France-KLM, which last year ranked No. 7 globally among largest airlines. (KLM generates about 40% of total company revenue.) For the Dutch government, that growth has proved to be too much of a good thing. Last year, under pressure from locals in densely populated Amsterdam to reduce noise caused by air traffic in and out of Schipol, the government lowered the total of flights allowed at the hub by 4% in 2025 to 478,000. (That brings back down to 2023 levels.) With typical Dutch directness, KLM called the move "incomprehensible," arguing at the time that the move was unnecessary given its growing use of quieter planes and warned the government it could be hurting the country's overall economic development and place as a business hub. KLM has also slammed the Dutch government raising Schipol's airport fees by 41%, with Rintel saying it made Schipol a much more expensive airport from which to operate than most others. "If you install all these kinds of local measures, it will kill the business, because people will go somewhere else," she tells Fortune in an interview at KLM's headquarters in Amstelveen, right outside Amsterdam. "Once it's gone, it's gone," she said. That somewhere else includes hubs like Frankfurt, which is nipping at Schipol's heels in terms of passenger volume, and Brussels, which has only a fraction of Schipol's long haul destinations. Of course, Rintel has a vested interested in Schipol remaining a leading airport, with the airport and the airline's fates completely intertwined. KLM, whose initials stand for "Royal Airline Company" in Dutch, is struggling to improve its profitability, and in October the airline announced a plan to take out 450 million euros a year from its cost structure. It recently slashed hundreds of jobs. To mollify the government, and to "future-proof" KLM, Rintel touts KLM's efforts to modernize itself, including investing 7 billion euros in refreshing its fleet with many new airplanes that make less noise, and which will cut carbon emissions. She also sees a future in electric planes to help European airlines hits their mandated green goals. What she doesn't want to see is KLM missing out on the air travel boom she says will be long lasting beyond the current turbulence. She took note of Delta Air Lines warning in March that weakening consumer confidence could hurt business. But she sees the appetite for air travel as insatiable. She also considers travel an innate need for the people of her small country, one that has a long tradition of globetrotting, going back to the 1600's when the Dutch East Indies company was founded. "We still see people want to fly. The flights are full, high load factors, and there are still solid revenues," she says. Rintel points as an example to the 1 million Indian citizens per months getting passports and to expansions at airports like London Heathrow and Copenhagen. KLM's strategy to lure premium passengers Like Delta, a partner airline, KLM has been working on the "premiumization" of its offering, or trying to generate more revenue with tantalizing perks to lure the better heeled traveler. Delta has trained its customers to pay up for top class seats, rather than giving them away as perks as it did for years, and to pay top dollar for lounge access, creating a bonanza for the airline. [Read Fortune's current cover story on Delta here.] For KLM that means touches like a high-end lounge at Schipol with features such as massages, sleep cabins and quiet work areas. On board, that takes the form of business class seats that have lightweight doors to create a private compartment. (Rintel notes that Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently texted her say he'd recently flown on KLM for the first time in years and was impressed with its premium service.) Despite the friction with the government over the number of flights allowed at Schipol, KLM has added a bunch of routes this year including San Diego, Hyderabad in India and more flights on existing routes such as Las Vegas and Edmonton, Canada. Another tool for growth for Air France-KLM, considering potential limits to growth at home, is consolidation as it looks to keep up with rivals like British Airways, Emirates and new ones emerging like Saudi. Air France-KLM took a 19.9% stake in Scandinavian Airlines last year, and in March, Air France-KLM made a 300 million euro offer for a majority stake in the Spanish airline Air Europa. "You have no choice but to look around the world, right? The competition comes for you otherwise," she says. But the cornerstone for KLM's growth will remain anchored in Schipol's importance. Before becoming CEO in 2022, she had led the national Dutch NS rail system, and early in her career, had worked at Schipol until 1999 in operational roles, where she developed an in-depth knowledge of how the airport works. She then joined KLM for 15 years in her first stint at the airline. It was precisely for that mix of backgrounds that she was ultimately hired to run KLM, experience that would make it easier to understand how to interact with the Dutch government and other stakeholders. "If you know both companies from inside, it always helps you to understand the working relationships, understand the pain points, understand the need of working together, understand the basic of operations," she says. And this, she says, is key to helping KLM remain a strong airline and fulfill its role in connecting the Netherlands to the rest of the world, all while addressing environmental concerns. "We need to be proud in the Netherlands of who we are and what we did in the past and to preserve it for the future," she says. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com A former Green Beret in North Carolina who'd been missing since January was allegedly killed and dismembered by his wife after he told her he was planning to file for divorce. The Fayetteville Observer, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that Shana Cloud, 50, was arrested last week on murder and weapons charges in the slaying of her husband, Clinton Bonnell. A judge denied her request for bail. Bonnell, a 50-year-old former medic in the U.S. Army Special Forces, was reported missing in January the same day he met with a divorce lawyer, according to court documents. His dismembered remains were discovered in a pond three miles from the couple's home about a month after he was reported missing by his girlfriend, who was alarmed that he hadn't shown up for classes at Methodist University. Cloud's attorney, James McRae Jr., did not immediately respond to USA TODAY'S request for comment. At Cloud's first court appearance, Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West said there were two gunshot wounds in the back of the torso that was discovered; DNA testing matched it to Bonnell. Court documents say that on Jan. 27, Bonnell met Cloud at a health club in Fayetteville, where, Cloud told investigators, she confronted Bonnell about a note she believed was from a romantic partner. Bonnell was reported missing the following day. The evidence: Wife of missing ex-Green Beret charged with murder after his DNA matches remains found in pond A last text, two wellness checks Bonnell's last contact with anyone was a text the evening of Jan. 27, when he told his girlfriend that "he was home, told his wife about the divorce, and was going to bed," court records say. Location data on his phone stopped at 8:15 a.m. the following morning. On Jan. 28, a faculty member at Methodist University, where Bonnell was studying to be a physician's assistant, called the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office to ask for a wellness check when he'd failed to show up for any classes. His girlfriend called later for another wellness check on Bonnell, and he was then listed as a missing person. This photo of Clinton Bonnell's North Carolina home was included in a request for a warrant to search the home in his January disappearance. A month later his remains were found in a nearby pond. Cloud told police she didn't recall seeing Bonnell return to the home they shared, even though his car was there. In the following days, police obtained warrants and searched the home, finding Bonnell's bag and laptop, which "both had damage consistent with being struck by a projectile," according to court records, with metal fragments also found inside the bag. A .22-caliber gun was also found in the house. The investigation: Retired Green Beret met with divorce lawyer day before he was reported missing NBC News reported authorities said that digital and video evidence also linked Cloud to the area where Bonnell's remains were found. Bonnell: Two deployments, 20 years of service An Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ruth Castro, told the Fayetteville Observer that Bonnell served in the Special Forces, achieving the rank of sergeant first class and serving from September 2004 to December 2024. He served two tours in Iraq, from October 2010 to May 2011 and from September 2017 to February 2018, she said. He retired Dec. 31, according to a death notice in the Fayetteville Observer, having been awarded several medals and commendations during his service. His family, which included his parents, a sister, nieces and a stepdaughter, remembered him as "an amazing human with a brilliant mind." Bonnell enjoyed yoga, hiking and being outdoors and had a "passion for health and wellness." "Clint will forever be remembered for his gifts of playing the guitar and singing," the notice read. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ex-Green Beret's wife charged with murder after remains are found Georgia Sen. David Lucas, D-Macon, questions Sen. Max Burns, R-Sylvania, over a diversity, equity and inclusion bill. Georgia Senate (The Center Square) Georgia senators tacked a diversity, equity and inclusion bill into legislation initially addressing teacher leave while diversity bills are also moving through the Tennessee General Assembly. In Georgia, the original version of House Bill 127 would have increased the number of sick leave days but didn't make it to the Senate floor. Sen. Max Burns, R-Sylvania, said decisions on "admissions, employment, promotion, work assignments, resource allocation and other fundamental decisions in whole or in part" are based on "race, color, sex, ethnicity, national origin, gender ideology or sexual orientation," in a late Thursday night Senate session. The comments drew the ire of Sen. David Lucas, D-Macon, who Burns called a friend. "I used to be your friend," Lucas said before questioning Burns and going to the well to oppose the bill. "I am appalled that you have the mitigated gall to bring such a thing into this body," Lucas said. "You're drinking Trump Kool-Aid." Senate Democrats introduced multiple amendments. Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes proposed the addition of a line that said, "Academic Freedom in the State of Georgia is under greater threat than ever. Please help. The amendments were rejected and the bill passed 33-21. It goes back to the House for reconsideration of its changes. Tennessee Sen. Jack Johnson's "Dismantle DEI Act" and "Dismantle DEI Departments Act" were given thumbs up by the Senate State and Local Government Committee and referred to the full Senate calendar. Senate Bill 1083 prevents local governments and higher education institutions from making decisions based on diversity policies. State and local governments and higher education institutions would be prohibited from having diversity, equity and inclusion departments under Senate Bill 1084. Sne. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, said the bills are "taking out things that prohibit people from discriminating against people. "I think we are creating a mess that serves very little purpose," Yarbro said during discussion of the bills on Thursday. Johnson said the Lee administration did not bring the bills. He did reference President Donald Trump's "Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing" executive order issued on Jan. 20 as a reason for the bill. "Diversity is a wonderful thing but diversity for diversity's sake alone and making diversity the No. 1 priority over merit and over running an effective and efficient state government, I think that is wrong," Johnson said. The House version of Johnson's bills, sponsored by Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, were deferred to the Wednesday meeting of the House State and Local Government Committee. Experts from Colorado State University released their initial forecast for this year's Atlantic hurricane season on Thursday, with as many as 17 storms expected. Of those 17 storms, nine are expected to become hurricanes, according to researchers. The forecast includes a state-by-state look at hurricane risk this year. Those calculations predict the chances of a storm passing within 50 miles of the state. The highest risk is in Florida, which faces a 92% chance of being impacted by a storm, and a 65% chance of being impacted by a hurricane. Meanwhile, there is a low, but not negligible, risk to the north in New England. Rhode Island faces a 25% storm chance and 9% hurricane chance, forecasters say. Colorado State University's outlook is one of several major forecasts for the hurricane season that will publish this spring. AccuWeather's forecast, which came out last week, calls for 13-18 named storms, of which 7-10 will be hurricanes. Federal forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will release their forecast in late May. Will your state be impacted by a hurricane? Here's what to know about how likely your state is to see a hurricane this year. Will a hurricane impact Alabama this year? In Alabama, there's a 67% storm chance and 34% hurricane chance this year. There is also a 10% chance of a major hurricane tracking within 50 miles of Alabama, according to CSU experts. Will a hurricane impact Connecticut this year? There is a 27% storm chance and 9% hurricane chance in Connecticut this year. Will a hurricane impact Delaware this year? There is a 28% storm chance and 8% hurricane chance in Delaware this year. Will a hurricane impact Florida this year? In Florida, there is a 92% storm chance and 65% hurricane chance this year. There is also a 35% chance of a major hurricane tracking within 50 miles of the state. Will a hurricane impact Georgia this year? There is a 72% storm chance and 37% hurricane chance in Georgia this year. Will a hurricane impact Louisiana this year? In Louisiana, there is a 74% storm chance and 46% hurricane chance this year. There is also an 18% chance of a major hurricane tracking within 50 miles of Louisiana. Will a hurricane impact Maine this year? In Maine, there is a 26% storm chance and 9% hurricane chance this year. Will a hurricane impact Maryland this year? In Maryland, there is a 37% storm chance and 13% hurricane chance in 2025. Will a hurricane impact Massachusetts this year? There is a 40% storm chance and 18% hurricane chance in Massachusetts this year. Will a hurricane impact Mississippi this year? There is a 62% storm chance and 35% hurricane chance in Mississippi this year. Will a hurricane impact New Hampshire this year? In New Hampshire, there is a 22% storm chance and 7% hurricane chance this year. Will a hurricane impact New Jersey this year? In New Jersey, there is a 28% storm chance and 9% hurricane chance this year. Will a hurricane impact New York this year? There is a 32% storm chance and 12% hurricane chance in New York this year. Will a hurricane impact North Carolina this year? There is a 76% storm chance and 46% hurricane chance in North Carolina this year. Will a hurricane impact Rhode Island this year? There is a 25% storm chance and 9% hurricane chance in Rhode Island this year. Will a hurricane impact South Carolina this year? In South Carolina, there is a 66% storm chance and 35% hurricane chance this year. Will a hurricane impact Texas this year? In Texas, there is a 70% storm chance and 44% hurricane chance this year, as well as a 19% chance of a major hurricane tracking within 50 miles of the state. Will a hurricane impact Virginia this year? There is a 54% storm chance and 24% hurricane chance in Virginia this year. Tropical Storm Milton on satellite just before 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. When does Atlantic hurricane season 2025 begin? Hurricane season officially begins June 1, but storms have formed in May in several recent years. The six-month season lasts until November 30. Will a major hurricane make landfall in the US in 2025? Colorado State researchers said there's a 51% chance of a major hurricane making landfall somewhere along the U.S. coastline. The average, based on records from 1880 to 2020, is 43%. A major hurricane has wind speeds of at least 111 mph. The chances for a landfall are greater along the Gulf Coast (33%) than they are along the East Coast (26%). This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: List shows 2025 hurricane risk by state, according to CSU forecast Naomi Elkins leaves the courtroom in Toms River, N.J., on July 29. A New Jersey woman who drowned her two children last year for "religious reasons" was found not guilty by reason of insanity, a court ruled this week. Naomi Elkins, 27, was charged with killing her daughters, ages 1 and 3, after she drowned them in her bathtub on June 25 at her home on Shenandoah Drive in Lakewood, New Jersey. Prosecutors said Elkins admitted to police that she killed the girls for "religious reasons," NBC Philadelphia reported. "She thought that if she destroyed her children, she would be destroying all the evil in the world," psychologist Gianni Pirelli testified Tuesday, according to the Asbury Park Press. Police responded to the report in June of two children suffering from cardiac arrest and found emergency responders from a volunteer ambulance program trying to save them. Police respond at the home of Naomi Elkins in Lakewood, N.J. The toddlers were pronounced dead at the scene. The younger child had been stabbed in the chest, according to the prosecutor's office. Pirelli also testified that Elkins was described as "emotionless" after the incident and that her statements included similar "religious themes," such as the idea of being the Messiah, the Press reported. "She was undoubtedly psychotic at that time," Pirelli said. Defense attorneys confirmed Elkins has a history of mental illness, NBC Philadelphia reported. After she confessed to police, Elkins was given an opportunity to write a letter, which Pirelli read in court. She writes, You are evil. Im deserving of death and destruction. I dont know what I was. I loved my children, but I loved you more,'" as if it were written to God, the Press reported. Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan concluded Elkins was responsible for the deaths of her children but ruled Tuesday that she was not guilty owing to insanity. Ryan ordered Elkins to be committed to a psychiatric hospital for two lifetimes, according to the Press. Under state law, each life sentence is 75 years. Ryan also quoted from Elkins' letter, reading: "I put me before my kids. How could a Jewish mother do that? How? How is it possible?" Defense attorney Mitchell Ansell said Elkins will be periodically evaluated by the court and remain in a psychiatric institution, unless she reaches a point of being no longer considered a danger to others or herself, according to the Press. Scott Rodgerson | Unsplash (The Center Square) A multi-law enforcement operation resulted in 40 alleged members of the violent Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) being arrested in Hays County, a rural county located southwest of Austin. Texas Department of Public Safety announced the arrests after a more than year-long investigation conducted by multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, San Antonio Police Department, and multiple federal, state and local partners. The arrests were made Wednesday after the FBI learned of a possible gathering of suspected TdA members and associates in Hays County. Early Tuesday morning, the Hays County Sheriff's Office and DPS, working with the FBI, ICE, Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations, established sufficient cause to obtain a search warrant for a residence in Hays County, DPS said. DPS Special Response Team executed the search warrant, resulting in the arrest of more than 40 individuals, including minors, who were taken into custody at or near the residence, DPS said. Officers also seized narcotics. An investigation is ongoing and charges have yet to be announced. As the border crisis escalated under the Biden administration, Hays County residents were hit hard by the death of three teenage boys from fentanyl poisoning in less than two months in 2022. At the time, fentanyl poisonings were underreported and teenage deaths sent shockwaves through communities. In 2023, Hays County resident Brandon Dunn testified before Congress that his high school sophomore son Noah was murdered by a drug dealer selling counterfeit Percocet pills, The Center Square reported. The pill contained no Percocet. Instead, it contained 8 milligrams of fentanyl, he said. Two milligrams is considered a lethal dose. Not soon after, two Hay County teenage boys died from counterfeit Xanax and Percocet pills containing illicit fentanyl, prompting the Hays County Independent School District to launch a campaign to educate parents and students about fake prescription pills and illicit fentanyl. Nurses offices, local law enforcement and other agencies in the county stocked up on NARCAN, the lifesaving drug that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who represents Hays County in House District 21, also worked with Boerne ISD to produce a public service announcement warning parents and students about the dangers of illicit fentanyl. Dunn and his wife co-founded The Forever 15 Project, a nonprofit to spread awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, provide resources for those at risk, and honor those who were killed from fentanyl poisoning. Under the Biden administration, fentanyl poured through the southwest border from Mexico, where cartels use precursors from China to manufacture it and traffic it across the border. Under the Biden administration, fentanyl became the leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in fiscal 2024 alone seized 21,889 pounds of fentanyl, enough to kill more than 4.9 billion people. Texas law enforcement officials in four years seized enough fentanyl to kill the entire populations of the U.S., Canada and Mexico combined, The Center Square reported. Roy was among the first in Congress calling for the impeachment of former President Joe Biden and former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, arguing they created the border crisis that led to the deaths of countless innocent Americans. He was among nearly all House Republicans who impeached Mayorkas in February 2024, the first sitting cabinet member to be impeached in U.S. history, The Center Square reported. U.S. Senate Democrats ensured no trial was held, giving every cabinet member a blank slate to ignore the law, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, argued, The Center Square reported. The Biden Administrations open-border policies, led by impeached former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, brought a historic number of criminal aliens and dangerous actors into our communities. Texans including those in TX21 have suffered as a direct result, from dozens of fentanyl related deaths to human trafficking, and now an enormous [TdA] gang operation operating right in the heart of suburban Austin in Hays County, Texas, where I call home, Roy said when praising the TdA arrests. While South American gangs engage in murder, extortion, human trafficking, and terrorism - activist judges and radical progressive Democrats continue to impede the President and Republican leaders from removing these criminals from the United States, he said, arguing, there should be unanimity of purpose among all our nations leaders to bolster enforcement efforts against all illegal aliens, criminal gangs, and cartels until every last member is incarcerated and deported. One of President Donald Trumps first acts in office was to designate TdA and Mexican cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). Under the Biden administration, as crime expanded in at least 22 states by confirmed TdA members, Texas law enforcement expanded targeted operations to apprehend them. Gov. Greg Abbott last year designated TdA and cartel members as FTOs and also launched a statewide initiative to target them, offering rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to their identification and arrest, The Center Square reported. In addition to the arrests in Hays County, violent TdA members are being arrested statewide by local and federal authorities, The Center Square reported. From price hikes to expanded incentives and even layoffs, automakers are responding to President Trumps unprecedented and shocking tariffs. On Wednesday, Trump made good on his tariff threat for foreign-made autos, slapping 25% tariffs across the board on foreign-made cars that began today. Tariffs on the crucial auto parts sector will begin on May 3 after the Commerce Department determines appropriate levies. Shares of GM (GM), Ford (F), and Stellantis (STLA) were slammed along with the broader market as concerns over profits, demand destruction, and the sensitivity of the auto parts sector roiled global markets. German automaker Volkswagen (VWAGY)is the first to add an import fee to autos affected by the 25% tariff, per a memo sent to dealers reported by the Wall Street Journal. Volkswagens rail shipments from Mexico, where the German automaker builds its high-volume Tiguan SUV, will reportedly be suspended at this time, and tariff-affected vehicles located at ports in the US will remain there until the company determines next steps. VWs giant plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., would see production impacted, most likely due to a potential tariff cost to auto parts coming across the border. A Volkswagen spokesperson did not immediately respond when reached for comment. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet Among US automakers, the Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford will actually implement price cuts on most of its vehicles by expanding employee pricing to all US buyers starting today. A Ford spokesperson said this could mean savings of up to $4,000 on a vehicle, on top of any other deals that dealers are already offering. Ford offering price cuts in this environment may be a good way to help everyday Americans. But others see it as a gimmick for short-term sales gains. Wolfe Research said as much, calling the move hard to understand as anything other than a marketing ploy for Trump-leaning consumers, a goodwill gesture by Ford for potential preferential treatment from Trump, or simply a "[market share] grab at the expense of price" and profit margins. Smash it up: President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Crosstown rival GM, the top US automaker by volume, told Yahoo Finance it wouldnt have a tariff response at this time and likely wouldnt until the company's Q1 earnings call on April 29. However, GM did confirm that it will increase production at its Ft. Wayne, Ind., plant where it builds Silverado and Sierra pickups. GM said it will hire additional workers, though the plant is already running three shifts, so production gains will be "incremental." Most hiring is for backfill and workers taking vacation over the coming months. Rival Stellantis wont be implementing price hikes at the moment, the automaker told Yahoo Finance. However, the company confirmed that it would be idling production at plants in Mexico and Canada and also confirmed a Reuters report that 900 US-based workers would be temporarily laid off because of the tariffs. The Stellantis layoffs will begin Monday, the company said, and may draw the ire of President Trump, whose ostensible reason for implementing tariffs is to boost US manufacturing hiring. We are continuing to assess the medium- and long-term effects of these tariffs on our operations, but also have decided to take some immediate actions, Antonio Filosa, Stellantis COO for the Americas, said in a memo to employees. Foreign luxury automakers are also reeling from the tariffs, as prices for those vehicles will jump considerably. Per Bloomberg, Mercedes production chief Jorg Burzer said the company is considering making more vehicles in the US in response to the tariffs and is also weighing withdrawing its entry-level models because tariffs would make them uncompetitive in the US market. A Mercedes spokesperson told Yahoo Finance the company cannot comment on price moves or output changes, though the company did add reports of pulling models from the US are "without any merit." Mercedes rival BMW is in a tough bind too, although the company makes all of its SUVs in the US and even exports them to other markets. The company has a plant in Mexico where other cars like the 3-Series sedan and performance-oriented M2 are built; BMW will price-protect those vehicles through May production for the 3-Series and to May 1 for the M2 and 2-Series. That means the Bavarian automaker will eat the tariff cost, for now. Luxury automaker Porsche said it may pass on the costs of tariffs to its US buyers. "When the subject [of tariffs] becomes concrete, we will assess which price options there are to pass on to consumers," CFO Jochen Breckner said in a news conference following the release of results in mid-March. "We have a very, very strong brand, a great customer base, a loyal customer base, and great product. So in the first place, we would look into additional pricing" to preserve profit margins, he said. Not surprisingly, Wall Street is concerned about where this leaves the automakers and what comes next. As we gather more information from industry participants, we increasingly believe that the burden of tariffs will be shared amongst OEMs, consumers (via higher ATPs), dealers, and some suppliers, Deutsche Bank analyst Edison Yu wrote on Thursday. Near-term, we expect the OEMs to adjust production allocation (i.e., certain vehicles/trims) and utilize any excess capacity (or add extra shifts) in the US without making significant capex investments. Yu added, We dont think automakers and the supply base can make such structural changes quickly, especially amid more mid-term uncertainties around the political climate." This story is developing. Check back for more updates. Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Courtesy Orient Express La Dolce Vita Yesterday at Roma Ostiense Station, the Orient Express returned with an ambitious, Italian, luxury travel venture: the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a high end train with a distinctly mid-century flair. The ceremonial unveiling took place in the exclusive La Dolce Vita Lounge, a dedicated space designed by artist-architect Hugo Toro, where a tangerine lacquered ceiling hovers above guests enjoying their first taste of the opulence to come. This marks Italy's first private luxury rail fleet, born from a collaboration between Arsenale and Orient Express, with support from Fondazione FS Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani. The inaugural journey departs tomorrow, April 4, whisking passengers to Montalcino on the aptly named "Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards" itinerary. Courtesy Orient Express La Dolce Vita ELLE Decor A-List firm Dimorestudio has transformed former Z1 Italian railway carriages into moving galleries of mid-century Italian design. The interiors pay homage to the nation's design legendsGio Ponti, Gae Aulenti, Osvaldo Borsanicapturing the glamour of 1960s Italy when "la dolce vita" wasn't just a phrase but a cultural movement. The train features 31 cabins, including 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins, and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite. This fleet will traverse 14 Italian regions on eight itineraries, from Venice's romantic canals to Sicily's sun-drenched landscapes. Each journey embraces slow travel, allowing guests to savor Italy's cultural tapestry at a civilized pace. The deluxe cabins feature cool color palettes, mirrored back walls, and wooden slat ceilings, with each space offering a private ensuite bathrooma luxury not always found on overnight trains. During daylight hours, the cabin's sofa serves as a comfortable seating area before transforming into a double bed at night, with ottomans doubling as coffee tables and stools. Room service is available via in-cabin tablets, offering a selection of Italian delicacies including olives, fennel-infused taralli, cheese boards, and breadsticks. Courtesy Orient Express La Dolce Vita Three-star Michelin chef Heinz Beck oversees the culinary program, creating menus that reflect the regions being traversed. Mornings begin with "The Grand Tour of Italy" breakfast, featuring freshly squeezed juices, Sicilian brioche, artisanal jams, and aromatic Italian coffee. As evening approaches, the train undergoes what's called "The Great Transformation"lights dim, decor subtly shifts, and a pianist unveils a new repertoire while the sommelier prepares signature cocktails and wine pairings in the Bar Car. The Lounge Bar itself is a warm, inviting space with a luminous lacquered ceiling and sophisticated furnishings in soft beige, off-white, and camel tones. Here, guests partake in the cherished Italian tradition of Aperitivo, enjoying a buffet of antipasti paired with expertly crafted cocktails and fine Italian wines. The experience extends beyond the rails with curated stops that immerse travelers in local traditions and landscapes. Courtesy Orient Express La Dolce Vita "We're introducing a new model to global tourismrail cruises as the third pillar alongside cruises and hotels," Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, noted in a press release. "This project represents a benchmark for Made in Italy, promoting sustainable travel and supporting local entrepreneurship." Gilda Perez Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express, describes it as "a new chapter in Italian train journeys" where "the glamour of 1960s and 1970s Italy meets the country's rich hospitality." When fully operational, the ambitious project will comprise six trains operating 600 trips annually, with prices starting from 3,500 per night. The fleet is being built in workshops between Brindisi and Palermo, with a total investment of 240 million. Already, pre-bookings show strong international appeal, with 47% coming from American travelers. To book your own adventure, head to the Orient Express site. All aboard for la dolce vita, indeed. You Might Also Like St. James General Store They didnt have Wi-Fi when this opened. An 168-year-old general store on Long Island which is the longest running business of its kind in the entire nation is having a viral moment thanks to history lovers who are making this quaint slice of the past trend in the 21st Century. The two-story St. James General Store, which was built in 1857 by the Smith family who famously founded nearby Smithtown was the focus of a social media series episode on its unique lore by Hamptons-based videographer Jim Christiano, which drew thousands of viewers. The two-story St. James General Store, built in 1857 by the Smith family, was the focus of a social media series episode on its unique lore, drawing thousands of viewers. Dennis A. Clark I really had never been personally affected by the power of social media until then, Pat Rohr, who has been working at the North Shore site since the early 1990s, told The Post. People were calling. They were calling the store they were calling me personally, she said of the shop that, in keeping with its history, doesnt have its own online presence. Long Island specifically loves this general store which sits on the National Register of Historic Places as over the years its severed as a meeting place for townsfolk, a post office, a pharmacy and a residence. It also a place for blissful memories to so many locals. I know that from my own experience, watching these kids who came in with their parents back in the 90s, theyre all grown up now some of them teachers, lawyers, doctors, and they bring their own kids in, said Rohr. In the modern day, the St. James General Store is known for a delectable array of candies Rohr said they are the top seller plus toys, books, clothing, jewelry, dishware, and other eclectic items that come from over a dozen local merchants and other retailers. The store sits on the National Register of Historic Places and has been a meeting place for townsfolk, a post office, a pharmacy and a residence. Dennis A. Clark Above the shelves sit nearly 300 antiques found in the store over the years, like glass pharmacy bottles, old-style telephones, a stamp machine and even shoes and a bugle. A mix of candles, lavender, and the old wood that keeps the 19th-century homestead together also creates a smell of its own, according to Rohr, a former school nurse who joined the staff out of a love for history. When you walk in here, I think it lowers your blood pressure instantly, she said. And its a different mindset altogether.even if you just want to calmly walk around and dont buy anything, were fine with that. Bernadette Davis and Pat Rohr at the store. Rohr has worked at The St. James General Store since 1997 after retiring from nursing. Dennis A. Clark Alleged hauntings and ghost sightings arent even enough to deter the hundreds of customers a weekend, the employee said. Two customers claim they have seen phantoms in 19th-century clothing, and an amateur ghost hunter pops in about once a month. Some even come as far as New Zealand to experience the authentic slice of roadside America. We literally get people from everywhere. Ireland, Asia, you name it, said Rohr. We literally get people from everywhere. Ireland, Asia, you name it, said Rohr about the store which sells candies, toys, books, clothing, jewelry, dishware and other eclectic items. Dennis A. Clark And, at Christmastime, the line to shop and see Santa Claus was getting so long they had to move the holly jolly man to an outdoor shed. However, islanders are the bread-and-butter consumers keeping the lights on. Rohr said about three-quarters of the business is thanks to locals all of whom want to ensure the St. James General Store continues its claim to fame as the nations longest actively running. This community is very protective, she said, adding that in a modern way, the facility has once again become a meeting place for LI. Rohr has personally seen strangers leave as friends. I just love it because I think more places like this are disappearing because people are just not aware, she added. So the more they become aware, I feel theres more likelihood this place will be protected and it will last. A man wanted for a 2019 Kentucky murder has been arrested after breaking his leg while trying to flee from U.S. Marshals in North Carolina, officials said Wednesday. Charles Ray Blevins, 38, allegedly shot and killed a man in South Williamson, Kentucky on July 6, 2019, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service. Blevins was out on parole at the time, having previously been convicted of second-degree murder in West Virginia. A warrant was issued for his arrest on July 11. He was listed as a major case fugitive by the U.S. Marshals Service, and was being considered for elevation to the agency's 15 Most Wanted fugitives listed, the USMS said in a news release. In addition to being wanted for first-degree murder in Kentucky, he was also wanted on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a parole violation charge. Blevins was a danger to the public, the USMS said. He was known to carry firearms and had access to firearms. He had also made statements indicating that he would "engage in violence with any law enforcement officers who attempted to arrest him" rather than going back to prison. Recently, West Virginia and Kentucky investigators learned that Blevins had traveled to South Carolina, the U.S. Marshals Service said. They tipped off the USMS Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. That agency was able to learn that Blevins was frequenting a house in Gaffney, South Carolina. Investigators began surveilling the home. The USMS Special Operations Group prepares to arrest Blevins. / Credit: U.S. Marshals Service On March 31, the task force and deputies from the U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group moved to apprehend Blevins. He attempted to flee through the back of the house but fell and broke his leg. He was taken into custody without further incident, the USMS said. "Given the seriousness of Mr. Blevins' alleged crimes, the threat he posed to the public, and his ability to avoid capture, it was critical that we bring him into custody swiftly and safely," said Acting U.S. Marshals Service Director Mark Pittella in the news release. Blevins was brought to an area hospital for treatment. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, the agency said. He will be extradited to Kentucky to face charges. Authors of "Autism Out Loud" on motherhood, diagnosis and growth on the spectrum Democratic-backed candidate wins record-breaking Wisconsin Supreme Court seat Trump addresses reporters as markets fall in wake of tariff announcement The urgent two-month search for missing Wisconsin teen Sophia Franklin has been called off after she was found safe along with the 40-year-old man believed to have gotten her pregnant. Franklin was spotted just before midnight Wednesday her 17th birthday with Gary Day, 40, near Omaha, Nebraska, around 500 miles from her home in Beaver Dam, according to WISN. Day who is known to be the father of Franklins unborn child, according to a multi-state Amber Alert when she went missing Feb. 3 was arrested after police located the pair off a tip. An Amber Alert was issued for Sophia Franklin, then 16, after she was last seen leaving her home with the man believed to be the father of her unborn child. Missingkids.org The Amber Alert was canceled Thursday morning as Day was taken into custody. He was charged with two counts of child abduction and two counts of child enticement in February. Franklin who is five months pregnant was taken to a hospital, where both she and her unborn baby were determined to be healthy, officials said. Early in their search for the missing teen, authorities revealed she had secretly stayed with Day at his home in Cabot, Arkansas, for six months in 2024 while her family thought she was staying with a friend close to home in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Police located Franklin at Days home in December when they were conducting a probation check on Day, who was on probation for felony domestic battery charges. Gary Day, 40, has been charged with two counts of abduction of a child and two counts of child enticement. Missingkids.org When they went to check on him, somebody ran out the back door, and that turned out to be a 16-year-old female from Wisconsin, Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley said. Franklin was brought back to Beaver Dam only to go missing on Feb. 3, when a man appearing to be Day was spotted on a doorbell camera near Franklins home early Monday, officials said. The case triggered an Amber Alert in Wisconsin, Arkansas and Missouri, according to the outlet. Authorities believe the two fled in a black 2014 Buick LaCrosse. Missingkids.org The Beaver Dam Police Department would like to thank the Sarpy County Sheriffs Office, as well as the numerous other law enforcement agencies that put forth the time and effort to locate Sophia, Beaver Dam Chief John Kreuziger said in a statement. We would also like to thank the community members in multiple states for their awareness and willingness to share leads to follow to help bring Sophia safely home, Kreuziger added. By Laurie Chen, Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In its first months, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has moved to deter China from threatening its neighbors, signalling that the U.S. will ramp up its military presence in the Indo-Pacific and offer more support to Taiwan. But with his global tariffs announcement on Wednesday, Trump may have undercut his own administration's strategy. While China is one target of the economic measures, others facing levies include allies Japan and South Korea and newer partners, including Vietnam and India. The result, warn analysts, could be an economic moat around the U.S. that ultimately undermines Washington's strategic goals on China. "The fact that Trump is potentially alienating so many U.S. trade partners at the same time certainly, in my opinion, weakens the overall impact (of his China policy)," said Joe Mazur, geopolitics analyst at policy consultancy Trivium. "It might also allow China to find common cause with other countries facing down Trump's tariffs, and if not coordinate a response, then at least it will incentivize other countries to mend fences with China." The White House National Security Council did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump lambasted doubters while announcing his tariff blitz. "Never forget, every prediction our opponents made about trade for the last 30 years has been proven totally wrong," he said on Wednesday. Trump said he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. imports and higher duties on dozens of the country's biggest trading partners, reversing decades of trade liberalization that have shaped the global order. China will get hit with 34% tariffs, according to the White House, European Union allies will face 20% duties, and Taiwan, the democratic island at the center of U.S.-China geopolitical frictions, will be hit by 32% tariffs, on top of other tariffs announced by the Trump administration since January. Scott Kennedy, a China expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the administration's trade policy could hurt the U.S. economy and fray ties with like-minded countries. "I'm really concerned that we are going to, for the sake of generating jobs in manufacturing, sacrifice our massive advantages in other areas of our economy which are the primary source of our employment, prosperity and international economic and military power," Kennedy said. "We may end up quite isolated." RE-ESTABLISHING DETERRENCE Trump's administration has been vocal about building up U.S. military capacity to counter China. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a briefing last week in the Philippines on his first trip to the Indo-Pacific that the United States would "shift to this region of the world in a way that is unprecedented," adding that it was committed to re-establishing deterrence "in the face of Communist China's aggression in the region." Trump's team has also moved to bolster security support for Taiwan, granting the island an early reprieve from the administration's freeze on foreign military financing. Still, other steps by the administration could erode U.S. influence to Beijing's benefit. Trump has slashed foreign aid and sought to eliminate U.S. news services, such as Radio Free Asia, which were intended to counter propaganda from American adversaries, particularly China. His push to acquire Greenland and retake the Panama Canal - though positioned as a way of countering China - has riled allies and raised questions about the U.S. commitment to a rules-based international order. Global tariffs could backfire, said Lizzi Lee, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institutes Center for China Analysis. "Add in the Trump administrations moves to dial back soft power - like cutting foreign aid and scrapping Radio Free Asia - and its hard not to see this as a risky play that might play into Chinas hands more than intended," she said. But for China's leaders, Trump's tactics also create risks. The tariffs - and any broader economic fallout - will be painful for China, already struggling with a slowing economy. "I don't think (the Chinese) are feeling triumphalist ... tariffs that destabilise the American economy could prove just as bad for China as tariffs on Chinese goods," said Christopher Beddor, deputy China research director at Gavekal Dragonomics."The biggest risk now is that Trump's wider trade agenda might create a shock to global economic growth, which would be much harder to manage." XI PLAYING LONG GAME Despite tough rhetoric from Beijing and prompt retaliation after two rounds of additional tariffs since Trump took office, many analysts agree that Chinese measures so far have been relatively restrained, intending to leave space for dialogue. "We haven't cut off communication channels, I think our actions are reciprocal but we are not deliberately being provocative," said Sun Chenghao, fellow at Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy. "Trump seems preoccupied with many things outside China. We don't need to put ourselves in his focus of attention. I believe this is not what China wants." Craig Singleton, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, expects Beijing to avoid a sweeping tariff response but still apply pressure to politically sensitive U.S. exports such as agriculture and industrial machinery and ramp up regulatory actions against U.S. firms. He said China was also likely to signal to Europe and other traditional U.S. partners that it is still open for business. "Xi is playing the long game," Singleton said of Chinese President Xi Jinping. "Avoid concessions, absorb the hit, and bet Trump blinks first." (Reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing, and Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom in Washington, Editing by Don Durfee and Rod Nickel) Bronze Age Scandinavians may have traversed from Denmark to Norway directly over the open sea on large canoes, scientists say. The cultures of people from this time in northern Denmark and southwestern Norway were alike, with similar artifacts, burial systems, and architecture. Until now, researchers thought the cultural exchange between the two regions was likely made possible by vessels traveling along a specific, long route. This was a 700-kilometre (434 miles) route following the coastlines of Scandinavia, across Denmark, up the coast of Sweden and back down to southwestern Norway. However, a new simulation suggests ancient people in these regions may also have traveled directly between the two sites, crossing over more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) of open ocean. Sea trials in a reconstruction of the 350 BC Hjortspring boat (Knut Valbjrn) For their study, scientists developed a computer programme that assessed factors like current and wind, along with data on how a vessel moves through the water. They simulated trips using a reconstruction of the Hjortspring boat a large paddle-driven canoe used around 350 BC. Researchers compared direct open water journeys (110 km) and coast-hugging (700 km) voyages between Jutland and southwest Norway in the Early Nordic Bronze Age. These two areas are known to be closely connected in the later part of the Stone Age throughout the Bronze Age between 2350 BC and 1500 BC, scientists say. The latest simulations showed that Bronze Age people likely had the ability to travel directly from Denmark to Norway over the open ocean. These trips, scientists say, would have required a boat capable of navigating in waves up to a metre high and winds of up to 10 knots, along with good weather forecasting and navigational skills. While the longer route along the coastline was safer and possible all year round, the direct open-ocean crossings were likely limited to the summer months, researchers say. The longer trips would have also taken many weeks to complete and required frequent stops to restock supplies, they say. "Our findings show that systematic and regular crossings over long stretches of open sea were possible in vessels similar to the Hjortspring boat and that such journeys might have begun already by c. 2300 BC, researchers wrote. Nevertheless, successful journeys needed crews with extensive maritime know-how and seafaring skills, they added. Scientists say the model developed in the study could also be adapted to study other seafaring cultures, given sufficient information about the shape and specifications of their vessels. This tool offers a new way to assess navigation and seafaring abilities in prehistory while also enabling the direct comparison between different type vessels and vessel configuration, navigational skills and propulsion, the researchers wrote. A Drug Enforcement Agency agent in 2021. These days, fear doesnt leave him alone, the Honduran immigrant and Drug Enforcement Administration informant said, even when hes working in construction or at home with his family. He spends sleepless nights, watching his daughters and praying that the Trump administration doesnt deport him to Honduras, where he claims death awaits him for his collaboration with U.S. authorities. Thank God, the opportunity to be in this country has been the best thing ever. My focus has always been my family, my work, and going to church, he said in an interview with Noticias Telemundo. He requested anonymity for fear of retaliation from the Honduran criminal group he was involved in. If tomorrow they expel me I dont know what will happen to me. My problem isnt small, its a matter of life or death, the informant said, explaining hes provided information to U.S. authorities that, among other things, led to the arrest of a major Honduran drug trafficker. Federal agencies often rely on the help of confidential informants to conduct investigations and secure the conviction of drug traffickers and criminal kingpins. Some of these informants, however, are in the country illegally. Immigrant informants like the Honduran man and others whove spoken publicly about their cases say that without the protection of a visa or legal immigration status, they're always at risk of deportation and potential danger if theyre sent away. Though the Honduran informant doesn't have a visa or green card, he was able to obtain protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) a measure that prevents deportation to a person who runs a real risk of being tortured in their home country. However, experts consulted by Noticias Telemundo confirmed that current laws that allow for deportations to third countries apply to cases of deportation suspension and CAT protection. This, despite the fact that in many cases international criminal networks have tentacles throughout Latin America. Noticias Telemundo contacted the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, the DEA and the FBI for information and comment on the situation of immigrant informants, following President Donald Trumps promise to carry out the largest migrant deportation plan in the countrys history. It did not receive a response from the agencies. 'Informants are the wheels' "The FBI investigates more than 250 types of crimes, including counterterrorism, counterintelligence, kidnapping, extortion and drug trafficking, and I can tell you that much of the work, almost of all of it, involves help" from informants, said Arturo Fontes, who worked for 28 years at the FBI on drug trafficking and organized crime cases. Fontes was one of the agents who tracked Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. We always say that informants are the wheels, and the government is the cart. And without the wheels, the cart cant move forward; informants are too important, Fontes said. The Honduran informant said that "in another country, without the collaboration of a third party outside law enforcement, its very difficult for the FBI or the DEA to capture someone sometimes we make mistakes, like everyone else, but if it werent for what we were able to do, maybe they wouldnt have arrested anyone. The DEA had more than 18,000 informants assigned to its national offices between 2010 and 2015 and more than 9,000 of them received nearly $237 million in total payments for information or services, according to an audit by the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General. That figure has not been updated in subsequent public reports; also, the latest report doesn't indicate how many of the informants were foreign nationals. In 2021, the group Open the Books, which charts government spending, reported that informant funding from the DEA, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reached $550 million. Rocky Herron, a former agent who spent 31 years investigating drug trafficking networks, said that in his "career at the DEA, there are no cases without an informant every investigation depends on them." "Maybe the informant introduces an undercover agent who carries out the investigation, but that agent has to enter the organization through someone, or it could be a person who falls into prison and wants to negotiate a reduced sentence with the government and provides information," Herron said. "I used informants in all my investigations. The complex relationship between law enforcement and immigrant informants has produced high-profile cases in which individuals have alleged they provided crucial assistance in a criminal investigation but later faced deportation. Ernesto Gamboa, a Salvadoran auto mechanic in the West Coast, generated headlines when he claimed he helped police for 14 years in hundreds of drug raids but faced deportation in 2009 once he ended his collaboration claiming he had stopped getting a stipend. Authorities later dropped deportation charges against him. Carla Deras, a Mexican immigrant, stated she was recruited by ICE to assist in dismantling a child-trafficking ring; she said an agent she worked with urged authorities not to deport her while she was waiting to obtain a special visa. But after the agent left, Deras said she was left in limbo. Were illegal. I dont have any money, and I cant apply for unemployment benefits, she said in a 2010 interview with the Los Angeles Times. There are almost no restrictions on who the government can pressure to become informants, Alexandra Natapoff, a Harvard Law School scholar and author of Snitching: Criminal Informants and the Erosion of American Justice, told Noticias Telemundo. We dont provide good protections for any whistleblower, let alone those pressured to cooperate under threat of deportation, she said. In 2017, then-Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz told Congress that the use of informants carries risks because these individuals typically have criminal records, and they often provide assistance or cooperation in exchange for cash or the prospect of a reduced sentence, rather than out of a desire to help enforce the law. A 'huge risk' Foreign informants face immigration problems even though cooperation with authorities could give them an opportunity to apply for an S visa, which allows federal law enforcement agencies to submit applications for them to receive a green card. Normally, the district attorney helps the applicant apply for a visa, but it can be very difficult to obtain and time-consuming, Kevin Johnson, a law professor at the University of California, Berkeley, said. With Trump, were seeing a tightening of the requirements for all visas so I wouldnt be surprised if this category is subject to special scrutiny. Several former federal agents interviewed by Noticias Telemundo said the process is so exhaustive that its rare to obtain this kind of visa. Although there is a legal limit of 200 S visas per year, a report by the Congressional Research Service indicates that between 1995 and 2004, only 511 were approved for informants. In 2012, for example, only one such visa was issued. The Honduran informant said he hasnt been able to obtain an S visa. Attorney Javier Maldonado, who has litigated immigration issues in Texas for decades and has had many clients who've cooperated with authorities, said about half of those clients have ultimately been deported. "It's a huge risk, he said. Ive had clients who have cooperated with these law enforcement agencies, and I always have to warn them that the balance of power is not equal. They depend on the mercy of the agencies and what they want to decide. Many of these individuals have immigration or criminal records that prevent them from regularizing their legal status in the United States, Maldonado said. He said that if authorities don't facilitate the process for an informant, "they remain in a kind of limbo unless they request measures such as suspension of deportation and the Convention Against Torture. All of us who are currently in the program, those of us who have collaborated, are in grave danger, the immigrant informant said, citing the death in Honduras of someone who had helped them with the investigation. Maldonado, the attorney, said these migrants are at great risk," especially if theyre from certain regions of the world like Central America. They have great concern about returning to those countries," Maldonado said, "and now that the president has started sending people to El Salvador even if theyre not from that country, thats going to make many more fearful of what might happen if theyre detained. The Honduran informant said he wants to stay in the U.S. working in construction. He enjoys getting up early and watching the bricks he hauls and installs become walls and roofs of new homes. Its hard; its 10 to 11 hours a day in the cold and the sun. And I do it to support my family because, since my first daughter was born, it has radically changed my life, he said. I regret my mistakes a thousand times over, the informant said. If I had come to this country when I was young, maybe I wouldnt be in this situation. An earlier version of this story was first published in Noticias Telemundo. Amy Elting | Unsplash (The Center Square) New Hampshire Republicans are advancing a plan to ban diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives by the state, local governments and schools. The GOP-controlled House Finance Committee voted Tuesday along party lines to add an amendment to the state's budget to impose new limits on DEI mandates in state government, public higher education and K-12 schools. If it survives budget negotiations, the proposal would prevent government agencies from renewing or entering into DEI contracts. The rules would also apply to municipalities and school districts, which would have to submit reports to the state by Oct. 1 identifying any DEI contracts. Under the proposal, schools that don't comply or refuse to dismantle DEI programs could lose state funding. "No public entity shall implement, promote, or otherwise engage in any DEl-related initiatives, programs, training, or policies," the amendment reads. "No state funds shall be expended for DEl-related activities, including but not limited to implicit bias training. DEI assessments, critical race theory,or race-based hiring, promotion, or contracting preferences." Republicans argued that the move was necessary to prevent a loss of federal funding, with President Donald Trump cracking down on DEI initiatives and targeting states that don't comply. We want to make sure that we dont lose federal money because we have something in there that lot of us dont support anyway," House Finance Chairman Ken Weyler, a Kingston Republican, said during Tuesday's hearing. Democrats objected to the amendment, arguing that it was filed at the last minute and should be considered as part of the state budget. They defended the DEI policies, saying they help institutions serve diverse populations and address systemic inequality. Some Democratic lawmakers suggested it would result in legal challenges that would cost the state's taxpayers money to defend. "Are you ready for the consequences?" state Rep. Mary HakkenPhillips, a Hanover Democrat, asked GOP committee members. "Because they are coming, and it will be expensive, and you will be forever tied to this policy." On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order on DEI directing federal agencies to terminate equity-related grants and contracts. Another Trump order required federal contractors to certify that they do not promote DEI programs. He and other Republicans argue that the initiatives discriminate and undermine merit-based hiring and education. Trump's policy is being challenged in federal court, but his lawyers want a round in March after a three-judge panel from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a nationwide injunction against the policy, allowing the orders to be enforced while the case moves forward. The budget amendment faces several hurdles, including a Thursday vote by the House Finance Committee before the full House votes on the spending package next week. The state Senate will craft its version of the budget, and both chambers must agree to a final version of the spending plan before sending it to Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte for consideration. Reconstruction is ongoing in Avery County in this social media post from Oct. 27, 2024. Avery County Government | Facebook (The Center Square) Hurricane Helenes death toll in North Carolina has grown to 107 and is 236 across seven states. Gov. Josh Stein shared news of a death in the Avery County community of Newland. The wife of a couple camping was among those who died in earlier confirmations; the husbands death was added on Thursday after his body was found. The governor said the couple was camping on the last weekend of September when the storm hit. This weekend marks the beginning of the 28th week of recovery. Damage is estimated at $60 billion. Helene is arguably the worst natural disaster in state history. Hurricanes Floyd in 1999 and Hazel in 1954 have their place, as does Asheville's Great Flood of 1916. Comparison is not apples to apples. Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Dekle Beach, Fla., on Sept. 26. It was expected to come north to the Appalachian Mountains; however, the rainfall total from its dissipation there exceeded all forecasts. Some places got more than 30 inches, most were at 24 or more. Due to terrain, water often rushed before it pooled and flooded very unlike the flooding that happens in the coastal plains. AccuWeather said rainfall totals were 32.51 inches in Jeter Mountain, 31.36 inches in Busick, and 26.65 inches in Hughes. Forty-two died in Buncombe County, 11 in Yancey and 10 in Henderson. Respective state officials say 49 were killed in South Carolina, 34 in Georgia, 25 in Florida, 18 in Tennessee, two in Virginia and one in Indiana. Numbers were confirmed by The Center Square based on information supplied by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services; South Carolina Department of Public Safety; Georgia Emergency Management Agency; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Tennessee Emergency Management Agency; Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin; and the Gibson County Sheriffs Office in Indiana. Helene is the fourth most deadly hurricane from the Atlantic Basin in the last three-quarters of a century. Only Katrina (2005, deaths 1,392), Audrey (1957, deaths 416) and Camille (1969, deaths 256) killed more people. Myanmars military junta has declared a ceasefire in its ongoing civil war with ethnic rebel groups until 22 April, a day after it confirmed that soldiers had fired at a Chinese convoy carrying aid for victims of last weeks devastating earthquake. The surprise announcement came late on Wednesday. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing had previously rejected ceasefire proposals by rebel groups to allow humanitarian aid to reach earthquake-hit regions of the country. The military said it would halt fighting for 20 days as a show of compassion for people affected by Friday's quake, state broadcaster MRTV reported. The commander-in-chiefs office, however, said the military would take necessary countermeasures if rebel groups sought to damage communication lines, mobilise forces or take new territory. The ceasefire the first since a fierce civil war threw the country into turmoil four years ago would provide a brief respite to civilians, mostly Muslim ethnic minorities, caught in the crosshairs. Since the military took power in a February 2021 coup, it has faced fierce resistance from a mix of newly formed opposition groups and long-established ethnic armed factions. Its grip on the country has weakened over the past year, with its control shrinking to less than 30 per cent of the territory, though it still holds the largest cities. Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing gestures as earthquake survivors gather in the compound of a hospital in Naypyidaw (AFP via Getty) The 7.7 magnitude earthquake collapsed thousands of buildings, cracked open roads and bridges, killed over 3,000 people and injured nearly 4,500. It also left hundreds of people missing. The true extent of the devastation remains unknown. Resistance factions and rights groups in the country have raised concerns about the junta blocking aid to areas held by the rebels, with many rebel groups reporting fresh military strikes soon after the earthquake. The Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday its rescue and relief workers in Myanmar were safe after a Chinese convoy delivering aid was attacked by soldiers the previous night. The Taang National Liberation Army, a rebel group in northern Myanmar, claimed that the soldiers used machine guns to fire at the convoy at Ummati village in Naung Cho township in Mandalay. People attend a Buddhist memorial service near the rubble of a collapsed building in Mandalay (AFP via Getty) Military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun confirmed that the soldiers had fired warning shots but claimed the convoy had failed to heed instructions to stop. He also claimed the convoy had not notified authorities of its route ahead of time despite going into a conflict zone. The urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to regions struck by the earthquake has become critical as rescue workers continue to search through the rubble. On Tuesday, rescuers pulled out two men alive from the ruins of a hotel in the capital, a third from a guesthouse in another city, and a fourth in Mandalay. But most teams were finding only bodies. Many areas remain without power, telephone or mobile connections and are difficult to reach by road. People dig out a car from the rubble of a destroyed building on the outskirts of Mandalay (AFP via Getty) In Singu township, about 40 miles north of Mandalay, 27 gold miners were killed in a building collapse, the independent media outlet Democratic Voice of Burma reported. Ceasefires had been announced earlier this week by the People's Defense Force, which is the armed wing of the shadow opposition National Unity Government, and the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a trio of ethnic minority guerrilla armies. Morgan Michaels, an analyst with the International Institute of Strategic Studies, said the military was under pressure to follow suit. "It would require very deft and active diplomacy to transform a humanitarian pause into something more lasting, he said. And that's not guaranteed. The junta leader is likely to fly to Thailand for a regional summit on Thursday, garnering bad publicity for taking the trip despite his country struggling to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake. It will be his first visit to a country that is not an ally China, Russia and Belarus since he attended another regional meeting in Indonesia in 2021. Additional reporting by agencies. A Pennsylvania woman who admitted to fabricating kidnapping and rape allegations against a stranger whom she specifically targeted because she thought he was creepy last year is paying for her lies. Anjela Borisova Urumova, 20, was sentenced to from 45 days to 23 months in Bucks County Correctional Facility on Tuesday by Judge Stephen A. Corr, according to the Bucks County District Attorneys Office. She was also sentenced to one year of probation, ordered to have no contact with the victim, pay him $3,600 in restitution, and is required to undergo a mental health evaluation. Anjela Borisova Urumova, 20, was sentenced to from 45 days to 23 months in Bucks County Correctional Facility on Tuesday. Obtained by NY Post In January, Urumova who was facing 17 years in prison pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor counts, including tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and false reports. The lies led to an innocent man, Daniel Pierson, being jailed for 31 days until she admitted to making them up. Not only did this targeted false report impact the victim and his family in unimaginable ways, but there is also a profound ripple effect, District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said. A crime like this can shatter the communitys confidence in the system. It can jeopardize prosecutions of legitimate crimes of sexual violence. Pierson, 41, was present with his wife in court Tuesday but did not wish to make a statement during the sentencing since the ordeal has been too emotional for him and his family, the DAs office said. Urumova lied about being kidnapped and raped by Daniel Pierson, who spent a month in jail until he was proven innocent. Obtained By NY Post The 20-year-old had claimed she was attacked from behind outside a Redners supermarket on April 16, 2024, cooking up a story that the assailant pulled her pants down and smacked her, leaving a bruise on her face. She then went to the police and accused Pierson as her attacker before eventually fessing up to the tale. Urumova told investigators that she specifically targeted Pierson because she had seen him and his blue Ford F-150 pickup truck in the area before and thought he was creepy. The Middletown Township Police Department also reviewed surveillance video and analyzed Urumovas cellphone data, which led to the discovery of multiple inconsistencies and contradictory information with Urumovas account of the attack at the Redners parking lot. In January, Urumova who was facing 17 years in prison pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor counts, including tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and false reports. Linkedin She was charged on May 20, 2024, and was held on $30,000 bail. Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy and Corr thanked the detectives for their hard work, which helped prove Pierson was an innocent man, during the sentencing. McElroy also called out Urumovas actions for accusing him of one of the worst crimes imaginable. In this case, she targeted an innocent man and accused him of one of the worst crimes a person can be accused of, McElroy said. Im incredibly grateful for the work that law enforcement did in this case to get down to what happened, but it cant change the fact that a man spent 31 days sleeping in a cell for a crime he didnt commit. MANILA (Reuters) - The potential purchase of F-16 jets by the Philippines from the United States does not harm the interests of any third party, including China, a Philippine security official said on Thursday. National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya assured China the planned acquisition is not intended as a threat to any nation and is merely part of the Philippines' efforts to modernize its military. "We would like to assure the People's Republic of China that the planned procurement of the F-16 fighter jets to the Philippine arsenal does not in any way harm the interest of any third party," Malaya told a briefing. The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Tuesday the State Department had approved a possible foreign military sale to the Philippines of 20 F-16 planes for an estimated cost of $5.58 billion. The aircraft would boost the Philippine military's ability to patrol its territory and improve interoperability between their militaries, the Pentagon said. Malaya said the U.S. government has not officially communicated the approval to the Philippines. The announcement came after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Manila last week, where he reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad" commitment to its mutual defence treaty with the Philippines and pledged to deploy advance capabilities to strengthen deterrence against threats, including Chinese "aggression". China has expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea that overlap with the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal ruled China's claims have no basis under international law, a ruling Beijing does not recognise. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by John Mair) Kuala Lumpur The latest search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been suspended by maritime exploration firm Ocean Infinity as it is "not the season," Malaysia's transport minister has said more than a decade after the plane went missing, and less than six weeks after the new hunt began. "They (Ocean Infinity) have stopped the operation for the time being, they will resume the search at the end of this year," Transport Minister Anthony Loke said in a voice recording sent to AFP on Thursday by his aide. Ocean Infinity, based in Britain and the United States, led an unsuccessful hunt in 2018, before agreeing to launch a new search this year. "Right now, it's not the season," Loke said in the recording, which was made during an event at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Wednesday. The Boeing 777 carrying 239 people disappeared from radar screens on March 8, 2014, while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Despite the largest search in aviation history, the plane has not been found. Loke's comments come a little over a month after authorities said the search had resumed, following earlier failed attempts that covered vast swaths of the Indian Ocean. An initial Australia-led search trawled 46,300 square miles of the Indian Ocean over three years, but found hardly any trace of the plane, with only some pieces of debris picked up. "Whether or not it will be found will be subject to the search, nobody can anticipate," Loke said, referring to the wreckage of the plane. Relatives of the victims had voiced hope in February that a new search could finally bring them closure. In December, Loke said Ocean Infinity would scour a new 5,800-square-mile area of the southern Indian Ocean, chosen "based on the latest information and data analysis conducted by experts and researchers." The most recent mission was conducted on the same "no find, no fee" principle as Ocean Infinity's previous search, with the government only obligated to pay out if the firm finds the aircraft. The plane's disappearance has long been the subject of theories ranging from the credible to outlandish. Among the theories is the suggestion that veteran pilot Zaharie Ahmad Shah could have gone rogue and crashed the plan deliberately. A final report into the tragedy released in 2018 pointed to failings by air traffic control and said the course of the plane was changed manually. Investigators said in the 495-page report that they still did not know why the plane vanished, and refused to rule out that someone other than the pilots had diverted the jet. Jiang Hui (R), a relative of a passenger who was on board missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, stands with others family members as he speaks to the media after a meeting in Beijing, China, March 8, 2025, on the 11th anniversary of the flight's disappearance. / Credit: PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Two-thirds of the passengers were Chinese, while the others were from Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and elsewhere. Relatives of passengers lost on the flight have continued to demand answers from Malaysian authorities. Family members of Chinese passengers gathered in Beijing outside government offices and the Malaysian embassy last month on the 11th anniversary of the flight's disappearance. Attendees of the gathering shouted, "Give us back our loved ones!" Some held placards asking, "When will the 11 years of waiting and torment end?" Authors of "Autism Out Loud" on motherhood, diagnosis and growth on the spectrum Democratic-backed candidate wins record-breaking Wisconsin Supreme Court seat Judge to hear case of Tufts University student detained by ICE, school calls for her release By Jason Lange WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's approval rating fell to 43%, the lowest since his return to office, as Americans soured on his tariff moves and his administration's handling of information about a military strike in Yemen, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found. The three-day poll, which closed on Wednesday, showed approval of Trump's performance as president down 2 percentage points from a poll conducted March 21-23 and 4 points below the 47% approval he had shortly after taking office on January 20. Trump registered his highest first-term approval rating, 49%, shortly after he took office in January 2017. His lowest first-term rating was 33% in December 2017. His overall approval remains stronger than it was for most of his first term. Democrat Joe Biden, Trump's predecessor in the White House, had his lowest rating - 35% - just ahead of last November's presidential election. Respondents gave Trump poor marks for his handling of the economy, which 37% approved of, with 30% approving of his work to address the high cost of living, an issue that also dogged Biden. About half of respondents - 52% - agreed with a statement that increasing tariffs on autos and auto parts, part of the new tariff push Trump was unveiling on Wednesday, will hurt people close to them, and about the same share said that boosting tariffs would do more harm than good. About a third of Americans - largely from Trump's Republican Party - said they disagreed with the statements that tariffs would do harm. Trump has marshaled a whirlwind of policy changes since taking office, pushing out nearly 200,000 federal workers and upending longstanding American diplomatic norms. His tariff policies have spooked investors, leading to a selloff in the stock market amid concerns they could trigger a recession. WORRIES ABOUT SIGNAL SITUATION Respondents also faulted the Trump administration's handling of military secrets, following the revelation last week that senior leaders discussed plans for an attack on militants in Yemen on the commercially available Signal messaging app and inadvertently shared advance plans with a journalist. Some 74% of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll - including 91% of Democrats and 55% of Republicans - said it was reckless to discuss the attack plans in this manner, compared with 22% who said it was a harmless oversight. Another 70% agreed with a statement that Trump should accept responsibility for the matter. Only 34% of respondents in the poll approved of Trump's handling of foreign policy, down from 37% in the March 21-23 Reuters/Ipsos poll. Some 48% of respondents approved of Trump's handling of immigration. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, which was conducted online and nationwide, surveyed 1,486 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of about 3 percentage points. (Reporting by Jason Lange in Washington; Editing by Scott Malone and Howard Goller) The US is as committed to Nato as ever, secretary of state Marco Rubio said, hours after the alliances countries were left reeling by Donald Trumps watershed tariff announcement. Mr Rubio touched down in Brussels earlier on Thursday before Natos foreign ministers convened to discuss global security and ongoing efforts to reach peace in Ukraine. But the 53-year-old met with his counterparts amid the backdrop of rising tensions between Washington and its allies within the alliance, elevated after the US presidents bombshell tariff speech on Wednesday. Marco Rubio touched down in Brussels earlier on Thursday (REUTERS) The Trump administration had already raised significant doubts about Natos future, questioning the efficacy of the 75-year-old alliance and how far Americas membership was in the US national interest. Dismissing doubts about Washingtons commitment to Nato as hysteria, Mr Rubio told reporters during a press conference with secretary-general Mark Rutte: "The United States is in Nato... The United States is as active in Nato as it has ever been. The US president is not against Nato, Mr Rubio said, rather he is against a NATO that does not have the capabilities that it needs to fulfill the obligations that the treaty imposes upon each and every member state. He then called on European countries to develop a pathway to bring their defence spending to five per cent of GDP, a move which Mr Trump has previously called for and a vast increase on the current 2 per cent goal. Mr Rubio was speaking during a joint press conference with secretary-general Mark Rutte (AP) Addressing European concerns about the timeframe and extent to which the US was considering reducing reducing its Nato engagement, Mr Rubio said: "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway, to every single one of the members committing and fulfilling a promise to reach up to five per cent of spending. This included the US, he said, adding: "No one expects that you're going to be able to do this in one year or two. But the pathway has to be real." Washington expects European ministers to use this weeks meeting to demonstrate their plans to boost defence spending, with just 23 of Natos 32 members meeting the current 2 per cent target last year. But Ukraine will also likely be a key topic in the discussions, as Europe looks to gain more influence over the talks - which have been heavily led by the US so far. Mr Rubio said there must be a real pathway to defence spending reaching five percent of GDP (REUTERS) Kirill Dmitriev, one of Vladimir Putins most trusted international envoys, is currently in Washington for the first official visit of a Russian since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The US-educated, former Goldman Sachs investment banker, who was invited by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, has a strong relationship with many US officials including key members of the Trump team - but details of the talks have so far been kept under wraps. Finlands president Alexander Stubb said on Thursday that at least one country from the so-called coalition of the willing - the group of countries willing to engage in peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine - should speak directly with Russia. "My personal preference would be that our representatives of the Coalition of the Willing would be doing that. In other words France or the United Kingdom," he said. Mr Stubb proposed France or the UK as the best candidates to do so. By Tom Polansek and Leah Douglas (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariffs could apply to eggs being imported to ease a supply shortage, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Thursday, a move that industry experts said could boost prices just as they have started to decline from record highs. Rollins said in a Fox News interview that tariffs on egg imports were possible and negotiations with affected countries were ongoing. On Wednesday, Trump announced sweeping tariffs that have been mostly criticized by agricultural and food groups for their potential to shrink markets for farmers and raise consumer prices. The U.S. has increased imports of eggs from Turkey, Brazil and South Korea in an attempt to increase supplies amid an ongoing bird flu outbreak that has killed nearly 170 million chickens, turkeys and other birds since 2022. A new U.S. baseline tariff of 10% would affect imports from Turkey and Brazil, and South Korea is facing a 26% tariff, according to figures released by the White House. If levies are imposed on eggs, manufacturers that import them for processing into food products would either need to absorb the cost or pass it on to consumers, said Greg Tyler, CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council industry group. "You will see increases in processed egg prices here in the United States as a result," he said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Egg prices have declined in recent weeks from all-time highs, though the wholesale price is still up 60% from this time last year at $3 per dozen, according to USDA data. Weaker demand and a lull in new cases of bird flu have helped cool prices, analysts said. The agriculture secretary, however, said tariffs would cause short-term uncertainty. "I'm not going to sit here and say, 'Oh, everything's going to be perfect and the prices are going to come down tomorrow,' because this is an uncertain time," Rollins told Fox News' Maria Bartiromo. The Brazilian government said it was evaluating its response to Trump's tariffs, while South Korea ordered emergency support measures for affected industries. Imported eggs are generally brought into the U.S. on ships, transported to processing facilities, and then unloaded by hand, said Brian Moscogiuri, global trade strategist for egg supplier Eggs Unlimited. "There's more costs associated with the imports already, and now you add tariffs on top it," he said. "It makes everything more costly and makes imports that much less likely to have a major impact." The U.S. imported more than 1.6 million dozen consumer-grade chicken eggs in January and February, mostly from Turkey, compared with none a year earlier, USDA data show. Turkey may not be as big of a supplier going forward because of tariffs and its own outbreak of bird flu, Moscogiuri said. (Reporting by Tom Polansek in Chicago and Leah Douglas in Washington. Editing by Emily Schmall and Marguerita Choy) DOL.gov (The Center Square) Union leaders support an Illinois Senate bill they say would protect workers rights and safety standards, but opponents say it could lead to unfair penalties for business owners. State Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, said the intent of Senate Bill 1976 is to ensure that Illinois workers have the same rights they had last year, but he added that the bill is not in its final form. SB 1976 would prevent state agencies from making workers rights or worker safety rules less stringent than federal laws. It would also allow the agencies to make the regulations more stringent than those provided in federal law as it existed on Jan. 19, 2025, which is the day before current U.S. President Donald Trump took office. AFL-CIO president Tim Drea expressed support for SB 1976. We are hopeful that the standards that have been in place to protect workers in the workplace, be it public or private, stay. We dont want to see anything on the federal level, [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] or anybody, take away workplace safety standards that have been established, Drea said. Aaron Harris of Michael Best Strategies spoke on behalf of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Harris discussed the chambers concerns with potential conflict between state and federal regulations. Were really concerned specifically regarding the difference in penalties. Looking at the state penalty structure, that may be different than the federal penalty structure. We want to make sure employers arent confused and there of course arent duplicative penalties that could really punish them, Harris said. State Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, asked Peters if he would work with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Theres still further conversations, as has been noted, with the Department of Labor, so we can get this done, Peters said And the Chamber? Tracy asked. Im not committed necessarily for the Chamber. Im willing to have conversations, Peters replied. State Sen. Chris Balkema, R-Channahon, noted the opposition from business groups. We seem to have all of the folks that are, from an association perspective representing large and small businesses, very unhappy with the current condition. It seems counterintuitive to me to move forward, Balkema said. Illinois Department of Labor Legislative and Policy Director Anna Koeppel was asked if her agency was against the bill. No, were not opposed. We havent taken a position. We see the merit in the intent, certainly. The language is just not quite there yet, Koeppel said. The committee advanced SB 1976 by a vote of 13 to 5. Peters promised he would not move the bill out of the Senate without further conversations. Six people were injured after a man who was in an "altered mental state" from an unknown substance began stabbing people in a Washington, D.C., neighborhood, police said. The suspect, who also stabbed himself in the incident, is in custody, police said. PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, first responders are at the scene of a multiple stabbing in Washington, D.C., on April 3, 2025. (WJLA) The incident was reported around 3:22 p.m. on Thursday in the area of Montello Avenue and Meigs Place NE, in the Trinidad neighborhood, police said. "Officers arrived on scene in less than a minute and located numerous people suffering from stab wounds," D.C. Chief Pamela Smith said during a press briefing. MORE: Family of teen stabbed to death at Texas track meet speaks out: 'He didn't deserve it' Based on preliminary information, the suspect began stabbing himself while walking down the street before stabbing a female acquaintance who was with him, Smith said. He then stabbed others who were outside on the block as well as two good Samaritans who tried to intervene, the chief said. Four women and two men were transported to area hospitals "as a result of a senseless assault," Smith said. They include a grandmother and her two granddaughters, she said. The victims are in stable condition and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, Smith said. Their ages were not immediately available. PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, first responders are at the scene of a multiple stabbing in Washington, D.C., on April 3, 2025. (WJLA) Police located the suspect on the ground in the area, Smith said. A knife that police believe was used in the assault was recovered a few feet from him, she said. The suspect, whose name was not released, was also transported to the hospital and is in surgery, she said. "This incident highlights the need for assistance of substance abuse issues in our communities," Smith said. MORE: Woman accused of fatally stabbing California fire captain wife charged with murder Smith commended the two good Samaritans who tried to help, though she warned against trying to intervene in such incidents. "Even though we're grateful for their intervention, we would ask that individuals who see incidents such as this to not intervene because these two individuals, although good Samaritans, were also stabbed as part of this assault," Smith said. The incident remains under investigation. 6 people injured in 'senseless' DC stabbing, suspect in custody: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A popular California nurse and influencer died from "childbirth complications," according to a social media post shared by her husband. Hailey Okula, an emergency room nurse known on Instagram and TikTok as "Nurse Hailey," died shortly after giving birth to her son, Crew. Her husband, Matthew, shared the news of her death Tuesday in a nearly two-minute TikTok video and Instagram post. "Words cannot convey the depth of the loss I feel. Hailey was more than I could have ever dreamed of in a wife and partner. She was gorgeous, smart, hardworking, passionate, trustworthy, and above all else, unbelievably loyal," Matthew Okula wrote in the Instagram caption. "For nearly 13 years, she stood by my side in the hardest of times, loving me endlessly, even when I felt undeserving of that love. She was my everything." Hailey Okula's death comes after she shared a glimpse of her infertility journey with her social media followers on Sept. 16, 2024. After trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant, the couple underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). Their son was born via C-section on Saturday, shortly before the 33-year-old mother died, KTTV reported. "We both looked at him and just Hailey's personality, she said a little something because she saw how big he was," Matthew Okula told the Los Angeles, California-based TV station. "She had a little tear on her face that I wiped." The father walked out of the room with his son while doctors were finishing up with his wife, he said, per KTTV. But a minute later, the doctor told him they were performing CPR on her. "I'm making the decision, am I going to the ICU with my wife, or am I staying with my newborn, little baby?" he recalled thinking, per the TV station. "Not the decision we thought I would be making." According to doctors, she went into cardiac arrest and suffered from a rare complication known as amniotic fluid embolism or AFE, he told KTTV. What is an amniotic fluid embolism? AFE impacts 1 in every 40,000 deliveries in the United States and 1 in every 53,800 deliveries in Europe, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It occurs when pregnant women get amniotic fluid in their bloodstream just before, during or immediately after childbirth. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. While it is made of mostly water, it also contains fetal cells and tissue. Doctors aren't sure why, but some people have a severe allergic response when amniotic fluid mixes with their blood, the Cleveland, Ohio-based clinic reported. It can lead to heart and lung failure, cardiac arrest, as well as uncontrollable bleeding from the uterus or C-section incision. California mother-to-be shared pregnancy and IVF journey in mid-September In her Sept. 16 TikTok post, Okula shared that she had been dealing with infertility for nearly two years. She called the feeling of finally being able to announce her pregnancy indescribable. Without going too much into detail about my journey from my infertility problems, to my husbands infertility problems, to us having to create a special probe because we both carry the same genetic disease, lotsssss of meds and lots of money, the journey has been hard, but so worth it, she wrote in September. She added that if followers wanted to know more about her infertility journey, shed share more. She said she underwent IVF, a series of procedures that can help individuals get pregnant if theyve been trying for at least a year with no success, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can also be used to prevent parents from passing genetic problems onto a child, the clinic added. Close-up of a pregnant woman's belly in the hospital bed with catheter in hand. What is IVF? The process involves taking mature eggs from ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, the clinic said. Next, one or more of the fertilized eggs (called embryos) are placed in the uterus, where babies develop. A full cycle of IVF takes about two to three weeks, but sometimes it can take longer if the steps are split up, the clinic said. According to the Mayo Clinic, IVF is the most effective type of fertility treatment involving embryos and sperm. IVF is not always covered by insurance, and the base fee for the procedure is, on average, $9,000 to $14,000, according to KFF, a nonprofit health policy organization. In her September pregnancy announcement, Okula said she understood that the outcome is not always the same for those who try IVF. I am so grateful and blessed that our first transfer stuck, she said in September. I remember watching church one day with the message of God knows, you dont and nothing has helped me more throughout this process. Influencer and husband were overjoyed to be expecting baby boy Some side effects of IVF include pain, bruising, or tenderness at injection sites, as well as nausea, breast tenderness, bloating, hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, allergic reactions, mild pelvic and abdominal pain, and pelvic infection, according to the Carolinas Fertility Institute. There is also the emotional stress it can cause, especially in cases where the process does not lead to pregnancy, the institute said. In Matthew Okula's Instagram caption about her death, he said that the couple's IVF process was challenging but his late wife took on each obstacle with so much courage and love." He recalled breaking down emotionally, telling her he was sorry the process would take such a negative toll on her body. We are a team, and well get through this together, she told him. He said his wife also made it her purpose to support those who wanted to become nurses like she did. Her TikTok profile is full of videos offering application advice and encouragement to those wanting to enter the field. She also sold apparel, flashcards and other items to help aspiring nurses through her website. In February 2023, she pushed those who aspired to become nurses, telling her followers that she was rejected from multiple nursing programs. She kept applying, and by 2023, she had more than three years of experience in the medical field. Matthew Okula said his wife used her business, RN New Grads, to encourage so many people. While he asked supporters to not purchase physical products from his wife's website at this moment, he said in the Instagram caption that digital products can be bought as normal as he tries to "continue this business in her honor." Haileys legacy goes beyond the work she did or the aspirations she carried, he wrote in the Instagram caption. Loved ones have started a GoFundMe to support the Okula family and their newborn son. As of Thursday afternoon, over $260,000 has been raised, surpassing the fundraiser's $250,000 goal. "Though her time with us was tragically cut short, Haileys love for Crew was limitless, long before he entered this world," Matthew Okula wrote in his Instagram caption. "She would have been the most amazing mom. Her spirit, courage, and love will live on in our son, and through everyone whose lives she touched." The father is sure his wife is looking down at him from Heaven, encouraging him to raise their son the way she would. "Don't baby him too much," he imagined her saying as he spoke to KTTV. "Make sure you do everything that we talked about doing. She gave her life in the most noble way. She was able to see him for a split second. I'm always going to remember that." Contributing: Jessica Guynn, Bailey Schulz Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hailey Okula, a nursing influencer, dies after childbirth in California It was always something of a mystery what was being liberated on President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day," but one thing is now clear: Billions of dollars in brokerage accounts across the country have been set free. The president's announcement of a blanket 10% tariff on all imports and higher taxes on most major trading partners clobbered investors. After stocks edged up in regular trading Wednesday, the announcement set off a shock after hours. As of 7:15 p.m. ET, futures had not yet started trading, but some major names were down sharply. Shopify, the e-commerce software leader, had lost 9%. Tesla and Apple had each fallen 7%. Nvidia had slipped 5%. The rest of the "Magnificent Seven" stocks that had led the bull market of 2023 and 2024 had gotten hit hard as well, and the wipeout may be unprecedented in modern market history, at least for after-hours trading. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Learn More Much of this sell-off seems to be a visceral reaction to the news, and to the economic experiment driving it: The Trump administration has asked Americans to endure some economic pain in order to (according to its reasoning) strengthen the U.S. economy over the long term. It says tariffs will reshore businesses, reduce the trade deficit and dependence on foreign imports, and rebuild the country's manufacturing base. Given the sea of red after hours on Wednesday, it's not surprising that investors would be panicking, especially since stocks were at all-time highs just weeks ago. At times like these, it's worth remembering the sage advice of Warren Buffett, the Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B) CEO and 94-year-old generally regarded as the greatest investor of all time. Two aphorisms in particular stand out at the moment. Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway's annual conference. Image source: The Motley Fool. Buffett on falling stock prices There's no shortage of Buffett wisdom on value investing, but one quote sticks out right now. Discussing his contrarian approach to investing, Buffett once said, "If they buy a stock and they think if it goes up it's wonderful, and if it goes down it's bad -- we think just the opposite. When it goes down we love it, because we'll buy more." What Buffett is saying might seem counterintuitive, but it makes sense. For net buyers of stocks, it's good for stock prices to go down, because it allows them to buy more shares for the same amount of money. Ultimately, you are investing in a company. And if the long-term prospects and health of that business hasn't been damaged by the sell-off in question, then you're getting a better deal buying shares at a lower price. Tesla CEO Elon Musk echoed this sentiment a few weeks ago when he implored Tesla employees not to sell their stock: "So, Tesla stock goes up, and it goes down. But, actually, it's still the same company." He said "It's just people's perception of the future" that changes. In the case of tariffs, they're likely to have a near-term impact on many top stocks and on much of the American economy. But no one really knows the impact five years from now, and certainly not 10 years from now. We don't even know if the tariffs are here to stay. If you're a long-term investor, stay focused on your time horizon. (You're not a day trader looking to make a quick buck.) Buffett on buying American Buffett has long been an advocate not just for capitalism and investing, but specifically for buying American stocks. In 2008, shortly after Lehman Brothers failed, he urged fellow investors in a New York Times op-ed to "Buy American. I am." More recently, he told investors in his annual shareholder letter that "I have depended on the success of American businesses and I will continue to do so," and he added that Berkshire would always be invested in "mostly American equities." While diversifying into international stocks isn't a bad idea at the moment, U.S. stocks have outperformed their global peers over time, and the U.S. has long been a dynamo of growth and innovation. Buffett has long insisted on betting on America, and he's unlikely to change his tune. Enduring drawdowns and even crashes might be emotionally painful, but they do present opportunities to scoop up quality stocks on the cheap, and it's wise to take advantage of them. U.S. stocks have rebounded from much greater crises and gone on to set all-time highs. Don't take it from me. Take it from Buffett, who has been invested through crises including the oil embargo, stagflation, Black Monday, the dot-com bust, 9/11, the great financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic -- and is still winning with the same simple strategy. Should you invest $1,000 in Berkshire Hathaway right now? Before you buy stock in Berkshire Hathaway, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Berkshire Hathaway wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $675,119!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 1, 2025 Jeremy Bowman has positions in Nvidia and Shopify. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Nvidia, Shopify, Tesla, and The New York Times Co. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. FILE - Vice President Mike Pence hands the electoral certificate from the state of Arizona to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., as he presides over a joint session of Congress as it convenes to count the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. (Saul Loeb/Pool via AP, File) Former Vice President Mike Pence will receive the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his refusal to go along with President Donald Trump's efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election, Kennedy's family announced Thursday. The award recognizes Pence for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan. 6, 2021, the JFK Library Foundation said. Trump pressured Pence to reject election results from swing states where the Republican president falsely claimed the vote was marred by fraud. Pence refused, saying he lacked such authority. When a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, some chanted that they wanted to hang Mike Pence. Pence was whisked away by Secret Service agents, narrowly avoiding a confrontation with the rioters. Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify, Trump wrote at the time on X, formerly Twitter, as rioters moved through the Capitol and Pence was in hiding with his family, aides and security detail inside the building. Pence rejected the Secret Service's advice that he leave the Capitol, staying to continue the ceremonial election certification of Democrat Joe Biden's presidential election victory once rioters were cleared. Two years ago, Pence said Trump's reckless words endangered my family. The Profile in Courage Award, named for a book Kennedy published in 1957, before he became president, honors public officials who take principled stands despite the potential political or personal consequences. His decision is an example of President Kennedys belief that an act of political courage can change the course of history," Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg, JFK's daughter and grandson, said in a statement. Pence said in a statement that he's deeply humbled and honored to get the award. I have been inspired by the life and words of President John F. Kennedy since my youth and am honored to join the company of so many distinguished Americans who have received this recognition in the past, Pence said. The award will be presented on May 4 at the JFK library in Boston. ___ This story and headline have been updated to correct that the award is given by the JFK Library Foundation, not the JFK Library. Manchester NH Police Facebook Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr speaks at a press conference Police are still searching for more information about a dead baby girl that was found in a pond in Manchester, N.H. The Manchester Police Department provided an update on Wednesday, April 2, about Baby Jane Doe, who was discovered in a pond in Pine Island Park around 4 p.m. local time on Thursday, March 27. The case is being investigated as a suspicious death. During a press conference, Chief Peter Marr revealed that the department had received roughly 50 tips. They helped to "significantly" narrow down the time frame of when investigators believe that the baby was left behind. Manchester NH Police Facebook Manchester N.H. police car While police were initially examining a two-week window, they now believe that the baby was "placed in the water sometime between Tuesday, March 25th and Thursday, March 27th," according to a press release. Marr said that his team responded to a "report of an object floating in the water, which was later identified as the body of a newborn female." "A thorough autopsy was conducted on Friday. While the autopsy revealed certain relevant information, additional tests are ongoing," a press release read. However, the department said that additional details would not be revealed at the moment. Baby Jane Doe's exact age has not been confirmed. However, Marr said, "We are calling it a newborn baby." The release continued, noting that police are seeking "information from anyone who might have seen someone discarding an object into the water at Pine Island Park between Tuesday, March 25th and Thursday, March 27th." They are also seeking "any photographs or videos taken at Pine Island Park or Pine Island Pond during that time" and "information about anyone who was pregnant during that period but is no longer pregnant and does not have a newborn." Marr said that the previous tips have helped the investigation "determine when the ice was no longer on the pond." Other tips have included people who "may be of interest." He noted that the New Hampshire State Police sent out a K-9 team to help conduct a search of the area. Read the original article on People Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting NATO's headquarters in Brussels for a meeting of the alliance's foreign ministers, putting him on the front lines of the Trump administration's push against traditional American allies in Europe. European leaders were already bracing for a contentious gathering. President Donald Trump's decision to pull back aid from Ukraine amid its efforts to fight off Russia's invasion marked a dramatic break with other allies, while his decision to engage Moscow in direct, one-on-one negotiations has left the continent's diplomats back on their heels. But on Wednesday, shortly before Rubio was set to depart for Belgium, Trump unveiled sweeping new "reciprocal" tariffs -- including a 20% tax on imports from the European Union. PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a joint press conference held with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers' meeting at NATO Headquarters on April 03, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Omar Havana/Getty Images) So far, Rubio has declined to address the tariff issue head on, but his Canadian counterpart said the global economic shock made it difficult to focus on the meeting's pressing agenda. "Clearly we're passing that message to our American counterparts that it's difficult to have these [NATO] conversations in the context of a trade war," Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in an interview with CNN. Rubio has also tried to skirt another topic of contention: Trump's stated desire to "get" Greenland for the United States by any means necessary. Rubio met with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on the sidelines of the NATO ministerial but didn't respond to reporters' questions asking what he would say about Greenland during the session. The State Department also made no mention of the Danish autonomous territory in its readout of the engagement. "Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the strong relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said. "They discussed shared priorities including increasing NATO defense spending and burden sharing and addressing the threats to the alliance, including those posed by Russia and China." MORE: What Trump's sweeping tariffs mean for the US economy and you? Rasmussen later said his meeting with Rubio was "good" but that while Greenland was not on the agenda "for many reasons," he had still taken the opportunity "to very strongly object to claims and presidential statements of a vision of acquiring Greenland." It has amounted to a situation in which it's not within the limits of international law," he said, calling it "an attack on Danish sovereignty." "We have seen these statements from the president, and we can't accept that," Rasmussen added. "And I made it very, very clear." Rubio and Rasmussen's meeting comes just days after Vice President J.D. Vance visited Greenland alongside his wife, Usha Vance, and national security adviser Mike Waltz. PHOTO: Belgium NATO Foreign Ministers (Virginia Mayo/AP) The second lady was originally scheduled to headline the trip and spend several days on the world's largest island, taking in Greenlandic cultural sites, but the visit sparked backlash from Greenland's interim government and Danish leaders who noted an invitation was never extended. In the aftermath, the White House added the vice president to the traveling delegation and whittled down the itinerary, shortening the trip to a one-day stop at a remote American military base in northwestern Greenland. Rubio has taken a more measured approach in his comments about Greenland than the president, but he still emphasized what he said are the pressing U.S. national security concerns surrounding control of the island. "This is not a joke," Rubio said in January. "This is not about acquiring land for the purpose of acquiring land. This is in our national interest, and it needs to be solved." MORE: Trump says US will 'go as far as we have to' to get control of Greenland At NATO Headquarters on Thursday, Rubio tried to reassure allies that despite the president's mixed signals, the Trump administration still views the alliance as central to U.S. security. "President Trump's made clear he supports NATO. We're going to remain in NATO," he said. Still, Rubio pushed the administration's message that allies need to increase their defense spending -- calling on all of the alliance's members to commit to putting up to 5% of their annual GDP toward it, a sharp uptick from the previous 2% benchmark. "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway," he said. "That includes the United States that will have to increase its percentage." Rubio in hot seat as he faces European leaders at NATO headquarters originally appeared on abcnews.go.com By Ju-min Park and Jihoon Lee SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo called on Thursday for talks with U.S. officials to shield the export-reliant economy from the impact of U.S. tariffs and ordered emergency support measures for businesses. U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled global reciprocal tariffs and displayed a 25% rate on South Korea. Han asked the industry minister to analyse the content of the tariffs and actively negotiate with Washington to minimise the impact, an industry ministry statement said. "As the global trade war has become a reality, the government must pour all its capabilities to overcome the trade crisis," Han said at a meeting with the finance minister and other top officials. Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun called the new tariffs "regrettable" but said Seoul will keep consulting with both senior and working-level U.S. officials on tariffs. Trump in his speech singled out Washington's Asian security allies South Korea and Japan, accusing them of being among the worst offenders for conducting unfair trade practices against the United States. Analysts in Seoul said Trump's extensive rollout of tariffs would inflict a significant blow on Asia's fourth-largest economy. "It is clear that major export products such as automobiles will be hit hard, and exports to the U.S. through production bases in Vietnam will also be hit hard," Park Sang-hyun, an economist at iM Securities, said in a note. Trump also announced a 46% duty on imports from Vietnam. South Korea's major corporations such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have manufacturing bases in the Southeast Asian country. Citi estimated the new tariffs could shave 0.16% from South Korea's GDP this year, putting its 1.0% economic growth forecast at risk. 'NO CAPTAIN ON A BOAT IN TYPHOON' Top government officials met South Korean business executives on Thursday to discuss the tariffs. Lee Yong-ho, chief executive of AIT, a company exporting aluminium automobile parts to the U.S., said AIT was already being squeezed by additional costs since a 25% tariff on aluminium products took effect in March. "We're like let's hold it out for now, but if it continues any longer, we're looking at a hopeless situation," said Lee, who feared losing his American clients to local rivals if he tried to raise product prices. The benchmark KOSPI stock index trimmed losses to less than 1% as of 0415 GMT, after falling as much as 2.7% in early trade to three-month lows. Automakers hit their weakest levels in more than 14 months, while chipmakers also slumped and battery maker LG Energy Solution hit a record low. It was unclear what emergency measures South Korea would announce to try to mitigate tariffs, but Han is due to preside over a meeting with the private sector later on Thursday to discuss the response. The efforts to tackle the tariffs come as South Korea deals with a leadership vacuum. The Constitutional Court is due to rule on Friday whether to permanently remove or reinstate President Yoon Suk Yeol after he was impeached over his short-lived move to impose martial law in February. Lee, the auto parts supplier, likened South Korea's situation with tariffs to a ship trying to navigate a typhoon without a skipper. "Our ship has no captain," he said, in reference to the political uncertainty. Before Trump's announcement on reciprocal tariffs, South Korean officials had sought exemptions, arguing the country had almost zero tariffs in place under a comprehensive free trade pact with the United States. "It is assessed to have practically nullified the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement," said Paik Seok-hyun, an economist at Shinhan Bank, referring to Trump's new tariffs. A finance ministry official told Reuters that the information available so far suggested the 25% tariff rate took precedence over the free trade pact and the government was actively seeking negotiations with the United States to lower it. Another government official, who requested anonymity, said South Korea was not in a position to counter U.S. tariffs aggressively under current security environments and must try to negotiate with Washington. (Reporting by Ju-min Park, Jihoon Lee and Yena Park; Editing by Ed Davies, Michael Perry and Kate Mayberry) My husband and I spent over $900 to visit Havasupai Falls. Bernadette Rankin I spent over $900 to visit a gorgeous remote corner of the Grand Canyon region. Havasupai Falls is a series of stunning turquoise waterfalls located on the Havasupai Reservation. Before visiting, guests must reserve three-night camping reservations, which cost $455 per person. When I came across an Instagram photo of waterfalls cascading over rocky red cliffs into turquoise pools, I knew I needed to learn more about this magical place and how I could get there. A quick internet search led me to pursue my dream bucket-list trip at Havasupai Falls. Havasupai Falls, which refers to a series of stunning waterfalls, is named for the First Nation tribe reservation where they're located in a remote corner of the Grand Canyon ecosystem, outside the jurisdiction of the national park. The first step in the journey was securing reservations The first part of planning my trip was securing permits to visit Havasupai Falls. Unlike other popular hikes like The Wave and Half Dome, which use Recreation.gov to issue permits, the Havasupai people manage their own permit process through their official website. Havasupai management uses the term "reservation" instead of "permit" since the process involves reserving a physical space at the campgrounds. Reservations cost $455 per person for the minimum three-night, four-day reservation. Through the Havasupai website, I created an account and accessed the cancellation and transfer list, which allows visitors to take over reservations made and forfeited by other travelers. To my surprise, I was able to snag a reservation just 17 days in advance. We packed up our car and headed out for our trip My husband and I loaded our backpacks into our camper van in early February with everything we would need for the strenuous hike. We waved goodbye to the comforts of our Las Vegas home and drove 2 hours to our first stop: a required check-in at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn in Peach Springs, Arizona. We met with a Havasupai representative who issued all the necessary paperwork after providing our proof of ID and printed reservation documents. We were given trail maps and directions for the 60-mile drive through the Havasupai reservation to arrive at our starting point, Hualapai Hilltop. Our starting point was Hualapai Hilltop. Bernadette Rankin Once there, we hoisted our 35-pound packs onto our backs and took the first nervous step to begin our adventure. We began the 10-mile hike to our Havasupai campsite We started the 10-mile hike to the campground at noon. The sharply descending trail dropped us through layer upon layer of colorful rocks, and had my legs shaking from effort even though I'm an experienced backpacker. Admittedly, I was anxious about what was to come for the rest of the hike if this was just the intro. My nerves gave way to excitement when the trail led us gently downhill through gorgeous, picture-worthy canyons before arriving in Supai Village. We hiked through gorgeous canyons before arriving in Supai Village. Bernadette Rankin As we walked into Supai Village, we saw signs stating that photography is strictly prohibited. The tiny village is an active community and a home-base hub for the Havasupai people, who cherish their privacy. We hiked past wooden houses with grazing horses and burros lingering in side yards, nodding to the few hikers who had opted to stop to rest their legs. The well-marked route led us out of Supai Village, with a bend in the dirt road quickly obscuring any sign of the community we left behind. Our feet were officially tired by this time, but the remaining 1.5-mile hike to the campground gave us a glimpse of Havasu Creek, the legendary source of the blue-green waters. After 9 miles of hiking, we encountered our first waterfalls At around 9 miles into our hike, we encountered our first three Havasupai waterfalls Fifty Foot Falls, Little Navajo Falls, and Old Navajo Falls before arriving at a makeshift plywood bridge. We crossed the bridge one by one and ventured on until we got our first jaw-dropping look at the cascading Havasu Falls. We visited Havasu Falls, where Beyonce shot her music video for "Spirit." Bernadette Rankin Suddenly, we understood why Beyonce filmed her "Spirit" music video at this unique natural wonder. We grabbed a spot at the Havasupai Campground After taking pictures of Havasu Falls, we headed down the steep path to the official entrance to the campground. We slowly hiked through the long stretch of first-come, first-served campsites, designated solely by a picnic table nestled within the narrow confines of soaring canyon walls. My insistence on finding the perfect place to pitch our tent paid off when we came upon a beautiful campsite in Havasupai. We inched toward the drop-off into the canyon 100 feet below and realized we were looking over the edge of one of the most famous Havasupai waterfalls: Mooney Falls. The highlight of our trip was hiking the Havasu Creek Trail Time went fast during our four days in Havasupai. Our favorite hike of the trip was on the Havasu Falls Trail, which stretches from Mooney Falls to Beaver Falls. This "Goonies"-style hike was described by the Havasupai people (and the ominous waiver we signed) as being "extremely treacherous." We descended down moss-covered wooden ladders to get to Mooney Falls. Bernadette Rankin We descended stone tunnels and moss-covered wooden ladders to get to the bottom of Mooney Falls. But in the end, we saw a view worthy of all the pictures we could take, frame, and hang in our home. Mooney Falls was breathtaking. Bernadette Rankin The 2.5-mile trail led us past grazing bighorn sheep, through multiple river crossings and countless unnamed waterfalls. We loved taking in the turquoise waters at Beaver Falls. Bernadette Rankin Soon, we arrived at our turnaround point and Beaver Falls, a terraced work of art created by minerals deposited by Havasu Creek. Before leaving, my husband and I vowed to return to Havasupai Falls When our time at Havasupai Falls came to an end, we didn't mind the long 10-mile uphill hike to get back to our car or the over $900 we spent on this utterly unique adventure. We begrudgingly trudged along like two kids who didn't want this one-of-a-kind trip to ever end. We consoled each other by swearing that we'd be back again to see Havasupai Falls, a place we'd fallen hopelessly and insatiably in love with. This story was originally published on February 28, 2024, and most recently updated on April 3, 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider The State Department is warning travelers about violent crime and other potential risks in a popular destination for cruise passengers and other tourists The Bahamas. The Caribbean nation was already listed at Level 2: exercise increased caution, according to the State Departments rubric for travel safety, where Level 1 means exercise normal precautions and Level 4 means do not travel. However, the destinations travel advisory was updated with additional information this week to reflect crime, swimming-related risks, and information on traveling with firearms and ammunition. Heres what travelers should know. Is it safe to go to The Bahamas right now? The State Department is not discouraging travel to The Bahamas, but it is urging caution. Violent crime like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults can occur anywhere in The Bahamas, according to the travel advisory, which was updated Monday. Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the Over the Hill area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents. The advisory also encourages vigilance in vacation rental properties, where there may not be private security. USA TODAY has reached out the official tourism arm of The Bahamas for comment. Make your journey safer and smarter: Sign up for USA TODAY's Travel newsletter. A lifeguard sits under an umbrella while watching people enjoy a beach in Nassau, Bahamas on April 29, 2019. What are the swimming-related risks? The State Department's travel advisory groups swimming-related risks into two categories: jet skis and boating, and beach safety. Among the risks are reports of sexual assault by some jet ski operators as well as sexual assaults on or near downtown Nassau beaches. There are also concerns over watercraft operators who may be unlicensed or uninsured or who may ignore weather warnings. Beyond that, the guidance is similar to what would apply on any beach vacation: never swim alone, watch out for watercraft, beware of sharks. Can you have guns in The Bahamas? Firearms and ammunition are illegal including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage," the State Department warns, noting that U.S. citizens have been detained or barred from leaving The Bahamas for possession. Travelers are urged to check their bags carefully for any such items before leaving the U.S. 'Exercise increased caution': US warns travelers about crime, strict gun laws in Turks and Caicos How can you be safe when traveling? Travelers are encouraged to practice basic safety principles like being aware of their surroundings, locking their doors and windows, and not answering the door unless they know who it is. They can also sign up for the State Departments free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) when going abroad. This allows the State Department to send them real-time updates on health, safety and other urgent matters and contact them in the event of an emergency. Its worth noting the State Department has recently updated travel advisories for several other popular destinations, and other countries have also warned their citizens about visiting the U.S. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bahamas travel warning: US urges travelers to stay alert The Grand America Hotel and the Sheraton Park City have similarly priced rooms in Utah's ski mecca. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I recently visited Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, for the first time. I stayed at a five-star hotel in Salt Lake City and a three-star hotel in Park City. My rooms were similarly priced, but they offered completely different experiences. Park City may be Utah's central ski hub, but Salt Lake City offers luxury stays at a lower price. I visited the area along Utah's Wasatch Front for the first time in January 2025 and booked hotels in both towns that cost about $300 per night. I spent two nights in Salt Lake City's five-star Grand America Hotel and one night in the Sheraton Park City, a three-star Marriott hotel. My experiences at each hotel were so different that I couldn't believe they were roughly the same price. Park City has more luxury hotels and resorts than Salt Lake City and they typically cost more than double the price. Park City and Salt Lake City. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Home to two world-class ski resorts, Park City is a place where you can wake up and hit the slopes right away. Salt Lake City, however, is about a 40-minute drive from Park City and has fewer five-star hotels that typically come at a lower price point. Park City has eight five-star hotels listed on Booking.com, with an average nightly rate of $760. Four-star hotels cost roughly $660 per night, and three-star hotels cost $340 on average. Salt Lake City has only two five-star hotels listed on the same site the Grand America Hotel, where I stayed, and the Hyatt Regency. The accommodations here cost less than half the average per night, at about $150 for three-star hotels, $220 for four-star hotels, and $310 for five-star hotels. I spent my first two nights in Utah at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. The Grand America Hotel in Downtown Salt Lake City. Joey Hadden/Business Insider The Grand America Hotel was the first five-star hotel to open in Salt Lake City. It was built in 2001 for a specific reason to host the 2002 Olympic Committee. "One of the stipulations to bring the Olympics here was to build a five-star hotel," a hotel representative told Business Insider. The hotel, known for hosting celebrities and professional athletes, was ranked among the 50 best hotels in the world by CN Traveler's 2024 Reader's Choice Awards . The Grand America Hotel stretches 24 floors on 10 acres in Downtown Salt Lake City. It has 775 rooms and four tiers of accommodation, with a starting rate of $300 per night during peak season (depending on hotel occupancy), the representative told BI. That rate gets you a 700-square-foot premier room that includes a lounging area, a marble bathroom, and a wall of windows. I stayed in the second-tier room, an 880-square-foot executive suite that cost $340 a night, though BI received a media rate for the two-night stay. Aside from the size, the rooms are quite similar. Then, I spent one night at the Sheraton Park City. The exterior of the Sheraton Park City. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Sheraton Park City is a premium Marriott hotel built in 1983. Before an upgrade in 2019, it was known as the Park City Marriott. The three-star hotel is about 10-minute drive from world-class ski resorts, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, and the hotel has a shuttle service, making it a convenient stay for skiers. A hotel representative told BI that the hotel has 199 rooms and four tiers of accommodation, with a starting rate of $300 during peak season. I booked the lowest tier a guest room for about $300 for one night. The Grand America Hotel had a posh European feel. Inside the Grand America Hotel lobby. Joey Hadden/Business Insider The Grand America Hotel is drenched in old-world glitz and glam. With Italian marble floors, glass chandeliers, and antique decor in every direction, I felt like royalty as I stepped into the lobby. The Sheraton Park City had more of a southwestern mountain vibe. Inside the Sheraton Park City lobby. Joey Hadden/Business Insider The Sheraton Park City had a more modest feel. The lobby had an elevated cowboy-era look, with wood and leather furniture, a stone fireplace, and stacks of logs on the shelves surrounding it. My executive suite at the Grand America Hotel was 880 square feet and included a living room. The living room in the author's suite. Joey Hadden/Business Insider My executive suite at the Grand America Hotel had accents and decor that matched the upscale, European look of the rest of the hotel. The suite had a large living room with a lounge and desk. If I had booked the lower room tier for $300 a night, I would have had a smaller, sectioned-off seating area in addition to the bedroom. Sliding doors in the living room led to the bedroom. The bedroom in the executive suite. Joey Hadden/Business Insider The bedroom felt elegant with antique furniture, one of the coziest king-sized beds I've ever had the pleasure of sleeping on, thanks to a customized mattress, and a small balcony overlooking Salt Lake City. When I stay at hotels, I love waking up to a wide view of the destination I'm visiting because it gets me excited to start my day of exploring. My room at the Sheraton Park City was 350 square feet. Joey Hadden/Business Insider My room at the Sheraton Park City had two queen-sized beds across from a dresser and a small work desk. It looked more like a typical hotel room than my suite at the Grand America Hotel. The beds were comfortable, and I appreciated the local artwork on the walls. I didn't have a balcony, and my room's window faced another side of the building, but I imagine that rooms on higher floors offered better views. Although it was a bit plain compared to the Grand America Hotel room, my Sheraton Park City accommodation was clean, modern, and functional. It was certainly on par with other three-star hotels I've booked. A large walk-in closet led to the bathroom at the Grand America Hotel. The executive suite closet and bathroom. Joey Hadden/Business Insider The closet felt huge. Inside, I found terry cloth robes with matching slippers and amenities like an iron, steamer, safe, and extra linens. There was also a vanity on one side of the closet and two mirrored doors that led to the bathroom. If I had booked the lower-tier room, I would have had a smaller closet and bathroom, yet with all the same amenities as the executive suite. My room at the Sheraton Park City had a smaller closet in front of the bathroom. Inside the Sheraton Park City room. Joey Hadden/Business Insider On the way to the bathroom, there was a small closet. It had an iron and ironing board inside. Across from it, I appreciated the brightly lit sink and vanity. My bathroom at the Grand America Hotel was spacious and coated in marble. The bathtub and shower in the executive suite. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Handpicked Italian marble coated the floors, counters, and some of the walls in the executive suite bathroom. The bathroom had a soaking tub, a glass-walled shower on one side, and a toilet stall on the other. It was stocked with travel-sized toiletries. The lower-tier rooms' bathrooms are smaller, but they have the same decor and include a tub and separate shower. My bathroom was smaller at the Sheraton Park City, but the shower felt larger. The shower in the Sheraton Park City bathroom. Joey Hadden/Business Insider This bathroom was decent for a 3-star hotel. There was no tub, but the shower felt larger than the one in my Grand America suite. Inside, there were two shower heads and full-sized toiletries. The Grand America Hotel had indoor and outdoor pools. The indoor pool at the Grand America Hotel. Joey Hadden/Business Insider The indoor pool was in the 20,000-square-foot Grand Spa, which also has saunas and 18 service rooms. The outdoor pool was surrounded by trimmed trees in a courtyard. The Sheraton Park City had an indoor atrium pool. The pool in the Sheraton Park City courtyard atrium. Joey Hadden/Business Insider The pool area sat in a courtyard atrium in the middle of the hotel and had an indoor-outdoor feel. Although there was no spa at the Sheraton Park City, the pool area had a hot tub and a sauna. The Grand America Hotel was packed with amenities. Inside the spa lobby at the Grand America Hotel. Joey Hadden/Business Insider In addition to the spa, the Grand America Hotel had a fitness center, a European-style coffee shop and bistro, a strip of high-end boutique shops, multiple bars, 24 business venues, and a 35,000-square-foot courtyard with intricate landscaping. The Sheraton Park City had convenient amenities, too. Amenities at the Sheraton Park City. Joey Hadden/Business Insider With two restaurants, a coffee shop, a convenience store, a fitness center, a game room, a business center, and 11 event venues, the Sheraton Park City had plenty of amenities for a three-star establishment. After staying at both hotels, I realized I'd rather sacrifice convenience than luxury. The author enjoys her executive suite at the Grand America Hotel. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I thought the Sheraton Park City was worth the $300 price point. The three-star hotel would be perfect for a budget traveler who wants to wake up and hit the slopes right away. But the Grand America Hotel was just as luxurious as hotels that have cost me $1,000 a night or more in other cities. After a tiring day of winter sports, I imagine retiring to a lavish room for a warm bath before stretching out on a custom mattress would be worth the drive. Read the original article on Business Insider Adair County Regional Jail Elena Bardin A Kentucky teacher is accused by authorities of soliciting a minor to kill her husband. Elena Bardin, 27, is currently in custody and facing multiple charges following an investigation by detectives with the Kentucky State Police. That investigation was launched after a routine search of a boy's room at the Adair Juvenile Detention Center turned up "letters and explicit material" which had allegedly been sent to the minor by a teacher at the facility, according to the KSP. Detectives now believe that the teacher who sent the material is Bardin, who at the time taught at the detention center. The KSP alleges that in addition to soliciting the male juvenile to kill her husband, evidence "also revealed that Ms. Bardin had subjected the juvenile to illegal sexual contact and provided him with sexually explicit images of herself." 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. Authorities arrested Bardin on Wednesday and she is now in custody at the Adair County Detention Center, according to the KSP. She is facing charges of murder (solicitation), sexual abuse in the first degree and distribution of obscene material to a minor. There is no public indication that anyone was killed as a result of the alleged solicitation. The investigation by KSP is ongoing at this time and the juvenile male has not been charged with any crime at this time. Bardin does not have a lawyer at this time and there is no date yet for her first court appearance. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Read the original article on People By Yves Pierre Surin PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Thousands of Haitians took to the streets in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday to express their anger against armed gangs that control nearly all of the capital and surrounding areas and the government's failure to hold them off. Violent armed groups have united behind a coalition known as Viv Ansanm and forced over 1 million people from their homes, which has contributed to a freezing of the economy and fueled mass hunger. They are also accused of extortion, mass rapes and killings. The transitional government, a rotating body of presidential council members appointed nearly a year ago, alongside a long undermanned and underfunded U.N.-backed security mission, have done little to hold off the gangs' advances. "Do you see what is happening?" protestor Joseph Mackendy told Reuters at the demonstration. "Today, Haitian people will fight to be free already. We are free. Those men today cannot frighten me." Residents filled the streets of Port-au-Prince carrying banners and palm fronds, while some carried machetes and firearms. The protest began peacefully but gunfire erupted later in the day, causing a panic that caused crowds to flee. "We, the residents of the Solino neighborhood, we want to return home, and we will go home," added Julien David, another protester. Many critics alleged the government's poor performance against the gangs' advances is tied to state corruption and even collusion with the armed men and their financial backers. The government rejects these accusations, but Haitian authorities have a long history of ingrained corruption, and its judicial system has been paralyzed amid the violence. The protest comes days after a mass jailbreak in the central town of Mirebalais. Separately on Wednesday, Haiti was among the countries slapped with 10% tariffs by the United States, a hard blow for the poor Caribbean nation that counts the U.S. as its top trade partner, exporting hundreds of millions of dollars in goods such as textiles, spirits and cosmetics. "One more problem for a suffering country," said economist Enomy Germain, who heads consultancy ProEco Haiti, on social media. The U.S. recorded a $598 million surplus on trade with Haiti last year. (Reporting by Yves Pierre Surin and Harold Isaac in Port-au-Prince; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) FILE - The Old Florida Capitol is seen with the tower of the current Florida Capitol rising behind, during a legislative session in Tallahassee, Fla., March 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) A transgender college student declared I am here to break the law before entering a womens restroom at the Florida State Capitol and being led out in handcuffs by police. Civil rights attorneys say the arrest of Marcy Rheintgen last month is the first they know of for violating transgender bathroom restrictions passed by numerous state legislatures across the country. Capitol police had been alerted and were waiting for Rheintgen, 20, when she entered the building in Tallahassee March 19. They told her she would receive a trespass warning once she entered the women's restroom to wash her hands and pray the rosary, but she was later placed under arrest when she refused to leave, according to an arrest affidavit. Rheintgen faces a misdemeanor trespassing charge punishable by up to 60 days in jail and is due to appear in court in May. I wanted people to see the absurdity of this law in practice, Rheintgen told The Associated Press. If Im a criminal, its going to be so hard for me to live a normal life, all because I washed my hands. Like, thats so insane. At least 14 states have adopted laws barring transgender women from entering womens bathrooms at public schools and, in some cases, other government buildings. Only two Florida and Utah criminalize the act. A judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked Montanas new bathroom law. Rheintgen's arrest in Florida is the first that American Civil Liberties Union attorneys are aware of in any state with a criminal ban, senior staff attorney Jon Davidson said. Rheintgen was in town visiting her grandparents when she decided to pen a letter to each of Floridas 160 state lawmakers informing them of her plan to enter a public restroom inconsistent with her sex assigned at birth. The Illinois resident said her act of civil disobedience was fueled by anger at seeing a place she loves and visits regularly grow hostile toward trans people. I know that you know in your heart that this law is wrong and unjust, she wrote in her letter to lawmakers. I know that you know in your heart that transgender people are human too, and that you cant arrest us away. I know that you know that I have dignity. Thats why I know that you wont arrest me. Her arrest comes as many Republican-led states that have enacted restroom restrictions grapple with how to enforce them. Laws in Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky and North Dakota do not spell out any enforcement mechanism, and even the state laws that do largely rely on private individuals to report violations. In Utah, activists flooded a tip line created to alert state officials to possible violations of its bathroom law with thousands of hoax reports in an effort to shield transgender residents and their allies from any legitimate complaints that could lead to an investigation. The Republican sponsors of the Florida bathroom law, Rep. Rachel Plakon and Sen. Erin Grall, did not immediately respond Thursday to phone messages, emails and visits to their offices to seek comment on Rheintgens arrest. They have said the restrictions are needed to protect women and girls in single-sex spaces. Opponents of the law such as Nadine Smith, executive director of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Equality Florida, said it creates dangerous situations for all by giving people license to police others' bodies in bathrooms. The arrest of Marcy Rheintgen is not about safety," Smith said. "Its about cruelty, humiliation and the deliberate erosion of human dignity. Transgender people have been using restrooms aligned with their gender for generations without incident. Whats changed is not their presence its a wave of laws designed to intimidate them out of public life. If Rheintgen is convicted, she worries she could be jailed with men, forced to cut her long hair and prevented temporarily from taking gender-affirming hormones. People are telling me it's a legal test, like this is the first case that's being brought," she said. It's how they test the law. But I didn't do this to test the law. I did it because I was upset. I can't have any expectations for what's going to happen because this has never been prosecuted before. I'm horrified and scared. ___ Associated Press writer Kate Payne contributed reporting from Tallahassee. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said Thursday that he's fired "some" White House National Security Council officials, a move that comes a day after far-right activist Laura Loomer raised concerns directly to him about staff loyalty. Trump downplayed Loomer's influence on the firings. But Loomer during her Oval Office conversation with Trump urged the president to purge staffers she deemed insufficiently loyal to his Make America Great Again agenda, according to several people familiar with the matter. They all spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive personnel manner. Always were letting go of people, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he made his way to Miami on Thursday afternoon. People that we dont like or people that we dont think can do the job or people that may have loyalties to somebody else. Loomer appeared to take credit for the firings in a post late Thursday on X, writing, You know how you know the NSC officials I reported to President Trump are disloyal people who have played a role in sabotaging Donald Trump? She then noted that the fired officials were being defended by Trump critics on CNN and MSNBC. The firings by Trump of NSC staff come at a tumultuous moment for Trump and his national security team. His national security adviser Mike Waltz, continues to fight back calls for his ouster after using the publicly available encrypted Signal app to discuss planning for the sensitive March 15 military operation targeting Houthi militants in Yemen. Trump has said he stands by Waltz, who traveled to Florida with the president on Thursday for a dinner event ahead of the LIV Golf tournament in Miami. Meanwhile, The Pentagons acting inspector general announced Thursday that he would review Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths use of Signal to convey plans on the Houthi operations. The review will also look at other defense officials use of the publicly available encrypted app. Trump grew frustrated when asked about the review. You're bringing that up again, Trump scoffed at a reporter. Don't bring that up again. Your editor's probablythat's such a wasted story. Vice President JD Vance, chief of staff Susie Wiles, Waltz and Sergio Gor, director of the Presidential Personnel Office, also took part in the meeting with Loomer, the people said. The Presidential Personnel Office has fired at least three senior NSC officials and multiple lower-ranking aides since Wednesdays meeting with Loomer, according to the people familiar with the situation. The NSC officials fired include Brian Walsh, a director for intelligence; Thomas Boodry, a senior director for legislative affairs; and David Feith, a senior director for technology and national security, according two people familiar with the matter. "Laura Loomer is a very good patriot. She is a very strong person, said Trump, who described his talks with the far-right activist as constructive. Trump acknowledged that Loomer recommended certain people for jobs." Sometimes I listen to those recommendations like I do with everybody," Trump said. "I listen to everybody than I make a decision. Loomer, who has promoted 9/11 conspiracy theories, was a frequent presence on the campaign trail during Trumps 2024 successful White House run. More recently, shes been speaking out on social media about members of Trumps national security team that she insists cant be trusted. It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings, Loomer said in a Thursday posting on X. I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of, and the necessity of STRONG VETTING, for the sake of protecting the President of the United States of America, and our national security. Trump has a long history of elevating and associating with people who trade in falsehoods and conspiracy theories, and he regularly amplifies posts on his social media site shared by those like Loomer, who promotes QAnon, an apocalyptic and convoluted conspiracy theory centered on the belief that Trump is fighting the deep state. Trump's national security team has been through a difficult stretch as officials struggle to answer questions about why they were using the Signal app to discuss planning for an operation targeting Houthi militants instead of using far more secure communication means. The use of Signal for operation planning came to light because a journalist, The Atlantic magazines Jeffrey Goldberg, was mistakenly added to the chain and revealed that Trumps team used it to discuss precise timing of the operation, aircraft used to carry out the strikes and more. Waltz has taken responsibility for building the text chain but has said he does not know how Goldberg ended up being included. The Pentagons acting inspector general announced Thursday that he would review Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths use of Signal to convey plans on the Houthi operations. The review will also look at other defense officials use of the publicly available encrypted app. Loomer, in the leadup to Wednesday's meeting with Trump, had complained to sympathetic administration officials that she had been excluded from the NSC vetting process as Waltz built his staff, according to one person familiar with the matter. She believes Waltz was too reliant in the process on neocons shorthand for the more hawkish neoconservatives within the Republican Party as well as what she perceived as not-MAGA-enough types, the person said. Sen. Mike Rounds, a Republican who sits on Senate committees overseeing the military and national intelligence, said it raises eyebrows when there is a firing of people on the National Security Council or their staff, particularly people that we have respect for, who were part of the Intel community to begin with here in the Senate. Waltz, in the first days of Trump's return to Washington, sent about 160 nonpolitical detailees assigned to the NSC back to their home agencies to ensure those at the White House were committed to implementing Trumps America First agenda. The move sidelined nonpolitical experts on topics that range from counterterrorism to global climate policy at a time when the United States is dealing with a disparate set of complicated foreign policy matters, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Last week, Adam Schleifer, an assistant U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, was fired without explanation in a terse email from the White House personnel office shortly after Loomer posted about him on social media, according to a person familiar with the matter. ___ This story has been corrected to show the surname of The Atlantic journalist is Goldberg, not Rosenberg. ___ Lee reported from Brussels. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed reporting. By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) - A Tufts University student from Turkey, who was arrested last week in Massachusetts by U.S. immigration officials after advocating for Palestinians amid Israel's war in Gaza, said on Thursday that she would not be deterred. A lawyer for Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, read a statement on her behalf to reporters assembled outside the federal court in Boston shortly after a judge heard arguments over whether a lawsuit challenging her detention could remain in Massachusetts even though she is now being detained in Louisiana. Ozturk's arrest by masked agents on a street in the Boston suburb of Somerville was captured in a viral video that has turned her case into a high-profile example of Republican President Donald Trump's efforts to deport pro-Palestinian activists on U.S. campuses. The Trump administration has threatened to cut federal funding to universities over pro-Palestinian protests that it describes as antisemitic, sympathetic to Hamas and a foreign policy threat. Ozturk's lawyers say the arrest violated her free speech rights and was based on an opinion piece she co-authored in the university's student newspaper that criticized Tufts' response to calls by students to divest from companies with ties to Israel and to "acknowledge the Palestinian genocide." Ozturk, a PhD student and Fulbright Scholar, in a statement read by her attorney Mahsa Khanbabai said that "writing is one of the most peaceful ways of addressing systemic inequality." "Efforts to target me because of my op-ed in the Tufts Daily calling for the equal dignity and humanity of all people will not deter me from my commitment to advocate for the rights of youth and children," she said. Her attorneys in court pushed U.S. District Judge Denise Casper to reject the Trump administration's arguments that any legal challenge over her detention can only proceed in Louisiana. Adriana Lafaille, a lawyer for Ozturk with the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, said she was only in Louisiana because the government was trying to steer the case out of New England by "whisking away the petitioner to its forum of choice." Soon after Ozturk's arrest on March 25, one of her lawyers sued and secured a court order requiring her to not be removed from Massachusetts without 48 hours notice. Yet unbeknownst to anyone, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was in the midst of driving her through Vermont. Upon learning of the court order, Lafaille said the administration could have returned her to Massachusetts yet instead plowed ahead with flying her to Louisiana the next day. "The route taken was to ignore the order and not disclose her location to counsel," Lafaille told U.S. District Judge Denise Casper. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter denied any attempt to manipulate jurisdiction by moving Ozturk to Louisiana, where court rulings are reviewed on appeal by 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, considered by many to be the most conservative appeals court. Instead, he said the move was driven by a lack of facilities in Massachusetts to house female detainees. Casper pushed back on that assertion, citing evidence from Ozturk's lawyers showing the "timing of these moves is not routine and common." Casper, who has temporarily blocked Ozturk's deportation, did not immediately rule. But she prodded Sauter on whether the case could be alternatively heard in Vermont, where Ozturk was when the case was docketed. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot) China has another reason to be annoyed at the United States. Taiwan appeared at the top of a cardboard sign held up by President Donald Trump during his tariff announcement ceremony. The White House listed Taiwan as a country, which it does not formally recognize as one. Chinese goods were already subject to a 20% levy at the U.S. border. Trump imposed an additional 34% tariff on Beijing on Wednesday taking the total to 54% as part of his program of "reciprocal tariffs" targeted at nations he says have been unfair to the U.S. The higher amount takes effect on April 9. Live updates Stocks crater as nations vow to retaliate against Trump's tariffs China urged Washington to reconsider. It also vowed to retaliate if it didn't. Its commerce ministry called for Washington to "immediately cancel" the tariffs, saying they "endanger global economic development." 'Let down by our oldest ally': World leaders react to Trump's sweeping global tariffs But listing Taiwan as a country on the tariff board Trump hoisted is a different kind of sting, and geopolitically awkward, because China's government claims sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan. It views the island as a breakaway province. For decades, it's vowed to unite Taiwan politically with Beijing. Today, Taiwan is recognized as a sovereign and independent country by just 13 out of 193 United Nations member countries. The U.S. isn't one of them. Taiwan cannot join international organizations such as the United Nations, or its specialized agencies, such as the World Health Organization. Beijing has claimed democratic Taiwan as part of its territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s, when Chiang Kai-sheks Nationalists lost to Mao Zedongs Communists and rebased their government in Taiwan. China has not dropped the threat of force to unite the two sides. In recent years it's flown military planes over a corner of Taiwans air defense identification zone almost daily to signal its resolve. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 2025. Taiwanese officials on Thursday didn't appear to know what to make of Taiwan being designated a country. "The partnership between Taiwan and the U.S. is strong," Taiwan's office to the European Union and Belgium told Euractiv, a website that focuses on EU-related news and analysis. "As for the naming, there are several possible reasons and we are not in the position to speculate about this." The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. But China's ambassador to the U.S. did have something to say about it. "Taiwan is Chinas Taiwan," Ambassador Xie Feng wrote on X, shortly after Trump spoke about the tariffs. "We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort, but we will never allow any room for 'Taiwan independence' forces in whatever form." The Trump administration's new tariffs also targeted a handful of remote Australian territories. Penguins and seals: remote islands hit with Trump tariffs One of them, the Heard and McDonald Islands, have not been visited by humans in more than a decade, according to the BBC, the British broadcaster. The islands, deep in the Antarctic, are only accessible via a seven-day boat trip from Perth, in western Australia. They are mostly populated by penguins and seals. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: China has another reason to be mad about Trump's tariffs Datadog is set to launch its first data centre instance in Australia later this year, storing and processing data locally. The instance, which will cover all existing Datadog products and be built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), will create sovereign capacity to help customers meet local privacy and security requirements and preferences. Datadog vice president for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) Rob Thorne said Australia is a high priority market for the vendor, with both a strong employee base in-region and surging demand in both Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ). He cited Gartner research from September last year indicating that Australian IT spend will reach $147 billion in 2025, with cyber security, generative AI and cloud services to receive significant attention. We are poised to support this appetite for advanced digital capabilities across the private sector, alongside the Australian governments ambitions to become a top three digital government, Thorne said. Datadog chief product officer Yanbing Li added that the platform vendor is continuing to invest in the region with it recently opening a Melbourne office and expanding its teams there as well as Sydney and Auckland. Twenty-five years ago the Jazz Journalists Association began to identify and celebrate activists, advocates, altruists, aiders and abettors of jazz as members of an A Team, soon renamed Jazz Heroes. Today the JJA announced its 2025 slate of these Heroes, 29 people across North America who put extraordinary efforts into sustaining and expanding jazz in its various forms. So who are they? Musicians who double or triple as educators, presenters and support-group organizers. Festival producers from Tucson to Northampton, from the San Diego-Tijuana Borderland to Guelph, Ontario. The writer and scholar who founded Jazz Appreciation Month, the Jazz Foundation of Americas Executive Director and the woman whose persistence has paid off in greater opportunities and visibility for other women as players and stars. See them all JJAJazzAwards.org/2025-jazz-heroes. This years Jazz Heroes include: Bobby Bradford, Los Angeles brassman who at age 90 continues to perform and lecture despite losing his home in the Altadena fires; Julian Plascencia, co-founder of the San Diego-Tijuana International Jazz Festival; John Edward Hasse, biographer of Duke Ellington, Wall Street Journal contributor, and Emeritus Curator of Music at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., where 30 years ago he initiated April across the globe as Jazz Appreciation Month; Joe Petrucelli of the Jazz Foundation of America, whos partnered with the Mellon Foundation on the new Jazz Legacy Fellowships for lifetime achievements; Ellen Seeling, now based in the Bay Area, whose steadfast playing she broke the Latin Jazz gender biases and advocacy for women won establishment of blind auditions for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and ever more recognition that women can and do play jazz well! Trumpeters abound this year: Besides Bradford and Seeling, theres Gregory Davis of the Dirty Dozens Brass Band, booker of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival contemporary jazz stage, and Mark Rapp, whose ColaJazz non-profit has amped up the scene in Columbia, South Carolina. But rhythm rules: Drummer-percussionist Jazz Heroes include Alan Jones of Seattle, Kenny Horst of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Clare Church (also a saxophonist, vocalist and partner in a Denver metro venue with her husband, Pete Lewis), David Rivera of San Juan, Puerto Rico and washboard enthusiast Jerry Gordon of New Yorks Capital District. Vocalists Karla Harris (Atlanta), Pamela Hart (Austin) and Kim Tucker (Philadelphia) do a lot more than simply but beautifully sing. Stephanie Matthews (Columbus, Ohio) has adapted STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) into STEAM adding A for Arts. Brinae Ali of Baltimore turns tap-dancing into a multi-dimensional modern form. John Foster is invaluable to operations of the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Robert Radford has raised significant funds for Seattle jazz spheres. Amber Rogers and Daniel Bruce started a Cleveland jazz fest from scratch. And so on. The personality-profiles posted with portraits of each of the JJAs 29 Jazz Heroes detail how theyve distinguished themselves by leaning in to what jazz can do to inspire creativity, promote fellow-feeling and enhance life. Others are: Sheila Anderson, the Hang Queen of WBGO-FM Ruth Griggs, Northampton Jazz Festival Ajay Heble, International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation Khris Dodge, Tucson Jazz Festival Ralphe Armstrong, Detroit-boosting bassist Wes Lowe, beloved West Palm Beach jazz teacher) The JJA an independent nonprofit with 250 international members, currently believes Jazz Heroes are essential to the health of the overall jazz ecosystem, and supports local efforts to celebrate them. The organization an independent non-profit promoting the interests of writers, photographers, broadcaster and other media workers covering jazz will produce an online Heroes event, April 17th, and local presentations of Jazz Hero certificates. Details arent set yet, but will be found soon at JJAJazzAwards and JJANews. Every music genre indeed, every art form survives due to the efforts of people like these Heroes, working behind the scenes, often for little financial reward, because they love what they do for the art they advance. Just like the artists themselves. by Nirmala Carvalho At the end of a twelve-hour marathon the lower house of the Indian parliament passed the law that introduces controls on the management of properties donated to the Muslim organisation. The bishops of Kerala also expressed their support in the wake of the Munambam land affair. The warning of the Jesuit from Gujarat, Fr Cedric Prakash: This is not the way, this law must be opposed. Delhi (AsiaNews) - After an intense debate lasting almost 14 hours, the Lok Sabha - the lower house of the Indian parliament - approved the new version of the Waqf law, the permanent donations of properties according to the rules of Islamic tradition. The measure, presented by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, was approved with 288 votes in favour and 232 against. The discussion will now pass to the Rajya Sabha, the other branch of the Indian parliament, for final approval. The Delhi government intends the new version of the law to increase the efficiency of the Waqf councils, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in the management of the registers. The affair is deeply dividing the country, with the Modi government accused of wanting to impose new instruments of control on the Muslim community. Even among Indian Catholics there are different opinions on the matter. The Catholic Bishops' Council of Kerala (KCBC), which brings together the Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara and Latin bishops of this state, issued a statement of support on 29 March. This decision was strongly influenced by a dispute over the Munambam land, which the bishops hope to resolve in this way. More than 600 Munambam families have been protesting since last year for the restoration of their property rights, given that an area of 400 acres, where their homes are located, has been declared Waqf property by the Kerala Waqf Board. Fr Thomas Tharayil, deputy secretary general of the KCBC, told the media that the council's support for the law is solely for the welfare of the residents of Munambam. For its part, in recent days the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) also issued an official statement calling for a permanent solution to the long-standing land disputes within the scope of the proposed amendments to the Waqf Law. The Cbci urges the political parties and legislators to adopt an impartial and constructive approach to this problem, reads the official statement. Beyond the individual cases of abuse, however, there remains the problem of the more general context in which this reform is taking place, which is one of increasingly strong hostility on the part of Hindu nationalist fringes towards anything to do with the Muslim community. For this reason there are also those - such as the Jesuit from Gujarat, Father Cedric Prakash, who has always been active in the defence of human rights - who see serious dangers in the adoption of this new measure: The law on Waqf - he tweeted in these hours - must be opposed in its entirety by all those who care about and value the Indian Constitution. For its part, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has already stated that it will appeal to the courts against the approval of the Waqf reform. We will organise demonstrations across the country, just as the farmers have done. If necessary, we will block the roads and take all peaceful measures to oppose the bill, said spokesman Mohammad Mohsin. by Mathias Hariyadi Senior officials from the Ministry of Energy met with Monsignor Kleden to discuss development projects. The prelate confirmed the Church's opposition, to protect the population and the territory. In the area, 80% of the inhabitants are farmers. Behind Jakarta's pressure are the interests of multinationals. Jakarta (AsiaNews) - A meeting that ended in stalemate and a new position, harsh in tone and critical in content, from the Archbishop of Ende, on the island of Flores, in the Province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The clash between Monsignor Paulus Budi Kleden and the Indonesian government has entered a new chapter, after the courtesy visit - at least on paper - made in March by a special envoy from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (Esdm). After more than an hour of heated debate, the prelate vigorously rejected the plans for the construction of geothermal power plants in Mataloko and other locations in the territory, which would end up causing serious environmental damage and disrupting the life of the population. This is in one of the few areas with a Catholic majority in the most populous Muslim nation in the world. Behind the ministry's decision to meet with Catholic leaders is an attempt to minimise the profound distance between government plans and the resistance of the archdiocese and the prelate who, even more than the unbridled development, is fighting for the environment and the interests of the population. In a note published in the days following the visit, sent for information to AsiaNews, Monsignor Kleden reaffirms the position of the diocese as illustrated last January and reiterated in the Pastoral Letter 2025 for the Jubilee Year and in the letter for Lent. The rejection of the geothermal development project, emphasises the prelate, stems from concerns related to the context of the archdiocese [including] mountainous and hilly areas, which leave limited land for settlements and agriculture. From an occupational point of view, almost 80% of the inhabitants of the archdiocese's territory are farmers. Furthermore, the statement continues, Ende's crops depend to a large extent on rainfall, as surface water sources are scarce. Improper use of water resources could cause damage and water shortages, posing a significant social problem for the community. In 2017, the island of Flores was officially declared by Jakarta as a potential site for the exploration of suitable locations for geothermal plants, with at least 17 projects under consideration, some of which have already been assigned to the localities of Daratei and Mataloko in the Ngada area. In recent years, investors and other parties have taken a series of actions to persuade local chiefs and Church leaders to support the so-called national strategic projects. In reality, they are interested in mountainous areas that are true natural paradises, but where forms of degradation are already increasing in the name of economic development. The inhabitants themselves denounce threats to public health, as well as phenomena such as the deterioration of housing conditions due to undesirable materials and the decrease in the fertility of agricultural land. The designation of Flores as a geothermal island is part of Indonesia's energy transition programme under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), with an investment plan of up to 22.5 billion dollars and among the national strategic projects. The area has an estimated geothermal potential of around 776 megawatts in 12 geothermal work areas (WKP), according to 2023 ESDM data. However, independent studies from last year show that farmers would suffer billions of rupees in income cuts during the construction of the plants and in the subsequent phases. Behind the government rhetoric of promoting a just energy transition through the use of geothermal energy - which should contribute 7,200 megawatts (MW) nationwide by 2025 - lies a serious threat to the ecological sustainability and livelihoods of local communities. In several regions, projects to develop geothermal power plants (Pltp) have increased seismic risks, land subsidence, damage to aquifers, loss of livelihoods, as well as the release of greenhouse gases and toxic emissions such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Furthermore, these projects threaten forested areas, as some of them operate within wooded regions. ESDM data reveals that of the 12 geothermal working areas (WKP) in Flores, 70% are controlled by five large companies, affiliated with multinationals. Environmentalists and critics point out that instead of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, renewables risk being entirely controlled by the same energy oligarchy. The expansion of geothermal exploitation in the area is also supported by international funding agencies. The involvement of these institutions reflects the modus operandi and global commercial relationships in the energy sector, binding developing countries into financial schemes that often neglect human rights, particularly those of local communities and surrounding ecosystems. by Gregory A health worker talks to AsiaNews about fleeing her village in Mandalay due to airstrikes by junta planes that continued after the earthquake. Only last night, the military announced a 20-day ceasefire in the most affected areas to facilitate aid. But few people trust their words. Mandalay (AsiaNews) Myanmars military junta announced a 20-day ceasefire last night to allow foreign aid and relief to reach areas devastated by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country last week. But few people trust the government, which came to power in 2021 in a coup d'etat that sparked a brutal civil war. Among the latest developments, junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing, flew to Bangkok, Thailand, for a summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Official sources indicate that more than 3,000 people died in the earthquake, but the actual number is probably much higher. Unfortunately, rescue efforts are hindered by the state of the infrastructure, heavily damaged, with communications frequently interrupted. Amid all this, some reports claim that Myanmars military has deliberately sabotaged aid operations in rebel-controlled villages. This comes out of the testimony of a health worker who came to AsiaNews. We report her story below. She talks about the militarys total lack of interest towards quake victims. Hers is among the many voices that are struggling to be heard, but are more important than ever. On March 28, 2025, a very powerful earthquake occurred in the conflict-prone village of Min Kun, destroying houses and killing many people. One of the survivors is Khin Mar Hlaing, a 40-year-old paramedic whose experience embodies the effects of an earthquake and the impact of the armed conflict. Min Kun had been a war area even before the earthquake occurred. Clashes between the Peoples Defence Force (PDF) and the Myanmar military (SAC) had thrown the village into a state of panic. Amid the sirens, airstrikes, which were indiscriminate, destroyed peoples houses and hurt villagers who were attended by Khin Mar Hlaing. I was treating the victims of landmines and the civilians who were hit by bullets. The situation was already terrifying. I also heard some women had been raped and sexually assaulted by Myanmar army soldiers, she said. As the situation worsened, the people ran for their lives and sought refuge in the main Buddhist monastery, which was believed to be the safest place. But safety proved elusive. On March 28, a series of three major earthquakes occurred in the region. At first, I thought it was another airstrike. The ground shook violently, she said. As a result, the whole group had to run for their lives out of the monastery when the building started to break down and collapse. During the confusion, Khin Mar Hlaing helped others to extract trapped villagers from the wreckage and attend to the wounded. But their hardship did not end there. After the third quake, around 100 SAC soldiers entered the village. Only five of them helped with the rescue operation and assisted the victims, she explained. The others were looting the rooms of the monastery and houses in the neighbourhood, threatening the inhabitants and putting the fear of God into them. For Khin Mar Hlaing and many others, the actions of the military were appalling, a realisation that the earthquake was not the only danger to their lives. In the following days, about sixty of us had to flee the village through the jungle. We were scared of the military, of more airstrikes, and of what might come next, she said. Their way to safety was three long days and included crossing the mountains with scarce food and water. Finally, they got to another monastery in Mandalay that hosted internally displaced persons. My highlight is this: The SAC is using this disaster to further military operations and airstrikes, especially in Sagaing and other ethnic areas and central Myanmar, she said. Her story is not only one of survival but also a plea to the world to pay attention not only to the natural disaster but also to the human rights violations that are occurring in the aftermath of the earthquake. Vilen Gabrielian insulted Koryun Simonian of the Euromedia24.com news service and argued with other reporters as he appeared drunk in public during a local election held in the countrys second largest city on Sunday. Gabrielian demanded that Simonian not publicize a video of their conversation before declaring that he is the number one star today. His drunk appearance was also filmed and posted online by several other media outlets in a major embarrassment for Civil Contract. Gabrielian announced his decision to give up his parliament seat on Tuesday, apologizing to the public for his inappropriate behavior. But speaking to Factor.am on Wednesday, the 41-year-old defended his swear words addressed to Simonian, claiming that he was blackmailed by the reporter. When you are told Ive filmed you in a state of drunkenness and will publicize the video what will you say? he said. Of course, its not good that I swore but I dont regret doing that. Simonian rejected the claim as slanderous, saying that he had a legitimate right to show a drunk Gabrielian roaming streets in downtown Gyumri and violating public order. While disapproving of their colleagues behavior, other lawmakers affiliated with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians party said that Gabrielian deserves respect for resigning from the parliament. Parliament speaker Alen Simonian (no relation to the journalist) made a point of posting on social media photographs of him and Gabrielian. Simonian, who is a key member of Pashinians entourage, himself is no stranger to controversy. He spat at a Canadian Armenian activist who branded him a traitor at a popular dining area of Yerevan in April 2023. He also publicly insulted a Karabakh Armenian detractor last September. Accordingly, senior Civil Contract members said on Thursday that Gabrielian will not be expelled from the ruling party for the widely publicized misconduct. Of course this is out of question, one of them, Kristine Poghosian, told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. Vilen is one of the 20 or 30 founding members of our party, and he will definitely stay on During Sundays incident, Gabrielian also predicted regime change in Armenia in 2026. Armenian opposition representatives have speculated that Pashinian forced him to quit the parliament because of that statement, rather than his drunken behavior. 3 April 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The recent visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to Azerbaijan marks an important milestone in the growing relationship between these two countries. Germany has long been one of Azerbaijan's most vital political and economic partners in Europe, and this high-level visit serves as a reflection of the expanding scope of bilateral ties, especially in areas of trade, energy, and regional peace-building. The discussions between President Steinmeier and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev underscore the evolving nature of this strategic partnership and its broader implications for regional and global cooperation. Strengthening economic ties: A natural evolution The economic ties between Germany and Azerbaijan have been on an upward trajectory in recent years. President Aliyevs remarks during the visit highlighted the impressive increase in trade turnover between the two countries, which saw a nearly threefold expansion in the first two months of this year. This is not only a testament to the effectiveness of Azerbaijans economic policies but also an indicator of the growing economic integration between Azerbaijan and one of the EU's largest and most influential economies. Azerbaijans economic diversification strategy, which has historically been reliant on its oil and gas exports, has increasingly focused on sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. Germanys economic expertise, particularly in sustainable industries, is a natural complement to Azerbaijans ambitions to modernize and diversify its economic base. The renewed emphasis on green energy cooperation, as articulated by both leaders during their talks, is a prime example of this alignment. Azerbaijan's significant strides in diversifying its energy mix are becoming increasingly apparent. Despite being traditionally an oil and gas powerhouse, Azerbaijan is now positioning itself as a key player in the global shift towards renewable energy. President Aliyevs announcement that Azerbaijan plans to increase its renewable energy capacity to 6 gigawatts by 2030 reflects the country's commitment to becoming a regional leader in green energy. This ambitious target presents numerous opportunities for collaboration, particularly with Germany, which has long been a trailblazer in the global transition to clean energy. Germanys experience in solar and wind energy, as well as its leadership in energy efficiency and climate policies, offers Azerbaijan an invaluable opportunity for technology transfer and expertise. Furthermore, the ongoing projects to establish green energy corridors linking Azerbaijan to Europe and Central Asia including the energy cable passing through the Caspian Sea and under the Black Sea will not only strengthen energy security for all involved but also position Azerbaijan as a crucial player in the future of European energy markets. These initiatives are in line with the global trend of rapidly increasing investments in renewable energy, projected by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to account for 80% of global electricity production capacity by 2030. The convergence of Azerbaijani and German energy strategies presents a unique opportunity to address two critical global challenges: sustainable energy and regional geopolitical stability. As President Aliyev rightly pointed out, successful implementation of these projects requires robust cooperation not just between Azerbaijan and Germany, but also among neighboring countries. This approach embodies the core principle of energy diplomacy that regional cooperation in energy development can promote mutual benefits and pave the way for broader regional integration. Azerbaijans pursuit of peace: Germanys support in regional stability and diplomacy In his speech, President Ilham Aliyev also highlighted the productive cooperation between Azerbaijan and Germany during the COP29 climate conference, which Azerbaijan hosted last year. He emphasized the active collaboration with Germany in the context of the conference, noting that over 77,000 participants from 197 countries registered for the event. President Aliyev characterized the conference as a significant success, reflecting the joint efforts to address global climate challenges. However, he also expressed regret that Armenia was the only country to boycott such an important international event. "This naturally causes regret," President Aliyev remarked, adding that the boycott was particularly puzzling given the positive momentum in the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He pointed out that, especially in the current context, it was incomprehensible for Armenia to refuse participation in such a globally significant gathering. The President also made it clear that Azerbaijan had conveyed its concerns about this issue to the German side. The head of state further reflected on the historical context of the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, noting that Azerbaijan had endured 30 years of occupation and ethnic cleansing, with over a million Azerbaijanis displaced and nearly 20 percent of the countrys territory under occupation. He lamented that international organizations had not taken substantial steps to address this issue. However, Azerbaijan itself resolved the conflict, both on the battlefield and at the political level, marking a historic victory that paved the way for peace negotiations. President Aliyev expressed confidence that the positions of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the pursuit of peace were now much closer than before, highlighting the constructive steps taken by both sides. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in turn, acknowledged the importance of the peace process, praising the significant progress made over the past year. "As an outside observer, I can say that this has impressed us greatly," Steinmeier stated, commending the steps taken by both Azerbaijan and Armenia. He congratulated both countries on the agreement reached on March 13 regarding the peace agreement text. Steinmeier expressed hope that this moment would serve as a turning point, leading to the signing of a lasting peace agreement in the near future. He emphasized that although challenges remained, the political will for compromises was crucial to ensuring the success of the peace process. Moreover, President Steinmeier pointed out that the conclusion of a peace agreement would not only stabilize the region but also open up new economic opportunities. "Your country plays a critical role in our trade relations, not just with Central Asia, but also with the Far East, Southwest Asia, and China. The existing trade routes are currently limited, but the role of the Central Corridor passing through Azerbaijan is crucial for the German economy. This presents a promising prospect for both countries," he said. Steinmeier further stressed that a more stable South Caucasus would present a significant opportunity for economic growth and cooperation, contrasting the current situation with the unstable relations of the past. In conclusion, the remarks of both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining momentum in the peace process. Should both sides, particularly Armenia, be willing to engage in peace efforts, it would not only benefit Azerbaijan and Armenia but also contribute to the stability and prosperity of the entire region. As Germanys support for the peace process continues, the potential for long-term regional development and cooperation in energy, trade, and security becomes increasingly apparent. 3 April 2025 20:12 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including Azerbaijan. Under this new policy, a minimum customs duty of 10% has been set for Azerbaijani exports. While the move is aimed at addressing trade imbalances and protecting U.S. industries, it also raises important questions: How will these tariffs impact Azerbaijans trade with the U.S.? Will they slow down the countrys growing non-oil and gas exports? Azerbaijans trade relationship with the United States has seen significant changes in recent years, particularly with the sharp rise in non-oil exports over the past two years period. Despite a negative trade balance, the country has been expanding its exports to the U.S., and the new tariffs could introduce challenges for Azerbaijani businesses. Azerbaijani MP Vugar Bayramov shared his perspective with Azernews: "Despite the increase in trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the United States in recent years, our country imports more goods from the other side of the ocean. Thus, in 2024, Azerbaijan imported goods worth $1 billion 617 million from the United States, while our exports to the United States amounted to only $135 million 30 thousand. This means that we have a negative balance of $1 billion 482 million in foreign trade with the United States." He noted that while Azerbaijans exports to the U.S. remain small, their growth rate is notable: "Last year, compared to the previous year, our imports from the United States increased by 1.8 times, and our exports to the United States by 8.4 times. In other words, despite our low exports, the growth dynamics are very high. This means that the United States has become a new export destination for our businessmen." The new tariffs, however, will have a greater impact on non-oil and gas products. "In 2024, our exports to the United States on non-oil and gas products amounted to $134 million 663 thousand. Exports of non-oil and gas products of Azerbaijani origin reached $55 million 949 thousand. Considering that in 2024 our total exports of non-oil and gas products were $3 billion 356 million, and total exports of non-oil and gas products of Azerbaijani origin were $2 billion 883 million, our cooperation with the United States in this area does not have a high share." Despite their relatively small volume, Azerbaijans exports to the U.S. are quite diverse: "In 2024, we exported to the country with the world's strongest economy $6 million 508 thousand in other substances in primary forms resulting from polymerization, $593 thousand in animal intestines, bladders and stomachs, $410 thousand in tropical and other fruit juices, $279 thousand in sturgeon caviar, $242 thousand in unrefined, excellent first-pressed olive oil, $177 thousand in fruit jams, fruit jellies and marmalades, fruit purees and pastes, and other products." The lawmaker emphasized that while the tariffs may not drastically affect Azerbaijans export volume, they could influence growth trends: "As can be seen, Azerbaijan's non-oil and gas exports to the United States, although not in large amounts, are diversified by commodity groups. Therefore, even if Washington's tariffs do not seriously affect Azerbaijan's exports to the United States, they may affect the overall growth dynamics. Of course, in all cases, a new tariff means new costs." Looking ahead, the introduction of reciprocal tariffs marks a new phase in global trade, with potential consequences for Azerbaijans expanding export markets. "That is, it is not excluded that the growth rate of our total exports to the United States will decrease. At the same time, since the products we send to the United States are more specific, a 10 percent tariff may not affect the market position of those products. But in any case, the new tariffs will mean the beginning of a new phase in the world economy." 3 April 2025 11:21 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more At a joint press conference during the Petersburg Climate Dialogue, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, President-designate of COP30 Andre Correa, and European Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra discussed the historic achievements made during COP29, chaired and hosted by Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. Commissioner Hoekstra emphasized that a pivotal decision to triple the $100 billion financial target was made at COP29, marking the beginning of a new era in climate finance. He also highlighted that COP30, scheduled for this year in Belem, Brazil, will be a key opportunity to reaffirm commitment to the Paris Agreement and build upon the successes of COP28 and COP29. 3 April 2025 13:26 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more More than 45 billion cubic meters of gas have been delivered to Europe through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov's post on his official X account. In his post, Shahbazov mentioned discussions with TAP CEO Luca Scieppati about the Southern Gas Corridor's strategic role in providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, the expansion of the TAP pipeline, and efforts to reduce methane emissions. TAP transports natural gas from the Greek-Turkish border to southern Italy, enabling the supply of gas to various European countries. As part of the 3,500-kilometer Southern Gas Corridor, TAP provides a direct and cost-effective transportation route from the Caspian Sea to Europe. 3 April 2025 10:31 (UTC+04:00) Human-like skeletal fragments have been discovered in the Aghdara region, raising questions about their origin and historical significance, Azernews reports. The skeletal remains were found in the Bas Guney village of Aghdara. The discovery has prompted an official investigation by local authorities. The regional prosecutor's office has launched an inquiry into the matter to determine the remains origin and possible connection to historical or recent events. Further details are expected as the investigation unfolds. To recall, during the First Garabagh War (19881994), Armenia occupied Azerbaijans Aghdara district, leading to mass displacement and human rights violations. The district, strategically located in Karabakh, saw intense battles, forcing thousands of Azerbaijanis to flee. Many civilians and soldiers went missing, with families still seeking answers. Reports indicate that some were taken as prisoners, while others were victims of mass executions or buried in unmarked graves. Aghdara remained under Armenian occupation for nearly 30 years until Azerbaijan reclaimed it in the 2020 Second Karabakh War. The discovery of skeletal remains in the district may provide clues about missing persons. 3 April 2025 12:12 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more On April 3, Vice-Chairwoman of the National Assembly of Venezuela and Head of the Venezuela-Azerbaijan Friendship Group, Ms. America Perez, visited Bakus Victory Park, Azernews reports. During her visit, she laid flowers at the Victory Monument to honor the Azerbaijani peoples heroism in the Patriotic War and the monumental victory they achieved. Ms. Perez was also provided with detailed information about the park, which spans approximately 10 hectares. The park, designed to perpetuate the memory of the martyrs, features a striking 44-meter high Victory Arch symbolizing the 44-day Patriotic War, with 44 columns representing each day of the conflict. The park was officially opened on November 8, 2024, in a ceremony attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. 3 April 2025 13:35 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Since its establishment, the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has remained committed to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. According to Azernews, this was emphasized in a letter from BIG Executive Director Abbas Abbasov to French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls. Abbasov acknowledged Valls' visit to Kanaki as an important step in understanding the regions situation and addressing the demands of the Kanak people. "No process can be endless, and you will probably agree that negotiations should be result-oriented. In this context, the avoidance of the French government to fulfill its obligations, which has been open since 1946 and especially since the Matignon Agreement signed in 1988, is a serious concern for the Baku Initiative Group, an international NGO for decolonization, as well as the Kanak people," Abbasov stated. He further noted that BIG has proposed an initiative for impartial mediation in negotiations between the French government and Kanaki to reinvigorate the dialogue. "We hope that you will respond positively to our proposal, given the trust of the overwhelming majority of the Kanak people in our organization, as well as our international experience in the field of decolonization. You can be sure that our organization, which bases its activities on the norms and principles of international law, will support the development of mutual understanding and cooperation between the parties by presenting a balanced and fair approach in the negotiations," he added. 3 April 2025 13:03 (UTC+04:00) President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan As the blessed month of Ramadan comes to a close with Muslims worldwide uniting in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, I have the honor to extend my sincerest greetings to Your Excellency and your esteemed people. I pray to Allah the Almighty during these holy days to accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds, and to grant us His blessings in our pursuit for a brighter and more secure future for our Muslim Ummah. Dear Mr. President, may this Eid bring you an abundance of health and happiness, and may our two friendly nations continue to progress and prosper. Eid Mubarak! Highest fraternal consideration and appreciation Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi President of the Arab Republic of Egypt 3 April 2025 16:38 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Her Excellency Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Excellencies, My best wishes to you this Eid al-Fitr. As we usher in this festive season, may we take the opportunity to deepen the spirit of community and international fraternity. I wish you and your loved ones a meaningful and blessed celebration. Yours sincerely Tharman Shanmugaratnam President of the Republic of Singapore 3 April 2025 17:42 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more We firmly reject the allegations made by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Baron, during his speech at the Foreign Affairs Commission of the National Assembly on April 2 regarding the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process and the legal case involving persons of Armenian origin. This statement was issued by Aykhan Hajizadeh, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), in response to the unfounded allegations made by Jean-Noel Baron against Azerbaijan in the French National Assembly, Azernews reports. The Spokesperson emphasized that it is unacceptable to question a legitimate demand, such as amending the Armenian constitution (which contains claims to Azerbaijani territories) after more than two years of discussion, and to present it as a new condition. If France, as it claims, truly supports the early signing of a peace agreement, it should encourage Armenia to take the necessary steps. Regarding calls for the release of individuals of Armenian origin accused or convicted of war crimes, ethnic cleansing, military aggression, torture, and other serious offenses, Aykhan Hajizadeh stated that it is Azerbaijan's right to investigate and prosecute these crimes. The UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention's opinion, published on March 13, reaffirmed this, proving that the smear campaign against the trial is groundless. "In general, it would be more appropriate for France, which is attempting to interfere in the judicial processes of other countries, to first address issues such as political persecution within its own borders, the killing of protesters during various demonstrations, the torture of local populations in its overseas territories due to its neocolonial policies, and the spread of bribery and corruption in the French parliament. For example, in the same session, when asked by a deputy about the inadmissibility of interfering in other countries' rule of law, the minister's responsestating that he cannot comment on a French court's decisionillustrates the double standards of official Paris. We demand that France cease its actions, which do not serve peace and undermine regional stability," the Ministry official concluded. 3 April 2025 21:07 (UTC+04:00) Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, has sent a congratulatory letter to Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the Ramadan holiday. According to Azernews, the letter reads: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Your Excellency, On behalf of the people of the Kyrgyz Republic and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the holy Ramadan holiday. May the Almighty Allah accept all our good deeds performed during this sacred month, and may this blessed holiday bring us greater peace and happiness. Embodying the highest values and guiding humanity toward compassion and mercy, may this celebration bring joy and tranquility to every home and grant peace and prosperity to our brotherly nations. Your Excellency, once again, I wish you robust health and success, and the people of Azerbaijan continued progress and tranquility. Respectfully, Sadyr Zhaparov President of the Kyrgyz Republic 3 April 2025 21:12 (UTC+04:00) First Lady of the Kyrgyz Republic, Aigul Zhaparova, has sent a congratulatory letter to the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, on the occasion of the Novruz holiday. According to Azernews, the letter reads: Dear Mehriban khanum, I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of the Novruz holiday, a symbol of natures renewal. Historically celebrating unity, harmony, and mutual understanding, Novruz marks the beginning of a new year with pure thoughts and noble aspirations. May the Novruz holiday bring the start of new opportunities filled with bright moments and heartfelt gatherings. Dear Mehriban khanum, I wish you good health, a long life, and happiness, and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan peace and prosperity. Sincerely, Aigul Zhaparova First Lady of the Kyrgyz Republic 3 April 2025 15:42 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Azerbaijan's crude oil exports to the Czech Republic witnessed substantial growth in the first two months of 2025, reflecting increased demand and strengthened energy ties between the two countries, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 3 April 2025 18:50 (UTC+04:00) By News Center Turkish Energy and and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar arrived in Srnak with engineering students from various universities as part of a series of visits. During his visit, he was accompanied by Srnak Governor Birol Ekici and AK Party Srnak MP Arslan Tatar. Bayraktar and his delegation visited an oil well named after Bulent Sadioglu, the former Exploration Director of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), who passed away due to a heart attack in Hakkaris Yuksekova district. At the Koca Yusuf drilling rig, they received briefings from officials. Examining the rig alongside students, Minister Bayraktar stated: "Koca Yusuf is a significant symbol of our national energy and mining policy, which we initiated in 2016. Our goal has never been just to eliminate our dependency on foreign energy sources like oil and natural gas. At the same time, we aim to end our reliance on imported equipment used in this industry. In a statement following the visit, Minister Bayraktar announced that oil production in Gabar has surpassed 80,000 barrels per day from 99 wells. "We are at a new production site in the Bulent Sadioglu Field, one of our latest locations in Gabar. Our drilling rig here is a living example of one of the most crucial localization targets in our national energy and mining policy. We are conducting drilling operations in this area with a powerful rig named Koca Yusuf he said. The Gabar discovery, made in September 2021, has been closely followed with great interest across the country and has generated immense excitement nationwide. This is the largest oil discovery in the history of the Republic of Turkiye, and today, we have successfully exceeded 80,000 barrels per day in production. We have achieved this production level from 99 wells, making Gabar one of the most efficient oil fields in Turkiye. Additionally, the oil we extract here is of very high quality, the minister added. Minister Bayraktar emphasized Turkiyes determination to reduce energy dependency with newly discovered oil fields, saying: "With the oil we produce from Sakarya Gas Field and Srnak Gabar, we are advancing with great determination toward reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources, he emphasized Bayraktar stated that Gabars oil production represents an annual economic value of $2.3 billion, highlighting its impact: "This production level also eliminates our need to import the equivalent amount of oil, making it economically significant. Beyond its financial benefits, it is also a crucial social project. This region was once associated with terrorism, but now we are walking toward a terror-free Turkiye. As we liberate this region from terrorism, our work in the field has accelerated, and we are now seeing the results. We will increase the production capacity even further, continue to develop these oil fields, and pursue new discoveries. This particular oil field was named in memory of Bulent Sadioglu, our colleague who passed away last year in Hakkari. Another field was also named after Mehmet Irfan Guler, another team member. We believe there is great potential in these areas, and our efforts are in full swing. We have built hundreds of kilometers of roads and continue our seismic surveys. Gabar has now become Turkiyes oil hub, and we will keep expanding it. Right now, we have 3,200 workers in the field, and we came here to break fast with them. We also brought young students from various universities to witness this progress. Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes for Ramadan Bayram to all our hardworking colleagues and the entire nation," the minister concluded. After his speech, Minister Bayraktar and his delegation attended an iftar meal with workers at the Esma Cevik Oil Field. 3 April 2025 19:48 (UTC+04:00) By News Center Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu met with journalists in Ankara, addressing a wide range of topics, including Turkiye's transport relations with Syria, the ultra-high-speed train project, metro and highway investments, and new social media regulations. The minister also commented on Googles recent algorithm changes. Discussing ongoing work on social media age restrictions, Uraloglu stated that the Ministry of Family and Social Services is leading the efforts, with the Ministries of Interior and Justice also involved in discussions. "We have reached a general consensus: Social media users between 13 and 16 years old will require parental consent, while those under 13 will not be allowed to access these platforms. We expect to implement this regulation within the year," he said. Uraloglu addressed Googles recent algorithm updates, noting that the company denies targeting specific entities or providing advantages to others. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with their response, stating: "Their explanations were not entirely convincing. While we do not have direct regulatory authority over Google, we are closely monitoring the situation as a ministry." Uraloglu provided updates on Turkiyes transportation relations with Syria, including road, rail, aviation, maritime, and communication sectors. "While the road network is functional, it does not yet meet the desired standards. On the railway side, about 50 kilometers of track on the Syrian side have been completely destroyed. We are working on a restoration plan and, if successful, we will connect the railway all the way to Damascus," he announced. Uraloglu reminded that Turkiye has provided technical support to restore Damascus Airport, adding: "We have already installed some systems, but additional radar systems need to be procured and installed. We prefer these to be locally produced, and ASELSAN is actively working on them. Our teams are on the ground." He also noted that Turkish Airlines' Istanbul-Damascus flights have reconnected Syria to the world, and that Pegasus and Ajet have applied to operate flights to Damascus as well. Discussing the railway project on the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Uraloglu announced that negotiations with the World Bank have been positive: "The financing for the 120-kilometer route covering Gebze, Sabiha Gokcen Airport, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Istanbul Airport, and Halkal is almost secured. We plan to hold the tender in the coming months." He also mentioned a revision in the Ankara Esenboga Airport Metro Line project. Uraloglu highlighted congestion concerns on the Ankara-Istanbul highway, stating: "After exiting Northern Marmara Motorway, drivers find themselves almost in urban traffic. In about 10 years, we will need a new highway here." He revealed that the most feasible route will run via Sincan, Nallhan, Beypazar, and directly to Akyaz. Uraloglu discussed public-private partnership projects, including the ultra-high-speed train project between Ankara and Istanbul. He stated: "Currently, three to four international companies are interested in this project." He also cited the Osmangazi Bridge as an example of successful investments, noting: "The bridge has exceeded the guaranteed traffic levels by 1.5 times, bypassing a 98-kilometer route." China will continue to empower development through green energy: FM Xinhua) 09:42, April 03, 2025 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to work with other parties, empower development through green energy, and promote cooperation through the blue economy, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a daily news briefing on Wednesday. China's commitment to green and low-carbon development is an inherent requirement of its pursuit of high-quality economic growth, which also serves as a driving force for global climate response and sustainable development, said Guo. In 2024, four out of every 10 kilowatt-hours of electricity in China was generated by clean energy. As the largest exporter of clean technologies, China creates 46 percent of the job opportunities in the global renewable energy industry, Guo said. Noting that "green transition" and "blue contributions" stand out in China's cooperation with neighboring countries for sustainable development, Guo said that China has conducted cooperation with Vietnam, Thailand and other countries on clean energy, signed cooperation documents on blue economy with Indonesia, among other countries, and promoted cooperation in relevant fields. Guo said building a clean and beautiful world is the shared responsibility of all countries, noting that some countries are now groundlessly going after China's green sector, which will lead to self-isolation, and even worse, cost the international community and developing countries more to access renewable energy, and hinder global green and low-carbon development. "We also call on all parties to jointly create favorable conditions for international green cooperation and make greater contributions," the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) 3 April 2025 22:49 (UTC+04:00) By News Centre President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated during the meeting that cooperation between Turkiye and Russia is of key importance in resolving regional issues, that Turkiye is closely following the process initiated to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and that Turkiye is ready to provide all kinds of support, including hosting peace negotiations, to ensure an honorable and lasting peace. "The Black Sea should not turn into a conflict area" President Erdogan stated that well-intentioned steps to be taken for the safety of commercial navigation in the Black Sea would contribute to the peace process and that Turkiye continues to do its part to prevent the Black Sea from becoming a conflict zone. President Erdogan stated during the meeting that Turkiye attaches importance to cooperation with Russia on the Syria issue, that it is important for Turkiye and Russia to work together to ensure that Syria achieves lasting peace and stability based on its territorial integrity, and that Turkiye and Russia can work together to eliminate efforts to disrupt the unity of Syria and to fuel ethnic and sectarian discrimination, and to completely lift sanctions against Syria. Erdogan stated that Syria's resources should be left to the Syrian administration, that Turkiye supports the dissolution of the so-called "Syrian Democratic Forces" within the central administration, and that it is of vital importance for Syria's stability that Syria is no longer a suitable area for terrorist organizations. 3 April 2025 21:21 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Following the results of the trade and economic mission in Xi'an, China, Kazakhstani entrepreneurs signed agreements worth $98 million, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! Governing Beaufort County Related to: Government Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 A less subjective view of governing and the policies that influences the lives of Beaufort County residents to a degree far greater than many realize and far more than some care to admit. The Arts Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 A long look at art and artists that live in Beaufort County and those that choose to entertain us here within our borders, and within our region, and on occasion, from outside our region. Discovering Beaufort County Related to: Community Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 A look at the people, geography and history of a large familiar county separated by one big flowing river. In the Past Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 History. This category was titled "A Historical Perspective." Press Releases: Candidates seeking political office Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Beaufort County Now will publish every press release, which is within their power to do so, from every candidate seeking political office, irrespective of political party. Press Releases: Elected office holders Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Page 149 Page 150 Page 151 Beaufort County Now will publish every press release, which is within their power to do so, from every elected office holder, irrespective of political party. Stupid as Charged Older Page 1 Come here for to seek what cannot be understood by the normal mind. Statewide Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 A continual examination of news and events that affect other locations, as well as Beaufort County in a related sense. Agendas of General Meetings Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Each month, we will supply an agenda of the upcoming general meetings of the most critical government in Beaufort County. John William Pope Center Guest Editorial Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 The university system in the United States has accomplished a great deal of good, but we believe that higher education in the United States, including North Carolina, has strayed from its chief goals of scholarly inquiry and responsible teaching.All too often, universities allow teaching to become shallow and trendy, failing to challenge students intellectually and disparaging traditional principles of justice, ethics, and liberal education. Students know little about the history of their country or the institutions that led to this nations prosperity and liberty. Students can get by without taking rigorous courses, and non-academic activities overshadow scholarship. As a result, many college graduates have poor skills in computation, communication, and logical analysis. Faculty are allowed excessive latitude in what they teach and often get away with little teaching at all, because research is emphasized. Taxpayers as well as students and their families pay hefty prices to support a system that often appears to provide little educational value.To address these and other problems, the Pope Center conducts studies in areas such as governance, curriculum, financing, access, accountability, faculty research, and administrative policies. We explore ways to increase the accountability of trustees, administrators, faculty, and students. And we engage in the broader dialogue about how to improve higher education around the nation.In these endeavors, we are motivated by the principles that have traditionally guided public policy in the United States: limits on government; freedom to pursue goals through voluntary means, both for-profit and nonprofit; accountability through private property rights; and the belief that competition is an excellent regulating force. Carolina Journal Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Page 149 Page 150 Page 151 Page 152 Page 153 Page 154 Page 155 Page 156 Page 157 Page 158 Page 159 Page 160 Page 161 Page 162 Page 163 Page 164 Page 165 Page 166 Page 167 Page 168 Page 169 Page 170 Page 171 Page 172 Page 173 Page 174 Page 175 Page 176 Page 177 Page 178 Page 179 Page 180 Page 181 Page 182 Page 183 Page 184 Page 185 Page 186 Page 187 Page 188 Page 189 Page 190 Page 191 Page 192 Page 193 Page 194 Page 195 Page 196 Page 197 Page 198 Page 199 Page 200 Public Utilization Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 The Federal and independent state governments of these States United are purposefully tasked with enforcing certain guidelines and statutes that walk a tight line between the public domain and the free markets of a healthy republic. A Commissioner's View Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 We will provide an opinion, through the experience of 4 term county commissioner Stan Deatherage, that will provide an insider's approach to problem solving through governing. Clarion Call Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 There are times in one's life, should they hear the call, when seemingly complex issues become clear; and should one heed that call, it is incumbent upon them to express their knowledge of the truth as best they can, as often as they are able and willing to do so. You can also visit Stan's Governing /Political knowledge here: https://beaufortcountynow.com/category/343/stans-well-considered-rant.html Across North Carolina Older Page 1 Stan Deatherage takes pictures all over North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast and very much in between. Here, we explore what goes on within the photographer's eye of this Tar heel traveler, who valiantly shoots first and uploads later. Regarding the recent Israel /Iran Conflict (the "12 Day War"), culminating in the United States Air Force employing seven B2 Bombers to complete a 33 hour flight, dropping 14 fifteen ton bunker busting bombs on three Iranian nuclear facilities buried deep under mountain rock, which destroyed Iran's nuclear ambitions against Israel and the United States: Should President Trump have unilaterally made the decision to make such a bold decision to conduct this operation, without first running this prospective operation before the US Congress for their approval? 14.29% No, The War Powers Act prohibitions, which requires NO presidential military action without congressional approval.85.71% Yes, the President has Article 2 Constitutional authority to take unilateral military action to protect the American People, providing he does not break congressional codes, which he did not.0% Don't care, never have. Politics with Rod Eccles Older Page 1 Rod Eccles is the Host of The Nationally Syndicated Radio Show The Rod Eccles Show. He is The Coolest Most Politically Incorrect Conservative Black Man on the Planet and he is being dubbed the new Black Rush Limbaugh of our time. He is one of the leading voices in the Conservative Movement.He just published his first book titled The Conservative ECCLESiastes: Logic and Wisdom from the Coolest, Most Politically Incorrect, Conservative Black Man on the Planet. This year his show was added to the list of Top Talk Conservative Radio Show Hosts on Top Talk.com. Currently, Rod is traveling around the country making Key Note Speeches to Tea Party and Republican Organizations to fire up the base for the 2016 elections. Categorical Class Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 In northeastern North Carolina, and, in particular, here around Beaufort, Pitt and Craven Counties, we are creating an online marketing paradigm centering around the power of our Beaufort County NOW zeitgeist, which is proving to be the "gold standard" of all online publications here in northeastern North Carolina. Marketing Real Estate Older Page 1 Our parent company, Symbiotic Networks, the creator and developer of Symbiotic Publisher CMS, which powers northeastern North Carolina's top online publication, Beaufort County NOW, has begun to market real estate, and partner real estate professionals, by providing online marketing and superior website construction to aid in their success beyond all others.For those properties that are our charge to market, and for those real estate professionals, who are our business associates /our clients, we will avail the pages of Beaufort County NOW to aid in the profound success of their professional purpose to serve at a higher level. Challenges to America's Future Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Conservative Podcaster John Woodard tells BCN's audience and all of our known World what he knows as truths to aid in the continuance of OUR American Way. For Love of God and Country Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Diane Rufino does not pull punches: She tells it straight and builds her case to express her keen sense of reality. If "keeping it real" is an imperative, you are advised to read Diane's opinions on the promise of past accomplishments bestowed on future generations. Combat Crime Related to: Community beaufort county arrests nc beaufort county crime stoppers beaufort county jailbird beaufort county nc arrest records beaufort county nc arrests beaufort county nc mugshots washington nc arrests Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 The purpose of this category is to help the public learn about injustices in the criminal justice system and to brainstorm and come up with meaningful solutions. Beaufort County Community College Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Beaufort County Community College, located 6 miles east of Washington, NC, keeps the region informed through their press releases, and they use Beaufort County NOW as their way to communicate on the internet. Our Founding Principles Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 This ongoing examination into what influenced the United States of America to become a nation of such profound greatness is a group effort. Please join us. Vidant Beaufort Hospital Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 We endeavor here to express to the community the events that are ongoing at the Vidant Beaufort Hospital here in Washington, North Carolina in Beaufort County. County Commissioners Newer Older Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 This body politic is the governing board that all other boards must at some time answer to. Real Clear Politics just published an analysis entiled "The lefr's scary lawfare in France and America" zeroing in on the recent attempts by the left to misuse the courts to persecute their political opponents. President Trump and his allies have been major targets here in the US., Although they failed to jail Trump as they had planned, they are hamstringing his administration with frivolous lawsuits brought in front of far left judges who will do their political bidding. France has been hit worse. A French court has used a trumped up case to ban the leading candidate for president, populist nationalist anti-immigration National Rally leader Marine LePen from running for that office. A recent poll had shown LePen with a wide lead in the fitst round and handily beating any prosecttive oppoent in the runoff. As usual, it was all on a trumped up charge, taking a practice done by at least 20% of members of the European parliament that has never been prosecuted against anyone else and using the fact that some of her party members did it to prosecute her as party president as well as MEPs of her party. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/04/01/the_lefts_scary_lawfare_in_france_and_america.html https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2025/04/03/the-globalist-authoritarians-are-playing-with-fire-n2654900 This is the new move by the globalists, and it has also shown its ugly face in Brazil where the left is tryiing to jail former President Jair Bolisano on fake made-up charges. It has already been used in Romania to cancel the presidential election after a populist right independent won the first round. He has now been disqualited and jailed on speculation with no evidence by a Constitutional Court controlled by the leftwing Social Democrats.. Both the EU and the Biden regime were involved in encouraging that anti-democratic action. The first open lawfare against a political leader of the right was perpertrated by Austria's leftwing Green Party againstthen- Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, an anti-immigration hardliner, several years ago. A Green Party prosecutor made up a charge on Kurz, and under the law Kurz had to step aside as chancellor while that prosecutor dragged out an "investigation" that ultimeately found nothing. Meanwhile, the sidelined Kurz got disgusted with the process and dropped out of politics. Meanwhile, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) has zeroed in on the lawfare playing out in US courts as the radical left special interests and political hacks take their complaints to far left political hack Obama and Biden federal district judges. https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/04/01/sen-john-kennedy-destroys-nationwide-injunctions-and-its-amazing-n4938490 It is high time to start jailing the judges and prosecutors behind this lawfare, They are a threat to both democracy and the rule of law when they abuse their positions for political prosecutions. Politically corrupt partisan judbes and prosecutors poison to the system. The chief executive of a Belfast-based manufacturing firm says a tariff of 10% on its exports to the US can be managed but any further rise would be catastrophic. The whiskey area at Belfast International Airport's new retail experience Displays of Northern Ireland spirits brands at the International Airport's new duty free area Belfast International Airport has announced the opening of a new duty free walkthrough outlet later this month as part of a total investment of 100m. The airport has teamed up with Lagardere Travel Retail to open the new Aelia Duty Free outlet, which it says blends duty free, food and drink and travel essentials into a seamless retail experience. Perfume stands at Belfast International Airport's new duty free area The experience will begin when passengers leave the security hall, before they exit into the departures area. Its the latest phase of a five-year 100m investment plan launched by the airport in October 2023. Dan Owens, CEO, Belfast International Airport and Peter Newbould, CEO of Lagardere Travel Retail UK & Ireland. 100m refurbishment at Belfast International Airport to include solar farm There will be an expanded portfolio of retail brands Jo Malone and Rituals, with make-up company Charlotte Tilbury and Creed Fragrances launching in the next few weeks. And a new locally-inspired coffee shop White Star Coffee Co will also be launched, while a Discover Belfast store will celebrate names like Titanic and Harland & Wolff, and sell souvenirs and confectionery. The whiskey area at Belfast International Airport's new retail experience Dan Owens, CEO of Belfast International Airport, said: "This next phase of our redevelopment continues to elevate the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport. "The new retail and dining offer not only brings iconic names to our terminal but also proudly showcases the best of Northern Ireland to the world." Displays of Northern Ireland spirits brands at the International Airport's new duty free area Peter Newbould, CEO of Lagardere Travel Retail UK & Ireland, added: "Our vision is to reimagine the airport journey by blending global brands with authentic local experiences. "With this transition, we're not just enhancing retailwere creating moments of discovery and inspiration for every traveller passing through Belfast." LATEST | Trump tariffs deeply regrettable says Economy Minister as Stormont leaders vow to protect NI amid global trade fears US President upends world economic order as he claims US has been "looted, pillaged, raped and plundered Trump hits UK with 10% tariff and sets blanket 25% rate for foreign cars Adrian Rutherford and Margaret Canning Thu 3 Apr 2025 at 10:10 Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has described US President Donald Trumps tariffs announcement as deeply regrettable. JD Sports could be one of the retailers impacted by tariffs because of its exposure to the US market (JD Sports/PA) Donald Trump unveiled a range of tariffs in a speech at the White House on Wednesday evening, with a 10% baseline import tax slapped on every country that sends goods to the US. This means the UK will be hit with the 10% tariff on all exports compared with a 20% rate facing the European Union, and significantly higher levies for countries such as China and Indonesia. Irelands most haunted house put up for sale by son of Belfast billionaire The developer and son of Belfast-born billionaire Paddy McKillen has abandoned his plans to convert the landmark Wexford building into a luxury hotel Loftus Hall, Hook Head, Wexford. Jessica O'Connor New Ross Standard Thu 3 Apr 2025 at 07:38 One of Irelands most historic buildings and its 68-acre estate in south Co Wexford is about to be launched on the property market, with offers expected to be in excess of 4m. Music and Gigs Review: This is the best Oasis have been since 96 some might say better... a rock reunion to end them all Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, First Minister Michelle ONeill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and David Porter, Director of Strategic Development, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust One of the two partner companies tasked with building the new childrens hospital in Belfast has pulled out. BAM Ireland said it had made a commercial decision not to go ahead with its partnership with Co Down-based construction firm Graham Construction, the BBC reported. BAM, the contractor behind the National Childrens Hospital in Dublin, was jointly awarded the 671m contract for a new childrens hospital on the Royal Victoria Hospital site by the Stormont Executive only last month. The contract was announced by First Minister Michelle ONeill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. The construction works are valued at 389m. The new 10-floor hospital was originally planned to open in July 2020 at a cost of 223m. However, the project has been beset by delays and costs have risen. But yesterday a BAM spokesperson said: Graham will now proceed with the customer, and BAMs decision will not impact the delivery of the hospital. At yesterdays Stormont health committee, DUP MLA Diane Dodds raised questions about contract changes. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt confirmed the contract for the hospital was with Graham Construction. Estates director Phillip McClay from the Department of Health said BAM withdrew at a late stage in the discussions and they have asked for the reasons, but it was his understanding that BAMs withdrawal was by amicable agreement. He said he was satisfied that Graham have the wherewithal and the ability to construct the childrens hospital. Sinn Fein had faced criticism in the Republic for backing BAM in Northern Ireland despite party TDs previously criticising it for spending overruns in the Republic. Sinn Fein TDs had previously called on the Irish Government to not go ahead with a construction contract with BAM and pointed to it being behind on the Dublin childrens hospital project which has run massively over cost. Described as the most expensive childrens hospital in the world, it has cost almost 2bn. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, First Minister Michelle ONeill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and David Porter, Director of Strategic Development, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust News Catch Up - Thursday 4 April Last November, Pearse Doherty said the Irish Government should not go ahead with the latest BAM contract under any circumstances and urged them to come to their senses and pull the plug on this reckless contract. Later, Sinn Fein said: We, of course, had concerns with the conduct of BAM and the overruns in the National Childrens Hospital in Dublin. This is why Philip McGuigan as chair of the (Stormont) Health Committee has sought assurances from the Department of Health on the contract terms and the contract award. Police officer numbers will remain dangerously low and the public will come to harm, the chief constable has warned. Jon Boutcher issued the stark message as he outlined the ongoing impact of financial constraints on policing in Northern Ireland. The Policing Board and PSNI have published the Policing Plan 2025-2030, which provides a framework for delivery of the policing service over the next five years and the assessment of performance. In the plan, Mr Boutcher speaks of the continuing threat to officers in a post-conflict society. He acknowledges the impact that has on officers, often exacerbated for those from the nationalist community. Mr Boutcher specifically mentions pressing concerns about the threat from dissident terrorists and cyber related offences where organised crime gangs can access children and vulnerable people anywhere in the UK through the internet. He also speaks of the unenviable burden on policing as officers respond to people experiencing mental health crises every day. And of the additional costs associated with parading, protests and dealing with the past on top of everyday crime. He has argued the PSNI needs 7,000 officers. The current number is 6,300. Mr Boutcher added: As I have highlighted previously our ability to deliver against not only the Policing Plan, but also the Programme for Government is significantly impacted due to our current resourcing and budget position. It is evident to me and numerous independent bodies that the lack of financial support for policing has already put lives at risk and this position will worsen significantly if a sustainable fiscal plan for policing is not put in place. Without a substantial baseline uplift, our numbers will remain at an unacceptable and dangerously low level, the PSNI will not be able to keep people safe in the way that we would all want. Put simply, people are now and will continue to come to harm who should be protected, but we no longer have the police numbers to do this. The plan includes three strategic outcomes for policing which are to ensure the PSNI is victim focused, has safe and engaged communities with confidence in policing and that the PSNI has a representative, valued and enabled workforce. Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Credit: Liam McBurney/PA) News Catch Up - Wednesday 2 April Liam Kelly, who chairs the Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said Mr Boutcher's warning should leave no one in any doubt of the dire state that policing finds itself in as it deals with inadequate funding, increasing demand and declining officer numbers. Mr Kelly said: This Policing Plan signposts the way ahead for the service. In an ideal world, it makes absolute sense. The fact is were not in an ideal world, but one that impairs and hinders the service. Policing is at the edge of the precipice. And when Mr Boutcher warns that the lack of financial support will significantly worsen the position unless a sustainable fiscal plan is put in place, he should be listened to. He added: These are hard-hitting but realistic comments. I regard them as a clarion call for urgent action and an earnest attempt to avert disaster in policing. We must halt this sleep-walking by Ministers who should ultimately be held to account for failing to protect and safeguard people and communities. They must urgently reverse this dangerous slide and face facts. If they dont give my colleagues the finances and resources to do the job, then further worrying deterioration will be inevitable. The plan was agreed following public consultation and is published alongside the first Annual Performance Plan, a one-year document which supports the evaluation of the delivery of the policing plan using set indicators, measures and impacts. Board Chair Mukesh Sharma said: This Plan focuses on the positive changes we can make to enable PSNI to deliver the service that the public expect and deserve. The Policing Plan is an important part of delivering safer communities, but it is not the only part. We must also continue to work in partnership across all levels of society. The PSNI has pledged to support potential NI victims of serial rapist Zhenhao Zou as the service confirms that the Metropolitan Police is in contact with Queens University Belfast to aid in investigations. It came as the police issued a renewed appeal for potential victims of Zou to come forward. An international appeal was issued after Zou (28) was convicted of drugging and raping 10 women, following a trial at the Inner London Crown Court in March. Since then, 23 women have come forward to make reports against Zou, who the Met Police has branded as one of the worst sexual predators the UK has seen. Zou is reported to have committed a range of sexual offences in the UK, China and Europe. The Chinese national studied mechanical engineering at the Queens University between 2017 and 2019. Zou returned to China briefly due to the Covid pandemic, before studying a masters degree in London. He would return to his native country periodically. The student would reportedly befriend fellow Chinese students online and lure them to his flat. He would then ply them with a drink laced with drugs and sexually assault them when they lost consciousness. At present, no Northern Irish victims have come forward. However, in a new appeal, the PSNI said it has concerns that there are victims in NI who may not realise they are victims. It has been confirmed that the Met Police are currently in contact with Queens. The 28-year-olds former education establishment is also a line of enquiry for the PSNI. Issuing the renewed appeal, DCI Stephanie Finlay of the Public Protection Branch promised that support would be available to any victims who come forward. I can confirm that the Met have been in touch with Queens University, and it is also a line of enquiry for ourselves, said DCI Finlay. The Met are leading on this investigation. At this time we have had no reports of any crime having taken place in Northern Ireland. I can confirm that the Met have not come to Northern Ireland as a result of this investigation at this time. However, we have been in regular contact through telephone and email and we have had a number of online meetings. But at this time there are no victims in Northern Ireland. The PSNI is appealing to current or former Northern Ireland residents who may have had concerns about Zou to come forward. DCI Finlay added: At this time we have had no response or any victim in Northern Ireland coming forward with any information, which is why we feel that an appeal today [Thursday] is beneficial. We would like to encourage anyone with any information that would support the investigation to come forward. We understand that we are reaching out to a marginalised community in Northern Ireland. We want to assure them that our main objective here is to support any victim through the investigation process. If they are unsure, or if they want some kind of reassurance, then we would certainly encourage them to come forward. There are a number of lines of enquiry ongoing, but, as I say, it is in the very early stages of the investigation, added DCI Finlay. Zhenhao Zou (Pic: Met Police/PA) News Catch Up - Thursday 4 April The officer added that there are concerns that many of the victims do not know they are victims. Zous pattern of offending involved him meeting women socially, or through social media, then luring them back to his flat where he would ply them with drink laced with drugs and sexually assault them when they lost consciousness, she added. Zou is due to be sentenced on June 19. Police at the scene of an incident where a dog has been shot in the Scrabo area of Newtownards on April 3rd 2025 - Photo by Kevin Scott Police have shot a dog described by a local councillor as an XL bully type dog after it injured two people in Newtownards. Officers responded to reports of a dog that attacked a man and woman in the Rathmullan Drive area today. Emergency services responded to the incident in the Scrabo estate shortly after 6.30pm. . The pair were given first aid for their injuries at the scene before being taken to hospital. The dog was destroyed by specially trained officers due to being a risk to the public. Police at the scene of an incident where a dog has been shot in the Scrabo area of Newtownards on April 3rd 2025 - Photo by Kevin Scott News Catch Up - Thursday 4 April Several officers attended including the PSNI dog unit. A PSNI spokesman said: Police attended a property in the Rathmullen Drive area of Newtownards on Thursday 3rd April, following a report that a dog attacked a man and a woman. The man and woman were given first aid for their injuries at the scene before being conveyed to hospital. The dog was destroyed by specially trained officers, due to the risk to the public. As is normal procedure, the office of the Police Ombudsman have been informed. DUP councillor Stephen McIlveen expressed his concern at the incident, saying it was worrying news coming from the Scrabo this evening, with an XL bully type dog having to be killed by armed police. "I'm hoping that no one is seriously injured. It's terribly sad that an animal has been killed in this way, but a heavily populated area where there are young children is not a suitable place for dogs such as these that are known to pose such a risk, added the DUP Group Leader on Ards and North Down Borough Council. It has been illegal since the start of the year to own an XL bully in Northern Ireland without an exemption certificate. For the dogs to be eligible for exemption, they must be microchipped, licensed and have third-party insurance. The dogs must also be neutered as part of the exemption conditions, although this can be completed after the application is submitted. XL bully-type dogs were added to the list of restricted breeds in Northern Ireland last summer. Mr Browns elderly widow, Bridie, attended the hearing with her family at the Royal Courts of Justice (Liam McBurney/PA) The elderly widow of Sean Brown has urged Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to do the right thing and set up a public inquiry into her husbands murder. The Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday that the UK Governments refusal to hold a public inquiry into the killing of GAA official Sean Brown in 1997 is unlawful. It has given Mr Benn four weeks to consider the matter. Mr Browns elderly widow, Bridie, attended the hearing with her family at the Royal Courts of Justice. It was the 58th time the 87-year-old had attended a court hearing as part of her long battle to secure answers about her husbands death. She said: Mr Benn, five judges have told you what to do. Do the right thing and please dont have me going to London. Mr Browns daughter, Clare Loughran, supported her mother outside court and said her family felt very positive about the judgment. She said: As my mum has said, five judges have now told us that really the only way to have a truthful and honest investigation of my fathers death has been an inquiry were very pleased with the judgment so far today. Five judges have told him (Mr Benn) what to do. I think at this stage now he has got very little further option, the fact that he was trying to get us to go towards the ICRIR, and its been evident now today that that is probably something that is not appropriate in my fathers case, certainly not as it stands at the minute. Bridie Brown, the wife of Sean Brown, has now attended 58 court hearings (Liam McBurney/PA) She added that she feels the Government has tried to draw this out for 28 years. She said: We have had numerous secretary of states come through the north since my father was murdered, and very little of them to date have given us any sort of hope or very little trust in them. At this stage now, we really feel that if they can do the right thing by our side, we would be delighted with that. She said they would like to see a public inquiry into her fathers death get under way as soon as possible. I think it was laid out there today that a lot of the groundwork is already done for it, so I dont really see that there should be any further delay on that, she said. Well be back in four weeks time, (hearing) number 59. Committee says arrangements for delivering schemes not fit for purpose Belfast Grand Central station is one of the flagship infrastructure projects Overspending on major projects in Northern Ireland has topped 3bn, with a Stormont watchdog warning it is unacceptable and unsustainable. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which scrutinises government finances and spending, said current arrangements for delivering large-scale capital projects are not fit for purpose. It said a new independent oversight body in Northern Ireland must be considered. Scrutiny committee chair Daniel McCrossan said he is extremely frustrated by the lack of action taken to address overspends and delays. Todays report also calls for an urgent review of how the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) board oversees major projects. The report is the outcome of a PAC inquiry which heard evidence between October 2024 and January. It follows an NI Audit Office report last February. A major capital project is defined as any estimated to cost in excess of 25m, many of which involve major construction work. PAC chair, West Tyrone SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan The report said there were 77 projects managed by Stormont departments between April 2019 and last summer. Among them, seven were identified in 2015 as flagship infrastructure projects and were thus given funding for a five-year period, instead of the 12-month allocation normally provided. These projects were the A5 and A6 roads; the Belfast Rapid Transit (Glider buses) scheme; Belfast Transport Hub, better known as Grand Central Station; the Maternity and Childrens Hospital in Belfast; regional and sub-regional stadia, and the NI Fire and Rescue Learning and Development Centre in Cookstown. Currently just two of the seven the Belfast Rapid Transit project and the Belfast Transport Hub have been fully completed. The 77 projects were originally estimated to cost a combined 5.63bn and by February 2024, the Audit Office said these costs had risen to 8.08bn. The PAC got a revised estimate on the overspend. Its updated portfolio of 78 projects, initially estimated to cost 5.71bn, now had an estimated completion cost of 8.74bn up 3.03bn, or 53%, from the initial estimates. According to the report, the A5 project was identified as a source of a substantial amount of the total overrun. In October 2020 the PAC reported on the matter and made 15 recommendations aimed at improving accountability, commissioning, delivery and planning of major capital projects. But some of these recommendations were not implemented. The PAC said: Given the time elapsed since this committees previous report on this issue, this lack of positive change is unacceptable and the committee is extremely frustrated by the lack of action taken to address ongoing delays and cost overruns. Work on the A5 road was identified as "substantial amount of the total overrun." In todays report, the committee has made a series of new recommendations, including an urgent review into the NICS boards leadership, governance and effectiveness. The PAC found the board did not have responsibility or the ability to direct department Permanent Secretaries, the leading civil servants in government departments. It also found that information on cost and time overruns is not reported to the NICS board, leaving the committee with significant questions about the purpose and value of the current reporting arrangements and the effectiveness of the NICS board in this regard. Mr McCrossan said the escalation of overspends is simply unsustainable. The committee has been raising concerns in this area for years, the MLA added. In 2020, our initial Report on Major Capital Projects made 15 recommendations for improvement, relating to accountability mechanisms as well as time and cost overruns. A number of those recommendations have not progressed as the committee intended, and not all recommendations were accepted. Having revisited the Major Capital Projects Inquiry in September 2024, we have heard a lot in evidence sessions about ongoing, planned actions and future aspirations but little in the way of real progress and how these projects could be delivered more efficiently and effectively. The committee is extremely frustrated by the lack of action taken to address delays and overspends. We have now made a further 12 recommendations to address the urgent and serious ongoing issues and resolve the root causes. PAC deputy chair, East Antrim MLA Cheryl Brownlee DUP MLA Cheryl Brownlee, deputy chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said the current arrangements for delivering major capital projects are not fit for purpose and that the establishment of an independent oversight body in Northern Ireland must be considered. She added: A review of leadership and governance is also urgently required. We also want to see an annual progress report published on the delivery of all major capital projects and that the Department of Finance takes the lead role in monitoring this. Regrettably, the committee is also repeating its recommendation that NICS urgently addresses the lack of professional and technical skills, to ensure project teams have the necessary capacity and capability to successfully deliver major capital projects. The Department for Finance was approached for comment. Two men have been charged in connection with the theft of a high value piece of art in Belfast city centre. A 49 year old man has been charged with handling stolen goods and theft, and a 39 year old man has been charged with theft. Both men are due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday 4th April. Police said a the piece of art was stolen from commercial premises in the Lanyon Quay area the city shortly after 4pm on Wednesday. A short time later, police located two men in the Ormeau Road area, who matched the description of the suspects. A painting was seized, along with additional items linked to a theft from another premises. Two men were arrested Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph. News Catch Up - Thursday 4 April The two men, aged 39 and 49 were subsequently arrested on suspicion of theft. Adam Krzan, who was murdered in Dungannon. Police have charged another man in connection with the murder of a pensioner at a flat in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. Adam Krzan (71) was found dead in his home at Corrainey Park in the Lisnahull area of the town on February 27. A 34-year-old has now been charged with a number of offences including assisting an offender, withholding information and perverting the course of justice. A 33-year-old suspect was yesterday charged with Krzans murder, as well as robbery and going equipped for burglary, and remains in custody. Both men are due before Dungannon Magistrates Court later today (Friday). The duo were taken into custody following searches in the Dungannon area. A number of items, including a vehicle, were seized by police. Four people were initially arrested in the days following Mr Krzans death, but were all subsequently released. Adam Krzan, who was murdered in Dungannon. News Catch Up - Thursday 4 April The deceased was originally from Poland. He moved to Northern Ireland approximately 20 years ago. There were widespread tributes following his death. One distressed neighbour told the Belfast Telegraph the pensioner was so kind and always full of smiles and joy. Police said: Detectives from the PSNIs Major Investigation Team, investigating the murder of 71-year-old Adam Krzan on Thursday, February 27, have charged a man with murder. The 33-year-old man has been charged with murder, robbery and going equipped for burglary, and is due to appear before Dungannon Magistrates Court on Friday. A 34-year-old man also arrested remains in custody at this time. Detectives have arrested two men after drugs worth 150,000 were seized by police in Londonderry. The arrests come as law enforcement in the region investigated drugs criminality linked to the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA). The men, aged 37 and 38, were arrested on April 2 in the Glengailliagh Road area by detectives from the Organised Crime Branch. A quantity of suspected Class A and Class B drugs worth approximately 150,000 were subsequently seized. Detective Inspector Pyper said: As part of an ongoing investigation into drugs criminality linked to the INLA, officers carried out a search of a car in the Glengalliagh Road area. A number of items were discovered including a quantity of suspected cocaine and suspected amphetamines. Two men, aged 37 and 38 were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences. They remain in police custody at this time. Drug supply and misuse is a vicious cycle that we need to collectively break, and we all have a part to play. We will continue to do all we can to tackle all types of organised criminality linked to paramilitaries taking place in our communities, and we encourage anyone with information to call 101. A wheel that fell off a passenger plane during a flight from Edinburgh to Belfast could have fallen on an urban area if it had happened later in the journey, an accident investigation has found. The incident happened on an Aer Lingus morning flight between Edinburgh and Belfast City Airport on October 31, 2023. According to the Air Accident Investigation Branch report, one of the two wheels under the nose of the aircraft became detached as it was taking off from Edinburgh Airport. Airport and flight crew failed to notice the detachment until the plane was landing in Belfast and proceeded to be taxied onto the stand. Despite missing one of its two front wheels, the plane was described as stable, but additional support was added to the nosewheel to provide protection against the wind. There were four crew members and 55 passengers on board the flight, and no injuries were recorded. The wheel was found next to the runway at Edinburgh, along with a number of components related to it, including the wheel axle nut. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said the fractured axle was likely caused by an overheated bearing, but could not determine exactly what caused it to overheat. Investigators from the AAIB report said the nose wheel would "not have been easily detectable" by staff in Edinburgh as it "came to rest" away from the runway surface. Following the incident, both airports carried out runway inspections. A further examination of the ATR 72-212 A aircraft, which was built in 2017, found evidence of heat damage on the axle. The report said the axle fractured due to overheating of the wheel bearing, which caused "thermal shock." Aer Lingus plane. (stock image) News Catch Up - Thursday 4 April According to the report, the incident could potentially have been much worse. Communications by airport staff meant any debris was located promptly, the report said. Aside from risks inherent to debris on active runways, had the nosewheel detached during the approach at Belfast, it could have fallen on an urban area. Investigators said the cause of the overheating "could not be positively determined" but that it may have been caused by "over-greasing" of inner and outer bearings or lack of wheel balancing weights. A spokesperson from Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional services, said: "Emerald Airlines acknowledges the release of the Investigation Report by the AAIB regarding Flight EI3651. "The aircraft operated normally throughout the flight and landed safely at Belfast City Airport, where passengers disembarked as normal. At no point was safety compromised. "As the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority, recommendations stemming from any investigation are carefully reviewed for implementation." The Taoiseach has raised concern over Hungarys intent to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. Hungarys prime minister said the ICC, based in The Hague, The Netherlands, was a political court rather than an impartial body. He made the remarks as Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Hungary, where he was not arrested under a warrant which had been previously issued by the ICC. Hungary, as a current member of the ICC, would be required to arrest Mr Netanyahu under the terms of the warrant which found there is reason to believe they bear criminal responsibility for crimes perpetrated in the war in Gaza, including the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. The ICC does not have a mechanism to enforce this obligation on Hungary. The charges are denied by the Israeli officials. Viktor Orban has been accused of acting in ways that are antagonistic to the EU and has faced criticism for crack downs on civil society and human rights group. Asked about the development, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: I am concerned about trends within Hungary and there are procedures there in terms of dealing with member states who we believe have either transgressed the law or who are not really behaving in the full spirit of EU unity, or indeed adherence to EU treaties. Mr Martin said Ireland fully supports the ICC and had provided significant, additional funding to the ICC, adding: International rule of law is extremely important, and Ireland will continue to adhere to it. He was speaking during a joint press conference with Irelands EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, who holds responsibility for rule of law. Mr Martin added: Theres a step-by-step approach there, I know Commissioner McGrath has responsibilities in the area rule of law, and Im very conscious of the citizens of Hungary, many of whom eagerly want to obviously remain within the European Union, want to be part of the European Union. Im always very conscious of that in terms of my engagement with our EU member states. But it is a concern, weve fully supported the ICC. Weve provided significant funding, additional funding above any per capita contribution to the ICC. Mr McGrath said he had visited Hungary last week, adding that the Commission has well documented concerns for the rule of law there. I had direct engagement with a range of civil society organisations and media bodies during my visit there, and I am concerned at much of what I heard. I think there is a narrowing of the safe space for civil society organisations to operate within, and theres also a real challenge to having a free and independent, pluralist media within the country, and that has a direct impact on the operation of the democratic institutions, holding people to account. And thats why the EU has had to, regrettably, use the tools at its disposal, and that has included withholding about 18 billion euro funding that should be made available to the people of Hungary who strongly support EU membership. Mr McGrath said he regrets Hungarys intent to withdraw from the ICC. We need countries to support the system of international justice, and the ICC is at the heart of that. In February, US President Donald Trump issued sanctions against the court for its investigations into Israels conduct of the war in Gaza. Mr McGrath said: I visited them in The Hague back in January. Theyre in a very challenging period at the moment, as you know, for different reasons, but unfortunately, this is another retrograde step from Hungarian Authorities, and lets see what happens over the period ahead. Mr Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris have both previously said that Ireland would arrest Mr Netanyahu under the terms of the warrant, should he enter its territory. In a statement on Thursday evening, Mr Harris expressed deep regret over Hungarys decision to withdraw from the ICC. It is particularly disappointing that an EU Member State would take such a step. The EU is founded on fundamental values which all Member States are obligated to uphold and defend. This includes support for the application of international law. The ICC is the cornerstone of the international system of criminal justice and plays a vital role in ending impunity. Along with our EU partners, we have consistently called on all States to respect its independence and impartiality. Ireland will continue to work with our international partners, including within the EU, to support the ICC in fulfilling its mandate. The US may not have understood the complexity of tariffs on EU pharmaceuticals when it was first suggested, the Irish premier Micheal Martin has said. On Wednesday, US president Donald Trump announced a minimum baseline tariff of 10% on all imports from all countries, with additional higher rates for some regions including a 20% tax on goods from Ireland and the rest of the EU. Pharmaceuticals are currently exempt from measures but Mr Trump has previously threatened tariffs on the sector and may yet make further orders. Asked if he believed the tariff exemption would be temporary, Mr Martin said: We dont know that. I think whats happening there is its much more complex than might have been originally thought on the US side. There are a lot of complex supply chain issues. Also the cost of medicines would go up immediately for American citizens. Mr Martins comments expressed more uncertainty than deputy premier Simon Harris who had earlier said his working assumption was that the US administration intends to bring further tariffs on pharmaceuticals in the future, as part of the White Houses drive to increase domestic production. Mr Harris, who is also Irish Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, said: I think we have to take President Trump at his word here. Taoiseach Micheal Martin during a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump (Niall Carson/PA) Speaking to RTEs Six One News, Mr Martin said pharmaceutical goods produced in Denmark, Belgium and Ireland were often intermediate products that required further work in the US. Other issues included the investment already put into EU factories for compliance, and the skilled workforce required. He said: You cant relocate them overnight and so the US could end up doing more damage to its own companies, I dont think thats what they want. Meanwhile, Mr Martin said he did not believe there was a widespread push within the EU for tariffs on US services, but said some of the larger member states may be pursuing that as a sort of nuclear option on day one. He said the Irish Government was against that, particularly as an initial response. There may be outstanding issues from the American side that we would acknowledge, then maybe we could resolve them by negotiation. Theres no point in doing something without really understanding the unintended consequences that can flow from decisions like this, he added. Tanaiste Simon Harris (Cillian Sherlock/PA) There had been significant anxiety in Ireland in the run-up to Wednesdays announcement, with the US administrations protectionist approach to tariffs and tax posing a major risk to the Irish economy that is in large part sustained by long-standing investment by US multinationals. The potential impact on the pharmaceutical sector, which employs around 45,000 people, was a particular cause of concern. Total Irish exports were valued at 223.8 billion euros last year, with roughly one third going to the US. Of the 72.6 billion euros in US imports from Ireland, approximately 58 billion euros relates to pharmaceuticals and chemicals leaving Ireland. It had been projected this could halve if Mr Trump had implemented a 20% tariff on the goods and the EU had responded in kind. The immediate suggestion that pharmaceuticals are not currently part of the new tariff measures comes despite both Mr Trump and his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously focusing on Irelands moves to attract that sector. US President Donald Trump (Niall Carson/PA) The US administration could still implement higher tariffs on pharmaceuticals at a later date, with the White House warning that future good-specific or sector-specific taxes may be announced. The industry will also have to examine the specifics of the lengthy and technical list of exemptions. Mr Harris said Ireland continues to engage with the US and points out that 80% of pharmaceutical exports to the US are not finished goods, and require further work in US factories which comes with jobs and taxes there. Mr Martin travelled to Washington DC last month, where the US president told him he did not want to do anything to hurt Ireland but added that the trade relationship between the countries should be focused on fairness. He accused the Irish Government of taking US pharmaceutical companies through attractive taxation measures and said: Were going to take back our wealth and take back a lot of the companies that left. He added: All of a sudden Ireland has our pharmaceutical companies, this beautiful island of five million people has got the entire US pharmaceutical industry in its grasp. Mr Lutnick, who has described Ireland as his favourite tax scam, told a podcast last month: They have all of our (intellectual property) for all our great tech companies and great pharma companies. They all put it there because its low tax. They dont pay us, they pay them, so that is going to end. Ireland was not specifically mentioned in the address, but Mr Trump focused on the planned response to the EU and elsewhere emphasised the importance of pharmaceuticals to the US. A public inquiry into former neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel, who treated patients at Dundees Ninewells Hospital, has been formally launched (Jane Barlow/PA) The chairman of a public inquiry set up to probe the actions of disgraced neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel has pledged he will listen to those who feel their voices have not been heard. Lord Weir, who has been appointed to chair the inquiry, spoke as proceedings formally got underway, promising to pursue investigations with an open mind. Patients of the former neurosurgeon, who worked for NHS Tayside between 1995 until 2014, have claimed he harmed as many as 200 people, with some suffering life-changing injuries. Lord Weir, who was appointed a UK Supreme Court judge in 2020, will take charge of the inquiry and promised to put the surgeons former patients at the centre of the process. In a statement marking the formal launch of proceedings, he said: I recognise that for many former patients and their families, the experiences which form the subject matter of the inquiry have been traumatic. That is why my inquiry is committed to conducting its work in a way that is trauma-informed. It will listen to those who feel their voices have not been heard. He added the inquiry will pursue its investigations with an open mind, showing courtesy and respect towards those with whom it comes into contact. But he also stressed their work would be guided by the principle of impartiality that comes from being independent of any individual or body with this including independence from the Scottish Government, which is funding the inquiry. Mr Eljamel became the head of neurosurgery at Dundees Ninewells Hospital, but also worked in private practice and held various research and teaching positions at the University of Dundee. The public inquiry follows a long-running campaign involving former patients of the neurosurgeon (Andrew Milligan/PA) But concerns over clinical standards led to him being first placed under supervision and then suspended by NHS Tayside in 2013, before he resigned in May 2014. The following year he removed his name from the medical register held by the General Medical Council. The inquiry will consider whether patients were let down by failures in clinical governance, risk management, and complaints procedures, and to what extent Mr Eljamels private practice, research, and workload impacted on the care received by his patients within NHS Tayside. Following a lengthy campaign by former patients, then first minister Humza Yousaf announced in September 2023 that the public inquiry would be set up with Lord Weir appointed as its chairman in February 2024. Lord Weir said the inquiry would provide an opportunity for public acknowledgement of the suffering of former patients of Mr Eljamel. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Scottish Conservative MSP Liz Smith, who campaigned with former patients for an inquiry to be held, said it was a relief that its terms of reference had been agreed and that the inquiry will start work immediately. Ms Smith said: I very much hope this means that the former patients will soon see the long-awaited progress they have rightly been demanding since the Scottish Government first granted an independent inquiry. So much time has passed for so many former patients indeed some are no longer alive and, as a result, the physical and psychological pressures have only intensified. Ms Smith said that the public inquiry was essential to rebuilding trust amongst the former patients, many of whom feel their lives have been ruined. She added: l have every faith in Lord Weir and his team, and it is essential that they are allowed to get on with their work in order to deliver the justice which the former patients so richly deserve. Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray said the terms of reference for the inquiry had been agreed after consultation with former patients of Mr Eljamel. Mr Gray stated: The Scottish Government recognises that many former patients still live with the consequences of being treated by Mr Eljamel and have waited a long time for answers. I am pleased to confirm that following consultation with many former patients and their representatives by Lord Weir and his team, I have agreed the terms of reference and the inquiry is now ready to be formally set up from today. He added: The work of the inquiry will be undertaken in a trauma-informed manner and Lord Weir will put patients at the heart of his investigation. Details of next steps will be shared by the inquiry team in due course. David Lammy is set to call on the UKs Nato allies to increase defence spending to make the alliance stronger, fairer and more lethal. The Foreign Office said the Foreign Secretary will tell allies at a meeting of Nato foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday that boosting defence spending is the collective duty of Nato members to improve safety in the face of long-term and interconnected threats from Russia and its enablers. It comes after the UK announced the largest sustained increase to defence spending since the Cold War, hitting 2.5% from April 2027 and rising to 3% in the next parliament an increase of 11.8 billion. Mr Lammy said: Keeping our country safe is the Governments first duty, and NATO is the cornerstone of our security, both at home and abroad. Thats why we have announced the biggest investment to defence spending since the Cold War. Allies must spend more, produce more and deliver more on defence so NATO can become stronger, fairer and more lethal boosting our collective defence ensures that NATO is ready for the threats and challenges we face. The Foreign Secretary will also discuss the practical planning undertaken by the UK, France and other allies to prepare and deploy as a coalition of the willing in the event of a peace deal in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump on Thursday hailed good co-operation between Russia and Ukraine as the US mediates ceasefire discussions with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskys officials. Speaking from the White House as he announced tariffs on US imports of goods from around the world, Mr Trump said: Were going to get it stopped. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (Stephanie Lecocq/PA) Its a senseless war that would have never happened if I was president and it shouldnt be allowed to go on. Last week, the White House said that both Russia and Ukraine had agreed to pause hostilities in the Black Sea after their separate talks designed to secure a ceasefire. However, strikes in Ukraine have continued. Mr Zelensky said on Wednesday that four people had been killed by a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih. Mr Lammy will on Thursday urge allies to maximise economic pressure on Mr Putin to force him to the negotiating table. He will also discuss shared security threats and challenges with counterparts from Nato, as well as the EU and Natos Indo-Pacific partners Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. This includes the challenges China poses to both Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security, especially its role in enabling Russias actions in Ukraine. The school bus driver involved in a road crash which Prince Andrew's accuser Virginia Giuffre said left her with "four days to live" has cast doubts over her version of events. Ross Munns, in an interview with Mailonline, contradicted Ms Giuffre's account of the incident, and insisted that the car was in a minor collision with his bus. Ms Giuffre, a sex-trafficking victim of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, posted to instagram to posted a picture of her badly bruised face on Instagram on Sunday, claiming she was close to death and "had been hit by a school bus travelling at 110km/h." Her spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that Ms Giuffre is not dying, she had made a mistake, and insisted that she had not intended to make the Instagram post public. Now the bus driver has spoken out on the crash north of Perth, Western Australia, he said took place at around 3pm on Monday last week. Describing Ms Giuffre's claims and the circumstances of the crash, he said: "It's just all blown out of proportion and I know what happened. I didn't even see her in the car." Mr Munns said that the crash occurred after he had followed a slow-moving white car for 3km before deciding to overtake when it went under 75kmh and it was safe for him to pass it. He told the Mail that the small white Toyota Highlander involved in the collision was driven by a 71-year-old woman who he believed to be Ms Giuffre's carer. He said he had no recollection of Ms Giuffre being in the Toyota, but a police report into the incident later stated that a woman aged 41 was a passenger. Mr Munns said he began his manoeuvre only for the car to suddenly start turning right in front of him. Mr Munns, a school bus driver for 16 years who had around 29 children on board at the time, said that he beeped his horn, but couldn't avoid clipping the car and damaging its tail-light in what he described as "a minor collision". He said he immediately stopped and went to check on the car driver who had also pulled over, and was satisfied that she was not hurt. Mr Munns said he and the 71-year-old woman swapped details including phone numbers and were both able to drive away afterwards, but he decided to report the incident to police as he felt the circumstances were "a little bit suss". Mr Munns said he later telephoned the driver as a courtesy to say he had reported the accident and she rang him back the next day to say there had been a passenger in the car who had suffered "a black eye". The grandfather from Lancelin near Perth said he was horrified to see Ms Giuffre's Instagram post claiming that she had been injured when a school bus had ploughed into her car at a speed of 110km/h, as buses in Western Australia are restricted to a top speed of 100km/h. Western Australia Police said they received one report of a "minor crash" between a school bus and a car in Neergabby, about 12 miles north of Perth, on March 24. The collision was reported by the bus driver the following day, while there were no reported injuries, a police spokeswoman said. A previous statement from Ms Giuffre's representative said: "Virginia thanks everyone for the outpouring of love and support. "She is overwhelmed with gratitude. "Today she remains in (a) serious condition while receiving medical care. "On March 24, in rural Western Australia, a school bus hit the car in which she was riding." It said: "Virginia was banged up and bruised and returned home. "Virginia's condition worsened and she was admitted to the hospital. "Concerning her Instagram post, Virginia thought that she had posted on her private Facebook page." Ms Giuffre fell victim to sex trafficking at the hands of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein when she was a teenager. She accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, in a case that was eventually settled with a reported 12 million payout. The Duke denied the allegations against him and says he has no recollection of ever meeting Ms Giuffre. News Catch Up - Thursday 4 April It has also now emerged that Ms Giuffre was listed to appear at a magistrates court in Perth, Australia, ten days before the bus crash, over an allegation of breaching a family violence restraining order. Her marriage to husband of 22-years Robert Giuffre has recently broken down, and they are no longer living together at their beachside mansion in the Ocean Reef suburb of Perth, the Mail reports. Ms Giuffre's case was first heard in Joondalup Magistrates' Court in northern Perth on March 14, where she did not enter a plea, WA Courts said, and the case is due back in court on April 9. A statement from her family on Wednesday said she "looks forward to defending herself". "Virginia continues to be hospitalised in serious condition," it added. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is in Greenland for a three-day trip aimed at building trust and cooperation with Greenlandic officials at a time when the Trump administration is seeking control of the vast Arctic territory. Ms Frederiksen announced plans for her visit after US Vice President JD Vance visited a US air base in Greenland last week and accused Denmark of underinvesting in the territory. Greenland is a mineral-rich, strategically critical island that is becoming more accessible because of climate change. US President Donald Trump has said that the landmass is critical to US security. It is geographically part of North America, but is a semiautonomous territory belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark. After her arrival on Wednesday, Ms Frederiksen walked the streets of the capital Nuuk with the incoming Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen. She is also to meet with the future Naalakkersuisut, the Cabinet, in a visit due to last until Friday. Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen accompanied by Greenlands acting head of government Mute B Egede walk on a street in Nuuk, Greenland (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AP) It has my deepest respect how the Greenlandic people and the Greenlandic politicians handle the great pressure that is on Greenland, she said in a government statement announcing the visit. On the agenda are talks with Mr Nielsen about cooperation between Greenland and Denmark. Mr Nielsen has said in recent days that he welcomes the visit and that Greenland would resist any US attempt to annex the territory. We must listen when others talk about us. But we must not be shaken. President Trump says the United States is getting Greenland. Let me make this clear: The U.S. is not getting that. We dont belong to anyone else. We decide our own future, he wrote on Facebook on Sunday. We must not act out of fear. We must respond with peace, dignity and unity. And it is through these values that we must clearly, clearly and calmly show the American president that Greenland is ours. For years, the people of Greenland, with a population of about 57,000, have been working towards eventual independence from Denmark. The Trump administrations threats to take control of the island one way or the other, possibly even with military force, have angered many in Greenland and Denmark. The incoming government chosen in last months election wants to take a slower approach on the question of eventual independence. The political group in Greenland most sympathetic to the US president, the Naleraq party that advocates a swift path towards independence, was excluded from coalition talks to form the next government. Peter Viggo Jakobsen, associate professor at the Danish Defence Academy, said last week that the Trump administrations aspirations for Greenland could backfire and push the more mild parties closer to Denmark. He said that Trump has scared most Greenlanders away from this idea about a close relationship to the United States because they dont trust him. A Frontex vessel takes part in a search and rescue operation, after the capsizing of a boat carrying migrants, off the coast of the north-eastern Aegean Sea island of Lesbos, Greece (Panagiotis Balaskas/AP) A boat carrying migrants from Turkey to a nearby Greek island sank, leaving at least seven people dead, including three children, Greeces coast guard said. Turkish authorities reported what appeared to be a separate sinking in the same area, with nine people dead. The two accidents reportedly occurred several hours apart in the narrow stretch of the Aegean Sea between the Greek island of Lesbos and the Turkish coast, with both sides unaware of the other nations rescue efforts. Lifejackets lie at Petra port, after the capsizing of a boat carrying migrants, off the coast of the Aegean Sea island of Lesbos (Panagiotis Balaskas/AP) Greeces coast guard said a dinghy carrying migrants began taking on water and 23 people were rescued while the bodies of three women, two boys, one girl and one man were recovered. The survivors were taken to a migrant camp on the island. The search and rescue operation continued into Thursday afternoon as the exact number of people who had been on board the dinghy was unclear. Weather in the area was reported to have been good. The nationalities of those on board were not immediately known. Separately in Turkey, the Canakkale governors office said the Turkish coast guard received an emergency call for help from a migrant boat and deployed three boats and a helicopter. A Frontex vessel takes part in a search and rescue operation off the coast of the island of Lesbos, Greece (Panagiotis Balaskas/AP) The statement said that nine bodies had been recovered and the search for one missing person continued, while 25 people were rescued. Greece is one of the main entry points into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with many making the short but often treacherous journey from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands in inflatable dinghies or other small boats. Many are unseaworthy, or set out in bad weather, and fatal accidents have been common. The Greek government has cracked down with increased patrols at sea, and many smuggling rings have shifted their operations south, using larger boats to transport people from the northern coast of Africa to southern Greece. Last year, more than 54,000 people used what has become known as the eastern Mediterranean route heading to Greece, and more than 7,700 crossed Greeces small land border with Turkey, according to figures from the UN refugee agency. There were 125 people reported dead or missing. By March 30, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said there had been just over 8,000 people arriving in Greece by sea and 755 by land since the start of 2025. Shutterstock.com I was just finishing a chapter on exorcism in a book of my own on Jesus when M. Scott Peck's "Glimpses of the Devil" came into my hands. I have been a psychotherapist for many years and have always addressed spiritual issues as well as psychological ones. I wanted to learn from Jesus how to move beyond psychology to deal with the demonic directly. While I agree that people can be taken over by an urge to be destructive, I never imagined anything so graphic and traditional as the exorcisms Peck describes in his new book. Here, Peck--well-known author of "The Road Less Traveled"--offers case studies of two emotionally troubled women and the demons he believed possessed them. He tells the story of the two exorcisms he conducted in the 1980s with a small cadre of clergy, health professionals, and available lay people. He thinks that in rare cases people may have psychological problems but may also be literally possessed by Satan and other demons. In dealing with possession, psychology, he implies, is inadequate and must give way to more muscular, daring, and religious acts of "deliverance" and exorcism-procedures that Peck describes in detail. In both cases, he and his aides gathered with the "patient" in a bedroom of a house that had been offered to them. The sessions took about eight hours a day over the course of three to four days. Peck was the exorcist, leading the group in prayers and pronouncing the classic commands for the demon to depart. He addressed the demons one after another by name, trying to trick them into submission by clever reasoning or by personal righteousness. The crucial point of knowing the difference between psychological disturbance and possession was pretty much left to the exorcist's intuition and judgment. I'm surprised that Peck presents such a literal notion of the demonic. He consults a self-professed expert on exorcism, Malachi Martin, who had a reputation for being both brilliant and preposterous, and he gathers a team who don't seem terribly knowledgeable or confident in what they are doing. Yet they are inserting themselves aggressively into these two women's lives. One fears that the book will encourage others to see demons everywhere and deal with them harshly. Years ago, in an effort to gain insight into evil, I studied the writings of the Marquis de Sade. His fiction depicts situations, such as confession and education, that tend toward sadism. He shows groups of men, sometimes clergy, gathering around women in a remote room to examine them and taunt them. The image is uncomfortably close to the exorcism scenes in Peck's book. In everyday life, some situations--like going to the doctor or dentist--may be painful and require submission, and yet are beneficial. But they may sometimes cross the line into sadism, where a patient might be literally abused and taken advantage of. I am concerned that Peck's well-intentioned but highly improvised attempts at exorcism crossed that line. As I read this book, I found myself scribbling "SM" in the margins. In a scene the Marquis de Sade would have applauded, one of the women described in Peck's book was tied to a bed with sheets during the exorcism. The other said that she felt "violated" and "raped" by the exorcism sessions. To his credit, Peck confesses to some of his misgivings and his failure to notice what was going on, but in general I sense a blindness in the book that is profoundly disturbing. Peck thinks he sees the devil in the taut, grimacing faces of these two women. One had been sexually abused by her father. Such an experience can indeed tear the psyche into pieces to the point where the sufferer feels possessed by all sorts of figures. But Satan itself, to use Peck's neuter gender? That sounds like naive religion. Therapy always walks a thin line between dominance and submission, but the shift into exorcism, especially when conceived in such a traditional way, increases the risks. I am concerned about other therapists, especially those with a strong religious bent, being inspired by this book to experiment with their own improvised exorcisms. Peck mentions that he has heard from parents who think their children are possessed. The implications there are chilling. But a more fundamental issue bothers me about this approach to evil. Peck's brand of exorcism, right out of the movie "The Exorcist," distracts us from the evil that really counts. First, it makes the devil too literal. I do believe that we all get possessed by jealousy, greed, anger, and many other things and some people are led to atrocious acts. But to see a lurking and literal devil behind all this insanity leads to macabre medieval ritualism. We need a more subtle way of personifying evil and a more subtle way of dealing with it. It is also distracting to bring the whole mythology of Satan onto an individual with obvious emotional problems. Individually we are all poor sods who do our best and become neurotic at times, but we are not afflicted with the Devil incarnate. Some acts certainly do reach a Satanic level of seriousness, but you don't hear of exorcists rushing to Osama Bin Laden's cave or Abu Ghraib prison. When I read of Jesus casting out the demonic as part of his work of transforming human culture, I think of the children of Iraq, Africa, and Afghanistan who have died or have been badly wounded in wars we too easily justify. I have no doubt that modern governments, ours included, have crossed the line into sadism. I think of business leaders who see no moral fault in poisoning our air and water and carving up the natural world, so necessary for our spirituality, for commercial profit. We all get mysterious illnesses from this pollution, but no one sees demonic possession in what we take to be a corporation's tolerable self-interest. Many try to correct bad corporate behavior, but generally they don't speak of it as demonic. Maybe we should be more graphic in our condemnation of such evils. I'd like to send Peck and his friends to some government offices and corporate headquarters to do their exorcism. I see the demonic in governments convincing their people to allow the rich to become richer, while children are hungry and poorly educated. These are the demonic challenges of our time, and we as a society are truly possessed--by fear, paranoia, and self-interest. I'm concerned that the sensational reduction of exorcism to Gothic and ghoulish practices of devil-busting will distract us from the less melodramatic demons that possess us. This question of confronting the demonic is a crucial one and requires all our intelligence. I think Dr. Peck and I agree on the need to deal with human destructiveness and to push beyond the social sciences into the spiritual domain. But I am sad to see a return to old-fashioned ideas and images of theology and religion. We need to move ahead into a new level of spirituality that is subtle and acute. I want to be an exorcist, too. But I want to protect our children from the demonic insanities of dehumanized politics and culture. I'd like to add my two cents to saving ourselves from worldwide catastrophe. I'd like to steer religion away from moralism and blind sadism, freeing it up to provide the spiritual vision needed for us to survive and thrive. The demonic in our midst is more real than any local snakelike, snarling devil incarnated in the distress of yet another woman subjected to the dominating fantasies of a savior male. I'm not judging Dr. Peck for these savior fantasies. I have them, too, and I admire those moments in his book when he questions himself and confesses to his failures. It makes me want to have a long conversation with him about the important questions that he and I have explored in our separate ways for many years. My chief frustration is directed at our failure to confess to the demonic in us--what makes us dangerous to ourselves and to the world. At a time of global demonic possession, we all need to become exorcists, and we are all in need of exorcism. Opinion Here are some questions the candidates for the interim Deschutes County Sheriff should answer: Is there anything in If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. BENNINGTON The Bennington woman who pleaded not guilty to stabbing her dog in the face has changed her plea to guilty. Roxann Coleman, 29, of Bennington, was charged last Tuesday with two counts of both felony aggravated animal cruelty/torture, first offense, and animal cruelty/torture for the previous day's violent stabbing of the canine, which resulted in a nearly three-inch gash requiring four stitches under the dogs left eye. She initially pleaded not guilty to the charges at her arraignment but changed her plea in a deal with prosecutors on Tuesday. Coleman pleaded guilty to a single count of animal cruelty in front of Bennington Judge David Howard at a change of plea hearing. The state dismissed the second charge of aggravated cruelty. In return for the guilty plea, Coleman was given a 1-12-month sentence, all suspended, and a two-year probation with the condition she does not own or possess any dogs or cats. She must also complete mental health and anger management screenings and, if recommended, counseling and treatment. Coleman must also donate $50.00 to the Bennington County Animal Fund within six months. According to the affidavit in the case, Bennington police arrived on Main Street in Bennington Monday evening after Coleman reported one of her dogs attacked her other dog and herself, resulting in her stabbing the dog. When police arrived, Coleman stepped out of her apartment with her hands in front of her, telling the police to arrest her and admitting to the stabbing. Coleman told police the lab went after my service dog and me. Coleman admitted no one was bitten but that she blacked out and took the knife. She then made several slashing motions with her hand in front of the officers. Coleman told police that she had mental issues, blacked out, and has PTSD." She also stated that she did get bitten by a dog a couple of days ago. Police located an open folding knife with a four-inch blade on a dog crate. A witness who lives in the apartment confirmed that was the knife Coleman used to stab the dog. Coleman was transported to the Southwestern Vermont Medical Centers crisis unit after allegedly becoming irate and yelling at the officers. A Bennington Animal Control officer removed the injured dog from the scene and transported him to the Bennington Police Department, where he was given medical aid in an attempt to stop the bleeding. The lab was transported the following morning to the West Mountain Animal Hospital, where he received four stitches to close the wound. Coleman has an extensive criminal history in Vermont and, according to the affidavit, is Brady disqualified from owning or possessing a firearm. According to the affidavit, Coleman also owns another canine. According to the Bennington Police Department, Duncan remains in their custody while his treatment continues. When he is healed, We will seek a new home where Duncan will be loved and cared for properly, BPD said to the Banner. It is currently unclear whether Coleman has relinquished her other canine as of press time. GREAT BARRINGTON The teacher whose classroom was searched by police for a controversial book says that she kept it in her classroom to take a stand and to express her own identity." Now the question of whether police and school officials indeed violated her civil right to do that as she alleges in a lawsuit arrives at a critical junction in federal court next week. A judge in U.S. District Court in Springfield will hear arguments on April 11 on two motions to dismiss her lawsuit. The former teacher, Arantzazu Zuzene Galdos-Shapiro, filed the lawsuit on May 14 claiming her civil rights were violated by the town, police Chief Paul Storti, and police Officer Joseph OBrien. Berkshire Hills Regional School District Superintendent Peter Dillon, also is named in the suit. Galdos-Shapiro, who also alleges defamation, is seeking punitive, monetary and other damages as well as costs and attorney's fees. The outcome of the hearing hinges on the various nuanced legal arguments made by all the defendants in their motions to dismiss, and Galdos-Shapiros opposition to those motions. The town and police named in the suit have filed one motion to dismiss; Dillon has filed a separate motion. The defendants say there isnt evidence to support the handful of civil rights violations she alleges. She claims they are trying to "silence" her. Galdos-Shapiro taught eighth grade at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School until resigning last year over the incident, which made national headlines and sparked involvement by the American Civil Liberties Union. The controversy centered around a coming-of-age illustrated novel, Gender Queer: A Memoir. Some of the books illustrations depict sex acts. Galdos-Shapiro kept it as a classroom resource, which she said had to be checked out with her permission. School janitor Adam Yorke complained to police in December 2023 that a "pornographic" book was kept in her classroom. But he also had made allegations of inappropriate, possibly criminal behavior by Galdos-Shapiro. An investigator later found Yorke's allegations against the teacher to be baseless," and noted he was a disgruntled employee with a history of making homophobic and racist comments. Storti said that, at the time, he was compelled to investigate. He then contacted Dillon for permission to send an officer to the classroom. Both Storti and Dillion say they knew nothing about the book at that point. Based on the information provided, Dillon approved Storis sending a plain-clothed officer, Joseph OBrien, to the classroom after school. Body camera footage from police show the interaction with Galdos-Shapiro focused around locating the book, and not being able to find it. And it is this video, in part, that Galdos-Shapiro says shows that the investigation hinged on her free expression to keep the book in her classroom, rather than the unsubstantiated allegations about her behavior. Ms. Galdos-Shapiro brought the book in to, among other things, express her own personal views on the critically important issue of gender identity, according to her brief opposing Dillon's motion to dismiss the case. It was not required class reading, and other teachers who kept the book in their classrooms including a straight white man were not targeted, she alleges in response to Dillons motion. Dillons motion, is an attempt to silence a uniquely vulnerable individual, according to her court documents. She is a queer Mexican American woman married to a trans woman, who had the temerity to seek to assert her right to her own identity by keeping the book in the classroom. Dillon argues that he didnt even know about the book until the phone call from Storti, according to the court documents. He also argues that he cant be held liable for the actions of police since he was not present. He also argues that Galdos-Shapiro was acting as a school employee and paid adviser to the school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance chapter rather than a citizen whose First Amendment right to expression was violated. Galdos-Shapiros attorneys did not respond to a request for comment. Interim Town Manager Christopher Rembold and Select Board Chairman Stephen Bannon declined to comment, citing pending litigation. Dillon did not comment beyond saying that the attorneys are working on their arguments for the hearing. Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Jeanne Kempthorne, of Pittsfield, a retired attorney and advocate for legislative reform, is shown at an event in 2022. During a hearing at the Statehouse on Wednesday, she brushed aside concerns about allowing a voter-approved audit of the Legislature. "A frontal challenge to the will of the people, in this historical context, is a mistake. It gravely misreads this moment in history when democratic institutions are under attack." BOSTON From tourism to preparations for the 2030 census, state Sen. Paul Mark is addressing a range of issues through his nine committee assignments, all of which he says are vital to the people of Western Massachusetts. For the second time, the Democrat from Becket is the Senate chair of the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, a panel that will be in the spotlight for its subcommittees on two timely topics the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the commission on the Women's History Trail. It's a committee that the subject matter is extremely important to the Berkshires, especially because of the economic development that it presents, Mark said. Hes also the vice chair of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets and vice chair of the Committee on Transportation, both for the second time. Hes debuting on both the Senate and Joint Ways and Means Committees, both known for seeing a high volume of bills. I'm excited about Ways and Means, Mark said. It's a tough budget year. As they say, they're giving us the keys to the vault when there's no money in it, but at least it's good to be there and be part of the process. Senators select the top five committees which they want to chair and others on which they are interested in serving. From that, the Senate president makes nominations that all members vote on. While nine is a typical number of committees for a senator, its a jump from Marks 12 years in the House of Representatives, where he served on a maximum of four committees at a time. How do you balance it? Its a lot, he said. There I had three sessions where I was only on one, which was much easier. But then you come over to the Senate, and because it's the same number of committees, even though there's only a quarter as many members, you end up on a lot of committees. Last session, he served on eight committees and found one of the biggest challenges to simply be overlapping meetings. When that happens, he checks the agenda to determine which meeting would be the most beneficial use of time. Knowing the importance of tourism to the Berkshires, Mark said its a good win for the region to have the chair of the tourism committee be from there. During budget season, he hopes to use his position as chair to be a strong advocate for general items like the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Office of Travel and Tourism. Last session we were able to get some extra funding for the Tourism Trust Fund, he said. We were able to get the highest level of funding for the Mass Cultural Council ever, and the money they get goes into grants that come directly to every region of the commonwealth. Among the highlights for Mark this session is the bill to protect libraries and librarians from potential book bans, which became an issue for residents of Great Barrington when a police officer entered a classroom looking for a book in December 2023. The bill was pushed forward last session, but is before the committee again. Knowing the interest the Berkshire has in economic development, Mark said hes also joined that committee. We have a lot of opportunities and we have a lot of potential, but, boy, we really need to start tapping into it, he said. Back at the House, Mark was the chair of the redistricting committee and oversaw the census in 2020. Even though the next full census is five years away, hes excited to begin preparations to ensure everyone is counted. It's not glamorous, but I'm back on it, Mark said. With the chaos at the federal level there's already a lot of questions. What is this administration going to build up until they leave office in 2029 that is gonna set the stage for the census to happen in 2030. No matter the committee, Mark said his goal is to tailor it to be beneficial in some way for the people of Western Massachusetts. Every bill that comes through, whether it's a bonding bill, a budget bill or policy bill, what I find my role to be is how do I put the stamp of our region into each of these bills, Mark said. So how do I make sure we're getting our fair share of funding? That we're getting our fair share of attention, and that policies, even with the greatest intentions, are being tailored to make sure that they're not unintentionally harmful to our regions? BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Help Our Community Please help local businesses by taking an online survey to help us navigate through these unprecedented times. None of the responses will be shared or used for any other purpose except to better serve our community. The survey is at: www.pulsepoll.com $1,000 is being awarded. Everyone completing the survey will be able to enter a contest to Win as our way of saying, "Thank You" for your time. Thank You! Take The Survey U.S. greenlights potential F-16 fighter jet sale to Philippines Xinhua) 09:44, April 03, 2025 WASHINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines to bolster its defense, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Tuesday. The sale involves 20 F-16 fighter jets and related equipment, with a total value of 5.58 billion U.S. dollars, it said in a statement. Manila and Washington have deepened defense cooperation since Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code US president Donald Trump has imposed sweeping new tariffs on global trading partners, upending decades of rules-based trade and threatening cost increases for consumers. Mr Trump said he would impose a 10 per cent baseline tariff on all US imports, taking the maximum to more than 50 per cent for some countries. Advertisement Making the announcement in Washington DC on Wednesday, Mr Trump produced a chart of some of the new tariffs he was imposing on nations across the world. The White House later published a full list of the territories facing import taxes. The formula the White House used to calculate the tariffs took the US trade deficit in goods with each country as a proxy for alleged unfair practices, then divided it by the amount of goods imported into the US from that country. The resulting tariff equals half the ratio between the two, meaning nations that import only small quantities of US goods, such as Lesotho and Madagascar, have been hit with more punitive tariffs than much richer countries. Advertisement That is also the case for Vietnam, Nicaragua and Cambodia, for which exports to the US account for more than 25 per cent of GDP, according to Oxford Economics. Some tiny territories have also appeared on the same list as China and the European Union as recipients of Trump's tariff regime, even though they do not have a real manufacturing or export industry. Some, like the Heard and McDonald Islands in the Antarctic, do not even have human inhabitants. Russia, Belarus, Cuba and North Korea do not appear on the list of countries facing higher "reciprocal" tariffs released by the White House. Advertisement Mr Trump targeted the EU with a 20 per cent tariff. Business One chart shows why Ireland could be among hardest... Read More In response, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said Ireland and the EU would "weather this storm". Mr Martin said the EU and Ireland would "not be shy" in advocating for their interests. He also said figures used by the US to justify the imposition of tariffs "do not reflect the reality of the situation as we see it". European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is finalising a package of measures in response to US tariffs on steel and is "now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail". EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said he would talk to his US counterparts on Friday and would devote "adequate" time to further negotiations on the tariffs. "But we won't stand idly by, should we be unable to reach a fair deal", he said. Ireland has recorded a 4.1 billion Exchequer surplus for the end of March as the country moves into a period of heightened uncertainty under new US tariffs on the EU. The Department of Finance said this figure compares with 300 million in the same period last year. Advertisement Most of the improvement comes from receipts from Apple back taxes owed to Ireland after a judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in September. Without those receipts, the surplus was 900 million. Ireland is in the process of recovering more than 13 billion plus interest in corporation tax from the US tech giant after the European Commission successfully argued that Apple had been given undue tax benefits that were illegal under EU state aid rules. Apple and the Government had argued that the correct amount of tax had been paid and fought the commission on the matter in a years-long legal dispute. Advertisement The ruling was criticised by US President Donald Trump when he met Taoiseach Micheal Martin in the White House last month. The decision formed part of Mr Trumps criticism of the EU which he said had not been fair to Apple. The president said: The United States of America is going to take back a lot of what was stolen from it by other countries and, frankly, by incompetent US leadership. Mr Martin said Ireland had fought with Apple on the matter after the president said the iPhone manufacturer had been treated very badly. Advertisement Micheal Martin with Donald Trump. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. Its the European Union, isnt it? The European Union is going after our companies, Mr Trump said when asked if Apple should relocate from Dublin back to the US. He added: Im not happy with the European Union and were going to win that financial battle. He said previous presidents had lost big segments of the US economy, adding that the European Union treats us very badly. They have not been fair. They sue our companies and win massive amounts of money. They sued Apple, won 17 billion US dollars and they use that for other reasons, I guess, to run the European Union. Advertisement So Im not knocking it. Theyre doing what they should be doing, perhaps, for the European Union, but it does create ill will and as you know, were going to be doing reciprocal tariffs so whatever they charge us with, were charging them. Nobody can complain about that. Mr Trump announced a 20% tariff on most EU exports on Wednesday, with some exceptions thought to be temporary for sectors including pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. Irelands tax revenue to the end of March was 23.6 billion, which was 3.5 billion or 17.5 per cent ahead of the same period last year. However, when the Apple revenues are excluded, underlying tax receipts were 21.9 billion euro. Gross revenue to the end of March was 31.3 billion, a 22 per cent increase on the March 2024 position of 5.6 billion euro. Advertisement Non-tax revenue and capital resources were 3.3 billion, up by 2.1 billion on March 2024, largely driven by transfers to the Exchequer arising from the CJEU ruling, mainly consisting of EU interest. Appropriations-in-aid of 4.5 billion took total other revenue to 7.7 billion. Ireland Cork town nervous as Trump seeks to lure pharma in... Read More Total expenditure to the end of March was 27.2 billion. Of this, gross voted expenditure was 24.8 billion, which was 2 billion ahead of the same period last year. Non-voted expenditure was down 200 million to 2.4 billion. Roughly 4.8 billion was collected in corporation taxes throughout the first quarter of the year, up 2.3 billion on last year or 600 million ahead of the figure for the end of March 2024 figure when the Apple receipts are excluded. As US president Donald Trump takes aim at the mostly American-owned pharmaceutical factories that dot the Irish countryside, the people of Carrigtwohill are getting nervous. A cluster of high-tech plants offering well-paid jobs has transformed the Co Cork town, quadrupling its population in just two decades. Advertisement The pharmaceutical industry has an outsized presence in the Republic, employing about 2 per cent of the workforce and generating tens of billions of euros in taxes for government coffers. But if Trump has his way, the good times could be about to end. While pharmaceuticals were exempt from the sweeping duties he announced on Wednesday, a US official said the president is planning separate tariffs targeting the pharma industry. Pharmaceuticals accounted for 58 billion of the 73 billion worth of products Ireland exported to the United States last year, a big contributor to the US goods trade deficit with the European Union that has riled Trump. "He is going to do fierce damage," said retired butcher Anthony Barry (73) at a charity event at Carrigtwohill's community centre, where the tariff threat to the economy dominated conversation. Advertisement "It's just a worrying time," he said, after one of the event's organisers listed six family members who work at nearby US pharmaceutical facilities. Trump has repeatedly singled out Ireland for "luring away" US pharma giants such as Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer with decades of low corporate tax rates. US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has characterised Irish policy as a "scam" that Trump's administration will end through tax changes and tariffs. More than a dozen of the world's biggest drugmakers have plants in Ireland, some decades-old. Many make medicines or active ingredients for the $630 billion US market, the industry's biggest. Advertisement Merck produces the world's top-selling prescription medicine Keytruda for cancer near Dublin. AbbVie makes Botox shots in Westport, while Eli Lilly's Kinsale site helps meet soaring US demand for obesity drugs. No exodus Trump's demands to shift manufacturing to the United States have prompted several companies to ramp up investment there. But industry sources have told Reuters that drugmakers are reluctant to break and rebuild global supply chains, of which Ireland is a linchpin, as doing so would be costly and complex. "I wouldn't see an exodus happening as a result of this, because of not just the track record [of pharma in Ireland] but the lack of certainty around what the alternative is," said PwC Ireland's lead advisor to pharmaceutical clients Harry Harrison. Advertisement While some were carrying out "very, very initial" scenario-planning around moving production, including the cost, tax and regulatory implications and supply chain impact, "I would expect to see largely what is here now remain here", Harrison said. Investment agency IDA Ireland has announced at least a dozen US pharma investments of between $55 million and $1.8 billion since mid-2022, and its head of life sciences Rachel Shelly said there was no sign they would be paused. Although Taoiseach Micheal Martin warned on Tuesday that further investment decisions are on hold, "in the immediate term, the uncertainty may cause companies to hold a little bit but those decisions can't be put off forever", Shelly said. While foreign multinationals have long cut their tax bills by locating intellectual property (IP) in Ireland, the revenues that have rolled in have left the country with the healthiest public finances in Europe. Advertisement But the reliance on decisions made in US boardrooms has left it especially vulnerable to Trump's economic plans. Martin has called it the most serious challenge facing the country. Research co-authored by Department of Finance found that if permanent tariffs are introduced between the US and EU, Ireland's economy could be 1.8 per cent smaller by 2032 than it otherwise would have been. @breakingnews.ie Tanaiste Simon Harris has given his initial response to Donald Trump's tariffs. The US president announced a minimum baseline tariff of 10% on imports from all countries, with additional higher rates for some regions including a 20% tax on goods from Ireland and the rest of the EU. For all the latest, visit breakingnews.ie original sound - breakingnews.ie The drag on exports, employment and growth would curtail the recently re-elected government's ambitious tax and spending plans, a hole that would deepen if US corporate tax reforms led to production and IP returning to the US, the paper said. Pharmaceutical companies employ about 50,000 people directly and thousands of shops and suppliers depend on highly paid multinational workers' custom. On Carrigtwohill's outskirts, parents wearing pharmaceutical company IDs file in and out of the State's largest childcare centre, located next to plants belonging to Merck, AbbVie, Gilead Sciences, GE HealthCare and Stryker. Ireland Irish pharmaceutical sector avoids 20% US tariff f... Read More Oliver Sheehan said many locals thought he and his wife were "mad" when they relocated their creche to the business park 25 years ago. Now they look after 450 children, employ 88 staff and spent 3.5 million on a major expansion in 2019. That growth mirrors Carrigtwohill, one of Ireland's most diverse and youngest towns whose population has jumped to 5,500 over the last 20 years and is expected to double again by 2028. Around 40 per cent of Sheehan's business comes from workers at the multinational companies, he says. "We're certainly not bulletproof. We have a business model that I feel we could overcome it, but it would certainly impact us." Sheehan said of any potential hit from Trump's tariffs to jobs and investment. An action by former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams against the BBC over an investigative journalism programme is set go ahead before the High Court at the end of this month. The case may take up to three weeks to hear, the court heard on Thursday. Advertisement Mr Adams (76) claims the BBC falsely alleged he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, who worked for decades as a spy for the British, in Glenties, Co Donegal, in 2006. The case arises out of a 2016 BBC Spotlight programme in which Mr Adams claims the allegation was made and in an article on the BBC webpage. The BBC denies defamation and claims the programme and publication were put out in good faith and during the course of discussion on a subject of public and vital interest. The BBC says the programme constituted responsible journalism that was the result of careful investigation. Advertisement The case had already been scheduled to start on April 29th and when it was mentioned at the jury cases callover on Thursday, Eoin McCullough SC, for the BBC, said it might take three weeks to hear. Ireland Gerry Adams says any compensation in ex-detainee c... Read More Mr McCullough also said video facilities will be required for the courtroom for both video link evidence from witnesses and for the playing of the programme in question. Mr Justice Alexander Owens said counsel should take that matter up with the Courts Service. The judge said it would be the first case in the list on April 29th and he asked that the court be supplied with a copy of the pleadings. Declan Doyle SC, for Mr Adams, said he would arrange for that. The UK governments failure to order a public inquiry into the murder of GAA official Sean Brown in 1997 was unlawful and cannot stand, the Court of Appeal in Belfast has ruled. Northern Irelands Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said she would not make a mandatory order at this point that Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn should establish a statutory inquiry, but has instead given him four weeks to reflect upon the judgment of the court. Advertisement Mr Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in Co Derry, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997. No one has ever been convicted of his killing. The UK government had appealed against a decision by the High Court last year to order a public inquiry to be held into the murder. The Brown family attended the latest hearing in Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Mr Browns widow Bridie Brown attended the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday. Advertisement Delivering the Court of Appeal judgment on Thursday, Dame Siobhan said there had been no human rights compliant investigation into the murder 28 years ago. She said: This is a shocking state of affairs in that a quarter of a century has passed since Sean Brown was murdered and yet there has been no lawful inquiry into the circumstances of his death. The Lady Chief Justice said: We find the decision to refuse a public inquiry cannot stand and is unlawful and in breach of Article 2 obligations. She added: An independent public investigation dealing with the coroners concerns, capable of dealing with sensitive material, with the Brown family legally represented, provided with the relevant material and able to examine the principal witnesses must be held without further delay in order to satisfy the obligations imposed by Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which all parties agree the UK Government is in breach of. Advertisement She said she would adjourn the case for four weeks to give the Secretary of State time to consider the judgment of the court and to confirm how he would comply with the order. She said: We stress there can be no further delay in this case. Last year a coroner halted an inquest into the Brown killing, expressing concern that his ability to examine the case had been compromised by the extent of confidential state material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds. Preliminary inquest proceedings had already heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents. Advertisement It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning. Coroner Mr Justice Kinney called on the Government to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist murder. Mr Benn decided against holding an inquiry, arguing that the case could instead be dealt with by a new Troubles investigatory body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Mr Browns widow Bridie challenged Mr Benns decision not to order a public inquiry and High Court judge Mr Justice Humphreys found in her favour in December and ordered the Government to establish one. Advertisement The Government then appealed against that decision. Dame Siobhan told the court the limitations of the ICRIR to deal with cases like the Brown killing are apparent. She said the commission, as it is currently established, is not equipped to deal with cases which involve sensitive material. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn appealed the case following a judgment last year. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. She said: Mrs Brown is 87-years-old. She has been pursuing her remedy for 28 of those years. In this case, the ICRIR is not fit for the purpose of delivering the remedy she needs now. Dame Siobhan said the court recognised that in the past some inquiries have been costly. But she added that the coroner had already undertaken the bulk of the work and reviewed sensitive material in the case. She said there was nothing in theory to stop Mr Justice Kinney from being appointed to chair a public inquiry in the case. Such a bespoke inquiry, already fully armed by statute, with the powers to address sensitive material and building on the work of Mr Justice Kinney would be capable of delivering a remedy for Mrs Brown within a timescale that is relevant to her. Dame Siobhan said some of the advice given to the NI Secretary by civil servants around the cost of a public inquiry was flawed. A further hearing in the case will take place on May 2. Irelands crucial pharmaceutical sector appears to have largely avoided a new US tariff rate for now, amid a broader 20 per cent tax imposed on other goods from the European Union. But the industry, which accounts for a large portion of Irish exports, may be subjected to harsh tariffs later as the White House seeks to increase domestic production. Advertisement On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced a minimum baseline tariff of 10 per cent on all imports from all countries, with additional higher rates for some regions, including a 20 per cent tax on goods from Ireland and the rest of the EU. The 10 per cent rate is effective from April 5th while the individualised reciprocal higher rates will be implemented from April 9th. Further information published by the White House after Mr Trumps address suggests some goods including pharmaceuticals and semiconductors will not be subject to the reciprocal tariff. Mr Trump has previously threatened tariffs on these sectors and may yet make further orders. Advertisement There had been significant anxiety in Ireland in the run-up to Wednesdays announcement, with the US administrations protectionist approach to tariffs and tax posing a major risk to the Irish economy that is in large part sustained by long-standing investment by US multinationals. The potential impact on the pharmaceutical sector, which employs around 45,000 people, was a particular cause of concern. Total Irish exports were valued at 223.8 billion last year, with roughly one third going to the US. Of the 72.6 billion in US imports from Ireland, approximately 58 billion relates to pharmaceuticals and chemicals leaving Ireland. Advertisement It had been projected ted this could have been halved if Mr Trump had implemented a 20 per cent tariff on the goods and the EU had responded in kind. The immediate suggestion that pharmaceuticals are not currently part of the new tariff measures comes despite both Mr Trump and his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously focusing on Irelands moves to attract that sector. The US administration could still implement higher tariffs on pharmaceuticals at a later date, with the White House warning that future good-specific or sector-specific taxes may be announced. The industry will also have to examine the specifics of the lengthy and technical list of exemptions. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Taoiseach Micheal Martin travelled to Washington DC last month, where the US president told him he did not want to do anything to hurt Ireland but added that the trade relationship between the countries should be focused on fairness. Advertisement He accused the Irish Government of taking US pharmaceutical companies through attractive taxation measures and said: Were going to take back our wealth and take back a lot of the companies that left. He added: All of a sudden, Ireland has our pharmaceutical companies, this beautiful island of five million people has got the entire US pharmaceutical industry in its grasp. Mr Lutnick, who has described Ireland as his favourite tax scam, told a podcast last month: They have all of our (intellectual property) for all our great tech companies and great pharma companies. They all put it there because its low tax. They dont pay us, they pay them so that is going to end. Advertisement During Wednesdays announcement, Mr Trump said his administration was being very kind by implementing tariffs for most trading partners that were essentially half the rate of measures that would be imposed on the US. Ireland was not specifically mentioned in the address, but Mr Trump emphasised his response to the EU. He said: They rip us off, it is so sad to see it is so pathetic. They charge us 39 per cent, were going to charge 20 per cent so were charging them essentially half. The comments mean that the US administration considers that a full reciprocal tariff rate for the EU would be 39 per cent. On Wednesday, Mr Martin said there was no justification for the imposition of the tariffs. He said the Government will now reflect with EU partners on how best to proceed. He added: Any action should be proportionate, aimed at defending the interests of our businesses, workers and citizens. World US imposes 20% tariffs on EU imports as Trump unve... Read More Now is a time for dialogue, and I believe that a negotiated way forward is the only sensible one. A confrontation is in no ones interests. Mr Martin said the Government was prioritising protecting jobs and the economy. By working with Irish-owned companies, multinationals, our EU partners and bilaterally with the US, we can and will weather this storm. The legacy body tasked with probing outstanding cases from Northern Irelands Troubles has said it is now carrying out 50 live investigations involving 96 deaths. The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which became operational in May 2024, said the number of people coming to it continues to grow. Advertisement The ICRIR was created by the previous Conservative governments controversial Legacy Act which halted scores of civil cases and inquests into Troubles deaths. Bereaved families, victims and certain public authorities can instead request the ICRIR carry out an investigation. While Labour has committed to repealing the Act and has said legacy inquests will resume, it is continuing with the ICRIR. In its latest accountability update, the body said: In the period from May 1st 2024 to March 31st 2025, 154 people (requesting individuals) have come to the commission. Advertisement There are 50 live investigations under way. The report said the 50 investigations relate to 96 deaths. Commissioner for investigations Peter Sheridan said: There are forensic opportunities. There are investigative lines of inquiry. Our work is not a light-touch review. Advertisement Were trying to encourage people and build confidence in this commission. I will sit down with anyone and explain how, in every single case, I put senior investigating officers in to investigate all of the information available. The commission, headed by former Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan, has faced opposition from political parties and victims organisations in Northern Ireland, and its powers have been subject to legal challenges. Sir Declan Morgan, chief commissioner-designate of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery during an interview at Goodwood House in Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. The latest case which the ICRIR has said publicly it is investigating is the murder of an RUC reserve constable by the IRA in October 1982. Advertisement John Eagleson, a father of three, was shot in the chest while making his way to work on his motorbike. The commission is also investigating the murder of Judge Rory Conaghan, who was shot dead by an IRA gunman in front of his daughter at their Belfast home in September 1974. The accountability update said the ICRIR now has 172 staff, with 66 per cent based in Belfast and 34 per cent in London. It said: As at March 31st 2025, 43 staff work in the information recovery (IR) team of the investigations directorate; 65 per cent are based in London with 35 per cent based in Belfast. Advertisement This includes senior investigating officers, IR team supervisors, investigating officers and investigation support officers. The wider operations work also includes case support and findings. Ireland Trump tariff announcements deeply regrettable, N... Read More Of the 86 people working in operations, 45 per cent have investigative experience in Northern Ireland. A further 36 per cent have investigative experience solely outside of Northern Ireland. The remaining 19 per cent of people have other relevant experience for the delivery of the commissions work. A 35-year-old Ukrainian man laundered more than 1 million in cash in exchange for food, a court has heard. Oleksandr Strymbu, with an address at Beverly Downs, Knocklyon, Co. Dublin, was jailed for five years by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday. Advertisement He had pleaded guilty to handling 1,058,575, the proceeds of crime, at that address on June 13th, 2024. Detective Garda Kate Gilligan told the court that the rented house he shared was searched that day, and more than 1 million in cash was found in six shopping and gift bags in his bedroom, which was a converted living room. They were quite visible, she said. Some of the cash was in vacuum packs, and some was gathered with elastic bands, and there was a cash counting machine on the coffee table. Advertisement A further 25,900 in cash was found in an upstairs bedroom. The defendant told gardai that he had been tasked with carrying out collections for his housemate, who was also his brother-in-law, and had been doing it for a few weeks. He said that he would travel to various locations in a van, hand over Ukrainian bank notes to a person, who would put a bag in the van. He would then leave the bags in his room for collection. Advertisement He said that he didnt know how much cash was in the bags or where the money came from. He also said that he was not getting paid but would get money for fuel and be taken out for food. Under cross-examination by defence counsel Oisin Clarke BL, Det Gda Gilligan agreed that Strymbu had described himself as an idiot to gardai. I trusted my relative. I said I didnt want anything to do with it, but said I would help him, he said. I didnt want anything for it. Now Im here, wheres he? Mr Clarke said that his clients wife, two children and parents are all in Ukraine. They had come here with him for three months but could not stay. Strymbu hasnt had any visits since going into custody in June of last year. Advertisement Counsel handed in a heartfelt letter from the defendant's wife, who spoke about their young children not seeing him for nearly a year. Mr Clarke explained that Strymbu has a degree in PE from Ukraine but had managed to get work in that field for only one year before moving to the UK and then here, where he worked in construction. Strymbu was to be the breadwinner in the family and send money home from Ireland. He now works in the prison kitchen seven days a week and attends school Monday to Friday. Counsel said that Strymbu was well regarded by his community and handed in a reference from his priest. Advertisement Mr Clarke submitted that he would not have any visits while in custody here and pointed out that English is not his first language. Ireland Court rejects State's claim that suspended sentenc... Read More He was holding and collecting, essentially a courier, he said of his client's role. He was low on the ladder in money laundering, even though the money is large. Judge Martin Nolan noted that the gardai believed the money had come from the drugs trade. He was a vital cog in this criminal organisation, he said. I would say he was at least in the middle in the hierarchy. I'd say hed have to be trusted to handle this amount of cash. He imposed a prison term of five years. A Central Criminal Court judge has criticised family members of a Kerry man convicted of the sexual abuse of his younger brother for writing privately to her, saying that justice must be administered in public. Paul Kelly (46) was a teenager himself when he began abusing his then ten-year-old brother. He was jailed on Thursday for seven and a half years. Advertisement At an earlier hearing, the Central Criminal Court heard that Anthony Kelly wished to waive his right to anonymity to allow his older brother to be named. Anthony Kelly previously told the court of the devastating lifelong impact of the abuse on him. I will live with what you subjected me to.. for the rest of my life, Anthony said, adding he would need lifelong help and therapy. He said the guilty verdict felt like relief to the broken boy inside of me. I can live without shame for the first time in my life, he said. This shame does not belong to me, it belongs to Paul. Advertisement Paul Kelly of Shronedraugh, Headford, Killarney, Co Kerry was convicted following a trial late last year of 12 sample counts of sexual assault, two counts of oral rape and 12 counts of anal rape of his younger brother Anthony Kelly at their family home on dates between 1995 and 1999. He has no previous convictions. Paul Kelly was 16 years old when he began abusing his brother and 20 when he stopped. His brother was between 10 and 14 years old at the time of the abuse. His lawyer told the court that Kelly respects the jury process but does not accept the verdict of the jury. After passing the sentence on Thursday, Ms Justice Melanie Greally said she'd received letters from some members of Paul Kelly's family regarding reporting restrictions. Advertisement The judge said she didn't want to be overly critical of those who wrote the letters, noting that people may be unfamiliar with the trial process. However, Ms Justice Greally said it is not permissible to directly communicate with a presiding judge, adding that justice must be administered publicly and she could not have regard to letters sent privately. The judge noted that the court had previously been informed that Anthony Kelly wished to waive his right to anonymity and that the court had no jurisdiction or authority to interfere with that right. The judge said the court had some degree of sympathy with younger members of Paul Kelly's family, before indicating the court did not propose to impose or recommend further reporting restrictions, given that Anthony Kelly had chosen to waive his right to anonymity. Advertisement Ms Justice Greally said the aggravating factors in the case include the regularity of the offending, the extended time period over which it occurred, Anthony's Kelly's age at the time and the breach of trust. She said Paul Kelly had abused his seniority within the family hierarchy and that it was aggravating that the offending occurred within the family home. The judge also noted the impact on Anthony Kelly and his isolation from his family as a consequence of him seeking justice for the abuse he experienced. Ms Justice Greally said she had considered the mitigation and that Paul Kelly was himself a juvenile when some of his offending occurred. Advertisement Detective Garda Trevor Ryan previously told Karl Finnegan SC, prosecuting, that the boys shared a bedroom and when Anthony was about ten years old, he recalled Paul making him lie face down and then simulating sex on him. He said this occurred at least three times a week for about a year and a half. He said that in 1997, the abuse escalated, and Paul forced him to perform oral sex on him. His brother later began anally raping him once or twice a week between 1997 and 1999. Gda Ryan said the abuse ended in 1999 when Paul Kelly began a relationship. The court heard the abuse had a devastating effect on Anthony throughout his life, and he came forward to make a complaint in 2021. Paul Kelly was arrested and interviewed. He called his brother weird and claimed the allegations were all lies. He said he was the victim and Anthony was a schizo. In his victim impact statement, Anthony said his older brother used him for his own sexual gratification. He said it has affected every part of his life, leaving him living with flashbacks, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. He said he used alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. You groomed and abused me for your own sick pleasure and groomed everyone around me to make me look crazy, he told Paul Kelly. Anthony Kelly thanked those who had supported him. He said he had lived with shame and fear for so long but his partner and children had been a huge support to him, along with the Kerry Rape Crisis Centre, his barrister and gardai. Mr Finnegan said the Director of Public Prosecutions had instructed that it views this case as being in the more serious category, with a headline sentence of 10 to 15 years. He noted that for some of the offending, Paul Kelly was under 18 years old. Lorcan Connolly SC, defending, said his client respects the jury process but does not accept the verdict of the jury. He had presented for questioning and co-operated with the investigation, He said Paul Kelly had a construction company with a number of employees and a strong work ethic. His client was a good neighbour and a support to his parents and the general community. He handed in references made under oath from people aware of the nature of Paul Kellys offending. The references state that he is a hardworking person, a good neighbour, and a straightforward businessman. Paul Kelly is in a long-term relationship. Mr Connolly noted a probation report assessed Paul Kelly to be at low risk of reoffending. He asked the court to take into account Paul Kelly's good behaviour and that he was a good citizen. Mr Connolly further asked the court to take into account that Paul Kelly was a teenager himself at the start of the time in question, as well as the passage of time since his offending occurred. He said this was sufficient to bring the headline sentence into the sub-10-year category. 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. The Taoiseach has raised concern over Hungarys intent to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. Hungarys prime minister said the ICC, based in The Hague, The Netherlands, was a political court rather than an impartial body. Advertisement He made the remarks as Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Hungary, where he was not arrested under a warrant which had been previously issued by the ICC. Hungary, as a current member of the ICC, would be required to arrest Mr Netanyahu under the terms of the warrant which found there is reason to believe they bear criminal responsibility for crimes perpetrated in the war in Gaza, including the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. The ICC does not have a mechanism to enforce this obligation on Hungary. The charges are denied by the Israeli officials. Advertisement Viktor Orban has been accused of acting in ways that are antagonistic to the EU and has faced criticism for crack downs on civil society and human rights group. Asked about the development, Taoiseach MicheAl Martin said: I am concerned about trends within Hungary and there are procedures there in terms of dealing with member states who we believe have either transgressed the law or who are not really behaving in the full spirit of EU unity, or indeed adherence to EU treaties. Mr Martin said Ireland fully supports the ICC and had provided significant, additional funding to the ICC, adding: International rule of law is extremely important, and Ireland will continue to adhere to it. He was speaking during a joint press conference with Irelands EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, who holds responsibility for rule of law. Advertisement Mr Martin added: Theres a step-by-step approach there, I know Commissioner McGrath has responsibilities in the area rule of law, and Im very conscious of the citizens of Hungary, many of whom eagerly want to obviously remain within the European Union, want to be part of the European Union. Im always very conscious of that in terms of my engagement with our EU member states. But it is a concern, weve fully supported the ICC. Weve provided significant funding, additional funding above any per capita contribution to the ICC. Advertisement Mr McGrath said he had visited Hungary last week, adding that the Commission has well documented concerns for the rule of law there. I had direct engagement with a range of civil society organisations and media bodies during my visit there, and I am concerned at much of what I heard. I think there is a narrowing of the safe space for civil society organisations to operate within, and theres also a real challenge to having a free and independent, pluralist media within the country, and that has a direct impact on the operation of the democratic institutions, holding people to account. And thats why the EU has had to, regrettably, use the tools at its disposal, and that has included withholding about 18 billion euro funding that should be made available to the people of Hungary who strongly support EU membership. Advertisement Mr McGrath said he regrets Hungarys intent to withdraw from the ICC. We need countries to support the system of international justice, and the ICC is at the heart of that. In February, US President Donald Trump issued sanctions against the court for its investigations into Israels conduct of the war in Gaza. Ireland Apple receipts at core of 4.1bn Exchequer surplus... Read More Mr McGrath said: I visited them in The Hague back in January. Theyre in a very challenging period at the moment, as you know, for different reasons, but unfortunately, this is another retrograde step from Hungarian Authorities, and lets see what happens over the period ahead. Mr Martin and TAnaiste Simon Harris have both previously said that Ireland would arrest Mr Netanyahu under the terms of the warrant, should he enter its territory. New US tariffs could bring devastating impacts to the spirits sector, according to the Irish Whiskey Association. The US represents 41 per cent of Irish drink exports every year, with the total value of the market calculated at 865 million annually. Advertisement In a statement, it highlighted a 450 per cent growth in the combined US and EU spirits sector under a tariff-free regime between 1997 and 2018. It said: Our high-quality jobs cannot be reshored or repatriated to the US. Our sectors are truly interconnected. @breakingnews.ie Tanaiste Simon Harris has given his initial response to Donald Trump's tariffs. The US president announced a minimum baseline tariff of 10% on imports from all countries, with additional higher rates for some regions including a 20% tax on goods from Ireland and the rest of the EU. For all the latest, visit breakingnews.ie original sound - breakingnews.ie There are many examples of EU and US distillers working together in developing portfolios, operating facilities, creating additional jobs and new investments in both jurisdictions. Advertisement The EU and US spirits sector is the best-in-class model for reciprocal, zero-for-zero tariff trade. The representative body said the industry has surmounted challenges in the past and will continue to engage with the Irish Government and the EU to secure supportive measures. It said: We encourage both the EU and US to work together in good faith in seeking an agreement which will avoid tariffs and the devastating impact they may have. Ireland 'At least we know what we're dealing with', says M... Read More We hope that this spirit of co-operation, collaboration and conviviality can help contribute to an eventual resolution to trade disputes. Advertisement Mr Trump advised companies who did not want tariffs implemented on their goods to build your product right here in America. He predicted he would receive calls from foreign leaders looking for exemptions and advised that they should terminate their own tariffs, and start buying tens of millions of dollars of US goods. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is in Greenland for a three-day trip aimed at building trust and cooperation with Greenlandic officials at a time when the Trump administration is seeking control of the vast Arctic territory. Ms Frederiksen announced plans for her visit after US Vice President JD Vance visited a US air base in Greenland last week and accused Denmark of underinvesting in the territory. Advertisement Greenland is a mineral-rich, strategically critical island that is becoming more accessible because of climate change. US President Donald Trump has said that the landmass is critical to US security. It is geographically part of North America, but is a semiautonomous territory belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark. After her arrival on Wednesday, Ms Frederiksen walked the streets of the capital Nuuk with the incoming Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen. She is also to meet with the future Naalakkersuisut, the Cabinet, in a visit due to last until Friday. Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen accompanied by Greenlands acting head of government Mute B Egede walk on a street in Nuuk, Greenland (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AP) It has my deepest respect how the Greenlandic people and the Greenlandic politicians handle the great pressure that is on Greenland, she said in a government statement announcing the visit. On the agenda are talks with Mr Nielsen about cooperation between Greenland and Denmark. Advertisement Mr Nielsen has said in recent days that he welcomes the visit and that Greenland would resist any US attempt to annex the territory. We must listen when others talk about us. But we must not be shaken. President Trump says the United States is getting Greenland. Let me make this clear: The U.S. is not getting that. We dont belong to anyone else. We decide our own future, he wrote on Facebook on Sunday. We must not act out of fear. We must respond with peace, dignity and unity. And it is through these values that we must clearly, clearly and calmly show the American president that Greenland is ours. For years, the people of Greenland, with a population of about 57,000, have been working towards eventual independence from Denmark. Advertisement The Trump administrations threats to take control of the island one way or the other, possibly even with military force, have angered many in Greenland and Denmark. The incoming government chosen in last months election wants to take a slower approach on the question of eventual independence. The political group in Greenland most sympathetic to the US president, the Naleraq party that advocates a swift path towards independence, was excluded from coalition talks to form the next government. Peter Viggo Jakobsen, associate professor at the Danish Defence Academy, said last week that the Trump administrations aspirations for Greenland could backfire and push the more mild parties closer to Denmark. He said that Trump has scared most Greenlanders away from this idea about a close relationship to the United States because they dont trust him. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 100 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including at least 27 sheltering at a school in the north, according to Palestinian medical authorities. It comes amid a stepped-up offensive that Israels military said is intended to put new pressure on Hamas and eventually expel the militant group. Advertisement The bodies of 14 children and five women were recovered from the school in the Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City, and the death toll could still rise because some of the 70 wounded had critical injuries, said Health Ministry spokesman Zaher al-Wahidi. More than 30 other Gaza residents were killed in strikes on homes in a nearby neighbourhood of Shijaiyah, he said, citing records at Ahli Hospital. The Israeli military on Thursday ordered more residents in parts of northern Gaza to move to shelters in the western side of Gaza City, warning that it planned to work with extreme force in your area. A number of the Palestinians leaving the targeted area did so on foot, with some carrying their belongings on their backs and others using donkey carts. Advertisement Israel has issued sweeping evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza ahead of expected ground operations, which the UN says have forcibly displaced around 280,000 Palestinians since the ceasefire broke down last month. Displaced Palestinians flee from Shijaiyah, Gaza after the Israeli military issued evacuation orders in the area (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) The fresh evacuation orders came a day after senior government officials said Israel said it would seize large parts of the Palestinian territory and establish a new security corridor across it. Israel has imposed a month-long halt on all imports of food, fuel and humanitarian aid that has left civilians facing acute shortages as supplies dwindle. Overnight strikes by Israel also killed at least 55 people in the Gaza Strip, hospital officials said. Advertisement Officials in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the strip, said the bodies of 14 people had been taken to Nasser Hospital nine of them from the same family. The dead included five children and four women. Palestinians inspect a UN building after it was hit by an Israeli strike (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) The bodies of another 19 people, including five children aged between one and seven years old and a pregnant woman, were taken to the European hospital near Khan Younis, hospital officials said. In Gaza City, 21 bodies were taken to Ahli Hospital, including those of seven children. Advertisement The attacks came as the Israeli military promised an independent investigation of a March 23 operation, in which its forces opened fire on ambulances in Gaza. UN officials say 15 Palestinian medics and emergency responders were killed and their bodies and ambulances were buried by Israeli soldiers in a mass grave. The military initially said the ambulances were operating suspiciously and that nine militants were killed. Displaced Palestinians, travelling in vehicles, wait in line to pass through a security checkpoint (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) The military said the probe would be led by an expert fact-finding body responsible for examining exceptional incidents during the war. Advertisement Rights groups say such investigations are often lacking and that soldiers are rarely punished. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel was establishing a new security corridor across the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas, suggesting it would cut off the southern city of Rafah, which Israel has ordered evacuated, from the rest of the Palestinian territory. Mr Netanyahu referred to the new axis as the Morag corridor, using the name of a Jewish settlement that once stood between Rafah and Khan Younis, suggesting it would run between the two southern cities. He said it would be a second Philadelphi corridor referring to the Gaza side of the border with Egypt further south, which has been under Israeli control since last May. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges at the district court in Tel Aviv, Israel (Yair Sagi/AP) Israel has reasserted control over the Netzarim corridor, also named for a former settlement, that cuts off the northern third of Gaza, including Gaza City, from the rest of the narrow coastal strip. Both of the existing corridors run from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean Sea. We are cutting up the strip, and we are increasing the pressure step by step so that they will give us our hostages, Mr Netanyahu said. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority, led by rivals of Hamas, expressed its complete rejection of the planned corridor. Its statement also called for Hamas to give up power in Gaza, where the militant group has faced rare protests recently. Israels Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz said Israel would seize large areas of Gaza and add them to its so-called security zones (Bebeto Matthews/AP) Mr Netanyahus announcement came after the defence minister, Israel Katz, said Israel would seize large areas of Gaza and add them to its so-called security zones, apparently referring to an existing buffer zone along Gazas entire perimeter. He called on Gaza residents to expel Hamas and return all the hostages, saying this is the only way to end the war. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining 59 hostages 24 of whom are believed to be alive in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli pullout. The group has rejected demands that it lay down its arms or leave the territory. On Sunday, Mr Netanyahu said Israel plans to maintain overall security control of Gaza after the war and implement US President Donald Trumps proposal to resettle much of its population elsewhere through what the Israeli leader referred to as voluntary emigration. Palestinian girls dressed for Eid al-Fitr celebrations walk next to destructions in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Palestinians have rejected the plan, viewing it as expulsion from their homeland after Israels offensive left much of it uninhabitable, and human rights experts say implementing the plan would likely violate international law. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages, most of whom have since been released in ceasefire agreements and other deals. Israel rescued eight living hostages and has recovered dozens of bodies. More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say whether those killed are civilians or combatants. Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has left vast areas of Gaza in ruins and at its height displaced around 90% of the population. A young Palestinian girl who was injured in an Israeli airstrike is brought for treatment (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Separately, Israeli strikes killed at least nine people in south-western Syria, Syrian state media reported on Thursday. Sana said the nine were civilians, without giving details. Britain-based war monitor The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said they were local gunmen from the Daraa province, frustrated with Israeli military encroachment and attacks in recent months. Israel has seized parts of south-western Syria and created a buffer zone there, which it says is to secure Israels safety from armed groups. However, critics say the military operation has created tensions in Syria and prevents any long-term stability and reconstruction for the war-torn country. Israel also struck five cities in Syria late on Wednesday, including over a dozen strikes near a strategic airbase in the city of Hama. Lithuanias political and religious leaders joined thousands of people to bid farewell to four American soldiers who died during a training exercise in the Baltic nation. President Gitanas Nauseda and other dignitaries were among those who stood in respect as hearses carried the bodies of the four young Americans to Vilnius airport before being flown to the US for burial. Advertisement Many of the onlookers were in tears, and Mr Nauseda said that the reaction of the population and the military to the disappearance of soldiers was rooted in Lithuanias own difficult history. People with US and Lithuanian national flags attend a farewell ceremony at Cathedral Square in Vilnius for US soldiers who died during a training exercise (AP) For us, it is more than a duty, it is an emotion. We have experienced trials in our history and therefore we understand well what loss is, what death is, what honourable duty is, Mr Nauseda said in a speech to those gathered. Schoolchildren accompanied by teachers waved Lithuanian and US flags to honour the soldiers, who died in an accident along Natos eastern flank, a region that is on edge due to Russias aggression in nearby Ukraine. Leading one group was Justin Boyd, the secondary school principal of the American International School in Vilnius, who said his group was there to honour the fallen soldiers from the United States and to honour the relationship between Lithuania and America and the defensive pact that represents. Advertisement (From left) Army Pfc. Dante D Taitano, 21,, Sgt Edvin F Franco, 25, Army Sgt Jose Duenez Jnr, 25, and Army Staff Sgt Troy S Knutson-Collins, 28 (Department of Defence via AP) Its important for us to give dignity to the fallen and to let the families know that we are with them and we support them in this time, Mr Boyd said. The soldiers, part of the 1st Armoured Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were on a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle went missing a week ago, the Army said. Lithuanian, Polish and US soldiers and rescuers searched through the forests and swamps at the General Silvestras Zukauskas training ground in the town of Pabrade, six miles (10 kilometres) west of the border with Belarus. Lithuanian soldiers attend a farewell ceremony at Cathedral Square in Vilnius for US soldiers who died during a training exercise (Mindaugas Kulbis/AP) The M88 Hercules armoured vehicle was pulled from a peat bog on Monday and the final body was recovered on Tuesday. Advertisement I feel sorry for these young men, said one mourner from the town of Pabrade as he watched the hearses make their way towards the airport. I live nearby, and I know that swamp. Dangerous places for anyone who enters that area. Lithuanian Army soldiers and children with US and Lithuanian flags attend the ceremony at Cathedral Square in Vilnius (Mindaugas Kulbis/AP) The US Army has identified the four as Staff Sgt Troy S Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan; Staff Sgt Jose Duenez Jnr, 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Staff Sgt Edvin F Franco, 25, of Glendale, California; and Pfc Dante D Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam. About 3,500 soldiers from the 1st Armoured Brigade Combat Team deployed in January to Poland and the Baltic states for a nine-month rotation as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which supports Nato allies and partners following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. US secretary of state Marco Rubio and the Trump administrations new envoy to Nato are seeking to reassure wary allies of the US commitment to the alliance. Mr Rubio on Thursday decried hysteria and hyperbole in the media about President Donald Trumps intentions despite persistent signals from Washington DC that Nato as it has existed for 75 years may no longer be relevant. Advertisement Mr Rubio and newly confirmed US ambassador to Nato Matt Whitaker are in Brussels for a meeting of alliance foreign ministers at which many are hoping Mr Rubio will shed light on US security plans in Europe. Nato secretary general Mark Rutte and United States secretary of state Marco Rubio address the media during a meeting of Nato foreign ministers (Virginia Mayo/AP) The United States is as active in Nato as it has ever been, Mr Rubio told reporters as he greeted Nato chief Mark Rutte before the meeting began. And some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media and some domestic media in the United States about Nato is unwarranted. President Trumps made clear he supports Nato, Mr Rubio said. Were going to remain in Nato. Advertisement We want Nato to be stronger, we want Nato to be more visible and the only way Nato can get stronger, more visible is if our partners, the nation states that comprise this important alliance, have more capability, he said. In a statement, Mr Whitaker said that under President Trumps leadership, Nato will be stronger and more effective than ever before, and I believe that a robust Nato can continue to serve as a bedrock of peace and prosperity. But he added: Natos vitality rests on every ally doing their fair share. Concerns about US commitment to allies Despite those words, European allies and Canada are deeply concerned by Mr Trumps readiness to draw closer to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who sees Nato as a threat as the US tries to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, his rhetorical attacks and insults against on allies like Canada and Denmark. Advertisement And Mr Trumps Wednesday imposition of new global tariffs, which will affect allies, have added to the uncertainty and unease. Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, right, walks with US secretary of state Marco Rubio (Virginia Mayo/AP) Asked about concerns among European allies about a possible US troop drawdown and the importance of getting clear messages from the Trump administration, Mr Rutte said: These issues are not new. There are no plans for them to all of a sudden draw down their presence here in Europe. Indeed, the Trump administration has not made its Nato allies aware any plans it might have. But several European countries are convinced that US troops and equipment will be withdrawn, and they want to find out from Mr Rubio how many and when so they can fill any security gaps. Advertisement We need to pre-empt a rapid retreat, but weve had nothing precise from the US yet, a senior Nato diplomat said ahead of the meeting, briefing reporters on his countrys expectations on condition that he not be named. Ruttes dilemma Meanwhile, Mr Rutte is in a bind. European allies and Canada have tasked him with keeping the US firmly in Nato. Around 100,000 US troops are stationed in Europe along with the Navys 6th Fleet and nuclear warheads. Advertisement US firepower ensures that Natos ability to deter Russia is credible. This means he cannot openly criticise Mr Trump, who is commander in chief of Natos biggest and best-equipped armed forces. What is clear, is that US allies must ramp up defence spending even more than they already have since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, so that they can defend Europe with less American help and keep Ukraines armed forces in the fight. The US expects European allies to take more responsibility for their own security, Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp said, which means that European Nato countries rapidly have to strengthen the European pillar of Nato and have to increase their defence spending. Since defence secretary Pete Hegseth warned last month that US security priorities lie elsewhere in Asia and on the USs own borders the Europeans have waited to learn how big a military drawdown in Europe could be and how fast it may happen. In Europe and Canada, governments are working on burden shifting plans to take over more of the load, while trying to ensure that no security vacuum is created if US troops and equipment are withdrawn from the continent. South Koreas Constitutional Court is set to rule on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, either removing him from office or restoring his powers four months after the conservative leader threw the country into turmoil with an ill-fated declaration of martial law. The court is scheduled to issue a verdict on Mr Yoon in a nationally televised session set to begin at 11am (2am GMT). Advertisement At least six of its eight justices must vote to remove Yoon for the impeachment to be upheld. Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (Kim Do-hun/Yonhap via AP) If the court orders Mr Yoon to be removed, a national election will be held within two months to find a new president. If the court rules for the president, he will immediately return to presidential duties. Mr Yoons declaration of martial law on December 3 lasted only six hours before he was forced to lift it after the liberal opposition-controlled legislature quickly managed to vote it down. Advertisement Later in December, the assembly impeached Mr Yoon, suspending his powers and sending his case to the Constitutional Court. Mr Yoon is facing a separate criminal trial for alleged rebellion. Whatever Fridays verdict is, experts predict it will further deepen domestic divides. In the past four months, millions have taken to the streets to denounce or support Mr Yoon, deepening South Koreas already severe conservative-liberal division. Thousands of officers have been deployed over fears of violence following the courts decision (Ahn Young-joon/AP) Facing worries that violence could erupt following the ruling, police deployed thousands of officers and placed police buses, rolled-up fences and plastic barricades to seal off streets leading up to the court. Advertisement The military said it plans to heighten its own surveillance posture. Thousands of rival protesters continued their rallies, making their final appeals to the court to uphold or reject Mr Yoons impeachment. For four months, we have been exhausted and worn down, but our anger toward Yoon Suk Yeol remains strong, protester Kim Mi-ok shouted during an anti-Yoon rally. Earlier in the day, Mr Yoons supporters rallied nearby, waving South Korean and US flags and raising signs that read, Fraudulent impeachment will surely be dismissed. Advertisement On stage, a protest leader repeatedly led chants of Lets protect him. The most contentious issue at Mr Yoons impeachment trial was why he sent hundreds of troops and police officers to the National Assembly, election offices and other places after declaring martial law. South Korea has been divided over the issue (Ahn Young-joon/AP) Although the period of martial law ended without violence, the impeachment motion accuses Mr Yoon of violating the constitution and other laws by suppressing assembly activities, attempting to detain politicians and undermining peace across the country. Mr Yoon has said that his dispatch of soldiers to the assembly was meant to maintain order. Advertisement He also said he imposed martial law in a desperate attempt to bring attention to the wickedness of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, which obstructed his agenda and impeached many of his top officials. But senior military and police officials who were sent to the assembly have testified that Mr Yoon ordered them to detain rival politicians and prevent the assembly from voting. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the countrys acting leader, has repeatedly urged the rival sides to accept whatever ruling the court makes on Friday. Shin Yoon-hye, 63, an office worker who attended anti-Yoon demonstrations three times, said she would rally against Mr Yoon again if the court restores his presidential powers. If Yoons impeachment is overturned, our country will plunge into the abyss, she said. Yoon tried to resolve things with force when he was politically driven into a corner. That was wrong. We are a democratic country and he should have pursued a political compromise. South Koreas Constitutional Court is poised to rule on whether to dismiss or reinstate impeached conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol. The ruling expected on Friday will determine his political fate, but it does not mean the turmoil caused by Mr Yoons short-lived imposition of martial law is over. Advertisement Over the last few months, millions of South Koreans have taken to the streets to rally for or against Mr Yoon. Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol wave national flags to oppose his impeachment near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea (AP) Rival politicians have shaved their heads, launched hunger strikes and filed a slew of legal cases against each other. Whatever the verdict is, the divisions will likely get worse at home. This will complicate South Koreas efforts to deal with US President Donald Trumps America First foreign policy platform and North Koreas increasing military cooperation with Russia. Advertisement Whether Yoons impeachment is upheld or overturned at the Constitutional Court, it will be difficult to make both sides accept its ruling, said Hong Sung Gul, a public administration professor at Seouls Kookmin University. There is a high possibility that bigger chaos will follow. Here is what to expect with the courts impending verdict on the December 3 martial law decree that is testing South Koreas democracy. What might the court do? Mr Yoons political fate has been in the hands of the Constitutional Court since the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly impeached him on December 14. Advertisement If the court rules against Mr Yoon, he will be officially thrown out of office and a national election will be held for a successor within two months. If the court rules for Mr Yoon, he will immediately return to his presidential duties. Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol wave national flags during a rally to oppose his impeachment (AP) At the heart of the case is Mr Yoons motivation behind sending hundreds of troops and police officers to parliament after declaring martial law. Mr Yoon says he wanted to maintain order, but some top military and police officers have said that Mr Yoon ordered them to pull out legislators to block an assembly vote over his decree. Advertisement Mr Yoons martial law lasted only six hours because legislators managed to get in and vote down his decree. No violence and no arrests of politicians happened. Mr Yoon says his martial law decree was meant to bring public attention to the wickedness of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, which obstructed his agenda and impeached some of his top officials. His impeachment motion alleges that Mr Yoon violated the Constitution and other laws by suppressing assembly activities, attempting to detain politicians and undermining peace across the country. Advertisement What fallout is expected? Ousting Mr Yoon from office would see huge protests from his supporters, while reinstating him would rekindle huge liberal demonstrations that have been scaled down following Mr Yoons impeachment. The courts rejection of the impeachment of a leader who staged a self-coup would raise fundamental questions about the countrys political and democratic systems, said Paik Wooyeal, a professor at Seouls Yonsei University. There would be a great confusion, Mr Paik said. Buddhist monks prostrate every three steps as they march to the Constitutional Court to demand the dismissal of President Yoon Suk Yeol in South Korea (AP) Kim Tae-hyung, a politics professor at Seouls Soongsil University, said a rejection of Mr Yoons impeachment could allow a precedent for future leaders to impose martial law to resolve political deadlocks. During a court hearing, Mr Yoon said if he is allowed to return to work, he would focus on a constitutional revision and other reform steps to create better governing and election systems. After completing such tasks, Mr Yoon suggested he would leave office early before his single five-year term ends in 2027. Mr Hong, the professor, said if Mr Yoon sticks to his promise that could help overcome the current crisis. But political commentator Kim Su-min said Yoon likely will not regain the same level of presidential authority and the opposition would further drive him into a corner, even if the Constitutional Court restores his presidential powers. Pro-Yoon rallies turned violent in January when protesters stormed the Seoul Western District Court after it approved Mr Yoons formal arrest warrant. The protesters attacked police officers with bricks, steel pipes and other objects. The attack injured 17 police officers. What about Mr Yoons rebellion trial? Asides from his impeachment case, Mr Yoon faces a separate criminal trial for alleged rebellion in connection with his martial law decree. Protesters stage a rally calling for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down in Seoul, South Korea (Ahn Young-joon/AP) If convicted, he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment. The Constitutional Courts endorsement of Mr Yoons impeachment could increase prospects for his rebellion conviction. But a rejection would mean that the Constitutional Court believed Mr Yoons martial law decree was not serious enough to warrant dismissal, or maybe was not even illegal. Prosecutors would subsequently find it burdensome to raise Mr Yoons alleged rebellion at the criminal trial, many experts say. Mr Kim, the commentator, said Mr Yoon would likely be convicted at his criminal trial, even if his impeachment is overturned. Prosecutors indicted Mr Yoon only on charges of rebellion because he has presidential immunity from most of other criminal prosecution. Some might question whether his criminal trial should continue if his impeachment is overturned at the Constitutional Court. While some key American progressives are busy cooking up ways to fight Donald Trump, not so former vice president and failed candidate for the big job Kamala Harris, who will be heading to the Gold Coast to speak at the Australian Real Estate Conference next month. To be honest, this isnt a sentence we imagined ourselves writing last week, let alone a few months ago, when the pollsters rated Harris a coin-flip chance of winning the White House. Unsuccessful presidential candidate Kamala Harris gives her concession speech at Howard University. Credit: AP And yet, here we are, with Trump wreaking havoc on the global economy, and Harris hanging out with the nations finest realtors at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre while mulling whether to run for governor of California. Remarkably, this is her first speaking engagement in Australia, and we hear shes on a tight schedule, jetting in and out of the Gold Coast just for the AREC speech. But how, exactly? Informed sources tell us its because the conferences organiser, real estate kingpin John McGrath, simply asked. Hes had some success attracting A-lister types, with past conferences featuring the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Reese Witherspoon and Caitlyn Jenner appearing, albeit via satellite. MUSIC Sex Pistols Festival Hall, April 5 Many people have told me the Sex Pistols arent good. Theyre wrong. When I was 15, in the deep Millennial-era Australian suburbs, their single album, Never Mind the Bollocks (1977), represented the promise of punk: social anarchy, relative lack of skill, and branding genius. Its potent even today, five decades after their flash-in-the-pan heyday. The Sex Pistols perform on stage at Festival Hall on April 5, 2025. Credit: Martin Philbey For this tour, the band is back together for the first time in two decades, this time without former lead singer John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten. He no longer gets on with his bandmates. Hes a vocal Trump supporter now, and hes described this tour as puppetry and karaoke. The Sex Pistols without John Lydon is a difficult prospect. To me, his unpredictable screech is what defined the band. Its INXS without Michael Hutchence, or Queen without Freddie Mercury. Hed hate both comparisons, but hes not here to protest. Tonight, the position is filled by Frank Carter, erstwhile singer from Gallows and the Rattlesnakes. In front of an image of two huge speakers marked NOWHERE and BOREDOM, the band members, aged in their late 60s apart from Carter, 40 lead us into a rousing Holidays in the Sun, followed by Seventeen. Im so lazy, Carter sings, not lazily. His voice is more Billie Joe Armstrong than Johnny Rotten, tight-wound and cover-band-accurate to the source material. But is accuracy what we want from a band who promised to rip up rock and roll and rebuild it? By Pretty Vacant, its clear hes here to compere the old guard and foster a singalong. The old boys deserve it, he says. They f---in invented this shit. They cant declare themselves the greatest punk band in history, but he can. Im not an animal, they shout in Bodies, confined to their stage mics, while Carter is in the audience, crowd-surfing. The Sex Pistols have reunited for the first time in two decades. Credit: Martin Philbey The rest of the set, comprised mostly of tracks from their one album, passes without error, and I wont lie: I sing along, at times screaming. Its infectious, cathartic. In the encore, Carter leads us in a rendition of My Way, in tribute to the other absent Pistol, Sid Vicious, who allegedly killed his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, before dying of an overdose on bail. The bands manager sold T-shirts marking her death. Theyve always been a branding exercise. After the show, most fans I ask are thrilled with the results. The pub around the corner from Festival Hall, the Angry Dog, is full of Sex Pistols fans, and the absence of Lydon is a win. Gail, from Glasgow, Scotland via Perth, WA, describes Lydon as a right-wing English prick. I overhear someone else describing Carter as a wanker. Better a wanker than a prick. Reviewed by Will Cox JAZZ Jamie Oehlers The Jazzlab, April 13 Its a sign of the admiration with which Jamie Oehlers is regarded in the jazz community that a large contingent of fellow musicians turn out to hear him play whenever hes in town. The audience for Oehlers concert at Jazzlab on Sunday contained more than a few local horn players, keen to catch one of this countrys finest saxophonists leading a formidable band (trumpeter Mat Jodrell, bassist Sam Anning and drummer Felix Bloxsom). Jazz musician Jamie Oehlers at an earlier performance. The Perth-based musician has been composing for this chordless quartet over the past year, but with Jodrell, Anning and Bloxsom all based in Melbourne, opportunities to perform have been rare. Some of the tunes we heard on Sunday were so new that Oehlers bandmates had only run through them an hour before the concert, and all four players kept one eye on their charts as they navigated the sometimes knotty compositions. Oehlers devised the material to incorporate plenty of improvisation, but the structures that underpinned this interplay were often quite complex. Melodies and harmonies could be elusive or angular, and rhythmic patterns might contain unexpected fillips. Luckily, his onstage colleagues were equipped with the reflexes and facility required to navigate these structures and embrace the freedom within them. Bruiser (inspired by a dream about being chased by a hitman) was suitably agitated, the two horns darting in taut riffs over propulsive bass and churning drums. Bat Knapping was milder, but ensconced in shadows and subtly dissonant harmonies. Spiralysis featured superb solos from both Oehlers and Jodrell the former driven by a muscular swagger, the latter building compact phrases into urgent spirals. Not every tune was a technical tightrope walk. Midnight Mourning was gorgeously introspective, with melancholy horns draped over the rhythm sections seductive sashay. And Standing Still was as soulful as it was spacious, evoking those precious moments in life and art where the world seems to stop spinning, just for a minute. Reviewed by Jessica Nicholas DANCE Shadow Text Dancehouse, Carlton, until April 12 Back from Brussels, where she is now based, choreographer Chloe Chignell returns with an enigmatic, bookish new contemporary dance work co-created with Amina Szecsody steeped in continental culture and sophistication. Shadow Text is a response to Monique Wittigs 1969 novel-length prose poem Les Guerilleres Credit: Rudy Carlier This is a welcome return, even if the show a response to Monique Wittigs 1969 novel-length prose poem Les Guerilleres is a little left field, a little opaque in its construction. Wittigs book, a cult classic, describes a radically feminist state at war with men. It has a splintered, incantatory style that gives it a dreamlike, almost mythic power. Chignell has an ongoing fascination with the relationship between writing and dancing, and here she responds as much to the books eerie moonlit atmosphere as its story of epic conflict. Loading The two dancers Chignell and Szecsody begin with a simple, springy stepdance, which soon transforms into a slow, concentrated crawl as they circle the space, creating images of deliquesce and deformation. Some of this vocabulary echoes scenes from Wittigs novel women riding into battle, swinging deadly bolos but mostly it tries to body forth the books queer, cloistered erotic intensity. Wittig was a novelist but also a theorist, aligned with the mid-century French intellectual tradition that privileged text over speech, language over the body where revolution begins with words. One aim of this project is to revisit and challenge these ideas, treating them perhaps deliberately as if they still hold more currency than they do. Hence the prominence of projected and spoken text in this show. Some of this is original and some of it is a revision of Les Guerilleres. The juxtapositions, however, between text and movement dont always create a strong impression, as if the shadow of the works title is what lies between them. Its an intriguing performance, but I wish there was more contextual framing, because Shadow Text feels like a fragment of a larger and more urgent conversation unfolding elsewhere, just beyond our hearing. Reviewed by Andrew Fuhrmann DANCE SpringCity 43214 Dancehouse, Carlton, until April 12 Interactive dance where the audience helps steer whats performed is an old idea that rarely gets a run outside the improv and comedy circuit. The last example I saw was Joel Brays comic lecture staged in a suburban pub years ago. So, producer-performer MaggZ really is breaking new ground with this attempt at combining audience participation with higher-than-normal production values. Producer-performer MaggZ really is breaking new ground with SpringCity 43214. Credit: Simon L. Wong This is a serious attempt to integrate the audience without compromising on spectacle. Created by and for as the shows website notes the Asian diasporic community, the production borrows its aesthetic from arcade culture, transporting us to SpringCity 43214: a virtual, neon-noir, pan-Asian fantasia, with a backdrop of colourful animated patterns and a soundtrack ranging from ambient electronica to kitschy techno. Despite its game-like trimmings character selection, a computerised voice-over this isnt really a game. Theres no contest, no quest, no real goal. The interactivity is more old-school. In the first round, for example, a performer with a microphone approaches audience members and offers them a selection of cards. They choose one, and a new style or task is announced. The dancers adjust accordingly. The central character is played by MaggZ herself, with supporting roles performed by hitahhchi and Aqua. Early sections are deliberately slow, built around stylised group poses. Its not until the third sequence which spills partly into the audience that momentum builds, showcasing sharper street dance stylings. MaggZ, in particular, impresses with precision, speed and snap. The production is technically ambitious, syncing live interactions with shifting sound and light. But with only two performances, theres little time to bed things in. On opening night, the sound was a little too loud, and the lighting a little too dark, which meant the participatory elements felt confused. This is a show youd learn a lot from over time, but not, I think, in just two performances. Reviewed by Andrew Fuhrmann MUSIC Cyndi Lauper: The Farewell Tour Rod Laver Arena, April 2 Cyndi Lauper walks on stage to an explosion of rainbow confetti and dives straight into She Bop, an ode to masturbation. Shes 71 years old, 160 centimetres tall, and exuberant as hell in blue-green hair, blasting through a recorder solo before chucking the instrument offstage. Cyndi Lauper performs at Rod Laver Arena, April 2, 2025. Credit: Martin Philbey The crowd are in tulle skirts, glitter and colourful wigs, which are on sale in the foyer the money goes to her charity, Girls Just Wanna Have Fundamental Rights. Tonight is supposedly part of Laupers farewell tour, and shes going out on top. She still has a voice like a box of crayons, bright, messy, and expressive. She uses everything, with soaring vibrato, sometimes audibly out of breath, imprecise and alive. The set is 80s-heavy, leaning most on her 83 debut Shes So Unusual, with some middle-of-the-road 90s stuff and, to my delight, the song she did for The Goonies thrown in. Tonight is supposedly part of Laupers farewell tour, and shes going out on top. Credit: Martin Philbey Its a talky night. Its not just a bang-bang show, she says unapologetically in her irresistible Brooklyn drawl (Its a paww-deee!). She tells us about family, the cousin who had a pigeon coop on her roof, the women who raised her and the way theyd cut up old clothes and make something brand new with them. Loading She does the same with her art, of course. Many of her songs are written by others but she makes them utterly her own. She tells us she recorded I Drove All Night, written for Roy Orbison, because there were no songs on the radio about women driving. When you get in the car and you can drive anywhere you freakin want, thats a power song. She cycles through about half-a-dozen costume changes, each with a different hair colour: sparkly, shoulder-padded jackets, asymmetrical suits, underwear on the outside, a floor-length Norma Desmond number, a red jacket with a bright yellow wig. I tried to dress up faw ya, she says. As this outfits designer Christian Siriano told her: The gays want glamour. For the evergreen Time After Time, Melbournes Tones and I joins for a duet thats like every wedding dance floor youve ever been on: messy and beautiful. And she delivers True Colours flawlessly, standing on a small satellite stage in the middle of the arena with a long rainbow scarf metres in the air. For the finale, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, shes joined by The Veronicas, who sink into the background in a stage designed in polka-dot tribute to artist Yayoi Kusama. Even this, her signature tune, is a cover of a late-70s pop-punk number, sung by a man, but I defy you to listen to that original and think of it as anything less than a sketch for Lauper to colour in and make something wonderful, defiant and punch-the-air fun. Reviewed by Will Cox JAZZ Matthew Ottignons Volant The Jazzlab, April 4 Matthew Ottignons latest album was conceived during a period of unusual calm for the composer-saxophonist. Back in Sydney after years of touring and performing in other peoples bands, Ottignon finally found time to let his own creativity take flight. That idea of flight and the freedom it embodies resonates throughout the album, aptly titled Volant. Composer and saxophonist Matthew Ottignon. Credit: Greg Sheehan His current quartet has now adopted Volant as a band name, and its the perfect moniker for an outfit that can glide and soar as naturally as a flock of birds. One of the tunes they played at Jazzlab on Friday night (Murmuring) was inspired by the flight of starlings, moving through the sky like an undulating cloud and capable of sudden, instinctive changes of direction. Swift, beating pulsations from Lauren Tsamouras piano, Hannah James bass and Hayley Chans drums created a sense of propulsion and uplift as Ottignons sax hovered, then ascended over a fast-moving landscape. Rolling and Circling exuded a similar energy, though with a more open, expansive feel. Ottignons full-bodied tenor swept in circles over the rhythm sections turbulent sea, surging with soulful intensity before the waves unexpectedly settled and the sea grew calm. Loading Other tunes demonstrated the groups ability to evoke atmosphere through subtlety and nuance. Circular Breathing opened with a whisper of brushes on cymbals, arco bass and ghostly overtones from Ottignons sax; Naturis conjured an air of mystery via brooding chord changes and an unhurried, rolling sway. But this is a band that also knows how to groove even over odd meters and fitful rhythms. Rocky Lux saw the ensemble strutting breezily in a Latin-tinged 7/4; Bilpin set up an exuberant canter that bubbled with vitality; and on the final tune (Jetsetters), the quartet hopscotched nimbly across a stop-start pulse with playful precision, their visible delight radiating outwards and becoming an invisible current on which we, too, could take flight. Reviewed by Jessica Nicholas DANCE Poesis and The Bastard Dancehouse, Carlton, until April 5 The latest Dancehouse double bill features two works that differ wildly in their commitments to technique and virtuosity, but which together make for an invigorating and provoking evening of dance theatre. Loading Gabriella Imrichovas cheekily titled The Bastard aims to challenge expectations with a surprising blend of theatre, performance art and only little dance. Its a bit punk and a bit mongrel, but consistently funny. This is a performance in two halves. First, we get a dry parody of non-dance, a somewhat dated form of experimental dance in which movement is withheld: its slow and repetitious and very low effort. Either side of this performance, Imrichova addresses the audience, simulating apprehension about its reception: about whether it fits the context and whether it works as dance. Its mischievous but not without charm. Then follows a wild rant about art and novelty. There were a few walkouts on opening night, but thats surely a victory for an artist who declares that trolling is a creative practice. Prue Langs Poesis sits more securely within the conventions of contemporary dance. Its a duet in which the two dancers generate striking compositions from subtle contrasts in form, line and intention. Both performers are extraordinary. Benjamin Hancock, with his strange elongations, projects a kind of alien grace. And Tara Jade Samaya returning to Melbourne after a long absence is all strength and control. Poesis moves through various phases, the dancers arranging themselves in ways that are unexpected but visually satisfying, mixing traditions and vocabularies, folding themselves together and even improvising with a game of follow the leader. Chris Rogers from the Wamberal Protection Association said big swells resulted in land slippage along the beach for a number of properties and a lot more exposure of rocks and other protection put in place in 2020. We had the SES doorknocking last night with [the] council, Rogers said. The frustrating thing for us is that four and a half years ago, I was one of the many people who got evacuated, and we are still in the same position. Several homeowners at both Wamberal and The Entrance have lodged development applications to build hard protective barriers effectively a seawall buried in the sand to protect their properties. Loading The proposal has attracted controversy among other Wamberal residents who are concerned it would affect the beach for the rest of the community. The erosion comes just a day after Premier Chris Minns travelled to Wamberal to make clear his opposition to plans for a seawall along the beach. At Wamberal Breakers Country Club, more than 200 locals heard the premier back sand nourishment over the wall for the first time. I dont have any confidence that the erection of a seawall wouldnt have devastating impacts for the rest of the beach, Minns said. Rogers said the beachfront residents welcomed the premiers commitment to sand nourishment but would continue their lawful process with the development applications as well. The proposal for the 1.4km-long concrete wall at Wamberal was officially submitted to the council last year, but the idea gained traction in 2020 when wild storms caused such serious coastal erosion that beachfront homes began to crumble into the sea. Thirty metres of beach were washed away and the foundations of some homes were pictured teetering precariously from the cliff. Loading Wamberal Beach has hosted multiple rallies against the proposed wall since that storm as the battle between the anti-wall Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand group and the pro-wall Wamberal Protection Association got heated. Seawalls have also proved controversial in other communities, such as Collaroy on the northern beaches, which was described as a hellscape in 2022 when a storm washed away a huge swath of sand. Experts in coastal erosion say seawalls are effective at protecting what is behind them but can exacerbate sand erosion underneath. However, a beach backed by natural dunes is also an effective barrier and can allow the beach to retreat as sea levels rise because of climate change. Javier Leon, associate professor in physical geography at the University of the Sunshine Coast, said seawalls should be reserved for places where there is valuable public infrastructure behind them. Im more of an advocate of nature-based solutions having a healthy dune offers better protection in the long term for infrastructure, Leon said. For those houses on dunes and in erosion-prone areas like Wamberal, I believe that a more cost-effective solution is actually buying back and just managing that retreat, Leon said. We need a solution Mehan said his personal view was that buybacks were a valid option that could be considered alongside beach nourishment and other solutions. He added that buybacks would not be suitable in every location, noting that in the case of The Entrance, there was also an adjacent channel. We need to get a solution that works for the whole state rather than wait for people to put in a DA thats not very satisfying, Mehan said. Tropical Cyclone Alfred devastated Gold Coast beaches last month. Credit: AAPIMAGE A spokesperson for the NSW government said there were no plans for buybacks of beachfront properties anywhere in the state. Rogers said the idea of buybacks was ridiculous in the case of Wamberal because fair compensation to homeowners would cost up to $700 million. He also said there were only 14 metres between the beach and the road, measured at two empty blocks, so the dunes would not provide sufficient protection for public infrastructure. All the homes at Wamberal Beach and along the coast have been bought through a legal process, Rogers said. If we have the right to buy there ... weve got a right to protect our homes. In February, chef Paul Yoda Iskov of native food pop-up Fervor went to Adelaide and cooked with former Fervor chef (and southwest resident) Jamie Musgrave of Restaurant Botanic: a high-powered fine diner in the citys botanical gardens that, like Fervor, focuses on native Australian ingredients and flavours. This month, WA hosts the fixtures return leg with Restaurant Botanic and team Fervor joining forces for an intimate 30-person dinner at Howard Parks Wine Chapel on Thursday April 24 that will highlight flavours and ingredients from the Wardandi and Bibbulmun regions alongside Howard Park wines. Tickets are $295 per person. The new-look Taste Great Southern First held in 1999, Taste Great Southern has long celebrated the deliciousness of our most southerly food and drink region. For its 2025 edition (May 1-4) the festival has switched to a more condensed four-day program that will deliver more bang for buck and likely pangs of FOMO for visitors heading south and making a long weekend out of the festivities. One of this years showcase events will be Tides of Taste (May 2-3) at luxury retreat Maitraya overlooking the Southern Ocean. Held over two evenings, the event will feature canapes and live cooking from a line-up of top-tier local chefs as well as Mark LaBrooy, formerly of Three Blue Ducks. Taste Great Southern is back with a four-day program. Jenny Feast Photography Other festival highlights include the Denmark Wine Hop (May 3), an all-day, hop-on and hop-off cellar door discovery tour where buses will whisk guests to key cellar doors throughout the day to enjoy wine, food and live music; Sundays Taste Market (May 4) starring local producers and guest chefs for tastings and demonstrations; plus the festivals DJ-powered closing party, the Elite Pie Party (May 4) that brings together baking powerhouses Bred Co and Big Loaf plus renegade winemaker La Violetta to end the festival on a high. The boy wielding a hatchet, smashing through doors and windows. A terrified woman waking in her bedroom to find the teenager and three others searching for the keys to her Mercedes-Benz. CCTV footage showing two people, who used their T-shirts as balaclavas, during a home invasion in Malvern. Credit: Nine News A police prosecutor reads out a rap sheet of crimes committed by the 17-year-old: a spate of armed home invasions and car thefts in the early hours of the morning, rousing children and adults from their sleep. The teenage boy slumps down into his seat and rests his chin on his arms. He fidgets in his chair as his image is projected into the courtroom via video link from a tiny room in a juvenile detention centre. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. They warned the reforms will lead to increased criminalisation of Aboriginal youth and other marginalised communities, including young people with cognitive disabilities, who remain extraordinarily overrepresented in the youth justice system. The laws were fast-tracked through Victorian parliament despite a groundswell of criticism from legal and human rights groups and juvenile justice experts who branded them an overly simplistic solution to a complex problem. Under mounting pressure to deal with community fear around crime rates, Premier Jacinta Allan has vowed the reforms will create the toughest bail test in the country for repeat offenders. The weight of the new bail laws hangs heavy in the air. When The Age spent three days inside the Childrens Court of Victoria last month, the race against time was clear young offenders, many with childhoods filled with trauma, were facing their last shot at reform before the system moved them into adult jail. As they drive off into the darkness, one of the teenagers sticks their head out the window and yells: Thanks for the nice car. A young father recounts how his two toddlers, aged three and four, woke when their front door was smashed in during the night. The victim impact statements lay bare the effect of youth crime in the suburbs. He has been in and out of court since he was 12, the lawyer says. Its all been said before. His lawyer tells the court he will not rehash the teenagers criminal history chapter and verse. The hatchet-wielding teenager an Indigenous boy with an acute intellectual disability is a stark example of the reason they worry. They fear that instead of addressing the states worsening crime problem, the laws will instead increase the chances of young people reoffending. The magistrate agrees, but tells the boy firmly: This is your last chance to turn things around. The lawyer concedes a longer custodial sentence is inevitable, but he asks the magistrate to consider allowing the boy, who is a few months shy of his 18th birthday, to be able to stay linked to programs and services offered in the youth justice system once he becomes an adult in the eyes of the law. In putting forward the boys case, his lawyer details a childhood filled with extreme violence, abuse and poverty. The incident left us feeling extremely vulnerable in our home. The thousands of dollars we have spent fitting our home with security cameras since are now a constant reminder of the violation. It breaks my heart that my boys have had the sense of security broken at such a young age, he writes. She has been involved in the justice system since she was three; her childhood marred by abuse and neglect. In courtroom eight, a petite Indigenous girl with her hair in two braids arrives, having just completed a youth supervision order for an aggravated carjacking and a violent assault. Everyone in this courtroom understands what turning 18 means. On full and raw display are the efforts of their lawyers, support workers and even some magistrates to try and hold on to these children and keep them connected to the youth justice system, as they lean precariously into a trajectory of a life of crime. In almost all the cases observed, the offender has a diagnosis of an intellectual disability. Most have no family in court to support them. Many are in the states child protection system, having spent their early years enduring the horrors of family violence and sexual abuse. CCTV footage showing two people, who used their T-shirts as balaclavas, during a home invasion in Malvern. Credit: Nine News What quickly becomes apparent is not merely the gravity and severity of the crimes, and the lasting scars on victims, but the harrowing lives of the offenders before they ever set foot into a courtroom. Almost every case The Age encountered in the court involved violent home invasions, aggravated burglary or car theft. Her lawyer tells the court she is a work in progress, living independently for the first time, and has a support worker trying to get her a job. The magistrate notes the teenager has just turned 18. Loading I know it has been hard there has been difficulty getting her to engage, but we cant let that go, he says. We have to keep trying. Down the hall, another teenager on the cusp of turning 18 has just pleaded guilty to a spate of crimes, including car thefts. His lawyer tells the court the boy is couch-surfing with nowhere to live. His aunt raised him, until she unexpectedly died, and he moved back in with his mother, but that proved untenable when the house became violent. Newly appointed magistrate Julie ODonnell, selected by the state government to handle repeat youth offenders and ensure their cases are heard promptly and consistently, is overseeing the boys case. These are not minor charges, ODonnell tells the boy, who is sitting in the front row of the court, beside a child protection officer. If such crimes were committed in an adult court, he would be looking at jail, she says. These are kids whove been in and out of incarceration since about the age of 10 where is the state governments plan that will prevent crime by children? National Childrens Commissioner Anne Hollonds ODonnell sentences the teenager to a youth supervision order with strict conditions, without conviction, but warns that if he appears in court again for similar crimes he will be treated as an adult. I accept that a lot was going on for the young person, but I also accept that, given his age being 17, soon to be 18, that more intensive supervision is required as this is his last opportunity to engage with youth justice, she says. We know there are services available to him now that wont be available to him when he turns 18. Two courtrooms away, another teenage boy sits in the dock, flanked by two stony-faced police officers, as he waits for the magistrate to hand down a judgment on his nine-month crime spree, which ended with him slashing a stranger on a St Kilda street with a machete. The fair-skinned 15-year-old, dressed in a blue singlet, has a young face and scruffy hair. People rallying against new bail laws at parliament in Melbourne in March. Credit: Justin McManus He has pleaded guilty to a crime spree that includes stealing cars he drove at speeds of more than 200km/h. He held a nurse in a headlock and tried to steal her car after she finished a night shift. He was on four counts of bail when he boarded a train from regional Victoria to Melbourne in January with a machete hidden down his pants. He downed a full bottle of vodka before trying to rob a man of his car keys, slashing him across the back of the head when he refused to hand them over. Loading The teen has an IQ of 62, a severe language disorder, and diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism. His mother relinquished care for him to the state but tunes into the hearing remotely via a video link, a silent observer to her sons fate. The court hears his profound intellectual impairment means he is extremely impressionable and struggles with reasoning. When you make a decision, there are consequences for that, the magistrate says, addressing the boy directly as he extends his time in jail by three months and implores him to turn his life around before somebody is killed. Hours later, a magistrate weighs up the penalty for an 18-year-old who committed a carjacking and was part of a violent assault in a shopping centre. Loading The court hears how the boy, then 17, threatened a stranger with a machete in the driveway of his home before taking his keys and leading police on a high-speed chase. Up to 50 police officers pursued the boy and another teenager as they sped down the darkened streets, a helicopter hovering above. The previous year, he stole a meat cleaver and was part of a frenzied attack on a person in a shopping centre. As his crimes are read out to the court, his older brother, sitting a few rows back from the boy, lowers his head. The court hears the teenager, from Ethiopia, came to Australia as an orphan on a humanitarian visa with his older siblings. The magistrate notes the boy, with the support of his older brother, is now holding down a full-time job at a factory and has expressed his remorse. He is given probation and ordered to return to court in six months time. Any new offence you commit from now on will now be dealt with in the adult court, the magistrate tells him, as the boy nods obediently. Inside the court, the looming reality of life after 18 hangs heavy. Outside, the consequences of their crimes remain just as grim. Melbourne man Anthony Pinzone paces his home at night, repeatedly checking the doors after thieves broke in one February morning. Melbourne man Anthony Pinzone still repeatedly checks the doors are locked in the middle of the night following a home invasion in February this year. Credit: Penny Stephens Ill hear a noise in the evening, or at two or three in the morning, and I wont be able to sleep. I will be checking the cameras to see if there is anyone there, Pinzone says. But it has hit my daughter the hardest. She has really struggled with it all. It has taken away our sense of safety in our own home. Thieves broke into his Beaumaris home while he was at the gym, and his wife, daughter and her fiance were inside asleep. CCTV footage shows four hooded men breaking into the home while two others stood out front keeping watch. They made off with three cars, wallets and a watch. We were the lucky ones because we actually didnt confront the people themselves, Pinzone says. Loading But even just watching the CCTV back and understanding that they just come through with no respect or regard for your property or your place, it has left us all on edge. In Victoria, the latest crime statistics revealed a 13.2 per cent increase in the crime rate the highest it has been since 2016. Offences committed by children aged between 10 and 17 rose to their highest levels since electronic records began in 1993. Police say these crimes are being driven by a group of about 300 young, highly recidivist offenders. Pinzone later learned that one of the teenagers who broke into his home, a 15-year-old boy, had been given more than 50 counts of bail before he was arrested and held in custody. I couldnt believe it, he says. How does that even happen? The system is completely broken. Theres no ramification for doing something wrong so if you can get away with it, why wouldnt you? They just commit a crime, and they are out the next day doing the same thing. Pinzone welcomes the changes to the bail laws, but remains unconvinced it will solve the crime crisis. The problem is you can only help these kids and support them in the system if you catch them and hold on to them, he says. National Childrens Commissioner Anne Hollonds. Credit: Ben Symons National Childrens Commissioner Anne Hollonds says incarcerating children for longer is not the answer. There is an epidemic of unmet needs, she says, which too often means the most failed and vulnerable children, including those in state care, are the ones funnelled into youth detention centres. Loading The state is the guardian, then the state becomes the jailer of these children, she says. That is chilling. Hollonds says mounting research, including her own landmark report, highlights failures in tackling systemic disadvantage in Australias social services as the true drivers of youth offending. There is nowhere in the world where you find that locking up more children for longer is going to prevent crime by children, because crime by children is a symptom of underlying issues, she says. What were doing is criminalising children with unmet needs like neurodevelopmental disabilities, mental health issues, learning problems and trauma. Loading These are kids whove been in and out of incarceration since about the age of 10. Of the more than 150 young people Hollonds has interviewed in the justice system, most had dropped out of school before year 7. I have talked to victims of crime and advocates for victims of crime, and they didnt want more kids locked up, they want to prevent crime, she says. So the question in my mind is where is the state governments plan that will prevent crime by children? Because whats happening now is not based on any evidence. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Anyakorah would ultimately plead guilty to handling $890,000, the proceeds of crime, and was sentenced to four years in prison in March. He will be eligible for release in 2027. Data seized from Anyakorahs phones would reveal a number of communications and links to the Buccaneers Association of Nigeria. The campus cults are accused of horrific violence in Nigeria, while abroad, they engage in drug and human trafficking. But most of their money comes through cyberscams in the West. West African organised crime groups are based in a range of countries around the world and rely on a web of networks, associates and facilitators to commit cyber-based scams and move the money they have stolen out of countries, like Australia, into their pockets, AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Nuckhley Succar told this masthead. In Australia, Anyakorah and his collaborators found many targets and an effective method. A hat bearing the insignia used by the Black Axe Mafia, seized by European police. The gang would find emails that had been compromised, probably in data breaches, to send legitimate-looking invoices directing payment to one of their stolen bank accounts. In 2022, a 77-year-old Townsville woman handed over $46,950 to a man she met online named Robert. But Robert, his high-paying job on an oil rig and his desperate money problems were all fake. Instead, it was a cyberscammer, with Anyakorah providing the banking details. The womans money was never recovered. Two months later, a 56-year-old woman in Perth matched with Richard on another dating site. Richards job on an oil rig, his $3.5 million contract and his money woes were all lies as well, but the woman handed over $174,000 in 23 payments to the gang before realising. I cannot explain how upset I am, the woman wrote to Richards profile. I have done everything, and I feel like I have (been) exploited. I have my own life and work and my health. Meanwhile, in Brighton, Victoria, a woman paid $79,000 to a gang-controlled NAB account after receiving an email invoice from a BMW dealership for her new car in 2019. She realised the money had gone to scammers when she arrived to pick up her new BMW, and the dealership staff discovered their emails had been compromised. Lagos, in Nigeria, is home to 25 million people. Confraternities or campus cult offshoots have engaged in horrific violence in the region for decades. Credit: Istock In August 2022, a company that provides medical alert technology to elderly patients paid $22,911 into a Melbourne bank account. A minerals company paid $173,000 to a US bank account in January 2023. A pastoral company, a law firm, and family-run trade businesses across NSW and Australia all similarly made massive payments, often over $100,000. Most of the money would never be recovered. Nigerias blood cults Every few months, the Administrative Review Tribunal, which determines the fate of refugees, takes evidence from Nigerians claiming to have fallen prey to campus cults, including the Buccaneers, Black Axe Mafia and Pyrates. One Nigerian refugee in November 2023 told the tribunal she and her husband needed to stay in Australia because, as Christians, they would be targeted if they returned home. The woman told the tribunal her family had turned their backs on a cult after witnessing a horrific ritual involving her fathers corpse. Loading She returned to the east for her fathers burial and saw the horrors of this secret society during a ceremony in a sacred grove which involved incantations and her mother severing her fathers head with a knife, which was put on a stake, and devotees drank the blood that drained from his head, the AAT wrote. [The wife] claims she discovered that taking part in any cleansing ritual would involve the blood sacrifice of her husband and two of her children. Other refugees have claimed they were former members of the campus cults or had been pressured to join through physical beatings and stalking. Often, they speak about mysterious illnesses and curses. They were the people who orchestrated the death of my father; the cult kept demanding blood from him, one refugee wrote in 2023. I kept on receiving threat letters from the Ogboni cult group with blood as the signature each time, and thats why my mother fled the village with us. Loading The cults barbaric attacks frequently make headlines in Nigeria, and the Australian government acknowledges both their existence and danger. Membership generally involves a violent initiation, which can include beatings and rape, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade wrote of the cults in its 2018 country report on Nigeria. And Interpols Operation Jackal last year rounded up hundreds of members of Nigerian organised cult crime groups in a global crackdown. Loading In 1970, the Australian airline laid down $600,000 for six Boeing 2707 jets, the United States idea of a competitor to Concorde. It all came to nought. Concorde built only 20 planes, and British Airways and Air France snaffled the lot. The Boeing 2707 never got off the ground. But in 1979, Albury-Wodongas Radio 2AY broke into its morning schedule with astounding news. A popular disc jockey named Laurie Henry announced a Concorde was making an unheralded test flight to Australia and, shock horror, it had struck engine problems and had to make an emergency landing. Alburys airport had the only suitable runway, he reported. Henry kept the citizens of the twin cities and surrounding districts in thrall throughout the breakfast hour, tracking the plane as it made a turn over Alice Springs, his commentary becoming ever more breathless as the stricken plane screamed towards the Upper Murray, a sonic boom rolling in its wake. The Concorde lands in Australia. But it was in Sydney, not Albury, and it was June 17, 1972, not April Fools Day, 1979. Credit: Alan Purcell Soon, Alburys little airport was crammed with spectators in a high state of agitation, and police were at their wits end about how to sort out the increasing traffic chaos. It took a while for the penny to drop. It was April 1. Slowly, the April Fools at the airport and those stuck on the gridlocked roads dispersed, though it was reported that one hopeful was still at the airfield scanning the sky for a Concorde as night fell. Concordes 002 prototype in Melbourne in 1972. Credit: Neville Bowler Laurie Henry was threatened with arrest for causing a public nuisance, but no police sergeant seemed keen to be remembered for jailing a local hero for pulling off the most spectacularly successful April Fools stunt in memory; one that would cause mirth for decades. Tragically, Henry the merry jester died of a heart attack, aged 35, less than a year later, in March 1980. It came back to me when I awoke on Tuesday this week to the intelligence, announced with mournful gravitas, that one of my daughters had crashed her car into my parked motorcycle in the garage downstairs, causing grievous damage. Loading April Fool, cried my little family in high good humour as I leapt from bed. My instant hit of relief, according to some psychologists, is the reason why April Fool jokes are actually good for us. The realisation that impending disaster was simply a good-natured prank causes a rush of endorphins, the feel-good, natural drug that makes you feel better and sets you up for a positive morning. No one is sure how the jolly ritual of April Fools Day began. Its been around since the 16th century (at least) and is observed in countries across the world. One widely retailed suggestion is it began in France in 1564 when Charles IX decreed that the new year would be celebrated on January 1, and would no longer begin at Christmas, on March 1, or March 25, or at Easter, depending on which French diocese was doing the (mis)calculation. Those who failed to observe the new date and stuck with Easter a moveable feast usually in April were thus known as April Fools. Another version concerns The Nuns Priests Tale in Geoffrey Chaucers The Canterbury Tales of 1392 in which the cock, Chanticleer, is tricked by a fox since March began, full thirty days and two. Since March has 31 days, thirty days and two would make April 1 the date the rooster was fooled. Whatever its origins, April 1 exists to remind us, usually harmlessly and with a chuckle, that we are all capable of being fooled. The great and most predatory con artists, unfortunately, have always known it, too, minus the harmless chuckle. Theres a sucker born every minute, the 19th-century American showman and charlatan P. T. Barnum is supposed to have chortled. Loading All those who believe Barnum actually said this have almost certainly been fooled themselves. He didnt come up with the phrase versions of it were around before Barnum began conning the crowds and the word sucker apparently wasnt used in his time. Whoever was the author, however, it neatly sums up a universal truth that has become wretchedly obvious in this age of social media, misinformation and fake news. Gullibility, once a slightly attractive quality implying innocence and guilelessness, now puts the unsophisticated in danger. Gullibility is valuable currency to cynics, swindlers, scammers and bottom-feeders. It can be exploited to the point it is capable of electing a fraud as president of the United States, removing the United Kingdom from Europe on a pack of lies, or simply erasing the contents of your bank account with a phone call. At the depths, gullible parents swallow the nonsense of anti-vaxxers, all the way up to the most senior health official in the US government, Robert F. Kennedy, and children die from measles a disease previously eradicated from developed countries like the US and Australia. Darkling thoughts. Human remains have been found near the ute of missing woman Tayla Spies. The 29-year-old mother-of-three disappeared more than two months ago while she was driving home to Roma. Police held a press conference at their Brisbane headquarters on Friday to reveal her ute had been found, but in unusual scenes, reporters were called back to another briefing minutes after it wrapped up. Spies was last seen in the remote town of Surat, about five hours west of Brisbane. One of the two men, 27-year-old Mohamad Noori, had several warrants out for his arrest and was on bail when the major security breach occurred. Loading The Melbourne Magistrates Court was told on Friday that the Broadmeadows man had 11 outstanding matters with the courts and had failed to show up for hearings. Hes got a number of briefs outstanding, Magistrate Timothy Bourke said. I see he has rarely even appeared for many of those matters. Hes had four warrants issued on some occasions thats why he is here today with 11 outstanding matters. Noori is charged with possessing an unregistered handgun, possessing ammunition without licence, altering the serial number of a firearm and possessing a prohibited item. Court documents show he has also been charged with failing to appear on bail after being granted bail in February, and possessing a loaded firearm in a public place with reckless disregard for the safety of any person. The men were arrested during Thursday nights clash between the Pies and the Blues. Credit: Getty Images He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody until May 5. His co-accused, 21-year-old Roxborough Park man Omar Salma, had also been out on bail for other alleged offences. He appeared briefly in court on Friday morning, charged with a spate of crimes, including possessing a prohibited firearm, possessing ammunition without licence, and committing an indictable offence while on bail. Loading The court heard that Salma was already due to appear in court for other matters at the end of this month. He was also remanded in custody until later this month. Fans at the MCG have been required to walk through AI-powered body scanners and weapon detectors since a major security upgrade before the 2024 season. At the time, Fox said the system, designed by technology company Evolv, would scan up to 3600 people per hour using cameras, sensors and AI, and would alert security staff when it detected prohibited items. If an item is flagged, security staff are supposed to perform a secondary search of the patrons bag or use a hand wand. AFL boss Andrew Dillon on Friday said both men would be issued lifetime ban notices. Overnight the MCG worked to identify how the two men were able to enter the venue, which concluded that security personnel failed to do a thorough follow-up search of the patrons after an alert from the entry point screening system, Dillon said. There will be additional secondary security measures in place this weekend, and the MCC in conjunction with Victoria Police and the AFL will conduct an end-to-end review of security measures at the ground, he said. We will work closely with authorities to ensure the matches and venues continue to be a safe and welcoming place for all. Loading Victorian Sport Minister Steve Dimopoulos called a meeting with police and the MCC to discuss the breach and what further security measures need to be taken, while Police Minister Anthony Carbines said there needed to be consequences for the breakdown in the security screening process. Id expect that all measures should be taken to ensure that those who enter the MCG arent able to bring in prohibited weapons, he said. Carbines encouraged people to attend Friday nights match in Geelong, saying they should feel confident their best interests and safety was paramount. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in, telling Sydney radio the incident was pretty shocking. Credit: Matt Golding It is good that they have been charged. Frankly, I hope that they get the book thrown at them for this. And I do want to thank Victoria Police for their work in keeping people safe, he said. Acting assistant police commissioner Therese Fitzgerald said the security breach was concerning and there would be a full review. We work closely with the MCC on these matters and we consistently provide security advice, she said. Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has walked from custody for the first time in nearly two decades, spending his first hours of freedom pursued along a freeway in his car and reuniting with family, as well as visiting his mothers grave. Three Court of Appeal judges granted him bail on Friday subject to about 30 strict conditions including that he not use a smartphone, not use encrypted apps, wear a GPS ankle bracelet, be subjected to a curfew and report daily to police. Tony Mokbel walks free from court for the first time in nearly 18 years on Friday. Credit: Daniel Pockett The underworld figure made a bid for bail earlier this week after being locked up for nearly 18 years overseas and then in Victoria for drug trafficking, a prosecution that his legal team argues has been hopelessly corrupted by the Lawyer X scandal. And in granting his bail, Justice Karin Emerton gave Mokbel, 59, more good news, saying his appeal case was strong. The federal government has estimated that a foot-and-mouth outbreak could cost $80 billion. Biosecurity expert and Monash University professor Melodie McGeoch said US imports of uncooked beef are banned because of the risk of disease or insects entering Australia, which would cause huge disruptions to the local industry. In biosecurity, once its here, many of these diseases, theyre really expensive to manage and potentially to eradicate them, said McGeoch. She said it would be extremely difficult for the US to overturn the ban, which depends on many factors, including which part of the country the beef was produced. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke to farmers shortly after Trumps announcement and repeated his previous commitment to maintain Australias world-leading biosecurity regime. Previously, on Wednesday, he said any move to weaken standards would be akin to cutting off your nose to spite your face. Albanese speaking at a press conference on Thursday morning in Melbourne about the tariffs. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the tariffs were actually going to be bad for consumers in the United States. They require our beef patties for their market, Dutton said. Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking said there was widespread disappointment among the farming community, which has enjoyed a productive relationship with the US under the existing free trade agreement. It feels like this has been done to a friend, Hosking said. Cattle farmers Joe Portelli from Dunedoo and Garth Shepherd from Wee Waa at the Dubbo saleyards on Thursday. Credit: Belinda Soole However, he said the tax hike would be felt primarily by consumers in the US, given the American cattle herd is at record lows due to widespread drought. Global beef demand is soaring, prices are riding high and Hosking said Australia can afford to prioritise its disease protections. We could also find other markets that will be at a similar price point to the US so in terms of impact on our farmgate price, its barely going to be noticeable. Australia produces some of the cleanest, safest and healthiest food in the world. When news of Trumps tariffs landed on Thursday morning, Elders branch manager at the Dubbo stockyards, Martin Simmons, started fielding an influx of calls from his clients anxious about the head scratching decision. Only time will tell how this impacts us, but its sent a fair bit of uncertainty through the industry, he said. I think [at] the end of the day, the beauty of our industry is it isnt going anywhere - not only are we feeding Australia but we are feeding the world. While the US is important, it isnt our only purchaser. Simmons said the floods in Queensland and drought conditions in Victoria meant supply has been scarce which has kept cattle prices high, and Thursdays sales did not appear to be immediately affected by the announcement. Victorian cattle producer Fiona Conroy said the tariffs were disappointing but unsurprising and argued it isnt worth compromising biosecurity standards in response to the tariffs. Cattle farmer Fiona Conroy at her farm in St Leonards. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Its great that the government has identified that we need to pursue other markets. There is a growing global demand for red meat, so we just need to make sure were positioned well to tap into that, Conroy said. Why the US needs Australian beef Loading The Red Meat Advisory Council, a livestock peak body, calculated that the 10 per cent tariff on Australian beef, which goes into 6 billion US hamburgers each year, would cost US consumers an additional $600 million a year. Australias beef exports to the US were worth $3.3 billion last financial year, and most of the sales were for what is known as lean grinding beef, the type of meat needed to make a desirable hamburger patty. That is because the offcuts from US feedlot-raised cattle used for hamburgers are much too fatty, while Australias grass-fed cattle are lean after spending their lives roaming our vast range lands eating grass. However, despite the forecast price hike for US consumers, experts say local beef prices would be unaffected. Youre welcome. Have a nice day. Its a familiar, cheery, if not at times cheesy, courtesy traditionally issued by Americans to foreign visitors. But in the much less civil era of todays politically fractious America, such niceties are ringing increasingly hollow, particularly for unsuspecting travellers landing at the nations borders. Enhanced vetting is seeing some travellers turned away from the US at the border for unusual reasons. Credit: Getty Images Across the globe foreign visitors and their governments are now asking just how welcome travellers really are in the States these days. The land of the free could be morphing into a home for only the braver tourist. Indeed, in an outbreak of border insecurity, theres a growing number of reports of ordinary visitors to the US being detained for hours on arrival at US airports, or worse, 19 days (in the instance of one young British woman sent to an immigration detention centre). Pop quiz: which country is the worlds leading producer of soybeans? Instinct might say China, or perhaps Japan, given the traditional centrality of soy to East Asian cuisine. A slightly more analytical guess might be the United States, given its a huge country with lots of farms that can sell tonnes of the stuff to a voracious market like Chinas. But research will take you to Brazil, which now accounts for 40 per cent of the global market, largely off the back of Chinese demand. Its a recent development too, having roughly doubled in a decade. And its a consequence of Donald Trumps first-term trade war with China, prompting China to buy from Brazil what it once bought from the US. America lost some $US27 billion of agricultural business in the process 71 per cent of that was in soybeans. And yet despite all this, American farmers, including in the soybean hubs of Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota and Illinois, voted heavily for Trump last year, even as he promised the much broader, sweeping trade war whose culmination we have now seen in Liberation Day. Workers gather soy crops during a harvest at a farm in Orizona, Goias state, Brazil. Credit: Bloomberg Thats pointing us in the direction of something important: that while the immediate consequences of Trumps love of tariffs are economic, they are not best understood as an economic policy. The clue is in the branding. Liberation Day suggests some form of bondage in present arrangements; that the US is somehow entrapped or ensnared. Liberation is not primarily an economic idea, but a political one. Especially in American political mythology, it is its own end to be pursued even at great cost. For weeks, Donald Trump has built up Liberation Day as a form of payback. The tariffs levied by the United States would be reciprocal, he said: Whatever they charge us, we charge them. But now, after the US president unveiled his suite of so-called reciprocal tariffs, its evident thats not whats going on at all. Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs are calculated by dividing the USs trade imbalance by its imports from that country. Credit: AP The chart Trump held up at his White House press conference listed a percentage for each US trading partner, in a column titled Tariffs charged to the USA. This figure included currency manipulation and trade barriers, such as Australias ban on imports of uncooked US beef an example Trump singled out in his speech. The US would impose a reciprocal tariff on each nation around half of what that country was accused of charging the US, or in the case of many countries, a flat rate of 10 per cent. Traditionally, a mortgage application was the start of the funnel. Now, with tools like home search and our market report, were engaging customers much earlier and keeping them with us longer. It creates a much stickier experience. JUDGE Geraldine Carthy refused jurisdiction last week of a case involving a man walking into a pub in the Royal Oak, Bagenalstown and threatening the owners with a hammer when he appeared before her in Carlow District Court. Martin Lyons, 46 Springfield Park, Carlow Carlow was charged with possessing a hammer with the intention of incapacitating or intimidating someone at the Pint Depot pub, Royal Oak, Bagenalstown on 16 March 2024, while also being charged with three counts of threatening to cause harm or to kill the owners during the same incident. Detective Garda Niall Moloney told Judge Carthy that Mr Lyons went into the pub with a hammer in his hand, looking for an employee who no longer worked there. He continued that 30-year-old Mr Lyons was quite irate and argued with the owners, threatening to kill them. Judge Carthy said she believed that it wasnt appropriate for the case to be dealt with at district court level because of the seriousness of the offences and sent the case back to the DPPs office for reconsideration. She also heard evidence about a separate case in which Mr Lyons pleaded guilty to taking a car without authorisation and a charge of deception, arising from an incident that occurred at the Link Road car park, Tullow on 20 April last year. Garda Philip Knowles said that a car had broken down on the Link Road and that the owner had left it in the car park, but after a number of days, a man came and towed the vehicle away. He continued that Mr Lyons had claimed that the vehicle was his and sold it for scrap to an unsuspecting person for 250. Sergeant Morgan OConnor told Judge Carthy that Mr Lyons, who is currently serving a prison sentence, had 142 previous convictions, including drug possession and motoring offences. Solicitor Chris Hogan said that his client had difficulties with intoxicants and that he was doing well in prison. Judge Carthy then sentenced him to five months imprisonment, to run consecutively with his current term. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Ireland has recorded a 4.1 billion Exchequer surplus for the end of March as the country moves into a period of heightened uncertainty under new US tariffs on the EU. The Department of Finance said this figure compares with 300 million in the same period last year. Most of the improvement comes from receipts from Apple back taxes owed to Ireland after a judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in September. Without those receipts, the surplus was 900 million. Ireland is in the process of recovering more than 13 billion plus interest in corporation tax from the US tech giant after the European Commission successfully argued that Apple had been given undue tax benefits that were illegal under EU state aid rules. Apple and the Government had argued that the correct amount of tax had been paid and fought the commission on the matter in a years-long legal dispute. The ruling was criticised by US President Donald Trump when he met Taoiseach Micheal Martin in the White House last month. The decision formed part of Mr Trumps criticism of the EU which he said had not been fair to Apple. The president said: The United States of America is going to take back a lot of what was stolen from it by other countries and, frankly, by incompetent US leadership. Mr Martin said Ireland had fought with Apple on the matter after the president said the iPhone manufacturer had been treated very badly. Micheal Martin with Donald Trump. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. Its the European Union, isnt it? The European Union is going after our companies, Mr Trump said when asked if Apple should relocate from Dublin back to the US. He added: Im not happy with the European Union and were going to win that financial battle. He said previous presidents had lost big segments of the US economy, adding that the European Union treats us very badly. They have not been fair. They sue our companies and win massive amounts of money. They sued Apple, won 17 billion US dollars and they use that for other reasons, I guess, to run the European Union. So Im not knocking it. Theyre doing what they should be doing, perhaps, for the European Union, but it does create ill will and as you know, were going to be doing reciprocal tariffs so whatever they charge us with, were charging them. Nobody can complain about that. Mr Trump announced a 20% tariff on most EU exports on Wednesday, with some exceptions thought to be temporary for sectors including pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. Irelands tax revenue to the end of March was 23.6 billion, which was 3.5 billion or 17.5 per cent ahead of the same period last year. However, when the Apple revenues are excluded, underlying tax receipts were 21.9 billion euro. Gross revenue to the end of March was 31.3 billion, a 22 per cent increase on the March 2024 position of 5.6 billion euro. Non-tax revenue and capital resources were 3.3 billion, up by 2.1 billion on March 2024, largely driven by transfers to the Exchequer arising from the CJEU ruling, mainly consisting of EU interest. Appropriations-in-aid of 4.5 billion took total other revenue to 7.7 billion. Total expenditure to the end of March was 27.2 billion. Of this, gross voted expenditure was 24.8 billion, which was 2 billion ahead of the same period last year. Non-voted expenditure was down 200 million to 2.4 billion. Roughly 4.8 billion was collected in corporation taxes throughout the first quarter of the year, up 2.3 billion on last year or 600 million ahead of the figure for the end of March 2024 figure when the Apple receipts are excluded. Vivenne Clarke Former EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness said, "At least we know what we're dealing with," in response to Donald Trump's EU tariffs. The US president announced on Wednesday that he was imposing a sweeping 20 per cent tariff on imports from the EU, which will significantly impact Ireland. Speaking on RTE Morning Ireland on Thursday morning, Ms McGuinness said: "We know more today than we knew yesterday, but I think there is still more to come in this discussion. @breakingnews.ie Tanaiste Simon Harris has given his initial response to Donald Trump's tariffs. The US president announced a minimum baseline tariff of 10% on imports from all countries, with additional higher rates for some regions including a 20% tax on goods from Ireland and the rest of the EU. For all the latest, visit breakingnews.ie original sound - breakingnews.ie "I didn't watch all of the preamble by President Trump, and I think in an era where everybody's using words, we should be very careful about how we use words, because they have become, in my view, debased, and that's why, again, Europe will be very clear and very measured. We have very strong leadership from President von der Leyen. We know that the Irish government, the Tanaiste, Simon Harris, Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, and all of the ministers are engaging with their counterparts. Maros Sefcovic knows Ireland, he was involved in Brexit, and I know him very well. "We all know each other and we have a common goal, one, to protect Europe and not to allow this to weaken our industries, our economies, our societies. Secondly, to try and impress globally that this is in no one's interest, the idea of a trade war. We are in a different world, but the order has been upended But we are capable of dealing with this. Notwithstanding the worry, you just have to be calm and measured in the worst of times, and these are difficult times. I think the EU is already using the time we have, both past and in the future, to avert anything that escalates to a global trade war. This is a time for Europe. to realise the new world order and to strengthen ourselves so that we can face into this. "I think that's what we're likely to hear later on from the European Commission. But we don't come to this from a vulnerable position. We are strong and we have to actually believe that and work towards resolving this hopefully through negotiation. Meanwhile, Danny McCoy of Ibec warned that Trumps tariffs could have implications for the Windsor Framework. I think that one thing we have to really see, though, is the fact that the UK have a 10 percent tariff and the EU 20 percent. This has implications for the Windsor Framework and for the no border on the island of Ireland, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland. I think this is a very serious issue. And it's not just what Trump has done, it's how we retaliate. If the UK do nothing and the EU comes with a 20 per cent tariff, that'll make it even more complicated. When asked what he wanted the government to do in response to the tariffs, Mr McCoy said: We've been here before with Covid and with Brexit and so some of the measures that we know is state supports are going to be required for those whose demand will go down quite dramatically as a result of these price movements. Their workers may need to go on short-time working, we need to have the welfare payments to keep them attached to their employer, not to put them into unemployment. So these kinds of shocks that we get, we thought we might get with Brexit, with ports being closed, etc. We have the arsenal to do it, we'll be talking to the government in the next couple of hours and again tomorrow on many of those different forums. So I think the government and business can work through this, I'd be calm enough on that front. Padraic Halpin and Maggie Fick, Reuters As US president Donald Trump takes aim at the mostly American-owned pharmaceutical factories that dot the Irish countryside, the people of Carrigtwohill are getting nervous. A cluster of high-tech plants offering well-paid jobs has transformed the Co Cork town, quadrupling its population in just two decades. The pharmaceutical industry has an outsized presence in the Republic, employing about 2 per cent of the workforce and generating tens of billions of euros in taxes for government coffers. But if Trump has his way, the good times could be about to end. While pharmaceuticals were exempt from the sweeping duties he announced on Wednesday, a US official said the president is planning separate tariffs targeting the pharma industry. Pharmaceuticals accounted for 58 billion of the 73 billion worth of products Ireland exported to the United States last year, a big contributor to the US goods trade deficit with the European Union that has riled Trump. "He is going to do fierce damage," said retired butcher Anthony Barry (73) at a charity event at Carrigtwohill's community centre, where the tariff threat to the economy dominated conversation. "It's just a worrying time," he said, after one of the event's organisers listed six family members who work at nearby US pharmaceutical facilities. Trump has repeatedly singled out Ireland for "luring away" US pharma giants such as Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer with decades of low corporate tax rates. US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has characterised Irish policy as a "scam" that Trump's administration will end through tax changes and tariffs. More than a dozen of the world's biggest drugmakers have plants in Ireland, some decades-old. Many make medicines or active ingredients for the $630 billion US market, the industry's biggest. Merck produces the world's top-selling prescription medicine Keytruda for cancer near Dublin. AbbVie makes Botox shots in Westport, while Eli Lilly's Kinsale site helps meet soaring US demand for obesity drugs. No exodus Trump's demands to shift manufacturing to the United States have prompted several companies to ramp up investment there. But industry sources have told Reuters that drugmakers are reluctant to break and rebuild global supply chains, of which Ireland is a linchpin, as doing so would be costly and complex. "I wouldn't see an exodus happening as a result of this, because of not just the track record [of pharma in Ireland] but the lack of certainty around what the alternative is," said PwC Ireland's lead advisor to pharmaceutical clients Harry Harrison. While some were carrying out "very, very initial" scenario-planning around moving production, including the cost, tax and regulatory implications and supply chain impact, "I would expect to see largely what is here now remain here", Harrison said. Investment agency IDA Ireland has announced at least a dozen US pharma investments of between $55 million and $1.8 billion since mid-2022, and its head of life sciences Rachel Shelly said there was no sign they would be paused. Although Taoiseach Micheal Martin warned on Tuesday that further investment decisions are on hold, "in the immediate term, the uncertainty may cause companies to hold a little bit but those decisions can't be put off forever", Shelly said. While foreign multinationals have long cut their tax bills by locating intellectual property (IP) in Ireland, the revenues that have rolled in have left the country with the healthiest public finances in Europe. But the reliance on decisions made in US boardrooms has left it especially vulnerable to Trump's economic plans. Martin has called it the most serious challenge facing the country. Research co-authored by Department of Finance found that if permanent tariffs are introduced between the US and EU, Ireland's economy could be 1.8 per cent smaller by 2032 than it otherwise would have been. @breakingnews.ie Tanaiste Simon Harris has given his initial response to Donald Trump's tariffs. The US president announced a minimum baseline tariff of 10% on imports from all countries, with additional higher rates for some regions including a 20% tax on goods from Ireland and the rest of the EU. For all the latest, visit breakingnews.ie original sound - breakingnews.ie The drag on exports, employment and growth would curtail the recently re-elected government's ambitious tax and spending plans, a hole that would deepen if US corporate tax reforms led to production and IP returning to the US, the paper said. Pharmaceutical companies employ about 50,000 people directly and thousands of shops and suppliers depend on highly paid multinational workers' custom. On Carrigtwohill's outskirts, parents wearing pharmaceutical company IDs file in and out of the State's largest childcare centre, located next to plants belonging to Merck, AbbVie, Gilead Sciences, GE HealthCare and Stryker. Oliver Sheehan said many locals thought he and his wife were "mad" when they relocated their creche to the business park 25 years ago. Now they look after 450 children, employ 88 staff and spent 3.5 million on a major expansion in 2019. That growth mirrors Carrigtwohill, one of Ireland's most diverse and youngest towns whose population has jumped to 5,500 over the last 20 years and is expected to double again by 2028. Around 40 per cent of Sheehan's business comes from workers at the multinational companies, he says. "We're certainly not bulletproof. We have a business model that I feel we could overcome it, but it would certainly impact us." Sheehan said of any potential hit from Trump's tariffs to jobs and investment. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA The legacy body tasked with probing outstanding cases from Northern Irelands Troubles has said it is now carrying out 50 live investigations involving 96 deaths. The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which became operational in May 2024, said the number of people coming to it continues to grow. The ICRIR was created by the previous Conservative governments controversial Legacy Act which halted scores of civil cases and inquests into Troubles deaths. Bereaved families, victims and certain public authorities can instead request the ICRIR carry out an investigation. While Labour has committed to repealing the Act and has said legacy inquests will resume, it is continuing with the ICRIR. In its latest accountability update, the body said: In the period from May 1st 2024 to March 31st 2025, 154 people (requesting individuals) have come to the commission. There are 50 live investigations under way. The report said the 50 investigations relate to 96 deaths. Commissioner for investigations Peter Sheridan said: There are forensic opportunities. There are investigative lines of inquiry. Our work is not a light-touch review. Were trying to encourage people and build confidence in this commission. I will sit down with anyone and explain how, in every single case, I put senior investigating officers in to investigate all of the information available. The commission, headed by former Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan, has faced opposition from political parties and victims organisations in Northern Ireland, and its powers have been subject to legal challenges. Sir Declan Morgan, chief commissioner-designate of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery during an interview at Goodwood House in Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. The latest case which the ICRIR has said publicly it is investigating is the murder of an RUC reserve constable by the IRA in October 1982. John Eagleson, a father of three, was shot in the chest while making his way to work on his motorbike. The commission is also investigating the murder of Judge Rory Conaghan, who was shot dead by an IRA gunman in front of his daughter at their Belfast home in September 1974. The accountability update said the ICRIR now has 172 staff, with 66 per cent based in Belfast and 34 per cent in London. It said: As at March 31st 2025, 43 staff work in the information recovery (IR) team of the investigations directorate; 65 per cent are based in London with 35 per cent based in Belfast. This includes senior investigating officers, IR team supervisors, investigating officers and investigation support officers. The wider operations work also includes case support and findings. Of the 86 people working in operations, 45 per cent have investigative experience in Northern Ireland. A further 36 per cent have investigative experience solely outside of Northern Ireland. The remaining 19 per cent of people have other relevant experience for the delivery of the commissions work. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA The UK governments failure to order a public inquiry into the murder of GAA official Sean Brown in 1997 was unlawful and cannot stand, the Court of Appeal in Belfast has ruled. Northern Irelands Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said she would not make a mandatory order at this point that Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn should establish a statutory inquiry, but has instead given him four weeks to reflect upon the judgment of the court. Mr Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in Co Derry, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997. No one has ever been convicted of his killing. The UK government had appealed against a decision by the High Court last year to order a public inquiry to be held into the murder. The Brown family attended the latest hearing in Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Mr Browns widow Bridie Brown attended the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday. Delivering the Court of Appeal judgment on Thursday, Dame Siobhan said there had been no human rights compliant investigation into the murder 28 years ago. She said: This is a shocking state of affairs in that a quarter of a century has passed since Sean Brown was murdered and yet there has been no lawful inquiry into the circumstances of his death. The Lady Chief Justice said: We find the decision to refuse a public inquiry cannot stand and is unlawful and in breach of Article 2 obligations. She added: An independent public investigation dealing with the coroners concerns, capable of dealing with sensitive material, with the Brown family legally represented, provided with the relevant material and able to examine the principal witnesses must be held without further delay in order to satisfy the obligations imposed by Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which all parties agree the UK Government is in breach of. She said she would adjourn the case for four weeks to give the Secretary of State time to consider the judgment of the court and to confirm how he would comply with the order. She said: We stress there can be no further delay in this case. Last year a coroner halted an inquest into the Brown killing, expressing concern that his ability to examine the case had been compromised by the extent of confidential state material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds. Preliminary inquest proceedings had already heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents. It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning. Coroner Mr Justice Kinney called on the Government to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist murder. Mr Benn decided against holding an inquiry, arguing that the case could instead be dealt with by a new Troubles investigatory body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Mr Browns widow Bridie challenged Mr Benns decision not to order a public inquiry and High Court judge Mr Justice Humphreys found in her favour in December and ordered the Government to establish one. The Government then appealed against that decision. Dame Siobhan told the court the limitations of the ICRIR to deal with cases like the Brown killing are apparent. She said the commission, as it is currently established, is not equipped to deal with cases which involve sensitive material. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn appealed the case following a judgment last year. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. She said: Mrs Brown is 87-years-old. She has been pursuing her remedy for 28 of those years. In this case, the ICRIR is not fit for the purpose of delivering the remedy she needs now. Dame Siobhan said the court recognised that in the past some inquiries have been costly. But she added that the coroner had already undertaken the bulk of the work and reviewed sensitive material in the case. She said there was nothing in theory to stop Mr Justice Kinney from being appointed to chair a public inquiry in the case. Such a bespoke inquiry, already fully armed by statute, with the powers to address sensitive material and building on the work of Mr Justice Kinney would be capable of delivering a remedy for Mrs Brown within a timescale that is relevant to her. Dame Siobhan said some of the advice given to the NI Secretary by civil servants around the cost of a public inquiry was flawed. A further hearing in the case will take place on May 2. SEVEN students from Carlow were recognised for their academic excellence recently at the Carlow College scholarship awards ceremony. Susan Hanly and her husband, Jim Hanly at the Carlow College Scholarship Awards. Susan has won awards for every academic year she's completed in the college The students were among 15 who were recognised for their academic achievements, each receiving a certificate and a cash scholarship worth 500. The awards ceremony celebrated the academic success of mature students and the highest-achieving students progressing to the next stage of their studies. English and History student, Emma Mahon receives her award from college president, Fr Conn O Maoldhomhnaigh Carlow residents among the Progression Scholarship winners included Diarmuid Commins from Graiguecullen, who is a second-year BA (Hons) student in Social, Political and Community Studies; Szymon Szymanski from Fenagh, second year in BA in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care); Olive Townsend from Tinryland, third year BA (Hons) in Arts & Humanities; and Shannon Whittle from Graiguecullen, third year BA in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care). In addition, Maria Cullen from Tullow, BA (Hons) in Psychology, Emma Mahon from Carlow town, BA (Hons) English and History and Susan Hanly from Graiguecullen, BA (Hons) in Arts and Humanities also received top honours heading into their final year of study. Diarmuid Commins from Graiguecullen celebrates his Progression Scholarship with his wife Debora Severino and their children, Niamh and Sadhbh The awards were presented by Carlow College president Fr Conn O Maoldhomhnaigh and Dr Margaret Murphy, vice-president for academic affairs and registrar. Dr Murphy said: Carlow College, St Patricks is delighted to make these scholarship awards to our well-deserving students and to recognise their hard work and dedication to their studies. FINE GAEL TD Catherine Callaghan has spoken out strongly against the current system that requires UN Security Council approval before Irish peacekeeping troops can be deployed overseas. Deputy Callaghan, who previously served in the defence forces, serving in Lebanon during her six years with the Air Corps, criticised the existing triple lock mechanism, which gives permanent members of the UN Security Council, including Russia, effective veto power over Irelands participation in international missions. As a person who has worn a blue beret and an Irish flag on my sleeve, I object in the strongest possible terms to countries like Russia and leaders like Vladimir Putin having the power to intervene in and potentially prevent Ireland's participation in overseas missions, said the deputy. The Carlow-based TD highlighted a specific incident from 2022, when Irish Army Rangers were unable to provide protection for then minister for defence Simon Coveney during his visit to Ukraine following the Russian invasion. Instead, members of the Garda Emergency Response Unit were deployed. While members of the ERU are highly skilled, they are trained for police operations. Our Irish Army Ranger Wing are at the top of their game in military operations and should be fulfilling these protection duties, deputy Callaghan stated, adding that it was a stark contrast to leaders from other countries, who were protected by their own countrys military. Her comments come as the Social Democrats call for a plebiscite on whether a UN mandate should remain a requirement for overseas deployments. Deputy Callaghan dismissed this proposal as unnecessary, noting that our constitution already states that the right to raise and maintain military or armed forces is vested exclusively in the Oireachtas. The Fine Gael position, according to Ms Callaghan, is clear: We want to decide where our troops go. Advertisement Canadian and Greek cement producers will be hit hardest by US tariffs. Adding to the already announced 25 per cent tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, on 2 April the US administration revealed a plethora of tariffs on other countries, ranging from 10-50 per cent, and including 20 per cent on imports from the European Union, of which Greece is a member. Figure 1: top 10 countries for cement imports to the USA, 2024 (Source: Trademap) Cement exports to the USA account for a quarter of all cement produced in both Canada and Greece. Canadian exports to the USA amounted to 3.6Mt in 2024, while Greece supplied 1.8Mt. Both countries may look to pare-back production in the coming months. Data from Statistics Canada show the value of cement produced in Canada amounted to CAD113,850 in January, an increase of 8.6 per cent YoY, though this is well below the 16.5 per cent YoY increase noted in January 2024. Total cement produced amounted to CAD5.5m in 2024, up 18.9 per cent YoY, while cement sales for the year amounted to CAD2.8m, up 3.9 per cent YoY. Meanwhile, data from Eurostat show Greek cement manufacturing output expanded by just 0.5 per cent YoY in January, following a 6.1 per cent increase for 2024 as a whole. US tariffs on imports by country (Source: US administration) Vietnam, the second most important supplier at 4.1Mt in 2024, exports just five per cent of its domestically produced cement to the USA. Nevertheless, the 46 per cent tariff one of the highest announced and due to take effect on 9 April will significantly curtail Vietnamese imports and dent activity at export-facing cement producers. Total Vietnamese cement exports rose 45 per cent YoY to 1.76Mt in February, according to the latest data from the Vietnam National Cement Association. Of that total, exports to the USA accounted for 25 per cent, making it the second most important market after the Philippines. Cement producers from other key suppliers to the USA are somewhat less exposed. Algeria is facing a 30 per cent tariff which will certainly curtail imports but should not dramatically impact Algerian cement production, as exports to the USA account for just four per cent of total production. Similarly, Spain which as a member of the European Union is due to see 20 per cent tariffs, exports just three per cent of the countrys total cement produced. While Turkey accounted for the most cement imports into the USA in 2024, at 5.7Mt, it is set to face the lowest base tariff of 10 per cent, which is due to take effect from 5 April. Turkey cement exports to the USA account for seven per cent of total domestic cement production. Figure 3: cement exports to the US as a percentage of total domestic cement production, 2024 (ICR Research) Both the United Arab Emirates and Colombia, also in the top 10 of cement suppliers to the USA, see six per cent of their domestically produced cement sent to the USA. However, they too face the lowest tariff rate of 10 per cent. Meanwhile, Mexico, which was the fifth largest supplier of cement to the US in 2024, at just under 1Mt and one of the original targets of the US administration's tariffs, sees cement exports to the US accounting for just two per cent of the countrys total cement production. Hence, the 25 per cent tariff will curtail exporting activity but should not dramatically hit Mexican cement production. Likewise, while South Korean cement imports are facing a 25 per cent tariff, the industry exports just one per cent of the cement it produces to the US. Chattanooga has received confirmation from the National Park City Foundation that its application has been approved - officially making the Scenic City the first National Park City in North America. To celebrate this milestone, Mayor Tim Kelly released a special video message congratulating Chattanoogans on the achievement. "Here in Chattanooga, weve used the National Park City movement to encourage folks to think about Chattanooga as a city in a park, rather than a city with some parks in it," said Mayor Kelly. "The outdoors is our competitive advantage. Its at the heart of our story of revitalization, and its core to our identity. Weve always known how special Chattanoogas connection to the outdoors is, and now itll be recognized around the world. I could not be more proud that Chattanooga is North America's first National Park City." e journey toward this designation began in late 2023 and was shaped by the voices and passion of thousands of residents, community leaders, businesses, and nonprofit partners. Through a series of public meetings, the city of Chattanooga gathered over 5,600 signatures of support and crafted a National Park City charter grounded in seven core commitments to people, place, and nature. Officials said th In November, Chattanooga submitted its Journey Book - described as "a vibrant snapshot of our collective work to make the city one of the most livable in the United States. Then in March, a review team from the National Park City Foundation visited Chattanooga to experience its parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and urban landscapes first-hand - "and to meet the incredible people driving this movement forward." Officials said, "The National Park City movement is a long-term, grassroots and grasstops effort that invites everyone - residents, leaders, and organizations - to work together to make their cities greener, healthier, and wilder. In Chattanooga, this designation will help city government and community partners prioritize connecting more people to the outdoors that have long defined our identity. "Being a National Park City means embracing all aspects of outdoor life - from supporting Lookout Mountain Conservancy to celebrating the Highland Park futsal fields. Its about preserving the forests where hunters harvest deer, the lakes where anglers reel in tournament bass, and the native plants that sustain one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. National Park City means educating Chattanoogans about native plant species they can plant in their yard to help our ecosystem - one of the most biodiverse on our planet, and helping them get access to those native plants. Its also about honoring our cultural diversity - through art, history, and play. This recognition helps cement Chattanoogas international reputation as a city that leads with green space, outdoor adventure, and community spirit." To mark this milestone, the city will host a celebration on Saturday, April 19, from 12-7 p.m. on the Chattanooga Green next to Rosss Landing featuring local artists and a presentation with National Geographic Explorer and creator of the National Park City movement, Dr. Daniel Raven Ellison. This celebration coincides with Earth Week, featuring over 50 activities and events across the city in partnership with National Park City partners and supporters. For the full event calendar and National Park City journey details, visit chattanooganationalparkcity. org. Its something to review what I could have learned in high school, that is, Rome, Portugal, Britain or Great Britain, and on and on, these empires came and went. The sun never sets on the British Empire is one quote that comes to mind. And now we have America, bound by a common denominator to all the previous empires by a military industrial complex, untouched by the Department of Government Excellence. And a trifecta of the House, Senate and White House that realizes with election over, deficits are a thing of the past, tariffs will replaces taxes, so taxes can go away. The Senate is on the cusp of breaking parliamentary rules to railroad temporary tax breaks into permanent tax breaks so all America can look like Newport, R.I. with huge mansions for all, all the oligarchs anyway, and the rest of us left to enjoy tariffs, not to mention our wealth portfolios vanishing along with the rest of the worlds stock markets. Were not talking animal stock, like egg layers or beef, we are realizing business worth. Just like a casino, where the house always wins, that fails because it went bankrupt, some forgot that New Jersey truth, the world gets a chill at a time commerce was running really well across oceans and borders. It is because this one blowhard got an idea from some hedge fund manager who is really rich from plundering American businesses that tariffs are a shining example of how towell, ruin everything. So boys and girls, menfolk and womenfolk, gather around the television and watch your earnings saved and invested go into other peoples pockets or just plain vanish. After all, government is a show, a liberation if you will, for all to see and some to get really well off from, until like Rome, Portugal, Spain, etc., it comes tumbling down. History, history is not for public schools, it is for those that can afford private education, they know best. That is why rich men make excellent leaders, not to mention really good fairy tale tellers. Honesty is after all, a pleasure for the idle poor, not anything to do with Ten Commandments or laws or rules. Or governance. Prentice Hicks CNE announces Financial Fitness Day, an event designed to empower Chattanooga residents with financial knowledge. This reinvention of the Money School program will take place on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Construction Career Center in East Chattanooga, 2225 Roanoke Ave. Financial Fitness Day will provide attendees with a foundation in key financial areas, covering the building blocks of budgeting, credit, investing, borrowing and homeownership. Participants will gain practical skills and insights to improve their financial well-being and achieve their financial goals. The day will kick off with a keynote speech from author and entrepreneur, Lakweshia Ewing. Ms. Ewing will share her expertise and personal journey, motivating attendees to take control of their financial futures. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m., allowing attendees to register and network before the program begins. To ensure accessibility for all, Spanish translation services will be available throughout the event. CNE will be giving away cash prizes totaling up to $1,000. Attendees will have the opportunity to win these giveaways. To further support participants, CNE will provide a complimentary lunch and childcare services, allowing attendees to focus on learning and engaging with the program. We are thrilled to introduce Financial Fitness Day, a revamped version of Money School, designed to provide our community with the tools they need to achieve financial stability, said Chris Thompson, CNE president and CEO. With the support of our sponsors, including Truist Bank and Pinnacle Financial Partners, and the inspirational words from Lakweshia Ewing, we are confident this event will be a valuable resource for everyone. Sponsors for Financial Fitness Day include Truist Bank, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Regions, SouthEast Bank, SmartBank, Grant Konvalinka & Harrison, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Citizens Tri-County Bank, EPB and Chambliss. CNE thanks them for their generous support and participation. General Sessions Court Judge Gary Starnes told the Pachyderm Club on Monday that local judges are increasingly harassed and threatened. People in power are calling on their constituents to bother judges at their homes or in public in the company of their families. Ive been threatened a lot, Judge Starnes said. He said he has to watch out. Its gotten that bad, he said. Those people in power are members of Congress and other legislators, he said. Threats against the judicial system have increased by 50 percent in the last four years, he said, and the national trend has trickled down to small-town judges. This is fueled by all this talk about going after judges, Judge Starnes said, judges that legislators blame for your rotten life. You used to never hear about that. Never, he said. People disagree a lot, but that doesnt mean you have to follow them around and harass them, he said. The stress and intensity have caused fewer people to want to run for any office, he said, which affects the whole system. But Judge Starnes isnt going anywhere, and he plans to run again in 2030. Im going to keep doing what I can to keep our county safe, he said. If Im in good health, Ill be running again because I really love what Im doing. Judge Starnes said that Hamilton County sees an acceptable 60,000 criminal cases every year. People arent fighting in the streets yet, he said. Moccasin Bend The countys veterans treatment court and mental health court help ease that load and unlock resources for those populations. But about 20 percent of Hamilton County Jail inmates have mental health issues, he said. General Sessions Court hears cases of mental health patients who are involuntarily committed at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute. Were inundated with it, he said. Moccasin Bend accepts patients from 52 of Tennessees 95 counties. About 2,500 patients cycle through the facilitys 150 beds annually. Moccasin Bend is one of the few remaining mental health centers in East Tennessee after most were closed under Governor Phil Bredesens administration, he said. The state has yet to name a spot to relocate the 1961 facility off the archaeological park site, though $300 million has been set aside with plans for more beds. Theyll put it somewhere, Judge Starnes said. I dont know where. Ill just be glad when they do. The countys extreme-weather security cameras help minimize criminal court backlog, too, he said. They see 360 degrees in rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog and smog. Theyre the best thing weve got in this county, he said. Shooters can be identified within days, not months or years, and moved through the court system as quickly as possible, he said. Veterans Treatment Court Judge Starnes and Criminal Court Judge Boyd Patterson are co-founders of the veterans treatment court in Chattanooga, the last of Tennessees four big cities to get one. After its beginnings in 2016, the court stalled out during the pandemic, but 2022 brought renewed energy and interest. In January 2025 Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp allocated funding for a full-time case manager for the court. Hes behind this 100 percent, Judge Starnes said. The court relies on 12 to 15 volunteers, too. The court is for military veterans in the criminal court system who have not committed violent crimes. The court is accredited by All Rise, a nationwide firm that provides training. Judge Starnes said representatives of the organization found Hamilton Countys veterans treatment court to be the most organized and energetic court ever. Theyve never seen anybody as prepared as we are, Judge Starnes said. Were going to try to make ours the best in the state, he said, giving credit to Murfreesboros model facility. Veterans have access to Veterans Affairs care for combat and non-combat post-traumatic stress disorder, and each is assigned a mentor from his or her own branch of the military, even U.S. Space Command, he said. Mentors guide veterans to medical help, mental health help and drug treatment, but they also just listen. They can get vets to open up, he said. Judge Starnes said that new programs and funding driven by Congressman Chuck Fleischmann have cut six-month waits for treatment down to two weeks. "Romeo and Juliet" is arguably the best-known of William Shakespeare's 39 plays. Yet McCallie Middle School Theatre Director Jared Eddy has given the teenage companion piece "Romeo and Juliet in Middle School" much fresh dialogue for the McCallie and GPS's sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade actors to deliver Thursday-Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. inside the renovated Black Box Theater. "I think Mr. Eddy has almost completely rewritten the script," said assistant director and McCallie ninth grader William Lillios earlier this week. Mr. Eddy explained that the rewrite initially began, "Because the context was not appropriate for middle school." As the new script unfolded, "It kind of became a slapstick comedy. We have turned a tragedy into a comedy." Set in the 21st century, Mr. Eddy's version focuses on the interactions between students at Verona Academy and their rivals at Verona Prep. If you are looking for an art-imitates-real-life comparison, Verona Prep's colors include red. Because it is a comedy, do not expect either Romeo or Juliet to die at the end of the play, as they do in the Shakespeare original. "Let us just say," offered Mr. Eddy with a slight grin, "they suffer a punishment worse than death." McCallie eighth grader Thomas Dixon plays Romeo. He seconds the notion that the play is now a comedy. "It is really funny," he said. "Lots of funny lines. Not very Shakespeare. Romeo is a fun character to play." Fun, but hard work. A veteran of earlier McCallie middle school productions "Narnia" and "Scared Silly," Thomas estimates he had to learn over 70 lines in three weeks for the play that is expected to run around 55 minutes. So, is he nervous, especially when he expects 15 family members to be in attendance? "Not now," he said. "But maybe closer to opening night." GPS seventh grader LouLou Fain plays Juliet and expects to have at least 10 family members and friends fill the Black Box for her first turn as a leading lady. "This is my first big role," she said. "We have a great supporting staff that helps carry the play. It has been a lot of fun. It is definitely a comedy." LouLou was in the ensemble cast for "Cinderella" last year, then played Alice after she was shrunk in "Alice in Wonderland." Now, the spotlight is on her for "Romeo and Juliet in Middle School." Of Mr. Eddy's directing style, she said, "He directs in a way that gets our attention, but he does not micromanage us. He works with us and listens to us. He gives us some freedom." Mr. Eddy said what he has most enjoyed about working with close to 50 actors and tech support students has been "Finding out the funny moments that we did not think would be funny. We have taken a classic tale and had fun with it." As opening night approaches, Mr. Eddy has a teaser for what makes this "Romeo and Juliet in Middle School" different from all the other times it has been performed at other schools. "There is no way," he said, "that they had the ending we do." The Osborne Building at 5746 Marlin Road at Eastgate has sold for $10,850,000. The sale was to Goodrich & Co Iii Llc from Obc Properties Delaware Llc. It had been advertised as "a 100 percent occupied office building in Chattanooga at an attractive basis ($110 PSF)." The property is 67 percent leased by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The rest of the building is occupied by five tenants including religious and healthcare-oriented businesses. More Tennesseans were on the job in February than the previous month as 88 of 95 counties reported a decline in their unemployment rates, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) announced on Thursday. In two Tennessee counties, unemployment rates in February were the same as in January. Five counties saw an increase. Eighty-four Tennessee counties recorded unemployment rates of less than 5%. The remaining 11 counties had rates greater than 5% but less than 10%. Williamson County reported the lowest unemployment rate for the month at 2.6%, a decline of two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. Four counties Cheatham, Wilson, Robertson, and Rutherford had unemployment rates of 2.7%. Macon and Knox counties followed with rates of 2.8%. Cocke County recorded the states highest unemployment rate for February at 6.6%, a drop of four-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. Pickett County had the next-highest rate at 6.3%, a decline of seven-tenths of a percentage point. Lewis County followed with a rate of 5.9%. Its rate in January was 4.1%. Tennessees seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has remained steady at 3.7% for six consecutive months. The national rate in February was 4.1%. Unlike the statewide rate, county rates are not adjusted to account for seasonal impacts on employment. TDLWD has compiled an analysis of county unemployment data. That report is available here. Job seekers can work one-on-one with a career specialist at no cost at one of Tennessees American Job Centers. Find a list of locations here. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training can help remove barriers to employment through funded education, skills training, and supportive services. Learn more about eligibility and the services provided here. Tennessee will release statewide unemployment data for March on Thursday, April 17, at 1:30 p.m. CDT. Jack Kelly Nick Petras Sam Vaden Zac Adams Previous Next SVN | Second Story Real Estate Management, a full-service commercial brokerage and property management group, is expanding with three new advisors to meet growing demand across the Southeast. Each professional broker weve added to the team has unique skills and asset class specialization, said Tiffanie Robinson, CEO of SVN | Second Story. This allows us to grow as a company by working together, ensuring we focus on client experience, rather than competition. The company is doing business in seven states and has identified opportunities to further expand. The new team members will work collaboratively and focus on sales and leasing in the office sector. Sam Vaden, an experienced commercial real estate broker with more than a decade of experience, will lead the office team with a focus on investment sales. With experience across Florida, California and Tennessee, Mr. Vaden adds a broad network to the SVN | Second Story team. He earned his Master of Business Administration from the American University, Washington, DC, with an emphasis in commercial real estate finance and integrated marketing communications. Nick Petras joins as the teams leasing specialist after being the top leasing agent at his previous company for more than two years. With his focus on leasing and client services, he will continue SVN | Second Storys track record of low vacancy rates and high approval ratings. Mr. Petras holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a concentration in professional sales management. Jack Kelly will focus on medical office space sales and leasing, bringing his unique background in finance to help clients make strategic real estate decisions. Mr. Kelly, who transitioned to real estate and property management in 2021, holds a Master of Business Administration with a real estate pathway from the University of Colorado. Current SVN | Second Story advisor Zac Adams, who joined the brokerage 18 months ago, will round out the office team, contributing his local network and expertise. The company has identified additional expansion opportunities, and with its carefully selected team of advisors, SVN | Second Story Real Estate Management continues to strengthen its position as a leading commercial real estate firm in the Southeast. County officials said a data breach affected 14,081 individuals, and notices are now going out. Officials said, "Hamilton County Government is a Covered Entity under HIPAA. Recently, its business associate, Nationwide Recovery Service, Inc. suffered a cybersecurity breach reportedly affecting 14,081 individuals. "HIPAA requires a Covered Entity to provide notification to prominent media outlets serving the State or jurisdiction where more than 500 residents have been affected by a breach of their protected health information and where greater than 10 individuals mailing addresses are insufficient to provide notice by first class mail. "Greater than 500 residents living in Tennessee and Georgia were affected and more than 10 individuals mailing addresses are insufficient to provide notice by first class mail." Here is the county's Breach Notification: HIPAA requires notice to individuals when there has been a breach of their protected health information (PHI). You are receiving this letter as part of Hamilton Countys compliance with HIPAA. Nationwide Recovery Service is a business associate (agent) of Hamilton County Government that provides debt collection services for delinquent accounts for various departments, offices and organizational components of Hamilton County Government. On July 14, 2024, Hamilton County Government received an email from NRS with an attached letter. The letter confirmed NRS had suffered a cybersecurity event that was reported to federal law enforcement. NRS said its investigation was ongoing and that additional information would be provided as it became available. On Monday, February 24, 2025, the Hamilton County Attorneys Office received a letter via U.S.Mail from NRS supplementing their July 14, 2024, notice. The letter stated that NRSs investigation recently found that there was unauthorized access to the NRS network between July 5, 2024, and July 11, 2024, and that certain files and folders were copied from the system. NRS determined that the compromised information potentially included names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial account information and/or medical related information, among other information provided to NRS by Hamilton County. Hamilton Countys (HCG) response to this breach: 1. Monday, February 24, 2025, the Hamilton County HIPAA Privacy Officer (Privacy Officer) was made aware of the breach, and promptly notified the Hamilton County Attorney, Rheubin Taylor, and the Hamilton County Compliance Task Force Chairman, Commissioner, David Sharpe. The same day, the Privacy Officer began an investigation, both internally and externally, of the reported incident. 2. Monday, March 3, 2025, EMS Billing (a department of Hamilton County Government) emailed to the County Attorneys Office a copy of the letter from NRS supplementing their July 14, 2024, notice regarding Nationwide Recovery Services, Inc. Data Security Event. 3. Privacy Officer was told by EMS Billing staff that no PHI was transmitted to NRS from July 5, 2024 through July 11, 2024. 4. Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 3:12 p.m., in response to her investigation, the HIPAA Privacy Officer received email notice from NRS that 14,084 individuals protected health information was in the NRS system that was breached. 5. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the County Attorneys Office provided written notification to the Mayors Office and the Hamilton County Commission regarding the extent of the breach, the notification periods and requirements, and the need for additional resources to comply with the Breach Notification Rule. 6. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the County Attorney provided additional information to the Mayors Office and the Hamilton County Commission. 7. Although the Hamilton County HIPAA investigation continues, it is the recommendation of the Privacy Officer that immediate preliminary notification be made to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to the media for patient notification, as required by HIPAA. Additional supplemental information will be provided upon completion of the investigation. 8. Notification will be sent to the affected individuals as soon as the Hamilton County HIPAA investigation is complete and all mailing addresses are verified. Steps you should take to protect yourself from potential harm resulting from the breach: 1. Monitor your credit. By law, you can obtain a free credit report each year from each of the three credit reporting agencies (CRAs). These agencies include Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized by the federal government to issue free, annual credit reports from the three CRAs. You may request your reports: Online by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com By calling 1-877-322-8228 (TTY: 1-800-821-7232) By filling out the Annual Credit Report request form and mailing it to:o Annual Credit Report Request Service PO Box 105281 Atlanta, GA 30348-5281 2. Monitor your medical record. A medical provider includes your doctor, hospital, therapist, and any individual or organization that provides health care services to you. When you have an appointment with your provider, ask for a copy of your visit summary. Read through your visit summary to make sure the information is about you and is correct. If you have any questions about the information in your visit summary, ask your provider to review it with you. If errors are found, ask your provider to make a correction. You do not have to wait for a future appointment. HIPAA gives you the right to review your medical record at any time and the right to request changes. Ask your provider for a copy of their Notice of Privacy Practices or their policy about your rights to access and request changes to your record. Hamilton County sincerely regrets that this has happened, and apologizes for any inconvenience this breach may have caused our citizens. Hamilton County Government is committed to providing quality patient care, including protecting your personal information. If you have any questions, please contact our HIPAA Privacy Officer, Angela Duncan, by phone at 1-833-484-8671 or by email at HIPAA@HamiltonTN.gov. Please include the words HIPAA Breach in the subject line of your email. Kanye 'Ye' West just rapped about Bianca Censori leaving him. Here's where she's allegedly at now that West has reportedly left for Japan -- plus, the state of their home. Divorce rumors have plagued Kanye Ye West and Bianca Censori throughout their marriage. While the couple dispelled the rumors in the past, Wests recent lyrics about Censori leaving him are turning heads. While the rapper reportedly left for Japan, his wife is seemingly back in Australia with her family. In the meantime, the couples home has packages piling up outside. Heres what to know. Photos show packages piling up outside of Bianca Censori and Kanye Ye Wests home amid split reports Kanye Ye West seemingly confirmed that Bianca Censori left him in his new song titled, BIANCA. My baby she ran away / But first she tried to get me committed / Not going to the hospital cause I am not sick I just do not get it, he raps on the song, which is part of his new album, WW3. Shes having a panic attack and she is not liking the way that I tweeted / Until Biancas back I stay up all night Im not going to sleep / I really dont know where shes at. Im tracking my b**** through an app / Im tracking my b**** through the city, West continues. She hop in the car and she ran / My b**** just dont understand / Sometimes it just feel like its planned. Before West dropped the bombshell that Censori left him, he reportedly headed back to Tokyo, Japan, amid chaos with Kim Kardashian on X. Since the beginning of 2025, West has posted antisemitic and hateful rants on the platform. More recently, he called out Kardashian for taking control of their four kids. While West is in Japan, The U.S. Sun reports its believed that Censori headed back to her home country of Australia to spend time with family and friends. Photos of the couples home are adding fuel to the fire. The publication posted photos that show packages piling up outside of West and Censoris $35 million Beverly Hill mansion, proving they havent arrived home to collect them. The couple closed on the house in October 2024. The 20,000-square-foot mansion lies on 6.8 acres of land and has 11 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms. For more news and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheets Instagram. A worker inspects the framing of a modular home at the Fading West factory in Buena Vista, ColO. on Feb. 19 EU plans retaliation against new U.S. tariffs by end of April: French gov't spokesperson Xinhua) 09:52, April 03, 2025 PARIS, April 2 (Xinhua) -- French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said on Wednesday that the European Union (EU) would retaliate, by the end of April, against new tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump was expected to announce later on Wednesday. Speaking to the press after a Council of Ministers meeting, Primas told reporters that France and the EU have already prepared two responses to Trump's tariffs. "The first, which will take place in mid-April, is a response to the tariffs already announced on steel and aluminum," she said. A second response to the new tariffs, at the European level, would be announced by the end of April after a precise study. She stressed that the European response would be delivered in a "consistent, united and strong way." She noted that the EU has already begun to study which sector of activity would be subject to the retaliatory measures. "We need to be very vigilant about the choice of these sectors of activity, and at the same time very strong and united, because obviously, one of the United States' strategies is to try to disunite us and find points of divergence between European countries," she added. Trump is set to roll out "reciprocal tariffs" on what he called "Liberation Day" this Wednesday, targeting any country that has imposed levies on U.S. goods. The initiative aims to match the tariffs levied by other countries on American goods by imposing equivalent rates on their exports to the United States. However, this approach has drawn widespread criticism for its potential to undermine the established multilateral trade system that has contributed significantly to global prosperity. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A depiction of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer located in Birmingham, U.K. | Photo Credit: Official Website/ Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer Construction of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, a monumental Christian structure celebrating answered prayers, is set to begin this summer. The landmark, which will stand 169 feet tall, is located near the M6 on the outskirts of Birmingham and is now anticipated to open in autumn 2027, according to The Telegraph. The monuments infinity-loop structure inspired by a mathematical Mobius strip,is intended to symbolize Gods eternal nature. The project in Coleshill will be made of 1 million white bricks, with each brick digitally linked to a story of answered prayer. Expected to cost nearly $13 million (10 million), the Eternal Wall has faced significant challenges since its inception. Originally slated to begin construction in 2022, the project was delayed due to rising costs from the cost-of-living crisis and unforeseen design issues. However, recent developments have brought it closer to realization. An update from the charity behind the project, also named the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, revealed that the team is entering the final testing stages, and a scale model of the structure has successfully passed wind resistance tests. Richard Gamble, the founder of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, described the journey to this point as both challenging and rewarding. Gamble, a former software business owner, first envisioned the project in 2004 following a profound spiritual experience while carrying a wooden cross for Easter. He stated, I just had this flash of a thought that came through my mind, which I recognized as God, of building a wall made of a million bricks where every single brick would represent the story of answered prayer, as quoted by The Telegraph. The monument aims to honor not just the stories of ordinary individuals but also the prayers of notable historical figures, including Winston Churchill, the late Queen Elizabeth II, evangelist George Muller, and the soldiers of Dunkirk. Gamble initiated a crowdfunding campaign in 2016, raising over $60,000 (47,000) to fund a design competition sponsored by the Royal Institute of British Architects. The winning design, crafted by Southampton-based Snug Architects, received approval from North Warwickshire Borough Council in 2020. Despite ongoing financial challenges, including an urgent shortfall of $84,000 (65,000) announced earlier this year, the charity remains optimistic about the projects progress. Organizers project that the monument will attract around 500,000 journeys per week, with an estimated 200,000 visitors annually. Home News 'Bling Bishop' Lamor Whitehead alleges he was targeted for refusing to help indict Eric Adams Convicted Bishop Lamor Whitehead, popularly known as the Bling Bishop, claims he was a victim of vindictive or selective prosecution because he refused to help authorities indict his former friend and mentor, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whose criminal corruption case was dismissed with prejudice Wednesday. Last September, Adams was formally indicted on charges that he took some $10 million in bribes and illegal campaign donations from foreign nationals in exchange for favors. District Court Judge Dale Ho dismissed the case in a 21-page order and opinion, while challenging some arguments made by the Department of Justice that pushed for the dismissal by saying the case is tainted with impropriety, detrimental to national security and immigration enforcement and was a weak case to begin with. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "DOJ's first asserted rationale for dismissing this case that it has been tainted by appearances of impropriety, [...] is unsupported by any objective evidence. Rather, the record before the Court indicates that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York prosecutors who worked on this case followed all appropriate Justice Department guidelines, Ho wrote. There is no evidence zero that they had any improper motives. In a court filing last month, Whitehead, who was convicted on fraud and attempted extortion charges in Manhattan federal court, alleges he was a victim of vindictive or selective prosecution by the administration of former United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams. He suggested that he was collateral damage in what many have argued was a politically motived action by Williams to remove Adams from power. Petitioner has been ensnared in the nationally known case against New York City Mayor, Eric Adams. Mayor Adams was petitioners friend and mentor for many years, Whitehead argues in the filing. The relevance of the Mayors indictment is that, due to his association, petitioner is a victim of vindictive or selective prosecution in violation of Rule 12 (b)(3)(A) (iv) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the constitutional violation arises in the fact that petitioners legal counsel failed to advise petitioner that his case had the rare cause for dismissal under Rule 12(b)(3)(A)(iv), he argues. This failure of counsel had a material impact on petitioners case because it could have led to a drastically different outcome. Whitehead further argued that the governments main witness against him, Brandon Belmonte, was also working as a government informant who was indicted prior to his trial due to some unknown action. Once indicted, Mr. Belmonte could no longer provide the same testimony that he gave when the government used him in procuring petitioners indictment. What is more, Mr. Belmonte lied about numerous things, and as such, had Mr. Belmonte not been indicted, he would be able to provide exonerating evidence for petitioner, Whitehead notes. By indicting Mr. Belmonte, the government violated Petitioners due process rights, and once again, counsel provided ineffective assistance by not seeking a continuance until Mr. Belmontes indictment was properly adjudicated. Whitehead, who is incarcerated, argued in the filing made in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, that the court grants him an evidentiary hearing to prove the violations; orders for affidavits/attestations from his prior counsel to confirm the allegations of ineffectiveness; and or that the Southern District of New York be ordered to vacate his sentence and reinstate his bail pending a retrial. Whitehead, who formerly led the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Brooklyn, was found guilty on five counts connected to his defrauding of a parishioner and attempt to extort a local businessman, including wire fraud, attempted extortion and lying to the FBI. He was also previously arrested in 2006 for a $2 million identity theft scam and served some five years in prison. He was released in 2013 and maintains that he was "falsely convicted and arrested for a crime I did not commit." After his conviction in 2024, Whitehead insisted that he would be vindicated and his "story isn't over." "The story isn't over. ... It's just a new chapter. Stay (sic) tune God is still God. They can all laugh now and talk. After this ... Jesus will still get the glory. Stay tuned for this new chapter called ... Truth and vindication," he wrote in a statement posted on Instagram. "The media is going to put out there what they want to put out there. They are going to make this look the way they want to make it look," he added. "Stop listening to all the social media platforms and the media." Home News Drugged up ex-Presbyterian pastor charged in crash that killed mother of 4 is sued Nicholas Betancourt, a former teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, who police say caused a crash while driving under the influence of cocaine and other drugs, killing a mother of four and injuring three of her children, has been slapped with a wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit. No matter whos at fault, these cases are extremely difficult and emotional cases, Richard Escobar, an attorney in Tampa, Florida, who is representing Betancourt in his criminal case, told the Tampa Bay Times. Right now, were out there investigating the facts and circumstances of the case and trying to get prepared so that we know as much as we can about what took place. Betancourt, 33, was formally hit with a long list of charges related to the crash on March 13, including: driving under the influence manslaughter; vehicular homicide; two counts of driving under the influence with property damage or injury; two counts of driving under the influence serious bodily injury; two counts of reckless driving with serious bodily injury; two counts of reckless driving with property damage or injury; driving with a suspended license resulting in death; two counts of driving with a suspended license resulting in serious bodily injury; seven counts of possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of cocaine; and six counts of possession of a controlled substance. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to court records reviewed by The Christian Post. A release from the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office said Betancourt was first arrested on Feb. 27 by the Pinellas County Sheriffs office for driving under the influence. He was released at around 9 a.m. on Feb. 28. Hours later, however, at about 3:45 p.m., the pastor, whose license was suspended, crashed into Dana Rivera, 36, as she was driving her Lincoln Town Car southbound on Gunn Highway with three of her four children. The Tampa Bay Times reported that she was on her way to pick up her fourth child from school. Police say Betancourt, who was driving north on the highway, entered the southbound lane and struck Riveras vehicle. The mother died at the scene while her three children, ages 4, 6 and 15, were seriously injured. Betancourt, who was also hospitalized, was found to be under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamines at the time of the accident. Police also found multiple drugs, including methamphetamines, mushrooms, cocaine, MDMA, oxycodone, Xanax and carisoprodol in the Chrysler Pacifica minivan he was driving. The van is owned by Betancourts wife, Catalina. Albert Arsenault, Riveras longtime partner and father of her four children, who also represents her estate, filed the wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit against Betancourt and his wife last Friday, the Tampa Bay Times said. It alleges negligence and seeks unspecified damages for Arsenault and his four children. For the good of this family and the people who travel our Florida highways you can rest assured that we will hold this driver fully accountable for his actions and the horrific losses his conduct resulted in, at statement from Tampas Yerrid Law Firm, which represents the family, said. Prior to her death, Rivera reportedly worked two jobs to help support her family. In a statement on its website following Betancourts arrest, Christ Central Presbyterian Church in Tampa said he resigned as their assistant pastor in January. We were devastated to hear about the arrest of our former assistant pastor, Nicholas Betancourt, and the circumstances surrounding his car accident on February 28 leading to the death of a woman and serious injury to her children, the church said. Nicholas was employed by our church until his resignation on January 24 of this year, and his official pastoral relationship was dissolved by the presbytery on February 8. While we no longer have any official relationship with Nick, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this car accident and all the families involved. In times like this, sacred scripture directs our thoughts to our merciful God. This was followed by Lamentations 3:19-24. Home News Justin Welby feels 'personal failure' over handling of John Smyth case 'Profoundly ashamed' by House of Lord's speech Justin Welby has spoken of a deep sense of personal failure over how allegations of horrific sexual abuse by the late John Smyth were handled. The former archbishop of Canterbury also said he was "profoundly ashamed" of a farewell speech in the House of Lords in which he appeared to make light of the safeguarding failures that led to his resignation. Welby stepped down in the wake of the Makin Review which concluded that he could have and should have done more to stop Smyth's abuse. Smyth died in South Africa in 2018 while still under investigation by U.K. police. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Speaking on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg program, Welby said he should have stepped down sooner. What changed my mind was having been caught by the report being leaked and not really thought it through enough, to be honest, he said. Over that weekend, as I read it and re-read it and as I reflected on the horrible suffering of the survivors which had been, as many of them said, more than doubled by the institutional Churchs failure to respond adequately, it increasingly became clear to me that I needed to resign. He said he had failed to properly handle allegations of historical child sex abuse because they were on an "overwhelming scale" with more cases arriving every day. Asked if he would forgive Smyth, Welby said, Yes, I think if he was alive and I saw him. But its not, its not me he has abused. Hes abused the victims and survivors. So, whether I forgive or not is, to a large extent, irrelevant. Asked if he wanted to be forgiven by abuse survivors, he said, "Obviously, but its not about me. When we talk about safeguarding, the center of it is the victims and survivors. I have never, ever said to a survivor, you must forgive, because that is their sovereign, absolute individual choice. Everyone wants to be forgiven, but to demand forgiveness is to abuse again. He said that after taking up office as archbishop of Canterbury in 2013 he wasn't as "pushy" as he could have been, and that he "didnt realize how bad it was." Id been in post 11 weeks and safeguarding had been the crisis I hadnt foreseen," he said. I should have pushed harder because I knew enough to know that people, very rarely, almost never abuse once. Welby came under fire for his farewell speech in the House of Lords given shortly after announcing his resignation in which he suggested that a head had to roll. "And there is only, in this case, one head that rolls well enough," he said. The speech was met with dismay not only by victims but senior clergy in the Church of England. Looking back on his words made him "profoundly ashamed," he told Kuennssberg, adding that he "wasn't in a good space at the time." "It's one of those moments where, when I think of it, I just wince. It was entirely wrong and entirely inexcusable," he said. During the interview, he repeated an apology to victims: Just for the avoidance of doubt, I am utterly sorry and feel a deep sense of personal failure both for the victims of Smyth not being picked up sufficiently after 2017 when we knew the extent of it, and for my own personal failures. This article was originally published at Christian Today Home News White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claims there's 'spiritual warfare' around Trump White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a recent interview that she has seen spiritual warfare during her close proximity to President Donald Trump, but that she believes God has raised him to his position despite "evil forces" coming against him. "I certainly believe in spiritual warfare," the 27-year-old Leavitt, a devout Roman Catholic, told CBN in an interview published last Friday. "And I think I saw it firsthand, especially throughout the campaign trail with President Trump," she continued. "And I think there certainly were evil forces. And I think that the president was saved by the grace of God on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, and he's in this moment for a reason." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe JUST IN: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says "spiritual warfare" is real and has seen "evil forces" at work against President Trump. My full story on @PressSec is here. https://t.co/e3y5LSGKNT@realDonaldTrump@RapidResponse47@CBNNews@700clubpic.twitter.com/SS8d562pJE David Brody (@DBrodyReports) March 31, 2025 Leavitt's rhetoric echoes that of Trump himself, who said during his second inaugural address on Jan. 20 that he believes God narrowly spared his life for the sake of the nation. "An assassin's bullet ripped through my ear, but I felt then and believe even more so now that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again," he said. Since assuming office again, Trump has issued multiple executive orders on several flashpoint cultural issues important to many Christians, such as banning men in women's sports, pardoning peaceful pro-life protesters targeted by the Biden administration, and clamping down on illegal immigration and human trafficking. Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history, a record previously held by Ronald Ziegler, who assumed the role in 1969 under former President Richard Nixon at age 29. Leavitt was pregnant during her first six months as the Trump campaign's national press secretary, and decided to forego maternity leave when she watched the president being shot at his Butler rally just three days after she had given birth to her son, Nicholas. She credited her Catholic faith amid the scrutiny and pressures of her new job. "My faith is incredibly important to me, I would argue, now more than ever, being in a role that is very demanding and at times controversial, and there's a lot of public pressure and discussion online about who you are and your family," she said. "And you know, it could be difficult for someone who doesn't have faith. But with faith, all things are possible." Despite her prominent position, Leavitt recounted to CBN some of the setbacks she has faced in her relatively short life, including a failed attempt to represent New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District in 2022. Though she won the primary, she lost in the general election to Democratic incumbent Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H. Leavitt maintained that God can use even apparent failures to accomplish His will in a person's life. "God has a plan for everyone, I believe that firmly," she said. "So God knew what He was doing, I believe, and you just have to trust the process and trust that He's working in your life, and stay grounded in your faith throughout the way." Home News Supreme Court weighs South Carolina's ban of Planned Parenthood from Medicaid program The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday on whether South Carolina residents have a right to choose Planned Parenthood as a provider through the Medicaid Act as the state tries to exclude the nation's largest abortion provider from its Medicaid program. The justices heard oral arguments in the case of Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, which deals with whether it's legal for South Carolina to ban abortion providers from Medicaid. John Bursch, senior counsel with the Alliance Defending Freedom, argued the case on behalf of South Carolina, saying that there is no "rights-creating language" in the Medicaid Act provision for qualified providers. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "Congress did not use clear rights-creating language in the any-qualified-provider provision," said Bursch. "The provision speaks merely of obtaining a benefit from a third party, unlike traditional rights creating language, which confers a right directly." Justice Elena Kagan, one of the court's three liberal justices, asked Bursch how he thinks Medicaid provision is not a "right" if the state "has an obligation to provide this particular thing." "We understand colloquially that something might be a right doesn't mean that Congress has put a state on clear notice that it could be sued in federal court under [42 U.S. Code Section 1983] and subjected to liability and attorney fee shifting if it doesn't follow that provision," he answered. Bursch mentioned "an administrative appeal process" for both individuals and providers if they are rejected, which he argued Planned Parenthood "haven't pursued their administrative appeal yet" but rather "went straight to court." Much of the arguments focused on the phrasing of the Medicaid provision and whether it created a right to choose Planned Parenthood as a provider or if certain "magic words" needed to be included to prove it was a right. Kyle Hawkins, counselor to the Solicitor General of U.S. Department of Justice, echoed Bursch's argument that the provision did not create a right to have any provider one wants. Kagan told Hawkins that she was concerned about the reasoning behind not interpreting the law as bestowing a right, pointing out that "Congress wrote this statute a while ago." She felt it was "not a fair way to interpret statutes that Congress passed many moons ago" by expecting them to use only a few specific words or phrases to mean that something is a right. "We evaluate older congressional laws through modern jurist credential lenses," Hawkins responded. "That's the appropriate framework to evaluate congressional statutes." Nicole Saharsky argued the case on behalf of Planned Parenthood, telling the justices that South Carolina "violated" the law when denying a patient the ability to select the abortion provider. "This court has repeatedly said that 'magic words' aren't required," Saharsky said in her opening statement. "There's no doubt about what Congress was trying to do here. It enacted this statute because states were artificially limiting the providers in Medicaid." "And that's the same thing that the state is doing now. And Congress made this an individual right because it recognized that when the state does that, it hurts individual patients. It is the individual's right." Saharsky claimed that the language of the statute "may obtain care from any qualified and willing provider" is "the same thing" to a hypothetical phrasing of "any individual has a right to obtain care from any qualified and willing provider." In 2018, Gov. Henry McMaster gave an order to the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to end Medicaid agreements with any abortion providers in the state. Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit along with a patient against South Carolina, with a federal district court blocking state enforcement of the order. In March 2024, a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the lower court decision, with Circuit Judge Harvie Wilkinson, a Reagan appointee, authoring the opinion. "This case is, and always has been, about whether Congress conferred an individually enforceable right for Medicaid beneficiaries to freely choose their healthcare provider," wrote Wilkinson. "Preserving access to Planned Parenthood and other providers means preserving an affordable choice and quality care for an untold number of mothers and infants in South Carolina." Wilkinson claimed that "if Planned Parenthood clinics in South Carolina were to be shuttered, other Medicaid-funded clinics in the state would be more hard-pressed to meet the demand in family planning care." In a miscellaneous order released last December, the Supreme Court agreed without comment to grant a petition for a writ of certiorari in the case, then known as Kerr v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. The arguments were to focus on question 1 of the petition, which asked the high court to determine if "the Medicaid Act's any-qualified provider provision unambiguously confers a private right upon a Medicaid beneficiary to choose a specific provider." Home News Trump admin. defends deporting alleged MS-13 gang member after media backlash The Trump administration has maintained that the Maryland father deported to El Salvador last month was a member of the international criminal gang MS-13. Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran native who arrived in the U.S. during the Obama administration, has since filed a lawsuit against several federal officials, including Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons. His attorneys argue that he was removed from the country without due process. Prior to his deportation in March, Abrego Garcia lived in Prince Georges County, Maryland. The El Salvadoran has claimed that a judge granted him federal protection in 2019, which shouldve prevented him from being sent back to his home country. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe According to a Monday court filing cited by The Atlantic, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that Abrego Garcia was returned to El Salvador due to an administrative error. The Trump administration has opposed requests to have Abrego Garcia transported back to the U.S. Several members of the Trump administration have asserted that Abrego Garcias alleged ties to MS-13 justified his arrest and removal. MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha 13, is a brutal, criminal gang. As the U.S. Department of Justice warns, MS-13 is "well-organized and is heavily involved in lucrative illegal enterprises, being notorious for its use of violence to achieve its objectives." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at Tuesday's press briefing that the medias reporting on the case couldnt be further from the truth. Leavitt disagreed with the framing of Abrego Garcia as the father of the year who was living a peaceful life, stating that he violated the United States immigration laws. He is a leader in the brutal MS-13 gang, and he is involved in human trafficking," Leavitt said. "And now, MS-13 is a designated foreign terrorist organization. Foreign terrorists have no legal protections in the United States of America. And this administration is going to continue to deport foreign terrorists and illegal criminals from our nations interior," she continued. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin also accused Abrego Garcia of being a member of what she described as the brutal MS-13 gang. In a post on X, McLaughlin said DHS intelligence reports show that the alleged MS-13 member is involved in human trafficking. The media knows that, but continue to do the bidding of these vicious gangs that terrorize Americans, while ignoring the victims, McLaughlin wrote. Whether this gang member is in El Salvador or a detention facility in the US, Americans can rest assured that he is off our streets & locked up. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to The Christian Posts request for comment. Abrego Garcias attorneys argue that there's scant evidence that the El Salvadoran native is a member of MS-13, according to CBS News. The attorneys contend that the only proof of the alleged gang membership comes from a confidential informant and Abrego Garcias attire at the time of his arrest. Prior to the 2019 protection order, Abrego Garcia was taken into police custody over alleged gang ties, according to CBS News. During a bond hearing, ICE said that a confidential informant told the agency that Abrego Garcia was an active member of MS-13. Abrego Garcia then filed an I-589 application for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, with an immigration judge granting Abrego Garcia a "withholding of removal protection. On March 12, an ICE officer pulled Abrego Garcia over and said that his immigration status had changed, according to the lawsuit. During his detainment, Abrego Garcia was questioned about gang affiliations before his transfer to a detention center in Texas and subsequent deportation to El Salvador. Vice President JD Vance commented on the case after Jon Favreau, who served as Obamas director of speechwriting, reposted The Atlantics article on X. Favreau pressed the vice president for a response, accusing the Trump administration of sending an innocent father from Maryland to a torture dungeon in El Salvador. "My comment is that according to the court document you apparently didn't read he was a convicted MS-13 gang member with no legal right to be here," Vance replied on X. My further comment is that its gross to get fired up about gang members getting deported while ignoring citizens they victimize, the vice president added. Home Opinion SCOTUS should abort Planned Parenthood's Medicaid funding When you shoplift from a store, that store can legally ban you. So, why does the nations largest abortion and gender-mutilating business think it has a right to be funded by taxpayers when it has defrauded us? Yes. Numerous whistleblowers have accused Planned Parenthood of stealing from Medicaid to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. The abortion giant even had to pay back the state of Texas $4.9 million for allegations of medically unnecessary care. And this was the result of the actions of the Obama Department of Justice not exactly a conservative administration. The Office of Inspector General of HHS announced in another case in North Carolina involving the Planned Parenthood South Atlantic affiliate: Planned Parenthood agreed to pay $1.5 million for allegedly violating the Civil Monetary Penalties Law by submitting claims for Medicaid service not provided. There are a lot of reasons to defund Planned Parenthood. Alleged or actual Medicaid fraud is just one of many. In 2021, South Carolina moved to defund Planned Parenthood's Medicaid funding. A federal district court wrongly forced the state to restore that funding. Alliance Defending Freedom is representing the Palmetto State. The historic case, Medina vs Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, will be heard on Wednesday, April 2, at the Supreme Court. Despite the fact, South Carolina has banned abortion beyond 6 weeks and bars the state from funding abortion, whether directly or indirectly, the corrupt activist organization thinks taxpayers must be forced to fund its political agenda. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Notice I didnt say medical practice. For decades real medical services have been plummeting at the abortion giant to the point where their focus has been on killing the unborn and dealing in dangerous puberty-blocking drugs for minors. Planned Parenthood alarmingly received $700 million in taxpayer dollars in 2023. But where does all that money go? To help low-income patients? If theyre defrauding Medicaid, arent they stealing from the very low-income people they claim comprises the majority of their clients? If Planned Parenthood is defunded in South Carolina, pro-abortion allies claim these folks will have nowhere to go. Really? There are two Planned Parenthood abortion/transing centers in South Carolina. Thats two too many, of course. There are over 200 taxpayer-funded community health centers throughout the state that provide a far wider scope of real healthcare. Planned Parenthood, of course, is arguing that individuals receiving Medicaid get to decide the provider of their choice (no matter how incompetent or corrupt the provider may be). But the state gets to decide which entities are qualified. And South Carolina has rightfully deemed Planned Parenthood unqualified for state Medicaid funding. Medicaid funds nearly 42% of all births nationwide, according to the agencys website. Its a major source of prenatal care funding. Prenatal care, inarguably, significantly helps reduce maternal mortality. Not one of the Planned Parenthood South Atlantic centers spread throughout West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, provides any prenatal care. Sure, their website falsely claims they do (here, here and here) but false advertising is what they do. (Im sure thats a violation of South Carolinas Unfair Trade Practices law.) Across the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, prenatal care is less than 0.1% of their total medical services. I guess it makes sense if you believe what Planned Parenthood is selling women no longer exist. The same leftist organization that has largely erased the term women from their website and vernacular, is the same one claiming pregnant people need them. So, few women go to Planned Parenthood. Over the past several years, Planned Parenthoods customer base has dwindled by hundreds of thousands even though they continue to increase their storehouse of taxpayer dollars by the hundreds of millions annually. Currently, they (allegedly) only serve 2.05 million clients. Lets assume all those individuals are women. Out of an estimated 106.3 million women of reproductive age in America, thats 1.9% of that population being served by the activist organization. If (and when) defunded, their customer base can easily be absorbed by real healthcare systems. Women deserve so much better than the sham known as Planned Parenthood. Even the radically leftist New York Times shockingly admits in a scathing article entitled Botched Care and Tired Staff: Planned Parenthood in Crisis: Over the last five years, the national office has distributed more than $899 million to affiliates to help them deliver care, but none of it went directly to medical services. One billion dollars shelled out to its affiliates, and the NY Times says none of it went to actual healthcare. It did go to politics though. Thats Planned Parenthoods bread and butter. According to their own annual report, they spent $263.5 million in lobbying, fundraising, and advertising in 2023. Taxpayers are paying for their propaganda. Their CEO, Alexis McGill-Cant-Tell-The-Truth-Johnson, also gets paid nearly $1 million in her annual salary to champion the misinformation and convert it into a massive profit: $179 million. Planned Parenthood killed 392,715 unrepeatable human beings in that same year. Americans dont want their hard-earned dollars used to exploit women and snuff out defenseless human lives. Medicaid is barred from funding abortion except in the rarest of cases (less than 1% of all abortions) due to rape, incest and threat to the physical life of the mother. Even in those cases, our strength as a society is in how we compassionately save the most vulnerable, not in how we callously sacrifice them. The circumstances of our conception never change the condition of our worth. Im one of those lives spared from the violence of abortion. I was conceived in rape but adopted in love (watch the video here). Its why Im fighting for the exploited and the most victimized as the emcee in this weeks historic rally at the Supreme Court. Planned Parenthood mutilates human lives in and out of the womb. No state, no taxpayer, no one should be forced to fund their violent activism. Lets be a society that chooses health, not harm. Home News Church mourns after choir member shot dead in home Members of the Collins Grove United Methodist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, are mourning the loss of a beloved longtime member of their choir who was shot dead inside his home on Monday. The Greensboro Police Department identified the member in a statement as 65-year-old Arthur Lee Gilmore, who was found with a gunshot wound inside his apartment just before midnight on Monday. The Rev. Carl Manuel said he was shocked to hear of the longtime choir members murder because he was a quiet man who knew his way in Gods house. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe I need everybody to pray for me and the Collins Grove UMC. Greensboro, N.C. family as we learned this morning that Mr. Arthur G. Gilmore was gun[ned] down in his apartment yesterday, Manuel wrote on Facebook Tuesday night. I am still in a state of shock because he stopped by the pastor study on Sunday and told me he was happy to be a member of the church, he recalled. Brother Gilmore was a quiet man who sung in the choirs of the church for years, one who would shout every Sunday thanking God for what He has done [] in his life. He knew his way in Gods house, he added. Its going to be a sad day at Collins Grove UMC Sunday. Wow, I don't even want to go to sleep tonight. When I lose a member of my church its like losing a family member. Audrian Melton, who has been going to Collings Grove UMC for 40 years and was a chairman on the United Methodist Men's group, told WFMY (CBS2) that Gilmore did maintenance work for the city of Greensboro. He remembered him as a hard worker and described his death as gut-wrenching. "It hit home. It wasn't like a stranger; it wasn't like a bystander. It was more. It was gut-wrenching," Melton said. "It was tough and emotional." The Greensboro Police Department has not yet arrested any suspects in the choir members death. Even though he expects Gilmores loss will be felt in the church on Sunday, Manuel believes that the man who knew his way around Gods house is now singing in a better home. "For me, it just tells me ... that Jesus needed another choir member in Heaven, he told WFMY. Home News Kentucky bans taxpayer funding of sex-change surgeries, restrictions on 'conversion therapy' Kentucky now prohibits the use of state and federal tax dollars to fund sex-change procedures after the state's legislature overrode a gubernatorial veto of a ban that also halts restrictions on so-called "conversion therapy." The Republican-controlled Kentucky legislature overrode Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's gubernatorial veto of House Bill 495 last week. The Republican-controlled Kentucky House of Representatives voted 78-20 to override Beshear's veto, while the Republican-controlled Kentucky Senate voted 31-6 to override the gubernatorial veto. In both chambers, all but one Democrat opposed the veto override, while all other votes to make the measure law over Beshear's opposition came from Republicans. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe House Bill 495 prohibits the Department for Medicaid Services and any managed care contractors from spending Medicaid funds on "cross-sex hormones in amounts greater than would normally be produced endogenously in a healthy person of the same age and sex" and "Gender reassignment surgery to alter or remove physical or anatomical characteristics or features that are typical for and characteristic of a person's biological sex." The measure declares that an executive order signed by Beshear on Sept. 18, Executive Order 2024-632, "shall be of no force or effect as of the effective date of this Act." Beshear is prohibited from issuing a new executive order designed to achieve the same purpose for the remainder of his term in office. The executive order in question prohibits the use of state and federal tax dollars to fund so-called "conversion therapy," also known as sexual orientation change efforts. The order defines conversion therapy as "any practice, treatment, or intervention that seeks or purports to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender." Beshear's executive order authorized any state agency that discovers mental health providers engaged in such activity to refer them to the appropriate state licensing board for disciplinary action. The legislature's votes to override Beshear's veto came five days after he detailed his opposition to the measure in a veto message. "Conversion therapy has no basis in medicine or science and causes significant long-term damage to our kids, including increased rates of suicide, anxiety, and depression," he wrote. "Not only is House Bill 495 an unconstitutional infringement of the executive branch's authority under the law, but it promotes a dangerous and discriminatory practice that has led to the deaths of Kentucky children," Beshear added. "As leaders and policymakers, we should be in the business of protecting our citizens and kids from harm, not subjecting them to discredited methods that jeopardize their health, wellbeing, and safety." Liberty Counsel, a legal organization that has represented several mental health professionals who have faced repercussions for engaging in what critics deride as "conversion therapy," released a statement Wednesday saying the veto override will protect "religious liberty, free speech, as well as licensed counselors and their minor clients needing their help." "Governor Andy Beshear had no business inserting himself between a client and counselor," Liberty Counsel Chairman and Founder Mat Staver said. "Counselors and their clients should have the freedom to choose the counsel of their choice." In other states, similar bans have been challenged by Christian counselors who say it infringes on the rights of patients seeking help with unwanted same-sex attractions. Kentucky is now one of 10 states that prohibit the use of Medicaid funds to pay for so-called gender transition procedures and drugs. The others are Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Kentucky already bans the provision of such surgeries and hormone drugs to trans-identified youth. Efforts to prohibit the performance of such procedures and taxpayer funding of them stem from concerns about their long-term impacts. The American College of Pediatricians warns that cross-sex hormones can put youth at "an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, blood clots and cancers across their lifespan." Home News Man to plead guilty to attempted assassination of Justice Brett Kavanaugh over abortion ruling A man accused of trying to assassinate United States Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh over the court's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade will plead guilty. According to a document filed in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, Nicholas Roshe intends to enter a plea of guilty to one count of attempting to assassinate a U.S. justice. The maximum sentence for the guilty plea is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and supervised release for life. Roske will also pay a $100 special assessment, with the court possibly ordering restitution. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe A hearing for Roske to officially plead guilty will be held either April 8 or 9, The Associated Press reported. In June 2022, shortly before the Supreme Court overturned Roe, a then 26-year-old Roske traveled from California to Maryland with the intention of killing Kavanaugh and then himself. According to court documents, Roske was angered by the leaked draft of the Dobbs v. Jackson opinion, in which Kavanaugh joined the majority that supported overturning Roe. A transcript of comments made by Roske to a special agent shortly after his arrest that was released in January noted that he said, "I've been suicidal for a long time." "When I saw that leaked draft, it made me upset and then it made me want to I don't know. I was under the I was under the delusion that I could make the world a better place by killing him," Roske stated, according to the transcript. Roske had initially attempted to have the transcript of his comments declared inadmissible, and argued that he had been unconstitutionally searched by authorities when arrested. "While federal agents advised Mr. Roske of his rights and obtained his signature on a rights-waiver form, this waiver was not made voluntarily and intelligently," stated the motion. "At the time, Mr. Roske was acutely suicidal, visibly exhausted, and had repeatedly expressed his need for psychiatric care." The incident was one of a wave of threats and acts of physical violence against pro-life individuals, advocacy groups, charities and churches in 2022 due to the overturning of Roe. Read: List: Churches, pro-life offices torched, vandalized by abortion activists since Supreme Court leak In October 2022, Justice Samuel Alito said at an event hosted by the conservative, Washington D.C.-based think-tank The Heritage Foundation that the draft leak made members of the high court "targets for assassination." "The leak also made those of us who were thought to be in the majority in support of overruling Roe and [Planned Parenthood v. Casey] targets for assassination, because it gave people a rational reason to think they could prevent that from happening by killing one of us," Alito said at the time. Alito added that everyone, from the justices to their staff, just "want things to get back to normal the way they were before all this last term." Home News Oklahoma Education Dept. sues atheist group trying to halt prayer in schools The Oklahoma State Department of Education has filed a complaint seeking to stop the efforts of a prominent atheist legal organization to force a public school district to halt its voluntary prayer practice. State officials filed the complaint against the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation on Monday in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. At issue is a cease-and-desist demand letter FFRF sent to Achille Public Schools last December over a policy that allows students to say prayers during morning announcements. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "The Plaintiffs will have an irreparable injury, should the Defendant be permitted to continue its threatening and harassing behavior. By contrast, the Defendant cannot show any harm whatsoever, should an injunction be granted," reads the department's legal filing. "The Plaintiffs request that this Court issue an injunction enjoining the Defendants from usurping the constitutional and statutory authorities delegated to the State Superintendent and the State Department of Education." State Superintendent Ryan Walters vowed in a statement that "Oklahoma will never be bullied by radical, out-of-state atheists who use intimidation and harassment against kids." "The Freedom From Religion Foundation has no stake in our schools, no authority over our communities, and absolutely no right to trample on the First Amendment," Walters said, according to the Oklahoma City-based KOCO News 5. "Their threats are nothing more than a desperate attempt to erase faith from public life, and we will fight them at every turn." FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott called the state's complaint "frivolous" in a statement Monday. "FFRF, as a defender of our Constitution, expects to continue our important work in Oklahoma regardless of frivolous lawsuits by Walters," stated Elliott. FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor called Walters "a loose cannon bent on destroying secular public education in Oklahoma." "We are proud of FFRF's record of support for true religious freedom and the rights of conscience of a captive audience of schoolchildren to be free from government-sponsored indoctrination in our public schools," she continued. Last year, FFRF pressure successfully halted a practice of allowing Christian prayers at a Christmas play held at a Depew, Oklahoma-based public elementary school. Last month, the Oklahoma Supreme Court temporarily blocked the state education department from purchasing 55,000 Bibles for public schools. Walters announced last year that biblical studies would be emphasized in public schools' social studies curriculum. He told The Christian Post last July it was "of the utmost importance that our kids get a full understanding of American history." "Obviously, that includes the most read book in American history, the most purchased book in American history, the most cited book in the 17th and 18th centuries: the Bible," Walters said. "We're not going to allow left-wing extremists and the teachers union to keep the Bible from schools in its historical context. So, we're very proud to be the first state to put the Bible back into classrooms and make sure that our kids understand its impact in American history." Home News Pro-LGBT faith group calls Trump's Education Dept. cuts a 'Christian nationalist attack' A liberal Christian advocacy group known for its pro-LGBT stance and commitment to social justice has launched an online petition against the Trump administration's recent moves to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The controversy erupted in March when U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced plans to eliminate the department, which supports the schools of over 90% of American children and spent more than $268 billion in 2024, comprising 4% of federal spending. The department had plans to fire half of its staff to accelerate the dismantling process. Faithful America, which emerged as an offshoot of the National Council of Churches in 2004 to advocate against conservative policies, sees the elimination of the Department of Education as a dangerous step toward theocratic control. The group claims it aligns with the far-right Project 2025 agenda, from which President Donald Trump distanced himself during the 2024 presidential election. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In a petition launched on its website, the group, which boasts nearly 200,000 members, urged Christians to reject the move. "Forcing Christianity on others doesn't spread our faith, it corrupts it," the petition states, calling on "social-justice Christians" to oppose what they describe as a "Christian-nationalist attack on our education system." In a statement to the media, Faithful America declared: "Christian nationalism has no place in our schools. We are deeply troubled by Donald Trump and Elon Musk's radical cuts to the Department of Education. By defunding and eliminating this crucial department, Trump and the Christian nationalist leaders supporting him clearly wish to make public schools across the country either indoctrinate our children with a certain form of Christianity or close down." The group contends that "all children deserve the dignity of an education no matter what they believe, what they look like, how they identify, or where they call home." The organization, which has a history of advocating for politically left-wing causes including same-sex marriage, gun control and transgender rights called for "a strong, well-funded Department of Education to protect our kids' rights and stop the breakdown of the separation of church and state." The move has drawn praise from prominent Christian conservatives, including Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, who hailed Trump's actions as a "win for families." Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's public school system head, called it "a historic moment." In a statement, Perkins said the "educational needs" of families will be "better served at the state and local levels." Oklahoma State Superintendent Walters, who has advocated for the Bible's inclusion in public school curriculum, believes the federal agency has in the past supported policies that "strip parents of their rights." He has argued that cutting the federal department would give states more flexibility when it comes to how they utilize public funding for education. "Every county in my state voted for President Trump," Walters said, according to KTEN. "We will unapologetically enforce an America first agenda into policy." On its website, Faithful America encourages supporters to download an image of a Christian cross emblazoned in transgender flag colors to promote messages like "Protect Trans Kids" as a "Christian value." The same image is used on Faithful America's social media pages with a caption reading, "All transgender people are seen, known, and loved by God." CP reached out to Faithful America for comment on Monday. This story will be updated if a request is received. The group's political activism dates back to 2004. While it was initially an affiliate of the NCC, it later operated under the Citizen Engagement Lab before becoming an independent 501(c)(4) organization in 2018. Under leaders like Rev. Nathan Empsall, who served as executive director from 2019 through January 2025, Faithful America gained prominence for challenging known Christian leaders like Perkins, whom they accused of "extreme, hateful rhetoric against gays and lesbians" and in 2017, demanded MSNBC stop inviting Perkins on-air. The group also called for Perkins' removal when he served as the chair of the bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. In the past, the group has also opposed other Christian figures and groups, including Catholic dioceses, World Vision, Hobby Lobby and Franklin Graham. In his executive order calling for the department's closure, Trump claimed that the public education system in the U.S. is "failing" children and families. "Today, American reading and math scores are near historical lows. This year's National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that 70 percent of 8th graders were below proficient in reading, and 72 percent were below proficient in math. The Federal education bureaucracy is not working," read the order. "Unfortunately, the experiment of controlling American education through Federal programs and dollars and the unaccountable bureaucracy those programs and dollars support has plainly failed our children, our teachers, and our families." The department manages over $1.6 trillion in student loan debt, making the federal student aid program "roughly the size of one of the Nation's largest banks," according to the order. "The Department of Education is not a bank, and it must return bank functions to an entity equipped to serve America's students," the order states. The largest teachers' union in the U.S. and progressive advocacy organizations filed legal challenges last month to stop the administration's attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education by "executive fiat." The department was created by the Department of Education Organization Act of 1979. Overview In this episode of Global Tech Tales, host Keith Shaw is joined by global editorial leaders Matt Egan (U.K.), Chris Holmes (APAC), and Qiraat Attar (India) to explore a pressing question for modern enterprises: Is your data ready for AI? From analytics transformation to the readiness of IT infrastructures, our panel dives deep into: * Why clean, high-quality data is critical for AI success * How different regions are handling AI and analytics integration * The impact of generative AI on enterprise data strategies * Real-world examples from healthcare, manufacturing, and even wildlife parks! * The growing importance of ROI, trust, and explainability in AI initiatives Featuring insights from IDC, Gartner, and real IT buyers, this global conversation breaks down the future of data, analytics, and AI leadership. Dont miss our rapid-fire Yes/No round on whether its too late to hop on the AI train! Register Now Analytics, AI and the race to be prepared Spend time building IT infrastructure that can support AI-infused analytics capabilities, or jump straight to AI regardless of AI preparedness? Smart IT leaders are doing both. By Matt Egan, Global Editorial and Content Director This month we focus on how IT leaders can take their organizations analytics capabilities to the next level. How they can capture AIs potential to boost productivity and innovation. But how ready are organizations to take advantage of AI in this way? In terms of data management and analytics, there are three areas in which IT buyers are thinking about AI. 1. The first is productivity. Specifically, bringing AI automation into data management to improve operational efficiency. This includes automating repetitive tasks and natural language interactions with data. 2. The second is managing intelligence about your data. Generating actionable insights from data and analytics. 3. The third is agentic AI. The next phase of AI, bringing automation into data management in the form of autonomous action. In effect replacing human activity with an agent. Levels of preparation are mixed. There are organizations whose processes, platforms, infrastructure, access to data and infrastructure make them ready to apply AI solutions and accelerate into the distance. More often IT leaders tell us their organizations have challenges in those areas. The not-wholly-prepared cohort itself falls into two groups: those who need to fix the underlying infrastructure to apply AI; and those who hope to fix issues by using AI. If the path to perfection takes too long, can you add AI tools and platforms to generate actionable insights from even flawed input data? Should you skip the data preparation stage and jump all in with AI? This viewpoint is attractive because it solves other challenges companies face when preparing their data for AI accelerated analytics. Take ROI. Data preparation can consume a huge amount of time and resources finding, accessing, cleaning, transforming and sharing data. The increasing number and complexity of data sources, coupled with the need to access them across distributed ecosystems, demand significant resources and expertise. Can AI create a shortcut? Some IT leaders believe that is a bet worth placing. IT teams are often overwhelmed by the rising requests for self-service data access and integration, while varying data requirements from different users complicate the process further. Again an AI-supported data-platform could solve for this. Data-related skill gaps further hinder the development of robust data-management plans. Agentic AI is seen as another area in which AI could help to winnow data into insights. With all these opportunities IT leaders must balance the questions of can it be done and should we do it. Insights generated by AI from flawed data may not be all that insightful and will definitely introduce risks to be managed. There is a pressure to move quickly, but it doesnt have to be an either/or thing. Its unlikely that AI is ever done. Smart IT leaders have a strategy of building future-proofed organizational IT infrastructure, whilst in the short-term extracting data insights using AI. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said on Wednesday that the planemaker is focused on improving safety and not pressuring workers to speed up production after a 2024 mid-air 737 MAX 9 emergency. Im not pressuring the team to go fast. Im pressuring the team to do it right, Ortberg said at a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing, adding that he was hopeful the company could resume producing 38 Boeing 737 MAX planes per month later this year and then surpass that, but was not committing to a date. I suspect it will be sometime this year, Ortberg said. He said airlines are frustrated by delivery delays but support the approach. They know weve got to do this right. Lawmakers have been scrutinizing the company since a January 2024 mid-air emergency involving a new MAX 9 that was missing four key bolts raised fresh questions about Boeings quality and safety culture, as well as regulatory oversight. Weve made drastic changes to our internal process to ensure that this will never happen again, Ortberg said. After the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed a production cap of 38 planes per month on the 737 MAX. Boeing is still awaiting FAA approval of two new versions of the MAX. Insufficient oversight of third-party suppliers and a lack of sufficient internal auditing procedures created an unsustainable, lack of safety culture at Boeing, said Senate Commerce Committee chair Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas. Ortberg told senators Boeing made serious missteps in recent years but has since made sweeping changes. Ortberg may also face questions on other issues, including the companys delayed Air Force One delivery schedule, the impact of tariffs and the status of the planemakers criminal case involving representations it made about the 737 MAX before fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people. Ortberg took over as CEO in August of last year. His predecessor Dave Calhoun announced his resignation shortly after the January mid-air incident, in which an Alaska Airlines door panel blew out, and testified before a Senate panel in July. Last month, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Boeing had lost the trust of the American people and needed strict oversight after the Alaska Airlines incident and two fatal crashes. The prior head of the FAA said it could take years to change Boeings culture. In July of last year, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge and pay at least $243.6 million after breaching a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement. A U.S. judge last week set a June 23 trial date in the case after a media report that Boeing was seeking to withdraw from the terms of its plea agreement. (Reporting by Shepardson; Editing by Edmund Klamann and Bill Berkrot) North Korean IT workers are increasingly posing as remote freelancers from other countries to infiltrate companies in Europe, putting organizations at risk of espionage, data theft and disruption. The workers, who refer to themselves as warriors, secure roles at companies to generate revenue for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, according to research by Google Threat Intelligence Group. Google researchers worked with partners to identify an increase in active operations outside of the US by these so-called IT warriors over the past six months. Countries targeted include Germany, the U.K. and Portugal, according to a blog post by Jamie Collier, lead adviser for Europe at the Google unit. North Korean IT workers have historically focused on infiltrating companies in the U.S. While American jobs remain a major target, an increased awareness of the threat, along with sanctions and indictments from the Department of Justice, have pushed operations to other countries, particularly in Europe. The workers falsely claim to be from countries including Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Ukraine, the US and Vietnam to secure jobs. Theyre recruited through platforms including Upwork Inc., Freelancer and Telegram and paid with cryptocurrency, or via digital payment platforms including Wise Plc and Payoneer Global Inc., according to the Google report. Upwork, Freelancer, Telegram, and Payoneer did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Wise said the company carries out numerous verification checks on customers and monitors transactions for misuse of its services. When it identifies potential financial crime it investigates and, where necessary, deactivates accounts. Since late October, there has been a rise in recently fired North Korean workers seeking to extort companies, threatening to release sensitive data to a competitor. Collier wrote that the increased pressure from the U.S. may be driving these IT workers to adopt more aggressive measures to maintain their revenue stream. In late 2024, one such worker operating at least 12 personas sought employment with several organizations in the defense and government sectors, providing fake references. In the U.K., North Korean IT workers have been involved in projects spanning traditional web development to advanced blockchain and AI applications, according to the research. Google said the trend highlights the risks of bring-your-own-device policies, where companies allow workers to use their own laptops to access internal systems. These devices often lack corporate monitoring and security tools, making it harder to identify possible threats. The FBI has issued multiple warnings about North Koreas IT workers defrauding U.S. businesses, and urged companies to improve their identity verification processes. In January, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned two individuals and four entities for generating illicit revenue for the North Korean government, which it said withholds as much as 90% of wages earned by these IT workers. In December, a federal court in Missouri indicted 14 North Korean nationals for their alleged involvement in an IT employment scheme that generated $88 million over six years. In some cases, U.S. employers unwittingly employed North Korean IT workers for years, paying them hundreds of thousands of dollars. The U.K. has also issued warnings about North Korean IT workers. In September, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation advised companies to carry out more rigorous identity checks, video interviews and to avoid payments in cryptocurrency. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Artificial intelligence is improving the accuracy of fire forecasts made by Europes top intergovernmental weather center. Traditional fire forecasts are largely based on weather models that predict temperature, humidity, wind speed and precipitation. By contrast, the Probability of Fire model used by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts is powered by AI algorithms that analyze fire patterns, potential fuel sources and human activity. The AI forecast more accurately predicts high-risk regions and can more closely pinpoint hotspots where fires are likely to ignite, researchers found. The AI model is also better at factoring in human activity the primary spark of most wildfires. It takes a more holistic approach, said Francesca Di Giuseppe, who co-wrote the research and leads a division at the center that evaluates forecasts. As the planet heats up and weather whiplash spreads, compound weather events such as heavy rainfall and drought that preceded the deadly wildfires in Southern California earlier this year are raising risks across the globe. Thats increasing the need to accurately forecast extreme weather events as wildfires threaten countries from South Korea to Greece. The biggest AI improvement comes from better data on potential fuel sources, which are hard to observe and account for in weather-based forecasts like the Fire Weather Index, a widely used early warning model originally developed for forest blazes in Canada. The AI model uses weather information, but also draws from 19 different datasets, including satellite images that can distinguish between living and dead plants, while also identifying population and road density, and proximity to urban areas. By adding in the more detailed fuel data, the AI models were able to improve forecasts by 30%, the research found. It can also reduce false alarms by avoiding another pitfall of weather-based forecasts: a tendency to overestimate fire risks in extremely hot, dry and sparsely inhabited places, like deserts. Either because people are not present, or there is no fuel to burn, Di Giuseppe said. Researchers tested the AI model by comparing forecasts for wildfires, including the January 2025 blaze that ravaged Southern California. While the weather-based model was able to forecast the low humidity, dry conditions and hurricane-force winds and a broad region of high fire danger, the AI model better predicted specific areas where fires eventually ignited. Researchers said the AI model better predicts how climate change is altering fire conditions, including the whiplash effect of wet periods with booming plant growth followed by hot, dry periods that bake the vegetation into fuel, which played a major role in Southern California. The AI models showed that those anomalies created a distinct pattern of increased flammability, the researchers said. The AI fire forecast was developed in 2023, as the centers meteorologists bet that machine learning techniques would eventually beat out conventional methods and deliver crucial weather predictions with greater accuracy and speed. The center released a general AI model in February the first from a major forecast agency which is already being used by regional met offices and traders looking for a profitable edge in Europes volatile energy market. Top photo: A firefighter near a wildfire in Dionysos. Photographer: Nick Paleologos/Bloomberg. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. From the southwestern U.S. to Minnesota, Iowa and even parts of New Jersey, it seemed that winter never materialized. Many communities marked their driest winters on record, snowpack was nearly nonexistent in some spots, and vegetation remains tinder dry all ingredients for elevated wildfire risks. More than 1,000 firefighters and fire managers recently participated in an annual wildfire academy in Arizona, where training covered everything from air operations to cutting back brush with chain saws and building fire lines. Academy officials say there is a consensus that crews will be busy as forecasts call for more warm and dry weather, particularly for the Southwest. The lack of moisture and warm temperatures can combine to increase the rate of spread and intensity of fire, said Roy Hall, the prescribed fire officer for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. He says it has been dry in his state for months. We would be remiss to not acknowledge that changes how we might see fire behavior come out of the blocks at the beginning and through fire season, he said. How Dry Has It Been? Experts with NOAAs National Centers for Environmental Information reported in early March that total winter precipitation in the U.S. was just shy of 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) or nearly an inch (2.54 centimeters) below average. The period of December through the end of February what forecasters consider the meteorological winter ranked the third driest on record. Flagstaff, nestled in the mountains south of the Grand Canyon, has long been on the list of quick escapes for desert dwellers looking to build snowmen or go sledding. The northern Arizona city finished the winter period with a 50-inch (1.27 meter) snowfall deficit. A major storm hit the area in mid-March, forcing the closure of Interstate 40 and stranding motorists for hours. It wasnt enough to erase the shortfall. In New Mexico, there were at least 17 sites that marked either their driest winters on record or tied previous records. Albuquerque set a new low by logging just 0.12 inches (0.30 centimeters) of precipitation over a three-month period. The tap just turned off and the drought conditions have been proceeding, Andrew Mangham, a senior hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, said during a recent call with state and federal drought experts. What Does That Mean for Wildfire Conditions? Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and other parts the Midwest already have had their share of red flag warnings when low humidity couples with windy, warm weather to heighten wildfire risks. The danger materialized in mid-March in Oklahoma, where fires destroyed hundreds of homes. Crews in New Jersey and the Carolinas also battled flames amid dry conditions. In the West, land managers and firefighting forces are concerned that without adequate snowpack in many mountain ranges, theres less moisture to keep fires from ballooning into fast-moving conflagrations. April 1 typically marks the peak of the snowpack, but forecasters say many areas already are melting out. Strong spring winds that deposit dust onto the snowpack help to speed up the process. Even southern Alaska is experiencing a snow drought at lower elevations, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. The Anchorage airport recorded its driest February on record, while large areas in southwest Alaska and low elevations in the south-central part were nearly snow-free as of March 1. Recent storms brought some moisture to California, pushing snowpack levels there to just shy of average. But most of the southern region is dealing with moderate to extreme drought. A new wildfire outlook was released Tuesday, showing above-normal significant fire potential from southeast Arizona into New Mexico, West Texas and Oklahoma. There is also above-normal fire potential forecast for southern Alaska along with parts of the southern Appalachians to the coast and down to Florida. Come June, California will join the list again. In January, deadly fires there torched more urban area than any other fire in that state since at least the mid-1980s. How Are Communities Dealing With The Threat? Seeing flames race through Los Angeles earlier this year prompted municipal leaders throughout the West to host community meetings to raise awareness, including in New Mexicos San Juan County. The Four Corners region where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet is among those on the radar for high fire potential given the unfavorable conditions. Firefighters in San Juan County responded to 25 bushfires in the first 27 days of March and two more were reported on Friday, said county spokesperson Devin Neeley. In Arizona, the Phoenix Fire Department have warned the mayor and city councilors about increasing risks. They have a plan for surging department resources to help contain fires before they escalate, particularly in areas where urban development intersects with wildland environments. In neighboring Scottsdale, Mayor Lisa Borowsky recently floated the idea of creating a volunteer brigade to bolster wildfire prevention, pointing to invasive species and overgrown vegetation within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve that could pose risks. A fire department crew has been clearing and trimming brush along roadways. Christopher Reed, a fire prevention captain with the Arizona forestry department, said some people think of wildfire as a macro problem that involves vast landscapes beyond their suburban borders. He said people should prepare on a micro level, ensuring their own homes are defensible before its too late. We always say Day 1 of firefighting is now, Reed said. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Today in Ohio podcast was clear in calling out Congressman Jim Jordans efforts to limit the power of federal courts, plainly labeling it a move toward authoritarian government. After weeks of relative quiet, Jordan has reemerged with what podcast hosts view as a dangerous legislative proposal to block federal courts from issuing nationwide injunctions. The proposal would effectively prevent judges from stopping executive branch actions even when they might violate constitutional rights. Yeah, I think this is actually unconstitutional because you are trampling all over the courts, said host Chris Quinn. But Jim Jordan has never met an authoritarian move he didnt like. The podcast hosts expressed alarm at how Jordans proposal would undermine the constitutional balance of power in American governance. According to Lisa Garvin, Jordan sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee pushing to prohibit the use of tax money and federal resources to issue or reinforce overbroad injunctions beyond the specific parties before them in the court. Quinn pointed out that the courts serve as a critical check on executive power, especially when rights are at stake. He referenced a recent case where a man was wrongfully deported due to the administrations rushed process exactly the kind of situation where judicial review proves essential. The judiciary is not saying the executive cant make these decisions, Quinn explained. Theyre saying there is probable cause here to question whether theyre overstepping. So, were going to stop this decision so we can be circumspect and hear all the evidence. The podcast discussion highlights a growing concern about attacks on judicial legitimacy. Garvin noted that Jordans effort reinforces the narrative that the judicial branch has no legitimacy over the executive branch, a talking point pushed by other Ohio politicians like JD Vance. What makes Jordans proposal particularly troubling to Quinn is its blatant political motivation. And of course, Jim Jordan doesnt believe in due process and peoples rights, Quinn said.. The Today in Ohio team connected Jordans latest move to his history of loyalty to Trump. The episode underscores the podcasts role in breaking down complex political maneuvers with straightforward analysis of their potential impact. The hosts framed Jordans proposal as not just a technical legal change but a fundamental threat to constitutional governance that would remove vital protections for everyday Americans. Catch the full exchange in the latest episode of Today in Ohio, where the hosts cut through political spin in a search for truth. 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. Listen to full Today in Ohio episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with impact editor Leila Atassi and content director Laura Johnston. 0403 04031201000 Apple's iPhone 16 at an Apple Store on Regent Street in London on Sept. 20, 2024. Apple has made moves to diversify its supply chain beyond China to places like India and Vietnam, but tariffs announced by the White House are set to hit those countries too. U.S. President Donald Trump laid out "reciprocal tariff" rates on more than 180 countries on Wednesday. China will face a 34% tariff, but with the existing 20% rate, that brings the true tariff rate on Beijing under this Trump term to 54%, CNBC reported. India faces a 26% tariff, while Vietnam's rate is 46%. Apple was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC. Here's a breakdown on Apple's supply chain footprint that could be affected by tariffs. Asia-Pacific markets plunged on Thursday, after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed hefty reciprocal tariffs on over 180 countries and territories several of which are in the region. In charts posted on social media, the White House showed the effective tariff rates they claim other countries impose on American goods, including by "currency manipulation and trade barriers." The White House told CNBC's Eamon Javers on Wednesday that the new reciprocal rate on China will be added to existing tariffs totaling 20%, meaning the true tariff rate on Beijing under this Trump term is 54%. Meanwhile, goods from India, South Korea and Australia face tariffs of 26%, 25% and 10%, respectively. Chris Kushlis, chief emerging markets Macro Strategist at T. Rowe Price says the fresh duties "represent a significant increase in tariffs on Asian exports, and arguably more than anticipated by the market." The U.S. accounts for approximately 15% of exports from the region, meaning that tariff increases ranging between 20% and 35% "would pose a meaningful headwind to growth this year, especially for the more open trade-oriented economies," he noted. "Many Asia economies have a relatively high proportion of their export value added that ends up in the U.S., so the broad application of tariffs globally will hinder effects to redirect trade," Kushlis added. What is interesting is that China "which has the biggest trade deficit with the U.S. does not have the largest reciprocal tariffs," said Stephen Dover, chief market strategist and head of Franklin Templeton Institute at Franklin Templeton. Instead, he highlighted that Southeast Asia which has benefitted from past tariffs on China has "some of the highest reciprocal tariffs." Japanese markets led losses in Asia. The benchmark Nikkei 225 pared losses of over 4% to end the day 2.77% lower at 34,735.93, while the broader Topix index closed down 3.08% at 2,568.61. Over in South Korea, the Kospi index pared losses from over 3% to close 0.76% lower at 2,486.70, while the small-cap Kosdaq fell 0.2% to 683.49. Mainland China's CSI 300 fell 0.59% to end the day at 3,861.50, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index declined 1.52% to 22,849.81. India's benchmark Nifty 50 dropped 0.26% while the broader BSE Sensex declined 0.36% as at 1.45 p.m. local time. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.94% to close at 7,859.70. The country's S&P Global Purchasing Managers' Index reading came in at 51.6 in March, compared to 51.3 in the month before. Spot gold hit a record high and was trading at $3,130.19 per ounce as at 4.20 p.m. Singapore time, as investors flocked to the precious metal. China's Ministry of Commerce urged the U.S. to "immediately cancel" its unilateral tariff measures and vowed to take "resolute counter-measures" to safeguard its own rights and interests, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced what analysts described as the steepest tariff hikes in a century. "The U.S. has drawn the so-called 'reciprocal tariffs' based on subjective and unilateral assessments, which goes against international trade rules and seriously undermine the legitimate rights and interests of relevant parties," a commerce ministry spokesperson said in a statement, translated by CNBC. The Chinese official described the Trump administration's decision to impose reciprocal tariffs as a "typical unilateral bullying practice," adding that many countries have expressed "strong dissatisfaction and clear opposition." The statement comes after Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on all countries and steeper rates on many countries, including 34% on China, 20% on the European Union, 46% on Vietnam and 32% on Taiwan. The tariff rate will be in addition to the existing 20% tariffs on U.S. imports from China, taking the effective total rate to 54%, effective April 9, closer to Trump's campaign pledge of a 60% tariff. An initial estimate indicated the sweeping measures could raise U.S. average tariff rates to "levels not seen since the early 20th century," said Tai Hui, APAC chief market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management, cautioning the trade policy announcements could weigh on global growth. The tariff shock for China would be "significantly higher and more pervasive" than in trade war 1.0, said Robin Xing, chief China economist at Morgan Stanley. Although Beijing is likely to roll out additional policy support if the tariffs rapidly slow the country's economic growth, such measures may "only partly offset the tariff shock," Xing added. China could suffer an economic hit of 0.5 to 1 percentage point of its gross domestic product, according to estimates by Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China economics at Capital Economics, depending on its exchange rate levels. Beijing is likely to respond with forceful but proportionate measures which may go beyond tariff increases with steps targeting U.S. companies that rely on the China market, said Stephen Olson, visiting senior fellow at Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. "The U.S. and China are headed for a negotiating table where they'll try to reach some type of a grand bargain on a wide range of issues," he said, although he said that things are expected to get worse before they get better. Chip stocks tumbled Thursday despite what looked like good news on the tariff front. The plans President Donald Trump unveiled Wednesday exempted semiconductors. At first blush, the announcement suggests companies will escape substantial levies such as Taiwan's hefty 32% rate, but investors aren't buying the optimism. Nvidia shares shed nearly 7%, bringing its year-to-date decline to almost 24%. Micron cratered 14%, Broadcom was down about 9%, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing tumbled more than 6%. The market's negative reaction stems from several factors. First, semiconductor-specific tariffs remain on the horizon; they've just been kicked down the road to be addressed separately. Then there are the knock-on effects of the levies already imposed, which could weaken the economy and hurt demand. Morningstar analysts said they are still expecting tariffs of around 10% to be imposed on semiconductors. If this occurs, companies could get creative. Take TSMC , about 70% of its sales come from U.S. customers. The chipmaker could reroute shipments through countries with lower tariffs, but let's be honest, that's just a Band-aid solution. NVDA YTD mountain Nvidia shares year to date More concerning is the potential demand collapse. Most chips don't enter the U.S. as standalone products, but instead arrive inside finished goods like computers and phones. Approximately $200 billion in imported computing equipment and $114 billion in wireless devices now face possible tariff rates near 40%, according to Bernstein's Stacy Rasgon. This threatens to significantly depress consumer purchasing and affect the entire industry. Nvidia faces additional complexity as Chinese technology companies, including Alibaba have reportedly placed billions in orders for Nvidia's H20 AI chips during the first quarter, building inventory ahead of potential restrictions. This will force Nvidia to balance between increasing production for Chinese demand and the risk of excess capacity if export limitations materialize. Complicating matters, the Trump administration hasn't articulated its position on implementing the Biden administration's artificial intelligence diffusion regulations, scheduled to take effect May 15, which will particularly impact Nvidia's export controls. Potential pullbacks on infrastructure projects could further complicate the outlook. According to Bloomberg and TD Cowen reports, Microsoft has suspended or delayed data center projects across multiple locations from Indonesia to the U.K. and various American states. Cloud infrastructure provider CoreWeave ' stock dropped 8% when these developments surfaced. This type of decision raises fundamental questions about AI service demand a trend that was previously considered the sector's strongest growth driver. Although American manufacturers like Intel and GlobalFoundries might eventually benefit from production returning to domestic facilities, the immediate impact from weakened demand will likely overshadow any advantages from protectionist policies. Get Your Ticket to Pro LIVE Join us at the New York Stock Exchange! Uncertain markets? Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange. In today's dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount. As a CNBC Pro subscriber, we invite you to join us for our first exclusive, in-person CNBC Pro LIVE event at the iconic NYSE on Thursday, June 12. Join interactive Pro clinics led by our Pros Carter Worth, Dan Niles and Dan Ives, with a special edition of Pro Talks with Tom Lee. You'll also get the opportunity to network with CNBC experts, talent and other Pro subscribers during an exciting cocktail hour on the legendary trading floor. Tickets are limited! A driver for an independent contractor to FedEx delivers packages on Cyber Monday in New York, U.S, on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order shutting the de minimis trade loophole, effective May 2. Trump in February abruptly ended the de minimis trade exemption, which allows shipments worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. The order overwhelmed U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees and caused the U.S. Postal Service to temporarily halt packages from China and Hong Kong. Within days of its announcement, Trump reversed course and delayed the cancellation of the provision. Wednesday's announcement, which came alongside a set of sweeping new tariffs, gives customs officials, retailers and logistics companies more time to prepare. Goods that qualify under the de minimis exemption will be subject to a duty of either 30% of their value, or $25 per item. That rate will increase to $50 per item on June 1, the White House said. Use of the de minimis provision has exploded in recent years as shoppers flock to Chinese e-commerce companies Temu and Shein, which offer ultra-low cost apparel, electronics and other items. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has said it processed more than 1.3 billion de minimis shipments in 2024, up from over 1 billion shipments in 2023. Critics of the provision say it provides an unfair advantage to Chinese e-commerce companies and creates an influx of packages that are "subject to minimal documentation and inspection," raising concerns around counterfeit and unsafe goods. The Trump administration has sought to close the loophole over concerns that it facilitates shipments of fentanyl and other illicit substances on the claims that the packages are less likely to be inspected by customs agents. Temu and Shein have taken steps to grow their operations in the U.S. as the de minimis loophole has come under greater scrutiny. After onboarding sellers with inventory in U.S. warehouses, Temu recently began steering shoppers to those items on its website, allowing it to speed up deliveries. Shein opened distribution centers in states including Illinois and California in 2022, and a supply chain hub in Seattle last year. WATCH: President Trump signs executive orders for reciprocal tariffs The Exchange Square Complex, which houses the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, on Feb. 26, 2025. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images BEIJING Chinese companies are jumping at a window of opportunity to go public in Hong Kong as global investors start to return to the region, following the news of DeepSeek's artificial intelligence breakthrough in late January. It's a level of excitement that has not been felt for more than three years, despite the overhang of U.S. trade tensions. Initial public offerings are a lucrative way for early investors in startups to exit and reap a return. "Everyone is working so perfectly together. IPO candidates, the investor and the regulators," said George Chan, global IPO leader at EY. "All these three parties are working so perfectly at this moment to actually cultivate a healthy Hong Kong IPO market." "The U.S. long-term fund has returned. It shows investors are getting more confident [about] China," he said, adding that post-IPO performance has also been encouraging. Chinese bubble tea giant Mixue went public on March 3 in a highly oversubscribed Hong Kong listing. And in a sign of more to come, Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) filed in February for what could be Hong Kong's largest IPO since 2021, when short-video company Kuaishou listed. watch now News of China-based DeepSeek's claims to rival OpenAI's ChatGPT in reasoning capabilities at a lower cost despite U.S. restrictions on Chinese access to advanced chips for training AI models hit global tech stocks in late January, while spurring a rally in China. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index surged to three-year highs. Chinese President Xi Jinping also held a rare meeting with tech entrepreneurs in February, and Beijing has signaled greater support for the private sector, after taking a more restrictive stance in recent years. Six initial public offerings in Hong Kong raised more than 1 billion Hong Kong dollars ($130 million) in the first quarter a jump from just one listing of that size in the year-ago period according to KPMG. In all, the consultancy said, Hong Kong saw 15 IPOs in all of the first quarter which raised 17.7 billion HKD the best start to a year since 2021. There's still a long way to go before recovering to that level. Hong Kong saw 32 IPOs in the first quarter of 2021 that raised a whopping 132.7 billion HKD, according to KPMG. The Hong Kong stock exchange has adjusted its listing rules in the interim, including ones that support companies already listed in mainland China to offer shares in Hong Kong. In addition to CATL, other companies listed in mainland China Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, Mabwell, Haitian Flavoring and Food, Fortior Tech and Sanhua Intelligent Controls are "actively seeking Hong Kong listings," said Tiger Brokers, an underwriter of many Chinese companies' IPOs in the U.S. and Hong Kong. "Chinese regulators are encouraging companies to list in Hong Kong to broaden financing channels and support the outbound merger and acquisition needs of Chinese enterprises," the firm said. Still not out of the woods Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images ROME, Italy European defense giant Leonardo hopes to present a satellite alliance with Airbus and Thales within months, the company's CEO told CNBC, as the continent looks for alternatives to Elon Musk's Starlink. Following months of talks, Leonardo's Roberto Cingolani told CNBC: "At the moment, we are working together and trying to find whether there is possible good synergy, whether this is convenient from a market point of view and, of course, also whether this is acceptable from the antitrust point of view." Reuters reported earlier this week that the three companies were in conversation with European regulators over a potential deal. Speaking in Rome on Wednesday, Cingolani argued that in "emergency times," regulations should be more flexible. "The most relevant [thing] at the moment is to guarantee deterrence and security, global security content, more than the best price for a tank," he said, adding that the firms were motivated to reach a deal and he would be surprised not to present a business plan. Workers assemble a Leonardo AW139 helicopter on the production floor at the Leonardo plant in Varese, Italy, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Pressed on the timeline, he said it would not be years, and months would be "more reasonable." The discussions come at a critical time for European defense companies as the United States dials up pressure on the continent to step up its capabilities. The arrival of Donald Trump in the White House has made Europe realize it cannot rely on the U.S. for defense; last month it announced a package of measures that could ultimately release about 800 billion euros in new defense spending. Some European countries are also reevaluating alternatives to Musk's Space X's Starlink, a satellite internet service that has played a key role for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Technology stocks were among the hardest-hit pockets of the market Thursday, as investors around the globe fear the economic impact of President Donald Trump's new batch of tariffs on U.S. trading partners, including China, India and the European Union. The details of the long-awaited tariffs which the White House has dubbed "reciprocal" duties on countries that it says has treated the United States unfairly in trade are generally being seen as worse than expected. Traders and investors also are trying to figure out whether Trump will be willing to negotiate the tariff rates lower, adding to the uncertainty and selling pressure. Retaliation from trade partners is another question mark. Here's a closer look at how we see the new trade policy impacting Apple and the rest of our technology stocks. Apple The iPhone maker was one of the worst-performing Club names Thursday, losing roughly 8% in mid-morning trading. Apple is squarely in the blast zone due to its manufacturing presence in China, Vietnam and India the latter two countries being places where the company has shifted more production in recent years to diversify its supply chain away from China. Starting on April 9, the new tariff rate on goods imported from China will be 54%, without counting duties implemented during Trump's first term and under former President Joe Biden. Vietnamese and Indian imports will be subject to 46% and 26% duties, respectively. During Trump's first term, Apple was able to secure some tariff exemptions, but it's unclear whether that is on the table this time around, even though the company has publicly touted its investments in the U.S. In cutting its price target to $250 a share from $265, Bank of America analysts warned that Apple could see a $1.24 hit to earnings per share in calendar 2026 if it has to absorb a roughly 500 basis point hit to gross margins (due to tariffs). Still, analysts kept their buy rating on the stock. We also have no intention of selling the stock here, as Jim noted on the Morning Meeting. Amazon Shares of the e-commerce and cloud computing giant are down more than 9%. Another piece of Wednesday's news was that the so-called de minimis trade loophole will be closed starting May 2. It has allowed companies, particularly Asian e-commerce companies such as Shein and Temu, to ship packages valued at under $800 into the U.S. duty free. Closing that trade loophole is a tailwind for Amazon because it figures to lower demand for Shein and Temu. Jim also said Thursday that he views Amazon as a relative winner due to its scale and pricing power. At the same time, slower economic growth resulting from the tariffs could have a negative impact on the digital advertising market, which has been a key source of growth for Amazon lately. Broadcom Shares of the chipmaker fell nearly 7%. The recession risks to chips and the exodus from momentum-driven stocks are hurting Broadcom . Citi said Broadcom's elevated multiple, thanks to optimism on its AI business, is working against the stock, too. CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks Shares of CrowdStrike dropped nearly 7% while Palo Alto Networks is down around 5%. While these two cyber companies are selling software that is theoretically immune to tariffs, they find their stocks getting hit on the risk-off sentiment and the view that more uncertainty in the economy could cause deal cycles to stretch out and take longer to complete. Basically, it could be a return to the "elongation" dynamics that arose a few years ago as the Federal Reserve hiked rates. To be sure, Jim said he believes the current global environment is even more "antagonistic" than before, which generally plays into the hands of CrowdStrike and Palo Alto because their security services will be in higher demand. "So, you want to buy cybersecurity," he said on CNBC Thursday. Meta Platforms The Facebook and Instagram parent's shares are down about 7.5%. The risk to ad growth in a recession is real, and the same goes for Meta's exposure to the likes of Shein and Temu, who in recent years spent a ton of money advertising on its apps to consumers outside China. With the de minimis loophole set to close, it's fair to wonder what the spending levels from those companies will be going forward. However, our view on Meta is that the strength of its platforms is widely apparent to advertisers, and if they're going to cut back due to slower economic growth, they will want to keep spending on the places where return on investment is the highest. In that world, Meta should be able to withstand a pullback in marketing dollars better than smaller internet peers. Microsoft The software and cloud provider is holding up relatively well compared to our other tech stocks, with shares falling around 2.5%. A softer economic environment is a risk to Microsoft , as with the rest of the software industry. Microsoft also has tariff exposure on the hardware side of its business with its Xbox business and PCs that run on Windows. On the company's most recent earnings call in late January, executives noted that its December quarter results were helped, in part, by "uncertainty around tariffs" as manufacturers built up inventory of Windows devices. Executives said they expected inventory levels to normalize going forward, though they repeated that tariff uncertainties could change that forecast. Nvidia Shares of the chipmaker are down about 6% Thursday. While Nvidia's cutting-edge AI processors are primarily made in Taiwan, as of now the new tariffs do not apply to chips, as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made clear Thursday morning on CNBC. However, there's an expectation that tariffs on chips are coming. The other problem for Nvidia is that its chips go inside finished products such as PCs and servers that are assembled in countries hit by the tariffs. To be sure, PCs and gaming have become a much smaller piece of Nvidia's overall business thanks to explosive growth in the data center in recent years. In general, though, the kind of uncertainty created by these trade policies are bad for riskier, momentum-driven names and Nvidia falls into that camp. And, as Citigroup analysts pointed out, a tariff-driven recession is unlikely to spare any chip stocks. Salesforce The enterprise software giant's stock is down nearly 6%. Like our other software names, Salesforce could be impacted by longer deal cycles and overall slower economic growth resulting from the tariffs. In other words, the direct impact is minimal since they're not making goods abroad and importing them to the U.S. It's about the second-order effects. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) 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. Shoppers will likely pay more for coffee, bananas, vanilla and toilet paper over the coming weeks as the Trump administration's new tariffs go into effect. The U.S. plans to hike tariff rates on goods imported from more than 180 countries and territories in the hopes of bringing jobs back stateside. However, some "critical" ingredients and materials found in food, drinks and goods used daily by U.S. consumers are not available domestically, according to the Consumer Brands Association, an industry trade group that represents Coca-Cola , Procter & Gamble , Target and other consumer giants. "However well intended, the success of the President's America First Trade Policy, must recognize the U.S. companies that are already doing it the right way but depend on imports for specific ingredients and inputs that cannot be sourced domestically," Tom Madrecki, vice president of supply chain resiliency for the CBA, said in a statement. "Reciprocal tariffs that do not reflect ingredient and input availability concerns will inevitably raise costs, limit consumer access to affordable products and unintentionally harm iconic American manufacturers." On CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday morning, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick brushed off the idea that countries could win exemptions for specific goods. But the CBA is seeking exemptions for key ingredients and materials slapped with tariffs to keep prices down for its members and their customers. For one, the U.S. climate limits the production of some staples of the U.S. diet, such as coffee, cocoa and tropical fruits, according to the CBA. The U.S. was the top global importer of bananas in 2023, based on Observatory of Economic Complexity data. Nearly 40% of those bananas came from Guatemala, which will face a 10% tariff on goods exported to the U.S. Apple CEO Tim Cook, center, watches during the inauguration ceremonies for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, left, in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 20, 2025. In the past few years, Apple has sold Americans iPhones made in India, AirPods from Vietnam and Mac desktops assembled in Malaysia. It was part of a strategy by Apple to diversify its manufacturing from China. Apple employed the strategy as a hedge for its supply chain after the company dealt with tariffs by the first Trump administration, supply chain issues tied to Covid and chip shortages that revealed the risk the company was at by primarily producing out of China. It seemed like a solid strategy. Until President Donald Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" this week hit those countries, too. Now, Apple is leading the decline among technology stocks on Thursday after the company's secondary production locations were all included in the round of tariffs announced by Trump on Wednesday. The company's shares fell over 9% on Thursday versus a 6% decline for the Nasdaq. That wiped out over $300 billion in market cap for the iPhone maker and was the worst one-day performance for the stock since March 2020. "When you look at the reciprocal tariff to countries like markets like Vietnam, India, and Thailand, where Apple diversified its supply chain to, there's nowhere to escape," Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring told CNBC's "Closing Bell." To offset the price of the tariffs, Apple may have to raise prices across its product lines by 17% to 18% in the U.S., Woodring estimates. But there's still a lot of uncertainty about what Apple will do and how China might retaliate against the United States, Woodring said. "In this type of environment, you have to think worst-case scenario," he said. "It seems like each side in this geopolitical scenario is kind of digging in." Apple didn't respond to a request for comment on Thursday on its reaction to the Trump tariffs or if it might raise prices in the U.S. It also hasn't commented on CEO Tim Cook's reported meetings with Trump this year or what they've discussed. "We are monitoring the situation and don't have anything more to add than that," Cook told analysts on an earnings call in January. Apple could still get product exemptions on U.S. tariffs, similar to how it navigated tariffs on China during the first Trump administration. But if it doesn't, tariffs will threaten its business. Russian billionaire , businessman Boris Rotenberg (L) listens to his wife Karina Rotenberg (R) during the awarding ceremony at the 2017 Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix in Sochi , Russia, April, 30, 2017. The Trump administration lifted economic sanctions on the wife of a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, even as it imposed sanctions on six other Russian individuals and entities. Karina Rotenberg was removed as a sanctioned person on Tuesday by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. The official government notice of Rotenberg's removal as a sanctioned person did not provide a reason. CNBC asked officials at the White House and Treasury Department several times over two days what prompted the decision to lift the sanctions on Rotenberg. None of them replied. Rotenberg, a 46-year-old Russian-born dual citizen of the United States, was placed on OFAC's specially designated nationals list in March 2022 along with her billionaire oligarch husband, Boris Rotenberg, and their sons, Roman and Boris. The action came weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine. It is rare for an American citizen to be placed on a U.S. sanctions list. The elder Boris Rotenberg's brother, Arkady, and his children were also put under the so-called full blocking sanctions at the same time. Boris and Arkady are childhood friends of Putin. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told business leaders in Downing Street on Thursday that while President Donald Trump has a "mandate" to act in the interests of his country, the U.K. has a right to respond to the 10% levy the White House decided to impose on the country's imports to the States. Still, he called for "cool heads" as he said that Britain would "move now to the next phase of our plan." "Decisions we take in the coming days and weeks, will be guided only by our national interest. In the interest of our economy. In the interests of the businesses around this table," he said at a meeting in his official office in No. 10 Downing Street, London. "Clearly, there will be an economic impact from the decisions the U.S. has taken both here and globally. But I want to be crystal clear - we are prepared," he said. U.K. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said earlier that the country faces a "threat" to its open economy from any global fallout from Trump's new tariffs regime. The U.K. has escaped relatively unscathed compared with many other nations, facing the lowest baseline trade tariff that Trump announced Wednesday, thanks to its largely balanced trade in goods with the States. Trade deficits that the U.S. runs with many trading partners were used in large part by the White House to calculate which level of tariff should be imposed on specific countries or territories. Recognizing the U.K. was in a better position than many countries, Reynolds nonetheless said Britain was vulnerable to turmoil in other parts of the world hit with higher tariffs, such as the EU which will see a 20% levy on its goods exports to the U.S. "Anything that disrupts the global trading system is a threat to the U.K. because we are a much more globally orientated trading economy than some partners," Jonathan Reynolds told Times Radio on Thursday, according to Reuters. He said the government would continue work to strike a trade deal with the Trump administration and would hope to get tariffs reversed. He didn't rule out counter-measures "if we need to." YouTube on Thursday announced new video creation tools for Shorts, its short-form video feed that competes against TikTok. The features come at a time when TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is at risk of an effective ban in the U.S. if it's not sold to an American owner by April 5. Among the new tools is an updated video editor that allows creators to make precise adjustments and edits, a feature that automatically syncs video cuts to the beat of a song and AI stickers. The creator tools will become available later this spring, said YouTube, which is owned by Google . Along with the new features, YouTube last week said it was changing the way view counts are tabulated on Shorts. Under the new guidelines, Shorts views will count the number of times the video is played or replayed with no minimum watch time requirement. Previously, views were only counted if a video was played for a certain number of seconds. This new tabulation method is similar to how views are counted on TikTok and Meta's Reels, and will likely inflate view counts. "We got this feedback from creators that this is what they wanted. It's a way for them to better understand when their Shorts have been seen," YouTube Chief Product Officer Johanna Voolich said in a YouTube video. "It's useful for creators who post across multiple platforms." WATCH: TikTok is a digital Trojan horse, says Hayman Capital's Kyle Bass The Indian apparel export sector is bracing for immediate challenges despite initial relief over the newly announced reciprocal tariffs by the United States. Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, in an interview with CNBC-TV18, highlighted that while the industry might gain some advantage over key competitors like Bangladesh and China due to the tariff structure, the immediate impact is a surge in demands for steep discounts and order cancellations from US buyers.Sekhri stated that the industry initially felt a sense of relief knowing where they stand compared to their competitors. "First of all, now that the cat is out of the bag, there is a sense of relief in the sense that we at least know where we are heading and how we fare vis-a-vis our competition," he said. He pointed out that India faces a 27% tariff levy, which is lower than the 37-47% tariffs imposed on Bangladesh and China.However, this potential advantage is being quickly eroded by aggressive demands from US importers. According to Sekhri, buyers have already started asking for discounts ranging from 15% to 20%, which he termed "simply not workable" given the industry's typical net profit margins of just 5% to 6%. He also revealed that order cancellations have already begun.The Apparel Export Promotion Council is urging the government to step in and support the industry in dealing with this pressure. Sekhri drew a comparison with China's response when it faced similar tariff pressures, where the government reportedly warned retailers against pushing manufacturers to reduce prices. "So, we have to take a stand, and we'd like the government to support us on this," he emphasised.While India might become more competitive against its immediate neighbours, Sekhri cautioned against a narrow perspective. He highlighted the risk of business moving to other countries with lower tariffs, such as Turkey, which faces only a 10% tariff, making the total tariff difference with India a significant 17%. This difference, according to Sekhri, "could more than offset Turkeys higher production costs." He also noted that NAFTA countries and Egypt, with lower tariff burdens, are likely to benefit.Sekhri acknowledged the potential long-term upside of being better positioned than some major competitors. However, he questioned the immediate significance of this advantage in the face of the current challenges. "Yes, compared to Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, and Pakistanour main competitorswe are better off. But is that really a significant advantage? That is the big question," he concluded, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the true impact of the new tariff regime on the Indian apparel export sector in the coming months. Eva Mendes has paid tribute to her late brother on what would have been his 62nd birthday. Eva Mendes has paid tribute to her late brother on what would have been his 62nd birthday The actress, 51, posted a childhood photo of herself standing next to Carlos Mendes on her Instagram page on Thursday (03.04.25), followed by an image of her sitting on his shoulders, and a solo shot of him. She captioned it and other snaps uploaded in a carousel of images of her older sibling: My Big brother. Him in a suit me in my jammies. This is one of my favourite pics of ours together. Today would have been his 62nd birthday. The final slide showed a black and white image of Eva placing her hands on Carlos arms as they smiled together. Carlos died of cancer in 2016 at the age of 53. His and Evas younger brother, Carlo Mendez, 47, confirmed the news at the time, writing on Instagram Carlos fought with all his might and power and was survived by two children. Last month, Eva reflected on the loss of Carlos ahead of his birthday, sharing an emotional message alongside photos of herself holding a heart-shaped stone. She said online: My brother wouldve had a birthday this April 2. He passed almost nine years ago. Then, less than two weeks later, I gave birth to our second baby. Eva, who has daughters Esmeralda Amada, 10, and Amada Lee, 8, with longtime partner Ryan Gosling, 44, also opened up about how she looks for signs from Carlos as his birthday approaches. She added: When his birthday nears, I start to look for signs that could be him. Of course, this can all be in my head, but I rather not believe that. Its not as beautiful. So, here I am, starting to see hearts everywhere and feeling him a little extra right now. More to come, Im sure. In a 2019 interview with People, Eva spoke about the timing of Carlos death and the birth of her second daughter. She said: Its so tough. Thank God I had my baby; it was a week after he passed. So there was something to move forward. There was poetry to it all. Remembering her favourite moments with Carlos, Eva recalled how he would roast family members at big gatherings. At Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, he would roast everybody but roast you hard. Of course, I miss him incredibly, and thats an understatement, but Im holding on to that tradition. Im so happy that he gave me that. I dont think I could carry it on the way he did, but those are some fun memories because he would really get raw. Homegrown electric vehicle manufacturer Ola Electric, on Thursday, unveiled its new #HyperDelivery service. This service enables customers to register and receive their vehicles on the same day they make a purchase.According to the company, with #HyperDelivery, buyers can finalise their orders either through the companys website or by visiting an Ola Electric Store and then drive away in their fully registered electric scooters just a few hours later.The company has launched a trial of #HyperDelivery in Bangalore, with plans to roll it out across India in phases throughout the current quarter, ending in June 2025, as revealed in a regulatory filing. To achieve this, Ola Electric has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) to automate much of the vehicle registration process.It has also taken control of the registration process, eliminating third-party agents who traditionally handled these steps. By doing so, the company has streamlined the journey from purchase to delivery, making it faster and simpler for customers.A spokesperson for Ola Electric said, We have significantly reduced the processing time for vehicle registration through AI-led automation and by bringing the registration process fully in-house. We are thrilled to introduce #HyperDelivery, which has completely transformed the vehicle purchase and delivery experience in the automotive sector. This ensures a much smoother purchase experience for our customers, removing cumbersome processes and lengthy delivery timelines.On the day of the announcement, Ola Electrics share price on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) closed at 54.04 per share, showing little change from its previous value. The #HyperDelivery service aims to set a new benchmark in the automotive sector by allowing customers to complete their purchase and ride home their Ola electric vehicles within hours, a marked departure from the typical wait of days or weeks.Earlier this week, Ola Electric reported robust sales figures, stating that it registered 23,430 units in March 2025, according to data from the VAHAN portal. However, the shift to in-house vehicle registrations in February caused temporary disruptions.While the transition progresses, Ola Electric noted that daily registration volumes and backlog clearance are steadily improving. We have nearly cleared the February backlog and expect to complete the remaining February-March registrations in April 2025, the company said.Even as Ola Electric expands its services, it faces regulatory scrutiny. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has directed the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to investigate discrepancies between Ola Electrics reported sales and the actual number of vehicles registered, sources told CNBC-TV18.Ola Electric claimed to have sold 25,000 vehicles in February, yet the VAHAN portal recorded only 8,600 registrations for the month. ARAI will review the companys response and determine whether this discrepancy breaches regulatory or corporate laws. Two Indian airlines have been allowed to operate regular flights to and from Nepal, according to the Himalayan nation's civil aviation authority. SpiceJet, which had regular flights to Nepal before the COVID-19 pandemic, and Air India Express, making its debut in the country, have received scheduled approval and slots from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, according to Hansa Raj Pandey, spokesperson at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.SpiceJet, which mainly flew from Delhi to Kathmandu before its hiatus, will operate daily flights, while Air India Express has received approval for two flights per day.Currently, Air India and Indigo conduct flights between Nepal and India. With the addition of SpiceJet and Air India Express, there will be four Indian airlines operating regular flights between the two countries.Meanwhile, maintenance work on the taxiway at Kathmandu Airport, which previously required flight suspensions, continued its service without halting flights starting April 1.The airport started operating for 18 hours daily, from 6 am to midnight, from Tuesday, according to Pandey. Since the third week of October, the airport has been operating for 14 hours daily to allow maintenance work.Meanwhile, authorities in Nepal recently lifted a curfew imposed in the eastern part of Kathmandu following violent clashes between security personnel and the pro-monarchy protesters, as tensions eased in the area. Parts of Kathmandu on Friday witnessed a tense situation after pro-monarchy protesters pelted stones, attacked the office of a political party, set fire to vehicles and looted shops in the Tinkune area of the capital.Two persons, including a TV cameraman, were killed and 110 others injured in the clashes between the security personnel and the pro-monarchy protesters. The Army was later called out to control the situation.Police have arrested 105 agitators who were involved in burning houses and vandalising vehicles during Friday's violent demonstration.The curfew imposed since 4.25 pm on Friday has been lifted from 7 am on Saturday, according to a notice issued by Kathmandu District Administration Office.Those arrested included the general secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Dhawal Shumsher Rana and a central member of the party, Rabindra Mishra, among others.Durga Prasai, the key person behind Friday's violent demonstration, is at large, Superintendent of Police of Kathmandu District Police Range Apil Bohara said.According to the police, 53 personnel, 22 Armed Police Force personnel and 35 protestors were injured in Friday's incident. Autographs are holdovers from the days before everyone carried cameras on them at all times. If you met a celebrity back then, your only options to record the encounter were to make them sign a piece of paper or to befriend them and keep them in your home forever. For celebrities, the pride they feel the first time a fan asks for their autograph eventually gives way to annoyance, especially when the item you ask them to sign is secretly a deed of sale. They might refuse the demand and offer you something else instead. 5 Kobe Bryant Bryants final game with the NBA was on April 13, 2016. The Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 101 to 96, and 60 of those 101 points were scored by Kobe himself. There havent been that many games in history where one guy made more points than that. Though, Bryant also does hold the record for most-points-scored-in-a-game-by-someone-whos-not-Wilt-Chamberlain, for a 2006 game where he managed 81. Don't Miss When the 2016 game was done, Bryants own teammates asked him for his autograph. He signed just about everything, including stat sheets celebrating the game theyd just won. Then the Lakers Nick Young asked him to sign some sneakers. Kobe took the shoes and threw them into a trash bin. They were Adidas shoes, and Bryant was signed with Nike. Nike But we thought Nike had a whole slogan about simply going ahead when given the chance to act. Anyway, that was one hell of a farewell performance. There was no topping it, which is why the entire world decided to collapse shortly thereafter. 4 Steve Jobs Jobs didnt sign autographs. At least, thats what he declared in a 1983 letter that he wrote to a fan named L.N. Varon. But were tempted a little to question his assertion, given that he made it a point to sign this very letter. San Diego Tribune And that was the one and only time that Steve Jobs ever lied. L.N. Varon must have sold the letter because by 2021, it was in the hands of a professional autograph collector. This collector sold it at an auction. The auction house appraised the letter at $10,000. It sold for $383,951. Advertisement You might think 1983 Steve Jobs would be pleased to learn people would one day value his correspondence so highly. But the knowledge that fans who get your autograph are just going to sell it off is exactly why so many celebs dont like giving autographs at all. 3 Ian McKellen In 1988, someone asked for McKellens autograph, for their children. McKellen took the offered sheet of paper and wrote, Fuck off! Im gay. New Line Cinema Okay, that needs a little explanation. The man asking for the autograph was Michael Howard, a member of parliament and future Leader of the Conservative Party. McKellen was meeting him to discuss Section 28, part of an act passed that year. Said the act, A local authority shall not (a) intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality, (b) promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship. Advertisement McKellen sought to persuade Howard against this act that the MP had previously supported. Howard remained stubbornly unmoved by the request but still had the gall to end the meeting by asking this constituents autograph. Section 28 wouldnt be fully repealed till 2003. We can now look back at such attitudes as a relic associated only with truly backward settings, such as 1980s Britain and modern-day Florida. 2 Jonah Hill Some celebrities get asked for signatures so often that they keep business cards handy to hand out in lieu of autographs. For a while, Steve Martin kept a pile of business cards on him, with these words written on them: This certifies that you have had a personal encounter with me and that you found me warm, polite, intelligent and funny. The card also included his signature, but it was printed, rather than written by Martin himself, which somewhat undermined its autograph status. Jonah Hill has been known to do something similar in the past. Around a decade ago, he was handing out cards that read, I just met Jonah Hill. It was a total letdown. Advertisement Advertisement The Jonah Hill in the text was written in fancy lettering, but the card offered no pretense of an autograph. You could interpret the message as ironic, but it might also have been accurate. This was 2015, when Hill was coming off of Academy Award nominations for Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street. By printing these business cards, he cursed the gods, and his budding career as a prestige actor never progressed from here. Trey Parker and Matt Stone chose to wait out the 2024 presidential election before releasing the next season of South Park, but now that Donald Trump is back in office and hes seemingly taking his foreign policy advice from South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, the Blame Canada writers are ready for war. Earlier today, South Park Studios released the long-awaited trailer for South Park Season 27 alongside its even more eagerly anticipated release date come July 9th, South Park will return with six severely topical episodes in a shortened season that Parker and Stone will likely follow up with more feature-length streaming specials. The last time South Park had a regular release schedule was at the end of Season 26 back in March 2023, and although many fans are unsatisfied that the more than two-year wait for new episodes will be rewarded with barely two hours worth of South Park content, the trailer promises that Parker and Stone will make the absolute most of this brief return to work at their flagship series. Don't Miss In just 80 seconds of teaser footage and promotional messaging, the South Park Season 27 trailer revealed that the upcoming season will skewer the string of aviation accidents that punctuated the beginning of Trumps second term, accused sex trafficker P. Diddy and the escalating trade war (and possible actual war) with Americas crass northern neighbors: Back in September, Parker and Stone admitted in a rare interview that they had deliberately chosen to delay the release of their longest-awaited South Park season ever until after the presidential election, confessing that they had run out of ways to satirize President Trump after they wrote themselves into a corner with the President Garrison arc during his first term. Weve tried to do South Park through four or five presidential elections, and it is such a hard thing to its such a mind scramble, and it seems like it takes outsized importance, Stone said his Stan-like decision to sit the election out. Obviously, its fucking important, but it kind of takes over everything and we just have less fun. Advertisement While the above trailer may not implicate a pending parody of Trump in the direct sense, clearly Parker and Stone have been paying attention to the political landscape and are ready to express their thoughts through crude cartoon humor. Given that there were about a dozen plane crashes in the short teaser, we can expect the gutting of the FAA by Trump and his allies to be at the forefront of South Park Season 27 along with our governments escalating acrimony toward Canada Im sure South Parks version of the Great White North is about as thrilled about the trade war as they were with those nukes. Then, theres the slightly more subtle knock on Elon Musk baked into the above video as a ketamine-obsessed Randy warns that hes going to fuck around with the government a little. While neither Parker and Stone nor their fans want a repeat of the one-to-one parody of President Garrison, a plot line in which Randy becomes the South Park worlds DOGE head is both hilarious and all-but-guaranteed to get the series officially labeled woke by the White House. Advertisement Though Parker and Stone may have tired of keeping the show involved in every election cycle, theyre finally ready to address the aftermath someones gotta do something about all those plane wrecks, after all. Jean-Claude Van Damme has been accused of having sex with trafficked women. Jean-Claude Van Damme has been accused of having sexual relations with trafficked women The 'Streetfighter' actor is the subject of a criminal complaint filed with the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), which alleged the 64-year-old star knowingly engaged in sexual relations with women who had been trafficked by a criminal group led by Morel Bolea, CNN affiliate Antena 3 reports. Van Damme is accused of having received five Romanian women as a "gift" in Cannes, France, with prior knowledge they had come from a trafficking group. Attorney Adrian Cuculis, who represents one of the victims, told the outlet the quintet "were in a state of vulnerability, with the suspicion that they were exploited within the meaning of Article 182 of the Criminal Code." He added: Several Romanians who are currently being investigated for forming a criminal group and pimping, allegedly offered Jean-Claude Van Damme five Romanian women photo models in Romania for him to have sexual relations with. The person who received those benefits knew their condition." A woman who witnessed the alleged incident is said to have spoken with prosecutors, prompting DIICOT to open a criminal investigation. The incident is part of a larger investigation into human trafficking that the Prosecutor's Office in Romania launched in 2020. According to Antena 3, because the alleged incident happened in Cannes, the High Court of Cassation in France must authorise criminal proceedings for the case to move forward. The suspects will then be summoned to Romania to give statement. Representatives for both Van Damme and DIICOT have yet to comment on the news. The Belgian action star - who is nicknamed The Muscles from Brussels - previously admitted he wanted to be "the macho man" when he was younger, which led to his falling out with Steven Seagal, but he insisted the row has now ended. The pair were embroiled in a lengthy spat with the 'Under Siege' star for years after Seagal questioned his martial arts ability in a 1991 interview and Van Damme later challenged him to a fight at a party thrown by Sylvester Stallone. However, Van Damme is adamant there's no longer any bad blood between them. He told DailyMail.com: "I have no problem with Steven. When youre young you want to be the macho man. If I saw him today, Id have no problem." Van Damme previously admitted the actors were offered $20 million each to take part in a huge fight in Las Vegas, but he claimed his rival backed out. He told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "They were having an idea to have a fight between me and Steven at The Mirage [in Las Vegas]. Twenty million each. He didnt take the fight." Monty Pythons Life of Brian is a very quotable movie, as evidenced by the fact that the worlds richest man recently used an excerpt from its climactic song to explain why losing more than a hundred billion dollars isnt such a big deal. And now one of the films most memorable lines has been used to obfuscate a controversial art piece in Australia. For those of you not keeping track of local news stories in New South Wales, visual artist Michael Agzarian recently made headlines for creating a mural depicting several local politicians and billionaires as Nazis and displaying it in the window of his ad agency. He defended the piece by suggesting that it was merely meant to be a parody of the characters from the 1960s POW camp sitcom Hogans Heroes. One of the politicians, Riverina MP Michael McCormack, clearly isnt buying that explanation; he called the mural beyond disgraceful and urged the police to investigate. Don't Miss While the cops found that no laws had been broken, the mural was briefly blocked from view this week by anonymous protesters who placed a banner over the shop window. What was on the banner? A quote from Jesus Christ or, more specifically, a misinterpretation of a Jesus quote: Blessed are the Cheesemakers. This is, of course, a reference to the beginning of Life of Brian, in which a group of people at the back of the crowd gathered to witness the Sermon on the Mount struggle to hear what Jesus saying. After mishearing peacemakers as cheesemakers one observer suggests that Jesus words arent meant to be taken literally, as they clearly refer to any manufacturers of dairy products. Advertisement Its unclear what message the folks behind the mural were intending to convey by referencing the Pythons Biblical parody. Although it blocked the mural, perhaps it was a message of support, suggesting that its critics, not unlike the characters in Life of Brian, were somehow missing the point? Advertisement In any case, this quote in particular has taken on something of a life of its own since the film came out. There have been books and musical artists named Blessed Are the Cheesemakers, and just this week, several folks on social media used this exact phrase to celebrate Susan Crawfords win in Wisconsins Supreme Court election. Advertisement And one Anglican priest even used the cheesemaker joke as his entry point for discussing the sermon on the mount during a church service. Advertisement Advertisement This turn of events would have been hard to fathom to anyone in the 1970s, when religious leaders were claiming that Life of Brian was produced in Hell. With a bachelors degree in computer science, some cybersecurity work experience, and more than 20 years of US Army and National Guard service, Chris Elgee would seem perfectly positioned to easily move into a civilian cybersecurity role after his military career. But Elgee saw challenges as he made his move. I thought I didnt really have the resume that showed my experience, he says, noting that not all HR professionals, cybersecurity hiring managers, and their resume-scanning software could translate the description of his skills from military-speak to something a civilian could understand. Elgee also felt he lacked an adequate network of private-sector contacts who could lead him to the right position at the right company. It would have been helpful to have a veteran in cybersecurity to talk to, to say, this is how to speak civilian cyber and to help with the transition, he adds. Samsung Germany has apparently suffered a massive data breach, with approximately 270,000 customer records currently being offered for sale on a dark web forum. A criminal hacker using the pseudonym GHNA claims to have recently copied this data from from Samsung Electronics Germanys support system. According to the dark web post, the leaked data sets contain names, addresses, emails, order data, and internal communications. Security specialist Hudson Rock, which analyzed the breach, finding that initial access was gained via login credentials stolen by an infostealer in 2021. Attack via IT service provider At that time, the login credentials were stolen from the computer of an employee of IT service provider Spectos, which offers software to monitor and improve service quality. It is linked to Samsungs German ticket system at samsung-shop.spectos.com. Apparently, the compromised credentials had not been updated for years. STORY LINK Pound Sterling Slides vs Euro After UK 10% Tariff Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound to Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate fell back overnight, after markets reacted to the April 2 US Tariffs.At the time of writing, GBP/EUR traded at 1.1951, a 0.41% decline on the daily opening levels.GBPEUR had struggled for momentum on Wednesday as investors exercised caution ahead of US President Donald Trumps impending tariff announcement.The Euro (EUR) found little support on Wednesday as traders hesitated to take strong positions before Trumps tariff decision.The European Union has frequently been the target of Trumps criticisms over trade imbalances, leading to concerns that the Eurozone economy could face significant disruptions if US tariffs are extended to European goods.Adding to the uncertainty, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reiterated that the EU is prepared to retaliate against any aggressive US trade measures, potentially imposing tariffs on American products such as motorcycles, whiskey, and denim.EUR investors fear that escalating tensions between the US and EU could lead to a prolonged trade conflict, further undermining the Eurozones economic outlook.The Pound (GBP) saw little movement on Wednesday as reports suggested that UK officials had yet to secure exemptions from Trumps latest round of tariffs.While discussions between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Trump have been described as constructive, no immediate resolution is in sight.Even if a deal is reached in the future, GBP investors fear that the UKs open economy remains vulnerable to disruptions in global trade.Looking ahead, in addition to the fallout from Trumps tariff announcement, the Pound to Euro exchange rate may also be influenced by an upcoming speech from European Central Bank (ECB) Vice President Luis de Guindos on Thursday.If de Guindos signals that the ECB may need to implement more accommodative policies in response to Trumps tariffs, the Euro could face additional downside pressure.Meanwhile, the UKs latest services PMI could provide some support for the Pound, particularly if the finalised March figures confirm a strong performance in the sector. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Euro Forecasts STORY LINK GBP/USD Outlook: Pound Sterling a Buy Today on Post-Tariff Dollar Slide US Dollar (USD) Dented as Markets await Tariffs Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound US Dollar exchange rate rallied on Thursday after markets digested President Trump's slew of global trade tariffs.At the time of writing, GBP/USD was trading at approximately $1.3115, 0.86% higher on the day.The GBP/USD pair traded sideways on Wednesday as markets awaited US President Donald Trumps tariff announcement.On Wednesday, the US Dollar (USD) declined against most of its counterparts as markets braced for the release of Donald Trumps liberation day tariffs.In anticipation, a generally optimistic market sentiment emerged, reducing the demand for safe-haven currencies such as the Greenback amid concerns about a potential US recession following the announcement.This apprehension led to USD exchange rates falling against nearly all of its rivals, as investors in the American currency appeared hesitant to make significant moves.On Wednesday, the Pound (GBP) fluctuated against its rival currencies amid a cheery market mood leading up to Donald Trump's tariff announcement.Due to its sensitivity to risk, the Pound saw a slight dip against more volatile currencies but held its ground against its safe haven peers.This cautious approach among GBP investors was likely reinforced by Tuesday's confirmation that the UK would not be exempt from the initial round of US tariffs, contrary to earlier beliefs.On Thursday, the primary factor influencing the Pound US Dollar exchange rate will likely be market reaction to Donald Trump's tariff announcement.This announcement is expected to have significant implications for global trade and could introduce volatility into currency markets.In addition to the tariff news, economic data releases will also play a role. The US will unveil its latest ISM services PMI for March, while the UK will publish its final services PMI for the same month.Both the US and UK reports are expected to show robust growth in their respective services sectors.If the data meets or exceeds expectations, it could provide a modest boost to both the US Dollar and the Pound as the week progresses. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Dollar Forecasts Michelle Pfeiffer has paid tribute to her former co-star and friend Val Kilmer following his death at the age of 65. Michelle Pfeiffer has paid tribute to her former co-star and friend Val Kilmer following his death at the age of 65 The actor, who rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in films such as 'Top Gun', 'Batman Forever' and 'The Doors', died from complications related to pneumonia after a long battle with health issues, with his passing announced by his daughter Mercedes on Tuesday. (02.04.25) His death sparked a flood of tributes from Hollywood greats, and now Michelle Pfeiffer, 66, has added to them by sharing a black-and-white photograph of herself and Va; from the set of the 1985 ABC Afterschool Special 'One Too Many'. Alongside the image, she wrote: Rest in peace, Val. The two actors first met while filming the special, which tackled the dangers of teenage drinking, and formed a close friendship that lasted decades. Val spoke openly about his bond with Pfeiffer in his 2020 memoir, 'Im Your Huckleberry'. He described the connection they shared, saying: The secret pain that Michelle and I shared created an intimacy between us. He revealed he had felt comfortable confiding in her about his strained relationship with his parents, while Michelle, in turn, spoke to him about the difficulties in her marriage to Peter Horton, whom she later divorced. Though Val wrote fondly about Michelle, he admitted to having harboured a longstanding attraction to her younger sister, Lori Pfeiffer, now 59. He said in his memoir: I had an all-consuming crush on her younger sister Lori, who did not seem to reciprocate, even a little, he wrote. In fact, she seemed to not even know I existed. While speculation has persisted over whether Michelle and Val ever dated, the details remain unclear. However, Val reflected on their time together in a 2018 Instagram post, sharing the same image Michelle later used in her tribute. He said online: I first met Michelle through her husband Peter and Mare Winningham, who was my first girlfriend in high school. It was so amazing to work with all three such talented people in one after school special which was, to my memory, always a morality play designed to educate kids just home from school. Val, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, spent the later years of his life largely out of the public eye, though he made a widely praised return to the screen in 2022, reprising his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick. Michelle has not publicly commented on Val beyond her Instagram post. Along with Mercedes, Val is survived by his son Jack, who he had during his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley. 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. China refutes smears against drills around Taiwan Island Xinhua) 09:57, April 03, 2025 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- China's joint exercises around the Taiwan Island are a move to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and no external force is in any position to point fingers at this, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to comments from the United States, the European Union, and Japan on the latest joint exercises by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command around the island of Taiwan. Guo noted that the accusations made by a few countries and organizations against China disregard the facts, distort right and wrong and interfere in China's internal affairs. "China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes this," Guo said. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affairs that brook no external interference. "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external forces that abet and aid them are the ones that undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Guo noted. He said that if relevant countries and organizations truly want peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, they should follow the international community's prevailing consensus of the one-China principle, honor their political commitments made to China, respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose "Taiwan independence" in any form. Moves to clamor for "Taiwan independence" mean separating China, support for "Taiwan independence" means interference in China's internal affairs, and attempts to abet "Taiwan independence" mean destabilizing the Taiwan Strait, Guo said. The joint exercises are a severe punishment against the Lai Ching-te authorities' aggressive provocations to seek "Taiwan independence," a stern warning to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces who deliberately undermine peace across the Taiwan Strait, and a responsible move to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, Guo said. Guo said that as long as the provocations for "Taiwan independence" continue, the punishment against "Taiwan independence" will continue. "We will never ever allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan from China in any form. We will take all measures necessary to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) In a disturbing case that has rocked Brazil, a 27-day-old baby boy was rescued by police after his mother attempted to sell him to pay for rent and enrol in a pastry-making course. The incident occurred in Goiania, a city on Brazil's east coast, and has led to the arrest of four individualsincluding the baby's mother and the woman who allegedly agreed to purchase the child. According to DailyMail.com, authorities were tipped off by concerned neighbours who suspected the infant was being sold for R$5,000 (670). The mother, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly suffering from postpartum depression and conspired with her boyfriend and his flatmate to arrange the sale. The buyer, a local businesswoman and owner of an ice cream shop, allegedly wanted a child but had not completed the formal adoption process. Buyer Sent Disturbing Messages to the Baby's Mother's Boyfriend Further investigation revealed a disturbing exchange of text messages between the buyer and the mother's boyfriend, in which the woman expressed specific preferences for the child. In one message, she wrote: 'Find a "big-breasted" woman to give me the child. If it's a boy, even better. If it's black, even better.' When questioned by authorities, the businesswoman denied being the buyer and claimed she was simply babysitting. However, police reports later confirmed that she had previously registered with the National Adoption Registry but was no longer on the active waiting list, raising suspicions that she had chosen to purchase a child rather than follow legal procedures. Police and Child Services Step In The baby was rescued on Sunday and placed under the care of child protection services. Paulo Wanderson, a counsellor at the shelter where the infant is now staying, described the situation as 'very delicate'. He added: 'He was very hungry. He drank a whole bottle. A very delicate situation.' If no family member comes forward to claim the child within 24 hours, he is expected to be placed for adoption. All four suspects are set to appear in court on Monday. According to Metropoles, the mother admitted to police that she intended to use the money to pay rent at a new residence and take culinary classes. Goias Civil Police chief Humberto Teofilo told local media outlet G1: 'The mother confessed, she told the whole story that they actually offered her a sum of money to hand over the baby.' Human Trafficking in Brazil: A Persistent Crisis This incident sheds light on the broader issue of child trafficking in Brazila crisis exacerbated by economic hardship, poor living conditions and post-pandemic instability. According to Reporter MT, financial despair often pushes families into making desperate decisions, with human traffickers exploiting the country's most vulnerable populations. Figures from The Freedom Fund suggest that nearly 500,000 children are exploited annually in Brazil, particularly for sexual purposes. In the first four months of 2021 alone, there was a 33% rise in the circulation of explicit material involving children. Despite government efforts to crack down on trafficking, the issue remains alarmingly widespread. Organisations across Brazil have stepped up their campaigns to raise public awareness and empower communities to report suspicious activity. In this case, it was the vigilance of neighbours that ultimately led to the rescue of the child and the arrest of those involvedevidence that local engagement can be a powerful force in fighting exploitation. Hope Amid Tragedy Though the circumstances surrounding the case are heartbreaking, officials are hopeful the child will now be placed in a safe, nurturing environment. The successful intervention by local police and child protection services stands as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children from harm. As Brazil continues to face the challenges of poverty, inequality and institutional gaps in child welfare, this case serves as a stark warningand a call to actionfor greater safeguards, education and enforcement to stop such tragedies from repeating. Originally published on IBTimes UK Donald Trump dealt Keir Starmer a gold-plated Get Out Of Jail Free card when he dropped his global tariff bomb. Yes, the UK will have to pay 10 per cent on all exports to the US and is not exempt from the worldwide 25 per cent levy on automobiles. But if Surkeir plays his cards right, those penalties could melt away within months, if not weeks. Short-term pain, for the American consumer as well as British exporters, could rapidly morph into long-term gain. A free trade deal with the US, the worlds biggest market, could be tantalisingly close. Ten per cent is the bargain basement number, the lowest allowed under the new tariff regime. Its a come-on to Britain to get on board the Trump train by negotiating a zero-tariffs transatlantic trade pact. If Starmer can pull that off, it would transform Labours economic and electoral fortunes, currently and deservedly at the bottom of a skip as a result of bungling Rachel From Complaints serial incompetence. Fortunately, Surkeir appears to understand that and is keeping his powder dry, shunning knee-jerk retaliation unlike the deluded protectionist EU. Whether he will follow through remains to be seen. Donald Trump set a minimum 10 per cent tariff on all goods imported by the US Sir Keir Starmer is seeking a trade deal with America to negate the tariffs' impact on the economy, setting a deadline of May 1 for an agreement to be reached The US President described April 2 as 'liberation day' for his country, as his administration attempts to 'make America wealthy again' The great irony in all of this is that Starmer is in the box seat because of Brexit, which he bitterly opposed and spent years single-mindedly trying to overturn. Can he swallow his long-held Euro-federalist principles and Put Britain First for once? For the first time since we voted convincingly to leave the EU, a transatlantic free trade deal is within realistic reach. As I wrote here on Tuesday, scrapping import duties on American cars and trucks would be a cost-free concession, since hardly anyone buys one anyway. But it would immediately lead to the 25 per cent tariff on British automobile exports to the US being lifted, which would principally benefit Jaguar Land Rover exports. If Starmer did that, he would be able to hold a triumphant press conference alongside a grateful British car worker, just as Trump did at the White House on Wednesday, when a member of the United Auto Workers union from Detroit was wheeled out to hose him down with treacle. As it stands, Starmers government is alienating car workers, who should be Labours natural supporters, by putting them out of work as a result of Ed Milibands lunatic Net Zero EV targets. Scrapping those might have avoided the closure of Vauxhalls commercial vehicles factory at Luton. Whats wrong with encouraging overseas manufacturers to build vehicles on your home turf? Thats what the Thatcher government, with the assistance of sensible trade union leaders like the engineers Terry Duffy and the electricians Eric Hammond, did in the 1980s. And its why Japanese-owned Nissan in Sunderland is now the biggest car factory in Britain, supporting thousands of jobs in the North East. So, too, would imposing Trump-style tariffs prevent the Chinese Communist Party flooding the British market with heavily subsidised imported electric cars, potentially wiping out whats left of our own automobile industry, including Nissan. A free trade agreement with Washington might also rescue what remains of our steel industry, currently staring down the barrel of extinction because of cheap, dumped foreign imports and, now, punitive American tariffs. We should also drop our hysterical opposition to the import of American agricultural products, on the basis that we would soon be wiped out by poisonous chickens washed in chlorine. This is the most absurd scare story yet. We already rinse supermarket salads in chlorine solutions. And the Americans eat eight billion chickens a year, and last time anyone looked they werent all dying in the streets after wolfing down a bucket of KFC. Surely US chicken cant be any worse than some of the muck churned out by the rash of Albanian fried chicken shops which pollute our high streets everywhere. Trump is dishing out tax breaks to farmers and putting tariffs on imported foods often harvested by foreign workers on slave wages. In Britain, Labour is hammering farmers over inheritance tax. Go figure, as they say on the other side of the pond. You dont have to approve of Trump to appreciate what hes trying to do. And thats to protect and create American jobs and make his nation wealthier. Only time will tell if hes successful, but the early indications are that his America First policy is already paying dividends, with investment pouring into the US. The markets are wobbly, but theyll recover. Leaders of foreign countries who do business in America are discombobulated, but all the indications are that theyll get with the programme. Certainly, Trump is a disruptor. The stand-up comedian John Mulaney has compared him to a horse loose in a hospital, one of the funniest sketches Ive seen. Check it out on YouTube. The President uses tariffs as a political weapon, not just an economic tool. By threatening to impose huge import duties, he has persuaded countries like Venezuela and El Salvador to take back legions of violent gangsters who have entered the US illegally over the past few years. Just imagine how that kind of policy would be cheered to the rafters in Britain. What if we told France that they would face 50 per cent tariffs on everything from Beaujolais wine to Bleu dAuvergne cheese unless they stopped sending tens of thousands of illegal immigrants our way? The cross-Channel invasion would halt tomorrow. And yet we have bunged the French more than 500 million to pay gendarmes puffing on Gitanes to stand back and watch migrants clamber on board dinghies headed for Kent. Missing you already, mon cher. Ever wondered why the European Left who are so enthusiastic about open borders and free movement of people from all over the world are so viscerally opposed to free trade, especially with America? If Trumps tariffs have delivered a shock to the system, they have also been a masterclass in The Art Of The Deal. OK, so he puts America First. That was his promise and thats his job. Our politicians spend most of their time knee-deep in appeasement, from the Chagos Islands to Brexit. Mother Teresa was prepared to give the EU everything they asked for. Boris basically gave up Northern Ireland. All the signs are that Starmer is ready to crawl back to Brussels on his hands and knees. The EU can smell his weakness. In what sane world would a pledge to defend Ukraine come with a caveat that it wont happen unless we surrender our fishing waters to the French? You couldnt make it up. But that was then. Two long days ago. Now Trump has shaken the kaleidoscope and its make your mind up time, as Double Your Money and Opportunity Knocks host Hughie Green used to say. Thanks to Donald Trump, the most Anglophile President in our lifetime, Surkeir Starmer has a golden opportunity to double his money by smelling the coffee and going flat out for a yuge free trade deal with the US. He doesnt deserve it, and the Remainiac Left will hate it, but it could be the making of his premiership. Has he the bottle to seize this chance with both hands? Probably not, but we can only live in hope. And, to quote Hughie Green again, I mean that most sincerely, friends. This is the emotional moment a woman broke down in tears as she was faced with the prospect of selling her beloved horse to finance her 900,000 building project. In the latest episode of Grand Designs, HR director Sarah and technology director Pip were faced with the mammoth task of transforming a 150-year-old rickety barn on an iron age hillfort in Bedfordshire into a modern, five-bedroom family home. After purchasing the 'derelict' barn for 400,000 when Sarah fell in love with it - despite being ready to 'keel over' with broken windows and rotting timbers - they had a tight budget of 420,000 for renovations and hoped to preserve as many original features as possible. But even as filming started, the couple had been faced with a seven-month planning permissions delay, in which time the building had only deteriorated further. Sarah and Pip were soon hit with extortionate and unexpected costs, including an extra 20,000 to replace disintegrating bricks, 10,000 to replace a wall and 23,000 to shell out on a new steel frame. With soaring costs of building materials and workers, including a 350-a-day archaeologist, the couple soon found themselves in the very tricky position of having to make sacrifices to fund the project. They soon realised they would need to sell some of their precious assets, with Jimmy putting his beloved Lotus car up for sale for 32,000. He explained that his father, who is in poor health, used to work for the luxury company - meaning it was a very emotional decision to part ties with it. But the only other tradeable asset was Sarah's horse, Jimmy - an ex-racer who retired due to arthritis. This is the emotional moment (pictured) a woman broke down in tears as she was faced with the prospect of selling her beloved horse to finance her 900,000 building project 'That would be a last resort,' she said, growing tearful. 'That would be very sad. My job is to make sure that doesn't happen. My job is to make sure we can afford this by saving money everywhere we can.' As a compromise, Sarah had to give up riding Jimmy to save 750 each month, meaning he was retired in his field. Meanwhile, tensions between the pair had steadily increased alongside the rising costs. Sarah, who had been managing the project, was forced to take a backseat when her day job grew more demanding, meaning Pip had to build the roof himself. Sarah said any job Pip would do 'wouldn't be perfect', and when he completed the roof in February 2023, said it was 'a right state'. Taking issue with the 'filthy' tiles, she said: 'I dont want to tell you how much I hate it but it looks awful. Its the first big piece of the building and Im not happy with it. Despite their cost-cutting measures, Sarah and Pip spent 540,000 on building fees - 130,000 over their initial sum of 420,000, bringing their total spend to 940,000 including the initial purchase of the barn. It had also taken twice as long as expected with Sarah admitting 'we've not had a normal life for the better part of three years'. Sarah's horse, Jimmy (pictured right) - an ex-racer who retired due to arthritis on tonight's Channel 4 programme On the idea of selling her horse, Sarah said: 'That would be a last resort. That would be very sad. My job is to make sure that doesn't happen. My job is to make sure we can afford this by saving money everywhere we can.' In the latest episode of Grand Designs, HR director Sarah and technology director Pip were faced with the mammoth task of transforming a 150-year-old rickety barn (pictured) on an iron age hillfort in Bedfordshire into a modern, five-bedroom family home After purchasing the 'derelict' barn for 400,000 when Sarah fell in love with it - despite being ready to 'keel over' with broken windows and rotting timbers (pictured) - they had a tight budget of 420,000 for renovations and hoped to preserve as many original features as possible But even as filming started, the couple had been faced with a seven-month planning permissions delay, in which time the building (pictured) had only deteriorated further Sarah and Pip were soon hit with extortionate and unexpected costs for the building (pictured), including an extra 20,000 to replace disintegrating bricks, 10,000 to replace a wall and 23,000 to shell out on a new steel frame With soaring costs of building materials and workers, including a 350-a-day archaeologist, the couple soon found themselves in the very tricky position of having to make sacrifices to fund the project (pictured after the renovation) They soon realised they would need to sell some of their precious assets, with Jimmy putting his beloved Lotus car up for sale for 32,000. He explained that his father, who is in poor health, used to work for the luxury company - meaning it was a very emotional decision to part ties with it. Pictured, the building after it was renovated But the only other tradeable asset was Sarah's horse, Jimmy - an ex-racer who retired due to arthritis. Pictured, the bedroom after it was renovated Host Kevin McCloud even noted that the property looked slightly 'like a new build' at first glance, though gushed it 'was beautiful' after going inside. The final result was astonishingly impressive, with a mossy tiled roof and timbers keeping the original spirit. Inside, the huge hall was light and spacious, with light also reflecting off the pond outside and in through a giant wall of glass. Up into a mezzanine, the couple had built an impressive balcony with views over their new home, with sliding doors behind to reveal the master bedroom and bathroom. But financial sacrifices had meant the outbuildings could not go ahead - and the property had lost the four additional bedrooms planned. The work had also been dangerous at times, with the frail exterior of the barn threatening to collapse at any moment. Sarah and Pip had faced another hurdle after a visit from Historic England, who noted they did not have the correct permissions to dig at the iron age hillfort - of which there are only 150 in the country. Despite having to briefly pause work, Historic England accepted they'd not knowingly deceived them, and with the correct permissions sorted, they were allowed to resume. As a compromise, Sarah had to give up riding Jimmy to save 750 each month, meaning he was retired in his field. Pictured, the new living room Meanwhile, tensions between the pair had steadily increased alongside the rising costs. Pictured, the barn now Sarah, who had been managing the project, was forced to take a backseat when her day job grew more demanding, meaning Pip had to build the roof himself. Pictured, Pip, Sarah and Kevin Last week, Grand Designs viewers branded the featured property the 'worst in the show's history' as Kevin McCloud's show returned for a new season. The host laid the groundwork for what was billed as one of the series' most ambitious homes yet. However, viewers were less than impressed by the final reveal - especially considering the long build time and its eyewatering 465,000 cost. 'Most of the time houses on Grand Designs look decent once finished this isnt one of those times,' one person wrote on X/Twitter. The episode featured architect Howard and his interior designer wife Sarah, who work together, as they set out to build a radical floating home on a tidal estuary near Worthing. Grand Designs airs on Channel 4 on Wednesdays at 9pm. Tiny white ra-ra skirt, red and black boned bodice, and lashings of mascara and lipstick. The risque outfit her 16-year-old daughter wore for a Halloween party last year will forever be etched in Clare Macnaughton's memory. But far from telling her to cover up, Clare felt secretly overjoyed. Context is everything: four years prior to that night, Isabella, known as Macc, had insisted that she was no longer a girl, initially identifying as non-binary and then as a trans boy and even binding her breasts. So this overt display of femininity was a very welcome sight indeed for Clare. 'It has been quite a journey, for both Macc and me,' says Clare, 53, from Warminster, Wiltshire. 'From the age of 12, she was adamant she was non-binary and, by age 13, that she was a boy. 'I've done my best to support her at every stage, but I drew the line at giving my consent for her to have the testosterone and double mastectomy she was so intent on. And thank goodness I did.' Macc, who once thought her mother 'unreasonable', is equally relieved she resisted her ever more insistent pleas. 'If I'd had hormones, I think I would have thought, 'S***, I'm in too deep, I can't de-transition now', and felt stuck,' she says candidly. The ordeal was all the more difficult for the fact that Macc's dad, Kai, died of cancer in 2023. 'For two years, I haven't had a husband to talk through the complexities with,' says Clare. 'On top of my grief, there were times when I really struggled and Macc did too. 'Like me, Kai had a sense that Macc would go back to being a girl. However, her de-transitioning now feels bittersweet because the last time he saw her, she was still insisting she was our son. I would've loved for him to see her as his little girl again.' Meanwhile, for any anxious parents of trans kids who may take heart from Macc's de-transition, she is keen to stress that hers is an unusual case: 'I know that when their kids transition a lot of parents think, 'Oh, I hope they come back to their senses' but I am rare. In 2021 Isabella, known as Macc, had insisted that she was no longer a girl, initially identifying as non-binary and then as a trans boy and even binding her breasts (Pictured: Isabella and her mum Clare) Now the risque outfit her 16-year-old daughter wore for a Halloween party last year will forever be etched in Clare's memory. But far from telling her to cover up, she felt secretly overjoyed 'I know so many people who are so happy having transitioned so I want to be clear that, just because one person de-transitions, it doesn't mean everyone will.' There's no denying it's a dramatic volte-face. So convinced was Macc that her future self would have surgery, grow a beard and live as a man, that she and her mother shared their story in Femail in November 2021. Macc was 13 at the time. You may well question how on earth the change of heart came about. Clare puts it down to Macc suddenly realising that she found boys attractive and that both heterosexual and gay boys were largely disinterested in trans boys like her. Macc believes that wearing bikinis and cropped tops during a family holiday in Kenya where it was too hot for her usual jeans and shirts, with a chest binder underneath made her embrace her femininity. 'I remember thinking, 'Ooh I like wearing feminine clothing and acting like a girl',' says Macc. 'I told my friend Keny, who was on holiday with us, but I didn't want to tell anyone else because I didn't want them saying, 'Told you so!' even behind my back. 'My grandmother and other older members of my wider family had said I wouldn't always be a boy, and that made me all the more determined to prove them wrong. So it was hard proving them right.' Clare recalls her daughter flirting with a boy staying at the same hotel on Diani Beach in Kenya's Indian Ocean, and later confiding, crestfallen: 'He's not interested in me because I'm trans and he's heterosexual.' 'I comforted her but knew better than to suggest this might be a recurring issue it would have only made her dig her heels in,' says Clare. 'However, back home, she told me one day, in the car, that she was no longer 'so fixated on gender'. 'Again I didn't give a big reaction, just nodded along. But I was secretly hopeful. Then, when she was starting sixth-form college the following month, I asked what gender she wanted to register her place in and she said 'girl'. 'By then, she was wearing make-up and more feminine clothes, so it didn't come as a big surprise, and I said 'OK'. 'I knew the last thing she wanted was for me to make a big fuss about her de-transitioning so I've played it very cool.' The first inkling that Macc was 'unhappy in her body' came when she was 12 years old. Clare, an author, was driving her daughter home from the stables where she spent a lot of time riding when Macc announced she was neither a girl nor a boy, but non-binary. She had always been a bit of a tomboy, preferring joggers and hoodies to dresses, but had also enjoyed playing with traditional girls' toys, including dolls. 'There had been no signs of gender dysphoria beforehand, otherwise I'd probably have taken it more seriously,' says Clare. 'Instead I said, 'Well, it's not like Woolworth's pick and mix, you don't just choose one.' It was during the pandemic and Clare was aware that Macc was spending a lot of time on TikTok, where there are currently 43million posts relating to being non-binary. Clare previously struggled with Isabella - then known as Macc - wanting to transition but she is 'overjoyed' to have her 'beautiful daughter' back Telling herself it was probably just a phase, Clare 'just listened' firmly believing that pushing back would only make her daughter more entrenched in her beliefs. Wondering if it was a reaction to societal pressures to be sexual once you hit puberty, Clare confided in Macc that she hadn't felt especially girly as an adolescent, either. She'd been unhappy with periods and breasts, though she embraced her femininity now. When Macc cut her long hair into a short, spiky style, she didn't object. But when she asked for a chest binder to hide her developing breasts, Clare said that she would need to use her own spending money for that. An internet search revealed that if worn incorrectly or for too long, binders can lead to chest or back pain, bruising and even rib fractures, shortness of breath, skin damage and over-heating. When the 12 black binder arrived from Amazon, Clare relayed this information to Macc, who agreed to take breaks from the tight crop top-style garment with hooks and eyes down one side. 'As a feminist, I struggled with Macc rejecting being female,' she says. 'But I also understand why someone may want the advantages that come with presenting as male.' Telling herself this 'phase' had been triggered by a combination of the onset of puberty and the weirdness of the pandemic, Clare was pragmatic, believing the most important thing was to stay strong and supportive in order to avoid triggering a 'mental health crisis'. Her husband Kai agreed and was supportive because, she says, the last thing he would have wanted was to alienate Macc. By her 14th birthday, the following April, Macc had decided she was no longer non-binary but, in fact, a boy. Although her style of clothes jeans, cargo pants and shirts didn't change, her pronouns became he/him and woe-betide anyone who got them wrong. 'Although I generally took a chilled approach, no matter how challenging it was hearing her talk about 'chopping her t**s off', I remember Macc shouting at me after I mistakenly referred to her as 'she',' recalls Clare. Helen Carroll reports on 'Macc' and mum Clare in 2021, with Isabella now de-transitioning Clare believes this 'unhysterical' approach to parenting has been instrumental in helping to steer her daughter through the various stages of her gender journey (Pictured: Isabella as a young girl) 'I blurted out, 'They, them, him, he, she, her, it whatever!' in frustration. 'I consider myself pretty liberal-minded but tip-toeing around all of these pronouns some of which seem ungrammatical felt utterly exhausting. Macc called me 'disrespectful' and I remember rolling my eyes, like a teenager myself. It wasn't my finest moment.' When Clare asked why she had decided to identify as a boy, Macc's only explanation was: 'Because it makes me happy.' 'If she'd told me she felt more affinity with boys, it would have made more sense, but this felt like a fairly vague reason for doing something so extreme,' says Clare. 'I didn't challenge her but I do remember offloading to friends, saying, 'Identifying as a size eight makes me happy, but it doesn't make it real!' 'Although I've never put this to Macc, I had a sense that this gender journey was rooted in her need for attention because in the preceding years her older brother, Ben, who's 21, and has ADHD, had needed more parental support.' In spring 2022, Macc informed her teachers that she was now a boy and, after her mother gave her consent by email, had her name changed from Isabella to Macc Macnaughton on the register. She used 'gender neutral' toilets in school, while continuing to visit women's loos when out and about, finding the men's 'gross'. She also stuck to the girls' changing rooms for PE because she felt self-conscious undressing in front of boys and wanted to be with her female friends. Macc had always worn trousers as part of her school uniform and says her 'woke' friends didn't comment on either her initial declaration that she was non-binary, or her subsequent transition to being a boy. Eventually, when she turned 16 last April, she paid 50 out of her own savings to change her name by deed poll, officially becoming Macc Kai James Macnaughton. Still grieving her father, a Squadron Leader and helicopter pilot in the RAF, who died within three weeks of being diagnosed with blood vessel cancer, she wanted to honour him. The impact of suddenly losing a loving and 'supportive' father cannot be underestimated. Macc finds it difficult to talk about, though she doesn't believe his death had any bearing on her de-transitioning. Clare, meanwhile, is unsure what, if any, impact it may have had. It was just a month after changing her name by deed poll, while on their holiday in Kenya, that Macc began to question her gender again. While previously, Macc couldn't look at her naked body without the binder, she was surprised to find she enjoyed strutting about on the beach in a bikini. And while she had only ever dated girls, she suddenly found herself attracted to boys and now considers herself bisexual. The desire to embrace her femininity was so great that, back home in Warminster, Macc ditched the chest binder and began dipping into her mother's make-up bag. 'It was strange, at first, seeing my reflection in the mirror how 'girly' I looked in mascara and lipstick,' says Macc. 'But I don't wear much make-up and my hair is still pretty short, so my friends tell me I look like a lesbian, which I'm happy with.' Last September, Macc started college, where she is studying a Level Three Extended Diploma in Public Services. She registered as a girl 'Isabella, known as Macc' and began growing her hair and buying her cosmetics. Her favourite brands now include Rimmel and MUA. Watching the re-blossoming of her 'beautiful daughter', but fearing that too much attention might send her scuttling back to her more androgynous look, Clare was careful to say as little as possible. Clare's new partner, Pete, whom she met eight months after Kai's death, now lives with them. 'I do have to say something when she walks around the house in her bra and hot pants,' says Clare, laughing. 'Otherwise, I turn a blind eye, including to the dresses she's just bought from ASOS short and strapless, with crossover backs, in flimsy Lycra.' Clare believes this 'unhysterical' approach to parenting has been instrumental in helping to steer her daughter through the various stages of her gender journey. Her advice to other parents whose children identify as transgender is not to bow to pressure to consent to hormones and surgery encourage them to wait until they're 18 and can take those steps, should they still choose to, as adults. As a result, Macc's return to being a girl involved nothing more arduous than changing her legal name back, by deed poll, to Isabella Elizabeth. Had she undergone a double mastectomy and been given testosterone, it would have been a very different story. The next step is to get the name on her GCSE certificates altered from Macc something the exam boards say can be done so as not to confuse future employers who may ask to see them. As for letting her friends know, Macc used her generation's preferred way of communicating and simply changed her pronouns to she/her on Instagram. 'I let people just figure it out when they saw me wearing make-up and everyone was really polite, not mentioning it or just asking, 'Are you going by 'she' now?',' recalls Macc, adding, with a smile: 'But my granny didn't hide her feelings. 'She said, 'Ooh look at my gorgeous granddaughter!' All her other grandkids are boys, so I think she's glad.' Macc is conscious that most people in her small town are aware of the journey she's been on. In fact, her boyfriend has been teased by friends who tell him he's 'dating a boy'. 'I'm sure they call me slurs behind my back, but I don't ask,' she says. 'And he doesn't care what they say, he's pretty strong-minded.' What, I wonder, with the benefit of hindsight, does Macc make of her journey from girl to boy and back again? 'I think it came from the sexism in the world, how women are hated on, and how privileged men are,' she says. 'At first I fancied being not fully a boy, but mostly a boy, and then I thought I want to be fully a boy and was serious about getting top surgery and starting on testosterone. 'That changed though, on that holiday, when I realised I liked aspects of being feminine.' And what of the role of TikTok, which Clare feels played a significant part in all of this? 'I already felt not feminine, more masculine or androgynous, and then I found non-binary TikTok and trans TikTok and thought, 'Oh, that's how I feel'. I could really relate to it and I just felt really seen.' Looking back, Clare is relieved to have 'neither prevented nor enabled' Macc's transition. 'It was self-protection, as much as anything,' she says. 'We mothers get blamed for everything, and I had this vision of an older version of Macc asking, 'Why didn't you stop me? Why did you let me do that? I was a child, you should have known.' 'I'm not sure how significant, or not, my response to all this has been because, ultimately, what changed is that Macc's transgender status had become an obstacle to her desires. 'However, it is lovely having my beautiful, feisty, opinionated daughter back. 'And her new-found interest in fashion, make-up and the length of her hair certainly makes for more enjoyable conversation than her preoccupation with pronouns.' The episode unpacks chilling real-life stories from the cast of the popular show The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers might have been the ultimate live-action superhero show of the '90s, but it was plagued with tragedy and scandals behind the scenes. Investigation Discovery's latest Hollywood Demons episode, Dark Side of Power Rangers, unpacks the bone-chilling real-life stories from the cast of the popular program, including how a fan-turned-gunman tried to assassinate the show's most legendary star, to manslaughter, suicides, and a fatal car crash. Ahead of the documentary's release on April 7, DailyMail.com takes a closer look at the misfortunes that played out, beginning with the assassination attempt on Jason David Frank, who quickly became the face of the Power Rangers franchise. Frank shot to fame as the original Green Ranger, before being brought back as the White Ranger, totaling 124 episodes between 1993 and 1996. He later returned for several spin-offs, including Power Rangers Zeo, Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers Wild Force, and more. But Frank's notoriety soon made him a target, and in 2017 he was pursued by a man named Matthew Sterling while attending Phoenix Comicon. The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers were all the rage of the '90s Jason David Frank was best known as portraying Green Ranger and became the face of the franchise At the convention, the attacker carried with him an arsenal of weapons, including body armor, pepper spray, a combat knife, a 12-gauge shot gun, two handguns, a revolver, a stun gun, and throwing stars. In his home, there was also evidence that he had practiced a kill shot. Luckily, police were able to arrest Sterling before he got near Frank, after being tipped off due to the threats he made online. Sterling who was later committed to 25 years at the Arizona State Hospital, said he was the punisher, a comic book character, who punishes people for doing wrong. 'I definitely do not care for him,' Matthews said of Frank in a police interview. 'I can't stand him. He's not a Power Ranger. He's evil.' Battling many demons of his own, Frank would later come to take his own life on November 18, 2022. At the time of his death, he and his estranged wife Tammie Frank were attempting to reconcile after she filed for divorce some months prior. Explaining what happened during their final night together, Tammie said in ID's documentary: 'I needed to talk to Jason. The actor took his own life in November 2022 aged 49 In 2017, Matthew Sterling (pictured) pursued Frank in an assassination attempt at a Comicon 'Finally, he agreed to go to a country bar. We were having a great time [and] we didn't leave the bar until after 2am [and] the lights were on.' Tammie went on to reveal that she and Frank went back to their hotel room, and she had briefly left him alone when the incident happened. 'I go downstairs to get snacks and by the time I get back, I don't have the key. I was banging on the door.' Unable to gain access to the room, Tammie asked for assistance at the front desk who then decided to call the police. He was found dead in the hotel bathroom. Frank's suicide came 21 years after his brother and fellow Power Rangers star Erik Frank also took his own life aged 29 in April 2001. Frank's brother Erik Frank also took his own life years earlier in April 2001. He was just 29. Erik had been married to Nicole Frank Ybarra, with whom he shared three children Opening up about her husband's death, Nicole said there was 'definitely jealousy' between the brothers Before his death, Erik had appeared as David Trueheart in Power Rangers Zeo, playing the long-lost brother of his real brother, however his own acting career didn't take off in the same way. Recalling her husband's death, Nicole Frank Ybarra said that it had been a normal day. 'I just made breakfast,' she recounted. 'He said he was going to take a nap. I said okay. And about 45 minutes later, I thought, I'm going to check on him. 'We had a big canopy bed. He passed away from hanging himself. 'I think it had a lot to do with his career. There was definitely jealousy. He was feeling not as successful as his brother.' She continued: 'The last conversation with Jason that I can recollect is him coming to my parents' home shortly after we laid Erik to rest, and he just shared with me how terrible he felt and how he wished Erik was still here. He had a lot of guilt.' Erik wasn't the only Power Ranger whose life was cut short. Pua Magasiva, who was a Red Ranger from Power Rangers Ninja Storm, took his life on May 19, 2019, 16 years after he had been on the show. Former Power Ranger Pua Magasiva took his own life in 2019 amid domestic violence charges After his death, a lot more information arose about his history of extreme violence and how he had subjected his wife to domestic abuse. Fifteen days before his suicide, Magasvia had been convicted of a domestic assault against his wife. His widow also stated that he had attacked her the night that he passed in a drunken rage. Some years prior in 2017, Power Rangers star Ricardo Medina Junior was charged with manslaughter. Medina was best known for portraying Cole Evans, the Red Wild Force Ranger on the TV series Power Rangers Wild Force, and later as Deker, the half-human cursed Nighlok in Power Rangers Samurai. He was initially arrested in February 2015 after he allegedly stabbed to death his 38-year-old roommate, Joshua Sutter, on January 31. Red Ranger Ricardo Medina Junior was charged with manslaughter in 2017 over the death of his roommate Joshua Sutter Sutter's sister (pictured) slammed fame and notoriety for getting in the way of justice for her brother Sutter had been stabbed in the abdomen with a medieval 'Conan the Barbarian' sword at a home in Green Valley, west of Palmdale, California. Medina claimed he stabbed Sutter in self-defense after Sutter forced open the door of Medina's bedroom, into which Medina and his girlfriend had retreated after an argument between Medina and Sutter. One year later, in January 2016, Medina was arrested again on murder charges in connection with the death. At that time, he faced a possible sentence of life imprisonment with a chance of parole after 26 years. In March 2017, Medina pled guilty to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to the maximum six years in prison and he was released on parole after serving just three years. Sutter's sister Rachel Kennedy, who once went on a date with Medina, spoke out against him in ID's documentary, where she slammed fame and notoriety for getting in the way of justice. 'I think he truly believed that he was that Power Ranger and that's why he killed my brother in such a fashion,' she said. 'His fans were doing fundraisers for him to send him money in jail. He'll never be guilty in their eyes.' 'It hurts because my brother wasn't a celebrity,' she added. 'He was just a simple guy, and because of Ricardo's celebrity, I feel that he really got a slap on the wrist.' Thuy Trang, the original Yellow Ranger, died in a car crash when she was just 27 years old. Thuy Trang died in a car crash when she was 27 years old. She was the original Yellow Ranger At the time of the fatal accident in September 2001, Trang was traveling with her friend, former model Angela Rockwhood between San Jose and Los Angeles when the driver, Steffiana de la Cruz, lost control of the vehicle. Trang, who was part of the original cast of the TV series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, was not wearing a seatbelt and she did not survive. Recalling the crash, Angela said in the documentary: 'Steph and Thuy were sitting in the front seats while I was sitting in the backseat of the car. 'At one point, I unfastened my seatbelt and pulled myself closer to them, and right at that moment, as we were going around the turn, the car started to slide and drift out. 'The car started fishtailing violently and then I could feel the car spin and when the car spun, the back of the car hit the side of the mountain.' 'The car flipped for or five times,' she continued. 'All the windows shattered. I was catapult out of the little triangle window and I flew like 35ft in the air and I landed on the left side of my head face down, bleeding to death. 'I was getting woozy and drained, and I just slowly checked out. 'The moment that I did wake up in the hospital, I was paralyzed from the neck down. I couldn't move nothing.' During her recovery in the hospital, Angela asked every day if her friend Trang was alive. Three years ago, Sally Becker took a train through war-torn Ukraine in the dead of night. She wasnt so much in fear of her own life but the lives of the 91 women and children she was taking with her on this perilous journey. They had been trapped in one of the worst hit areas and Sally, an experienced aid worker, had been tasked with transporting them across the border to safety. It was scary, admits Sally, with characteristic understatement. The train, provided by Ukrainian authorities, had blackout blinds so we couldnt be seen by Russian drones overhead. The atmosphere was intense and baking hot there was no air conditioning and the windows were locked for safety. We were cooped up in three small carriages for 22 hours. The children, who ranged from babies to teenagers, raced up and down the corridors, mercifully oblivious to the dangers. But the adults were in dread of being hit any minute. Thankfully, they made it to Poland and, after weeks of negotiation with the Home Office, some found homes in Wales. As terrifying as it sounds, it was all in a days work for Sally, whos been nominated in the Daily Mails Inspirational Women Awards for her role helping sick and injured children in war-torn countries. Aid worker Sally Becker (centre) has helped sick and injured children in war-torn countries for more than 30 years. Here she is pictured with orphans from Ukraine Sally started volunteering as an aid worker in Bosnia in 1993. Her exceptional bravery and single-minded determination saw her save the lives of hundreds of children by crossing through enemy lines to transport them to safety, winning her the affectionate name, The Angel of Mostar. Risking her life, she embarked on a series of missions in Kosovo and later across northern Iraq. Now 63, you may imagine Sally to be retired from war zones. Youd be wrong; this extraordinary woman is as fired up by injustice in the world as ever. The most distressing thing is that nothing has changed since I started, says Sally, whose gentle voice belies her steely determination. Its still horrific. Its still shocking. I still find it traumatic to see children in that condition. Its so unnecessary. Were killing children when, once upon a time, we would have sent our armies to far-flung fields to battle it out between them. Now women and children suffer the most. When war broke out in Ukraine, Sally, who lives in Brighton with her journalist daughter, Billie, 25, made a series of dangerous treks by road across the country to help evacuate 240 women and children. Including that treacherous train journey. As if that isnt challenge enough, over the last year she has helped organise the evacuation of 40 sick and wounded children from Gaza to Italy for specialist treatment. One boy in particular proved an inspiration to Sally: Kamal, a 14-year-old Palestinian boy, who lost a leg just below his groin. Sally, 63, can't see herself ever stopping her international aid work There were all these ambulances ready to take the children off the plane with stretchers, she recalls. But Kamal refused to be helped. I choked back tears at the sight of this very independent young man who wanted to walk with his crutches. So how did Sallys adventures begin? In 1993, then 31, she was making a living as an artist when she heard about the conflict in Bosnia and felt compelled to help. She had planned to volunteer for a few weeks before slotting back into her old world. Instead, that first visit changed the course of her life for ever. I contacted a lot of organisations offering my help, but they didnt want me because I had no relevant experience, she says. I wasnt a nurse or an engineer. Undaunted, she volunteered to drive aid to the region and made her way into Mostar, the heart of the conflict. The eastern part was completely blockaded and as many as 60,000 people were trapped; some dying for want of the most basic medical supplies. Sallys breakthrough came when she was approached by a UN Civil Affairs officer whod heard about her work delivering aid to the hospital in West Mostar. As she was one of the only international aid workers allowed to go in and out of the city, he asked her to help evacuate children from the east side. Sally is pictured with a severely wounded child in Mostar, Bosnia in 1993. The Bosnian War was her first conflict as an aid worker After gaining permission from the head of the Croat Military Health Authorities to rescue all the wounded children and their mothers, she drove across the front line in an old Bedford ambulance. That didnt stop her coming under fire from snipers in the surrounding hills. When I heard the crack of the bullets I was terrified, says Sally. I didnt know whether to stop and shelter behind the vehicle or try to run away. But I decided to keep going and eventually made it to the hospital. The ensuing months saw her bring a convoy of 57 ambulances and trucks from Brighton, carrying 1m worth of medical aid and evacuating 100 injured children and their mothers from the area. Two months later, she returned to rescue 28 injured children and their mothers by helicopter from a monastery in central Bosnia. But she didnt always escape unscathed. Following a mission in 1998 to bring 15 injured children and their families across the mountains from Kosovo, two masked gunmen ambushed her outside her hotel in northern Albania. As Sally threw herself to the ground, a shot whistled through the air, hitting her leg. At first I didnt know what had happened, recalls Sally. But my colleague, a former nurse, said, Youve been shot! I could feel the ground soaking wet beneath me and realised it was blood. Sallys life was saved by Bill Foxton, a British veteran who was in Kosovo with the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and happened to be staying in a nearby hotel. Bill, a former army major, threw her in an army truck and drove her to hospital at breakneck speed, where he helped to staunch the flow of blood, saving her leg and probably her life. Three years ago Sally took a train carrying 91 women and children through war-torn Ukraine in the dead of night. Sally and the other passengers were relieved when they finally reached Poland, where this photograph was taken Sally ended up falling in love with Bill. In 1999, and back home in Brighton, she gave birth to their daughter, Billie. Sadly her relationship with Bill ended soon after and he moved to Afghanistan before his death in 2009. As a single mum, I have been very conscious I need to stay safe for my daughter, says Sally. There have been times I felt guilty leaving Billie with my mother while I was away. But plenty of women do dangerous jobs. Its no different for me. While I try to be extra careful, I cant turn my back on the children who need me. Every time I have to cross a front line, Im terrified, though. Its just, having done it before, its hard to say no. Now grown up, Billie is so supportive of her mother she joined her in Poland in 2022 to help the children escaping from Ukraine. If this isnt impressive enough, in 2021 Sally launched the ground-breaking Save A Child app. This allows Sally and her small team to connect medics treating children in remote or war-torn areas with specialists. We now have over 300 specialists throughout the world to call on, she says. It means a doctor or nurse treating children in areas like Gaza can reach out and get expert help within an hour or two, which is often the difference between life and death. After weeks of negotiation with the Home Office, some of the Ukrainian women and children who Sally transported found homes in Wales, where this photograph was taken 'We have saved many babies in Afghanistan thanks to our neo-natal experts in the UK and Sweden. Just this week a doctor in Afghanistan was trying to treat a little boy with a severely injured arm. Gangrene was setting in and the doctor didnt know the best way to treat him. We allocated the case to one of our trauma specialists and the boys arm has been saved. Its stories like these that keep this incredible woman going. As Sally herself says, Its my life now and has been for over 30 years. I cant see myself ever stopping. Sallys autobiography, Where Angels Fear To Tread, is published on April 10. Do YOU know an inspirational campaigner, carer or activist? Just one week left to send us YOUR nomination We all know them the women determined to make a difference in their communities. That might be by raising funds, championing underdogs or campaigning for causes. That's why we've launched the Daily Mail's Inspirational Women Awards 2025, in partnership with disability charity Sense, and sponsored by Marks & Spencer. We want you to nominate extraordinary women from every walk of life. Five finalists will be chosen to attend a charity gala on Thursday, June 5. Your browser does not support iframes. Each winner receives a crystal trophy and a 500 M&S gift voucher. There are no cash alternatives to the prizes. Full terms apply. Read before entering at dailymail.co.uk/inspirationalwomenawards2025. For decades, a 9-to-5 job was the American Dream. It meant stability a steady paycheck, clear career path and maybe even a pension if you stuck around long enough. But these days, that setup feels less like a dream and more like a relic of the past. With the rise of remote work, side hustles, and a general burnout from hustle culture, more people - specifically young adults - are questioning why we still cling to such a rigid schedule. The idea that you have to be at a desk for eight hours a day, five days a week, just to prove you're working? A lot of people aren't buying it anymore. Instead, they're looking for flexibility, better work-life balance, and a way to make a living that doesn't feel so exhausting. This shift has fueled the anti-work movement, which isn't just about quitting jobs it's about rethinking what work should even look like in the first place. DailyMail.com spoke exclusively with Dr. Charles Sweet MD, a medical advisor at Linear Health, and Arianny Mercedes, a career and workforce strategist as well as the founder of global career consultancy Revamped, to understand the movement and what the future might look like. People are looking for a better work-life balance rather than a traditional 9-5. FEMAIL spoke to two experts - Dr. Charles Sweet MD, a medical advisor at Linear Health , and Arianny Mercedes, a Career & Workforce Strategist and the founder of Revamped - about the anti-work movement and what it means Arianny made it clear that the anti-work movement isn't about refusal to work: 'It's a refusal to participate in systems that feel exploitative, stagnant, or misaligned with one's values. 'People are rethinking productivity, questioning hustle culture, and pushing back on outdated notions of loyalty to employers that offer little security or flexibility in return.' Dr. Charles said the movement began because: 'Younger generations have grown up watching economic instability, from recessions to pandemics. 'The cost of living has skyrocketed, and most jobs demand everything while offering little security. 'The rise of remote work and a greater awareness of mental health have influenced people to rethink how they spend their time.' He also said research has shown that long hours and rigid schedules are the reasons behind stress and burnout. Both experts attribute much of this attitude to the 2020 pandemic. 'COVID-19 definitely plays a big role in accelerating this change. We see that remote work is possible, flexibility is valued, and commuting for hours isn't necessary,' Dr. Sweet told FEMAIL. He added: 'Social media also plays a part, especially with platforms like TikTok or Reddit, where workers have a space to share their frustrations. Influencers have also shown us different ways to make a living. 'There are freelancing, side hustles, and remote jobs that make traditional employment look a bit old.' This shift isn't just about quitting jobsit's about rethinking what work should even look like in the first place Is this movement a temporary trend or a long-term shift? Arianny said it was 'absolutely' a long-term shift. 'While the pandemic accelerated it, the discontent was already brewing. 'We're witnessing a generational realignment of priorities where freedom, wellness, and fulfillment are more important than job titles or tenure. 'While the rhetoric may evolve, the core demand for autonomy, dignity, and flexibility in work isn't going anywhere.' She added: 'Companies that resist this shift will struggle with retention and relevance.' How have generational differences influenced attitudes toward work? Arianny said younger people in the workforce, specifically Millennials and Gen Z, 'See work as a part of life not the center of it.' 'Unlike older generations who often equated job stability with success, today's professionals are more likely to prioritize mental health, remote options, and values alignment,' she detailed to DailyMail.com. 'They're also much more vocal on social media about their dissatisfaction, which amplifies the movement and creates a shared language of resistance. One expert said research has shown that long hours and rigid schedules are the reasons behind stress and burnout. Both experts attribute much of this attitude to the 2020 pandemic How are big companies handling the shift? Arianny said some 'forward-thinking companies are investing in true flexibility remote-first cultures, four-day workweeks, asynchronous collaboration.' 'Others are opting for performative gestures or trying to return to pre-pandemic norms. 'The companies that will win long-term are the ones treating flexibility not as a perk, but as a default. They're the ones restructuring work itself not just offering yoga classes and calling it wellness.' Businesses are struggling to shift from control-based models to trust-based ones, the career and workforce strategist explained. 'There's also a lag in management training leaders don't always know how to lead remote or hybrid teams, which leads to micromanagement or resistance. 'Additionally, companies that ignore these cultural shifts are seeing higher turnover and a shrinking talent pool, especially among younger, diverse candidates who won't tolerate outdated workplace norms.' She said businesses need to 'start by listening' to foster happier employees. 'Conduct stay interviews, not just exit interviews. Redefine productivity to focus on outcomes, not hours. Normalize mental health days. Train managers on emotional intelligence,' she advised DailyMail.com. 'Offer career development pathways that don't require burnout to earn a promotion. And perhaps most importantly trust your people. The future of work is built on mutual respect and flexibility, not surveillance and rigidity.' Dr. Sweet also recommended that big companies should: 'See employees as whole people and not just an assembly line that can get work done is a big change in how people look at employment. 'People feel most motivated when they have a sense of autonomy, feel competent, and have meaningful connections with others.' Prince Joachim of Denmark has sparked controversy by making a surprisingly frank admission about his position within the Danish royal family. The younger brother of King Frederik X made the controversial comment in the newly released documentary film titled Hrvejen, admitting to personally feeling uncertainty around his purpose and place within the royal institution. The revealing moment in the documentary sees Prince Joachim, 55, questioning: 'Am I a product? Do I have something to offer others besides?' The open-ended admission about his life's purpose has the potential to cause new upset amongst the Danish royal household, particularly with his brother King Frederik and sister-in-law Queen Mary. The candid statement made by Prince Joachim, who is nowadays based in the US and has an official role as the defence industry attache to the Danish Embassy, might not sit well with King Frederik and Queen Mary. The King, 56, and Queen, 53, only stepped up into the top job a year ago and are looking to put their own stamp on the direction of the Danish royal family and steer it towards the future. The Prince's comments may give the royal couple pause for thought about his place amongst that vision. In addition, what the Prince didn't discuss in the new documentary also hinted at internal tensions within the royal family. Although Prince Joachim offered up open and honest assessments about his own life in the film, it's telling that he didn't at any point speak about his current relationship with his brother King Frederik, or his mother Queen Margrethe II. Prince Joachim has made surprisingly frank comments about his position in the Danish royal family, which could give King Frederik and Queen Mary pause for thought. The omission hints at residual issues within the Danish royal family, most likely stemming from the 2023 removal of the titles of Prince Joachim's four children. In recent years, Joachim has had a prickly relationship with his family after former monarch Queen Margrethe made the decision to strip the titles of his four children, Nikolai, Felix, Henrik and Athena. The Prince's eldest sons Nikolai and Felix, who were born during his first marriage to Countess Alexandra of Frederiksborg, and his younger children Henrik and Athena, whom he shares with current wife Countess of Marie, had their titles 'discontinued' in 2023. The then-Queen's decision to strip their titles did not sit well with the Prince, who made it explicitly known that the decision had upset his family. 'I can say that my children are sad,' Prince Joachim told local Danish publication B.T. following the shock announcement in 2022. 'My kids don't know which leg to stand on. What they should believe. Why should their identity be removed? Why must they be punished in that way?' Interestingly, the Prince's latest statement in the documentary echoes the concerns he'd previously raised about his own children potentially experiencing a crisis of identity as a result of their titles being stripped. Nevertheless, the new documentary appears to have the support of the Danish royal family, who shared promotional pictures and snippets from the film to their official Instagram account ahead of its premiere last month. The new documentary follows Prince Joachim along with Danish author Steffen Jacobsen as they hike along Denmark's oldest road, Hrvejen. Prince Joachim and his wife Princess Marie of Denmark with their two children Athena and Henrik along with Joachim's older sons Felix and Nikolai. The Danish royal family shared these stills of Prince Joachim and Danish author Steffen Jacobsen in the documentary Hrvejen The Jesper H. Grand directed film sees the two men from starkly different backgrounds undertake the picturesque journey while sharing personal stories along the way. The documentary includes never-before-heard revelations from the Prince about his upbringing and life behind palace walls. One of the poignant moments in the documentary sees Prince Joachim recount the feeling of deep 'loneliness' that he experienced following his 2005 divorce from first wife, Countess Alexandra. 'It wasn't just loneliness. It was a strange loneliness derived from having done something inevitable and necessary,' he revealed. Throughout the documentary, the royal speaks openly about his experience as a parent and his interactions with his children. And in a sign that his eldest son Nikolai is proud of his father, the model shared a sneak peek post about the film ahead of its premiere, writing that it featured 'the coolest dad in his upcoming documentary'. The documentary has been airing in select cinemas since its release and will later premiere in June on Danish TV channel DR1. A notoriously reclusive heiress who has not been seen in public for three years has made a surprising appearance at a charity gala - and appears to have opted for a new look. French-Greek socialite Athina Onassis, who reportedly splits her time between a small town in the Netherlands and Belgium, was snapped at an art event hosted by the Amis du Centre Pompidou in Paris last month. The 40 year-old equestrian is the daughter of French businessman Thierry Roussel and socialite Christina Onassis, whose father was Aristotle Onassis, owner of one of the largest shipping fleets in the world. However, despite inheriting a billion-dollar fortune as a member of the dynasty, tragedies in Athina's life have led to suggestions she's a victim of the 'Onassis curse' which has befallen several members of her extremely wealthy family. When Athina was just three years old her mother Christina, 37, was found dead in the bath tub. On her 18th birthday, Athina was given access to her late mother's $2.7billion fortune. In her adult years Athina has never been a fan of the spotlight and largely kept her personal life under wraps. However, after the breakdown of her ten-year marriage to 'Doda' Alvaro de Miranda Neto in 2016, she almost completely withdrew from public life altogether. A keen showjumper, the sportswoman was last snapped in June 2022, when she competed at the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping show at Champ de Mars. Athina - who does not have any children - is often photographed sporting a solemn expression, her signature bleached hair and her riding gear - however, she looks almost unrecognisable after re-appearing on the high society scene. Athina Onassis was snapped at an art event hosted by the Amis du Centre Pompidou in Paris last month Athina was seen with Ines de Cominges, the only daughter of Count and Countess Rafael de Cominges of Madrid, and artist Arnaud Cabri-Wiltzer A keen equestrian, the sportswoman was last snapped in June 2022, when she competed at the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping show at Champ de Mars In the image - which was taken on March 11 - she has switched out her golden tresses for chocolate brown strands, which she wore in an elegant blow-dry. Although she is often seen with little to-no-makeup, the secretive socialite wore a glamorous full face of cosmetics, including blush, contour, mascara and eyeshadow, with her lips looking fuller than in previous years. Athina donned a sheer black lace dress, along with a glitzy sequin blazer and wore a silver jewelled crucifix around her neck. She posed for a picture with Ines de Cominges, the only daughter of Count and Countess Rafael de Cominges of Madrid, and artist Arnaud Cabri-Wiltzer. She has only been seen a handful of times since her ex-husband was reportedly found in bed with a one-night stand in the $2million home that Athina bought in Wellington, Florida in 2016. DailyMail.com learnt that 'Doda' Miranda, who was formerly part of Brazil's Olympic showjumping team, was discovered in bed with the woman by his wife's security team. A well-connected member of the international show jumping circuit told the Mail that Athina's security team busted him 'having sex with another woman'. 'He begged them not to say anything, but one of them went straight to Athina. She immediately packed her bags and went off to Europe,' the source said. 'It was apparently a one-night stand, there was nothing serious going on between them.' Athina - who does not have any children - is often photographed sporting a solemn expression, her signature bleached hair and her riding gear (pictured in 2019) Aristotle Onassis (pictured 1959) owned one of the largest shipping fleets in the world called the Onassis Fleet Athina is snapped with her ex-husband Alvaro de Miranda Neto in April 2005, before they married On her 18th birthday, the heiress inherited $2.7billion from her mother, who was tragically found dead in her bath tub aged 37, when Athina was just three years old (pictured together) After Christina's death, Athina went to live with her father and his partner, Gaby. Pictured: Christina, Thierry and Athina Miranda spoke to Brazilian magazine Epoca at the time and said: 'I am really in the midst of a storm. But I will not give up on my love. 'It won't be easy but I will fight until the end.' Miranda has since gone on to marry another woman, journalist Denize Severo, and has welcomed two children. Athina's marriage breakdown is not the first heartbreak she has endured - after tragically losing her mother at the age of three. In her early childhood, Christina bonded with her daughter and gave Athina her own flock of sheep, complete with a shepherd, when she learned the nursery rhyme Baa Baa Black Sheep. She also gave her a private zoo. It was previously reported that Christina had died of a heart attack brought on by years of eating disorders. Athina was reportedly the richest teenage girl in the world when she inherited her mother's $2.7billion fortune when she turned 18. However, her fortune has been badly managed over the years, experts say, and she sold Aristotle's private Greek island, Skorpios, to Russian billionairess Ekaterina Rybolovleva in 2013 for an estimated $100million. Despite being one of the wealthiest families in the world, the Onassis dynasty has famously been plagued by tragedy. A decade and a half earlier, Christina had lost her entire family in little more than two years. Her 24-year-old brother Alexander was killed in a plane crash in January, 1973, and their mother, also called Athina, died of a drug overdose the following year. Aristotle, who never recovered from his son and heir's death, then passed away from bronchial pneumonia in March 1975. Christina had four marriages, none of them lasting more than three years. Athina (whose father was Christina's final husband, French pharmaceutical heir Thierry Roussel) was her only child. Athina is now the only living Onassis grandchild of Aristotle. Athina is believed to have no contact with her father and has even dropped his last name (pictured together) After Christina's death, Athina went to live with Roussel and Gaby. Thierry Roussel fathered a son with Swedish model Gaby Landhage while Christina was pregnant, and the couple split shortly after Athina was born. After Christina's death, Athina went to live with Roussel and Gaby. Athina is believed to have no contact with her father and has even dropped his last name. Thierry was also not among the 1,300 guests invited to her December 2005 marriage to Miranda in a specially constructed Roman Catholic church at a resort in Sao Paulo. Instead, Miranda's father Ricardo led her down the aisle. Miranda told a Brazilian magazine in 2011 that they intended to start a family within a few years. 'Athina is still very young,' he said, adding that having a baby would interrupt her budding showjumping career. 'I also have a very busy life,' he said. 'When a baby comes I want to reduce the number of competitions to be more present.' Athina reportedly became pregnant in 2013 but suffered a miscarriage. Miranda said that Athina spent much of her time looking after Vivienne, his daughter with model Cibele Dorsa, who killed herself in 2011. Racegoers were dressed to impress for an afternoon of drinking and dancing Thousands of racegoers arrived at Aintree for a party packed first day at the Grand National festival. Decked out in their finery, an estimated 23,000 merry spectators descended on the Merseyside concourse today to enjoy the booze-fuelled festivities. Excited revellers appeared in high spirits as they partied their way through the afternoon, with many pictured with beaming smiles as the sun shone down sunglass sheltered spectators. Partiers packed out stands with their best dance moves as several were pictured boogying the afternoon amid a sea of empty beer glasses and drained Prosecco buckets. Among the racegoers was the Princess Royal, who attended a lunch held by charity Racing Welfare, of which she is president, before watching the first race of the day. The racecourse was a sea of colour this morning as patrons started arriving at Aintree station in Liverpool. Racegoers embraced the warmer April weather in sleeveless dresses with plunging necklines and figure-hugging skirts as day one of the Merseyside racing meet got underway on Thursday. And as the afternoon settled in across the Grand National Festival, revellers grew increasingly raucous. Several were pictured basking in the sunshine as they flopped next to empty jugs of booze, with many puffing away on cigarettes. Thousands of racegoers arrived at Aintree for a party packed first day at the Grand National festival Decked out in their finery, an estimated 23,000 merry spectators descended on the Merseyside concourse today to enjoy the booze fuelled festivities Racegoers partied away in the stands Several were pictured basking in the sunshine as they flopped next to empty jugs of booze, with several tucking into cigarettes As the races got underway, many wild partiers were seen cheering from the stands while guzzling flutes of Prosecco. More than 150,000 people are expected to descend on the course for the three-day racing festival. While Cheltenham is all about the tweedy country looks, Aintree is its more glamorous cousin - and the flamboyant outfits in hues like yellow, bright blue, and fuschia pink did not disappoint. Arriving at the racecourse in Liverpool, attendees could be seen holding on to their hats to keep them from flying off before settling in for a windy afternoon of drinking, dancing, and betting. Dressed to impress, racing fans celebrated the arrival of spring in floral-patterned maxi dresses, fascinators with blooming accents, off-shoulder ensembles, and open-toed stilletos. Unlike Royal Ascot which adopts stricter rules on what to wear, Aintree takes a more relaxed approach and tells attendees to simply come 'dressed to feel your best'. Fancy dress for revellers is also allowed, as long as the costume isn't offensive or derogatory. The Grand National on Saturday, known as the People's Race, drawing national attention in a way that perhaps no other horse race is able to do. Racegoers were pictured puffing on vapes and cigarettes Revellers tucked into drinks as the day progressed One racegoer borrowed a piece of race day glam More than 150,000 people are expected to descend on the course for the three-day racing festival Many wild partiers were photographed cheering from the stands as they shielded their eyes from the sun in stunning sunglasses and polished off piles of Prosecco Some had given up on footwear as the evening progressed As the races got underway, many wild partiers were seen cheering from the stands while guzzling flutes of Prosecco Princess Anne looked regal in a royal blue jacket on Thursday A racing enthusiast puts on a leggy display in a bright red dress, paired with matching pointed stilletos, for a bold, monochromatic look The festival takes a more relaxed approach to fashion, as compared to the Royal Ascot, with attendees encouraged to wear anything as long as it makes them feel confident Dressed to impress, racing fans celebrated the arrival of spring in floral-patterned maxi dresses, fascinators with blooming accents, off-shoulder ensembles, and open-toed stilletos Racegoers embraced the warmer April weather in sleeveless dresses with plunging necklines and figure-hugging skirts as day one of the Merseyside racing meet got underway on Thursday Anything goes at Aintree, as far as fashion is concerned, so long as racegoers feel confident and comfortable. Guidance on its website reads: 'Were all unique, and no more so than in our sense of style and comfort. 'For some, wearing a nice sweatshirt, pair of jeans and clean trainers is what makes them feel confident and at-ease. 'For others, they might prefer to turn heads with a sharp suit or glamorous dress and high heels, particularly for one of our big race meetings. 'But whatever your tastes, the most important thing when choosing your outfit is, of course, comfort and confidence. 'So wear what feels right for you and will keep you feeling your best from start to finish, whatever the weather.' Every year, millions of people gather at Aintree for the steeplechases, which spans 4 miles, 7 furlongs and 74 yards, making it the longest horse race in Britain even though it used to be around one and a half furlongs longer. The World's Greatest Steeplechase is the biggest gambled on horserace on the planet and bookmakers estimate 250m will be wagered on the three days of the Aintree and 150m on the big race alone. Revellers pictured shielding their eyes from the bright sunlight Another racegoers donned a beige frock for the sunshine soaked day Dressing for warmer weather, another racegoer slipped into a lemon yellow bodycon frock One reveller was pictured tucking into a cigarette as she read her betting sheet Racegoers sported a host of glorious outfits A couple showed off their 'His and Hers' Aintree ensembles - complete with matching yellow accents and cream blazers It appeared the dress code for day one was either pastel hues or vibrant reds, with another reveller putting their own spin on a bold, one-toned outfit - right down to the slingback heels with the heart detail A quick touch up! A woman checks her teeth for any signs of lipstick before getting settled for a day at the races Every year, millions of people gather at Aintree for the steeplechases, which spans 4 miles, 7 furlongs and 74 yards, making it the longest horse race in Britain even though it used to be around one and a half furlongs longer Powder blue dresses were another big trend on day one of the Grand National Festival Revellers seen leaving trains in swarms at Aintree station on the opening day of the Grand National Festival Not a sleeve in sight, as racegoers celebrated the arrival of spring in strapless and halter tops as the UK moves steadily towards summer Sunny smiles! A pair off racegoers pose for the cameras ahead of the day's races Strong winds threatened to blow attendees' hats right off their heads A racegoer shows off her feminine, ruffled ensemble that screams 'spring' Ruffling feathers! A festivalgoer flashing a peace sign as she posed for photos at Aintree racecourse while showing off her pink halterneck dress A spectator showed off their many racing badges on day one of the Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse This year's Grand National Saturday - the final day of the event - is predicted to be a 'grey' day for Britain's bookmakers after it was revealed that a record six of the punters' favourites to win this year are all greys - including Intense Raffles (9-1), Vanillier (10-1) and Kandoo Kid (16-1); the other three are Hyland (20-1), Coko Beach (66-1) and Fil D'Or (80-1). Due to their stand-out hue, greys are loved by part-time punters at the National - despite only three ever winning the famous 30-fence contest, The Lamb in 1868, Nicolaus Silver in 1961, and Neptune Collonges in 2012. Coral's David Stevens said: 'Five is the previous highest number of grey horses running in the Grand National, but that was when there were 40 or more runners, so the six lining up among the 34 runners this year sets a new record. Greys have always been popular with racing fans, they stand out from the rest and are easier to spot in a race, which is particularly important in a race like the National. 'Although with six in this year's race, punters will need to watch even more closely to see which grey is carrying their cash!' Stevens continued. The bookmaker are offering odds of 5/2 that one of the six greys are victorious on Saturday, 12-1 that there is a grey horse one-two, and 40-1 greys fill the first three places. With millions of adults placing a flutter on the big race, and considering grey horses are always popular, the bookmaker expect to face a flurry bets on the sextet. Coral expect up to 150 million to be staked on the National this year, making it six times bigger than the second highest turnover horserace of the year, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, while the race will be watched by the biggest TV audience of the year. Racegoers cheered as they enjoyed the festivities One woman was fully decked out out in red sequins The sister of King Charles looked beautiful in blue Racegoers braved the winds in sleeveless gowns Pictured: Racegoers on day one of the Grand National horse racing festival at Aintree racecourse, Liverpool, Merseyside One glamorous attendee smiled for a selfie as her equally chic friend watched on A pair of racegoers ditched the high heels in favour of comfortable flip flops by Thursday afternoon It was smiles all around as racegoers watched the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race One attendee donned a pair of sunglasses as he got two frothy pints in at Aintree racecourse today A chic racegoer shielded herself from the light April breeze with a sophisticated navy blazer One woman sported a full fuchsia hat for the occasion One woman was pictured looking perturbed as she strolled across the course Racegoers lapped up the glorious sunshine on Thursday Racegoers arrived dresses in a whole host of different colours Racegoers braved the breezy conditions on Thursday All smiles at Aintree! A group of friends seen enjoying the sun at the Merseyside course - as it appears they coordinated their choice of footwear This year's Grand National Saturday - the final day of the event - is predicted to be a 'grey' day for Britain's bookmakers after it was revealed that a record six of the punters' favourites to win this year are all greys Racegoers appeared to favour comfortable footwear this season, with lots of wedges and strappy sandals stomping around Aintree Racegoers held onto their hats as Aintree kicked off on a windy day in Liverpool One Aintree attendee shows off a pair of vibrant, patterned wedges that stood out among a sea of white and gold stilletos While Cheltenham is all about the tweedy country looks, Aintree is its more glamorous cousin - and the flamboyant outfits in hues like yellow, bright blue, and fuschia pink did not disappoint Coral expect up to 150 million to be staked on the National this year, making it six times bigger than the second highest turnover horserace of the year, the Cheltenham Gold Cup One attendee dressed in blue topped up her lip liner while her friend sat in the sunshine and sipped her drink Racegoers enjoyed drinks in the sunshine on the opening day of the Grand National Festival horse race meeting at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool Attendees looked on in amazement as the Randox Grand National Festival took place Racegoers looked tense as they watched the action unfold One attendee looked chic in an oversized tweed blazer and white shirt as she looked at her betting ticket Some looked tense as they watched the last race on the opening day of the Grand National Festival horse race meeting Pictured: Racegoers watch on during day one of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse Last year's winner, I Am Maximus, is the runner bookies fear the most with William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps reporting 'a big gamble' on the horse on Wednesday that cuts the 2024 winner from 11/1 to 8/1. I Am Maximus now stands as the favourite for the race at 8/1, followed by Iroko and Stumptown, who are both priced at 9/1. Phelps said: 'This year's Grand National looks one of the most open for a long time, with I Am Maximus now heading the betting for the 34-runner race at 8/1, and he's the third different favourite we've had in as many days. 'Given the open nature and big odds available across the field this year, we're expecting plenty of betting interest up and down the country and could see total turnover on the race north of i150m. 'It's a huge week at Aintree, where total betting turnover for the three days could comfortably hit a quarter of a billion.' Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced Wednesday a major expansion of military operations in Hamas-run Gaza, saying the army would seize "large areas" of the Palestinian territory. Katz said Israel would bolster its presence in the Gaza Strip to "destroy and clear the area of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure". The operation would "seize large areas that will be incorporated into Israeli security zones", he said in a statement, without specifying how much territory. A group representing families of hostages held in Gaza said they were "horrified" by Katz's announcement, fearing the goal of freeing the captives had been "pushed to the bottom of the priority list". "Has it been decided to sacrifice the hostages for the sake of 'territorial gains?'" the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. "Instead of freeing the hostages through a deal and putting an end to the war, the Israeli government is sending more soldiers to Gaza, to fight in the same areas where they have fought again and again." Katz last week warned the military would soon "operate with full force" in more parts of Gaza. In February, he announced plans for an agency to oversee the "voluntary departure" of Palestinians from Gaza. That followed Israel's backing of a proposal from US President Donald Trump for the United States to take over the territory after relocating its 2.4 million Palestinian inhabitants. Israel resumed intense bombing of Gaza on March 18 before launching a new ground offensive, ending a nearly two-month ceasefire. Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli air strikes killed at least 15 people, including children, in Khan Yunis and the Nuseirat refugee camp at dawn Wednesday. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Tuesday that 1,042 people had been killed in the territory since Israel resumed military operations, bringing the overall toll since the war began on October 7, 2023 to at least 50,399 people, the majority of them civilians. Hunger loomed in Gaza City as bakeries were shut due to severe shortages of flour and sugar. "I've been going from bakery to bakery all morning, but none of them are operating, they're all closed," Amina al-Sayed told AFP. Mahmud Sheikh Khalil said he couldn't find bread for his children. "The situation is very difficult in Gaza, there is no flour, no bread, no food or water," he said. On March 2, Israel blocked all aid from entering Gaza and later cut power to one of its main desalination plants. The idea of forcing Gazans to leave for neighbouring countries including Egypt and Jordan, first floated by Trump, has been backed by right-wing Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Sunday, Netanyahu offered to let Hamas leaders leave Gaza but demanded the group abandon its arms. The Israeli leader has rejected domestic criticism that his government -- one of the most right-wing in Israel's history -- was not doing enough to secure the hostages' release. "We are negotiating under fire... We can see cracks beginning to appear" in Hamas's positions during ceasefire talks, he told his cabinet. In the "final stage", Netanyahu said "Hamas will lay down its weapons. Its leaders will be allowed to leave". Hamas has signalled willingness to step down from ruling Gaza but calls disarmament a "red line". Egypt, Qatar and the United States are attempting to again broker a ceasefire and secure the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. A senior Hamas official said Saturday the group had approved a new ceasefire proposal and urged Israel to back it. Netanyahu's office confirmed receiving the proposal and said Israel had submitted a counteroffer. The details remain undisclosed. The United Nations on Tuesday condemned an Israeli army attack on an emergency convoy that killed 15 aid workers and medical personnel and demanded an investigation. "I condemn the attack by the Israeli army on a medical and emergency convoy on 23 March resulting in the killing of 15 medical personnel and humanitarian workers in Gaza," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said. The war was sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. My teeth are what you may call an acquired taste. Between each of my incisors, theres a gap large enough to fit a two-pence piece. Youve got teeth like a picket fence, someone once said online. And, more unkindly, another stranger looked at my Instagram profile pic and commented: Her teeth are so ugly that if she smiled at me, Id run screaming in the opposite direction. I brushed these remarks off, but they stung. I can only imagine what The White Lotuss gap-toothed star, Aimee Lou Wood, has had to put up while forging a successful acting career. Shes held her nerve against the pressure of Hollywood and learnt to love her rebellious teeth, saying this month: I spent a lot of my life worrying about being weird, and now Im realising it could be my superpower. The 31-year-old is certainly far more memorable than her conventionally beautiful co-stars. When I was a child, my family used to call my teeth the Freeman tombstones. A gift from my grandfather, everyone on my dads side had them: me, my brother, my dad, aunt, niece and nephew. Indeed, tooth gaps, or diastema (the medical term), are believed to be caused by a dominant gene. They occur if you have a large jaw bone, and teeth too small to fit it, and 25 per cent of the population are thought to be affected. The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood has learned to love her 'rebellious' teeth George Bernard Shaw famously said the US and ourselves were two nations separated by a common language. In truth, it was dentistry. In America, the Hollywood smile with perfect, even, white, straight teeth is ubiquitous. Here, we were known for having teeth that were uneven, misaligned and grey. Flashing a set of perfect teeth is now a status symbol, a sign you have the means to invest in some gnashers to go with your designer clothes. While Invisalign (invisible) braces will set you back up to 5,000, a set of veneers costs anywhere between 8,400 and 21,000. Those who arent quite so well off can opt for Turkey teeth, travelling abroad for cut-price treatment. Having perfect teeth is something that those of us on a normal wage simply cant afford. At 13, I made every teenagers rite-of-passage trip to the orthodontist, where I was told I didnt need braces for dental reasons, but could have them for aesthetic ones. My gaps were, if anything, beneficial to my oral health because nothing got stuck in them. Hey, I could even floss with my tongue. The thought of wearing metal train-tracks for a year was distinctly unappealing. I happily turned down the offer. Then in my late 30s (Im now 53) I became more self-conscious. That Hollywood smile aesthetic was seemingly everywhere. Perhaps my teeth had also shifted a little, making the gaps more noticeable, or werent as white as in my youth. Also, as a journalist, I saw many more pictures of myself than before. I fixated on my teeth, worrying that they could even be holding me back professionally. Did they make me look ugly? Poor and ungroomed? Sometimes, I felt so insecure I would smile with my mouth closed, which both looked and felt unnatural. I asked about veneers. I wouldnt recommend you do it, a specialist dentist told me. Veneers will give you very large-looking teeth and having gaps actually makes you look younger. Why would I go through the discomfort and expense of veneers to make myself appear older? Also, having them fitted involves drilling down your teeth (which can go wrong), plus they dont last for ever, meaning expensive replacements in the future. Hilary Freeman says she will be keeping - and celebrating - her not-so-perfect teeth Aimee Lou Wood in a scene from season three of The White Lotus A few years ago, I looked into Invisalign, which seemed like real progress from the train-track braces of yore. But by that time I had a young daughter (who incidentally, hasnt inherited my gappy teeth) and I didnt want her growing up believing any features society deems imperfect need to be changed. Which is why Ive learned to love my teeth. Sure, they arent seen as classically beautiful, but then neither are most of my features. My nose is too big, my hair too frizzy, my brows not high enough. If I start by fixing my teeth, where will I end up? As a Kardashian? I like having a characterful, unique face. And besides, the French love gap-toothed smiles, calling them the teeth of luck. My French partner likes my cheeky smile, and no other boyfriend ever had a problem with my teeth either. In Ghana and Nigeria, diastema symbolise fertility and are seen as beautiful. At school, I studied Chaucer and was tickled to learn that gappy teeth as exemplified by the Wife of Bath were associated with being lusty. Now, when I smile my gappy smile, I am reminded of my lovely dad, who died last summer, and his genetic legacy. I wouldnt want to change that. So, like Aimee, Ill be keeping and celebrating my not-so-perfect teeth. A woman who identifies as a furry has candidly revealed what her life is really like - including the cruel comments she receives. In Sabi Mango's most viewed TikTok clip, which has been watched more than 600,000 times, she went shopping before grabbing a bite to eat with friends. But throughout, she was dressed as a desert fox wearing a baby pink lolita dress, mask and gloves. Sabi recently decided to become a furry after she began dressing up as a hobby about a year ago. A furry is defined as an enthusiast for animal characters with human characteristics, in particular a person who dresses up like an animal character. She recently spoke to the local press and stated that her family and friends have been very supportive. Whilst she has fans online, some have resorted to leaving unpleasant comments on her social media page. Sabi Mango who identifies as a furry has candidly revealed what her life is really like - including the cruel comments she receives Sabi recently decided to become a furry after she began dressing up as a hobby about a year ago She dresses up as a desert fox wearing a baby pink lolita dress, mask and gloves 'I have come to the conclusion that it is about people seeing something that they cannot relate to,' she told the local outlet. 'If they cannot, then something is wrong, and when something is wrong, they have to tell that person that they do not like it. 'Then people want to put others down so that they can feel better themselves. 'I am not doing this so that you will like me. This is my interest, and this makes me happy. 'I hope others find their interest and make themselves happy instead of looking at the internet and writing to others that they should die.' Sabi has said that she feels that she has always been a 'target' to others, and that in school she was bullied for her interest in Pokemon. She hopes that she can be a role model to others who are teased for their personal passions. Her interest in the furry world was sparked by her love for fashion. Sabi said she often receives cruel comments under her videos making fun of her and her look Sabi has said that she feels that she has always been a 'target' to others, and that in school she was bullied for her interest in Pokemon . She hopes that she can be a role model to others who are teased for their personal passions In her daily life, she works as a model and has recently worked with the fashion brand, Weekday. Sabi started to feel that the fashion world was too 'narrow and boring,' and that the furry world was more fun and playful when it came to outfits. Local press have reported that the outfits worn by furries cost around $19,700 as they are often custom made. She has highlighted that she doesn't identify with a desert fox, and that she just thinks they are cute and likes to dress up as one. Sabi finds people are often prejudiced and assume that furries go to work or school in their costumes. She also finds people think that they walk on all fours, eat animal food, and relieve themselves in litter boxes. None of this, however, is true, according to Sabi, who is from Stockholm, Sweden. Comments on some of her recent posts have shown some of what Sabi has to go through each day. She is determined not to let hate stop her from being who she wants to be. Fans of the Irwin family have been left swooning after Robert Irwin, 21, debuted a sexy new photo spread published Thursday. Robert, who is the son of the late icon Steve Irwin, posed in a series of smoking pictures for People Magazine as he modeled Bonds, the Australian underwear brand that he's helping bring to the U.S. And, of course, since he's an Irwin, it was only fitting that he posed with live animals in some of the photos - and according to the magazine, most of them were venomous. In one picture, Robert left little to the imagination as he wore a pair of white underwear, giving a smoldering look to the camera as a large snake was wrapped around his neck. He also draped the snake around himself as he sat down in a chair in a pair of black Bonds underwear, showing off his washboard abs. In another snap, he cuddled with a large lizard, but this time, Robert was more covered up in a casual white tank top and dark teal undies. Robert later proved he's not afraid of anything as the former zookeeper even had a large spider crawling up his arm as he lay with one leg up in the grass, showing off a pair of the gray boxers. And the photos have since gone viral, with fans from all around the world swooning at the all grown-up Robert. Fans of the Irwin family have been left swooning after Robert Irwin, 21, debuted a sexy new photo spread published Thursday Robert, who is the son of the late icon Steve Irwin, posed in a series of smoking pictures for People Magazine as he modeled Bonds, the Australian underwear brand that's he's helping bring to the U.S. In one picture, Robert left little to the imagination as he wore a pair of white underwear, giving a smoldering look to the camera as a large snake was wrapped around his neck On X, formerly Twitter, many just couldn't believe their eyes. 'Robert Irwin I was unfamiliar with your game,' one person wrote, accompanied by a sweating-face emoji. 'HAVE Y'ALL SEEN ROBERT IRWIN?!?!' someone else typed. Another joked, 'Robert Irwin I have been in love with you since I was a child please one chance.' 'Robert Irwin thirst trap photoshoot this is how a mom cleaning her son's room and finding a pack of cigarettes under the mattress must feel like,' an X user chimed in. A second person poked, 'Robert Irwin I will raise your lizard baby like it's my own.' 'Robert Irwin I'm free tonight for dinner if you are too Robert Irwin I could be flexible and meet you in Australia if that works better for you Robert Irwin,' another quipped. And there's good news for thirsty fans - speaking to People, Robert revealed that he is currently single. And the photos went totally viral, with fans from all around the world swooning at the all grown-up Robert 'I'm single. It's funny, I'm at this point in my life where I'm like, I'm so open to that, but I'm just waiting for the stars to align,' he told the outlet 'Interestingly, my parents, my sister Bindi met her husband [Chandler Powell] here everyone met here at our wildlife sanctuary,' he told the outlet of The Australia Zoo in Queensland, which is where he lives and works 'I'm single. It's funny, I'm at this point in my life where I'm like, I'm so open to that, but I'm just waiting for the stars to align,' he told the outlet. However, he has an idea of how he might meet someone. 'Interestingly, my parents, my sister Bindi met her husband [Chandler Powell] here everyone met here at our wildlife sanctuary,' he told the outlet of The Australia Zoo in Queensland, which is where he lives and works. He explained that he was looking for an 'American tourist' visiting the zoo to court. 'In both instances, there were American tourists that were coming over and visiting the zoo. So I'm waiting. I'm waiting for that American tourist to come into the zoo and for it all to happen!' Robert shared. Medics have sounded the alarm over the dangers of consuming fresh coconut water after a man died hours after unknowingly drinking from a rotten coconut. The 69-year-old had bought the pre-prepared fruit - a popular choice at holiday resorts - a month earlier and left it on his kitchen table instead of refrigerating it. But the unidentified pensioner only swallowed a 'small amount' using a straw because the 'water had a foul taste', according to Danish medics who shared his story in a journal. Opening up the coconut, the man from Aarhus in Denmark discovered the interior was 'slimy' and told his wife it 'looked rotten' and threw it in the bin. Just three hours later he began suffering bouts of sweating, nausea and vomiting and an ambulance crew were called to his home. They discovered he was confused, unable to balance and had pale, clammy skin. MRI scans taken in hospital showed he had severe brain swelling, but medics remained baffled by what had caused the reaction. Despite being treated in intensive care for metabolic encephalopathy - when problems with metabolism cause brain dysfunction - he was declared brain dead 26 hours after arriving at hospital and his life support was switched off. The 69-year-old had bought the pre-shaved coconut a month earlier and left it on his kitchen table instead of refrigerating it. Pictured, a coconut shared by Dr Samuel Choudhury Responding to case report on Instagram, Dr Samuel Choudhury also told his 326,000 followers: 'Always store these coconuts in the fridge because they are already partially peeled' An autopsy revealed he had fungus growing in his windpipe that medics initially mistook for a toxin called bongkrekic acid. However, further analysis of the coconut showed the fungi arthrinium saccharicola had festered inside of it, according to the case report in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. Research has long shown this species of fungus produces the toxic compound 3-nitropropionic acid, which causes severe brain damage. Case reports have also shown the toxin has poisoned adults in China and parts of Africa as early as 1991, but mouldy sugarcane was to blame. Victims suffered similar symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, before being struck down by encephalopathy, which in some cases proved fatal. No known antidote to thwart the effects of the poison currently exists. Treatment instead focuses on supportive care, such as managing symptoms and potential complications like meningitis or encephalitis - serious brain swelling. This fresh 'challenging case', showed just how 'rapidly the disease progressed', the doctors added. Further analysis of the coconut showed the fungi arthrinium saccharicola had festered inside of it. Pictured, arthrinium saccharicola cells The unidentified pensioner only swallowed a 'small amount' using a straw because the 'water had a foul taste', according to Danish medics who shared his story in a journal Food safety chiefs have long advised that pre-shaved coconuts should be stored in the fridge to keep them fresh. Coconut water is perishable and should be consumed within a few days. Responding to the case report on Instagram, Dr Samuel Choudhury, based in Singapore, told his 326,000 followers: 'Always store these coconuts in the fridge because they are already partially peeled. 'Only whole coconuts can be stored at room temperature. Sharing an image of a fungus-ridden coconut with his fans, he added: 'During the autopsy the doctors found fungus in the windpipe. 'This is why you need to store your coconuts properly and why food poisoning can be deadly - even just a sip. 'With partially peeled coconuts, the white flesh is exposed. Shelf life is much shorter.' At least 25 million Americans live in dental deserts - areas where dentists are scarce and residents face skyrocketing rates of tooth decay, emergency surgeries, and chronic health problems. Dentists warn these issues will only worsen with the removal of fluoride from drinking water, which has reduced tooth decay and cavities for over 80 years. Roughly 230 counties across the US lack a sufficient number of dentists to cater to the number of people living there, and most have removed or are considering removing fluoride from their water. Robert F Kennedy Jr, the current head of the Department of Health and Human Services, has often promoted unproven claims that the common cavity preventative is dangerous. The controversy surrounding fluoride stems from a meta-analysis of dozens of studies showing children exposed to higher fluoride levels had lower IQ scores compared to those with lower exposure levels. Evidence suggests fluoride exposure above 1.5 ppm may slightly affect IQ, but water fluoridation in most of the US ranges from 0.7 to 1.2 ppm, with no direct link to IQ loss at these levels. Dr. Chelsea Perry, a Massachusetts dentist, told DailyMail.com US water fluoridation is extremely safe. She explained that studies linking fluoride to lower IQs involve much higher levels than those typically found in regulated US water, such as in areas with excessive natural fluoride like Colorado Springs, where levels are reduced to a safe range by the EPA, varying from 0.14 ppm to 1.30 ppm. RFK Jr has promoted unproven claims about fluoride, despite eight decades of evidence showing it reduces dental decay. Over a dozen states are considering removing it from their water supplies Dentists in rural areas with a lack of enough dentists and fluoridated water regularly perform extractions, crowns, and spacersoften under general anesthesiaon children as young as five, many of whom present with severe tooth decay (stock image) She said: Fluoridation definitely helps as it's one of the most effective public health tools we have for reducing cavities, especially in communities with limited access to dental care.' Around 63 percent of Americans drink fluoridated water from community water systems. Rural states like Alaska, Montana, Nevada, and North Dakota, which have high uninsured rates, have more dental deserts than East Coast states. On average, dental deserts have one dentist for about 3,800 people, compared to one per 1,470 in urban areas. A Kaiser Health News investigation found, based on Harvard and CDC data, found that 230 rural counties, mainly in the Midwest and South (such as Texas, Kansas, and Missouri), face a double burden of too few dentists and no fluoride in water. Dr Jessica Robertson, a pediatric dentist in rural Arizona, told DailyMail.com that a lack of added fluoride in the water supply in the state has wreaked havoc among her patients. Practicing in Cottonwood, Lakeside, and Flagstaff, where natural fluoride levels are far below the CDC's recommended 0.7 ppm, she frequently performs extractions, crowns, and spacersoften under general anesthesiaon children as young as five, many with severe decay. Most people in dental deserts do not have private insurance. Around 2.5 million of them are enrolled in Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor and disabled. The map shows dental deserts by county. Rural states in the Rocky Mountains and the West, which also have a high proportion of uninsured people, such as Alaska, Montana, Nevada, and North Dakota, tend to contain more dental deserts, where most East Coast states do not Your browser does not support iframes. Most dentists don't accept Medicaid because the government reimburses them far less than private insurance, leaving millions to pay for dental care out of pocket. A tooth extraction can cost around $200 without insurance. A routine cleaning costs about the same. Fillings can run from about $50 to $250, and a root canal costs anywhere from $700 to $1,500 out of pocket. Researchers at the Colorado School of Public Health mapped out the cost benefits of fluoridated water nationwide, particularly to those without insurance. In 2013, over 211 million people in the US had access to fluoridated water, saving an estimated $32.19 per person in cavity prevention. After accounting for the $324 million cost of fluoridation, net savings totaled $6.5 billion, yielding a $20 return for every $1 spent on water fluoridation. Dr Suparna Mahalaha, a dentist providing care to seniors in Northeast Ohios dental deserts, told DailyMail.com that while fluoridation is 'not a replacement for dental care,' it is 'a critical public health measure that acts as a stopgap to reduce decay and prevent more serious problems down the road. And a wealth of studies consistently report that fluoridated water reduces the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Dr. Chelsea Perry, a Massachusetts dentist, told DailyMail.com that U.S. water fluoridation is overwhelmingly safe In 1956, researchers from Newburgh, New York, tracked the outcome of adding fluoride to its water supply 10 years prior, the second city in the nation to do so (after Grand Rapids, Michigan). Children with lifelong access to fluoridated water had 58 percent less tooth decay than those from nearby Kingston, NY, which had no fluoride added to its water. Even older children in Newburgh who did not grow up with fluoride still had 41 to 52 percent fewer cavities. More recently, Alaska's capital city, Juneau, chose to remove fluoride from its water in 2007. University of Alaska researchers have pointed to the removals devastating effects. In Juneau, children under seven born after fluoride was removed had 33 percent more cavity-related procedures, with those born after the cessation needing the most dental care and incurring the highest costs, all paid for by taxpayers due to the study's focus on Medicaid patients. But now, states are looking to move away from fluoride. Utah recently ruled that it would strip fluoride from its state's drinking water systems following concerns raised by RFK Jr. Meanwhile, the Florida legislature recently approved a measure that would prevent local governments from adding fluoride to water. Cities across Florida have already done this. RFK Jr's goal at HHS is to cut rates of chronic diseases. But dentists say removing a safeguard against tooth decay runs counter to that goal, as gum disease is linked to heart disease, respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, and pregnancy complications Dr Mahalaha added: The overwhelming body of scientific evidence supports fluoridation as safe in appropriate concentrations and an effective way to prevent tooth decay. Claims that it lowers IQ are based on studies with significant limitations and are not backed by major health organizations like the CDC, the American Dental Association, or the World Health Organization. Dr. Suparna Mahalaha said that while fluoridation isn't a substitute for dental care, it is a vital public health measure to prevent serious issues later Poor oral health can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and abscesses, and over time, contribute to chronic health conditions. Gum disease, which causes bleeding and allows bacteria to inflame the gums, can spread to the bloodstream, potentially affecting a pregnant womans fetus and leading to premature labor or low birth weight. It is also linked to heart disease, as the bacteria can target the heart, hardening arteries, thickening arterial walls, and promoting blood clots. This is where the disconnect becomes really clear, Dr Perry said. Poor oral health doesn't just stay in your mouth. She added: So when this administration sets goals to reduce chronic disease, but doesn't address oral health access, it's missing a major piece of the puzzle. You cannot fully tackle chronic disease if you're ignoring the role of the mouth in the body. Your browser does not support iframes. With public skepticism of fluoride mounting to a historic high, dentists fear that people already lacking adequate dental care will be the most harmed. I'm deeply concerned that the populations living in dental deserts are going to fall even further behind and run into even more health issues than those with access to proper dental care, Dr Perry said. Dr Mahalaha added: Removing fluoride would be a step backward, particularly for the millions already living in dental deserts. An elderly woman believed she was possessed by ghosts when she saw her arm move on its own before doctors discovered she was actually suffering from an extremely rare condition. A 77-year-old woman was watching TV in her home when she suddenly noticed her left hand began to stroke her face and hair against her will. Terrified, she attempted to control the left hand with her right but remained unsuccessful - forcing her to watch one of her hands move on its own for 30 minutes. According to the case report, her husband rushed her to the hospital and noted that she was dragging her left leg while walking. Suspecting that there may be a problem with the elderly woman's brain, responding doctors at the hospital asked her to undergo a CT and MRI scan. The scans showed 'acute infarcts in both the parietal lobes' of her brain - also known as strokes in the part of the brain located behind the frontal lobe. A parietal lobe stroke is caused by an interruption of the blood supply to that part of the brain and can lead to a loss of movements, language, reading, changes in behavior, and visual disturbances. As the elderly woman gradually gained normal control of the left side over the span of six hours, doctors concluded that she was suffering from Alien Hand Syndrome. A 77-year-old woman was watching TV in her own home when she suddenly noticed her left hand flinging as it began to stroke her face and hair without her will Your browser does not support iframes. Sounding like something out of a sci-fi movie, Alien Hand Syndrome (AHS) is a disorder in which a person's hand or hands are not under their control and move on their own. Also referred to as Dr Strangelove syndrome, the patients see their hand, frequently the left one, move and perform actions without being aware. Because of its independent movements, patients often feel like their hand is being controlled by another person and become disconnected from the body part. The person also does not have sensation in the hand and cannot feel anything the hand touches. Doctors from Texas wrote of the 2014 case study: 'Alien Hand Syndrome, or Dr. Strangelove syndrome, is an interesting situation in which a person loses control of his or her hand, which starts to act independently. 'The alien hand might grab onto things and the person might have to use the other limb to release the objects from it. At extremes, the alien hand has been reported to even suffocate the patient.' Doctors believe the unnamed woman's AHS could have been brought on by a stroke in the parietal lobes after she stopped taking her blood clot medication in anticipation of spinal surgery. They also noted that the development of AHS due to a stroke is extremely rare but can be terrifying to patients. Furthermore, the case study stated that the extremely short duration of alien hand (30 minutes) in the woman's case made it the shortest reported duration of this phenomenon ever recorded. The condition has been reported to last for several days to several years, according to the doctors. Sounding like something out of a sci-fi movie, Alien Hand Syndrome (AHS) is a disorder in which a person's hand moves on its own and is not under their control Experts also performed an ultrasound test of her heart to see its structure and check for blood clots. Her results suggested that she had no problems with her heart and her blood vessels were free of clots. It remains unclear if the doctors performed any other tests to diagnose the syndrome and there are no specific tests to diagnose AHS. As the elderly woman regained full control of the left side of her body over the next six hours, she noted that her left upper limb was numb and slightly weak. Doctors instructed her to restart her blood clot medication and she was sent home with no further symptoms or complications. AHS can happen with several underlying conditions or trauma, as well as after some types of brain surgery and there is no treatment for it. Due to its rarity, it remains unknown exactly how many Americans suffer from AHS however, a review in 2013 found just 150 cases in the medical journals. A self-confessed 'fitness addict' was left terrifyingly close to death after rupturing her body's main artery while on the rowing machine at the gym. Super-fit Marie-Anne August, 45, was heaving her arms backwards during a high intensity workout this time last year, when she felt a 'ripping in my chest, followed by a bubbling feeling'. The Devon native was rushed to her local hospital, where medics performed a series of investigations including blood tests and an ECG to monitor the electrical activity of her heart. But to her surprise, the results came back normal and she was sent home with a clean bill of health, she said. However within two days, her family became 'increasingly concerned' about her health, commenting that she 'didn't look right'. 'I couldn't breathe and the pain was absolutely excruciating,' said Ms August, who works in NHS communications. Panicked, she returned to the hospital where she was eventually diagnosed with aortic dissection. This is a life-threatening condition where a tear in the aorta (the body's main artery) disrupts blood flow to the body's organs, and causes internal bleeding. Marie-Anne August from Devon was taking part in a CrossFit class last year when she felt a 'rip' in her chest The condition can trigger a range of deadly problems including stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and even paralysis, if the blood supply to the spinal chord is compromised. The risk of dying increases by 1-3 per cent every hour the dissection goes untreated, according to the NHS. Aortic dissection is most common in people aged over 65, with 35 cases per 100,000 people per year in that age group. However, studies show that endurance athletes, particularly competitive rowers, are at higher risk of suffering a deadly tear. Weight-lifting and sprinting are other high-risk exercises, according to the US National Institute of Health. In 2018, doctors at St George's hospital in London reported a similar case of a 27 year-old man who suffered an aortic dissection after an intense period of rowing. Ms August was rushed in for open heart surgery at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. 'I was absolutely terrified,' she said. She believes she only survived the ordeal because of her level of fitness; experts say the risk of death increases every hour 'I didnt realise how serious it was until I got to the hospital, then was told I had less than 24 hours to live and that they had to operate immediately. 'They also listed all the complications that could occur - stroke, loss of limbs, paralysis and lots of other things. I was just so frightened.' Thankfully, the operation was a success and within five days she'd returned home. 'I think I recovered quicker than some. I was in so much pain post-operation for the first month that I couldnt do much [beyond] going for slow walks with my dad.' Its now been nearly a year since her close call with death. With the help of family and friends, she's recovered enough to return to work. But while shes out of immediate danger, the fitness addict cant do certain sports. She can no longer run fast, ski or do high-intensity exercise, including her beloved CrossFit. In 2018 hospital medics in London reported a similar case of a 27 year-old who suffered an aortic dissection during a rowing workout 'I have residual damage to my aorta so I need to watch what I do and monitor my blood pressure,' she said. 'I am trying to find my feet but overall Im doing much better than expected. 'But its such a change from being someone who is quite fit and active to all the things I can't do. And that makes me very sad. 'Not being able to do what I did before is the biggest adjustment for me and with no real guidance as to what to do safely it causes a lot of fear. 'But Im pretty determined to figure out what I can do safely. My gym's been really great helping me with cardiac rehab. 'And I'm determined to get back to full health if possible with my limitations.' Ms August is calling for greater awareness of the signs of aortic rupture among hospital medics. 'I do feel disappointed it wasn't picked up initially now that I know how serious it was,' she said. 'It's not the doctors' fault, but more awareness and education within A&E is essential because many people aren't as lucky as me.' 'I believe that being fit and healthy is the reason I survived two days when I was initially turned away.' Signs of aortic dissection include a sudden chest and/or back pain, shortness of breath, stroke-like symptoms including difficulty speaking and numbness, and loss of consciousness. A spokesperson from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said: 'Anyone who has concerns over the care they are receiving is encouraged to discuss this with the ward teams and ward matrons during their time at the hospital. 'Patients can also speak with our Patient Advice and Liaison Service for any unresolved concerns. 'Due to patient confidentiality, we are unable to discuss individual matters.' A grandmother was left screaming in agony and faces disability for life after suffering a life-wrecking complication of weight loss surgery abroad. Danielle Peebles, 42, was initially paralysed from the waist down and unable to eat following the procedure - which was performed by a clinic in Turkey. She has since defied doctors' predictions that she'd 'never walk again', and can walk slowly using crutches, but expects to suffer some form of disability for life. Ms Peebles underwent the procedure to remove a portion of her stomach in the summer of 2023, known medically as a gastric sleeve. She paid just 2,995 for the operation, nearly three times less than the 8,500 it costs to have the surgery preforming privately in Britain. Weighing 28st (178kg), the mother was desperate to shed her excess weight and be able to 'push her baby grandson around the park'. Initially she was pleased with results, with the operation going smoothly in what she described as a 'beautiful hospital'. But the first signs of a problem started the moment she got home. A grandmother was told she may never walk again after she being paralysed following a budget-weight loss operation in Turkey 'I just couldn't eat, I couldn't keep anything down, I could barely have any liquid. That carried on for weeks and months, I just couldn't tolerate anything,' she said. Mrs Peebles eventually sought help from the NHS in December that year. At the time, medics told her she was seriously dehydrated and was placed on a drip to bring her fluids up. But her condition took a dramatic turn in January 2024 when she felt her legs go numb and collapsed. She recalled waking up in shock and finding herself in a bed in Salford Royal hospital. 'When I came round, I was paralysed from the neck down and couldn't walk,' she said. While unable to move, she could feel agonising pain in her feet that flared up at the 'slightest touch', leaving her 'screaming'. Medics eventually diagnosed her as having a severe vitamin deficiency called nutritional neuropathy. Weighing 28st (178kg) Mrs Peebles was desperate to shed her excess weight and be able to 'push her baby grandson around the park' but feared a long wait to get an operation on the NHS. Pictured before her operation The lack of vital nurtients had starved her nerves - the tissue in the body that sends signals between the brain and the muscles that tells them to move. Devastatingly, her medical team said that this damage could be permanent. 'I was told I had very severe nerve damage and might not walk again,' she said. 'The surgical side of my procedure had all been fine, it was how my body dealt with it. 'You don't hear that you can get nutritional neuropathy from not eating. You're not told about these side effects because they're so rare. 'The surgery had totally backfired.' Ms Peebles remained at Salford Royal Hospital for five months as medics tried to restore her nerve function via an intensive rehabilitation plan. Slowly she started regaining sensation in her limbs and eventually managed to leave the unit on crutches. On her recovery she said: 'It takes a lot of repetitive movements to get the nerves to link back to the brain again. It starts with getting your fingers moving again first. Today, she 'can walk' but said she has a 'long way to go'. 'I'm still doing more than I ever thought I would,' she added. She recently reunited with the medical team that she credits with helping her walk again. In particular she thanked NHS neurologist Dr Dan Whittam. Speaking at their reunion Dr Whittam said he 'almost didn't recognise her'. 'To see her walking without even a crutch really exceeded my expectations and her determination has been inspiring,' he said. Mrs Peebles said she had been desperate to lose weight but never realised the price she would pay. 'It's a long wait on the NHS for surgery and I appreciate that, no one could really tell me how long that was going to be,' she said. 'I was trying to improve myself, and be a better mum and a better nana as quickly as possible as my grandson was about to be born. 'I was doing what I thought was best for us.' Nutritional neuropathy is a known complication of weight-loss surgery, with some studies suggesting it may affect up to one in six patients. Patients who undergo gastric surgeries can suffer nutritional problems as their drastically reduced stomach size and appetites can leave them deficient in critical vitamins. Nerve problems most commonly occur due to a lack of B vitamins which re commonly found in some fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat and eggs. Medics have previously warned that an increasing number of Britons are dying or needed emergency care after jetting abroad for cut-price obesity surgery The crisis has been blamed fuelling delays for routine care, such as hip and knee replacements, because these health tourists are increasingly occupying NHS beds, Around 5,000 people a year go overseas for obesity surgery, where procedures can be significantly cheaper than going private closer to home. Scientists have blasted the wellness fad of ear seeds, calling them 'part of a theater of deception' and a 'security blanket for the Instagram generation.' The concept from traditional Chinese medicine sees people stick fingernail-sized latex stickers that contain a ripe seed to areas of their ear. Posts about the fad on TikTok claim it can reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, pain and even improve someone's mood. Many patients have come forward attesting to its alleged benefits. But researchers analyzing the trend were quick to say there was no concrete evidence to back up the claims. And they warned it could be unsafe, saying the seeds could fall and become lodged in the ear canal which may require a trip to the ER to remove them. Jonathan Jarry, a science communicator at McGill University in Canada, warned: 'I don't want to dismiss the temporary empowerment we can feel by doing something, anything, to address illness. 'But ear seeds, the new kids on the acupuncture block, are little more than a security blanket for the Instagram generation.' Pictured above is a TikToker trying out the new wellness trend 'ear seeds'. These are said to help boost feelings of confidence Pictured above is actress Penelope Cruz in March, 2025. She has previously been pictured with gold beads in her ears Ear seeds are a form of ear acupressure, or a form of alternative medicine that involves stimulating various points on the outer ear to address health concerns. The seeds from the Vaccaria plant, also known as the cowcockle are meant to be stuck to the ear by an expert, to ensure they are on the right pressure point. People are then supposed to massage them several times a day for three to five days to gain benefits before removing them. Celebrities including Penelope Cruz have used ear acupuncture, with the actress pictured in 2013 with a row of four gold beads in her ear similar to the ear seed therapy. Many patients attest to their benefits, and several studies on ear seeds have suggested that they help with back pain, weight loss and depression. But scientists reading the research have pushed back on the claims, saying studies involve too few people about 50 on average for any conclusions to be drawn from them. Mr Jarry, writing online for McGill University, continued: 'Given the low quality of the numerous studies done on ear acupuncture and ear acupressure, combined with its very low plausibility, the only sensible conclusion to reach right now is that these interventions are part of a theater of deception.' He added: 'And it's not necessarily safe. 'Using ear seeds instead of needles may give the illusion of safety, but be warned: These tiny seeds could very easily fall into the ear canal, necessitating a medical intervention to remove them.' Dr David Strain, a lecturer at the UK's University of Exeter, added previously to DailyMail.com: If those ear seeds helped [someone] feel better, then thats great. 'But theres no evidence that anyone else will experience a similar benefit. It is not clear how many people in the US may use ear seeds. They are sold for about $14.99 for 300 ear seeds online. Ear seeds caused consternation in the UK last year after an entrepreneur claimed they could ease chronic fatigue syndrome. Giselle Boxer appeared on a program on a major British TV channel saying the seeds were part of her 'personal healing journey', and quickly received investments for her business. But this prompted backlash online, with many people saying the claims were presented as fact and suggested that the seeds could 'cure' the condition. The episode, which was also available online, was later edited to include the following warning: 'Acu seeds are not intended as a cure for any medical condition and advice should always be sought from a qualified healthcare provider about any health concerns.' Taking an afternoon nap during the workday may seem like a forbidden concept but experts say it can do wonders for your brain and overall health. A 'siesta', the Spanish word for nap, is a short snooze that is typically taken in the afternoon, often after lunch, and can last up to an hour. A regular afternoon nap has been a traditional practice in many cultures for centuries and can offer several benefits, including boosting memory, reducing stress and potentially lowering blood pressure. It can also re-energize you and boost productivity in the after-lunch slump period by reducing fatigue and improving your mood. Dr Dylan Petkus, a sleep researcher with Optimal Circadian Health told Yahoo: 'A short nap, around 20 to 30 minutes, can boost acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that controls memory) levels, enhancing alertness and memory consolidation. 'It helps you feel more alert and ready to tackle tasks. Be aware, though, that you might feel groggy right after waking up. That said, a quick nap can boost your brainpower for the rest of the day.' Jenoa Matthes, a travel expert and founder of The Travel Folk who moved to Madrid, Spain nearly five years ago claims that adopting the 'siesta lifestyle' has significantly improved her productivity. A 'siesta', the Spanish word for nap, is a short snooze that is typically taken in the afternoon, often after lunch and can last up to an hour She told Yahoo: 'Coming from the US, where stopping in the middle of a workday to nap seemed practically unheard of, the idea of a siesta was quite foreign to me. 'At first, I found this disruption to the normal work schedule a bit jarring. After trying the siesta, though, I quickly understood why Spaniards are so devoted to their midday nap. 'Nothing refreshes me on a hot summer afternoon quite like returning home after lunch, drawing the curtains and lying down for 20 to 30 minutes. 'The nap also does wonders for my mood and productivity. On days when I don't get a chance to siesta, I often feel sluggish and find it harder to focus later on.' And Matthes is not alone in her experience as studies show that taking an afternoon nap can delay cognitive decline and improve memory. A 2016 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found people who napped for 30 to 90 minutes had better word recall than those who did not nap or who napped for longer than 90 minutes - indicating they had better memory than their counterparts. The researchers analyzed data from 2,974 people in China aged 65 and older. Nearly 60 percent of participants reported napping after lunch for about an hour in a series of self-reported or interview-based assessments. To see whether afternoon naps are also beneficial for younger adults, researchers involved in a 2018 SLEEP Journal study asked 84 Singaporean students to learn information for about an hour. They were then asked to take a nap, a break or continue learning for an hour. Once they completed either of the three activities, the students were asked to learn more information and then given a 30 minute test. Jenoa Matthes, a travel expert and founder of The Travel Folk who moved to Madrid, Spain nearly five years ago claims that adopting the 'siesta lifestyle' has significantly improved her productivity Experts suggest only taking nap for 30 minutes to maximize on the benefits Results showed an hour's nap helped the participants learn more information than those who spent the same time spent cramming. The 30 minute test also showed that retention of factual knowledge was significantly greater after an hour spent napping or cramming relative to taking a break. The study also noted: 'The nap benefit remained after one week, while cramming no longer provided significantly better retention than taking a break.' However, experts suggest only taking nap for 30 minutes to maximize on the benefits. Short naps (20 minutes or less) increase alertness and cognitive performance for up to three hours while longer naps (30 minutes or more) cause us to enter a period of deep sleep during which brain temperature and blood flow to the brain decrease - causing us to be groggy. Doctors also recommend taking an afternoon nap only between 1 and 4 pm in order to keep our circadian rhythms, the natural processes that regulate our sleep/wake cycle, balanced. A family of seven has been detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York, with children among those apprehended. As reported by NBC5, ICE agents searched a farm in Sackets Harbor and arrested eight individuals. Initially, the agents had responded to the farm looking for one person who was later charged with possession of child pornography. But in addition to his arrest, seven others were taken to a nearby border patrol station. Three of them were students at Sackets Harbor Central School District. Jennifer Gaffney, superintendent of the district, said three of the individuals arrested were students from her district and detailed to the outlet that they had been taken to a detention center in Texas. "These are kids," Gaffney told NBC5. "They're classmates, they're good friends, they are wonderful students, and they are part of the fabric of our school community," she added. The district has reportedly attempted to work with local officials to inquire about their well-being and advocate for their return although school officials have not had direct contact with the family since March 28. "This isn't about politics to us; this is about kids," Gaffney said. "They need to be returned to their classrooms." While school officials continue searching for them, the New York State Immigration Council said the home search where the children were found was conducted without a judicial warrant, prompting a response from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. "Under Presidents Biden and Trump, I have been clear that I would work with the federal government to help secure our borders and deport violent criminals who pose a threat," Hochul said in a statement. "But I cannot think of any public safety justification for ICE agents to rip an innocent family, including a child in the third grade, from their Sackets Harbor home." Hochul added that recent events at Sackets Harbor conducted by immigration officials "is not the immigration enforcement promised to the American people," highlighting that the decision to arrest kids "it's just plain cruel." Gov. Hochul finished her statement by saying she wants the family returned to New York State and for ICE to "immediately answer for these actions." There will be a rally on April 5 to support the school's efforts to bring the students back. That same day, the Jefferson County Democratic Committee plans to march to border czar Tom Homan's house, as he is from the same county where the children were detained. Originally published on Latin Times Health officials are sounding the alarm over a potential measles exposure at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport. An infected passenger visited the airport's terminal A twice in the last week, potentially exposing others to the world's most infectious disease. The person was at the terminal on March 25, between 3:45 and 6:15pm, and again on March 27, between 2 and 7pm. The individual also visited a Starbucks on March 26 from 6 to 8:30am and stayed at a Marriott in Park Ridge, New Jersey. Officials are warning anyone who fears they may have been exposed to contact their health provider and monitor for symptoms in what is the latest in a string of measles scares to rock America's major airports. In the past month alone, John F. Kennedy airport along with hubs in Washington DC and Los Angeles were all plunged into chaos over measles alerts. It comes amid a major outbreak in West Texas, that has already sickened 422 people and led to the death of a six-year-old girl the first in the US in a decade. Nationwide, cases crossed a grim milestone last month surpassing the tally for the whole of 2024 and reaching their highest level since 2019. Shown above is Newark Liberty International Airport, which is at the center of the latest measles scare The latest patient also visited an Irish Pub in their hotel on March 26 from 5 to 7:15 pm and the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus on March 27. They were in the emergency department between 6:45am to 12:15pm and in the radiology and laboratory department between 8:30am and 11pm. The person is believed to have arrived in New Jersey on a flight and is described as a non-New Jersey resident. Officials are warning anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to monitor themselves for symptoms for the next two weeks, particularly if they are unvaccinated, and contact their health provider. Anyone who develops symptoms is encouraged to immediately contact health services for treatment. Newark Airport is one of three major airports serving the New York City, New Jersey and tristate areas. It has about 49million people pass through it annually. Officials say no infections linked to the infected individual have been reported to date. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world, with one person capable of spreading the virus to nine out of every 10 people they meet if those individuals are unvaccinated. Measles is transmitted via breathing in infectious droplets that can remain suspended in the air for two hours after an infected patient passes. Patients develop a fever, cough, and runny nose, which then develops into a rash that starts at the hairline before spreading to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. There's no cure for measles, with doctors instead using antibiotics to treat related infections and IV fluids. If unvaccinated, about one in five people who are infected are hospitalized while one in 20 children develop pneumonia. Among unvaccinated children infected with measles, about one in 1,000 will develop encephalitis or swelling of the brain. And nearly one to three out of every 1,000 will die from the disease. The vaccine is 97 percent effective at preventing an infection and is required for children attending school in some states. Infection with the virus-known as HPV-can trigger several types of cancers, including those in the head, neck and cervix. HPV is commonly spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex with someone who is already infected, with around a third of people infected at any one time. While a highly HPV effective vaccine has been offered to all girls in Year 8 since 2008, and all boys since 2019, latest data shows as few as a third of children in some areas of England are not getting it-leaving them vulnerable in later life. Experts have now urged parents to ensure their child gets the vaccine, labelling it 'one of the most powerful tools we have for cancer prevention'. The Princess of Wales is known for always looking groomed to perfection, and calls on a wealth of both high street and designer brands to put together her immaculate wardrobe. The Princess of Wales wore Roksanda's Brigitte dress several times One designer brand she has worn on repeat is Roksanda, created by London-based fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic. Remember, for example, the stunning yellow dress she wore on a royal trip to Jamaica in 2022 with the bright yellow no doubt a nod to the Jamaican flag. It was Roksandas Brigitte design, which promptly sold out, and which the Princess re-wore several months later to attend Wimbledon. Kate at a Patron's Lunch for Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday in 2016 Kate has long been a fan of the brand back in 2016 she wore a simple block colour Roksanda dress for a lunch to celebrate the Queens 90th birthday. However, its not the most affordable for us mere mortals. If you look at the Roksanda dresses on mytheresa.com, they are nearly all over 1,000, going up to 2,760 for a taffeta midi dress with bow. Roksanda Ilincic started her eponymous fashion label over 20 years ago Imagine our excitement then, to discover that Roksanda Ilincic is teaming up with high street brand & Other Stories to release a new collection. While we dont know a huge amount of detail yet, & Other Stories has shared that we can expect a seasonal capsule, crafted with summer in mind and influenced by Roksanda's deep admiration for summer sunsets. The pieces will be launching on 15 May both in-store and online. An image released by & Other Stories We cannot wait to unveil this collection, which we believe will deeply resonate with our customers and become a cherished part of their wardrobes, says Malin Sone, head of design at & Other Stories. Her ability to blend art, architecture, and femininity results in a collection that is both empowering and timeless. Former Fox News star Bill O'Reilly had some full-throated advice for Donald Trump when it comes to Elon Musk on Wednesday. Speaking on the set of on NewsNation's Cuomo, the 75-year-old commentator told Trump to ditch the Tesla boss before its too late. The conversation largely surrounded a Politico report published earlier in the day, which suggested Trump had informed his Cabinet and inner circle that Musk will soon be stepping down from DOGE. 'As I said very early on, Musk is a short-timer,' OReilly began, speaking to former CNN host Chris Cuomo. 'It's just too hot. You just cant have a guy that hot.' 'He did a good job exposing the government waste. But now, the technicians should take over,' the ex-O'Reilly Factor anchor added, 'I think he'll remain a Trump advisor, but I do think he'll go back to the private sector. 'You dont need Elon to go out and sell, its sold,' O'Reilly added of the initiative. 'Most Americans know that were being fleeced, the taxpayers being fleeced - so he's accomplished what he wanted to accomplish.' O'Reilly and Cuomo were both fired by their old, respective networks for alleged misconduct. O'Reilly is now the boss of his own media venture, No Spin News. His fellow former Fox News colleague Geraldo Rivera was present for the debate as well, and had a much harsher assessment. Scroll down for video: Former Fox News star Bill O'Reilly told Donald Trump to ditch DOGE boss Elon Musk on Wednesday The conversation largely surrounded a Politico report published earlier in the day, which suggested Trump had informed his Cabinet and inner circle that Musk will be stepping down 'He did it to terrible job in Wisconsin. He did a terrible job in Wisconsin,' Rivera, 81, said, referring to how Musk spent some $20 million to help Judge Brad Schimel win the state's Supreme Court race. Schimel was the Wisconsin AG from 2015 to 2019. O'Reilly, fired from Fox following claims of sexual harassments from an employee, nodded his head in agreement. 'He tried to buy the votes,' Rivera insisted, two years after he quit the network after being fired from the network panel show The Five. 'He tried to buy the votes,' Rivera again repeated, insisting Musk had made the state Supreme Court race a 'seminal' one. 'He said it was historic. He said it was it basically the end of history,' Rivera said, as O'Reilly expressed disapproval. 'This was the end of an era - It's going to be that Trump euphoria, Trump Valhalla, you Know' Rivera said, speaking from the perspective of a MAGA fanbase. 'And they lost the race. He spent $25 million on a judge - on a judge election,' he emphasized. 'I mean, if People, if Wisconsin looked at that, they started to see this is a guy trying to buy [influence]. 'You can't buy love. You can't buy my vote,' Rivera concluded, saying of Musk: 'And I think that whether he stays or not, he's degraded.' 'As I said very early on, Musk is a short-timer,' OReilly, 75, began, speaking to the former CNN host and onetime colleague Geraldo Rivera. 'It's just too hot. You just cant have a guy that hot. He did a good job exposing the government waste. But now, the technicians should take over' The comments spurred some pushback from Rivera's longtime colleague, who was forced to fork over $9million to former Fox New producer Andrea Mackris to settle her sexual harassment lawsuit against him in 2017. 'Anything Elon Musk had to do with the loss in Wisconsin, it would have shown up on the exit polling,' an exasperated O'Reilly maintained. 'I'm a very a fact based guy. 'I don't know this guy who lost - so, today, I put my Investigators on it. It wasn't hard to get exit polling information. 'And it came back: too conservative, way too strident on abortion,' he insisted, before adding, 'He wasnt a good candidate, by the way.' Then 33 and on the cusp of a promising career with the Roger Ailes-run network, Mackris filed a suit against O'Reilly that recalled lewd, menacing calls and conversations with her then boss that saw her forced to listen to his sexual fantasies. 'Im going to make you play,' OReilly would tell her, she claimed the Daily Beast in 2021, detailing O'Reilly's alleged misconduct after the settlement, after signing an NDA that kept her quiet until then. 'Here was my boss, a man who held my career and future in his hands, acknowledging that he knew Id never consented but he didnt care,' the now 55-year-old said at the time, spurring a response from Fox News 'The claims outlined in this report took place under the leadership of Roger Ailes, who along with Bill OReilly and the management referred to here, have been long gone from the network,' a spokesperson said in a statement. 'He did it to terrible job in Wisconsin. He did a terrible job in Wisconsin,' Rivera, 81, said, referring to how Musk spent some $20 million to help Judge Brad Schimel win the state's Supreme Court race. Cuomo presided over the pair's debate O'Reilly was forced to fork over $9million to former Fox New producer Andrea Mackris to settle her sexual harassment lawsuit against him in 2017. She was 33 at the time his alleged harassment started in 2004 More recently, O'Reilly posted a video to his YouTube of himself, Cuomo, and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith bantering behind the scenes of his No Spin News. As it stands, the page has just shy of 900,000 subscribers 'Since the summer of 2016 [when Ailes was fired for his sexual misconduct], Fox News has worked tirelessly to transform the company culture.' More recently, O'Reilly posted a video to his YouTube of himself, Cuomo, and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith bantering behind the scenes of his No Spin News. As it stands, the page has just shy of 900,000 subscribers, showing O'Reilly's massive following. Right-wing strategist Steve Bannon has named former Federal Trade Commission boss Lina Khan as the Democrat party's only hope. Bannon offered his theory during a discussion with former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau chief Rohit Chopra at the Little Tech Competition Summit in DC on Wednesday. 'I think Lina Khan is one of the more important political figures in this country, and I think if she had been listened to more by Democrats they would actually have been more competitive against us in November of 2024,' Bannon said, as reported by journalist Nancy Scola. The populist, who has repeatedly denounced Elon Musk as an oligarch, has previously expressed his support for Khan as someone who, in his view, could help the Democrats establish themselves against the 'tech oligarchy.' He added that Khan is someone who has helped 'fight monopolies and oligarchs for years.' Both Khan and Chopra served under the Joe Biden administration, with Khan becoming a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior. Many Trumpian conservatives in the new right supported Khan's moves, calling themselves 'Khanservatives' - Republicans who are skeptics about big businesses and see large corporations as opponents to ordinary Americans. Last year Bannon told the New York Times that he thought president Donald Trump should have kept Khan aboard his administration. Steve Bannon said the Democrats should embrace an economic populist message and get behind someone like former Federal Trade Commission boss Lina Khan. The two are pictured together Steve Bannon is seen on Wednesday in conversation with Bloomberg journalist Joshua Green and former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau chief Rohit Chopra Under the Biden administration, Lina Khan blocked billions of dollars worth of corporate acquisitions and sued Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior 'I would be a huge supporter of Lina Khan remaining, and I would love to see Lina Khan given more power... I think we have to go and break up Silicon Valley because obviously they haven't performed very well,' Bannon said. Bannon has been advising the beleaguered Democrats to lean into a populist economic message to compete against Trump's GOP. While both are important figures in the pro-Trump world, Bannon has been speaking against Musk since the Tesla founder began taking on tasks in the Trump administration as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The 71-year-old former Chief White House Strategist for President Trump gave an interview to the British publication UnHerd, where he unloaded on Musk, who's become the president's right-hand man as of late. 'Musk is a parasitic illegal immigrant,' Bannon told UnHerd's James Billot. 'He wants to impose his freak experiments and play-act as God without any respect for the country's history, values, or traditions.' While Bannon said he wasn't totally against the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency - 'I have to give the devil his due,' he explained - so far he called the group's work 'performative.' Bannon told DailyMail.com that 'Elon is doing some great stuff, but I totally oppose him being an oligarch and a trans-humanist,' Bannon said. He then added: 'DOGE is on fire, and as you know, I fully support Elon on DOGE and cutting the government.' Bannon has been advising Democrats to go after tech bosses like Elon Musk, who he calls oligarchs Bannon's allegiance to Trump - despite the president's continued coziness to Musk - has the former White House strategist pushing for the 78-year-old president to serve a third term. He's 'exploring' options, he told the publication, to make this happen. The only real option would be to amend the U.S. Constitution. 'I'm working on making sure they have a correct interpretation of the Constitution,' Bannon said. 'I believe that President Trump's eligible for one more term because I think it says consecutive.' The 22nd Amendment makes clear 'No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.' 'I don't have right now a tremendous amount of support on this legally,' Bannon conceded. 'But remember, I faced longer odds on many other topics in my life.' Where are the Hemsworths? Chris and Elsa have not been seen together in weeks as they take separate trips away despite both being in Europe Jon Stewart has implied that Germany would revert to Nazism without U.S. military aid as President Donald Trump continually criticizes 'free-loading' NATO nations. The Daily Show had on former Mitt Romney advisor Oren Cass to discuss his upcoming book 'The New Conservatives' on Monday when he made the concerning suggestion. Earlier in the day, leaked Pentagon documents revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that the Trump administration is unlikely to provide substantial, if any, support to Europe in case of a Russian advance. As NATO scrambles to reassure the president it can 'step up', Stewart suggested leaving Germany on its own as a military power could lead to a rise in Nazism. 'The United States, I guess I don't see us as victims of a con game that Europe has been running on us and like the idea that we want Germany to be able to fend off Russia on their own places us in very tenuous position does it not,' the comic said. Cass asked him to explain what he meant, prompting Stewart to bring up World War II. 'I have a book at home about Germany and their position as a global military power where we didn't have sway right and they did what they wanted, I mean it didn't work out,' Stewart said. 'No, no, no, I want to pick up on this,' Cass replied as the audience laughed. 'Because this is the fun applause line that like, "Oh, the Germans will just become Nazis again," like that's a weird racist critique of Germans. I don't see any reason to believe that.' Jon Stewart implied that Germany would revert to Nazism with U.S. military aid Former Mitt Romney advisor Oren Cass (left) called the comparison a 'weird racist critique of Germans' Stewart grinningly replied, 'Well, let's be honest, it is.' Cass asked, 'On what basis are you saying this is like something about Germany that we can't abide?' 'I think it's that there is an element within their society that they've deemed this is not me saying Germans will do that, this is Germany. This is... I didn't say they'll become that, the leaders of Germany are fearful that they have this,' Stewart said. Cass fired back claiming Germany is benefiting by having their military paid for by the U.S. and doubled down that NATO is 'freeloading on our military'. In February, Stewart said he's bored of anti-Trump Democrats calling the president a 'fascist' and says the word is being overused to the point where it's losing its meaning. The Daily Show star said the liberal media has 'numbed' the country to the word as he was speaking off-air to an audience member who accused him of being 'light on the fascist message recently.' 'Oh, well, I'd tell my critics - shut up! You're a fascist!' Stewart snapped back, before elaborating on why he has removed the word from his shows since last year's election. 'I think if you cry "fascism" at every administrative overreach, even the ones that are constitutionally OK, you will find yourself out of fascism bullets when the time really comes,' Stewart continued as he noted he is 'very big on specificity and nuance.' Leaked Pentagon documents revealed the Trump administration is unlikely to provide substantial, if any, support to Europe in case of a Russian advance He accused the media over 'crying wolf' over the last ten years - 'to the point where they numbed everybody.' 'It was an anesthetic, and it got to where- what was the thing they litigated throughout this campaign? "He's a fascist, he's a terrible person, democracy is on the ballot." 'Guess what lost at the [ballot box]? If you told us democracy was on the ballot, democracy got its ass kicked by a majority vote. 'So I am very cautious about when to know, like, yeah- hopefully I won't do it the night after Kristallnacht but it's like when you put your dog down. It's one of those things, like, you're not quite sure, but I do understand how annoying that is.' 60 Minutes' journalist Lesley Stahl is facing backlash over her treatment of a Hamas hostage, with angry social media users accusing her of being sympathetic towards the terrorist group. Stahl was slammed online after she asked former hostage Keith Siegel if Hamas terrorists starved him on purpose or if they just did not have any food to hand out. 'Do you think they starved you because or they just didnt have food?' Stahl asked Seigel after he shared that his captors became more cruel after his wife Aviva was released. Seigel, who spent 484 days in captivity, replied: 'No, I think they starved me, and they would often eat in front of me and not offer me food.' Several pro-Israel X accounts have shared the exchange and accused Stahl of defending the Islamic terrorists. The 'Jew Fight Back account' wrote: 'Shame on 60 Minutes. Shame on CBS. And shame on every apologist who still cant admit that Hamas is pure evil.' Conservative journalist Ari Hoffman added: 'Lesley Stahl & CBS should be ashamed of themselves. Throughout the interviews with the released hostages, Stahl used Hamas data & talking points... She should ask the Nazis if they meant to starve the Jews in the Holocaust or didn't have enough aid.' 60 Minutes host Lesley Stahl is facing backlash over her treatment of an Israeli who was kept hostage by Hamas for over a year 'Do you think they starved you because or they just didnt have food?' Stahl asked Keith Seigel Keith Siegel (pictured embracing his wife Aviva after his release) claimed that hostages were permitted to shower once monthly using a bucket of cold water and a small cup Former White House staffer Kayleigh McEnany said: 'At one point [Stahl] cuts in on a hostage describing his starvation and beating to ask: "Do you think they [Hamas terrorists] starved you or they just didn't have food?" WHAT' StopAntisemitism wrote: 'Ridiculous moment on @60Minutes: Lesley Stahl asks hostage Keith Siegel if Hamas starved him because they had no food. He shuts her down. Hamas not only starved him, they ate in front of him, mocked him, sexually humiliated him, and forced him to watch female hostages being tortured.' Seigel, 65, was violently abducted alongside his wife Aviva from their house in Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. On Sunday's episode of 60 Minutes, the veteran journalist spoke to several Israeli hostages who were recently freed by Hamas including Yarden Bibas, whose young sons Ariel and Kfir become a symbol of Israeli suffering in the war. Bibas echoed the terror that Siegel said he endured and claimed that his captors repeatedly taunted him over his family's fate. 'They were murdered in cold blood. Bare hands,' he said of his wife Shiri, four-year-old Ariel and baby Kfir, adding: '[Hamas] used to tell me "It doesn't matter. You'll get a new wife, new kids. Better wife, better kids."' Seigel told Stahl he was left gasping for breath' and 'feeling life-threatened' as they were forced into a vehicle, driven to Gaza and taken through a tunnel by armed terrorists. He said he was beaten, starved and forced to watch 'very cruel and very violent' terrorists assault other hostages. 'I witnessed a young woman who was being tortured by the terrorists. I mean literal torture, not just in the figurative sense,' he said. 'I saw sexual assault with female hostages.' He claimed that hostages were permitted to shower once monthly using a bucket of cold water and a small cup. Hamas also shaved the heads and genital regions of their male captives, Siegel claimed, revealing that he 'felt humiliated'. He said how he felt 'completely dependent' on his captors and suggested they used that dependency to 'torture me in a psychological way'. Siegel noted that Hamas had left him alone on several occasions, which would leave him feeling 'very, very scared that maybe they won't come back'. Yarden Bibas (pictured Sunday during his first media interview since being freed in a ceasefire last month) also called on US President Donald Trump to bring an end to the war in Gaza, claiming that Trump is 'the only one' who can convince Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas to halt the renewed fighting Yarden Bibas - whose sons Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 10 months, become a symbol of Israeli suffering in the war - says Hamas told him 'you'll get a better wife and kids' when his family were murdered. Bibas (left) is pictured with his wife Shiri (right) and their sons Ariel and Kfir He said he would ask himself 'Should I try to escape?' but noted that even his captors knew 'I wouldn't dare to do that because I needed them'. The freed hostage, who broke down in tears as he gave his interview, added that even after his release he spends most of his time worrying about the hostages that are still being held captive in Gaza. DailyMail.com has reached out to CBS News for comment on this story. When dad-of-two Matthew Pollen from North London realised he had been handed a County Court Judgement without his knowledge, he undertook the painful task of getting it removed. A CCJ is a court order in England and Wales. It compels someone to repay a debt they owe, and it can hugely damage credit scores and stifle the ability to obtain credit. Matt's CCJ came after he overstayed at a car park by three minutes and a subsequent parking charge notice from a private company went to an old address. As a result of his stressful experience, he has set up ChallengeCCJ, where those who find themselves in a similar boat can either use a free template to challenge the debt marker or pay 50 to most of the legwork done for them. Parking headache: Matthew Pollen's PCN led to a CCJ that ruined his credit score Surprise CCJ hit my credit score I never thought I'd end up with a CCJ against my name. I didn't fully know what one was before it was marked against me. Last August, I was checking my credit score as my wife and I were looking at options to remortgage. To my horror saw that my score, which had always been good/excellent, was now in the 200s (ie very bad). My first reaction, like most people who discover a CCJ in this way, was: what on earth is going on? This must be a mistake. I'll give them (whoever them is) a ring and sort it out. And so began my journey down the stress and anxiety filled road to getting my CCJ set aside (removed from my record for those who don't understand legal parlance). And here was my first lesson, none of the language made any sense. N244 form, Draft Order, Witness Statement, EX160 form, Claim Form, Subject Access Request (SAR), Default Judgement, Set Aside, Consent Order the list goes on, it was like trying to learn a new language just to wrap your head around what you had to do next. Honest mistake led to a CCJ How did I end up with a CCJ without knowing about it? Surely I received plenty of letters warning me? Well, plenty of letters were sent, unfortunately they all went to my old address. The original Parking Charge Notice was for picking my son up from nursery in December 2022. We stayed for 33 minutes in the car park, you get 30 minutes for free unless the nursery validates your stay, and off we went not actually realising we had overstayed by 3 minutes. We had moved from our old address the previous month and hadn't updated our V5C. It's a common mistake and easily done. We forgot due to the stressful house sale and moving into rented accommodation for a short period of time. Now, a V5C isn't a valid proof of address, all it does is show the registered keeper, as you could register a car at a family members or business address. However, this is all the parking company relied on to send the PCN. I wasn't even sure if it was me or my partner driving that day. The British Parking Association (which regulates Private Parking Operators) states in its 'code' that 'reasonable endeavours' must be undertaken to locate the driver which includes 'contacting credit reference agencies to undertake a 'soft credit check'. I have multiple emails from the parking company saying they did undertake a 'trace' as they call it. I had proof from my credit report that my updated address was showing on my credit file in both December 2022 and January 2023, so if they had carried out a trace in March (as they said they did) they would have discovered my new address. Due to their uncooperative nature I had to submit a SAR, basically legally obliging them to give me all the data they had on me. Lo and behold, no credit check. But that would have been carried out by our debt resolution partner they said. I ring them with the not very nice lady on the other side saying: 'we don't need to do that, all we need to do is send it to the address on the V5C'. A ha, gotcha I think. They have just admitted that they don't do a credit search. Surely this should be simple now. Not the case. The parking company offer me a deal, I pay the original PCN as well as the court costs for a consented set aside (this is cheaper at 119 and means that there doesn't have to be a court date because both sides have agreed to set the judgement aside). No chance. The original PCN I wouldn't have had to pay I tell them as I would have had the ticket validated if I received it, and there is no way I am paying court costs for something that shouldn't have even happened. See you in court they say. Over a million CCJs are issued every year Countless days were spent scouring through forums and Facebook groups, looking for examples I could follow and people who had been through a similar thing. And there were lots. Over a million CCJs are issued every year, and 93 per cent of these are default judgements (meaning the defendant didn't respond to the claim form as was the case with myself). They even make it hard to just find out who has issued the CCJ against you. You have to pay the Registry Trust 6 just to get the claim number and then you have to ring up the Civil National Business Centre (CNBC) to find out who and what it relates to (after spending over an hour in the queue). Amazingly when you then want to submit your set aside application (which is your N244 form, Draft Order and Witness Statement), you have to email it over first and then call them up to pay the 303 fee (again after waiting over an hour in the queue). The only reason I am able to spend the time doing this is because I am on paternity leave, and looking back, if this hadn't been the case I would probably have folded and just taken the deal that was offered in order to get it over and done with as soon as possible. You're not automatically given a court date either, the average time is around 50 weeks. I got lucky, I submitted my set aside application in October and my court date was in March, so only the 6 month wait. And guess what? They didn't even turn up! That doesn't mean I was awarded an automatic set aside (which I believe should be the case if they can't be bothered to turn up), and I still had to argue all of my points that I had outlined in my witness statement. Eventually the Judge agreed to the set aside and ordered that they pay back my costs of 303 within 14 days. Have I received that money yet? Of course I haven't. Why is all this important? Well, you have a system that seems to be designed to make it as difficult as possible for people to challenge unfair judgements and allows parking companies to hand out CCJs willy nilly. And the disproportionate impact it has on people's lives is crazy. I have spoken to people who have had to live at home as they are unable to rent or get a mortgage, been unable to apply for certain jobs or get phone contracts all over a missed 2.50 parking ticket. The stress and anxiety this causes takes over your life, it occupies your mental space 24/7 and it basically puts your life on hold for 6 years (a CCJ stays on your record for 6 years). That's why I have created Challenge CCJ, an AI tool to make it easier for people to fight unfair CCJs without the stress and confusion of just trying to understand what to do next. It helps people to determine if they can challenge their CCJ and generates the right legal documents for them, step by step. No solicitors, no expensive legal feesjust a simple, effective way to fight back. If you've been hit with a CCJ you didn't know about, don't panicyou can challenge it. And you don't have to do it alone. As told to Angharad Carrick How does ChallengeCCJ work? Receiving a CCJ is overwhelming and trying to appeal one can be even more complicated. Ive launched Challenge CCJ (challengeccj.com) to try and help people navigate the process. There are free templates that have the basic layouts of the forms that can then be filled in. There are lots of different templates out there and it was this that helped me when I was applying to get mine set aside. However, the issue is that lots of people, including me, have no idea how to fill these in, or how to write in the correct language seen in official documents. Thats why weve also built an AI tool to help people through the process. To help ensure accuracy weve been training the tool on past examples of successful set-asides and official guidance from the government. The AI version, which costs 50, will automatically fill in the forms based on the evidence you submit and then you can submit that to the court. You can never guarantee complete accuracy, so we ask people to double-check everything produced for accuracy. Rocketing ketamine use among Gen Z-ers is being fuelled by TikTokers making light of the drug by posting videos of their friends experiencing its effects, experts warned today. The horse tranquiliser is now the drug of choice among Brits aged 16 to 24, with the latest government figures showing that consumption among the age group - dubbed 'Generation K' - has tripled since 2016. Deaths related to the drug are up a shocking 650 per cent on 2015 and now average around one per week, according to new data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that shows 53 people lost their lives in 2023. Yet despite these threats, social media users regularly make light of its impacts - with a trend for videos showing users in 'k-holes' (the disassociate state associated with heavy usage). Other clips uncovered by MailOnline on TikTok reveal intoxicated users struggling to stay on their feet on so-called 'ket walks' or standing immobile while staring into the distance on dance floors. Ian Hamilton, a leading drugs expert who serves as associate professor of addiction at the University of York, said there was 'no doubt' social media content was helping to fuel ketamine's popularity. 'Young people see these videos on TikTok and that has accelerated its use,' he told MailOnline. 'It's really worrying, particularly the content about what people refer to as ''k holes''. 'We've seen how particular challenges start trending and can result in fatalities. The same thing happens with drugs - they don't come out of a vacuum.' This clip showed a man wobbling on his feet in what was branded a 'ket walk' In footage filmed at dance festival Creamfields, a youngster was filmed by friends looking confused and disorientated Deaths related to the drug are up a shocking 650 per cent on 2015 and now average around one per week, according to new data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Professor Hamilton said the use of ketamine in anaesthetic medicine had led to a misconception that it is safe. 'These people have no idea what the dose is or how to use it,' he said. 'Quite often they are inexperienced users. Ketamine takes a while to affect you so quite often people will take another dose and by the time they feel the effects its too late. That can push them into unconsciousness or serious health problems. 'There's also a misconception about drugs that its dealers that young people and adults interact with, but it tends to be social contacts or a friend of a friend - which gives a false sense of reassurance. 'The other thing we're seeing is ketamine being used with alcohol, which is really worrying. Both are suppressants, so taking them together increases your risk of serious health problems.' In the year ending March 2023, an official study showed 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 admitted they had used the substance during the previous 12 months. It was up from 117,000 a decade earlier and the highest level yet seen. Scott Ardley, a senior treatment advisor at Rehabs UK, argued that the low price of the drug was also a factor behind its increasing popularity. 'The drug is around 10 a gram or 25 for 3.5 grams, but we've heard that someone accessed an ounce for 90 (28 grams) working out to 3.21 a gram. It can work out cheaper than cannabis and in some cases alcohol. 'Cocaine is around 80-100 a gram so therefore Ketamine is much more accessible as it can also be produced in the UK.' James Boland, 38, from Manchester, died of sepsis caused by a kidney infection which was 'a complication of long-term use of ketamine' Sophie Russell, 20, died in September after developing a ketamine addiction This clip was subtitled 'when the K kicks in' and showed a man staring into the distance on a dancefloor He added that youngsters were frequently targeted by dealers online, with Snapchat a particularly popular forum for selling the drug due to disappearing messages. The dangers of ketamine have been thrown into the spotlight by the recent deaths of several celebrities. These include RuPaul's Drag Race star The Vivienne, who had a cardiac arrest after taking ketamine, and Friends actor Matthew Perry - whose death at the age of 54 in 2023 was caused by the 'acute effects' of ketamine and the opioid buprenorphine. The drug is also an ingredient in 'pink cocaine', which One Direction star Liam Payne had taken before falling off a balcony in Argentina last year. He suffered 'multiple traumas' and 'internal and external haemorrhaging' from the fall. Ketamine, known as 'K' or 'Special K', comes as a powder and is usually snorted. It can lead to a relaxed and dream-like sensation, but taking too much can cause temporary paralysis. Longer-term use can lead to memory loss, mental health problems and organ damage. Sophie Russell, from Lincolnshire, died in September after using the drug daily, which had caused her agonising abdominal pains and incontinence. Your browser does not support iframes. Ketamine and its effects Ketamine, also known as K, is a powerful general anaesthetic that is used to stop humans and animals experiencing pain during operations. It started being used as a party drug in the late 2000s, with people taking it before raves for a more intense experience. What are the side effects? Ketamine causes a loss of feeling and paralysis of the muscles. It can also lead to people experiencing hallucinations and a distortion of reality, which many call entering the 'k-hole'. Ketamine may also cause people to feel incapable of moving, or lead to panic attacks, confusion and memory loss. Regular users can seriously damage their bladders, which may need to be surgically removed. Other risks include a raised heart rate and blood pressure. Paralysis of the muscles can leave people vulnerable to hurting themselves, while not feeling pain properly can cause them to underestimate any damage. How is it taken and what is the law around it? For medical use ketamine is liquid but the 'street' drug is normally a grainy, white powder. Ketamine is currently a Class B substance and the maximum penalty for supplying and producing it is up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. The punishment for possession of the drug is up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both The government is seeking expert advice on reclassifying ketamine to become a Class A substance, after illegal use of the drug reached their highest ever levels. Advertisement Her mother Tracy Marelli said the drug 'destroyed her.' James Boland, 38, from Manchester, died of sepsis caused by a kidney infection which was 'a complication of long-term use of ketamine'. Speaking for the first time about his descent into addiction, his mother revealed how he went into rehab in 2020 over his cocaine use. 'He seemed fine the rest of that year but in early 2021 he'd started taking ketamine and we assume, took more and more of it regularly,' she said. After the inquest Greater Manchester South senior coroner Alison Mutch warned of a 'significant increase' in people using ketamine and said maintaining its classification encourages people to use it over class A drugs. Ms Mutch wrote a Prevention of Future Deaths report last November, addressed to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, warning that action on ketamine must be taken. She warned that the extent of the long-term risks of ketamine were 'rarely understood by users until the damage has been done to their health'. 'In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken', she said. 'Maintaining its classification as a Class B drug was likely to encourage others to start to use it or continue to use it under the false impression it is 'safer'.' In response, Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said she was writing to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) asking whether ketamine's classification under the Misuse of Drugs Act should be raised. Dame Diana said: 'Ketamine is an extremely dangerous substance and the recent rise in its use is deeply concerning. 'It is vital we are responding to all the latest evidence and advice to ensure people's safety and we will carefully consider the ACMD's recommendations before making any decision.' Reclassifying ketamine as Class A would see it carry the same penalties for possession and supply as heroin, crack and cocaine. Dealing ketamine currently carries up to 14 years' imprisonment, while possession carries up to five years. Raising it to Class A would increase those penalties to life for dealing and seven years for possession. In December 2024, Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of drugging and repeatedly raping his wife, Gisele, over a decade while also inviting other men to partake in the abuse. He was sentenced to 20 years of prison time by a French court. Now, two months after his conviction, Dominique and Gisele's daughter, Caroline Darian, has come forward with the account of abuse she faced at the hands of her father. When reported for the first time, the case of Gisele Pelicot shook the world to its core, but in France, it sent tremors from which the nation is still coping. However, more than the world, it was Gisele and her children who had to deal with the arrest and the public trial of a sex offender who was also their father. Especially for Caroline, who had to learn that her father allegedly took her half-naked pictures when she was unconscious and stored these images in a secret file on his laptop. In a new complaint, she accused Dominique of drugging and sexually assaulting her when she was young, a claim denied by her father. Whether it was her mother's or her own case, Caroline's life had changed forever. But who was she before her father's arrest? The Discovery That Shattered a Family In her new memoir, I'll Never Call Him Dad Again, Caroline shares some vulnerable and intimate truths about her journey during her mother's trial and father's arrest. However, before Dominique Pelicot was taken into custody, Caroline was living a typical life. She had a job in communications, a husband working on a TV breakfast show, and a six-year-old son. Caroline lived in the suburbs of Paris, and she often spent peaceful summer days in her parents' house in the village of Mazan in Provence. But everything changed in November 2020. Caroline received a phone call from her mother that left her in shock. It was then that she learned her father had been arrested for a series of criminal activities, including the drugging and rape of her mother, Gisele. According to Caroline, that moment was a turning point in her life. 'I lost a part of me. Something died inside me that day,' she told ABC during an interview. The Trial and Its Impact on Caroline As the trial began, it was revealed that Dominique was involved in more than just sexually abusing her wife. It was discovered that he had allowed other men to sexually assault Gisele while she was unconscious. During their investigation, the police also found intimate photographs of Caroline taken without her consent, raising questions about her own victimisation, which has now led her to file a separate case. 'I know he drugged me. He probably touched me. He probably raped me,' Caroline shared. However, due to a lack of clear evidence, no formal charges have been pressed against her father. A Once Strong Mother-Daughter Bond Now Stands Divided Caroline, who once stood hand in hand with her mother, Gisele, has experienced a breaking point in their relationship. According to Caroline, when she spoke about her abuse to her mother, she did not support her claim. During the trial, when Gisele was asked about the accusations made by her daughter against Dominique, she declined to answer. 'Her silence says a lot,' Caroline says in her another book So That We May Remember. 'I am hit by this implacable reality in the face: my mother does not want to believe me or to hear me. The pain runs right through me. I have spent four years trying to be there for my mother, cherishing the bond that counted so much for me. I feel alone, facing a wall of desolation, and no one seems to understand.' In her memoir, Caroline also revealed another reason behind the fallout between her and her mother. She shared that despite being in prison, her father exercised control over her mother. 'I think Dominique succeeded in splitting our tears in two,' she said, explaining how she discovered letters from her father sent to her mother from jail and how Gisele made a 'bag of warm clothes and personal items to be dropped off at the prison.' 'I learned all this with disbelief,' she wrote in her memoir. Caroline's Father Used To Be Her Confidante Caroline describes her childhood as a happy one, with its share of ups and downs, but as far as her relationship with Dominique goes, they were close. 'We had a normal life, and we were a united family. My father was perceived as a good guy. Two faces co-existed together,' Caroline said. While growing up, Caroline had a precious bond with her father. 'He was my confidante. He gave me a lot of things when I was a child. He was there for me. He [taught] me to swim, to cycle. He was there to encourage me during my studies. So we had a close relationship, like daughter and father,' she shared. 'Now, I don't have a father anymore. He is alive, but he is dead for me.' Caroline, with her lawsuit, seeks justice in a legal system which doesn't believe her because of the lack of evidence. 'My brothers believe me, my husband believes me, my friends, but the justice [system] doesn't believe me now because there's not enough evidence,' she said. 'There are some serious facts which weren't really investigated. I want to see the truth and I will have the truth.' Originally published on IBTimes UK In CCTV footage which appeared to show them keeping a look out for staff and then brazenly walking out with around 2,500 of stock, this is the moment a gang of professional power tool thieves seemed to have staged a slick raid. Yet despite the incident apparently being caught on multiple security cameras including one giving close-up views of their faces only one person has been convicted. The other defendant who was charged was found not guilty and walked free from court after the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence. Stunned business owner Neil Mackay, who was in court to give evidence, was told there had been problems with identification. Mr Mackay whose DIY store is a magnet for thieves said the case helped explain why so many businesses dont report offences to police anymore. Ive been campaigning for the last 12 years for shop thefts to be taken more seriously. Then you get to court and youre told tough luck, he told Mailonline. The majority of retailers dont even bother to report all offences to police because they dont think its worth their time. Footage taken at Mackays of Cambridge on March 1 last year shows three men entering one by one and casually walking to different places in the shop. One man appears to be keeping lookout in Mackays ironmonger story in Cambridge while another seems to stuff power tools into his body warmer The men were caught carrying out an apparent raid in Mackays on several of its 35 cameras One heads to a wall display and takes out bolt cutters to snip security tags off expensive power tools and accessories before placing items in large pockets inside his black body warmer. He then walks to the back of the shop where he is joined underneath one of the CCTV cameras by another suspect, who is dressed in a red and black top and appears to be handed several items. A third man, dressed all in black, comes over and stands guard outside a store area before another person goes in and emerges with two large, moulded plastic cases containing more tools. All the men then saunter towards the exit before walking away from the shop. Michael Nevin, 39, appeared at Cambridge Magistrates Court last week charged with theft but was formally found not guilty after the CPS offered no evidence. Stephen Myers - the last man on the video to enter Mackays and who was dressed all in black - received a six-month suspended sentence and a four-month order to wear an electronic tag at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court in Buckinghamshire on March 11 after admitting theft in connection with the same incident. All three suspects were caught clearly in close-up CCTV images, but two couldn't be identified by prosecutors. Mailonline has kept the images blurred for legal reasons Mackays of Cambridge DIY store has been raided before and has been described as a 'magnet for thieves' He was also convicted of similar offences in Faversham, Kent, and Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on different dates. The third suspect has not been tracked down. Mr Mackay, 69, said: I pitched up at court taking time away from my company and having spent the best part of a day preparing for the case. Then, the case couldnt proceed. Mr Mackay, who family has owned the 10,000-square-foot premises since 1912 and employs around 20 people, has repeatedly spoken out about the growing problem of crime in stores, including addressing politicians in Westminster. DIY store owner Neil Mackay has been left fuming at the lack of convictions against gang who stole expensive power tools He has also called for the term shoplifting to be dropped as it diminishes the seriousness of the offence and wants shop theft to be used instead. The grandfather said he no longer obscured the faces of thieves operating in his store when he posted the incidents online but it has failed to stem the tide. Mailonline has blurred the images for legal reasons. Mr Mackay once helped jail an individual man dubbed Britains dumbest shoplifter after the man went to police about a still photo of him that was taken from CCTV and published in a local newspaper. Nicholas Allegretto, 23, who had stolen an industrial magnet in February 2015, was arrested after he walked into a police station to complain. Nevin was not available at his static caravan in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. His solicitor said he was not at liberty to discuss his client. A Cambridgeshire Police spokeswoman said Mr Mackay had been informed that the force was challenging the CPS decision. A CPS spokesman said: Our prosecutors have a duty to keep all cases under continuous review. In this case, following compliance issues around identification evidence, charges against one person were dropped. Effective disclosure is critical to a fair trial and we will continue to work closely with investigators to ensure lessons are learned. We successfully prosecuted one person and the owner received full compensation. A record level of retail crime was reported across Britain last year, with 55,000 thefts a day more than 20 million every year. Costs to businesses rose from 1.8 billion to 2.2 billion. Critics complain that police have diverted resources to other crime, meaning shoplifters know there is little chance of them being investigated and caught. Diagnoses for ADHD have rocketed by 570 per cent at Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett's former university - as a growing number of students gain extra time in exams. Trinity College Dublin is paving the way for an ever larger cohort of neuro-divergent members, so much so that the disorder was the third most common disability among undergraduates in 2022/2023. It comes amid the striking revelation that in that year there were 422 students with ADHD - where 10 years previously the figure had been just 63. The sharpest increase came after 2020 where the number jumped from 229 students, amid what the university itself describes as an increased 'public awareness' from social media channels like TikTok. A University College Dublin disability report said: 'During this period, public awareness of ADHD was gathering momentum through a myriad of social media channels, but principally through TikTok, a social media channel with more than one billion active monthly viewers.' The university suggests the majority of its students receive an official diagnosis though the NHS or private pathways - though roughly 16 per cent fall into the category of 'R registration' meaning they do not have full documentation of disability. Earlier this week, MailOnline exclusively revealed nearly 100% of University of Oxford students tested for ADHD in-house were being told they had it. This made them entitled to 25 per cent extra time in exams. At Trinity College Dublin it gives them an extra ten minutes. Trinity College Dublin is paving the way for an ever larger cohort of neuro-divergent members. Pictured: Parliament Square and the Campanile in the Campus of Trinity College, Dublin city center The sharpest increase came amid what the university describes as an increased 'public awareness' from social media channels like TikTok. Pictured is the Irish writer Oscar Wilde Your browser does not support iframes. All students at Trinity College Dublin registered with the disability service - who have been approved for reasonable accommodation of extra time - are also provided with this support. Other statistics brought to light in the report include the majority of students with ADHD at the university being female and 79 per cent having an 'additional disability' - with mental health conditions and learning disorders being the most common. The activity undergraduates cite most frequently to help with their disorder is 'management of course demands' followed by 'completing assignments'. Student peer support groups are mostly attended by students with no formal ADHD diagnosis, with most members being young women aged 18-25. Amid publication of the report, studies have cited a 'significant rise in ADHD diagnoses in the UK'. Between the years 2000 and 2018 there was reportedly an twenty-fold increase in ADHD diagnoses and an almost fifty-fold rise in ADHD prescriptions in men aged 18-29. However, there was no significant increase in children under five. Despite claims the disorder is overdiagnosed, some experts argue ADHD is in reality underdiagnosed. Trinity College Dublin's alumni include playwrights Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett (pictured) as well as satirists Jonathan Swift and William Congreve Professor Philip Asherson, a psychiatrist of King's College London, has said ADHD is on a spectrum, similar to autism, arguing it has become 'arbitrary' where to draw the line at what is ADHD and what isn't. For example, its symptoms can overlap with other conditions, such as anxiety and depression. He said: 'I have been concerned that because of the vast numbers of people coming forward there are some groups, particularly in the private sector, who are doing quite rapid assessments. 'These people do always have a problem, but it is not always ADHD. So, there might be misdiagnoses if the assessment is not careful enough.' Trinity College Dublin is the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin, Ireland. Its alumni include playwrights Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett as well as satirists Jonathan Swift and William Congreve. A spokesperson for Trinity College Dublin said: 'The rise in students with ADHD at Trinity College Dublin reflects broader societal changes in awareness, diagnosis, and accessibility of support. 'The expansion of services within the university, coupled with external influences such as social media and improved diagnostic pathways, has contributed to more students identifying their condition and seeking appropriate academic accommodations. The trend is likely to continue as higher education institutions move toward inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly learning environments. 'Not all students registered with the Disability Service (DS) at Trinity College Dublin have an official medical diagnosis of ADHD. Instead, some students have undergone an educational assessment or functional needs evaluation rather than a formal clinical diagnosis. 'At Trinity College Dublin, students with ADHD typically receive 10 minutes of extra time per exam hour, access to low-distraction venues, and assistive technology or rest breaks if needed. Their accommodations are tailored to their specific needs, ensuring they receive the best support to minimise barriers to learning and assessment.' With disabled people still facing significant barriers to finding jobs, it's no surprise many are taking the decision to become their own boss instead. All around the country you'll find inspiring stories of disabled entrepreneurs turning their ideas into thriving companies - paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps. The Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs exist to celebrate the success of these founders and give them the support they need to scale up and create jobs and wealth in the British economy. Launched by easyJet founder and philanthropist Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou in partnership with disability charity Leonard Cheshire, they are now in their 17th year and inviting entries from disabled entrepreneurs with a UK company generating at least 100,000 of annual revenue. So far, a grand total of 1.85m (including this year's sums) has been donated to winners by Sir Stelios and his charity, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, in order to recognise their exceptional achievements. And this year the prizes are even bigger, with the entrant who most impresses Sir Stelios winning an incredible 150,000 to invest in their business, followed by a second prize of 100,000 and 50,000 for third place. Getting your hands on a life changing sum of money isn't the only benefit of winning: you'll also gain amazing publicity for your company, networking opportunities with other disabled entrepreneurs and mentoring from Sir Stelios himself. But don't just take our word for it! Below, we catch up with last year's winners to hear how they've made the most of these opportunities - starting with Cedric Bloch, CEO of Brigit's Bakery. Cedric Bloch, founder of Brigit's Bakery, won last year's Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs The awards were launched by easyJet founder and philanthropist Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou in partnership with disability charity Leonard Cheshire 'I put my prize towards building the first ever electric 1960s Routemaster' Ten years ago, Cedric Bloch came up with the idea of serving afternoon tea on one of London's iconic Routemaster buses, allowing guests to feast on freshly made cakes and sandwiches while passing by some of the capital's most famous sights. While his business - Brigit's Bakery - quickly took off, all his hard-won achievements were thrown into doubt in 2021 after a spinal injury caused by a bike crash left him paralysed from the waist down and using a wheelchair. The key information Here's what you need to know about the Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2025. Who is eligible? Applicants must be over 18 and registered disabled in the UK. You must also own at least 50% of a UK registered for-profit company that has filed accounts with UK Companies House showing a turnover (revenues) in one year of at least 100,000. Entry is via a simple online form at stelios.foundation Yet his unwavering determination and unbreakable spirit saw him excel in his recovery and continue to grow his company - a remarkable achievement that led to him being crowned overall winner of the 2024 Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs. Having introduced the first wheelchair-friendly bus to the Brigit's Bakery fleet, the 37-year-old spent some of his 100,000 winnings (the prizes have increased this year) on developing the first ever electric-powered 1960s Routemaster. 'We invested some of the prize money into creating the bus and we are now maybe six months to a year away,' he says. 'We hope to use it in our fleet and potentially license the concept to other companies and countries.' Cedric also credits the awards for opening up valuable networking opportunities and boosting the profile of his business, which now boasts annual revenues of over 5million. Cedric picking up his 100,000 winnings at last year's awards ceremony 'A friend told me about the awards so I sent in an application without thinking too much about it,' he recalls. 'I got an email back saying Sir Stelios wanted to have a Zoom chat because I had passed the initial stages, and after that I got another email inviting me to the awards ceremony. My children came along and were so proud. 'It's been amazing - since winning I've met a lot more disabled people in business and it's given my company plenty of recognition. I'm now hoping to double our revenues to 10million.' Asked for his message to other disabled entrepreneurs who were considering entering, he replies: 'You should. Who knows, you might win and get the chance to meet Sir Stelios. It definitely opens doors!' 'Winning has been life changing and massively boosted my business' Amelia Peckham was a confident and outgoing 19-year-old when a quad bike accident in 2005 seriously damaged her spine, prompting doctors to warn she would never walk unaided again. She was handed a pair of grey, standard-issue crutches that left her with agonising blisters, in need of a wheelchair and a feeling that the future was hopeless. Amelia Peckham founded her business, Cool Crutches, alongside her mother, Clare What is the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation? The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, which launched in 2011, is funded by the majority of profits from easyGroup - the company owned by Sir Stelios that created and owns the easy family of brands including easyJet.com, easyHotel.com, easyCar.com, easyBus.com and easyStorage.com. For more information about easyGroup visit easy.com or easyHistory.info. Yet it was at her very darkest moment that Amelia sighted a gap in the market for crutches that were comfortable, customisable and didn't click as you walk - a vision that led to her launching a new business, Cool Crutches, alongside her mother Clare in 2006. Their new range was met with a 'phenomenal' response, and the company quickly went from strength to strength before Amelia - in need of more money for growth - applied to last year's Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs and won the runner-up prize of 60,000. 'We wanted to produce a new essentials range that would be more accessible for disabled people, as well as develop a feature on the site where customers could design their own crutches,' she says. 'Winning the prize money has been life changing: the essentials range arrives in May and we launched the design technology last September. 'I think we're the only company who offer personalisation on crutches and walking sticks and allowing people to do the designs themselves makes a massive difference in terms of efficiency and margins.' At her darkest moment, Amelia sighted a gap in the market for crutches that were comfortable, customisable and didn't click as you walk Having struggled to apply for other awards in the past, her experience this time was completely different. 'While other awards are very complicated to apply to, this was one quick application,' she says. 'Sir Stelios and the team were so helpful and nice - they really understood me and why and how I wanted to scale the business. 'Sir Stelios has a reputation as a phenomenal entrepreneur but he also really gets disability and has a specific interest in supporting communities who need it. I've never met anyone like him and the number of people he's helped is extraordinary. 'I'd urge anyone to apply - the application is so straightforward and it could genuinely change your business overnight.' 'I felt we were being recognised and finally had a platform' Debra Cartlidge found there was very little support for deaf people like her at school and left without any qualifications - as well as the impression from teachers that she would 'never amount to anything'. But her introduction to sign language at the age of 27 'changed her whole world' by allowing her to communicate with other deaf people and understand more about the barriers and discrimination they all faced. Inspirational: Debra Cartlidge is the creator of Deaf Village North West - a two-acre site in Blackburn Determined to help the whole deaf community, she founded the School of Sign Language in 2006. Later on, she also created Deaf Village North West - a two-acre site in Blackburn that provides services for deaf people alongside a residential facility called The White House. Ever the team player, Debra describes her third-place award of 40,000 from Sir Stelios as a victory for the whole deaf community, not just her. 'It felt like we were being recognised, which was wonderful, because once we have a platform people have to start listening and supporting,' she says. 'We made Sir Stelios a video featuring everyone in the Deaf Village as a thank you. And we've definitely not been forgotten and can still go to him if we need support. 'It's not just about winning the awards but what comes after as well in terms of the contacts you make.' Everyone at Deaf Village made a video thanking Sir Stelios for the prize winnings The 50-year-old has invested some of the winnings into a new business called Silent Hardcore, which uses AI to create greeting cards in British Sign Language. 'That means you can have messages in sign language for people in the deaf community or others who have a disability and use sign language to communicate,' she says. 'Any profit goes back into the village, which is changing lives by empowering our deaf community and providing opportunities for them.' To take part, please go to stelios.foundation to download the entry form, which must be emailed to maya.turnbull@stelios.com from Thursday April 3, 2025 and by Friday May 16 2025 at 17:00 British Summer Time. As anyone who has had the misfortune of dealing with civil service bureaucracy will know, it can be a complicated endeavour. There is the jargon, the minutes that bleed into hours spent on hold on the phone and, of course, the endless form-filling. But mastering this red tape - particularly in relation to Britain's bloated benefits system - can apparently also present extraordinarily lucrative business opportunities. Just ask Charlie Anderson, a YouTube blogger who says her chronic arthritis and fatigue has rendered her unable to work. Thanks to her lengthy experience with the welfare system, she is extremely proficient at filling out forms used to claim the Personal Independence Payment [PIP] allowance disability benefit. So adept has she become in applying for this taxpayer-funded help that she has taken to explaining the 'tricks of the trade' to any prospective benefits claimant - for a hefty fee, of course. Deadly asbestos kills three times as many Britons as road accidents and is rife in hospitals and schools, a new report has warned. The probe compiled 381,398 separate inspections and found there are at least 150 million asbestos items hidden in public buildings across the UK. The data has been turned into an interactive map that shows the prevalence of asbestos and mesothelioma - an incurable cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibres - in each area of the country. Today, we are publishing an interactive map produced from the Asbestos Information CIC research as part of The Mails Asbestos: Britains Hidden Killer campaign. It is a constituency-by-constituency guide to what asbestos they found, and what state it was in. There are few areas without it in an alarming state. Researchers used more than 7 million data entries from 381,000 asbestos surveys in order to build up a picture of the prevalence, and condition, of asbestos in the UK. In Prime Minister Keir Starmers constituency of Holborn and St Pancras, around 40,000 buildings contain asbestos, with more than half containing the highest risk variety. Asbestos Information CIC, which compiled the report, is now calling for a national database of asbestos so it can be removed urgently. It is also demanding a new system of certificates, rating buildings from A to G based on their asbestos content, to be displayed publicly like food safety certificates. At the reports launch in Westminster this morning, Charles Pickles, of campaign group Airtight on Asbestos, branded the material Britains dirty little secret. We have been in denial as a nation for a long time, he said. It is now policy to eradicate asbestos, but it has not yet gone into practice. Asbestos is Britains dirty little secret because its in all our schools and hospitals and no one knows about it. Click on your constituency in the map below to see the level of risk in your area. If what you see concerns you, there is a handy email link to your MP. If, like us, you believe there is no place for asbestos in society especially in schools and hospitals then please use this link to tell your Parliamentary representative. Your browser does not support iframes. The Mails Asbestos: Britains Hidden Killer campaign demands that a phased removal of abestos must begin with schools and hospitals Understanding the location and condition of asbestos in buildings is vital for the development of a strategy that can lead to the removal of asbestos from all buildings, starting with those that present the greatest risk. He added he has a dream of an asbestos-free UK by 2065 - and believes it can be achieved. The fireproof material is found in floor and ceiling tiles, wall insulation, external cladding, sprayed coatings and lift shafts of thousands of public buildings built since the 1960s. As asbestos ages, it starts to break down, potentially shedding its deadly fibres which can then be inhaled. The policy of successive governments has been to leave asbestos where it is unless visibly damaged and shedding fibres. The Mails Asbestos: Britains Hidden Killer campaign aims to end that policy. Report author John Richards said building certificate ratings should be based on the type of asbestos, along with its age, condition and location. Our public buildings are riddled with it, he said. The data clearly shows that those asbestos materials which represent the highest risk to human life are the products with the highest levels of damage. MP Emma Lewell-Buck lost her grandfather, who worked as a plater making ships, to asbestosis in 1998 The arms length policy that places a duty on owners and leaseholders to manage asbestos in their buildings is not working. I dont want people in 50 years to say they we an opportunity to do something and did nothing. He added the Heath and Safety Executive is frustratingly slow to respond to warnings about potentially lethal asbestos deposits. The reports authors found that in Australia, where a policy of asbestos removal has been actively pursued, every dollar spent on removing asbestos has saved two dollars in healthcare for treating mesothelioma patients. They also discovered that many victims did not inhale the deadly fibres at work, but suffered bystander exposure - simply by visiting buildings that contain asbestos. Its believed hundreds of thousands of people will die in the coming decades from mesothelioma. There is no official figure for the number of schools containing asbestos, but freedom of information requests to Department for Education (DfE) have established that there are at least 21,500. There are more than 32,000 schools in the UK, and any built before 1999 when the use of asbestos was finally banned - are likely to contain it. Liz Darlison, CEO of Mesothelioma UK, said: We are keen to support initiatives that prevent others experiencing the same devastating diagnosis. We welcome the findings of this important report, and hope that the Government will take the necessary action, by adopting the proposals set out here, to help protect future generations. MP knew of asbestos risk in her constituency - it had killed her grandfather By Steve Boggan MP Emma Lewell-Buck always knew her South Shields constituency was blighted by asbestos from its proud ship-building past after all, it had killed her grandfather. But it wasnt until the Mail showed her the latest cutting edge research into the presence and dangerous condition of the deadly material nationwide that the threat to her constituents fully hit home. Because that research, using more than 380,000 UK-wide asbestos surveys conducted between 2022 and 2024, suggests that her constituents are dying from mesothelioma a deadly cancer caused by exposure to the material at a greater rate than any of their fellow Britons. In fact, analysts from Asbestos Information, the not-for-profit community interest company (CIC) which conducted the research, found that people from South Shields are more than seven times more likely to die from mesothelioma than from being killed in a traffic accident. They also found that nationally, the picture is grim. They discovered more asbestos in a poor condition than they had expected, deteriorating to the point where it could release potentially deadly fibres. When I opened the findings about South Shields, my researcher just said: Oh my god. This is terrible,"' says Emma. And I felt the same way. I was shocked but when I thought about it, I wasnt really surprised. We were the makers and the builders, and we kept this country going. The legacy of that, from the shipyards and the mines, is illness caused by asbestos. Everyone knows somebody who has been affected by it, even my own family. But asbestos is everywhere and we simply cant ignore it anymore. We have to do something about it, and with a real sense of urgency. Last month, Emma echoed the demands of the Mails Asbestos: Britains Hidden Killer campaign during Prime Ministers questions in the House of Commons, asking Sir Keir Starmer to introduce a national digital register to record where asbestos was located, and to commit to a phased removal of it from all public buildings. He promised her a meeting with ministers. The Mail has gone further, demanding that such a phased removal must begin with schools and hospitals. Asbestos is known to be in more than 80 and 90 per cent of these respectively. For decades, the policy of successive governments has been to leave asbestos where it is, as long as it is boxed in or painted over and theoretically not shedding fibres. But we argue that this is no longer a viable policy as long as Britains public buildings are crumbling. According to the National Audit Office, there is a 49billion backlog in maintenance for schools, hospitals, courts, offices and so on. Asbestos-related disease is now the UKs biggest industrial killer, causing more than 5,000 deaths a year, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Just over half of these are caused by mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the mesothelium, a membrane surrounding the lungs, heart and intestines. Symptoms include abdominal pain, chest pains, coughing and breathlessness caused by a build-up of fluid on the lungs. These symptoms can take anything from 20 to 60 years to appear, but once they do, most victims die within a year. There is no cure and the disease is always fatal. According to the HSE, in addition to mesothelioma, around 2,500 deaths a year are caused by asbestosis, a hardening of the lungs, and lung cancer associated with the material. Emmas grandfather, John Henry Richardson, died from asbestosis in 1998 at the age of 69. He was such a lovely, quiet, dignified man, she says. He had been a plater, working with the heavy steel used to make ships at several shipyards around the Northeast, which was where he would have been exposed to asbestos. He retired when he got his diagnosis at 62. I was in my twenties when he died, and I dont remember him deteriorating in great detail but I do remember that when Id call him, it would take ages for him to get down the stairs to answer the phone, and hed be out of breath. My mum, Linda (72), says he had lots of inhalers to help him breathe. But he wasnt alone. Everyone in his area knows someone with a relative who has died from an asbestos-related disease. The figures on which the latest research was culled came from surveys conducted by 12 of Britains biggest asbestos consultancies. They form only 20 per cent the sector, so what they found is only a fraction of the asbestos likely to be out there. There is an argument that this sector, some of whose members founded the CIC, has most to gain from a policy of removal. But this is specious; these are the people who come into contact with it every day, and the only ones qualified to deal with the dangerous job of removing it. Nationally, the research identified 2.5 million items of asbestos during 381,398 surveys at 257,622 unique sites and found that more than a quarter were considered to be highest risk, where asbestos is damaged and able to shed dangerous fibres. During the two years of the study, 153 asbestos surveys were conducted in South Shields and 1,088 items of the material were found. Many were in a condition likely to cause fibres to be released into the air. Mortality statistics for mesothelioma covering this period are not yet fully available. However, during the years 2018-2022, the disease caused 63 deaths in the constituency, while there were only eight caused by road traffic accidents a ratio of 7.88:1. Government policy was previously to leave asbestos where it was if it was boxed in or painted over and not shedding fibres. But we argue this is no longer viable, as Britain's buildings are crumbling While there is no relationship between the two types of death, researchers thought it would be helpful to have some kind of context the public could understand. Younger people would have very little knowledge of asbestos and would regard it as a thing of the past, says Emma. Some of them would never have heard of it and certainly wouldnt know anything about mesothelioma. But they know what a car crash death is and what a devastating effect that can have on a family. Asbestos Information CICs map, created from more than 7 million survey entries, shows that in most of the country you are at least as likely to die from an asbestos-related disease than from a traffic accident. People living in former industrial heartlands are, predictably, at most risk. Large amounts of asbestos were used in shipbuilding, and this is reflected in the findings. Next door to Emmas constituency are Jarrow and Gateshead East, and Tynemouth. In Jarrow, a person is 4.95 times more likely to be killed by asbestos than in a traffic accident. In Tynemouth, the figure rises to 6.8 times. Other blighted areas include Poole, and Bournemouth East and West (4.19 times); Plymouth (5 times); Mid-Dunbartonshire (6.5 times); South End West and Leigh (4.86). In many constituencies, the population is twice as likely, or more, to die from an asbestos-related disease than a car crash. These range from Winchester in the South (2.2), to constituencies in Nottingham in the Midlands (3.15); Aberdeen in Scotland (3.78); and Wallasey in the Northwest (3.48). What this map reveals is truly shocking, says Jonathan Grant, Registrar of the Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management at the British Occupational Hygiene Society. The sheer volume of damaged high risk asbestos was genuinely a surprise to me. It tells us that the asbestos in the UK is in a far worse condition than we had previously thought. I strongly suspect that the governments risk assessments for asbestos within the UK are incomplete and this is a problem because there is no asbestos in this country that isnt beyond its intended lifespan. And the longer we wait to remove it, the more its going to deteriorate; that is just a simple fact. Asbestos fibres, which can cause asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) and mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs, chest or abdomen) Being able to look at the mesothelioma recorded deaths on the map is absolutely stark when you compare it with the number of road deaths. Its pretty terrifying. Referring to hundreds of school building closures due to fears the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in them was crumbling, Jonathan adds: Not a single person has died from a collapsing school yet, but closures are happening to safeguard pupils and staff from the effects of RAAC. Yet former teachers and pupils are dying because of exposure to asbestos in the classroom, and Ive never heard of a single school closure caused by that. Research conducted by eight education trades unions and shared with the Daily Mail last October concluded that since 1980, 1,400 teachers and school support staff, and 12,600 former pupils had died from asbestos-related diseases. They predicted that hundreds of thousands more would die in the coming decades. The Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC) and its analysts Charlotte Burton and Maureen Ekwugha, who created the map, used bespoke algorithms and artificial intelligence in order to standardise results recorded during the 381,000 surveys. For example, they found that asbestos surveyors were using as many as six different words to describe a roof. Their aim is to persuade the government to introduce Asbestos Information Certificates similar to Energy Performance Certificates for every building in the country. John Richards, a former chair of ATaC, says: As someone who has been involved in the asbestos industry for more than 40 years and as someone fully aware that considerably more people die from asbestos exposure than road accidents - I was surprised to see that this picture is the case in almost all Parliamentary constituencies, and not confined solely to the industrial locations where we would consider the risk to be higher. All of the ATaC members who have looked at the map have expressed similar surprise. This is significant because in 2022, the Parliamentary Work and Pensions Committee conducted an inquiry into the way the HSE oversees asbestos regulations and recommended that the government introduce a digital register and embarks on a 40-year programme to remove asbestos. Both recommendations which form the basis of the Mails campaign - were rejected, with the HSE arguing that collating such a register would be too costly and difficult. By producing this map, the sector has proved that this is argument does not stand up to scrutiny. Sir Stephen Timms was chair of the committee that made the recommendations. Now a government minister, he is spearheading efforts to implement them, and sources tell me he is making considerable progress. Although there has been no official policy change yet, campaigners behind the scenes say one is likely to be announced during the life of this Parliament and possibly very soon. On February 5, during questions from members of the Work and Pensions Committee, Sarah Albon, CEO of the HSE, admitted for the first time that asbestos should be removed from buildings. Nobody within government or the HSE had ever before advocated removal of asbestos over management of it. She said: Although we havent had any direct conversations about the specific time frame in which we should be looking to see asbestos removed entirely from the built environment, I think theres an absolute agreement between us and Sir Stephen as our responsible minister that, ultimately, we need to work towards a place where asbestos is fully removed from the UK environment. She added: I think that links to the potential for some kind of register, and were working actively with Sir Stephen to see how that recommendation around a register could be most sensibly progressed. This is music to the ears of Liz Darlison, a mesothelioma nurse who, 21 years ago, founded Mesothelioma UK, a charity aimed at supporting victims and campaigning for asbestos removal. She says: Every day I see people dying from this completely avoidable cancer. If we manage to get rid of this threat for good, we will save many thousands of families from losing loved ones in future generations. And if we can do that, it will make us a far happier - and healthier - country. President Trump's pick to be the top Labor Department watchdog has first-hand experience with inside inquiries having himself been the subject of an internal police probe and getting raked for reportedly putting his paramour on the congressional payroll. Trump included former Rep. Anthony D'Esposito among a long list of other nominees Monday evening, after clearing out most inspectors general as one of his first acts after retaking the White House. D'Esposito is a former NYPD officer who served a single term as a Republican congressman from New York. During his tenure he was the subject of a bombshell report that he put his fiancee's daughter on the payroll for $3,800 a month. He also gave a $2,000-per-month job to Devin Faas, a woman with whom he was allegedly having an affair, according to a New York Times report last year. The account prompted an outside report to the House Office of Congressional Ethics by an outside Democratic-backed watchdog group, although whether anything ever came of it remains shrouded. A spokesman for the House Ethics panel offered a simple 'no comment' when asked if the panel had opened up a formal investigation or what was the final status. Such formal probes, once begun, typically end when a lawmaker loses their seat. 'If the Administration wants to cut waste, fraud, and abuse at the Department of Labor, its shocking they would nominate someone who has abused every single position of power hes ever held to oversee that process,' fumed Rep. Laura Gillen, who defeated D'Esposito in 2022 and now holds the Long Island seat in Congress, in a statement to DailyMail.com. D'Esposito blasted the report last year without explicitly denying it. President Donald Trump has nominated former Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY) to be Inspector General of the Department of Labor He called it 'tabloid garbage' a 'slimy, partisan "hit piece" designed to distract Long Islanders from Democrats failing record on border security, the economy, and foreign policy,' in comments to the New York Post last September. 'My personal life has never interfered with my ability to deliver results for New Yorks 4th district, and I have upheld the highest ethical standards of personal conduct,' he said. The House Ethics code states that 'a member, delegate or resident commissioner may not retain the relative of such individual in a paid position, and an employee of the House may not accept compensation for work for a committee on which the relative of such employees serves as a member.' The bipartisan Ethics panel usually tries to steer clear of opening a probe right before an election, and the report on D'Esposito came September 23, 2024 weeks before he lost his seat. The Times reported that it confirmed the affair with three sources and corroborated the account with Faas's ex-husband Derek W. Ciaschi. It quoted from texts it called love notes. 'Love you till Monday,' Faas wrote him with a a heart emoji. 'So much, DEsposito responded. 'SO SO.' The White House defended D'Esposito's background when asked about his former opponent's accusations and asked for the final status of any House inquiry. 'As a former legislator and law enforcement officer, Anthony DEsposito is exceptionally qualified to serve as Inspector General for the Department of Labor,' White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told DailyMail.com. D'Esposito, a former NYPD detective, also went through a complaint by the force's Internal Affairs division over a 'side-gig' as a bartender. El Diario New York reported last summer during his reelection campaign that a lawsuit alleging that he lied to a grand jury and then-Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr.'s office in 2011, resulting in a $250,000 settlement. Another complaint said he confiscated a defendant's white gold chain during an arrest and that it wasn't returned, the New York Daily News reported last year. President Donald Trump fired 17 Inspectors General on January 24. Now he has put forward former Rep. Anthony Esposito to be IG of the Labor Department, prompting howls from his successor in Congress 'If the Administration wants to cut waste, fraud, and abuse at the Department of Labor, its shocking they would nominate someone who has abused every single position of power hes ever held to oversee that process,' fumed Laura Rep. Gillen 'During his time in the NYPD, on the Hempstead Town Council, and now in Congress, Anthony DEsposito has shown a pattern of corruption, dishonesty and incompetence and exposed his extremism along the way,' Gillen said during their nasty reelection fight, a replay of the race two years earlier. The probe into the gold chain got an internal affairs tracking number and was 'partially substantiated,' according to the Daily News, which wasn't able to determine any formal consequence. Police records show he ended up getting docked 15 vacation days for working as a disc jockey without 'permission.' Any personal baggage aside, D'Esposito's partisan background is a departure for the typically nonpartisan IG offices, whose mission is to probe potential fraud inside government. IGs hold extensive powers, including the ability to subpoena documents and information, as part of their role of tracking how billions of taxpayer dollars get spent. They also have access to mountains of data, at a time when DOGE is fighting with federal agency officials over access to digital information on Americans. D'Esposito's campaign website was still active this week, and had him slamming former VP Kamala Harris and attacking 'Democrats' lies about the condition of our country.' His nomination came after Trump nominated Thomas March Bell to be the IG of the Health and Human Services Department. Bell is general counsel for House Republicans. When he worked for the Virginia state Department of Environmental Quality, he was fined in a 1997 audit that found he improperly authorized an $8,000 payment to the agency's former flak for comp time. Mark Greenblatt, one of the IGs that Trump fired at the start of his term, called D'Esposito a 'heavy partisan' whose background was 'completely anathema to the inspector general community.' Greenblatt, who was nominated and confirmed by the Senate during Trump's first term, also called the HHS IG nomination 'very problematic,' saying 'both of them have substantiated ethics issues and are not competent in other ways.' IG nominations aren't usually contested, and can be confirmed by a simple majority vote in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority. D'Esposito had lobbied to be administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency, Newsday reported. Melbourne crime boss Tony Mokbel has finally walked free with a beaming smile and cheers from supporters. The 59-year old could not contain his joy as he walked down the steps of the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal just after 1.30pm. Mokbel said nothing as he walked through a police cordon shielding him from a horde of journalists and other onloookers. He was a spirited away in a matte black Mercedes where he is expected to be taken to his new home with his sister Gawy Saad and her family in Viewbank, north of Melbourne. Mokbel's release brought the city to a halt as people congregated en masse outside the court on Lonsdale Street. He had been officially set free just after 10.30am, with the court taking hours to process him. The jailbird gangster's release attracted the largest media scrum outside a Melbourne court since George Pell appeared at court for a preliminary hearing in 2017. Mokbel was bombarded with questions from reporters as he made the 5m walk from the courthouse to his vehicle, including being asked: 'Do you have any plans to buy another yacht, Tony?' Melbourne crime boss Tony Mokbel has walked free with a beaming smile and cheers from supporters after being jailed for 18 years The 59-year-old could not contain his joy as he walked down the steps of the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal just after 1.30pm Mokbel said nothing as he walked through a police cordon shielding him from a horde of journalists and onlookers Mokbel notoriously bought a yacht named 'Edwena' and hired a Greek crew to spirit him away from Australia while on bail when he fled justice in 2006. He was released on Friday after the Court of Appeal agreed he had been set up by disgraced former lawyer and police informer Nicola Gobbo. Mokbel previously said the first two things he will do upon his release will be seeing his children and visiting his mother's grave, the Herald Sun reported. The decision to release Mokbel stirred audible gasps from his supporters, who crammed into the courthouse alongside a full-blown media circus. Mokbel had been treated like a celebrity from within the prison dock, shaking hands and chatting with his supporters - two of which left court in an orange Lamborghini on Tuesday. He had arrived in court on Friday once again in an armoured vehicle and escorted inside by Security and Emergency Services Group guards. While free on bail, Mokbel will be forced to wear a GPS ankle bracelet that will monitor his every movement. He will need to report to the local police station every day and adhere to a strict curfew between 11pm and 6am. The decision to release Mokbel stirred audible gasps from his supporters, who crammed into the courthouse alongside a full-blown media circus Mokbel previously said the first two things he will do upon his release will be seeing his children and visiting his mother's grave The court heard Mokbel had 'strong family support' and a mystery long-term de facto partner He was a spirited away in a Mercedes where he is expected to be taken to his new home with his sister in Viewbank, north of Melbourne Earlier, Mokbel arrived in an armoured vehicle at the Court of Appeal The court heard Mokbel had 'strong family support' and a mystery long-term de facto partner. In setting Mokbel free on bail, Justices Karin Emerton, Robert Osborn and Jane Dixon agreed he stood a solid chance of winning his appeal against three convictions for drug trafficking, which is expected to be heard later this year. If he wins, it will likely result in his complete release. His current sentence expires in 2037, but he is eligible for parole in June 2031. Prosecutors had argued Mokbel could not be trusted to comply with his bail conditions given his infamous escape to Greece just before Christmas 2006. Mokbel's barrister Julie Condon, KC, told the court her client had 'exceptional circumstances' for being released on bail, describing his case as 'very rare'. His bail had hinged on nine factors, including his poor health, the strength of his appeal case and his circumstances in custody. Mokbel had been languishing in jail since 2007 when he was caught in Greece after going on the run from Melbourne while on bail. Mokbel's supporters leave the Supreme Court on Tuesday following his bail application Mokbel will reside with his sister Gawy Saad in Viewbank until his appeal is heard Nicola Gobbo, aka Lawyer X (left), with Tony Mokbel before he fled overseas His sister-in-law Renate Mokbel had put up a $1million surety to secure his release - a decision that saw her later jailed when she refused to cough-up the cash. Known more widely as 'Lawyer X', Gobbo had been Mokbel's lawyer while informing against him in the early 2000s when he was a kingpin of Melbourne's deadly Underbelly War. It was a 12-year war that began in January 1998 and ended in August 2010 with 36 underworld figures dead. Mokbel had been facing the drug charges he is appealing now when he was tipped off by Ms Gobbo that he was about to be charged over the murder of Michael Marshall. Marshall had been shot in the head outside the South Yarra home he shared with his wife and five-year-old son in 2003. Police had believed the now-dead crime boss Carl Williams was contracted by Mokbel to kill Marshall, who he mistakenly believed had murdered his great friend, another gangland figure Willy Thompson. The charges were ultimately withdrawn in 2009. Mokbel had been jailed in 2012 over Victoria Police drug operations code-named Quills, Magnum, Plutonium and Orbital. Mokbel's barrister Julie Condon, KC, (left) secured his release on bail In 2023, that sentence 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. It had been Gobbo's meddling in his affairs on the Plutonium job that saw that conviction dumped. However, Mokbel's defence argued Gobbo's fingerprints had been all over his decision to plead guilty to the remaining three drug busts. Ms Condon said it was 'unthinkable' Mokbel would not have fought his drug charges had he known his lawyer was a police informant. While not directly acting for him on Quills, Magnum and Orbital, the court heard Gobbo had convinced her own clients - cohorts of Mokbel - to 'roll' on him. She had done so while reporting back to her Victoria Police handlers. It was this decision that provoked the ire of Justice Osborn during the prosecution's closing arguments to keep Mokbel caged. Justice Osborn suggested Mokbel would be eligible for parole today should he win his appeal on just one of the three outstanding convictions. Mokbel was captured in Greece wearing a shabby, ill-fitting wig Mokbel's fake identification while on the run The court heard while Magnum was the more solid case, the others were on unsteady ground because of Gobbo's meddling. Magnum, which earnt Mokbel 20 years, had seen him convicted for trafficking more than 41kg of methylamphetamine while he was already on the run. Orbital - a six year stint - saw him attempt to buy drugs off undercover cops while Quills (13 years) saw him busted for peddling MDMA. As it stands, Mokbel has already served most of the jail time on Quills and Magnum, with the remainder attributed largely to Orbital. The bail decision came on the back of a bombshell ruling in December by New South Wales judge Elizabeth Fullerton who found Victoria Polices use of Ms Gobbo was part of a 'joint criminal enterprise'. Justice Osborn put it to the prosecution if Mokbel's guilty plea was improperly obtained due to the prosecution and Victoria Police's failure to disclose to him the extent of Ms Gobbo's meddling, it could not be accepted. He further suggested Mokbel would not have received the 20-year sentence on Magnum if Orbital and Quills were struck out. 'He's not a serious drug offender if it's only Magnum. And he's not an incorrigible offender,' Justice Osborn said. Tony Mokbel was almost killed in a prison stabbing in 2019 Tonyh Mokbel as he appeared outside court in 2006 before he fled the country Mokbel's sister-in'law Renate Mokbel did jail time after he fled and left her having to pay a $1million surety 'At that point, with time served of 14 years, he's squarely in ... the range of the non-parole period.' Gobbo had first met Mokbel in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in 1998 when she was acting as a junior for barrister Alex Lewenberg. Mokbel claimed she had been acting on behalf of his brother. In 2002, Mokbel said Gobbo visited him in jail while he was on remand for drug charges. Mokbel claimed Gobbo gave him the hard sell, assuring him she would work hard for him. A Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants later found Gobbo had been hellbent on taking down Mokbel's criminal empire and provided police with a 'volume of information'. The ex-husband of P.E Nation's co-founder sent a picture of a semi-naked woman 'in a compromising position' to his then-estranged wife after they had separated. Tim Tregoning forwarded the intimate image to Claire Tregoning almost two years ago, telling the mother of his children: 'Let's play, you started this.' The woman in the photograph cannot be named for legal reasons but it was not Claire Tregoning, who now uses the surname Greaves. The picture, taken in a hotel room, showed the woman positioned in front of a mirror in a bathrobe and underwear with one breast exposed. It had originally been sent by the woman to Greaves via WhatsApp in April 2022, at a time when Greaves and Tregoning sometimes shared mobiles and knew each other's passcodes. Tregoning is an accomplished cinematographer but is best known for his relationship with Greaves, who founded the activewear label P.E Nation with Pip Edwards in 2016. P.E Nation made both women multi-millionaires, before Greaves stepped down from her day-to-day role in March last year. Tregoning and Greaves were married for 11 years, have two children, and separated in August 2022. They sold their five-bedroom Avalon mansion on Sydney's northern beaches for $6.4million in February 2023. Tim Tregoning, the ex-husband of P.E Nation's co-founder Claire Tregoning, sent an intimate image of another woman to his then estranged wife after the couple had broken up. Tregoning is pictured outside court on Wednesday Tim Tregoning's private life started hitting the headlines in 2016 when his wife launched activewear brand P.E Nation with Pip Edwards in a partnership which made both women multi-millionaires. Claire Tregoning - now Greaves - (left) is pictured with Edwards On July 15 that year the former couple had a disagreement over a family matter shortly after Tregoning returned from Bali with their children. At 9.10am that day Tregoning sent Greaves the intimate image via iMessage. She responded to the photograph and message by texting, 'That is not a nice game to play.' Greaves: 'It hurts me.' Tregoning: 'Let's play, you started this.' The woman in the photograph learnt what had happened when Greaves told her about the picture four months later on November 1 and subsequently provided a statement to police. Tregoning was arrested at his Palm Beach home in Sydney's north on November 16 and made admissions about sending the photograph to Greaves. When questioned, Tregoning further stated he sent the picture as a 'tactic' aimed at getting Greaves to return his phone calls. Tregoning and Greaves were married for 11 years, have two children, and separated in August 2022. They sold their five-bedroom Avalon mansion on Sydney's northern beaches for $6.4million in February 2023. He is pictured with lawyer Bryan Wrench Tregoning said he believed Greaves 'would have felt nervous about that photo', which showed the woman in a 'compromising position'. He was charged with stalking or intimidation, as well as to distributing an intimate image without the subject's consent. The stalking/intimidation allegation was withdrawn in January when Tregoning pleaded guilty to the charge related to the intimate image. The 43-year-old faced Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday when he unsuccessfully sought to have the remaining offence dealt with under mental health provisions of the law. Tregoning's solicitor Bryan Wrench said the photograph had been lawfully provided to his client and it was sent to Greaves without the subject's knowledge. Answering a question from magistrate Scott Nash, Mr Wrench said the woman in the photograph was clearly identifiable. Mr Wrench said Tregoning had apologised in person to the woman in the photograph, who had attempted to end the criminal proceedings six months ago. Tregoning had told a psychiatrist it was a 'low act' and 'I wish I had been calmer and shown more dignity'. Tregoning pleaded guilty to distributing an intimate image he sent to his ex-wife Claire Greaves. The former couple is pictured He had also apologised to his ex-wife and had been seeing a psychologist regularly since the incident as well as undergoing drug tests, which had all been negative. Mr Wrench said Tregoning had been 'overwhelmed by emotions' and acted in 'desperation' as he dealt with the breakdown of his marriage and was 'a different person' now. The court heard Tregoning had been diagnosed with ADHD as well as major depression and alcohol use disorder. Mr Rush accepted a psychiatrist's opinion that Tregoning's offending could be linked to his mental health issues but decided to deal with the case as a matter for the criminal law. He said while the image was not distributed beyond Greaves, it would have caused 'considerable fear and mental harm' to her and the subject of the picture. Mr Nash said the sharing of intimate images without consent was a 'reasonable prevalent offence' which needed to be deterred. He sentenced Tregoning to a two-year conditional release order without recording a conviction. Mr Nash also imposed a two-year apprehended violence order to protect Greaves from Tregoning. Tregoning was sentenced to a two-year conditional release order without conviction on Wednesday. He is pictured at an earlier court appearance Greaves described her parting with Tregoning as 'amicable' when she confirmed the split to Nine Newspapers in January 2023. 'It is very amicable, we still love each other, we are co-parenting and he remains a great friend,' she said. 'Things change and that's just what happened for us, but we are getting through that with a lot of respect and support for each other.' Tregoning had pleaded guilty in November 2022 to possessing a prohibited drug after police caught him with almost a gram of cocaine at Bondi Beach. Greaves wrote him a glowing reference which was tendered in Waverley Local Court where a magistrate heard Tregoning bought the drugs while he was in a post-separation state of 'unravelling'. The court also heard Tregoning had undergone sessions with psychologists and psychiatrists to help with his depression and ADHD, which caused him to act impulsively. Tregoning was involved in making the film Snow White and the Huntsman starring Chris Hemsworth, as well as television series Puberty Blues and commercials for Qantas, NRMA and Audi. In January this year, Greaves was spotted cosying up to renowned Sydney cocktail maker and bar tsar Matt Whiley at Avalon Beach. Whiley is the creator of boutique gin company Wolf's Nose and has helped set up seven award-winning bars in London Sydney. The asylum system is wrecking 'social cohesion' in Glasgow because the city is over-encumbered with migrants both sent to the city by the Government and those actively seeking out Scottish hospitality, its council has warned. Scotland's second city is the largest dispersal area for asylum seekers in the UK after London - with some 3,953 sent to the city by the Home Office while their applications are being considered and 240 others in emergency accomodation. But since February 2024, a further 1,000 people have also come to the city from elsewhere in the UK in order to access homelessness support - prompting fears that the number of people applying for accomodation is becoming 'unsustainable'. Among them are hundreds of migrants granted leave to remain by the Home Office - who are given 28 days to find somewhere new to live and leave their Government-provided lodgings, sparking an asylum homelessness crisis. Allan Casey, Glasgow City Council's convener for homelessness, says the authority is now considering asking the UK Government for a pause on asylum dispersal because of the 'unprecedented pressure' it is placing on the city's housing. The SNP councillor has written to UK Government asylum minister Angela Eagle to request a sit-down to discuss the 'utterly untenable' pressures Glasgow faces when she visits the city next week. MailOnline understands that a meeting has been arranged for next week between the council, the Scottish Government and the Home Office to discuss the situation. It could result in a volte face for a city internationally renowned for its welcoming attitude to those seeking refugee status - despite declaring a housing emergency in the face of growing homeless applications. The rising number of asylum seekers presenting as homeless in Glasgow is placing an 'unprecedented' strain on the system, its council has warned Glasgow prides itself on welcoming refugees (pictured: pro-refugee protesters) - but city leaders have warned that it cannot cope with the number of asylum seekers Cllr Allan Casey, Glasgow City Council's homelessness convener, has warned that the number of applicants for housing threatened 'social cohesion' Cllr Casey said a failure by the government to do more could provoke 'social unrest' and see 'bad actors' blame future financial woes on 'asylum seekers and refugees'. He told the Guardian that he wanted to 'work with the UK government to discuss some potential solutions, including a pause (on dispersal) here in Glasgow, and our commitment to being a pilot area for people seeking asylum to work'. The city is currently using 4,100 of its 6,735 available bed spaces for those awaiting asylum decisions according to figures provided to the Home Affairs Committee last month - more than triple the amount the Home Office says it should be using. Citing these figures, Cllr Casey's letter to minister Ms Eagle warned: 'This is putting unprecedented pressure on our housing system. 'We will continue to believe that asylum dispersal is good for our city, and we have been enriched by it. 'But the system you are presiding over is damaging social cohesion here, and we want to meet with you to discuss that.' But Cllr Thomas Kerr, Reform's sole representative in Glasgow, called the warning shot an 'empty gesture'. 'The SNPs declaration of a housing emergency almost a year and a half ago was nothing more than an empty gesture - since it was declared they've done nothing bar their usual grievance politics and blaming everyone else,' he told MailOnline. 'Locally, Glasgow has the ability to streamline planning applications and make the process more attractive for investors, but instead they've doubled down on attacks.' He also hit out at the UK Government for failing to tackle small boats crossings. The Home Office has said almost all small boats arrivals seek to claim asylum on arrival to the UK. In all, they made up 32 per cent of total asylum claims last year. Cllr Kerr added: 'Glasgow can't keep accepting illegal migrants in the way in which we are - it's unsustainable and creating huge division within our city. 'Both Labour and the SNP need to urgently get their fingers out and take this problem more seriously before another generation of young people are left abandoned without a place to call their home.' Your browser does not support iframes. A tent blowing in the wind in Glasgow's Buchanan Street shopping thoroughfare. Glasgow hosts a disproportionate number of asylum seekers Glasgow Reform councillor Thomas Kerr (pictured) has called the SNP-run council's warning shot an 'empty gesture' The city declared a housing emergency in 2023 after the Home Office streamlined its asylum applications process - amid a doubling in the number of homeless refugees Your browser does not support iframes. While asylum seekers cannot choose where they are dispersed to, other people facing destitution are thought to come to Glasgow because of Scotland's steadfast homelessness laws. Unlike other parts of the UK, Scottish local authorities are also required by law to treat all homeless-presenting individuals as needing a place to stay with priority, regardless of their situation. Those who are granted refugee status are typically given 28 days to leave their temporary accommodation and find a new place to live. What is an asylum seeker? Asylum is protection given by a country to someone fleeing from persecution in their own country. An asylum seeker is someone who has applied for asylum and is awaiting a decision on whether they will be granted refugee status. An asylum applicant who does not qualify for refugee status may still be granted leave to remain in the UK for humanitarian or other reasons. An asylum seeker whose application is refused at initial decision may appeal the decision through an appeal process and, if successful, may be granted leave to remain. Advertisement However, waits for documentation needed to secure tenancies and Universal Credit claims can be much longer, forcing people onto the streets. The Home Office is piloting a doubling of the time to 56 days amid criticism that the existing limit is too small and that asylum seekers, who cannot work while their application is being considered, have little money with which to arrange a tenancy. The Scottish Refugee Council is hopeful this will ease the pressure on councils and alleviate some of the strain. It also wants asylum seekers to be able to work while their application is being considered - a move it says is backed by the public. 'When people receive a positive decision about their asylum application... there are a lot of significant changes to navigate in a very short space of time,' a spokesperson said. 'People seeking asylum are not allowed to work to support themselves or their families and, with many are living on as little as 1.25 a day, very few people have savings for a rental deposit or the up-front costs required for moving. 'All levels of government have a duty to come together and agree a robust response to help the thousands of people affected by homelessness in Glasgow.' More than 40 per cent of homelessness applications being processed in Glasgow come from refugee households. But people may also come to Glasgow because it is renowned for its friendliness towards asylum seekers, as evidenced by scenes of entire neighbourhoods coming out to block Home Office deportation vans in 2021. A Glasgow HSCP report published in January noted that people may be fleeing England because of 'significant hostile behaviour towards asylum seekers and refugees, culminating in protests and the targeting of hotels'. The report added: 'Whilst Glasgow has always been, and will continue to be, a welcoming city for those fleeing persecution, it is evident that an increase in asylum cases... make(s) it challenging for Glasgow to continue to commit to the national framework in relation to asylum seekers and refugees.' The issue is compounded by those who are granted leave to remain then applying for family reunion visas - placing significant strain on the city, which lacks the stock to accommodate larger households. Your browser does not support iframes. Labour asylum minister Angela Eagle (pictured) has been warned Glasgow faces 'utterly untenable' pressures The city's population of homeless refugees - those already granted leave to remain after seeking asylum - is rising It presents an additional issue for the city council, which is already having to find additional accommodation as the Home Office expedites its asylum assessments process in order to clear the backlog. Official Home Office figures for the year to December 2024 state Glasgow has 4,193 supported asylum seekers living in accomodation, including 240 in emergency lodgings - making up 0.66 per cent of its 630,000 population. That dwarfs the proportion of asylum seekers in similarly sized city councils such as Manchester (0.34 per cent), Sheffield (0.22 per cent) and Leeds (0.4 per cent). And the number of people presenting as homeless who have been given leave to remain has doubled to 2,709 as of last year, according to a social work report scrutinised by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The city's health and social care partnership (HSCP) estimates that Home Office expedited decisions will cost Glasgow 26.5million in 2024/25, according to a recent report. The reasons are partly historical: Glasgow was, until 2022, the only city in Scotland to which the Home Office would disperse asylum seekers. As of now, more than nine in 10 asylum seekers supported in Scotland live in Glasgow. Edinburgh, which has a population of 523,000, is home to just 173 asylum seekers, of which all but nine are in unsuitable 'contingency' quarters such as hotels or B&Bs. And including resettled Ukrainian and Afghan refugees, Glasgow has an asylum seeker population of 0.77 per cent - higher than anywhere in Britain except Chichester, Coventry, and half a dozen London boroughs. The number of homeless refugees doubled in the city in 2023 as the Home Office tried to accelerate its efforts to clear the backlog of applications - making 2,500 batched decisions by the end of that year. This prompted Glasgow to declare a housing emergency, which remains ongoing. In February, the council wrote to the owners of 2,500 empty homes asking them to consider selling up or renting them out. It has even invoked compulsory purchase orders to buy up empty homes that have lain unused. A government spokesperson said: 'We have implemented a pilot scheme to double the move-on period, allowing newly recognised refugees 56 days to move on from the point they are served their grant of leave, while also supporting local authorities as this government clears the asylum backlog. 'There is a clear need for a smooth transition between asylum accommodation and other accommodation for asylum seekers granted leave to remain, which is why we are working to identify and implement efficiencies to support this process and mitigate the risk of homelessness.' Virginia Giuffre, a high-profile accuser of Prince Andrew and a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking ring, is now facing legal challenges while battling serious health issues. The 41-year-old has been accused of breaching a family violence restraining order in Australia. Her case is set for a hearing on April 9, according to court records obtained by E! News. Giuffre, who has denied violating the order, is currently hospitalized following a severe car accident. Her representative described the restraining order claim as "malicious" and emphasized that she is determined to defend herself against the allegations, ENews said. Western Australia courts indicate that Giuffre's legal troubles stem from an alleged incident on February 2 in Ocean Reef, near Perth. She first appeared in court on March 19 but did not enter a plea at the time. Details regarding the specific violation remain unclear. This legal battle comes amid personal turmoil, as Giuffre has publicly expressed distress over her estrangement from her three teenage children. In a heartfelt Instagram post on March 22, she lamented, "My beautiful babies have no clue how much I love them and they're being poisoned with lies. I miss them so very much. Hurt me, abuse me, but don't take my babies." Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre was charged with breaching restraining order days before crash https://t.co/BWORwjaz23 pic.twitter.com/dKW971tGkB New York Post (@nypost) April 2, 2025 Virginia Giuffre's Condition Worsens After School Bus Collision On March 24, Giuffre was involved in a serious car crash in rural Western Australia, where her vehicle was struck by a school bus. Initially, she returned home with minor injuries, but her condition worsened, leading to hospitalization. A spokesperson revealed that she is in serious condition and receiving ongoing medical care. According to Mirror, following her hospitalization, Giuffre shared a troubling social media post stating that she had been given only "four days to live" due to renal failure. She also expressed a desperate wish to see her children one last time. Her representative later clarified that she had intended to share the post privately on Facebook, rather than publicly on Instagram. Virginia is reportedly separated from her husband, Robert Giuffre, who filed the restraining order. E! News has reached out to him for comment but has not received a response. Authorities in Western Australia have acknowledged the March 24 accident, stating that a school bus was involved in a minor crash with a car, though no injuries were initially reported. Despite the legal battle ahead, Giuffre's representative expressed gratitude for the public's support, stating, "Virginia is overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and concern. She remains in serious condition while receiving medical care." Originally published on Enstarz Florida Republican Anna Paulina Luna is getting ripped by her 'disgusted' MAGA female colleague after she forced a measure to allow lawmakers to vote remotely when having kids. Luna, 35, had a son in 2023 and has been pushing the bill alongside Colorado Democrat Brittany Pettersen, who had a baby in late January. The Florida Republican has railed against GOP leadership for not allowing lawmakers enough time to recover after giving birth. 'Leadership said they will not consider at all allowing female members to vote when recovering from child birth. Period. Not now. Not ever. This is wrong,' she wrote on X Tuesday. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has been adamantly against Luna's effort, noting how the measure is unconstitutional and distorts the intended functions of Congress. His fighting the measure helping new parents is a bad look, though, and the speaker has sought to clear the record by posting on X that he is 'actively working on every possible accommodation to make Congressional service simpler for young mothers.' Bucking the speaker, Luna took the extraordinary method of using a discharge petition to force a vote on her bill. She circumvented Johnson by garnering bipartisan support on a petition that can get voted on, regardless of what the speaker says, if a majority of members sign on. The Speaker did not take kindly to Luna going around him, so he used the House Rules Committee to craft a rule to nix the vote on the Floridian's proxy vote bill. But that maneuver burned him after the vote to crush Luna's legislation went up in flames after the parenting bill gained bipartisan support. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna with her son on her Instagram. The lawmaker is in hot water with Republican House leadership after her effort to enable remote voting for new parents crossed a major hurdle on Tuesday despite Speaker Johnson's effort to quash the measure Rep. Birttany Pettersen, D-Colo., who is co-leading the effort with Luna, holds her baby while departing votes on March 11. Her child was born in late January 2025 Speaker Mike Johnson's bid to crush Luna's discharge petition failed on Tuesday The speaker was forced to shelve his planned votes for the remainder of the week as all the remaining work was tied to that poxy voting measure that was defeated. Johnson's legislative package failing meant that bills that could help Trump with his administration's legal cases will have to wait. 'President Trumps agenda is now stalled for the week,' Johnson said Wednesday. MAGA allies like Marjorie Taylor Greene have skewered Luna's bid for halting a week's worth of work. 'I can't believe that Congress was hijacked this week over Luna's resolution to allow members to skip work and vote from home,' Greene posted on X. 'Votes were cancelled for the rest of the week after Luna and the Dems got their way,' another post from MTG read. 'The American people did not vote for any of this crap,' the Georgia Republican shot off in another post about it. 'Im purely disgusted at all of this.' Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who has opposed most of Johnson's funding efforts even sided with the speaker on the proxy vote dilemma, writing on X 'proxy voting is unconstitutional.' 'It's foolish to delay our agenda for an entire week while we control Congress and the presidency!' Massie added. However, the Floridian says she is with the GOP and Trump, and the House Republican leadership should not have wrapped up the week on Tuesday. 'I am 100 percent supportive of Trump's agenda,' she posted on X to combat her critics. 'It is disingenuous to lie about me or the others Speaker Johnson.' Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., came out fiercely against Luna's effort after she says it caused Johnson to end the work week on Tuesday Luna claims she is still one of the most conservative House lawmakers 'Steve Scalise & Speaker Johnson did not have to send us home,' she said. Luna, in another statement Wednesday afternoon, alleged there is 'widespread misinformation surrounding her discharge petition' and that there are 'political games' being played.' Luna and Pettersen's bill would enable lawmakers who have children to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks, or just under three months. 'When I was pregnant, I couldn't fly towards the end of my due date because it was unsafe for Sam and you're unable to board a plane,' the Democrat Pettersen has said. 'And I was unable to have my vote represented here.' Luna says GOP leadership tried to make her look bad because the vote to kill her resolution was tied to many conservative objectives like judicial reform that the Trump administration has been looking forward to. 'At the last minute, leadership chose to tie my discharge petition to a rules package that would permanently paint me and the members supporting it as being anti-election integrity,' Luna wrote on X. After Johnson's plan failed on Tuesday he was quick to point out to reporters how Luna and eight GOP lawmakers sided with Democrats to oppose him. Johnson's legislative package failing means that bills that could help Trump with his administration's legal cases will have to wait Johnson is reportedly going to meet Wednesday with Rules Committee lawmakers to determine a path forward with advancing his legislative agenda while angling to strike down a full floor vote for Luna's proxy vote bill 'A handful of Republicans joined with all the Democrats to take down a rule,' Johnson said trying to play off the failed effort to block Luna's bill. 'That's rarely done. It's very unfortunate in this case, 96 percent of Republicans voted against proxy voting because they believe it's unconstitutional and they agree it would open a Pandora's Box.' In addition to Luna Reps. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., and Max Miller, R-Ohio, also voted for the effort. 'I cannot imagine a mother, who has spent 9 months going through the wringer, being told that you can't be with your infant only because you are one of 435 people,' said Miller, 36, who had a kid last year. Johnson has said that he will regroup and push again to block Luna's effort. The Senate delivered a sharp rebuke to President Trump's so-called 'Liberation Day' when senators voted on a resolution to undo his tariffs on Canada. The vote came down 51 to 48 with four Republicans joining ever Democrat to vote for the resolution. But the measure is not expected to move forward in the House. It came after the president spoke Wednesday afternoon at the White House where he announced 10 percent baseline tariffs for all countries which will take effect April 5. The U.S. will also impose reciprocal tariffs of approximately half the rates of each country's tariffs on the U.S. and other perceived barriers. Those reciprocal tariffs will take effect April 9. As the world braces for what comes next, stocks plunged. Heading into Wednesday, even Republican lawmakers were not clued in on the details until they were revealed by the president. Trump had previously announced 25 percent tariffs on nearly all Canadian imports to the U.S. but temporarily delayed them. Even with the new tariffs announced Wednesday, the rates on Canada and Mexico would remain at 25 percent, according to the White House. The resolution on Wednesday was to overturn the emergency declaration Trump signed in February to impose the tariffs on the U.S. northern neighbors. The president claimed Canada and Mexico were not doing enough to stop the flow of fentanyl from flowing into the U.S. but only a small fraction of the drugs come across the northern border. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) flanked by Senators Mark Warner, Amy Klobuchar and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaking out against President Trump's tariffs on Canada. They introduced a resolution to end the emergency declaration Trump used to impose tariffs on Canada Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) along with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the legislation to undo Trump's tariffs on Canada last week. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has been a vocal critic of the president's tariff plans, also co-sponsored the bill. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) indicated they was leaning toward supporting it ahead of the vote. Kaine said Trump's emergency declaration is not about fentanyl but about tariffs. 'It's about a national sales tax on American families,' Kaine said on Wednesday. Your browser does not support iframes. He and other Democrats have accused the president of wanting to use the tariff revenue to give tax cuts to billionaires. 'We need to stand strong against a tax increase - the largest tax increase in American history on consumers. We need to stand strong for a strong relationship with a good ally Canada,' Kaine said earlier in the week. The vote on the resolution was originally expected on Tuesday but it got pushed back to Wednesday as Senator Cory Booker held the floor for more than 25 hours in a record-setting speech against Trump. Ahead of the vote, there was a level of unpredictability over whether Democrats would get enough Republican support to pass the legislation. But Kaine said early Wednesday that he had the support of Paul, Collins, Murkowski and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). With every Democrat, it was enough support pass the resolution. President Trump holding up a poster with the reciprocal tariffs the U.S. would be imposing on other countries at the White House on Wednesday Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) co-sponsored Democrat's bill to undo Trump's Canada tariffs Trump overnight wrote a social media post urging Paul, Collins, Murkowski and McConnell to get onboard with his Canadian tariff push. 'The Senate Bill is just a ploy of the Dems to show and expose the weakness of certain Republicans, namely these four, in that it is not going anywhere because the House will never approve it and I, as your President, will never sign it,' he wrote. But Paul continued to blast Trump's tariff policy on Wednesday. 'Tariffs on Canada will threaten us with a recession,' he told a group of reporters Wednesday. 'It's a terrible, terrible idea.' Democrats have pushed back on tariffs on Canada as well as more broadly. Senate Minority Leader Schumer said the president was taking a 'sledgehammer' the to U.S. economy. 'President Trump is set to unleash the most reckless tsunami of tariffs Americans have seen in over half a century. Prices will rise on virtually every kind of product,' Schumer said Wednesday on the Senate floor. Later at a press conference, he acknowledged there are some specific tariffs in certain areas that make sense because the U.S. is being treated unfairly but slammed the administration's efforts. 'The kind of meat axe blunder bust approach that they use across the board on everything and in huge amounts, it's typical of this administration. They don't think things through,' Schumer said. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) on Wednesday spoke out against the resolution on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. 'Ending this emergency declaration would tell the cartels that they should shift their focus to the [northern] border,' he claimed. 'So I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution and ensure that President Trump has the tools he needs to combat the flow of fentanyl from all directions,' he continued. A famed British theme park has announced two new attractions to mark its 105th year anniversary, which includes a much beloved ride that was scrapped nearly a decade ago. Dreamland in Margate is set to see its vintage log flume ride return, and is also expected to reveal a host of new attractions ahead of the summer season. While thrill seekers are glad to hear about the ride's return, fans are still wondering whether the theme park's most famous ride - the Scenic Railways -, will also make a comeback. The Scenic Railway is Britain's oldest rollercoaster, which was forced to close last summer after a gaping hole appeared in its wooden tracks, which resulted in passengers being escorted off the ride. The park will also introduce new virtual reality facilities. This summer will mark the park's 105th anniversary, and 10 years since its grand reopening. The park first opened in Margate in 1920 and is considered to be one of the oldest surviving theme parks in Britain. Dreamland will open its doors for the Easter holidays on April 5 until April 21, and will then open on weekends and on school holidays. Dreamland has announced two new attractions to mark its 105th year anniversary The park first opened in 1920 and reopened 10 years ago The park is also expecting some of the biggest names in music to headline its Scenic Stage this summer The park will then remain open every day during the summer. The park is also expecting some of the biggest names in music to headline its Scenic Stage, including The Sex Pistols, The Libertines and Maribou State. Dreamland CEO Eddie Kemsley told blooloop.com: 'What a jam packed season weve got planned for 2025, which is only fitting for our 105th birthday and 10-year anniversary of reopening.' Children are increasingly turning to online chatbots instead of their parents for answers to lifes biggest questions, the Childrens Commissioner has warned. Dame Rachel de Souza will say in a speech today that the apathy of many parents is causing a crisis in childhood that is leading to many children feeling disconnected. The Childrens Commissioner will say that artificial intelligence such as Chat GPT could end up filling knowledge gaps for children unless parents can show they will respond quicker than online chatbots. Her comments come amid a national conversation about how the internet and social media are affecting children, which has been prompted by the hit Netflix drama Adolescence. Today Dame Rachel will address the inaugural Festival Of Childhood alongside Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, where she is expected to say that children just want to be listened to. Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner for England, has warned that the apathy of many parents is causing a crisis in childhood that is leading to many children feeling disconnected She will warn that childhood must not be conflated with adulthood because to do so abdicates us of our responsibility to making sure every child has all the things they should always have, and no child experiences the things they never should. Dame Rachel will say: If we want children to experience the vivid technicolour of life, the joy of childhood, the innocence of youth, we have to prove that we will respond more quickly to them than Chat GPT. She will add: Some of these foundations of childhood are cracking. A different version of childhood is playing out - one that we are struggling to be honest about. A crisis developing in childhood. There is a risk of inaction, of apathy - and the antidote to this is listening. Connecting. That is why we must listen to children, to engage them on the decisions about their lives. The Childrens Commissioner has also carried out a new survey using her statutory powers to obtain responses from around 19,000 schools and colleges, representing almost 90 per cent of schools in England. Dame Rachel de Souza has warned that children are increasingly turning to online chatbots instead of their parents for answers to lifes biggest questions (file photo) The research has found that more than half - 55 per cent - of schools are worried about the online safety of their children. The survey also found that 71 per cent of schools are concerned about childrens access to adolescent mental health services, while 46 per cent are worried about the impact of poverty on children. Dame Rachel is also expected to set out her focus for the next 12 months, which will include looking at children's trust in the police, harms cause by AI deepfake technology, and the use of mobile phones in schools. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she pledged, upon entering office, that this would be a child-centred government. She added: This is exactly what we are delivering: better life chances for every child, wherever they live and whatever their background, putting their best interests at the heart of everything we do. Donald Trump's team is stopping China from buying America's farmland as the communist nation stages an organized effort to infiltrate the U.S. food supply. Insiders from Health and Human Services and the FBI confirm there is an increase in incidents reported of Beijing trying to access and manipulate U.S. supply chains, especially when it comes to the food industry, DailyMail.com can reveal. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) investment in farmland has surged by 1,900 percent over the last decade going from $81 million in 2010 to a whopping $1.8 billion in 2021, a congressional investigation found. Much of this land is either farmland or plots with close proximity to military installations and Chinese investors now own at least 384,000 acres of farmland in the U.S. To address this, Trump's agencies are launching an effort to stop the CCP and its entities from purchasing land in the U.S. or getting involved in any businesses that supply food to Americans. 'The FBI is actively monitoring and investigating the growing threat of CCP acquisition of U.S. farmland and interference in our food supply chains,' FBI Director Kash Patel's advisor Erica Knight told DailyMail.com. 'With increasing reports of these efforts, protecting our national security and economic resilience remains a top priority,' she added of the rising threat from China. HHS is also looking into establishing an outside advisory board to look at potential national security threats in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Meanwhile, American-based Lifeway Foods is fighting against what it calls a 'hostile takeover' attempt by French food products company Danone, which the FBI now warns may have links to China. A French food product company with links to China could face FBI scrutiny if it continues to push for acquisition of a U.S.-based health food brand Danone, which is based in Paris, is attempting what Lifeway Foods is describing as a 'hostile takeover' of their Kefir brand. The company is based in Illinois and is the largest U.S. supplier of probiotics Comments from Danone CEO, Antoine de Saint-Affrique, have repeatedly been featured in CCP propaganda media outlets. He told the official CCP newspaper People's Daily in a March interview that 'China is absolutely critical for the world's growth' Danone is risking the scrutiny of the FBI as the company works aggressively to acquire control of Lifeway, which is the leading supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic food products in the U.S. A spokesperson for Danone told DailyMail.com that it's 'false to suggest that our U.S. subsidiarys interest in Lifeway Foods was connected to the Chinese Communist Party.' 'Our interest in Lifeway was driven by our belief that we could help to grow this company to its full potential given our nutrition expertise (after all, we sell yogurt).' An HHS source familiar with the push for Chinese-linked entities to buy food and pharmaceutical companies that supply to the U.S. is also warning of the national security threat. HHS wants to develop more safeguards within the department to stop making it so easy for nefarious actors from China and other hostile nations to get involved in U.S. industries like pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetic supplies. One person familiar with the efforts says HHS is looking to establish a committee made up of outside advisors to create a national security screening test to make sure anything Americans put into or on their bodies is safe and free of foreign threats. FBI and HHS sources tell DailyMail.com they are worried that the attempt for Danone to acquire the Illinois-based health food company Lifeway is just the latest example of 'stealth tactics' being used by Beijing to attempt to infiltrate the U.S. food supply and other industries through companies and relationships in third-party nations. And it comes amid increased attention from lawmakers who are concerned with the CCP and other Chinese entities buying land in the U.S. 'I'm concerned, like many Americans, about the wide-scale purchase of land, real estate, etc. by the Chinese Communist Party or those sanctioned by the party in America,' Rep. Scott Perry said during the House Intelligence Committee's confirmation hearing with Patel earlier this year. 'Director Patel, I think we can all understand that that can lead to the ease of nefarious activity of numerous sorts,' the Pennsylvania Republican noted. 'What do you think should be our posture or our policy from a national security standpoint regarding the purchases of these lands and the ownership, occupation, utilization, etc. by Communist Party sanctioned use?' 'From the FBI perspective, if we had federal statutes to enact criminal allegations and pursue those relating to these matters, we would do so,' Patel replied. 'I agree with you that having CCP actors purchasing large swaths of land next to military installations is a national security issue, a major one.' 'And I would highlight to the American public we're not allowed to buy farmland in mainland China or in Russia, so I don't know why we let that happen here. But that's a personal matter for me,' the FBI director continued. 'If I were given more legislation on it, I would love to act on it.' The new focus on stopping CCP from getting involved in U.S. food supply chains comes amid scrutiny over Chinese corporations and entities purchasing a slew of U.S. farmland A person familiar tells DailyMail.com HHS, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., wants to put a panel of outside advisors on a screening test committee to check on the national security of internationally sourced food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics A group focused on stopping the CCP from buying land in states said it's up to local lawmakers and politicians to fight this effort. The Protecting America Initiative senior advisor and former Ambassador to Germany Ric Grenell told DailyMail.com: 'The federal government has a serious role, but the real fight, like most politics, is grass roots.' 'The federal government can use its leverage and power of money to send a message to the states. They can put guardrails up of what's appropriate for the states to do,' he said when asked what role Trump's agencies can play in the fight against China. Danone's CEO told CCP media in March: 'The best proof of our confidence in China's economy is our continuous investment. Danone is not only investing in research and innovation in China but also expanding our production bases. These investments serve not only the Chinese market but also the global market.' Those involved in the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement express concern over his company's interest in acquiring the Lifeway health food company. Danone CEO, Antoine de Saint-Affrique, has repeatedly been featured in CCP propaganda media outlets. He told the official CCP newspaper People's Daily in a March interview: 'China is absolutely critical for the world's growth' When de Saint-Affrique was asked about his company's investment layout in China, he revealed Danone already opened a research center in Shanghai to conduct academic and clinical research. 'The Chinese government has taken a series of positive measures to boost consumption and stabilize foreign investment, which is undoubtedly good news for multinational companies like us,' the Danone CEO said in showering praise on the communist government. 'All policy initiatives to boost consumption and expand openness will help promote common prosperity and benefit global development.' De Saint-Affrique believes Danone will continue to deepen its presence in the Chinese market. Donald Trump Jr. denounced the latest development in his Triggered podcast. 'This is just one of many examples, all done through 'news stations' like the People's Daily and China Daily, which are literally owned and operated by the CCP,' Don Jr. said. 'And, by the way,' he noted, 'China Daily was just banned from distribution inside the House of Representatives.' The kebab shop is on a scruffy and traffic-choked road in London's East End. Its garish red exterior reminiscent of thousands of other fast-food joints around the country advertises cheap 'meal deals' alongside its halal credentials. On the menu, helpfully illustrated with photographs, the offers at Al-Farooq Kebabish include one piece of fried chicken and fries for just 2. Three chefs were behind the counter on one afternoon this week, tending the rotating doner meat and baking flatbreads. No doubt the shop does a solid trade but, at first glance, it does not appear to be a business with international reach. However, this unassuming little outlet on Leyton's Lea Bridge Road has a surprising secret. It is one of the Home Office's licensed sponsors of 'skilled workers' which, for payment of a 536 fee, bestows employers with trusted status and an ability to back foreign workers seeking to come to Britain. Businesses which take up the role are warned that sponsorship is a 'privilege, not a right', and that they must observe a series of 'duties and responsibilities' to ensure that immigration laws are properly upheld. Its garish red exterior reminiscent of thousands of other fast-food joints around the country advertises cheap 'meal deals' alongside its halal credentials. On the menu, the offers at Al-Farooq Kebabish include one piece of fried chicken and fries for just 2 Each application must still be considered by the Home Office, and carries a further fee, but for many Britons it will come as a surprise that the power to sponsor migrant workers is not reserved for blue-chip companies or even medium-sized firms. More than 128,000 businesses populate the Home Office's list, including many which do not appear to have great financial promise. The most recent Companies House accounts for Al-Farooq Kebabish's parent firm, for example, listed its wealth in 'capital and reserves' at a mere 897. We can't say how many migrant workers Al-Farooq Kebabish is sponsoring right now it might be none because the owners have so far failed to respond to our enquiries. Data obtained under freedom of information by the Centre for Migration Control last month showed that some other kebab businesses had sponsored inexplicably large numbers of workers to come to this country. The individual shops were not named, but one in Bradford sponsored 14 migrants and another in Birmingham backed 12. In all, 56 kebab businesses across the country had helped secure papers for foreign labour. Do the migrants actually end up working in the jobs detailed in their paperwork? Follow-ups are few and far between, and there is evidence that the skilled worker visa is simply a means of getting into the country in the first place. Last month, for example, an official report revealed Britain has witnessed a 100-fold increase in the number of foreign nationals arriving here as 'skilled workers' who then claimed to be refugees. Asylum applications by these visa-holders jumped from just 53 in 2022 to 5,300 in just the first ten months of last year. And earlier this week the Home Office revealed that visa overstayers across all the categories of foreign workers, students and visitors now make up nearly 40 per cent of all asylum claimants. Troubling questions around the issue of sponsorship are not confined to food outlets. Far from it. The Home Office's main skilled worker visa list includes 'canine beauticians', also known as dog groomers The Home Office maintains a list of roles eligible for foreign applicants through the skilled worker visa. A separate list allows sectors experiencing particular recruitment shortages to pay such workers 20 per cent less than the normal threshold of 38,700 a year for a full-time employee. Their minimum pay can be just 30,960 a year, which is about 6,500 below this country's average salary. Care workers can be paid even less, at 29,000 a year. The Home Office's main skilled worker visa list includes market traders, 'canine beauticians' (also known as dog groomers), curtain fitters and, perhaps most bizarrely, 'teachers of English as a secondary language'. So, the UK is importing workers to teach this country's native language to foreign students. There are at least a dozen language colleges listed as sponsors. 'It's absolutely ludicrous that kebab shops are able to import workers under the pretence of being highly skilled,' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp tells me. 'The Government needs to shut that down immediately. 'It's also utterly ridiculous to be bringing in foreign workers to teach the English language. This madness needs to end.' Under the current system, foreign nationals can apply for a job on the skilled worker visa list if they can find a sponsor happy to confirm their labour is required. Crucially, the employer is obliged to make only token efforts to seek applicants based in Britain for a role before they can look abroad. In 2020, as they redesigned how work visas operate, the Conservatives scrapped the 'resident labour market test', which required employers to advertise vacancies on two approved platforms in newspapers, online or in job centres, for example for 28 days before being allowed to hire abroad. Some Tories now admit this was one of several errors which contributed to net migration the difference between the numbers of migrants coming to live here long-term and those emigrating hitting a record 906,000 in the 12 months to June 2023. Party leader Kemi Badenoch has admitted that when in government the Conservatives 'got it wrong'. Yet by several key measures, a very unexpected sector is causing the greatest concern. It is not the ubiquitous fast-food restaurants. It is not the crop-picking jobs which have a long history of low pay and poor conditions. It is not even the hand car washes where slightly intimidating gangs of young men offer motorists a jet wash and a rub down with a soiled chamois for 10, 'cash only'. Instead, care homes are at the very top of the list when it comes to questionable recruitment practices and exploitation of workers. Some have been out-and-out fraudulent in their approach when it comes to hiring overseas staff. The Home Office's independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which helps guide policy, raised concerns at the end of 2023 after it uncovered 'extremely concerning' evidence of abuse of the care worker visa system. A company which supposedly ran care homes sponsored 498 visas even though it had not provided any services for months, the committee said in a report, while 39 carers were listed as residing in a five-bedroom property. Some applicants paid thousands of pounds for forged documents, and one was charged 21,000 by their sponsoring company for a visa, the MAC continued before adding, disturbingly, that 'some of these migrants were then given children to traffic into the UK'. The problem has not gone away. In its latest annual report published last month the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), which is responsible for investigating allegations of illegal activities, described the care sector as an 'emerging threat' where there has been 'a notable increase in worker exploitation'. In the 12 months to the end of March 2024 the GLAA launched a total of 133 investigations and, incredibly, 46 of those just over a third were 'care-related'. The surge is most likely a by-product of the huge numbers of foreign workers who have already been brought in to prop up the care sector. Home Office data shows that 158,000 people were handed a 'health and social care visa' a subset of the skilled worker visa route in 2023, and a further 205,000 visas were given to members of their families so they could also come to the UK. That annual total a staggering 363,000 fell last year to 123,000, mainly thanks to restrictions belatedly brought in by the previous government. However, numbers in the rest of the skilled worker route actually went up by nearly 8,000 last year compared with 2023, hitting 132,700 including dependants. This was despite the Conservatives' introduction of a higher salary threshold. In some cases, at least, the Home Office takes action against transgressors. One prominent example concerned a company that operated 15 care homes across the North East and led to legal action, which was finalised in the Court of Appeal last month and the Home Office's revocation upheld. Prestwick Care had held a sponsorship licence since 2008 but after a compliance visit from the Home Office in 2022 that licence was withdrawn. At the time, Prestwick employed 857 staff, of whom 219 were foreign nationals, which the company had sponsored. The Home Office found evidence that seven workers were undertaking roles that did not match the job description or pay levels disclosed to the Home Office. Prestwick's published accounts boast that it won a '20-bed two-year NHS contract' for one of its homes which ended in July 2023. So, in the topsy-turvy world of official contracts, a company that had been penalised by one arm of the Government for recruiting discrepancies continued to benefit from a deal with another part of the public sector. What can be done about this constant reliance on overseas labour that is so open to abuse and is driving levels of massive net migration? MAC chairman Professor Brian Bell believes that only 'substantial policy changes' will lead to a significant fall. Care-worker pay should increase by 1 an hour to encourage more UK-based applicants, he has said, because unless the job is made more attractive, 'I have no idea where the workers to fill the vacancies are going to come from, if not from abroad'. Additionally, MAC suggested in October 2023 that the list of jobs where there are shortages known as the 'immigration salary list', which opens them up to cut-price migrants should be cut from 60 roles to just eight. Today, it still lists 23. Professor Bell suggested that, instead of looking abroad for workers, businesses could do more to recruit people, including hiring foreign workers already here. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp points out that the Opposition has made a number of proposals to finally get a grip on the problem including a definite cap on the number of migrants allowed into Britain each year. But Conservative amendments to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, currently before Parliament, were rejected by Labour in March. 'The numbers entering the country have been far too high,' says Mr Philp. 'That was why we tabled amendments to the borders Bill requiring a blanket 38,000 salary threshold and introducing a binding annual cap on migrants at a level to be voted upon by Parliament. It is shocking that Labour voted against these practical solutions. The era of mass migration has to come to an end.' Labour's answers seem more nebulous. Rather than limiting numbers who can come here, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced measures to encourage employers to hire from the pool of employees already here. Quangos will work together to boost training levels and ensure the jobless in Britain have skills required by employers, she suggests. It is a long shot, to say the least, and relies on the job market responding positively. When companies have quick and easy ways to hire staff from abroad including some at bargain rates what is the incentive to do things the hard way? Migration minister Seema Malhotra says the Government has 'acted swiftly' to ban employers who abuse the system from bringing in foreign workers. 'In just over nine months we have driven forward a renewed crackdown, seeing over 600 illegal working arrests in January alone, and over 1,000 civil penalty notices served to businesses. 'We've also surpassed our pledge to deliver the highest rate of removals since 2018. 'We are under no illusions about the scale of the challenge we face, but this Government is restoring order to the immigration system.' But without tough measures that actually limit numbers and properly skewer the issue much like a kebab the foreign workers will continue to arrive. A young Victorian worker who spends a staggering four hours commuting to-and-from work each day has revealed why she is happy to do so instead of working from home. Ebony Coatsworth landed her dream job as a social media executive for Melbourne Social Co - a marketing agency in the heart of the city's CBD - in July last year. The 27-year-old makes the two-hour trip from her home in the seaside town of Torquay, about 104km southwest of the city, to her office. Ms Coatsworth's commute includes driving to the local railway station, parking her car, catching a train into central Melbourne, jumping on a tram, and then walking to the office - a roundtrip of four hours if there's no delays. While the long travel time would deter many workers, Ms Coatsworth has no regrets and has been making the commute three times a week for the past six months. She said the travel was 'worth it' as she enjoys the best of both worlds - an incredible job that she loves in the city and her beachside escape at home. 'They are a best-in-class agency and I was not going to pass up the opportunity to work there just because I don't live around the corner,' Ms Coatsworth told Yahoo. 'As much as I love working in Melbourne, I love where I live. I love being able to walk to the beach, spend my weekends down the coast and live around the corner from my sisters.' Ms Coatsworth said she used the time on the train to be productive, working on her personal brand and content for the two podcasts that she hosts. She said it was important for new workers to be in the office at least once or twice a week as 'entirely remote roles' were a 'massive disservice' to young career women trying to learn from others. 'Seeing how my managers carry themselves, how they show up to work, how they speak to others and how they interact with clients has shaped me and how I show up in my own career,' Ms Coatsworth said. 'Proximity is so important and I always want to surround myself with other high performers, you don't get that in your home office.' However, Ms Coatsworth explained she was fortunate her boss allowed some WFH days as she would not be able to manage commuting to the office five days a week. In a video shared to her TikTok account last week, Ms Coatsworth filmed her daily morning commute. The video showed Ms Coatsworth walking to her car at 6.20am and driving to the train station arriving at 6.40am. She then arrived in the city at 8.20am before taking a quick tram trip and arriving at her office at 8.30am. Melbourne woman Ebony Coatsworth, 27, makes a four hour round-trip commute to her dream job as a social media executive three times a week Social media users were shocked at Ms Coatsworth's long commute, with many claiming the trip was not worth it. 'I love my job and I don't need to spend 4 hours travelling. That is just too draining,' one person commented. 'I commute about four hours, two days a week and I love my job but it's so exhausting to do the extra labour... I would change the commute if I could,' a second person wrote. 'I love my job and it's 20 mins walk to the office. Long commutes are just diabolical to me sorry,' a third chimed. In another video, Ms Coatsworth replied to those who claimed the commute was 'not worth it'. 'I'll tell you what I don't think is worth it,' Ms Coatsworth said. 'I don't think it's worth it to work a job where you are living for the weekend because you don't like your work and then your weekends are ruined because of the Sunday scaries. 'I love my job. I just don't think you can put a price or a worth on loving your work and being happy every single day to go to work. It's worth it for me.' She said her commute was worth it and argued the office had many benefits that young workers, who are at the start of their career, cannot get working from home (stock image) The working from home debate was re-ignited in recent weeks as the Coalition said it would force public servants back into the office if elected. Opposition finance spokesperson Jane Hume said a Liberal-National government would make all full-time Commonwealth employees work in the office five days a week. 'This is a commonsense policy that will instill a culture that focuses on the dignity of serving the public,' she told an audience at the Menzies Research Centre in March. In a statement shared with Daily Mail Australia, Senator Hume clarified that the Coalition didn't plan to enforce a blanket ban on WFH. 'Let me be very clear about Labor and the Union hyperventilating: no one is banning work from home arrangements, that is a Labor lie,' she said. 'Labor has made working from home a right rather than a request. Working from home has to work for everyone: the individual, the team and the department. 'This is a commonsense policy that reflects the arrangements for everyone else outside of the Australian Public Service.' Major companies including Amazon, Tabcorp, Flight Centre and Dell recently ended their WFH option. Many other companies with hybrid working arrangements have also set in-office mandates, including Woolworths Group which announced its 10,000 office support staff are required to work three days a week in the office by October. Aussie bloke said he felt like 'worst employee of the year' A young DJ who quit his job with four weeks' notice has complained that his boss didn't take a moment to say goodbye on his last day at work. The Sydneysider, who works under the stage name Soul Wun, said he felt like the 'worst employee of the year' after his awkward exit. 'So I quit my job a month ago and gave my boss a month's notice,' he said in a TikTok filmed in his car just moments after his last shift. 'Today was my last day, and I just left, and he didn't even f****** say goodbye to me. 'What the f*** man, worst employee of the year award goes to me, obviously.' Aussies were divided over the snub, with some describing the boss as 'ungrateful' and others saying the treatment was fair enough. 'I left Bunnings after 33 years, my manager didn't even say goodbye,' one man said. 'People don't leave bad jobs they leave bad managers. [I] guess he just wanted to give you a little going-away gift in the form of soul-crushing disregard,' another said. A young Aussie said his boss didn't even say goodbye to him on his last day of work (pictured) 'They literally don't care, it's so sad. They expect you to put everything into working for them and you're just a number to them,' a third said. 'Last job I was there eight years and once I gave my notice (over a month), not a single word was spoken to me by either of the bosses, and I was the manager of my department!' another woman shared. 'Like, how am I supposed to do my work if you wont even communicate with me.' But others were less sympathetic. 'Expecting benevolence from our employers is definitely a trend that should end,' one viewer wrote. 'Okay then, on behalf of your boss, goodbye. You happy now?' another said. 'Not saying you're a bad worker, but he didn't need you, or like you (obviously), he used that month to find a better candidate,' a third added. 'Taking it personally or not is up to you.' Aussies were divided over the snub, with some describing the boss as 'ungrateful' and others saying the treatment was fair enough (stock image) 'Unless you were friends why would you expect a goodbye? Employees are replaceable,' another said. 'I've seen good people move on and be replaced within a week.' However another commenter suggested the boss's behaviour indicated the departing staffer would be hard to replace. 'Nah, you were too good,' he said. 'He's just miserable he lost a good one and too high and mighty to admit it.' A headteacher who kept condoms at his desk and sent female staffers photos of sex positions asking which their favourite was has avoided being thrown out of the classroom. Gareth Linwood also told one woman he wanted to 'wrap his snake around her neck' and talked about 'f*** buddies' in a staff meeting. The shamed primary school teacher has now been allowed to return to the profession after being suspended. Linwood has worked as a headteacher in various primary schools since 2006 and was the headmaster of Fleetville Junior School in Hertfordshire from January 2018 until his suspension in around April 2022. He is now believed to be working as a teacher at a different primary school in Cambridge. In April 2022, before his suspension, an investigation was carried out by the school following concerns regarding Linwood's behaviour towards female members of staff. He described the investigation as a 'witch hunt', 'a sham', 'unlawful', 'incomplete' and alleged people were sought out for 'dirt' on him. A Teaching Regulation Agency hearing was held on 27 May 2022. Gareth Linwood - pictured - was the headmaster of Fleetville Junior School in Hertfordshire from January 2018 until his suspension around April 2022 Fleetville Junior School - pictured - provides schooling for children aged seven to 11 years old There were nine witnesses including at least seven teachers, who were not named. The panel found he made inappropriate comments towards members of staff between 2019 and April 2022. On an unknown date said: 'I would love to wrap my snake around your neck,' in reference to a scarf worn by a female member of staff. Linwood denied the allegation and said the staff member had misheard. The panel found this allegation proved as the sentence is 'not a phrase that somebody is likely to mishear'. On April 19, 2022 Linwood used the term 'f*** buddies' in a meeting with two female members of staff. On February 24, 2021, he sent an email to two female members of staff which contained pictures of a man and a woman in sexual positions, asking them 'which one?'. In preparation for an OFSTED visit, he was in discussion about whether the school dog should be kept away during the inspection. Linwood said he 'may not like middle aged women but you could not send them all home'. Linwood had taken sick leave from December 2021 to February 2022 and had a return-to-work interview with one of the witnesses. Pictured: A general view of Fleetville Junior School Linwood admitted keeping condoms in his desk drawer and was found to have lied about them being for health education classes. On another occasion he told staff he would like to recruit young, blonde women. Linwood had taken sick leave from December 2021 to February 2022 and had a return-to-work interview with one of the witnesses. He raised a grievance against this witnesses for bullying and intimidation in March 2022. He believed the investigation into his behaviour was in retaliation to him raising the issue, which the panel did not find was the case. The witness stated that she had had prior 'nagging concerns' about Linwood's behaviour for some time before he went on sick leave. They noted a staff member had disclosed that Linwood had made inappropriate comments in an anonymous staff survey in September 2021. The hearing report said: 'The panel took into account that Linwood was an experienced headteacher at the time of his conduct. 'He should have known better and should have been leading by example.' He avoided a teaching ban but is not currently working at the school which he was suspended from. The decision maker said: 'I consider that the publication of the findings made would be sufficient to send an appropriate message to the teacher as to the standards of behaviour that were not acceptable and that the publication would meet the public interest requirement of declaring proper standards of the profession.' Elon Musk has historic ties to Canada and a keen interest in its politics but his involvement with the country could soon increase markedly, says one US lawmaker. Rep. Jamie Raskin has highlighted Musk's Canadian citizenship, which he inherited through his mother, as a basis to become leader of the nation of 40 million people. The Democrat's comments come as Musk reportedly steps down from his role in the US Trump administration, and as Canada heads into a tumultuous and unpredictable general election. Musk, 53, who lived and studied in Canada from 1989 to 1992, has maintained an interest in his former home and regularly comments on its fast-changing political scene. He famously branded Canada's former Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau an 'insufferable tool,' and has endorsed the Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. But the world's richest man has so far said nothing about seeking high office in Canada, and did not answer DailyMail.com's request for comment. Any long-shot bid by Musk to join Canada's parliament or even its highest office would have to overcome a daunting series of constitutional and practical hurdles. They range from Musk's eligibility for office to conflicts of interest over his business empire, and practical questions about which political party would back his candidacy. Elon Musk's mom is Canadian, which allowed him to obtain Canadian citizenship and move there in 1989 Meanwhile, Musk is not deemed to be very popular north of the border, where hundreds of thousands of people have signed a petition to revoke his citizenship. Raskin, a constitutional law professor, raised the prospect of Musk entering Canadian politics at a recent speaking event. He revealed his outlandish theory about why US President Donald Trump wants to make Canada the 51st state, and it involves Musk. Raskin argued that if Trump brings Panama, Greenland, and Canada into an expanded US, it would require a new constitution and that would allow Musk to run for president. 'They want to bring in Panama. They want to bring in Greenland. They want to bring in Canada, where Elon Musk is a citizen after he left his apartheid South Africa,' Raskin said. 'Why? Because they believe that this new consortium will require a new constitution that would allow Elon Musk to run for president.' Raskin's comments about Musk using Canada's politics as a stepping stone to the Oval Office have been panned as a 'bizarre conspiracy theory.' Still, the Maryland lawmaker has sparked a conversation about Musk's potential in Canada's general election on April 28. Canadians rally against Elon Musk and his Tesla vehicles outside a dealership in Vancouver Canada's Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney called a snap general election on April 28 The Conservative Party and its leader Pierre Poilievre are now trailing in the opinion polls Musk was born in South Africa in 1971. His mother Maye Musk is Canadian, which allowed him to obtain Canadian citizenship and move there in 1989. The following year, he entered Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania in the US in 1992. Last year, Musk famously posted a photo of himself wearing an 'I Love Canada' shirt, with some key letters conspicuously covered by his jacket. He's since become more deeply embroiled in Canadian politics He's repeatedly mocked the former progressive Liberal leader, Trudeau, and praised the Conservative opposition head Poilievre, who shares the MAGA anti-woke agenda. Musk is a close ally of Trump, and runs his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), in an administration that seeks to make Canada the 51st state of America. Many Canadians object to this, and took aim at Musk through a symbolic petition in February. The document charges that he is working 'against the national interest of Canada' by becoming a member of a foreign government that seeks to 'erase Canadian sovereignty.' It also demands that Musk's Canadian citizenship is revoked. So far, it has received nearly 370,000 signatures and been endorsed by an MP from Ontario. Musk has endorsed Poilievre, whose anti-woke campaign echoes the MAGA movement across the border A petition to revoke Musk's Canadian citizenship has garnered nearly 370,000 signatures Responding to the petition on X, Musk said: 'Canada is not a real country.' The large number of signatures however raises questions about whether Musk, an outspoken and nerdy tech maven, would be successful at the ballot box. Trump had reportedly told members of his Cabinet that Musk will soon leave DOGE and return to the private sector. He was branded politically 'toxic' this week after he poured millions of dollars into an election in Wisconsin, only to be roundly rejected by voters. Musk's candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court was defeated by 10 percentage points on Tuesday losing by a greater margin than any of the other Republicans running for statewide office. He suffers from a low-and-falling popularity score in the US, says a survey from Marquette Law School. Just 38 percent of respondents approved of him personally. Musk's relative unpopularity across North America would make him an odd choice for either of Canada's main political parties. Canada operates under the so-called Westminster system, meaning prime ministers govern with the confidence of a majority of the members of the House of Commons. Any Musk effort to become Canada's prime minister would effectively require the backing of either the Liberal or Conservative parties. The trouble is, both blocs already have a leader. US President Donald Trump has privately said Musk will soon step down from his role as his efficiency tsar Musk's business interests and social media platform at odds could put him at odds with Canada's conflict of interest rules for public officials The ruling Liberals last month elected former central banker Mark Carney as leader, to succeed Trudeau. Carney soon after called this month's snap general election. The opposition Conservatives have since 2022 been fronted by Poilievre. Any effort to switch leaders at the last minute could hurt the party, which is already trailing the Liberals by about five percentage points, according to CBC's average of opinion polls. There are also constitutional questions abut Musk's eligibility for federal elected office in Canada. Musk meets some criteria he's aged over 18 and a citizen but does not appear to meet a requirement to reside in the country. His ownership and leadership roles in major companies, including SpaceX, Tesla, and social media platform X, could also put him at odds with Canada's conflict of interest rules. Under a 2006 law, public office holders cannot wield power when they have an 'opportunity to further his or her private interests,' meaning Musk may have to leave his businesses to seek high office. Gov. Ron DeSantis has stepped up his criticism of Randy Fine, Florida's newly elected congressman, following his narrow victory in a special election for the 6th district aimed at replacing former Rep. Mike Waltz. DeSantis slammed Fine as a "squish," a term used to describe someone lacking strong conservative principles following his 14-point win, the closest margin for a Republican in the district since 2018. The governor suggested that Fine's victory was only secured due to the late intervention of President Donald Trump, who rallied voters to support the candidate despite their dissatisfaction with him, as Fox News reports: "The president really had to bail him out at the end because this race would have been much closer had the president sat on the sidelines. I think these were voters who didn't like Randy Fine but who basically were like, 'You know what? We're going to take one for the team" Fine, on his end, pushed back, taking to social media to accuse DeSantis of focusing on personal politics rather than advancing the party's agenda. "A dying star burns hottest before it fades into oblivion," said Fine on X while sharing a video with DeSantis' comments. "I'm focused on working with President Donald Trump to stop Democrats from taking this country backwards, not working with them. Let's go." A dying star burns hottest before it fades into oblivion. Im focused on working with @realDonaldTrump to stop Democrats from taking this country backwards, not working with them. Lets go. https://t.co/zNoMxz91uu Congressman Randy Fine (@VoteRandyFine) April 2, 2025 DeSantis has had a tense relationship with Fine since 2023 as a result of Fine's public switch in support from DeSantis to Trump during the 2024 Republican presidential race, an endorsement that Fine defended in the wake of remarks from DeSantis on issues like antisemitism. DeSantis' remarks also reflect his broader dissatisfaction within the Florida GOP, especially regarding legislative actions and his strained relations with House Speaker Daniel Perez. On Monday, the governor accused Florida's Republican legislature of failing to push a more aggressive conservative agenda, particularly in the areas of immigration enforcement and Second Amendment rights. DeSantis also voiced concerns that the state's GOP supermajority is not effectively opposing Democrats, even as Fine's narrow win suggests fractures within the party: "To have a GOP supermajority, it isn't worth the paper it's printed on, unless they act like a GOP supermajority. What I see so far out of the Florida House of Representatives, they're not trying to step on the left's throat. They are giving a lifeline to the Democratic Party" Originally published on Latin Times A Jetstar passenger who terrified fellow travellers when she tried to open a plane door mid-flight has quietly returned to Australia. The woman caused chaos onboard flight JQ34 from Melbourne to Bali on Monday night after she pulled down the door release lever as the plane cruised at 33,000ft and a speed of 500knots. An alarm alerted the crew, who swiftly stopped her with the aid of an off-duty policeman, but she continued to be 'abusive' to airline staff. More than 200 passengers on the flight were left shaken but unharmed as the plane was forced to perform a U-turn two hours into the journey and land back at Denpasar International Airport. Although the woman was initially taken into custody by local authorities in Bali, she was apparently released soon afterwards. Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, head of communications and legal at the airport, told Daily Mail Australia 'all passengers' stayed at a hotel that night. They have since flown back to Melbourne. 'For us, the most important thing is safety, security and services,' Mr Amadi said. The woman (pictured) caused chaos on board flight JQ-34 from Melbourne to Bali on Monday night, pulling down the door release lever as the plane cruised at 33,000feet (pictured) More than 200 passengers on the flight were left shaken but unharmed as the plane performed a U-turn two hours into the journey and landed back at Denpasar airport 'The airline (Jetstar) has coordinated with us properly. We always commit to manage the safety and security of passengers.' In response, Jetstar said it had 'not provided hotel accommodation' to the woman. 'In general, if a passenger is denied entry into a country, the airline is legally obligated to transport them back to their origin, which can have strict conditions applied such as escorts and medical clearance,' a spokesperson said. Daily Mail Australia has asked Jetstar when the woman returned to Melbourne and whether she paid for the flight. The Australian Federal Police confirmed officers did not speak to the woman when she arrived in Melbourne as the incident occurred outside their jurisdiction. Passenger Brooke Jowett said the woman's terrifying outburst came after a heated argument with flight crew over her seat. 'Turns out the reason behind the lady wanting to open the door is because she wanted to sit in a different row and have a chair that could recline,' Ms Jowett, who is known for her appearance on Australian Survivor, said of the incident. 'So she decided to try to open the doors, which apparently triggered something to do with the emergency slide and yeah, it was a big bloody panic, it was very, very scary but we're fine.' Passenger Brooke Jowett (pictured left) said the woman's terrifying outburst came after a heated argument with flight crew over her seat Ms Jowett watched as the off-duty officer pulled the woman away from the door and flight crew asked passengers to fasten their seatbelts. Once the situation was under control, the flight crew made an announcement to all passengers about why the flight had turned around. Dr David Birch, a Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering at Surrey University, said the massive difference in air pressure between the inside of the cabin and outside made it almost impossible to open a door at cruising altitude. Opening a door at that altitude could theoretically cause objects or people to be sucked out of the aircraft and for temperature and oxygen levels to plummet, but the force required would be far above what a person could manage. The doors are also 'armed' while on a flight as a security measure and must be 'disarmed' by the pilot to allow them to open. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Jetstar and Australian Federal Police for comment. A Victorian couple have lost their life savings after falling for a deepfake video of Eddie McGuire promoting a seemingly irresistible investment opportunity. John and Gail Young had put aside $500,000 of savings and superannuation to build their dream retirement home in the countryside near Ballarat. But it all came crashing down after they clicked on a phoney Google ad that featured Eddie McGuire and began speaking to a person who they thought was a London-based broker. 'Eddie is such a respected person in our society and a person whom I look up to, I phoned the number that he had recommended,' Mr Young told the Herald Sun. The couple had already bought a parcel of land in Ballarat where Mr Young intended to retire after he ended a four decade-long teaching career in 2024. But they wanted bit of extra money to build a detached garage for their new house. 'I invested the money that I had put aside for our build plus my superannuation in the hands of a broker in London who was going to invest our funds with a return in December,' Mr Young told the publication. The 71-year-old initially invested $20,000 which 'snowballed' to half a million dollars. A Victorian couple have revealed how they were duped out of half a million dollars by a deepfake video of TV star Eddie McGuire (pictured) The couple initially invested $20,000 which snowballed to half a million dollars (stock image) But when Mr Young asked for his money, the 'London broker' stopped responding and their money vanished into the wind. 'This happens to real people, real Aussies and at this time of my life when we should be reaping the benefits it's just hard to take,' he said. He said Gail has been in tears for weeks and their three sons were devastated. The couple have been left with only a concrete slab where their dream golden-years home should be. The real Eddie McGuire has gone on a traditional media blitz in recent days, appearing on television to warn people of the scam. He said that Google 'has more money than anyone' and has a responsibility to prevent scams from reaching vulnerable users. The Nine identity and former Collingwood AFL president, 60, blasted scammers who perpetrate such frauds on trusting investors as 'disgusting' and 'disgraceful'. He said his AI-produced voice in the deepfake clip 'had an American twang but sounds more like me the more it goes on'. In the video, the fake Eddie advised those who clicked on the advertisement would have their 'lives changed' and could earn $1,000 a day. The real Eddie McGuire (pictured on the set of Millionaire Hot Seat) has gone on a traditional media blitz in recent days, appearing on television to warn people of the scam. McGuire said his likeness had been used in previous scams too, and he had written to Facebook billionaire Mark Zuckerberg wanting help to stamp them out, but got no response. 'I don't do advertising for these things and aren't on any social platforms, so anything with me in it is completely fraudulent,' he said. Mr Young said he had been floored by the loss of money but he 'is a fighter and will get back up from the canvas'. According to data from Scamwatch, Australians lost $2billion to online scams in 2024. This was down 25 per cent from the previous year courtesy of awareness campaigns and crackdowns by telecommunications companies. A Melbourne teenager who brutally assaulted a 14-year-old autistic girl has had her conviction overturned. Alajeck Anai, now 19, carried out the 'disgusting' attack on the young girl with five other teenagers at Altona Pier, western Melbourne, in February 2024. The assault, which only ended when a bystander stepped in, was filmed and posted on social media. On Wednesday, the County Court of Victoria upheld Anai's appeal, overturning her conviction and ordering her to serve 15 months of 'community corrections'. Anai, who was 18 at the time of the assault, was sentenced at Melbourne Magistrates' Court last year to six months in a youth detention centre. The teenager had pleaded guilty to one charge of affray while charges of intentionally causing injury and recklessly causing injury had been withdrawn by police. She was the eldest of the five teenagers who launched an attack on the victim and punched the 14-year-old over 40 times. At Wednesday's appeal hearing, Judge Pardeep Tiwana branded the attack 'nasty', The Age reported. Alajeck Anai, now 19, carried out a 'disgusting' attack on the autistic girl with five other teenagers at Altona Pier (pictured) The brutal assault (pictured) only came to an end when a bystander stepped in 'It was horrible, it was nasty, it was disgusting,' he said. 'Had she been older or had been in trouble before, I would not have hesitated locking her up.' Speaking outside the court, the victim's mother revealed her daughter hadn't returned to school since the attack 'because she's so scared'. 'The court's worried about [Anai's] rehabilitation and her life, but what about my daughter? We just have to find a way for her to overcome her fear,' she said. She explained her daughter, who previously loved going for walks with the family dog, had a social worker and a psychologist to help but was still often too scared to leave the house. The court heard that Anai had been subjected to past trauma, which was taken into account by the judge at the appeal. She was responsible was caring for her younger siblings, had never had her own bedroom and was a victim of family abuse at home. The court was told the 19-year-old was in the process of completing a makeup artistry course in a bid to turn her life around after the attack. The victim's mum said her daughter was 'often too scared' to leave the house (pictured) Her lawyer said Anai was doing 'excellently' after completing an anger management course and meeting with a psychologist. Addressing the 19-year-old, the judge called her actions 'absolutely appalling'. Anai told the court she should never have taken part in the attack and said she has 'been apologetic ever since that day'. She said she knew what she did was wrong, and felt empathy for the victim and her family. After her appeal was upheld, Anai was ordered to perform 80 hours of community work over 15 months as part of her community corrections order and as part of that order, 30 hours could be for psychological treatment. A private Christian college has rushed to disband a 'fight club' held in a boys bathroom after footage of their violent sparring sessions emerged. Several male students at Pedare Christian College in Golden Grove, in Adelaide's northeast, were seen trading kicks and blows in the wild footage. In one video, boys could be heard yelling 'get him', and 'oh, s***!' as two brawled. The boys held up their fists before they were urged to 'go' by an onlooker. One of the boys missed his first swing and received a kick to the stomach so forceful he keeled over on the bathroom tiles. Students could be heard stifling laughter and hushing each other as the boy started groaning while curled up on the floor holding his stomach. A source who provided the shocking footage to The Advertiser told the publication there had been at least 15 of the fights this year. They claimed the footage depicted a 'fight club at this school where students are matched up to fight'. Students could be heard stifling laughter and hushing each other as the boy started groaning while curled up on the floor holding his stomach (pictured) Pedare Christian College (pictured) said the school was responding to the incident and that the safety and wellbeing of students was its 'highest priority' Pedare Christian College principal James Tamblyn confirmed students had been involved and the school was responding to the incident. 'Clearly, if there are students who are in any way conducting themselves in a manner which is potentially dangerous then that is outside our expectations,' he said. 'The safety and wellbeing of students and staff and community members is always our highest priority.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted the school for further comment. South Australia Police said the incident had not been reported to authorities. 'SAPOL are aware of the incident however it has not been reported to police,' a spokeswoman said in a statement. Pedare Christian College is an independent, co-ed school with about 1,100 annual enrollments and charges more than $12,000 per year for year 12 students. READ MORE: Four people injured on board flight from Sydney to Fiji Father of one was allegedly stabbed to death Teenager second charged over Hobart murder A teenager has been charged over the alleged stabbing of a 'beautiful' Aussie dad. Javier Martin, 19, was allegedly stabbed in the head outside a home in Glenorchy in Hobart at about 11.30pm on March 11. The father-of-one died on March 22 after spending 11 days in Royal Hobart Hospital. Police charged a 23-year-old man with murder on March 28. On Tuesday, a 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder. He is set to appear before the Youth Justice Court on Thursday. Both remain in custody, with the 23-year-old man set to return to court on April 23. Mr Martin, who had a one-year-old son, was known as 'Gravy' to loved ones. Javier Martin, 19, who was a father to a one-year-old boy, died of stab wounds in March The young dad was found unconscious outside a home on a street in Hobart (pictured) Tributes are flowing for the father-of-one online. 'Rest in peace Gravy. You'll be loved and missed dearly,' one said. 'It's a cruel world we live in.' 'Rest easy bro,' another added. Tasmania Police said detectives were following a specific line of inquiry. 'Investigations indicate that the person or people responsible and the victim knew each other and that this is an isolated incident,' Detective Acting Inspector Nicholas Bowden told reporters on Saturday. Mr Martin's mother said she would seek justice for her youngest son. She said Javier was a 'beautiful person' and had struggled since the death of his older brother, Jacob, in 2018. An Islamist terrorist disciple of Abu Hamza is set to be freed from prison despite him still being declared a 'risk to national security'. Haroon Aswat, 50, is expected to return to his family home in Yorkshire with a High Court judge saying he can be released in the 'relatively near future'. It is understood the justice system has been unable to fully assess him due to his mental health treatment. He was jailed in 2015 in the US for 20 years having admitted to trying to start a terrorist training camp in Oregon. Aswat was visited by a British psychiatrist in America before he was deported back to Britain in 2022 where he declared: 'I'm a terrorist.' He has been linked to the 7/7 London terror bombings which killed 52 people and has also threatened to kill Jews, Christians and certain groups of Muslims. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp fears he could still be a danger and told The Sun: 'Those who pose a danger to the public should be taken off our streets.' Mr Justice Robert Jay said there was 'evidence of an ongoing risk', but has issued a notification order upon his release. Haroon Aswat (pictured in 2015) is set to be freed from prison despite him still being declared a 'risk to national security' Abu Hamza al-Masri (left) riding in a car with Haroon Rashid Aswat in January 1999 It means Aswat must continually notify the police about certain information and keep them up-to-date. These details include their address, their foreign travel details and their vehicle registration. Mr Justice Jay concluded: 'These were very serious offences and there is evidence of ongoing risk. 'A risk assessment in relation to terrorist offending is always inherently uncertain and in the present case is compounded by the mental instability of the defendant. 'Overall, I am satisfied for the reasons that I have given that a notification order should be made in all the circumstances of this case. 'A psychiatrist has deemed his treatment as being effective and his release from detention is expected in the relatively near future, with the understanding being that he will return to his family in Yorkshire.' He added: 'No formal terrorist risk assessment has been carried out since the defendants return here. The circumstances of his detention have precluded that. 'However, on the basis of the material which is available the defendant has been assessed by various police officers including the senior officer dealing with this case that he remains a risk to national security.' Dr Richard Taylor travelled to America in the summer of 2022 to prepare a report on Aswat. The report states that in 2017 Aswat made remarks to prison staff in support of al Qaeda and threatened violence towards them. Aswat pictured in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in 2022. He pleaded guilty in 2015 to trying to start a terrorist training camp in Oregon and was jailed in the US In 2022 he sent letters which made demands and death threats, seemingly motivated by a terrorist ideology. Dr Taylor concluded that he openly endorsed an extremist ideology, however there was no evidence that Aswat was mentally ill. However he had had limited opportunity to address the extremist mindset and showed traits of glibness, superficial charm, charisma, intelligence and elements of manipulativeness and narcissism. Even when mentally stable he continued to express violent, extremist Islamic ideology, Dr Taylor found. The diagnosis showed a schizoaffective disorder with symptoms showing unpredictable and aggressive behaviour. Dr Taylor did not complete a full terrorist risk assessment but identified 15 of the 22 relevant factors in the government's extreme risk guidance. He concluded: 'There remains the risk of Islamic violent extremism motivated targeted terrorist offending behaviour given his threats to kill Jews, Christians and certain groups of Muslims. 'There is also a risk of him influencing other vulnerable individuals, as when he is in an abnormal mental state his religious extremist rhetoric is amplified by mental illness.' A senior police officer, Detective Inspector Karen Bradley, who was involved in the case, concluded that Aswat, now 50, remains a risk to national security. Aswat has been linked to the 7/7 London bombings which killed 52 people in July, 2005 Aswat was born and grew up in Yorkshire but moved to Wood Green in north London where he fell under the spell of hate preacher Abu Hamza - and together they planned a terror training camp in Oregon with Aswat moving to Seattle to organise it. He also spent time in Afghanistan and in Pakistan - where he met and associated with fellow Yorkshire terror sympathiser Mohammed Sidique Khan and his accomplice Shehzad Tanweer who would go on to mount the 7/7 bomings in London which killed 52 people on public transport in July 2005. Aswat served most of his sentence in America and returned to the UK in December 2022. He is currently detained at Bethlem Royal Hospital in Bromley, south east London. The man Congresswoman Nancy Mace said 'physically accosted' her at the Capitol building in December has had charges against him dropped. James McIntyre, 33, was arrested inside the Rayburn House Office Building on December 11. McIntyre is a national foster care advocate, labeled by Mace as 'a pro-trans activist' angry at the South Carolina Republican's attempt to ban transgender women from the women's bathroom in Congress at the time of the of the incident. The misdemeanor charges against McIntyre, who pleaded not guilty, were not going to be pursued any longer, according to a filing in DC Superior Court Tuesday. Mace, in a statement to News2, was furious at the decision and the overall message it sent to women across America. 'When a man can physically assault a woman in the halls of Congress, with impunity, it sends an appalling message to every woman in America,' she said. 'If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.' Mace appeared with her wrist in a sling shortly after the alleged attack to prove her injuries. The man Congresswoman Nancy Mace said 'physically accosted' her at the Capitol building in December had the charges against him dropped The alleged assailant James McIntyre is a national foster care advocate, labeled by Mace (pictured) as 'a pro-trans activist' angry at the South Carolina Republican's attempt to ban transgender women from the women's bathroom in Congress at the time of the of the incident However, multiple eyewitnesses cast doubt on Mace's account of her meeting with McIntyre. 'From what I saw, it was a normal handshake and interaction that I would expect any legislator to expect from anyone as a constituent,' Elliott Hinkle, LGBT advocate Elliot Hinkle told The Imprint. Hinkle said that following Mace's remarks on foster kids McIntyre rose, shook her hand and told her, 'They need your support.' Afterwards, one of Mace's staffers returned to the reception and approached McIntyre. They asked for his name and for him to recount what he had told the Republican earlier. According to the outlet, two separate witnesses confirmed the interaction with the South Carolinian's aide. Later on, McIntyre left the event, but he was summoned back by Capitol Police and placed under arrest. He was released shortly after. Mace, a South Carolina Republican, has been crusading to ban transgender lawmaker Sarah McBride from using the women's restrooms around Congress. Mace, in a statement, was furious at the decision and the overall message it sent to women across America The Democratic representative-elect is the first openly trans politician elected to Congress, and is the highest-ranking elected trans politico in the nation's history. Mace has said that her PTSD from past sexual assault led her to push to ban McBride from entering women's restrooms and changing rooms. The 47-year-old has posted videos calling McBride a male, repeatedly speaking about their private parts and slamming transgenderism. Last month, Mace introduced a bill that would force House members and staffers to use the bathrooms corresponding with their biological sex. The measure would specifically mean that McBride, who was born male, would have to use the men's facilities. The Capitol's top security agent, the Sergeant at Arms, would be tasked with enforcing the policy. 'Just the idea of a man being in a dressing room with me as survivor of sexual violence, it just sends me over the edge, and I'm just not going to tolerate it,' Mace previously said. 'And I'm really proud of the women and girls who feel the courage and the bravery to stand up and to shout from the rooftops that this is this is not okay.' Mace, a South Carolina Republican, has been crusading to ban transgender lawmaker Sarah McBride from using the women's restrooms around Congress 'There's a big difference between being pro-civil liberties and then being pro-women,' Mace continued. 'Women have rights and we're not going to erase them.' Mace and her staff have been subject to a number of threats since she pushed to introduce the ban in November. She previously said that 'trantifa' wanted to kill her in response to a report on X about a transperson in Portland, Oregon threatening to murder her. 'NGL. I had to google trantifa. Ive learned a lot this week,' Mace wrote last November. 'These people deserve a room in prison and/or a mental ward,' she continued before calling out Oregon leaders. 'Also, wondering out loud what @Portland_State and Oregon Governor @TinaKotek think about an alleged student threatening to kill a Congresswoman?' she went on. She was responding to a post that identified the person posting a series of threats against Mace and author J.K. Rowling as a 24-year-old transgender student activist based in Portland. 'Trantifa' is a term that refers to a rise in extremism and threats of violence from far-left transgender activists. A United Nations investigator warned about the trend last year. A young Aussie has shared how he flies for free using Woolworths rewards points. An interviewer from business admin app Solo by MYOB asked everyday Aussies to their biggest tips were to save money. One savvy shopper said he was earning Qantas frequent flyer points using the Woolworths Everyday Rewards scheme. 'I pretty much buy gift cards for everything at Woolworths and then you use the rewards points to pay for all your international travel,' he said. 'You don't pay to fly, it's pretty good.' Everyday Rewards is a customer loyalty program owned and operated in Australia and New Zealand by Woolworths Group. Members can earn points in the program when they buy goods from Woolworths, Big W, BWS, MyDeal, Everyday Market and partners Ampol and Origin Energy. Qantas Frequent Flyer program members can convert 2,000 Everyday Rewards points earned into 1,000 frequent flyer points as part of a partnership between the two companies. This young Aussie shared how he got free flights overseas using Woolworths Rewards points Fellow TikTokkers pointed out that the man received double the amount of Woolies points for the same amount of money through the hack. 'Wait. So, if I buy gift cards and use my rewards points. Then buy my groceries with the gift cards I can use my rewards points again?' one wrote. Others confirmed it to be true. 'Scan rewards card when buying a gift card, scan rewards card when using a gift card to buy groceries, (then) get rewards points twice for the same money,' one wrote. 'This has just changed my life,' another said. The Woolworths Everyday Rewards program regularly offers bonus points on selected gift cards but not most. But when the offer is on, customers could get 10 or 20 bonus Everyday Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible gift cards. Generally, 1,000 Qantas points are worth around $20 when redeeming for flights. Frequent flyers can currently book a flight from Sydney to Singapore in business class for 68,400 points. A woman has been charged with murder following a 15-month police investigation into the death of her partner who allegedly died of a prescription medication overdose. Queensland police arrested Kylie Truswell-Mobbs, 50, at her Alexandra Hills home in Brisbane's south-east on April 2. Homicide detectives later charged her with murdering her 56-year-old partner David Mobbs, who police say was terminally ill. Police launched 'Operation Victor Verdoy' to probe Mr Mobbs' 'suspicious death' after investigators allegedly found had died from lethal levels of prescription medication. Queensland Ambulance members attended the home on November 29, 2023 after the dying man complained of chest pains. It's understood Mr Mobbs suffered from motor neurone disease and died on December 6, 2023. Investigators were later called to the Alexandra Hills home just before 10pm the next day after being informed of the Mr Mobb's death. A spokesman for Wynnum Criminal Investigations Branch and Crime and Intelligence Command detectives said: 'Investigations into the mans death were complex. Kylie Truswell-Mobbs is arrested at her Alexandra Hills home 'Detectives conducted extensive and thorough inquiries into his health, care, and treatment around the time of his death. Police also alleged Mr Mobbs was in his 'last stages of life' and Truswell-Mobbs took 'unlawful actions in administering lethal levels of prescription medication to accelerate the mans death'. Detective Acting Inspector Rod Watts said investigators looking into Mr Mobbs health, care and treatment. The top cop also said police were alerted to the situation by both the family and the care agency looking after the man. 'We will allege that the man was in his last stages of life, however a 50-year-old Alexandra Hills woman took unlawful actions in administering lethal levels of prescription medication to accelerate his death,' Det Insp Watts said during a press conference. 'It will be alleged the man and woman were known to each other and were in a relationship.' Det Insp Watts said domestic violence was not a factor in the investigation. 'Our evidence and our investigations lead us to believe it is the offence of murder and not assisting suicide,' he said. Ms Truswell-Mobbs is taken away by police before she was charged with murdering her partner David Mobbs 'The man was suffering from motor neurone disease and he was in and out of hospital in the weeks and months leading up to this time. 'The acceleration of death, I can say was limited to hours after he was administered that prescription medication. Within hours he was deceased.' Insp Watts said Truswell-Mobbs allegedly administered the pain medication he was already receiving, but that she gave him 'lethal levels'. He said they were in a relationship for a number of years and lived together, however were not married. Det Insp Watts said there had been 'preliminary discussions' with the man around assisted dying. 'But none of that had been formalised,' he told media. 'As you can appreciate, there is a process you need to go through with assistance dying. And in this situation none of those processes were followed.' Insp Watts said Ms Truswell-Mobbs was a carer for Mr Mobbs and there was also a care agency involved. He said police had investigated if the man had wanted to die. 'That has been part of our investigation for the last 16 months, which has obviously led us to yesterday charging this woman,' he said. 'We believe that her actions have amounted to murder. We will allege a motive but Im not prepared to go into it at this moment.' Insp Watts said the investigation was protracted because it involved extensive forensic testing and toxicology. He said Ms Truswell-Mobbs had been cooperative with police. Insp Watts said police were not investigating any alleged financial gain from the mans death. 'As you can imagine its a quite traumatic experience for the family to have gone through. Its very emotional, its a very sad story unfortunately,' he said. Truswell-Mobbs fronted Brisbane Magistrates Court today but her matter was adjourned and she was remanded in custody to next front court on April 28. Grim details have emerged in the death of a baby boy who died after his mom gave birth in a toilet then disposed of the body. Kimberly Aponte, now 23, was 19 years old when she delivered the newborn in the bathroom of her family's home in Hackensack on August 22, 2020, according to a probable cause affidavit. She then left the baby in the toilet for several hours while she 'cleaned up' the bathroom. 'Aponte observed its arms, hands and legs move,' the affidavit states. 'She left the baby in the toilet for hours as she cleaned the bathroom.' About 8am the next morning, Aponte believed the baby was no longer alive and wrapped the body in plastic and a towel, 'with the intention of eventually burying it behind the apartment complex.' 'Ultimately, she placed the wrapped body in a hamper in the apartment,' the affidavit states. Around 1:08 pm on August 23, 2020, Aponte's father discovered the baby in a purple towel inside the hamper and called 911 to report that his daughter had given birth overnight, NJ.com reported. When Hackensack police arrived at the apartment, they found the baby's lifeless body on the kitchen peninsula, according to the affidavit obtained by the Bergen Record. Kimberly Aponte, 23, was 19 years old when she gave birth to her son in the bathroom of her family's home in Hackensack on August 22, 2020, according to a probable cause affidavit Aponte was found in her bedroom with a small amount of blood next to her and was taken by ambulance to Hackensack University Medical Center. About 7:45 pm, police took a statement from the then-teen in which she said she knew she was pregnant and due to give birth in late August or early September. But, Aponte did not tell anyone about her pregnancy, except for her boyfriend, and did not seek prenatal care, the affidavit states. Aponte was charged with one count of second-degree aggravated manslaughter. Aponte's 'reckless neglect and failure to provide appropriate care resulted in the baby's death,' the affidavit states. An autopsy conducted by the Bergen County Medical Examiner's office determined the 'baby boy was full-term, born alive, well-nourished, well-developed and well-hydrated.' 'The medical examiner determined that the baby was fully capable of living,' a detective said in the affidavit. Assistant Prosecutor Brandy Malfitano said the state is recommending a maximum of four years in a New Jersey prison as part of Aponte's plea deal, according to the Bergen Record. Aponte is set to surrender into state custody on April 11. A Venezuelan man detained before he could provide a life-saving kidney transplant to his brother is set to be temporarily released, the nonprofit helping him said on Thursday. Concretely, The Resurrection Project detailed that Jose Gregorio Gonzalez could be released from the Clay County Detention Center in Indiana as soon as Friday. "This marks a victory for humanity and compassion," said Erendira Rendom, The Resurrection Project's chief program officer. "We are grateful to everyone who stood with the Gonzalez family," she added. Prior to the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, Jose Alfredo Pacheco, along with his family and doctors, had made arrangements to get the kidney he needed to save his life. However, Gonzalez was arrested before he could deliver it to him. Gonzalez had been serving as his brother's main caretaker until being detained a month ago. Pacheco, 37, has to undergo dialysis sessions three times a week at 4:00 am for four hours. On March 3, when he was coming back home from one of them, his brother received him home with breakfast. After their meal, Gonzalez went outside the house, where he was met by ICE agents who detained him. Gonzalez applied for asylum in the U.S. But after failing an initial interview with an immigration judge, authorities issued a removal order against him. He was nevertheless allowed to remain in the country under the supervision of ICE. The case gained public notoriety after a vigil organized by The Resurrection Project on Monday. "My brother is a good man, not a criminal in Venezuela or here," said Pacheco during the vigil. "He came only with the hope of donating his kidney to me." Gonzalez will now be released on humanitarian parole, meaning he will get a temporary reprieve for deportation and will be able to stay in the country and care for his brother through the kidney donation. Without his brother's kidney, Pacheco would likely have to wait years for a transplant, which would increase his chances of mortality. Originally published on Latin Times New details about the chart that saved Donald Trump's life in Butler, Pennsylvania, were revealed on Wednesday, according to the author of the chart. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin revealed that April 2, 2024 was the date he delivered his chart on illegal immigration to Trump, while traveling aboard his campaign airplane. 'Today is the 1-year anniversary of the day I gave POTUS my immigration chart on Trump Force One,' Johnson wrote on social media on Wednesday. Johnson shared an image of Trump looking at the chart that showed a dramatic spike in the numbers of illegal immigrants entering the United States under former President Joe Biden's administration in contrast from his first term as president. 'I'm glad it came in handy,' Johnson wrote. 'God works in mysterious ways.' Johnson said in a 2024 interview that hocking chart instantly caught the president's attention and sent it to his communications team for campaign use. 'It's obvious what the Biden administration has done in that chart. It shows what Trump had to deal with and how he successfully dealt with it,' Johnson said. 'And then it shows just the explosion of illegal immigration under President Biden and Vice President Harris,' he added. A photo shared by Sen. Ron Johnson of the day he gave President Donald Trump his immigration chart A copy of a chart that Sen. Ron Johnson shared with the president. Trump famously credited the chart for saving his life, after he turned to look at it during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania that fateful day on July 13 as would-be assassin Thomas Crooks fired eight rounds at him from the rooftop of a nearby building. The president turned his head to look at the chart just as the bullets wizzed by his head. He was struck just once by a bullet in his ear before the shooter was taken out by law enforcement counter-snipers. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally, Trump later described the chart as his 'all time favorite chart in history' in subsequent campaign events. 'I love that chart. I sleep with that chart, every night I kiss it. I love it, because that chart saved my life,' he said at a September campaign rally in Georgia. At the time, Trump admitted that he did not always use the chart at his campaign rallies and even when he did it was usually at the end of his speeches. But for some reason, he referred to the chart that day in Butlershortly after he took the stage. 'I looked to the right, bing. If I didn't look to the right, I wouldn't be here with you today, I guarantee you that,' he said. The Australian beef industry was briefly shocked on Thursday morning when US President Donald Trump said he would ban its products from America. The alarm faded when it was announced Australian beef, the country's biggest export to the US, would still be allowed in but slapped with a 10 per cent tariff. The Mutooroo Pastoral Company managing director James Morgan said things could have been worse. 'If it was a ban this discussion would be a lot more serious and there would be a lot of disappointed and angry people,' he told Daily Mail Australia. While the news of the tariff was still disappointing, industry figures said American consumers would be harder hit than Australian beef farmers. The US needs Australia's lean, grass-fed beef to make hamburgers, because drought in America has resulted in the culling of herds and a shortage of product. So the imports will continue, but now American consumers will face higher prices as a result of the tariffs. Red Meat Advisory Council independent chairman John McKillop also heard news of the ban and was relieved to discover it was not true. Red Meat Advisory Council independent chairman John McKillop said American consumers will lose out most under Donald Trump's beef tariff announcement 'My initial reaction was a bit of a heartbeat skip when he singled out beef over and above any other industry in any other country,' Mr McKillop said. 'What we need is our politicians to go over to the US and try to get that 10 per cent tariff removed and that should be happening as soon as possible.' Mr McKillop said the beef tariff, which came into effect at 3pm AEDT on Thursday, signalled that America 'just won't be seen as a reliable trading partner'. 'It's disappointing when you think you've got a friend that you've traded with for free for 20 years and they turn around and do this,' Mr McKillop said. The Trump administration justified the tariff because the US imported a record 400,000 tonnes of Australian beef last year at a cost of $US3billion but Australia refuses imports of American beef, ostensibly on biosecurity grounds. 'The only person who is going to lose out of this is the US consumer who is going to pay more for their product,' Mr McKillop said. Grass-fed beef made up 96 per cent of Australia's beef exports to the US in 2024, and this leaner product is needed to make hamburgers. 'While the US is our biggest market for beef, predominantly what goes in there is trimmed,' Mr McKillop said. 'They take our lean frozen trim and mix it with their fresh fatty trim to make their beef patties for their beloved hamburgers. It's been claimed that Aussie beef farmers had more pressing issues than worrying about Donald Trump's tariff announcements 'No other country is capable of supplying the lean trim that Australia is so they're going to continue to import it and the 10 per cent tariff will be passed on to the US consumer.' South American beef producers Chile, Argentina and Brazil will also incur 10 per cent tariffs, but like the US, they are also battling a drought. Mr McKillop also predicted the tariffs would likely be the catalyst for Australia to try and establish a trade agreement with the European Union (EU). In 2023, a proposed free trade agreement between Australia and the EU collapsed after Australia claimed the Europeans had not offered sufficient access to its markets for Aussie exporters of beef, sheep, dairy and sugar. NSW Farmers Association trade committee chair John Lowe agreed and said beef trade with the EU could now be resurrected. 'I'm hearing on the grapevine that the EU is interesting in talking to us again,' he said. 'Being able to have a discussion again is probably very helpful. Most of our exporters are not fools. They know this has been planned for awhile.' Trade Minister Don Farrell said Trump's tariffs on Europe may bring them back to the negotiating table with Australia. 'The world has changed as of today,' Mr Farrell said. NSW Farmers Association trade committee chair John Lowe said Australia's biosecurity was more important than the beef tariffs imposed by Donald Trump 'If they're (EU) sensible, they will make up a better offer on the issues that made the (trade) agreement fall over last time, and we'll get a free trade agreement with the EU, the largest economy in the world.' Trump also stated that Australia had banned American beef which Mr McKillop said was not true. 'All we ask is that they obey biosecurity protocols which means they have to give us traceability of where that animal was born, raised and slaughtered,' he said. 'They don't want to comply, and they refuse to implement a traceability system, so no beef comes in.' Mr Lowe warned Australian governments current and future not to compromise on that biosecurity stance in order to negotiate lower or eliminated tariffs. 'One thing that is important, agriculturally, is that we don't trade out our biosecurity precautions in Australia for a short-term gain,' he said. 'Our biosecurity is way too important. We need to be strengthening it, not reducing it.' Mr Lowe said the key factors in the viability of the Australian beef industry remained local conditions, rather than a new US tariff. 'Bigger factors that are affecting us are the dry times in the south and the floods in the north,' he said. 'But if you've got grass and you've got cattle, I wouldn't be panicking too much yet.' The American couple imprisoned in Mexico over a hotel timeshare dispute have been pictured for the first time since they were arrested almost a month ago. Christy and Paul Akeo have been languishing behind bars in a maximum security Cancun prison, accused of defrauding Palace Resorts out of more than $116,000. They say it is merely a contract dispute after they clawed back 13 payments they made to the timeshare resort between 2021 and 2022 because they felt their contract had been breached. On Wednesday, Michigan Representative Tom Barrett traveled to Cancun in an effort to help resolve the matter amid concerns for the American couples' welfare. He shared a picture of the meeting, in which both Christy and Paul appeared noticably slimmer and gaunt. 'They look so skinny. Let's hope this nightmare ends soon,' one supporter noted, sharing an emoji of a broken heart. 'They look like they have lost weight, compared to the happy photos of them,' another said, adding they were hopeful it is a 'good sign' that Mexican authorities have allowed them to meet with a US politician. Christy's daughter Lindsey previously revealed she shed 25lbs in prison in just 20 days because authorities continue to offer food they know she is allergic to, and that she has developed a severe rash all over her body. The American couple imprisoned in Mexico over a hotel timeshare dispute have been pictured for the first time since they were arrested almost a month ago Christy and Paul Akeo have been languishing behind bars in a maximum security Cancun prison, accused of defrauding Palace Resorts out of more than $116,000 'I met with them personally for an hour and learned of the horrific conditions they are facing,' Barrett said. Listing the horror conditions, Barrett said: 'rubbled walls, overcrowded cells, toilets that dont flush, and disgusting food. 'This has left them scared, frustrated, and struggling to find hope. I assured them that I am doing everything I can to urgently secure their safe release.' Others have called on Barrett to try to push through extraordinary tough measures in an effort to pressure Mexico into releasing the duo. One person demanded he 'introduce a bill this week to BAN all travel to Mexico until Mexico is willing to release the Akeo family back home and negotiate over reforms. 'BAN all flights from Canada from using U.S. airspace if they are en route Mexico. 'Get leverage on Mexico to get them to reform their corruption and how they victimize American tourists by that corruption.' Barrett also met with the president of the Quintana Roo Supreme Court. On Wednesday, Michigan Representative Tom Barrett traveled to Cancun in an effort to help resolve the matter amid concerns for the American couples' welfare A judge had earlier ruled the couple must remain in custody in Mexico until the next court date - not set for another six months. But Barrett hopes to 'expedite any relief we can provide.' 'Thank you to the U.S. State Department for their assets and support on the ground to end this familys nightmare, and I hope to have more to share soon,' he said. The Akeo's distressed family have been trying to gain the attention and backing of President Trump as they seek to bring the couple home. Lindsey and her brother Mike issued a joint statement on Wednesday praising Barrett for going out of his way to offer assistance. They described his trip to Cancun as a 'courageous' effort to have their parents freed from 'captivity.' 'Through four straight weeks of fear and uncertainty, Representative Barretts commitment to bringing our parents home safely provided us with hope and reassurance. 'He was the first local representative to simply make a phone call to our family and listen to our horrific situation and offer his assistance. A judge ruled Palace Resorts would have six more months to gather evidence against the couple and build their case, ordering the couple to remain behind bars as the case proceeds 'His efforts exemplify his commitment to not only our family, but our community as a whole, and we are forever grateful for his support and determination.' The duo claim they've made an offer to Palace Resorts which has so far been ignored, which would see all of the money the hotel claims the Akeo's owe 'put into an escrow. 'We litigate this case in the US court system. Winner gets the money,' Lindsey explained. She said 'not only are they not accepting, but [they're] refusing to acknowledge our offer at all.' The couple were immediately detained in Cancun on March 4 after stepping off a plane from Michigan and thrown in maximum security prison. Lindsey insists her parents were within their rights to dispute the credit card transactions after the resort breached the contract they'd signed. She has accused the resort of setting her parents up and holding them captive as retribution. But the company hit back, arguing that Interpol certified the arrest warrant after the couple defrauded more than $116,000 - then encouraged other Americans to do the same. 'Paul and Christy Akeo fraudulently disputed legitimate credit card charges and publicly encouraged others to do the same,' a company spokesperson told ABC. The couple were immediately detained in Cancun on March 4 after stepping off a plane from Michigan and thrown in maximum security prison The messy saga centers around a timeshare investment they first made in 2016 and continued to upgrade 18 times as the years wore on, totaling a $1.409million investment into Palace Resorts In a separate statement, the company said: 'They were found to have breached their contract by promoting, for profit and/or commercial purposes, preferential rates and various benefits via social media which consequently led to the withdrawal of supplementary benefits initially included in their contract.' It went on to suggest the couple may have been 'disgruntled with the consequences of their actions', prompting them to first dispute recent charges and stopping future payments entirely. In posts seen by DailyMail.com purportedly from Christy's social media page, she celebrated that she'd helped 'thousands of members... without negative impacts to their credit.' 'Anyone who is trying to get out of their membership and is hesitant... If you need help, please let me know,' the mom posted. The messy saga centers around a timeshare investment they first made in 2016 and continued to upgrade 18 times as the years wore on, totaling a $1.409million investment into Palace Hotels. Christy herself told another hotel goer that she often visited the resort once a month to escape Michigan's dreary weather, making the most of her $500,000 investment into the venue. But when they weren't using the resort, they would advertise their room out on social media channels, primarily Facebook, offering all-inclusive food and drink packages, manicures and massages, as well as the accommodation. Christy claimed her relationship went south with Palace because she and Paul successfully referred so many members that they'd amassed a huge amount of free week-long stays, which were used as incentives for members to lure in new clients. In posts seen by DailyMail.com purportedly from Christy's social media page, she celebrated that she'd helped 'thousands of members... without negative impacts to their credit' Christy and Paul felt well within their rights to dispute their recent charges. The couple made claims against 13 charges between 2021 and 2022, totaling $116,000. Amex sided with them, returning the cash and prompting the resort to take legal action Those stays subsequently began getting suddenly canceled by Palace Resorts because they considered the social media advertisements a breach. John Manly, the Akeo family attorney, said in a statement the couple 'got lured into this timeshare.' 'Initially it was some reasonable amount a month, and then they, according to what we've been told, they took away their benefits and essentially made them increase their monthly contribution to $6,200 a month. 'But in exchange for that, they were supposed to be able to sell weeks of their timeshare so people could use them, and that interests Palace because they get to sell to more people. 'What began to occur is Palace just began to cancel the reservations. So essentially, they're paying $6,200 a month for which anybody who's middle class or retired is a lot of money, not allowing them to sell their weeks that they have promised and essentially defaulted or breached, rather, the contract.' A series of tornadoes tore through the Midwest Wednesday evening, destroying homes, toppling powerlines and even overturning tractor-trailers on major highways. There were at least 15 reports of tornadoes spanning at least six states, with damage reported in Missouri, Michigan, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Indiana. The most substantial damage was reported in Arkansas, where three different twisters had touched down. A tornado emergency was even issued in the state, with the National Weather Service warning residents on X: 'This is a life threatening situation. Seek shelter now.' Videos posted on social media showed massive tornadoes tearing across the land, leaving devastation in its wake, as several people were left trapped inside their buildings. At least one person in Kentucky was also left in critical condition, as more than 375,000 people across the area were without power, according to PowerOutage.us, which tracks outages across the country. But the terrible weather is only expected to continue, with meteorologists warning that another storm system could bring 'significant, life-threatening flash flooding' each day through Saturday. More than 1.4 million people were under flash flood warnings late Wednesday night, according to CNN. The deluge could bring more than a foot of rain to the already devastated Midwest in what the National Weather Service has categorized as 'an event that happens once in a generation to once in a lifetime. 'Historic rainfall totals and impacts are possible,' the service warned. A series of tornadoes tore through the Midwest Wednesday evening The terrifying storms have destroyed homes, toppling powerlines and even overturning tractor-trailers on major highways In Arkansas, debris was lifted at least 25,000 feet into the air as a tornado emergency was declared, said Chelly Amin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. 'It's definitely going to be a really horrible situation here come sunrise in the morning in those areas, coming out of Arkansas,' she said, noting that a tornado emergency is the weather service's highest alert and is rarely ever issued. As the storm ravaged outside, more than two miles of Highway 18 in Blytheville was temporarily shut down due to a downed power line. The massive tornado was spotted by FOX Weather Storm Tracker Brandon Copic as it roared near Lake City. 'You need to get underground,' he warned. 'You will not survive this tornado if you are above ground.' The tornado emergency officially ended at 7.45pm, but Accuweather reporter Leslie Hudson noted that the danger is not yet over. 'The sun is setting here, so now this turns into a much more dangerous situation, trying to track the severe weather as they daylight goes away,' she said. Damage from the tornadoes is seen in Missouri, where at least one tornado struck down Several structures were damaged, cars were flipped over and power poles were snapped, according to the state emergency management agency That was not the only tornado to hit the state, however, with another reported on the ground near Harrisburg in the late evening hours. A third was also reported in DeWitt, according to THV-11. In the end, there were four reported injuries in the state, CBS News reports. Meanwhile in Missouri, several structures were damaged, cars were flipped over and power poles were snapped, according to the state emergency management agency. Firefighters also said they responded to at least one home that was impacted by the storm. Minor injuries were also reported as roads remained closed from storm debris and downed utility lines near the town of Potosi, southwest of St. Louis, according to the state transportation department. Another tornado damaged buildings, overturned vehicles and tore down utility poles, tree limbs and business signs in the morning in and around the city of Nevada. In the city, power lines were brought down and several businesses were damaged, including a hotel, and 'several (empty) train cars were flipped onto their sides by the powerful storm,' the state's Emergency Management Agency wrote on social media. The city of Carmel, Indiana was under a tornado warning late Wednesday night Reporters were left sheltering inside the control room as the power flickered Sirens going off in Indy as we are under a tornado warning @FOX59 pic.twitter.com/BNjLR7JG8e Jenny Dreasler (@JennyDreaslerTV) April 3, 2025 As the storms hit, KFVS-TV, a Missouri-based CBS affiliate continued to broadcast as a tornado passed over the station. 'This was a little bit intense folks,' meteorologist Grant Dade said in the broadcast. 'I've never witnessed a wedge tornado come right into the station. Officials in the state said they were still assessing the damage into Thursday morning. Another twister touched down in the northeastern Oklahoma city of Owasso at around 6.40am, according to the weather service in Tulsa. There were no immediate reports of injuries, but the twister heavily damaged the roofs of homes and knocked down power lines, trees, fences and sheds. Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in the area of Paducah, Kentucky, took cover during a warning at night. 'Were all good here at the office, the circulation JUST missed us to the south,' the agency said on social media as the National Weather Service in Davenport, Iowa had to take over its operations. Four injuries were reported in Western Kentucky by the end of Wednesday, with one person in critical condition, according to the Courier-Journal. In Indiana, reporter Jenny Dreasler posted footage showing reporters for Fox 59 and CBS 4 Indy taking shelter inside the control room as the power flickered around them. As the night continued, she posted video showing the city was under a tornado warning in Carmel - a suburb north of Indianapolis. The massive storm caused a large radio tower to fall over, WISH reports. At the same time, one person was trapped inside a Sur La Table warehouse after it partially collapsed in Brownsburg following a severe thunderstorm and possible tornado. Police Capt. Jennifer Barrett told CNN the warehouse 'has significant structural damage with collapse' noting that police and fire crews were working to reach the trapped civilian. Damaging thunderstorms are expected in the coming days But as daybreaks on Thursday, experts worry that heating in the afternoon will lead to another round of severe storms with multiple rounds of heavy rain expected in parts of Texas, the lower Mississippi Valley and the Ohio Valley through Saturday. Damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes will again be possible during the afternoon and evening hours, with forecasters warning that the storms could produce dangerous flash floods capable of sweeping cars away. The National Weather Service now warns that Wednesday is just 'the beginning of a multiday catastrophic and potentially historic heavy rainfall event.' Middle Tennessee is now looking at severe storms followed by four days of heavy rains as the front stalls out and sticks around through the weekend, according to NWS meteorologist Mark Rose. 'I dont recall ever seeing one like this, and Ive been here 30 years,' he said. 'Its not moving.' Rainfall could reach up to more than a foot in northeastern Arkansas, the southeast corner of Missouri, western Kentucky and southern parts of Illinois and Indiana, with some areas in Kentucky and Indiana at an especially high risk for flooding. In preparation for the storms, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an executive order to provide $250,000 in funding from the Governor's Disaster Response and Recovery Fund to help defray the recovery costs, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports. She also mobilized four high-water teams and more than 40 Arkansas National Guardsmen to assist local authorities in evacuating flooded areas. Meanwhile, a smaller risk of dangerous storms could span from central Texas all the way to the Northeast. A Sydney woman has been found guilty of keeping two Thai women as sex slaves. Rungnapha Kanbut, 63, stood trial last month in the Downing Centre Court over slavery charges. On Tuesday, the jury delivered guilty verdicts on all six charges, which included possessing or exercising power of ownership over a slave, and dealing with the proceeds of crime of over $10,000. The two Thai women, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were coerced into doing sex work for Kanbut soon after their arrival in Sydney, where they lived with Kanbut and her husband in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Kanbut, also a Thai national, confiscated their passports and told them they had to pay off a $45,000 debt, forcing them to work in brothels for 12 hours a day, seven days a week. It comes after a different jury found Kanbut guilty of the same slavery offences in 2019 and she was sentenced to more than eight years in prison. But in December 2022 the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal allowed her appeal, quashed her conviction and ordered a retrial. Kanput was released on bail. Her appeal was successful on the grounds the trial judge gave a direction to the jury that Kanbut had a tendency towards the criminal behaviour she'd been charged with. Thai national Rungnapha Kanbut (pictured right in 2019) has been found guilty of keeping two Thai women as sex slaves Kanbut (pictured leaving court in 2019) confiscated the passports of two Thai women and told them they had to pay off a $45,000 debt A juror was caught on March 19 trying to bring a knife (pictured) to court to 'cut up fruit' Justice Robert Beech-Jones found the direction was 'capable of misleading the jury about what use could be made of their evidence'. Tuesday's guilty verdict came after the number of jurors in the retrial had fallen to 10, with two of them discharged during the trial. In the first instance, a juror was caught by security on March 19 trying to bring a knife to court that they said was to 'cut up fruit,' according to court documents. Police were notified and Judge James Bennett ordered that the juror be discharged. Three days later, another juror approached the judge's associate outside court at a 'social venue' and 'sought to engage her in conversation with some persistence'. She refused to speak to him and left the venue. Judge Bennett said although there was no impact on the remainder of the jury, the juror's conduct was in breach of his instructions and also ordered that he be discharged. The judge said in his March 25 decision he was 'satisfied that the trial should continue with the remainder of the jury, numbering ten'. 'There was no risk of a substantial miscarriage of justice should the trial continue with the reduced number jurors. The parties did not argue to the contrary,' he said. Kanput will be sentenced on June 13. The wife of the 'migrant influencer' who encouraged illegal aliens to squat in American homes has announced the pair have split. Veronica Torres, who is married to outspoken Venezuelan immigrant Leonel Moreno, condemned her husband's advocative antics as she revealed their separation. Torres, who shares a US-born child with Moreno, says she hopes he learns from his mistakes. 'How sad to see how he could have been a better person and a good father, and yet he had a whole life ahead of him and didn't take advantage of it as the father of your only daughter,' Torres said in a TikTok post which showed images of Moreno exiting the deportation flight. 'I wish you luck and hope you can improve as a person, that you can think clearly, and that all the hate you carry inside doesn't go out on my daughter.' In another social media video, Torres hit back at critics who said she was 'ungrateful' for the 'fame' he gave her. 'Regardless of how he wanted to give me fame or how I became famous or not, I don't see it that way,' Torres explained. 'There are many people who tell me "you should take advantage of it" and no, I'm not interested. I just want to be an ordinary person who uploads some of their things daily or something that is exciting for them, I'm not interested in fame. Veronica Torres (pictured), wife of outspoken Venezuelan immigrant Leonel Moreno, called her husband's advocative antics uncool as she revealed that the pair separated before President Trump deported him back to Venezuela Torres, who shares a US-born child with her ex-husband Leonel Moreno (left), now says she hopes he learns from his mistakes. 'Me and Leonel are no longer together, it's been a while since then, and it's really uncomfortable all those questions that people ask me, like what's going on, where is he,' she added. Torres first announced the split back in January when she posted a clip to TikTok captioned: 'Officially I am no longer with Leonel, my daughter's father.' Moreno, 27, a 'migrant influencer' notoriously flaunted stacks of cash and posted squatting advice for undocumented illegal border crossers. 'If a house is not inhabited, we can seize it,' he asserted in a controversial post last year. 'I didn't cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave,' he said in another post while flashing $100 bills. Moreno also bragged that he used his one-year-old daughter to gain social media clout, while thanking 'Papa Biden' for footing the bills to support the baby. But Moreno's fall from grace came quickly as the Trump administration secured a deal with the Maduro regime to resume removal flights to the South American country. On the flight, Moreno sparked a disturbance, triggering outrage and frustration from others onboard, forcing him to be moved to a high security section of the plane Once he arrived on Venezuelan soil, Moreno smugly flashed a thumbs up as he was guided off the aircraft. Venezuela's Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, Diosdado Cabello said the brazen TikToker was 'welcome' back. Torres first announced the split back in January when she posted a clip to TikTok captioned: 'Officially I am no longer with Leonel, my daughter's father.' Pictured: Leonel Moreno and Veronica Torres Moreno also bragged that he used his 1-year-old daughter to gain social media clout, while thanking 'Papa Biden' for footing the bills to support the baby Moreno had been on the run from ICE ever since he and Torres illegally crossed the Eagle Pass, Texas border into the US in April 2022. The agency then lost track of Moreno and his wife who settled down in Ohio. Moreno had been enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, which allows migrants on parole to go free while officials track them until their next court date. When he never showed up for his court date in Miami in November 2022, he was listed as an 'absconder' from the program. But, Moreno slid back onto ICE's radar last year, when his outrageous content about ways to cheat the American government as an illegal migrant went viral. In March 2024, Moreno was arrested in Columbus after months of taunting Americans online. He was being held in federal custody at the Geauga County Jail in Ohio after ICE found him and arrested him for violating his terms of probation. In addition to violating his parole conditions, Moreno was flagged by authorities for shamelessly posting pictures of himself guns on Instagram. He was also being looked into because authorities believe he used to be a sergeant in the Venezuelan military, the Post reported. An immigration judge ordered Moreno to be sent back to Venezuela in October 2024, but the country was not accepting any deportation flights at the time. However, amid Trump's immigration crackdown, Venezuela started allowing those flights once again. In addition to violating his parole conditions, Moreno was flagged by authorities for shamelessly posting pictures of himself guns on Instagram Moreno has grown infamous for his posts about living in America. One of his most viral clips was him instructing people to utilize squatters' rights. Pictured: Leonel Moreno exits the deportation flight in Venezuela on March 28, 2025 Last month, Moreno was moved from the Ohio prison to an ICE detention center in Conroe, Texas before his deportation, according to the Post. He had garnered more than half a million TikTok followers before his account was suspended. A spokesman for TikTok told DailyMail.com at the time that the platform doesn't allow users to promote criminal activities. Moreno has grown infamous for his posts about living in America. One of his most viral clips was him instructing people to utilize squatters' rights. He has also been seen waving handfuls of cash, insinuating he was free-loading off of government assistance programs. An urgent scam warning has been issued after a bizarre nasal product turned up in the letterbox of an unsuspecting Aussie. The man took to social media on Tuesday to reveal he received two strange plastic objects in the mail, despite not having ordered them. Nothing had been written on the parcel aside from a 'fake' number. 'Mail was domestic with tracking with (no) return address? What are they? Google lens says anti-snore dilators? What's the scam? Phone number is clearly a fake '0400000000',' he posted to Reddit. Some joked the anti-snore devices were a 'hint' from the man's wife or neighbours. However, the ACCC's National Anti-Scam Centre warned 'brushing' scams, as they are known, involve the sending of random packages so a website can generate fraudulent 'verified' reviews. '"Brushing" is a technique used by unethical online retailers to add legitimacy or overinflate their popularity,' a spokesperson said. 'They create fake customer profiles on their retail store with randomly selected but real delivery addresses. A man received a set of anti-snore dilators in the mail sparking a brushing warning for consumers (the package is pictured) 'They then use these profiles to purchase low value items from their selling profile on the marketplace. 'This allows them to increase the number of orders listed on their profile some platforms indicate the volume of transactions the merchant is involved with through different coloured stars next to the merchant's profile. '[It also allows them to] increase the customer satisfaction rating on their profile, [and] write fake favourable reviews on digital marketplaces that only allow reviews to be placed with proof that an item has been sent. 'This combination can also improve the seller's prominence in search engine results on a marketplace.' Any kind of website can host brushing, especially those with third-party sellers. To avoid purchasing from vendors whose reviews have been fudged through brushing scams, shoppers should look for reviews on different sites. Customers should not solely rely on reviews on the vendor's own website, the National Anti-Scam Centre warned. Consumers should use secure forms of payment which protect purchases, such as credit cards and PayPal. Amazon has also detailed how customers can report acts of brushing. 'Amazon investigates reports of 'brushing' and takes the appropriate action against bad actors that violate our policies,' a page on the website states. 'Amazon may suspend or remove selling privileges, withhold payments, and work with law enforcement during investigations.' Anthony Albanese's vow to build 20,000 homes a month until mid-2029 is looking very hollow. Labor's National Housing Accord promised that 1.2million homes would be built from July 2024 to June 2029. This would involve 20,000 homes a month being built, on average, over five years. But in February, just 16,606 new homes were approved. Local council and state government approvals are a pointer to upcoming building completions in the year ahead. Australia hasn't approved more than 20,000 new homes in a month since 2021 and it's been almost a decade since there was strong building activity, calling into question if Labor's housing target has any hope at all. A housing shortage has also coincided with record-high immigration levels, with the federal government promising permanent and long-term arrivals would moderate in coming years as more people left the country for good. Westpac economist Neha Sharma said it was difficult to see how building approvals could climb and remain at higher numbers needed to meet the housing targets for a growing population. Anthony Albanese's vow to build 20,000 homes a month until mid-2029 is looking very hollow 'Overall, a clear uptrend in approvals is in place. However fluctuations in high-rise approvals can disrupt the momentum,' she said. 'Without a sustained increase in house and low-mid rise units, the uptrend could quickly veer off course.' Morgan Begg, the director of research with the Institute of Public Affairs think tank, said new housing approvals would now need to hit 20,696 from now until 2029 to make up for the 36,000 shortfall since the National Housing Accord came into effect last year. 'After just eight months, the federal government's goal of building 1.2million new homes by 2029 is unachievable if things do not change,' he said. 'The Prime Minister will go to the election having never once met his minimum monthly housing target under the National Housing Accord. 'The federal government is letting down Australians who are desperate to secure their own home.' Australia hasn't approved more than 20,000 new dwellings in a month since May, 2021. Labor's target involves more than 20,000 homes being built a month for 60 months, or a much higher number later to make up for the shortfall. Labor's National Housing Accord promised 20,000 homes a month being built, on average, over five years. But in February, just 16,606 new homes were approved (pictured is a Melbourne house under construction) But looking at the Australian Bureau of Statistics data, Australia has long struggled to consistently build more than 20,000 homes over consecutive months. It has only managed to consecutively approve more than 20,000 from February to May, 2021. Before that, back-to-back months of building approvals being above the 20,000 level hadn't occurred since August, 2016. Australia also had strong months in 2014 and 2015, back when there was more Chinese money financing high-rise apartment building projects. Australia built 1.05million homes between 2015 and 2020 but it has never come close to building 1.2million homes over five years. This goal is even more elusive considering construction companies are more likely to be insolvent than any other kind of business, after building costs soared during Covid. Even if immigration numbers fell, as the Treasury Budget papers are promising, 1.3million new migrants are expected to arrive in Australia between July, 2024 and June, 2029. A record 549,000 new migrants on a net basis moved to Australia in the year to September 2023. That was expected to slow to 335,000 in 2024-25 and 260,000 in 2025-26. A Sydney university student has been fined $10,000 after threatening to blow up a plane because of a three-hour delay. Andre La Guardia, 22, was at Sydney International Airport on December 19 waiting to catch a flight with his family to the Philippines when he posted on Instagram: 'Imma bout to blow this s**t up'. The Instagram post showed the interior of a plane containing passengers. Instagram removed the post for breaching community standards and alerted the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The flight took off without incident with La Guardia allowed entry to the Philippines after talking with police on arrival. But on his return to Sydney on January 17, he was interviewed by police and charged with threatening aviation security. He faced Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty. His solicitor Paul Meehan argued his client was not going to follow through with the threat. Andre La Guardia was fined $10,000 after threatening to blow up a plane because of a delay 'It was an expression of frustration by a naive young man who has now certainly learnt his lesson,' Mr Meehan told the court. Magistrate Greg Grogin said he would have jailed La Guardia but the law only deemed the offence worth a fine. 'To suggest that something is going to be blown up, particularly an aircraft, is an absolutely unbelievably stupid and unacceptable thing to do,' he said. 'If there was a jail term, Mr La Guardia, you would be receiving a term of imprisonment from me.' Magistrate Grogin acknowledged La Guardia accepted accountability through his co-operation with police, his early guilty plea and a letter of apology to the court. Outside the court, La Guardia apologised to those on the plane and said he regretted his actions. The maximum penalty for threatening aviation safety is a $16,500 fine. AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander Davina Copelin said anyone who threatened traveller safety would be held to account. Andre La Guardia was at Sydney International Airport when he posted the bomb threat online 'This incident should serve as a warning that threatening aircraft or airports can come at a heavy cost,' Detective Acting Superintendent Copelin said. 'Threats can cause a substantial loss of resources and time for airlines, and across the airport precinct. They also jeopardise the safety of members of the public, airport workers and the authorities who need to investigate the incident thoroughly.' A disturbing letter has been sent to thousands of parents informing them a teacher who has worked at some of their children's schools for 30 years has been charged with historical child sex offences. Mark Betts, 68, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault relating to students under 16-years-old he taught at a primary school in Bathurst, in central New South Wales, between 1988 and 1990. Betts has worked as a casual teacher within Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB), which is responsible for overseeing 44 schools and around 15,000 students around NSW, since 1995. CSBB sent a letter out to parents this week after becoming aware only through the media that Betts had been charged. The letter stated that the Diocese became aware of a Working With Children Check bar placed on Betts on Monday. The 68-year-old was immediately suspended from teaching at any CSBB school. 'You may have already become aware of this through the news,' the letter said. 'The safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding in our schools. Catholic Schools Broken Bay Diocese informed parents casual teacher Mark Betts has been charged with historic child sex offences (pictured) 'Reports such as these can be distressing for all, including our students.' The former primary school teacher has been charged with 15 counts of sexual or indecent assault of a person under 16 years old while under his authority, four counts of sexual intercourse with a person between 10 and 16 years old while under his authority, and sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 10. He allegedly targeted students during classes, school trips and planned sleepovers at their homes. The charges do not relate to any students within the CBSS school system. Police began investigating Betts in May 2023, after reports were made to officers, before arresting the former primary school teacher at Sydney International Airport on March 29, the Daily Telegraph reported. He was charged at Mascot Police Station and faced Parramatta Local Court on Sunday, where he was granted bail. He is expected to face Gosford Local Court on May 26. Parents were encouraged to speak with their children about the news and create a safe space for students to discuss their feelings. Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Lifeline 13 11 14 A California man who has been described as having a grudge against pharmacies drove an hour to a Walgreens and allegedly killed an employee, according to police. Police say Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, 30, shot and killed 34-year-old Erick Velazquez, a Walgreens clerk, Fox 26 reported. Madera Police Chief Giachino Chiaramonte told the station that the motive for the apparent random shooting is under investigation. "We're having difficulties because some of the statements show that he had anger towards pharmacies in general, not specific Walgreens," Chiaramonte told the station. He added that Fernandez had no ties to Madera and did not know Velazquez. Police stated that callers described the suspect and that when police arrived, they found him in the parking lot. Police said that he surrendered to them. Fernandez is being held in the Madera County Jail on homicide charges. "He did communicate to some of the female victims that were out front and said, 'This isn't about you,' and stormed off to his car to where officers found him reloading his handgun," Chiaramonte told Fox 26. Originally published on Lawyer Herald Anthony Albanese has taken a tumble off stage in an embarrassing campaign trail incident. The Prime Minister had been trying to pose for a photo after he was given a lifetime achievement award at a Mining and Energy Union conference at Lovedale, in the Hunter Valley on Thursday afternoon when he fell off the back of a one-metre-high stage. He was hauled back to his feet with the help of three people - but not before the slip-up could be captured by the waiting media. The Labor leader was all smiles once he was back on two feet, raising both hands to signal to the cheering audience to indicate that he was okay. He suffered no injuries. In a subsequent interview with ABC Newcastle, Mr Albanese tried to claim he had not, in fact, fallen from the stage. 'I stepped back one step. I didnt fall off the stage,' he said. The journalist told him it looked like he had fallen. Anthony Albanese has fallen off stage in an embarrassing campaign trail fail The Prime Minister had been trying to pose for a photo to mark a lifetime achievement award at a union conference in the Hunter Valley on Thursday afternoon when he fell off the back of a one-metre stage 'Just one leg went down, but I was sweet,' the PM added. He will no doubt be smarting from the blunder. It marks the first major misstep for the Prime Minister on the campaign trail that will dominate the imagery of today's campaigning. Last election, he tripped up on the first day of the campaign when he could not name the cash rate. His legions of advisers will no doubt have their heads in their hands, especially given it has widely been thought that the Prime Minister was enjoying a strong start to the campaign. It comes just hours after he was heckled by two screaming women. The Prime Minister was speaking at the Maitland Hospital in the marginal Labor-held seat of Paterson in NSW on Thursday afternoon when two women started yelling at him. Mr Albanese had just said 'we support the coal industry' when the voices of two women stunned him into silence. He was hauled back to his feet with the help of three people - but not before the slip-up could be caught on camera He was all smiles once he was back on two feet but will no doubt be smarting from the blunder One woman, out of shot, could be heard shouting: 'Mr Albanese, why has your government approved 33 new fossil fuel projects six times since you've come to power?' The cameras then panned round and captured a woman being dragged away as she tearfully shouted at the PM and pointed her finger. 'Mr Albanese, why have you approved 33 new coal and gas companies,' she screamed. 'This is my future on the line! I want to stay close to raise my children.' It's understood the women, who were wearing press lanyards, had posed as journalists to get close to the Prime Minister. Mr Albanese later said the woman's actions were 'entirely inappropriate'. 'I think that people screaming in a hospital ward says more about them than advancing their cause,' the PM told ABC radio in Newcastle. Survivor of Fairy Hill crash says she wasn't driving at the time The woman who miraculously survived a horror crash that killed two men has broken her silence one week on from the tragedy to make a bombshell claim. Tristan 'Tizzy' English, 26, and Jordan Chetcuti, 26, died after a lime green Ford Falcon sedan veered off Droney Bridge and into the Richmond River at Fairy Hill, near Casino in northern NSW on March 26. Sole survivor Tarliah Defina, 23, said she thought she was 'going to die' after escaping the vehicle, before a strong current swept her down the river in the dead of the night. 'The car flipped and landed on the roof of the car,' the mother-of-one told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. 'I don't remember how I escaped, next thing I remember a strong current down was pushing me further away when I tried to swim back to help Tris and Jordan.' 'I fought so hard to get to them but I couldn't breathe and was struggling to stay afloat.' Police rescue and SES officers rushed to the scene at about 10pm after Ms Defina managed to pull herself from the water and run to the nearest property several kilometres away to raise the alarm. 'I was covered in blood, the water ripped my my clothes off, I was in socks, underwear and a jumper when I found help,' she recalled. Tarliah Defina can't recall how she managed to escape a crash that killed two mates She claims she wasn't behind the wheel of the Ford Falcon XR6 that veered off Droney Bridge and into the Richmond River at Fairy Hill, near Casino last Wednesday night 'The lady put me in the shower and calmed me down until the ambulance arrived.' Ms Delfina also shared photos of her hands and legs covered in cuts and bruises sustained in the crash. The two men were unable to be rescued from the submerged vehicle. Their bodies weren't recovered until the next day. Ms Defina is shattered about losing two best mates whom she regarded as big brothers. 'I feel like I should have died that night with them I miss them so much,' she said. Malicious rumours and conspiracy theories have circulated in the tight knit community in the eight days since the fatal crash. Ms Defina alleged a fourth person was in the car at the time and behind the wheel - a claim that NSW Police has refuted. 'People want me dead, they think I was driving the car but I wasn't,' she said. Tarliah said her hands and legs were covered in cuts and bruises after the crash Tarliah Defina said she thought she was 'going to die' after escaping the vehicle. Pictured are cuts and bruises on her leg 'I was in the back [seat] with Tristan and Jordan was in the front passenger seat next to the [mystery] driver.' 'I don't remember his name [the driver] or what he looked like, but he was good friends with the boys.' Ms Delfina claimed the group were driving to her aunt's house to exchange a puppy when the sedan spun out of control while driving along the country road late at night. A NSW Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they were not investigating a fourth occupant in the vehicle. 'Investigations are still ongoing but we are not looking into a fourth occupant involved in the crash,' they said. A family member of one of the victims said they alerted police about Ms Defina's disappearance after the crash and pleaded for police to move the investigation forward. 'I alerted Casino police...' said one relative who did not wish to be named. '[But] they said any potential charges won't be laid until they get their 'ducks in a row'.' Ms Defina says she is estranged from her mum, Michelle 'Shelley' Linney after she began a relationship with her stepfather Adam 'Richo' Richardson two years ago. 'Yes we are in a relationship, but I never called him dad,' she admitted. 'I don't have anything to do with my mum, she thinks I stole her family from her but they broke up way before we got together.. she just refused to accept it.' Tarliah Defina and her stepfather Adam 'Richo' Richardson have been in a relationship for two years Jordan Chetcuti (pictured) was released from jail days before his life was tragically cut short Tristan 'Tizzy' English died in the horrific crash in Fairy Hill, near Casino last Wednesday night Heartbroken relatives of the two victims previously spoke out in the wake of their deaths. Chloe O'Halloran, the ex-partner of Chetcuti, and mother of his son, Anarki, wants the mysterious circumstances surrounding the crash to be fully investigated. She received a video from her ex moments before the vehicle ploughed into Richmond River. The video appeared to show a man's dirt-covered and wet, puckered foot while music blared in the background. The mother-of-one said her ex was determined to turn around his life after being released only three days earlier from a stint in prison. Chloe O'Halloran, the ex-partner of Chetcuti, and mother of his son, Anarki wants the mysterious circumstances surrounding the crash to be fully investigated Police and SES crews retrieved the men's bodies from the submerged car last Thursday 'He was a changed man when he left Clarence [correctional centre] on Sunday, he was ready to be a parent,' Ms O'Halloran said. We met up at the park and he was so patient with Anarki, who is non-verbal autistic... he bought him lunch and a toy from the cheap shop. 'I feel like his life was ripped from my son before he got a chance to even be a dad.' Tristan's mother, Nancy English echoed Chloe's concerns about the crash. A federal Liberal Party candidate has sparked outrage after he was accused of casting a campaign volunteer to appear as a 'tradie' in a recent campaign ad. The social media video shows the candidate for Goldstein Tim Wilson vowing to make housing more affordable while engaged in conversation with a young tradie wearing a hi vis vest and hard hat at a construction site. Eagle eyed viewers noticed the tradesman in the paid ad appeared to have a striking resemblance to Frazer Hurst, a volunteer for Mr Wilson's election campaign. Mr Hurst has appeared in several photos and videos on Mr Wilson's social media, including footage of him door-knocking homes and handing out pamphlets alongside fellow Young Liberal volunteers. According to his LinkedIn page, Mr Hurst is a politics student at Monash University who has been a duty manager at Coles Brighton since March 2024. The profile makes no mention of any work experience in construction or trade, however it states he has volunteered for the Liberal Party since 2020. A former assistant minister, Mr Wilson served two terms as the federal MP for Goldstein in south-east Melbourne before he lost the seat to teal independent Zoe Daniel at the 2022 election. A Facebook account under the name Frazer Hurst has previously waded into the comments of Ms Daniel's social media, the Guardian reported. A campaign ad shows federal candidate Tim Wilson vowing to fight for home ownership while engaged in conversation with a young tradie The tradesman in the ad bores a striking resemblance to Frazer Hurst, a volunteer for Mr Wilson's election campaign 'Independence has failed Goldstein,' it said in the now-deleted comments. 'Crime is rampant, antisemitism is out of control, our community is divided and fractured. The blue tsunami is coming, Zoe.' Mr Wilson's recent campaign ad gained traction online after viewers pointed out the tradie's hi vis vest and hardhat were in unusually pristine condition. 'That vest is mighty shiny, it looks almost fresh off the shelf,' one joked. Another asked: 'In the whole of Goldstein, Tim Wilson could not find one Liberal supporting tradie?' Many viewers drew reference to a similar scandal in 2016 when the Liberals were accused of featuring a 'fake tradie' in a campaign ad. In the ad, Sydney metalworker Andrew MacRae raised concerns about then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's treatment of mining companies, banks and property investors. Viewers at the time claimed Mr MacRae was a paid actor, pointing out his expensive jewellery and improper safety gear. Frazer Hurst's LinkedIn account makes no mention of any work experience in construction or trade At the time, Daily Mail Australia spoke with Mr MacRae, who willingly produced his government contractor licence to prove he was a qualified tradesman. Six years later, then Victorian Liberal deputy leader David Southwick was caught out using party staffers in ads during the 2022 state election. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Tim Wilson, Frazer Hurst and the Liberal Party for comment. A spokesperson from Ms Daniel's campiagn declined to comment. The Australian Electoral Commission said there are no laws around the use of volunteers or campaign workers as extras in political advertising. 'This isn't something that is regulated by the AEC. We are responsible for ensuring that electoral communication is correctly authorised,' a spokesperson said. Federal Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel (pictured) hopes to hold onto the seat against the man she ousted in 2022 The Goldstein electorate was held by the Liberals for almost four decades before Mr Wilson was ousted at the last election. He was recently pre-elected as the Liberal candidate to run against Ms Daniel a second time in an attempt to win back his seat. A former ABC journalist, Ms Daniel is a 'teal' independent, whose campaign promised climate action and support for a federal integrity commission. Polling released late last month showed Mr Wilson ahead of Ms Daniel 54-46 on a two-party-preferred basis. The estimates, published by JWS Research, represent a sizeable swing from the 52.9-47.1 result which sent Ms Daniel to Canberra in 2022. So Albo fell off a stage today. My first reaction was what, it happens. John Howard did the same during the 1996 federal campaign when walking off stage. He went on to win that election comfortably. What should have been a nothing moment became a something moment when Albo decided to deny that he fell. He used an ABC Radio interview to say: 'I stepped back one step. I didn't fall off the stage. Just one leg went down, but I was sweet'. Seriously? He's been in politics so long that he can't even be honest about falling. Even when the footage of his spectacular plunge was captured for a national television audience. By not simply admitting that yes, he fell, but instead quibbling about the details of whether it was one leg or two, Albo has invited scrutiny about his capacity to tell the truth. About his capacity to talk straight. About whether or not he's capable of being honest about the most basic of things. It draws attention back to when he couldn't admit that his power price pledge was a broken promise. Or when he backflipped on the stage three income tax cuts. Or when he pledged not to change super taxes before attempting to do just that. And we can throw in the Voice referendum, which in the aftermath of its crushing defeat he denies was his fault. Saying that all he promised to do was take it to a vote, which he did. Anthony Albanese fell off stage in an embarrassing campaign trail fail John Howard took a similar tumble during the 1996 federal campaign when walking off stage Albo wouldn't admit that in botching that process he set the reconciliation movement back. And now here we are, less than a week into the 2025 election campaign and Albo falls over in front of the cameras but can't admit that he did. Too proud perhaps to own his own stumble. It's just such a silly denial to make. Wild moment Anthony Albanese falls off stage while trying to pose for a photo in campaign trail fail - before the Prime Minister gives a truly baffling explanation By Max Aitchison, Political Reporter for Daily Mail Australia The Prime Minister had been trying to pose for a photo after he was given a lifetime achievement award at a Mining and Energy Union conference at Lovedale, in the Hunter Valley on Thursday afternoon when he fell off the back of a one-metre-high stage. He was hauled back to his feet with the help of three people - but not before the slip-up could be captured by the waiting media. The Labor leader was all smiles once he was back on two feet, raising both hands to signal to the cheering audience to indicate that he was okay. He suffered no injuries. In a subsequent interview with ABC Newcastle, Mr Albanese tried to claim he had not, in fact, fallen from the stage. 'I stepped back one step. I didn't fall off the stage,' he said. The journalist told him it looked like he had fallen. The Prime Minister had been trying to pose for a photo to mark a lifetime achievement award at a union conference in the Hunter Valley on Thursday afternoon when he fell off the back of a one-metre stage 'Just one leg went down, but I was sweet,' the PM added. He will no doubt be smarting from the blunder. It marks the first major misstep for the Prime Minister on the campaign trail that will dominate the imagery of today's campaigning. Last election, he tripped up on the first day of the campaign when he could not name the cash rate. His legions of advisers will no doubt have their heads in their hands, especially given it has widely been thought that the Prime Minister was enjoying a strong start to the campaign. It comes just hours after he was heckled by two screaming women. The Prime Minister was speaking at the Maitland Hospital in the marginal Labor-held seat of Paterson in NSW on Thursday afternoon when two women started yelling at him. Mr Albanese had just said 'we support the coal industry' when the voices of two women stunned him into silence. He was hauled back to his feet with the help of three people - but not before the slip-up could be caught on camera He was all smiles once he was back on two feet but will no doubt be smarting from the blunder One woman, out of shot, could be heard shouting: 'Mr Albanese, why has your government approved 33 new fossil fuel projects six times since you've come to power?' The cameras then panned round and captured a woman being dragged away as she tearfully shouted at the PM and pointed her finger. 'Mr Albanese, why have you approved 33 new coal and gas companies,' she screamed. 'This is my future on the line! I want to stay close to raise my children.' It's understood the women, who were wearing press lanyards, had posed as journalists to get close to the Prime Minister. Mr Albanese later said the woman's actions were 'entirely inappropriate'. 'I think that people screaming in a hospital ward says more about them than advancing their cause,' the PM told ABC radio in Newcastle. A family have paid tribute to a 'lovely' and 'family-oriented' man who was killed in a suspected hit and run. Arlind Xhokola, 26, from London, died at the scene after the horror collision at around 5.30pm on Saturday near Momples Road in Harlow, Essex Police said. The car was later found abandoned and on fire at a nearby underpass. Following the crash, which involved a silver Mitsubishi which sped away, officers have charged Jeremy Heath, 50, from Ladyshot in Harlow, with murder. The force has said it is continuing to explore whether the collision is connected to a robbery of a Ford Fiesta in nearby Pennymead, Harlow, at around 4pm on Saturday. In a tribute released through police, Mr Xhokola's family said he was a 'friendly, supportive' man who was 'easy-going'. 'Arlind wanted to help everyone,' they said. 'Friends and family counted on him for help and support. 'He was a mellow, relaxed and patient man. Arlind Xhokola, 26, from London, died at the scene after the horror collision at around 5.30pm on Saturday near Momples Road in Harlow. PIctured: Arlind Xhokola The force has said it is continuing to explore whether the collision is connected to a robbery of a Ford Fiesta in nearby Pennymead, Harlow. Pictured: Police at the scene of the collisin 'He was respected and loved by many and will be missed.' His girlfriend, who police did not name, described him as a 'lovely person and family-oriented since a very young age'. 'Arlind was working in construction to help his family and he was always telling me that he wanted to create a family,' she said. Heath, who is also charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place, appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. He was remanded in custody to appear before Chelmsford Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on Thursday. Police said four more arrests have been made in connection with the case and detectives are not currently seeking anyone else. On Tuesday, three men from Harlow were also arrested, aged 39 and 50, who will be questioned on suspicion of robbery and murder and remain in police custody. The third, aged 42, was questioned on suspicion of assisting an offender and has since been released under investigation while inquiries continue. The car, which was a silver Mitsubishi then sped away from the scene on Morples Road It is believed the victim was walking on a cycle path in Harlow, Essex at around 5.30pm yesterday, when a vehicle came off the road and hit him A fourth man, aged 37 and from Harlow, was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of robbery and murder. He remains in custody. Detective Inspector James Holmes, senior investigating officer, said: 'This was a complex incident and it's taken time, patience and hard work from my team, together with officers and staff across the force, to reach this stage. 'A number of key arrests have been made and I can confirm we're not currently seeking anyone else in connection with our investigation. 'We're determined to establish what took place that day and why, both to get answers for the family of a man who has lost his life, and for the people of Harlow who are understandably concerned. 'I would like to thank the many people who have reached out to us to help us with our inquiries and I would continue to call on anyone with concerns, or information, to get in touch. 'There are a number of ways to do so, but the simplest is through a dedicated online portal set up specifically for this investigation.' The shocking moment a brothel owner tried and failed to hide six mobile phones behind her back after officers broke into her home to arrest her has been shared by police. Lina Wang, Yuan Hang and Chung Fu Wang played leading roles in the prostitution of vulnerable victims in towns and cities across the UK including Canterbury, Chatham, Dartford, Gillingham, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. Some of the women were brought into the country illegally and forced into sex work to pay off family debts, including one who had no idea where she was. Meanwhile, others were coerced into taking part in unsafe sexual practices such as not using protection. When Lina Wang, 44, was arrested at her home Cambridgeshire in August 2021, she attempted to hide six mobile phones that fell to the floor from behind her back. Dramatic footage shows her trying to hide the phones while leaning against a wall after police busted her front door down. A female officer tries to take hold of Lina's wrist, to which she refuses to take her hands from behind her back and asks 'what's happened?' A male officer then replies: 'She's got something behind her - that's the phones.' Lina Wang (pictured) during her arrest at her home in Cambridgeshire in August 2021 Dramatic footage shows her attempting to hide six phones behind her back while leaning against a wall after police busted her front door down Police broke through the front door after Lina refused to open it for them Lina is then pulled away from the wall by the female officer, before six mobile phones loudly fall onto the wooden floor. During a subsequent search of the property, officers found bank statements showing she was in possession of around 430,000. Chung Fu Wang was arrested the same day in London, also surrounded by mobile phones and in possession of bank cards belonging to sex workers. Yuan Hang had been arrested several months earlier when he gave himself up to police following a warrant at a London flat he was renting. He was then found to be a heavy gambler who drove flashy cars and visited high-end retailers. Sentencing the threesome at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Branston criticised the offenders for their lack of empathy, shame or remorse. Police walked upstairs to where Lina was standing in a doorway with six mobile phones behind her back Lina was then arrested by officers at her home in Cambridgeshire and sentenced this week He added that they were all using their victims for their own 'selfish, greedy reasons'. Lina, of Cambridge, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and acquiring and possessing criminal property. She was jailed for five years and eight months. Chung Fu Wang, 41, of Dagenham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. Yuan Hang, 39, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and possessing criminal property and was jailed for five years and eight months. Kent Police first became aware of the gang's criminality in 2019 following the discovery of two brothels in Gillingham and Maidstone that officers were later able to link. The jury who convicted Lucy Letby of poisoning two babies with insulin were misled by faulty tests that can produce false results, her new barrister claimed today. Mark McDonald said seven experts had analysed the cases of two twin boys, who Letby was convicted of attempting to murder eight months apart, and concluded the test results were unreliable. He said they now cast serious doubts on her convictions. Mr McDonald hand-delivered an 86-page report analysing the cases of the children, known as Babies F and L, to the Birmingham offices of the Criminal Cases Review Commission this afternoon in the hope that it will support the case for having her convictions quashed. Also passed to the CCRC, which investigates potential miscarriages of justice, was a separate report on the full findings of a 14-strong international panel of neonatologists and paediatric specialists who say poor medical care and natural causes, not Letby, were to blame for the collapses or deaths of the 17 babies in her original trial. Letby, 35, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven of those children and attempting to murder seven more, with two attempts on one of her victims, at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. At around 12pm on Thursday, Mr McDonald delivered two large lever arch files to the front desk of the CCRC offices, in central Birmingham. He described it as a pivotal moment and said he hoped the watchdog would not take long to look at the evidence and refer Letbys case back to the Court of Appeal as a matter of urgency. Serial killer Lucy Letby, 35, is serving 15 whole life sentences after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more Image taken from body worn camera footage issued by Cheshire Constabulary of the arrest of Lucy Letby in 2018 Mr McDonald said the dossier consisted of 23 reports, from 24 experts across eight different countries, which completely demolishes and blows the prosecutions case put before the jury out of the water. These reports show that no crime was committed, he added. Mr McDonald said Letby had read the expert reports and had new hope that the truth will come out. He denied that he had gone expert shopping for medics to support Letbys case as lawyers for the families of her victims claim but agreed that it was proper that the CCRC would want to know exactly why she failed to call any experts in her defence first time around. However, he refused to explain why that was and instead simply said he had found experts who were the best in the world. This is a completely fresh and new approach, he added. In their closing submissions to the public inquiry, lawyers for the families disputed such claims. They said the new expert reports were full of analytical holes and a re-hash of what had already gone before the court. Letby, 35, was found guilty in August 2023 of murdering seven children and attempting to murder six more at the Countess of Chester Hospitals neo-natal unit between June 2015 and June 2016. She was subsequently convicted of attempting to murder a baby girl known as Baby K, following a retrial, in July last year Subscribe here to The Crime Desk for weekly, ad free episodes of The Trial the Mail's No.1 True Crime podcast. Advertisement One mother also branded a press conference held by Mr McDonald and Canadian neonatologist Dr Shoo Lee as a misinformed and inaccurate media circus which was adding to the families distress. Letby tried to murder Babies F and L by poisoning them with insulin, a drug which mimics the hormone that is produced by the body to lower blood sugar. The drug was kept in an unlocked fridge at the Countess and she was found guilty of adding the medication to the infants fluid drips. Both infants also had brothers who Letby attacked around the same time by injecting air into their bloodstreams. Baby Fs brother, Baby E, was murdered in August 2015 but Baby M, the twin of Baby L, miraculously survived after almost 30 minutes of CPR, in April 2016. The experts findings claim that the jury at Letbys trial was misled because the immunoassay test, carried out by a laboratory in Liverpool, where doctors sent patients blood for analysis, did not meet acceptable forensic standards. The jury was wrongly told that the test was specific for the identification of insulin alone and could be relied upon, they said. They were not told about the margin for error, nor did any expert give evidence on quality control, the experts claim. There was also now convincing new evidence from multiple sources that the test could give falsely high insulin results if certain antibodies were present in a patients blood, the experts, including two consultant neonatologists, a retired professor in forensic toxicology and a paediatric endocrinologist, said. According to their report, such antibodies can also be transferred from mother to baby during pregnancy causing hyperinsulinism, a condition caused when the pancreas produces too high levels of insulin leading to hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar once the child is born. The experts also claim to have found alternative medical explanations for both Baby F and Baby Ls low blood sugar. In Baby Fs case, the experts believe he had developed the serious infection, sepsis, and wasnt getting enough supplementary glucose for several hours because the long line - the tiny catheter used to administer drugs had tissued or failed. Both babies had restricted growth in the womb, a known risk factor for perinatal stress-induced hyperinsulinism, a type of hyperinsulinism that occurs in newborns because of problems during pregnancy or birth, they claim. Barrister Mark McDonald claimed the jury who convicted Lucy Letby of poisoning two babies with insulin were misled by faulty tests that can produce false results The Countess of Chester Hospital where convicted baby killer Lucy Letby worked Treatment of their low blood sugar was also mismanaged by doctors at the hospital, the experts said. Peter Hindmarsh, a consultant and specialist in childhood diabetes at Great Ormond Street Hospital and emeritus professor at University College London (UCL), gave evidence at Letbys trial that high insulin levels, coupled with low rates of C-peptide, a by-product released when the body produces insulin naturally, which was found in both babies blood samples, proved they were poisoned by insulin given exogenously as a drug. Significantly, Letby also accepted that the babies were poisoned when she gave evidence in the witness box in her defence, although she insisted the insulin had not been administered by her. But the report authors disagree and claim that Baby F and Baby Ls insulin and C-peptide levels were within the normal range and typical for premature infants. Our inescapable conclusion is that this evidence significantly undermines the validity of the assertions made about the insulin and C-peptide testing presented in court, the experts said. Among other findings of the panel, in the full report also delivered by Mr McDonald today, was that a baby boy, known as Baby C, died following ineffective resuscitation from a collapse after an acute small bowel obstruction that went unrecognised, rather than from a deliberate administration of air into his tummy or bloodstream. This theory, however, was discounted by experts for the prosecution at the trial. Child P, a triplet boy, was also found by the jury to have been fatally injected with air but the panel ruled he died from a collapsed lung that was suboptimally managed. Letbys experts said there was also no evidence of air embolism in which air bubbles block the blood supply to the heart in a twin boy, known as Baby E, and that bleeding he suffered was not caused by inflicted trauma but from either a lack of oxygen pre-birth or a congenital blood vessel condition. Letby worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital from 2012 until her arrest in 2018 Letby has twice tried and failed to appeal her convictions but Mr McDonald said the reports findings demonstrate they are no longer safe. He has urged the CCRC to refer her case to the Court of Appeal without undue delay. Yesterday Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes, the senior police officer investigating Letby, said Cheshire police would cooperate with the CCRC but criticised ill-informed and insensitive critics questioning her guilt. In a strongly-worded and unprecedented intervention, he insisted Letbys case had been rigorously and fairly tested by two juries and two sets of appeal court judges after a painstaking and complex six-year police investigation. The forces inquiry into Letby, who was quizzed in jail over more suspected murders last year, remains ongoing. The UK could establish a 'supranational institution' with European nations to help finance a significant boost in defence spending across the continent. Treasury officials have drawn up plans for a multilateral fund that would allow nations to borrow money for defence spending at favourable rates and purchase weapons for a common stockpile. Backed by equity and sovereign guarantees from the coalition of countries involved, the new fund would both lend money for defence projects and enable the acquisition of military assets that could be used by any participating nation. The paper, which was sent to European officials last week, suggests the fund could run up to 'hundreds of billions of euros', according to the Financial Times. European nations have been under intense pressure to increase their defence spending from the US amid growing fears of Russian aggression. President Donald Trump has demanded nations on the continent spend at least five per cent of their GDP on defence, despite most countries aiming for two to three per cent. If enacted, the proposed fund could help create a common stockpile of weapons that member states would only pay for when they use them. Under the financing structure, governments would not be hit with upfront investment costs, meaning there will be less worry around financial capacity. Potential purchases noted in the paper include spare parts for tanks and aircraft, artillery shells, air defence munitions, explosives and logistics aircraft such as helicopters and carriers. Treasury officials have drawn up plans for a multilateral fund that would allow nations to borrow money for defence spending at favourable rates and purchase weapons for a common stockpile European nations have been under intense pressure to increase their defence spending from the US 'The institution would be designed to be classified to the rest of the world sector in the national accounts and the equipment purchased by the institution would be recorded on its own balance sheet and not the contributing countries,' Treasury officials wrote. 'This would avoid the upfront capital cost of purchasing equipment scoring to member countries' budgets,' the paper said, adding that it would be done in a way 'consistent with sound fiscal management. The fund could also lend to defence firms at favourable rates and to some governments at lower rates than they would be able to borrow on their own. Some European officials have already cast doubt on the plan, however, with one saying: 'My sense is that it isnt very practical, because it could take a long time.' But earlier today MPs welcomed the idea. Tan Dhesi, who chairs the Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence, told MailOnline: 'With the geopolitical picture increasingly volatile and unpredictable, our Defence Committee current inquiry into the UKs contribution to European security asks how Britain can best contribute to its and its continents defence in this new uncertain world; and we have already been discussing the important question of how rearmament will actually be funded, especially given the economic challenges being faced.' Calvin Bailey, a Labour MP who sits on the Defence Select Committee, told MailOnline: 'Given the urgent security situation we are facing in Europe it is right to look for a structured, long-term mechanism that ensures that re-armament is not only faster but also more financially efficient than going at it alone. 'This is a positive and proactive step to reach out to our European allies and support British industry. 'A joint fund could allow us to urgently close the capability gaps we have in Europe and ensure we are ready as the U.S shifts focus to the Indo-Pacific.' Chancellor Rachel Reeves will join a meeting of EU finance ministers in Warsaw next week focused on defence financing. The UK announced in February that they would hike defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by slashing the foreign aid budget, while EU leaders agreed plans to jointly borrow 150billion to lend to individual governments for military expenditure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the announcement was part of a 'Rearm Europe' plan to unlock up to 800billion of additional defense spending over the coming years. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the announcement was part of a 'Rearm Europe' plan to unlock up to 800billion of additional defense spending over the coming years Military off-road vehicles are seen on the assembly line of Spanish company Urovesa 'Europe is ready to massively boost its defense spending, both to respond to the short-term urgency to act and to support Ukraine, but also to address the long-term need to take on more responsibility for our own European security,' she said last month. Some of the measures proposed by the EU could prioritise procurement from defence companies on the continent, with American firms potentially phased out. In recent days US officials have told their European counterparts that they want them to keep purchasing American-made arms. A State Department spokesperson told Reuters that Trump welcomes recent efforts from European allies to 'strengthen their defense capabilities and take responsibility for their own security,' but warned against creating new barriers that exclude U.S. companies from European defense projects. 'Transatlantic defense industrial cooperation makes the Alliance stronger,' the spokesperson said. The UK Treasury have been contacted for comment. Germany could ban candidates of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party from running for office under proposed new rules following a decision in France to block Marine Le Pen's presidential bid. The centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) are currently holding coalition talks to build the incoming German government. The parties have proposed a law that would block those with 'multiple convictions of inciting to hatred' from standing in elections, according to a draft agreement between the parties seen by German newspaper Die Welt. This would mean that politicians with extremism convictions from parties like the hard-right AfD could be barred from running for office - just like the leader of the French National Rally party, Le Pen, who was handed a five-year ban from politics after being convicted of embezzling EU funds. Le Pen will not serve time in prison. Two years of her sentence was suspended and the other two are to be served outside jail with an electronic bracelet, the French court ruled. She was also given a 100,000 (83,000) fine. Le Pen's National Rally has distanced itself from the AfD after the German party was caught up in several controversies, including accusations of illicit ties to Russia and China. The German press is speculating that the verdict blocking Le Pen's 2027 residential bid could be replicated in Germany against politicians of the AfD. The hard-right party came second in the country's general election in February and the proposed new law could be seen as a bid to undermine the influence of the AfD. One of those potentially standing in the firing line if the law comes into effect is Bjoern Hoecke, an AfD member in the state of Thuringia, who has convictions for using a Nazi slogan at rallies and reportedly plans on running for state president, Bild reports. Germany could ban candidates of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party from running for office under proposed new rules This would mean that politicians with extremism convictions from parties like the hard-right AfD could be barred from running for office - just like the leader of the French National Rally party, Marine Le Pen (pictured), who was handed a five-year ban from politics after being convicted of embezzling EU funds One of those potentially standing in the firing line if the law comes into effect is Bjoern Hoecke (pictured), an AfD member in the state of Thuringia, who has convictions for using a Nazi slogan at rallies and reportedly plans on running for state president Hoecke is also facing separate charges of incitement to hatred for posting about a 'mental disease among immigrants' on social media in relation to extremist migrants committing terror attacks. His trial is set to start later this year. Another who could be impacted by the proposed plans is AfD member Petr Bystron, whose immunity was lifted by the European Parliament on Tuesday as he is facing prosecution in Germany for sharing a photo montage of a Nazi salute. Bystron is being investigated over a social media post he shared in 2022 after the dismissal of Ukraine's ambassador to Berlin. 'German politicians wave goodbye,' he wrote on Twitter, now X, as the caption to a photo montage of politicians with their arms outstretched in what resembled Nazi salutes. A lawmaker in the German Bundestag at the time, Bystron was elected to the European Parliament in 2024. In a separate case last year he was forced to deny allegations he accepted money to spread Russian propaganda. Fellow EU lawmakers have now stripped Bystron of his protection from prosecution during a plenary session in Strasbourg. It comes as senior AfD members are repeatedly accused of playing down the war crimes committed by the SS and the Holocaust, with some German state security services even classifying the party as an extremist group. Protesters at the 'Counter-demonstration against AfD and shift to the right' with the central banner showing AfD Thuringia leader Bjoern Hoecke making a Nazi salute on February 22, 2025 in Erfurt, Germany The AfD came second in the German election, the best result of a hard-right party since WW2. Pictured above are AfD leaders Alice Weidel (centre left) and Tino Chrupalla (left) with AfD Thuringia leader Bjoern Hoecke (right) The AfD's campaigning against mass migration and foreign criminals - capitalising on several recent terror attacks committed by foreigners in Germany - has earned them 20.8 per cent of the vote in the election (pictured: the car used in an attack in Munich in February) Alice Weidel is pictured above addressing the crowd at the AfD's Memorial Event & Mourning Procession following a deadly terror attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany The party is often labelled far-right, which the AfD rejects, explaining that they are just reflecting the views of German citizens on migration, energy prices as well as their stand on foreign policy. The AfD's campaigning against mass migration and foreign criminals - capitalising on several recent terror attacks committed by foreigners in Germany - has earned them 20.8 per cent of the vote in the election. German authorities are investigating whether some of these attacks were orchestrated by Russia to increase support for the Putin-friendly AfD, the Telegraph reports. Meanwhile, prominent European hard-right and nationalist figures as well as Donald Trump and Elon Musk - who has a close relationship with AfD leader Alice Weidel and even appeared at a rally to promote her party - spoke out in support of Le Pen after she was handed the five-year politics ban on Monday. Le Pen was convicted over a scheme to take advantage of European Parliament expenses to employ assistants who were actually working for her hard-right party in France. Le Pen as well as the other officials from her party were banned from running for office, with the judge specifying that the sanction should come into force with immediate effect even if an appeal is lodged. Le Pen received a four-year suspended prison sentence, which her lawyer said she will appeal. Meanwhile, prominent European hard-right and nationalist figures as well as Donald Trump and Elon Musk - who has a close relationship with AfD leader Alice Weidel and even appeared at a rally to promote her party (pictured above) - spoke out in support of Le Pen Le Pen (pictured) as well as the other officials from her party were banned from running for office, with the judge specifying that the sanction should come into force with immediate effect even if an appeal is lodged. Le Pen received a four-year suspended prison sentence, which her lawyer said she will appeal Trump compared Le Pen's conviction to his own US legal battles, telling reporters Monday: 'She was banned from running for five years and she was the leading candidate. That sounds like this country.' Tesla's billionaire owner Musk, who has backed the AfD and plays a major role in Trump's administration, said the move would 'backfire, like the legal attacks against President Trump'. 'Je suis Marine!' ('I'm Marine') Hungarian nationalist leader Viktor Orban posted in French on X, echoing the cry 'Je suis Charlie' widely used to denounce a 2015 Islamist attack on the Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper in Paris. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the verdict reinforced the view that 'more and more European capitals are going down the path of violating democratic norms'. Former Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro, himself barred from office, said he hoped Le Pen would 'overcome this persecution and be able to contest the next presidential elections' in 2027. Jordan Bardella, leader of Le Pen's National Rally party, said on X that French democracy was being 'executed'. Dutch hard-right politician Geert Wilders also voiced shock at 'the incredibly tough verdict'. 'I support and believe in her for the full 100 percent and I trust she will win the appeal and become President of France,' Wilders posted on X. Spain's hard-right Vox leader Santiago Abascal also offered his support, saying: 'They will never succeed to silence the voice of the French people'. Trump (right) compared Le Pen's conviction to his own US legal battles, telling reporters Monday: 'She was banned from running for five years and she was the leading candidate. That sounds like this country.' Musk (left) said the move would 'backfire, like the legal attacks against President Trump' 'Je suis Marine!' ('I'm Marine') Hungarian nationalist leader Viktor Orban posted in French on X, echoing the cry 'Je suis Charlie' widely used to denounce a 2015 Islamist attack on the Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper in Paris Abascal hosted Le Pen, Orban and other hard-right leaders in Madrid in February. Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik said on X that 'just like in my case, the verdict was not about the law - it was about politics'. Dodik was convicted in February for defying the international envoy tasked with overseeing the peace accords that ended Bosnia's civil war in the 1990s. Italy's deputy prime minister and leader of the League party, Matteo Salvini, called the court's ruling a 'declaration of war by Brussels'. 'A bad film that we are also seeing in other countries like Romania,' wrote Salvini on social media. 'We don't let ourselves be intimidated, we don't stop: full speed ahead my friend!' Hard-right Romanian politician George Simion, who is running for president, said: 'Targeting or annihilating your political opponent by any means is straight out of the instruction manual of totalitarian regimes'. Romania's electoral bureau in early March rejected the candidacy of hard-right politician Calin Georgescu for a re-run of presidential elections in May. The fierce EU and NATO critic shot to prominence in November, when he unexpectedly topped a first round of presidential voting before the constitutional court annulled the election after claims of Russian interference and a 'massive' social media promotion. Georgescu, who denies any links to Moscow, has slammed the vote annulment as a 'formalised coup d'etat'. Iran has issued a chilling warning that a key US military base and thousands of American troops could be obliterated if President Donald Trump orders a strike on Tehran. Iranian armed forces-run Defra Press claimed Wednesday that Iran 'certainly has sufficient weapons' to attack Diego Garcia, a remote island in the Indian Ocean where the US has recently bolstered military presence. The report directly threatened US Air Force and Navy assets, stating that the 4,000 American soldiers it claims are stationed there would be 'risk of complete destruction' in the event of an American attack on Iran. While official estimates suggest the base at Diego Garcia typically hosts 400 military personnel and 2,000 civilian contractors, the state newspaper suggested the current presence of strategic assets makes it a prime target. It comes as the US launched a fresh round of airstrikes on pro-Iranian targets Thursday as it prepares to reportedly bomb Iran's nuke programme. The Houthis, a rebel Iranian proxy force, said six people were killed in the fresh strikes across the land they control, including a guard at a communications tower. They also claimed the US struck a water project, killing four, in the Hodeida governorate's Mansuriyah District. Some 17 strikes also hit Saada, near the Saudi border, and another person was killed at Ras Isa port in Hodeida, the Houthis said. The US is shooting missiles from its destroyers and launching fighter jets from its aircraft carrier nearby - the USS Harry Truman. Defra Press also outlined a number of potential attack strategies including how Iran could launch a devastating assault using its advanced Shahed-136 drones, which have a range of 4,000km - enough to reach Diego Garcia from Iran. Iranian armed forces-run Defra Press claimed Wednesday that Iran 'certainly has sufficient weapons' to attack Diego Garcia. Pictured: American B-2 bomber planes on the tarmac of Mauritius' US military base on Diego Garcia island as well as six logistical Stratotanker aircrafts for in-flight refueling Iran could launch a devastating assault using its advanced Shahed-136 drones, which have a range of 4,000km - enough to reach Diego Garcia from Ira. Pictured: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran The state newspaper outlined a number of potential attack strategies including how Iran could launch a devastating assault using its advanced Shahed-136 drones, which have a range of 4,000km - enough to reach Diego Garcia from Iran Iran's long-range Khorramshahr missile and the Shahed-136B kamikaze drone could reach the Chagos Islands from southern Iran The Shaheds pack an explosive charge, can be fired one after the other, and can 'loiter' above potential targets for hours before being slammed directly into enemy soldiers, vehicles or buildings from above - causing a blast. However, the drones' speed of 185km/h would mean a journey of nearly 20 hours - a significant window for US forces to intercept them. Tehran could also unleash Khorramshahr ballistic missiles and other long-range weapons to strike the base. The weapon has a range of 2,000km and is able to carry a 3,300-pound warhead. But Iran's missile stockpile has been severely depleted following Israeli airstrikes in April and October 2024, meaning Tehran may struggle to carry out a sustained attack. Iranian warships could also attempt to get closer to Diego Garcia and launch missile and drone attacks from the Indian Ocean, but the vessels are poorly equipped to withstand a US naval response. In a show of force, the US has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has extended the deployment of the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the region. Additionally, the USS Carl Vinson, which usually patrols the South China Sea, has been redirected to the Persian Gulf, directly south of Iran, to joint its sister carried USS Truman. This will result in a rare two-carrier presence aimed at deterring Iranian aggression. America has also already moved six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to the Chagos Islands, a third of its fleet, with satellite imagery showing them resting at the Diego Garcia military base on the UK-controlled island. These high-tech planes have the capability of carrying bunker busting bombs across Iran that could destroy its military and nuclear sites. The B-2 Spirits will likely be supported by a fleet of six Stratotanker in-flight refuelling craft, which were seen at Diego Garcia. These would give the Spirits the capability to fly to Iran, deliver payloads and fly back to the Chagos Islands in a roughly 5,000-mile round trip. Satellite images show three B-2 Spirit aircrafts (circled) on the Diego Garcia UK-US security outpost The US is moving the USS Carl Vinson (pictured) from Asia, where it normally patrols the South China Sea, to the Persian Gulf, directly south of Iran US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has extended the deployment of the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the region Donald Trump vowed to bomb Iran unless it agrees to a new nuclear deal with Washington Diego Garcia is the largest of the Chagos Islands and home to a UK-US military base The deployment underscores the escalating tensions and the US's preparedness for any possible conflict with the Middle Eastern country. But Iran has stepped up its rhetoric against the US in recent weeks, repeatedly threatening American bases across the Middle East. A senior Iranian officials ominously warned the Wall Street Journal that 'each American soldier will be an individual target' if the US carried out a strike on Iran. Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of Iran's Aerospace Force, claimed the US has at least 10 bases and over 50,000 troops in the region - all of whom are within range of Iran's weapons. Tehran has previously launched strikes on US bases in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, while Iran-backed Houthis have targeted Al Dhafra Airbase in Abu Dhabi, which hosts both US and French personnel. And with tensions at an all-time high, all eyes are on President Trump, who has vowed to take a harder stance on Iran. He has threatened to attack the Middle Eastern nation with a 'bombing the likes to which they've never seen before' should its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, refuse to destroy its nuclear programme and stop supporting proxy wars in the Middle East. But Iran appears to be stepping up to the military challenge, with Khamenei adviser Ali Larijani recently telling local media: 'If America or Israel bomb Iran under the nuclear pretext, Iran will be compelled to move toward producing an atomic bomb.' Last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran had substantially increased its production of nuclear-capable uranium, and had increased its stockpile of near-weapons grade material. Iran has threatened to strike American bases and 'blow up' the entire Middle East if Donald Trump follows through on his warning of military action in the absence of a new nuclear deal. The image shows an Iranian rocket launched during a drill earlier last year The United States is increasing the number of aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East to two, keeping one that is already there and sending another from the Indo-Pacific, the Pentagon said April 2, 2025 Pictured: The launch of a missile during a military drill at an undisclosed location in southern Iran, January 2024 The US is also exerting financial pressure on Iran, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday meeting in Washington with 16 global banks and federal law enforcement agencies on US sanctions policy on Iran including efforts to cut its oil exports. Bessent said President Trump's administration is applying economic pressure to the maximum extent possible to disrupt Iran's access to financial resources that help it fund Hamas and other militant groups throughout the Middle East and its efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon. 'This includes the billions of dollars each year that Iran generates via its oil sales, which the regime also uses to finance its dangerous agenda and support its multiple terrorist proxies and partners,' Bessent said, according to a copy of his remarks. Iran says its nuclear program is for civilian purposes. Trump restored his policy of maximum pressure on Iran in February that includes efforts to drive its oil exports down to zero. In March Treasury slapped sanctions on tankers carrying Iranian oil and on a Chinese 'teapot' refinery for processing the oil. Teapots are small, independent refineries in China. China's national oil company refineries have stopped buying Iranian oil over concerns about sanctions. Bessent mentioned the US sanctioning of Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical Co., Ltd, the small refinery, and its chief executive officer for purchasing and refining hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian crude oil, including from vessels linked to the Houthis and the Iranian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. 'Teapot refinery purchases of Iranian oil provide the primary economic lifeline for the Iranian regime,' Bessent said. Bessent also warned the banks that Iran conducts its foreign exchange activities through a covert shadow banking network. 'My message to financial institutions worldwide is unequivocal: safeguard your institutions from being exploited by this malign network, so you can continue to serve your legitimate clients with integrity,' Bessent told the banks, according to the Treasury Department. The department did not immediately respond to a request about which banks and agencies participated. Bessent said Treasury uses tools such as Wednesday's meeting to bring together financial institutions, regulatory agencies, and law enforcement, to disrupt what it calls Iran's illicit revenue streams. In an NBC interview over the weekend, Trump also threatened so-called secondary tariffs, which affect buyers of a country's goods, on both Russia and Iran. In a significant escalation of its military presence, Russia plans to bolster its forces in Ukraine by an additional 150,000 soldiers in 2025, roughly the size of 15 motorized infantry divisions, according to Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of Ukraine's Presidential Office. The Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne reported the development on April 3. "Their formation is ongoing. The Russians have no problems with recruiting personnel now. However, it should be understood that all these formations cannot be put into action at the same time," Palisa stated. This military expansion coincides with Russia ramping up battlefield pressure while simultaneously engaging in ceasefire negotiations. Palisa suggested that Moscow has little interest in peace talks beyond matters related to maritime security, where a ceasefire aligns with Russian strategic interests. Ukraine had previously agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire in U.S.-mediated discussions in Jeddah on March 11. However, Russia rejected the proposal unless Ukraine accepted conditions restricting its military capabilities. Instead, a partial agreement was reached between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., focusing on protecting energy infrastructure and maintaining stability in the Black Sea. Despite the truce, both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of violating the energy ceasefire. Russia has further linked the start of the Black Sea agreement to the potential easing of Western sanctions. On the battlefield, Russian forces continue to advance gradually, targeting key frontline positions. Palisa acknowledged that while Russia has achieved some tactical successes, Ukraine is mounting counterattacks and securing its own gains. "If they do this, they will continue to stall (peace talks) to get time," he warned. As of Jan. 15, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Ukraine's military strength stood at 880,000 troops, tasked with defending the nation against an estimated 600,000 Russian soldiers deployed in various regions. However, Ukraine has struggled with manpower shortages, particularly in frontline infantry units, as Russia ramped up its summer 2024 offensive in Donetsk Oblast. Although Russia has made territorial advances, the pace has slowed in recent months. Data from battlefield monitoring group DeepState indicates that in March, Russian forces captured only 133 square kilometerstheir lowest monthly total since June 2024. Analysts attribute this slowdown to harsh winter conditions, effective Ukrainian drone strikes, and temporary exhaustion of Russia's offensive momentum. Nevertheless, Russian troops continue to mount aggressive assaults, particularly in Donetsk Oblast's Pokrovsk region, where fighting has intensified since late March. An American tourist has been arrested for allegedly travelling to a restricted reserve on a remote island and leaving behind a can of Coke as an 'offering' for the world's most isolated tribe to try. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, was arrested in India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Monday after he allegedly visited a prohibited tribal reserve on North Sentinel Island without authorization. Polyakov arrived in Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on March 26 and sailed across a 25-mile straight from Kurma Dera Beach to North Sentinel Island on a makeshift craft three days later. He arrived at the forbidden island's northeastern shores on Saturday around 10am and, using binoculars, began to survey the area for signs life. Polyakov spent roughly an hour blowing a whistle from his inflatable boat in hopes of drawing attention to himself, but received no response. He landed on the island for roughly five minutes, during which he collected samples, recorded a video and left behind a can of soda and a coconut as 'offerings for the Sentinelese' tribe, police told The Press Trust of India. The Sentinelese tribe, which inhabits North Sentinel Island, are considered a particularly vulnerable group. They are reportedly hostile towards outsiders and have in the past killed people who approached or landed on the island. Experts, branding Polyakov's attempted visit as 'deeply disturbing', warn that not only did he put himself in danger, but also put the entire Sentinelese tribe at risk of being wiped out were they to contract a common disease, such as measles or influenza. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, was arrested in India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands after he allegedly visited a prohibited tribal reserve on North Sentinel Island without authorization. He left behind 'offerings for the Sentinelese' tribe (pictured in a file photo) Polyakov arrived at the shores of North Sentinel Island (pictured in file photo) around 10am on March 29 and - using binoculars - began surveying the area for signs life. He spent roughly an hour blowing a whistle from his inflatable boat in hopes of drawing attention to himself, but received no response Polyakov departed Kurma Dera Beach around 1am on March 29 and, using GPS navigation, arrived at North Sentinel Island around 10am. Police say his journey to the prohibited territory was meticulously planned, alleging that the tourist had studied sea conditions, tides and access points before making the journey. He returned to the beach around 7pm that same day, where he was spotted by local fishermen who then reported his activities to police. Polyakov was arrested and officers seized his boat, an outboard motor and a GoPro containing video of his landing on the restricted island. 'We are getting more details about him and his intention to visit the reserved tribal area,' Andaman and Nicobar Islands' Director General of Police told the newspaper. Investigators are also trying to identify where else Polyakov visited during his stay in the region and are 'questioning the hotel staff where he was staying in Port Blair'. Indian authorities prohibit visits to North Sentinel Island in an effort to protect the Sentinelese tribe from outside threats. Caroline Pearce, the director of indigenous rights group Survival International, branded Polyakov's attempt to visit the island as 'reckless and idiotic'. 'This person's actions not only endangered his own life, they put the lives of the entire Sentinelese tribe at risk,' she said in a statement provided to MailOnline. 'It's very well known by now that uncontacted peoples have no immunity to common outside diseases like flu or measles, which could completely wipe them out.' Your browser does not support iframes. Polyakov landed on the island for roughly five minutes, collected sand samples, recorded a video on his GoPro, and left behind a can of soda and a coconut as 'offerings for the Sentinelese' tribe (pictured in a file photo above) Pearce added that the 'Sentinelese have made their wish to avoid outsiders incredibly clear over the years', citing how American missionary John Chau was murdered by the tribe in November 2018. Chau, 26, was killed in a hail of arrows as he went ashore on North Sentinel Island. He had been persistently trying to reach out to the Sentinelese in a bid to talk to them about Jesus - a move which his friend said 'he knew that he had no business doing.' The tribe then tied a rope around his neck and dragging his body away, according to the fishermen who helped him get there. His body remains on the island. Chau began his missionary training at the All Nations International headquarters in Kansas City in October 2017 before setting out into the world. The group subscribes to the belief that spreading the word of God to 'all nations' will cause the second coming of Jesus and works to speedily meet that goal. The missionary previously visited the Andaman Islands, which includes North Sentinel Island, in 2015 and 2016. His goal was to return to build a long-term relationship with the tribespeople in the area, and if possible, to be accepted to live amongst them. He organized his 2018 visit to the island through a friend who hired seven fishermen for $325 to take him there on a boat which also towed his kayak. His first attempt at reaching out was on November 15. Chau paddled toward the shore in his kayak and sent the boat with the fishermen back out to sea in a bid to avoid detection. But he was undeterred and just a few hours later returned - this time attempting to walk to the beach to deliver gifts such as a football and fish to the tribespeople. He was once again met with hostility and was chased back into the surf before he frantically swam toward the fishermen who had been waiting for him. However, he still remained undeterred by the group's anger and returned twice more. He was again met with hostility and the final attempt would prove to be fatal. American missionary John Chau, 26, (pictured) was killed in a hail of arrows as he went ashore on North Sentinel Island in November 2018. He had been persistently trying to reach out to the Sentinelese in a bid to talk to them about Jesus - a move which his friend said 'he knew that he had no business doing 'Its good news that the man in this latest incident has been arrested, but deeply disturbing that he was reportedly able to get onto the island in the first place,' Pearce said Wednesday of Polyakov's arrest. 'The Indian authorities have a legal responsibility to ensure that the Sentinelese are safe from missionaries, social media influencers, people fishing illegally in their waters and anyone else who may try to make contact with them.' Polyakov, as of Wednesday, remained in custody for further interrogation. The US Embassy, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Department have been notified of his arrest. The American tourist previously visited Port Blair in October last year with plans to sail to North Sentinel Island using an inflatable kayak, but was stopped by hotel staff. He returned to the region again in January this year and tried to obtain a motor for his boat. According to police, he visited the Baratang Islands during that visit and allegedly illegally recorded video of the Jarawa tribe. MailOnline has approached police and the US Embassy in India for comment. The Sentinelese, who are considered to be the world's last pre-Neolithic tribe, have a history of hostility towards outsiders, having attacked almost everyone who has entered their territory. Because of their rejection of the outside world, little is known about them - including what they call themselves. What is known has been gleaned from viewing them from boats moored far enough away from the tribesmen, who carry spears, bows and arrows, or from the few times the tribe allowed authorities to come close enough to hand over coconuts. The Sentinelese attracted international attention in the wake of the 2004 Asian tsunami, when a member of the tribe was photographed on a beach, firing arrows at a helicopter that was checking on their welfare. The Sentinelese attracted international attention in the wake of the 2004 Asian tsunami, when a member of the tribe was photographed on a beach, firing arrows at a helicopter that was checking on their welfare North Sentinel Island is out of bounds even to the Indian navy in a bid to protect its reclusive inhabitants who number only about 150. Campaigns by non-profit and local organizations have led the Indian government to abandon plans to contact the Sentinelese. It is illegal to have any contact with the tribe and the Indian government said even taking photographs or making videos of aboriginal Andaman tribes would be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years. Survival International, which works to ensure that no further attempts are made to contact the tribe, says the Sentinelese have thrived on the small forested island - which is approximately the size of Manhattan - for up to 55,000 years. The women wear fiber strings tied around their waists, necks and heads. The men also wear necklaces and headbands, but with a thicker waist belt. From a distance, they appear healthy and thriving and observers have noted many children and pregnant women at times. According to Survival, the Sentinelese hunt and gather in the forest, and fish in the coastal waters by make narrow outrigger canoes, which can only be used in shallow waters as they are steered and propelled with a pole like a punt. A Russian nuclear bomber has crashed and exploded close to a Siberian village. The 53million warplane plummeted to the ground in the Irkutsk region of Siberia. The crash, close to the tiny village of Buret, caused a power outage in the area with the fire and smoke from the wreck visible from other nearby villages. Footage taken from before the crash appears to shows the Tu-22M3 strategic missile carrier cruising above the skies of Siberia at a low altitude. A second clip reportedly shows the aftermath of the incident with a large blaze burning in the distance. According to local media, the four man crew on board the plane ejected but one pilot has died. Footage, shared widely in Russia, allegedly shows one of the survivors on a nearby road still wearing his helmet. Irkutsk region governor Igor Kobzev said the pilot had steered the plane away from a residential area before it crashed. A Tu-22M3 strategic missile carrier similar to the one which plunged from the sky and crashed clsoe to a Siberian village earlier this week A video take after the disaster reportedly shows the aftermath of the incident with a large blaze burning in the distance According to local media, the four man crew on board the plane ejected but one pilot has died. Footage, shared widely in Russia, allegedly shows one of the survivors on a nearby road still wearing his helmet 'According to preliminary data, the pilots steered the Tu-22M3 away from residential buildings during the fall,' he said. 'A deep bow to the high-class professionals and words of condolence to the relatives and friends of the deceased pilot. 'The family will certainly be provided assistance.' Pictures showed the crash site this morning. The incident was thousands of miles from the war zone in Ukraine and initial assessments blamed a technical issue for the crash. The same type of plane crashed in the Irkutsk region last August, killing one of the crew members. There was no suggestion the warplane invovled in the most recent aviation incident was carrying nuclear missiles when it crashed 54 miles north-west of Irkutsk city - one of the largest cities in Siberia. Kobzev added: 'There is no destruction of residential structures and no civilian casualties. Before the crash, the 53million warplane was seen cruising through the sky at a low altitude 'The aircraft crew of four people ejected. 'As a result of the landing, according to the report of the crew commander, one pilot died. 'The search and rescue team that arrived on the scene evacuated the crew to the place of deployment. 'The Emergency Situations Ministry services are working on the site. 'The cause of the crash is a technical malfunction.' This week's air disaster is the latest in a long list of Russia jets which have fallen from the sky. In March last year, a Il-76 cargo plane crashed shortly after take off with 15 people onboard. Meanwhile in February last year, a passerby caught on camera the dramatic moment Russian warplane plunged to the ground in a fireball after 'being hit with a Ukrainian missile.' The video, understood to have been taken in the Ukrainian village of Dyakove in the Luhansk region, showed a Russian Su-34 fighter jet plummeting to the ground in a red-hot ball of fire. A plume of smoke can then be seen rising from the ground after it crashed. The Tu-22M3 is a supersonic, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber originally developed in the Soviet era, which is designed to carry Kh-22 and Kh-32 long-range cruise missiles. Both can be equipped with nuclear warheads. A huge wildfire broke out at a rural beauty spot overnight as the Met Office warns against barbecues this weekend amid higher temperatures and a drier than usual March. The blaze, at Upton Heath, Poole, in Dorset, broke out shortly before midnight before the fire service was alerted at 11.44pm. Dramatic photos and video showed flames and smoke billowing into the sky as firefighters navigated dark conditions in efforts to slow the spread. The blaze has destroyed more than 37 acres of land, but is now believed to be fully under control. The fire service's job was made even more difficult by the breakout of a second fire at Canford Heath at 5.25am this morning. A spokesperson said many of the firefighters working to extinguish the fire had already spent much of the night fighting the Upton Heath blaze. By 9am the second fire had been extinguished, but a small crew remained at the scene to continue damping down. In an update at 5am, a Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service spokesperson said around 80 firefighters were still working at the site of the original Upton Heath fire. Firefighters worked throughout the night to bring the blaze under control, with around 80 personnel on site After tackling the Upton Heath fire (pictured), many of the firefighters were then rushed to a second wildfire at nearby Canford Heath The blaze, at Upton Heath, Poole, in Dorset, broke out shortly before midnight before the fire service was alerted at 11.44pm They added: 'The fire has affected an area of around 300m x 500m, and crews have been using hose reel jets and beaters to extinguish it. 'This has been hard work in dark and arduous conditions, and we now believe the fire to be contained. 'At this stage, we don't know what caused the fire to start, but an investigation will take place once it's daylight and the fire is fully under control.' The area has seen two other wildfires earlier this week, which were successfully put out. Harvey Pocklington, 19, who lives three miles away from the blaze at Upton Heath, said he feared the fire could be a danger to life. 'I'm shocked and saddened for the wildlife and I'm pleased nobody was hurt,' he said. Rachel Hussey, 38, captured footage of the fire at Canford Heath at around 5.45am on Thursday morning before going to work, and described the sky as 'so red'. She said: 'As we left for work, we drove straight past the blaze by Mannings Heath roundabout. It looked fresh. 'We had heard about the Upton fire, but knew that it was in the wrong direction, and we were too far away to see it. It must have happened just before we left the house.' This blaze comes as the Met Office and fire services issued a warning to Brits urging them not to use disposable barbecues this weekend as temperatures are expected to soar to 22C. Dramatic photos and video showed flames and smoke billowing into the sky as firefighters navigated dark conditions in efforts to slow the spread The blaze has destroyed more than 37 acres of land, but is now believed to be fully under control The huge blaze could be seen from miles away with orange smoke pouring into the night sky Much of England, as well as parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, are under an amber wildfire warning, meaning Brits should take extra care. Dry conditions, strong easterly winds and increased temperatures are currently contributing to the heightened risk, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said. NFCC Wildfire Lead, Jon Charters, said: 'Wildfires have a devastating impact on communities, wildlife, and the environment. 'With the current conditions, we are urging the public to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of fires starting. Many of these incidents are preventable, and we need everyone to play their part in keeping our countryside and open spaces safe.' London Fire Brigade's assistant commissioner Paul McCourt added: 'We want everyone to enjoy the sunshine but we urge people to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and help prevent a grass fire from starting. 'Recent events in Los Angeles and South Korea have demonstrated how rapidly fires can spread outdoors, even when temperatures are not at their highest. 'The Met Office has issued an amber wildfire warning, covering London, and this will be in place for the rest of the week. 'As the weather warms up and we head towards Friday and the weekend, we would urge Londoners not to have barbecues in open spaces or on balconies, including disposable barbecues, to throw rubbish away, and to dispose of cigarettes carefully to avoid inadvertently starting a fire.' London Fire Brigade's Paul McCourt said: 'Recent events in Los Angeles and South Korea have demonstrated how rapidly fires can spread outdoors even when temperatures are not at their highest.' South Wales and Somerset could reach 20C and may be hotter than Athens and Barcelona on Thursday, where highs of 17C and 16C are forecast respectively. Temperatures are set to peak on Friday, with the mercury expected to reach 22C, and remaining warm over the weekend. It comes after England enjoyed its sunniest March on record last month, along with its sixth driest, as persistent high pressure brought long spells of clear weather. Firefighters remain on site at Canford Heath, damping down the land destroyed by the blaze An amber alert for wildfires remains in place in England, northern Ireland and southern Scotland this week Some 185.8 hours of sunshine were measured across England - 59 per cent more than the long-term average Your browser does not support iframes. Some 185.8 hours of sunshine were measured across England - 59 per cent more than the long-term average - according to provisional figures from the Met Office. This beats the previous record of 171.7 hours set in 1929. Wales saw its second sunniest March, with 53 per cent more hours than average. Scotland and Northern Ireland also saw an above average amount of sunshine, at 20 per cent more and 13 per cent more respectively, though neither nation came close to record levels. Last month was also dry, with the UK seeing just 43 per cent of its average rainfall for March. Most of the southern half of England and parts of South Wales recorded only a fifth of their long-term average. Wales experienced its fourth driest March on record, England its sixth and Northern Ireland its ninth, based on Met Office data for rainfall beginning in 1836. By contrast, Scotland saw nearly two-thirds of its average rainfall for the month. The Met Office said the average temperature for March was also above average for the UK, up 1.3C compared to usual. Kathryn Chalk, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said on Wednesday: 'With strong winds and ongoing dry/warm weather this brings a continued likelihood for wildfire conditions through the period. 'There is currently an amber fire danger rating across England extending into Northern Ireland and the rest of southern Scotland on Wednesday.' She added: 'However, showers moving into the far South West will bring some relief to these parts. Then dry weather continues Friday and Saturday extending further north across western Scotland. 'It's a large England warning, covering most of England. 'We can't be specific on locations due to the nature of wildfires though, and best to stick with the weather conditions with the dry air, breezy and warm conditions, hence the warning, with slightly cooler conditions with the onshore breeze along eastern coasts.' A police officer has remained tight-lipped as he prepares to fight allegations he sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel room during an interstate holiday. Victorian senior constable Taylor Johnson was off duty and spending the weekend in Sydney on March 23 when he allegedly raped a 38-year-old woman in a hotel. NSW Police launched an investigation into the alleged incident after a referral from their southern counterparts' sexual offences and family violence unit. The 32-year-old officer was arrested on Wednesday when his Victoria Police colleagues carried out a search warrant at his home in north-east Melbourne. Granted police bail, Johnson faced a Sydney court for the first time on Thursday to push for modified conditions that would allow him to live in Victoria. He was supported by his mother, who the court was told was willing to drive her son to Melbourne to ensure he would not come close to an international airport. In Downing Centre Local Court, Magistrate Greg Grogin applied a raft of bail conditions, including a ban on leaving Victoria except to attend court in NSW. Johnson was also banned from contacting the alleged victim, approaching within 200 metres of where she works or lives or publishing any material about her online. Victorian senior constable Taylor Johnson was flanked by his mother as he departed Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Thursday Johnson was tight-lipped as he was confronted by reporters over the sexual assault allegations Other conditions include daily reporting to his local police station. Johnson did not answer questions from reporters as he walked out of the courthouse flanked by his mother and his lawyer Charles Abbott. Mr Abbott said his client would defend the charge. Victoria Police has suspended the senior constable with pay. Johnson is excused from appearing when his matter returns to court in late May. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 An investigation has opened after a racist message calling asylum seekers the N-word was 'blasted out' on radios used by Home Office contractors at a migrant centre. The offensive message, which reportedly said 'f*** off you N-words, go back to where you came from' allegedly came from portable speakers at the Manston processing site for those arriving via small boats in Thanet, Kent. A meeting was held at Manston last Friday to discuss the message, which has been condemned by both the Home Office and it's contractors Mitie. Due to the radio being portable, it is said to be difficult to detect who broadcast the racist message, The Guardian first reported. It has not been confirmed how many asylum seekers heard the message, with many new arrivals at Manston suffering from petrol burns and hypothermia after crossing the Channel. Many who reach Manston reportedly come from countries including Sudan and Eritrea, after suffering long and treacherous journeys. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We completely condemn the use of this language and behaviour. 'We expect Mitie, our contractor, to investigate this claim quickly.' The Manston immigration short-term holding facility in Thanet, Kent, where the offensive message was reportedly heard Many new arrivals at Manston suffering from petrol burns and hypothermia after crossing the Channel A Mitie spokesperson said: 'This language is unacceptable and we expect the highest standards from anyone working on site. 'As soon as we were made aware of the allegations, we took immediate steps to investigate. A new closed-net radio system has been agreed with the Home Office.' In 2022, Mitie revealed it received complaints two years prior of racist comments from some members of staff in a WhatsApp group. However, it failed to 'escalate' them. Louise Calvey, the director of the charity Asylum Matters, said: 'This is a horrifying report. The people in Manston have newly arrived into our country to ask for our help. 'This is by no means the first report of these sorts of rights abuses at the hands of companies which make huge profits from our asylum system.' The offensive message, which reportedly said 'f*** off you N-words, go back to where you came from' allegedly came from portable speakers at the Manston processing site (pictured) In 2023, Suella Braverman bought large tents to house up to 2,000 asylum seekers on disused military sites to avoid using expensive hotels. The former Home Secretary purchased the marquees to accommodate migrants, it was reported at the time. The Times, which first reported the tent purchases, cited government sources saying a similar proposal was rejected the year before because of warnings it would trigger legal challenges based on the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers. A five-year-old boy has died after ingesting apple juice containing methamphetamine while he was left alone in a Florida hotel room. Heather Opsincs, 37, was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter in connection to the death of her son, police said in a statement obtained by MailOnline. Opsincs allegedly left an open bottle of meth-laced juice in the hotel refrigerator, which the child then took a sip of. Police responded to the Sands Hotel in Riviera Beach on March 23 around 5.30pm following reports that a child was not breathing. When officers arrived, the boy was being treated by paramedics. He was transported to nearby St. Mary's Hospital in critical condition and died shortly afterwards. Officers seized various drug paraphernalia and two empty apple juice bottles from the hotel room. Opsincs was arrested and taken to Palm Beach County Jail, inmate records show. She appeared in court in shackles and a jail uniform last Friday for a pre-trial detention hearing and was released on $100,000 bond. Opsincs is also prohibited from contacting two witnesses and anyone under the age of 18, except for her daughter. She is due back in court on April 22. Heather Opsincs, 37, was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter after her five-year-old son ingested apple juice containing methamphetamine and died An anonymous witness, who claimed to be the child's babysitter, said she saw the boy grab the juice bottle, take a sip and spit the substance out after declaring that it 'tasted weird'. Shortly after, he began shivering, shaking and sweating. He reportedly became cold the the touch, developed rashes on his skin, vomited 'black stuff' and displayed seizure-like symptoms An anonymous witness, who claimed to be the child's babysitter, alleged that she had been watching the boy while Opsincs was outside. The witness claimed she saw the boy grab the juice bottle, take a sip and spit the substance out after declaring that it 'tasted weird', according to an arrest report obtained by USA Today. Shortly thereafter, the child began shivering, shaking and sweating. He reportedly became cold the the touch, developed rashes on his skin, vomited 'black stuff' and displayed seizure-like symptoms. Opsincs waited an hour to call 911 after having been informed that her son was sick, investigators allege. Medics arrived at the hotel room to find the child with blue lips and a weak pulse, the court documents state. The babysitter also said he performed CPR on the child before the first responders got to the facility. The child was taken to the hospital where investigators noticed healed bruises on his rib cage area and a 'fresh bruise' above his left eye, according to the affidavit. Opsincs gave a statement to police alleging the child had autism and required special care, including needing assistance when using the bathroom. She told the emergency room doctor that her child had licked bleach two months prior and that she had to contact poison control for help. The mother also alleged that she met the babysitter six months ago and that he watches her son up to three times each week. Opsincs appeared in court in shackles and a jail uniform last Friday for a pre-trial detention hearing and was released on $100,000 bond Police responded to the Sands Hotel in Riviera Beach on March 23 around 5.30pm following reports that a child was not breathing. When medics arrived on scene the boy was found with blue lips and a weak pulse, court documents state Investigators asked Opsincs about her alleged use of recreational drugs, which she denied. She did, however, admit to being in possession of edible mushrooms, but claimed they were unopened. She later twice tested positive for methamphetamine, the affidavit states. Her five-year-old son also tested positive for the drug. Opsincs was visibly shaken when she appeared in court on Friday for a pretrial detention hearing that lasted roughly 10 minutes and saw a judge describe the case as 'pretty egregious', WPTV reports. The state attorney agreed to a $100,000 bail after her attorney argued for her release. She was required to turn over any firearms, submit to random drug testing and is banned from contacting witnesses in the case or any minors. Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and refuse to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu after the organisation issued a warrant for the Israeli Prime Minister. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has received Netanyahu in Budapest after inviting the embattled leader for a state visit last November - a day after the ICC circulated an arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Set up in 2002, the ICC, based in The Hague, seeks to prosecute individuals responsible for the world's gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. As a signatory of the Rome Statute, which established the court, Hungary is theoretically obliged to arrest and hand over the Israeli Prime Minister. But Orban has previously said the ICC's decision to issue a warrant was 'brazen, cynical and completely unacceptable'. Hungary made the dramatic announcement today shortly after Netanyahu touched down in Budapest - his first trip to Europe since the start of the Israeli invasion of Gaza. Orban's chief of staff Gergely Gulyas said: 'Hungary exits the International Criminal Court. 'The government will initiate the withdrawal procedure on Thursday, in accordance with the constitutional and international legal framework.' At a press conference earlier today, Orban said: 'This is no longer an impartial court, a rule-of-law court, but rather a political court. 'This has become the clearest in light of its decisions on Israel.' Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) receives Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony at the Lion's Courtyard in Budapest Hungary made the dramatic announcement today shortly after Netanyahu touched down in Budapest The process of withdrawing, which will take a year, is likely to be rubber-stampted by Hungary's parliament and will mean Hungary will become the only European Union country not to be part of the ICC. Netanyahu welcomed the decision today, telling Orban at a press conference: 'You have just taken a bold and principled position on the ICC and I thank you Viktor... It's important for all democracies. It's important to stand up to this corrupt organisation.' In November, Gulyas noted that that the Rome Statute was 'never made part of Hungarian law', meaning that no measure of the court can be carried out within the country. Orban has also previously hinted at departing the organisation. In February, following American sanctions on the court's prosecutor Karim Khan, he said: 'It's time for Hungary to review what we're doing in an international organisation that is under US sanctions.' ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said: 'The court recalls that Hungary remains under a duty to cooperate with the ICC.' In a further statement, the body added: 'The Presidency regrets this turn of events. When a State Party withdraws from the Rome Statute, it clouds our shared quest for justice and weakens our resolve to fight impunity.' Jonathan Purcell, Senior Public Affairs Officer at the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (IJCP), told MailOnline: 'It will do neither Orban nor the Hungarian people any good for the country to isolate itself from the international community by pulling out of the ICC. 'Israel is a rogue, pariah state, and it is reckless that Orban would put his relationship with Israel over the good of his own people.' Since it was founded, the ICC has opened more than 30 cases for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and offences against the administration of justice. But it doesn't have its own law enforcement powers, so it relies on its member states to make arrests and transfer suspects to the Hague. Several major nations, including the US, China, India, Russia and Israel do not recognise the court, hampering its ability to investigate their nationals. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, the former Defence Minister, after assessing there were 'reasonable grounds' to believe that they 'intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity'. Israeli and Hungarian National flags are raised on the oldest Hungarian bridge in Budapest The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, the former Defence Minister, after assessing there were 'reasonable grounds' to believe that they 'intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant in November The Israeli invasion of Gaza has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities, and devastated the territory. Israel has rejected all the accusations. Other leaders targeted by the ICC in the past include Russian President Vladimir Putin and Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The ICC also issued warrants for three Hamas leaders who have since been killed in the conflict. Human rights groups had called on Hungary to arrest Netanyahu upon entry, and suggested anything less would show 'contempt for international law'. Erika Guevara-Rosas the head of Global Research, Advocacy and Policy at Amnesty International, said: 'Prime Minister Netanyahu is an alleged war criminal, who is accused of using starvation as a method of warfare, intentionally attacking civilians and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. 'As a member state of the ICC, Hungary must arrest him if he travels to the country and hand him over to the Court. 'Any trip he takes to an ICC member state that does not end in his arrest would embolden Israel to commit further crimes against Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. 'Netanyahu's reported visit should be seen as a cynical effort to undermine the ICC and its work, and is an insult to the victims of these crimes who are looking to the Court for justice. 'Hungary's invitation shows contempt for international law and confirms that alleged war criminals wanted by the ICC are welcome on the streets of a European Union member state.' Liz Evenson, of Human Rights Watch, added: 'Allowing Netanyahu's visit in breach of Hungary's ICC obligations would be Orban's latest assault on the rule of law, adding to the country's dismal record on rights.' Earlier today, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels that the visit was a 'bad day for international criminal law'. The ICC doesn't have its own law enforcement powers, so it relies on its member states to make arrests and transfer suspects to the Hague Last year Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the ICC following the warrant. His official spokesman said: 'The UK will always comply with its legal obligations as set out by domestic law and indeed international law.' Downing Street added that it respected the 'independence' of the court but would not confirm if Netanyahu would be arrested if he visited the UK. Purcell, of the ICJP, added earlier today: 'For the international rules-based order to hold, the UK, like other member states, must be unequivocal: individuals charged with war crimes must be arrested the moment they set foot on British soil, including the Israeli Prime Minister.' A predatory rapist who posed as a gay Vogue photographer to snare wealthy young victims has been arrested in Portugal on suspicion of drugging and sexually assaulting a foreign tourist after being released early from prison in Britain. Fabio Moniz was jailed for life in September 2013 and ordered to serve a minimum of nine years for raping two women he poisoned with GHB after targeting them at fashionable West End nightclubs. An American tourist he was cleared of attacking four years earlier helped secure his incarceration by giving evidence against him. Moniz, who charmed women with his 'cut glass' accent and immaculate manners, told London's Snaresbrook Crown Court his life was like that of conman Frank Abagnale portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the film Catch Me If You Can. Today the 39-year-old, branded a 'lone predator' and a 'very dangerous character' by sentencing judge Patricia Lees, was named as the man in custody over the rape of a tourist allegedly drugged and sexually attacked earlier this week at her Portuguese hotel. Police have accused him of using the same modus operandi he employed against his UK targets - and allegedly filmed his victim naked before stealing her bank cards and using them in shops as she lay incapacitated in her hotel bed. Moniz, who recently reactivated his Facebook page full of pictures of him posing with women at nightspots in London, is due in court in the Atlantic Coast resort of Cascais near Lisbon later today. Confirming the arrest overnight and describing the alleged offender as a convicted rapist who was a registered UK sex offender, a spokesman for Portugal's Policia Judiciaria police force said: 'The Lisbon and Tagus Valley Directorate of the Judicial Police (PJ) has arrested a 39-year-old man in Cascais, suspected of committing the offences of rape, credit card abuse, invasion of privacy and illicit recordings and photographs, which victimised a 26-year-old woman. Fabio Moniz, who posed as a gay Vogue photographer to lure his victims, has been arrested in Portugal on suspicion of drugging and sexually assaulting a foreign tourist after being released early from prison in Britain Moniz was jailed for life in September 2013 and ordered to serve a minimum of nine years for raping two women 'The victim had been on holiday in Lisbon for two days when she was approached by her attacker at a tourist attraction. 'The woman accepted his company and they had dinner together, going on to nightclubs in Lisbon and Cascais, where the accused offered her alcoholic drinks. 'According to the PJ investigation, there are strong indications that the suspect adulterated the drinks, adding toxic substances that made it impossible for the woman to resist his sexual advances. 'The victim eventually lost consciousness and later realised that she had been forced into non-consensual sexual relations and that the suspect had used her bank card, without her knowledge or authorisation, to make several payments in the early hours of the same morning. 'The man has a criminal record for theft offences and offences against the freedom and sexual self-determination of several women, and has already served a nine-year prison sentence in the UK for rape. 'He also has an INTERPOL alert as a 'sex offender for life under UK law', with a high risk of sexual violence against women.' Repeating a chilling claim Met Police made after Moniz was convicted in Britain, the PJ spokesman added: 'Investigators believe there are more victims.' It was not immediately clear this morning how long the convicted sex offender had been back in his homeland. He is thought to have been kicked out of Britain after serving the minimum nine years of the two life sentences he was given in 2013. Moniz is due in court in the Atlantic Coast resort of Cascais near Lisbon later today He started posting again on a Facebook profile he had been using before his London arrest in October 2021 - after a social media silence of nearly a decade. In the first of the UK sex attacks Moniz was convicted of, he told two women he met outside the Funky Buddha nightclub that he worked in the fashion business and persuaded them to join him at another club where he spiked their drinks. Moniz took them back to a flat in Bermondsey, south-east London, where one of the women woke up to discover him trying to have sex with her. Just 20 days later he targeted an American in her early thirties who was dining alone in Claridges. He told her he was gay and had just finished a Vogue photoshoot before taking her to a club. She said afterwards she remembered little more except she woke up naked in her hotel room with Moniz beside her. In both cases he stole personal possessions including credit cards. An American financial analyst who accused Moniz of raping her in 2009 at a previous trial where he was acquitted, was so convinced he was dangerous she returned to Britain to give evidence against him. One of his UK rape victims said after he was convicted: 'He was smartly dressed in a denim shirt, sweater and jeans, and had a cut-glass accent with a slight lisp, saying, 'Oh sweetie, I work in the fashion business with supermodels.' 'All the time he must have been thinking about how he could lure me back to his flat and rape me. He was very personable, maybe we were too trusting, but he was easy company. 'Neither of us fancied Moniz he appeared to be gay. Every time we strayed away, he would come and find us and say, 'Come on girls, come back to the table.' Detective Chief Inspector Pete Thomas, who led the Met Police investigation, said at the time: 'Moniz is a very, very dangerous individual. I certainly believe he has committed other offences. A lot of his victims will have been drinking. 'They may not want to come forward because they might not know what's happened to them. We want them to come forward.' The nationality of Moniz's latest alleged rape victim has not been released but she has been described as a foreigner. The hotel she was staying at has not been named. A Jamaican rapist has escaped deportation because his criminal record in Britain means he 'might not be eligible for witness protection' in his home country. The convicted sex attacker entered the program on the Caribbean island as a child because his mother testified about a murder committed by a gang leader. He later relocated to the UK, where he was sent to prison multiple times for rape, unlawful wounding and burglaries. And shockingly despite his awful offending the press are banned from naming him- even though a judge has allowed him to remain in Britain. The Home Office tried to deported because of these convictions but he appealed on the grounds that this criminal record would mean he would not be allowed back into witness protection in Jamaica. His argument was initially dismissed but has now been allowed by an immigration tribunal on human rights grounds meaning the criminal will be allowed to remain in the UK. The Upper-tier Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber at Field House in London, was told the sex offender entered the UK in 2001 as a visitor. As a child his mother was a police informant for many years and aided the conviction and imprisonment of a gang leader for murder as the prosecution's main witness during the trial. Deportation Flight: The Jamaican rapist avoided being sent back despite his lengthy record As a result of this the family entered Jamaican witness protection in 1997, the year he turned 13, and two years later his mother relocated to the UK. He stayed in Jamaica and was moved around several times by the witness protection team. After entering the UK in 2001, the criminal was initially granted leave to remain as a student and then became a visa overstayer. He applied for asylum in 2006 but whilst his application was pending he was convicted of unlawful wounding and burglaries. He was sentenced to four years and eight months' imprisonment in 2009. Four years later he was jailed for nine years for rape. The Home Office first issued a deportation order in 2019 on the basis that his convictions excluded him from refugee protection. The Jamaican appealed this at a First-tier Immigration and Asylum Tribunal hearing on the grounds he would be 'at risk' if he was sent back. Prior to the hearing, the Home Office contacted the Jamaican Ministry of National Security to confirm if the criminal had been in the witness protection program. The Home Office argued he should have been removed because of his heinous crimes Officials in Jamaica said the likelihood of harm to him would be 'high' and there was also a risk of 'psychological trauma' if he returned. The Ministry added there was 'no guarantee' he would be accepted back into witness protection. His 2023 appeal was dismissed by the First-tier tribunal on the basis there was a 'real possibility' he would be allowed back into witness protection and not at risk as a result. Asylum and Immigration Tribunal Guidance states that Jamaican authorities are able to provide 'effective protection' but only to those 'reasonably likely' to be admitted to witness protection. The Jamaican appealed the decision on the grounds that the tribunal had 'failed to consider' his criminal record and mental health issues when deciding the likelihood he would be accepted into witness protection and that the programme had failed to keep him safe as a child. At the latest appeal, the Upper-tier Tribunal also had to decide if the lower court had used too high a standard of proof as in cases involving the prohibition of torture the risk of harm can be as low as 10 per cent to be allowed. Upper Tribunal Judge Leonie Hirst concluded that the standard of proof had been misapplied and allowed the appeal on the basis there was a 'real risk' the rapist would not be allowed back into witness protection. Judge Leonie Hirst said: 'It was not in dispute that there was a real risk of harm to him from non-state actors, namely criminal gangs. 'Nor was it in dispute that the Jamaican witness protection programme would, if he was admitted to it, provide protection.' However, she concluded the question for the courts to decides was whether there was a risk that the rapist would not be admitted to the witness protection program. She found that threat existed, remarking: 'Given it was common ground that there was a real risk he would not be admitted onto the witness protection programme on return, the appeal would fall to be allowed.' His appeal was allowed. A beauty spot beach has been 'decimated' by illegal cockle-picking after up to 250 people grabbed the seaside delicacy from the shore. Gangs of pickers appeared 'en masse' with containers and salt machines as they made off with giant hails of razor clams, mussels and cockles. They swarmed on Glen Beach in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, at a very low tide to get access to shellfish washed up on the shore on the afternoon of Sunday, March 30. Commercial shellfish gathering is outlawed at the beach and officials say a crackdown is needed to protect local seafood stocks. County councillor, Chris Williams says 'enough is enough' and met with police and government bodies to discuss the problem. He said: 'I want people to know that hopefully some action is being taken, as feelings are running high and I don't want individuals taking matters into their own hands. 'I counted between 200 and 250 people picking shellfish down on the beach on Sunday - that was the largest number I have ever seen. 'I'm not talking about local people picking for their own use, I mean the people going back and forth to their vehicles with trollies full of shellfish. Gangs of pickers appeared 'en masse' with containers and salt machines as they made off with giant hails of razor clams, mussels and cockles They swarmed on Glen Beach in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, at a very low tide to get access to shellfish washed up on the shore on the afternoon of Sunday, March 30 Commercial shellfish gathering is outlawed at the beach and officials say a crackdown is needed to protect local seafood stocks. Pictured: A man holds a handfull of shellfish (file image) 'They're coming en masse, in family groups, with salt machines, trollies, the lot. 'People are fearing that the beach is being absolutely decimated. It was the highest tide for 40 years on Sunday, and it brought them out in force. 'But they're coming all the time at low tide, and that could be in the middle of the night. 'The inconvenience they are causing to local residents is constant - they are parking their vehicles over the pavements, blocking people's drives, leaving litter everywhere and even moving a bollard installed by Welsh Water so they can park a couple of extra cars.' A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council, said: 'As Saundersfoot beach is not commercially classified, no commercial gathering of live bivalve molluscs (which includes cockles) for human consumption is permitted. 'However, legislation allows for small quantities of personal use gathering of cockles or other live bivalves. 'This is enforced by Welsh Government Marine Enforcement Officers based in Milford Haven. 'Gathering for commercial purposes is different in that beds must be classified by the Food Standards Agency and monitored regularly by the Local Authority.' County councillor, Chris Williams says 'enough is enough' and met with police and government bodies to discuss the problem. Pictured: People at low tide on the beach A Welsh Government spokesperson said: 'The 2024 cockle Order only covers a specified area i.e. Welsh Government managed public commercial cockle fisheries. 'These fisheries are in areas where the waters have been given a classification for permitted levels of E.coli as they are commercially exploited for human consumption. 'The area around Tenby and Saundersfoot is not currently classified, if anyone suspects the shellfish is being picked for commercial use they should contact the Local Authority (Pembrokeshire County Council) and/or Food Standards Agency. 'The Local Authority and/or the Food Standards Agency may also be able to give advice regarding the risks of picking for personal consumption in a non-classified area. Problems with littering, parking or other road offences and creating a public nuisance should be reported also to the Local Authority and Dyfed-Powys Police. 'Welsh Government Marine Enforcement Officers only have jurisdiction in this area with regard to legislation governing the size of cockles and/or razor clams.' An Ohio substitute teacher has been arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe a student to kill her husband, authorities say. 44-year-old Stephanie Demetrius reportedly approached a student on March 26 at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School in Columbus and offered them $2,000 to kill her husband, according to court records obtained by the Columbus Dispatch. She also allegedly gave $250 to the teen, who was not identified in the report, as a "down payment" for the murder for hire, according to Franklin County Municipal Court records. Law enforcement was able to obtain a recording of a phone call between Demetrius and the student she was attempting to hire. She discussed times during which her children would be away from home, which would allow the student to commit the murder. "When asked if the neighbors would hear the gunfire, she advised that they don't care about the neighbors," court records say. Demetrius, who has a history of mental health problems, had previously made homicidal threats against her estranged husband, who has obtained a protection order against her. The couple began divorce proceedings in 2017 but withdrew them. In July 2024, Demetrius' husband filed for emergency custody of their children, alleging violent behavior from Demetrius. He detailed previous instances of violent behavior from Demetrius, such as an instance where she used a pair of scissors to "stab" him, and another where she broke into his home, violating a stay-away order, and stole a laptop and some money. The filing also alleges that Demetrius had smashed property and garage doors on other occasions, started a fire in the basement and attempted to prevent internet access by removing the home's WiFi devices. "She has physically assaulted two of the children and Defendant Father," the filing says. "The minor children are in danger of harm as their mother's (sic) continues to return to the Marital Residence and break windows and doors to force herself in." Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor Parker Schwartz stated that Demetrius' behavior was "possessive and controlling" at Franklin County Municipal Court on Thursday. At the same hearing, a Franklin County Public Defender representing Demetrius stated that the allegations against Demetrius were fabricated and that she was looking forward to her day in court. Originally published on Latin Times Record numbers of Britons are heading to the gym as health-conscious members of Generation Z prefer socialising while working out instead of drinking in the pub. Some 11.5 million people aged 16 and over now belong to a gym in the UK, which is up by 16 per cent from 9.9million in 2022 as interest in keeping fit continues to surge. This means one in six people have taken out a gym membership across Britain's 5,600 public health and fitness clubs, according to a report by trade body UKActive. Membership revenue across the sector has soared from 4.1billion in 2022 to 5.2billion in 2024 - with younger adults the main demographic behind the rise. And many in Generation Z - those born between 1997 and 2012, who are aged from 13 to 28 - would rather socialise at the gym rather than traditional venues like pubs. UKActive's chief executive Huw Edwards told The Guardian: 'This is a significant moment as it shows that more people are making a conscious decision to get active in order to improve their physical and often also their mental health. 'We are witnessing strong demand among all age groups and increasing popularity among gen Z, with health and fitness clubs experiencing growing demand for services such as group exercise, strength training and cardio workouts. 'Young people are seeing health and fitness as part of their identity and a non-negotiable when it comes to their personal priorities. Some 11.5 million people aged 16 and over now belong to a gym in the UK (stock picture) Generation Z prefer socialising while working out instead of drinking in the pub, report says Young adults lead the way in the proportion of each age group exercising at least once a week Gym or leisure facility membership status shows 16-24s and 25-34s most likely to be members 'Many of them are telling us they prefer going to the gym rather than more traditional venues for socialising such as the pub. With the right support, this could become the most health-aware generation ever.' The report also noted a 'generational shift' in gym visiting in recent years, with younger generations 'demonstrating higher levels of physical activity and gym membership, indicating a shift in societal priorities towards health and wellbeing, and suggesting that for younger people, gym membership is essential'. It added that older people are more likely to avoid joining a gym 'because they believe they do not need to, indicating that the positive shift in mindset towards fitness is more prevalent amongst younger age groups'. More than 600million individual visits were recorded to health and fitness clubs last year; while total revenue rose by 9 per cent from 5.2billion in 2023 to 5.7billion in 2024. And with the percentage of Britons who belong to a gym now standing at nearly 17 per cent, this gives the UK one of the highest proportions in Europe. Membership revenue in the sector has soared from 4.1billion in 2022 to 5.2billion in 2024 Older people are more likely to avoid joining a gym 'because they believe they do not need to' UKActive's chief executive Huw Edwards said 'more people are making a conscious decision to get active in order to improve their physical and often also their mental health' Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of Sport England, said: 'This report is clear that sport, fitness and exercise are not just great for health they are great for the economy too, with a sector that is rapidly growing in spite of challenging circumstances. 'Taking part in sport and fitness and being physically active should be seen as acts of economic contribution.' Conversely, separate data released at the end of last year revealed the number of pubs in England and Wales had dipped below 39,000 for the first time after hundreds of locals shut their doors for good in 2024. Official Government statistics said that 412 pubs were demolished or converted for other uses over the year to December last year. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The data, which was analysed by commercial real estate specialists at Altus Group, showed that the overall number of pubs in England and Wales, including those vacant and being offered to let, fell to 38,989. More 34 pubs a month called last orders for the final time over the year, as the rate of pubs disappearing from local communities accelerated. It was the sharpest fall in pub numbers since 2021, when the sector was hit hard by pandemic restrictions and surging energy prices. UK pub numbers have now plunged by more than 2,000 since the start of 2020. A number of policies from the autumn Budget that came into force this week are also due to drive a sharp jump in costs for many pub operators. London lost the greatest number of pubs in 2024, falling by 55 to 3,470 at the end of the year. Meanwhile, pub numbers dropped by 53 to 3,904 in the West Midlands. A Scottish Tory MSP has quit the party, claiming it is pursuing a 'Reform-lite' agenda. West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene announced the move on Thursday, hitting out at party leadership and their advisers over a shift further to the right to combat the threat of Nigel Farage's party. Seen as being on the left of the party, Mr Greene has been outspoken in his support for LGBT rights and defied the party's opposition to the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. In a letter to leader Russell Findlay, Mr Greene said he joined the party as a One Nation Conservative, but declared that the Scottish Tories he knew 'simply no longer exists'. 'During the leadership election last year, I warned that we were giving up on the next generation of young Scots,' he wrote. 'I warned that we were deserting the middle ground. Instead, the party now rests its hopes on a Reform-lite agenda that appeals to the worst of our society, and not the best. 'Instead of proudly leading on equality, we now run the very serious and immediate risk of becoming once again the party of social division and morality wars.' He added: 'I do not believe that I have left the Conservative Party. I believe that the party has left me.' Jamie Greene has quit the Scottish Tories (Fraser Bremner/Daily Mail) While he said he has 'always enjoyed' working with Mr Findlay, it is his 'strong belief' that his advisers 'will lead the party to a collapse in support for decent centre-right politics in Scotland'. 'I cannot be part of a narrative which has become Trump-esque in both style and substance,' he said. 'Perhaps my split with the party is best seen in that light. 'I feel that I can best serve my West of Scotland constituents, the parliament, and my own conscience by stepping aside from the Scottish Conservatives. 'I will continue to work constructively with colleagues on issues of shared importance. 'I hope my departure may come as a source of regret to many in the party, if not now, perhaps one day in the future, when, as night follows day, the party comes to understand that Scottish elections are won in the centre ground, not on the right-wing fringes in a grotesque dance with Nigel Farage.' Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said Mr Greene's loss was 'disappointing', adding that he wished him well. 'When I was elected, I promised to take the party in a new direction and said that we needed to be different,' he said. 'I promised change and I keep my promises, so I will keep standing up for the common-sense values of mainstream Scotland and opposing the damage caused by Holyrood's left-wing consensus. 'I'll continue taking a strong stance against the SNP on tax, gender self-identification, and the damage they've done to Scotland's schools. 'Others may believe it's best to let the SNP have their way. I will always oppose their dangerous agenda and put forward a proud conservative vision of a different Scotland.' Donald Trump has told Sir Keir Starmer to accept chlorinated chickens and hormone-treated beef into Britain if he wants to dodge trade tariffs. The US President last night slapped a 10 per cent tariff on American imports of UK goods as part of blizzard of global levies on what he dubbed 'Liberation Day'. Britain is also being stung by a 25 per cent tariff on car and steel imports to the US, with the FTSE 100 dropping sharply this morning as part of worldwide markets chaos. The PM was afforded some relief as Mr Trump did not single out Britain for more punitive measures, with the EU, Japan and China among those hit by higher tariffs. Sir Keir immediately vowed to continue his frantic bid for a trade deal with America that could mitigate the impact of Mr Trump's tariffs. But the White House has issued a fresh warning that agriculture will be a key sticking point in any US-UK agreement. As part of a 'fact sheet' published alongside Mr Trump's tariffs announcement, Britain was singled out for its 'severe' restrictions on US food exports. The UK does not allow hormone-treated beef or chlorine-washed chicken into the country as part of the country's strict food standards. Donald Trump has slapped a 10 per cent tariff on American imports of UK goods as part of blizzard of global levies on what he dubbed 'Liberation Day' The US President told Sir Keir Starmer to accept chlorinated chickens and hormone-treated beef into Britain if he wants to dodge trade tariffs As part of a 'fact sheet' published alongside Mr Trump's tariffs announcement, Britain was singled out for its 'severe' restrictions on US food exports These bans were highlighted in the White House document as Mr Trump's administration railed against 'non-tariff barriers' imposed on US exports. 'President Trump is working to level the playing field for American businesses and workers by confronting the unfair tariff disparities and non-tariff barriers imposed by other countries,' it stated. As an example of such practices, the document added: 'The UK maintains non-science-based standards that severely restrict US exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products.' The Government has consistently ruled out watering down food standards or animal welfare laws as part of a trade deal with the US. But it was revealed that ministers could compromise in other areas, with The Times reporting this could include eliminating tariffs of up to 12 per cent on US beef, chicken and pork. Environment Secretary Steve Reed recently reiterated that the Government would not accept a trade agreement with the US at the cost of environmental standards. The Cabinet minister was asked in February about the possibility of chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef hitting UK shelves as a result of a deal. 'We've been really clear before the election and now we won't undercut British farmers on welfare or environmental standards,' he said. Responding to Mr Trump's announcement of tariffs, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: 'We have been working closely with the Government in the lead up to the announcements. 'While the UK has been hit by a lower baseline tariff compared to the EU, this remains a challenge for the UK and for agriculture, with the US being our second largest export market beyond the EU. 'While this is a developing and concerning situation, we are working in genuine partnership with the Government and sharing our expertise on this to ensure, if there is any market disruption in response to a change in the movement of goods and products between affected countries, we can respond swiftly. 'The US is the largest market for British agri-food products outside of the EU and our farmers are proud to supply high quality, authentic, and unique British meats and cheeses to American consumers. 'We stand united in our desire to work together to ensure British farmers and growers are at the forefront of any decision-making and will continue to work hand in glove with Government as the situation develops.' The rich should be made to fly less frequently so that poorer families can still take their yearly summer holidays without worsening the impact on the planet, Britain's net zero tsar has said. Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has said flying should be considered a luxury, but that it would be unfair to price lower income families out of air travel. Instead, she wants frequent fliers to be taxed more highly than those who fly just once a year, such as a working class family taking a summer holiday. It comes as the committee set out its latest advice to ministers in its road map to limit emissions by 2040 in the UK, as part of plans to become net zero by 2050. Ms Pinchbeck told the House of Lords' Environment and Climate Change Committee on Wednesday that her organisation's advice to government was 'aimed at preserving the annual family holiday'. She said: 'What we have in our heads is the annual family holiday to somewhere sunny like Spain. 'Now I've got small children, so I completely understand the need for people to go away somewhere sunny every year if they would like to. So we've tried to preserve that in our advice [to ministers].' She was giving evidence to the Committee following last month's publication of the CCC's latest carbon budget, which advises ministers on what's needed to reach the UK's target of net zero emissions by 2050. Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has said flying should be considered a luxury, but that it would be unfair to price lower income families out of air travel She wants frequent fliers to be taxed more highly than those who fly just once a year, such as a family for a summer holiday. Pictured: Heathrow airport Ms Pinchbeck pointed to figures which showed that 53 per cent of Brits didn't take a flight at all last year, adding: 'The vast majority of emissions come from the 10 percent of high income households flying multiple times a year.' Ms Pinchbeck, who was appointed by Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, last November, said the CCC is 'really keen' to ensure lower income households are 'prioritised' in any climate-driven aviation reform. She said: 'Wealthier households tend to fly multiple times a year, so [would] carry more of the cost for this than poorer households. There [would be] a difference in the costs that accrue to the long haul flights, which tend to be taken by wealthier households. 'We've gone for a market-based approach, because polluters should pay, and that gets you an impact on demand. 'But we balance that with the need to still allow people to take an annual family holiday, particularly lower income households who fly less. 'So actually, because it's a pricing mechanism, high income households would be disproportionately affected compared with lower income ones.' Ms Pinchbeck told the committee she hoped the proposals would encourage wealthier fliers to cut down by at least one set of flights per year. The CCC has considered options such as a kerosene tax and frequent flier levies, as well as removing CO2 directly from the air She did not comment on the CCC's position on the proposed Heathrow expansion. She admitted that cutting the UK's emissions due to flying is one of the biggest challenges the government faces as there are currently no environmentally friendly fuel alternatives. The CCC has considered options such as a kerosene tax and frequent flier levies, as well as removing CO2 directly from the air. It is estimated such measures could increase the price of a ticket to Spain by as much as 150 - with longer flights such as to New York costing an additional 300. Andrew Bowie, Conservative Party energy spokesman, told the Telegraph: 'The Climate Change Committee's latest carbon budget proves that Labour's 2050 Net Zero target will require people to make huge sacrifices and cost 319bn over the next 15 years. 'Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband are simply not being honest when they say they won't force people to change the way they live their lives.' Reform would win the most seats if a general election was called now, a mega-poll claims for the first time today, putting Nigel Farage on course to become Prime Minister. Analysis of a survey of 5,180 people predicts the upstart Right-wing party would secure 25 per cent of the vote, with Labour and the Conservatives tied on 23 per cent each. It gives Reform 227 seats in the House of Commons up from five at last year's election with Labour slumping from 412 to 180 while the Tories would get 130, up from 121. But with all three parties falling short of the 326 constituencies needed to win a majority, the election predictor suggests the prospect of 'a Reform-Conservative coalition government with Nigel Farage as Prime Minister' is 'increasingly likely'. Founder of pollsters Electoral Calculus Martin Baxter, which carried out the MRP poll, said: 'British politics is experiencing an unprecedented three-way race. 'There are now three major parties, but none of them are popular enough to win an outright majority. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'The situation is extremely fluid, and small movements in popular support will make big changes to the parliamentary arithmetic. Reform are ahead at the moment, but it is still very close overall.' The polling also found a continuing lack of trust in policies, with a third (33 per cent) of voters saying they do not trust any of the major party leaders to represent the UK on the world stage and a further quarter (24 per cent) unsure of who they can trust. Mr Farage is tied with Sir Keir Starmer as the party leaders most trusted to represent Britain internationally (16 per cent each) with Kemi Badenoch third on 5 per cent. Kevin Craig, founder of communications agency PLMR, which commissioned the poll, said: 'As the three-horse race for Number 10 continues, it is striking that the majority of the public either don't know which of the UK's party leaders they can trust, or don't trust anyone to represent the UK on the international stage. 'This speaks to a wider crisis of political confidence that the Prime Minister must grapple with in order to remain in Government in four years' time. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after being elected to become MP for Clacton last July Mr Farage is tied with Sir Keir Starmer (pictured leaving Downing Street for Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday) as the party leaders most trusted to represent Britain internationally 'While Sir Keir Starmer continues to perform well abroad and project stability on the global stage, these numbers show that success overseas doesn't automatically translate to trust at home.' The latest boost for Reform comes after the party said it was standing 1,638 candidates in next month's local elections 99.8 per cent of the seats up for election, compared with just 12 per cent last year. Reform is also tipped to win from Labour the first by-election since last year's election, which will also take place on May 1st. It emerged yesterday that Tory MP Esther McVey not only backed an 'electoral pact' between the two parties at the next election but also said that the Conservatives should stand aside to let Reform win the looming contest in Runcorn. However both Mr Farage and Mrs Badenoch have ruled out a deal between their parties. Keir Starmer launched Labour's local election campaign today amid rising alarm at the threat from Reform. The PM joined his deputy Angela Rayner in the East Midlands as they formally kicked off the push towards the votes on May 1. He took direct aim at Nigel Farage, accusing him of 'fawning over Putin' and not being able to unite his own MPs. However, more alarming evidence has emerged of the hit Labour has taken from Rachel Reeves' desperate efforts to balance the books in the Spring Statement. A mega-poll has found Reform would win the most seats if a general election was called now, putting Nigel Farage on track to be PM. The research for PLMR by Electoral Calculus suggested Mr Farage's party would secure 25 per cent of the vote, with Labour and the Conservatives tied on 23 per cent each. Analysed using the constituency-by-constituency MRP method, that gave Reform 227 seats in the House of Commons up from five at last year's election. Labour slumped from 412 to 180 while the Tories would get 130, up from 121. With all three parties falling short of the 326 constituencies needed to win a majority, the election predictor suggests the prospect of 'a Reform-Conservative coalition government with Nigel Farage as Prime Minister' is 'increasingly likely'. Keir Starmer joined his deputy Angela Rayner in the East Midlands as they formally kicked off the push towards the votes on May 1 Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. He took direct aim at Nigel Farage , accusing him of 'fawning over Putin ' and not being able to unite his own MPs. The findings came after a More in Common poll found Labour dropped three points of support over the past week. Sir Keir's outfit was on 21 per cent, behind the Tories on 26 per cent and Reform on 25 per cent. A separate YouGov survey found the government's approval rating has slumped to a joint record low. The research showed just 14 per cent approved of Labour's performance, down five points in a week. Meanwhile, disapproval was up eight to 68 per cent - giving a dire net score of minus 53. Labour insiders have been sounding increasingly worried about local elections and the Runcorn by-election on May 1. In theory the party should be gaining councillors as the last time they were contested was 2021, the high water mark of Boris Johnson's Tory administration. However, there have been suggestions about a net loss of seats, with concerns that pro-Gaza independents might wreak havoc. Sir Keir told supporters that Labour's 'plan for change' is 'beginning to bear fruit across the country'. Taking aim at Reform UK, he said: 'They say they want to run the country. They can't even run themselves. You can literally fit their MPs now in a back of a cab, but they still don't know where they're going. 'They talk the language of workers' rights. They talk it all right online, sometimes on the doorstep. 'But what do they do? They voted against banning hire and refire. They voted against scrapping exploitative, zero-hour contracts. They voted against sick leave and maternity pay. That's what they do. And what about the NHS? They want to charge people for using our NHS. 'They claim to be the party of patriotism. I'll tell you this: there's nothing patriotic about fawning over Putin.' The local polls and a by-election in the Runcorn and Helsby seat vacated by ex-Labour MP Mike Amesbury will be the first big electoral test for Sir Keir since last July's general election, giving a sense of where parties stand nationally. A More in Common poll has found the party dropped three points of support over the past week. Keir Starmer's outfit was on 21 per cent, behind the Tories on 26 per cent and Reform on 25 per cent It comes after YouGov found the government's approval rating has slumped to a joint record low They come against the challenging economic backdrop of global tariffs announced by Donald Trump and a series of spending cuts made by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as she seeks to balance the country's books. Ballots will be held for 23 councils and six mayoralties in England. Labour chairwoman Ellie Reeves said: 'Labour is the only party with a Plan for Change. We're finally turning the tide on 14 years of Conservative chaos and decline which badly let working people down. 'Whether it be through putting more money in people's pockets through our boost to the minimum wage, fixing our NHS, or investing in our roads to finally end the Tory potholes plague, Labour is delivering the change working people voted for last year. 'By electing Labour councillors and Labour mayors on Thursday May 1, you can help bring change to your area and bring change to Britain.' A married Philadelphia lawmaker bombarded adult actresses with simpering comments online...but did not realize that everyone could see them. Jimmy Harrity, a Democrat and sitting member of the Philadelphia City Council, sent messages to several racy social media profiles on the same Instagram Threads account he used for his political career. Harrity reportedly only made the account private after being contacted by the Philadelphia Inquirer, by which time his comments had already circulated online. The messages included some more modest interactions, such as a comment he left for chubbyygirlstacyy on a raunchy picture she posted in December, simply reading 'Hello.' Another user, eva.fax, posted an image in January of a woman in a bikini captioned, 'Can I text u on Insta?', to which Harrity responded: 'Yes.' Harrity claimed on Monday that he sent the comments because he thought they were constituents attempting to contact him about local issues. 'I thought people were reaching out to me on it, and I was responding, Hi, Hello, because they kept saying they were trying to get a hold of me,' Harrity said. 'Then I realized it was some kind of scam thing women just trying to get followers.' However, the unlikely excuse fails to explain other comments Harrity left. Married Philadelphia lawmaker Jimmy Harrity (pictured with his wife Marnie), a Democrat and sitting member of the Philadelphia City Council, has been humiliated after his comments to porn stars were made public Harrity sent a number of comments to racy social media profiles from his official account, including to chubbyygirlstacyy (pictured) in December, simply reading 'Hello' Harrity's account left some more racy comments on other social media pictures that cast doubt on his claim that he thought he was responding to constituents. This included a response to an image posted by eva.fax in March captioned, 'Could you describe me in one word?' to which Harrity responded: 'Smoking.' Around the same time, when naughtykatenasty posted an image of a woman's rear end with the question, 'Too big or perfect?', Harrity responded: 'Perfect.' Harrity said he did not recall making the comments online but conceded that he must have done so, as he referenced his wife, Marnie. 'I am a guy at some point, you know what Im saying?' he said. 'Im not responding to anybody. Im married. I got no desire for another headache. I apologize for the misconception.' The account is the same one Harrity uses for his campaigning, including recently sharing an image of himself with Oscar-winning actor Will Smith in Philadelphia as he was honored with a street renaming. In another comment from Harrity's account, he responded to an image posted by eva.fax in March captioned, 'Could you describe me in one word?' to which Harrity said: 'Smoking.' The account is the same one Harrity uses for his campaigning, including recently sharing an image of himself with Oscar-winning actor Will Smith in Philadelphia as he was honored with a street renaming Harrity has represented the Kensington at-large area on the Philadelphia City Council since 2022, and the Philadelphia Inquirer described him as 'one of the council's more colorful members' Harrity has represented the Kensington at-large area on the Philadelphia City Council since 2022, and the Philadelphia Inquirer described him as 'one of the council's more colorful members.' He has reportedly been open about his past brushes with the law and path to sobriety. This extended to his reported social media activity, as in January user eva_kokoy shared an image of a woman in a bikini captioned: 'Im sure nobody cares, but Ive been sober for 287 days.' Harrity responded: 'Keep coming back it works if you work it!' A depraved father has been sentenced to 17 years behind bars after he raped and 'prostituted' his seven-month-old daughter in his Spanish apartment. The 27-year-old waiter, named only as Santiago, had been investigated in 2022 for distributing more than 100 child pornography videos and 270 images online. During the investigation, Spanish police discovered that the man, who is of Venezuelan origin, had filmed himself in two instances raping his daughter in his flat in the neighbourhood of Aluche in south west Madrid. He was also found to have distributed footage of the horrific act on the dark web. The shocking discovery led to his arrest in 2023. Santiago reportedly old police at the time of his arrest: 'I was sick and couldn't stop what I was doing', according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo. At the trial held on Tuesday, Santiago admitted to the charges brought against him of one count of sexual assault of a minor and one count of production of child pornography. Santiago was also found to have used various social media platforms and instant messaging services to both download and distribute 'extremely harsh' child pornography content. A sick Spanish father has been sentenced to 17 years behind bars after he raped and 'prostituted' his seven-month-old daughter He was arrested in 2023 after police discovered videos of him raping his seven-month-old baby, which he distributed on the dark web. Pictured: Santiago and his partner (blue hair) The horrific crime was committed in his apartment, in the Aluche neighbourhood in south west Madrid. Pictured: General view of the streets of Aluche He has been sentenced to 17 years in prison, is prohibited from approaching his daughter within 500 metres and has been stripped of parental rights for 10 years. It comes just a week after a disturbed South African father admitted to murdering his one-week-old baby after violently raping her while her mother was out. The Pretoria High Court heard last week how Hugo Ferreira, 37, subjected his baby daughter to vile abuse and rape after she was left alone with him on 8th June 2023. Maureen Brand, the baby's mother, had left the girl alone with him to sell clothes and buy nappies. But upon her return later that day, she found her baby severely injured after being assaulted physically and sexually. The innocent baby, who was just one week old, was taken to hospital where she died the following day due to head injuries. Twisted Ferreira said that he wanted to give his daughter 'something to cry about', saying in his plea that he was 'unhappy' because Brand had left the baby with him and had said she would be back in five minutes. But when Brand didn't return, and the baby girl began to cry because she was hungry and needed her nappy changed, Ferreira became angry and unleashed his horrific attack on the infant. Santiago was also found to have used various social media platforms and instant messaging services to both download and distribute 'extremely harsh' child pornography content 'I grabbed the baby hard at the back of her neck and hit her buttocks repeatedly', he said. 'In the process, I pushed her head against the surface on which I was working. 'I accept that it was a cruel and gruesome attack, especially on such a young baby. The action was clearly illegal and I did it with intent.' He then said that he decided to assault her sexually because he had 'decided to give her something to cry about.' He added: 'When her mother returned, I realised she would see that something was wrong. 'I kept the baby away from her until later the day. I did this because I realised the baby was seriously injured.' Ferreira also said that he knew that his actions were wrong and that the baby could die, adding that he continued despite knowing this. He also said that he was under the influence of methamphetamine but added that the substance did not influence him to the point where he was not accountable for his actions. The wicked crime was committed in Welverdiend, west of Johannesburg. He will be sentenced next week. Prince Harry today accused Sentebale's boss of telling 'blatant lies' as Britain's charities watchdog launched an investigation into 'concerns' about how the charity he set up in his mother's memory has been run. The Charity Commission has opened a regulatory compliance case a week after Harry quit as a patron and demanded the resignation of Dr Sophie Chandauka. She refused, took legal action to remain in post and reported her concerns to the Charity Commission, who have now announced an investigation. The Duke of Sussex has spoken out about the bitter boardroom battle for control of Sentebale that has engulfed him in scandal. He has said he believes the truth about their deepening rift will be 'unveiled'. 'What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal. No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself', he said today. Since his resignation, Dr Chandauka has called the Sussexes' brand 'toxic' and accused Harry of 'harassment and bullying at scale' a claim that is denied. She also suggested Harry is playing 'the victim card' and said: 'Really, what Prince Harry wanted to do was to eject me from the organisation and this went on for months. I have documentation'. Meghan was also dragged into the rift and accused of gatecrashing a polo event in aid of Sentebale with Serena Williams and a Netflix crew in tow in April 2024. There was then an excruciating video showing her moving the Sentebale chief away from her husband at the trophy presentation. It came after Harry left the charity he set up in 2006 in the dispute with its chairwoman, declaring that he was 'truly heartbroken' but the 'relationship between the charity's trustees and the chair of the board had broken down beyond repair'. Dr Sophie Chandauka, pictured with Meghan and Harry at a polo event last year that sparked a row. A year on the trio have fallen out and the Duke of Sussex resigned from Sentebale Sentebale chairman Dr Sophie Chandauka has made several damaging claims against the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, calling their brand 'toxic' Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and Prince Harry at a children's centre in Lesotho in October 2024 The Charity Commission said today that it had informed Sentebale yesterday that it had 'opened a regulatory compliance case to examine concerns raised about the charity', which has been welcomed by both Dr Chandauka and the duke. The compliance case is not the same as a statutory inquiry, but rather allows the watchdog to 'gather evidence and assess the compliance of the charity and trustees past and present with their legal duties' and responsibilities under charity law. Ms Chandauka said she welcomes the opening of the case and hopes the outcome can 'comfort' the public that the charity and its new trustees are 'acting appropriately'. Harry said in a statement: 'From the inception of Sentebale nearly 20 years ago, Prince Seeiso and I have had a clear goal: to support the children and young people in Southern Africa in memory of our mothers. 'On behalf of the former trustees and patrons, we share in the relief that the Charity Commission confirmed they will be conducting a robust inquiry. 'We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign. 'We remain hopeful this will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately, for the sake of the communities we serve.' Prince Harry giggles as he holds old friend Mutsu Potsane, six, in the grounds of the Mants'ase childrens home, while on a return visit to Lesotho in 2006 as he set up Sentebale The 'highly awkward' moment at a fundraising polo match for Sentebale in the US last year. The incident now forms part of the row between the charity boss and Harry After Harry's resignation last Tuesday, Dr Chandauka has turned up the heat. The Oxford-educated Zimbabwean lawyer also claimed Sentebale was a 'vanity project' for Harry, portraying herself as a whistle-blower and highlighting 'poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir and the cover-up that ensued'. She also lifted the lid on their row over a Miami polo event organised to raise funds for Sentebale last April. She claimed it was derailed by the prince's insistence on bringing along a Netflix film crew with him to shoot scenes for a documentary he was making on polo. She believes it resulted in the charity losing the venue. When the event was re-organised, she says, Meghan turned up unannounced, bringing along with her a friend, tennis star Serena Williams. At a prize giving ceremony the ensuing chaos on stage saw Ms Chandauka seemingly elbowed out by the Duchess of Sussex in a highly awkward exchange that was caught on camera. It is alleged Harry asked her to make a statement 'in support of the duchess' which she refused, saying it was important that the charity wasn't seen as an 'extension of the Sussexes'. This was in part because Harry's decision to quit the Royal Family had been proving problematic for the charity in terms of decision-making and attracting sponsors, she has alleged. The royal is understood to have sent the 'extraordinary' text message to Sophie Chandauka demanding to know how she was going to deal with the public debacle involving his wife Meghan, who was being accused of snubbing her at a fundraising polo match. Sources have described the message as 'basically very unpleasant', 'imperious' and 'fairly extraordinary' in tone, and asking her 'how are you going to deal with this?' Dr Chandauka (left), the chair of Prince Harry's beleaguered charity Sentebale, said she had been asked to defend Meghan Markle against negative publicity but declined Prince Harry recently appeared in a video promoting the sustainable tourism initiative Travalyst. Today he said he is heartbroken by what has happened at Sentebale The royal founded the organisation in honour of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids. Last week it emerged that several trustees had left the charity in a dispute with its chairwoman, Sophie Chandauka, having requested her resignation. Harry and Prince Seeiso backed the departing trustees and announced they had resigned as patrons until further notice. They said their resignations came 'with heavy hearts', adding that it was 'devastating that the relationship between the charity's trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation'. Ms Chandauka issued a statement in which she alleged there had been 'poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir'. The commission said it had informed the charity yesterday that it had 'opened a regulatory compliance case to examine concerns raised about the charity'. This allows the watchdog to 'gather evidence and assess the compliance of the charity and trustees past and present with their legal duties' and responsibilities under charity law. It is not the same as a statutory inquiry. The commission, which said the decision to open a case came after assessing initial concerns raised, said it is in 'direct contact with parties who have raised concerns'. Regulatory compliance cases can lead to a range of outcomes including an official warning being given to a charity or a statutory inquiry being opened, which can give the commission additional powers of investigation. In a statement given to the Mail on behalf of Dr Chandauka today, she said: 'I welcome the Charity Commission's decision to proceed with a regulatory compliance case to consider the various governance, administration and management matters I first reported in February 2025. 'For completeness, I should mention that we initiated an internal governance review last year, the findings of which we will share with the Charity Commission. 'We hope that, together, these actions will give the general public, our colleagues, partners, supporters, donors and the communities we serve comfort that Sentebale and its new Board of Trustees are acting appropriately to demonstrate and ensure good governance and a healthy culture for Sentebale to thrive. 'In the meantime, our exceptional Executive team and operational staff remain focused on the day-to-day operations of the charity, ensuring continuity in our work and mission delivery. 'We appreciate the patience, understanding and tremendous support we have received from our existing and prospective partners and supporters, and look forward to continuing to work together with you as we recalibrate for an ambitious future.' Sentebale executive director Carmel Gaillard said her team is committed to co-operating with the Charity Commission's case. She said: 'As executive director, I speak on behalf of the Sentebale executive team and operational staff that we welcome the clarity this process will bring. 'Transparency and accountability are central to how we operate, and the executive team and I are fully committed to supporting the Charity Commission's regulatory compliance case in any way needed. 'We will also continue to work closely with the chair and the new board of trustees to ensure the smooth running of the organisation, keeping our focus firmly on delivering for the young people and communities we serve.' MailOnline revealed this week how the Chair of Sentebale has shut down her social media after a pile-on led by the so-called Sussex Squad. Dr Sophie Chandauka deleted her Twitter account in the face of 'online bullying' including racism. One troll, who uses #TeamSussex in their bio, called her a 'house negro' a derogatory and racist term used to compare contemporary black people with slaves who lived in the homes of their slave-owners. She has also been branded a 'fraud' who is 'jumping on a bandwagon of hate' from several accounts professing to support the Sussexes. There have also been bizarre and baseless conspiracy theories including the false suggestion that Dr Chandauka is in the employ of the Prince and Princess of Wales or the Royal Family to bring down the charity Harry set up to help African children and make his mother proud. A spokesman for Sentebale said: 'Dr Chandauka deleted her Twitter account due to the proliferation of online bullying'. It came as a friend of Harry's told the Mail's Alison Boshoff that he is 'grief-stricken', 'in total shock' and feels 'like he's had one of his fingers cut off' amid the chaos at the charity he founded in 2006. Meghan has this week launched her As Ever brand The Sentebale chief has deleted her Twitter account after online bullying, the charity has said Since Harry's resignation, Sentebale's chair has faced an onslaught of trolling over the past week including her being accused of criminal behaviour and even 'trashing' Princess Diana's memory. One insider who has worked with Sentebale told MailOnline: 'While the pile-on has nothing to do with the Sussexes themselves, it doesn't look good that much of the venom is from their fans. 'The couple have campaigned against cyber bullying and misinformation on social media. I'm sure they will be appalled'. A spokesman for Prince Harry declined to comment. Sentebale's under fire chair shut down her main social media profile yesterday. It came after Harry was accused of sending an 'unpleasant' and 'imperious' note to Dr Chandauka demanding she 'explain herself' when she declined to publicly defend his wife. The excruciating video showing Meghan Markle moving the charity boss away from her husband in Florida in April 2024 has been viewed by millions online. Dr Chandauka said on Sunday that Prince Harry had, via his team, asked her 'to issue some sort of a statement in support' of Meghan to quash any rumours of tension between them. Sentebale's boss claimed she didn't want to get involved as any statement might lead to Meghan being trolled. A Washington chicken named Polly had her feathers ruffled after a man snatched the bird and ran out into the woods with her under his arm. Polly became the victim of an abduction after a woman's 50-year-old ex-boyfriend kicked in her back door to steal the bird from her home in Port Orchard on Saturday morning. The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of a home invasion from a woman who claimed the man broke in and grabbed the bird from inside the home. The man allegedly shouted, 'I've got Polly,' several times before running away, according to the sheriff's office. Deputies recovered the chicken after finding the man clutching onto Polly and hiding in a wooded area. Bodycam footage from the chicken's recovery showed the man crouching among shrubbery holding onto Polly with both hands. Polly became the victim of an abduction after a woman's 50-year-old ex-boyfriend kicked in her back door to steal the bird from her home in Port Orchard on Saturday morning Deputies recovered the chicken after finding the man clutching onto Polly and hiding in a wooded area The man, according to KCSO jail records, had only been out of jail custody for around two and a half hours before he elected to steal the bird. He was charged with residential burglary and violating an order of protection and booked into custody again The chicken thief was allowed to place Polly safely into the back of the patrol car before he was arrested. He was charged with residential burglary and violating an order of protection and booked into custody. Polly was returned to her owner, the man's ex-girlfriend, safely, according to the sheriff's office. The man, according to KCSO jail records, had only been out of jail custody for around two and a half hours before he elected to steal the bird, the sheriff's office said. It is unclear what he had been in custody for before the chicken abduction or the possible motive for stealing the chicken. The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for further information. Young Chinese artist revives ancient sugar craft with viral creations People's Daily Online) 10:12, April 03, 2025 Zhang Bo, a sugar-figurine artist from Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, shows his sugar creations. (Photo/Li Yifan) A young artist in the ancient Chinese city of Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, is reinventing traditional sugar-figurine craft with hyper-realistic creations that have captured widespread attention on social media. Zhang Bo runs a studio where his elaborate works including chicken wings, pig trotters and cobras are showcased in the display window. Each piece is so lifelike it can fool the eye. Zhang's first encounter with the art came more than 10 years ago when he was 14. Watching an artisan swiftly transform a sugar lump into a delicate bird, his eyes lit up. The demonstration captivated him and sparked a passion that continues today. Zhang Bo works on a sugar creation in March 2025. (Photo/Li Yifan) The first step heating the syrup requires the most patience. Zhang focuses on the thermometer, and once the temperature reaches 175-180 degrees Celsius, he quickly pours out the syrup. Using blowing and pulling techniques, Zhang shapes the hot sugar into bubbles, threads and other forms. Traditionally, sugar-figurine creations feature the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, flora and fauna, but Zhang said, "Sugar has infinite artistic possibilities." In 2022, he first gained public attention when he shared a video showing how he created a "golden apple" from sugar. "To my surprise, the video garnered over a million views within a few days," he said. "The viewers' overwhelming enthusiasm made me reflect how could I remain content with simple creations? I must explore more potential of this ancient craft and infuse fresh vitality into it." Photo shows hyper-realistic sugar artworks created by Zhang Bo. (Photo/Li Yifan) After an online viewer suggested creating pieces related to daily life, Zhang began making sugar creations shaped like crayfish and chicken wings. He often visits supermarkets early in the morning to select the freshest chicken wings, then studies their bone structure and muscle fibers under a magnifying glass. For complex subjects like lobsters or cobras, he studies dissection videos and takes detailed notes. Zhang's dedication to mastering his craft has remained strong over the years. He attends fine arts and sculpture workshops every two years to continue learning. With the popularity of short videos, he now starts each day by searching for inspiration on video platforms. Recently inspired by the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2," Zhang crafted a sugar-art version of the character. Zhang believes sugar art is not just a livelihood but a medium for preserving traditional culture while innovating. "The new generation of artisans must adopt fresh approaches," he said. "By engaging with daily life and actively interacting with people, we can inject new vitality into this craft." (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Blundering Russian state media has been 'duped' into falling for an April Fool's joke that the Royal Navy is planning to build a third aircraft carrier called 'HMS Prince Andrew', which can carry an 'infinite' number of jets. Russian channel RT ran the article headlined 'Britain to expand navy due to Russian "threat", following a satirical report by an online military news site. As part of its annual April 1 tradition, UK Defence Journal claimed a 'leaked' Ministry of Defence document had revealed the UK was looking to buy a new supercarrier. In a move the site said would have caught 'seasoned defence watchers off guard', it claimed the construction of the warship would cost a 'modest 987.6billion' - more than 18 times Britain's 53.9billion defence budget for 2023/24. 'Sources close to the Ministry stress that the new vessel, tentatively named HMS Andrew will build upon the experience gained from the design, construction, and operational lessons learned from its predecessors, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales,' the article by 'Avril Fuller' read. 'The Prince Andrew is projected to measure 480 metres in length and will be capable of deploying an estimated infinity-hundred aircraft - giving it a theoretical edge over any known carrier fleet in existence, real or imagined.' Within hours of the story going live, RT - formerly Russia Today - had copied the fake report, writing up a genuine 132-word article about it, that has since been removed. A former British spymaster has today declared the Russians have been left with 'egg on their faces' over the gaffe - and that there could have been many furious officials deep inside the Kremlin raging at the blunder. Russian state media channel RT fell for an April Fool's gag which claimed the UK was building a third aircraft carrier called 'HMS Prince Andrew' capable of carrying an 'infinite' amount of jets Pictured is the spoof April Fool's article published by UK Defence Journal earlier this week A former British intelligence officer claimed the Kremlin would have been left furious at the blunder (pictured is Russian president Vladimir Putin) Colonel Philip Ingram, a former military intelligence officer and Russia expert, told MailOnline: 'When RT put the story out, I'm sure the Russian minister of defence would have sat down thinking "oh my gosh, how have we missed this?". 'It would have led to a flurry of questions to different Russian departments and possibly to the Russian embassy in the UK, demanding to know how they had missed this information. 'I really hope it got to this stage and tied them up on something completely frivolous, drawing their attention away from real intelligence gathering.' He said it probably wouldn't have taken long for the Kremlin to realise they had been 'duped'. 'They now have egg on their face,' added Col Ingram. 'The vodka is on them today. 'It's brilliant that we have turned the maskirovka doctrine for masking deceptions online back on the Russians.' Defence writer George Allison, who was behind the spoof article, said it had been so full of 'absurd details' like the ship having 'go faster stripes', that he was stunned it was taken as a legitimate news report. 'It was meant to be obviously fake, and it was written to make people laugh,' he said. Britain has just two aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth (both seen at their home base in Portsmouth). There are no plans for a third carrier In a piece for the UK Defence Journal, he added the gag had exposed a secondary issue that was not a laughing matter. 'We suspected that some outlets - particularly those eager to undermine the UK - might pick up the story without checking it properly,' he said. 'If they took it seriously, it would highlight a lack of basic editorial scrutiny. If they knew it was satire and published it anyway, it would say something more deliberate about their intent. Either outcome would be revealing. 'Thats exactly what happened. A Russian state media outlet picked up the story and presented it as real. Its easy to laugh, but it also points to something important: how easily disinformation or narrative-shaping content can spread when verification is skipped in favour of a message.' Commenting on RT's falling for the April Fool's, shadow armed forces minister, Mark Francois, said: 'Unlike Ian Flemings Commander James Bond, it would seem that none of the staff at Russia Today ever worked in naval intelligence. They are too busy trying to come up with ever more reasons to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine to spot the obviously spoof story right before their eyes.' Britain's two carriers, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth, are the largest and most powerful ever built by the Royal Navy. Together costing more than 6billion, they are capable of carrying dozens of F-35 stealth jets. A defence source insisted there are 'no plans' to build a third Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier. HMS Prince of Wales is due to deploy in the coming weeks to Asia as part of a major mission. An Alaska Airlines flight bound to Las Vegas, Nevada from Portland, Oregon was forced to make an emergency return to PDX after passengers and crew reported smelling 'fumes in the cockpit and cabin' shortly after takeoff. Passengers reported seeing flight attendants moving rapidly through the cabin and hearing the pilot announce a 'concerning smell.' Flight 757, a 14-yeare-old Boeing 737-800, landed safely at approximately 9:50am Wednesday. Upon landing, fire and rescue personnel evaluated the aircraft and provided medical assistance to nine individuals. No serious injuries were reported. Videos captured by passenger Angela DeHaven and posted on TikTok showed emergency crews on the tarmac and inside the aircraft. While initial reports indicated a potential evacuation, passengers ultimately disembarked normally. Alaska Airlines stated that the aircraft was taken out of service for inspection and that passengers were rebooked on a replacement aircraft. DeHaven described the scene to local ABC affiliate KATU: 'You could see the flight attendants kind of hurriedly go to the back of the plane and then very hurriedly come back up to the front.' An Alaska Airlines flight bound to Las Vegas , Nevada from Portland , Oregon was forced to make an emergency return to PDX after passengers and crew reported smelling 'fumes in the cockpit and cabin' shortly after takeoff Videos captured by passenger Angela DeHaven and posted on TikTok showed emergency crews on the tarmac and inside the aircraft 'I had a heightened anxiety level as we were heading back down because between them diverting and landing, you don't know what's wrong. It was definitely an eye opening moment.' In the comment section of her TikTok, DeHaven said the airlines told her the cause of the fumes was a result of 'the chemical they spray on the jet engines prior to takeout [sic], which failed to burn off properly, so some was vented into the aft cabin area.' Allison Ferre with the Port of Portland, the port district responsible for overseeing Portland International Airport, said 'PDX Airport Fire & Rescue responded to (an) aircraft landing that had reported fumes in the cockpit/cabin at takeoff and returned to PDX. 'The aircraft landed safely and there was no fire or ongoing safety threat, but the PDX fire crew made medical evaluation services available to crew and passengers.' Alaska Airlines issued a statement: 'Crew members detected a strong odor on board Flight 757 from Portland (PDX) to Las Vegas (LAS) shortly after takeoff. 'As a precaution, the pilots returned to PDX where medical professionals met the aircraft at the gate and evaluated crew members. 'The aircraft was removed from service for inspection, and we are re-accommodating our guests on a new aircraft. 'We apologize to our guests for any inconvenience this may have caused.' Passengers reported seeing flight attendants moving rapidly through the cabin and hearing the pilot announce a 'concerning smell' DeHaven said the airlines told her the cause of the fumes was a result of 'the chemical they spray on the jet engines prior to takeout [sic], which failed to burn off properly, so some was vented into the aft cabin area.' This incident comes after an American Airlines Boeing 787 flight from New York to Japan was diverted back to the United States despite being 12 hours into its 14 hour journey. American Airlines Flight 167, bound for Tokyo's Haneda Airport, departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport at 10:45 a.m. ET on Monday, according to FlightAware. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft had crossed the entire continental United States and was flying over the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Alaska, when the pilots were forced to turn around, reported The Daily Beast. Instead of returning to an airport along the West Coast, the plane flew for another five hours, crossing half of the United States, and landed at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport around 10 p.m. CT. American Airlines confirmed to Fox 4 that the diversion was due to a maintenance issue. A car has blown up in a 'deliberate' explosion that engulfed the driver in flames at a Dutch tourist spot where, days earlier, a knifeman attacked five people. Shocking footage shows a red car driving slowly into a crowd in central Dam Square before bursting into flames at around 1.30pm. Seconds later the driver - a 50-year-old Dutchman - was seen stumbling around on fire before he was doused with an extinguisher and arrested. He was left 'seriously injured'. 'Camera images show that the fire on the Dam was sparked after an explosion in a car,' Amsterdam police said on X. 'At that moment there were a lot of people close to the vehicle, but as far as we know, no bystanders were injured,' police added. It is suspected that the fire was deliberately started by the car's driver, police said. A witness told Dutch newspaper NOS shortly after spotting the car on Dam Square a bang could be heard. 'It was quickly clear that it was intentional,' they said. Police said they had 'strong suspicions' that the driver wanted to take his own life, outlet RTL reports. A witness told the news site that people saw the man sitting in the car before setting fire to what they assume to be a 'flammable substance'. Officers said they had sealed off large parts of the square as explosives experts were investigating the car. This comes just days after a 30-year-old knifeman from Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine, carried out a seemingly random attack around the streets of Dam Square. Amsterdam police said a car caught fire on the central Dam Square on Thursday afternoon following an explosion in the vehicle Images on social media show a man with burning clothes close to a small red car with flames lashing out the windows on the Dam Square. Police are seen extinguishing the flames on the visibly wounded man before taking him into custody The burnt out car on Dam Square is pictured above The knifeman carried several blades and attacked people around the square last Thursday before being overpowered by a mysterious British man, believed to be in his 30s, who has since been dubbed the 'Hero of Dam'. The Briton sprinted after the attacker and kicked his ankle, sending him crashing to the ground, then sat on him until police arrived. The victims were a 67-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man, both from the United States, a 26-year-old man from Poland, a 73-year-old Belgian woman and a 19-year-old woman from Amsterdam. Four of the victims remain in hospital but their condition is stable, the prosecutors said. Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema thanked the British tourist, who has remained anonymous, for his 'heroic act' that likely prevented more people being attacked. He is a very modest British man,' she told the Amsterdam news channel AT5 after awarding him the city's hero badge called heldenspeld. 'He has no desire to become famous. He is now mainly concerned with the victims; he feels responsible for them.' She said the tourist had shown 'great instinct' by overpowering the suspect moments after he had stabbed the fifth victim. A car burned out on Dam Square near the National Monument. The driver was injured and arrested This is the moment the car drove onto the Dam Square before it burst into flames Police work at the site where a car burned out on Dam Square near the National Monument in Amsterdam This comes just days after a 30-year-old knifeman from Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine, carried out a seemingly random attack around the streets of Dam Square Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema thanked the British tourist (pictured), who has remained anonymous, for his 'heroic act' that likely prevented more people being attacked An Amsterdam police spokesman told the Dutch news outlet AD the 'heroic' British man did a 'great job' performing a 'rare citizen's arrest' 'This man made a decision in a split second, which is truly exceptional and for which there should be a lot of appreciation,' she added. Halsema said all of them were in a stable condition, adding: 'Everything is being done to determine the identity of the perpetrator.' An Amsterdam police spokesman told the Dutch news outlet AD the 'heroic' British man did a 'great job' performing a 'rare citizen's arrest'. The attacker was himself wounded in the leg and transferred to the medical wing of a detention unit in The Hague, where he is now being held in solitary confinement. Dutch public prosecutors have now said that the knifeman acted with terrorist intent and likely would have stabbed more victims had he not been tackled by the Briton. The Ukrainian man will remain in custody for at least two more weeks, suspected of 'five counts of attempted murder or manslaughter with a terrorist intent', prosecutors said in a statement. He has not told authorities anything about his motives for the attack although local media reported that he has confessed to the stabbings. A woman has been caught on camera allegedly vandalizing a Tesla in front of two children in the latest shocking incident targeting Elon Musk's motor company. Footage shows the woman appearing to scratch the electric vehicle in a parking lot, before marching between the cars with her son and daughter in tow. The young boy flips off the camera which caught the brazen act as he walks past, followed by the little girl and the woman as they quickly vacate the scene. People who shared the footage on X said it was filmed in Arden Hills, a small city in Ramsey County around 10 miles north-east of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, which oversees policing in the area, told DailyMail.com on Thursday that they were investigating the footage. 'We are aware of the video that was released on social media and looking into whether it occurred in our jurisdiction,' spokesman Steve Linders said. 'As of now, the owner of the vehicle has not filed a police report with us, but we encourage the person to come forward.' Social media users erupted in anger over the clip, slamming the woman as a 'terrible parent' while calling for her identification. A woman has been caught on camera allegedly vandalizing a Tesla in front of two children in shocking video shared on social media Footage shows the woman appearing to scratch the electric vehicle in a parking lot, before marching between the cars with her son and daughter in tow The young boy flips off the camera which caught the vandalism as he walks past, followed by the little girl and the woman as they quickly vacate the scene Several people pointed out that her clothing resembled scrubs, with some speculating that she may be a local nurse. 'What a way to set an example as a mother. So sad,' one woman wrote, while a man said: 'Police will catch her sooner or later.' The incident is the latest in a series of attacks against Tesla cars across the country as a form of protest against outgoing DOGE leader Musk, 53, who owns the firm. The situation escalated so much that Donald Trump intervened in March, announcing that anyone caught engaging in Tesla vandalism would be considered a domestic terrorist. Musk reiterated this claim on Tuesday. 'It's wide-scale domestic terrorism with the purpose of intimidation, and it's harming innocent people. It's really terrible,' the billionaire told Jeanine Pirro on Fox News. On Saturday, another brazen Tesla vandal was caught on camera destroying a Musk-owned Cybertruck parked in the driveway of an upscale California neighborhood. Surveillance footage revealed the suspect casing the home around 4.20am before returning more than an hour later armed with a concrete rock and duct tape. Dressed all in black, the vandal covered one of the vehicle's cameras with tape before repeatedly smashing its windshield with the rock and slashing all four tires. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks against Tesla cars across the country as a form of protest against outgoing DOGE leader Elon Musk, who owns the firm The suspect even left a taunting handwritten note telling the owner that the tires had been damaged. Jason Bedell, the Cybertruck's owner, was left shaken by the targeted attack, which unfolded in what he described as a peaceful dead-end road. 'I live at the top of a hill, at the end of a cul-de-sac. We don't get much traffic at all,' he told KTVU. 'So for somebody to come up here and do something like that is really unusual and very shocking.' Paul Hyon Kim, 36, has been charged with 15 offenses over the Las Vegas incident Other vandals have gone even further - including one man who torched several Tesla cars using Molotov cocktails before firing rounds into the burning vehicles in Las Vegas on March 18. Dramatic video footage captured the moment a row of Tesla cars exploded into flames at a dealership on 6260 West Badura Avenue near Jones Boulevard and Warm Springs Road. Police identified the suspect as Paul Hyon Kim, 36, on March 27 and charged him with 15 offenses, including arson and destroying or injuring personal property valued at $5,000 or more, police told a press conference. Cops said the 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 consumed 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. Other vandals have gone even further - including one man who torched several Tesla cars using Molotov cocktails before firing rounds into the burning vehicles in Las Vegas\ Police said the Las Vegas arson suspect, who was seen at the scene in all black, managed to completely burn out two of the cars while damaging three others Demonstrations against Musk and Tesla ramped up after the billionaire began firing thousands of federal workers, including veterans, via DOGE as part of the department's efforts to downsize the government. 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 Donald Trump's election victory. In an effort to turn that around, Trump showcased the electric vehicles from the White House in March - 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'. But on Wednesday, it emerged that Trump had informed his Cabinet and inner circle that Musk would be stepping back from DOGE in the coming weeks. The SpaceX boss and world's richest man will soon be returning to the business world, Politico reported, in a revelation that rattled the stock market and stunned Washington. Musk's designation as a special government employee meant he was scheduled to step down in May, but he is now leaving early amid a cloud of controversy. A mentally ill man had his genitals forcefully stomped on by abusive police before being left to die in agony in jail, according to prosecutors. Anthony Miller, 33, died from hypothermia and sepsis after spending two weeks covered in feces in a concrete cell with no access to a toilet or medical attention, court filings say. On Tuesday Deputy Carl Carpenter pled guilty to charges relating to the abuse of Miller, who he was supposed to be helping after a suspected psychotic episode. Nine other workers at the Alabama jail where Mitchell was being held had already pled guilty to charges relating to his death. The plea agreement accused Carpenter and another deputy named James Handley of throwing Mitchell to the ground and kicking him. 'This is how we treat seizures in Walker County,' Carpenter allegedly told Mitchell. Carpenter faces a maximum sentence up to ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and supervised release of up to three years. Handley has pled not guilty to deprivation of rights and witness tampering. Mitchell was arrested after police were called to conduct a wellness check on him because of fears that he was in a psychotic state. Steve Mitchell, Anthony's cousin, had grown concerned about him because he was making deluded remarks claiming that his dead brother was hidden in the attic and about 'portals to heaven and hell'. Anthony 'Tony' Mitchell, 33, died on January 26, 2023, after spending two weeks in prison where he endured 'hellish conditions' Walker County officers Carpenter and Handley were accused of stomping on Mitchell's genitals when they arrested him Officers arrested Mitchell after he pulled a gun on them and fired a gunshot during a mental health crisis He then called 911 and reported that Anthony Mitchell was in an 'extremely degraded' condition. When deputies arrived, Anthony Mitchell fired a gun at officers and was arrested and detained. Prosecutors said in court that Carpenter and Handley held Mitchell by his arms and dragged him 75 yards to the police vehicle. Handley was also accused of kicking Mitchell's legs. Carpenter said in the plea agreement that his violent actions were 'out of anger' because of an aggressive culture in the sheriff's office. The nightmare continued for Mitchell in jail as he was allegedly tortured for fourteen days in an isolation cell, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by his mother, Margaret. The lawsuit was filed against Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith, nine corrections officers, and Carpenter. The lawsuit compared Mitchell's cell to a 'dog kennel' and claimed he was forced to sit in the freezing temperatures while naked. His mother said in the lawsuit that she was given a bag with his false teeth after he died, which was dated days beforehand, leading her to believe he wasn't able to eat while imprisoned. Stills from video footage sent to Mitchell's mother by a corrections officer revealed deputies tasing him and dragging him out of his cell naked. The lawsuit also suggested that Mitchell was kept in a restrained chair inside a freezer. Disturbing video footage of the jail revealed officers dragging Mitchell after he lay unresponsive for hours Nine members of the jail staff pled guilty to a range of crimes related to Mitchell's treatment Mitchell's mother said she was given a bag with his false teeth after his death. The date on the bag made her believe he was not able to eat while imprisoned Jon C. Goldbarb, the attorney representing Mitchell's family in the lawsuit, wrote that the case was 'one of the most appalling cases of jail abuse the country has seen.' After days of hellish conditions, Mitchell's infections turned to sepsis and the hypothermia resulted in a rapid decline. He was lying in his isolated jail cell 'naked, wet, cold, and covered in feces,' according to prosecutors. Mitchell was denied a mat or blanket and after two weeks he became unresponsive to officers. Surveillance video captured officers leaving Mitchell in the cell for five hours before dragging his body to an emergency services vehicle. 'Tony had languished for five hours or more on a bare cement floor as his life trickled away, to the complete indifference of numerous corrections officers and medical staff,' the lawsuit stated. A video showed two corrections officers guiding the jail's nurse practitioner, Alicia Herron to Mitchell's cell. The two officers were seen 'clowning and laughing' as Mitchell lay motionless and in need of medical treatment. When officers did bring him to the hospital, they were seen on surveillance dragging him out of his cell motionless. Once he arrived at the hospital, he was 'unresponsive and pulseless.' Medical staff conducted CPR for over three and a half hours until his mother requested they stop resuscitation. After his death, according to the lawsuit, Sheriff Smith said Mitchell 'suffered a medical emergency and became unresponsive' at the hospital. Video footage handed over during the lawsuit showed Mitchell dragged out of a holding cell naked Officers were seen laughing and clowning around while Mitchell lay lifeless and naked in his cell Officers dragged Mitchell's lifeless body to a sheriff's vehicle to take him to the hospital while he suffered from hypothermia and sepsis Jail staff were also accused of covering up the cruel punishment, as corrections officer Benjamin Shoemaker entered a federal plea agreement in January. Prosecutors accused the employees of making Mitchell's living conditions as 'filthy as possible' to try to convince the commissioner they deserved higher pay. Shoemaker told federal investigators that he was instructed to keep Mitchell on 'suicide watch' which was shorthand for keeping inmates in 'cruel conditions.' Federal court documents revealed that Mitchell was taken to the hospital three hours after a nurse told Shoemaker he needed medical attention. Mitchell's death was ruled a homicide and his autopsy concluded he died from hypothermia with sepsis as a contributing factor. Melinda Gates offered tellingly chilly words about her ex-husband Bill Gates as she revealed how she interacts with the Epstein-linked tycoon post-divorce. The philanthropist, 60, told People this week that she is focused on her children and grandchildren, and it appeared she had put ex-husband and Microsoft founder Bill out of mind. 'Naturally, Bill and I see each other every now and then at family events, such as graduations,' she said. 'When we do, it's friendly.' Gates' muted description of the man she spent decades married to could be interpreted as the latest attempt to distance herself from scandal-plagued Bill. The bombshell divorce between Melinda and Bill, finalized in August 2021, came after she reportedly struggled with his links to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Following their high-profile split, Melinda and Bill both remained based in Seattle, while their children Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22, moved to the East Coast. 'One of the most important things in my life is being present for the big moments in my childrens and now my grandchildrens lives,' Melinda said. It comes as Bill has publicly moved on with girlfriend Paula Hurd, 62, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, while Melinda told People that she is dating and is 'very, very happy.' Melinda Gates offered few kind words on her ex-husband as she discussed her post-divorce life for a glossy magazine cover, saying she and Bill are 'friendly' Melinda said she is focused on her children and grandchildren as she looks ahead following her high-profile divorce Melinda said she would rather not name her new partner, but it comes months after she was seen flaunting a romance with tech mogul Philip Vaughn. She is speaking out about the breakdown of her marriage as she releases her forthcoming book 'The Next Day: Transitions, Change and Moving Forward.' In part of the book obtained by Page Six revealed this week, Gates recounted the emotional moment she told Bill she wanted to live separately after struggling with his links to Epstein. The mom-of-three recalled how she and Bill took a trip to New Mexico together in February 2020 which she had initially planned to take alone. On the final night, she sat the billionaire Microsoft founder down and told him she wanted to start living apart. 'It was one of the scariest conversations I'd have had,' Melinda wrote. Her agonizing decision came in the wake of controversy over her ex-husband's friendship with sex trafficker Epstein, who was found dead in his jail cell while awaiting trial in 2019. Melinda has previously said the friendship was a factor in her pushing for divorce. Bill has said he deeply regrets spending time with Epstein but has never been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to the predator. Melinda, 60, has been open about her disapproval of her ex-husband's friendship with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein The Gates' went public with their divorce in May 2021 after a year of living apart In the book she revealed that Bill was, 'sad and upset' but also 'understanding and respectful.' As the youngest of their children, Phoebe, was still in high school, the couple decided to continue living together until her graduation, and the couple continued putting on a united front for their charitable organization, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. However, Melinda revealed that she began suffering 'panic attacks'. 'Bill has a reputation for being one of the toughest negotiators in the world,' she said of their impending divorce. However, after a long and at times 'tender' chat, they decided to end their 27 year marriage, going public with a joint statement in 2021. Melinda described the process as 'grueling.' She has been open about some of the reasons for their divorce, including her ex-husband's ties to Epstein. 'I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein,' she told CBS' Gayle King. 'I made that clear to him. I also met Jeffrey Epstein exactly one time. I wanted to see who this man was and I regretted it from the second I stepped in the door. 'He was abhorrent, evil personified. I had nightmares about it afterwards. That's why my heart breaks for these young women. That's how I felt, and I am an older woman. He was awful.' Bill has publicly moved on with new girlfriend Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd 'One of the most important things in my life is being present for the big moments in my childrens and now my grandchildrens lives,' Melinda said in a new interview Bill has said in the past that meeting with Epstein multiple times was a 'huge' mistake and error in judgement. In a statement to CBS, he said: 'Meeting with Epstein was a mistake that I regret deeply. It was a substantial error in judgement.' Melinda also alluded to alleged infidelities by Bill and suggested they may have contributed to the divorce. The billionaire admitted to an affair with a Microsoft employee in 2000 and while the couple worked through it, Melinda said it left her struggling to trust him. A phony doctor in New York City has been arrested after he allegedly performed illegal plastic surgery on a woman and left her 'brain dead' in hospital. Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, 38, was arrested on March 28 after allegedly using a syringe to administer lidocaine, a numbing agent, through a syringe to a 31-year-old woman, according to the New York City Police Department. The victim had visited his unlicensed liposuction clinic located at his home in Astoria to have butt implants removed on Friday afternoon, according to the criminal complaint obtained by CBS News. Hoyos-Foronda, who claimed he was a doctor in Colombia, allegedly administered the drug to the woman and caused her to go into cardiac arrest. The 'doctor' called emergency services and fled from the scene, before his vehicle was found to be headed for JFK International Airport. Hoyos-Foronda was arrested on the Friday evening and taken into custody, where Police said he had a ticket for a flight to Colombia, the outlet reported. He admitted to 'performing the surgical procedure on the victim without a license to do so,' and that he had 'administered lidocaine via a syringe, causing her to go into cardiac arrest.' Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, 38, was arrested on March 28 after allegedly using a syringe to administer lidocaine, a numbing agent, through a syringe to a 31-year-old woman The victim had visited his unlicensed liposuction clinic located at his home in Astoria to have butt implants removed on Friday afternoon A search of his home showed the phony medical practice Hoyos-Foronda had set up, including a medical examination chair and table, syringes, injectable Botox and filler products Hoyos-Foronda was charged with felony assault and unauthorized practice of profession. At his initial court appearance on March 30, Hoyos-Foronda pled not guilty and was remanded without bail A search of his home showed the phony medical practice Hoyos-Foronda had set up, including a medical examination chair and table, syringes, injectable Botox and filler products, PIX 11 reported. The victim was rushed to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital and was reported to have been intubated with no brain activity. She is likely to die from lidocaine poisoning, prosecutors said according to PIX 11. The woman was still unconscious as of Wednesday, sources told the New York Post. Hoyos-Foronda was charged with felony assault and unauthorized practice of profession, according to court records. At his initial court appearance on March 30, Hoyos-Foronda pled not guilty and was remanded without bail. He is next scheduled to appear in court at 5:00pm April 3. Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday dismissed reports that President Donald Trump was dissatisfied with billionaire Elon Musk's work at DOGE and that he was preparing to head for the exits. 'First of all, that report I saw was total fake news,' Vance said during an interview on Fox News, referring to a Politico report that the president was quietly telling cabinet members that Elon would be 'stepping back' and leaving the administration soon. He said Trump brought in Musk as a special advisor for a six month effort to kick off the work of making the government more efficient and to shrink bureaucracy. A White House special advisor carries an 130-day limit which will be concluded in late May or early June. But Vance said Elon would continue to advise their administration after the deadline. 'We said that's going to take about six months and that's what Elon signed up for, but of course he's going to continue to be an advisor,' Vance said. The vice president also acknowledged that the DOGE effort would continue, even after Elon left the White House. 'The work of DOGE is not even close to done, the work of Elon is not even close to done,' he said. US Vice President JD Vance explains what Elon Musk will do after his work at DOGE is complete US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk (R) speak before departing the White House Vance had nothing but praise for Musk, noting he helped root out 'fraudulent grants' in the federal government and helping root out fraud in the Social Security system. 'DOGE has got a lot of work to do, and that work is going to continue after Elon leaves but fundamentally Elon is going to remain a friend and advisor of both me and the president and he's done a lot of good things,' he said. Since Musk first started slashing the federal government and cutting grants important to Democrats, the left has made him a focal point of their rage, protesting his Tesla car company and vandalizing the vehicles on the street. Some nervous Republicans reacted to the onslaught of negative attention against Musk and the Trump administration, urging the president to sideline Musk. But sources familiar with the relationship described rumors about a rift between Musk and the president as 'garbage' and 'fake news' to DailyMail.com. 'This "scoop" is garbage. Elon Musk and President Trump have both *publicly* stated that Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete,' wrote White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on X. Musk retweeted Leavitt's message on his own account and added, 'Yeah, fake news.' Residents next to a leafy park have told how a group of travellers use their green space to pitch up flashy caravans and leave behind huge piles of rubbish every year. Dozens of vehicles and trailers parked-up on playing fields at Swanshurst Park, in Birmingham on Sunday 30 March. Locals have told how the group, who are described as largely quiet, 'aren't short of a few bob' after admiring their luxury live-in vehicles. Birmingham City Council have pledged to 'recover the land' for local people and MailOnline understands an eviction notice is due to be served on the encampment. But it is unlikely the park, which was also occupied by travellers in May and October last year, will be clear until early next week. Retired bin man Roy Wilson, 69, lives just a few doors away from the camp and says travellers regularly stay at the beauty spot. Roy said: 'They've been on there for some time and they come from time to time. 'It used to be frequently used. The weather's changing and they come and use it, lasting about three or four days before they get moved on. Dozens of vehicles and trailers parked-up on playing fields at Swanshurst Park, in Birmingham on Sunday 30 March just weeks after their last visit Resident Diane Parker said the travellers have been using the beauty spot as a camp for six years and they usually wake her up driving their cars on the grass at night Locals have told how the group, who are described as largely quiet, 'aren't short of a few bob' after admiring their luxury live-in vehicles 'I've lived here for 50 years and they've been coming here for 40 odd. 'I haven't heard of any trouble here but I know they leave mess. I don't know if anyone has had run-ins or issues with them. 'Whether they'll be moved on in the next couple of days, who knows. They go in a week usually. 'It's an average amount for the caravans here. Whether people have had other problems who knows. 'They're not short of a few bob are they? Some nice caravans there. They've got it good.' Resident Diane Parker said the travellers have been using the beauty spot as a camp for six years and they usually wake her up driving their cars on the grass at night. The 73-year-old said: 'They've been coming here for roughly six years. I think there's an injunction against them. 'What would the police do if I was over there with a caravan and a car? We've seen young lads driving 4x4 around and the police didn't think. 'They churn up the grass. They don't pay council tax. 'I don't know why [the council] put all the tree trunks around if they can get on [the grass] anyway. The huge tree trunks are meant to stop them. 'I can't say I've had any trouble. But it isn't fair is it really for us, if we did it the story would be different.' Earlier this week, local community group Friends of Swanshurst Park said an eviction notice would be served on the community and posted on Facebook: 'It has been reported to me that travellers are back on Swanshurst Park. Your browser does not support iframes. Residents said the group tend to leave large piles of rubbish behind when they leave the site It is unlikely the park, which was also occupied by travellers in May and October last year, will be clear until early next week 'We think it best if members of the public do not put themselves in a position in which they feel uncomfortable by working on the wildflower patch while the travellers are in close proximity. 'The notice will be served as soon as possible for them to leave but realistically, they will not be gone before the end of the week.' A mother-of-three said those on the park should be offered a travellers permit so that they can clear up their rubbish legally. The 42-year-old said: 'It's the mess that they leave is the real issue. There can be bags piled high of rubbish and the council have to come and clean it up. 'The problem is that they have no fixed address so they can't use the local tips, and they're not going to take it all with them. 'They need like a travellers permit or a register, something like that. So they can legally clean up. 'The council tried putting wooden fences up but that doesn't really stop them, they just get cut down. 'They're quite quiet but their dogs run loose. Years back you could go over there and they'd offer you a drink but I wouldn't go there now. 'I've got dogs and I wouldn't want to be near their dogs when they're loose. They come and go, like on a loop, hopping around other spots. 'I don't go on the park now anyway. The playground has been broken thanks to the locals so we avoid it anyway.' Another mother on the street said she'd heard them churning up the greenery a few times. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'We try and not take notice of them. We leave them to it but if there's any trouble we let the police know. 'This time around we haven't heard anything. What we notice is the mess. Apart from that they're quite quiet. Dozens of vehicles and trailers parked-up on playing fields at Swanshurst Park, in Birmingham on Sunday 30 March A group of travellers have parked a fleet of caravans on a much-loved beauty spot as locals are warned to stay away 'You do get them driving their cars at night sometimes. But we just take the kids to the other side of the park to avoid it all.' Another local whose house looks out onto the park, said: 'They're never any bother. I've lived here for 40 years, they're often quiet. 'People do say they leave quite a lot of rubbish, but it blends in with the bin strikes. 'I'm not that concerned. There were some there about two weeks ago but only on the car park. 'I know it bothers a lot of people, I suppose they aren't much trouble. Happens more than once a year. 'But then you have to look at it, they don't have council tax. If you think about the bin strikes now, all that rubbish will get cleaned up immediately. 'They do leave a lot of rubbish. A few years ago it took a couple of pickup trucks a couple of runs to clean it up.' The council said it would liaise with communities and businesses who may be impacted by plans to introduce up to 15 temporary sites for travellers. A pilot programme, set to begin in the summer, could see 'negotiated stopping' sites made available and would involve unused pieces of land. They typically provide hard standing for holding caravans, a secure boundary and basic sanitary provision, while some also provide electricity. But due to factors such as repeated vandalism and unauthorised encampments, the council's two operational transit sites have often been closed. This comes as the number of 'illegal' traveller sites being set up across the UK is on the rise with local councils increasingly unable to remove them, a planning enforcement officer has claimed. New planning policy announced by Labour housing secretary Angela Rayner in December will force councils to release green belt land for travellers to create permanent encampments if there is an 'unmet need'. At present neither temporary or permanent travellers sites are allowed on green belt land as they fail to qualify as 'very special circumstances' - but that is about to change. A council spokesperson said: 'Birmingham City Council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it. 'The council has usable transit sites and plots for use by the gypsy, Roma and traveller community - which is in line with Government policy - and details of the gypsy and traveller accommodation assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website.' Labour today approved the expansion of Luton Airport despite ministers being told to reject the plans over environmental concerns. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander gave the go-ahead to the Bedforshire airport's development consent order (DCO) application. The project is centred on raising the airport's cap on annual passenger numbers from 18 million to 32 million by the mid-2040s. The plans also include allowing Luton's runway to be used for 77,000 more flights per year than last year. In 2024, Luton was the UK's fifth busiest airport last year with 16.9 million passengers travelling on 132,000 flights. Those behind the project claimed there would be 'significant economic, employment and social benefits' for the Bedfordshire town. But opponents claimed the Government had ignored local people in green-lighting the plans, which would 'degrade health and quality of life' in the local area. DCOs are used to obtain permission for nationally-significant infrastructure projects and Luton's has been approved as Labour continues a frantic bid for economic growth. Labour has approved the expansion of Luton Airport despite ministers being told to reject the plans over environmental concerns Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander gave the go-ahead to the Bedforshire airport's development consent order (DCO) application. The project is centred on raising the airport's cap on annual passenger numbers from 18 million to 32 million by the mid-2040s A Government source said: 'The Transport Secretary has approved the expansion of Luton airport for its benefits to Luton and the wider UK economy. 'The decision overturns the Planning Inspectorate's recommendation for refusal. 'Expansion will deliver huge growth benefits for Luton with thousands of good, new jobs and a cash boost for the local council which owns the airport. 'This is the 14th development consent order approved by this Labour Government, demonstrating we will stop at nothing to deliver economic growth and new infrastructure as part of our plan for change.' One of the roles of the Planning Inspectorate an executive agency of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is to consider applications and make recommendations to the relevant Secretary of State. Luton Airport's DCO permits up to 209,000 flights per year. One of the concerns expressed by the examining authority which assessed the application for the Planning Inspectorate was disruption to the 'relative tranquillity' of the Chilterns National Landscape. It is understood the expansion plan would mean a plane flying over the area up to once every 15 minutes, compared with once every half an hour currently. Expansion would involve increasing the size of its existing terminal and constructing a second terminal. It would also require extending the Dart rail link to the second terminal, as well as new taxiways which connect runways to terminals, hangars and other facilities and parking facilities with access and charges based on a vehicle's emissions. Luton Council's Luton Rising, which owns the airport, says the project is 'ready to go'. The council estimates expansion would support around 12,000 new jobs in the area and provide an additional economic benefit of 1.6billion per year. The announcement comes less than a week after Vauxhall's van-making factory in Luton was closed by parent company Stellantis, putting up to 1,100 jobs at risk. Campaign group Luton And District Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise opposed the expansion application, claiming it would 'degrade health and quality of life', and stating 'aircraft noise at night is known to damage health'. Wigmore Park, which adjoins the airport, would be destroyed as part of the plan. The airport is proposing to create 'replacement open space' to the east, which is 'at least 10 per cent bigger' than the existing park. Alberto Martin, chief executive officer at London Luton Airport, said: 'We welcome today's approval from Government, which now provides Luton with a generational opportunity to transform the town and our region's economy. 'Once complete, these plans will generate an additional 1.5 billion for the economy every year and create up to 11,000 jobs. 'This will put Luton at the heart of a collective mission to achieve sustainable economic growth.' Tory MP Gareth Bacon, the shadow transport secretary, said: 'The Government's approval of Luton Airport's expansion is a welcome development. 'This decision has the potential to boost the local economy and enhance connectivity across the UK. 'However, it is clear Labour still do not understand that backing projects that will take years to complete will not mitigate against the impacts of their punishing Jobs Tax, which will devastate the economy, kill jobs and make every working household 3,500 worse off. 'Labour inherited the fastest-growing economy in the G7, but by talking down the economy, increasing tax levels to a record high, and undermining business confidence, they have killed growth stone dead and families are paying the price. 'Unlike Labour, the Conservatives understand that when you harm businesses you extinguish the embers of growth.' The Washington cop whose drunk driving killed a 20-year-old man spent four hours at a bar before fatally striking the motorcyclist on her way to pick up a pizza, cops have claimed. Sarah Clasen, 35, drank so much before crashing into Jhoser Sanchez that her blood alcohol content - tested six hours after the crash - was more than double the legal limit, police said. The Washington State Patrol public information officer allegedly struck Sanchez on the night of March 1. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and later pronounced dead. Clasen was arrested after the deadly incident but has yet to be charged with a crime and is free from custody. Shocking police body camera footage from the devastating scene off a Richland roadway showed Clasen refusing to take a sobriety test as she slurred her words. Investigators learned from security footage she had allegedly spent several hours at an under-the-radar bar called Moon Palace with her husband Trent. Moon Palace is listed as a Chinese restaurant and allegedly only handles cash transactions. Patrons are told to discreetly enter through a side door, according to a police report obtained by the Tri-City Herald. The cop of 13 years and her husband were apparently Moon Palace regulars. It is unclear how many drinks they allegedly had the night Sanchez was killed. Sarah Clasen, 35, was arrested on March 1 after allegedly driving drunk and killing a young motorcyclist Jhoser Sanchez, 20, had just started riding motorcycles when he was killed, his mother revealed Known by nearby businesses to have a 'very heavy-handed' pour when it comes to serving liquor, the bar's staff tried to cover for Clasen, police said. Investigators say workers told them she and Trent did not drink very much, and the report indicated police think Clasen's tab was purposely deleted, the Tri-City Herald reported. 'Up to this point, I was unaware that the Moon Palace was currently a functional business even though I was aware the building was at this location,' Richland Office Steve Heid wrote in the report. 'The years that Ive worked for the city of Richland I had presumed that it was an abandoned building that used to function as a Chinese restaurant.' DailyMail.com phoned the number associated with Moon Palace but the call immediately went to voicemail. The business only operates on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm, according to the the hours listed on Yelp. When Clasen was arrested, she was booked into the Benton County Jail under a 72-hour investigative hold. But after the three days, charges were not filed and Clasen was released after Judge Diana Ruff decided she was not a threat to others, the Tri-City Herald reported. Clasen was a Washington State Patrol (WSP) public information officer who had been on the force for 13 years Moon Palace is listed as a Chinese restaurant, only handles cash and tells patrons to discreetly enter through a side door, according to a police report While she was first suspected of vehicular homicide, no charges have been filed against her. Clasens attorney Scott Johnson told DailyMail.com in a statement: 'Cases of this nature are highly complex. 'To be found guilty of vehicular homicide, the accused must have been proximate cause of the accident that result in death. 'If the deceased individual was responsible for the accident, then the accused cannot be guilty of vehicular homicide.' He also claimed the public's 'intense interest' in this case has made is difficult to ensure Clasen's right to fair proceedings. The investigation is being handled by the Richland Police Department, as a WPD investigation would be a conflict of interest. According to Johnson, the defense is conducting its own investigation, which includes 'independent toxicology testing, accident scene reconstruction, and interviewing multiple fact witnesses.' DailyMail.com has reached out to the police department for comment. The young victim was described as a 'bright and loving soul who brought joy to everyone around him,' by a GoFundMe organized by his mother, Yolimar, after he died. He worked as a tote dumper operator, and his mother told investigators he had just started riding motorcycles when Clasen hit him. The fundraiser has garnered more than $8,000 toward its $8,000 goal. A drunk driver who planned to fake the theft of his car after ploughing the vehicle through a roadside hedge has been caught out by footage from his own dashcam. Charlie Taylor, 22, lost control of his Mitsubishi Shogun last month on the A1, near the Cambridgeshire village of Brampton. Video footage showed the car veering off the road before barreling through a hedgerow and into a field. Taylor, who was returning home from a night of drinking, continued to drive through the field before calling a friend to relate what had happened and how he planned to deal with it. 'You need to call the police,' urged the woman on the other end of the line. 'No, I've had too much to drink, I can't call the police,' replied Taylor, who was more than two times above the legal limit. 'I've had too much to drink and I'll lose my job.' Taylor, from Bourne in Lincolnshire, asked the friend to pick him up and said he would report the vehicle as stolen and 'park it into a tree'. Dashcam footage showed that Charlie Taylor lost control of his Mitsubishi Shogun car, veering off the road before barreling through a hedgerow and into a field, where he continued driving Cracks are seen across the vehicle's windscreen as it passes through a thick hedgerow Taylor pleaded guilty to drink driving and using a vehicle without an MOT. He was disqualified from driving for a year and ordered to pay a 480 fine But his plan unravelled when a member of the public spotted the car and, mistakenly believing it to be a hare courser, contacted the police. Following the incident, which occurred at 8.15am on March 2, Taylor was apprehended by officers from Cambridgeshire Police's rural crime action team. A roadside breath test of 81, more than twice the legal limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland of 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, was followed by an evidential sample of 53 once Taylor was in custody. In a hearing at Cambridge magistrates' court last Thursday, he pleaded guilty to drink driving and using a vehicle without an MOT. He was disqualified from driving for a year and ordered to pay a 480 fine. 'This case highlights the reckless decisions people make under the influence,' said PC Sam Thompson of the rural crime action team. 'Not only did Taylor put his and others lives at risk, but he was planning to cover it up with a brazen lie. 'Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the outcome could have been much worse.' A 14-year-old girl from Bradenton remains missing after a friend she was believed to have disappeared with was found safe. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) issued a Missing Child Alert for Surianneilys Perez-Sanchez on Tuesday amid growing concerns for her safety. She was last seen on March 27 in the 1800 block of Martin Luther King Avenue in Bradenton, a city approximately 45 miles south of Tampa. Authorities suspect she may have traveled to the Pensacola area and could be en route to Texas. The FDLE has classified her as 'endangered' due to an ongoing investigation, though specific details surrounding her disappearance remain limited. The teen is 5 feet, 3 inches tall, weighs 70 pounds, and has distinctive red hair and brown eyes. She also has piercings in her nose, tongue, and abdomen. She speaks mainly in Spanish. Both Perez-Sanchez and her friend, Marlen Daniela Cardona-Barahona, 14, were initially unaccounted for, but authorities have not disclosed where or how the companion was found. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) issued a Missing Child Alert for Perez-Sanchez on Tuesday amid growing concerns for her safety Police have not said how her friend, Marlen Daniela Cardona-Barahona, 14, was found The police department in Bradenton, pictured, is urging anyone with information about Perez-Sanchez's whereabouts to come forward The Bradenton Police Department is urging anyone with information about Perez-Sanchez's whereabouts to come forward. The public is encouraged to contact the department at 941-932-9301 or call 911 immediately. The FDLE did not immediately respond to a request from DailyMail.com for comment. Jubilant villagers cheered and hugged as an application for a US-style megafarm rearing up to 714,000 chickens and 14,000 pigs was turned down today. Food giant Cranswick wanted to house the animals just 400 yards apart at a massive complex between two Norfolk villages. But it triggered more than 15,000 formal objections as locals in Methwold and Feltwell and environmental campaigners warned the facility would have a catastrophic effect on the community by belching out foul odours including ammonia fumes, attracting swarms of flies and resulting in thousands of lorries thundering past on local roads. There were also concerns about property prices collapsing and homes becoming unsellable. Separate applications for the two sites came before a special planning committee of the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk today, where the nine councillors voted against them unanimously. Overwhelmed objectors celebrated the David and Goliath victory although Cranswick warned it would now consider its options. Methwold resident Alison Webb, 63, said: Its phenomenal not just for the residents who have had to live with this nightmare for over three years but it speaks volumes about how people are taking our beautiful country and nature seriously. Weve stood up to this massive company and won. It means that we can continue to live our lives as intended. A view of the old chicken sheds which would be demolished to make way for 20 giant new sheds at Methwold, Norfolk An aerial view of old and dilapidated chicken sheds at Methwold Another local, travel consultant Jan Palmer, 58, added: These multi-billion pound food giants simply cannot be allowed to continue bulldozing their way into rural areas, bringing nothing but pollution and the destruction of nature with them. Lily OMara, of food and farming campaigners Sustain, said: Local authorities are waking up to the reality of industrial farming a damaging and extractive system of food production that poses a serious threat to human wealth and our countrys future, both economically and environmentally. The three-year planning nightmare began when Cranswick, which supplies meat to major supermarkets, revealed its intentions for the former World War II airfield. The spot is in an area of outstanding natural beauty with SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), SPAs (Special Protection Areas) and SACs (Special Areas of Concern), which help attract holidaymakers who bring investment to the region. Under the proposals, a broiler unit for chickens would have been housed in 20 sheds, each measuring 320ft by 79ft, with enough floor space to hold 43,500 birds at a time and produce six million per year. The birds would be hatched in the sheds from eggs laid at nearby farms before being transported to Cranswick's plant in Eye, Suffolk, for processing when seven weeks old. The pigs would have been in 14 sheds measuring 230ft by 49ft, each one holding 1,000 animals and capable of producing 56,000 annually. They would be moved to a 'finishing unit' when 12 weeks old and weighing around 77lbs. They would stay indoors for another 12 weeks until reaching their target weight of around 240lbs when they would be ready for slaughter. Planning documents showing the 14 proposed new pigs sheds A view of the old chicken sheds which would have been demolished by food giant Cranswick Barry Lock, of Cranswick, told the meeting there were already 29,000 pigs on the site and claimed most of the objections came from people who didnt live in the area. He also argued it was vital for UK food security, with most of the produce to be consumed here, while the sites would produce natural fertiliser as well as chicken waste used to help fuel a local power station. The Highways Agency and Environment Agency are not objecting to the development, he pointed out. Jason Aldiss, of the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, added: The site is not only environmentally responsible, it is leading the way. But ward councillor Tom Ryves said: We just think this application is too big, too threatening of our balanced environment and too damaging to our local economy. It wouldnt help food security because intensive pig and chicken production requires large inputs of grain and protein and is reliant on imported soy from South America, he added. Methwold parish councillor Martin French said feelings were running very high in the village as the impact would be horrendous. Cranswick, the giant food firm behind the plans, insisted the two developments between Methwold and Feltwell in Norfolk wouldn't affect the local environment Residents said it would amount to a huge 'megafarm' which would churn out foul odours including ammonia fumes Methwold resident Alison Webb, 63, said after the the plans were turned down: 'We've stood up to this massive company and won.' READ MORE: Our village pig farm smells so bad it is causing us nose bleeds and spoiling our food: Neighbours say they have even been told not to get pregnant Advertisement We did invite Cranswick to a public meeting but they declined our invitation on the grounds of the safety of their employees, he told the committee. Fears had grown about the megafarm as residents near other Cranswick developments spoke out about how they had affected them, as reported previously by MailOnline. Villagers near a much smaller chicken plant in Westhall, near Halesworth in Suffolk, have complained about being plagued by flies for the past two summers. And locals in Stow Bedon, Norfolk, claim to have suffered nose bleeds, headaches, breathing problems and spoiled food due to the stench of ammonia from a pig farm. Objectors with placards protested outside Kings Lynn town hall before todays meeting started. Inside the ornate council chamber, five large oil paintings were covered in polythene in case animal rights protesters vandalised them. Borough council officers had recommended the applications be turned down. The committee was told by its legal advisor that it faced a judicial review if it approved the plans but there could be an appeal if it refused them. The meeting also heard Cranswick had not supplied all the environmental information required, including on carbon emissions. A Cranswick spokesman said after the vote: We are incredibly disappointed by todays decision. This is a bad day for the sustainable production of British meat. Well now take time to review the decision and consider the options available to us. But the borough council said: Our role in determining this application is to ensure that the planning process is conducted professionally, objectively and thoroughly and we are confident that this is what has happened today. Last year, Compassion in World Farming warned data showed a 20 per cent increase in megafarms since 2016, with 1,176 operating in the UK compared to 974 in 2016. It said they kept animals in cramped and crowded spaces, created the perfect breeding ground for diseases to spread and evolve and fuelled the overconsumption of meat. President Donald Trump has dramatically fired several members of his National Security Council team. DailyMail.com confirmed an Axios report about the sudden terminations released Thursday morning. The dismissals come after National Security Advisor Michael Waltz accidentally added The Atlantic magazine's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal chat where top administration officials were discussing an attack on the Houthis in Yemen. Trump has publicly supported Waltz, a former Florida congressman, in the aftermath of 'Signalgate' despite some White House insiders labeling him a 'f***ing idiot.' However, The New York Times reported Thursday morning that far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer visited the Oval Office on Wednesday and pressed for National Security Council (NSC) firings. The NSC is used by the president to advise him on national security, military, and foreign policy matters. Loomer came to the White House armed with research that purportedly showed some NSC staffers were not loyal enough to the president's agenda. 'Out of respect for President Trump and the privacy of the Oval Office, Im going to decline on divulging any details about my Oval Office meeting with President Trump,' Loomer told DailyMail.com Thursday. 'It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings, I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of strong vetting, for the sake of protecting the President and our national security,' she added. President Donald Trump (left) has fired some members of National Security Advisor Michael Waltz's team after meeting with far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer (right) in the Oval Office on Wednesday Waltz sat in on the meeting and defended members of his team, The Times said. 'NSC doesn't comment on personnel matters,' was the official line from NSC spokesperson Brian Hughes. But CNN reported Thursday that the individuals fired were Brian Walsh, Thomas Boodry and David Feith. The network said that the firings were directly the result of Trump's meeting with Loomer, who Trump's top Congressional ally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, had tried to get banished from MAGA months ago. Loomer, however, has maintained a position in Trump's orbit. The axed officials include Walsh, a director for intelligence who previously worked for now Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Boodry, Waltz's former legislative director in Congress who was a senior director for legislative affairs and Feth, who oversaw technology and national security. Feth had served in the State Department during Trump's first term. Loomer had publicly set her sights on pushing out Alex Wong, Waltz's deputy, and the one NSC staffer mentioned by name on the Houthi Signal chat. She has mainly gone after Wong for being 'Chinese.' Laura Loomer (left) poses for a photo with President Donald Trump (right) at Mar-a-Lago. Loomer was invited to the Oval Office for a meeting with Trump on Wednesday, despite some in the MAGA movement trying to push her out Wong is American, with parents who immigrated from China. Loomer also floated that Wong isn't loyal because his wife had worked at the Department of Justice during Obama and Biden administrations and her father was a shareholder of a Chinese satellite maker. 'I don't know why we have Chinese individuals in positions of national security,' Loomer said of Wong in an online video posted last week. The rhetoric surrounding Wong got so heated, that Republican Sen. Tom Cotton had to jump to his and his wife's defense. 'Alex Wong and his wife Candice are complete and total patriots, 100% MAGA Warriors who always put America First,' Cotton said in an X post on March 27. 'For three years, Alex worked hard for me until President Trump smartly hired him away,' Cotton said. 'President Trump made another great decision to hire Alex as his Deputy National Security Adviser. America is safer and better off with Alex in the White House. THANK YOU for your service, Alex!!!' It appears that Wong wasn't part of the ousted group of National Security Council employees. Greene, the Georgia Republican who also has a history of making controversial statements and pushing conspiracy theories, has been the most prominent MAGA member to publicly attempt to push Loomer out. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz has been publicly supported by President Donald Trump in the aftermath of 'Signal-gate,' in which he accidentally added The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal chat about attacking the Houthis in Yemen In September, ahead of the 2024 election, Greene called out a post written by Loomer as being 'extremely racist.' Loomer said if Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, won the election 'the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center.' Harris is half-Jamaican and half-Indian. The Georgia Republican called out Loomer's 'rhetoric and hateful tone' and said she 'doesn't represent MAGA as a whole.' Greene's office did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment about this week's Loomer development. America's deepest lake will soon close to visitors until 2027 for maintenance works, meaning there is only a short window left to enjoy swimming in it. Crater Lake National Park in Oregon attracts more than 500,000 tourists each year, with the 592-meter-deep lake being the crown jewel of the picturesque location. Day trippers can enjoy diving from a nearby 11-meter cliff face into the clear blue depths of the waterway, which sits in the blown-out caldera of a once mighty volcano known as Mount Mazama. Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, the cool azure surface of the lake is punctuated by two land masses - Wizard Island and the Phantom Ship natural rock pillar - which people can explore. Home to high numbers of kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, the large lagoon is also the perfect spot for fishermen and boating enthusiasts. Over the years, millions of people have trodden the winding Cleetwood Cove Trail, a short steep path which provides the only route to the shoreline. But starting this summer, the trail will be closed for two years for rehabilitation works, the National Park Service has announced. 'This project proposes to rehabilitate the trail and related infrastructure to ensure safe access to the lake, provide needed visitor services, and to protect the environment,' the NPS said in a statement. Crater Lake in Oregon - America's deepest lake - will soon close to visitors for two years for maintenance works, meaning there's only a short window left to enjoy swimming in it Crater Lake National Park in south Oregon attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year, with the 592-meter-deep lake being the crown jewel of the picturesque location Pictured: southern Oregon's Crater Lake National Park, Discovery Point informational poster The project involves rehabilitating the entire 1.1-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail 'including improvements to trail tread and retaining walls'. NPS crews will also identify high-risk zones for rockfall and restructure where needed. The mammoth task also involves removing the deteriorating dock and replacing it with a 'structurally stable marina'. NPS crews added that the old, tiny toilet block close to the marina will also be replaced with larger, modern restrooms. The project intends to prevent any accidents at the lake. In 2019 a 28-year-old man from Florida tripped and fell 245 meters into the water. Tyler Johns, a welder from Bronson, miraculously survived after losing his footing while hiking. We went to Crater Lake to sight-see and I propped down on a snow bank that I thought was soft, Johns told DailyMail.com at the time. I kinda jumped into a snowbank thinking it was soft and then I bounced off of it and then started sliding down on my back headfirst down the embankment. I slid for all of 800 feet, spun around and got stopped and had some bumps on my head, laceration on my arm, bruised ribs. Johns said he was sore everywhere and beat up' while his boots filled up with snow. He tried to climb back up, but he couldn't make it back to the top because the cliff face became too sheer to scale. I started to climb back up, 150 feet back up, [but I] couldnt get any farther because there were no trees or nothing to grab onto,' he told DailyMail.com. After around seven hours, rescuers found Johns and airlifted him to safety. On occasion, lucky tourists have been able to witness the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, lighting up the lake, such as on May 12, 2024, as shown above Crater Lake National Park in Oregon attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year, with the 592-meter-deep lake being the crown jewel of the picturesque location During more peaceful visits to the lake, some lucky tourists have been able to witness the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, lighting up the lake. The natural phenomenon glowed pink over the waters and surrounding mountains in May, 2024, creating stunning views in a rare occurrence for the area. 'The park is planning on starting construction in 2026,' the NPS said in a statement about the rehabilitation project. 'Due to the extent work to be completed and short construction seasons, trail closures will be required and are expected during the duration of the 2027 and 2028 summer seasons. 'During this time, no boat tours will be provided and the trail will be closed due to construction and rockfall hazards. 'If construction goes as planned, the renovated trail will reopen in summer 2029.' BRITAINs biggest pub and restaurant chains are battling at least 50 legal claims from groups of Irish Travellers who allege they were discriminated against in their venues, the Mail can reveal. J D Wetherspoon, Greene King, Fullers, Zizzi and Pizza Express are among the well-known names being sued under the Equality Act 2010 by members of at least five Irish Traveller families who claim they were discriminated against on the basis of their race. An exclusive Mail investigation last year headlined racism or brazen scam? exposed how several groups of Travellers had visited a string of pubs and allegedly started behaving strangely while secretly recording their conversation with bar staff. They are said to have asked bar staff if they would serve them as Irish Travellers and if staff refused, the gangs would instruct lawyers to launch discrimination suits, using their covert recordings as apparent evidence of their case. Household names including Stonegate group, Mitchells & Butlers, Urban Pubs and Bars Ltd, Ask, TGI Fridays and The Big Table Group Ltd (which runs chains including Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and food outlets at Center Parcs villages) were among those named in 50 claims before a packed case management hearing at Central London County Court today. Lawyers acting for hospitality firms applied to District Judge Patrick Le Bas to strike out several of the cases on a variety of grounds. Gary Sidwell, landlord of the Purley Arms, one of the pubs involved in today's court hearing In some cases, they alleged the Travellers had sued the wrong business or publican. In others, the defendants alleged that the claim had been filed too long after an alleged incident, or that court documents had allegedly been incorrectly served. A barrister representing Fullers and Shepherd Neame, observed the Travellers had sued the landlord the pub chain - rather than the tenant, who is the service provider. During the hearing, District Judge Le Bas observed one of the difficulties of managing the staggering scale of claims had been the dripping in of the cases into this, but he conceded this was unavoidable and said: I am doing the best I can to keep up to date. All 50 of the cases have been filed by two law firms: Julia & Rana and Howe & Company. The founder of the latter firm, Martin Howe, who was in court, has previously acted for ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his shadow chancellor John McDonnell. In a discussion over disclosure of the Travellers unedited video recordings of the alleged discrimination, lawyer Mark Collins of Howe & Company asked the judge to give the Travellers longer to consider matters, due to problems with literacy in the community and their experience of discrimination across society. Mr Collins asked for double the usual 28-day period, but district judge Le Bas granted them a 42-day timeframe, adding: This is information that ought to be, if not to hand, then certainly not difficult to obtain. Three publicans appeared in court to represent themselves, including Seamus Travers of the Howl at The Moon Irish pub in Hoxton, east London, Wayne Allen of the Nags Head pub and Erhan Sahin of Oz Ltd, which runs pubs in Uxbridge, west London. In the 50 claims against pub and restaurant chains, members of the Mongan Traveller family feature an astonishing 122 times. Burly Brian Mongan who the Mail previously traced to a red-brick semi in West Drayton, Greater London - appears 44 times, his brother Pete features in 12 claims and their friends Paddy and Tom McDonagh are named in 11 and six claims respectively. Other Mongans also feature prominently in the claims, with one Michael Mongan named 30 times under five different spellings, a Seamus Mongan appears 15 times, Caitlin Mongan 14 times, Donna Mongan four times, a Bridget Mongan twice and a Geraldine Mongan once. Trevor Weller at The Surrey Cricketers is among the defendants in the 50 legal claims made by the Travellers A Paddy McDonagh features in 11 claims, while likely relatives Margaret McDonagh and Selena McDonagh are named thrice each and a Rebecca McDonagh appears twice. Another family, the McCarthys, are also named, with one James McCarthy featuring 11 times and a Geraldine McCarthy appearing seven times. Meanwhile, John and a Lisa Marie Reilly appear in three claims each and a Nancy Stokes is named twice. The Mail is aware of several other cases involving the same claimants which were not dealt with in court today. One, in which Paddy McDonagh and several friends are using Howe & Company to sue a pub in Uxbridge has seen them seek 3,000 each for the upset and injury to feeling caused by the refusal of services. The judge ordered further hearings to be held in the coming weeks on the tranche of wrong entity strike-out applications, followed by the group out of time strike-out applications. He granted defendants 14 days for any other strike out applications to be made and further time for the claimants to respond with their evidence. This is the shocking moment a woman in a 'mermaid contest' was mauled by a shark while swimming in a Chinese aquarium. In the footage the woman is inside a tank of water, in Jiangsu China when a large shark approaches. As the woman - named Ms Li - starts to swim up to the surface the shark suddenly lurches towards the performer and chomps down on her arm. Following the attack on June 19 2023, Ms Li was rushed to hospital where she underwent a five-hour operation and over 100 stitches. The injury was so deep that her bone was exposed and medics recovered a shark tooth. It also left Ms Li with permanent damage to her hand nearly two years later. A second, horrifying video shows the graphic aftermath of the attack with Ms Li's arm bloody and requiring multiple stitches. In the footage a woman dressed as a mermaid, named Ms Li, is inside a tank of water surrounded by fish and a large shark in Jiangsu China As Ms Li starts to swim up to the surface the shark suddenly lurches towards her chomping down on her arm leaving the mermaid performer with devastating injuries Now, Ms Li has filed a complaint against the aquarium after they failed to reach a compensation agreement. Ms Li told local media had signed up for the China Mermaid Open - a performance competition held four or five times a year. She said: 'If you enter the top three, you may also qualify for the World Mermaid Competition, which offers very attractive prizes.' In 2023, she successfully entered the competition and wanted to do some training at the 'Sipadan Diving' in Wuxi Sunac Sea World. Ms Li had made a short break while a staff member fed the sharks and then returned into the water. However, one shark was apparently still hungry and as Ms Li was floating towards the surface, it approached from her right side and bit her arm. She said that the shark had poor eyesight and may have mistaken her arm for fish food or may have been frightened. She desperately poked the beast in the eyes and its head until it let go of her. A 'mermaid', known only as 22-year-old Russian performer Masha, was attacked by a fish during a performance in January this year Masha waves to families as fish swim past her. But as she slowly moves to the surface a giant creature bobs above her head. It then suddenly clasps its huge jaws around her face The Binhu District People's Court of Wuxi City ruled that the operator of the diving project was ordered to bear 70 per cent of the responsibility, and Ms Li was responsible for 30 per cent. The court ruled that Ms Li had signed a waiver and had a diving licence, and failed to observe her surroundings enough to ensure her safety. But the aquarium was also found guilty of failing to meet safety standards. The Sipadan Company, which operates the aquarium, was ordered to pay Ms Li 14,342.49 in compensation. Ms Li said that this case is the first of its kind in the country and claimed that the main cause of the accident was negligence on the part of the operator. She was not satisfied with the verdict as she had not teased the shark. She said: 'This accident could have been avoided. I just hope that the other party can bear all my medical expenses.' Ms Li now plans to appeal. In January, a young mermaid performer at the Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park, in China, was attacked by a giant fish in front of terrified children. The 'mermaid', known only as 22-year-old Russian performer Masha, is seen in an aquarium tank gliding through the water while wearing a bikini top and tail. She waves to families as fish swim past her. But as she slowly moves to the surface a giant creature bobs above her head. It then suddenly clasps its huge jaws around her face which caused people watching on to scream and shout out in terror. She manages to break free within seconds and quickly surfaces. Masha was reportedly offered some 78 in 'moral damages' after the attack but was barred from talking about it as her bosses at Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park tried to 'cover up' the incident. The treatment of the so-called real-life mermaids in China and South Korea has been brought into question recently. Many who work in profession claim they are being subjected to grueling, near-slave-like conditions, forced to perform for hours on end in hazardous environments, and denied medical care - all for a pittance in pay. One mermaid is Maria who was lured to South Korea in 2024 with the promise of a structured schedule - five shows a day, one day off per week, and a salary of 1.8 million Korean won (roughly 1,100). But soon after starting the job, it became clear that these promises were meaningless. This includes diving up to 70 times a day and sharing a tank with sea creatures whose secretions, she said, were toxic and caused skin reactions and respiratory issues. A former Democratic congressional candidate from California has been hit with a six-figure fine for improperly reporting payments to Alec Baldwin. Former California Assemblymember Evan Low has been issued a fine of $106,000 for failing to properly document campaign payment records, according to a new report from California's Fair Political Practices Commission. Low has reportedly agreed to pay the fine, though the state still needs to issue final approval next week. The Democrat was charged with 18 violations, including infractions for failing to report payments. The commission had been investigating the Democrat since 2020, and it recently unveiled in a filing that Low paid Baldwin $227,000 to appear at two events in 2019, one being a campaign fundraiser for his reelection to the state assembly. Low paid Baldwin for the events using cash from a technology nonprofit he ran, not his campaign funds, the report states. The Democrat later told investigators the 30 Rock actor arrived of his 'own accord' at Low's campaign fundraiser, according to the state's report. A contract stated Baldwin's attendance at the campaign fundraiser was 'voluntary.' Actor Alec Baldwin is at the center of a controversy in which a failed Democratic congressional candidate now must pay over $100,000 Former California Assemblyman Evan Low (R) was fined after improperly reporting payments made to Baldwin for his appearance at a campaign event But another contract stated Baldwin was being paid for attendance at both the nonprofit Foundation for Californias Technology and Innovation Economy event and a Lunar New Year fundraiser for Low. Initially, Low denied having knowledge of the details behind Baldwin's bookings. In addition to the fees for Baldwin to show up at the events the celebrity also got first class airfare for two to travel to the San Francisco Bay Area from New York. Low has been an influential player in California state politics having advocated for LGBTQ+ issues while in the state assembly. The Democrat recently lost the 2024 congressional race for California's 16th District, an area in the heart of Silicon Valley, to Rep. Sam Liccardo, D-Calif. The district is the wealthiest in the state and is home to major tech corporations headquarters like Google, Facebook, Netflix, Apple and more. Since losing his bid for Congress Low was recently name as the CEO and President of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, a political organization that backs LGBTQ+ candidates nationwide. Low paid Baldwin an eye-popping $227,000 for two event appearances in 2019 Baldwin and his wife Hilaria Baldwin now have their own show on TLC Low's nonprofit frequently hosted events attended by lobbyists and lawmakers. The foundation hosted an annual policy summit where tech leaders could mingle with state officials. Baldwin appeared at the tech foundation's summit in 2020 for an afternoon visit, CalMatters reported. A transgender mass shooter who slaughtered six at a Christian elementary school had no friends except for stuffed animals which she brought with her on the rampage, according to a new report. Audrey Hale was fatally shot by police after she killed three children and three teachers when she opened fire at The Covenant School on March 27, 2023. The shooter wrote in her diary that she craved fame and notoriety and looked up to the Columbine High school shooters, a new Nashville Police report reveals. The document outlines Hale's declining mental health and growing obsession with carrying out the sick attack, in which nine-year-olds William Kinney, Hallie Scruggs and Evelyn Dieckhaus, and adults Michael Hill, Cynthia Peak and Katherine Koonce died. 'As time progressed, Hale began rating other mass killers based on the number of people they killed, what targets they selected, and the level of notoriety they achieved,' the report states. 'She considered those offenders who killed a low number of people to be amateurs who werent worthy of respect.' Hale, 28, identified as a trans man, but is referred to throughout the document by female pronouns because Tennessee law requires officials to refer to an individual's biological sex. Hale was a former student of the school where she carried out the massacre and had fond memories of her time there. A new report into Nashville school shooter Audrey Hale details how the killer was seeking fame and notoriety Hale, 28, had no real friends and would talk to stuffed animals which she brought on the rampage The killer gunned down three children and three adults during the massacre on March 27, 2023 Police said there was not one single motivation behind her heinous actions, however the report paints a picture of her increasing social isolation as a teenager which boiled over into adulthood. 'Hale wrote how she was tired of being alone and ignored, ostracized by those she felt were her friends, and shunned by society for being autistic' the report states. 'After writing an expletive rant directed towards her best friend for choosing a relationship with a man over her, Hale decided it was time to make others notice her for a change'. The 'change' Hale referred to 'killing a bunch of children' which she felt would mean she would no longer be ignored, police said. At one point she wrote in a journal that she would consider herself a 'failure' if she did not kill at least 10 people. As Hale withdrew more into herself, she began to feel that, 'the only true friends she could confide in were her stuffed animals, who she felt would never abandon her', the report states. The killer gave the toys names and personalities and used them to act out her emotions. The stuffed animals were discovered in Hale's car shortly after the shooting along with ammo. Police recovered crazed writings from Hale's home and vehicle which detailed the sick plot Weapons and ammo were also recovered from her home Prior to the attack, Hale had requested a guided tour of the school posing as a nostalgic alumnus. But in reality, she was scoping out the layout and taking photographs to assist in her evil plan, the report states. The document maps out Hale's movements almost minute by minute, describing how she shot her way into the school. Custodian Hill was the first person shot by Hale as he attempted to flee after seeing her enter the school. After an alarm was sounded, third graders Dieckhaus, Kinney and Scruggs formed a line and started heading for an exit in line with their school's protocol. They crossed paths with Peak who let them exit ahead of her, but all four were killed after they were met by Hale who blasted them as she advanced up a stairwell. Hale then began firing rounds into classrooms as terrified kids and teachers cowered inside. Koonce was the last to die after she stepped out to investigate the source of the alarm. Hale idolized the Columbine shooters and wrote that she would consider herself a failure if she killed less than 10 people Third graders Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs were killed alongside vice principle Katherine Koonce, teacher Cynthia Peak and custodian Michael Hill She was shot by Hale after she asked her what she was doing in the school. Hale was apprehended by police who managed to sneak up on her because she was wearing ear buds. She refused to relinquish her weapon and was fatally shot. Hale's writings indicated she believed that, 'by simply committing suicide, she would be quickly forgotten and not even worthy of a footnote in history'. Police determined that Hale selected the elementary school because her targets, 'would likely not put up much of a fight'. The school was also selected because it gave Hale a sense of comfort over her own death as it gave her the feeling her life had come full circle given her personal connection, the report said. Labour have admitted they rejected pleas to delay the disruptive mid-year private school VAT grab to net almost 1 billion extra. Lawyers for the Government have told the High Court bringing forward the date by eight months would raise an additional revenue of over 900 million. They said they did it sooner rather than later to meet the central objective of raising revenue, documents submitted to the court show. This was despite officials warning this option would be the most disruptive to pupils as it fell in the middle of the school year. The new 20 per cent VAT on private school fees came into effect on January 1, leaving schools and families less than two months to prepare after the details were confirmed. Schools say they were originally led to believe the start date would be September 2025, the beginning of the next school year. The details were revealed in Judicial Review proceedings, where families and private schools are challenging the Governments policy. Court documents include a memo from Treasury officials to the new ministers on July 6, two days after the General Election. Labour have admitted they rejected pleas to delay the 'disruptive' mid-year private school VAT grab to net almost 1 billion extra (pictured: children not involved in the case protesting) Lawyers for the Government told the High Court bringing forward the date by eight months would raise 'an additional revenue of over 900 million' (pictured: children not involved in the case protesting) Government lawyers said the move met the 'central objective' of 'raising revenue', documents submitted to the court show (pictured: families not involved in the case protesting) It says: Department for Education (DfE) have noted it may be less disruptive for schools and parents, and allow more time for schools to prepare, if the changes took effect from August 2025 to capture the September 2025 term. The memo puts forward the pros and cons of different dates, and notes that although January would be most disruptive for pupils, September would mean 900 million VAT revenue foregone. Separate written submissions from Government lawyers say: Given the central objective of the policy to raise revenue to help fund the Governments education priorities, there was a clear fiscal incentive to implement sooner rather than later. They add: The result of bringing the measure in for educational services provided on or after 1 January 2025, rather than for the commencement of the 2025/26 school year, is that the State will raise additional revenue of over 900 million. Sir James Eadie KC, who wrote the submissions on behalf of the Government, said that there is nothing unfair or unreasonable about the decision because it was contained in Labours manifesto. He added: It was projected that only a very small number of pupils would be displaced immediately by the measure, with schools and parents taking steps to minimise displacement during particular educational phases. Sir James submission also reveals ministers were aware that some children with SEND would be displaced because their families would no longer be able to afford private school fees. However, he adds: Parliament judged that the revenue to be raised for public services including state education justified these hardships. Charlie Gunns, 12, who has transverse myelitis, and his mother Leanne, came from their home in Norwich to support the claimants The case has attracted supporters from all over the country, with protesters not involved in the case attending the High Court with placards Claimants Stephen White and son Josiah, 14, who have chosen not to be anonymous, attended the High Court with sister Joy The Treasury memo also reveals officials thought 54,000 pupils would be displaced into the state sector UK-wide, most within two years higher than other Government estimates of 35,000. In addition, they admitted there would be a small number of local authority areas where increased demand for state school places will outstrip existing supply, especially in sixth forms. The memo also confirms the Government predicted as early as July that 100 extra private schools would close due to the tax. The challenge is being brought on the basis the tax is a breach of childrens right to education under the European Convention of Human Rights. The various claimant families also say it is discriminatory either because their child has SEND, has a preference for a religious education, or because they need an all-girls environment. Among the claimants are Jewish pupils at specialist religious private schools who fear anti-Semitic attacks if they go into the state sector. There is also a girl who had to attend a single-sex private school the only all-girls school in her area due to harassment by boys at her co-educational state school. And there are also claimants using Christian private schools because they cannot obtain the same religious education in the state system. One is Stephen White, who has chosen not to be anonymous, and whose eldest four children are at Bradford Christian School, a private Christian school in West Yorkshire. On Tuesday, he helped stage a protest outside the High Court to mark the opening of the case, joined by dozens of other parents from around the country not involved in the case. A Government spokesman said: We do not comment on ongoing litigation. WARNING: This story contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some A sick South African father who admitted to murdering his one-week-old baby daughter after he violently raped her has been given two life sentences. Hugo Ferreira, 37, subjected his baby daughter to vile abuse and rape to 'give her something to cry about' after she was left alone with him on June 8, 2023. When the baby's mother returned later that day she found her daughter after severely injured after being assaulted physically and sexually. The infant was taken to hospital where she died the following day due to head injuries. Judge Portia Phahlane, describing the horrific crime committed by Ferreira as 'brutal, ruthless and monstrous', this morning at Gauteng Crown Court ordered that he be locked up for life and said there was no reason to deviate from the maximum sentence after he admitted to raping and murdering the infant. She told Ferreira: 'On Count 1 of murder you will be sentenced to life imprisonment and on Count 2 of rape you will be sentence to life imprisonment. There is no mitigation.' Ferreira in his plea exclamation said he knew that his actions were wrong and that his daughter could die, but continued to attack the infant despite this. He admitted being under the influence of methamphetamine, but said the drugs did not influence him to the point where he was not accountable for his actions. Ferreira was put on the sex offenders list and taken to a hell hole jail where he may need to be held in solitary confinement for his safety to begin his life sentence. Hugo Ferreira, 37, (pictured) who admitted to murdering his one-week-old baby daughter after he violently raped her, was today sentenced to two life terms The judge, describing the horrific crime committed by Ferreira (pictured) as 'brutal, ruthless and monstrous', ordered this morning at Gauteng Crown Court that he be locked up for life Ferreira raped his daughter while his wife was out shopping for nappies because she would not stop crying while alone with him in June 2023 in Welverdiend, west of Johannesburg, the court heard earlier. The baby's mother Maureen Brand returned later that day and found her baby severely injured after being raped by the evil father who had also attacked it. The infant was rushed to hospital, where she died the following day due to head injuries suffered in the brutal assault. Police then arrested Ferreira. The court was told he raped the baby to give his daughter 'something to cry about' saying in his plea that he was 'unhappy' because Brand had left her with him and had said she would be back in 'five minutes'. But when Brand didn't return, and the baby girl began to cry because she was hungry and needed her nappy changed, Ferreira became angry and unleashed his horrific attack on the infant. He told the court: 'I grabbed the baby hard at the back of her neck and hit her buttocks repeatedly and pushed her had against the surface on which I was working. 'I accept that it was a cruel and gruesome attack, especially on such a young baby. The action was clearly illegal and I did it with intent.' He then said that he decided to rape because he had 'decided to give her something to cry about' and said he feared Brand finding out he had attacked the baby. He added: 'When her mother returned, I realised she would see that something was wrong. 'I kept the baby away from her until later the day. I did this because I realised the baby was seriously injured.' A controversial immigration court has been blasted by senior judges over a euphemistic and inadequate ruling in favour of an illegal migrant. The first-tier immigration tribunal decided that Pakistani national Muhammad Arshad should be allowed to remain in Britain on human rights grounds. The 43-year-old immigration offender has been living in this country without permission for 16 years and working illegally as a butcher. But the case went all the way to the Court of Appeal after a series of legal challenges by the Home Office and Mr Arshads legal team. Now the senior court has condemned the original decision by immigration tribunal judge Helena Suffield-Thompson, ruling that it even treated Mr Arshads breach of border rules as mitigating factors. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick expressed concern over the case and said activist judges should be brought to account over such flagrant open-borders activism. In an unusually strongly-worded criticism of Judge Suffield-Thompsons ruling, Lord Justice Underhill said the first-tier tribunal had given a euphemistic and inadequate account of Mr Arshads circumstances. The Court of Appeal judge said: The first-tier tribunal obscured the fact that Mr Arshad has been here illegally since January 2009 by saying that his immigration history is not ideal but it is not the worst by any means. The [tribunal] did not use the words 'unlawful' or 'illegal' at all, except when it referred to the fact that Mr Arshad had worked even though he had no permission to. Indeed, it seems to have treated the consequences of Mr Arshad's overstaying as mitigating factors. The senior judge said he was troubled by the way Judge Suffield-Thompsons ruling downplays the facts over Mr Arshads time as a visa overstayer in the UK, and concluded its approach was unlawful. Senior judges at the Court of Appeal, pictured, have criticised an earlier ruling by the first-tier immigration tribunal Mr Arshads legal team originally won their case by arguing their client had the right to private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. They said it would be unfair to deport him because it would harm his relationship with his UK-based sister and her children, describing him as their third parent. However, lawyers for the Home Secretary argued that there is no such thing as a third parent, court documents reveal. Lord Justice Underhill said the first-tier immigration tribunal had given a euphemistic and inadequate account of Muhammad Arshads circumstances, and noted it 'seems to have treated the consequences of Mr Arshad's overstaying as mitigating factors' The Court of Appeal ruled Mr Arshad does not have the right to remain in Britain. The case raises serious new questions about the activities of the first-tier immigration tribunal. A ruling by first-tier immigration tribunal judge Helena Suffield-Thompson by criticised by a panel of judges in the Court of Appeal The court hears thousands of cases a year but operates in virtual secrecy because it refuses to publish its decisions. Concerning cases only become known about if they are appealed in a higher court. It is therefore impossible to say how many cases have involved similar errors to those made in Mr Arshads case. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: This is the latest example in a long list of cases where immigration judges are failing to apply the law properly. There has to be consequences for these activist judges that display such flagrant open-borders activism. Our legal system needs fundamental reform. Yes, the ECHR is a huge obstacle to border enforcement, but this case highlights how activist British judges are also a huge problem. Mr Arshad came to the UK in 2008 on a family visit visa that expired in January 2009 and has been here ever since, working illegally as a butcher and a cleaner, court documents showed. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called for action against 'activist judges' as he expressed concern over the latest ruling in the case of Pakistani national Muhammad Arshad The Home Office encountered him in 2011 and began removal proceedings, but nothing appears to have then happened in the case for years. In 2020 he brought an Article 8 claim based on his relationship with his sister and her children. He won his case in front of Judge Suffield-Thompson in 2022, which was appealed successfully by Home Office at the upper tribunal on the grounds the lower courts findings perverse or irrational. Mr Arshad then went to the Court of Appeal, which upheld the Home Offices victory. Last month it emerged that a separate decision by Judge Suffield-Thompson had been overturned after she mixed up Iran and Iraq. A Home Office spokesman said: We are rebuilding public confidence in the immigration system, which means being absolutely clear that rules must be respected and enforced. We are continuing to ramp up our removals of people with no right to be in the UK, with more than 24,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals and other immigration offenders now returned since this government came to power, the highest number of returns in a nine-month period since 2017. Residents in several Western states are living in fear of a predator that has lost all fear of humans and is threatening the lives of pets and children. Commissioners in a rural New Mexico county say pets are being snatched from front yards and livestock are being maimed and killed by endangered Mexican gray wolves. The animals seem to have no fear of humans, prompting them to consider declaring a state of emergency. 'This is an immediate health and safety hazard to individuals and property,' Catron County commissioners said in a recent news release. 'Please be aware of your surroundings when outdoors at all times. Maintain constant supervision of children and pets. Alert our elderly citizens to take appropriate precautions.' It's not just an issue in rural New Mexico, as officials in parts of Oregon and Northern California say the wolves seem brazen and more livestock are turning up dead. Two California counties have declared emergencies in recent weeks and the sheriff in another recently requested the help of state wildlife officials. Mexican wolves are the smallest subspecies of gray wolves. Residents in several Western states are being endangered by the Mexican gray wolf that have lost all fear of humans and are threatening the lives of pets and children It's not just an issue in rural New Mexico, as officials in parts of Oregon and Northern California say the wolves seem brazen and more livestock are turning up dead. Two California counties have declared emergencies in recent weeks (pictured: wolves with pups) Ranchers have been at odds with efforts to reintroduce these more rare gray wolves since the late 1990s when the first captive ones were released into the wild. They have argued that despite meager programs for reimbursing losses, the wolves pose a threat to their own way of life, which is already challenged by prolonged drought and rising prices. There are more than 11,000 calves in Catron County, New Mexico, and more than 307 cows and 31 bulls, according to KOB 4. 'And so for a county our size, that is a lot of money leaving our tax base and our producers,' County Commissioner Audrey McQueen told the outlet. 'I think theres room on the landscape for wolves, but theyve got to be managed,' she continued. 'Weve got wolves coming into school yards, wolves in and around towns. There was just somebody on Monday that had they stopped on the side of the road to use the restroom. A wolf came right up to him. 'Theyre just not afraid of humans.' Environmentalists argue that Mexican gray wolves should have a place in the Southwest, often criticizing the US Fish and Wildlife Service for not releasing more captive wolves to ensure genetic diversity among the wild population. They contend there's no incident in recorded history of a Mexican wolf attacking or injuring a person. There are more than 11,000 calves in Catron County, New Mexico, and more than 307 cows and 31 bulls. 'And so for a county our size, that is a lot of money leaving our tax base and our producers,' County Commissioner Audrey McQueen said of wolves attack livestock (pictured: wolves dragging a carcass) The latest survey of Mexican gray wolves showed there were at least 286 in Arizona and New Mexico, marking the ninth straight year of population growth. The wolf recovery team also reported 99 confirmed livestock kills in 2024, saying that number has been decreasing in recent years. Wildlife managers conducted 290 successful hazing operations last year to scare wolves away from rural homes and livestock. Commissioners in Catron County, New Mexico, are meeting on Thursday to consider a resolution that would make available funds to hire more people to investigate the damage reports and help haze the wolves. In the proposed resolution, Catron County states that the culture and customs of residents have been compromised by the wolf reintroduction program. It would request emergency financial aid from the state and asks for the governor to order into service the New Mexico National Guard to support county authorities as needed. In Oregon, ranchers in Lake County - home to some of that state's largest cattle operations - said they were forced to hire extra workers to patrol their herds around the clock. Some bought night vision goggles to help with the task. That county commission declared a public safety and livestock emergency in February and asked the governor there to help with removing a collared wolf thought to be behind several livestock kills. Wildlife managers ended up killing the wolf after nonlethal efforts failed. In California, Sierra County declared an emergency on Tuesday, following similar action by Modoc County in mid-March. Neighboring Lassen County also has reported increased wolf activity. The latest survey of Mexican gray wolves showed there were at least 286 in Arizona and New Mexico, marking the ninth straight year of population growth And in Colorado, a group of citizens is gathering petition signatures in hopes of putting the question of wolf reintroductions to voters through a ballot initiative in 2026. Federal wildlife managers in Colorado just recently killed a collared wolf that appeared to have crossed the state line into Wyoming and killed several sheep. In Montana, lawmakers are considering legislation to extend the wolf hunting season, while state wildlife managers in Idaho allow for limited wolf trapping and snaring as a way to manage the population there. Gray wolves in the Northern Rockies and beyond have been another source of lawsuits over the years. And those for and against the reintroduction strategy have been waging legal battles with the federal government for decades over the wolves roaming parts of Arizona and New Mexico, with the fate of a management rule and the boundaries of the recovery area pending before a federal appeals court. A prison governor has denied being in a relationship with a drug gang boss despite Hugo Boss flip flops and a toothbrush carrying his DNA being found in her flat. Divorcee Kerri Pegg, 42, also denied she accepted a 12,000 Mercedes car from Anthony Saunderson, who she had approved for temporary early release from HMP Kirkham where she was a governor, a jury heard. Pegg had been a 'rising star' in the Prison Service, climbing the career ladder from graduate entrant to prison governor in six years, Preston Crown Court was told. But the 42-year-old, described in court as 'petite, blonde and bubbly', did not play by the rules, it is alleged. She is said to have begun a relationship with Saunderson, known to criminal associates as 'Jesse Pinkman', the meth-dealing character from TV's Breaking Bad. Barbara Louise-Webster, prosecuting, showed the jury the flip flops found in Pegg's apartment and said Saunderson had been visiting her. 'A number of times, because you were having a relationship?' Ms Webster added. 'No,' replied Pegg. Pegg (pictured outside court) had been a 'rising star' in the Prison Service, climbing the career ladder from graduate entrant to prison governor in six years Drug boss Anthony Saunderson whose DNA was found on flip flops and a toothbrush at the home of female prison governor he was allegedly having fling with Kerri Pegg, 42, who Saunderson is accused of having a relationship with while serving time at HMP Kirkham in Lancashire Ms Webster continued: 'That's the reason there's a toothbrush with his DNA on it, in your flat. 'You accept the Hugo Boss flip flops found in your flat had his DNA and your DNA?' 'Yes,' Pegg replied. 'What size are you?' Ms Webster said. 'Me, I'm size four,' Pegg replied. Prosecutors allege, along with becoming personally involved with a convict and accepting a car from him, Pegg lived beyond her means and got into debt. They say she did not declare three County Court Judgments issued against her, despite her being duty-bound to do so as public officials with money worries are more vulnerable to corruption. Pegg denies all the offences and tearfully told jurors she had been 'incredibly stupid', but did not think she had done anything wrong. Police seized the Mercedes C class saloon outside her home when police swooped in November 2019. Inside her apartment in Orrell, Wigan, along with the flip flops and toothbrush they found designer clothes, shoes, handbags and jewellery. Pegg pictured outisde Preston Crown Court where she is accused of two counts of misconduct in a public office and one count of possession of criminal property Pegg had been a 'rising star' in the Prison Service, climbing the career ladder from graduate entrant to prison governor in six years, Preston Crown Court (pictured) was told Saunderson was given a 10-year jail term in November 2014 for drugs conspiracy and money laundering. In June 2017, he was moved to HMP Kirkham, and later Pegg, a governor there, is alleged to have broken prison rules by signing off on his temporary release for time out of custody, without proper authority. Saunderson served his sentence and was released from Kirkham on May 22, 2019. But two months later he became involved in another conspiracy to supply drugs. He was identified as the boss of a drug gang and went by the name of Jesse Pinkman on the Encrochat encrypted mobile phone network, used by organised crime gangs. At the same time, in July 2019, the court heard newly-released Saunderson was contracted by some prisons to run a project, titled Breaking Alcohol and Drug Dependency. Pegg, who was the regional official co-ordinating drug strategy in six prisons in the North West of England and 'passionate' about the BADD project, thought of Saunderson not as an ex-inmate but a 'colleague' and she said this explained her contact with him as he was working on the project. Later, when police cracked the Encrochat system, it revealed Saunderson's drug dealing and his alleged relationship with Pegg. Pegg denies two counts of misconduct in a public office, one by having a relationship with Saunderson and the second by failing to disclose county court judgments about her debts. She also denies one count of possessing criminal property, the Mercedes car, from Saunderson. The trial was adjourned until Friday morning. A knifeman who was shot dead by police outside Milton Keynes station after racing towards officers with a blade in hand has been named as David Joyce. Joyce was seen on police bodycam and CCTV with a weapon in his hand sprinting at cops outside the city station's entrance on Tuesday at 1.04pm. The 38-year-old, who was from Milton Keynes, was killed by a single shot at close range in front of horrified commuters. Officers performed CPR in an attempt to save Joyce's life, but he was pronounced dead at 1.44pm. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the incident and a witness appeal. IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this man and all of those affected by this tragic incident. 'Given a man has died after being shot by police, our role is to independently investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident including the actions and decisions taken by the police. 'We appreciate that this incident outside a busy train station will understandably cause concern. 'We know the community will want answers quickly and our investigators are working hard to establish the facts as we piece together what happened and how. Officers were called to Milton Keynes Central following reports of a man carrying a firearm just before 1pm on April 1 (picture from the scene) 'We have obtained details of some members of the public who witnessed the incident who we will be contacting, however we know there were many people near the station around the time of the shooting and we want to hear from anyone who may have seen the incident or has footage of it. 'We have contacted the man's family and will meet with them soon to explain our role. We will keep them regularly updated throughout our investigation. 'Witnesses to the incident can contact us on 0300 303 5727 or by email at miltonkeynes@policeconduct.gov.uk.' Firearms officers were deployed following reports that there was a man with a gun outside the station. But the IOPC said today that only a knife was recovered from the scene. Locals told MailOnline on Tuesday that the town feels 'really unsafe', with many still in shock following the incident. Irisa Gordoni, who moved to the town 10 years ago from Italy, feels that while knife crime was common, the town has begun to feel increasingly unsafe, especially for women. 'We run a small family business and sometimes you know, so I'm always worried you know that something could happen in my shop or close to my shop,' she said. 'It just makes me feel unsafe really, I feel like everyone feels a bit scared. 'You are scared to say anything to anyone because you don't know how it will go down,' she added: 'The train station is only 15 minutes from here.' She continued: 'I feel the difference, it's become really unsafe to walk around. It used to be different because I was new to the areaI used to like it a lot.' Those who saw the incident have also come forward to share their accounts upon seeing the standoff between police and the armed man. Residents living above the station in Milton Keynes reported hearing a loud 'bang' Police could be seen trying to save a man's life after shots were fired at around 1pm on Tuesday Police stand guard at a cordon at Milton Keynes train station after Joyce was shot dead by armed officers Thames Valley Police said armed officers challenged the man at the station before shots were fired by police A police tent erected at Milton Keynes Central on April 1 after the shooting Witness Domenico Scalzo, 38, a delivery driver, said: 'It was very shocking - I will definitely have nightmares.' He described how he rushed outside to see police officers giving the man - who he said appeared to be in his 20s and was bleeding - CPR. 'It's really difficult for the police, there are teenagers around here as young as 12 carrying massive knives, but you don't expect to see people gunned down in the streets by the police in the UK. 'I was having my coffee and I saw a police Volvo arrive. I heard a pop - I used to work with firearms in private security, I knew it wasn't a car backfiring or anything.' An 83-year-old British missionary and his assistant have been brutally abducted by an unknown group of armed men in Cameroon, his church group has said. Huub Welters and assistant Henry Kang were captured on Tuesday in Bambui - a town located in the country's separatist conflict-hit anglophone northwest. The pair were on their way to a project to build classrooms for underprivileged children in nearby Ilung, according to The Catholic Mill Hill Missionary. In an update on Wednesday, the London-based Catholic missionary said Mr Welters had spent his first night in captivity but they had 'no idea' where he was. They raised concerns about his 'fragile health', saying he has recently undergone a series of joint replacements and a back operation. The missionary added that Mr Kang has a wife and children who are 'waiting in agony' and praying for his safe return. African Conscience, an NGO contacted by AFP, said it believed the pair had been abducted by separatist fighters. 'The authorities of the Archdiocese are currently working for their release,' the NGO added. 'We pray. We plead. We wait.' Huub Welters (pictured) and his assistant Henry Kang were 'brutally abducted' Tuesday in the town of Bambui in Cameroon Pictured: Henry Kang who has been abducted by an armed group of men in Cameroon Pictured: The Ilung building site where the pair were travelling to The Catholic Mill Hill Missionary posted on their website: '[Mr Welters] He has given everything, his time, his energy, his very being, to serve the people he loves. 'And yet, today, he finds himself tormented by the very ones he has spent a lifetime caring for.' They continued: 'At his age, he should be at home, resting, surrounded by the warmth of cherished memories from his decades of selfless service. 'Instead, he chose to stay; because his heart simply wouldnt allow him to walk away from those in need. And now, his kindness, his sacrifice, his love have been met with violence and suffering.' Kidnapping and violence has become common in Cameroon's northwest and southwest regions, which are mainly populated by an English-speaking minority. Separatists have regularly targeted and killed civil servants, including teachers, and elected officials accused of 'collaboration' with the French-speaking central government in Yaounde. The army and police are accused of carrying out punitive raids against people they accuse of pro-separatist leanings. The conflict erupted in late 2016 after President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon unchallenged for 42 years, violently put down peaceful demonstrations by Anglophones in both regions. At least 6,000 civilians have been killed by government forces and separatist fighters since the unrest began, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). Mill Hill missionaries arrived in Uganda in 1895 and have been working in Cameroon since 1922. A 73-year-old pistol-packing grandmother and two children are under arrest after she murdered two alleged gang members who she accused of squatting in her residence in Mexico. Wild video footage showed Maria Alfaro stepping out of a vehicle to confront the group outside her residence in Chalco on Monday. Alfaro arrived with an armed man and woman when a gun shot was fired in their vicinity. The granny took several steps toward her multi-story property and exchanged words with one of the alleged gang members while her armed family member made his way inside the home. One of the fatal victims, Madaleno Marquez, 51, could be her asked Alfaro, What did I do to you? when she suddenly shot him. Maria, 51, then aimed her firearm at Marquez's daughter-in-law, who was recording the incident, and proceeded to shoot his 19-year-old son, Justin Marquez. Madaleno and several other people then chased Maria and her family to the street, where a wild melee erupted before the one of the Alfaros shot a 14-year-old boy. Justin was pronounced dead on the scene, and Madaleno was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died. The unnamed 14-year-old is recovering from the wound. Mexican grandmother Maria Alfaro is being investigated for double murder and attempted murder after she shot and killed two alleged gang members, who were reportedly squatting inside her residence in Chalco, State of Mexico on Monday. A 14-year-old was also wounded Maria Alfaro had approached the police for help to remove a family that was allegedly squatting in her residence in Chalco before she took matters into her own hands and shot and killed two of the alleged squatters - who were said to be gang members Maria, her children, Mariana, 51, and Eduardo, 34, fled in a vehicle but were arrested Wednesday. They are being investigated on double murder and attempted murder charges. Another man named Julian Alcantara, 30, has also been arrested. Maria's other son, Arturo, did not participate in the deadly incident, is a former politician. According to local outlets, Maria had approached local police and asked them to remove the squatting family from her premises. However, Marquezs family argued that they had legally rented the home online. Maria (left) was joined by her children Eduardo (right) and Mariana (top right) in the failed attempt to remove a family they accused of invading and residing in her house Mariana Alfaro (left) and Eduardo Alfaro (right) are being investigated for their roles in the shooting that left two people dead and a boy wounded after they joined their mother in attempting to evict the fatal victims, who were allegedly squatting at their home The State of Mexico prosecutor's office is investigating Eduardo Alfaro (second from left), Maria Alfaro (third from left) and Mariana Alfaro (center) for double murder and attempted murder charges Madaleno and Justin were reportedly were members of the October 22nd Syndicate, a street gang that operates in State of Mexico. The criminal group is said to be notorious for squatting in residences. The gang's leaders, Christian Castillo and Guillermo Fragoso, were linked to the April 27, 2022, massacre of eight people at the cement factory in Tula, Hidalgo. According to Article 395 of Mexicos Federal Penal Code, a defendant who is found guilty of invading and taking up residence in a home can be fined between $2.50 to $50 and/or three months to five years. The penalty can carry a jail sentence of six months to one year if there are more than five squatters in the group. As the tornado-ravaged Arkansas counties pick up the pieces following the disastrous twisters that killed at least six, heartbreaking photos of the aftermath picture children's toys among the rubble. Severe storms landed on Wednesday night and ripped through the South and the Midwest ravaging Lake City in Arkansas, as photos reveal the gut-wrenching scenes. Among the rubble, children's toys were pictured strewn across the remnants of one home, showing the devastation across the areas hit by the storms. Arkansas saw some of the most severe damage, with homes along the highway through Lake City having completely collapsed, brick walls crushed, and roofs ripped off. Three cars were launched into the trees, Associated Press reported, and debris was launched nearly five miles above ground. One resident, Cody Ferguson, had hid in a storm shelter with neighbors while the storms ravaged above. 'I don't really know how to explain it. Just real loud rumbling, a lot of bangs, debris,' Ferguson told AP. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders shared a video of the violent storm in Lake City on X and wrote: 'We have reports of storm and tornado damage from around the state. We have emergency personnel on the ground to help anyone who has been injured, but these storms aren't finished yet. Stay informed and most importantly stay safe!' Severe storms landed on Wednesday night and ripped through the South and the Midwest ravaging Lake City in Arkansas, as photos reveal the gut-wrenching scenes of children's toys pictured strewn across the remnants of one home One resident, Cody Ferguson, had hid in a storm shelter with neighbors while the storms ravaged above. 'I don't really know how to explain it. Just real loud rumbling, a lot of bangs, debris,' he said Pictured: The interior of the destroyed Gordon-Hardy building after a tornado passed through an industrial park in Jeffersontown, Kentucky At least six people are reported to have died, among them were four people in Tennessee and an Indiana man who died after his truck struck downed powerlines. The severe weather also resulted in at least 13 injuries, some of which were in connection to the death of a man and his teenage daughter in Tennessee after a trailer flipped The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management reported damage to 22 counties following the severe weather. At least four people were injured overnight, and no deaths have been reported, according to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management. Reports of destroyed buildings emerged across the states hit by the severe storms, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and Arkansas. The destruction tore down trees, ripped apart buildings and left thousands without power. At least six people are reported to have died, among them were four people in Tennessee and an Indiana man who died after his truck struck downed powerlines. The Chief of the Whitewater Fire Protection District in Missouri was reported to have died during a tornado outbreak, NBC News reported. In a statement, the Perryville Fire Department in Missouri said: 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Whitewater Fire Protection District as well as the family and friends of Fire Chief Garry Moore, as he made the ultimate sacrifice while serving during storms last night.' The severe weather also resulted in at least 13 injuries, some of which were in connection to the death of a man and his teenage daughter in Tennessee after a trailer flipped. Reports of destroyed buildings emerged across the states hit by the severe storms, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and Arkansas Forecasters warned that communities in areas affected by flooding 'should prepare for possible long duration and severe disruptions to daily life,' with 10 to 15 inches of rain expected over the weekend Arkansas saw some of the most severe damage, with homes along the highway through Lake City having completely collapsed, brick walls crushed, and roofs ripped off. Three cars were launched into the trees, Associated Press reported, and debris was launched nearly five miles above ground A father, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene, and his 16-year-old daughter later died at the hospital. A 46-year-old mother was last reported in critical condition and two other family members, 20 and 12 years old, are in stable condition, Fayette County Chief Deputy of Administration Ray Garcia told NBC News. As of 2pm today, over 230,000 homes were left without power across Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan, according to PowerOutage.us. Severe flooding warnings remain in place as emergency services in Nashville respond to rescue calls as streets had become rivers of water and cars were pictured submerged by the Nashville Fire Department. Forecasters warned that communities in areas affected by flooding 'should prepare for possible long duration and severe disruptions to daily life,' with 10 to 15 inches of rain expected over the weekend, NBC reported. Terrifying footage captured the moment a red-light argument in California turned into an alleged attempted murder. The Tuesday afternoon dispute allegedly began with Gary Delandro, 32, allegedly cutting off an unnamed motorcyclist at a Riverside intersection. It ended with the man suffering road rashes and burns after allegedly being dragged by Delandro's car. 'Yeah, I got mad. I'm shaking my head,' the motorcyclist, who wishes to remain anonymous, told ABC 7 about the moment he said Delandro abruptly cut in front of him at a red light. Trouble arose when Delandro caught a glimpse of the victim's visible disapproval. The aggressive driver rolled down his window to start yelling, video shows. As the unnamed man approached the black Nissan - still mid-intersection - Delandro opened his door and asked 'Why'd you shake your head?' The men started bickering back and forth about who was in the wrong for the traffic debacle. The argument appeared to end, and they both drove off when the light turned green. But the ordeal was far from over, as Delandro allegedly started chasing the motorcyclist down - squeezing his car in between two stopped vehicles to hit him at the following intersection. Terrifying video captured the moment a red-light argument in California turned into an alleged attempted murder The Tuesday afternoon dispute allegedly began with Gary Delandro, 32, cutting off a motorcyclist at a Riverside intersection Pictured: The moment Delandro allegedly crashed into the man, causing him and his bike to tip to the ground As depicted in the jaw-dropping video, Delandro appeared to have intentionally crashed into the man, causing him and his bike to tip to the ground. Delandro then allegedly slammed on the gas, dragging the horrified biker - heard screaming in fear - down the road for several seconds. 'I'm not sure how fast we were going. All I know is, when he finally stopped, he threw [his car] in reverse, so I took that chance,' the biker told ABC 7. He explained he urgently rose from the ground and sprinted to the sidewalk as Delandro allegedly sped off from the scene. The alleged culprit later turned himself in to Riverside police and is facing attempted murder charges. His bail has been set at $1 million, and he is still in custody as of Thursday. As a result of the shocking incident, the motorcyclist's knee needed staples and was left raw from scraping against the rugged ground. His backside was burned as well. The motorcyclist was left with road rashes and burns from the horrifying encounter His backpack and jacket were left shredded from dragging down the road His leather jacket and the backpack he was wearing were both torn up and shredded. 'As far as motorcycles go, I know there's a large community of people that dislike the fact that we split lanes, but there's a safety measure to it. There's a reason why California permits it,' he told ABC 7. 'But at the end of the day, regardless of what the situation is, it shouldn't be enough to warrant trying to kill somebody.' According to California Highway Patrol, lane splitting - when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes during slow or stopped traffic - is legal in the state. 'Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal,' the agency's website reads. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Riverside Police Department for more information. A missing Wisconsin teen has been found two months after her disappearance, impregnated by the man charged with her abduction. Sophia Martha Franklin, 16, was found near Omaha, Nebraska, around 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, after a trucker said she spotted her with 40-year-old Gary Day at a rest stop. The teen was three months pregnant with Day's child when he lured her away from her parents home in February, according to the Beaver Dam Police Department. Eerie surveillance footage captured a man police believe to be Day wearing black pants, a black long-sleeve shirt and a gray winter hat walking by Franklin's home the day she went missing. A female trucker noticed Day and Franklin with another trucker parked at the stop on Wednesday, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Beaver Dam Police Chief John Kreuziger said the woman thought it was suspicious that such a young, pregnant girl was with Day. After the woman did some 'research' in her truck and found out Franklin was a missing person, she called called the police. Kreuziger said Franklin was checked in and out of a local hospital then taken to a secure facility to await re-unification with her family. Sophia Martha Franklin (pictured), 16, was found near Omaha, Nebraska, around 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, after a trucker said she spotted her with 40-year-old Gary Day at a rest stop The teen was allegedly three months pregnant with Day's (pictured) child when he lured her away from her parents home in February Surveillance footage captured a man police believe to be Day wearing black pants, a black long-sleeve shirt and a gray winter hat walking by Franklin's home the day she went missing Day was arrested in Nebraska and charged with contributing to delinquency of a child, false reporting and being a fugitive. He is being held on a $5,000 bond in Sarpy County jail. He faces four felonies in Wisconsin, including two counts of abduction of a child and two counts of child enticement. The two allegedly met online in April 2024, then in July of that year, Day is accused of abducting her from her Beaver Dam home and bringing her to Arkansas. In December, cops found Franklin at Day's house while conducting a probation check. He was serving a 72-month probation sentence after pleading guilty to endangering the welfare of a minor in May 2020, according to Independence County court records. An affidavit filed in the case claims he and his then-wife Grace Day were responsible for blunt force injuries to their four-month old child, Carter. The baby was treated at the hospital in September 2019 for a fractured left femur and was at severe risk for sepsis, the affidavit stated, citing the hospital's medical report. At the time, the teen's mom, Leah Franklin, told TMJ4 News, she thought her daughter was staying with a friend and working. 'We were in communication with her that entire time. She wasn't happy with us because we had tried to keep her safe, and she was really upset with us about that. We were trying to let her cool off,' the mother said. The two allegedly met online in April 2024, then in July of that year, Day is accused of abducting her from her Beaver Dam home and bringing her to Arkansas In December, cops found Franklin at Day's house while conduction a probation check. He was serving probation sentence after pleading guilty to endangering the welfare of a minor 'We were trying to keep communication lines open with her so that she would come home.' Day was given a no-contact order with Franklin, and she returned to Wisconsin, but the two continued to communicate. 'I do believe that she was brainwashed. I believe that she was groomed,' Franklin's mother said. Matthew Taylor Coleman, the California father accused of killing his two children with a spearfish gun after believing that they had serpent DNA, has continued to harm himself behind bars and authorities are seeking to involuntarily administer antipsychotic drugs to restore his competency to stand trial. Coleman, now 43, was treated for injuries last month after he slammed his head into the wall, the Daily Mail has learned. He had bitten his tongue. The former surf instructor has repeatedly attempted to harm himself, according to court documents. Both the prosecution and the defense concede that he has slammed his head into a toilet, repeatedly cut his arms and legs, and punched himself in the face over and over. Coleman is on suicide watch, and authorities have removed most dangerous objects from his cell. Things have gotten so bad that both the prosecution and defense have agreed to a closed-door hearing on April 15 to discuss the legal issues of medicating him against his will. Coleman, who is being held at an undisclosed federal prison in southern California will attend the hearing via teleconference. United States District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo ordered the prosecution to submit a proposed treatment plan for Coleman last month. The plan has been sealed from public record, but family members say that it includes antipsychotic drugs. 'He is on some heavy medication now,' says a relative of Coleman's wife, Abby, who left California after the killings and is living in Texas with her family. 'I don't know how much it has helped yet, but before the treatment, he was babbling a lot, not making any sense. The Matthew we knew and loved was gone.' Matthew Taylor Coleman was a popular surf instructor in Santa Barbara before the killings. Coleman has been held for more than 3 years and is still considered incompetent to stand trial. Those close to Coleman believe that he had a psychotic break in the summer of 2021, changing him from a devoted family man to someone who was able to commit unspeakable violence against his own kids. The Colemans were packing for a family camping trip in August 2021 when authorities allege that he abruptly loaded his two young children Kaleo, 2, and Roxy, 10 months, into his sprinter van and drove away from their home in Santa Barbara, Calif. Abby Coleman repeatedly tried to call her husband to ask where he had gone, but he did not answer the phone. Authorities allege that Coleman drove the children over the border into Mexico and checked into a resort hotel, where he spent two days holed up in his room. . Then, authorities say, Coleman drove the kids to a ranch, where he allegedly stabbed them multiple times with a spearfishing gun. He returned to his hotel a few hours later before attempting to cross back into the U.S. But before Coleman could cross the border, a Mexican farmer made the gruesome discovery of the two children's lifeless bodies. He contacted Mexican authorities who contacted the U.S. Consulate. Coleman was arrested at the border as he tried to cross back into the USA. According to an FBI complaint obtained by the Daily Mail, Coleman allegedly told authorities that he was motivated by conspiracy theories. A search of his phone showed that he had accessed dozens of message boards and forums that perpetuated QAnon beliefs of evil influences in powerful places. Kaleo and Roxy Coleman were stabbed multiple times with a spearfishing gun. Abby Coleman has moved to Texas to be with family. She has limited contact with her husband. 'He was a doting dad before things went bad,' a childhood friend tells The Daily Mail about Coleman. In the complaint, special agent Jennifer Bannon wrote that Coleman said he was 'enlightened by QAnon and Illuminati conspiracy theories' and that he spent hours 'researching' them every day. 'He got very into conspiracy theories,' a childhood friend of Coleman's tells the Daily Mail. 'It became something that he spent a lot of time and mental space on.' But Coleman did not merely believe the conspiracy theories about strangers; he told authorities when he was arrested thgar believed that the evil had infiltrated his own family. 'He said visions and signs revealed his wife, A.C. [Abby Coleman], possessed serpent DNA ([He] mentioned that he was not sure if his wife was a shapeshifter) and had passed it onto his children and that all things were pointing to the idea that his children have corrupted DNA that will spread if something is not done about it,' reads the affidavit. 'M. Coleman stated that he believed that his children were going to grow into monsters, so he had to kill them' Bannon wrote. Coleman was indicted on murder charges and is eligible for the death penalty if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges; the public defender's office has not returned The Daily Mail's calls for comment. A finance CEO was involved in a huge brawl aboard an adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise after a male passenger called his wife 'a f***ing b****,' for asking him to put shoes on in a bar, it is claimed. Kenneth DeGiorgio, the chief exec at the mortgage company First American Financial, is accused of choking out the male passenger, who has only been identified as M.A., on the Resilient Lady cruise ship. The altercation reportedly began on Monday when the 53-year-old CEO's wife Nichol DeGiorgio asked the male passenger to stop dancing barefoot at the ship's cocktail lounge. Nichol reportedly told the male passenger: 'Look, we are all grown-ups here, can you put your shoes on?' The male passenger reportedly flipped the bird as he replied: 'shut up, you f***ing bitch.' DeGiorgio reportedly screamed, 'I'll f***ing kill you,' as he assaulted the alleged victim. The alleged victim told police that during the attack he 'felt as if his throat was going to be ripped out.' Finance CEO Kenneth DeGiorgio is facing federal charges after he allegedly attacked a fellow cruise passenger who insulted his wife Nicol DeGiorgio said he was protecting his wife and looks forward to being absolved of wrongdoing The alleged attack happened Virgin Voyage's Resilient Lady on Monday The incident happened on international waters, off the coast of Martinique, in the Resilient Ladys On the Rocks bar, according to court documents cited by The Independent. DeGiorgio was apparently seen on security footage grabbing him by the throat and forcing him to the floor. The ship's captain was called during the incident and DeGiorgio was confined to his cabin until the ship reached the next port. Ship workers contacted the FBI upon arrival to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday. Nichol reportedly blamed herself for the incident, telling police the man who insulted her 'never touched her.' Meanwhile DeGiorgio refused to speak to the federal agents without his lawyer present. He has been charged with assault and faces up to a year in prison if convicted. A spokesperson for DeGiorgio told NBC News he acted while protecting his wife. 'Mr. DeGiorgio responded to the actions of an individual who harassed his wife, making her feel threatened and intimidated,' the spokesperson said. The CEO is said to be looking forward to being absolved of any wrongdoing, per the outlet. Two drugs mules who were caught trying to smuggle 160,000 worth of cannabis into the UK lived a glamorous jet-setting lifestyle, posting pictures of themselves on holidays in Thailand, Greece and Spain, MailOnline can reveal. Pals Sophie Bannister and Levi-April Whalley, both 30, from Blackburn, were snared with 35kg of the Class B drug in their luggage as they returned from a trip to New York in December 2023. The pair, who have both been handed suspended sentences, tried to tell border officials at Birmingham International Airport they had been on a three-day shopping trip to the Big Apple. However, text messages between Bannister and Whalley later revealed they had become involved in a lucrative plot to import cannabis into the UK. Now, photos posted to both women's social media accounts prior to their arrests show them enjoying a series of lavish holidays across the globe. Bannister and Whalley travelled to New York in October 2023, two months before they were caught with the drugs, and shared snaps of themselves visiting tourist sites across the city. In one Instagram story, Whalley who was a nurse but has since been suspended, can be seen on a bus tour and later at the Statue of Liberty. And in another Bannister is pictured posing with a Starbucks cup in the iconic Times Square. Sophie Bannister (pictured) and Levi-April Whalley, both 30 from Blackburn, told border officials they had been on a three-day shopping spree in the Big Apple Bannister is pictured posing with a Starbucks cup in the iconic Times Square in New York Sophie Bannister (pictured in New York) and Levi-April Whalley, both 30, from Blackburn, were snared with 35kg of the Class B drug in their luggage Whalley is pictured on a beach in Thailand in one of her social media snaps Other glamorous holiday snaps show the friends on trips away to places such as Marbella, Thailand and Greece in 2023. In one, Whalley is posing in a green bikini on a boat off Pi Pi Island and in a second Bannister can be seen outside a hotel on the Spanish party island of Ibiza. Bannister and Whalley appeared at Preston Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced for drug smuggling. The court heard that when their luggage was checked as they returned from New York on December 9, 2023, officers found more than 70 sealed packages of cannabis. The drugs in Bannister's suitcase had an estimated street value of 40,500 and Whalley's were estimated at 121,500. The hearing was told that both women were vulnerable to exploitation due to their own personal and financial circumstances. Since their arrest, neither has committed any other offences and Whalley has become a mother to a young baby, the court heard. Bannister and Whalley later pleaded guilty to fraudulent evasion of a prohibition and appeared at Preston Crown Court today to be sentenced. Bannister is pictured at a hotel in Ibiza, Spain in August 2023 The drugs in Bannister's suitcase had an estimated street value of 40,500 and Whalley's were estimated at 121,500 Whally, a former nurse, is pictured on a boat in Thailand in 2023 Since their arrest, neither has committed any other offences and Whalley (pictured) has become a mother to a young baby, the court heard Bannister in a social media snap that was captioned 'cold weather is not for me' Judge Richard Archer, sentencing, said: 'You were both aware that having travelled from New York to Birmingham via Paris that you had in your respective suitcases a significant quantity of heat sealed bags, containing 35.5kg of cannabis. 'This was not your cannabis but cannabis you were carrying on behalf of another but you were expecting significant financial advantage for doing what you did. 'You discussed it in relation to this particular trip to New York, with a clear view of the money you were going to make from behaving this way. 'You perhaps had little regard to the seriousness or consequences of your offending. It must have been in the back of your mind that you would be caught but you probably thought very little about sitting in the dock this afternoon. 'I very much hope that you don't involve yourselves in this behaviour again.' He sentenced Bannister to 20 months in prison, suspended for 18 months with 30 days of rehabilitation activities and 200 hours of unpaid work. Whalley was handed a 16-month sentence suspended for 18 months, with 10 days rehabilitation and 80 hours of unpaid work. Bannister (pictured) and Whalley travelled to New York in October 2023 - sharing snaps of them shopping and visiting tourist sites across the city Officers found 34 sealed packages of cannabis in Bannister's case and a further 39 packages in Whalley's luggage Whalley is pictured on a trip to New York City in 2023 before she was caught with the drugs Two glamourous drug mules were caught with more than 160,000 worth of cannabis concealed in their suitcases (Pictured: Levi-April Whalley) Taking to social media after walking free from the dock, Bannister said: 'Thank you for the people who have stood by us [during] truly the most mentally and emotionally challenging times of our life. '15 months of torture. HUGE lessons learnt. A LOT of tears along the way. But stood by each others side no matter what. 'A true friendship which will never be broken which was proven today holding hands not knowing the outcome. 'Finally some closure and moving forward with our life. Ready for the biggest fresh start and realising how important freedom really is. Levi Whalley no matter what people have said we really have an unbreakable friendship.' A writer and politician who published documents linking his countrys intelligence service to the Lockerbie bombing has been arrested on national security charges. Samir Shegwara was taken into custody two days after it was reported that the files could form evidence against a Libyan who has been accused of making the bomb that brought down Pan Am Flight 103. The suspect, Abu Agila Masud Kheir Al-Marimi, is facing trial in Washington and has denied being involved in the attack that killed 270 people in December 1988. The documents also implicate Libyan agents in the destruction of a French airliner that crashed in the Sahara desert in 1989, killing another 170 people. Mr Shegwara said they were retrieved from the archives of Libyas former intelligence chief Abdullah Senussi after the collapse of Colonel Gaddafis regime in 2011. Their contents were published in France in January this year, in the book The Murderer Who Must Be Saved, co-authored by Mr Shegwara and French investigative journalists Karl Laske and Vincent Nouzille. The books publishers said Mr Shegwara is facing legal proceedings over the alleged possession of classified security documents, without legal justification. The BBC reported on March 18 that Scottish detectives are examining copies of the files, which could represent the first proof from inside Libyas intelligence agency that it was responsible for the Lockerbie bombing. Samir Shegwara was taken into custody after publishing documents linking his countrys intelligence service to the Lockerbie bombing Wreckage in the aftermath of the Lockerbie disaster in 1988 Mr Shegwara, who is also mayor of Hay al Andalous, a municipality in Tripoli, was arrested at his office by police on March 20. He has been writing publicly about the documents since 2018 and has made no secret of the fact that they were in his possession. His arrest would appear to support his belief, shared by the French journalists, that the documents are genuine. Robert Laffont Publishing said the authenticity of the documents cannot be questioned and they contain information of major public and historical interest to Libya, France, Scotland and the U.S. In a statement, the company said it deplores the prosecution of Samir Shegware as well as the pressure that seems to be exerted on him to retract his denunciation of the crimes committed by the former regime of Muammar Gaddafi. As such, Robert Laffont Publishing joins with Karl Laske and Vincent Nouzille in calling on the Libyan authorities to drop the charges against him. The firm said Mr Shegwara was provisionally released on April 1, but remains under threat of reincarceration and a trial in the coming days. A retired FBI special agent who led the agencys original investigation into the Lockerbie disaster has described the dossier as potential dynamite. One of the most significant documents appears to give an account of tests carried out on bombs hidden in suitcases, just weeks before the attack on Pan Am Flight 103. The bomb which destroyed the plane was concealed inside a radio cassette player in a suitcase in the forward hold. A copy of one of the Libyan files seen by the BBC records its subject matter as: Experiments on the use of the suitcase and testing its effectiveness. The handwritten report is labelled top secret and dated 4 October 1988, with the sender given as the Information and Strategic Studies Centre in Tripoli, headed at the time by Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al-Megrahi, who was convicted over the Lockerbie bombing by a Scottish court in 2001. The document says the tests were successful, with a powerful and effective explosion from a device which could not be detected by an X-ray scanner. The report says an agent called Aboujila Kheir - assumed to be Al-Marimi - was involved in the tests. Another appears to detail the transfer of 10kg of explosives to an office in Malta, staffed by Al Amin Khalifah Fhimah, the Libyan who was cleared at the first Lockerbie trial. Other documents are alleged to involve the expenses of agents who travelled to Malta days before the attack on Pan Am 103. The verdict from the Scottish court was that the bomb was smuggled onto a plane at Malta and then routed through the baggage system to Frankfurt and Heathrow, where it was loaded onto the American airliner. The documents are also said to implicate Senussi in the planning of the attacks on Pan Am 103 and the French plane, UTA Flight 772. Senussi, Colonel Gaddafis brother-in-law, was convicted of bombing UTA 772 after a trial held in his absence in 1999, although he has never served any of the life sentence imposed by the Paris court. He was named as a suspect over Lockerbie by Scottish and American prosecutors in 2015. Senussi is facing trial in Libya over his actions during the uprising against Gaddafi 14 years ago. Police Scotland and the Crown Office declined to comment on Mr Shegwaras arrest. A counter-terror police officer who was sacked after he forgot his headphones was unfairly dismissed, an employment tribunal has ruled. Colin Bastin had been given a private room by a librarian to dial in to a call which he had been unable to take from home because of 'noisy' building works. He claimed there were no police stations 'within easy access of his home' where he could go for the meeting, the tribunal heard. The National Counter Terrorism Security Office worker reportedly made a number of other mistakes during his probationary period, including accidentally booking a 'top secret' security level room for a team meeting which would have excluded one of the delegates. A London Central employment tribunal heard Mr Bastin joined the police unit - which advises government and industry on protecting against terrorism - in September 2021. His delivery support officer role was subject to him passing his probation, which was twice extended because of 'concerns about his progress', the tribunal was told. In April 2023, Mr Bastin was required to be on a 'sensitive and confidential call', but there were building works going on at his home 'which he thought would be too noisy'. A written decision from the tribunal said: 'There is a public library with WiFi near to his home and he decided to take the call there. A counter-terror police officer who was sacked after he forgot his headphones was unfairly dismissed, an employment tribunal has ruled (file image) The National Counter Terrorism Security Office worker reportedly made a number of other mistakes during his probationary period (file image) 'Unfortunately, he forgot to take his headphones when he left home. 'He asked a librarian if there was anywhere quiet that he could take the call and she gave him a private room. 'He accepts that it was his mistake not to bring the headphones. Although he agrees that he could have gone to a police station for the call, there are none within easy access of his home.' In February 2024, Mr Bastin was asked to book a room for a team meeting. 'He looked online at the available rooms and selected a room "TS - Auditorium",' the tribunal heard. 'He did not realise that TS stood for top secret. 'One of the delegates was unable to access top secret locations so it would have been embarrassing if the meeting had gone ahead in that room as she would have been excluded.' In April 2024, Mr Bastin was told he was facing dismissal and was invited to a meeting. A written decision from the tribunal said: 'He asked a librarian if there was anywhere quiet that he could take the call and she gave him a private room' (file image) He gathered evidence to show his performance had improved, but was told managers would only be considering his performance up to the end of the extended probationary period, which ended in early 2023. After taking his employer to an employment tribunal, a judge ruled his original dismissal was unfair because it was based on 'out-of-date information'. 'Mr Bastin's performance, which was the reason for dismissal, had been assessed over a fixed period that had ended over a year before the decision was taken,' the judge said. 'It was unfair not to allow him to bring evidence of his recent improvement. 'In conclusion, I find that the dismissal was unfair and outside the band of reasonable responses.' A hearing to decide how much compensation Mr Bastin should receive will be held at a later date. An MSP who yesterday quit the Scottish Tories was facing the threat of deselection for his woke views - and has now been urged to stand down from Holyrood. Jamie Greene announced he was resigning the Scottish Conservative whip and will become an independent after claiming the party he joined no longer exists. But the chairman of his local branch revealed he had been unlikely to be selected as candidate again for next years elections amid anger about him being disconnected from grassroots members and using his position to pursue a liberal woke agenda. Mr Greene was urged to stand down as an MSP because he only earned his place at Holyrood on the Scottish Tory regional list for west Scotland. David Rocks, chairman of the North Ayrshire and Arran Conservative and Unionist Association, said: He has been very disconnected from the party locally here in North Ayrshire. He doesnt really communicate with myself as chairman, the councillors or the members. If he had tried to stand here again he wouldnt have been selected. If Jamie had spent more time with members and councillors here campaigning, attending events and meetings, he would have a better understanding of what people think locally, particularly the Tory members and voters here. I think hes very out of touch because hes not been involved with the grassroots core. Jamies view is very narrow-minded, and theres a bit of self-interest, really. He has got this kind of liberal, woke personal agenda and if he spent more time going round speaking to party members he would sense the mood more than what he perceives it to be. He cited Mr Greenes support of the SNPs gender reforms as an example of where he was disconnected with party members. Jamie Greene has quit the Scottish Conservatives, but party activists say he was likely to be deselected due to his 'woke' views Scottish Tory local branches are in the process of selecting candidates for constituencies, with those selected then ranked on regional lists for next years elections. Mr Rocks claimed that it would have been difficult for him to find a seat to allow him to be on the regional list again. He also said it is a bit rich for Mr Greene to go from a list MSP to an independent one adding: I think if he had any principles he would step aside and let the next person on the list get in. The Conservative Party voted for three list MSPs in the west, and thats what we should have. Following his decision to quit the party, he is now expected to be moved out of his current office in the Tory corridor of the MSP block and relocated to another office. He is also set to come under pressure from colleagues to stand down from Holyrood and allow the next candidate on the Tory regional list for south of Scotland to take his place, which would mean Borders councillor Julie Pirone being offered the opportunity to become an MSP. A senior Tory source said resigning as an MSP would be the decent thing to do, and added: He got elected because of the party so why not stand aside for someone else who will represent local constituents? Ultimately, because of the rules at Holyrood, it is up to conscience. Does he really have the gall to stay as MSP on a regional list when hes not in the party? In his resignation letter, Mr Greene said that the Scottish Conservative Party which I joined simply no longer exists, saying it used to have a socially liberal view of the world. He claimed the party now rests its hopes on a Reform-lite agenda that appeals to the worst of our society, adding : I do not believe that I have left the Conservative party. I believe the party has left me. He said those advising current leader Russell Findlay will lead the party to a collapse in support for decent centre-right politics in Scotland, and added: I cannot be part of a narrative which has become Trump-esque in both style and substance. He also said that elections are won in the centre ground and not on the right-wing fringes in a grotesque dance with Nigel Farage. Following his comments, some Tory sources raised speculation that he might defect to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Findlay said: I promised change and I keep my promises, so I will keep standing up for the common-sense values of mainstream Scotland and opposing the damage caused by Holyroods left-wing consensus. Ill continue taking a strong stance against the SNP on tax, gender self-identification, and the damage theyve done to Scotlands schools. Others may believe its best to let the SNP have their way. I will always oppose their dangerous agenda and put forward a proud conservative vision of a different Scotland. A former cabinet official for President Joe Biden announced his decision Thursday to run for governor of California on Thursday, which threatens to upend former Vice President Kamala Harris' dreams of succeeding Gov. Gavin Newsom. Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced his decision to run for Governor of California, the highest-ranking Democratic political figure in the state. 'I watched my parents a construction worker and a clerical worker achieve the California dream,' Becerra said in his announcement video. 'Can we do that today with this affordability crisis?' The former secretary emphasized his record as Attorney General of California, reminding voters he took on the first administration of President Donald Trump in court. '[I]'ve taken on these tough fights,' he said. 'We can do that, but you need a leader who can be tough.' If Becerra wins, he would be the states first Latino governor in 150 years. Harris has remained quiet about her political future after losing to President Donald Trump in 2024, as she as instructed aides to keep her political options open. The former vice president still maintains popularity in California despite the nationwide rejection of voters in swing states and her loss of the popular vote against Trump. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced his decision to run for Governor of California President Joe Biden hands a pen to Vice President Kamala Harris after signing an executive order on abortion access during an event in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Friday, July 8, 2022, in Washington. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, right, looks on. Becerra's entrance into the race suggests he is not worried that Harris will run for governor or that he can still be a competitive candidate if she does. Other potential candidates are waiting for Harris to reveal her intentions before making their decision. The Democratic primary for the race is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with the general election scheduled for November. Harris has always been popular in California, easily beating Democratic challengers in her race for Attorney General and her race for Senator of California. Her 2020 race for president, however, failed spectacularly as she ended her campaign before the Iowa caucuses and the California primary. After losing her presidential campaign, Harris organized some of her trusted aides into the organization Pioneer49, while she explores her political future. Harris and Newsom have long been considered 'frenemies' in California, each trying to avoid competing with each other in political races. Both candidates were considering a run for California governor in 2016, but ultimately went in different directions. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is eying the 2028 Democratic primary for president Former Vice President Kamala Harris has not yet announced her plans for her political future Newsom chose to run for governor of California while Harris ran for the state's Senate seat to replace the retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer. Harris could finally face Newsom in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, if she chooses to run again for president after coming up short in 2024. The former vice president warned of the 'flames on our horizons,' the 'rising waters in our cities,' and 'the shadows gathering over our democracy,' during a speech to the NAACP in February. 'Our strength flows from our faith faith in God, faith in each other, and our refusal to surrender to cynicism and destruction,' she said. 'Not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Not because victory is guaranteed, but because the fight is worth it.' A first-class passenger has slammed Delta Airlines in a complaint after she claimed she was a victim of discrimination by a flight attendant who chastised her for simply looking in her direction. Teresa Hudson Jordan and her daughter, who was not named in the complaint, sued Delta after alleged racially motivated behavior by a white flight attendant against their black family. Jordan claimed that a shocking sequence of events occurred on Delta Flight 5792 in March flying from Lexington, Kentucky, to New York, New York. 'In a grotesque display of racial hostility, Ms Jordan, a Black woman traveling with her minor daughter in first class, was singled out, verbally assaulted, and subjected to public disgrace aboard Delta Flight 5792, for simply meeting the gaze of a white flight attendant,' a complaint read. After simply making eye contact with the flight attendants, Jordan was yelled at by the flight attendant who threatened to 'turn this plane around,' for 'looking at her,' according to the complaint. The attendant is accused of screaming at Jordan to 'stop looking at her' and to stop eyeing her 'up and down.' She then threatened to 'turn the plane around' and go back to the gate, repeatedly asking Jordan if she understood. The events were allegedly 'reminiscent of an era when a simple glance from a Black person toward a white individual would trigger brutal retaliation,' the complaint continued. Teresa Hudson Jordan filed a complaint against Delta Airlines for discrimination and emotional distress after she claimed she was mistreated on a flight The complaint alleges that Jordan was berated by a flight attendant just for looking at her the wrong way Jordan said she didn't engage with the attendant, but the situation only continued to escalate. She says the attendant accused Jordan of allegedly 'disrupting' the flight and the mother and daughter were eventually forcibly removed in a humiliating scene. A witness named Antoinette Wilson described the treatment as similar to that of 'A dog or a slave,' according to the complaint. Another witness, Megan Corey was quoted in the complaint, 'I've never seen/heard a flight attendant act so aggressively towards a passenger. It was disturbing and unwarranted. I'm filing a complaint.' To make matters worse, Jordan was traveling with her daughter to attend a 'critical' medical appointment. The flight attendant allegedly lied to the other crew onboard, including the captain, accusing Jordan of being an 'unruly' and 'disruptive' passenger. Based on these claims, the captain halted on the runway and turned back to the gate so that Jordan and her daughter could be removed. 'This case epitomizes the revolting reality that, even in the year 2025, Black Americans continue to endure the indignity of 'Flying While Black,' an experience steeped in humiliation and echoing the dehumanizing degradations of the Jim Crow South,' Jordan's attorney, Jon L Norinsberg wrote in the complaint. The flight attendant allegedly lied to the captain about Jordan's behavior which prompted him to turn the flight around so she could be removed with her daughter at the gate Norsinberg also alleged that Delta never investigated the incident or responded to eyewitness accounts of the abuse. Jordan's attorney told The Independent that eyewitnesses, who were strangers to her, wrote to Delta confirming the verbal abuse. He added that the passengers noticed the flight attendant was 'laughing and joking' after humiliating Jordan and her daughter. Jordan is seeking damages from Delta Air Lines for discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and assault. A spokesperson for the airline told The Independent, 'While we have no specific comment on this pending litigation, Delta has zero tolerance for discrimination of any form.' DailyMail.com reached out to Delta Airlines for comment on the case but didn't immediately hear back. After spending 18 years in custody, drug kingpin Tony Mokbel may be on the verge of freedom as three judges decide whether he will be released on bail. The 59-year-old gangland figure applied for his release from prison on bail on Tuesday, amid heavy security, and the court was due to make a ruling on Friday morning. Mokbel, who is appealing his outstanding drug convictions, has not tasted freedom since his 2007 arrest in Greece when he absconded inside a yacht while on $1million bail promised by his sister-in-law Renate. When she failed to pay the surety, her home was seized and she was sentenced to two years and nine months imprisonment in 2008 for lying to a court about her assets. Mokbel's sister Gawy Saad has now offered to pay his $850,000 bail. When asked about the experience of her sister-in-law, Saad said she was 'sure he won't do it to anyone else'. Mokbel has agreed to abide by what his lawyer said were 'stringent' bail conditions, including GPS monitoring, a curfew, daily police reporting and not leaving Victoria. He would live at Ms Saad's four-bedroom home at Viewbank in Melbourne's northeast, and she assured the court she would report him to police if he flouted any bail conditions. After spending 18 years in custody, drug kingpin Tony Mokbel (pictured) may be on the verge of freedom as three judges decide whether he will be released on bail on Friday The 59-year-old gangland figure (pictured in November) applied for his release on bail on Tuesday as he awaits his lawyer X appeal to overturn remaining drug trafficking convictions Mokbel's barrister Julie Condon KC said granting of bail was justified, despite his previous absconding, due to delays in hearing his appeal, the strength of his case, his poor physical health, plus strong local ties to family and his 'long-term de facto' partner. He is fighting to overturn drug trafficking convictions after he pleaded guilty to heading a multi-million dollar drug trafficking empire known as 'The Company'. Mokbel was represented at the time by barrister Nicola Gobbo, unaware she was informing on him for Victoria Police. Justices Karin Emerton, Robert Osborn and Jane Dixon are due to hand down their decision in the Court of Appeal on Friday morning. Mokbel is currently eligible for parole in June 2031 and an appeal over his drug trafficking convictions will be heard later this year. After weeks of fury and opposition over a Texas mosque and its plans to build a Muslim city outside of Dallas, mosque leaders are speaking out, claiming mosque members are facing violence. The East Plano Islamic Center or EPIC has lawyered up, hiring a 'high-profile attorney' to help them take on the Republican governor who has accused the mosque of breaking the law. EPIC, a sprawling house of worship located in Plano, Texas has recently become a target for Gov. Greg Abbott over its plans to build a city for Muslims- called EPIC City- in a rural area about 30 minutes from the existing mosque. Even though no arrests or charges have been made, Abbott has repeatedly claimed EPIC is breaking the law and has ordered both criminal and civil investigations into the mosque and its planned community. 'We are regularly receiving hate calls and death threats,' EPIC's board of directors said in a statement posted to Facebook Thursday. 'Our mosque leaders' personal home addresses have been shared, jeopardizing the safety of families.' EPIC denies it's broken the law in any way and claimed that 'its doors remain open to anyone.' Meanwhile, the mosque's new attorney held a press conference Wednesday standing in front of giant blow-ups of the governor's many accusation-filed tweets against the mosque. The East Plano Islamic Center, or EPIC, is planning to build a community based on Islam near Josephine, Texas-- in a rural area outside of Dallas. Pictured above is the existing mosque located in Plano, Texas Monday, the governor demanded the mosque to stop construction of EPIC City or face the 'full weight of the law' in an online post to X. 'Perhaps the governor and his staff aren't xenophobic,' Attorney Dan Cogdell lashed out. 'Perhaps they're just plain ignorant or choose to be ignorant, but spoiler alert, they haven't even started construction. They haven't even applied for the permits. For him to say, "Stop it, or the full weight of the law will come down on you...it's just utter nonsense. It's insane."' Texas Gov. Greg Abbott holds in press conference in Austin, Texas on March 25 However, EPIC is facing an uphill battle to get permits from both Collin and Hunt counties-- where the land they own sits near Josephine, Texas. In order for them to turn the 402 acres of fields into a city with a brand new mosque serving as the town center 1,000 new homes, schools and a shopping center, both counties will have to sign off. Opponents of EPIC flooded a public meeting Monday in hopes of stopping a controversial Islamic compound from getting necessary permits to begin construction. For hours, the Collin County Commissioners Court heard dozens of speakers pleading with them to deny the permits needed to build whats been called 'the epicenter of Islam in America' by organizers. Many residents of the 2,000-person town of Josephine voiced their concerns, although the Islamic development is outside the city limits. 'They want to install a loud system, a speaker system, that would blast their music to call them to prayer, and they could do it as long as they wanted to because they specifically choose a site just outside the city so they can do that,' Susan Martinez told the commission. Rendering by EPIC show what EPIC City would look like EPIC has purchased 402 acres of land north of Josephine, Texas The planned community of EPIC City would include green spaces and retail centers Some 10,000 residential areas are part of the vision for EPIC City She also shared that her small, rural community is already dealing with water restrictions, even without any new construction. Gov. Abbott has repeatedly claimed that the city will introduce extremist sharia law practices to Texas, which would govern religion, marriage and punishment for crime. Practicing Sharia law is illegal in the Lone Star State. 'We are uncovering legal violations by EPIC City that go far beyond what people realize,' Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted. 'The proposed community will never see the light of day. More to come.' Abbott alleges the mosque broke the law by operating as a funeral home. 'They are knowingly breaking state law in many ways, including by operating a funeral home without a license,' Abbott posted to X last week. 'This is a crime, and it will not be tolerated.' A cease and desist went out, ordering the mosque to stop preparing bodies for burial, and Abbott asked the local district attorney to pursue criminal charges. EPIC City would be built just north of the City of Josephine, a town of about 2,000 people Local parents told DailyMail.com they were worried about the Muslim development's proximity to the local elementary school Abbott has directed multiple state agencies to look into potential crimes in hopes of stopping the planned community near Josephine, Texas. 'Quit tweeting lies, false information and nonsense, because my clients right now, what they are doing is suffering from essentially gubernatorial hate speech, Cogdell added. 'They are afraid for their lives because of the falsehoods that the governor's office has started.' Even if Abbott is successful in stopping the new development, EPIC already has a big footprint in Plano. The huge mosque is surrounded by schools and a gym. Across the street, there is also an business called 'EPIC Market' and halal shops catering to the Muslims that live in the streets around the mosque. The large, two story luxury homes with expensive cars in the drive ways were all decorated for Ramadan, with Christmas lights used to celebrate the holy month of fasting. In what could be a key vote for EPIC City's future, Collin County Commissioners will decide whether to approve a permit on April 14. President Donald Trump denied Thursday afternoon that far-right firebrand Laura Loomer had anything to do with a round of National Security Council firings. During his flight to Miami on board Air Force One, Trump sang the prominent conservative conspiracy theorist praises, but answered 'no' when asked if she was behind the dismissal of several of National Security Advisor Michael Waltz's aides. 'Laura Loomer is a great patriot. She's a very strong person,' Trump said. 'She's been in the party a long time, she's done a good job,' he later added. Instead of being behind the firings, the president said that Loomer met with him Wednesday and gave him recommendations on people to hire. 'And sometimes I listen to those recommendations, like I do with everybody, I listen to everybody, and then I make a decision. But I saw her yesterday. She was at the ceremony. And she'll always have something to say, usually very constructive,' Trump said. 'She recommended certain people for jobs.' Earlier Thursday, DailyMail.com confirmed an Axios report that said Trump had fired several members of the National Security Council team. The president didn't offer a number to reporters during the Air Force One ride. The dismissals come after Waltz accidentally added The Atlantic magazine's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal chat where top administration officials were discussing an attack on the Houthis in Yemen. President Donald Trump told reporters on board Air Force One that Laura Loomer didn't have anything to do with the firings of certain National Security Council aides on Thursday Laura Loomer confirmed to DailyMail.com that she met Wednesday with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office but wouldn't reveal the content of their conversation Trump has publicly supported Waltz, a former Florida congressman, in the aftermath of 'Signalgate' despite some White House insiders labeling him a 'f***ing idiot.' However, The New York Times reported Thursday morning that Loomer visited the Oval Office on Wednesday and pressed for NSC firings. The NSC is used by the president to advise him on national security, military, and foreign policy matters. Loomer came to the White House armed with research that purportedly showed some NSC staffers were not loyal enough to the president's agenda. 'Out of respect for President Trump and the privacy of the Oval Office, Im going to decline on divulging any details about my Oval Office meeting with President Trump,' Loomer told DailyMail.com Thursday. 'It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings, I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of strong vetting, for the sake of protecting the President and our national security,' she added. Waltz sat in on the meeting and defended members of his team, The Times said. 'NSC doesn't comment on personnel matters,' was the official line from NSC spokesperson Brian Hughes. But CNN reported Thursday that the individuals fired were Brian Walsh, Thomas Boodry and David Feith. The network said that the firings were directly the result of Trump's meeting with Loomer, who Trump's top Congressional ally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, had tried to get banished from MAGA months ago. Loomer, however, has maintained a position in Trump's orbit. The axed officials include Walsh, a director for intelligence who previously worked for now Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Boodry, Waltz's former legislative director in Congress who was a senior director for legislative affairs and Feth, who oversaw technology and national security. Feth had served in the State Department during Trump's first term. Loomer had publicly set her sights on pushing out Alex Wong, Waltz's deputy, and the one NSC staffer mentioned by name on the Houthi Signal chat. She has mainly gone after Wong for being 'Chinese.' Laura Loomer (left) poses for a photo with President Donald Trump (right) at Mar-a-Lago. Loomer was invited to the Oval Office for a meeting with Trump on Wednesday, despite some in the MAGA movement trying to push her out Wong is American, with parents who immigrated from China. Loomer also floated that Wong isn't loyal because his wife had worked at the Department of Justice during Obama and Biden administrations and her father was a shareholder of a Chinese satellite maker. 'I don't know why we have Chinese individuals in positions of national security,' Loomer said of Wong in an online video posted last week. The rhetoric surrounding Wong got so heated, that Republican Sen. Tom Cotton had to jump to his and his wife's defense. 'Alex Wong and his wife Candice are complete and total patriots, 100% MAGA Warriors who always put America First,' Cotton said in an X post on March 27. 'For three years, Alex worked hard for me until President Trump smartly hired him away,' Cotton said. 'President Trump made another great decision to hire Alex as his Deputy National Security Adviser. America is safer and better off with Alex in the White House. THANK YOU for your service, Alex!!!' It appears that Wong wasn't part of the ousted group of National Security Council employees. Greene, the Georgia Republican who also has a history of making controversial statements and pushing conspiracy theories, has been the most prominent MAGA member to publicly attempt to push Loomer out. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz has been publicly supported by President Donald Trump in the aftermath of 'Signal-gate,' in which he accidentally added The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal chat about attacking the Houthis in Yemen In September, ahead of the 2024 election, Greene called out a post written by Loomer as being 'extremely racist.' Loomer said if Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, won the election 'the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center.' Harris is half-Jamaican and half-Indian. The Georgia Republican called out Loomer's 'rhetoric and hateful tone' and said she 'doesn't represent MAGA as a whole.' Greene's office did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment about this week's Loomer development. He was the eldest son of King Edward VII and was always poised to take the crown. But Prince Eddy, Duke of Clarence, didn't survive long enough to have a chance at the throne. And if he had lived longer, perhaps he would have been in prison instead. Handsome, elegant, and whip-thin, Eddy, born Prince Albert Victor in 1864, was known mockingly as 'Collars and Cuffs' after his flamboyant dress sense. He was bisexual; loving women but attracted to men. He was raised with succession in mind but spent his childhood under a bullying grandmother - Queen Victoria - and an overbearing father who could not forgive him for his sensitive nature. In 1899 Eddy became entangled in the Cleveland Street Affair, a colossal scandal centred on a male brothel near London's Euston Station which was frequented by members of the aristocracy. The clientele were predominantly blue-blooded, while the rent boys were teenagers employed by the Post Office to drop off their telegrams. Constables had discovered the brothel by chance, when a routine police investigation into thefts led to the discovery of a den of infamy. A detective was sent to interrogate a 15-year-old telegraph boy, Charles Swinscow, who'd been found with 18 shillings in his pockets - the equivalent of two months wages in those days. The Prince and Princess of Wales with infant Prince Albert 'Eddy' Victor, 1864 King Edward VII's children (standing from left) Princess Royal and the Duke of Clarence (seated from left) Queen Maud of Norway, King George V and the Princess Victoria in 1873 The Duke of Clarence (left) at Marlborough House in 1890 with the Queen of Norway, Queen Alexandra, the Princess Royal, King Edward, Prince of Wales, Prince George and Princess Victoria To clear himself of the theft, he confessed he had been going to bed with gentlemen for four shillings a time. And as Charles talked, the names came out Charles first mentioned Lord Arthur Somerset, an equerry of the Prince of Wales, and the Earl of Euston, a Sandringham neighbour of the royals, later naming Lord Ronald Gower and the Earl of Errol. The sex scandal broke a few months later after a journalist stumbled upon the prostitutes' uncommonly light convictions. Newspapers in Britain and America jumped on evidence which appeared to show the government was covering up the scandal to protect the names of aristocratic and other prominent men. At the time, sexual acts between males were illegal in Britain, and the brothel's clients would face prosecution and social disgrace if discovered. The age of the boys involved - in some cases as young as 15 - added fuel to the flames. All too soon it was rumoured Prince Eddy was also on the list. But Eddy's father the Prince of Wales stepped in and contacted the then prime minister, Lord Salisbury. A great whitewash campaign soon got under way. Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence taken on his 21st birthday Prince Albert Victor, the Duke of Clarence and Princess Victoria Mary, December 1891 Duke of Clarence and Avondale. Suspected by some to be the serial killer known as Jack the Ripper Despite a mountain of evidence showing widespread abuse of youths by men of social distinction, the police merely prosecuted two telegraph boys - and they were let off with light sentences. The brothel-keeper was allowed to escape the country. So too was Lord Arthur Somerset who not only escaped Britain, but came back for his mother's funeral before fleeing abroad again. The evidence against Lord Euston was badly presented and he, too, escaped prosecution. Victorian society would be shaken to its very foundations if senior members of the aristocracy and even higher up were discovered to be serial sex abusers. The case had to be shut down. And it was. But what of Prince Eddy? At the same time the court case was due to take place, the king-in-waiting, now 25, was packed off on a lengthy tour of India and ordered to stay away until the dust had settled, which American newspapers called a 'cover-up'. It was reported his parents were being 'daily assailed with anonymous letters of the most outrageous character'. By January 1890, 60 suspects had been identified by journalists and police, 22 of whom promptly fled the country. A few years later the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Goddard, told a biographer of Prince Eddy's younger brother George, later to become King George V, that the prince 'had been involved in a male brothel scene, and that a solicitor had to commit perjury to clear him. The solicitor was struck off the rolls for his offence.' Could the future king have gone to jail? If his father could silence the police and judiciary - which he did - the answer is certainly no. Eddy silenced them all by dying unexpectedly at the age of 28. Weakened by gonorrehea, he succumbed to pneumonia Lord Arthur Somerset, son of the 8th Duke of Beautfort, Nicknamed 'Podge' by his brothers fled the country following his involvement in the Cleveland Street rentboy scandal Eddy's father, the Prince of Wales, stepped into the scandal. He contacted the prime minister of the day, Lord Salisbury (above) and all of a sudden a great whitewash campaign got under way But the foreign press were like a dog with a bone, and cared less about royal dignity than they did about getting a hot story. Before anything conrete could be found by American publications, Eddy died at the age of 28. Weakened by gonorrhoea, he succumbed to pneumonia. He was betrothed to Princess Mary of Teck, who went on to marry his brother. George and Mary brought up their children at Sandringham, where Eddy's room was preserved just as he had left it. English royalty used to claim they were bestowed with divine, mystical powers and could heal the sick peasantry with their touch. The Royal touch was a ritual practised over hundreds of years in medieval England, where people would travel from far and wide to have their oozing boils massaged by a King or a Queen. On the latest episode of 'Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things', royal biographer Robert Hardman and historian Kate Williams delve into this 'astonishing' practice, from its French origins to its decline in popularity under the Stuart dynasty. What was the Royal touch? During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, a form tuberculous, known then as scrofula, ran rife through the peasantry. The disease caused large, blue and purple growths to appear on the neck. These leaking lesions were accompanied by other more common symptoms of tuberculous, including fever, malaise, and sudden weight loss. The sickness emerged in vitamin-deprived poorer people, caused by unpasteurised milk, but it could resolve itself without medical intervention. During this time, the English monarchy wanted to portray itself as semidivine, having magic powers that elevated it above the peasantry it ruled over. During the reign of Edward the Confessor, the sick started visiting the royal court to be healed of scrofula by the holy hands of the monarch The Tudor dynasty continued the tradition, with records of Henry VIII performing the unsanitary ritual On the latest episode of 'Queens, Kings and Dasardly Things', Robert Hardman and historian Kate Williams delve into this 'astonishing' practice Kings and Queens claimed their touch had healing properties, a sign their reigns were favoured by God. In the reign of Edward the Confessor, the poor and sick started visiting the royal court to be healed of scrofula by the holy hands of the monarch. Historian Kate Williams described: 'It was thought that the disease was passed on by touch, but it was also thought to be cured by touch as well. 'It is said that Edward anointed a sick woman's throat with water and made the sign of the cross above it. 'The King then softened and separated [the growths] and with the pressure of his hand, drawing worms, together with pus and blood out of the various holes. It was said the good King cured her.' Although people with other illnesses also desired the Royal touch, it became synonymous with scrofula as the disease could appear as though it had been miraculously cured, a virtue of the body's ability to fight it on its own. The Tudor and Stuart dynasties continued the tradition, with records of Henry VIII performing the unsanitary ritual, but after the reign of Queen Anne it fell out of favour. Anne died with no heirs and the Hanoverians assumed the throne. German rulers who, as historian Kate Williams notes: 'Had no time for this strange English custom'. To learn more about monarchs and their supposed feats of magic, search for Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things - wherever you get your podcasts. When Princess Diana was beset with worries in 1995 that she would be killed in a staged car accident, she voiced her fears to the man she trusted most, her lawyer Lord Mishcon. His firm, Mishcon de Reya, handled her highly acrimonious divorce from Prince Charles, which was finalised the following year. After the Princess died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 alongside Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul, Lord Mishcon passed his contemporaneously typed-up account of his meeting with Diana to senior Metropolitan Police officers who put it in a safe. But the note was not passed to French authorities investigating her crash for six years. The Princesss brother and sisters did not learn of its existence for more than a decade after it was written. Princes William and Harry were also left in the dark for a long time. At his meeting with police chiefs the month after Dianas death, Lord Mishcon (who died in 2006) read his note aloud to stress its importance. He told officers that it recorded Diana saying efforts would be made if not to get rid of her by some accident in her car, such as a pre-prepared brake failure, at least to see that she was so injured or damaged as to be declared unbalanced [in her mind]. I can disclose that, in a remarkable turn of events, Prince William has now turned to Dianas lawyers again. Prince William has instructed law firm Mishcon de Reya to act for him and his family The late Lord Mishcon's firm represented Princess Diana in her acrimonious divorce from Charles The heir to the throne has instructed Mishcon de Reya to act for him and his family, in a break with tradition. William has previously been represented by King Charless lawyers, Harbottle & Lewis, in particular its partner, Gerrard Tyrrell. William wanted to strike out on his own, a source tells me. He did not want to continue using his fathers lawyers. Its as simple as that. He wants to be his own man. A Kensington Palace spokesman declined to comment, but the instruction is the talk of legal circles. It is said to have disappointed Harbottle & Lewis, which has represented the Royal Family for decades. Media law specialist Tyrrell is one of the Kings most trusted advisers. Harbottle & Lewis acted on behalf of the Royal Family in 2006 in the News of the World royal phone-hacking scandal, which led to the closure of that newspaper. Its reporters had hacked into the mobile phones of both Princes William and Harry. But Williams move will have delighted Mishcon and its deputy chairman Anthony Julius, who was chosen by Diana as her legal representative when she divorced Charles. Julius continued to work with William as one of the founding trustees of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and was vice-president until it closed in 2012. Williams decision is being seen at Buckingham Palace as the latest example of his desire to follow a different path from that of his father. The peer, who died in 2006, passed his contemporaneously typed-up account of a meeting with Diana to Metropolitan Police officers after the Princess's fatal car crash in Paris in 1997 Of course, his inheritance of the vast Duchy of Cornwall estate when Charles ascended the throne in 2022 means that money is no object. Valued at more than 1billion, the estate includes more than 200 square miles of land in over 23 counties and provides William with an annual income of at least 20million. William wants to do things differently from his father, and wants to be seen to do them differently, a friend tells me. This was made clear in 2023 when William chose to give a major interview to a national newspaper that was published the day after Trooping the Colour. It meant that coverage of the Kings first birthday parade was overshadowed by his heirs declaration that he planned to end homelessness. Williams decision to branch out from his fathers legal advisers shows that he is more than willing to shake up the status quo behind palace doors as well. A bone-chilling document declassified by the CIA has exposed an alleged massacre by aliens from a crashed UFO who turned an entire military unit into stone. According to the report, Soviet troops shot down a flying saucer hovering over the Soviet military unit in Siberia roughly 35 years ago, and what happened next was truly terrifying. In the document, summarizing a 250-page top secret file acquired by US intelligence agents, eyewitnesses said five aliens climbed out of their wrecked craft, combined themselves into one creature, exploded in a burst of intense energy, and turned 23 soldiers into solid rock. One CIA official referred to the shocking battle as 'a horrific picture of revenge on the part of extraterrestrial creatures, a picture that makes one's blood freeze.' The agency added that the 'extremely menacing case' proved the aliens who visited Earth possessed weapons and technology far beyond the US government's 'assumptions' - suggesting they were already aware of the aliens' existence. The unearthed document, declassified in 2000, was recently the topic of the AI or Evil podcast, where host Josh Hooper revealed that two of the soldiers at the UFO crash site actually survived the encounter. However, the 23 'petrified soldiers' could not be saved. Their remains and the debris from the spacecraft were reportedly moved to a secret research base near Moscow. An even more concerning detail of the CIA file is the description of the aliens reportedly involved in this massacre, who have been mentioned in UFO reports and sightings for nearly 80 years. A declassified CIA document revealed details of an alleged battle between Soviet forces and an alien spacecraft, which ended with 23 soldiers dead During a training mission in Siberia, the Soviet military reportedly shot down a low-flying UFO carrying at least 5 aliens who then turned the soldiers into stone The subject of the document states: 'Paper reports alleged evidence on mishap involving UFO.' This extraordinary tale was also published in the Ukrainian newspaper Holos Ukrayiny on March 27, 1993. The incident, which a Canadian newspaper believed took place between 1989 and 1990, was only uncovered by the CIA after the fall of the Soviet Union and its 'secret police' organization, the KGB. The CIA document explained that the alleged alien craft was flying low and quietly above the Soviet unit while they were engaged in a training mission. Officials wrote that 'for unknown reasons' the Soviets launched a surface-to-air missile at the UFO, sending it crashing to the Earth near the unit's position. According to the only two soldiers who survived, when the soldiers approached the craft, the five aliens freed themselves of the debris and came close together near the wreck. Moments later, the soldiers said the group of aliens 'merged into a single object that acquired a spherical shape.' In simpler language, the aliens beings somehow morphed into a giant ball. That's when the new ball-like alien began to buzz and hiss before igniting into a brilliant white light. The description from the CIA report matches the decades-long description of an alleged race of beings UFO researchers call 'the Greys' With the soldiers still looking on, the ball of light erupted like a giant flare of energy, turning 23 of the 25 Soviets into 'stone poles.' The report stated that the only reason two of the men survived was because they were standing in a shaded area at the time of the alien energy blast. Testing of the soldier's bodies showed the alien flare had somehow changed living tissue into a substance that closely resembles limestone. The CIA document added that 'a source of energy that is still unknown to Earthlings' was responsible for the blast which fatally transformed the Soviets. Even in 2025, the science behind such a shocking transformation is still difficult to explain medically and technologically. According to the Journal of Applied Physics, it is possible to use high-energy radiation or electromagnetic pulses to change normal matter into plasma - a form that's not a liquid, solid, or gas. In the report, the CIA described the aliens as short humanoids with 'large heads and large black eyes.' The account matches who UFO researchers, alleged alien abductees, and others who believe in alien life refer to as a race called 'the Greys.' Their features have become the classic image the public thinks of when discussing aliens from outer space - a small, skinny, grey-skinned alien, with an oversized head and large black eyes with no iris. The Greys would eventually become linked to the infamous Roswell Incident of 1947, as CIA documents would later suggest that alien beings were pulled from the alleged wreck in New Mexico. These strange creatures would also go on to represent alien life in countless science fiction shows and movies, including Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Despite their prominent place in extraterrestrial research, this disturbing incident appears to be the first time humans have alleged that these beings could have accomplished such terrifying feats. A grisly Bible story about an ancestor of Jesus may be true, jaw-dropping new evidence from Armageddon suggests. In the Book of Revelation, Armageddon is where the apocalyptic final clash between good and evil takes place before a new world is born. Today known as Tel Megiddo, the site is also where King Josiah, an ancestor of Jesus, was slain by the Egyptian pharaoh, Necho II, according to the Bible. Now the first archaeological evidence has been found to support the tale, after excavations revealed proof of an Egyptian presence at the site during Josiah's time. Assaf Kleiman of Ben Gurion University, co-author of a new study about the discoveries, said the findings were a 'big surprise' for archaeologists. He added: 'Our recent excavations near the administrative quarter of Megiddo revealed the remains of a large structure dated to the late seventh century BC. 'Within this building, we have found high quantities of crude and straw-tempered pottery vessels imported from Egypt, as well as a few East Greek vessels. 'The exposure of these findings was a big surprise for our team, as these were not unearthed thus far at Megiddo.' Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that a grisly story from the Bible concerning Jesus's ancestor may be true. New discoveries at Armageddon, known today as Tel Megiddo (pictured), point to the reality of a biblical battle In the Book of Revelation, Armageddon is where the apocalyptic final clash between good and evil takes place before a new world is born. The name 'Armageddon' comes from the Hebrew word 'Har Megiddo' meaning 'hill of Megiddo' Your browser does not support iframes. The Greek vessels offer a tantalising clue, archaeologists believe. Dr Kleiman's co-author, Israel Finkelstein of the University of Haifa and Tel Aviv University, said: 'The Greek pottery is usually considered as representing Greek mercenaries. 'From sources such as Herodotus and the Assyrian King, Ashurbanipal, we know that Greeks from Anatolia served as mercenaries in the Egyptian army. 'This scenario may be linked to the biblical account about the killing of King Josiah of Judah by Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo in 609 BC.' Josiah, who's been called the last good king of Judah, is described as a religious reformer in the Bible, ending the worship of any god but Yahweh. He's also listed as a paternal ancestor of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. The Old Testament gives varied accounts of his death. Dr Finkelstein said: 'The Bible recounts the death of Josiah at Megiddo in two places. The city of Tel Megiddo (pictured) is where King Josiah, an ancestor of Jesus, was slain by the Egyptian pharaoh, Necho II, according to the Bible. Archaeologists have now found Greek pottery which might have been used by Greek mercenaries in Necho's army 'He's killed by Necho during an encounter at Megiddo in the Book of Kings, and killed in a battle with the Egyptians in the Book of Chronicles. 'Kings gives close to "real time" evidence while Chronicles represents centuries-later thoughts. 'On this background, the new evidence for an Egyptian garrison, possibly with Greek mercenaries, at Megiddo in the late seventh century BC, may provide the background to the event. 'Moreover, in two places in prophetic works, Ezekiel and Jeremiah, the Bible hints that west Anatolians Lydians were involved in the killing of Josiah.' The site's Hebrew name, Har Megiddo meaning Mount Megiddo was rendered as Harmagedon in Greek, leading to the modern name, Armageddon. Why Josiah was killed there is debated. Some say he and his army blocked the path of Necho II, who was en route to Syria with his troops. Others say he was summoned as a vassal and executed after failing to pay sufficient tribute to Egypt. The discovery of pottery fragments in the area suggests that Necho's military forces may have been in the area of Tel Megiddo, or Armageddon, during the time described by the Bible Most of the city of Megiddo (pictured) has already been excavated, but this new discovery suggests there could be truth to the biblical account of the battle It's even been suggested that Josiah's death there is the reason for its apocalyptic reputation. While this new evidence does not tell us much about the details of Josiah's death, it does point to Necho's military presence at Armageddon around that time. 'It would make sense to place the [final] battle out there due to Israel's history of that location,' argues Hope Bolinger at Christianity.com. Dr Kleiman, Dr Finkelstein, and their colleagues Matthew Adams and Alexander Fantalkin published their study in the Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament. Scientists have issued a chilling update on the 'city-destroying' asteroid due to make a perilously close pass of Earth in 2032. While NASA has thankfully ruled out any chance of 2024 YR4 hitting the Earth, new observations using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) show that the moon is still in the firing line. Researchers now say there is nearly a four per cent chance of this building-sized space rock colliding with the moon. The new observations also show that the asteroid is even bigger than previously thought. Based on ground-based observations, space agencies had initially estimated that 2024 YR4 was around 40 metres (131 feet) in diameter. However, new direct measurements show that the space rock is really 60 metres (200 feet) in diameter - about the height of a 15-story building. Were an asteroid of this size to hit the Earth, it would unleash a blast 500 times more powerful than that of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. After it was discovered in December last year, the probability of an impact rose rapidly to an alarmingly high 3.1 per cent - the highest odds ever recorded for a large asteroid. Scientists have given a chilling warning about the 'city-destroying' asteroid 2024 YR4, as a new study shows that it is even larger than expected (stock image) Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scientists directly measured the size of 2024 YR4 and found that it has a diameter of 60 metres (200ft) In February, the world's space agencies warned that there was a serious chance that 2024 YR4 would hit Earth on December 22, 2032. Although most experts expected the impact probability to fall towards zero as scientists refined their predictions, the situation was deemed serious enough that better observations were needed. During this period of uncertainty, NASA made the 'emergency' decision to grant an international team of astronomers access to the JWST. Their job was to accurately measure the size of the approaching asteroid in order to work out how much damage 2024 YR4 could really cause. Although Earth-based telescopes had predicted the asteroid's approximate size, these were only rough estimates based on the light bouncing off the surface. As the European Space Agency explained in a blog post: 'In general, the brighter the asteroid, the larger it is, but this relationship strongly depends on how reflective the asteroid's surface is.' To get around this problem, the JWST used an instrument designed to measure the heat radiating off the asteroid in the form of infrared radiation. On March 26, the JWST recorded the asteroid for five hours as it spun through space. Unlike ground-based telescopes, the JWST uses an instrument which measures the heat radiating from the asteroid in the form of infrared radiation (pictured). This allows scientists to work out exactly how large the asteroid really is The chances of 2024 YR4, seen here by the European Southern Observatory on February 25, hitting Earth remain at zero. However, there is still a slim possibility that it could hit the moon The infrared data gathered in that time showed that 2024 YR4 was 60 metres in diameter, give or take seven metres, and was spinning on its axis once every 20 minutes. At that size, if 2024 YR4 was still heading towards Earth, it would have been enough to trigger action from the United Nations-backed Space Mission Planning Advisory Group. This group would have been responsible for working out whether a plan was needed to deflect the incoming asteroid and avert a city-destroying impact. Dr Andy Rivkin, an astronomer from Johns Hopkins University and the principal investigator of the Webb Director's Discretionary Time program, says this has given us a much better understanding of the asteroid. 'We found that the thermal properties of 2024 YR4, in other words how quickly it heats up and cools down, and how hot it is at its current distance from the sun, are not like what we see in larger asteroids,' he said. 'We think this is likely a combination of its very fast spin and a lack of fine-grained sand on its surface. 'We'll need more data to say for sure, but it seems consistent with a surface dominated by rocks that are maybe fist-sized or larger.' While the odds of 2024 YR4 hitting Earth remain at zero after these new observations, learning how to observe potentially dangerous objects could be key to humanity's survival in the future. This image shows the orbit of asteroid 2024 YR4 in purple with the sun in the centre and orbits of planets (Mercury = cyan; Venus = yellow; Earth = dark blue; Mars = red). On its current predicted path, there is a two per cent chance that the asteroid will hit the moon If 2024 YR4, seen here from the Magdalena Ridge Telescope on January 18, does hit the moon it would be good news for scientists. The blast wouldn't affect Earth but would allow astronomers to see a crater forming in real time Dr Rivkin says: 'We expect more possible impactors to be found in coming years as more sensitive asteroid search programs begin operation. Observations using the most powerful telescope we have right now are invaluable. 'Understanding the best ways to use it and how to get the most out of its data is something we can do now with 2024 YR4.' Likewise, if 2024 YR4 does hit the moon in 2032, knowing the exact size and composition of the asteroid could be a major boon for scientists around the world. The blast wouldn't affect Earth but it would be the first time scientists could watch a known asteroid create a lunar crater in real-time. The data gathered from this impact could help scientists understand more about other craters on the lunar surface. The cost of climate change will be almost four times higher than we thought, a new study has warned. Scientists from the University of South Wales warn that just 4C (7.2F) of warming will make the average person 40 per cent poorer by 2100. And it's particularly bad news for Britons, who will be 46.5 per cent poorer, according to the researchers. Even if global warming is capped at just 2C (3.6F), the researchers found that global GDP per person - a measure of economic output - will fall by 16 per cent. That is a huge increase from more conservative estimates, which suggested 2C (3.6F) of warming would lead to a 1.4 per cent decrease in GDP. As scientists predict that an increase of 2.1C (3.8F) is almost unavoidable, this means climate change is likely to make the average person significantly poorer. The reason these costs are so much higher than earlier predictions is that the researchers have taken the impact of global weather into account for the first time. Lead author Dr Timothy Neal says: 'Because these damages haven't been taken into account, prior economic models have inadvertently concluded that even severe climate change wasn't a big problem for the economy and it's had profound implications for climate policy.' Scientists warn that the average person could be 40 per cent poorer by 2100 if climate change raises global temperatures by 4C (7.2F). This is because local economic crises, such as droughts in Australia (pictured), have knock-on effects for the global economy In Britain, the disruption to global supply chains caused by more frequent extreme weather, will make the average person 46.5 per cent poorer, according to the researchers (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. In the past, when economists wanted to understand how climate change would affect the economy, they tended to assume that only the weather happening inside a given country affected it. So they would look at the costs of floods or droughts in a country, but not at wider disruptions happening around the globe. However, this approach has been criticised for not taking into account just how interconnected the world's economies really are. Dr Neal explained: 'It is commonplace for the goods and services that people buy at the supermarket or department store to be sourced from all over the world, and goods from multiple countries might have been used to make a single manufactured product that ends up in a store. 'What this implies is that extreme weather that impacts one part of the world has implications for economies elsewhere in the world.' Research shows clearly that extreme weather events are becoming more common and more severe as a direct result of the climate warming. Warmer air can hold more water and more energy, which means some parts of the world are battered by storms and flooding while others are baked by droughts. Recent studies have shown that some parts of the world even experience an intensification of both wet and dry extremes in a process called 'climate whiplash'. Previous estimates of climate change's cost (left) did not consider the impact of global weather changes. This new estimate (right) does include these factors and estimates that the economic impact will be almost four times greater. These maps show the economic impact of climate change according to three common economic models Even if global warming is capped at just 2C (3.6F), the researchers found that global GDP per person, a measure of economic output, will fall by 16 per cent. Scientists recently warned that Earth could warm by 7C by 2200 - even if CO2 emissions are moderate (stock image) While the Earth has experienced warm periods in the geological past, the climate is now changing faster than our society can adapt. This means that national economies are likely to face more disruption from extreme weather events if climate change continues. If these disruptions happen in multiple countries at once - especially during particularly hot years - the impacts spill over to create 'cascading supply chain disruptions' all around the world. Dr Neal says: 'Previous models sometimes suggested that richer or cooler countries, such as the UK, will be significantly less affected than developing countries and some might even benefit.' However, that notion relied on the assumption that weather conditions overseas were irrelevant to local economic success. 'What the results from our paper suggest is that what really matters for future economic growth in the UK under climate change is not only how climate change will change UK weather, but also how it will change all of the UK's trading partners,' says Dr Neal. For example, since the UK imports a large amount of its fresh fruit and vegetables from Spain, more frequent flooding and droughts on the continent would have a knock-on effect for British food industries. According to the researchers, these findings completely change the calculations for the cost of making the economy greener. Previous studies assumed that rich, cool countries like Britain would be relatively unaffected by climate change. The researchers' modelling shows that climate events like flooding in Spain (pictured) will have a massive impact on the UK economy As climate change makes extreme weather like wildfires more likely, the researchers argue that the cost of allowing this to continue is much greater than that of cutting global emissions The new estimates (red) predict significantly greater economic impacts compared to older studies (black). This suggests that cutting emissions to 1.7C (3F) would balance the costs of action against the economic losses caused by global warming A previous economic model, known as DICE 2023, predicted that allowing 2.7C (4.9F) of climate change would roughly balance the costs of action against the costs of inaction. However, using a model that considers global weather, that figure drops to 1.7C (3F), which is consistent with the targets of the Paris Agreement. This means that reducing emissions and fighting climate change is in everyone's economic interest and will make the average person richer by the end of the century. Dr Neal says: 'Accordingly, we argue that the costs of allowing climate change to continue far exceed the costs of decarbonisation.' Civilian astronauts captured astounding footage of Earth from space that clearly shows the planet's curvature, sparking outrage among flat Earthers. The stunning video was taken by the passengers of the Fram2 mission, a historic SpaceX flight that has put humans in orbit over Earth's poles for the first time ever. In the video, Norwegian film director and Fram2 spacecraft commander Jannicke Mikkelsen can be seen gazing out the window of the Dragon spacecraft, observing the clouds and ice blanketing one of Earth's two polar regions. The camera turns to show the curving edge of our spherical planet, then hones in on the features of Earth's surface. 'Flat Earthers in shambles,' one X user posted in reference to the video. But the flat-Earthers hit back with claims that the footage was actually CGI or taken with special lenses. 'In shambles my a**!! Complete the circle, are we in another ice age lmao, why is half the Earth covered in ice. Stop using curved lenses!!' one person commented. 'It's too easy to edit this sort of footage,' another wrote. For 2,000 years, humans have known the Earth is a globe. Despite this, some people are still convinced that we live on a giant floating disc in space, known as 'flat Earth' Humans have known that the Earth is round for more than 2,000 years, and there is abundant evidence to support this idea. This includes the fact that ships disappear when they sail over the horizon line, the round shadow that the Earth casts on the moon during a lunar eclipse, and photographic evidence captured by spacecraft and satellites in space. But people who subscribe to the flat Earth conspiracy theory believe this evidence illegitimate or faked. They argue that the planet is actually shaped like a flat disc, and that scientists who say otherwise are participating in a massive cover-up. Flat Earthers took to social media to share their skepticism about the video taken by the Fram2 crew, suggesting the footage is edited, CGI or taken using a fisheye lens. 'We've seen CGI before. Not impressed.' One X user wrote in response to the video. But there is no evidence to suggest the footage was doctored in any way, or that a curved lens was used to film it. The Fram2 mission launched on March 31 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying a crew of four civilian astronauts to space. 'It is mind-boggling up here, it is so much fun,' Australian polar explorer and Fram2 crewmember Eric Philips can be heard saying off-camera as he captured the curvature of Earth. Civilian astronauts captured astounding footage of Earth from space that clearly shows the planet's curvature, sparking outrage among flat Earthers In the video, Norwegian film director and Fram2 spacecraft commander Jannicke Mikkelsen can be seen gazing out the window of the Dragon spacecraft The Fram2 crew also filmed the features of Earth's surface, honing in on the ice and clouds that blanket its polar regions Mikkelsen and Philips are accompanied by Rabea Rogge, an electrical engineer who is now the first German woman in space, and Chun Wang, a cryptocurrency billionaire who funded the Fram2 mission and is serving as mission commander. The objective of this multi-day mission was to send a crewed spacecraft into orbit over Earth's poles for the first time in history. Until now, spacecraft and satellites have always orbited around the planet's middle because it takes a lot more energy and fuel to do so, and because the radiation environment in polar orbits is much harsher. The Fram2 crew has been in space for three days now, and their mission is expected to last four to five days in total. Although their return date has not been announced, the Dragon spacecraft is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the southern California coast this week. While in orbit, the amateur astronauts will conduct more than 20 science experiments and studies primarily focused on their bodies' responses to microgravity and the overall impacts of spaceflight on their health. This includes taking the first x-ray of the human body in space, performing exercise studies to maintain muscle and skeletal mass and growing mushrooms in microgravity, according to SpaceX. Additionally, after returning to Earth, the crew plans to exit the Dragon spacecraft without medical and operational assistance. This will help researchers 'characterize the ability of astronauts to perform unassisted functional tasks after short and long durations in space,' SpaceX states. These objectives were designed 'to help advance humanitys capabilities for long-duration space exploration and understanding of human health in space.' SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk has set an ambitious goal of flying humans to Mars within the next four to five years. But doing so will require many more missions like Fram2 to develop ways to make long-distance spaceflight safe for humans. Scientists are monitoring a huge volcano in Alaska that is 'moving closer to eruption' as its unrest continues this week. Mount Spurr, a 11,000-foot-tall volcano that sits just 81 miles from the state's largest city, has experienced increased seismic activity, ground-surface displacement and gas emissions, all of which are signs of an impending eruption. Seismic activity near Mount Spurr kicked off in April 2024, and the rate of events increased from an average of 30 per week to an average of 125 per week in early October. The US Geological Survey (USGS) has detected hundreds of small tremors in the past few days in the 30-mile radius of the volcano. On Wednesday, a larger magnitude 3.7 quake struck near Petersville at 11:44am, about 30 miles north-west of Mount Spurr. This quake hit 65 miles below the surface - an earthquake depth that would typically be associated with tectonic plate movement. But since Mount Spurr is showing signs of unrest, the quake may be linked to magma rising from deeper in the Earth's mantle. Scientists estimate an eruption could happen in the next few weeks or months. Scientists warn Mount Spurr in Alaska could erupt within the next few weeks or months. It last erupted in 1992 (pictured) Wednesday's magnitude 3.7 quake struck seven hours after a 2.5 magnitude quake hit in the same area. These were preceded by a magnitude 3.0 detected on Monday at 6:56pm a few miles away. Smaller quakes may have also occurred, but the USGS only shows quakes of magnitude 2.5 or higher on the main earthquake dashboard. On March 7, the volcano began releasing elevated levels of gas from its summit and a side vent that last erupted more than 30 years ago. The emissions combined with the increased seismic activity and ground deformation has put scientists on alert. Anchorage officials raised the emergency planning level to Level 2 last week, which means that they will ramp up communication with the public about the threat and public safety agencies will prepare to launch into eruption response protocols. An eruption would most likely occur at the Crater Peak side vent, and 'it would be explosive,' Matt Haney, scientist-in-charge at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) of the USGS told DailyMail.com. This event would spew multiple plumes of ash rising as high as 50,000 feet into the air, Haney said. Your browser does not support iframes. An eruption from this massive stratovolcano could cover the city of Anchorage, home to nearly 300,000 people, in a layer of ash Each ash-producing explosive episode would last three to four hours, and the resulting cloud could blanket the city of Anchorage and other nearby communities in a thick layer of dust. The eruption would also produce destructive mudslides and avalanches of volcanic debris that race down the volcano's sides at over 200 miles per hour, 'but fortunately, there are not any communities in that radius that would be affected,' Haney said. The last time Mount Spurr erupted was in 1992, and scientists said the imminent explosion would probably be similar to that event. The volcano covered the entire city of Anchorage in an eighth of an inch of ash during this eruption. The skies darkened in the middle of the day due to the enormous cloud of dust and gas blotting out the sun, and the city's airport was forced to shut down for 20 hours. Crater Peak then erupted two more times, once in August and again in September. The Municipality of Anchorage reported nearly $2million in damages, office closures and cleanup costs from the August eruption, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. No one was killed by these events directly. But two heart attacks, one fatal, from shoveling ashfall were reported in Anchorage. Breathing in ash also poses a health hazards. The tiny particles can work their way deep into the lungs, worsening symptoms for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. If Mount Spurr's activity continues to ramp up, the next sign of an eruption will be a volcanic tremor, Haney warned. Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular among women, with many set to head off on an adventure alone in 2025. But it can be a challenge to decide on a destination. If you're ready to spread your wings but you're not sure where to go, this ranking might just inspire you to book a trip. Travel expert, Will Sarson at Riviera Travel, is here to share some of the company's choices of the best destinations for female solo travellers. He says: 'With solo travel predicted to remain popular throughout 2025, we've uncovered some of the world's most popular destinations. 'There are plenty of unique destinations on the list, each offering something slightly different to travellers.' From a beautiful destination with 'breath-taking views' to an incredibly safe European island, feel inspired with this ranking... Will Sarson, from Riviera Travel, who specialise in solo holidays Spain A new ranking of the world's best solo destinations puts Spain at the top. Pictured above is Barcelona Top of the list, sunny Spain is the 'go-to country' for a solo holiday, according to Will. He says: 'A lone holiday in Spain is popular as it's a fairly safe country offering a variety of experiences, from beach holidays in Barcelona to more educational trips in Granada and Seville.' The travel expert also highlights the country's 'affordable accommodation' and 'high-quality cuisine' which includes local tapas and paella. Italy's lakes Italy's lakes are 'iconic' says Will, who says they offer a 'relaxed atmosphere'. Pictured above is Lake Como Known for their beauty, Italy's lakes take second-place on the list. Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Lake Como are 'incredibly popular' with solo travellers, says Will. He explains: 'These three iconic lakes have breathtaking views while charming small towns offer a relaxed atmosphere - perfect for some downtime alone.' Will recommends the lakes for tourists 'seeking a more laid-back trip' as each lake offers a 'tranquil environment, fit for self-reflection and relaxation.' Malta The travel expert recommends exploring Malta's capital city, Valletta (pictured above), to learn more about the country's history Malta's 'friendly locals' mean this island country is 'incredibly safe and welcoming' for solo travellers, explains Will. The travel expert recommends exploring the capital city, Valletta, to learn more about Malta's history. He adds: 'A visit to Ggantija, a prehistoric temple found on the island of Gozo, is a must!' Austria Austria has a 'unique combination' of 'incredible architecture and beautiful landscapes', says Will. Pictured above is Hallstatt Ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, Austria is another popular choice for solo travellers. Will explains: 'Providing a unique combination of incredible architecture and beautiful landscapes, there's bound to be something for everyone in Austria.' The travel expert recommends visiting the Schonbrunn Palace, Salzburg and Graz for the best experience. Italy's cities Italy offers 'amazing variety' for solo travellers says Will. Pictured above is Rome Although Italy's beautiful lakes rank slightly higher on the list, Will also singles out the rest of Italy as a fantastic destination for female solo travellers. The travel expert says: 'Cities such as Rome, Milan and Florence are tourist hotspots all year round, highlighting the variety of amazing destinations on offer in Italy.' Of course, the country's world-famous cuisine is another highlight for any solo travellers who choose to holiday in Italy. Madeira Madeira has a 'variety of activities' on offer for solo adventurers says Will This gorgeous Portuguese island is 'very safe', explains Will, which makes it a 'quality choice' for a solo adventure. He explains the island offers a 'variety of activities' ranging from 'hiking' to unwinding by the ocean. Will adds: 'Funchal, the capital city, is a must-visit. Its restaurants offer a huge variety of cuisine.' Portugal Portugal has 'easy-to-navigate' cities, says Will, such as Lisbon which is pictured above Although Madeira just beats it in the ranking, mainland Portugal is another fantastic option for solo travellers, according to Will. The travel expert explains: 'Home to incredible cities, such as Porto, Lisbon and Braga, solo travellers adore Portugal for its excellent transportation system and easy-to-navigate cities.' He adds that Portugal also has an 'unbelievable coastline' while the River Douro in the north of the country is worth exploring. Morocco In Marrakech, Will recommends visiting the Djemaa el-Fna (pictured above) square for its vibrant 'food stalls, performers and markets' If you're looking to explore a destination outside Europe, Will recommends considering Morocco. The travel expert says: 'Cities such as Marrakech are perfect for soaking up Moroccan culture. The country is home to friendly locals.' In Marrakech, Will recommends visiting the Djemaa el-Fna square for its vibrant 'food stalls, performers and markets'. Finland Finland takes ninth place on the list and offers the chance for 'self-expression and reflection', says Will. Pictured above is Turku The world's happiest country is a 'safe and welcoming' destination for solo travellers, says Will. He says that visiting Finland's extensive lakeland region will offer tourists a chance for 'self-expression and reflection'. Some lucky visitors might also get to see the Northern Lights, but Will advises planning ahead if you want to tick the Aurora off on your trip. France France has some 'world-renowned' attractions, says Will. Pictured above is Paris Rounding off the top 10 destinations for female solo travellers is France, according to Will. The travel expert says: 'Paris, Bordeaux and Marseille offer incredible scenery, high-quality cuisine and wineries, so it's easy to see why this country is a tourist hotspot.' Will recommends visiting some of the country's 'world-renowned' attractions such as the Louvre art gallery in Paris. Would you visit any of these destinations solo? Let us know in the comments. Advertisement A French woman living in the UK has revealed two 'efficient' elements of administration in Britain that have left her pleasantly surprised. Lucille Joffre, who lives in London, regularly delves into lighthearted cultural and social differences between Britain and France in videos uploaded to her TikTok page, @lucille_joffre. But, in a video shared with her 200,000 following, the content creator was left lost for words after experiencing the swift arrival of an important document that she claimed would otherwise take much longer to receive in France. In the clip, she said: 'I think it's very funny when English people complain about administration here being outdated, slow and painful - um... don't move to France.' She playfully described her native country as 'living in medieval times, travelling by carriage and sending your mail by pigeon' due to its reportedly slow postal deliveries. Upon her arrival in the UK, Lucille explained she had made an appointment with her local job centre to get assigned a National Insurance number for work. Following the appointment, she received her NI number in the mail 'a week later,' leaving her dumbfounded. She said, 'I called my Mum. I was like, "Mum... how efficient is this country?"' before adding how her mother, who had moved from Paris to Nice, had been experiencing difficulty in changing her address on accounts and documents for three years. Lucille Joffre, who lives in London , regularly delves into lighthearted cultural and social differences between Britain and France - but she was left shocked by one aspect of UK culture Lucille's second shock came after she noticed her taxes were being automatically deducted from her monthly salary. She said: 'They've since put that in France, it's the same now. But French people were outraged when the law was passed.' Lucille concluded her observations by recalling: 'I once received a cheque in the mail because I'd paid too much for a year. I was like, "What? People actually do their jobs here?"' Hundreds of viewers from across the globe chimed in with their thoughts in the comment section, with many sharing Lucille's sentiments. One person wrote, 'Im Italian and always amazed at how lean british bureaucracy is,' while another said, 'Having lived in 5 countries outside the UK I can say the UK is among the best.' Another viewer shared: 'Got the overpaid tax letter too and I was like "Wait... the government wants to give me money!" and spent a minute thinking it was a prank.' A fourth added: 'It's the same for Germany. I was amazed when I moved to the UK and found out everything is so much faster and easier here.' One British viewer recalled: 'One time I had to get the same document from both the UK and US government and the UK one took 9 hours US took 4 months so yeah we complain too much.' The content creator was left lost for words after experiencing the swift arrival of an important document that she claimed would otherwise take much longer to receive in France Hundreds of viewers from across the globe chimed in with their thoughts in the comment section, with many sharing Lucille's sentiments Another person said: 'I moved to France and oh my god... It is SO BAD. I'll never complain about it in the UK again. It took a year for me to get my carte vital!' However, one Dutch national wrote: 'It's funny cause I am from the Netherlands and I find the UK in medieval times hahaha.' It comes after one American woman living in the UK revealed the curious and bizarre questions she is often asked from friends and family in the US. Lisa Dollan, originally from Georgia but has since settled in West Yorkshire with her British husband and their children, spilled the beans on some of the most ridiculous queries she often receives about life across the pond. The mother, who goes by Yorkshire Peach on social media, uploaded a video to Facebook in 2022, sharing misconceptions about British life communicated by loved ones - such as whether or not all Brits have a 'posh' accent. Snails are a famous delicacy in France and, if youre heading there with easyJet, you can now try it in ice cream form first. To celebrate the opening of a new base at London Southend Airport earlier this week, the airline offered holidaymakers travelling through the airport the chance to whet their appetite with a variety of gelatos in bonkers flavours, including Escargot, sangria and spicy tagine. The frozen desserts were served on the first easyJet flights departing to new destinations now operating from the airport, including France, Morocco, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Eager to find out if the ice creams taste as weird as they sound, MailOnline Travel tried them out to share their verdicts. Escargot (France Paris) The snail-infused garlic ice cream was green coloured and largely met with disgust from our taste-testers - not least from Jack Pusey, our TV Editor (pictured) EasyJet has offered holidaymakers travelling through the airport the chance to whet their appetite with a variety of gelatos in bonkers flavour The snail-infused garlic ice cream was green coloured and largely met with disgust from our taste-testers. Jada Bas, a Trainee Reporter for Mail Online, was overwhelmed by the pungent and sickly smell of garlic. Oh my god, its so strong. With heavy caution, she had just a tiny scoop of the ice-cream - which was still enough to make her gag. To her, there was not a hint of snail, just a vomit-infused garlic bomb in her mouth. Jack Pusey, TV Editor, had a similar reaction and said he felt sick at the incredibly strong flavour. The smell alone was enough to send him running out the room, still, he persevered and took a generous scoop. As soon as the flavour entered his palate he grimaced. Oh my god! I cant swallow that! Both Jack and Jada instinctively hurled over at the truly revolting taste and rated it one star. Both Jack and Jada (pictured) instinctively hurled over at the truly revolting taste and rated it one star But Ayaat Yassin-Kasaab, another Trainee Reporter, had a very surprising reaction and was pleasantly surprised to find she enjoyed the controversial dessert. I dont like ice cream, but I would have this again. The trainee has some robust taste busts - she took a hefty spoonful and even went in for seconds! Spicy Tagine (Morocco Marrakech) Ayaat described the Moroccan ice cream as like a spicy cinnamon mulled wine rather than cayenne pepper' This ice-cream incorporated Moroccan spices to mimic the African dish, but was underwhelming for some. Jada thought it resembled a spicy hummus and called it 'inoffensive' in comparison to the others she tried. She rated it one star, just because I dont think ice cream should taste like this - it should be sweet. Jack Pusey managed to at least swallow this flavour, but admitted its not going to be replacing my Ben and Jerrys or Haagen-Daas fixation any time soon. Ayaat, however, found the vaguely spicy smell rather nice. Its like a spicy cinnamon mulled wine rather than cayenne pepper. I actually do like the flavour of this, I think theyve done very well. Cacio e pepe (Italy - Pisa) Our taste testers were put off from the get go by the unappetising black bits in the Cacio e pepe, which meant the ice cream largely tasted of pepper For Jada, the ice cream failed to mimic well the cheesy creaminess of one of her favourite Italian dishes Inspired by the iconic pasta dish, this sundae had notes of lemon zest, parmesan and cracked black pepper. But our taste testers were put off from the get go by the unappetising black bits in it, which meant the ice cream largely tasted of pepper. Ayaat rated it a zero out of ten after noting sceptically this looks like cream with black pepper in it. For Jada, it failed to mimic well the cheesy creaminess of one of her favourite Italian dishes. After a try, she simply said it has a very strong pepper flavour. Jack found it tolerable: Its not too bad. Its peppery. I dont know why anyone would order this [though]. Sangria and Chocolate (Spain - Alicante, Almeria, Gran Caria, Malaga, Palma, Reus, Tenerife) This flavour was likened by the team to a refreshing sorbet or slushy and came close to the top for favourites. Ayaat, peering at the bottom of the container, also noted that all of the ingredients were Sangria ingredients - whatever they are! Jack was the most complementary, as he noticed [Its] definitely a little bit boozy. He concluded: Its quite refreshing actually. Ayaat, peering at the bottom of the container, also noted that all of the ingredients were Sangria ingredients - whatever they are! She thought It looks like a slushie rather than an ice cream and its got some sort of weirdly coloured bits in it. But overall our trainee did rate the flavour combination: I actually really like this one. But Jada was thrown off by the mixture of chocolate with the popular, cheap Spanish beverage. At first its quite refreshing, a bit like a sorbet, but the chocolate is just really throwing me off. [It] doesnt go well together. Pastel de Nata (Portugal Faro) From mildly pleasant to vomit-inducing, we wouldn't pick any of these from an ice-cream van - unless you have super-human taste The frozen desserts were served on the first easyJet flights departing to new destinations now operating from the airport, including France, Morocco, Italy, Spain and Portugal A rich custard tart-flavoured ice cream to mimic the traditional Portuguese desert, this was the chart topper for most of our MailOnline reviewers. Jada seemed relieved to find a relatively normal dessert flavour. Id easily give that five stars! Jack was less impressed with the presentation, arguing that the bits of puff pastry looked like there had been croutons stuffed into it. But he eventually relented: Okay, this is actually quite nice. FINAL THOUGHTS Our team of brave testers thought these classic dishes were just completely wrong in ice-cream form. From mildly pleasant to vomit-inducing, we wouldn't pick any of these from an ice-cream van - unless you're Ayaat of course, and have super-human taste. Bali has banned menstruating women from entering their temples because period blood is 'dirty' and will 'contaminate' the religious sites. The holiday island has recently launched a crackdown on 'naughty' tourists to protect its sacred sites and Bali's 'cultural integrity', with those in breach of the new rules facing fines and even imprisonment. Women have been banned from entering Balinese temples while on their period, which the official Visit Bali site is because menstrual blood is 'dirty' and would 'make the temple become impure'. Tourists should respect local customs and 'maintain the cleanliness of the surrounding environment', Visit Bali added. 'We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt,' Bali governor Wayan Koster said during a press conference. 'This ensures that Bali's tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values.' A tourism task force is ensuring the new rules, which came into effect on March 24, are followed and that tourists who are 'naughty will be immediately dealt with firmly', according to the Bali Sun. It is unclear how authorities intend to check whether a woman is menstruating to stop her from entering a temple. Bali has banned menstruating women from entering their temples because period blood is 'dirty' and will 'contaminate temples' The holiday island has recently launched a crackdown on 'naughty' tourists to protect its sacred sites and Bali's 'cultural integrity', with those in breach of the new rules for tourists facing fines and even imprisonment The visitor's information site says that if these rules are breached and people enter the temples while on their period, 'many women experience pain and faint while in the temple'. Legend in Bali says that 'mystical events that can befall menstruating women in temples, such as possession', according to Visit Bali. But not only menstruating women are banned from entering the temple: Men or women who are in "cuntaka" - so'impure' physically and spiritually in the Hindu faith - or those whose family member recently died also shouldn't enter. Couples who have babies under the age of six months are also banned. The dominant religion on the paradise island is Balinese Hinduism - which differs significantly from Indian Hinduism - and more than 80 per cent of the Balinese population are part of it. 'Bali is a beautiful, sacred island, and we expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them,' Koster said. Other rules aimed at tourists forbids them from using single-use plastics like plastic bags and straws, being rude to locals and littering. The aim is for visitors to behave more respectfully in restaurants, shops, on Balinese streets as well as social media. The dominant religion on the paradise island is Balinese Hinduism - which differs significantly from Indian Hinduism - and more than 80 per cent of the Balinese population are part of it 'I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali,' Bali governor Koster said at his press conference. This comes after Bali introduced an entry fee in February 2024, charging all international tourists 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah (7) to travel through Bali's Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar or any of the island's ports. Bali, which is expected to see 14 to 16 million tourists visit the island this year, said it will use the revenue generated by the entry fee - and likely the fines imposed on tourists who break the new rules - to protect the island's environment. For high-paying execs and their business associates, jetting from one city to another can really waste valuable time. But the length of private trips around the world could soon be slashed, thanks to a new 'near-supersonic' liner in the works. Canadian company Bombardier Aviation has revealed its Global 8000, a swanky private plane that flies at Mach 0.94 (720mph). The luxury jet features a full-size kitchen, cinema, beds, showers, high-speed internet and an anti-jet lag lighting system. According to the firm, Global 8000 has enough range to do long distance trips such as Dubai to Houston, Singapore to Los Angeles and London to Perth non-stop. If cleared for commercial travel, the $80 million craft could complete the 3,459-mile trip from London to New York in less than four hours. It would be the fastest civil aircraft since Concorde, the world's only successful supersonic passenger airplane. Jean-Christophe Gallagher, head of aircraft sales at Bombardier, said Global 8000 passengers will be able to 'reach destinations farther and faster than ever before'. Described as 'the ultimate business aircraft', Global 8000 will transport passengers at top speeds of Mach 0.94 (720mph) The swanky jet features a full-size kitchen, cinema, beds, showers, high-speed internet and an anti-jet lag lighting system There's a dining area with full table service and even a kitchen for when travellers want to help themselves to a drink or a snack from the fridge 'Our customers will soon be able to step aboard an aircraft that sets the standard as the fastest and longest-range purpose-built business aircraft in history,' he said. 'Global 8000 will boast the best-in-class cabin altitude and offer Bombardier's signature smooth ride.' According to the company, Global 8000 passengers will enjoy their journey in 'greater comfort than anything else in business aviation'. With a length of over 50 feet, the spacious cabin 'designed for wellness' has adjustable seats for up to 17 passengers with ample legroom. There's a dining area with full table service and even a kitchen for when travellers want to help themselves to a drink or a snack from the fridge. There's also a separate enclave of seating in front of a 55-inch 4K TV, which lets passengers replicate the cinema experience at 50,000 feet. High-speed internet also lets passengers stream films, take video calls or share documents with colleagues from the comfort of their own seat. But for extra privacy there's also 'four spacious suites' each with a full-size double bed, a sofa and a stand-up shower. The jet has a wingspan of 100 feet and an overall length of 111 feet - making it more compact that a traditional plane transporting hundreds of passengers Lighting stimulates or suppresses the production of melatonin to help synchronize a traveler's circadian rhythm to the time at their destination For extra privacy there's also 'four spacious suites' each with a full-size double bed, a sofa and a stand-up shower Global 8000: Key specs Manufacturer : Bombardier Aviation (Canada) : Bombardier Aviation (Canada) Top speed : Mach 0.94 (720mph) : Mach 0.94 (720mph) Maximum operating altitude : 51,000ft : 51,000ft Cabin length : 54ft : 54ft Exterior length : 111ft : 111ft Wingspan : 104ft : 104ft Scheduled maiden flight : 2025 : 2025 Price : $80 million Advertisement Other features include wardrobes, power outlets and a furnished toilet with a window, vanity and sink. Meanwhile, a dynamic lighting system automatically adjusts the cabin lighting to prevent jetlag when the passenger's alights the plane. The lighting stimulates or suppresses the production of melatonin to help synchronize a traveler's circadian rhythm to the time at their destination. 'Connectivity, comfort and arriving refreshed are just as important today than speed and range,' Mr Gallagher added. From the exterior, the jet has a wingspan of 100 feet and an overall length of 111 feet so more compact that a traditional plane transporting hundreds of passengers. Construction is already underway on the first units at Bombardier's sites in Saint-Laurent (Quebec), Red Oak (Texas) and Queretaro (Mexico). If the company keeps to schedule, Global 8000 could enter into service in late 2025 although it's unclear how much passengers will be paying for a trip in the private jet. In the aviation industry, the race is on to build a passenger jet that can reach or even exceed the speeds of Concorde. According to the company, Global 8000 passengers will enjoy their journey in 'greater comfort than anything else in business aviation' Concorde was the first supersonic airliner and operated for 27 years, but it was grounded in October 2003. Pictured is British Airways Concorde G-BOAB taking off over the Cotswolds A Beijing firm called Space Transportation is working on a jet that reached Mach 4 or 3,045mph four times the speed of sound at altitudes of more than 65,600 feet, reports the South China Morning Post. This is twice as fast as the defunct Concorde's max speeds (Mach 2 or 1,338mph) and three times that of 'Son of Concorde', the unofficial name for a rival being developed by NASA (937mph). Concorde flew at Mach 2 or 1,338mph, mostly delivering passengers from London or Paris to New York and back. The Anglo-Franco creation had its first commercial flights in 1976, but it was grounded in October 2003 in the aftermath of the catastrophic Air France Flight 4590 crash. Other reasons for the demise of Concorde were high fuel costs, concern over its noise and a preference for lower fares over speed. A Briton who lashed out after being charged a 'rip-off' fee for a sachet of HP sauce in Benidorm is being ridiculed on social media. The tourist was visiting the holiday hotspot with her family before stopping for a peaceful breakfast at The 4 Kings bar on Avenida Mediterraneo. But things took a turn for the worst when the bill arrived with an unexpected fee added on to the total. The sunseeker was shocked to discover she had been charged an extra 1 for two sachets of HP sauce, making them 50 cents each. The disgruntled holidaymaker shared a picture of her bill next to one of the sachets on a Benidorm Facebook page. She wrote: 'Be careful going for breakfast in this place, 1 for two HP sachets, rip off.' The Briton's order consisted of two 'jumbo' breakfasts, a jug of orange juice, one coffee and two sachets of brown sauce, which came in at just 15.90. Others jumped to defend the bar, insisting that the other items were good value. A Briton who lashed out after being charged a 'rip off' fee for a sachet of HP sauce in Benidorm is being ridiculed on social media. The disgruntled holidaymaker shared a picture of her bill next to one of the sachets on a Benidorm Facebook page The 4 Kings bar on Avenida Mediterraneo where the tourist was charged for the sauce The holidaymaker was visiting the idyllic seaside town with her family and had decided to stop for breakfast (stock image) The Briton's order consisted of two 'jumbo' breakfasts, a jug of orange juice, one coffee and two sachets of brown sauce, which came in at just 15.90 (stock image) One commented: 'That's an absolute bargain, 2 jumbo breakfasts, a jug of orange juice and a coffee, plus sauce, all that for 15.90.' Another said: 'I think if anything this bar is now going to get more customers thanks to you.' One joked: 'Won't sleep tonight after that.. gonna cancel my holiday', while one jibed: 'Thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.' A regular added: 'I always had good food & service at 4 kings 50 cents is not an issue, if you want branded sauce then you pay.' MailOnline has contacted The 4 Kings for comment. This is not the first time a tourist has expressed frustration about the high prices of meals abroad. In 2023 DK Oyster in Mykonos faced a string of complaints from outraged tourists who said they were overcharged for their food and drinks. And although the oyster bar boasted the 'ultimate luxury experience', several people received the shock of their lives when presented with the bill. From a pair of honeymooners who say they were charged 25 per oyster, to a couple who paid almost 700 for drinks, appetisers and a salad - some customers say they felt fleeced. One furious couple sounded the alarm after being slapped with an exorbitant bill for a 'quick snack' and some drinks. Alex and Lindsay Breen, from Toronto, Canada, were supposed to be having the time of their lives while on honeymoon in Mykonos, Greece, in May last year. However, the couple, both 31, were soon living a nightmare when DK Oyster charged them almost 350 (400 euros) for a beer, a cocktail and a dozen oysters. The Breens claim that restaurant staff failed to give them a drinks menu with prices before shocking them with the astronomical sum. They also accused the restaurant of taking them to a back room to pay, rather than presenting them with the bill at the table. And when they quizzed staff for a breakdown, they were shown a computer screen which was all in Greek. Spain was last month named the top hotspot for tourist scams, with more than one million holidaymakers reported to have fallen victim to fraudulent activity. A study, which assessed figures from several countries using ONS and survey data, uncovered the top ten tourist destinations where travellers have fallen foul of scams. High on the list of popular holiday spots targeted by scammers are France, USA and Greece. However, Spain has been revealed as the top destination tourists are most likely to be caught up in a swindle - with a staggering 1,054,729 travellers having experienced a scam in the European country in the last five years. Advertisement The Repair Shop fans were left 'in tears' after a family were finally 'brought peace' by a restoration with a heartbreaking twist. Electrical expert Mark Stuckey got to work on restoring guests Zaff and Nasari's vintage projector, which was their dad's, in Wednesday's episode of the BBC show. Zaff and Nasari's dad brought the projector to Rochdale after being forced to flee Uganda in 1972. The brother-sister duo were hoping to restore the projector, almost 50 years after it was last used, as they said it contained precious memories from their life in the African country. Zaff and Nasari became emotional as the newly-fixed projector was unveiled, both tearing up. 'Oh my God, wow,' said Zaff, as Nasari added: 'It looks brand-new.' The Repair Shop fans were left 'in tears' during Wednesday's episode after a family were finally 'brought peace' by a restoration with a heartbreaking twist Electrical expert Mark Stuckey got to work on restoring guests Zaff and Nasari's vintage projector, which was their dad's The pair then got to view memories of their parents they had never seen before, to which expert Mark asked: 'Was it as you hoped?' 'And more,' Nasari said, getting choked up. 'It brought me peace, seeing my mum and dad and how we were and my grandfather, how much time we spent together. Yeah, happy memories.' 'I bet you can't wait to get back home and get the family together,' Mark said, to which Zaff added: 'Absolutely. A big get-together, I think and have a viewing, basically.' The Repair Shop were also left emotional at the segment, as they said: 'Don't know why I'm tearing up. Projector,'; 'Wow. Imagine watching all those films after all that time,'; 'Brilliant episode and stunning repair & also the family who lost everything in Uganda had their projector filled with family memories restored this was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE viewing I Loved seeing them playing as children! A sad story but a beautiful ending.' Last month, another episode of the show saw a guest break down in tears after revealing he felt 'ashamed' about the state of century-old furniture left to him by his twin, who had died of cancer. Roger Parsons's brother Chris passed away three years ago but years before he died he gave his twin a set of chairs as he was about to move to Florida. Zaff and Nasari's dad brought the projector to Rochdale after being forced to flee Uganda in 1972 The Repair Shop were also left emotional at the segment, as they said: 'Don't know why I'm tearing up. Projector' In the 1990s, the guest opted to put the wooden chairs in a storage unit, but they were soon damaged after the room became riddled with damp. This led Roger to the BBC show, becoming the star of its latest instalment and making fans emotional with his heart-wrenching story. He said: 'Chris sadly lost his life to cancer back in July 2022. I didn't really look after them as well as I might have done... I am ashamed actually that they have ended up in this condition. 'Now that Chris has gone, everything that was attached to him is of greater significance to me.' Roger described his lifelong friendship with his twin and explained that he often followed his sibling around. 'We were born 17 minutes apart,' he said. 'We did everything together, we played rugby, played sport together. Chris was always one step ahead, I kind of hung on to his shirt tails. He had my back and I had his.' Expert Sonnaz Nooranvary was blown away by the furniture and told Roger that the chairs were designed at least 100 years ago and were handmade by luxury crafter Ercol. Roger Parsons had opted to put the wooden chairs in a storage unit but they were soon damaged by damp. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the repair job later in the show The guest described his lifelong friendship with his twin and explained that he often followed his sibling around She then joined Will Kirk in carrying out the arduous task of mending the wooden frame and making some new cushions to replace the rotten existing set. Roger could not believe his eyes when he arrived at the barn after the repair mission, as he was greeted by patched-up chairs with fresh peach and grey cushions. He said: 'Wow that's incredible, absolutely amazing... I have never seen them looking so good and I am sure Chris didn't either. 'To see the woodwork and the upholstery come back to life, it's remarkable. Just thinking how nice it would have been to have maybe be sat with Chris in the other one.' He then expressed intention to take the chairs back to his house straight away and not make the same mistake of placing them in storage. The Repair Shop airs Wednesdays on BBC One at 8pm and is available to stream on iPlayer. Advertisement An Escape To The Country buyer burst into tears while the panicked host urged her husband to give her a hug after making a shocking revelation on Wednesday. The most recent episode of the BBC show saw Sonali Shah help project manager John and his wife Liz find their dream home in the idyllic countryside of Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The couple, from Warwickshire, explained to the expert that they had a budget of 340,000 to find a detached property with countryside views, a minimum of two bedrooms, a garage and one acre of land. Sonali managed to find a number of properties to show the pair, but there was one in the mix that really stood out for them - and that was the mystery house. Walking up to the bungalow, Liz explained that it 'already looks really promising' and as they looked around they couldn't hide how impressed they were. Sonali asked them: 'Have I found the house?' to which John replied: 'If I said no to this, quite rightly so, let's just stop looking...' An Escape To The Country buyer burst into tears and the panicked host urged her husband to give her a hug after making a shocking revelation on Wednesday The couple, from Warwickshire, explained to the expert that they had a budget of 340,000 to find a detached property with countryside views, a minimum of two bedrooms, a garage and one acre of land The most recent episode of the BBC show saw Sonali Shah help project manager John and his wife Liz find their dream home in the idyllic countryside of Argyll and Bute, Scotland She then asked them to guess how much they thought it was, to which Liz explained she thought it would be offers over 350,000, with John saying offers over 340,000. Sonali asked: 'If that was the case, would you be putting in a call to the estate agent?' They replied that they would and she continued: 'I think you need to get your phone out because it's offers over 270,000.' Liz couldn't contain her emotion and gasped: 'No way!' Sonali pointed out to John that his wife was crying and urged him to give her a hug. A confused John asked: 'Are you sure you've got that right?! Offers over 270,000?!' Sonali said: 'I'm so excited for you! We've done it folks. We've found the Goldilocks house.' It's not the first time that a guest has got emotional on the show. A couple were left 'dumbstruck' and broke down in tears after viewing a 'mind-blowing' property on BBC One's Escape To The Country. During last Friday's instalment of the daytime programme, viewers were introduced to couple Sarah and Dominic. The duo were hoping to leave their home in South London for a fresh start in the countryside, ideally in the High Weald. Before their search began, the pair had a strict list of requirements for Alistair Appleton, 55, to adhere to. Sarah and Dominic wanted a detached home with four to five bedrooms and at least one acre of land. They were also keen to have an annexe for Sarah's parents, or at least enough space to build one. A couple were left 'dumbstruck' and broke down in tears after viewing a 'mind-blowing' property on BBC One's Escape To The Country During Friday's instalment of the daytime programme, viewers were introduced to couple Sarah and Dominic, who were blown away by a property in the Kent village of Biddenden The couple had an impressive budget of 1.1 million and were shown two gorgeous houses during their property search. However, it was the mystery house in the Kent village of Biddenden which left them both blown away. Before even stepping foot inside, the couple immediately commented on how beautiful the unique home was. Calling the house 'mind-blowing', Alistair explained: 'Its been beautifully restored, this is an oast house, of which there are hundreds in Kent.' He continued: 'This is it! The actual oast at the top moves with the wind, so its still working in that sense.' Alistair also revealed that the home came with 10 acres, five of which are private fields and had their own giant orchid, so the couple were keen to explore the inside. However, after exploring inside, it seemed as though emotions got the better of Sarah when they gave their overall thoughts on the property. Alistair said: 'You've gone a bit, sort of, dumbstruck!' The couple had an impressive budget of 1.1 million and before even stepping foot inside, they immediately commented on how beautiful the unique home was During the episode, Alistair revealed that the home came with 10 acres, five of which are private fields and their own giant orchid However, after exploring inside, it seemed as though emotions got the better of Sarah when they gave their overall thoughts on the property, revealing they absolutely loved it When asked if they could imagine themselves living there, Dominic confessed he could before getting teary himself Fighting back tears and struggling to speak, she replied: 'Im literally speech- Im quite emotional, actually. Sorry! It just looks amazing.' When asked if they could imagine themselves living there, Dominic confessed he could, before getting teary himself. But the couple were even more delighted when they learnt the house was on the market for 950,000, which was below their budget. As the episode came to an end, BBC viewers learnt they had taken their family back to visit the house and it was a huge success. Alistair added: 'Theyre now in the process of doing all the checks before they can put an offer in.' Escape To The Country airs weekdays on BBC one and is available to stream on iPlayer. Adolescence has been knocked off of Netflix's top spot by an 'insane and heartbreaking' true crime documentary. The four-part series has reached over 96million views since it was released on March 13 and has received rave reviews since. Adolescence follows the story of a young boy called Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who gets accused of killing his female classmate Katie (Emilia Holliday). However, it has since been overtaken by Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer. The new crime docuseries consists of three episodes and looks at the stories of missing women whose remains were found near Gilgo Beach on Long Island in New York. A synopsis reads: 'This tense true-crime series examines the hunt for the Long Island serial killer through the perspective of his victims, their loved ones and the police.' Hit series Adolescence has since reportedly been overtaken by Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer The new crime docuseries consists of three episodes and looks at the stories of missing women whose remains were found near Gilgo Beach on Long Island in New York A synopsis reads: 'This tense true-crime series examines the hunt for the Long Island serial killer through the perspective of his victims, their loved ones and the police.' Directed by Liz Garbus, the new documentary comes after suspect Rex Heuermann was arrested and charged for the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Heuermann pleaded not guilty to seven murder charges and is currently awaiting trial. Viewers have discovered the new show on Netflix and took to social media to share their verdicts. One penned on X: 'Stop everything youre doing and watch Gone Girls: The Island Long Serial Killer on Netflix.' Another wrote: 'Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer on Netflix is just heartbreaking. Sex workers are treated so horribly already but its sad how it reflects even in death and danger. 'These women were murdered and their families had to wait years for it to be truly treated as such. Awful!' Someone else said: 'Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer on Netflix is NUTS.' Directed by Liz Garbus, the new documentary comes after suspect Rex Heuermann (pictured) was arrested and charged for the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Viewers have discovered the new show on Netflix and took to social media to share their verdicts While a fourth commented: 'Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer on Netflix is literally the most gripping documentary series Ive watched in a long time. Its left me literally traumatised replaying the whole thing in my head. Everyone go and watch it.' Another added: ''Gone Girls is such a well written documentary. Netflix never misses!' Someone else penned: 'Netflix has me hooked. They do crime docs so well. Gone Girls: The Island Long Serial Killer is well crafted but my gosh this is beyond sad all these missing women who gone for so long before their families found solace.' Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer is available to stream on Netflix. A new 'groundbreaking' revenge thriller from the creators of Adolescence is set to land on the BBC next week. Reunion - which airs on Monday at 9pm - is a bilingual series filmed in and around Sheffield featuring both British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English. It is from the creators of Netflix smash hit Adolescence and was written by Sheffield-born deaf writer William Mager. Reunion features a host of famous faces, from Bad Sisters' Anne-Marie Duff to Broadchurch's Joe Sims and EastEnders star (and Strictly winner) Rose Ayling-Ellis. Coronation Street star Rose described the drama as 'groundbreaking' in an interview with freelance journalist Liam O'Dell. 'I think that it's groundbreaking because you've got a deaf writer, you've got deaf actors more than one, there's a lot of them,' she said. A new 'groundbreaking' revenge thriller from the creators of Adolescence is set to land on the BBC next week Reunion features a host of famous faces, from Bad Sisters' Anne-Marie Duff to Broadchurch's Joe Sims and EastEnders star (and Strictly winner) Rose Ayling-Ellis 'We've even got deaf SAs [supporting artists], as well. Also, we have deaf crew there were so many deaf crew, I've never seen that many in my life.' The four-part drama follows the journey of recently released deaf prisoner Daniel (Matthew Gurney), who's struggling to adapt to 'normal' life after being shunned by the deaf community because of his heinous crime. His only meaningful relationship is with his estranged daughter Carly (Lara Peak), who he's not spoken to since his arrest a decade earlier. Then there's Christine (Anne-Marie Duff), a woman desperate to track Daniel down and get to the full truth behind what he did. Meanwhile Eddie Marsan plays Stephen Renworth, Christine's protective boyfriend, and Rose Ayling-Ellis (Summer of Rockets, As You like It) plays her daughter, Miri. The BBC describes the drama as a 'milestone' in inclusive storytelling, while Matthew promises the script is 'electrifying'. 'Reunion is an amazing storyline and is completely different from my previous work,' Matthew said of his latest role. 'My character Brennan is on a wildly different journey than that portrayed by normal deaf lives, this portrays a man who is hated within the deaf community. Reunion - which airs on Monday at 9pm - is a bilingual series filmed in and around Sheffield featuring both British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English Coronation Street star Rose described the drama as 'groundbreaking' in an interview with freelance journalist Liam O'Dell The four-part drama follows the journey of recently released deaf prisoner Daniel (Matthew Gurney), who's struggling to adapt to 'normal' life after being shunned by the deaf community because of his heinous crime 'It shows how deaf people react and act on screen in an honest and authentic way. 'We are different to hearing actors, we are so much more visual storytellers, it's not about relying on sound it's about using your eyes and seeing what is going on in the story.' Meanwhile Lara, who plays his daughter, said: 'There's so much in Reunion that people can relate to from the relationships and storyline to what it feels like to be isolated from a community and welcomed into a community. 'To be able to watch a show that is led by deaf actors is incredible and the inclusion of sign language is not seen often enough. 'It's a real opportunity to learn and become fascinated and immersed in that world.' Then there's Christine (Anne-Marie Duff), a woman desperate to track Daniel down and get to the full truth behind what he did 'It is rare to witness a narrative where the audience is taken on a journey with a very different set of senses,' Anne-Marie said Anne-Marie added: 'I am genuinely thrilled to be a part of this very exciting production. 'It is rare to witness a narrative where the audience is taken on a journey with a very different set of senses. 'It's about our need to acknowledge each other's truths- both inside our own families and beyond. 'The team is so extraordinary. I feel very honoured to be rubbing shoulders with them.' Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia's most-trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip BEFORE it makes the news. Jewish high society gather for Bondi Junction wedding Forget Bernadette Fahey and Jordan Sukkar's multimillion-dollar wedding... I hear a new bar for luxury nuptials is going to be set this weekend when real estate mogul Jerome Srot and his fiancee Cecilia Summer tie the knot at their 'spiritual home' of Central Synagogue in Bondi Junction. The couple, who have been together for eight years, are sparing no expense for what has been described to me as 'the ultimate high-society Jewish affair'. Srot is director of property management at The Rubinstein Group, the prestige real estate agency made famous by streaming series Luxe Listings Sydney. TRG partner Jerome Srot and socialite Cecilia Summer will say 'I do' in a traditional Jewish wedding at Central Synagogue in Bondi Junction on Sunday The bride-to-be (pictured second from left) will wear a wedding dress by an Israeli designer Ms Summer is a well-known socialite and former events co-ordinator for the same synagogue where she will soon be saying 'I do'. The guest list, I am assured, includes the eastern suburbs A-list and business elites, with one lucky guest gushing: 'It's a very Luxe Listings crowd. 'It is a Who's Who of luxury real estate all the high performers from [The Rubinstein Group] will be there, [TRG associate director] Cae Thomas and, of course, Sydney's most eligible bachelor, [TRG founder] Gavin Rubinstein.' Speaking of Mr Rubinstein, his appearance at the wedding will no doubt spark chatter as it was only recently reported he split from his girlfriend Holly Young - the Perth model perhaps best known for her 2017 fling with Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. It remains to be seen whether he will arrive with a new girlfriend on his arm, after I spied him with a cowboy-boot-clad beauty outside his Rose Bay offices last month. Either way, by showing up without Young, Rubinstein will at last clear up the mystery surrounding the eastern suburbs break-up everyone has been talking about for months, but no one seemed to want to confirm. Of course, he won't be the only star attraction on the guest list. I also hear Laser Clinics Australia co-founder Babak Moini will be in attendance, as will celebrity defence attorney Bryan Wrench of Murphy's Lawyers, whose recent high-profile clients include broadcaster Alan Jones, ex-NRL star George Burgess and Tim Tregoning, the ex-husband of P.E Nation's co-founder Claire Tregoning. Ms Summer (second from left) is a former events co-ordinator for the same synagogue where she will soon be saying 'I do'. She has one of the ritziest wardrobes in the eastern suburbs Meanwhile, the ever glamorous Ms Summer, known for her love of designer clothes and accessories, is tipped to be wearing a gown by an Israeli designer. She and Srot will exchange vows under the chuppah on Sunday afternoon. The chuppah is a canopy under which Jewish couples stand on their wedding day to symbolise the home they will build together. They will also hold their reception at Central Synagogue, which will be transformed with 'lots and blue and white to represent Israel', according to a guest. My insider adds: 'It's going to be a very traditional and religious event but also very high-end with cocktails and a full bar.' A less taxing life in Europe? Anna and Kieran Lahey, the eastern suburbs power couple who co-founded popular collagen supplements brand Vida Glow, have sold up in Bellevue Hill and moved to Marbella, Spain Millennial 'It' girl Nadia Fairfax-Wayne breathed a sigh of relief this week when word got out that her old Brigidine College frenemy Anna Lahey had packed up and moved to Spain. Lahey, a mother of four, is one of Australia's most celebrated beauty tycoons, having built an empire flogging marine collagen supplements under the brand Vida Glow. Last month, she and husband/business partner Kieran Lahey offloaded their 702 sqm block in Bellevue Hill for a tidy $20million. Last month, the Laheys offloaded their 702 sqm block in Bellevue Hill for a tidy $20million They had bought the five-bedroom, four-bathroom palace, complete with a basement garage for three cars, for $8.37million in 2019 Anna (right) teamed up with part-time pop star Rita Ora to launch haircare brand TYPEBEA Not a bad result given they had bought the five-bedroom, four-bathroom palace, complete with a basement garage for three cars, for $8.37million in 2019. Now the entrepreneurial couple - plus, their kids, two dogs and even Anna's mother - have made the move to Marbella in southern Spain. Why Marbella? Only the Laheys can answer that, but it may possibly have something to do with a favourable tax law made famous by David Beckham whereby if you spend more than 183 days in Spain per year, you'll be considered a tax resident. If high earners play their cards right, they could end up saving a pretty penny by doing this. This is, of course, perfectly legal and I do not suggest any wrongdoing. Another theory is she has moved to be closer to her latest business partner, the British pop star Rita Ora, with whom she recently launched haircare brand TYPEBEA. The cashed-up former Sydneysiders have apparently splashed out on a forever home near celebrity neighbours Antonio Banderas and Eva Longoria. We've long chuckled at rumours Anna (left) and fellow 'It' girl Nadia Fairfax-Wayne (right) were frenemies when they attended Brigidine College together in Randwick And finally... guess who, don't sue! Which lackadaisical ladies' man has been asking yours truly to help connect him with young, single socialites and TV stars? Unfortunately for him, I'm not a matchmaking service. While he has a reputation for being a 'Mr Big of Sydney', I hear he spends most of his time in his man cave playing video games. Perhaps he should turn off his PlayStation 5 and try leaving the house for a change? The subject of this blind item is not mentioned or pictured elsewhere in this article. Hollywood legend Val Kilmer drew an outpouring of grief from friends and fans when he succumbed to pneumonia Tuesday at the age of 65. His death came 11 years after he was diagnosed with throat cancer, triggering a traumatic battle with the illness that he initially concealed from the public. Throughout his health struggles, he found solace in Christian Science, a 19th century American movement that teaches that diseases are caused by the mind and that prayer works best as a cure in lieu of medicine. When he contracted cancer, Kilmer went along with his religion at first and pursued healing exclusively through worship, but he eventually relented for the sake of his children and underwent a tracheotomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. He finally revealed his cancer battle to the public in 2017 - three years after his diagnosis - and credited 'love' and 'prayer' with his recovery. Now DailyMail.com looks back on the beliefs Kilmer leaned on through his life... Hollywood legend Val Kilmer triggered an outpouring of grief from friends and fans when he succumbed to pneumonia Tuesday at the age of 65; pictured 2019 The Church Of Christ, Scientist was launched in Boston in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy, whom Kilmer reverently referred to as Mrs. Eddy. 'Sickness is a belief, which must be annihilated by the divine Mind,' Eddy wrote in the founding text of Christian Science. 'Disease is an experience of so-called mortal mind. It is fear made manifest on the body.' During her lifetime, she was sharply criticized by another one of Kilmer's heroes, Mark Twain - a detail Kilmer found so absorbing that he eventually developed a stage show about the feud between them. In a withering takedown of Christian Science, Twain wrote of its main text: 'For of all the strange and frantic and incomprehensible and uninterpretable books which the imagination of man has created, surely this one is the prize sample.' Although Christian Science does not ban modern medicine outright, it does discourage it, holding up prayer as a preferable alternative. The belief system has proven consistently controversial down the decades - after Old Hollywood screen siren Jean Harlow died at 26 as a result of kidney failure in 1937, her legacy was clouded by a persistent flurry of false rumors that her Christian Scientist mother had refused to let her see a doctor. Kilmer was born in 1959 and raised in the Los Angeles suburbs by Christian Scientist parents, whose religion he held onto throughout his own life. His faith proved a comfort to him as he dealt with his grief over his epileptic younger brother Wesley, who was just 15 when he drowned in a hot tub. Kilmer was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, and by the following year, rumors began swirling about his having the condition; pictured in January 2014 In defiance of his spiritual convictions, he had surgery for the sake of his son Jack, 29, and daughter Mercedes, 33, who are pictured together at Cannes in 2021 He claimed that when he was 24, he had a vision of the Angel Of Life wrenching his heart out and inserting a larger one in its place. Kilmer was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, and by the following year, rumors began swirling about his having the condition. But only in 2017, during an Ask Me Anything session with fans on Reddit, did he finally reveal to the public that he had experienced a 'healing of cancer.' It subsequently emerged that he underwent a tracheotomy, chemotherapy and radiation, in defiance of his spiritual convictions. Afterwards, he had to use a tracheostomy tube and a feeding tube and had trouble speaking, with a voice he joked made him laugh 'like a pirate.' In 2023, he shared that when he first discovered he had cancer, his plan was to work with his Christian Scientist practitioner - a provider of healing prayer - to make his body stop 'outwardly' suffering 'what can be diagnosed as a malady.' He changed his mind because of his daughter Mercedes, 33, and his son Jack, 29, whom he had with his ex-wife and Willow co-star Joanne Whalley. Mercedes and Jack are not Christian Scientists and were apparently loath to watch their father simply let his illness take his course, so he agreed to have surgery. 'I just didnt want to experience their fear, which was profound,' Kilmer told the New York Times. 'I wouldve had to go away, and I just didnt want to be without them.' Kilmer is pictured in the 1989 movie Kill Me Again with Joanne Whalley, whom he welcomed both his children with during their marriage Kilmer was born in 1959 and raised in the Los Angeles suburbs by Christian Scientist parents, whose religion he held onto throughout his own life; pictured 2005 Kilmer is pictured in the 1986 classic Top Gun in the role of Iceman, which he reprised in the film's 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick During the 2017 Reddit AMA when Kilmer first broke the news of his cancer battle, a fan asked what he would 'want' his 'fans to know' about his experience. Kilmer attributed his recovery to 'prayer' and 'love' and notably neglected to mention the operation - though he did praise his doctors for engaging in worship with him. 'People that know I am a Christian Scientist make the assumption that I have somehow endangered myself,' he observed. 'But many many people have been healed by prayer throughout recorded history. And many many people have died by whatever was modern medicine.' He then recalled a conversation he had with Dr. Bernard Lown, who developed the current version of the cardiac defibrillator. Kilmer said that he once asked Lown 'the most important thing for a doctor to do when a patient fears for their life.' Lown, according to Kilmer, 'started to weep without his voice wavering and he leaned into me and said, "Fluff their pillow. That what I tell all the interns. LOVE. Love heals. More than any other skills, I urge them to LOVE the life they are entrusted to save."' Kilmer is pictured in 1997 at the European Gala Charity Premiere of The Saint in London Kilmer argued that Lown's remarks on love are 'at the heart of Mrs. Eddy's understanding of the teachings of Jesus,' adding that he himself had experienced 'hearings thru relying solely on prayer' even when he 'didn't believe.' Love, he wrote, 'was an unspeakable sense of universal support while I was briefly in the hospital. Even 2 of my doctors mentioned praying with me, for me.' He added: 'Sometimes people are surprisingly mean about this sort of talk. Maybe they mix it up in their minds with extremists. People screaming with signs in front of Planned Parenthood or something.' Kilmer argued: 'Thats not my sense of Christianity. Or most peoples regardless of their religion. Any more than a Muslim identified themselves with the madness of a suicide bomber spreading fear in the name of Allah...' Denise Richards had an emotional reunion with ex-husband Charlie Sheen and their youngest daughter Lola at a restaurant. During the new episode of Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, the three family members opened up about their strained relationships, in what was Sheen's first appearance on reality television. 'The girls have been through a lot with their dad,' the mother of three, 54, revealed in a confessional. 'It has been up and down.' Sami Sheen, 21, admitted she hasnt spoken to her dad in over five months while sharing about their fractured relationship, which is why she opted to skip the reunion meal altogether. 'I would rather do literally anything else than go to lunch with my father,' the OnlyFans model said. Despite all the emotional damage of the past that may still linger, Richards and Sheen were able to share some heartfelt moments together, including a few laughs, with Lola watching on in somewhat disbelief that her parents were once married. Denise also shared why they divorced: it had to do with his drinking. 'Charlie and I were married for four and a half years before I filed. He had been sober for about 4 years and very committed to his sobriety. I never thought someone that committed could fall back into that,' she shared. Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen had an emotional reunion over lunch with their youngest's daughter Lola, which was seen in a new episode of Denise Richards & Her Wild Things While Lola Sheen, 19, was able to put some differences with her dad aside for the reunion meal, her older sister Sami Sheen, 21, decided to skip the family outing altogether She added, 'Right after I got pregnant with Lola, it started to turn fast. One day he went to work, there was an awful evening the night before, and I packed my s***, packed Sami's stuff, called my housekeeper to come. We went to the Beverly Hills Hotel and I filed for divorce between dropping them off and a table reading for a show.' Earlier in the episode Richards opened up about the couple's 'whirlwind romance', leading to their wedding in 2002 after just nine months of dating. They would soon start a family of their own, welcoming daughter Sami in March 2004, and again just 15 months later when Lola arrived in June of the following year. But their marital bliss was interrupted when problems in the relationship resulted in Richards moving out of their house while she was six-moths pregnant with Lola. While acknowledging that she 'unfortunately' did get back with Sheen at one point, she explained the decision by saying,' I always wanted the girls to know I did everything I could to make it work,' as reported by Too Fab. The idea of the get-together at the restaurant came later in the episode when Denise told her daughters that their father wanted to see them. While things hadn't been perfect with her dad, Lola shared how they have 'definitely improved' in more recent times, and that they even now get bi-weekly pedicures together. In fact, Richards made a note of revealing that this would be the first time she had seen Sheen in about a year. After having recently undergone a neck lift, the former couple shared an emotional hug during their outing. 'Here we are, what the hell. I've never been on a reality show,' Charlie, 59, began, leading to his ex-wife claiming that producers on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills always wanted him on the show. Earlier in the episode Richards opened up her 'whirlwind romance' with Sheen, leading to their wedding in 2002 and the birth of their two daughters; they are pictured in January 2004 The idea of the get-together at the restaurant came later in the episode when Denise told daughters Sami and Lola that their father wanted to see them The reality star revealed that this was the first time she had seen Sheen in about a year 'You know what's funny? I could never picture you guys being married,' Lola said while watching her parents go back and forth over a pizza dish Both Richards and Sheen seemed slightly stunned by their daughters comment about her not being able to picture them living together as a married couple At one point, Sheen and Richards sounded like an old married couple when the former Spin City star told her 'this is not a date meal,' as his ex grabbed at her pizza dish. 'It is because I had two pieces,' the Wild Things alum said in disagreement. 'Okay, so you're going to take this with? You're going to take this home?' he asked, for which she quickly shot back, 'Yeah sure.' After watching her parents go back and forth over the pizza dish, Lola couldn't resist reflecting on thoughts she's always had over the years. 'You know what's funny? I could never picture you guys being married,' which seemingly left both Sheen and Richards looking a bit stunned. 'Wait what?' Richards responded with a smile, before switching to a more inquisitive look. 'Like, sometimes I think about if you were still married and we all still lived in the same house,' the 19-year-old explained. Touching Sheen's shoulder in a sweet gesture, the mother of three turned her gaze his way, saying, 'We would have had fun, right Charles?' for which he immediately agreed, 'Sure.' 'We would of?' Richards followed up, as Sheen readily agreed again: 'We would have.' Touching Sheen's shoulder in a sweet gesture, the mother of three turned her gaze his way, saying, 'We would have had fun, right Charles?' for which he immediately agreed, 'Sure' During their chat, Lola expressed how she was scared of being famous. I'm scare about what people have to say,' she said, just as her famous father interjected 'I'm so glad we all had dinner,' Richards told her daughter and ex-husband Sheen seemed to be overjoyed by the outcome of their out: 'This was great' Sami revealed that she and her father 'havent really spoken much in the past five months' Denise looked slender in a promotional photo for her show Denise Richards & Her Wild Things As the meal was winding down with dessert the trio seemed to be happy with how the reunion of sorts played out. 'I'm so glad we all had dinner,' Richards announced, prompting her ex-husband to agree again, 'I am too. Yeah, this was great.' 'Thank you. We should do it more often,' the Drop Dead Gorgeous star shot back. After the Two And A Half Men alum said, 'Okay,' Richards added, 'People would think were f***ing' nuts saying that.' 'Why's that?' Sheen asked. 'Because you're superstar Charlie Sheen,' she joking explained, which got a laugh from both of them. 'You're a superstar too,' Lola told her mom, and then expanded her opinion by through her dad into the equation. 'You guys are both [superstars].' After a brief pause she then expressed how she's hesitant about being famous. 'I'm scare about what people have to say,' she said, just as her famous father interjected, 'Don't read anything. Don't read anything about it because if you don't read it it doesn't exist.' Richards would go on to dish about some of the hard times she had during their marriage and divorce, but told Sheen how she always 'had your f***king back' when it came to airing their dirty laundry publicly. Eventually, the episode ended with Sheen saying the meal was 'lovely', and telling his ex-wife and daughter, 'I adore both of you.' While promoting Denise Richards & Her Wild Things on the Whine Down with Jenna Kramer podcast, the Downers Grove, Illinois native shared about how she and her former spouses do not communicate much. 'I have kids with him, and I'm not really I'm friendly with Charlie, but I wish we were friends,' she said. The Paper Empire star revealed she also wished 'that we could talk all the time and be able to be there really for each other with our girls. But that's just not the relationship we have. 'I have kids with him, and I'm not really I'm friendly with Charlie, but I wish we were friends,' Richards said on Whine Down with Jenna Kramer; she is seen with daughters in February 'Maybe one day. But, I mean right now, there's nothing. There's no discord between he and I, which is great.' 'I was always an advocate of wanting everything to be great and be friends and blend the family because he had two boys with his wife after me,' The Bold and The Beautiful star maintained, adding, 'I just didn't want the girls to feel like they had to choose sides.' Richards is also mom to 13-year-old Eloise, whom she adopted. When the girls were little, Richards said she put up a good front for her children, in spite of their father's struggle with drugs and the law, including charges of domestic assault. 'I never talked bad about him in front of the kids, and that's hard to do to hold your tongue and not say certain things at times,' the World Is Not Enough actress said. 'I don't know if I did a disservice to them with that as well because now that they're older, they're discovering things that they didn't know.' The Bookie actor revealed in 2015 that he had been diagnosed with HIV several years before, but thanks to retroviral drugs, the virus is undetectable. The Mad Families star has been sober since 2017, revealing that being too drunk to drive one of his daughters to an appointment was the final straw for him. Sheen credits that decision with making him a better father to all of his children. 'I have a very consistent lifestyle now. Its all about single dad stuff, and raising my... twin boys Max and Bob,' he said of the now 16-year-olds he shares with ex Brooke Mueller to People in December 2023. Richards and Sheen have mended their fences enough for Sheen to appear on the latest episode of her reality show, which debuted Tuesday on Bravo. In the episode, the exes get together for a dinner with their daughters, and Sheen gives advice to Lola about how to deal with fame. 'Don't read anything,' the Emmy nominee advised. 'Don't read anything about it. Because if you don't read it, it doesn't exist.' Advertisement Australia's biggest OnlyFans stars Anna Paul and Mikaela Testa have been embroiled in a bitter feud in recent months - and now things have taken a dark turn. On Tuesday, Testa, 25, uploaded two videos to her YouTube channel making serious allegations against Paul, 25, and her family. She revealed that Paul's brother Atis, who Testa dated from 2019 to 2022, had been sentenced for statutory rape in Queensland in 2023. According to court documents obtained by the Courier Mail, Atis, 24, legal name Johannes Theodor Paul, pleaded guilty to three charges of carnal knowledge of a girl aged 12 to 16 in incidents which occurred between December 2017 and October 2018. Atis was aged 16 to 17 at the time of the offences, however, he was dealt with as an adult since criminal proceedings began in 2022. He was was sentenced at Southport District Court and issued a $1,500 recognisance, given a 12-month good behaviour bond and ordered to pay $1,000 compensation. Australia's biggest OnlyFans stars Anna Paul and Mikaela Testa have been embroiled in a bitter feud in recent months - and now things have taken a dark turn No convictions were recorded. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Paul and Atis for further comment. The sentencing is one of many shocking accusations Testa has made against the Paul siblings. She has previously said Paul makes mean-spirited comments about her fans' appearances and exploits them for money. She also made allegations her relationship with Atis was 'hell' and that Paul frequently made false claims she grew up impoverished. Paul, who has lost half a million followers since Testa's bombshell videos, broke down in tears during a TikTok video as she branded her former friend's claims inaccurate. The feud between Testa and Paul is so scandalous it's attracted some of the world's biggest stars. US rapper Drake even weighed in on the spat by wearing a T-shirt with a quote from Paul's response to Testa's claims. Mikeala has revealed Paul's brother Atis, who Testa dated from 2019 to 2022, had been sentenced for statutory rape in Queensland in 2023 Atis pleaded guilty to three charges of carnal knowledge of a girl aged 12 to 16 in incidents which occurred between December 2017 and October 2018 One of many claims Testa has made against Paul on TikTok recently is that she exploits young fans for money via social media cash giveaways. She dubbed the giveaways, which happen on OnlyFans, a 'twisted scheme' and 'performative generosity'. 'Dishing out giveaways behind a paywall reek of superiority,' Testa said. 'Watching her fans scramble over scraps, fighting each other because they need funds while she films, flaunts her designer labels, endless holidays... 'This is dystopian and out of touch. 'Anna is preying on the vulnerability and desperation of impressionable young fans for her profit under the disguise of self-love, empowerment, and giving back. 'Anna may give back to the odd few people who she posts on her Instagram story for more promotion, but everyone else falls short.' Testa went on to say if Paul really wanted to give back to her fans, she would use a free platform to hang out cash to her followers. On Tuesday, Testa, 25, uploaded two videos to her YouTube channel making serious allegations against Paul, 25, and her family 'By posting Instagram stories advertising that you're sending money to subscribers, you are directly trying to lure new customers over to your page,' Testa said. 'A page that costs $16 to access. This $16 is essentially a lottery ticket.' She added the giveaways are merely a 'plot for profit' and not an authentic 'giveaway situation'. In the same TikTok, Testa also claimed Paul's personality in real life does not align with how she presents herself on social media. 'You don't know her. These people that watch her don't know the Anna I know. They know the other Anna, the one she wears when the cameras start rolling,' she said. Testa claimed Paul's posts on body positivity are a front and recalled a memory where she allegedly fat-shamed a fan at an event in 2021 - a claim Paul denies. 'A plus-sized fan came to you and asked for a hug and a picture. You smiled at her, and you told her that you loved her,' Testa began. 'She told you how your words online have helped her be more comfortable in her body,' she added. 'The moment she walked away, you told Atis that she was annoying and gross and that you didn't want to agree to the hug because she was fat and sweaty. 'Atis laughed. These were your words Anna, I heard them.' Testa went on to say 'things like this were a common occurrence' and 'seeing your fakeness in the flesh was such a disturbing experience'. Speaking in her Unsaid Podcast, Testa also claimed Paul made unkind comments about her former boyfriend Glenn Thompson. 'Anna, behind Glen's back to me and my entire friend group, would call Glen fat on the daily. She'd call him fat every single day,' she said. Sydney Sweeney brushed off her breakup woes as she made a stunning appearance at an event in Los Angeles on Wednesday sans wedding ring. The 27-year-old actress flashed a bright smile as she attended a Laneige launch event at the La La Land Kind Cafe in a casual-chic outfit. She put on a stylish display in a muted pink, corduroy jacket layered over a cropped, lace blouse with a plunging neckline. She paired her top with high-waisted, semi-flared jeans and baby pink, peep-toe mules as she posed with ads with herself on them. The brand ambassador was also pictured hugging large, sculptural versions of the Korean beauty brand's skincare products to celebrate the launch of their new Bouncy & Firm serum. This comes after it was revealed she recently called off her engagement to her fiance Jonathan Davino, 41, after about seven years together. Though the star did not wear her engagement ring often, she did show it off on rare occasions in the past two years since the proposal in 2022, revealing the ring to be a massive, round-cut diamond set in a thin band and estimated to be worth upwards of $150K. Sydney Sweeney brushed off her breakup woes as she made an stunning appearance at an event in Los Angeles on Wednesday The star flashed her bare ring finger after ditching her engagement bling The Euphoria star went for light and dewy makeup for an effortless, glowing look at the launch event. She showcased her flawless, glowing skin, which she emphasized with soft pink blush and a glossy lip. Her long, blonde hair was styled in beach waves and parted down the middle. She accessorized with a few dainty rings but only on her pointer and middle fingers with one left noticeably bare. It was only recently revealed that Sweeney had quietly called off her engagement with Davino just a few months short of the date they were originally planning to tie the knot. It also happened that Sweeney reunited with her Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell to attend his sister's wedding in Dallas, Texas over the weekend. Powell made a telling remark about 'timing' after their friendly reunion and did not address the swirling romance rumors while making an appearance on Today's Jenna & Friends on Wednesday. He said that his sister and Sweeney are 'great friends' after seemingly referencing the actress' newly single status, their past romance rumors and the wedding. He laughed: 'You know, timing is everything in this world, isn't it?' Though the star did not wear her engagement ring often, she did show it off on rare occasions in the past two years since the proposal in 2022, revealing the ring to be a massive, round-cut diamond set in a thin band and estimated to be worth upwards of $150K; pictured February 2022 The 27-year-old actress flashed a bright smile as she attended a Laneige launch event at the La La Land Kind Cafe in a casual-chic outfit She put on a stylish display in a muted pink, corduroy jacket layered over a cropped, lace blouse with a plunging neckline She accessorized with a few dainty rings but only on her pointer and middle fingers with one left noticeably bare The Euphoria star went for light and dewy makeup for an effortless, glowing look at the launch event. She showcased her flawless, glowing skin, which she emphasized with soft pink blush and a glossy lip Her long, blonde hair was styled in beach waves and parted down the middle Sweeney and Davino, who reportedly have been separated since January, had originally planned to tie the knot this May before the actress reportedly got cold feet. It was reported last week that the actress and film producer scrapped their wedding plans due to 'major issues.' Sweeney and Davino started dating in 2018 and got engaged in 2022, but for the most part kept their relationship assiduously private. On Monday, a source told People that Sweeney and Davino's relationship had been 'rocky for a long time.' At this time, the insider noted that Sweeney has been focusing on her career and is 'exactly where she wants to be.' She ecently called off her engagement to her fiance Jonathan Davino , 41, after about seven years together. They are pictured here in 2023 It also happened that Sweeney reunited with her Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell to attend his sister's wedding in Dallas. Powell made a telling remark about 'timing' after their friendly reunion on the same day as Sweeney attending the event; pictured February 2024 'Most people would feel overwhelmed by her working schedule this year, but not Syd. She's all about working right now and very excited about all her projects," the source says of Sweeney,' they explained. The source explained that the performer did, however, feel 'overwhelmed' by her 'relationship and her wedding.' Ultimately, she 'didn't feel right about' walking down the aisle and wants to focus on her 'magical career that she could only dream of a few years ago.' 'She's not ready to settle down,' the source explained. 'They only lasted for this long because it was hard for her to break it off. They didn't split because there is no love. They split because she just wants to focus on her career right now.' The White Lotus star Carrie Coon has clapped back at Meghan McCain amid the duo's public spat after the hit show made a reference to Donald Trump. The war of words was ignited when Coon first reshared a post by McCain on X with a cryptic message to her followers, triggering the commentator to announce she may boycott the series because the actress decided to 'tweet some nasty crap' at her. Their online feud came after Coon's character on the show was involved in one of The White Lotus' most viral scenes. It showed three childhood friends, Coon as Laurie, Leslie Bibb as Kate, and Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn discussing politics over a bottle of wine when Kate reveals she is a MAGA supporter. Now, in a tell-all with The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the HBO show's season finale on Sunday, Coon has waded back into the conversation with a positive take, to highlight why McCain likely would have resonated with the scene. 'I do think people like Meghan McCain and her community are really gratified to see a conservative person on television,' she said. 'I have conservative people in my life who reached out to me to say that was an awesome conversation, because I don't think it vilifies Kate.' After Trump's joint address to congress in early March, McCain took to X to reveal his speech had brought her to tears. Coon's character on the show was involved in one of the most viral scenes, in which three childhood friends began discussing politics over a bottle of wine and one of the women revealed she was a MAGA supporter. Pictured: Her initial reaction to the revelation Coon has waded back into the conversation to reveal why McCain likely would have resonated with the scene. 'I do think people like Meghan McCain and her community are really gratified to see a conservative person on television,' she said 'This is the first time I can remember crying during a state of the union. Thank you President Trump. This is so beautiful. Anyone who has been impacted by brain cancer knows how special this is,' she said on March 4, referring to a touching moment when brain cancer survivor Devarjaye 'DJ' Daniel was made an honorary secret service agent. McCain's father, the late senator John McCain, tragically died from brain cancer in 2018. A day later on March 5, Coon replied with a mysterious message, writing: 'Who's gonna tell her?' Two days later, McCain hit back by sharing the smirking photo of Coon's colleague Leslie Bibb, who plays Trump-supporting Kate. McCain then said she couldn't 'decide if I should still watch tonight since one of the stars decided to tweet some nasty crap at me.' While Coon's latest comments appear to be taking the high road amid the drama, McCain shared her disappointment on Monday, revealing she was left 'absolutely heartbroken' by the federal government's recently-passed spending bill. The six-month continuing resolution, which was passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the president last month, includes major cuts to research into the cancer that killed her father, the late Sen. John McCain. McCain said that the National Institutes of Health had tried to treat her father for the incurable cancer, and have developed a laser-focused Glioblastoma treatment to reduce the size of tumors, which she called 'nothing short of a miracle.' Federal funds to research further treatments are now at risk under the spending bill, as it would cut funds for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program - which finances various cancer research programs through the NIH. 'My fellow Republicans - this is wrong,' Meghan McCain posted on X Tuesday before quickly deleting it. 'I am absolutely heartbroken at the news the funding for brain cancer research has been completely cut from NIH,' she continued, noting 'my father and millions of others have been treated there for Glioblastoma and other brain cancers with miracle doctors and nurses. Those of us who are part of the brain cancer community are mourning today.' While McCain's run-in with Coon highlighted the contrasting opinions which can create division among peers, Bibb said she found the Trump scene 'amazing', praising show creator Mike White for his 'uncanny ability to instantly be part of the zeitgeist.' The scene was actually written in 2022 - long before Trump was reelected to the White House. 'They were supposed to shoot this season in 2023. Then the writers strike happened,' Bibb revealed. The delay sparked concerns among cast and crew that it would have felt 'dated' by the time the show went to air. But in reality, it hit a nerve more than the those involved ever could have anticipated, airing just months after Trump's inauguration and return to the White House. McCain contemplated boycotting the show after Coon called her out on X in response to a post showing support for Trump McCain hit back by sharing the smirking photo of Coon's colleague Leslie Bibb, who plays Trump-supporting Kate, after breaking the news of her allegience to her friends in the scene After Trump's joint address to congress in early March, McCain took to X to reveal his speech had brought her to tears And White actually chose to dial it back, leaving more of the Trump dialogue on the cutting room floor. 'There was more to that conversation,' Coon revealed. 'Originally, you discovered that Laurie's daughter is nonbinary and Laurie is struggling with her teenager going by 'they/them.' 'The Trump thing becomes much more offensive to Laurie because of her daughter, but this was before Trump was reelected and before this war on the trans community was escalated. 'Mike felt that it was actually too political, or too far, or too distracting.' White said the scene felt right back in March of 2024, but by the time it came to making the final cuts, there had been 'a vibe shift.' 'I don't think that it was radical, but that's not the kind of attention I want. The politics of it could overwhelm whatever ideas I'm trying to talk about.' Advertisement Mikaela Testa appeared to confirm she was pregnant on Thursday amid her bitter feud with fellow OnlyFans star Anna Paul and her brother Atis. In a lengthy Instagram post, Mikaela, 25, called for a ceasefire because 'soon I will be a mother'. 'Anna, I'm ready to forgive you for whatever bs [bulls***] went down in our friendship,' Mikaela began. 'In the grand scheme of things a lot of it was petty s*** talk that takes away from the giant REAL issue here. 'This happened between us years ago and soon I will be a mother. 'My body is under extremities right now and quite frankly who gaf [gives a f***] about EYES. Again, let's focus on THE REAL ISSUE. I spoke my truth and you know that.' Mikaela Testa appeared to drop a shock pregnancy announcement on Thursday. Pictured with fiance Maxwell Krause 'Whether you agree with my view on how things between us played out I don't care. I came with receipts and you with? Nothing? It's water under a bridge to me,' she continued. However, her fiance Maxwell Krause has since denied the the couple are expecting. Maxwell took to social media just an hour after her post, telling his followers he and Mikaela are not expecting a baby. 'Sorry to break the bad news but we are not pregnant and honestly I don't know where you guys are getting that from,' he said. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Mikaela for further comment. Mikaela and Maxwell announced their engagement on Instagram in October last year. The happy couple shared matching posts of Mikaela showing an image of her left hand wedding finger sporting a diamond-encrusted ring. Over the image of the glittering piece of jewellery, she wrote: 'I said yes'. The TikTok and OnlyFans star revealed the news amid her brutal feud with fellow online personality Anna Paul, 25, (pictured) and her brother Atis In a lengthy Instagram post, Mikaela, 25, called for a ceasefire because 'soon I will be a mother' Meanwhile, Maxwell shared a similar image of Mikaela flaunting the ring. 'She said yes,' he wrote, followed by a love heart emoji. The lovebirds met online in 2022 and continued texting each other throughout 2023. The couple finally met up in person in Japan in March 2024 for the Mikaela's birthday. This meeting coincided with her breakup with superstar Mexican-American boxer Ryan Garcia, which followed her split from Anna's brother Atis. The feud between Anna and Mikaela reached fever pitch this week after Mikaela released two shocking videos filled with a myriad of accusations against her former best friend and Atis. Advertisement Reese Witherspoon's daughter Ava Phillippe is following in her famous mom's footsteps. The 25-year-old is set to make her acting debut on this week's episode of ABC series Doctor Odyssey, and will star as one of three college 'vixens' vying for Max's (played by Joshua Jackson) attention. In a behind-the-scenes promotional clip, Ava was pictured channeling her mom's, 49, iconic Elle Woods character from Legally Blonde in a bright pink bikini. The two-piece was strikingly similar to the one her mom donned for her Harvard video application in the 2001 film. Ava whose father is actor Ryan Phillippe, 50 also matched her mom's chunky necklace, though while Reese wore an iconic Tiffanys heart shaped chain, Ava wore a gold V for her character's name, Veronica. The other two nepo baby 'vixens' starring alongside Ava are Paris Jackson, the daughter of Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe, and Charlotte Lawrence, the daughter of Bill Lawrence and Christa Miller. Reese Witherspoon's daughter Ava Phillippe, 25 (L) channeled her iconic Legally Blonde character in promotional images from her upcoming acting debut on Doctor Odyssey In a behind-the-scenes promotional clip, Ava was pictured rocking a pink bikini that was strikingly similar to the one her mom, 49, donned in the 2001 film In the clip shared to the show's TikTok Ava accessorized with a colorful sarong. Her dark tresses were pulled back into a stylish ponytail. 'Hi y'all, it's Ava Phillippe, playing Veronica on the spring break episode of Doctor Odyssey. Tune in!' she said in the video. Other guest appearances include Ariel Yasmine, Anthony Turpel, Noah Beck and Kathryn Newton, according to TV Insider. The episode will air on Thursday April 3. Doctor Odyssey follows a group of doctors and nurses on a cruise ship. The show explores the unique challenges of providing healthcare in an unpredictable environment. The first episode of Doctor Odyssey premiered on September 26. Ava is not like other Hollywood nepo babies despite having an A-list mom, she has worked hard to establish her own identity. Sharing the actress' hard worth ethic, Ava attended UC Berkley before diving into the modeling industry. Ava will star on this week's episode of ABC series Doctor Odyssey as one of three college 'vixens' vying for Max's (played by Joshua Jackson) attention; pictured with Paris Jackson and Charlotte Lawrence Ava also matched her mom's chunky necklace, though while Reese wore an iconic Tiffanys heart shaped chain, Ava wore a gold V for her character's name, Veronica Reese famously portrayed Elle Woods, the stylish sorority girl who takes on Harvard Law School, in the Legally Blonde films; seen in a still Ava has previously modeled for Rodartes Fall look book in 2018, Ivy Park in 2021 and Aerie; pictured in 2024 She has gone on to pose for Rodartes Fall look book in 2018, Ivy Park in 2021 and Aerie. In 2021 she told Daily Pop that she has not ruled out a career in acting. She also revealed that her parents have encouraged her to pursue her own career. 'My parents have always encouraged me to choose the path that's right for me and, you know, guide me along the way to make better choices than I might make.' 'Im so grateful for that. That is such a privilege to have parents that support you in that way and want you to be who you truly are meant to be,' she added. On Ava's 25th birthday in September Reese posted a gushing tribute via Instagram calling her daughter 'the most genuinely kind-hearted' person she knows. Reese shares her daughter with her actor ex-husband Ryan. The pair married on June 5, 1999 after meeting on the set of Cruel Intentions two years prior. The former couple welcomed Ava on September 1999 and son Deacon, 21, in October 2003 before making the decision to divorce on June 13, 2008. Aside from Ava, Reese also shares son Deacon, 21, with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, 50; Ava, Reese and Deacon seen in December 2019 The pair married on June 5, 1999 after meeting on the set of Cruel Intentions two years prior. They divorced in 2008; Reese and Ryan seen in May 2002 The Big Little Lies star married her second husband, talent agent Jim Toth on March 26, 2011. But she filed for divorce on March 30, 2023. The proceedings were finalized on August of the same year, citing irreconcilable differences. They share son, Tennessee James Toth, 11, born on September 27, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Reese has since moved on to German financier, Oliver Haarmann. Advertisement A group of rebellious Married At First Sight stars have defied Channel Nine and risked breaching their contracts by taking back control of their Instagram accounts. And insiders say the network is fuming. Daily Mail Australia can reveal that groom Dave Hand and intruder bride Veronica Cloherty have successfully reset their Instagram passwords are now refusing to hand the accounts back to the show's publicity team. Dave and Veronica are understood to be planning to cash in on their newfound stardom by launching influencer careers immediately - but this sneaky move is a direct violation of their contracts with Nine and production company Endemol Shine Australia. According to the insider, Nine's publicity team is 'not happy' with the rogue participants, who have blindsided network bosses by jumping the gun. An insider close to production told Daily Mail Australia: 'It's not a good look. Nine and ESA can't risk them going rogue online while the show is still airing overseas'. In a major shake-up this year, Channel Nine has tightened the reins on cast members' social media activity, banning them from reclaiming their accounts until May 10 - well after the Australian finale - to coincide with the show's broadcast in the UK. 'They want to control the narrative for as long as possible and stop participants from bad-mouthing the show over their "horrible edits,"' the source said. A group of rebellious MAFS stars have defied Channel Nine and risked breaching their contracts by taking back control of their Instagram accounts. Pictured: Jacqui Burfoot Daily Mail Australia can reveal that grooms Dave Hand and Eliot Donovan, along with intruder bride Veronica Cloherty, have successfully reset their Instagram passwords are now refusing to hand the accounts back to the show's publicity team In a fresh blow, Nine and ESA are reportedly considering stripping some participants of their coveted Instagram verification badges before handing back their accounts a move seen as punishment for breaking contract terms. 'They're holding the blue ticks hostage. For all those who broke their contract and went rogue, no free blue tick for them,' the insider added. It's a huge blow for this year's cast, many of whom were banking on post-show fame to launch paid partnerships and lucrative influencer deals. One furious bride, who asked not to be named, told Daily Mail Australia: 'I've had a few brands approach me, but they all say the same thing - I need control of my account before they'll sign me'. During the show's airing, Nine's publicity team maintained an iron grip over the participants' accounts. The brides and grooms were only allowed to write captions under strict supervision, with comments disabled and no access to direct messages - blocking any potential brand opportunities. In the past few weeks, participants were allowed to supply photos and captions, but Nine's social team had the final say on what was posted. Digital marketing and PR expert Adrian Falk, from Believe Advertising & PR, cautioned that breaking these contracts could have serious consequences. The trio are understood to be planning to cash in on their newfound stardom by launching influencer careers immediately - but this sneaky move is a direct violation of their contracts with Nine and production company Endemol Shine Australia According to the insider Nine's publicity team is 'not happy' with the rogue participants, who have blindsided network bosses by jumping the gun 'Talent need to be aware that when they sign up to be on a show, they're entering an enforceable agreement,' Falk told Daily Mail Australia. 'If they break it, it could affect future endorsements and career opportunities. Brands prefer to work with people who follow the rules otherwise, they may never work again.' While previous seasons have seen brides and grooms' follower counts skyrocket, this year's stars haven't attracted the same level of social media fame. Married At First Sight reunion airs Sunday at 7pm on Channel Nine and 9NOW. Seven's Edwina Bartholomew is set to put her gorgeous apartment in Sydney's eastern suburbs under the hammer next week. The 41-year-old Sunrise star bought the two-bedroom, one bathroom flat in Woollahra in 2009 for $660,000. She is reportedly looking to sell for a whopping $1.35million when it goes to auction on April 12. Edwina confirmed to The Daily Telegraph on Thursday that she plans to put the profits into her latest renovation project in regional NSW. Edwina and her husband Neil Varcoe have ambitious plans to convert what was once a dilapidated country pub into a boutique hotel. Edwina bought the 177-year-old building in Carcoar in May 2022 for $2.1million. Seven's Edwina Bartholomew is set to put her apartment in Sydney's eastern suburbs under the hammer next week. (Pictured) The 41-year-old Sunrise star bought the two-bedroom, one bathroom flat in Woollahra in 2009 for $660,000 Edwina told the publication that she was 'sad' to list her old flat, which she lived in for nine years before buying a three-bedder in Dulwich Hill for $1.59million. Located 5km from the CBD, the Woollahra property is on the top floor of a delightful art deco block situated in one of Sydney's most sought after postcodes. Features include timber floorboards, French doors and a freshly renovated marble kitchen. Other highlights include a new bathroom with aged brass fittings and a 'natural' stone vanity. According to the listing, the property is worth as much as $900-a-week as a rental. Meanwhile, Edwina's former Sunrise stablemate Matt Doran and his wife, Kendall Bora, are offloading their weekender. The couple, who moved to the US earlier this year, are looking to sell the luxury getaway for $3million. Located at Sunny Corner on the Hawkesbury River, 174 km north of Sydney, the sprawling waterside property currently operates as an Airbnb. She is reportedly looking for a whopping $1.35million when it goes to auction on April 12 Edwina told the publication that she was 'sad' to list her old flat, which she lived in for nine years before buying a three-bedder in Dulwich Hill, in Sydney's inner west in 2017 for $1.59million. Pictured: The newly renovated kitchen One of two bedrooms The four-bedroom, three-bathroom pad, which is only accessible by boat, offers stunning views. Matt and Kendall reportedly bought the property in 2021 for $1.75million. It's currently listed for $2200-a-night and $1200 for an additional night, depending on the length of the stay. It comes after Matt and his wife announced they would be kicking off a new chapter in the United States in February. Meanwhile, Edwina's former Sunrise stablemate Matt Doran and his wife, Kendall Bora, are offloading their weekender. According to The Daily Telegraph, the couple, who moved to the US earlier this year, are looking to sell the luxury getaway for $3million. (Both pictured) Located at Sunny Corner on the Hawkesbury River, 174 km north of Sydney, the sprawling waterside property currently operates as an Airbnb. (Pictured) Kendall confirmed at the time she was leaving her role as executive producer of Nine's Today show. Matt announced his departure from Seven in November, saying he had 'agonised' over leaving 'one of the best jobs on earth' but that he and Kendall thought the time was right for a new challenge. 'While I'm sad... where I am right now is honestly a place of incredible gratitude,' he said. 'For the laughs, the lessons, the tears, the phenomenal sense of life perspective, the carousels of astonishing snacks (even the tofu).' Previously a crime reporter, Matt joined Seven in 2017, signing on to the network's then-flagship current affairs show, Sunday Night. He was replaced on Weekend Sunrise by US correspondent David Woiwod. Kim Kardashian has surprisingly befriended Phoebe Gates, the 22-year-old nepo baby of billionaire Bill Gates, and she doled out some stern business advice to her ahead of the launch of fashion-tech startup Phia. Phoebe co-founded the mysterious e-commerce app - described as 'A new way to shop online' - with her former Stanford University roommate Sophia Kianni, who was eager to 'get people off the waitlist.' 'Girls, have I taught you nothing about media training?' the 44-year-old SKIMS CEO scolded them via FaceTime in a video. 'You can't just give them everything right now.' Gates responded: 'That is a great point, Kim. You're the expert.' 'Starting a company is no joke,' Kim explained. Kim Kardashian has surprisingly befriended Phoebe Gates, the 22-year-old nepo baby of billionaire Bill Gates, and she doled out some stern business advice to her ahead of the launch of fashion-tech startup Phia 'So keep Phia under wraps until the perfect moment. Trust me, it'll be worth it.' Phoebe replied: 'From the real mouth of a legend. Thank you, Kim, we appreciate it!' Kardashian signed off after saying: 'Alright, I'll call you girls later. We have a lot of work to do.' On Wednesday, Gates and Kianni officially launched their Gen-Z podcast called The Burnouts under Call Her Daddy podcaster Alex Cooper's Unwell Network. And no one was more thrilled to listen than the former British Vogue intern's 69-year-old father, who famously co-founded the software company Microsoft back in 1975. '@phoebegates, You have always been brilliant, ambitious, and incredible at bringing people together,' Bill - whose fortune exceeds $128B - gushed via Instastory. 'So it's no surprise that you're finding a way to do it all - congratulations to you and @sophiakianni for entering your "podcaster era." I can't wait to listen to @theburnouts.' That same day, Deadline reported that Hulu gave a pilot order to satirical comedy Group Chat, which was executive produced by The Kardashians star as well as La La Anthony and Kenya Barris. It's loosely based on La La's 2014 memoir The Love Playbook: Rules for Love, Sex, and Happiness. Phoebe co-founded the mysterious e-commerce app - described as 'A new way to shop online' - with her former Stanford University roommate Sophia Kianni, who was eager to 'get people off the waitlist' The 44-year-old SKIMS CEO scolded them via FaceTime: 'Girls, have I taught you nothing about media training? You can't just give them everything right now' Gates responded: 'That is a great point, Kim. You're the expert' Kim explained: 'Starting a company is no joke. So keep Phia under wraps until the perfect moment. Trust me, it'll be worth it' Phoebe replied: 'From the real mouth of a legend. Thank you, Kim, we appreciate it!' Kardashian signed off after saying: 'Alright, I'll call you girls later. We have a lot of work to do' On Wednesday, Gates and Kianni officially launched their Gen-Z podcast called The Burnouts under Call Her Daddy podcaster Alex Cooper's Unwell Network And no one was more thrilled to listen than the former British Vogue intern's 69-year-old father (L, pictured in 2023), who famously co-founded the software company Microsoft back in 1975 Bill - whose fortune exceeds $128B - gushed via Instastory: '@phoebegates, You have always been brilliant, ambitious, and incredible at bringing people together' Bill added: 'So it's no surprise that you're finding a way to do it all - congratulations to you and @sophiakianni for entering your "podcaster era." I can't wait to listen to @theburnouts' Since October, Kim has been hard at work executive producing and starring as LA's 'most successful divorce lawyer' leading 'an all-female law firm' in Hulu legal drama, All's Fair. Creator Ryan Murphy's $69.7M-budget sexy adult procedural also features Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Niecy Nash, Teyana Taylor, Brooke Shields, Matthew Noszka, and Ed O'Neill. Kardashian always dreamed of following the footsteps of her late father Robert Kardashian, who was part of the late OJ Simpson's 'dream team' of attorneys at his 1995 murder trial. The AHS: Delicate actress - who passed the 'baby bar' exam back in 2021 after failing three times - originally aimed to pass the California State Bar in 2023 without attending college or law school. Kim used to spend 18 hours a week studying law under the guidance of Van Jones, Jessica Jackson, and Erin Haney and dreamed of starting her own law firm and abolishing the death penalty. Kardashian's prior acting credits include PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, PAW Patrol: The Movie, Tyler Perry's Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor, Drop Dead Diva, CSI: NY, Deep in the Valley, Beyond the Break, and Disaster Movie. The criminal reform advocate also played herself in movies Ocean's Eight and Alligator Boots as well as episodes of 2 Broke Girls, American Dad!, 30 Rock, Last Man Standing, and Brothers. Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter Apple Martin has broken her silence on the 'really upsetting' criticism she's received following last year's 'mean girl' drama. The model, 20 who is one of two children Oscar-winner Gwyneth shares with musician ex-husband Chris Martin did so while speaking to Interview magazine about life as a Hollywood 'nepo baby.' At one point, she was asked by Mel Ottenberg, editor-in-chief of Interview magazine, if she ever reads 'upsetting stuff' about herself on the internet. In November 2024, Apple sparked controversy while attending the elite Le Bal des Debutantes in Paris after a clip of herself being a 'mean girl' at the ball went viral. Apple, who was supported by her A-list parents at the invite-only event in November, was accused of 'stealing the spotlight' from another girl getting her picture taken. While a source close to Gwyneth insisted that the moment was taken out of context, fans ruthlessly tore into Apple as the video circulated on TikTok and Instagram. While Apple didn't specifically reference the debutante ball backlash in Wednesday's chat, she did call out the 'crazy conspiracies' that have circulated about her online. Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter Apple Martin has broken her silence on the 'really upsetting' criticism she's received following last year's 'mean girl' drama; seen in January 2023 In November 2024, Apple sparked controversy while attending the elite Le Bal des Debutantes in Paris after a clip of herself being a 'mean girl' at the ball went viral; seen with mom Gwyneth at the ball She told Ottenberg that she has avoided looking at social media comments 'like the plague' since January 2023 when she made her Paris Fashion Week debut at Chanel. 'After the Chanel show, I did [read upsetting comments]. Then I quickly realized why everybody has always said, 'Don't do it.' Because even if you see a million positive things, there can be one thing that absolutely wrecks you,' the rising star explained. Her attendance at the Chanel event received a mixed reaction online, with some praising Apple's 'model looks' and others slamming her as just another 'nepo baby.' She admitted that reading hateful things about herself has had a devastating impact on her mental well-being. 'So, I've stopped now and I avoid it like the plague, because I know myself and I know that if I see stuff that isn't true and that's really upsetting to me, I'm going to be like, 'Oh my god, I should never go out in public again.'' Now, Apple is focused on the positive and has learned to accept the downsides of being in the public eye. 'I've tried to be like, 'People are going to say stuff, and that's okay,'' she said. 'And like everybody, there's going to be stuff that isn't true and stuff that is upsetting, and all I can do is just be the best that I can be and be with the people I love and not read random, crazy conspiracies.' Le Bal des Debutantes, which took place at the Shangri-La in Paris, is an annual gathering that invites young women from some of the prestigious - and wealthiest - families from Europe, Asia, Africa and the U.S. to make their debut into society. Apple wore a sky blue Valentino Haute Couture gown as she attended the ball on the arm of her dashing date, Count Leo Henckel von Donnersmarck, before letting loose with her parents, Gwyneth and Chris Martin, who divorced in 2016. However, during the weekend, Apple became the target of 'mean girl' accusations after it appeared she was trying to steal the spotlight from fellow debutante Alienor Loppin de Montmort in a viral video of the pair taking photos together. Apple, who was supported by her A-list parents at the invite-only event in November, was accused of 'stealing the spotlight' from another girl getting her picture taken While Apple didn't specifically reference the debutante ball backlash in Wednesday's chat, she did call out the 'crazy conspiracies' that have circulated about her online In the clip, Montmort was seen taking her turn posing for the camera when Apple appeared from behind and sashayed into the shot. The backlash was so intense that Montmort came forward to defend Apple. She insisted that Apple was the 'nicest girl ever' and that she didn't deserve 'an ounce of' the hate she was getting online. Apple's mom Gwyneth recently broke her silence on the matter as she told Vanity Fair that her daughter has 'always had a lot of trepidation around being in the public eye. Ottenberg briefly mentioned the debutante ball as he asked Apple how she maintains a 'mystery' about herself while also being highly-publicized. Apple said that growing up under a 'surveillance state' as the child of two A-list stars trained her to be that way. However, Apple admitted that, despite being accustomed to the paparazzi and fanfare, she still gets 'nervous' about the possibility of screwing up publicly. 'It's interesting because I grew up with that uneven balance of getting out of the airport with my mom and being bombarded with cameras, and then just being a normal kid. I remember I read Discipline and Punish [by Michel Foucault], which is a great book, but talking about the surveillance stateI feel like I've grown up with that, which is really scary and makes me very anxious about making mistakes,' she explained. 'So I was really discouraged from doing anything in the public eye. Also, I was like, 'I don't think we need another celebrity child in the world.' I just try to do what feels right and block out anything regarding me in the news to the best of my ability. 'And I'm getting a lot better at being like, 'F*** it.' I'm not going to be scared. I just want to do what seems fun and figure my life out.' Elsewhere in Apple's Interview chat, she provided rare insight into her life as a 20-year-old junior at the prestigious Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Instead of sharing a dorm, Apple has the luxury of living alone in an on-campus apartment. She told Ottenberg that she has avoided looking at social media comments 'like the plague' since January 2023 when she made her Paris Fashion Week debut at Chanel; seen in February 2025 She revealed for the first time that she's studying law at the private institution, where tuition can cost upwards of $67,000 per semester. 'I'm a law, history, and society major, but I wish I would've takenmaybe I'll take a theater course before I leave. It's a fun balance between my very different extracurriculars and my major,' she shared. Amid the divisive political climate in the United States and crackdowns on college protests, Apple shared that it's been 'a little tense' on campus. 'People, including myself, are very scared, but that also means that everyone's coming together and talking about what's going on,' she said. 'But the vibe when I'm with my friends is so funthat's the most important thing to me right now, just hanging out with them.' She added: 'Just doing fun activities that take you out of the world.' Apple said she is currently gearing up to star in a school musical as part of the Vanderbilt Original Cast, which she described as an 'esteemed cabaret theater group.' 'This semester's show is a musical parody of Love Island called Love on an Island. It's so fun. The songs are phenomenal,' she teased. When asked if she has dreams of becoming a film actress like her Oscar-winning mom, Apple admitted that she's more interested in theater. 'I would love to do theater because I adore it so much. I've obviously never done film before, but I've been trying to get involved in student films,' she said, adding: 'I was born a theater kid.' As part of the Vanderbilt Original Cast, Apple has been able to showcase her unique singing abilities. 'I have a very low voice so whenever we're doing harmonies it'll be like, 'Alright, it's the boys and Apple,' she shared with a laugh. 'I'm singing my absolute favorite song ever this semester, which I'm so excited about. Elsewhere in Apple's Interview chat, she provided rare insight into her life as a 20-year-old junior at the prestigious at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee; seen in 2023 She revealed for the first time that she's studying law at the private institution, where tuition can cost upwards of $67,000 per semester; seen with mom Gwyneth Paltrow and dad Chris Martin 'I'm definitely not the best in the org, but I love it.' Apple credited her passion for acting/performing as the motivation for her wanting to study law. 'So, the reason why I was originally like, 'Maybe I'll be a lawyer,' was because I loved acting, but I was insecure and nervous, so I was like, 'Oh my god, if I'm a lawyer, I can perform on the stage in a trial setting,' she confessed. She joked that she even envisioned herself morphing into Reese Witherspoon's Elle Woods from the comedy flick Legally Blonde. 'It's a lot harder than it looks. I don't know how she managed to go to law school every day as fabulous as she did,' she said of Woods. 'But I love history. I love true crime. I love investigating. I also think it's fun to look at the history of law and see how you can implement it in a modern context. 'If I were to be a lawyer, I would just want to help people. That's probably the biggest thing.' Elsewhere, Apple spoke about her personal style after growing up as the daughter of one of Hollywood's most glamorous women. The topic came up as Ottenberg reflected on Apple's time as an intern at Interview magazine back in 2023. The editor-in-chief described Apple's intern style as 'low-profile' and asked her if that is how she always aims to dress. 'I think it depends. I feel like my style hasn't been fully actualized yet, but I'm slowly getting more into it,' she shared. 'Day to day, I'm wearing Doc Martensmy red Oxfords, jeans, a white t-shirt, and a jacket but then I have my fun and fabulous stuff.' She said that the shoot she recently did for Interview inspired her to experiment more with her wardrobe. 'Honestly, the Interview shoot made me be like, oh my god, I need to start having more fun and not be scared.' Apple revealed that she often 'steals' from Gwyneth's closet but that her A-list mom told her that she 'saved' a lot of her favorite pieces for that exact reason. Elsewhere, Apple spoke about her personal style after growing up as the daughter of one of Hollywood's most glamorous women Apple revealed that she often 'steals' from Gwyneth's closet but that her A-list mom told her that she 'saved' a lot of her favorite pieces for that exact reason; Gwyneth seen in 2024 'I'll sneak into her closet and steal little things. My absolute favorite stuff is her old Calvin Klein from the '90s. I have a lot of it and it's the best thing in the world.' She added: 'Going into her archive closet is just heaven on earth.' Apple named Jane Birkin as her style icon and shared that she often looks to the ''90s supermodel vibe' for inspiration. Lately, she's been 'really getting into the '60s and '70s' and wants colorful clothes to have a comeback. 'I want fun eyeshadow and fun clothes. But I don't really care if they come back. I'm just going to start doing it again.' While she's avoided much of social media for the sake of mental health, Apple confessed that she has a private Instagram account. When asked 'how many followers' she has, Apple replied: 'Not many. I have 1,794 followers.' In comparison, mom Gwyneth boasts over 8.7million Instagram followers and dad Chris's band Coldplay's Instagram has 28.5million followers. 'I only follow my friends and my friends follow me. But I love to curate my Instagram and make it nice,' Apple shared. As for the type of content she likes to share, Apple said she posts about her 'life' as well as 'politics.' 'I post a lot of stories about what's going on,' she told Ottenberg. While Apple isn't 'very positive' about the direction 2025 is going even going as far to call it 'chaos' she said she's hoping for a 'fun disco summer' that will allow people to 'just dance through the pain.' As for the type of music she's into these days, Apple has 'been listening to a lot of Lady Gaga.' But she typically turns to 'intense Russian classical music' while studying or writing essays for school. 'It makes me type really fast,' she quipped. Ben Affleck showed off a shocking new look when he led a presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday. The 52-year-old actor and filmmaker sported noticeably darker hair, while his beard also seemed to have lost its salt-and-pepper character after an apparent dye job. Ben was on stage at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace to promote his upcoming thriller The Accountant 2 in a presentation that featured fellow stars Jon Bernthal, Daniella Pineda and Cynthia Addai-Robinson. The actor is the latest Hollywood A-lister to feel compelled to darken up his hair amid an apparent 'midlife crisis' craze. Leonardo DiCaprio previously showed off his darker brown hair when he made appearances during award season, and his dye job appeared to have gotten a boost earlier this week when he also appeared at CinemaCon to promote his upcoming collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson, titled One Battle After Another. Even George Clooney has gotten in on the craze, despite having been known as a silver fox for decades now. Ben Affleck showed off a shocking new look with freshly dyed hair and beard when he led a presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday Ben's newly darkened hair was a major change from the more natural salt-and-pepper look he has rocked on and off in recent years; pictured in 2019 in LA with ex-wife Jennifer Garner The 52-year-old actor and filmmaker was promoting his upcoming thriller The Accountant 2 Ben's new darker hair gave his beard which appeared thicker than he usually wears it an oddly patchy quality. The day before, DiCaprio appeared at CinemaCon with what appeared to be newly dyed hair. He was on hand to promote One Battle After Another, following reports that Warner Bros. executives have feuding over the film. With a budget of $150 million, it is the largest film by far that director Paul Thomas Anderson has ever helmed, despite being known for a string of widely acclaimed comedies and dramas. His most successful film, the Oscar winner There Will Be Blood, previously grossed $76 million against a $25 million budget in 2007, while his second most expensive film, 1999's Magnolia, cost $37 million to make but only grossed around $48.5 million. However, much of the new film's budget is likely eaten up by DiCaprio's fee. Last month, George Clooney also shocked his fans when he was seen out in New York City with newly dyed dark brown hair. However, it wasn't evidence of Clooney trying to chase his youth. Instead, it was a work necessity, as the actor is making his Broadway debut in Good Night, And Good Luck, which is adapted from his film of the same name. Ben's new darker hair gave his beard which appeared thicker than he usually wears it an oddly patchy quality The day before, Leonardo DiCaprio appeared at CinemaCon with what appeared to be newly dyed hair. He promoted One Battle After Another following reports that Warner Bros. execs were feuding over the film due to its $150M budget Last month, George Clooney shocked his fans when he was seen out in New York City with newly dyed dark brown hair. However, it was for work, as Clooney needed darker hair for his Broadway debut in Good Night, And Good Luck Although he originally directed, co-wrote and played a supporting role in the original film, Clooney is now taking on the lead role of legendary newsman Edward R. Murrow, and Murrow had notably darker hair than Clooney's usual salt-and-pepper look during the 1950s. Despite Ben's odd hair choice, he looked dashing in a tasteful navy suit with barely perceptible tonal pinstripes. He dressed it down with a light-blue shirt, and he opted to forego a tie and just unbutton it at the top. Bernthal favored a light-gray suit that hung tightly against him, but rather than wearing a three-piece suit, he instead wore what appeared to be a clashing darker gray cardigan under his jacket, along with a tie-free white shirt. Pineda wore a chic navy double-breasted suit with padded shoulders and loose, flowing pants, along with beige open-toe wedges. Addai-Robinson looked effortlessly elegant in a black off-the-shoulder dress with a voluminous skirt and classic black pumps. During the presentation, Ben gushed that it felt 'great to continue the story of The Accountant,' according to The Hollywood Reporter. 'Im thrilled to be playing this part again with this great cast. In some ways, I feel like this character never left me,' he added. Despite the odd hair choice, he looked dashing in a tasteful navy suit with barely perceptible tonal pinstripes. He dressed it down with a tie-free light-blue shirt; pictured with Chris Pratt (L) Ben was promoting his upcoming thriller The Accountant 2 that featured fellow star Jon Bernthal (second to right) as well as (LR) director Gavin O'Connor and stars Daniella Pineda and Cynthia Addai-Robinson Bernthal favored a light-gray suit that hung tightly against him, but rather than wearing a three-piece suit, he instead wore what appeared to be a clashing darker gray cardigan under his jacket, along with a tie-free white shirt Pineda wore a chic navy double-breasted suit with padded shoulders and loose, flowing pants, along with beige open-toe wedges. Addai-Robinson looked effortlessly elegant in a black off-the-shoulder dress with a voluminous skirt and classic black pumps Affleck and his colleagues debuted new footage from The Accountant 2 that shows his character Christian Wolff reuniting with his brother, played by Bernthal. In the original film, Affleck plays an autistic man who works as a forensic accountant for criminal organizations. His ability to dive into their books is used to help launder money and discover any theft from within the organizations. However, he reveals his deadly instincts when hit men working for a company he has been hired to audit attempt to kill him to prevent him from discovering what has been going on behind the scenes. The 2016 film received mixed reviews, but it earned an impressive $155 million against a relatively modest $44 million budget. Before flying out to Las Vegas, Ben was pictured earlier on Wednesday in Los Angeles as he filmed scenes for his upcoming Netflix thriller Animals. He originally planned to only director the film, while his best friend Matt Damon was set to play the lead role. However, it was announced in early February that Matt was dropping out of Animals in order to star in Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey, so Ben replaced his old pal as the film's lead. Before flying out to Las Vegas, Ben was pictured earlier on Wednesday in Los Angeles as he filmed scenes for his upcoming Netflix thriller Animals Also pictured on set was his costar, Kerry Washington She looked stylish in a navy sweater paired with voluminous brown slacks and a thick brown leather belt cinched over the sweater Matt Damon was originally set to lead Animals, but he dropped out in February to star in Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey, so Ben stepped in to fill his role Despite his departure as actor, Matt will still be part of the production as a producer. The film, which is a kidnapping thriller, will also feature Gillian Anderson and Steven Yeun. Joining Ben on set was his costar, Kerry Washington. She looked stylish in a navy sweater paired with voluminous brown slacks and a thick brown leather belt cinched over the sweater. Advertisement Vogue Williams looked nothing short of sensational in a blue bikini on Monday as she soaked up the sun with husband Spencer Matthews during a family holiday in St Barts. The model, 39, happily showed off her incredible figure in the skimpy blue halterneck two-piece as she chilled out on a sun lounger before cooling off in the sea. Accessorising her beach look, Vogue added a chic straw hat and a pair of white shades, with the Irish star also on occasion seen in a pair of tiny denim shorts. Not to be outdone, Spencer, 36, showcased his ripped frame on a pair patterned swimming trunks as he strolled about on the sand. Joined by their three children Theodore, six, Gigi, four, and Otto, two, the family looked to be enjoying their getaway after Vogue recently hit back at claims her marriage was 'on the rocks'. The mother-of-three took to Instagram last week to confirm the couple are not breaking up following a string of rumours. Vogue Williams looked nothing short of sensational in a blue bikini on Monday as she soaked up the sun with husband Spencer Matthews during a family holiday in St Barts The model, 39, happily showed off her incredible figure in the skimpy blue halterneck two-piece as she chilled out on a sun lounger before cooling off in the sea And any speculation of a split appeared far from Vogue's mind as she cheerfully chatted to her husband and mingled with their children on the beach. Getting into the spirit of things, Vogue was seen with two wooden buckets as she filled them with water in the sea. Last week Vogue took to Instagram to hit back at claims that her six year marriage to Spencer was 'on the rocks.' Beginning in a joking tone earlier this week, Vogue penned: 'Its with great sadness that I have to let you know that Spen and I are NOT breaking up!' Addressing the rumours she then continued: 'I usually avoid addressing baseless and cruel rumours but this just keeps coming up. 'Its disappointing to see this narrative being pushed almost daily when its absolutely not true and much more importantly I dont want my children hearing these lies in the playground. 'Were not sure what the angle is or where its coming from but the whole thing feels very strange and mean.' She concluded: 'Were very happily married and in love and I hope posting the truth on my own platform might make it stop.' The couple looked on fine form as they soaked up the sun on holiday Accessorising her beach look, Vogue added a chic straw hat and a pair of white shades, with the Irish star also on occasion seen in a pair of tiny denim shorts Vogue looked great as she strolled along the sand in her shorts The Irish stunner got to grips with a huge white rubber ring belonging to the Eden Rock resort where they were staying Vogue showed off her amazing physique in the royal blue two-piece The TV star looked happy and contented amid rumours surrounding her marriage Joined by their three children Theodore, six, Gigi, four, and Otto, two, the family looked to be enjoying their getaway after Vogue recently hit back at claims her marriage was 'on the rocks' The mother-of-three took to Instagram last week to confirm the couple are not breaking up following a string of rumours And any speculation of a split appeared far from Vogue's mind as she cheerfully chatted to her husband and mingled with their children on the beach The couple have been married since 2018, but the relationship first came under scrutiny after rumours spread that Spencer had got with Lottie Moss at Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo's wedding back in May 2023. Lottie has always denied anything untoward took place and said that the pair only partied together at the celebrations. Yet recently once again fans have been speculating over their relationship on social media and have begun questioning if all is well in their six-year marriage. On Sunday Spencer has shared a sweet tribute to his wife as he celebrated Mother's Day. After jetting to the picturesque island of St Barths for a family getaway, Spencer praised his 'incredible' wife, as well as his mum Jane. Spencer also shared a gallery of snaps from the trip, including sweet snaps of their children playing by the pool and enjoying lunch on the beach. He captioned his post: 'Happiest of Mothers Days to my incredible wife, mother and every other mum out there!! 'What a pleasure to be spending it here all together in sunny St.barths. Love to all' Vogue and Spencer cut stylish figures as they both rocked jazzy beach shirts during the outing Getting into the spirit of things, Vogue was seen with two wooden buckets as she filled them with water in the sea The stunner was all smiles as she enjoyed a dip in the sea Spencer displayed his gym-honed physique in his beach shorts Vogue ensured she kept her tan topped up as she basked in the sunshine Meanwhile Vogue also recently admitted that the pair struggle to have child-free time together. Appearing on The Netmums Podcast, Vogue opened up on the importance of nurturing relationships outside of parenting, and how they make time for each other amidst their busy schedules. Hosts Wendy and Alison brought up the topic of child-free time and how Vogue and Spencer have enjoyed child-free holidays. Vogue explained: 'We spend a massive amount of time with our kids, but you have to nurture your own relationship. 'At the end of the day you are all a big family and there is no family if the two of you are always fighting and not creating time with each other. 'Now, saying that we don't have loads of time together, but we try to do a couple of weekends a year where it is just you and I. 'And then we did one together, ended up having a fight and not talking for the full day. I was like "no this isn't how it is suppose to go!" Elsewhere during the podcast, Vogue revealed she is doing the vast majority of domestic chores and parenting at home. Hosts Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry asked if the couple had a 'role reversal situation', whereby Vogue is the one who 'fixes the broken radiator' while Spencer 'does the school run'. Mark Ronson has revealed that he was taken to hospital after suffering a painful injury during a recent set. The British DJ, 49 - who welcomed his second child with wife Grace Gummer two months earlier - uploaded a photo of himself to his main Instagram page on Wednesday while laying in a hospital bed. The star kept up his positive energy by sending a thumbs up in the direction of the camera and flashed a small smile. In the caption of the post, the music producer explained to his one million followers what had occurred. He wrote: 'That time the house PA was so bad that I tried to one-hand turn the stage monitor towards the crowd mid-mix to give them some extra juice.' The DJ then added: 'Turns out they weigh more than I thoughtTwo popped bicep tendons and one finished gig later, here we are, baby! #tornthisway.' Mark Ronson, 49, revealed that he was taken to the hospital after suffering a painful muscle injury during a recent set The star kept up his positive energy by sending a thumbs up in the direction of the camera and flashed a small smile; seen in 2024 in Milan While it is not known exactly when the incident occurred, Ronson uploaded a series of snaps over the past weekend on Saturday while playing a 'Five hour vinyl set' at an event According to the Hand and Wrist Institute, recovery for torn bicep tendons depends on the severity of the injury - but can take weeks to several months to heal. His fans respond to the post to wish the star a quick recovery with one writing: 'Oh nooo!! Poor you. Rest up and feel better soon.' Another added: 'Feel better Mark. You always did give your all at every gig (and now a few biceps to boot!) Wishing you a speedy recovery!!' A third wrote: 'Hard working man right there! Get better soon!' While it is not known exactly when the incident occurred, Ronson uploaded a series of snaps over the past weekend on Saturday while playing a 'five hour vinyl set' at an event. Late last month in March, the music artist also announced that he will drop his memoir titled Night People: How To Be A DJ in '90s NYC later this year in September. He excitedly shared the news on social media and gave a description of the book to his fans ahead of its release. It 'chronicles three of my great loves: the art of DJing with all its emotional highs and lows, the electric energy of New York after dark, and the wild, wonderful clubland characters who became my second family.' Ronson has picked up eight Grammys and was named the Producer Of The Year for his work on Amy Winehouse's (pictured right) award-winning song Back To Black Across his stellar career, he has also worked with Lily Allen, Katy B, Bruno Mars, Adele, Miley Cyrus (pictured left), Dua Lipa and Camila Cabello He also wrote that, 'This book is my love letter to a vanished era that shaped not just my career but my identity - a time when finding my craft put me on the path to finding myself.' And in a statement per Rolling Stone, Ronson also expressed, 'DJ'ing in ['90s] New York City informed everything I ever did after, becoming the foundation for all my future work and creativity.' The DJ has become one of the most popular music producer and record producers in the world following his rise to fame. He has picked up eight Grammys and was named the Producer Of The Year for his work on Amy Winehouse's award-winning song Back To Black. The producer also collected a Grammy, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for co-writing Shallow with Lady Gaga for the 2018 movie A Star Is Born. Across his stellar career, he has also worked with Lily Allen, Katy B, Bruno Mars, Adele, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Camila Cabello. Julia Garner turned heads as she joined Pixie Geldof at an exclusive Gucci dinner in Paris on Wednesday. The American actress, 31, looked incredible as she put on a very leggy display in a chic grey blazer dress. The stylish ensemble featured a sleeveless design, a textured pattern, gold-toned button details, and a mini length. The Ozark star paired sheer tights with her ensemble before adding inches to her frame with grey patent wedge heels. Julia toted her essentials in a Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbag, which retails for 3,650, and further accessorised with a green satin scarf and diamond drop earrings. Meanwhile, Pixie, 34, oozed glamour in a backless gown featuring an embroidered diamante pattern. Julia Garner, 31, put on a very leggy display in a chic grey blazer dress on Wednesday as she attended an exclusive Gucci dinner in Paris The American actress was also joined by model Pixie Geldof, 34, who oozed glamour in a backless gown featuring an embroidered diamante pattern The model, who was joined by her husband George Barnett, 36, at the event, added inches to her height with pointy black and silver wedge heels and accessorised with a slew of dainty gold and silver jewellery. Pixie pulled her blonde tresses into a pinned-back updo and opted for a sultry makeup palette to elevate her natural beauty. She was beaming from ear to ear as she cosied up to her dapper husband at the luxurious event. George cut an equally stylish figure in a grey button-up polo shirt teamed with a black blazer and matching trousers, as he wrapped his arm around his stunning wife. It's been a busy few months for the model, who looked effortlessly chic as she joined George last month at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show. The model looked incredible as she flashed a glimpse of her toned pins in a stylish black double-breasted coat. The elegant number featured a structured collar, long sleeves, and a flared hem. Pixie added inches to her frame with a pair of burgundy stud-embellished court heels and toted her essentials in a Gucci Jackie small shoulder bag which retails for 2,820. Julia's stylish ensemble featured a sleeveless design, a textured pattern, gold-toned button details, and a mini length The Ozark star paired sheer tights with her ensemble before adding inches to her frame with grey patent wedge heels Julia toted her essentials in a Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbag, which retails for 3,650, and further accessorised with a green satin scarf and diamond drop earrings Later in the evening, the beauty appeared in high spirits as she smiled for the cameras while departing the private event To complete her look, the blonde beauty further accessorised with a stack of rings and pearl drop earrings as she posed up a storm alongside her husband. Meanwhile, George cut a stylish figure in a brown leather biker jacket and black tailored trousers. The musician completed his look with a pair of black leather brogues and a silver chain necklace. Ahead of the show, George couldn't keep his eyes off his glamorous wife as she struck up several poses for the camera. Pixie has been married to the These New Puritans drummer since 2017, when the couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Majorca, with the bride arriving in a bus. Close friends Alexa Chung and Daisy Lowe were bridesmaids with guests including Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Nick Grimshaw. The couple are also pals with Princess Eugenie and attended her wedding to industry executive Jack Brooksbank in 2018. Meanwhile, Pixie, who was joined by her husband George Barnett, 36, at the event, added inches to her height with pointy black and silver wedge heels Pixie pulled her blonde tresses into a pinned-back updo and opted for a sultry makeup palette to elevate her natural beauty She was beaming from ear to ear as she cosied up to her dapper husband at the luxurious event Meanwhile, George cut an equally stylish figure in a grey button-up polo shirt as he was pictured leaving the event The beauty looked ready to hit the hay as she and her husband patiently waited for their ride home after the event Eugenie and Pixie undoubtedly formed a friendship through their philanthropic ways and previously launched The Pass On Plastic Experience in Carnaby Street, London alongside a bevvy of other stars. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2021, with Pixie and George spotted out in east London with the newborn in August. Pixie is the third daughter of Bob Geldof and Paula Yates, who tragically died aged 41 in 2000 after a heroin overdose. The former couple married in 1986, they had Pixie, Fifi, 41, and Peaches. The story of tragedy repeated in April 2014 when Peaches died of an overdose at age 25. Paula left Bob to pursue a relationship with INXS frontman Michael Hutchence in 1995 leaving her husband devastated. Paula and Michael soon welcomed daughter Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily, now 27. Kourtney Kardashian has suggested crisis PR for her stepdaughter Alabama Barker after being left 'frustrated' at her refusal to adhere to the familys request to quit the drama. The 19-year-old whose father Travis Barker is married to the reality TV star has been embroiled in a vicious feud with Bhad Bhabie which saw Kourtneys son Rocky dragged into the spat. Days later, Alabamas boyfriend Scooter Jackson went live on Instagram with Kourtneys 10-year-old son Reign, who was faced with wild rumors about his paternity. Kourtney is at her wits end with Alabama, an insider close to the family told DailyMail.com. She is a loose cannon and refuses to play by the familys request to be drama-free. Despite pleas to stay out of trouble, Alabama is doing the exact opposite. Kourtney doesnt raise her children this way. The Poosh founder, 45, has three children with her ex-boyfriend Scott Disick, and one-year-old son Rocky with Travis, 49, who she married in 2022. He shares Alabama and son Landon with his ex-wife Shanna Moakler. Kourtney Kardashian has suggested crisis PR for her stepdaughter Alabama Barker after being left frustrated at her refusal to adhere to the familys request to quit the drama, sources claim Alabama, 19, has been feuding with Bhad Bhabie which saw Kourtneys son Rocky dragged into the spat, then her son Reign faced wild rumors about his paternity on a live stream with Alabama's boyfriend Scooter Jackson Kourtney and Travis are frustrated and at a loss as to how to help. Kourtney feels crisis PR could help, but Alabama is an adult and so she feels there is only so much she can intervene. Kourtney and Travis are not clashing over what to do with Alabama because they share the same beliefs about her actions, said the insider. Theyre just frustrated because there is nothing they can do. She doesnt blame Travis. They continued: She believes Alabama needs crisis PR, but shes an adult, making her own choices, and Kourtney can only sit back and let it play out. Kourtney was said to be livid after Reign appeared on the Instagram Live with Scooter earlier this week. He shocked fans when he responded to a viewer who had asked if Justin Bieber, 31, was his real dad. 'No, he's not. Bro, I swear, Justin Bieber is not my dad. Scotty...Scotty...Scotty is my dad,' he declared. 'I don't know how old my mom was, but I think Justin Bieber was 16 when I got born. I don't think my mom would do that.' Kourtney has never talked to Reign about the rumors and she would imagine this was the first time he had ever heard them, an insider told DailyMail.com. 'Kourtney was livid. She told him that there are so many silly rumors about the family and that he is not to believe anything. She tries to keep her kids away from this stuff but as they get older she is unable to as easily. Kourtney believes Alabama needs crisis PR, but at this point, theres nothing anyone can do,' a source told DailyMail.com (Pictured Reign, 10,on the live stream with Scooter) Kourtney is at her wits end with Alabama, the insider added. She is a loose cannon and refuses to play by the familys request to be drama-free' Despite her children growing up on Keeping up with the Kardashians, Kourtney rarely shows them on social media and has never shared a picture of Rocky's face. Kourtney also has son Mason, 15, and daughter Penelope, 12, with Scott, who was said to be upset at Reign referring to him as Scotty on the live stream. Reigns appearance on the Instagram Live is not the first time Kourtney has had issues with Alabamas influence over her children. Last month she issued a warning to her stepdaughter to stand down from her messy feud with Bhad Bhabie after Rocky was dragged into the back-and-forth. Bhabies mom Barbara claimed if Alabama 'comes for my granddaughter I come for your little one!!!' In a separate post, Barbara called Alabama a 'little dirty a** h**' that was 'still talking about my granddaughter yet her daddy has a whole new family. Rocky rules while you're just on your knees.' An insider told DailyMail.com: 'Kourtney and Travis want nothing to do with Bhad Bhabie and have told Alabama to live her life but cool it down when it comes to this feud. They don't want to get mixed up in it.' 'They don't want to pour gasoline on a fire. They have told Alabama to stand down and not be triggered, but it's proving to be easier said than done.' Last month Kourtney issued a warning to her stepdaughter (left) to stand down from her messy feud with Bhad Bhabie (pictured with Travis, Reign, Landon and Atiana De La Hoya) Last month, she spoke out to slam theories that her eldest child Mason had quietly welcomed a daughter, named Piper, last year. 'I rarely address rumors or conspiracies regarding myself or my family, but this is about my child and it feels wrong to let anyone think for a second that these lies are remotely true. They are not,' she wrote on her Instagram Story. 'Mason does not have a child... My son really values his privacy, and I am asking all media to please be respectful: he is a kid with feelings and a beautiful life ahead of him.' She went on to ask that people 'please stop and leave [her children] alone.' Indecent Exposure Earlier this month, Kanye and Bianca walked the red carpet during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The Heartless rapper wore an all-black ensemble while Censori wore a long, fuzzy black coat. However, at one point, she turned her back towards the cameras and dramatically let the outer piece fall to the floor. Bianca wore a sheer, flesh-colored minidress and opted to not wear anything underneath - with social media users condemning the 'disturbing' look and one calling the action 'indecent exposure.' Others expressed concern for the architect, with one penning: 'Can someone explain why this is cool?' 'Because to me, it's giving exploitation, trafficking. It's so weird and he objectifies her in front of the world. Someone help her, jeez,' they added, while another shared, 'She's clearly looking stressed out.' His commands to Censori moments before she removed the coat were revealed by lip reader Nicola Hicklin on TikTok. At one point, Hicklin claimed that West told Bianca, 'You're making a scene now,' and she responded by nodding her head. The lip reader added that the music artist also told her, ''Make a scene, I'll say it'll make so much sense.' Fan recently condemned Bianca's 'disturbing' look at the Grammys, with one calling the action 'indecent exposure' Bianca is no stranger to parading around in public in racy outfits since marrying the rapper; Pictured in 2024 in Paris, France Kanye - who also goes by Ye - then said, 'Drop it behind you and then turn, I got you.' Censori replied with, 'Alright let's go.' Bianca is no stranger to parading around in public in racy outfits since marrying the rapper. Some of her X-rated ensembles in the past included when she wore a nude bodysuit while clutching a purple pillow to her chest while in Italy with West in 2023. Last year she exposed her breasts in a completely see-through netted top as she made her way to the Melrose Tanning Company salon, opting not to wear a bra. She also previously eschewed a top in favor of bandage-like halter suspenders that only covered her nipples. A source previously told DailyMail.com that Censori's father Leo had demanded that both his daughter and Kanye go to Australia to address his concerns over her racy looks. Just one month before, the rapper's ex Kim Kardashian requested that Bianca 'cover up' when around their four children. Last year Kanye shared a risque snap of Bianca posing braless in a sheer Yeezy tank top and a very racy micro thong Kanye claims 'dominion' over Bianca West has claimed Bianca can't wear anything without his approval. After Bianca shocked the world when she attended the music awards completely naked under a sheer dress, exposing her breasts and genitals, Kanye lashed back at critics and claimed 'dominion' over his wife. The stunt made global headlines and many of Kanye's followers were quick to accuse the rapper of being 'abusive' and 'controlling' while using his wife's body 'as clout'. Addressing the backlash amid a vile anti-Semitic, sexist and homophobic rant in February, Kanye claimed that he has 'dominion' over Bianca but insisted he would never force her to wear anything she didn't feel comfortable in. He tweeted: 'I HAVE DOMINION OVER MY WIFE THIS AINT NO WOKE AS FEMINIST S**T SHES WITH A BILLIONAIRE WHY WOULD SHE LISTEN TO ANY OF YOU DUMB A** BROKE B*****S. 'PEOPLE SAY THE RED CARPET LOOK WAS HER DECISION YES I DONT MAKE HER DO NOTHING SHE DOESNT WANT TO BUT SHE DEFINITELY WOULDNT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO IT WITHOUT MY APPROVAL YOU STUPID A** WOKE PAWNS.' After Bianca shocked the world when she attended the music awards completely naked under a sheer dress, exposing her breasts and genitals, Kanye lashed back at critics and claimed 'dominion' over his wife He carried on his rant in the early hours, penning: 'Anyone who called my wifes Grammy look a stunt is dumb and laaaame yes youuuu.' 'She been dressing naked for 2 years. Now all of a sudden its a stunt. Every single b***h on the planet wish they had her bravery body platform and access to money and a husband that supported they personal expression. 'There are a lot of things that had to converge for this moment to happen.' Since Kanye married Bianca in 2022 fans have expressed concern over her wellbeing, with the Australian architect continuously seen parading around in various states of undress. A day later he doubled down on his 'dominion' claims as he launched into another anti-Semitic rant where he targeted Jewish women. 'TO ALL JEWISH HUSBANDS COME GET YOUR B***H I JUST F****D THE SHIT OUT OF HER AND DONT WANNA HEAR HER YAPPING.' He continued, writing, 'There's a sweet Jewish named Jill with the best taste that lives in New York sending love to you from me and my wife i am speaking on behalf of my wife since i have dominion over her which is quite different than the dynamic i've seen at every shabbat i've been to.' Addressing the backlash amid a vile anti-Semitic, sexist and homophobic rant in February, Kanye claimed that he has 'dominion' over Bianca but insisted he would never force her to wear anything she didn't feel comfortable in A day later he doubled down on his 'dominion' claims as he launched into another anti-Semitic rant where he targeted Jewish women Bianca 'traumatized' by Kanye's vile rants Earlier this month it was reported that Bianca was left so traumatized by Kanye's vile antisemitic diatribe that she is now refusing to continue shooting their new film. Bianca is playing the lead in a fictional art film, partly shot in Japan and co-created by West, and their creative circle, with a focus on the female body as something to showcase. But she is reportedly struggling to recover from his repulsive rampage on X which saw him post a slew of antisemitic, homophobic and sexist slurs, as well as using his Yeezy website to sell a $20 white T-shirt featuring a swastika. The shocking three-day spree has left the fate of their $25 million film in jeopardy, with two producers on the verge of walking out, DailyMail.com can reveal. Bianca is deeply traumatised by Yes actions, and she does not align with these views at all, an insider said. She is horrified by what he has done, as are so many people close to Ye. She is so put off by this that she is currently refusing to continue shooting. They said the film is entirely funded by the couple. Censori, an architecture graduate, had been described as a brilliant actress after taking on the lead in the all-female cast. DailyMail.com was previously told the production would deal with how shame over being naked is not natural to humans and that obscenity exists only in the mind.' Earlier this month it was reported that Bianca was left so traumatized by Kanye's vile antisemitic diatribe that she is now refusing to continue shooting their new film Shooting recently wrapped in Japan but was scheduled to continue at an undisclosed location. This is now on hold with its future uncertain if Censori does not return. The situation is now at a standstill, as two producers involved in the project are on the cusp of quitting over his antisemitic rants, the source said. With production paused over Bianca's refusal to continue, the future is uncertain. West made mention of the film on X hours after their headline-grabbing red carpet stunt at the Grammys which saw Censori turn her back to photographers, drop her fur coat and expose her naked body underneath a sheer nude dress. 'My wifes first red carpet opened a whole new world,' wrote the Grammy-winner. 'I keep staring at this photo like I was staring in admiration that night Thinking wow I am so lucky to have a wife that is so smart talented brave and hot. 'She took a break from shooting her first film to make a movie in real life.' West renewed his attack on the Jewish community last week, referring to himself as a Nazi, claiming he 'loved Hitler,' and insisting that he will never 'trust or work with Jewish people' again. 'IM NEVER APOLOGIZING FOR MY JEWISH COMMENTS I CAN SAY WHATEVER THE F**K I WANNA SAY FOREVER WHERES MY F***ING APOLOGY FOR FREEZING MY ACCOUNTS SUCK MY D**K HOWS THAT FOR AN APOLOGY,' he wrote. Hours later he promoted his greatest performance art piece thus far' a swastika T-shirt during the Super Bowl. His Yeezy site was swiftly suspended by its hosts Shopify, with Isla Fisher and David Schwimmer spearheading a growing number of celebrities condemning him. The site closure was said to be a blow for Censori as it had become a key source of income for them both, and she does not know how to recover from this. When he endorsed the sale of items bearing a swastika and the phrase Hail Hitler this crossed a line because his repulsive and hateful attack could have dangerous consequences, the source said. The controversial artist, who recently claimed he was autistic after allegedly being misdiagnosed as bi-polar, unfurled a succession of shocking tweets over the weekend which included an array of anti-Semitic, homophobic and sexist slurs, as well as pornographic content, which saw his X account deactivated. Bianca is deeply traumatised by Yes actions, and she does not align with these views at all, an insider said. She is horrified by what he has done, as are so many people close to Ye' Lewd Act on a Boat In Italy The pair are certainly no strangers to making global headlines. West and Censori caused a firestorm in August 2023 when they appeared to engage in an intimate act while on a boat ride in Venice, Italy. The pair were spotted enjoying an amorous moment on a water taxi as West exposed his bare buttocks in front of gawking tourists. Images of the couple showed the American rapper seated at the back of the river taxi while his wife placed her head in his lap. Venezia Turismo Motoscafi, the company that rented the boat to West and Censori, later confirmed to Daily Mail that the couple were 'no longer welcome' aboard their watercraft. In a statement, the company condemned the pair's bawdy activity and confirmed the driver was 'completely unaware' what occurred on the boat. 'On board, the driver had to keep a lookout for traffic and did not see these obscenities. If this had happened, he would have immediately disembarked and reported the transgressors to those in authority,' the company said. West and Censori caused a firestorm in August 2023 when they appeared to engage in an intimate act while on a boat ride in Venice, Italy 'In addition, there was a third person on board the taxi, who accompanied Mr and Mrs West, who obstructed the captain's view to the stern in any case.' The third person was a woman who has been pictured chaperoning West and Censori during their Italian holiday. The company went on to denounce the couple's explicit display, saying: 'We completely dissociate ourselves from such acts and behaviour.' 'Mr West and his wife will certainly no longer be welcome on board our company's boats.' Meanwhile critics said the bawdy display was 'disrespectful' to residents of the conservative Catholic nation. A month later, West and Censori were spotted strolling through Italy while the Aussie went topless, holding a purple cushion to cover her breasts. A body language expert previously said that it appears like Kanye is 'dominating and controlling' Bianca based on their demeanors; The two seen in 2023 Expert claims Kanye is 'dominating and controlling' Bianca A body language expert previously said that it appears like Kanye is 'dominating and controlling' Bianca based on their demeanors - revealing that all the 'affection' has disappeared from their relationship. Their over-the-top outfits and indecent behavior ignited fierce concern for Bianca's wellbeing among social media users - and even her friends. Body language expert Judi James has analyzed their interactions for DailyMail.com - warning that Bianca's 'wary glances' and 'blank' stares hint that she has a 'desire to stop' the outlandish acts. She also noticed a 'lack of connection' between her and the rapper - and theorized that while they continue to put on a united front to the millions of people who are watching on, their relationship may be falling apart behind the scenes when the cameras aren't on them. 'Either these two are creating some bizarre form of performance art in a bid to gain attention and publicity or this is Kanye doing what looks like an extreme version of what he has been accused of before - dominating his partner and controlling her wardrobe choices,' she said. Last year West was eviscerated by his own fans for sharing 'creepy' photos of Bianca on Instagram Kanye slammed for posting 'creepy' pictures of Bianca wearing barely any clothes Last year West was eviscerated by his own fans for sharing 'creepy' photos of Bianca on Instagram. He raised eyebrows by sharing three photos of Bianca to his 18.4M followers, with one captioned: 'No pants this year'. In the images, Bianca was seen posing around the couple's home wearing an extremely revealing bra, G-string, leather corset, stockings and a fur stole that barely covered her modesty. Fans were quick to express their distaste, with many urging Kanye to stop sharing explicit photos of Bianca for the sake of his children. 'This is kind of creepy because she's your wife, and you're treating her like a human dominatrix doll... not it,' one wrote, as another begged: 'Stop prostituting your partner.' 'At this point, you're turning a beautiful young woman into something you own and play with, not something you cherish,' yet another added. Others claimed Kanye's posts contradicted his Christian values. 'He preaches Christianity and then does things like this,' one disappointed follower wrote. 'This is kind of creepy because she's your wife, and you're treating her like a human dominatrix doll... not it,' one wrote, as another begged: 'Stop prostituting your partner' Bianca's father fears that West is turning the architect into 'a tacky naked trophy' In 2024 it was reported that Bianca's convict father wanted a sit down and talk with Kanye over fears the rapper was pushing his daughter away from her family and turning her into a 'trashy commodity,' insiders have claimed. His request came as the Yeezy designer was pictured wearing no underwear underneath a pair of sheer stockings while out to dinner with the controversial musician in Paris, France - a look that could land her in prison or be forced to pay a hefty fine due to France's indecency laws. Insiders have told DailyMail.com that Bianca's family is 'hurting' at watching their loved one being paraded around like a 'trophy pony' and have questioned how Kanye would feel in the future if a man was treating his daughters, North and Chicago, in the same way. 'Bianca's father Leo wants to have a proper sit down with Kanye and ask him what the hell he is thinking when he parades Bianca around like a trashy naked trophy pony,' said a source close to the Yeezy architect - whose father is the brother of a notorious gangland killer. In 2024 it was reported that Bianca's convict father, Leo Censori, wanted a sit down and talk with Kanye over fears the rapper was turning her into a 'trashy commodity' 'He wants to ask Kanye what he would do if his daughters North, or Chicago, were seen in public half-naked in outfits encouraged by their husbands. 'He knows that there is no way in hell that Kanye would allow this for his daughters so it makes no sense why he would encourage this for his own wife.' Kanye has also been accused of 'shutting her out' from her family in Australia. 'If this isn't bad enough, the man who is supposed to protect Mr. and Mrs. Censori's daughter is the same man that is shutting her out from her own family,' the insider continued. 'Leo honestly wants to just sit Kanye down to let him know that he is hurting her family by turning his beloved daughter into a trashy-looking marketable commodity.' They finished: 'No man should ever encourage the woman that he loves to walk out in public and present herself like this. That isn't love. That is control.' Kanye has also been accused of 'shutting her out' from her family in Australia; Bianca seen with her sister Angelina Kim Kardashian tells ex-husband Kanye to make Bianca COVER UP when she's around their children Last year, Kim warned Kanye to tell Bianca to cover up and refrain from wearing her infamously-scandalous outfits around their children, insiders have claimed. Kim, 44, is said to have an amicable relationship with Bianca but is reportedly not a fan of her parading her risque fashion in front of North, 11, Saint, nine, Chicago, seven and Psalm, five, whom she shares with the rapper. Kim instructed Kanye to never let Bianca dress like that around their kids, a source told DailyMail.com exclusively. She is truly surprised that Kanye would let his wife leave the house like that. Unlike Bianca's raunchy wardrobe, Kim was asked to change her outfits if Kanye felt she was showing too much skin, with the artist heavily influencing her fashion choices during their seven-year marriage. Last year, his ex-wife Kim Kardashian reportedly warned Kanye to tell Bianca to cover up and refrain from wearing her infamously-scandalous outfits around their children; Kim and Kanye seen in 2019 'Kanye did the same thing he is doing with Bianca to Kim throughout their marriage,' the source continued. The difference is that when Kanye dressed Kim, he was respected as a person as an artist. 'Unfortunately, Kim knows what Bianca is going through but she feels Bianca should have known what she was getting into. The billionaire SKIMS founder talked openly about Kanyes influence over her fashion choices throughout their relationship. In a 2018 interview with W Magazine, she said: 'I always thought I had really good style until I met my husband, and he told me that I had the worst style.' And in an episode of Keeping Up with The Kardashians, she said: 'Kanye has always dressed me. In the early 2000s, he would literally just send me random emails with all these looks and what my style should be.' When Kim disagreed with her husband's advice, he told her: 'You are my wife, and it affects me when pictures are too sexy.' Kanye previously criticized Kims SKIMS brand for being 'overly sexualized.She also revealed that he disapproved of her 2019 Thierry Mugler Met Gala dress, branding her corset a form of underwear the night before the event. Andrea McLean has confessed she was only 24 hours from death after being rushed to hospital with severe pneumonia and sepsis at the end of last year. The former Loose Women presenter, 55, who quit the show in 2020, suffered a terrifying health ordeal after she was found collapsed at home by her husband in December. And Andrea has now admitted she feels as though she has had a second chance at life as she said it's 'changed my life forever'. Speaking to The Mirror, the star explained: 'I didn't realise how severe my illness was at the time. But the doctors had told my husband Nick that had I not got to hospital when I did, had we waited another 24 hours to call for help, I may not be here now.' She added: 'What happened over the next few weeks changed my life for ever.' In December Andrea collapsed with the flu and was lying on the floor for an hour before she was found by her husband. Andrea McLean has confessed she was 24 hours from death after being rushed to hospital with severe pneumonia and sepsis as she admitted it has 'changed my life forever' The former Loose Women presenter, 55, who quit the show in 2020, suffered a terrifying health ordeal after she was found collapsed at home by her husband in December She was then blue lighted to hospital where after a series of X-ray and CT scans they discovered she had severe pneumonia, Acute Kidney Injury and sepsis. Explaining she has had Covid three times in the past as well as long Covid, when she caught the flu off her daughter she couldn't fight it off and her 'body just gave up'. Reflecting on the terrifying ordeal she added: 'It was only a few weeks after I got home that I realised the magnitude of what had happened that if I hadn't gone into hospital that day, I may not be here now.' Andrea now wants to seize the day and focus on what is truly important to her after having such a scary brush with death. The star spent four days in hospital and had to return every day in the week following to receive antibiotic drips. And in February she still wasn't back to full health after she told fans her life still wasn't 'back to normal' as she expected it would be. She also thanked her husband Nick who she said's 'life stopped' during that time too as he drove her to the hospital everyday, waited for her at clinics four hours at a time and cooked everyone dinner, before putting her to bed. But she was not feeling better just yet, as she added: 'It's now February, and Im still not well enough to handle normal stuff like getting up and rushing out the door to do the jobs Id been booked to do, because every part of that process would end with me falling down, or at the very least sitting on a tube station floor feeling very unwell and embarrassed at the stares. The star explained: 'I didn't realise how severe my illness was at the time..What happened over the next few weeks changed my life for ever.'(Seen with husband Nick Feeney in November) Andrea explained that in December she came down with the flu, but things got progressively worse 'Im still having funny turns while out for a walk, or attempting the mildest of exercise.' Andrea explained that in December she came down with the flu, but things got progressively worse. 'I collapsed in the bathroom, and like the adverts you see on telly with the elderly, I lay there for an hour before my husband found me,' she said. 'We rang the GP who told us to call 999 immediately. The ambulance team were amazing. My blood pressure was so low I couldnt stand, and I was in a lot of pain.' She added: 'Then my X-ray and CT scans came back. I had severe pneumonia, Acute Kidney Injury and sepsis. 'Things happened quickly; drips, super-strong antibiotics via IV and orally, and I was transferred to the Emergency Assessment Ward.' Amanda Holden showed off her incredible figure as she posed up a storm for a string of glamorous snaps during her luxury Dubai holiday. The TV presenter, 54, took to Instagram on Thursday to give an insight into her glitzy night out in the United Arab Emirates. In the jaw-dropping snaps, Amanda put on a very leggy display in a sparkling gold sequin mini dress which had a daringly low neckline. She paired the dazzling number, from UAE brand Endless, with a pair of gold strapped heels as she added a few extra inches to her height. The radio star accessorised with a chunky gold necklace and droplet earrings and accentuated her stunning features with a high-glamour make-up palette. In a caption, she gave an insight into her wardrobe as she penned: 'Dress by @endless.uae - when I was out here last with @revivecollagen I found this company. Amanda Holden showed off her incredible figure as she posed up a storm for a string of glamorous snaps during her luxury Dubai holiday The TV presenter, 54, took to Instagram on Thursday to give an insight into her glitzy night out in the United Arab Emirates 'Have a look. #sustainablefashion and saves on packing!' Amanda has been soaking up the sun in Dubai with her music producer husband Chris Hughes and their daughters Alexa, 18, and Hollie, 12. The Britain's Got Talent judge has been documenting their trip of a lifetime on social media, sharing a string of enviable snaps with her fans. And on Wednesday, Amanda sent her fans into a frenzy as she posted a rare snap with Chris, 51, as they enjoyed a date night together. Grinning from ear-to-ear in the selfie, Amanda wrote in the caption: 'Date night (except the girls are with us) so Date night with the girls #family.' However, her followers rushed to the comments to gush over how 'young' and fresh-faced Chris looked. Comments included: 'Chris looks about 28;' 'How does he look 20?? Both stunning'; 'Why does he look 20 lol.' 'Wow your hubby is stunning!... he looks like a very very young handsome man'; 'Your hubby looks about 19'; In the jaw-dropping snaps, Amanda put on a very leggy display in a sparkling gold sequin mini dress which had a daringly low neckline Amanda has been soaking up the sun in Dubai with her music producer husband Chris Hughes, documenting the trip on her social media 'He totally does NOT look his age.. I forget how old he is but hes older than her'; You both look younger every year! You two are hot, love you Amanda.' Amanda, who is two years older than Chris, replied to one comment with: 'Hes younger than me! 52 this year.' Amanda and Chris first met in Los Angeles in 2003, before embarking on a romance the following year. They went on to tie the knot in 2008 and welcomed their two daughters together - Alexa in 2006 and Hollie in 2012. Prior to tying the knot with Chris, Amanda was married to Family Fortunes host Les Dennis, who is now 71. The former Coronation Street star wed Amanda in 1995 when she was in her early 20s and he was in his 40s. However, in 2003, it emerged that the couple had split amid Amanda's much-publicised affair with actor Neil Morrissey. Australian Survivor star Nick Iadanza has opened up about the terrifying moment his daughter Florence almost fell into a diabetic coma. The reality TV star, 36, revealed his one-year-old daughter was being looked after by her grandmother when she suddenly began to struggle to breathe. 'She had gone completely grey. She was gasping for breath and shaking. She started vomiting all over her room and my mother-in-law,' he told The Advertiser. 'It was the scariest night of our life.' After rushing to their daughter's side and taking her to the hospital, the parents were informed that her blood sugar level was immeasurably high and that she was close to falling into a diabetic coma. Florence was administered insulin, transferred to ICU and was stabilised, despite being on 'death's door' just thirty minutes prior. Australian Survivor star Nick Iadanza has opened up about the terrifying moment his daughter Florence almost fell into a diabetic coma The reality TV star revealed his one-year-old daughter was being looked after by her grandmother when she suddenly began to struggle to breathe Nick shared all of the thoughts that were rushing through his head during the traumatic incident and the very real realisation that this was just the start of a longer health journey. 'Not only are you trying to grapple with the immediacy of what's happening in this moment but you're also trying to grapple with the longevity of what's going to happen, 10, 20 years down the track,' he said of her illness. Now, the young girl is adjusting well to her new reality as a diabetic and has taken to her treatments 'like a duck to water' her proud dad says. At first, she was given five injections daily, however she now uses a patch that automatically supplies her with insulin when she needs it. Nick married his university sweetheart Christine in 2017 and they have since welcomed three gorgeous children together, Paloma, Atticus and Florence. The Survivor 'superfan', who put his wedding plans on hold in 2016 so that he could compete on Australian Survivor's third season, previously revealed why he originally turned down a chance to star on Australian Survivor: All Stars in 2020. Speaking with 10 Daily, he said: 'I'd just had a kid and we were in the middle of a renovation - and the house looked like a bomb site.' 'I actually said "no" at first... I just was like, "oh my god, I don't think I can do this right now",' he said of the overwhelming decision as a new father. 'She had gone completely grey. She was gasping for breath and shaking. She started vomiting all over her room and my mother-in-law,' he told The Advertiser Nick married his university sweetheart Christine in 2017 and they have since welcomed three gorgeous children together, Paloma, Atticus and Florence Nick became a fan favourite on the 2016 season, before returning for Australian Survivor: All Stars in 2020 While knocking the show's executive producer at first, he was glad to have been encouraged to sleep on it. However, convinced that he'd have to miss out, he went home and 'bawled [his] eyes out'. Nick's wife Christine came home that night to find him wallowing, and wondered why he was crying. The new dad was torn between his responsibilities at home and the dreams of winning Survivor. Surprisingly, Christine encouraged Nick to accept the invite, and said he'd regret it for the rest of his life if he didn't sign up to compete against the best of the best. Nick even took to Instagram to thank his wife, writing: 'In the last year this woman has been the most amazing mother and ride or die you could ask for. 'She didn't bat an eyelid when I derailed our life (again) for Survivor, this time with a 6 month old and in the hellish depths of an entire house renovation. 'She does everything from a place of support, challenge and love.' Sarah Jayne Dunn looked effortlessly chic as she and her husband Jonathan Smith attended the Aintree Grand National in Liverpool on Thursday. The actress, 43, exuded elegance in a chic red midi dress and a matching fascinator as she and her husband, also 43, walked hand-in-hand through the crowds. Sarah's stylish ensemble featured a V-neckline, a structured bodice, fluted sleeves, and a gold button-up fastening. She added inches to her height with a pair of red crystal heart slingback heels and accessorised with a stack of chunky statement rings and a delicate gold necklace. The former Hollyoaks star toted a mini silver handbag and completed her look with a glam makeup palette, including a bold swipe of red lipstick to match her ensemble. Meanwhile, her husband cut a smart casual figure for the outing wearing a black button-up coat, a blue denim shirt, and black tailored trousers. Sarah Jayne Dunn looked effortlessly chic as she and her husband Jonathan Smith attended the Aintree Grand National in Liverpool on Thursday The actress, 43, exuded elegance in a chic red midi dress and a matching fascinator as she and her husband, also 43, walked hand-in-hand through the crowds The personal trainer appeared in high spirits as he smiled for the cameras alongside his stunning wife. Aintree racecourse was a sea of colour this morning as revellers kicked off the Grand National Festival in conventionally bright and bold fashion. Racegoers embraced the warmer April weather in sleeveless dresses with plunging necklines and figure-hugging skirts as day one of the Merseyside racing meet got underway. Every year, millions of people gather at Aintree for the steeplechases, which span 4 miles, 7 furlongs and 74 yards, making it the longest horse race in Britain even though it used to be around one and a half furlongs longer. The World's Greatest Steeplechase is the biggest gamble on horserace on the planet and bookmakers estimate 250m will be wagered on the three days of the Aintree and 150m on the big race alone. This year's Grand National Saturday - the final day of the event - is predicted to be a 'grey' day for Britain's bookmakers after it was revealed that a record six of the punters' favourites to win this year are all greys - including Intense Raffles (9-1), Vanillier (10-1) and Kandoo Kid (16-1); the other three are Hyland (20-1), Coko Beach (66-1) and Fil D'Or (80-1). Due to their stand-out hue, greys are loved by part-time punters at the National - despite only three ever winning the famous 30-fence contest, The Lamb in 1868, Nicolaus Silver in 1961, and Neptune Collonges in 2012. Coral's David Stevens said: 'Five is the previous highest number of grey horses running in the Grand National, but that was when there were 40 or more runners, so the six lining up among the 34 runners this year sets a new record. Sarah's stylish ensemble featured a V-neckline, a structured bodice, fluted sleeves, and a gold button-up fastening. Meanwhile, her husband Jonathan cut a smart casual figure for the outing The former Hollyoaks star added inches to her height with a pair of red crystal heart slingback heels and appeared in high spirits as she got a selfie with her partner She and her husband looked tense as they watched on from the stands At one point the star pointed as they watched from above She also pulled out her phone to film the action from her seat Greys have always been popular with racing fans, they stand out from the rest and are easier to spot in a race, which is particularly important in a race like the National. 'Although with six in this year's race, punters will need to watch even more closely to see which grey is carrying their cash!' Stevens continued. The bookmaker are offering odds of 5/2 that one of the six greys are victorious on Saturday, 12-1 that there is a grey horse one-two, and 40-1 greys fill the first three places. With millions of adults placing a flutter on the big race, and considering grey horses are always popular, the bookmaker expects to face a flurry of bets on the sextet. Coral expects up to 150 million to be staked on the National this year, making it six times bigger than the second-highest turnover horserace of the year, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, while the race will be watched by the biggest TV audience of the year. Last year's winner, I Am Maximus, is the runner bookies fear the most with William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps reporting 'a big gamble' on the horse on Wednesday that cuts the 2024 winner from 11/1 to 8/1. Aintree racecourse was a sea of colour this morning as revellers kicked off the Grand National Festival in conventionally bright and bold fashion This year's Grand National Saturday - the final day of the event - is predicted to be a 'grey' day for Britain's bookmakers after it was revealed that a record six of the punters' favourites to win this year are all greys I Am Maximus now stands as the favourite for the race at 8/1, followed by Iroko and Stumptown, who are both priced at 9/1. Phelps said: 'This year's Grand National looks one of the most open for a long time, with I Am Maximus now heading the betting for the 34-runner race at 8/1, and he's the third different favourite we've had in as many days. 'Given the open nature and big odds available across the field this year, we're expecting plenty of betting interest up and down the country and could see total turnover on the race north of i150m. 'It's a huge week at Aintree, where total betting turnover for the three days could comfortably hit a quarter of a billion.' James Nelson-Joyce's name has been thrown into the mix to be the next James Bond and he has revealed whether he'd take on the role of the iconic spy. The Liverpudlian actor, 36, has captured fans' attention starring as crime boss Michael Kavanagh in the BBC's new gritty drama This City Is Ours. James - who previously worked with Adolescence star Stephen Graham - has blown viewers away with his performance alongside Sean Bean, which has thrown him into mainstream fame. Now, there is already chatter that he could take on a major film role as the odds have been slashed for him to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond. Breaking his silence, James revealed he would be very interested in playing the 007 spy, saying it would be a 'privilege' to be the first ever Scouse Bond. 'I mean... double oh Scouse, I'm here for it,' he quipped during an interview with the BBC. Since his debut in This City Is Ours, the odds of James being the next Bond have soared from 25-1 to 6-1 in a huge leap, according to Coral Bookmakers. 'James Nelson-Joyce has made a big impression on the new BBC crime drama series, This Is Our City,' Coral's John Hill said. James Nelson-Joyce's name has been thrown into the mix to be the next James Bond and he has revealed whether he'd take on the role of the iconic spy The talented young star has captured fans' attention starring as crime boss Michael Kavanagh in the BBC's new gritty drama This City Is Ours. He is pictured with Natasha Poly in 2022 Breaking his silence, James revealed he would be very interested in playing the 007 spy, saying it would be a 'privilege' to be the first ever Scouse Bond. Pictured: Daniel Craig as Bond 'He has been well backed to become the next James Bond following the opening episode.' James is in the running alongside the likes of The White Lotus' Theo James, Superman Henry Cavill and Happy Valley's James Norton. Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has also been among the top contenders while fans have also put Harris Dickinson and Jonathan Bailey's names forward. It was recently revealed Bond will remain a man and either British or from the Commonwealth after fans were concerned about major changes after Amazon's franchise takeover. James has been working as an actor for around 15 years and admitted it has been 'surreal' to be thrown into the limelight off the back of This City Is Ours. The BBC drama has been a major talking point since its debut last month and fans have been left on the edge of their seats watching the drama unfold. The series follows a fictional Liverpool crime family as Michael Kavanagh (James) and Diana Williams' (Hannah Onslow) criminal careers are crumbling. Delving into the couple's relationship, the gritty drama series follows the pair's highs and lows as Michael balances his crumbling criminal career. The Liverpudlian actor, 36, has captured fans' attention starring as crime boss Michael Kavanagh in the BBC's new gritty drama This City Is Ours James turns on the charm as crime boss Michael Kavanagh. He is pictured with Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams in This City Is Ours Sean Bean plays kingpin Ronnie Phelan, whose decision to retire kicks off a war of succession between his loyal partner Michael and eldest son Jamie (Jack McMullen). The show focuses on the smuggling of cocaine through the Port of Liverpool, with the drama opening with a shipment going missing after arriving from Colombia. James has impressed fans in the drama's leading role after previously starring in shows including The Outlaws, Industry, The Gold and A Town Called Malice. Born to a working class family, James has struggled with dyslexia which he didn't know he had while he was at school. He recently spoke in a new interview about how he got into acting, telling YMLiverpool.com: 'It was a bit of luck really. I was just a normal kid, playing football and that. 'I fancied my English teacher and the only way I could get her attention was by putting on an accent when she'd ask someone to read aloud in class. 'I didn't know at the time that I was dyslexic and I felt uncomfortable reading, but I did it just to show off.' The rising young talent has a tendency to play violent, intimidating characters. But he insists he is nothing like his on-screen personas. 'I am the complete opposite. You wont find a more sensitive person than me so thats a compliment when people meet me out and about and expect to see this horrible person,' he told the RadioTimes. 'It is proof that I am hopefully doing a decent job in playing characters, sometimes so far removed from me - an actor from Liverpool. I do enjoy seeing peoples reaction when they expect to see this hard man in front of them.' Away from the small screen, James is in a relationship with glamourous jazz singer Olivia Frances Brown. Away from work James is in a relationship with glamorous jazz singer Olivia Frances Brown (seen last March) James and Olivia have been photographed at parties together and they appear on each other's Instagrams (seen at Glastonbury last year) Olivia is a jazz singer in Liverpool and has released her own music They have been photographed at parties together and they appear on each other's Instagrams. He also appeared in prison drama Time with Sean Bean and Adolescence's Stephen Graham - who he also starred alongside in his big break, Little Boy Blue. James and Stephen had met years before while at Nando's - with the actor previously saying the interaction changed his life. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he explained: 'I went over and said 'I'm a big fan, I've just left drama school and you've been really inspiring. 'He was with his wife and I thought I better leave them to it. His wife came back over to me and went ''here's my email let me know when you're in stuff and we'll watch out for you''.' 'Three years later when we sat down for the read through of Little Boy Blue, Stephen was just looking at me and he mouthed ''you're that lad from Nando's'',' he went on. 'He mouthed to me "boss that lad", and put his thumbs up.' James has soared to huge acclaim for his leading role in This City Is Ours, but previously starred alongside Sean Bean (both pictured) and Stephen Graham in Time James hits out in a fiery scene in Time, where he starred as Johnno He credits Stephen for kickstarting his career, with the acting great encouraging him to audition for bigger roles after his big break in 2017 crime series Little Boy Blue James is in the running to be the next Bond alongside the likes of The White Lotus' Theo James (pictured), Superman Henry Cavill and Happy Valley's James Norton While filming 2017 crime series Little Boy Blue, Stephen encouraged James to audition for bigger roles and introduced him to his agent. They are also starring together in A Thousand Blows on Netflix, which also features Adolescence's Erin Doherty. And James has already proven his action star credentials, previously starring alongside Hollywood heartthrob and Marvel star, Jake Gyllenhaal in Guy Richie's 2023 war film, The Covenant. He played Staff Sergeant Jack 'Jack Jack' Johnson in the film, which follows the story of a US special forces team in Afghanistan. No Prime To Die! Amazon's James Bond takeover could at last see one of these stars cast as the next 007 by TOM COTTERILL Speculation has exploded over who will become the next James Bond following Amazon's massive takeover of the beloved spy saga. Fans of 007 feared Amazon Studios owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos would corrupt the iconic hero after buying the franchise rights for 770 million from Bond stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. However, leaked memos circulated by the media giant to staff and revealed by The Mail on Sunday, have shown bosses will keep Bond male and British - despite speculation the iconic Ian Fleming hero could be portrayed by a woman. 'Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth - and he has to be male,' an insider said. They added: 'Jeff is a massive Bond fan and while he's excited to see how Amazon can take the franchise forward there are certain things which are sacrosanct.' One of Hollywood's most iconic roles, actors who played the suave, steely-eyed and devastatingly charming spy include Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton. Bond was last played by Daniel Craig, who portrayed the martini-loving action hero across five movies during his 15-year stint in the role. But since Craig, 57, hung up his tux in 2021, movie fans have shaken and stirred several names into the mix, from Idris Elba and Tom Hardy to Richard Madden and even Superman star, Henry Cavill. Daniel Craig played James Bond for five instalments of the spy flicks, since Casino Royale in 2006 Superman star Henry Cavill (pictured) was among the frontrunners having previously auditioned for the role Venom star Tom Hardy was among the people's favourite to take on 007 in a recent poll At one point even Brosnan - who played the fictional British spy in four films during the 1990s and early 2000s - was reportedly even asked if he would make a return. But it seems the bookies' favourite for the role is rising Brit talent, Aaron Taylor-Johnson. He sparked a frenzy among 007 fans when, in March 2022, The Sun reported he had been 'formally offered' the role 'should he wish to accept it'. However, since then, Taylor-Johnson, 34, has been dodging questions about joining the beloved spy series. Speaking in December during the premier of his superhero movie, Kraven the Hunter, he laughed with Entertainment Tonight when asked about fan reaction to his rumoured role. 'I would say. Come see Kraven because that's what out this weekend and it's not going to disappoint,' the actor joked, as he deftly swerved the question. 'I promise you that, guys.' Also among those in contention was Luther star Idris Elba, who topped a poll of 2,000 Brits asked who they would like to see as the next 007. But Elba has recently broken his silence on the rumours swirling around him potentially becoming the next Bond. The bookies' favourite for the role is rising star, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who could take on 007 Luther star Idris Elba was previously among of the bookies' top choices to take over as Bond Speaking to Chris Moyles on his Radio X morning show in April, Elba denied he would be Craig's successor, saying he had been questions 'half-a-million times' over the rumour. 'The rumour has definitely done. And I mean, I'm ancient now. I don't know what kind of Bond I'd be,' he said. t was definitely one of the biggest rumours. I'm arguably more famous for not playing Bond than some of the actors who did.' 'I He insisted he was not even interested in joining the famed franchise as a villain. Back in August 2022, it was reported Idris had walked away from 'years of talks' with movie bosses to take over the famous role. He had been the bookies' favourite to replace Craig, but is keen to pursue other roles - and has even put forward a list of proposed names to producer Barbara Broccoli of actors to play 007. A source told The Sun: 'Fans and Barbara wanted Idris but he wants to create something for himself. 'However, he's put forward names to play 007. He's 'informally' in the decision-making process as he's been in talks with producers for so long.' It's thought Amazon might now be seeking to recruit a younger actor to star as Bond. Among those rumoured to be on the list is Rege-Jean Page following his sultry turn as the Duke of Hastings on back in 2020 which made him a household name overnight. Among those rumoured to be on the list is Rege-Jean Page following his sultry turn as the Duke of Hastings on back in 2020 which made him a household name overnight. Theo James is also rumoured to be a potential frontrunner to become the next 007 Others in the running for Bond include Scottish Game of Thrones star, Richard Madden 'It's a conversation people are having, and it's terribly flattering that they're having it. I leave them to it,' he told Vanity Fair of the speculation. Asked whether or not he would take on the role, Page added: 'I have no idea. It's not a thing that is fully occupying my thoughts. 'I've got enough on my plate at the moment. I worry about the work I have, not other people's jobs.' Superman star Henry Cavill was also rumoured as one of the leaders to step into Bond's shoes. It comes as footage of the beefy 41-year-old's 'tremendous' audition for the role was dredged up 20 years after he very narrowly missed out on playing the spy to Daniel Craig. In the old tape, Henry did his best to impress the production team as he delivered some of the character's most famous lines in a bid to beat around eight other stars. Footage of Henry Cavill 's 'tremendous' audition for the role of James Bond has been dredged up 20 years after he narrowly missed out on playing the iconic character to Daniel Craig The Jersey-born star has since gone on to have a glittering career winning an MTV award for his role as Superman in Man of Steel In 2013 Daniel (pictured, in Casino Royale) reportedly only narrowly beat second-placed Henry to play Bond Casino Royale director Martin Campbell, who was behind the impressive screen test, told the Express that Henry had come close to becoming Bond but his age had been a problem. He said: 'He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous. And look, if Daniel didn't exist Henry would have made an excellent Bond. 'He looked terrific, he was in great physical shape very handsome, very chiselled. He just looked a little young at that time back then.' And speaking to the Rich Eisen show last year, while promoting his film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare - where he played a character James Bond was based on - Cavill said he was interested in the role. 'I have no idea, all I've got to go off is the rumors. The same information you have. Maybe I'm too old now, maybe I'm not, we'll see. It's up to Barbara Broccoli and Mike Wilson, but we'll see what their plans are,' added the Jersey-born actor. Other contenders on the list include Taylor Swift's ex husband, Joe Alwyn. The Brutalist actor was even quizzed about whether he would take on the character during his appearance at the 97th Academy Awards last week. 'Who wouldn't throw their hat in the ring? You know,' he told Variety's Marc Malkin. Another name that appears firmly on list by fans and the bookies is Theo James. Other contenders on the list include Taylor Swift's ex husband, Joe Alwyn (pictured) Gladiator II star Paul Mescal's name has also been thrown into the ring to take on the beloved spy He emerged as one of the frontrunners last year, with bookmakers placing him as 12/1 favourite by Taylor-Johnson. 'The search for the next James Bond is hotting up and we have seen a lot of support for British actor Theo James, who has narrowed from as big as 12/1 into 5/2 second favourite,' William Hill's spokesman Lee Phelps said. 'Being preceded by Aaron Taylor-Johnson who has been as short as 2/5 to step into 007's shoes, but has now drifted to 11/10 in the market. 'James may well have caught the eye of executives with his performance in The Gentleman.' James has not commented on whether he has been approached for the leading turn. 'There is no narrative among my friends because they would say, 'You? Are you joking?' he told Josh Horowitz, adding: 'The adage was, 'Oh, yeah. You'd be the first Bond-opolis. The Greek Bond with hummus,' referring to his Greek heritage.' Gladiator II star Paul Mescal's name has also been thrown into the ring to take on the beloved spy. Rumours have been swirling around the 29-year-old becoming the next 007 for years. And following his blockbusting turn in Ridley Scotts's Gladiator sequel, alongside Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, bookies slashed the odds of him becoming Daniel Craig's successor late last year from 10/1 to 3/1. Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: 'If Paul Mescal's first move up the leaderboard to be the next James Bond had shaken things up, his latest odds cut has stirred plenty of speculation. Things will get very interesting if he overtakes long-time favourite Taylor-Johnson in the near future.' Spider-Man Tom Holland was also on the list to replace Daniel Craig as Bond Hunky Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan also features in the top 20 for the next Bond As does Welshman Luke Evans, who has starred in a string of Hollywood blockbusters - including the Hobbit, Fast & Furious 6 and Dracula Untold 'I'm a huge Bond fan. I think it's an incredible franchise. But it feels very, very far away from current circumstances,' Mescal said back in 2020. 'Would I play Bond? Yeah? I don't know. If it ever came my way, we'd have a discussion about it. 'I don't know. I don't want to say yes or no. I am a massive fan, and will continue to be, regardless.' Also on the list is Richard Madden, who appeared as an early contender to become the next 007. 'It's very flattering to be involved in that conversation at all,' the Game of Thrones star said during an 2019 interview in Cannes. 'But it's all just talk and I'm sure next week it will be someone else.' Previously, Brits have called on Bond producers to hire Venom star Tom Hardy as the next 007. In one vote, Hardy appeared the people's choice for the fictional spy, bagging more than a third of the votes in a public opinion poll. Also seemingly on the list included the man with a golden gong, Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy, Spider-Man's Tom Holland and Holland's fellow Marvel star, Tom Hiddleston, who plays the cheeky trickster, Loki. Gwyneth Paltrow's nepo baby daughter Apple Martin has revealed if she will follow her famous mom into the acting world. The 20-year-old college student talked to Interview magazine - where she used to intern - while posing in high-end fashion. The college student - who broke her silence on her viral 'mean girl' debutante drama, who is at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee shed light on her future plans which may or may not include her mother and grandmother Blythe Danner's profession, acting. However, she is already acting in the school play where she has to sing. 'Im in the lovely Vanderbilt Original Cast, the esteemed cabaret theater group. This semesters show is a musical parody of Love Island called Love on an Island. Its so fun. The songs are phenomenal,' she told Mel Ottenberg. Drama is not one of her majors, though. Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter Apple Martin has given her first magazine interview. The college student who is at Vanderbilt University shed light on her future plans which may or may not include her mother and grandmother's profession, acting; seen in February Seen with her mother Gwyneth and her grandmother Blythe Danner in 2023 'Im a law, history, and society major, but I wish I wouldve takenmaybe Ill take a theater course before I leave. Its a fun balance between my very different extracurriculars and my major,' said the Los Angeles native. When asked, ' Does Love on an Island / law and history mean that youre undecided what youre doing in life?' Apple replied: 'So, the reason why I was originally like, Maybe Ill be a lawyer, was because I loved acting, but I was insecure and nervous, so I was like, Oh my god, if Im a lawyer, I can perform on the stage in a trial setting. 'Its insane that I thought that. 'Also I cannot lie, I was like, Ill just be Elle Woods. [Laughs] Its a lot harder than it looks. I dont know how she managed to go to law school every day as fabulous as she did. 'But I love history. I love true crime. I love investigating. 'I also think its fun to look at the history of law and see how you can implement it in a modern context. If I were to be a lawyer, I would just want to help people. Thats probably the biggest thing.' When asked if she has dreams of becoming a film actress like her Oscar-winning mom, Apple admitted that she's more interested in theater. 'I would love to do theater because I adore it so much. I've obviously never done film before, but I've been trying to get involved in student films,' she said, adding: 'I was born a theater kid.' As part of the Vanderbilt Original Cast, Apple has been able to showcase her unique singing abilities. 'I have a very low voice so whenever we're doing harmonies it'll be like, 'Alright, it's the boys and Apple,' she shared with a laugh. 'I'm singing my absolute favorite song ever this semester, which I'm so excited about. 'I'm definitely not the best in the org, but I love it.' However, she is already acting in the school play where she has to sing. 'Im in the lovely Vanderbilt Original Cast, the esteemed cabaret theater group; seen with Gwyneth and dad Chris Martin She also broke her silence on the 'really upsetting' criticism she's received following last year's 'mean girl' drama. She was asked if she ever reads 'upsetting stuff' about herself on the internet. In November 2024, Apple sparked controversy while attending the elite Le Bal des Debutantes in Paris after a clip of herself being a 'mean girl' at the ball went viral. Apple, who was supported by her A-list parents at the invite-only event in November, was accused of 'stealing the spotlight' from another girl getting her picture taken. While a source close to Gwyneth insisted that the moment was taken out of context, fans ruthlessly tore into Apple as the video circulated on TikTok and Instagram. While Apple didn't specifically reference the debutante ball backlash in Wednesday's chat, she did call out the 'crazy conspiracies' that have circulated about her online. This semesters show is a musical parody of Love Island called Love on an Island. Its so fun. The songs are phenomenal,' she told Mel Ottenberg. Drama is not one of her majors, though. Seen in 2023 She told Ottenberg that she has avoided looking at social media comments 'like the plague' since January 2023 when she made her Paris Fashion Week debut at Chanel. 'After the Chanel show, I did [read upsetting comments]. Then I quickly realized why everybody has always said, 'Don't do it.' Because even if you see a million positive things, there can be one thing that absolutely wrecks you,' the rising star explained. Her attendance at the Chanel event received a mixed reaction online, with some praising Apple's 'model looks' and others slamming her as just another 'nepo baby.' She admitted that reading hateful things about herself has had a devastating impact on her mental well-being. 'So, I've stopped now and I avoid it like the plague, because I know myself and I know that if I see stuff that isn't true and that's really upsetting to me, I'm going to be like, 'Oh my god, I should never go out in public again.'' Now, Apple is focused on the positive and has learned to accept the downsides of being in the public eye. 'I've tried to be like, 'People are going to say stuff, and that's okay,'' she said. 'And like everybody, there's going to be stuff that isn't true and stuff that is upsetting, and all I can do is just be the best that I can be and be with the people I love and not read random, crazy conspiracies.' Le Bal des Debutantes, which took place at the Shangri-La in Paris, is an annual gathering that invites young women from some of the prestigious - and wealthiest - families from Europe, Asia, Africa and the U.S. to make their debut into society. Apple wore a sky blue Valentino Haute Couture gown as she attended the ball on the arm of her dashing date, Count Leo Henckel von Donnersmarck, before letting loose with her parents, Gwyneth and Chris Martin, who divorced in 2016. However, during the weekend, Apple became the target of 'mean girl' accusations after it appeared she was trying to steal the spotlight from fellow debutante Alienor Loppin de Montmort in a viral video of the pair taking photos together. In November 2024, Apple sparked controversy while attending the elite Le Bal des Debutantes in Paris after a clip of herself being a 'mean girl' at the ball went viral; seen with mom Gwyneth at the ball In the clip, Montmort was seen taking her turn posing for the camera when Apple appeared from behind and sashayed into the shot. The backlash was so intense that Montmort came forward to defend Apple. She insisted that Apple was the 'nicest girl ever' and that she didn't deserve 'an ounce of' the hate she was getting online. Apple's mom Gwyneth recently broke her silence on the matter as she told Vanity Fair that her daughter has 'always had a lot of trepidation around being in the public eye. Blake Lively has offered an enticing new deal on her Brown Beauty products after claiming Justin Baldoni's alleged smear campaign against her caused sales to drop by as much as 78%. Target Circle members who purchase one of Blake's haircare products will now be able to purchase a second Brown Beauty item for 50% off. The sale is in effect through April 4, 2025. Blake, 37, announced the discount on her Instagram account along with a link to her collection's page on Target. '@target circle members... Through tomorrow only!! Buy 1 @blakebrownbeauty product & get the 2nd 50% off!' her Instagram Story post read. She raved about the quality of her products and their 'incredible' scent, stressing the amount of care that went into creating the line. 'We spent 7 years and counting on the quality & results of these products. I couldn't be more proud of our entire team and of every product. Not only do they deliver on results, but ohhh my, each smells INCREDIBLE. Blake Lively has offered an enticing new deal on her Brown Beauty products after claiming Justin Baldoni's alleged smear campaign against her caused sales to drop by 78% 'You'll see for yourself,' she wrote, concluding with a smiling emoticon. Blake's hair care line, which launched August 5, 2024, is currently only available through the Brown Beauty website and on Target's website and physical stores. The range offers eight products priced from $18.99 to $24.99 and initially enjoyed great success, with CNN reporting in September that the products quickly sold out online and in stores. The products were released around the same time Blake began facing backlash online in what she says was a coordinated smear campaign plotted by Justin. Blake claims her various businesses were adversely impacted as a result of the alleged campaign. The actress, who is currently embroiled in a legal warfare with Justin over the their dispute, filed a lawsuit against him in New Year's Eve that alleged the campaign caused her to suffer 'financial harms' which 'continue to the present'. She stated her haircare brand, Blake Brown, and her two drinks ranges, Betty Buzz and Betty Booze, both suffered huge losses in sales due to the backlash she received. The lawsuit states that Blake Brown sales plummeted by up to 78 per cent after the 'social manipulation campaign started'. Blake's hair care line, which launched August 5, 2024, is currently only available through the Brown Beauty website and on Target's website and physical stores Blake claimed in her lawsuit that sales tanked on her haircare line after her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, allegedly plotted a smear campaign against her It said: 'Based on internal sales projections, the sudden and unexpected negative media campaign launched against Ms. Lively depressed retail sales of Blake Brown products by 56-78 per cent.' The lawsuit added: 'This dramatic drop was completely at odds with the high satisfaction scores that Blake Brown products received in the significant consumer testing performed before launch or its initial success after launch'. While it also stated: 'Around the same time, the social media accounts for Ms. Livelys brands- including Betty Buzz and Betty Booze were flooded by hateful comments, which began to echo through other social and traditional media outlets.' Both Blake and Justin are currently suing one another after working together on their 2024 film It Ends With Us. The haircare line currently offers eight products The legal battle began back in December when Lively accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her and fostering a toxic work environment on the set of It Ends With Us. She also alleged he created a retaliatory smear campaign against her with his publicists. Lively first filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Commission before moving forward with a formal lawsuit against Justin, with other defendants named. In response, Baldoni filed a $400million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds and their publicist Leslie Sloane, accusing them of shutting him out of his own film and ruining his career. All parties have denied the allegations against them, and Reynolds and Sloane have also filed to be dismissed from the lawsuit. Last month, Lively filed to dismiss Baldoni's $400 million defamation lawsuit, slamming it as 'vengeful and rambling.' Both Blake and Justin are currently suing one another after working together on their 2024 film It Ends With Us In court documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Lively's attorneys slammed Baldoni's lawsuit as a 'profound abuse of the legal process that has no place in federal court' as they asked for all claims against her to be dropped. The documents also state that Wayfarer's legal efforts against Lively may end up costing Baldoni's team $100 million due to a mandatory fee shifting provision in California Civil Code Section 47.1, which provides protections to individuals with claims of sexual harassment and similar allegations. In the introduction and summary of their argument, Lively's legal team argues the lawsuit against her has 'no place in federal court' due to legal protections for individuals who have spoken out about sexual harassment or filed legal claims. 'The law prohibits weaponizing defamation lawsuits, like this one, to retaliate against individuals who have filed legal claims or have publicly spoken out about sexual harassment and retaliation,' the documents state. The former co-stars' trial date is set for March 9, 2026. Amanda Holden showed off her toned figure as she sunbathed on Thursday during her holiday to Dubai. The radio presenter, 54, looked incredible in a patterned blue bikini, consisting of a triangle top and tie-side bottoms. Sharing a series of photos from the Cloud 22 sky pool, she relaxed on a sun lounger while shielding her eyes with a pair of aviator sunglasses. Amanda then took a dip in the water, slicking her wet hair back from her face and posing against a blue wall. 'When your bikini matches your background,' she captioned her Instagram update. Amanda is on holiday with her husband Chris Hughes, 51, and their two daughters Alexa, 18, and 12-year-old Hollie. Amanda Holden showed off her toned figure as she sunbathed on Thursday during her holiday to Dubai The radio presenter, 54, looked incredible in a patterned blue bikini, consisting of a triangle top and tie-side bottoms Her fans were all saying the same thing about her husband as she posted a rare loved-up 'date night' snap this week. The radio presenter looked incredibly glamorous as she posed for a selfie with the music producer. She beamed from ear to ear as she wrote in the caption: 'Date night (except the girls are with us) so Date night with the girls #family.' However, her followers rushed to the comments to express their shock at how 'young' and fresh-faced her husband looks. They quipped: 'Chris looks about 28' and 'How does he look 20?? Both stunning'. Others chimed in with: 'Why does he look 20 lol.' 'Wow your hubby is stunning ! ...he looks like a very very young handsome man.' 'Your hubby looks about 19!' Sharing a series of photos from the Cloud 22 sky pool, she shielded her eyes with a pair of aviator sunglasses 'When your bikini matches your background,' she captioned her Instagram update Amanda is on holiday with her husband Chris Hughes and their two daughters and fans were all saying the same thing about her husband as she posted a rare loved-up 'date night' snap 'He totally does NOT look his age.. I forget how old he is but hes older than her.' 'You both look younger every year! You two are hot, love you Amanda xx Amanda replied to one comment with: 'Hes younger than me! 52 this year x'. Amanda and Chris first met in Los Angeles in 2003, before embarking on a romance the following year. They went on to tie the knot in 2008 and welcomed two daughters together. Earlier this month, Amanda opened up on the traumatic birth of her daughter Hollie in 2012, which nearly cost her her life. During a recent episode of Amanda & Alan's Spanish Job, the Britain's Got Talent judge fought back tears as she revealed to Alan Carr she had 'died' after giving birth. In a recent episode, the duo were seen unwinding with a bottle of Cava after a busy day of work, reflecting on their lives. Sitting on folded-up camper chairs and taking in some picturesque views with a bottle of Cava, the duo reflected on their lives. However, her followers rushed to the comments to express their shock at how 'young' and fresh-faced her husband looks Amanda replied to one comment with: 'Hes younger than me! 52 this year x' During a recent episode of Amanda & Alan's Spanish Job, the Britain's Got Talent judge fought back tears as she revealed to Alan Carr she had 'died' after giving birth Amanda shared: 'When you look at massive landscapes like this, it does put things into perspective. When you lose someone, you believe, don't you, that they've gone somewhere. I'm not particularly religious, but I don't believe it's the end.' She explained that there was a time when she was medically dead after giving birth to her second daughter with Chris, now 12. She revealed: 'Without being too maudlin, I had a really difficult birth with Hollie, which ended up with me in a coma. I died. 'I was in intensive care, and the baby was fine. And then when I came round and everything was alright, I never stopped thinking about death after that - how easy and close it is to you, all the time.' Alan nodded in agreement, and Amanda added: 'Life is so precious. It can disappear from you so fast.' 'I'm like, "Make every second count," literally,' she said, before Alan offered her another glass of Cava. Gabby Allen ensured all eyes were on her as she took to her Instagram Stories on Thursday with a sizzling post. The Love Island winner, 33, looked nothing short of sensational as she donned a baby blue figure-hugging crochet maxi dress that gave a glimpse of her peachy bottom. Posing on the balcony of her hotel room, the reality star covered her modesty with a white bikini set under the backless dress. She added inches to her height with a pair of block heels and accessorised with a silver watch, dainty earrings, and a pair of sunglasses. The beauty wore her long blonde tresses in beachy waves and opted for a glowing palette of makeup to elevate her natural beauty. The sexy snap comes just a day after Gabby flaunted her toned figure in a busty pink bikini. Gabby Allen ensured all eyes were on her as she took to her Instagram Stories on Thursday with a sizzling post The star shared a slew of snaps from her boozy day at the luxury party beach club, Cove Beach. She posed up a storm in the pastel pink two piece, which fetaured red accents and thong-style bottoms. The bombshell was joined by pals DJ Chris Wright and Hollie Heatherington, who she included in her Instagram carousel. Gabby also snapped a quick selfie as she sipped on a glass of rose wine in the sunshine. The beauty wrote in her caption: 'Im sorry but, day in the sun = Rose.. am I right??.. absolutely nonnegotiable (also I never wear pink but wanted to be on theme and maybe not mad about it?)' Gabby later clarified her relationship status on her Instagram stories after speculation about her jetting off alone. She quipped: 'Side note: Yes believe it or not, a girl can go on holiday with her family without it meaning her and her fella have ended... he's flying out on Sunday to see me.' Gabby also shared another update from her holiday to Dubai on Wednesday. The sexy snap comes just a day after Gabby flaunted her toned figure in a busty pink bikini The star shared a slew of snaps from her boozy day at the luxury party beach club, Cove Beach She stunned in bright red bikini, consisting of a busty, square neck top and high-waisted bottoms. Posing for some photos during a boat trip, she leaned over the side of the ship, adding a black hat. Gabby later layered over a red, long sleeve top, that matched her swimwear, and wide legged trousers. Shielding her eyes with a pair of aviator sunglasses, she styled her hair straight for a snap on the top deck. The TV personality captioned her Instagram post: 'Boat days and best mates, what more can you ask for? lol at last slide literally living my best life.' Gabby and new partner Casey O'Gorman, 28, won Love Island All Stars earlier this year. The couple bagged the whopping 50,000 prize in a dramatic conclusion over long-time frontrunners Grace Jackson and Luca Bish. 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 lead up to the finale, with bookmakers never placing them as favourites to clinch the 50,000 prize. Gabby and new partner Casey O'Gorman, 28, won Love Island All Stars earlier this year It comes just after Gabby shared another update from her holiday to Dubai on Wednesday Gabby later layered over a red, long sleeve top, that matched her swimwear, and wide legged trousers 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.' He continued: 'The couple accounted for over a third (35 percent) of stakes throughout the series. '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. Elon Musk's trans daughter Vivian Wilson has revealed the Hollywood comparison she has gotten fed up of hearing. The 20-year-old rose to notoriety in the last year for publicly bashing her estranged father, who claimed he was 'tricked' into letting her transition at 16, a contention she strenuously denied. Her fans have hailed her as a real-life Katniss Everdeen, the lead character of The Hunger Games, who was played on the big screen by Jennifer Lawrence as a courageous freedom fighter facing down a tyrannical regime. Now, however, Wilson has declared she has had enough of the analogy, pointing out the differences between her life and the character's. '"Youre like our Katniss!" No the f*** I am not, the book is about class struggles and set in Appalachia. I was literally born into the aristocracy,' she wrote on TikTok. Wilson, whom Musk shares with his first ex-wife Justine, added: 'This is a comment Ive seen multiple times and it just honestly makes me cringe.' Elon Musk's trans daughter Vivian Wilson has revealed the Hollywood comparison she has gotten fed up of hearing The 20-year-old rose to notoriety in the last year for publicly bashing her estranged father, who is pictured at an Oval Office event at the Trump White House in February Wilson made a reference to The Hunger Games when she first came out as trans in 2020, breaking the news online before informing her own mother. She announced her gender identity on her Insta Stories, and in the same post, she asked her fans: 'Are you Team Peeta or are you Team Gale?' - referring to Katniss' competing love interests in the franchise. 'This was in the middle of my Hunger Games [phase] that lasted, like, eight years like four years after the movies came out,' she explained in a new interview with Teen Vogue. 'I was cringe. I have never not been cringe.' Covering the magazine, Wilson shared that she loves nothing more than watching reality TV and dreams of starring in a show. 'It is my absolute dream to be on a reality show, which I know is absolutely pathetic. As an overdramatic little queer, reality shows are something I adore beyond belief', she said with a laugh. Wilson also revealed that she has been financially independent from her billionaire father since coming out as trans in 2020 and now lives abroad, studying languages. Despite her independence, she did add that she has in the past received Venmo money requests for thousands of dollars due to her father's status as the world's richest man. With her new found fame, she is also considering some immediate opportunities including running her own Twitch stream and modeling. Her fans have hailed her as a real-life Katniss Everdeen, the lead character of The Hunger Games, who was played on the big screen by Jennifer Lawrence (pictured) Musk is seen here alongside his then fiancee Talulah Riley, his son Griffin, left and Xavier, right, now known as Vivian She said: 'I haven't made any money from being famous at all. I have made zero dollars and zero cents. I do live in a lot of people's heads rent-free, though. 'I feel like Twitch streaming would be so much fun. I don't feel like the world needs another Twitch streamer, but [I'd] love to do it.' The interview also shone a light on her love of drag queens, something which she says she would love to do. 'It's on my bucket list to win a drag pageant', Wilson added before saying she would likely choose to appear as a 'drag king' saying: 'I would eat that up'. Recalling the day it finally dawned on her that she was transgender, Wilson said she was 'constantly having mental breakdowns' while in school. 'I just wanted to rot, pretty much. It was like, I cannot do this anymore. If I stay in the closet anymore, this is going to take me down a very destructive path', she said. Two days later she went public on her Instagram prior to telling her mom, Justine Wilson, a move which she now says she regrets. Wilson said that while her mom had been supportive, she had not spoken with Musk in months prior to coming out, and that he was not supportive in her decision. Describing her use of social media, she proclaimed herself 'the Queen of Threads', the arch rival of her father's company X, which is owned by Mark Zuckerberg's Meta. She was also asked about her relationships with her siblings, and half siblings - with Musk's brood as of late stretching to 13 kids with four different women. The 20-yaer-old is on the front cover of the magazine after speaking with the outlet Musk departs after a lunch meeting with Senate Republicans, at the US Capitol, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in Washington, DC Wilson added: 'Thats a question. I will say I do not actually know how many siblings I have, if you include half-siblings. That's just a fun fact. 'It's really good for two truths and a lie, I found out about the Shivon Zilis thing the same as everyone else did. I had no idea before that. 'I found out about Grimes having a second child because a drag queen posted about it on Reddit.' She added that at the time her and Grimes had not been in communication, but that appears to have changed after Grimes came to her support last year. Wilson also told the outlet that she had found out about Musk's latest alleged child with MAGA influencer Ashley St. Clair after also seeing a Reddit post. The interview delved into what remains of the relationship between Wilson and Musk, which she bluntly said she 'didn't give a f*** about'. She spoke about his recent behavior including what some have interpreted as him making a Nazi salute while addressing a crowd of MAGA fanatics. 'I'll see things about him in the news and think, That's f**king cringe, I should probably post about this and denounce it, which I have done a few times. Elon Musk gestures at the podium inside the Capital One arena on the inauguration day of Donald Trump's second presidential term, in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2025 'The Nazi salute s*** was insane. Honey, we're going to call a fig a fig, and we're going to call a Nazi salute what it was. That s*** was definitely a Nazi salute.' She added: 'I don't give a f**k about him. I really don't. It's annoying that people associate me with him. I just don't have any room to care anymore.' When asked if she ever felt scared of her father, she called him a 'pathetic man-child'. 'People thrive off of fear. I'm not giving anyone that space in my mind. The only thing that gets to live free in my mind are drag queens', she said. Musk had sparked the anger of Wilson last year after he said in an interview that he was tricked into signing her away to go on puberty blockers. Referring to Wilson with male pronouns and by her birth name, Musk claimed that his 'son' had been 'killed by the woke mind virus'. Musk is seen here with his second wife Talulah Riley in 2015 with Xavier, now Vivian, and Griffin Musk called what happened to him and his family 'evil', saying: 'I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys. 'This was before I had any understanding of what was going on, and we had COVID going on, so there was a lot of confusion. I was told Xavier might commit suicide.' When asked about gender dysphoria, he added: 'It's incredibly evil and I agree with you that the people that are promoting this should go to prison. 'I was tricked into doing this. It wasn't explained to me that puberty blockers are actually just sterilization drugs. 'They call it 'deadnaming' for a reason. The reason they call it 'deadnaming' is because your son is dead, so my son, Xavier, is dead, killed by the woke mind virus.' Deadnaming is what transgender people typically refer to others calling them by the name they went by before they began to transition. Wilson shared a blistering response to her Threads in which she shot down a host of allegations made by her father. She added her father has made up these claims because he wasn't around her as a child. Wilson claims that Musk would relentlessly harass her for her 'femininity and queerness'. She was granted a name and gender change in 2022 and is one of six children Musk fathered with his first wife Justine Wilson. Advertisement A Love Island star has been left 'completely broken' as she tragically announced the death of her best friend on Thursday. Jessica Spencer, 25, who appeared on season 11 of the ITV reality show, shared the sad news with her followers on Instagram as she paid tribute to her friend Estera. She explained in the emotional tribute that Estera passed away following a five-year 'fight' with cancer. Alongside a black and white video of the duo hugging, Jess wrote: 'To our beautiful best friend Estera.. 'I am angry, I am so unbelievably sad and my heart is completely broken. If you had the pleasure of knowing Est you were so very lucky, she was strong and she was stubborn in all of the best ways. 'She fought 5 years of her life with cancer and you would never have even known. She was brave and showed up even on her worst days and she never let her illness affect living her best little life.' Love Island star Jessica Spencer, 25, has been left 'completely broken' as she tragically announced the death of her best friend on Thursday Jessica, who appeared on season 11 of the ITV reality show, shared the sad news with her followers on Instagram as she paid tribute to her friend Estera 'Cancer is never something that affects you until it does, until it takes away someone you thought you would grow old with, someone you thought you would meet their kids and help plan their wedding, someone you can't remember being without since the age of 11, my lifelong best friend, a pain like this is so unbearable.' She continued: 'I am so proud of her, for everything she has had to battle the last 5 years that no one should ever go through, she deserved a long life full of abundance, and it hurts me beyond words that her story ended here. 'I always said that I'd be lost without her and that's exactly how it feels. What a beautiful soul and a blessing to of had her in my life. 'I feel so lucky that I got to experience a friendship so deep, a bond so unbreakable that my heart aches and my world will never be the same. 'My forever sidekick and the worst but best influence to each other. There will never be enough memories with you, and I would do anything for more time and one last cuddle.' Jess signed off the heartbreaking post with: 'Being in Poland with all of your family and our close friends has been so special, and I know you were with us the whole time 'We all miss you so much Est. You are so loved and admired. Our real life angel in the sky, Im desperate to laugh and dance with you again. Forever in my heart and always on my mind. Forever together.' She later posted another clip of her friend and wrote: 'Forever attached to each other. Death has taken so much from us. It has stolen our conversations, laughter, trips, silence, plans, moments and time. She explained in the emotional tribute that she passed away following a five-year 'fight' with cancer Alongside a black and white video of the duo hugging, Jess wrote: 'To our beautiful best friend Estera' Love Island stars rushed to the comments to share their condolences During her time on Love Island, Jess fell for Ayo Odukoya, who she was in a relationship with until October 2024 'But it can't take you from our memories and our dreams that is the place we will always go to find you.' Jess has been inundated with condolences from her friends, as well as her fellow Love Island stars. Grace Jackson wrote: 'Jess. Im sending all my love to you, so sorry to hear this' and Jess Harding quipped: 'Im so sorry! Sending you so much love'. Jessy Potts commented: 'Sending my love' and Whitney Adebayo added: 'Sorry for your loss Jess sending my love.' Faye Winter wrote: 'Sending you all the love in world, a friendship like this will last a lifetime. 'It will be the friendship that every time something good or bad happens youll wish they were with you, in that moment know that they are who you think of because they are right there beside you.' During her time on Love Island, Jess fell for Ayo Odukoya, who she was in a relationship with until October 2024. She is now in relationship with designer and creative director Braydon Hackett, the brother of TOWIE star Roman Hackett. Tom Cruise has paid an emotional tribute to his Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer after his shock death aged 65 this week. Cruise, 62, played Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell alongside Kilmer's Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky in the 1986 classic, with the pair reuniting onscreen for 2022's Top Gun: Maverick. Taking to the stage at the Colosseum at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas for CinemaCon 2025, Cruise said per Variety: 'I'd like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer. 'I can't tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honored I was when he joined Top Gun and came back later for Top Gun: Maverick. 'I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us. Just kind of think about all the wonderful times that we had with him. 'I wish you well on the next journey.' Tom Cruise has paid an emotional tribute to his Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer after his shock death aged 65 this week. Seen on Thursday in Las Vegas Cruise, 62, played Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell alongside Kilmer's Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky in the 1986 classic The pair reunited onscreen for 2022's Top Gun: Maverick Cruise put his head down as he held his hands together while on stage at CinemaCon 2025 held at The Colosseum. The action star was the event to talk up his next film, Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning, which will open on May 23. Tom had said in 2022 that he was very pleased the Kilmer joined him on Top Gun: Maverick. 'I just want to say that was pretty emotional. Ive known Val for decades,' Cruise said while on Jimmy Kimmel Live. 'For him to come back and play that character hes such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again. Youre looking at Iceman.' The movie's producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, told People in 2021 that Cruise 'was the driving force' in getting Kilmer to work on the film. Val, who rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in films such as Batman Forever and The Doors, died from complications related to pneumonia after a long battle with health issues. Val, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, spent the later years of his life largely out of the public eye. Val is survived by his daughter Mercedes and son Jack, whom he had during his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley. His passing was announced by Mercedes on Tuesday. This comes a day after another big star paid tribute to Kilmer. Michelle Pfeiffer shared a sweet note to social media on Wednesday. Pfeiffer, 66, posted a black-and-white photograph of herself and Val from the set of the 1985 ABC Afterschool Special One Too Many. Val, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, spent the later years of his life largely out of the public eye. Seen in 2019 Taking to the stage at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas for CinemaCon, Cruise said per Variety: 'I'd like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer' 'I can't tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honored I was when he joined Top Gun and came back later for Top Gun: Maverick,' he continued Cruise put his head down as he held his hands together while on stage at CinemaCon 2025 held at The Colosseum With one hand on his heart, the veteran actor spoke of his late Top Gun co-star 'I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us,' added the ex of Katie Holmes 'Just kind of think about all the wonderful times that we had with him. I wish you well on the next journey,' Cruise concluded The somber star clapped along with the audience at the Paramount Pictures presentation Cruise and Kilmer seen in Top Gun (1986) He was at the annual convention to promote his upcoming film Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning Before taking the stage, Cruise posed on the red carpet with Channing Tatum He shared a warm hug with Colman Domingo Cruise reunited with Top Gun sequel co-star Glen Powell Mark Hamill was also at the event with Cruise Alongside the image, she wrote: 'Rest in peace, Val.' The two actors first met while filming the special, which tackled the dangers of teenage drinking, and formed a close friendship that lasted decades. Val spoke openly about his bond with Pfeiffer in his 2020 memoir, I'm Your Huckleberry. He described the connection they shared, saying: 'The secret pain that Michelle and I shared created an intimacy between us.' He revealed he had felt comfortable confiding in her about his strained relationship with his parents, while Michelle, in turn, spoke to him about the difficulties in her marriage to Peter Horton, whom she later divorced. Though Val wrote fondly about Michelle, he admitted to having harbored a longstanding attraction to her younger sister, Lori Pfeiffer, now 59. He said in his memoir: 'I had an all-consuming crush on her younger sister Lori, who did not seem to reciprocate, even a little,' he wrote. 'In fact, she seemed to not even know I existed.' Michelle Pfeiffer shared a sweet note to social media on Wednesday. Pfeiffer, 66, posted a photograph of herself and Val from the set of the 1985 ABC Afterschool Special One Too Many. Alongside the image, she wrote: 'Rest in peace, Val' While speculation has persisted over whether Michelle and Val ever dated, the details remain unclear. However, Val reflected on their time together in a 2018 Instagram post, sharing the same image Michelle later used in her tribute. He said online: 'I first met Michelle through her husband Peter and Mare Winningham, who was my first girlfriend in high school. 'It was so amazing to work with all three such talented people in one 'after school special' which was, to my memory, always a morality play designed to educate kids just home from school.' Michelle has not publicly commented on Val beyond her Instagram post. Jennifer Aniston and hunk Pedro Pascal had tongues wagging last week when they were seen on a romantic dinner date. And now the 56-year-old Friends star has added fuel to the flame as she shared a flirty public message in tribute to The Last Of Us star on his 50th birthday. The A-lister took to her Instagram Story to share a comic from the New Yorker of a man at his therapist's office. The therapist could be seen telling his patient: 'It's not strange at all -- lately, a lot of people are reporting that their faith in humanity is riding entirely on whether or not Pedro Pascal is as nice as he seems.' Jennifer sweetly captioned the image to her 44.5million followers: 'Can confirm - as nice as he seems. [woman raising hand emoji] 'Happy birthday PP! [party and red balloon emojis]' Jennifer Aniston, 56, was spotted grabbing dinner with Gladiator 2 hunk Pedro Pascal, 49, on Saturday Last week the dynamic duo were seen leaving the Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood after a three-hour dinner. The actress, who was once married to Brad Pitt, looked chic in blue jeans and a white t-shirt with a black vest. Meanwhile the Narcos star rocked a black leather biker jacket with jeans and suede boots. Jennifer who was reportedly 'blindsided' after her second ex-husband Justin Theroux, 53, recently married his 30-year-old girlfriend Nicole Brydon Bloom and Pedro arrived separately after 8 PM and left separately at around 11:30 PM. They were pictured talking to each other outside the valet area before parting ways. Aniston completed her outfit with black high-heel boots. She wore her blonde tresses in her signature style. Meanwhile Pedro was pictured rocking a mustache and a pair of eyeglasses for the outing. The A-lister took to her Instagram Story to share a comic from the New Yorker of a man at his therapist's office which she sweetly captioned the image to her 44.5million followers: 'Can confirm - as nice as he seems. [woman raising hand emoji]' The Friends star and the Chilean-American actor were seen leaving the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood after a three-hour dinner last week The dinner date comes after speculation that Pedro might appear on Aniston's TV series, The Morning Show. During the Critics Choice Awards red carpet, Aniston and her co-star, Reese Witherspoon, invited him to join the hit Apple TV+ show for season 4. The invitation came as he joined their interview with KTLA anchors Sam Rubin and Jessica Holmes. 'Do you want to be on it?' asked Aniston. Witherspoon said, 'Wait, we actually do have a really good part for him.' Pascal replied, 'Pitch it to me now.' When questioned if the part involved 'anything romantic with anybody' Aniston responded 'All of us.' 'I sleep with everyone on the show,' Pedro joked. 'I'm in. All right, I'll be waiting to hear from my agents.' Production on the fourth season of The Morning Show wrapped in early December 2024. Production on the fourth season of The Morning Show wrapped in early December 2024; Aniston seen in a still Aniston plays anchor Alex Levy while Reese stars as Bradley Jackson on the show about the culture behind a network broadcast morning news program. Her outing comes days after it was revealed that her ex-husband Justin has remarried, eight years after their divorce. The actress was reportedly taken by surprise by the marriage and sent a message to him after news broke. The Running Point star secretly tied the knot with actress Nicole during an intimate beach ceremony in Tulum, Mexico. The couple, who were first romantically linked in February 2023, looked happy in love as they shared their first moments as newlyweds together in front of their loved ones. Aniston was reportedly 'blindsided' after her second ex-husband Justin Theroux , 53, recently married his 30-year-old girlfriend Nicole Brydon Bloom; the pair seen in February Theroux, known for his roles in Mulholland Drive and HBO's The Leftovers, was previously wed to Aniston from 2015 to 2017; they are seen in 2017 Theroux, known for his roles in Mulholland Drive and HBO's The Leftovers, was previously wed to Aniston from 2015 to 2017. The two have remained on good terms. Most recently, Justin said his former wife was 'still very dear to me' in a September 2024 interview with The Times. Prior to Theroux, she was married to Pitt, 61, from 2000 to 2005. Whilst Justin is once again throwing himself into married life, Jennifer hasn't been publicly linked to anyone since the divorce. In October, she spoke out to deny claims that she had an affair with former President Barack Obama, branding the rumor 'absolutely untrue.' Advertisement Robert Irwin sent fans into a tailspin on Friday when he stripped down to his underwear for a very sultry Bonds photoshoot. The Wildlife Warrior, 21, had his female followers swooning with the picture spread, which featured in People Magazine, to help launch the Aussie brand in the US. Panting fanatics flocked to the comments to gush over the smouldering images, as the son of Steve Irwin flaunted his muscular frame while posing with various wildlife critters. 'Rob my wife is on Instagram, mate. Please,' one person pleaded with the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! host. 'Crikey. The khaki has been hiding that rig the whole time?' another added. 'Wait what when did he... how did he... huh,' a third flabbergasted fan said. Robert Irwin sent fans into a tailspin on Friday when he stripped down to his underwear for a very sultry Bonds photoshoot The Wildlife Warrior, 21, had his female followers swooning with the picture spread, which featured in People Magazine, to help launch the Aussie brand in the US 'Calvin Klein gave me Jeremy Allen White [US actor] and Bonds gives me Robert Irwin! GOD BLESS YOU FOR THIS!' yet another follower wrote. 'Hey Bonds. Thank you for your service!' commented one, while others added, 'I am PREGNANT' and 'Which snake are we supposed to be looking at?' In one of the eye-popping photos, Robert left little to the imagination as he wore a pair of white underwear, giving a sultry look to the camera as a large snake was wrapped around his neck. He also draped the snake around himself as he sat down in a chair in a pair of black Bonds underwear, showing off his washboard abs. In another snap, he cuddled with a large lizard, but this time, Robert was more covered up in a casual white tank top and dark teal undies. Robert later proved he's not afraid of anything as the famous zookeeper even had a large spider crawling up his arm while he lay with one leg up in the grass, showing off a pair of grey boxers. The photos have since gone viral, with fans from all around the world swooning at the all grown-up star as the most thirsty of them learned some good newsRobert is currently single. 'I'm single. It's funny, I'm at this point in my life where I'm like, I'm so open to that, but I'm just waiting for the stars to align,' the Australian told People. Panting fanatics flocked to the comments to gush over the smouldering images, as the son of Steve Irwin flaunted his muscular frame while posing with various wildlife critters In one of the eye-popping photos, Robert left little to the imagination as he wore a pair of white underwear, giving a sultry look to the camera as a large snake was wrapped around his neck In another snap, he cuddled with a large lizard, but this time, Robert was more covered up in a casual white tank top and dark teal undies However, he has an idea of how he might meet someone. 'Interestingly, my parents, my sister Bindi met her husband [Chandler Powell] hereeveryone met here at our wildlife sanctuary,' he told the outlet of The Australia Zoo in Queensland where he lives and works. He explained he was looking for an 'American tourist' visiting the zoo to court. 'In both instances, there were American tourists that were coming over and visiting the zoo. So I'm waiting. I'm waiting for that American tourist to come into the zoo and for it all to happen!' Robert shared. Advertisement Last seen driving his Range Rover out of SoHa (South Harlesden) in a fury in the hit BBC comedy series Amandaland, Peter Serafinowicz is now seeking pastures new in real life as well. I can disclose that the talented actor and comedian has separated from his wife of 23 years, Sarah Alexander, a star of the popular BBC sitcom Coupling. The pair have two children, a son and a daughter. Its very sad, but the split is recent, a source tells me. Serafinowicz, 52, played Johannes Van Der Velde, the extrovert South African boyfriend of social climber Amanda, played by Lucy Punch in Amandaland, which has been commissioned for a second series. The Liverpool-born actor, whose Hollywood roles include the voice of Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace and Garthan Saal in Guardians Of The Galaxy, is the new host of the American game show Million Dollar Secret, billed as Netflixs lavish answer to The Traitors. His wife, 54 (pictured with him, right), hit the headlines in 2001 when, aged 30, she began a relationship with the veteran actor Gerald Harper, then 70. Harper, whose daughter is eight years older than Ms Alexander, was a star in the 1960s and 1970s as TVs Adam Adamant. In 2002, she left him for Serafinowicz, whom she later married. Serafinowicz, who once had his own eponymous television comedy show, is also famed for his impressions of Donald Trump, whom he redubbed in a sassy camp voice, which became an internet sensation. Peter Serafinowicz has separated from his wife of 23 years, Sarah Alexander (both pictured) Serafinowicz, 52, played Johannes Van Der Velde, the extrovert South African boyfriend of social climber Amanda in Amandaland Although his character was Amanda Punchs boyfriend in Amandaland (both pictured above), he confesses hed rather be paired with the actress who plays her mother, Dame Joanna Lumley. We all have a vision of what we think Joanna Lumley would be like if we met her, he explains. And somehow she manages to completely surpass those expectations. School was no laughing matter for comedian Harry Hill. Recalling his time at Joan of Arc school, near Hawkhurst in Kent which has since burnt down Hill, 60, says: The nuns used to hit us. 'One hit us with a rolled-up newspaper, so Id listen to Radio 4 in the morning, praying that it was a slow news day so the newspaper would be a thinner one. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex leaving the Thanksgiving Service for HRH Queen Elizabeth II in June 2022 Meghan and Harry speak together as they applaud while attending the annual One Young World Summit at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on September 5, 2022 Money will keep Prince Harry and Meghan together for the foreseeable future, Princess Dianas former butler Paul Burrell predicts. Despite pressures on their marriage and lifestyle, I personally think there are no signs of divorce because Harry would lose too much, he claims. Meghan and Harry have a common goal to make themselves as rich as possible in as short a time as possible. I think that balance works together for the sake of their brand, their marriage. Burrell, 66 whom Diana referred to as her rock knows all about the love of money, of course, having been accused of a cold and overt betrayal by Princes William and Harry for revealing their mothers confidences in his 2003 book, A Royal Duty. Many actors find giving interviews to publicise their work a chore. But Rosamund Pike, 46, is amazed anyones interested at all. Theres a tremendous arrogance in actors assuming that, because films are in popular culture or theatre or television, that somehow weve got a right to talk about our work, the former Bond girl says. Helen George (pictured, right) plays Trixie Aylward in Call The Midwife She recalled living in a west London basement flat and being woken by police in the small hours She's self-medicated on alcohol and energy tablets and inadvertently almost incinerated herself by setting her apron alight. But reality was once far more chilling for Helen George than anything faced by Trixie Aylward, her Call The Midwife character. Recalling living in a west London basement flat, she says she was woken by a knock on the door at about 2am from the police. They said, Weve had reports from neighbours that youve been crying and screaming for help. I said, I was asleep, what is this? adds Helen, 40. Feeling panicky, she couldnt sleep. More police visits followed always at night, prompted by reports of screaming. Thinking she was going mad, she began recording herself while she slept. Finally, the police were with her when they heard screaming. She explains: My neighbour, with his boyfriend. He had a very high-pitched voice... Jason Isaacs pictured with Michelle Monoghan Sam Nivola, Charlotte Le Bon, David Bernad, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Parker Posey, Mike White, Walton Goggins, Lisa, Sarah Catherine Hook, Leslie Bibb and Jason Isaacs attend the Los Angeles Premiere of HBO Original Series 'The White Lotus' Season 3 at Paramount Theatre on February 10, 2025 Is the acclaim Jason Isaacs is receiving for his performance in The White Lotus going to his head? I ask because the Liverpudlian has dared to make a foul-mouthed criticism of the most commercially successful film director of all time. Referring to Steven Spielbergs 1991 box-office hit Hook, which stars Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman, Isaacs, 61, says: Spielberg made a film about grown-up Pan. Who gives a f***? Isaacs, pictured, adds: Hes a brilliant film-maker, but theres a reason he says its the only film he regrets making. The actor starred in the 2003 film Peter Pan, but laments: It was a terrible flop. People thought, Ive seen the cartoon, or seen Spielbergs [film]. Fasten your seatbelts and keep your foot near the brake... because drivers are about to hit a major road bump. President Donald Trump has slapped his 25 per cent tariffs on all foreign-made cars and auto parts and motor costs are set to soar. It's not just the price of new cars, which are set to rise by as much as $13,000, that drivers need to look out for. Experts are warning that the real sticker shock will come at the repair shop. Since mechanics need the same auto parts as manufacturers, the tariffs will make common breakdowns such as bumper replacements, oil changes and engine repairs more expensive. 'Tariffs on auto parts will cost the consumer in a big way,' Greg Horn, car parts specialist at online marketplace PartsTrader, told the Daily Mail. 'Around 40 per cent of a mechanical repair bill is for replacement parts. And many parts upwards of 70 per cent are imported to the US.' Horn warns Americans will pay on average $180 to $250 more for collision repairs. Car insurance premiums will rise by 8 per cent as insurers adjust for higher repair costs. While there's no definitive estimate on how much other fixes will cost, it might not be far off the tariffs' 25 per cent figure. But which cars will be worst affected? Here are five popular models that are about to be hit by skyrocketing repair costs... The Jeep Compass produced in Mexico could become more expensive to repair Greg Horn, an auto parts specialist at online marketplace PartsTrader, warned that car parts are expected to get a lot more expensive Jeep Compass The Jeep Compass, a crossover SUV, is the company's third-best selling car. But the US version of this popular, $30,000 model is built in the Mexican city of Toluca making it highly vulnerable to tariff costs. Jeep owned by multi-national parent company Stellantis relies on international trade to supply its engine parts. 'A Stellantis transmission module is created in Ontario, Canada, and makes a total of seven border crossings until final assembly,' Horn said. The Trump administration has not said whether tariffs will be applied at each crossing. But, if so, costs for both new Compass models and existing ones needing repairs will skyrocket. The Nissan Sentra is the fifth-cheapest car in the US Nissan Sentra Nissan Sentra costs start at $21,590 making it the fifth cheapest car in the US. But new buyers will pay more this year and existing owners will see repair costs surge, mechanic John Morrison told the Daily Mail. While Nissan is a Japanese brand, the factory that produces Sentra cars for the US is in Aguascalientes, Mexico. That factory also builds Nissan's low-cost Kicks SUV and Versa, which will face similar hikes for repairs. 'People don't realize how many of their parts aren't made here,' Morrison warned. 'I've seen a lot of Sentras at my shop. They need a lot of fixes and new parts.' BMW owners are likely used to expensive repairs they will soon cost more BMW 3 Series BMW owners are used to pricy repairs, but the 3 Series will be particularly susceptible. New 3 Series models, which have starting prices from $46,000, are built in Germany. But critical components including engines and transmissions are sourced from Europe and Asia. Like Stellantis cars, BMW requires its parts to be shipped across multiple borders before reaching mechanic shops and factory floors. Tariffs will add costs at every stage, making replacement parts significantly more expensive. The Toyota Camry relies on a parts supply that ships limited items from Japan Toyota Camry The Toyota Camry, which is consistently one of America's top-ten best-selling cars, may seem a safe model given it's built in Kentucky. However, a deep dive into the car's parts production reveals a more complicated story. The Camry depends on a vast international supply chain for key parts, including transmissions and batteries from Japan - where Toyota is headquartered. The brand has also been particularly susceptible to supply chain shocks, which have already caused shortages on dealership lots. It's certainly not good news for the Camry which, selling new from $29,000, has been a budget-friendly success for decades. VW ships parts from Europe and builds several models in Mexico Volkswagen Taos Owners of Volkswagen's diminutive SUV already pay more than most for repairs thanks to the early model's reliability issues. Priced at just $25,000 a bargain for an SUV the Taos attracted 64,000 buyers in the US last year. VW keeps prices low by building the Taos in Mexico, where many of its parts are also produced. Other components come from VWs home base in Germany. That means every single Taos part imported for repairs will be hit with tariffs. Early Taos buyers particularly drivers who bought the 2022 model have complained about the vehicle's persistent mechanical repairs. Now, it seems, they might have to pay a far greater price. Southwest Airlines has warned that its new checked baggage policy will impact travelers who rely on carry-on luggage. The budget airline will begin charging for checked bags in May after more than 50 years of a much-loved two bags fly free' policy. The move frustrated longtime customers frustrated and prompted questions about how the carrier will handle the increased demand for hand luggage. Southwest estimates a 30 percent drop in checked baggage volume once the fees take effect on May 28. It is expected that a large number of fliers will try to evade the fees by squeezing their clothes into bigger carry-on bags. Now, executive vice president of operations Justin Jones has admitted that gate-checking of carry-on bags will surge due to limited overhead space. 'We assume our gate-check bags will probably go up five times from what we have today' Jones told the Airlines Confidential podcast. This challenge is especially significant for Southwest, whose aircraft have smaller overhead bins than competitors a design choice based on its longstanding free-bag policy. As a result, the airline will now more strictly enforce size limits for carry-ons. Southwest is anticipating a 30 percent increase in its cabin bags after June 1 'It was a curve ball that we were thrown' Jones said of the change in baggage charges. 'We always carry more bags than anyone else out there,' Jones said. Indeed, customers have famously taken advantage of Southwest's generous policy to transport kitchen sinks and toilets across the country. 'We're going to need to do several things,' but 'we want to make sure the customer experience is still very high.' 'So we're going to be extremely hesitant to go out and do heavy policing on bag size like some other carriers do. However, the policy change 'will result in more gate checked bags and fees.' Checking passenger's bags as they board the plane is a time-consuming activity and may cause flight delays as the airline and its passengers get used to the new system. 'We're dependent on everything kind of flowing' Jones said of Southwest's business model which relies on keeping aircraft in the skies rather than wasting time on the ground. The airlines has introduced fees for checked luggage after 50 years Southwest bosses predict they will now need to confiscate five times more bags at the gate 'I'm not going to say we're not nervous about June 1' he said of the first flights where the fees will apply. Southwest had the lowest cancellation rate of any airline in the world last year, cancelling just 0.62 percent of its flights, according to the Syrian airline report. Long-term Jones said the answer will be in the introduction of new planes to Southwest's fleet with more cabin bag capacity. The fees are part of Southwest's efforts to boost its bottom line. In February the airline announced plans to cut 15 percent of its corporate workforce in a bid to cut costs. The layoffs - a first in the airline's 53-year history - will slash around about 1,750 jobs. The cuts make a shift in strategy following last year's battle with activist hedge fund Elliott Investment Management. To keep Elliot at bay, bosses agreed to cut costs and find new ways to make money, such as charging for seating. Unlike its rivals, Southwest had long avoided mass job cuts, even during economic downturns, 9/11, and the pandemic. The wait is over for Butterfinger fans eager to try the brand's first new flavor in years. The new Salted Caramel Butterfinger is in major stores from today and will be available until June. It keeps Butterfingers signature crisp but swaps the chocolate coating for a salted caramel flavor. 'This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Butterfinger,' said Neal Finkler, vice president of marketing at parent company Ferrero. The company is also celebrating the launch with new menu items at The Hive coffee shops in New Jersey. It has been a busy year for new chocolate products. Last summer, M&M's caused social media mayhem when it brought back a flavor for the first time in 15 years. Butterfinger was invented by Curtiss Candy Company founder Otto Schnering in 1923. The popular brand bounced around from other companies until Ferrero acquired it from Nestle in 2018. The new Salted Caramel Butterfinger is the brand's first new flavor in 10 years. Butterfinger's parent company the Ferrero Group announced the new candy bar at The NACS Show last year The salted caramel hype began after Instagram food blogger snackolator posted a picture of the candy before Halloween last October. 'I love @butterfinger and adding salted caramel... I swear they've tapped into my brain!,' the blogger wrote. Fans were immediately excited over the 'amazing' new candy and couldn't wait to try it. Joy erupted earlier today after Butterfinger posted a photo of the candy on social media. 'WE NEED THIS IN OUR LIVES,' an Instagrammer joked. 'I think I need this not a want a need,' another commenter wrote. 'Tagging myself bc Im 9 months pregnant and absolutely need this,' a fan responded. The new bar was formally announced the upcoming candy at The National Association of Convenience Stores Show in 2024. The Salted Caramel Butterfinger will be available to purchase at retailers nationwide until June One of the popular creations from Butterfinger and The Hive is the Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll. The pastry includes a mix of homemade peanut butter caramel, cinnamon, and Butterfinger candy bits. It's topped with a peanut butter caramel frosting and extra Butterfinger candy. The cinnamon roll is available at The Hive in Hoboken and Jersey City. However, a six-pack can be purchased online at Goldbelly starting at $89.95. Customers interested in more rolls can purchase a 12-pack for an additional $40 and add extra frosting for $5. The brand and small New Jersey business also created the Sated Caramel Butterfinger-Flavored Latte. Both items will remain on The Hive locations' menus until the end of this month. Butterfinger was acquired by Ferrero from Nestle in 2018. The brand currently makes around $200 million annually When Ferrero acquired it from Nestle in 2018, the $2.8 billion acquisition also included Baby Ruth, 100 Grand, Raisinets, and Crunch candy brands. Ferrero revamped Butterfinger by adding higher-quality ingredients, including jumbo runner peanuts and an increase of cocoa. The company later began offering limited-time skull-shaped Butterfingers for Halloween and a cocktail inspired by the candy dubbed Butterfinger-Tini. It's also been competing with several other highly anticipated products, including M&M's Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Pie candy. Following the acquisition, Butterfinger's annual sales have grown 12 percent, and it makes around $200 million a year. As airlines continue to up the airport lounge prices and add further restrictions to fliers, some might be peeved to learn plenty of customers are enjoying lifetime access without the steep cost. Back in the days when the US airline industry had plenty of smaller companies, such as Piedmont and Eastern Airlines, fliers were able to snap up lifetime lounge access for cheap - a privilege they've been able to keep even through the giant mergers. Now, if one wanted to join American Airline's Admirals Club or United Polaris Club on an all-access level, it would cost anywhere between $700 to $1,400 per year. When Jonathan Slater bought his all-access lifetime membership pass for Eastern Airlines, he was in his 20s, he told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Now, at 65, the Boston real estate agent enjoys United Airlines lounge for free, having paid only $300 for it in the 1980s. Over the years, Slater's Eastern Airlines pass turned into a Continental Airlines pass and eventually a United one after the major airline merged with Continental, he told WSJ. Unlike members today, who are shelling out $1,400 a year and complaining about the new changes, Slater isn't effected. Every time the airline's lounge access changes, he's automatically bumped to the highest package. In fact, his pass doesn't expire until the end of 2099. Back in the days when the US airline industry had plenty of smaller companies, such as Piedmont and Eastern Airlines, fliers were able to snap up lifetime lounge access for cheap - a privilege they've been able to keep even through the giant mergers (pictured: LaGuardia's Sky Lounge) When Jonathan Slater (left) bought his all-access lifetime membership pass for Eastern Airlines, he was in his 20s. Now, at 69, he enjoys United's lounge for free. Same with Ben LaGarde (right), who paid $600 for a lifetime pass to USAir in the 1980s. When the airline merged with American in 2013, he got access to the coveted Admirals Club 'Well beyond my sell-by date,' he joked to WSJ. Same with Ben LaGarde, who paid $600 for a lifetime pass to USAir in the 1980s. When the airline merged with American in 2013, he got access to the coveted Admirals Club. The 78-year-old's son is so jealous of his father's access that he began asking if the 'card was inheritable,' the Pennsylvanian told WSJ. Airlines no longer sell lifetime access and many members are frustrated by major companies constantly changing the rules and upping the price. Aviation expert Kathleen Bangs told DailyMail.com last year that it was common for airlines to rely on their loyalty schemes for profit. 'What most people don't realize is most airlines make more money from their credit card programs than they do carrying people,' she said. 'Airlines are just banks that operate flights.' But for some flier who are buying into the program, they aren't happy when the airlines keep changing the rules. Veronica Reign, an Amex Platinum cardholder, was caught off guard by some of Delta's changed policies, and furiously shared her experience on TikTok just before boarding a Delta flight in January 2024. Airlines no longer sell lifetime access and many members are frustrated by major companies constantly changing the rules and upping the price 'Finally, I get an Amex Platinum card. I come to the Delta terminal,' she said. 'And as of January 1st, 2024, you cannot go into the Delta Sky Lounge with your Platinum Amex unless you are flying above basic economy.' She added, 'I want to say to Delta and the Delta lounge that it's so disrespectful. Because we pay $700 f**king dollars a year for the Amex Platinum, and now I don't have access to the Delta lounge.' In January 2025, Delta customers once again braced themselves for a long-feared crackdown on lounge access. It is the latest in the ongoing quest by airlines and credit-card companies to control crowds, and boost profits. Delta first mooted a raft of changes to its frequent flyer program - including access to to its Sky Clubs for those with premium American Express cards - in September 2023, and rolled out some at the start of 2024. For example, those who book a basic economy ticket are no longer be allowed into Sky Clubs with select Amex cards as they were prior to January last year. But by far the most controversial change starts on February 1. Those who get access to Delta's 52 lounges is via one of American Express's top-tier cards will be limited to ten or 15 visits a year. Until now, there has been no limit. Over the 15 visits Delta Reserve cardholders or ten for Amex Platinum customers is $50 per visit. Airlines often say their ever-changing lounge prices go into them providing top-of-the-line stuff and improving and building their lounges (pictured: LAX's Delta One lounge) Delta recently opened the largest lounge in the world at JFK Airport in New York City (pictured) Customers can still get 'free' unlimited visits but they need to spend big, and rack up $75,000 a year on the card. They can also book pricy Delta One tickets, or a separate unlimited lounge pass for $695. Airlines often say their ever-changing lounge prices go into them providing top-of-the-line stuff and improving and building their lounges. Delta recently opened the largest lounge in the world at JFK Airport in New York City. The space, which measures almost the same as three Olympic-sized swimming pools at 39,707sqft, has been broken down into different areas, with the offerings including a sprawling food court, an atmospheric fine dining restaurant, a swanky bar area, a lounge complete with a fireplace and a year-round covered terrace looking out over the runway. To help travelers unwind before their flight, there is also a mini spa, with five state-of-the-art massage chairs from Human Touch (which retail for more than $10,000), a treatment room and sleeping booths with reclining chairs. United Airlines has raised the cost of its credit cards and airport lounge memberships by as much as $170 year but has promised 'bigger perks.' The airline announced the changes last week, alongside new incentives for its Chase-backed credit cards, including sign-up bonuses, rideshare credits, and discounts on award flights. Airlines have steadily increased prices for everything from checked bags to seat assignments while offering co-branded credit cards as a way to unlock benefits that were once included in the cost of a ticket. The entry-level Explore card fee rises from $95 to $150 a year, the Quest from $250 to $350 and the Club $525 to $695. United operates the largest passenger network in the world. Thanks, time to get rid of it, one customer wit the Explore card wrote on a Reddit thread about the price hike. Stellantis said on Thursday it was temporarily laying off 900 workers at five US facilities after President Donald Trump's tariffs were announced. The company is also temporarily pausing production at an assembly plants in Mexico, Canada, and Michigan. Stellantis maker of Ram, Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler said the US jobs affected are for employees in powertrain and stamping facilities. The 900 workers built parts for the two factories in Mexico and Canada that are being idled. Stellantis is also planning on pausing production of its Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs, which are both built in the US, because of an engine shortage. Production will be downed from April 14 through the beginning of May. 'Stellantis continues to assess the effects of the recently announced US tariffs on imported vehicles,' the company said. 'Immediate actions we must take include temporarily pausing production at some of our Canadian and Mexican assembly plants.' Stellantis, the maker of Jeep Wranglers, announced a slate of layoffs and production halts The pauses are some of the most dramatic change attributed to President Trump's car tariff policies Ford also launched employee pricing for the public and GM announced it is quickly ramping up production of its American-made pickups. All automakers who import from all countries, including allies Mexico and Canada, will have to pay a 25 percent import tax on all their vehicles. Experts have unanimously told Daily Mail the tariffs will be passed off to consumers, making vehicles and their parts more expensive. The policy is a shocking blow to the automotive industry that has struggled to keep prices low when American consumers were ravaged by inflation. And Stellantis, who recently named John Elkann as the new CEO after ousting their previous top boss, has seen some massive sales drops because of their pricing issues. The company reported a 70 percent drop in profits for 2024. Stellantis shares were down 9.1 percent at $10.24 in New York trading on Thursday afternoon, in line with a broad decline in US stocks on fears of an all-out trade war. Stellantis' Windsor, Canada Assembly, where the Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager minivans and Dodge Charger Daytona are made, will be down for two weeks while Toluca Assembly in Mexico, where the Jeep Compass and Jeep Wagoneer S are made, will be down for the month of April, the company said. Stellantis' new CEO, John Elkann, is responding to President Trump's tariffs About 4,500 Canadian workers at Windsor will be impacted by the idling. Workers at Toluca will continue to report to work and get paid but will not make vehicles, according to the company. Automakers are trying to figure out how to respond to a massive 25% import tax on imported autos that took effect on Thursday. The base US tariff rate for automotive imports is 2.5 percent. Automakers importing vehicles from Canada or Mexico can deduct the value of US parts from the 25 percent levy. In a letter sent to employees on Thursday morning, Antonio Filosa, Stellantis' chief operating officer for the Americas, said the company is 'continuing to assess the medium- and long-term effects of these tariffs on our operations, but also have decided to take some immediate actions, including temporarily pausing production at some of our Canadian and Mexican assembly plants. 'Those actions will impact some employees at several of our US powertrain and stamping facilities that support those operations.' In February, Stellantis said it was pausing work on its next-generation Jeep Compass compact SUV including the retooling of Brampton Assembly in Canada, which is designated to build the vehicle. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said in a statement on Thursday that 'Stellantis continues to play games with workers' lives. 'As we've shown time and again, they've got the money, the capacity, the product, and the workforce to employ thousands more UAW members in Michigan, Indiana, and beyond. These layoffs are a completely unnecessary choice that the company is making.' Unifor, the Canadian union representing Stellantis workers there, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. The White House declined immediate comment on the Stellantis temporary job cuts. Feature: Chinese designer creates stars of love, hope Xinhua) 10:14, April 03, 2025 GUANGZHOU, April 2 (Xinhua) -- After using a drawing pen to outline cartoon characters, Chinese designer Luo Yuan brightened stars via fluorescent markers. As lights dimmed, these stars held in the arms of the cartoon figures began to glow. These figures may seem simple, but each is connected to a true and touching story. Born in 1994, Luo is a designer working in the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province. From a young age, he has enjoyed drawing cute little characters. At the beginning of 2021, Luo was inspired to create a series of cartoon figures holding stars, which he shared on the social media platform, Weibo, with the caption "send you stars." After posting his work on social media, he quickly gained attention. One comment from the mother of an autistic child deeply moved Luo. "My son has autism, one of the 'children of the stars.' Could you draw a little figure with stars in his eyes and a paintbrush in his hand?" the mother wrote. Inspired by this mother's words, Luo created a small figure with stars in its eyes, bouncing around with energy and joy. When he shared the artwork on social media, many netizens expressed their gratitude, describing it as warm and healing. "It's not just the stars that are being lit up, but also the hope of the autism community," one comment read. Such heartfelt comments strengthened Luo's resolve to continue creating star-holding cartoon figures. "The figures themselves may have no inherent meaning, but once a story is attached, they become more than just lines on paper -- they can offer spiritual comfort and bring warmth to people's hearts." Since March 2021, Luo has completed 5,000 star-holding figure drawings, all based on comments from netizens. Some requested the depiction of loved ones. "Could you draw a strong grandpa supporting a grandma in a wheelchair, both holding stars? They are my dear grandparents, and I miss them very much," one request read. Others wanted to portray their own strength. "Could you draw a beautiful girl in a wheelchair? I really love my wheelchair, and it makes me feel like I'm standing in the crowd, even though I'm sitting," a netizen wrote. Each cartoon figure, though basic, is unique. They include an elderly person sitting on a star, a dog lover with a star above the head, a girl in a wheelchair, a firefighter and a soldier. These glowing stars symbolize deep feelings of love and longing within people's hearts. Luo works as a designer for an internet company in Shenzhen. Despite his busy schedule, he insists on creating characters during lunch breaks, after work and on weekends. "Sometimes I spend the whole day drawing. I once drew as many as a hundred figures in a single day." Notably, the star figure series has been a bittersweet creative journey for Luo. He recalled that a fan battling a serious illness had once requested a personalized star figure, but that by the time he saw the message, the fan had already passed away. To express his condolences, Luo created a special video for the fan, featuring a little girl with a backpack rising from the ground, slowly spreading her wings, and eventually flying into a sky full of shining stars, where she gently falls asleep, holding a star in her arms. "Given the flood of messages, responding promptly and appropriately is quite challenging," Luo explained. "What's even harder is finding inspiration from these messages, as many are about departed loved ones. Over time, the sadness inevitably creeps in, as a glowing star often represents a life that has passed." Despite the dual challenges of a busy job and creative bottlenecks, Luo remains committed to using his art to help netizens realize their dreams. He plans to complete 10,000 star figures. "These works are a collective effort -- I'm simply bringing their words to life. It's their messages that give meaning to the figures," he explained. In today's fast-paced world, Luo has made time to create a starry sky for ordinary people through simple strokes. The glowing stars in his works serve as tiny lights in countless hearts. "May every star find its own night," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The devastating earthquakes that recently struck Myanmar and Thailand have once again underscored the pressing need for a coordinated and effective disaster response mechanism in South Asia The recent catastrophic earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand have highlighted the urgent requirement for an effective and unified disaster response system in South Asia. Even with regional bodies like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in place, prompt and efficient aid to impacted nations continues to be problematic because of bureaucratic hold-ups, logistical hurdles and differing national strategies. The number of fatalities and damage to infrastructure could be greatly minimised if an organised and cooperative framework existed to guarantee a swift and smooth response across borders. The BIMSTEC countries a Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand a often face natural and human-induced disasters because of their specific geological, climatic and economic conditions. This makes them well-suited to set up a Rapid Regional Disaster Response Centre (RRDRC). This centre would function as a focused platform for member states to collaborate on urgent disaster relief initiatives by exchanging information, skills and resources. This mechanism would not only improve disaster resilience but also bolster diplomatic relations and promote a sense of regional unity. India, boasting its specialised and well-prepared National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), can take a pivotal role in this effort. The NDRF, overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is an exceptionally skilled force focused on disaster response and management. It comprises several battalions skilled in search and rescue missions, medical support and engineering services. India has a strong history of helping countries affected by disasters, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Japan, Indonesia and Turkey. Establishing a comparable coordinated initiative within BIMSTEC would guarantee prompt and efficient support in the event of a disaster. A significant challenge in regional disaster response is the swift and effective transportation of personnel, equipment, and relief supplies across borders. A Rapid Regional Disaster Response Agreement within BIMSTEC could facilitate the creation of a systematic method for collaboration. This pact must define explicit operational protocols, guaranteeing that every nation honours the sovereignty and rules of others while facilitating aid when necessary. Within this framework, the impacted nation would hold the main responsibility for coordinating disaster response on its land. Nonetheless, it would have the opportunity to seek help from other BIMSTEC countries, which would reply according to established protocols. An assigned agency within BIMSTEC, like the BIMSTEC Disaster Response Cell, might act as the primary coordinator for these initiatives. For the RRDRC to thrive, BIMSTEC countries must dedicate themselves to several crucial obligations. They ought to collaborate to establish monitoring and early warning systems, enact measures for disaster risk reduction and set up contingency plans for emergency response. In the event of a disaster, impacted nations must promptly exchange information with other members, allowing for swift action to be taken. Every country should be prepared to provide human and material resources for regional disaster response efforts. Exchanging technical knowledge and optimal strategies will enhance overall disaster resilience. Moreover, national Governments ought to integrate essential legal and administrative actions to ensure seamless collaboration within the BIMSTEC framework. For the RRDRC to be effective, it is crucial to create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for every BIMSTEC member state. These processes must encompass regional standby plans for disaster assistance, the use of logistical resources, and coordination systems for disaster response. Creating collaborative strategies and backup plans would aid in minimising losses during future disasters. Strengthening capacity is another vital domain. Countries ought to conduct routine training sessions, simulation drills, and conferences to evaluate the readiness and response effectiveness of the RRDRC. The BIMSTEC focal point, in partnership with the RRDRC, must conduct regular assessments of these procedures to improve efficiency. Every member state must guarantee that it possesses the essential resources-both human and material-ready for prompt disaster response. Effective mobilisation of response by assisting nations could be enhanced through clear communication regarding the scope and type of support required. To ensure seamless coordination, impacted countries should offer local resources and services to aid relief initiatives. The aid supplies offered by supporting nations must adhere to the quality and safety regulations of the impacted country. Staff and resources sent for support must comply with the national regulations of the country seeking help and function within the specified disaster-impacted regions. To guarantee seamless cross-border support, member States must establish legal frameworks that enable the deployment of disaster response teams and relief supplies. This encompasses providing tax relief, simplifying customs processes, and speeding up approvals for staff and equipment. A committed national focal point ought to be set up in every member nation to collaborate with the RRDRC. This will guarantee that aid initiatives are effectively coordinated, minimising red tape and postponements. The creation of regional standby arrangements will enhance readiness, facilitating the swift deployment of response teams in the event of disasters. The increasing occurrence and severity of disasters in South Asia necessitate a swift and unified response approach. The creation of the Rapid Regional Disaster Response Centre (RRDRC) within BIMSTEC is not merely a requirement but also a moral duty. Through promoting mutual assistance and teamwork, BIMSTEC nations can guarantee that disaster response is prompt, efficient and life-saving. The suggested framework, incorporating defined operational procedures, regional agreements and resource-sharing mechanisms, will greatly improve disaster readiness in the area. The moment to take action is now. BIMSTEC leaders should unite to formalise this framework, guaranteeing that no nation faces a disaster in isolation. By remaining united, we can create a safer, more resilient South Asia for future generations. (The writer is a retired IFS officer, a former Executive Director of the National Institute of Disaster Management and a former Director of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre. Views expressed are personal) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday criticised Bangladeshas chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, for labelling Indiaas northeastern states alandlockeda and said New Delhi believes that cooperation is an integrated outlook, not one subject to cherry-picking. In an official statement, Jaishankar also said India is aware of its responsibility with regard to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). "We, after all, have the longest coastline in the Bay of Bengal, of almost 6,500 km. India shares borders not only with the five BIMSTEC members, and connects most of them, but also provides much of the interface between the Indian sub-continent and ASEAN. Our northeastern region in particular is emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC, with a myriad network of roads, railways, waterways, grids and pipelines," the EAM said. Jaishankaras remarks came days after Muhammad Yunus, during his recent four-day visit to China, described Northeast as alandlockeda with "no way to reach out to the ocean," positioning Bangladesh as the regionas primary maritime gateway. Yunus also requested Beijing to expand its economic influence in Bangladesh, calling the country the "only guardian of the ocean" in the region. "We are conscious that our cooperation and facilitation are an essential prerequisite for the smooth flow of goods, services and people in this larger geography. Keeping this geo-strategic factor in mind, we have devoted increasing energies and attention to the strengthening of BIMSTEC in the last decade. We also believe that cooperation is an integrated outlook, not one subject to cherry-picking," Jaishankar said. Yunusas remarks ignited a storm, particularly in the northeast, drawing sharp condemnation. Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma denounced the statements as "offensive and unacceptable". Sarma also cautioned that Yunusas remarks reignited debates over the strategic "Chickenas Neck" corridor, the narrow land strip in West Bengal linking the Northeast to the rest of India. "Historically, internal elements within India have dangerously suggested severing this critical passageway. Therefore, it is imperative to develop more robust railway and road networks both underneath and around the Chickenas Neck corridor," the CM said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Thailand for a two-day visit to attend the sixth BIMSTEC summit, where he was warmly received by the Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit. During his visit, he will hold talks with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra. "Landed in Bangkok, Thailand. Looking forward to participating in the upcoming official engagements and strengthening the bonds of cooperation between India and Thailand," Modi posted on X. Upon his arrival at the Don Mueang airport here, members of the Sikh community performed Bhangra. "Special Maritime neighbours with shared civilizational bonds. PM @narendramodi lands in the vibrant cultural city of Bangkok on an Official Visit. Warmly received by the Deputy PM & Minister of Transport Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit at the airport," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. "Extensive discussions with PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra @ingshin & the 6th BIMSTEC Summit lie ahead," the post read. After concluding Thailand visit, he will travel to Sri Lanka for his first visit to the island country since the election of its new president. On Thursday evening, the Prime Minister will join the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan to oversee the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation. The BIMSTEC summit will bring Modi face to face with Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, among others. In a departure statement, Modi described BIMSTEC as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity, and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region over the past decade. Rescuers pulled two men alive from the ruins of a hotel in Myanmaras capital early Wednesday, but most teams were finding only bodies five days after a massive earthquake hit, and concerns were growing that continued military attacks on resistance forces could jeopardise relief efforts. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit midday Friday, toppling thousands of buildings, collapsing bridges and buckling roads. The death toll rose to 2,886 Wednesday, with another 4,639 injured, according to state television MRTV. Local reports suggest much higher figures. The earthquake came in the midst of a civil war in Myanmar, making a dire humanitarian crisis even worse. More than three million people had been displaced from their homes and nearly 20 million were in need even before it hit, according to the United Nations. Two of the major armed resistance forces fighting the military, which seized power in 2021 from the democratically elected Government of Aung San Suu Kyi, have announced ceasefires to facilitate the humanitarian response to the earthquake, but the military has not relented in its attacks. aOnce again they are putting regime survival above the interests of people, even at a time of calamity,a said Richard Horsey, senior adviser for Myanmar with the Crisis Group. Dramatic rescue in Myanmar capital In the capital Naypyitaw, a team of Turkish and local rescue workers used an endoscopic camera to locate Naing Lin Tun on a lower floor of the damaged hotel where he worked. They pulled him gingerly through a hole jack hammered through a floor and loaded him on to a gurney nearly 108 hours after he was first trapped. Shirtless and covered in dust, the 26-year-old appeared weak but conscious in a video released by the local fire department, as he was fitted with an IV drip and taken away. State-run MRTV reported later in the day another 26-year-old was saved from the same building, more than 121 hours after the quake struck. Another man was rescued by a team of Malaysian and local crews from a collapsed home in the Sagaing township, near the epicentre of the earthquake close to Myanmaras second largest city, Mandalay. The earthquake also rocked neighbouring Thailand, causing the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok. One body was removed from the rubble early Wednesday, raising the death total in Bangkok to 22 with 35 injured, primarily at the construction site. Military has rejected a ceasefire The Three Brotherhood Alliance, one of a powerful group of militias that has taken a large swath of the country from the military, announced a unilateral one-month ceasefire on Tuesday to facilitate the humanitarian response. The shadow Opposition National Unity Government founded by lawmakers ousted in 2021 had already called a ceasefire for its forces. The announcements put pressure on the military government to follow suit, said Morgan Michaels, a Singapore-based analyst with the International Institute of Strategic Studies who runs its Myanmar Conflict Map project. Even if the military does, it is too early to say whether a pause in fighting could lead to something longer lasting,a he said. There will be some, especially in the international community, who will hope that a humanitarian pause could be a building block for a wider de-escalation, but there will also be strong resistance from parts of Myanmar society that reject the idea of further negotiations with the regime,a he said. aIt would require very deft and active diplomacy to transform a humanitarian pause into something more lasting. And thatas not guaranteed,a he added. So far the head of Myanmaras military Government, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has rejected the idea of a ceasefire. The military Government maintains that even if resistance groups are not engaging in combat, they continue to organise and train and those actions are astill considered attacks,a the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Wednesday. It added that the military awill continue to take necessary security measures.a The Three Brotherhood Alliance is not known to have launched any attacks since the earthquake, but at least one other resistance group has, and the military has continued with airstrikes and other assaults. Claims of an attack on a Chinese Red Cross convoy Most recently, an Opposition militia belonging to the Brotherhood Alliance reported that the military fired on a relief convoy of nine Chinese Red Cross vehicles late Tuesday in the northern part of Shan State near Ohn Ma Tee village. The Taaang National Liberation Army said the Chinese Red Cross was bringing supplies to Mandalay and had reported its route to the military. But Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the military regime, said that the convoy had not notified authorities of its route ahead of time, MRTV reported. While, not mentioning the Red Cross, he said security forces had fired into the air to deter a convoy that refused to stop near Ohn Ma Tee village, the site of recent fighting with the TNLA. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun did not comment on the attack, but said arelief supplies provided by the Red Cross Society of China to Myanmar have arrived in Myanmar and are on the way to Mandalay.a He added that arescue personnel and supplies are safe.a Neighbouring China is economically important to Myanmar, and also one of the militaryas largest suppliers of weapons, along with Russia. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it was looking into the matter. More international aid heads to Myanmar Countries have pledged millions in assistance to help Myanmar and humanitarian aid organisations with the monumental task ahead. Australia on Wednesday said it was providing another $4.5 million, in addition to $1.25 million it had already committed, and had a rapid response team on the ground. India has flown in aid and sent two Navy ships with supplies as well as providing some 200 rescue workers. Multiple other countries have sent teams, including 270 people from China, 212 from Russia and 122 from the United Arab Emirates. A three-person team from the US Agency for International Development arrived Tuesday to determine how best to respond given limited US resources due to the slashing of the foreign aid budget and dismantling of the agency as an independent operation. Washington has said it would provide $ two million in emergency assistance. Extent of devastation beyond major cities is still unclear Most of the details so far have come from Mandalay, Myanmaras second-largest city, which was near the epicentre of the earthquake, and the capital Naypyitaw, about 270 kilometres north of Mandalay. Many areas are without power, telephone or cell connections, and difficult to reach by road, but more reports are beginning to trickle in. In Singu township, about 65 kilometres north of Mandalay, 27 gold miners were killed in a cave-in, the independent Democratic Voice of Burma reported. In the area of Inle Lake, northeast of the Capital, many people died when homes built on wooden stilts in the water collapsed in the earthquake, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported without providing specific figures. Actor Kim Soo Hyun is facing backlash after hiring a forensic company with a controversial history to analyze messages central to allegations regarding his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron. During an emergency press conference, Kim denied wrongdoing and claimed that previously leaked KakaoTalk messages between him and Kim Sae Ron had been altered. To support his claim, he said he submitted multiple chat records to a forensic firm. "I submitted all the relevant messages the 2016 and 2018 chats provided by the family, as well as my own recent chats with acquaintances to a scientific forensic institution for analysis," Kim said. " The result: The institution concluded that the person in the 2016 messages is not the same as the person in the 2018 messages." Following his statement, internet users began scrutinizing the forensic company he used, uncovering a troubling past. Reports allege that the firm has a history of analyzing statements in sexual assault cases, with many instances leading to acquittals of defendants accused of assaulting vulnerable victims. In one case, the director of an orphanage was accused of sexually assaulting the teenage accuser. pic.twitter.com/8QVN1U07J0 2 (@Queenarchive2) March 31, 2025 The forensic analysis allegedly contradicted the testimony of the victim, and the accused was acquitted. There was another case of a suspect who stood charged with molesting a sleeping complainant and, in a forensic report, posed the question of how the complainant could have remembered how she had been violated. Past cases also reflect the company's work with children in abuse cases, sexual violence against the mentally disabled, and allegations of assault with coercive circumstances. Critics have charged that the methods it employs too often undermines the testimony of the victim, and ethical questions have been raised about its involvement in criminal trials. The revelation has fueled a public outcry, with many asking how Kim Soo Hyun can work with the firm. This has led many social media users to express disgust, accusing the actor of associating with an institution that has been representative of alleged sexual predators. There was no immediate response from Kim to the controversy over his forensic firm's selection. On March 31st, South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun saw a sudden surge in his Instagram followers within hours after appearing at a press conference where he spoke about the recent controversies involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron. Kim Soo Hyun appeared at the press conference for the first time since the issue arose, and Korean netizens caused a great uproar and were also criticized by international media. The criticism flared up after the local media revealed several incidents related to Kim Sae Ron that have been regarded as controversial in recent days. This has not only led to the cancellation of his brand ambassadorships but has also raised concerns regarding his upcoming role in the Disney+ production "Knock Off" and Kim Soo Hyun, who has been facing numerous challenges lately. According to Koreaboo, days before this press conference, Kim Soo Hyun's account underwent a massive following drop from 1 million followers within just 30 days. Fans took to social media to voice their unhappiness, and much speculation surrounded the long-term repercussions the controversy would have on his career. But then, in a bit of a twist, he gained a considerable number of new followers on Instagram on April 1st (the day after the press conference). It was the first amount added in which, over 20 consecutive days, his follower count declined. Kim Soo Hyun is now the owner of over 20 million Instagram followers, but this is still lower than the pre-scandal numbers. However, the latest surge indicates that, in light of continued developments in the situation, some fans may reconsider their opinion of the actor. Social media analysts are now carefully watching these changes in follower numbers to gauge whether they are a sign of a larger change in public mood. As for the press conference itself, reactions were mixed. The event itself, in which Kim Soo Hyun made a visibly tense appearance, got the fans and critics talking due to the "clenched fists" of the star. Since then, his agency has also come out to respond, mentioning that they are having issues that will interfere with their projects as a result of the controversy. Donald Trump has gone easy on EU trade tariffs by only putting 20% tariff charges on EU exports to the US. Trump specifically accused the EU of imposing an effective tax rate of 39% on US goods, and singled out the blocs VAT and automobile tariff rates as well as its non-tariff barriers on US poultry. It seems the EU got away easy with Trump only putting 20% charges on EU exports when he should have put at least 50% tariffs on the soviet bloc of countries, an economic analyst on Capitol Hill revealed on Wednesday. Good thing for Brexit, the UK only took a 10% hit, seeing as the UK charges US imports 10% as well. For too long, the US has been giving away freebies to countries who have effectively been leeching off America, and Trump is simply addressing this issue. Naturally, the stock markets and dollar tanked, but these are just knee-jerk fear responses, and in the long-term, the US stands to profit hugely. Reindustrialising the USA, is the key to self-sufficiency, and not relying on brutal communist regimes like China, who have become rich by selling their shoddy, cheap plastic junk made from communist slave labour. China has also been able to build up their military to threaten the globe with its Maoist communist expansionist moves. The key Trump move is Fuck China, and Fuck the EU. Oh dear, the EU soviet bloc have not taken the trade tariffs imposed by Donald Trump very well. The EU president, Ursula von der Leyen, is now threatening the USA with countermeasures. We could have a new trade war on our hands here, folks. Not sure what China or the EU will do about all of this, but a prolonged trade war would be a precursor for a global recession if it gets messy. Usually after trade wars start, real wars begin and conflict could escalate globally if not careful. There is no certainty that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine will halt any time soon despite Trumps efforts. Ihre Papiere sind nicht in Ordnung Ve vill putten onnen ein 580% tariff fur fake orange tan injections from Deutschland! Vot vill Trumpf do vis dat? Himmel! Das ist war, wir will den deklaren ein war uponen ze United Staaten von Amerika. In ze EU ve haff vays of maken du comply! If these trade war threats from von der Leyen are true, Trump will be out of his orange tan injections he gets from Germany exclusively. Last year, Trump revealed the secret to his distinct orange skin hue. Every day I like to take my orange injections. Theyre wonderful. I was in an orange orchard and no one could see me, its that good, folks. The wonderful German people sell them to me. I get this tremendous orange skin colour, and it makes me feel good when I look in the mirror every few minutes. Looks like its a trade war then The challenges faced by those in Canadas commercial fishing industry can seem endless: harsh weather, climate change, invasive species, changing government regulations, fluctuating catch prices, an aging workforce, and, in the case of Indigenous fishers, racism and violence. So what drives people to make their living on board a fishing boat? Its a question Dr. Hannah Harrison, a social scientist and assistant professor in Dals Marine Affairs Program, set out to explore. Raised in a commercial salmon fishing family in Alaska, Dr. Harrison already had personal and research connections to the industry, but a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Guelph piqued her interest in the Great Lakes region commercial fisheries, North Americas largest freshwater commercial fishing fleet. I began to wonder why commercial fisheries in Ontario are not a bigger part of the provinces culture and life, she says, referencing the pride she noticed Ontario has for its farming and agricultural industries. I feel a very strong obligation to produce outputs from my research that are accessible to the communities I work with In a project that started five years ago during her postdoc and continued after her arrival at Dal in 2022, Dr. Harrison rode along on fishing boats and conducted dozens of interviews with commercial fish harvesters (a catch-all term for those in the industry, from fishers to processing plant workers) in Ontarios Great Lakes region and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. Rather than only presenting her findings in research papers, which are largely confined to academia, Dr. Harrison pairs publishing with making films and podcasts. I feel a very strong obligation to produce outputs from my research that are accessible to the communities I work with, she says. The greying of the fleet Her exploration of life in the industry is captured in an hour-long documentary, Last Boat on the Lake, released last month and available to watch on YouTube (or below). A labour of love to make Dr. Harrison researched, filmed, narrated, and produced the documentary, with editing by Donald Selby she says the positive feedback received following early screenings has made it all worth it. The sign of really impactful work is not because it translated to a publication with citations, but because the people who watch it feel their stories being represented in an authentic and meaningful way. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Her film may be finished, but Dr. Harrisons exploration of the industry will continue thanks to a four-year, $406,000 grant from the Great Lakes Fishery Commissions Fishery Research Program. A key finding from making the film was a lack of new entrants to the industry, resulting in a greying of the fleet, a problem Dr. Harrison notes is faced by both Indigenous and settler fish harvesters who took part in the film. The grant will fully fund a Dal Interdisciplinary PhD student to study barriers to entry for new/young entrants to Great Lakes commercial fisheries. MouthShut.com User Agreement, Terms of Services and MS-Points Agreement Welcome to MouthShut.com! An environment that fosters interaction and participation among its members. Members should thus feel free to express themselves. However, members should keep comments and contributions within the community values of the Service and must comply with applicable laws and the terms of service of MouthShut.com. 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Mr Robert Carmichael, the East Londonderry Ulster Unionist Party Association Chairman, has said the Stormont Executive and especially the Sinn Fein finance minister must provide the UUP Health Minister Mike Nesbitt with the necessary funding to implement a health MOT for all children in primary schools. Mr Carmichael, speaking on behalf of the Association, added that such MOTs would be a natural progression to earlier proposals to introduce a health MOT for all 12-year-old school children, not just in East Londonderry, but right across Northern Ireland. Mr Carmichael said: One of the most sensible suggestions to come from Government for some time was the idea that 12-year-olds should undergo weight and fitness checks to detect any early warning signs of illness will make a real difference in the fight against increasing childhood obesity levels. But this needs to be built upon and expanded to include primary school children of all ages, and even if possible, extended into the pre-school and nursery school sectors. It will also plot out for the National Health Service useful data to help plan and determine future health spending. The tests could be carried out by school nurses and, though children will be encouraged to undertake the tests, they will not be compulsory. The tests are likely to include blood pressure checks, a body mass index (BMI) calculation based on height and weight, joint tests and pulse rates before and after exercise. It is, in a way, a sad commentary on our modern lifestyle, but it is a realistic move. We in the UUP always encourage people to have regular medical tests. Early detection of illness can often prolong life and make a huge difference to peoples quality of life, said Mr Carmichael. Hunger Striker Laurence McKeown has shared how he has reunited Bellaghy man Colm Scullion with a photograph from the project We Wore The Blanket. The project was carried out by Mr McKeown alongside photographer Anthony Haughey. The photographs show former blanketmen and women wearing items of clothing a dressmaker had made for Mr McKeown from an original blanket from the H-Blocks. Whilst carrying out the project, Laurence and Anthony made several trips to Derry, South Derry, South Armagh, and Belfast. On the initial visits the set of clothes had not yet been made. In a post on Facebook, Laurence reflected on the project saying: In fact Im not even sure at that point that I had totally settled on the idea of having the blanket cut up and made into clothes, so those we photographed wore a blanket draped around them. He continued saying: When I did get the set of clothes made I decided that it was best to photograph former blanketmen and women wearing them rather than with a blanket draped around them. The idea was to recall the era of the blanket protest but at the same time to bring it into a contemporary setting. Unfortunately, we were not able to re-photograph everyone who had been involved in the initial series of photos so they did not end up in the calendar that was produced. One of those was Colm Scullion from Bellaghy, South Derry. Laurence explained how sometime after the project was completed, they tried to get funding for an exhibition that would have included the others. He said: Anthony created two printed versions of a photo of Colm, one on aluminium and another on a sheet of linen, as an example of how an exhibition would look. However, that is an expensive process and we were unable to access any funding to take the project forward. However the story had a happy ending this week when Laurence got the opportunity to deliver the finished photographs to Colm. Speaking about the reunion Laurence said: The printed photos of Colm remained in my attic until yesterday, many years later, when I finally got around to taking them to Colm. I was on my way to Derry and called his home. Of course, knowing Colm, our conversation continued until I was late for my appointment in Derry, but sure, the craic was mighty and we solved most of the worlds problems. And not only that, but I left with half a dozen freshly-laid eggs from the hen that was running around outside. Bua do na fir agus mna pluide victory to the blanketmen and women! The Chocolate Manor in County Derry are amongst the first food and tourism businesses in Ireland to be featured in a new booking platform for domestic and international visitors. Simplifying the booking process for a wide range of unique and truly authentic Irish food and drink experiences, the Good Food Ireland Experiences platform was launched to an audience of food, farming, tourism and hospitality professionals at the Good Food Ireland Conference 2025. Castlerock-based The Chocolate Manor, renowned for its luxurious hand-crafted chocolates, is offering a selection of authentic and indulgent experiences on the platform, with even more local food and drink experiences to be added in the coming months. Their offerings include the Private Chocolate Making Experience, the Family Chocolate Making Experience, and the Truffle Shuffle - all perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a truly delightful experience. Renowned for promoting trusted food and drink experiences across the island of Ireland, Good Food Ireland promotes sustainable tourism, farming practices and supports local communities. The experiences encourage people to explore authentic tastes and deep-rooted traditions across Ireland, helping to preserve traditional food and drink production methods. For over 20 years, I have been working with tour operators, creating unique experiences for visitors to Ireland. Meeting passionate producers, tasting handcrafted foods and exploring Irelands food culture has delivered an unforgettable culinary journey for thousands of visitors to our shores. Im delighted to feature such a unique Derry/Londonderry food business on our platform, which are ideal for both international visitors and those looking for something different to experience when holidaying at home. Our platform will deliver more tourism to Derry/Londonderry, and ensure people from across Ireland, and visitors from across the world, will get to experience the world-class food and drink thats crafted in County Derry/Londonderry, adds Margaret Jeffares, Founder and CEO of Good Food Ireland Officially launched at the Good Food Ireland cross-sector conference by Martin Heydon, T.D. Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine; Darina Allen, the pioneer of the slow food movement in Ireland and owner of Ballymaloe Cookery School and Dr Howard Hastings OBE, former chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Chairman of Hastings Hotels, Good Food Ireland Experiences is the only Irish booking platform for food and drink experiences that spans the Island. The Good Food Ireland cross-sector conference focused on the vital role of Irelands agri-food and tourism sectors in ensuring long-term economic and social stability across the island of Ireland, with the event sponsored by AIB, BIM Irelands Seafood Development Agency and Bord Bia, and supporting partners, FBD Insurance and Tourism Ireland. The Good Food Ireland Experiences platform is now live, already hosting over 60 incredible experiences that are available to book directly. For food and tourism businesses who are interested in being featured on Good Food Ireland Experiences, please contact info@goodfoodireland.ie or call 053 9158693. For more details, visit Good Food Ireland Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. There was double cause for celebration in the city as the community volunteers supporting Derrys breastfeeding mothers and their babies triumphed at the Friends of Breastfeeding awards ceremony. North West BAPS (Breastfeeding and Perinatal Support) won the Breastfeeding Initiative of the Year award and Mothers Village facilitated by Helen Hancock won Support Group of the Year. Dr Maria Herron who collected the award on behalf of North West BAPS at the Friends of Breastfeeding awards gala in Tullamore, County Offaly on Saturday said the achievement marked a significant milestone for the Derry-based, parent-led group which works tirelessly to raise awareness and visibility about breastfeeding. She added: The recognition is particularly impactful given the context:for over three decades, Derry City and Strabane District Council has faced some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. North West BAPS nomination, shortlisting, and ultimate success in receiving this award underscores the importance of their efforts to help ensure that every family wishing to breastfeed has access to high-quality support if they need it. This award is for everyone on the core team: Dr. Noella Gormley, Sinead O'Kane, Jessica Clarke, Joanie Callaghan, Sarah Concannon as well as myself. Dr Herron also acknowledged the wider North West BAPS Network, co-chaired by Derry City and Strabane District Council. The Network consists of 35 parents, advocates and organisations, who have come together to share information and to consider ways of improving breastfeeding support locally. Through determination and collaboration, North West BAPS is breaking barriers and creating meaningful change for families across the North West, and is taking a step forward in reshaping the narrative around breastfeeding, said Dr Herron. She added: "This award represents the power of people working together on a common aim - to reclaim breastfeeding as a community resource which provides fantastic health benefits for babies and mothers, as well as being the ultimate zero waste food for babies. This award is a celebration of our initiative, and a beacon of hope for our future endeavours." Former Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Sandra Duffy extended huge congratulations to NW BAPS on its Friends of Breastfeeding award. One of those who supported the establishment of the group, Cllr Duffy said: NW BAPS is a fantastic energetic, passionate group of women. They saw the issues faced by new mums and decided if anything was to change they needed to be part of it. They have achieved so much in the last three years, making breastfeeding more visible and accepted in an area with historic low levels. Educating and supporting mums and families on their own journeys. I couldnt be prouder of them in winning the initiative of the year, so well deserved, said Cllr Duffy. Helen Hancock said Mothers Village winning the Friends of Breastfeeding award was a lovely surprise. I wasnt expecting it but I was delighted. It was really nice. I suppose because I have attended a few years now I would know quite a lot of people and because I am Cuidiu as well, there is a very strong Cuidiu presence at it, which is great. So, I was surrounded by all the people that are part of my world, from Cuidiu and the Cuidiu president, Dr Sarah Brennan who is part of Baby Law Ireland, were all at the table with us and it was really, really cool. We had a great time. Our award was based entirely on an online concept of running a group online like that thats global. This gives you a lot more scope to be able to do more but it is maybe not something that a lot of people would find easy because it is a constant, on demand type environment. But, once you build up the people that are within it and it is like a constant giving back. People would give out the messages Ive been putting out for years and now other mammys do the same; they put it out and it is a continuation of positive and good information and a really good way to support people, said Ms Hancock. NW BAPS can be contacted via its Facebook and Instagram pages. Helen Hancock can be contacted via www.https://www.cuidiu.ie. Her number is under Breastfeeding Counsellors. Unseen footage of Gazas beauty and the resilience of its residents has been captured by Palestinian filmmaker and journalist, Yousef Alhelou. His unique, personal film The Phoenix of Gaza: A city lost to genocide was shot just weeks before the genocide began; it shows rare footage of Gaza before its destruction and efforts to eradicate the people and infrastructures. The film now serves as an archive of Gazas past. The Phoenix of Gaza will be screened in Derrys Nerve Centre, on Friday, April 4, at 7.00pm. This is a fundraising event for Gaza, during which Yousef Alhelou will give a talk followed by a question and answer session. Tickets to the screening can be obtained at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-phoenix-of-gaza-tickets-1273597908629. The following day, Saturday, April 5, Yousef Alhelou, will speak at an event in The Museum of Free Derry, hosted by the Bloody Sunday Trust. Trust director, Maeve McLaughlin said: We are honored to host a conversation with Palestinian filmmaker and journalist Yousef Alhelou. In July 2023, just weeks before the genocide began, Yousef returned to his homeland after a decade away. His goal was to document Gazas vibrant culture, history, and everyday life. Equipped with a camera, he captured rare footage of Gazas historic buildings, bustling markets, serene beaches, and cherished community spaces footage that would soon become a haunting archive of a place now devastated by war. This event is a unique opportunity to hear directly from Yousef as he reflects on his journey, his work, and the heartbreaking transformation of his homeland. Through his insights, we will explore the role of journalism in preserving truth, the power of storytelling in the face of unimaginable loss, and Gazas enduring spirit of resistance and hope. A descendant of refugees, Yousefs life was shaped by the ongoing occupation and violence in Gaza. His passion for journalism was born out of a desire to share the truths of his homeland. Now based in London, Yousef is a respected independent journalist, political analyst, and filmmaker. His archive of Gaza serves as a testament to the lives, culture, and spirit of a society that refuses to be erased. Tragically, Yousefs own family has been deeply affected by the ongoing assault on Gaza. On December 10th, 2023, his sister and her seven children were killed in an Israeli strike, their bodies still buried beneath the rubble. Dozens of Yousefs relatives and journalist colleagues are among the nearly 50,000 killed. Join us for this powerful conversation and bear witness to the untold stories of Gaza through Yousefs eyes, said Maeve McLaughlin. Tickets for this event can be obtained here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/conversation-with-palestinian-filmmaker-and-journalist-yousef-alhelou-tickets-1304095708369?aff=oddtdtcreator. There is a suggested donation of 5 at the door to Hope Food Project, a grassroots charity providing essential food aid and humanitarian support to families in Gaza. New York, US (PANA) - Two senior UN officials appealed in the Security Council on Wednesday for an end to attacks against humanitarians and personnel working for the global organisation A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with possession of a number of weapons and assault following an incident outside a shopping centre in Derry. Solomon Kobe (41) of no fixed abode was arrested on April 1 after allegedly assaulting a man that tried to restrain him following an incident that was said to have occurred at Quayside Shopping Centre. Two witnesses claimed to have seen Kobe harassing a woman in Tesco leading to them attempting to physically restrain him. The men were subsequently pursued by Kobe and he proceeded to punch one of them and spat in the eye of another. Kobe was then said to have reached into his pocket where a knife fell out. Following his arrest, police found, in addition to the knife, what appeared to be a shoemaker's four inch needle and a modified Taser-like device shaped like a torch. When interviewed, he claimed that he was going to return the knife to a lock-up and had been planning on using the needle as a tooth-pick for food he was going to buy in Tesco. The taser, he said, was to be used as a dog deterrent as he was regularly attacked by dogs. Kobe claimed that a woman had been staring at him in Tesco while the two witnesses claim that he had been chasing her. He claimed that he had only been acting in self-defence but CCTV did not corroborate Kobe's claim and police asked him about a similar incident in Strabane that appeared to involve him the week before in similar circumstances. Kobe admitted that the video from this prior incident was him. Police objected to bail as they believe he is at risk of fleeing as he has no ties to anyone or anywhere in the city. Kobe who was representing himself asked for bail but Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop said the court knew little about the defendant who only came here in February and refused bail. He was remanded in custody and will appear again on May 1. Hundreds of people took part in a Walk for the Mothers of Gaza on the shores of Lough Neagh on Friday. Organised by the Mid Ulster Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, protesters marched from Toome village along the River Bann to Lough Neagh. Member and Toome local Brendan Kelly at the walk stated: "The peace and tranquillity of the canal and lough couldn't be a more stark contrast to the horror of bombs currently raining down in Gaza. While the mothers of Palestine will be spending their weekend grieving, we're marching in solidarity and support for them and against our governments complicity." Participants marched for an immediate end to the genocide, as well as for an end to US military and weapons being ferried through Shannon and Aldergrove. The march heard demands for transparency on Invest NI and called on Minister Caoimhe Archibald to come clean on whether public funds are supporting companies who work on parts for warplanes being sent to commit atrocities in Gaza. Speakers on the sunny evening included Orlaith Mhic Sheanlaoich from Mothers Against Genocide, Marlene Bovill Ni Bhrolchain and Poilin Quinn from the Mid Ulster IPSC, and poet Maura who recited two heartbreaking poems for the mothers and children of Palestine. Speakers discussed the importance of standing up for the Mothers of Gaza ahead of Mother's Day and also the significance of Palestinian Land Day on Sunday, commemorating when peaceful protestors were murdered in Palestine in 1976. Aterwards, spokesperson Padraig MacNiocaill stated: "The importance of our protest in Toome and the need for further mobilisation across the country was highlighted by the atrocious treatment of anti-genocide protestors in Dublin on Monday morning. The Mid Ulster Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign condemns the abhorrent treatment of peaceful Mothers Against Genocide activists by an Garda Siochana. In an era of rampant gender-based violence, the use of invasive strip searches and cavity searches is particularly alarming and disgraceful. While our government remains complicit in genocide, Palestine activists north and south have received disproportionate force from police. We stand with these courageous activists protesting our complicit governments, who continue to allow warplanes through our airspace, block bills, and fund companies complicit in genocide. These activists are on the right side of history." An overspend of more than 3 billion on major capital projects in Northern Ireland is unacceptable and unsustainable, a new report has said. Stormonts Public Accounts Committee has said that current arrangements for delivering large-scale capital projects in the region are not fit for purpose and the establishment of an independent oversight body in Northern Ireland must be considered. The committee has also asked why a series of recommendations it made in a report five years ago have not been fully implemented. Major capital projects are defined as those estimated to cost in excess of 25 million. The report said there were 78 projects managed by Stormont departments between April 2019 and last summer. Many involve major construction work including the new Belfast maternity and childrens hospitals; the A5 and A6 and the Belfast Transport Hub. Daniel McCrossan, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee said: Our follow-up work in this area was prompted by a Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) report in early 2024 which said delays in current projects meant they could cost 2.45 billion more to complete than originally estimated. An updated position from NIAO last summer showed that the overspend has continued to rise and is now more than 3 billion over original budgets, an escalation that is simply unsustainable. The Committee has been raising concerns in this area for years. In 2020, our initial report on major capital projects made 15 recommendations for improvement, relating to accountability mechanisms as well as time and cost overruns. A number of those recommendations have not progressed as the committee intended, and not all recommendations were accepted. Having revisited the major capital projects inquiry in September 2024, we have heard a lot in evidence sessions about ongoing, planned actions and future aspirations but little in the way of real progress and how these projects could be delivered more efficiently and effectively. The committee is extremely frustrated by the lack of action taken to address delays and overspends. Mr McCrossan said the committee had heard evidence from Jayne Brady, head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (Nics) as well as senior officials from the Department of Finance; the Strategic Investment Board; the Nics Board and the Northern Ireland Audit Office. It has now made a further 12 recommendations. Cheryl Brownlee, deputy chairwoman of the Public Accounts committee said: Our view is that the current arrangements for delivering major capital projects are not fit for purpose and that the establishment of an independent oversight body in Northern Ireland must be considered. A review of leadership and governance is also urgently required. We also want to see an annual progress report published on the delivery of all major capital projects and that the Department of Finance takes the lead role in monitoring this. Regrettably, the committee is also repeating its recommendation that Nics urgently addresses the lack of professional and technical skills, to ensure project teams have the necessary capacity and capability to successfully deliver major capital projects. The report said that the continued escalation of cost overruns is unacceptable. It added: In 2015, the Northern Ireland Executive identified seven flagship infrastructure projects as its highest priority projects which were allocated funding over a five-year period, rather than the usual single year budget allocation. At the time of the 2024 NIAO report only one of the Executives flagship projects had fully completed, with a second having completed by the time of this committee report. During the evidence session the committee heard much about ongoing and planned actions, along with future aspirations. However, there was little evidence of any impactful action taken to date which has generated tangible improvements to the delivery of major capital projects in Northern Ireland. Given the time elapsed since this committees previous report on this issue, this lack of positive change is unacceptable and the committee is extremely frustrated by the lack of action taken to address ongoing delays and cost overruns. Parents are crying out for guardrails for young people using social media, Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood has said. Ms Eastwood also said Sir Keir Starmers move to show Netflix drama Adolescence in secondary schools shows the Government is out of touch and blind to the concerns. On Thursday, the MP for Lagan Valley is hosting a backbench debate on the impact of digital platforms on UK democracy. Ahead of the debate, she told the PA news agency: I think a lot of people have just resigned themselves to some sort of inevitability about this and in actual fact, I think our young people, and certainly those who care for them, whether theyre carers, adults and people that are in and around supporting our young people, mums and dads, guardians. I think theyre crying out for guardrails. She added: Certainly not having any protections and no laws and not revisiting the age of consent, I think is completely wrong, because as far as Im concerned, we know that its harmful. It is absolutely harmful. Its damaging our young people. Its damaging society. Ms Eastwood is currently undertaking legal action against influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate over social media posts made a day after she told the House of Commons she was a survivor of abuse and had received rape threats. Andrew Tate has previously been banned from TikTok, YouTube and Facebook after the platforms accused him of posting hate speech and misogynistic comments, including that women should bear responsibility for being sexually assaulted. She said: Even whenever you look at some of the language that certainly followers of the Tates would use in terms of lover boy methods and love bombing and all that sort of stuff. Young people now are operating in a sphere where its a different language, its a different way, and most older people would not understand it and if they cant understand it then they cant deal with it. People like me, who are older, who do understand it, who can see it unfolding, and can see the absolute carnage that is resulting in terms of our young peoples lives, are desperate for action, are ringing the bell. If there was a dashboard, every light on it would be red and the Government are just blind to the concerns. The Netflix series Adolescence, which examines so-called incel (involuntary celibate) culture, has prompted a national conversation about online safety. This week the Prime Minister backed Netflix making the show which centres around a teenage boy accused of killing a girl from his school free to stream for all secondary schools across the UK. Ms Eastwood said the move shows a Government certainly that are out of touch, but it also shows the Government that are wanting to just close its eyes and ears to this. She said: This has been going on for such a long time and that the Government responded by saying, we will allow this programme to be shown in schools without any reference to the fact that we need to revisit the age of consent, and so far as digital platform usage, we need to immediately have financial sanctions for these companies that platform this harmful and often criminal content, and absolutely no mention of legislation at all. Its already clear that the Online Safety Act isnt robust enough. These companies will only respond to what they understand, and thats money and thats cash, and thats hitting them where it hurts, right in the pocket. Ms Eastwood called for additional taxes on tech oligarchs, which she said the Government were using as a bargaining tool with the US. Nothing at all can be used to denigrate the rights of our children and young people, and yet thats exactly what theyre doing, she said. Second of all, we need financial sanctions and consequences for these firms and lastly, we need robust legislation, because none of that will be enforceable or policeable without legislation. The Governments failure to order a public inquiry into the murder of GAA official Sean Brown in 1997 was unlawful and cannot stand, the Court of Appeal in Belfast has ruled. Northern Irelands Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said she would not make a mandatory order at this point that NI Secretary Hilary Benn should establish a statutory inquiry, but has instead given him four weeks to reflect upon the judgment of the court. The UK Government said it will carefully consider the court judgment, while Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill urged it to end its blockade and allow the Brown family access to truth and justice. Mr Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in Co Londonderry, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997. No-one has ever been convicted of his killing. The Government had appealed against a decision by the High Court last year to order a public inquiry to be held into the murder. Mr Browns widow Bridie Brown attended the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday. Delivering the Court of Appeal judgment on Thursday, Dame Siobhan said there had been no human rights compliant investigation into the murder 28 years ago. She said: This is a shocking state of affairs in that a quarter of a century has passed since Sean Brown was murdered and yet there has been no lawful inquiry into the circumstances of his death. The Lady Chief Justice said: We find the decision to refuse a public inquiry cannot stand and is unlawful and in breach of Article 2 obligations. She added: An independent public investigation dealing with the coroners concerns, capable of dealing with sensitive material, with the Brown family legally represented, provided with the relevant material and able to examine the principal witnesses must be held without further delay in order to satisfy the obligations imposed by Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which all parties agree the UK Government is in breach of. She said she would adjourn the case for four weeks to give the Secretary of State time to consider the judgment of the court and to confirm how he would comply with the order. She said: We stress there can be no further delay in this case. Last year a coroner halted an inquest into the Brown killing, expressing concern that his ability to examine the case had been compromised by the extent of confidential state material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds. Preliminary inquest proceedings had already heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents. It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning. Coroner Mr Justice Kinney called on the Government to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist murder. Mr Benn decided against holding an inquiry, arguing that the case could instead be dealt with by a new Troubles investigatory body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Mr Browns widow Bridie challenged Mr Benns decision not to order a public inquiry and High Court judge Mr Justice Humphreys found in her favour in December and ordered the Government to establish one. The Government then appealed against that decision. Dame Siobhan told the court the limitations of the ICRIR to deal with cases like the Brown killing are apparent. She said the commission, as it is currently established, is not equipped to deal with cases which involve sensitive material. She said: Mrs Brown is 87-years-old. She has been pursuing her remedy for 28 of those years. In this case, the ICRIR is not fit for the purpose of delivering the remedy she needs now. Dame Siobhan said the court recognised that in the past some inquiries have been costly. But she added that the coroner had already undertaken the bulk of the work and reviewed sensitive material in the case. She said there was nothing in theory to stop Mr Justice Kinney from being appointed to chair a public inquiry in the case. Such a bespoke inquiry, already fully armed by statute, with the powers to address sensitive material and building on the work of Mr Justice Kinney would be capable of delivering a remedy for Mrs Brown within a timescale that is relevant to her. Dame Siobhan said some of the advice given to the NI Secretary by civil servants around the cost of a public inquiry was flawed. A further hearing in the case will take place on May 2. A UK Government spokesperson said: We have enormous sympathy for Mrs Brown and her family who have suffered so much. The Secretary of State has been clear that he wants to see a full investigation into the murder of Sean Brown. We acknowledge todays judgment and will carefully consider it. This will not delay the Governments determination to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, and to implement mechanisms that are human rights compliant and can command confidence across communities. Ms ONeill said: I want to again commend Bridie and the family for their courage and their tenacity, for their steadfastness in terms of getting access to truth and justice. But the British Government need to now get on with the public inquiry, end its blockade and allow access to truth and justice. The elderly widow of Sean Brown has urged Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to do the right thing and set up a public inquiry into her husbands murder. The Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday that the UK Governments refusal to hold a public inquiry into the killing of GAA official Sean Brown in 1997 is unlawful. It has given Mr Benn four weeks to consider the matter. Mr Browns elderly widow, Bridie, attended the hearing with her family at the Royal Courts of Justice. It was the 58th time the 87-year-old had attended a court hearing as part of her long battle to secure answers about her husbands death. She said: Mr Benn, five judges have told you what to do. Do the right thing and please dont have me going to London. Mr Browns daughter, Clare Loughran, supported her mother outside court and said her family felt very positive about the judgment. She said: As my mum has said, five judges have now told us that really the only way to have a truthful and honest investigation of my fathers death has been an inquiry were very pleased with the judgment so far today. Five judges have told him (Mr Benn) what to do. I think at this stage now he has got very little further option, the fact that he was trying to get us to go towards the ICRIR, and its been evident now today that that is probably something that is not appropriate in my fathers case, certainly not as it stands at the minute. She added that she feels the Government has tried to draw this out for 28 years. She said: We have had numerous secretary of states come through the north since my father was murdered, and very little of them to date have given us any sort of hope or very little trust in them. At this stage now, we really feel that if they can do the right thing by our side, we would be delighted with that. She said they would like to see a public inquiry into her fathers death get under way as soon as possible. I think it was laid out there today that a lot of the groundwork is already done for it, so I dont really see that there should be any further delay on that, she said. Well be back in four weeks time, (hearing) number 59. The Stormont Executive has agreed its budget for 2025/26, with increased investment pledged to tackle hospital waiting lists and support parents with the cost of childcare. Finance Minister John ODowd said it showed the Executive was prepared to do things differently. He also said he intended it to be the last single-year budget agreed by ministers before it moves towards multi-year spending plans. The budget for Stormont departments was agreed unanimously following a meeting of the four-party powersharing Executive. Mr ODowd said the budget included 16 billion of investment in public services plus 2 billion in capital spending. He said: Today sets out a direction of travel which shows this Executive is prepared to do things differently and use our limited resources to do what matters most. While the financial position in 2025-26 remains challenging for all departments, the budget agreed by the Executive today clearly prioritises its programme for government priorities and, excluding earmarked allocations and in-year transfers, provides every department with an uplift on its 2024-25 final budget position. The budget will include increased investment for work to cut waiting lists, for special educational needs and into skills for growing the economy, the minister said. Mr ODowd said: This Budget will mean 215 million going towards cutting health waiting lists and supporting investment in elective care. It doubles our investment in the early years and childcare strategy to 50 million supporting our children and helping hard-working families. It provides 15 million in additional funding for special educational needs. It delivers 15 million to build the skills needed both now and in the future to grow our economy. It provides an additional 5 million to make our communities safer and 2 million towards ending violence against women and girls. It recognises the importance of Lough Neagh and our desire to protect it through a 5 million investment. It also provides 21.3 million for transformation projects in health, justice, infrastructure and special educational needs. In capital spending, the minister said there would be an investment of an additional 105.7 million in wastewater infrastructure and an additional 100 million for social housing. He said: There is no doubt that the financial outlook still remains incredibly challenging particularly given the Westminster Governments continued policy of austerity. I will continue to make the case for better funding and to work together with my Executive colleagues to support our workers, families and communities. First Minister Michelle ONeill said it was really important that all four parties in the Executive had signed up to the budget. She said: It is in the context that we face a dire financial climate, not least because of the decisions that have been taken in London. Nonetheless our Executive are united in terms of prioritising public services and investing in public services, and we are all determined to try to deliver as best we can across all of our public services. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the budget agreement showed the Executive was determined to deliver. She added: We recognise that the fiscal context in which we are making these decisions is very challenging and it will be challenging for each minister. But our programme for government provides a roadmap to grow our economy, cut waiting list times and ensure affordable childcare and this supports those priorities. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt gave a cautious welcome to the budget but described it as a challenge. He added that just 50 million would be new money. Its come a little bit out of the blue in that weve asked for all that money before and been knocked back, he told reporters at Parliament Buildings. Ive already been speaking to senior officials in the department, it (the money) is in three bits: 85 million which we actually would have been spending anyway, thats for red flag and life-threatening conditions; weve got 80 million for transforming and building up our capacity; and then come June monitoring well actually get 50 million which will be new money. Itll be a cocktail, well do what we can within the health service, well also obviously be going out to the private sector and Im also keen to bring back the cross-border initiative. Mr Nesbitt said the overall budget is challenging because it is 400 million shy of what we need. The challenge is three-fold: it is to address the waiting lists, which is clearly the will of the Executive and of myself; secondly, to also do the reform piece, because if you only spend money on bringing down the waiting lists, as soon as the money is spent the lists go straight back up again; and then the third is to balance the books, he said. Its a triple challenge, its very, very difficult but I accept thats the role. Stormonts Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has said she stands firm following a political row over her decision that Irish language signs should be installed at Belfasts Grand Central station. It came as deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the move by her ministerial colleague about the new transport hub looked and felt utterly shambolic. Sinn Fein minister Ms Kimmins gave the go-ahead for the signage last week, but it has led to a row among Stormont Executive ministers. The DUP has insisted she has a legal duty to bring the decision to the Executive. Ms Kimmins was at the Grand Central Station on Thursday showing the new facility to members of the British Irish Council. She said it was unfortunate that a row had arisen over something that should be very positive. She added: This is a good news story and enhancing that to ensure that it is a shared space for everybody that uses it is something I see as really positive. Asked if she stood by the decision not being taken to the wider Executive, she said: This is a very positive move forward, I think it is important to recognise everyone in our community and that is what I have been setting out to do. We have, as ministers, a role to deliver equality. When asked if she would now bring the decision to the Executive, she said she would see what happens. Ms Kimmins added: Executive colleagues have had a discussion this morning, it is up to them where they think this should go next. I stand firm in my decision, we followed the process. The DUP raised the controversy during Thursdays meeting of powersharing ministers. Speaking at a press conference afterwards, Ms Little-Pengelly said: I was deeply disappointed by the way this decision was made and the announcement of it. The detail of how this came about is still very unclear and questions still need to be answered. She said there had been a detailed discussion about the issue at the Executive meeting. Ms Little-Pengelly added: I reaffirmed our clear view that this issue is controversial. Therefore it should have been brought to the Executive Committee for agreement. We will be seeking additional information and considering the way forward. In the meantime the minister ought to bring that decision to the Executive in the proper way, in the legal way, for consideration and agreement. She added: All controversial, significant or cross-cutting matters do have that legal responsibility in terms of ministers bringing that to the Executive. That hasnt happened in this case. I think any argument that this isnt a controversial issue is bizarre because I think its very clear out there in terms of the reaction to this that it is controversial. I wasnt satisfied with the answers we got today from the minister nor in the correspondence she has sent. Therefore we will be seeking further information and, of course, considering the way forward. Ms ONeill said it was important to keep the matter in perspective and said there would always be political disagreements in the four-party Executive. She added: The Irish language is for everybody. Nobody has anything to fear from the Irish language. Asked about the decision taken by her Sinn Fein colleague, she said: I believe the minister was right, she has made her decision and I think its the right decision. The exchange of views today where the minister put her views as to why she took the decision she did and the rationale behind it, I think that stacks up. But Ms Little-Pengelly said: This all looks and feels utterly shambolic by the new Infrastructure Minister. She has come in, made an announcement, it is very unclear, is it a direction to Translink? Is it pressure put on Translink? This is a focus on a shambolic week for the Infrastructure Minister, questions she still has not answered. If this Executive is going to work, and I want it to work, we must abide by the legal obligations and duties the ministers have. Grand Central Station has been billed as the largest integrated transport hub on the island of Ireland, with services including trains between Belfast and Dublin. Earlier this week, it emerged that design work on Irish language signs had stopped due to potential legal action. Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, from the Unionist Voice Policy Studies (UVPS) group, is attempting to secure a judicial review in the High Court in Belfast against the Department for Infrastructure, stating the decision was taken without Executive approval. Under Stormont rules, ministerial decisions that are deemed significant or controversial should be considered collectively by the powersharing coalition, rather than by an individual minister. However, within the Executive it is ultimately the responsibility of Sinn Fein First Minister Ms ONeill and DUP deputy First Minister Ms Little-Pengelly to jointly decide what issues are significant or controversial and should be subject to a wider vote. Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - Egypts cotton production in 2025/26 marketing year is estimated at 320,000 bales, down 25 percent from the previous season due to a significant decrease in area harvested Subscriber content preview By AAMER MADHANI Associated Press WASHINGTON Amazon has put in a bid to purchase TikTok, a Trump administration official said Wednesday, in an eleventh-hour pitch as a U.S. ban on the platform is set to go into effect Saturday. The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the Amazon offer was made in a letter to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE A small apartment building at 507 22nd Ave. sold this week for just under $2.4 million, according to King County records. The seller was KJB Properties LLC, which acquired the land in 2014 for about $332,000, then developed it. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE The Queen Anne Manor nursing home, at 100 Crockett St., sold this week for $17.5 million, according to King County records. The seller was CSH Queen Anne LLC, which acquired the property in 2016 for about $36 million. CSH is Capitol Seniors Housing of Washington, D.C. . . . Subscriber content preview Photo via Suitsupply [enlarge] The new downtown store takes up 4,341 square feet. European tailoring brand Suitsupply on Friday will open a new 4,341-square-foot store at the base of Rainier Tower at 416 University St. in downtown Seattle. . . . A 43 year old man who Dundalk District Court was told was weaving in and out of traffic on the M1 at 173kph, has been given a suspended sentence for dangerous driving. Gerard Gaskin of Collinview Street, Belfast had contested separate charges of dangerous driving on the motorway at Newtownbalregan and drug driving on the M1 at Red Cow on March 12th 2022. A member of the Roads Policing Unit gave evidence last Wednesday of conducting a speed check at Newtownbalregan, at 4.40pm on Saturday March 12th 2022. She detected the defendant travelling at 173kph where a limit of 120kph applies, and stopped him at Red Cow. A roadside drug test tested positive for cocaine and cannabis and he was arrested on suspicion of drug driving. READ NEXT: A motorist who collided with a lorry in Louth had cocaine in his system During cross examination by the Defence, the garda said she was parked on a slip road and had used a calibrated speed detection device and said Mr. Gaskin was actively trying to get around traffic that was in his way. The solicitor said he would have some reservations about the accuracy given his client was weaving in and out and the integrity of the test taken at Dundalk Garda Station, where his client had been taken for a cigarette and had a painkiller in his pocket. He also questioned what he perceived as a delay in posting the sample for testing, although Insp Ger Collins pointed out it was posted on the Monday "as soon as practicable". He added that the test result came back positive for cocaine and not medication. Judge Nicola Jane Andrews found the State had proven its case. After hearing the defendant had no previous convictions in this jurisdiction, is on social benefits in the North and is being treated for depression and anxiety, Judge Andrews imposed two fines of 1,000 each, and a four year driving ban, along with a three month suspended sentence for dangerous driving, at the request of the defence the judge fixed recognizance for an appeal. Representatives of Louth group Dignity4Patients were recently invited to give a presentation at Leinster House by Louth/East Meath Sinn Fein TD Joanna Byrne. Dignity4Patients represent the over 360 victims and survivors of former surgeon and convicted sexual offender Michael Shine. Speaking after the event, Deputy Byrne said: I did warn all those attending the briefing, to listen to the survivors testimonies, that what they would hear would be difficult and emotionally taxing. To hear the personal testimonies from the victims of Shines, and their experiences of being ignored, their pursuit of the truth, and the failure of authorities to stop Michael Shine for 30 years. It took tremendous courage for them to come to Leinster House, stand up and tell their truths to Oireachtas Members from all parties, from Louth and across the state. Since 2009 when Dignity4Patients was established as a charity, they have been determined to highlight the plight of sexual abuse victims in Irelands healthcare system. It is now 2025 and they are still fighting. To date, the victims have been failed by the state. Promises, including those to initiate proceedings, have not been kept. Their asks are very simple, the victims are seeking a Commission of Investigation into, not just the actions of Michael Shine, but the failings of the public authorities and how it was allowed to go on for such a period of time as it was. They want supports for the victims of the abuse put in place. They want all of those responsible to be held to account, and they want mechanisms in place to ensure crimes committed by Michael Shine over such a period of time can never occur again. When the meeting concluded, Deputy Byrne raised the matter directly with the Taoiseach under questions on promised legislation in the Dail chamber. Read Next: 2.2 million cigarettes seized in Louth Deputy Byrne said: There were many tears during the briefing. There were commitments to support the Dignity4Patients ask for a commission of investigation. That needs to be followed through on and I will pursue this matter until the government initiate that commission. In response Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: I am meeting the group and I pay tribute to it for its work and advocacy. I will engage with it. I am not making any commitments in advance of meeting it. I will work to determine the best method of getting to the truth in a timely manner. I am also conscious that on previous occasions, people might not have been entirely satisfied with the outcomes of other types of inquiries that took place. Louth Labour TD Ged Nash, has said that US President Donald Trump is "attempting to turn the clock back to a golden age that only exists in the imaginations of some" and that his newly announced tariffs "could end up as a massive act of self-harm against his own people". Responding on Wednesday night to the announcement tonight of new US tariffs, Labour Finance spokesperson Ged Nash said that, the threat of tariffs on EU imports has now moved from the abstract to the real. There is a huge amount at stake for jobs in Ireland and across the EU, for our economic and investment model and the future of the public finances. The EU has significant power and agency and that must be used wisely. In the meantime and to help Irish firms prepare for the threat of job displacement in vulnerable sectors, government must work to introduce Labours proposal for a new short-time work scheme to keep workers close to their firms in order to retain skills and employment in exposed parts of the economy during what will be a tumultuous period. Deputy Nash continued: No country has done more to create the current system of globalised trade, or has benefitted more from it over time than the US itself. President Trump is attempting to turn the clock back to a golden age that only exists in the imaginations of some. This could end up as a massive act of self-harm against his own people. Read next: Louth survivors call for inquiry into Michael Shine abuse While we await additional details, what was announced tonight is more or less what was expected. There is an enormous responsibility on the government and the EU to fully digest whats been announced, and be strategic in how we respond with a negotiations-first approach needed. For a long time now Labour has drawn attention to our excessive reliance on US firms for a high proportion of well-paid skilled jobs, and a growing quantum of our corporation and income tax take. Focused work needs to be done to build up our indigenous enterprise sector and to diversify markets for Irish goods and services. Coupled with this is the need to boost infrastructure delivery on housing, transport and other critical infrastructure to make our economy more competitive. China honors police officers of border control Xinhua) 10:19, April 03, 2025 BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,429 police officers received service awards for their outstanding contribution to China's border control, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said Wednesday. The awards were granted to police personnel serving in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region or in other border areas with harsh conditions, the NIA statement said. They consist of three levels, the golden ones for police officers in service for 30 years, the silver ones for those in service for 20 years and the bronze ones for those in service for 10 years, according to the statement. Since the establishment of the awards in 2022, a group of border police officers have been honored with the medals each year, with this year being the third conferral, the statement noted. The awards have effectively inspired border police officers to remain true to their mission and encouraged them to defend the long-term peace, prosperity and stability of China's frontier regions with stronger resolve, the statement added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - A report on the Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa, examining national perspectives on AI and data science for global health, was launched online in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday The only all-island conference on the female entrepreneurial scene is set to return on 11 June with AIB as title sponsor. Taking place at the Carrickdale Hotel in north Louth, the 2025 Women in Business All-Island Female Entrepreneurs Conference will bring together over 300 women-led business owners from across the island for a full-day of inspiration, empowerment and connection. Now in its ninth year, the premier one-day event will focus on the theme of Youve Got This equipping women with the support, tools and connections to grow a thriving business. Hosted by Caroline ONeill, new to the conference this year is a dynamic marketplace showcasing women business owners, as well as an exhibition area featuring business support organisations from across the island. Commenting on this years all-island event, Head of Business Banking at AIB, Roisin Keenan said, Enabling more and more women entrepreneurs to start and scale new businesses is a central ambition for us at AIB. We continually seek to recognise and champion their impact, which is why we are proud to be supporting Women in Business once again in the delivery of this showcase event which serves as a platform for enterprising women across the island of Ireland. Attendees will hear the latest insights and lived experiences of entrepreneurship across the island and beyond, with key topics to be explored including access to finances, expanding into new markets and how to connect to the wider business support ecosystem. Read next: Anord Mardix to host recruitment open day in Louth Looking ahead to Junes event, Managing Director of Women in Business Lorraine Acheson added: Every year our all-island conference provides a unique opportunity to connect and empower women business owners from across the four corners of Ireland. "We look forward to welcoming so many incredible women to Dundalk for what will be an energised agenda of inspiring keynotes and breakout sessions to equip women entrepreneurs with the support and tools necessary to thrive in the industry both now and into the future. Remember, 11th June is the date for your diary. To find out more about the event and to book your tickets visit: womeninbusinessni.com/events Louth County Council has said that it strongly condemns the recent act of vandalism at Moneymore playground in Drogheda, where fire damage has caused significant harm to the community facility. Over the past year, the local authority says, it has been working to upgrade playgrounds across the county, with a focus on providing imaginative, inclusive play for children of all ages and abilities. Upgrade work to the playground in Moneymore was completed in October 2024. Louth County Council says that the necessary repairs to the playground will involve the removal and disposal of the burnt materials, followed by the refilling of the affected area with resin-bound rubber mulch at an estimated cost of 1,200. This is an unnecessary burden on public resources, it adds, that could have been better spent enhancing local amenities. David Conway, Louth County Council Chief Executive, said: It is extremely disappointing to see Moneymore playground the subject of vandalism. We condemn the damage caused, and the disruption to families and children who have been enjoying the facilities at the park, particularly during the current spell of fine weather. Read next: Day of events in Dundalk next week for Vision Ireland Community Day Louth County Council urges anyone with information about this incident to come forward and report it to An Garda Siochana. It also asks the community to "remain vigilant and help protect shared public spaces from such senseless acts of vandalism". The number of physical assaults increased in Cork Prison last year, with 150 assaults by inmates on either staff members or other prisoners. There were 135 prisoner-on-prisoner direct physical assaults in Cork Prison last year, the second-highest amount in Ireland, according to figures released by the Irish Prison Service (IPS). The figure marks a 20% increase from the previous year, when 112 prisoner-on-prisoner assaults occurred, and a 121% increase from 2019, when 61 such assaults were reported. While there was a 3% year-on-year decrease nationally in the number of prisoner-on-staff direct assaults, whereby a prisoner intentionally applies force to or intentionally causes an impact to the body of an operational prison staff member, they increased by 36% in Cork Prison from 11 in 2023 to 15 in 2024. Additional aggressive and threatening incidents, meaning serious threat/intimidation, sexual harassment, sexual assault, exposure to bodily fluids, etc also rose slightly from two in 2023 to three in 2024, while the number of physical interventions dropped from 21 to 10 in Cork Prison. Physical interventions are where inadvertent or unintentional striking of a staff member or injury to a prisoner occurs in the course of a planned...or spontaneous physical intervention. The rise in assaults comes against a backdrop of persistent overcrowding at Cork Prison, which had 50 inmates sleeping on mattresses on the floor yesterday, with the figure having gone as high as 76 people without proper beds earlier this year. Fianna Fail TD for Cork North Central, Padraig OSullivan, said that the assault increases were undoubtedly due to overcrowding. Prison capacity in Cork is under constant pressure, he told The Echo. We urgently need the review that was commissioned into prison capacity nationwide to be published, as attacks on prison staff, and prisoner-on-prisoner incidents are undoubtedly caused by capacity pressures. He added that he has met with justice minister Jim OCallaghan and stressed the importance of addressing this issue. Im hopeful that he will be in a position to announce interventions regarding extending prison spaces in the coming months, he said. Mr OSullivan added that the average daily number in custody in Cork Prison increased from 271 in 2023 to 335 in 2024. In my opinion, much of the incidents occurring in our prisons could be curtailed if capacity was added, he said. An IPS spokesperson said that any act of violence against prison staff is unacceptable, and that any criminal act carried out within a prison, including an assault on a staff member, will be reported to An Gardai Siochana for investigation and prosecution. It is also vitally important that staff who are subject to acts of violence or who witness incidents in our prisons are given the necessary support afterwards. The Criminal Justices (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 increased the maximum sentence for assaulting or threatening to assault a peace officer from seven to 12 years, they said. All staff have access to the employee assistance programme, which provides a confidential service offering information, advice, and onward referrals, including playing a key role in supporting staff, particularly those injured on duty. The provision of an independent counselling service for staff, which is provided by Inspire Workplaces, has been an important addition to the supports available to staff, the spokesperson added. The feedback regarding this service is very positive. Progress on a Cork light rail similar to the Luas has been welcomed by public representatives, who have been invited to the launch of a non-statutory public consultation on its emerging preferred route. The launch will take place in the Millennium Hall, City Hall, on Monday April 14, and will be attended by the Lord Mayor Dan Boyle; Taoiseach Micheal Martin; and minister for transport Darragh OBrien. At the launch, representatives from Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority will brief councillors and officials on the proposed route and answer any questions. A consultation website will go live at 11 am on the morning of the launch, and submissions from all stakeholders and the public will be welcomed until Monday June 9 at 5:30 pm. Several open days will be held around the city to enable as many people as possible to meet the TII project team, to learn about the emerging preferred route and to have their say. Mr O'Brien said recently that the project is expected to cost between 2bn and 3bn. As of the end of June in 2024, 2,536,957 had been spent on the project. The preferred route had been expected to be revealed before the end of 2022, and last summer then-minister for transport promised it was due in the coming months. Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh O Laoghaire said that the Cork light rail is a crucial part of developing as a city and was needed for a 21st century public transport system. He told The Echo: This has been a priority of mine since I was elected, and I recall in 2017 when I raised with then-transport minister Shane Ross, he stated that there was 'no plans' for a Cork Light Rail. Thankfully, due to pressure, he moved this position to backing Light Rail in 2018. Progress since then has been too slow, and the strategy in the Cork Metropolitan Transport Strategy has too long a time frame, but it is a major step forward since then that we now have consultation in a real sense, he said. He called for the pace to escalate, and added in my view it shouldnt just be east to west, we need to consider north and south, why shouldnt a route serve Carrigaline, Douglas and in to the northside? Labour councillor and chair of the transport SPC Peter Horgan said: Its welcome that we finally have the consultation process beginning on a project that has always been spoken about but never realised. I would urge residents on the route, when announced, to engage proactively on this not just for their immediate area but the overall benefit this project can deliver for the city as a whole. The programme for the Cork International Choral Festival this May bank holiday weekend has been announced. The festival will run from April 30 to May 4 for its 70th edition, welcoming choirs from across Ireland and around the globe to perform in more than 90 venues throughout Cork city and county. Among the highlights is the return of the much-loved Afternoons in the Atrium series at the Clayton Hotel on May 3 and May 4, and the ever-popular Cobh Fringe Festival, which brings choirs to locations such as St Colmans Cathedral; Christ Church; the bandstand on the Promenade, Cobh; and several local schools. This year will see the festivals debut at one of Corks liveliest venues, The Marina Market, where choirs will perform on Saturday, May 3, in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Artistic director Peter Stobart said that the programme paid tribute to both the past and the future. Reaching our 70th edition is a testament to the enduring love of choral music in Cork and its power to bring people together, he said. This years programme honours our heritage while embracing innovation with extraordinary voices, stunning venues, and exciting collaborations that promise to make 2025 a truly unforgettable celebration, he added. The programme begins at Cork City Hall with Elgars The Dream of Gerontius, performed by the Cork Fleischmann Symphony Orchestra, East Cork Choral Society, and The Guinness Choir. Highlights of this years festival include the Cobh Fringe Festival, a performance by Denmarks Syng Selected, who will take to the stage at Cork City Hall, while the premiere of the winning piece in the 2025 Sean O Riada Composition Competition will take place at Saint Fin Barres Cathedral. The Fleischmann International Trophy and the Irelands Choir of the Year competitions will showcase the very best of international and Irish choral talent, respectively. The Cork International Choral Festival is proudly supported by The Arts Council, Failte Ireland, Cork City Council, and Cork County Council, with media partners including the Irish Examiner, The Echo/EchoLive, and Corks 96FM. Tickets and full programme details are available at www.corkchoral.ie A Cork county councillor has expressed concern about the lack of out-of-hours service provided by local authority dog wardens. Independent councillor Peter ODonoghue highlighted the issue at a recent northern committee meeting, following alleged incidents of dogs roaming around Mitchelstown and Mallow. Speaking to The Echo, Mr ODonoghue described the importance of the dog warden service in Cork, while he feels it is crucial that a service be provided over the weekends. Cork County Council need to acknowledge that we have a big issue here, especially when it comes to the safety. The dog warden service that Cork County Council provides is the only service in the entirety of county Cork. They are equipped and trained in dealing with dangerous dogs. There is no other service that does that in County Cork. So Cork County Council need to acknowledge that this service needs to be continued during the weekends and evenings. Not a full service, but an emergency service be in place for emergency situations because it cannot continue the way that it is going with literally no service in place out of hours. Responding to a query from The Echo, a spokesperson for Cork County Council said: Dog warden working hours at present provide for a 39-hour week. The service is delivered by the animal welfare unit of the planning and environment directorate and comprises currently of eight dog wardens, each of which is assigned responsibility for a specific area of the county. Funding has recently been approved by the Department of Rural and Community Development for the recruitment of two additional dog warden posts and we are in discussion with the department on the drawdown of same. The duties of the dog wardens relate primarily to enforcement of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 as amended, in areas such as dog licencing, stray dogs, animal welfare, dangerous breeds etc. While the animal welfare unit does not currently operate a formal out-of-hours service, arrangements are in place via the councils existing out-of-hours contact centre, to log and respond to priority incidents where required, in liaison with An Garda Siochana and other stakeholders as appropriate. Labour Party Cork city councillor Peter Horgan said the issue should also be addressed in the city. If dog wardens are constrained by inflexible working arrangements, then that is something that should be examined with unions and management in a manner that supports the aim goal for ensuring compliance with rules for dog owners. Irelands crucial pharmaceutical sector appears to have largely avoided a new US tariff rate for now, amid a broader 20% tax imposed on other goods from the European Union. But the industry, which accounts for a large portion of Irish exports, may be subjected to harsh tariffs at a later date as the White House seeks to increase domestic production. On Wednesday, US president Donald Trump announced a minimum baseline tariff of 10% on all imports from all countries, with additional higher rates for some regions including a 20% tax on goods from Ireland and the rest of the EU. The 10% rate is effective from April 5 while the individualised reciprocal higher rates will be implemented from April 9. Cork Chamber Cork Chamber has expressed concern over the US administration's announcement of a 20% tariff on all EU imports. Chamber President Rob Horgan said that the announcement by US President Donald Trump is very significant for our national and regional economy". "Our focus must now be on assessing the impact, supporting businesses, and working towards a constructive resolution. We must use our position within Europe and the global trade agreements already in place to our advantage while moving forward with new trade agreements, this will be essential to ensure continued and new access to key international markets. A measured and coordinated EU response will be critical in managing these developments, and Ireland must continue to actively engage in this process to safeguard our economic interests. Meanwhile, Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said the "level of exposure will vary across sectors and businesses, from large multinationals to SMEs". "Measures to mitigate the impact and safeguard jobs must be prioritised. In the short term, continued support for SMEs is essential as they adapt, by ensuring the resourcing of our state agencies and trade sections of our diplomatic corps which will need to play an enhanced role in supporting diversified market access. Additionally, support measures for impacted sectors will be crucial in helping the most vulnerable businesses manage cash flow, restructure operations and maintain employment while developing alternative markets," he said. Tariffs are not a constructive tool for economic progress. Now more than ever, we need dialogue and diplomacy, and a unified European response that works to de-escalate trade tensions and protect economic stability. Our business community is resilient, but a coordinated and calm response is needed to navigate these challenges and ensure long-term economic stability," Mr Healy added. Pharma Further information published by the White House after Mr Trumps address suggests some goods including pharmaceuticals and semiconductors will not be subject to the reciprocal tariff. Mr Trump has previously threatened tariffs on these sectors and may yet make further orders. There had been significant anxiety in Ireland in the run-up to Wednesdays announcement, with the US administrations protectionist approach to tariffs and tax posing a major risk to the Irish economy that is in large part sustained by long-standing investment by US multinationals. The potential impact on the pharmaceutical sector, which employs around 45,000 people, was a particular cause of concern. Total Irish exports were valued at 223.8 billion last year, with roughly one third going to the US. Of the 72.6 billion in US imports from Ireland, approximately 58 billion euro relates to pharmaceuticals and chemicals leaving Ireland. It had been projected this could halve if Mr Trump had implemented a 20% tariff on the goods and the EU had responded in kind. The immediate suggestion that pharmaceuticals are not currently part of the new tariff measures comes despite both Mr Trump and his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously focusing on Irelands moves to attract that sector. The US administration could still implement higher tariffs on pharmaceuticals at a later date, with the White House warning that future good-specific or sector-specific taxes may be announced. The industry will also have to examine the specifics of the lengthy and technical list of exemptions. 'No justification' Taoiseach Micheal Martin travelled to Washington DC last month, where the US president told him he did not want to do anything to hurt Ireland but added that the trade relationship between the countries should be focused on fairness. During Wednesdays announcement, Mr Trump said his administration was being very kind by implementing tariffs for most trading partners that were essentially half the rate of measures it had calculated was imposed on the US. Ireland was not specifically mentioned in the address, but Mr Trump emphasised his response to the EU. He said: They rip us off, it is so sad to see it is so pathetic. They charge us 39%, were going to charge 20% so were charging them essentially half. The comments means that the US administration considers that a full reciprocal tariff rate for the EU would be 39%. On Wednesday, Mr Martin said there was no justification for the imposition of the tariffs. He said the Irish Government will now reflect with EU partners on how best to proceed. He added: Any action should be proportionate, aimed at defending the interests of our businesses, workers and citizens. Now is a time for dialogue, and I believe that a negotiated way forward is the only sensible one. A confrontation is in no ones interests. Mr Martin said the Government was prioritising protecting jobs and the economy. By working with Irish-owned companies, multinationals, our EU partners and bilaterally with the US, we can and will weather this storm. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The fight for Sudans capital, Khartoum, likely involved widespread summary executions of civilians following its recent recapture by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), UN human rights chief Volker Turk said on Thursday A man has been arrested following an armed robbery at a Cork shop yesterday evening. A man entered the shop on Maryborough Hill, Douglas at around 6.30pm yesterday, April 2. He was in possession of what was suspected to be a firearm, and a sum of money was taken before he left the scene. A short time later a man is his 40s was arrested nearby and detained in Togher Garda Station. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana told The Echo: Gardai were alerted to an armed robbery in Broadale, Cork on Wednesday evening. "Shortly before 6.30pm, a male entered a commercial premises on Maryborough Hill with a suspected firearm. "A quantity of cash was stolen, and the male left the scene. A male in his 40s was arrested a short time later at a nearby location and is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at a Garda Station in Cork city. No injuries were reported following the incident and investigations are ongoing. More than 1,250 patients were treated on a trolley, chair, or in another inappropriate bed space in Cork last month, according to the INMO. Of these, 907 people were treated in Cork University Hospital, which was the second-most overcrowded hospital in Ireland in March, as it has been almost every month for the last year. There were a further 263 patients treated on trolleys in Mercy University Hospital and 88 in Bantry General Hospital, a total of 1,258 in Cork hospitals. The Cork figure marks a slight reduction from 1,334 in February of this year, when 1,014 patients were treated on trolleys in CUH, with a further 284 in the Mercy and 36 in Bantry. Nationally, more than 9,124 patients were admitted to hospital without a bed during the month. The INMO has long said that staffing is impacting patient care, and the numbers come as a planned work-to-rule action, set to begin last Monday, was suspended. The INMO along with Forsa, Connect, Unite, and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association suspended the action which was being taken over the HSEs pay and numbers strategy, which they said was curtailing safe staffing. The work-to-rule and other non-co-operation action by union members in the HSE and Section 38 voluntary hospitals was suspended after 22 hours of engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission. Corks Colm Porter, assistant director of industrial relations for the INMO, told The Echo over the weekend that the unions executive council will consider the proposals, then ballot members about accepting or rejecting them. The lawyer for the man accused of murdering his wife by slashing her throat with a carving knife said it was not a cold-blooded killing but a tragic accident, but the prosecution lawyer said the accused was trying to sell the jury a pup. 43-year-old Regin Parithapara Rajan, denies the single charge of murdering his wife, 38-year-old Deepa Paruthiyezhuth Dinamani at their home at Cardinal Court, Wilton, Cork, on July 14, 2023. Prosecution senior counsel Sean Gillane began his closing address today by quoting from the evidence of Ullas Dinamani, the deceased womans brother, who addressed the trial by video link from India. Mr Dinamani said: My sister wanted a divorce and Regin was not ready to He said in one conversation he would not let her go. Jury Mr Gillane told the seven women and five men of the jury in the trial presided over by Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford at the Central Criminal Court in Cork that what the accused gave in evidence from the witness box and his claim that what happened on the day of his wifes death was an accident that this was an attempt to sell you a pup. He referred to the defendants description of what he alleged happened on July 14, 2023, that it was a tragic accident where she picked up the knife to tell him to get out of her bedroom, that he took it, she grabbed his hand and the slashing of her own throat happened in a struggle. Mr Gillane commented: Weak and ineffective men have been blaming women for centuries and you do not need to go to Kerala to find that, it is not a cultural thing. The prosecution senior counsel urged the jury to examine the evidence of the accused man purchasing the carving knife two days before his wifes death and to consider the Google searches made by Regin Rajan, including searches in relation to carving knives and prison conditions in Ireland before July 14, 2023. Defence senior counsel Brian McInerney said to the jury: Whatever happens, it is a tragedy. Nothing you do can unwind that tragedy. What does the prosecution say? The prosecution is that this was a cold-blooded, intentional, deliberate, wilful killing, that he went into that room with a deliberate intention to take this life. Mr McInerney said the accused was presumed innocent and that even if the jury did not believe a single word Regin Rajan told them that was not the end of the matter, that they still had to examine the prosecution case, block by block. Evidence The defence counsel asked where the evidence was of the fatal wound being inflicted with a sweeping movement. He accepted: Whatever happened, it happened quickly. As for the prosecution case that it was premediated and planned, he asked: If you were going to dispatch your wife or husband in this planned operation would you not with the minimum of effort stab them at night when they are asleep or stab them in the back catch them unawares. Ask yourself why for such a planned operation he went to Tesco and bought a knife. If you were planning a murder would you go to a shopping centre that is peppered with cameras, buy a knife, a bottle of water and a bottle of whiskey, use your Revolut card and claim the Tesco points on your Clubcard. Or would you try to conceal the thing. Knives can be bought in any kind of place And there is a block full of knives in the kitchen (of the deceased and the defendants home). Why would you buy one in Tesco when you have five or six? he said. He reminded the jury of the defendants evidence that his late wife had asked him to buy a carving knife for cutting fish. Also reminding the jury of the defendants evidence that it was an accident that happened in a tussle, Mr McInerney said: It is a tragic case, it an awful case, a human life has been lost but I would urge you to consider this is not a cold-blooded intentional killing, it is not murder. Whatever it is, it is not murder. I urge you not to find him guilty of murder. The case continues. Scientists from University College Cork (UCC) have launched an initiative encouraging members of the public to go fossil hunting. The Great Irish Fossil Hunt campaign, which began at the college on Wednesday, asks citizen scientists who may come across fossils in their area to take a picture and log it with the UCC research team. The images submitted via the online form will then be used to build a fossil map of Ireland which will be launched later this year at a major Fossil Expo taking place at UCC during Science Week. Easy to find Dr Jess Franklin, senior public engagement officer with the campaign team said it is relatively easy to find fossils all around the country. There are lots of fossils exposed in rocks along the coast, but you dont have to go that far fossils are also really common in our footpaths and building stones you can literally pass fossils on your way to your local corner shop. Now, were asking people to take a quick snap of these fossils with your mobile phone and send it to us. The campaign form includes a section where the Google Maps location of the fossil can be noted, along with any other detailed location information. Preserved Here in Ireland, we have a wonderful fossil heritage that includes amazing ancient sea creatures and huge ancient forests, all preserved in our limestone, sandstone, and mudstone rocks, campaign leader, Professor Maria McNamara, said. We have even more fossils visible in the buildings, walls and pavements of our towns and cities. We want to capture the full range of fossils that are visible in both urban and natural environments to make a new fossil map that makes fossils really accessible to people, no matter whether they live. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on August 31. More information on The Great Irish Fossil Hunt can be found at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/eri/news/the-great-irish-fossil-hunt.html. Two alleged members of a Lithuanian organised crime gang operating in Cork were remanded in custody yesterday today at Cork District Court. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said an adjournment of the case was required in order to receive directions from the DPP. Aleksandras Kuznecovas, aged 38, of no fixed address, agreed to a four-week adjournment until May 1. Jonas Pavilionis, aged 46, of no fixed address, would not consent to the longer adjournment and was remanded in custody by Judge Mary Dorgan until April 17. Both accused were represented by solicitor Eddie Burke. Last week, Detective Garda Linda OKeeffe said: Gardai believe this Lithuanian organised crime gang are involved in the sale of supply of a large quantity of diamorphine [heroin] in Cork City. At an early stage in the investigation, Aleksandras Kuznecovas was identified as one of the main street dealers in the operation. During this investigation, Aleksandras Kuznecovas sold diamorphine on three different occasions to undercover gardai. The dates of these controlled purchases were January 19, 2024, at Thomas Davis Bridge, Western Rd, Cork, and January 23, 2024, [on Mardyke Bridge] and January 25, 2024, [on banks of Lee Walkway]. Three bags of diamorphine were sold. Detective Garda Ruairi McGovern arrested Jonas Pavilionis and objected to bail in his case. When solicitor Mr Burke put it to him about his concern that the accused would leave the country if granted bail, the detective said: He would be gone in two seconds. He was charged with having heroin and possessing it for sale or supply on the second floor of Douglas Shopping Centre carpark on March 25, and having a machete on the same date. The value of the alleged seizure was 3,920. He was also charged that on March 23 at Audley Place, St Patricks Hill, Cork, he had two bill-hooks. The allegation was that he was seen stashing them behind an electricity box. The detective said Operation Fustian targeted this particular gang, and he alleged that the accused was an integral part of it and only came to Cork eight weeks ago. He was brought here purely for the purpose of protection, said Det Gda McGovern. New figures show the RNLI came to the aid of 1,007 people in 2024 22 of whom would have died if they had not been rescued, it is believed. The RNLI defines a life saved as an incident where, had it not been for the intervention of the RNLI, emergency services and/or a third party, a life would have been lost. The charitys lifeboats across Irish region stations launched more than 880 times last year. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in the Irish region and is independent of Coast Guard and the Government, depending on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. High demand With demand for its lifesaving services at a high, the charity is putting out its own Mayday call, and urging the public to get involved with its national fundraising event, the Mayday Mile. Usually its our lifeboats crews heading out to respond to Mayday calls, but now were the ones asking for help, Courtmacsherry RNLI Coxswain Ken Cashman said. Thousands of people get into danger on and around the water each year and need our help, but everything we do is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Its clear from these new figures that demand for our services remains high, with our lifesavers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes. Were now heading towards our busiest time of year, so were putting out our call for help to raise the funds which will help keep our lifesaving service going today and allow us to be there when were needed most. Participants are challenged to cover a mile a day for the entire month of May, with every cent raised going towards making sure that the charitys lifesavers have everything they need to keep people safe throughout the summer and beyond. To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLIs lifesavers, visit: https://fundraise.rnli.org/event/mayday-mile/home. Kenneth Fox Ireland now has the strongest passport in the world, according to The Nomad Passport Index for 2025. It placed us in the top spot, followed by Switzerland, Greece and Portugal. It's the first time the Irish passport has held the position solo, after sharing the top spot with Luxembourg and Sweden back in 2020. The criteria in the ranking includes visa-free travel, taxation, global perception, ability to hold dual citizenship and personal freedom, with Ireland getting an overall score of 109.00. European countries hold nine of the top 10 spots, while the United States comes 45th. According to the index they said: "Ireland takes the Nomad Passport Index top spot in 2025, edging out Switzerland as the back-and-forth battle between two of Europes neutral states enters its second year. "While both countries offer world-class global mobility, Ireland pulls ahead thanks to a slight edge in visa-free, visa-on-arrival and ETA-based travel, combined with fast-track citizenship options. "Irish citizens enjoy the right to live and work freely across the EU and, uniquely, in the UK. "With its strong international reputation, entrepreneur-friendly tax policies and the overall flexibility of its passport, Ireland claims the title of the worlds strongest passport for 2025." They said the index was designed to educate aspiring global citizens about the true value of the worlds citizenships. They said, "While most indices and most people think of a passport only in terms of travel privileges, we understand that citizens of different countries deal with very different requirements to pay tax, live freely, comply with regulations and avoid scrutiny when travelling." By Cillian Sherlock, PA The Taoiseach has raised concern over Hungarys intent to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. Hungarys prime minister said the ICC, based in The Hague, The Netherlands, was a political court rather than an impartial body. He made the remarks as Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Hungary, where he was not arrested under a warrant which had been previously issued by the ICC. Hungary, as a current member of the ICC, would be required to arrest Mr Netanyahu under the terms of the warrant which found there is reason to believe they bear criminal responsibility for crimes perpetrated in the war in Gaza, including the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. The ICC does not have a mechanism to enforce this obligation on Hungary. The charges are denied by the Israeli officials. Viktor Orban has been accused of acting in ways that are antagonistic to the EU and has faced criticism for crack downs on civil society and human rights group. Asked about the development, Taoiseach MicheAl Martin said: I am concerned about trends within Hungary and there are procedures there in terms of dealing with member states who we believe have either transgressed the law or who are not really behaving in the full spirit of EU unity, or indeed adherence to EU treaties. Mr Martin said Ireland fully supports the ICC and had provided significant, additional funding to the ICC, adding: International rule of law is extremely important, and Ireland will continue to adhere to it. He was speaking during a joint press conference with Irelands EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, who holds responsibility for rule of law. Mr Martin added: Theres a step-by-step approach there, I know Commissioner McGrath has responsibilities in the area rule of law, and Im very conscious of the citizens of Hungary, many of whom eagerly want to obviously remain within the European Union, want to be part of the European Union. Im always very conscious of that in terms of my engagement with our EU member states. But it is a concern, weve fully supported the ICC. Weve provided significant funding, additional funding above any per capita contribution to the ICC. Mr McGrath said he had visited Hungary last week, adding that the Commission has well documented concerns for the rule of law there. I had direct engagement with a range of civil society organisations and media bodies during my visit there, and I am concerned at much of what I heard. I think there is a narrowing of the safe space for civil society organisations to operate within, and theres also a real challenge to having a free and independent, pluralist media within the country, and that has a direct impact on the operation of the democratic institutions, holding people to account. And thats why the EU has had to, regrettably, use the tools at its disposal, and that has included withholding about 18 billion euro funding that should be made available to the people of Hungary who strongly support EU membership. Mr McGrath said he regrets Hungarys intent to withdraw from the ICC. We need countries to support the system of international justice, and the ICC is at the heart of that. In February, US President Donald Trump issued sanctions against the court for its investigations into Israels conduct of the war in Gaza. Mr McGrath said: I visited them in The Hague back in January. Theyre in a very challenging period at the moment, as you know, for different reasons, but unfortunately, this is another retrograde step from Hungarian Authorities, and lets see what happens over the period ahead. Mr Martin and TAnaiste Simon Harris have both previously said that Ireland would arrest Mr Netanyahu under the terms of the warrant, should he enter its territory. A one-time international operations manager for a leading software and services provider, Cork woman Maria Gillen turned her passion for storytelling into a full-time occupation. Having spent two years from 2020 to 2022 as Artistic Director for the Listowel International Storytelling Festival, and winning numerous storytelling competitions, such as Finuge and The Butter Roads in Blarney, Maria is well known on the storytelling circuit. She also represented Ireland at the UNESCO-backed International Storytelling Festival in Morocco. Maria grew up in Mayfield and enjoyed a childhood filled with stories. I caught up with her recently at the charity radio station Cork City Community Radio, where she has a weekly hourly slot, delighting listeners with imaginative tales. Her career path, like her stories, has many twists and turns. Maria spent 22 years as a Crisis Manager in the global business environment. Ive always told stories, but I havent always told stories for a living, she says. Maria says that it was her mother, grandmother and great grandmother who told her stories. Her great grandmother, whose parents lived through the Irish famine, was a Bean Feasa, or wise woman. Maria was 14 when her great grandmother died. The Mayfield woman explains how her grandmother would ask her the Ceist Eolais (wise question) if she wanted Maria to come up with an answer for herself. In the business world, Maria sometimes found herself asking what would my grandmother say? When Marias secondary school education ended, there was a recession in the country. When I finished school in 1984, youd take any job you could get, the pharmaceutical and computer companies hadnt really taken root in Cork yet. I got a job in Cashs, and it was a miracle to get that job. It was lovely. From there, Maria took on various jobs in administration, The admin roles were getting more senior as I went along. I got involved in a start-up company, Space Craft Industries (SCI) in Fermoy, they made parts for the space industry. We went to a team of over 500 in that first year and I became senior administrator. I loved the start-ups. Marias ambition and proven success led her to other industries. I wanted to get a broader breadth of experience, I always ended up in sales, I think the gift of the gab helped. Maria with John Row, artistic director of the Marrakech International Storytelling Festival. She then moved to England to work in the telecommunications sector. In the late 90s I remember my boss telling me that one day we could do our banking online and I was like, Sure God love us. Returning to Ireland in 2004, Maria joined the utilities company Amdocs, and was promoted to Europe, Middle East and Africa Operations manager. I noticed when I was managing this culturally diverse area, a lot of the things that we were being taught, Id heard them somewhere before, and then I realised it was from my mother, my granny, and my great granny. Emotional intelligence, transactional analysis and seven habits for success were the big topics of the day. I love expanding my mind and I decided to study psychotherapy at the weekends. Maria says she used storytelling in her work to help reduce staff turnover and in crisis management. In stories, you can say the unsayable, she explains. Listening to my mothers voice in my head, it would put the person in the centre, bring the humanity back. Why did Maria leave the corporate world? I became so interested in the positive effect of storytelling, I thought, this is what I want to be doing with my life. It was a huge wrench, and a hard decision to leave the corporate environment with all its security. In the meantime, I went back to college to do a Masters in Drama Therapy. When youre out in the storytelling world, it just makes you feel alive. Maria says that her stories can be about anything, from Irelands Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic way to stories she co-created with people. The Cork woman mentions one called Grumpy Gobs, which she and her young niece created together and is popular in schools. Maria works as a storyteller, psychotherapist and drama therapist and uses storytelling in these latter two disciplines also. In a society where our phones and social media absorb a lot of our time and artificial intelligence is thriving, it seems storytelling is more relevant than ever as a way of preserving our heritage and keeping our creativity alive. Maria strongly believes in the healing power of the story, and how stories can be used to solve problems and learn things. If I had a magic wand, I would make storytelling a subject in schools for kids, because it covers every subject, it brings it to life and cements it in the cinema of their internal world. It gives us a sense of place and makes us brilliant communicators. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. 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. The Salmisaari power plant in the Ruoholahti quarter of the Lansisatama neighborhood of Helsinki, Finland. Antonio Lopez Garcia / iStock / Getty Images Plus The last utility-scale coal plant in Finland has closed. The Salmisaari plant, operated by the Helsinki-owned energy group called Helen, shut down its final coal-powered electricity and heat plant on Tuesday, as the country focuses on more renewable energy sources. As Reuters reported, Finland passed a law in 2019 that would ban coal after 2029. To respond to that target, the country ramped up its expansion of renewable energies, leading to an even quicker end to regular coal-fired power production than expected. Of course, we cannot say that not a single gramme of coal will be burned in Finland anymore, because there are various crisis situation solutions, but this is indeed Finlands last coal power plant that is in daily production use, Olli Sirkka, CEO of Helen, told Reuters. As Power Magazine reported, wind energy capacity alone in Finland increased by more than double since 2020. Now, it contributes nearly one-quarter of the countrys energy, while the closure of the last coal-fired plant means coal-powered energy will make up less than 1% of the energy in Finland. In 2023, coal made up 6.7% of Finlands total energy supply, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The Salmisaari plant generated 175 megawatts of electricity and 300 megawatts of heat per year. Now, Helen will meet energy demands using wind, nuclear, hydropower and solar energy and will meet heating needs with heat pumps, waste heat, electric boilers, bioenergy and environmental heat sources. Finland will reserve some coal for energy security purposes and emergencies, and some companies may continue to use limited amounts of coal to meet peak demand needs until the countrys coal ban takes place in 2029. According to Helen, the end to coal-fired energy production will reduce the companys annual carbon emissions by about 50% compared to its 2024 levels, and its emissions are now about 20% of the levels from 1990. By 2030, the company plans for its emissions to be less than 5% of the 1990 level of emissions. Helsinkis emissions are expected to decrease by around 30% compared to last year, and Finlands emissions are expected to decline about 2% compared to 2024. In addition to reducing emissions, Helen noted that this shift to cleaner energy and heating sources will help reduce customers utility bill costs and increase Finlands self-sufficiency. We have been able to improve our competitiveness by investing in the flexibility of the energy system in line with our strategy and shifting our production to clean solutions, Sirkka said. This way, we can operate more profitably with lower customer prices. Our success is an excellent indication that, at best, the clean transition, cost efficiency and Finlands security of supply can go hand in hand. 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. People demonstrate outside the main campus of the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia on April 1, 2025. Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images Thousands of United States health workers were laid off on Tuesday as part of the Trump administrations massive purge of federal employees, including top scientists and senior leaders in charge of regulating food and drugs, researching treatments and cures and protecting Americans from disease. Termination emails were sent out to employees of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and several smaller agencies, reported NPR. Today, two billionaires are making good on their vow to take a wrecking ball to the Department of Health and Human Services and put Americans health and wellbeing at serious risk, said Democratic Senator from Washington State Patty Murray, who is former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, in a press release. These firings make a lot of sense if you believe measles spreading like wildfire is good or think we should be slashing cancer research. While Republicans work to pass more tax breaks for billionaires, Trump, Musk, and RFK Jr. are ripping essential health services away from the American people and decimating our countrys ability to prevent outbreaks and keep families safe. HHS announced last week that it planned to fire 10,000 people, NPR reported. The forced layoffs are in addition to the roughly 10,000 employees who have already left or whose jobs have been terminated. Its in Project 2025, said one HHS supervisor, an employee of 20 years, as she waited in a line to find out if she would lose her job, reported The Guardian. Basically since February theyve been telling us we might be let go. Were being led through a security line like you would if you were at TSA, the supervisor said. We have to take off our shoes, take out our laptops, and they have to check our badge to make sure we can swipe it, and then check our names against a list. Employees of the Department of Health and Human Services stand in line to enter the Mary E. Switzer Memorial Building in Washington, DC on April 2, 2025. Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images The Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice (DEHSP), part of the CDCs National Center for Environmental Health, has been slated to be eliminated in its entirety, an internal email from Director Ari Bernstein said, as Politicos E&E News reported. Former officials and outside experts described the firings and loss of expertise at the agencies as a bloodletting, reported The New York Times. The cuts are part of a wider plan by HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who announced last week that he intended to reduce the number of employees at HHS from 82,000 to 62,000. The plan includes a number of agencies being collapsed into the new Administration for a Healthy America. The intention of the restructuring is to bring the functions and communications of the agency under the direct supervision of Kennedy, who has said he will make America healthy again. These cuts to agency experts and programs leave our country less safe, less prepared and without the necessary talent and resources to respond to health threats, said Mandy Cohen, head of the CDC during the Biden administration, in a text message, as The New York Times reported. Kennedy is also getting rid of departments like the Administration for Community Living, which supports programs to help people with disabilities and older Americans live independently. Today was simply a tragedy, said Michael T. Osterholm, director of University of Minnesotas Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, who has been a presidential advisor. There is so much intellectual capital that literally got swept under the rug today in this country, and we are going to pay a price for this for years to come. 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. Turtle doves in Serbia. The birds are a species of pigeon who mate for life. nedomacki / iStock / Getty Images Plus The European Commission has lifted a ban on hunting vulnerable turtle doves for sport. The commission announced that EU countries could reopen the European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) hunting season in areas of Western Europe. The reopening followed a pause on hunting the birds initiated in 2021. The Turtle-dove did its part. Left alone, it started to recover. But governments failed to uphold their end of the deal. Instead of fixing weak enforcement and protecting habitats, theyre rushing to lift the ban. This is reckless and shortsighted. We know where this path leads straight back to the brink. The European Commission should have stood firm and kept the moratorium, said Barbara Herrero, BirdLife Europes senior nature conservation policy officer, in a press release from the nonprofit. The ban had stopped the hunting of turtle doves in France, Spain, Portugal and the Western Flyway in northwest Italy in 2021. In 2022, it had halted hunting in Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Austria, Romania, Malta and the Central-Eastern Flyway in Cyprus. Hunting is a major driver of the species decline, yet instead of strengthening protections, the Commission is opening the door to more killing, BirdLife Europe said. The hunting pause worked. Data shows that after years of decline, the Turtle-dove population in the Western Flyway has started to recover. But in the Central-Eastern Flyway, where hunting bans have not been properly enforced, no recovery has been observed. European turtle doves continue to be listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List due to unsustainable hunting, habitat loss and food shortages caused by intensive farming and pesticides. Turtle doves are a member of the pigeon species who mate for life. Each year they fly across Europe from sub-Saharan Africa to breed in northern European countries during the summer months, reported The Guardian. In countries like Italy and Spain, people shoot migrating turtle doves for sport. Without the ban, hunters will be permitted to shoot 132,000 of the birds across France, Italy and Spain. Alejandro Martinez, president of the Royal Spanish Hunting Federation, said European turtle doves are classed as game because they can be sustainably hunted and serve a traditional social, economic, cultural or culinary purpose. Hunting in Spain generates 6.5bn and 200,000 jobs, Martinez said, as The Guardian reported. This serves as a driving force for development in rural areas that subsist and prosper thanks to the use of species like the turtle dove. The European Commission based its decision to end the hunting moratorium on three conditions: a rise in turtle dove survival rates; a population increase for a minimum of two consecutive years; and effective enforcement, monitoring and control systems. But one of these conditions has still not been met. While population numbers have improved, the enforcement systems remain weak and unreliable, BirdLife Europe said. The Commission is relying on a 1.5% hunting quota, assuming it will be sustainable, but there is no way to ensure that hunters will stick to this limit. The risk is clear. Without proper controls, overhunting will resume, and the species will start declining again. According to BirdLife Europe, illegal and unsustainable hunting in the Central-Eastern Flyway continues unchecked. Greeces Ionian Islands are a hotspot for the illegal killing of migratory turtle doves, and Malta has continued hunting turtle doves illegally in the spring. The Turtle-dove is not safe. Without strong protections, we risk another devastating population crash. The European Commission must act responsibly and put nature before politics, the press release said. Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) officially took its aviation ambitions higher and broke ground on the Currituck Flight Training Center. This $8.1 million facility, funded by the state Legislature, will elevate ECSU's aviation program and address the growing demand for aviation professionals. As shovels hit the dirt, the university took another step in turning dreams into departures. The ceremony took place last week near the Currituck Regional Airport, where university officials, faculty, students and community members gathered to celebrate the expansion. The new center will feature a 4,800-square-foot classroom and office facility, along with a 6,600-square-foot hangar directly connected to the airport via a taxiway. "This groundbreaking marks a monumental step forward for Elizabeth City State University and our commitment to aviation excellence for our students, faculty and staff. Thanks to the support of the NC General Assembly, UNC Board of Governors and UNC System, our partners and our dedicated community, we are not just expanding our programwe are shaping the future of aviation," said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. ECSU's aviation science program has experienced a 48% increase in student enrollment this year, making it the largest major at the university. The Currituck Flight Training Center will accommodate this growth by relocating advanced students to the new facility, while beginning students will continue training at the Elizabeth City airport. The university plans to move some of its 19 aircraft and six Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved flight simulators to the Currituck location to enhance training opportunities. Kuldeep Rawat, Thorpe Endowed professor and dean of the School of Science, Aviation, Health and Technology, said, "The opening of our Flight Training Center in Currituck County will be a major milestone in our commitment to expanding aviation education and workforce development in the region. We are excited about the long-term impact this center will have on our students, the local economy, and the future of the aviation workforce. This expansion proves our dedication to positioning ECSU's aviation program as a premier collegiate flight training provider." ECSU offers the nation's most affordable collegiate flight program, with the NC Promise Program allowing students to major in aviation for just $500 per semester for tuition. Looking to the Future As ECSU continues to grow its aviation program, the future looks bright. The Currituck Flight Training Center is expected to open in 2026, providing state-of-the-art facilities for students. However, ECSU isn't just focused on one runway. The long-term goal is to have a presence in every corner of North Carolina. Along with the Currituck hub, ECSU plans to establish four additional aviation hubs across North Carolina to ensure students across the state have access to premier aviation education and flight training. Beyond its own flight hubs, ECSU is setting its sights on new partnerships to expand access to aviation education. ECSU aims to extend its reach even further by partnering with independent flight schools. Through these partnerships, students can take ECSU aviation courses online while training at affiliate flight schools, making it easier than ever for aspiring pilots. Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds emphasized the importance of increasing the institution's aviation footprint. "The groundbreaking of our Currituck Flight Training Center is just the beginning of a much larger vision. At ECSU, we are not just looking to expand our aviation programwe are redefining aviation education across North Carolina and beyond. Through our flight hubs and partnerships with affiliate flight schools, we are ensuring that aspiring pilots have access to the resources they need to succeed. With these plans in motion, ECSU isn't just training students to flyit's reimagining how and where aviation education happens. This vision will position ECSU as the go-to destination for aviation education whether on campus, online, or at one of ECSU's aviation hubs. The university ensures that North Carolina's next generation of aviators can chart their own coursewherever they are. 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Sources told Bloomberg that Microsoft has delayed or slowed data center efforts in Indonesia, the UK, Australia, Illinois, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Some of the cases meant withdrawing from negotiations, while others have involved delays on planned construction projects, according to these insiders. These data centers would be central to Microsoft's efforts to develop more capabilities around artificial intelligence. Despite the apparent shift in its approach, a Microsoft rep told Bloomberg that the company still plans to hold to its $80 billion spending budget on data centers during its 2025 fiscal year. Engadget has reached out for confirmation and will update if we receive comment from Microsoft. That was the figure laid out in a blog post attributed to Vice-Chair and President Brad Smith. The post, published days before President Trump's inauguration, included some ingratiating language for the new administration. "The country has a unique opportunity to pursue this vision and build on the foundational ideas set for AI policy during President Trumps first term," it reads. "At Microsoft, we are excited to take part in this journey." Traeger's only gas-powered grill is its Flatrock flat-top griddle. Besides this one model, everything else in the company's lineup runs on wood pellets. Since griddles continue to be insanely popular backyard cooking tools, Traeger is expanding its Flatrock line with a smaller, two-burner option. The Flatrock 2 Zone has all of the features from the larger version, which is now called the Flatrock 3 Zone, in a griddle that takes up less space on your deck, patio or porch. As the name suggests, the Flatrock 2 Zone has two separate cooking areas with precise heat control for each one. U-shaped burners consistently heat the entire cooking surface and an edge-to-edge, wind-blocking design helps keep the flame running smoothly without burnouts or flare-ups. Like the Flatrock 3 Zone, there are folding side shelves for resting tools and trays, plus the Pop-And-Lock (PAL) rail system allows you to add the snap-on accessories you need to complete your griddle setup. The EZ-Clean grease keg from other recent Traeger grills is here as well, making it easy to get rid of liquids and debris after cooking. Traeger The main appeal of the Flatrock 2 Zone is that it's smaller than the original model. You'll still have the ability to make breakfasts, smash burgers, fajitas and more with the griddle's 468 square inches of cooking surface, but this new version will fit better in smaller outdoor spaces. It's also $200 cheaper at $700. Unfortunately, there's no word on availability just yet: Traeger says the Flatrock 2 Zone is coming "soon" to its website and retailers in the US and Canada. If you're looking for an alternative, Weber's Slate griddles are well-built and offer various options depending on the size and features you're after. Starting at $549, you can get the three-burner, 28-inch base model that comes on a basic cart similar to the company's gas grills. Even this smallest Weber option offers more cooking area than the Flatrock 2 Zone at 504 square inches. At the top end, there's a four-burner, 36-inch version that comes with an easy-to-read digital temperature gauge and enclosed storage for $999. What's more, Weber offers a 30-inch size in between those two, with various storage configurations and an the option to include that battery-powered temperature gauge. This one is If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Thursday, April 3, 2025 Watching a loved one struggle with dementia or Alzheimers can be confusing and overwhelming for anyoneespecially children. They may notice changes in their grandparents behavior, memory, or personality and feel unsure of how to respond. How do we help children make sense of whats happening in a way that fosters understanding, empathy, and patience? According to Next Avenue , open and age-appropriate conversations can help grandchildren process and cope with a loved ones cognitive decline. Rather than shielding children from the reality of dementia, experts recommend explaining it in ways they can understand, while also encouraging them to maintain a loving relationship with their grandparent. Children are naturally curious and will notice when something changes in a loved ones behavior. If they dont receive an explanation, they may feel confused, scared, or even think the situation is their fault. Research from the Alzheimers Society suggests that children who understand dementia are more likely to develop patience, compassion, and resilience when interacting with affected family members. By discussing dementia openly, we can: ? Help kids process changes in a healthy way. ? Reduce fear and anxiety by giving them facts instead of uncertainty. ? Encourage meaningful relationships despite cognitive decline. ? Foster empathy and understanding. 1. Use Simple and Honest Language Children dont need complex medical explanations. Instead, use language appropriate for their age. For example: ? Grandmas brain is having trouble remembering things, kind of like when you lose your toys and cant find them. ? Grandpa might say things that dont make sense because his brain is working differently now. Books like Grandpa Forgets by Suzi Lewis-Barned and Still My Grandma by Veronique Van den Abeele provide gentle ways to introduce children to dementia. 2. Encourage Questions and Feelings Let children know that its okay to feel sad, confused, or even frustrated. Ask open-ended questions like: ? What do you notice about Grandma that feels different? ? How do you feel when Grandpa forgets your name? Websites like Dementia UK provide additional resources for helping children express their emotions in a supportive way. 3. Use Visual Aids and Interactive Learning Some kids learn best through visuals. Videos, memory games, and digital resources can help them understand dementia in an engaging way. Apps like MindMate offer brain-training exercises and educational tools about cognitive health. For younger children, PBS Kids has an episode of Arthur explaining memory loss in a gentle, relatable way. One of the biggest fears children have when a loved one has dementia is that they will lose their grandparent. Maintaining a connection, even as the disease progresses, can help both the grandchild and grandparent feel valued and loved. 1. Embrace Simple, Familiar Activities Encourage grandchildren to engage in activities that their grandparent can still enjoy, such as: ? Looking at old photo albums and telling stories. ? Singing favorite songs together. ? Doing simple crafts or coloring. The Alzheimers Foundation of America suggests choosing activities that rely more on emotions and sensory engagement rather than memory recall. 2. Use Technology to Stay Connected If distance is a challenge, video calls can help keep the bond strong. Apps like CarePredict provide family connection tools designed specifically for loved ones with cognitive impairment. 3. Celebrate the Present Moment Rather than focusing on what has been lost, encourage kids to appreciate what remains. A study in The Gerontologist ( source ) found that even in advanced dementia, emotional memory remains strong, meaning that feelings of love and joy linger even when specific memories fade. Witnessing cognitive decline can be difficult for children, so its important to provide emotional support. 1. Reassure Them That Its Not Their Fault Children sometimes think theyve done something wrong when a grandparent forgets their name or seems distant. Let them know that dementia is a disease, not a personal choice, and that their grandparent still loves them. 2. Encourage Expression Through Art or Journaling Journaling can help children process emotions in a safe space. Apps like Daylio offer mood-tracking and journaling tools for children who prefer digital formats. 3. Seek Support from Other Families Sometimes, connecting with others in similar situations helps children feel less alone. Support groups for families dealing with dementia can be found through Alzheimers Association or local community centers. ? Read age-appropriate books together: Titles like Whats Happening to Grandpa? by Maria Shriver can make difficult conversations easier. Titles like Whats Happening to Grandpa? by Maria Shriver can make difficult conversations easier. ? Encourage meaningful activities: Whether its listening to music, crafting, or simply holding hands, small moments create lasting memories. ? Introduce educational resources: Websites like Being Patient provide digestible, research-backed information on dementia. ? Join a support network: Connecting with other families facing dementia can provide emotional and practical support. Dementia can change many things, but it doesnt have to erase the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. By fostering understanding, encouraging connection, and offering emotional support, families can help children navigate this journey with love, patience, and resilience. Have you helped a child understand a loved ones dementia? What strategies worked for your family? Share your experiences and join the discussion in our community: https://agebrilliantly.org/forum/ . Key Takeaways Whooping cough cases are rising in Louisiana and across the U.S. Two infants in Louisiana have died from the illness in the past six months Experts urge family members, pregnant women to stay up to date on vaccines THURSDAY, April 3, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Health experts are warning that whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is making a dangerous comeback. Cases are rising across the country, and Louisiana recently reported that two infants have died -- the states first deaths from the illness since 2018. For infants, its really rather terrifying, Dr. John Schieffelin, an associate professor of pediatrics at Tulane University, told CNN. Theyre just coughing so much, they cant eat, they cant drink, and they often get a pneumonia, which means we have to put them on a ventilator. They just never stop coughing. Whooping cough is a contagious illness that causes long, painful coughing fits. Many have to be placed on ventilators due to pneumonia and nonstop coughing, Schieffelin added. So far this year, Louisiana has reported 110 cases of pertussis. Thats close to the 154 total cases reported for all of 2024, CNN reported. The U.S. saw more than 35,000 cases last year -- the most in over 10 years. Ten people also died, including six babies under 1 year old, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Experts say that low vaccination rates and fading immunity are driving the surge. When you start to see these outbreaks it tends to be as a result of that increased circulation of the microbe in the community, as well as populations with no immunity or reduced immunity that are susceptible to the infection, Lisa Morici, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane University School of Medicine, told CNN. Children should get the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, or DTaP, vaccine at 2, 4, 6 and 15-18 months, and again at 4 to 6 years of age. A booster (Tdap) is recommended at age 11 or 12, and again every 10 years for adults, according to the CDC. Pregnant women are urged to get the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester. This helps protect babies too young to get vaccinated, according to the CDC. The CDC says this prevents 78% of cases in newborns and is 91% effective at preventing hospital stays. Schieffelin also recommend "cocooning," a tactic in which family members and caregivers get vaccinated to help protect infants. Declining vaccination rates are a big concern, experts say. Fewer kindergartners in the U.S. are getting the DTaP shots, leaving many kids at risk. Some experts also blame a lack of access to care. Especially in a state like Louisiana, weve got a lot of poverty. Weve got a lot of rural populations, and not everyone has access to regular medical care, Jennifer Herricks, founder of Louisiana Families for Vaccines, told CNN. Some are also worried about the messages about vaccination that are coming from the government. The State of Louisiana and [Louisiana Department of Health] have historically promoted vaccines for vaccine preventable illnesses through our parish health units, community health fairs, partnerships and media campaigns, state Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham wrote in a memo. While we encourage each patient to discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their provider, LDH will no longer promote mass vaccination. Dr. Jennifer Avegno, director of the New Orleans Health Department, warned about the consequences. When you cast aspersions or doubt about the safety and efficacy of one vaccine, I think it really has a ripple effect for all vaccines, she noted. Abraham, has since shared pertussis vaccine guidance online, but Avegno fears that it may be too late. Ive been encouraged that our state Department of Health is putting out good messaging about pertussis, but I worry that its going to get sort of lost in the in the shuffle, Avegno said. Its may be too little, too late. More information The Mayo Clinic has more information on whooping cough. SOURCE: CNN, April 2, 2025 What This Means For You Experts say that vaccines are the best way to protect children and infants from whooping cough. A 19-year-old Belgrade resident was jailed on suspicion of trying to run people over on March 29. Demarc S. Allen was in the Gallatin County jail as of Wednesday, having been arrested after an investigation that began at 12:42 p.m. March 29, when Bozeman police officers were dispatched to an area of W. Babcock Street and S. Ferguson Avenue after it was reported that the driver of a silver Nissan was being chased by someone in a dark grey Audi. Officers arrived at the Lewis and Bark dog park, 302 S. Fowler Avenue, and spoke to four males there, one of whom allegedly had a swollen, bloody right hand. The man with the injured hand claimed to have been struck by the Audi as it was being driven by Allen, according to an affidavit an officer filed in justice court. Officers were reportedly told that Allen had accused some of the other males of stealing $100 from him and threatened to kill them and to get a gun. Allen allegedly followed some of them in a vehicle. Allen was following their vehicle closely, trying to hit them, slamming on his brakes, nearly causing them to crash, reads the affidavit. As the vehicles pulled into a parking lot at the dog park, the brother of one of the males reportedly showed up to help and deescalate the situation. He had his hands up in the air yelling at Allen to calm down and to stop, reads the affidavit. [The brother] had his hands open with his palms facing the ground moving up and down in a calming manner. Allen then tried to run over the brother, who jumped and landed on the Audi's windshield, causing the windshield to shatter, according to the affidavit. The brother reportedly bounced back off the Audi and landed on his feet. Allen then left the area, the affidavit states. This is allegedly how the brother obtained the injured hand. Police went to Allens home in Belgrade, noted the Audi there had a shattered windshield, and then arrested Allen after he came outside, according to the affidavit. Police reportedly searched the area with Allens consent and didnt find any firearms. Officers advised that Allen be prosecuted on three felony criminal endangerment charges and a felony charge of attempted deliberate homicide. Allen was being held at the Gallatin County jail on bonds totaling $750,000 as of Wednesday morning, according to county records. I got up early the other morning, stepping outside to a fresh dusting of a spring snow. Drug into the yard by Briars aging bladder, I waited while she chose just the right spot to relieve herself a task only a spaniel can take 10 minutes to accomplish. I was still in my pajamas and moccasin slippers, having forsaken any jacket. Finished with her business, Briar decided an inspection of the yard was in order. I think she just likes to see me shiver. I barked a short command for her to hurry her furry self up when it happened. As my voice echoed off our barn, I was answered by a yodel emanating from our river bottom. The dog, deaf to most human commands, froze in mid-step, perked her ears, turning her nose into the wind. I followed suit, though my nose was of little use. I strained my eyes and ears, waiting A doe, creeping along the edge of our conservation plantings, expressed a cocked-ear interest. It came again; this time much clearer. It wasnt any closer, just sharper due to my concentration. Briar and the deer didnt budge and neither did I. This time, that rich, commanding gobble was answered by a second from far behind the first. The deer gave a steamy snort into the brisk air, a single foot stomp and vanished into a windbreak. Briar, satisfied that the sound was familiar, headed for the porch. But I wasnt ready to go inside. I stood and listened, but apparently the concert was over. Walking back to the porch, I let the now impatient dog back into the house. During my youth, seeing a deer any deer held a mesmerizing fascination. They were so rare that I was awestruck whenever Id see one. Over time, deer numbers have increased substantially and now spotting one no longer draws the wonder it once offered not so with wild turkeys. Each year, springs first gobble makes the sunrise just that much sharper. Comeback Turkeys and white-tails once suffered the same fate. By about 1910, habitat destruction and unchecked hunting had extirpated both from Ohio. Deer were the first to bounce back during the Roaring 20s, and turkey reintroduction began in the 1950s. Still, most of Ohio remained turkey-less. Habitat studies during the 1980s encouraged Division of Wildlife biologists to expand restocking into areas that hadnt seen a wild turkey for over 100 years. Today, Old Toms wake-up call can be heard in every county. Maybe they fascinate me because theyre relatively new and a bit of a novelty, but I dont think thats it. Theres just something about that excited gobble swelling out of a river bottom or echoing off a ridge that makes me smile like a kid on Christmas morning. Its magnetic pull draws you toward the woods for just a glimpse of their full-strut waltz, to share an excitement that they must feel about the prospects of a new day. Im not alone concerning this hypnotic pull of the turkeys call. Hunters have a long history of duplicating the puts and purrs of hens and the gobblers yodeling, hoping to bring them close enough to feed their family. Of course, duck hunters have been doing the same thing, coaxing wide-swinging flights of ducks and geese toward decoys. There just seems to be something a little extra-special about turkey calling. Im not exactly sure why, though I have my ideas. Something special Duck calls have been a specialty market as long as there have been hunters and ducks. Many fine examples have been crafted with avid collectors always on the lookout for original Phillip Olt, Chick Major, Ken Martin and others that date back to the marshes of the 1930s. Even recent builders are putting out calls that can startle an accountant. For instance, a 10-year-old Paul Kingyon handmade call carried an asking pinch of $2,000. Was it plated in platinum? Nope, it was just a hand-carved, single-reed call thats really good at fooling ducks. A lot of waterfowl hunters Ive known carry such a variety of wood-carved calls on neck lanyards that if they ever fell out of their boat, they wouldnt need a life jacket. Turkey calls also have their collectible market, but theirs has a bit different clientele. See, duck hunting is usually done as a group and, if theyre lucky, a good retriever. The shooting can be hot and fast between long periods of sitting in a blind and discussing the things important to waterfowl hunters good dogs, best loads, hot coffee, favorite whiskey, old friends and perfect calls. Everyone has an opinion and theres time to share them as they wait for the next flight. This all helps to drive the widespread interest in collecting waterfowl calls as well as decoys. Turkey hunters tend to be solitary. Theyll sometimes hunt as a two-person team, but most often the hunter is in the woods on a solo trip to bag a bird. Its a quiet time to think, plan and strategize. Its a time to silently watch the wild-world wake up while reflecting on time. Theres nobody to discuss the best of anything thats left to the silent thoughts of the hunter. Somehow, turkey hunting seems more personal. Rare find There are turkey call collectors, but not yet in the numbers of folks looking for antique waterfowl gear. Still, some turkey calls can be pricey and even rarer to find. One such call, made in 1898 by Louisianian Charles L. Jordan, is 8 inches long and made from a wing bone of a wild turkey. Jordan didnt manufacture calls as much as he made them for his friends and their friends. Jordan was considered the reigning turkey hunting expert, having also penned most of the 1914 book The Wild Turkey and Its Hunting a book that was completed by Edward A. McIlhenny the first written on the subject and a collectible item itself. Replicas of Jordans yelper call have been made for years, so finding an original is tough and the risk of being duped real. Then, one seemingly surfaced on eBay. A Texan had purchased the call at an antique firearms sale and placed it on the auction site. When listed, he started fielding questions about his find a lot of questions. Believing he might be making a mistake, he pulled the call off of the site. Lucky for him, North Carolinian Danny Ellis heard about the Jordan call and was able to track the Texan down. An avid turkey call collector, Ellis explained to the gentleman what he might have. An inspection was arranged and Ellis had indeed found the Holy Grail of turkey calls. It wasnt cheap, but Ellis purchased the call from the now well-educated antique arms enthusiast. After verifying its provenance, including Jordans original presentation inscription, the yelper fetched $50,000. Both men were ecstatic about the deal, with Ellis believing that the Jordan call would one day bring a six-figure price. Built by hunters The value wasnt because Jordan made the first bone-yelper call. In fact, its likely that Native Americans have been turning out turkey calls for eight-thousand years. It was Jordans notoriety and the calls rarity that collected the premium. What continues to make turkey calls so interesting is their evolution and the variety of handmade and commercial examples available. There are box and friction calls, wing bone yelpers, push-pin, tube calls and the diaphragm call that fits inside the mouth. If you have a gag-reflex, that last one is definitely not for you. To me, the most important and collectible calls are those built by hunters. They turn them into folk art, the most popular being the box, wing bone and slate calls. Some are plain while others have intricate carvings and wood burnings. Most are made in small quantities and carry a quilters charm and love in their creation. Theyre tuned to the builders ear and carry the history of past hunts in their creation. Theyll also help you collect Tom Turkey if you do your part. One more thing I mentioned that Charles Jordan wrote most of the book The Wild Turkey and Its Hunting, but that it was completed by Edward McIlhenny. It wasnt that Jordan wouldnt have liked to finish his book, but his life was cut short when he was murdered in the turkey woods in 1909. At the time, Jordan was the manager of the Morris Game Preserve in Hammond, Louisiana. Ohios wild turkey hunting seasons are: Youth Season, April 12-13; South Zone, April 19-May 18; Northeast Zone, May 3-June 1. Always double checks season dates and regulations before your hunt. A duck call in the hands of the unskilled is one of conservations greatest assets. Nash Buckingham By Zack Felger Because water is arguably our most valuable natural resource, its protection is of the utmost importance to the well-being of our planet. Clean water is vital for drinking, agriculture, recreation and wildlife, yet as a society, we struggle to hold its protection to the highest standard. Without clean water, our existence and that of all organisms that depend on it would cease. That may seem bleak, especially for those reading this who are already involved in protecting natural resources in some capacity. So why do we continue to struggle in safeguarding this essential resource? Lack of funding, resources, personnel and professional expertise all play a role. Government agencies and environmental organizations often lack the capacity to monitor every stream, lake and wetland comprehensively. This is where community involvement becomes critical. When the agencies tasked with water protection are overwhelmed, we must rely on citizen scientists to be the watchdogs, ensuring that our water remains potable, usable and unpolluted for the benefit of all. Citizen science-led water quality monitoring programs provide an effective solution to this challenge. Engaging trained volunteers students, educators, conservation groups and residents expands the reach of water-quality-monitoring efforts. These programs train individuals to collect and analyze data on key indicators such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels, helping to identify pollution sources and track changes over time. Their contributions supplement the work of professionals, strengthening efforts to detect emerging threats such as harmful algal blooms, sedimentation and chemical runoff. Establishing a well-trained citizen science water quality monitoring program fosters community buy-in for water protection. When citizens are actively involved, they become more invested in advocating for local watershed health, participating in conservation initiatives and influencing policy decisions. These efforts not only enhance scientific data collection but also empower individuals to take action whether through promoting best management practices, organizing cleanups or holding polluters accountable. At Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District, we recently applied for and were awarded an Ohio Environmental Education Fund grant to launch our very own water quality monitoring program. The Mahoning County Stream Team will lead our efforts to address water quality concerns in the county. Thanks to the support of our local watershed organization, Friends of the Mahoning River and funding from the Ohio EPA, we secured the volunteer and financial resources needed to launch this comprehensive initiative. The program will monitor our local watershed for key parameters, including benthic macroinvertebrates, turbidity, pH and dissolved oxygen. Over the next year, Mahoning SWCD will host volunteer training workshops where participants will learn how to assess watershed health, water quality and stream conditions while collecting essential data to track trends and identify water quality issues. We hope this initiative fosters a community-driven effort to improve the Mahoning River Watershed. As threats such as stormwater runoff, industrial pollution and agricultural runoff continue to impact water quality, citizen science remains a vital tool for conservation. By working together, communities can ensure the long-term health of our rivers, lakes and streams, securing clean water for future generations. (Zack Felger is the Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District outreach and education specialist.) Over the last 30 years, the U.S. dairy industry has been transformed from a domestic supplier that was not even noticeable on the global market to a major player in the global dairy trade. Today, even as year-over-year domestic dairy demand continues to grow to the highest level in six decades, approximately one in six tanker loads of milk are exported. The top 10 destinations for U.S. dairy exports are Mexico, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, European Union and Dominican Republic. Mexico is the top destination for U.S. dairy exports, with one in every 4 pounds of dairy products leaving the U.S. bound for there. Mexico Since 2011, domestic production in Mexico has grown by 1.8% annually. Mexico now produces 224 pounds per capita domestically, while the U.S. produces 677 pounds per capita. Of Mexicos domestic production, 48% of it goes into fluid milk. Mexican citizens currently only drink 107 pounds of milk per year, while Americans drink 135 pounds indicating room for continued fluid milk growth. Since 2011, Mexicos per capita consumption has increased by 20% or 50 pounds of milk equivalent. Mexicos dairy production deficit is about 30% annually; of this deficit, U.S. exports cover approximately 80% of these needs, mostly in the form of milk powders, cheese and whey proteins. In 2023, U.S. dairy exports to Mexico totaled 1.38 billion pounds of milk solids. In 2023, Mexico purchased 51.5% of all U.S. nonfat dry milk and skim milk exports. Cheese is also a major export to Mexico, with 327 billion pounds being exported in 2023. By the end of October 2024, this amount had already been surpassed, with 37.4% of U.S. cheese exports going to Mexico. As Mexicos middle class continues to grow, so does the countrys appetite for dairy products. The total dairy export value to Mexico in 2024 was $2.47 billion. The average Mexican citizen only consumes 45% of the amount of dairy products that the average American consumes. Mexico purchases approximately 4.5% of the United States milk production in the form of both dairy products and ingredients. Canada In 2024, Canada was the second-largest export destination for U.S. dairy products. In 1999, the U.S. had a negative dairy trade balance with Canada, but today it has grown to a positive trade balance of $1.14 billion in 2024. Unlike Mexico, Canada has the ability to produce most of the dairy products their citizens consume. It utilizes domestic milk production quotas, tariff-rate quotas and tariffs to maintain their domestic production prices above the world market. This system raises dairy farm incomes in Canada but also keeps their domestic dairy prices higher than the world dairy prices. Under current U.S. trade agreements with Canada, tariff-rate-quotas are in place for U.S. exports. These TRQs permit a specified quantity of U.S. dairy products to enter with a 0% tariff; however, these quotas are currently not being completely filled. In 2021, the U.S. dairy industry was supposed to receive tariff-free access to the Canadian market for 3,215 metric tons of cheese, 2,068 metric tons of whey powder, 345 metric tons of milk powders and 2,250 tons of butter and cream powder. Unfortunately, in 2021, a significant portion of these tariff-free quotas remained unfilled, with fluid milk, cream, yogurt and milk products accounting for less than 50% of the quota being filled. However, more dairy products are being exported to Canada as the United States Mexico-Canada Agreement trade agreement is enforced through trade courts following an official grievance review in 2021. One challenge with exports to Canada is that the official language of the USMCA is that for milk, cream and butter, up to 85% of the TRQ quantities shall be for importation in bulk, not for retail sale to be processed into dairy products used as ingredients for further food processing. For industrial cheese, only goods in bulk (not for retail sale) used as ingredients for further food processing (secondary manufacturing) shall be imported under the TRQ, while the other eight categories of dairy products do not have this language. Following the 2022 trade grievance ruling, more milk and butter products are being sold in Canada, as retail products rather than solely to food manufacturers for further processing. Since imports are part of a quota system, importers of U.S. dairy products must apply for a quota, and the administration of this quota may still create trade barriers. Even with a trade barrier in place in 2024, the U.S. exported $1.14 billion of dairy products to Canada. SALEM, Ohio A West Virginia man is facing felony charges after the theft of a grand champion bacon at Cameron High School in Marshall County. According to the Marshall County Sheriffs Office, Cody J. Lucey, of Glen Easton, West Virginia, was caught on surveillance video switching tags from the grand champion bacon with that of another students. The investigation began after high school principal Wyatt ONeil learned that Student As bacon had been sold by Student B at the West Virginia FFA State Ham, Bacon and Egg Show and Sale on March 10 at Cedar Lakes Conference Center, in Ripley, West Virginia. Student As bacon was named grand champion at the Marshall County Sale a week earlier on March 4 and sold for $935.28. The bacon was then returned to the school for cutting for the buyer. The agriculture teacher at the school was sorting through the bacon sold and found that two pieces were incorrectly tagged as they had both come from the same side of the hog. Further investigation led the principal and a deputy sheriff to review the March 7 surveillance footage from the schools meat lab. The video showed Lucey Student Bs father removing Student As grand champion bacon from the sold box and placing it on a table. He then removed the tag from the grand champion bacon, found a replacement bacon from the meat lab and put Student As tag on the spare bacon. Lucey then returned the swapped bacon to the sold box and tagged Student As bacon with Student Bs tag, according to the Marshall County Sheriffs Office. Consequently, Student B showed the swapped bacon at the state sale and won grand champion. The stolen bacon was then sold at the auction for $2,100. Lucey was arrested March 19 by the Marshall County Sheriffs Office on felony charges of obtaining money, property, and services by false pretenses and petit larceny. He pleaded not guilty and was released after posting a $3,000 bond. Lucey will have a preliminary hearing May 2. Amazon Prime has announced the launch date of the eagerly awaited fourth series of its hit show Clarkson's Farm. The popular reality series follows former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson as he tackles new challenges at Diddly Squat Farm. In the upcoming season, Clarkson takes on the role of a pub landlord while pursuing his vision of a farm-to-fork restaurant. The new series will also highlight the struggles of British farmers, including rising operational costs. The eight-part season will release in stages: four episodes on 23 May, followed by two on 30 May and the final two on 6 June. Clarkson, now a vocal advocate for farmers, recently joined a protest in London against the governments proposed inheritance tax on farms. Prime Video's official synopsis reads: "Kaleb is on a nationwide tour, Lisa is working on a new product line, and Jeremy is left to run the farm alone. "In Kalebs absence, Jeremy must keep Diddly on track and comes up with an idea. "Thwarted in his attempts to open a Farm to Fork restaurant, Jeremy plans to reignite that vision and get back in the councils good books by drawing crowds away from the farm shop. "All he needs to do is buy a pub. However, the road to becoming a pub landlord isnt straightforward either. "Jeremy faces obstacles including derelict buildings, red tape and a picnic site with a colourful past." A convicted hare courser has been sentenced to prison for violating the conditions of his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). Craig Rooks admitted to breaching his CBO at Lincoln Magistrates' Court, which was handed down to him following a hare course incident in 2023. Officers stopped him driving a Toyota Rav 4 in violation of the order, which prohibits him from traveling in Lincolnshire with dogs, or alongside individuals with dogs, during the hare coursing season. Mr Rooks was originally issued the CBO after being convicted of hare coursing on farmland in October 2023, and the order remains in effect for 10 years until October 2034. On 26 March 2025, Mr Rooks pleaded guilty at Lincoln Magistrates' Court to breaching the order. As a result, he received an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and was ordered to pay a 154 surcharge and 85 in CPS costs. Hare coursing and poaching can lead to criminal damage, theft, vandalism, and violence against farmers and landowners. Following the sentencing, PC Karen Irving, of Lincolnshire Police said: Rooks failed to show any respect for the law, courts, or our rural Lincolnshire communities by breaching his criminal behaviour order. Rooks was found to be in Lincolnshire with four dogs present in his vehicle, as well as breaching the order Rooks was also dealt with for a speeding offence, he was travelling at 40mph in a 30mph limit. If you come to our county to hare course or poach any other animal well be watching and waiting for you. Farmers plagued by hare coursers can take part in an ongoing consultation on court sentencing guidelines, with hopes the outcome could make a real impact. Following long-term lobbying, the Sentencing Council's consultation will look at the guidelines for the courts when dealing with hare coursing offences. It runs until 25 April. Cranswick, one of the UKs largest meat producers, has been refused permission by a council to develop a large pig and poultry unit in Norfolk. A special planning committee of Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk has today (3 April) refused permission for the application. Hull-based Crasnwick had hoped to expand an existing site to accommodate 714,000 chickens and 14,000 pigs near the villages of Methwold and Feltwel. A spokesperson for the processor said: We are incredibly disappointed by todays decision. This a bad day for the sustainable production of British meat. "Well now take time to review the decision and consider the options available to us. The planning process had been ongoing for over three years, with the proposal becoming the focus of multiple NGO campaigns. Sustainable food campaigners were very critical of the meat producer's plans, saying it amounted to a 'US-style megafarm' and that it was 'madness' to build one in Norfolk. Meanwhile, thousands of complaints were submitted to the council by campaign groups from outside county. Terry Jermy MP for South West Norfolk, welcomed the council's rejection: I said from the beginning, no ifs, no buts, the megafarm should not go ahead. "With over 15,000 objections and numerous of legal concerns raised based on environmental breaches this is an important victory for local people and the environment. Before today's decision, Cranswick said it was now time for Britain to produce more food amid rising prices, trade wars and escalating international tensions. "Not doing so will have a detrimental impact on UK economic growth, on food prices, and on direct and indirect employment opportunities, within Norfolk and across the wider UK," the firm said. An arable farm in Kent has been converted into a "nature-rich independent Habitat Bank", with developers calling it a UK-first. As part of the move, Chalksole Farm, which extends to 33-hectares, has been added to the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) register. It was achieved through a collaboration between Habitat Bank owner Biodiversity and Habitat Solutions Ltd, environmental consultancy Biodiverse Consulting and Dover District Council. According to them, Habitat Banks aim to help balance the demand for new housing and infrastructure, while enhancing the natural environment. They explain that the initiative could represent a "scalable model", with hopes it could be used to unlock similar opportunities on farmland across the UK. Vicki Mordue, founder of Biodiverse Consulting, said: By creating these nature-rich spaces, landowners can diversify their income while ensuring communities benefit from well-planned, sustainable developments. Chalksole is a flagship project that, if replicated across the UK, could go a long way in addressing BNG compliance challenges. "With strong collaboration, we can add more nature-rich sites to the BNG register. John Newbury, founder of Biodiversity and Habitat Solutions, said he was "keen to create a space for local species to flourish" when converting the former farm into a Habitat Bank. The site will play a key role in the responsible delivery of new developments across the South East," he explained. "I give thanks to the teams at Biodiverse Consulting and Dover Council, whose support has been integral to its successful delivery. It follows a concerning report released earlier this week revealing the loss of over 1,700 farms near English towns and cities since 2010. A total of 56,000 hectares of farmland has been lost, an area comparable to the size of Leeds, countryside charity CPRE warned. The latest AHDB Spring Calving Index (SCI) ranking has been published which may provide farmers the opportunity for a last-minute upgrade. With many spring calving herds in the thick of the breeding season, decisions about genetics may be largely complete. However, AHDB's latest SCI rankings show that the number one place on the list is shared by two Holstein sires, Denovo Invictus and Progenesis Ascend, each with an SCI of 592. The rankings are formulated specifically for spring block calving herds whose production is based on grazing. Invictus moves up two places with his desirable daughter fertility and somatic cell count figures while Ascend is a new graduate, also offering the promise of improving SCC. Winstar Graziano (SCI 579) ranks third, ahead of the highest placed Jersey on this across-breeding ranking, VJ Boman Lasky Lando. With an SCI of 566, this bull competes on the basis of his daughters extremely low maintenance costs, their exceptional fertility and high-quality milk. The British-bred Holstein, Huddlestone Slindon, enters the running in fifth, having been a popular young sire amongst grazing farmers and quickly achieving a daughter-proof with over 500 now milking in the UK and contributing to his figures. Slindon breeds smaller cows, high components and very good fertility. His SCI is 559. Sixth to eighth positions are taken by Peak Mauney (SCI 558); the well-established Denovo 7921 Atrium (SCI 550), now with over 6,000 UK milking daughters; and Peak Breaking News (SCI 545). The three Jersey sires, VJ NR Haugaard Hays Hauga (SCI 544), VJ Ravninggaard Huus Hamlet (SCI 542) and VJ Kibsgaard Jocko Jojo (SCI 542) round off the top 10, transmitting exceptional fat and protein components and long daughter lifespans. For those looking ahead to calve in autumn, theres only one new graduate in the top 10 ranked on Autumn Calving Index (ACI), Progenesis Ascend. This bull immediately takes the lead with exceptional fat yields and a favourable maintenance index whilst also promoting healthy daughters. His ACI is 701. Winstar Graziano (ACI 693) remains comfortably in the top two for another consecutive proof run, continuing to transmit good milk solids and good SCC. With an ACI of 677, Peak Mauney and Denovo Invictus jointly rank third, both with outstanding daughter fertility. Invictus now has 2,846 UK milking daughters. Ranking in fifth and sixth are Denovo 15969 Atlantis (ACI 657) and Denovo 3426 Avery (ACI 653), both excelling in fat and protein solids and components. Two exceptional udder health sires rank seventh and eighth Westcoast River at ACI 649, closely followed by Peak Breaking News (ACI 648). In ninth, with an ACI of 642, is Denovo 16767 Pinedale, whilst Westcoast Guarantee (ACI 639) rounds off the top 10 with a desirable SCC rating. Victoria Ashmore, animal genomics manager at AHDB, said: We would urge producers to use these seasonal indexes if they are calving in a tight block, with those calving in spring making most of their milk from grazed grass. These indexes are unusual in that they are calculated across all breeds, giving a reliable comparison of how a Holstein will compare in terms of profitability with a Jersey or any other dairy breed. This is particularly useful for those engaged in crossbreeding and should allow producers to mix and match with a greater degree of confidence." However, Ms Ashmore warned producers not to compare the SCI and ACI lists with each other, or with PLI or its components. "Each of these indexes is calculated on its own genetic base, which means they must only be compared within their relevant group," she added. The NFU has reacted to the announcement of a 10% tariff on UK exports to the US, describing it as a significant challenge for British farming. While the UK has been hit by a lower baseline tariff compared to the EU (20%), the union said it remained a "concerning situation" for farmers. President Trump announced new import taxes on all goods entering the US, describing the new measures as reciprocal and needed to rectify trade imbalances. Tariffs of 10% will be introduced from Saturday 5 April on all UK imports and 20% on those from the European Union a few days later. President Trump has said the measures were needed because countries were taking advantage of the US by imposing high tariffs and other trade barriers. The decision to impose additional 10% tariffs upon these products means UK goods entering the US will lead to higher prices for US consumers and provide uncertainty for UK exporters. The United States is the largest market for British agri-food products outside of the European Union. In 2024, the UK exported over 430,000 tonnes of food, beverages, and live animals to the US, valued at nearly 2.6 billion. NFU President Tom Bradshaw said President Trump's announcement on Wednesday (2 April) was "a challenge for the UK and for agriculture". He said: We are working in genuine partnership with government and sharing our expertise on this to ensure, if there is any market disruption, we can respond swiftly. The US is the largest market for British agri-food products outside of the EU and our farmers are proud to supply high quality, authentic, and unique British meats and cheeses to American consumers." As a proportion of total UK exports, the US market accounted for 21% of beer made from malt, and 19% of spirits, including whisky and gin. Meanwhile, the United States is a global exporter of agriculture commodities, particularly inputs for animal feed and meat. In 2023, its top agri commodities exports globally were soyabeans ($28bn), corn ($13bn), beef ($8bn), soyabean meal ($7bn), wheat ($6bn) and pork ($6bn). Currently, from an agriculture perspective, the UKs main imports from the US are animal feed inputs. Mr Bradshaw said that the the NFU would continue to collaborate closely with the government as the situation evolves. He said: We stand united in our desire to work together to ensure British farmers and growers are at the forefront of any decision-making and will continue to work hand in glove with government. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents thousands of farmers and landowners, said the best thing the public could do to support farmers is to buy British. "Donald Trump might demand we eat chlorinated chicken and beef reared using growth hormones but British consumers say no," said the body's vice president, Joe Evans. "British farmers, who must comply with some of the highest animal welfare and environmental regulations in the world, should not be forced to compete with American farmers who produce cheap food to much lower standards." Farmers will no longer need to change how free-range poultry meat is labelled when mandatory housing measures are introduced in the event of a bird flu outbreak. Currently, when such measures are rolled out to protect poultry from the spread of disease, after 12 weeks, free-range poultry has to be labelled as indoor reared. The Poultry Meat Marketing Standards Regulation in England will be amended so that this time limit is removed. This will enable free-range poultry meat to be marketed as such for the duration of any mandatory housing measure. Defra said that the move would cut unnecessary red tape and costs for farmers, while also strengthening supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence. In recent years, outbreaks of avian influenza have led to the introduction of these measures, sometimes lasting over the 12-week maximum derogation period. Currently, there is a poultry housing order in place across large swathes of England and all of Northern Ireland. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said amending the poultry meat marketing regulations would enable the sector to keep costs down and remain competitive. He said: "Our priority is to support English free-range poultry farmers while ensuring clear and fair labelling for consumers. "This government will restore stability and confidence in the sector introducing a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen food security alongside natures recovery." The amendment to existing legislation will be introduced in England through a Statutory Instrument, while similar legislative changes will be introduced by the Scottish government. It comes as England is seeing a rise in outbreaks of avian influenza in commercial poultry in recent days. In a world first, bird flu was confirmed in a sheep in Yorkshire following routine surveillance of livestock on a farm where avian influenza had previously been confirmed in captive birds. In January, it became mandatory for all poultry farmers and keepers in Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ). The AIPZ measures apply to all poultry farmers and bird keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock. The Scottish government has acknowledged that it has not assessed the impact of losing farmland to pylons, despite concerns that farmers may have to give up fields for a proposed 70-mile power line. In the Scottish parliament, "serious concerns" were raised over SSENs plan to install 190ft pylons between Kintore and Tealing, which could take up prime farmland in areas like Angus. North East MSP Tess White, who highlighted farmers' worries, recently met with some businesses who were concerned about income loss, food security, and the impact on modern farming equipment. During Portfolio Questions, she urged Scotland's agriculture minister Jim Fairlie to offer greater protection to the industry, which stands to be among the hardest hit if the project proceeds. It comes after farmers staged a protest last April against the creation of the monstrous pylons between Aberdeenshire and Angus. In her question, Ms White said: The industrialisation of the North East by SSENs monster pylon plans is causing alarm and trauma. Farmers, along with other stakeholders, have raised serious concerns about the loss of prime agricultural land because of the overhead lines. "There are also worrying implications for the use of farming machinery, including autonomous tractors." She asked: Has the Scottish government considered the loss of agricultural productivity as a result of SSENs plans, and will it commit to protecting our food security and our farmers in the North East? In response, Mr Fairlie admitted that the Scottish government had not made such an assessment at a national or regional level. He said: The Scottish government holds multiple data sets relating to land use. However, they alone could not support an assessment of potential loss of agricultural land. Ms Tess White said she was "appalled" by the reply, adding: This underlines that farmers are being ignored and are seen as an afterthought by both the SNP government and SSEN throughout this planning process. Farmers are rightly concerned about the significant disruption to day-to-day farming operations resulting from these giant energy infrastructure projects. During these uncertain times, food security and the protection of our farmland has never been more important." 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 ... Under the reciprocal tariffs announced by President Trump on Wednesday, additional tariffsranging from 10 per cent to 19 per centhave been imposed on nearly all major Latin American apparel exporters to the United States. The CAFTA-DR countriesHonduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Ricapreviously enjoyed a zero per cent tariff rate on apparel exports to the US under the Free Trade Agreement. However, under the newly introduced US Reciprocal Tariff to rectify trade practices, these countries now face a 10 per cent tariff, except for Nicaragua, which attracts 19 per cent, effectively ending their duty-free access and altering the cost dynamics of trade. Table 3: Top Latin American countries exporting apparel to the US, their new tariff rates and % change in tariff The US' new reciprocal tariffs end duty-free access for key Latin American apparel exporters under CAFTA-DR, imposing 1019 per cent duties. Nicaragua faces the steepest hike at 19 per cent. Haiti's rate jumps to 22.36 per cent, straining its garment sector. These changes raise costs, reduce competitiveness, and may shift US sourcing strategies. Source: TexPro Mexico remains the only exception, as it continues to enjoy tariff-free access under the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement. Haiti, which did not benefit from full duty-free access like others, already faced tariffs averaging 12.36 per cent on apparel exports. With the implementation of an additional 10 per cent under the new US tariff policy, Haitis effective average tariff rate has surged to 22.36 per centa dramatic 181 per cent increase. This sharp rise could severely impact Haitis export competitiveness and further strain its fragile garment sector. Source: TexPro Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NS) After announcement of the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the US President Donald Trump in the early hours of today, Indian textile industry is expecting an edge in the US market against other textile and garment exporting countries. The US has imposed reciprocal tariff of 27 per cent on Indian textile products, which is lowest among the major Asian textile and garment exporting countries. Reciprocal tariff is an additional ad valorem duty on all imports from all trading partners over and above the regular import duty. Currently, the US levies import duties ranging from 7 per cent to 16.5 per cent on various garment categories under specific HSN codes. Regular import duty varies for different countries. Once the reciprocal tariffs come into effect from April 9, 2025, total duty is likely to be lower for several Indian textile and apparel products compared to other Asian competitors. Despite a 27 per cent reciprocal tariff, India is likely to gain a relative advantage in the US market as competing Asian countries face steeper hikes. Industry experts see this as an opportunity for India to boost apparel exports, leveraging its full value chain and cost competitiveness. Short-term US buying, however, may slow due to tariff renegotiation uncertainties. According to the announcement made by President Trump, US will charge an additional tariff of 26 per cent on imports from Indian goods. In comparison, the duty will be charged at 49 per cent for Cambodia, 46 per cent for Vietnam, 44 per cent for Sri Lanka, 37 per cent for Bangladesh, 34 per cent for China, 32 per cent for Indonesia, 30 per cent for Pakistan, 20 per cent for European Union, and 10 per cent for Turkiye. So, Indian goods will face lower tariffs compared to other nations, except for few countries/regions like the European Union and Turkiye. Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General AEPC told Fibre2Fashion, Despite the steep hike of tariff for India, it prima facie seems to be a case of advantage India for the apparel sector, with our major competing countries like China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka having been slapped higher reciprocal tariffs by US. The current Trump Tariff, however, offers tariff- based edge to Brazil, Turkiye and other apparel exporting EU countries like Italy, Germany and Spain. But, given the intrinsic strength of Indian apparel sector in terms of presence of the entire value chain and the impressive range of its offerings, my initial assessment is that it will work out in Indias favour eventually and we should gear ourselves to encash this opportunity. Sanjay K Jain, Chairman ICC National Textiles Committee and Managing Director, TT Ltd told F2F, It, of course, looks negative for the entire world, and the US buying will slow down in short term, as they eat upon their pipeline inventories in anticipation of relief as countries renegotiate tariffs with the US. But ultimately US will have to buy apparel. As far as India is concerned, it will be a preferred destination for textiles & clothing sourcing as Indian supplies will be relatively cheaper except for the European Union. There is less possibility that US will be able to setup capacity for textiles and clothing manufacturing due to higher labour cost there. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Besides SSMB 29, Priyanka Chopra has a couple of other projects. The actress will star in Heads of State with Idris Elba and John Cena. She is also set to star in The Bluff. The next instalment of her spy thriller series with the Russo Brothers and Richard Madden, Citadel Season 2, is also in the pipeline. See Also: Priyanka Chopra Jonas Daughter Malti Marie Has A Cute Name For The Jonas Brothers Besides SSMB 29, Priyanka Chopra has a couple of other projects. The actress will star in Heads of State with Idris Elba and John Cena. She is also set to star in The Bluff. The next instalment of her spy thriller series with the Russo Brothers and Richard Madden, Citadel Season 2, is also in the pipeline. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is currently shuffling between India and the USA for her work commitments. The actress, who lives in Los Angeles with her husband Nick Jonas, has taken several trips to India in the last couple of months for the shooting of her film with SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu. This time around, she was in Jaipur for a brand shoot. But now that the actress is finally back home, she has made sure to spend some quality time with her daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas.On Instagram, the actress shared a photo of hers with Malti where she can be seen cuddling her little one while the latter looks at her mother adorably. She captioned the photo as, "Home" with a heart-eyed emoji. The next photo of hers showed the actress in her skincare zone. Priyanka applied a black face mask and later gave a glimpse of her fresh and clear skin after removing the mask. Safe to say the actress is having a good time rewinding at home before she leaves for her work commitments again.Meanwhile, earlier this week, Priyanka Chopra was spotted arriving in Jaipur for work. Once she reached her hotel, Priyanka shared glimpses of the stunning cityscape. She also shared a video showing a painting of Maharani Gayatri Devi in her hotel room and described the view from her bed as "gorgeous."The Jaipur trip came on the heels of Priyanka's recent time spent in Odisha, where she was present for a brand shoot. Glen Powell has joined the conversation! The actor recently weighed in on the romance rumours with Sydney Sweeney, that have been doing rounds on social media. Powell shared his take on the situation and offered some light on them attending his sisters wedding together. See Also: Anyone But You trailer: Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell fake date in the enemies-to-lovers rom-com Glen also served as the groomsman at his sister Leslie Powells wedding. Calling himself the master of ceremonies of the wedding, Powell noted that he was also asked to give a speech. Interestingly, Glen isnt the only one from the Powell family who weighed in on the romance rumours. His mother, Cyndy Powell had responded to the speculations. Theyre definitely not together, she told a leading Hollywood publication. She also shared that Sydney had attended Leslies nuptials with her friend. While fans have been curious to know whether an Anyone But You situation is happening in real life with them, Glen opened up on the coincidence of the wedding falling at the same time as Sydneys breakup with Jonathan Davino. He said, Timing is everything in this world, isnt it? The actor further said, I mean she and Syd are obviously great friends. It was a hell of a wedding. The Powells know how to do it right, so all the people that love her were there... It was just such a fun, rowdy wedding. The Powells know how to crank it up.Glen also served as the groomsman at his sister Leslie Powells wedding. Calling himself the master of ceremonies of the wedding, Powell noted that he was also asked to give a speech.Interestingly, Glen isnt the only one from the Powell family who weighed in on the romance rumours. His mother, Cyndy Powell had responded to the speculations. Theyre definitely not together, she told a leading Hollywood publication. She also shared that Sydney had attended Leslies nuptials with her friend. Social media enthusiasts, on the other hand, have been excited to know more about Glen and Sydneys rumoured romance. As the co-stars gave fans incredible moments from their flirtatious press tours during the promotions for Anyone But You, fans have been asking for more. It is not confirmed whether a sequel to the movie is in the works or Glen and Sydney are living out their Anyone But You fairytale. However, fans are excited to see them on and off-screen time and again. Shivani, the elder daughter of Dr Rajasekhar and Jeevitha, has already proved her acting chops in films like Kota Bommali IPS, Shekar, Nenjuku Needhi and Anbarivu. When the actress was given the narration, she liked her character design and the arc it goes through in the narrative. Moreover, she was excited to be part of such a prestigious project. Presently she is prepping up for the role. The project will be a breakthrough film for Shivani because of the magnitude and also the way her role was written, says a source in the know.GD Naidu was a pioneering innovator and entrepreneur. He was called the Edison of India and the Wealth Creator of Coimbatore. Last year, the makers of the film commenced shooting an international schedule. However, the Indian schedule is set to begin next week in Coimbatore, the birthplace of G D Naidu. The cinematography is by Aravind Kamalanathan while Govind Vasantha will provide the music. G.D.N. is bankrolled by Varghese Moolan and Vijay Moolan under the banner of Varghese Moolan Pictures in association with Mediamax Productions and Tricolour Films, owned by Madhavan and Sarita Madhavan. The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) announces its new Board of Governors, following their election on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, during the ACOFP Congress of Delegates in Palm Springs, California. New appointments include: President Gautam J. Desai, DO, FACOFP dist. President-Elect Greg D. Cohen, DO, FACOFP dist. Secretary/Treasurer David A. Connett, DO, FACOFP dist. Governor Jennifer L. Gwilym, DO, FACOFP dist. Resident Governor Christina Sedaghat, DO Student Governor Creed Mainz, OMS-II The following members were reelected to their positions: Governor Saroj Misra, DO, FACOFP dist. Governor Peter F. Bidey, DO, FACOFP Governor Traci-lyn Eisenberg, DO, FACOFP Governor Derrick J. Sorweide, DO, FACOFP Governor Rebecca D. Szewczak, DO, FACOFP New Physician-in-Practice Governor Ryan M. Smith, DO, FAAFP Congress of Delegates Speaker Elizabeth A. Palmarozzi, DO, FACOFP Congress of Delegates Vice Speaker Antonios J. Tsompanidis, DO, FACOFP dist. Brian A. Kessler, DO, DHA, FACOFP dist. automatically becomes immediate past president. Immediate Past President David J. Park, DO, FAAFP, FACOFP dist., Resident Governor Ryan C. Quinn, DO, and Student Governor Ciara L. Robb, OMS-IV, are all outgoing Board members. More About New Board of Governors Appointees Dr. Desai, ACOFP president, is a Professor of Family Medicine, and Chair, Department of Primary Care at Kansas City University, where he also serves as director of KCU's Global Health Program and oversees the honors track in global medicine. Dr. Desai received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Residency as well as an Internship in Osteopathic Family Medicine at Riverside Osteopathic Hospital. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications in print, textbooks, encyclopedias, and digital publications, Dr. Desai has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to medical education and Osteopathic Manual Medicine. He has led medical outreach and taught in several places over the past 25 years, including Guatemala, Kenya, the Dominican Republic, India, and China. He joined the ACOFP Board of Governors in 2016. "I am proud to accept the office of ACOFP president," said Gautam J. Desai, DO, FACOFP dist., ACOFP President 2025-2026. "Being president during our 75th anniversary year is particularly meaningful to me. In addition to celebrating this milestone, my term will see the launch of a new mentorship program and new resources to promote the profession of osteopathic family medicine. I look forward to working with ACOFP leaders and our members on these and many other initiatives." Dr. Cohen practices at Lucas County Health Center Medical Clinics in Chariton, Iowa, serving his community through outpatient care, osteopathic manipulative medicine, emergency room, nursing home services, and obstetrical care within his rural family practice. He is an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine for Des Moines University and has been precepting 3rd and 4th year Osteopathic Medical students in rural family medicine since 2001. Dr. Cohen previously served as the president of the Iowa Osteopathic Medical association, as well as Chairman of the Iowa Maternal Child Health Advisory Council. He has been a member of the Board of Governors since 2017. Dr. Gwilym practices clinical medicine weekly in a dermatology clinic in Athens, Ohio. Dr. Gwilym is a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at OU-HCOM, where she is the Chair of the Department of Primary Care, Chair of the Student Selection, and Clinical Assistant Dean. Dr. Gwilym serves as the Advisor for the Student American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (SACOFP). She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) and completed a Family Medicine Residency at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Sedaghat is a family medicine resident at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, PA. She attended Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA, and completed a traditional rotating internship in Lone Tree, CO. She currently serves on the ACOFP Resident Council representing Region 4. Student Doctor Creed Mainz is a student at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medical School (VCOM). He currently serves as the ACOFP-VCOM Virginia Chapter President, and is also part of the ACOFP's National Student Executive Board. Dr. Kessler, ACOFP immediate past president, is Dean at Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine and professor of Family Medicine in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Previously he was Dean at Lincoln Memorial University and Director of Medical Education at Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital. He joined the ACOFP Board of Governors in 2015. "Serving as ACOFP President has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career," said ACOFP Immediate Past President Brian A. Kessler, DO, DHA, FACOFP dist. "Over the past year, I have seen the passion, resilience, and commitment of our members as we supported both current physicians and the next generation. Through expanded grants and new partnerships in areas like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular health, we have deepened our impact on the communities we serve." "I have every confidence in Dr. Desai. His integrity, vision, and collaborative spirit will guide ACOFP forward. He brings people together, leads with purpose, and remains grounded in the mission that unites us. I look forward to supporting him in this next chapter of the organization's continued growth and impact." About the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Founded in 1950, the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) is a community of more than 26,000 current and future family physicians that champions osteopathic principles and supports its members by providing resources such as education, networking and advocacy, while putting patients first. ACOFP empowers its members with education and resources that allow them to adapt to new models of care and quickly changing government policy. For more information, visit acofp.org. Contact Information Emily Bennett Director of Communications & Engagement emilyb@acofp.org (847) 952-5537 SOURCE: ACOFP Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 2, 2025) - PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H) (the "Company" or "PreveCeutical"), is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 16,666,667 units in the capital of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.03 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $500,000. Each Unit consists of one (1) common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one-half (1/2) of one Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase an additional Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.05 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Offering (the "Closing"); provided that the expiry of the Warrants can be accelerated if the closing price of the Company's common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") is $0.08 or greater for a minimum of ten consecutive trading days, and a notice of acceleration is provided in accordance with the terms of the Warrants. News issued on March 10, 2025, for the Private Placement has been increased to $500,000. Finder's fees may be paid. The Company intends to use the aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of the Offering to pay outstanding payables, for operating expenses and for general working capital purposes. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after the Closing. Completion of the Offering remains subject to certain conditions, including, without limitation, confirmation of no objection from the CSE. About PreveCeutical PreveCeutical is a health sciences company that develops innovative options for preventive and curative therapies utilizing organic and nature identical products. PreveCeutical aims to be a leader in preventive health sciences and currently has five research and development programs, including: dual gene therapy for curative and prevention therapies for diabetes and obesity; the Sol-gel Program; Nature Identical peptides for treatment of various ailments; nonaddictive analgesic peptides as a replacement to the highly addictive analgesics such as morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone; and a therapeutic product for treating athletes who suffer from concussions (mild traumatic brain injury). For more information about PreveCeutical, please visit our website www.PreveCeutical.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook. On behalf of the Board of Directors of PreveCeutical Stephen Van Deventer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Neither the CSE nor any Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the proposed Offering, the expectations of management regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering, closing conditions for the Offering, the expiry of hold periods for securities distributed pursuant to the Offering and other statements regarding the company's proposed business plans. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements including that: the Company may not complete the Offering on terms favorable to the Company or at all; the proceeds of the Offering may not be used as stated in this news release; the Company may be unable to satisfy all of the conditions to the Closing; and those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247174 SOURCE: PreveCeutical Medical Inc. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 2, 2025) - Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (TSXV: CHS) (the "Company") announces that, further to its news release dated January 23, 2025, it will consolidate (the "Consolidation") its common shares on the basis of twenty (20) pre-consolidation shares for one (1) post-consolidation share and will complete the previously announced shares for debt transaction (the "SFD") to settle an approximately $832,042 in liabilities through the issue of 5,546,946 post-consolidation common shares at a price of $0.15 per post-consolidation share. The Company currently has 248,023,502 common shares outstanding and expects to have, subject to rounding adjustment, approximately 12,401,175 common shares outstanding following the Consolidation, and approximately 17,948,121 common shares outstanding following completion of the SFD. The Company does not intend to change its name or trading symbol in conjunction with the Consolidation. Completion of the Consolidation and the SFD remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. To the extent that insider participation in the SFD is a "related party transaction" under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), the Company is relying upon the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements contained in sections 5.5(a), (b) and (g), and 5.7(1)(a) and (e), respectively, of MI 61-101 on the basis that neither the fair market value of the subject matter of nor the consideration for the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, exceeds 25% of the issuer's market capitalization; no securities of the company are listed or quoted on a certain exchanges or markets specified in MI 61-101; and the company is in serious financial difficulty and the transaction is designed to improve the financial position of the company. The Company also announces that, effective April 2nd, 2025, Mr. Siddhartha Gautam Mohanty has resigned from his position as the Chief Financial Officer and from the board of directors of the Company. The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Indranil Chowdhury as the Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Chowdhury is a is a Chartered Accountant with more than 35 years of experience in the field of finance, legal, business control, business acquisition, integration and divestment, compliance management, enterprise risk management, and IT and management consulting. His work experience includes working for companies such as Volvo Group and Ingram Micro India and Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC), both in India and in the USA. About Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta and is the parent company of Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (Delaware). The Company is a vertically integrated software as a services (SaaS) company focused on digitizing healthcare with Healthcare Benefits Administration solutions, providing reliable and high-volume transaction-capable systems. The Company's state-of-the-art Novus 360 Healthcare Welfare and Benefits Administration(HWBA) SaaS platform is used by clients for all aspects of healthcare benefits administration (including self-funded employers, providers, and labor unions), providing healthcare administrative software and technology-enabled services. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: The press release contains "forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "budget", "believe", "project", "estimate", "expect", "scheduled", "forecast", "strategy", "future", "likely", "may", "to be", "could", "would", "should", "will" and similar references to future periods or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and conditional. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the date they are provided. However, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause the Company's actual results and financial conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results and financial conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, include among others: general economic, market and business conditions in Canada and globally; market volatility; unforeseen delays in timelines for any of the transactions or events described in this press release; and the risk of regulatory changes that may impact the business of the Company. All forward-looking information is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Not for release in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247192 SOURCE: Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. TOKYO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Terra Drone Corporation ("Terra Drone"), the world's No.1 Drone Service Provider for 2024, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aramco, a leading integrated energy and chemicals company in Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership aims to drive innovation in drones, robotics, and AI-driven solutions for the oil and gas sector while supporting localization efforts. The MOU aims to enhance collaboration between Terra Drone and Aramco to advance drone technologies for improved safety and efficiency in the energy sector. It serves as a platform for innovation in R&D, technology piloting, training, and localization, aligning with the shared vision of both organizations to develop solutions and local capabilities that support Saudi Arabia's economic goals. The MOU was signed by Toru Tokushige, Founder & CEO of Terra Drone Corporation, and Khalid Y. Alqahtani, Aramco's Senior Vice President of Engineering Services. In 2023, Terra Drone received funding from Wa'ed Ventures to localize advanced drone technologies. Following this investment, Terra Drone established Terra Drone Arabia, its Saudi Arabian branch, focusing on three strategic objectives: localizing its services in the short term, developing R&D and production facilities in the long term, and supporting job creation for skilled Saudis. Toru Tokushige, Founder & CEO of Terra Drone Corporation, stated: "This MOU reflects our commitment to driving innovation and supporting localization in line with Aramco's vision. Through Terra Drone Arabia, we aim to introduce cutting-edge drone technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and workforce development." The MOU strengthens the partnership between Terra Drone and Aramco, enabling the deployment of innovative drone solutions to address energy sector challenges. Terra Drone leverages its expertise and local presence to support Aramco's operations and Saudi Arabia's technological and economic progress. This collaboration aligns with Terra Drone's commitment to localization, talent development, and fostering a competitive drone industry, contributing to the Kingdom's economic diversification goals. Terra Drone Terra Drone is the No.1 Drone Service Provider in the world for 2024 and was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market (Stock Code: 278A) on November 29 of the same year. Website: https://terra-drone.net/global/ Terra Drone Arabia Terra Drone Arabia is a group company of Terra Drone. It provides drone solutions including surveying, bathymetry, and data processing to the Middle East and Africa. Website: https://terra-drone.com.sa/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2642842/image.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2608680/Terra_Drone_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/terra-drone-signs-mou-with-aramco-to-drive-innovation-and-localization-in-drone-technology-302419215.html HIGHLIGHTS: New High-Grade Gold Discovery: Benz initial results from maiden drilling at the Zone 126 target at the Glenburgh Gold Project have revealed a significant new high-grade gold lens approximately 80m down-plunge from previously interpreted gold mineralisation . Significant intercepts include: 11m at 19.9g/t gold from 274m (GBZ126_010) 5m at 10.2g/t gold from 222m and 7m at 3.5g/t gold from 233m (GBZ126_001) 4m at 12.2g/t gold from 319m (GBZ126_009) 8m at 5.6g/t gold from 243m (GBZ126_013) Targeting Model Confirmed: Drilling at Zone 126 has validated Benz's initial structural interpretation, confirming a previously unrecognised overall NE plunge to the mineralised system compared to previous exploration which focused mainly on shoots plunging to the SW. First Drilling with New Insights: Importantly, this is the first time the Glenburgh gold system has been drilled using this refined model, opening up the entire Glenburgh 18km mineralised corridor to untested fold plunge targets. Significant Discovery Potential: With a confirmed exploration model and multiple untested gold targets, Benz is now positioned to unlock a potentially much larger mineralised system with substantial upside. Advanced Surface Mapping Underway: Extensive outcrop exposure across the project area is enabling detailed surface geological mapping to be conducted. Early work confirms that the NE fold geometries are visible at surface-providing a powerful tool to pinpoint the next round of untested down-plunge drill targets. Figure 1. Long section Z126 Drilling. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/247193_b6f87f29a438ba3e_001full.jpg Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 2, 2025) - Benz Mining Corp (ASX: BNZ) (TSXV: BZ) ("Benz" or the "Company") is pleased to report the first results from its maiden 8,500m RC drilling program at the 100%-owned Glenburgh Gold Project in Western Australia. This announcement covers results from 13 of the 21 holes completed to date, with assays from the remaining holes expected towards the end of this Quarter. Zone 126 was discovered by previous owners, Gascoyne Resources Limited and Helix Resources Limited, and includes previous wide high-grade gold intercepts such as:1 24m at 9.1g/t gold (VRC535) 10m at 11.6g/t gold (VRC201) 28m at 5.0g/t gold (VRC 580) 12m at 8.1g/t gold (VRC174) 8m at 11.6g/t gold (VRC 176) 14m at 8.9g/t gold (VRC578) Mineralisation at Zone 126 (Figure 2) outcrops at surface and was previously drilled to approximately 200m below surface where the mineralisation appeared to pinch out at depth along a steep SW-plunge. During due diligence for the acquisition of the Glenburgh Gold Project, Benz structural geologists identified the folded geometry of gneissic rocks hosting gold mineralisation was plunging shallow to the NE suggesting continuity of Zone 126 in this direction, a model promptly validated by drilling in March 2025. Figure 2. Plan viewing showing the extent of the known mineralised trend as detailed in historical surface Au sampling (>25ppb) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/247193_b6f87f29a438ba3e_002full.jpg Shown below in Figure 3, is a plan view detailing the drill collar locations and the newly discovered high-grade gold lens at Zone 126. Figure 3 also outlines the conceptual position identified by the new structural model which will be the next priority drill target down plunge. This highlights the significant potential for further high-grade discoveries along the untested north-east plunge corridor. High-grade gold intercepts at Zone 126 are hosted within a broad mineralised envelope, up to 70m wide, of elevated gold. Within this envelope, significant patches of higher-grade material ranging between 1-10g/t gold have been intersected, highlighting the scale, continuity, and potential for bulk-disseminated style gold mineralisation. All holes to date have been drilled via reverse circulation drilling to depths in excess of 500m, while maintaining full recovered and dry samples. This has allowed Benz to rapidly and cost-effectively test targets at depths that are often beyond this drilling methods range. Figure 3. Plan view of reported holes, with position of new discovery lens. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/247193_b6f87f29a438ba3e_003full.jpg Benz CEO, Mark Lynch-Staunton, commented: "We are absolutely thrilled with the results of our maiden drilling program at Zone 126. Not only have we hit one of the highest ever gold intercepts on the entire project to date in our maiden program, but more importantly, we have confirmed our concept that completely turns the structural understanding of the Glenburgh Gold Project on its head. This extension is a significant high-grade gold discovery. It's the first time this gold deposit has been drilled with our refined targeting approach, and the results speak for themselves. "Not only have we intersected exceptional grades, but we've also opened up the entire 18km mineralised gold corridor to untested north-east fold plunge targets. With advanced surface mapping now underway and clear structural controls visible at surface, we're in a strong position to identify and drill the next round of high-potential targets. This is a huge step forward for the Glenburgh Gold Project, and we believe we're just scratching the surface of the true potential of what we believe could be a multi-million ounce gold system." The Company has also agreed to issue a total of 8,000,000 options to certain consultants of the Company. All were granted in accordance with the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan and are in accordance with policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. 4,000,000 options have an exercise price of C$0.45 and 4,000,000 options have an exercise price of C$0.90, with all options expiring on 2 April 2028. This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Benz Mining Corp. About Benz Mining Corp. Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) is a pure-play gold exploration company dual-listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange. On 6 November 2024, Benz announced a binding agreement to acquire the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton Gold Projects in Western Australia from Spartan Resources Limited (ASX: SPR), which was completed on 14 January 2025 and marks a transformational step, establishing Benz as a multi-jurisdictional gold exploration company with a focus on unlocking value in underexplored assets. The Glenburgh Gold Project features a Historical (for the purposes of NI 43-101) Mineral Resource Estimate of 16.3Mt at 1.0 g/t Au (510,100 ounces of contained gold)2. A technical report prepared under NI 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Glenburgh - Egerton Gold Project, Western Australia" with an effective date of 16 December 2024 has been filed with the TSX Venture Exchange and is available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Benz's key point of difference lies in its team's deep geological expertise and the use of advanced geological techniques, particularly in high-metamorphic terrane exploration. The Company aims to rapidly grow its global resource base and solidify its position as a leading gold explorer across two of the world's most prolific gold regions. The Company also owns the Eastmain Gold Project in Quebec, with a Mineral Resource Estimate dated effective May 24, 2023 and prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and JORC (2012) of 1,005,000 ounces at 6.1g/t Au3, also available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, showcasing Benz's focus on high-grade, high-margin assets in premier mining jurisdictions. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/247193_b6f87f29a438ba3e_004full.jpg For more information, please visit: https://benzmining.com/. Competent Person's Statement (JORC Code) The information contained in this announcement that relates to new Exploration Results for the Glenburgh Gold Project, is based on and fairly reflects, information compiled by Dr Marat Abzalov. Dr Abzalov is an independent consultant (MASSA Geoservices) and was engaged by Benz Mining Corp. Dr Abzalov is a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (#202718) and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration. Dr Abzalov has shares in Benz Mining Corp. Dr Abzalov consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears The Mineral Resource Estimates for the Eastmain Project and the Glenburgh Gold Project were previously reported in accordance with Listing Rule 5.8 on 24 May 2023 and 6 November 2024, respectively. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements and confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the Estimates continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements. The information in this announcement that relates to historical exploration results for the Glenburgh Gold Project was first reported to the ASX in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.7 on 6 November 2024. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement. Qualified Person's Statement (NI 43-101) The disclosure of scientific or technical information in this news release is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Dr Marat Abzalov. Dr Abzalov, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and member in good standing as a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (#202718). Dr Abzalov has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. Dr Abzalov owns shares in Benz Mining Corp. Historical Mineral Resource Estimates All mineral resource estimates in respect of the Glenburgh Gold Project in this news release are considered to be "historical estimates" as defined under NI 43-101. These historical estimates are not considered to be current and are not being treated as such. These estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves prepared by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia (JORC Code) and have not been reported in accordance with NI 43-101. A qualified person (as defined in NI 43-101) (Qualified Person) has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources. A Qualified Person would need to review and verify the scientific information and conduct an analysis and reconciliation of historical data in order to verify the historical estimates as current mineral resources. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward looking statements" (collectively Forward-Looking Information) as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding the exploration potential of the Glenburgh Gold Project and the anticipated benefits thereof, planned exploration and related activities on the Glenburgh Gold Project. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases or variations of such words and phrases or statements such as "anticipates", "complete", "become", "expects", "next steps", "commitments" and "potential", in relation to certain actions, events or results "could", "may", "will", "would", be achieved. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the accuracy and reliability of the Company's exploration thesis in respect of additional drilling at the Glenburgh Gold Project will be consistent with the Company's expectations based on available information; the Company will be able to raise additional capital as necessary; the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Company's Projects (including Glenburgh and Mt Egerton Gold Projects) can be achieved; and the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions, and operations. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the early stage nature of the Company's exploration of the Glenburgh Gold Project, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, and delays in regulatory approval, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.asx.com.au. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. The Forward-looking information in this news release is based on plans, expectations, and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. Appendix 1: Collar Table. Coordinates system: GDA94/MGA Zone 50 Hole number Easting Northing Elevation Max. depth Dip Azimuth Comment GBZ126_001 414751 7193776 317 396 -70 145 GBZ126_002 414750 7193823 319 396 -72 145 GBZ126_003 414616 7193732 322 420 -72 145 GBZ126_004 414704 7193770 316 396 -71 144 GBZ126_005 414669 7193870 318 574 -75 145 Full Assay results pending GBZ126_006 414622 7193769 320 426 -65 145 GBZ126_007 414724 7193798 317 366 -55 145 GBZ126_008 414797 7193813 321 324 -60 145 GBZ126_009 414688 7193875 307 402 -57 145 GBZ126_010 414662 7193769 308 510 -65 145 GBZ126_011 414618 7193784 312 462 -59 145 GBZ126_012 414683 7193816 313 420 -65 145 GBZ126_013 414760 7193821 313 318 -65 145 GBZ126_014 414793 7193831 313 402 -70 134 Full Assay results pending Appendix 2: Significant Intercepts Table. Results reported >0.5g/t Au with 3m of allowed dilution. Hole ID From To Au ppm Interval Comment GBZ126_001 222 227 10.25 5.00 New HG Lens GBZ126_001 233 240 3.53 7.00 GBZ126_001 246 249 3.94 3.00 GBZ126_001 290 293 0.92 3.00 GBZ126_002 171 173 3.50 2.00 GBZ126_002 233 236 2.74 3.00 GBZ126_002 263 268 1.84 5.00 GBZ126_002 293 296 1.81 3.00 New HG Lens GBZ126_002 356 358 2.26 2.00 GBZ126_003 255 258 1.69 3.00 GBZ126_003 285 287 2.49 2.00 GBZ126_003 290 295 2.29 5.00 GBZ126_003 318 320 1.96 2.00 GBZ126_003 330 337 1.36 7.00 GBZ126_003 348 352 0.77 4.00 GBZ126_003 365 368 1.11 3.00 GBZ126_004 179 181 3.23 2.00 GBZ126_005 542 544 0.76 2.00 GBZ126_006 308 312 0.66 4.00 GBZ126_006 317 322 1.69 5.00 GBZ126_006 350 358 1.08 8.00 GBZ126_006 360 367 0.94 7.00 GBZ126_007 184 187 3.82 3.00 GBZ126_007 210 215 0.63 5.00 GBZ126_007 231 233 0.63 2.00 GBZ126_008 187 189 1.29 2.00 GBZ126_008 216 218 4.46 2.00 GBZ126_009 254 257 2.01 3.00 GBZ126_009 319 323 12.18 4.00 New HG Lens GBZ126_009 346 351 2.15 5.00 GBZ126_010 274 285 19.93 11.00 New HG Lens GBZ126_011 227 234 1.41 7.00 GBZ126_011 310 316 0.78 6.00 GBZ126_011 319 323 2.66 4.00 GBZ126_011 354 357 1.48 3.00 GBZ126_012 228 230 0.72 2.00 GBZ126_012 243 245 2.37 2.00 GBZ126_012 278 281 5.90 3.00 GBZ126_012 285 288 1.97 3.00 GBZ126_012 306 308 2.36 2.00 GBZ126_012 352 364 2.61 12.00 New HG Lens GBZ126_012 365 372 0.63 7.00 GBZ126_012 375 378 3.55 3.00 GBZ126_013 243 251 5.64 8.00 New HG Lens Appendix 3: Individual 1m assay results for selected high grade significant intercepts. Hole number From To Au ppm GBZ126_001 222 223 3.2 GBZ126_001 223 224 20.9 GBZ126_001 224 225 16.7 GBZ126_001 225 226 9.3 GBZ126_001 226 227 1.1 GBZ126_009 319 320 4.5 GBZ126_009 320 321 38.8 GBZ126_009 321 322 4.6 GBZ126_009 322 323 0.8 GBZ126_010 274 275 15.4 GBZ126_010 275 276 16.4 GBZ126_010 276 277 88.6 GBZ126_010 277 278 40.0 GBZ126_010 278 279 2.8 GBZ126_010 279 280 2.2 GBZ126_010 280 281 9.1 GBZ126_010 281 282 3.3 GBZ126_010 282 283 12.3 GBZ126_010 283 284 27.0 GBZ126_010 284 285 2.2 GBZ126_013 243 244 11.2 GBZ126_013 244 245 2.5 GBZ126_013 245 246 1.6 GBZ126_013 246 247 13.7 GBZ126_013 247 248 7.7 GBZ126_013 248 249 2.7 GBZ126_013 249 250 4.9 GBZ126_013 250 251 0.8 Appendix 4: JORC Tables JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1 report template Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data (Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections) Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Results are part of BNZ's inaugural RC drilling campaign at the recently acquired Glenburgh Gold Project situated ~285 km east of Carnarvon via Gascoyne Junction, WA. RC drilling samples were collected as 1m single samples. Each sample collected represents each one (1) metre drilled collected from the rig-mounted cone splitter into individual calico bags (~3kg) and stored in labelled sequential polyweave bags for long-term storage. The rig mounted cyclone/cone splitter was levelled at the start of each hole to aid an even fall of the sample through the cyclone into the cone splitter. RC drilling sample submissions include the use of certified standards (CRMs), and field duplicates were added to the submitted sample sequence to test laboratory equipment calibrations. Standards selected are matched to the analytical method of photon assaying at ALS labs in Perth (~500g units). No composites were taken. Based on statistical analysis of these results, there is no evidence to suggest the samples are not representative. Drilling techniques The RC drill rig was a Schramm C685 Rig type with the capability to reach >400m depths with a rig-mounted cyclone/cone splitter using a face sample hammer bit of 5 1/2 - 6" size. The booster was used to apply air to keep drill holes dry and reach deeper depths. Drill sample recovery RC sample recovery is visually assessed and recorded where significantly reduced. Negligible sample loss has been recorded. RC samples were visually checked for recovery, moisture and contamination. A cyclone and cone splitter were used to provide a uniform sample, and these were routinely cleaned. RC Sample recoveries are generally high. No significant sample loss has been recorded. Logging RC chip samples have been geologically logged on a per 1 metre process recording lithology, mineralisation, veining, alteration, and weathering. Geological logging is considered appropriate for this style of deposit (metamorphosed orogenic gold). The entire length of all holes has been geologically logged. RC drill logging was completed by Galt Mining Solutions staff and data entered into BNZ's MXDeposit digital data collection platform provided by Expedio. All drill chips were collected into 20 compartment-trays for future reference and stored at Galt's warehouse in West Leederville at the time of reporting. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation RC chips were cone split at the rig. Samples were generally dry. A sample size of between 3 and 5 kg was collected. This size is considered appropriate, and representative of the material being sampled given the width and continuity of the intersections, and the grain size of the material being collected. For the 1 metre samples, certified analytical standards (appropriate for photon assaying) and field duplicates were inserted at appropriate intervals at a rate equal to 1 in 20 and sent for analysis with the samples. Sample preparation was undertaken at ALS Laboratory - Perth. Gold analysis utilised the photon assaying methodology where original samples are crushed to 2mm with a sub-set 500g separated for non-destructive analysis. Any sample reporting as having elevated > 1Sv readings during the preparation for photon assaying at ALS labs were flagged and were submitted for fire assay (Au-AA26) methodology at ALS labs in Perth as a quantifying check against the Photon assays. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Preliminary pXRF and Labspec ASD analysis was conducted by Galt Mining Solutions personnel utilising Geotek's Boxscan automated system. The scanning of sieved RC drilling fines sample material utilised an Olympus Vanta M Series portable XRF in Geochem mode (3 beam) and a 20-second read time for each beam (Instrument_Serial = 840951). The ASD data reader on Boxscan has a 3 nm VNIR, 6 nm SWIR spectral resolution of the LabSpec 4 Hi-Res analytical instrument (Electronics serial number: 28191). The pXRF and ASD are incorporated into Geotek's Boxscan machine to facilitate an automated data collection process. This includes periodic calibration and QAQC scans on Geotek-supplied pucks and colour strips. The QAQC scans are verified and checked on Boxscan's internal program datasheet against expected results to ensure the analysers are conforming to Boxscan's expected operating parameters. A review of the pXRF and ASD sample results provided an acceptable level of analysis and the data is appropriate for reporting the geochemistry results in the context of its use for screening areas for indications of elevations in concentrations with elements of interest. pXRF and ASD results should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analysis, which is required to determine robust and accurate potential for mineralisation and associated elements. The reporting of pXRF and ASD results should not be described as an "assay" result, as these are not of the same level of accuracy or precision as that obtained from a certified laboratory workflow. The use of "preliminary indicative field data" is a more appropriate term when referring to pXRF and ASD results. The pXRF data is exploratory in nature and is used predominantly as an internal workflow to assist in target prioritisation through an early phase of exploration investigation. No previous comparisons of pXRF and ASD data with laboratory data at the project have been undertaken to date. The analysis involved direct point counting on the raw surfaces of the supplied drill fines. The fines are transferred from geochem packets to purpose-made scanning pucks, with the analysis taken from the middle of these pucks. The sample material was dry and collected and analysed in ambient temperatures within the processing warehouse. Monitoring of workstation area and apparatus temperatures occur during the shift with cooling actions being implemented when required. This provides only semi-quantitative information and is reported as raw data without significant corrections, which is best interpreted as an abundant/present/absent classification for most elements. This information provides useful trend analyses at an exploration target scale. Verification of sampling and assaying Significant drill intersections are checked by the supervising personnel. The intersections are compared to recorded geology and neighbouring data and reviewed in Leapfrog and QGIS software. No twinned holes have been drilled to date by Benz Mining, but, planned holes have tested the interpreted mineralised trends, verifying the geometry of the mineralised targets. All logs were validated by the Project Geologist prior to being sent to the Database Administrator for import No adjustments have been made to assay data received from ALS labs. Location of data points Hole collar coordinates including RLs have been located by handheld GPS in the field during initial drill site preparation. Actual hole collars were collected by a DGPS system at the Glenburgh Gold Project. The grid system used for the location of all drill holes is GDA94_MGA _Zone 50s. Planned hole coordinates and final GPS coordinates are compared in QGIS and Leapfrog project files to ensure all targets have been tested as intended. The drill string path is monitored as drilling progresses using downhole Axis Champ Gyro tool and compared against the planned drill path, adjustment to the drilling technique is requested as required to ensure the intended path is followed. Readings were recorded at 30m intervals from surface to end of hole after Benz reviewed single shot verses EOH continuous surveying of the Axis Champ Gyro tool and noted >3 degrees variance in azimuth with hole depth. The single shots produce less variability and are used for hole trace reporting in the database. Historical drill hole surveys and methods will be reviewed in preparation for any updates to MRE in the future. Data spacing and distribution BNZ's Glenburgh RC drilling has been designed as a test on mineralisation extension at a planned spacing of 60m between pierce points on the projected mineralised feature. Holes were generally angled ~ -65 dip towards ~ 145 degrees GDA94_MGA _Zone 51 Grid orientation. Fifteen (15) holes were drilled into Zone 126 prospect on a rough grid pattern to obtain adequate spacing for testing mineralisation continuity and geological host features. The mineralised domains established for pre-BNZ MREs have sufficient continuity in both geology and grade to be considered appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedures and classification applied under the 2012 JORC Code. Ongoing drilling will be sufficiently spaced for a reinterpretation based on BNZ's structural model. No sample compositing of material from drilling has been applied during this drilling campaign. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drilling has primarily been undertaken perpendicular to the interpreted mineralised structures as stated above. No orientation-based sampling bias has been identified - observed intercepts to date indicate the interpreted geology hosting mineralisation is robust. Sample security All samples were prepared in the field by Galt staff and delivered by contracted couriers from the field site to the ALS laboratory in Perth directly. Individual pre-numbered calco sample bags are placed in polywoven plastic bags (5 per bag) secured at the top with a cable tie. These bags are annotated with the company name and sample numbers, the bags are placed in larger bulker bags for transport to ALS labs in Perth, also labelled with corresponding company name, drill hole and sample identifiers. Sample pulps are stored in a dry, secure location at Galt's warehouse in West Leederville. Audits or reviews Data is validated by Benz staff and Expedio consultants as it is entered into MXDeposit. Errors are returned to field staff for validation. All drilled hole collars have been located with a DGPS. There have been no audits undertaken. Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results (Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section) Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Glenburgh Gold Project is a group of 10 tenements and 2 applications. The majority of known gold deposits are located on Mining Lease M09/148. The tenement is 100% owned by Benz Mining Limited. The tenements are in good standing and no known impediments exist. Exploration done by other parties Since Helix Resources in 1994 and subsequent work by Gascoyne Resources, about 159149 soil samples, 1349 vacuum holes and 2285 auger holes have been completed at Glenburgh. 9 diamond holes, 398 RC holes, 6 air-core holes and 462 RAB holes have been drilled in the Glenburgh area to identify the distribution and evaluate the potential of the deposit. Drilling to date has identified 10 high potential deposits in the Glenburgh area which are: Tuxedo, Icon, Apollo, Mustang, Shelby, Hurricane, Zone 102, Zone 126, NE3 and NE4 deposits. Geology Gold mineralization at the Glenburgh deposit is hosted in Paleoproterozoic upper-amphibolite to granulite facies siliciclastic rocks of the Glenburgh Terrane, in the southern Gascoyne Province of Western Australia. Gold was first discovered at the Glenburgh deposit in 1994 by Helix Resources during follow-up drilling of soil geochemical anomalies. Mineralisation occurs in shears within quartz + feldspar + biotite garnet gneiss, which contains discontinuous blocks or lenses of amphibolite and occasional thin magnetite-bearing metamorphics, probably derived from chemical sediments. Higher-grade mineralisation appears to be directly related to silica flooding in the gneiss. This silica flooding may give rise to quartz 'veins' up to several metres thick, although scales of several centimetres to tens of centimetres are the norm. Neither the higher-grade silica lodes nor the more pervasive lower-grade mineralisation exhibits sharp or well-defined lithological contacts. Drill hole Information For this announcement, 14 Reverse Circulation (RC)drill holes are being reported. Collar details have been provided in the body of the report. For earlier released results, see previous announcements by Gascoyne Resources and Spartan Resources. Data aggregation methods No material information has been excluded. A nominal 0.5 ppm Au lower cut off has been applied to the RC and results, with up to 3m internal dilution (<0.5ppm Au) included if appropriate. Higher grade Au intervals lying within broader zones of Au mineralisation are reported as included intervals. No top cuts have been applied to reported intercepts. No metal equivalent values have been used. All reported assays have been length weighted if appropriate. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Based on historical reports and interpretation from Geophysical data, drill holes were angled to the south-east (145) as geological targets are dipping steeply to the west, NNW. Direct exposure of the targeted geological contact is not known at this stage, hence all reported intercepts are as down hole widths and not true widths. Diagrams Relevant diagrams are included in the report. Balanced reporting All meaningful data relating to the Exploration program has been included and reported to the market as assays are received. Other substantive exploration data See body of announcement. Further work Assays for the remainder of the programme will be reported once received and validated. Detailed field mapping has commenced to refine targets for the next round of drilling. Geophysical techniques are being investigated to reduce the search space of high-grade lenses away from defined resource areas and/or high-grade drill intercepts. ________________________ 1 See Benz announcement dated 6 November 2024 2 Indicated: 13.5Mt at 1.0g/t Au for 430.7koz; Inferred: 2.8Mt at 0.9g/t Au for 79.4koz. See Historical Mineral Resource Estimates, below 3 Indicated: 1.3Mt at 9.0g/t Au for 384koz; Inferred: 3.8Mt at 5.1g/t Au for 621koz To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247193 SOURCE: Benz Mining Corp. Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 2, 2025) - Tiny Ltd. (TSXV: TINY) ("Tiny" or the "Company"), a Canadian technology holding company that acquires wonderful businesses for the long term, announces that, further to its news release of March 31, 2025, it has filed a prospectus supplement dated April 2, 2025 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to its final short form base shelf prospectus dated September 29, 2023 (as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement, the "Prospectus") with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada pursuant to its public offering of 17,400,000 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $1.15 per Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of $20,010,000, plus an over-allotment option of 15% (the "Offering"). Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Roth Canada, Inc. are acting as co-lead underwriters for the Offering. The Offering is expected to close on or about April 9, 2025. Prospectus is Accessible through SEDAR+ Access to the Prospectus and any amendment thereto is provided, and delivery thereof will be satisfied, in accordance with the "access equals delivery" provisions of applicable securities legislation. The Prospectus is accessible on the Company's profile at SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. An electronic or paper copy of the Prospectus and any amendment to the documents may be obtained, without charge, from Canaccord Genuity Corp. at 40 Temperance Street, Suite 2100, Toronto ON, M5H 0B4, by telephone at (416) 869-9280 or by email at ecm@cgf.com, by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable. Prospective investors should read the Final Prospectus in its entirety before making an investment decision. The Subscription Receipts and the underlying warrants and common shares (including such common shares underlying the warrants) have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "1933 Act") and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. persons" (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act), except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any Subscription Receipts or the underlying warrants and common shares (including such common shares underlying the warrants) in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons. About Tiny Tiny is a Canadian holding company that acquires wonderful businesses using a founder-friendly approach. It focuses on companies with unique competitive advantages, recurring or predictable revenue streams, and strong free cash flow generation. Tiny typically holds businesses for the long-term, with a parent-level focus on capital allocation, collaborative management and operations, and incentive structures within the operating companies to drive results for Tiny and its shareholders. Tiny operates across three principal reporting segments: Digital Services, delivering design and development solutions that help global companies build exceptional products; Software and Apps, offering industry-leading applications and themes that empower merchants in the Shopify ecosystem; and Creative Platform, featuring Dribbble, the premier social network for designers, alongside Creative Market, a marketplace for high-quality digital assets including fonts, graphics, and templates. For more about Tiny, please visit www.tiny.com or refer to the public disclosure documents available under Tiny's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements or information with respect to the Offering and the expected closing thereof. Forward-looking statements and information are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although the Company's management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statement or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the risks described in the Final Prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management's estimates should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect results is included in the Final Prospectus and in the documents that may be filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by the Company. 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247183 SOURCE: Tiny Ltd. Rio Tinto's first locally made iron ore rail car has been built in Western Australia, as it steps up its use of domestic manufacturing across its world class iron ore business. The company is investing about A$150 million to purchase 100 locally built rail cars, as well as continued investment in bearing refurbishment for its Pilbara operations. Its partnership with Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co. Ltd is also supported by the Western Australian government and establishes a new local supply chain that delivers jobs and boosts manufacturing in the state. Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said: "Our vision for Western Australia's future is clear: we want to continue working closely with the resources industry to diversify our nation-leading economy and make more things here. "These railcars are an excellent example of that vision already in action. I want to congratulate Rio Tinto, Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock for building locally and supporting Western Australian jobs and industry." The first 40 rail cars will be built at Gemco's Forrestfield facility in Perth, as it sets up a manufacturing workshop in Karratha, where 60 more rail cars will be made, starting later this year. The new Karratha facility will create a manufacturing and bearing maintenance industry in the Pilbara, supporting up to 25 jobs in the region. Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said: "We want to support local business and create new economic opportunities in the communities where we operate. "By partnering with Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock, we are establishing new manufacturing capability in the Pilbara that will create a reliable and sustainable supply chain to support our operations and the regional economy for years to come." Gemco Rail is using advanced engineering and manufacturing expertise, alongside robotic welding technologies, to create rail cars that will each carry up to 118 tonnes of iron ore from Rio Tinto's 17 mines in the Pilbara to its ports. The new Karratha workshop will also support the supply of new and reconditioned rail car bearings from the Pilbara and reduce the need to transport iron ore rail cars and bearings from Perth. Engenco Limited, the parent company of Gemco Rail, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dean Draper said: "We are proud to partner with Rio Tinto to re-establish iron ore rail car manufacturing in Western Australia. The construction of Rio Tinto's first locally built rail car marks a significant milestone in developing a sustainable local supply chain. "Gemco Rail's investment in both our Forrestfield facility, and our expansion into Karratha reflects our long-term commitment to our customers and to strengthening regional industries. Led by our highly skilled workforce we are delivering high-quality rail solutions which will support Rio Tinto's Pilbara operations." CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co. Ltd Managing Director Wang Liwen said: "We shall be committed to strongly support Rio Tinto's globalization strategy, low-carbon strategy, and localisation projects by virtue of our excellent products and services and actively promote the realization of social value." Note to editors: Rio Tinto uses about 13,500 iron ore rail cars across its Pilbara iron ore rail network. It typically replaces about 10 retired iron ore rail cars with new rail cars a year. The first locally made rail cars by Gemco are expected to start hauling ore in the Pilbara in the first half of 2025. Since 2018, Rio Tinto has more than doubled its annual spend with Western Australia suppliers, increasing it to a record A$10.3 billion in 2024. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250402309411/en/ Contacts: Rio Tinto Rachel Pupazzoni M +61 438 875 469 E media.enquiries@riotinto.com Gemco Rail Alicia Martino M +61 436 927 770 E alicia.martino@engenco.com.au WA Premier's office Jordan Murray M +61 419 102 823 E jordan.murray@dpc.wa.gov.au riotinto.com Category: Pilbara DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nanoprecise Sci Corp is pleased to announce that Arabian Fiberglass Insulation Company (AFICO), a subsidiary of Gulf Insulation Group and Zamil Industrial, has become one of the first manufacturing companies in Saudi Arabia to adopt its industry leading Energy-Centered Predictive Maintenance solution. This strategic move reinforces AFICO's strong commitment to operational efficiency, technological innovation and sustainability. Nanoprecise Sci Corp specializes in AI-driven predictive maintenance technology that enables manufacturers to not just monitor the health and performance of their industrial assets but also provides visibility into excess energy consumption caused by faulty machinery. By leveraging 6-in-1 IoT sensors, AI algorithms, and data analytics, the solution empowers companies to detect and identify potential failures before they occur, reducing downtime and optimizing maintenance strategies. "We are thrilled to collaborate with AFICO as they integrate our Energy-Centered Predictive Maintenance solution into their operations," said Sunil Vedula, Founder and CEO at Nanoprecise. "This agreement highlights the growing demand for advanced condition monitoring solutions in the region, and we look forward to supporting AFICO in achieving greater reliability, efficiency and sustainability." Eyad Al Owaid, CEO at AFICO, also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: "At AFICO, we are always looking for ways to enhance our operational efficiency and ensure the reliability of our manufacturing processes. Nanoprecise' s solution provides us with valuable machine health insights that help us reduce unplanned downtime, improve asset performance & most importantly avoid excessive energy consumption. We are excited to implement this technology as part of our commitment to innovation, sustainability and excellence." With this deployment, AFICO is setting a new benchmark for smart manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the power of AI-driven predictive maintenance in industrial environments. "The cost of unplanned downtime in the insulation business, far outweighs the investment in IoT-driven predictive maintenance," commented Abdul Bary Atassi, CIO at ZI ITG. "Smart sensors and data analytics are the keys to transitioning from 'fix it when it breaks' to 'prevent it from breaking'. With Nanoprecise technology we are able to achieve this with an easy and quick setup, and at a reasonable cost. About Nanoprecise: Nanoprecise Sci Corp is a global leader in predictive maintenance solutions, empowering industries to achieve operational excellence, reduce unplanned downtime, and meet sustainability goals through advanced technology. Established in 2017, Nanoprecise specializes in integrating cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology to provide energy-centered maintenance (ECM) solutions for a wide array of industrial machinery. About Arabian Fiberglass Insulation Company (AFICO): Established in 1981, Arabian Fiberglass Insulation Company (AFICO) is a leading manufacturer of fiberglass (glass wool) thermal and acoustical insulation products in the Middle East. Headquartered in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, AFICO operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, including a plant in Dammam Second Industrial City. AFICO offers a comprehensive range of insulation solutions for various applications, including HVAC systems, building insulation, and specialized industrial uses. Their product portfolio encompasses mechanical board insulation, duct liners, residential cavity wall insulation, and pipe. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2572136/Nanoprecise_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/afico-a-subsidiary-of-gulf-insulation-group-and-zamil-industrial-adopts-nanoprecise-sci-corps-energy-centered-predictive-maintenance-solution-302418628.html SHENZHEN, China, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 PKU Shenzhen Forum, organized by Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS), was held March 30 at the Wuzhou Guest House in Futian District. Under the theme "Building Consensus on Reform, Stimulating Innovation," the event welcomed over 1,000 participants, including scholars, policy experts, and industry leaders. Founded in 2007 and expanded beyond campus in 2021, the Shenzhen Forum has become a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue across economics, technology, and public policy. PHBS Founding Dean Hai Wen, also vice chairman of the Peking University Council, opened the forum with a speech emphasizing reform and innovation as essential drivers of progress. "To deepen reform and constantly innovate has been the cornerstone of China's development over the past 40 years," he noted. The forum featured a keynote by Professor Zhang Jin, vice president of Peking University and chancellor of its Shenzhen Graduate School, on the growing field of AI for Science. He highlighted the need to support digital research platforms and cultivate interdisciplinary talent capable of advancing scientific discovery through artificial intelligence. Macroeconomic insights were shared by Li Yang, chairman of the National Institution for Finance & Development, who noted steady performance early in the year but also challenges like external demand dependency and weak private investment. He stressed the need for proactive fiscal and monetary policies. while calling for more supportive fiscal and monetary policy to address domestic consumption and private investment. Wang Yiming of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges underscored the importance of technological innovation in fostering new economic momentum, emphasizing stronger connections between education, research, and talent development. In the area of international affairs, Peking University professor Wang Yizhou reflected on the value of academic inquiry in adapting to global change. He pointed to opportunities in deeper international engagement and the need for updated perspectives. Lu Mai, former vice chairman of the China Development Research Foundation, closed the session with a call to invest in early childhood development, especially in rural areas. He stressed that long-term prosperity relies on improving care, education, and nutrition for the youngest generation. With its interdisciplinary focus and diverse perspectives, the PKU Shenzhen Forum continues to serve as a platform for strategic dialogue-marking another step in PHBS's ongoing effort to convene academic voices across economics, technology, and public policy. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2657231/2025_Peking_University_Shenzhen_Forum.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/leading-scholars-gather-at-pku-shenzhen-forum-to-discuss-ai-and-economic-development-302419406.html Lonza Group AG / Key word(s): Annual Results/Sustainability Lonza Publishes Invitation to the 2025 Annual General Meeting and 2024 Annual and Sustainability Reports 03-Apr-2025 / 07:00 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Annual General Meeting will take place on 9 May 2025 at the Congress Center in Basel, Switzerland Jean-Marc Huet proposed for re-election as Chair of the Board of Directors All current Board Members with the exception of Olivier Verscheure are standing for re-election Three candidates (Juan Andres, Eric Drape and David Meline) proposed for election as new Board members The proposed dividend is maintained at CHF 4.00 per share 2024 Annual and Sustainability Reports published Basel, Switzerland, 3 April 2025 - Lonza today announced the publication of its 2024 Annual and Sustainability Reports, as well as its invitation to the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The event will take place on Friday, 9 May 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CEST, at the Congress Center Messe Basel, Messeplatz 21, 4058 Basel, Switzerland. 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) The Board of Directors proposes the re-election of Jean-Marc Huet as Chair and member of the Board of Directors and the re-election of the following individuals to the Board of Directors, each for a term of office until the completion of the AGM 2026: Marion Helmes Angelica Kohlmann Christoph Mader Roger Nitsch Barbara Richmond Jurgen Steinemann Olivier Verscheure has decided not to stand for re-election. Olivier has been a member of the Board since 2018. The Board would like to thank Olivier for his contribution during his years of service at Lonza. The Board of Directors also proposes the election of three new Board members, each for a term of office until the completion of the AGM 2026: Juan Andres Eric Drape (election effective from 14 May 2025) David Meline Juan Andres has a career spanning more than 35 years during which he has held a variety of executive leadership positions. He was President, Strategic Partnerships and Enterprise Expansion at Moderna and led all manufacturing and technical development there during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to that, he led manufacturing worldwide and other strategic roles at Novartis for 12 years after spending more than 15 years at Eli Lilly. He has a deep strategic understanding of technical operations and quality that is complemented by international business expertise. Eric Drape held the role of EVP, Head of Global Operations, Company Officer and Member of the Executive Committee at Teva Pharmaceuticals until 2024. For more than 35 years, he has served in multiple leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry, covering global operations and quality at Teva Pharmaceuticals, Ipsen Pharma and Novo Nordisk. He has a wealth of international experience, having held positions in Denmark, France, Israel and the US. If elected, Eric Drape's term of office will start on 14 May 2025 after the expiry of current contractual commitments. David Meline has served as CFO of three publicly listed industrial and biotech companies and worked in various capital-intensive industries throughout his career. After serving as CFO and CAO of 3M Company as well as CFO of Amgen, one of the world's largest independent biotech companies, David was CFO of Moderna during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has extensive governance, financial and industry experience, including business and IT services. Further motions include the re-election and election of the Remuneration Committee and the approval of the compensation of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. The Board of Directors proposes to maintain a dividend of CHF 4.00 per share. Subject to approval at the upcoming AGM, 50% of the dividend will be paid out of the capital contribution reserve, meaning it will be free from Swiss withholding tax. The AGM invitation can be accessed on the AGM webpage . 2024 Annual and Sustainability Reports Lonza today published its 2024 online Annual Report and Sustainability Report . PDF versions of the reports can be accessed here . The 2024 Sustainability Report is Lonza's seventh sustainability report, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. The report provides insights into the company's commitments and performance related to the most relevant sustainability priorities for its business and stakeholders. This year's Sustainability Report is based on Lonza's first double materiality assessment and contains additional details to further increase transparency and meet evolving ESG reporting requirements. Responsible business is both an ethical and a commercial imperative for Lonza. Since 2022, environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics have been incorporated into Lonza's compensation policy for both management and employees. This ensures that sustainability remains an integral part of every employee's daily work and sustainability achievements are recognized and rewarded as a core strategic pillar of Lonza's long-term success. For more information, please visit Lonza's 2024 Remuneration Report . About Lonza Lonza is one of the world's largest contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) dedicated to serving the healthcare industry. Working across five continents, our global team of around 18,500 colleagues works alongside pharma and biotech companies to turn their breakthrough innovations into viable therapies. We support our customers in bringing life-saving and life-enhancing treatments to patients worldwide with a combination of cutting-edge science, smart technology and lean manufacturing. Our company generated sales of CHF 6.6 billion with a CORE EBITDA of CHF 1.9 billion in Full-Year 2024. Find out more at www.lonza.com . Lonza Contact Details Victoria Morgan Head of External Communications Lonza Group Ltd Tel +41 61 316 2283 victoria.morgan@lonza.com Daniel Buchta Head of Investor Relations Lonza Group Ltd Tel +41 61 316 2985 daniel.buchta@lonza.com End of Inside Information A Love of Humanity, a new tissue bank dedicated to advancing medical education and scientific research, has officially launched in England and Wales under the umbrella of Fenix Biomed BV, which is also introducing services in the Netherlands. Operating 365 days a year, the organisation offers individuals a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy of compassion through whole-body donation. Founded on the belief that "wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity," the programme removes many of the geographical and institutional barriers traditionally associated with body donation. Unlike most university-affiliated programmes, which are often unable to accept new donors due to location, health, and capacity, A Love of Humanity ensures that donors-regardless of location or timing- can support medical and scientific research while being treated with respect, dignity, and care. The service is a division of Fenix Biomed BV, based in the Netherlands, and is designed to meet the growing demand of medical teaching, surgical training, and medical/scientific research. Donated bodies support a wide range of initiatives-from the development of minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted surgery to emergency medicine training for first responders and breakthroughs in disease research. "Whole-body donation is one of the most sustainable and impactful ways to support future generations of healthcare professionals and patients," said Kelly Dunlap, founder and managing director at Fenix Biomed and A Love of Humanity. "Many people want their final act to carry meaning. This programme makes it possible for someone's last gesture to shape the future of medicine." One donor can support the training of dozens of surgeons or emergency responders over several years. Anatomical donations help train future clinicians in numerous medical procedures, from basic anatomy to advanced neurosurgical techniques. The organisation offers a transparent registration process with no cost to donors or their families. A full information and consent packet is available on their website, including details on the duration of donation, cremation options, and how next of kin are supported. By expanding access beyond traditional university circles, A Love of Humanity allows more people to contribute to life-changing medical knowledge-irrespective of their location or background. To learn more or register as a donor, visit: www.aloveofhumanity.co.uk. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250402415603/en/ Contacts: Press contact: care@aloveofhumanity.co.uk Joan Amigo I Casas to become Senior Advisor to the Board Applus+, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services with headquarters in Barcelona, is pleased to announce a new chapter in its leadership. Effective 7 April 2025, Joan Amigo I Casas, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of Applus+ since 2022, has elected to step down from his current position and take on a newly created role as Senior Advisor to the Board. In this capacity, Joan will report to Mike Smith, the recently appointed Chairman of Applus+, and focus on strengthening Government and State relations and leading strategic projects of national significance. He will also continue to serve on the Boards of IDIADA and LGAI. Mike Smith, Chairman of Applus+, said: "Joan has overseen significant growth in Applus+ during his time as CEO and has guided the business through the transition from public to private ownership. We are very grateful for his contribution and delighted that he has agreed to be a Senior Advisor to the Board." Applus+ is also pleased to announce that Richard Bartlett has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and will assume the role in June 2025. Richard joins from BP, where he most recently served as CEO of BP Pulse, the company's global electric vehicle charging business and as head of BP's European Fuel and Convenience retail business.During his career at BP, he also held senior leadership roles including CFO of air bp and BP Asia Pacific. Commenting on the appointment of Richard Bartlett, Mike Smith, Chairman of Applus+, said: "We are delighted to welcome Richard to Applus. He brings a strong track record of leadership in complex, global businesses. His international experience, commercial acumen, and people-focused leadership style make him ideally suited to lead Applus through its next phase of development." A fluent Spanish speaker, Richard and his family will be relocating to Spain. In the interim period between Joan's transition on 7 April and Richard's arrival in June, the Applus+ Executive Team will report directly to Chairman Mike Smith. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Applus+ under its new ownership, with a strengthened leadership team and renewed strategic focus for continued global growth. Notes to Editors About Applus+ Applus+ is one of the world's leading testing, inspection and certification (TIC) companies. Applus+ reported revenue of 2,058 million in 2023 and employs over 26,000 people in more than 70 countries. With headquarters in Barcelona, revenue generated from the home country of Spain accounted for 23% of the total. Applus+ addresses three deep and broad markets: automotive, energy and industry and laboratories. About I Squared Capital I Squared is a leading independent global infrastructure investor managing over $40 billion in assets. We build investment platforms from the ground up-starting small and scaling big. Combining global insight with local expertise, we tackle complex challenges, back smarter businesses, and invest in sustainable infrastructure that delivers essential services to millions worldwide. Our team of 280+ is headquartered in Miami with offices in Abu Dhabi, London, Munich, New Delhi, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney, and Taipei. We manage a diverse portfolio of 89 companies across 70+ countries, employing over 66,000 people in sectors including utilities, energy, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental, and social infrastructure. Learn more at www.isquaredcapital.com. About TDR Capital TDR Capital LLP is a leading European private equity firm with over 15 billion of assets under management. Founded in 2002, TDR typically acquires majority stakes in strong, market-leading European companies with the potential for robust growth and resilience throughout economic cycles. The firm has managed five European mid-market buyout funds. The team of 61 professionals currently manages assets across four European mid-market buyout funds from its headquarters in London. To date, the firm has made 27 platform investments, and its portfolio companies employ over 270,000 people around the world. TDR takes a long-term approach to investment and, in addition to capital invested, also provides expert resource to help drive sustainable value creation and positive, transformational change within the businesses it owns. For more information, visit tdrcapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250402671715/en/ Contacts: I Squared Capital info@isquaredcapital.com TDR Capital tdr@headlandconsultancy.com FUJIFILM Welcomes New Era of Possibility for Endoscopy RATINGEN, Germany, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe Team are excited to announce the European launch of ELUXEO 8000*, our new advanced endoscopy system with new therapeutic capabilities, workflow management and improved image quality. This is the first of an entire series of new and upcoming innovations to be released under the 'WELCOME, FUTURE' initiative. "We are delighted to announce the release of our new endoscopy platform and series of innovations to support the important work of endoscopists across Europe. We look forward to receiving valuable feedback from our customers as we work together to strengthen the future of endoscopy technology." - Takemasa Kojima, Managing Director, FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe WELCOME, FUTURE. With our engineering, craftsmanship and over 90 years of imaging heritage, we are redefining what's possible for endoscopy and welcoming a new era of possibility for EndoSolutions. The FUJIFILM Healthcare Team have developed a series of new technologies designed to transform the endoscopy journey, from screening to treatment. We will be revealing these in stages across the next 2 years. ? Join the ' Welcome, Future' mailing list to stay updated on new releases: https://www.healthcare-eu.fujifilm.com/welcome-future/?utm_source=Press_Release_EWF1&utm_medium=CTA_Button&utm_campaign=ELUXEO%C2%AE+8000+Endoscopy+System NEW THERAPEUTIC CAPABILITIES - ELUXEO 8000 ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM The ELUXEO 8000 focuses on new possibilities in advanced treatment scenarios. The new ACI mode (Amber-Red Color Imaging), not only supports the detection of bleeding sources, but can also be beneficial during minimally invasive third-space endoscopy treatment. Studies are still in progress with the endoscopy community. However, initial feedback from international experts has suggested that the ACI mode provides improved visibility of the different layers during procedures and could therefore help endoscopists to prevent bleeding, as detailed in their comments below: "I think using (ACI) to identify the muscle versus submucosal plane keeps you in the right plane all along and makes your ESD safer and quicker. This will reduce the learning curve of beginners and make ESD more widely available." - Professor Pradeep Bhandari MBBS, MD, DRCP, Professor of Gastroenterology, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust "ACI is a significant step ahead in the features that are provided by Fujifilm endoscopes. It's very useful not only for the third space but in general for advanced therapeutic procedures... And the ACI is even more important in this situation because it's emphasising the details and the contrast between mucosa, submucosa, muscle, and also allowing a very nice enhancement of the vessels... thanks to this feature of ACI, it's very relevant from a clinical standpoint, from the outcome, and from the safety standpoint." - Professor Alessandro Repici, Director of Digestive Endoscopy Dept at Humanitas Research Hospital, Milano, Italy "The addition of ACI, I think, is key for therapeutics because it allows people, even those who are experienced at, for example, tissue resection, ESD, to perform the procedure, I would say, quicker with a similar safety profile due to the optical characteristics of being able to recognize the plane better and deal prophylactically with bleeding." - Dr. David J. Tate MA, MBBS, MRCP,Interventional Endoscopist and Gastroenterologist, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT - ELUXEO 8000 ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM With a focus on workflow efficiency, the ELUXEO 8000 is designed to support physicians with a simpler, more productive, day-to-day clinical workflow. The workflow management tools included in the new solution aim to deliver improved usability with connected systems and data integration. For example, during procedures, this could mean preventing accidental double insufflation of air and CO 2 ** or enabling water irrigation with the touch of a button. OPERATION VIA TOUCHSCREEN TABLET - ELUXEO 8000 ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM A striking new addition in this release is an optional 15-inch touch screen tablet with a user-friendly interface designed to enable a more intuitive way of operating the processor. Using this solution, physicians can record DICOM-compatible images and videos for documentation purposes. Continued development for this product has been planned by FUJIFILM to further enhance connectivity and the ability to collate intelligent information. COMBINING X-RAY AND ULTRASOUND IMAGING EXPERTISE - ELUXEO 8000 ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM At FUJIFILM, we believe in using our knowledge and cross-functional expertise to continually improve solutions for healthcare. As imaging experts, we took inspiration from alternative imaging areas within our portfolio to transform our future endoscopy solutions. Combining expertise from X-Ray and Ultrasound, the imaging quality in the ELUXEO 8000 has been elevated to a new standard. Using our state-of-the-art triple noise reduction technology (3NR) from combined imaging specialities with extended dynamic range has led to improved sharpness and enhanced brightness optimisation in both the near and far field. Together with our latest CMOS sensor and 4K output, the combination of ELUXEO 8000 with our newly released 800 series endoscopes, achieves our cleanest and brightest endoscopic image yet. "The Eluxeo 8000 series is a tremendous new processor that not only brings better imaging, tailor-made for enhanced diagnostics including state-of-the-art linked colour imaging and blue light imaging, tried and tested both for detection and characterisation; but also, lends itself extremely well to very high definition 4K imaging using CMOS chips and the most impressive ACI designed for third space endoscopy." - Prof. Edward John Despott MD FRCP FJGES MD(Res), Consultant Interventional Endoscopist and Gastroenterologist, The Royal Free London and The Wellington Hospital * Product name ELUXEO 8000 processor: EP-8000 ** This feature requires our MDR certified GW-100 CO 2 Insufflator. VISIT FUJIFILM IN BARCELONA FOR ESGE DAYS 2025 April 3-5, Booth #04. Join the FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe team in Barcelona for ESGE Days 2025 and experience the future of endoscopy! Participate in our Industry Symposium to learn more about the science behind our innovations and hear from the world-class international faculty about their experiences. ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR: Please visit ESGE Days | European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopyto see the full list events and add events to your calendar. LEARN MORE Stay in the loop with newsletters, events and product release notifications from the FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe 'WELCOME, FUTURE' initiative: https://www.healthcare-eu.fujifilm.com/welcome-future/?utm_source=Press_Release_EWF1&utm_medium=CTA_Button&utm_campaign=ELUXEO%C2%AE+8000+Endoscopy+System CONTACT US Would you like to learn more or perhaps you have a question for our team? Get in touch below. Stefan Bachmeier, Endoscopy Systems Marketing Manager, FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe stefan.bachmeier@fujifilm.com Fujifilm, Proudly by Your Side As a global innovator for over 90 years in healthcare and imaging, Fujifilm's innovative endoscopy solutions are designed to improve patient accessibility to healthcare services, with early diagnosis and medical treatments that deliver a continued positive impact on our society. With our knowledge, passion and inspiration, we empower endoscopy professionals to make the biggest difference in their daily work byimprovingthe quality of life for patients and contributing to a healthier society. Together, we are enriching lives and giving the world more smiles! Proudly by your side, FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe Team A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b151161d-8ba2-4d4b-b014-4490effc3dcc Paris, April 3rd, 2025 2024 YEAR-END RESULTS DISCLOSURE AgroGeneration provides an update on the progress of closing its 2024 year-end financial results, the ongoing audit process, and the expected timeline for disclosure. The team responsible for consolidating financial statements across the Group's subsidiaries, along with the auditors reviewing the accounts of its Ukrainian entities, continue to face significant challenges due to Russia's ongoing military invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. The persistent conflict makes it impossible to safely access sites and supporting documentation, as the Group's operations are primarily located in frontline areas, particularly in the Kharkiv region. The security situation remains critical, with frequent missile and artillery strikes. In 2024, the region faced an average of six air alerts per day, each lasting up to eleven hours. The situation further deteriorated in January-March 2025, with daily alert durations averaging up to twelve hours per day (see table below for details). Statistics of Air Alerts in the Kharkiv Region of Ukraine Whole W ar P eriod ( 24.02.2022 - 29.03.2025 ) 2023 2024 Period from ( 01.01.2025-29.03.2025 ) Number of days 1,129 364 365 87 Kharkiv Kharkiv Kharkiv Kharkiv Number of air alerts 5,795 1,657 2,122 462 Average number of alerts per day 5 5 6 5 Total duration of the air alerts, hours 7,627 1,307 3,959 1,026 Average duration of air alerts, hours/day 6.8 3.6 10.8 11.8 Number of explosions reported 1,583 381 682 131 Average number of explosions per day 1 1 2 2 Number of threats of artillery attacks 8,600 2,283 5,743 449 Average number of threats of artillery attacks per day 8 6 16 5 Source: https://air-alarms.in.ua/en Due to these ongoing force majeure circumstances, AgroGeneration will not be able to publish its 2024 year-end financial statements within the legally mandated deadline of April 30, 2025. However, the Company is making every effort to finalize and disclose its financial results by the end of June 2025, with a maximum delay of two months. Consequently, the convening of the General Shareholders' Meeting to review and approve the financial statements will also be postponed. Furthermore, due to the ongoing challenges posed by the war, the Group's auditors remain unable to express an opinion on the financial accounts of its Ukrainian subsidiaries. Given that the majority of the Group's operations and assets are situated in frontline areas of Ukraine and considering the continued hostilities, the auditors will not be in a position to certify the consolidated and annual accounts as of December 31, 2024. APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXPERT AgroGeneration announces the appointment of the firm Sorgem Evaluation as the independent expert tasked with preparing a report on the financial conditions of the simplified public tender offer to be filed by Novaagro Ukraine LLC, the new major owner of the company. The filing of the offer project, which is mandatory due to Novaagro Ukraine LLC crossed the 50% threshold in capital and voting rights on October 30, 2024, is currently expected to take place in the coming months, within the period set by the AMF's decision issued in December 2024, thus no later than the end of June 2025. This announcement follows the press releases made by the Company on October 30, 2024, and December 20, 2024, regarding the acquisition of a majority block of shares in the Company by Novaagro Ukraine LLC and the mandatory public offer project. The Board of Directors of AgroGeneration at its meeting on March 20, 2025, in accordance with Article 261-1 of the AMF General Regulation and upon the prior approval of the AMF (in accordance with Article 261-1-1 of the AMF General Regulation, and since the target company, AgroGeneration, is unable to establish the ad hoc committee), appointed Sorgem Evaluation, located at 11, rue Leroux - 75116 Paris, represented by Mr. Maurice Nussenbaum, as the independent expert. The independent expert will, in particular, be tasked, in accordance with Articles 262-1 and following of the AMF General Regulation, with preparing a report on the financial conditions of the simplified offer project (OPAS) with the conclusion presented in the form of a fairness opinion. The Board of Directors will meet again, after reviewing the independent expert's report, to issue a fairness opinion on the simplified offer project (OPAS) and its consequences for the Company, its shareholders and its employees. This fairness opinion, together with the independent expert's report, will be made public as part of the draft note en reponse to be filed with the AMF, and will be the subject of a press release by the Company. About AGROGENERATION Founded in 2007, AgroGeneration is a large-scale producer of grain and oilseed. The company's core business is grains and oil commodity crop farming, operating near 30,000 hectares of high quality agricultural lands in the East of Ukraine. All information on AgroGeneration's website: www.AgroGeneration.com Receive all AgroGeneration's financial information by e-mail for free by registering at: www.actusnews.com AgroGeneration +33 1 55 27 38 40 investisseurs@AgroGeneration.com www.AgroGeneration.com Actus Finance Anne-Pauline Petureaux, Investor Relations +33 (0)1 53 67 36 72 ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: xnBtYpyaZZuWmW9yaZ5uZ5VjapxllmPIm2jJm5VsZcqZmXGUxmaWaJqcZnJhnG5u - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-90798-pr_agg_current-performance-update_en_final.pdf KANAZAWA, Japan, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University and colleagues have achieved a breakthrough in understanding sperm DNA packaging. Using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM), they captured the real-time process of protamine (PRM)-induced DNA condensation, providing critical insights into fertility, genome stability, and future applications in medicine. Their findings are published in Nucleic Acids Research. Why This Discovery is Important In most cells, DNA is wrapped around proteins called histones, allowing it to be loosely packed and accessible for gene activity. However, in sperm cells, histones are replaced by protamines, which enable extreme DNA condensation. This compaction is essential for protecting genetic material during fertilization, ensuring efficient transport of DNA to the egg, and contributing to fertility and embryo development. Despite its importance, the precise steps of how protamines condense DNA into highly stable structures have remained unclear. Previous imaging methods could only capture static snapshots, leaving many questions unanswered. Now, for the first time, Richard W. Wong at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University and collaborators have used real-time imaging to reveal the entire condensation process. Key Findings Using HS-AFM, the research team directly visualized the stepwise transformation of DNA structures as they bind to protamines. The study introduces a new CARD (Coil-Assembly-Rod-Doughnut) model, which describes the condensation process through four distinct stages: the Coil Stage, where DNA forms loose loops; the Assembly Stage, where protamines bind, increasing structural organization; the Rod Stage, where DNA becomes further compacted; and the Doughnut (Toroid) Stage, where the final stable structure forms. Additionally, researchers discovered that this packaging is reversible, meaning the structure can shift based on environmental conditions. These insights have major implications for understanding male infertility, chromatin biology, and gene therapy. Potential Applications Fertility research could benefit from insights into DNA packaging, helping to diagnose and treat male infertility. Gene therapy might improve through a better understanding of DNA compaction and its role in genetic material delivery in medical treatments. Synthetic biology and nanotechnology could also leverage these findings to develop new methods for manipulating DNA structures in biotechnological applications. Expert Insights "Our findings provide a dynamic view of how protamines shape sperm chromatin structure, a process essential for fertility and genome stability," says corresponding author Richard W. Wong. "This research not only enhances our understanding of reproduction but also has far-reaching implications for genetics and fertility treatments." Glossary Protamines (PRMs) are small proteins that replace histones in sperm cells, enabling DNA to be tightly packed. Chromatin refers to the complex of DNA and proteins that form chromosomes; in sperm, it is highly condensed. High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM) is an advanced imaging method that captures molecular changes in real time at the nanoscale. DNA Condensation is the process by which DNA is compacted to become more stable. Toroid Structure is a ring-shaped DNA formation seen in sperm, which helps protect genetic material. Figure https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/thumbnail_c_2025_GoroNishide.jpeg Caption: Conceptual representation of the spatiotemporal dynamics of protamine-DNA condensation, as elucidated by high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM). The DNA double helix integrated into the donut symbolizes the hierarchical chromatin compaction process observed in sperm, transitioning through coil, assembly, rod, and doughnut (CARD) stages. The careful handling reflects the molecular precision captured by HS-AFM, offering insights into protamine-driven genome packaging essential for sperm maturation and male fertility. This visualization underscores the interplay between chromatin architecture and reproductive biology at the nanoscale. Goro Nishide (2025) Reference Goro Nishide, Keesiang Lim, Akiko Kobayashi, Yujia Qiu, Masaharu Hazawa, Toshio Ando, Yuki Okada, and Richard W. Wong, Spatiotemporal dynamics of protamine-DNA condensation revealed by high-speed atomic force microscopy, Nucleic Acids Research DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaf152 URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaf152 Funding and acknowledgements We thank Prof. Noriyuki Kodera for providing the cationic lipid substrate, and we are grateful to all members of Richard Wong laboratory for their involvement. This work was supported by The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI). This work was also supported by WISE Program for Nano-Precision Medicine, Science, and Technology of Kanazawa University by MEXT (to G.N), MEXT / JSPS KAKENHI grant number 24K18449 (to K.L.), 20H05939 (to Y.O.) and 22H05537, 22H02209, 23H04278 and 24H01276 (to R.W .W .) from MEXT Japan; and by JST CREST Grant Number JPMJCR22E3 (to R.W .W .), and by grants from the Hokuriku Bank grant (to K.L), the Takeda Science Foundation, Japan (to R.W .W .), and the Shimadzu Science Foundation, Japan (to R.W .W .). Contact Kimie Nishimura (Ms) Project Planning and Outreach, NanoLSI Administration Office Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University Email: nanolsi-office@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University Understanding nanoscale mechanisms of life phenomena by exploring "uncharted nano-realms". Cells are the basic units of almost all life forms. We are developing nanoprobe technologies that allow direct imaging, analysis, and manipulation of the behavior and dynamics of important macromolecules in living organisms, such as proteins and nucleic acids, at the surface and interior of cells. We aim at acquiring a fundamental understanding of the various life phenomena at the nanoscale. https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/ About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). See the latest research news from the centers at the WPI News Portal: https://www.eurekalert.org/newsportal/WPI Main WPI program site: www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel About Kanazawa University As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities. The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa - a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas. http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kanazawa-university-research-live-imaging-captures-dna-folding-in-sperm-cells-for-the-first-time-302419549.html Just 15% of organisations believe their current data governance is meeting expectations Embedded Gen AI will make it even easier for businesses to understand and manage their data estates Experian today launches a suite of major new enhancements to its leading data quality and governance platform, Aperture Data Studio. This single, unified data intelligence solution combines data quality and data governance capabilities to help businesses deploy data-driven decision making, ensure their data is fit-for-purpose, improve customer experience and operational efficiency, and manage risk. The new version of Aperture Data Studio significantly enhances the existing platform, making it easier than ever for businesses to understand, manage, control and improve their data efficiently. New features include: Data Catalogue and Governance: Advancing Experian's mission to instil trust in data, a new fully flexible data catalogue enables greater control, oversight and management of an organisation's data estate. Businesses can easily define data assets, capture and contextualise critical data, assign ownership and map relationships, enforce policies, and leverage collaboration features to encourage innovation. Advancing Experian's mission to instil trust in data, a new fully flexible data catalogue enables greater control, oversight and management of an organisation's data estate. Businesses can easily define data assets, capture and contextualise critical data, assign ownership and map relationships, enforce policies, and leverage collaboration features to encourage innovation. Business Impact Analysis: A unique capability expediting ROI for our clients. Businesses can quantify the impact of data management issues in financial terms, deliver Return on Investment (ROI) metrics for data initiatives, and map data to internal processes to assess if it is fit-for-purpose. A unique capability expediting ROI for our clients. Businesses can quantify the impact of data management issues in financial terms, deliver Return on Investment (ROI) metrics for data initiatives, and map data to internal processes to assess if it is fit-for-purpose. Gen AI Capabilities: Supporting business users and a federated data management model, Gen AI-powered technology delivers a superior experience and quicker time to value, with the ability to prompt Gen AI to create data quality rules and help make sense of their data. Supporting business users and a federated data management model, Gen AI-powered technology delivers a superior experience and quicker time to value, with the ability to prompt Gen AI to create data quality rules and help make sense of their data. User Defined APIs: Empowering data quality at point of collection, a highly intuitive user interface helps to map business rules to workflows, with the ability to create APIs to validate data consistently across multiple touch points. Research from Experian has found that businesses are increasingly aware of the pitfalls of poor data governance practices. The most serious consequences are compliance failures (56%) and security breaches (56%), followed by reputational damage (51%), poor data quality and eroded trust in data (51%). However, just 15% of organisations think their data governance efforts are fully meeting expectations and delivering the outcomes they need, while more than a fifth (22%) said their efforts are falling short with considerable scope for improvement. The vast majority of businesses (83%) recognise that data governance shouldn't be an afterthought and can help give them a strategic advantage. Nearly three-quarters (73%) said they think strong management will be fundamental to the implementation and deployment of better AI services and solutions. Andrew Abraham, Global Managing Director, Data Quality, Experian, said: "Businesses understand the fundamental importance of leveraging data effectively to achieve success in the modern economy, and the issues that arise from poor data governance. "The latest evolution of Aperture Data Studio marks a significant milestone. By incorporating cutting-edge innovation, it empowers users to easily develop and implement successful data strategies. This not only unlocks the real potential of their data estates but allow them to stay agile and maintain a strategic edge in the marketplace." Aperture Data Studio is also an integral part of Experian's Ascend Platform. This cloud-based analytics and technology platform empowers businesses to make quicker, more accurate data-based lending decisions by integrating client data, industry-specific data feeds, and Experian's unique capabilities in data, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Available globally, the enhanced Aperture Data Studio is now live in the UK and Ireland and Australia and New Zealand regions and will launch in other territories including North America later this year. To find out more visit Aperture Data Studio. Survey findings taken from interviews with more than 250 data experts working in UK data governance, 2024. About Experian Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics, and software. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money. We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agribusiness, insurance, and many more industry segments. We invested in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and innovate. As a FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 22,500 people across 32 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403545184/en/ Contacts: Media contact: Robert Goodman, PR Manager, Corporate Business, UK&I, Experian Tel: +44 7989 398 498 Email: Robert.Goodman@Experian.com With Uzbekistan's economy nearly doubling with 6% GDP growth in 2023 and over $90 billion in foreign investments have been attracted, TIIF 2024 is set to drive further deals and investment. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan (MIIT) have announced the fourth annual Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF), Uzbekistan's most significant international economic event, will be taking place at the Central Asian Expo (CAEx) Uzbekistan from 10-12 June 2025. Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, highlighted the country's strengthening position as a dynamically developing investment hub in Central Asia. "The government is taking decisive steps to improve Uzbekistan's investment and business climate, removing all barriers," he stated. Over 3,000 participants from more than 75 different countries are expected to travel to Tashkent for TIIF 2025. Many of the participants are major investors, financial institutions, policymakers, economists, corporate leaders, experts in sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation. During the announcement, Minister Kudratov spoke about the promising progress Uzbekistan is making noting that the economy has nearly doubled in recent years, with 6% GDP growth in 2023. Trade turnover continues to grow steadily, and over $90 billion in foreign investments have been attracted. Minister Kudratov said: "TIIF-2025 is not just a forum-it's a real tool for attracting investments, forging strategic partnerships, and discussing global economic trends. We invite all interested parties to join this landmark event." What to expect from TIIF 2025 This year's program will focus on strategic sectors, investment opportunities, legislative reforms and business climate improvements. Selected participants will also be invited to a plenary session with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan. TIIF 2025 will be focused on a number of key topics which will give participants the opportunity to listen to industry leaders on the below: SMEs as the engine of economic growth Industrial progress: automotive, electrical engineering, machinery Water resource management challenges and innovations Investor protection and legal system modernisation Fintech and e-commerce development Green energy and sustainable development Privatisation and investment reforms Urban development and infrastructure modernisation Textile and chemical industry value chains Digitalisation and AI as new business frontiers Through comprehensive reforms, and a favourable business environment, Uzbekistan is seeing real progress. The "Uzbekistan-2030" Strategy is accelerating to support the economic development of the country. By 2030, Uzbekistan's GDP is projected to reach $200 billion. The previous TIIF in 2024 brought together 2,500+ participants and a record $26.6 billion in agreements were signed, demonstrating Uzbekistan's high investment appeal. TIIF is an internationally recognised space that platforms the high-growth potential of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian markets. To register for the 2025 Forum, visit www.tiif.online. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2656465/TIIF.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fourth-tashkent-international-investment-forum-launched-as-uzbekistan-continues-fdi-drive-302418615.html 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! KANAZAWA, Japan, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, demonstrates a novel approach for nanoscopic profiling of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) videography. This pioneering method provides an unprecedented level of detail in characterizing sEV subpopulations, offering new insights into their biological roles and potential applications in disease diagnostics. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, play a crucial role in intercellular communication by transferring biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and RNA. These tiny vesicles act as molecular couriers, shuttling messages between cells to regulate immune responses, tissue repair, and even disease progression. Despite their significance, the accurate characterization of these nanoscale vesicles remains a major challenge due to their small size and heterogeneity. Existing techniques, such as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and flow cytometry, lack the resolution to provide precise structural and compositional information at the single-vesicle level. In this study, led by Keesiang Lim and Richard W. Wong, the team utilized HS-AFM to visualize the nanotopology of sEVs derived from HEK293T cells under physiological conditions. Their findings revealed distinct sEV subpopulations enriched with specific exosome markers, such as CD63 and CD81. Notably, they observed that sEVs smaller than 100 nm exhibited greater membrane rigidity and higher co-localization with exosomal markers compared to larger vesicles, which showed significant height fluctuations. "Our study represents a major advancement in extracellular vesicle research," says Wong. "By leveraging HS-AFM videography, we can now directly observe the dynamic interactions of surface markers on individual sEVs, paving the way for the development of high-precision EV-based biomarkers." This nanoscopic immunophenotyping approach has the potential to revolutionize early disease detection, particularly in cancer diagnostics, where exosome-based biomarkers are gaining attention. Additionally, the method could contribute to advancements in targeted drug delivery and regenerative medicine by enabling more precise characterization of therapeutic EVs. Glossary Molecular Couriers: Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that transport biomolecules between cells, facilitating intercellular communication. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that transport biomolecules between cells, facilitating intercellular communication. High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM): A high-resolution imaging technique that enables real-time visualization of nanoscale structures and dynamic biological processes. A high-resolution imaging technique that enables real-time visualization of nanoscale structures and dynamic biological processes. Nanotopology: The study of surface structures and nanoscale features of biological entities, such as extracellular vesicles, under physiological conditions. The study of surface structures and nanoscale features of biological entities, such as extracellular vesicles, under physiological conditions. Immunophenotyping: The process of identifying specific biomolecular markers on cell-derived vesicles using antibodies to differentiate subpopulations. Reference Muhammad Isman Sandira, Keesiang Lim, Takeshi Yoshida, Elma Sakinatus Sajidah, Shinnosuke Narimatsu, Reon Imakawa, Kota Yoshimura, Goro Nishide, Yujia Qiu, Azuma Taoka, Masaharu Hazawa, Toshio Ando, Rikinari Hanayama, Richard W Wong, Nanoscopic Profiling of Small Extracellular Vesicles via High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM) Videography, Journal of Extracellular Vesicles March 2025 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.70050 URL: https://isevjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jev2.70050 Funding The research was supported by the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) of MEXT, Japan, along with funding from JST SPRING, MEXT/JSPS KAKENHI, JST CREST, Hokuriku Bank, Takeda Science Foundation, and Shimadzu Science Foundation. Contact Kimie Nishimura (Ms) Project Planning and Outreach, NanoLSI Administration Office Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University Email: nanolsi-office@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University Understanding nanoscale mechanisms of life phenomena by exploring "uncharted nano-realms". Cells are the basic units of almost all life forms. We are developing nanoprobe technologies that allow direct imaging, analysis, and manipulation of the behavior and dynamics of important macromolecules in living organisms, such as proteins and nucleic acids, at the surface and interior of cells. We aim at acquiring a fundamental understanding of the various life phenomena at the nanoscale. https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/ About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). See the latest research news from the centers at the WPI News Portal: https://www.eurekalert.org/newsportal/WPI Main WPI program site: www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel About Kanazawa University As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities. The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa - a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas. http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kanazawa-university-research-decoding-how-cells-communicate-by-high-speed-imaging-of-molecular-couriers-302419601.html Raxio Group, a leading Sub-Saharan African data center platform, has signed an agreement for $100 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. The funding will accelerate Raxio's expansion of facilities powering key technologies like AI, cloud computing and digital financial services critical enablers of Africa's economic growth and digital inclusion. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250401302670/en/ The debt funding from IFC will help Raxio double its deployment of high-quality colocation data centers within three years, addressing growing demand in underserved markets across the continent. The company is developing a Sub-Saharan African regional data center platform in countries including Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Tanzania, and Angola. Raxio is committed to bridging Africa's digital divide by introducing Tier III-certified, carrier-neutral, and secure data services to markets that have been overlooked by other providers. With a focus on high-growth areas, the company is tapping into regions with significant economic potential to unlock new opportunities across the continent. "Raxio's business model shows how digital infrastructure can empower businesses, governments and communities to thrive in the digital economy," said Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director, Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa. "This partnership between Raxio and IFC is set to strengthen Africa's digital ecosystem and catalyze further investments and regional integration, building a more inclusive and sustainable future." IFC's commitment builds on earlier debt funding from Proparco and the Emerging Africa Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), and equity investments from Roha Group and Meridiam. IFC's financing includes concessional funding from the GROW Facility, which seeks to advance gender equity and inclusive economic growth through blended finance, and the IDA Private Sector Window, which supports private investment in the world's poorest and most fragile markets. With IFC's endorsement, Raxio is poised to accelerate its growth across its markets, while upholding the highest standards of reliability, scalability, and sustainability. "This funding from IFC is a powerful endorsement of Raxio's vision and operational excellence," said Robert Skjdt, CEO of Raxio Group. "It will allow us to bring critical infrastructure to the regions that need it most and attract further investment as we continue to grow. Together with our other partners, we're building the foundation for Africa's digital future and setting new benchmarks for sustainability." Raxio's facilities are designed for 24/7 reliability, ensuring uninterrupted service even during maintenance or unforeseen disruptions. The company integrates renewable energy solutions to minimize its environmental footprint and uses innovative energy-efficient equipment to reduce electricity and water consumption for cooling in several of its countries of operation. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Raxio's Kinshasa facility is poised to meet growing demand for data services in one of Africa's largest and fastest-growing urban centers. In Cote d'Ivoire, Raxio is establishing a digital hub to serve Francophone West Africa, connecting regional markets and facilitating cross-border trade. These efforts are empowering local businesses and integrating them into the global digital economy. Founded in 2018 by Roha Group, Raxio has rapidly grown to become a leading Sub-Saharan African regional data center platform. By addressing the continent's critical need for reliable, scalable digital infrastructure, Raxio is playing a pivotal role in Africa's digital transformation. With IFC's support, Raxio is set to expand its role as a leading data center provider in Sub-Saharan Africa. About Raxio Group Raxio Group is Africa's premier provider of Tier III carrier-neutral colocation data centers, offering reliable and scalable infrastructure to support the continent's digital transformation. With facilities in Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Tanzania, and Angola, Raxio delivers high-quality services that enable businesses and institutions to thrive in the digital age. Committed to sustainability and innovation, Raxio integrates renewable energy solutions to minimize environmental impact while empowering economic growth across Africa. About IFC IFC a member of the World Bank Group is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250401302670/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Gavin Serkin gserkin@frontierintelligence.org +44 7767 252489 Jani-King Australia is shedding light on a critical yet often overlooked factor in employee satisfaction and productivity: cleanliness. In a post-work-from-home (WFH) era, maintaining a clean and inviting office space could be the key to re-engaging employees and encouraging them to return to the office. With hybrid work becoming the norm, employees are placing greater emphasis on office environments that provide privacy, modern amenities, and outdoor spaces. However, cleanliness remains a foundational element that significantly impacts productivity and mental well-being by reducing distractions and fostering a healthier, more enjoyable work setting. A 2024 Gallup report on the State of the Global Workplace found that employees in countries with strong labour rights laws experience better emotional health, leading to higher engagement levels at work. Establishing clear boundaries between professional and personal life has proven essential for mental health, yet these boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred in the WFH culture. While remote work offers flexibility, research suggests that it also correlates with increased feelings of loneliness and job dissatisfaction. Hybrid work appears to strike a balance, offering employees the best of both worlds. However, a staggering 95% of employees report that they would like to see changes in their physical workspace. Their top requests include more private spaces, improved amenities, and better access to outdoor areas-further underscoring the role that a well-maintained, clean office plays in workplace satisfaction. Studies have long shown that cleanliness contributes directly to workplace productivity. Employees want workspaces that are comfortable, well-maintained, and free of concerns about hygiene and sanitation-elements they routinely manage at home. Creating an inviting, well-kept office space eliminates unnecessary stressors, allowing employees to focus on their work without distractions. For more information on how Jani-King Australia can help businesses create cleaner, more productive work environments, visit their website . About Jani-King Australia Founded in 1993, Jani-King Australia has been supporting Australian families to grow their own commercial cleaning businesses for 30+ years. Today, their company services a broad range of commercial industries, including offices, education and childcare, retail, healthcare, industrial and hospitality, and they pride themselves on delivering superior cleaning services to a multinational market across a broad range of industries and businesses of any size. Media Contact Organization: Jani-King Australia Contact Person Name: Suzi Dileo Website: https://www.janiking.com.au Email: info@janiking.com.au City: Brisbane Country: Australia SOURCE: Jani-King Australia In 1985, IBSA (Institut Biochimique SA) was a small company in Lugano on the brink of bankruptcy. Today, 40 years later, the company celebrates the anniversary of its acquisition by its current CEO and President, Arturo Licenziati, who has led the business with a key philosophy: "Drugs in the best form". The year 2025 marks an important year for the IBSA Group (Institut Biochimique SA), which celebrates a double anniversary: 40 years of leadership by its CEO and President Arturo Licenziati, and 80 years sincethecreation of theIBSA name. These milestones coincide with another significant event: the 90th birthday of President Licenziati, who today April 3, 2025 celebrates this major occasion. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250327550789/en/ To mark the company's 40th anniversary, IBSA has decided to grant all employees worldwide a day off on August 19, the date when Arturo Licenziati first stepped into IBSA. "This is just a symbolic gesture to express my gratitude for the commitment, dedication and passion of our People, who are the driving force behind our growth. A growth that is not just about business, but also and above all about the ability to implement development and work models that place People at the centre of our philosophy and our activities", said Licenziati Indeed, it was on August 19, 1985, that Licenziati took over the management of the Ticino-based company, founded in Lugano in 1945, redefining its vision and strategy. At that time, IBSA had just 40 employees and a turnover of 5 million Swiss francs. However, by the end of the 1980s in just 5 years the company had radically transformed, tripling its revenue The history of IBSA is the story of a company that evolved from a small pharmaceutical laboratory in the Swiss Canton Ticino into a multinational corporation. What many people saw as an impossible mission, President Licenziati embraced as a challenge to be won, with the aim of forging a new path, focused on innovation and the ability to respond to people's actual needs "Small companies can only grow if they can adapt quickly to sectors that large pharmaceutical companies often overlook", added Licenziati. "Over the years, we have transformed an idea -producing "drugs in the best form" into a concrete and successful project, focusing on targeted research that meets the everyday needs of doctors and patients. We have always been a forward-looking company, ready to go beyond and willing to explore new, uncharted paths Since the 1990s, IBSA has embarked on a global expansion, first in Europe and then worldwide. Today the company has 20 subsidiaries across Europe, China and the United States, and distributes its products in over 90 countries across 5 continents, with more than 2,300 employees between headquarters, subsidiaries and production sites. About IBSA IBSA (Institut Biochimique SA) is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company with 20 subsidiaries in Europe, China and the United States. Its products are distributed in over 90 countries and its research and development activity focuses on 10 therapeutic areas. In 2025, IBSA celebrates the 40th anniversary of its acquisition by current President and CEO Arturo Licenziati, who transformed the company into a multinational that employs over 2,300 people worldwide. IBSA's growth and development can be attributed to the ability to innovate by perfecting already known molecules, as well as to the desire to look to the future in a responsible and transparent way, thanks to the dedication and dynamism of its people. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250327550789/en/ Contacts: Cherine Gurtner, Senior Consultant cherine.gurtner@furrerhugi.ch Hornetsecurity to further extend its position as a European cybersecurity champion LILLE, France, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hornetsecurity, a leading global provider of next-generation cloud-based security, compliance, backup, and security awareness solutions, has today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Altospam, a French email cybersecurity company. The announcement was made at the Forum INCYBER Europe (FIC) in France, where Hornetsecurity has taken over the Zenith de Lille to provide an immersive experience in the 1,800 square meter space. Closing of the acquisition remains subject to the approval of the French Ministry for the Economy under the French Foreign Direct Investment regulations. This latest acquisition would complement Hornetsecurity's strategy to provide European-built cybersecurity solutions to businesses and organisations worldwide, and would further expand the group's French expertise and footprint following its acquisition of Vade Secure in France last year. Headquartered in Hannover, Germany, Hornetsecurity is internationally known for its single platform approach, providing a comprehensive suite of solutions for Microsoft 365 via one convenient, central platform, including cybersecurity, backup and GRC as well as security awareness. Headquartered in Bordeaux, France, Altospam is recognised for its expertise in email cybersecurity through its solutions to secure professional emails. "We are excited to join Hornetsecurity Group, as this enables us to join an exceptional European cybersecurity champion in what is largely a US-centric cybersecurity world," saidJean-Christian Dumas, CEO at Altospam. "This important milestone will present our partners and customers with a far wider range of robust, AI-powered cybersecurity solutions that have been proudly built in Europe, extending beyond email security to backup and recovery, permission management, compliance and security awareness." "We are delighted to welcome Altospam to Hornetsecurity Group," said Daniel Hofmann, CEO at Hornetsecurity. "As a respected European developer, Altospam's core goals closely align to Hornestsecurity's overriding mission to create a safer world through our next-gen, cloud-based cybersecurity services, resulting in overall synergies to the benefit of partners and customers alike." He added, "As part of our pan-European approach, we ensure that customer data remains within the borders of their respective countries, safeguarding data sovereignty, security and privacy." This transaction is in line with Hornetsecurity's strategy of product build-up and international expansion. Backed by PSG Equity, TA Associates and Verdane, three leading software and specialist growth investment firms, Hornetsecurity aims to establish itself as a leading international cloud security and compliance software champion. Financial terms were not disclosed. About Hornetsecurity Group Hornetsecurity is a leading global provider of next-generation cloud-based security, compliance, backup, and security awareness solutions that help companies and organisations of all sizes around the world. Its flagship product, 365 Total Protection, is the most comprehensive cloud security solution for Microsoft 365 on the market. Driven by innovation and cybersecurity excellence, Hornetsecurity is building a safer digital future and sustainable security cultures with its award-winning portfolio. Hornetsecurity operates in more than 120 countries through its international distribution network of 12,000+ channel partners and MSPs. Its premium services are used by more than 125,000 customers. For more information, visit www.hornetsecurity.com. About Altospam Altospam is a limited liability company founded in June 2002 backed by the investment firm Ciclad since July 2022 and headquartered in Bordeaux, France. An expert in e-mail cybersecurity, Altospam has been developing French solutions to secure professional emails for over 20 years. Distributed on a SaaS model, directly and via a network of partners, its Mailsafe, Mailout and Training solutions today protect thousands of companies and local authorities. The company is 100% French, hosting its solutions on servers located throughout the country, with its support team based in France. For more information, visit www.altospam.com. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2033076/5248535/Hornetsecurity_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hornetsecurity-group-to-acquire-altospam-a-leading-french-email-security-provider-302418711.html HONG KONG, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CoinEx, a global cryptocurrency exchange, is set to participate in Paris Blockchain Week (PBW) 2025, taking place from April 8 to April 10 in Paris, France. As one of the largest and most influential blockchain events in Europe, PBW attracts Web3 professionals, media, and crypto enthusiasts from across the region. This marks CoinEx's third consecutive appearance at the event, and this year, the exchange will be joining as a sponsor, further amplifying its brand presence and expanding its local network. At PBW 2025, CoinEx will host engaging activities, including an interactive quiz and lucky draws, offering attendees the chance to win exclusive CoinEx merchandise. These activities aim to foster community engagement while showcasing the exchange's commitment to user-centric innovation and accessibility. As a trading expert, since CoinEx inception in 2017, CoinEx has been dedicated to making crypto trading more accessible to users across the globe. Supporting 18+ languages and serving users in 200+ countries and regions, fostering a thriving community of crypto enthusiasts. With a team of experts from top financial and tech enterprises, CoinEx continuously pushes the boundaries of blockchain innovation to shape the future of Web3. Focusing the efforts on iterating and innovating across multiple product lines and bringing the best product experience to our users. Last year was a year of innovation: Product Innovations: Launched Swap, CoinEx Staking, CoinEx Mining, PreToken Trading and Copy Trading meet the diverse trading needs. Enhancement: Upgrades security systems, VIP-tier framework, and CET utility systems to create a superior trading environment. Education and Empowerment: Introduced CoinEx Insight and CoinEx Academy, offering investment insights. CoinEx's participation in PBW 2025 underscores its dedication to the European and French Web3 ecosystem. By deepening connections with local users and industry players, CoinEx remains committed to delivering professional and innovative crypto trading solutions to the region. About CoinEx CoinEx is a global cryptocurrency exchange designed with users in mind. Since its launch by the industry-leading mining pool ViaBTC, the platform has been one of the earliest crypto exchanges to release proof-of-reserves to protect 100% of user assets. CoinEx is also home to its native token, CET, which incentivizes user activities while empowering its ecosystem. Please visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/coinex-joins-paris-blockchain-week-2025-strengthening-its-presence-in-europe-302419628.html Maturity model provides a framework for financial firms to benchmark their reconciliation function and actionable steps to improve efficiency and agility while cutting cost. Duco, the leading platform for enterprise data automation, has today launched its updated Reconciliation Maturity Model: the best practice guide to enable financial firms to benchmark their reconciliation function. Following the maturity model, an institution with 1000 controls can hope to save up to $37.9m annually by moving from purely manual processes to a continuously improving model powered by AI. The Reconciliation Maturity Model details five stages of maturity: manual chaos, hybrid capabilities, centralised excellence, fully federated, and continuous improvement. Firms can see the total cost of ownership of reconciliation processes at each stage and measure themselves against key performance indicators for factors such as time-to-change and cost-per-control. Once they have identified where they currently sit on the maturity model, they can use the guide to identify their next steps to becoming more agile, streamlined and efficient. The model also shows the impact upon audit costs and risk events as firms advance their reconciliation maturity. A firm at the final stage (continuous improvement) can expect to save $6,000 in audit costs per control and remediate risk events 9 days quicker than a firm at the start of its reconciliation journey. James Maxfield, Chief Product Officer at Duco, commented: "As a former Operations leader, I know how difficult it can be for firms to get a clear view of reconciliation, given the many moving parts, siloed processes and opaque technology that's often involved. Our Reconciliation Maturity Model is an invaluable guide to harnessing the best technology available today to improve automation, streamline operations and cut costs and risk. It not only shows firms how to leverage the current innovation in artificial intelligence, no-code and cloud computing, but how to prepare themselves to take first-mover advantage of advances in the future." The first Reconciliation Maturity Model was released in mid-2020. Since then, financial markets have become more complex, volumes have continued to rise and regulatory scrutiny on data quality and controls has tightened. Many firms are still attempting to deal with the scale, variety and complexity of financial data through a combination of multiple point solutions and hundreds or thousands of team members performing manual processes. Technology has greatly moved on in the last five years, most noticeably with the proliferation of generative artificial intelligence. AI plays a key role in reconciliation automation, as it is the only technology that can adapt to and overcome the multitude of challenges around financial data. The updated Reconciliation Maturity Model includes the lessons learned from five additional years of working with some of the world's largest financial institutions. Duco's client base has grown to over 230 firms and the company processes over a billion lines of data on its platform every two days. The firm won Best Reconciliation Management Provider and Best Buy-Side Reconciliation Platform/Service in the Waters Technology awards for the second consecutive year in 2024. "We've partnered with a lot of leading banks, asset managers, brokers and custodians over the past few years to help them transform their operating models," Maxfield commented. "Accurate data is at the heart of operational agility: it informs P&L, trade settlement, custody, risk management, client and regulatory reporting, and much more. It's only by getting the data right that Operations can respond fast to the needs of the business. That means having a reconciliation function that is flexible and proactive, tackling bad data at source rather than cleaning up the mess caused by thousands of systemic exceptions." Firms looking to assess their reconciliation function and take steps to improving their data management can download the Reconciliation Maturity Model here. About Duco Duco, a leading data automation company, is helping businesses to unleash their potential by removing the friction around data. Duco's cloud-based, no-code platform brings the processing of mission-critical data to business users with governance and control, giving firms the tools they need to increase business agility, reduce risk, stay compliant with regulation and dramatically improve efficiency. Over 10,000 users across 30+ countries process billions of data records every week using the platform. Duco is headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Boston, Wroclaw and Singapore. Customers include global banks, investment managers, insurance firms and challenger Fintech companies, such as Societe Generale, ING, Man Group and Currencycloud. For more information go to www.du.co View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403236776/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Louis Hogan Cognito duco@cognitomedia.com +44 (0)20 7426 9400 ARAL CULTURE SUMMIT 2025: UZBEKISTAN'S LANDMARK EVENT ALIGNING CULTURE, ECOLOGY, AND REGIONAL COOPERATION ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL PROGRAMME PR Newswire NUKUS, Uzbekistan, April 3, 2025 LINK to images An emergent initiative dedicated to the social and environmental transformation of the Aral Sea region through art, culture, design and science debuts 4-6 April 2025. To be inaugurated during the first Global Climate Forum in Samarkand on 4th April, attended by EU and Central Asian leaders and reinforcing Uzbekistan's commitment to green development and global cooperation. A multidisciplinary programme in Nukus, Karakalpakstan (5-6 April) with global and regional experts on culture, architecture, ecology, food security and water resource management to foster dialogue and call to action. A masterplan to revitalise Istiqlol, the Summit's future headquarters - a former amusement park and one of few remaining green spaces in Nukus - will be unveiled on 5th April 2025. NUKUS, Uzbekistan, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aral Culture Summit (ACS), a cultural and environmental initiative to revitalise the Aral Sea region in Central Asia will take place from 4-6 April 2025. Organised by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), the Summit seeks to foster dialogue and action through art, culture, design, and science. ACS will bring together leading cultural figures, policymakers, artists, and environmental experts across two cities to explore and implement sustainable solutions that address the Aral Sea crisis and global climate challenges. Aral Culture Summit 2025 will be inaugurated during the first Global Climate Forum in Samarkand (4th April), attended by regional and European heads-of-states and reinforcing Uzbekistan's commitment to the regional cooperation for environmental and social development. Programme Highlights and Themes Aral Culture Summit continues in Nukus, Karakalpakstan near the Aral Sea on 5-6 April and will host a multidisciplinary programme with panel discussions, keynotes, artistic performances, and exhibitions, addressing critical issues such as environmental regeneration, creative economy, and cultural diplomacy. On 5th April, Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF will announce a preliminary masterplan for the regeneration of Istiqlol, a former amusement park in Nukus, reimagined by Ludi Architects as a permanent cultural and ecological hub. Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF, comments: "Aral Culture Summit is a platform for change. By integrating cultural dialogue with the climate agenda, we are ensuring that the arts contribute to our collective commitment to long term sustainable development. Our participation in the first Global Climate Forum underscores the critical role of culture to drive environmental transformation." aralculturesummit.uz | @aral.culture.summit Press Kit: LINK (including hi-res images) Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2656559/Aral_Culture_Summit_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2656556/Aral_Culture_Summit_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2656555/Aral_Culture_Summit_3.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aral-culture-summit-2025-uzbekistans-landmark-event-aligning-culture-ecology-and-regional-cooperation-announces-official-programme-302419646.html NANJING, China, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 26, 2025, the 2025 Industrial Technology Innovation and Investment Promotion Conference was held in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The event extended a warm invitation to global entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators, urging domestic and international stakeholders to "Choose Nanjing, Grow with Nanjing" under the theme "Innovate for Excellence, Invest in the Future." Approximately 800 attendees participated, including representatives from globally renowned enterprises, universities, innovation platforms, foreign embassies, and international organizations. The conference comprehensively showcased Nanjing's industrial investment environment, case studies of technological and industrial innovation, and achievements in technology and innovation financial reform. A series of new initiatives to advance technological innovation and investment were announced. During the event, 102 major projects were signed, with a total planned investment exceeding 130 billion yuan (RMB; approximately $18 billion USD). Several innovation platforms were inaugurated, including Jiangsu Provincial Concept Validation Center, Nanjing Academy for Scientific and Technological Achievements Transformation, and Nanjing (Jiangbei New Area) Disruptive Technology Innovation Center. These initiatives underscored Nanjing's commitment to fostering cutting-edge and transformative technologies. Additionally, four industrial task forces-dedicated to AI (software), robotics, biopharmaceuticals, and next-gen ICT-were established, alongside the Nanjing Industrial Investment Promotion Center, highlighting the city's resolve to concentrate resources on developing new-quality productive forces (innovative, high-end, and sustainable productivity). Industry leaders and academic experts actively proposed strategies and shared insights to empower Nanjing's innovation-driven growth. Keynote speakers included Dr. Xiangyang Shen, Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hermann Simon, renowned as the "Father of Hidden Champions"; Dr. Nicolas Peter, Senior Vice President of BMW Group; Wu Wensheng, Chairman of Great Wall Strategy Consultants; Liu Suhua, President of Shenzhen Capital Group; and Liu Shuang, Chairman of Nanjing TetraBOT Electronic Technology. Outside the venue, 52 high-tech exhibits from Nanjing's eight pillar industries were prominently displayed, featuring "world-first innovations" "domestic substitution achievements," and products leading in global market share. The signed projects primarily focus on leading industries and high-quality initiatives with strong demonstration effects. Moving forward, Nanjing will leverage the global resource connection platform established through this conference to continuously deepen collaboration with cutting-edge technologies and industries, accelerate the construction of an open innovation ecosystem, transform more scientific achievements into new-quality productive forces, and build itself into a globally influential primary hub and carrier zone for industrial technology innovation. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2656404/1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2656405/2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-2025-industrial-technology-innovation-and-investment-promotion-conference-held-in-nanjing-302419660.html Die Finanzwelt ist im Umbruch! Nach Jahren der Dominanz erschuttert Donald Trumps erratische Wirtschaftspolitik das Fundament des amerikanischen Kapitalismus. Handelskriege, Rekordzolle und politische Isolation haben eine Kapitalflucht historischen Ausmaes ausgelost. Milliarden stromen aus den USA und suchen neue, lukrative Ziele. Und genau hier kommt China ins Spiel. Trotz aller Spannungen wachst die chinesische Wirtschaft dynamisch weiter, Innovation und Digitalisierung treiben die Markte an. Im kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir Ihnen 5 Aktien aus China vor, die vom US-Niedergang profitieren und das Potenzial haben, den Markt regelrecht zu uberflugeln. Wer jetzt klug investiert, sichert sich den Zugang zu den neuen Wachstums-Champions von morgen. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche 5 Aktien die Konkurrenz aus den USA outperformen durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! Parade, the pioneering leader in capacity management for freight brokerages, today unveils CoDriver Inbound Phone-a groundbreaking expansion of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform that now automates inbound carrier calls alongside email communications. This transformative solution marks the industry's first fully integrated agentic Voice AI system embedded within a Capacity Management Platform, enabling brokerages to capture, qualify, and convert carrier interactions across all channels, while transforming historical engagement data into prescriptive recommendations that drive smarter business decisions. Parade CoDriver Inbound Phone: AI-Powered Carrier Conversations Parade's CoDriver now automates both email and phone carrier inquiries, capturing structured quote data across channels. With real-time responses and integrated booking, brokers can qualify, convert, and cover loads faster than ever. The Digital Transformation Challenge in Freight The freight industry faces unprecedented challenges: shrinking margins, increasing customer demands, and a critical need to do more with less. While digital transformation promises efficiency, most brokerages remain trapped in fragmented workflows: Average carrier sales reps handle just 250 loads per month per person Teams spend 75% of their day on low-value carrier communications Only 5-10% of inbound carrier inquiries result in bookings Less than 15% of quotes provided from carriers are actually recorded Critical capacity data from calls remains siloed and underutilized Introducing CoDriver Inbound Phone: Beyond Basic Automation CoDriver Inbound Phone transforms these challenges into opportunities by turning every carrier interaction into actionable capacity intelligence. CoDriver integrates directly into Parade's Capacity Management Platform, creating a unified system that: Qualifies and vets carriers through an AI-driven conversation Captures pricing and capacity data in structured, actionable formats Integrates seamlessly with TMS systems for immediate load matching Escalates qualified opportunities to the right team members in real-time Builds comprehensive carrier profiles that improve future engagement This launch also includes intelligence enhancements to CoDriver Inbound Email, which has already processed millions of carrier conversations to date, along with the introduction of two completely new AI capabilities: AI-driven Outbound Emails and AI Trucklist Capacity Extraction. These powerful new additions further strengthen Parade's comprehensive capacity management solution, building on proven agentic AI technology that brokerages already rely on. "The productivity gains in freight are accelerating, and our customers are at the forefront of this transformation," said Anthony Sutardja, CEO and Co-Founder of Parade. "Our Voice AI isn't just another automation tool-it's the culmination of our vision to create an intelligence layer that unifies every carrier interaction across all channels. By transforming previously wasted conversations into strategic capacity data, we're empowering freight brokers to book more loads than ever before while setting new industry benchmarks for operational excellence. This is just the beginning of how AI will reshape what's possible for our customers." Real Results from Early Adopters Early deployment partners have experienced transformative results: 90% reduction in manual call and email processing 15% increase in digital freight conversion 40% improvement in carrier response times 4x more capacity data captured per interaction 2x loads per person per month, substantially exceeding industry averages "Parade completely changed the way our team operates. Our dispatchers aren't tied up answering repetitive emails and phone calls anymore, so they're able to spend more time building relationships and handling difficult loads," said McKenzie Houser, Director of Carrier Development at Kirsch Transportation. "Now, every carrier interaction is automatically logged in Parade. We can finally see our whole carrier network in one place, no more bouncing between systems. Parade's CoDriver has drastically reduced our response time to carriers. They get the info needed within seconds, which means we're their first choice more often. It's made us faster, more consistent, and we're capturing capacity we would have missed before." The Future of Work in Freight Brokerage Parade's expansion of CoDriver represents a fundamental shift in how freight brokerages operate. By centralizing phone, email, and app-based communications within a comprehensive capacity management strategy, brokerages can: Transform talent allocation - moving team members from routine tasks to high-value carrier relationships Enhance decision intelligence - leveraging structured data for smarter coverage and pricing decisions Optimize carrier economics - implementing data-driven buy-to-market strategies that improve margins Scale operations efficiently - growing volume without proportional headcount increases Elevate carrier experience - delivering consistent, responsive interactions across all channels "The future of freight isn't just about responding faster-it's about making smarter decisions," said Kristopher Glotzbach, Chief Commercial Officer at Parade. "Standalone AI tools that operate in isolation deliver short-term task automation but fail to connect the dots across your business. Parade's AI changes that paradigm by ensuring every carrier interaction contributes to a unified intelligence framework, giving brokers the complete picture they need to outperform the market." Availability and Implementation CoDriver Inbound Phone is available immediately to all Parade customers. The system works alongside existing phone systems and complements Parade's deep integrations with all major TMS and load board platforms. CoDriver Inbound Phone can be activated with minimal setup, allowing brokerages to start automating carrier calls within minutes. For more information about CoDriver Inbound Phone and Parade's capacity management platform, visit parade.ai . About Parade Parade is the leader in capacity management solutions for freight brokerages. The company's platform combines AI-powered carrier engagement capabilities (Inbound Phone, Inbound Email, Outbound Email, and Trucklist Capacity) with comprehensive capacity intelligence and an extensive partner integration network that has mapped the entire truckload ecosystem. This powerful combination empowers freight brokers to maximize their network, people, and time, enabling brokerages to increase margins, improve carrier relationships, and scale operations efficiently. Trusted by leading 3PLs and digital freight brokers, Parade's platform has processed over $40B in truckload transactions to date. The company has raised over $36M in funding from tier-1 venture capital firms and strategic industry leaders. Media Contact: pr@parade.ai Contact Information Parade PR pr@parade.ai 855-534-3729 SOURCE: PARADE Paris, France--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS), a leading provider of 4G and 5G semiconductors and modules for the Internet of Things, announced today that it has regained compliance with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) continued listing standards. "We are pleased to regain full compliance with the NYSE standards and appreciate the continued support of our investors and stakeholders as we focus on delivering value and strengthening our position as a technology leader," said Georges Karam, CEO of Sequans Communications. "We remain fully committed to executing our long-term strategy of driving innovation in the cellular IoT space and accelerating business growth." On April 9, 2024, the NYSE notified Sequans of its non-compliance due to the Company's average global market capitalization falling below $50 million over a consecutive 30-trading-day period, while at the same time, its stockholders' equity was below $50 million. Additionally, the average closing price of the Company's American Depositary Shares (ADSs) was below $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30-trading-day period. To address these deficiencies and restore compliance, Sequans took corrective actions, including adjusting the ratio of its ordinary shares represented by ADSs, effective October 9, 2024, and increasing its stockholders' equity and market capitalization following the $200 million strategic transaction that closed September 30, 2024. The change in exchange ratio had the same effect as a 1-for-2.5 reverse stock split of the ADSs, effectively increasing the trading price of the ADSs to meet NYSE listing requirements. The gains from the strategic transactions resulted in a significant increase in stockholders' equity. Following these measures, the NYSE has confirmed that Sequans is now fully compliant with all applicable listing requirements. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Sequans, including the impact of the recently closed ACP acquisition on product innovation, growth prospects and future revenue expectations. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that are not historical fact. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate to historical or current facts. Forward-Looking statements also often use words such as "anticipate," "target," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "goal," "believe," "hope," "aims," "continue," "could," "project," "should," "will" or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by Sequans in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, future developments and other factors they believe appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and the factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this announcement could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although it is believed that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be correct, and you are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as at the date of this announcement. Forward-Looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the completion of the transaction; significant or unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the transaction; and negative effects of the transaction on the market price of Sequans' ADS. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are changes in the global, political, economic, business and competitive environments, market and regulatory forces. If any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or if any one or more of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Sequans' filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, subsequent filings on Form 6-K and other documents that may be filed from time to time with the SEC. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this announcement. Sequans undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. About Sequans Communications Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading semiconductor company specializing in wireless cellular technology for the Internet of Things (IoT). Our engineers design and develop innovative, secure, and scalable technologies that power the next generation of connected devices. We offer a wide range of solutions, including chips, modules, IP, and services. Our LTE-M/NB-IoT, 4G LTE Cat 1bis, and 5G NR RedCap/eRedCap platforms are optimized for IoT, delivering breakthroughs in wireless connectivity, power efficiency, security, and performance. Established in 2003, Sequans is headquartered in France and has a global presence with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland, Taiwan, and China. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247209 SOURCE: Sequans Communications MAC Copper Limited ARBN 671 963 198 (NYSE:MTAL; ASX:MAC) MAC Copper Limited ("MAC" or the "Company") will release its first quarter 2025 results on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 after market close (New York time) Wednesday, April 30, 2025 before market open (Sydney time). Conference Call The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company's first quarter 2025 results on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 7:00 pm (New York time) Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 9:00 am (Sydney time). Details for the conference call and webcast are included below. Webcast Participants can access the webcast at the following link https://ccmediaframe.com/?id=moVh1ReO Conference Call Participants can register for the call at https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10046155-8xzq0a.html After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the conference call and webcast. Replay A replay of the webcast will be available via the webcast link above or by visiting the Events section of the Company's website. About MAC Copper Limited MAC Copper Limited (NYSE:MTAL; ASX:MAC) is a company focused on operating and acquiring metals and mining businesses in high quality, stable jurisdictions that are critical in the electrification and decarbonization of the global economy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403667650/en/ Contacts: Mick McMullen Chief Executive Officer Director MAC Copper Limited investors@metalsacqcorp.com Morne Engelbrecht Chief Financial Officer MAC Copper Limited Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) ("LVG", or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Reynolds to its Board of Directors. Mr. Reynolds brings over three decades of experience in mining, infrastructure, logistics, and commercial development, with a strong track record of success across East Africa and the UAE. Mr. Reynolds' appointment marks an important step in strengthening LVG's strategic partnership with Taifa Group and Taifa Mining & Civils Ltd., Tanzania's leading mining and civil works contractor. In his current role, he reports directly to the Chairman of Taifa Group, providing strategic oversight and support in the evaluation and development of new business opportunities. While not involved in day-to-day operations, he plays a central role in guiding growth initiatives, fostering partnerships, and supporting market expansion across the Group. Previously, as Chief Executive Officer of Taifa Mining & Civils Ltd., Mr. Reynolds was instrumental in shaping the company's mining operations and delivering large-scale projects throughout the region. His leadership in the mining sector and deep operational expertise will be critical in advancing LVG's Imwelo Gold Project toward production. The LVG-Taifa Group partnership marks a significant milestone in the development of the Imwelo Gold Mine, bringing together technical expertise, financial strength, and operational capabilities to accelerate project execution. Taifa Group's extensive experience in contract mining, infrastructure development, and equipment management will be crucial in optimizing Imwelo's mining operations, reducing costs, and maximizing efficiency. Marc Cernovitch, President & CEO of LVG, commented: "We are excited to welcome Richard to the LVG Board. His appointment underscores the importance of our partnership with Taifa Group and reinforces our commitment to unlocking the full potential of our Tanzanian Gold Projects. Richard's leadership in the African business sector, coupled with his expertise in infrastructure and project finance, makes him a key asset as we transition LVG from exploration company into a development one." Beyond his role at Taifa Group, Mr. Reynolds holds several other non-executive directorships across the transport, logistics, and agricultural sectors. His previous leadership experience includes serving as a director of major companies in the telecommunications, rail, and construction industries. Mr. Reynolds holds a Bachelor of Technology in Quantity Surveying, along with National and Higher National Diplomas in Building and Quantity Surveying. He has also completed executive training in infrastructure financing and project finance, positioning him as a leading expert in large-scale project execution. With this appointment, LVG is poised to leverage Taifa Group's resources, operational expertise, and mining capabilities to fast-track the development of Imwelo and establish LVG as a key player in Tanzania's gold sector. Pursuant to an agreement dated April 1, 2025 , the Company has engaged Baystreet.ca Media to provide certain digital advertising and marketing services focused on introducing the Company to a broader audience. In exchange for providing these services, Baystreet will receive an upfront payment of USD$40,000 . The agreement with Baystreet is for a two month term commencing on approximately April 2, 2025. The Company will not issue any securities to Baystreet as compensation for its marketing services. About Lake Victoria Gold (LVG): Lake Victoria Gold is a rapidly growing gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LVG. Leveraging our unique position and experience, the Company is principally focused on growth and consolidation in the highly prolific and prospective Lake Victoria Goldfield in Tanzania. The Company has a 100% interest in the Tembo project which has over 50 thousand meters of drilling and is located adjacent to Barrick's 20Moz Bulyanhulu Mine. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Imwelo Project which is a fully permitted gold project west of AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine. With historical resource estimates and a 2021 pre-feasibility study, the project is fully permitted for mine construction and production, positioning it as a near-term development opportunity. LVG has assembled a highly experienced team with a track record of developing, financing, and operating mining projects in Africa with management, directors and partners owning more than 60% of the shares. Notably, the Company is grateful for the validation that comes with the support and equity investment from Barrick Gold and recent strategic partnership with Taifa Group. Taifa Group (a diverse group of companies with interests in amongst others, Mining, Telecoms, Oil & Gas, Agri Business, Pharmaceuticals and Leather) has entered into an agreement with the Company to obtain an equity stake in the Company and through its wholly owned subsidiary Taifa Mining (a wholly Tanzanian owned company), or other nominees. Taifa Mining will also carry out all the contract mining and civil works for the Imwelo project. Taifa Mining is Tanzania's largest mining contractor with over 30 years mining related experience. Taifa have been the contractor of choice to most mines in Tanzania and have maintained long and successful relationships with companies such as Petra, De Beers, Barrick, and AngloGold Ashanti. In addition, Taifa also owns the largest fleet of mining equipment in Tanzania. As a company, Taifa is committed to adopting and adhering to the latest internationally recognized standards throughout all aspects of its business. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including: future exploration and development plans with respect to the Imwelo Project, contract work on the Imwelo Project by Taifa Mining, securing additional financing for the development costs of the Imwelo project, the closing of the acquisition of the Imwelo Project and the concurrent financing, including the satisfaction of the closing conditions thereunder, and receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the acquisition and financing. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond LVG's control, including risks associated with or related to: the completion of the acquisition of the Imwelo project, the concurrent financing and related transactions, including receipt of all regulatory approvals and third-party consents, the volatility of metal prices and LVG's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving development or production, cost or other estimates; actual exploration or development plans and costs differing materially from the Company's estimates; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Tanzania and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally, including in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for LVG's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and LVG's reputation; and other risks disclosed in the Company's public filings. LVG's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. LVG does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities LVG will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247172 SOURCE: Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. SHANGHAI, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sigenergy, a leading energy innovator, has released its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, highlighting its efforts to combat climate change, advance clean energy technologies, and contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon future. "Sustainability is a core principle guiding Sigenergy's growth. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, developing cutting-edge solutions for a cleaner future, and fostering responsibility across our entire value chain," said Tony Xu, Founder and CEO of Sigenergy. "Our ESG strategy is built on innovation, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to our people and communities." Driving the Global Adoption of Green Energy Solutions Sigenergy is committed to making clean energy more accessible, efficient, and intelligent. Through cutting-edge technology, the company empowers individuals and businesses to reduce fossil fuel reliance, optimize energy use, and lower carbon emissions. A key enabler of this transition is SigenStor, a 5-in-1 energy storage system that integrates solar generation, storage, and EV charging. Its AI-driven energy management ensures renewable energy is utilized efficiently, minimizing waste and maximizing environmental benefits. As of February 2025, Sigenergy had partnered with 99 distributors across more than 60 countries. According to Frost & Sullivan, the company led the market in stackable All-in-One Distributed Energy Storage Systems (DESS) shipments, securing a 24.3% market share. These milestones reinforce Sigenergy's role in accelerating global green energy adoption and driving sustainable economic growth. Expanding its impact in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector, Sigenergy is accelerating the deployment of SigenStack-its modular energy storage system for business. Designed for efficiency and scalability, SigenStack enables businesses to achieve greater energy independence while reducing installation complexity and space requirements. By providing adaptable and scalable solutions, Sigenergy helps homes, communities, and businesses reduce grid dependency and accelerate sustainability efforts. Innovation as the Foundation of Sustainable Progress Sigenergy's rapid growth is powered by relentless innovation. With over 50% of its workforce dedicated to R&D, the company is continuously pushing the boundaries of renewable energy technology. Its proprietary All-in-One Testing Platform has automated and standardized the R&D process, accelerating product development while ensuring the highest levels of quality and reliability. Beyond innovation in technology, Sigenergy is redefining industry standards in customer service. Its three-tier service model-combining headquarters, frontline teams, and dedicated service centers-ensures seamless customer support. Through on-site visits, direct consultations, and online community engagement, the company actively incorporates user feedback to refine its solutions. A 2024 customer satisfaction survey revealed that nearly 90% of users and installers rated SigenStor positively, reinforcing Sigenergy's reputation for excellence and reliability. Building a More Sustainable Future with Concrete Actions Sigenergy recognizes that climate change presents both risks and responsibilities. Through its risk management framework, the company identifies and mitigates climate-related risks, ensuring resilience in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. In its ESG report, Sigenergy commits to reducing energy consumption per inverter unit by 5% and per PACK and EV charger unit by 3% in production. It has also set a target to cut per capita CO2 emissions at its headquarters by 3% by 2025 (compared to 2024). These initiatives underscore the company's proactive efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while improving operational efficiency. In line with global sustainability standards, Sigenergy has implemented a robust environmental management system. Its factories and global headquarters are both certified to ISO 14001, underscoring its commitment to green manufacturing and responsible business practices. Sigenergy is driving the future of energy with a relentless focus on innovation and sustainability. By embedding environmental responsibility into its operations, the company contributes to building a cleaner, more efficient world. Click here to download the Sigenergy 2024 ESG Report. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2657434/Cover.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sigenergys-esg-report-driving-sustainability-and-responsible-growth-302419708.html ATLANTA, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Geekplus, the global leader in warehouse robotics, proudly announces its fourth recognition in the prestigious 2025 RBR50 Innovation Awards by the Robotics Business Review (RBR), standing alongside global tech giants like ABB and Nvidia the forefront of innovation. Regarded as the "Oscars" of the robotics industry, the RBR50 Innovation Awards recognize the 50 most groundbreaking companies worldwide based on technological advancements, commercial impact, and industry leadership. SkyCube Pushing the Limits of Warehouse Efficiency Geekplus's award-winning SkyCube Pallet-to-Person Solution has redefined warehouse automation with its groundbreaking "innovative integrated pallet storage and picking operations" design resulting in a 5-8x increase in storage density and a 300% boost in picking efficiency. Global leaders such as Geely Auto and Ship8 have already adopted SkyCube solution, validating its ability to transform large-scale warehousing operations. Breaking Barriers with Large-Scale Multi-Robot Coordination Technology SkyCube is a testament to Geekplus' innovation and technological leadership. The company excels in robotics products and software technology, with large-scale multi-robot coordination, its proprietary RMS system can manage over 5,000 robots within a single facility, processing 10,000 tasks per second, setting a new benchmark for high-volume logistics operations. This breakthrough not only ensures the seamless operation of SkyCube but also integrates seamlessly with Geekplus's core solutions. This innovative technology has solved a critical challenge in omnichannel warehousing-handling complex B2B and B2C order fulfillment while managing diverse inventory types. For a global FMCG giant, it has doubled picking efficiency and reduced labor costs by 65%, delivering significant value and setting a new benchmark for smart warehousing. A Global Leader in Warehouse Robotics As the one-stop partner for warehouse robotics, Geekplus offers a full suite of robotic solutions, from picking and sorting to material handling and smart forklifts, catering to diverse warehouse automation needs. With all robot models integrated into a single system, Geekplus enables seamless coordination, allowing businesses to scale operations efficiently. About Geekplus Geekplus?is a global leader in mobile robotics technologies. We develop innovative robotics solutions for order fulfilment. More than 770 global industry leaders use our solutions to realize flexible, reliable, and highly efficient automation for warehouses and supply chain management.??? www.geekplus.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2657435/Geekplus_win_RBR50.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2621579/5251046/Geekplus_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/geekplus-named-top-50-robotics-company-in-the-world-for-the-fourth-time-cementing-its-leadership-in-warehouse-robotics-302419732.html MONTREAL, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Essential Turbines Inc. (ETI), a leading provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft engines, announced today that it has reached an agreement with ITP Aero, a leading aerospace propulsion company, to acquire AeroMaritime Mediterranean (AeroMaritime). AeroMaritime is a Malta-based aerospace MRO focused on the Rolls-Royce M250 and RR300 engines that services operators across the globe. As a Rolls-Royce authorized, maintenance, repair and overhaul center (AMROC), AeroMaritime has a four-decade history of serving global operators in civil and military sectors. Gannon Gambeski, President and CEO of ETI noted, "We are excited to add AeroMaritime to the Essential Turbines group. AeroMaritime is a highly regarded AMROC that further expands ETI's global footprint, while offering enhanced capabilities and access to our customers and the Rolls Royce network. This acquisition is another step in delivering on Essential Turbines' overall growth strategy, we look forward to building on AeroMaritime's strong foundation and decades of expertise." After the acquisition of AeroMaritime is complete, Essential Turbines will have a strategic MRO footprint across North America and Europe. Alan Jones, Executive VP of MRO at ITP Aero noted, "We are deeply committed to delivering unparalleled value for our customers, partners, suppliers, shareholders and employees as a higher-growth, higher-margin, pure-play engine company and, in this regard, we are fully determined to continue to build a dedicated platform to support the global commercial aviation aftermarket. This decision reaffirms our commitment to simplify our business to focus on larger commercial and defence engines. At the same time, we believe that we have found a good home for the AeroMaritime team to continue to deliver an excellent service to the M250 and RR300 market". The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025 as it is subject to the achievement of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. About ITP Aero With a 35-year track record of innovation and a growing workforce of over 5,900 professionals across 14 sites in 6 countries, ITP Aero plays a pivotal role in 40% of all commercial aircraft engine deliveries annually. With more than 5,000 engines in service, ITP Aero powers 6 aircraft take-offs every minute, partnering with all major engine OEMs to advance aviation globally. About Essential Turbines Essential Turbines, headquartered in?Montreal, with locations in?Vancouver and?Mesa, Arizona, is a leading aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider with a focus on helicopter and fixed-wing turboshaft engines. ETI is a specialist in the Rolls Royce M250 and RR300 engines, as well as turbofan engines modules, components, and accessories. Essential Turbines is backed by Swift Anchor Holdings and Balance Point Capital. Essential Turbines is actively pursuing strategic investments and acquisitions. Visit?http://www.essentialturbines.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2639098/Essential_Turbines_Inc_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/essential-turbines-to-acquire-aeromaritime-mediterranean-from-itp-aero-302419741.html Vext now operates four retail dispensaries in Ohio's limited license market and remains on track to reach the state license cap of eight (8) total dispensaries, with new locations expected to open during 2025 and early 2026. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Vext Science, Inc. (CSE: VEXT) (OTCQX: VEXTF) ("Vext" or the "Company") a U.S.-based cannabis operator with vertically integrated operations in Arizona and Ohio, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of two cannabis dispensaries from Big Perm's Dispensary Ohio, LLC ("Big Perm") together with all related licenses and assets, other than certain excluded assets (the "Ohio Expansion Transaction"), following receipt of the regulatory approval from Ohio Division of Cannabis Control ("DCC"). The Company has paid aggregate cash consideration of approximately US$8.1 million in connection with the Ohio Expansion Transaction, including the funding of certain construction costs, capital expenditures and working capital needs associated with the dispensaries. With the completion of the transaction, Vext has doubled its retail footprint in the state, adding dispensaries in Athens and Jeffersonville to its existing locations in Jackson and Columbus. Eric Offenberger, CEO of Vext, commented, "Today's announcement marks a significant step forward in Vext's strategic expansion within Ohio's limited-license market. With four operational dispensaries and a clear path to reaching the state license cap of eight, we are building a retail footprint that is designed to generate consistent cash flow. A strong retail presence enables us to better control our distribution and align it with our cultivation and manufacturing assets - a balance that supports long-term profitability. The remaining four Vext dispensaries are scheduled to come online in 2025 and early 2026 as we execute on our disciplined strategy. With cash flow returning to growth in Q4 2024, and a clear path to further expansion in Ohio during 2025 and beyond, Vext is on a path that we expect will create meaningful long-term value for our shareholders." Already fully vertically integrated in Ohio with a Tier I cultivation facility, a manufacturing facility, and now four strategically located retail dispensaries, this transaction further strengthens the Company's presence in the state. With the recently announced Portsmouth location expected to commence operations during Q2 or Q3 of 2025 and license approvals from the DCC for an additional three dispensaries, Vext is on track to reach the state dispensary license cap of eight by early 2026. Vext's Current Footprint in Ohio: Facility1 Status Tier 1 Cultivation Facility - 25,000 square feet (Jackson, Ohio) Fully operational. Ability to expand to 50,000 square feet. Certificate of Operation received for adult-use. Manufacturing Facility (Jackson, Ohio) Fully operational. Herbal Wellness Center (Jackson, Ohio) Fully operational as a medical and adult-use dispensary. Herbal Wellness Center (Columbus, Ohio) Fully operational as a medical and adult-use dispensary. Herbal Wellness Center (Athens, Ohio) Fully operational as a medical and adult-use dispensary. Herbal Wellness Center (Jeffersonville, Ohio) Fully operational as a medical and adult-use dispensary. Dispensary 5 (Portsmouth, Ohio) Additional adult-use license under the DCC's 10(B) license program. With the completion of the Ohio Expansion Transaction, Vext has secured the right to transfer ownership of the Portsmouth dispensary. Pending regulatory and zoning approvals, the Company anticipates executing the transfer and commencing operations by Q2 or Q3 of 2025. Dispensaries 6, 7 and 8 (Granted approval to develop 3 additional dual-use dispensaries) As a Tier 1 Cultivator, Vext has received approval under the DCC's 10(B) license program to develop three additional dual-use dispensaries. Target locations have been identified and will be announced when provisional permits are issued by the DCC. For more details, visit Vext's investor website or contact the IR team at investors@vextscience.com. About Vext Science, Inc. Vext Science, Inc. is a U.S.-based cannabis operator with vertical operations in Arizona and Ohio. Vext's expertise spans from cultivation through to retail operations in its key markets. Based out of Arizona, Vext owns and operates state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, fully built-out manufacturing facilities as well as dispensaries in both Arizona and Ohio. The Company manufactures Vapen, one of the leading THC concentrates, edibles, and distillate cartridge brands in Arizona. Its selection of award-winning products are created with Vext's in-house, high-quality flower and distributed across Arizona and Ohio. Vext's leadership team brings a proven track record of building and operating profitable multi-state operations. The Company's primary focus is to continue growing in its core states of Arizona and Ohio, bringing together cutting-edge science, manufacturing, and marketing to provide a reliable and valuable customer experience while generating shareholder value. Vext Science, Inc. is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol VEXT and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol VEXTF. Learn more at www.vextscience.com and connect with Vext on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. For more details on the Vapen brand: Vapen website: VapenBrands.com Instagram: @vapen Facebook: @vapenbrands Forward Looking Statements Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in Vext's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding future developments and the business and operations of Vext, including but not limited to the Company's anticipated results from operations, the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, the acquisition of additional licenses, and the development and opening of additional dispensaries in Ohio, all of which are subject to the risk factors contained in Vext's continuous disclosure filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Vext has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; being engaged in activities currently considered illegal under U.S. Federal laws; change in laws; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; hindered market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry; and regulatory or political change. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. Because of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. Vext disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and Vext does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. SOURCE: Vext Science, Inc. 1 Vext has been granted approval to develop dispensaries 6, 7, and 8 under the DCC's 10(B) license program. As noted in the above chart, target locations have been identified but currently there are no associated facilities. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247157 SOURCE: VEXT Science, Inc. Completed enrollment in the chronic cohort and commenced enrollment in the subacute cohort of its Phase 1b/2a clinical trial for lead drug candidate, NVG-291, in spinal cord injury (SCI) Initiated an expanded access protocol for NVG-291 for individuals with SCI who have participated in a NervGen clinical trial and meet specific eligibility criteria Pipeline candidate NVG-300 showing promising activity in preclinical models of ischemic stroke and SCI Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - NervGen Pharma Corp. (TSXV: NGEN) (OTCQB: NGENF), a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to developing neurorestorative therapeutics, today reported its financial and operational results for the full year ended December 31, 2024. "2024 was a very productive year for NervGen as we advanced the clinical development of our lead candidate, NVG-291, in spinal cord injury and delivered on key research activities and business milestones," said Mike Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of NervGen Pharma. "Most notably, we completed enrollment in the chronic cohort of our Phase 1b/2a clinical study of NVG-291 for individuals with SCI and anticipate a topline data readout for this cohort in early June 2025. We also received Institutional Review Board approval for an amendment to the subacute cohort of our Phase 1b/2a clinical trial and initiated enrollment. This important proof-of-concept study is aimed at demonstrating for the first time the potential of NVG-291 in enabling repair of nervous system damage in individuals with spinal cord injury. "Importantly, we expect that the net proceeds from our $23 million bought deal financing completed earlier in 2024, coupled with our existing working capital and anticipated proceeds from our at-the-market equity program (ATM) will fund continued clinical development of NVG-291 along with research and development activities to support further evaluation and preclinical activities in other indications through Q3 2025," continued Mr. Kelly. Earlier this week, NervGen also reported that the FDA informed the company that an expanded access protocol for NVG-291 may proceed. The protocol submission was in response to a request from a physician for expanded access to NVG-291 for a patient who participated in the chronic cohort of the Phase 1b/2a clinical trial. In addition, preclinical studies of NVG-300 in ischemic stroke and SCI, initiated during 2024, showed promising initial results, suggesting further investigation is warranted. Key preclinical findings in ischemic stroke and SCI include: NVG-300-R, the rodent variant of NVG-300, in ischemic stroke: Preclinical data from a rat model of ischemic stroke showed rapid decrease in the ischemic lesion volume in animals treated with NVG-300-R. Significant effects of NVG-300-R also included improved performance in the functional memory and spatial recognition (Y-maze), and locomotor function (horizontal ladder) tests. NVG-300-R and NVG-300 in SCI : In the preclinical model of SCI caused by thoracic contusion, animals treated with NVG-300-R or NVG-300 showed improvement in gait quality assessed by NeuroCube, an in vivo AI platform that uses computer vision combined with bioinformatics to perform objective multivariate analysis of gait patterns. "The preclinical evidence of NVG-300 and NVG-300-R activity in animal models of ischemic stroke and SCI is encouraging," said Matvey Lukashev, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Preclinical Development of NervGen Pharma. "Taken together, the results of this latest set of in vivo studies offer further preclinical validation of NVG-300. Preclinical validation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) will be paused at this time." Full Year and Recent Business Highlights We advanced the clinical development of NVG-291: In February 2024, we announced that we are developing plans to initiate a new study in which subjects completing the current trial who received placebo, would have the option to receive open-label NVG-291 under a separate protocol. We plan to initiate this open-label study, provided that an efficacy signal is observed in the chronic cohort, contingent upon protocol approval by the FDA as well as the study's Institutional Review Board. At several scientific conferences during 2024, Daniel Mikol, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of NervGen Pharma, presented the trial design, the rationale for evaluating clinical outcome measures in addition to electrophysiological measures as biomarkers of efficacy, and provided an update on the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of randomized subjects. At year end, we announced the completion of enrollment in the chronic cohort of our Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of NVG-291 in individuals with SCI; topline data from the chronic cohort is expected in early June 2025. The company also received Institutional Review Board approval for an amendment to its Phase 1b/2a clinical trial protocol and initiated screening of subjects for the subacute cohort. The enrollment and dosing of the first subject in the subacute cohort was announced in early February 2025 and enrollment continues. Subsequent to year-end, on March 31, 2025, we announced the initiation of an expanded access policy to allow treatment use of the investigational product NVG-291 for those individuals with SCI who have participated in NervGen clinical trials and meet specific eligibility criteria. We received a request from a physician for expanded access to NVG-291 for a subject who participated in the chronic cohort of the Phase 1b/2a clinical trial. After we submitted an expanded access protocol for NVG-291 to the FDA, the FDA informed us that the study could proceed. We advanced our research activities related to our drug candidates: During 2024, we initiated preclinical test-of-concept evaluation of a potential second development candidate, NVG-300, in models of ischemic stroke, ALS and SCI. In addition, we initiated studies to further elucidate the mechanism of NVG-291 therapeutic action. We improved our position with equity proceeds of over $23 million and established an ATM program to fund our ongoing clinical trial: On March 28, 2024, we announced the closing of the previously announced public offering, including the full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option for aggregate gross proceeds of $23 million. Pursuant to the offering, the underwriters purchased, on a bought deal basis, and we issued 9,792,250 units at a price of $2.35 per unit. Each unit was comprised of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share for a period of 36 months following the closing of the offering at an exercise price of $3.00 per warrant share. In connection with the offering, we issued an aggregate of 170,127 broker warrants and paid a cash commission of $1.1 million to the underwriters and incurred approximately $0.54 million in other share issue costs related to legal and listing fees. On December 20, 2024, we announced the establishment of an ATM equity program that allows us to issue and sell common shares to the public from time to time through an agent at our discretion and subject to regulatory requirements. We initiated sales under the ATM in January 2025. During the year, we continued to add expertise to our team with the following additions and appointments: In July 2024, Mr. Neil Klompas was appointed to our Board of Directors. Mr. Klompas is an experienced life sciences and healthcare sector executive and board member. He is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors, of Augurex Life Sciences Corp. Prior to Augurex, he served as Chief Financial Officer, and later President and Chief Operating Officer of Zymeworks Inc. During his time with the company, he oversaw finance and operations, including leading the execution the company's initial public offering on the NYSE and TSX. Prior to Zymeworks, Mr. Klompas worked with KPMG LLP as part of the Pharmaceutical, Biotech & Medical Devices M&A Transaction Services practice in Princeton, NJ, and with KPMG LLP in the life sciences assurance practice based in Vancouver. He holds a BSc in Microbiology & Immunology from the University of British Columbia and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. During the year, we also added senior level talent to oversee our clinical operations, program management, regulatory affairs, technical operations and CMC, and corporate development. Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights Cash and Investments: NervGen had cash and investments of $17.3 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $11.7 million as of December 31, 2023. Our cash balance was improved during the year by the net proceeds of the March 2024 bought deal financing and approximately $1.4 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants during the year. The net cash burn for the year ended December 31, 2024, from operating activities was approximately $16.8 million. R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $15.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in the year ended December 31, 2024, is primarily related to clinical spend associated with a full year of Phase 1b/2a clinical trial activity, an increase in preclinical translational research, an increase in drug manufacturing costs, and an increase in headcount related spend within the R&D function. In the year ended December 31, 2023, clinical study costs were comparatively lower as we completed dosing in our Phase 1 clinical trial and we received grant funding that partially offset the costs of our Phase 1b/2a clinical trial that commenced in the second half of 2023. G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to non-cash stock-based compensation expenses due to the hiring of our new President & CEO and other employees and consultants in the prior comparative period, and the timing of the related vesting. Net Loss: For the year ended December 31, 2024, net loss was $24.0 million, or $0.36 per basic and diluted common share. The net loss for the year included $6.3 million of non-cash expenses pertaining to amortization, stock-based compensation, unrealized foreign exchange and the fair value adjustment of the warrant derivative. For the year ended December 31, 2023, net loss was $22.4 million, or $0.38 per basic and diluted common share which included $11.3 million of non-cash expenses pertaining to amortization, stock-based compensation, unrealized foreign exchange and the fair value adjustment of the warrant derivative. The company also announces that it has engaged Sam Brown Healthcare Communications, a Blue Matter Company (Sam Brown), a leading integrated communications and public relations agency focused on corporate, clinical and commercial communications for the life sciences industry. Sam Brown will provide media and public relations and related services for the company and is engaged for an initial period of nine months that will continue thereafter on a month-to-month basis unless terminated by either party with 30 days' notice. It is expected that the cash compensation that is paid in the first twelve months will not exceed US$46,000 per month. Sam Brown has no other indirect or direct interest in the company. The appointment of Sam Brown as a public relations consultant to NervGen is subject to regulatory acceptance of applicable filings with the TSX Venture Exchange. About Phase 1b/2a Trial The double-blind, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept Phase 1b/2a clinical trial (NCT05965700) evaluates the safety and efficacy of NVG-291 in two separate cohorts of individuals with cervical spinal cord injury: chronic (1-10 years post-injury) and subacute (20-90 days post-injury), given demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of both chronic and acute spinal cord injury. The trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy of a fixed dose of NVG-291 using multiple clinical outcome measures as well as objective electrophysiological and MRI imaging measures and blood biomarkers that together will provide comprehensive information about the extent of recovery of function, with a focus on improvements in motor function. Specifically, the primary objective is to assess the change in corticospinal connectivity of defined upper and lower extremity muscle groups following treatment based on changes in motor evoked potential amplitudes. Secondary objectives are to evaluate changes in a number of clinical outcome assessments focusing on motor function and strength, as well as changes in additional electrophysiological measurements. The cohorts will be comprised of approximately 20 subjects each and will be evaluated independently as the data becomes available. The trial is being partially funded by a grant from Wings for Life, which is being provided in several milestone-based payments and will offset a portion of the direct costs of this clinical trial. More information about participation in the subacute study is available at www.connectscistudy.com. About NVG-291 NervGen holds exclusive worldwide rights to NVG-291, a first-in-class therapeutic peptide targeting nervous system repair. NVG-291's technology was licensed from Case Western Reserve University and is based on academic studies demonstrating the preclinical efficacy of NVG-291-R, the rodent prototype of NVG-291, in animal models of spinal cord injury. Effects of NVG-291-R reported in multiple independent academic studies include the promotion of neuroplasticity, remyelination, anti-inflammatory polarization of microglia, and functional improvement in preclinical models of spinal cord injury, stroke, dementia, and peripheral nervous system injury. NVG-291 has received Fast Track designation in spinal cord injury from the FDA. About NVG-300 The discovery of NVG-300, a new biological molecule, is the result of a research effort initiated by NervGen in 2022, leveraging NervGen's extensive internal expertise and the evolving scientific understanding of the mechanisms involved in nervous system repair. NVG-300 is the first of what NervGen believes will be a pipeline of new molecules addressing high unmet need neurologic indications. NVG-300 product and process development have progressed to successfully establish manufacturability and feasibility of high concentration liquid formulation to enable self-administration of the product in a prefilled syringe format. NVG-300 will be developed under the Biologics License Application regulatory framework that provides 12 years of market exclusivity post-approval, and its composition of matter intellectual property protection is expected to extend beyond 2040. About Ischemic Stroke Stroke is the leading cause of death and severe disability worldwide, significantly diminishing the quality of life for many affected individuals. Globally, nearly 17 million people experience a stroke each year, with over two million cases annually in the United States, Europe, and Japan combined. The most prevalent type of stroke, ischemic stroke, occurs when a blockage in the brain's blood flow deprives it of oxygen and nutrients, often leading to long-term or permanent neurological damage. Unfortunately, treatment options for ischemic stroke are limited. Current therapies, such as the administration of the clot-dissolving agent tissue plasminogen activator or surgical clot removal, must generally be performed within a few hours of stroke onset. About Sam Brown Healthcare Communications A Blue Matter company, Sam Brown Healthcare Communications is a leading corporate, clinical, and commercial communications agency for the life sciences industry. Sam Brown provides broad strategic communications services to a wide range of biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and venture capital companies whose cutting-edge science and innovation impact human health. For more information, visit www.sambrown.com. About NervGen NervGen (TSXV: NGEN) (OTCQB: NGENF) is a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to developing innovative treatments to promote nervous system repair in settings of neurotrauma and neurologic disease. The company is testing the clinical efficacy of its lead molecule, NVG-291, in a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial in spinal cord injury and has initiated preclinical evaluation of a new development candidate, NVG-300, in models of ischemic stroke and spinal cord injury. For more information, visit www.nervgen.com and follow NervGen on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook for the latest news on the company. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to, the company's current and future plans, expectations and intentions, results, levels of activity, performance, goals or achievements, or any other future events or developments constitute forward-looking statements, and the words "may", "will", "would", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "trend", "indication", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "likely" or "potential", or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to: the objectives, planned clinical endpoints, timing, expected rate of enrollment, and timing of data readout and study design of our Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of NVG-291 in individuals with spinal cord injury; the potential access to NVG-291 through the company's expanded access policy; our belief that the net proceeds from our bought deal financing, along with our current working capital and anticipated proceeds from our ATM program is sufficient to fund our planned research and development activities through Q3 2025; the development plans, timelines, expected benefits, and prospective target indications for NVG-300; the expected contributions from the added senior level talent and engagement of Sam Brown; the expected compensation payable to Sam Brown in the next twelve months; the receipt of the milestone-based grant payments; and the creation of neurorestorative therapeutics to promote nervous system repair in settings of neurotrauma and neurologic disease. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the company in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. In making forward-looking statements, we have relied on various assumptions, including, but not limited to: our ability to obtain future funding on favourable terms or at all; the accuracy of our financial projections; obtaining positive results in our clinical and other trials; our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; our ability to arrange for the manufacturing of our product candidates and technologies; and general business, market and economic conditions. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, a lack of revenue, insufficient funding, reliance upon key personnel, the uncertainty of the clinical development process, competition, and other factors set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of the company's most recently filed prospectus supplement, short form base shelf prospectus, annual information form, financial statements and management discussion and analysis all of which can be found on NervGen's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All clinical development plans are subject to additional funding. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made in this news release. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and we have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247178 SOURCE: NervGen Pharma Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Free Battery Metal Limited (CSE: FREE) (Formerly, Titus Energy Corp.) (the "Company" or "Free Battery"), is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated March 28, 2025, effective today the Company's common shares ("Common Shares") are trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") on a 20:1 post-consolidated basis (the "Consolidation"). The Company's new CUSIP and ISIN numbers are 356123208 and CA3561232081, respectively. The Company's name and stock symbols shall remain unchanged. After giving effect to the Consolidation, the Common Shares were reduced from 70,112,397 to approximately 3,505,621 Common Shares. No fractional Common Shares were issued in connection with the Consolidation. Instead, all fractional Common Shares equal to or greater than one-half resulting from the Consolidation were rounded to the next whole number, otherwise, the fractional Common Shares were cancelled. The exercise price and/or conversion price and number of Common Shares issuable under any of the Company's outstanding convertible securities were proportionately adjusted in connection with the Consolidation. TSX Trust Company, the Company's registrar and transfer agent for the Common Shares, has mailed the letters of transmittal to registered shareholders of record as of April 1, 2025, providing instructions for the exchange of their Common Shares as soon as practicable following the effective date. Registered shareholders may also obtain a copy of the letter of transmittal by accessing the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Until surrendered, each share certificate or direct registration system statement representing pre-consolidated Common Shares will represent the number of whole post-consolidated Common Shares to which the holder is entitled to as a result of the Consolidation. No action is required by beneficial holders to receive post-consolidation Common Shares in connection with the Consolidation. Beneficial holders who hold their Common Shares through intermediaries (e.g., a broker, bank, trust company investment dealer or other financial institution) and who have questions regarding how the Consolidation will be processed should contact their intermediaries with respect to the Consolidation. About Free Battery Metal Limited Free Battery Metal Limited is a publicly traded company exploring for Lithium. Free Battery is committed to responsible mining practices and is actively exploring the Mound Lake Property in northwestern Ontario. The property comprises 243, single-cell unpatented mining claims totaling approximately 4,860 hectares. Historically, there has been little or no mineral exploration on or near the Mound Lake Property. The Company sees lithium and other rare metals as critical commodities in supporting the global move towards green technologies including the transition to electric vehicles. For more information, visit www.freebatterymetal.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian ("forward-looking statements"). All information that addresses activities or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "likely" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-Looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. In the press release, such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Consolidation and the anticipated effects of the Consolidation. Forward-Looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to: the Company completing the Consolidation as intended. The above lists of forward-looking statements and assumptions are not exhaustive. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors and risks. These include: the failure of the Company to comply with applicable regulatory requirements in a highly regulated industry; unexpected changes in governmental policies and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; the Company's ability to continue to meet the listing requirements of the CSE; the impact of increasing competition; any lack of merger and acquisition opportunities; adverse market conditions; and reliance on key personnel. Please see the other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings filed with the Canadian securities authorities, copies of which can be found under Free Battery's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Any forward-looking statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247191 SOURCE: Free Battery Metal Limited Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) (OTCQX: LSANF) ("Los Andes" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has expanded its land package by obtaining first-priority exploration claims over new areas within and adjacent to the current property boundaries for Los Andes' Vizcachitas copper project in Chile ("Vizcachitas"). The claims cover an 18 square kilometer ("km2") block within the current property boundary, and another 7km2 block adjacent to the north-east corner of the property boundary, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1: Historical and New Mining Claims at the Vizcachitas project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/916/247211_0d6be588b470c984_002full.jpg The 18km2 block within the current property boundary covers the higher ground bordering the Vizcachitas deposit to the southeast, near the mineralized extensions identified in the 2023 drill program. Following the ruling made on February 12, 2025, the cancellation of the existing exploitation claims was certified by the Court in Putaendo on March 5, 2025, and recorded in the Putaendo Mine Registration Office on April 1, 2025. Santiago Montt, CEO of Los Andes, commented: "We are very pleased to have expanded our land package to have first-priority exploration claims over a new combined area of 25km2. These additional new claims have increased our total land package to 474.4km2. This new ground has highly prospective geology, providing further potential upside for the Vizcachitas project and the Company." About Los Andes Copper Ltd. Los Andes Copper Ltd. is an exploration and development company with an 100% interest in the Vizcachitas Project in Chile. The Company is focused on progressing the Project, which is located along Chile's most prolific copper belt, into production. Vizcachitas is one of the largest copper deposits in the Americas not controlled by the majors and the Company believes it will be Chile's next major copper mine. The Project is a copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit, located 150 kilometers north of Santiago, in an area of very good infrastructure. An independent technical report for the PFS, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, is available on the Company's SEDAR profile. Los Andes Copper Ltd. is listed on the TSX-V under the ticker: LA. Qualified Persons Antony Amberg CGeol FGS, the Company's Chief Geologist, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Certain of the information and statements contained herein that are not historical facts, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Securities Act (British Columbia), Securities Act (Ontario) and the Securities Act (Alberta) ("Forward-Looking Information"). Forward-Looking Information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend"; statements that an event or result is "due" on or "may", "will", "should", "could", or might" occur or be achieved; and, other similar expressions. More specifically, Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information. Such Forward Looking Information includes, without limitation, the timing of and ability to obtain TSX-V and other regulatory approvals and the prospects, details related to and timing of the Vizcachitas Project. Such Forward-Looking Information is based upon the Company's assumptions regarding global and Chilean economic, political and market conditions and the price of metals and energy and the Company's production. Among the factors that have a direct bearing on the Company's future results of operations and financial conditions are changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, a change in government policies, competition, currency fluctuations and restrictions and technological changes, among other things. Should one or more of any of the aforementioned risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from any conclusions, forecasts or projections described in the Forward-Looking Information. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247211 SOURCE: Los Andes Copper Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Affinor Growers Inc. (CSE: AFI) (OTC Pink: RSSFF) ("Affinor" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, it has recently joined the Canadian Hydroponic Association (CHA). The CHA supports innovative technologies and provides valuable resources to commercial growers, in addition to promoting sustainable farming practices that deliver fresh, nutrient-dense food to Canadian communities. Their mission is to reduce reliance on imported produce and empower communities with the tools to cultivate fresh local food. Through collaboration, education and advocacy, the CHA works with growers and industry leaders to redefine agriculture in Canada. Nick Brusatore, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, stated as follows; "With the recent implementation and ongoing uncertainty regarding tariffs, the timing for solidarity amongst Canadian businesses and associations couldn't be better. This is a great opportunity for Canadian companies like Affinor to take advantage of these opportunities by contributing to the food sovereignty and sustainability concerns in Canada. The Affinor high output indoor vertical growing system addresses these serious threats and concerns, while reducing the impact on our environment." About CHA The Canadian Hydroponics Association is dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices through hydroponic technology and expertise. Our mission is to support farmers in producing high-quality, environmentally friendly crops using innovative hydroponic systems. About Affinor Affinor is a publicly traded company listed on the CSE under the symbol "AFI" and on the OTC Pink under the symbol "RSSFF". Affinor is focused on developing vertical farming technologies and using those technologies to grow fruits and vegetables in a sustainable manner. To learn more about Affinor, visit: www.affinorgrowers.com On behalf of the Board of Directors, Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release includes statements related to the Agreement with FARMX. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247216 SOURCE: Affinor Growers Inc. Heineken has unveiled apps in Italy and Brazil that will help young adults find bars the same way they prefer to find love: through swiping Global data shows that 67% of young adults* tend to go back to the same bar time again, despite wanting now more than ever to explore new places, have new experiences and meet new people With dating apps now part of everyday life, Heineken is blending the words of swiping and socialising - offering consumers a clever and easy new way to match with a new bar and refresh their social life AMSTERDAM, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heineken is shaking up the dating app scene - not for romance, but to help young adults discover new bars and "match" with a more rewarding social life. The global beer brand has launched 'Bar Dating' apps in Brazil and Italy, designed to add a fresh twist to a night out by helping consumers find new venues and break free from their 'usual'. No longer just a way to connect with new people, consumers will be able to use the apps to "swipe right" on their next (bar) date. Each bar has a dating profile so consumers can find a match which is just their type. Whether that's a bar with stacks of personality, one with more laid back vibes, one with a good sense of humour, passionate about live music, or one that simply serves their go-to beer with a side of good conversation. The Hei app in Brazil will include a Bar Dating feature allowing consumers to match with new bars Heineken - which has always strived to foster quality socialising moments - hopes that the launch of the new apps will help younger consumers break free from the sameness, expand their social bubbles and build more real-life connections. It has also been designed to support the bar industry - encouraging more customers through doors. As part of the campaign, Heineken has worked with bars to give their dating profiles a glow up ahead of the launch of the app to help attract new customers. The launch comes hot on the heels of new global research revealing that 67% of young adults (Gen Z and Millennials) worldwide admit they tend to play it safe and go back to the same bar time and time again when socialising with friends. Despite having the strongest desire to discover new places, have new experiences, and meet new people, the reality is Gen Z and Millennials tend to stick to their comfort zone. 21% are worried about going somewhere they wouldn't like, 18% say it is too hard to please all their friends, and 15% say they are overwhelmed by choice. The research found that this was having a knock on effect on how young people felt about their social lives. More than half (59%) admitted they didn't think it was as rewarding as it could be, with a third (34%) wishing their social life involved more new experiences and a quarter (23%) of Gen Z saying it lacked a certain 'spark'. Nabil Nasser, Global Head of Heineken says, "When we were studying this research, it came as a surprise that although younger consumers have a desire to be adventurous and try new things, the reality is they are often stuck in the same routine which leads to many feeling that their social lives are becoming stale. We want to encourage young people to step out of their comfort zones and visit new bars to help build more real-life connections. Speaking to a generation of digital natives, drawing inspiration from the world of dating apps seemed like a natural place to start. Of course, this doesn't mean you need to break up with your local, simply play the field a little for a more rewarding social life." Gone are the days of meet-cutes and blind dates organised by friends, the research shows that the first place Gen Z and Millennials turn when they want to spice up their love lives is apps. Heineken found that two-thirds (64%) would like a way to find new bars the same way they swipe through dating apps. And with a similar number (63%) saying they'd be happy to consider an open relationship with their local, it's clear monogamy will not be an issue. Half (47%) don't think social experiences should be limited to one place and the same people and two in five (37%) believe discovering new places could keep their social life fresh, stimulating and exciting. Bar Dating is just one of a number of campaigns launching across 2025 designed to back the bars and support socialisation across the world - and follows the success of Heineken's Pub Succession campaign in March 2025. Notes to editors: For more information please contact: heineken@wearetheromans.com About the Bar Dating WebApp (Italy) Bar Dating is a WebApp that helps you discover great bars and events while effortlessly planning get-togethers with friends to meet at the bar. Access it via bardating.com About the Hei App (Brazi): The Hei App is a mobile app designed to help consumers discover new bars in Sao Paulo, Brazil. With expert curation of Sao Paulo's bar scene, the app offers exclusive content and recommendations - all discoverable via swiping, akin to a dating app. The Hei App will be frequently updated with new content and will feature curation by major names in the cultural scene. To download Hei App, simply visit the mobile app store-Google Play or Apple Store-and search for 'Hei.' The app is restricted to users aged 18 and over. Research: *Heineken commissioned survey of attitudes to dating and socialising. Sample size of 7,200 adults of legal drinking age across the UK, USA, South Africa, India, Brazil, France, Italy & Egypt). Research conducted by OnePoll, March 2025. Research can be broken down by country and further demographics on request. About Heineken HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brewing a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ over 85,000 employees and operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY). Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98f73964-86b8-443f-b7b6-761f316991fb https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d5df1dc5-8c33-45e8-bdf4-f63141872891 China remains attractive for US investors 11:03, April 03, 2025 By Zhong Nan ( China Daily China will remain an attractive market for companies from the United States, as the country's focus on technological innovation, electric vehicles and biotechnology continues to offer significant opportunities for US businesses, said the head of the American Chamber of Commerce in China. China's push for high-tech self-sufficiency and industrial upgrading presents challenges as well as opportunities for US businesses, said Michael Hart, president of AmCham China, in a recent interview with China Daily. AmCham China is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization with around 800 member companies operating across China, including Coca-Cola, Pfizer, Qualcomm, Honeywell, Walmart and Dell Technologies. To facilitate their growth, Hart said that US businesses should ensure strict compliance with both US and Chinese regulations to mitigate risks, invest in research and development tailored to the Chinese market, and leverage global expertise while adapting to local conditions. In addition, the chamber will continue to facilitate business networking and knowledge-sharing by providing platforms for members to exchange insights on how to adapt to China's evolving market dynamics, he added. Under its plan, AmCham China will also monitor policy and market trends, helping companies to remain agile and adjust their strategies in response to geopolitical developments and regulatory shifts. About 87 percent of surveyed member companies of AmCham China stressed the great importance of a constructive bilateral relationship for their operations in China. In the technology, research and development sector, one of four main subsections of the chamber's membership, this figure rose to as high as 95 percent, according to the"2025 China Business Climate Survey Report" released by AmCham China in late January. More than half of US respondents said they plan to increase investments in China this year, and about 63 percent of enterprises surveyed viewed rising tensions in China-US relations as the top business challenge of US companies in China, according to the report. Noting that the chamber is not in favor of widespread tariffs, Hart said AmCham China advocates constructive dialogue and policy predictability to reduce volatility in trade relations. "Ensuring that businesses can operate competitively and with greater certainty benefits both economies and supports global economic stability," said Hart. To foster long-term stability and mutual benefit, US businesses would like to see greater transparency, predictability and reciprocity in trade policies. Priorities include strengthening government-to-government dialogue and reducing trade barriers, he added. In the first two months of 2025, the US remained China's third-largest trading partner, with the total trade value between the two countries reaching 733.67 billion yuan ($101 billion), up 3.5 percent year-on-year, statistics from the General Administration of Customs showed. Speaking on China's evolving industrial landscape, Judy Marks, chairwoman, CEO and president of Otis Worldwide Corp, reaffirmed the Farmington, Connecticut-based group's commitment to continued investment in China, especially in manufacturing and digitalization. Marks highlighted that, since 2008, China's rapid urbanization has driven annual growth of about 1.5 million in-service elevators. By 2024, nearly 1 million elevators had reached their aging replacement period defined as 15 years or older a trend that is expected to continue through the end of the decade. Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and CEO of US energy group Baker Hughes, expressed strong confidence in China's economic outlook and advancements in energy innovation, emphasizing that the country's drive toward industrial upgrading and green development is unlocking substantial opportunities. "We look forward to deepening our investment and collaboration in China, with the aim of delivering more high-quality solutions to support both China's transformation and global energy needs," he said. To maintain its appeal to global investors in the long run, China will further open up internet-related, cultural and other sectors in a well-regulated manner and expand pilot programs to open areas such as telecommunications, medical services, according to this year's Government Work Report. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Vero Beach, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - The Sherwood Group, a long-term and significant shareholder with approximately 30% of the issued and outstanding shares of Barnwell Industries, Inc. ("Barnwell" or "BRN") has issued the following letter to Barnwell shareholders: On March 14, 2025, I, as the largest shareholder in BRN, commenced a consent solicitation effort to replace Barnwell's entire board with five highly qualified nominees who possess the diverse expertise necessary to reverse Barnwell's decades long decline in market value. Let's be clear--this is about performance. Barnwell's track record speaks for itself. As an approximate 30% shareholder, I believe decisive and responsible action is required to prevent further destruction of shareholder value. Under current leadership, Barnwell has continued to drain shareholder resources through excessive executive compensation, unjustifiable legal fees aimed at entrenching management and the board, and speculative investments made without appropriate due diligence. Since the BLUE consent cards began reaching shareholders, we've seen significant support from fellow investors who are ready for change. To begin turning around our investment and unlocking future share price growth, we need support from holders of at least 50% of outstanding shares. Your voice is critical. To help bring about the necessary change, please respond to the consent solicitation either by voting electronically via the proxy vote web site noted on your BLUE consent card or mailing back a properly completed BLUE consent card before the May 13th deadline. In the Company's most recent filing, the "Executive Committee" of Kinzler, Grossman and Horowitz make a series of blatantly false and misleading statements, including, among other things, referring to operating distributions and cashflow that are not substantiated by any charts that tie to BRN's official SEC financial reports. The following table excerpts key statistics based on BRN's actual reported results for the 8 years since Alex Kinzler was promoted to CEO in December 2016. BRN Summary Record FY 2017 - FY 2024 ($000) Beginning Cash - Sept 2016 15,931 Land sales cash provided 23,970 Water Division cash provided 1,852 Cash raised from working capital 469 Total 8-Year cash generated: 42,222 Cash raised from ATM share sales 5,535 Less dividends to shareholders (748) Total Cash Generated 47,009 Aggregate Cash used for Overhead Costs, Acquisitions and Oil & Gas 42,504 Ending Cash - Sept 2024 4,505* *Net Funds Raised from ATM share sells less Dividends 4,784 Cash generated over the 8 years exclusive of Equity ATM (282) Source: Company 10-K and 10-Q filings with the SEC. The above table clearly shows that BRN management during Kinzler's CEO stewardship utilized the entire $15.9 million cash balance as of September 2016, plus the entire $23.97 million windfall from its Hawaii land sales (largely spurred by Covid), primarily in non-productive ways leaving BRN shareholders with essentially a Calgary oil and gas operation clearly worth far less than the $47 million of the cash that the company had generated to invest during the Kinzler tenure. Bringing the cash table forward to December 2024, BRN cash balances have declined to $1.96 million! Further, we have repeatedly highlighted our understanding that Alex Kinzler forced through a decision to make a $5.3 million plus Texas oil and gas partnership investment with virtually no due diligence. This investment has recently been written down by $2.3 million during the past two quarters alone! In summary, in the eight years under Kinzler's control, BRN has seen approximately $4.70 per share in available cash flow, inclusive of extraordinary windfalls like the Hawaiian land sales during COVID, dwindle to just $0.07 per share paid out in dividends and BRN shares now trading at only $1.70 per share, representing a market value of merely $17 million. Despite previously entering into a four-year cooperation and support agreement with the current Board and management, the results have been disastrous. We have waited, we have trusted, and have continued to observe the Board and management destroy value. It's time for REAL change. This is why we firmly believed a complete overhaul of the Board was necessary. Securing one or two board representatives over the last several years through cooperation and support agreements has not been enough to stop Kinzler and Grossman (and now Horowitz) from their campaign of destroying shareholder value. Notwithstanding BRN's false statements to the contrary, I am not trying to take control of BRN. As the largest shareholder, and effectively a representative of the broader base of long suffering BRN and non-Kinzler related shareholders, I concluded that we could no longer afford to wait for the annual proxy meeting to stop the precipitous cash drain. In fact, it is the Kinzler/Grossman/Horowitz Directors who are attempting to maintain control (with total holdings of approximately 15%) without providing any distributions or return on investment - but rather to ENTRENCH THEMSELVES wasting BRN's limited resources via their legal maneuvers! This urgent situation compelled the launch of an immediate consent solicitation - in an attempt to prevent jeopardizing the company's future. We believe our efforts are a necessary step to protect shareholder value and ensure we restore long-term stability at BRN. To further prove my point of the urgency, unbeknownst to shareholders, Kinzler, Grossman and Horowitz have authorized the use of more shareholder funds to file an action in Delaware against us in an effort to attempt to keep us from filing an opposing proxy slate, if necessary. This action was filed by the fourth and fifth law firms retained by BRN, on your dime, since January in this matter. Kinzler/Grossman/Horowitz have already done significant damage to BRN and I believe positive action on the consent solicitation is our last hope of stopping BRN's decline before it may be too late. If our consent solicitation is successful, we are ready to implement a focused and actionable turnaround plan to restore value and accountability at Barnwell: Board Renewal with Proven Leadership We have assembled an exceptional slate of independent Board nominees-with over 172 years of combined experience-who bring deep expertise in operations, finance, and governance. Apart from myself, all nominees are fully independent of the Sherwood Group and committed to acting in the best interests of all shareholders. Overhead Reduction and Operational Consolidation Our first step includes dramatically reducing BRN's overhead costs by completely closing the Hawaiian offices and consolidating operations in Calgary. While we intend to retain the Company's partnership interest in the Hawaiian land assets, we see no justification for maintaining a physical presence there. Legal and Administrative Efficiency We will significantly reduce legal expenses, which have been used to entrench current leadership, and streamline administrative functions by eliminating duplicative staffing and systems. These actions will improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary spending. Sharpened Focus on Value Creation Every action we take will be centered around restoring and growing shareholder value-through disciplined cost control, transparent oversight, and a commitment to strategic, well-vetted investments. Strategic Use of Tax Assets and Acquisition Strategy We will initiate a targeted search for a profitable U.S. tax-paying acquisition candidate that could benefit from BRN's $49 million tax loss carryforward. In essence, we envision repositioning Barnwell as a pseudo-SPAC-leveraging its valuable tax assets and pairing them with a high-performing, independent board whose diverse skill sets make BRN an attractive platform for the right acquisition. Of course, BRN also currently has a Calgary based oil and gas operation, which we will attempt to run in a lean and wise manner. Besides reducing production costs, which remain way too high under BRN's current management team, we will also look for attractive opportunities to invest in our oil and gas assets. We have included Heather Isidoro and Jim Cornell on our Board slates since they both have decades of natural resources experience - and in Heather's case, she has direct knowledge of the Twinning field, which is BRN's largest Calgary area investment. We believe our stewardship of BRN's oil and gas assets will be a marked improvement from the Kinzler/Grossman/Horowitz reign. Further, unlike the current BRN Board of Kinzler/Grossman/Horowitz, our Board nominees have had successful business careers and, if required, could raise significant new equity capital for the company. Our Board has superior business skills and experience, and affords all shareholders the best team to restore BRN. Given BRN's current management continued entrenchment actions, we feel it has become URGENT to succeed in the consent solicitation in order to preserve BRN's dwindling cash reserves. We urge all shareholders to approve and submit the BLUE consent card by mail or electronically as soon as possible so that we can begin our BRN turnaround efforts to benefit all shareholders. If you have any questions or require any assistance in executing your consent, please contact: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247163 SOURCE: Ned L. Sherwood Provides Corporate Update Western Alaska Minerals Corp. (the "Company" or "WAM") (TSXV:WAM) is pleased to announce the promotion of Sage Langston-Stewart to Principal Geologist in which position she will lead the technical team advancing WAM's 100% owned Illinois Creek project in western Alaska. Since 2019, Ms. Langston-Stewart and Joe Piekenbrock, WAM's Chief Exploration Officer, have greatly advanced understanding of the Waterpump Creek (75 Moz 980 g/t silver equivalent inferred) and Illinois Creek Deposits. Sage was the driving force behind 2024's discovery of mineralization at the Warm Springs prospect. Her understanding of the project's geology is a vital component of WAM's upcoming 2025 summer drilling and exploration program, which is anticipated to kick off in late May following snow melt, subject to successful financing and favorable seasonal conditions. Simultaneously, the Company announces that Andrew West has stepped down as VP of Exploration, effective April 7, 2025. The Company thanks Andy for his contributions since 2023, especially his work on the initial Waterpump Creek resource and completing the State of Alaska Uplands Mining Lease on our core properties. "Sage is an exceptional geologist, and we are delighted to be able to reward her hard work and Warm Springs discovery by elevating her to be our Principal Geologist. We look forward eagerly to her team making the discoveries we believe await the drill bit at our exceptional property," said Kit Marrs, WAM CEO. "Also, I personally want to thank Andy for his service to Western Alaska Minerals since 2023 and wish him continued success in his future endeavors." Grant of Options and Restricted Share Units The Company is pleased to announce that it has granted a total of 80,000 stock options (the "Options") to consultants of the Company. The Options are each exercisable to purchase one subordinate voting share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.64 for a period of 5 years. The Options will vest over one year, with one-quarter of the Options vesting every quarter. The Company has also issued an aggregate of 60,414 restricted share units (the "RSUs") to certain non-executive directors of the Company. Each RSU entitles the holder to be issued one subordinate voting share of the Company on vesting. All the RSUs will vest one year from the grant date. About WAM Western Alaska Minerals (WAM.V) is pioneering North America's next major silver and critical minerals district at the Illinois Creek Project, a prolific 8-km mineral corridor hosting two stand-alone deposits with a new (2024) discovery zone in between. Anchored by the high-grade silver deposit at Waterpump Creek zone, 75 Moz 980 g/t AgEq (Inferred), open to the north and south and the historic Illinois Creek mine, 525 Koz AuEq - 373 Koz @ 1.3 g/t AuEq (Indicated), 152 Koz @ 1.44 g/t AuEq (Inferred), WAM's 100% owned carbonate replacement deposit reveals expansive potential across its exploration landscape. The Illinois Creek project claims cover 73,535 acres (115 square miles or 29,758 hectares), located approximately 38 kilometers by road to the region's marine highway, the Yukon River. Within the same CRD system sits the Honker gold vein prospect. Twenty-five kilometers northeast of the Illinois Creek CRD lies the Round Top porphyry copper and the TG North CRD prospects. All prospects were originally discovered by Anaconda Minerals Co. in the early 1980's. WAM's 100% owned cover 73,535 acres (115 square miles or 29,758 hectares). Since 2010, WAM, along with its precursor company, Western Alaska Copper & Gold, reassembled the Anaconda land package and has been engaged in exploring the district. Headquartered in both Alaska and Arizona, WAM brings together a team with a proven track record of large-scale mine discoveries. On behalf of the Company "Kit Marrs" Kit Marrs President & CEO kit@westernalaskaminerals.com Phone: 1-520-200-1667 For further information, please contact: Vanessa Bogaert, Director of Corporate Communications/IR vanessa@westernalaskaminerals.com Or visit our website at: www.westernalaskaminerals.com 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. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to market conditions, metal prices, and risks relating to 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, 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 results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by 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 forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Western Alaska Minerals Corp Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Nova Pacific Metals Corp. (CSE: NVPC) (OTCQB: NVPCF) (FSE: YQ10) (WKN: A40GFH) (the "Company", or "Nova Pacific") is pleased to announce the staking of two additional claims (B&B 4 and 5) totaling 912.38 hectares contiguous with the existing property outline (Figure 1), following the completion of Dr. Tom Setterfield's in-depth analysis of historical exploration results to the west of the Lara deposit. Figure 1. Lara Project Location with the Two New Claims B&B 4 and 5 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10425/247188_c830cf7d44734bcf_001full.jpg The northwest part of the property is predominantly underlain by the McLaughlin Ridge Formation, host to the Lara deposit and other volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization along strike. Nova Pacific now controls 17 km of this highly prospective stratigraphy. The northwest 7 km of strike length has received much less exploration attention than the southeast 10 km. The prospectivity of the part of the property is highlighted by the following (Figure 2): The northwest-trending McDougall Vein comes to within 500 m of the northwest part of the property; this vein has produced grab samples with up to 182 g/t Au and 86.5 g/t Ag (ARIS 13568). A jasper-rich magnetite iron formation, with up to 0.72 g/t Au, 0.51% Cu and 2.9 g/t Ag (different samples) is within 250 m of the property to the west (ARIS 16802). In 1983, Canamin Resources explored a property straddling the northwest corner of the present Lara property. Canamin Resources collected 65 soil samples 15 of which were on the Nova Pacific property. One of the samples ran 309 ppm Cu, the highest value from the survey (ARIS 11401). A brief property visit in 2001 resulted in the collection and description of five samples. Two examples of quartz-sericite-pyrite schist were noted from the McLaughlin Ridge Formation, as was an outcrop of "quartz-magnetite-chlorite stockwork" (ARIS PF006208). In 2011, Rock-Con Resources collected five rock samples from the present property. One sample ran 2.34 g/t Au, and two other samples ran 2.000% and 1.845% Cu respectively (ARIS 32279). All samples were from the newly staked ground and within the McLaughlin Ridge Formation. Also in 2011, Rock-Con conducted a soil survey covering parts of these western claims. The survey consisted of lines 100 m apart, with a sample spacing of 50 m along the lines. They noted two significant semi-coincident Cu-Zn anomalies and four, single-site gold anomalies; gold in these anomalies varied from 27 to 139 ppb in a background of samples which were mostly below the detection level (5 ppb; ARIS 32850). Figure 2. Features of the Northwest Part of the Lara Property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10425/247188_c830cf7d44734bcf_002full.jpg Drill Permit Application: In July 2024, the Company announced the submission of a drill permit application for up to 10,000 meters in 50 diamond drill holes. The application has progressed favourably, and the Company is optimistic that a permit will be issued in the near future. The Company recently completed a flow-through financing of $2,640,540, the proceeds of which will fully fund the intended drill program. J. Malcolm Bell, Nova Pacific's CEO, commented, "Since the acquisition of the initial Lara claims, host to the historic Lara VMS deposit, the Company has continued to expand the project size which today represents a significant, 17 km long, land position within the highly favourable Sicker Group of rocks. While our current focus in the near term is to get underway with drill confirmation of the Lara deposit, we will continue to develop targets for future drill programs. Our drill program is intended to establish an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for presentation by mid summer." Qualified Person David Nelles, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and verified the scientific and technical data contained in this news release. Rights of Indigenous Communities Statement Nova Pacific operates on the Traditional, Ancestral and Unceded Territory of the Stz'uminus and Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, a politically unified group that represents six Hul'qumi'num-speaking First Nations: Cowichan, Penelakut, Lyackson, Halalt, and Lake Cowichan. The Company's entire team is committed to establishing lasting relationships with local communities by fostering inclusion and contributing to a shared prosperity. About Nova Pacific Nova Pacific is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on the Lara Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Project on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This brownfields development project boasts a significant historic resource rich in critical and precious metals situated in a prime location with excellent infrastructure. Nova Pacific's forward-looking strategy includes confirmation and infill drilling, completion of an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) and preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Study if and as required. The Company is committed to creating value for its shareholders while maintaining environmental responsibility and strong community relationships. For additional information please visit: www.novapacificmetals.com On behalf of the Board of Directors J. Malcolm Bell Chief Executive Officer, Director The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's exploration plans. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to the Company's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247188 SOURCE: Nova Pacific Metals Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Stardust Solar Energy Inc. (TSXV: SUN) is pleased to announce the sale of a new franchise territory covering Sumter County, Citrus County, and Hernando County, Florida. The franchise will be operated by experienced solar industry veterans Wally and Judy Combs. The Combs bring extensive solar sales expertise to Stardust Solar, previously serving in key sales roles at Solar Grids Development LLC, a business recently acquired by Stardust Solar. Their decision to join Stardust Solar by investing in a Stardust Solar Franchise will allow them to leverage the Company's comprehensive franchise support, branded business management services, and extensive resources to deliver end-to-end solar solutions to customers across their territories. "We're excited to welcome Wally and Judy to the Stardust Solar family," said Mark Tadros, Founder and CEO of Stardust Solar. "Their industry experience and proven sales abilities are a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen our presence in the growing Florida market. We look forward to supporting their success in providing sustainable, cost-effective renewable energy solutions." This franchise expansion underscores Stardust Solar's broader strategic growth initiatives, which recently include: Robust Franchise Network: Stardust Solar has expanded its franchise network significantly with 85 franchise territories, across Canada and the United States. International Expansion: Stardust Solar entered the Caribbean market with a new franchise in Antigua & Barbuda. U.S. Market Penetration: Recent U.S. growth includes new franchises in Houston, TX; Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Columbia, SC, and Sumter, FL, highlighting the Company's strong momentum in key US regions. Strong Backlog and Strategic Partnerships: The Company holds a project backlog exceeding $2 million in signed contracts for solar and energy storage installations set to commence in spring 2025 across the Company's franchise network. In addition, the Company continues to leverage key strategic partnerships, such as its distribution agreement with Tesla for the Powerwall energy storage solution. "Joining Stardust Solar was a natural next step for us," said Wally Combs. "We're passionate about delivering reliable and high-quality solar installations. Stardust Solar's business model and comprehensive support system will ensure that we can focus on what we do best building lasting relationships and helping customers transition to clean energy." About Stardust Solar: Stardust Solar is a North American franchisor of renewable energy installation services, specializing in solar panels (PV), energy storage systems, and electric vehicle supply equipment. The Company equips entrepreneurs with branded business management services, cutting-edge equipment, and comprehensive support, including marketing, sales, engineering, and project management. With franchises across Canada and the United States, Stardust Solar drives the adoption of clean energy solutions that boost economic development and create a more sustainable future. Disclaimer: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward looking statements, including statements relating to the Company's business plans and expected future growth, expected franchise expansions, the outlook of future operations, revenue growth, new opportunities and the demand for the Company's products. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward looking statements. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention. It 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247203 SOURCE: Stardust Solar Energy Inc. Data Breakthrough's prestigious international awards program honors outstanding data technology products and companies. EDITED, the leading global retail intelligence solution, today announced that it has been selected as the winner of the "Data Solution of the Year for Retail" award in the 6th annual Data Breakthrough Awards program conducted by Data Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies, and products in the global data technology market today. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403424311/en/ EDITED wins Data Solution of the Year for Retail 2025 This year's program attracted thousands of nominations from across the globe. EDITED was selected for this award because of its transformative impact on empowering softline retailers. By combining competitor, internal company, and customer segment data into one platform, EDITED delivers a holistic and contextualized view of performance and uniquely connects these data sets to surface opportunities to inform assortment, pricing, and site merchandising strategies throughout the product lifecycle. The platform's ML models normalize and categorize vast competitive data inputs, analyzing product attributes like categories, colors, and patterns using advanced text and image-based models. LLMs and Gen AI further enhance accuracy and streamline training processes. The company's methodology embeds both text and image data to store product information for retail-specific semantic similarity identification, and, combined with product matching technology and modules, uncovers detailed, actionable opportunities to help retailers identify strategic focus areas. Additionally, EDITED's Gen AI capability generates narrative summaries from dashboard data and emerging trends, making complex analysis digestible for retailers. "For over a decade, we've harnessed AI and machine learning to help our customers turn data into growth," said Doug Kofoid, CEO of EDITED. "Our latest innovations empower retailers to move seamlessly from data to insights to action, ensuring every decision is backed by a holistic, data-driven view." "We're honored to receive this award from Data Breakthrough and remain committed to helping retailers thrive by transforming complex data into clear, actionable intelligence." "By connecting and contextualizing data, EDITED enables retailers to break through silos, democratize data across teams, and make market-informed, profit-aware, customer-centric decisions. Success in the retail landscape has become increasingly difficult to attain with the current economic climate, continually changing trends, digitalization, and customer demand for hyper-personalization," said Steve Johansson, Managing Director, Data Breakthrough. "EDITED addresses these challenges by unifying disconnected data sets and translating them into actionable insights through their technology and unmatched retail expertise. We're proud to award them with 'Data Solution of the Year for Retail!'" About EDITED EDITED is the world's leading AI-powered retail intelligence platform that empowers brands and retailers with real-time insights and actionable recommendations around assortment, pricing, and site merchandising. We help retailers drive better business outcomes by providing a holistic view that is market-informed, profit-aware, and customer-centric. The world's most successful brands and retailers use EDITED's platform to get closer to their best customers and future-proof their business. About Data Breakthrough Part of the Tech Breakthrough organization, a leading global provider of market intelligence and recognition platforms for technology innovation and leadership, the Data Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring innovation and market disruption in data technologies, services, companies and products. The global Data Breakthrough Awards program provides a forum for public recognition around the achievements of data companies and solutions in categories including data analytics, DataOps, data management, infrastructure and hardware, storage, Business Intelligence and more. For more information visit DataBreakthroughAwards.com. Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403424311/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: Press@edited.com 1601 Vine Street is the Corporate Headquarters for Skims Body, Inc., Co-Founded by Kim Kardashian Kingsbarn Realty Capital ("Company" or "Kingsbarn") has announced the acquisition of 1601 Vine Street in Los Angeles, California (the "Building" or "Property"). The beautiful steel and glass structure, developed by J.H. Synder Company and designed by Ware Malcomb, offers over 115,000 square feet of office space and five levels of underground parking. The building serves as the corporate headquarters for Skims Body, Inc. ("Skims"), an American shapewear and clothing brand co-founded in 2019 by Kim Kardashian and Swedish entrepreneur and CEO Jens Grede. Kingsbarn planned on purchasing the Property in March of 2023, but unstable capital markets thwarted the Company's attempts to secure adequate financing. Kingsbarn, however, continued to pursue the purchase of the Property and was finally successful in completing the purchase earlier this week. Kingsbarn CEO Jeff Pori stated, "This purchase, along with our ability to secure financing for the building, is further evidence that the office market is recovering, a trend we expect to continue and to even accelerate. As state and federal workers continue to return to the office, we have also seen a great majority of private companies demand that their workers return to the office as well. Notably, the region's office construction activity has moderated, with new developments representing less than 1% of existing space. We expect this trend to continue to enhance the health and the overall occupancy within the sector." Skims began to occupy the Building in mid-2023 and leases the Property through mid-2038. Kingsbarn, according to Pori, will offer ownership interests in the building in a Delaware Statutory Trust ("DST") structure so that private investors can complete a 1031 exchange by purchasing fractional ownership interests in the Building. "The combination of the location at Hollywood and Vine, the magnificent design, the perfect Hollywood tenant, and the long-term lease makes for a winning investment opportunity for California investors," said Pori. "We are very excited to be able to acquire a property with such a burgeoning company and successful brand as Skims." In 2021, Wall Street Journal Magazine presented Kardashian with a "Brand Innovator" award for her work as Chief Creative Officer for Skims. Skims, named one of the Most Influential Companies of the year in 2022 and 2023 by Time Magazine, had an estimated valuation of $4 billion in July of 2023 after raising $270 million in a Series C funding round. On Feb. 18, 2025, Skims and Nike announced that they are teaming up to disrupt the global fitness and activewear industry with the launch of NikeSKIMS, a new brand that will deliver industry-leading innovation. The long-term partnership will introduce an extensive product line that invites more athletes and women into the world of sport and movement. Kardashian stated, "This partnership is the culmination of that shared vision, delivering a product that is meticulously designed to sculpt and perform for every body. We're incredibly excited to unveil our first collection this spring." "There were many key players involved in this acquisition," said Pori. "Our team included Hankey Capital of Los Angeles, who provided the first mortgage in under two weeks when other lenders could not. IBI Volcano Investments provided additional equity and was an integral part of our capital structure. Lastly, even though they represented the seller, Kevin Shannon and his team at Newmark deserve our appreciation for keeping this deal moving forward despite the challenges posed to us by volatile capital markets." Contact Information Emma Williams Director of Public Relations emma@theferrarogroup.com +17023677771 Holly Silvestri Partner holly@theferrarogroup.com 702-367-7771 SOURCE: Kingsbarn Realty Capital AUSTIN, Texas, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trammell Venture Partners ("TVP"), an Austin-based venture capital firm, today announced the third annual results of its proprietary research on the growth of the Bitcoin-native startup and venture capital landscape. TVP research shows the Bitcoin startup sector continued its breakout category growth trend of forming and investing in new companies, despite the decline in total dollars invested due to the broader venture investment pullback. With a 50% year-over-year increase in transaction count, and a remarkable 767% increase in funding rounds since 2021, the Pre-Seed stage built on its prior years of growth in 2024. TVP's analysis indicates that early-stage, Bitcoin-native startups raised nearly $1.2 billion during the 2021-2024 period, based on four years of longitudinal data research. "One or two years' data might represent an anomaly, but with four consecutive years of year-over-year growth at the earliest stage of Bitcoin startup formation, the data now confirm a sustained, long-term venture category trend," said Christopher Calicott, TVP's managing director. "Many entrepreneurs across crypto are revisiting the Bitcoin stack as the long-term place to build their companies. It makes perfect sense: the objectively most secure, reliable, and decentralized blockchain is the obvious platform of choice, given the increasing capability to build there. And as this wave of early-stage companies find traction, increasing amounts of crypto value will accrue to the Bitcoin stack-a core thesis for TVP." The annual release of TVP's Bitcoin-Native Venture Capital Landscape Research Brief augments the available research for Bitcoin startups. This research aims to support the institutionalization of venture investment for this emerging growth category within crypto and blockchain venture capital. The TVP Bitcoin startup investment research brief is available for download . About Trammell Venture Partners Trammell Venture Partners , founded in 2016, is an Austin-based early-stage venture capital firm investing in Bitcoin-native, security and privacy tech, and applied AI companies. Since 2020, TVP has focused on backing founders building on the layers of the Bitcoin protocol stack via the venture capital industry's first dedicated Bitcoin-native mandated VC fund series: The TVP Bitcoin Venture Fund series. Find out more about TVP on the web , LinkedIn , X , or find a Bitcoin job on the TVP bitcoin and crypto Jobs Board . Media Contact: Zach Young Email: media@tvp.fund Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1769646/high_res_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tvp-research-finds-pre-seed-bitcoin-startup-investment-activity-grows-767-since-2021-302408315.html QUIMPER, France, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With turnover of 450 million in 2024, up 12.5%, the Adelaide Group has reached a new milestone in the roll-out of its Better Future 28 strategic plan to become Europe's leading independent family insurance broker, and has confirmed its ambition to achieve turnover of 800 million by 2028. Solid results and sustainable growth momentum When presenting the annual results, Benjamin Verlingue, Chairman and CEO of the Adelaide Group, along with Audrey Verlingue and Gilles Beneplanc, Deputy CEO's of the Adelaide Group, highlighted the solidity of the Group's model, based on robust organic growth (+10%) and a strategy of targeted acquisitions. "Our 2024 performance confirms the relevance of our strategy and the strength of our independent family model. Our Better Future 28 strategic plan, launched nine months ago, embodies our collective ambition: becoming Europe's leading family brokerage company, while remaining true to our values," Benjamin Verlingue said. 2024: A year marked by strategic acquisitions The Adelaide Group strengthened its strategic positions in the European brokerage market by making four acquisitions, illustrating its desire to diversify its expertise and expand its geographical presence: DUNE (France): This Managing General Agent, specialising in construction insurance, enables the Group to broaden its scope of expertise in insurance distribution. This Managing General Agent, specialising in construction insurance, enables the Group to broaden its scope of expertise in insurance distribution. ProConseils Solutions (French-speaking Switzerland): Verlingue's first location in French-speaking Switzerland, marking a significant step forward in the market in this key region. Verlingue's first location in French-speaking Switzerland, marking a significant step forward in the market in this key region. MBB and Brixia Broker (Italy): Two acquisitions of insurance brokers that strengthen the territorial coverage of Inser, Verlingue's subsidiary in Italy. 2024 highlights: Growth and transformation across the Group In 2024, the Adelaide Group continued its growth momentum, marked by solid performances and strategic investments across its various entities. Verlingue generated turnover of 314 million, up 10%. Thanks to sustained expansion in France and Europe, through acquisitions in Italy and Switzerland, Verlingue has consolidated its position in the brokerage market. In 2024, international business accounted for 37% of Verlingue's turnover. Vincent Harel has been appointed CEO of Verlingue, due to take up his post on 28 April 2025. Thanks to sustained expansion in France and Europe, through acquisitions in Italy and Switzerland, Verlingue has consolidated its position in the brokerage market. In 2024, international business accounted for 37% of Verlingue's turnover. Vincent Harel has been appointed CEO of Verlingue, due to take up his post on 28 April 2025. Generation , a Third-Party Administrator for both individual, company health and employee benefits, achieved remarkable growth of 18%, with turnover of 121 million. Its portfolio grew to 2.6 million health policyholders and 1.2 million life insurance policyholders. , a Third-Party Administrator for both individual, company health and employee benefits, achieved remarkable growth of 18%, with turnover of 121 million. Its portfolio grew to 2.6 million health policyholders and 1.2 million life insurance policyholders. Cocoon , a subsidiary dedicated to individual health insurance, continued to restructure its portfolio by optimising its digital channels, sustaining profitable growth with turnover of 13 million. In 2024, the brand stepped up its activity in the individuals leaving group schemes segment in particular, recording 12,000 new contracts. , a subsidiary dedicated to individual health insurance, continued to restructure its portfolio by optimising its digital channels, sustaining profitable growth with turnover of 13 million. In 2024, the brand stepped up its activity in the individuals leaving group schemes segment in particular, recording 12,000 new contracts. DUNE, which joined the Group in 2024, aims to position itself as a key player in the underwriting market, specialising in construction insurance. This new entity has already underwritten 10 million in premiums through a network of 650 brokers, illustrating its strong strategic potential About Adelaide The Adelaide Group is specialised in insurance consulting, brokerage, distribution and management. The Group is one of France's leading insurance brokers. Organic growth, strategic acquisitions, international expansion and digital transformation are the Group's four priorities for achieving its objective of building a major family-owned and independent insurance brokerage group with a European reach. 2,900 employees 2.6 million policyholders with health cover and 1.2 million with life cover 4.5 billion in premiums managed Present in 5 countries: France, Great Britain, Switzerland, Portugal, Italy www.adelaidegroup.fr Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2380073/4781860/Groupe_Adelaide_Logo.jpg Press contact Lucie Fortin lfortin@epoka.fr View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/adelaide-group-confirms-growth-momentum-and-strengthens-european-presence-302419842.html St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SIC) (OTCQB: SICNF) ("Sokoman" or the "Company") today announces an April 1 stock option grant to officers, directors, employees, and consultants of the Company, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, for a total of 2,650,000 common shares of the Company. These stock options are exercisable for a period of five years at CAD$0.08 per stock option. The last option grant was on September 29, 2021. All resolutions, including the Company's Plan of Arrangement, were passed by an overwhelming majority at the Annual General and Special Meeting held on March 21, 2025. About Sokoman Minerals Corp. Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company and one of the largest landholders in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's emerging gold district. The Company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects; the 100%-owned flagship, advanced-stage Moosehead, Crippleback Lake, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte in northwestern Newfoundland, targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. The Company entered a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three, large-scale, joint-venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland. In October 2023, Sokoman and Benton completed an agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc., a major developer of lithium projects and processing plants in the USA, and exactly the right partner to have to advance the lithium project. For full details of the agreement, please refer to the Company's press release dated October 11, 2023. Projects optioned with optionee fully vested are: East Alder Project optioned to Canterra Minerals Inc. (SIC retains shares of CTM plus 1% NSR) Startrek Project optioned to Thunder Gold (SIC retains shares of TGOL plus 1% NSR) The Company would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the financial support of the Moosehead and Fleur de Lys Projects through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program during the past few years. Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.com Twitter: @SokomanMinerals Facebook: @SokomanMinerals LinkedIn: @SokomanMineralsCorp Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Sokoman Minerals Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Sokoman Minerals Corp. 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; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247219 SOURCE: Sokoman Minerals Corp. Bubendorf, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Bachem (SIX: BANB) announced today that the Board of Directors will recommend the election of Dr. Simone Wyss Fedele, CEO of Switzerland Global Enterprise, to the Annual General Meeting on April 30, 2025. All current members of the Board of Directors will stand for re-election. Dr. Kuno Sommer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, remarked: "I am very pleased that we can propose a leader like Simone Wyss Fedele for election as a new member of the Board of Directors. She has an excellent track record in the life science industry and an outstanding international network." Simone Wyss Fedele has been CEO of Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), the official Swiss organization for export and investment promotion, since 2019, where she intermittently also held the role of CFO. She is designated for the chairmanship of the S-GE Board of Directors and is currently a member of the WEF Global Future Councils on International Trade and Investment. Simone Wyss Fedele has held leadership positions in a wide range of industries for over two decades. She was Chief Economist and Head of Public Affairs at Novartis International in Switzerland and a member of the Swiss Country Executive Team. Prior to that, she was Commercial Lead and Head of Market Access for Europe and Canada at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Simone Wyss Fedele is a member of the Regional Council Northwest Switzerland of the Swiss National Bank, the Executive Committee of the Swiss Institute for International Economics and Applied Economic Research at the University of St. Gallen, and the Advisory Board of the International Trade Center. She holds a doctorate in international economics from the University of Basel and has extensive management and board experience. Financial Calendar April 30, 2025 Annual General Meeting (business year 2024) May 7, 2025 Payout date for dividend July 24, 2025 Publication of Half-Year Report 2025 March 12, 2026 Publication of Annual Report 2025; Media and Analyst conference About Bachem Bachem is a leading, innovation-driven company specializing in the development and manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides. The company, which has over 50 years of experience and expertise, provides products for research, clinical development, and commercial application to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of services. Bachem operates internationally with its headquarters in Switzerland and sites in Europe, the US and Asia. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. For further information, see www.bachem.com. This publication may contain specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of Bachem Holding AG and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. Bachem Holding AG assumes no responsibility to up-date forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247218 SOURCE: Bachem Holding AG Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Budget Rent A Car Saudi Arabia, a leading name in the Middle East's car rental and leasing industry, has announced its financial results for the fiscal year 2024, recording a net profit of SAR 311.7 million, a 12.4% increase compared to the previous year. The company's total revenue is approaching SAR 2 billion, supported by key acquisitions and strategic expansions. This performance reflects consistent growth momentum, driven by the full acquisition of AutoWorld and a 70% ownership stake in Overseas Logistics Development Company, strengthening its operations in Saudi Arabia. In Q4 2024 alone, Budget Saudi achieved a profit of over SAR 100.1 million, reinforcing its financial stability and ability to capitalize on market opportunities. President & Group CEO of Budget Rent a Car Saudi Arabia To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9578/245972_f733529414c86903_001full.jpg A Testament to Strength and Strategic Growth Commenting on the company's performance, Fawaz Danish, President & Group CEO of Budget Saudi, stated: "Our 2024 financial results highlight the strength of our business model, our strategic expansion, and the dedication of our team. The acquisition of AutoWorld and our investment in Overseas Logistics Development Company have strengthened our position in the market, allowing us to diversify our services and increase operational efficiencies." "Saudi Arabia's thriving economy, coupled with our commitment to innovation, customer service, and operational excellence, has been instrumental in driving our success. We remain focused on sustaining this momentum in 2025 and beyond." Continued Expansion and Market Leadership Budget Saudi remains at the forefront of the vehicle rental and leasing industry in the region. The company has steadily expanded its operations and fleet to cater to the increasing demand for both short-term rentals and long-term leasing solutions. With a fleet size exceeding 50,000 vehicles and a network of over 120 rental offices across more than 30 cities, Budget Saudi continues to deliver high-quality mobility solutions for both individual and corporate clients. The acquisition of AutoWorld has played a pivotal role in Budget Saudi's expansion strategy, further diversifying its rental and leasing services. Additionally, the company's investment in the Overseas Logistics Development Company strengthens its logistics capabilities, allowing for greater efficiency in fleet management and operations. A Positive Outlook for 2025 As the company looks ahead to 2025, it remains committed to enhancing its services, expanding its fleet, and leveraging technological innovations to improve customer experience. "The Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative is opening new opportunities for growth, and we are well-positioned to capitalize on them," added Fawaz Danish. "Our team is committed to setting higher goals, further strengthening our industry leadership, and delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders." Celebrating a Milestone Achievement This financial milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of the Budget Saudi team and its colleagues at Unitrans Group of Companies. "I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our employees, partners, and customers for their unwavering support. Their commitment and trust in us continues to drive our success," said Fawaz Danish. About Budget Rent A Car Saudi Arabia Established in 1978, Budget Rent A Car Saudi Arabia has grown to become the leading vehicle rental and leasing company in the Kingdom, catering to both corporate and retail customers. It is the first publicly traded car rental company in Saudi Arabia, with a strong reputation for excellence, reliability, and innovation. The company holds ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications for quality management, environmental management, and occupational health & safety standards. Over the years, Budget Saudi has been recognized with multiple industry awards, including five consecutive World Travel Awards and the prestigious INSEAD TOP 50 CEO award in the GCC. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/245972 SOURCE: Elite Discoveries Digital Inc. Dublin, Ireland--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Tonisity International Limited ("Tonisity"), a global leader in animal health and nutrition, is proud to announce its recognition as one of Ireland's Top 100 Most Ambitious Companies by Spark Crowdfunding. Tonisity has won in the Manufacturing/Logistics/Agriculture category, further solidifying its position as an innovator in the industry. Tonisity has been at the forefront of developing science-backed solutions that enhance animal health, performance and well-being. With a strong focus on gut health in young animals, Tonisity's products improve gut health, hydration, vitality and overall efficiency for farmers and pet owners alike. Spark Crowdfunding is an equity crowdfunding platform based in Dublin, Ireland. Established in early 2018, Spark help Irish companies raise new funds from a vast pool of private investors. The Top 100 Most Ambitious Companies Awards highlight some of the most progressive Irish companies that have exhibited remarkable growth potential. In response to this achievement, Tonisity's CEO, Mathieu Cortyl, stated: "We are honoured to be recognised as one of the Top 100 Most Ambitious Companies in Ireland. This award is a testament to the dedication, innovation and ambition of the entire Tonisity team. This recognition gives us extra motivation as we continue transforming the future of animal health and nutrition through science-backed solutions that make a real difference." With distributors in over 60 countries and a product range that has expanded to over 40 offerings, Tonisity remains committed to reshaping animal nutrition from the inside out. The company looks forward to continued growth, global expansion and delivering innovative solutions that drive positive change in the industry. For more information about Tonisity and its pioneering approach to animal nutrition, visit www.tonisity.com. About Tonisity Tonisity is an animal health and nutrition company based in Ireland that is currently focusing its patented technology in three specific markets: (1) isotonic products for the enhancement of swine production; and (2) novel companion animal nutrition products; and (3) isotonic products for the enhancement of ruminant production. Tonisity is focused on creating positive physiological changes by addressing the issue of intestinal health of young animals, thus improving their overall health, leading to better lifetime performance. With respect to novel companion animal products, Tonisity is poised to become the first mover and market leader in a targeted nutrition approach for pets - which is a rapidly growing market across the globe. For more information on Tonisity's isotonic business, visit www.tonisity.com. For more information on Tonisity's companion animal business, visit www.doggyrade.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the current expectations of Tonisity. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the business plans of Tonisity, including expansion in Canada, the processing of products in China and the development of new swine products. Such statements and information reflect the current views of Tonisity. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: Tonisity's ability to raise capital to maintain its growth and business objectives, Tonisity's ability to negotiate and enter into binding agreements with parties in Canada, changes in laws and regulations that could adversely affect the business, growth or results of operations of Tonisity, Tonisity's ability to attract and retain customers and consumers and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a number of important factors that could cause the actual results of Tonisity to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: limited business history of Tonisity; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities; unanticipated costs and expenses, fluctuations in commodity prices, and general market and industry conditions; protection of Tonisity's intellectual property; disruption at any of Tonisity's facilities including as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic; effect of public health crises, including the current COVID-19 pandemic; Tonisity's supply chain management; availability of suppliers of raw materials; limited or disrupted supply of key ingredients; the availability of key ingredients for the Products; failure to expand production capacity; effect of product innovation; failure to retain current customers and/or recruit new customers; global financial conditions; the effect of product labelling requirements; price of raw materials; consumer trends; publication of inaccurate or unfavourable research and reports; management and conflicts of interest. Tonisity cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on these forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, readers should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Tonisity has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such 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 Tonisity 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 Tonisity may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time, except as required by applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247221 SOURCE: Tonisity International Limited GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- inCruises is pleased to announce that yet another cruise line partner has joined its impressive offering: Celestyal Cruises, an award-winning leader in Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf travel known for its service, all-inclusive value and immersive cultural experiences is now available for booking by inCruises Members. "More and more Cruise lines are joining the inCruises family and that means more options for our Members," said Tatiana Wegzyn, Commercial Partnerships Manager at inGroup. "Celestyal cruises make more Mediterranean and Persian Gulf travel opportunities available and align perfectly with our mission to deliver unparalleled value and make unforgettable travel experiences more accessible than ever." Celestyal is known for a more intimate cruising experience with ships accommodating 1,200 to 1,800 guests offering expertly curated itineraries that span iconic destinations in the Mediterranean, including the Greek Islands, Turkey, and the Adriatic Sea. Additionally, its recent expansion now includes the Arabian Gulf, with popular ports of call such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Key Highlights of the Celestyal Experience: All-Inclusive Packages: Combine breathtaking destinations with world-class hospitality. Combine breathtaking destinations with world-class hospitality. Cultural Immersion: Each voyage is meticulously crafted to immerse travelers in the flavors, traditions, and beauty of each region. Each voyage is meticulously crafted to immerse travelers in the flavors, traditions, and beauty of each region. Savings for inCruises Members: Members can book these incredible voyages using INsider Pricing or Reward Points "Celestyal Cruises is thrilled to partner with inCruises, a company renowned for its global reach, innovative programs, and unwavering commitment to enriching lives through extraordinary travel experiences," said Brandon Townsley, Celestyal Cruises, Vice President & Managing Director, North America. "By joining forces, we can leverage inCruises' proven ability to connect with a diverse international audience, creating opportunities for more travelers to explore the iconic and hidden gem destinations and immersive experiences that define Celestyal Cruises. Together, we look forward to inspiring unmissable journeys on land and at sea and making the dream of travel more accessible to people around the world." About inGroup International and inCruises inCruises is a division of inGroup International and one of the world's largest subscription-based travel clubs. Since launching in 2016, inCruises has added more than one million Members and Partners from more than 200 countries and territories. inStays was added in 2022, giving Members access to nearly 200,000 cruises, hotels, and resort offers. inCruises Club Members can earn Reward Points, which they can use to book cruises, hotels, and resorts through the inCruises website, which supports 17 languages. inGroup is making a measurable difference in its Club Members' lives and provides a world-class business to its growing Partner team. inCruises Club Membership grows exclusively through independent referring Partners who can earn compensation by sharing the exclusive Membership advantages with others. inGroup International is deeply committed to being a positive global corporate citizen and actively supports Mercy Ships and other humanitarian relief efforts. For more information, visit in.Group and inCruises.com. Contact: Beatriz Diaz Vazquez beatriz.diaz@in.group Luxembourg, Luxembourg--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Luxembourg's tax regulations change annually, and to help residents and expats navigate the latest updates, Luxtoday.lu has released an updated version of its tax calculator, now reflecting 2025 data. Luxtoday.lu tax calculator To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8871/246158_231c64fdc4729bfc_001.jpg This tool allows users to quickly estimate the amount of tax they will need to pay based on their income level, tax class, and family status. With this update, individuals can better plan their finances and avoid unexpected tax burdens. One of the most popular tools on Luxtoday.lu Since its launch, the tax calculator has become one of the most visited pages on the company's website. The number of users continues to grow, with the highest traffic coming from the English-language version, showing strong interest from international professionals moving to Luxembourg. Among the most active users of the calculator are: Expats and international workers planning their relocation and looking to estimate their tax burden Freelancers and entrepreneurs who need to understand their tax obligations Salaried employees who want to plan their finances efficiently Families and married couples exploring tax classes and potential deductions The service is available in four languages: English, French, German, and Russian, making it accessible to a diverse audience. The latest version of the tax calculator includes: The most up-to-date tax rates and income brackets Updates on tax classes and deductions An improved interface for a smoother user experience Expanded language support for an international audience Helping people make informed financial decisions Luxtoday.lu aims to provide not just a convenient tool, but also to enhance financial literacy among Luxembourg's residents and expats. Understanding tax obligations allows people to: Plan their annual budget more effectively Make informed decisions about savings and investments Assess potential tax deductions and refunds Try the updated Luxembourg tax calculator now Luxtoday.lu continues to develop services that simplify life in Luxembourg. The updated 2025 tax calculator is now live. Try the Tax Calculator here To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/246158 SOURCE: PRNews OU Denver, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - CBD of Denver, Inc. (OTC Pink: CBDD), a diversified holding company focused on innovative growth opportunities, today announced the signing of a letter of intent with Alchemy Games Co. Ltd, a leading technology company specializing in blockchain-based solutions. This strategic move reinforces CBD of Denver's commitment to expanding into the high-growth tech sector, leveraging cutting-edge advancements in digital finance, payment processing, and decentralized technologies. As part of its strategic shift, the company has decided to unwind its acquisition of Luxora Inc., a process that has been agreed upon and will be implemented over the coming months. Originally pursued in mid-2023 to expand into the European market through high-margin business opportunities, the acquisition faced regulatory hurdles in Germany that limited its potential. With a renewed focus on the broader tech industry and scalable digital solutions, the company is reallocating resources toward areas with stronger growth potential and global reach. As part of this transition, all preferred shares related to the transaction will be returned to the company and cancelled. Successful Visit to Alchemy Games Co. Ltd CBD of Denver's leadership visited Alchemy Games Co. Ltd in February to evaluate its advanced technological capabilities and explore strategic opportunities across multiple sectors. Following in-depth discussions, both companies have formalized a letter of intent focused on driving innovation in digital infrastructure. By leveraging cutting-edge advancements in blockchain and secure, real-time transaction processing, this partnership aims to enhance digital payments, streamline business operations, and unlock new potential for scalable, tech-driven solutions on a global scale. About Alchemy Games Co. Ltd: A Next-Gen Payment Gateway Alchemy Games Co. Ltd specializes in advanced payment processing solutions, delivering high-speed, secure, and scalable payment gateways for global industries. With a strong presence in the iGaming sector, Alchemy holds a financial stake in Hunnyplay, a rapidly growing online gaming platform. Through this strategic partnership, Alchemy has successfully integrated its crypto and fiat payment solutions into iGaming ecosystems, enabling seamless transaction experiences for operators and players worldwide. Kelvin Lee, Director of Alchemy Games, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration with CBD of Denver, stating: "This partnership presents tremendous opportunities to drive innovation in digital payments and emerging technologies. With this transaction, we are setting the stage for a new era of technological advancements. By combining our expertise in secure, real-time payment processing with CBD of Denver's forward-thinking approach, we aim to develop practical, forward-thinking solutions that deliver real value to customers and support the evolving needs of the tech industry." Key Features of Alchemy Games Payment Solutions: Multi-Currency Payment Gateway - Supports fiat (USD, EUR, VND, THB, CNY, etc.) and crypto (BTC, ETH, USDT, BNB, TRX, etc.) transactions with automated conversions. Instant Deposits & Settlements - Real-time transaction processing via automated API integrations, eliminating delays. AI-Driven Fraud Protection - Advanced security measures ensure safe and compliant financial transactions. Merchant Dashboard & Analytics - Real-time transaction tracking, reporting, and reconciliation for seamless financial management. Cross-Industry Integration - Supports e-commerce, digital platforms, iGaming, and other high-volume sectors, ensuring smooth global payment flows. Strategic Impact of the Partnership "Our collaboration with Alchemy Games marks a major milestone in CBD of Denver's expansion into financial technology," said Jan Schwager, CEO of CBD of Denver. "Their cutting-edge payment gateway aligns with our strategy to invest in scalable, high-margin fintech solutions that enhance global digital transactions. Alchemy's strong presence in the iGaming sector through its partnership with Hunnyplay further demonstrates its ability to deliver real-world, high-volume payment solutions. Following our visit in February, we are confident that this partnership will drive growth, efficiency, and innovation in the digital economy." About CBD of Denver, Inc. CBD of Denver, Inc. is focused on acquiring profitable assets at attractive valuations to create value for shareholders. The company's team is dedicated to sourcing high-margin, innovative products that align with its values. Follow Us: Twitter To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247225 SOURCE: CBD of Denver Inc. Travel Nurses, Inc. entered a partnership with Souled Outside Exploration Co. The agency is now a title sponsor of a television series called Souled Outside Travel Tales hosted by travel writer Joe Sills and travel nurse Liz Hooper. Souled Outside Exploration Co. Travel Nurses, Inc. Partnership With Souled Outside Exploration Co. This new episodic TV series, airing in 2025, will blend travel nursing stories with outdoor exploration across the globe, showcasing inspiring journeys from California to Kathmandu on streaming platforms like Apple TV and Roku. Throughout the series, Sills and Hooper - both Memphis-area natives - embark on quests to uncover hidden stories behind some of the world's most intriguing travel destinations, like Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. and Bolivia's Lake Titicaca. "Assignments can take you around the world," said Hooper, a pediatric RN who doubles as a travel photographer. "Before I started travel nursing, I had a staff job that I loved, but there wasn't room in that role for the type of personal growth that I was looking for. Something was missing. Travel nursing can allow you to quite literally broadens your horizons." "Liz and I grew up together in a small town about an hour outside of Memphis," added Sills, a veteran travel writer for outlets like National Geographic and Lonely Planet. "Our world was a Wal-Mart and some bean fields. But traveling changes that. We want to inspire other people to chase their dreams beyond their hometowns, too." By combining their expertise, both companies will enhance audience engagement, showcase authentic stories and inspire their communities through dynamic storytelling and impactful media representation. This partnership holds special significance as Hooper is a travel nurse herself. Travel Nurses, Inc. is excited to collaborate with the couple to broaden their reach and visibility within the travel healthcare community. With a deep understanding of the unique experiences of travel nurses, the hosts are well-positioned to authentically represent this lifestyle in their upcoming interviews with our travelers on the series. "This collaboration marks an exciting step for Travel Nurses, Inc. as we share the incredible stories of our healthcare professionals while celebrating the spirit of exploration," said Catherine Knoll, Vice President of Marketing at Travel Nurses, Inc. "Together, we're connecting the passion for care with the thrill of adventure." This partnership unites shared passions for storytelling and exploration, fostering growth and inspiring meaningful connections across both audiences. SOURCE: Travel Nurses Inc. The GOAT of Agricultural Advertising to Sell at Auction this April Aumann Auctions, Inc. is set to bring to market what is being hailed as the greatest John Deere sign of all time. The recently discovered John Deere Gilpin Plow Sign, an extraordinary piece of agricultural advertising history, will be a featured highlight of the 2025 Pre-30 Sign & More Auction #1. John Deere Sign Sign selling in Pre-30 Signs Auction This rare, chromolithographed metal sign-believed to be one of the first distributed by John Deere-was discovered in a barn in Polson, Montana. Measuring 20" x 28", it was produced by the Wells & Hope Company Chromo-Litho Iron Show Cards of Philadelphia, PA, in the late 1800s. The use of the phrase "Iron Show Cards" in place of "sign" underscores just how early this piece is. The company was renowned for producing vibrant, high-quality advertising materials, primarily for breweries. What makes this sign truly exceptional is its historical significance, striking graphics, and unparalleled rarity. The image of the Gilpin Plow has been widely used by John Deere over the years, but an original sign featuring this design had never surfaced-until now. A similar sign exists in the John Deere corporate collection, but it depicts a cultivator rather than the Gilpin Plow, making this piece potentially one-of-a-kind. The sign retains its brilliant colors and bold design, with only minor aging-related wear, including rust discoloration along the edges and a dozen BB dings, likely from years past. Remnants of an original Deere & Co. label remain on the back, instructing merchants to display it in a "conspicuous place." This predates the establishment of traditional John Deere dealerships, suggesting that such signs were sent to general mercantile stores where customers could order farm implements. "This is undoubtedly one of the most important John Deere signs ever to reach the auction block," said Roger Johnson, auction specialist with Aumann Auctions, Inc. "Collectors recognize the significance of this find, and we anticipate substantial interest from both agricultural history enthusiasts and serious advertising collectors." Collectors and John Deere enthusiasts will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bid on this museum-worthy piece at the 2025 Pre-30 Sign & More Auction #1. About Aumann Auctions, Inc. Aumann Auctions, Inc. is a nationally recognized leader in antique tractor, automobilia, and vintage advertising auctions. With a reputation for uncovering and bringing historically significant pieces to market, Aumann Auctions continues to set records in the agricultural collectibles industry. SOURCE: Aumann Auctions Industry Veteran to Lead ALKEME's Aggressive Growth Plan in Eastern U.S. ALKEME, a Top 40 Insurance Brokerage, today announced the appointment of Jesse Dantice as President of the East Region. With over 27 years of experience in the insurance sector and a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Dantice will spearhead ALKEME's operations and growth initiatives across the Eastern United States. ALKEME Welcomes Jess Dantice as President of the Eastern Region Industry Veteran to Lead ALKEME's Aggressive Growth Plan in Eastern U.S. Jesse Dantice brings unparalleled expertise to ALKEME, having revolutionized claims management processes during his tenure as CEO of Zenjuries. His commitment to leveraging technology to streamline insurance operations aligns seamlessly with ALKEME's mission to modernize the industry and deliver exceptional service to clients. Curtis Barton, CEO of ALKEME Insurance, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment. "We are thrilled to welcome Jesse Dantice to the ALKEME team. His visionary leadership and deep understanding of the insurance landscape make him an ideal choice to lead our East Region. Jess' ability to innovate and drive growth will be instrumental as we continue expanding our footprint and delivering value to our clients and partners." Jesse Dantice shared his excitement about joining ALKEME. "I am honored to join such a forward-thinking organization. ALKEME's commitment to innovation and excellence resonates deeply with my own values. I look forward to working with this talented team to build on ALKEME's success and lead the charge in transforming the insurance experience for businesses across the East Region." ABOUT ALKEME ALKEME is a full-service insurance agency providing businesses and individuals with an extensive array of commercial and personal insurance, employee and executive benefits, retirement and wealth management services. Since its founding in 2020, ALKEME has completed over 40 acquisitions and serves its customers from over 35 locations in 16 states. ALKEME is ranked by Insurance Journal one of the top 40 largest agencies in the United States and by Business Insurance as the #5 fastest-growing broker. Founded by owner/operators with a unique vision, ALKEME is fueled by its proven operating methodologies providing its partner agencies with the autonomy, resources and support to grow and thrive in an everchanging insurance landscape. Visit https://alkemeins.com for more information. SOURCE: ALKEME Insurance ChallengerX Plc - Change of name to Nyce International Plc PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, April 03 3 April 2025 Nyce International Plc (Formally ChallengerX Plc) ("NYCE" or "the Company") Change of name to Nyce International Plc The Company is pleased to announce that it has changed its name to Nyce International Plc. The change of name was registered on Companies House on 3 April 2025. The Company's ticker symbol, under which its shares are currently traded on the AQSE Growth Market namely, "CXS", will be changed to "NYCE". The name change and new ticker will take effect on the AQSE Exchange on 4 April 2025, at 8.00 a.m. The change aligns the Company's name with its recent acquisition of NYCE International Limited which is now its largest trading subsidiary. The Board of Directors believe that the Nyce International name better reflects the Company's core business and creates a clean break with the Company's previous strategy and operations. It is also designed to help build an active and engaged community of investors that believe in the opportunity of the global betting and gaming industry and want public market exposure to this large, growing market. In addition, the Company's website address has changed to www.nyceint.com . Farzad Peyman-Fard, CEO, commented, "Following the restoration to trading on 6 March 2025, this name change really cements the change in direction of the business into a leading global gaming advisory and technology company in the betting and gaming industry. Through the acquisitions and fundraising as announced on 5 March 2025, the business is revenue generating once again and I am eager to leverage our strategic investors and working capital to drive substantial and sustainable growth in the future". The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for this announcement. For further information, please contact: Monetization asset: 88,770 sq. ft. mixed-use property near Swiss-German border Accelerated revenue generation first stage planned cash-out of $1.6 million Multiple cash-outs expected; profit-share model for investors, stakeholders Expected EBITDA yield: $1.7 million +115% increase Post-Development valuation increase: $10 million +142% Exxe Group, Inc. (OTC: AXXA), a next-generation business accelerator and digital transformation platform, today announced the onboarding into Exxe's SaaS-based system of a mixed-use, high-income real estate property located in Etzgen, Aargau, Switzerland. The Etzgen property, located in close proximity to the Swiss-German border, is approximately 88,770 sq. ft. in size. Buildings on the site are mixed-use comprising residential, retail storefronts, self-storage, offices, and a broadcast antenna. The entire property has been integrated into the Exxe platform for strategic monetization through digital optimization, rental enhancements, and value-based development. Exxe's client is projected to approximately increase EBITDA from $790,000 to $1,7000,000, or about +115%, as well as increase post-development valuation from about $7 million to $17 million, or 142%. The newest project shows growing client confidence in Exxe's SaaS-based real estate platform momentum, following the successful onboarding and execution of real estate deals in Frankfurt, Germany and Thun, Switzerland. Aargau Project Highlights: Location: Etzgen, Aargau, Switzerland (Near Swiss-German Border) Property Type: Mixed-use 7 residential apartments, retail storefront, self-storage, offices, broadcast antenna Lot Size: 88,770 sq. ft. (8,247 sq.m.) Total Usable Area: 40,260 sq. ft. (3,741 sq.m.) Residential Living Area: 4,760 sq. ft (442 sq.m.) Self-storage: Current: 16,985 sq. ft (1,578 sq.m.) Under Development: 17,222 sq. ft. (1,600 sq.m.) Retail: 1,141 sq. ft. (106 sq.m.) Current Net Annual Rental Income: $2.1M (CHF 1.87M) Current EBITDA: $790k (CHF 700k) Post-Development Projected EBITDA: $1.7M (CHF 1.5M) Increase in EBITDA: +115% Current Valuation: Approx $7M (CHF 6M) Post-Development Valuation Target: $17M (CHF 15M) Post-Development Valuation increase: 142% Revenue Strategy: The Aargau asset will undergo platform-driven upgrades to elevate rental income, operational efficiency, and asset value. The first stage of monetization includes a planned refinancing of $1.4 million through private lending. This refinancing is designed to free up significant cash flow for reinvestment and stakeholder distributions. Exxe's operational and real estate management modules will undertake a conversion of additional storage areas into premium self-storage facilities, redesign and build-out of flexible open-space office modules. This first phase is expected to deliver a projected cash-out of $1.6 million, with perpetual income potential to stakeholders within 18-24 months from completion. By leveraging Exxe's digital ecosystem, restructuring expertise, and revenue-share model, the project targets a series of cash-outs and long-term platform value. CEO Commentary: "The Aargau real estate onboarding will deliver strong income growth, additional growth potential on-site, and rapid value creation for Exxe's client," said Dr. Eduard Nazmiev, CEO of Exxe Group. "The deal positions Exxe to continue growing its Swiss and German client footprint as real estate investors see value in using our SaaS-based platform for their deals. About: Exxe Group (OTC: AXXA) is a tech-forward business accelerator and digital asset monetization platform focused on transforming traditional industries. With expertise in real estate, fintech, AI, and blockchain, Exxe partners with under-optimized assets to unlock liquidity and build long-term value. The company's platform generates revenue via performance sharing, SaaS-based solutions, strategic consulting, and digital finance tools. Exxe operates across fintech, real estate, agritech, software, AI, media, medical products, and automotive sectors. Revenue and profit are generated through platform-driven engagements and integrated service agreements. Website: http://www.exxegroup.com/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/exxegroup 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. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403368474/en/ Contacts: Exxe Group IR: info@exxegroup.com Tecan Group (SIX Swiss Exchange: TECN) today announced an agreement to acquire certain assets relating to key ELISA immunoassay products from Cisbio Bioassays SAS, a subsidiary of the global life sciences and diagnostics company, Revvity Inc. The asset purchase includes the manufacturing process of four ELISA kits two in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products for specialty diagnostics and disease monitoring, and two research-use-only (RUO) kits. To ensure uninterrupted availability of these four ELISA kits until completion of the asset transfer, IBL International GmbH, a Tecan company, has signed a Master Distributorship Agreement with Cisbio Bioassays to resell the kits. IBL has a proven track record of delivering reliable and precise specialty diagnostic tools, including high-quality IVD products. Upon completion of the asset transfer, IBL will assume full responsibility for the manufacturing, distribution and regulatory compliance of the kits. The asset purchase relates to the following ELISA kits: CGA-ELISA-NG (Chromogranin A New Gen. ELISA)* CE IVD: aids diagnosis by determining the presence and progression of neuroendocrine tumor, in adults. P3NP-ELISA (N-Terminal Procollagen III Peptide ELISA)* CE IVD: measures the levels of PIIINP in serum, EDTA or Heparin plasma to assess collagen III synthesis and monitor the risk of liver fibrosis in psoriasis patients receiving methotrexate. CGA-EL-US-NG RUO* and P3NP-EL-US RUO*: Research use only products, supporting further scientific advancements in research activities. Bringing these products into the Tecan Group will ensure their continued availability to users while upholding the highest quality and regulatory standards. "This strategic purchase aligns with our commitment to supporting customers with high-quality solutions while strengthening our portfolio in specialty diagnostics," said Mukta Acharya, Head of Tecan's Life Sciences Business. "As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, we are proactively expanding our offering to ensure laboratories have access to reliable, compliant solutions that meet their needs today and in the future. Tecan and Cisbio have a long-standing collaboration in the IVD sector. The transition of these important ELISA kits marks a strategic step to expand the IBL specialty diagnostics portfolio under IVDR." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403362500/en/ Contacts: Media contact: Dr Ben Rutter Zyme Communications Tel: +44 (0) 7920 770 935 Email: ben.rutter@zymecommunications.com Tecan Group Martin Brandle Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications IR Tel. +41 (0) 44 922 84 30 investor@tecan.com enBio Corp, a leader in clinical technology services and medical equipment solutions, is proud to announce the formation of its Advisory Board with the appointment of three nationally recognized healthcare executives: Michael T. Phillips, FACHE, Lloyd Duplechan and Dave Francoeur. Together, these leaders bring unmatched experience in hospital operations, biomedical engineering, regulatory compliance, and strategic transformation. The Advisory Board will support enBio Corp's expansion and innovation across four core service areas: Hospital Bed and Gurney Management, Biomedical Services for Hospitals and Clinics, Facilities/Engineering Projects, and TalentConnect-enBio's biomedical engineer temporary placement service. The Board will also help identify new growth opportunities beyond the company's current scope, with a focus on long-term, sustainable, above-average profitability. Advisory Board Members Michael T. Phillips, FACHE Michael Phillips is a veteran healthcare executive with over two decades of leadership across hospitals, public health systems, and consulting firms. He most recently served as CEO of Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, one of the largest skilled nursing facilities in the country. He previously led Silver Lake Medical Center, Southern California Hospital in Culver City, and Kindred Hospital Los Angeles, achieving major turnarounds in clinical and financial performance. Earlier, he held senior roles at Cedars-Sinai Health System and Kaiser Permanente, and served in regional leadership at PacifiCare Health Systems. Michael is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he earned a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration. He is currently a Principal at Phillips Strategic Advisors, a premier business consulting firm dedicated to empowering organizations with strategic insights and actionable solutions. His deep operational and strategic expertise will be critical as enBio navigates its next phase of growth. Lloyd Duplechan Lloyd Duplechan is currently President of Healthcare Environment Institute, LLC, a firm focused on compliance, performance improvement, high reliability and continuous survey readiness across hospitals and outpatient settings. Previously, Mr. Duplechan served for 28 years with Kaiser Permanente before retiring as Chief Operating Officer. He is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker and author, with publications through the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, and National Institutes of Health Libraryof Medicine (PubMed) and Europe's PMC websites. He completed the Executive Leadership program at Harvard Business School and was recently invited by HHS to serve on the NIH Advisory Council on Environmental Health Sciences. His consulting insight and regulatory mastery position him as a key advisor to enBio's evolving healthcare platform. Dave Francoeur Dave Francoeur is a nationally respected healthcare technology executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in clinical engineering, field service operations, and executive management. He most recently served as Zone Vice President of Customer Service at Siemens Healthineers, where he led high-performing teams across the Midwest and Central regions and drove strategic initiatives that improved both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. He has also held senior roles at industry leaders including Tech Knowledge Associates, Sodexo, Crothall Healthcare, CREST Services, Aramark, and TRIMEDX, where he spearheaded national programs, strengthened compliance frameworks, and led teams through rapid growth and change. Mr. Francoeur holds a Master of Management from Cambridge College and an Associate of Science in Biomedical Instrumentation from Springfield Technical Community College. He is certified in both Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET) and Healthcare Technology Management (CHTM). His national impact includes serving as a Fellow and Board Member of AAMI, Co-Chair of the FDA Medical Device Servicing Committee, and a founding executive of the Technology Management Council. He has led key industry coalitions-most notably the Alliance for Quality Medical Device Servicing-to protect the right to repair and reduce regulatory burden. His leadership has directly influenced major policy changes at organizations such as the College of American Pathologists and the Veterans Administration, resulting in widespread improvements in productivity and regulatory efficiency. In recognition of his contributions, he was named Biomedical Equipment Technician of the Year by AAMI. Leadership Perspective "We are honored to welcome Michael, Lloyd, and Dave to our Advisory Board," said Arthur Zenian, CEO of enBio Corp. "Their collective experience across hospital systems, compliance strategy, and clinical technology leadership perfectly aligns with our vision to become the gold standard in healthcare support services. With their insights, we will accelerate our strategic planning efforts, elevate quality across our divisions, and build a company that makes a meaningful impact on patient care nationwide." Greg Aghamanoukian, President of enBio Corp, added: "Each of these leaders brings real-world operational experience that will help guide our next chapter. Their deep industry knowledge will ensure our teams are well-positioned to execute with precision, expand into new markets, and remain focused on what matters most-supporting the clinicians and patients who rely on us." About enBio Corp enBio Corp is a leading provider of clinical technology services and medical equipment solutions that support the critical infrastructure of hospitals and clinics across the United States. With a focus on reliability, innovation, and service excellence, enBio operates across four core pillars: Hospital Bed and Gurney Management, Biomedical Services for Hospitals and Clinics, Facilities/Engineering Projects, and TalentConnect, which provides skilled biomedical engineering professionals on a temporary basis. The company is committed to redefining standards in healthcare services while pursuing sustainable growth and nationwide impact. For more information visit: enBio Corp | (818) 953-9976 SOURCE: enBio Corp WORCESTER, Mass., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) today announced it has appointed Richard W. Lavey to the newly created role of chief operating officer. In this position, Lavey will play an expanded and leading role in the further development of our business strategy and drive even greater integration and collaboration between our business and technology organizations, enhancing our agent and customer value propositions and advancing our goal to deliver strong, sustainable profitable growth going forward. Lavey will maintain his current responsibilities leading personal lines and core commercial, which includes the company's small and middle market businesses. He will also continue to lead the company's sales and distribution, corporate underwriting, marketing and risk solutions functions. With more than 35 years of experience in the insurance and technology industries, Lavey brings a deep knowledge of The Hanover's business and distribution model as well as expertise in advancing strategy, leading business transformations, and galvanizing culture. Prior to joining The Hanover in 2004, Lavey was vice president of strategic initiatives for The Hartford's property and casualty organization and vice president of strategic marketing for The Hartford's Select Customer division. Prior to that, he worked at two software companies, ChannelPoint and Bowstreet, and was a strategy consultant for CSC Healthcare. He began his career at The Travelers Insurance Company. "We are very pleased to have Dick assume this key role in our organization and to have his leadership over our company's strategic operations," said John C. Roche, president and chief executive officer at The Hanover. "In our rapidly changing and dynamic business, we are intently focused on the development of strategic operating models that deliver value for all our stakeholders and our company. Dick is a proven leader who has successfully guided our businesses through transformative times over the course of his 21 years with our company." Lavey is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The College of the Holy Cross and earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He currently serves as Chair of the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). For more information about The Hanover, please visit hanover.com. About The Hanover The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. is the holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, which together constitute one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States. The company provides exceptional insurance solutions through a select group of independent agents and brokers. Together with its agent partners, The Hanover offers standard and specialized insurance protection for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as for homes, automobiles, and other personal items. For more information, please visit hanover.com. CONTACTS: Emily P. Trevallion Abby C. Ursoleo [email protected] [email protected] 508-855-3263 508-855-3549 SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. Las Vegas Sands One of the four core priorities under the Planet pillar of Sands' corporate responsibility program is incorporating environmentally friendly materials and resources into business operations. Through the stewardship of the Sands ECO360 global sustainability team in collaboration with departments company-wide, Sands is committed to avoiding and eliminating materials and resources that may negatively impact the environment and working to increase overall use of sustainable goods and services. "Our desire to use sustainable materials and resources touches every part of the business, from procurement to food and beverage services, resort operations, engineering, development and more," Katarina Tesarova, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, said. "The challenge in the hospitality industry is balancing selection of goods and services that are better for the environment with guest expectations for a high-end travel experience. That's why system-wide collaboration among our teams is key." Sourcing Responsible Goods and Services On a regular basis, Sands evaluates sourcing in key areas such as food and beverage services, hotel operations, and business and marketing materials to introduce or increase sustainable products and services. The company has placed special emphasis on addressing sustainability at company-owned restaurants and in catering operations. Delivering outstanding food and beverage options is an essential component of creating a world-class guest experience, and Sands has focused on incorporating sustainable food into that experience. Efforts have included promoting sustainable sourcing to chefs and eliminating or reducing certain types of seafood from company-owned restaurants and food service operations. The company also targets sourcing of seafood products that are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). In addition, Sands has set a global target to source cage-free eggs for 100% of its operations by 2028. The company began this transition at select food and beverage outlets and in-suite dining in 2023 and will report on 2024 progress in its annual environmental, social and governance (ESG) report to be published this spring. Furthering the commitment of sourcing environmentally responsible products and services, Sands also strives to upcycle materials to avoid sending items to landfills. For example, Marina Bay Sands partnered with ChopValue, a company that turns chopsticks into stylish products, to repurpose one million of these used utensils into cube-shaped menu displays for Sands Expo and Convention Centre events and banquets. Some of the chopsticks were sourced from the resort's Wakuda restaurant. Reducing Plastic and Packaging Use Another initiative related to incorporating sustainable materials and resources is addressing plastic and packaging, especially single-use items. Sands has set a global target to transition 100% of its branded water bottles to reusable solutions or products made from sustainable materials by the end of 2025. Marina Bay Sands achieved 100% sustainable solutions for branded water bottles as of 2023, while Sands China continues to address applications that have been challenging for incorporation of sustainable solutions. One area is on casino floors, which use smaller bottles with limited supply options for sustainable products. The company has undertaken various trials such as use of water dispensers to overcome this challenge. Other efforts to replace plastic and packaging at Sands China have included replacing single-use bathroom amenity bottles with bulk products at The Venetian Macao, Sands Macao, The Parisian Macao and The Londoner Macao. In addition, Sands China has targeted reducing plastics and single-use disposables in its laundry operations. At Marina Bay Sands, the resort also has addressed laundry-related plastics by eliminating single-use plastic covers for Team Member uniforms. Another major focus has been on eliminating plastic cling wrap in its kitchens, which uses an average of 19,000 rolls annually. Efforts have included identifying plastic wrap applications to establish new processes and solutions, engaging with food and beverage leaders to address changes, initiating a phased approach to plastic wrap elimination across the resort and setting up monthly scorecards to track plastic wrap purchases and use. Sands' commitment to using sustainable materials and resources is one of four core environmental stewardship priorities, which also include transitioning to low-carbon operations, reducing waste and responsibly managing water. To learn more about the company's initiatives to protect the planet, read the latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Las Vegas Sands on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Las Vegas Sands Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/las-vegas-sands Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Las Vegas Sands In 1985, IBSA (Institut Biochimique SA) was a small company in Lugano on the brink of bankruptcy. Today, 40 years later, the company celebrates the anniversary of its acquisition by its current CEO and President, Arturo Licenziati, who has led the business with a key philosophy: "Drugs in the best form." The year 2025 marks an important year for the IBSA Group (Institut Biochimique SA), which celebrates a double anniversary: 40 years of leadership by its CEO and President Arturo Licenziati, and 80 years sincethecreation of theIBSA name. These milestones coincide with another significant event: the 90th birthday of President Licenziati, who today April 3, 2025 celebrates this major occasion. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250402211124/en/ To mark the company's 40th anniversary, IBSA has decided to grant all employees worldwide a day off on August 19, the date when Arturo Licenziati first stepped into IBSA. "This is just a symbolic gesture to express my gratitude for the commitment, dedication and passion of our People, who are the driving force behind our growth. A growth that is not just about business, but also and above all about the ability to implement development and work models that place People at the centre of our philosophy and our activities," said Licenziati Indeed, it was on August 19, 1985, that Licenziati took over the management of the Ticino-based company, founded in Lugano in 1945, redefining its vision and strategy. At that time, IBSA had just 40 employees and a turnover of 5 million Swiss francs. However, by the end of the 1980s in just 5 years the company had radically transformed, tripling its revenue The history of IBSA is the story of a company that evolved from a small pharmaceutical laboratory in the Swiss Canton Ticino into a multinational corporation. What many people saw as an impossible mission, President Licenziati embraced as a challenge to be won, with the aim of forging a new path, focused on innovation and the ability to respond to people's actual needs "Small companies can only grow if they can adapt quickly to sectors that large pharmaceutical companies often overlook," added Licenziati. "Over the years, we have transformed an idea -producing 'drugs in the best form' into a concrete and successful project, focusing on targeted research that meets the everyday needs of doctors and patients. We have always been a forward-looking company, ready to go beyond and willing to explore new, uncharted paths. Since the 1990s, IBSA has embarked on a global expansion, first in Europe and then worldwide. Today the company has 20 subsidiaries across Europe, China and the United States, and distributes its products in over 90 countries across 5 continents, with more than 2,300 employees between headquarters, subsidiaries and production sites. About IBSA IBSA (Institut Biochimique SA) is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company with 20 subsidiaries in Europe, China and the United States. Its products are distributed in over 90 countries and its research and development activity focuses on 10 therapeutic areas. In 2025, IBSA celebrates the 40th anniversary of its acquisition by current President and CEO Arturo Licenziati, who transformed the company into a multinational that employs over 2,300 people worldwide. IBSA's growth and development can be attributed to the ability to innovate by perfecting already known molecules, as well as to the desire to look to the future in a responsible and transparent way, thanks to the dedication and dynamism of its people. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250402211124/en/ Contacts: Daina Basile, Kovak-Likly Communications dbasile@klcpr.com EPC Groupe (Euronext - EXPL) announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire Pirobras Industrial LTDA, a family-owned Brazilian company renowned for its expertise in the manufacture and distribution of civil explosives in Brazil. Following the acquisition of Vibraquipo (Spain) and Blastcon (Australia) in 2024, EPC Groupe is continuing its international development by applying its strategy of geographical expansion and consolidating its expertise and industrial know-how. This acquisition, which concerns 100% of Pirobras shares, will be fully finalised once the final administrative conditions have been lifted. The transaction does not require any specific authorisations from the French or Brazilian authorities. This strategic operation is part of the Groupe's drive to strengthen its position in high-potential markets and accelerate its development in the field of primary explosives and initiation systems. With this acquisition, EPC Groupe completes its offer by integrating a local production of bulk, cartridged and ANFO explosives, thus consolidating its presence in a rapidly expanding Brazilian mining and quarrying markets. A LONG-STANDING PLAYER IN THE BRAZILIAN MARKET WITH MANUFACTURING EXPERTISE AND A SOLID COMMERCIAL PRESENCE Based in the state of Minas Gerais, Pirobras is a family business that has been operating for over 35 years in the Brazilian civil explosives industry from its factory in Itauna. It has a broad portfolio of products and technologies that meet the needs of more than 70 major customers. Pirobras, which employs over 80 people, was founded by three entrepreneurs. To ensure the long-term future of their business, they wanted to back their company with a group that shared their values and commitment to their stakeholders: customers, partners and employees. One of the founders will stay on until the end of 2025 to play an active role in integrating the company into the EPC Groupe. "Pirobras is establishing itself as a major player in the explosives sector in Brazil. This acquisition is fully in line with EPC Groupe's growth strategy and allows us to enter a market that offers numerous development opportunities. After a year of discussions, we have established a solid relationship of trust and built a business project that makes sense for everyone involved," says Olivier Vandenabelle, Americas Area Manager. The Santos family added: "Pirobras has customers in all regions of Brazil, whom it supports in the quarrying, mining and construction sectors. The combination of the experience of the Pirobras teams and the cutting-edge technologies provided by EPC Groupe are key assets for ensuring the sustainability and development of Pirobras' activities. This acquisition is based on natural and obvious synergies". With this integration, EPC Groupe confirms its ambition to accelerate its growth dynamic, by establishing itself in new high-potential geographies and by contributing its technological know-how and its commitment to quality and innovation. EPC Groupe (Euronext - EXPL) is a leader in the manufacture, storage and distribution of explosives, with sales of over 550 million euros in 2024 and more than 2,800 employees working in its 44 subsidiaries in over 29 ountries. For 130 years, the Group has mobilized its know-how, technical skills and technological innovations to offer solutions that generate performance and value for its customers in the mining, quarrying, infrastructure and underground sectors. The Group places innovation at the heart of its development strategy in order to meet and anticipate its customers' needs. EPC Groupe ACTUS finance & communication Charles-Ernest ARMAND Chief Financial Officer +33 1 40 69 80 00 contact.actionnaires@epc-groupe.com Lilia GONCALVES Group Communications Director +33 1 40 69 80 00 lilia.goncalves@epc-groupe.com Mathieu OMNES Investor Relations +33 1 53 67 36 92 epc-groupe@actus.f Anne-Charlotte DUDICOURT Press Relations +33 6 24 03 26 52 acdudicourt@actus.fr ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: l2+elZVnZmicx52fkslumGJlbJhnmGecamXHlWRolZ+abHGRm5iSmJuaZnJhnWlu - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-90848-epc-groupe_pr_pirobras-en-vdef.pdf Article L. 238-8-II of the French commercial Code and article 223-16 of the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) general regulation Regulatory News: Corporate name of the issuer: Veolia Environnement (Paris:VIE) 21 rue La Boetie 75008 PARIS FRANCE (ISIN code: FR0000124141-VIE) Information closing date Total number of shares forming the share capital Total number of voting rights March 31, 2025 740,652,608 Total number of theoretical voting rights: 740,652,608 Total number of voting rights that may be exercised (1): 730,418,573 Inclusion in the Veolia Environnement Articles of Association of a clause requiring a reporting obligation of the declaration of crossing a shareholding threshold, complementary to the one relating to the thresholds provided by the French law and the regulations in force (article 8). (1) Number of voting rights that may be exercised number of theoretical voting rights (or total number of voting rights attached to shares) shares without voting rights (number of treasury shares held as of March 31, 2025, i.e. 10,234,035 shares). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403099022/en/ Contacts: Veolia Environnement Easter at Grace Family Church is more than just a service. It's an opportunity to gather with family and friends, reflect on the meaning of Easter, and celebrate a love that overcame sin, fear, and doubt. This Easter, Grace Family Church invites the community to discover how Love Overcame it all. Through a powerful message of hope, uplifting music, and a welcoming atmosphere, everyone will experience the peace and joy found in the resurrection of Jesus. Easter With Your Family Easter at Grace Family Church is more than just a service. It's an opportunity to gather with family and friends, reflect on the meaning of Easter, and celebrate a love that overcame sin, fear, and doubt. Whether exploring faith for the first time or looking for a place to connect and find community, you're welcome here. With multiple locations across Tampa Bay, there's a place for everyone to experience Easter in a meaningful and personal way. Event Details: Locations Around Tampa Bay: Carrollwood, Clearwater, Land O Lakes, Lutz, South Tampa, Suncoast, Temple Terrace, and Ybor Easter Weekend: With 41 service times throughout April 18-20 Be a part of something special this Easter. Come expectant to see how Love Overcame. For more information, visit EasterAtGrace.com . #### About Grace Family Church Grace Family Church is a non-denominational, Bible-based, multi-site church located in 8 neighborhoods in Tampa, Florida. Visitors will find a welcoming community of people, an engaging worship style, and relevant messages to help them grow in their faith. For more information, visit gfcflorida.com Contact: Melissa Vicinanza Grace Family Church Phone: (813) 265-4151 Email: mel@gfcflorida.com Website: easteratgrace.com SOURCE: Grace Family Church This year's National Corporate Mentoring Honor Roll class has a firm commitment to supporting the well-being of new and young employees through the creation of workplace mentorship opportunities. 84 corporate companies have been recognized by MENTOR, a national nonprofit that leads, expands, and strengthens the mentoring movement, building capacity to make high-quality relationships accessible to all young people as honorees of the 2025 National Corporate Mentoring Honor Roll . 2025 National Corporate Mentoring Honor Roll This year's class includes long standing partners of MENTOR like Bank of America, Fidelity Investments, and The Starbucks Foundation who have affirmed their commitment to fostering mentoring opportunities and relationships within their companies and invested in the mentoring movement. "At MENTOR, we are proud of the work and intentionality of this year's National Corporate Mentoring Honor Roll class. This group of industry leaders has prioritized and aligned their human resources and capital to connect and support young people and the communities they serve; it's making an impact - stronger relationships and better opportunities for more people," MENTOR CEO Jermaine Myrie said. Each year the National Corporate Mentoring Honor Roll recognizes outstanding for-profit corporations across the United States that support the youth mentoring field in a variety of ways. Launched in partnership with former First Lady Michelle Obama in 2011, the National Corporate Honor Roll first began by challenging corporate companies to support their employees to become volunteer youth mentors. All companies named to this year's list are repeats from the 2024 National Corporate Mentoring Honor Roll class alluding to the long-term growth companies are working to build to create a culture of holistic mentoring relationships within the workplace. MENTOR has continued to prioritize building relationship-centered workplaces that have impacted workplace culture assisting with higher employee satisfaction, helping to build on employee's sense of meaningful work thus helping corporate companies to have a lasting impact in the communities where they work and serve. To be eligible for the National Corporate Mentoring Honor Roll presented annually by MENTOR, companies must support high-quality mentoring in at least one core way. Most notably this includes supporting local mentoring programs and initiatives, partnering with MENTOR for technical assistance and mentorship training and/or by instituting an internal high-quality mentoring programs in their respective company. Since MENTOR's Honor Roll's inception, corporate engagement in youth mentoring has grown steadily over time as have opportunities for mentorship increasingly for youth from under resourced-backgrounds within the workplace. MENTOR research has also linked an increase in job retention and an overall increase in building a young person's network with professionals. MENTOR also provides support to corporate companies looking to engage in mentoring. To learn more please utilize our Workplace Supplement to the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring resource which includes a helpful checklist. ### About MENTOR: MENTOR leads, expands, and strengthens the mentoring movement, building capacity to make high-quality relationships accessible to all young people. 35 years ago, MENTOR was created to expand opportunities for young people by building a youth mentoring field and movement. The result: a more than 10-fold increase in young people in structured mentoring relationships. Today, MENTOR is the primary resource and expert for the youth mentoring field, representing a movement that meets young people everywhere they are - from schools, to workplaces, and beyond. MENTOR operates in collaboration with 25 local Affiliates across the country. To learn more about MENTOR, visit our website: www.mentoring.org or find us on social media. Follow on X at @mentornational | Facebook: MENTORnational | Instagram: @mentornmp | LinkedIn: MENTOR SOURCE: MENTOR Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Masivo Silver Corp. (TSXV: MASS) (OTC Pink: GNYPF) ("Masivo" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on April 1, 2025 it completed the signing of an arms-length agreement to acquire the Cerro Colorado Gold, Copper and Silver project in the state of Sonora, Mexico with Jorge Rafael Gallardo Romero, Minera GoldZone S.A. de C.V. and partners. This project is located 28 kilometres from the city of Alamos, Sonora and 11 kilometres north of the Piedras Verdes open pit copper mine, one of Mexico's largest. "With the option agreement signed and all necessary permits already in hand. We are fully prepared to move forward," said David Coburn, CEO of Masivo Silver. "The drill targets are being carefully defined, being prioritized, and we are mobilizing immediately to begin drilling these high-grade silver zones. This is a significant milestone for the Cerro Colorado Project, and we are excited to start unlocking its full potential." Masivo Silver Corp and Minera Goldzone agreed on: Upon signing the definitive agreement, Masivo Silver Corp will grant 300,000 shares and begin discussions with the exploration team for an eight-hole drill program at Cerro Colorado. Upon the first anniversary of completing the eight-hole drill program, Masivo will pay $60,000 USD and a second payment of either 1,000,000 Masivo shares or $100,000 USD. Upon the Second anniversary Masivo will pay $70,000 USD and a second payment of either 1,500,000 Masivo shares or $150,000 USD. Upon the third anniversary Masivo will pay $80,000 USD and a second payment of either 2,000,000 shares or $200,000 USD. Upon the fourth anniversary Masivo will pay $100,000 USD and a second payment of either 2,500,000 shares or $250,000 USD. Where in each selection between shares and cash, Masivo can further elect to settle a cash election using shares based on a 10-day weighted average share price formula calculating the number of shares issued. The 10-day weighted average price would begin 15 trading days before the anniversary date and end 5 trading days before the anniversary date. Upon the 48-month anniversary and all commitments between Masivo Silver Corp and Minera Goldzone and Partners involved have been met at 100%, the concession title and all mining rights will be granted to Masivo Silver, Minera Goldzone and Partners will keep 1.5% NSR which Masivo can buy the 100% for $1,000,000 USD. The Cerro Colorado project consists of two properties, the El Tacon Dos (Cerro Colorado) concession containing 774 Hectares (1911 Acres) and the Valle Del Cobre concession containing 1875 Hectares (4631 Acres). Masivo Silver Corp is responsible for the environmental impact in property, Masivo is responsible to pay all duties and taxes on the mining concession, these during our mining operations in the property. Senior Mexican Geologist Jorge Rafael Gallardo along with the guidance from Mark Bailey and Brian Brewer is very close to completing the design of an eight hole drill program which will be announced in the very near future with the commencement of drilling targeted in May of 2025. Masivo will use its $75,000 USD drill credit with a Mexican drill company to start the drilling process. In the SW part of the project, in a collapsed tunnel on the main structure a historical sample taken from the mineralzed zone reportedly returned assay values of 2200 g/t Ag and 4.57 g/t Au. As reported in "Consejo de Recursos Naturales No Removables" (now Servicio Geologico Mexicano) according to the report, this sample was taken in November of 1972 by Ing. Adalberto Vazquez P. Four hundred meters to the NE from the reported high-grade sample, a sieve sample of the dumps from another collapsed tunnel on this mineral concession was assayed and returned values of 1840 g/t Ag, 4.8 g/t Au, 3.06% Cu, 4.5 % Pb and 2.92% Zn. This was a selective sample and may not represent underlying mineralization. One hundred meters to the NW of the dump, a hand-made trench was opened and resulting samples returned strong anomalies including 7.2 meters true-width with 0.75 g/t Au, 159 g/t Ag, 0.24% Cu, 0.52% Pb, 0.29% Zn. These anomalous values from the leached zone of the breccia outcrop confirm the same geochemical signature of the polymetallic sulfide mineralization found below the surface in the old workings. On the surface, the alteration zone is heavily leached with box works of different types of sulfides that were leached are clearly observed. Surface sampling returned values of between 12 to 561 g/t Ag and anomalous values of Gold and Copper. This mineralized area falls on the same trend as the Piedras Verdes Project Mine. All recent surface, trench and dump samples taken in rock chips and channel, were sent to ALS Chemex in Sonora, Mexico with the pulps being analyzed by ALS Chemex in Vancouver, Canada with the labs strict QA/QC procedures. Masivo continues to work with its QP Brian Brewer as he recovers from taking some personal time off, we expect assay results from the Boston Mine in the near future. Qualified Person Brian Brewer, PGeo, is Masivo Silver's qualified person for the company's projects in Mexico and Nevada and has approved this news release. About Masivo Silver Corp. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247287 SOURCE: Masivo Silver Corp. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Action Against Hunger Published by Action Against Hunger. On the night of April 1 to 2, US-led air strikes hit a health center supported by Action Against Hunger in northwestern Yemen. These attacks are part of a worrying upsurge in hostilities in the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula. As a result of the air strikes, the Huqah health facility in Washhah district, Hajjah governorate, was completely destroyed and a nearby school damaged. Since May 2024, a reported 9,670 children and 401 pregnant and breast-feeding women have received healthcare at the health facility. "Fortunately, as it was a night strike, all the health professionals working in the facility and members of our team are safe", explains Anne Garella, Director of Operations for Action Against Hunger in the Middle East. "Medical facilities and personnel are explicitly protected under international humanitarian law. We remind all parties to the conflict that it is imperative to guarantee the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers". The intensity of strikes has increased considerably in recent weeks in northern Yemen, controlled by the Houthi authorities. On March 15, bombardments killed at least 53 people, including five children, and wounded around a hundred in a residential area of the capital Sanaa, according to local authorities. Action Against Hunger is concerned about the consequences of escalating armed violence on civilians, in a country plunged into a devastating decade-long conflict. "We note that air strikes are now reaching densely populated areas and civilian infrastructures: this is a worrying trend," stresses Anne Garella. "These attacks are threatening people's access to livelihoods and the ability of humanitarian organizations to intervene, while humanitarian needs continue to grow, particularly in the north of the country". 19.5 million people are in need of humanitarian aid in Yemen, an increase of 1.3 million compared to 2024. Food insecurity is rampant, with around 2.7 million pregnant and breastfeeding women in need of treatment for acute malnutrition, and 55% of children under five suffering from chronic malnutrition. Operating in Yemen since 2012, Action Against Hunger supports the rehabilitation of sanitary infrastructures and access to drinking water and hygiene, provides psychological and psychosocial support to people affected by violence and abuse, supports health centers in areas most affected by malnutrition, and works to strengthen the capacity of households to generate income and access food in markets. In 2023, our programs supported more than 323,000 people across the country. *** Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Action Against Hunger on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Action Against Hunger Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/action-against-hunger Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Action Against Hunger Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - ThreeBestRated, a trusted platform that handpicks the three best local businesses in its respective industry, recognizes Strategic Criminal Defence as one of the top three criminal defense firms in Calgary. This recognition highlights the firm's dedication to legal excellence, client-centered advocacy, and continued commitment to serving communities across Western Canada. Photo Courtesy of Michael Oykhman ThreeBestRated evaluates businesses based on its rigorous 50-point inspection process, checking areas such as experience, customer reviews, service quality, legitimacy, and many others. Strategic Criminal Defence's inclusion in this prestigious list highlights its track record of over 10,000 defended cases and its reputation for delivering personalized legal solutions tailored to each client's needs. A Highlight on Leadership and Expertise Founded by experienced senior criminal lawyer Michael Oykhman, Strategic Criminal Defence has grown into one of Canada's largest criminal defense networks, with over 20 lawyers nationwide. The firm's recognition by ThreeBestRated reflects its adherence to core values-service, results, integrity, teamwork, drive, and strategy-that guide every aspect of its practice. "This recognition highlights our team's hard work and focus on providing the best possible outcomes for our clients," Michael Oykhman mentions. "Being named one of Calgary's top three criminal defense firms is an honor and a motivation to continue raising the bar." Strategic Criminal Defence's success is also attributed to its accessibility and client-first approach. With 24/7 availability and flexible payment structures, Strategic Criminal Defence ensures clients can rely on their services and receive timely support during critical moments. Its lawyers are known for their ability to handle complex cases involving impaired driving, domestic violence, drug offenses, youth crimes, and more-all while maintaining a focus on empathy and strategic problem-solving. Recognition Reinforces Commitment to Excellence ThreeBestRated's selection process includes an exhaustive review of small details such as business hours, proximity to clients, customer feedback, and overall service quality. Strategic Criminal Defence's strong performance across these metrics demonstrates its ability to balance legal expertise with exceptional client care. The firm's more than 500 five-star Google reviews further validate its standing, reflecting the trust customers give to them as a reliable advocate in Calgary's legal community. Michael Oykhman explains, "This acknowledgment is a challenge for us to do better. Every case we take on is an opportunity to learn and grow as a team while helping our clients navigate some of the most challenging times in their lives." As Strategic Criminal Defence continues to expand its reach across Canada and handle new clients, this recognition is a milestone that strengthens its dedication to innovation, client empathy, and excellence in criminal law. About Strategic Criminal Defence Strategic Criminal Defence is one of Western Canada's premier criminal defense firms, holding a nationwide network of over 20 accomplished lawyers. Under Michael Oykhman's leadership, the firm has successfully defended over 10,000 cases throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Ontario. Guided by core values of service, results, integrity, teamwork, drive, and strategy, Strategic Criminal Defence provides client-centered legal representation tailored to each case. Rather than focusing solely on legal precedents, the firm follows a client-first philosophy, creative problem-solving, and strategic thinking. This enables it to deliver comprehensive solutions that address legal challenges and personal circumstances in criminal defense across Canada. Contact Details: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/244733 SOURCE: Baden Bower Gold Reserve Ltd. (TSX.V: GRZ) (OTCQX: GDRZF) ("Gold Reserve" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an important development in its ongoing efforts to enforce its arbitral award dated September 22, 2014 (the "Award") against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela ("Venezuela"). The present total amount owed under the Award, inclusive of interest, exceeds $1.1 billion. Effective April 2, 2025, the Company has now filed two new legal actions in the Lisbon District Court to obtain the judgments that are necessary to execute against the multiple bank accounts in Lisbon over which the Company has previously obtained attachment orders. The new legal actions seek to obtain judgments determining that the amounts in the attached accounts can be properly executed against in satisfaction of the amounts owed by Venezuela to the Company. The Company understands that the funds in the attached accounts total more than $1.4 billion. As previously announced, the Lisbon Court of Appeal recently issued an Order granting the Company's application to have the Award recognized in Portugal. Recovery is not certain in the Portugal legal proceedings because, among other things, further court orders are required to execute against any of the attached funds, the priority of the Company's attachments on each bank account is not identical and is not definite, and the priority of the Company's attachments vis-a-vis other creditors is not identical and is not definite. The Company's recognition and enforcement efforts in Portugal are in addition to those being undertaken in the United States, including the Company's ongoing participation in the sales and bidding procedures established by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware for the sale of the shares of PDV Holdings, Inc. ("PDVH"), the indirect parent company of CITGO Petroleum Corp. Any recovery in the Delaware proceedings will likely set-off and reduce the amount that can be recovered on the Award in the Portugal legal proceedings, and vice-versa. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking statements This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. federal securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws and state Gold Reserve's and its management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. They are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Bid. We caution that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other risks that may cause the actual events, outcomes or results of Gold Reserve to be materially different from our estimated outcomes, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the Judgment is subject to appeal by Venezuela; the Company may not succeed in collecting against any of the funds attached in Portugal; further court orders are required to attempt to collect against any of the funds that are attached in Portugal; the priority of the Company's attachments on each bank account in Portugal is not identical and is not definite, the priority of the Company's attachments in Portugal vis-a-vis other creditors is not identical and is not definite; regulatory approvals may be required to collect on any funds in Portugal, and the existence of such approvals cannot be assured; in the Delaware proceedings, the discretion of the Special Master to consider the Bid, to enter into any discussions or negotiation with respect thereto and that the Special Master may reject the Bid at any time; the Special Master may choose not to recommend a Stalking Horse Bid or Final Bid to the Court; the failure of the Company to negotiate the Bid, including as a result of failing to obtain sufficient equity and/or debt financing; that Bid submitted by the Company will not be selected as the "Stalking Horse Bid" or the "Final Recommend Bid" under the Bidding Procedures, and if selected may not close due to the Sale Process not being completed, including as a result of not obtaining necessary regulatory approval to close on the purchase of the PDVH shares, including but not limited to any necessary approvals from the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control ("OFAC"), the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or the TSX Venture Exchange; failure of the Company or any other party to obtain any required shareholders approvals for, or satisfy other conditions to effect, any transaction resulting from the Bid; that the Company forfeit any cash amount deposit made due to failing to complete the Bid or otherwise; that the making of the Bid or any transaction resulting therefrom may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; that, prior to or as a result of the completion of any transaction contemplated by the Bid, the business of the Company may experience significant disruptions due to transaction related uncertainty, industry conditions or other factor; the ability to enforce the writ of attachment granted to the Company; the timing set for various reports and/or other matters with respect to the Sale Process may not be met; the ability of the Company to otherwise participate in the Sale Process (and related costs associated therewith; the amount, if any, of proceeds associated with the Sale Process; the competing claims of other creditors of Venezuela, PDVSA and the Company, including any interest on such creditors' judgements and any priority afforded thereto; uncertainties with respect to possible settlements between Venezuela and other creditors and the impact of any such settlements on the amount of funds that may be available under the Sale Process; and the proceeds from the Sale Process may not be sufficient to satisfy the amounts outstanding under the Company's September 2014 arbitral award and/or corresponding November 15, 2015 U.S. judgement in full; and the ramifications of bankruptcy with respect to the Sale Process and/or the Company's claims, including as a result of the priority of other claims. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting the Company's business, see the Company's Annual Information Form on Form 40-F and Management's Discussion Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other reports that have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and which have been filed on EDGAR and are available under the Company's profile at www.sec.gov/edgar. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Gold Reserve or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Gold Reserve disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to its disclosure obligations under applicable rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403083908/en/ Contacts: For further information regarding Gold Reserve Ltd., visit https://www.goldreserve.bm or contact: Kathryn Houlden (800) 625-9550 Rosebank Centre, 5th Floor, 11 Bermudiana Road, Pembroke HM 08, Bermuda investorrelations@goldreserve.bm As organizations representing nearly 60 million adults and children living with arthritis in the United States and the rheumatologists and health care professionals who treat them, we are deeply alarmed by this week's dismantling of multiple branches of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that manage essential research and public health programs critical to the well-being of millions of people living with chronic conditions. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, lupus, diabetes, heart disease and respiratory illnesses are not just isolated health issues - they are long-term, multifaceted health challenges that require ongoing, coordinated care. If the Make America Healthy Again Commission is to achieve its vision of chronic disease prevention, then programs focused on these diseases should be targeted for support, not dismissal. At a time when more than half of Americans live with a chronic condition, programs that focus on these conditions are essential to supporting healthier communities. On behalf of our constituents, including an army of passionate arthritis patients and health care professionals, we strongly urge President Trump and Health & Human Services Secretary Kennedy to consider the short-term and long-term impacts of these decisions on patients, communities and the nation, including: Loss of critical data collection Drastic reductions in scientific innovation to find essential treatments and eventually a cure Inability of state and local governments to manage public health risks Elimination of community-based and self-management programs to help patients manage their diseases and lead healthier lives The administration must preserve the decades of research and progress in public awareness that we have seen through public health initiatives and support and move toward their promise of eliminating chronic diseases by expanding research of disease interventions for conditions like arthritis, America's leading cause of disability. State and local governments will continue to need support from the federal government to manage chronic disease through existing measures in the programs being discontinued. Additionally, these changes threaten the last remaining annual dedicated federal research funding for arthritis. Says Dr. Carol Langford, President of the American College of Rheumatology, "It was encouraging when the administration declared a focus on chronic conditions. But in the last month, we have seen federal programs for arthritis and lupus research completely defunded in the DoD and now under threat at the CDC. We cannot move the needle forward on these diseases without research funding." Further, dismantling the Healthy Aging and other CDC branches will disrupt vital health care services and erode the public health infrastructure, with devastating consequences for this already vulnerable population. Steven Taylor, President & CEO of the Arthritis Foundation says, "When funding is slashed, we must remember that it is real people who are affected. It leads to delayed diagnoses, limited programs to support patients and fewer policies that reflect what patients truly need. We hear from patients daily about the toll of chronic conditions like arthritis, and these cuts will directly affect them. Patients and their families rely on public health programs and research to manage their arthritis and live full, active lives. As more people are diagnosed with arthritis in the years ahead, the Administration must balance the needs of patients with the ongoing rise in healthcare costs." We call on policymakers to reconsider these harmful decisions and prioritize the protection and expansion of health care programs that support the chronic disease community. Now, more than ever, we need a federal government that recognizes the importance of research of complex chronic diseases and ensures that every individual has access to the resources and care they need to thrive. It is critical that we stand together to advocate for the rights of those living with chronic conditions and ensure they have the support necessary for a healthy, productive life. Our organizations remain committed to advocating for the health and well-being of people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. We will continue to work alongside our partner organizations, caregivers and the community to fight for policies that prioritize research and long-term care and support, and we urge all stakeholders to join us in this important mission. About the Arthritis Foundation The Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. As a Champion of Yes, the Arthritis Foundation's mission is to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, and provides ways for people to connect, break down barriers in health care and join the fight for a cure - uniting hearts, minds, and resources to change the future of arthritis. To join the fight to cure arthritis, visit arthritis.org. About the American College of Rheumatology Founded in 1934, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is a not-for-profit, professional association committed to advancing the specialty of rheumatology that serves nearly 10,000 physicians, health professionals, researchers and scientists worldwide. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatology professionals are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. MEDIA CONTACT: Mower ArthritisFoundationPR@mower.com SOURCE: Arthritis Foundation Grace, a Paris, France-based fintech that empowers luxury brands to offer their clients protection against theft and loss, raised 5.9m in funding. The round was led by FinTech Collective and Speedinvest, alongside Firstminute Capital, Kima Ventures, Bpifrance, and individual investors including Laurent Ritter (Founder, Voodoo) through his fund Purple, Didier Valet (former MD, Societe Generale), Eric Mignot (CEO, +Simple), Maxime Brousse (CEO, Selency via Sequoia scout program), Josef Bovet (via a16z scout program), Martin Hartley (COO, PURE Insurance) and Thomas Clozel (CEO, Owkin). The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the development of its proprietary technology, strengthen operational capabilities, structure its international expansion, and recruit talent to support this growth. Led by Lou Dana, President, Quentin Roy, CEO, and Martin Lenweiter, CTO, Grace allows luxury clients to wear their products offering complementary protection against theft and loss, activated automatically from the moment of purchase. Its AI-powered platform simplifies the reporting and management of claims related to theft and loss, enhancing customer experience and loyalty. In partnership with some of the worlds leading luxury Maisons and global insurer Chubb, the company will protect over 200,000 luxury items by the end of 2025. FinSMEs 03/04/2025 Solace, a Redwood City, Calif.-based digital health platform that connects patients with expert health advocates, closed a $60m Series B funding round. This round was led by Menlo Ventures with participation from existing backers Craft Ventures, Inspired Capital and Torch Capital, as well as new investor SignalFire. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate development across the patient and advocate experiences while Solace scales its national network of healthcare advocates. Co-founded by Jeremy Gurewitz and Sara Sargent, Solace is a digital platform that connects patients with expert healthcare advocates covered by insurance. The companys network includes advocates across all 50 U.S. states and is covered by Medicare and major Medicare Advantage insurers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. FinSMEs 03/04/2025 Ultra, a London, UK-based destination for gamers, publishers, and developers, closed $12m funding round. The round was led by Luxembourg-based multi-family office NOIA Capital through its NOIA Digital Assets fund. The company intends to use the funds to hire talent, continue expanding and upgrading the platform. Led by Gus van Rijckevorsel, CEO, and Maxime van Steenberghe, COO, Ultra provides a one-stop platform for gamers, and publishers, to play, create, and connect. The company has already received significant interest across the gaming, blockchain, and technology sectors. FinSMEs 03/04/2025 UniteLabs (fltr) Julian Willand, Lukas Bromig, Robert Zechlin UniteLabs, a Munich, Germany-based startup specializing in lab automation, raised 2.77M in pre-seed funding. The round was led by NAP (formerly Cavalry Ventures), with participation from PUSH, Acurio Ventures, OMA Business Angels, and LANA Ventures. The company plans to use the funds to enhance its platform, which connects lab instruments and enables seamless data collection, control, and AI integration. Founded by Robert Zechlin, Lukas Bromig, and Julian Willand, UniteLabs has developed an operating system for biotech research that enables data collection, control, and monitoring across all lab instruments independent of specific use cases. The company has already built 40 connectors for various lab devices, allowing them to communicate with each other for the first time. Through the platform, researchers can control connected instruments and automate workflows, creating the industrys first truly cross-manufacturer connectivity solution. UniteLabs initial focus is on liquid handlers, a critical category of lab automation tools used in a wide range of biological and chemical experiments, from COVID-19 testing to DNA sequencing. FinSMEs 03/04/2025 Sudhir Mishra is arguably the first person to have a critical view point about the show being raved globally read more Adolescence has rightly been called the closest thing to perfect cinema-making in ages. The series is so engaging that it will make every parent ask if we are doing it right or not. But filmmaker Sudhir Mishra is arguably the first person to have a critical view point about the show being raved globally. He tweeted, How come Adolescence is the No 1 show on Netflix India . All conventional wisdom is against it . Indians are not supposed to like slow Burners . It violates every rule of taught by bad script writing schools . It spirals down instead of soaring up . Its the best news in years. Advertisement The makers of hit Netflix show Adolescence have sparked a conversation in Britain and beyond on how to protect children from violent misogyny and other harmful content on social media. Now they have the ear of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who welcomed the filmmakers to Downing Street on Monday for talks on child protection. Starmers office said he backed an initiative by Netflix to stream the drama series for free to secondary schools across the country, so that as many teens as possible can watch it. Netflix says since the drama launched in March it has amassed 66.3 million views worldwide and has become one of the most talked-about U.K. series in recent memory. Starmer said it was difficult watching the drama with his 14-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son. But showing the drama widely in schools will help students better understand the impact of misogyny, dangers of online radicalization and the importance of healthy relationships, his office said. Teslas vehicle deliveries dropped 13 per cent in Q1 2025, marking its worst sales decline in three years. Shares have fallen over 31 per cent year-to-date amid growing competition from BYD and backlash against CEO Elon Musks role in the Trump administration. Reports indicate Musk may step down from his government position soon, raising questions about Teslas future stability read more US President Donald Trump's adviser Elon Musk waves on the day of a rally in support of a conservative state Supreme Court candidate of an April 1 election in Green Bay, Wisconsin, US, March 30, 2025. File Image/Reuters Teslas stock saw a sharp recovery on Wednesday following a Politico report suggesting that CEO Elon Musk could soon step down from his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), potentially allowing him to devote more attention to the electric vehicle company. The White House dismissed the report as garbage, while Musk himself took to X to refute the claim, calling it fake news. Despite these denials, Tesla shares closed over 5 per cent higher, reversing earlier losses that followed the companys weaker-than-expected first-quarter delivery numbers. Advertisement According to sources cited in the Politico report, US President Donald Trump has been pleased with Musks efforts to reduce federal spending through Doge but has recently discussed the billionaire returning to focus on his businesses. NBC News also reported that Trump indicated to his cabinet that Musks tenure as a special government employee would end within months, aligning with the legal 130-day service limit for such positions. How Tesla has been impacted by Musks political involvement Even with the stocks brief uptick, Tesla has been experiencing a prolonged downturn. The companys stock has declined more than 31 per cent since the start of the year, including a 36 per cent drop in the first quarter the worst quarterly performance for Tesla since 2022. The decline follows a significant drop in vehicle deliveries, with Tesla reporting sales of just under 337,000 electric vehicles in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 13 per cent decrease from the same period in 2024. This represents the steepest drop in deliveries in Teslas history outside of the pandemic-related disruptions in 2020. The company attributes the downturn to production pauses as it transitions to an updated version of the Model Y, which led to temporary factory shutdowns. However, some investors and analysts point to Musks personal and political activities as a contributing factor. Early Tesla investor Ross Gerber criticised the CEOs leadership, stating on X: These numbers suck. The brand is broken and may not be fixable. Gerber, once a strong supporter of Musk, has increasingly voiced concerns about his management of Tesla. Leaving DOGE is a good start but it doesnt change his tweeting garbage daily. The tesla brand is severely tainted at this point. Damage is done. $TSLA Ross Gerber (@GerberKawasaki) April 2, 2025 Advertisement Musks political activities have triggered controversy and backlash that have spilled over into Teslas business. His leadership of Doge, an initiative aimed at cutting government spending and reducing the federal workforce, has led to widespread protests, boycotts, and even acts of vandalism against Tesla stores and charging stations. The close alignment with Trumps administration has alienated some customers, particularly in Democrat-leaning regions where interest in electric vehicles has traditionally been strong. Market data from S&P Global Mobility indicates that repeat Tesla purchases in blue states fell from 72 per cent in late 2023 to 65 per cent by the end of 2024, while purchases in Republican-leaning red states remained stable at around 48 per cent. Polling also shows that public sentiment toward Musk has grown increasingly polarised. A CNN survey found that only 35 per cent of Americans have a favourable view of Musk, compared to 53 per cent who hold an unfavourable opinion. Advertisement Meanwhile, a February 2025 Morning Consult poll revealed that 32 per cent of US car buyers would not consider purchasing a Tesla, up from 27 per cent the previous year and 17 per cent in 2021. How investors have reacted to Musk & Tesla Amid the stocks decline, several major investors have voiced concerns about Musks ability to effectively lead Tesla while engaging in political and government work. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has called for the city to sue Tesla on behalf of NYCs pension funds, citing Musks involvement in government affairs as misleading to shareholders. Elon Musk is so distracted that hes driving Tesla off a financial cliff, Lander stated. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, sent letters to pension fund managers highlighting Teslas underperformance, warning that the companys poor sales figures were shaping up to be abysmal, reported BBC. She urged fund managers to assess whether Tesla remains a viable long-term investment given Musks political distractions. Adding to investor worries, Teslas stock decline has wiped out approximately $300 million from New York Citys pension funds in just three months, further fuelling the argument that Musks focus on Doge and his personal political agenda is damaging Teslas financial standing. Advertisement How Musks political activities are not helping Beyond his government role, Musk has made substantial political investments, pouring millions into a Wisconsin Supreme Court race in an attempt to support Republican candidate Brad Schimel. Despite Musks financial backing and vocal endorsements, Schimel was defeated by Democratic candidate Susan Crawford. Musks involvement in the race drew sharp criticism from progressive groups, who accused him of using his wealth to sway judicial outcomes. Following the election loss, Musks influence in political circles has come under renewed scrutiny. Additionally, Musks government role has had wider consequences for Tesla beyond stock fluctuations. The Trump administrations automotive tariffs, particularly those affecting key Tesla suppliers in China and Mexico, have raised concerns about supply chain disruptions. While Musk has defended these policies as necessary to boost domestic production, critics argue they place additional financial strain on Teslas already struggling operations. Trump, for his part, has sought to counteract anti-Tesla sentiment by publicly promoting the companys vehicles at the White House. However, his administration has also taken a firm stance against vandalism targeting Tesla, with Trump vowing to prosecute those defacing the companys vehicles under domestic terrorism laws. Despite these measures, Tesla continues to face a wave of protests and boycotts from customers opposed to Musks political alliances. Advertisement Can Tesla recover? Teslas full quarterly earnings report, scheduled for release on April 22, is expected to provide a more comprehensive look at the companys financial health. While Tesla has urged investors not to rely solely on the preliminary delivery numbers, analysts remain cautious about the companys trajectory. Factors such as pricing strategies, production costs, and foreign exchange movements will all play a role in shaping Teslas financial future. CNN quoted Wedbush analyst Dan Ives who summed up the situation bluntly: The more political [Musk] gets with Doge, the more the brand suffers, there is no debate. He described Teslas first-quarter performance as a disaster on every metric and warned that the company is facing a critical moment to regain investor confidence. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Heemal Vaid, who went by the alias Starcake, has been jailed for 18 years in the UK. The Indian-origin man admitted to importing and distributing cocaine and heroin worth over 4 million pounds (nearly Rs 45 crore). He was arrested at his home in Londons Cheam in April 2024 and later pleaded guilty to 12 charges related to drugs and proceeds of crime read more The Indian-origin drug kingpin orchestrated the import and distribution of cocaine and heroin. National Crime Agency, UK An Indian-origin man behind multi-million-pound international cocaine shipments has been sentenced to 18 years in prison in the UK. Heemal Vaid, 49, who went by the alias Starcake, was responsible for importing and distributing cocaine and heroin worth over 4 million pounds. After an investigation by the UKs National Crime Agency, Vaid pleaded guilty to all charges and received an 18-year jail term. ALSO READ | Who is Pritam Singh, the Indian-origin Singaporean leader found guilty of lying to Parliament? Advertisement In this report, we explore what is known about Heemal Vaid, the crimes he was involved in, and the investigation into the matter. Who is Heemal Vaid? The Indian-origin drug kingpin who orchestrated the import and distribution of cocaine and heroin has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. Vaid, who is from Londons Cheam, used EncroChat - an encrypted messaging service favoured by criminals, to arrange drug deals, unaware that in 2020, international law enforcement would crack its encryption. Operating under the alias Starkcake, Vaid was involved in a plot to smuggle 96 kg of cocaine from Brazil over a month in 2020, along with a separate plan to traffic up to 15 kg of drugs from the Netherlands each week, according to the UKs National Crime Agency. A crime linchpin who brokered multi-million-pound drugs deals has been jailed for 18 years. Heemal Vaid, 49, of Cheam, masterminded the importation and sale of cocaine and heroin worth more than 4m. Full story https://t.co/wFgBNsIG8o pic.twitter.com/pqyZYJ5Hyx National Crime Agency (NCA) (@NCA_UK) April 1, 2025 He was arrested at his home in April 2024 and later pleaded guilty to 12 charges related to drugs and proceeds of crime, as well as one count of conspiracy to blackmail for making threats against someone who owed him money. Thousands of messages sent by Vaid under the pseudonym Starkcake were uncovered and handed to the agency, which led to Operation Venetic - the UKs response to the international takedown of EncroChat. Advertisement ALSO READ | How Indian-origin woman murdered her 11-year-old son during a visit to Disneyland What did the investigation uncover? Investigators carefully examined the messages, eventually confirming that Starkcake had arranged for 96 kg of cocaine, valued at 3.6 million, to be smuggled from Brazil over a month in 2020. The messages further revealed that Vaid was involved in supplying 20 kg of heroin and one kg of cocaine within the UK. Lead investigator Luke Seldon stated, As investigators painstakingly examined each of Starkcakes messages, it became clear that he was a linchpin in the criminal world. Starkcake had links to drugs suppliers overseas and those selling potentially fatal substances on UK streets. His messages revealed he was also a professional money launderer, managing and hiding millions of pounds he and others made from crime. ALSO READ | Indians are bad: How 67-year-old nurse was brutally attacked by patient in US hospital Investigators pieced together his true identity through clues in his messages, verifying these with mobile data and financial records to confirm he was Heemal Vaid. One message to Starkcake referenced cash being deposited into an account under the name H Vaid. Investigators cross-checked this and found a matching transaction in Vaids bank records. Advertisement Notably, officers also identified a payment Vaid had made at a cafe in Dubai around the same time he mentioned being in the country. Further analysis of mobile data showed Vaids movements aligned with messages about Starkcakes whereabouts. On one occasion, data indicated that Vaid was near a river close to his former home, just as he had told an associate he was going for a riverside walk, the agency said in a statement. Seldon said, Vaid attempted to fly under the radar by using an encrypted phone and getting others to do his bidding, but he underestimated the capability and tenacity of investigators. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will spend two days in Thailand, will meet his counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra and attend the 6th Bimstec Summit. But whats on his schedule? What can we expect from the trip? read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for his visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka. Image Courtesy: @MEAIndia/X Prime Minister Narendra Modi is headed to Thailand. Modi, who will spend two days in Thailand, will meet his counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Modi will also attend the 6th Bimstec Summit. The upcoming visit will present an opportunity to build on the positive momentum in our bilateral ties since the visit of the Prime Minister in 2019. The Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This will be his second meeting with the Thai Prime Minister. He had earlier met her on the margins of the ASEAN summit in Vientiane on 11th of October last year, Secretary East Jadeep Mazumdar said. Advertisement But what do we know about Modis trip? What can we expect? Lets take a closer look: What do we know? Modi will visit Thailand on Thursday and Friday (April 3 and 4). As per The Times of India, this is Modis third visit to Thailand. It is the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Thailand in over a decade. He is slated to meet Shinawatra at the Government House where he will be accorded a ceremonial welcome. Modi will also be given a grand welcome by the Indian community in Thailand. Modi and his Shinawatra are slated to visit Wat Pho one of Thailands top temples famed for its massive reclining Buddha statue. Thailands Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at a press conference at the Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. Reuters/File Photo On Thursday evening, the Prime Minister will join the leaders of other Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) nations Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan for the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation. The Bimstec summit will bring Modi face to face with Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, among others. This would be the first physical meeting of the Bimstec leaders since the 4th Bimstec Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2018. The last summit was held in Colombo in March 2022 in virtual format. Advertisement On Friday, Modi will call on Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, and Queen Suthida. The Prime Minister will attend the Bimstec Summit on Friday morning. Bimstec was established on June 6, 1997, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. What can we expect on Thailand? Mazumdar said that Modi and Shinawatra will review progress in the entire gamut of bilateral relations between the countries. They will review the progress in the entire gamut of bilateral relations and ways to add greater momentum to the India-Thailand bilateral partnership and also exchange views on the regional and multilateral issues, he said. Mazumdar said that a number of agreements and bilateral documents are expected to be signed during the visit. A number of agreements and declarations are likely to be concluded at the summit. I might also add that the present Secretary General of BIMSE is an Indian ambassador Indibani Pandey, a very distinguished Indian Foreign Service officer who took over as SG last year, he said. Mazumdar said that as a maritime neighbour, Thailand and Indias ties cover multifaceted bilateral aspects. Advertisement As you know, India and Thailand have historically warm bilateral relations, shared civilisational, cultural, and religious bonds. Thailand is Indias maritime neighbour, a valuable partner in our Act East policy and vision for the Indo-Pacific, and also a highly valued partner in Bimstec. Our bilateral ties are multifaceted and cover a range of joint cooperation from defence and security to trade and investment, connectivity, science, technology, innovation, education, space, health, culture, tourism, and people to people exchanges, he said. He pointed out that the trade between both countries is almost $15 billion. Thailand is the 3rd largest economy in ASEAN and our 4th largest trading partner after Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia in the ASEAN region. Our trade is almost $15 billion and our exports to Thailand are about $5 billion and imports from Thailand about almost $10 billion, he said. Trade between both countries is almost $15 billion. Reuters Last year at the request of the government of Thailand, India had sent the holy relics of Lord Buddha and two of his main disciples for a 25-day exposition over 5 different cities of Thailand. And this was from 25th of February to the 9th of March, and around 4 million people paid their obeisance to the relics, he added. Advertisement Mazumdar said that the success of this expositions shows Indias cooperation with Thailand in various groups. The unprecedented success of this exposition is a reaffirmation of our age-old indelible religious and cultural ties between the two countries. India and Thailand cooperate in ASEAN and the East Asia Summit process, and as I said in the Bay of Bengal initiative for multi-sectoral, technical and Economic Cooperation, the Mekong Ganga Cooperation, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, he said. What can we expect on Bimstec? India TV News quoted the MEA as saying that Bimstec leaders are likely to consider how to increase cooperation with each other. The theme for this years summit is BIMSTEC Prosperous, Resilient and Open. The regional grouping is expected to adopt the Bangkok Vision 2030. The MEA has said that BIMSTEC leaders are likely to consider how to increase cooperation with each other. The Bangkok Vision 2030 will likely set a clear direction and goals for cooperation and promote the region as an area of peace, stability and economic sustainability. It will also examine collaborating to reduce the impact of climate change. Bimstec, you know, is a unique organisation. You know, if you look at it, it is an institution which can be a vehicle for Indias neighbourhood first policy, and also our Act East Policy. It is a bridge between South Asia and the Southeast Asia region, Indian Ambassador to Thailand Nagesh Singh said. Advertisement At the forthcoming Bangkok summit, the Bangkok Vision 2030 will be adopted, and the report of the Bimstec Eminent Persons Group will also be endorsed to chart the future direction of Bimstec, Mazumdar said. Mazumdar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally invested in Bimstec and had invited Bimstec leaders in his 2019 inauguration. Significant recent development in Bimstec has been that the charter has come into force in May last year. This gives the grouping an international personality, lays down its principles and purposes, and also the basic institutional architecture of the grouping. Prime Minister Modis decision to host the Bimstec leaders retreat in Goa in 2016 was a signal development for BIMSTEC. The Prime Minister is personally invested in BIMSTEC. He also invited all the BIMSTEC leaders to his inauguration in 2019, he said. What do experts say? A piece in The Print said Modis trip offers a chance to build on these deep-rooted ties and explore new areas of cooperation. The piece noted that both sides are keen to operationalise the Trilateral Highway from Moreh (Manipur) to Mae Sot on the ThaiMyanmar border. Advertisement However, it noted that the project is delayed. It is, therefore, timely that Prime Minister Modi is going to Thailand not only to attend the Bimstec summit but also for a bilateral visit. Indias Act East policy, announced by the Prime Minister in 2014, is complemented by Thailands Act West policy. Indias Vision of the Indo-Pacific complements the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, articulated by Thailand during its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2019, the piece stated. The piece predicted that the India-Thailand partnership will rise to new heights. Prime Minister Modis forthcoming visit to Thailand will provide an excellent opportunity for both sides to upgrade the relationship into that of a strategic partnership. That will also be in line with the MAHASAGAR vision of regional maritime cooperation he has recently articulated. Modis trip comes in the backdrop of an earthquake rocking Myanmar and Thailand. In Thailand, the quake a high-rise building under construction to collapse and burying many workers. Two bodies were pulled from the rubble Monday and another was recovered Tuesday, but dozens were still missing. Overall, there were 22 people killed and 34 injured in Bangkok, primarily at the construction site. There is expected to be no change in Modis schedule. India TV News quoted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as saying, We are in touch with authorities on this. There is nothing at the moment to indicate, either way, whether it is going to have any effect on the summit. With inputs from agencies Spains golden visa was among the worlds most popular residency-by-investment programmes. However, the European nation has called time on it, starting today (April 3). The reason: the housing crisis, which has forced many locals out of their neighbourhoods read more People wait in front of the Passion facade (Western side) of the Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia) in Barcelona. The country has now ended its golden visa programme, starting today (April 3). File image/AFP No hay prisa. In Spain, this phrase embodies the way people live in the European nation, which translates to theres no rush. However, for those who dreamt of living this idea up in the country, time has run out. Why? Because starting today (April 3), the European country has called time on its popular residency-by-investment programme, known as the golden visa. The move comes after the countrys congress in January approved the termination of the golden visa scheme. Advertisement But what led to this situation? How will it impact Spain? We deep dive to get these answers. What is Spains golden visa scheme? The residency-by-investment programme in Spain began in 2013 after the country, along with others such as Greece and Portugal, were desperate to attract investors as they climbed out of the 2009 debt crisis. To attain a golden visa, all one had to do was to acquire real estate worth 500,000 (Rs 4.7 crore) or possess investment funds, bank deposits, or listed company shares in Spanish financial institutions with a minimum value of 1 million (Rs 9.4 crore). Spains Golden Visa granted applicants the right to reside and work in Spain, but unlike other residency permits, it did not require them to live in the country full-time. Beneficiaries only needed to visit Spain for one day per year to maintain their residency status. People walk up and down Las Ramblas alley in Barcelona. File image/AFP How popular has Spains golden visa been? Since its inception, Spains golden visa has become quite popular with people from across the world flocking to acquire it. Between 2013 and 2023, Spain granted a total of 14,576 golden visas, the majority of which were given to citizens of China, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ukraine, Iran, Venezuela, and Mexico, according to a government press release. Additionally, data shows that the programme generated about $10 billion in investments for the country. The buzz around Spains golden visa, as experts noted was owing to two reasons: it offered a more affordable lifestyle at an affordable price. Moreover, it gave many foreigners, especially Americans a reprieve from its politics. Javier Rosado of Strand Properties Fuengirola, a coastal town near Malaga, told the New York Times that as of 2020, the number of Americans residing in Spain had grown by 32 per cent, to nearly 70,000. They wanted to avoid the poisonous politics, he said. If that was the case, why scrap the golden visa scheme? But as the number of golden visas increased, many noticed that it was having a negative impact on the countrys housing market. Experts say that foreign property buyers, mostly interesting in acquiring the golden visa, pushed up the prices of real estate, forcing many local residents out of their neighbourhoods. For instance, in Spain, rents and home prices have both risen by 11 per cent largely driven by foreign homeowners. According to Spanish property website Idealista, rental prices in Spain rose by 11.5 per cent in 2024, reaching an all-time high in December with an average of 13.5 per square metre. Advertisement This phenomenon became particularly notable in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia where tourism was booming. In Madrid, the city centre saw rents increase by 21 per cent in one year, with prices rarely falling below 2,000 per month, Quique Villalobos, a spokesperson for urban planning and housing with the Federation of Neighbourhood Associations of Madrid told Euronews. In municipalities in the metropolitan area, rents of 1,200 to 1,500 are being demanded for three-bedroom properties, he added. A woman holds cardboard keys reading Out vultures and Right to a roof, as people protest to demand lower housing rental prices and better living conditions in Madrid, Spain last October. File image/Reuters In Barcelona, the picture is similar, with the boom in tourist flats being a key factor. Such was the situation that Spain saw massive protests against tourists in 2024, with protesters demanding that tourists leave the country. In July, angry protesters caught the worlds attention when they fired water pistols at surprised tourists in Barcelona. Commenting on the same, Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said last April, Housing is a constitutional right, not a mere speculative business. Thats why were going to eliminate the golden visa. Advertisement In January, he once again reiterated the housing crisis, saying, Whats lacking is housing, adding that some 27,000 homes and apartments in the country were purchased by non-EU residents in 2024. Many of those, he said, were not purchased to live in, but rather to rent out on platforms like Airbnb, to the detriment of the local community. The West faces a decisive challenge, he continued. To not become a society divided into two classes, the rich landlords and poor tenants. On January 3, a decree from the Spanish government announced that the golden visa would come to an end, with the ruling taking effect three months later April 3. Tourists listen to guides as they queue at the entrance of the Royal Palace, in the centre of Madrid. Its uncertain if scrapping the golden visa would help alleviate Spains housing crisis. File image/AFP What comes next for Spain? Sanchez believes that the discontinuation of the golden visa will help address the countrys housing crisis. But experts believe otherwise. Andres Gutierrez, the head of Spain office at Henley & Partners told Firstpost in an email that it is improbable that the elimination of the programme will have any impact on the housing market. He added that less than one per cent of the property purchases made by foreigners have been used as qualifying investments under Law 14/2013. Advertisement William Morillas of Target Estates in Mijas Pueblo, near Malaga, concurs with this. Speaking to the New York Times, he said, Its a political stunt. It will not do anything to help housing. In concluding remarks, Gutierrez said, Spain has lost an opportunity to align the programme with the strategic objectives of the government to raise Foreign Direct Investment and benefit the country as a whole. With inputs from agencies Judges of the Supreme Court have decided to make their assets public. The details of the wealth of all 33 sitting judges are likely to be published on the apex courts website soon. This comes amid calls for greater transparency in the Indian judiciary read more As the Indian judiciary faces questions over lack of transparency, the Supreme Court has taken a step towards ensuring greater accountability. Judges of the apex court have unanimously decided to make their asset declarations public. The judges reportedly came to the agreement at a full court meeting held on April 1. This comes in the wake of the alleged discovery of illicit cash at the official residence of Justice Yashwant Varma in Delhi last month. Advertisement Lets take a closer look. SC judges to declare assets publicly All 33 judges of the Supreme Court have agreed to disclose their assets to the public by publishing the details on the apex courts website. The resolution will apply to both current and future judges, reported Hindustan Times (HT). As per the existing rules, it is upon the judges of the Supreme Court to declare their assets to the public but is not mandatory. The new resolution comes amid the latest controversy surrounding the judiciary. In mid-March, a fire at the house of Justice Yashwant Varma, the then-sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, allegedly led to the discovery of a pile of cash. He is facing an in-house probe and has been transferred from Delhi to the Allahabad High Court. Debate over disclosure of judges assets The debate over judges declaring their assets publicly has been going on for decades. In 1997, the Supreme Court adopted a resolution making it mandatory for judges of the apex court to disclose their assets and liabilities to the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Every judge should make a declaration of all assets in the form of real estate or investment held in their names, in the name of their spouses or any other person dependent on them, to the Chief Justice, the resolution read. The judges of the High Courts are required to submit details of their wealth to the chief justices of their respective courts. As per Indian Express, of the total 770 judges in all the High Courts, less than 13 per cent have publicly declared their assets and liabilities. The judges have to make these declarations upon assuming office and whenever any acquisition of a substantial nature is made. However, these asset disclosures were not mandated to be public. Advertisement Amid intense pressure from the public and within the judiciary, a full court of the top court in 2009 agreed to publicly declare the assets and liabilities of judges, which was to be published on the court website. Later, the Supreme Court clarified that while the judges were encouraged to divulge the details of their fortune, it was done on a purely on a voluntary basis. The Supreme Courts website mentions the names of 30 judges who have revealed their assets. File Photo/PTI Currently, the apex courts website lists the names of 30 of the 33 judges who have submitted their asset declarations. Unlike judges, it is often mandatory for other public servants to declare their assets. The Right to Information (RTI) Act has further sparked debates about judicial transparency. Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act bars the disclosure of personal information unless it justifies larger public interest and has been used to shield the details of judicial assets from the public. This has drawn criticism from various quarters. In 2019, the apex court observed that judges personal assets and liabilities are not personal information. However, it affirmed that the details of judicial wealth could remain confidential unless its disclosure is warranted by public interest. Advertisement A major legal battle on the issue came in 2009 when RTI activist Subhash Chandra Agarwal filed an RTI application, seeking disclosure of Supreme Court judges asset declarations. As per HT, in its 2023 report on judicial accountability, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice backed the mandatory disclosure of judges assets. However, the issue remained in the cold storage. Last November, the Central government told the Rajya Sabha there was no plan to make asset declarations mandatory for judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. Now, the Supreme Courts latest decision will bring greater transparency in the Indian judiciary. With inputs from agencies Trumps tariffs will harm rather than help ordinary Americans and people around the world. Everyday purchases such as clothes could soon cost a lot more than they used to. As this reality TV-style trade drama continues to unfold, the world should prepare for more episodes, more cliffhangers, and more uncertainty read more US President Donald Trump signs an executive order on tariffs, in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, US, April 2, 2025. Reuters It had the hallmarks of a reality TV cliffhanger. Until recently, many people had never even heard of tariffs. Now, theres been rolling live international coverage of so-called Liberation Day, as US President Donald Trump laid out tariffs to be imposed on countries around the world. Just hours ago, Trump announced all imports to the United States will be subject to a new baseline 10 per cent tariff. This is an additional tax charged by US Customs and Border Protection when products cross the border. Advertisement The baseline tariff is expected to take effect from April 5, and then higher reciprocal tariffs on individual countries from April 9. That leaves no time for businesses to adjust their supply chains. What might the next episode hold for the rest of the world? We can expect many countries to retaliate, bringing in tariffs and trade penalties of their own. That comes with risks. Tariffs, tariffs, and more tariffs Vietnam will be among the hardest hit by reciprocal measures, with a 46 per cent tariff. China, South Korea and Japan will also feel the brunt of the newest announcement all subject to new tariffs of between 24 per cent and 34 per cent. The European Union is subject to 20 per cent. Many countries had already vowed to retaliate. In a recent speech, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said all instruments are on the table. She also stressed that the single market is the safe harbour for EU members. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has vowed to retaliate against US tariffs. Ronald Wittek/EPA Canada was apparently spared from the baseline 10 per cent tariff. But it still has to contend with previously announced 25 per cent tariffs on the automotive and other sectors. People hold a Canadian flag during a protest in solidarity with the country amid uncertainty over tariffs policy, near the Canada-US border crossing in Buffalo, New York, on April 2. Reuters Canadas new prime minister, Mark Carney, has said nothing is off the table in terms of retaliation. Asia takes major hit The 34 per cent new tariff on China will be on top of the 20 per cent tariff previously imposed, bringing the total to 54 per cent. Thats a further aggravation to already fractious relations between the worlds two largest economies. China has been slapped with a 34 per cent tariff. This is on top of 20 per cent tariff Trump levied it on it in January. Reuters Vietnam is especially reliant on the US market, and has been trying to negotiate its way through tariff threats. This has included unprecedented agreements to accept deported Vietnamese citizens from the US. Advertisement Until this point, Vietnam had benefited from tensions between the US and China. These new enormous tariffs will have large ripple effects through not only Vietnam, but also less economically developed Cambodia (49 per cent tariff) and Myanmar (44 per cent tariff). Vietnam has been hit with a tariff of 46 per cent. Luong Thai Linh/EPA Is it worth fighting back? Vulnerable countries may not have the leverage to fight back. It is hard to imagine what leverage Cambodia or Myanmar could have against the US, given the disparity in resources. Other countries consider it is not worth the fight. For example, Australia is rightly questioning whether a tit-for-tat strategy is effective, or will just ramp up the problem further. One country that has flown under the radar is Russia. Two-way trade with Russia is small, and subject to sanctions. But US media have reported Trump would like to expand the trading relationship in the future. US Postal Service takes a hit Some of the interesting impacts of Trumps announcements relate to what trade experts call the de minimis rule: usually, if you make a small purchase online, you dont pay import taxes when the item arrives in your country. Trump closed this loophole for goods from China in February, but then paused it days later. On April 2, Trump signed an executive order to again close the loophole, which will be effective May 2. Duties will apply to goods from China that were previously exempt, below the de minimis amount of $800 (Rs 68,000). Those sent through the international postal network will face a rate of either 30 per cent of their value or a charge of $25 (Rs 2,130) per item which will increase to $50 (Rs 4,230) in June. Advertisement A United States Postal Service (USPS) collection box is pictured in Washington, US, on December 18, 2024. Reuters File This wont just be a nightmare for online shoppers. Some 100,000 small parcels arrive in the US every hour, many from China. These charges will now have to be collected on many more packages, in coordination with US Customs and Border Protection. Trump has signed an executive order ending de minimis exemptions on goods from China. Backlash is coming We can also expect consumer backlash to increase worldwide, too. Canadas elbows up movement is one template. Consumers around the world are already choosing to redirect their spending away from US products, expressing their anger at the Trump administrations stance on trade, diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, environmental protection, gender rights and more. Consumers should be careful about jumping on the bandwagon without doing their homework, though. Boycotting a US fast food outlet might make you feel better (and frankly may be better for your health), but thats also going to impact the local franchise owner. Hating Americans en masse is also not productive many US citizens are themselves deeply upset at what is happening. Prepare for price hikes Watch out for the impending claim of victory one of Trumps mantras popularised in the recent movie, The Apprentice. The US trade deficit rocketed after Trumps previous tariff announcements this year, as importers scrambled to stockpile supplies before price increases. Advertisement This cannot happen this time, because the tariffs come into effect in just three days. In the short term, the monthly trade deficit will decline if imports return to normal, which will give Trump a chance to claim the policies are working even if its just a rebound effect. But these tariffs will harm rather than help ordinary Americans. Everyday purchases like clothes (made in places such as Vietnam, Cambodia and China) could soon cost a lot more than they used to with a $20 (Rs 1,700) t-shirt going up to nearly $30 (Rs 2,500), not including US sales taxes. As this reality TV-style trade drama continues to unfold, the world should prepare for more episodes, more cliffhangers, and more uncertainty. Lisa Toohey, Professor of Law, UNSW Sydney This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, a Ukrainian-American tourist, was arrested after he tried to enter the restricted North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The 24-year-old, who left a can of cola and a coconut as an offering, set foot on the isolated island and even made attempts to contact the Sentinelese tribe, who have remained untouched by the outside world for years read more A Ukrainian-American tourist, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, has found himself in serious trouble after allegedly setting foot on North Sentinel Island in Andaman & Nicobar. File image/AP A Ukrainian-American tourist, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, has found himself in serious trouble after allegedly setting foot on North Sentinel Island in Andaman & Nicobarone of the most secluded and strictly protected places in the world. Hoping to make contact with the islands elusive tribe, he left behind a can of cola and a coconut as an offering. But the Sentinelese, who have remained untouched by the outside world for over 30 years, paid him no attention. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His risky expedition came to an abrupt end when authorities learned of his actions. On March 31, he was arrested in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for entering a prohibited area without permission. But how did he manage to pull this off? Why is North Sentinel Island off-limits? And has anyone else attempted to reach this mysterious land before? Lets take a closer look. How did US tourist manage to reach North Sentinel Island? Polyakovs plan was far from spontaneous. Authorities said that he set out from Kurma Dera Beach at around 1 am on March 29 to enter the North Sentinel Island, after meticulously conducting research on sea conditions, tides, and accessibility from the beach. He then launched his boat, bringing with him a coconut and a can of cola as offerings as he wanted to make contact with the isolated tribe on the island. Using GPS navigation, Polyakov reached the northeastern shore at around 10 am and used binoculars to survey the area but saw no signs of the Sentinalese. In an attempt to draw attention, he allegedly blew a whistle he had brought along, but there was no response. He then landed on the island for around five minutes, left offerings on the shore and collected sand samples. He also recorded a video before returning to his boat. A tribesman aims his bow and arrow at an Indian coastguard helicopter over North Sentinel Island. File image/AFP By 7 pm, he returned to the resort area, where local fishermen spotted him. His movements quickly came to the attention of the authorities, and he was arrested. An FIR was filed against him under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation, 2012. Police also seized his GoPro camera, which he had used to document his expedition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Surprisingly, this wasnt Polyakovs first attempt to reach the forbidden island. According to police, he had visited the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in October last year and had tried to use an inflatable kayak to get close to North Sentinel, but hotel staff intervened and stopped him. His fascination with the region didnt end there. He returned in January this year, attempting to buy a motor for his boat. During that trip, he also visited the Baratang Islands and was accused of illegally filming the Jarawa tribe, another protected indigenous group. DGP HS Dhaliwal told PTI, We are getting more details about him and his intention to visit the reserved tribal area. We are also trying to find where else he visited during his stay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. We are questioning the hotel staff where he was staying in Port Blair. Why is nobody allowed to visit North Sentinel island? North Sentinel Island isnt just off-limitsits one of the most protected and mysterious places on Earth. Home to the Sentinelese, a tribe that has lived in isolation for thousands of years, the island remains untouched by modern civilisation. Indian law strictly forbids any attempt to make contact with the Sentinelese, who are believed to be direct descendants of the first humans to migrate out of Africa. Their way of life is largely unknown, making them a rare living link to the Stone Age. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian law strictly forbids any attempt to make contact with the Sentinelese, who are believed to be direct descendants of the first humans to migrate out of Africa. Image courtesy: X/MarioNawfal Anthropologists estimate that between 50 to 100 Sentinelese live on the island, choosing to remain cut off from the outside world. They are fiercely independent and have repeatedly resisted contact, often responding with aggression to outsiders who venture too close. In 2018, an American missionary John Allen Chau made several attempts to visit the island to preach Christianity. However, the 26-year-old was he was killed by the tribesmen, and his body remains on the island to this day. Reuters The island is legally protected under the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes (Regulation), 1956, and the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Any unauthorised visit is considered a criminal offence. One of the earliest recorded attempts to approach North Sentinel Island happened in 1974, when a National Geographic crew tried to get close. Their welcome? A volley of arrows, one of which struck the director in the leg. In 2006, two fishermen who accidentally drifted into restricted waters while poaching were killed on sight. The tribe later buried their bodies on the beach, making it clear that outsiders were not welcome. However, in the early 1990s, Indian anthropologists Triloknath Pandit and managed to establish the first peaceful contact. They offered coconuts to the Sentinelese, and while the tribe accepted them, the interaction did not develop into anything meaningful or lasting. Footage from 1991 captures one of the few friendly encounters with the inhabitants of North Sentinel Island. This footage was captured on January 4, 1991, when Trilokinath Pandit, then director of the Anthropological Survey of India, and his team visited the island. The pic.twitter.com/qEUrE1LEwz Morbid Knowledge (@Morbidful) July 8, 2024 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Sentineleses hostility towards outsiders isnt without reason. In 1880, Maurice Vidal Portman, a British naval officer, attempted to civilise the tribe by kidnapping six islanderstwo adults and four childrenand taking them to Port Blair. The adults quickly fell sick and died due to their lack of immunity to modern diseases. The children were sent back with gifts, but likely carried new infections with them. This tragic episode is believed to be a major reason why the tribe remains deeply distrustful of outsiders. In 1996, India officially banned all outside visits to protect the tribe. In the early 1990s, Indian anthropologists Triloknath Pandit and Madhumala Chattopadhyay managed to establish the first peaceful contact with the Sentinalese tribe. Image courtesy: Facebook/Madhumala Chattopadhyay The most infamous case came in 2018, when American missionary John Allen Chau made several attempts to visit the island to preach Christianity. Despite paying fishermen to smuggle him close, he was met with aggression. His diary, later recovered, revealed that on an earlier attempt, an arrow had pierced his Bible. On his final visit, he was killed by the tribesmen, and his body remains on the island to this day. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite repeated incidents over the years, people like Polyakov continue to ignore the warning signs. The message from the Sentinelese is clearthey want nothing to do with the outside world. And it would be best for them and us to respect their privacy and leave them undisturbed. With input from agencies Big tech companies like Google, Amazon and Microsoft are urging H-1B visa holders not to leave the United States. These firms are concerned that once their employees leave American soil, they may not be allowed back in. The development comes in the backdrop of the growing uncertainty in Silicon Valley regarding the Donald Trump administrations policies surrounding immigration read more Tech firms such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft are warning employees on H1-B visas not to leave America Big tech companies are urging H-1B visa holders not to leave the United States, according to a report. These tech giants are concerned that once their employees leave American soil, they may not be allowed back in. The development comes in the backdrop of the growing uncertainty in Silicon Valley regarding the Donald Trump administrations policies surrounding immigration. Trump in January said he likes both sides of the argument on H-1B foreign guest workers visa, noting that he likes very competent people coming into the country and that he has used the programme himself. Advertisement But what do we know? What do experts say? Lets take a closer look: What do we know? First, lets take a brief look at the H-1B visa. The H-1B visa allows foreigners to work and settle in the US for a certain period. Indians are among the biggest holders of the H-1B visa. As per The Times of India, the United States issues 65,000 such visas every year. Indians, receive the majority of these visas followed by Chinese and Canadian nationals. From October 2022 to September 2023, Indian nationals received 72.3 per cent of all H-1B visas issued by the US. According to the report in The Washington Post, tech firms such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft are warning their employees not to leave America. Tech giants are concerned that once their employees leave American soil, they may not be allowed back in. Reuters The newspaper quoted two H-1B card holders as saying they had called off their India trip over concerns about being allowed back into the US. One H-1B holder expressed worries over the Trumps administration trying to do away with birthright citizenship. The holder said that if this comes to pass, future children may become stateless neither Indian nor American. The other H-1B holder said, Theres an assumption that everybody who is not a US citizen might be here illegally. Advertisement When were walking around, we always carry our documents, the worker said. An HR worker at a Silicon Valley tech firm told the newspaper such developments definitely impacts their performance as the threat is looming that some action will be taken against them. The representative added that businesses are bearing the cost of faster visa extension processing in order to offset delays. What do experts say? They say that tech firms and H-1B holders are right to be concerned. What were seeing right now is just a lot of worry and panicIt seems like [the administration is] just getting more and more momentum, and we dont know whats around the corner, Malcolm Goeschl, principal attorney for Goeschl Law, a San Francisco-based firm focused on business immigration that serves clients in the tech industry, told The Washington Post. Since the new Trump administration took office, we have observed a significant increase in questioning of valid non-immigrant visa holders-including H-1B and F-1 visa holders-as well as green card holders at US ports of entry, Sukanya Raman, country head, Davies & Associates, LLC, an immigration-focused law firm, told The Times of India. Advertisement We are seeing a rise in H-1B holders (Indians) not travelling out of the US, fearing a ban on re-entry as there is a high level of insecurity, added Gautam Khurana, managing partner, India Law Offices LLP. Immigration attorney Kripa Upadhyay from Seattle, speaking to the newspaper, said returns to the US are precarious and extremely vetted. This sounds heartless, but foreigners (especially those needing to renew H-1B or F-1 visas) must think twice about leaving the US right now, Upadhyay. Trump previously said he liked both sides of the argument on H-1B visas. I like both sides of the argument, but I also like very competent people coming into our country, even if that involves them training and helping other people that may not have the qualifications they do. But I dont want to stop and Im not just talking about engineers, Im talking about people at all levels, Trump told reporters at the White House during a joint news conference with Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Open AI CEO Sam Altman. Advertisement Elon Musk, a big Trump backer, has come out in favour of H-1B visas. With inputs from agencies A day after the US imposed a 27% tariff on its imports, India on Thursday said that it was evaluating the impact of this change in US trade policy and exploring potential opportunities that may arise read more US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, on February 13, 2025. Reuters File A day after the US imposed a 27% tariff on its imports, India on Thursday said that it was evaluating the impact of this change in US trade policy and exploring potential opportunities that may arise. India also vowed to push for a trade deal this year, signalling a conciliatory tone despite failing to get relief from President Donald Trumps trade policy. In a statement, trade ministry said that it was carefully examining the implications of the US announcement and also holding talks with Indian industry and exporters on their assessment of the tariffs. Advertisement The department is also studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in US trade policy, Reuters quoted the trade ministry as saying, and referred to the agreement between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February to work on the first phase of a trade deal by autumn 2025. The ongoing talks are focused on enabling both nations to grow trade, investments and technology transfers, it said, referring to negotiations between the two sides. We remain in touch with the Trump administration on these issues and expect to take them forward in the coming days. New Delhis response came hours after Trump announced the steep tariffs, which added pressure to a struggling global economy and caused stock markets and oil prices to plummet. While Trump said that Indian goods would be subject to a 26% tariff, the White Houses executive order set the rate at 27%, which was also confirmed by Indias trade ministry. A 10% baseline tariff will begin on Saturday, with the higher reciprocal tariff taking effect on April 9. New Delhi is also considering helping export sectors hurt by the new tariffs, Reuters quoted an Indian trade ministry source as saying. Indian officials would hold virtual meetings this month with their US peers to discuss a trade deal, the source said. Trump has slapped higher duties on other countries, including 34% on China on top of a 20% tax announced earlier, and 46% on Vietnam. Advertisement The relatively lower tariffs imposed on India calmed equity markets. The Nifty 50 fell 0.35% and the BSE Sensex lost 0.42%, but fared better than most Asian peers, as analysts said Indias relatively lower reciprocal tariffs compared to China, Vietnam, and Thailand could offer a competitive edge. The Indian rupee rose 0.08% to the US dollar, holding up reasonably well amid a dip in most Asian currencies. India gains a natural competitive advantage in several key sectors due to the relatively lower tariffs imposed, research firm Global Trade Research Institute said in a note. Nearly $14 billion worth of electronics products and over $9 billion worth of gems and jewellery are among the top sectors to be hit by the US tariffs. The Trump administration, however, exempted pharmaceutical exports from the tariff bringing cheer to Indias pharma industry. The US accounted for nearly a third of Indias pharmaceutical exports - mainly cheaper versions of popular drugs - with sales of about $9 billion last fiscal year. Advertisement With inputs from agencies A Jaguar fighter jet of the Indian airforce crashed in Gujarats Jamnagar on Wednesday evening. One pilot onboard was rescued while the search for another is currently underway read more A Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in Gujarats Jamnagar on Wednesday evening. According to preliminary reports from the district administration, one pilot was rescued safely and a search operation for the other one is currently underway. According to ANI, following the crash, a large cloud of smoke reportedly engulfed the entire area. There were two pilots in the (Jaguar) trainer aircraft of the Air Force. One has been rescued and taken to the hospital. Operations are underway to rescue the other pilot, Prem Sukh Delu, SP Jamnagar told local reporters following the incident. Advertisement Several burning pieces and debris could be seen scattered on the ground. Locals gathered around the area just minutes after the crash. The pilot who was rescued eventually was seen laying on the ground. #WATCH | A Jaguar fighter aircraft crashes in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Prem Sukh Delu, SP Jamnagar, says, "There were two pilots in the (Jaguar) trainer aircraft of the Air Force. One has been rescued and taken to the hospital. Operations are underway to rescue the other pilot..." pic.twitter.com/QhJuICyZmI ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025 The matter is currently under investigation and the cause behind the crash is yet to be ascertained. An aircraft of the Air Force has crashed in the district of Jamnagar. One pilot has been rescued and shifted to hospital, Jamnagar Collector, Ketan Thakkar said on the matter. The fire team is present at the spot and has doused the fire. Air Force team, fire team, Police and other teams are present here for the rescueThe civilian area has not been affectedThe aircraft crashed in an open ground, he furthered. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. By the time US President Donald Trump ends his second administration, the world would have witnessed the rise of a lonely superpower. This can be imagined from his risky foreign economic policies, diplomatic gambles, and ambiguous defence and security initiatives. The Trump 2.0 administration has begun with an assumption that the United States has lost its status as a great power and hence there is a need to systematically restore that status and Make America Great Again. Many American political leaders and strategic analysts would not agree with the proposition that the US is no longer a great power. The way American allies and adversaries have carefully responded to President Trumps frequent provocations is actually a clear signal that the international community still thinks that the United States is a superpower and that it has the ability to inflict pains on other countries and assist in maintaining peace and stability. Advertisement President Trump is perhaps aware of it and that is why he gets away with insulting leaders of friendly countries, threatening smaller countries, such as Panama and Colombia in South America and Ukraine and Denmark in Europe and has tried to force them to toe his line. Yet, he seems to have his own concept of a great power that can be a global dictator and the rest of the world would have to say yes to the boss! In order to make America a sole superpower, Trump has been making an argument that the rest of the world, especially Americas close allies like Mexico, Canada, the EU, Japan and South Korea, strategic partners like India, Indonesia and Vietnam, and rising rivals like China have taken undue advantage of the US for long by adopting unfair trade practices and reaping billions of dollars of trade surpluses. While making such allegations, President Trump and his advisors maintain silence over gargantuan advantages the US companies have garnered through massive export of services and gigantic American investments around the world. What is disturbing is not just the on goods imported into the United States, but using the threat of tariffs to extract concessions on other issues. The tariff threat was dangled to make Mexico and Canada do more to check inflow of illegal immigrants and Fentanyl. Both the countries actually took steps in that regard to avoid higher tariffs, not because they admitted guilt but because they did not want economic instability. He threatened Colombia with a raised tariff when the countrys president requested that a planeload of alleged illegal migrants from Colombia should not be handcuffed or the latter be allowed to bring them back home. Colombia succumbed to pressure and allowed the US planes carrying handcuffed migrants to land. More recently, he threatened countries buying oil from Russia and Venezuela, if the latter did not abide by his demands. President Trump, moreover, prefers bilateral dealings with countries rather than multilateral cooperation and dialogues. He has expressed his dissatisfaction with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and wanted the member countries to pay more for their protection. He has disregarded the fact that NATO is a collective security organisation where decisions are taken through consensus and the US alone is not the security provider. Trump has even warned that NATO members, who do not spend enough on defence, should not expect the US to come to their rescue, if attacked. Advertisement While undermining the role and relevance of NATO, President Trump continues to play the role of a security provider bilaterally to alliance partners. His choice of bilateralism is mirrored in Defence Secretary Peter Hegseths visit to the Philippines and Japan. The Philippines-US security cooperation is long-standing and so is the US-Japan security alliance. President Trumps full support of Israel and making Saudi Arabia the hub for diplomatic dialogues on the Ukraine issue and the first foreign destination of Trump also highlight his preference for bilateral security engagements rather than multilateral ones. The same is true in the case of trade and investment issues for President Trump. His reciprocal tariff proposal is like ringing the death knell of the World Trade Organisation. His withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and the UN Human Rights Council are other examples of Trumps disdain for multilateralism. More telling in his recent unprecedented policy changes is the Executive Order to shrink the global activities of the USAID that actually served the US interests more than benefitted the recipients of American aid. The US acquired its soft power incredibly cheap through foreign aid policy that Trump 2.0 appears hell-bent to wind up. The sole superpower would not like to appear buying support and compliance from other countries and would rather issue ultimatums to opponents of his policies. The sole superpower in Trumps vision has no interest in the Global South affairs. Advertisement President Trumps intention to keep the US a sole superpower without a challenger is reflected in his approach to end the Ukraine War. He wants to make peace with Russia that has suffered years of sanctions and that will take years to rebuild economically. That peace can make American business enter Ukraine with massive investment plans and control over critical materials. President Trump is well cognizant of the fact that the only country that can rival Americas superpower status is the Peoples Republic of China. It was during his first term that Trump had unleashed an economic Cold War against China. His successor, President Joe Biden, did not undo it and now in his second term in the White House, Trump appears to be carrying forward his strategy to disallow China to emerge as a powerful challenger. While creating a schism in Americas ties with the Trans-Atlantic partners, Trump 2.0 will be focused on the Indo-Pacific where China has been taking all measures to carve out a hegemonic sphere of influence. Secretary of State Marck Rubios first ever meeting with the QUAD foreign ministers and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths trip to the Philippines and Japan provide insights into Trumps strategy to deal with China and prevent it from emerging as the second superpower in the world. Advertisement But then the sole superpower under the Trump Administration will be a lonely superpower without reliable friends, followers or admirers. It will have no soft power worth the salt and the US will cease to be a country that would attract talented individuals from around the world to come and follow the American dream. It would, however, have solid hard power to bully others, if needed. It will weaponise its economic wherewithal to enforce compliance to its diktats. Will this lonely superpower survive for long? It is debatable. The nature of power equations suggests that other powerful countries will try to balance it. How that will happen is difficult to imagine now. But Europe may unite more on foreign and defence policies. Alternatively, the European Union might fragment and individual countries may strengthen their military capabilities. Russia, China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, Iran, North Korea and a few others may seek more strategic autonomy and power to prevent the US from bullying too much. Will there be newer alliances in the making? Possibly so, but it would depend upon the behaviour of the sole and lonely superpower. Advertisement The writer is Editor, India Quarterly, and Founder Chairperson, KIIPS. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Val Kilmer has died. He was 65. The cause was pneumonia, as reported by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, he fought the disease with characteristic resilience, even after it took his voicethe very instrument that had made him one of Hollywoods most mesmerising screen presences. With the looks of a rockstar and the acting prowess to match the finest of his generation, Kilmer wasnt just another leading manhe was an actor of rare intensity, slipping seamlessly between roles that demanded both bravado and vulnerability. In his prime, he was a force of nature, commanding the screen whether in blockbuster spectacles or auteur-driven passion projects. Advertisement Kilmer had a rare giftthe ability to disappear into his characters. He wasnt just playing Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991); he became him, so much so that even surviving members of the band struggled to distinguish Kilmers voice from Morrisons own. The film, a fever dream of rock n roll excess, was powered by his hypnotic presence, his every movement and intonation a tribute to the Lizard Kings reckless genius. Equally unforgettable was his turn as Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993), where he transformed a dying gunslinger into a tragic poet. His drawl, his languid swagger, his haunted gazeKilmer infused the character with both wit and sorrow, making lines like Im your Huckleberry immortal in film lore. Few actors could hold their own opposite titans like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, but Kilmer did just that in Michael Manns Heat (1995). As a conflicted criminal caught between love and loyalty, he delivered a performance of quiet desperation, making his characters doomed fate one of the films most haunting elements. He could elevate commercial thrillers, too. In The Saint (1997), his master-of-disguise antihero was both playful and deeply wounded, and his chemistry with Elizabeth Shue turned the film into a guilty pleasure. Even in mainstream fare like Batman Forever (1995), he brought a moody introspection to Bruce Wayne that hinted at a much darker, more nuanced portrayalone that Hollywood, in its pursuit of spectacle, never fully allowed him to explore. Kilmer was never one to play by the rules. He started as a stage actor, trained at Juilliard, and first made waves in comedies like Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985), before finding stardom in Top Gun (1986) as the cocky yet controlled Iceman. But despite his growing fame, he was never content with being just another action star. He sought out roles that challenged him, whether in the haunting adventure The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) or the ambitious but troubled Alexander (2004). Advertisement His later career, however, was marked by Hollywoods cold indifferencea familiar story for actors who refuse to conform. The industry that once celebrated him moved on, and Kilmer, always enigmatic, drifted further into independent projects. His collaboration with Francis Ford Coppola on Twixt (2011), a surreal horror film brimming with Edgar Allan Poe references, was dismissed by critics at the time but later found a cult following, even landing on Cahiers du cinemas list of the best films of 2012. By the time Top Gun: Maverick (2022) arrived, Kilmer had lost his voice to cancer, but not his ability to move audiences. In a brief yet poignant appearance, his return as Iceman was a moment of pure cinematic gracean acknowledgment not just of the characters legacy, but of Kilmers own indomitable spirit. The 2021 documentary Val, pieced together from decades of his own home videos, offered a glimpse into the man behind the myth. Narrated by his son Jack, it told the story of an actor who lived for his craft, even as Hollywood turned its back on him. It was an unfiltered look at the highs and lows, the battles won and lost, the fleeting nature of fame, and the resilience of an artist who never stopped creating. Advertisement Val Kilmers career was a testament to the kind of acting that transcends mere performance. He inhabited his roles with an intensity that made them unforgettable. Whether as a rock god, a gunslinger, a thief, a soldier, or a billionaire crime-fighter, he brought something rare to the screen: authenticity. His detachment from Hollywood in his later years serves as a sobering reminder of the industrys fickleness. But true cinephiles will never forget. His films endure, his performances resonate, and his legacy, much like the characters he played, will not fade into oblivion. Val Kilmer has died. But his legend remains. The author is an Indian critic and journalist who has served as a jury member for the 69th and 70th National Film Awards. He has been covering cinema, art and culture for the last decade and a half. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Advertisement With an April 5 deadline approaching, US officials are fast-tracking a plan to spin off TikToks US business from Chinese ownership. The deal would give American investors, including Blackstone and Andreessen Horowitz, a majority stake read more The TikTok logo is seen in this illustration. Reuters The White House is nearing approval of a deal that would see American investors take control of TikToks US operations, effectively severing ties with its Chinese parent company ByteDance in a move aimed at staving off an impending ban of the popular app. Under the proposed agreement, a consortium of new US investors including venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, private equity giant Blackstone, and other major financial players would acquire roughly half of TikToks American business, Financial Times reported citing people briefed on the talks. Advertisement Existing stakeholders in the video-sharing platform, such as General Atlantic, Susquehanna, KKR and Coatue, are also expected to take part, collectively holding around 30 per cent of the new entity. April 5 deadline looming The planned shake-up comes as a key deadline looms: US legislation set to take effect on April 5 would ban TikTok unless its Chinese ownership divests. ByteDance, based in Beijing, would retain a minority stake capped at just under 20 per cent, in line with the laws stipulation that no foreign adversary hold more than one-fifth of the company. While the deal is still at a formative stage and could change, President Donald Trump is expected to meet officials this week to review the terms. If he gives his approval, an announcement could follow swiftly. ByteDance and the Chinese government would also need to sign off on the arrangement an outcome that has appeared more likely in recent days, as Beijing has softened its previous opposition to any forced sale. As part of the agreement, Oracle, whose co-founder Larry Ellison is a vocal Trump ally, would be tasked with securing TikToks US user data, echoing previous efforts to firewall American information from Chinese access. However, a critical sticking point remains: control over TikToks powerful content recommendation algorithm. One option reportedly being discussed would allow ByteDance to continue operating and developing the algorithm, with the US entity accessing it via a licensing agreement and oversight mechanisms. But critics argue that such a setup would fall short of legislative demands, which many believe require full domestic control over the platforms core technology. Advertisement Adding further intrigue, Amazon, led by Jeff Bezos, reportedly mounted a last-minute bid to acquire TikToks US business, as first revealed by The New York Times. Despite that high-profile intervention, the investor-led proposal remains the frontrunner, according to multiple sources close to the talks. The resolution passed with 51-48 votes in favour and came shortly before Trump announced sweeping tariffs on several nations around the world read more President Donald Trump unveiled reciprocal tariffs on April 2. He has dubbed the day 'Liberation Day' and has reiterated that it will help America. AP 4 Republican senators supported Democrats to vote on a resolution to undo US President Donald Trumps 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports on Wednesday. However, the resolution just expresses the US Senates stance on the matter and does not have the force of law. The resolution passed with 51-48 votes in favour and came shortly before Trump announced sweeping tariffs on several nations around the world. Four Republicans who supported Democrats during the voting were Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Mitch McConnell (Ky.). All the senators voted to express their disapproval of Trumps tariffs on Canada a few hours after the president announced he would impose a 10 per cent tariff on all imports and levy even higher rates on imports from the European Union, China, Vietnam and Japan. Advertisement While speaking to the reporters after the voting, Collins said that she had serious concerns about Trumps decision to slap high tariffs on neighbouring nations. In general, one of my biggest concerns is we should be distinguishing between allies and our adversaries and not treating them the same way, she said. GOP senators thought about their states McConnell made a similar assertion to what Collins said after casting his vote. With so much at stake globally, the last thing we need is to pick fights with the very friends with whom we should be working to protect against Chinas predatory and unfair trade practices, he said in a statement. Murkowski stated that she did what I needed to do for Alaska. She insisted that her constituents were worried about what Trumps tariffs are going to mean for price increases. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged Republicans to vote against the resolution, advising them it was a political gambit by Democrats to embarrass Trump. While addressing the Senate floor, Thune argued that the tariff against Canada is necessary to leverage to push Canadian authorities to crack down on drug smuggling across the northern border. I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution and ensure that President Trump has the tools that he needs to combat the flow of fentanyl from all directions, he said, insisting that the fentanyl crisis warrants an aggressive response. Even as US President Donald Trump has slapped punishing tariffs on allies and partners, such as Japan, South Korea, India, and even Israel, he has spared Russia and North Korea, and has let Iran get away lightly read more US President Donald Trump signs an executive order on tariffs, in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, US, April 2, 2025. (Photo: Reuters) With the rollout of so-called reciprocal tariffs, US President Donald Trump has followed the trend of punishing allies and sparing adversaries. While Trump has imposed high tariffs on some of the closest US allies and partners, such as Japan, South Korea, and India, he has spared Russia and North Korea. Such a move is in line with Trumps foreign policy in the second term where he has repeatedly battered allies, threatening them with invasions and slapping them with punitive economic policies, but has been nice with traditionally adversaries. Advertisement Read our full coverage of the rollout of Trumps tariffs In his second term, Trump has upended the US-Russia relationship and has sought to turn Russia from an adversary into an ally. While he had always been friendly with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, he has formalised the affinity in his second term even as Putin has so far granted no concession in his aggression against the West in general or the war in Ukraine in particular. Trump punishes friends, rewards foes Trump on Wednesday imposed 10 per cent tariffs on all trade with the United States and imposed higher tariffs on a bunch of countries. With the exception of China, which has attracted 34 per cent tariffs, nearly all countries slapped with the highest tariffs are key US allies and partners. Trump has slapped India with 26 per cent tariffs, South Korea with 25 per cent tariffs, Japan with 24 per cent tariffs, and Taiwan with 32 per cent tariffs, according to a statement by White House on X. Meanwhile, Trump has imposed no tariffs on Russia, North Korea, and Belarus. While he has imposed Israel, one of the closest US allies, with 17 per cent tariffs, he has slapped Israels archenemy Iran with just 10 per cent tariffs. ALSO READ: Trumps tariff war could cost world $1.4 trillion, raise prices in US by 5%, finds analysis The sting for Israel increases in light of the fact that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had removed all tariffs on all US goods completely this week with the hope that the appeasement would make Trump spare the country in his trade war. However, Trump not only still slapped tariffs on Israel but slapped tariffs higher than Iran, a regime that considers the United States as its principal enemy and sponsors a host of anti-US and anti-Israel terrorist groups. Advertisement On its part, the White House has said that tariffs on Russia and other adversaries are absent as these countries are already under sanctions. A White House official told The New York Times that countries like Cuba, Belarus, North Korea, and Russia have not been slapped with tariffs because they are already facing extremely high tariffs and our previously imposed sanctions preclude any meaningful trade with these countries. Separately, a White House official told journalist Jasmine Wright that Russia is not on this list because sanctions from the Ukraine war have already rendered trade between the two countries as zero. However, the war did not prevent the United States from slapping Ukraine with 10 per cent tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also falsely pushed the same narrative. Despite sanctions, US still trades with Russia, Iran, North Korea In a false claim, Bessent told Fox News that there is no US-Russia trade so there is no point of tariffs. However, the reality is that the United States still has trade with Russia, Iran, and North Korea. However, such trade is quite low in both volume and value. Advertisement In 2024, the total US-Russia trade was estimated at $3.5 billion with US exports amounting to $526.1 million and rest being imports from Russia. US exports to Russia include essential pharmaceutical and medical supplies, such as vaccines and medical equipment, and Russian imports compromise radioactive chemicals and fertilisers. ALSO READ: Wall Street doubles risk of recession ahead of Trumps reciprocal tariffs In 2023, US exported $59 million worth goods to Iran, such as medical equipment, vaccines, and pharma products. Iran exported around $2.2 million worth products to the United States, including paintings and sculptures. In 2024, the United States exported goods worth $1.5 million, such as chemical, pharmaceuticals, and edibles, to North Korea. Associated Press has reported that the US government has imposed a ban on American diplomats, their families and security-cleared contractors in China from seeking romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens read more Engaging in sexual or romantic relationships is considered a matter of personal choice. But for the employees of the US embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan, as well as the consulate in Hong Kong, it could attract severe consequences and even lead to the loss of job. Associated Press has reported that the US government has imposed a ban on American diplomats, their families and security-cleared contractors in China from seeking romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. Advertisement The new policy was introduced in January this year, days before US ambassador Nicholas Burns left his post. This is an expanded version of a previous policy released in summer last year which barred employees from having romantic and sexual relations with Chinese citizens working as guards and other support staff at the US embassy and the five consulates. It was not clear how strictly the new laws would be enforced. The AP report stated that those personnel already in relationships with Chinese citizens can apply for a waiver. If the application is rejected, either the employees would have to forego their relationships or they would be removed from their posts. The strict enforcement shows just how seriously the US government is taking security risks, making it clear that they want to prevent any foreign influence through personal relationships. According to historical CIA documents, back in 1987, the US banned its personnel in high intelligence threat countries like China and the Soviet Union from having close personal ties with locals. The idea was to keep them from being targeted by foreign intelligence agencies. Now, with tensions between the US and China heating up over security, trade, and technology, a new ban has been put in place, reinforcing those same concerns. Advertisement An American intelligence report released last month identified China as the top military and cyber threat to the US. The report said China had the ability to launch attacks against the US using conventional weapons and compromise US infrastructure through cyberattacks. However, the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed these claims, urging the US to adopt a responsible attitude. The US and its allies are the main source of cyberattacks targeting China, foreign ministry spokesman Guo said on Thursday, adding that China would continue to do what was necessary to protect its cybersecurity. China urges the US to adopt a responsible attitude and take a harder look at itself. (With inputs from agencies) China appears to be tightening control over international corporate ambitions, while leveraging investment as a potential bargaining chip in fraught trade negotiations read more US and China have long appeared to be rushing head-first into a trade war. Representational Image- FP China appears to be tightening control over international corporate ambitions, while leveraging investment as a potential bargaining chip in fraught trade negotiations. The country has moved to restrict outbound investment into the United States, in what appears to be a well-though out response to escalating trade pressure from Washington. Officials at several branches of Chinas National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the countrys top economic planner, have reportedly been told in recent weeks to delay the registration and approval process for companies seeking to invest in the US, Bloomberg reported citing sources. Advertisement What numbers say Chinas outbound investment into the US fell to $6.9 billion in 2023, according to the most recent data available: a 5.2 per cent decline on the year despite overall foreign investment by Chinese firms rising by 8.7 per cent. The US now accounts for just 2.8 per cent of Chinas total overseas investment stock. Sources mentioned that there is no current indication that the freeze will extend to existing Chinese corporate holdings in the US or to Beijings broader portfolio of financial assets, including its substantial holdings of US Treasuries. The immediate impact is expected to be felt by Chinese corporates looking to expand in the US. Companies attempting to shift production away from mainland China to avoid tariff walls may now face additional hurdles from Beijing itself. US-China tensions simmer While Beijing has previously exercised caution over certain overseas investments due to concerns about national security and capital flight, the latest move is different. It comes as the rift between the worlds two largest economies deepens while US president Donald Trump sharpens his rhetoric and reintroduces steep tariffs on Chinese imports. The timing of the restrictions is crucial. On Wednesday, Trump unveiled proposals for new reciprocal tariffs targeting a range of countries, with China now facing duties of at least 54 per cent on several categories of goods. In February, the White House also directed a key interagency committee to limit Chinese investment in sectors deemed critical to US national security, including technology and energy. Hungarys government announced on Thursday that it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is subject to an ICC arrest warrant, arrived in the country for a state visit read more Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walk on the red carpet during a welcoming ceremony at the Lion's Courtyard in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday. Reuters Hungarys government announced on Thursday that it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is subject to an ICC arrest warrant, arrived in the country for a state visit. The government will initiate the termination procedure on Thursday, in accordance with the constitutional and international legal frameworks," Politico quoted Gergely Gulyas, the minister in charge of Prime Minister Viktor Orbans office, as saying to Hungarian news agency MTI. Right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban invited Netanyahu to Budapest just a day after the ICC issued the warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel. Israel has dismissed the charges as politically motivated and driven by antisemitism, arguing that the ICC has lost its legitimacy by targeting a democratically elected leader defending his country. Advertisement As a founding member of the ICC, Hungary is theoretically obligated to arrest individuals under warrant from the court. However, Orban stated that Hungary would not comply, labeling the ruling as brazen, cynical, and completely unacceptable. Hungary signed the ICCs founding document in 1999 and ratified it in 2001, but the law has yet to be enacted. Gulyas said in November that although Hungary ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC, it was never made part of Hungarian law, meaning that no measure of the court can be carried out within Hungary. Orban had raised the prospect of Hungarys exit from the ICC after US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the courts prosecutor Karim Khan in February. Its time for Hungary to review what were doing in an international organisation that is under US sanctions, Orban said on X in February. The bill on starting the year-long process of withdrawing from the ICC is likely to be approved by Hungarys parliament that is dominated by Orbans Fidesz party. The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC, said that until withdrawal is complete, Hungary must still meet its duties. The full process to withdraw from the ICC takes about a year, during that time Hungary will have to fulfil all its obligations to the court, Reuters quoted Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp as saying to reporters on the sidelines of a Nato meeting in Brussels. Advertisement Netanyahu has enjoyed strong support over the years from Hungarys Orban, an important ally who has been ready to block EU statements or actions critical of Israel in the past. ICC judges said when they issued the warrant that there were reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and his former defence chief were criminally responsible for acts including murder, persecution and starvation as a weapon of war as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza. The Israeli campaign has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities, and devastated the Gaza Strip. The Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killed 1,200 people and saw more than 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. The ICC also issued an arrest warrant against a Hamas leader in November. His death was confirmed after the warrant was issued. With inputs from agencies The judge who banned Marine Le Pen from the 2027 French presidential race is under police protection after receiving death threats and having her address shared online. The case has sparked a political backlash, with Le Pens supporters calling the ruling unfair and President Macron defending judicial independence. read more The judge who barred far-right leader Marine Le Pen from running in Frances 2027 presidential election is under police protection after facing death threats and having her home address shared online, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said. The address of Benedicte de Perthuis - the head of a three-judge panel that found Le Pen guilty of embezzling EU funds and handed her a five-year ban on seeking public office - was shared online after she delivered her ruling on Monday, the source said. She is now receiving police protection at work and at home. Advertisement De Perthuis also received threats on social media, with her photo plastered all over X and far-right sites. Paris police confirmed an investigation was under way into the threats, referring further queries to the Paris prosecutors office, which did not respond. In a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron delivered his first comments since Le Pens conviction, telling ministers that Frances justice system is independent and its decisions must be respected as a pillar of democracy, according to government spokeswoman Sophie Primas. The threats made against judges are absolutely unbearable and intolerable, Macron said, according to Primas. The threats against de Perthuis and other judicial officials involved in Le Pens trial have prompted soul-searching in France about a current of populist discontent that is undermining faith in the countrys justice system. Nearly 90% of Le Pens National Rally (RN) supporters believe the court treated her more harshly than other politicians, while over half of French people believe she got a fair trial, according to an Odoxa poll published on Monday. LE PEN CONDEMNS THREATS Before Mondays ruling Le Pen was the front-runner for the 2027 vote. She and her allies at home and abroad have accused the French establishment of sabotaging her presidential ambitions, saying judges have caused a democratic crisis by meddling in politics. Le Pen has denied stoking a backlash against the judiciary, and has condemned the threats against de Perthuis. She has pledged to use legal means to overturn her sentence on appeal. Advertisement Christophe Soulard, the head of the Court of Cassation, Frances highest judicial court, said in an interview with Le Monde published on Wednesday that the threats showed Frances democracy has been weakened and was facing a worrying moment. Attacking the judicial system is not only an attack on judges, but also on the foundations of our democracy, he said. Judges today are being attacked personally, particularly on social media, which is a new phenomenon." The Le Pen ruling and the threats against de Perthuis have echoed frictions seen in other countries over how judges adjudicate thorny political questions. The Himalayan nation sees a spate of wildfires annually, usually beginning in March, but their number and intensity have worsened in recent years, with climate change leading to drier winters read more Nepals capital was blanketed in acrid smog Thursday as wildfires across the country pushed air pollution levels to among the worst in the world. Experts say that widespread wildfires, fuelled by an exceptionally dry winter and stagnant atmospheric conditions, have caused the thick and throat-burning smog to cover the Kathmandu valley. Levels of PM2.5 pollutants cancer-causing microparticles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs registered above 178 micrograms per cubic metre on Thursday, according to Swiss monitoring firm IQAir. Advertisement A reading above 15 in a 24-hour period is considered unhealthy by the World Health Organization (WHO), and IQAir ranked Kathmandu the worlds most polluted city. The Himalayan nation sees a spate of wildfires annually, usually beginning in March, but their number and intensity have worsened in recent years, with climate change leading to drier winters. The prevailing dry conditions have significantly increased the frequency of forest fires across the country, further worsening air pollution, Khushboo Sharma, an air pollution analyst at the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development(ICIMOD) told AFP. This year, precipitation was exceptionally low, with hardly any rainfall, leaving forests dry and more susceptible to fire, she added. Sharma said that stagnant meteorological conditions are also causing pollution to accumulate over the valley. On social media, people complained of stinging eyes and itchiness because of the pollution. Low visibility caused by the smog also disrupted flights at Kathmandu airport, sparking long delays. The mountain flights as well as some other flights have been disturbed because of the pollution, said Rinji Sherpa, the airports spokesman. The health ministry issued a notice Wednesday requesting Nepalis to avoid unnecessary travel and to wear a mask when outside. Advertisement The government has also urged people to avoid construction and burning rubbish. The Air Quality Life Index, issued by the University of Chicago, estimated that in 2024 air pollution stripped 3.4 years off the life of an average Nepal resident. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) India is already gearing up for its upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the countrys first human spaceflight programme. Shukla has already been designated as a key astronaut-designate for that mission. His 14-day stay at the ISS will help him gain required experience for the upcoming challenges read more Indias Shubhanshu Shukla will likely fly to the International Space Station (ISS) next month as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), said the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) in a statement. Shukla, an officer with the Indian Air Force, was earlier selected for the coveted mission and was designated as the Mission Pilot for Ax-4. He will be the second Indian to fly to space, after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharmas landmark mission in 1984. Advertisement Who will accompany Shubhanshu Shukla? The private astronaut mission will take off in May. Shubhanshu Shukla will be joined by former Nasa astronaut Peggy Whitson, who will serve as mission commander, along with Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The mission will last 14 days, during which the astronauts will perform scientific research, outreach programmes, and commercial activities at the ISS. Interestingly, Slawosz Uznanski and Tibor Kapu will be first astronauts from their respective nations to ever fly to space. Indias space ambitions India is already gearing up for its upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the countrys first human spaceflight programme. Shukla has already been designated as a key astronaut-designate for that mission. His 14-day stay at the ISS will help him gain required experience for the upcoming challenges. Indias Gaganyaan missions objective is to send a three-member crew into a 400 km low Earth orbit for a mission lasting up to three days. For this ambitious mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has partnered with Nasa and Axiom Space. The Isro got a seat reserved for an Indian astronaut for the Axiom Mission 4 through an agreement. India has designated Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as a backup astronaut for Ax-4, according to media reports. About the Ax-4 mission Ax-4 will be the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS. The mission is scheduled to launch from NASAs Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which will be propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket. NASA has previously overseen three private astronaut missions to the ISS. Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) took place in April 2022, lasting 17 days. Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) followed in May 2023, with four private astronauts spending eight days in orbit. The most recent mission, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3), launched in January 2024, with its crew staying aboard the ISS for 18 days. On Thursday, the Prime Minister departed for his visit to Thailand, where he will attend the 6th edition of the Bimstec Summit. From there, he will embark on a trip to Sri Lanka to boost ties between New Delhi & Colombo read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday departed for Thailand where he will be attending the 6th edition of the BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled for April 4. In his departing statement, the prime minister mentioned that Indias North Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC. This will be prime ministers official visit to Thailand which came on the invitation of his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Over the past decade, BIMSTEC has emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region. With its geographical location, Indias North Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC. I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interest of our people in mind, the prime minister said in his departing statement. Advertisement Over the next three days, I will be visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka to take part in various programmes aimed at boosting India's cooperation with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries. In Bangkok later today, I will be meeting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025 During my official visit, I will have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate our age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought, he added. From Thailand to Sri Lanka Following his Thailand visit, the Prime Minister will head to Sri Lanka from 04-06 April. The trip is coming just months after Sri Lankan President Disanayakas trip to India last December. We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives, the prime minister said. I am confident that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening our close relationships for the benefit of our people and the wider region, he concluded. There is still a possibility that PM Modi will meet Bangladeshs Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. This is the first time the two leaders would come face to face after violent protests led to the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government. The media outlet cited officials in New Delhi and Dhaka reported that the Bangladeshi side had requested for the meeting. Advertisement I can tell you that the meeting will take place, an official in Dhaka told United News of Bangladesh (UNB). However, there has been no confirmation of the meeting from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. With inputs from agencies. While Trump sees tariffs as a path to economic self-reliance, experts warn they could undermine US defence readiness and global partnerships read more US President s decision to impose at least a 10 per cent tariff on all imports, with even higher rates for key trading partners, follows a similar approach from his first term. Back in 2018, he placed tariffs on steel and aluminium under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, arguing that the US needed to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers to protect national security. The idea behind such tariffs is that if the US depends too much on other countriesespecially rivalsfor important materials and goods, it could become vulnerable in times of crisis. By making imports more expensive, Trump hopes to push companies to bring factories and jobs back to the US, making the country stronger and more self-sufficient. Thats why he called this move Liberation Daysuggesting it will free the US from economic dependence on other nations. Advertisement However, this strategy comes with risks. Tariffs make goods more expensive for American consumers and businesses leading to higher prices and possible economic slowdowns. The 2018 steel and aluminium tariffs led to retaliation from US allies like Canada and the EU straining trade relationships. If other countries hit back against Trumps new tariffs, the US economy could suffer even more. While Trump sees tariffs as a way to protect US industry and national security, many experts warn they could do more harm than good. The success of this policy will depend on whether it truly strengthens the US economy or backfires making the country weaker in the long run. Competing visions of economic security According to an article by Jonathan E Hillman for the Council on Foreign Relations, two main views shape the relationship between economic policy and national security: the networked approach and the nationalist approach. The networked approach recognises the risks of relying too much on foreign suppliers but sees strong alliances as a way to strengthen both economic and strategic security. Supporters of this view believe that depending on allies like Canada, Australia and the UK helps the US defence industry without requiring complete self-sufficiency. Advertisement The nationalist approach, on the other hand, argues that only domestic production can be truly reliable. This view gained support in 2018 when the Commerce Department under Trump claimed that even imports from allies could pose a security risk. The administration pushed for self-reliance breaking from past policies such as those under George W Bush, which saw a diverse and allied supply chain as an advantage. Impact on the US defence industry The defence industry is central to this debate since steel and aluminium are key materials for weapons manufacturing. However, research by Jeroen Klomp in PLOS One shows that US defence production has little real need for foreign steel. Existing rules like the Buy America Act and domestic content requirements for specialty metals already ensure a strong reliance on US steel. The Department of Defence estimated that it needs only about five percent of domestic steel production contradicting claims that steel imports threaten national security. Advertisement Although tariffs were meant to protect US steelmakers from foreign competition, they also led to higher prices for domestic suppliers. These price hikes affected the defence industry, increasing costs for naval ships, fighter jets and other military equipment that rely heavily on steel and aluminium. A study by Amiti et al found that the cost of tariffs was largely passed on to domestic buyers, including the US military and its contractors. Trade retaliation: Risks to US global standing Beyond its domestic economic impact, these tariffs also risk damaging relationships with key allies. In the past, affected countriesincluding Canada and European nationsresponded with their own tariffs, disrupting supply chains and altering their buying strategies. This is especially crucial in the defence sector, where interoperability and cooperation between allies are vital. The US defence industry accounts for about 10 per cent of total US exports, so trade disputes could weaken its global standing. If foreign governments feel alienated by US protectionism, they may turn to European or Asian defense suppliers instead. While the US remains dominant due to its technological edge, continued trade tensions could erode its leadership over time. Advertisement Risks of supply chain disruptions Another unintended effect of the tariffs was the disruption of critical supply chains. A 2021 commerce department report admitted that Section 232 tariffs had increased costs for transformers and other essential components ironically putting national security at risk instead of protecting it. This highlighted the challenges of implementing protectionist policies without fully considering their ripple effects. Another concern is the heavy reliance on foreign microelectronics, which are vital for infrastructure like energy grids, water systems and banking. In an interview on Federal Drive, David Schild pointed out that Chinas control over printed circuit boards (PCBs) and integrated circuits raises security risks for the US. While the Pentagon and Congress have set a 2027 deadline to stop using Chinese suppliers, reversing decades of outsourcing is difficult. The number of US PCB manufacturers has dropped from 2,200 to fewer than 145 showing the scale of the challenge. Import penetration in Section 232 cases Advertisement The US Department of Commerces Section 232 investigations show that industries heavily dependent on foreign imports are more likely to be seen as national security threats. However, import reliance alone is not the only factor. Military use, supply chain risks, and domestic production capacity also influence the decision. Industries with over 60 per cent import reliancesuch as neodymium magnets (93 per cent), aluminium (90 per cent) and uranium (79 per cent)were considered security threats. These materials are vital for defence, energy and infrastructure making local production a strategic priority. High dependence on imports raises the risk of supply chain disruptions justifying protective policies. For industries with 40 per cent to 60 per cent import reliance, the results were mixed. Vanadium (40 per cent) was classified as a security threat because it is crucial for steel used in defence, while Integrated Circuit Ceramic Packages (60 per cent) and ferroalloys (61 per cent) were not. This suggests that if domestic alternatives exist and supply chains are stable, security concerns may be lower even with moderate import reliance. Advertisement Industries with less than 40 per cent import reliance were generally not considered security threats. For example, steel (34 per cent), gears (18 per cent) and iron ore (14 per cent) had strong domestic production, reducing concerns about foreign supply risks. The findings show that defence-related materials face stricter scrutiny than consumer or industrial goods. While high import dependence increases the chance of being labelled a security risk, domestic production strength and strategic importance also matter. These factors shape US trade policies with industries vital to national security receiving stronger protection to reduce foreign reliance. Policy alternatives The Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium highlight the ongoing debate between economic protectionism and national security. The Trump administration defended these tariffs as a move toward economic self-reliance, but evidence shows they also created unintended problems such as higher costs for the defence sector, strained relations with allies and supply chain disruptions. Instead of broad tariffs, a more balanced approachcombining domestic investment with strategic international partnershipswould likely provide stronger long-term security. As global competition grows, policymakers must carefully evaluate economic policies to ensure they truly protect national security rather than unintentionally weakening it. PM Modi landed in Bangkok for the Bimstec Summit. He was given a cultural reception on his arrival with a vibrant display Garba from Gujarat, recitation of Sanskrit mantras by local Thai community and a dance performance on Ramayana theme among others. read more India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Thai artists who performed the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien, to welcome him on his arrival in Bangkok (Photo: https://x.com/narendramodi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bangkok on Thursday for a two-day visit to attend the sixth Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit. Hours after arrival, PM Modi held bilateral meeting with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, discussing a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation. His arrival was marked by a warm reception from Thailands Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The visit underscores Indias commitment to fostering regional cooperation and showcasing its rich cultural heritage on the global stage. Advertisement Upon landing at Don Mueang Airport, PM Modi was greeted with vibrant cultural displays by the Indian diaspora. Members of the Sikh community performed Bhangra, while other groups showcased Indias diverse traditions. Highlights included Garba from Gujarat, Jain Navkar mantras, and a memento gifted by the Sikh community symbolising the Golden Temple. The Iskcon community presented the Bhagavad Gita, and a mesmerising dance performance based on Thailands national epic, Ramakien, captivated attendees. Ramakien, inspired by Indias Ramayana, reflects the shared cultural ties between the two nations. Bimstec Summit: Strengthening regional bonds The Bimstec Summit, themed Prosperous, Resilient, and Open, aims to enhance collaboration among member statesBangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. PM Modis extensive discussions with Thai PM Shinawatra and the delegation-level talks between the two countries covered issues of maritime cooperation and connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region. On regional cooperation, key deliverables for the Bimstec Summit include Bangkok Vision 2030 and agreements on institutional capacity-building measures. PM Modi sends a message In his departure statement, PM Modi emphasised Bimstecs significance in promoting regional development and connectivity over the past decade. With a combined population of 1.7 billion and a GDP of $4.7 trillion, Bimstec represents a vital platform for fostering economic progress and security in South and Southeast Asia. PM Modi also sent a veiled message to Bangladeshs Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who is leading the transition government following the toppling of the government of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 only seven months after she won the parliamentary election. Yunus had earlier commented that Bangladesh was the gateway to the Bay of Bengal, saying that Indias Northeast was landlocked. In his departure statement, PM Modi said Indias Northeast was at the heart of the Bimstec, dismissing Yunuss assertion amid Bangladeshs recent moves to tilt the regional balance by inviting China to be a player in the Indian subcontinent. Bridging civilisations through cultural diplomacy PM Modis visit to Thailand is part of his broader strategy to showcase Indias cultural heritage globally. Wherever he travels, Indian traditions take centre stage. During his March 2025 visit to Mauritius, he offered holy water from Triveni Sangam at Ganga Talaoa gesture symbolising spiritual unity between India and Mauritius. In Kuwait last year, he met nationals renowned for translating Mahabharata and Ramayana into Arabic. Similar cultural exchanges have marked his visits to Brazil, Guyana, Russia, Laos, and Italy. In Brazil, PM Modi witnessed Ramayana enactments in Rio de Janeiro alongside Vedic chants. In Guyana, children performed soulful Ram Bhajans during his welcome. Advertisement Russian nationals sang Krishna Bhajans in Kazan during his October 2024 visit. Laos welcomed him with Gayatri Mantra chants and a Lao Ramayana performance showcasing local adaptations of Indian epics. Strengthening India-Thailand relations India and Thailand share deep civilisational bonds rooted in linguistic, cultural, and religious ties. This relationship has been further cemented through initiatives like the recent exposition of Lord Buddhas relics across five Thai cities a testament to their shared Buddhist heritage. Besides attending the Bimstec Summit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with his counterpart Shinawatra during his Thailand visit. As maritime neighbours and valuable partners under Indias Act East policy, Thailand plays a crucial role in Indias Indo-Pacific vision. PM Modis second visit to Thailand builds on positive bilateral momentum established during his 2019 Asean Summit participation. PM Modis Thailand visit aims to blend cultural diplomacy with regional cooperation against the backdrop of a fast-changing global order, principally over US President Donald Trumps policy decisions since late January. By showcasing Indias traditions at international forums such as Bimstec, PM Modi continues to strengthen ties with global partners while celebrating Indias rich heritage on the world stage. PM Modi presented with The World Tipitaka" In a significant moment of cultural and spiritual diplomacy, PM Modi was presented with The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition by the Thai prime minister. The Tipitaka (in Pali) or Tripitaka (in Sanskrit) is a revered compilation of Lord Buddhas teachings, consisting of 108 volumes and regarded as the principal Buddhist scripture. Advertisement The edition presented to PM Modi is a meticulously crafted version written in Pali and Thai scripts, ensuring the accurate pronunciation of over nine million syllables. This special edition was published in 2016 as part of the World Tipitaka Project by the Thai government to commemorate the 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit. Several MoUs signed The two leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. India and Thailand also exchanged memorandums across a range of sectors. The MoUs include Joint Declaration on the Establishment of India-Thailand Strategic Partnership. An MoU was exchanged between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand and Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Cooperation in the fields of Digital Technologies, sources said. Sagarmala Division of Indias Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, Thailand exchanged MoU for development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. A MOU was signed between National Small Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) and Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) of Thailand on co-operation in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Advertisement The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER) and Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs exchanged a MoU. A MoU was also exchanged between North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC) and Thailands Creative Economy Agency (CEA). Hundreds of thousands of fleeing Gazans sought shelter on Thursday in one of the biggest mass displacements of the war, as Israeli forces advanced into the ruins of the city of Rafah, part of a newly announced security zone they intend to seize read more Palestinians make their way with belongings as they flee their homes, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders, in the Shujaiya neighborhood of Gaza City, on Thursday. Reuters Hundreds of thousands of fleeing Gazans sought shelter on Thursday in one of the biggest mass displacements of the war, as Israeli forces advanced into the ruins of the city of Rafah, part of a newly announced security zone they intend to seize. A day after declaring their intention to capture large swathes of the crowded enclave, Israeli force pushed into the city on Gazas southern edge which had served as a last refuge for people fleeing other areas for much of the war. Advertisement Gazas health ministry reported at least 97 people killed in Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours, including at least 20 killed in an airstrike around dawn in Shejaia suburb of Gaza City. Rafah is gone, it is being wiped out, a father of seven among the hundreds of thousands who had fled from Rafah to neighbouring Khan Younis, told Reuters via a chat app. They are knocking down what is left standing of houses and property, said the man who declined to be identified for fear of repercussions. After a strike killed several people in Khan Younis, Adel Abu Fakher was checking the damage to his tent. Is anything left for us? Theres nothing left for us. Were being killed while asleep, he said. The assault to capture Rafah is a major escalation in the war, which Israel restarted last month after effectively abandoning a ceasefire in place since January. Gazans fear permanent depopulation Israel has not spelled out its longterm aims for the security zone its troops are now seizing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayahu said troops were taking an area he called the Morag Axis, a reference to an abandoned former Israeli settlement once located between Rafah on Gazas southern edge and the adjacent main southern city Khan Younis. Gazans who had returned to homes in the ruins during the ceasefire have now been ordered to flee communities on the northern and southern edges of the strip. Advertisement They fear that Israels intention is to depopulate those areas indefinitely, leaving many hundreds of thousands of people permanently homeless in one of the poorest and most crowded territories on earth. The security zone includes some of Gazas last agricultural land and critical water infrastructure. Since the first phase of the ceasefire expired at the start of March with no agreement to prolong it, Israel has imposed a total blockade on all goods reaching Gazas 2.3 million residents, recreating what international organisations describe as a humanitarian catastrophe after weeks of relative calm. Israels stated goal since the start of the war has been the destruction of the Hamas militant group which ran Gaza for nearly two decades and led the attack on Israeli communities in October 2023 that precipitated the war. But with no effort made to establish an alternative administration, Hamas-led police returned to the streets during the ceasefire. Fighters still hold 59 dead and living hostages which Israel says must be handed over to extend the truce; Hamas says it will free them only under a deal that ends the war. Advertisement Israeli leaders say they have been encouraged by signs of protest in Gaza against Hamas, with hundreds of people demonstrating in north Gazas Beit Lahiya on Wednesday opposing the war and demanding Hamas quit power. Hamas calls the protesters collaborators and says Israel is behind them. The war began with a Hamas attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023 with gunmen killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies. Israels campaign has so far killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, Gaza health authorities say. Rafah residents said most of the local population had followed Israels order to leave, as Israeli strikes toppled buildings there. But a strike on the main road between Khan Younis and Rafah stopped most movement between the two cities. Movement of people and traffic along the western coastal road near Morag was also limited by bombardment, said residents. Others stayed because they dont know where to go, or got fed up of being displaced several times. We are afraid they might be killed or at best detained, said Basem, a resident of Rafah who declined to give a second name. Advertisement Markets have emptied and prices for basic necessities have soared under Israels total blockade of food, medicine and fuel. The Palestinian Health Ministry, which is based in the Israeli-occupied West Bank but has nominal authority over hospitals in Gaza, said Gazas entire healthcare system was at risk of collapse. US President Donald Trump rattled the world after he announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday. Trump argued that these tariffs are being imposed to deal with the Americas sky rocketting trade deficit. During his Wednesday address, Trump announced a 10 per cent blanket tariffs on all goods America imports. Apart from this, he introduced individualised higher tariffs on 60 nations, including India which got hit by 26 per cent of discounted tariffs. Advertisement Heres a look at the executive order Trump signed. Trump Tariff Executive Order | Full Text By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)(IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)(NEA), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code. I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that underlying conditions, including a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships, disparate tariff rates and non-tariff barriers, and U.S. trading partners economic policies that suppress domestic wages and consumption, as indicated by large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits, constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States. That threat has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States in the domestic economic policies of key trading partners and structural imbalances in the global trading system. I hereby declare a national emergency with respect to this threat. On January 20, 2025, I signed the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum directing my Administration to investigate the causes of our countrys large and persistent annual trade deficits in goods, including the economic and national security implications and risks resulting from such deficits, and to undertake a review of, and identify, any unfair trade practices by other countries. On February 13, 2025, I signed a Presidential Memorandum entitled Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs, that directed further review of our trading partners non-reciprocal trading practices, and noted the relationship between non-reciprocal practices and the trade deficit. On April 1, 2025, I received the final results of those investigations, and I am taking action today based on those results. Large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; inhibited our ability to scale advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries. Large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits are caused in substantial part by a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships. This situation is evidenced by disparate tariff rates and non-tariff barriers that make it harder for U.S. manufacturers to sell their products in foreign markets. It is also evidenced by the economic policies of key U.S. trading partners insofar as they suppress domestic wages and consumption, and thereby demand for U.S. exports, while artificially increasing the competitiveness of their goods in global markets. These conditions have given rise to the national emergency that this order is intended to abate and resolve. For decades starting in 1934, U.S. trade policy has been organized around the principle of reciprocity. The Congress directed the President to secure reduced reciprocal tariff rates from key trading partners first through bilateral trade agreements and later under the auspices of the global trading system. Between 1934 and 1945, the executive branch negotiated and signed 32 bilateral reciprocal trade agreements designed to lower tariff rates on a reciprocal basis. After 1947 through 1994, participating countries engaged in eight rounds of negotiation, which resulted in the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and seven subsequent tariff reduction rounds. Advertisement However, despite a commitment to the principle of reciprocity, the trading relationship between the United States and its trading partners has become highly unbalanced, particularly in recent years. The post-war international economic system was based upon three incorrect assumptions: first, that if the United States led the world in liberalizing tariff and non-tariff barriers the rest of the world would follow; second, that such liberalization would ultimately result in more economic convergence and increased domestic consumption among U.S. trading partners converging towards the share in the United States; and third, that as a result, the United States would not accrue large and persistent goods trade deficits. This framework set in motion events, agreements, and commitments that did not result in reciprocity or generally increase domestic consumption in foreign economies relative to domestic consumption in the United States. Those events, in turn, created large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits as a feature of the global trading system. Advertisement Put simply, while World Trade Organization (WTO) Members agreed to bind their tariff rates on a most-favored-nation (MFN) basis, and thereby provide their best tariff rates to all WTO Members, they did not agree to bind their tariff rates at similarly low levels or to apply tariff rates on a reciprocal basis. Consequently, according to the WTO, the United States has among the lowest simple average MFN tariff rates in the world at 3.3 percent, while many of our key trading partners like Brazil (11.2 percent), China (7.5 percent), the European Union (EU) (5 percent), India (17 percent), and Vietnam (9.4 percent) have simple average MFN tariff rates that are significantly higher. Moreover, these average MFN tariff rates conceal much larger discrepancies across economies in tariff rates applied to particular products. For example, the United States imposes a 2.5 percent tariff on passenger vehicle imports (with internal combustion engines), while the European Union (10 percent), India (70 percent), and China (15 percent) impose much higher duties on the same product. For network switches and routers, the United States imposes a 0 percent tariff, but for similar products, India (10 percent) levies a higher rate. Brazil (18 percent) and Indonesia (30 percent) impose a higher tariff on ethanol than does the United States (2.5 percent). For rice in the husk, the U.S. MFN tariff is 2.7 percent (ad valorem equivalent), while India (80 percent), Malaysia (40 percent), and Turkey (an average of 31 percent) impose higher rates. Apples enter the United States duty-free, but not so in Turkey (60.3 percent) and India (50 percent). Advertisement Similarly, non-tariff barriers also deprive U.S. manufacturers of reciprocal access to markets around the world. The 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE) details a great number of non-tariff barriers to U.S. exports around the world on a trading-partner by trading-partner basis. These barriers include import barriers and licensing restrictions; customs barriers and shortcomings in trade facilitation; technical barriers to trade (e.g., unnecessarily trade restrictive standards, conformity assessment procedures, or technical regulations); sanitary and phytosanitary measures that unnecessarily restrict trade without furthering safety objectives; inadequate patent, copyright, trade secret, and trademark regimes and inadequate enforcement of intellectual property rights; discriminatory licensing requirements or regulatory standards; barriers to cross-border data flows and discriminatory practices affecting trade in digital products; investment barriers; subsidies; anticompetitive practices; discrimination in favor of domestic state-owned enterprises, and failures by governments in protecting labor and environment standards; bribery; and corruption. Moreover, non-tariff barriers include the domestic economic policies and practices of our trading partners, including currency practices and value-added taxes, and their associated market distortions, that suppress domestic consumption and boost exports to the United States. This lack of reciprocity is apparent in the fact that the share of consumption to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the United States is about 68 percent, but it is much lower in others like Ireland (27 percent), Singapore (31 percent), China (39 percent), South Korea (49 percent), and Germany (50 percent). Advertisement At the same time, efforts by the United States to address these imbalances have stalled. Trading partners have repeatedly blocked multilateral and plurilateral solutions, including in the context of new rounds of tariff negotiations and efforts to discipline non-tariff barriers. At the same time, with the U.S. economy disproportionately open to imports, U.S. trading partners have had few incentives to provide reciprocal treatment to U.S. exports in the context of bilateral trade negotiations. These structural asymmetries have driven the large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficit. Even for countries with which the United States may enjoy an occasional bilateral trade surplus, the accumulation of tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. exports may make that surplus smaller than it would have been without such barriers. Permitting these asymmetries to continue is not sustainable in todays economic and geopolitical environment because of the effect they have on U.S. domestic production. A nations ability to produce domestically is the bedrock of its national and economic security. Advertisement Both my first Administration in 2017, and the Biden Administration in 2022, recognized that increasing domestic manufacturing is critical to U.S. national security. According to 2023 United Nations data, U.S. manufacturing output as a share of global manufacturing output was 17.4 percent, down from a peak in 2001 of 28.4 percent. Over time, the persistent decline in U.S. manufacturing output has reduced U.S. manufacturing capacity. The need to maintain robust and resilient domestic manufacturing capacity is particularly acute in certain advanced industrial sectors like automobiles, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, technology products, machine tools, and basic and fabricated metals, because once competitors gain sufficient global market share in these sectors, U.S. production could be permanently weakened. It is also critical to scale manufacturing capacity in the defense-industrial sector so that we can manufacture the defense materiel and equipment necessary to protect American interests at home and abroad. In fact, because the United States has supplied so much military equipment to other countries, U.S. stockpiles of military goods are too low to be compatible with U.S. national defense interests. Furthermore, U.S. defense companies must develop new, advanced manufacturing technologies across a range of critical sectors including bio-manufacturing, batteries, and microelectronics. If the United States wishes to maintain an effective security umbrella to defend its citizens and homeland, as well as for its allies and partners, it needs to have a large upstream manufacturing and goods-producing ecosystem to manufacture these products without undue reliance on imports for key inputs. Increased reliance on foreign producers for goods also has compromised U.S. economic security by rendering U.S. supply chains vulnerable to geopolitical disruption and supply shocks. In recent years, the vulnerability of the U.S. economy in this respect was exposed both during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Americans had difficulty accessing essential products, as well as when the Houthi rebels later began attacking cargo ships in the Middle East. The decline of U.S. manufacturing capacity threatens the U.S. economy in other ways, including through the loss of manufacturing jobs. From 1997 to 2024, the United States lost around 5 million manufacturing jobs and experienced one of the largest drops in manufacturing employment in history. Furthermore, many manufacturing job losses were concentrated in specific geographical areas. In these areas, the loss of manufacturing jobs contributed to the decline in rates of family formation and to the rise of other social trends, like the abuse of opioids, that have imposed profound costs on the U.S. economy. The future of American competitiveness depends on reversing these trends. Today, manufacturing represents just 11 percent of U.S. gross domestic product, yet it accounts for 35 percent of American productivity growth and 60 percent of our exports. Importantly, U.S. manufacturing is the main engine of innovation in the United States, responsible for 55 percent of all patents and 70 percent of all research and development (R&D) spending. The fact that R&D expenditures by U.S. multinational enterprises in China grew at an average rate of 13.6 percent a year between 2003 and 2017, while their R&D expenditures in the United States grew by an average of just 5 percent per year during the same time period, is evidence of the strong link between manufacturing and innovation. Furthermore, every manufacturing job spurs 7 to 12 new jobs in other related industries, helping to build and sustain our economy. Just as a nation that does not produce manufactured products cannot maintain the industrial base it needs for national security, neither can a nation long survive if it cannot produce its own food. Presidential Policy Directive 21 of February 12, 2013 (Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience), designates food and agriculture as a critical infrastructure sector because it is one of the sectors considered so vital to the United States that [its] incapacity or destruction . . . would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination of those matters. Furthermore, when I left office, the United States had a trade surplus in agricultural products, but today, that surplus has vanished. Eviscerated by a slew of new non-tariff barriers imposed by our trading partners, it has been replaced by a projected $49 billion annual agricultural trade deficit. For these reasons, I hereby declare and order: Section 1. National Emergency. As President of the United States, my highest duty is ensuring the national and economic security of the country and its citizens. I have declared a national emergency arising from conditions reflected in large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits, which have grown by over 40 percent in the past 5 years alone, reaching $1.2 trillion in 2024. This trade deficit reflects asymmetries in trade relationships that have contributed to the atrophy of domestic production capacity, especially that of the U.S. manufacturing and defense-industrial base. These asymmetries also impact U.S. producers ability to export and, consequentially, their incentive to produce. Specifically, such asymmetry includes not only non-reciprocal differences in tariff rates among foreign trading partners, but also extensive use of non-tariff barriers by foreign trading partners, which reduce the competitiveness of U.S. exports while artificially enhancing the competitiveness of their own goods. These non-tariff barriers include technical barriers to trade; non-scientific sanitary and phytosanitary rules; inadequate intellectual property protections; suppressed domestic consumption (e.g., wage suppression); weak labor, environmental, and other regulatory standards and protections; and corruption. These non-tariff barriers give rise to significant imbalances even when the United States and a trading partner have comparable tariff rates. The cumulative effect of these imbalances has been the transfer of resources from domestic producers to foreign firms, reducing opportunities for domestic manufacturers to expand and, in turn, leading to lost manufacturing jobs, diminished manufacturing capacity, and an atrophied industrial base, including in the defense-industrial sector. At the same time, foreign firms are better positioned to scale production, reinvest in innovation, and compete in the global economy, to the detriment of U.S. economic and national security. The absence of sufficient domestic manufacturing capacity in certain critical and advanced industrial sectors another outcome of the large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits also compromises U.S. economic and national security by rendering the U.S. economy less resilient to supply chain disruption. Finally, the large, persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits, and the concomitant loss of industrial capacity, have compromised military readiness; this vulnerability can only be redressed through swift corrective action to rebalance the flow of imports into the United States. Such impact upon military readiness and our national security posture is especially acute with the recent rise in armed conflicts abroad. I call upon the public and private sector to make the efforts necessary to strengthen the international economic position of the United States. Sec. 2. Reciprocal Tariff Policy. It is the policy of the United States to rebalance global trade flows by imposing an additional ad valorem duty on all imports from all trading partners except as otherwise provided herein. The additional ad valorem duty on all imports from all trading partners shall start at 10 percent and shortly thereafter, the additional ad valorem duty shall increase for trading partners enumerated in Annex I to this order at the rates set forth in Annex I to this order. These additional ad valorem duties shall apply until such time as I determine that the underlying conditions described above are satisfied, resolved, or mitigated. Sec. 3. Implementation. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this order, all articles imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be, consistent with law, subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 10 percent. Such rates of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 5, 2025, except that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 5, 2025, and entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 5, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty. Furthermore, except as otherwise provided in this order, at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025, all articles from trading partners enumerated in Annex I to this order imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be, consistent with law, subject to the country-specific ad valorem rates of duty specified in Annex I to this order. Such rates of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025, except that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025, and entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025, shall not be subject to these country-specific ad valorem rates of duty set forth in Annex I to this order. These country-specific ad valorem rates of duty shall apply to all articles imported pursuant to the terms of all existing U.S. trade agreements, except as provided below. (b) The following goods as set forth in Annex II to this order, consistent with law, shall not be subject to the ad valorem rates of duty under this order: (i) all articles that are encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b); (ii) all articles and derivatives of steel and aluminum subject to the duties imposed pursuant to section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and proclaimed in Proclamation 9704 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), as amended, Proclamation 9705 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), as amended, and Proclamation 9980 of January 24, 2020 (Adjusting Imports of Derivative Aluminum Articles and Derivative Steel Articles Into the United States), as amended, Proclamation 10895 of February 10, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), and Proclamation 10896 of February 10, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Steel into the United States); (iii) all automobiles and automotive parts subject to the additional duties imposed pursuant to section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, and proclaimed in Proclamation 10908 of March 26, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts Into the United States); (iv) other products enumerated in Annex II to this order, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, and energy and energy products; (v) all articles from a trading partner subject to the rates set forth in Column 2 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS); and (vi) all articles that may become subject to duties pursuant to future actions under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. (c) The rates of duty established by this order are in addition to any other duties, fees, taxes, exactions, or charges applicable to such imported articles, except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section below. (d) With respect to articles from Canada, I have imposed additional duties on certain goods to address a national emergency resulting from the flow of illicit drugs across our northern border pursuant to Executive Order 14193 of February 1, 2025 (Imposing Duties To Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border), as amended by Executive Order 14197 of February 3, 2025 (Progress on the Situation at Our Northern Border), and Executive Order 14231 of March 2, 2025 (Amendment to Duties To Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border). With respect to articles from Mexico, I have imposed additional duties on certain goods to address a national emergency resulting from the flow of illicit drugs and illegal migration across our southern border pursuant to Executive Order 14194 of February 1, 2025 (Imposing Duties To Address the Situation at Our Southern Border), as amended by Executive Order 14198 of February 3, 2025 (Progress on the Situation at Our Southern Border), and Executive Order 14227 of March 2, 2025 (Amendment to Duties To Address the Situation at Our Southern Border). As a result of these border emergency tariff actions, all goods of Canada or Mexico under the terms of general note 11 to the HTSUS, including any treatment set forth in subchapter XXIII of chapter 98 and subchapter XXII of chapter 99 of the HTSUS, as related to the Agreement between the United States of America, United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA), continue to be eligible to enter the U.S. market under these preferential terms. However, all goods of Canada or Mexico that do not qualify as originating under USMCA are presently subject to additional ad valorem duties of 25 percent, with energy or energy resources and potash imported from Canada and not qualifying as originating under USMCA presently subject to the lower additional ad valorem duty of 10 percent. (e) Any ad valorem rate of duty on articles imported from Canada or Mexico under the terms of this order shall not apply in addition to the ad valorem rate of duty specified by the existing orders described in subsection (d) of this section. If such orders identified in subsection (d) of this section are terminated or suspended, all items of Canada and Mexico that qualify as originating under USMCA shall not be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty, while articles not qualifying as originating under USMCA shall be subject to an ad valorem rate of duty of 12 percent. However, these ad valorem rates of duty on articles imported from Canada and Mexico shall not apply to energy or energy resources, to potash, or to an article eligible for duty-free treatment under USMCA that is a part or component of an article substantially finished in the United States. (f) More generally, the ad valorem rates of duty set forth in this order shall apply only to the non-U.S. content of a subject article, provided at least 20 percent of the value of the subject article is U.S. originating. For the purposes of this subsection, U.S. content refers to the value of an article attributable to the components produced entirely, or substantially transformed in, the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to the extent permitted by law, is authorized to require the collection of such information and documentation regarding an imported article, including with the entry filing, as is necessary to enable CBP to ascertain and verify the value of the U.S. content of the article, as well as to ascertain and verify whether an article is substantially finished in the United States. (g) Subject articles, except those eligible for admission under domestic status as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, which are subject to the duty specified in section 2 of this order and are admitted into a foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025, must be admitted as privileged foreign status as defined in 19 CFR 146.41. (h) Duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(A)-(B) shall remain available for the articles described in subsection (a) of this section. Duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) shall remain available for the articles described in subsection (a) of this section until notification by the Secretary of Commerce to the President that adequate systems are in place to fully and expeditiously process and collect duty revenue applicable pursuant to this subsection for articles otherwise eligible for de minimis treatment. After such notification, duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) shall not be available for the articles described in subsection (a) of this section. (i) The Executive Order of April 2, 2025 (Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the Peoples Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports), regarding low-value imports from China is not affected by this order, and all duties and fees with respect to covered articles shall be collected as required and detailed therein. (j) To reduce the risk of transshipment and evasion, all ad valorem rates of duty imposed by this order or any successor orders with respect to articles of China shall apply equally to articles of both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region. (k) In order to establish the duty rates described in this order, the HTSUS is modified as set forth in the Annexes to this order. These modifications shall enter into effect on the dates set forth in the Annexes to this order. (l) Unless specifically noted herein, any prior Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, or other Presidential directive or guidance related to trade with foreign trading partners that is inconsistent with the direction in this order is hereby terminated, suspended, or modified to the extent necessary to give full effect to this order. Sec. 4. Modification Authority. (a) The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, shall recommend to me additional action, if necessary, if this action is not effective in resolving the emergency conditions described above, including the increase in the overall trade deficit or the recent expansion of non-reciprocal trade arrangements by U.S. trading partners in a manner that threatens the economic and national security interests of the United States. (b) Should any trading partner retaliate against the United States in response to this action through import duties on U.S. exports or other measures, I may further modify the HTSUS to increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this order to ensure the efficacy of this action. (c) Should any trading partner take significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national security matters, I may further modify the HTSUS to decrease or limit in scope the duties imposed under this order. (d) Should U.S. manufacturing capacity and output continue to worsen, I may further modify the HTSUS to increase duties under this order. Sec. 5. Implementation Authority. The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Chair of the International Trade Commission are hereby authorized to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to implement this order. Each executive department and agency shall take all appropriate measures within its authority to implement this order. Sec. 6. Reporting Requirements. The United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)). Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE, April 2, 2025 The president is not going to back off what he announced yesterday (Wednesday). He is not going to back off, Lutnick said in an interview on CNN read more US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick stand as US President Donald Trump speaks, at the White House, in Washington, US, on February 3, 2025. Reuters File US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday said that there is no chance US President Donald Trump will back away from his tariffs which have sent shock waves across the global market. The president is not going to back off what he announced yesterday (Wednesday). He is not going to back off, Lutnick said in an interview on CNN. Let the dealmaker make his deals when and only if these countries can change everything about themselves, which I doubt they will, he added. Advertisement Lutnick earlier told CNBC television that the Trump administration is talking to all major trading partners throughout the world about ways to bring down President Trumps new tariffs, adding that they will have to change their rules to allow more imports of US products. He said that the discussions had been going on for more than a month. The key is, will they take our agricultural products? Will they treat us fairly? Can they treat us fairly? And the answer is, over time, that is going to be yes, CNBC television quoted Lutnick as saying. American products are going to be better sold elsewhere in the world, he added. Lutnick expressed doubt that countries could secure exemptions from the tariffs, stating that retaliation against the US would not be effective. However, he noted that the Trump administration would explore discussions aimed at ensuring fairer treatment for US goods. This includes efforts to remove trade barriers like value-added taxes, which Lutnick claimed function as subsidies for exports. He also mentioned that at least one trade minister had proposed allowing US vehicles to benefit from similar subsidies, though he did not disclose the country. I expect most countries to start to really examine their trade policy towards the United States of America, and stop picking on us, Lutnick was quoted as saying. Stop saying that we cant sell our corn to India. Stop saying that we cant sell our beef anywhere. With inputs from agencies China seems to be taking the worst brunt of Trump tariffs with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirming that goods imported from the country will now face a combined total tariff rate of 54 per cent duties, highest imposed on any nation read more China faced the worst brunt of the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump as goods imported from the country will now face a combined total tariff rate of 54 per cent duties. The figure was later confirmed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during an interview with Bloomberg Television. Bessent said that all goods imported from China would face 54 per cent tariffs based on White Houses calculation of what it currently imposes on US exports, along with 20 per cent Trump had already imposed against Beijing shortly after he assumed power. Bessent mentioned that while there may be room for discussions about the rates, Trump is most likely to stand his ground for now. Advertisement Its going to be up to President Trump to see what he wants to do. I think the mindset might be to let things settle for a while, the US Treasury Secretary told Bloomberg, adding: I am sure there are going to be a lot of calls. I just dont know if theres going to be negotiations. Why does it matter? It is pertinent to note that the United States imports nearly $500 worth of goods from China every year. Despite animosities, China continues to remain Americas third-largest source of foreign goods. Not only this, big-box retailers rely heavily on China for low-cost sourcing and their stocks fell in after-hours trading Wednesday. While Target was down as much as 5.5 per cent, Walmart was off by 4.7 per cent. Chinese authorities are yet to respond to the matter, but they have earlier claimed that Beijing is preparing to take reciprocal actions. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that the new duties, which would take effect next week, will harm not just long-standing partners but also new duties, which would take effect next week, will harm not just long-standing partners but also US families. The administrations tariffs have no basis in logic, and they go against the basis of our two nations partnership. This is not the act of a friend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a news conference Thursday morning in Melbourne. Todays decision will add to uncertainty in the global economy, and it will push up costs for American households, he added. Trump has already imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. According to Carney, more tariffs are likely comingthis time targeting pharmaceuticals, lumber, and semiconductors read more Carney said the impact of Trumps tariff move was already visible in Canada. Source: AP In a tariff-for-tariff move, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday (April 3) that his nation will match US President Donald Trumps 25 per cent auto tariffs. The US tariffs, announced last month, went into effect Thursday. Mark Carney said he told Trump over a phone call last week that Canada would be retaliating. We take these measures reluctantly. And we take them in ways that is intended and will cause maximum impact in the United States and minimum impact in Canada, Carney said. Advertisement However, Canada has exempted auto parts, with the PM saying he valued the benefits of the integrated auto sector of the two nations. Impact already visible in Canada Carney said the impact of Trumps tariff move was already visible in Canada. A local union in Windsor, Canada revealed Wednesday that Automaker Stellantis has already shut down its operations in the area since April 7. The PM said it could impact 3,600 auto workers. Autos are Canadas second-largest export, directly employing 125,000 people and supporting nearly 500,000 more in related industries. Last week, Carney unveiled a CA$2 billion ($1.4 billion) strategic response fund to safeguard Canadian auto jobs from Trumps tariffs. Trump has already imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. According to Carney, more tariffs are likely comingthis time targeting pharmaceuticals, lumber, and semiconductors. Given the prospective damage to their own people the American administration should eventually change course, Carney said. Although their policy will hurt American families, until that pain becomes impossible to ignore, I do not believe they will change direction, so the road to that point may indeed be long. And will be hard on Canadians just as it will be on other partners of the United States. Canadas $21 bn tariffs remain in place Canadas initial CA$30 billion (US$21 billion) in retaliatory tariffs remain in place, targeting American goods like orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, appliances, footwear, cosmetics, motorcycles, and certain pulp and paper products. Carney temporarily suspended his election campaign to return to Ottawa and address Trumps tariffs. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre pledged to eliminate the federal tax on Canadian-made vehicles. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province is home to most of Canadas auto industry, called the latest round of tariffs a measured response. (With inputs from agencies) Advertisement US President Donald Trump declared a national economic emergency on Wednesday, unveiling the worst American tariffs since the 1800s. White House argued that these tariffs are being imposed to deal with the large US trade deficit. read more US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared a national economic emergency to deal with Americas whopping $1.2 trillion trade deficit. Trump unveiled reciprocal tariffs on 60 nations, the highest imposed by the US since 1872. In a statement following Trumps address, the White House said that the massive US goods trade deficit has led to the hollowing out of the countrys manufacturing base. Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency, and his order imposes responsive tariffs to strengthen the international economic position of the United States and protect American workers, the White House said in a statement. Advertisement Trump administration argued that the current situation of the countrys manufacturing sector is resulting in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity, undermining critical supply chains and rendering the USs defence-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries. Taking back sovereignty remains the main goal: White House It is pertinent to note that the president announced the Wednesday tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to address what the POTUS called a national emergency. These tariffs will remain in effect until such a time as President Trump determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying nonreciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved, or mitigated, the White House said in the statement. In the statement, the White House reiterated that they refuse to let the United States being taken advantage of. They argued that these tariffs are necessary to " ensure fair trade, protect American workers, and reduce the trade deficitthis is an emergency." Pernicious economic policies and practices of our trading partners undermine our ability to produce essential goods for the public and the military, threatening national security, the Wednesday statement reads. Todays action simply asks other countries to treat us like we treat them. Its the Golden Rule for Our Golden Age, the White House furthered. Trump administration made it clear that the United States would no longer put itself last in terms of international trade. Access to the American market is a privilege, not a right, the government argued. Advertisement In the Wednesday address, Trump imposed a blanket tariff of 10 per cent on all nations trading with the US. This will come into effect on April 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Apart from this, he imposed individualised reciprocal higher tariffs on 60 nations, including India, which received a so-called discounted tariff of 26 per cent. These individual tariffs will take effect on April 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. In the past, Trump has used these tariffs as bargaining tools with other nations. It is not clear whether he intends to do the same or not. Meanwhile, other large economies like China, European Union, and Japan already mentioned that they would retaliate before the Tariffs were even announced. Hence, it will be interesting to see the global reaction on Trumps fiery speech. In a move that would hurt China and India, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced a bill to seek 500% tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas read more A bipartisan group of US lawmakers have sought tariffs to the tune of 500 per cent on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham have floated a bill that seeks a fresh round of primary and secondary sanctions on Russia as a punishment for its war on Ukraine and lack of intention to reach a ceasefire. Twenty-five lawmakers from each party have co-sponsored the bill. Advertisement As part of the secondary sanctions, they have sought that all those countries buying Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products be slapped with 500 per cent tariffs on any trade that they do with the United States. Russian energy exports are a critical part of Russias economy. Last month, President Donald Trump had imposed similar secondary sanctions on Venezuela. He announced that all countries buying Venezuelan oil and gas would pay 25 per cent in tariffs for any trade with the United States. As per Blumenthal and Grahams bill, China, India, and Europe are going to be the worst-affected countries as they are the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas. Since the beginning of the Russian war on Ukraine, India has ramped up the purchase of discounted Russian crude oil and has garnered criticism in the West. Between December 2021 and January 2025, China bought 47 per cent of Russian crude oil exports, followed by India (37 per cent) and the European Union (6 per cent), according to an analysis from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). As for Russian gas, the EU purchased 49 per cent of the liquified natural gas (LNG), followed by China (22 per cent) and Japan (18 per cent), and the EU was the largest buyer of pipelined gas as well with a share of 39 per cent, followed by China (27 per cent) and Turkey (27 per cent), as per the analysis. Advertisement In a press release, Blumenthal and Graham said that these sanctions would be imposed if Russia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine or initiates another effort, including military invasion, that undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine after peace is negotiated. Blumenthal and Graham pitched the sanctions as part of efforts to force Russia to reach a ceasefire at the earliest. These sanctions against Russia are at the ready and will receive overwhelming bipartisan, bicameral support if presented to the Senate and House for a vote. We support an immediate ceasefire to secure a lasting, honourable peace, said Blumenthal and Graham in a statement. Jaishankars rebuke came after Muhammad Yunus, during a recent trip to China, described Indias northeast region as landlocked in a bid to position Bangladesh as the regions primary maritime gateway. Yunus also hailed Bangladesh as the only guardian of the ocean read more Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday (April 3) criticised chief advisor to Bangladeshs interim government Muhammad Yunus for suggesting that Indias northeastern states were landlocked. The top diplomat added India believed that co-operation is an integrated outlook and not about cherry-picking. Jaishankar in his statement also touted Indias border connectivity with the nations in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) bloc. We, after all, have the longest coastline in the Bay of Bengal, of almost 6,500 km. India shares borders not only with the five BIMSTEC members, and connects most of them, but also provides much of the interface between the Indian sub-continent and ASEAN. Our North-Eastern region in particular is emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC, with a myriad network of roads, railways, waterways, grids and pipelines, said the Indian minister. Advertisement Muhammad Yunuss controversial statement in China Jaishankars rebuke came after Muhammad Yunus, during a recent trip to China, described Indias northeast region as landlocked in a bid to position Bangladesh as the regions primary maritime gateway. Yunus also hailed Bangladesh as the only guardian of the ocean in the region, while urging Beijing to expand its economic influence in the South Asian nation. Seven states of India, eastern part of India, called seven sisters they are landlocked country, landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean, said Yunus in China. Yunuss comments triggered a backlash in India, with political leaders from the northeast leading the charge against him. Jaishankar in his statement on Thursday said Indias cooperation and facilitation were an essential prerequisite for the smooth flow of goods, services and people in this larger geography. Keeping this geo-strategic factor in mind, we have devoted increasing energies and attention to the strengthening of BIMSTEC in the last decade. We also believe that cooperation is an integrated outlook, not one subject to cherry-picking," Jaishankar said. Earlier, opposition Congress party had urged Indias Narendra Modi government to tackle Bangladeshs dangerous plans as quickly as possible. The Bangladesh governments approach is very dangerous for the safety of our Northeast. The government is not watching Manipur and China has established a village in Arunachal Pradesh. Our foreign policy is in such a deplorable state that the country, for whose creation we played a major role, is now busy trying to surround us, Pawan Khera, a spokesperson for the party, posted on X last month. The new plan aims to modernise Greeces armed forces as the country emerges from a decade-long financial crisis and seeks to match the defence advancements of Turkey, its historical rival, according to a report read more Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaks during a presentation of military spending plans, at the Greek Parliament, in Athens, on Wednesday. AP Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday announced in parliament plans to invest 25 billion ($27 billion) in a 12-year defence strategy, marking the most significant transformation in the countrys armed forces history. According to a Politico report, this new defence strategy is centered around two main pillars: the incorporation of advanced defence technologies and the active involvement of the Greek defence industry in all arms programmes. The world is changing at an unpredictable pace, Politico quoted Mitsotakis as saying. We are now facing a different kind of war than we were used to at least the kind our armed forces were prepared for, he added. Advertisement The new plan aims to modernise Greeces armed forces as the country emerges from a decade-long financial crisis and seeks to match the defence advancements of Turkey, its historical rival. This initiative comes as US President Donald Trump urges Nato allies to increase defence spending. Greece already allocates over 3% of its GDP to its military, more than double the EU average. Mitsotakis criticised Europes defence strategy in recent decades, saying that it has been geopolitically naive and failed to grasp geopolitical realities. The continent is now racing to address the challenges posed by Russia and support Ukraine while the US shifts its foreign policy. In 2017, the then and current US president, in the peculiar way of expressing himself, spoke a great truth: that after the fall of the [Berlin]Wall and the collapse of socialism, Europe ceded its defence obligations to the United States, without the EU fulfilling its obligation to Nato, Mitsotakis was quoted as saying. Europe cannot pretend today and say in this jungle that it is a herbivore in the midst of carnivores, he added. Greeces arms procurement plan, extending to 2036, will emphasise cyber capabilities and include unmanned vehicles, loitering munitions, drones, a communications satellite, and an anti-missile, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone defense system known as the Achilles Shield, reported Politico. Mitsotakis stressed that the involvement of the Greek arms industry in future programme is a non-negotiable condition for major defence investments. Advertisement To facilitate increased spending, the European Commission will invoke the EUs national escape clause, which exempts military expenditures from the blocs budgetary limits. Mitsotakis described this as an important initiative for budget flexibility, though he emphasised the continued need for restraint. The ultimate judge is the markets and the sustainability of our debt. The flexibility must be used sparingly so as not to derail our path, he said. Greeces government has backed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyens defense program but is not actively participating in a coalition of Southern European nations seeking to increase military spending through grants instead of loans to avoid debt. Mitsotakis suggested that the EU should eventually consider establishing a fund for projects of common European interest, like a European anti-missile shield, but noted, But we are not there yet. Recently, Greece announced its first pay raise for armed forces personnel in 14 years to attract young talent. However, this reform sparked controversy within the ruling New Democracy party, with MPs and ministers calling for pay hikes to also include other uniformed personnel. Advertisement Mitsotakis indicated that further increases would be announced in September, but stressed that fiscal flexibility should not lead to excesses, as the markets are watching us closely and the economys performance is crucial for security and stability. With inputs from agencies Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Limited (NZX: MCK ) advises that Mr Ken Orr will be stepping down as Vice President Operations, due to a family relocation. The company is currently in discussions with Mr Orr regarding other opportunities within the company. Mr Orr commenced the VP Operations role in April 2021, having worked for MCK in various managerial and operational positions over 20-plus years, in Queenstown, Christchurch and Wellington, including as General Manager of Grand Millennium Auckland. Mr Orr advised that he wished to relinquish the role as he has made the decision to relocate to the South Island for family reasons. MCK Managing Director, Mr. Stuart Harrison, said: Ken has been a highly valued member of our senior leadership team. He was instrumental in leading our Hotels business through the tail end of the pandemic protocols and reinvigorating the business operations. On behalf of Millennium & Copthorne, I wish to thank him for his contributions to the company. A process will be commenced to appoint a new Vice President Operations in the coming months. ENDS Enquiries, please contact Stuart Harrison, Managing Director, t: +64 21 869 216 e: stuart.harrison@millenniumhotels.com About Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Limited Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Limited (NZX: MCK ) is the only NZSX listed hotel owner-operator with 19 owned/leased/franchised hotels based in New Zealand under the Millennium, Grand Millennium, M Social, Copthorne and Kingsgate brands. As part of the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels group, we are proud to be part of a global network of over 120 properties in gateway cities across Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East and New Zealand. MCK also has property interests in Australia through its Kingsgate Group subsidiaries including a 50% ownership interest in the Sofitel Hotel Brisbane Central through a joint venture. MCK is the majority shareholder in land developer CDL Investments New Zealand Limited (NZX: CDI ). Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: CDC Independent Valuation - 30 June 2025 TruScreen Group Limited SPP Update THL provides updated guidance CEN - Greymouth gas deal July 4th Morning Report July 3rd Morning Report ikeGPS Chief Financial Officer Transition TWL - TradeWindow announces strategic partnership with FTA BLT - Patent issue settled and new 5 year agreement with BSP July 2nd Morning Report Netflix has announced an update to its TV platform, expanding language selection options for its global user base. This development reflects the increasing consumption of non-English content, with nearly a third of all viewing attributed to stories originating outside English-speaking regions. The platforms catalog, encompassing over 30 languages, features a diverse range of content, including critically acclaimed films and popular series. Titles such as Squid Game (Korea), Berlin (Spain), Lupin (France), Who Killed Sara? (Mexico), Troll (Norway), and All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany) have demonstrated the impact of language accessibility in reaching broader audiences. Previously available on mobile devices and web browsers, the full language selection feature is now extended to television viewing. This update addresses user feedback, with the company reporting thousands of language availability requests received monthly. In addition to enhanced language selection, Netflix acknowledges the platforms role in language learning. Features such as customizable subtitles and the Browse by Language option on PCs are offered to support multilingual viewers. The company states that these features aim to increase accessibility and facilitate language acquisition. The update allows users to combine various language options, such as watching a Mexican show with Korean dubbing and English subtitles. This functionality aims to accommodate viewers with diverse language preferences and those engaged in language learning. The company emphasizes that the update enhances the multilingual experience for its television users. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited, Auckland, New Zealand, 3 April 2025; 10:30am. Today the United States announced new tariffs on products manufactured outside the US, including a 10% tariff on products manufactured in New Zealand. In early March the US enacted a 25% tariff on products imported from Mexico that are not compliant with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Almost all Fisher & Paykel Healthcare products imported into the US from Mexico are currently compliant with the USMCA. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare currently manufactures approximately 45% of its volume in Mexico and approximately 55% in New Zealand, and for the first half of the 2025 financial year approximately 43% of the companys revenue came from the US. Approximately 60% of the companys US volumes are supplied from Mexico and approximately 40% are supplied from New Zealand. The companys manufacturing facilities in both Mexico and New Zealand have spare capacity to increase volumes if required. The company does not anticipate a material impact from the US tariffs on its net profit after tax for the 2025 financial year, which ended 31 March 2025. For the 2026 financial year, the companys costs would likely increase due to the new tariffs, acknowledging the economic environment, global response to US tariffs and foreign currency movements may be fluid over this period. The company continues to expect to reach its gross margin target through its long-standing continuous improvement activities across the entire business, coupled with efficient growth into existing infrastructure. US tariffs may add to that timeframe. The company will provide an update on outlook for the 2026 financial year, as well as an updated estimate of the timeframe to return to its gross margin target, at its full year results at the end of May. Managing Director and CEO Lewis Gradon said, As always, long-term thinking is guiding our decision-making. Our team is well-versed in navigating supply chain complexities, and we continue to prioritise stability for our customers, employees and operations. About Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of products and systems for use in acute and chronic respiratory care, surgery and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The companys products are sold in over 120 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, visit our website www.fphcare.com. Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: CDC Independent Valuation - 30 June 2025 TruScreen Group Limited SPP Update THL provides updated guidance CEN - Greymouth gas deal July 4th Morning Report July 3rd Morning Report ikeGPS Chief Financial Officer Transition TWL - TradeWindow announces strategic partnership with FTA BLT - Patent issue settled and new 5 year agreement with BSP July 2nd Morning Report PLA drills around Taiwan achieve designated results 11:07, April 03, 2025 By Jiang Chenglong, Zhao Lei ( Chinadaily.com.cn The two-day joint exercises launched by the People's Liberation Army around the island of Taiwan, involving an aircraft carrier group, concluded on Wednesday evening, and experts said the exercises aimed to cut off resource import lines, escape routes and external support lines of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The PLA conducted joint drills and training in waters to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island on Tuesday, involving ground, air, naval and rocket forces, and carried out the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercise on Wednesday, according to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the PLA's Eastern Theater Command. The command successfully completed all tasks of the joint training, thoroughly testing the integrated joint combat capabilities of the troops, he said. The command forces remain on high alert, continuously strengthening training and preparedness, and resolutely thwarting all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, Shi said. The "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercise was conducted in the middle and southern areas of the Taiwan Strait, focusing on tactics and maneuvers for identifying suspicious objects, warning and expulsion, as well as interception and seizure, Shi said in a statement on Wednesday morning. He said the operation was intended to test the troops' capabilities in regional monitoring and control, joint blockade and precision strikes on key targets. Carrier strike group In addition, a carrier strike group led by the aircraft carrier CNS Shandong conducted assault drills in waters to the east of Taiwan Island. Shi said the CNS Shandong strike group cooperated with other naval and air units to carry out exercises of vessel-aircraft coordination, regional airspace dominance, and strikes against land and sea targets. The Ground Force of the PLA's Eastern Theater Command conducted long-range live-fire drills in waters of the East China Sea on Wednesday morning, with mock targets including major ports and energy infrastructure, and with the precision artillery strike achieving the desired results. Wang Wenjuan, a researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science, said that the drills on Tuesday were focused on force deployment, while Wednesday's exercise emphasized deterrence, blockade and isolation. The operational routes indicated that the CNS Shandong aircraft carrier group quickly maneuvered to the east of Taiwan Island, coordinating with forces approaching the island from both inner and outer lines, fully demonstrating the hardcore strength to deter "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and promote reunification, she said. Zhang Chi, a professor at PLA National Defense University, said that in recent years, the PLA's aircraft carrier groups have carried out multiple exercises to the east of Taiwan Island. Taiwan authorities have long viewed the eastern part of the island as a so-called base for preserving military strength and a comfort zone, he said, pointing out that for a long time, "Taiwan independence" separatist forces have fantasized that the Chinese mainland would not actually take military action and that external forces would assist them. Cutting off lifeline However, Zhang stressed that the presence of the PLA's aircraft carrier groups to the east of the island aimed to help block "three lines" militarily. "The first line is cutting off the lifeline of energy and resource imports for 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces. The second line is blocking the support line of external assistance to these forces," Zhang said. "The third line is preventing the escape line for separatists attempting to evade sanctions and flee." This demonstrates that the path of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces leads only to a dead end, and that China's reunification is both inevitable and eventual, he said. Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said during a meeting on Wednesday with Hsia Li-yan, vice-chairman of Taiwan's opposition Chinese Kuomintang party, that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are family, not enemies. He also stressed that any provocations for "independence" are destined to fail. Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said in a statement on Wednesday that "Taiwan independence" and peace in the Taiwan Strait are irreconcilable. In his remarks, Zhang condemned the Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te for recklessly carrying out provocative actions to seek "Taiwan independence", and for escalating tensions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. The PLA's joint combat exercises demonstrated its strong capability to strike against "Taiwan independence" provocations, he said. In response to other countries' comments regarding the PLA's drills around the island, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular news conference on Wednesday that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and brooks no external interference. As long as provocations of "Taiwan independence" continue, countermeasures and punishments will not cease, the spokesman warned. "We will not allow anyone, any force, to separate Taiwan from China in any way, and will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity." (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George has accused President Bola Tinubu of travelling to France when Nigeria is experiencing series of insecurity crisis. George said it was shameful that while Nigerians dont feel safe anymore, Tinubus administration was focused on trivial matters like recalling suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.The former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, disclosed this in a statement he signed, titled: Whither Nigeria, my beloved country.He said, Quote Today, and with the series of crises, insecurity, hunger, joblessness and other vices in the country, President Bola Tinubu has taken off to Paris, France for reasons best known to him and his handlers. Nigerians dont feel safe anymore in their fatherland, but the Federal Government, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Senate are only interested in recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. What a shame! Aside from the fact that history is a faithful record of the past, it is also a prophecy of what is coming. That is why Felas song is still apt, decades after. Today, I see what led to the collapse of the First and Second republics being repeated by the APC-led Federal Government. On Wednesday, President Tinubu jetted out of Nigeria to France. Tinubus spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said the president is expected to return to Nigeria in about a fortnight. Nathan graduated with his journalism degree from Auburn University in 2017. After growing up in the flatlands of rural Alabama with his parents and older sister, Nathan enjoys Western Colorado's natural resources and recreational opportunities. He currently covers education and business for The Daily Sentinel. Former legislative speaker aide suspected of selling info to China ROC Central News Agency 04/02/2025 02:28 PM Taipei, April 2 (CNA) An ex-aide to former Legislative Speaker You Si-kun () is under investigation by prosecutors who accuse him of selling confidential information to Chinese spies. The man, identified by his surname Sheng (), was released on bail of NT$200,000 and must undergo electronic monitoring after being questioned by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office and Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau in recent days, according to the prosecutors office. Sheng worked for about nine months for You, a veteran lawmaker and founding member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) who once served as Taiwan's Premier, during You's term as leader of the Legislative Yuan from 2020 to 2024. The prosecutors allege that Sheng met with Chinese intelligence agents in China and received payments in cash and virtual currency in exchange for providing confidential information from Taiwan's Legislature. The case came to the attention of the authorities after Sheng allegedly tried to recruit a friend in the cash-for-information scheme. After being questioned by investigators, Sheng admitted to receiving money from sources in China but denied providing classified information, claiming he had only handed over publicly available material. Investigators believe Sheng deleted chat records and other files from his phone. Sheng had recently worked "only for a few months" in the office of Loh Meei-ling (), a DPP legislator, but resigned in February to pursue other work, Loh told the media on Wednesday. Loh said she was "extremely shocked" to learn that Sheng was under investigation, and said she "hadn't noticed anything unusual" about him. She added that she was still unaware of the full situation and would allow investigators to continue their work. Sheng also worked as an aide to DPP lawmaker Kuo Yu-ching () for less than two months last year and an year under Hsu Chih-chieh (), also a DPP lawmaker. After news of the investigation came to light on Wednesday, lawmakers from both sides of the political divide made statements to the press. Hsu Chih-chieh said he was "really surprised" to learn of the case, adding that everyone should be more vigilant and "communist spies are next to you." Meanwhile, Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Wang Hung-wei () told the press that the DPP "falsely accuse others of being accomplices of the Chinese Communist Party all day long, but it turns out all the communist spies are hiding in the DPP organization." (By James Thompson, Wang Yang-yu and Hsieh Hsing-en) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Innovation in APS Technology: Preparing for Future Warfare U.S. Central Command News | April 2, 2025 By Lt. Col. Andrew Horn, commander, 401st AFSBn-Kuwait 401st Army Field Support Brigade CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT -- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has provided essential lessons in logistics and supply chain management, including agility, flexibility, and real-time visibility. As the Army reduces its forward troop presence globally and the primary and secondary threats remain high, modernizing Army Prepositioned Stock (APS) is crucial to keep pace with Army 2040 and maintain deterrence relevance amidst increasing global projection requirements. Leveraging new technologies such as autonomous drones, augmented reality lenses, predictive fleet management technology, and smart warehousing will help meet the demands of a future operational environment characterized by increased complexity, uncertainty, and competition. Overview of the Pre-Positioned War Reserve Material (PWRM) Program and Historical Context of APS: APS provides critical warfighting stocks strategically positioned afloat and ashore worldwide that contribute to an agile stance by optimizing expeditionary power projection. The Department of Defense maintains mission-essential equipment stocks worldwide as part of its global posture, driven by several Title 10 U.S.C. congressional mandates. These mandates require the Secretary of Defense to maintain a strategic pre-positioned war reserve material (PWRM) policy. While each service approaches this requirement differently, Combatant Commanders determine operational requirements based on strategic guidance (NSS/NDS/NMS). APS represents the Army's contribution to the PWRM program and forms one of the three legs of the Joint Strategic Mobility Triad. APS is the Army's sole contribution to this triad, and the Army relies on other services to deploy forces forward, making APS critical for projecting combat power globally. Pre-positioning equipment worldwide reduces the initial strategic lift (air and sea) needed to support land force power projection. Historically, a CONUS-based unit relies on the Air Force to move 10% of its Unit Deployment List (UDL), with the remaining 90% transported by sea. Pre-positioned stocks reduce the strategic lift requirements (air and sea) that will undoubtedly be stressed during real-world crisis response. APS has been utilized numerous times throughout history. Some historical operations include Desert Shield (1990-1991), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003), Operation United Assistance (APS 1/2/5) in 2014, and support for the NATO Response Force in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In its steady state, APS is one of the Army's most significant displays of U.S. power and influence in a region. This forward presence visually demonstrates U.S. commitment and resolve in the region. The CJCSI states, "Pre-positioning provides the most practical flexibility to respond to a spectrum of regional contingencies while reducing the demand on the global transportation network." APS Modernization: APS fleets are currently managed under Care of Supplies in Storage (COSIS). Outlined in TM 38-470, COSIS ensures that equipment in storage remains in ready-for-issue condition. COSIS defines how often and in what detail equipment is maintained and accounted for. Compared to traditional divisional units, APS sites using COSIS may not service equipment for 24 to 48 months, depending on whether it is stored in controlled humidity facilities or exposed to the elements. APS sites face challenges due to the scale of operations and limited personnel. For instance, a single APS site could manage a division's worth of equipment with only 31 assigned government employees. To increase oversight capacity and accuracy, the Army should automate as many processes as possible to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and predictability. First, Autonomous Drones can perform visual inspections to identify exterior damage, oil leaks, and rust. By automating basic maintenance inspection tasks, the Army can increase oversight and maintenance capability, making these tasks faster and less complicated. The Air Force is exploring the use of this technology by scanning its aircraft during its maintenance phase in hopes streamlining maintenance operations, reducing the need for extensive work hours and expediting accurate fault reports. Delta Air Lines is also leveraging a similar technology and has seen their manual aircraft inspection process drop from 16 hours to 90 minutes. APS sites could similarly use autonomous drones with image recognition AI to identify issues like corrosion, delamination, flat tires, oil leaks, and headlights. Once a drone detects a problem, it can alert a human maintainer to troubleshoot it. If integrated correctly, verified faults could feed into GCSS-A automatically, or assist with trend analysis related to specific vehicles or fleet types which could inform the appropriate shop supply list (SSL) for rapid forward repair. APS sites can benefit from integrating this predictive fleet management system into current operations, drawing parallels with Amazon's fleet management technology, this approach could improve readiness rates and direct smart maintenance. While a preventive maintenance model follows predefined time intervals, a predictive maintenance model enhanced by machine learning could use AI and real-time data analytics to incorporate condition-based maintenance. This approach could adjust maintenance tasks based on the actual condition of the equipment, potentially extending the COSIS life of specific vehicles and reducing the workload, allowing for increased maintenance on more problematic equipment. Additionally, implementing this technology would require further investment in data collection devices, including vehicle sensors, engine data, and access to maintenance logs, possibly with GCSS-A integration. Predictive analytics could then leverage historical and real-time data, advanced algorithms, and statistical models to forecast and anticipate maintenance needs or extend the COSIS life as appropriate. Secondly, leveraging advanced Augmented Reality (AR) Technology like Microsoft HoloLens can provide inexperienced contracting officer representatives (CORs) with visual cues to address problems and allow more experienced CORs to see through the same sight picture. The Army has historically struggled to train its CORs because those responsibilities are not traditionally a part of a Service Member's assigned military occupational specialty (MOS). Often, CORs are assigned tasks outside of their MOS expertise. By adopting technology like the HoloLens, we can enhance CORs' ability to provide accurate and detailed oversight on unfamiliar equipment. With AR, anyone wearing the HoloLens-like goggles can approach any vehicle and receive a guided walkthrough of the proper steps to inspect and monitor. The HoloLens could also send visual feedback to a control center. When integrated into maintenance floors, this device can connect to life cycle management command (LCMC) subject matter experts, providing quick technical support on the spot and significantly reducing travel costs and delays from CONUS. The Army recently used a similar concept, "tele-maintenance," to support Ukraine. This approach would enhance that experience beyond standard video chats, increasing efficiency, effectiveness, and readiness. The Army should expand APS operations to include Joint Theater Additive Manufacturing capability. The most significant advantage of APS sites is the location relative to the anticipated point of need. This proximity enables faster deployment, providing the land force commander with maneuver options. However, being close to the fight could also mean increased Customer Wait Time (CWT) due to long lead times on parts in a potentially stressed supply chain. As the Army develops its additive maintenance capabilities, it should consider collocating "Theater Additive Manufacturing" sites with APS sites. This investment would reduce supply chain constraints. This capability could also support Joint and Coalition Partners in theater by increasing interoperability and external support capabilities through Army Support to other Services (ASOS). Additive manufacturing would also eliminate the need for customs processing of items shipped from CONUS, further enhancing responsiveness. In an age where efficiency and cost reduction are paramount, the implementation of Smart Warehousing is essential. CENTCOM's APS-5 fleet operates from 22 housing stations on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. These facilities provide a controlled environment for routine maintenance under COSIS, with scheduled assessments occurring every two years. Smart warehousing could automatically scan vehicles upon entry into a facility, with real-time data projected via intuitive interface directly with respective item managers and LCMC of that particular line-item number (LIN). This technology would also enable immediate identification of faults and provide a readiness percentile for each piece of equipment, allowing maintenance crews to prioritize based on urgency and theater demands. In conclusion, as we look toward the year 2040 and beyond, the modernization and optimization of the Army Prepositioned Stocks fleet operations and issue processes are critical pillars in enhancing our readiness and power projection capability. To achieve integrated deterrence and posture for the Army to respond to crisis amidst increasing primary and secondary threats, the Army must leverage new technologies such as autonomous drone damage inspections, AR-enhanced COR inspections, predictive fleet maintenance, and smart warehousing modernization options. This will ensure we're properly positioned, modernized, and ready for combat while keeping pace with current modernization efforts and transformation while in contact. Embracing cutting-edge technologies and looking at ways to dynamically "employ the force" will redefine how we maintain and distribute our vital equipment, ensuring we are always prepared to support the warfighter. These modernization initiatives are not merely about maintaining compliance with DA standards; they represent a significant leap forward in our operational capabilities. Enhanced readiness directly translates into expedited reaction times for Land Force Combatant Commanders, enabling them to position their units with unprecedented lethality within the Joint Operations Area (JOA). Modernization equals speed of response resulting in a more ready fleet, quicker handover, and issue of equipment to the gaining tactical unit, and an enhanced ability to respond rapidly to the needs of the Land Force Component Commander. Modernization of APS is not just an option; it is a necessity. Authors: Lt. Col. Andrew Horn, commander, 401st AFSBn-Kuwait Master Sgt. Christopher Jackson, senior enlisted advisor, 401st AFSBn-Kuwait Col. Brandon Hill, commander, 401st Army Field Support Brigade NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgia: Joint Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos on latest developments European External Action Service (EEAS) 02.04.2025 EEAS Press Team The new legislation, including Foreign Agents Registration Act and Law on Broadcasting, adopted by the parliament, without due public consultations, give additional tools to the Georgian authorities to supress dissent and tighten the policy of repression. These laws risk stigmatising the work of civic activists, threatening the survival of civil society and independent media, rolling back human rights protections, unduly restricting fundamental freedoms, and eroding democratic decision-making. These steps further erode the foundations of democracy in Georgia. Such actions are fundamentally incompatible with EU values of democracy, rule of law and media pluralism, and far from anything we would expect from a candidate country. They will negatively impact Georgia's EU path. Adherence to these EU values is not negotiable. A vast majority of Georgian people want Georgia to join the European Union. We call on the authorities to demonstrate a genuine and irreversible commitment to returning to the EU path. This requires stopping the violence against citizens, releasing all those unjustly detained, suspending repressive laws, consulting the Venice Commission, and engaging in a meaningful dialogue with civil society and all political actors to find a way out of the current crisis. Georgia's return to the EU accession path is fully in the hands of the country's authorities. The European Union remains ready to support Georgian people's European aspirations and all efforts towards a democratic, stable, and European future for Georgia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Who is turning Asia into a powder keg?' Chinese FM warns against US-Philippines cooperation after F-16 sale Global Times By Global Times Published: Apr 02, 2025 04:38 PM "Who is fueling the fire? Who is provoking military confrontation? Who is turning Asia into a powder keg? I believe regional countries can see this clearly," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun raised these questions in response to a media inquiry about US' latest approval of F-16 fighter jet sales to the Philippines. Guo reiterated that China has made its stance clear on military and security cooperation between the Philippines and the US. Such cooperation should neither target any third party, undermine its interests, nor threaten regional peace and stability and escalate regional tensions. The US Department has told Congress it has approved a possible $5.6 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Embassy's security advisory issued due to travel safety conditions in the Philippines: FM Global Times By Global Times Published: Apr 02, 2025 04:36 PM "The relevant security advisory by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines was issued in light of the current travel safety conditions," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday, in response to an AFP inquiry regarding the embassy's security advisory. On Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines issued a safety reminder for Chinese citizens in the country and those planning to visit ... It reads that recently, there have been frequent incidents of Chinese citizens and enterprises being harassed by Philippine law enforcement authorities, with political rallies, demonstrations in various parts of the country increased significantly. The security risks faced by Chinese citizens and institutions in the Philippines have increased, the statement reads. During a press briefing on Wednesday, an AFP reporter asked Guo whether China could confirm the case, what specific actions the Philippines had taken against Chinese individuals and entities, and whether Beijing was worried about the situation. The relevant security advisory issued due to travel safety conditions in the Philippines: FM was issued in light of current travel safety conditions in the Philippines," Guo said. He pointed to extensive media coverage on the matter, suggesting the reporter consult those reports for more information. In Tuesday's statement, the Chinese Embassy reminded Chinese citizens in the Philippines to pay close attention to the local social security situation and earnestly strengthen security precautions and emergency preparedness. Reduce unnecessary outings and stay away from political gatherings and crowded places; Comply with local laws and regulations, and beware of falling into security risks and traps. The embassy advised those planning to travel to the Philippines to assess risks carefully and make prudent travel decisions. In case of emergency, travelers should report to local police and contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular mission for assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on attacks on humanitarian workers in Gaza Government of Norway News story | Date: 02/04/2025 Norway strongly condemns the attacks on humanitarian workers in Gaza. The reports that up to up to fifteen humanitarian workers from the Palestinian Red Crescent, the Palestinian Civil Defence and the UN have been killed and found buried in the sand in Gaza are alarming. Targeted attacks on humanitarian workers are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Norway strongly condemns these attacks. It is crucial that those who risk their lives to save lives and provide humanitarian assistance in war and conflict are protected. These incidents are very serious. They must be investigated, and those responsible must be held to account. We extend our deepest condolences and express our clear support to the bereaved and the organisations affected. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on Finland considering withdrawal from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Government of Norway News story | Date: 02/04/2025 'I regret Finland's intention to withdraw from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. 'Anti-personnel mines are weapons that, in many conflicts, strike indiscriminately and cause great humanitarian suffering, even decades after a conflict has ended. The way war is waged affects the quality of the peace process and what kind of daily life the civilian population can return to once hostilities cease. That is why this convention was a step forward in global disarmament efforts', said Eide. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen's military strikes American warships in the Red Sea again IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 2, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The Yemeni Armed Forces says it has launched a large-scale attack on American warships in the Red Sea, including the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, using cruise missiles and drones. In a statement early on Tuesday, the Yemeni military said its Naval Forces, Rocket Forces, and the Air Force of our Armed Forces were involved in the attack, which was a response to "the American aggression against our country." "Our military operations against the American enemy will continue, targeting their warships in the declared operational zone with increasing intensity, God willing," the statement read. The Yemeni Armed Forces also reiterated their commitment to targeting Israeli navigation in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, as well as striking Israeli military and strategic facilities, in an effort to halt the regime's genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The statement stressed that these operations would persist until Israel's military assault on Gaza ends and the siege is lifted. According to Yemen's Health Ministry, four people were killed in earlier attacks by the United States on Yemen's Hudaydah region. "The American attack, which targeted the water management building in the district of al-Mansouriyah in the governorate of Hudaydah with several strikes on Tuesday resulted in three deaths and two injuries, mostly employees," Anees Alasbahi, a spokesman for the health minister, said. However, Al-Masirah TV later reported that the death toll had risen to four. 4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The 45th German Brigade kicks off in full headquarters capability in Nemencine Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2025-04-02 German brigade in Lithuania | International cooperation | Security and defense policy On April 1 the German 45th Brigade reached full headquarters capacity and starts it activity in Lithuania: brigade strength has increased and all functional areas have been covered after reorganization of the initial brigade command element. Individual brigade units have been integrated into one, the 45th German Brigade assigned to Lithuania which has officially received the Brigade insignia. The German Armed Forces have deployed an armored brigade abroad for the first time in history, an important milestone despite being implemented gradually. "Stationing the German Brigade in Lithuania is one of the key priorities of the sitting Government which reflects our strong responsibility to our own citizens and the Allies alike. Lithuanians and Germans have reached many important milestones in the past, likewise, this cooperation will be one more instance of our partnership yielding big wins. We spare no effort to ensure not just the military infrastructure needed but also welfare for the German military personnel and their families - we are investing in quality education, healthcare and service conditions. This cooperation between Lithuania and Germany is strategic and built on the foundation of reciprocal commitment and respect," said Vice Minister Orijana Masale at the event. The 45th German Brigade will temporarily operate Lithuanian Armed Forces infrastructure near Vilnius - Nemencine and military sites of Rokantiskes which house communications, headquarters supply companies, medical and logistical units. The German 45th Brigade will be permanently stationed in the Rudninkai Training Area and Rukla. The number of Brigade soldiers and civilians in Lithuania is gradually growing until the final 4800 military ad 200 civilian strength. On 18 December 2023 Minister of Defence of Germany and Lithuania signed a Roadmap Action Plan in Vilnius thus laying the groundwork for deployment of a brigade-sized Bundeswehr unit in Lithuania. The process of stationing the Brigade is defined as beginning with the signature of the Roadmap Action Plan and is broken down into the main stages of the process: the initial Brigade element is deployed in Vilnius in 2024; the major part of Brigade personnel moving takes place in 2025-2026; the Brigade is stationed fully and reached full operational capability by the end of 2027. The Brigade will be fully combat-ready and equipped with all necessary equipment, gear, personnel and supplies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Polish jets deploy to Siauliai, Lithuania, to take on NATO's Air Policing mission NATO Allied Air Command Apr 2 2025 Ramstein, Germany -- Polish F-16 fighter jets have arrived in Siauliai, Lithuania, as they take on NATO's Air Policing mission, from the French and Italian detachments, alongside the Romanian Air Force. The Polish Air Force has deployed with four F-16 Fighting Falcons and will support the mission until July, 2025. Poland has a long history of Air Policing from Siauliai, having completed their first Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission back in 2006. The handover from the French and Italian Air Force was marked with a ceremony in Siauliai on March 31, 2025, attended by Lieutenant General Thorsten Poschwatta, Commander Combined Air Operations Centre Uedem. NATO Air Policing is a peacetime mission collectively carried out across all European Allies; the mission is overseen by Allied Air Command and executed and controlled by the two Combined Air Operations Centres at Uedem, Germany, and Torrejon, Spain. To date, 17 Allies have participated in NATO's Air Policing mission, deploying interceptor capabilities to safeguard the airspace over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. BAP is a regional form of NATO's peacetime Air Policing mission, demonstrating the ability of the Alliance to share and pool existing capabilities. The deployment of two detachments at Siauliai allows for more flexible operational planning of NATO Air Policing in the region. With the posture of Polish and Romanian fighter jets, NATO has a robust air capability in place that sends a clear signal to potential adversaries of the Allies' collective readiness and commitment to preserving territorial integrity. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Romanian F-16 to take on NATO's Air Policing mission in Lithuania NATO Allied Air Command Apr 2 2025 Ramstein, Germany -- On the 27 March, 2025, Four Romania F-16 fighter jets arrived in Siauliai, Lithuania, as they prepare to take over NATO's Air Policing mission from the French and Italian detachments. The Romanian Air Force will be supported by the deployment of around 100 Military personnel as they take on NATO's Air policing mission alongside a detachment of Polish F-16 fighters. The addition of a second detachment at Siauliai allows for more flexible operational planning of NATO Air Policing in the region. The handover from the French and Italian Air Force was marked with a ceremony in Siauliai on 31 March, 2025, attended by Lieutenant General Thorsten Poschwatta, Commander Combined Air Operations Centre Uedem. "The Carpathian Vipers Detachment of the Romanian Air Force is executing enhanced Air Policing missions in Lithuania from April to July 2025. Our mission is clear: to safeguard the security and integrity of Baltic airspace", said Colonel Vasile Petrea, Romanian Detachment Commander. Adding "Operating under NATO command and in close cooperation with our Polish and Portuguese allies, we stand as a testament to allied unity and unwavering commitment to peace and collective defence." This most recent deployment makes the third time Romania have led NATO's Air Policing mission from Siauliai, Lithuania. They first deployed in 2007 with the MiG-21, and returned to the Baltic Sea region in 2023 with the F-16 fighter jets. This deployment is a clear demonstration of Romania's commitment to regional security. Romania will see an uplift in F-16's throughout 2025, allowing for the formation of two new squadrons of the sophisticated multirole combat aircraft, ensuring they continue to meet NATO's strategic objectives. NATO's Air Policing mission stands as a cornerstone of the Alliance's commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of NATO airspace. This collective defence initiative ensures that even member countries without their own air defence capabilities are protected under NATO's unified command. With the posture of Romanian and Polish fighter jets, NATO has a robust air capability in place that sends a clear signal to potential adversaries of the Allies' collective readiness and commitment to preserving territorial integrity. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Foreign Ministers to discuss building a 'stronger, fairer, more lethal NATO' NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 02 Apr. 2025 NATO Foreign Ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday and Friday (4 and 5 April) to continue planning for the forthcoming Summit in The Hague and discuss urgent security issues. Addressing media ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted increased defence investment as a key agenda item and critical to the Alliance's future success. "We will focus on strengthening our collective defence" he said, emphasising that "it is the foundation on which NATO was built, and it remains our number one priority." On the third anniversary of Russia's brutal actions in Bucha and ahead of the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting on Thursday evening, Mr Rutte paid tribute to the victims and survivors. He commended Allied efforts to bring a just and lasting end to the war and underscored NATO's enduring commitment to Ukraine with the announcement of more than 20 billion euros in security assistance - pledged by Allies - so far this year. The Secretary General also acknowledged that global threats are creating a more dangerous world. "In the face of these and other challenges, we must build a stronger, a fairer and more lethal NATO," he affirmed, going on to praise NATO's partners for making essential contributions to our shared security. Mr Rutte noted that NATO Ministers would meet with NATO's Indo-Pacific partners on Thursday afternoon, with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas in the NATO-Ukraine Council Thursday evening, and in a dedicated session with the EU High Representative on Friday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A look at the Defence news 23 - 30 March Netherlands Ministry of Defence News item | 02-04-2025 | 15:08 A crisis phase, but not yet a mandate to attack the enemy. This was a new element in the largest air defence exercise in Europe, Joint Project Optic Windmill. The exercise scenarios were based on NATO's defence plans. Joint Project Optic Windmill 2025 was conducted in Vredepeel, in the province of Limburg, Netherlands, with 700 military and civilian personnel from 15 NATO countries taking part. The 10-day exercise ended last week. Command of German-Netherlands headquarters back in German hands 1 German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC) is a headquarters that is fully deployable worldwide within 20 days. It is capable of directing an international force of more than 50,000 military personnel in crisis areas. During the past 3 years, 1GNC was under the command of Lieutenant General Nico Tak. The Dutch officer handed over command to his German counterpart Peter Mirow on 27 March. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgia's foreign agents legislation raises concerns over negative impact on civil society, OSCE human rights office says OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe WARSAW 2 April 2025 WARSAW, 2 April 2025 -- Georgia's new law 'On the Foreign Agents Registration Act', requiring all individuals or organisations considered to act in the interest of a foreign entity to register as foreign agents, due for example to foreign funding, and imposing sanctions for lack of compliance, adds to concerns over other legislation adopted recently and the law's negative impact on civil society, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today. "This law profoundly impacts the work of civil society and all those working to defend human rights," said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. "Civil society is vital to all democracies, and any new requirements should enhance their important work in line with international standards rather than imposing limitations." The newly adopted law aims to replace the 'Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence' passed last year, amid concerns that it will hinder the rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression. The law, along with other recent legislative initiatives, could further curtail the activities of civil society organizations and human rights defenders by removing the safeguards needed for them to carry out their work. As ODIHR noted in a legal analysis last year, the US Foreign Agents Registration Act on which Georgia's new law is modelled has legal safeguards that prevent the labelling of civil society as a tool of foreign influence simply for receiving funding from abroad. Instead, it seeks to ensure that private companies or non-profits taking part in advocacy or lobbying efforts on behalf of a foreign power register with the authorities, and that this information is made publicly available. Importing legislation from one country to another should always be approached with caution and needs to be considered in the context of the broader national institutional and legal framework. ODIHR calls on the Georgian authorities to reconsider implementation of this legislative initiative and reiterates the need for careful reassessment of the law. The Office stands ready to assist in improving Georgia's legislative framework in this area through legal reviews and other forms of advice based on its longstanding expertise. All the OSCE's participating states have committed to upholding the rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression both in law and practice. They have also recognised the importance of civil society for promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. While the regulation of lobbying activities is an important tool to ensure the transparency and integrity of public decision-making and prevent corruption, it must respect these rights and not infringe on political and public participation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza aid blockade closes bakeries as evacuation orders, hostilities continue: UN People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:42, April 02, 2025 UNITED NATIONS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The aid blockade has forced the shuttering of 25 bakeries in Gaza as food supplies shrivel, Israel's evacuation orders increase and bombardments continue, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the suspension of aid entry into Gaza continues, with a devastating impact on people in need. The 25 bakeries supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) during the ceasefire are all closed due to the shortage of flour and the unavailability of cooking gas. WFP said it continues food distribution with the remaining stocks, but the situation remains very critical since the cargo closure of the crossings almost a month ago. OCHA warned that Israeli displacement orders continue to force civilians to flee across the Gaza Strip and limit the space available for families to shelter. On Monday, the office said the latest directive covered nearly the entire Rafah governorate, where about 150,000 people were estimated to be staying. The orders have left civilians exposed to hostilities and deprived them of access to services essential for their survival. OCHA reported that a complex, week-long rescue operation ended on Sunday with the recovery of 15 bodies of emergency and aid crews in Tal As Sultan in Rafah. An Israeli ground operation started in the governorate on March 23. Efforts to reach and extract causalities had continued since then. "The available information indicates that the first team was killed by Israeli forces on March 23 and that other emergency and aid crews were struck one after another over several hours as they searched for their missing colleagues," OCHA said. "They were buried under the sand, alongside their wrecked emergency vehicles, clearly marked ambulances, a fire truck and a UN car." UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher expressed condolences on Monday to the families of the victims. He said the United Nations demands answers and justice. At least 408 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, according to OCHA. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFP willing to engage more with Canadian counterparts Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno April 2, 2025, 3:44 pm MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday expressed its willingness to engage more with its Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) counterparts following the visit of its chief to the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. welcomed and met with CAF chief of the defense staff Gen. Marie Annabelle Jennie Carignan during the latter's courtesy call. During their meeting, Brawner and Carignan reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security. The two officials also noted the importance of mutual support in joint operations and training programs. "Gen. Brawner also expressed his appreciation for Canada's ongoing assistance in strengthening the AFP's capabilities, particularly in capacity-building initiatives. The visit underscored the AFP's efforts to strengthen its defense ties with like-minded nations, and to solidify its shared commitment to regional peace and security," the AFP said in a statement. On March 7, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced that the negotiations for the proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and Canada successfully concluded. "This agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities," DND spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong, said in an earlier statement. The Philippine delegation was headed by Defense Undersecretary Angelito De Leon while the Canadian side was led by Department of National Defense Assistant Deputy Minister Scott Millar. "These (negotiations) were supplemented by virtual meetings and inter-agency consultations to ensure that the agreement aligns with both nations' mutual interests and priorities," he added. Formal negotiations began on Jan. 16. The Philippine negotiation panel included Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Undersecretary Antonio Habulan Jr.; DND Assistant Secretaries Marita Yoro and Erik Lawrence Dy; Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretaries Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga and Patrick Chuasoto and Officer-in-Charge Paulo Saret; and Department of Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez and Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan. The Canadian delegation consisted of representatives of the Department of National Defense and Global Affairs Canada. Following the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations in 2024, the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through the conclusion of the SOVFA. Andolong said this development highlights the Philippines' commitment to bolstering international partnerships and promoting regional security, ensuring the security and economic prosperity of both countries. "The Philippines looks forward to the positive impact of the SOVFA, which is expected to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The DND remains committed to working closely with international partners to safeguard national interests and strengthen security efforts in the region," he said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN rights council demands Israel 'prevent genocide' in Gaza Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 11:05 PM The UN Human Rights Council has passed a resolution condemning Israel's renewed onslaught on Gaza. The council also demanded that the regime "prevent genocide" and "lift its illegal blockade" on the territory. The resolution, which was put forward by most members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), was adopted on Wednesday with an overwhelming majority. The resolution was adopted with 27 of the council's 47 members voting in favor, four against and 16 abstaining. The text deplored "the violation by Israel of the ceasefire agreement." It voiced grave concern at statements by Israeli officials that amount to incitement to genocide. The resolution demanded unimpeded humanitarian aid and the restoration of basic necessities in Gaza. It also slammed the use of the starvation of civilians as a weapon of war. The resolution slammed "the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare" and called on all countries "to take immediate action to prevent the continued forcible transfer of Palestinians within or from the Gaza Strip." The resolution called on all nations to halt arms sales to Israel and take immediate action to prevent the forcible transfer of Palestinians from Gaza. The text also called on the UN General Assembly to set up a new investigative team to prepare prosecutions for major international crimes committed in the war on Gaza. The resolution demanded "unimpeded humanitarian assistance and the urgent restoration of basic necessities" to Gaza. The text also voiced "grave concern at statements by Israeli officials amounting to incitement to genocide" and demanded that Israel "uphold its legal responsibility to prevent genocide." Israel is boycotting the council, which it has accused of bias. The Israeli military launched a surprise aerial assault on the Gaza Strip on March 18, killing over 1,000 people, injuring more than 2,000 others, and shattering the ceasefire agreement with Hamas and the deal on the exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 50,300 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 114,500 other individuals have been injured in the brutal Israeli military onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas decries incursion by hawkish Israeli minister into al-Aqsa Mosque compound Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 6:40 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has strongly condemned Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's incursion into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, calling it a "dangerous escalation" and a war crime. Ben-Gvir, along with illegal settlers, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East al-Quds on Wednesday in a new provocation amid the ongoing war on Gaza. In a statement, Hamas decried the raid as "a dangerous escalation as part of the [Israeli] genocidal war against the Palestinian people." It called on the Palestinians to escalate confrontations with the Israeli army in defense of the holy site. The efforts by "the terrorist regime led by the war criminal Netanyahu [aims] to Judaize the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and impose a fait accompli on the holy city," said Hamas. "We call on our Palestinian people and our rebellious youth in the West Bank to escalate the situation of engagement with this arrogant enemy everywhere in defense of our land and holy sites," the statement read. Elsewhere in the statement, the Palestinian resistance group called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League to "take effective actions" to stop Israel's systematic violations against the al-Aqsa Mosque. The incursion was the sixth by the Israeli minister into the noble sanctuary of al-Aqsa since he joined Netanyahu's regime in 2022. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned the visit by Ben-Gvir, lambasting him for "storming" the area. Riyadh voiced its "strongest condemnation of the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque" by the Israeli minister under the protection of occupation police, the foreign ministry said in a statement. Separately, Egypt's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the move "could worsen the already deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, with catastrophic impacts on regional security and stability." The ministry emphasized that Israel's attempts "will not change the legal and historical situation" or the fact that occupied East al-Quds remains part of Palestinian territory under international law. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also denounced Ben-Gvir's incursion as "a deliberate provocation" and a violation of the Al-Aqsa Mosque's "established historical and legal status quo." The ministry stressed that Israel has "no sovereignty over occupied al-Quds and its Islamic and Christian holy sites." For decades, a delicate status quo has governed worship and visits to the site, permitting only Muslims to pray in its courtyards and prayer halls. The latest incursion came after the Israeli minister of military affairs announced a significant expansion of ground offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel Katz said large parts of the strip are set to be occupied, and large-scale evacuations of Palestinians will be enforced. The Israeli military has already issued evacuation warnings to Palestinians in Rafah and Khan Younis. In response to these plans, Palestinians in Gaza have pledged to stand steadfast amid the Israeli aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ICC strongly censures Hungary for ignoring Netanyahu arrest warrant Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 5:02 PM The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) has condemned Hungary for refusing to comply with its arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who will visit the central European country on Thursday. The court's spokesperson, Fadi El Abdallah, said during a press briefing on Wednesday that it is not for parties to the ICC "to unilaterally determine the soundness of the Court's legal decisions." The spokesperson further stated that participating states must enforce the court's decisions. "Any dispute concerning the judicial functions of the Court shall be settled by the decision of the Court," El Ebdallah added. Netanyahu was expected to touch down in Budapest on Wednesday evening for a four-day trip, at the invitation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The far-right Hungarian leader invited his Israeli counterpart despite Netanyahu being formally charged with the use of starvation as a method of warfare and committing crimes against humanity, including extermination, during the genocidal war in Gaza. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former war minister, Yoav Gallant, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity on November 21, 2024. The warrants were issued after assessing there were "reasonable grounds" to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant "intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity." As a member state of the ICC, Hungary is obliged to arrest Netanyahu upon his arrival in the central European country and surrender him to the court. However, Orban and his administration have made it abundantly clear that they will not comply with the ICC's ruling and requirements. Media reports also indicated that Hungary may withdraw from the ICC this week. Rights groups have called upon Hungary to arrest and surrender Netanyahu to the ICC ahead of his reported visit to the country. The European Green Party also called for Netanyahu to be arrested and face the ICC trial. "The European Union and national governments have a duty to uphold international law and ensure accountability for war crimes and human rights abuses," said the party co-chair, Ciaran Cuffe, in a statement. "By ignoring the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Prime Minister Netanyahu, Viktor Orban is showing the same disregard for the rule of law on the international stage that he has consistently shown in Hungary," Cuffe added. By hosting Netanyahu, the Hungarian government continues to demonstrate contempt for international law and human rights. Human rights advocates say any trip he takes to an ICC member state that does not end in his arrest would embolden Israel to commit further crimes against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nine children among dozens killed in Israeli strike on UN building in Gaza Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 2:23 PM At least 22 civilians, including nine children, were killed when an UNRWA clinic sheltering displaced people was struck by an Israeli airstrike in the Jabalia camp north of the besieged Palestinian territory. Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal said dozens of people were wounded in the strike, which "targeted the UNRWA building housing a medical clinic." The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the "massacre at the UNRWA clinic in Jabalia," calling for "serious international pressure" to halt Israel's widening offensive. The Islamic Jihad resistance group has called the bombing a "blatant war crime." Israel has, on several occasions, conducted strikes on UNRWA buildings housing displaced people in Gaza, where fighting has raged for most of the past 18 months. A strike on the United Nations-run al-Jawni school in central Gaza on September 11 drew international outcry after the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its staff were among the 18 people reported killed. Separately, an airstrike in the southern city of Khan Yunis also claimed the lives of at least 13 Palestinians, including a child, and left several others injured. The situation in the southern city of Rafah has also deteriorated, with intensified airstrikes and artillery shelling killing at least five people. Meanwhile, the Israeli minister of military affairs, Israel Katz, announced plans to expand the military's ground offensive in Gaza, aiming to seize large areas to be added to the so-called buffer zones in the Strip. Israel resumed the war on the Palestinian territory on March 18 in violation of the Gaza ceasefire. The renewed aggression has killed over one thousand Palestinians. The overall toll from the genocide in Gaza has topped 50,420. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel expands war on Gaza Strip to seize 'extensive territory' Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 11:28 AM Israel has expanded its ground aggression in the besieged Gaza Strip, seeking to seize a large portion of the war-ravaged Palestinian territory. Israel intensified its onslaught Wednesday, with its minister of military affairs Israel Katz announcing plans to "capture extensive territory" to establish what he claimed to be new security zones. The expansion, he said, aims to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and increase pressure for the release of Israeli captives held by the Gaza-based group. The Israeli military has already set up a "buffer zone" within Gaza, expanding an area that existed around its edges before the war, and adding a large area in the so-called Netzarim Corridor through the middle of the territory. On Monday, the Israeli military ordered all residents of Rafah in southern Gaza to leave and on Tuesday, it expanded the forced displacement notices to Beit Hanoon, Beit Lahiya and nearby areas in the north of the territory. According to The Times of Israel, the military has deployed its 36th Division to Gaza for the expanded onslaught, with troops entering the strip early Wednesday morning. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants Hamas to release the 59 Israeli captives remaining in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, but without committing to ending the war and withdrawing troops from the besieged territory. The families of Israeli captives issued a statement Wednesday, slamming Israel's announcement of the expanding military aggression, The Times of Israel reported. The families "were horrified to wake up this morning" to the announcement that the onslaught in Gaza would be expanded for 'capturing extensive territory," the statement said. "Has it been decided to sacrifice the captives for the sake of 'territorial gains?" the families asked in a joint statement. They said instead of securing the release of the captives through a deal and ending the war, the Israeli regime "is sending more soldiers into Gaza to fight in the same areas where battles have already taken place repeatedly." The onslaught, which includes extensive evacuations particularly in Rafah and Khan Yunis, has led to significant civilian displacement. Since dawn on Wednesday, Israeli attacks in central and southern Gaza have killed at least 21 Palestinians, medical sources said. In Khan Yunis, 12 people lost their lives when Israeli forces targeted a house in Khan Yunis, while two others were killed in a drone strike in areas north of Rafah, bringing the total fatalities to 10. An Israeli airstrike near an UNRWA medical center in the Jabalia refugee camp killed eight people, including three children. The UK-based Hostages Families Forum NGO said the expansion of aggression in Gaza will diminish the chances of securing the captives' release through diplomatic means. It said what Tel Aviv currently does in Gaza indicates that securing the captives' release is no longer a priority for the cabinet of prime minister Netanyahu. Hamas recently accepted an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire proposal, agreeing to release five living Israeli captives, including a US-Israeli citizen, along with the bodies of several deceased captives, in exchange for a 50-day pause in hostilities. However, Israel rejected the offer and presented its own counterproposal. Shortly afterwards, Netanyahu declared that Israel was entering the "final stage" of the war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Report: Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait ban US warplanes for strikes Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 10:56 AM Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states have imposed a ban on US warplanes using their air fields or skies for strikes which have seen a significant rise targeting Yemen in recent weeks, a report says. The US has been moving warplanes and cargo to Jordan and Persian Gulf states at the highest level since the October 7, 2023 operationinside southern Israeli settlements by Hamas. The number of US military cargo flights to the region has reportedly surged by 50 percent compared to previous highs. In response to the Persian Gulf states' ban, the US has amassed B-2 bombers used in recent bombings of Yemen at Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Last week, the Ansarullah movement warned of attacks on Abu Dhabi and Dubai if the UAE's "reckless actions" through collaboration with the US in attacks on Yemen persisted. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait are especially worried by US President Donald Trump's belligerent rhetoric against Iran recently, threatening "bombing the likes of which they (Iranians) have never seen before". The Trump administration has been courting the Persian Gulf states to come on board as it ramps up a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran, but "they do not want to be drawn in", the Middle East Eye reported, citing what it called a senior US official. According to the London-based outlet, US military and intelligence officials met with both their Emirati and Saudi counterparts in March in Washington DC, around the time of the first strikes on Yemen. In quick succession, the Trump administration approved long-stalled arms sales to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Doha received approval to purchase MQ-9 Reaper drones, and Riyadh secured weapon systems that convert unguided air to ground rockets to precision rockets, it said. Trump said on Monday that he plans to visit Saudi Arabia and potentially other Persian Gulf states as early as May. The US president is pursuing maximalist demands on Iran's nuclear energy program, but the Persian Gulf states' intransigence is a setback for his administration, the Middle East Eye said. The US has at least 40,000 troops in West Asia, with the majority deployed in the oil-rich Persian Gulf states, where they are based at a string of strategic air and naval bases. Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base is home to the US's 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, which operates F-16 and F-35 jet fighters. The US operates MQ-9 Reaper drones and jet fighters out of the UAE's Al Dhafra Air Base. Kuwait's Ali al-Salem Air Base is home to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base hosts the regional headquarters for US Central Command. It has also reportedly hosted some Israeli military officials. The island kingdom of Bahrain is home to around 9,000 US troops that belong to the headquarters of the US Naval Forces Central Command and the US Fifth Fleet. Yemen's military has over the past year targeted various American, British and Israeli vessels crossing the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea in solidarity with Gazans. The US military has recently been targeting several areas in Yemen, hoping to use massive airstrikes on Yemen's civilian infrastructure as a show of force to push Tehran to the negotiating table. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns Israel's continued aggression against Lebanon Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 2:57 AM Iran has strongly condemned Israel's continued aggression against Lebanon, including Tuesday's deadly airstrike, which killed many civilians, including a Hezbollah official and his son. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Tuesday night that the regime has breached the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon over 2000 times and violated the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Baghaei described Israel's aggression as a blatant violation of international law and human rights. He said the inaction of the ceasefire guarantors in the face of Israel's rogue behavior proves their promises lack any credibility. He also slammed the silence of international organizations, especially the UN Security Council, on Israel's heinous crimes in Lebanon and the occupied Palestine. Baghaei said the US and its Western allies are complicit in Israel's crimes, calling on regional countries to take more serious action to oppose the regime's expansionist policy. The Israeli military carried out a strike against a residential building in a southern suburb of the capital, Beirut, on Tuesday, killing at least four people and wounding seven others. The Israeli military later announced in a statement that it targeted a member of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement "who had recently directed Hamas operatives and assisted them." A joint statement released by the Israeli military and the regime's so-called internal security service, Shin Bet, alleged that the aerial attack had targeted a leading Hezbollah figure in Beirut's southern suburbs. Informed sources, however, dismissed the claim, and told al-Mayadeen TV that an ordinary member of Hezbollah had been martyred in the strike. The Israeli airstrike marks the second such attack on a southern suburb of the Lebanese capital. A joint statement released by the Israeli military and the regime's so-called internal security service, Shin Bet, alleged that the aerial attack had targeted a leading Hezbollah figure in Beirut's southern suburbs. Informed sources, however, dismissed the claim and told al-Mayadeen TV that an ordinary member of Hezbollah had been martyred in the strike. The Israeli airstrike marks the second such attack on a southern suburb of the Lebanese capital. After enduring substantial losses over almost 14 months of conflict and not achieving its aims in the offensive against Lebanon, Israel had no choice but to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The ceasefire was implemented on November 27. Since the initiation of the agreement, the occupying forces have been conducting attacks on Lebanon, violating the ceasefire, which encompasses airstrikes across the Arab nation. On January 27, Lebanon declared its decision to prolong the ceasefire with Israel until February 18. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US clears proposed sale of F-16 fighter jets to Philippines Package for 20 jets, valued at $5.58 billion, will not alter Southeast Asia's military balance, the United States says. By BenarNews staff 2025.04.02 -- The United States has approved a multibillion-dollar deal to sell 20 fighter jets to the Philippines, officials announced just days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made his first official visit to Manila. The sale for the package of F-16s along with related equipment and parts is contingent on Manila formally accepting it through a letter, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DCSA) said in a statement Tuesday. "The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of F-16 Aircraft for an estimated cost of $5.58 billion," the statement said, adding the DCSA had notified Congress about the possible sale. The Philippines, one of America's closest allies in Southeast Asia, for years has been looking to modernize and upgrade its military arsenal and air force fleet as it confronts territorial tensions with China in the South China Sea. "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in Southeast Asia," the DCSA said. If finalized, the sale "will enhance the Philippine Air Force's ability to conduct maritime domain awareness and close air support missions and enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses," the agency said. "This sale will also increase the ability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect vital interests and territory, as well as expand interoperability with the U.S. forces." The sale, the agency also said, would "not alter the basic military balance in the region." The Philippine Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a BenarNews request for comment. Greg Poling, a maritime analyst from the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said it was too soon to say if the deal would go through. "State has approved it, but that doesn't mean the Philippines will actually follow through with the purchase, or that the final number will really be 20 F-16s," he told BenarNews. "If this does happen, it certainly doesn't change the balance of power, but it could give the Philippines a greater ability to defend its own aircraft over the South China Sea. Right now, the Philippines' only capable combat aircraft are FA-50 trainer jets from South Korea." Defense secretary visit The announcement followed Hegseth's meetings with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. on March 28 in Manila, where he assured the Filipinos that Washington's defense commitment to its treaty ally would remain strong under the second administration of President Donald Trump. "Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese, and that friends need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to deter conflict," Hegseth told Marcos, according to a transcript of their meeting at Malacanang Palace. Marcos said that Hegseth's choosing Manila as the first stop on his first Asian trip as the Pentagon chief "sends a very strong message of the commitment of both our countries to continue to work together to maintain the peace in the Indo-Pacific region within the South China Sea." China: Who's fueling the flames? In Beijing on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun questioned the proposed sale. "We've made clear more than once our position on military and security cooperation between the Philippines and the U.S. Whatever defense or security cooperation between the Philippines and other countries should not target any third party or harm their interest, still less threaten regional peace and security or escalate tensions in the region," he said in response to a question during the daily news conference. "Who exactly is fueling the flames? Who exactly is instigating military confrontation? Who exactly is turning Asia into a 'powder keg?' Regional countries are not blind." For months, Philippine officials had filed diplomatic complaints against their Chinese counterparts over incidents involving ships firing water cannons and jets flying too closely in disputed South China Sea waters. In January, a Philippine Navy spokesman accused China of an "increase in aggression" by using a long-rang acoustic device that sailors said could damage hearing or cause severe discomfort by emitting piercing, high-decibel sounds. 'Unprecedented' funding Under Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, the U.S. announced in July 2024 what it called an "unprecedented" infusion of $500 million to help the Philippines defend its shores against perceived threats from China. Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken, then the U.S. secretaries of defense and state, negotiated with their Filipino counterparts, Teodoro and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo at a "2+2" meeting in Manila. "[W]e are taking bold steps to strengthen our alliance," Austin told reporters following nearly four hours of closed-door talks. "We are poised to deliver a once-in-a-generation investment to help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard. We are working with the U.S. congress to allocate $500 million in foreign military financing into the Philippines," he said. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service. 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vietnam courts European leaders amid concerns over US tariffs A series of top-level visits may pave the way for trade deals and investment. By Mike Firn for RFA 2025.04.02 BANGKOK -- Fearing retaliatory U.S. tariffs, Vietnam is turning to Europe, hosting a succession of senior figures over the next two months. On Tuesday, President Luong Cuong met with Belgian's monarch, King Philippe, and a business delegation, encouraging them to invest in key industries such as high tech manufacturing, renewable energy and infrastructure, state media reported. Philippe said he hoped Belgian businesses specializing in wastewater treatment, energy and rare minerals would set up shop in Vietnam. Cuong also asked Belgium to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, signed six years ago but still not in force because it hasn't been ratified by a third of E.U. members. Two more European delegations arrive next week. E.U. trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic is scheduled to be in Hanoi on April 11, ahead of a planned visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in May. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is due in Vietnam from April 8-12. Spain was the first E.U. country to elevate its relationship with Vietnam to a so-called strategic partnership, in 2009, according to Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia. "Sanchez is expected to explore new trade and investment opportunities in renewable energies and infrastructure," he said in a recent briefing. Vietnam is keen for Airbus founding-member Spain to encourage the aircraft manufacturer to invest more in Vietnamese component production, maintenance facility construction and supply chain development, he said. Liberation Day tariffs Vietnam's growing urge to do business with Europe comes amid the prospect of higher U.S. tariffs in retaliation for Vietnam's record trade surplus with the United States. Hanoi cut import duties on a range of American products on Tuesday to try to stave off President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. It is also sending Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc to Washington and New York with a business delegation to argue Vietnam's case, according to Bloomberg, which cited people familiar with the plan. Trump has vowed to announce new tariffs on Wednesday against an unspecified number of countries. However, Vietnam is also preparing for the potential higher cost of exporting to the U.S. by looking to a bloc where it has a free trade agreement. Since an EU-Vietnam free trade agreement came into force in 2020, two-way trade has risen almost 48% to US$68.4 billion last year. And the two sides may be looking to take that relationship one step further when Ursula Von der Leyen meets Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh next month, according to Carl Thayer. He said the E.U. and Vietnam are likely to elevate relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, putting it on a level with the U.S. and China. Increased trade may include the resumption of Vietnamese seafood exports if Europe decides Hanoi has made progress in ending illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. For its part, the E.U. could get access to rare earths and other minerals important for the manufacture of products such as electric vehicles. If President Trump does get tougher with tariffs, Thayer sees a "silver lining" for both sides. "If Trump imposes additional tariffs on Vietnam and the E.U. on April 2, Trump's tariffs are likely to force U.S. manufacturers in Vietnam to lay off their workers due to a drop in exports to the United States," he said. "This will open opportunities for increased trade between Vietnam and the E.U. and E.U. investment in Vietnam where labor costs are comparatively low." Edited by Stephen Wright and Taejun Kang. 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spanish Government condemns attack on Palestinian Red Cross aid workers in Gaza Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 040 Wednesday, April 2, 2025 The Government of Spain condemns the attack on 15 Palestinian Red Cross aid workers in Gaza in March, whose bodies have been found in a mass grave. The Government extends this condemnation to the attacks in recent weeks against humanitarian and UN workers. International humanitarian law must be respected in all contexts. We call for the investigation of the facts and demand accountability, justice and reparation for the victims and their families. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Bahraini Foreign Minister Al Zayani US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson April 2, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani during his visit to Washington, D.C. Secretary Rubio and the Foreign Minister discussed the important strategic partnership between the United States and Bahrain, including close security cooperation, our shared commitment to safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation against Houthi threats, and a shared commitment to peace. Both parties discussed our valued trade relationship and continued economic engagement in emerging technologies. They highlighted the U.S.-Bahrain Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement and the Abraham Accords as platforms for joint deterrence, diplomacy, security, and regional integration. The Secretary and Foreign Minister reiterated both countries' support for greater security and stability in the Middle East. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sanctioning Iran-Backed Houthi Network Procuring Weapons and Commodities from Russia US Department of State Press Statement Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson April 2, 2025 Today, the United States is sanctioning financial facilitators, procurement operatives, and companies operating as part of a global illicit finance network supporting the Houthis. In coordination with Iran-backed Houthi financier, Sa'id al-Jamal, the network of actors designated today has procured millions of dollars of commodities from Russia, including weapons, dual-use materials, and stolen Ukrainian grain, for shipment to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Those designated today include two Russia-based Afghan brothers who assisted Sa'id al-Jamal in orchestrating shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain from Crimea to Yemen. To counter the Houthis' illicit efforts to procure weapons, dual-use materials, and stolen goods, the United States also identified eight digital asset wallets used by the Houthis to transfer funds associated with the group's activities. The United States is committed to eliminating the Iran-backed Houthis' capabilities and resources to conduct attacks on our servicemembers and naval assets, while ending their ability to threaten the security of the United States and our partners. Today's action is being taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, and builds on previous actions targeting Houthi weapons procurement operatives and suppliers. For more information, today's designation can be found on the Recent Actions | Office of Foreign Assets Control webpage. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Sanctions Houthi Network Procuring Weapons and Commodities from Russia U.S. Department of the Treasury April 2, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against a network of Houthi financial facilitators and procurement operatives working in coordination with Sa'id al-Jamal, a senior Houthi financial official backed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). This network has procured tens of millions of dollars' worth of commodities from Russia, including weapons and sensitive goods, as well as stolen Ukrainian grain, for onward shipment to Houthi-controlled Yemen. Additionally, OFAC has identified eight digital asset wallets used by the Houthis to transfer funds associated with their activities. "The Houthis remain reliant on Sa'id al-Jamal and his network to procure critical goods to supply the group's terrorist war machine," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "Today's action underscores our commitment to degrading the Houthis' ability to threaten the region through their destabilizing activities." The Houthis have deployed missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and naval mines to attack commercial shipping interests in the Red Sea, threatening global freedom of navigation and the integrity of international commerce. These indiscriminate attacks on civilian economic infrastructure, enabled and incentivized by the support of the Iranian regime, have resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians and resulted in millions of dollars in damage to commercial shipping. Today's action is being taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority, Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. The U.S. Department of State's designation of Ansarallah (commonly known as the Houthis) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, became effective on February 16, 2024. OFAC designated Sa'id al-Jamal pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, on June 10, 2021 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the IRGC-QF. OFAC designated the IRGC-QF pursuant to E.O. 13224 on October 25, 2007 for providing material support to multiple terrorist groups. HOUTHI PROCUREMENT NETWORK Russia-based Afghan businessman Hushang Ghairat (Hushang) and his brother, Russia-based Afghan businessman Sohrab Ghairat (Sohrab) have assisted Sa'id al-Jamal with Houthi commercial initiatives in Russia, including arms procurement. In summer and fall 2024, Hushang and Sohrab, at Sa'id al-Jamal's direction, orchestrated at least two shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain from Crimea to Yemen on board the Russia-flagged AM THESEUS (IMO: 9720263), also known as the ZAFAR. Hong Kong-based AM Asia M6 Ltd is the registered owner, ship manager, and operator of the AM THESEUS. Russian national Vyacheslav Vladimirovich Vidanov (Vidanov) served as the captain of the AM THESEUS during some of the 2024 voyages between Crimea and Yemen, and Russian national Yuri Vladimirovich Belyakov (Belyakov) served as the vessel's captain through the end of 2024. Hushang, Sohrab, AM Asia M6 Ltd, Vidanov, and Belyakov are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Sa'id al-Jamal. The AM THESEUS is being identified as blocked property in which AM Asia M6 Ltd has an interest. Sohrabis the general director of three Russia-based companies: LLC Sky Frame, LLC Edison, and LLC Kolibri Group. LLC Sky Frame, LLC Edison, and LLC Kolibri Group are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, directly or indirectly, Sohrab. HOUTHI MONEY LAUNDERING AND SHIPPING ACTIVITIES Hushang, Sohrab, and Sa'id al-Jamal use financial facilitators to conduct financial transactions in support of the Houthis' trade ventures involving Russia, including the aforementioned grain shipments. Turkiye-based Iranian money launderer Hassan Jafari (Jafari) has worked with Hushang and Sa'id al-Jamal to launder dollars on behalf of Sa'id al-Jamal's network, enabling the network's sanctions evasion schemes. Jafari also arranged payments worth millions of dollars in support of shipments benefiting the Houthis. Jafari is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hushang. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated person(s) described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons is/are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt, U.S. sanctions generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities with designated or otherwise blocked persons. Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions with the individuals designated today entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended. Pursuant to this authority, OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on opening or maintaining, in the United States, a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates any significant transaction on behalf of a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Exports, reexports, or transfers of items subject to U.S. export controls involving persons included on the SDN List pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, may be subject to additional restrictions administered by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. See 15 C.F.R. section 744.8 for additional information. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here and to submit a request for removal, click here. View identifying information on the individuals and entities designated today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Core Group Statement to Introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan UK Core Group Statement to Introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley. 2 April 2025 Location: Geneva Delivered on: 2 April 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you, Mr President. I am honoured to present, on behalf of a core group of Albania, Ireland, Norway and the UK, this draft resolution on Advancing Human Rights in South Sudan, which proposes to extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for a further year. We do so against a deeply alarming backdrop in South Sudan, with increased fighting in many parts of the country, and the recent arrest of First Vice President, Riek Machar. We call on President Kiir to reverse that action. And we urge South Sudan's collective leadership to engage with regional efforts to de-escalate the situation, and work together to deliver the peaceful, just and prosperous future that South Sudan's people deserve. A future that was set out in the 2018 Peace Agreement. Mr President, it is clear that the Commission for Human Rights continues to play a critical role in delivering that future. The current events are a sobering reminder that the Commission's monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation, and its support to accountability, remain as vital today as when it was first established by consensus in 2016. Let me also use this opportunity to praise the efforts of others also working tirelessly to improve the human rights situation in South Sudan, including the Office of the High Commissioner, and the UN Mission in South Sudan, headed by Special Representative Nicholas Haysom. Mr President, We regret that we have been again unable to reach consensus with South Sudan, and reach a single, consolidated text. However, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my colleague and friend, Ambassador Deng of South Sudan, for the ongoing, and constructive discussions that we have had, which have helped enrich this text. I would also like to welcome the continued cooperation by the government of South Sudan with the Commission in Juba. Mr President, We note, as in previous years, South Sudan's call for enhanced technical assistance. We accordingly support draft resolution L.23 from the African Group. Taken together, the two resolutions ensure a comprehensive and holistic approach to improving human rights, with technical assistance and capacity building continuing in addition to independent scrutiny of the human rights situation. We therefore urge the Council to adopt this draft resolution and extend the mandate of the Commission, and to vote in favour of the text, should a vote be called. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Commissioner-General, Gaza: Even ruins have become a target UNRWA 2 Apr 2025 From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter) Israeli Forces airstrikes hit an UNRWA building in Jabalia northern Gaza today. The building was previously a health centre, heavily damaged earlier in the war. Initial reports indicate the facility was sheltering over 700 people when it was hit. Among those killed are reportedly nine children, including a two-week-old baby. Displaced families stayed at the shelter after it was hit because they have nowhere else to go. Since the war began, more than 300 UN buildings have been damaged or completely destroyed even though all their coordinates are regularly shared with the warring parties. More than 700 people have been killed while seeking United Nations protection. Too many UNRWA premises have also reportedly been used for military and fighting purposes by Palestinian armed groups including Hamas or the Israeli forces. The total disregard of UN staff, premises or operations is a profound defiance of international law. I call once again for independent investigations to find out the circumstances of each of these attacks and the serious violations. In Gaza, all lines have been crossed over and over again. Background Information: UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on. UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Amid Record High Killing of Humanitarian Workers, Speakers Implore Security Council to Ensure Accountability for Attacks on Personnel in Conflict Zones Meetings Coverage Security Council 9889th Meeting (AM) SC/16035 2 April 2025 What is the Council going to do to ensure accountability for the killing of aid workers and to prevent more such deaths, a senior United Nations humanitarian official asked the 15-member body today, as she detailed the unprecedented attacks that such workers face in conflict zones around the world. Joyce Msuya, Assistant-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, noting the record number of humanitarian workers killed in 2024 377 across 20 countries said many more were injured, kidnapped, and arbitrarily detained. "Being shot at should not be part of the job," she emphasized. In Sudan, at least 84 humanitarian workers, all Sudanese nationals, have been killed since the current conflict began in 2023. Three days ago, the bodies of 15 emergency aid workers were recovered from a mass grave in Rafah killed several days earlier by Israeli forces while trying to save lives. "Gaza is the most dangerous place for humanitarians ever", she said a statement echoed several times in the ensuing discussion. More than 408 aid workers were killed there, since 7 October 2023. There is no shortage of robust international legal frameworks to tackle this, she added "what is lacking is the political will to comply." Almost 95 per cent of those killed are local aid workers; but the killing of a local aid worker receives 500 times less media coverage than that of an international staff member. She also highlighted the challenge posed by disinformation and misinformation campaigns targeting aid organizations. Respect for International Law Is Critical Highlighting three asks, she called on the Council to ensure respect for international law and protect humanitarian workers. Secondly, "speak out", she said, adding that "silence, inconsistency and selective outrage is emboldening perpetrators". Finally, accountability is crucial, she stressed, adding that the Council must ask concerned Governments to pursue justice, and when national jurisdictions fail it must use international mechanisms. Gilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, recalled that he had previously urged the Council to "translate words of support for the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel into meaningful action". At the time, he also called on Member States to join the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. "Since that briefing, I regret to inform you that progress has been elusive," he said. In Gaza, the breakdown of the ceasefire has been "particularly brutal", he emphasized, noting, among others, the direct attack on a clearly identified UN building on 19 March. On 23 March, a worker of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other humanitarian staff were killed while providing life-saving assistance "their bodies left for days before they could be retrieved", he noted. "Impunity for attacks on humanitarian personnel have become the 'new normal'," he said. Such attacks are perpetrated by non-State actors and Governments alike and, while the motives vary, he stressed: "But, above all, they do it because they can get away with it." Closure of Vital Services Due to 'Criminalization of Aid' "Through the eyes of a humanitarian, the world is a volatile place," Nic Lee, Executive Director of the International NGO Safety Organisation told the Council. On average, at least one aid worker is abducted, injured or killed every day. Nationally and locally recruited personnel are particularly vulnerable and the international response to their death is lacking. Violence at the hands of non-State armed groups continues to remain prevalent, with the most common incidents occurring in West and Central Africa. Further, the "criminalization of aid" amid an "explosive growth" in NGO restrictions has led to the closure of vital services for populations in dire need, he said. The Council must do more to facilitate diplomatic engagement on humanitarian issues, protect the humanitarian space and "challenge the worrying trend of criminalization of aid", he said. "The fact is that violence against aid workers is more commonly linked to their identity as civilians than as aid workers," he added. The Council must address the double standards of Member States who continue to support those responsible for civilian and aid worker deaths alike. Patterns of Violence Extend Across Multiple Conflict Zones When the floor opened, Council members reaffirmed that it is unacceptable to target humanitarian workers and highlighted the frontlines where they are in danger. The representative of Sloveniarecalled the words of the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who addressed the Council in September 2024: "One conflict informs the other, boundaries are pushed into the zone of the acceptable, and more human suffering follows." "The pattern of violence against humanitarian workers extends across multiple conflict zones," Somalia's delegate said, noting that in Sudan, over 100 aid workers have been killed since April 2023, while Ukraine has lost 23 brave souls, and in Gaza, 399 humanitarian personnel, including 289 UN staff members, paid the ultimate price. Eight of the aid workers whose bodies were discovered in a mass grave in Rafah recently, he noted, were Red Crescent medics still wearing their protective gear. This is a "stark violation of every principle we hold sacred", he said. In Gaza UN Workers Systematically Suppressed, Aid Workers Attacked Algeria's delegate noted that the bodies were buried near destroyed ambulances they were assassinated by Israeli occupying forces while attempting to save lives. They deserve justice, he said, stressing that attacks directed at humanitarian personnel, their premises and assets are considered war crimes under international law. The fact that these basic principles do not seem to apply to the Israeli occupying Power calls into question the relevance of international humanitarian law and the Security Council itself, he said. Also stressing the need for accountability, China's delegate stressed the role of UNRWA in Gaza, noting that it has been systematically suppressed and its humanitarian workers attacked. The representative of the United Kingdom noted the one-year anniversary of the attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza, which killed seven aid workers, including three British citizens, and called for the conclusion of the Military Advocate General's consideration of the incident, including determining whether criminal proceedings should be initiated. In Gaza, the representative of the United States said, "Hamas has cynically misused civilian infrastructure to shield themselves" causing "civilians to be caught in the crossfire". He expressed concern about the surge in civilian deaths in Sudan, the constraints faced by humanitarians in South Sudan and the devastating effects of the Russian Federation's war on Ukraine on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Further, "we condemn the Houthis' sham so-called judicial proceedings against detainees," he said, expressing concern about the humanitarian and diplomatic personnel detained by the Houthis. In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone's delegate said, civilians are caught in the crossfire of armed group activity, while in Haiti, violence from armed gangs has engulfed urban centers, displaced thousands and left civilians at the mercy of lawlessness. In Ukraine, the Russian Federation uses "cruel double-tap strikes" to target first responders, Denmark's delegate pointed out. The Republic of Korea's delegate noted that in Sudan, warring parties spread false narratives accusing the Sudan Emergency Response Room of collaborating with their enemies, thereby justifying the denial of humanitarian access and leaving millions in urgent need. He called upon all States to consider sanctioning those responsible for disseminating unverified and libelous content. Last year - the deadliest on record for humanitarian workers - also saw the adoption of Council resolution 2730 (2024), he recalled. Calls for Stronger Action to Implement Council Resolution 2730 (2024) The representative of Switzerland, who presented that text to the Council during the country's tenure as a non-permanent member, stressed the importance of implementing it and guaranteeing unimpeded humanitarian access. Several speakers reaffirmed support for that text, including the representative of Greece. France's delegate, Council President for April, speaking in his national capacity, echoed the call for justice and said that each time violations occur, the Council has to "speak out, it must react". Panama's delegate said the text "set us on the right track, and it remains fully relevant." Pakistan's delegate urged the creation of a "global implementation dashboard" for that resolution it should provide real-time public tracking of violations, investigations and their outcomes "for everyone to see and follow". The escalating attacks on humanitarian personnel are not just isolated incidents "they reflect a growing disregard for international norms," he said, adding that it is unacceptable that those who work to provide "dignity amidst displacement" are met "not with gratitude, but with gunfire". Guyana's delegate expressed support for the Secretary-General's recommendation for the Council to systematically request the concerned State authorities to conduct prompt, independent and effective investigations into incidents and to report to the Council about the outcomes of these investigations, including on measures to prevent reoccurrence. The Council must also consider referrals to the International Criminal Court or other international tribunals where State authorities prove unable or unwilling to act, she said. "What new instruments can we talk about if the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations are unable to enforce previous ones which remain fully relevant?" asked the Russian Federation's delegate. Current international obligations are more than sufficient, he said, calling for more scrupulous compliance. His delegation abstained from voting on Council resolution 2730 (2024) because it contained some language "which is not fully accurate" and may result in distorted interpretation, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Aims To Elevate Ties With Central Asia At Landmark Samarkand Summit By Reid Standish April 03, 2025 The European Union and Central Asian countries have kicked off their first-ever high-level summit as the bloc eyes new trade and infrastructure investments while aiming to significantly elevate Brussels' ties with the region, according to a draft document for the meeting seen by RFE/RL. "Reaffirming our commitment to deeper cooperation in an evolving global and regional geopolitical landscape, we have decided to upgrade relations between the European Union and Central Asia to a strategic partnership," states a draft EU version of the joint declaration for the April 3-4 summit's intended outcomes. Beyond strengthening political ties between Brussels and Central Asia, the draft document -- which could still be subject to change -- outlines deepening the EU's partnership with the region through enhanced cooperation on water management, critical minerals, and a focus on digital connectivity. As outlined in the draft document, the 27-country bloc also calls for a greater focus on trade and investment and lumping the array of proposed initiatives for Central Asia under the Global Gateway -- the EU's infrastructure partnership plan launched in 2021 that's seen as an alternative to China's worldwide Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A key part of the Global Gateway's early footprint in Central Asia is the Trans Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) -- also known as the Middle Corridor -- a 6,500-kilometer developing trade route that connects China to Europe through Central Asia and the Caucasus by bypassing Russia. The EU document calls for the route to be expanded further. The summit is something of a watershed moment for the EU as it aims to boost its regional standing at a time when Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shifted the geopolitical balance in Central Asia and China's economic expansion has left the region more integrated with Beijing. But analysts say that there are still questions in the region about the EU's interest in Central Asia. "Central Asia wants a bigger EU presence, but the region's leaders don't have high expectations," Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, told RFE/RL. "So far, the EU hasn't put enough money on the table to make them think that Europe can be this third player that allows Central Asia to rely less on Russia and China," he said. Why Is The EU Looking To Expand Its Relationship With Central Asia? Since 2023, Western leaders have been flocking to Central Asia on high-level state visits as they've looked to take advantage of the economic and political window opened by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Central Asian governments have maintained strong ties with Moscow, they've also accelerated their efforts to diversify their relations with other countries. This push to woo new partners and deepen preexisting ties has been boosted by the region containing some of the world's largest hydrocarbon reserves and critical raw materials. The result has been a flurry of diplomatic inroads made by Brussels and individual European states such as France and Germany in recent years. Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and other Middle Eastern countries have also expanded their presence. But the region's deepest inroads have been carved out by China. Beijing has established itself as a leading trade partner and top foreign investor in Central Asia, and China hosted its own landmark summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his regional counterparts in 2024. Bilateral trade between Central Asia and China, its largest individual trade partner, has been rising steadily in recent years, hitting a record high of $94.8 billion in 2024, but with its 27 member states, the EU is Central Asia's biggest foreign investor. The EU and the five Central Asia states signed a road map for expanding their ties in 2023. This was later followed by an investors forum in 2024 that saw the EU pledge 10 billion euros ($10.8 billion) toward the Middle Corridor trade route. Can The Global Gateway Compete With China? The EU's heightened interest in Central Asia is driven in part by its need to secure new energy supplies and gain access to critical minerals, but also to help diversify the region away from its historical reliance on Moscow. Central to these needs are the development of the Middle Corridor and deepening of the Global Gateway's profile. "One of the core elements of the EU's approach to Central Asia is to develop connectivity to and through this region," Marie Dumoulin, a program director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told RFE/RL. "Central Asian countries should benefit from the Global Gateway initiative, but concrete projects are slow to materialize and not very visible." Since the all-out war in Ukraine, the Middle Corridor has attracted new investment and seen the amount of cargo traveling along its roads, railways, and shipping lanes expand after being avoided for years due to rising costs and border issues. But the trade route is still grappling with limited capacity and bottlenecks at key ports due to a lack of infrastructure, which still holds it back from being an alternative to the traditional Northern Route that takes goods from China through Russia to Europe. The EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand is looking to inject new momentum into those initiatives. Jacob Mardell, a senior fellow at Sinification and the author of a new report about the future of the Global Gateway, says that the EU's infrastructure program gives Brussels an opportunity to create more goodwill in Central Asia and become a more visible player on the ground in a way similar to how the BRI allowed China to expand as an investor and create new opportunities for Chinese businesses. "Global Gateway might not be a direct response to BRI, but it's a response to the changing environment that the BRI created when it challenged the status quo for development finance," Mardell told RFE/RL. "The EU now has a chance to respond." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-central-asia-summit- china-global-gateway-belt-road-bri/33369751.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US orders social media screening for student visa applicants to bar those critical of Israel Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 7:24 PM US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed diplomats overseas to monitor the social media activity of student visa applicants to deny entry to those critical of the United States and Israel, according to a report. On Tuesday, The New York Times cited two American officials as saying that Rubio issued the directive in a long cable to diplomatic missions overseas. The directive is part of a broader campaign of deportations targeting students who have expressed support for Palestinians amid the ongoing genocidal war on Gaza or participated in campus protests against Israel. Rubio said that, starting immediately, consular officers must refer certain student and exchange visitor visa applicants to the "fraud prevention unit" for a "mandatory social media check." The cable sets out the broad parameters the diplomats should use to judge whether to deny a visa. According to the report, applicants whose social media posts should be scrutinized are those who are "suspected of having terrorist ties or sympathies" and who either had a student or exchange visa between October 7, 2023, the start date of Israel's war, and August 31, 2024 or had their visa terminated from the date of the war to the present. Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas resistance movement, designated by the US as a "terrorist" group, waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long violence against Palestinians. Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed over 50,000 Palestinians. "The dates specified by Mr. Rubio in the cable indicate that one of the main aims of the social media searches is to reject the applications of students who have expressed sympathy for Palestinians during the war," the Times reported. The cable also states that applicants can be denied a visa if their behavior or actions show they bear "a hostile attitude toward US citizens or US culture (including government, institutions, or founding principles)." Since becoming secretary of state in late January, Rubio has cancelled over 300 visas, many of them belonging to students, having personally signed off on every visa revocation. This comes as the US continues with its crackdown on pro-Palestine activism. Last week, Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, was arrested in a street in the town of Somerville, Massachusetts, the school's president said in a statement, over expressing pro-Palestine leanings in an article she co-authored. Also last month, federal authorities arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and a Palestinian activist who helped organize campus protests against Israel's genocidal war in Gaza across the US last year. Khalil has been facing deportation despite being a legal permanent resident in the US. Earlier, the Department of Homeland Security arrested Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student who had taken part in protests at Columbia University, for allegedly overstaying her F-1 student visa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 3, 2025: North Korea has tested a missile launched ElectroMagnetic Pulse or EMP weapon. This took place on April 29th as the conventional missile warhead detonated at 72 kilometers altitude. This is the optimum altitude for a ten kiloton/KT EMP weapon. The missile was launched from a base near the capital Pyongyang and detonated over North Korean territory. North Korea was demonstrating that it had the ability to use an EMP weapon high above the South Korean capital Seoul and disable half the national GDP. Seoul is close to the North Korea border and vulnerable to North Korean rocket and missile attacks. A ten KT EMP weapon would impact all of north and south Korea. Because North Korea has a long history of irrational and self-destructive behavior, use of an EMP is remotely possible. North Korean use of EMP against the south would incur retaliation from the United States, which has been an ally since 1946. Most major industrialized nations can, and some have, built EMP weapons. The national impact of EMP use is known because of a natural one caused in 1859 when an electrically charged geomagnetic storm from our sun, known as the Carrington Event, disrupted and damaged telegraph equipment throughout Europe and North America. If this EMP had occurred a hundred years later, 1959 societies would have been crippled by the damage done to all manner of electronic equipment in the zone of the EMP. It takes several days for a geomagnetic storm to reach earth. The United States and several other nations manage an early warning system to provide time to prepare for a major EMP hitting earth. Some sensitive equipment could be protected by turning it off and, if possible moving equipment to a shielded area like a cave, basement or safe. There would still be widespread damage, but the undamaged items would make repairs and reconstruction move faster. North Korea has lots of tunnels to place vehicles and other equipment in if they used an EMP nuclear weapon over northern South Korea. Non-nuclear portable devices are quite common and some have legitimate uses. Criminals and military specialists have developed their own uses for this equipment. Meanwhile the United States, Britain and France, the three Western nations with SSBM nuclear powered submarines carrying ballistic missiles, are working on enhancing the EMP protection on these subs. The SSBMs are immune to EMP attacks while underwater. But when they are back at their base they are on the surface and vulnerable to having most or all of their electronics damaged or made unusable. Land-based ICBM and heavy bomber bases, including the missiles, bombers and supporting aircraft, have 1960s levels of EMP protection but are vulnerable to modern EMP warheads. Their ground vehicles have no EMP protection. Studies are being made to implement some kind of EMP protection for land based ICBM silos. EMP protection for other military and civilian equipment and facilities is uneven. That means anyone employing EMP devices can cause a lot of damage. Fortunately, a major EMP attack is only possible with the resources of a major industrial nation. For several decades the U.S. government has been thinking about EMP protection to protect major electrical power plants and industrial facilities from an EMP attack, or even future solar burps like the Carrington Event. The danger is that any nation with a satellite launch capability could put a nuclear weapon in low orbit, about 200-300 kilometers up. Once the nuclear bomb is detonated, it creates an EMP which would destroy most of the unshielded military and civilian electronics within one or two thousand kilometers. For the U.S., that would mean most electronics would be damaged, many to the point where they no longer worked. The economy would stagger to a halt, and it would take months to get back to something resembling normal. In the meantime there would be widespread starvation, less medical care and a lot of general unpleasantness. An unfortunately possible worst case scenario is that all electric power production in the US would cease for years, resulting in 95 percent of Americans dying of thirst, violence and starvation. There would be nasty side effects to such a high altitude nuclear blast. It would create a temporary belt of intense radiation which would destroy or damage many of the low earth orbit satellites up there. There would be $100 billion, or more, in damage to these satellites, and several years of disrupted communications, GPS and weather prediction service until all the damaged satellites could be replaced. That kind of collateral damage leads many military and political leaders to believe that no one would use an EMP attack. Then again, what's to prevent Iran or North Korea from setting off an EMP nuke in low orbit, in order to disable everyone's satellites? Sounds like a great extortion opportunity. This is one reason more and more satellites are being hardened to resist the kind of radiation surge high altitude EMP would produce. But most of the satellites in low orbit are not hardened, and even those that are protected are not invulnerable to EMP, just less vulnerable. Many military electronics systems have been hardened by adding shielding against the EMP, which increases the cost of the electronics 10-20 percent, but that is only against 1960s level EMP. This has been going on for decades, as during the Cold War troops were trained to keep going after the nukes began falling. But there has been no government incentive to harden consumer or industrial electronics. That's where a proposed $5 billion government program to subsidize them for EMP hardening comes in. It's to pay for hardening key items that would make recovery from an EMP attack much quicker and less devastating in the first place. Assuming a lot of other things are done too. Since some military electronics, notably Americas seven Trident ballistic missile submarines always at sea, would survive an EMP attack, retaliation with an EMP attack, or just nuclear weapons for the sake of pure destruction would take place. Another disincentive for anyone thinking of using the strategic EMP weapon. Manufacturers of American military equipment have also resumed installing EMP protection on some of their products. AM General, the American developer and manufacturer of the HMMWV hum-V or hummer military vehicle, has produced over 300,000 of these now iconic military vehicles since the early 198os and sees a lot of future sales disappearing with the introduction of the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or JLTV. Yet the American military and many foreign users will continue buying new hummers and to encourage that the manufacturer is pointing out some obvious, and not-so-obvious, advantages of the hummer. For one thing it is still useful and many foreign users note that it is easier to maintain than many post-1980s vehicles which contain much more electronics and tech in general. As many older automobile users have discovered, the presence of all that electronics makes it more difficult for nations with poor infrastructure to repair them. The reason is simple; the hummer is old school in its dependence on electronics and anyone with mechanical skills can repair it. Post-1980s vehicles require electronic diagnostic equipment to find problems and access to electronic replacement parts to make some essential repairs. AM General recently claimed that EMP-hardened hummers, unlike modern vehicles like JLTV, are not vulnerable to EMP or hacking of any sort. While EMP will disable electronic additions to the hummer, a hardened version of the basic vehicle will continue to operate minus the added electronic features after being subjected to EMP. In addition AM General is continuing to add new features to the basic hummer, but nothing that would be vulnerable to EMP or hacking. AM General used to produce hummers for the Air Force which were EMP hardened to 1960s levels, such as fuel and bomb trucks, but ceased doing so about twenty years ago. Meanwhile the fear of enemies using EMP weapons to destroy electronics has many military organizations seeking ways to minimize the threat. Since the 1950s it was known that the EMP put out by nuclear weapons could damage or destroy solid state transistors and microelectronics devices. Back then most military electronics used vacuum tubes, which were invulnerable to EMP. In the 1980s the Russians were found to be using vacuum tube tech, although miniaturized and more reliable, in some critical military electronics systems. Even United States Air Force B-52s used tube electronics during the 1980s, with the tubes produced by Poland, a Soviet ally. Meanwhile you no longer have to use a nuclear weapon to generate a militarily useful EMP. Since the 1990s, devices using High-Powered Microwave or HPM devices have been developed to create focused EMP on demand without all the nuclear blast and radioactivity. The most commonly mentioned device for this is the Active Electronically Scanned Array or AESA radars that are becoming standard equipment in modern warplanes. AESA is more reliable and, increasingly, no more expensive than the older mechanical radar antennas, with a small dish that moved around inside a dome on top of the aircraft. AESA is also easier and cheaper to maintain, which makes a more expensive AESA cheaper, over its lifetime, than a cheaper to buy mechanically scanned radar. More and more nations including China and Russia are manufacturing AESA radars and equipping their ships and aircraft with this stuff. All these nations are also manufacturing or developing EMP bombs that could be used to sabotage military bases or civilian facilities. For a long time EMP was believed to be an unlikely threat because you needed a nuclear war to create it. Naturally the blast and radiation damage from the nukes was seen as more of a threat than EMP. But now that has changed. You can harden military electronics to resist but apparently not eliminate the threat of EMP damage. Even the JLTV manufacturer, which uses hardened electronics in its vehicle, admits that this is no guarantee most JLTVs will survive EMP attack. The hummer manufacturer's claims about their vehicle being EMP proof is generally acknowledged although no definitive test results have been released and probably never will be. But it is known that older, pre-essential electronics, vehicles are more resistant and some hardening of essential electrical items like the electric ignition system would create the most EMP resistant vehicle available. Navy and Army unite during critical firing By Lieutenant Hinako Shiraishi 2 April 2025 Off the coast of Queensland, it was anything but quiet on the bridge of HMAS Sydney. Sailing past Shoalwater Bay Field Training Area, Sydney fired its Mk 45 naval artillery 5-inch gun, in support of an Army joint fires team that acted as spotters for the activity. Sydney conducted the live-fire training ahead of its participation in Exercise Bersama Shield in Malaysia and Singapore in April. While joint live-fire training between Navy and Army is rare, it is critical for supporting land manoeuvres so the ADF can control strategic land positions during conflict. The training allowed participants to physically see and feel the difference in how the rounds landed, the effects of terrain on the round and how the movement of the firing vessel created a difference in the fall of shot. After the first "engage" command was given, the gun fired, sounding like a large metal safe dropping from a skyscraper. The ship shuddered, and several people jumped on the bridge. With 45 rounds to go, the radio chatter continued and people flocked to the window to see the damage. One of those people was Leading Seaman Ashley Rolfe, a senior weapons maintainer also known as a 'gun buster'. "It's always an experience to see the gun go off, the sheer power of these massive machines and the trust other people have put in you to use them is truly something," Leading Seaman Rolfe said. After the coordinated efforts, Leading Seaman Rolfe's team was the first to go outside on the forecastle and clean the gun. "The funny thing is, since the old ages of the cannon, we've been using the same kind of cleaning rods and an oiled cloth, just like back then," he said. Commanding Officer 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Beale, said his crew back on shore refined procedures usually only practised virtually. "This live fire is a mission rehearsal before an upcoming international exercise," Lieutenant Colonel Beale said. "Our forces have now conducted initial integration with the knowledge that we will deepen our ability to fight together as we prepare more rehearsals." Sydney will participate in Bersama Shield as part of Navy's second regional presence deployment of 2025, according to the ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Ben Weller. "The ability for Navy and Army to support each other through the provision of joint fires and effects is an important aspect of the modern battlefield where the integration between the land and maritime domains will determine success or failure for future wars," Commander Weller said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi on China's and Russia's Contributions to the Victory of the World Anti-Fascist War Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: April 01, 2025 17:05 On April 1, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi accepted an exclusive interview with the Russia Today International Media Group during his official visit to Russia upon invitation. When asked by a journalist about how to evaluate the role played by China and Russia in winning the World Anti-Fascist War, Wang Yi said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War. In that last-ditch struggle between justice and evil, China and Russia were respectively the two major battlefields in Asia and Europe. The Chinese and Russian peoples were the two staunch forces in the fight against fascism and militarism. Both peoples, undeterred by ferocious adversaries, shed blood and fought bravely, making tremendous national sacrifices to defeat and annihilate the invaders and defend national sovereignty and dignity, and making major historic contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The profound friendship forged between the two countries during World War II has provided strong momentum for the comprehensive development of bilateral relations. Based on the great victory of World War II, China and Russia, together with other key members of the anti-fascist alliance, jointly initiated the founding of the United Nations (U.N.) and formulated a series of important international documents including the U.N. Charter, which laid the foundation for the modern international order, and established the basic norms governing contemporary international relations. Wang Yi stressed that in the face of major changes unseen in a century, the two countries should firmly stand on the side of international justice, and join with peace-loving peoples around the world to defend the history written with blood and lives, and oppose any attempt or action to deny, distort, or revise the history of World War II. The two sides should work together to safeguard the post-war international order. Taking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations as an opportunity, the two countries should uphold the authority and status of the United Nations, practice true multilateralism, and encourage all nations to abide by the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. The two countries should advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world, strengthen close coordination on multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, amplify the powerful voice of unity and self-strength of the Global South, and continue to strive toward building a community with a shared future for mankind. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi on Outcomes and Goals of China-Russia Practical Cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: April 01, 2025 17:05 On April 1, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi accepted an exclusive interview with the Russia Today International Media Group during his official visit to Russia upon invitation. In response to a journalist's question about the evaluation of China-Russia practical cooperation and key priorities for the next phase, Wang Yi said over the past few decades, with joint efforts from both sides, China-Russia cooperation has expanded in scale, strengthened in foundation and broadened in scope, yielding fruitful result. From the 156 key projects aided by the Soviet Union to China in the past to today's trade volume of 244.8 billion U.S. dollars, from Russian agricultural products appearing on the dinner tables of millions of Chinese families to Chinese cars driving through the streets of Russia, China-Russia practical cooperation continues to deepen and thrive, injecting vibrant energy into the development of bilateral relations. Wang Yi said despite the current headwinds to global development, China-Russia practical cooperation has continued to navigate through challenges, maintaining steady growth in volume and improvement in quality. The first key factor is that the two heads of state steer the direction. President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin have maintained close exchanges, making top-level designs for China-Russia relations in the new era and providing a solid strategic guarantee. Second, the common development needs of both sides. China and Russia are partners on the path of development and rejuvenation. With a shared border of over 4,300 kilometers, the two countries have complementary advantages, vast potential, and ample space for cooperation. Third, the stable internal driving force. China-Russia cooperation is aimed at benefiting the two peoples. The two sides have established a comprehensive cooperation mechanism. No matter what external interference or oppression it faces, the China-Russia cooperation can overcome difficulties and stay on track without losing momentum. Fourth, a solid foundation of public support. The two peoples share common historical memories, similar values, and deep traditional friendship. They value mutually beneficial cooperation, which has generated an inexhaustible driving force for cooperation. Wang Yi said that if the China-Russia cooperation can be compared to a high-speed train, although the scenery and weather along the way may change, the direction of the train will remain the same, and the steady pace of progress will remain unchanged. In the face of a turbulent and changing world, China-Russia cooperation will continue to move forward along the established track, working together to achieve three goals: First, strengthen the material foundation for bilateral relations, solidify the fundamentals for economic, trade and energy cooperation, explore the potential for cooperation in areas such as scientific and technological innovation and green development, and foster new growth drivers for cooperation. Second, provide more opportunities for the joint revitalization of both countries, with further mutual openness, mutual learning of useful experience, sharing of innovation results, and deepening of industrial integration. Third, inject greater momentum into global development, further synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, lead regional cooperation, and contribute to the security, stability, and smooth flow of the global industrial and supply chains through high-level China-Russia cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi: China-Russia Relations Are Conducive to a Multipolar World Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: April 01, 2025 17:00 On April 1, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi accepted an exclusive interview with the Russia Today International Media Group during his official visit to Russia upon invitation. When answering a reporter's question on China-Russia relations, Wang Yi stated that China and Russia are each other's largest neighbors. Both are major countries in the world and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, shouldering special responsibilities for world peace and development. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, the two countries have continuously deepened their strategic partnership of coordination, which aligns with the logic of historical development and possesses a strong internal driving force. This relationship benefits both sides in terms of fostering harmonious coexistence and helping each other succeed, and also contributes to a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations. Wang Yi said the current China-Russia relationship has three main characteristics: First, ever-lasting friendship and never becoming enemies. China-Russia relations have matured through continuous reflection on historical experience and lessons learned from the past. The leaders of the two countries, with a long-term political vision, made a historic decision to end the past and unlock the potential for the future. The principle of "ever-lasting friendship and never becoming enemies", enshrined in the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, provides a solid legal foundation for the strategic cooperation between the two sides at a higher level. As a Chinese saying goes, good neighbors wish each other well, just as loved ones do to each other. Based on a correct strategic perception of each other, the two countries have found a way to get along with each other in the long run that serves their common interests. After more than 70 years of cooperation, China-Russia relations have forged solid mutual trust, profound foundations, substantial connotation, and strong resilience. Second, equality and win-win cooperation. In the early 1990s, the two countries established the principle for cooperation featuring equality, mutual benefit, and complementary advantages. In the 21st century, the principle of win-win cooperation became the fundamental guideline for the two countries in conducting practical cooperation across various fields. Both sides have kept to the direction of the progress of the times, accommodated each other's legitimate concerns, continuously deepened all-round cooperation, and made the "pie" of common interests bigger. After decades of development and efforts, the depth and breadth of China-Russia relations have been greatly enriched and expanded. The integration of high-profile and popular cooperation has brought tangible benefits to both peoples and enabled the world to share the huge dividends of China-Russia cooperation. Third, non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party. As two major countries and neighbors with global influence, China and Russia recognize that forming alliances or engaging in confrontation would not serve the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries or their peoples. The China-Russia relationship, with adherence to non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, neither poses a threat to any country in the world nor is it subject to interference or influence from any third party. This relationship is not only a model for the new model of major-country relations in the contemporary world, but also a major force for stability in a world full of turbulence and changes. The principle of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party is a pioneering achievement in the history of international relations and an inevitable choice for the development of bilateral relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China builds world's largest and most comprehensive social credit system: PBC official Global Times By Global Times Published: Apr 02, 2025 11:12 PM China's credit reporting industry began with credit-related data and, after nearly 30 years of development, it has established the world's largest and most comprehensive public credit information system, Ren Yongmei, an official with the People's Bank of China, said at a press conference on Wednesday. China's database credit information has ranked among the world's top for many consecutive years in the World Bank's business environment assessments. By the end of 2024, it had collected credit data on 1.16 billion individuals and 140 million enterprises and organizations, and facilitated 6.7 billion credit report inquiries, Ren said. Credit reports from China's financial credit database have become a functional "economic ID," offering customers a full view of an individual's or enterprise's creditworthiness. Those with solid records like on-time payments and fulfilled contracts enjoy easier and more favorable access to financing, Ren said. China's credit system is "the foundation of a market economy," Tian Yun, a veteran economist, told the Global Times on Wednesday. With over 1.1 billion individuals covered, "this scale is unprecedented globally," he said, adding that a sound credit system supports social stability, domestic economic circulation and long-term development. "A trusted credit system not only ensures market order at the macro level, but also encourages enterprises and individuals to maintain their creditworthiness and establish good credit records, and access better opportunities. A healthy market economy relies on this two-way dynamic," he said. Tian said the maturity of China's credit system gives it strategic value in advancing regional economic integration. "If China leads the next wave of globalization, this system is already technically and institutionally prepared to scale from serving 1 billion to 2 billion or even 3 billion people," he said. Its structure could not only support future international cooperation, but also serve as a model for other countries building their own credit systems. Looking ahead, Tian suggested improving data integration across platforms to build a unified, user-friendly credit system like a social credit "dashboard" accessible anytime. Such transparency, he said, would promote responsible behaviours and strengthen mutual trust, fostering a virtuous cycle of incentives and accountability. China on Monday published a guideline to improve the social credit system amid efforts to promote its high-quality development. The guideline, issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, consists of 23 measures with the aim to build a unified national market while maintaining a fair and orderly competitive market environment, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Under the guideline, a social credit system covering all types of entities, featuring unified rules and regulations, and being jointly built and with shared benefits, should be established to promote deep integration of the social credit system into all aspects of social and economic development, according to Xinhua. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China rejects so-called U.S. "Hong Kong Policy Act Report" People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:07, April 02, 2025 BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese government spokesperson on Tuesday strongly opposed and sternly condemned the so-called U.S. "Hong Kong Policy Act Report," and the so-called sanctions on relevant officials of the Chinese central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government. The spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council denounced the so-called report, which smears and vilifies Hong Kong's national security legislation, and the so-called sanctions, as "mere pieces of waste paper." The egregious act of the United States has grossly trampled on international law and basic norms governing international relations, interfered in China's internal affairs including those related to Hong Kong, and infringed on the rule of law and judicial independence of Hong Kong, said the spokesperson. This once again exposed the hegemonic mentality and hysterical behavior of the United States to the whole world, the spokesperson added. The national security law in Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance have strengthened the legal barrier for Hong Kong to ensure national security, enhanced the solid foundation for the steady and continued success of the "one country, two systems" policy, and protected the law-based rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents under a safe environment, the spokesperson said. The United States has repeatedly violated freedom, democracy and human rights under the pretext of national security, the spokesperson said, adding that rather than reflecting upon itself, the United States points fingers at the legitimate actions of the Hong Kong SAR to safeguard national security. This lays bare the U.S. hypocrisy and double-standard as well as its vicious intention of destabilizing Hong Kong to contain China, said the spokesperson. The so-called report and sanctions by the U.S. can not shake the determination of the Chinese central government and the Hong Kong SAR government to safeguard national security and the rule of law in Hong Kong, stressed the spokesperson. Hong Kong's increasingly secure and stable development environment continues to attract growing investment from global capital and businesses. A series of economic and financial events held in Hong Kong over the past week had gathered a number of top international investors, demonstrating the global community's confidence in the city, the spokesperson said. The Chinese central government has always firmly supported the Hong Kong SAR in safeguarding national security and its prosperity and stability according to the law, the spokesperson said, stressing that it also resolutely supports relevant officials of the Hong Kong SAR government in fulfilling their duties according to the law, and spares no effort in protecting their legitimate rights and interests. Any attempt to block the progress of the cause of "one country, two systems" will be vigorously countered, said the spokesperson. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM lauds role of Beijing and Moscow in promoting multipolarity People's Daily Online By Zhang Yunbi (Chinadaily.com.cn) 10:36, April 02, 2025 If the United States persists in pressuring and blackmailing China over tariffs, "the Chinese side surely will be resolute in its countermeasures", Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday. In an interview with the Russia Today international media group, Wang, who is visiting Russia and held talks on Tuesday in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, responded to a number of questions on topics such as the China-US trade war, Russia-US interactions and the Ukraine crisis. When asked about the trade war and whether China will impose further tariffs on commodities produced in the US, Wang said that "America First" should not lead to American bullying, nor should the US base its own interests on damaging the legitimate rights and interests of other countries. He mentioned that the US has used fentanyl as a pretext to impose tariffs on China twice, which is "particularly groundless". China has provided various kinds of help to the US, but the US has raised tariffs in an unwarranted manner and ill-treated China's kindness in return, he added. "If the US side really wants to solve the fentanyl issue, it should revoke the unjustified tariff levies and engage in equal consultation with China," he said. "China has never been subject to power politics and hegemony, and if the US side keeps on pressuring and even blackmailing, China surely will be resolute in its countermeasures," he added. He emphasized that mutual respect is "an important prerequisite for China-US relations". China is committed to the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US ties and "will also take resolute measures to firmly safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests", he said. "I hope the US side will see the historical trend clearly and make a rational choice," he added. When asked about the rebound in Russia-US interaction and the implications, Wang said the two countries "have just taken the initial step toward resuming normal contacts". "This is conducive to advancing the stability of the landscape of major-country relations, and is helpful in shoring up positive expectations to the international situation where changes and chaos are intertwined," Wang said. "Major countries should be aware of their international obligations and take the initiative to provide more stabilizing factors in an uncertain world," he added. As some people hyped that Russia and the US will join hands to contain China, Wang said such an idea is not just treating international politics as a simple transaction, but is also backed by an outdated Cold War-era mindset. The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has been tested by winds and tides in the international situation, and it is "unshakable", he emphasized. "We fully understand and support Russia in safeguarding its legitimate and legal rights and interests through diplomatic efforts," he added. As the Ukraine crisis has entered its fourth year this year, Wang said the situation on the battlefield remains complicated, but recently "the momentum of peace talks on the Ukrainian crisis has emerged". "Although this is only a small step toward peace, this step is positive and necessary. Peace should not be waited for, it needs to be actively pursued," he said. Wang also pointed out that the root causes of this crisis are intricate and complex, and there are still significant gaps among the positions of various parties on a series of critical issues, so "there is still a long way to go in restoring peace". "China is willing to play a constructive role with the international community, especially the Global South countries, in accordance with the wishes of the parties concerned, and supports settling root causes of the crisis through dialogue and negotiation," he said. The ultimate goal is "to reach a fair, lasting, binding peace agreement accepted by all parties involved, and to truly realize long-term peace and stability" in the Eurasian region and the world, he added. Regarding China-Russia relations, Wang said the ties are "conducive to promoting multipolarity in the world and democratization of international relations". This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union and the World Anti-Fascist War. China and Russia were two of the main battlegrounds in Asia and Europe, respectively, Wang said, adding that they should "oppose any attempts and acts of denying, distorting or falsifying the history of World War II" and join hands to safeguard the postwar international order. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on April 2, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: April 02, 2025 19:37 CCTV: It's reported that the U.S., EU, Japan and some others made remarks on the joint exercises around Taiwan Island conducted by the People's Liberation Army on April 1. They oppose unilateral changes to the status quo, including through force or coercion, and said that there is no justification for China's irresponsible threats and military pressure operations near Taiwan. What's China's comment? Guo Jiakun: The accusation of a handful of countries and organizations against China is a mischaracterization of the facts and truth and an interference in China's internal affairs. China deplores and opposes this. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affairs that brook no external interference. "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external forces that abet and aid them are the ones that undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. If certain countries and organizations truly want peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, they should follow the prevailing trend of international commitment to the one-China principle, abide by their political commitments made to China, earnestly respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose "Taiwan independence" in any form. Moves to clamor for "Taiwan independence" mean separating China, support for "Taiwan independence" means interference in China's internal affairs, and attempts to abet "Taiwan independence" mean destabilizing the Taiwan Strait. China's joint exercises is a severe punishment against the Lai Ching-te authorities' aggressive provocation to seek "Taiwan independence," a stern warning to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces who deliberately undermine peace across the Taiwan Strait, and a responsible move to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. No external force is in any position to point fingers at this. As long as provocations for "Taiwan independence" last, our punishment against "Taiwan independence" will continue. We will never ever allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan from China in any form. We will take all measures necessary to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Bloomberg: Regarding reports that soldiers in Myanmar opened fire on a convoy of vehicles carrying relief supplies for the Chinese Red Cross. These were made for earthquake victims in Mandalay. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm if this is accurate and, if so, provide some further details? Guo Jiakun: China and Myanmar are neighbors that share "pauk-phaw" friendship. Immediately after Myanmar was hit by the earthquake, China launched an emergency response with an all-out search and rescue operation. The relief supplies provided by the Red Cross Society of China have already arrived in Myanmar and are being transported to disaster-stricken areas in Mandalay. The rescue team and relief supplies are safe at present. Saving lives is the top priority. It is imperative for us to do everything we can in disaster relief. China sincerely hopes that all ethnic groups and factions in Myanmar can work as one to overcome difficulties together. We strongly urge all parties in Myanmar to ensure the safety and security of rescuers and supplies from China and other countries, and keep logistics corridors fully accessible. China stands ready to do everything we can to provide relief and support to affected regions in light of the need of Myanmar. Kyodo News: It's reported that the ROK constitutional court will decide on April 4 whether to dismiss President Yoon Suk Yeol. Given the ongoing turbulence in the ROK and the upcoming APEC summit to be held in the ROK this fall, what impact do you think the court's ruling will have on China-ROK diplomacy? Guo Jiakun: We noted the reports. As we've stressed more than once, China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, will not comment on the ROK's domestic situation and believes that the ROK people have the wisdom and capability of properly handling their domestic issues. As an important neighbor and cooperation partner, China stands ready to work with the ROK to make active effort in deepening friendly cooperation and strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. Reuters: Also to do with the Myanmar junta and the shots fired at the convoy. We would like to ask what happened because the junta said right before this press conference that the Chinese Red Cross did not inform the government of it being in a conflict zone. Also, our question is, would China consider sending any security to protect its Chinese humanitarian personnel there or consider temporarily stopping delivery of aid? Guo Jiakun: After Myanmar was hit by the earthquake, various parties, including the Red Cross Society of China, announced that they will provide relief supplies to Myanmar. As I just said, the relief supplies provided by the Red Cross Society of China have already arrived in Myanmar and are being transported to disaster-stricken areas in Mandalay. The rescue team and relief supplies are safe at present. We also hope that all ethnic groups and factions in Myanmar can take disaster relief as the main task, ensure the safety and security of rescuers and supplies from China and other countries, and keep logistics corridors fully accessible. AFP: The U.S. State Department said yesterday that it had approved the possible sale of F-16 jets to the Philippines. Would the Foreign Ministry like to comment on this? Guo Jiakun: We've made clear more than once our position on military and security cooperation between the Philippines and the U.S. Whatever defense or security cooperation between the Philippines and other countries should not target any third party or harm their interest, still less threaten regional peace and security or escalate tensions in the region. Who exactly is fueling the flames? Who exactly is instigating military confrontation? Who exactly is turning Asia into a "powder keg?" Regional countries are not blind. Beijing Youth Daily: A recent report issued by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows that global renewable power capacity grew by a record 585 gigawatts in 2024, representing 92.5 percent of all new power added worldwide and a record rate of annual growth. Sixty percent of the global added capacity was contributed by China. The Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General recently commended China's contribution to international renewable energy development. Under the current international circumstances, will China continue to contribute to global green transformation? What effort will China make in this regard? Guo Jiakun: China's commitment to green and low-carbon development is an inherent requirement of its pursuit of high-quality economic growth, which also serves as a driving force for global climate response and sustainable development. In 2024, four out of every 10 kilowatt-hour of electricity in China was generated by clean energy. As the largest exporter of clean technologies, China creates 46 percent of the job opportunities in the global renewable energy industry. According to another report from IRENA, over the past decade the average cost per kilowatt-hour of global wind power projects has decreased by more than 60 percent, and PV power projects by more than 80 percent. The reductions are largely attributable to China's efforts. In China's cooperation with neighboring countries for sustainable development, "green transition" and "blue contributions" stand out. China has conducted cooperation with Viet Nam, Thailand and other countries on clean energy, signed cooperation documents on blue economy with Indonesia, among other countries, and promoted cooperation in relevant fields. Building a clean and beautiful world is the shared responsibility of all countries. Some countries are now groundlessly going after China's green sector, which will lead to self-isolation, and even worse, cost the international community and developing countries more to access renewable energy, and hinder global green and low-carbon development. China will continue to work with other parties, empower development through green energy, and promote cooperation through blue economy. We also call on all parties to jointly create favorable conditions for international green cooperation and make greater contributions. AFP: The Philippines' military chief said yesterday that the Philippines would inevitably be involved if there were a conflict over Taiwan. He also said that China was actively infiltrating Philippine institutions, including the military. Would the Foreign Ministry like to respond to these comments? Guo Jiakun: The Taiwan question is China's internal affair and is at the core of China's core interest. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese ourselves that no one can interfere. We urge certain people in the Philippines to refrain from making provocations and playing with fire on the Taiwan question. Those who play with fire will perish by it. We also oppose relevant personnel calling white black and making groundless accusations. AFP: Final one on the Philippines. The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines yesterday put out a notice warning that Philippine law enforcement has been harassing Chinese citizens and businesses. Can you provide any information on this and specifically what kind of harassment or other activities China is worried about in the Philippines? Guo Jiakun: Given the current conditions on travel safety in the Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines issued a security alert. There is much relevant media coverage, which you may refer to. O Globo: Last week, it was confirmed that President Dilma Rousseff stayed as President of the New Development Bank for five more years. Can you comment on why China supports the extension of the tenure? Guo Jiakun: China congratulates Mrs. Dilma Rousseff on staying on as President of the New Development Bank. We also appreciate the important role that the New Development Bank has played in promoting relevant development and cooperation. China will, as usual, continue to support President Dilma Rousseff in fulfilling her duty and the New Development Bank in playing a greater role. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address LAUNCHING OF FIFTH 25T BOLLARD PULL TUG OJAS (YARD 339) India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:39PM by PIB Delhi Launching of fifth 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug Ojas was held on 31 Mar 25 at M/s TRSL, Kolkata in presence of Cmde Sanjay Kumar, President SSB, Kolkata as the Chief Guest. These Tugs are a part of the contract for construction of six (06) 25T BP Tugs concluded with M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata on 12 Nov 21. The Tugs have been indigenously designed and built in accordance with relevant Naval Rules and Regulation of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The Shipyard had successfully delivered four of these Tugs which are utilised by Indian Navy to provide assistance to Naval ships and submarines during berthing, un-berthing and manoeuvring in confined waters. The Tugs will also provide afloat firefighting support to ships alongside or at anchorage and will also have the capability to conduct limited Search and Rescue Operations. These Tugs are proud flag bearers of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives of Government of India. ***** VM/SKY (Release ID: 2117821) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aatmanirbharta in Defence: Project Sanction Order signed for Design & Development of 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine worth Rs 270 crore India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:36PM by PIB Delhi Project Sanction Order under Make-I category for the Design and Development of 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine has been inked between Indian Navy and Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited. The signing took place in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan at South Block, New Delhi on April 02, 2025. The prototype diesel engine with indigenous content of over 50% will be developed at a cost of Rs 270 crore with 70% funding from the Government of India. The order also includes development of detailed design for 3-10MW diesel engine. The developed engines will be used for Main Propulsion and Power Generation on ships of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. Most of the diesel engines of higher capacity were being imported from foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) till date. This project will start the process in achieving self-reliance in marine engine development in the country. It is a significant step in the ongoing efforts of the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to indigenise critical technologies and achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence. It will further strengthen indigenous capabilities, save foreign exchange and reduce dependency on foreign OEMs. It will act as a catalyst for the development of defence industrial ecosystem in the country. *** SR/Savvy (Release ID: 2117772) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address April 3, 2025: In October 2024, Iran launched about 200 ballistic missiles at Israel but hit nothing of consequence as far as the Israel was concerned. Iran had launched 120 ballistic missiles at Israel in April with no effect. The Iranian failure to do any damage was because Israel had moved most of the targets underground. Not only were the targets deep underground but their locations were widely dispersed. To further enhance security the location of the bunkers was kept secret from the local and international media. The Israeli underground bunger program began over a decade ago when the main Air Force command bunker was built. It received advanced electronic systems as well as protection from chemical, biological or nuclear attacks. This older bunker had not been upgraded for over a decade and was not really up to the physical and electrical demands of new control and communications equipment. The United States has contributed some technology and covered some of the cost of the new command center. In return the U.S. received access to some Israeli tech and details of how the new command center works in wartime. The upgraded bunker came after eight years of major changes for the Israeli Air Force. In what began as an effort to dissuade Hezbollah from again attacking Israel with rockets like it did in 2006, the Israeli Air Force introduced new technology and weapons that enabled the air force to hit more Hezbollah targets in 24 hours than it did in 33 days during the 34 day war with Hezbollah in 2006. This meant, for Hamas down in Gaza, Israel could now hit in less than 12 hours the number of targets it took seven days to find and attack during the week-long 2008 war with Hamas. This was all part of a technological revolution the air force has been undergoing since the 1990s. Since 2006 those changes accelerated. All this new tech overloaded the older command center. Israel already had some formidable intelligence collection capabilities even before 2006. Israel satellites, UAVs and manned recon aircraft to collect data all lead to the identification of enemy bases and weapons storage sites. This, for example, enabled the Israeli Air Force to quickly destroy most of the Hezbollah long range rockets in 2006 and in Gaza in 2008. A few long-range rockets that survived the 2006 strike were used, but this initial attack prevented over a hundred large rockets from hitting targets all over Israel. The Israeli Air Force demonstrated a lot of changes less than two years after the 2006 war when, in Gaza, dozens of targets taken out within three minutes by Israeli warplanes. That was an impressive example of precision bombing. But when the Israeli ground troops entered Gaza ten days later, other air force innovations were largely invisible to the public. After the 2006 war, the air force quickly made radical changes in the way it coordinated its operations with the ground forces. To do this it mobilized dozens of older or retired fighter pilots and used them to staff air support coordination detachments at army brigade headquarters. These officers were in turn supported by new technology and procedures that provided the air support coordination officers, and the army commanders they supported, with more real time video from drones and aircraft and the ability to quickly get firepower applied to target after it was identified. The objective of all this was to increase the speed and accuracy of smart bombs and missiles hitting targets the army wanted taken out. In the last few years this has meant new display technology and software that enables a commander to identify and designate a target with a few taps on a touch screen. Israel is also using cell phone size devices for this and constantly upgrading the crypto that keeps the enemy from making sense of these communications used. The goal is to further streamline and speed up so ten times as many targets can be hit as was the case in 2006. Since 2008 the standardization and communications have been further improved so that you no longer need air force officers with ground units to get air support quickly. Iran criticizes the E.U.'s failure to respond to Trump's threat of military action IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 2, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has criticized the European Union for its failure to respond to provocative rhetoric from U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump's recent threat to bomb Iran, which he described as a serious threat to international peace and security. During a phone call with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp on Wednesday, Araqchi discussed bilateral relations and regional developments. He condemned Trump's explicit threat of military action against Iran as unacceptable and in violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. The foreign minister warned that Iran would respond swiftly and decisively to any aggression against its sovereignty or national interests. He also reminded all U.N. member states of their responsibility to uphold the rule of law at the international level. Trump warned on Sunday that there would be "bombing" if Iran failed to reach a "new deal" with the United States. The threat followed Iran's response to a March 12 letter from the U.S. president, in which he had reportedly asked for direct negotiations for a new deal to replace the one he had unilaterally abandoned during his first term and warned of potential military action if Tehran refused to engage. In its reply, delivered through Oman, Iran ruled out direct negotiations under pressure and threats but left the door open for indirect diplomacy, officials said. During the phone call on Wednesday, Araqchi reiterated Iran's commitment to advancing its peaceful nuclear program in accordance with international law. He emphasized that Iran remains open to "genuine" indirect talks with the U.S., provided they take place in a constructive atmosphere free from threats, intimidation, or coercion. Veldkamp, in turn, expressed concern over escalating tensions and stressed the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means. 4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump administration is considering Iran's offer of indirect talks: Report IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 2, 2025 The White House is considering a proposal from Iran for indirect talks while simultaneously increasing U.S. military forces in the Middle East to prepare for potential military action, American news website Axios reports. U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness to make a new deal with Iran to replace the one he unilaterally abandoned during his first term, but he has warned that failure to do so would lead to "bombing." In a letter to Iran on March 12, Trump proposed direct negotiations and warned of the possibility of military action if Tehran refused to engage. In response, Iran told the United States, via Oman, that it would only agree to indirect talks over its nuclear program, ruling out direct negotiations under pressure and threats. Two U.S. officials familiar with internal discussions at the White House told Axios that no decision has been made, but that the Trump administration is considering Iran's offer of indirect talks. "After the exchange of letters, we are now exploring next steps in order to begin conversations and trust building with the Iranians," one official said. The Pentagon on Tuesday deployed additional military assets to the Middle East and ordered another aircraft carrier to the region amid rising tensions with Iran. On Monday, Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump's threat of military strikes, but warned of "a severe blow" if the United States or Israel launched an attack. 4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran vows to hold Israel accountable for last year's attack on its Syria embassy IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 2, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran has reaffirmed its determination to utilize all available capacities to bring Israel to justice over its terrorist acts, including last year's attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus. In a statement marking the anniversary of the Israeli assault, the Iranian Foreign Ministry honored the memory of the martyrs and emphasized that time would not erase this crime or other atrocities committed by Israel against Iran and the region's nations. "One year ago, on April 1, 2024, the criminal Zionist regime blatantly violated fundamental principles of international law by attacking the Islamic Republic of Iran's embassy in Damascus, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of several citizens anti anti-terror military advisers of the Islamic Republic of Iran and several Syrian citizens," the statement read. The ministry condemned the attack as a grave violation of the UN Charter and international conventions protecting diplomatic missions, denouncing the UN Security Council's failure to act due to Washington's "destructive" influence. It noted that Iran's "Operation True Promise I" was conducted in self-defense against Israeli aggression. The statement also criticized Western backing of Israel, holding Western powers responsible for Tel Aviv's continued violations. On April 1 last year, Israel targeted the Iranian embassy complex in Damascus, Syria in an airstrike, destroying the building housing its consular section. The assault killed sixteen people, including eight Iranian military advisers. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories on April 13, defining the mission as "Operation True Promise." 4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran presses the IAEA on Trump's 'bombing' threat, reaffirms no nukes pursuit IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 2, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) must adopt a clear position regarding threats against Iran's civilian nuclear facilities, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tuesday, days after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to "bomb" Iran. Araqchi was speaking on the phone with the secretary general of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi. He emphasized that given the recurrence of such threats, the Islamic Republic will take every necessary measure to protect its nuclear program. Grossi, for his part, said he would talk with other parties to create a suitable atmosphere to help resolve existing issues. He also asked to visit Iran, which Araqchi accepted. Trump said on Sunday that he would order military strikes against Iran if Tehran did not strike a new deal with Washington on its nuclear program. "If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing," he said in an interview with NBC News. Iran has warned to respond swiftly and decisively to any act of aggression on its soil. Reacting to Trump's threat, a senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said that even though Iran doesn't seek nuclear weapons, any strike on the country by the United States or Israel on that false pretext would force the country to develop atomic bombs for defensive purposes. "If America or Israel bomb Iran under the nuclear pretext, Iran will be compelled to move toward producing an atomic bomb," Ali Larijani said during a televised interview on Monday. Araqchi, however, once again clarified Tehran's long-standing position, which is based on a religious decree (fatwa) by Ayatollah Khamenei prohibiting the development, possession, and use of nuclear weapons, reaffirming that the country will never produce or acquire any atomic bombs under any circumstances. He said in an X post on Tuesday that ten years after signing the Iran deal and seven years after the U.S. unilaterally walked away from it under Trump's first term, "there is not ONE SHRED OF PROOF that Iran has violated this commitment." Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric was asked on Tuesday to comment on Trump's threat, to which he said, "We urge everyone to avoid inflammatory rhetoric." "I think the UN Charter is very clear in encouraging Member States to settle all disputes through diplomatic means," he said in response to the question asked by IRNA's correspondent. On March 12, Trump sent a letter to Iran via an emissary from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), requesting that negotiations be opened into a deal that he says would stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon. This is while, in 2018, he pulled out of a multinational nuclear deal with Iran. On February 4, the U.S. president signed a presidential memorandum to restore a hostile policy from his first term of "maximum pressure" on the Islamic Republic. Iran, which has relayed its response to the U.S. president's letter via Oman, has ruled out direct negotiations with the United States as long as the "maximum pressure" policy and the military threats are in place. "Diplomatic engagement worked in the past and can still work. BUT, it should be clear to all that there isby definitionno such thing as a 'military option' let alone a 'military solution,'" Araqchi said in his X post. 4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araghchi says Iran ready for indirect talks, warns US threats will 'complicate situation' Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 5:07 PM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated Tehran's readiness to take part in indirect negotiations with the United States over its peaceful nuclear program, warning that US threats are "complicating" the current situation. "The Islamic Republic, as in the past, is ready for real negotiations from an equal position and indirectly," Araghchi said in a phone call with his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, on Wednesday. He stressed that this "requires a constructive atmosphere and the avoidance of approaches based on threats, intimidation and blackmail." The minister decried threats made by US officials against Iran as "unacceptable", adding that they violate the UN Charter and international law and "complicate" the current situation. Araghchi warned that Iran will "swiftly and decisively" respond to any aggression on its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national interests. Iran's top diplomat also stressed that all United Nations member states have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law at the international level. Meanwhile, he criticized the European Union over its failure to adopt a stance against the "provocative" rhetoric of US officials, which he said "threatens" international peace and security. For his part, Veldkamp expressed his concern about heightened tensions in the region, stressing the need for diplomacy to resolve disputes. US President Donald Trump threatened over the weekend that he might order military strikes against Iran if Tehran refused to enter negotiations to "make a new deal" on its nuclear program. During his first term in office, Trump withdrew the United States from a previous agreement on Iran's nuclear program and launched a maximum pressure campaign against the country. Trump restored that policy after returning to the White House for a second term in January, but he has since signaled a willingness to make a new deal to replace the 2015 deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On March 12, Trump sent a letter to Iran's leadership, asking for negotiations to reach a new deal and threatening military action if Tehran refused. Iran has ruled out direct negotiations with the US under pressure and threats but says indirect talks remain an option. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump seriously considering Iran's offer of indirect nuclear talks: Report Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 11:34 AM The administration of US President Donald Trump is seriously considering Iran's proposal for indirect nuclear talks, while at the same time significantly boosting its occupation forces in the West Asian region for possible anti-Tehran operations, according to American media. The Virginia-based news website Axios cited two unnamed US officials as making the statement in a report on Wednesday. "The Trump administration thinks direct talks would have a higher chance of success but isn't ruling out the format the Iranians proposed and doesn't object to the Omanis serving as mediators between the countries, as the [Persian] Gulf state has in the past," one of the officials said. Both US officials underlined that no decision has been made and internal discussions are ongoing, with one saying, "After the exchange of letters we are now exploring next steps in order to begin conversations and trust building with the Iranians." The news website reported that the White House is still engaged in an internal debate between those who think a deal with Iran is achievable and those who disregard talks and back strikes on the country's nuclear facilities, with the Pentagon significantly building up of forces in West Asia. Trump threatened over the weekend that he might order military strikes against Iran if Tehran refused to enter negotiations to "make a new deal" on its nuclear program. During his first term in office, Trump withdrew the United States from a previous agreement on Iran's nuclear program and launched a maximum pressure campaign against the country. Trump restored that policy after returning to the White House for a second term in January, but he has since signaled a willingness to make a new deal to replace the 2015 deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On March 12, Trump sent a letter to Iran's leadership, asking for negotiations to reach a new deal and threatening military action if Tehran refused. Iran has ruled out direct negotiations with the US under pressure and threats but says indirect talks remain an option. US advised to go for economic interests with Iran: Larijani In a related development, a senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the United States can opt for economic interests with Iran instead of military action against Tehran as a military strike bears consequences for Washington. Ali Larijani's statement in a post on X came after Trump's threats to use military confrontation against Iran for its nuclear program, which has on numerous times been confirmed peaceful by UN authorities and its atomic watchdog. "Mr. Trump is a talented individual who has managed to become very wealthy in his business. The United States can define economic interests with Iran," Larijani wrote. "Trump says he is a peace-seeker, so he should not speak of threats and war. An attack on Iran would not be without consequences, and we have experienced military commanders." Larijani had earlier warned that if the United States and Israel bombed Iran under any nuclear pretext, the Islamic Republic might have no choice but to go nuclear. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Moving against global tide, Israel eliminates all tariffs on US goods Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 6:30 PM Israel has eliminated all its remaining tariffs on imports from the United States despite a global trend that has seen many countries reciprocating US President Donald Trump's policy of imposing tariffs on their exports to the US. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a joint statement with Economy Minister Nir Barkat and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Tuesday that the removal of tariffs would benefit the Israeli economy and would enable the regime to further strengthen its alliance and ties with the US. Israel has a free trade agreement with the US that dates back to 40 years ago. However, it used to collect tariffs on some agriculture imports from the US that amounted to about 42 million shekels ($11.3 million) per year. The move came a day before Trump was to announce sweeping levies on imports from both "friendly and enemy countries", a decision that has sparked widespread international criticism with many countries vowing to retaliate by imposing their own tariffs on imports from the US. However, Smotrich, a controversial minister known for his extremist views, urged other Israeli ministries to swiftly coordinate with relevant US entities to protect Israeli imports from any harm that might be caused by US tariff announcements on April 2. The minister, who briefly resigned on Monday to become a member of parliament, claimed that the elimination of tariffs on imports from the US was a significant step in safeguarding the Israeli economy. However, the decision, which has been seen by many as another act of subservience to Washington, is expected to harm the agriculture sector in the Israeli-occupied territories. That comes as Israel's Agriculture Ministry has said that it might compensate Israeli farmers if they were damaged by Trump's tariff policies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU launches Humanitarian Air Bridge after Myanmar earthquake and provides further assistance European Commission Press release Apr 1, 2025 Brussels Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and the broader region last Friday, the EU is channelling further assistance to strengthen relief efforts. Concretely, the EU has launched a Humanitarian Air Bridge operation, with the first flight departing today from Copenhagen to Yangon. The cargo of 80 tonnes of EU owned supplies including tents, child protection kits, health and water and sanitation kits will be consigned to UNICEF. Supplies will be delivered to Mandalay for collection and distributed by EU partners. Furthermore, following the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, a team of 12 European experts from Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Luxembourg and Norway is being deployed to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in the coming days to ensure assistance from EU Member States reaches those in need. Sweden and the Netherlands have also offered to deploy other experts to another request, this time from the UNEP/OCHA Joint Environmental Unit. The EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre has also deployed a liaison officer to Bangkok to ensure coordination with partners on the ground. To ensure support within the most critical hours after the disaster, EU activated the Copernicus satellite service to facilitate impact assessment and released 2.5 million in humanitarian aid. Today the EU is also releasing an additional 500,000 contributing to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) emergency appeal. Granting access to humanitarian organisations and ensure they operate in a safe environment, as well as protecting civilians, is crucial to deliver life-saving aid. Background The EU has been providing humanitarian aid in Myanmar since 1994, with total funding reaching over 446 million. EU assistance includes food, nutrition, water and sanitation, shelter, protection, education in emergencies, and help to build disaster preparedness. Just hours after the earthquake, the EU released 2.5 million in emergency aid as the very first international donor to announce aid. This comes on top of the 33 million already allocated by the EU to the humanitarian emergency at the beginning of 2025, totalling over 35 million. EU humanitarian aid is provided directly via thoroughly vetted humanitarian organisations across the country, wherever needs are biggest, in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Quote(s) We are further strengthening our support to people in Myanmar in this difficult time by launching a Humanitarian Air Bridge operation and coordinating the channelling of assistance from EU Member States via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We urge all conflict parties in Myanmar to cease fire immediately. Protecting civilians and aid workers is crucial, along with ensuring unhindered access for life-saving aid. Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar's junta announces 3-week ceasefire to facilitate quake relief efforts Move comes after junta troops fire on Chinese Red Cross convoy ferrying aid and supplies. By RFA Burmese 2025.04.02 -- Myanmar's military government on Wednesday announced a three-week ceasefire across the war-torn country to help facilitate recovery efforts in the wake of last week's devastating earthquake that killed nearly 3,000 people. The ruling junta's statement, broadcast on state-run MRTV, said the ceasefire would last until April 22. Myanmar has been mired in a civil war since the military overthrew a civilian government in a February 2021 coup d'etat. Since then, rebel groups have pushed back junta troops across much of the country. The junta's statement said that during the ceasefire, armed groups were not allowed to attack communication routes used by civilians or the military, nor could they recruit new soldiers or expand territory under their control. Any violations would be met with a response. Three major ethnic armies fighting the junta -- the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army -- announced a ceasefire until April 30. The groups said their ceasefire was meant to allow search-and-rescue operations in disaster areas and to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches people in need quickly and effectively. Similarly, the shadow National Unity Government, made up former civilian leaders, has also declared a two-week ceasefire from April 1 as part of the same humanitarian efforts. 2 men rescued from rubble The military junta raised the death toll from Friday's 7.7 magnitude quake that was centered near Mandalay, the country's second-biggest city, to 2,886, with 4,639 injured and 373 missing. However, since there were still many areas where rescue operations have not been able to take place, the number of dead was likely to rise. On Wednesday, two men buried in rubble for five days near the capital of Naypyidaw were pulled out alive, according to a Facebook post. One of them, 26-year-old Ko Naing Lin Tun, was presumed dead, and his family had even held a memorial service for him. He and his friend Ko Thet Maung Maung were trapped under the rubble of Aye Thar Yar Hotel. After surviving for five days, they were both pulled to safety, video footage showed. Chinese aid convoy gets shot at China, meanwhile, responded to an incident Tuesday in which junta soldiers opened fire at a Chinese Red Cross convoy of nine vehicles carrying emergency supplies in northern Myanmar. There were no injuries to the passengers or damage to their supplies. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said China would ensure the security of the Chinese rescue teams and relief supplies sent for quake relief. The military junta acknowledged on Wednesday morning that its troops had fired three shots into the air as the Chinese convoy approached. Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the junta's spokesperson, claimed that the convoy did not give prior notice, leading to the shooting as a preventive measure when the convoy was 100 meters away. The junta's announcement of the temporary ceasefire came hours after the incident, and follows calls from the United Nations for unrestricted humanitarian access to the quake zone and safety for those providing help. A total of 14 planes carrying aid and emergency teams from seven countries arrived at the Naypyidaw military-controlled airport on Tuesday. Countries sending relief included Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Bhutan, the Philippines, Laos and Bangladesh. Myanmar is one of Southeast Asia's poorest countries and poorly equipped to cope with the disaster. Four years of civil war have displaced more than 3 million people. Junta leader to Bangkok Despite the quake, the junta's top leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, will be attending a regional summit in Bangkok on Thursday and Friday, state-run MRTV reported on Wednesday evening. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC, summit focuses on cooperation in technology and economic development. Attendees include India, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. During the visit, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to discuss international cooperation for disaster relief efforts and post-disaster reconstruction. His participation in the summit was criticized by the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, or APHR, which said that doing so would give legitimacy to the military government. "The people of Myanmar are still resisting the oppression of the military regime. Instead of supporting these people, BIMSTEC is providing a platform for the military government," said APHR member and Thai parliamentarian Rangsiman Rome. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Updates throughout with junta announcing ceasefire, updated death toll, news that Min Aung Hlaing is going to Bangkok. 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar quake: UN calls for urgent protection for vulnerable women and girls By Vibhu Mishra 2 April 2025 - Friday's devastating earthquakes in Myanmar not only caused mass casualties and widespread destruction, they also deepened long-standing gender inequalities - leaving millions of women and girls at heightened risk, UN aid agencies warned on Wednesday. As emergency aid trickles in, women and girls who were already vulnerable due to years of conflict, displacement and economic instability, now face even greater risks from gender-based violence and exploitation, according to a UN-led coalition responding to the crisis. "Girls are particularly vulnerable, especially when separated from their families or living in overcrowded shelters without adequate privacy," it warned, stressing the need for protection measures. "With many caregivers injured or killed, urgent efforts are needed to identify, protect and reunify unaccompanied and separated children." The coalition, formally called the Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group, is co-led by UN-Women and the UN reproductive health agency (UNFPA). Reports of temporary ceasefire News outlets are reporting on Wednesday that Myanmar's military junta has announced a temporary ceasefire from 2 to 22 April to facilitate emergency relief and rescue operations. This follows an earlier ceasefire declaration by armed groups opposing the junta earlier this week. Myanmar remains engulfed in a deepening crisis since the Tatmadaw - as the military is known - overthrew the democratically elected government in 2021, imprisoning top leaders, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Pre-existing vulnerabilities While estimates indicate that up to 20 million people may be affected by the earthquakes, women and girls - who already made up more than half of the 10 million people in urgent need of aid before the disaster - face mounting challenges. More than 100,000 pregnant women have been caught up in the chaos across central Myanmar, with 12,250 expected to give birth in April. The destruction of health facilities and damage to roads and bridges have cut off access to essential reproductive health services, endangering pregnant women and survivors of gender-based violence who rely on medical support. "Prior to the earthquakes, women and girls in Myanmar were already facing significant mental health stress due to prolonged conflict, political instability, and economic challenges. The disaster has deepened this stress," UN agencies added. Prioritizing action "Women, especially from crisis-affected communities, must be actively involved in designing and implementing assessments to ensure their priorities are reflected," UN humanitarians underscored. Women and girls need safe shelter, clean water, and enough food. Shelters should have locks, lights and private spaces. They need secure toilets and bathing areas, along with dignity kits and menstrual hygiene products. Adequate lighting near water points and toilets can reduce the risk of gender-based violence, especially after dark, with agencies also stressing the need to involve women-led organizations in the response. Many women-led NGOs "are on the ground and ready to provide support, drawing on their deep community ties and understanding of the context to effectively identify and respond to the specific needs of women and girls," the UN agencies added. Limited funding undermines relief UN relief chief Tom Fletcher has issued an urgent appeal for increased funding to support the aid effort, warning that access to survivors is severely constrained. While $5 million has been allocated from the UN Central Emergency Respond Fund (CERF) the response "has been hampered by a lack of funding", he said on Tuesday, alongside disruptions to communications and transport networks. "We are in contact with authorities on how the international community can do more. We must have unrestricted, safe access. All parties must uphold obligations to protect civilians," he added. Meanwhile, the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has mobilized $12 million in emergency funding, which is being allocated to partners for cash and food assistance, non-food items, shelter, water, sanitation, debris removal and healthcare, including mental health support. "We deliver assistance through our valued partners and are deeply grateful to our donors for their swift support, enabling this rapid response. We are prepared to scale up our support as the full extent of the damage becomes clear," said Sara Netzer, UNOPS Director in Myanmar. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kremlin Says Putin's Key Investment Adviser May Visit Washington This Week By RFE/RL's Russian Service April 02, 2025 Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Kremlin adviser and head of a major state-backed investment fund, was expected to visit Washington this week for talks with US officials on Ukraine and bilateral relations, the Kremlin said. Dmitriev's reported visit comes as Washington and Moscow move to repair relations following years of spiraling tensions that predate Russia's February 2022 all-out invasion of Ukraine. Dmitriev, who heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, has assumed a more prominent role in negotiations with US officials in recent months. He recently met with White House envoy Steve Witkoff when the latter traveled to Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin and others. Speaking to reporters on April 2, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed reports by Reuters and CNN that Dmitriev's visit might occur this week. "Yes, I confirm. This visit may be possible. We are continuing to talk to the Americans. I will not give more concrete (details)," Peskov said. In a post to X, responding to another report about the visit, Dmitriev said "maybe. CNN and Reuters, quoting unnamed officials, said Dmitriev would meet with Witkoff. Reuters said the meeting would reportedly take place on April 2. CNN said a special visa had to be granted to Dmitriev because he is under US sanctions. Earlier on April 2, Putin signed an order allowing a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs to sell stocks of major Russian companies that had been frozen since Russia invaded, The Moscow Times reported. Ukraine in February 2022. The US investment bank had to sell the stock to companies preselected by the Kremlin. Both countries have been touting steps to mend relations, which began to deteriorate in 2012 during the presidency of Barack Obama and then markedly worsened following the Ukraine invasion. Trump has made ending Russia's more-than-three-year assault on Ukraine one of his top foreign policy priorities. In contrast to his predecessor, Joe Biden, who refused to engage with Moscow, Trump's administration has done just that, holding at least two phone calls with Putin and dispatching top advisers, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to Saudi Arabia last month to open negotiations. However, last week Trump lashed out at Putin and threatened Russia with new tariffs on oil products if Moscow blocks his cease-fire initiatives. During a phone interview with NBC News on March 30, Trump said he was "very angry" and "pissed off" when Putin called for a transitional government to be put in place in Ukraine, which could effectively push out current President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Dmitriev was at the talks in Saudi Arabia, focused not only on resolving the war but more broadly on restoring US-Russian relations. Considered a close ally of Putin, he is seen as a key player in talks on reviving investment between the two countries amid reports of talks over joint rare earth metals projects. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kremlin-putin-envoy- visit-trump-witkoff-washington/33368616.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son 2 April 2025 17:32 518-02-04-2025 On April 2, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son. The parties had a thorough exchange of views on a wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda, including the continuation of political dialogue at various levels and further interaction between the foreign ministries to promote the Russian-Vietnamese comprehensive strategic partnership. The parties discussed in detail major international and regional issues. On April 3, Bui Thanh Son is scheduled to meet with Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son 2 April 2025 17:15 517-02-04-2025 Ladies and gentlemen, The negotiations with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son have concluded. Following the tradition, they were grounded in mutual trust, and were held in a warm, friendly, and constructive atmosphere. We reviewed a wide range of issues, including our plans for holding top- and high-level contacts this year in connection with major anniversaries, among other things. Primarily, it's the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries, the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and World War II, the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's independence, and the 50th anniversary of liberation of South Vietnam. All these memorable dates will be marked by special events attended by representatives of the leadership of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Vietnam. We attach particular importance to the participation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Comrade To Lam in the celebrations marking the Great Victory Day in May in Moscow. Comrade To Lam will use this occasion to make a state visit to the Russian Federation. We discussed preparations for this visit today. We are looking to offer an interesting programme for this visit and to have a major package of documents effectively agreed upon and signed. They will come as a substantial addition to the legal and contractual basis of our relations. We discussed a range of practical bilateral issues arising from the previous agreements of our respective leaders, including the agreements reached during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Vietnam in June 2024. We are interested in seeing these excellent relations based on the long-standing traditions of friendship, solidarity, combat brotherhood, and our deep political dialogue ensure the progressive expansion of our cooperation across all areas for the benefit of the peoples of our countries. We looked into our trade and economic ties and emphasised the importance of adapting them to modern realities. We noted that our joint efforts have led to a sizable growth of bilateral trade by more than 20 percent to $5.95 billion in 2024. However, we can do more. There is the potential to increase the supply of Russian-made products to the Vietnamese market that we agreed to actively explore. We confirmed our mutual willingness to facilitate the implementation of joint oil and gas projects in Russia and the continental shelf of Vietnam with the participation of Zarubezhneft and Petrovietnam Corporation. We agreed to promote new areas of cooperation in the fuel and energy sector, including oil and LNG supplies, and the construction of LNG terminals and wind power plants in Vietnam. All of the above will be further discussed by the relevant economic operators. The Vietnamese leadership has decided to develop the national nuclear power industry. Rosatom State Corporation will be ready to step up and to engage in the construction of the Ninh Thuan 1 NPP. We are interested in expanding cooperation to ensure comfortable and efficient bank payments that have been stymied by illegal Western sanctions of the past several years. Work to shield our economic financial ties from the harmful impact of such illegal restrictions is underway. Today, we agreed to speed it up so that no one attempts to question, let alone undermine, Russia and Vietnam's legitimate rights to expand cooperation in accordance with existing agreements and in full compliance with international law. We aim to continue expanding defence and security cooperation. We welcome our Vietnamese friends' initiative to hold the ceremony for signing the first ever legally binding international information security instrument on their territory. I'm referring to the UN Convention against Cybercrime, which was spearheaded by the Russian Federation. The convention was successfully finalised during the UN General Assembly' last session in late 2024. Vietnam, with its high standing in matters of international cooperation, was supported in its bid to have this convention signed in Hanoi. The signing will take place in the autumn of 2025. We will gladly participate in this event at the invitation of our Vietnamese friends. We highly appreciate the long-standing cooperation in scientific research, education, and professional training. We consider it important to implement a project to establish a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Vietnam, and to ensure stable operation of the Joint Russian-Vietnamese Tropical Research and Technology Centre. Russia is getting ready to donate a research vessel to the centre for it to participate in its programmes. Vietnamese citizens are studying at Russian universities, which we welcome. Interest in getting education in our country and in the Russian language in general is high. For the current academic year, we have allocated 1,000 scholarships funded from the federal budget for Vietnamese students. All of these scholarships are being used. Work is underway to create a Russian school in Hanoi. We plan to form a regional centre for the study of the Russian language in Southeast Asia at the existing Pushkin Institute of Russian Language in Hanoi. This will mark an important step in expanding our ties with Vietnam and, more broadly, ASEAN. We noted expanded opportunities for tourism and other exchanges following the resumption of direct air service between our countries. We discussed the possibility of expanding the geography of flights and increasing the frequency of direct flights which will intensify various kinds of ties ranging from tourism to the economy. We agreed to enhance cooperation in the media sphere, including measures to strengthen the informational dimension of the Russia-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership, ensure our citizens receive truthful information, and counter disinformation regularly disseminated by certain Western counterparts - including narratives pertaining to our collaboration with our Vietnamese friends. We acknowledged the alignment or convergence of our approaches on the majority of pressing global issues. This serves as a robust foundation for close, coordinated engagement across multilateral platforms, particularly within the UN and ASEAN. Priority attention is accorded to the Asia-Pacific Region. We advocate the establishment of an equal and indivisible security architecture in this region, one that aligns with contemporary realities and is grounded in universally recognised norms of international law. In this context, we are deeply concerned by the counterproductive attempts to forge a network of narrow bloc-based alliances. We welcome Vietnam's readiness to comprehensively facilitate the advancement of dialogue partnership ties between Russia and ASEAN. The 35th anniversary of our dialogue partnership with ASEAN will be marked in 2026. I am confident that we, together with our Vietnamese friends and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, will commemorate this milestone in a fitting manner. In discussions on international affairs, we reaffirmed our appreciation for the consistent, balanced, and objective position held by our Vietnamese partners regarding the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and its evolving dynamics at the present stage. We provided detailed information on our approaches to the current situation. We will continue to pursue conflict resolution predicated on the imperative of eliminating the underlying causes of its emergence - or rather, the root causes of its deliberate orchestration by the Western sponsors of the Kiev regime, which came to power through an anti-constitutional coup d'etat. We hold these talks in high regard. I express gratitude to my friend for our collaborative efforts. Question: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union. What benefits do you see in this integration, and how will citizens of our countries gain from it? Sergey Lavrov: The advantages are universal, encompassing both Vietnam and all EAEU member states. This is evidenced by statistics demonstrating growth in trade turnover. The union operates on principles of equality and mutual benefit. This stands in stark contrast to the tariff wars currently unfolding between the United States and nearly all its partners, including the European Union, alongside the blatant and crude abuse of reserve currency dominance. These developments necessitate the pursuit of alternative mechanisms to sustain economic cooperation through the banking and financial systems, amid unlawful unilateral restrictions - tools the West has weaponised as its sole negotiating tactic on trade and economic matters. None of these issues exist within the Eurasian Economic Union, which is founded on strong principles of mutual benefit, mutual respect, and the pursuit of balanced interests. The EAEU and its partners maintain institutional ties with ASEAN. The EAEU itself, alongside ASEAN, the SCO, and other Eurasian entities, is fostering inter-organisational cooperation by leveraging inherent geographical and logistical advantages bestowed by history and providence. As the world's largest and most resource-rich continent, Eurasia has a vested interest in ensuring that its nations - and they alone - reap the benefits of natural resource development and infrastructure projects. This forms the bedrock of what we term the Greater Eurasian Partnership, which, when extended to security matters, serves as the tangible foundation for a continent-wide security architecture - a point the Minister emphasised earlier. These are natural processes, part of the objective historical evolution towards a multipolar world. Within this framework, ASEAN, the EAEU with its free trade zone partners, the SCO, and other Eurasian structures will undoubtedly emerge as pivotal poles. This process is ongoing, far from complete, yet already irreversible. Question: In the context of strengthening Russia-Vietnam energy cooperation, what potential do both sides see for collaboration in the field of peaceful nuclear energy? Sergey Lavrov: I referenced this in my opening remarks. We are currently advancing a project to establish a Nuclear Science and Technology Centre in Vietnam, which we hope will proceed swiftly. The Rosatom State Corporation has successfully implemented such centres in multiple partner nations. These facilities have proven highly effective, particularly in advancing nuclear medicine and non-energy nuclear applications in agriculture. This initiative holds significant promise for Vietnam's technological development. Recently, the Vietnamese government resolved to expand its nuclear energy sector, including plans to construct the first Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant. Rosatom, as a corporation with unparalleled expertise not only in constructing reactor units and nuclear power plants but also in establishing entire industrial ecosystems around them, anticipates the opportunity to compete for the contract to build this critical facility for Vietnam. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at talks with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son, Moscow, April 2, 2025 2 April 2025 13:00 513-02-04-2025 Mr Minister, Friends, We are delighted to welcome you to Moscow. It is a special year for us. This year, we will mark 75 years of our diplomatic relations, the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War and of Vietnam's independence declared on September 2, 1945, and, of course, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the southern regions of your country on April 30, 1975. All these dates are connected, in one way or another, with the development of our friendly and truly fraternal relations, and the practical expression of our people's solidarity in the fight for their independence and interests. We can see today that the experience we accumulated at different stages in our shared history, including at the time of trial, provided the basis for an intensive and substantive political dialogue at all levels and promoted our trade and economic ties, defence and security cooperation, cultural exchanges that are in great demand in our societies, and overall, our close interaction on the international stage. We are working with our Vietnamese friends to implement the agreements reached in June 2024 during the state visit of President Vladimir Putin to Vietnam. Comrade To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the 13th President of Vietnam, has been invited to Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. We will be delighted to see the Vietnamese leader at the celebrations. There are intensive exchanges between our parliaments, scientists, experts and youth organisations. We will discuss all these aspects of our relations today, and I hope that after that we will map out additional measures to promote our interaction in all spheres. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey moves to establish control over Syria's T4 air base despite Israeli strikes: Report Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 April 2025 7:10 AM Turkey has reportedly initiated efforts to take control of Tiyas Air Base, also known as the T-4 Air Base, in Syria's central province of Homs, and is preparing to deploy air defense systems to the site. According to sources familiar with the matter cited by Middle East Eye website, construction activities to transform the facility into a permanent Turkish military presence are progressing rapidly, signaling Ankara's intent to entrench itself deep within the Arab nation following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad's government in early December last year. "Turkey has begun moving to take control of the T4 air base, located near Palmyra in central Syria. A Hisar-type air defense system will be deployed to T4 to provide air cover for the base. "Once the system is in place, the base will be reconstructed and expanded with necessary facilities. Ankara also plans to deploy surveillance and armed drones, including those with extended strike capabilities," the sources clarified. They went on to say that the base would purportedly help Turkey consolidate aerial power across the region, and "support efforts to combat Daesh," which still has sleeper cells in Syria's central desert regions. The report says Ankara plans to eventually equip the site with a complex defense system that would have short, medium, and long-range capabilities against jets, drones, and missiles. Another source claimed "the presence of Turkish air defense systems and drones would likely deter Israel from launching air strikes in the area." According to reports, Israel is uncomfortable with such a plan. The Turkish Defense Ministry has declined to comment on the report. Israeli officials have voiced concern over the growing cooperation between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government and Syria's Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) administration. According to Israeli sources speaking to the Jerusalem Post newspaper, discussions have intensified over Turkey's possible establishment of a military base in Syria. The Tel Aviv regime interprets such a development as a potential threat. Israeli officials have held internal discussions in recent weeks about the implications of deeper Turkish involvement in Syria. "If a Turkish air base is established in Syria, it would undermine Israel's freedom of operation," an Israeli security source stated. The security situation in Syria remains tenuous after militant factions, led by the HTS, toppled Assad's government on December 8, 2024. Since the collapse of Assad's government, the Israeli military has been launching airstrikes against military installations, facilities, and arsenals belonging to Syria's now-defunct army. Israel has been widely condemned for the termination of the 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria and for exploiting the chaos in the Arab nation in the wake of Assad's downfall to make a land grab. The United Nations has condemned ongoing Israeli attacks inside Syrian territory and continuing violations in and around the buffer zone created as part of a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Damascus. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 2025 Han Kuang extended to 2 weeks of wargames, 10 day live-fire drills ROC Central News Agency 04/02/2025 06:28 PM Taipei, April 2 (CNA) Taiwan's largest-scale annual military drills, the Han Kuang exercises, will be lengthened this year to include two weeks of computerized tabletop wargames and 10 days of live-fire drills, the nation's armed forces announced on Wednesday. The Han Kuang exercises are held annually in two stages. This year's 41st edition will kick off with tabletop war games, conducted from April 5-18, said Major General Tung Chi-hsing (), director of the joint operations planning division under the Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a Taipei news briefing. The 14-day computer-aided wargames are reportedly the longest ever. Last year the tabletop war games were held for eight days, while in previous versions computerized exercises usually lasted 5 days. According to Tung, the computerized wargames will be conducted using the United States-built Joint Theater Level Simulation (JTLS) platform. Those simulations will be held around the clock for two weeks to test the ability of military personnel to coordinate and respond to a Chinese invasion, he said. The wargames will simulate a scenario whereby the People's Liberation Army (PLA) unexpectedly pivots military exercises or "gray zone" activities -- provocative or aggressive actions that fall just short of an open conflict -- near Taiwan into a real attack, the one-star general said. Meanwhile, the live-fire component of the Han Kuang exercises will run from July 9-18, featuring personnel from all branches of the armed forces on Taiwan and its offshore islands, he noted. The 10-day live-fire exercises around the country will also be longer than earlier iterations which previously lasted five days. As in 2024, this year's live-fire segment of the exercises will again be unscripted to test troop emergency response capabilities, with a focus on testing troop responses to decentralized command and 24/7 operational scenarios, Tung added. The wargames and live-fire segments of the Han Kuang exercises will also include newly acquired unmanned aerial vehicles, M1A2T tanks, M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems, to test these new additions to the nation's defensive capabilities, Tung added. Defense Minister Wellington Koo () said last month the decision to significantly lengthen this year's Han Kuang exercises is meant to more thoroughly test the armed forces' "joint operation planning and execution." The live-fire component will see the culmination of months-long Urban Resilience Exercises that are being held from April to July, which combine the Wan An air raid drills and Min An disaster response drills, in 11 counties and cities around the country, according to Tung. The Urban Resilience Exercises allow central government ministries and agencies and local governments to coordinate and work together to enhance overall local resilience and response capabilities, he said. Such efforts were launched under the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, an advisory group established by the Presidential Office. The committee has pledged to enhance Taiwan's resilience by training civilian forces, securing strategic and critical supplies, reinforcing energy and key infrastructure, and ensuring the continued operation of medical, transportation, information and financial facilities. The annual Han Kuang exercises, which have served as Taiwan's major war games since 1984, consist of live-fire drills and computerized war games and seek to test Taiwan's combat readiness in the face of a possible Chinese invasion. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA conducts live-fire exercise in East China Sea on 2nd day of drill ROC Central News Agency 04/02/2025 06:19 PM Taipei, April 2 (CNA) Taiwan's military on Wednesday said it observed China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducting live-fire exercises in the East China Sea on the second day of PLA military drills which began on Tuesday. Lieutenant General Hsieh Jih-sheng (), head of the Ministry of National Defense's (MND) Office of Deputy Chief of General Staff for Intelligence, said the live-fire drill was conducted in the East China Sea in a closed zone 270 km by 40 km in size. On late Tuesday the Chinese side declared the area a no fly zone and no fishing zone. The Chinese side lifted the no fly zone after concluding the live-fire shooting exercise early Wednesday, he added. The two-star general added that the nation's armed forces were still collecting information on exactly what kind of missiles and/or rockets were launched during the live-fire drill. CNA Graphic CNA Graphic Other than the live-fire drill in the East China Sea which is about 400 km from Taiwan, Hsieh said the nation's armed forces did not observe PLA troops conducting live-fire exercises in areas around Taiwan on Wednesday. The PLA's Eastern Theater Command first announced the beginning of joint exercises around Taiwan, as "a stern warning" to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces early on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, the command which has jurisdiction over the East China Sea and Taiwan Strait further announced that it was conducting a "Strait Thunder-2025A" drill in parts of the Taiwan Strait. The command later published a video it said was of the live fire drills in East China Sea that showed rockets, rather than ballistic missiles. "The drills involve precision strikes on simulated targets of key ports and energy facilities, and have achieved their desired effect," the command said, without elaborating. Asked if the "Strait Thunder-2025A" drill is part of the drill that began on Tuesday or a separate one, Hsieh said Taiwan's military remains on high alert and is conducting emergency response drills to closely monitor PLA deployments "regardless of what the PLA names its drills." As of Wednesday afternoon, Hsieh said the MND has detected 13 PLA naval vessels, 10 coast guard vessels, and 27 military aircraft, operating around Taiwan. Among the 27, 11 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line. On the east of Taiwan, Hsieh said the military has identified an 8-vessel naval fleet led by the Shandong aircraft carrier operating in the Pacific Ocean around 190 nautical miles southeastern off Cape Eluanbi in southern Taiwan, Hsieh said. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S., EU voice opposition to Taiwan Strait status quo change amid PLA drills ROC Central News Agency 04/02/2025 11:46 AM Washington, April 1 (CNA) The United States and European Union have both reiterated their opposition to a unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait after China's military launched a new round of joint military drills around Taiwan on Tuesday. Asked to comment on the latest military exercises in the waters and airspace around Taiwan, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the National Security Council (NSC) briefed her on the exercises on Tuesday, U.S. time. President Donald Trump "is emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, encouraging the peaceful resolution of these cross strait issues, [and] reiterating our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion," Leavitt said, citing the NSC. U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told CNA on Tuesday that China's aggressive military activities and rhetoric "only serve to exacerbate tensions and put the region's security and the world's prosperity at risk." "The United States supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes unilateral changes to the status quo, including through force or coercion," she said, adding that the U.S.' "enduring commitment to our allies and partners, including Taiwan, continues." Meanwhile, the EU diplomatic branch, European External Action Service (EEAS), expressed its concern over the Chinese exercises, saying the drills were "increasing cross-strait tensions." "The EU has a direct interest in the preservation of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral actions that change the status quo by force or coercion," according to an unnamed EEAS spokesperson. "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may further escalate tensions, which should be resolved through cross-strait dialogue," the EEAS spokesperson said. The PLA's Eastern Theater Command announced on Tuesday morning the beginning of a new round of joint exercises around Taiwan, featuring the army, navy, air and rocket forces to "close in" on Taiwan in "multiple directions." The exercises served as "a stern warning" to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, according to China's Taiwan Affairs Office. In response, Major General Tung Chi-hsing (), director of the joint operations planning division under Taiwan's defense ministry, said Tuesday that Taiwan's military has established an ad hoc emergency operations center and deployed military aircraft, vessels and coastal missile systems following the PLA's announcement. Taiwan's military was also conducting patrols and monitoring Chinese troops, Tung said. The PLA has not announced when the ongoing drill will conclude. (By Elaine Hou, Chung Yu-chen and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's drills around Taiwan aimed at testing U.S. response: Scholars ROC Central News Agency 04/02/2025 02:46 PM Taipei, April 2 (CNA) The stated aim of China's military drills around Taiwan is to deter "Taiwan independence" forces, but their real purpose may be to test the United States' response and strategic bottom line ahead of a potential Xi-Trump summit, scholars told CNA. The People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theater Command announced Tuesday that it had launched a new round of exercises around Taiwan using the army, navy, air and rocket forces to "close in" on Taiwan in "multiple directions." China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) said Tuesday the drills were intended as "a stern warning" to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and would serve as "a resolute punishment" for what it called the "reckless provocations to seek independence" by the administration of President Lai Ching-te (). The PLA drills continued Wednesday, with Eastern Theater Command spokesperson Shi Yi () announcing in the morning that the command would launch exercises code-named "Strait Thunder-2025A" in the central and southern areas of the Taiwan Strait. CNA Graphic CNA Graphic Lin Ying-yu (), who teaches at Tamkang University's Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies, told CNA on Tuesday that the PLA exercises, coming just after U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's visit to Japan, were actually aimed at the U.S. During his first trip to Japan after taking office, Hegseth met with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo and discussed security issues across the Strait. "The ministers took note of activities by the PLA including the military situation around Taiwan, and emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," an English-language press release issued by Japan's Ministry of Defense read. Despite its rhetoric of "opposing Taiwan independence" as the reason for launching the drills, China's decision to start them right after Hegseth's departure was more about testing the U.S.' bottom line and response regarding security issues across the Strait, Lin said. Beijing also wanted to understand U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on the issues, with the aim of gauging the U.S. strategic position ahead of a potential summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (), Lin said. Echoing Lin, Su Tzu-yun (), director of the Division of Defense Strategy and Resources at the Taiwan military-funded Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the drills were aimed at expressing political dissatisfaction toward Washington. Su said the dissatisfaction stemmed from a report by The Washington Post last Saturday, which said an internal guidance memo signed by Hegseth has reoriented the U.S. military to focus on deterring a potential seizure of Taiwan by China. But while the PLA's surprise drills were primarily intended as a message to the U.S., they may also serve as internal propaganda in China, Su said. He felt that they could be seen as a response to Lai's March 13 speech, in which he designated China a "foreign adversary" and announced 17 strategies to counter Beijing's coercion of Taiwan. Speaking in the same vein, Chieh Chung (), a research fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight, said the Lai administration was directly named in Tuesday's statements and in videos on the latest round of drills by both the TAO and the PLA Eastern Theater Command. Such direct references to the Lai administration showed that the drills could be seen as a response to Lai's speech and the strategies he announced, Chieh said. He also noted that the TAO statement Tuesday focused entirely on criticizing the Lai administration, without mentioning the U.S. The criticism and the drills can thus be seen as signs that Beijing may be using Lai's remarks as a pretext to raise tensions across the Strait ahead of a potential Xi-Trump summit, in a bid to gain leverage or create opportunities for negotiation with the Trump administration, Chieh said. (By Li Ya-wen and Sunny Lai) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 95 PLA aircraft, vessels detected near Taiwan during drill Tuesday ROC Central News Agency 04/02/2025 11:24 AM Taipei, April 2 (CNA) Ninety-five aircraft and vessels operated by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) were detected around Taiwan between 6 a.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND). The MND's report details the 24-hour period in which the PLA said it carried out joint exercises involving its army, navy, air force and rocket forces "as a stern warning and forceful deterrent against 'Taiwanese independence' separatist forces." The MND said 76 PLA aircraft, including 27 that crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, were detected during this period. The MND also confirmed that 15 Chinese naval vessels and four government ships were detected in the 24-hour period, bringing the total number of aircraft and ships to 95. The ministry said it "closely monitored" the Chinese operations and deployed aircraft, vessels and shore-based missile systems in response. The MND also reported on Tuesday that the PLA's Shandong aircraft carrier engaged in operations about 220 nautical miles southeast of Taiwan that day. CNA graphic CNA graphic Between 10 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, 14 Chinese fighter aircraft and helicopters were detected southeast of Taiwan, outside Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to the ministry. These aerial movements were probably related to the operations of the Shandong aircraft carrier battle group, the MND said. (By Wu Shu-wei and James Thompson) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA military drills in Taiwan Strait enter 2nd day ROC Central News Agency 04/02/2025 11:01 AM Taipei, April 2 (CNA) The Chinese military's joint exercises near Taiwan entered their second day Wednesday as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command said it was conducting a "Strait Thunder-2025A" drill in parts of the Taiwan Strait. The drill is focusing on "identification and verification, warning and expulsion, and interception and detention to test the troops' capabilities of area regulation and control, joint blockade and control, and precision strikes on key targets," Chinese-state run Xinhua News Agency cited Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the theater command, as saying. The same theater command announced on Tuesday morning the beginning of a round of joint exercises around Taiwan, featuring the army, navy, air and rocket forces to "close in" on Taiwan in "multiple directions." The exercises were to serve as "a stern warning" to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, according to China's Taiwan Affairs Office. Taiwan's military said it responded by establishing an ad hoc emergency operations center and deploying military aircraft, vessels and coastal missile systems following the PLA's announcement of drills early Tuesday. As of Wednesday morning, Taiwan's military was conducting patrols and monitoring Chinese troops, and it was prepared to adjust its combat readiness level based on the level of the PLA threat accordingly, according to the Ministry of National Defense. Beijing has held numerous military drills around Taiwan in recent years, but they have intensified since President Lai Ching-te came to power in May 2024 and used language that has more consistently implied that Taiwan and China are separate entities. The People's Republic of China sees Taiwan as part of its territory and has reiterated its determination to bring Taiwan into the fold, using force if necessary. The two most recent PLA military exercises that used code names were both Joint Sword 2024 drills held in 2024 after Lai took office. The Joint Sword-2024A drills were held from May 23 to May 24, 2024, while second round Joint Sword-2024B was conducted from October 14 to 15, 2024. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM warns Manila not to 'play with fire' on Taiwan question after military chief hypes PLA drills Global Times By Global Times Published: Apr 02, 2025 04:44 PM In response to a media inquiry on remarks made by a Philippine military official that the Philippines would inevitably be drawn into any conflict near Taiwan island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun urged certain individuals in the Philippines not to play with fire on the Taiwan question, stressing that how to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter for the Chinese people. Philippine Armed Forces chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday told troops at the Northern Luzon Command to "prepare for any eventuality" such as the "invasion" of Taiwan. He also claimed that "if something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved," according to Philippine Daily Inquirer on Wednesday. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and concerns China's core interests. How to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter for the Chinese people. It allows no foreign interference, Guo said. We urged certain Philippine individuals not to play with fire on the Taiwan question- those who play with fire will get burned. China also firmly opposes baseless, distorted, and inflammatory remarks aimed at smearing China, said Guo. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM slams external meddling in PLA drills around Taiwan, stresses they are 'a stern warning to separatists' Global Times By Global Times Published: Apr 02, 2025 04:16 PM In response to the accusations from some countries, including the US, Japan and the EU over the Chinese People's Liberation Army's joint exercises around the Taiwan island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that such claims made by a handful of countries and organizations disregard facts, distort right and wrong, and interfere in China's internal affairs. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition. According to media reports, the EU accused China of increasing cross-strait tensions by holding military drills around Taiwan, and called on all parties to "exercise restraint." A US Department of State spokesperson claimed that there is no justification for "China's irresponsible threats and military pressure operations" near Taiwan island. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and allows no external interference. What undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits are the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and the indulgence and support of external forces, Guo said. If these countries and organizations genuinely wish to see peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, they should follow the prevailing international consensus of upholding the one-China principle, honor their political commitments to China, respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose any form of "Taiwan independence," Guo said. Guo emphasized that advocating "Taiwan independence" and supporting separatist forces constitutes interference in China's internal affairs. Condoning "Taiwan independence" activities undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. The joint military exercises conducted by the PLA are a firm countermeasure against the provocative separatist attempts by the Lai Ching-te authorities, a stern warning to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces seeking to undermine cross-Straits peace, and a responsible action to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. No external forces have any right to make irresponsible remarks on this matter, said Guo. Guo stated that as long as "Taiwan independence" provocations continue, countermeasures to oppose "independence" will not cease. China will never allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan island from China in any way. The country will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Guo. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA wraps up joint drills around Taiwan in deterrence to separatists Global Times Live-fire rocket shooting biggest highlight; aircraft carrier helps in role of cutting off life line By Guo Yuandan, Liu Xuanzun and Liu Xin Published: Apr 02, 2025 11:18 PM The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command announced on Wednesday that it completed all designated tasks of the joint exercises carried out from Tuesday to Wednesday, with the exercises testing the troops' integrated joint operations capabilities. Troops of the theater command remain on high alert at all times, and will continue to strengthen combat readiness with intensive training, resolutely thwarting any separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence," Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, said in a statement on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Shi announced the PLA Eastern Theater Command started to conduct joint exercises, organizing its army, navy, air and rocket forces to close in on the Taiwan island from multiple directions. Joint exercises continued on Wednesday, as the theater command announced the "Strait Thunder-2025A" drills in the Taiwan Straits, a live-fire rocket shooting in the East China Sea and the participation of an aircraft carrier task group. Experts said drills in the two consecutive days demonstrate the PLA's tighter siege on "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces. The sustained exercises by the PLA not only impose military pressure on "Taiwan independence" forces but, more importantly, expose and weaken the political tactics of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, who seek to manipulate cross-Straits confrontation and hold the interests of the Taiwan people hostage. The Wednesday exercises focus on subjects of identification and verification, warning and expulsion, and interception and detention to test the troops' capabilities in area regulation and control, joint blockade and control, and precision strikes on key targets, Shi said. Fu Zhengnan, an expert at the PLA's Academy of Military Science, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises formed a situation in which the island of Taiwan is surrounded on two sides, as "independence" forces are pinned down and deterred. From the "Joint Sword" series drills in 2024 to the latest "Strait Thunder" operation, the change in code name means the PLA's military measures to deter "independence" are becoming more and more comprehensive, according to Fu. Fu said that during the exercises, the PLA Eastern Theater Command had warships and warplane formations advancing simultaneously, locking down the island from two directions, and conducted simulated strikes on key "Taiwan independence" targets. Under the support of a strong reconnaissance and early warning system, the PLA quickly seized comprehensive control over the battlefield through aerial interception, sea assault and land strikes, forming a psychological deterrence on the "Taiwan independence" forces. Zhang Chi, a professor at the National Defense University, told the Global Times that Wednesday's PLA exercises in the Taiwan Straits are codenamed "Strait Thunder-2025A," which shows that the PLA has rich options and various measures in deterring "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces. "We are tightening the siege and chains on the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces through stricter measures with thunderous actions. It means that the more 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces provoke, the stronger the punishment will be against them," Zhang said. Rockets and carrier in action Shortly after the announcement of the "Strait Thunder-2025A," Shi, the PLA Eastern Theater Command spokesperson, announced that ground force of the theater command conducted long-range live-fire drills in waters of the East China Sea according to the training plans of the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercise on Wednesday. The drills involve precision strikes on simulated targets such as key ports and energy facilities and have achieved the desired effects, Shi said. A video released by the PLA Eastern Theater Command shows a brigade affiliated with the army of the theater command receiving orders to advance, as multiple modular rocket launcher systems rapidly mobilize to preset positions. "The biggest highlight of today's drills is the long-range live-fire drills, which serve as a powerful deterrence against 'Taiwan independence' forces. After years of development, the PLA's comprehensive capabilities have kept rising, as its ability to fight and win continues to increase, sufficient enough to smash 'Taiwan independence' forces into pieces," Fu from the Academy of Military Science said. In the afternoon, Shi issued another statement, announcing that the Eastern Theater Command on Wednesday employed the Shandong aircraft carrier task group, in coordination with naval and air units, in conducting military drills in areas to the east of Taiwan island. The exercises included subjects of vessel-aircraft coordination, seizure of area air superiority and strikes on ground and maritime targets to evaluate the troops' capabilities of integrated operations inside and outside the island chain, multi-dimensional blockade and control, and joint operations of multiple services, Shi said. The presence of the Shandong aircraft carrier task group to the east of Taiwan island helps play the role of cutting off "three lines" of "Taiwan independence" forces, namely their energy import life line, their external aid support line and their own escape line, according to Zhang from the National Defense University. Necessary move to safeguard sovereignty It's reported that the US, EU, Japan and some others made remarks on the joint exercises around Taiwan island conducted by the PLA. They oppose "unilateral changes to the status quo," including through force or coercion, and said that there is "no justification" for China's irresponsible threats and military pressure operations near Taiwan island. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that the accusation of a handful of countries and organizations against China is a mischaracterization of the facts and truth and an interference in China's internal affairs. China deplores and opposes this. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affairs that brook no external interference. Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said on Wednesday that certain countries - if they genuinely wish to see peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits - must strictly adhere to the one-China principle and stop sending the wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that the joint exercises are necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and interests of development, righteous moves to punish separatist attempts to divide the country and firm safeguard of peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, as well as the safety and well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan island. There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. This is the true status quo in the Taiwan Straits. The DPP authorities have been aggressively promoting the fallacy of "Taiwan independence," continuously engaging in separatist provocations in an attempt to alter the fact that both sides of the Straits belong to one China. Such actions seriously undermine peace and stability in the Straits and severely harm the interests and well-being of the people in Taiwan. If allowed to continue, they will only push the people of Taiwan into a dangerous situation of conflict and turmoil. This must be firmly curbed and resolutely punished, Zhu stressed. Growing pressure on separatists Compared with earlier speculations from Taiwan commentators, this round of exercises was more powerful in deterrence, Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. "The PLA's evolving drill patterns - marked by increased unpredictability - have left the 'Taiwan independence' forces unable to anticipate its actions, subjecting them to growing psychological pressure," Zheng said. According to Taiwan media reports, the exercises had an immediate effect in imposing a de facto blockade around Taiwan island. Taiwan's CTI News reported that a liquefied natural gas carrier was unable to leave port after the drills began, blocked by the exercise area. "The current drill has already placed Taiwan island in a quasi-blockade situation," Zheng said. "While Taiwan's so-called 'defense authority' downplays the exercise, local media reports and public comments reflect genuine anxiety and unease." The sustained PLA exercises strike at the core of the DPP authorities' governance model, Zheng said, noting that Lai has been promoting "green dictatorship" on the island, suppressing opponents and fueling social division, while deliberately provoking cross-Straits tensions and creating an atmosphere of anti-mainland hostility to cover up his own governance failures. "Such political manipulation only forces the people of Taiwan to bear greater risks and costs," Zheng said. "Although the current drills are military in nature, they also serve as a real warning. They tell the people of Taiwan that the DPP authorities, for their own political interests, are willing to put the entire island in danger," Zheng said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA's drills in Taiwan Straits show key trends in deterrence, flexibility and diverse operations: expert Global Times By Guo Yuandan and Liu Xin Published: Apr 02, 2025 08:19 PM The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command organized the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises in the central and southern areas of the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday. In recent years, the PLA exercises in the Taiwan Straits have demonstrated three key trends -expanding the scope of deterrence, increasing flexibility in the scale and schedule of drills, and diversifying the forms of operations, according to an expert on military affairs. Zhang Chi, a professor at the National Defense University, told Global Times that the most notable feature of this round of drills is integrated coordination and systematic design. "In terms of schedule, the exercises followed a clear, phased progression. The Tuesday drills focused on troop deployment, with participating units completing mobilization, assembly, advance, and a series of operational maneuvers, including close-in approaches and law enforcement control around Taiwan's main island and outlying islands. These moves set the stage for the Wednesday exercises, which concentrated on deterrence and strike operations, particularly blockade and blockade ," said Zhang. Zhang noted that, spatially, the drills integrated both internal and external operational elements, focusing on four key areas. First, in the Taiwan Straits itself, the PLA exercised long-range fire control and conducted live-fire drills. Second, along Taiwan's coastal areas, the PLA and China Coast Guard carried out joint control operations. Third, in the east of Taiwan island, the PLA deployed aircraft carriers to block potential external reinforcements. Fourth, beyond the island chain, PLA Air Force bomber formations conducted patrols outside the island chain, according to Zhang. "Overall, this exercise achieved a combination of internal and external operations," Zhang said. Commenting on the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises on Wednesday, Zhang said the morning exercises focused on blockading key areas and routes in the Taiwan Straits, while the afternoon operations extended to key areas, routes, and critical facilities east of Taiwan island. "These drills showcased our strong ability to establish comprehensive control and deliver a clear deterrent message to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces," he said. Zhang said that Taiwan is an isolated island with no so-called "strategic depth," and resources and energy are scarce. "Most of Taiwan's energy and food supplies rely on imports. If maritime supply lines are cut, its war potential will quickly diminish, and social order on the island will soon fall into chaos." He emphasized that the PLA's drills are a justified and legitimate response to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' pursuit of "Taiwan independence." In recent years, the PLA has carried out regularized exercises in the Taiwan Straits, including combat readiness patrols in 2023 and the "Joint Sword" series of drills in 2024. Zhang also outlined three major trends in the PLA's exercises in the Taiwan Straits, saying that the first is exerting progressive pressure the scope of deterrence is steadily expanding, with drills moving closer to Taiwan and increasingly constraining the island's so-called "defense space." The second part is flexible deployment, said Zhang, noting that the schedule and location of exercises are adjusted dynamically. For example, during the "Joint Sword-2024B" drill in the second half of 2024, the PLA launched the exercise without prior notice, starting at 5 am and concluding at 6 pm the same day. "It was a swift operation that could easily shift from training to actual combat," Zhang noted. The third aspect is diverse forms the drills now include maritime and aerial combat readiness patrols, blockade and control of key areas and routes, gain overall control, and simulated precision strikes on critical targets, said Zhang. "In response to the 'salami-slicing' provocations by 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, we have formed a proactive posture to counter such tactics," Zhang said, noting that "the Taiwan authorities can only scramble to react, completely powerless to resist." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA drills expose weaknesses in Taiwan authorities' governance model, hit 'Taiwan independence' forces' sore point: expert Global Times By Liu Xin and Guo Yuandan Published: Apr 02, 2025 05:09 PM Following joint military exercises around Taiwan island a day earlier, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Wednesday continued its operations, organizing the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises in the central and southern areas of the Taiwan Straits. An expert on the Taiwan question said the sustained exercises by the PLA not only impose military pressure on "Taiwan independence" forces but, more importantly, expose and weaken the political tactics of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, who seek to manipulate cross-Straits confrontation and hold the interests of the Taiwan people hostage. The "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises caught the DPP authorities off guard, Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Zheng noted that compared with earlier speculations from Taiwan commentators, this round of exercises was more powerful in deterrence. "The PLA's evolving drill patterns - marked by increased unpredictability - have left the 'Taiwan independence' forces unable to anticipate its actions, subjecting them to growing psychological pressure," Zheng said. According to Taiwan media reports, the exercises had an immediate effect in imposing de facto blockade around Taiwan island. Taiwan's CTI News reported that a liquefied natural gas carrier was unable to leave port after the drills began, blocked by the exercise area. "This demonstrates that the designated zones for maritime and aerial operations were carefully planned and precisely executed," Zheng said The PLA Eastern Theater Command further announced on Wednesday that its ground forces had carried out live-fire drills in the East China Sea, targeting simulated key infrastructure such as ports and energy facilities. The command said the exercise aimed to control energy routes, cut supply channels, and block covert passages, vowing to resolutely sever the "green terror and Taiwan independence path." Although the DPP authorities and "Taiwan independence" forces tried to maintain a calm front, claiming that everything is under control, however, Zheng noted that their reactions this time exposed clear vulnerabilities. "The current drill has already placed the Taiwan island in a quasi-blockade situation," Zheng said. "While Taiwan's so-called 'defense authority' downplays the exercise, local media reports and public comments reflect genuine anxiety and unease." Zheng said that the "Taiwan independence" forces are unable to assess the drills' scale, scope, and duration. "This uncertainty itself is a major blow to them," he said. More fundamentally, the sustained PLA exercises strike at the core of the DPP authorities' governance model. Zheng said that Lai Ching-te has been promoting "green dictatorship " on the island, suppressing opponents and fueling social division, while deliberately provoking cross-Straits tensions and creating an atmosphere of anti-mainland hostility to cover up his own governance failures. "Such political manipulation only forces the people of Taiwan to bear greater risks and costs," Zheng said. "Although the current drills are military in nature, they also serve as a real warning. They tellthe people of Taiwan - the DPP authorities, for their own political interests, are willing to put the entire island in danger," said Zheng. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA aircraft carrier helps in the role of cutting off 'three lines' of 'Taiwan independence' forces in drills: expert Global Times By Guo Yuandan and Liu Xuanzun Published: Apr 02, 2025 02:35 PM The Shandong aircraft carrier task group of the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) exercises helped play the role of cutting off "three lines" of "Taiwan independence" forces, namely their energy import life line, their external military aid support line, and their own escape line, an expert told the Global Times, after the PLA Eastern Theater Command announced the carrier group's exercises to simulate strike on ground and maritime targets in areas to the east of Taiwan island on Wednesday. The PLA Eastern Theater Command on Wednesday employed Shandong aircraft carrier task group, in coordination with naval and air units, in conducting military drills in areas to the east of Taiwan island, said Senior Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command in a statement. The exercises included subjects of vessel-aircraft coordination, seizure of area air superiority and strike on ground and maritime targets so as to evaluate the troops' capabilities of integrated operations inside and outside the island chain, multi-dimensional blockade and control, and joint operations of multiple services, Shi said. Zhang Chi, a professor at the National Defense University, told Global Times on Wednesday that during the drills, the Shandong carrier task group quickly maneuvered to the east side of the island of Taiwan, displaying the PLA's increasingly powerful capabilities in rapid response, precision strike and systematic coordination. The large strategic platform's deep integration into the joint operation system fully displayed the PLA's powerful capabilities. Zhang noted that PLA carrier groups have routinely sailed beyond the island chain for exercises in recent years, many of them in areas to the east of Taiwan island. From the positioning of PLA aircraft carriers in these drills, they took key choke points and formed a solid maritime barrier, creating a situation to block external forces from interfering and suppress and block "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces inside. For a long time, Taiwan authorities see the east of Taiwan island as a so-called base to preserve combat forces and a comfortable zone, for example, the island's air force's largest underground hangar Chiashan Air Force Base is located on the east side of the island, Zhang said, noting that the presence of the Shandong aircraft carrier task group to the east of Taiwan island helps play the role of cutting off "three lines" of "Taiwan independence" forces, namely their energy import life line, their external aid support line, and their own escape line. "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces long have an illusion that the Chinese mainland will not really launch an attack, and that there would be external forces to help them. A series of drills, especially the military deterrence operations participated by aircraft carrier task groups, sent a clear signal to "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, that large-scale, highly intensive and diverse operations can completely cut off their escape routes and external support routes, Zhang said. "There is only a dead end that awaits the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces, and China will be surely reunified," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA launches 'Strait Thunder-2025A' drills, showing tighter siege on 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces: expert Global Times By Guo Yuandan and Liu Xuanzun Published: Apr 02, 2025 08:04 AM Following the organization of its army, navy, air, and rocket forces to conduct joint exercises around Taiwan island on Tuesday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) organized the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises in the central and southern areas of the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday. An expert told the Global Times that this move demonstrates the PLA's tighter siege on "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces through more stringent measures with thunderous actions. On Wednesday, the PLA Eastern Theater Command conducted military exercises code-named "Strait Thunder-2025A" in the middle and southern areas of the Taiwan Straits, according to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the Eastern Theater Command. The exercises focus on subjects of identification and verification, warning and expulsion, and interception and detention so as to test the troops' capabilities of area regulation and control, joint blockade and control, and precision strikes on key targets, Shi said. Zhang Chi, a professor at the National Defense University, told Global Times that Wednesday's PLA exercises in the Taiwan Straits are codenamed "Strait Thunder-2025A," which shows that the PLA has rich options and various measures in deterring "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces. For the Lai Ching-te authorities and "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, the PLA is always on a high level of combat readiness, like a sharp sword or a heavy hammer over their heads, Zhang said. "We are tightening the siege and chains on the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces through stricter measures with thunderous actions. It means that the more 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces provoke, the stronger the punishment will be put on them," Zhang said. Fu Zhengnan, an expert at the PLA's Academy of Military Science, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises formed a situation in which the island of Taiwan is surrounded from two sides, as "independence" forces are pinned down and deterred. From the "Joint Sword" series drills in 2024 to the latest "Strait Thunder" operation, the change in code name means the PLA's military measures to deter "independence" are becoming more and more comprehensive, according to Fu. Fu said that during the exercises, the PLA Eastern Theater Command had warships and warplane formations advancing simultaneously, locking down the island from two directions, and conducted simulated strikes on key "Taiwan independence" targets. Under the support of a strong reconnaissance and early warning system, the PLA quickly seized the comprehensive control over the battlefield through aerial interception, sea assault and land strikes, forming a psychological deterrent on the "Taiwan independence" forces. Through routine combat patrols and pressuring, the PLA's capabilities of joint operations in deterring "Taiwan independence" have significantly increased. If the Lai Ching-te authorities dare to touch the red line or the bottom line, the PLA can crush "Taiwan independence" forces with thunderous strikes, Fu said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China Tests Taiwan And Raises Tensions With Latest Live-Fire Military Exercises By Reid Standish April 02, 2025 With jets, warships, and a bombardment of propaganda, China simulated attacks and maritime blockades around Taiwan, in what Beijing called a warning after the island's president labeled China "a foreign hostile force." The two-day war games around Taiwan that included long-range, live-fire drills came to an end on April 2, the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command said, but the unannounced drills mark an escalation from Beijing towards the self-governing island, which China has long threatened to invade and annex if it refuses to peacefully accept unification. While previous Chinese drills have sought to test Taipei's response times to an incursion, Beijing says this week's exercises -- called "Strait Thunder" -- were focused on its ability to strike key targets such as ports and energy facilities on the island. In a statement, the Chinese military said that the drills tested the troops' "integrated joint operations capabilities" as a coordinated seizure of the sea and airspace around Taiwan, blockading Taiwanese sea lanes, and launching attacks against sea and ground targets. That's noteworthy as it represents the variety of ways that a crisis could develop around Taiwan and comes as Beijing looks to send an implicit message to US President Donald Trump and his administration that China is determined to put the island of 23 million under its authority one way or another. Taiwanese policymakers must contend not only with the potential threat of an outright invasion but also with the possibility of China launching a blockade to choke off trade and supplies until the island 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 from Taipei's partners could be launched. The Strait Thunder drills were located in the middle and southern parts of the Taiwan strait -- a vital artery for global shipping -- and were clearly simulating for these scenarios. Taiwan imports nearly all of its energy supply and relies heavily on food imports, meaning in the event of a war, a blockade or even quarantine could paralyze the island. Beijing was keen to press this advantage with its war games, but it also turned to tough rhetoric against the island's leaders and messaging geared towards residents about Beijing's military superiority. As China's military announced the drills, it also released posters declaring that it was "closing in" on "Taiwan separatists," as well as a series of personal attacks on Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. One animation depicted Lai as a poisonous "parasite" trying to hijack Taiwan -- until he ultimately met a fiery end. Lai is a popular target for Beijing's messaging campaigns and China's Taiwan Affairs Office called the drills "severe punishment" for his "rampant provocation" with recent actions that "exposed his ugly side of being anti-peace, anti-exchange, anti-democracy, and anti-humanity." Those actions refer to a March 13 speech where Lai laid out a coordinated roadmap for how to push back against Beijing and labelled China "a foreign hostile force." "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 at the time. That speech followed months of escalating rhetoric from Beijing, as well as a series of incidents, from espionage cases to vessels caught trying to sever undersea data cables running off the coast of Taiwan. Lai has also looked to maintain US support for Taiwan during Trump's term, including by promising to raise its military spending to more than 3 percent of the island's economic output this year. The latest Chinese exercises also follow a visit to the region by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week and a Washington Post report citing an internal Pentagon memo signed by him calling for the US military to prioritize deterring a Chinese takeover of Taiwan. "China is the Department's sole pacing threat, and denial of a Chinese fait accompli seizure of Taiwan -- while simultaneously defending the US homeland is the Department's sole pacing scenario," Hegseth wrote in the memo. Trump has yet to detail his policy toward Taiwan and has said he won't state whether he would send US forces to defend it in a crisis or not, but with moves like the recent war games, Beijing is looking to probe for how Washington may react and show the Trump administration that its red lines around Taiwan aren't going away. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-taiwan-military- exercise-war-invasion-blockade-trump-xi/33369765.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/04/02 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Apr. 1 (Tue.) to 6 a.m. Apr. 2 (Wed.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 76 sorties of PLA aircraft, 15 PLAN ships and 4 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 37 out of 76 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The FCDO has issued a statement in response to the latest Chinese military exercises around Taiwan. 2 April 2025 An FCDO spokesperson said: We are concerned by China's military exercises around Taiwan, part of a pattern of activity which is increasing tensions and risking dangerous escalation in the Taiwan Strait. The UK reaffirms our clear interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is of critical importance to global prosperity, and our support for a free and open Indo-Pacific. We consider the Taiwan issue one to be settled peacefully by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion. Military drills or threats to Taiwan are not conducive to such dialogue. We do not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo. We call for restraint and the avoidance of any further actions that may undermine peace and stability. Continued Support and Path to Dignified Peace: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany President of Ukraine 1 April 2025 - 22:37 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock, who is now on her ninth visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. "Thank you for your great support and attention to Ukraine and our people. We are grateful to Germany, your Government, and all German people for the significant assistance," the Head of State said. The President emphasized that Germany is a leader in Europe in the scale of assistance provided to Ukraine. The total amount of support has already exceeded EUR 43 billion, of which EUR 15 billion was allocated for military needs. The Federal Republic of Germany has made a significant contribution to the strengthening of Ukraine's air defense: it includes six IRIS-T systems, three Patriot systems, and Gepard anti-aircraft guns. The Head of State thanked the Bundestag for the decision to provide an additional EUR 3 billion to Ukraine and noted that Annalena Baerbock was one of its initiators. Thus, the total German support this year will amount to 7 billion euros. The parties also discussed the results of the leaders' summit on support for Ukraine in Paris and the development of security guarantee formats. Ukraine is also counting on Germany's support on the path to EU membership, in particular, with regard to the swift opening of the first negotiation cluster. Annalena Baerbock noted that Germany will continue supporting Ukraine, which is currently defending peace and security in all of Europe. "We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. The German Government will further support a just peace and your membership in the EU," the Minister said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Budrys: Lithuania will join all international initiatives and coalitions that strengthen Ukraine Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2025-04-02 In Kyiv, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kestutis Budrys, met with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In Kyiv, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kestutis Budrys, met with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the Minister, Russia understands only the language of force, thus, to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire, it is necessary to continue imposing and tightening sanctions against Russia and applying other measures of international pressure. "Only peace based on respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders will be just and sustainable. Lithuania will support all international initiatives and coalitions to strengthen Ukraine," Budrys said. The meeting also discussed military support, investments in the defence industry, and the implementation of critical reforms needed for Ukraine's accession to the European Union before 2030. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Month On, Ukraine Is Still Waiting For The Coalition Of The Willing By Ray Furlong and Olena Abramovych April 02, 2025 Exactly a month since British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the formation of a "coalition of the willing" to form a military mission to Ukraine, many questions remain. Starmer said the plan would involve British "boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others." This immediately raised uncertainty about who will contribute and how. Answers are still scarce. Who Could Send Troops To Ukraine? So far, France is the only other nation that has made a clear commitment to send military forces to Ukraine as part of the mission. The London conference and subsequent meetings have involved some 30 countries. Some of these will probably be involved in a backup function. Germany, for instance, has made noises about sending troops under a UN-mandate, but Russia opposes the mission and would veto it. So, Berlin's involvement would likely be based on out-of-country support, such as logistics. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Kyiv on April 1 with outgoing German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, saying that a "narrow circle of countries" is willing to send contingents. Some countries have indicated that they could be in that circle. Asked about sending troops, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said it was "ready to help... under certain conditions", while Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said his country was prepared for it "in principle." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said his country may send "a small contribution," but he faces elections in May. Belgium said it would be "logical" to participate. Some of the 30 countries have ruled out sending troops, such as Poland, which is prioritizing its own immediate security concerns vis-a-vis Russia and Belarus. Greece has also said it won't deploy. Turkey, a major military power neighboring Ukraine with substantial air and naval assets, would be a big potential contributor. It has not made a clear statement one way or the other. What Would Western Troops Do In Ukraine? The initiative has often been referred to as a peacekeeping mission, but this is a misnomer. "If we call it a 'peacekeeping mission,' we usually mean a peacekeeping mission within the framework of the UN, which requires participation in the agreements of both sides. An 'assurance mission' does not require Russia's consent," a NATO diplomat told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Serviceon April 1. The idea is that, after a cease-fire or peace deal is reached, the force deploys to help give Ukraine confidence that Russia won't attack it again. "If there was again a generalized aggression against Ukrainian soil, these armies would be under attack and then it's our usual framework of engagement," French President Emmanuel Macron said ahead of a summit held by the coalition in Paris on March 27. "Our soldiers, when they are engaged and deployed, are there to react and respond to the decisions of the commander in chief and, if they are in a conflict situation, to respond to it." But a frontline deployment is not envisaged. Speaking after the Paris gathering, Macron said the forces would be at "certain strategic locations." Starmer and Zelenskyy have spoken of forces covering air, sea, and land. Over the last few weeks, military planners have been preparing for various scenarios. NATO diplomats told RFE/RL that the final vision of the future contingent has not yet been determined and will largely depend on the circumstances leading to its eventual deployment. Russian Opposition Russia has long made it clear it opposes any deployment to Ukraine involving forces from NATO countries. As noted, this rules out a UN-mandated mission. But European countries have indicated they would be willing to deploy without Russian assent. Macron made this clear in a recent interview with French regional newspapers. "If Ukraine requests allied forces to be on its territory, it is not up to Russia to accept or reject them," he said. But if Russia can't stop the mission, there may be one more hurdle. The US Backstop From the very beginning, the deployment of the forces has been predicated on the existence of what Starmer called a US "backstop." This refers to the provision of air support, logistics, and intelligence. But so far there has been no clear signal from Washington that it's ready to help. On the contrary, there's been withering criticism from one of US President Donald Trump's closest aides. Steve Witkoff, a key figure in efforts to broker a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine, dismissed it as "a posture and a pose." One diplomat from a European NATO member told RFE/RL this was a challenge that needed to be overcome. "We have to come up with a specific proposal and present it to the United States," he said. "We should not demonstrate complete dependence on the American presence. We should have self-respect. We have to act ourselves and then invite the United States to join." The former head of the US Army in Europe, Ben Hodges, told RFE/RL last month that Europe should go it alone. "The soldiers that I have encountered over the years from the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Poland are quality women and men with good equipment," he said. What Next? Since Starmer's initial remarks, there has been a series of meetings at various levels to work on the proposals. The next talks, announced by Zelenskyy, are set for April 4. The process may have some way to go. "This is an attempt to find a new form of guarantees from our European partners," Serhiy Leshchenko, an adviser in President Zelenskyy's office, told RFE/RL last week. "It takes time. There is no need to expect instant solutions here." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-troops-peacekeepers- coalition-starmer-macron/33368770.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'No Positive Signs From Russia,' Says Kallas As Cease-Fire Talks Drag On By Rikard Jozwiak April 02, 2025 STRASBOURG, France -- European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says there have been "no positive signs from Russia" in ongoing cease-fire negotiations over Ukraine, and that Moscow is "just playing games." She made the remarks in an exclusive interview with RFE/RL on the sidelines of a European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg on April 2. Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have been locked in negotiations for a month in an effort to end the three-year full-scale war. While partial cease-fire agreements have been reached -- covering energy infrastructure and traffic on the Black Sea -- Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities continue on a daily basis. Asked whether she believes a full cease-fire can be achieved by April 20 -- a target date floated by Finnish President Alexander Stubb during a recent visit to US President Donald Trump in Florida -- the former Estonian prime minister stressed that pressure must be placed on Moscow. "I think it could be very good to set them a clear deadline when they have to answer, what is their standing, and to really show some goodwill that they also want peace," she said. "It's clear that the Ukrainians want it." Not Talking With Russia Yet This week, Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Kremlin adviser and head of a major state-backed investment fund, is expected to visit Washington for talks with US officials on Ukraine and bilateral relations, the Kremlin said. Dmitriev's reported visit comes as Washington and Moscow move to repair relations following years of spiraling tensions that predate Russia's February 2022 all-out invasion of Ukraine. When asked whether the EU should also engage directly with Dmitriev, Kallas said any discussions must center around Kyiv. "For Ukraine, Ukraine has to negotiate with Russia," she said. "It can't be done by anybody else, because it's about Ukraine and it can't be without Ukraine." So far, the European Union and its 27 member states have been sidelined from the talks. Pressed on whether the bloc or any of its member states were ready to talk directly with the Kremlin, Kallas emphasized that Europe must be part of any long-term settlement. "When it comes to negotiations about Ukraine, then clearly Europe must be around that table because it also concerns us what is the result of this," she said. "And any deal can't work without the implementation of the Europeans." Transatlantic Trade War? Kallas, who took over as the EU high representative in late 2024, will later this week attend the NATO ministerial in Brussels together with the new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting comes at a time of rising transatlantic trade tensions. On April 2, Washington imposed a 25 percent tariff on all car imports, following steel and aluminum levies introduced in March. Brussels is preparing a response, expected later in April, which is likely to include penalties targeting big US tech companies. Kallas, however, was keen to play down the latest rift, saying that, despite a lot of rhetoric on the subject, European negotiators still "don't really know what is exactly coming." "There are the statements we see, but what are the real actions?" she said. "What I want to stress is that there are no winners in trade wars. I mean it raises the prices and in the end the consumers get to pay for these products at a higher price and this is not wise, so I still hope that we are not starting this trade war." New Format For Serbia-Kosovo Dialogue? On April 7-8, Kallas will visit Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Montenegro -- her first trip to the Western Balkans since taking office. A visit to Serbia is also likely in May. Asked about the recent wave of anti-government protests in Serbian cities -- sparked by the deadly collapse of a newly renovated train station roof in Novi Sad which has fueled public anger over corruption and government mismanagement - Kallas suggested such demonstrations were normal in democratic societies. "It is democracy," she said. "I mean we have it in our EU member states that people get tired of governments, and they protest. That shows that democracy is working." The EU has led the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo since 2011, aiming to normalize relations between them. Kallas's predecessor, Josep Borrell, last met with the leaders of the two Balkan countries in September 2023 but failed to strike a final agreement. While Kallas has named Danish diplomat Peter Sorensen as her special envoy for the talks, no high-level meetings have yet been convened, and she hinted that a new approach may be needed. "It seems a bit that the dialogue is a bit stuck, because the parties just are complaining about each other," she said. "I think we have to keep the end goal in mind -- the normalization of their relationship, so that they can both proceed on their European path. So maybe it's the dialogue, or maybe it is another tool. I'm willing to look into it, and I will do so together with the [Sorensen] in the coming days." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kaja-kallas-russia-ukraine- ceasefire-eu-trade-kosovo/33368691.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Russian Defence Ministry 02.04.2025 (07:25) In the past 24 hours, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have deliberately attacked Russian energy infrastructure facilities twice. On 2 April, at 02:11, in Kursk region, as a result of a Ukrainian UAV attack on the 110 kV power substation of the Kurskenergo (Rosseti Centre's branch) near Klyukva, a transformer was powered off. Over 1,200 civil consumers were cut off electricity in Kursky District. Moreover, at 03:14 as a result of a deliberate AFU shelling against a facility of the Kurskenergo (Rosseti Centre's branch), there was an overhead cable breakage of a high-voltage 6 kV line, so that over 300 civil consumers were cut off electricity in Kursky District. Amidst the statements made by representatives of the Kiev regime, starting from Zelensky, about complying with commitments to cease strikes targeting Russian power facilities, the AFU are regularly launching strikes employing UAVs and artillery against the Russian energy infrastructure. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Improving the Competitiveness of Ukrainian Manufacturers and Postwar Economic Development: President Meets with Business Community of the Dnipro Region President of Ukraine 2 April 2025 - 16:48 In Dnipro, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the business community of the Dnipro region, including leaders and representatives from companies in heavy and light industries, machine manufacturing, agriculture, meat and dairy production, retail, and banking. The Head of State thanked entrepreneurs for continuing their work during the war and praised local authorities and power engineers for successfully getting through the winter. "Today, you are number one in Ukraine in terms of GDP, and we are incredibly grateful. Thank you to the region and to all Dnipro residents for this. It's clear that many businesses have relocated from the east, and a lot of people have left since the full-scale invasion began. Even so, your contribution to Ukraine's economy is the largest today," the President emphasized. During the meeting, the parties discussed state support for localizing production, stimulating investment in domestic industry, and ensuring the competitiveness of Ukrainian enterprises in both domestic and foreign markets. They also addressed the state's plans for economic recovery and the sustainable development of the national economy after the war. The President noted that he expects relevant proposals from the Cabinet of Ministers, particularly regarding customs and tariff policy, aimed at supporting Ukrainian producers. According to him, these changes should be absolutely decisive. "I believe we will be able to engage with our partners, and they will understand that Ukraine requires substantial assistance, regardless of what happens after the war. There are global and European regulations, but we need to rebuild the country after the war. I think they will also meet us halfway on many issues," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. According to him, Germany, the Nordic countries, France, and the United Kingdom will offer investment in Ukraine's reconstruction without focusing solely on their own companies. After all, our partners know that the priority role of Ukrainian businesses in the recovery process is important to us. "Reconstruction money is a strong incentive for people to return to Ukraine. Jobs, high wages, and security," the President noted. The Head of State is confident that Ukraine will find ways to secure investment not only by using frozen Russian assets but also with the support of its partners. First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko, reiterated that the Government fully supports the position of primarily involving Ukrainian enterprises in reconstruction efforts, as it presents an opportunity for domestic economic growth. Additionally, the state will review requests to strengthen measures that protect its domestic market from dumped imports. Another key priority is developing support mechanisms for businesses in frontline areas. Relevant work is already underway to enhance the existing tools established under the Made in Ukraine state policy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pressure on Russia May Force the Aggressor State into a Ceasefire - Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 2 April 2025 - 16:37 The Russian Federation is not yet willing to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire, but pressure - primarily from the United States - will eventually lead to this outcome. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a meeting with representatives of the business community in the Dnipro region. "Ukraine has demonstrated - and everyone emphasizes this - its readiness for a full and unconditional ceasefire. We are not setting any conditions, and the Russians have no right to set any either," the President said. At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine opposes lifting sanctions on the Russian Federation in exchange for its agreement to a ceasefire. This position is supported by European partners. Many people around the world now see how Russia is avoiding a ceasefire agreement. According to the Head of State, the occupiers seek territorial gains. This was evidenced, in particular, by their plans for offensive actions in the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia directions. However, they have failed to carry them out. "I believe that increased pressure and dialogue between the Americans and them will inevitably lead to a ceasefire," Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Count on EU Unity Around Ukraine's Accession Talks - Ihor Zhovkva President of Ukraine 2 April 2025 - 10:05 Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of Lower Austria and member of the ruling Austrian People's Party, who was visiting Ukraine along with representatives of 40 Austrian companies. One of the key topics of the meeting was the security situation in Ukraine and the efforts of Ukraine and its partners to bring about a just and enduring peace. Ihor Zhovkva thanked Austria - and in particular, the federal state of Lower Austria - for the assistance it has provided, which exceeds 800 million. He called for increased support for Ukraine in key priority areas. The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office emphasized the importance of providing Ukraine with reliable security guarantees across all critical domains, including financial and humanitarian support, and of facilitating Ukraine's irreversible path toward EU membership, as outlined in the Constitution of Ukraine. This topic was a central focus of the meeting. "We are grateful to Austria for its firm support of Ukraine's EU membership. Ukraine has fulfilled all conditions for opening the first negotiation cluster, 'Fundamentals.' We count on the unity of EU member states around Ukraine's negotiation process, which should be based on Ukraine's progress and an objective assessment of it by the EU," Ihor Zhovkva stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy's Second Front: Ukraine Quietly Lays Groundwork For New Elections By Rostyslav Khotin and Mike Eckel April 03, 2025 Volodymyr Zelenskyy went from TV star to Ukraine's president with a landslide victory in 2019. Now he's poised to face an even bigger electoral challenge: putting his wartime presidency to a vote for the first time since Russia launched its all-out invasion more than three years ago. Amid mounting pressure from Western backers, Ukrainian authorities are quietly laying the groundwork for a new election, a vote that would test the strength of Zelenskyy's patriotic support and whether war-weary Ukrainians want new leadership. Officials have denied efforts are under way, citing longstanding arguments that martial law, which was declared shortly after Russian forces invaded in February 2022, precludes holding any vote. "We are not preparing to hold elections because elections in wartime are impossible, according to the Constitution, current legislation, and common sense due to security challenges," Dmytro Lytvyn, a spokesman for the presidential office, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. But officials have in fact started planning details and figuring out aspects ranging from printing ballots to ensuring security at polling stations and making sure millions of Ukrainian refugees living outside the country can vote. "I can see that in recent months there have been real preparations for elections," said Oleksiy Koshel, who heads the Committee of Voters of Ukraine, a nongovernmental organization. "We see lots of signs of activity at election headquarters, advertisements quietly circulating, millions of special informational bulletins about party leaders being distributed." The campaign "has de-facto really already started," Koshel said. Olena Davlikanova, a Kyiv-based scholar and fellow with the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, said there are many signs political parties are preparing for a new vote. But, she said, it would be impossible to do without Russia actually agreeing to a cease-fire. "Many of us, we do not believe that [President Vladimir] Putin will stick to his word," Davlikanova told RFE/RL. "Without a cease-fire, elections are impossible to hold in Ukraine." Servant Of The People First as part of a beloved comedy troupe, and then as a fictional high-school teacher who is catapulted to the presidency in the TV series Servant of the People, Zelenskyy won a resounding victory in 2019, defeating incumbent Petro Poroshenko. Ukrainians were drawn to his fresh-faced, media-savvy personality, as well as his promises to normalize relations with Putin, and with Russia more broadly. Less than three years into Zelenskyy's presidency, however, Putin ordered more than 100,000 troops into Ukraine, launching the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Ukrainians have continued to rally behind Zelenskyy's leadership, even as Kyiv's troops have over the past year suffered setback after setback. Russian troops are grinding forward at multiple locations. A much-vaunted counteroffensive in 2023 failed. Military commanders and political leaders are squabbling over how to bolster recruitment and replenish depleted ranks. The country's top military officer was pushed out, as was its defense minister. Ukrainian presidents are elected to five-year terms; Zelenskyy should have stood for reelection in 2024. But government officials have insisted a new election is legally impossible under martial law, not to mention the logistical hurdles. That's opened the door for outside criticism. Putin, who has questioned the very existence of the Ukrainian state, has accused Zelenskyy of being an illegitimate president because of the lack of elections. Last week, he suggested the entire country be put under a United Nations-backed transitional government. "No one cares what Putin is saying because Ukrainian legislation is very clear: all power is legitimate unless the martial law is lifted and elections are organized in a duly manner," Davlikanova said. "So Putin can do you know what to himself." "Putin offered UN oversight over Ukraine," she said. "We are saying we offer United Nations' oversight to Moscow, because they haven't had real, fair elections since 1996." But there's also been criticism from the United States -- the largest single supplier of weaponry to Ukraine's military. Just before a confrontational Oval Office meeting in February, US President Donald Trump, whose fraught relationship with Zelenskyy dates back to his first term in the White House, called him a "dictator without elections." The outside criticism has bolstered Zelenskyy's standing among Ukrainians. One poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showed Zelenskyy's trust doubling in recent weeks. Shortly after the Oval Office meeting, Ukraine's parliament adopted a resolution backing Zelenskyy and stating that new elections will be held only after a "comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace" is in place. For Zelenskyy's backers, that would tip the decision toward holding a new vote sooner rather than later to box out any challengers: first and foremost, Valery Zaluzhniy, the popular former commander-in-chief who is now Kyiv's ambassador to London. Zaluzhniy was pushed out by Zelenskyy after openly questioning government decision-making in a November 2023 essay. Since landing in London, Zaluzhniy has said nothing publicly about challenging Zelenskyy. However, he regularly shows up at the top, or near the top, of public opinion polls. Other prominent political figures have also signaled they were considering challenging Zelenskyy if a vote goes forward. In February, Poroshenko, the wealthy businessman whom Zelenskyy defeated, raised eyebrows when he traveled to Washington, D.C., for meeting with administration officials. Speaking at a conference, he said that Zelenskyy should have been working on a national coalition. "Instead of that we have a very strange preparation for elections," he said. "According to my information, the decision was made to organize and hold presidential elections as soon as possible after the hostilities end," Oleksiy Honcharenko, an opposition lawmaker, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. Logistical Hurdles If a US-brokered cease-fire were to take hold election law requires at least 60 days for candidates to campaign. If it were to begin on April 20 -- Easter Sunday -- as Finland's president said he proposed to Trump, that would mean the earliest balloting could actually take place in early July. But logistical details of organizing are massive: millions of Ukrainians are refugees in foreign countries; getting them ballots alone is a major challenge. So is providing soldiers fighting in frontline positions the opportunity cast their vote. "Now, there seems to be a consensus in society and among politicians that a longer period of time is needed to prepare for elections after the end of martial law than that specified by law," said Oleh Didenko, who heads the Central Election Commission, said in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda. While Ukrainians have welcomed US weaponry, voters are wary about how steadfast US support will be in the future, Davlikanova said. "Whatever the Americans are doing, whoever they are talking to, the Ukrainian people understand," she said. "So we understand that we will rely on ourselves," she said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-elections-zelenskyy- vote-russia-war/33369767.html/a> Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nation's shipbuilders ride crest of global success 11:21, April 03, 2025 By Yu Yilei, Wang Ying ( China Daily The United States' plan to boost its shipbuilding capacity and impose fees on Chinese vessels is unlikely to have a major impact on the booming industry in China, experts and analysts said. In his national address last month, US President Donald Trump vowed to set up a new office of shipbuilding in the White House to "resurrect the American shipbuilding industry, including commercial shipbuilding and military shipbuilding". Trump said the US is going to make ships "very fast, very soon", which will have "a huge impact" to further enhance national security. In a separate move, the US Trade Representative on Feb 21 proposed charging substantial fees on Chinese-built vessels entering US ports under a union-supported plan to spur US shipbuilding. Under the proposal, vessels owned by Chinese maritime transport operators would pay a port entrance fee of up to $1 million each time, and other operators using Chinese-built ships could be charged as much as $1.5 million. However, industry experts and insiders said the US government's latest attempts to restore its shipbuilding prowess are unlikely to shake China's current position as the world's largest commercial shipbuilder. "The trend of China's shipbuilding industry holding the title as the world's largest shipbuilder is irreversible, and I see little challenge to China retaining the position," said Hu Keyi, chief of corporate technology with Jiangnan Shipyard, a unit of China State Shipbuilding Corp, the world's largest shipbuilder. Yi Guowei, deputy manager of large cruise ship project of CSSC's Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co, said, "the US used to be the world's greatest shipbuilding power, but the shipbuilding industry requires a complete industrial chain, which took China decades to develop to reach its current scale". In a March 23 Washington Post report, maritime experts were quoted as saying it is unrealistic to expect the US shipbuilding industry to revive overnight, and it will require decades of ongoing support from the US government. There are currently not enough US-made ships to replace China-built ones in the market, so to impose hefty port entrance fees on Chinese ships will only increase freight costs and disrupt global supply chains, the report added. Numbers say it all China last year led the world in contracting, order book and delivery of vessels, three major indicators in global shipbuilding, according to data published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Chinese shipbuilders completed construction of 55.7 percent of global orders in 2024, received 74.1 percent of the new orders, and accounted for 63.1 percent of the world's hand-held vessel orders, representing year-on-year growth of 13.8 percent, 58.8 percent and 49.7 percent respectively. China now produces more than half of the world's cargo ships by tonnage, up from just 5 percent in 1999, followed by Japan and South Korea, USTR figures showed. Last year, US shipyards built just 0.01 percent of the total. In 2023, China for the first time accounted for half of the world's total shipbuilding production by delivering 17.4 million compensated gross tonnage, and significantly consolidating its importance to the global shipbuilding industry, said Stephen Gordon, managing director of Clarksons Research. Despite major disruptions in recent years, shipping remains vital to the global economy by moving 85 percent of all trade globally, Gordon said. "The outstanding achievements in capturing new orders and expanding production have indicated the strong foundation of the Chinese shipbuilding industry, and they are the results of collaboration with global prime suppliers," Li Yanqing, secretary-general of the Beijing-based China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry told China Central Television. The orders Chinese shipbuilders hold in hand are equivalent to the combined workload of four years, laying a solid foundation for the sector to achieve stable development, Li said. Starting from scratch Although the Chinese shipbuilding industry tops the number of new orders received across 14 vessel categories, it was not until the late 1970s when local shipbuilders began pursuing international orders. When China began opening-up, its undeveloped shipbuilding sector was striving to complete for orders in the highly-competitive global market then dominated by the European Union, US, Japan, and South Korea. The successful delivery of the 27,000-ton bulk carrier Regent Tampopo in January 1982 to Hong Kong entrepreneur Chi-Li Pao was widely regarded as a breakthrough. Constructed by CSSC's Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co in 18 months, it was the first large-scale ship built by China and exported in accordance with international standards, according to the Marine Design &Research Institute of China. The domestic shipbuilding industry entered a new era in the early 80s, and China received 77 vessel orders from international customers, according to MARIC. "The high quality and large quantity of Chinese talent made the Chinese shipbuilding industry's transformation possible," said Zhang Fumin, a MARIC researcher. "In the past few decades, several aspects have contributed to the rise of the nation's shipbuilding industry. The continuous industrial development has offered the foundation; the stable domestic economic growth provides an ideal environment; and the central government's consistent support for technologies create the ground for industries including shipbuilding to grow and vigorously development," Zhang explained. In 1995, China surpassed Germany to become the world's third-largest shipbuilder. Upgrade transition Since then, China's shipbuilding industry has been on a fast track. New orders received grew from 6.56 million tons in 2002 to surpass 50 million tons in 2006, and doubled to 107.52 million tons in 2007. The number of active shipbuilders in China also quickly increased from 79 in 2000 to 414 in 2008, according to a report by China Ship News. Many of the industry's pioneers later started building high-end vessels that require greater technical skills, but also offer more added value. Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co, a Shanghai-based subsidiary of CSSC, started looking at constructing LNG carriers in the late 1990s, when the market was dominated by Japan, and later South Korea. LNG carriers are recognized as one of the greatest maritime construction challenges, along with aircraft carriers and large-scale cruiseliners. The building of these carriers had shifted from Europe to Asia back then, but Asian shipyards were unwilling to cooperate with Chinese counterparts for fear of losing their dominance, said Chen Jun, general manager of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. However, almost 10 years later in April 2008, Hudong-Zhonghua delivered China's first LNG carrier, Dapeng Sun, and broke the market dominance. Hudong-Zhonghua has now delivered more than 40 LNG carriers of various types, and is on track to build the world's largest such carrier with a maximum carrying capacity of 271,000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas. To date, Hudong-Zhonghua has developed five generations of LNG carriers and become a global leader in LNG carrier building. The company's shipyard is aiming to create a new record this year by having as many as 19 LNG carriers under construction at the same time. The shipbuilder is also planning to set a new record by delivering 13 LNG carriers in 2025. Opportunity knocks The number of active shipyards around the world shrunk from 1,031 in 2008 to 371 in 2023. Chinese shipbuilders took advantage of the trend to restructure and reshuffle, and increase their global market share. "While conventional shipbuilding countries including South Korea and Japan were confronted with tremendous challenges amid the global downturn, Chinese shipbuilders rapidly adapted to the new situation based on their strong risk control capability as well as strengths in production ability and expanded their global market share," said Wang Zhangjian, director of the Design and Research Institute with CSSC's Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. In 2010, China's shipbuilding industry accounted for 41.9 percent of deliveries, 48.5 percent of contracts and 40.8 percent of the global order book. Since then, China has strengthened its domination of the global market. In the meantime, more and more Chinese shipbuilders have made breakthroughs in building large-scale and high-end vessels. One of its most notable achievements is the independently developed, designed, and constructed very large ethane carrier. According to Hu from Jiangnan Shipyard, the vessel was independently developed by his shipyard, with all the core systems having independent intellectual property rights. "Its complexity is not inferior to that of building LNG carriers," said Hu. Starting research and development in 2016, Jiangnan Shipyard received its first VLEC order at the end of 2018, and delivered its inaugural vessel in late 2020. To date, the Shanghai-based shipyard has delivered nine VLECs, with another 40 more ships in hand, accounting more than 70 percent of all hand-held VLEC orders worldwide. "Such unparalleled dominance in the global VLEC market is attributed to the more than two decades of gas carrier research, development, and construction," said Hu. Jewel in the crown Delivered on Nov 4, 2023, Adora Magic City, the nation's first domestically built cruise ship, completed its 100th commercial voyage on March 10, marking a new milestone in China's cruise ship development. The giant liner made its maiden commercial voyage on Jan 1, 2024. The successful delivery and operation of the vessel meant China joined Italy, France, Germany and Finland as one of only five nations to design and build a cruise ship. "Building Adora Magic City is a solid step in China's transition from the world's largest shipbuilder into a maritime power," said Wang, director of the design and research institute. Building a cruise ship is the jewel in the crown of the shipbuilding industry, as the gigantic engineering project directly reflects a nation's scientific and technological level, and manufacturing strengths, Wang said. A modern "city on the sea", Adora Magic City is a 323.6-meter-long and 37.2-meter-wide cruise ship that contains 107 systems, 55,000 sets of equipment, 25 million components and parts, 4,750 kilometers of cables, 365 km of pipelines and 120 km of air pipes. "China's leapfrog from a follower to a global leader in just over four decades resulted from a number of factors including the guidance of national strategies, continuous breakthroughs in technological innovation, and in-depth integration with the global market," said Wang. "Cruise market opportunities, along with green transformation and accelerated digital and intelligent transformation will bring unprecedented development opportunities to China's shipbuilding industry," Wang said. Staying on top China's shipbuilding industry has reached a critical historical juncture moving from scale leadership to value leadership, which is full of opportunities and challenges, Wang believes. The domestic shipbuilding industry's rapid development has created the world's most complete industrial chain with good technological support and abundant talent. "More importantly, it is an extremely healthy industry, allowing us to further develop and innovate the incremental market of cruise shipbuilding," said Yi. Qin Qi, a senior engineer at the Marine Design &Research Institute of China said, "The process of China transiting from the world's largest shipbuilder to a maritime power is unstoppable". "Strong support from the Chinese government, the gigantic domestic market, its complete industrial and manufacturing (base), and collaborative strengths guarantee the rise and rapid development of the country's shipbuilding industry," Qin said. "In the meantime, the market mechanism allows China's shipbuilding industry to be competitive internationally through efficiency and quality. "En route to becoming a world-class maritime power and shipbuilding power requires further reform and opening-up, and making quality, efficiency and technological advancement the priorities in every single task of shipbuilding," Qin said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Dubai, UAE, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H3AT Studios has once again demonstrated its ability to captivate the Web3 community with the release of its latest animated trailer for Monads testnet launch, surpassing 4 million views in record time. This milestone highlights the studios reputation as a premier creative force in blockchain-driven storytelling. Monad Testnet provides a secure and high-performance environment for developers and blockchain enthusiasts to experiment, build, and innovate. To reinforce Monads visual identity, H3AT Studios crafted a fully illustrated, dynamic video experience that embodies the power, speed, and innovation of the Monad ecosystem. When Monad Foundation entrusted us with their launch trailer, we set out to create more than just animationwe aimed to deliver impact, said Jordan Andrew, CEO at H3AT Studios. Reaching 4 million views so quickly underscores the importance of storytelling in Web3 and the role high-quality content plays in shaping brand narratives. H3AT Studios took the project from concept to completion in under a month, balancing speed with a relentless focus on quality. The result is a visually striking and engaging animation that has not only resonated with the Monad community but also set a new standard for blockchain content marketing. The success of the Monad launch trailer follows a series of high-profile collaborations for H3AT Studios, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in crafting immersive digital experiences for Web3 brands. Beyond trailers, the studio specializes in scaling intellectual properties, narrative development, and producing high-engagement content tailored to blockchain ecosystems. As Web3 continues to evolve, H3AT Studios remains at the forefront of innovation, driving creative excellence in the digital space. For an in-depth look at this collaboration, visit the full case study on Behance. About H3AT Studios H3AT Studios serves as the content powerhouse for leading Web3 brands, specializing in crafting compelling content and scaling intellectual properties. Dedicated to innovation and creativity, the studio is redefining how Web3 experiences are built and shared. Media Contact: Robert Penington Robert@thronepr.com ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dan Ambrose of Ambrose Mechanical Services Corp is featured in the latest edition of Hello Rochester, published by HelloNation, where he offers insight into why planned maintenance for commercial HVACR systems is a critical investment for business operations. The article, titled The Importance of Planned Maintenance for Your Commercial HVACR Systems, addresses the ongoing question faced by facility managers and business owners: how to ensure commercial HVACR systems run efficiently, avoid costly repairs, and support long-term operational goals. It provides a timely reference for those searching for guidance on topics like how to prevent HVAC breakdowns or commercial HVAC maintenance benefits. Ambrose outlines how planned maintenance agreements ensure HVACR systems are regularly inspected, cleaned, and tuned for peak performance. Without this proactive care, systems are more likely to suffer from wear and tear that leads to inefficient operation, higher energy costs, and unplanned downtime. According to industry figures referenced in the article, properly maintained systems can achieve energy savings of approximately five percent. Planned maintenance also plays a significant role in improving indoor air quality. For commercial environments that prioritize comfort, safety, and productivity, clean and well-functioning HVACR equipment helps reduce airborne pollutants and contributes to a healthier indoor atmosphere. The article highlights an additional benefit often overlooked: sustainability. Energy-efficient HVACR performance supports broader environmental goals by lowering a facilitys carbon footprint. For businesses that include sustainability as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, planned maintenance becomes a measurable part of those efforts. Commercial properties, including office buildings, retail spaces, industrial facilities, and restaurants, stand to benefit from regular HVACR servicing. From minimizing emergency repair costs to extending equipment lifespan, the value of consistent maintenance is both financial and operational. To read the full article and learn more about commercial HVACR maintenance strategies, visit hellonation.com and view the latest edition of Hello Rochester. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative edvertising approachblending educational content with promotional storytellingHelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Staff Writer info@hellonation.com www.hellonation.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b12ea769-4fa7-4bba-9eae-4f5fe6b70a9f SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jennifer ONeill of IRS HELP is featured in the latest edition of Hello Sacramento, published by HelloNation, where she offers expert advice on navigating tax season with clarity and confidence. Her article, Navigate Taxes with a Professional Guide , addresses the growing question many taxpayers ask each year: Should I do my taxes on my own or hire a professional? In a landscape where tax laws continue to evolve and filing requirements become more nuanced, ONeill explains that hiring a tax professional can provide far more than convenience. From uncovering deductions to avoiding filing mistakes, her insights underscore how professional tax support is not only a safeguard against costly errors but also a strategic investment in financial health. ONeill emphasizes that a seasoned tax professional brings years of education and up-to-date knowledge that automated software and online searches cannot replicate. This is particularly valuable for individuals with more complex financial profiles, such as freelance income, investment portfolios, rental properties, or small business ownership. She notes that even taxpayers with relatively simple returns often benefit from personalized guidance, especially following major life events like marriage, homeownership, or career changes. The article also highlights that one of the most overlooked advantages of professional tax preparation is peace of mind. Mistakes on tax returns can lead to audits, penalties, or delays in processing. A tax professional ensures accuracy and compliance and can represent a client in the event of an IRS inquiry or dispute. This added layer of protection is especially important as tax regulations become more stringent and filing errors carry higher stakes. As tax season progresses, many individuals search for answers to questions such as How do I know if Im filing my taxes correctly? or What happens if I make a mistake on my return? ONeills guidance is designed to meet those concerns head-on with practical, informed advice rooted in years of experience. In addition to accuracy and support, the article points to the value of time. Preparing taxes can be stressful and time-consuming. Partnering with a qualified tax professional allows individuals to focus on what matters most while gaining the assurance that their returns are complete, accurate, and optimized. To read the full article and learn more about IRS HELPs approach to professional tax filing, visit hellonation.com and explore the latest edition of Hello Sacramento. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative edvertising approachblending educational content with promotional storytellingHelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Staff Writer info@hellonation.com www.hellonation.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b6ef94da-2d76-403a-909e-2b75ce199a73 New Highway Navigation Pilot from Lotus Robotics delivers L2+ automated driving capabilities, leveraging high-precision data from HERE HD Live Map. Solution targeted for European homologation in 2025, launching in upcoming Lotus vehicles and available for integration by OEM partners. Amsterdam/Frankfurt am Main Lotus Robotics, the intelligent driving arm of Lotus Technology, and HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an advanced Highway Navigation Pilot solution that delivers Level 2+ (L2+) automated driving functions. The collaboration is focused on delivering a best-in-class L2+ ADAS solution integrating an advanced sensor perception stack and a high-precision map for advanced driving and safety functions including hands-off driving in certain situations. The solution is set for homologation in Europe in 2025. It will be utilized in upcoming Lotus vehicles and jointly offered to automakers across Europe. Automated Highway Driving Powered by Lotus and HERE Lotus Robotics will engineer the L2+ solution, powered by the HERE HD Live Map. The Lotus Highway Navigation Pilot is a full stack hardware and software solution for Level 2+ automated driving functions, including automated lane changes, highway transitions and passing manoeuvres. For automated driving systems, the HERE HD Live Map delivers safety-enhancing data for functions like localization, prediction, and path planning, working seamlessly with various vehicle sensors. The HD map expands a vehicle's ability to "see" and "plan" in scenarios where sensors alone may be limited. The HERE HD Live Map improves the overall situational awareness by providing precise, forward-looking information about road network features and local regulations, anticipating potential issues ahead and giving drivers an improved sense of confidence. Building on a Proven Partnership In 2022, Lotus and HERE combined forces to bring a customized advanced navigation solution based on HERE Navigation to the groundbreaking fully electric hyper-SUV Lotus Eletre and hyper-GT Lotus Emeya. Building on this collaboration, Lotus Robotics and HERE are now expanding their partnership to develop the Highway Navigation Pilot, advancing automated driving capabilities for both Lotus vehicles and other OEMs. We see a huge potential need for L2+ ADAS and NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) in highway scenarios for the global market in the near future. Lotus Robotics is dedicated to building an open ecosystem together with our strategic partners including HD map services provided by HERE Technologies as a key element of our technical stack of automated driving. We are expecting a rapid rollout of this product portfolio combining Lotus Robotics Software and HERE Map data across the globe, said Dr. Bo Li, Chief Executive Officer at Lotus Robotics. We are excited to collaborate and co-innovate with Lotus Robotics in the field of automated driving. Fresh and accurate location data and technology are a critical cornerstone for any safe and efficient automated driving system. Together with Lotus Robotics, we look forward to paving the way for the future of autonomous vehicles, said Jason Jameson, Chief Customer Officer at HERE Technologies. HERE AI-powered Mapmaking for Automated Driving HEREs unified mapping architecture, powered by the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), delivers unmatched accuracy and detail to its high-quality mapping solutions. By leveraging the latest in AI and ML techniques, HERE automates, updates, and enhances its IoT sensor data-derived mapmaking that processes hundreds of millions of kilometers of vehicle probe and sensor data every hour. The companys commitment to innovation has made it a longtime, trusted industry partner. HERE location data and software services are used in more than 222 million vehicles globally, and today more than 54 million vehicles rely on maps from HERE for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving functions. Media Contacts Ms. Weizhou Wu +86-159 1071 0170 weizhou.wu@lotuscars.com.cn Dr. Sebastian Kurme +49 173 515 3549 sebastian.kurme@here.com About Lotus Robotics Lotus Robotics is committed to empowering the era of robotics. We are aiming to build a universal AI technology platform and materialize AI through robotics. The company is willing to provide a new focal point of development to the human world that generates economic value. Lotus Robotics is setting a new standard for transportation by making it safer, more accessible, and efficient. The company offers end-to-end autonomous driving services including the software for autonomous driving, autonomous testing capabilities and a simulation tool chain on the cloud for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and automated/autonomous driving. Lotus Robotics was founded in 2021 and is working with multiple leading automakers to accelerate the transition to autonomous driving technology. About HERE Technologies HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for 40 years. Today, the HERE location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at here.com. Attachment VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Walker Lane Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: WLR, Walker Lane) announces that there has been unusual trading activity of its common shares that appeared to initiate on March 27, 2025 and appears to have occurred on each subsequent TSX-V trading day to current day. The recent stock trading activity does not reflect the health of our business or the recent significant value added assets to the property portfolio and adds to the previous undervaluation of the assets that were noted in a research report completed by Fundamental Research Corporation (see CMC Metals Ltd. press release - January 15, 2025). Management considers that some recent market transactions of its common shares could be an organized type of short selling tactic as we cannot determine any other explanation for the unusual downside trading activity. In this regard, our management have contacted CIRO who are the market regulator for issuers on the TSX-V Exchange. CIRO is now undertaking an evaluation of certain market transactions and trading patterns of the common shares of WLR and our predecessor TSX-V: CMB to determine if a more comprehensive investigation is required. The company will not be advised by CIRO of the results of their evaluation or if an investigation is to be undertaken. However, if suspicious trading practices are identified they may result in further action by CIRO with the related party(ies). Kevin Brewer, President and CEO of Walker Lane noted: Walker Lane is advancing gold-silver projects in Nevada, the second most mine-friendly jurisdiction in the world as ranked by the 2024 Annual Fraser Institute Rankings of Mining Jurisdictions. The three new property focused in the Walker Lane Gold Trend in Nevada were added to our strong portfolio of exploration projects in Canada and should therefore result in a strengthening of our market position and valuation. These recent acquisitions have paved the way to conduct near-term exploration programs on potential high-grade gold and silver projects with a determined focus on drilling as a critical element of our exploration efforts. It is our intent to focus drilling on our two cornerstone properties, the Tule Canyon Gold Project in the highly popular Walker Lane Gold District in western Nevada and on our silver-polymetallic Amy Project in British Columbia. Combined with exploration efforts that are expected to be conducted on our Silverknife Property optioned to Coeur Mining Inc. and continued benefits in payment streams associated with the sale of our Bishop gold mill to North Bay Resources Inc, our management team feels that our new direction and our former strengths represent a tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value. The recent trading of our common shares does not in our opinion accurately reflect the value of our assets and the potential value generation that we submit can be derived by executing our current strategic direction. In addition, the Company notes that it is creating a new website which will be www.walkerlaneresources.com Our current target is to have the website operational on or before April 7, 2025 and thereafter it will be regularly updated with news updates, property information, recent and past corporate presentations, upcoming events etc,. Qualified Person Qualified Person Kevin Brewer, a registered professional geoscientist, is the Companys President and CEO, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). He has given his approval of the technical information pertaining reported herein. The Company is committed to meeting the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological reporting, geophysical investigations, environmental and baseline studies, engineering studies, metallurgical testing, assaying and all other technical data. About Walker Lane Resources Ltd. Walker Lane Resources Ltd. is a growth-stage exploration company focused on the exploration of high-grade gold, silver and polymetallic deposits in the Walker Lane Gold Trend District in Nevada and the Rancheria Silver District in Yukon/B.C. and other property assets in Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Company intends to initiate an aggressive exploration program to advance the Tule Canyon (Walker Lane, Nevada) and Amy (Rancheria Silver, B.C.) projects through an aggressive drilling program to resource definition stage in the near future. On behalf of the Board: Kevin Brewer Kevin Brewer, President, CEO and Director Walker Lane Resources Ltd. For Further Information and Investor Inquiries: Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc. (Hons), Dip. Mine Eng. President, CEO and Director Tel: (709) 327 8013 kbrewer80@hotmail.com Suite 1600-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2 Cautionary and Forward Looking Statements This press release and related figures, contain certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to as forward-looking statements). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words anticipate, plans, continue, estimate, expect, may, will, project, predict, potential, should, believe targeted, can, anticipates, intends, likely, should, could or grammatical variations thereof and similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this presentation. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: our strategy and priorities including certain statements included in this presentation are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the Tule Canyon, Cambridge, Silver Mountain, and Shamrock Properties in Nevada (USA), and its properties including Silverknife and Amy properties in British Columbia, the Silver Hart, Blue Heaven and Logjam properties in Yukon and the Bridal Veil property in Newfoundland and Labrador all of which now comprise the mineral property assets of WLR. WLR has assumed other assets of CMC Metals Ltd. including common share holdings of North Bay Resources Inc. (OTC-US: NBRI) and all conditions and agreements pertaining to the sale of the Bishop mill gold processing facility and remain subject to the condition of the option of the Silverknife property with Coeur Mining Inc. (TSX:CDE). These forward-looking statements reflect the Companys current beliefs and are based on information currently available to the Company and assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. The Company has made various assumptions, including, among others, that: the historical information related to the Companys properties is reliable; the Companys operations are not disrupted or delayed by unusual geological or technical problems; the Company has the ability to explore the Companys properties; the Company will be able to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute its business plan; the Companys current corporate activities will proceed as expected; general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; and budgeted costs and expenditures are and will continue to be accurate. Actual results and developments may differ materially from results and developments discussed in the forward-looking statements as they are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties, including: public health threats; fluctuations in metals prices, price of consumed commodities and currency markets; future profitability of mining operations; access to personnel; results of exploration and development activities, accuracy of technical information; risks related to ownership of properties; risks related to mining operations; risks related to mineral resource figures being estimates based on interpretations and assumptions which may result in less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently anticipated; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; changes in operating expenses; changes in general market and industry conditions; changes in legal or regulatory requirements; other risk factors set out in this presentation; and other risk factors set out in the Companys public disclosure documents. Although the Company has attempted to identify significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other risks that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the Companys control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurances that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or benefits to, or effect on, the Company. The information contained in this presentation is derived from management of the Company and otherwise from publicly available information and does not purport to contain all of the information that an investor may desire to have in evaluating the Company. The information has not been independently verified, may prove to be imprecise, and is subject to material updating, revision and further amendment. While management is not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented herein, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made or given by or on behalf of the Company as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions contained in this presentation and no responsibility or liability is accepted by any person for such information or opinions. The forward-looking statements and information in this presentation speak only as of the date of this presentation and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, prospective investors should not read forward-looking information as guarantees of future performance or results and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Nothing in this presentation is, or should be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the future. To the extent any forward-looking statement in this presentation constitutes future-oriented financial information or financial outlooks within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, such information is being provided to demonstrate the anticipated market penetration and the reader is cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and the reader should not place undue reliance on such future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking statements generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions and subject to the risks set out above. The Companys actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from managements current expectations and, as a result, the Companys revenue and expenses. The Companys financial projections were not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of International Financial Reporting Standards and have not been examined, reviewed or compiled by the Companys accountants or auditors. The Companys financial projections represent managements estimates as of the dates indicated thereon. Dublin, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Copper Additive Manufacturing Market by Manufacturing Process (Binder Jetting, Direct Energy Deposition, Powder Bed Fusion), Material Type (Copper Alloys, Pure Copper), Service Type, Application, End-Use Industry - Global Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Copper Additive Manufacturing Market grew from USD 4.43 billion in 2024 to USD 4.74 billion in 2025. It is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 7.41%, reaching USD 6.80 billion by 2030. The landscape of manufacturing is undergoing radical transformation, with copper additive manufacturing at the forefront of this change. Emerging technologies have redefined production norms by integrating digital design, advanced simulation, and precision control. This synergy between technological innovation and materials science has created a fertile environment for rapid prototyping and small-batch production that is both cost-effective and high in quality. Innovative additive techniques enable manufacturers to explore new design possibilities that traditional methods often constrained. The introduction of advanced metal printing solutions has significantly shortened product development cycles and allowed for the creation of parts with intricate internal structures that enhance thermal management and electrical conductivity. Consequently, industries are experiencing a paradigm shift where flexibility meets precision, fostering an environment conducive to iterative design and experimentation. This evolution is not merely technological but also strategic. Organizations that embrace this transformation can accelerate time-to-market, reduce the lead time between design and production, and deliver customized solutions tailored to specific application needs. The integration of digital workflows into the production process fosters cross-functional collaboration and encourages a data-driven approach to quality management. Moreover, these shifts are paving the way for a more agile, responsive, and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem that can adapt to both micro-level design modifications and macro-level market demands. Regional Trends Shaping the Global Copper Additive Manufacturing Market The global reach of copper additive manufacturing is vividly illustrated by its diverse regional dynamics. In the Americas, robust industrial growth and a strong inclination towards technological innovation have cemented the region's reputation as a leading hub for advanced manufacturing practices. The presence of dynamic research institutions and a multitude of forward-thinking manufacturing companies catalyze rapid adoption of cutting-edge additive technologies. In the Europe, Middle East & Africa region, a unique confluence of historical manufacturing expertise and modern technological foresight drives continuous improvement and adaptation. The region is known for its rigorous quality standards and a strong regulatory framework that propels the adoption of additive manufacturing in precision-critical sectors such as aerospace and defense. At the same time, the Middle East and Africa contribute through investments in state-of-the-art production facilities while establishing strategic collaborations with technological innovators. Asia-Pacific emerges as a powerhouse with remarkable investments in research and technology development. The rapid industrialization, coupled with significant government support for advanced manufacturing initiatives, has paved the way for accelerated adoption of copper additive manufacturing technologies. The region benefits from a vast network of manufacturers who are leveraging advanced digital solutions to enhance productivity, reduce turnaround times, and deliver customized solutions for a broad array of applications. This dynamic and fast-paced environment ensures that regional market trends continue to drive global growth and competitiveness in the copper additive manufacturing space. Key Company Players Advancing Copper Additive Manufacturing Innovations A thorough examination of the competitive landscape in copper additive manufacturing reveals several leading companies that are driving innovation across the industry. Industry pioneers such as 3D Systems Corporation and Additive Industries b.v. have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of additive manufacturing with state-of-the-art technologies that deliver unprecedented precision and efficiency. Their commitment to continuous improvement and robust research and development initiatives has spurred advancements in both hardware and software ecosystems. The contributions of companies like Advanced Powder & Coatings, Inc. and Allegheny Technologies Incorporated cannot be overstated as they consistently push the boundaries of material science and process automation. Bright Laser Technologies Co., Ltd and Carpenter Technology Corporation further bolster innovation through customized manufacturing solutions that prioritize quality and cost-effectiveness. Meanwhile, Desktop Metal, Inc. and DMG MORI AG have carved out significant market niches by delivering solutions that cater to both high-volume production and specialized, bespoke manufacturing requirements. EOS GmbH, ExOne Company, Inc., and General Electric Company also play pivotal roles, harnessing the power of additive manufacturing to drive efficiency improvements and sustainable production practices. With their focus on process digitization and integrated production systems, Hoganas AB and L3Harris Technologies, Inc. have demonstrated considerable promise in optimizing material performance and streamlining operational costs. Compounded by the technical expertise of firms like Markforged Inc. and Materion Corporation, the landscape continues to evolve with incremental innovations that enhance manufacturing capabilities. Optomec, Inc., Renishaw plc, Sandvik AB, and Sciaky Inc. serve as notable examples of companies that emphasize process customization and rapid scaling of production techniques. Their contributions enable the industry to consistently explore novel applications and high-precision components. Further strengthening the global market, SLM Solutions Group AG, Southern Copper Corporation, Stratasys, Ltd., TRUMPF Group, Velo3D Inc., and Xact Metal Inc. are recognized for their exceptional ability to integrate advanced additive processes into high-demand manufacturing ecosystems. Collectively, these companies offer a comprehensive technology portfolio that addresses the full spectrum of requirements within the copper additive manufacturing domain. The report delves into recent significant developments in the Copper Additive Manufacturing Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include: 3D Systems Corporation Additive Industries b.v. Advanced Powder & Coatings, Inc. Allegheny Technologies Incorporated Bright Laser Technologies Co., Ltd Carpenter Technology Corporation Desktop Metal, Inc. DMG MORI AG EOS GmbH ExOne Company, Inc. General Electric Company Hoganas AB L3Harris Technologies, Inc Markforged Inc. Materion Corporation Optomec, Inc. Renishaw plc Sandvik AB Sciaky Inc. SLM Solutions Group AG Southern Copper Corporation Stratasys, Ltd. TRUMPF Group Velo3D Inc. Xact Metal Inc. Actionable Recommendations for Industry Leaders to Capitalize on New Opportunities For industry leaders looking to capitalize on the rapid evolution of copper additive manufacturing, the focus should be on strategic investments in technology and agile operational models. Decision-makers are advised to prioritize the integration of advanced printing systems and digital quality control measures, which can dramatically enhance production yield and reduce waste. It is critical to develop collaborative partnerships across research institutions and technology providers to stay ahead of the innovation curve. Diversification of production methods, including embracing both in-house and outsourced manufacturing capabilities, will allow companies to optimize costs while ensuring high-quality output. Additionally, leveraging data analytics and process automation can help streamline production workflows and facilitate continuous improvement in product design and performance. Adopting a flexible approach in aligning product development with evolving market demands will prove beneficial. Industry leaders should invest in training and upskilling their workforce in emerging digital tools and techniques, thereby ensuring their operations remain competitive and responsive to both global trends and local requirements. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 195 Forecast Period 2025-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $4.74 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $6.8 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.4% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered 1. Preface 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Overview 5. Market Insights 5.1. Market Dynamics 5.1.1. Drivers 5.1.1.1. Increasing demand for customized manufacturing solutions in several industries 5.1.1.2. Rapid adoption of additive manufacturing technology across various sectors 5.1.1.3. Expansion of global supply chains necessitating agile, localized manufacturing solutions 5.1.2. Restraints 5.1.2.1. Limited development of copper-specific additive manufacturing systems 5.1.3. Opportunities 5.1.3.1. Integrating copper additive manufacturing in electric vehicle motor manufacturing processes 5.1.3.2. Expanding applications of copper additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry 5.1.4. Challenges 5.1.4.1. Issues of high reflectivity of copper 5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis 5.2.1. Manufacturing Process: Expanding adoption of binder jetting in prototyping due to its cost-effective production and flexibility 5.2.2. Application: Significant demand for high-performance copper components in the functional parts 5.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.3.1. Threat of New Entrants 5.3.2. Threat of Substitutes 5.3.3. Bargaining Power of Customers 5.3.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.3.5. Industry Rivalry 5.4. PESTLE Analysis 5.4.1. Political 5.4.2. Economic 5.4.3. Social 5.4.4. Technological 5.4.5. Legal 5.4.6. Environmental 6. Copper Additive Manufacturing Market, by Manufacturing Process 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Binder Jetting 6.3. Direct Energy Deposition 6.4. Powder Bed Fusion 7. Copper Additive Manufacturing Market, by Material Type 7.1. Introduction 7.2. Copper Alloys 7.2.1. Copper-Aluminum Alloys 7.2.2. Copper-Tin Alloys 7.3. Pure Copper 8. Copper Additive Manufacturing Market, by Service Type 8.1. Introduction 8.2. In-House Manufacturing 8.3. Outsourced Manufacturing 8.3.1. Contract Manufacturers 8.3.2. Professional Service Providers 9. Copper Additive Manufacturing Market, by Application 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Functional Parts 9.3. Prototyping 9.4. Research & Development 9.4.1. Material Testing 9.4.2. Process Development 9.5. Tooling 10. Copper Additive Manufacturing Market, by End-Use Industry 10.1. Introduction 10.2. Aerospace & Defense 10.2.1. Aircraft Components 10.2.2. Satellite Components 10.3. Automotive 10.3.1. Electric Vehicles 10.3.2. Engine Components 10.4. Electrical & Electronics 10.4.1. Conductive Components 10.4.2. Heat Sinks 10.5. Medical & Dental 10.5.1. Dental Crowns 10.5.2. Orthopedic Implants 11. Americas Copper Additive Manufacturing Market 11.1. Introduction 11.2. Argentina 11.3. Brazil 11.4. Canada 11.5. Mexico 11.6. United States 12. Asia-Pacific Copper Additive Manufacturing Market 12.1. Introduction 12.2. Australia 12.3. China 12.4. India 12.5. Indonesia 12.6. Japan 12.7. Malaysia 12.8. Philippines 12.9. Singapore 12.10. South Korea 12.11. Taiwan 12.12. Thailand 12.13. Vietnam 13. Europe, Middle East & Africa Copper Additive Manufacturing Market 13.1. Introduction 13.2. Denmark 13.3. Egypt 13.4. Finland 13.5. France 13.6. Germany 13.7. Israel 13.8. Italy 13.9. Netherlands 13.10. Nigeria 13.11. Norway 13.12. Poland 13.13. Qatar 13.14. Russia 13.15. Saudi Arabia 13.16. South Africa 13.17. Spain 13.18. Sweden 13.19. Switzerland 13.20. Turkey 13.21. United Arab Emirates 13.22. United Kingdom 14. Competitive Landscape 14.1. Market Share Analysis, 2024 14.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2024 14.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis 14.3.1. AMPCO METAL strengthens its copper additive manufacturing capabilities by acquiring Schmelzmetall Group 14.3.2. Ursa Major secures USD 5 million investment to transform copper additive manufacturing 14.3.3. Electroninks launches copper mod ink transforming seed layer printing in advanced semiconductor packaging 14.4. Strategy Analysis & Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/zgjcse 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. JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CAJ News Africa will host the official presentation of Guinean musician Elie Kamano's new single "Africa without Africans" on April 5, 2025, at the Johannesburg Arts Centre, the agency announced today. The English-language track will be distributed on major global streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack, targeting both African and international audiences. According to industry analysts, the release aligns with growing market interest in content addressing historical narratives from an African perspective. The single explores the economic and social impacts of colonialism on the continent while highlighting the resilience of African communities. The track features a fusion of traditional Guinean rhythms with contemporary production techniques, establishing a commercial appeal while maintaining cultural authenticity. "This song examines our shared history while looking toward economic justice and development," Kamano said in a statement. "I wanted to create art that not only entertains but stimulates meaningful discussion about Africa's place in the global economic system." The release coincides with the African Union's 2025 theme, "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations," which has generated significant policy discussions across the continent. Kamano, whose previous releases have accumulated over 12 million streams globally, drew inspiration for the single from historical documentation in The New York Times regarding the 1944 Thiaroye massacre in Senegal, where West African soldiers were killed by colonial troops after World War II. "Thiaroye can become the foundation of a pan-African consciousness, uniting all African countries that lost citizens in this tragedy," said Mamadou Diop, Senegalese historian and Director of African Studies at Columbia University, regarding the historical events that influenced the composition. On March 21, 2025, pan-African representatives and civil society organizations convened in Dakar to examine potential frameworks for addressing historical economic imbalances. The summit produced a detailed report outlining specific economic metrics and proposed accountability mechanisms. CAJ News Africa's decision to host the single's presentation reflects the media company's strategic expansion into cultural content with historical and economic significance, according to industry observers. The agency has recently increased investment in multimedia platforms by 35% compared to fiscal year 2024. "We're facilitating conversations that connect cultural expression with economic discourse," said Savious Kwinika, Director of Research at CAJ Africa. "This presentation allows us to highlight how creative industries can contextualize complex historical narratives within contemporary market frameworks." Financial analysts note that the global market for content exploring historical African narratives has grown 28% annually since 2023, with particularly strong performance in streaming and digital distribution channels. The presentation will include a panel discussion featuring economists and cultural analysts examining how artistic expression intersects with ongoing policy dialogues regarding economic development and international relations. The track will be available for purchase and streaming on all major platforms at 00:01 GMT on April 5, 2025. About CAJ News Africa CAJ News Africa is a leading pan-African media agency providing business, technology, and cultural news across the continent. Established in 2008, the agency operates bureaus in 18 African countries and maintains strategic partnerships with global media organizations. Contact Information CAJ News Africa Savious Kwinika, Director of Research, CAJ Africa E-mail: news@cajnewsafrica.com Website: https://www.cajnewsafrica.com BURLINGTON, Ontario, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bunzl Canada is thrilled to announce the launch of its Carbon Footprint Calculator, an innovative tool designed to help businesses measure and reduce the carbon intensity of their delivery program. The Carbon Footprint Calculator quantifies emissions from deliveries Bunzl makes to its customers on a regular basis. This offers businesses a clear understanding and measurement of the associated carbon footprint. More importantly, it enables customers to explore optimized delivery schedules that could lead to significant carbon footprint reductions and contribute to corporate sustainability goals. At Bunzl Canada, we recognize that our customers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, said John Howlett, President of Bunzl Canada. Our Carbon Footprint Calculator provides them with actionable insights, helping them make informed decisions that support both their operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. How it works The tool leverages real-time delivery data to calculate carbon emissions based on fuel consumption, mileage, and delivery frequency. It then models alternative delivery schedules that could reduce emissions while maintaining supply chain efficiency. By making strategic adjustments, businesses can lower their environmental footprint without compromising service levels. Sustainability in Action Sustainability continues to be a key corporate focus for Bunzl Canada in both its operations and the products it supplies. The launch of this tool aligns with Bunzl Canadas broader commitment to sustainability, which includes: Reducing emissions through smarter logistics and optimized delivery routes Supporting customers ESG goals by providing data-driven sustainability solutions Investing in innovation to promote eco-friendly supply chain practices For more information about Bunzl Canadas Carbon Footprint Calculator, visit https://bunzlch.ca/carbon-footprint-calculator/ Watch a video here: https://youtu.be/OMZIXuZhM4c?si=vhkZzJSVty-0pked About Bunzl Canada Bunzl Canada Inc. (bunzlcanada.ca) provides the food and retail packaging, cleaning and hygiene products and equipment, safety products and industrial packaging supplies which keep over 55,000 Canadian businesses running optimally, every day. The company brings its customers the advantage of global sourcing, product innovation and national scale combined with responsive local service and deep category expertise. Bunzl Canada Inc. is an operating company of Bunzl plc , (BNZL.L), a FTSE100 company based in London, England. Media Inquiries Margo Hunnisett Vice President, Marketing & Communications Bunzl Canada Inc. margo.hunnisett@bunzlcanada.ca (905) 630-3749 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0fee4f3-0049-422e-be1e-318ffcc2a679 Dublin, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "The Boeing Company - Strategy Playbook - 2025 - Strategy Focus, Key Strategies & Plans, SWOT, Trends & Growth Opportunities, Market Outlook" company profile has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The 2025 edition of this Strategy Playbook report analyses the overall Strategy Focus and provides insights into the overall Strategy Focus and decrypts the key Strategies & Plans being pursued by the Boeing Co. for the near to medium term horizon amid a complex, difficult & challenging global macroeconomic environment marked by rising geopolitical tensions and looming threat of renewed trade wars under Trump Administration 2.0. The Global Aerospace & Defense Market is in a major upswing phase marked by rising defense spending globally as the dark shadow of geopolitical conflicts returns to haunt mankind as the traditional, rule-based world order faces a serious challenge from the revisionist powers and traditional, below the surface geopolitical fault lines experience renewed tectonic friction leading to breakout of armed conflicts across the Middle East and Europe. The resurgence of Russia as Europe's regional hector and China's military ascendancy as the regional bully in the Pacific along with the Gordian knot of a nuclear-armed North Korea and almost-nuclear Iran; collectively pose a serious challenge to the U.S.-led traditional world order while also directly threatening nations located across Europe and the APAC regions respectively Further, the return of Trump to White House and looming uncertainty over policy direction and America's continued military support under him for NATO and other regional allies located across Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions is likely to drive a further surge in defense spending globally, which has already touched record levels, going forward and has been leading to a surge in order intakes and backlog across industry OEMs. The same has witnessed massive efforts being undertaken to revitalize defense industrial bases across most regions globally to ramp-up production rates for core systems, like artillery, armor and missiles, and for rapid upgrade, modernization and recapitalization of in-service Cold War-era legacy defense systems, with the initiation of FCAS, GCAP and MGCS programs, being prime examples. China's mass deployment of almost 800 5th generation J-20 jets so far and the active development of J-36 & J-XX/J-50 6th generation fighter jet platforms and the H-20 long-range bomber present the most formidable challenge to the traditional & virtually absolute American aerial dominance & overmatch in the 21st century. American response, in form of the NGAD program featuring adaptive cycle engines, seemingly, is just around the corner Against this backdrop, the report provides a comprehensive analysis into Boeing's overall strategy playbook featuring detailed insights into the overarching, near-to-medium term strategy focus and key strategies & plans being crafted by the company to adroitly navigate the emerging market landscape and effectively capitalize upon upcoming growth opportunities, in form, of the surging global defense spending and demand for the replacement & modernization of Cold War-era legacy defense systems with next generation systems and technologies. Boeing's strategy focus clearly has streamlining its commercial aviation business, especially the beleaguered 737 MAX program, and beefing up its defense business by improving operational execution over current, fixed cost defense programs, including USAF's KC-46A, T-7A Red Hawk, E-7 Wedgetail and the MH-139A Grey Wolf besides the Navy's MQ-25 Stingray, on which, it collectively has already booked billions of dollars in losses so far over the years. Boeing is also gearing up for the future by looking to get a toehold on upcoming defense programs, especially the NGAD, and is readying up the industrial base for it around its existing Mesa, Arizona facility For Whom: Key Decision-Makers across Industry Value Chain Key Decision-Makers Defense Departments, Program Managers & Contracting Executives Top Management of Industry Players, OEMs & Other Companies across the Industry Value Chain Suppliers, Vendors, Technology & MRO Services Providers and other Key Players in the Industry Value Chain Existing & Potential Investors Industry & Company Analysts M&A Advisory Firms Strategy & Management Consulting Firms PE Firms, Venture Capitalists and Financing & Leasing Companies Researchers and all those associated with the industry in general Key Topics Covered: Section 1: Business Structure & Snapshot Founded Headquartered Business Segments Employees Business Portfolio Market Capitalization/Ownership Structure Key Executives Shareholding/Ownership Pattern & Structure Section 2: Financial Performance Analysis - Charts & Analysis: Based on Latest Available Financial Results Revenue Base & Growth Trend Revenues Split by Key Segments Revenues Split by Key Geographic Markets & Regions Gross Earnings & Margin Trend Operating Earnings & Operating Margin Trend Return on Sales Trend Profitability Growth Trend Cash Flow from Operations R&D Expenditure Trend CAPEX Trend Section 3: SWOT Analysis Sources of Strengths which could be Leveraged Weaknesses to Overcome & Offset Opportunities to Capitalize Upon Threats to Mitigate Section 4: Strategy Playbook: Strategy Focus & Strategic Priorities Section 5: Strategy Playbook: Key Strategies & Plans Business Portfolio Strategies & Plans Strategies & Plans for Key Programs Technological and R&D Strategies & Plans Market Specific Strategies & Plans Corporate Strategies & Plans Manufacturing/Production Strategies & Plans Business Growth Strategies & Plans - Organic & Inorganic Financial Strategies & Plans Acquisitions, Strategic Alliances & JVs Other Strategies & Strategic Initiatives Section 6: Global Aerospace & Defense Industry - Force Field Analysis - Analysis of Driving & Restraining Forces and their Overall Dynamics Driving Forces Restraining Forces Section 7: Key Trends Industry Trends Market Trends Technology Trends Section 8 Key Issues, Challenges & Risk Factors Section 9: Market Outlook - Global Aerospace & Defense Market Analysis of Emerging Market Scenario for Aerospace & Defense Global Defense Budgetary Expenditure - Analysis Defense Expenditure Split by Regions & Nations Global Defense Budgetary Expenditure - Growth Trend Global Defense Budgetary Expenditure as Share of World GDP Defense Spending Levels across Key Geographic Regions Defense Spending Levels across Key Markets - Top 5 & Top 10 Nations Key Growth & Technology Investment Priority Areas Emerging & Game Changer Technologies Market Outlook & Growth Projections through 2028 For more information about this company profile visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hgrkn0 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- James River Church is celebrating the worldwide release of their latest worship single, Stronghold Walls, a powerful anthem from their highly anticipated full-length album. The album, set to launch later this year, will feature 12 original worship tracks recorded live at James River Worships special event on Sunday, January 19th. We pray that this song will resonate in churches around the world, says Brandon Lindell, Executive Ministries Pastor at James River Church . Worship music has the power to inspire and transform, inviting God into our lives in a deeply personal way. To expand its reach globally, James River Worship is translating Stronghold Walls into multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Russian, Mandarin, and Japanese. The James River Church worship collective is set to release a total of five singles leading up to the full album launch in the summer of 2025. The song Stronghold Walls is now available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major digital music platforms. To stay updated on future releases and worship events, visit JamesRiverWorship.com . About James River Church James River Church , serving over 16,000 attendees weekly, is a Pentecostal church with four locations in southwest Missouri and a growing online community. Known for its passionate worship and engaging childrens and youth programs, JRC is dedicated to reaching people with the Gospel, global missions, and community outreach through initiatives like Cherish Kids and James River Charities. Media Invitation Attention News Directors & Assignment Editors: Members of the media are encouraged to cover this exciting development in worship music. For interview requests or additional information, please contact Becky Davis, Director of Communications at James River Church, at 417-581-5433. Media Contact Contact: Becky Davis Phone: 417-581-5433 Email: media@jamesriver.church A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4379ab04-68ad-4996-915e-29ce3bf516ff Dublin, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Commercial Laundry Machinery Market by Product (Fully Automatic, Semi-Automatic), Type (Commercial Dryer, Commercial Ironer, Continuous Batch Washer), Distribution Channel, End-user - Global Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Commercial Laundry Machinery Market grew from USD 6.69 billion in 2023 to USD 7.23 billion in 2024. It is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 8.30%, reaching USD 11.70 billion by 2030. The commercial laundry machinery market is undergoing significant transformation driven by relentless advancements in technology and shifting consumer expectations. Today, market players are embracing innovations that streamline operation, reduce energy consumption, and significantly diminish the environmental footprint. With the advent of digitalization and IoT integration, machinery is becoming more interconnected with enterprise-level software that tracks performance metrics in real time. Such advancements foster proactive maintenance routines, enhance operational uptime, and support predictive analytics for efficient resource allocation. Moreover, there's a notable movement from conventional, mechanical systems toward automated and partially automated solutions. This change not only provides better control over the production processes but also integrates diagnostic technologies that alert operators to potential issues before they evolve into major disruptions. The infusion of automation has also paved the way for leaner operation models that reduce labor dependencies while ensuring consistency in output quality. This evolution is indicative of a broader strategy within the industry - namely, tailoring solutions to meet the increasing demands of businesses focused on sustainability and operational excellence. In this dynamic environment, companies are compelled to continually reassess their asset portfolios and maintenance schedules. As a result, the market is positioned at a crossroads where traditional expertise intersects with modern innovation, leading to a highly competitive landscape that values agility, precision, and sustainable growth. Key Regional Insights and Market Opportunities Across Geographies Regional analysis further sharpens the understanding of the market by revealing distinct trends and growth opportunities across different geographies. In the Americas, a combination of robust industrial growth and a shift toward modernization has catalyzed demand for advanced laundry systems. Market players here are rapidly adopting fully automated solutions to enhance operational efficiency while balancing cost and performance. The region's dynamic regulatory environment also encourages companies to invest in systems that meet rigorous sustainability benchmarks. In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, transformations in public policy and consumer preferences are driving the market. A strong emphasis on energy efficiency, coupled with a high degree of technical sophistication in system design, has created a fertile ground for innovation and quality manufacturing. This region showcases a blend of tradition and modernity, where legacy systems are gradually replaced with state-of-the-art machinery that offers enhanced performance and eco-friendly operations. The Asia-Pacific region remains a powerhouse of industrial growth, supported by rapid urbanization and rising demand for high-volume laundry solutions. The impressive pace of infrastructure development, combined with innovative technology adoption, creates unique market opportunities in both urban and emerging suburban settings. Overall, the regional dynamics highlight the need for tailored strategies that address local regulatory, economic, and cultural factors, as companies strive to maintain competitive advantage on a global scale. Key Companies Insights and Their Strategic Market Positioning Insights into leading companies in the commercial laundry machinery sector reveal a robust competitive landscape that is as diverse as it is dynamic. The report delves into recent significant developments in the Commercial Laundry Machinery Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include: Alliance Laundry Systems LLC BOWE Textile Cleaning GmbH D.W. Renzmann Apparatebau GmbH Danube International Dexter Apache Holdings, Inc. EDRO Corporation Electrolux AB Ellis Corporation Energenics Corporation Fagor Professional Forenta, L.P. G.A. Braun, Inc. Girbau, SA Gottlob STAHL Waschereimaschinenbau GmbH Haier Group Corporation Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH IFB Industries Limited Imesa S.p.A. Jiangsu Sea-lion Machinery Co., Ltd. LG Corporation Maxi Companies Miele & Cie. KG Pellerin Milnor Corporation Robert Bosch GmbH Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Schulthess Maschinen AG SEKO S.p.A. Smart Automation & Hydropneumatics Pvt. Ltd. Stefab India Ltd. Tolon Global Makina San ve. Tic. A.S. Unipress Corporation UnityLab Corp. Welco Garment Machinery P (Ltd). Whirlpool Corporation Actionable Recommendations for Industry Leaders on Strengthening Market Position For industry leaders looking to capitalize on emerging trends, actionable recommendations are paramount in navigating the evolving commercial laundry machinery market. First, it is critical to invest in research and development initiatives that emphasize automation and energy efficiency. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, companies can create adaptable solutions that respond to both market demands and regulatory standards. This approach not only minimizes operational costs but also enhances the reliability of machinery, fostering a robust competitive edge. Additionally, strategic investments in digital transformation are essential. Embracing internet-enabled monitoring and data analytics can optimize maintenance routines and improve overall system performance. This data-driven approach enables real-time decision-making, ensuring that machinery operates at peak efficiency even in high-demand scenarios. Industry leaders must also nurture partnerships with technological innovators to integrate advanced software and hardware solutions into their product offerings. Another key recommendation is to tailor offerings according to region-specific needs while maintaining a global outlook on quality and innovation. This involves understanding the regulatory landscape, consumer preferences, and economic conditions unique to each region. Moreover, embedding environmental sustainability into product design not only aligns with global trends but also meets increasingly stringent environmental regulations. By focusing on these areas of improvement, industry stakeholders can secure long-term growth, sustain market leadership, and drive transformative changes that reverberate across the commercial laundry machinery sector. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 192 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $7.23 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $11.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.3% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered 1. Preface 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Overview 5. Market Insights 5.1. Market Dynamics 5.1.1. Drivers 5.1.1.1. Increased use of commercial laundry machinery in the hospitality industry 5.1.1.2. Growing demand for multi-housing laundries and laundromats 5.1.1.3. Rising demand for energy and water-efficient laundry machines 5.1.2. Restraints 5.1.2.1. High cost of laundry machines and their maintenance 5.1.3. Opportunities 5.1.3.1. Development of new laundry equipment with innovative features 5.1.3.2. Introduction of online on-demand laundry services 5.1.4. Challenges 5.1.4.1. Technical and operational issues associated with commercial laundry machinery 5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis 5.2.1. Type: Preference for fully automatic commercial laundry machines to save time and improve cleaning capabilities 5.2.2. Product: Adoption of continuous batch washers and top loaders in high-volume laundry establishments emphasizing energy efficiency 5.2.3. Distribution Channel: Convenience and cost-effectiveness of procuring commercial laundry machinery through online channels 5.2.4. End-user: Need for robust and efficient laundry solutions to handle large volumes of linens, towels, and uniforms in the hospitality sector 5.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.3.1. Threat of New Entrants 5.3.2. Threat of Substitutes 5.3.3. Bargaining Power of Customers 5.3.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.3.5. Industry Rivalry 5.4. PESTLE Analysis 5.4.1. Political 5.4.2. Economic 5.4.3. Social 5.4.4. Technological 5.4.5. Legal 5.4.6. Environmental 6. Commercial Laundry Machinery Market, by Product 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Fully Automatic 6.3. Semi-Automatic 7. Commercial Laundry Machinery Market, by Type 7.1. Introduction 7.2. Commercial Dryer 7.3. Commercial Ironer 7.4. Continuous Batch Washer 7.5. Front Loader 7.6. Top Loader 7.7. Washer Extractor 8. Commercial Laundry Machinery Market, by Distribution Channel 8.1. Introduction 8.2. Offline 8.3. Online 9. Commercial Laundry Machinery Market, by End-user 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Healthcare 9.3. Hospitality 9.4. Laundry Stores 10. Americas Commercial Laundry Machinery Market 10.1. Introduction 10.2. Argentina 10.3. Brazil 10.4. Canada 10.5. Mexico 10.6. United States 11. Asia-Pacific Commercial Laundry Machinery Market 11.1. Introduction 11.2. Australia 11.3. China 11.4. India 11.5. Indonesia 11.6. Japan 11.7. Malaysia 11.8. Philippines 11.9. Singapore 11.10. South Korea 11.11. Taiwan 11.12. Thailand 11.13. Vietnam 12. Europe, Middle East & Africa Commercial Laundry Machinery Market 12.1. Introduction 12.2. Denmark 12.3. Egypt 12.4. Finland 12.5. France 12.6. Germany 12.7. Israel 12.8. Italy 12.9. Netherlands 12.10. Nigeria 12.11. Norway 12.12. Poland 12.13. Qatar 12.14. Russia 12.15. Saudi Arabia 12.16. South Africa 12.17. Spain 12.18. Sweden 12.19. Switzerland 12.20. Turkey 12.21. United Arab Emirates 12.22. United Kingdom 13. Competitive Landscape 13.1. Market Share Analysis 13.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix 13.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis 13.3.1. Southeastern Laundry Equipment Sales partnered with the 4612 Group to expand market presence and enhance operational capacity 13.3.2. EVI Industries Inc. acquired Laundry Pro of Florida Inc. to enhance market presence and integrate advanced technologies, projecting significant growth and profitability 13.3.3. K-Bro Linen Inc. acquired Shortridge Ltd to diversify customer base and explore growth opportunities 13.3.4. Technology partnership between Cents and Laundroworks transforms commercial laundry operations and customer engagement 13.3.5. LinenMaster Receives Growth Investment from Mainsail Partners 13.3.6. Alliance Laundry Systems' Innovative Laundry Solutions Offers a Game Changer for Vietnam's Commercial Self-Service Laundry Market 13.3.7. Alliance Laundry Systems Distribution Expands West Region with Acquisition 13.3.8. Whirlpool Corp. Opens New USD 52 Million Plant in Argentina 13.3.9. EVI Industries to Acquire Wholesale Commercial Laundry Equipment SE 13.3.10. Electrolux Reveals Cutting-Edge Water and Energy Saving Laundry Range 13.3.11. Diversey and LG Electronics Announce Strategic Partnership 13.3.12. Schulthess Acquires Majority Stake in GMP from Italy 13.3.13. Miele Professional Washing Machine and Dryer Launched via WASHCO 13.3.14. UnityLab Acquires Hoffman NewYorker Garment Press and Boiler Company 13.3.15. IFB Home Appliances Partners with Xeros Tech, Launches New Washing Machines for Institutional Buyers 13.4. Strategy Analysis & Recommendations 13.4.1. Alliance Laundry Systems LLC 13.4.2. Miele & Cie. KG 13.4.3. Electrolux AB 13.4.4. LG Corporation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/i0xzxh 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. CHICAGO, IL, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Filevine , the leading legal work platform, today announced the grand opening of its new Chicago office, marking a significant expansion of the companys presence in the region. With its flagship headquarters in Salt Lake City, Filevines new location will further extend its reach, allowing the company to better serve legal professionals in the Midwest and beyond. The private grand opening celebration will take place on Thursday, April 10, at 1 South Wacker Drive, 28th Floor - Hemisphere Lounge. The future of legal work isnt about replacing professionals with technology, it's about using innovation to elevate what legal professionals can accomplish, said Ryan Anderson, CEO. With our expansion to Chicago, were deepening our commitment to the legal industry by being closer to the firms and professionals who rely on us every day. This office will allow Filevine to continue its growth and momentum to further push the boundaries of whats possible in legal work management. Chicago is home to some of the largest law firms in the country and stands as the third-largest legal market in the United States. The city's rich legal landscape includes a thriving corporate legal sector, a growing legal tech community, and an expanding network of firms serving businesses nationwide. Establishing a presence in this market allows Filevine to engage directly with top legal professionals, offering tailored solutions and support to meet the industry's evolving needs. As Filevine continues to grow and redefine legal work management, the new Chicago office will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and support for the company's expanding client base across the country. This marks Filevines second headquarters, reinforcing its commitment to providing world-class service and technology to legal professionals nationwide. "Filevine has been a game-changer for our firms efficiency and case management, said David Kadzai, Kadzai Law Group. Were thrilled to see their expansion in Chicago and look forward to whats ahead." Filevine may have sold us a product, but they have forged a real relationship and put their money where their mouth is; into developing a platform for legal and other services, said Jake Glodek, Lerner & Rowe. By partnering with Filevine, we (Lerner & Rowe) aim to strengthen our organization and client services with their platform to provide superior Data Accuracy, Data Security, and deliver significantly greater value directly to our Clients due to innovative AI tools that will allow us to ultimately maximize our effort in a fraction of the time, putting those savings back into our clients pockets. Filevine is excited to celebrate this milestone with customers, partners, and local community members. The event will feature a networking reception, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from key executives, highlighting Filevines vision for the future. To register to attend the private event, please contact ashley@firecrackerpr.com or alba@firecrackerpr.com . For more information about Filevine and its solutions, visit filevine.com . # # # About Filevine Filevine is transforming the way legal work gets done for law practitioners and their clients. As the leading legal work platform, Filevine is dedicated to empowering organizations with tools to simplify and elevate complex, high-stakes legal work. Filevine powers everything from document management and client communication to contract lifecycle management and business analytics. Over 125,000 legal professionals use Filevine daily to deliver excellence in every contract, deadline, and result. Filevine is recognized on the 2022 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Utah Business Fast 50 lists, is a 2022 Top Workplace USA winner, and is among the fastest-growing companies on the Inc. 5000 list. Attachments Pickering, Ontario, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amenida Seniors Community is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Pickering, Ontario. This marks a major milestone in its bold plan to open 40 residences across Canada by 2030. This national expansion reflects Amenidas deep commitment to providing top-tier, inclusive, and holistic senior care to meet the growing needs of Canadas aging population. The projects are backed by Primacorp Ventures long-term investment strategy in senior wellness infrastructurereflecting a deep belief that aging well is not a luxury but a right. Through purpose-driven developments, strategic partnerships, and thoughtful acquisitions, the company is committed to building thriving senior communities. With a mission to redefine senior living, Amenida is introducing an integrated care modelcombining residential spaces with on-site health and medical centresto create vibrant, all-inclusive communities that support both lifestyle and wellness. Expanding a Legacy of Excellence in Senior Living With over 15 years of experience in compassionate, culturally inclusive senior care, Amenida has built a strong reputation since launching its first residence in Surrey, British Columbia in 2010. Its multicultural approach, premium amenities, and personalized care have made it a trusted name among seniors and families across the country. The Pickering location is the latest example of Amenidas thoughtful expansionoffering multilingual staff, premium dining, and a warm, family-oriented environment where seniors can thrive. Holistic Communities: A One-Stop Model for Senior Wellness Amenidas future communities will feature integrated health and medical services on-site, ensuring residents can access ongoing medical support without leaving the comfort of their home. From assisted living and wellness programs to spiritual and cultural support, every Amenida community is designed with the whole person in mind. Were not just building more residenceswere building complete communities that prioritize dignity, comfort, and comprehensive care, said Najib Raie, Vice President at Primacorp Ventures. Amenida is leading the way in holistic senior living where care is not only top-tier but also deeply personal and culturally respectful. A National Vision: 40 Amenida Locations by 2030 At the helm of this ambitious vision is Dr. Peter Chung, Chairman of Primacorp Ventures and founder of Amenida Seniors Community. Our goal is to bring one-stop care for seniors to every major region in Canada, said Dr. Chung. By combining senior living with health, community, and cultural connection, were creating something truly unique. We want every Canadian seniorregardless of backgroundto feel seen, safe, and supported. This national rollout represents Primacorp Ventures broader commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in senior care. About Amenida Seniors Community Amenida Seniors Community is a national leader in compassionate, culturally inclusive senior care, offering personalized services in warm, welcoming environments. With a vision to transform senior living in Canada, Amenida is committed to providing integrated, holistic care that supports the health, dignity, and well-being of every resident. For more information, you can learn more about Amenida Seniors Community here. ---- Primacorp Ventures Inc. is dedicated to supporting the community through consistent philanthropy efforts. With its business divisions in education, hospitality, and healthcare, Primacorp Ventures focuses on changing lives through education, service, and care. Attachment TORONTO, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To promote its new tourism branding initiative TAIWAN - Waves of Wonder, the Taiwan Tourism Administration has launched a series of marketing campaigns across North America and is now reaching Toronto for the very first time! From today until May 18, a Taiwan-themed decorated streetcar will run along 11 routes on Torontos streetcar lines, weaving through the heart of downtown and bringing a splash of vibrant energy to the city. The streetcar is decorated with Taiwans new branding - dynamic wave patterns which depict the unique charm of the islands four seasons. It not only adds a refreshing visual experience to Torontos urban landscape but also showcases Taiwans diverse scenery, rich culture, and deep history, offering wave after wave of delightful surprises from Taiwan. To celebrate the launch, the Taiwan Tourism Administration has partnered with EVA Air and several popular Taiwanese restaurants in downtown Toronto to encourage locals to join the Taiwan Streetcar Social Media Challenge and a Toronto-Taiwanese #TasteThefWonder Food Map campaign. Through these initiatives, Taiwans wonders will sweep through downtown as Torontonians ride the streetcar and discover authentic Taiwanese flavours. In conjunction with the campaign, the Taiwan Tourism Administrations New York Office hosted a promotional event on April 2 in Toronto for local tourism professionals and media. Jin Juang, director of Taiwan Tourism Administration New York Office, along with Yi-Peng Liang, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Toronto, and the EVA Air Toronto Branch, had welcomed nearly 100 industry representatives and journalists for an immersive experience of the Taiwan-themed streetcar. From now until April 30, Torontonians could join the flight ticket raffle social campaign by following the account @TaiwanTourism.na, like the post and comment at least once by tagging 3 friends. Also for bonus entries by snapping pictures of the Taiwan-themed streetcar and posting them to Instagram with the hashtag #WavesofWonder and tagging @TaiwanTourism.na. One lucky winner will receive a round-trip ticket from Toronto to Taipei, courtesy of EVA Air. Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administrations New York Office, Jin Juang emphasized that Taiwan is home to rich natural ecosystems, vibrant cultural diversity, and year-round festivals such as the iconic Taiwan Lantern Festival. From Michelin-recommended restaurants to beloved night market eats, Taiwans culinary scene is unmatched. The famed Alishan Forest Railway as recommended by the New York Times, and Tainan, named one of Time Outs top Asian destinations for 2025, further prove Taiwans international appeal. With EVA Airs direct flights from Toronto and convenient local transport options such as Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, and Taiwan Tour Bus services, Taiwan is more accessible than ever. Many of which offer promotional deals and free half-day layover tours, it is the perfect time to visit Taiwan! Director General Yi-Peng Liang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Toronto added that Taiwans visibility in Canada is steadily increasing, thanks to its strengths in semiconductors and shared values of freedom and democracy. In Toronto, Taiwanese cuisine, bubble tea shops, and cultural events are already popular. Through this vibrant streetcar campaign, Taiwan hopes to further promote tourism and invite Canadian travelers to truly see and experience Taiwan. In addition, the participating Taiwanese restaurants will offer exclusive discounts from now to April 15. Locals are encouraged to stop by and savor authentic Taiwanese dishes, details also can be found on our social post Big Trouble, 460 Dundas St. West, buy one get one on appetizers Fat Bao, 28 Bathurst St., Bao and Chicken combo $19.95 (original $23.10) Light Cafe, 23 Baldwin St., $5 discount on $50 spend Mabu Generation, 578 Yonge St., Signature Taiwan Style Pork Belly, or Popcorn Chicken, or BBQ Sausage and Minced Pork on Rice $13.99Original $15.99) Midnight Market, 434 College St., buy one get one on appetize OpTeaQ, 256 Queen St. West, $5 bubble tea with free topping Twilight Cafe, 667 Yonge St. and 2429 Yonge St., 15% off the order For more information on Taiwan tourism, visit the official website of the Taiwan Tourism Administration https://eng.taiwan.net.tw follow the social channels: Instagram @TaiwanTourism.na Facebook @Tour Taiwan - America Contact: Mini Kao Taiwan Tourism Administration New York Office ttany@tad.gov.tw 212-867-1632 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8f3994df-bb8f-48b7-b885-60663a88e1dd https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d1b3951-1c68-4f27-bd2b-433a04a53c93 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/555495ec-de6c-44ae-b832-332facf8cf90 Denver, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) announced Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) will receive GLOBALs highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, at their annual AcceptAbility Gala on Wednesday, May 21st at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC. Each year, the awards are bestowed upon Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle who have gone above and beyond to support GLOBALs mission to elongate life and improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. Six-time Emmy Award-winner and NBC News chief political analyst Chuck Todd will co-emcee the gala. Todd was the former moderator of NBCs flagship Sunday program Meet the Press from 2014 to 2023, and is currently the host of The Chuck ToddCast, a near-daily podcast offering in-depth interviews with political figures, experts, and thought leaders. Three-time Emmy Award-winning former WJLA ABC News anchor Autria Godfrey will co-host alongside Todd and bring her Good Morning Washington energy to the event. Multiplatinum artist and actor Phillip Phillips, soloist and member of the Maryland-based RhythmXpress dance team Robert Wallop, and GLOBAL Ambassador and actor from Baltimore Tucker Emry will headline this inspirational event. Tickets, Tables and Sponsorships are now available here. The evening also features Congressional Hosts including Senators Cory Booker, Steve Daines, John Hickenlooper, and Jerry Moran; and Representatives Katherine Clark, Tom Cole, Rosa DeLauro, Lois Frankel, Richard Hudson, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Pete Sessions, and Pete Stauber. In addition, each year at the gala, two students with Down syndrome are provided post-secondary GLOBAL Advancement Awards named in honor of Representatives Tom Cole (R-OK) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). The winners will be announced on May 21st at the AcceptAbility Gala, and it is anticipated that the representatives will present the awards at the event. GLOBALs annual AcceptAbility Gala brings together policymakers from both sides of the aisle, key scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Down syndrome community. Each year, the gala recognizes two Members of Congress with their highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. Past recipients include Representatives Tom Cole, Rosa DeLauro, Pete Sessions, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Katherine Clark, Pete Stauber, Lois Frankel, and Richard Hudson; and Senators John Hickenlooper, Jerry Moran, Steve Daines, and Tom Harkin. Other notables include AcceptAbility Gala Board Co-chairs Natalie Farr Harrison, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at Avoq, and her husband, Guy Harrison, a Partner at OnMessage Inc. The AcceptAbility Gala Board consists of business and government advocacy leaders as well as leaders in the Down syndrome community. In addition to the Harrisons, the board includes Jan Adams, Founder & CEO JMA Solutions; John Ashbrook, Founding Partner, Cavalry LLC; Amy Best Weiss, Executive VP, Global Government Affairs, American Express; Kevin Brennan, Principal, Bluebird Strategies; Emilie Eager, Director of Business Development, Julie Parker Communications; David Egan, Quincy Jones Awardee, self-advocate and author, from Vienna, VA; Felicia Emry, Esq., Life Skills Program Coordinator and Client Care Liaison, Heaven on Earth NOW; Erin Book Mullen, Principal, Williams & Jensen, PLLC; Matthew Perin, Head of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, Kroger; Cliff Riccio, Senior Vice President and Chief, Government Relations, NCTA; Julie Riccio, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy, PwC; Frank Stephens, GLOBAL board member, GLOBAL Ambassador, self-advocate and actor, from Fairfax, VA; Richard Waysdorf, Legal Consultant, Global Down Syndrome Foundation; and Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO, Global Down Syndrome Foundation. The AcceptAbility Gala supports the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, funding life-changing government advocacy, research, and lifesaving medical care for children and adults with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal condition, affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans, but it has been one of the least-funded genetic condition by NIH. With GLOBALs leadership bringing together multiple stakeholders, the NIH Down syndrome research and medical care budget has increased by $440 million over the last seven years. The AcceptAbility Gala is an opportunity to celebrate major new federal research funding increases after years of being one of the least funded genetic conditions and to educate Congress and the community about the transformative DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act that ensures funding that will elongate life and improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. The AcceptAbility Gala starts at 6:00 p.m. with a reception and red carpet followed by dinner, a live auction, and performances by local dancers with Down syndrome and Multiplatinum artist and actor Phillip Phillips. Tickets start at $700 and can be purchased online at www.globaldownsyndrome.org. To cover the event or receive photos or b-roll, contact Shawn Flaherty at 703-554-3609. For more information, visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org. ### About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL established the first Down syndrome research institute and supports over 400 scientists and over 2,700 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 110 Down syndrome organizations worldwide, and is part of a network of Affiliates the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the University of Colorado Alzheimers and Cognition Center all on the Anschutz Medical Campus, and the GLOBAL Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at Denver Health. GLOBALs widely circulated medical publications include Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning magazine Down Syndrome World TM. GLOBAL also organizes the annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington DC, and the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world. Visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media Facebook, X, Instagram , LinkedIn, and YouTube. Attachments ROCKFORD, Ill., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fire Department Coffee has long been known for supporting firefighters, especially those who are sick or injured. In 2025, the firefighter-run company is deepening its connection with the California fire service community in a powerful way. Earlier this year, Fire Dept. Coffee deployed Rescue-1, its custom Rosenbauer firetruck, on a 2,000-mile journey from Rockford, Illinois, to wildfire zones in Southern California . Loaded with relief supplies, the truck and the FDC team delivered hot coffee, needed supplies, and heartfelt gratitude to exhausted crews battling the flames. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as CAL FIRE, is responsible for 31 million acres of wildlands. They have risen to meet extraordinary challenges this year. Our mission is simple, said Luke Schneider, CEO of Fire Dept. Coffee. Beyond sharing our love of coffee, were dedicated to supporting our own. CAL FIRE represents the best of our profession, and every firefighter weve met in California reminds us why we do what we do. Its an honor to stand with them. Fire Dept. Coffees connection to CAL FIRE also traces back to Damien Pereira, a CAL FIRE firefighter who was severely injured in 2015 when a massive oak tree fell on him during a wildfire response near Sequoia National Park. His story inspired the creation of the Fire Department Coffee Charitable Foundation, which now supports firefighters and first responders facing serious injuries, illnesses, or mental health challenges. Fire Department Coffee is raising funds for the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation with a special Guardians of the Golden State coffee roast and matching shirt design. A portion of every purchase supports CAL FIRE firefighters and their families. The organization supports firefighters in need, including the loved ones of firefighters lost in the line of duty. The organizations impact on the California firefighting community is immeasurable. Just as the impact of California firefighters has been immeasurable across the Golden State. Whether through direct donations, or disaster response efforts, the company continues to find meaningful ways to give back to its firefighting community. To learn more about Fire Dept. Coffees support for CAL FIRE or to request an interview with CEO Luke Schneider or Vice President Jason Patton, please contact: info@firedeptcoffee.com. About Fire Department Coffee: Founded in 2016 by firefighter/paramedic and U.S. Navy veteran Luke Schneider, Fire Department Coffee is a veteran and firefighter-founded business that is dedicated to handcrafting great-tasting coffee with a mission to support firefighters. Its growing assortment of ground, whole bean, and single-serve beverages is freshly roasted in the U.S.A. by a dedicated team of coffee experts. In 2018, the company established the Fire Department Coffee Charitable Foundation to give back to firefighters who have become sick or injured on the job, mentally or physically, or who are facing other serious health challenges. Fire Department Coffee has an established social media presence of over 20 million followers across all channels and is available online and at Walmart and other retailers nationwide. Contact information: Luke Schneider, Fire Department Coffee Founder and CEO Jason Patton, Fire Department Coffee Senior Vice President Contact: info@firedeptcoffee.com NEW YORK, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Bakkt Holdings, Inc. (Bakkt or the Company) (NYSE: BKKT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. The class action concerns whether Bakkt and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. You have until June 2, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Bakkt securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . [Click here for information about joining the class action] On March 17, 2025, after market close, Bakkt disclosed that Webull Pay LLC (Webull) was terminating its commercial agreement with the Company, effective June 14, 2025. Bakkt revealed that in the prior nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the full year ended December 31, 2023, Webull made up 74% of Bakkts crypto services revenue. In that same period, the Company derived 98% of its revenue from crypto services. Bakkt also disclosed that Bank of America was terminating its loyalty services contract with the Company, effective April 22, 2025. Bakkt revealed Bank of America made up 17% of Bakkts loyalty services revenue in the prior nine months ended September 30, 2024. The customer cancellations will collectively result in a 73% loss in top line revenue going forward. On this news, Bakkts stock price fell $3.50 per share, or 27.28%, to close at $9.33 per share on March 18, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. NEW YORK, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Solaris Energy Infrastructure, Inc. (SEI or the Company) (NYSE: SEI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. The class action concerns whether SEI and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. You have until May 27, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired SEI securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . [Click here for information about joining the class action] On July 9, 2024, Solaris announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Mobile Energy Rentals LLC (MER). Then, on March 17, 2025, Morpheus Research published an investigative report alleging, among other things, that MER had been a ~$2.5 million revenue equipment leasing business based out of a condo with zero employees, no turbines, and no track record in the mobile turbine rental industry. The report revealed that one of MERs co-owners, John Tuma, was in fact, a convicted felon for environmental crimes and lying to the court on multiple occasions under oath and was involved in a $800 million gas turbine scandal . . . that included allegations of bid rigging [and] corruption. Despite being nothing more than a small, local switchgear rental business at the end of 2023 MER was seemingly transformed throughout the first half of 2024 just months before it was acquired by Solaris immediately after Tuma joined the Company. The report further described how, in that period, MER had acquired substantially all of its turbines, primarily financed through the $71 million in debt that Solaris would later pay in the Acquisition. Moreover, contrary to Solariss claims that MER had a contracted and diversified earnings stream[,] in fact, 96% of its Power Solutions revenue was derived from a single customer[.] On this news, SEIs stock price fell $4.15 per share, or 16.86%, to close at $20.46 per share on March 17, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EXP, a global engineering, architecture, design and consulting firm, announces the promotion of Normand Landry, P.Eng., to Vice President of Business Development for the Canadian Federal Sector. With more than 30 years of experience in consulting, Normand brings a wealth of knowledge in civil and structural engineering, design, project management, proposals and construction for bridges and buildings. He has contributed to successful projects throughout Canada, including Mackintosh Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Eureka Bridge in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Fort Wellington National Historic Site Rehabilitation in Prescott, Ontario and the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV III) Facility at CFB Valcartier, Quebec. Most recently, Normand served as EXPs Practice Manager - Buildings and Industry - Engineering Nova Scotia, with a primary emphasis on developing a Mechanical, Electrical and Structural Team to align with the strategic direction for federal and provincial pursuits throughout Eastern Canada. With a growing portfolio across Canada, Normands extensive background and elevated role will be instrumental in collaborating across EXPs sectors to identify key governmental opportunities and promote EXPs expansive services to federal agencies. Normands understanding of the federal sector, as well as his collaborative nature is essential to advancing EXPs presence in the Canadian Federal market. In this elevated position, he will leverage EXPs unified approach to projects and emphasize multidisciplinary expertise and cross-sector capabilities, said EXPs Senior Vice President, Regional Manager - Eastern Canada Richard Smith, P.Eng., MBA. Normand holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton. He is a registered Professional Engineer in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario. He also serves on the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of Nova Scotia (ACEC-NS) Provincial Committee. Learn about EXP. About EXP With a mission to understand, innovate, partner and deliver, EXP provides engineering, architecture, design and consulting services to the worlds built and natural environments. Our heritage dates back to 1906, when the earliest of EXPs predecessor companies started its engineering infrastructure practice. Since then, we have grown to a full-service, multidisciplinary firm delivering projects and solutions to clients and communities around the world. Today, thousands of creative professionals across EXP work together to deliver extraordinary experiences year after year. Media Contact Nadia Abou-El-Seoud EXP | Vice President, Communications Nadia.Abou@exp.com t: 1.630.936.8207 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59f8d675-ca48-453b-a30b-6761162b35c9 This press release was published by a CLEAR Verified individual. Centennial, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Centennial, Colorado - In Home Flooring, a well-regarded company based in Denver, is gaining attention in the flooring market with its impressive solutions and installation services. They offer a variety of flooring options, including hardwood, laminate, and tile, which meet both aesthetic and practical demands. What makes the company stand out is its commitment to quality craftsmanship and close attention to detail on every project. Residents across Denver and nearby areas like Arvada, Aurora, and Boulder can benefit from the company's seamless mix of style and practicality. Leading the team at In Home Flooring is Jillian Rowe, an experienced interior design graduate from Endicott College. "Our main goal is to provide quality and ensure customer satisfaction," says Rowe. "We aim to offer our clients affordable flooring solutions that fit their style and needs, without cutting corners on quality or service." A key feature of In Home Flooring is the variety of high-quality materials they offer. The company sources from top manufacturers to provide options such as luxury vinyl, tile, and carpet. These materials are selected for their durability and appeal. Using advanced tools and installation techniques, In Home Flooring ensures a perfect fit and long-lasting results, solidifying its reputation for excellence in the industry. Customers can find additional information and explore their offerings on https://inhomeflooring.com/. More than that, the company provides flexible financing plans to accommodate clients from all financial backgrounds. With clear pricing and various payment options, quality flooring becomes accessible to more people. The aim is to ease financial burdens while delivering excellent flooring solutions. This approach has made high-end designs accessible to individuals with different budgets, promoting fair service standards. In Home Flooring places great emphasis on customer interaction. Their dedicated support team prioritizes client needs from the first consultation to the final stages of installation. By focusing on open communication, they ensure customer expectations align with the outcomes, offering personalized service every step of the way. This dedication to customer satisfaction has built strong, lasting relationships with clients, boosting the company's reputation in the Denver area. Customers can choose how they prefer to interact with the companywhether visiting the studio, scheduling home consultations, or opting for virtual appointments. This flexibility shows their understanding of modern customer needs, allowing clients to engage with their services without disrupting their daily routines. In Home Flooring continues to serve a wide range of areas, including Littleton, Thornton, and Westminster, among others. Their extensive reach demonstrates both their popularity and the high demand for their quality services. "We are focused on expanding our reach without compromising the quality our customers expect," says Rowe. "Providing flexible and top-quality solutions will remain central to our future engagements." In Home Flooring in Denver is establishing itself as a prominent name in the flooring industry, focusing on excellent service, craftsmanship, and accessible pricing plans. The company is a trusted choice in the region for those seeking dependable and high-quality flooring solutions that enhance their home's appearance and comfort. Those interested can visit In Home Flooring's website for more information or to schedule appointments. The website offers details about the company's services, contains galleries, customer reviews, and showcases their work and client satisfaction, making it an excellent resource for potential clients. ### For more information about In Home Flooring, contact the company here: In Home Flooring Jillian Rowe 7205864391 jillian@inhomeflooring.com 99 Inverness Dr E STE 170, Englewood, CO 80112 New York, NY, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thor Equities Group, a global leader in urban real estate development, leasing and management, is proud to announce the topping out of 377 Carlls Path, a state-of-the-art 310,500-square-foot Class A industrial facility in Long Island. This marks a significant construction milestone in Long Islands thriving commercial landscape. Located on 23 acres in Deer Park, Long Island, this premier industrial facility is designed to meet the increasing demands for high-quality, strategically positioned logistics and distribution space. The propertys prime location offers direct access to a market of nearly three million residents on Long Island while maintaining seamless connectivity to New York City and the broader metropolitan area. Strategically positioned near major thoroughfares, including the Long Island Expressway and Southern State Parkway, as well as key transportation hubs such as the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and major airports including Long Island MacArthur Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, 377 Carlls Path is built to optimize logistics efficiency. In late 2024, Thor announced it successfully closed a $68.5 million construction loan secured by ACRES Capital at this address. The topping-out of 377 Carlls Path represents a significant achievement in our mission to create best-in-class industrial spaces that empower businesses, said Chairman of Thor Equities Group, Joe Sitt. We are proud to deliver a logistics hub that combines top-tier functionality with superior access to key transportation networks. Also, in the industrial sector, Thor recently completed the sale of 280 Richards Street in Brooklyn, an industrial facility developed by Thor and fully leased to Amazon, for $157 Million. In late 2024, Thor completed a successful sale of a premier industrial facility in Laredo, Texas as well, achieving an impressive 180% internal rate of return (IRR). The firms industrial platform includes properties in key markets in Florida, California, Georgia, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. ### About Thor Equities Group Thor Equities is a leader in the development, leasing and management of industrial, laboratory, residential, office, hotel and mixed-use assets in premier locations worldwide. The company operates in major cities around the globe and has a property portfolio totaling $20 billion with a development pipeline in excess of 50 million square feet. Thor has a strong presence on three continents and in addition to its US holdings, the company has assets in European gateway cities including London, Paris, Madrid, and Milan, and is the largest developer in Mexico through its Latin American division with a development pipeline of over 20 million square feet. Thor maximizes returns for institutional investors by recognizing a propertys potential, reducing operating expenses, increasing tenant satisfaction, and leveraging market trends to maintain a long-term competitive edge. For more information, visit www.thorequities.com. FAIRFIELD, Conn., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CIOs from the New York region who want to find out how technology helps them reimagine their enterprise and reshape their businesses are encouraged to attend HMG Strategys 18th Annual New York CIO Summit of America on April 10. Its important for the New York Metro Area top-tier CIOs and business technology executives to share information that will help their companies and the industry as a whole, said Hunter Muller, Founder and CEO of HMG Strategy. HMG Strategy is happy to provide a platform for these high-caliber leaders to pass on what theyve learned. Key topics to be explored at the 18th Annual New York CIO Summit of America will include: Delivering CEO Value: Three Steps to a Human-Focused AI Strategy Navigating the Innovation and Invention Supercycle Securing the Future Against Geopolitical Cyber Risks Using AI and Cutting-Edge Technologies and Partnerships to Boost Business Performance Reskilling and Upskilling the Tech Workforce for the GenAI-Enabled Enterprise Making Security a Competitive Advantage Global Visionary Leaders Harnessing Tomorrows Technology Speakers at the 18th Annual New York CIO Summit of America will include: Bharat Amin, Member, Board of Trustees, The Aerospace Corporation Julia Anderson, Chief Technology & Information Officer, Campbell Soup Company Anurag Barua, Transformation Leader, SAP Amit Basu, CIO & CISO, International Seaways Andrew Bauer, Technology Officers Practice, Russell Reynolds David Bray, Distinguished Chair of the Accelerator, Stimson Center & Principal/CEO, LeadDoAdapt Ventures Jeff Brittain, Managing Director, FedEx Institute of Technology Max Chan, CIO, Avnet Seth Dobrin, Founder and CEO, QantmAI Jay Ferro, EVP, Chief Information & Technology Officer, Clario Kostas Georgakopoulos, Global CTO & CISO, Mondelez International Reju George, VP, Digital, Automotive Division, HARMAN International Rocco Grillo, Managing Director - Global Cyber Risk Services & Incident Response Investigation, Alvarez & Marsal Satya Jayadev, VP & CIO, Skyworks Solutions Inc. Mike Kempe, CIO, Grant Thornton Tony Leng, Managing Partner, H.I.E.C Abhi Maheshwari, CEO, Aisera Andrea Markstrom, Chief Information Officer, Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP John Napoli, Founder and CEO, MissionLabs.ai, Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of AI: Achieving Impact Frank Price, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Risk Officer, Labcorp Jesse Reich, Technology Officers Practice Lead, Russell Reynolds Dr. Kenneth Russell, Fmr. Chief Information & Innovation Officer and Author Nick Salian, MD & CISO, Cantor Fitzgerald Parth Thaker, Head of AI Strategy and Business Development, Comcast (Speaker list subject to change.) In addition, HMG Strategy will present several New York Metro-area technology executives with its HMG Strategys 2025-2026 Global Leadership Institute Awards. The award recognizes the industrys premier business technology executives who are making a difference in their organizations and their respective vertical markets. The event will be held at the Harvard Club of New York, 35 W. 44th St., New York, New York, 10036. Valued Partners for the 18th Annual New York CIO Summit of America include: Platinum Partners: Comcast Business, SAP Gold Partners: Glean, Moveworks, Tanium, ValueOps by Broadcom Supporting Partners: Netskope Strategic Partners: Egon Zehnder, Heidrick & Struggles, Korn Ferry, Russell Reynolds Associates, Spencer Stuart Alliance Partners: Cyberstarts, Greylock Partners, GTM Capital, Lightspeed Ventures, Menlo Ventures, Sequoia Association Partner: Genesys Works, New York Metro Area Chapter of the Society for Information Management Registration for the 18th Annual New York CIO Summit of America is still open. In addition to this CIO Summit of America, HMG Strategy has opened registration for 18 other regional Summits in major cities across the United States and Canada for 2025. About HMG Strategy HMG Strategy is the world's leading digital platform for technology executives to reimagine the enterprise and reshape the business world. The HMG Strategy global network consists of more than 500,000 CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, CDOs, senior business technology executives, search industry executives, venture capitalists, industry experts and world-class thought leaders. The companys global media model generates more than one million impressions per week, providing vast opportunities for business technology leaders and sponsor partners to promote themselves and their brands. HMG Strategy was founded in 2008 by Hunter Muller, a leadership expert who has worked side-by-side with Fortune 2000 executives with strategic planning and career ascent for the past 30+ years. The companys regional CIO and CISO Executive Leadership Series, publications, and Digital Resource Center deliver unique, peer-driven guidance from CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, CDOs and other technology executives on leadership, innovation, transformation and career ascent. HMG Strategy offers a range of peer-led advisory services such as its Global CIO & CISO Executive Leadership Alliance (CELA) service, which bring together the worlds top CIOs, CISOs and technology executives to brainstorm on the top opportunities and challenges facing them in their roles. In addition, its Global Advisory Services are a unique set of peer-driven research services designed to keep business technology executives up to speed on the latest leadership, business, technology and global macro-economic trends that affect businesses and industries. The companys business model is based on its 7 Pillars of Trust. HMG Strategy: We Build Legends Here. Contact: Peggy Pedwano, Executive Director of Operations, HMG Strategy: 203-221-2702 or at peggyp@hmgstrategy.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ead6663b-00b3-448a-a5eb-6feabb2d70c9 NEW YORK, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE: UNH) in connection with a report of an investigation by the United States Department of Justice into UnitedHealths billing practices. If you currently own shares of UnitedHealth stock, please visit the firms website at https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25195 for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at case@rosenlegal.com. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Townsend, Tennessee, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Company Distilling is proud to announce the opening of its newest location in Lynchburg, Tennessee, one of the worlds most iconic whiskey destinations. This marks the companys third location, offering whiskey lovers and visitors an exclusive opportunity to experience award-winning spirits in a town known for its rich whiskey heritage. Lynchburg, nestled in the rolling hills of Tennessee whiskey country, is more than just a whiskey town - it is a destination where craftsmanship, history, and adventure converge. Whether biking, hiking, fishing, or exploring off-road trails, visitors can pair their outdoor adventures with a premium whiskey experience. As the official home to the Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead & Welcome Center, Lynchburg is a gathering place for spirits enthusiasts from near and far. At Company Distillings Lynchburg location, guests can enjoy curated tastings of its entire lineup of bourbons, whiskeys, and ryes, along with distiller-exclusive offerings such as cask strength bourbon, the Exploratory Series of single-barrel whiskeys, the Ace Gap line of flavored spirits, Nothing Vodka and the award-winning Ghost Rail Tennessee Dry Gin. The bottle shop will also feature limited-edition engraved bottles, ideal for holidays and special occasions. The new Lynchburg, Tennessee, location will offer exceptional spirits and guided tastings and feature an educational space designed to accommodate small events, workshops, and corporate meetings. This creates new opportunities for gathering in the heart of whiskey country. Additionally, the venue will include a curated retail shop with unique gifts, a bottle shop for on-site purchases, and a full bar serving craft cocktails and guided tasting experiences. A comfortable lounge area will provide guests a welcoming spot to relax and socialize with friends. Grand Opening Weekend Highlights Saturday, May 17 | 11 a.m. 7 p.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Lynchburg Chamber Live Music to kick off the celebration Whiskey & Food Pairing Experience Bottle Signing with Jeff Arnett Barrel Stave Signing Retail Specials & Limited-Edition Merchandise Grand Opening Raffle Sunday, May 18 | 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Signature Cocktail of the Day Meet-and-Greet with Jeff Arnett and the Leadership Team Exclusive Bottle Signing with Free Branded Glass Lynchburg will always hold a special place in my heartits where my passion for whiskey-making was born, said Jeff Arnett, Master Distiller at Company Distilling. This new location is a full-circle moment and gives us the chance to bring our award-winning spirits to a town that values heritage, hospitality, and exceptional craftsmanship. Enter to Win: The Spirit of Tennessee Sweepstakes Company Distilling is launching the Spirit of TennesseeYour VIP Pass to Whiskey Country sweepstakes to celebrate the grand opening of its Lynchburg location. One lucky winner and a guest will receive the ultimate Tennessee whiskey getaway, including round-trip travel, lodging, and exclusive access to the festivities. Grand Prize Highlights: Round-trip airfare to Tennessee Rental car for exploring the scenic Tennessee Whiskey Trail Three-night stay near Lynchburg VIP access to Company Distillings grand opening weekend Private tasting and guided tour Meet-and-greet with Master Distiller Jeff Arnett for an insiders look at the whiskey-making process Additional winners will be selected throughout April to receive exclusive Company Distilling prize packs. Each pack includes branded swag, a signature Company Distilling hat, a set of four rocks glasses, and a tasting experience for four at either Company Distilling location. The sweepstakes runs from April 1 to April 30, 2025, and the grand prize winner will be announced on May 3, 2025. To enter, participants can complete a short entry form at https://companydistilling.com/lynchburg-sweepstakes/ . Bonus entries are available by sharing the sweepstakes on social media and tagging fellow whiskey lovers. CLEVELAND, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, announced today that Jim Reginelli has joined the organization as Senior Vice President, Quality & Engineering. Reginelli is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience leading product development, driving innovation and optimizing operations from R&D to full-scale manufacturing. He brings deep expertise in building and leading high-performance teams, aligning cross-functional initiatives, executing complex product roadmaps and scaling global development efforts from concept through commercialization. Reginelli joins Oatey from Kichler Lighting, where he spent the past 10 years in various leadership roles, most recently serving as Vice President of Product Development. In this role, he led global engineering and new product development. Previously, Jim spent more than a decade at GE, where he influenced multiple areas within the lighting solutions business. His expertise spanned engineering, product development, program management and strategic execution, playing a pivotal role in advancing LED technology, launching industry-first product and driving business growth. In his new role, Reginelli will lead Oateys product innovation, engineering and quality strategies, ensuring products continue to meet the highest standards of excellence and compliance. He will champion continuous improvement and cross-functional alignment while implementing product development initiatives that enhance innovation, optimize efficiency and align with customer needs. "At Oatey, theres a clear commitment to excellence at every level," said Reginelli. "I look forward to joining forces with teams that embrace innovation and consistently raise the bar with exceptional, industry-leading products. Jim is a strategic, results-driven leader with a strong technical foundation and a proven ability to align teams around complex, high-impact initiatives, said Neal Restivo, Oateys Chief Executive Officer. His vision and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our engineering and quality functions, supporting our business objectives and delivering long-term value to our customers. Reginelli is a resident of Seven Hills, OH. He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering-physics from John Carroll University and a master's degree in engineering from Case Western Reserve University. ABOUT OATEY CO. Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network to supply thousands of products for professional builders, contractors, engineers and do-it-yourself consumers around the world. Oatey is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and has locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. For more information, visit www.oatey.com , call (800) 321-9532 or follow Oatey on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn or Instagram . CONTACT: John OReilly Madelyn Young Greenhouse Digital + PR john@greenhousedigitalpr.com madelyn@greenhousedigitalpr.com 708.428.6385 Meet Attorney Trishta Dordi LOS ANGELES, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melmed Law Group is excited to welcome Trishta Dordi as the newest attorney on our team. Trishta advocates for employee rights, focusing on plaintiffs sexual harassment , racial discrimination, disability discrimination, civil rights, and class action cases. She brings a strong commitment to justice and fairness to the firm. Trishta earned her Bachelor of Arts from New York University, where she graduated cum laude with Honors and received the Founders Award, achieving the highest bracket of scholastic performance. She completed her Juris Doctor at LMU Loyola Law School, where she held several leadership roles, including President of the Criminal Law Society and Founder and President of the Homeless Rights Law Society. Additionally, as a student at Loyolas Project for the Innocent, Trishta led the Clemency Project advocating for criminal justice reform. Her dedication to public service earned her the Employee Justice Summer Fellowship through CELA/FAIR, awarded to only twelve law students in California. During law school, Trishta gained hands-on legal experience through an externship at the Public Law Center, where she drafted applications for humanitarian parole and visas for victims facing severe threats and injustices. She also externed at the Stanley Mosk Los Angeles Superior Court, clerking under the Hon. Holly J. Fujie, and completed a clerkship at the civil rights firm Hadsell, Stormer, Renick & Dai. Significant Legal Contributions Trishta has contributed work to several high-profile cases, including: Dunster v. City of Los Angeles: Led the drafting of a complaint addressing systemic employee harassment by the LAPDs Internal Affairs division. The Complaint was featured in KNX News . . Cullors v. County of Los Angeles: Class action litigation involving inadequate protection of prisoners from COVID-19 while in custody. Montemayor v. City of Los Angeles: A case addressing excessive force used during the 2020 BLM protests. Zucchella v. Olympusat, Inc.: A sexual harassment case against the CEO of a TV distribution company. Additionally, Trishta collaborated with the Civil Rights Corps and the Debtors Prison Project to challenge L.A. Countys reinstatement of the cash bail system. Trishtas areas of expertise include representing plaintiffs in cases involving sexual harassment, discrimination, and civil rights violations. When reflecting on her work, Trishta said, Fighting for fairness isnt just a job, its a commitment to making a difference. To learn more about Trishta Dordi and her work with Melmed Law Group, visit her LinkedIn profile . For more information about Melmed Law Group, visit www.melmedlaw.com . About Melmed Law Group Melmed Law Group is a leading employment law firm based in Los Angeles, California. The firm specializes in representing employees in cases involving workplace harassmen t, discrimination , wrongful termination , wage theft, and other employment-related matters. Founded by Jonathan Melmed , the firm is committed to protecting the rights of workers and achieving justice for those who have been wronged by their employers. Media Contact: Paniz Rad Email: paniz@melmedlaw.com Website: www.melmedlaw.com A photo accompanying this announcement can be found at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d291c24-ce5e-4f71-9f07-673bdfa5ee84 CLEVELAND, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, announced today that Ron Carlson has joined the organization as Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations. With 30 years of experience as an operations leader and a proven track record in the chemical and plastics industries, Carlson joins Oatey from Novagard, where he served as Vice President of Operations. In this role, he successfully enhanced the organization's safety culture, reduced overall injuries, drove a transformation from conventional to lean manufacturing and established a strategic manufacturing partnership in India to strengthen global operations. His extensive background includes leadership roles at GEON Performance Solutions and PolyOne, as well as serving as a multi-site Plant Manager at Avery Dennison, demonstrating expertise in operations leadership, lean methodologies and global manufacturing management. In his new role at Oatey, Carlson will lead our U.S. manufacturing and distribution operations to drive operational excellence, strategic growth and productivity across our sites, leveraging lean methodologies to continuously improve operational efficiency and support Oateys commitment to safety. I'm proud to join Oatey, where a tradition of excellence and cutting-edge innovation go hand in hand, said Carlson. I'm committed to optimizing our operational capabilities and look forward to partnering with our talented teams to refine processes, enhance efficiency and continue delivering the highest quality products to our customers. Ron is an exceptional leader whose career is marked by his ability to drive efficiency and improve quality, said Scott Voisinet, Oateys Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. His forward-thinking approach and deep industry expertise will be pivotal in advancing our U.S. operations to new levels of performance and long-term growth. Carlson is a resident of Painesville, OH, and holds a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering and Master of Business Administration, both from Cleveland State University. ABOUT OATEY CO. Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network to supply thousands of products for professional builders, contractors, engineers and do-it-yourself consumers around the world. Oatey is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and has locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. For more information, visit www.oatey.com , call (800) 321-9532 or follow Oatey on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn or Instagram . CONTACT: John OReilly Madelyn Young Greenhouse Digital + PR john@greenhousedigitalpr.com madelyn@greenhousedigitalpr.com 708.428.6385 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc780aec-7499-42d5-956c-778a2937b04d Knoxville, TN, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Priority Ambulance, a leading national emergency medical services organization, announced the appointment of two accomplished healthcare executives to its leadership team. Sharon Schwarz will serve as regional president of the Southeast Region, and David Abrams joins the company as regional president of the Atlantic Region. "We are thrilled to welcome Sharon and David to our executive leadership team," said Phil Koster, Chief Operating Officer for Priority Ambulance. "Their extensive operational expertise and proven track records in emergency medical services will be invaluable as we expand our footprint nationwide and strengthen our service delivery in these key regions." Schwarz will lead the Southeast Region, managing Central EMS, Puckett EMS, National EMS, and Ambucare operations in Georgia. Abrams will direct the Atlantic Region, which includes LifeCare, Medshore, and Guardian Ambulance services. Schwarz brings a strong background in public health and strategic planning to Priority Ambulance. She previously served as Director of Operations at a large ambulance provider, where she led strategic planning initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery and patient transport. She has extensive experience in EMS business development and is eager to lead the continued growth of the Southeast region. Abrams comes to Priority Ambulance with more than 25 years of EMS leadership experience. Most recently, he served as Chief of EMS for Charleston County, SC. Under his leadership, the department saw significant growth, increasing the department budget and expanding the ambulance fleet. His previous experience includes executive roles at Medical University Hospital Authority and Procarent, where he demonstrated strong skills in operational management, employee engagement, and financial oversight. Abrams' diverse background includes founding and managing his own ambulance service and working as a frontline paramedic. Abrams holds credentials as a registered nurse, paramedic, and attorney, bringing a multifaceted perspective to emergency medical services leadership. "In addition to their strong leadership skills, Sharon and David share our commitment to providing exceptional patient care and emergency medical services to the communities we serve," added Koster. These strategic appointments reflect Priority Ambulance's ongoing commitment to strengthening its regional leadership structure and enhancing service delivery to patients and communities nationwide. Priority Ambulance is a division of Priority OnDemand, a healthcare services company that integrates EMS, medical transportation, mobile health, patient logistics, and vehicle solutions to optimize medical transportation and care delivery. About Priority Ambulance Priority Ambulance is a premier national medical transportation provider, operating in 14 states. Recognized on Inc. Magazines list of the 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for six years, Priority Ambulance delivers exceptional patient care and customer service to more than 700,000 patients annually. Our fleet of state-of-the-art ambulances and support vehicles is staffed by highly trained paramedics and EMTs and supported by a dedicated team of call center professionals, administrative staff, mechanics, and more. As a division of Priority OnDemand, a leading national EMS and medical transportation company, we leverage expert healthcare services and technology solutions to address challenges and enhance efficiency throughout the continuum of care. For more information, please visit www.priorityambulance.com and www.priorityondemand.com. Attachment NEW YORK, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Many people struggle every day with knee pain, which can be caused by aging, intense exercise, or underlying joint disorders. The never-ending quest for efficient pain management often ends in either short-term fixes or unintended adverse effects. Finding a non-invasive, safe, and drug-free therapy is not so easy, especially with so many options swimming the market. Wellnee Patches Reviews Here comes Wellnee, a special patch which claims to be the answer to your knee pain problems. Wellnee is being marketed as an easy-to-use patch that promises to provide support and comfort to people with chronic knee pain. But is it effective, or is it merely a fad? Before making a choice, its important to ask all the right questions to prevent regret. Wellnee boasts of providing a non-drug alternative to pain management, unlike conventional therapies, which involve the use of invasive instruments or costly therapy sessions. It takes little work to integrate the patches into regular activities, and they are made to stay hidden. The objective of this Wellnee review is to analyze Wellnee in detail, including its features, pros and cons, and user experiences. Is it best suited for short-term relief or does it offer a long-term solution? What distinguishes it from other available knee pain relief products? Most importantly, should you give it a try? Is the Wellnee safe? Find out if Wellnee is the best option for you by reading on. What Is Wellnee Patch? (Wellnee Reviews) Wellnee Patch is a specially made pain management patch designed to offer focused comfort and relief for your knee pain problems. It is a simple, non-invasive therapy that promotes pain-free mobility and general health. The patch is an efficient substitute for oral medications and other conventional pain management techniques because it is made with carefully chosen natural ingredients that provide calming comfort straight to the afflicted area. The Wellnee Patch is a convenient product that sticks firmly to the skin and constantly relieves pain for a long time. It is composed of premium ingredients, so comfortable to wear all day. The patch remains in place and delivers its active components gradually over time, unlike messy creams or gels that need to be reapplied frequently. The Wellnee Patch's capacity to address discomfort at its source is one of its main benefits. Wellnee is a good choice for people seeking a kinder method of pain management because it employs natural ingredients instead of harsh drugs with their side effects. The Science Behind Herbal Wellnee Patch: How Does It Work? The Wellnee Patch uses natural substances that deeply penetrate the problem area to deliver focused comfort. After being applied to the skin, the patch promotes relaxation and better circulation by delivering its active ingredients straight to the area causing discomfort. A combination of natural herbs with calming qualities is included in each patch. The components enhance general joint and muscle health, relieve stress, and lessen stiffness as they penetrate the skin. Long-lasting relief is guaranteed by the slow-release technique, which eliminates the need for frequent reapplication. Bypassing the digestive system and providing relief precisely where it is required, the patch operates via a transdermal mechanism. Just place the Wellnee Patch over the afflicted area of clean, dry skin and leave it on all day or all night. Comfort and flexibility are made possible by the adhesive's guarantee of a tight fit. The patch will improve mobility and reduce discomfort with consistent use, making daily tasks easier to handle. DONT MISS OUT: Wellnee Patches Are Available At A Special Price Click Here To Order From The Official Website Wellnee Patch Ingredient List (Wellnee Pain Relief Patches Reviews) The Wellnee Patch is made from a carefully chosen combination of natural ingredients known for their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. These substances work together to increase circulation, relieve stiffness, and support joint and muscle health. Key Ingredients: Wormwood Extract: Wormwood has been used since ancient times and is well-known for its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for generations to relieve joint and muscle pain. Wormwood has been used since ancient times and is well-known for its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for generations to relieve joint and muscle pain. Capsaicin: Capsaicin is a natural substance obtained from chili peppers that improves blood circulation, inhibits pain signals, and relieves discomfort. It also functions as an antioxidant, defending cells against oxidative stress and promoting overall health. Capsaicin is a natural substance obtained from chili peppers that improves blood circulation, inhibits pain signals, and relieves discomfort. It also functions as an antioxidant, defending cells against oxidative stress and promoting overall health. Ginger Oil Extract: Ginger extract has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is recognised for its warming effect, which helps to relieve stiff joints and muscles. Its significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects help to reduce edema and increase movement. Ginger extract has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is recognised for its warming effect, which helps to relieve stiff joints and muscles. Its significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects help to reduce edema and increase movement. Radix Aconiti: Radix Aconiti, a potent herb used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 2,000 years, improves blood flow to joints, ligaments, and muscles. The increased circulation supplies vital nutrients and oxygen to tissues, hastening recovery and alleviating pain. Radix Aconiti, a potent herb used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 2,000 years, improves blood flow to joints, ligaments, and muscles. The increased circulation supplies vital nutrients and oxygen to tissues, hastening recovery and alleviating pain. Saffron: A highly sought-after spice, saffron is thought to improve blood circulation while decreasing inflammation and pain. It promotes total joint health and comfort. A highly sought-after spice, saffron is thought to improve blood circulation while decreasing inflammation and pain. It promotes total joint health and comfort. Angelica Dahurica: The root extract has analgesic qualities that can aid with joint and muscle discomfort. It has been used in the past for relieving musculoskeletal pain. The root extract has analgesic qualities that can aid with joint and muscle discomfort. It has been used in the past for relieving musculoskeletal pain. Ginseng Extract: Ginseng, a well-known adaptogen, stimulates circulation and overall joint health, which improves flexibility and movement. Key Features of Wellnee Knee Pain Relief Patch (Wellnee Reviews) Wellnee is a unique, all-natural remedy for people looking for chronic pain alleviation. Its special qualities make it a useful supplement to any pain management regimen, whether it's for increasing mobility, easing discomfort, or replacing medicines. Three-layer Design: For the best pain relief, the Wellnee Patch has a three-layer design. Even when moving, the sticky layer maintains a snug fit while being kind to delicate skin. Strong natural extracts that offer focused relief are present in the ingredient layer. The patch's structure is preserved by the outer layer, which also keeps all of its parts together for reliable efficacy. Long-lasting comfort is made possible by the Wellnee innovative design. For the best pain relief, the Wellnee Patch has a three-layer design. Even when moving, the sticky layer maintains a snug fit while being kind to delicate skin. Strong natural extracts that offer focused relief are present in the ingredient layer. The patch's structure is preserved by the outer layer, which also keeps all of its parts together for reliable efficacy. Long-lasting comfort is made possible by the Wellnee innovative design. Advanced Herbal Formula: A combination of natural herbs with a reputation for reducing pain is used to make Wellnee. Without the use of artificial chemicals, these components combine to provide a calming effect by addressing the underlying cause of discomfort. Numerous customers have commended its efficacy; one verified customer, Cyd Micheli, wrote, "I'm really pleased with your product after using hot and cold packs and painkillers, of course. This has really improved the ease of my mobility while I wait for surgery. A combination of natural herbs with a reputation for reducing pain is used to make Wellnee. Without the use of artificial chemicals, these components combine to provide a calming effect by addressing the underlying cause of discomfort. Numerous customers have commended its efficacy; one verified customer, Cyd Micheli, wrote, "I'm really pleased with your product after using hot and cold packs and painkillers, of course. This has really improved the ease of my mobility while I wait for surgery. Long-lasting treatment: Wellnee provides long-lasting pain treatment, unlike other short-term fixes. Throughout the day or night, its active ingredients are released gradually over a number of hours, minimizing discomfort. Fewer applications and unhindered daily activities result from this longer duration. Wellnee provides long-lasting pain treatment, unlike other short-term fixes. Throughout the day or night, its active ingredients are released gradually over a number of hours, minimizing discomfort. Fewer applications and unhindered daily activities result from this longer duration. Simple Application & Mess-Free Use: Wellnee patches are easy to apply and don't leave any stains or sticky residues behind because they are made for convenience. For people with hectic schedules who require a pain management solution that is hassle-free, the Wellnee is of great benefit. The patch is a useful choice for daily use because it sticks to the skin nicely and doesn't cause irritation. Wellnee patches are easy to apply and don't leave any stains or sticky residues behind because they are made for convenience. For people with hectic schedules who require a pain management solution that is hassle-free, the Wellnee is of great benefit. The patch is a useful choice for daily use because it sticks to the skin nicely and doesn't cause irritation. Enhances Mobility: Wellnee's capacity to improve mobility is one of its most notable advantages, which makes it a great option for people who are stiff or have restricted movement. Verified customer Michael Terry highlighted how it has positively affected his mobility, saying, "Using the patches has made my mobility so much better." Walking no longer hurts me as much. It's better to bend. I'm grateful. " The Wellnee will help you get moving again after so many months of chronic knee pain. Wellnee's capacity to improve mobility is one of its most notable advantages, which makes it a great option for people who are stiff or have restricted movement. Verified customer Michael Terry highlighted how it has positively affected his mobility, saying, "Using the patches has made my mobility so much better." Walking no longer hurts me as much. It's better to bend. I'm grateful. " The Wellnee will help you get moving again after so many months of chronic knee pain. Targets Multiple Pain Points: Wellnee is not just excellent for knee pain; it also works well for discomfort in the shoulders, joints, and back. The patch offers flexible alleviation for both chronic pain and transient aches brought on by physical activity. Wellnee is not just excellent for knee pain; it also works well for discomfort in the shoulders, joints, and back. The patch offers flexible alleviation for both chronic pain and transient aches brought on by physical activity. Alternatives to Painkillers: Although many people turn to painkillers for relief, prolonged use of these drugs can result in reliance and unintended side effects. Oral drugs are no longer necessary thanks to Wellnee's natural substitute. One happy customer, Jessie P., wrote: "My doctor recommended that I get knee injections (steroids) every three months. I utilized these patches in place of the injection after the third month. For me, it definitely worked. Although many people turn to painkillers for relief, prolonged use of these drugs can result in reliance and unintended side effects. Oral drugs are no longer necessary thanks to Wellnee's natural substitute. One happy customer, Jessie P., wrote: "My doctor recommended that I get knee injections (steroids) every three months. I utilized these patches in place of the injection after the third month. For me, it definitely worked. Ideal for Active Professionals: Lower body strain is common among professionals who work long shifts standing up. As hairstylist Marion Wightman revealed, "The moment I put one on, my knees felt like a million dollars." Wellnee has been helpful for people with physically demanding jobs. worked immediately! It is perfect for people who need instant relief while working because of its fast-acting composition. Lower body strain is common among professionals who work long shifts standing up. As hairstylist Marion Wightman revealed, "The moment I put one on, my knees felt like a million dollars." Wellnee has been helpful for people with physically demanding jobs. worked immediately! It is perfect for people who need instant relief while working because of its fast-acting composition. Natural Fragrance: Wellnee is made with a natural, subtle scent, in contrast to certain pain relievers that have strong, pharmaceutical scents. The total user experience is improved by this delicate scent, which is comfortable to wear all day. Wellnee is made with a natural, subtle scent, in contrast to certain pain relievers that have strong, pharmaceutical scents. The total user experience is improved by this delicate scent, which is comfortable to wear all day. Supports Circulation & Blood Flow: Wellnee is made to increase blood circulation, which will help your joints stay healthy and heal more quickly. It is a comprehensive approach to pain management since increased blood flow aids in lowering inflammation and encouraging healing in affected areas. Wellnee is made to increase blood circulation, which will help your joints stay healthy and heal more quickly. It is a comprehensive approach to pain management since increased blood flow aids in lowering inflammation and encouraging healing in affected areas. Strongly Suggested by Users: Wellnee's efficacy is supported by many gratifying testimonials from actual users who have felt a great deal of comfort. Another verified customer, Randy P., commented, "I am really happy with this product. It is incredible! My knees feel so much better, and I've told a friend to purchase some too. Wellnee's dependability and efficacy are highlighted by the recommendations and trust from happy customers in the USA and worldwide. Are Wellnee Patches Safe? (Wellnee Pain Relief Patches Reviews) When it comes to pain management, safety is a top priority. The Wellnee Patch is a non-invasive, drug-free alternative that was created with the wellbeing of its users in mind. The patch provides relief using natural ingredients, making it a safer option for people looking for natural and focused comfort than oral drugs, which can have negative side effects or lead to reliance. The Wellnee Patch is free of harsh chemicals and unnatural substances that could cause skin irritation. When applied, many people say it feels calming and offers warmth and relaxation without causing any discomfort. Furthermore, the Wellnee Patch is non-invasive, which means it doesn't require any complicated procedures, needles, or surgeries. It only sticks to the skin and relieves localized pain without getting in the way of everyday tasks. It can be worn covertly under clothes without limiting movement, whether at home, at work, or when traveling. The safety of the patch is further supported by customer experiences. Verified customer Jessie P. described how she found the Wellnee Patch to be both effective and well-tolerated after transferring from routine steroid injections. Marion Wightman, another user, reported experiencing instant relief without any negative side effects, so it was a useful component of her daily regimen. For many people looking for risk-free comfort, the Wellnee Patch offers a safe and practical pain relief solution with its natural approach and external application. DONT MISS OUT: Wellnee Patches Are Available At A Special Price Click Here To Order From The Official Website Why Are Wellnee Knee Pain Patches So Affordable? The Wellnee Patch is intended to offer efficient pain relief without the hefty price tags of conventional pain relief products. The direct-to-consumer business approach, which does not require intermediaries, is one of the main factors contributing to its affordability. Wellnee eliminates the extra expenses associated with retail markups, distribution charges, and third-party commissions by selling directly to consumers via online means. Consumers will get a superior product for a fraction of the cost of comparable options found in physical stores. Its pricing is also influenced by the use of readily accessible, carefully chosen natural components. Unlike drug pain management techniques that entail expensive synthetic substances and drawn-out laboratory procedures, Wellnee concentrates on sustainable and efficient natural components which guarantees a safe to relief while also lowering production costs. Furthermore, Wellnee regularly runs sales and promotions, which further lowers its cost. To get the best deal, customers can take advantage of seasonal promotions or bulk buy alternatives. You can go to the official website right now to get yours at a massively discounted price. How to Use Wellnee Patch The Wellnee Patch is easy and hassle-free to use. For optimal outcomes, adhere to the following steps: Clean and Dry the Area: Prior to application, make sure the skin surrounding the knee or the afflicted area is clean and dry. Prior to application, make sure the skin surrounding the knee or the afflicted area is clean and dry. Peel Off the Backing: Carefully take off the patch's protective covering. Carefully take off the patch's protective covering. Apply Firmly: To guarantee a snug fit, place the patch directly on the knee or other desired location and press it down. To guarantee a snug fit, place the patch directly on the knee or other desired location and press it down. Wear for Advised Duration: For best relief, keep the patch on for up to eight hours. For best relief, keep the patch on for up to eight hours. Remove and Throw Away: Gently peel off and throw away. Wellnee Patches Instructions (What should I not do?) Although Wellnee Knee Pain Relief Patches are safe and made of herbal ingredients, we advise using them as directed to get the most out of them and avoid any problems. The following things should be avoided when using the Wellnee patch: Applying to injured Skin: Avoid applying the patch to skin that is broken, inflamed, or otherwise injured. Avoid applying the patch to skin that is broken, inflamed, or otherwise injured. Using with Other Heat Sources: To reduce the chance of burns, do not use external heat sources like electric blankets, heating pads, or hot water bottles. To reduce the chance of burns, do not use external heat sources like electric blankets, heating pads, or hot water bottles. Exposure to Hot conditions: Avoid using this product while taking a hot bath or in hot conditions like saunas or hot tubs. Avoid using this product while taking a hot bath or in hot conditions like saunas or hot tubs. Extended Use: To avoid burns or skin irritation, do not wear the patch for longer than is advised. To avoid burns or skin irritation, do not wear the patch for longer than is advised. Tight Clothes: T o avoid intensifying the heat, avoid wearing tight clothing over the patch. o avoid intensifying the heat, avoid wearing tight clothing over the patch. Application on Sensitive regions: Steer clear of putting the patch on regions with delicate or thin skin. Steer clear of putting the patch on regions with delicate or thin skin. Using Topical Medication: Avoid applying the patch on top of topical drugs or creams as this may interfere with its effectiveness and raise the possibility of adverse skin responses. Avoid applying the patch on top of topical drugs or creams as this may interfere with its effectiveness and raise the possibility of adverse skin responses. Overuse: To avoid irritating or damaging your skin, adhere to the directions on how often to use it. Is Wellnee Patch Legit or Scam? Customers have every reason to doubt whether a product fulfills its claims, especially with the number of pain relief products on the market. Many people looking for an alternative remedy for knee pain have taken notice of Wellnee, but is it a scam? The answer is unquestionably no, based on consumer experiences, product efficacy, and general acceptance. Many confirmed customers have written about their experiences, emphasizing how the patches have helped them feel better. For example, Randy P. praised Wellnee for saving him from knee surgery and called his results "unbelievable." Another happy customer, Cyd Micheli, acknowledged his early doubts but now depends on the patches to help his mobility while he waits for surgery. These are actual testimonies from people who have used the product. Another noteworthy feature of Wellnee is its straightforward, non-invasive method of knee pain management. Wellnee is made to provide long-lasting comfort without any negative side effects, unlike transient heat or cold packs and even some over-the-counter drugs. Its efficacy in managing discomfort over time has been demonstrated by users such as Jessie P., who has even found it to be a good substitute for steroid injections. Additionally, the company's legitimacy is increased by its transparency. Usually, scams include ambiguous claims, unstated costs, or trouble contacting customer service. Wellnee offers a straightforward purchase method and a solid track record of positive customer reviews. It is crucial to remember that no two people respond the same to wellness products. Depending on specific health considerations and the severity of the ailment, individual outcomes may differ. Nonetheless, the largely good user reviews indicate that Wellnee is a genuine choice worth giving a try rather than a hoax. MUST SEE: CLICK HERE NOW TO GET WELLNEE PAIN RELIEF PATCHES DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE Wellnee Reviews Consumer Reports and Complaints USA Below are some verified reviews from Wellnee real customers across United States, Canada, Australia, and UK: Michael Terry| Verified Buyer - Ive now ordered twice from Wellnee! I find the knee relief patches amazing. Im not a small person so have a lot of strain on my knees. Using the patches has made my mobility so much better. I have found walking not so painful. Bending is better. Thank you! - Ive now ordered twice from Wellnee! I find the knee relief patches amazing. Im not a small person so have a lot of strain on my knees. Using the patches has made my mobility so much better. I have found walking not so painful. Bending is better. Thank you! Randy P.| Verified Buyer - I definitely am satisfied with this product it is unbelievable!!! cannot believe how relieved from pain my knees are. Just unbelievable, you have saved my knees from an operation. I have advised a friend about it to reach out to you to order some too. - I definitely am satisfied with this product it is unbelievable!!! cannot believe how relieved from pain my knees are. Just unbelievable, you have saved my knees from an operation. I have advised a friend about it to reach out to you to order some too. Jessie P.| Verified Buyer - Try it. It does help with my body aches. I had knee injection (steroids) and was advised by my doctor to do it every 3 months. After the 3rd month, I did not get the injection and used these patches instead. It surely worked for me. I wear it not only 8 hours but more. Give it a try, you will see what it does to your body aches. I use the patch every day! Thank you Wellnee! - Try it. It does help with my body aches. I had knee injection (steroids) and was advised by my doctor to do it every 3 months. After the 3rd month, I did not get the injection and used these patches instead. It surely worked for me. I wear it not only 8 hours but more. Give it a try, you will see what it does to your body aches. I use the patch every day! Thank you Wellnee! Marion Wightman. | Verified Buyer - I am hairdresser so my back hurt after standing whole day. This product is well worth the price, the moment I put one on my knees felt like million dollars, worked right away, best product out there and I have used plenty... but nothing comes close to this product. I noticed also that my BP is down while the patch is on. it's the Best ever! Pros Of Wellnee (Wellnee Patch Reviews) By directly relieving pain in the afflicted location, the Wellnee Patch ensures quicker and more efficient results. The patch provides a drug-free, non-invasive approach to pain management, unlike prescription drugs or surgery. The patch provides consistent relief over a number of hours without the need for frequent reapplication. No complex instructions are required; just apply the patch to the desired place, and it will begin to function. The patch leaves no oily or sticky residue behind, in contrast to creams or ointments. Its small size allows it to be used and carried around easily, whether at home, at work, or on the go. Made with natural ingredients, the patch is intended to be long-lasting and kind to the skin. The Wellnee Patch is a reasonably priced alternative to routine prescription drugs for pain management. Cons Of Wellnee Patch (Wellnee Reviews) Depending on the individual's physiological reaction and the degree of pain, the degree of relief may vary from person to person. Although it aids in pain management, it may not address the underlying cause of the discomfort. Limited in stock, so hurry while supplies last. DONT MISS OUT: Wellnee Patches Are Available At A Special Price Click Here To Order From The Official Website Are Wellnee Patches Worth Buying? If you are looking for natural pain relief, the Wellnee Patch is a worthwhile purchase because it provides a non-invasive, reasonably priced alternative to pricey procedures. The patch provides focused pain relief without the dangers associated with oral opioids and routine painkillers that may have adverse effects. Using the Wellnee is as simple as applying the patch to the afflicted region and letting it do the work. Bulky braces, sticky creams, and routine doses of painkillers are no longer necessary. The Wellnee Patch is also worth considering because it is reasonably priced. Physical therapy, prescription medications, and specialty therapies are just a few of the expensive pain reduction options available. The Wellnee Patch provides a cost-effective substitute without compromising on quality. Additionally, consumers can now get pain relief anywhere, at any time, thanks to its discreet design. Many users report measurable increases in comfort and movement; however, outcomes may slightly differ as no two humans are the same. The patch is a safer choice for people who want to stay away from harsh chemicals because it is made with natural substances. What Is the Cost of Wellnee Patch? (Price of Wellnee Patches) The manufacturers of the Wellnee Patch are currently offering it at discounted prices. Get yours at the following pricing: You can get 4x Boxes of Pain Relief Patches (40 Patches) for $55.96 You can get 3x Boxes of Pain Relief Patches (30 Patches) for $45.96 You can get 2x Boxes of Pain Relief Patches (20 Patches) for $33.96 You can get 1x Box of Pain Relief Patches (10 patches) for $17.95 Where to Buy Wellnee Patches The best place to buy Wellnee for people who want to try it is straight from the official website. Customers who purchase from the official source are guaranteed to receive a real product, take advantage of any current sales or discounts, and have access to customer service if they have any questions. Buying from unlicensed merchants or third-party stores carries some dangers, like getting fake or substandard products. The official website ensures product legitimacy, offers transparent pricing, and facilitates a safe transaction process. Furthermore, warranties and money-back guarantees are only valid when bought from the official website. Access to exclusive package deals is an additional benefit of placing your order straight from the website. Order now from the official Wellnee website to get it at the best price and to ensure authenticity. CLICK HERE NOW TO BUY WELLNEE PAIN RELIEF PATCHES DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE Frequently Asked Questions (Wellnee Knee Patch Reviews) Does the Wellnee Patch really work? Yes. A combination of herbal extracts and other natural components with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities makes up Wellnee Patch, and it works. Long-term usage of the formulation is intended to be both safe and effective. How long does Wellnee Patch take to start working? After putting the patch, users usually feel relief in a matter of minutes. Depending on the severity of the discomfort and the individual's differences. Is it possible to use Wellnee Patch for all kinds of pain? The Wellnee Patch was created especially to relieve muscular and joint pain. It works well for several related issues, including shoulder, knee, back, and arthritis pain. It is not advised, therefore, for sensitive skin areas or open wounds. How long is the Wellnee Patch supposed to last? You can wear each patch for a few hours at a time. For best effects, it is usually advised to leave it on for up to eight hours. Always adhere to the given usage guidelines. Is it safe to use Wellnee Patch every day? Indeed, Wellnee Patch is safe to apply every day as it is composed of natural substances. Are all skin types able to use Wellnee Patch? Indeed, the Wellnee Patch is made to be kind to all skin types. To guarantee compatibility, people with highly sensitive skin should perform a patch test before full application. How should Wellnee Patch be stored? To keep Wellnee Patch effective, keep it out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Can I reuse the Wellnee Patch? No, each patch is meant to be used just once and should be thrown away after being removed. Conclusion on Wellnee Patches Reviews The Wellnee Patch provides a quick, easy, and reasonably priced way to manage knee pain. Thanks to its natural components and easy-to-use application, it offers focused relief without the need for invasive procedures or costly drugs. The patch provides long-lasting comfort without creating any mess or residue, whether you are battling with joint soreness, muscular stiffness, or knee pain. Thanks to the lightweight and portable design, users will feel relief wherever they are: at home, at work, or while traveling. The Wellnee Patch is still a good choice for people looking for a natural, non-invasive method of managing their pain, even if individual outcomes may differ and continuous application is necessary for continued comfort. You no longer have to battle with bitter drugs or painful invasive procedures, the Wellnee is here to give you much-needed relief at an affordable price! Got to the manufacturer's website to get yours while supplies last! DONT MISS OUT: Wellnee Patches Are Available At A Special Price Click Here To Order From The Official Website Media Contact: apexreviews200@gmail.com Disclaimer: The content on Wellnee is for informational purposes only. The release does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or reliability. Any actions taken based on the websites information are at the users own risk, and this media is not liable for any resulting losses or damages. The release may contain links to third-party sites, but Wellnee does not control their content and is not responsible for any changes or issues with those sites. Users should review the privacy policies and terms of any external websites they visit. By using the site, users agree to the disclaimer. Any future changes will be posted on the site. Results may vary, and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/90d93ce9-90cf-4af0-904a-65b9021a2d02 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2136584b-22a8-470f-aa97-858cf30b6998 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe0a8633-c0b1-4642-9619-4740971fb101 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7643102c-9210-4b42-a0f5-cc8c5ee69087 CAPE CORAL, Fla., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bones Coffee Company is adding two fan-favorite flavors to its ready-to-drink latte lineup with the debut of Salty Siren and Cookies N Dreams now available exclusively at more than 3,000 Walmart stores nationwide through June. These indulgent new lattes offer the bold, dessert-inspired flavors Bones fans love in a convenient, grab-and-go format. Salty Siren sings notes of caramel, mocha, and sea salt in a rich, creamy latte. This mystical flavor is smooth, indulgent, and irresistibly bold. Cookies N Dreams is Bones Coffees dreamy take on one of the most beloved ice cream flavors of all time. Infused with chocolate cookie sandwich and vanilla ice cream flavors, this decadent latte is smooth, sweet, and truly the stuff of dreams. Were excited to expand our ready-to-drink latte line with two of our most popular flavors, said Travis Rule, CEO and Co-Owner of Bones Coffee Company. Salty Siren and Cookies N Dreams have been longtime customer favorites, and were excited to give fans a new way to enjoy these flavorsno brewing required. The lattes are available in single cans ($2.98), 4-packs ($15.99), and 12-packs ($36.99). They are available exclusively at select Walmart stores across the U.S. and Walmart.com through June 27, 2025. Visit the store locator at bonescoffee.com for locations. After that, they will be available online at Amazon and bonescoffee.com along with other Bones Coffee products. About Bones Coffee Company Bones Coffee Company has a passion for coffee and a mission to inject some flavor into an otherwise boring landscape of coffee companies. With over 30 tempting flavors all made with high-quality, freshly roasted beans from Maple Bacon to Holy Cannoli plus single origin offerings and blends, Bones Coffee products are keto-friendly with no sugar or artificial sweeteners. Family-owned and operated with more than 90 local employees in Florida, Bones ships to consumers worldwide and is now expanding in retail. Learn more at bonescoffee.com and follow @bonescoffeecompany on Instagram and Facebook, @bonescoffee on TikTok, and @bonescoffeeco on Twitter. LAZ PR Lisa Lazarczyk lisa@lazpr.com or 617.838.7327 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8c72d513-3de2-4393-8e9b-c05e38735fdc by Jochen Szangolies In 1950, during a lunch conversation with colleagues at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Enrico Fermi asked the wrong question. Famously, after a discussion on the subject of recent UFO sightings, extra-terrestrial life, and the possibility of faster-than-light travel, Fermi blurted out: But where are they? In that context, it was a sensible question: even given the magnitude of interstellar distances and the difficulties of bridging them, the vastness of cosmic time provides ample opportunity for an enterprising civilization to have visited any star within the galaxy several times over (for a brief recapitulation of the reasoning behind this assertion, see this previous essay). Certainly, it has been a stimulating one: it has spawned volumes of discussion, with potential solutions ranging from the optimistic to the dismal, from us inhabiting a carefully curated cosmic zoo to every civilization self-destructing shortly after developing nuclear weapons. But, as fruitful as this discourse has been, I want to suggest that there is a more interesting question that Fermi could have asked, one that might end up telling us much more about our place and future in the universe: Why arent we them? Under seemingly reasonable assumptions, almost every sentient being in the universe should expect to find themselves as part of a galaxy-wide, ancient and prosperous civilization (the galactic metropolis); or, should interstellar space travel be fundamentally impossible, find whatever maximal niche they occupy (their ancestral home planet, the worlds of their solar system, a Dyson swarm around their star) filled nearly to capacity, for a time thats of the order of magnitude of how long that niche can accommodate such a population. The argument for this is simply that for the vast majority of beings to ever exist, it will be true that they find themselves in such a situation, given business as usualessentially, if life continues to be fruitful and multiply. If it makes sense to apply such reasoning to our own situation (and I will argue that it does), the fact that we find ourselves very far from such a scenario demands explanation. Broadly, there are two possible answers. Either, we are just very lucky, part of that infinitesimal cohort that finds themselves at the margins of beingor business will not continue as usual: meaning, we will, in some sense, cease to fill every open niche with approximate copies of ourselves. The latter opens up two further options: pessimism and optimism. The pessimistic option amounts to (near-total) destruction, of any sufficiently advanced intelligent species, either by its own device or by others, perhaps through becoming visible as a potential threat that warrants a first strike. However, the optimistic option is the one I will explore in this series. It involves, essentially, a transformation of life and mind as we know it, individual single streams of being coalescing into a vast ocean, mind breaking free from the bony brain-boxes that constrain it today to merge with the world around us, and even other minds within it. In this story, we are mental eukaryotes, single-celled organisms that house a nuclear mind insulated well within, before the evolution of multi-cellularity. Thus, I will first argue that we appear to live in a very special time in cosmic historythat the circumstances in which we find ourselves, as an ascendant, young civilization at a liminal point in time, are very rare. Almost every sentient being will have a vastly different experience, given some apparently commonsense assumptions. I will then lay out conditions under which we should expect to find ourselves to experience this present momentthat is, conditions under which most sentient beings occupy corresponding moments, and thus, our present experience becomes typical. These are mostly rather bleak: either virtually every civilization dies out shortly after hitting this point, or we live in a simulation, or whatever succeeds us will not possess any kind of self-experience in the way we do (think advanced but unconscious AI, for example). I will then draw on analogies from biology, history, information theory and thermodynamics to question the assumptions that yield this conclusion, which amount to questioning whether life and mind is truly best thought of as a collection of discrete individuals. Rather, I will argue that mind follows well-established trends of life, from the simple to the complex, climbing up the entropy gradient towards greater organization and interrelation, eventually being best described not in individual, but in holistic terms. The Fall of the Berlin Wall Enrico Fermi was a master of finding quick, approximate solutions to problems that seem to lack the information necessary to solve them. An emblematic such Fermi problem is the question of how many piano tuners there are in Chicago: from rough estimates of population, the density of pianos, and how often they need to be tuned, one obtains a quick guess thats often good enough within an order of magnitude. A more impressive case was his estimation of the yield of the Trinity nuclear bomb test using a few scraps of paper dropped in time to catch the blast wave. Another feat of prediction from sparse data was performed by astrophysicist J. Richard Gott in 1969, when he was an undergraduate at Harvard. On a visit to the Berlin wall, he made the prediction that it would continue standing for no longer than 24 more years. The wall, of course, came down in 1989, well within Gotts estimated timeframe. What was the data that went into his prediction? Nothing more than the time that the wall had already stood up to the point of his visita rough eight years. Starting with this datum, he reasoned that the wall would stand between one third and three times that long again, with 50% confidence. The reasoning is simple: half of all visits to the wall will occur during half of its lifetime; therefore, half of all visitors will see it during that interval where it has stood between one quarter and three quarters of its total lifetime. Visiting it after one quarter has elapsed, it will stand for three times as long again; visiting it when it is three-quarters of the time to its eventual downfall, it will stand for another third of that time. Thus, half of all visitors to the wall will be right in claiming that it will stand no more than three times the time it stood so far. There are two auxiliary assumptions that we have to make to arrive at the above prediction. First, we need to assume that we havent arrived at any privileged point in the walls history. Those taking to the wall with a sledgehammer after Gunter Schabowskis announcement opening the GDRs borders would not reasonably predict it to continue standing for much longer. This is known as the Copernican Principle, the assumption that we occupy a perfectly ordinary spot in time (and space). Second, the distribution of visitors to the wall over time needs to be approximately flatthere ought to be roughly as many visitors per unit of time across its entire lifetime. If most people see the wall shortly after it went up, and few bothered with it afterwards, then less than half of all visitors would see it in the right time period for the argument to yield a correct estimate. This is the Principle of Indifference. As long as we are justified in appealing to these two principles, we have a general recipe of predicting the lifetime of almost anything based only on the time it has been around so far. The most famous application of this sort of reasoningand definitely the most portentouscomes in the form of the so-called Doomsday Argument (DA), formulated originally by Australian theoretical physicist Brandon Carter in 1983 (later independently rediscovered and championed by Gott). The subject of this lifetime estimate is the human race itself: assuming that you are a perfectly ordinary member of said population (sorry), you should occupy a place between one quarter and three-quarters of the total number of human beings (again with 50% likelihood)simply because half of all human beings, trivially, do. Thus, an upper bound on the total number of human beings is given by three times the number that have existed so far, and a date for doomsday is given by however long it takes to bring that many humans into existence. (One may, of course, vary the numbers here: for a 95% confidence doomsday, the upper bound is given by 20 times the aggregated human population; but the exact numbers wont matter much for our purposes.) It may seem counterintuitive that the mere fact of our existence at some particular point in time should allow us to draw conclusions about the human population in the far future. After all, the futures defining characteristic is that it hasnt happened yetso how could we obtain (even probabilistic) knowledge about matters of fact still undecided? Indeed, the DA is sometimes resisted on the basis that it seems to assume that we are somehow drawn from the pool of all humans ever to be. But how exactly should one define this reference class? And how should one formulate a probability distribution according to which this draw occurs? But this is resolved by noting that half of all humans who could make this argument will be right, and you either are among that halfor you arent. The point of this exercise is, now, that (depending on how exactly one slices the numbers) the total number of human beings yet to be born is perhaps a few hundred billion, which would yield a future lifetime for the human race of perhaps a few thousand years. This might seem reassuring, at firstwith a couple thousand years to go, it seems we neednt worry just yet. But in fact, it is shockingly soon, once on considers the cosmological timescales in play. Waking up to the Future Suppose you wake up one morning, suffering from a peculiar form of amnesia: while all of your abstract, scientific knowledge regarding the basic facts of cosmology is intact, the knowledge of your immediate surroundings, of the world you inhabit, is gone. (Perhaps you were out partying too long with the astrophysics department.) After you wake, what world should you expect to find yourself in? You start from Fermis reasoning. Once life has secured its first tenuous foothold in the galaxy, exponential expansion should quicklyon cosmological scales, that is, on the order of tens of millions of yearssee it disseminated to its furthest reaches. Given the rapid expansion of livable space and resources, a galactic civilization should contain vastly more individuals than were ever alive on the ancestral homeworld alone. Add to this the cosmological timescales that such a civilization might endure, and almost all sentient beings to ever exist should find themselves part of a vast, galaxy-spanning commonwealth, a galactic metropolis, with those few living before the jump to the stars barely being a rounding error. Thus, you conclude, with overwhelming likelihood, you, too, must be a part of a galactic communitya mature civilization. However, thats a bit too quick. Interstellar spaceflight might be impossible, or simply too difficult to bother with. But then, still, a civilization might endure for billions of years on a planet orbiting a sun-type starand conceivably hundreds of times longer, should intelligent life in stellar systems with a red dwarf be possible, due to their longevity. Most intelligent beings then will find themselves part of a civilization that is millions of years old. No matter which of these obtains, eventually, your memory returnsand you recall yourself to be an inhabitant of present-day Earth: a planet-locked infant civilization that has just taken its first tentative steps beyond the atmosphere. How surprised should you be? Its hard to obtain a good estimate here that reflects anything beyond the bias of its originator. But for some nice, round numbers, about 109 billion humans have lived on the planet so far, and the total number until Earth is rendered inhabitable for humans about a billion years in the future might be a staggering 125 quadrillionroughly a million times more. Thus, youd find yourself among the first 0.0001% of humans everand thats on the most conservative scenario, where we never set foot beyond Earth. Should we eventually reach for the stars, that number will decrease by many orders of magnitude. Consequently, you find yourself at a very special, early point in time. Most intelligent beings to ever live will have a radically different experience, finding themselves rather part of ancient and vast civilizations. From this point of view, the DA is a means of attenuating this discrepancy: if humanity were to go extinct within the time period it suggests, your existence at this point in time would be exactly as expected. Should we then resign ourselves to an end that, by whatever means, arrives much sooner than the natural boundaries on human existence would suggest? This is again too quick: for the argument to succeed, it need not merely be humans that fail to survive their civilizational infancy, but every race of sentient beings to come about. For in the above argument, no use was made of the fact that you are specifically human, at allwhat was at issue was merely the typicality of your experience among all sentient beings to ever exist, that is, among all entities that could have any such experience at all. If humans were to fail to make it, but some race of small furry creatures from Alpha Centauri did, then still, the majority of sentient beings would experience existence as part of a mature civilization, making the fact that you dont again cry out for explanation. That seems to leave two options: either you just got lucky (although how lucky you might consider yourself to be alive at this precise time, Ill leave to your own judgment)or most sentient entities find themselves being part of immature civilizations. The latter option, then, seems to imply that few, if any, civilizations survive to maturity. In terms of the Fermi paradox, this would indicate the existence of a Great Filter in our (not too distant) future: some hurdle on the path towards becoming a mature civilization thats just too high to clear, leading to no such civilizations existing in the galaxy as of yet (and possibly ever). But things need not be that bleak. There are other options that make ours a typical experience for a sentient being. One is given by the so-called Simulation Argument (SA): originated by the Swedish philosopher Nick Bostrom, the SA alleges that most individual sentient experiences are those of simulated beings, and that hence, we ourselves are simulated with overwhelming likelihood. The argument is again one of simple numbers: with computation skyrocketing in terms of scale and efficiency, becoming more affordable all the while, large-scale simulations of humanitys pastso-called ancestor simulationseventually become trivially to instantiate. If then our future descendants are sufficiently motivated to create such simulations, there are likely to be many more simulated humans than real ones; hence, each of us is more likely to be a simulation than not. Now suppose that it is the liminal times when humanity stood just at the cusp of major developments that are likely of greatest interestmaybe the time before the invention of writing, and hence, reliable records; the preindustrial times; or, perhaps, the time before civilizational maturity in general. Thus, most simulations might be of such times, and hence, most of the simulated minds inhabit a reality close to ours. But there are important open questions surrounding this argument. Would a mature civilization consider it morally justifiable to instantiate trillions of feeling entities and consign them to a life of relative suffering (as compared to a life utilizing the resources of a mature civilization), just to satisfy their curiosity? Moreover, would such a simulation actually fulfill its purpose? If the SA is as compelling as its proponents make it out to be, every simulated civilization should eventually conclude that they are, in fact, simulated. Would this not lead to behaviorsay, appealing to the simulators to tweak a few parameters and lighten their daily burdenradically different from the real societies the simulation intends to explore? Finally, is such a simulation actually possible? There are highly sophisticated (and fiercely debated) arguments opposing the possibility of creating conscious entities via mere computation. However, I want to suggest that besides the unsatisfying explanation of sheer luck, the bleak future of the DA, and the questionable premises of the SA, there is another explanation for the apparent uniqueness of our experience that largely seems to have escaped notice, so far. There is a scenario in which humanity, in a broad sense, survivesmeaning that there is no extinction event terminating our speciesbut not necessarily in the form of individual sentient entities. In this scenario, sentience undergoes an evolution broadly analogous to that of life itself, towards more complex forms; and one of the ways to increase complexity is to create compound minds, just in the way living cells come together to form large, multicellular creatures with a high degree of sophisticated structure. The age of individual mindsjust as the age of individual cellsis then a transitory stage in the evolution of mind, and will eventually give way to a compound mentality encompassing billions or trillions of loci of mentation, just as your body encompasses trillions of cells. Thus, in the remaining entries to this series, I will flesh out these hints into a (hopefully) compelling picture for the future of mind in the cosmos. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. NASSAU, The Bahamas, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A refreshed multi-channel tourism advertising campaign titled A Lifetime of Islands made its debut with the unveiling of a stunning, five-panel billboard in the heart of Times Square in New York City this month and will run through the end of April. The heart and soul of the campaign is a series of five 30-second television commercials featuring Kravitz, who enthusiastically expresses his affection for The Bahamas and celebrates his Bahamian roots by being part of the tourism-building effort. The campaign was conceived to portray The Bahamas as a paradise of 700 islands and cays including 16 major populated islands, each with its own identity, culture and experiences. A Lifetime of Islands spotlights rock legend Lenny Kravitz and his anthemic hit Fly Away, with the tagline Its not one island. Its a lifetime of them driving the message that the destination is more than a single travel location, its a place of discovers over a lifetime of visits. The multiple islands of The Bahamas is an extraordinary destination for travel, and we are excited to tell the story of our islands across media channels that connect with the audiences we seek to attract, said Hon. I Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. With arrivals setting new records, we want to keep up the momentum by spreading the word of the wonders of The Bahamas. Along with the five (5) panel digital billboards in Times Square, the media buy also includes a wallscape along Interstate 95 in downtown Miami, full page advertisements in Architectural Digest and Time magazines and engaging video spots adapted for linear and CTV and social postings. There are five (5) versions of the video spots featuring the Lifetime of Islands theme. The spots will be featured on linear and connected TV in major feeder markets including New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and Houston, as well as in Toronto and Montreal, Canada. Short-form adaptations of A Lifetime of Islands will appear on social media channels including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. A Lifetime of Islands is an invitation to discover the depth and diversity of The Islands of The Bahamas. From the iconic pink sands of Harbour Island to the blue holes of Andros, each island offers something distinct and together, they create an experience that keeps visitors coming back time and again. This campaign reflects our commitment to amplifying the full story of The Bahamas one that spans across our islands and continues to unfold with every journey. said Latia Duncombe, Director General at The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. A Lifetime of Islands arrives as tourism in The Bahamas continues to grow. In 2024, the island nation welcomed a record 11.22 million international visitors, according to The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. Thats a jump of 16.2 percent over the 9.65 million visitors the country hosted in 2023. For more information on A Lifetime of Islands and other tourism efforts from The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, please visit www.bahamas.com About The Bahamas The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. Media Contact: Anita Johnson-Patty Director Global Communications Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Ajohnson@Bahamas.com Bahamas USA FINN Bahamas Bahamasusa@finnpartners.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3cfc0c9-1fd0-4b2c-b329-583b123b1518 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ca3fbce7-ef4e-4741-b269-bffd13376281 Utility President Donna DeCarolis to Retire; Will Continue to Serve as a Senior Energy Advisor to National Fuel Michael Colpoys to Succeed DeCarolis as President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Fuel Gas Company ("National Fuel" or the "Company") (NYSE: NFG) today announced that Donna L. DeCarolis, President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company, has indicated her intention to retire, effective July 1, 2025, after more than 40 years of service. While Donna retires from the day-to-day management of New Yorks largest natural gas only utility, she is being retained as a Senior Energy Advisor for the Company, continuing her role actively representing National Fuel in New Yorks statewide energy policy matters. Since 2019 when New York passed the most aggressive climate and decarbonization legislation in the country, DeCarolis has been a staunch advocate for natural gas customers and the need for them to have affordable, reliable and resilient energy options. She has participated in hundreds of community conversations to increase awareness and education on the States climate mandates and their potential impact on the lives of New York residents as well as the States economy. DeCarolis has been an active presence in Albany identifying real regional differences, and how a policy that might work downstate is potentially harmful for upstate New York due to our more extreme weather and less wealth than metro New York City. Her important role as a vocal advocate in this arena is not going to change, shell just be in a different capacity as a senior advisor for National Fuel. Donnas leadership has made a lasting mark on National Fuel and the communities and organizations she has served for more than 40 years, said David P. Bauer, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Fuel Gas Company. Her dedication and vision have helped shape the long-term success of our organization, and I am pleased that she will continue to represent the Company in key energy policy matters as a senior advisor. I hope that her next chapter will be as rewarding as her career has been for National Fuel. DeCarolis was named President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, National Fuels Utility subsidiary, in February 2019. Prior to that, since 2007, she held the title of Vice President of Business Development for National Fuel Gas Company. During her more than 40-year tenure with the Company, she ascended through several different business areas, including Corporate Investor Relations, Utility Customer Quality Assurance, Corporate Communications, Human Resources, Utility Energy Marketing, Government Affairs, Utility Consumer Business/Customer Service as well as having previously been president of several of the Companys non-regulated business entities. Active in her support of the community, Donna has served in leadership capacities on the boards of the Business Council of New York, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Frank Lloyd Wrights Darwin Martin House Restoration Complex, Leadership Buffalo, Sheas OConnell Preservation Guild, the University at Buffalos School of Management, Buffalo Sabres Foundation, Niagara University and the African American Veterans Monument. Shortly after assuming the role of Utility President, DeCarolis was named the second appointment to the New York State Climate Action Council, a 22-member body created in statute under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act). The Council was charged with developing a plan to reach New York States 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and spent three years developing a final scoping plan, issued December 2022. DeCarolis was one of the three energy industry executives to vote against the Scoping Plan because of unanswered and unaddressed concerns about the Climate Acts impact on customer affordability, energy reliability, the elimination of customer choice and the overall impact on New Yorks ability to maintain its business competitiveness if the state were to decarbonize and electrify everything. The Company also announced that on July 1, 2025, DeCarolis will be succeeded by Michael Colpoys as President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation. Colpoys is a long-tenured National Fuel officer who has spent much of his career on the Operations side of the industry. With decades of experience in all aspects of utility operations, Colpoys was named Senior Vice President for National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation in 2021, gaining oversight for all utility field operations in New York and Pennsylvania. In addition, he oversees the Rates and Regulatory Affairs, Energy Services and Gas Supply Administration departments. Originally from Buffalo, Colpoys started his career in 1987 as a Management Trainee and was promoted to Junior Engineer in 1988. In the following years, he was promoted numerous times, advancing to Assistant Vice President of Distribution Corporation in 2009 and then to Vice President in 2015 of National Fuel Gas Midstream Company where he oversaw the development, construction and operation of the company's expanding gathering pipelines. In 2016, he was named Vice President of Distribution Corporation. He received a bachelors degree from Clarkson University and a Master of Business Administration from Penn State Behrend. Colpoys resides in Erie, Pa., and is actively involved with industry, business and community groups, serving on the boards of Northeast Gas Association, Energy Association of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Chamber, Erie Downtown Development Corporation, Penn State Behrend College of Fellows and the 100 Club of Buffalo. National Fuel is an integrated energy company reporting financial results for four operating segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering and Utility. National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation is the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company and provides natural gas service for 2.2 million residents in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. Additional information about National Fuel is available at www.nationalfuel.com. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d16aac8d-4110-4b4a-9e31-e12c1a87dce2 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1cb8680-74fe-4355-a3c5-3c5878a05868 Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Venture Global, Inc. ("Venture Global" or the "Company") (NYSE: VU) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between registration statement for the initial public offering conducted on or about January 24, 2025 (the IPO), inclusive (the "Class Period"). Venture Global investors have until April 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. According to the lawsuit, defendants promoted Venture Globals innovative and disruptive approach, claiming it was both scalable and repeatable, enabling the company to bring LNG to the global market faster and at a lower cost. They also highlighted the development of five natural gas liquefaction and export projects near the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, emphasizing their unique design one, build many strategy. The IPO was presented to the public as evidence that Venture Global had the necessary customer backing to successfully implement its projects and deliver LNG worldwide. The lawsuit alleges that when the true details emerged, investors suffered financial 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 OKLAHOMA CITY, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rodl Management, Inc. investigated by Federman & Sherwood for data breach. On April 3, 2025, Rodl Management filed notice of a data breach with the Attorney General of Texas. The type of information potentially exposed includes: Full Name Social Security Number Drivers License Number Government-issued ID Number Financial Information Medical Information Other sensitive information Rodl & Partner, which operates under the name Rodl Management in some contexts, is a global professional services firm specializing in audit, legal, tax, and business consulting, particularly serving foreign-owned, family-owned mid-sized businesses. If you received a data breach notice letter and wish to discuss this action, obtain further information, and/or participate in this litigation, please visit our firms website www.federmanlaw.com. FEDERMAN & SHERWOOD (405) 235-1560 The annual event, which is hosted by the Neeley School of Business and was sponsored by JPMorgan and Double Eagle Energy Holdings, provides a forum for leaders across the energy industry to address pressing production and sustainability-related issues FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (Cboe Canada: ZEFI) (Frankfurt: Y6B) (OTCQB: ZEFIF) (the Company, Zefiro, or ZEFI) today announced that its Founder and CEO Talal Debs PhD served as a featured speaker at the TCU Global Energy Symposium . The annual conference is hosted by the Neeley School of Business and is an opportunity for energy industry leaders, influencers, and investors to discuss sector trends, share best practices, and forge important commercial connections. This years iteration was sponsored by JPMorgan and Double Eagle Energy Holdings, and Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. served as the conferences keynote speaker. More information about the 2025 TCU Global Energy Symposium can be found on this years event page . Specifically, Dr. Debs featured on a panel entitled Managing Marginal & Orphaned Wells via Carbon Markets. The panels introductory message was delivered by JPMorgan Executive Director Ben Ratner, and the discussion was moderated by JPMorgan Head of Operational Decarbonization Taylor Wright, who has written extensively on the importance of bolstering carbon removal projects. Dr. Debs not only addressed the public health benefits of plugging orphan wells in communities across North America, but also Zefiros emphasis on producing the kinds of high-quality, direct impact carbon credits that have the potential to bolster the voluntary carbon marketplace. Pictured: Zefiro Founder & CEO Talal Debs PhD (far left) & JPMorgan Head of Operational Decarbonization Taylor Wright (far right) on April 3, 2025 Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR+ or the Investors section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media. Zefiro Founder and CEO Talal Debs PhD commented, From key government officials to decision-makers for leading institutional investors, the TCU Global Energy Symposium provides public and private sector stakeholders a forum to help accelerate progress. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss Zefiros unique approach to attacking North Americas orphan well problem, generating high-quality, methane abatement-oriented carbon credit offerings, and scaling operations across the country with Taylor Wright and my fellow panelists. This speaking engagement is the latest in a series of recent high-profile public appearances for Dr. Debs, including a feature on the February 14, 2025 episode of Bloomberg TVs Wall Street Week , a speaking slot at the Sustainable Innovation Forum panel at the United Nations 2024 Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, and an interview on the October 25, 2024 broadcast of Yahoo! Finances Market Domination Overtime . Reporters/Media: For any questions or to arrange an interview, please contact Rich Myers of Profile Advisors (New York City) by email at media@zefiromethane.com or by telephone at +1 (347) 774-1125. About Zefiro Methane Corp. Zefiro is an environmental services company, specializing in methane abatement. Zefiro strives to be a key commercial force towards Active Sustainability. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, Zefiro is building a new toolkit to clean up air, land, and water sources directly impacted by methane leaks. The Company has built a fully integrated ground operation driven by an innovative monetization solution for the emerging methane abatement marketplace. As an originator of high-quality U.S.-based methane offsets, Zefiro aims to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. Talal Debs Talal Debs, Founder & CEO For further information, please contact: Zefiro Investor Relations 1 (800) 274-ZEFI (274-9334) investor@zefiromethane.com For media inquiries, please contact: Rich Myers - Profile Advisors (New York) media@zefiromethane.com +1 (347) 774-1125 Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seeks, believes, plans, expects, intends, estimates, anticipates and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information including statements regarding: the Companys intention to reduce emissions from end-of-life oil and gas wells and eliminate methane gas; the Companys partnerships with industry operators, state agencies, and federal governments; the Companys expectations for continued increases in revenues and EBITDA growth as a result of these partnerships; the Companys intentions to build out its presence in the United States; the anticipated federal funding for orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoring activities; the Companys expectations to become a growing environmental services company; the Companys ability to provide institutional and retail investors alike with the opportunity to join the Active Sustainability movement; the Companys ability to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns; and other statements regarding the Companys business and the industry in which the Company operates. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; (iv) failure to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; and (v) other risk factors set forth in its Prospectus dated April 8, 2024 under the heading Risk Factors. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. 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. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by Zefiro Methane Corp. can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca/ . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6211fe6a-33b5-44c6-addb-bfb957d49032 Washington, DC, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the New Civil Liberties Alliance filed the first Complaint challenging President Donald Trumps unlawful attempt to require Americans to pay a heavy tariff on all products they import from China. President Trump imposed the tariff by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). However, this statute authorizes specific emergency actions like imposing sanctions or freezing assets to protect the United States from foreign threats. It does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. In its nearly 50-year history, no other presidentincluding President Trump in his first termhas ever tried to use the IEEPA to impose tariffs. NCLAs lawsuit does not quibble with President Trumps declaration of an opioid-related emergency, but it does take issue with his decision to impose tariffs in response, without legal authority to do so. Representing Simplified, a Pensacola-based company owned by entrepreneur Emily Ley, NCLA asks the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida to declare the China import tariff unlawful, vacate the increase reflected in the U.S. tariff schedule, and enjoin this tariffs implementation and enforcement. The new China tariff is harmful to Simplified, a company that improves womens lives by selling premium planners and other home management products. Simplifieds business depends on importing materials from China, and it already has paid substantial tariffs to purchase goods from China that are not available here. The emergency tariff will force it to make higher tariff payments, driving up its costs and thus prices for its customers, and reducing its profits. Under art. 1, 8 of the Constitution, Congress has sole authority to control tariffs, which it has done by passing detailed tariff statutes. The President cannot bypass those statutes by invoking emergency authority in another statute that does not mention tariffs. His attempt to use the IEEPA this way not only violates the law as written, but it also invites application of the Supreme Courts Major Questions Doctrine, which tells courts not to discern policies of vast economic and political significance in a law without explicit congressional authorization. If the IEEPA were held to permit this executive order, then the statute would run afoul of the nondelegation doctrine because it lacks an intelligible principle to limit or guide the presidents discretion in imposing tariffs. NCLA is joined by Bryan Gowdy of Creed & Gowdy, P.A. as local counsel in this important case. NCLA released the following statements: By invoking emergency power to impose an across-the-board tariff on imports from China that the statute does not authorize, President Trump has misused that power, usurped Congresss right to control tariffs, and upset the Constitutions separation of powers. Andrew Morris, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA The Constitutional power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises and to regulate commerce with foreign Nations belongs to Congress. The Administrations actions followed none of these constitutional commands, and the statute it cites does not even use the word tariff or tax. This unlawful impost must fall. John Vecchione, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA No prior president ever thought the IEEPA allowed him to set tariffs. Reading this law broadly enough to uphold the China tariff would transfer core legislative power. To avoid that nondelegation pitfall, the court must construe the statute consistent with nearly 50 years of unbroken practice and decide it does not permit tariff setting. Mark Chenoweth, President, NCLA For more information visit the case page here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### TORRANCE, Calif., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), the world's leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, entered an agreement with Operation Helo, a leading humanitarian organization specializing in rapid-response helicopter missions, to enhance disaster relief efforts. Robinson Helicopter has underwritten a portion on an R44 to Operation Helo to support the organizations relief efforts and will provide increased flight safety training for their pilots. Leveraging Robinsons reliable and easy-to-maintain aircraft and in-house training resources to support the organizations critical humanitarian work, the two will improve humanitarian flight operations in the United States. Operation Helo was established in the wake of Hurricane Helene, uniting volunteer pilots and helicopter owners for relief missions. With the support of Robinson Helicopter, Operation Helo will launch a first-of-its-kind disaster response aviation training program. The purpose-built training program is designed to prepare pilots to operate effectively in the most challenging and unpredictable disaster environments following the immediate aftermath of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. While Robinson helicopters will be a key focus, the training will encompass a range of aircraft to ensure pilot versatility in diverse scenarios. The heroic work of Operation Helo in the wake of Hurricane Helene showcased the versatility of Robinson aircraft and the incredible role private aviation plays during relief efforts, said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. At Robinson Helicopter, we understand the unique capabilities of helicopters to reach the most vulnerable in the aftermath of a disaster. The world needs more pilots and helicopters, and we support Operation Helo in their mission to leverage helicopters for good, safely and effectively. Robinson Helicopter and Operation Helo will be exhibiting at the SUN n FUN Aerospace Expo in Florida from April 1-6, 2025. Learn more about Operation Helo at booth FF-006 and FF-007. Robinson Helicopter will be in Booth NE-13-NE15. This partnership with Robinson Helicopter Company marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide swift and effective disaster relief, said Matt McSwain, co-founder of Operation Helo. By integrating Robinson's state-of-the-art helicopters with our dedicated network of pilots and volunteers, we're poised to reach even more communities in need, ensuring that no one is left behind during times of crisis. About Robinson Helicopter Company For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient manned and unmanned helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com. About Operation Helo Operation Helo is a humanitarian organization dedicated to delivering rapid-response aid to communities affected by disasters. During Hurricane Helene, Operation Helo led one of the largest civilian-led disaster response efforts, successfully executing over 4,000 missions to deliver millions of pounds of life-saving supplies to the hardest-hit areas. Our teams rescued more than 450 people trapped by floodwaters and destruction, while also deploying 523 Starlink systems to restore communication in isolated regions. Utilizing a vast network of volunteer pilots, veterans, and first responders, Operation Helo continues to conduct critical missions, including evacuations, supply deliveries, and communication restorations, embodying the spirit of hope and resilience. Contacts: Robinson Helicopter Company Robyn E. Eagles Robyn.eagles@robinsonheli.com 323-547-5102 Lee-Anne Aranda lee-anne.aranda@robinsonheli.com 310-539-0508 x294 Operation Helo Jennipher Harrill media@operationhelo.org 704-472-4940 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba8562d3-7e34-4b2f-a2e6-39eed4ce3748 This press release was published by a CLEAR Verified individual. BECANCOUR, Quebec, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Laurentide Controls, a leading provider of automation and reliability solutions, is proud to announce the construction of a new center in Becancour, marking the eight office and sixth maintenance and repair center for the company in Eastern Canada. This new facility, scheduled to open by Fall 2025 will be a significant milestone in Laurentide's commitment to supporting the growing needs of its industrial partners in the Vallee de la transition energetique (VTE), encompassing Shawinigan, Trois-Rivieres, and Becancour, located in the Mauricie region. Construction Lavigne & Baril Inc. has been awarded the construction contract. Work has begun on early March, with the building scheduled for completion by Fall 2025. Located on a 150,000-square-foot site with a 20,000-square-foot infrastructure, Laurentide's establishment in Becancour will serve as a hub for a comprehensive range of essential services. These services will encompass an assembly and repair shop, and local industrial maintenance activities, including valve and pump repairs. Additionally, Laurentide will provide crucial support in instrumentation and electrical services. A key aspect of this expansion is the creation of a customer experience centre. This centre will enable clients and partners to access staging services, industry events, and hands-on training sessions. This initiative aims to support our partners on the path to operational excellence by helping them grow and excel in their respective fields. Steve Dustin, Eng., President and CEO of Laurentide, expresses the company's enthusiasm for this strategic expansion: "We are thrilled to support our partners in the development of a thriving industry within the Vallee de la transition energetique. Our presence in Becancour underscores our commitment to delivering reliable solutions to address both current and future challenges faced by our clients throughout the lifecycle of their operations. Our purpose is to Help Industry Thrive in Eastern Canada and this exciting investment will enhance our ability to do so for years to come." Michel Portelance, VP of Strategic Growth and Marketing, emphasizes the company's dedication to community engagement: "We are enthusiastic about contributing to the development of the Vallee de la transition energetique and integrating into Becancour's community as a corporate citizen. Our goal is to foster meaningful connections and play a role in the region's growth." With the opening of this new facility, Laurentide will increase the total area of its Service and Repair Centres in Eastern Canada to nearly 40,000 square feet, further solidifying its position as a pillar in the regional industrial landscape. About Laurentide Controls: Established in 1968, Laurentide Controls is a leading provider of automation and reliability solutions in Eastern Canada. As an Emerson Impact Partner, Laurentide is committed to delivering high-quality products, services, and technical expertise to empower its partners to excel in their industries. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e780e506-d03a-4a3c-8c71-9753a75558c3 VANCOUVER, April 3, 2025 - Giant Mining Corp. (CSE: BFG | OTC: BFGFF | FWB: YW5) ("Giant Mining" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Hole MHB-32 ("MHB-32") has been successfully drilled to a total depth of 889.5 feet (271.1 meters). MHB-32 is the first hole of the 2025 diamond core drilling program (the "Core Program"), currently underway at the Majuba Hill Porphyry Copper-Silver-Gold Deposit ("Majuba Hill") in Pershing County, Nevada. Following the encouraging visual results from Hole MHB-32, a fifth hole has been added to the 2025 diamond core drilling program. This new hole was designed by Exploration Technologies ("ExploreTech") to specifically target a high-potential southern resistivity anomaly identified by its proprietary AI program." As previously stated, the primary objective of the Core Program is to expand the known zones of copper mineralization at Majuba Hill and advance the project toward a new Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"). David Greenway, CEO of Giant Mining, commented: "We are thrilled with the continued success of the 2025 drill program and encouraged by our team's recommendation to add an additional hole to the plan-another key step toward advancing Majuba Hill to a new NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate. This hole, designed in collaboration with ExploreTech, will test a high-potential southern resistivity anomaly identified by the ExploreTech AI program. The scale and potential of this system continue to impress, and this phase of drilling is critical to unlocking further value for our shareholders. With copper prices near all-time highs and growing urgency to develop domestic U.S. copper sources, the timing has never been better. The entire team at Giant Mining has never had more conviction in advancing Majuba Hill toward its true potential." Big Sky Exploration, LLC ("Big Sky") of Eureka, Nevada, successfully completed drilling of Hole MHB-32 and mobilized the drill rig to a new pad where Hole MHB-33 is scheduled to be drilled. MHB-32 was quick-logged and tagged for sampling on-site by Giant Mining geologists (Figure 2), as part of the Company's efforts to efficiently advance the 2025 Core Program at Majuba Hill. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1: Azurite, malachite, chalcocite in core from MHB-32: 527 to 537 ft (160.6-163.6 m) About Exploration Technologies Inc. ExploreTech's AI approach is specifically designed to combine surface geology and drilling results with computationally intensive remodeling of existing geophysical datasets to optimize targeting of covered targets. The process quickly generates thousands of solutions that cluster on the best fits between the geological and geophysical data and then generates drillhole trajectories designed to cut those clusters most effectively. ExploreTech first combines the geological concept with AI geophysical simulation to identify and locate where the source of a geophysical anomaly actually lies. This is done by testing thousands of possible explanations (models) for anomalies measured at the surface and selecting only those that closely match the real-world geophysics. The selected models of the combined geology and geophysics cluster around the most likely location of the anomaly. The program then evaluates the clusters in three dimensions to determine the optimal drilling trajectory to pierce as many of the target anomalies as possible. The entire process can be rerun as drill results for specific targets, or additional geophysical surveying, adds new information allowing improved vectoring to the best mineralized parts of a given ore system. This use of AI to reveal and reinforce target anomalies in existing geophysical datasets is a significant new exploration tool and has already been applied in several cases, some are viewable at www.exploretech.ai. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 2: Drill Team and Equipment on Site for 2025 Drill Program The core samples from MHB-32 will be securely transported to Giant Mining's secured warehouse facility in Elko, Nevada. At this location, the cores will undergo systematic sawing. Following this, the processed samples will be sent to ALS Group USA, Corp. ("ALS Labs") in Elko, Nevada. At ALS Labs, the samples will undergo rigorous analyses, including assays for copper, silver, gold, and other trace elements, to accurately assess the mineral content and support ongoing exploration efforts at Majuba Hill.? As previously reported in the March 17, 2025 news release, the 2025 Core Program has been designed to follow up on high-grade copper mineralization intersected in breccias from the 2024 core holes MHB-30 ("MHB-30") and MHB-31 ("MHB-31") and extend the high-grade copper zones below the historic underground workings (Figure 3). Click Image To View Full Size Figure 3: Majuba Hill 2025 Actual and Proposed Drill Hole Locations The Company will provide regular updates as the drill program progresses, including assay results, geological observations, and any significant developments encountered during drilling. These updates will keep shareholders and stakeholders informed on the advancement of the Majuba Hill project and its potential to support a future resource estimate. Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") Measures, Chain of Custody The Company utilizes a QA/QC program using best industry practices at the Majuba Hill Project. The samples are placed in cloth or plastic sample bags and are transported from the Majuba Hill to the Giant Mining secure warehouse for core sawing and processing and then samples are delivered to the ALS Labs sample prep facility in Elko, Nevada. ALS then transports the prepared pulps to their analytical lab in North Vancouver, B.C. Drill core samples are sawn in half lengthwise and one half is placed in labeled cloth sample bags. All samples are analyzed for copper, gold, silver, and 33 other elements. Gold is determined by ALS Labs method Au-AA23 which is a fire assay with an AAS finish on a 30-gram split. Copper, silver, and the remaining 31 elements are determined by ALS Labs method ME-ICP61 which is a four-acid digestion and ICP-AES assay. Approximately 5% of the submitted samples are drill duplicates and copper-gold-porphyry commercial standard reference material pulps. The remaining sample pulps are retrieved from ALS Minerals and retained by the Company for future metallurgical testing. Majuba Hill's critically important characteristics are as follows: Location: Nevada, USA - a globally top-ranked mining jurisdiction, ranked #1 in the Fraser Institute's 2022 Annual Survey of Mining Companies. Project Size: 9,684 Acres Infrastructure: The Majuba Hill property is 113 road km (70 miles) southwest of Winnemucca, Nevada, and 251 km (156 miles) northeast of Reno. Access is by well-maintained county roads from the Imlay, Nevada exit on U.S. Interstate 80, and traveling westward 23 miles. People, Roads, Power and Water are the basic elements when considering infrastructure and Majuba Hill already has a solid infrastructure foundation for building a large facility which will provide significant savings compared to more remote projects History: Historical Producer Drilling: 83,930 feet of drilling to date. Rough replacement value of drilling USD $10.4 Million in development costs. Mineralization: The project shows indications of a potentially large Cu - Ag +/- Au mineralized body with many features in common with both large porphyry copper, silver, and gold projects. Expandability: The IP survey, deep drilling, and step-out drilling indicate significant expansion potential, with mineralization open in all directions. Fully Financed: Secured funding for 2025 Drilling Campaign Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by E.L. "Buster" Hunsaker III, CPG 8137, a non-independent consulting geologist who is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"). About Giant Mining Corp. Giant Mining is focused on identifying, acquiring, and advancing late-stage copper and copper/silver/gold projects to meet the growing global demand for critical metals. This demand is driven by initiatives like the Green New Deal in the United States and similar climate-focused programs worldwide, which require substantial amounts of copper, silver, and gold for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and the modernization of clean and affordable energy systems. The Company's flagship asset is the Majuba Hill Copper, Silver, and Gold District, located 156 miles (251 km) from Reno, Nevada. Majuba Hill is situated in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with supportive regulations and has the potential to become one of the next major copper deposits, critical for meeting the increasing need for this red metal. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its 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. On Behalf of the Board of Giant Mining Corp. "David Greenway" David C. Greenway President & CEO For further information, please contact: E: info@giantminingcorp.com P: 1 (236) 788-0643 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS www.giantminingcorp.com LIKE AND FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn DOWNLOAD INVESTOR INFORMATION Click Here Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward?looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward?looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward?looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward?looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ### Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Westward Gold Inc. (CSE: WG, OTCQB: WGLIF, FSE: IM50) ("Westward" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that - further to press releases dated March 19 and March 26, 2025 - incoming strategic investor Crescat Capital LLC ("Crescat") has exercised its over-allotment option in full, increasing its total investment in Westward's previously-announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") to C$1,500,000. Crescat will be subscribing for a total of 18,750,000 units (each, a "Unit"), through Crescat Portfolio Management LLC on behalf of its five (5) Pooled Investment Funds. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share of the Company at a price of C$0.12 for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Offering. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used primarily for (i) drilling at Westward's flagship Toiyabe Hills Property in Nevada, where a 5,000-meter program across up to 10 holes is planned to test the Company's Campfire Target Complex (see press release dated February 27, 2025, for additional information), and (ii) general working capital purposes. Closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including from the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Common Shares and Warrants issued in relation to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day, in accordance with applicable securities laws. Certain finder's fees may also be payable to qualifying parties in accordance with the policies of the CSE. The Offering will not result in the creation of a new Control Person of the Company (as such term is defined in the policies of the CSE), as the Warrants are not exercisable if such exercise would result in the holder, together with any person or company acting jointly or in concert with the holder, owning, or exercising control or discretion, over 20% or greater of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. Certain insiders of the Company intend to acquire Units in the Offering. The participation by such insiders in the Offering will constitute a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Such participation is expected to be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, based on the fact that neither the anticipated fair market value of the Units subscribed for by the insiders, nor the consideration for the Units to be paid by such insiders, will exceed 25% of the Company's current market capitalization. The securities being offered have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This 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 the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Westward Gold Westward Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on developing the consolidated Toiyabe Hills Project located in the Cortez Hills area of Lander County, Nevada, and the Coyote and Rossi Projects located along the Carlin Trend in Elko County, Nevada. From time to time, the Company may also evaluate the acquisition of other mineral exploration assets and opportunities. For further information contact: Andrew Nelson Chief Financial Officer Westward Gold Inc. +1 (604) 828-7027 andrew@westwardgold.com www.westwardgold.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains or incorporates by reference "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur are, or may be deemed, to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potential", "on track", "forecast", "budget", "target", "outlook", "continue", "plan" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation of such terms. Such statements include, but may not be limited to, information as to strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, such as the Company's expansion plans, project timelines, expected drilling targets, and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future plans and performance. Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital by the Company through financings, and the risk that such funds may not be raised; the speculative nature of exploration and the stages of the Company's properties; the effect of changes in commodity prices; regulatory risks that development of the Company's material properties will not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons, availability of equipment (including drills) and personnel to carry out work programs, that each stage of work will be completed within expected time frames, that current geological models and interpretations prove correct, the results of ongoing work programs may lead to a change of exploration priorities, and the efforts and abilities of the senior management team. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements or information. These and other factors may cause the Company to change its exploration and work programs, not proceed with work programs, or change the timing or order of planned work programs. Additional risk factors and details with respect to risk factors that may affect the Company's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are set out in the Company's latest management discussion and analysis under "Risks and Uncertainties", which is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company's forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION, RELEASE, OR PUBLICATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES. Belmont Resources Inc. ("Belmont" or the "Company") (TSX.V: BEA; FSE: L3L2) proposes to undertake a private placement of securities to raise total gross proceeds of up to $1,363,500. The financing shall consist of 30,300,000 common shares at $0.045. Policy 4.1 - Private Placements ("Policy 4.1") of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") Corporate Finance Manual requires shareholder approval where a transaction results in a shareholder or combination of shareholders holding or controlling 20% or more of the Company's shares (a "Control Person"). The Company anticipates that, upon completion of the financing, three investors HMS Bergbau AG ("HMS"), ERAG Energie & Rohstoff AG PCC ("ERAG") and LaVo Verwaltungsgesellschaft MBH ("LaVo") will on a combined basis comprise a Control Person within the meaning of Policy 4.1. To fulfil the requirements of Policy 4.1, the Company will hold a special general meeting scheduled to take place at 11:00 AM (Pacific Time) on May 30, 2025 (the "Meeting") at which a resolution will be presented to shareholders to approve the creation of a Control Person. The record date for the special general meeting has been set for April 25, 2025. Pursuant to Policy 4.1, if a transaction results in the creation of a new Control Person, the TSXV requires the ?Company to obtain shareholder approval of the transaction on a disinterested basis, excluding any shares held by ?the new Control Person and its associates and affiliates.? HMS is a public company incorporated in Germany in 1995. HMS trades on the Deutsche Borse exchange (HMU), Berlin Stock Exchange (HMUG) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (HMU.DE). Mr. Dennis Schwindt is the CEO and Mr. Jens Moir is the CFO. ERAG is a private company based in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, founded on July 27, 2006. Dr. Lars Schernikau is a control person of ERAG. LaVo is a private company based in Berlin, Germany. Mrs. Michaela Schernikau, Mr. Heinz Schernikau, Dr. Lars Schernikau, Mrs. Yvonne Oestreich are the shareholders. Michaela Schernikau, Heinz Schernikau, Lars Schernikau and Yvonne Oestreich are related. The Company intends to use the gross proceeds of the financing for working capital. All securities issued shall be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from their date of issuance. Completion of the financing, the issuance of the securities and the payment of any finders' fees remain subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV. HMS currently directly and indirectly holds 9,200,000 common shares of the Company, representing approximately 9% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. HMS intends to subscribe for 15,000,000 common shares pursuant to the private placement. ERAG currently directly and indirectly holds 14,000,000 common shares of the Company, representing approximately 13.7% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. ERAG intends to subscribe for 4,000,000 common shares pursuant to the private placement. LaVo currently directly and indirectly holds zero common shares of the Company. LaVo intends to subscribe for 7,300,000 common shares pursuant to the private placement. Assuming that the private placement is completed for $1,363,500, HMS, ERAG and LaVo combined will have control or direction over, directly and indirectly 49,500,000 common shares of the Company, representing 37.41% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company, on an undiluted basis and approximately 34.74% of the issued and outstanding common shares on a diluted basis. About Belmont Resources Belmont Resources has assembled a portfolio of highly prospective copper, gold, lithium, uranium and rare earths projects located in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Washington and Nevada States. Crackingstone Uranium -Located in Saskatchewan's uranium-rich Athabasca Basin. Key highlights of the project include: Exceptional High-Grade Uranium Potential: The property has demonstrated historic grab sample grades of up to 15.6% U?O?. Previous mining on the site produced 11 tons at an average grade of 2.3% U?O?. Extensive Mineralized Corridors: Three major conductive and structural mineralized corridors, totaling 10 kilometers in length, have been identified and are associated with high-grade uranium occurrences. Comprehensive Drilling Program: Belmont has submitted a permit application for a two-year drilling initiative, which includes 40 drill holes totaling 10,000 meters. This program reflects the company's confidence in the property's potential to host significant uranium resources. Situated just six kilometers from Uranium City, the Crackingstone property benefits from excellent infrastructure, including road access, power availability, and logistical support. Belmont's exploration efforts also include evaluating rare earth element (REE) potential on the property, further enhancing its strategic importance. Come By Chance Copper-Gold Porphyry Target: Drill Permits Secured: Drilling to date has intersected the outer phyllic alteration zone of the porphyry system, a key indicator of proximity to the porphyry core. Compelling Target Identified: Exploration results are vectoring toward a large, untested chargeability and magnetic anomaly. This anomaly is considered one of the most promising targets for a vertically extensive porphyry center. Phase 2 Drilling Scheduled: A second phase of drilling is planned for Q3 2025 to test this high-priority target. The CBC project is situated in the Greenwood mining camp, an area known for its rich history of copper and gold production. This next phase of exploration aims to unlock the potential of a significant porphyry copper-gold system. Athelstan-Jackpot Gold: Drill Permitted; Athelstan-Jackpot (A-J) Gold Project, which includes two historically productive gold mines-Athelstan and Jackpot-that yielded 7,600 ounces of gold and 9,000 ounces of silver. Key highlights of the project include: Extensive Surface Mineralization: A 1,500-meter gold trend with widespread surface gold mineralization has been identified. Potential Resource Estimate: Previous trenching and sampling suggest a potential resource of 2,000 to 5,000 ounces of gold in surface and near-surface mineralized areas (2002 Summary Report by R.E. Miller, P.Geo). Exploration Focus: Belmont is investigating the potential for economic gold grades in mineable surface and near-surface ore zones along this trend. Upcoming Drilling Program: In Q2 2025, drilling will target high-resistivity zones identified as potential feeders coincident with surface gold occurrences. Lone Star Copper-Gold: 50% optioned to Australian Marquee Resources ASX:MQR; MQR has spent $2.5M in drilling, completed new resource in Dec. 2022 and a PEA in November 2023. Kibby Basin Lithium: 80% optioned to Australian Marquee Resources ASX:MQR; project located 60 kilometers north of the lithium rich Clayton Valley Basin. MQR has spent $2.5M in drilling in 2022 for potential deep seated lithium brine. 2022 Drilling confirmed high levels of lithium-bearing sediments along with dissolved lithium in the groundwater. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS George Sookochoff, CEO/President Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This Press Release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties, based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of exploration and other risk factors beyond its control. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Companies forward-looking statements and expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval; that we may not be able to raise funds required, that conditions to closing may not be fulfilled and we may not be able to organize and carry out an exploration program in 2025, and other risks associated with being a mineral exploration and development company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements. VANCOUVER, April 3, 2025 - Freegold Ventures Ltd. (TSX: FVL) ("Freegold" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that further to its news release of March 18, 2025, the Company has closed its upsized brokered private placement offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $41,975,805, which includes the exercise in full of the agent's option for additional gross proceeds of $5,475,105. Paradigm Capital acted as sole agent (the "Agent") on the Offering. In connection with the Offering, the Company entered into an agency agreement (the "Agency Agreement") dated April 3, 2025, between the Company and the Agent. In accordance with the Agency Agreement, 49,383,300 units of the Company (the "Units") were issued at a price of $0.85 per Unit. Each Unit is 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 is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") for 24 months from today's date at an exercise price of $1.30 per Warrant Share. The Warrants are 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 plans to use the net proceeds from the offering for general working capital and corporate purposes, with a primary focus on advancing the Golden Summit project. Drilling at Golden Summit is expected to resume next month, and an updated Mineral Resource Estimate is anticipated later in the second quarter, once the assays from the 2024 drill program have been finalized. Mr. Eric Sprott, through an entity owned and controlled by him, purchased an aggregate of 14,814,900 Units in the Offering, representing 30% of the Units issued under the Offering. Pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), the purchase of Units by Mr. Sprott was a "related party transaction". The Company was exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation in connection with the Offering in reliance on section 5.5(c) of MI 61-101, as the issuance of Units to Mr. Sprott was a distribution of securities of the Company to a related party for cash consideration. The issuance of the Units to Mr. Sprott was exempt from the requirement to obtain minority shareholder approval in reliance on section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the Units received by Mr. Sprott nor the proceeds for such securities received by the Company exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization as calculated in accordance with MI 61-101. A material change report will be filed less than 21 days from the date of the closing of the Offering. Closing the Offering in this shorter period was reasonable in the circumstances as the Company determined the shorter period was necessary because the terms of the transaction were favorable to the Company, given uncertain market conditions time was of the essence in closing the Offering, and closing the Offering expeditiously was in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. The Offering is subject to the final approval of 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 security 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 requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall 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 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 This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this press release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release, include, without limitation, statements regarding the receipt of TSX final approval for the Offering and the use of proceeds from the Offering. In making the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: availability of financing; delay or failure to receive required permits or regulatory approvals; and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, 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. See Freegold's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed under Freegold's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, for a detailed discussion of the risk factors associated with Freegold's operations. SOURCE Freegold Ventures Limited Just one kilometer east of downtown Toronto, the largest civil engineering project in North America is reshaping the course of the Don River, a major waterway. Were extending the Don by about 2 kilometers, says Cam Coleman, a communications director with the Canadian construction firm EllisDon. Once the project is complete, a canyon of caissons, drilled 40 to 80 meters into the bedrock and filled with concrete, will carry the river southward, through a largely vacant industrial area known as the Port Lands and out into Lake Ontario. The result will be a whole new set of neighborhoods -- 750 acres of waterfront property near the heart of a big city that is growing prodigiously.The new area will fill up rapidly. Looking back toward downtown on a recent morning, Coleman pointed out a new island rising just opposite a fire-gutted warehouse on the docks. At the moment, its a pile of mud. But in a few years time -- if all goes according to one tech giants plan -- it will be the home of Googles Canadian headquarters. It will also be the center of the most technologically advanced neighborhood in the world.Revitalizing a waterfront, changing the course of a river, setting the rules by which neighborhoods operate -- these are things that government, not the private sector, has traditionally done. Government initially took the lead in reimagining Torontos waterfront, too. Back in 2001, the federal, provincial and local governments teamed up to create a new entity, Waterfront Toronto, charged with doing just that. The parks, trails and high-rise buildings rising along the harborfront today testify to that strategys success.But two years ago, Waterfront Toronto decided to do something different with a 12-acre parcel of property at the edge of the Port Lands known as Quayside. It decided to make those 12 acres into a neighborhood that showcased smart city solutions. It put out a request for an innovation and funding partner. In October 2017, Waterfront Toronto announced the winner of the competition -- Sidewalk Labs, the sister company of Google.The partnership agreement was announced with great fanfare. According to the terms of the deal, Sidewalk would invest $50 million in creating a new entity, Sidewalk Toronto, and developing a plan for the Quayside area. Sketches put forward a picture of a technological wonderland. Residents would inhabit eco-conscious timber high-rises that were elegant, airy, green and cheap. Units would be modular: They would expand for families and contract when kids left. Robots in underground tunnels would deliver packages and reduce waste. Above ground, autonomous vehicles would ferry residents around, removing the need for parking spaces. Solar power would light the neighborhood; fresh air off the chilly waters of Lake Ontario would cool it in the summer. Removable pavers would make street repair easy. And everywhere -- everywhere -- there would be sensors, sorting the flow of people, bicycles and driverless cars; noting when trash bins need emptying; and calibrating building light and temperature settings, allowing the physical environment to interact with visitors and residents. News and design sites around the world rushed to publish images of this futuristic Elysium.It wasnt long before some Torontonians began to have second thoughts. The first one was about privacy. What would Sidewalk Labs do with the mountain of information Quayside would collect about residents and visitors? This remains a central focus of the debate about whether the company should be allowed to realize its vision. However, as Sidewalk Labs has moved ahead with its plan, an even more consequential debate has emerged -- a debate over governments role, and governments ability, to shape the future of the smart city. Companies such as Google already shape our digital worlds. The debate unfolding in Toronto may determine whether they shape our physical worlds as well.Toronto has been one of the fastest-growing big cities in North America for more than a decade. Canadas open immigration policies account for much of this growth. It is far easier for well-off, skilled people to immigrate to Canada than to the United States. Most of them make their home in or around Toronto. Forty-six percent of the citys 6 million residents are immigrants; tens of thousands more arrive every year.This growth has produced winners and losers. Homeowners and property holders have been winners. Property values have risen sharply, boosting city revenues and allowing elected officials to keep property taxes low. But rising property values have also made housing unaffordable to many Torontonians and put the citys transit system under intense pressure. Voters could have chosen to respond to these pressures by increasing public investment. They havent. Instead, conservative governments in Ontario and at the federal level have slashed support for public housing and public transit. In 2010, Torontonians elected an outspoken, car-loving populist mayor, Rob Ford. Ford died in 2016, but his like-minded brother Doug was elected premier of Ontario last year. Among his first actions were cutting the size of Torontos city council in half and moving to take control of the citys subway system. Although Ford vowed to fund improvements in that system, much of his plan to pay for them relies on billions in federal and city aid that he hasnt been able to secure.Fords actions have upset many of Torontos elected officials. However, the various levels of government have worked well together in other ways. The new agency they combined to create, Waterfront Toronto, was designed to take more risks than government agencies typically would. Indeed, assuming responsibility for certain risks, such as environmental remediation and regulatory approval, was Waterfronts central purpose. We take all that on, says Meg Davis, Waterfront Torontos chief development officer. Then the developers take on the risks that theyre the most equipped to bear, which include construction, market, design risk, all of those sorts of things.Waterfronts approach proved remarkably effective. A billion dollars in public investment leveraged more than $10 billion in private-sector investment. High-rise office towers and condominiums and a branch of George Brown College quickly spread across the harborfront. Gradually, development moved east, toward the Port Lands. Eventually, Waterfront Torontos attention came to rest on the 12-acre parcel of land on the edge of the Port Lands known as Quayside.Waterfront Toronto owned most of Quayside outright. That gave the agency the freedom to look for something big to try. It didnt have to look far. Its managers listened to consultants describe smart cities as a $1.8 trillion business opportunity. So they decided to seek a private-sector partner that could offer ideas to transform the way issues of sustainability, mobility and affordability are addressed. The agency reached out to more than 50 companies around the world. In the end, it found itself considering three proposals. One company stood out for the scope of its ambitions: Sidewalk Labs.Tech companies are strangely personal things. Their intellectual property consists of 0s and 1s, of code and bits. But their cultures reflect the personalities of their founders. Sidewalk Labs is legally a sister company of Google and a subsidiary of Alphabet, Googles global parent. But its mission and mindset reflect the ambitions of its founder and CEO, Dan Doctoroff.Doctoroff has been described as the greatest builder in New York City since Robert Moses. Unlike Moses, Doctoroff entered public service mid-career. After starting out as an investment banker, he led New York Citys bid to land the 2012 Olympics. That effort failed, but it attracted the attention of billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg, under whom Doctoroff served as deputy mayor for economic development and rebuilding. In that job, Doctoroff led a variety of major efforts, ranging from the creation of more than 150,000 affordable housing units to the development of the massive mixed-use Hudson Yards project on Manhattans West Side.After Bloomberg left office, Doctoroff ran his media and financial information company, until Bloomberg himself decided to return to a leadership position at the company. In 2015, Doctoroff and Googles then-executive chairman Eric Schmidt announced the formation of Sidewalk Labs. Its premise was that cities were ripe for reinvention. Sidewalk would use new technologies, in Doctoroffs words, to fundamentally bend the curve on virtually every aspect of quality of life.As for how Sidewalk would make money doing this, that would come later. We believe that if we can demonstrate that level of improvement therell be plenty of ways to make money, Doctoroff says. Quayside would be where the company was going to figure this out.In October 2017, Waterfront Toronto announced that Sidewalk Labs had been selected to develop a plan for Quayside. The initial reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Elected leaders from all three levels of government turned out for the announcement. Sidewalk announced it would invest $50 million to develop a detailed plan, and quickly set up an office in the area, with a staff of 30 people. In addition to hosting its Toronto workforce, the office serves as a demonstration space for new technologies such as permeable street pavers, modular apartments, dynamic streets with integrated lights to direct pedestrians and cyclists, and other sensor-driven technologies.Sensors were an inescapable part of the smart city project from the beginning. That effectively guaranteed that privacy and data collection would be concerns. Sidewalk and Waterfront Toronto were aware that their affiliation with Google, a company that earns most of its money by serving targeted ads to consumers whose lives and preferences it understands in intimate detail, might raise issues. Doctoroff was adamant that Sidewalk was not interested in earning money in a similar fashion. Weve made that clear pretty much from day one, Doctoroff says. That is just not a part of our business model. However, he and Waterfront Toronto knew from the start that not everyone would take his word for it. To address privacy concerns, Waterfront created an advisory council. It included a prominent privacy advocate, Ann Cavoukian, the well-regarded three-term Ontario privacy commissioner, as a consultant.Cavoukian developed a framework she called privacy by design, whose first precept was that privacy should be the default option: People should have to opt out of privacy protection, not take special steps to ensure it. Cavoukian also had strong opinions about cameras and sensors and the data they captured. She insisted that when a sensor collected any information on a person, all personal identifiers needed to be removed at the source before any data was sent to a central server. Processing data at the source was more computer-intensive and thus more challenging than uploading data to a central server and processing it there. Nevertheless, Sidewalk indicated that it agreed with this standard. Cavoukian was pleased by their commitment. I told them were going to make this a smart city of privacy, she says, not a smart city of surveillance like everywhere else in the world.However, Sidewalk didnt fully appreciate the commitment Cavoukian thought they were making. At an advisory board meeting last October, Sidewalk and Waterfront executives proposed what they saw as a novel solution to privacy concerns -- an independent trust that would hold all data generated and collected by the Quayside project. But Sidewalk also said that while vendors involved in Quayside would be encouraged to de-identify data, it did not have the power to require other companies to do so. The minute you lay it out like that, youre going to have personally identifiable data collected, which is totally unacceptable, Cavoukian says. The next morning, she resigned.Cavoukians resignation ignited a media firestorm that caught both Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto off guard. Sidewalk quickly announced that it supported her stringent guidelines but could not guarantee they would be binding on every company or vendor operating in Quayside. Doctoroff immediately called to ask what had happened and what could they do to get her back. Cavoukian declined to rejoin Sidewalk Labs, though she says she did not intend for her action to create such a negative backlash.The fallout, however, was only just beginning.Jim Balsillie is one of Canadas best-known tech executives. He was the longtime head of Research in Motion, the company that launched the first popular mobile computing device, the BlackBerry. Balsillie has been critical of Waterfront Torontos partnership agreement with Sidewalk Labs from the beginning. The first principle in a democratic smart city strategy is for citizens and their government to agree on the data governance policies that a vendor must respond to, says Balsillie. Instead, he continues, Waterfront Toronto has turned the most valuable piece of undeveloped real estate in North America over to a two-year-old startup with zero development experience.Worse, in Balsillies opinion, is that Waterfront Toronto was unwittingly allowing Google to develop a smart city operating system that could entrap rather than empower cities and their residents.Making data open does not address the core issue of control, and control of the data determines who can monetize it, Balsillie says. With access to parent company Alphabets portfolio of patents and its vast trove of preexisting data, Sidewalk Labs would enjoy an enormous advantage converting data generated by Quayside into profitable applications, even if other companies had access to that data too.Democracies, notes Miovision CEO Kurtis McBride, another critic, are organized in ways that give citizens the chance to change leadership or change direction every few years. In contrast, tech giants such as Google are really good at using technology architecture to implement business models that survive decades. In short, says McBride, democracy and technology are built on different principles.Waterfront Toronto and Sidewalk Labs have worked hard to respond to these criticisms. Waterfront hired an intellectual property expert recommended by Balsillie. Sidewalk Labs held a series of public meetings to address the concerns. But efforts to respond were hampered by a lack of clarity about the relationship between Sidewalk Labs, Sidewalk Toronto and Waterfront Toronto. Sidewalk Torontos building on the waterfront showcasing new technologies made it the focus of media attention. But what was Sidewalk Toronto? The Toronto office of Sidewalk Labs? A partnership between Sidewalk and Waterfront Toronto? Who should be responding to these criticisms? To many, it was unclear.Also unclear was Sidewalk Labs business model. If the company didnt intend to make money by selling information to advertisers, how did it intend to make money? To Balsillie, the answer was simple. Sidewalk Labs is a poorly disguised data and real estate front for Google, he says. No matter how much they try to hide this, it always comes out.Earlier this year, a report in thelent credence to this viewpoint. The paper published a report suggesting that Sidewalk was considering plans to implement innovations across the entire 715-acre Port Lands area, not just the 12-acre Quayside parcel. It was also allegedly willing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to bring light rail to the Port Lands -- something the city had long sought but never proposed to fund. The internal documents cited in the report suggested that in exchange, the company might seek a share of property tax revenue from developments whose value would be increased by the proximity of mass transit.The scope of Sidewalks ambitions -- and the idea that an American tech company was prepared to step in to address a problem that government had failed to address -- bothered opponents of the project. Doctoroff and Sidewalk Labs insisted they had nothing to hide. Creating a zone for autonomous vehicles or a district-wide energy system could not be accomplished on a parcel of 12 acres. Doctoroff noted that Sidewalks proposal had mentioned the larger Port Lands parcel numerous times. Critics were not appeased. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association sued Waterfront to prevent it from acting on Sidewalks proposal. A media-savvy technologist, Bianca Wylie, formed a new coalition to oppose Sidewalks vision of a privatized neighborhood for Quayside. But its first public meeting produced an unexpected result.The meeting took place this spring in a library on Torontos East Side, across the Don River from downtown. Councillor Paula Fletcher, a critic of the deal, presided, along with Bianca Wylie. Two nervous-looking staff members from Waterfront Toronto sat in the audience. By the time the meeting began at 6:30, some 200 people had filled the room. It was not a pro-Sidewalk crowd. But it turned out to be pro-government -- or at least pro-Waterfront Toronto.Wylie spoke up and said she trusted Waterfront Toronto and was going to give them a chance. One of Waterfronts representatives rose to speak. He announced that Waterfront would set up its own public comment process to review the master plan for Quayside that Sidewalk Labs was expected to present in the early summer.Still, Wylie didnt soften her skepticism about the role of Google, or the partnership approach. Why, she asked, would you empower a vendor to that degree to be working on a project like this, which is this wonderful opportunity to engage people?As one might expect, Canadian tech executive Kurtis McBride sees a more significant role for the private sector in fostering smart cities. Smart cities, he says, are an opportunity to develop and use technologies that can make cities more livable, democratic, efficient and sustainable. Still, he cautions, there is a danger in thinking technology can solve problems that are not tech-related or that vendors should lead these strategies.Surprisingly, thats a sentiment with which Sidewalks Dan Doctoroff agrees. We agree government should be setting the rules, he says. Thats what I always believed when I was in government. Governments job is to create the conditions at the end of the day for the private market to be successful. And we believe, very strongly, that that is governments job here. The fact that a private party participates in that doesnt mean the usurping of governments authority. In fact, we believe very strongly in governments role to set the rules to oversee it. And were eager to kind of follow that model.But its a mistake, he adds, to think that governments will be able to realize the potential benefits of smart cities on their own. We hope to develop a set of products or services that get deployed in Toronto for the first time that then have value to other places around the world, he says. I think whats probably not appreciated is the kind of risks that were prepared to take in order to demonstrate that. Sidewalk, for example, is ready to take the risk of building 30-story wooden skyscrapers to demonstrate to both governments and more cautious developers that timber buildings time has come. Were prepared to take that risk to demonstrate that it can work commercially and thats why were doing the development we are.Whether Sidewalks ambitions will ultimately attract or put off local residents remains to be seen. The first indication will come later this year, when Waterfront Torontos board will vote first on the plan. A vote by Torontos city council will follow, most likely before the year is over. Cavoukian, the privacy expert, remains wary. Trust is at an all-time low, she says.Doctoroff admits that he was caught off guard by the controversies Sidewalk Toronto has elicited. He wishes hed done some things differently, foremost among them articulating a data use and privacy policy earlier. But his experiences in Toronto havent changed his thinking about Sidewalks mission at all. Problems such as sustainability, affordability, health and mobility, he says, have only gotten worse. As for improving the quality of urban life (and profiting in the process), we are more and more convinced of the possibility.So, he continues, I think the mission is exactly what we thought it would be. Ferrari said no to black F40 for Hamilton's photo The iconic first photo of Lewis Hamilton at Maranello, flanked by the legendary F40 supercar, would have been different if the seven time world champion had his way. Lewis Hamilton, Fiorano Ferrari The photo, depicting the former Mercedes driver in a black suit and overcoat, has been 'liked' on Hamilton's Instagram an astonishing 5.7 million times. I told him that those pictures were iconic that he made, Hamilton's former Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted. It was so well curated, which is no surprise with Lewis. However, both Corriere della Sera newspaper and another Italian publication, Autosprint, claim Hamilton actually asked Ferrari if the F40 could be in black - not its iconic scarlet red. Autosprint correspondent Fulvio Solms claims Hamilton wanted a black F40 to symbolise his well-known push for social justice initiatives, fighting discrimination and promoting inclusion. But although Ferrari did have a black F40 on hand, the Maranello based team said no . Solms explains: Not so much because an F40 was not available in the classic department, but for a matter of principle. He added that the decision was made on the grounds of protecting Ferrari's legacy, but also to reinforce the notion that while Hamilton is one of the most influential Formula 1 drivers of all time, the team always comes first at Ferrari. (GMM) New Ferrari floor not ready until Bahrain Ferrari's new floor for its 2025 car will not debut until next weekend in Bahrain, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. Lewis Hamilton, Chinese GP 2025 Ferrari The authoritative La Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting the same information, contradicting earlier claims that the new floor could be ready for this weekend's Japanese GP. Technical journalist Paolo Filisetti, however, insists that Ferrari's new technical director Loic Serra has worked as fast as he can on the new Bahrain-spec solution. In Australia and China, the Maranello based team realised that its 2025 car was critically sensitive to changes in ride height, often resulting in substantial downforce loss . Loic Serra returned to Maranello immediately after Melbourne with the aim of analysing possible short-term solutions, said Filisetti. Team boss Frederic Vasseur admits his own concern that the real potential of the SF-25 has only been seen so far on Friday and in the sprint in China . La Gazzetta dello Sport's Filisetti, however, insists that the basic concept of the 2025 project is sound. As for the new floor for Bahrain, he says around 20 adjustments were tested in simulations to determine the optimal base for the single-seater that will take to the track in Japan . The Bahrain floor will not be a large package, but a preview of what is planned for the race weekend in Miami at the beginning of May . Charles Leclerc said at Suzuka on Thursday: "When you start in the middle of the pack with degradation, you cannot show your pace. So we need to improve in qualifying. We have to work on that. Small steps after small steps - we can still have an amazing season. (GMM) Russell not worried at all about 2026 Mercedes seat George Russell on Thursday insisted he is "not worried at all" about his forthcoming contract negotiations. George Russell, Chinese GP 2025 Mercedes Max Verstappen is increasingly linked with a move to Mercedes for the new rules era beginning in 2026. Despite Russell's superb current form, hailed by team boss Toto Wolff, it is widely believed that if Mercedes did have to make room for Verstappen, Wolff would opt to keep his 18-year-old protege Kimi Antonelli. Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, however, does not agree with that. If Max were to go to Mercedes, the young Antonelli, who has been performing brilliantly so far, would probably have to go, he told Blick newspaper this week. Russell, currently third overall in the 2025 standings, insisted at Suzuka that he hasn't been following the latest rumours. I don't follow the press or what's written on social media, but just this morning someone told me that Toto has spoken very highly of my work, he said. It's nice to hear, but I already know that he supports me and believes in me. What's most important is what happens within the team, not in the rest of the world. Both Wolff and Russell recently said the British driver's contract negotiations would be held at bay for now. I am not worried at all about it, Russell said. "I just believe in myself. Everything can change very quickly in Formula 1, but the main thing is always results, so in this regard everything is fine. If you remember previous contracts, then usually it takes Toto and me no more than a day. So on my part there's no rush and I don't feel any pressure. (GMM) Next article: Faisal Islam: This is the biggest change to global trade in 100 years Ghanas business landscape expands, but growth remains uneven 2024 IBES Report Kweku Zurek Business News Apr - 03 - 2025 , 12:54 The number of business establishments in Ghana has tripled over the past decade, reaching 1.87 million in 2024, up from 638,235 in 2014, according to the latest findings from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). However, employment growth has lagged behind, raising concerns about the structure and sustainability of the countrys business environment. The 2024 Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES I), released on April 3, provides an in-depth analysis of Ghanas business ecosystem, covering sectoral distribution, employment trends, and formalization. While the surge in businesses is a positive development, the report highlights key challenges such as informality, financial constraints, and sluggish employment expansion. Micro businesses on the rise One of the most striking findings is the dominance of micro-sized businesses, which now account for 90.4 per cent of all establishmentsa significant rise from 16.6 per cent in 2014. These enterprises, typically engaging between one and five persons, have driven the overall increase in business numbers. However, their expansion has not translated into proportionate employment growth, with the number of persons engaged increasing from 3.28 million in 2014 to 6.90 million in 2024a considerably slower pace compared to the tripling of business establishments. The share of medium-sized enterprises has declined sharply, while small businesses make up 8.5 per cent of the total. Large enterprises remain rare, constituting only 0.3 per cent of all businesses. Despite their small scale, micro-enterprises are the largest employers, providing jobs for 2.89 million people, nearly double the workforce of large companies. Financial struggles and informality persist Financial sustainability remains a significant hurdle for Ghanaian businesses. The report reveals that 70 per cent of establishments generate less than GHS 10,000 annually, while only 0.01 per cent surpass the GHS 1 million revenue mark. This disparity underscores the economic vulnerability of the majority of businesses, particularly in the informal sector. Informality remains a dominant feature of Ghanas business landscape, with 92.3% of enterprises operating outside the formal regulatory framework. Notably, older businessesthose over 50 years oldare more likely to be informal, and recent trends indicate that more businesses are moving into informality rather than formalizing. While Greater Accra, Upper East, and Upper West have experienced a rise in informal businesses, Central and Northern regions have seen a gradual shift towards formalization. Digital and green practices gaining ground Despite these challenges, some positive trends are emerging. The adoption of digital financial services is on the rise, with 37.2 per cent of businesses integrating digital payment solutions. The highest adoption rates are recorded in Greater Accra (50.9 per cent), while the lowest are in Savannah (18.9 per cent). Additionally, businesses are increasingly embracing environmentally sustainable practices. According to the IBES I report, 28.5 per cent of agricultural businesses and 20.6 per cent of industrial firms have adopted green practices, signaling a gradual shift towards sustainability in the business sector. Policy implications and the way forward Speaking at the launch of the report, the Treasurer of the Association of Ghana Industries, Raphael Ayitey emphasized the importance of data-driven policymaking. He noted, "There is a growing demand for reliable and timely business data, frequently requested by policymakers and development partners. The lack of such data can lead to underestimating the informal sectors contribution to GDP and distort the structure of manufacturing and productivity over time. With insights from the IBES report, planners and policymakers now have a clearer understanding of both the formal and informal sectors, paving the way for better-structured business operations in the future." The event also featured presentations from Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim, Government Statistician, and Dr. Faustina Frempong-Ainguah, Deputy Government Statistician. They emphasized the need for strategic investments in infrastructure, digital financial systems, and business formalization to address the challenges highlighted in the report. Next article: This is why Professor Godfred Bokpin wants the current IMF programme to be extended US tariff hike threatens Ghanas exports economist urges shift to African market GraphicOnline Business News Apr - 03 - 2025 , 16:20 Ghanas exports to the United States are set to face a fresh hurdle following the US governments decision to impose a 10 per cent tariff on goods exported to the country. The announcement has sparked concerns among businesses and policymakers in Ghana, with fears of reduced competitiveness in the US market. Professor Godfred Bokpin, a finance and economics expert at the University of Ghana, has called for a strategic shift in Ghanas trade focus, advocating for stronger engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to mitigate the impact of the tariff. Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on April 3, 2025, Professor Bokpin described the tariff as part of a broader trend of rising protectionism by the US. He cautioned that such trade policies are becoming the new normal and that Ghana must find ways to adapt. This is the new normal. Theres no way of avoiding it. Countries are trying to find ways to cope, respond, and mitigate the effects, he stated. He acknowledged that while the 10 per cent tariff is significant, Ghana has limited bargaining power to negotiate a reduction. However, he emphasised the need for adaptability in response to global trade shifts. The tariff is expected to raise costs for Ghanaian businesses exporting to the US, with potential price increases being passed on to American consumers. Professor Bokpin warned that the added costs could lead to reduced demand for Ghanaian products in the US market, further straining trade relations. Americans will feel it because prices will rise, but the main concern is the reduced competitiveness of our products in the US, he explained. Despite these challenges, he believes Ghana can mitigate the impact by prioritising trade within the African continent. He strongly advocates for increased engagement with the AfCFTA, which aims to boost intra-African trade by lowering tariffs and promoting regional economic cooperation. We need to diversify our trade partners and increase our share of the African market, he stated. The AfCFTA presents an opportunity for Ghana to strengthen trade ties within Africa and reduce reliance on traditional markets such as the US and Europe. With regional trade expanding, Professor Bokpin urged the government and businesses to place greater emphasis on the AfCFTA, highlighting its potential to drive economic stability and growth. This is the time for Ghana to increase its participation in regional markets, he stressed. The African market has significant potential, and by focusing on it, we can build stronger trade relations and improve economic resilience. He further underscored the importance of value addition and industrialisation in Ghanas trade strategy, urging the government to support businesses that process raw materials into finished goods. According to him, this would enhance Ghanas export competitiveness, not just in Africa but on the global market as well. We must focus on adding value to our exports. This is crucial if we are to remain competitive, he noted. Next article: Martha Ankomah on colourism in Ghanas film industry: 'The pressure to bleach was too much' Go to school, talent not enough to survive Ja Rule to GH creatives Edith Mensah Showbiz News Apr - 03 - 2025 , 07:30 3 minutes read WHILE talent may have been enough to propel one into the spotlight in the past, American rapper Ja Rule advises Ghanaian creatives it is no longer sufficient, especially in todays rapidly evolving world where new trends, such as artificial intelligence, are transforming the creative space. Instead, he believes enhancing their skills through formal education is key to unlocking their full potential and becoming exceptional musicians. It will equip them with the necessary knowledge to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. The Always on Time crooner shared his thoughts with the media following a brief tour of the National Museum in Accra on Monday, March 31, 2025, aimed at familiarising himself with Ghanaian culture. According to him, staying current with industry trends and technological advancements is vital in the fast-moving music sector. "As creatives and musicians, it's essential to make education an integral part of your journey. While talent is a great starting point, it's no longer enough to rely solely on natural ability. The world needs more than just your talent; it needs exceptional individuals who can elevate their craft through knowledge, skills and dedication. To stand out in the competitive music industry, you must be willing to continuously learn, grow and refine your skills. It's not just about learning music theory or instrumentation; it's about developing a deeper understanding of the music industry, its trends and its demands. Investing in your education is investing in your future. It's a commitment to yourself and your craft, and it will pay off in the long run. Don't just rely on your talent; take the initiative to learn, grow and become exceptional musicians. The world needs more talented and educated musicians, he advised. He also stressed that prioritising education could help artistes develop unique sounds and styles that would differentiate them from their peers while improving their songwriting, composition and performance skills. "When you give formal education utmost importance, you can develop a unique sound and style that sets you apart from others. You can improve your songwriting, composition and production skills, which will enhance your overall craft. Staying up-to-date with industry trends and technological advancements is also crucial in today's fast-paced music industry. Education will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to these changes and stay ahead of the curve. Furthermore, education will provide opportunities for you to network with other musicians, producers and industry professionals, potentially leading to new collaborations and career opportunities, he added. The rapper, who is in the country to officially inaugurate a six-unit classroom block for Nuaso Anglican Primary School in the Eastern Region, also shared that he is open to working with relevant stakeholders to establish systems that provide creatives with access to formal education. "I'm very passionate and that's why I've decided to invest in this global education programme and I am very much open to engaging leaders on any move that will help our creatives grow," he said. TGMA26: Charterhouse breaks silence on why King Palutas Makoma wasnt nominated Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Apr - 03 - 2025 , 12:17 2 minutes read The Telecel Ghana Music Awards Board has addressed the controversy surrounding King Paluta's song "Makoma" not receiving a nomination this year. In a statement released by Charterhouse's Head of Communications and Public Events, Robert Klah, the Board denied allegations that the song's alleged profanity was the reason for its exclusion, suggesting a different explanation. According to the organisers, each artiste can have only one song per category, except for Best Collaboration, Best International Collaboration and Best Music Video. The statement also asserts that, This rule prevents vote-splitting and ensures that artists have the most substantial chance of winning. (Read also: A dive into TGMA 26 nominations, DopeNation did not file for 2025 TGMA Robert Kla, PRO of Charterhouse, TGMA26 Big 5 nominees: Hits and misses) Using King Paluta's "Aseda" and "Makoma" as an example, we applied this rule to select the most popular song. Based on our research, including streaming numbers and airplay from 175 radio stations, "Aseda" was adjudged the more popular choice in both Highlife and Most Popular Song of the Year categories," part of the statement reads. The Board also clarified its current rule, which allows only one nomination per artist per category, although this rule has been relaxed in some previous years. This policy is not new, as a similar rule was introduced in 2016. At that time, Bisa Kdei had two hit songs, "Mansa" and "Brother Brother," but only "Mansa" was nominated. Contrary to speculation that "Brother Brother" was excluded due to explicit content, it was actually Bisa Kdei who chose to submit "Mansa" after being informed that only one song per artist could be nominated per category. The Board had previously deviated from this rule in subsequent years, but it appears to have reinstated the one-artist-one-song policy this year with the exclusion of King Palutas Makoma. See press statement below: A disturbing phenomenon - Thinking Aloud with Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh Thinking Aloud Apr - 03 - 2025 , 07:57 5 minutes read When people do not know about certain historical facts, they take things for granted and presume that they are better suited to tell the story of their nation, especially if they happen to be journalists, but as Achebe notes "the media are not there to satisfy the likes of them, not even now that they serve on the editorial boards". Throughout the 1980s and until my retirement in 2018, I worked in a newsroom where many of the journalists took delight in scorning or mocking their counterparts who fell foul not necessarily of the law, but into the traps of dictatorship. Many felt that as journalists working in state-owned media, we had an obligation to agree with the government on all matters and never to disagree with any policy, no matter how useful, productive, or useless it was. In one bewildering instance, the sudden appearance of a journalist who had been detained and maltreated in military custody for two months for writing an article critical of the military in 1993, when we had entered the constitutional era, was received with joy by many in the newsroom while a few raised muted resentment. In 1993, Prof. Albert Adu Boahen and Kwesi Pratt Jnr were arraigned before a public tribunal (district tribunal) in connection with a landmine found at a refuse dump at Bubuashie in Accra. The Constitution had done away with district tribunals and had provided in the transition period that only cases heard up to a certain stage must continue until judgment while pending cases were to be transferred to district or circuit courts. Only the Regional Tribunal was to be retained as part of the Superior Courts of Judicature. But we have not had any Regional Tribunal since. Unambiguous provisions Despite these express and unambiguous provisions, the state found it expedient to send this fresh case to a district tribunal. I had not gone to the Ghana School of Law and thus was not a lawyer then. Yet, with my reading and understanding of the provisions of the 1992 Constitution, I found the development disturbing and unlawful. Accordingly, I took up the matter and wrote about it, pointing out the need to respect the rule of law and due process. My biggest challenge was my colleagues in the newsroom who not only failed to appreciate our obligation to promote and strengthen democracy but, more importantly, to ensure that the government and all agencies of the state respected the rule of law, due process, and provisions of the 1992 Constitution, especially Article 162(5). The article provides that, "All agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution and shall uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people of Ghana". In those times, we had typists in the newsroom who typed our handwritten scripts. For two days, the typist tried to dodge typing my article. When he was finally prevailed upon to type, the Features Editor, Mr Daniel Kondor, felt a certain uneasiness about publishing it. I continuously engaged him for three days. When he eventually opened up, he told me he could not contemplate how the Editor would take it. I was the Associate Editor at the time. Upon understanding why he was reluctant to use my article, I explained to him that I could order and direct him, but I wanted him to exercise some editorial independence. I pointed out, however, that if after another two days the article was not published, I would work on it and get it published, and that if the Editor had any challenge, he would speak to me, not him. Thereafter, the article was published. That same day, there was a directive to transfer the matter from the tribunal to the Circuit Court. That same day, many of my colleagues who were heard complaining the previous evening that I had never written anything positive about the government and that it was too early to criticise the governments actions because we had just entered into constitutional democratic rule from a military regime, came to ask where I got the courage to write the article. They were all pleased about the outcome but feared there could be some repercussions. But I did not have any hunches at all because even under the Provisional National Defence Council, I had criticised some policies and even told the Secretary of Information, who had asked why I did not support the governments policy, whether he expected me to embrace any government policy as soon as it was made public since I am never privy to the reasons that informed such policy. My expectation of our journalists who have lived through the 1992 Constitution with all the guarantees of freedom is that they would not only protect media freedoms but equally honour the spirit and letter of Article 162 (5) in accordance with Article 41, which states that there can be no right without a corresponding obligation or responsibility to perform a duty. That is why I am urging our journalists, especially those working in the state-owned media, not to condone the Minister of the Interior in having the temerity to state on the floor of Parliament that an attempt by officials of state security to enforce a decision of a High Court after the Supreme Court had frozen that decision, is not only a demonstration of militant disorder but a serious breach and undermines the rule of law, due process and constitutionalism. Join hands It is imperative that the Ghanaian media, Members of Parliament, and all well-meaning Ghanaians join hands in stemming the tide of misuse of state security and known party hoodlums to cause havoc to individuals, no matter how evil they seem. The philosophy of our jurisprudence is that a man is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It might be a stab in the back of journalists who fought for freedom and independence of the media in the inglorious period of military dictatorship to live to see those born into constitutional democracy surrendering their rights because as Achebe maintains, " today's incident has shown that a man must not swallow his cough because he fears to disturb others" nor should they take the recent developments " for granted like the attention of the invisible bell-boy who shines your shoes overnight in an expensive hotel"! Next article: 118 Killed by Lassa fever in Nigeria since January Death sentence for 3 Americans over DR Congo coup attempt overturned BBC Africa International News Apr - 03 - 2025 , 10:52 2 minutes read Three Americans convicted for their role in a failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year have had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, the presidency has said. They were among 37 people sentenced to death last September by a military court. The three were accused of leading an attack on both the presidential palace and the home of an ally of President Felix Tshisekedi last May. The overturning of the sentences comes ahead of a visit to DR Congo by the newly appointed US senior advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos. Boulos, father-in-law to President Donald Trump's daughter, Tiffany, is expected to arrive in Kinshasa today, April 3, on a trip that will also take him to Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda. The US has not declared the three Americans to be wrongfully jailed in DR Congo but the State Department said previously there had been talks between the countries over the matter. The three were convicted of criminal conspiracy, terrorism and other charges, which they denied. The suspected leader of the plot, Christian Malanga, a US national of Congolese origin, was killed during the attack, along with five others. In total, 51 people were tried in a military court, with hearings broadcast on national TV and radio. Fourteen people were acquitted and freed, with the court finding they had no connection to the attack. Death sentences have not been carried out in DR Congo for roughly two decades and convicts who receive the penalty usually serve life imprisonment instead. Yesterday, April 2, President Tshisekedi signed orders to commute the Americans' death sentences, his spokesperson Tina Salama said in a televised statement. The three Marcel Malanga Malu, Tylor Thompson and Zalman-Polun Benjamin were granted "individual clemency," by the President, according to Salama. Meet the Nigerian pastor acquitted of rape after eight years in South African jail Graphic.com.gh International News Apr - 03 - 2025 , 16:51 2 minutes read After spending eight years in jail, a Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, accused of raping young women from his South African church has been found not guilty of all charges. Omotoso had denied the 32 charges in a trial that was broadcast live and gained huge interest across the country. In 2018, one witness told the court she had been raped by the pastor - who ran a church in the city of Port Elizabeth - when she was 14 years old. When delivering the verdict on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the judge presiding over the trial said that Mr Omotoso had been found not guilty because prosecutors had mishandled the case. South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) shared a similar assessment, saying that "former prosecutors in the case acted improperly and the accused were not sufficiently cross-examined by the state". The NPA said it would now "consider its legal options" and that the drawn-out nature of the trial was partly down to Mr Omotoso filing numerous legal challenges. For his part, Mr Omotoso told the media he thanked God for the verdict. Hi co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, were also found not guilty. Mr Omotoso was dramatically arrested at an airport in 2017 as he sought to leave the country. His trial was the first prominent rape case to be broadcast live in a country where sexual violence is rampant. The hearings attracted huge interest, and raised difficult questions about victims' rights, impartiality and whether justice is best served by having television cameras in courtrooms. Following Wednesday's verdict, Mr Omotoso will be deported to Nigeria, South African media outlet News24 reported. Cabinet to decide ECGs future soon, restructuring among options Deputy Energy Minister Mohammed Ali Apr - 03 - 2025 , 12:08 2 minutes read The future of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will soon be determined as the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition considers restructuring the power distributor to address persistent revenue losses. A final decision is expected after Cabinet deliberations, Deputy Minister Richard Gyan-Mensah has said. Speaking on JoyNews on Wednesday, April 3 2025, Mr Gyan-Mensah disclosed that a ministerial committee tasked with reviewing ECGs operational challenges had submitted three reform proposals. Among them, the option of segmenting ECGs operations has gained traction. The committee suggested three options. The first was to place ECG under a full concession, where its entire operations and administration would be handed over to a private entity, he said. The second option, which appears to be the preferred choice, involves breaking up ECGs operations either by geographical regions or functional areas. This approach would allow multiple private players to manage different aspects of ECGs operations, Mr Gyan-Mensah explained. Government assets would be leased to these entities, but whether ECG would be divided into northern, southern, and middle zones or structured differently is yet to be decided. Dr Steve Manteaw, Chairman of the Ghana Extractives Transparency Initiative, who also spoke during the interview, backed this approach, particularly in tackling revenue collection challenges. We support the second option, where different jurisdictions are created and managed by Ghanaian private entities. This will improve metering and bill collection, Dr Manteaw said. He added that under this arrangement, if there are any revenue losses, they will be the responsibility of the private operator, not the government. Mr Gyan-Mensah assured ECG workers that job security would be a major consideration in the reforms, acknowledging concerns about possible layoffs. We understand that workers are worried about job security, and their welfare will be protected in whatever model is adopted, he said. We will also assess which option best serves Ghanaians. Dr Nii Darko Asante, a former board member of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, stressed the importance of improving revenue collection, noting that commercial losses make up a large portion of ECGs financial shortfall. The priority should be on metering and collections. With some investment, ECG can also address technical losses by upgrading transformers, lines, and other equipment, Dr Darko said. A final decision on the restructuring is expected within a week after further consultations with stakeholders. The ministry is also working with security agencies to recover missing ECG equipment, with Mr Gyan-Mensah confirming that some stolen cables had already been intercepted in Tema. ECG 'missing containers': Former ECG boss denies allegations, calls for more thorough investigation Gertrude Ankah Apr - 03 - 2025 , 14:57 3 minutes read A former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has rejected claims that 1,346 ECG-bound containers have gone missing, insisting that they remain under the custody of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and Ghana Customs. Speaking on TV3s Ghana Tonight programme on Wednesday, April 2, Mahama dismissed allegations that the containers had disappeared under his watch, stressing that ECG was never in direct custody of the cargo. "Honestly, I strongly believe the containers are still at the port," Mahama stated, emphasising that only two entitiesGPHA and Ghana Customshad control over them. His remarks follow a technical committee report by the Energy Ministry, which claimed that over 1,300 containers meant for ECG could not be accounted for, raising concerns about mismanagement and possible corruption in the companys supply chain. Containers are at the port, not missing Mahama refuted the notion that ECG was responsible for any missing cargo, arguing that the issue was a matter of port procedures rather than mismanagement within ECG. "This conversation would have been different if we were saying that the containers were in the custody of ECG and got lost. But that is not the case. The containers are still at the port," he asserted. He also questioned why ECGs containers would be auctioned without official notification, stressing that unpaid duties should not justify their disposal without ECGs knowledge. "If ECG hasnt paid its duties, does that justify auctioning a container without informing ECG? Thats the only way a container can leave the port," he argued. Mahama dismissed the idea that a container could simply vanish, calling the assertion unrealistic. "A container is not like a piece of paper that you fold and throw away. In international supply chain logistics, every container has a unique number A container cannot get missing. A container can only get misplaced or lost at sea. So there are laid-down processes in every port worldwide. All I'm trying to say to you is that we need to have a diligent search and everybody needs to assist in this," he stressed. Criticism of Energy Ministrys Committee Mahama also criticised the Energy Ministrys technical committee for failing to consult him before publishing its report. He expressed frustration that his name appeared in the committees findings despite not being given the opportunity to present his side of the story. "As I sit here, the committee completed its job without speaking to me. Yet, I am named in the committees report," he stated. "They spoke to directors at ECG, but not to me. How would you feel if you were in my position?" He further claimed that while in office, he wrote to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) regarding the containers but never received a formal response. "There are letters flying around. When I was in office, I wrote to them. But I never got a reply," he noted. As investigations continue, Mahama has called for a thorough review of port records and accountability from relevant authorities to establish the true whereabouts of the ECG-bound containers. Related articles: Energy Minister confirms 40 missing ECG containers found in Tamale warehouse Government to pursue and prosecute syndicate behind missing ECG containers John Jinapor demands forensic audit over missing ECG containers 14 Arrested over missing ECG container saga Next article: Police arrest two suspects for illegal possession and discharge of firearms at funeral Previous article: Meet Naomi Wolali Kwetey, wife of NDC General Secretary who has just been nominated as acting MD of Consolidated Bank Ghana ECOWAS delegation calls on Buffer Stock CEO Graphic.com.gh Apr - 03 - 2025 , 19:02 2 minutes read A delegation from the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has held discussions with the new leadership of National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) in Accra aimed at strengthening food security in Ghana and the sub-region. The visit was also intended to consolidate existing relationship between Ghanas National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The two-member visiting team also held similar discussions with Ghanas Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku. Since 2017, Ghanas NAFCO has been holding emergency food stocks for the regional economic bloc after winning a competitive bid as part a comprehensive action for a regional food security reserve supported by the European Union (EU) and being implemented by the Lome-based RAAF. The Executive Director of the ECOWAS Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF), Mr. Mohamed Zongo commended NAFCO and the Ghanaian government for being worthy partners in the food security agenda. He said through the Regional Food Security Reserve concept, ECOWAS has carried out 23 interventions to forestall famine and insecurity in countries such as Niger, Mali, Sierra Leone, Cameroun and Ghana where some 70,000 metric tones of different grains and cereals were handed over to governments in beneficiary countries. Mr. Zongo hinted of a decision by RAAF to scale-up its reserves in Ghana in the course of the year. The Chief Executive Officer of NAFCO, commended ECOWAS for prioritizing the food security needs of the subregion and expressed the readiness of NAFCO to deepen its relations with RAAF for the common good of the subregion. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NAFCO, Mr. Osmond Amuah asked RAAF to consider strategic supports to Ghana towards the enhancement of its storage facilities and management. Mr. Zongo was accompanied by the Head of the Regional Food Security Reserve Division, Mr. MalickBen Iddris Lompo. Present at the meeting were some management team members of NAFCO including Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel J.K Arthur; Head of Operations, Mr. Arnold Kojo Akah, Head of Finance, Mr. Titus Tawiah and Head of Human Resources, Mad. Rebecca Mensah. In September last year, Ghana received 500 metric tonnes of cereals from the ECOWAS Regional Food Security Reserve to help its national response strategy following a drought that affected major grain supply areas in northern Ghana. The delivery of maize, sorghum, millet, and rice increased the resilience of populations facing food insecurity. The Reserve is the third pillar of ECOWAS regional storage strategy, adopted by its 15-member nations on February 28, 2013, in Yamoussoukro, Cote dIvoire by ECOWAS Heads of States. Next article: Trump announces sweeping tariffs on all countries; Ghana affected by 10% tax Ghana Armed Forces probes alleged assault of civilians by soldiers in Kumasi GraphicOnline Apr - 03 - 2025 , 06:52 2 minutes read The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has launched an investigation into an alleged assault of three civilians by seven military personnel in Kumasi on Friday, March 28, 2025. The accused officersthree senior officers and four soldiersare said to have arrested and physically attacked the civilians over claims of stealing a mobile phone belonging to another individual. In a press release issued on April 2, 2025, the Military High Command confirmed that the civilians sustained various degrees of injuries and assured the public of a thorough investigation into the incident. Military and Police collaboration in investigations The Military Police, in partnership with the Ashanti Regional Police CID, has taken charge of the case to establish the facts. Meanwhile, the accused military personnel have been placed under closed arrest while investigations continue. Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces, urged the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course. "We urge the families and friends of the victims to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigations," he stated. The Military High Command has assured that any personnel found guilty will be dealt with in accordance with the law, reinforcing its commitment to discipline and accountability within the force. This incident has sparked discussions about military conduct and civilian rights, with many awaiting the findings of the investigation and the subsequent actions by GAF. 10 Communities benefit from Jasikan borehole spare parts bank Alberto Mario Noretti Apr - 03 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read Plan International Ghana has set up a borehole spare parts bank in Jasikan in the Oti Region, to ensure uninterrupted access to water in 10 communities. The bank readily has the parts needed to repair broken-down boreholes without delay, a clear departure from the past. The beneficiary communities are Akaa, Atonkor, Atwereboana, Ketsi and Koensim. The others are Asele, Dzoku, Lekanti, Nanankoe and Udey. The project coordinator, Divine Kwami Adzime, told journalists during a visit to the facility on Friday that Plan International Ghana had constructed a total of 10 boreholes in the various communities, in addition to some old ones built before the intervention by the organisation. Mr Adzime said in the past, defective boreholes were left to rust in the communities due to the lack of readily available spare parts, and that unleashed discomfort on the communities. Exploitation He said some repairers often took advantage of the situation and exploited the people by charging exorbitant amounts for the parts which were often bought in Accra. A part which costs GH10 could be sold by the repairer for GH200 to the community, Mr Adzime added. He said the spare parts bank was established recently as part of the Integrated Package for Sustainable Development (I-PADEV) of Plan Ghana International. The project manager explained that I-PADEV was an integrated Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative, which sought to create a strong and protective environment for better health and learning outcomes for children, especially girls. This it achieved through impartial access to and effective utilisation of WASH, early childhood care and development, education and health facilities and services. He said the communities and other stakeholders including the area mechanic, assembly engineer, Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Plan International Ghana, as well as the spare parts store keepers were on a common platform to ensure reported faults were addressed promptly. Address issues affecting teachers by April 30 - GNAT tells govt Emmanuel Bonney Apr - 03 - 2025 , 12:57 5 minutes read The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called on the government to address all unresolved issues adversely affecting teachers in the country. The issues include the non-implementation of scheme of service for Ghana Education Service (GES) staff and the implementation of the Human Resource Management Information System that GNAT said had brought challenges to teachers, including delay in their salaries and promotion. The demands are part of the directives given by the National Labour Commission after meeting three teacher unions and their employers, represented by ministries and the GES after the unions embarked on strike on March 20 last year. Findings It would be recalled that the commission, having heard the disputes and having met the parties jointly and in separate (caucus) sessions, made some findings and thereby gave some directives, among which was that since the GES had no Scheme of Service for the GES Staff and to ensure that future appointments do not encounter such challenges, the GES must provide its staff with a Scheme of Service, it said. GNAT has, therefore, given the government up to April 30, 2025, to address all the issues affecting teachers. It must be placed on record that these issues have not only created widespread disaffection, anger, worries and disillusionment among the rank and file of our members, but is also seen as an act of provocation, which, if not addressed immediately, could affect the industrial peace on our front. In the light of the above, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) hereby gives the MoE, Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment (MOLJE), Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and GES up to Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to address all the problems they have inflicted on teachers, a letter dated March 28, 2025 addressed to the Minister of Education and signed by the General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Musah, said. 2024 strike It said the three teacher unions on March 20, 2024, declared a nationwide indefinite strike when the former Director-General of the GES, Dr Eric Nkansah, a banker, was appointed as the Director-General. It said among the key issues they raised were the demand for the termination of Dr Nkansahs appointment as the Director-General of the GES and subsequent directive by the NLC for the GES to develop a scheme of service for GES staff with timelines. It further said two ranks in the GES, namely Director 2 and subsequently Director 1, should be decoupled from being coterminous with political districts and regions to pave way for the promotion of deputy directors to Director 2 and subsequently Director 1, among others. Following from the above, the NLC met the disputing parties on March 26, 2024, which included the MoE, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations and Pensions (MELRP), now the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the GES, on the one hand, and teacher unions, on the other hand. It would be recalled that the commission, having heard the disputes and having met the parties jointly and in separate (caucus) sessions, made some findings and thereby gave some directives, among which was that since the GES had no Scheme of Service for the GES staff and to ensure that future appointments do not encounter such challenges, the GES must provide its staff with a Scheme of Service, it said. Inputs The letter said the GES, therefore, submitted a draft scheme of service to the teacher unions for their inputs by April 2024 as directed by the NLC, and that the unions subsequently sent their feedback to the GES on July 15, 2024. After the submission of the feedback by the unions, the two parties worked together with the GES Consultant (Price WaterhouseCoopers) to complete the scheme of service, awaiting signing and subsequent implementation. We are, therefore, surprised, shocked and angry with the turn of events that yet again as we write this letter the same issue with appointments which led us to the NLC and subsequent directives by the NLC to correct it by developing and implementing a scheme of service for GES staff, have resurfaced. We see this as a blatant disregard for the NLC which must not be allowed to continue, it emphasised. In the light of the above, GNAT called upon the MoE, MOELJ, FWSC and GES to set a good example by obeying the directives of the NLC and demanded that the scheme of service be signed and implemented without fail by April 30, 2025. Issues with PSC In the early part of 2024, GNAT said the Public Services Commission (PSC) met with the unions and communicated to them its intent to reintroduce the Human Resource Management Information System. We raised our objection to it, citing the problems associated with it, and made it clear our non-association with its implementation. We cautioned that if the PSC proceeded with the implemented and anything went wrong, we would hold them responsible. We wish to place it on record that the PSC has gone ahead and implemented the HRMIS, which has resulted in numerous challenges to our teachers, it said. It named the challenges to include salary reactivation and that a significant number of teachers were confronted with undue delays with their salary activation. As of December 2024, it said over 800 teachers were affected, with the delays ranging between four and 12 months. Moreover, it said, many teachers who went for further studies (some of them self-sponsored), had been denied upgrading on successful completion of their studies and return to the service. Also, it said, a good number of our teachers below the rank of Principal Superintendent who were successful in their last promotion exercise have still not been upgraded and placed on their correct ranks. E-Levy, betting, emission taxes scrapped - President assents to bills Kester Aburam Korankye Apr - 03 - 2025 , 02:57 8 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has assented to a set of amended bills of Parliament, effectively abolishing the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), the betting tax, the Emissions Tax, among other related bills. The affected laws include the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025; the Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025; the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Others are the Petroleum Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Public Financial Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025. President Mahama also assented to the Gold Board Bill, 2025 that establishes the Ghana Gold Board, a regulatory body tasked with overseeing gold trade, ensuring transparency and promoting local participation in the industry. The Bold Board marks a major step in the governments efforts to regulate and maximise benefits from the countrys gold resources. After their assents, the laws will now be gazetted before their implementation can begin, although the authorities would start the process to effect the changes. Signing event The signing ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday marked a significant step in the governments commitment to reduce the financial burden on Ghanaians and to stimulate economic growth. Present at the ceremony were key government officials, including the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, and a former Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, among others. The repeal of the taxes takes immediate effect, with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) directed to halt their collection and begin implementing the necessary adjustments. The betting tax, E-Levy and emission tax in particular had been subjects of widespread public debate, with critics arguing that they placed undue strain on businesses and individuals without necessarily impacting on the governments revenue mobilisation efforts. Indeed, the E-Levy, for instance, generated just about GH6 billion across all the sectors, while the betting tax raked in only GH180 million. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), during its 2024 election campaign, pledged to scrap the levies to foster a more business-friendly environment and ease the cost of living. Gold Board The Gold Board Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament last Saturday, is expected to curb illegal mining activities, enhance revenue collection, and secure better deals for Ghana in the global gold market. Some of the key provisions of the Gold Board Bill, 2025, include centralised gold trading to ensure that all gold exports are channelled through the Ghana Gold Board to ensure proper valuation and taxation. It will also combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey by proposing and enforcing stiffer penalties for unlicensed mining operations and enhanced monitoring mechanisms, and also ensure a local content mandate to ensure increased Ghanaian participation in gold refining and trading, with incentives for indigenous businesses. Another provision of the law is revenue retention, which means a percentage of gold sales will be retained in a stabilisation fund to support economic development. The Gold Board Bill, 2025 takes immediate effect, with the government expected to announce the Boards substantive leadership in the coming days. Citizens' welfare President Mahama reiterated his administrations dedication to fiscal policies that prioritised citizens' welfare. "Promises made, promises delivered, he said yesterday after appending his signature to the repealed Bills. He added that these taxes were not only burdensome but also hindered economic activity. Their removal will empower businesses, encourage digital transactions, and promote sustainable development. The betting tax, introduced in 2018 but effected in 2023, had faced criticism for its impact on the gaming industry, while the E-Levy, implemented in 2022, was contentious due to its effect on mobile money transactions. The Emissions Tax, aimed at reducing environmental pollution, had also been met with mixed reactions from stakeholders. Objects of Bills The Ministry of Finance is expected to provide further details on the governments revenue strategy in the coming days. However, Dr Forson said in a brief statement after the President assented to the bill that the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill was part of the governments tax reform agenda to improve the disposable incomes of households and reduce the overall tax burden of taxpayers. He said the removal of the E-Levy would not only result in increased disposable income for Ghanaian households and individuals, it would also provide financial relief to companies that patronise the E-Levy. This policy aligns with the governments broader commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing financial inclusion, Dr Forson said. He added that the repeal of the E-Levy would encourage the governments objective of achieving a cash-lite economy, saying it was also expected to stimulate digital transactions, encourage financial innovation, and ease the cost of doing business. The Petroleum Revenue Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 amends the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815) to dedicate the entire Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) solely to infrastructure development. This will ensure that the allocation of ABFA funds which was previously spread across multiple projects, limiting their impact and reducing the ability to complete transformative legacy projects will end. The amendment will ensure that all ABFA funds are dedicated to infrastructure projects under The Big Push programme, which aims to deliver significant, high-impact projects that will leave a lasting legacy. This will enhance the efficient utilisation of petroleum revenues and yield tangible developmental outcomes. The amendment also ensures that the five per cent allocation is also applied to infrastructure development For the VAT (Amendment) Bill, he said, it amended the Value Added Tax Act, 2013 (Act 870) to exempt the supply of motor vehicle insurance from VAT. That follows the governments observation that the imposition of VAT on motor vehicle insurance had a direct impact on household incomes as the incidence of the tax fell significantly on persons who could not recover the tax. Additionally, for commercial drivers, the imposition of VAT on motor vehicle insurance could lead to increased costs, as they may transfer the tax burden onto commuters by increasing fares. The passage of this Bill will provide relief to households and commuters while ensuring a fair and balanced tax system, Dr Forson explained. Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 The object of the Bill is to amend the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) to remove the withholding tax on winnings from lottery, betting and game of chance as well as on the purchase of unprocessed gold. Furthermore, the removal of the withholding tax on the purchase of unprocessed gold is expected to curtail smuggling and ensure that Ghana benefits from its gold resources. Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025 The Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025 repealed the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112) which imposed an emission levy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from specified sectors and internal combustion engine vehicle emissions. The repeal of the Emission Levy, Dr Forson explained, would enable the government to re-engage stakeholders on environmental reforms that would comprehensively address carbon dioxide emissions from specified sectors and promote the use of eco-friendly technology and green energy. These reforms also seek to improve environmental management while controlling general levels of air and water pollution locally, the Finance Minister stated. Revenue Administration (Amendment) Bill, 2025 The object of the Revenue Administration (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is to amend the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915) to reduce the percentage of total revenue that is set aside in the Ghana Revenue Authority General Refund Account. The Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2025 amends the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act, 2017 (Act 947) to expunge from the schedule the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Road Fund, Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), and transfers to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) from petroleum revenue. The uncapping of the GETFund will ensure the availability of dedicated funds for financing free secondary education and free tertiary education for Persons with Disability (PWDs). Furthermore, the Bill seeks to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy to release additional funds for the payment of claims, procurement of essential medicines, financing of vaccines, implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, the Ghana Medical Care Trust, and bridging the USAID financing shortfall, among other critical healthcare needs. Additionally, the uncapping of the Road Fund will enable the Ghana Road Fund to receive its full allocation, ensuring that the total amount is used exclusively for road maintenance and improvements. Comments Commenting on the repeal of the E-Levy and when it would be actually removed from mobile money transactions, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, said although the E-Levy law had been scrapped, the companies that applied the tax must be directed by the regulators to effect them. For that reason, the repeal could not have an immediate impact due to the effect of transmitting instructions, Mr Blewett said in Accra yesterday during an interaction with stakeholders as part of his one-year as CEO at MTN Ghana. The Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Dr Ken Ashigbey, said telecommunications service providers who provided electronic transfer services would begin to effect the zero E-Levy charges upon the receipt of notification from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The assented document from the Presidency, he said, was expected to be gazetted and then transmitted to the GRA for implementation. Dr Ashigbey said the GRA would in turn inform the relevant agencies and service providers when to begin to effect the changes, explaining that the various service providers would begin to calibrate their systems to reflect the abolition. Govt moves to track excavator imports Timothy Ngnenbe Apr - 03 - 2025 , 12:57 5 minutes read The government has commenced processes to track the importation and use of excavators in the country. The initiative, which forms part of measures being deployed to fight illegal mining, will involve trained enforcement officers at the port to tag and track all excavators being brought into the country. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, explained to the Daily Graphic that the ministry was rolling out the system in collaboration with relevant state agencies, including the Ministry of Transport, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission. The personnel are currently going through the recruitment process, including screening and shortlisting. The recruitment process is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025, he said. Mr Buah further explained that apart from tagging excavators being imported, all such equipment already in the country would be tagged by a dedicated team spearheaded by the Minerals Commission. So, we will have two teams working on this initiative. One will be deployed at the ports to tag the machinery coming in, while the other team will commence tagging already existing excavators in the country, starting from Accra, he said. Mr Buah said the team that would be tagging already existing excavators would be accompanied by the police and military hired by the Minerals Commission. He added that apart from tagging the excavators, trackers would be installed on the machines to ensure that those allocated for mining stayed within the designated concession areas. Technology key The minister added that as part of the governments resolve to deploy modern technology to facilitate the fight against galamsey, all legal small-scale mining concessions had been geo-fenced, while the coordinates of the site plans of each concession had been integrated into the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking software at the Minerals Commission. Mr Buah explained that the software paired each excavator to a licensed small-scale concession at a time, with 15 metres buffer around each concession. Within the buffer zone, the excavator operator is prompted by a beeping sound indicating that even though he is within his working area, he is about to leave his concession area, and he should return to his concession. If he continues and moves out of the defined buffer of the concession, the excavator is immediately immobilised remotely, he said. He added that once a tracker was installed on an excavator, a sticker bearing the telephone number to the control room was affixed on the excavator. This sticker also identifies the excavator as being tracked and have fulfilled its required obligation, he said. Forest reserves The minister further said all forest reserves and water bodies were expected to be electronically geo-fenced and monitored in real time from the control room at the Minerals Commission. Any tracked excavator that enters a forest reserve or defined waterway will be similarly immobilised, he stressed. He further stressed that any tracked excavator that entered an exclusion zone, such as a forest reserve or waterway, would be immobilised and the operations centre of the military would be informed with the exact coordinates of the illegal entry, and a task force dispatched to the location to effect the arrest of the transgressors. Context This is not the first time the government is seeking to track excavators in the country to fight galamsey. On July 20, 2022, the former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, announced that all excavators in mining concessions would be tracked electronically as part of major measures to clamp down on illegal mining. The former minister had indicated that the tracking of the equipment would be anchored on a control room that had been set up at the Minerals Commission for the effective rollout of the initiative. Mr Jinapor had also said the decision to deploy the tracking devices was to enforce the Minerals and Mining (Mineral Operations Tracking of Earthmoving and Mining Equipment) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2404) that empowered the commission to track all earthmoving machines and equipment used in mining operations. On October 24, 2022, the former minister further directed owners and users of excavators to register their equipment with the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) within their respective jurisdictions latest by November 2, 2022. He had also asked the MMDAs to ensure that owners of excavators disclosed the purpose for acquisition of the machines before they were registered. Challenge persists Despite these measures, there are a large number of excavators in the country that have not been registered or not being tracked. Mr Buah said the current challenge was that large number of excavators in the country have not been registered by DVLA, while those that are registered have not been fitted with trackers. He added that currently, the monitoring system at the Minerals Commission was tracking 70 excavators which had tags and geo-fencing technology. Meanwhile, Daryl Bosu, who is the Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, a non-profit environmental organisation, described the move by the government to track all excavators as one of the best approaches to dealing with the galamsey scourge. This move is a very important aspect of compliance and the government should go ahead and do it; it should not be another talk shop, he said. MIIF to increase royalties collection Juliet Akyaa Safo Apr - 03 - 2025 , 12:53 5 minutes read The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) is strengthening its relationship with other state agencies to help with the collection of royalties from mining companies operating in the country. In a move meant to ensure full compliance, among other things, it is also to compel recalcitrant mining companies that fail to comply with the law to honour their obligations to the state or be forced to do so per the law. The collaborating agencies are the Minerals Commission (MinCom), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Investigative Board (NIB). The acting Chief Executive Officer of MIIF, Justina Nelson, made this known when she led a four-member delegation from her office to pay a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd, Ato Afful, and his executive team. The visit was to help the two state institutions to forge stronger ties and help with the development of the country. The MIIF acting CEO said it had become even more imperative today than ever for the Fund to intensify the collection of royalties from eligible mining companies, noting that we need to do so to help the government in its reset agenda meant to accelerate the development and transformation of the country. She said per the mandate of the Fund, royalties collected are to be invested and the returns used to support government projects, particularly in the mining communities. Mrs Nelson said the Fund had about GH8.5 billion in Asset Under Management (AUM) as of last year and noted that we are working with the key state agencies mentioned to collect more royalties to help increase AUM significantly by year-end. She stressed the maximisation of the collection of royalties and their monetisation to support government budget to undertake more developmental projects for the country. Mandate The mandate of the MIIF is to maximise the value of the income due the country from its mineral wealth for the benefit of citizens; monetise the minerals income accruing to the state in a beneficial, responsible, transparent, accountable and sustainable manner; and to develop and implement measures to reduce the budgetary exposure of the country to minerals income fluctuations. Investment The Fund, Mrs Nelson emphasised, had invested in some equities such as Electrochem, a salt mining company in Ada near Accra, AsanteGold Corporation and Injaro, a venture capital fund to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as investments in local banks. She said in its quest to ensure that the invested funds were being properly managed to earn positive returns, she had begun visits to some of the companies in which the Fund has equity stakes to better appreciate their operations and look into their books to ensure that all was well. So far, the Fund has been able to visit Electrochem, as well as Injaro and some of its portfolio companies such as Zeepay, Kofa and DDP Advertising. The MIIF CEO called on the GCGL to support its work by reminding particularly the medium and small mining companies, to honour their obligation by paying promptly, their royalties. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), she said, MIIF would sustain and enhance its scholarship scheme that gave women the opportunity to pursue courses in mining at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) this year. Minerals wealth Mr Afful highlighted the crucial role of human resources and effective communication in unlocking the countrys minerals wealth. He emphasised that addressing such gaps would be key to maximising the country's mineral benefits. The MD of GCGL congratulated the CEO on her appointment and encouraged her to strive for excellence in the minerals investment industry during her tenure. He assured the MIIF team of the GCGLs support to the fund's initiatives and strategies, expressing his confidence in her leadership. "We would give you everything within our abilities to help you succeed. I hope and pray that you make a significant difference. I believe in the leadership of women, Mr Afful said. Provide support The Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, also expressed the support of the companys brands to the MIIF, and urged the CEO to leverage the reach and impact of the Daily Graphic and its sister brands across the country to educate the public about MIIFs activities. He also called for collaborations of mutual benefit to the two business concerns, and for the MIIF to carve a conscious project that impacted the delivery of the Junior Graphic newspaper to underprivileged children in order for them to access information such as the Chief Examiner's report. The GCGLs Director, Marketing and Sales, Franklin Sowa, urged the leadership of MIIF to adopt the brands of GCGL, and the Daily Graphics special pages such as the Mining, Oil and Gas page to tell its own story. He also encouraged the leadership to be part of the Tertiary Business Sense Challenge and to utilise GCGLs online studio to have conversations on MIIF. Ja Rule: American rapper inaugurates classroom block in Nuaso Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Apr - 03 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read Pencils of Promise (PoP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) focused on increasing access to quality education, has completed a six-unit classroom block with auxiliary facilities at St Johns Anglican Basic School in Nuaso in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region. The project, funded by American rapper, Jeffrey Atkins, aka Ja Rule, seeks to support the government and local initiatives to empower young people by providing them with quality education and better opportunities for the future. The completion of the classroom block comes nearly a year after the sod-cutting ceremony, marking a significant step in the organisations efforts to enhance educational infrastructure in underserved communities. The absence of adequate facilities at the Nuaso Anglican Primary School severely disrupted teaching and learning, forcing pupils and teachers to endure harsh conditions, including exposure to the elements of the weather after their old classroom block was destroyed by heavy rainstorms. The lack of sufficient classrooms led to the implementation of a shift system, which negatively impacted learners education by reducing contact hours, fostering absenteeism, and contributing to low enrolment rates. However, with the completion of the new six-unit classroom block, these challenges are expected to become a thing of the past, ushering in a new era of stability and improved educational outcomes for the school and the community at large. Before the inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the delegation in the early hours of the day paid a courtesy call on the Konor of Manya Krobo and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Nene Sakite II. Contributions The Country Director of PoP, Freeman Gobah, highlighted the organisations 13-year commitment to improving education in Ghana, having constructed 296 classroom blocks across the Volta, Oti and Eastern regions. Beyond infrastructure, he stated that PoP had supported 2,900 teachers with training and resources, benefiting about 60,000 learners. The organisation, he said, had also distributed over 10,000 electronic devices loaded with educational materials and enhanced 140 schools with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programmes, including water filters, hygiene education and menstrual health initiatives. Mr Gobah, therefore, urged the government to grant tax waivers on essential learning materials and encouraged students to make the most of the new facilities, reaffirming PoPs dedication to expanding access to quality education in the country. More projects During his address, Ja Rule expressed his gratitude to Pencils of Promise and all those who contributed to making the project a reality, describing the completion of the six-unit classroom block as a testament to his career and a fulfilment of his commitment to giving back. He emphasised that the initiative was about investing in the future of children and ensuring they had the resources to pursue their dreams. Announcing his plans to expand his contributions, he revealed his intention to build a gym facility to promote sports, as well as a dedicated space for music, dance and film, providing students with opportunities beyond the classroom. Bedrock of development The Member of Parliament (MP) for Lower Manya Krobo Constituency, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, emphasised the critical role of education in national development, noting that quality education was the foundation for personal growth and economic progress. In a middle-income country, education and economic growth are complementary. Quality education is, therefore, not only the bedrock of development of the country but an important gateway, opportunity, human and personal development, he said. Mr Terlabi, who is also the Deputy Minister for the Interior, further highlighted the governments commitment to comprehensively reform the educational system by expanding infrastructure, improving teacher welfare and increasing investments in the sector. Next article: GRA directs banks and telcos to stop 1% tax on MoMo and transfers Ive fulfilled my promise to abolish the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy President Mahama Mohammed Ali Apr - 03 - 2025 , 10:53 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama says the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy delivers on his promise to ease the financial burden on Ghanaians and stimulate economic activity. In a Facebook post on April 3, 2025, he wrote, Great news for our beloved country, Ghana! I have signed the bills repealing the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy. This fulfils a key promise we made to ease the burden on Ghanaians and boost economic activity. The abolished taxes had faced strong public opposition. The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, placed a 1% charge on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers and online payments, discouraging digital financial transactions. The Betting Tax, which imposed a 10% levy on gambling winnings, drew resistance from industry players, while the Emissions Levy was criticised for increasing costs for vehicle owners and businesses. Beyond these repeals, Mr Mahama has signed amendments to several other tax laws. The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, removes withholding taxes on lottery and betting winnings, while the Petroleum Revenue Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to improve the use of petroleum revenues for infrastructure projects. Other legislative changes include amendments to the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act, the Public Financial Management Act, and the Value Added Tax Act. These changes are expected to improve government fiscal management. The Finance Ministry has stated that the tax reforms will reduce costs for businesses and individuals, encourage investment, and support economic growth. Dubik Mahama: Former ECG boss demands thorough probe into missing containers scandal Gertrude Ankah Apr - 03 - 2025 , 14:45 3 minutes read The Former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has expressed frustration over the handling of the missing ECG containers controversy, calling for a more rigorous and transparent investigation into the matter. His comments follow concerns raised by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, regarding the disappearance of over 1,350 ECG containers from Tema Harbour. According to the minister, an investigative committee uncovered significant procurement breaches spanning several years. Providing an update, Mr Jinapor revealed that security operatives had traced 40 of the missing containers to a warehouse in Pong-Tamale, a community in the Savelugu-Nanton District of the Northern Region. "The briefing I got this morning is that National Security and law enforcement agencies have already traced about 40 of them to a particular terminal or warehouse in Pong, which belongs to an Indian man," he disclosed. "Theyve confiscated all 40 and are moving them to a secured location." Gaps in the investigation Speaking on TV3s Ghana Tonight programme on April 2, Mahama criticised the investigative process, stating that the committee had failed to engage key figures, including himself. "There are inconsistencies in the situation, and inconsistencies do not bring clarity. Lets all assist in bringing clarity and closure to this matter," he urged, calling on all stakeholders to support the Energy Minister in uncovering the truth. Mahama stressed the need for a forensic audit to accurately determine the whereabouts of the containers. He also rejected the claim that the containers were missing, instead suggesting that they had been misplaced. According to Mahama, some of the containers were auctioned off by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) due to prolonged overstay. He recalled that before leaving office, ECG had raised concerns about these auctions but received no response from the GRA. Mahama called for greater transparency in the probe, emphasising that the issue should not be clouded by misinformation. "The fact remains that containers do not just disappear; they are either misplaced or redirected," he stated. He also questioned contradictions in the investigative report, pointing out that some contracts mentioned were not signed during his tenure. The former ECG boss assured his full cooperation with any forensic audit initiated by the Energy Minister, stating that his intent was not to evade the matter but to provide clarity. Responding to claims that GH5 million was allocated to clear the containers, Mahama strongly rejected suggestions that the funds were made available directly to him. "When you talk about the GHS 5 million, who said it was made available to me?" he questioned, urging for a clearer understanding of the full investigative report. He explained that discussions on the matter were still ongoing with the Ministry of Finance at the time of his departure from ECG. Mahama insisted that a thorough investigation must include a full review of all terminals at the port, pointing to the existence of multiple terminals, including Atlas. He dismissed any claims of being involved in a syndicate, questioning, What would be my aim in being part of a syndicate to take containers out? Related articles: EDITORIAL: Missing ECG containers: Blot on nations conscience John Jinapor demands forensic audit over missing ECG containers 14 Arrested over missing ECG container saga Government to pursue and prosecute syndicate behind missing ECG containers Next article: ECG 'missing containers': Former ECG boss denies allegations, calls for more thorough investigation Previous article: Police arrest two suspects for illegal possession and discharge of firearms at funeral U.S. Ambassador Palmer affirms strong Ghana-U.S. ties despite foreign aid review Mohammed Ali Apr - 03 - 2025 , 15:44 2 minutes read U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has reaffirmed the strength of the partnership between Ghana and US despite an ongoing review of U.S. foreign aid programmes. Speaking in an interview with Joy News on Thursday [April 3 2025], she assured that Ghana remains an important partner to the United States, with economic and social cooperation continuing to be a priority. Ambassador Palmer outlined four main areas of U.S.-Ghana relations: historical and cultural ties, trade and investment valued at over $3 billion, economic support through global institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, and sustained American corporate interest in Ghana. She stated, No matter the change in language or how we express it, Ghana is a really important partner of the United States and will continue to be so. She also reassured the public that key U.S.-funded health programs, including those addressing infant and child mortality, maternal health, malaria, HIV, essential medicines, and vaccines, would not be affected by the aid review. Many of the programs have been reviewed and changed, but Ghana has done better than many places. Im very pleased that the life-saving programs are all to be continued, she said. Ms. Palmer noted that the United States remains committed to Ghanas economic recovery, citing upcoming initiatives such as a major U.S. trade mission and a planned U.S.-Africa Business Summit. The United States is behind Ghanas economic recovery through things like the World Bank and IMF, but also American company interest in coming here, she said. While the review of U.S. foreign aid has impacted several countries, Ghana has fared relatively well, she added. The U.S. will continue to strengthen ties through trade, investment, and ongoing support for health programs. Next article: Nkoranza North, South DLEs: EC sets new dates for receipt of nomination Speaker calls for inclusive governance framework Daily Graphic Politics Apr - 03 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for a governance framework that transcends traditional parliamentary democracy to incorporate broader participation from civil society organisations (CSOs). He stressed that CSOs were a crucial part of Ghana's democratic architecture and that more engagement was necessary to enhance the country's governance system. Mr Bagbin made these remarks during a high-level dialogue with CSOs and think tanks, aimed at strengthening collaboration and reinforcing Parliament's commitment to transparency, accountability and citizen participation. The forum, themed: "Embracing Inclusivity, Engagement and Collaboration with the Parliament of Ghana," brought together prominent CSOs, including IMANI Africa, the Ghana Integrity Initiative and the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-GH). Others were the Parliamentary Network Africa, the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Star Ghana, ACEPA, the Media Foundation for West Africa, the Gender Center for Empowering Development, CAMFED, the Legal Resource Centre, and Youth Advocate Ghana. The Speaker commended CSOs for their contributions to policy development, particularly through research and data-driven advocacy. He referenced key parliamentary initiatives, including anti-corruption efforts and local government reforms, that were supported by the input of civil society. With Ghana ranking top in the 2022 Africa Open Parliament Index, these reforms demonstrate Parliaments commitment to enhancing its democratic processes through a continuous partnership with civil society, he said. Gender equality One area the Speaker was passionate about was the issue of gender equity and reiterated the importance of the Affirmative Action Act, which mandates more significant gender equity across all sectors of governance. He acknowledged that progress has been slow and called for more robust gender equity initiatives in governance. He also urged support for the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, ACT 1121. Engagement The Chair of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus in Parliament, Emmanuel Bedzrah, announced Ghanas recent recognition at the Regional Meeting for Africa and the Middle East. He noted that technology and innovation have been essential in enhancing Parliaments engagement with citizens, mentioning that Parliaments website and data platforms have been continuously updated to meet the public's needs. However, he stated that more can be achieved through collaboration. He alluded to an Action Plan that is yet to be launched, which would further strengthen these efforts and ensure that Parliament meets its commitments to an open and accountable government. CSOs The CSOs commended the Speaker for his commitment to inclusive governance, particularly in promoting female leadership. However, some participants raised concerns about the lack of female representation in certain parliamentary committees, especially in areas such as health, where womens perspectives are vital. They urged constitutional amendments to strengthen gender representation in government. Additionally, they advocated sustained collaboration with Parliament, calling for the full implementation of the Open Government Partnership Action Plan to enhance transparency and accountability. The dream of turning the old Washington Elementary building into a transitional home for single mothers and their children is continuing to move forward. Debra Moerke, the founder of the McKenzie Home Project, spoke to both the Green River City Council and the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners this week to give an update on the project's latest developments. The project started three years ago, with Moerke's own life experiences and grief helping inspire the idea. From first seeing the Washington building during her granddaughter's funeral to thinking back over her experiences fostering over 140 children and working with single mothers, multiple things came together to lead Moerke to the idea of the McKenzie Home. "This building just captured me," Moerke explained of the Washington Square site. "I just knew that I was supposed to pay attention to this building. Out of nowhere it seemed like God just said to me, 'this is supposed to be a transitional home for single mothers and their children.'" In the past three years, Moerke and others have worked to make this vision a reality. She explained that the McKenzie Home has been incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has a board of 17 members, and has been working with multiple professionals including an attorney, an accountant, an architect, and a contractor. In the latest update, Moerke shared that they have taken the next steps towards actually acquiring the building itself. "We are very excited now to be here because we have just recently made an offer on the building and it's been accepted, so we are under contract," Moerke said. The current goal is to be able to start construction in 2026, Moerke told the City Council. While the building itself will have to be demolished due to the fire damage, Moerke's plan is to have it rebuilt to recreate the look of the original school. She explained to the county commissioners that the building used to be an icon in the community, and has unfortunately become an eyesore. "We want to see it become an icon again," Moerke said. Moerke admitted that the McKenzie Project is expensive, coming in at approximately $18 million total. But she shared that multiple sources of funding are being pursued, including a program from the Wyoming Community Development Authority. Moerke had a meeting with Green River Mayor Pete Rust to discuss this program and its possibilities. "It will not only benefit the McKenzie Home Project, it will benefit Green River," she said. "It'll actually help in a lot of areas to pay for some infrastructure for Green River for this project so we can partner, hopefully, with them." The project has been securing funding up to this point through fundraising and donations, as well as going after various grants. So far, most of the funding has gone to paying the professionals working to make the project possible, according to Moerke. In the future, additional funds will go toward the building and getting the project going. Eventually, Moerke hopes the McKenzie Home will also be able to bring in some of its own money to cover things like maintenance by leasing office space and having multi-purpose space that can be rented by the community. Carrie Fischer, the Chair of the Sweetwater County portion of the McKenzie Home Board, also explained that some of the "seed money" for the project has already been put to work to help single moms in the community. From giving rides to fixing vehicles, the McKenzie Home board has been working to find ways to help prior to the Home's opening. "We've been doing a lot of behind the scenes work these last couple of years," Fischer explained of the project. Both Fischer and Moerke also spoke to the need for something like the McKenzie Home, not just for Green River but for Wyoming as a whole. Approximately 32% of children born in Wyoming are born to single mothers, Moerke explained, and out of the 10 worst states for helping single moms, Wyoming is ranked seventh. "We have nothing like this in Wyoming, and other states do," Moerke noted. Moerke explained how mothers can become single through a variety of circumstances, and noted how her previous life experience has led her to see both single mothers and their children struggle and often turn to the wrong sources for help. The idea behind the McKenzie Home is to help those mothers who tend to "fall through the cracks," according to Moerke, and to give them the support and skills they need. The hope for the McKenzie Home is that it will be able to serve roughly 200 to 250 mothers and children in a year's time. Moerke also explained that they have already been working with local organizations and resources to be able to partner to offer certifications, training, teaching, and support, such as Climb Wyoming, Wyoming Workforce, Western Wyoming Community College, and others. She also noted that the McKenzie Home will not offer its own childcare, but will instead work with community partners, which she hopes will help children by not having to make multiple changes. In order to help the McKenzie Home Project continue to move forward, the third annual fundraising banquet for the project will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at the Holiday Inn Ballroom in Rock Springs. Several members of both the Board of County Commissioners and the Green River City Council praised Moerke and her team for their work on the project and the benefit it will have for the community. "I commend your work and effort that you're moving forward with this," Council Member Sherry Bushman told Moerke. "It is such a need." 4/28/1975 - 3/27/25 Brian Lee Butler, 49, passed away suddenly on March 27, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs, Wy. He was born on April 28, 1975 in Tracy, California; the son of Jack Butler and Judy Rumler. He moved to Rock Springs in 1981, and attended schools there. Brian worked as a mechanic for the last 30 years. Brian married Julie Ann Nordwall in Pinedale, Wy on July 29, 2000. Brian cherished spending time with his loved ones. He loved the 1967 Chevy Camaro he built from the ground up, and driving it like he stole it. He also loved going to the movies with his sons, riding four wheelers and playing with his dogs Vinny, Kimber and his Grand-puppy Billie. Brian was a man with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He was always willing to lend a hand. Always making sure those he loved knew he loved them. Brian was a kid at heart, always joking around. Brian loved Mexican food and was known to have a sweet tooth. His memory will live on in his wife Julie Ann Nordwall; sons Jody Richard Butler, Brian "Brady" Butler, and his father-in law Jerry Allen Nordwall all of Rock Springs, WY; sisters Amanda Devlin, Kayla Butler both of Tracy, CA; nephews Noel, Gabreil, Jaxon, Jordan; nieces Destiny, Mariah; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Jody Dodgion, and beloved four legged friends Stogie and Jager. Cremation has taken place Family and friends, please come join us at the Santa Fe Southwestern Grill, Saturday April 19th at 11am at 1635 Elk St, Rock Springs. Please come share laughs, tears, and memories of Brian. Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.foxfh.com. 11/4/1923 - 3/28/25 Ineko Okano, 101, a cherished member of the Rock Springs, Wyoming community, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025 at her home. She was a resident of Rock Springs, Wyoming for 61 years and former resident of Fukuoka, Japan. Born on November 4, 1923, in Fukuoka, Japan; the daughter of Soshiro Yoshimoto and Rui Abe Yoshimoto, Ineko attended schools in and graduated in 1942 in Japan. She married the love of her life George Okano August 25, 1964 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Together, Ineko and George were well-known as the co-owners and operators of Okano's Green House for, a thriving sanctuary of greenery that brought joy and vibrancy to the Rock Springs community for 34 years. Ineko had a deep passion for crocheting, word search puzzles, and, above all, spending cherished moments with her family, especially her adored grandchildren. Her warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege to know her. Her life was a testament to hard work, creativity, and a heart full of love, leaving a lasting legacy through the lives she touched. Friends and family will forever remember Ineko's gentle spirit and the joy she found in simple pleasures. Survivors include her daughter, Georgiann Okano-Campbell of Rock Springs, Wyoming; one sister, Mary (Hisako) Nakamura of Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Timothy Campbell; Quintin Campbell and wife Bretta; three great-grandchildren, Kai Campbell; Erza Campbell; Rafe Campbell She was preceded in death by her husband, George Okano. parents, Soshiro and Rui Yoshimoto; two sisters, Kiyoko; Shigeyo; one brother, Kumakichi Cremation will take place; a Private Family Service will be conducted. Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com. May she rest in peace, surrounded by eternal love and light 5/13/1934 - 3/27/25 Marvin Weik, 90, a beloved husband, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Sage View Care Center in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was a 50 year resident of Rock Springs, Wyoming, Lander and Casper, Wyoming. Marvin was born May 13, 1934, in Manhattan, Kansas; the son of Leo Weik and Bertha Nye. He was raised in Manhattan where he attended local schools and graduated from Manhattan High School in 1952. Following his schooling, Marvin pursued his career in electrical trades and earned his Journeyman's Electrician certification from the IBEW Local #322 in Casper, Wyoming. His dedication to his craft was evident in his lifelong commitment to the trade. He married Peggy O'Neil in 1954 they had four children from this union and later divorced. Marvin later married Irene Cordova in Rock Springs, Wyoming in 1983. A proud member of both the Masonic Lodge #135 and the Local Union #322, Marvin was well-respected within his professional community. Beyond his work, Marvin's passions lay in the great outdoors. He cherished his time in the Wind River Mountains, where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and backpacking adventures, often alongside his longtime friend, Frank Zeleny. Marvin found his greatest joy in his family, especially in raising his three cherished grandsons, Christopher Gold, Kevin Gold and Jason Weik. He is survived by his beloved wife, Irene Weik of Rock Springs; his two step-sons, Mike Gold and wife Nora of Rock Springs; Chris Gold of Rock Springs; three daughters, Michelle; Cindy; Kelly; three step-daughters, Vicki Riley of Rock Springs; Glenda Macy and husband Keith of Rock Springs: Penny Gold Sena and husband Tony of Denver, Colorado; one half-sister, Jan Tomlin of Kirkwood, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren, Ann Marie Denning and husband Rob; Crystal Braden and husband James; Amber Randall and husband Donald; Clint Riley and wife Kelly Campbell; Misty Cozad and husband Rick; Larry Macy and wife Mariah; Michelle Byers; Michael Macy; Melissa Gold; Ashley Jackson and husband Drew; Michael Sena and wife Erica; several cousins nieces and nephews and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Ted Weik, his step-daughter Debra Hokanson, his granddaughter Kirsten Riley, and his half-brother Ron Harrison. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Vase Funeral Chapel, 154 Elk Street, Rock Springs, Wyoming. Graveside Services and Interment at the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery. The family respectfully requests donations be made in Marvin's name to the Rock Springs Food Bank, 90 North Center Street, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901. Marvin's family extends their gratitude for the support and love they have received during this difficult time. Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com. Marvin Weik's legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for the great outdoors will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May his memory be a blessing. Over a hundred members of the Wyoming bar came together this week to denounce increasing attacks on judges and the independence of the judicial branch of government. They delivered a letter to Senators Barrasso and Lummis and Representative Hageman asking each of them to publicly denounce these attacks. Retired former Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Golden explained, The judiciary lacks the Executives bully pulpit or the Legislatures power to defend itself. It does not have its own social media platform. Sitting judges are not permitted to publicly discuss their decisions. We are speaking out as one and strenuously urging our Congressional delegation to do the same because the threats are serious and our sitting judges cannot defend themselves. In the aftermath of January 6th, many of the same members of the Wyoming bar spoke out to condemn the violence caused by the spread of misinformation about the 2020 Presidential election. Todays letter calls out the new disinformation in the form of attacks on judges who have ruled against DOGEs unprecedented actions which has resulted in unfounded calls for impeachment and threats to the personal safety of judges and their families. The Federal Judges Association recently issued a similar statement, warning of the Constitutional danger of the present moment: Any erosion in the independence of the judiciary is a threat to our Constitution and to democratic rule of law. Ensuring judicial security is not just about protecting individuals, it is about preserving the integrity of our legal system and the publics trust in an impartial judiciary. Todays letter asks Wyomings federal representatives, two of whom are members of the Wyoming bar, to adhere to their oaths to uphold the Constitution by publicly condemning these growing threats, affirming judicial independence, and reminding Americans that appealsnot violence, intimidation, or invitations to lawlessnessare the constitutional remedy for undesired court decisions. This press release was originally shared on March 26. April is a month full of awareness for important causes, many of which were recognized by the city and county this week with special proclamations. National Library Week, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month all take place in April. Proclamations recognizing these causes were read at the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners meeting and the Green River City Council meeting. National Library Week "National Library Week is held every April as a way to celebrate the contribution of libraries and librarians in their communities," Sweetwater County Library System Director Lindsey Travis explained. "We encourage the public to use the resources of our libraries during this week. And we also have a lot to celebrate this year." Travis went over some of the recent developments at the libraries with the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners. She explained that several library buildings will be able to have new construction projects completed thanks to grant funding. The libraries received a generous facility grant from the Wyoming Library Multipurpose Community, Travis said, which will be used to enhance library spaces like meeting rooms. Construction recently started at the Sweetwater County Library in Green River to put this grant to use. Since library meetings rooms are popular and were used nearly 1,500 times in the 2024 Fiscal Year, Travis explained, these improvements will benefit the community. The library will also do work to repair the HVAC system in the White Mountain Library in Rock Springs, thanks to a Mineral Royalty Grant approved by the commissioners earlier in Tuesday's meeting. This work will help improve the building and increase its longevity, according to Travis. Other recent developments for the library system include the StoryWalk in Green River, and Travis reported that library system use as a whole has increased 13.3% over the past year. "The mission of the Sweetwater County Library System is that the library improves the quality of life in our communities," Travis said. "I definitely believe we're fulfilling that mission." National Library Week takes place April 6 to 12 and has the theme "Drawn to the Library" this year. To go with this theme, the library is hosting a bookmark design contest. Anyone can stop by to design a bookmark, and the winners of each age group will have their design printed an available at the library. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week "It's a week to recognize our first first responders, the ones that take the 911 call and dispatch the resources that the community needs," David Halter said of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Halter is the IT director and current interim executive director of the Sweetwater Combined Communications Joint Powers Board. Halter explained that the SCC takes 64,000 calls a year, with 911 calls accounting for about 15,000 calls. The center also processes nearly 80,000 calls for service, according to Halter. "I think you're very much so the unsung heroes that a lot of people forget about but we certainly don't," County Commission Chairman Keaton West told Halter. "Thanks for everything you do to help Sweetwater County. We appreciate it." National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week takes place April 13 - 19. Sexual Assault Awareness Month "This is a large thing even in a small town like in Wyoming," YWCA of Sweetwater County Executive Director Melinda Baas explained regarding the problem of sexual assault. One in six women and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, Baas explained. Every 68 seconds, someone nation-wide is sexually assaulted. This year, the Victims Advocacy Center for the YWCA of Sweetwater County served 38 victims of sexual assault, Baas said. "And those are the ones that told us," she added. "To be honest this is one of the most under-reported crimes." Out of 1,000 assaults, only 50 lead to arrest convictions, and 63% of assaults aren't reported to police, according to Baas. The YWCA seeks to use Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April to educate people about the crime of sexual assault and the resources available to those who have experienced assault. Baas encouraged everyone to be open to supporting any who do open up about assault, and asked people to call out negative comments and behavior that lead people to believe sexual assault isn't the serious problem that it is. Events the YWCA uses to support sexual assault awareness include "Denim Day" on April 30 and the annual "Run with the Badges" event on April 26 in Green River. Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month The City Councils of both Green River and Rock Springs also issued a joint proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. "Every child is precious and deserves to grow up in a healthy, safe, nurturing environment free from harmful effects of abuse and neglect," the proclamation states. The proclamation also recognizes multiple organizations in Wyoming that work toward child advocacy, such as the Children's Trust Fund Board, Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming, the Wyoming Citizen Review Panel, the Wyoming Department of Family Services, and the Wyoming Office of the Attorney General. Together these partners "join to prevent abuse and neglect through outreach, education, and intervention," according to the proclamation. Samsung announced that it will support HDR10+ for Netflix movies and shows on 2025 Samsung Neo QLED, OLED and Lifestyle TVs, as well as 2024 and 2025 monitor models. Future TVs will have support as well. There are three major HDR formats when it comes to video: HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. All three expand the dynamic range by adding metadata, but HDR10 does it for the whole movie, while HDR10+ and Dolby Vision can adjust the metadata on a scene-by-scene basis (even frame-by-frame). Last week, a post on the Netflix TechBlog went into more details on the differences between HDR10 and HDR10+. It can have quite an effect, heres an example: Screen grabs from AV1 video: HDR10 HDR10+ Note that only the Netflix Premium plan (the 4K one) offers HDR content. HDR10+ is a royalty-free format (Dolby Vision requires a license) that was created by Samsung and Amazon Video. Naturally, HDR10+ is supported on Amazon Prime Video, as well as YouTube and Google Play Movies & TV. Samsung notes that HDR10+ is also supported on UHD Blu-ray discs from major studios, in case you still use physical media. Perhaps more relevant is that you can record HDR10+ videos with your phone. Samsung aside, Netflix has enabled HDR10+ streaming for all Premium subscribers whose devices support the format and use AV1. HDR10+ accounts for 50% of all eligible viewing hours, reports Netflix. The streaming service plans to offer HDR10+ for all HDR titles by the end of this year. Note that Netflix only accepts Dolby Vision masters from studios and it converts those to HDR10+. Both formats are available to stream, which one you get depends on what your device supports. Source Samsung has long been rumored to release a cheaper flip-style foldable this year, complementing the high-end Galaxy Z Flip7 which should be coming in July. Today, some specs of the Galaxy Z Flip FE - or Z Flip7 FE, the rumors can't seem to agree on the exact name - have been leaked. The phone is said to be powered by the Exynos 2400e SoC, the same one found in the Galaxy S24 FE from last year. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 That is in Europe at least, since these specs are for the SM-F761B model. Other markets might get another chipset, Samsung loves to do that sometimes. The Flip FE will have 8GB of RAM, and the same camera system seen in the Flip5 from 2023 - a 12 MP main camera, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 10 MP selfie snapper. The source of these specs further claims that we should expect the Flip FE to basically be a Flip5 with an updated SoC. It remains to be seen whether the battery capacity will remain the same at 3,700 mAh as well. The main point of the Flip FE is that it will be cheaper than the Flip7, and with these specs it should be significantly more affordable if it's going to be successful. That will bring more people into the foldable realm for sure. Source (in Dutch) Inetnon Gefpago, an iconic CHamoru music group, continues to make waves with the release of their highly anticipated new single, Tasi-hu (My Ocean), marking the first release in over four years. Tasi-hu is a deeply personal love letter between the ocean and the person, capturing the powerful yet gentle nature of the sea, according to Inetnon Gefpago. Lead vocalist Matt Sablans soulful voice delivers the message of emotional depth, reflecting the oceans strength and serenity. This song is deeply personal to me, but its also for everyone who feels the pull of the ocean, Sablan said. The ocean is a place of reflection, healing, and connectionand I hope people can feel that when they listen to it. This track sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting year of music for Inetnon Gefpago. The song is accompanied by a lyric video available on YouTube, giving fans the chance to connect with its heartfelt lyrics. Available in all streaming platforms, the song blends pop vibes with traditional CHamoru culture and is the first of several song releases celebrating the groups 25th anniversary celebration throughout 2025, highlighting Guams stories and ongoing love for CHamoru culture. Video: Sen Guaiya Hao Guahan In addition to Tasi-hu, Inetnon Gefpago is riding high on the viral success of their March music video release for Sen Guaiya Hao Guahan. With nearly 100,000 views on YouTube in the last three weeks, the video has struck a chord worldwide, showcasing the groups ongoing influence and relevance both on island and abroad. Listen to Tasi-hu now on all streaming platforms and check out the lyric video on YouTube. Dont forget to watch the viral hit music video for Sen Guaiya Hao Guahan now nearing 100,000 views on YouTube, Inetnon Gefpago said. A Chinese national was sentenced to three months in federal prison for bringing 12 other illegal aliens to Guam from Saipan by boat in June 2024. This is according to U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands Shawn Anderson in a release. Zhongli Pang, 36, was sentenced to three months imprisonment with credit for time served. According to court documents, Pang already served 61 days as of his sentencing on March 28 in the District Court for the NMI. He will have about one month left before he is released. Pang pled guilty for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The court also ordered one year of supervised release, 50 hours of community service, and a $200 special assessment fee. Pang is also expected to report to an immigration official for deportation proceedings, according to documents. Arrested on Guam In February, he was ordered to be removed from Guam by District Court of Guam Magistrate Judge Michael Bordallo after he was arrested on Guam. Court documents stated that on June 23, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard rescued 13 Chinese nationals stranded in a disabled boat off the shore of Guam, before the vessel could reach Guam. The court found Pangs CW1 visa didnt allow him to travel anywhere other than the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and issued a writ of removal to the District Court of the NMI. A complaint was filed in the CNMI against Pang in July 2024, accusing him of transportation of illegal aliens and a warrant of arrest was issued. He was arrested on Guam on Jan. 27, according to court documents. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to deliver him back to the CNMI. On Feb. 11, he was indicted in the CNMI with conspiracy and aiding and abetting transportation of illegal aliens, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and false statement. During his sentencing hearing, Pang acknowledged that his actions put many lives at risk and expressed his deep regret, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Last years incident On June 15, 2024, Homeland Security Investigations Saipan received information from the CNMI Department of Public Safety about a vessel collision inside Smiling Cove Marina, where all four occupants in one of the vessels were identified as Chinese nationals. The vessel involved was named Helen, which at the time was operated and recently purchased by Pang, court documents stated. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Pang and several co-conspirators paid $33,000 for a boat, which Pang registered. A special agent said he believed that Pang didnt know how to operate Helen and was in the process of learning. Five days later, on June 20, HSI Saipan received information from DPS Tinian that Helen departed the Tinian dock and was possibly heading back to Saipan. The information suggested Pang could be making a practice run with the vessel, documents stated. HSI Saipan personnel, DPS Saipan and Customs and Biosecurity encountered the vessel Helen at Smiling Cove Marina on Saipan with four people on board. Two of the four had CNMI drivers licenses, one was Pang, and the other was a Chinese national who was a green card holder, documents stated. The other two people were identified as two of the passengers aboard Helen during the June 15 incident and they were both without immigration status, documents state. Pang told federal officers that he had no legal immigration status and had purchased Helen to start a fishing business. He said he had no intention of taking the boat to Guam and said he didnt know the other Chinese nationals on the vessel. Coast Guard rescues 13 Chinese On June 23, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard rescued 13 Chinese nationals stranded in a disabled boat off the shore of Guam. The 13 were destined for Guam, but the boat became inoperable before reaching the island. The Coast Guard took the individuals to the Agana Boat Basin where they met with HSI Guam and Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency officers. A records check through the Department of Homeland Security database found all 13 were Chinese citizens who entered the U.S. in the CNMI. None of them held immigration statuses that would allow them to legally enter Guam nor did they have border crossing records indicating a prior legal entry into Guam, documents state. Officers spoke with one person rescued from Helen who said she didnt have legal immigration status in the U.S. and paid $3,500 U.S. cash to Captain Pang for transportation from Saipan to Guam. She said she wanted to live and work on Guam, according to court documents. Officers also spoke with Pang, who admitted to lying to HSI Saipan investigators when he claimed he didnt intend to use the vessel to go to Guam, court documents stated. He also admitted there were six Chinese individuals who had purchased the vessel Helen under Pangs name, documents stated. Pang said he didnt contribute any money for the purchase. He also admitted to not having legal immigration status in the U.S. and he operated the vessel Helen that transported himself and the other Chinese nationals from Saipan with the destination of Guam, documents stated. Pang said he wanted to live and work on Guam. He said he used Wechat messages to communicate with the other passengers and they boarded Helen at about 8:30 p.m. the previous night, according to court documents. Target illegal aliens We will continue to target illegal aliens unlawfully traveling between the CNMI and Guam, U.S. Attorney Shawn Anderson said in a statement. The risk to personal safety is substantial. Those interdicted also face imprisonment and immigration penalties. He urged PRC nationals to fully comply with the CNMIs parole program and return to China as agreed upon entry to Saipan. Enhanced enforcement efforts by DHS will result in the apprehension of those attempting to evade detection, he added. The case was investigated by HSI and CNMI Department of Public Safety. The arrest of Mr. Pang is a testament to HSIs continued efforts to deter the extremely dangerous and unlawful movement of illegal aliens within the CNMI, said HSI Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. By holding criminals accountable, HSI works with state and local authorities to thwart future violations, ensuring the safety of our communities through continuing partnerships. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric S. OMalley prosecuted the case in the District of the NMI. Ashley Topasna, a graduating business administration student, has won the inaugural Miss University of Guam pageant crown. I would use my platform to advocate for important issues such as education accessibility, cultural pride, and student well-being, the Miss UOG 2025 titleholder said. By promoting open dialogue, community engagement, and positive change, I would strive to be a role model who embodies the Triton spiritstrong, compassionate, and forward-thinking. The UOG Student Government Association hosted the successful debut of the first-ever Miss UOG Pageant, held at the UOG Center Courtyard during Blue Night on March 7. The pageant showcased the intelligence, talent, and leadership of UOGs brightest women, culminating in Topasnas crowning. Topasna emerged victorious among six contestants when she captivated the audience and judges with her grace, confidence, and inspiring vision for the future. Being crowned as the first Miss UOG means the absolute world to me, as I am now an ambassador for an extraordinary community that Ive dedicated years of commitment to, she said. I look forward to representing UOG in such a unique way and being a voice for my fellow Tritons. The pageant also crowned UOG alumna, Kennysha Sablan, as the 1st Runner Up and recipient of the Peoples Choice title. It also recognized Paradis Fejerang, a graduating senior majoring in communication, for winning Best in National Costume. As the newly crowned Miss UOG, Topasna received a cash prize of $400 and now serves as an ambassador for the university, participating in university and community outreach events throughout the year. As Miss UOG, I would represent the university with integrity, inclusivity, and resilience, ensuring that every student feels heard, valued, and empowered. In todays social and political climate, it is essential to foster unity while embracing diversity, Topasna added. In a release, the university said the Miss UOG Pageant was created to empower the women of UOG by providing a space to develop leadership, public speaking, and personal growth while celebrating the diversity and culture present on campus. The event was made possible through the support of the UOG Endowment Foundation, Pitbull Empire, Dudus Girl Guam, Tinanom Soap Company, People and Planet, and Adotna Clothing. An 83-year-old amputee was forced to use the stairs in order to complete a TSA PreCheck appointment at the GCIC Building in Hagatna because the buildings elevators remain broken for about half a year now. Now, the elderlys family said they filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justices Civil Rights Division over the persistent inaccessibility of the GCIC Building. The family said the building is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA. Federal and local agencies use the nine-story GCIC building for their offices. Elevators at the GCIC Building have been down since October 2024, the Pacific Daily News earlier reported. Debbie Sharp, a local real estate broker, said she filed the complaint with the DOJ on behalf of her 83-year-old relative, who she said is a bilateral amputee. She also sent copies of her complaint to Del. James Moylan and Sens. Chris Barnett and Sabrina Salas Matanane. Sharp said her elderly relative was forced to climb a flight of stairs to reach the second floor, and was told that the biometric equipment could not be moved to a more accessible floor without TSA approval. This is ridiculous, especially in her current physical state, Sharp said. Even me and my physical state, I cant climb eight flights of stairs. Thats a lot to ask of anybody. Sharp criticized the buildings owner, GCIC Corp., and its president, Steffen Niu, for failing to maintain basic accessibility features. I cant get a business license for somewhere if its missing a backflow preventer on an outdoor spigot, but they can have a broken elevator in a nine-story building and still get their business license renewed, Sharp said. Everything theyre doing is an ADA violation. The owner knows better hes a real estate broker, so he should know. Senator weighs in Earlier this week, Sharp met with Barnett, who called for urgent action on the issue. I think the elevator being down since October of last year has created very significant challenges relative to accessibility for persons with disabilities, our Manu, and even sickly persons who are trying to get services from any of the agencies or entities that are housed in the GCIC building, Barnett said. Barnett said government agencies, including the Department of Labor, have made temporary accommodations, but services like TSA PreCheck remain unavailable downstairs due to strict requirements. I know that the Department of Labor has made some concessions, and they service their medical clients downstairs in the breezeway, but unfortunately, due to stringent pre-check-in requirements, the subcontractor for TSA PreCheck services is not able to service clients downstairs, Barnett said. And I know, as of today, they had made Mrs. Sharp aware of online capabilities for this service at TSA Cares. But the GCIC Buildings accessibility challenges need to be addressed immediately, he said. Barnett also questioned whether the GCIC Building should continue to operate without addressing the accessibility problem. I would just say legislatively, I think that the solutions are obvious. We call in Department of Public Works and find out what the situation is, if its structural or if its, you know, that the elevator needs repairs, Barnett said. It also begs the question of whether a building that has significant accessibility challenges continues to operate without seeking alternatives for persons with disabilities, he said. Public Works Director Vince Arriola said GCIC Buildings elevators were shut down after an inspection revealed significant deficiencies. GCIC is a privately owned building. Their elevators have been having operational issues for quite some time. These include structural issues, electrical, and mechanical, Arriola told PDN. Arriola said the building owner has been well aware of the repairs and replacements that are needed. There is too much danger and liability to the general public and tenants using the elevators. So, we shut them down. It is not DPWs responsibility to fix or repair elevators. A DPW sign posted in October 2023 declared the GCIC Building elevators unsafe, yet employees and visitors continue to rely on the stairs to access government offices, some of which reported spending $785,040 in annual rent as of fiscal 2022, PDN earlier reported. Sharp said the ADA requirements need to be followed. Its just wrong. They should not be allowed to operate that building when basic functions like elevators are not working, she added. John Ray Aguon, known for providing a cultural experience of carabao rides, will be the guest speaker at the University of Guam's CHamoru Studies program's Oran Fino' CHamoru tonight. The event is from 6 to 7 p.m. at the UOG CLASS Lecture Hall. The talk series is held only in CHamoru, which allows those in attendance to listen to Guam's indigenous language for an hour. The talk will be moderated by Sinot Cody Lizama, a CHamoru instructor with the CHamoru Studies program at UOG. The Oran Fino CHamoru series features guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds, about various topics, entirely gi Fino CHamoru. The series showcases the many ways that language can be used and integrated in everyday lives and across various domains and careers, according to UOG. Oran Fino CHamoru seeks to provide a welcoming space for CHamoru speakers and learners alike, encouraging and empowering their language journey, UOG said. A 70-year-old man was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison after a jury determined he tried to sexually abuse a disabled woman under his care, according to a news release from the Office of the Attorney General. In January, Peter Scott Vonschimpf was convicted of attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and abuse of an incompetent, both misdemeanors. Judge John C. Terlaje gave Vonschimpf the maximum sentence. Vonschimpf was caring for a 22-year-old woman with autism on Sept. 21, 2023, when the womans mother came home and saw him run out of her daughters room without any pants on. She also noticed a lotion smeared all over her daughters intimate parts. She said that Vonschimpf had strict orders not to change her daughters diaper, and when she confronted Vonschimpf about it, he allegedly replied, This is the first time it happened, according to charging documents. The victim in the case cannot speak. Attorney General Douglas Moylan issued a statement commending Terlaje for handing down the maximum sentence. Vonschimpfs heinous act targeted a nonverbal, autistic adult female, someone defenseless against his sexual abuse. This cowardly predator took advantage of a woman who could not speak for herself. We the People of Guam spoke for her, Moylan said. Moylan said Vonschimpf will forever bear the mark of his crimes as a registered Level 3 Sex Offender on Guams Sex Offender Registry. His name, his face, and this act will be known to all. With the help of a federal agency and high-tech equipment, the village of Agana Heights has captured 300 feral pigs in the last two months, according to Mayor Richard Arroyo. Arroyo said the U.S. Department of Agricultures feral swine program has placed sophisticated corral traps on private properties in the village. The traps are baited, and workers use cameras to monitor them. Property owners agree not to interfere once the traps are set. The pigs will come for several days, Arroyo explained, and as the pigs feel more comfortable, the herd grows. By Friday, theres like 35 pigs in the trap. The trap is closed remotely, and the pigs which can carry diseases and damage property are killed and removed. The program was a recent topic at the Mayors Council of Guam meeting, and at Wednesdays council meeting, MCOG President and Piti Mayor Jesse Alig said the federal agency can help every village. Its not for us to do, its for them to do. What Im trying not to do is to say, Heres more work for you, heres the trap, Alig said. Instead, the trapping is done by the USDA workers. Arroyo praised the program during Wednesdays meeting. This is very important, he said, urging fellow mayors to participate so the pigs dont just roam from one municipality to the next. Surrounding villages that are not using this program, I suggest you do, because they are making their way to other villages like for example ours, Arroyo said. Pretty soon Im going to end up building that wall, he joked. After the meeting, Arroyo said hes also been trapping stray dogs in the village. He recently reminded residents that Guam has a leash law, and even dogs with collars will be collected if they are loose and roaming the streets. If its a collar from Beverly Hills, it doesnt matter, he said. It has to have a leash on it. Nissan Guam will host its annual Nissan Generation Car Show from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at its dealership facilities in Upper Tumon, according to general sales manager Tom Quiogue. "Its our fifth year hosting the NGEN Car Show, and we expect to have more than 60 of the islands best Nissans, Infiniti and classic Datsun models on display, Quiogue said. "Itll be a great family event, with enjoy tons of activities that everyone will enjoy." In addition to the car show, NGEN will feature local food trucks, a remote-control drifting course, a Gran Turismo Racing Challenge, die-cast car trade show, raffle prizes, plus a live art show and vendor booths from local apparel brand Fewture, and more. Kids can test out their driving skills on the NISMO Kids racing course, and all attendees can enjoy a live drifting exhibition and ride-alongs featuring local drifting champion Von Burrell. Car show registrants will have the opportunity to win a trophy for six categories: Best Pristine, Best Modified, Best Truck, Best Coupe, Best 4-Door and Best of Show. While online registration for the car show has closed, interested Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun owners can contact Nicholas Shepherd at nshepherd@nissanguam.com for any available space to feature their car. The NGEN Car Show and Festival was first held in 2018, and is an annual celebration, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 and 2023 due to Typhoon Mawar. Nissan comes with a 90-plus year legacy of performance, power and a love for the brand, Quiogue said. At Nissan Guam, were proud to keep that legacy top of mind for the Guam community, and well continue bringing car enthusiasts together for awesome events like these as long as we can. Pay-Less Community Foundation has been selected as a Blue Star Families Outpost, which will enhance its ability to support military families on Guam with new programs and events designed to foster community and connections. We are honored to join the Blue Star Families network, Marie Benito, president of Pay-Less Community Foundation, said in a statement. This partnership will allow us to expand our services and better meet the needs of military families in our community. For more information, visit the Events and Campaigns section on the Pay-Less Community Foundation website. Although candidates for the Port Authority of Guams board of directors wanted to talk about the dangers of sea-level rise and the need to replace gantry cranes, senators grilled them about workplace violence, frequent travel and what one lawmaker said was a climate of fear, favoritism and intimidation at the port. A legislative committee with oversight of transportation held a hearing late into Tuesday night on the appointment of Conchita Taitano, who was nominated for her second three-year term on the board, and Mark Mendiola. Taitano, who previously served on the board of the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, and Mendiola, who served on the Board of Education, were asked about their priorities for the port. Taitano discussed rising sea levels and erosion, pointing to the degradation of land near the old USO location at the entrance to Cabras Island. She said gantry cranes, which are nearing the end of their service life, need to be replaced. And she noted that by switching to renewable energy sources, the port could save money. Mendiola also said gantry cranes were a priority, and he said he would like to improve succession planning and look for innovative ways to generate revenue. But senators quickly turned the conversation to a March 12 incident at the port described as a confrontation between Port General Manager Rory Respicio and another employee. Because the matter is under investigation and has been referred to the Office of the Attorney General, few details were provided. Respicio previously recused himself from discussing the incident, and a statement issued by the Port Authority on March 18 said, as this is a personnel matter, we are unable to comment on the specifics. At Tuesdays hearing, Sen. Chris Barnett asked about the Port Authoritys workplace violence policy, which was recently updated. Taitano said the policy had been reviewed and amended because of something that happened before the March 12 incident. When Barnett asked for details, Taitano said it was a personnel matter, and yielded the question to Respicio. Respicio told senators he was prompted to look at the policy because of an incident before March 12, and realized it needed to be amended. The new policy, which was circulated to employees and supervisors for input, addresses gossip as a form of workplace bullying and adds accountability from the general manager all the way down, he said. Its an interesting policy, Barnett said. You even have policies on passive-aggressive conduct. I mean, youre the king of passive-aggressive conduct. Excuse me? Respicio said. Barnett said he has received concerns from port employees, who many have told me theres a climate of fear, favoritism and intimidation at the port. He said workers told him about an incident that occurred during Mes CHamoru of last year. Two port employees got into a heated argument, and one showed a handgun to another. The two had been drinking, and they were on port property. The confrontation was reported to supervisors, but because one of the employees was supervised by Respicios first cousin, the incident was swept under the rug, Barnett said. Respicio said he was under the impression that the situation was handled by port police and those processes were addressed. Barnett questioned the response. Im trying to wrap my head around why your first cousin, who is the supervisor, wouldnt sound the alarm when we have an incident between two port employees involving alcohol and firearms on port property, Barnett said. Respicio said he learned about the incident way after the fact, and I was very concerned as well. But when I heard about it, beyond that supervisor, theres also the superintendent, theres also the operations manager...when I finally hear about these things, and theres timelines to everything, it was very concerning. But you did nothing? Barnett asked. What was I to do at that point? Respicio said. Barnett described another incident reported by port employees, and Respicio cautioned that the intel youre getting needs to be vetted more than just what youre told, because theres two sides to every story. The employees, they shared this with me because theyre scared and theyre intimidated by your leadership, Mr. Respicio, Barnett said. Barnett also questioned Taitano about 16 trips she took at port expense since joining the board in 2022, and asked her whether she benefitted from the travel by being able to keep airline mileage. I dont know if you call it a benefit, she said. I mean, I actually work. She said she was able to secure valuable grants for the port during the trips. Barnett asked Taitano how she handles complaints about the general managers leadership and performance while maintaining a positive working relationship with him. I have not had anyone raise an issue on the general manager, she answered. I know that even with the board meetings, we open it up for the employees to make comments from the public and weve received nothing. And I can tell you Ive received nothing via email, via mail, via phone call, via text. Later, under questioning from Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane, Respicio said when senators hear complaints about his leadership style, they should do more research. Whenever you get allegations that theyre intimidated by me, Id ask that you be as responsible as Ive been in the allegations than the rumors that I get and kind of vet it, he said. If theyre intimidated by my leadership, if theres a climate of fear, I just ask that you dont let these incidents paint this picture of the Port Authority of Guam. Port Authority of Guam employees, Im so very proud of, Respicio said. Were the only entity that stayed 100% operational during the pandemic. We rebounded three days after Typhoon Mawar. If morale wasnt this high, you will not see the productivity levels were seeing. Frank Joseph Gumataotao Reyes, one of three men accused in the September 2024 murder of Ryan Chaco and subsequent arson, is getting a new lawyer. Reyes attorney, Terrence Timblin, informed Superior Court Judge John Terlaje about his travel dates, and filed a motion to withdraw as counsel. Reyes has asserted his right to a speedy trial, said Terlaje, and Timblin would have returned to Guam after Reyes assertion date. Terlaje granted the motion. He also appointed a new lawyer, Heather Quitugua, to represent Reyes, even as the trial date looms. The judge said he wanted all the discovery materials for the case at Quituguas office by close of business Thursday. He said he would give her through the weekend to determine if she could accept the case, and called a status update hearing for Monday. Reyes and Eithen James Franklin Mendiola confessed to their involvement in Chacos death and the subsequent destruction of evidence, police said. According to police, Mendiola admitted to stabbing Chaco in self-defense, claiming Chaco had attempted to strangle and sexually assault him. Reyes admitted to burning the remains and other evidence to conceal the incident, police said. The victim was identified as Ryan Chaco, 37. Guam Fire Department personnel discovered Chacos charred remains after responding to a structure fire at a Dededo home, and the case was turned over to GPDs criminal investigation section. Special assistant attorney general Curtis Van de Veld said he didnt think the weekend was enough time for an attorney to consume more than 700 pages of discovery in the case. Terlaje said the court would find out on Monday. A third suspect, Joseph Ken Ehder, was also arrested and charged with multiple felony counts for murder and conspiracy. His case, however, was assigned to a different judge. Terlaje said he anticipates starting Mendiola and Reyes trial this month, on or about April 22. Guam now has 16 additional skilled ship repair pre-apprentices after Wednesdays completion ceremony at Guam Community College. The boot camp was funded through the Metallica Scholars Initiative grant GCC received in August 2024. All 16 students in the Ship Repair Pre-Apprenticeship Boot Camp XIII received their certificates of completion before their loved ones, supporters, future employers, and local dignitaries present. We worked hard and we will keep learning even after we find jobs, Lucylynn Castro, one of the pre-apprentices, said. Castro said the boot camp has helped her move from an entry-level job into something better. I graduated in 2023 and I have had an entry level job and I wasnt happy with what I was doing. Then one day, Gil Yanger (GCC instructor) had asked me if I would be interested in this boot camp. I dont regret doing this. I dont think I ever will. Thank you, guys, for everything, Castro told the crowd. GCC President Mary Okada said the colleges boot camp format is a proven model that engages employers in the selection process to ensure that participants are able to carry out the rigorous work and meet the time commitment required for the boot camp model. This has actually led to the success of many different occupational areas of employment here on Guam, Okada said. The vision of the community college is to get individuals from unemployment or underemployment and help them lift up their skills and provide them with the tools so that they can be successful in the long term while also supporting the industries and businesses here on Guam. Okada thanked GCC partners SeaFix, Cabras Marine Corp. and Guam Shipyard for allowing the college to continue to provide skilled workers for their occupational areas. Jobs waiting During the 12-week program, participants received training in blueprint reading, surface paint preparation, and marine diesel. Additional training to include Heartsaver First Aid, CPR and AED, WorkKeys, work ethic, and OSHA 10. All successful boot camp completers were offered employment opportunities with the sponsor employers: Cabras Marine Corp., Guam Shipyard and Sea Fix. Rock and roll, worthy cause The Metallica Scholars Initiative is a partnership between All Within My Hands, the non-profit established by the members and management of the world-renowned rock and roll band Metallica, and the American Association of Community Colleges, to promote and showcase career and technical education as a pathway to well-paying jobs, as well as the fight against hunger and other critical local services throughout the nation. GCC is the first college in the U.S. territories to be awarded Metallica Scholars Initiative funding for workforce development. Another Mes Chamoru is makpo, munhayan yan magof yu. My CHamoru month schedule is always exciting and busy. Normally with my work at the Guam Museum, my work with the Guam Bus, my work with Independent Guahan, and raising four kids, my schedule is always packed. Bokka i bellao-hu. But during Mes CHamoru, my schedule gets even more hectic. More school visits for storytelling and language teaching. More CHamoru food, singing and music competitions. More chances to teach CHamoru in the community. It is fun, it is enriching, but it is exhausting. Gosayon, lao gi minagahet, nayafai lokkue. For the past two years though, a major highlight for my Mes CHamoru has been traveling to Oceanside, California to teach CHamoru language lessons during the annual Chamorro Cultural Festival or CCF, also known as the Chelu Festival. Ive done this at the behest of the Prugraman Sinipok, an adult CHamoru language and culture immersion program that is sponsored by the non-profit Chelu and the Guam Museum, and has been organizing an annual two-week language immersion camp either on Guam or in the states since 2022. This years program will take place from July 7 to 19 here on Guam. If you are interested in learning more or signing up, you can do so at sinipok.org/register. Prugraman Sinipok is entirely volunteer run, made up of CHamoru language learners who have taken on the responsibility of helping others level up their CHamoru learning, both through the annual program, but also by offering language workshops and classes such as the ones at Chelu. It has been a great honor of mine, dangkolo na onra este, that I get to help organize with Prugraman Sinipok, their activities and also facilitate and teach the two-week immersion program. For this years Chelu Festival, the Prugraman Sinipok booth was filled with language learning materials and resources, and also had an area where short 25-minute language classes were offered throughout the day. I taught several of the classes, but other members of the Prugraman Sinipok team such as Michael Van Lyon, Michael Mendiola Garcia and Clarissa Mendiola also taught their own workshops. I was inspired to see each of these three, who had been my CHamoru language students in Zoom, and then attended the language immersion program, now move on to the point where they felt confident and comfortable assisting others in terms of basic CHamoru lessons. Over the course of the day, around 150 people attended these language lessons. The Chelu Festival for me was a beyond inspiring experience. When I wasnt teaching the language directly, people were approaching me, asking me about learning CHamoru and how they can go about learning it in the diaspora. I saw relatives such as my Waller Aunties who are part of the House of Chamorros, longtime friends, Facebook friends and so many people who have taken my Zoom CHamoru classes or have watched the CHamoru language videos Ive made for the Guam Bus, the Learning CHamoru website or elsewhere. It was exciting to have so many people ask me for selfies and for me, amazing to see people excited about learning CHamoru. I heard hundreds of stories on that Saturday, but one in particular touched my heart and reminded me of yet another reason why it is important to do this culture, language and community work that I do. Ninahasso yu na bali este na chocho. While walking near the stage at the Chelu Festival, an older CHamoru woman approached me, hugged me and burst into tears when she saw me, telling me she is away from home in the states for medical treatment and has regular dialysis. She said when she feels down and mahalang during her long dialysis, she watches my videos to practice CHamoru and lift her spirits and keep her going. June Pangelinan, who started the Prugraman Sinipok and continues to coordinate it, always talks about how learning your language facilitates healing and this was just another beautiful way we can see this. Biba Chelu! Biba Prugraman Sinipok! Biba CHamoru! If we ever hope to pull ourselves out of this current government debt situation, there is no doubt that Guam needs significantly improved governmental fiscal responsibility on the part of our elected and appointed officials, along with an economic shot in the arm. There is also little doubt that there are some obvious cost-cutting ways to do that. We recently had an election year so it is a great time to make your feelings known to those people that work for you. The people you elected into office! On the expenses side of the equation is fiscal responsibility from the administration and the Legislature. They must stop viewing the productive side of the economy (the business community and working taxpayers) as a never-ending money machine capable of supporting every social program they can devise to keep voters dependent upon them so they can remain in political office. That simply is not realistic and a quick and rational look at the U.S. mainland and so many countries in Europe and around the world will verify that to be true. What must also stop is the continual mismanagement of our resources. It appears, at least at first glance, that the administration is working to worsen this situation by demanding that a new hospital and medical center constructed at a location without current ample infrastructure. I hope that the Legislature will take this dire situation seriously and swing the new medical center idea back to the old Guam Memorial Hospital site in Tamuning. Voters should demand that these elected employees work together, productively, to move Guam out of the red and into the black. However, short-term reductions alone are not the answer to this problem. What have/are these elected officials doing to curb government spending and waste while additionally working to generate additional government revenues? What actions or decisions have they made that may have harmed or slowed current economic growth? What needs to change? On the revenue generating side, Guam, much like Hawaii, is and will primarily be dependent upon tourism and the federal government for the clear majority of its revenues. Some elected officials would have you believe there are other alternatives but none has the overall revenue generation capability of tourism and the federal government and their supporting entities. To make a significant dent in the government of Guam debt situation, there must be a combination of very serious, well thought out cost cutting. As many of us know, other than military tourists, our main tourism drivers have historically been Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese tourists. Our tourists come here in search of sun, clean beaches, clear-warm seas, new cultural experiences and a safe place to relax. The primary unanswered question on the tourist horizon remains the real ability of the Guam Visitor Bureau to turn around our horribly lagging visitor numbers, and rapidly! So what have Guams elected and appointed leadership done to improve Guam as an overall high quality destination? While we have seen numerous private enterprise groups work to develop tourism products, what has happened to our public beaches, parks and rest rooms? Have you been to one lately? Are they safe places to visit or could they use significant improvement? Have both parties (administration and Legislature) worked together to improve the areas that our tourists visit outside of Tumon Bay? What have they not done? Do they have a list of tourism priorities for spending and improvement? What about the second, enormously growing pillar of the Guam economy, the federal government (military) spending? What have our elected leaders done to grow that market? What have they done to curb behaviors that have impeded that growth? Alternatively, have they stood silently by without comment or criticism? What have the administration and Legislature done to improve our relationships with the military community? What have they done to encourage, or discourage economic growth in this critical arena? Who have been the most outspoken elected officials on growing this sector of our economy? What have they said and done that would promote economic growth and create more jobs? What have elected and appointed officials done to harm this growth and hamper the creation of new jobs? What voters really want, and desperately deserve, are improved education, public safety, public health and infrastructure services. This will require greater fiscal and political responsibility and better leadership and planning. It is time voters demand that happens. You would do well to remember that as you listen to and watch the current flock of elected officials and those who will be seeking office in the next elections. Lets make Guam great again! Esta Losing $27 million in federal education funds for failing to use them on time or failing to properly manage them is unacceptable, and the Guam Department of Education should be held accountable for allowing this to happen. But the responsibility does not stop at GDOE. Its only been less than two years since GDOE terminated its third-party receivership for federal grants it received from the U.S. Department of Education. From 2010 to Oct. 31, 2023, a private contractor was handling or managing some $60 million in annual federal education grants that GDOE was receiving. Back in 2023, GovGuam celebrated that at last, GDOE would have control over these federal funds. At the time, officials said GovGuam spent at least $33 million for a contractor to manage federal grants in a span of 13 years or an average of $2.5 million a year. But less than two years after the contract with the last third-party fiduciary agent ended and in just a span of weeks or months GDOE was able to lose $27 million already given to it because it couldnt manage it, among other things. What a shame. That money would have made a big difference in educating Guams children at a time when academic scores have not been showing good results after the pandemic. The amount could fix a lot of leaking classroom roofs, and make sure there are qualified teachers in every classroom. The $27 million $26,877,038.76 to be exact was based on discussions from this weeks Guam Education Board meeting and later from education oversight Sen. Vince Borja. In Borjas letter, he said GDOE had to return the unused federal grant funds to the federal government. Whatever happened to GovGuam officials pronouncements that they wont allow federal funds to be returned and would make sure theyre put to good use right here on Guam where they are sorely needed? It wont be surprising if the actual amount lost or would be losing is actually higher because of failure to properly manage federal funds or failure to use them during allotted time, or whatever else GDOE said actually happened. This comes at a time when the Trump White Houses shifting education and federal funding policies have already been resulting in more financial troubles for GDOE, such as missing a changed liquidation deadline. It also does not make sense for GDOE to ask for more local and federal funding when it fails to use substantial money already made available to it. Add to this a series of Office of Public Accountability audit findings of potential waste, abuse, theft and fraud at GDOE, from buying laptops from a sole vendor with no contract to racking up unauthorized overtime, among other things. How do GDOE and GovGuam address funding loss and waste and abuse? Where will GovGuam cut to make up for this funding hole? Holding yet another informational briefing or oversight hearing at the Legislature should not be the end goal. The education board, GDOE and the governor need to have serious talks on how to move forward, and how GDOE could be funded locally. Who would Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero hold responsible? Guam Education Board Chairman Angel Sablan, whos only been with the board for a short time, was right when he said, We failed. Yes, GDOE failed on this one. Longtime members of the Guam Education Board failed. GovGuam as a whole should do better. Haiti - FLASH : Two nuns from the Order of Saint Therese murdered Two nuns of the Order of Saint Therese, Sisters Evanette Onezaire and Jeanne Voltaire, were cowardly gunned down in Mirebalais by members of armed gangs who invaded the area since Monday, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Msgr. Max Leroy Mesidor, confirmed on Wednesday, April 2nd. The tragedy occurred as the two nuns, who had worked at the Mirebalais National School for several years, took refuge in the school caretaker's house, accompanied by a young girl, in an attempt to escape the violence. Unfortunately, armed members of the gang entered the house and coldly shot the two nuns, wounding the young girl in the chest, before fleeing... The murders of these two nuns, who dedicated their lives to educating young people and supporting vulnerable populations, were immediately reported to the Vatican and sparked deep shock... See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44597-haiti-flash-mirebalais-under-attack-numerous-victims-more-than-500-escapees-on-the-run-video.html S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : The Mission's armored vehicles don't stop all the bullets MMSS spokesman Jack Ombaka confirmed that two Kenyan officers were seriously injured https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44610-haiti-news-zapping.html and evacuated to the Dominican Republic for medical treatment. "As in any mission, casualties are sometimes inevitable," he said, without providing further details. "One of the officers was hit in the head after a bullet penetrated his helmet, and the other was hit in the ear when a bullet penetrated the walls of the armored vehicle he was in," Reuters revealed. Twenty armored vehicles belonging to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) have reportedly been immobilized since last weekend after officers refused to use them, citing their vulnerability after bullets repeatedly penetrated their armor. Two MMSS officers told Reuters that a delegation planned to travel to Washington this week to raise concerns with U.S. officials about the inadequate level of protection of these armored vehicles. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44610-haiti-news-zapping.html TB/ HaiiLibre Haiti - Humanitarian : PAHO sends 3 tons of essential medicines and health supplies to Haiti On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, as part of its commitment to respond to the protracted humanitarian crisis in Haiti, 3 tons of essential medicines and health supplies arrived in Haiti from the Pan American Health Organization's (PAHO/WHO) strategic stockpile in Panama. The shipment includes surgical kits for trauma patients, syringes, personal protective equipment for health workers, emergency medical backpacks, and other general medical supplies needed to meet urgent health needs. Strategic collaboration with Haitian health authorities and humanitarian partners allows PAHO to continue supporting those most in need. As a result, the Organization has been able to mobilize a total of 254 tons of medical supplies for Haiti since the beginning of 2024. "The increasing violence, including blockades of ports and airports, has hampered the health sectors ability to deliver humanitarian assistance to communities in Haiti most in need," explained Dr. Oscar Barreneche, PAHO/WHO Representative in Haiti, adding, "These humanitarian shipments coordinated by PAHO have been a lifeline in supporting the continued provision of emergency treatment and routine health services for Haitians." This shipment was made possible thanks to PAHOs close coordination with the Haiti Logistics Cluster, the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot in Panama, and the World Food Programme (WFP), as implementing partners. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Brazil Visa Notice : CAVB Temporarily Closed In a notice, the Brazil Visa Application Center (CAVB) informs that due to the overall security situation, the CAVB will remain closed this Thursday, April 3rd, 2025. Any beneficiaries who may be impacted by this situation, beyond our control, will be processed at a later date once our operations resume. We hope to resume our normal operations as soon as possible. Large demonstration in Port-au-Prince On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, a demonstration took place in the streets of the capital. Starting from Canape Vert Square, it was scheduled to end at the Villa d'Accueil, headquarters of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT). Several thousand protesters denounced the authorities' inaction in the face of attacks by armed gangs, which are increasingly controlling territory. Several areas of Port-au-Prince were paralyzed. In Juvenat, Delmas, Petion-Ville, and on Road de Freres, barricades of burning tires and stones were erected, preventing traffic and the smooth running of economic activities. Protesters were dispersed as they approached the Villa d'accueil using tear gas. "Government" helicopter hit by gunfire On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, while flying low over the commune of Saut-d'Eau due to poor weather conditions, the helicopter, leased and commissioned by Taiwan for the Haitian government, was flying towards Cap-Haiten and was hit by a 9mm caliber bullet. As a precaution, the helicopter turned back to return to Port-au-Prince. The damage was minor, and the helicopter will resume flights this Thursday, April 3rd. Mirebalais University Hospital on alert "Zanmi Lasante," the NGO that manages Mirebalais University Hospital (HUM), posted an alert on its X account. "The brutal attacks against Mirebalais threaten one of Haiti's most essential hospitals. If Mirebalais falls, the Haitian healthcare system risks collapse." Should be noted that the HUM has a capacity of nearly 300 beds and all the essential services of a tertiary hospital : internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, orthopedics, oncology, and receives nearly 400,000 patients per year. Pirate Attack On the night of Tuesday, April 1st to Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, at around 1:00 a.m., a boat carrying a large cargo of rice, heading for the port of Port-au-Prince, had anchored near Mariani, hoping to find safety for the night, and was attacked by pirates. Alerted, the National Port Authority dispatched its speedboat and Coast Guard personnel. Upon their arrival, the pirates had left the area and two crew members were missing. The boat sailed to the port of Port-au-Prince and began unloading. According to a member of the Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH), this type of situation is becoming recurrent given the lack of resources to effectively patrol the maritime zone. The Haitian National Police (PNH) recovers an armored vehicle In Mirebalais: The synergy between the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the population against terrorist bandits is bearing fruit. An armored vehicle in the hands of bandits was recovered by the police in the city of Mirebalais. Several bandits were fatally injured. HL/ HaitiLibre Fatal highway accident sparks smart driving safety debate on social media; expert suggests to reduce reliance 13:17, April 03, 2025 By Zhang Wanshi, Li Yawei ( Global Times This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2024 shows new energy vehicle model SU7 produced by Chinese tech firm Xiaomi displayed during the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, capital of China. The 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference kicked off here Thursday, during which a series of activities will be staged to promote the coordinated development of intelligent connected vehicles and related fields. (Photo/Xinhua) A recent fatal highway accident involving a Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle (EV) has sparked debate on Chinese social media regarding the safety of smart driving, as the preliminary findings released by the company indicate that the vehicle was in NOA (navigation on autopilot) mode before the tragedy, though the cause of the accident remains undetermined. On Tuesday, Chinese EV maker Xiaomi issued a statement acknowledging the accident on the Dezhou-Shangrao Expressway late on the night of March 29, which killed three people. The statement said that preliminary findings show the vehicle was in NOA-intelligent assisted driving mode. Another statement issued by Xiaomi vehicle's official Sina Weibo account on Tuesday night also mentioned that local police arrived at the scene and are fully involved in investigating the accident, as the investigation is ongoing. The incident has then attracted much attention from Chinese netizens about the safety of EVs, sparking discussions on topics such as the definition of "smart driving," autonomous emergency braking and safety of batteries, as well as calls for clearer marketing by auto sellers regarding smart driving features. People argued that the potential risks associated with the technology should be clearly labeled and effectively communicated to the public. They emphasized that consumers need to exercise more caution when adopting such technology to protect themselves from unforeseen consequences. A consumer surnamed Li, who has used the autonomous driving feature in his EV, told the Global Times that he only activates it during highway traffic jams or when he urgently needs to answer phone calls. Even then, he stays alert to road conditions, as the system cannot detect distant obstacles. Li said that NOA is less practical for overtaking and lane changes, sometimes experiencing sudden deceleration. According to China's vehicle driving automation classification standard, released in March 2022, automated driving is categorized into L0 to L5, corresponding to six levels of "emergency assistance, partial driving assistance, combined driving assistance, conditional autonomous driving, highly automated driving, and fully automated driving, Xinhua Net reported. L0-L2 is driver assistance, a low-level driving automation function, which assists a driver only to perform dynamic driving tasks. Currently, the operating level of EVs in China is generally under driver assistance, which underscores that automation remains an assistive driving feature rather than fully autonomous driving, Wu Shuocheng, a veteran automobile industry analyst, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Wu noted that some manufacturers often use promotional languages that can mislead consumers to believe NOA equates to full automation, as the technology remains fundamentally as an assistive feature. Although the cause of the accident has not been identified, the debate on smart driving safety continues to rage on social media. Wu pointed out that some consumers may place excessive trust in smart driving functions. While it is natural for consumers to have high expectations for new technologies, they should not rely on them excessively, the expert cautioned. This is not the only incident. In 2016, a white Tesla sedan traveling on a highway's leftmost lane in North China's Hebei Province collided with a road sweeper performing maintenance. The driver was transported to two hospitals for emergency treatment but ultimately died due to severe injuries. After over a year of legal proceedings, Tesla acknowledged that the vehicle was in NOA mode at the time of the crash. Wu added that policymakers in the automotive industry should implement stricter regulations on product specifications and safety standards. Manufacturers should ensure that users are thoroughly educated on the proper use of autonomous driving features and emergency protocols during the vehicle handover process, he said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Almost a week after the first reports of a data leak at Oracle, new information is still coming to light, but uncertainties remain. In an initial denial, the US company denied a security incident, but was conspicuously specific in its choice of words. Experts believe this was intentional and refer to authentic-looking data records in underground forums. heise security took a look at the data. Anzeige It sounded like a disaster for Oracle: six million data records from customers of the "Oracle Classic" cloud environment were offered for sale by an actor in one of the largest international darknet forums for illegal data trading. However, the company denied: "There was no attack on Oracle Cloud". There are now growing indications that the Oracle denial could be misleading. For example, security researcher Kevin Beaumont suspected in a blog article that Oracle was"playing with words". In addition, the company had another clue, namely an archive link to the "Wayback Machine", deleted. The attacker had apparently already created this link at the beginning of March 2025 . It shows a text file with just 19 characters under the domain "login.us2.oraclecloud.com": the intruder's email address. The attacker therefore apparently had access to a central interface in the classic Oracle cloud environment, at least for a short time. On April 1, 2025, the publication date of this report, the link is restored at the Wayback Machine. Attack on "the" Oracle Cloud or "an" Oracle Cloud? At the heart of the discussion between attackers, Oracle and security researchers is the question of whether "the Oracle Cloud" was successfully attacked or not. Oracle itself denies this, but uses a rather peculiar and suspiciously precise nomenclature. In addition to the currently marketed cloud environment (OCI - Oracle Cloud Infrastructure), there is also "Cloud Classic", the predecessor generation of the Oracle Cloud. Although the classic cloud also offers all the functions of the Oracle IaaS cloud, the company would like to move customers to the OCI, as it reveals prominently on the corresponding product page. The Oracle denial explicitly denies an attack on "Oracle Cloud", i.e. the more modern OCI. It therefore seems certain that customers who only use this and have never used the previous environment are not affected. A test account from heise security, which we created in November 2024, does not appear in the domain list or in the demo data. Anzeige 2000 German companies affected? Speaking of demo data: Free samples are part and parcel of selling stolen datasets in underground forums. They should be as up-to-date as possible, but must not reveal too much in order not to make the purchase unattractive. The taster data on the Oracle leak therefore only contains a list of over 140,000 domains, a roughly two-year-old excerpt from an Oracle user database and a presumably seven-year-old text excerpt from an LDAP user tree. This caused a lively discussion among forum participants, especially as the attacker or attackers provided security analysts with an extended, more up-to-date data set. New, fresh and double-plus-good: The leaker uploaded additional data in the course of March 31 to convince doubters. (Image: Screenshot / cku) So did heise security: We have a CSV file containing 10,000 data records, which, in addition to names and encrypted access data, also contains e-mail addresses and tenant IDs, i.e. Oracle-internal customer IDs. Our sample data set alone contains over 1500 unique tenant IDs, so this is not an attack on a single Oracle customer. The customer list contains over 2100 domains ending in ".de", including many well-known companies and DAX corporations. Banks, food discounters, educational institutions, municipal IT service providers and many medium-sized companies can also be found there, as well as some domains that are more likely to be private individuals or test accesses. We took some random samples and were able to assign names from the leak to current employees of the companies mentioned. In addition, one affected person contacted the editorial team directly. The security service provider CloudSEK is now offering concerned admins and companies a way to check. They can enter their main domain name in an online form and this will be compared with the list provided by the attacker. As this is apparently based on the domain part of the email addresses, freemail providers such as GMX, Proton or mailbox.org also appear among the 140,000 domains. Involuntary devops stream: support video from 2019 Another find that emerged in the wake of the break-in seems rather curious. The almost one-and-a-half-hour recording of a video conference and screen sharing apparently shows a meeting between Oracle support technicians about an update to a database environment in the Oracle Classic cloud. The technicians set up database servers and server environments together and root passwords for cloud servers that are no longer accessible fly through the frame. Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externes YouTube-Video (Google Ireland Limited) geladen. YouTube-Video immer laden YouTube-Video jetzt laden Betreutes Administrieren: Oracle-Techniker verwalten im Video gemeinsam eine Cloud-Umgebung The video is not current, but apparently dates back to 2019. The security analysis company Hudson Rock has uploaded the video to YouTube, and there is also a transcript on Github for you to browse through. More recent is apparently a twenty-second video uploaded to a file hosting service on March 31, which allegedly shows a chat conversation between Oracle customer service and the attacker known as "rose87168". Apparently, the attacker had logged into Oracle's support portal on behalf of a victimized Oracle customer and asked a visibly overwhelmed employee for information on how to proceed. Callback number? LOL, no! - the Oracle attacker in dialog with customer service. (Image: Screenshot: cku) No new information from Oracle In light of the new information, we asked Oracle for an updated statement. We were particularly interested in whether the company would extend its original denial to the "Oracle Classic" cloud and how it assesses the authenticity of the data already published. However, by the afternoon of April 1, we had not received any feedback and will update this report as soon as we do. The first reports of an intrusion or data leak in one of the Oracle clouds appeared at the end of March. It is still unclear how the intruder or intruders gained access to the sensitive data. Several experts suspect that access was gained via an exploit for the vulnerability with the CVE ID CVE-2021-35587, which was already repaired in 2022. (cku) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently experiencing great anxiety: As has now become known, IT systems that use the decades-old COBOL programming language used there are apparently to be migrated to a new solution within a few months. The SSA is something like the US Social Security Administration, which also administers pension payments to US citizens. Experts are predicting chaos, with some even fearing that millions of American senior citizens will not receive their pension payments. Anzeige The US magazine Wired first reported on the plans, citing anonymous sources from within the SSA. The agency itself would not comment on the matter. According to Wired, Steve Davis is responsible for the plans to abolish COBOL. The close confidant of tech billionaire Elon Musk worked for years in top positions in his company empire and still does, while also coordinating the work of DOGE. Fears of hasty action Incidentally, this also sums up the attitude with which Davis is approaching his plans for COBOL from the perspective of the SSA managers. COBOL is a hardware-independent language for business management developed in the 1950s. It is still widely used, and not just at the SSA. A large proportion of systems in the global banking sector, for example, still work with it. A migration of this scope and scale would be a huge undertaking for the SSA, experts told Wired magazine. According to them, the tight timeframe risks hindering payments to the more than 65 million people in the U.S. currently receiving Social Security benefits. In 2017, the SSA had already started to migrate its systems out of COBOL, and the timeframe set at the time makes the dimensions clear: it was supposed to take five years, but the project was stopped in 2020 due to coronavirus. Now DOGE wants to try again and apparently rely on AI. According to Wired's sources, the bureaucratizers want to use it to translate the estimated 60 million lines of COBOL code into another programming language. It will also cover important core functions such as controlling pension payments. Should DOGE really be able to produce a new system in a short space of time, it would still have to be extensively tested. This is something that the interviewees also believe is hardly feasible within months. Fear of data loss The main risk is not that a payee would suddenly receive too much or too little social benefits in the new system. Rather, it is that they would not even appear in the new system and the SSA would no longer be able to track whether they were ever in the system before, explains one of the SSA employees. Anzeige According to Wired, ten DOGE employees are currently working with the SSA. It is not yet clear when a migration could start. Other projects currently have priority, such as the termination of "non-essential contracts" or the introduction of AI for certain paperwork. However, one of the SSA employees interviewed also believes that COBOL needs to be implemented as soon as possible: "Those responsible need to understand that they are dealing with a house of cards or a Jenga game, so to speak. If they start taking out parts, which they have already announced, then everything could collapse." (nen) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. Roughly 35,000 students in Finland earned more than permitted under the 2024 income limits for student financial aid, according to Kela. Those affected have until 30 April 2025 to voluntarily return the excess support and avoid a recovery penalty. Students who exceed the annual income threshold and fail to repay the excess aid in time will face a 7.5 percent surcharge in February 2026, when Kela will begin recovery procedures. The voluntary repayment option allows students to return the aid now and retain the right to use those repaid months in the future. "Last year, more than 22,000 students returned a total of 17.7 million voluntarily. We expect similar figures this year as the income limits remained unchanged from 2023," said Ilpo Lahtinen, Senior Coordinator at Kela's Student Financial Aid Section. The income limit applies only to student financial aid, not to general housing allowance. From August 2025, however, students will be moved to a new housing supplement scheme. After that, repaying student financial aid will also require returning housing benefits. This year marks the final time students need only return the study grant, said Lahtinen. From next year on, the scope of repayments will widen, and students must monitor their income more closely. Students can check their income threshold using the OmaKela online service or on Kelas website. Kela uses income data from the Tax Administrations pre-filled tax returns to assess if a student has exceeded their limit. Students who have authorised Kela to send messages will receive notifications in early April if they are affected. OmaKela provides a personal summary showing how much income was earned in 2024 and which months of financial aid can be repaid. The service also calculates the impact of the repayment on the annual income limit and enables immediate online payment. Students in higher education who return excess aid now will retain those months for later use. Those who do not repay by the deadline will lose the right to reclaim the aid months. The voluntary repayment system applies only to income earned in 2024 and must be completed by 30 April 2025. Finland has adopted one of the shortest transitional periods in Europe. Existing crypto service providers operating in the country have until 30 June to apply for authorisation under MiCA rules. The EUs Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation has fully entered into force, marking a shift in the oversight of crypto-asset services across the European Union. In Finland, the Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) says the changes bring tighter requirements for service providers but warns that risks for consumers remain high. So far, the FIN-FSA has received eight such applications. The regulation is now in place, but the situation across Europe is still fragmented, said Tero Kurenmaa, Director General of the FIN-FSA, at a press conference on Thursday. Consumers purchasing crypto-assets from outside Finland should be cautious, especially as regulatory obligations vary during the transition. MiCA introduces standardised requirements for the first time in the crypto sector, aligning it more closely with traditional financial services. These include obligations related to management competence, own funds, data transparency and cybersecurity. Thirteen virtual currency providers have been registered in Finland. To continue operations beyond June, they must secure full authorisation under the new framework. Maria Rekola, Head of Division at the FIN-FSA, said that although MiCA improves regulatory clarity, it does not eliminate core risks. A large share of the contacts we receive about crypto-assets involve fraud, Rekola said. MiCA does not require providers to assess whether a product is suitable for the customer, and consumer protections do not apply to services purchased outside the EU or EEA. MiCA also does not extend coverage from the Investors Compensation Fund to crypto products, meaning users bear the full risk of market losses, scams or cyberattacks. In addition to crypto oversight, the FIN-FSA also reviewed the state of Finlands fund market. At the end of 2024, the total net asset value of Finnish investment funds stood at 205 billion. Real estate funds faced particular pressure amid liquidity challenges and declining valuations. Since 2023, real estate funds have been allowed to reduce the frequency of redemptions and apply broader liquidity management measures. These changes followed net redemptions and negative revaluations across the sector. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, ten real estate funds had either suspended or restricted redemptions. The FIN-FSAs role is to ensure investor protection and market stability, said Marko Hovi, Head of Division. This year, our focus will be on liquidity, debt levels, and valuation practices. New EU-level rules are also in development. The FIN-FSA also addressed risks in the banking sector, with particular focus on exposure to the real estate market. Supervisory attention remains on the financial soundness of banks and other institutions under its remit. The authority confirmed that financial supervision will continue to concentrate on structural vulnerabilities and emerging risks across sectors, including digitalisation, capital adequacy, and resilience to macroeconomic shocks. HT New US import tariffs announced by President Donald Trump are expected to weaken the global economy and hit the United States hardest, according to the Finnish Chamber of Commerce. Goods imported from the European Union will now face a 20 percent tariff, while products from China will be subject to 34 percent, and those from India 26 percent. This is simply poor economic policy, said Juho Romakkaniemi, CEO of the Finnish Chamber of Commerce. Trump is attempting to draw production back to the US and raise revenue by taxing foreign goods. The end result is economic harm for everyone, with the US likely suffering the most. Romakkaniemi said the scale of the tariffs had exceeded expectations and warned of retaliation from key trade partners, including the EU. He described the unfolding situation as a likely cycle of revenge that would damage long-term economic prospects. This kind of escalation will reduce potential growth globally. Unfortunately, it could shave several percentage points off Europes economic growth over the coming years, he said. In response to the US measures, EU leaders are reportedly considering countermeasures. Romakkaniemi urged EU and Finnish officials to remain committed to open trade policies. We must continue to advocate for freer and more open global trade. Thats the foundation for growth and for shared prosperity. Hopefully, this phase of tariffs and retaliation can be overcome and common sense returned to global trade, he said. The new tariffs represent one of the most aggressive protectionist moves of Trumps presidency and are expected to spark new tensions in global trade relations. The Finnish Chamber of Commerce emphasised that trade barriers of this magnitude disrupt investment planning, supply chains, and economic recovery across all markets. HT The 29-year-old arrived at Salt Lake City International Airport on 5 March. He reportedly took a taxi from the airport to Duchesne County, approximately 240 kilometres east, and was dropped off in the Moon Lake area. US authorities are searching for a Finnish man who has been missing in Utah since early March. Local law enforcement say it is unclear if he ever reached his intended destination. The Duchesne County Sheriffs Office confirmed it was contacted by the mans family on 17 March. His phone was last detected in the area near the Uinta Mountains, according to authorities. We just know his cellphone pinged up here, and we have no sign of him, said Captain John Crowley of the Duchesne County Sheriffs Office in a statement to local media. Crowley said surveillance footage from the airport showed the man carrying a backpack, but he did not appear to have equipment suitable for conditions in the Uinta Mountain range, which includes remote wilderness areas and high elevation terrain. Search efforts are ongoing. Family members travelled to Utah two weeks ago to assist in the search. The missing man has been identified in US media as Onni Ilmari Raassina. He is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall and of Finnish nationality. Police have released photographs and are asking the public for any information related to his movements or whereabouts. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Raassina or had contact with him to get in touch with Captain Crowley at the Duchesne County Sheriffs Office via telephone. HT (JTA) - An endless Passover seder takes center stage in "One Little Goat: A Passover Catastrophe," by writer Dara Horn and illustrator Theo Ellsworth, award-winners who teamed up for a humor-filled, time-travel graphic novel for young people. The tale of an epic seder - it drags on for six months - joins a new crop of children's books with Passover themes, from a based-on-a-true-story retelling of a Pesach celebration on Mt. Everest to a look inside President Barack Obama's White House seder, a first in American history. This year, the eight-day holiday, also known as the Festival of Freedom,... (JNS) - On Oct. 7, 2023, the world witnessed what Hamas terrorists are capable of, as armed Gazans gleefully bragged about their ability to torture, murder, mutilate, burn alive, rape and kidnap unarmed civilian children, women and men. And the world saw the unthinkable murderous scenes and reacted. And the reaction was wicked. On Oct. 8, 2023, the truth began to come out loud and clear. The central truth was that anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, global antisemitism was lying so close to the surface, that it was ready to erupt if it had a reason. The Oct. 7 massacre of Jews in their homeland gave hat... When I speak to groups and describe Susya, I often mention that there is no common crime. They seem incredulous. In this day and age, how can such a thing be possible? Growing up in the U.S,. a child of the 1980s, I remember all too well the faces of kidnapped children posted on milk containers. We'd see them every morning as we ate our breakfast. The warnings about kidnappers were constant. "Don't take candy from a stranger" and the ever-popular "don't talk to strangers," and we girls were further warned not to ever walk alone. When we were home without our parents, we didn't even answer the... As Central Floridas senior population grows, the Jewish Pavilion Senior Services and Orlando Senior Help Desk have become vital pillars of support for both seniors and their families. Rooted in Jewish values of compassion, respect, and community, these organizations offer critical resources that promote dignity, connection, and care for aging individuals. A legacy of compassionate care For over 25 years, the Jewish Pavilion has been dedicated to serving seniors throughout Greater Orlando. It provides a wide array of services that include companionship, social activities, and guidance on healt... (JNS) Egg prices remain high in much of the United States following an avian flu outbreak that led to the loss of many egg-laying chickens and has caused an ensuing egg shortage a month before the holidays of Passover and Easter in April, when eggs take center stage. Limited supplies as a result of what is commonly called the bird flu are related to the loss of many egg-laying chickens. According to CBS News, more than 148 million birds have been ordered euthanized since the current strain of bird flu was first detected in 2022. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention est... Chana Ben-Abraham, Gotlib Jewish Academy Head of School, announced that Jacqueline Drazen McGrail will be joining the school as the new Director of School Operations, beginning the week of March 24. In this role, she will oversee business operations, admissions, marketing, fundraising, and school events, taking on responsibilities previously managed by the executive director as part of a realignment of administrative duties to strengthen the school's growth and operations. McGrail brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, event planning, and community engagement.... (JTA) Nearly 80 members of Congress from both parties are calling for the Trump administration to end a freeze on security funding for religious institutions. The halt to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, or NSGP, began recently as part of an overall funding freeze on FEMA, the federal disaster relief agency. Synagogues, schools and Jewish community centers have long relied on the funding, which goes to religious institutions of all kinds, to pay for measures like security cameras or bollards to protect their buildings. At a time when hate and violence against faith-based communities ac... (JNS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likes to cite polls that indicate American support for Israel, but while it might not concern him, the data suggests the bipartisan consensus that has helped sustain the special relationship has completely collapsed. Sympathy for Israel has severely eroded, driven by the cratering of support from the Democratic Party. While political backing in Washington still holds firm, public sentiment is shifting in ways that could have long-term consequences for Israel. For decades, the most consistent measure of American attitudes toward Israel has been... (JNS) Sitting here in Israel, I ask myself if this is the same Middle East it was before Oct. 7, 2023. Yes, the war that was waged on Israel on seven fronts continues into its 17th month, and at least 59 hostages are still not home with many no longer alive. However, something else has changed. Although still a threat, Hezbollah has been severely neutered. The Israeli Air Force sent a squadron of F-151 planes on Sept. 27, dropping more than 80 bombs. The body of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs commander-in-chief, was found lying in the rubble the next day. Also eliminated by the Israeli forces... We Are China SW China's Xizang marks spring plowing with traditional ceremonies People's Daily Online) 13:18, April 03, 2025 Traditional spring plowing ceremonies took place across the valley regions of Lhasa, Shannan and Xigaze in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on March 16, 2025. Wearing festive clothing, farmers held Chemars containers of roasted highland barley flour that symbolize abundance while singing, toasting with barley wine and praying for a bountiful harvest. Farmers participate in a spring plowing ceremony in Nedong district, Shannan city, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo/People's Daily Online) Farmers gather for a spring plowing ceremony in Nedong district, Shannan city, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo/People's Daily Online) A villager in festive traditional attire scatters highland barley seeds in a village in Maizhokunggar county, Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo/People's Daily Online) Villagers offer highland barley wine during a spring plowing ceremony in a village in Maizhokunggar county, Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo/People's Daily Online) Farmers celebrate the start of spring plowing in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo/People's Daily Online) Farmers mark the beginning of spring plowing in Rinbung county, Xigaze city, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo/People's Daily Online) A Chemar, a container of roasted highland barley flour symbolizing abundant harvests, is displayed during a spring plowing ceremony in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo/People's Daily Online) Farmers conduct a spring plowing ceremony in Lhunze county, Shannan city, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo/People's Daily Online) Farmers engage in a spring plowing ceremony in Nedong district, Shannan city, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo/People's Daily Online) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) China dispatches largest rescue team, saves nine survivors in Myanmar earthquake Global Times) 13:19, April 03, 2025 (Photo/Courtesy of Guixing Rescue Team, Zhuji, Zhejiang Province) As of Wednesday, China has rescued nine survivors from the deadly earthquake in Myanmar and has sent the largest number of rescue teams and personnel to assist in local disaster relief efforts, according to data released by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) on Wednesday. China will also dispatch two expert teams for post-disaster epidemic prevention and loss assessment, a spokesperson from the agency said. The Chinese rescue team successfully extricated a male survivor at a hotel on Wednesday afternoon in Mandalay, marking the ninth survivor saved by China, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The man, an employee of the E-outfitting Golden Country Hotel, had been trapped for over 120 hours and was in stable condition when rescued. "The people of China and Myanmar share a deep 'paukphaw' (fraternal) friendship, and we feel a strong sense of empathy for the suffering of the Myanmar people," Li Ming, spokesperson for the CIDCA, told a press conference on Wednesday. "Under joint efforts, China was the first country to announce emergency assistance to Myanmar, the first to dispatch rescue teams, and the first to rescue earthquake survivors," Li said. Southwest China's Yunnan Province, which neighbors the Southeast Asian country, sent medical teams to Myanmar just 18 hours after the earthquake. With over 500 rescuers, China is the country with the largest number of teams and personnel dispatched to Myanmar, Li said. In addition, the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), in collaboration with Nay Pu Town and Aung Thuka Temple in Mandalay, has built a temporary settlement community. This is the first temporary settlement community funded by a Chinese social organization following the earthquake. The community will be managed by Myanmar, the Global Times learned on Wednesday. The temporary settlement community consists of 35 tents and can accommodate 100 households, housing over 500 individuals. In a video recorded by a Global Times reporter on site, two little girls are playing, hopping and laughing in the tent hand in hand. In another video, a local resident clasped her hands to the camera, while expressing gratitude for letting her family have a proper place to stay. Despite challenges including disrupted transportation and communication infrastructure, China has managed to deliver the first batch of relief supplies - including 1,200 tents, 8,000 blankets, and over 40,000 emergency aid packages - near Naypyidaw on Tuesday, and they have already been distributed to the disaster victims. The second batch of aid supplies is rapidly being assembled, and is scheduled to arrive in Myanmar on Thursday, the CIDCA revealed. Additionally, the Red Cross Society of China has provided 1.5 million yuan ($206,700) in cash assistance, while Yunnan Province has donated 6.1 million yuan worth of disaster relief supplies. Next, China will send two expert teams for post-disaster epidemic prevention and loss assessment. They will not only be responsible for on-site treatment of the injured but will also work with Myanmar to carry out mitigation efforts and share their expertise, Li noted. The death toll from Friday's 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 3,003, with 4,515 injured and 351 still missing, according to Myanmar authorities on Wednesday. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) In a stunning legal decision, a federal judge has permanently dismissed the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, blocking the Trump Justice Department from ever bringing the charges again. The move comes after a firestorm of controversy surrounding the DOJ's handling of the case, including high-profile resignations and allegations of political maneuvering. Judge Dale Ho ruled on Tuesday that his hands were tied, despite expressing concerns about the Justice Department's motives for dropping the case. "Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions," he wrote in a 78-page opinion. He described the DOJ's actions as "disturbing" and warned that they suggested public officials might receive special treatment if they aligned with political priorities. "That suggestion is fundamentally incompatible with the basic promise of equal justice under the law." The Justice Department defended its decision to drop the case, with a spokesperson stating, "This case was an example of political weaponization and a waste of resources. We are focused on arresting and prosecuting terrorists while returning the Department of Justice to its core mission of keeping Americans safe." Adams' attorney, Alex Spiro, celebrated the ruling, saying, "This case should have never been brought in the first place and finally today that case is gone forever. From Day 1, the mayor has maintained his innocence and now justice for Eric Adams and New Yorkers has prevailed." The controversy erupted after Adams, who is up for reelection this fall, was indicted in September on bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy charges. Prosecutors alleged he had solicited campaign contributions from foreign nationals in exchange for political favors, dating back to his time as Brooklyn Borough President. The indictment accused Adams of accepting luxury perks from a Turkish official and pressuring a New York City Fire Department official to approve permits for a Turkish consular building that had failed inspection. In February, the Trump Justice Department recommended dropping the case, arguing it was interfering with Adams' ability to combat illegal immigration and violent crime. Then-acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove stated, "The pending prosecution has unduly restricted Mayor Adams' ability to devote full attention and resources to the illegal immigration and violent crime that escalated under the policies of the prior Administration." However, the decision to abandon the case triggered an internal DOJ revolt, with multiple prosecutorsincluding then-acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoonresigning in protest. In her resignation letter, Sassoon claimed that Adams' lawyers had suggested a quid pro quo: that he would assist with Trump's immigration enforcement priorities only if the charges were dropped. Judge Ho ultimately sided with conservative attorney Paul Clement, whom he appointed to review the DOJ's request. Clement argued that dismissing the case with prejudicepreventing the charges from ever being refiledwas the best way to ensure legal accountability and avoid the appearance of political coercion. "A dismissal without prejudice creates a palpable sense that the prosecution outlined in the indictment and approved by a grand jury could be renewed, a prospect that hangs like the proverbial Sword of Damocles over the accused," Clement wrote. Rev. Al Sharpton weighed in on the ruling, emphasizing its political implications. "It takes away the feeling that he was under the thumb of the president," Sharpton told CNN. "It clearly says that now whatever he does, now he'll be judged on his own decisions." Judge Ho made it clear that his ruling was not a judgment on Adams' guilt or innocence but rather a necessary step to prevent undue political influence over the justice system. "Bringing these decisions into the open may, in turn, lead to attempts by the public to influence these decisions through democratic channels," he wrote. With the case now closed for good, Adams can focus on his reelection bidthough the shadow of the corruption allegations may still loom over his campaign. Blake Lively is facing renewed public backlash after a resurfaced clip from 'A Simple Favor' revealed an unscripted scene in which she grabbed co-star Henry Golding's crotch a moment she admitted to initiating herself. The revelation has resurfaced amid her ongoing legal war with 'It Ends With Us' co-star Justin Baldoni. While Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and spearheading a campaign to destroy her public image, his legal response includes a $400 million defamation lawsuit against her, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane. As part of the fallout, critics are re-examining Lively's past behavior on set. The controversial moment from the 2018 film was highlighted in the Blu-Ray commentary, where Lively admitted to improvising the act. "That's always awkward, when you're like, 'Hey nice to meet you! Can I grab your nuts really hard?' Not because I want to, because I feel like she would," Lively said. Director Paul Feig responded during the commentary, "One of my favourite additions you came up with was you grabbed his nuts, and you really went for it too." The moment was recirculated by lawyer and YouTuber @elsrich, and later by journalist Kjersti Flaa, prompting an outpouring of angry reactions from viewers. One person wrote, "This is absolutely unbelievable! OMG poor Henry looks so uncomfortable. This woman is shameless." Amid the backlash, Lively is not expected to participate in press events for the upcoming sequel 'Another Simple Favor,' and has only appeared once at the SXSW Film Festival. Meanwhile, rumors of tension between Lively and co-star Anna Kendrick persist, though director Paul Feig recently dismissed them. The Lively-Baldoni trial is set to begin on March 9, 2026. All parties deny the allegations made against them. Originally published on Enstarz President Donald Trump has reportedly informed his closest advisers and members of his Cabinet that Elon Musk will soon step away from his role as a senior figure in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), according to Politico. The announcement follows weeks of speculation over Musk's increasingly controversial position and his influence within the Trump administration. Although the president remains publicly supportive of Musk, the decision was made jointly between the two men, sources told Politico. Trump is said to have praised Musk's work to slash bureaucracy and cut government costs, calling him 'a patriot' and 'a friend of mine'. But internal concerns about Musk's erratic behaviour and political impact have prompted plans for a transition. Internal Frustrations And Public Backlash Despite Musk's high-profile presence in the administration, insiders have grown weary of his unpredictable approach. Several Cabinet secretaries have reportedly voiced frustrations over learning about major policy changes only after Musk posted them to his social platform X. According to Newsweek, tensions flared during a March meeting involving Trump, Musk, and Cabinet members. Musk allegedly clashed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio over staffing cuts, criticising Rubio despite his claims of having already implemented significant reductions. Musk's critics within the administration say he has become a political liability. That sentiment was echoed following a major defeat in Wisconsin, where a conservative judge backed by Musk lost a Supreme Court bid by 10 points. Democrats framed the election as a referendum on Musk's growing role in politics, with his 15.8 million ($20 million) campaign investment drawing further scrutiny. Musk's Influence Within The White House Musk currently holds the status of a 'special government employee', a temporary designation that exempts him from certain conflict-of-interest and ethics rules. This designation is expected to expire by late May or early June. Once that period ends, Musk is anticipated to step into a more informal advisory role while refocusing on his business interests. Despite the backlash, the White House has been careful to maintain a unified front. In a statement to Politico, spokesperson Harrison Fields said: 'Elon has been instrumental in executing the President's agenda, and will continue this good work until the President says otherwise.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also dismissed speculation of an abrupt exit, writing on X that 'Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete'. Declining Popularity And Political Risk Elon Musk's approval rating has suffered in recent weeks. A recent poll conducted by the Harvard Center for American Political Studies and HarrisX found that 49 percent of registered voters viewed Musk unfavourably, compared to only 39 percent who held a favourable view. His declining popularity has coincided with a 13 percent drop in Tesla's first-quarter salesits worst performance in nearly three years. Critics argue that Musk's unfiltered social media posts and spontaneous announcements have undercut the administration's messaging and led to policy confusion. One Trump insider reportedly described the billionaire as an 'unmanageable force' whose antics frequently send staff into crisis mode. What Happens Next While Musk's departure will mark the end of his formal government role, he is expected to remain close to Trump's inner circle. According to Politico, one administration official remarked that 'anyone who thinks Musk is going to disappear entirely from Trump's orbit is fooling themselves'. DOGE, the efficiency department Musk helped lead, is set to continue its operations through July 2026. Trump has indicated that once Musk steps aside, Cabinet secretaries will carry forward the initiative with more measured oversight. 'There'll be a point at which the secretaries will be able to do this work... with the scalpel, and that's what we want,' Trump said during a recent briefing. As the story develops, it remains to be seen whether Musk's planned exit will ease internal tensions or continue to raise questions about the blending of business, media influence and political power in the Trump administration. Originally published on IBTimes UK Russia's top economic negotiator announced Thursday that he was in Washington for talks on improving ties, the highest-level visit by a Kremlin official to the United States since Russia invaded Ukraine. Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, said he was "holding meetings in Washington with representatives of President Donald Trump's administration", without elaborating. US media reported that Dmitriev arrived Wednesday and was expected to meet with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House, though his itinerary has not been made public. The talks come as Trump pushes for warmer ties with Moscow, reaching out to President Vladimir Putin and holding direct talks with Russian officials in the hope of brokering a ceasefire in the three-year Ukraine war. "The dialogue between Russia and the United States, which is crucial for the entire world, was completely destroyed under the Biden administration," Dmitriev wrote on Telegram, announcing the visit. "Restoring dialogue is not an easy process, and it's gradual. But every meeting, every frank conversation allows us to move forward," he added. The White House has not publically commented on the visit, while the Kremlin said details would be revealed only after Dmitriev had finished his meetings. Dmitriev did not say what would be discussed in his meetings, but the trip comes after Trump voiced frustration at the slow pace of ceasefire negotiations for Ukraine. Putin last month rejected a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire, and has made a US-proposed truce in the Black Sea dependent on the West lifting certain sanctions. Trump also told NBC News over the weekend that he was "very angry, pissed off" with Putin after he suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky be removed from power as part of a peace settlement. But he claimed to have "a very good relationship" with his Russian counterpart and said "the anger dissipates quickly... if he does the right thing." Russia is hoping Washington will lift massive sanctions on its economy as part of a peace settlement, including those targeting its state-owned agricultural lender. Dmitriev, who was himself sanctioned by the United States, was allowed to visit only after the restrictions on him were temporarily eased, US media reported. A former Goldman Sachs banker and graduate of Stanford University in California, Dmitriev has played a key role in the rapprochement between Russia and the United States, taking part in the first round of talks with Trump officials in Saudi Arabia in February. Witkoff, a key Trump ally, had already travelled to Russia to meet Putin last month. Senior Russian diplomat Sergei Ryabkov said Thursday that recent contacts had not yet yielded a "breakthrough". "Step by step, slowly, we are beginning to move, I hope, towards normality," he told Russia's International Life magazine. Amazon has made an unexpected bid to acquire TikTok, just days before the US government's April 5 deadline for the platform to sever ties with its Chinese owner, ByteDance, or face a ban. The offer was revealed through a letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to sources familiar with the matter, ABC Net said. Despite Amazon's late entry into the bidding war, many involved in the discussions are reportedly not taking the company's offer seriously. With national security concerns fueling the push for TikTok's sale, the sudden move by Amazon has added further intrigue to an already contentious situation. Amazon's connection to TikTok runs deeper than it may seem. The app, which boasts 170 million US users, has become a major e-commerce hub, with influencers driving sales through TikTok Shop and affiliate links to Amazon's marketplace. While Amazon previously attempted to create a TikTok-style shopping experience with its now-defunct "Inspire" feature, it failed to gain traction. The retail giant has remained silent on the bid, declining to comment on its intentions. TikTok also has yet to respond to inquiries about the offer. Amazon has submitted a bid to buy TikTok ahead of the U.S. ownership-ban deadline this Saturday. pic.twitter.com/uNDEXfag5F Pop Base (@PopBase) April 2, 2025 Oracle, Blackstone, and Amazon Eye TikTok Takeover Amazon is not the only company eyeing TikTok. Several high-profile bidders have expressed interest, including a consortium led by billionaire Frank McCourt and another spearheaded by Jesse Tinsley, founder of Employer.com. Additionally, Wyoming entrepreneur Reid Rasner has made an offer estimated at $47.5 billion. According to NY Times, Oracle and Blackstone have also been in discussions as potential investors. Oracle, in particular, has a history with TikTok, having previously secured a 12.5% stake in TikTok Global in 2020 when the app faced similar US regulatory pressure. The sale of TikTok remains uncertain, as ByteDance has maintained that it is not for sale. Complicating matters, the Chinese government has signaled opposition to a forced divestment, potentially blocking any deal. President Donald Trump, who has publicly voiced support for TikTok despite security concerns, has the power to delay enforcement of the ban. While he previously extended the deadline, it is unclear if he will do so again. A key hearing on TikTok's fate is scheduled for June 30, where both sides will present their cases. If no sale is finalized, the app could face removal from US app stores, marking a major shift in the digital landscape. Originally published on vcpost.com A North Carolina man killed his mother and his teen brother just days after he was released from prison, according to police. Da'ron Donta Jenkins, 25, faces first-degree murder charges after police say he killed Dana Vanessa Jenkins, 50, and her 15-year-old son, Daryn Cox, 11-ABC reported. The incident happened Monday; Jenkins had been released from prison just last week, the station reported. Juanilla Kornegay, a cousin of the family, told CBS-17 that she feared something like this might happen. "I'm hurt because I knew he was going to do something," she told the station. "You can just see he was so fidgety. He was so anxious. He could not stay still. He had that sneakiness about him. Like a crazy person trying to get ready to do something, like premeditation." She told CBS-17 that Jenkins and Cox were stabbed to death around 8:30 p.m. She saw the suspect standing on the porch early the next morning. "He's looking like he just got out of a mental ward; he's getting ready to do something, or he had done something," Kornegay told the station. "The look on his face told me he'd done something. His hand was cut up. And he had a bandage on his hand. He knew they were coming to get him." Originally published on Lawyer Herald Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announces the debut of Waldorf Astoria in Japan with the opening of Waldorf Astoria Osaka. A soaring 252-room edifice with panoramic skyline views, the hotel seamlessly blends New York's timeless legacy with the dynamic energy of Osaka, offering an elegant retreat within the city. Perfectly timed to welcome international travellers for the Osaka-Kansai Expo and the ephemeral beauty of peak Sakura season, Waldorf Astoria Osaka effortlessly connects guests to a world of local flavors, culture, and social experiences. Located in the trendsetting Umekita District, Waldorf Astoria Osaka is a gateway to Japan's cultural and culinary treasures, blending the brand's iconic heritage with the city's dynamic energy. Positioned between Osaka's historic and contemporary landmarks, the hotel places guests within easy reach of the designer boutiques of Shinsaibashi, the culinary vibrancy of Dotonbori, and the storied grounds of Osaka Castle. Steps away from JR Osaka Station, Waldorf Astoria Osaka delivers unrivalled access to the city and beyond, with seamless high-speed rail connections to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, as well as private transportation to Osaka's secluded retreats and remote cultural landmarks. A Grand Residence in the Heart of Osaka Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Andre Fu, Waldorf Astoria Osaka reimagines the brand's residential style, offering guests a refined sanctuary that feels both intimate and grand. A thoughtful interfusion of Eastern and Western motifs brings Osaka to life through the lens of Art Deco aesthetics, echoing the legacy of the original Waldorf Astoria New York. With 252 expansive rooms and suites, Waldorf Astoria Osaka sets a new benchmark for design and comfort in the city. Occupying the top floors of the South Park Tower skyscraper at GRAND GREEN OSAKA, each room - including two 146-square-metre penthouse suites and the 193-square-metre Presidential Suite - sits between the 31st and 38th floors, offering breathtaking 360-degree views spanning from Osaka Bay to the Hyogo mountaintops. Bringing Waldorf Astoria's Culinary Legacy to The Nation's Kitchen Rooted in a legacy of culinary innovation that began in 1893 in New York, Waldorf Astoria Osaka carries forward the brand's tradition as a gastronomic pioneer in the 'Kitchen of Japan'. Four unique world-class dining concepts led by renowned chefs and mixologists delight guests with an eclectic mix of culinary experiences crafted with seasonal precision. A hallmark of the brand, Peacock Alley has long been the meeting place of society's most influential figures - a stage for cultural exchange, intellectual conversation, and the art of hospitality. The Peacock Alley lounge at Waldorf Astoria Osaka mirrors the spirit and grandeur of the New York flagship while embracing a distinctively Japanese sensibility. Offering stunning views of the city, Peacock Alley is a refined escape where guests can indulge in artisanal pastries, light lunches, and an exceptional afternoon tea, complete with champagne served via trolley service. As night falls, the space transforms into a stylish haunt for handcrafted cocktails and fine wines. An intimate cocktail bar revealing the romance of the golden age of Jazz, Canes & Tales honours Waldorf Astoria's rich cocktail heritage through a curated selection from the Waldorf Astoria Bar Book, brought to life through expertly executed tableside mixology. Effortless sophistication meets a lively, cosmopolitan spirit at Jolie Brasserie, an elegant French brasserie in the heart of Osaka. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, Jolie Brasserie celebrates the joy of modern French cuisine offering classic dishes crafted with traditional Japanese techniques. At Tsukimi, the art of Japanese dining is elevated through seasonal rhythms and the quiet beauty of moon viewing, a theme reflected in its minimalist design. Guests can experience true mastery at the signature sushi and teppanyaki counters or opt for private and semi-private dining for a more intimate setting. Effortless Luxury, Timeless Hospitality Waldorf Astoria Osaka carries forward more than a century of legendary hospitality with seamless and intuitive service. A dedicated Personal Concierge anticipates every need - whether curating tailored experiences across Japan or managing every detail of the stay. Thoughtful family programming and 24-hour in-room dining ensure comfort and convenience for guests of all ages, at any time. A Grand Stage for Legendary Events From high-profile galas to monumental weddings, Waldorf Astoria has long been the setting for some of the world's most iconic celebrations. At Waldorf Astoria Osaka, this tradition continues. 33,000-square-metres of elegantly designed event spaces, including an intimate chapel inspiring quiet luxury, create an unforgettable setting for events ranging from intimate gatherings to lavish receptions. Inspired by the brand's legacy of hosting royalty, cultural luminaries and industry leaders, the hotel's dedicated events team ensures that every occasion is executed with precision and discretion. An Elevated Urban Retreat Perched above UMEKITA PARK, Waldorf Astoria Osaka offers a rare balance between immersion and escape. The hotel's spa and wellness experiences draw inspiration from Japanese healing traditions, offering a selection of tailored treatments, a serene indoor pool, and rejuvenating thermal experiences. Guests can begin the day with a quiet moment overlooking the greenery, unwind after an evening in Osaka's lively districts, or enjoy the simple luxury of stillness. Hotel website Melia Hotels International has announced the addition of the Five Flowers Hotel & Spa in Formentera to its luxury brand, The Melia Collection. This marks the first five-star property for Melia in Formentera, expanding the brand's unique portfolio. A new era for Formentera's luxury hospitality Melia Hotels International has partnered with Paya Hotels to incorporate Five Flowers Hotel & Spa into its luxury portfolio. The hotel, located just 150 meters from the Es Pujols beach and close to Formentera's tourist center, is an exclusive property that embodies the spirit of the Mediterranean. The Five Flowers Hotel & Spa reflects the essence of the island, combining the tranquility of the Mediterranean lifestyle with luxury and comfort. Inspired by the hippie and bohemian culture of the 1960s and 70s, the hotel's design offers guests a unique experience that connects them to the island's rich cultural and natural heritage. Unique experience and accommodation The hotel offers 79 rooms, all designed in a hippie-chic style with colorful details. Among the accommodations are family rooms and suites with Jacuzzi terraces. The Grand Suite features a round bed and private Jacuzzi. Guests of the Five Flowers Hotel & Spa can enjoy various amenities, including a buffet breakfast with showcooking, a rooftop cocktail bar with a 360 view of Formentera and Ibiza, and a fitness club that provides yoga classes and exercise routines. The hotel also features a spa with water circuits and a range of body treatments. For events and meetings, the hotel offers dedicated spaces. Collaboration for continued excellence The collaboration between Melia Hotels International and Paya Hotels will allow the latter to continue managing the property while benefiting from Melia's international brand recognition and customer loyalty program, MeliaRewards, which has over 17 million members. The addition of the Five Flowers Hotel & Spa to The Melia Collection reinforces the positioning of Formentera as a key destination in the Spanish vacation market. Through this partnership, Melia Hotels International continues to expand its luxury offerings and strengthen its presence in strategic locations across Spain. Hotel website As the city's green spaces burst into spring bloom, Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen welcomes in a new season of leadership with the appointment of Chadi Chemaly as General Manager. Luxury hospitality leader Chadi draws on an international career of more than two decades that's taken him from the Americas and Asia to Africa and the Middle East. Originally from Lebanon, Chadi grew up between Beirut and both coasts of the United States. After graduating from La Salle College in Montreal, Canada with a Diploma in Hotel Management, Chadi studied Revenue Management and Real Estate and Asset Management at New York's Cornell University. This unique blend of hospitality and business knowledge alongside his drive and ambition laid the foundations for a dazzling global career. Chadi's journey as a luxury hotelier began in Charlotte, North Carolina in the USA, where he honed his skills in front office management and housekeeping at The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel. From there, his dedication and passion took him from Al Faisaliah in Saudi Arabia to Raffles in Beijing as executive assistant manager of rooms. The dual draw of Asia and the Americas saw Chadi take over the leadership of operations for the Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico before joining the re-opening team of Raffles Singapore as hotel manager. Charmed by a chapter in Marrakech in Morocco, Chadi joined Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca as General Manager in 2022. As multilingual as he is well travelled, Chadi is fluent in English, French, Arabic and Spanish. Ever the linguist, he's excited to polish his Mandarin in his new appointment at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen. Chadi met his wife Yuan in Beijing and the couple look forward to exploring one of China's greenest cities alongside their children. Known as China's "Silicon Valley," Shenzhen provides a buzzing backdrop to Chadi's wealth of experience and luxury hotel expertise. An art-filled, tranquil haven in its own right, Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen also provides access to the city's mountains and verdant parks: it's this duality of urban dynamism and soothing sanctuary that Chadi is most committed to exploring, leading the hotel to ever-evolving levels of success. Ylenia Ficalora has been appointed Senior Performance Manager at HotelPartner Revenue Management, joining the team as it continues its expansion in the UK and Ireland. With a wealth of experience at prestigious hotels, Ylenia previously served as Reservations and Revenue Manager at The NoMad Hotel London, and before that, as Revenue and Systems Manager at The Ned. HotelPartner Revenue Management Vienna Austria Website The MarketHub is back! Under the banner of 'Connecting Horizons' HBX Group's flagship event will focus on creating a vibrant exchange of ideas that unites diverse perspectives and cultures, deepening a shared insight to the evolving nature of our industry. Join us for a stimulating series of presentations, dynamic roundtables, and exceptional networking opportunities, all crafted to inspire collaboration and ignite innovation. Meet us in the stunning Algarve, a sun-drenched gem on Portugal's southern coast. The Algarve draws more than 5 million annual visitors from around the globe, and will serve as a gorgeous setting for the MarketHub 2025. Attendees are invited to convene at Tivoli Vilamoura and Anantara Vilamoura, part of Minor Hotels, where you'll enjoy exceptional hospitality and modern facilities. Our sponsors are eager to connect with you in this inviting atmosphere. As for the MarketHub itself, we have designed a programme which blends insightful sessions with opportunities for attendees to become immersed in the unique culture of the Algarve. Join us for an enriching experience that promises collaboration, insight and connectivity. Why attend the MarketHub? The MarketHub is a prime opportunity for you to meet with leading brands and experts from across the sector. With hoteliers, experience providers and travel distributors in attendance, the MarketHub is where representatives from the entire travel ecosystem can build connections and boost their business. Similarly, we believe in both work and play - and this year's event in Istanbul is sure to be a showstopper. London The 8th annual Luxury Hospitality Symposium (LHS) successfully concluded on March 19th, 2025, at the Autograph Bankside Hotel, London, leaving a lasting impact on aspiring luxury hospitality professionals. More than 100 final-year undergraduate and masters students from top institutions across the UK and Europe, including the University of West London, Oxford Brookes University, Hotelschool The Hague, and SRH University Dresden, came together for a day filled with meaningful networking, insightful discussions, and career development. This years theme, The Power of Personalisation , explored the evolving landscape of luxury hospitality, highlighting the growing importance of empathy, authenticity, and innovation in delivering exceptional guest experiences. The event was organised by a passionate team of academics and students dedicated to fostering industry-academia collaboration. A distinguished lineup of speakers captivated attendees with forward-thinking perspectives on industry trends. Among them were Franck Arnold (Managing Director, The Savoy), Natalia Santolaya Escanuela (Director of Development, Ritz Group), and Prof. Dr. Hartwig Bohne (SRH University Dresden). A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Jason Gossop (Edwards & Finn Ltd), focused on briding the gap between education and the commercial workplace, emphasizing mentorship, inclusive hiring, and skills-based recruitment. The Luxury Hospitality Symposium has once again proven to be a vital bridge between aspiring professionals and the luxury hospitality sector. We are thrilled to have facilitated a day of meaningful connections and insightful discussions, empowering the next generation of leaders in this dynamic industry. Patrick Reichert, LHS Organiser & PR and Marketing Coordinator The success of the LHS 2025 was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Bankside Hotel, which provided an outstanding venue, and the dedication of all speakers, panelists and participants. The event underscored the crucial role of collaboration between academia and industry in preparing future leaders and driving innovation. The conversations sparked at the LHS 2025 will continue to resonate, fostering growth and innovation within the luxury hospitality sector. LHS Marketing Luxury Hospitality Symposium CHICAGO Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, an annual list of U.S. companies with outstanding workplace cultures according to Fortune and global research and consulting firm, Great Place To Work. Hyatt has earned a spot on this prestigious list for 12 consecutive years, making it one of the longest-ranked hospitality brands. At Hyatt, our people are our unique differentiator, and this recognition is a testament to how our colleagues across the world bring our purpose of care to life. In a rapidly changing world, Hyatt is committed to cultivating an environment that empowers and equips our colleagues to test new ideas, learn and lead for the future. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work for those seeking fulfilling, creative, dynamic careers and the opportunity to have an impact. Pete Sears, Group President Americas, Hyatt. Over the past few years, Hyatt has significantly invested in evolving its culture, systems, and technologies to create a more agile enterprise that enables and empowers colleagues to thrive and do their best work. Hyatt is proud to distinguish itself through development programs that cultivate future leaders and by listening to colleague feedback to shape a more effective and purposeful colleague experience. Earning a spot on this list is an important indicator of overall company performance. Companies on the 100 Best list consistently outperform the market and exceed their competitors on key business measures like retention and innovation. Fortune is happy to have collaborated with Great Place To Work for the 28th year to recognize the 100 Best Companies to Work For. In a difficult macro environment with unprecedented challenges, these companies seemed to navigate their organizations toward steady and positive working environments for employees. Congratulations to all who were recognized. Alyson Shontel, editor-in-chief of Fortune The Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list is highly competitive. Companies are only considered for the list if they are a Great Place To Work Certified organization with 1,000 or more employees in the U.S. Companies are assessed on their ability to create a great employee experience that cuts across job level, business unit, race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of employee identity. Hyatt is proud to be Great Place To Work Certified in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Dominican Republic and has recently been recognized on the following workplace lists: Fortune Best Workplaces for Women 2024, 2024 PEOPLE Companies that Care Fortune Best Workplaces for Millennials 2024 (Large) Fortune Best Workplaces in Chicago 2024 (Large) For more information or to find your place at a Hyatt hotel or office around the world, please visit careers.hyatt.com. To see the full list of the 2025 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For and methodology behind the list, click here. For further information: The term Hyatt is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Hyatt Vacation Club, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval, Alila, Andaz, Thompson Hotels, Dream Hotels, Hyatt Centric, and Caption by Hyatt; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt, and JdV by Hyatt; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts, and Sunscape Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt loyalty program, ALG Vacations, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com. Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Kiraku, Inc. or Hyatt's control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Anna Sczepanski Hyatt The European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) convened its 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Warsaw, Poland, from March 28 to 30, 2025. The event brought together senior hospitality leaders and general managers from Europes top luxury and premium hotels. Titled Hospitality by Design, the gathering focused on the transformative role of innovation, sustainability, design, and leadership in shaping the future of hospitality across Europe. Leadership Confirmed for 20252027 Term During the General Assembly, EHMA members re-elected Panos Almyrantis to serve as President for the 20252027 term. Pawel Lewtak was appointed as 1st Vice President, and Stephan Stokkermans was named Vice President. Wilhelm Luxem was re-elected as Chair of the Board of Auditors, with Silvestro De Bolfo serving as First Auditor and Verena Radlgruber-Forstinger as Second Auditor. The Board of Arbiters also welcomed Cinzia Montelli as Chair and Erik-Jan Ginjaar as First Arbiter. I am honoured to be re-elected by our members. I remain committed to fostering a collaborative, values-driven community. The past three years have been exceptionally successful, firmly establishing EHMA as the most influential and forward-thinking network for hotel executives across Europe. Panos Almyrantis, Chief Growth & Commercial Officer at Ella Resorts and 2014 European Hotel Manager of the Year Celebrating Excellence in Hospitality with Prestigious Awards At the recent Annual General Meeting, four distinguished awards were presented, recognizing outstanding achievements in the hospitality industry: European Hotel Manager of the Year 2025: Ivica Max Krizmanic, General Manager of Esplanade Zagreb Hotel (Croatia) Honored for his visionary leadership and innovative contributions over three decades, marking the hotels centennial celebration. EHMA Sustainability Award by Diversey 2025: Diego Roggero, General Manager, Portrait Milano (Italy) Recognized for his comprehensive and long-term commitment to environmental sustainability within a historic hotel setting. EHMA Hans Koch Lifetime Achievement Award 2025: Johanna Fragano, former Managing Director of Hotel Quirinale, Rome (Italy) Celebrated for a lifetime devoted to advancing excellence in hospitality. EHMA Best Practices Award 2024: Robert-Jan Woltering, Managing Director of Hotel De LEurope Amsterdam (Netherlands) Awarded for his initiative, Why the Ultimate Hotel Guest Experience Matters, focusing on ethical leadership and responsible community engagement. Event Highlights and Announcement of Future AGM Host City The 51st Ordinary General Meeting (AGM) kicked off on Friday, 28 March, at the renowned Ludwikowska Ballroom in the historic Polonia Palace Hotel, with President Almyrantis presiding over the opening session. The evening featured the screening of EHMA Shining Stars, a film by Gianni Buonsante of Ingenia Direct, which showcased the remarkable achievements of EHMA members throughout 2024. During the meeting, London was confirmed as the official host city for the 52nd AGM in 2026, while Helsinki was introduced as a potential candidate for the 2027 event. The AGM adopted a fresh, design-focused format aimed at enhancing the exchange of information between members and partners, incorporating cloud-based solutions and NFC technology for a more sustainable approach. The evening concluded with a Cocktail Reception at the Polonia Palace Hotel. We are proud that Warsaw became the capital of European hospitality. Its unique combination of historic charm and modern energy made it the perfect host for this years AGM. The city reflects creativity and resilience, much like our industry. Pawel Lewtak, EHMA 1st Vice President, General Manager of Polonia Palace Hotel, and co-CEO of Syrena Hotels Strategic Collaborations and Membership Expansion Brenda Collin, Executive Vice President of Europe at Preferred Travel Group, highlighted the advantages of EHMAs new strategic partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts. This collaboration aims to boost member engagement, enhance brand visibility, and strengthen overall positioning. EHMA also proudly introduced 12 new members, further expanding its European network: Pavlos Badouvakis (Greece), Vittorio Di Carlo (Italy), Francisco Garcia (Spain), Jil-Marie Harml (Austria), Lee Kelly (Ireland), Panagiotis Markou (Greece), Eric Paulus (Belgium), Piero Pastore (Italy), Klara Sostaric (Croatia), Konstantinos Stroutzos (Greece), Yannis Vamvoukakis (Greece), and Daniele Vastolo (Italy). This brings the associations membership to 476 professionals across Europe. Educational Day: Hospitality by Design On Saturday, 29 March, at the Renaissance Warsaw Airport Hotel, the Educational Conference hosted an array of thought-provoking speakers and expert panels discussing key trends in the industry: Leadership & Strategy : Pawel Motyl addressed how to navigate complexity in high-stakes decision-making. : Pawel Motyl addressed how to navigate complexity in high-stakes decision-making. Technology & AI : Prof. Andrzej Wodecki and Paola Gariglio discussed the role of artificial intelligence in hotel management. : Prof. Andrzej Wodecki and Paola Gariglio discussed the role of artificial intelligence in hotel management. Sustainability : Manuel Engelsthal, Christoph Steindorf, Alexa Poortier, Onno Poortier, and Andres Fellenberg Van der Molen shared insights on decarbonisation, implementing ESG strategies, and aligning with EU regulations on sustainability and corporate responsibility. : Manuel Engelsthal, Christoph Steindorf, Alexa Poortier, Onno Poortier, and Andres Fellenberg Van der Molen shared insights on decarbonisation, implementing ESG strategies, and aligning with EU regulations on sustainability and corporate responsibility. People & Culture : Nick Driessen and Paola Vulterini focused on inclusive leadership and creating accessible guest experiences. : Nick Driessen and Paola Vulterini focused on inclusive leadership and creating accessible guest experiences. Hospitality Keynote : Prof. Dr. Ian Yeoman offered forward-thinking perspectives on food tourism and experiential innovation. : Prof. Dr. Ian Yeoman offered forward-thinking perspectives on food tourism and experiential innovation. Design & Experience : Joanna Jurga explored the emotional and functional impact of neuroarchitecture. : Joanna Jurga explored the emotional and functional impact of neuroarchitecture. Design Keynote : Adam D. Tihany, world-renowned designer, discussed the importance of design in creating value and delivering exceptional experiences. : Adam D. Tihany, world-renowned designer, discussed the importance of design in creating value and delivering exceptional experiences. Closing Remarks : Clare Shine emphasized the collective responsibility of the industry in driving sustainable change. : Clare Shine emphasized the collective responsibility of the industry in driving sustainable change. Sports Keynote: Szymon Marciniak, FIFA and UEFA international referee, shared valuable lessons on team leadership and managing performance under pressure. Cultural Program and Networking Events Guests enjoyed a curated Royal & Cultural Programme, delving into Warsaws rich history, culinary traditions, and design legacy. The event culminated in a prestigious Awards Gala Dinner at the Sheraton Grand Warsaw. On Sunday, 30 March, the Farewell Brunch at the Polonia Palace Hotel provided a final opportunity to network and reflect on the events success. Acknowledgements and Partners EHMA expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the Organising Committee and our esteemed partners, whose unwavering support played a pivotal role in ensuring the events success: Acqua di Parma, Amadeus, APS, Axpro Concept, Blastness, Canary Technologies, Casale del Giglio, Nolan Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, De Cecco, Diversey A Solenis Company, EHL Hospitality Business School, France24, Frette, Gascon, Getpica, Hastens, Heineken, Hotel Management International, Ingenia Direct, Journal des Palaces, Kuohu Artesian Water, La Bottega, Laurent-Perrier, Lavazza, Markas, Maurel, MobieTrain, NOW Transforming Hospitality, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, RESILIRE Psychological Growth, Rivolta Carmignani, Samsung, Scent Company, Villeroy & Boch. About EHMA The Association was founded in Rome in 1974 with the aim of safeguarding the ethical principles of the profession and developing tourism with a top quality standards. The membership currently includes 426 hotel executives who manage 4 and 5 star prestigious international hotels, in 27 European countries for a total of 350 hotels, 92,000 rooms and 72,000 employees with an estimated overall turnover of about 6 billion Euros. For more information, visit www.ehma.com . View source GURUGRAM Accor, a global leader in hospitality, has signed an MOU with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) to create a structured pathway for future hospitality leaders. This collaboration establishes a specialised Postgraduate Programme (PGP) in Sales and Revenue Management, ensuring Accor has access to a highly trained, business-ready workforce aligned with its growth strategy in India. The one-year program, developed in partnership with ISH, leveraging its alliance with Les Roches, combines six months of advanced academic learning at ISH with a six-month applied immersion across Accors hotels in India. Each participant in the program will receive a pre-placement offer (PPO), ensuring that Accor secures top-tier management talent before they formally enter the workforce. Investing in Future Hospitality Leaders Accors growth in India requires a leadership pipeline that is trained, committed, and ready to contribute from day one. The ISH-Accor program builds this pipeline by selecting professionals with prior work experience, training them with a curriculum designed around global hospitality standards, and providing structured career progression opportunities. Accor is deeply committed to the long-term growth of Indias hospitality sector, and investing in talent is at the core of this vision. We are not only expanding our presence across the country but also leading the way in building structured career pathways at every level. This collaboration with ISH ensures that our leadership pipeline is aligned with our business growth, equipping professionals with the skills and experience needed to thrive in Accors ecosystem. Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Asia, Accor A Leadership-Driven Approach to Hospitality Talent The ISH-Accor Postgraduate Programme (PGP) goes beyond conventional hospitality education. It is designed for professionals seeking a structured pathway into senior management, providing industry-focused learning, direct immersion in Accors operational environment, and long-term career development. This collaboration between ISH and Accor creates a career-defining opportunity for aspiring hospitality professionals. It ensures that Accor has access to a workforce trained not just in hospitality operations but in strategic, revenue-driven decision-making. The industry needs forward thinking professionals, and this program is an essential step in shaping the next generation of hospitality leadership. Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Indian School of Hospitality About Indian School of Hospitality Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) is a pioneering institution offering higher education with a focus on liberal hospitality education and interdisciplinary learning, tailored to meet the demands of todays dynamic workforce and tomorrows global businesses. ISH is part of Sommet Educations international network, with 18 campuses in eight countries. ISH aims to impart lifelong skills to students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed as leaders in one of the worlds largest industries. Located in Gurugram (Delhi NCR), ISH offers international degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Their culinary program is offered in partnership with the global Ecole Ducasse brand, while their hospitality management program is in alliance with Les Roches, one of the worlds leading hospitality business schools. For more information, please visit our website at www.ish.edu.in About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. View source La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the first Italian made luxury train, makes its much-anticipated debut with a bold ambition: to reinvent the very essence of travel in motion. Eight curated itineraries blending art, landscapes, and three-star Michelin cuisine by Heinz Beck, all in celebration of Italian excellence in motion. The train was unveiled today at Roma Ostiense Station, within the exclusive La Dolce Vita Lounge dedicated to its passengers, on the eve of the inaugural journey, scheduled for April 4th. The first trip, "Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards" will take guests to the charming destination of Montalcino. Born of a visionary collaboration between Arsenale and Orient Express and supported by Fondazione FS Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani of the FS Group, this pivotal project signals the renaissance of rail as the ultimate luxury. La Dolce Vita Orient Express marks a new era in the Italian tourism landscape, offering travellers an exclusive experience that fully embraces the essence of Made in Italy. It celebrates the countrys cultural, scenic and gastronomic heritage, guiding guests on a unique journey through Italy's most emblematic destinations. The Routes Traversing 14 Italian regions, the train offers eight exclusive itineraries tailored for discerning international travellers. From the canals of Venice to the coves of Portofino, the medieval charm of Siena to the sun-drenched stones of Matera and from Montalcinos famed vineyards to the truffle paths of Nizza Monferrato, each journey is a celebration of Italys rich cultural and natural heritage. Sicily reveals itself in stages - Catania, Palermo, Taormina each one capturing a different hue of the islands timeless allure. Thoughtfully designed to embrace the philosophy of slow travel, these routes invite guests to connect deeply with local traditions, flavours and landscapes. The Train With 31 cabins, 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite, the train is the result of a meticulous restoration and design process. Originally Z1 Italian model carriages, each has been reimagined through a major investment that drew on the technical and artisanal excellence of Southern Italy, specialising in railway craftsmanship and design, with work carried out between Brindisi and Palermo. This innovative project marks the creation of Italys first private luxury rail fleet, which will ultimately comprise six bespoke trains. Interior design The interiors, by Milans Dimorestudio, are a reverent salute to Italian design golden age: geometric echoes of Gio Ponti, the sensual modernism of Gae Aulenti, whispers of Osvaldo Borsani. It embodies the spirit of mid-century glamour, an homage to La Dolce Vita and the cultural pulse of 1960s Italy. Onboard experience Guests embark from the Orient Express Lounge, envisioned by artist-architect Hugo Toro, where period motifs are refracted through a contemporary lens. There, beneath a lacquered tangerine ceiling, an aperitivo hints at the opulence ahead. Onboard, guests are treated to menus composed by chef Heinz Beck, inspired by the regions they traverse. Each dish is a narrative seasoned with regional soul. The whole experience is distinguished by its high level of service, while stops at select destinations allow passengers to explore the unique cultural and historical aspects of each region. La Dolce Vita Orient Express invites travellers to rediscover Italy, slowly, elegantly and with a remarkable attention to detail. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Hotel operators have only recently begun mastering digital marketing to effectively reach consumers. Just as many are catching their breath, a new revolution is well underway. The Shift: From Lists to Single Answers Consider this scenario: A traveler asks their AI assistant (ChatGPT, Anthropic, etc.) for the best luxury hotel in downtown Chicago with a vegan menu and close proximity to upscale shopping. The AI responds simply: The Peninsula Hotel. No long lists. No pages of OTAs to sift through. One answer. Think about the marketing implications of this change. If your hotel isnt positioned as the answer, you may never even be seen. From Visual Appeal to Structured Data For years, digital marketing teams and agencies have focused on high-quality photos, videos, and compelling brand narratives and rightly so. But generative AI doesnt evaluate glossy visuals; it prioritizes structured data. Details like room dimensions, accessibility features, dining options, and proximity to attractions must now be meticulously cataloged in machine-readable formats. The upside? Travelers searching for specific features vegan menus, pet policies, or walkable locations can now get clear, direct answers. But only if that data is easily accessible and accurate. Tip: List all your propertys features honestly and thoroughly. Over-promising will backfire quickly in this new environment. Nowhere to Hide Online reviews have long influenced consumer decisions, but AI makes this influence faster and more powerful. Consumers can now ask an AI assistant to summarize hundreds of reviews and provide a clear, unbiased perspective on a hotels strengths and weaknesses. This further magnifies the need to: Keep your property in excellent condition Deliver consistently great service Address guest concerns proactively Product Quality and Service Take Center Stage Marketing alone wont save hotels with recurring product or service issues. Consistent guest complaints about food quality, outdated rooms, or hot water problems will stand out starkly when AI systems compile data for consumers. The transparency AI brings creates opportunities for operators who focus on quality and service excellence. Happy guests will have their positive experiences amplified across digital channels, while properties with chronic issues may be eliminated from consideration before a guest even visits their website. Next Steps for Hotel Operators: Evaluate relationships with AI systems and partners Audit your content strategy ensure key property features are accurate, clear, and machinereadable Identify and resolve recurring guest issues Objectively assess your propertys quality and service Forward-thinking properties are already deploying sentiment analysis tools to monitor reviews, spot patterns, and resolve issues before they become digital liabilities. In the AI-driven marketplace, only hotels offering true value and operational excellence will consistently make the cut. Tariff Ripple Effect: US Hotel Prices Adjust As Canadian Travel Interest Plummets - Image Credit Unsplash+ Following President Donald Trump's recent decision to implement tariffs, new hospitality data from Lighthouse reveals emerging shifts in hotel pricing and travel behavior. Recent figures suggest cautious reactions within the travel industry, highlighting early signals of market uncertainty and changing consumer preferences. Market overview: Early pricing signals Following President Donald Trump's recent decision to implement tariffs, new hospitality data from Lighthouse reveals emerging shifts in hotel pricing and travel behavior. Recent figures suggest cautious reactions within the travel industry, highlighting early signals of market uncertainty and changing consumer preferences. Price trends analysis: Comparing the numbers Across major US destinations, average hotel prices have dropped notably from just 30 days ago. Miami 5.5% decrease New York 4.7% decrease San Francisco 4.3% decrease Los Angeles 3.1% decrease Orlando 2.9% decrease Blake Reiter, Director of Hospitality Research at Lighthouse, observes, These immediate pricing adjustments reflect uncertainty as hoteliers adapt quickly to shifting market conditions, with such declines used to drive and secure base levels of demand. Forward outlook: Mid-term pricing forecasts Year-over-year comparisons also highlight recent softness in US hotel pricing. Data from Lighthouse indicates average advertised hotel prices were down in February (-0.46%), March (-2.55%), and April (-3.36%) compared to the same months in 2024, particularly noticeable within the more price-sensitive three-star segment. Additionally, recent mid-term pricing forecasts indicate further price reductions. Comparing hotel rates published on February 17, 2025, with updated forecasts from March 24, 2025, hotels across the US show consistent downward revisions for stays scheduled from now through to the end of summer. Reiter notes, "These consistent reductions reflect hotelier caution regarding short-term demand. Hotels appear to be proactively adjusting rates as uncertainty persists. It will be interesting as we continue to monitor these patterns and see if such reductions continue beyond the near-term and develop into a longer-term trend." Shifting Canadian travel patterns These hotel pricing trends are accompanied by notable changes in international traveler interest, particularly from Canada. Since the tariff announcement in early 2025, hotel searches from Canada to US destinations have notably declined. The share of Canadian hotel searches for US destinations has fallen to its lowest point in two years. While US destinations made up roughly a quarter of all outbound Canadian hotel search traffic in 2024, this number fell to 19% in February 2025 and again to 15% in March 2025. Reiter adds, The shift in Canadian search patterns is notable, as it represents thousands fewer travelers actively considering the US as a hotel destination. Travelers seem to be reconsidering their options, possibly influenced by recent economic developments. Lighthouse will continue to track these dynamic market indicators, providing commercial teams with the intelligence needed to stay ahead of evolving travel demand patterns About Lighthouse Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight) is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways. Trusted by over 65,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners - their success is our success. This article originally appeared on Lighthouse. Waldorf Astoria Osaka - King Deluxe Room - Image Credit Hilton Hilton's Waldorf Astoria brand makes its debut in Japan with the opening of a 252-room hotel in Osaka. Located in Osaka's Umekita District, the hotel is in close proximity to Osaka Castle and offers seamless connections to other cities via JR Osaka Station. Hilton has announced the grand opening of the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, marking the debut of the Waldorf Astoria brand in Japan. The hotel is in Osaka's Umekita District and features 252 rooms with panoramic views of the city's skyline. It is positioned in an area with easy access to the city's historical and contemporary landmarks and seamless rail connections to other cities such as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Takaaki Nitanai, president of ORIX Hotel Management Corporation, commented that the opening of Waldorf Astoria Osaka is a significant part of the Umekita 2nd Project, which aims to contribute to the development and revitalization of Osaka and the wider Kansai region. Hilton Asia Pacific President, Alan Watts, also expressed pride in introducing the Waldorf Astoria brand to Osaka, stating that the move aims to elevate the benchmark of luxury in the cosmopolitan city. Architect Andre Fu designed the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, which offers a refined sanctuary for guests. Rooms and suites, including two 146-square-meter penthouse suites and a 193-square-meter Presidential Suite, are located between the 31st and 38th floors of the South Park Tower skyscraper, providing breathtaking 360-degree views. The Waldorf Astoria Osaka also offers four unique dining concepts led by renowned chefs, including the Peacock Alley lounge, reminiscent of the New York flagship. The hotel also provides a selection of tailored spa treatments, a serene indoor pool, and rejuvenating thermal experiences. IHG Hotels & Resorts to Expand in Maharashtra with New Holiday Inn Express Hotel - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with Haware Engineers & Builders to launch a 126-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pen Mumbai Goa Highway, slated to open in Q1 2028. The hotel in the rapidly developing Mumbai Metropolitan Region will cater to the increasing demand for quality accommodation in Maharashtra's industrial corridors. IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Haware Engineers & Builders to develop a new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pen Mumbai Goa Highway. The 126-room hotel, due to open in the first quarter of 2028, is expected to cater to the growing demand in Maharashtra's industrial corridors. The new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pen Mumbai Goa Highway will serve the rapidly evolving Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). It is located in Pen, a burgeoning industrial hub in Raigad district. The hotel will offer a range of amenities designed to meet the needs of business travelers, including well-appointed rooms, a dining venue, banquet facilities, spacious meeting spaces, and a fitness center. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed the company's delight in introducing the Holiday Inn Express brand to Pen. He stressed the strategic importance of the hotel's location, which provides easy access to key destinations and positions it as an ideal choice for business travelers. He further highlighted IHG's commitment to expanding in high-demand and emerging markets across India. Ujjwala Haware, Chairperson and Director of Haware's Lotus Hotels Private Limited, also expressed her pleasure at partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts. She emphasized the hotel's strategic location near major industrial hubs and its potential to cater to a diverse segment of travelers. IHG Hotels & Resorts operates 47 hotels across six brands in India and plans to open an additional 60 hotels in the next 3-5 years. Image Credit B&B HOTELS Germany THE CHALLENGE In 2024, B&B HOTELS Germany aimed to strengthen its online presence and visibility by leveraging the Cendyn Digital Marketing Platform. Additionally, they were committed to increasing direct bookings, reducing reliance on third-party platforms to drive more profitable revenue. THE SOLUTION The primary goal was to consistently secure the top position on Google Hotel Ads, ensuring maximum exposure of B&B HOTELS Germanys direct prices on this metasearch engine. Cendyns strategy also included running and maximizing Google Property Promotion Ads (PPA) campaigns for B&B HOTELS, metasearch destination ads, to boost visibility and attract more potential guests at their destination. "Partnering with Cendyn has significantly boosted our online visibility and resulted in a 48% growth in direct bookings YoY. Their digital marketing strategy, through the Cendyn Digital Marketing Platform, has helped us reach potential guests and maintain a strong online presence while driving more profitable revenue. Were excited to continue this successful partnership." EvaMaria Katterfeld Team Lead Digital Performance Central & Northern Europe, B&B HOTELS THE RESULTS In 2024, B&B HOTELS Germany achieved impressive success with Cendyns Digital Marketing Platform, seeing significant improvements across key metrics compared to 2023. The combined strategy of classic metasearch campaigns targeting highly qualified travelers and metasearch destination campaigns to boost visibility led to a 671% increase in Google PPA clicks. Expanding efforts into the three main markets (DE, NL, AT) resulted in a sharp rise in traffic. Additionally, B&B HOTELS Germany benefited from a 32% decrease in average CPC for PPA, due to Google offering more placements at lower costs. These efforts contributed to a 50% growth in revenue generated and a 48% increase in direct bookings. Overall, total clicks saw an impressive growth of 134%, highlighting the effectiveness of Cendyns strategy in driving both visibility and direct bookings for B&B HOTELS Germany. About B&B HOTELS Germany With over 200 hotels across the country, B&B HOTELS Germany warmly welcomes travelers. Their affordable hotels are spread across many German regions and major cities, offering the signature B&B HOTELS features. Whether guests are planning a solo city trip, family holiday, or business trip, B&B HOTELS ensures a comfortable room at a fair price in centrally located hotels. About Cendyn Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to drive revenue, maximize profitability, and create deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions. Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn drives commercial success for hotels through its Find, Book, Grow promise: find the right guests; drive them to book direct, and grow loyalty and revenue across the spectrum of digital guest interactions. Cendyn has over 32,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries including brands such as Outrigger Hospitality, Hyatt, IHG, Aman Resorts & Hotels, Relais & Chateaux, Highgate, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Coraltree Hospitality, and Onyx Hospitality Group generating more than $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. The company supports its growing customer base from locations across the globe, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India. Students at BCC try their hand at cooking as part of Stop & Shop's School Food Pantry Program. Stop & Shop's registered dietician Emily McGee leads a demonstration for a healthy salad in the BCC cafeteria. The Campus Cupboard offers a range of foods and necessities for students. PreviousNext Stop & Shop Boosts BCC Food Pantry by $7,500 Posing with the 'big check' Wednesday are BCC program coordinator Meghan Donnelly, in pink, and Stop & Shop's Shannon Karafian, holding the check. To Karafian's right are SGA's Ash Smith and David Castegnaro. PITTSFIELD, Mass. Stop & Shop boosted Berkshire Community College's food pantry by $7,500, providing students with nutritional stability while focusing on education. Late last year, Stop & Shop donated $7,500 in gift cards to BCC for its Campus Cupboard, making it the 50th college partner of the grocery's School Food Pantry Program. This stocked the on-campus pantry with food and toiletry items available for any student or staff member in need. "The dedication that we have seen from the staff here, not just in preparing for today's event, but their commitment all year round to supporting the students here has been just truly a sight to see," said Shannon Karafian, the grocer's School Food Pantry program manager, noting "We know there's a need." BCC's essential needs coordinator Meghan Donnelly said the donation, made in November, has tremendously impacted the college community and will be instrumental in assuring the pantry shelves have a variety of stock. "We were thrilled to have the money," explaining that the grocery chain took care of the Wednesday's events marking the donation, including a cooking lesson and goodie bags. " They have just been absolutely wonderful with supporting us, and we're super, super grateful for their collaboration." Donnelly is glad to see "quite a bit of growth" in the panty this year and noted the students' kindness and consideration around it. She often hears them worry that someone else might need it more. "We really want to kind of eliminate that, eliminate the stigma with using this, because students are working so hard and are putting in a lot of hours, a lot of various roles that they're playing," she said. "I have a lot of students who have children of their own, other family obligations with caring for elderly parents, so anything that can take that load off and support them so that they don't feel like they have to work tirelessly to make ends meet is something we're really trying to do." The college program supports students with food insecurity, housing, transportation, child care, health insurance, and "really, any issue that might arise that could potentially prevent them from being able to continue with their studies." A 2023 survey by the Massachusetts Student Public Interest Research Group found that 44 percent of public university and community college students in Massachusetts faced food insecurity at some point in the year. "We know that this is something that you can generalize to college campuses across the country, and students are not able to succeed either in or outside of the classroom without consistent access to healthy foods, and that's why in 2019 we started our Stop & Shop School Food Pantry program," Karafian said. "We're working with schools that are pre-K through post-grad so that we're able to create in-school food pantries to support their students and their families. We're proud to be working with over 260 schools now across the five states we serve, serving over 40,000 students and families on a monthly basis." Student Government Association President David Castegnaro said that with rising food prices, resources like the Campus Cupboard have become vital to students. "The Campus Cupboard has provided support to so many who may not always have the means to purchase food outside of campus," he explained. "Its extended hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., have made a significant difference, giving students access to food even after other places might have closed or when prices elsewhere are too high." A few weeks ago, he and other students visited the State House for the Hunger Free Campus Initiative event hosted by MassPIRG, and a couple of SGA individuals shared stories about their personal struggles with hunger and how the Campus Cupboard has made a lasting impact on their lives. "If I needed help, if I needed financial aid or the work study program, they're very forthcoming and inviting, and they don't make you feel bad for needing help, which is the hardest step is doing that outreach." Karafian said hunger should not be a barrier to education and students should not have to choose between purchasing food and purchasing textbooks. "Students shouldn't have to be anxious at the end of the semester when meal dollars are running low, and that's why having amazing partners like Berkshire Community College makes all the difference," she said. The Campus Cupboard in the Susan B. Anthony Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and can be accessed by stopping by the Student Engagement Office in SBA or by emailing studentengagement@berkshirecc.edu. The college is always accepting donations for the pantry, and there are no income requirements to use it. giovedi 3 aprile 2025, 18:20 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated The first thing I asked was 'do you know that I am dangerous?' I am culturally Catholic but atheist and anticlerical. After all, even the Pope is anticlerical. So says Spanish writer Javier Cercas, guest of the second evening of the previews of the Rome Literature Festival, at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, recounting his latest endeavor. The book The Fool of God at the End of the World (Guanda), about the Church of Pope Francis. The Vatican opens its doors to a non-believing writer, promising total freedom to recount the Pope's journey to Mongolia. The book was released simultaneously in Italy, Spain, and Latin American countries. Cercas confesses, first of all, his amazement at the meeting at the Turin Book Fair where the proposal was made to him by Lorenzo Fazzini, head of the Vatican Publishing House. Sure, even though I still don't know why they thought of me, and in the end, it's the only thing I didn't ask because the rest is a book of questions, I understand, Cercas recounts, that it is a unique opportunity: the result is a very crazy, very strange book, a mix of genres ranging from essay, to reportage, to mystery. After all, the writer explains, all his books are like that, there is an enigma and someone wants to decipher it. And Cercas wants to unveil what he considers the fundamental enigma of Christianity, the resurrection of the flesh and eternal life. Will my mother see my father again after death? is the question he cares about the most and asks Francis, to which the answer that comes in an incredible form, I would say miraculous if I believed in miracles, arrives at the end of the book. The Pope wanted to name himself after the saint of Assisi, the fool of God, and I am the one following him to Mongolia at the end of the world, a fool without God, but aware, citing Ivan Karamazov, that 'if God does not exist everything is permitted.' Has he found faith again? No, and besides, if it were, I couldn't say it, he smiles, because I wouldn't sell a copy. But I can say that I have changed, and my view of Christianity has changed. I found surprising, extraordinary things, like the works of missionaries, who leave everything just to help others, in Mongolia as in Africa, and without proselytizing because Pope Francis has forbidden it. For Cercas, the Pope has started a revolution that means aiming for a return to the initial Christianity, which was radical and certainly not 'conservative.' Christ was a dangerous man who was crucified as such. That said, the pontiff certainly does not proceed towards this goal without realizing the context. Francis is a complex man, a man of power, who had an idea and did everything he considered prudent to achieve it. Certainly, he hasn't done everything he set out to do, he hasn't gotten there despite having the possibility, being the Church an absolute monarchy: precisely because it has a very strong political dimension, says the writer, the Pope has listened to the Church and realized it wasn't ready. The Previews are the novelty of the 2025 edition of the Literature Festival with the distribution of meetings in different locations of the city before arriving at the summer evenings which will always take place in the setting of the Palatine Stadium, this year on the dates of July 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 16. The theme of this edition is 'Returns,' one of the oldest and deepest themes of literature, of which Homer's Odyssey is the archetypal model. We, explains the Councilor for Culture of Rome Capital Massimiliano Smeriglio in Cercas' meeting with the press that precedes tonight's meeting with the public at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, also use it to indicate the return to monstrosities like racism and war and also of a capitalism that produces loneliness. We intend to give centrality to the word and writing, he concludes, as the first steps of a human resistance. The summer heat isnt the only thing coming this April! Logitech, the global leader in PC and gaming peripherals, is turning up the excitement on Lazada with sizzling deals during the 4.4 Lazada Ultimate Gaming Tech Sale from April 4 to 7. Nows the perfect time to load up your cart with premium tech guaranteed to supercharge your gaming experience. Go wireless and unleash your full gaming potential with Logitech! Get big discounts of up to 30% in vouchers, free shipping, and flexible buy now, pay later options! Enjoy up to 30 percent off, exclusive vouchers, free shipping, and flexible Buy Now, Pay Later options on select Logitech G items. Dont miss out on these hot deals! G515 LIGHTSPEED Keyboard: Low-profile design, high-performance results Apart from its tactical accuracy for high-precision gameplay, the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED gaming keyboard boasts a sleek, low-profile, tenkeyless design that highlights its vibrant LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting. 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You may also visit Logitechs official website and Facebook page for details on its latest product offerings and future promotions. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice James Bonds new owners have confirmed that production for a fresh and exotic new chapter of the 007 spy franchise is already underway. In February, it was announced that Amazon MGM had taken full creative control of the Bond franchise after striking a deal with long-time producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The duo remain co-owners of the franchise, but the business decision leaves creative control of future James Bond productions in the hands of American-owned Amazon. Appearing at Las Vegass CinemaCon on Wednesday night (2 April), Amazon studio executives Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll said that Bond producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman were already in London getting started on the long-awaited next installment. We are committed to honouring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy [Pascal] and David [Heyman], said Valenti and Kroll. Theyre both in London getting started and couldnt be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know to make an incredible partnership. Since Daniel Craigs fifth and final turn as Bond in 2021s No Time to Die, speculation has been rife over the fate of the franchise, and who will replace him. Amazon announced last week that Pascal and Heyman will be producing, with the pair saying in a statement: James Bond is one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema. We are humbled to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson who made so many extraordinary films and honoured and excited to keep the spirit of Bond very much alive as he embarks on his next adventure. The studios creative control of Bond has prompted huge speculation and raised concern from fans over potential changes to the beloved franchise. open image in gallery Daniel Craig as James Bond ( Getty Images ) The Sun reported earlier this week that the next film will cast the youngest ever James Bond and it will be set in the Fifties and Sixties. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The publication reports that they are looking to cast an actor in their twenties. Referring to Daniel Craigs 007 death in No Time to Die, an insider told The Sun: As sensational as it was, Daniels exit caused a headache because the death is still fresh in the minds of fans. open image in gallery Daniel Craig took his fifth and final turn as Bond in 2021s No Time to Die ( Eon Productions ) They cant just pretend it didn't happen. So they're now looking at his story as a younger man in a different era. The hunt for a new Bond to replace Craig has been ongoing since he announced he was stepping down from the role. Possible names include Aaron Taylor-Johnson (34), Harris Dickinson (28) and James Norton (39). Taylor-Johnson, however, has since distanced himself from the claims. When the film arrives, it could beat the record for the longest break between Bond instalments, which currently stands at six years and four months for the wait between 1989s License to Kill and 1995s Goldeneye. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jean-Claude Van Damme is reportedly the subject of criminal charges in Romania over allegations that he knowingly engaged in sexual relations with women trafficked by a criminal group. The 64-year-old action star, known for his performances in Street Fighter and Double Impact, is accused of receiving five Romanian women as a gift from a group of traffickers while in Cannes, France. According to a report by the local CNN affiliate Antena 3, a criminal complaint has been filed with the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT). The Independent has approached Van Dammes representatives and DIICOT for comment. DIICOT launched their investigation after a woman allegedly witnessed the incident at an event organized by Van Damme in Cannes and shared what she had seen with prosecutors, according to the outlet. Antena 3 quotes attorney Adrian Cuculis, who is representing one of the victims, as saying that several Romanians who are currently being investigated for forming a criminal group and pimping, allegedly offered Jean-Claude Van Damme five Romanian women photo models in Romania for him to have sexual relations with. Jean-Claude Van Damme in Paris, France in 2012 ( Richard Bord/Getty Images ) Cuculis added that the person who received those benefits knew their condition, and that the women "were in a state of vulnerability, with the suspicion that they were exploited within the meaning of Article 182 of the Criminal Code." Cuculis told Antena 3 that the incident is part of a larger investigation into human trafficking and the trafficking of minors that has been carried out since 2020 by the Romanian Prosecutor's Office. The outlet also reports that as the incident occurred in Cannes, Frances High Court of Cassation will have to authorize criminal proceedings before the suspects identified in the case can be summoned to Romania to give statements. Van Damme has been a mainstream action star since getting his break as the lead in the martial arts film Bloodsport in 1988. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. In the late 1980s and 1990s, he appeared in a string of hits, including Kickboxer, Double Impact, Universal Soldier, Timecop, Street Fighter, and Sudden Death. His more recent roles include playing the villain in The Expendables 2 in 2012 and providing voice work for the 2022 family film Minions: The Rise of Gru. In 2021, a director for the sitcom Friends said Van Damme was unprepared and arrogant during his guest appearance on the show. He starred as himself in the second season episode The One After the Super Bowl, in which he was romantically pursued by both Monica (Courteney Cox) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston). While he hasnt responded to director Michael Lembecks comments, Van Damme told the New York Post in 2023 that he was ashamed of his acting in the episode. My acting is so bad. I look so like a ham. Like, Hey, girls. [] Its like, Im ashamed of myself, said Van Damme. So then I was on the set, and those girls, they go and they kiss me and they kiss me on the lips. I didnt know what to do, how to do It was strange. They were very nice. He added he knew little about the hit sitcom, saying: I didnt know much about the show. So when I go to the show, I see those two beautiful girls and they say this is the hottest show right now in the world. So I was very glad. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The reason why Carrie Coon didnt return to Avengers: Endgame was due to a salary dispite, her husband Tracy Letts has said. Coon first played villain Proxima Midnight in 2018s Avengers: Infinity War, in which her character was killed off. However, she was still offered the chance to return for the 2019 sequel, but she ultimately turned down the offer. Speaking in a recent episode of The Ringers The Big Picture podcast, Letts said that Marvel didnt offer Coon a higher fee for the follow-up film, which is why she said no. I believe [Marvel] went to her for the second one, and they asked her to be in the second one, said Letts. And she said, Well, the first one is the most successful movie ever made. Are you going to pay me any more money? And they said, No. We're not going to pay you any more money. She said, Wow, you're not going to pay me any more money, then I don't think I'm going to do it, Letts continued. And they said, Well, you should feel yourself fortunate to be part of the Marvel Universe. So she declined. In 2020, Coon previously said she declined the part due to a scheduling conflict, but said she wouldnt rule out future projects. No one ever dies. It's very possible I could have my own Avengers movie next," she joked. "But I wouldn't hold your breath, she told PeopleTV's Couch Surfing. While The White Lotus actor didnt appear in Endgame, her voice was used uncredited in the film. open image in gallery Carrie Coon played Proxima Midnight in 2018s Avengers: Infinity War ( Getty Images ) We would've made a bigger deal out of this, Letts said. But it would have involved us watching the movies, and we weren't going to do that. The Independent has contacted Marvel and Coon for comment. Speaking about how she won the role in 2018, Coon said: I got a voice-over audition; it was not specified what the project was. They were being very secretive about it, but I was given some of the lines that did end up being in the film. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. "[The Russos] were excited about the possibility of me actually physicalising the character as well, and they invited me to come down to Atlanta. I was pregnant and doing a play at the time, so I flew down and was on set with them for about 12 hours. open image in gallery ( Getty Images ) She added: They were just looking for the voice of Proxima Midnight, and [they reached out] perhaps because they were interested in my voice or maybe because I've actually done motion-capture work previously. I used to do motion-capture work for video games, back in Madison, Wisconsin. I was an athlete in college, and so it was very physical work that I enjoyed tremendously, and I had such a ball working on it." Coon and Letts met in 2010 while starring in the Broadway production of Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? They got married three years later before welcoming their first child, Haskell, in 2018. They also welcomed a daughter in 2021, but have yet to share her name publicly. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice David Fincher is reportedly set to reunite with his longtime collaborator Brad Pitt for a follow-up to Quentin Tarantinos Oscar-winning epic, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. 62-year-old Fincher whos directed Pitt on a handful of films, including Fight Club, Se7en, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will once again direct the actor in the untitled new project for Netflix. The movie will see Pitt reprise his Once Upon a Time role as Hollywood stuntman and potential spouse-killer Cliff Booth, with Tarantino on board to write the script, according to Variety. Its not yet known if Pitt will be joined by his Once Upon a Time co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie. The Independent has contacted Finchers representative and Netflix for comment. News of the movie comes a year after Tarantino abandoned plans for what was supposedly his final feature film. Titled The Movie Critic, the film had already cast Pitt as the lead in a role similar to that of his Once Upon a Time character, for which he won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. David Fincher (left) will reportedly reunite with longtime collaborator Brad Pitt for a sequel to Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ( Getty Images / Andrew Cooper (Sony) ) The movies plot was said to be based on a guy who really lived but was never really famous, and he used to write movie reviews for a porno rag. Tarantino previously explained that the inspiration came from a job he had as a teen, loading pornographic magazines into a vending machine. At the time, reports claimed that plans were scrapped after Tarantino simply had a change of heart. Instead, he would be going back to the drawing board to figure out what that final movie will be, sources told Deadline. The director, 62, has long said that he would retire after his tenth movie, and had the film moved forward, it would have been his tenth. I know film history and from here on in, filmmakers do not get better, Tarantino told Bill Maher in 2021. I dont have a reason that I would want to say out loud, thats going to win any argument in a court of public opinion or supreme court or anything like that. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. At the same time, working for 30 years doing as many movies as Ive done, its not as many as other people, but thats a long career. Thats a really long career. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Drakes ongoing defamation lawsuit against his own record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), took another turn today as a judge in New York ruled that his legal team can begin the discovery process. At a pre-trial conference on Wednesday morning, Judge Jeanette Vargas decreed that Drake's representatives can go ahead with the process, which is likely to include deposing key executives and requesting document production. UMG had previously requested that the court delay discovery. That motion has now been denied, meaning that Drake can proceed with requesting access to documents that UMG has called highly commercially sensitive, including Lamars contracts with the record label. In a statement to The Independent, Drakes lead attorney Michael Gottlieb said: Now it's time to see what UMG was so desperately trying to hide. UMG had said the request would require costly collection and review of large swaths of hard-copy and electronic data sets, contracts and agreements, and communications. In January, Drake accused UMG of spreading the false and malicious narrative that he is a pedophile with the release of Lamars song Not Like Us, 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. Feuding giants: Drake and Kendrick Lamar ( Shutterstock ) Last month, UMG branded Drakes lawsuit a misguided attempt to salve his wounds and 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, read the motion filed to the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. It went on to recount the details of Drake and Lamars infamous rap battle, which kicked off in the spring of 2024. 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 stated 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]. 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 at the time, Gottlieb called UMGs motion a desperate ploy to avoid accountability. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice David Walliams has hit out at former Britains Got Talent colleague Simon Cowell amid an alleged feud. The comedian was a judge on the ITV talent show from 2012 up until his departure in 2022, when it emerged that he had made sexually explicit and derogatory remarks about some of the contestants during a recording at the London Palladium in January 2020. Walliamss comments were picked up by the microphones on the desk and were seemingly not intended to be heard publicly and he sued FremantleMedia, the production company that makes BGT, for the leaking of his private remarks. The matter was settled in November 2023. He decided to leave the show after issuing an apology. On Tuesday (1 April), during an Advertising Week Europe panel, Walliams made a dig at his one-time fellow judge after the panel host Melanie Rockcliffe said: David Walliams, you were a judge on Britains Got Talent for a decade and won best judge at the national TV Awards four times. Walliams, without missing a beat, replied: Simon Cowell never won once. The comedian and author, who is reportedly no longer on speaking terms with Cowell, continued: Thats all he does is judging. It was a tiny part of my career. For him, it was the focus and he still couldnt win it. His comments prompted laughter from the crowd and, when Rockliffe said: He wasnt happy with you, was he?, Walliams replied: No. However, he said Britains Got Talent was a fun show to do. open image in gallery David Walliams hit out at ex-BGT colleague Simon Cowell ( Getty Images for MUBI ) When the recording of his inappropriate comments was made public in 2022, Walliams told The Independent: I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britains Got Talent in 2020. These were private conversations and like most conversations with friends were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry. Fremantle, while announcing it had reached a settlement with Walliams, issued its own apology, stating: We are sincerely sorry that his private conversations when a judge on Britains Got Talent were published, and the great distress this caused David. We have reviewed our production practices on the show to ensure they fully respect the expectations of our talent whilst satisfying the requirements of the show. We have enjoyed a great relationship with David over many years. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. We thank David for being an important part of the Britains Got Talent family and the enduring success of the show and hope to have opportunities to work with him in the future. We are pleased that we have achieved an amicable resolution of this dispute with David. open image in gallery Simon Cowell is allegedly no longer on speaking terms with David Walliams ( ITV ) Bruno Tonioli replaced Walliams on the show in January 2023. The Independent has contacted Cowell for comment. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Malcolm in the Middle star Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey in the beloved family sitcom, has been photographed for the first time since leaving Hollywood to pursue higher education. It was recently revealed that Sullivan is the only member of the main cast who will not be returning for the shows upcoming reboot on Disney+. Frankie Muniz will reprise the title role, with Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek also returning as his parents. Christopher Masterson, who played oldest brother Francis, and Justin Berfield, who played Reese, are both back. Sullivans role will be filled by Fargo actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. Sullivans absence appears to be because of his decision to move away from acting as a career. Last year, Kaczmarek spoke to fan site Malcolm France about Sullivan and said: Hes well, hes very, very well He did Malcolm for seven years, he started at seven, he ended at 14. He wasnt interested in acting, at all. She added: He goes to school at a very prestigious American university that hes asked us all to be quiet about and he loves Charles Dickens. Hes doing graduate work in Victorian literature. I admire it because so many people think being in show business is the greatest thing in the world, its not for everyone. Erik Per Sullivan, known for his role as Dewey in Malcolm in the Middle, pictured leaving his house in Boston, MA, on March 26, 2025 ( The US Sun / News Licensing ) Now, The US Sun has photographed Sullivan looking dapper in a grey sweater with army green jeans while unloading groceries at his home outside of Boston, Massachusetts. In other pictures, Sullivan can be seen wearing a grey flat cap and a thick brown coat while visiting a coffee shop. The reboot of Malcolm in the Middle will run for four episodes on Disney+. No release date has yet been announced. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The official logline reads: Malcolm and his daughter are drawn into the familys chaos when Hal and Lois demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party. The Fabelmans actor Keeley Karsten has been cast as Malcolms daughter, Leah. When the reboot was announced, Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, told Variety: Malcolm in the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and relatability. Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and were so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again. With Linwood Boomer and the creative team at the helm, these new episodes will have all the laughs, pranks, and mayhem fans loved along with a few surprises that remind us why this show is so timeless. Malcolm in the Middle aired on Fox from 2000 to 2006 for seven seasons. The single-camera comedy series focused on Malcolm, a child prodigy, and his dysfunctional working-class family. Over the course of seven seasons, Malcolm in the Middle earned seven Emmy Awards out of its 33 nominations. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Olivia Munn has spoken out against Blue Origins all-female crew space, calling the forthcoming mission gluttonous. In February, it was announced that Jeff Bezos aerospace company would be welcoming its first all-female crew, comprised of Bezos fiancee Lauren Sanchez, pop star Katy Perry, CBS News anchor Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, activist Amanda Nguyen, and movie producer Kerianne Flynn. The group is set to take off in the New Shepard spacecraft from the companys West Texas base on April 14. Though the new mission is set to make history for Blue Origin, Munn isnt impressed. While co-hosting Thursdays episode of Today With Jenna and Friends, the 44-year-old Predator star criticized the upcoming spectacle. I know this probably isnt the cool thing to say, but there are so many other things that are so important in the world right now, Munn said, questioning the point of the 11-minute flight. What are you guys gonna do up in space? What are you doing up there? she asked. If you wanna go to space, why do you need to tell us about it, you know? Its just like, go up there, have a good time, come on down. open image in gallery Blue Origin's first all-female crew is set to take off on April 14 ( Blue Origin ) The X-Men: Apocalypse actor further railed against the amount of money and resources the journey will cost. I know this is probably obnoxious, but like, its so much money to go to space, and theres a lot of people who cant even afford eggs, she added, referring to the global surge in egg prices caused by the widespread bird flu outbreak. Host Jenna Bush Hager jumped in to note that the women are planning to go up in full glam. open image in gallery Olivia Munn questioned the point of the forthcoming mission ( NBC ) What? They said this out loud?! Munn replied in utter shock. The group revealed their plans to fly to space with their hair and makeup done in an interview with Elle. Whats the point? Is it historic that you guys are going on a ride? Munn asked, adding, I think its a bit gluttonous. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Historically, she said that space exploration was to further our knowledge and to help mankind. What are they gonna do up there that has made it better for us down here? she wondered. This is a lot of resources being spent. The forthcoming mission will be Blue Origins 11th mission. Sanchez is said to have brought the mission together, according to Blue Origin. [Sanchez] is honored to lead a team of explorers on a mission that will challenge their perspectives of Earth, empower them to share their own stories, and create lasting impact that will inspire generations to come, the company said in a statement. During their brief journey, they will fly past the Karman line, which is an internationally recognized border between Earths atmosphere and outer space. This flight will undoubtedly prove to be a life-changing experience for each of us, and Im honored to be with such an incredible group of explorers, Sanchez said. Most importantly, I am looking forward to all the women in this crew sharing their story and inspiring future generations to dream big. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jason Isaacs has revealed that friendships were both made and lost on the set of The White Lotuss third season. The British actor, 61, plays wealthy financier Timothy Ratliff, who is caught up in a money laundering scheme that unravels while he is on holiday in Thailand with his wife Victoria (Parker Posey) and their three grown-up children, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola). Isaacs described the experience of filming the latest instalment of Mike Whites black comedy as a cross between summer camp and Lord of the Flies but in a gilded cage. The series was filmed in Thailand over the course of seven months, with the cast and crew staying at the Four Seasons Hotel in Koh Samui, which doubles up as the hotel on screen. In an interview with Vulture, Isaacs said that despite the stunning backdrop, filming the show wasnt a holiday. Some people got very close, there were friendships that were made and friendships that were lost, he said. open image in gallery Isaacs plays stressed-out financier Timothy Ratliff ( HBO/Sky ) All the things you would imagine with a group of people unanchored from their home lives on the other side of the world, in the intense pressure cooker of the working environment with eye-melting heat and insects and late nights. They say in the show, What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand, but theres an off-screen White Lotus as well, with fewer deaths but just as much drama. When he was asked to share further details of that drama, the Harry Potter star declined, explaining: I became very close to some people and less close to others, but we still all had that experience together and theres a certain level of discretion required. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. open image in gallery Isaacs with on-screen wife Parker Posey, who plays Victoria Ratliff ( HBO/Sky ) Isaacs co-star Aimee Lou Wood, who plays spiritual hotel guest Chelsea, has also been candid about her experiences during filming, describing the unusual set up as like a social experiment. I dont know whether Id describe it as fun, she told The Guardian. There were fun moments. It was more like amazing in the true sense. I was amazed by what was happening. How am I in Thailand? Living in a hotel, that we also film in? It was like a social experiment. I will never have an experience like that again, she added. It was so extreme. So the fun bits were unbelievable, so special. The ocean, the landscape, it was majestic. Mike is a genius. Everyone involved is amazing. Its just the circumstances are quite extreme. The final episode of The White Lotuss third season is set to air in the UK on Monday 7 April. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A two-year-old girl in southern India died from bird flu after eating raw chicken, the first fatality linked to the H5N1 strain since 2021. The toddler, from Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh state, died on 15 March after developing fever, breathing difficulties and diarrhoea. Authorities said the child contracted the virus after consuming raw chicken. It was not clear if she had been deliberately fed the meat or accidentally eaten it. She was initially admitted to a local health centre but taken to a city hospital on 4 March after her condition deteriorated. A sample test for avian influenza of H5N1 strain at the hospital returned positive, and the patient eventually died despite receiving appropriate medical treatment, the hospital said in a statement. Damodar Naidu, director of animal husbandry in Andhra Pradesh, said the child was admitted to hospital two-three days after consuming the raw chicken, according to Down To Earth. open image in gallery Three influenza H5N1 virus particles ( National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ) Following the death, he said authorities conducted physical surveillance of all poultry farms in the region, but found no signs of bird flu among poultry. There were isolated outbreaks in February but effective control measures were implemented promptly, Mr Naidu said. No traces of the virus were found in the surveyed areas. However, he urged the public to consume only properly cooked chicken and eggs. Poultry should be cooked to at least 70C. Eggs should be boiled and not eaten raw, he said. No one in the girls family tested positive for the flu. The federal health ministry deployed an outbreak response team to Andhra Pradesh to assist in the case. open image in gallery Municipal workers collect dead pelicans on Santa Maria beach in Lima, Peru, in 2022 ( AP ) Bird flu is caused by a virus that infects birds and sometimes foxes, otters and seals. It rarely infects humans, but a major strain known as H5N1 has caused global health concern. Only five cases of H5N1 and H9N2 strains have been detected in India over the past five years, the Andhra government reported in a statement. An 11-year-old in the northern Haryana state died in the last confirmed human fatality from H5N1 in 2021. The boy died after developing multiorgan dysfunction. According to the WHO, the first human outbreak of the virus took place in 1997 in Hong Kong. There have been a little more than 900 known cases globally since 2003 with nearly 50 per cent proving fatal. This year in March, health officials in the UK were alarmed after H5N1 was detected in a single sheep for the first time in England, in an area where the disease had been confirmed in captive birds. Last year, the strain spread rapidly in dairy cow herds in the US and the US Centres for Disease Control described it as an "ongoing multi-state outbreak". On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A British man jailed without trial in India for more than six years says his life has been destroyed by the ordeal, claiming that he has suffered two attempts on his life and that he is being kept behind bars for political reasons. Christian Michel was extradited to India from Dubai in 2018 as a suspect in an arms deal corruption scandal. He remains held in the high-security Tihar Jail despite being awarded bail from the Delhi High Court as well as the Supreme Court in February, because he has been unable to meet the bail conditions. Speaking to The Independent on the sidelines of his court appearance on Thursday, Mr Michel claims that the Indian authorities are determined to keep him imprisoned. The high court knew this. Its a political decision to keep me in jail. They are desperate to keep me here, he says. They know I know an awful lot about the government. Once I am out, I can put a stop to the whole court proceedings but I cannot do it from jail. Mr Michels trial is yet to begin after six years of incarceration. His lawyer says investigators have found no solid evidence against him after 12 years of looking into the case, and he denies any wrongdoing. In spite of his prolonged legal ordeal, Mr Michel seems determined to clear his name. Let me be back home, he appeals to the Indian authorities. I will continue the hearings on video conferencing and clear my name because theres no corruption. But if they keep me in India, I cannot do it safely, he says. open image in gallery Delhi police officials guide Christian Michel out of the courtroom on 7 March 2025 ( Namita Singh/The Independent ) Reflecting on what he misses most about Britain, he says: I miss my family. My children have grown up without me. My wife has divorced me. My parents have all died. My whole life is destroyed. Jail, he tells the court, is a very sad place. Holi was cancelled because a young boy committed suicide, he says, referring to a major Hindu festival in March. Mr Michel is alleged to have acted as a key intermediary in the 2010 deal for Indias defence ministry to buy 12 luxury helicopters from Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland, a contract worth over 322.4m. Investigators allege the company paid bribes to Indian officials to secure the contract and that Mr Michel personally received commissions amounting to 25.7m. The Enforcement Directorate, which investigates financial crimes in India, alleges Mr Michel played a pivotal role in routing illicit funds and using shell companies to disguise the payments. Mr Michel faces charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act as well as a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case for corruption offences. In February 2025, the Supreme Court granted him bail in the CBI case, noting that the investigation had been dragging on for more than a decade without conclusion. You will not be able to conclude the trial in another 25 years, going by what your conduct has been, the top court remarked in its ruling. The investigation started in 2013. We are now in 2025, and 12 years have passed. The investigation is still not complete, his lawyer Aljo K Joseph said earlier. They are looking for something that does not exist. They are looking for evidence that they are not getting. It is just a red herring. Thursdays hearing related to Mr Michels inability to meet multiple bail conditions. I have no address in India, which is required to file the bail bond," Mr Michel explains to The Independent. I have no family members they can contact in India. Securing a guarantor, another bail condition, has also proved impossible. There is no one in India who will give me surety, he says. My ex-wife has spoken to everyone we know but they all refuse because they say its too dangerous. My case is too political, so theyre scared of it. At Thursdays hearing, he informed the court that the only person who has shown willingness to provide a guarantee for him is Jo Johnson, the brother of former British prime minister Boris Johnson. The only visitor I have had in six years and five months was Jo Johnson, a distant, distant cousin of mine, he tells the judge. Because hes the brother of the prime minister of UK, so he feels very safe. Thats the only visit I have ever had in six years and five months. open image in gallery Christian Michel leaves the courtroom with his lawyer Aljo K Joseph in March ( Namita Singh/The Independent ) Mr Michels time in jail has been fraught with danger, he says, alleging that there have been attempts on his life. A professional killer tried to kill me twice in jail and confessed to it. He was paid money to kill me, and they never investigated why he tried to kill me, who he was, or who paid him, he claims. At a previous hearing on 7 March, Mr Michel told the court he would not accept bail given the threats to his life and a lack of security in the Indian capital. For me, Delhi is just a larger prison, he told Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal. My family cannot come here. They have been told for years it is not safe. You know I have security issues. There have been attempts on my life twice. At the latest hearing on Thursday, Mr Michel doubled down on his accusations. He says there was an attempt on his life in 2019 but he did not name the person who allegedly tried to kill him. When I didnt die, those responsible threatened to kill him, he adds, meaning the alleged assassin. So, he ran to the jail superintendent saying hes been trying to kill me, hes attempted twice, its failed, and now his life is in danger. Mr Michel says he gave a statement to the deputy head of the prison, which prompted an investigation, but it went nowhere. I would rather serve my sentence and continue the trial via video conferencing from a safe country, he submitted at the earlier hearing, pleading that the court outline his sentence so he could serve it and leave the country. The court said his sentencing could only occur once the trial was concluded. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police in south Indias Hyderabad city have arrested a man for allegedly raping a German tourist after offering her a drive. The woman and her local friend were on their way to a nearby vegetable market late on Monday evening when they were approached by the suspect, 25, in a vehicle, police said. The man, reportedly riding with five minor friends, offered to take the tourist and her friend for a drive. He took them to different locations and eventually to Mamidipally on the citys outskirts. There he told the others to take selfies while he drove the German to a secluded spot about 100 metres away, where he threatened her life and sexually assaulted her, police said, adding she had been sent for a medical examination. Police said the suspect then drove back to where he had dropped the others off and, as he slowed down, the woman jumped out and ran to her friend. The friend, after learning what had happened, filed a complaint at the Pahadishareef police station. Police said they had launched an investigation and seized the vehicle. India has reported several incidents of sexual assault involving foreign visitors in recent years, sparking concerns about the safety of tourists, especially women. Last month three men attacked a female Israeli tourist and her two local companions, a man and a woman, close to a popular Unesco World Heritage site in southern Indias Hampi. Police say they killed the man and gang-raped the Israeli woman and her friend. In another widely reported incident from March last year, Indian police arrested seven local men for assaulting a travelling Spanish couple and gang-raping the woman in the eastern state of Jharkhand. According to the latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau, India recorded 31,516 rape cases in 2022, a 20 per cent increase over the previous year. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 24-year-old American tourist has been detained in India for entering a remote tribal area where islanders have no contact with the outside world, police said on Wednesday. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, whose father is from Ukraine, set foot on North Sentinel Island, a part of Indias Andaman Islands, in an attempt to make contact with the isolated Sentinelese tribe, police said. He recorded his visit to the island, leaving a can of Coke and a coconut on the shore as an offering to the people of the tribe. The influencer, who runs a YouTube channel documenting extreme travel and previously visited Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, travelled nine hours in a small rubber dinghy with an outboard motor to reach the island and used binoculars to survey the area but saw no inhabitants. He tried to get the attention of native people by blowing a whistle and briefly landed on the shore for a few minutes before leaving. He left the offerings and collected sand samples while recording a video, police said. He arrived in the capital, Port Blair, on 27 March and was arrested three days later on Sunday after he was reported to police by locals, who saw him taking a boat to North Sentinel Island. open image in gallery Police said they reviewed his GoPro camera footage which showed his entry and landing into the restricted North Sentinel Island ( YouTube/Neo-Orientalist ) Andaman and Nicobar, a former British penal colony, is a group of 572 islands located more than 1,200km (700 miles) from mainland India. The Indian government strictly monitors access to some remote parts of the federal territory, which are home to five known indigenous tribes, some of whom are hostile to outsiders. These tribes include the Sentinelese, Jarwa, Onge, Shompens, and Great Andamanese, and are among the worlds last remaining isolated communities. Indians and foreigners alike are prohibited from traveling within 5km (3 miles) of the island to protect the indigenous people from external diseases and safeguard their way of life. Andaman and Nicobar director general of police HS Dhaliwal said police were alerted after locals spotted the man near Khuramadera Beach in South Andaman, relatively close to the Jarwa Reserve Forest, which is a protected area for the Indigenous Jarwa tribe. open image in gallery Map showing the location of Indias Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal ( The Independent/Datawrapper ) We are getting more details about him and his intention to visit the reserved tribal area. We are also trying to find out where else he has visited during his stay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. We are questioning the hotel staff where he was staying in Port Blair, the police told Press Trust of India. Mr Dhaliwal told AFP the American tourist landed briefly for about five minutes, left the offerings on the shore, collected sand samples, and recorded a video before returning to his boat. A review of his GoPro camera footage showed his entry and landing into the restricted North Sentinel Island. open image in gallery Sentinelese islanders on the Andaman Islands ( Christian Carron via Survival International ) A formal complaint has been registered against him under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and for entering a tribal reserve or restricted area without permission. Mr Polyakov was reportedly on his third trip to the islands after visiting twice last year. The police said they have informed the home ministry about his detention and that officials there were in touch with the US embassy. open image in gallery Polyakov poses with a gun on a visit to Afghanistan which he posted about last year ( Neo-Orientalist/YouTube ) Tribal lands are legally protected under the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956, which prohibits unauthorised entry. In 2018, American missionary John Allen Chau, 27, was killed by the Sentinelese, an endangered tribe, after illegally trying to enter their territory to preach Christianity. He was allegedly killed after tribespeople shot him with arrows as his boat approached the island. In 2006, two Indian fishermen who accidentally drifted to the North Sentinel Island were killed by the Sentinelese tribe. When an Indian military helicopter later flew low over the island, tribal members fired arrows at it in a show of defiance. The navy has since enforced a buffer zone around the island, ensuring no outsiders come close. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Tokyo hospital has launched a baby hatch, becoming the citys first and the countrys second medical institution to offer parents a safe, anonymous drop-off method for infants they cant look after. The Inochi no Basuketto, or basket of life, was set up at the San-ikukai hospital in Tokyos Kinshicho district on Monday and aims to prevent infant abandonment and death. The hospital will accept infants up to four weeks old. The baby can be placed in a basket in a secure area with a motion sensor that will alert staff immediately so someone can collect them within 30 seconds. The hospital will work with authorities to figure out the best plan of action for the baby, including sending them to foster homes. Hitoshi Kato, head of San-ikukai hospital, said at a press conference that the baby hatch, which will be open 24 hours, was an emergency and final measure to avoid the abandonment of babies and child abuse deaths. Such tragic incidents as newborn desertion and fatal child abuse continue to happen. I am going to make efforts to create a society where this project is no longer necessary," The japan">Japan Times quoted him as saying. He said that mothers and babies with nowhere to go still existed which led to abandonment of infants in baggage lockers, parks or beaches. open image in gallery Staff working in a nursery room at Jikei hospital in Kumamoto ( AFP via Getty ) The hospital has also launched a confidential birth system to prevent women with unwanted pregnancies delivering alone or in risky situations. The system will allow women to give birth in the hospital while providing minimal identifying information about themselves. There are a whole series of reasons why a second baby hatch is having to open in Japan, and I have to say it makes me sad, Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, told the South China Morning Post. For many people, the biggest immediate problem is the rising price of everything, starting with food. This week, private research firm Teikoku Databank said that major Japanese food and beverage producers were increasing prices of 4,225 products in April. According to NHK, the price of rice went up by 80.9 per cent in February compared to 2024, the biggest increase since this information first began being recorded in 1971. Potato prices have gone up by 33.6 per cent and carrots are dearer by 27.4 per cent. Japan opened its first baby hatch, called Konotori no Yurigago, or storks cradle, nearly two decades ago in 2007, in Jikei Hospital in the city of Kumamoto. As of May 2024, Jikeis baby hatch had received 179 infants, some coming from about 1,000km away. Therere women out there who are ashamed that they did something horrible by getting pregnant and are so scared, Jikei head doctor Takeshi Hasuda told AFP in 2022. Societys motivation to sympathise with them or help them out seems to be low, if not completely non-existent. Children abandoned at the hospital include many that were the the result of prostitution, rape and incest, Hasuda said. I think the most important role our baby hatch system has played so far is to provide a sort of last resort for women left alienated by society. open image in gallery A staff member demonstrates the baby hatch room at Jikei hospital in Kumamoto ( AFP via Getty ) The baby hatches have also faced criticism, however. The criticism stems mainly from societal beliefs that place heavy significance on the family a child is born into. Japan requires every individuals birth to be added into a koseki or family register, which has all vital records of the family. Marriage, divorce, adoption and so on will not be legitimised if it hasnt been recorded in the koseki. No Japanese citizen can apply for a passport without a koseki record. This system has entrenched the idea in Japanese society that whoever gave birth to a child must raise the child, Chiaki Shirai, a reproduction and adoption studies expert at Shizuoka University, told the AFP news agency. Children who are abandoned and shown as having no family in the registry are heavily stigmatised. The confidential birth system also aims to help women deal with unwanted pregnancies safely given conservative attitudes around sex, premarital pregnancy, and abortion in Japan. In 2017, it was found that 47 per cent of women who left their infants at the hatches had given birth at home with no medical care, which increased the chances of them getting ill. open image in gallery In 2017, it was found that 47 per cent of the women who left their infants at the hatches had given birth at home with no medical care, which increased the chances of them getting ill ( AFP via Getty ) In spite of measures instituted in 2023 by the previous Fumio Kishida government to encourage childbearing, the number of babies born in 2024 fell to a record low of 720,988, declining for the ninth consecutive year, while the number of deaths rose to a record 1.62 million. Proponents of baby hatches argue that they provide a vital safety net for infants and mothers in a country with limited support systems for postpartum women. Experts have been calling on policymakers and social welfare organisations to rethink support systems for struggling parents, a sorely needed intervention in a nation grappling with an ageing population and declining birth rates. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Myanmars military junta has declared a ceasefire in its ongoing civil war with ethnic rebel groups until 22 April, a day after it confirmed that soldiers had fired at a Chinese convoy carrying aid for victims of last weeks devastating earthquake. The surprise announcement came late on Wednesday. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing had previously rejected ceasefire proposals by rebel groups to allow humanitarian aid to reach earthquake-hit regions of the country. The military said it would halt fighting for 20 days as a show of compassion for people affected by Friday's quake, state broadcaster MRTV reported. The commander-in-chiefs office, however, said the military would take necessary countermeasures if rebel groups sought to damage communication lines, mobilise forces or take new territory. The ceasefire the first since a fierce civil war threw the country into turmoil four years ago would provide a brief respite to civilians, mostly Muslim ethnic minorities, caught in the crosshairs. Since the military took power in a February 2021 coup, it has faced fierce resistance from a mix of newly formed opposition groups and long-established ethnic armed factions. Its grip on the country has weakened over the past year, with its control shrinking to less than 30 per cent of the territory, though it still holds the largest cities. open image in gallery Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing gestures as earthquake survivors gather in the compound of a hospital in Naypyidaw ( AFP via Getty ) The 7.7 magnitude earthquake collapsed thousands of buildings, cracked open roads and bridges, killed over 3,000 people and injured nearly 4,500. It also left hundreds of people missing. The true extent of the devastation remains unknown. Resistance factions and rights groups in the country have raised concerns about the junta blocking aid to areas held by the rebels, with many rebel groups reporting fresh military strikes soon after the earthquake. The Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday its rescue and relief workers in Myanmar were safe after a Chinese convoy delivering aid was attacked by soldiers the previous night. The Taang National Liberation Army, a rebel group in northern Myanmar, claimed that the soldiers used machine guns to fire at the convoy at Ummati village in Naung Cho township in Mandalay. open image in gallery People attend a Buddhist memorial service near the rubble of a collapsed building in Mandalay ( AFP via Getty ) Military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun confirmed that the soldiers had fired warning shots but claimed the convoy had failed to heed instructions to stop. He also claimed the convoy had not notified authorities of its route ahead of time despite going into a conflict zone. The urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to regions struck by the earthquake has become critical as rescue workers continue to search through the rubble. On Tuesday, rescuers pulled out two men alive from the ruins of a hotel in the capital, a third from a guesthouse in another city, and a fourth in Mandalay. But most teams were finding only bodies. Many areas remain without power, telephone or mobile connections and are difficult to reach by road. open image in gallery People dig out a car from the rubble of a destroyed building on the outskirts of Mandalay ( AFP via Getty ) In Singu township, about 40 miles north of Mandalay, 27 gold miners were killed in a building collapse, the independent media outlet Democratic Voice of Burma reported. Ceasefires had been announced earlier this week by the People's Defense Force, which is the armed wing of the shadow opposition National Unity Government, and the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a trio of ethnic minority guerrilla armies. Morgan Michaels, an analyst with the International Institute of Strategic Studies, said the military was under pressure to follow suit. "It would require very deft and active diplomacy to transform a humanitarian pause into something more lasting, he said. And that's not guaranteed. The junta leader is likely to fly to Thailand for a regional summit on Thursday, garnering bad publicity for taking the trip despite his country struggling to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake. It will be his first visit to a country that is not an ally China, Russia and Belarus since he attended another regional meeting in Indonesia in 2021. Additional reporting by agencies. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The government has insisted Britains food standards would not be compromised after the UK and the US agreed on a trade deal to eliminate a series of tariffs. Agriculture is a key part of the new trade deal announced on Thursday by Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. Tariffs have been reduced on US products, including beef and ethanol, in return for moves that help British cars and steel. After the deal was announced, government sources insisted imports of hormone-treated beef or chlorinated chicken, previously described as red lines for the UK in any agreement, would remain illegal. The agreement on beef provides a tariff-free quota for 13,000 tonnes of US exports, but the government said there would be no drop in food standards as a result of the deal. It also includes access to British beef exports to the US. Chlorine-washed chicken a controversial method of cleaning farmed animals to kill bacteria was a major product being touted as part of the deal. While evidence suggests the chlorine wash itself is not harmful, critics argue treating chicken with the chemical will allow for poorer hygiene earlier on in the production process. However, Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming, told The Independent: The British public is rightly appalled by chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef. We are an animal-loving nation that values high standards, and we must not trade them away. Packs of Brexit Selection Freshly Chlorinated Chicken sit on display at Costupper Brexit Minimart pop-up store, set up by the Peoples Vote campaign group, in November 2018 ( Getty ) But what exactly does the evidence on chlorine-washed chicken show? What is chlorinated chicken? Chlorinated chicken or chlorine-washed chicken refers to chicken carcasses that have been washed or dipped in water containing chlorine dioxide. This is done to kill organisms that could make you ill, such as E coli, campylobacter and Salmonella. Is it bad for me? If you ate a large amount of chlorinated chicken the equivalent to 5 per cent of your body weight in one day you could potentially be exposed to harmful levels of the chemical compound known as chlorate, according to the European Commission. Long-term exposure to chlorate in food, particularly in drinking water, is a potential health concern for children, especially those with mild or moderate iodine deficiency, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). A high intake of chlorate on a single day could be toxic for humans as it can limit the bloods ability to absorb oxygen, leading to kidney failure, while chronic exposure to chlorate can inhibit iodine uptake. However, there is no proof that eating chlorinated chicken would put health at risk. The EFSA has said that chemical substances in poultry meat are unlikely to pose an immediate or acute health risk for consumers. Is it cleaner than non-chlorinated chicken? A 2014 report by US non-profit Consumer Reports found that 97 per cent of 300 American chicken breasts tested contained harmful bacteria including Salmonella, campylobacter and E.Coli. Around half of the chicken breasts tested also contained at least one type of bacteria that was resistant to three or more antibiotics. In general, you are over seven times more likely to get food poisoning in the US than in the UK, according to data from the UKs Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Moreover, a 2018 study from the University of Southampton found chlorine-washing was not totally effective in killing pathogens on fresh vegetables. The research also suggested that chlorinating foods "can make foodborne pathogens undetectable", rather than eliminating them. Why arent British farmers allowed to use this technique? Chlorinated chicken was first banned by the EU in 1997. The EU stipulates that chicken can only be washed in water or substances explicitly approved by the European Commission. Those who are against chlorine washing claim that, rather than the chlorine itself being the problem, its what the chlorine is hiding. Treating the carcasses this way can enable lower standards of hygiene and animal welfare farmers can rely on chemicals to kill off harmful bacteria at the end of the process, rather than maintaining high standards at every stage. However, Ken Isley from the US Department of Agriculture, said: I think the concerns and fear are unfounded. I would stack US food safety and our food safety record against anywhere in the world. How can I tell if chicken has been chlorinated? In the US, chickens are not labelled as having been washed in chlorine. Some of those lobbying for the UK to accept US imports of chlorine-washed chicken have argued that it should be up to consumers to decide, as long as its clearly labelled. However, according to Sustain, an organisation that campaigns for better food and farming, there is currently no requirement for food producers to inform UK consumers about whether or not chlorine was used, neither are restaurants nor caterers required to say where their meat is from. Unless the limitations of current UK food labelling legislation are addressed, it is hard to see how British consumers would know whether their chicken had been treated with chlorinated water. The US also regards specific labelling of country of origin as an illegitimate barrier to its exports and pushes to have the practice banned as part of trade agreements it signs with other countries. Is chlorinated chicken part of a trade deal with the US? Chlorinated chicken was not included in the trade deal announced by Sir Keir and Mr Trump on Thursday. Farming leaders welcomed the governments efforts to maintain high standards and secure reciprocal access for beef but raised concerns about the inclusion of bioethanol, a fuel made from crops, in the deal. According to the most recent significant polling on the subject, which was carried out in 2020, 80 per cent of the British public are against allowing imports of chlorinated chicken, and the same percentage are against permitting chicken products that have been raised with hormones. Following pressure from the British public, former prime ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak were compelled to rule out compromises on hormone-fed beef and chlorinated chicken in future trade deal negotiations with the US. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Doctors have raised concerns over a rise in Victorian diseases, such as scabies, and growing health inequalities caused by poor-quality housing, air pollution and access to transport. A survey of 882 doctors by the Royal College of Physicians found nearly 90 per cent were concerned about the impact of health inequalities on their patients, while 46 per cent said that at least half of their workload involved illnesses linked to social factors - such as poor housing, education, and employment. One doctor said they had seen patients over the past three months with diseases that were common in the Victorian era, such as scabies. Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites and spread through close skin contact, while erysipelas is a skin infection that can be treated with antibiotics. According to NHS figures the disease is on the rise. There were 3,689 scabies cases diagnosed in hospitals in England in the year to April 2024, marking a 73 per cent rise on the previous year, when there were 2,128 cases recorded. Poor housing and poor nutrition is leading to more severe illnesses, doctors warn ( Getty ) Doctors also highlighted cases of patients with hypothermia, which one said was due to the patient being unable to afford heating. Dr Ash Bassi a consultant gastroenterologist based in Prescot, near Liverpool raised concerns that damp and cold housing causes respiratory illnesses to become chronic conditions. He added that food insecurity means poor nutrition contributes to longer-term health complications. Poor uptake of screening programmes further exacerbates health inequalities. Patients struggling with unstable employment or financial hardship often delay seeking medical help, leading to more severe illness by the time they reach us, he said. The Royal College of Physicians has called on the government to set out how it will improve the health of the nation, prevent avoidable illness and reduce pressure on the wider NHS. Dr John Dean, RCP clinical vice president, said: The UK government came into office promising bold action on the things that make us ill in the first place. Now it must set out the detail of its health mission and how the mission delivery board will tackle the root causes of ill-health such as poor housing, employment, tobacco, obesity and air quality. He added that there are 2.5 million more people in England predicted to be living with a major illness by 2040 and stresses there is no time to waste. Everything from the places we live to the food we eat affects our health. Government must use its health mission delivery board to deliver a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities and address the social determinants of health, Dr Dean said. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: Through our Plan for Change, this government will tackle head on the appalling healthcare inequalities that exist within our systems. One of our core priorities is to halve the gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest regions in England. Our fundamental shift from sickness to prevention will play a vital role in tackling inequalities, making people healthier and reducing pressure on the NHS. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As the pervasive H5N1 bird flu continues to spread and impact the nations egg prices, the Trump administration has reportedly fired some staff who were working on the nations response to the virus. Among those fired were leadership and administrative staff at the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations Center for Veterinary Medicine, a source told Reuters. Its unclear exactly how many working on the bird flu response have lost their jobs. "The food compliance officers and animal drug reviewers survived, but they have no one at the comms office to put out a safety alert, no admin staff to pay external labs to test products," one FDA official told CBS News. The layoffs mentioned in the article relate to administrative staff positions in the FDA, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services told The Independent. These administrative functions are being streamlined as part of HHS transformation initiative to make the agency more efficient and responsive. FDA continues to monitor H5N1 and this critical work continues. USDA continues to prioritize the response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Several job categories, including veterinarians, animal health technicians, and other emergency response personnel in USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have been exempted from the recent personnel actions to continue to support the HPAI response and other animal health priorities, a Department of Agriculture spokesperson told The Independent in an email. Although several APHIS positions at USDA's National Animal Health Laboratory Network were recently notified of their terminations, those have since been rescinded. The Trump administration had previously scrambled to reinstate workers who were let go in earlier prior cuts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. open image in gallery The Trump administration has reportedly fired some staff who were working on the nations response to bird flu. The firings came amid massive layoffs across the Department of Health and Human Services ( AFP via Getty Images ) The American Veterinary Medical Association did not respond to The Independents request for comment. The reported firings come as questions swirl regarding the nations response to bird flu and whether it can stop the spread from animals and to humans. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has come under fire after suggesting that a strategy could be to let bird flu spread across farms. His remarks came shortly before H7N9 bird flu was detected for the first time in the U.S. since 2017. There are some farmers that are out there that are willing to really try this on a pilot as we build the safe perimeter around them to see if there is a way forward with immunity, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told Fox News last month. In response to Kennedys suggestion, physicians have denounced the idea. Its a recipe for disaster, Dr. Gail Hansen told The New York Times. open image in gallery Illinois Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and other Democrats have launched an investigation into this administrations response to bird flu. Dozens of people have been sickened by the virus ( Getty Images ) Now, Democrats have launched an investigation into Kennedys handling of the outbreak, citing his comments pushing to create immunity for birds. Bird flu has sickened 70 people and killed one in Louisiana. In a letter to Kennedy, Democrats requested information about how the department will address the outbreak and associated costs, including coordination plans with other federal agencies. They requested related information be turned over by April 18. Signees include Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi. This is one of the dumbest things you could possibly do with your government, laying off the very people you need to combat one of the biggest problems affecting our food supply right now, the Illinois Democrat told The Washington Post, reacting to news of the layoffs. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice French officials investigating the deaths of a married British couple in the south of France have said they are treating it as a murder-suicide, according to reports. Andrew and Dawn Searles bodies were found dead in the hamlet of Les Pesquies in Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Aveyron near Toulouse, in the early afternoon of February 6. Mrs Searle, also known as Ms Kerr, was found in front of her house with severe wounds to her head, while her husbands body was found hanged inside. Police launched an investigation to establish whether the couple died as a result of a murder-suicide, or if a third party was involved. The prosecutor in charge of the case said there is no evidence that anybody else was involved in the deaths, according to the BBC. Andrew and Dawn Searle were found dead in the hamlet of Les Pesquies ( Facebook/Andrew Searle ) Ms Searle was the mother of Scottish actor and musician Callum Kerr, who played PC George Kiss in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, and appeared in Netflixs Virgin River. Mr Kerr shared a statement on his social media account following their deaths which said: At this time, Callum Kerr and Amanda Kerr are grieving the loss of their mother, Dawn Searle (nee Smith, Kerr), while Tom Searle and Ella Searle are mourning the loss of their father, Andrew Searle. He then asked for family's privacy to be respected during this difficult period. Mr Kerr, 30, had walked his mother down the aisle when she married Mr Searle at a ceremony in France in 2023. Mr Searle was a retired fraud investigator specialising in financial crime prevention who worked at companies including Standard Life and Barclays Bank, according to his LinkedIn. French officials claimed they had been living in Aveyron for five years. A statement issued by French prosecutors in February said: The first victim, Ms Kerr, has a significant head injury. A box containing jewellery was found near to her, but no item or weapon which could have caused the injuries were located. Mr Searle, who was found hanged did not show any visible defensive injuries. The Independent has contacted French police and prosecutors for comment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A panel of experts has released medical summaries on the 17 babies involved in the murder trial of Lucy Letby. The former Countess of Chester Hospital nurse was convicted in 2023 of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others. A year later, she was convicted on one further count of attempted murder. Letby, who is serving 15 whole-life orders, has always denied the allegations. On Thursday, a panel of 14 medical experts provided its case summaries for all of the babies featured in Letbys 10-month trial. The summaries were handed over to the Criminal Cases Review Commission by Letbys lawyer, Mark McDonald, in a bid to clear her name. The panel concluded that no criminal offences had been committed at the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015 and 2016. open image in gallery Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others ( PA Media ) Instead, it provided alternative causes for the babies deterioration, as follows: Baby 1 (known as Child A in the trial): The prosecution said the boy was murdered by an injection of air into the bloodstream which caused an air embolism where bubbles form and block the blood supply. The panel found no evidence of air embolism and said the child had died from thrombosis, where a blood clot forms in a vessel. Baby 2 (Child B): The prosecution said Letby attempted to murder Child As twin sister by also injecting air into her bloodstream. The panel found no evidence of air embolism and said the child had collapsed from thrombosis. Baby 3 (Child C): The prosecution said the boy was murdered with air forced down his feeding tube and into his stomach. The panel said the child died following ineffective resuscitation from a collapse after an acute small bowel obstruction that went unrecognised. Baby 4 (Child D): The prosecution said the girl was murdered by an injection of air into the bloodstream. The panel found no evidence of air embolism and ruled the child died of systemic sepsis, pneumonia and disseminated intravascular coagulation (blood clotting). Issues with failures to give relevant antibiotics were also identified. open image in gallery Letby was a nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital ( Getty Images ) Baby 5 (Child E): The Crown said Letby murdered the twin boy with an injection of air into the bloodstream and she also deliberately caused bleeding to the infant. The panel said there was no evidence of air embolism and bleeding was caused either by a lack of oxygen pre-birth or a congenital blood vessel condition. Baby 6 (Child F): The prosecution said Letby attempted to murder Child Es twin brother by administering insulin. The panel ruled that the childs insulin levels and insulin/C-peptide ratio did not prove that exogenous insulin was used and were within the norm for pre-term infants. It added that there was poor medical management of the childs prolonged hypoglycaemia. Baby 7 (Child G): The prosecution said Letby attempted to murder the girl by overfeeding her with milk and forcing air down her feeding tube. The panel said there was no evidence to support air injection into the stomach or overfeeding. The infants vomiting and clinical deterioration was due to infection, it found. Baby 8 (Child H): Jurors cleared Letby of one count of attempted murder and failed to reach a verdict on a second count. Prosecutors said the nurse sabotaged the girls care in some way which led to two profound oxygen desaturations. The panel said the deteriorations were due to medical mismanagement of a tension pneumothorax where air is trapped between the lung and chest wall. open image in gallery In this frame from a video provided by Cheshire Constabulary, Lucy Letby is questioned following her arrest on July 3, 2018 ( Getty Images ) Baby 9 (Child I): The prosecution said Letby murdered the infant by injecting air into her bloodstream and stomach. The panel said it found no evidence of air injections and that the baby died of breathing complications caused by respiratory distress syndrome and chronic lung disease. Baby 10 (Child J): Jurors could not reach a verdict on an allegation of attempted murder. No specific form of harm was identified by the prosecution but they said Letby did something to cause the collapse of the girl. The panel said the deterioration was caused by sepsis and there was no evidence to support malicious airway obstruction. Baby 11 (Child K): The prosecution said Letby attempted to murder the girl by deliberately dislodging her breathing tube. Among its findings the panel said there was no evidence to support a dislodged endotracheal tube (ETT) and the clinical deterioration was caused by use of an undersized ETT. Baby 12 (Child L): The Crown said the nurse poisoned the boy with insulin. The panel said the infants insulin-related levels were within the norm for pre-term infants and there was no evidence of deliberate administration. open image in gallery An artists drawing of Lucy Letby giving evidence during her trial at Manchester Crown Court ( PA Archive ) Baby 13 (Child M): Prosecutors said Letby attempted to murder Child Ls twin brother by injecting air into his bloodstream. The panel said there was no evidence of air embolism and his collapse was caused by sepsis or a heart problem. Baby 14 (Child N): The Crown said the boy was the victim of attempted murder by inflicted trauma in his throat and an air injection into his bloodstream. The panel said there was no air embolism and it was likely his blood oxygen levels dropped due to his haemophilia condition or routine cares, which was exacerbated by repeated attempts to insert a breathing tube. Baby 15 (Child O): The prosecution said Letby murdered the triplet boy by injecting air into his bloodstream and inflicting trauma to his liver. The panel said he died from liver damage caused by traumatic delivery, resulting in bleeding in the abdomen and profound shock. Baby 16 (Child P): Prosecutors said Letby murdered Child Os brother by injecting him with air. The panel said there was no evidence to support that mechanism and that he died from a collapsed lung that was suboptimally managed. Baby 17 (Child Q): Jurors could not reach a verdict on an allegation of attempted murder. The Crown said Letby attempted to murder the boy by injecting liquid, and possibly air, down his feeding tube. The panel said there was no evidence to support air injection into the stomach and the child deteriorated because he had early symptoms of a serious gastrointestinal problem, or sepsis. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A lawyer for child serial killer Lucy Letby has handed over medical reports to miscarriage of justice investigators as she battles to clear her name. The former nurse, 35, is serving 15 whole life orders for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of seven others between June 2015 and June 2016 at the Countess of Chester Hospital, but has continued to protest her innocence. On Thursday, her barrister Mark McDonald delivered the full findings of a 14-strong international panel of neonatologists and paediatric specialists to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) headquarters in Birmingham. Read case summaries on all babies featured in murder trial here The panel, who announced their findings at a press conference in February, say poor medical care and natural causes were the reasons for babies collapsing, concluding: We did not find any murders. However, lawyers for the families of Letbys victims last month rubbished the international panels findings as full of analytical holes and a rehash of the defence case heard at trial. Mr McDonald also delivered a separate report from seven medics which claims the results of insulin tests on two infants, which a jury concluded Letby poisoned, were unreliable. open image in gallery Lucy Letby is continuing to try to control the narrative, lawyers for the families of her victims have said ( PA Media ) Their report summary concluded the jury was misled in a number of important areas including medical and evidential facts, and that key information on the insulin testing procedure was not submitted. It added that the biomechanical test used in both cases can give rise to falsely high insulin results due to the presence of antibodies which can interfere with the outcome. The authors said: Our inescapable conclusion is that this evidence significantly undermines the validity of the assertions made about the insulin and C-peptide testing presented in court. Speaking of both reports, Mr McDonald said: The fresh evidence totally undermines the prosecution case at trial. This is the largest international review of neonatal medicine ever undertaken, the results of which show Lucy Letbys convictions are no longer safe. The conclusions of the report on Babies F and L clearly demonstrate that the case must go back to the Court of Appeal as a matter of urgency. The CCRC will review the application and decide whether to refer her case back to the Court of Appeal. Letby has already lost two bids last year to challenge her convictions at the Court of Appeal. open image in gallery Mark McDonald says Lucy Letby is the victim of a miscarriage of justice ( PA Wire ) In November, Lady Justice Thirlwall is due to publish the findings from the public inquiry into how the former nurse was able to commit her crimes. In written submissions to the inquiry, Richard Baker KC said grieving families of Letbys victims were concerned that medical evidence was being presented by her lawyers at press conferences. He added it raises the obvious suspicion that the priority for Letby and her supporters is to generate maximum publicity for her cause rather than approaching the issues that form the basis of any appeal in a reasoned way. The mother of Child C told the inquiry: 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. 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. Cheshire Constabulary is continuing a review of deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neonatal units of the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Womens Hospital during Letbys time as a nurse from 2012 to 2016. open image in gallery A panel of neonatologists and paediatric specialists found poor medical care and natural causes were the reasons for babies deaths ( Getty ) Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendant Paul Hughes said: The investigation into the actions of Lucy Letby, the trial process and medical experts continues to face scrutiny and criticism, much of it ill-informed and based on a very partial knowledge of the facts and totality of evidence presented at court and at the Court of Appeal. This case has been rigorously and fairly tested through two juries and subsequently scrutinised by two sets of appeal court judges. Lucy Letbys trial was one of the longest-running murder trials in British criminal history with the jury diligently carrying out their deliberations for more than 100 hours. As the case unfolded, multiple medical experts, specialising in areas of paediatric radiology, paediatric pathology, haematology, paediatric neurology and paediatric endocrinology and two main medical experts (consultant paediatricians) were enlisted to ensure that we carried out as thorough an investigation as possible. All are highly regarded in their area of expertise and were cross-examined whilst giving their evidence in court. The details of the case are clear and have been widely reported on. He went on: It is out of a deep sense of respect for the parents of the babies that we have not and will not get drawn into the widespread commentary and speculation online and in the media. They have suffered greatly and continue to do so as this case plays out in a very public forum. Cheshire Constabulary is ready to support the CCRC and any appropriate review processes in order to inform any questions that may arise. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Asda has launched a live facial recognition trial that will track shoppers walking down its aisles. The two-month pilot of the new technology that police use to monitor protests and large crowds comes as retailers say they are facing an epidemic of retail crime. It launched this week at Asda stores in Ashton, Chadderton, Harpurhey, Eastlands and Trafford Park in Greater Manchester after the supermarket recorded 1,400 staff were assaulted last year an average of four assaults on staff per day. The facial recognition technology has been integrated into Asdas existing CCTV network and scans images of shoppers comparing the results to a known list of people who have previously committed criminal activity on an Asda site, the supermarket said. If a match is found by the automated system, in a matter of seconds a member of the Asda head office security team can report a suspect to the store in real time. An Asda spokesman said: Store management will alert the authorities whenever they feel it is right to do so when an offence is being committed; that is true of all stores and not only those participating in the trial. Only the mathematical data is stored of confirmed persons who have committed an offence, and this is for the two months of the trial. open image in gallery The Metropolitan Police deploying the use of live facial recognition technology in Croydon, south London. ( PA ) The supermarket giants said results would be assessed but if successful, it could be rolled out nationally. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), there are more than 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse against shopworkers every day a threefold increase since 2020. Liz Evans, Asdas chief commercial officer, said: The rise in shoplifting and threats and violence against shopworkers in recent years is unacceptable and as a responsible retailer we have to look at all options to reduce the number of offences committed in our stores and protect our colleagues. We consistently look for new ways to improve the security in our stores and this trial will help us understand if facial recognition technology can reduce the number of incidents and provide greater protection to everybody in our stores. open image in gallery On average, four Asda staff were assaulted each day last year ( PA Wire ) The use of live facial recognition by police forces in public places where cameras scan an area and analyse every person that passes through has raised concerns about privacy. Campaigners have branded the technology as disturbing and unnecessary as they likened it to Orwellian mass surveillance in Russia and China. There are also questions about how data is stored and the companies who supply the technology. Human rights organisation Liberty raised concerns about racial profiling using the new technology after a study by the National Physical Laboratory found that it was 11 times more likely to misidentify black women rather than white women. An Asda spokesman said they didnt recognise those concerns, adding: Once the system finds a suspected match, an alert is then sent to a member of our internal security team who will confirm the match is accurate ... at which point they will alert the store. The trial comes as shoplifting has surged to another record high with nearly half a million offences recorded last year, while retailers have warned crime in shops is spiralling out of control. A separate survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) found that incidents of retail crime including racial and sexual abuse, physical assault and threats with weapons have reached three times the level they were in 2020. Retail crime is spiralling out of control. People in retail have been spat on, racially abused, and threatened with machetes, said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson. Every day this continues, criminals are getting bolder and more aggressive. We owe it to the 3 million people working in retail to bring the epidemic of crime to heel. No one should go to work in fear. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tonys Chocolonely has issued a warning to customers not to eat certain batches of two of its chocolate bars due to potential contamination with "small stones". The chocolate brand issued the warning on April 1. "We wish this were an April Fools, but wed never kid about the quality of our products," it said. Customers who have purchased the affected bars are advised to return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. The affected bars are the Everything bars and Dark Almond Sea Salt. The food recall affects bars with the lot codes 162633, 162614, 163061, 4331, 4332 and 4333. open image in gallery Dark Almond Sea Salt bars with the best before dates 28 February 2026 and 2 April 2026 have been recalled ( Tony's Chocolonely ) Dark Almond Sea Salt bars with the best before dates 28 February 2026 and 2 April 2026, and Everything bars with a best before date between the 26 and 28 November of this year should be avoided. The company explained on its website that it managed to trace the issue back to one of its almond suppliers. Following an investigation, it discovered the new origin of almonds in a limited batch was insufficiently processed at the suppliers factory. That resulted in small stones being present in the final product. open image in gallery Everything bars with the best before date between 26 to 28 November 2025, are also affected ( Tony's Chocolonely ) In a statement, Tonys Chocolonely said: We are extremely sorry to have to issue this recall, and for the inconvenience that this will cause people who purchased these products. Whilst the probability of a product being affected is low, we always put the safety and satisfaction of our consumers first and that is why we have made the decision to recall these products. We apologise to consumers and our partners for the impact this will have. The Food Standards Agency also issued a food alert, adding in a statement: If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a refund or replacement. For further information, please visit the Tonys Chocolonely website. Last week, shoppers were issued a warning not to eat a vegetable lasagna sold in Iceland over fears it could contain plastic. Customers of the high street supermarket chain are being asked to return Vegetable Lasagnes in a 400g pack with best-before dates of 23 to 30 July 2026. The Food Standards Agency issued a notice explaining the precautionary measures. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice After 50 years of service, the UKs longest-serving prison officer is preparing for retirement. Steve Ley - who joined HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) in 1975 as a 21-year-old - has witnessed firsthand how the justice system has evolved over five decades. Now 71, Ley works at HMP Feltham in west London, where he is preparing to call time on a career dedicated to keeping prisons safe and supporting rehabilitation. There has been a dramatic transformation in prison life during his tenure, from the days when inmates used chamber pots before in-cell toilets were introduced, to the present day where prisoners have access to televisions and phones a change which he feels is all for the better. Despite difficult moments, Ley finds satisfaction in seeing former inmates reintegrate into society and hopes they are now living fulfilling lives. Serving under two monarchs during his 50-year career, Steve said he has done the time and is now looking forward to his retirement in May, when he plans to go travelling with his 68-year-old wife, Ann. open image in gallery Steve's son Gareth has followed in his footsteps ( Ministry of Justice/PA Real Life ) When I first joined the job, we very rarely told people what we did for a living, he said. Prison staff, at that time, didnt have a very good reputation people had these fixed ideas of who and what we were. When they looked at me, I didnt fit into their view of the prison officer I wasnt 6ft tall, Im 5ft 8in, my knuckles didnt drag on the floor and I could speak in words of more than one syllable. Now, Im not ashamed to admit what I do for a living. Im proud of what I do and I think I have made a difference. Steve, who grew up in Swansea, South Wales, explained that employment options were limited when he left school. He considered working for the police or fire service but, living just minutes from HMP Swansea, his father-in-law suggested he apply to work there. I didnt think Id have a hope in hell, he said. I was 21 years of age, green as grass, knew absolutely nothing. So I applied and, strange enough, I got through the initial tests and interviews and that was it, I was in. open image in gallery Steve with his son Gareth ( Ministry of Justice/PA Real Life ) Steve started working at Ashford Prison in 1975 and lived in quarters before it closed in 1987, and then moved to HMP Feltham, followed by HMP Whitemoor, High Down Prison and HMP Feltham again, where he has remained ever since. The father-of-two explained that he has witnessed many changes over the years, with sanitation upgrades being one of the most significant. He said other improvements include medical care, access to external agencies, the activities and events offered to prisoners and food options, as there are now menus available. He said: When I joined the prison service, one of the very first jobs you do as a young officer is you supervise the toilets because, in those days, they didnt have integral sanitation. So you would stand there and theyd be coming up with their chamber pots and it was awful. It was demoralising for them and for us and thats all gone, thats all changed. open image in gallery Steve and his wife Ann celebrating ( PA Real Life ) Steve explained that cells have showers now and some even have televisions and phones, making prisoners experiences more humanising. He said giving them the opportunity to sit in their cell, watch the television or phone their families helps give them back some control and encourages good behaviour. He said: I know some people will complain about this but when you think about it, if it helps them to behave, then surely thats what we should be doing we should be looking after them and helping. Things have changed considerably but its all for the better. Asked whether prison should be punishing, he said: The majority of people want to know the gory bits and pieces, and I tell them, There are no gory bits and pieces. Were not here to punish people, the courts have done that, thats not our role. Our role is to look after them while theyre in prison and hopefully send them out at the end of their sentence having transformed. Steves role involves keeping the prison safe and secure, supporting rehabilitation and helping prisoners leave jail and get away from reoffending. Steve currently works part-time, completing 19-and-a-half hours a week over two days, but he said shifts can vary. open image in gallery Steve with his dog Toby ( PA Real Life ) Steve said there have been many memorable moments during his career but one stands out. While working at Ashford Prison, Steve said a group of young prisoners had found out he had welcomed his first child, Karen, and they made cards to congratulate him and his wife. Steve said: Its most unusual to get that response from people, even friends outside, so for these boys who were locked up prisoners, it was amazing. While Steve has had many positive experiences while working as a prison officer, there have been tough days too. He has seen prisoners return to jail time and time again and witnessed two deaths in custody, describing these as the lowest points. No matter what somebodys done, they dont deserve that, he said. Steve had planned to retire at 55, but after realising he had not maxed out his pension, he decided to work for another two-and-a-half years. At this point, he considered changing careers and even applied to work for British Airways but he did not want to throw away all those years of experience. Steve said working in prisons has made him more tolerant and a better listener, and he would encourage anyone to apply to the prison service and his son Gareth has followed in his footsteps, joining in 2006. He has no concrete plans for his retirement currently but is hoping to travel with Ann and spend time with family and friends. Reflecting on his 50-year career, he said: Ive done the time. Ive changed dramatically from being that 21-year-old who walked through the gate on that first day, knowing absolutely nothing, never having seen the inside of a prison. So, to where I am today, I am confident in myself, I know what I can do, what I cant do, and Im prepared and able to give my opinion and hopefully help. The prison service is daunting but everybodys got something they can offer. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A huge blaze tore through a nature reserve in Dorset on Wednesday night as fire brigades across the country have been placed on alert for wildfires. Dozens of emergency crews, including 80 firefighters, were dispatched to tackle a wildfire at Upton Heath in Poole after receiving the first of multiple 999 calls at 11.44pm. The service said the fire had affected an area of around 37 acres on the Heath as the crew worked in dark and arduous conditions to contain the flame. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said the current cause of the fire is unknown and they would start an investigation in the daylight once the fire was fully under control. They warned locals that they would be accessing the site via Beacon Road, asking people to take extra care in that area. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services was one of the many brigades across the country to extend an amber wildfire alert on Wednesday. open image in gallery 80 firefighters tackled the blaze in the nature reserve ( Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service ) Fire brigades and the Met Office warned of an elevated wildfire risk across England, extending into Northern Ireland and southern Scotland on Wednesday. The Fire Severity Index, which offers a daily hazard assessment for the responder community, was at an amber level as the alert came through, meaning the conditions across the UK are severe and could lead to wildfires. Dorsets fire service said that the level of alert meant, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions. They said the risk was greatest on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and even cliffsides. The service already experienced a number of fires this week at Moors Valley Country Park, on the Dorset-Hampshire border, which destroyed several hectares of woodland. The services area manager Ant Bholah said: We have already had a number of devastating fires this year, including the on-going issues at Moors Valley and one at Canford Heath last month that destroyed more habitat than all the wildfire incidents we experienced in 2024. While the glorious weather is very welcome, especially with the school holidays looming, it does mean the ground and foliage are dry, leading to a greater risk of fire spreading if something happens to cause ignition. We would urge anyone going out and about in our beautiful countryside over the coming days to take extra care and be vigilant, follow our advice to #BringAPicnicNotABarbecue, and avoid having campfires on heathland or in woodlands. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Conservative Party should let Reform UK win the Runcorn by-election next month as part of an electoral pact between the two parties, a senior Tory MP has said. As the Conservatives continue to lag behind in the polls, former Cabinet minister Esther McVey appeared to defy party leader Kemi Badenoch and advocate an alliance with Nigel Farages party. It comes just weeks ahead of the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, which will see both Reform and the Conservatives attempt to overturn Labours 15,000 vote majority in the safe seat. The area has been held by Labour for more than 40 years. Ms McVey said the by-election was a chance for the Tories to let Reform pick up a victory, with the expectation they would then allow the Tories to do the same elsewhere. open image in gallery Conservative former minister Esther McVey has suggested her party should stand aside at the Runcorn byelection (Jacob King/PA) ( PA Archive ) Reform, the Conservatives and Labour are currently neck-and-neck in national polling, meaning that a pact between two parties could shift the vote significantly. A leaked recording seen by the Telegraph reportedly captured Ms McVey telling the Conservatives True Blue Patrons Dinner: Im a pragmatist, and I think Conservatives are pragmatists, and when we get to the general election, would I be making, looking at an electoral pact [with Reform]? Absolutely I would. We dont want two right-wing parties cutting our own throats and Labour getting in, which could happen. So we do have to be pragmatic. And Phil [Davies] is spot on, I know Nigel [Farage], I know Richard Tice, I know Lee [Anderson], I mean, I know them all very, very well indeed. And Id sooner say to them, theres a couple of seats you can get there, that we came a very distant fourth, and you came second. Well stay out the way. I want you to win it. And they can do the same for us. Asked whether it was a good idea to enter an electoral pact with Reform, the former Cabinet minister referenced the May 1 by-election. What you want to do is, like I said, where Ukip came second and we were a very, very distant fourth, like in Runcorn, like where Mike Amesbury punched his constituent. Youd probably say there, Let Reform win that seat because you might need them in the southwest, [so] that we win a seat, she said. open image in gallery Kemi Badenoch has repeatedly ruled out an electoral pact with Reform UK ( PA Wire ) But the Conservatives shut down Ms McVeys remarks, with a spokesperson telling The Independent: Nigel Farage cant even manage 5 MPs and is more interested in massaging his own ego than providing effective opposition to this dreadful Labour government. Hell always put self-interest over the national interest. Under new leadership, the Conservatives are doing the serious work of opposition and will always put our national interest first. Only a vote for the Conservatives on 1st May will deliver better services and lower taxes. Mrs Badenoch has repeatedly ruled out an electoral pact with Reform UK, saying such a move would drive away Tory voters who did not want to see her get into bed with Nigel Farage. The by-election was called after ex-Labour MP Mike Amesbury resigned after being convicted of assault for punching a constituent. Polling conducted by Lord Ashcroft, which surveyed a representative sample of 702 adults in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency between March 3 and March 12, predicted that Reform would win 42 per cent of the vote. Meanwhile, Labour is predicted to finish second on 33 per cent of the vote, while the Conservatives are predicted to come third on 11 per cent. Reform UK and Esther McVey have been contacted for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice There were two insurgent right-wing populists looming over Sir Keir Starmers local election launch on Thursday. Donald Trump, because the US presidents Liberation Day tariffs threaten to blow the PMs plan for change out of the water. And Nigel Farage, who Sir Keir fears will snap up hundreds of local council seats in Reform UKs first major test since the general election. The Reform UK leader has promised to field candidates in 99 per cent of the seats up for grabs, and could stamp his partys authority as a real electoral force, not just a passing fad, in the polls amid anger among voters at Labours failings. open image in gallery Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner launched their local election campaign in Chesterfield on Thursday ( Getty ) Sir Keir addressed the Conservatives record in national and local government, with deputy PM Angela Rayner and Labour chair Ellie Reeves both piling in on the Tory partys failings over its 14 years in power. But, making his pitch to voters ahead of polling day next month, it was all too clear that Sir Keir is focused on what he sees as the threat of the future Reform having vanquished the now dishevelled Conservatives in July. open image in gallery Having vanquished the Tories last July, Keir Starmer is now focused on the party that looks set to threaten Labours chances next time round ( PA Wire ) The prime minister called for voters to get behind Labour nationally and locally, lashing out at the parties that continue to put themselves before the country. Im not just talking about the Tories, he said. He then launched into the most impassioned part of his speech, saying: They cant even run themselves. You can literally fit their MPs now in the back of a cab ... and they still dont know where theyre going. He went on: They talk the language of workers rights. They talk it all right online, sometimes on the doorsteps. But what do they do? They voted against banning fire-and-rehire. They voted against scrapping exploitative zero-hour contracts. open image in gallery Nigel Farage says his party will put up candidates in 99 per cent of seats being contested on 1 May ( PA Wire ) They voted against sick leave and maternity pay. Thats what they do. And what about the NHS? They want to charge people for using our NHS. They claim to be the party of patriotism. Ill tell you this: theres nothing patriotic about fawning over Putin. Sir Keir, Ms Rayner and Ms Reeves also peppered their speeches with references to tangible local matters such as potholes and community issues, with messaging from the anti-populist playbook of the PMs chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. Labour has steadily been ramping up its attacks on Reform as the party rises in the polls, with figures in Downing Street becoming increasingly aware of the threat Mr Farages party poses. As well as threatening to pick up hundreds of council seats next month, Reform are frontrunners for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election to replace former Labour MP Mike Amesbury, who stood down after being convicted of punching a constituent. Sir Keirs attacks on the right-wing party follow the establishment of a group of 80+ Labour backbenchers to try to halt Reforms rise. Government figures are also increasingly targeting the party: health secretary Wes Streeting used a recent hospital visit to warn against Reforms stance on the NHS, with Labour confident they can convince voters that the health service is not safe in Mr Farages hands. Sir Keir again referred to Reform in his Q&A with journalists, repeating the well-worn lines about Reforms stance on Putin, workers rights and the NHS. It was clear from the local election launch who Sir Keir sees as the real challenge next month, but if Mr Farage can ride out internal party rows and criticism over his closeness with Mr Trump, it looks unlikely that attacks from the PM will be able to halt his momentum. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Within minutes of Donald Trumps announcement on so-called reciprocal tariffs around the world, Brexiteers were claiming victory because the UK escaped with half the rate imposed on the EU. But if the UKs 10 per cent import tariffs to the American market compared to the EUs 20 per cent, is the best economic justification for Brexit that can be made, then supporters of leaving the EU are clutching at straws. The first and most obvious point is that Brexit has not spared the UK from having tariffs imposed on it by the one world leader who was the biggest cheerleader outside Britain for the UK leaving the EU. open image in gallery Trump with his tariffs list ( Reuters ) Britain is yet to benefit from the Brexit dividend - the economic gain that was promised when it left the EU. And far from the trade deal that Brexiteers promised would follow with the US, there is still none in place nine years after the referendum. Even if Keir Starmer lands one, it is likely to be highly focussed on specific areas and may not avoid tariffs altogether. Even Tory Brexit supporter Mark Wallace, now chief executive of the Total Politics magazine, cautioned his fellow Leavers from cheering tariffs this morning, even if 10 per cent is better than 20 per cent. Even with half the rate of tariffs compared with those imposed on the EU, the difference barely goes anywhere near undoing the economic harm that Brexit has done to the UK economy. The Cambridge Econometrics report commissioned by London Mayor Sadiq Khan last year found that the UK economy was 140bn smaller as a result of Brexit. London alone had lost 30bn as a result, with 300,000 fewer jobs, the report found. Its economists concluded the average Briton was nearly 2,000 worse off in 2023, while the average Londoner was nearly 3,400 worse off last year as a result of Brexit. It is a long way from the 350m a week extra for the NHS promised on the side of the Vote Leave bus by Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings in 2016. In its latest report, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), whose job it is to scrutinise public finances, estimates that exports by the UK will be 15 per cent lower in the long run than if the UK had remained in the EU. In January, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research think tank noted that at least 30 per cent of firms have consistently identified Brexit as one of their top three concerns every year since 2016. It also concluded that UK business investment could have been about 12.4 per cent higher in 2023 if Brexit did not happen. The Independents own research was even more damning - revealing that the cost of leaving the EU was 30.2bn alone. The food industry has seen a 2.8bn annual drop in exports, including 118,000 less tonnes of seafood exported and 56 per cent of dairy producers now struggling to make ends meet. open image in gallery Boris Johnson with the Vote Leave campaign bus (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Archive ) Across all sectors around 16,400 businesses stopped exporting altogether as a result of Brexit. And things are set to be even worse when the new border checks are finally operational later this year. Meanwhile, the claims that it would end uncontrolled immigration have also proven to be false with an average of 3.6m people entering the country legally since Brexit - far higher than when free movement was in place. No wonder two thirds of Britons think Brexit has gone badly in the latest polling. Donald Trump may have been slightly less nasty to Britain than the EU with his tariffs but it goes nowhere near fixing the economic damage that Brexit has already done. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Britain must allow US chlorine-washed chicken into UK markets if it wants relief from sweeping tariffs, Donald Trump has indicated. It comes after the UK failed to avoid tariffs imposed on the global economy, with the US president slapping a 10 per cent levies on all British exports to the United States. Mr Trump - who imposed heavier tariffs on a raft of other countries, including a 20 per cent on EU imports - said they were reciprocal in response to measures put in place by other countries who had looted, pillaged, raped, plundered the US economy. open image in gallery US President Donald Trump announced a range of international economic measures (Niall Carson/PA) ( PA Wire ) In a statement published alongside the tariff announcement, the White House said: The UK maintains non-science-based standards that severely restrict US exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products. It suggested that Britains ban on chlorinated chicken was among a range of non-tariff barriers that limit the USs ability to trade. The UK has long ruled out allowing imports of chlorine-washed chicken from the US due to health concerns, with Downing Street on Thursday reiterating its manifesto commitment to high food standards. Asked whether the UK could allow imports of chlorine washed chicken in order to appease the US, the prime ministers officials spokesperson said: Our position on that is unchanged. Youve got the manifesto commitment on food standards, which obviously remains. It comes after Rachel Reeves in November said the UK would not allow British farmers to be undercut by different rules and regulations in other countries. Chlorine-washed chicken, or chlorinated chicken, refers to poultry products that have been washed or dipped in water containing chlorine dioxide in order to kill bacteria. While evidence suggests chlorine itself is not harmful in small doses, critics argue the need to treat chicken with the chemical stems from poorer hygiene earlier on in the production process. A 2014 report by US non-profit Consumer Reports found that 97 per cent of 300 American chicken breasts tested contained harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, campylobacter and E.Coli. Around half of the chicken breasts tested also contained at least one type of bacteria that was resistant to three or more antibiotics. Meanwhile, if you ate a large amount of chlorinated chicken the equivalent to 5 per cent of your body weight in one day you could be exposed to harmful levels of the chemical compound known as chlorate, according to the European Commission. The last major polling done on the issue, conducted in 2020, revealed that 80 per cent of Britons are opposed to allowing imports to the UK, and the same proportion is also against allowing chicken products that have been farmed using hormones. There is also growing pressure from the farming industry to rule out concessions on the issue, amid fears it could undercut British farmers and drive down food standards. Nigel Farage admitted he would allow American chlorine-washed chicken to be sold in the UK as part of a free trade deal with the US. But Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming, last week hit back, telling The Independent the British public would be rightly appalled and warned against trading away the UKs high standards. open image in gallery There are fears chlorine washed chicken could undercut British farmers and drive down standards in the industry ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) A US trade deal would be devastating for British farming, food security, public health, animal welfare, and the environment, she said. US agriculture is heavily subsidised and relies on intensive, industrial methods - including chemicals and practices banned in the UK. The British public is rightly appalled by chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef. We are an animal-loving nation that values high standards, and we must not trade them away. Previous prime ministers, including Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, were forced to rule out concessions on chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef in future trade deal talks with the US after pressure from the British public. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has been contacted for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An extra 30,000 children have been pulled into poverty by the controversial two-child limit on benefits since Labour came to power, according to new research ahead of the eight anniversary of the policy. Last July ministers said they would consider ditching the cruel cap, in a bid to head off a backbench Labour revolt on the issue. But there has been no movement since, while official documents last week showed that separate moves to slash an extra 5 billion from the welfare bill are set to drive another 50,000 kids into poverty. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Ben Stansall/PA) ( PA Wire ) The cap now affects more than 1.6 million children, by limiting welfare payments to the first two children in most families. New costings from Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) show another 109 more children are pulled into poverty by the policy every day. And the number of children affected will continue to increase until 2035 - when the first children born under the turn 18. The charity says that scrapping the cap would be the most cost-effective way to lift kids out of poverty. Were the policy to be dumped, 350,000 children would be lifted from poverty at a stroke, it adds. The depth of the poverty experienced by another 800,000 children would be reduced. Chief executive of the CPAG Alison Garnham said: Every day the policy forces families to go hungry and damages the life chances of children up and down the country. Reducing the record high levels of child poverty in the UK will require a whole government effort, but abolishing the two-child limit is the essential first step. Any effort to tackle child poverty will "fall flat on its face" if the two-child limit is not abandoned, she added. She said that while it would cost around 2 billion, it would be cheaper than other options. Another possibility, increasing the child element of Universal Credit by 17 a week would cost 3 billion. CPAG warns that child poverty is at a record high affecting 4.5 million children, up from 3.6 million in 2010/11. The charity also estimates that unless the government takes substantive action, 4.8m children will be in poverty by 2030. Charities, unions and even former home secretary Suella Braverman have all urged Keir Starmer to dump the cap, brought in as one of former Conservative chancellor George Osbornes austerity measures. The government is due to publish its new child poverty plan this spring, although the End Child Poverty Coalition has said it believes the document might not come until June. A government spokesperson said: No one should be living in poverty, and we know that the best route out of poverty for struggling families is well paid, secure work. That is why we are reforming our broken welfare system, so it helps people into good jobs, boosting living standards and putting money in peoples pockets. Alongside this, our Child Poverty Taskforce is building an ambitious strategy to give all children the best start in life while we increase the Living Wage, uprate benefits, and support 700,000 of the poorest families by introducing a Fair Repayment Rate on Universal Credit deductions to help low-income households. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Arkansas couple vacationing at a Scottsdale, Arizona, Airbnb say they enjoyed an intimate moment on their first evening in the home, only to discover a hidden camera above the bed the following morning, according to a gut-wrenching federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent . Eliot and Nancy Young, whose teenage children were staying in the next room, subsequently found a memory card in the spy cam that contained videos of past renters dating back to 2020, the suit contends. It claims the pair also located devices that [they] believed could livestream what had transpired the night before, prompting them to contact local police. Attorney Joseph Brown, who is representing the Youngs, told The Independent that he has reached out to Airbnb and the homeowner multiple times, but is yet to receive any response. Its horrible, he said of his clients experience. You go away on vacation and you dont expect to be violated. The whole purpose of renting a house is to have the freedom of being in a home and not a hotel room, and not to think that somebody is using you for their own personal gratification. Its scary. Guests at Airbnb properties across the globe have gone public with their own horror stories about surveillance cameras capturing their most personal moments. In 2023, a pair of newlyweds honeymooning at an Airbnb in Malaysia notified law enforcement after allegedly spotting a camera hidden in a wall socket . That same year, a man staying at an Airbnb in Wales discovered a secret webcam tucked between two sofa cushions , surveilling the entire living room. In another shocking violation, a New Zealand family staying at an Airbnb in Ireland found their every move being broadcast on a livestream, via multiple cameras concealed throughout the home. open image in gallery The Young family traveled to Scottsdale from their home in Arkansas, for a five-day stay ( AFP via Getty Images ) In March 2024, Airbnb banned the use of indoor security cameras at all of its listings, worldwide. Privacy advocates hailed the move as a win for travelers, with one deeming the widespread availability of hidden cameras, which can be purchased online for as little as $20, as ripe for abuse. On Thursday, an Airbnb spokesperson told The Independent, Hidden cameras have always been and will always be banned on Airbnb, and issues are exceptionally rare. We supported the guest and suspended the host from the platform last year, and we stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation into this allegation. When the Youngs booked an Airbnb in Scottsdale last year, they planned on staying there for five days, according to their lawsuit. After paying nearly $2,800 to rent the 6-bed, 5-bath house in the citys Paradise Heights section, the family of four arrived at around 4:30 p.m. on March 15, the suit says. After some time in the home, Plaintiffs Eliot and Nancy Young went to bed in the primary room and the minor children went to different bedrooms, the suit goes on. While in the primary room, Plaintiffs Eliot and [Nancy] Young enjoyed an intimate moment. While lying in bed the next morning, Eliot, 50, noticed a smoke detector oddly placed directly above the bed, the suit continues. As he laid there [he] became more puzzled by the location of the smoke detector and decided to investigate further. open image in gallery Eliot and Nancy Young were concerned not only that their "intimate moment" had been caught on camera, but that their teenage children had also been filmed ( AFP via Getty Images ) Thats when Eliot, a retired police officer, realized the smoke detector was in fact a disguised WiFi-enabled camera with remote access, according to the suit, which says the device boasted night-vision capabilities. He immediately became very concerned because he and his wife had been intimate and was worried that pictures or video of him and his wife had been captured without their consent, the lawsuit states. It says Eliot removed the cameras SD card and discovered several videos containing recordings involving several different individuals, taken over the previous four years. Nancy, 46, immediately contacted Airbnb customer support about the concealed camera, and she and Eliot also reported it to the Scottsdale Police Department, the suit says. Not only were they worried about their own activities having been recorded, they were concerned their kids movements had been, too. In a statement, the Scottsdale PD said officers reviewed the videos and found they showed no renters, but only the homeowner and his acquaintances. The footage was time-stamped with dates falling between September 2020 and November 2020, the PD said, adding that the department immediately contacted Airbnb to delist the property, which was not licensed with the city for short-term rentals. It is not illegal to have a camera in the house, the statement said. It is illegal to film people without their permission when the person has an expectation of privacy (bedrooms, bathrooms, etc), but we have no evidence this was done to any renters. Members of the Young family were not seen in any of the videos, according to the cops. Since the original male who found the SD cards is not on the videos, he was not a victim of the surreptitious recording, and the cameras he located are a civil issue between him and the short-term rental agreement, the statement said. Officers tried to contact the homeowner numerous times but he has not answered. Still, the two set out to find alternative lodging for the remainder of their trip, and checked out the following day, according to the suit. (A source with knowledge of the case said Airbnb was never contacted by law enforcement about the incident.) open image in gallery Airbnb had a duty to ensure that hidden cameras were not installed at any of the properties listed on its platform, according to Eliot and Nancy Youngs lawsuit ( AFP via Getty Images ) Over the past 10 years, Airbnb opened some 35,000 customer support tickets for guest complaints about surveillance devices, the suit states. It slams Airbnb for having failed to investigate these complaints, and claims the company failed to notify law enforcement about the hidden cameras, which severely hinders criminal investigations. Upon information and belief, despite this knowledge, the Airbnb Defendants did nothing to ensure that hosts did not install video recording devices inside homes, including bedrooms and bathrooms, the lawsuit alleges. Airbnb had a duty to ensure that such devices were not being used at rentals listed on the Airbnb website. The Youngs were forced to shell out additional funds to rent another home, plus travel expenses, expenses in moving from the residence to another location, and other monetary expenditures, according to the suit. They are seeking financial judgment, in an amount to be determined by the court, for economic damages, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment during their vacation, and embarrassment. According to the Scottsdale Police Department, the case is still under active investigation, and investigators are asking anyone who believes they were recorded, or might have visited the residence between September 2020 and November 2020, to call 480-312-TIPS. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Denver restaurant server is suing her former employer, claiming that management took an unfair cut of her tips while she worked there. Marianna White filed the damning suit against the Culinary Creative Group Inc. (CCG) who run a string of Denver restaurants, including Tap and Burger, Forget Me Not, Mister Oso, Senor Bear, and Bar Dough on February 19, as local outlet Denverite first reported this week. White formerly worked at Kumoya, a Japanese restaurant owned by CCG in Denver. In the lawsuit, she says that 30% of an automatic 20% service charge went directly to management rather than being shared proportionately with employees. According to her lawyer, Adam Harrison, the company assures customers that its service charge is distributed equitably among staff but then pays a huge portion to MANAGEMENT, he wrote on LinkedIn. Colorado workers, and restaurant workers around the country, have and deserve rights to their wages, to paid rest periods, and to dignity in their work! Harrison added. Yet, CCG CEO Juan Padro insisted to CBS Denver that service fees are different from tips. "Under Colorado law, service fees may be distributed to any employees, including management, at the restaurant's discretion. All guest checks at CCG establishments clearly disclose that the checks include a 20 percent charge, which is labeled as a 'service fee, he said. Our guest checks also include an entirely separate line for guests to leave 'tips,'" he went on. open image in gallery Staff allege that management deprived them of their tips and rest breaks ( Google Maps ) According to the suit, CCG took employees tips while falsely indicating to customers that the service charge was equitably distributed to staff. It also alleges that CCG deprived employees of state-mandated paid rest breaks. The suit demands that unpaid wages and compensation be paid regarding the rest periods it claims were not provided. In Whites former restaurant, Kumoya, Padro revealed that only 10 percent of the service fee is given to management and maintained that no CCG employee was ever deprived of a break. Two other former employees have now hired Harrison to file similar claims against CCG. Both claim to still be recovering financially from the organization. Hailey Jamieson, a former worker at the Fox and the Hen, a CCG establishment, told CBS News, "It was like pulling teeth trying to get a break there. Faith Lindstrom, another former Kumoya employee, said, Nobody could tell us where the money was going. Nobody would tell us why we aren't seeing 20% of the money or of the food that we're selling. In 2024, CCG reportedly slashed front-of-house staff wages by $3, prompting the two women to quit. CCG insists that the allegations against them are unfortunate and untrue. Contrary to the false accusations made against our company, we have never misappropriated a single penny of employee tips. All tips collected are distributed to front-of-the-house employees. In addition, all service fee funds collected have been appropriately distributed to our staff, according to a company statement to CBS. The Independent contacted CCG and Adam Harrison for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A generational flooding event could pound parts of the central U.S., dumping four months of rain over the course of just a week. More than 46 million Americans will be affected by repeated rounds of intense rainfall over the region, including at least 13 million people within a high-to-extreme risk zone. "Should the amount of rain occur that we anticipate over the middle of the nation, it would exceed the 500- to 1,000-year average," warned AccuWeather Senior Storm Warning Meteorologist William Clark. "Truly, the potential is there for a historic flash-flooding event." Forecasters warned some areas of Tennessee could expereience as many as 15 inches of rain between Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning. Video Wednesday showed hail pelting the states roads. Transportation crews were working to clear gutters of debris in preparation for the rain. This isnt routine. This is a rare, high-impact, and potentially devastating event, the Memphis National Weather Service office wrote on social media. Heavy rainfall will likely lead to widespread river, flash, and area flooding that could cause severe disruptions, especially along and north of Interstate 40. open image in gallery An early morning severe storm damaged homes in Oklahoma. Tornadoes were sweeping through Missouri and Tennessee on Wednesday afternoon ahead of potentially historic flooding ( AP ) Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and state emergency managers told residents to heed local guidance, and make a plan to stay safe. Make sure youre paying attention. Make sure you have a plan if you have to leave of where you would go and how you communicate that with folks, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Chief of Staff Alex Pellom advised at a press conference. The multi-day catastrophic and possibly historic heavy rainfall event may also produce life-threatening flooding from the Ozarks into the Ohio River Valley. The powerful storm system will also bring a barrage of other life-threatening weather hazards, including strong tornadoes throughout the Lower Ohio Valley and mid-South on Wednesday. Tornado damage was already reported in Oklahoma and Missouri, where trees were knocked down, structures were destroyed, and power poles were knocked askew. Tornado warnings were issued through the mid-afternoon in Missouri and Tennessee. Several school districts had canceled classes there, in Indiana, Arkansas, and other states. More than 9,500 Arkansans were left without power, according to the outage tracker PowerOutage.US. open image in gallery The storm system is forecast to become nearly stationary on Thursday. More severe weather is expected throughout the weekend ( Missouri State Highway Patrol/Facebook ) The severe weather outbreak is also bringing damaging winds and the risk of very large hail to the region. Unfortunately, this severe threat will be compounded by the beginning of a life-threatening flash flood event, the National Weather Service said. After the first round of rainfall and flash flooding, it said the system will become nearly stationary on Thursday. It will remain stalled into the weekend, bringing the possibility of long duration and severe disruptions to daily life, it added. Severe thunderstorms are also anticipated on Thursday and Friday. The repeated rounds of rainfall will lead to increasingly saturated soils, with possible additional rainfall over areas already experiencing flooding, forecasters said. Climate change is making rainstorms more intense, according to a new analysis from the nonprofit group Climate Central. It said that more than 125 cities have experienced an increase in hourly rainfall intensity since 1970, and that hourly rainfall intensity has increased in every U.S. region. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The mother of a seven-year-old boy who was shot in the head by a stray bullet while eating a McDonalds Happy Meal has revealed his heartbreaking plea before being rushed to hospital. The woman, named by local outlets as Divina, said she had been returning to her north Houston home from work Tuesday night with her three children when the horrifying incident happened. She told KHOU 11 that the youngster and his brother had run upstairs to eat their food chicken McNuggets when gunshots rang out. Divina said found her son screaming and bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head. "Why he said to me, she told the outlet, in Spanish. God heal me please. Save me please, I dont want to die. The boy was hit while sitting on the couch in the apartment. The bullet shattered a glass door and struck him in the head. The boy was later taken to nearby Memorial Hermann Hospital where he underwent surgery for a fractured skull. As of Wednesday, he remained in the hospital while doctors checked for further potential brain damage though he is expected to survive. open image in gallery A seven-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being shot in the head while eating a McDonalds Happy Meal at his home in Houston ( REUTERS ) A neighbor said she heard the gunshots and ran to help, telling KHOU 11 that she had tried to keep the child awake while emergency services were called. Police said the bullet had come from a shootout between two groups of people near the apartment complex. Bullet casings and holes were found in several other buildings and in a nearby fence, KHOU 11 reported. We had apartments hit both upstairs and downstairs. The victim was in a downstairs apartment, a HPD representative told the outlet. We have no witnesses. Just the evidence of the directions of the shots that were fired and the different casings leads us to believe that it was two separate parties firing at each other. Investigators said multiple shots were fired from several different caliber weapons, though as of Wednesday, police were still trying to identify suspects in the case. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A transgender teacher in Texas has quit after facing harassment and vile comments from lawmakers and the public over her social media post. I had to resign from my teaching job, Rosalyn Sandri, a high school English teacher who came out as transgender about seven months ago, posted to TikTok Monday after lawmakers and social media users attacked her online. But, she promised, I will not be scared into silence. Sandris TikTok videos average about 1,000 views but one video garnered 5.8 million views after the account Libs of TikTok posted it on X in late March along with a caption claiming Sandri was a man pretending to be a woman. In the video, Sandri described the joy she felt after her students addressed her using terms to describe a woman, like maam. Referring to the transwoman as he, the Libs of TikTok account asked: Would you feel comfortable with this person teaching your kid? The hate spiraled from there. The teacher started receiving hate mail on her personal and school email accounts, she said. Sandri told The Independent Wednesday that she felt she had to step down for my safety and the safety of the students. She added: It was a decision that broke my heart. It felt very defeating. But it felt it was the only thing I could do. People have sent me messages telling me to unalive myself, Sandri said in a TikTok Monday, adding that others have sent her transphobic slurs and threats to harm her. Rosalyn Sandri, an English teacher in Texas, resigned from her job after she was targeted with hate online ( Courtesy of Rosalyn Sandri ) Several lawmakers were among those spreading the transphobic rhetoric. South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace commented, referring to Sandri as it while Texas state Rep. Brian Harrison reposted Libs of TikToks post. Harrison, who represents Red Oak, Texas, where Sandri teaches, demanded she be immediately terminated and noted he was in touch with her school district. The Independent has reached out to a representative for Mace for comment. The Texas lawmaker told The Independent in a statement that he was glad to see that just three days after I demanded his termination, [she] will no longer be teaching students in my district. He continued: Public schools are for education, not indoctrination. Any teacher who claims to get gender euphoria from their minor students and teaches them that boys can become girls should be terminated immediately. In a TikTok posted Tuesday, Sandri clarified that she did not force the children to change her pronouns: I told them they could call me whatever they wanted. In the video made viral by Libs of TikTok, Sandri posted about feeling gender euphoria, or positive feelings associated with the alignment of ones gender identity and expression, after being called maam by someone at a gas station as well as by her students. It was such a small thing to make me this happy, she said in the TikTok. After telling her sophomore students that she had changed her pronouns, the kids were completely on board, Sandri said in the video. They call me maam, they call me miss, they use my correct pronouns and know my correct name. And it is incredibly affirming. She said the small gesture of calling a trans individual by their proper pronouns could transform her entire day. But many X users took away a completely different message, calling for Sandri to be nowhere near children, claiming she suffers from a mental illness because shes trans, and suggesting parents take their kids out of public school. A grown man gets euphoria from children affirming his delusions. This is not a teacher; this is someone who belongs far away from children, one user remarked. Another wrote: There is the sickness on full display. The only affirmation you should need is that your students learn what they come to school to learn. That's the job. Not to affirm your desires and sexuality. This man needs to be removed from teaching children immediately!! This is disgusting! He is a child predator! another commented. One user, Trump World, harshly said: I would rather have a literal monkey teaching students. In an email sent to school staff this week, Beth Trimble, the districts chief communications officer, underscored the social media policy. Your freedom of speech is not free of consequences if it results in a disruption of your ability to do your job, the email, obtained by NBC News, said. The email sent to staff was not related to Sandri, Trimble said in a statement to The Independent, noting it was a reminder as we enter election season and is also sent at the start of the school year. Asked about the circumstances of Sandris resignation, Trimble said: In light of recent attention, Red Oak High School English teacher Sandri has resigned, effective March 31, 2025. Any other information is a personnel matter, and we are not at liberty to discuss. On Tuesday after Sandri announced her resignation, Libs of TikTok wrote on X: BIG WIN for students and parents in Texas. In the days since her resignation, Sandri said the hateful rhetoric has not died down, in part because her video was pinned to the top of Libs of TikToks page once again. She said she feels some fear by continuing to post on a public account, but shes vowed to not be silenced online and continues to post on TikTok. I want to speak out. Educate people, Sandri said. I am not afraid of Brian Harrison or Libs of TikTok. All theyve done is make an activist out of me. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Far-right activist Laura Loomer met with President Donald Trump and pressed him to fire several members of the National Security Council and reports indicate he has taken her advice. Trump fired several members of the National Security Council, including senior directors, after the meeting, Axios reports. One U.S. official told the outlet the firings are shaping up to be a bloodbath. The New York Times added that at least three senior NSC officials have been fired. This comes after the Times first reported Loomer met with Trump, Vice President JD Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and others in the Oval Office on Wednesday, armed with extensive research she believed worked against several staffers. While there, she pressed Trump to fire several members she claimed were disloyal to him, and even condemned two members in front of Waltz, their boss, according to the Times. open image in gallery Laura Loomer met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday ( Getty Images ) The White House, the National Security Council and Loomer did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment. But in a post on X, Loomer complained that people in and around the West Wing were leaking details about her visit to the Oval Office. Out of respect for [Trump] and the privacy of the Oval Office, Im going to decline on divulging any details about my Oval Office meeting with President Trump, she added. In the wake of the Signalgate snafu, after which many questioned how tenable Waltzs position was, Loomer took to social media to claim he was somehow set up to embarrass the Trump administration by what she describes as poorly vetted hires secretly opposed to Trump. Writing on X last week, she singled out two top NSC veterans who had served in the first Trump administration: Deputy National Security Alex Wong and Senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy. In one lengthy post, she refers to Wong a Harvard-educated attorney who is the son of Chinese immigrants and a veteran of Republican foreign policy circles as a Chinese Deputy National Security Adviser. She also complained that Wongs wife, a career prosecutor in the Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorneys office, is a Chinese Woman who worked at the office during the time it was pursuing legal cases against Trump supporters who were part of a violent riot at the U.S. Capitol in 2021. Why do we have a CHINESE Deputy National Security advisor who is married to a CHINESE US ATTORNEY who worked under Obama and Biden, and who helped prosecute J6ers after the stolen 2020 election? This is unacceptable, she wrote. Loomer also speculated as to whether Wong not Waltz had added the journalist to the now-infamous Signal chat as part of a foreign opp to embarrass the Trump administration on behalf of China, and called for both Wong and his wife to be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As for Kanapathy, another Republican foreign policy expert who served in the first Trump White House, Loomers beef with him stems from his decision to accept employment at Beacon Global Strategies, a foreign policy advisory firm that also employs prominent Democrats who signed a 2020 letter casting doubt on New York Post report about a laptop connected to former president Joe Bidens son, Hunter. Loomer wrote that his decision to work at the prominent consultancy doesnt reflect well on Ivans judgement or his loyalty to President Trump because the firm also employed former CIA Director Mike Morrell and former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta. The head of presidential personnel Sergio Gor, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and White House communications director Steven Cheung were also present for Loomers meeting with Trump, the Times reports. open image in gallery National Security Advisor Mike Waltz met with Loomer, Trump and other administration officials ( Getty Images ) Loomer, who describes herself as an investigative journalist, is a far-right MAGA loyalist and conspiracy theorist who rose to prominence during the first Trump administration when she began filming herself shouting at prominent Democrats. Since that time, she has spread a number of baseless claims, including that the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were an inside job and that Florida Governor Ron DeSantiss wife lied about having breast cancer. She has enjoyed a measure of proximity to Trump in return despite the reservations of many of his top aides. Loomer has even sparred with Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk, railing against the billionaire for supporting H-1B visas. [Musk] has removed my blue check mark on X because I dared to question his support for H1B visas, the replacement of American tech workers by Indian immigrants, and I questioned his relationship with China, Loomer posted in January. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Whether or not a state can cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood is the dispute at the center of a case in the hands of the U.S Supreme Court. While often characterized as a controversial organization due to its abortion services, Planned Parenthood clinics provide necessary reproductive healthcare services as well as sexual health services and education. In South Carolina, Medicaid patients often seek out care at one of the two clinics in the state because it can be difficult to find doctors who accept the publicly funded insurance. But, the state is trying to block any public healthcare dollars from going to Planned Parenthood, with leaders arguing that no public health care funding should be allowed to go toward anything that provides abortions. open image in gallery Medicaid patients in South Carolina will sometimes choose to get health services as Planned Parenthood because its accessible and takes the publicly-funded insurance ( REUTERS ) Now, the dispute over whether Medicaid patients can sue for their legal right to choose their own provider is in the hands of the court. Justices will hear arguments in the case on Wednesday. Federal law already prohibits Medicaid money from going to pay for abortions, with very limited exceptions, and South Carolina now bans almost all abortions around six weeks after conception. But Republican leaders in the state believe they should be allowed to direct money as they choose. The Trump administration is joining theirs argument. The people in this state do not want their tax money to go to that organization, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said. Just $90,000 of South Carolinas Medicaid funding goes to Planned Parenthood yearly. Meanwhile, healthcare advocates say the effects of the case transcend abortion and patients should have the opportunity to sue for their right to choose their provider. This case is not about abortion. This case is about general health care, Katherine Farris, the chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said. Julian Polaris, a lawyer who regularly advises state Medicaid programs and health care providers said states could also move to restrict access to treatments like gender-affirming care if the court sides with South Carolina. open image in gallery Abortion rights supporters gather at a rally at Bicentennial Plaza put on by Planned Parenthood South Atlantic ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) One in five American women of reproductive age is now enrolled in the Medicaid program, according to Heidi Allen, an associate professor at Columbia University. This means that finding providers who can offer quality family planning services a requirement for Medicaid is crucial for those patients. Its concerning that states would eliminate a site of care for politically motivated reasons, Allen said. The case dates back to 2018, before the Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion. McMaster first cut Planned Parenthood funding through an executive order that removed Planned Parenthood from a list of providers for things like birth control and sexually transmitted disease testing. He argues that other good organizations provide maternal health advice, counseling and care that need funding more. His order was blocked in court, but since then, judges have ruled in favor of similar moves in Texas and Missouri, said John Bursch, an attorney for the conservative group Alliance Defending Freedom. He acknowledged that a win for South Carolina could curtail other Medicaid lawsuits, but suggested that could be good for the program overall because it would mean less money going to legal fees. There is also an administrative appeals process available, he said. No one is losing their access to health care clinics, Busch said. If the state is allowed to cut off Planned Parenthood, Medicaid patients could go to one of 200 other publicly funded health care clinics in the state, he said. Most counties in the state have already been federally designated as having too few primary care providers, said Amalia Luxardo, CEO of the South Carolina-based Womens Rights and Empowerment Network. Many counties have no practicing OB-GYN physicians and five other counties have just one, she said, meaning many women already have to travel longer distances to find the right provider. Planned Parenthood has flexible hours and can get appointments scheduled quickly, factors that bring in patients from around the state, she said. Additional reporting by AP. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Republican Senator Rand Paul has warned his party that tariffs have decimated politics after he voted against President Donald Trumps duties on Canadian imports yesterday. Sen. Paul of Kentucky told Fox News that tariffs have historically brought down his party. When McKinley put tariffs on in 1890, they lost 50 percent of their seats When Smoot-Hawley put their tariffs In the early 1930s, we lost the House and Senate for 60 years, Sen. Paul said. So not only bad economically, they are bad politically. After Trump's Liberation Day tariffs slapped 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports and a minimum 10 percent duty on all countries, the Kentucky senator crafted the opposition resolution with Democrat Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. Four Republicans, including Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Susan Collins of Maine, joined every Democratic senator in voting against Canadian duties. In a 51-48 vote, they rejected Trump's declaration of a national emergency earlier this year to justify tariffs on Canadian imports. In a rare move, Sen. Paul and Sen. Kaine, who ran as vice presidential candidate against Trump and Mike Pence in 2016, also made a joint appearance on Fox News to explain the impact on Americans and why their resolution is important. We are richer because of trade with Canada, and so is Canada, Sen. Paul said. There is no Canada versus the US. The senator explained: Whenever you trade with somebody when an individual buys somebody elses product, its mutually beneficial, or you wouldn't buy it. The consumer wins when the price is the lowest price. Tariffs raise prices, and theyre a bad idea for the economy. Trade is proportional to wealth; the last 70 years of international trade has been an exponential curve upwards, and the last 70 years of prosperity has been upwards. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Four Republicans joined every Democratic senator in a resolution Wednesday to oppose President Donald Trumps tariffs against Canada . Senators voted 51-48 to reject the national emergency Trump declared earlier this year to justify slapping 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports. The vote followed Trump announcement of his Liberation Day tariffs, a series of across-the-board levies of at least 10 percent on all nations. Stock futures took a tumble almost immediately after Trumps announcement. Economists fear that imposing tariffs will cause prices to spike and that it could even trigger a recession. open image in gallery Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski was one of four Republicans who voted for a Democratic resolution to oppose Trumps tariffs ( Getty Images ) Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine joined Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who crafted a resolution to oppose Trumps tariffs with Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia. Theyre listening to their constituents, Kaine told The Independent. It's one thing to express a concern about terrorists, but this is a mechanism where you get to vote to stop them. Murkowski, who has occasionally split with Trump on policies and opposed his nominees, initially said before the announcement she was not sure what the resolution would encompass. Do you even know that they're going into play today, she asked The Independent. I dont either. So hold on tight. Murkowski and Collins hail from states that border Canada, while Paul is an idiosyncratic libertarian who opposes government intervention in markets. The vote exposed a stark divide between the more devoted Trump supporters and the more pro-business Republicans who tend to favor free trade and open markets. open image in gallery President Donald Trump called out Republicans who joined in support of the Democratic resolution ( REUTERS ) Collins, who faces re-election and has previously voiced concern about the effects of tariffs against Canada on Maines economy, said it would damage her state. Tariffs on imports like fertilizer will only hurt Maine potato growers, Collins said in a floor speech. Collins also said that many Mainers have family in Canada and that this would hurt the states tourism industry. We don't want to discourage these Canadian tourists who are so vital to Maine's economy from vacationing in Maine because they are so angry at what has happened, she said. But McConnell, the former Senate majority leader who vacated his spot as the top Republican, delivered a more forceful denunciation of efforts to stage a full-on trade war. Make no mistake: goods made in America will be more expensive to manufacture and, ultimately, for consumers to purchase, with higher broad-based tariffs, he said in a statement after his vote. Specifically, McConnell said tariffs against Canada would hurt Kentuckys bourbon industry, as well as its automotive and manufacturing, a direct rebuke to Trumps claim that tariffs would return manufacturing jobs to American shores. Trump rebuked the Republicans for being disloyal. Why are they allowing fentanyl to pour into our Country unchecked, and without penalty? What is wrong with them, other than suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome, commonly known as TDS, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. But Collins said in her floor speech that most of the fentanyl coming into the United States comes from Mexico. Canadas former prime minister Justin Trudeau has said the country is reponsible for only 1 percent of fentanyl in the U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told The Independent during a press conference ahead of the vote that Republican support revealed that they recognize the unpopularity of the tariffs. And once the American people say, I don't want to embrace somebody, I don't want to vote for somebody I don't want to support somebody who embraces Trump's policies, things begin to change, he told The Independent. Even Republicans who opposed the resolution said that they wanted to make sure that the Trump administration would consider all of the ramifications of the tariffs. I'm assuming worst case scenario, the likely retaliations in the way they'll affect farm country, and in my case, specifically, North Carolina, access to markets, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina told The Independent. Iowas Senator Chuck Grassley, who runs a corn and soybean farm, told The Independent he is worried about the rising cost of potash, which is used for fertilizer for crops, and said he hoped to get a waiver for potash given much of it comes from Canada. Still, most Republicans opposed the Democratic resolution. The House is almost guaranteed to not pick up the legislation from the Senate, given that House Speaker Mike Johnson is an ardent Trump loyalist and many House Republicans support the presidents agenda. Last month, the House passed a rule that included language to prevent legislation from being put forward that could repeal Trumps tariffs on Canada, Mexico or China. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The founder of OnlyFans has made a last-minute offer to buy TikTok competing with a bid from Amazon days before President Donald Trumps Saturday deadline, according to reports. Tim Stokely founder of OnlyFans made a bid through his startup Zoop at the eleventh hour to acquire the popular app, Reuters reported. The offer was made in partnership with cryptocurrency company The Hbar Foundation. The details of the bid arent immediately clear. The offer represents a David vs. Goliath moment against traditional social media giants by endorsing a creator-first revolution, Zoop said in a statement shared with Wired. Amazon also offered to acquire the social media platform Wednesday in a letter addressed to Vice President J.D. Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the New York Times reported. A source familiar with the matter confirmed to The Independent that Amazon made a bid for TikTok. Those involved in talks to find a new owner for the app do not appear to be taking the bid seriously, the outlet reported. Amazon declined to comment when contacted by The Independent. Days before Trump took office in January, the Supreme Court upheld a law forcing the short-form video app beloved by 170 million users to either divest from its China-based parent company ByteDance or face a ban in the United States due to national security concerns. On his first day in the White House, the president signed an executive order granting a 75-day reprieve to allow his administration todetermine the appropriate course of action. That deadline is Saturday (April 5). Now, his administration is finalizing plans for a long list of potential investors and venture capital firms that includes investment management company Blackstone and software giant Oracle, CBS News reported. Trump and other officials including Vance, Lutnick, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard are set to hold a meeting on Wednesday in the Oval Office to discuss the apps future, the outlet reported. The details of the final proposal are not immediately clear. open image in gallery President Donald Trump is said to be considering a final proposal regarding the future of TikTok, days before the April 5 deadline ( REUTERS ) "We have a lot of potential buyers. There's a lot of interest in TikTok. The decision is going to be my decision, the president said over the weekend. "I'd like to see TikTok remain alive." If a deal is not reached by April 5, Trump has suggested he would extend the deadline. Hes even suggested lowering tariffs on goods imported from China if Beijing agrees to sell the app. A number of deals have been put forward in recent months. Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI proposed merging with ByteDance in January, the Associated Press reported. The proposal would have allowed the federal government to own up to a 50 percent stake in the new company. Kevin OLeary, a businessman of Shark Tank fame, and Frank McCourt, an entrepreneur and founder of Project Liberty, also made a formal offer to buy the social media platform in January. The pair, alongside a group of investors, promised to to collect less data on users. open image in gallery Kevin OLeary, of Shark Tank fame, offered to buy the app alongside Frank McCourt, an entrepreneur and founder of Project Liberty. ( Getty Images ) Also that month, MrBeast, a YouTuber sensation whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, made a bid, alongside a group of investors, to preserve the app. The details of the offer were not made public at the time. I just got out of a meeting with a bunch of billionaires, he said on the app. TikTok, we mean business...We have an offer ready for you, we want to buy the platform, America deserves TikTok. Last month, Oracle "accelerated" talks with the White House about purchasing the app, Politico reported. The company would oversee American users data and ensure the Chinese government doesnt have access to it, a source familiar with the discussions told the outlet. We're hearing a lot of confidence from the Trump administration about getting a deal done by the deadline, which is odd considering how little we know about the specifics and how complicated the terms are likely to be, Damian Rollison, director of market insights at SOCi, said in a statement shared with The Independent. If ByteDance was willing to divest TikTok in the U.S., why didn't they make a deal months ago when they were in a better position to dictate terms? Rollison added that he believes the app wont be banned in the U.S.: Regardless, I think it's fairly safe to place bets on TikTok remaining available to U.S. users in one form or another, which will be welcomed as positive news by its large and still growing audience, who utilize TikTok for everything from connecting with friends to following the news and shopping for products. The Independent has asked the White House for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to deport millions of immigrants, arguing his administration would remove violent criminals other presidents never could. Since taking office, the administration has often touted the latest immigration arrests with wanted-style posters and slogans likes like Make America Safe Again. However, despite framing these arrests as key moves to protect public safety against the worst of the worst, at least half of the 72 high-profile apprehensions the administration has publicized involved people who were already in prison, according to an analysis from The Washington Post, while at least a dozen had been deported before and 17 were known to authorities and on parole or probation. The administrations rogues gallery included Jhon Gerald Urrutia, a Venezuelan man convicted of robbery and credit card fraud in Florida, detained by the Obama administration, then released from immigration custody under Trump in 2017, according to the paper, though the latest immigration arrest bulletin didnt mention that final fact. In another case, detectives in Kentucky said they were alarmed over the immigration arrest of Horacio Mejia, a Guatemalan immigrant who has been deported before, who is accused of raping a child. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Tennessee took credit for getting Mejia off their streets, but it was local police who arrested him, and they now worry Mejia could be deported and make his way back to the U.S. once again rather than face charges. I worry about the risk of him coming back, Sergeant Jeff Parsons of Alcoa, Tennessee, told the Post. The administration has faced continued scrutiny over immigration figures that havent matched the presidents promises to swiftly remove millions of violent criminals from the country. Trump administration has blamed foiled immigration operations on leakers and sanctuary cities ( AP ) The administration has admitted not only that many of the more than 200 Venezuelans sent to El Salvadors notorious tropical gulag this month lack criminal convictions, but that some are not in fact members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang the administration is targeting with the operation in the first place. In February, the administration disclosed that among the 178 immigrants who were being held temporarily at the Guantanamo naval base, supposedly among the worst of the worst, nearly one-third of detainees were considered lower-threat and likely did not have any serious criminal records, according to court filings. Fox News suggests getting rid of due process for immigrants because it's too hard Also that month, Caleb Vitello was removed as acting director of ICE, amid reported anger at the slower-than-desired pace of deportations and arrests. Its driving him nuts theyre not deporting more people, a White House insider told NBC News of Trumps mindset at the time. The administration has blamed leakers and members of the media for foiling immigration operations and slowing the pace of the campaign, though other factors are likely at play, including the cloud of lawsuits over the administration, the recent two-decade low in border arrests, and the decision to fire numerous immigration judges. In Trumps first six weeks in office, the administration has removed removed 27,772 people, or an average of 661 people per day, Axios reports, an 11 percent decrease from the average during the final year of the Biden administration. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An economic analyst says the 50 percent reciprocal trade tariff on Lesotho will kill the tiny southern African kingdom that the U.S. president ridiculed last month. It was the highest levy imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in his sweeping new tariffs on global trading partners on Wednesday, upending decades of rules-based trade and threatening cost increases for consumers. Lesotho, which Trump described in March as a country "nobody has ever heard of", is one of the world's poorest nations with a gross domestic product of just over $2 billion. Its exports to the United States, which in 2024 totalled $237 million, account for more than 10 percent of its GDP, with the large trade surplus mostly made up of diamonds and textiles, including Levi's jeans. Trump said the "reciprocal" tariffs were a response to duties and other non-tariff barriers put on U.S. goods. Lesotho charges 99 percent tariffs on American goods, according to the U.S. administration. open image in gallery Factory workers walk home after work outside the capital Maseru in Lesotho ( REUTERS ) In Africa, the move signalled the end of the AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) trade deal that was supposed to help African economies develop through preferential access to U.S. markets, trade experts said. It also compounded the pain after Trump dismantled USAID, the government agency that was a major supplier of aid to the continent. "The 50 percent reciprocal tariff introduced by the U.S. government is going to kill the textile and apparel sector in Lesotho," Thabo Qhesi, a Maseru-based independent economic analyst, told Reuters. Oxford Economics said the textile sector, with some 40,000 workers, was Lesotho's biggest private employer and accounted for roughly 90 percent of manufacturing employment and exports. "Then you are having retailers who are selling food. And then you have residential property owners who are renting houses for the workers. So this means if the closure of factories were to happen, the industry is going to die and there will be multiplier effects," Qhesi said. "So Lesotho will be dead, so to say." open image in gallery Trump on Wednesday imposed sweeping new tariffs on global trading partners ( AP ) The government of Lesotho, a mountainous nation of about two million people that is encircled by South Africa, had no immediate comment on the trade tariffs on Thursday. Its foreign minister told Reuters last month the country, which has one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in the world, was already feeling the impact of the aid cuts as its health sector had been reliant on them. The formula used to calculate the U.S. tariffs took the U.S. trade deficit in goods with each country as a proxy for alleged unfair practices, then divided it by the amount of goods imported into the United States from that country. The resulting tariff equals half the ratio between the two, meaning countries import only small quantities of U.S. goods, such as Lesotho and Madagascar, have been hit with more punitive tariffs than much richer countries. That is also the case for Vietnam, Nicaragua and Cambodia, for which exports to the United States account for more than 25 percent of GDP, according to Oxford Economics. One corn vendor in Maseru, Sekhoane Masokela, saw Trump's announcement as a reason to seek out new markets. "His (Trump's) is not the only country, so he is giving us an opportunity to cut ties with him and look for other countries. It is evident that he no longer wants anything to do with us," Masokela said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trumps sweeping international tariffs may raise the price of Bibles - including the presidents branded version of the holy text. The CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, which describes itself as the U.S.s largest commercial Bible and Christian book publisher, told The Wall Street Journal that it had been all hands on deck, after the president announced the tariffs on Wednesday. Bibles are typically printed on thin paper stock and with presses that are largely located outside the U.S., according to The Journal. This includes China, where Trumps official God Bless the USA Bibles are printed. open image in gallery Donald Trumps sweeping international tariffs may impact the production of Bibles. This may include his own personal holy book, which are reportedly printed in China ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) According to a chart produced as a prop by the president during his announcement, Chinese imports will face a 34 percent reciprocal tariff in addition to a pre-existing 20 percent tariff imposed earlier this year, for a total of 54 percent. There may be more coming, with additional industry-specific tariffs. Though Trump has never said where his personally branded holy books are printed, or what they cost; a copy hand-signed by the president was previously priced at $1,000. Trump has also not disclosed how much he earns per sale. However, global trade records previously reviewed by The Associated Press showed that a printing company in Chinas eastern city of Hangzhou shipped close to 120,000 of the Bibles to the United States last year. open image in gallery Donald Trump in an ad for the God Bless the USA Bible on Truth Social. A copy hand-signed by the president sells for $1,000 though Trump has also not disclosed how much he earns per sale ( Truth Social/@realdonaldtrump ) The estimated value of the three separate shipments was $342,000, or less than $3 per Bible, according to AP, who cited databases that track exports and imports. The minimum price for the Trump-backed Bible is $59.99, putting the potential sales revenue at about $7 million. It is unclear how such future shipments of the presidents own product would be affected by his international tariffs. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment about international Bible shipments, as well as HarperCollins Christian Publishing and the American Bible Society. Over 1,000 Chinese listed firms reveal financial results; semiconductor sector shows strong performance 13:27, April 03, 2025 By Ma Jingjing ( Global Times More than 1,000 listed companies in China have released their 2024 financial results as of April 2, with semiconductor and consumer electronics firms posting strong performances amid booming demand from the country's rapid adoption of cloud computing and AI. According to data from information provider Wind, at least 1,083 Chinese listed companies have announced their financial results for last year, among which 646 have reported year-on-year revenue growth, or about 60 percent of the total. Meanwhile, 616 listed companies saw year-on-year profit growth. By industry, semiconductor, consumer electronics, and auto parts firms showed particularly strong performance in 2024, the China Securities Journal reported. Shengyi Electronics Co, a printed circuit boards manufacturer in Dongguan, South China's Guangdong Province said on March 27 that the company generated revenue of 4.69 billion yuan ($645 million) in 2024, up 43.19 percent year-on-year. "The electronics market rebounded in 2024, driven by next-gen information tech," Shengyi said in its filing. "Surging AI demand and terminal applications fueled rapid growth in high-end printed circuit boards," the company said in the filing with the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Wuhan-based auto-chip maker Black Sesame Technologies, saw 474 million yuan in revenue in 2024, up 51.8 percent year-on-year, with profit reaching 313 million yuan, according to a filing with the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. Its A1000 chip series has entered mass production, with deliveries to automakers including Geely, Dongfeng, and BYD. InnoScience (Suzhou) Technology Holding Co, a semiconductor firm based in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province announced that the group's revenue in 2024 reached 828.5 million yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 39.8 percent. Victory Giant Technology (Hui Zhou) Co, also a printed circuit boards producer, reported 10.73 billion yuan in revenue, a 35.3 percent increase. "2024 is an opportunity for the advanced semiconductor industry," Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Beijing-based Information Consumption Alliance, told the Global Times on Thursday. He said booming AI development drove up data center demand, while US chip export controls strengthened China's resolve to grow its semiconductor sector. China's chip exports topped 1 trillion yuan for the first time in 2024, surpassing mobile phones to become the single commodity with the highest export value, the Xinhua News Agency reported, citing customs data. With the AI Plus initiative underway, the semiconductor sector is expected to see faster growth in 2025, Xiang said, backed by confidence in its vast domestic market. Global investors show much higher interest in China equities now, Meng Lei, China equity strategist at UBS Securities, wrote in a note sent to the Global Times recently. Meng said improved investor sentiment has sparked a sharp market rally in recent months, as AI and other tech innovations have boosted investor esteem. "AI and related industries, including humanoid or industrial robots, intelligent driving, remain the most popular themes among global investors," he said. According to a Morgan Stanley report released in March, the year-end index target for Hong Kong market's Hang Seng index was raised to 25,800, which implies a 9 percent upside from the current market levels. The target for MSCI China was also raised by 9 percent. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Fox Business anchor Charles Payne fumed that the mainstream media was focusing too much attention on the economic pain that President Donald Trumps Liberation Day tariffs could inflict on average Americans, calling the coverage mind boggling and that we need to rethink all of this. With global markets spiraling after the president unleashed across-the-board 10 percent tariffs on all imports, along with so-called reciprocal tariffs that appear to be based on made-up numbers, the administration and its MAGA media loyalists spent Thursday morning furiously defending Trumps trade policy which economists and business leaders fear will spark a global recession. Following JD Vances softball interview with Fox & Friends in which the vice president insisted there was blue-collar enthusiasm for Trumps tariffs, Payne appeared on the presidents favorite morning talk show to double down on the wisdom of setting off a global trade war. First thing they talked about, Charles the number one issue and that is tariffs, Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy said, referencing the Vance interview. And one of the things that Lawrence [Jones] was asking about was the pain on the average American, and JD Vance said it can't be fixed overnight. Ultimately, costs will probably go up; there will be some pain. But the big question is, do people get the idea that this is for the greater good? Saying that Trump ran on tariffs and he did what he said he was going to do, Payne asserted that the president is merely keeping his promises, which was to bring back manufacturing. At the same time, he groused that news outlets and cable networks were paying too much attention to the negative impacts Trumps tariffs may have on the American consumer. Fox Business host Charles Payne raged on Thursday about the media spending too much time focusing on the "pain" Trump's tariffs will cause Americans, saying this was all just the "art of the deal." ( Fox News ) This is mind-boggling to me that the media is focused on pain, pain, pain, Payne exclaimed. Listen to me, I heard someone earlier today on another network say countries send us wine, cheese and Mercedes and we give them a piece of paper, as if we are getting the better end of the bargain. The Fox Business host then unleashed a tirade on the need to get behind the presidents trade war because it would reset the entire global economy in Americas favor, which he claimed would benefit all Americans down the road. This system is unsustainable. It's unsustainable, we have to figure it out. So, if the American people can make a short-term you know, hey, that beach ball costs 50 cents more, I won't buy it. This is whats really amazing to me, and unfortunately, I hear it on our network and a lot of networks, that somehow we all want a good GDP, we all want a good economy, but does it have to come at the expense? Payne huffed. Is it patriotic to always stay in debt? Is it patriotic to spend my entire paycheck so that the economy is good? Is it patriotic so that my kids can't afford to go to college, I don't have a retirement, I don't have a decent home, is that patriotic? he continued. Is our patriotism tied to Wall Street, or should it be tied to our own personal ability to achieve the American dream? We need to rethink all of this! At the top of his Fox Business program Making Money later in the day, Payne would continue to praise the president for unleashing his crippling import taxes by invoking one of Trumps favorite slogans. So, lets call it what it is. Its the art of the deal meets the art of trade war, Payne said at the top of his show, referencing Trumps best-selling book. Every nation, undoubtedly, spent at least the last two months war-gaming potential tariffs in the announcement that came from President Trump yesterday. And I can tell you this, I guarantee you, none of them got it right. None! Payne exclaimed. Yesterday, President Trump declared a national emergency to increase our competitive edge, to protect our sovereignty, to strengthen our national and economic security, and in other words, he really, really upset the status quo. He would even go so far as to play a clip from the 1987 gangster film The Untouchables to applaud the president for going the Chicago way by dropping an economic MOAB on the rest of the world, referencing the Mother of All Bombs. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Late Show host Stephen Colbert mocked President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs, joking that Americans are free from the tyranny of foreign goods. Thanks to Donald Trump, America is finally free from the tyranny of being able to buy stuff from other countries, Colbert told the studio audience. Whos ready to learn how to make their own iPad from scratch? On Wednesday, Trump introduced a 10 percent minimum duty on imported goods and higher tariffsalthough 60 countries will be hit with far higher rates of up to 50 percent when they come into force this weekend. Unveiling them on so-called Liberation Day, Trump claimed the U.S. had been taken advantage of by cheaters. Colbert remarked on the timing of the tariffs. Reportedly, Trump was still weighing tariff options until late yesterday. Now, if youre not steeped in the wonky language of beltway insiders, that basically means they were spit-balling ideas through the bathroom door at 3 am. ( The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ) Tell you what?, Colbert added while impersonating Donald Trump. What if Ireland has to pay extra to be on the Lucky Charms box? What about that? Im just spit-balling here. We stopped Count Chocula at the border. Colbert said the tariffs would be the strictest since the 1930s levies, adding that was just one of the reasons we remember Herbert Hoover as our greatest president, why they named all those vacuums after him because, because he didnt suck. Now, worrywart historians believe that the 1930s tariffs were responsible for a two-thirds decline in international trade and led to a global depression. China has been impacted particularly hard by the latest decree as the president announced a 34 percent tariff on imported goods. In comparison, Vietnam and Taiwan face a 46 percent and 32 percent levy, respectively. This has led to concerns that products manufactured in Asia or using parts from the continent will cost more for American consumers. It comes as Trump claimed the Great Depression would have been prevented if the U.S. had kept to its tariff policy, including the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 - a claim experts disagree with. The 1930 act raised tariffs on thousands of goods and is widely seen as exacerbating the economic downward spiral that led to the period of decline between 1929 and 1939. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent implored America's foreign trading partners not to "panic" or "retaliate" to Donald Trumps tariff policy, which has sent the stock market careening and earned international condemnation. "I would advise none of the countries to panic. I wouldn't try to retaliate because as long as you don't retaliate, this is the high end of the number," he told Bloomberg. Bessent also made similar, more threatening comments on Fox News. My advice to every country right now is: Do not retaliate. Sit back, take it in, lets see how it goes. Because if you retaliate, there will be escalation. If you dont retaliate, this is the high-water mark, he said during an appearance on Bret Baier's show Special Report. On Wednesday, which Trump called Liberation Day, the president announced the nation's new tariff policy, imposing a minimum of 10 percent import tax on all goods coming into the U.S. Many nations will pay more than that, up to 49 percent tax on imports. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned trading partners with America not to retaliate to Donald Trumps tariff policy ( Getty Images ) Trump's previous 25 percent tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada are still in effect, though goods produced under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement have been exempted from the tariffs, at least for now. The president insinuated that he had pulled his punches with the tariffs he's imposing. The tariffs will be not a full reciprocal. I could have done that, I guess, Trump said. But it would have been tough for a lot of countries. Trump's tariffs tanked stock markets worldwide. On Thursday, the market was down more than 4 percent in response to his tariffs, and markets in Asia and Europe dove as well. The numbers are shockingly high compared to what people were expecting and it is inexplicable in many ways, Peter Tchir, head of macro strategy at Academy Securities, told The New York Times. I think its a disaster. During his appearance on Fox News, Bessent was asked what message the Trump administration has for Americans who are watching their 401ks lose value as markets dip. Bret, I say that what we are doing is, were setting the stage for long-term economic growth, that we were on our way to a financial crisis, Bessent said. I used to teach a history of financial crises. And with that gigantic government spending, it was unsustainable. He pointed to 1998 and 2007, and said that things "looked great right before everything collapsed." We have taken us off that trajectory," Bessent insisted, "and we are putting ourselves back onto a sound trajectory. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice One year after the government banned cellphones from schools to help students focus and reduce distractions in class, were beginning to see how it has been implemented and how successful its been. As part of that process, our new research asked young people about the ban. Unsurprisingly, they had a lot to say. Schools around the world, including in Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, China and parts of the United States, have implemented similar bans. The guiding principle everywhere has been to help students do better in school. When New Zealands ban came into effect in April 2024, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was time to cut the distractions so kids could learn and achieve. open image in gallery New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) But studies have shown these bans often dont work as planned. For example, recent research from the UK involving over 1,200 students found no significant difference in academic grades or wellbeing between schools with strict phone bans and those with more relaxed policies. With so many questions at the time of the ban about how it would be enforced, we wanted to hear what was going on in schools and what young people really thought. We spoke to 77 young people aged 12 to 18 from 25 schools around the country. Some liked the bans, some didnt and some werent sure. Mixed feelings Many students had mixed feelings about the bans. Some admitted the bans helped reduce distractions and gave them a break from using their phones. As one explained: otherwise, well be on our phone all day, all afternoon, all night, and it wont be healthy for our minds. But other students said the ban had created new problems. First, some students felt stressed and anxious when they couldnt contact their parents or caregivers during the day. Second, they said the rules werent always clear or fair. Some teachers were strict, others werent. And sometimes, teachers used their phones in class, but students couldnt. That perceived double standard where teachers can use phones but students cant left many of our respondents feeling frustrated and unfairly treated. In some cases, it even made them more secretive about their phone use. One student said: Even though were not allowed to use our phones, everyone is sneaky and uses it anyway. A lack of consultation A lot of students said they werent asked what they thought before the bans were introduced. They felt as if adults made the rules without asking them or listening to them. One of our interviewees said: It feels like they just ban everything, thinking it will fix the problem. Many didnt understand the purpose of the ban, especially since they still have to use laptops and other technology in class. Recent research found more than 80 per cent of students in Aotearoa New Zealand say technology in class is distracting not just phones. open image in gallery Debate continues over whether mobile phones should be banned in schools in England ( PA Wire ) Already, some students have found clever ways around the phone ban. At one Auckland school, students started using walkie-talkies instead of phones to stay connected with their peers. Examples like this show bans dont always change behaviour the way theyre intended to. It can simply make students feel as though adults underestimate how tech-savvy they really are. Young people as active problem solvers The young people in our research offered some alternatives to the ban. Many suggested allowing phones at break and lunch times. That way, they could stay connected without interrupting class. They also said adults needed to model healthy digital habits, not just set the rules. Based on student responses, it does appear that learning and teaching how to use phones in healthy ways would be more helpful than banning them altogether. Research from the Digital Wellness Lab supports this balanced approach, emphasising skill building over restriction. But for this to work, adults need support too. Teachers and parents need training and resources to help guide young people and should also be surveyed on how they feel about the ban. Banning phones doesnt fix the bigger issue of helping young people to use technology safely and responsibly. If schools really want to support students, they need to move beyond one-size-fits-all rules. Our research shows young people arent just passive users of technology. Theyre active problem solvers. They want to be part of the conversation and part of the solution. This would involve replacing top-down bans with meaningful conversations involving young people and adults to build fair and practical digital guidelines, where everyone benefits. Cara Swit is an Associate professor in the School of Health Sciences at University of Canterbury. Aaron Hapuku is a Lecturer in School of Health Sciences at University of Canterbury. Helena Cook is a Lecturer in the School of Social and Cultural Studies at University of Canterbury. Jennifer Smith is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Canterbury. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The US is as committed to Nato as ever, secretary of state Marco Rubio said, hours after the alliances countries were left reeling by Donald Trumps watershed tariff announcement. Mr Rubio touched down in Brussels earlier on Thursday before Natos foreign ministers convened to discuss global security and ongoing efforts to reach peace in Ukraine. But the 53-year-old met with his counterparts amid the backdrop of rising tensions between Washington and its allies within the alliance, elevated after the US presidents bombshell tariff speech on Wednesday. open image in gallery Marco Rubio touched down in Brussels earlier on Thursday ( REUTERS ) The Trump administration had already raised significant doubts about Natos future, questioning the efficacy of the 75-year-old alliance and how far Americas membership was in the US national interest. Dismissing doubts about Washingtons commitment to Nato as hysteria, Mr Rubio told reporters during a press conference with secretary-general Mark Rutte: "The United States is in Nato... The United States is as active in Nato as it has ever been. The US president is not against Nato, Mr Rubio said, rather he is against a NATO that does not have the capabilities that it needs to fulfill the obligations that the treaty imposes upon each and every member state. He then called on European countries to develop a pathway to bring their defence spending to five per cent of GDP, a move which Mr Trump has previously called for and a vast increase on the current 2 per cent goal. open image in gallery Mr Rubio was speaking during a joint press conference with secretary-general Mark Rutte ( AP ) Addressing European concerns about the timeframe and extent to which the US was considering reducing reducing its Nato engagement, Mr Rubio said: "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway, to every single one of the members committing and fulfilling a promise to reach up to five per cent of spending. This included the US, he said, adding: "No one expects that you're going to be able to do this in one year or two. But the pathway has to be real." Washington expects European ministers to use this weeks meeting to demonstrate their plans to boost defence spending, with just 23 of Natos 32 members meeting the current 2 per cent target last year. But Ukraine will also likely be a key topic in the discussions, as Europe looks to gain more influence over the talks - which have been heavily led by the US so far. open image in gallery Mr Rubio said there must be a real pathway to defence spending reaching five percent of GDP ( REUTERS ) Kirill Dmitriev, one of Vladimir Putins most trusted international envoys, is currently in Washington for the first official visit of a Russian since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The US-educated, former Goldman Sachs investment banker, who was invited by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, has a strong relationship with many US officials including key members of the Trump team - but details of the talks have so far been kept under wraps. Finlands president Alexander Stubb said on Thursday that at least one country from the so-called coalition of the willing - the group of countries willing to engage in peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine - should speak directly with Russia. "My personal preference would be that our representatives of the Coalition of the Willing would be doing that. In other words France or the United Kingdom," he said. Mr Stubb proposed France or the UK as the best candidates to do so. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on all imported foreign goods in a watershed moment for the global economy - as world leaders now decide what steps to take in response to the levies. Formerly one of the European Unions most reliable trade partners, Washington has now landed countries within the economic bloc with a 20 per cent tariff on all imports to the US, at the same time a 25 per cent levy on imported cars begins. On the so-called Liberation Day, Mr Trump unveiled a list of countries showing the tariffs they charge to the US and the reciprocal tariffs which they will face from this weekend. The EU, which the White House says charges a 39 per cent tariff on US goods, will be hit by a 20 per cent reciprocal tariff. EU commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has described the move as a major blow to the world economy. Other leaders across Europe have also expressed alarm over an emerging trade war. But how have European leaders reacted and how is Europe expected to retaliate? For the latest including reaction to Donald Trumps tariffs announcement - click here to visit our live blog open image in gallery The EU commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has described the announced tariffs as a 'major blow' to the world economy ( REUTERS ) How are EU states impacted? The US was the EUs largest export partner in 2024, making up 20.6 per cent of the blocs export of goods, according to the unions official statistics website Eurostat. Trade between Washington and European countries has grown in the past decade, with EU exports surpassing $500 billion for the first time in 2022 and remaining above that level since. Germany, by far Europes largest exporter to the US in 2024 with 161 billion worth of exports, will be heavily damaged by the tariffs. Ireland, with exports worth 72 billion, and Italy, which exports 65 billion of goods, will also be among the worst hit. The car sector, which made up more than $45 billion of the EUs exports to the US, could also face significant damage. It is unclear whether Mr Trumps new 20 per cent blanket tariffs will be added on top of the 25 per cent tariffs announced earlier in March on the automotive industry. open image in gallery Donald Trump holds a list showing the tariffs placed on countries during his speech on so-called Liberation Day on Wednesday ( Reuters ) A combined 45 per cent tariff could lead to a collapse in European car exports to the US, presenting a major challenge for Germany's economic, economist at Capital Economics Daniel Parker told Euronews. The pharmaceutical industry, which is also one of Europes main export industries to the US, also faces significant risk. European stock markets tumbled upon opening on Thursday after tariff announcements. Shipping giant Maersk, which is often viewed as a gauge for world trade, fell 7.55 per cent. Other big firms with global supply chains, such as German clothing brand Adidas, fell 10.4 per cent according to CNBC. How have leaders reacted? Leaders across Europe have reacted with concern to the 20 per cent tariff, while pledging to protect their country with subsequent action. "President Trump's announcement of universal tariffs on the whole world, including the EU, is a major blow to the world economy, Ms von der Leyen said after the announcement. "Uncertainty will spiral and trigger the rise of further protectionism. The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe." She said the EU would issue countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel, and will prepare further action if further negotiations are not fruitful. Ougoing German chancellor Olaf Scholz described the tariffs as fundamentally wrong and an attack on a trade system that has created prosperity all round the world, speaking at a news conference welcoming Jordan's King Abdullah to Berlin. German finance minister Joerg Kukies called for a strong response by the European Union. He said: It would be naive to think that if we just sit there and let this happen, things will get better. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain will protect its companies and workers, Irish prime minister Micheal Martin described the move as deeply regrettable, and Italian leader Giorgia Meloni said a trade war would inevitably weaken the West. How could they retaliate? The EU has was already finalising a first package of countermeasure in response to earlier-announced 25 per cent tariffs on imported steel and aluminium. Earlier this week, Ms von der Leyen said Brussels had a strong plan to retaliate which it would use if necessary. Experts believe Brussels will likely impose levies on more symbolic US goods. After Mr Trumps steel and aluminium tariffs were unveiled, the EU said it would levy up to 26bn of goods from the US, including Harley-Davidson motorbikes and bourbon. The bloc could also strike Washingtons economic interests, targeting American banks and tech companies such as Meta with raised taxes - or prevent them from bidding for European government contracts. A German minister said on Thursday morning that the tariff could lead to new alliances, such as with Canada and Mexico. In his press conference with Jordanian King Abdullah, Mr Scholz also said: "The EU has the strongest internal market in the world with 450 million consumers, which gives us the strength to hold talks with the US government to avert a trade war. We want cooperation, not confrontation, and will defend our interests. Europe will respond united, strong and proportionately to this decision." There have also been recent moves by the EU to limit US manufacturers in weapons tenders. This week, it was reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned states against excluding US companies from contracts. The exact nature of Europes response is yet to be seen, but Brussels has indicated that it will be significant. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Spains prime minister has led European leaders in condemning Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs. Pedro Sanchez, whose country sells large amounts of car parts, steel and chemicals to the US, described the move to bring in reciprocal tariffs on imported goods from the EU as unintelligent and a return to 19th-Century protectionism. Mr Trumps tariffs set a baseline tariff of 10 per cent on all goods coming to the US - but many countries saw the percentage rise further, such as China which was landed with a 34 per cent tariff. Imported goods from the European Union - which was second on a list Mr Trump displayed for tariffs at his press conference on Wednesday night - were made subject of a 20 per cent levy. It followed the White House imposing 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium, as well as cars and parts, imported to the US. On Thursday, EU leaders reacted with disappointment as they faced questions on how they would respond to protect their economies. This tariff attack by the US administration makes no distinction between friends and enemies, it doesn't discriminate based on ideology or trade balance; it's against everyone and everything, said Mr Sanchez. open image in gallery Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez called Trumps tariffs unintelligent during a speech on Thursday ( AFP via Getty Images ) Spains comments were the latest in a string of condemnations from EU leaders which included a sharp rebuke from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said consequences will be dire for millions of people. Manfred Weber, president of the blocs largest party, EPP, said: "To our American friends, today isn't liberation day - it's resentment day. Donald Trump's tariffs don't defend fair trade; they attack it out of fear and hurt both sides of the Atlantic. Europe stands united, ready to defend its interests, and open to fair, firm talks. Leaders react to tariff attack German chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Europe to provided a united response. The recent tariffs decision by the US resident is in my view fundamentally wrong and it is an attack on a trade system that has created prosperity all round the world, itself an American achievement, he said. We want cooperation, not confrontation, and will defend our interests. Europe will respond united, strong and proportionately to this decision. The countrys economic minister Robert Habeck went a step further. He said: Donald Trump buckles under pressure... and this pressure must now be exerted from Germany, from Europe. open image in gallery Irish taoiseach Micheal Martin said the tariffs were deeply regrettable ( Brian Lawless/PA Wire ) French prime minister Francois Bayrou was more guarded. He said: It's an immense difficulty for Europe. I think it's also a catastrophe for the United States and for US citizens. Irelands taoiseach Micheal Martin also spoke out against the deeply regrettable tariffs. The countrys goods exports to the US surged by a third to 60 billion last year, while its imports from the US fell to 19bn. I strongly believe that tariffs benefit no one. My priority, and that of the government, is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy, he said. Leaders of Sweden, Finland and Italy all emphasised that efforts must be made to avoid a trade war. We will do everything we can to work towards an agreement with the United States, with the goal of avoiding a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global players, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said. The reciprocal tariffs are set to come in this weekend, giving the worlds leaders just days to respond. Close Zelensky condemns Russian strikes on hometown: Diplomacy means nothing to them On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Ukrainian team will visit Washington this week for crunch talks on a minerals deal, the first visit since the deal collapsed in dramatic fashion five weeks ago. Volodymyr Zelensky was set to sign a framework agreement in late February before he was booted out of the White House, when a furious Donald Trump berated the Ukrainian president for not being thankful enough for US war assistance. Since then, teams from Kyiv and Washington have been working to hash out a revised agreement - and to rebuild a broken relationship. Washington has proposed a more expansive minerals deal which could give it access to valuable mineral resources, including titanium, lithium, and uranium, according to economy minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. But the deal has not yet been agreed by Ukraine and it is unclear exactly how close the two sides are to reaching an agreement. Meanwhile, Mr Trump has urged Russia to stop bombing Ukraine, after a ballistic missile strike in Kryvyi Rih killed 20, including nine children., We are talking to Russia. We would like them to stop, Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One. I dont like the bombing, the bombing goes on and on, and every week thousands of young people being killed. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Katyas brain was swollen. She had been blown up so many times she had hernias on her spine. Her whole skeleton was twisted and distorted after being thrown about like a doll. She often stuttered. She had an explosive temper after years as a special forces medic. But things got better when she went to Valhalla. She didnt take the usual route to the Viking Hall of Heroes, where she undoubtedly belongs, by being killed on a Ukrainian battlefield. Instead she hitched a hallucinogenic ride. On ketamine. The illegal party drug, animal tranquiliser and battlefield anaesthetic is being used to bring Ukraines living dead back to real life. Pioneering ketamine therapy offers hope of a fast-track cure for post-traumatic stress disorder in a nation grappling with widespread trauma. Katya is about 5ft 4in. At 23, she is a veteran of years of extreme combat in Ukraines most secretive and elite units, having enlisted at 19 and joined the marines. Shes alternately diffident and steely holding an unblinking gaze with the ease of a killer. open image in gallery Katya enlisted at 19, but after years of dealing with the dead and injured she found she could not sleep, speak and suffered debilitating headaches ( Supplied ) She spent two years running medical evacuations under fire in Ukraines special forces. She remembers the first time she was hit by an explosion and thrown several yards, smashing her head. She also remembers when a 155mm artillery shell crashed into the ground next to her but did not explode. The rest of her injuries are a blur: I got concussions on every mission. Brain scans of physical traumatic brain injury look very similar to PTSD scans. The symptoms can be similar. PTSD is a vicious circle of glitching between the brains memory bank the hippocampus and the amygdala that controls threat responses and the front of the brain thats supposed to put data into rational context. Sufferers endure hyper-vigilance, distorted threat responses and cognitive decline. It can feel like being a ghost or living in irrational agony. I started losing weight in March 2023, Katya explains. We had an active phase in Bakhmut. I was working with the dead and injured. I was so mentally and physically exhausted that I weighed 44kg. I could not sleep. I was very aggressive. open image in gallery In Katyas experience, the ketamine sessions have brought her spiritual warmth and new experiences ( The Independent ) Katya also suffered the trauma of grief while on active duty with the death of her older brother in the spring of that same year as he led an assault on Russian infantry. After my brother died, I became very aggressive and scatterbrained, she recalls. I don't remember two months of my life at all it was very intense. Mission after mission, without rest. I was so exhausted, I could not sleep, I could not talk to people. I was stuttering, I had constant headaches, I was feeling inadequate. I was not stable and coherent. I was not in control. Katya was treated with ketamine privately at the Expio clinic in Kyiv, founded by the countrys pioneer in using psychedelics Dr Vladislav Matrenitsky. The Ukrainian governments response to the PTSD crisis has been led by the Lisova Polyana psychiatric hospital on the outskirts of the capital. Therapists there have worked with more than 1,000 former prisoners of war, many of whom have endured intense torture in Russia. Traditional therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy can take two, three or five years, says neurologist Dr Kseniia Vosnitsyna, head of the hospital. But therapy under close supervision using ketamine has had staggeringly quick results, she explains. Dr Vosnitsya, who has pioneered a government programme in the use of ketamine, wants to open up research here into psychedelics. open image in gallery PTSD is a vicious circle of glitching between the brains memory bank, which controls threat responses, and the front of the brain that puts data into rational context ( Shutterstock/Designua ) We are constantly searching for more tools that can be used. And its not just about the CBT, classic psychotherapy can last two-three-five years. So we need to find something that works fast. Thats why [we are interested in] psychedelic therapy; it gives faster results. And we need it because we need to get people back to the front line faster. The military imperative is stark. Ukraine is short of soldiers. They need to be repaired and sent back to fight again. Up to 80 per cent of the troops who come through Lisova Polyana end up back in the army. Ketamine could speed that process up. Studies in the UK by teams of scientists at Imperial and Kings College in London have shown remarkable success in using psychedelics to treat depression and PTSD. But the use of ketamine in medical care has been easier to apply in Ukraine and elsewhere because it doesnt require special licensing. Patients get intense therapy before, during, and after their session under the influence of ketamine. They take the drug under supervision, often blindfolded and wearing earphones playing soothing music. They enter a conscious state that takes them on a deep dive into their subconscious. The drug, like psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms), LSD, and ayahuasca all therapies being investigated elsewhere adds neuroplasticity to the brain, making it able to learn quicker. There is growing scientific evidence that these therapies effectively rewire the human mind and repair burned-out circuits. But it is not straightforward. open image in gallery Katya receives care shortly after being injured in an explosion while on duty in Chasiv Yar, Ukraine ( Supplied ) This experience may be painful. It's not an easy walk in the park, says Iryna Feofanova, a ketamine therapist at Forest Glade where traumatised soldiers wander the corridors, sit silently in the woods and play silent games of pool in echoing halls. It's not some euphoric experience. Mostly it's a painful, prickly experience. But it's a very important one. From what I hear from my patients, it's bearable. It's painful, but it's something you can get through, feel through. For Katya, who had been so exposed to death, the end of life was less confusing than the living of it. It was very important to me to stop surviving and start living, explains the former marine sergeant. I had no goal - my only goal was to kill more Russians, to win, and then I will figure it out. But I never expected to live so long. I thought I would be dead already and I would not have these questions [about a future life]. But it turned out that I did not die, and I had to deal with them. open image in gallery Therapists at Lisova Polyana psychiatric hospital on the outskirts of Kyiv have worked with more than 1,000 former prisoners of war, many of whom have endured torture in Russia ( The Independent ) Katya, who is now studying business, has gone through multiple ketamine sessions under the guidance of Dr Matrenitsky, who says that anecdotally, he is seeing successful treatment of about 70 per cent of PTSD patients. It became clear that standard first-line, so-called first-line treatment which is psychotherapy plus antidepressants does not work efficiently. It's estimated that about 60 per cent of people who suffer PTSD, and veterans particularly, are not responding to first-line therapy, he explains. A very important mechanism for ketamine and other psychedelic actions is that it creates a state of enhanced neuroplasticity which continues for several days after infusion. During these days peoples brains usually better process information in general and dramatic information people may have some insights, new understandings, take new decisions. open image in gallery Dr Kseniia Vosnitsyna, head of the hospital, emphasises the potential of psychedelics as they appear to work quicker than traditional therapy ( The Independent ) In Katyas experience, the ketamine sessions have brought her a spiritual warmth and new experiences from different religions, to visions of Judaisms tree of life, flying through space and meeting old friends. With the help of the drug she says, she experienced hallucinations of nuclear mushroom clouds and plumbed the depths of her most traumatic experiences that brought her back to the present. I travelled from Valhalla to space. I learned to live now and to have a vision for the future. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A scandal has erupted in Israel, engulfing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office after the arrest of two close associates. The pair are suspected of accepting Qatari money to bolster the Gulf state's image within Israel, raising concerns about foreign influence at the highest levels of government. The arrests have shocked many Israelis, given Qatar's perceived support for Hamas and its lack of formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, denies supporting the militant group. While Prime Minister Netanyahu has provided a statement to police, he is not a suspect and dismisses the allegations as a baseless attempt to overthrow his government. This latest investigation adds to a series of scandals surrounding Netanyahu, who is currently facing a corruption trial and frequently accuses a "deep state" of conspiring against him. Critics argue that Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has been undermining state institutions, including the judiciary. His recent attempt to dismiss the head of Israel's domestic security agency, which is also investigating the alleged Qatari connection, has further fueled these concerns. open image in gallery Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Dubbed Qatargate by Israeli media, the investigation centers on accusations that two close advisers to Netanyahu longtime media consultant Jonatan Urich, and former spokesman Eli Feldstein were hired to run a public-relations campaign to improve Qatar's image among Israelis while it was negotiating on behalf of Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza. Payments were allegedly funneled through an American lobbyist. According to a court document, the American lobbyist and Urich struck a business connection to positively promote Qatar and spread negative messages about Egypt, another important mediator in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations. Feldstein was allegedly paid to pass on those messages to journalists. He and Urich could face charges of contact with a foreign agent, money laundering, bribery, fraud and breach of trust, according to Israeli media. Other than financial gain, any other possible motives are unclear. One Israeli journalist questioned in the case is Zvika Klein, the editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, an English-language daily. According to a report this week in the Post, Klein visited Qatar at the invitation of its government last year and subsequently wrote a series of articles about his impressions, one of which laid out Qatar's case against Israeli claims that it backs the militant group. The newspaper said Klein, who could not be reached for comment, is currently barred from speaking to journalists. Lawyers for Urich and Feldstein did not respond to requests for comment. Netanyahu has slammed the probe as a political witch hunt and accused police of holding his advisers as hostages wording that angered many in Israel because Hamas is still holding dozens captive inside Gaza after its Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. A judge on Tuesday extended the detentions of Urich and Feldstein, who has been indicted in a separate case involving the leak of classified information to a German tabloid. If the new allegations are substantiated, its an abuse of the office, said Tomer Naor, of the Movement of Quality Government in Israel. What's particularly worrying, he said, is how easily outside actors appear to have gained access to the prime minister's inner circle and that the advisers allegedly promoted Qatari talking points to journalists while giving the impression that the messaging was coming from the prime minister's office. The nearly 18-monthlong war in Gaza rages on after last month's collapse of a 42-day ceasefire that Qatar played a key role in helping secure. open image in gallery People protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government as they block a highway in Jerusalem, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Among Israelis, the gas-rich emirate is best known for sending money to Gaza beginning in 2018 an effort meant to help poor families. But analysts and former officials say some of the money dispatched with Netanyahu's blessing made its way to Hamas military wing and helped it prepare for the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. Israelis are also suspicious of Qatar's intentions because it is the homebase for Hamas' political leaders, and its broadcaster Al Jazeera is seen by Israel as a mouthpiece for Hamas, allegations the network denies. Qatar says it provided humanitarian aid to Gaza in full coordination with the Israeli government. When reached by the AP, a Qatari government official did not directly respond to the alleged links to Netanyahu's advisers. He said mediation efforts on Gaza would continue. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Once the target of a regional blockade over its alleged ties to Islamist extremist groups and Iran, Qatar has long sought to be seen as an influential regional player and as a trusted conflict mediator. But throughout the war in Gaza, many in Israel, including Netanyahu, have expressed anger that Qatar wasn't doing enough to pressure Hamas to meet Israel's terms for a ceasefire. Qatars aim in the alleged public-relations campaign in Israel may have been to quell those accusations and make sure they didnt influence the U.S., with whom it has close security ties, said Yoel Guzansky, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, a Tel Aviv think tank. He said any effort to besmirch Egypt, a longtime mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, may have been a way to improve Qatar's own regional standing. Qatar brings up a lot of emotions in Israel because it is viewed as having played a key role in bolstering Hamas ahead of its Oct. 7 attack, Guzansky said. Before the war, Netanyahu had approved the transfer of funds from Qatar to Gaza as part of a strategy to contain Hamas, he explained. Qatar is contemptible. But we should check ourselves first, he said. We not only allowed, we encouraged Qatar to invest in Gaza. It's not clear what, if anything, Netanyahu knew about his advisers' alleged wrongdoing. Previous aides who got into trouble with the law have turned state witness against Netanyahu in his corruption trial. Netanyahu's testimony in that trial was halted after Urich and Feldstein's arrest this week; he was summoned to give police a statement about the case. Netanyahu is under immense public pressure to accept responsibility for his role in failing to prevent the Oct. 7 attack, including allowing the transfer of Qatari cash to Gaza. Mass protests erupted in recent weeks over Netanyahu's decision to end the Gaza ceasefire that had facilitated the release of dozens of hostages, and over his moves to fire the head of the country's domestic security agency and its attorney general. The attempt to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar came as the agency was running its own probe into the Qatar links. That prompted accusations that Netanyahu was trying to snuff out the investigation. Netanyahu has suggested, with little evidence, that the probe was a result of collusion between Bar and the attorney general as a way to thwart the domestic security chiefs dismissal. A court froze Bar's dismissal pending further hearings. That hasn't stopped Netanyahu from trying to appoint his replacement. This video shows just one of the wildfires the emergency services across the UK are tackling as warm, dry weather creates an "extreme" risk. Moors Valley Country Park on the Dorset-Hampshire border remains closed after multiple wildfires since Monday. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) confirmed more hotspots were discovered near Ringwood on Wednesday, destroying several hectares of woodland. The cause remains unknown, but an amber wildfire alert is in place. In Scotland, a large grass fire at Gartur Moss, Stirling, has stretched half a kilometre, requiring four fire engines since Wednesday. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warns of a "very high to extreme" wildfire risk until Monday and urges the public against outdoor fires. A pilot was killed when an Indian Air Force jet crashed during a night training mission near Jamnagar City in Gujarat, India, on Wednesday (2 April). Footage posted to social media captured the burning wreckage of the two-seater jet at the crash site. Authorities said the jet suffered a technical issue mid-air, forcing both pilots to eject over an open field near Suvarda Village, avoiding damage to the airfield and nearby homes. The Indian Air Force confirmed one pilot died from his injuries, while a second is receiving treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar. Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen has warned the US that it cannot annex another country as Donald Trump seeks control of Greenland. Ms Frederiksen visited the autonomous territory to meet with incoming Greenlandic prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on Thursday, 4 April in a show of solidarity with Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. You know what we stand for, and you know that we don't give in, she said during the meeting, addressing the US president at a press conference. The warning follows reports of the White House exploring the cost of US control over Greenland. Washington police arrested a weeping man in the woods after he allegedly stole his ex-girlfriends chicken named Polly. According to a video posted to X by the Kitsap County Sheriffs Office, a woman called 911 on March 29 to report that her unnamed ex, 50, broke into her house. He allegedly screamed, Ive got Polly multiple times before fleeing with the chicken. Bodycam shows deputies approaching the man in the woods after a search. Dont hurt my chicken, the man can be heard saying as he cries, still clutching Polly. The officers allowed the man to safely place the chicken in a patrol vehicle. He was charged with burglary and violating an order of protection. US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has labeled European beef weak, claiming the EU ban imports on American meat because its beautiful. Speaking on Fox News Hannity show in the aftermath of president Donald Trumps blockbuster Liberation Day raft of global reciprocal tariffs, Lutnick chastised the EU, which was hit with a 20% tax on all imports into the US, for not importing more from America. European Union wont take chicken from America. They wont take lobsters from America. They hate our beef, because our beef is beautiful and theirs is weak, said Lutnick. The EU has banned American beef produced using growth hormones, which are forbidden under European health regulations, since 1989. Nearly 7,300 sq m of office space was taken by flexible office operators in the Dublin market during 2024, according to a new report by CBRE Ireland. This included operator Iconic Offices taking space at 3-8 Hume St, Dublin 2 and new entrant operator xDanu taking space at The Freight Building under a long-term lease with landlord Glenveagh Properties. Gardai on the trail of Madrid drug millions probe Irish company linked to Spanish royal and Russian reality star Major cocaine seizure and search for 25m in cash and crypto led investigators to a low-key company based in Dublin Gardai on the trail of Madrid drug millions probe Irish company linked to Spanish royal and Russian reality star John Mulligan Thu 3 Apr 2025 at 03:30 After Spanish police arrested fruit importer Eduardo Montero last year, they began to untangle an international web of drug trafficking and money laundering. Where Michelin-star chefs go to eat a curry: I think its some of the best food of any kind being served in Ireland right now Its widespread. Every age cohort, every walk of life. Fraud doesnt see the customer, it sees the account, CEO of Bank of Ireland Retail on a scourge of the digital era Building materials company Kingspan has been granted permission to build a new 280m facility in Ukraine with plans to support the countrys reconstruction effort. In 2022, the Irish-listed company announced that it would be the first major investment by a Western business since the Russian invasion began with the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Crypto giant maintains eight firms based in Ireland Four of the eight Irish units of cryptocurrency trading giant Binance are significantly late in filing statutory company returns, leaving their high-profile directors open to potential prosecution by authorities and the firms being struck off. US chip grants thrown into doubt as Howard Lutnick seeks bigger investment bang for government bucks Plan is to generate tens of billions of dollars in extra investment commitments CC Wei, CEO of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC), left, and Howard Lutnick, US commerce secretary, during an investment announcement in Washington on March 3. Photo: Bloomberg Mackenzie Hawkins and Ian King Thu 3 Apr 2025 at 03:30 US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has signalled he could withhold promised Chips Act grants as he pushes companies in line for federal semiconductor subsidies to substantially expand their US projects, according to eight people familiar with the matter. Trump tariffs will affect 25pc of Irish exports to US, with impact of up to 6bn in next year, Ibec says Irish firms will pay an extra 3.6bn in tariffs US president Donald Trump and his tariff board. Photo: Reuters John Burns Thu 3 Apr 2025 at 20:01 Three-quarters of Irish exports to the United States will not be affected by President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs, according to an analysis by Ibec, the employers lobby group. Podcaster Deborah Frances-White draws on her time in a mind-controlling cult to tell us why we need to remember how to disagree peacefully I approached feminist comedian and podcaster Deborah Frances-Whites book Six Conversations Were Scared to Have with some trepidation. Might I find that, as a fellow feminist, we have different viewpoints and I simply do not agree with some of hers? Yet I swiftly realised thats exactly what Frances-White the co-creator of the long-running UK podcast The Guilty Feminist and author of a previous book of the same name would have wanted. As she writes, she is sure people will disagree with her, and she might even change some of her own opinions in the future. The first of the six conversations, about why we cant have conversations any more, sets out her thoughts on how social media and social change have contributed to difficulties in people communicating. She writes that studies show empathy is both declining and rising, putting this down to people being encouraged to empathise more just with fewer people. Conversation two looks at whether history can have a right side, and takes in issues such as the removal of statues and reassessment of historical figures. These include our own George Bernard Shaw, who espoused views that were both socialist and eugenicist. Conversation three is about gender non-conformity and the so-called transgender debate, and uses the historical treatment of the gay and lesbian communities as a comparison for how things should change. The fourth conversation looks at free speech through the lens of comedy, comparing an awful Jimmy Carr joke about the Roma community to an Saturday Night Live skit about racist jokes to illustrate the difference between punching up and punching down. This is followed by a linked fifth conversation about cancel culture, where she discusses how righting wrongs in public can become theatre and spectacle with a gladiatorial taste for blood in the mouths of the audience. The sixth conversation is about moving forward, or what are we going to do about all this?. The main framework for examining these questions comes from Frances-Whites own background. From her teens into her early 20s, she was a member of the Jehovahs Witness religion, and she refers to this as her time as part of a mind-controlling cult. She is therefore very attuned to anything that she believes might be cult tactics, like shaming people, threats of social isolation, direct attacks and person-to-person strong-arming on ideological grounds and discouraging critical thinking (which Frances-White describes as having a conversation with yourself in your own head.). She believes that some groups within the left and right actually use these tactics. Its a tricky comparison, but she is strong on the flipside to this: the benefits of allowing for nuanced thinking and disagreement within groups. Many readers, as Frances-White acknowledges, will skip straight to the chapter on gender non-conformity. They will discover there that the Australian-born, UK-based author is not a member of the gender critical community in the UK, and relies on history, common sense and empathy to question why people would spread negative views about a minority. She compares how gay and lesbian people were written about in the press just three or four decades ago, highlighting vile sentiments that wouldnt be countenanced today with regards to homosexuality, and yet are seen as acceptable in some quarters when applied to transgender people. Whats most remarkable is how she demonstrates that just a decade ago, around the time the TV series Orange is the New Black made a star out of trans actress Laverne Cox, the sentiment in the UK towards trans rights was much more positive. Chillingly, she presents expert viewpoints showing that the far-right movement is using transgender people as a wedge issue to attempt to overturn existing laws on abortion and same-sex marriage. When it comes to cancel culture, Frances-White has no time for the social media approach of casting people out immediately for their wrongs, but still wrestles with exactly how some people should be held to account for their behaviour. Theres a lot of important teasing out of issues here although a section on narcissism, while interesting, feels a little misplaced. Its a tricky job, to write to a broad audience about these topics, and sometimes the footnotes over-egg the pudding in their attempt not to cause offence. But, to share a conversation with myself, in the books spirit: is it not better to acknowledge a potential issue before it emerges rather than turn off certain readers? The final chapter, rather than being an instruction manual of sorts, hops between subjects in a way that highlights the scale of what Frances-White is trying to achieve. Yet its example of how to apply critical thinking is not only useful but crucial to underpinning the point of the whole book. This isnt a book to skim through: it requires attention, thought and reflection. Sometimes the chapters do jump across topics, and it wont provide you with easy answers. But it will leave you with several points to mull over: that empathy and communication are key to progress; we will not all agree and that is fine; and its OK to interrogate new ideas or beliefs before implementing them in your life. Six Conversations Were Scared to Have by Deborah Frances-White Non-fiction: Six Conversations Were Scared to Have by Deborah Frances-White Virago, 368 pages, trade paperback 23.20; e-book 11.99 Dublin man threatened to expose SF councillor as controller of Antifa online account Craig Fitzsimmons admitted he had no evidence against the councillor and did not make a formal complaint against him when offered the opportunity Craig Fitzsimmons. Photo: Tom Tuite Tom Tuite Wed 2 Apr 2025 at 19:45 A Dublin man posted unfounded allegations about a Sinn Fein councillor and threatened to "expose" him as the operator of an antifascist social media profile that "stalked" Irish people, a court heard. Tenants renting D4 house for nearly 4,000 ordered to pay 31,500 after refusing to accept three price increases Couple would not have objected to hikes if repairs had been carried out The couple lived in the house for 10 years. Stock photo: Getty Amy Molloy Thu 3 Apr 2025 at 03:30 Tenants who had been renting a property in south Dublin for nearly 4,000 a month have been ordered to pay 31,500 in arrears after they failed to comply with three rent increases. A WARRANT has been issued for the arrest of a social media influencer and activist who failed to appear in court on public order charges. Anthony Boyle (33), who is also accused of possession of stolen property, did not come to Dublin District Court today for his non-jury trial because he had a medical appointment. Matriarch of burglary gang released 10 days after being jailed for 18 months Serious criminals freed en masse to alleviate crowding Burglary matriarch was given temporary release from prison just 10 days after being committed to jail Ken Foy Thu 3 Apr 2025 at 03:30 The alleged matriarch of one of the countrys most prolific burglary gangs was given temporary release from prison just 10 days after being sentenced to 18 months. A new book by Irish Independent journalist Robin Schiller and former garda Pat Marry about the killing of Irene White, could help finally fully solve the murder of the mother of three, attendees at the books launch were told. Fine Gael has suspended a councillor from the party after she said the US economy was "ruled by the Jews". At a meeting of Dublin City Council last year, Fine Gael councillor Punam Rane said "the entire US economy is ruled by the Jews, by Israel". She later said on social media that she "completely" withdrew her comments, which were made during a city council meeting in relation to a motion on the Occupied Territories Bill. Ms Rane added: "It was wrong and I fully apologise for it." She has now been suspended from Fine Gael party rights and privileges for 18 months. At the time of the initial remarks, Ronald S Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, heavily criticised Ms Rane. The comments came as Fine Gael leader Simon Harris was due to meet then-US president Joe Biden. Mr Harris, who was taoiseach at the time, described the statement by his party colleague as "absolutely offensive" and called for a "swift and robust" disciplinary process. Asked about the matter during his visit to Washington DC in October, Mr Harris told reporters: "The comments were utterly wrong, absolutely offensive, entirely inappropriate and are fully condemned by me." Fine Gael said its hearing committee determined that Ms Rane's comments amount to misconduct. It said she should be suspended from all rights and privileges of party membership for a period of 18 months. A spokesperson for the party said: "Councillor Rane has also been requested to formally withdraw her comments in writing to the Lord Mayor, to include in that a repeat of her previous apology to members of the Jewish community, and to undergo appropriate training." It is understood the determination cannot be appealed. Ms Rane has been approached for comment. Paschal Donohoe tells CNN all EU finance ministers agreed on need for 'unified' response to changing trade policy Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has appeared on CNN to discuss the upcoming meeting between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and US president Donald Trump. Mr Donohoe has just completed chairing a meeting of EU Economic and Financial Affairs Ministers in Warsaw. He said: The tone that came out of our meeting in Warsaw was a commitment to engage with the United States, to bring certainty to global trade by trying to avoid a path of lower growth, less jobs and higher prices and a determination of all member states of the European Union to approach this negotiation in a unified way and engage in a way that reflects the scale of the economy of the European Union." The European Trade commissioner will travel to the US on Sunday to negotiate tariffs levels with president Trump. Mr Donohoe said: We are willing to engage with president Trump to identify an alternative trade arrangement to where we are at the moment that would cover off many parts of our economy and aim to find ways to lower barriers to trade." While Mr Donohoe did not reveal the propositions the negotiation team will bring forward, he did reference the need to define the status of VAT. He said: There are dangers engaging with negotiations in public given the sensitivity of these issues. But if you look at the issue of VAT, it is an important tax within the European Union and critically treats all goods the same. "I don't accept that VAT in someway differentiates between products that are created within the European Union and products that are brought into the European Union because they tax both of them in the same way." European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has also spoken of the potential for the European Union to tax tech giants such as Meta, X and Facebooks revenue from digital advertising. In response to this Mr Donohoe said: We support the work commission is doing on our behalf, but these are potential countermeasures - we must do all we can to avoid these measures. "The commission has also referred to the need to respond back in a graduated, proportionate , careful manner. However, we must leave all measures on the table and they must be available to use if our negotiations turn out unsuccessful. "We want the negotiations to be successful but accept that in scenarios that things get even harder difficult measures must be considered." He added: I will not spare any effort in reaching an agreement. The EU is not the cause of the global uncertainty that we are now facing." Sarah O'Mahony Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Finance Minister John O'Dowd and First Minister Michelle O'Neill, speaking to media at Parliament Buildings in Stormont, after the Northern Ireland Executive unanimously agreed its budget for 2025/26. Liam McBurney/PA Wire Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking to media at Parliament Buildings in Stormont, after the Northern Ireland Executive unanimously agreed its budget for 2025/26. Liam McBurney/PA Wire A row has broken out within the NI Executive over proposed Irish language signage at the new Belfast Grand Central Station (Rebecca Black/PA). Inset: Liz Kimmins (left) and Emma Little-Pengelly (right) Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister has said the Infrastructure Minister has had a shambolic week and still has questions to answer over a decision to erect Irish language signage at Northern Irelands largest travel hub. Last month, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed plans to install the bilingual signs at Belfast Grand Central Station, following criticism they were not included upon opening. Ms Kimmins said she was "committed to the visibility and promotion of the Irish language" and it was important the station was "reflective of all citizens". However, planned work to install them earlier this week was paused after Translink said there was pending potential legal action. It had previously been reported work had commenced on the signage at the station. However, in an updated statement Translink said: Design work to include the Irish language on physical signage and on ticket vending machines at Belfast Grand Central Station has now stopped pending potential legal action. The options to include Irish language on ticket vending machines would need to be further explored with the supplier. The options could include adding this to the current offering or making a substitute. A row has broken out within the NI Executive over proposed Irish language signage at the new Belfast Grand Central Station (Rebecca Black/PA). Inset: Liz Kimmins (left) and Emma Little-Pengelly (right) This is a shambolic week for the Infrastructure Minister says Deputy First Minister DUP leader Gavin Robinson later said the addition of Irish language signage at Belfast Grand Central Station was not a crisis but a bad process while the TUVs Timothy Gaston told BBCs Nolan Show he had heard first hand about disagreements over the signage. Speaking at a press conference at Stormont Castle this afternoon, Ms Little-Pengelly said the actions from Ms Kimmins were shambolic and that she did not follow the correct process to approve the installation of the signs. This looks and feels utterly shambolic by the new Infrastructure Minister, she has come in, made an announcement that is unclear - is it a direction to Translink? Translink operates Grand Central Station, not the Infrastructure Minister, the Deputy First Minister. The decision to pull out virtually new signs at a cost of 120,000, signs that are a few months old. There was also no consultation with the local community. Its a shambolic week for the Infrastructure Minister and its right I ask questions how this came about, its not even clear what kind of decision this is. The Deputy First Minister also said there are questions the Infrastructure Minister has not yet answered on the issue. We will be taking a look at all the details of all this. It's critically important that if this Executive is going to work, then we must abide by the legal obligations that the ministers have. The Minister ought to have brought this issue to the Executive and still has time to do so. Asked why the issue was not resolved while he was Infrastructure Minister, John ODowd firstly took issues with the questions asked by the press at Stormont. Lamenting he found it surprising the questions were not about the newly announced Budget he added: I did (act), I was preparing the groundwork that Minister Kimmins has taken. Ms Little-Pengelly previously said the move by Stormont Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins did not constitute value for money or good decision-making. First Minister Michelle ONeill said she believed the Infrastructure Minister was right in her actions. I believe the Minister was right, she has made her decision and I think its the right one. People can disagree, we can all disagree and thats alright, but its how we disagree that is important. The Minister put her views and the rationale forward, and I think that stacks up, others disagree, but we'll continue to talk about it. Ms Little-Pengelly continued: I reaffirmed our clear view that this issue is controversial. Therefore, it should have been brought to the Executive Committee for agreement and we will be seeking additional information and considering the way forward. In the meantime, the Minister ought to bring that decision to the Executive in the proper way, in the legal way, for consideration and agreement. ELP She added: All controversial, significant or cross-cutting matters do have that legal responsibility in terms of ministers bringing that to the Executive. That hasnt happened in this case. I think any argument that this isnt a controversial issue is bizarre because I think its very clear out there in terms of the reaction to this that it is controversial. I wasnt satisfied with the answers we got today from the Minister nor in the correspondence she has sent. Therefore we will be seeking further information and, of course, considering the way forward. Elsewhere at the conference, Michelle ONeill said the British government needs to get on with it in reaction to a high court ruling that the government's refusal to hold a public inquiry into the murder of a GAA official is unlawful. Sean Brown (61) was abducted from outside a GAA club in Bellaghy, Co Derry in 1997 and driven to Randalstown, in County Antrim, where he was shot six times in the head. Its ridiculous and cruel of the British Government to put Mrs Brown through this, over and over, she said, "The ruling was made, a public inquiry should be held, and my message to them is get on with it, Mrs Brown has been waiting long enough. Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has expressed concern over the US administration's announcement of a 20% tariff on all EU imports from EU, recognising the potential impact on key regional sectors and emphasising the importance of a measured and strategic response. Cork Chamber President Rob Horgan said the announcement by the US President Donald Trump is very significant for our national and regional economy. Our focus must now be on assessing the impact, supporting businesses and working towards a constructive resolution. We must use our position within Europe and the global trade agreements already in place to our advantage while moving forward with new trade agreements. Mr Horgan added that a measured and coordinated EU response will be critical in managing these developments and Ireland must continue to actively engage in this process to safeguard our economic interests. Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said the level of exposure will vary across sectors and businesses, from large multinationals to SMEs. Measures to mitigate the impact and safeguard jobs must be prioritised. In the short term, continued support for SMEs is essential as they adapt, by ensuring the resourcing of our state agencies and trade sections of our diplomatic corps which will need to play an enhanced role in supporting diversified market access. Mr Healy continued: Additionally, support measures for impacted sectors will be crucial in helping the most vulnerable businesses manage cash flow, restructure operations and maintain employment while developing alternative markets. Irelands attractiveness as a place to live, work, and invest must remain a top priority. Accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure projects and ensuring sustained investment in education will be essential in strengthening our competitive position and maintaining investor confidence, he added. Tariffs are not a constructive tool for economic progress, said the CEO. Now more than ever, we need dialogue, diplomacy and a unified European response that works to de-escalate trade tensions and protect economic stability. Our business community is resilient, but a coordinated and calm response is needed to navigate these challenges and ensure long-term economic stability. This year, 45 community projects will be funded nationally, four of which are in Cork. Some 69,868 funding has been announced for the restoration and conservation of peatlands under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2025. This year, 45 community projects will be funded nationally, four of which are in Cork. Fine Gael North West TD John OShea said: local knowledge, and a sense of ownership are vital to safeguarding our precious ecosystems and species and mitigating the impact of climate change. Community and voluntary groups play a vital role in conserving nature and heritage around the country. Funding provided through the scheme will support these groups to engage their own communities in their conservation efforts and protect their natural heritage for future generations, he said. The scheme is aimed to support local initiatives to revitalise Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and all peatlands areas. This funding is aimed at community-led and volunteer groups and promotes awareness of, and engagement with our natural heritage and environment, concluded Mr OShea. Projects funded through the scheme this year will support the following activities: Cork Convention Bureau (CCB) will hold its annual business events showcase, Keep Cork Meeting, at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Thursday, April 10. The annual business event will bring together key players in the regions conference and events industry. Now in its 11th year, the event aims to strengthen Corks reputation as a premier destination for conferences, meetings, and corporate events. With over 40 exhibitors participating this year including hotels, venues, activity providers, and event companies Keep Cork Meeting provides a unique networking platform for local businesses and event planners. A key feature of this years event is the return of the Conference Ambassador Clinic, designed to encourage more bids for international meetings and conferences. These clinics will advise individuals who are considering bringing a major conference or event to the region of the practical and financial supports available through Cork Convention Bureau and Failte Ireland. Corks business events sector is poised for significant growth. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Cork Convention Bureau has already submitted bids for conferences that, if successful, will bring 3,900 delegates to the city between 2026 and 2027, delivering an estimated 5.7 million to the local economy. Evelyn OSullivan, Manager of Cork Convention Bureau said: The business tourist contributes three times more to the local economy than the leisure tourist and many are now extending their stays by two to four days, which presents a huge growth opportunity. We are here to support anyone looking to bring a conference to Cork with expert advice and practical assistance. Our goal is to inspire local companies to think of Cork first when planning their next corporate event, she added. Keep Cork Meeting will run from 7:30am to 11:30am, offering attendees the chance to explore top-tier business events offerings, from accommodation and unique venues to local experiences and interactive activities. A buffet breakfast, networking opportunities and prizes will also be available. Established in 2007, Cork Convention Bureau is a public-private partnership dedicated to promoting Cork as a business tourism destination, generating opportunities for the region. It operates as part of Visit Cork, which also promotes leisure tourism through the Pure Cork brand. For more information, visit www.corkconventionbureau.com or www.purecork.ie. Pictured at the launch of the River Blackwater Catchment Programme: Orlaith Tynan, Head of Sustainability and Environmental Strategy, Dairygold, Dairygold Milk Supplier, Kevin Twomey, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon with Billy Cronin, Head of Member Services and Engagement, Dairygold on the Twomey family farm, the Blackwater Valley. Picture: Clare Keogh At the launch of the River Blackwater Catchment Programme were Frank OMara, Director, Teagasc, Billy Cronin, Head of Member Services and Engagement, Dairygold, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, Michael Harte, Chief Executive, Dairygold, Orlaith Tynan, Head of Sustainability and Environmental Strategy, Dairygold, Pat Clancy, Chairperson, Dairygold, Anthony Coleman, Director of Shared Services, LAWPRO pictured on the Twomey family farm, the Blackwater Valley.Picture: Clare Keogh A programme to improve the water quality in the River Blackwater catchment area was officially launched on Thursday. The River Blackwater Catchment Programme is a collaboration led by Dairygold, and includes Teagasc and the Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO), as well as with other industry stakeholders such as Dairy Industry Ireland, Meat Industry Ireland, Irish Grain Growers, ABP, Dawn Meats, Kepak, Kerry Co-op, North Cork Creameries and Tirlan on a series of combined projects, actions and activities to engage farmers and processors and implement best farm practices to improve water quality. The three-year programme was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, who said the collaboration between the various industries in the area is great to see. Raising awareness and fostering a collective approach among farmers, processors, and industry stakeholders is crucial to achieving real and lasting change. This programme presents a huge opportunity for all parties involved to play a pivotal role in driving positive and long-lasting change across a huge swathe of one of Irelands most fertile regions, Mr Heydon said. The River Blackwater is 170km in length and has a catchment area that serves over 1,000 homes over approximately 3,310km2. Chief Executive of Dairygold, Michael Harte said improving water quality is key to the success of Irish agriculture. The River Blackwater and its tributaries are an important source of fresh water in the catchment and we believe it is vitally important that we do all we can to protect and enhance it. The River Blackwater Catchment Programme is an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate what can be achieved when we work together, he said. The programme will be underpinned by Teagascs Better Farming for Water campaign which identifies 8 Actions for Change farmers can take to enhance water quality. Frank OMara, Director at Teagasc said: Teagasc is delighted to support the River Blackwater Catchment Programme. A key element of this programme will be the implementation of the Teagasc Better Farming for Water 8 Actions for Change, which provides practical, science-based solutions to help farmers adopt best practices for improved water quality. The programme will also be supported by Local Authority Waters Programmes (LAWPRO) Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP). Director of Shared Services at LAWPRO, Anthony Coleman said: The Farming for Water EIP Project, a 60 million European Innovation Partnership scheme, will provide funding to farmers across the Blackwater and other catchments to implement a variety of measures aimed at improving water quality. We look forward to working with our programme partners and farmers in supporting better sustainability across the River Blackwater Catchment, he added. A proposed social housing development for Innishmore in Ballincollig which comprises 56 new homes has been welcomed by a local councillor. Sinn Fein councillor for Cork City South West, Joe Lynch, has welcomed the publication of a Part 8 planning notice in respect of a new social housing development at Innishmore in Ballincollig; where he has been a lifelong resident. The proposed development comprises 56 new homes, ranging from 4-bed to 1-bed properties at the former site of Topps sweet factory. Cllr Lynch welcomed the proposal for 56 new homes for workers and families in Ballincollig. The number one priority of Cork City Council, given the current housing crisis must be to deliver homes of all types across Cork. This is a welcome proposal which will provide badly needed homes for workers and families in Ballincollig. Bringing the site back into use is something I have been working on from day one of being elected to Cork City Council, said Cllr Lynch. Situated in Innishmore, the estate where I grew up and where I still live, this site is an ideal location for the development of housing. "Many of us will have great memories of the location in question, being the former home of Topps sweet factory. It is a site that has been left vacant for over two decades and is an eyesore in our community frankly, he added. Cllr Lynch reiterated his call for additional investment in the existing community to complement the proposed new development. I have made the case already to senior Council officials that with new homes must come additional investment in the existing community. I will continue to make this case throughout the remainder of planning process and the proposal once finalised will be voted on by Cork City Council. The Sinn Fein councillor said he will be hosting an information evening in Innishmore in the coming weeks to provide more information to existing residents. Existing residents are bound to have questions and queries and I will be hosting an information evening in Innishmore in the coming weeks to discuss matters. I would encourage everyone to attend. "I look forward to engagement with neighbours, residents and other stakeholders over the coming weeks to maximise the community gain from this development; mindful of the need to deliver these badly needed homes for those on the Council's housing list as quickly as possible, he added. Vacancy and regeneration drop-in days will be held in several libraries throughout Cork County in the coming weeks. Cork County Council is inviting owners of vacant, under-utilised and derelict properties in County Cork to attend information sessions about the supports available to them. A series of vacancy and dereliction drop-in days will be held at libraries in Macroom, Mallow, Fermoy, Kanturk, Charleville, Bantry, Bandon, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Passage West, Youghal and Midleton throughout the month of April. Staff from Cork County Councils Town Regeneration Office (TRO) will be available to provide property owners with information about how to avail of grants and other supports to assist in bringing their properties back into use and to answer any queries property owners may have. The Town Regeneration Office and Vacant Homes Office of Cork County Council, work collaboratively across County Cork to identify vacant properties, engage with owners and implement the Derelict Sites Act where necessary. Cork County Council has surveyed 2,823 properties to confirm if they are vacant through its Residential Vacancy Survey. Currently, 123 properties are listed on the Cork County Derelict Sites Register. In addition, over 1,100 Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applications have been approved by the Council across County Cork since the scheme launch in 2022. Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said: These drop-in days will be an excellent opportunity for owners of properties that are in need of improvement to learn about supports available to them and to start plotting a route out of vacancy and dereliction. I encourage owners of such properties in these towns to take the opportunity to get advice about bringing their properties back into use. Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, noted: Cork County Council is focused on tackling the issues of vacancy and dereliction in our towns and is committed to finding innovative and proactive ways to meet the housing needs of the people of Cork County. This initiative will allow owners of vacant and derelict properties to access the information they need to reactivate properties and by doing so, to support the regeneration of our towns and villages, she added. The full schedule of drop-in days for April is as follows: Bantry, Thursday, April 10, 10am to 12 noon; Kanturk, Thursday, April 10, from 10am to 12 noon; Charleville, Thursday, April 10, from 2pm to 4pm; Bandon, Friday, April 11 from 10am to 12 noon; Clonakilty, Friday, April 11, from 2pm to 4pm and Skibbereen on Tuesday, April 15 from 10am to 12 noon. The drop-in days will also be held in Passage West on Thursday, April 24, from 2pm to 4pm, Macroom on Friday, April 25 from 10am to 12 noon; Fermoy on Tuesday, April 29 from 10am to 12 noon, Youghal on Tuesday, April 29 from 2pm to 4pm; Mallow on Tuesday, April 29 from 2pm to 4pm and in Midleton on Wednesday, April 30 from 2pm to 4pm. For more information visit www.corkcoco.ie, email townregenerationoffice@corkcoco.ie or phone 021 4285317. A second round of drop-in days is proposed for additional towns in May. The unstinting generosity of the late John Chris Crowley from Gneeveguilla was celebrated in a special memorial night last weekend. John who passed away on January 30, 2024 left 400,000 to eight charities close to his heart in a will that has been described as 'astonishing and 'unique. This money was handed over last weekend to the chosen beneficiaries, all of whom are delighted with the generosity of the Kerry man. Crowley family members were on hand to hand over the donations from John as his generosity and kindness were celebrated by everyone. Also on hand was his solicitor John Fintan Daly who said he got to know John C Crowley as they discussed the beneficiaries of the will. In nearly 40 years of taking will instructions, nothing comes even close to the generosity of this great man John Chris Crowley. In paying tribute to his memory, those present will never have experienced an event quite like this and he will be remembered with great fondness, he said. Each of the eight charities received 50,000, which was presented to them on the night. They also each gave a presentation on their work to showcase just how important these funds are. The beneficiaries are the development fund of St Joseph's Church Rathmore, Social Action Group CLG, Rathmore, Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone; Cork Branch of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Southern Region of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland, Rathfredagh Cheshire Home, Newcastlewest, Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services, Harold's Cross, Dublin 6 and Children's Hospital Health Foundation at Crumlin Children's Hospital. John worked for Eircom in Dublin and lived much of his life in the capital, returning to his beloved Kerry in his final years. He was involved in charity work all his life in Dublin and now after his death continues helping vital causes. John's family said they are not surprised at his last wishes, as he donated to charities all his life and helped many down through the years. His niece Karen said the donations were a lovely legacy to leave behind. The free HRT scheme should have been implemented in January 2025. The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) say it continues to engage with the Department of Health to address delays in implementing the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) scheme that would provide free HRT treatment to women regardless of their income. The former Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced the completion of the Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Bill in late 2024 when legislation was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill paved the way for state-funded HRT products to be made available from 1 January 2025 to women experiencing symptoms of menopause. The initiative is being supported by 20 million in funding as part of Budget 2025. The scheme has still not been implemented as of early April and is causing frustration for many women as HRT can cost between 30 and 70 per month. The new scheme could potentially save women up to 840 annually. The scheme does not include fees for GP or consultant visits, while HRT is already free for medical card holders representing around 80 per cent of supply. HRT is also available under the maximum prescription threshold of 80 as part of the Drugs Payment Scheme. Yet other prescription requirements mean payments often exceed this threshold. Speaking when the legislation passed in 2024, Minister Donnelly said no one should be financially disadvantaged in accessing healthcare because of their gender and by funding HRT products, the government is significantly reducing the cost burden. But roll-out of the scheme has met with significant delays and is frustrating for women and pharmacy staff, many of whom are having to deal with the fallout from the public. Department officials and the IPU say they are currently working to find a solution to the impasse. When contacted by The Kerryman, a joint statement from the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) stated that extensive engagement is underway with the IPU in relation to the practical measures around the scheme. Once operational, the department will cover any HRT medications and products that are reimbursable by the HSE, which are prescribed for the purposes of alleviating symptoms of menopause. It stated that reimbursement support for HRT medication will be available to participating pharmacies from the date the measure formally begins. However, the department did not specify if women purchasing HRT since 1 January will have payments backdated from the date at which the scheme commences. The Minister and officials in the department are actively engaged on the matter with the goal to introduce this measure as soon as possible, said a department official. Meanwhile, a statement from the IPU outlined its commitment to prioritising womens needs regarding HRT, while ensuring a practical solution for both the state and the pharmacy sector. It cited unresolved issues around secondary legislation to support the system and that pharmacists have not been provided with a list of medications to be covered under the scheme. The IPU say a tested IT system to record who had availed of the scheme and facilitate reimbursement to the pharmacy is not yet developed. The IPU believe the delay rests with the government for not putting necessary measures in place in line with approved legislation. Jack Shanahan of Shanahans Pharmacy in Castleisland said the implementation of a free contraception scheme for women between the ages of 17 and 35 in 2022 provides a workable template for government to follow in terms of the HRT scheme. Its beyond the ken of every pharmacist in the country why they cant do the same for the HRT. There is no clarity on this, he said. Another aspect fuelling the delay is global shortages of HRT. This frequently leads to the supply of workaround medication, which is essentially unlicensed and used as a substitute. The HSE is less inclined to fund workaround medications given its concerns around product liability. This is despite the fact that workaround medication has helped women switch transdermal patches when medication proscribed to them is out of stock. As part of its Brexit strategy in 2019, the UK Government banned the export of certain drugs to EU countries. Included in the list of medicines are hormone replacement therapy drugs that impacted availability in Ireland. Shortages are further exacerbated by the unprecedented demand for HRT in recent years. In response to a Dail question in February, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill acknowledged that the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) on behalf of the Department of Health identified various shortages in dosages of Estradot and Evorel. Its complicated by that but the end result of this is that pharmacists would be delighted to roll it out. Obviously, we need to make sure it works and that we get paid for what we provide. Similar to the contraception scheme, which is a ready-made template, Mr Shanahan said. I think the problem is this scheme was conceived by Minister Donnelly and was neither fish nor fowl. He had this great idea but there is no mechanism to do it as things stand, he added. Regarding an IT system to implement the scheme, Mr Shanahan said if pharmacies knew what was being asked of them they could ensure such a system was in place. No specifications from the department have as yet been passed down to pharmacies. If the department itself hasnt decided what the rules are, how can we be expected to operate the system? There is no rocket science to this. Im really frustrated over it as there is an awful lot of massaging of press releases around it. At the end of the day, its a simple thing to do, he said. In fairness, most women have been very understanding in realising that most things dont run smoothly in officialdom. I think its unfair on the women that have been promised it, and its unfair on the pharmacists. The major issue is there is no technical solution to this at the moment because the department havent brought anything to the table, Jack said. Claire Cronin of Leahys Pharmacy in Tralee said the government must first source a reliable supply of HRT before implementing a free system. She said her customers are understanding of the pharmacys position but are frustrated that the scheme has not been implemented. She stated that any financial burden to a patient, whether it be through the cost of medication, doctors visit, or pharmacist fee can be a barrier to accessing HRT. She said some women are caught between meeting the criteria for a medical card and the cost-of-living crisis where their disposable income is prioritised for other members of their households, whom they care for, such as children, a partner, or older parents. The women of Ireland were promised free HRT and that is not what is being delivered, Ms Cronin said. Community pharmacies have received no direct correspondence about the scheme at all, other than a circular in 2022 advising us of shortages. The plan was announced without engagement and without a translatable or workable implementation plan, she added Ms Cronin said there is a constant shortage of HRT and that by making it free, one assumes demand will go up and add to the scarcity. This is a perfect storm waiting to happen when supply is failing to meet demand. How did they do this when there are shortages of a product? Were having to source HRT that isnt funded, currently, by the HSE under the schemes that are there. You can see a situation where we will have free HRT, but not for the HRT theyre funding because it isnt available. So women will still have to pay, Ms Cronin said. People are annoyed, but they understand we cant run a scheme like this. Weve been hemming together what we can in stocks for people, giving everyone a little bit to try and get them by. Supply is at the core of this. I think most women know it wasnt a well thought out scheme. Why did they [government] do it in half measures? This is of no benefit to people, Ms Cronin added. The news that just one church body has made a serious cash offer towards the 800 million redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes has been branded a slap in the face for survivors. Following two years of talks with seven Catholic bodies and the Church of Ireland, government negotiator, Sheila Nunan, has submitted her final report to Minister for Equality Norma Foley. This report has revealed that only one out of seven Catholic Church bodies have made a serious cash offer towards the redress scheme for survivors, while the Church of Ireland has refused to contribute. Initial government negotiations with religious orders began back in 2021, but fell flat, leading to the appointment of Ms Nunan in May 2023. She was tasked with securing a best and final offer from religious orders within six months. But almost two years later and only one church body has made a serious cash offer. Social Democrats spokesperson on children and equality and Kildare TD, Aidan Farrelly, said the religious orders must be "compelled by the government to financially contribute to the redress scheme. It is astonishing to learn today that not one cent has been handed over by the religious orders complicit in the inhumane treatment and systematic abuse of innocent women and children in these institutions over the course of many decades, said Deputy Farrelly. This is a further slap in the face for the tens of thousands of women and children who were incarcerated in mother and baby homes. On top of the suffering they endured, in recent years they have had to contend with a seriously flawed Commission of Investigation report and an inadequate redress scheme that excluded 24,000 survivors, including those who spent less than six months in a mother and baby home as a child. Clearly, the States softly-softly approach has not worked and, as always, the religious orders will need to be dragged kicking and screaming to the negotiating table." Deputy Farrelly said that given their track record with previous redress schemes, it is clear that these religious orders "would much prefer to pay their armies of lawyers than the women and children they tortured and abused". We have had report after report documenting the crimes of the Church not just in mother and baby homes, but in religious-run schools. When is the State finally going to flex some legal muscle when it comes to these religious orders? Why are these orders not being raided by Gardai and why are their assets not being seized?, he questioned. Deputy Farrelly added that he believes the government are not willing to get tough with religious orders and they must go after them with more than just a begging bowl. The Taoiseach gave a disappointing response when questioned on this issue in the Dail today by my party colleague Cian OCallaghan. His commitment to merely review Sheila Nunans report does not inspire confidence that the government has any intention of getting tough on religious orders. Instead of being held accountable for its abuse of women and children, the Church has been running rings around successive governments for years. What will it take for the State to finally act and go after these orders with more than a begging bowl? In what was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime to reunite with family abroad, a Limerick family are now in the nightmarish process of repatriating the body of their mother from Canada. Lynda Mulvihill and her brother-in-law Stephen Curtin are leaning on the Limerick and wider Irish community as they try to raise money to bring home Maura Heffernan (OGorman), Lyndas mother, after her sudden and tragic death. Maura, 65, of Gortnaglass, Templeglantine, and formerly Kilkee, passed away after suffering a double brain bleed while just a few days into visiting another of her daughters in Canada. The tragedy occurred on March 20, when Maura, who had recently retired from Kostal in Abbeyfeale due to back surgery, collapsed unexpectedly in the morning after having a cup of tea. What followed was a devastating shock, Maura had suffered brain bleeds on both sides of her brain. Doctors explained to the family that there was little chance of survival, and Maura, though initially in a coma, fought bravely for another four days before passing away. Stephen said that despite the severity of the situation, the family and her loving husband Ger, who was at home in Limerick at the time, were left in shock at how fast it all unfolded. She was in such good health. We were all looking forward to spending time together, he said. One minute, she was fine, sipping tea and telling her grandson to go back to bed, and the next, this happens. It was a complete shock. In the wake of her death, the family are faced with a daunting financial burden as the cost of medical care in Canada, coupled with the expenses of repatriating Mauras body to Ireland, has placed them in a difficult position. The bills are astronomical, Stephen stated, as medical fees continue to pour in. One doctor charged $1,200 and he only spent 30 minutes with her. We were then told it would cost from $5,000 per day for her care. Its just overwhelming, Stephen shared. However, the generosity of the community has provided much-needed relief. Lynda set up a fundraising campaign via GoFundMe, and donations have been flooding in from close friends, family, long-lost friends, acquaintances and even strangers. Its been unbelievable. People I havent heard from in years are reaching out and donating. I cant even put into words what this means to us, Stephen said, moved by the support. The Kevin Bell Foundation, which helps families in repatriating loved ones, have been invaluable in helping the family bring Maura home. Theyve been amazing, sending us detailed emails and guiding us through the whole process. Without them, I dont know what we wouldve done, Stephen explained. Despite the overwhelming grief, Stephen cant put into words how appreciative they are of the help theyve received. The Irish community is the best in the world when it comes to coming together in tough times. Weve had donations from people we havent seen in 30 years, and its honestly humbling, he said. People are apologising to me for only donating a fiver, but even a small donation, like a fiver, goes such a long way. Every little bit helps, he added. The late Maura Heffernan (nee O'Gorman) Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 3rd With the family on the cusp of reaching their 50,000 goal, Mauras passing will leave a gaping hole in the hearts of those who knew her. A devoted grandmother, Maura lived for her grandchildren. She had spent much of her time with them, and even her final days were filled with joy as she saw them in Canada. She was so excited to see everyone, especially the grandkids. Thats all she lived for, Stephen recalled fondly. Even when she was in pain with her back, she was always there for them. She was just a really kind, loving and special woman. Maura will repose at Reidy's Funeral Home, Newcastle West, on Thursday, April 3, from 6pm until 8pm and removal will take place from her home on Friday, April 4, before arriving at Shannon Crematorium for cremation at 12pm. Stephens appreciation for the kindness theyve received is ever-lasting. I dont even know how to thank everyone, he said. If I meet you, Ill shake your hand, Ill buy you a coffee, Ill hug you, and I dont care if youre not a hugger, youre getting one! he chuckled. Sligo/Leitrim TD Frank Feighan has urged the Department of Health and the HSE to ensure a successful conclusion to negotiations with pharmacists over the provision of free hormone replacement therapy. There was a commitment in budget 2025 last October to provide free hormone replacement therapy, HRT, for women. In an answer to a Dail question, The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill provided an update and clarification for the house in a reply to members. The Minister acknowledged that it was correct to say that there had not been enough dialogue with pharmacists in the context of the implementation of the scheme. The Minister confirmed that she met the Irish Pharmacy Union twice - in early February and again last week - in order to try to resolve the issues relating to the scheme and make sure that the medication is free. Minister Carroll MacNeill stated: Women are paying in or around 45 to 50 for HRT now. We need to reduce that. There was no provision in the budget last year to pay the dispensing fee, as would often be the case with other schemes. Women on the drugs payment scheme will obviously be covered if they are paying more than 80. Those on medical cards are also covered. We want the cost of the medication to be eliminated and just the dispensing fee to be left. The matter is still under negotiation with pharmacists more broadly to make sure it is workable for them, concluded the Minister. Deputy Feighan welcomed the clarification from the Minister and urged that her department and the HSE would ensure a successful conclusion to the negotiations with the pharmacists. Thanks to a public appeal by Enniscorthy Gardai, a bracelet has been reunited with its owners, who were American tourists visiting the area. Earlier this week, Gardai took to social media to appeal to the public to be on the lookout for the piece of jewellery that was last seen around Weafer Street at 12.30 p.m. They stated that the bracelet was of great sentimental value to the tourist and they were keen on reuniting the item with the owner. They said at the time, that they were aware that there were two women in the area at that time who could possibly greatly assist in their search for the bracelet. In a heart-warming update, they updated social media users on Thursday, March 27, that the owner and the bracelet had been reunited. "The owner of the bracelet, an American tourist visiting Co. Wexford, was extremely grateful to the public for their broad sharing of the public appeal and to Gardai for assistance in returning the item, which was of huge sentimental value to them, a Garda representative said. "We would like to thank the public for their huge response to this appeal, but also in showing that Enniscorthy and Co. Wexford are safe places to visit! they added. A company based in north Wexford has begun a major new chapter recently as theyve announced a 10-year partnership with the Irish Mens Shed Association, aiming to donate up to 500,000 to support Mens Sheds across Ireland. Adman Steel Sheds officially launched this landmark partnership with the Irish Mens Shed Association (IMSA) at a special event in Ballinteer Mens Shed in Dublin. Speaking after the official launch, Managing Director of Adman Steel Sheds Paul Nolan said, "Joining a Men's Shed is more than just joining a group, its about finding purpose and belonging in a supportive community. Theres a real value in the friendships that are formed, and were delighted that our Lean Factory Tour is helping the Mens Sheds go from strength to strength. The launch marked the start of a 10-year initiative that will see Adman Steel Sheds aim to donate up to 500,000 to help build, refurbish, and equip Mens Sheds across Ireland. This funding will be generated through Admans not-for-profit Lean Business Tours, a programme that invites Irish businesses behind the scenes at Admans award-winning manufacturing facility in Gorey. The official launch brought together IMSA representatives, Mens Shed members, local supporters, national media and special guest Eoin Reardon who is a campaign ambassador and well-known advocate for Irish craft and community. The highlight of the day was the handover of a new mobile Mens Shed, which is a custom-built mobile shed on wheels that will now tour the country as part of IMSAs outreach and promotional efforts. Guests enjoyed guided tours of the Ballinteer Shed during the event as well as live demonstrations, and informal chats with Mens Shed members who shared the impact these spaces have had on their lives. Attendees also learned that 25,000 from a Mens Shed Competition Giveaway will be offered to one Men Shed Group later this year, providing funding for construction and fit-out. Spokesperson for the Irish Mens Shed Association, Enda Egan stated, We are so proud of this partnership with Adman. Their foresight and generosity will have a real, lasting impact on our current network and futureproof Sheds around Ireland. There is nowhere else like these community spaces and never have they been more necessary for Mens overall Health & Well Being. We believe every Man should have the opportunity to participate and benefit from a Shed. With over 450 registered Mens Sheds and over 12,000 weekly visitors, the Irish Men's Sheds Association continues to play a critical role in mens mental health and social wellbeing. Annette and Michael O'Sullivan with Gemma Hill at the 'When Kerry came to Wicklow' evening in Templerainey Church, Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Former Kerry residents who made the move to County Wicklow at the 'When Kerry came to Wicklow' evening in Templerainey Church, Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Jack Kane, Muiris OSullivan and Gerry Curran at the 'When Kerry came to Wicklow' evening in Templerainey Church, Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Mary and Mick Dunne at the 'When Kerry came to Wicklow' evening in Templerainey Church, Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Bobby, Tommy and George Dobson at the 'When Kerry came to Wicklow' evening in Templerainey Church, Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Diarmuid O'Connor, Mary Kennelly, Michael O'Connor and Dennis O'Connor at the 'When Kerry came to Wicklow' evening in Templerainey Church, Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Billy O'Brien, Marian Kavanagh and Christy Breen at the 'When Kerry came to Wicklow' evening in Templerainey Church, Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Mick O'Callaghan, Mary Dalton, Jimmy Fitzmaurice and Liam Murphy at the 'When Kerry came to Wicklow' evening in Templerainey Church, Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly The Murphy and Griffin family at the 'When Kerry came to Wicklow' evening in Templerainey Church, Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Descendants from some of the seven families who left Dingle in Kerry for Wicklow almost seventy years met in Arklow recently to share stories of their unique heritage at an event entitled When Kerry came to Wicklow in Templerainey Church. In 1956, farmers in the west of Ireland were having a tough time, with their farms small, their fields scattered and 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. It wasnt an easy move, as 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 Arklow talk, which was free to attend, was given by Muiris OSullivan, Professor Emeritus of Archeology, UCD, who was one of the Dingle children who came to Wicklow. He recalled 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, who was only six years old when she came to Wicklow, said that she didnt understand a word. We were to make our first confession, Kathleen recalled. 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 explained, if Kerry is 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. Noting that the look back at Wicklows Kerry community was held in Templerainey Church, which has recently undergone extensive renovations to combat the damage done by weather over the years, an organiser highlighted that it was done 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, they said. It is hoped that the renovations to the three churches in the parish will mean they can be used for community events like this. From near-death to new purpose, Paul Killen shares how education and support through Wicklow charity Tiglin helped him overcome decades of addiction, reconnect with his family, and find his calling in helping others facing similar struggles A 60-year-old man who battled drug addiction for decades and was once told he had six weeks to live has credited a Wicklow recovery programme for helping him overcome his affliction, reconnect with his family, re-educate himself and, for the first time, letting him see a future where I give back and help others find their way. A testament to the power of education in recovery and proof that learning isnt just about academics, Paul Killens journey is about self-worth, independence, and opening doors to a brighter future. Having fought drug addiction from the age of 14 to 58, a health scare proved to be the tipping point for the father-of-two, who finally committed to his recovery by enrolling in a comprehensive rehabilitation programme with Tiglin, a Wicklow charity that helps people overcome addiction, homelessness and other life-controlling issues. Entering Tiglins rehabilitation centre on the back of years of drug addiction and the chaos it brings, Paul had been encouraged by the charitys head of rehabilitation services, Ger Ganley, to seek help for years, but resisted until his health forced him to face reality. I was hospitalised, my immune system was breaking down, and they told me I had six weeks to live, Paul recalled. I knew then that drugs had taken everything from me my life, my family, my future. It doesnt get any worse than that. The recovery journey at Tiglin Joining the Tiglin Mens Centre in the Wicklow Mountains, Paul engaged in a nine-month residential rehab followed by a seven-month reintegration/aftercare programme. Looking back, he now realises that every element of the programme had a purpose, helping him address not just addiction but the underlying struggles that led him there. Its about working on the problems that brought you into addiction in the first place, Paul added. You stop running and start facing reality. It gives you self-esteem, a voice, and a second chance at life. For Paul, education was once a source of fear and frustration. Like many in recovery, his experiences with learning had left him lacking confidence and feeling disconnected from the classroom, with his undiagnosed dyslexia a key factor. His introduction to education in recovery came while on the Tiglin programme, where South East Technological University (SETU) delivers structured learning programmes to those in Tiglins care. Initially, Paul was hesitant, but decided to join the journey with his peers. As he continued through the courses, his self-belief grew and, what started as a part of the rehab programme, became a pathway to higher learning. When I was growing up, dyslexia wasnt recognised, he continued. But Ive learned that if you give me time and break things down for me, I can understand. The more courses I took, the more confident I became. I recently looked at my CV and couldnt believe how many certs Ive earned. Ive gone from those courses in aftercare to a Level 5 in Addiction Studies, and now Ive been accepted into Level 6 in Key Working and Case Management. Thats something I never thought possible. The critical importance of aftercare support Paul Killen. Paul moved to Greystones to join Tiglins aftercare programme, where he found continued support, education, and responsibility. Recovery doesnt end after residential treatment, he said. The transition back into society is often the most vulnerable stage, and without continued support, the risk of relapse is high. Thats why Tiglins aftercare programme is so vital. It provides structure, accountability, and a bridge to long-term reintegration. Without the aftercare, itd be like going into prison and then straight back into madness. You need something to keep you grounded. A plan, a purpose, and accountability. Through ongoing learning and community engagement, Paul has not only rebuilt his life, but rediscovered who he truly was. From service user to support worker: finding purpose in helping others Now embracing a future he once thought was out of reach, Paul is working with Tiglin, pursuing further education, and helping others who are on the same journey he once walked. When I spoke with my key worker, I finally understood my problem, Paul explained. It wasnt the drugs. It was rejection. I felt rejected from the day I was born. But at Tiglin, I found my voice. I was believed. One day, someone told me I should work with Tiglin and, when I checked, I saw a job opening for a community employment support worker. I applied, got it, and now I choose to be here to help. At the residential centre, you learn to love yourself again. But aftercare teaches you to leave your problems on that mountain and move forward. At the end of all the work, you realise that drugs werent the problem. You were. Pauls journey doesnt stop here. Having travelled to South Africa three times as part of Tiglins outreach work, he now dreams of returning to give back, supporting others through addiction and poverty. Rebuilding family relationships after decades Paul Killen. As Paul explained, one of the most rewarding parts of his recovery has been rebuilding his family relationships and, for the first time in decades, being truly present in his childrens lives. I think thats my thing, helping people, and my goal is to give back, he said. I have my family back. My kids had never seen me clean in their lives. Theyre 33 and 35, but now, Im there for them. Im present. And that means everything. Right now, in the community, Im not Paul the addict anymore. Im just Paul. People dont know my past unless I tell them. And for the first time, I see a future. One where I give back and help others find their way too. Right now, in the community, Im not Paul the addict anymore. Im just Paul Reflecting on Pauls story, a Tiglin spokesperson said that it underscores the fundamental truth that education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of addiction. Tiglins partnership with SETU, now in its third year and backed by 833,333 in funding from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), is expanding access to education for individuals in addiction recovery, they said. By integrating micro-credentials and skills training into the rehabilitation process, Tiglin and SETU are creating a sustainable pathway for reintegration, equipping participants with the tools needed to rebuild their lives. Pauls journey illustrates this impact. For him, education was more than just acquiring knowledge. It was about rediscovering confidence, reclaiming his self-worth, and unlocking a future he once thought impossible. Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady has called on the Taoiseach to immediately reinstate the funding for the upgrade of the N11/M11 that was cut in 2022. The scheme was being developed to reduce congestion between the N11/M50 junction west of Shankill and the N11/M11 junction at Coynes Cross. In 2022, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) confirmed that no grant had been allocated to Wicklow County Council to move ahead with the schemes design, after around 3 million had been spent on the development of the scheme. Speaking in the Dail on Wednesday, March 26, after raising the chronic congestion on the N11/M11 directly with the Taoiseach, and the need for the funding for the project that was cut, Deputy Brady said: The gridlock on the N11/M11 has now reached breaking point, and the governments failure to act is a complete disgrace. This critical road upgrade was included in the National Development Plan 2021- 2030, yet in 2022, the government pulled its funding, despite serious warnings from the National Road Safety Authority and the fact that Wicklows population has grown massively in recent years. The lack of investment in infrastructure, job creation, and public transport in Wicklow has forced thousands of commuters into their cars every single day. They have no choice because the government has failed to provide viable alternatives. "Now, every morning and evening, people are trapped in hours of gridlock, missing work, school, and vital medical appointmentswhile their quality of life continues to suffer. Parents are losing precious time with their children, businesses are losing productivity, and workers are left exhausted before their day even begins. Deputy Brady feels the economic impact on the upgrade delay is impacting on local businesses, and he maintains that the project moves forward after a review of the National Development Plan in July. He added: Businesses across Wicklow and the wider region are suffering from delays, increased transport costs, and a reduced ability to attract investment due to poor connectivity. The governments failure to act is actively damaging Wicklows economy and preventing the creation of much-needed local jobs, forcing even more people into long commutes. Beyond the economic impact, there is a serious environmental cost. Every day, thousands of vehicles sit idling in traffic, pumping unnecessary carbon emissions into the air. The government claims to be committed to reducing emissions and tackling climate change, yet their inaction on this issue is making things worse, not better. Instead of allowing traffic to flow efficiently, they have created a chronic bottleneck that increases pollution and damages air quality for everyone. The Taoiseach has confirmed that a review of the National Development Plan will be completed in July. It is critical that, once this review is concluded, this essential project moves forward without any further delay. Wicklow cannot wait any longer. The government must immediately reinstate the funding they cut in 2022 and deliver the N11/M11 upgrade now. Four Wicklow artists will showcase their wares in Arnotts Department Store in Dublin at the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) Design Ireland pop-up, which boasts a curated selection of 35 Irish designers and makers. Located on the second floor in Arnotts, and open until July, the Design Ireland pop-up features Wicklows Stephanie Sloan, Max Benjamin, Fleur Jewellery and Rebeka Kahn Art, with Rebekah displaying Happiness (part of her PURE Collection), a striking fusion of ceramics and glass. Visitors can explore a wide range of craft and design, including colourful ceramics, handmade scarves, elegant jewellery, and eye-catching prints from the likes of Red Earth Designs, Shock of Grey and Ceadogan Rugmakers, Danu Ceramics and Oxmanstown Skincare. The Design Ireland pop-up at Arnotts showcases the finest of Irish design and craftsmanship, offering an exclusive opportunity for local and international shoppers to explore and purchase from a curated collection of 35 exceptional Irish designers and makers, a DCCI spokesperson said. The Design Ireland collection celebrates makers for their commitment to ethical production and environmental sustainability, making this initiative not only a celebration of Irish talent but also a step towards a more sustainable future in fashion and design. In addition to the beautifully crafted products on offer, the pop-up will host a series of events over the summer, including demonstrations and talks by makers, giving customers the chance to meet the designers and learn more about their creative processes. Wicklow County Council will offer support by providing litter pickers, bags, and gloves to groups in the county. Community groups, schools and residents associations in Co Wicklow are invited to take part in the 26th An Taisces Spring Clean running throughout the month of April. The campaign, known as Irelands largest anti-litter initiative, is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce, in partnership with local authorities, and is supported by the Department of Environment, Communications, and Climate Action. Wicklow County Council has a dedicated spring clean team who will offer support by providing litter pickers, bags, and gloves to groups in the county. Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul OBrien, commented: It is always fantastic to see the strong community spirit and the ambition to make a positive contribution to the local environment from the volunteers who participate in An Taisces national spring clean. The success of the campaign over the past 25 years has been remarkable, and I am optimistic that this year Wicklow will see a record number of people helping to make a positive impact in their local communities. Theresa OBrien, director of services for climate, environment, and amenity, added: We are proud to support the 26th National Spring Clean, which inspires individuals to come together and positively impact the biodiversity of their communities by collecting hundreds of tonnes of litter each year. We hope the 2025 campaign will achieve another year of record success. To request supplies while stocks last, please email SpringClean@wicklowcoco.ie. Is your nighttime skin routine making you look tired? Sarah Caden asks an expert for help Night Repair Therapy by The Skin Diary, 150, The Institute of Dermatologists, Dublin 4; The Centre for Restorative Dermatology, Blackrock, Co Dublin, or see theskindiary.com Basically, your face needs to be tucked in at night. The essential is a good moisturiser that is richer than your day cream, one that will act as a nighttime blanket I wake up every morning with a dry, tight face. Whats a quick fix for this? Unlike during the day, the skin isnt battling pollutants, UV rays, or stress, says Shannon McCreery, national education manager for Ultraceuticals skincare. However, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) also increases at night, so its important to use products that lock in moisture to ensure you wake up with healthy, glowing skin. That tight feeling is usually a sign of moisture loss. It may mean your night cream isnt providing enough hydration or protection. What is the absolute essential of a night routine? Basically, your face needs to be tucked in at night. The essential is a good moisturiser that is richer than your day cream, one that will act as a nighttime blanket, stopping natural hydration from evaporating and remoisturising with appropriate oils. Dont worry about what it looks like think of the sitcoms of old and the women heading to bed with a full face of cold cream its an enveloping blanket for your skin. Basically, your face needs to be tucked in at night. The essential is a good moisturiser that is richer than your day cream, one that will act as a nighttime blanket Trionas skincare saviours Is it a myth or does skin really repair at night? Absolutely, says McCreery. Nighttime is when the body shifts into rest and recovery mode. Since the skin is our largest organ, it needs a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to repair itself just like any other part of the body. When were asleep and our mind is at rest, our skin focuses on regeneration and recovery from the stress of the day. In other words, when your body and brain arent doing a million other things, energy can go in to other organs, like the skin. This is why you should look for products that help to restore and repair while you sleep, and if your skin is still waking up dry, it might be worth trying a small amount of a gentle oil over your moisturiser, almost as a sealant. Nighttime is the ideal time to apply skincare products because the skin becomes more permeable, says McCreery, though she warns against product overload. What about active extras, like retinol and various acids? Incorporating a retinol product before moisturiser is a great step to help regenerate the skin and improve signs of ageing, says McCreery. Serums, facial oils, and overnight masks can be added and can boost hydration, repair, or target specific concerns like dullness or fine lines. Retinol is cited by many experts as the number one active ingredient to use if you want to see actual results and improvement in skin texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and increasing collagen. Acids like glycolic or lactic, used under your moisturiser, are also good in that they remove dead skin cells that impede the absorption, but generally should not be used on the same night as retinol. Try alternating nights one night retinol, one night acids. In what order should nighttime products be applied? Are there any combinations to avoid? McCreery suggest four stages to a basic nighttime routine: Double cleanse first to remove make-up and impurities, then to deeply cleanse the skin. Then use a hydrating mist toner to refresh and prep the skin, helping the next products absorb better. After that, use a retinol serum for skin renewal and anti-ageing and then use your night cream to deeply hydrate and lock everything in. Any tips and tricks for skin that is very sensitive or dry? If you have sensitive skin, its advised to allow skin to dry fully before using retinol, as wet skin is more porous and open to irritation. For very dry skin, which can sometimes become flaky with retinol use, you can always make a retinol sandwich, by putting a layer of moisturiser under and over it. Ultraceuticals Ultra DNA3 Complex Recovery Night Cream, 96, selected salons nationwide, or see ultraceuticals.ie Ultraceuticals Ultra DNA3 Complex Recovery Night Cream, 96, selected salons nationwide, or see ultraceuticals.ie This is a rich night cream that is, maybe surprisingly for its richness, suitable for all skin types, including combination and oily. The DNA stands for Dynamic Night Activator, which is a triple-enzyme complex that includes a ferment to support skins DNA a plankton for hydration and powerful antioxidant. Skin-supporting oils, squalane and damask rose extract are also in the mix. Nivea Expert Lift Cellular Anti-Age Night Cream, 28.99, available nationwide Nivea Expert Lift Cellular Anti-Age Night Cream, 28.99, available nationwide Two types of hyaluronic acid feature in this night cream, which is suitable for all types, but likely to give best results for more mature skin. The hyaluronic comes in micro- and macro-sized molecules, which means they penetrate and are absorbed at different depths, plumping out cells like a nicely stuffed cushion. It also has bakuchiol, which is a more easily tolerated alternative to retinol, making it ideal for sensitive types. Night Repair Therapy Cream by The Skin Diary, 150, The Institute of Dermatologists, Dublin 4; The Centre for Restorative Dermatology, Blackrock, Co Dublin, or see theskindiary.com Night Repair Therapy by The Skin Diary, 150, The Institute of Dermatologists, Dublin 4; The Centre for Restorative Dermatology, Blackrock, Co Dublin, or see theskindiary.com Founded by Irish dermatologist Dr Clare Kiely, The Skin Diary launched here last month, and this is their first product. Keen to develop a powerhouse night cream with minimal irritating elements, the result is a combination of bio-active ingredients, cell-communicating peptides and retinyl-ester, a stable form of vitamin A they say is 20 times more effective than retinol. From Aimee Connolly to the Creaven sisters, our writer on five of the industrys top entrepreneurs I get to meet lots of brilliant women through my work as a beauty columnist. The industry is full of intelligent, creative and clued-in women, from creators to public relations teams and, of course, founders. Of course, there are plenty of men in senior positions in the world of beauty, but I am constantly blown away by the business acumen and creativity of the women behind some of my favourite brands. Aside from liking the women I meet professionally, I love having the opportunity to spend my money on products produced by female-led businesses, and in Ireland, we have loads. Today, Id like to highlight some of them, so you can do the same. Sculpted by Aimee Aimee Connollys Sculpted by Aimee Youd be hard pressed to find a woman in Ireland who doesnt have a Sculpted by Aimee product in her make-up bag, such is the brands success. When you meet the brands founder and CEO Aimee Connolly, you can see why. Her determination, creativity and flair for marketing is incredibly impressive, and her connection with the Sculpted customer base means the brand brilliantly identifies their needs, resulting in excellent products across the board. Vita Liberata Alison Hoggs Vita Liberata In 2003, Alison Hogg had a vision to create a false tan that was fast-drying, faded easily and delivered an authentic-looking colour. Thus, Vita Liberata was born. I came to the brand via Body Blur (34.50 via meagherspharmacy.ie), the brands genuinely brilliant body make-up, which is ideal for taking the edge off pale legs or giving you a last-minute boost for a special event. Hogg sold the business in 2018, but recently bought it back and is taking it to new heights via an expanded range. I met her recently in London and was very impressed by her tenacity, as well as the brilliant team of women she surrounds herself with. I also got a truly excellent Vita Liberata spray tan. Spotlight Oral Care Dr Lisa and Vanessa Creavens Spotlight Oral Care Galway sisters and dentists Lisa and Vanessa Creaven founded Spotlight in 2016 when they identified a need for more accessible at-home whitening options. These days, the brand has several whitening options as well as truly excellent toothbrushes and flossers, toothpaste, and a childrens range that actually gets my children to brush their teeth. Lisa is now based in the US so that she can manage the American arm of the business (their products can be found in Target, CVS and Ulta), such is their success. This is a truly dynamic duo, who would inspire any entrepreneur. Brow Aid Kim OSullivans Brow Aid With over 20 years of beauty industry experience under her belt, and years as an award-winning brow artist, Kim OSullivan was perfectly placed to innovate in the creation of brow products. Brow Aid, her brand, launched just two years ago, but had an immediate impact. Brow Aid products can be found in the make-up bags and videos of celebrities and beauty creators alike, because they are truly excellent. Lost in translation The beauty industry loves to come up with new problems to solve, and in recent years its been busy telling us all that blue light is a problem. This light comes from both the sun and the digital devices we spend huge sections of our lives on. A deluge of new skincare products have arrived promising to counteract the damage this apparently causes, but if you ask me, you neednt worry about it. Use a good SPF every day and youll be fine. Something old Stilas Blush and Bronze Hydro-Blur Cheek Duo Double-ended make-up sticks are relatively common in the beauty industry. Theyre convenient and minimise clutter in a make-up bag, and it makes sense to pair products up so that they can be accessed easily. One such product is Stilas Blush and Bronze Hydro-Blur Cheek Duo (26.40 via boots.ie), which features a cream-gel blush on one end and a creamy-gel bronzer on the other. Available in six shade options, this formula is hydrating and blurring, ensuring that you not only get the impact of colour, but also a glowy finish. While you can use a brush to apply and blend this product, it can also be applied with the fingers, or directly to the face from the stick before gently tapping with the fingers to blend it out. I love the size of this product, which makes it easy to apply with relative precision, and the convenience of being able to pop it into my handbag. ... Something new Trinity I was a little sceptical when I learned that Trinny Woodall was launching a beauty brand back in 2017. I knew Trinny knew fashion, but as far as I was concerned, that didnt necessarily mean she knew about beauty. What I didnt realise then is that what Trinny truly understands is women, and that made her perfectly placed to develop products which filled a gap in the market we didnt even realise was there. From the outset, Trinny Londons products have been effective and easy to use. From innovative packaging which makes it easy to throw products into your handbag and have everything you might need for a top-up, to multipurpose formulas which minimise what you need to carry, each new launch is carefully thought out. The latest, Trinity (44 via trinnylondon.com), is a double-ended, multi-use stick. Available in three shades, each stick has a matte formula on one end and a glowy option on the other, giving you the option to bring colour to your eyes, lips and cheeks, and a glass effect wherever you like. Incredibly handy to have in your handbag or travel make-up case, Im a fan. Steve Coogan arriving at the UK premiere of The Penguin Lessons, at the Curzon Mayfair in London (Lucy North/PA) Steve Coogan used to greet and chat to penguins every day of filming for The Penguin Lessons, describing them as relaxing on set. Speaking at the movies premiere at the Curzon in Mayfair, the 59-year-old actor and comedian said the penguins transformed the energy of the set by making it a serene environment. Dying for Sex: The heartbreaking true story behind Michelle Williams new erotic comedy drama Its the new Disney+ series starring Oscar nominee Michelle Williams thats been hailed as the kinkiest show on TV. But behind the sex is a story about illness, friendship and freedom thats based on a moving real-life podcast Actresses Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate as Molly Kochan and Nikki Boyer in the new Disney+ series Dying for Sex. Photo: Sarah Shatz/FX Saoirse Hanley Thu 3 Apr 2025 at 03:30 Molly Kochans sex stories will leave you in tears either from laughing hysterically or sobbing emphatically. If you listen to Dying for Sex, the six-part Wondery podcast series that chronicles them, or watch the new Disney+ series it spawned, chances are youll experience both. US wont take over Greenland, Danish PM insists during visit Mette Frederiksen promises to stand by territory amid difficult situation created by Donald Trump Denmarks prime minister Mette Frederiksen (centre) poses for a photo with Greenlands incoming prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen (right) and Mute B Egede, leader of the IA (Inuit Ataqatigiit) party, in Nuuk. Photo: Reuters Tom Little and Louise Rasmussen Thu 3 Apr 2025 at 03:30 Denmarks prime minister Mette Frederiksen pledged to support Greenland against US president Donald Trumps expressions of interest in acquiring the Danish semi-autonomous territory as she landed in Nuuk yesterday for talks with its incoming government. A Democrat-backed judge has won a key vote in the US state of Wisconsin marking a big loss for Elon Musk, who threw millions of dollars into the race. The billionaire supporter of US president Donald Trump and his affiliated groups spent over $20m supporting the conservative candidate with the aim of breaking the liberals 4-3 majority on the court. 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. The Rose of Versailles OTT Release Date: It has been more than 50 years since Riyoko Ikedas iconic manga The Rose of Versailles first captured hearts, and now, its much-awaited anime film adaptation is finally here. The film is set to stream exclusively on Netflix from April 30, 2025, bringing this grand tale of love, duty, and revolution to a whole new audience. What is The Rose of Versailles all about? Set in 18th-century France, the story revolves around Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, a noblewoman raised as a man by her father to serve in the royal guard. Strong-willed and fearless, Oscar breathes the complexities of aristocratic life while questioning the rigid rules of society. At the heart of the story is Marie Antoinette, the young and elegant queen who arrives from Austria to take the throne of France. As she steps into a world of luxury and politics, she finds herself stuck in the desires and expectations of the court. Then theres Andre Grandier, Oscars loyal childhood friend and confidant, whose love for her runs deep but remains unspoken. Hans Axel von Fersen, a charming and intelligent Swedish count, also plays a key role in this tale, weaving himself into the fates of Oscar and Marie. The Rose of Versailles cast and crew Directed by Ai Yoshimura (Ao Haru Ride) and written by Tomoko Komparu (Kimi ni Todoke), The Rose of Versailles stays true to the original story while giving it a fresh and modern touch. The animation is handled by MAPPA, the studio behind hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, ensuring stunning visuals that bring 18th-century France to life. The films music is composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto. The cast features some of Japans finest voice actors. Miyuki Sawashiro voices Oscar, Aya Hirano portrays Marie Antoinette, Toshiyuki Toyonaga gives life to Andre Grandier, while Kazuki Kato takes on the role of Hans Axel von Fersen. The film also features an incredible supporting cast, including Shunsuke Takeuchi, Takuya Eguchi, and Miyu Irino. For the unversed, when the manga was first published in 1972, it became a sensation in Japan, selling over 20 million copies and even inspiring stage adaptations by the famous Takarazuka Revue. Do you think this Netflix adaptation will live up to the expectations of its OG admirers? Write @indiatimes. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. In the Thursday, April 3 episode of General Hospital, tensions rise as secrets are exposed, alliances shift, and characters are forced to make life-altering decisions. Sasha Gilmore Corbin finds herself caught in an emotional storm, grappling with an issue that directly involves Jason Morgan. Can they find mutual and agreeing ground, or will their differences push them further apart? Sasha confronts Jason over his decisions Sasha is not her mother, West Coast. Did Sidwell get more than he bargained for with the expecting mother? An exciting, new #GH starts RIGHT NOW on ABC! @SofiaMattsson1 pic.twitter.com/ErOtfrBEhH General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) April 2, 2025 Sasha is deeply troubled by recent choices Jason has made, and Jason, sensing her unease, reaches out to help. However, Sasha makes it clear that Jason himself is at the heart of the problem. This sparks a crucial conversation about their future, especially after Jasons recent decision to modify his will to include Sashas baby. As she processes this, Sasha may question what it means for her independence and their evolving relationship. Drews threats and Curtis suspicions shake Port Charles On the other ground, straight in Port Charles, Drew Cain takes a menacing approach with Portia Robinson, warning her that she could face serious consequences if she doesnt abide by his demands. At the same time, Curtis Ashford grows suspicious when Kai Taylor drops hints about a hidden agenda, which could be connected to Drews unexpected offer to fund his surgery. Carlys tough choice and Sonnys growing distrust Carly Spencer is faced with a difficult decision after Jack Brennan lays out the harsh realities of their relationship. With secrecy and judgment from others looming, Brennan asks Carly if she is truly prepared for what lies ahead. Later, Carly reconnects with Lucas Jones, and the two share an honest discussion about their complicated love lives. Over at Wyndemere, Jenz Sidwell presents Sonny Corinthos with an intriguing offerhe claims to have valuable information on the person behind a recent attack. However, Sonny remains skeptical of Sidwells true motives. If Sonny senses deception, he wont hesitate to issue his own threats, making it clear that betrayal comes with consequences. As the characters struggles and emotional turmoil unfold, General Hospital fans wont want to miss a single moment of this dramatic episode. Will Sasha and Jason resolve their issues, or is this just the beginning of a deeper rift? Fans will have to tune in to find out. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The CBI recently announced its decision in the Sushant Singh Rajput case, ruling it as a suicide and dismissing allegations of "poisoning and strangling." Following this, Sushant's then-girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty, who faced an intense and unforgiving media trial, has once again come into the spotlight. Her friend, Nidhi Hiranandani, reflected on the turmoil Rheas family endured, emphasising that the "damage can't be undone." Nidhi shared that, at first, there was disbelief - no one could understand where all the accusations were coming from. She recalls how devastated Rhea and Showik were. Indrajit and Sandhya had always treated Sushant like family, and he had done the same. "What Rhea went through was unprecedented," she said, adding that it was painful to see their lives being torn apart. "The family wanted to handle everything with grace, they just wanted it to end." She also recalled how they desperately sought support, but "nobody wanted to speak for us." Instead, there was a growing wave of hatred that many were quick to follow. "Nobody cared about the truth, they just needed someone to hate. Rhea became the scapegoat." Speaking about Riya's brother Showik, she mentioned that at just 23, he was preparing for his CAT exams and had secured admission to top colleges. However, due to the ongoing case, he couldn't attend. "He had to grow up overnight. From a boy, he became a man who now wants to rebuild his life and bring stability to his family. He lost his youth, his carefree days." "Rhea lost her career, she couldn't do any films. So much was taken from them," she added. Sushant Singh Rajput case: All that happened Late actor Sushant Singh Rajput | Credit: Pinterest 34-year-old Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020. Initial reports pointed to suicide by hanging, with the Mumbai police launching an investigation. His post-mortem confirmed death due to asphyxia, with no signs of foul play. In July 2020, Sushant's father, KK Singh, filed an FIR in Patna against Rhea Chakraborty and her family, accusing them of abetment to suicide, financial fraud, and other charges. He claimed Rhea had siphoned off Rs 15 crore from Sushant's account. The Enforcement Directorate then launched a money laundering probe, questioning Rhea and her brother, Showik. Soon after, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested Rhea in September 2020 for allegedly procuring drugs for Sushant. She was accused of being part of a Bollywood drug network. Rhea spent 27 days in Byculla Jail before being granted bail by the Bombay High Court in October, which ruled she was not part of any drug syndicate. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to AASRA at 91-22-27546669 for immediate assistance. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Did you know that the WWE legend John Cena was diagnosed with skin cancer? Well, recently, John Cena, actor and WWE icon, has opened up about his skin cancer diagnosis. The WWE star, to make people aware of the importance of wearing sunscreen, shared his own story. According to People, the 47-year-old American actor and professional wrestler grew up in Massachusetts in the 1970s and 80s and never knew the concept of wearing sunscreen. But later, when he moved to Florida, 'he fell in love with the sun' but 'neglected' to protect his skin and use sunscreen. When John Cena was diagnosed with skin cancer While revealing this, he said that he was stubborn and he didn't want to have a routine, and he thought the problem would never affect him. "And its one of those things where I had a ton of exposure with minimal protection, and it caught up with me, said Cena. Well, the People report went on to highlight that it was during one of his routine check-ups that he discovered that he had a cancerous spot removed from his right pec. It wasnt until I went to a dermatologist and got a skin checkup and had a cancerous spot removed from my right pec, John Cena said, adding, A year later I went back and had another spot removed close to my right shoulder It shows up like a white polka dot on the side of my chest and my shoulder. If you watch WWE, youll be able to see them, he said. Credit: X Importance of sunscreen: Know why it is a must After the diagnosis, Cena is also now the face of a sunscreen brand with SPF 70. In the report, he also quoted that after the removal of his first cancerous spot on Cena's chest, there was another. He said, If you watch WWE, you will be able to see them. Skin cancer came as a shock to John Cena, but what is the connection between skin cancer and sunscreen? Failure to use sunscreen can raise the risk of skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can harm the DNA in skin cells, causing mutations that can lead to skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, says Dr.Shrey Srivastava, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, Sharda Hospital. Extended and unguarded sun exposure to the sun's UV rays adds up over time and increases the risk considerably. UV rays produce sunburns and premature ageing and compromise the skin's natural defences, making it more vulnerable to cancer, adds Dr. Srivastava. Sunscreen | Credit: Pexels Symptoms of skin cancer Sunscreen works as a shield, filtering and deflecting these cancer-causing rays, and prevents cell damage. Daily use of sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) can lower the risk of skin cancer and other sun-induced skin problems. Signs of skin cancer usually involve an alteration in the appearance of moles or skin lesions. Alteration may involve uneven edges, colour changes, or enlargement. Itchiness, bleeding, or crust formation surrounding a mole might also be signs of skin cancer. The basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the most common forms, and melanoma is the most lethal, explains Dr. Shitij Goel, HOD-Dermatology, Sharda Hospital. Preventive tips for skin cancer Preventive advice includes frequent use of sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF, Dr. Goel suggests, Protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses, and staying in the shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Avoid tanning beds, and check your skin frequently for strange moles or changes, getting medical attention if any are found. Annual check-ups with a dermatologist are also strongly suggested for early diagnosis. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, a 212-kilometre-long highway, is nearing completion and is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Uttarakhand. But, a single house in Mandola, near the Delhi-Ghaziabad border, has become a major roadblock in its progress. The house, originally owned by Veersen Saroha, has been at the center of a legal dispute since the 1990s when the UP Housing Board attempted to acquire the land. Why is the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway delayed? Most landowners took the compensation and gave up their land, but Saroha refused and went to court. He got a legal order to stop the land from being taken. Even after many years, the fight over the land is still going on. In 2024, his grandson, Lakshyaveer, took the case to the Supreme Court. Now, the case has been sent to the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, which will hold a hearing on April 16 (as per TOI). Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Legal battle over land acquisition After Saroha passed away, the legal fight continued. In 2024, his grandson Lakshyaveer filed a petition in the Supreme Court, claiming that the UP Housing Board did not have the right to transfer the land to the NHAI. The Supreme Court has now referred the case to the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, with a key hearing scheduled for April 16, 2025. How important is the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway? The expressway plans to reduce travel time from Delhi to Dehradun to under 2.5 hours. A key stretch of the road, from Akshardham to Baghpat via Loni, includes a 20-km elevated section for smooth travel. The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway project is expected to boost tourism, trade, and development in the region. Even though there is a delay, most parts of the Delhi-Dehradun expressway are ready for use. Entry and exit points are available through the completed ramps. Supreme courts decision on April 16, 2025 The Supreme Court has asked for a speedy resolution, considering the importance of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. The upcoming hearing on April 16, 2025, will determine whether the expressway can finally open. Until then, one house in Ghaziabad remains the biggest roadblock in completing this major infrastructure project. FAQs 1. Why is the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway delayed? Answer: The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway project is delayed due to a legal dispute over a house in Mandola, Ghaziabad. 2. When will the Supreme Court decide on the Delhi-Dehradun expressway opening? Answer: The Supreme Court will hear the case on April 16, 2025. A final decision is expected soon after. 3. How will the Delhi-Dehradun expressway benefit travellers? Answer: The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway will reduce travel time to under 2.5 hours, making travel between Delhi and Uttarakhand faster and smoother. 4. What is the length of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway? Answer: The Delhi-Dehradun expressway is 212 km long, stretching from Delhi to Dehradun. 5. Which areas will the Delhi-Dehradun expressway cover? Answer: The Delhi-Dehradun expressway will connect Delhi, Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Shamli, Saharanpur, and Dehradun, providing better connectivity and faster travel. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Google Gemini can now create Ghibli: Imagine only a few clicks to bring Studio Ghibli's magic to life! Google Gemini can help if you've ever wanted to make amazing anime-style artwork without ever picking up a paintbrush. You can now create Ghibli-style anime art for free without any artistic talent, thanks to AI-powered creativity! This application can easily turn your thoughts into beautiful graphics, whether you're going for a dreamy Spirited Away style or a whimsical My Neighbor Totoro-inspired setting. This tutorial will teach you how to fully utilize Google Gemini's AI capabilities and produce captivating anime-style artwork in a matter of easy steps. Are you prepared to infuse your masterpieces with Ghibli magic? Let's get started! What is a Studio Ghibli? Based in Koganei, Tokyo, Studio Ghibli is a well-known and celebrated Japanese animation studio. In 1985, it was established by producer Suzuki Toshio and animators and directors Takahata Isao and Miyazaki Hayao. The business has gained international recognition over the years for producing top-notch animated feature films with hand-drawn characters. Ghibli's name is derived from an Arabic term from Libya that describes a scorching desert wind. Ponyo, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and Kiki's Delivery Service are a few of Studio Ghibli's most well-known productions. Soft pastels and subdued colour schemes, as well as the painstaking attention to detail in their human figures, are characteristics of their animation style. Google Gemini's role in making Ghibli Users can obtain Ghibli-inspired graphics for free with Google Gemini. The platform's artistic images are produced using Imagen 3 AI technology. The process of turning photographs into anime art involves a few simple steps that anyone may follow. How to create Ghibli using Google Gemini? Use Google Gemini 2..5 Pro (Experimental) to create Ghibli | Credit: Google Gemini 1. Make use of Google Gemini 2.5 Pro Create Ghibli using Google Gemini | Credit: Google Start by installing the Google Gemini app to your smartphone or going to Google Gemini in a web browser. Be sure to use a Google account to log in before creating any photographs. 2. Adding a Picture You can add any picture | Credit: Google Gemini From the menu, choose the upload option (shown by a camera icon or a paper clip). To get the finest effect, use a clear picture of a person, pet, or scenery. For the greatest results, utilize high-quality photos. 3. Enter a Prompt Now you can add a prompt | Credit: Google Gemini Write a prompt in your Google Gemini 2.5 Pro that includes all of the elements that must be included in the picture. For instance, "Transform this photo into a Studio Ghibli-style anime with soft pastel colors, dreamy backgrounds, and whimsical details." Details such as "a serene lake at sunset" can improve the outcome. 4. Continue to Create the Picture After composing the prompt to your satisfaction, please send it to Google Gemini 2.5 Pro and watch as they do their magic. The further instructions will likely result in a better photograph. 5. Save and Share Here is the final Ghibli image | Credit: Google Gemini You may either long-press the image on your mobile device or right-click on it on your desktop to save it. Get fantastic positive feedback when you post your fantastic Ghibli-inspired artwork on social media! For the latest and more interesting tech news, keep reading Indiatimes Tech. After jet-setting across India for work, Priyanka Chopra is back in the US, and let us just say, her welcome party was way cuter than any red carpet moment! The global icon took to Instagram Stories to share a picture of her much-awaited reunion with her little munchkin, Malti Marie. Priyanka Chopras homecoming hits the feels In the sweet snapshot, Priyanka and Malti can be seen locked in an affectionate gaze, radiating pure joy. Priyanka, dressed in a chic all-black outfit, looked every bit the stylish mama, while Malti stole the show in an adorable floral dress. With a simple caption, "Home" and a heart-eyes emoji, Priyanka summed up a thousand emotions in one post. Look at Malti Maries adorable reunion with mom Priyanka Chopra | Credit: X Malti Marie is the real star of this reunion If there is one thing we know about Priyanka and Nick Jonass daughter, it is that she has already mastered the art of stealing the limelight. The little one is often seen accompanying her parents to concerts, vacations, and even Hollywood events, but this time, it was all about an intimate mother-daughter moment that melted hearts across the internet. Priyanka Chopras Jaipur diaries were a whole mood Before reuniting with her baby girl, Priyanka was soaking in the grandeur of Jaipur. The actor was in Rajasthan for a project with BVLGARI, and while she was there, she made sure to indulge in everything royal. From admiring the stunning Hawa Mahal to reminiscing about the legendary Maharani Gayatri Devi, she was in full nostalgia mode. She also treated herself to a grand Rajasthani thali, because let us be real, no trip to Rajasthan is complete without feasting like a queen. And in true desi fashion, she even ditched the glam for a no-makeup selfie, posing in front of a regal portrait of the Maharani herself. Whats next for Priyanka Chopra? Priyanka is not slowing down anytime soon! She is all set to star in SS Rajamoulis much-anticipated film alongside Mahesh Babu. She is also gearing up for Heads of State with Idris Elba and John Cena. And if that is not enough, fans will see her playing a 19th-century Caribbean pirate in The Bluff. Oh, and did we mention Citadel 2? The series has been pushed to spring 2026, but trust us, the wait will be worth it! In a bizarre step by the US government, President Donald Trump's administration has imposed a ban on romantic and sexual relationships between government staff in China and Chinese citizens. This new policy is introduced amid Trump's ongoing imposition of 'Liberation Day' tariffs on different nations. According to the Associated Press report published on Thursday, April 3, 2025, the directive applies to diplomats, family members, and contractors with security clearances, which was introduced back in January by departing US Ambassador Nicholas Burns, just ahead of his exit from China. The decision comes amid the ongoing disputes over trade, technology and global influence. Policy prohibits any romantic or sexual relations between American staff and Chinese citizens As per the report, the ban covers United States missions in mainland China, including the embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Shanghai, Wuhan, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The ban prohibits any romantic or sexual relationships between American personnel and Chinese citizens. Additionally, the ban also extends to family members and contractors who have access to sensitive information. However, interestingly, the new policy does not apply to the US personnel who are placed outside China. But what about the American personnel with pre-existing relationships Well, those with pre-existing relationships with Chinese citizens may apply for an exemption, and if there is any denial, it would force them to end the relationship or quit their post. Meanwhile, such a policy existed, and it has not been announced publicly but was communicated internally to the US personnel in January. This indicates that the relationship between the US and China is quite strained. Xi Jinping | Credit: X The Cold War is on! The steps taken by the US government are out in the open now. While the new ban is a sign of the Cold War era. The condition is quite similar to the restrictions which were enforced on US personnel in Soviet-controlled territories and China. During that time, the US government imposed stricter rules on diplomats to prevent spying activities. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. South Korean actor Oh Young Soo, known for his role in Netflix's hit survival series Squid Game, is facing a potential one-year prison sentence for forcibly molesting a woman in 2017. This comes after the prosecution sought prison time during his appeal trial, following a suspended prison sentence in his first trial. Prosecution seeks maximum sentence in Oh Young Soo's appeal trial According to a Chosun Biz report, during the 87-year-old actor's appeal trial at the Suwon District Court's 6th Criminal Appeals Division, the prosecution requested the maximum sentence, emphasising the severity of the crime and his 50-year career in the theatre world. The prosecution argued that Oh's actions, which included hugging and kissing a female theatre troupe member without her consent in 2017, were particularly damning given his position and power. They also highlighted that the victim, whom they described as a 'promising newcomer, has now forgiven him. Credit: News1 "The defendant is a veteran who has worked in the theatre world for 50 years, and this is a serious matter where he sexually assaulted a promising newcomer to the theatre world," the prosecution said. The prosecution added that "the defendant has not been forgiven by the victim and is instead claiming that the victim is making false statements." "The victim is living in fear in her daily life, including at work. Please impose a severe sentence," they stated. Oh's lawyers continue to downplay the victim's allegations Oh Young Soo's lawyer, in their final statement, argued that the victim's testimony, the only evidence against the actor, is inconsistent, lacks specificity, and contradicts itself. The lawyer emphasised that the testimony goes against common sense and experience and is further disputed by third-party testimonies. He said, "The first trial seems to believe that the guilty verdict was due to the apology message the defendant sent to the victim. When 'Squid Game' became a topic of conversation, I was suddenly asked to apologise, which was shocking for me, but I apologised formally so as not to harm the actors and producers." "The defendant, having lived for 80 years, has committed no crimes and believes theatre is his calling, having solely engaged in theatre activities. He has lost everything due to this incident, but please allow him to restore his honour and finish his life on stage," they noted. The prosecution, however, has requested a one-year prison sentence. The court's verdict is scheduled for June 3, 2025. Oh Young Soo in Squid Game Credit: X Oh Young Soo played the role of Oh Il Nam, also known as Player 001, in the first season of Squid Game in 2021. His character was initially presented as an elderly man with a brain tumour and dementia, but it was later revealed that he was the creator and host of Squid Game. His character died in season 1; hence, he did not return for the later parts. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood, keep following our coverage here. US President Donald Trump's imposing a tariff policy, at least a 10 percent duty on about all goods entering the United States, has left other countries by storm. In connection with India, Trump announced a 26 percent tariff on the country, along with a host of other nations. The US president announced the White House on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. While announcing the tariff rate on India, Trump said the India tariff regime was 'very, very tough'; along with this, he also acknowledged that the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is his 'great friend.' The 78-year-old POTUS mentioned, "India very, very tough." While saying this, he referred to PM Modi's recent visit to the US and PM Modi's meeting with Trump. "India very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left and is a great friend of mine, but you are not treating us right. They charge us 52% and we charge them almost nothing," says Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/hJWWpzzLiU Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) April 3, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump's friendship The friendship between the two global leaders is well-known to everyone. During Trump's speech at the press conference, he referred to PM Modi's recent visit to the US and his meeting with him and a host of other key figures in his administration, including White House senior advisor and tech billionaire Elon Musk. President Trump said, referring to PM Modi's recent visit, "The Prime Minister just left and is a great friend of mine, but you are not treating us right." He continued saying, "They charge us 52 percent, and we charge them almost nothing..." Credit: X Donald Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs at only half the rate The announcements made by Donald Trump on 'Liberation Day' had no country-specific exclusions as he announced new tariff rates for over 180 countries. However, he imposed the reciprocal tariffs at only half the rate other countries charge on US products. But still, this was enough to shake the unsettled market. But what does reciprocal tariff mean? What is a reciprocal tariff? The US president on Wednesday announced a 10 percent tariff on all import items but even higher ones for dozens of trading partners, including countries like China, India, and the European Union. Well, Trump's approach to 'reciprocal' trade is like a tit-for-tat strategy to rectify the trade imbalances by imposing higher tariff amounts. Here's a complete chart of countries and tariffs imposed on them China: 34% European Union: 20% South Korea: 25% India: 26% Vietnam: 46% Taiwan: 32% Japan: 24% Thailand: 36% Switzerland: 31% Indonesia: 32% Malaysia: 24% Cambodia: 49% United Kingdom: 10% South Africa: 30% Brazil: 10% Bangladesh: 37% Singapore: 10% Israel: 17% Philippines: 17% Chile: 10% Australia: 10% Pakistan: 29% Turkey: 10% Sri Lanka: 44% Colombia: 10% Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has embarked on a nationwide tour to reconnect with voters, starting in Kozani, following months of political turbulence. Mr. Mitsotakis aims to strengthen ties with local communities and highlight his governments achievements, focusing on regions facing economic challenges. In Kozani, he addressed the region's economic transition after Greece's lignite power plant phase-out and participated in the Public Power Corporations (PPC) investment plan presentation. The tours are part of a broader effort to rebuild credibility and address voter concerns, particularly in areas like Western Macedonia, where the closure of PPC units has disrupted the local economy. His team is planning a schedule of visits in the coming months, emphasizing production and reconstruction programs. Recent polling data suggests a slight recovery for the government. A Marc survey indicates New Democracy has recovered some losses, polling at 28.6%, still leading Zoe Konstantopoulous Plefsi Eleftherias by 12.4 points. Mr. Mitsotakis remains the publics preferred prime minister, polling at 30.2%, followed by Ms. Konstantopoulou at 13.8%. Mr. Mitsotakis also addressed internal party debate over pay raises for security forces, emphasizing his administrations commitment to supporting all social groups. He indicated upcoming economic announcements at the Thessaloniki International Fair will expand beneficiaries, including correctional officers. With a long road ahead, Mr. Mitsotakis is betting that direct engagement with the public can help his government regain lost ground. By Yiannis Kantellis iefimerida.gr PASOK-Movement for Change (KINAL) presented its housing policy 'GenRent' at the Art Factory in the southern suburb of Tavros on Thursday. The event consisted of the policy's presentation by coordinator of the programming team Lefteris Karchimakis, and a discusssion on the program between PASOK-KINAL leader Nikos Androulakis and scriptwriter Panagiotis Markezinis. Karchimakis spoke of young men and women who "cannot leave their teenage room, the room of their childhood years" because they cannot afford rents. "Four in ten Greeks cannot pay their rent at the end of the month," he noted, while couples find it difficult to live together and raise a family. He also criticized the government for what he called disjointed regulations and a serious absence on checking the market and on not utilizing the power of the state and local governments to resolve the issue. The six main pillars of the party's housing policy consist of the following: 1. The Social Cohesion and Family Ministry should set up a Housing Directorate that will do, among others, research on the housing situation in Greece and work with the Finance Ministry or any relevant agency on limiting rent increases in pressure zones or impose a specific rental rate for homes that do not fulfil basic qualities of housing; setting up an Office of Renters' Ombudsman; and having the Directorate work with local organizations to plan and build social housing. PASOK also outlined the actions the Finance Ministry could carry out, suggesting measures such as suspending the Golden Visa programs (which provide foreign investors with visas for Greece) in pressure zones. 2. Founding a Public Real Estate Management Company (REMC) that will be under public control and build, renovate and supervise 40,000 social housing units for low- and middle-income levels and vulnerable groups, prioritizing young employees and young couples. 3. Establishing a program 'Renovate-Economize-Contribute' for public companies and local governments in which the REMC renovates local government properties, allows REMC to collect rents for 15 years, with tax relief, and then turn them over to local government for further use. 4. Abolishing the Golden Visa program (which grants visas to foreign nationals for investments in Greece) on islands, urban centers, and Evros. It also recommended changes in the Angel (Investors) Visa. 5. Lowering taxes on individual taxpayers' incomes resulting from home rentals up to 120 square meters, under conditions. 6. Incorporating in legislation housing (a room) for each staff member in tourist housing of a certain size, and forbidding their use for other purposes. iefimerida.gr Defense Minister Nikos Dendias told Parliament the overhaul will be built around a planned air defense system called Achilles Shield, primarily aimed at addressing tensions with neighboring Turkey In an interview with the Dutch newspaper NRC, he was asked how many years it would take for Greeces GDP to return to pre-crisis levels. Governorship candidate for the 2024 Edo State election, Asue Ighodalo, has insisted that he will be heading to Court of Appeal to challenge the verdict affirming Monday Okpebholo as governor. Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had reported that the states Election Tribunal on Monday, dismissed Ighodalos petition against the victory of Governor Okpebholo on Wednesday, in Abuja. A three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, said that the PDPs candidate case lack merit and failed to present competent witnesses to substantiate the claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act. Advertisement READ MORE: Edo Gubernatorial: Tribunal Upholds Okpebholos Victory, Dismisses Ighodalos Petition Addressing newsmen in Abuja, after the judgment, Mr. Ighodalo called on supporters and other party faithful to keep the peace and seek the rule of law in their fight for justice. He said: I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a huge travesty of justice. This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy, the preservation of our collective right to freely determine our future, and the legacy we leave for generations unborn. As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding in the aftermath of this Judgement. However, let it be clear: this is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the peoples mandate freely conferred on my running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and I are on the platform of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has affirmed Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of September 21 governorship election in the state. In a unanimous judgment, the three-member panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, on Wednesday in Abuja, dismissed the petition filed by Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. The court ruled that Ighodalo and PDP failed to prove their allegations of over-voting and upheld that the partys governorship candidate secured the highest number of valid votes. Advertisement The tribunal also criticised the manner in which the petitioners presented their evidence, stating that it did not sufficiently support their claims. Recall that PDP and Ighodalo took Governor Okpebholo to tribunal, arguing that the election did not follow the rules set by the Electoral Act of 2022. In their petition, marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, they claimed that Okpebholo did not win the highest number of lawful votes. READ MORE: Edo Gov Tribunal Dismisses Action Alliances Petition Against Okpebholo, APC They also accused INEC of not properly numbering and pre-recording some sensitive election materials, which they said allowed for rigging in favour of the APC. The PDP and Ighodalo further alleged that the results in 765 polling units were wrongly calculated. They brought 19 witnesses and submitted evidence, including 153 BVAS machines used in 133 polling units. They claimed that votes were manipulated at collation centres, leading to over-voting in Okpebholos favour. In its judgment on Wednesday, the tribunal stated that the petitioners did not provide enough evidence to prove their case. The panel emphasised that petitioners must prove their cases with solid evidence rather than rely on weaknesses in the opponents defence. The tribunal also dismissed their claim that Independence Electoral Commission did not follow proper procedures in handling election materials. It pointed out that none of the BVAS machines presented were turned on to prove that the number of votes recorded in the disputed polling units exceeded the number of accredited voters. The tribunal concluded that even if the votes the petitioners disputed were removed, Okpebholo would still have won the election. Some yet to be identified gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers have killed one Godwin Anuka while his wife and two underage children were released after a ransom payment in Ubulu Uku, Delta State. In a post shared by Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilisation to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Harrison Gwamnishu, via his Facebook page, disclosed that Mr. Godwin was killed in the presence of his wife and children. Gwamnishu noted that the kidnappers had abducted two persons on March 23, 2025 and took them into the bush while demanding ransom. Advertisement READ MORE: Delta Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 In Rivers He added that, while the criminal elements were hiding in the bush with the two abducted victims, they saw the deceased alongside his wife and two underage children working on their farm. Harrison disclosed that the Chairman of the local government mobilised military men to carry out a rescue operation, but after a ransom was paid, the kidnappers released some of the abducted persons. He added that Mr. Godwin was shot dead in the presence of his wife and children. Harrison said: The Ubulu-Uku Central Vigilante team and the Nigerian Army mobilised by the Aniocha South LGA Chairman, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, and the Ubulu-Uku Palace made an effort to rescue them. Yesterday, after a huge ransom was paid, the kidnappers released Chibueze, Mr Afam, late Godwins wife, and two children, and we were told that Mr Godwin was shot and killed right inside the farm in the presence of his wife and children. Four passengers were injured when fire broke out on a ferry at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Thursday. The ferry, which was carrying 19 passengers, caught fire under unclear circumstances, leading to panic among those aboard. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other first responders quickly arrived at the scene, successfully evacuating the passengers and preventing the fire from spreading further. Four individuals sustained varying degrees of injury and were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Advertisement Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, passengers and commuters have been advised to remain cautious while using water transport services in the area. In a statement issued by the Lagos State Waterways Authority Public Affairs Unit on Thursday, it was revealed that: The Lagos State Waterways Authority confirmed a fire incident occurred at approximately 6:45 am today at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu, involving the LAGFERRY vessel, Igbega Eko, with 19 passengers onboard which was en route to Victoria Island. Upon receiving the distress call, LASWAs emergency response team swiftly mobilized to the scene, working in close coordination with LAGFERRY, other boat operators and first responders to manage the situation effectively. We are pleased to report that all passengers and crew on board were evacuated safely, though four passengers suffered minor injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. We are currently conducting thorough preliminary investigations into the cause of the incident, collaborating with LAGFERRY and other stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive assessment. Safety is our utmost priority, and we are committed to implementing any necessary recommendations to enhance fire prevention measures throughout the Lagos waterways. LASWA assures the public that all safety protocols remain intact and ferry operations are proceeding as scheduled. We encourage all passengers to stay calm and adhere to safety guidelines while enjoying our waterways. We will provide further updates as investigations progress, the statement concluded. A retired police officer, yet to be identified, is said to have died by suicide after killing three people, including two family members, in Yovoyan community, Badagry, Lagos State. According to PUNCH Metro, the incident, reportedly tied to a long-standing land dispute, took place in the early hours of Tuesday. The victims who died have been identified as Richard Atideka and Latevi Atideka, both from the Yovoyan community, and Muji Onilude from the neighbouring Gberefu community. Advertisement It was learnt that the deceased, along with some unidentified assailants armed with weapons, stormed the premises of Richard and Levi at midnight, entered their rooms, and shot them. READ MORE: 10 Arrested As Police Dismantle Internet Fraud Training Centre In Lagos A source from the community, who wished to remain anonymous, said the former police officer carried out the act around 2 a.m. The deceased visited the home of the family members around 2am where he perpetuated the act. He was said to have shot Richard and Latevi with a gun before he escaped from the scene. In a separate attack, the ex-police officer reportedly went to Oniludes house, where he also shot him dead. Oluyide is not a member of the family, but he was also shot by the ex-officer shortly after killing his two family members. Though according to a report lodged at the police station, members of the community confirmed to have heard sounds of gunshots at midnight. The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained but there are claims that there had been some disagreement over a land belonging to the family. Although, the said land is currently a court matter. the source disclosed, the source added. The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating that the perpetrator took his own life after carrying out the act. Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the command, told PUNCH Metro that the ex-police officer allegedly consumed a poisonous substance, lost consciousness, and was subsequently taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The man who is the suspect in the incident is dead. He killed three people and allegedly took poison after committing the act. He was thereafter rushed to the hospital, where the doctor confirmed him dead. His corpse and those of whom he killed have been deposited in the morgue. Hundeyin also stated that the case has been referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiry. Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has extended hand of unity to the states opposition groups following his victory at Edo State Election Tribunal in Abuja. Okpebholo appealed to Mr. Asue Ighodalo of Peoples Democratic Party, to set their political differences aside in developing the South South State. The Governor also called on all citizens to join hands in the spirit of unity and work together for the progress of Edo State. Advertisement Okpebholo led this out in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Wednesday. He said: The Governor calls upon all citizens, including the opposition and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, to join hands in the spirit of unity and work together for the progress of Edo State. READ MORE: Edo Gubernatorial: Tribunal Upholds Okpebholos Victory, Dismisses Ighodalos Petition It is time to put aside partisan differences and focus on the common goal of building a better future for our State. This victory is not mine alone, but a victory for every citizen and resident of Edo State. It is a mandate to continue the work we have started, to build a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We remain committed to our promise of good governance, transparency, and inclusive development. The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains focused on delivering on its campaign promises and will not be distracted by frivolous litigation. The administration is committed to serving the people of Edo State with dedication and integrity. Recall that a three-member panel headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Ighodalo, against the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election. In its judgment, the panel ruled that the petitioners failed to call competent witnesses to prove the allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, has commended the people of Uromi for their role in rescuing 11 out of 27 travellers affected by the recent crisis. However, Ikhilor strongly condemned the killing of 16 individuals, describing it as unacceptable. He emphasised the need for peace and justice, urging all parties to embrace dialogue to prevent further violence. According to him, Okpebholo has chosen the path of de-escalation to restore stability in the region. Speaking in a television interview on Wednesday, Ikhilor revealed: Before we came in, things were dire. Illegal vigilante groups were operating unchecked. Just before the election, the Inspector General of Police suspended them after an incident where a vigilante shot and killed a police officer at the airport, he said. Advertisement He explained that vigilantes involved in the Uromi incident were part of a previously suspended group that operated under the last administration. The government had begun profiling and retraining them under the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law before the tragic incident occurred. For over 100 years, Uromi has been a gateway between the South and the North, and an incident like this has never happened before. The timing raises important security questions, he added. Governor Okpebholos administration has been proactive in security reforms: Procured over 75 brand-new Hilux vehicles for security agencies. Supplied power motorcycles for operatives to chase bandits out of forests. Successfully rescued a kidnapped traditional ruler in Uromi within 48 hours. Ikhilor accused political actors of spreading misinformation to stir unrest. For example, a 2021 video of women protesting against kidnappings and rape in Uromi has resurfaced and is being falsely circulated by opposition figures as a recent event. The SSG emphasized that Governor Okpebholos visit to Kano was critical in preventing a national crisis. Many may not fully understand this, but anyone familiar with Nigerias ethnic dynamics will appreciate the significance of his actions, he said. During the visit, the governor met with: Kano State Government officials, Leaders of ethnic minority groups, including Igbo and Yoruba communities. These groups expressed gratitude, recognizing that his intervention helped prevent reprisals and ensured the safety of millions of Edo indigenes in Kano. Ikhilor called on Nigerians to acknowledge the lives saved, not just those lost. An unidentified man has lost his life in a road accident along the Gbongan/Ife expressway on Wednesday. The lone truck accident was reportedly triggered by brake failure, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The truck, which was carrying packs of non-alcoholic drinks, spilled its contents following the crash. Advertisement Another passenger in the vehicle sustained injuries and was swiftly taken to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife, Osun State, by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, who responded to the accidents distress call. READ MORE: 10 Arrested As Police Dismantle Internet Fraud Training Centre In Lagos Adeyemi Sokunbi, the Osun Sector Commander of the FRSC, issued a statement on Wednesday warning against speeding. Sokunbi also advised the motoring public to always make sure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on any journey. Drivers should also shun excessive speeding. Providing more details about the accident, the statement partly read, Vehicle involved, 1, model, truck, nature of the road traffic accident, fatal, cause of the road traffic accident, brake failure. Number of people involved, 2, number injured, 1 male adult, number killed, 1 male adult. The Injured Victim was rushed to OAU Teaching Hospital, Ife for treatment, while the dead body was deposited at the hospitals mortuary. The Ogun State Police Command has increased security measures around the Sagamu interchange on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. This decision follows reports of armed robbery attacks and killings in the area. The police aim to enhance safety and protect travelers within the area . In a statement made available to news men on Wednesday, the command spoke person, Omolola Odutola had this to say . Based on an assessment conducted by the State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, revealed illegal trading activities and the presence of touts. Advertisement A criminal hideout was discovered in the surrounding bush where three suspects were arrested. As part of these measures, personnel from the Quick Response Squad, OP Mesa, and Mobile Police Squadrons 71 have been strategically stationed at key locations, including under the bridge, at the roundabouts, and along the inward and outward routes of the four intersections. A two-hour assessment of the area conducted by the Commissioner of Police revealed illegal trading activities and the presence of touts. Earlier in the day, a criminal hideout was discovered in the surrounding bush at the interchange and three suspects were arrested. Thereafter, an immediate disbandment of illegal trading activities under the interchange bridge was carried out. To further enhance security at the interchange the Commissioner of Police has engaged members of the transport Union to redirect traffic towards well-lit and secure areas. While Ogun State remains relatively peaceful, the police command urges citizens to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to criminal activities. Veteran actor Segun Arinze has shared details about his previous disagreement with fellow actor Emeka Ike, explaining that they have since made amends. In an interview with QEDNG, shared on YouTube Wednesday, Arinze discussed their disagreement, which originated from a leadership issue within the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in 2009. Segun highlighted the significance of letting go of past grudges, saying, Emeka Ike is a fine actor. We still talk; we laugh about those things. It doesnt change the fact that he is a fine actor. Advertisement READ MORE: I Encouraged Phyno To Rap In His Native Dialect Konga The conflict ended naturally. We were not quarrelling. It was just about the position. Thats why I left the position. He also had other things to do. Then time and chance happened. And we are growing old. He is my friend, and we are cool. Ive asked him to go for lunch or dinner whenever he is around. What are we having enemies for? The work I am doing is enough of a burden. Hate is a burden. Travel light. How long do you have to live in the world? You want to carry it on your shoulders? What do I need that animosity for? Watch him speak Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has welcomed Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the 2023 Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mbah commended Edeoga for prioritizing unity over rivalry, emphasizing that politics should not be a do-or-die affair. He noted that Edeogas return aligns with the PDPs commitment to reconciliation and governance centered on the people rather than personal ambition. Edeoga, in turn, endorsed Mbah as the popular choice of Enugu State, stating that he has fully aligned with the governors leadership. The move signals a strengthening of political unity in the state, as both leaders called on their supporters to embrace collaboration for the progress and development of Enugu. Advertisement Receiving Edoega in his office on Wednesday, in the company of party leaders led by the state party chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Mbah said, Welcome back home. The symbolism of your action is a mark of the enduring bond that runs in our party. I am indeed very delighted to have you back to rejoin your family. What we are witnessing today is a result of fence-mending consistent with the philosophy of our party the imperatives of reconciliation. It is also a demonstration on your part that politics is not a do-or-die affair; that what we are currently doing in Enugu State appeals to you and you believe that it is working for the interest of the people and you have taken that decision to say, Look, let us join hands together and serve our people. I commend you greatly for making such a courageous bold step. The lesson for us is quite profound, as it shows that the common denominator even when we express our aspirations on different political platforms, is all about the people and making them the centerpiece of our ambitions. So, we will embrace you with our arms wide open. You are going to be treated as a member of PDP, which we know you are indeed. We look forward to working with you in the service of our people. Edeoga, on his part, commended Governor Mbah for making his return possible, describing it as a paradigm shift from politics of animosity and winner takes all to politics of empathy and people-centred development. I thank Your Excellency for overseeing the process that has culminated in my return to the PDP and my visit to your office. It is easy to downplay what has happened. But something like this has not happened in the annals of politics in Enugu State. I commend your wisdom, I commend your empathy, I commend your mental sagacity. What has happened here today will effect a paradigm shift in the way politics is played in Enugu State. It will no longer be winner takes all or politics being seen as a hostile or brutal activity. It has restored politics as just a contest of ideas and visions. These contesting visions were thrown open to the public and the people of Enugu State have made their choice, which I completely align myself with. Politics should be played without bitterness; it should be played without animosity and as much humanely as possible. Once the victor has emerged, the next thing is governance. The governance is ongoing and it is going very well. When it is time for politics, people are free to pursue their dreams. For now, it is time for governance. Anyone, who feels annoyed or deeply angered that Edeoga has taken this step of faith, I believe with time, they will align with the superior wisdom of those who are their leaders. Leadership comes with responsibilities and one of these responsibilities is to take a step of faith. Again, thank you for making my return to the PDP possible. I recommit myself to the ideals of PDP. As much as possible, I will work to ensure that PDP becomes victorious going forward, he said. Bailey McKenna had worked a year of landscaping jobs and weekend shifts at a local pub to earn the money for repairs to his dirt bike, paying his mechanic in installments. Finally, on Nov. 14, 2016, the 18-year-old high school senior from Northeast Phillys Holmesburg section had the last of the cash in hand. He asked his older brother, Liam McKenna, for a ride in his truck so they could retrieve the red Honda. But Liam was tied up at work. He couldnt wait, Liam McKenna said. He was so excited that he paid it off, that he went down there and got it. On the way home, Bailey McKenna ran into a group of teens on dirt bikes, recognized a friend in the group, and began riding with them. Then, a police car turned on its lights and sirens. The teens sped off. Officer Joseph Wolk chased McKenna for at least five blocks up Torresdale Avenue even though a Philadelphia police directive strictly limits pursuits, allowing them only to prevent imminent danger or to capture a suspect fleeing a violent felony. Briefly, Wolk seemed to lose sight of McKenna after he peeled off down a side street. Then, as the officer approached an intersection, he spotted the teen coming from the opposite direction. Wolk swerved his SUV across McKennas path a technique not allowed, according to a Philadelphia police directive, under any circumstances. They crashed, and McKenna flew off his bike and into a parked car. The impact left the teen brain-dead. For 10 months, his parents and brother took turns sleeping by his bedside. On Sept. 24, 2017, McKenna died. Then, in 2019, Wolk spotted another teen on a motor scooter. The 18-year veteran of the police Highway Patrol unit again gave chase. And, again, the outcome was disastrous. Wolk, who remains on the job, has been in a department-leading 10 crashes that a police review board deemed preventable, and has been retrained at least six times, according to police records. An Inquirer investigation found his record is just part of a larger police accountability crisis in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania fueling hazardous and unnecessary chases and disproportionately endangering kids. The Pennsylvania State Police, which employs fewer officers than Philadelphia, accounts for about 10 times the number of pursuits. Combined, the city and state police departments represented the majority of the nearly 900 pursuits in Philadelphia and its collar counties last year. Across both departments, officers who became involved in disastrous, high-speed chases faced few consequences. The investigation, based on an analysis of thousands of court dockets, city and state police records obtained under Pennsylvanias Right-to-Know Law, and interviews with current and former police officers, found: Roughly half of all reported chases by Philadelphia police are not justified under the departments policies. The number of pursuits has been on the rise in recent years, but Philadelphia police receive no training on pursuit tactics. More than 180 Philadelphia police officers have each caused four or more preventable crashes in their careers contributing to more than $2 million in repair costs, and $20 million in crash- or chase-related settlements since 2020. The department rarely disciplines police for unjustified pursuits or repeat crashes, and has never revoked an officers driving clearance. A majority of pursuits in Pennsylvania were in response to summary or traffic offenses. Only 3% of state police pursuits over the last four years yielded convictions for violent felonies or gun crimes. Teens and young adults are at the greatest risk. Drivers ages 15 to 24 were chased, and killed, at more than triple the rate of older drivers in Pennsylvania. Last year, at least 130 teens and young adults in Pennsylvania were involved in pursuits that ended in crashes. States across the country have been reckoning with the high price of police pursuits, which are estimated to end in crashes at least 30% of the time and to kill more than 500 people per year. In 2023, the Police Executive Research Forum, a membership group of national law enforcement leaders, called for limiting pursuits to responding to violent offenses. Brian Higgins, a former New Jersey police chief and an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said many jurisdictions are trying to identify chase policies that balance the relative harms to public safety: Is [the alleged crime] that serious that its worth [potentially] killing innocent civilians over? Unlike many states, Pennsylvania has no law defining reasonable cause for a pursuit. The state requires departments simply to maintain a written policy. That leaves each of Pennsylvanias 1,200 police departments with broad discretion in setting policies and no oversight. While Philadelphias policy forbids chases under most circumstances, the Pennsylvania State Police gives troopers much more leeway. Both departments are undertaking significantly more chases than they were before the pandemic. A Philadelphia Police Department spokesperson blamed the COVID-era surge in violent crime for that increase, and said the department investigates every crash for policy violations. A state police spokesperson said the department is continuously evaluating its policy for safety concerns. But, he added, jurisdictions across Pennsylvania rely on state troopers to assist with suppressing violent crime, particularly in areas where local pursuit policies restrict their ability to conduct proactive enforcement. Since 2021, police pursuits in Pennsylvania have left at least 59 people dead and 1,500 injured; almost half of those deaths, and nearly two-thirds of the injuries, involved state police. Drivers ages 15 to 24 are 50% more likely than older drivers to die in a car crash. But they are nearly three times more likely than older drivers to die in connection with a police chase, an Inquirer analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data found. The most common age for drivers fleeing police in Pennsylvania is 18, state data show. More than one-third of drivers in pursuits are under 25. One reason is that young people are more impulsive than adults and less adept at evaluating risks, said Laurence Steinberg, a Temple University professor and an expert on adolescent brain development. They are more likely to engage in reckless acts because they are more influenced by their belief that there would be positive consequences which, in this case, would be getting away, he said. Being together with peers further amplifies risky behavior, he said. When young drivers were arrested by state police, they were twice as likely as older drivers to be accompanied by one or more passengers. Terence Jones, a former Philadelphia police officer who runs an advocacy organization, Total Justice, said chases were a routine part of his job as an officer, and seemed like an important tool to rein in the lawlessness on city streets. He rethought the practice after realizing most of the drivers he was chasing were just kids. Youd be surprised how many didnt technically commit a crime, Jones said, or they took their moms car without permission. In the case of 15-year-old Ryan Miller, the pursuit began after Wolk saw the teen driving his scooter on the wrong side of the road, according to a deposition. Wolk did not respond to repeated interview requests, and the department declined to make him available to answer questions. Ryan was an eighth-grade student who loved anything on wheels, according to his father, Neal Miller, and he aspired to work as a mechanic. But Wolk testified that he was concerned that the teen was either intoxicated or suicidal: I just seen disaster coming. Thats why I took action to stop him. Wolk pursued Ryan Miller for about a half-mile, twice swerving his car into Ryans path. In Liam McKennas view, Wolks tactics exposed the public to more danger. The fact that they kept him on and it happened again theres no words. Its unreasonable. Its ridiculous, McKenna said. He [treated] his car like a battering ram. High speeds, minor crimes Last spring, 17-year-old Tyjana Motley was six months pregnant and craving a taste of freedom. Shed been in the house for five months, said her mother, Octavia Motley. She was strict because she didnt trust her daughters friends. I didnt want anything to happen to the baby. But on April 24, Tyjana Motley told her mother she was going out, no matter what. The teen piled into a Ford Taurus with six other young people, and cruised from Philadelphia to the Brinton Lake shopping center near the Delaware County suburb of Glen Mills. What Octavia Motley didnt know was that several passengers were on probation for crimes including robbery and receiving stolen property. They parked, but then noticed a gray sedan cruising past, and grew wary. They got back into the car, and 20-year-old driver Isaiah Miller hit the gas. The sedan was an unmarked state police car. A trooper tried to pull them over. But Isaiah Miller sped off. Thats when Octavia Motleys phone rang. It was Tyjana. She just said he was going too fast, and that she wanted to get out of the car. Her daughter sounded terrified, she said. She was confused about why the police were chasing her. Under a Pennsylvania State Police policy that allows troopers to pursue whenever a driver does not stop as directed, no matter the reason for the initial stop, troopers undertook pursuits more than 1,300 times in 2023. By comparison, New Jersey State Police engaged in just 126 pursuits, in part due to an effort there to curtail chases and reduce injuries. More than two-thirds of the Pennsylvania state trooper pursuits were in response to alleged traffic violations, or other offenses normally dealt with by writing a ticket. And an Inquirer analysis of court dockets found that surprisingly few pursuits yield criminal convictions. Since 2021, only about one-third of state police pursuits resulted in a conviction of a driver or passengers for a misdemeanor or felony. But about a quarter of those convictions were for offenses related to fleeing rather than for any underlying crime. (Those figures exclude summary and traffic offenses, and any relatively low-level cases accepted into diversion programs and subsequently expunged.) About 6% of all state police pursuits eventually yielded a conviction for a felony other than fleeing police mostly intoxicated driving, car theft, or aggravated assault. But chases for low-level charges can carry a high cost. About 30% of pursuits in Pennsylvania result in crashes. (In New Jersey, where policy limits dangerous driving maneuvers and the circumstances under which pursuits are permitted for instance, ordering officers to terminate pursuits if they have the drivers identity and could make an arrest later just over 10% of pursuits end in crashes.) State police pursuits have caused more than $24 million in damage since 2019. The state has also paid out more than $15 million for crash-related lawsuits in the last several years. More than half that stemmed from a single incident, when state police in Bristol spotted a 17-year-old and chased him. The teen wound up crashing into a car carrying a woman and five children, all of whom suffered serious injuries. More lawsuits involving high-speed state police chases are pending, including one filed by the family of a Lancaster County woman, Alicia Whisler, who was killed while driving her child to school in 2022, and another by a Norristown man who survived a crash in 2023. A spokesperson said that Pennsylvania State Police investigate all crashes that result in death or serious injury but that the outcomes are considered personnel matters and cannot be disclosed. Officers in the state polices Troop K Media station, who chased Isaiah Millers Taurus, conducted the most pursuits of any unit over the last four years. Media was also alone among state police units in pursuing suspected shoplifters, dockets show. The troopers did so at least 11 times since 2021. In February 2024, Media troopers spotted a car carrying four young adults alleged Lululemon shoplifters and chased that car until it crashed. A few months later, according to news reports, police suspected Tyjana Motley and her friends of having shoplifted from Lululemon as well. According to a lawsuit Octavia Motley and others filed, one trooper rammed the Ford Taurus full of teens with his police car. A door swung open as a backseat passenger tried to get out. Then Isaiah Miller accelerated and the door slammed shut. The Ford sped down Route 322 in a 70-mph chase. Octavia Motley knew little of that as her daughter screamed into the phone for help. She heard a horrible crash then silence, and then sirens. The car had collided with a concrete bridge embankment. Ikeam Rogers, 20, Ka-Lyn Billups, 21, and the driver, Isaiah Miller, all died in the crash. Tyjana Motley was rushed to the hospital, where doctors performed an emergency C-section. But neither she nor her unborn son survived. Unjustified pursuits, scant discipline Compared with the wide discretion afforded state police, Philadelphia police may pursue suspects only in limited circumstances. As a result, they report engaging in fewer chases under 150 a year. Of the reported pursuits, the Philadelphia Police Department concluded only around half were justified. Yet, unjustified pursuits rarely lead to discipline, U.S. District Judge Mitchell Goldberg noted in a 2016 case: Despite finding dozens of pursuits each year to be unjustified, in the five years preceding the injury the Department sustained only six findings that officers violated [the directive]. Some pursuits are not formally reported, court records show. In 2020, when Philadelphia Officer Christian Kane took off in pursuit of a suspected drug dealer, his partner misled police dispatch about the chase, an internal investigation found. The chase ended when the suspect crashed into another car, killing a 47-year-old mother of four, Virgen Martinez. In 2017, another officer, Dwayne Merrell, also failed to notify supervisors of a six-mile chase that ended when the 17-year-old suspect struck a woman and child in a crosswalk leaving them unconscious, according to court records. The total number of reported crashes involving Philadelphia police was about 500 annually between 2019 and 2023, injuring a total of around 750 officers and civilians. Not all of those were pursuit-related. But almost two-thirds of the crashes were preventable, according to the departments Safety Review Board. The records show that the board recommended discipline in only about 30% of preventable crashes. In many cases, officers were soon back behind the wheel. Merrell, for one, was driving again in 2020, when he got into his seventh preventable crash in 11 years. Officer Marc Peterson had been in four crashes and retrained eight times when he chased an alleged stolen car in 2019. The fleeing car crashed into a postal worker, crushing his legs, according to a lawsuit the city settled for $250,000. A department spokesperson said Kane, Merrell, and Peterson all received retraining, but did not specify what that entailed and declined to make the officers available for interviews. Kane declined to comment, and the other officers did not respond to requests for comment. The department has never stripped an officer of driving clearance, the spokesperson said, but sometimes sends a supervisor to ride along as a form of retraining. That was the case for Officer Anthony Jann who in 2020 ran a stop sign and collided with a passing SUV, injuring two people, according to a lawsuit the city settled for $325,000. He was then in another preventable crash in April 2023. That May, a 22nd District sergeant got into the car with Jann to ride along on a routine patrol. Then, Jann pursued a suspect, went the wrong way down a one-way street, collided with the fleeing vehicle and crashed into a nearby home. The crash left the sergeant with a fractured spine, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it. Nearly two years later, the sergeant has not returned to active duty, the department spokesperson said. Jann, who remains on the job, did not respond to a request for comment. Higgins said many officers still associate chases with good police work that can lead to apprehending violent felons. Despite knowing the risks, he said, there is always this is other voice: Why are they running? Some Philadelphia police officers blamed the departments strict chase rules for enabling a culture of lawlessness, particularly with dirt bikes. No early warning system The Millers house rules were clear: Ryan Miller was not allowed to ride his Yamaha scooter on the street. But on a sunny May afternoon in 2019, the teenager rolled his scooter out onto Tacony Street and took off. Then Wolk spotted him driving the wrong way, and chased him through the residential neighborhood. Twice, Wolk swerved his SUV into the path of Ryans bike. Each time, Ryan managed to evade him. Then a tow-truck driver joined the chase. (Though not permitted, that is not unheard-of, according to Jones, the ex-cop and activist who, like Wolk, worked Highway Patrol.) As Wolk dropped back, the tow-truck took the lead. Moments later, Ryan sped through a red light and collided with a tractor-trailer. He was killed instantly. Wolk initially told investigators there had been no pursuit, according to court records. Neal and Donna Miller, Ryans parents, went door to door, collecting surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses, to piece together what happened to their son, Neal Miller said. They would not learn about Wolks driving record until later. Higgins, the former New Jersey police chief, said departments should have an early-warning system to flag officers involved in multiple crashes. Four collisions, he said, would be a lot for a veteran officer over the course of a career. And depending on the severity of the crash, discipline should range from extensive retraining to reassignment, desk duty, or suspension. But the Philadelphia Police Department does not provide any tactical pursuit training, let alone retraining. For patrol driving, the sole on-road training test at the Northeast Philadelphia police academy involves navigating a winding obstacle course with traffic cones in a parking lot. Retraining includes refresher courses on policy and occasional supervised shifts. A police department spokesperson said disciplinary and retraining recommendations are case dependent and declined to elaborate on specific outcomes. In pursuing Ryan Miller, Internal Affairs concluded, Wolk violated multiple directives. It is not clear if he faced any discipline. The Millers sued the city and Wolk. In the deposition, Wolk said he had been involved in about 10 pursuits. He expressed regret over Ryans death particularly that he had almost stopped Ryan, but that he had gotten away. Wolk wished he would have tackled him so all this would have never happened. But the city argued it was Ryans own recklessness, not Wolks pursuit, that caused the crash. A federal judge dismissed the case, finding the Millers did not show Wolk intended to harm Ryan. The Millers are now appealing that decision. The person that killed him is still walking free, Neal Miller said, so how do you grieve? Staff writer Chris A. Williams contributed to this article. A letter from Trump's administration Thursday that states are being asked to submit on behalf of schools says "the use of certain DEI practices can violate federal law." Read more The U.S. Department of Education instructed state education agencies Thursday that to continue receiving federal funding, they have 10 days to certify that schools are complying with antidiscrimination laws and have no illegal DEI practices. A letter released by the department cites the U.S. Supreme Courts decision striking down affirmative action in college admissions to argue that school diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives a repeated target of President Donald Trumps are racially discriminatory. Advertisement When state education commissioners accept federal funds, they agree to abide by federal antidiscrimination requirements, said Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights. Unfortunately, we have seen too many schools flout or outright violate these obligations, including by using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI. A number of Philadelphia-area school districts have equity initiatives in place. Heres what to know about the latest threat from Trumps administration to pull funding over DEI, and how schools have been responding. What does the letter say? The certification letter that states are being asked to submit says that Title I funding awarded to states to distribute to schools with significant shares of students in poverty is conditioned on compliance with federal antidiscrimination laws. Pennsylvania received more than $670 million in Title I funding in 2021. Any violation of Title VI including the use of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) programs to advantage ones race over another is impermissible," the letter says, threatening to cut funding for any state or local education agency that continues to use illegal DEI practices. It also threatens the potential initiation of litigation for breach of contract by the Department of Justice to recover previous grant money, and says anyone who submits a false certification could face liability. What other threats has Trump made? The letter marks the latest effort by the administration to impose Trumps agenda on the education system. In an executive order earlier this year, Trump directed federal agencies to produce a plan for eliminating federal funding for illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination in K-12 schools, including based on gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology. The Education Departments Office for Civil Rights then sent a Dear Colleague letter to schools, citing the Supreme Courts 2023 decision striking down affirmative action to argue that schools could not consider race in admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life. That letter is the subject of a legal challenge, which argues the administration failed to define DEI programs beyond describing them as discriminatory. While the certification letter issued Thursday to state education agencies says that the use of certain DEI practices can violate federal law, it does not specify which practices. How are Pa. schools responding? Federal officials said state education agencies would be responsible for reporting on their state overall and for collecting certification responses from school districts with 10 days to return the certification. The Pennsylvania Department of Education did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Neither did a spokesperson for Gov. Josh Shapiro who said last month that he would consider legal action if education cuts affected Pennsylvania students. While not all area school districts have formal DEI programs, some around Philadelphia do have DEI directors and equity policies. A number of districts have said in recent weeks that they have not rolled back those efforts, despite funding threats from the Trump administration. It is truly unconscionable that the Trump administration is targeting some of the most vulnerable students and communities by threatening districts with high levels of Title I funding, said Scott Overland, president of the Phoenixville school board. Overland said Thursday that he was not sure whether his district had received the certification letter, but that I will do everything in my power to ensure our district never signs it. Pennsylvania schools are primarily funded by local and state taxes; only about 1% of Phoenixvilles budget comes from federal sources, according to Overland. Other districts, including some with higher shares of federal funding like Philadelphia, where federal money accounts for about 10% of the district budget did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Jeffrey Sultanik, a solicitor for numerous Pennsylvania school districts, said Thursday that districts had not been sent the certification letter, and that it was the states responsibility to respond. Still, Sultanik said, it will come back down to a school district level in one fashion or another. He noted that the Trump administrations interpretation of the affirmative-action ruling was debated, particularly in terms of how the order translates to K-12 schools. We certainly dont discriminate on who we take, because we take everybody, Sultanik said of public school admissions. But as schools try to address a dearth of teachers of color, there could be questions about whether the courts ruling extends to public school hiring practices, he said. Cyclists pedal past Ocean Casino Resort on April 29, 2024, during a warm day at the Atlantic City boardwalk in Atlantic City, N.J. Read more Stephen Starr is returning to Atlantic City this summer to partner on two restaurants at Ocean Casino Resort one focused on Americana and the other specializing in steak frites. Starr, who closed outposts of the Continental and Buddakan at the Pier at Caesars in 2020 during the pandemic, will be responsible for the concepts of the still-unnamed restaurants, which the casino will operate under a licensing agreement. They are due to open on the lobby level. Advertisement The French restaurant will replace Harpers, the brunch eatery that moved to the Oceans casino floor, across from Starbucks. Starr told Forbes that the restaurant is inspired by Le Relais de Venise LEntrecote in Paris, combining old-school charm with a new-school twist. It will have a prix-fixe menu of steak, salmon, and lobster with frites. The American concept, replacing SkyCafe, will serve a nostalgic menu of comfort foods such as pigs in a blanket, tuna tacos, pierogi, meatloaf, and Thanksgiving dinner, he told Forbes. Starr has been on a tear of openings from New York to Florida. In his hometown of Philadelphia, he owns 18 restaurants, including Parc, Barclay Prime, and Buddakan, and is developing the Italian destination Borromini along with a recently announced restaurant on the former site of Devon Seafood Grill, both on Rittenhouse Square. In Washington, D.C., where his name is attached to nine restaurants, he recently revived the landmark Occidental across from the White House and joined Nancy Silverton on a location of her Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza. In New York, where he oversees nine restaurants, hes behind the posh Le Cafe Louis Vuitton and is taking over the long-running Babbo and Lupa from the Bastianich family. He has five restaurants in Florida, where he is also planning a new location of the French restaurant Pastis in West Palm Beach. Indigo e-bike docked along Lehigh Avenue and 28th Street in North Philadelphia, Pa., on Feb. 16, 2023. Read more A block off Kensington Avenue, two unarmed security guards jumped out of a black pickup truck, pulled down their balaclava masks, and knocked on the door of a nearby home. Despite the face coverings, their gold-colored badges lent an air of official business, as did the six-point sheriffs stars on their hats. But the guards were not there to serve a court summons or eviction notice. Advertisement You know who lives here? one of the men asked a group of neighbors. He unfolded a paper that showed a picture of their target: a royal blue bicycle with Indego emblazoned on the frame. Philadelphias bike-share program hired the duo to track down a stolen bike one of a dozen listed MIA that afternoon last summer and a GPS tracker had led them to this block near McPherson Square. Bike-share programs nationwide reckoned with a surge in thefts during the pandemic. But the problem got so bad in Philadelphia that, by 2023, it threatened financial ruin for Bicycle Transit Systems (BTS), the city contractor that runs Indego. The company lost at least 550 bikes between 2021 and 2023, valued at more than $1.3 million, according to Indego records. Thieves nicked 14% of the entire fleet in 2022 at their peak, three times the budgeted loss rate. Its existential for us, said Nate Bowman-Johnston, general manager for BTS. In May 2023, BTS contracted a private security firm to address the rash of thefts. The asset recovery program has since returned hundreds of bikes, limiting Indegos loss rate to 4% and 6% over the last two years. The repo contract underscores a growing reliance on private security firms amid understaffing at the Philadelphia Police Department. When the theft spree began in 2020, police conducted dragnet sweeps to reclaim stolen bikes. But thieves proved relentless. It was so large [a problem] that we needed additional support, said Waffiyyah Murray, Indego program manager for the city. The police are busy, they have a lot of things going on. Indego hails the asset recovery program as a success at a time when revenue loss has forced other urban bike-share programs to shut down. But Indegos repo men have also stirred concern over their tactics. When no one answered the door in Kensington last August, an Inquirer reporter observed the two men use an electric saw to cut through a backyard gate to retrieve the bike from the private property without legal permission. Alerted to the incident, Indego said it was a one-time occurrence. JNS Protection Services, the contractor at the time, said it promptly addressed the trespass. Within months, BTS hired a new firm, Tactical Response Security Consulting, to assume the contract. Owner Luis Torres said his two-man team goes out three days a week, and the team is told to avoid confrontation and not enter private property. Were not going to strong-arm nobody, Torres said. Some bike is not worth a lawsuit. The Indego black market It wasnt until 2020 that Indego installed geolocation tags so the city could track missing bikes. The e-bikes, introduced two years prior, were the most targeted and costly to replace, at $2,700 per unit. While bikes go missing across the city, more than half are recovered in Kensington. Most are found discarded on sidewalks or stashed in alleyways. But others are spray-painted and repurposed for a second life. Legend Jackson, owner of JNS Protection Services, which ran the initial asset recovery team, said her employees wore face masks for their safety. People would become angry when confronted about a bike, claiming they bought it. People will buy or trade them off other people, Jackson said last year. We probably [had] to call the police two or three times. Once the battery dies, riding an e-bike is like riding a brick, Bowman-Johnston said. So people will sometimes affix a new power system. Indego technicians keep photos in the warehouse that document various modifications. Its just crazy what people have done to them, the BTS manager said. Weve seen some creative mods where people have figured out how to wire up batteries. Its kind of a death trap. Torres said his repo team does not confront anyone who is riding a missing bike. His team reclaims six to 10 on any given day. Once the black market rides are returned to Indego, bike techs can strip them down and rebuild them for public use. Indego officials said the savings are considerable but declined to provide financial details about the repo contract. An open-records request seeking that information was denied. Company officials also declined to provide a detailed breakdown of stolen bikes since Indegos inception in 2015. Fixing docks, boosting ridership Even as the asset recovery program improved the loss rate, thefts themselves continued at a troubling clip. BTS has sought to improve the docking stations in recent years, adding new security features and multifactor authentications to prevent fraudulent checkouts. The company is now adding hardened steel and striker loops to docking station locks. But its not foolproof, Bowman-Johnston said: If somebody is really determined, they can find a way to get a bike. There have been benefits already: Decreasing the loss rate helped Indego bring back its single-fare ride last summer, long discontinued due to fraudulent checkouts. Indego continues adding hundreds of new docking stations to its system as part of a long-term equity plan to expand ridership outside Center City. Last year, the bike-share program also hit a record 1.3 million rides, breaking its previous record in large part due to increased usage during the Eagles playoff run. By the end of 2025, BTS aims to have more than 3,000 bikes and 5,800 docks. Were riding a big wave right now, Bowman-Johnston said. Itll dip down and then come up, but the asset recovery strategy has allowed us to get through it. Tourists walk along Marines pier in Wildwood, N.J. on Friday, June 30, 2023. In 2025, Wildwood is increasing enforcement of late-night teen behavior and reaffirming local ordinances like 10 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors. Read more As the Jersey Shore gears up for summer 2025, Wildwood is doubling down on efforts to rein in unruly teen behavior. Following years of late-night gatherings that led to fights, vandalism, and underage drinking on boardwalks and beaches, shore towns like Wildwood enacted ordinances aimed at curbing teen activity. Those measures including curfews, backpack bans, prohibitions on alcohol, and rules against unsanctioned gatherings will remain in place this summer, officials said. But this year, enforcement will be more thorough, especially after 10 p.m., according to city officials. Wildwood is finalizing agreements with multiple law enforcement agencies to boost the number of officers on overnight patrol. Advertisement Listen, this isnt a suggestion its the law," Mayor Ernie Troiano said. Were not playing games when it comes to the safety of our boardwalk and the families who come here to enjoy themselves. You break the rules, you deal with the consequences. Plain and simple. This also means that parents or legal guardians of unaccompanied minors caught violating curfew may also face arrest. Last year, Wildwood charged several parents in connection with incidents involving their children, said Lisa Fagan, Wildwoods public information officer. We hope this message leads to fewer incidents, arrests, Fagan said. We are reminding everyone of the law now to avoid problems. Large groups of teens sometimes numbering in the hundreds began gathering late at night during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years that followed, particularly in Ocean City, Wildwood, and Seaside Heights. Those crowds often overwhelmed police presence and disrupted visitors vacations. At the time, business owners and residents felt stuck in a situation where they wanted teens to have a good time, but that teen behavior was coming at a cost of others vacations, Harmon Ahluwalia of Ocean Citys Silver Secrets boardwalk jewelry store told The Inquirer in summer 2023. Im sure there are a lot of kids who just come here for a good time, to have a good experience, but recent events have definitely been leaving a sour taste, Ahluwalia said. I hope its a win-win situation for everyone because we still want people on the boardwalk. You dont want these young kids not to be there, then nobodys going to make money as a business owner. Since Wildwood enacted its ordinances and increased enforcement, the city has seen a rise in compliance, officials said. Need a refresher on each Shore towns rules? The Inquirer has a guide to each Jersey Shore towns laws curbing late-night teen behavior. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is running for reelection. Two state senators have proposed another way to chip away at his authority in the meantime. Read more HARRISBURG More than a year after Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a bill to assign a special prosecutor to investigate and prosecute crimes committed on SEPTA property in Philadelphia, stripping District Attorney Larry Krasner of some of his authority, the unit remains mired in a lawsuit and has yet to take on a single case. And now, two Republicans in Harrisburg want to add a second special prosecutor to handle another subset of crimes: those committed against Philadelphia police, firefighters, and medics. Advertisement State Sens. Frank Farry (R., Bucks) and Joe Picozzi (R., Philadelphia) proposed the idea to their colleagues this week in hopes of introducing a bill in the coming weeks, restarting an effort Farry began last year. The senators said Krasner has failed to adequately prosecute crimes against first responders, and they want to have confidence that such cases are being handled properly by having the state attorney general oversee them. Its the latest attempt by Republican legislators to circumvent the authority of Philadelphias progressive Democratic prosecutor, who is running for a third term. And it comes amid budget negotiations with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, who has clashed with Krasner for years and signed the bill to create the SEPTA prosecutor role into law during budget negotiations in 2023. Krasner quickly filed a lawsuit attempting to block the law, saying it was unconstitutional, but Commonwealth Court, in a 4-3 decision, ruled against him and said the work could move forward. Krasner has appealed that ruling to the state Supreme Court, and arguments in the case are set for May. Then-acting Attorney General Michelle Henry named Michael Untermeyer to the role in June. Untermeyer, a Democrat, is a former city and state prosecutor who unsuccessfully ran against Krasner when the district attorney was first elected in 2017. He also ran for Philadelphia sheriff in 2023, but lost. Since his appointment, Untermeyer has not taken on a single SEPTA case. In a brief interview this week, he said it has been challenging to hire a team of attorneys amid the transition from the administration of Henry to that of Republican Attorney General Dave Sunday, who started his term in January. Untermeyer said he recently hired his first staff attorney, who starts later this month. The work will be starting very soon, he said. He referred additional questions to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office. A spokesperson for the office said that the unit is preparing amid the pending legal challenge and that in the meantime, Untermeyer has been engaged with community partners, building relationships and an infrastructure for the office. Krasner declined to comment Wednesday on the SEPTA effort or the senators latest proposal. Despite the slow start for the SEPTA unit, Farry said he sees the effort as a model. He first pitched the idea to circumvent Krasners office on crimes committed against first responders last year, an effort that was reinforced after a Philadelphia fire medic was stabbed in the back of an ambulance in October 2024, he said. (The assailant in that case was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and related crimes, and is awaiting trial.) He asked Picozzi, the lone Senate Republican representing parts of Philadelphia, to sign on this year, and Picozzi agreed, calling it a no-brainer. We want to ensure that those offenders are being prosecuted at the proper level and with the proper enthusiasm, said Farry, a longtime fire chief in Bucks County. Farry said he was not deterred by the lack of progress on the SEPTA prosecutor, which he said was due in part to delays associated with the legal challenges filed by Krasner. The two lawmakers said they are still in the information-gathering stage and will talk to all stakeholders as they draft the bill. The senators worked closely with the union that represents Philadelphia firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs. Mike Bresnan, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22, said that dozens of his members have been assaulted in the city in recent years and that many of those charged with crimes as a result had had their charges reduced or withdrawn. He said 28 of his members were assaulted last year, and in cases where charges were filed, they often did not hear back from prosecutors as the cases moved through the courts. Bresnan endorsed Krasners opponent in his reelection campaign, former Judge Patrick F. Dugan, this week. At a news conference announcing his endorsement, Bresnan said his union is helping the GOP lawmakers draft the bill that would create a special prosecutor for crimes against first responders and modeling it on the job of the SEPTA special prosecutor. Bresnan said the union analyzed data in 2021, when Krasner first ran for reelection, and saw a pattern of Krasners office downgrading the charges. He no longer had access to that data, he said, but were assuming the same craps going on. Bresnan, who previously endorsed President Donald Trump igniting a wave of conflict between members and even a lawsuit said there is an ongoing issue of lawlessness in Philadelphia for which he blames Krasner. Our members need all the protections we can get, he said. Bresnan said there is an ongoing staffing shortage of medics, and sometimes they are responding to scenes where people are in distress without police backup. As a result, he said, more than two dozen first responders were attacked last year. Some, records show, were punched in the face, bitten, and kicked. And one medic was critically wounded in a stabbing that punctured his lung, Bresnan said. Leaders of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 were surprised by the plan, a union spokesperson said, and had not been briefed on the forthcoming bill. Picozzi said that all first responders are at risk and that this effort shows we have their backs. Portal viewers in Philadelphias LOVE Park reach out to viewers on screen at the public webcam in Litewski Square in Lublin, Poland Nov. 23, 2024. Read more The permanent location for the Portal video art installation will be decided by an online vote between LOVE Park, where it debuted in October, or the City Hall courtyard. The announcement of the vote and the two locations was made by Portals project director Joe Callahan during a brief livestream Thursday afternoon. Advertisement People can visit voteportals.org to choose. The Portal was turned back on last week after having been disconnected and covered with a tarp since early February following at least two vandalism incidents. Callahan said Thursday that universities, private organizations, and city government departments had expressed interest in hosting the permanent location. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker stated that the Portal is to stay on Philadelphia property, Callahan said Thursday. So, therefore, the city properties are the limited locations for which the portal will find its next resting place. The City Hall courtyard is the central area surrounded by the City Hall building and is accessible from four entrances. Callahan said the other choice is the original LOVE Park location, which would be closer to the LOVE sculpture. The Portal is currently located near the southwest corner of LOVE Park. Callahan has said the installation will remain at least through Americas 250th birthday in 2026. Nicolas Klaus, a spokesperson for Portals.org, which represents the artist who created the Portals concept, has said the artistic intent is for the Portal to remain in Philadelphia beyond that as a permanent landmark. The Portal debuted in October at LOVE Park with live images from Dublin, Ireland; Vilnius, Lithuania; and Lublin, Poland. The Portals project was created by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys, and the inaugural installation was set up in 2021, connecting Lithuania to Poland. As the quality assurance/safety officer in charge of an arming evolution on a UH-1Y helicopter, the author directs a team of Marines through a sequence of armaments via hand signals during an integrated training exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, Calif., in 2014. Read more Donald Trumps transgender military ban isnt about national security it is a calculated assault on the humanity of those who dare to defy a narrow, exclusionary ideal. Multiple judges have now blocked enforcement of the ban, but Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a directive that disqualifies service in the military by transgender people. Both the executive order and the Hegseth policy feel like a personal betrayal. As an Afro-Latina, LGBTQ Marine veteran, I experienced how a rigid definition of readiness has become a weapon, fracturing the very foundation of the institution I swore to serve. Advertisement My decade in the Marines, beginning in 2006, was a relentless negotiation, a silent battleground. Though I entered with a desire to shatter the rigid mold of who belonged, the reality of being a woman of color in that space was a stark awakening. The chilling shadow of Dont Ask, Dont Tell forced many of my LGBTQ comrades into suffocating silence, and even its repeal couldnt erase the lingering sense of exclusion. Anticipated discrimination is a crushing reality for many marginalized service members. During my recruiting duty in Orlando, Fla., from 2010 to 2013, amid the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, my perspective crystallized. I witnessed the raw determination of young people, particularly LGBTQ individuals, who defied societal odds to serve. These were not statistics, but dedicated Americans who passed rigorous tests, and whose commitment was a testament to their unwavering spirit. Even as the Dont Ask, Dont Tell era faded, and I and other lesbian and gay service members found a measure of acceptance, a new battlefront emerged: The target shifted specifically to transgender service members. The current environment for transgender service members cuts even deeper than Dont Ask, Dont Tell. The bans language reflects deep-seated societal prejudice, contradicting public sentiment. Even with a dip to 58% in a 2025 Gallup poll, down from 71% in 2021, a majority of Americans continue to support transgender military service. This disregard for public opinion exposes the bans true intent. Beneath the veneer of stability and immutability, and outlining priorities that favor a narrow notion of cohesion over proven capabilities, the waiver process revealed a calculated strategy of exclusion. The ban seeks to enforce conformity, not readiness, revealing a desire to control bodies that defy traditional gender norms. The ambiguous waiver requirements and ban on transition are used as tools of obstruction, codifying prejudice and denying humanity. Anticipated discrimination is a crushing reality for many marginalized service members. The constant expectation of prejudice erodes morale and retention. When contributions are dismissed, commitment wanes. The transgender military ban exemplifies this. Its demand for compelling government interest for waivers, coupled with impossible standards for stability, is a deliberate message: transgender service members U.S. Defense Department data and research from the Williams Institute estimate that up to 10,790 transgender people serve in our ranks are not wanted. The judges rulings offer hope, however, I believe these signal a shift in the fight for transgender rights and inclusion by recognizing the policys discriminatory nature, and affirming that all qualified individuals, regardless of gender identity, should have the right to serve. This is a victory for our militarys integrity, because a military that fails to value all members weakens its effectiveness, fostering mistrust and resentment. The implications of that extend beyond transgender service members, eroding the foundation of unity. To be sure, some might argue the ban serves a practical purpose, primarily by attempting to minimize projected medical costs associated with transgender service members transitions and ongoing care. They assert the militarys resources should be focused solely on combat readiness, and that providing gender-affirming care diverts funds from that core mission. However, this rationale ignores the reality of dedicated service members already within the military and the potential pool of recruits. A 2017 Palm Center report found the ban would actually cost the military approximately $960 million over 10 years due to lost recruitment and retention. This financial burden, coupled with the loss of dedicated people who are willing to serve, would weaken rather than strengthen military readiness. READ MORE: Im a proud conservative. Heres my view on the transgender military ban. | Opinion The ban is a reminder that the fight for equality is not a series of isolated victories, but an ongoing challenge. Moving forward, we must dismantle exclusionary policies and demand a nuanced understanding of gender. We must advocate for policies reflecting the Biden administrations Executive Order 14035, promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The dedication of those who have already dutifully served demands it. Joa Rojas served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. She is currently pursuing a masters degree in public administration from New York University and is a resident of Gloucester Township. Taijuan Walker struck out four and allowed three hits in six scoreless innings against the Rockies on Thursday. Read more Taijuan Walkers mother, Nellie Garcia, cried last year hearing her son get booed. Boos from the Citizens Bank Park crowd had been the soundtrack to Walkers prolonged struggles in 2024. He even was booed this year in spring training after getting hit hard in his final two starts, and again when he was introduced in the Phillies lineup before Mondays home opener. Advertisement On Thursday, Garcia cried again. This time, they were happy tears. READ MORE: Edmundo Sosa and Johan Rojas are making Phillies lineup decisions trickier The right-hander walked off the mound after six scoreless innings in a 3-1 win to complete a sweep of the Colorado Rockies, and he had silenced the boobirds. Some fans gave him a standing ovation as he exited. Obviously you dont want to hear [boos] constantly, but its part of the game. Its tough to play here, Walker said. But when youre pitching well, when youre doing well and youre winning, its the best fans to have. His mother was there in person to watch his best start in over a year. She texted me a billion times, Walker said. Just super proud, super happy. The applause wasnt the only thing that would have been unimaginable for the 2024 version of Walker. He made just one scoreless appearance last year, holding off the New York Mets for three innings on Sept. 14 after hed been moved to the bullpen. But Walker emerged from a strict offseason program with harder velocity he averaged 92.8 mph on his four-seam fastball Thursday, up from 91.5 last season and a new, sweeping slider. Three of Walkers 11 swings and misses against the Rockies came on the new pitch, including a swinging strikeout of Hunter Goodman to end his outing. READ MORE: Phillies to meet with the company that makes torpedo bats Walker leaned heavily on his off-speed pitches and also threw a lot of curveballs and splitters. I think that slider matched up well with their lineup, said catcher J.T. Realmuto. So we knew going in we were going to use it quite a bit today, and it was a really effective pitch. As long as hes throwing it like he was today, were going to keep using it quite a bit. Walker allowed three hits, a walk, and hit a batter, but he avoided compounding mistakes. In the fifth inning, former Phillie Mickey Moniak hit a triple off the left-field wall, which came just a few feet from going out of the ballpark. He walked the next batter but then induced a flyout to escape the inning. He just battled, manager Rob Thomson said. He just went after people, and he pitched. Meanwhile, the Phillies offense continued its streak of not scoring in the first three innings. In fact, the Phillies didnt get on the board until the fifth inning, when Kyle Schwarber was driven home on a double by Bryce Harper. READ MORE: Max Kepler is making a good impression with the Phillies: It sure is fun to play here That didnt mean that their bats were silent early on. They racked up six singles off Colorado starter Antonio Senzatela in the first three innings. The Phillies even loaded the bases in the second, and Max Kepler came close to bucking the trend, but he was narrowly thrown out on a force play at home. Schwarber extended the lead to 2-0 in the seventh, crushing a solo home run 444 feet to right-center field. It was Schwarbers fourth home run in the first six games. Im just trying to stay in the zone and feel like Im taking good swings and getting good results, Schwarber said. Realmuto tacked on another run in the eighth with some heads-up baserunning. He drew a walk, stole second, advanced to third on a passed ball, and scored on a wild pitch by Tyler Kinley. Realmuto stole two bases on Thursday, matching his season total from 2024. Hes healthy right now, Thomson said. We kind of put the leash on him last year, just because he had the knee issue and all the lower-half stuff that he was going through. He can run when hes healthy. READ MORE: Phillies Extra Q&A: Bryson Stott on his walk-up song, watching Ohio State games with Bryce Harper, and more Orion Kerkering and Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless inning in relief. Jose Alvarado took over in the ninth and earned the save, but not without some drama. The Rockies spoiled the shutout after Alvarado allowed a walk and a pair of singles to start the inning. He struck out the next batter, but another single loaded the bases and put the go-ahead run at first. Pitching for the third time in the last four days, the lefty sat at 100 mph with his sinker, but he had some trouble with command. Alvarado needed 35 pitches to get out of the inning, but he sat down Tyler Freeman and Brenton Doyle swinging to secure the win and series sweep. Robert Harvie in 2019, when was one of two Democrats running for seats on the Bucks County Board of Commissioners. Read more Bob Harvie, chair of the Bucks County Commissioners, is running for Congress in hopes of unseating five-term Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in 2026. Harvie, a commissioner since 2020, was a longtime public school teacher in Bucks County who made history when Democrats flipped the county board five years ago for the first time since 1983. Advertisement Now, hell try to oust the lone Republican representing Southeastern Pennsylvania in the U.S. House. Ive learned a lot about loving my country and community, and I just dont like the direction the country is going in, Harvie said in an interview with The Inquirer. I think a lot of people have that view, people on both sides frankly. I feel like theres not enough leadership in Washington to fight for working-class people. Fitzpatrick, who has been reelected four times in his purple district, which includes all of Bucks and a sliver of Montgomery County, was one of just three Republicans in the nation to win a district that President Donald Trump lost in 2024. Trump narrowly won Bucks County. Harvie has deep-seated ties to Bucks. His uncle was the mayor of Bristol. He is a former township supervisor in Falls Township where he taught high school history for 26 years. For several years, he also taught American History courses at Bucks County Community College. Hes a genuine public servant who spent years as a teacher and generally tries to make Bucks County a better place, said former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, who has known Harvie since Murphy returned in 2004 to Bucks after serving in Iraq. As county chair, Harvie said he has a platform from which to speak on federal funding cuts impacting residents as Trump makes sweeping governmental changes. At the county level, theres a lot more direct connection to federal programming and federal funding, he said, whether emergency services or health department or development block grants. Theres a lot of concern in Southeastern Pennsylvania about whats gonna happen when the budget gets passed. But Fitzpatrick has had a lock on the district since 2016, and if he runs for reelection a likelihood given the war chest he recently reported in campaign finance reports hell have served for a decade in Congress. He starts out from a strong position, theres no question about that, said State Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D., Bucks), who is also the countys Democratic committee chair. But if you have a good campaign and you start with a really good candidate, which Bob is, it makes it possible to win. An unexpected state Senate victory for Pennsylvania Democrats in Lancaster County last week and a statewide Supreme Court race win in Wisconsin on Tuesday have Democrats hoping that they can ride a wave of frustrations with Trumps slash-and-burn attempts to reduce the size of government to victories next year. The party in power has historically not fared well in midterm elections. Santarsiero said he also thinks Harvie will benefit from Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiros name on the ballot, given Shapiros popularity during his first term and strength in past statewide elections. National Republican organizations were quick to defend Fitzpatricks record and blast Harvie. A super PAC supporting Fitzpatrick, Defending America PAC, already had digital ads attacking Harvie up on YouTube the day Harvie announced. Bob Harvie is an embarrassment to himself and an embarrassment to us all. Hes a do-nothing partisan hack who has spent over two decades running for office while thumbing his nose at the middle class, said Chris Pack, a spokesman for the PAC. ...Were excited to hold Harvie accountable. Harvie enters the race already well-known by local elected Democrats and constituents. He has less work to do to introduce himself to the district than veteran Ashley Ehasz did in her two unsuccessful campaigns against Fitzpatrick. While Ehasz focused a good portion of her campaign on abortion rights and anti-Trump messaging, Harvie said hell focus on economic issues. Im not a hyper-partisan person. Most votes we take as county commissioners have been unanimous, he said. We recognize that government has to deliver I think that resonates with people. They want to know youre gonna work for them. Harvie said his pitch is also directed at kids who grew up in Bucks County, went away to college or the military, and now cant afford a home there. People are working harder than they feel like they should be at getting ahead, and I think theres a feeling that avenue has closed, that theres a lack of fairness, he said. If youre a good person who works hard, you should be able to take your kids on vacation, not worry about medical bills, or how to take care of your parents. Those are all things that arent being paid enough attention to. His criticism of Fitzpatrick was somewhat muted. I just feel like there hasnt been enough leadership coming out when it comes to fighting for the things this district really needs, he said. Fitzpatrick did not respond to a request for comment. As commissioner, Harvie helped lead Bucks County through the pandemic and two federal elections. During the 2022 Senate race, he and the other Democrat on the board, Diane Ellis-Marseglia, were criticized by Republicans for voting to count undated or misdated mail ballots, a move that the state Supreme Court struck down that year. Harvie said he stands by that vote. And a federal district court this week ruled that counties should not throw out such ballots as the issue continues to work its way through the judicial system. Courts are still unsure what to do with undated or misdated ballots, Harvie said. Its all in flux but when it comes down to it, we want to do everything we can to make sure lawfully registered voters are able to vote. Fitzpatricks strength in Pennsylvanias First District Fitzpatrick, whose late brother Mike Fitzpatrick had the House seat before him, has subtly shown where he disagrees with Trump in his second term, without directly challenging the president. In recent months, Fitzpatrick has spoken out in support for Ukraine as Trump has insulted the countrys president. This week, Fitzpatrick signed onto a letter urging Trump to reconsider the move to end union protections for federal workers. The soft-spoken former FBI agent largely avoids media and has not held publicly advertised town halls or events, to the chagrin of some constituents who protested his absence at a recent St. Patricks Day parade. In campaigns, hes largely ignored the fact that he even has a challenger and has avoided any debates or public campaign events. But keeping his head down has worked. During the last election cycle, the Democratic Campaign Committee didnt name Fitzpatricks race as one of its targets, opting to focus its money elsewhere. Out of touch Democrat Bob Harvie just entered the race to challenge Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in PA-01 and Harvie doesnt stand a chance," Maureen OToole, a spokesperson for the National Republican Campaign Committee, said. Santarsiero said he expects that if Harvie can bank a significant amount of campaign cash upfront, Democrats from outside the county will kick in this year, along with super PACs on both sides. At some point that money really equalizes, and it really will come down to who will do the best jobs representing their interests, he said. Fitzpatrick was voted the No. 1 most bipartisan member of Congress for a fifth year in a row last year by the apolitical Lugar Center at Georgetown University. The ratings are not based on votes, but how often members of Congress introduce bills that attract cosponsors from the other party, and how often they in turn cosponsor a bill introduced from across the aisle. He cochairs the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and in recent months, appeared on cable news shows alongside Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York to talk about working across the aisle. He reported more than $5 million cash on hand for the first quarter, a record for the district. We are one community diverse in views, united in purpose, Fitzpatrick recently said to Patch.com about his fundraising haul. This isnt just a show of support, he said. Its a call to action. Now more than ever, we must rise above the noise, reject the extremes, and come together to chart a path forward. Assortment of 3D printed pistol frames. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele holds press conference at 425 Swede St, Norristown, Friday afternoon, Jan. 24, 2025. The Delaware County Council banned the devices Wednesday. Read more Delaware County is the latest local government in Pennsylvania, and the first Philadelphia suburb, to ban ghost guns and devices that can convert guns into automatic weapons. The county council, made up entirely of Democrats, voted unanimously Wednesday to ban the unlicensed sale, manufacture, and use of parts for 3D-printed guns without a serial number, known as ghost guns. The ordinance would also ban gun devices, including bump stocks and Glock switches, that essentially convert firearms into automatic weapons. Advertisement Delaware County is the first local government in the Philly suburbs to take up the issue, which Pennsylvania gun control advocates pushed for out of concern that President Donald Trumps administration would reduce existing regulations. Under the ordinance, which takes effect 10 days after passage, violations will result in a maximum penalty of 10 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Council members argued that, although the measure is just a small step toward reducing gun violence, they are morally obligated to do something. If its gonna help save one life, I think this ordinance is worthwhile doing, said council member Richard Womack. In an hour of public comment, the council faced mixed reviews from residents. Several residents and gun control advocates enthusiastically urged council members to take action, while others decried the ordinance as a misguided attempt to regulate guns rather than address mental health. Justin Perry of Upper Providence argued that the policy would infringe upon the rights of legal gun owners, while those unauthorized to own firearms already cannot legally purchase ghost guns. We need to go after criminals, the people who are selling these things illegally, he said. Andrea Knox, a Swarthmore resident, agreed with concerns that the ordinance would not address the root cause of gun violence. But she said it may be a start. If nothing else, it gives the signal that the indiscriminate use of guns to solve problems is not something that we as a society accept, Knox said. Ghost guns are often put together using kits that may not include a serial number, making the firearms harder to trace and more accessible to individuals prohibited from owning guns. Federal regulations have reduced the use of ghost guns nationwide, and Glock switches are illegal under federal law. Though residents cited concerns about Second Amendment rights and Pennsylvanias preemption statute blocking regulation of firearms by local governments, council members were quick to point out that similar policies have been upheld in state court and that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld federal regulations on ghost guns last month. Today, at this point, the courts say we can pass this ordinance, said council member Kevin Madden. With its ordinance, Delaware County follows Philadelphia, which was the first municipality in Pennsylvania to ban ghost guns and machine gun converters as part of its ongoing effort to enforce local gun restrictions. The city is currently battling separate lawsuits that argue the ordinances violate Pennsylvanias preemption law, which prohibits local governments from regulating firearms. Last year, Commonwealth Court voted 4-3 to uphold the citys ghost gun ban. The case is now before the state Supreme Court. The citys ban on bump stocks was challenged in court within days of its approval last year. According to CeaseFirePA, Delaware County is the second county statewide to ban machine gun converters. It is the fourth local government to ban ghost guns, following Harrisburg and York. While Delaware Countys ordinance is likely to have a relatively minor impact on gun violence overall in the county, advocates say it is a major step as gun control measures continue to stall at the federal and state levels. This ordinance is a huge step forward for the public safety of Delaware County residents, said Adam Garber, the CEO of CeaseFirePA, during Wednesday nights hearing on the ordinance. Marge LaRue, whose grandson Nicolas Elizalde died in a shooting at Roxborough High School in 2022, said the vote felt monumental. She has been advocating for gun control since losing her grandson and said she hoped Delaware Countys action could inspire other local governments. I hope that if nothing else, it gets people thinking about the issue. It keeps the issue front and center, she said in an interview Thursday. The Imbs teams market expertise and outstanding client relationships will enhance our retail brokerage capabilities in the region, said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., chairman and CEO of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. I am delighted to welcome Chris and his associates to Gallagher. Workers compensation specialist insurer MEMIC, based in Maine, has recognized three agencies in the Northeast for top service to policyholders. HUB International Northeast, with offices in New York City; Brown & Brown, in Dedham, Massachusetts; and USI Insurance Services in Uniondale, New York, were welcomed into MEMICs Champion Circle program, MEMIC said in a bulletin. These agencies exemplify leadership in the industry, and we are proud to work alongside them, said Michael Bourque, president and CEO of The MEMIC Group. The MEMIC Group includes MEMIC Indemnity Co., MEMIC Casualty Co., and Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Co. Topics Agencies A fire burned down a cat shelter in suburban New York, killing its founder and more than 100 of the felines he rescued and sparking a rescue operation for dozens of cats still roaming the destroyed property. As many as 150 cats are believed to have survived Mondays blaze at Happy Cat Sanctuary on Long Island, according to Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which is helping coordinate the recovery effort. Some of the surviving animals suffered burns and smoke inhalation and have been taken to local animal hospitals for treatment, he said Tuesday. Many of those in the house perished and others with significant injuries have been euthanized while volunteers work to collect the survivors. The whole place is burned down and theres cats right there on the debris, Gross said. In the coming days, the SPCA plans to deploy its mobile animal surgical hospital, which it used to treat search-and-rescue dogs at ground zero following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to help triage rescued cats close to the fire site, he said. This is going to be an ongoing situation to get all of these cats cared for and placed in a proper facility, said Gross. Just a major undertaking after a tragic situation. Owner Christopher Arsenault was found in a back room of the shelter, which was located in the hamlet of Medford, more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Manhattan. The property, which included outdoor buildings where cats were also housed, remained cordoned off Tuesday as police and fire officials returned to the charred site. Suffolk County police said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Arsenault, 65, founded Happy Cat in 2006 after the death of his 24-year-old son, Eric, in a motorcycle accident, according to the sanctuarys website. He described finding his calling when he came across a colony of 30 sick kittens and nursed them back to health. Gross said Arsenault gave over much of the house to the cats, living simply in a room with a bed, microwave and a small refrigerator. Every dime he had he put into taking care of those cats, he said. His life was the cats. Gross acknowledged the shelter received its share of complaints, given its location in a residential area. But SPCA staff visited the property around 10 times over the years and found the animals were healthy, well-fed and receiving proper care, he said. He wasnt a hoarder. Thats not the case here, Gross said. This was a good man doing the right thing. He was a hero for what he was doing. Officials for the town of Brookhaven, where Medford is, told Newsday Arsenault had removed an unsafe finished basement and was working to bring the premises into compliance with building codes. In recent months, he had begun relocating some 60 to 80 cats to a 30-acre (12-hectare) farm in upstate New York where he was planning to move, according to Gross and town officials. Unfortunately, this disaster happened and now hes gone, Gross said. Photo: Chris Arsenault with one of nearly 300 cats he cared for at his Happy Cat Sanctuary in Medford, in 2016. (James Carbone/Newsday via AP) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York BOSTON (AP) A box truck crashed into a building Tuesday afternoon in Bostons Chinatown neighborhood and hit several pedestrians before flipping onto its side, city officials said. The driver and five others were injured in what authorities said appears to have been an accident. At least at this preliminary juncture, we dont have any reason to believe that this was an intentional act, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said at a news conference. It may very well end up being a tragic accident. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said four people were hospitalized. The driver and one pedestrian were in critical condition early on, but several hours later the drivers condition had improved. Two others declined medical treatment at the scene. Cox and others noted that the outcome could have been far worse given the location. This is such a busy part of the city, right on the middle of the day, people going back and forth on their way to get lunch and support our small businesses, Mayor Michelle Wu said. And so its quite shocking to see the scene as it stands right now. The Boston Fire Department, on social media, said the Penske truck struck multiple poles and was wedged between a pole and the building. Firefighters extracted the trapped driver from the cab of truck. In a statement, Penske spokesman Randolph Ryerson said it was aware of the incident and was monitoring it closely. Penske will be cooperating fully with authorities to support their investigation, Ryerson said. Our thoughts are with those who have been injured in this unfortunate incident. Based on our records, the truck involved was out on rent to a commercial trucking company. We have no other information at this time. Police did not provide the drivers name or the circumstances that led to the accident. Images from the scene showed the truck on its side surrounded by police officers and firefighters. The truck appeared to be empty, Hayden said. The crash initially raised fears of terrorism, coming four months after a man inspired by the terrorist group Islamic State killed 14 people by driving a truck through crowds on historic Bourbon Street. Photo: The scene Monday. (Matt Stone /The Boston Herald via AP) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Auto Numbers Deutsche Bank AGs investment arm DWS agreed to pay 25 million ($27 million) to end a long-running German investigation into alleged greenwashing, in a similar settlement to the one it struck with US regulators in 2023. DWS gave a false impression to the markets in its communications about sustainable finance, Frankfurt prosecutors said on Wednesday. The case looked into the same behavior that led to a $19 million penalty agreed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, they added. The impression given to the capital market that DWS Group was supposedly the market leader in sustainable financial products was not, or not completely, fulfilled by the businesss organization itself, the prosecutors said. DWS didnt monitor the situation carefully enough and instead used statements in external communications such as being a leader in the ESG field or ESG is an integral part of our DNA. They didnt correspond to reality, according to prosecutors. The investigation came after ex-Chief Sustainability Officer Desiree Fixler went public in 2021 with claims that the asset manager had inflated its ESG credentials. Frankfurt prosecutors raided DWS in 2022 and 2024. The allegations and ensuing probes hit the firms share price as investors sought to assess the financial impact. DWS has accepted the fine and said that it wont appeal. We have already publicly stated in recent years that our marketing was sometimes exuberant in the past, the unit said in a statement. We have already improved our internal documentation and control processes and will continue to work on making further progress in this area. The settlement with Frankfurt Prosecutors will have no impact on DWSs financial result in the first quarter of 2025 as it was reflected in the provisions, the unit said. DWS in 2024 increased its other provisions which include those for litigation to 27 million from 21 million in 2024, according to its annual report. Since the scandal emerged, the company has replaced then-Chief Executive Officer Asoka Woehrmann with Stefan Hoops. In the US case, DWS agreed to pay its penalty for materially misleading statements about how it incorporates environmental, social, and governance factors into research and investment recommendations. The unit didnt admit or deny the SECs findings. Fixler said in 2021 that DWSs claims that hundreds of billions of its assets under management were ESG integrated were misleading because the label didnt translate into meaningful action by relevant fund managers. DWS has since stopped using the label. Frankfurt prosecutors started their investigation in early 2022, triggered by reports on Fixlers claims. The probe also targeted then-CEO Woehrmann. They first raided the unit in May that year. Photograph: The DWS Group logo; photo credit: Alex Kraus/Bloomberg Related: Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. The Chinese military conducted large-scale drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan on Tuesday that included an aircraft carrier battle group, as it again warned the self-ruled democracy against seeking formal independence. The exercises involved navy, air ground and rocket forces and were meant to be a severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence, according to Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the Peoples Liberation Armys Eastern Theater Command. No operational name for the drills was announced nor previous notice given. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary, while most Taiwanese favor their de facto independence and democratic status. Any conflict could bring in the U.S., which maintains alliances in the region and is legally bound to treat threats to Taiwan as a matter of grave concern. Taiwans Presidential Office posted on X that Chinas blatant military provocations not only threaten peace in the #Taiwan Strait but also undermine security in the entire region, as evidenced by drills near Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, the Philippines & the SCS. We strongly condemn Chinas escalatory behavior. The SCS refers to the South China Sea, the strategic and disputed waterway that China claims almost in its entirety. Chinas navy also recently held drills near Australia and New Zealand for which it gave no warning, forcing the last-minute rerouting of commercial flights. Taiwan Tracks Chinese Vessels Taiwans Ministry of National Defense said it had tracked 19 Chinese navy vessels around the island in a 24-hour period from 6 a.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday. It added that the Shandong aircraft carrier group had entered into Taiwans air defense identification zone, a self-defined area tracked by the military. Beijing sends warplanes and navy vessels toward the island on a daily basis, andin recent years it has stepped up the scope and scale of these exercises. Taiwanese officials have recently warned that China could launch a sneak attack under the guise of military exercises. I want to say these actions amply reflect (Chinas) destruction of regional peace and stability, said Taiwans Defense Minister Wellington Koo. Taiwan has set up a central response group to monitor the latest exercises, Koo said. On the streets of Taipei, people said the atmosphere was tense but they were more concerned about the economy and developments surrounding the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Chinese Communists spend so much time and effort on these things but most people dont pay much attention, said Lin Hui-tsung, a noodle seller in the Tiananmu district. Chinas Xinhua News Agency said the Eastern Theater Command conducted multi-subject drills in waters to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island. The theater command organized its vessel and aircraft formations, in coordination with conventional missile troops and long-range rocket launching systems, to conduct drills of air interception, assault on maritime targets, strikes on ground objects, and joint blockade and control, Xinhua quoted the command as saying. The exercises were aimed at testing the troops capabilities of carrying out integrated operations, seizure of operational control and multi-directional precision strikes, the command said. The PLA organized naval and air forces to practice subjects such as sea and land strikes, focusing on testing the troops ability to carry out precision strikes on some key targets of the Taiwan authorities from multiple directions, said Zhang Chi, a professor at Chinas National Defense University in an interview with Chinese state television. Sending a Message Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office said the exercises were directed at Lai Ching-te, Taiwans strongly pro-independence president. Lai Ching-te stubbornly insists on a Taiwan independence stance, brazenly labeling the mainland as a foreign hostile force, and has put forward a so-called 17-point strategy stirring up anti-China sentiments, Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement. We will not tolerate or condone this in any way and must resolutely counter and severely punish these actions. In mid-March, Taiwans Lai put forward a 17-point strategy aimed at shoring up Taiwans security. The points include allowing espionage cases to be tried by military courts and making immigration rules stricter for Chinese citizens applying for permanent residency. Chinas PLA also released a series of videos to publicize their military exercise, including one in which they depict Lai as a green parasite poisoning the island by hatching smaller parasites. The video shows Lais head on the body of a bulbous green worm, with a pair of chopsticks picking him up and roasting him over a flame set over Taiwan. The U.S. said Chinas actions were only worsening tensions. Once again, Chinas aggressive military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan only serve to exacerbate tensions and put the regions security and the worlds prosperity at risk. In the face of Chinas intimidation tactics and destabilizing behavior, the United States enduring commitment to our allies and partners, including Taiwan, continues, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. The United States supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes unilateral changes to the status quo, including through force or coercion. Taiwan and China split amid civil war 76 years ago, but tensions have risen since 2016, when China cut off almost all contacts with Taipei. Filipino Citizens In the Philippines, military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. asked Filipino forces to prepare to rescue Filipinos working and living in Taiwan if China invades the island, speaking during a ceremony marking the founding anniversary of the military command that secures the Philippine region closest to Taiwan. If something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved. There are 250,000 overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan and we will have to rescue them, Brawner said. ___ Wu reported from Bangkok. Christopher Bodeen in Taipei, Taiwan, and Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report. Photograph: This image released by the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense shows Chinas Shandong aircraft carrier sailing near Taiwan on Monday, March 31, 2025. (Taiwan Ministry of National Defense via AP) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. this week announced two acquisitions of the UKs Bircroft Insurance Services and Australias Tresidder Insurance Brokers. Financial details of the transactions were not disclosed. London-based Bircroft is a specialist insurance broker providing retail and wholesale services with a focus on the commercial real estate sector, said Gallagher in an Apirl 3 announcement. The Bircroft team, led by Ian Lee and Simon Bird, will become part of Gallaghers specialist real estate practice in its UK & Ireland Retail division. In a separate announcement on April 1, Arthur J. Gallagher said that Tresidder Insurance provides property/casualty brokerage services to commercial and personal lines clients across Australia from offices in Victoria and Queensland with industry expertise in manufacturing, food and beverage, biotech and agriculture. (The company is headquartered in Geelong, Victoria). Brad Tresidder, Dean OHalloran and their team will become part of Gallaghers Australia specialty broking division. Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies Australia A.J. Gallagher President Donald Trumps crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion helped prompt a plunge in shareholder resolutions from progressive investors that typically push companies on social reform. Motions filed by groups in favor of environmental, social and governance policies dropped 34% from a year ago to 355 ahead of this years annual meeting season, according to a new report Thursday. At the same time, anti-DEI proposals, which are considered part of ESG, surged. Alliance Defending Freedom, which leads one of the most active conservative investor groups, said its coalition submitted 70 proposals this year, up from 28 in 2024. As companies try to comply with the presidents push to root out DEI from US contractors and other private businesses, shareholders are trying to help them through this difficult period, said Andrew Behar, chief executive officer of shareholder advocacy group As You Sow. We have tempered down some of our asks, Behar said, noting that his group filed 58 resolutions this year, down from 99 last year. As You Sow released Thursdays report with Proxy Impact, a shareholder engagement and proxy voting services provider. Activists have for decades used the annual meeting season to ask investors to support reform of corporate governance, pay, climate, diversity and other social issues. More recently, conservative groups have flooded such meetings with their own proposals to counter those campaigns. Although support for social issues has fallen since 2021, anti-ESG and anti-DEI motions have historically received only about 2% of shareholder votes. As well as the Trump administrations assault on DEI, pro-ESG groups were hampered this year by new guidelines from the Securities and Exchange Commission that made it more difficult to win approval for some resolutions to be put to a shareholder vote, Behar said. Companies have also sought more engagement with activists this year in an effort to keep DEI-related issues off the proxy ballot given the new administrations sharp focus on those policies. Still, some pro-DEI proposals are continuing to garner support. A motion for a racial audit at Deere & Co. filed by activist John Chevedden won the backing of 30% of shareholders at its meeting in February. Deere, the worlds top farm machinery maker, in July said it would pull back from diversity measures after its policies were attacked by anti-DEI influencer Robby Starbuck. Whats in a name? Enough confusion to sink a subrogation lawsuit and appeal brought by the insurer for a burned-up Hardees restaurant, the North Carolina Court of Appeals said Wednesday. The trial court properly determined that Intrepid Agency lacked standing to file the complaint in this matter, a panel of the court wrote. Therefore, we affirm the courts order granting Defendants motions to dismiss. In 2019, a fire heavily damaged a Hardees restaurant in Albemarle, North Carolina. The insurance carrier for the restaurant owner was Intrepid Direct Insurance Co., a Berkley Insurance subsidiary. Intrepid Direct Insurance Agency was the broker for the restaurant company, the court explained in the April 2 opinion. Three years after the fire, after paying the claim, the insurer filed a subrogation suit against Amerex Corp. and Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, contending that the restaurants fire suppression system was faulty and led to the large loss. But it was the agencys name that was on the lawsuit complaint. The attorneys for the insurer tried to amend the complaint in 2023, but the amended complaint was again filed under the agencys name. And by then, the statute of limitations had run, precluding the filing of a separate lawsuit under the correct name. Three days later, the fire companies asked the trial court to dismiss, since the agency was not an injured party and lacked standing. The trial court agreed and dismissed the suit. Intrepid appealed, but the appellate judges upheld the lower court in an opinion that sounds something like the book and film, Catch 22. Standing is measured at the time the pleadings are filed, Appeals Court Judge Valerie Zachary wrote, citing a previous court decision. In other words, a plaintiff must have standing at the time of filing to have standing at all. Subsequent events cannot confer standing retroactively. The court did not explain what Intrepid Insurance should have done to correct what Intrepid lawyers considered a scriveners error. In practice, the firms appear to be part of the same company. The insurance companys website notes: Intrepid Direct Insurance operates as Intrepid Direct Insurance Agency, LLC. One lawyer for Intrepid declined to comment and another could not be reached Wednesday and Thursday. Photo: Adobe Stock images Topics North Carolina Deadly storms and flooding rains left a path of destruction across 14 states in the US South and Midwest, knocking out power to more than 400,000 customers. Record rain fell in Memphis and eastern Missouri overnight and more is expected through the weekend. The worst damage was in the central Mississippi River Valley and into the Midwest, where as many as 21 tornadoes were reported, according to the US Storm Prediction Center. Hail damaged homes and businesses while winds toppled trees and power lines. At least three people were killed, the Associated Press reported. The system isnt really moving, said Marc Chenard, a senior branch forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center. While the threat of tornadoes and thunderstorms lingers, the biggest hazard is going to be the flooding both river flooding and flash flooding. Governors in Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee have declared emergencies, while Missouri mobilized its National Guard units to help with the cleanup. At least 15 rivers forecast to reach major flood stage and another 84 cresting at moderate levels, the US National Weather Service said. An enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms will continue focused primarily on Arkansas for the next three days. The stalled weather front may shift a little from west to east, though there will be a lot of overlap where the heaviest rains fall and storms strike through Saturday, Chenard said. Tennessee is expecting as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain, the state said. Some areas could approach their all-time rainiest four days, Chenard said. By Sunday, the worst of the weather will start moving east into Alabama, Georgia and parts of Florida, where the Storm Prediction Center has raised a severe weather risk alert. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Flood Windstorm A plumbing contractor has been ordered to pay $1 million in restitution to the State Compensation Insurance Fund as part of a workers comp fraud prosecution. Daniela G. Birdwell, 41, owner of GPS Plumbing, pleaded guilty to one count of workers comp insurance premium fraud. A judge also imposed a sentence of two years of formal felony probation, 320 hours of community service and ordered Birdwell to pay $10,000 per month towards restitution. The State Fund provided workers comp coverage to GPS Plumbing from June 2016 through May 2021. The fraud was first discovered when a State Fund special investigation unit noticed a difference between wages the company reported to the Employment Development Department and wages reported to the State Fund during policy audits. State Fund then conducted an audit of GPS Plumbings workers comp records, which investigators say uncovered millions of dollars in unreported payroll. The State Funds Special Investigation Unit submitted a report of its suspected fraud case to the San Diego County District Attorneys Office and the California Department of Insurance for investigation. Deputy District Attorney David Bagheri prosecuted the case. Topics California Fraud Workers' Compensation Contractors Pierce Brosnan can still vividly remember his first trip to America and his first audition there for an acting role. After landing some work in London - including a Tennessee Williams play - his late wife, Cassie, had encouraged him to give America a go. The audition was for a TV series, blending romantic drama and detective procedural, called Remington Steele. The young couple, both actors, had taken out a loan and taken on a gamble. It wasnt long before they jetted to the US in the hope of finding further success. On the way to the audition, disaster almost struck when the car hed rented broke down, he says now. Its thanks to my late wife, Cassie, who said: You have to go to America. How are we going to go to America? We just bought this house in Wimbledon, Brosnan recalls telling her. But Cassie, who sadly died from cancer at the age of 43, felt it was the right move. Shed been in For Your Eyes Only. I'd done a mini series which I got about the Irish potato famine [ The Manions of America]. I was the unknown, but I was the lead, remembers Brosnan. She said: Youve got to go. (We) Went to the bank manager, got a 2,000 pound overdraft, hopped on Freddie Laker with our sandwiches, and I got Remington Steele, my very first interview. Drove across Laurel Canyon in a lime-green Pacer. It blew up on the way down the hill. I got there in a sweat. Stephanie Zimbalist and Pierce Brosnan in Remington Steele. Remington Steele quickly cemented the Irish actors status as a charismatic leading man, and it was no time at all before media observers began speculating about him becoming a future James Bond. The opportunity to don 007s tuxedo initially eluded him as he was contractually tied to Remington Steele, but years later it would come his way again. He would play the iconic sleuth four times - in GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day. Now aged 71, Brosnan is relaxed and philosophical as he remembers those big breakthroughs early in his career. He cites being cast in Tennessee Williams The Red Devil Battery Sign as a big confidence booster as a young man. Working with Tennessee Williams on one of his last plays, magnificent, he says. He wrote a little scene for me on the Savoy Hotel note paper. That gave me great faith in myself as a young actor. There's lots of turning points: Bond. Getting James Bond after Remington Steele, not being able to get out of the contract, losing it, taking the blow, you move on and don't get bitter. You know, it's all a game. Now Brosnan is back playing in one of his grittiest roles yet. He joins a star-studded cast including Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren and Paddy Considine in MobLand, the new crime series from Guy Ritchie for Paramount+ The series centres on a turf war between two rival crime families that threatens to uproot empires and destroy lives. At the heart of it is Harry (Hardy) a street-savvy fixer who works for Conrad Harrington (Brosnan), a violent Irish criminal kingpin. Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren in MobLand, on Paramount+. Last summer, these five scripts came to me, this series with Guy Richie, says Brosnan. I adore his work and the landscape of movies that he has made, the characters that he's created. I read it, Ronan Bennett [ Top Boy] had written it, and I said: Yes, I'm in because I wanted to come back to England. I wanted to work here in Europe. And then it developed from there. Helen Mirren and I were making the Thursday Murder Club. She said: Have you read it? Do you like it? I said: I do. She said: Im going to read it. If you're in it, let's go do it. She jumped on board, then Tom Hardy, and we were off to the races. And then the scripts were written by Jez Butterworth [ The Ferryman]. He came on board. You have these two great writers and this amazing character who is kind of mangled, brutal, cunning and an Irishman who has come out of the wilds of Ireland. Harrington is a man used to casual violence to meet his ends and protect his empire in the long-form series, which will run to ten episodes. Is he one of the darkest characters Brosnan has played? Oh yes, he is dark. I mean, there are aspects of him which really surprised me, and as the scripts came in, there are moments which made me draw a breath. But that's what makes it so exhilarating, and that's what makes it so entertaining. You have to play it with humour, you have to play it with a certain knowing. It's exhilarating work, and it gets you out of bed at five in the morning, and you go there with all your performance in hand, and you deliver it. I love this format. I've done one other show like this, called The Son, which was a Western, and I enjoy it very much. It keeps you on your toes, keeps you alive, and it pays the rent. Pierce Brosnan with his wife Keely Shaye Smith at the New York premiere of MobLand. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images) Though he will forever be associated with Ian Flemings globe-trotting agent, Brosnan has always mixed up his roles - even at the height of his James Bond success. He starred opposite Rene Russo in a hit remake of The Thomas Crown Affair and took to comedy with Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire. He worked with director Tim Burton in Mars Attacks! and Edgar Wright in The Worlds End. He had a blast in Mamma Mia ! as one of three men - along with Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard - invited to an eventful wedding on a Greek island. As a boy, the Navan man stayed with his maternal grandparents while his mother, who worked in the UK, would come home to visit. He moved to the UK to be reunited with his mother at the age of eleven, but has always been proud of his Irish heritage. It comes as no surprise to discover he keeps a keen eye on Irish acting successes - including Cillian Murphys recent Oscar win for Oppenheimer. Saoirse I adore. Cillian has been constant and brilliant and luminous. They all are. They carry that lovely alchemy of our ancestors and the landscape of our lives and where we come from and the history of our people as artists, storytellers. So, yes, that's always with me, the sensation of where I come from. A major social housing plan has been unveiled for the long-time vacant site of what was once described as Corks very own Willy Wonka sweet factory. Cork City Council has published a Part 8 planning notice on plans to build 56 new social homes on the site of the former Topps sweet factory in Ballincollig, which has lain vacant for almost 30 years. Topps, an international marketer of childrens confectionery, set up operations in the towns Innishmore area in 1976. Famous for producing Bazooka bubble gum and Golden Nuggets gum with tattoos, locals recall fondly how in the early years, children from local estates were often invited into the factory to taste some of the products, sometimes even before they hit the shelves, and then sent home with bags stuffed full of sweets. The company ceased operation in the town in 1998 and put the 10-acre site up for sale. The main building was demolished a short time later and the site has lain vacant and overgrown ever since. It is privately owned. However, it is understood that the social housing plan for the site emerged from the competitive dialogue process led by City Hall, which invites developers or landowners to come forward with housing proposals. Under the new plan, 56 new homes, ranging from four-bed to one-bed units, will be developed on the site. Sinn Fein councillor Cork City South West, Joe Lynch, who was raised in Innishmore and still lives there, remembers the Topps factory from his childhood and welcomed the housing plan for the site. "This site is an ideal location for the development of housing, he said. Many of us will have great memories of the location in question, being the former home of Topps sweet factory, but it's a site that has been left vacant for over two decades and is an eyesore in our community, frankly. "Bringing the site back into use is something I have been working on from day one of being elected to council. "I have made the case already to senior council officials that with new homes must come additional investment in the existing community, and I will continue to make this case throughout the remainder of the planning process and the proposal once finalised will be voted on by council. He also plans to host an information evening in the area in the coming weeks to discuss the housing plan. "I look forward to engagement with neighbours, residents, and other stakeholders over the coming weeks to maximise the community gain from this development; mindful of the need to deliver these badly-needed homes for those on the Council's housing list as quickly as possible," he said. In 2022, a 13m social housing scheme called Westview was officially opened on a nearby site, which had also lain vacant for years. That 44 home scheme featured a a mix of apartments, townhouses, and duplexes and was delivered by approved housing body Respond in partnership first with Cork County Council, and then in association with Cork City Council following the 2019 city boundary extension. US president Donald Trump continues to implement "reciprocal tariffs" on countries across the globe, and print media the world over is having its say in boldface. Mr Trump recently imposed 20% tariffs on all imports from the EU as part of a raft of measures that will hit Irish exports. Ireland isn't the only country reeling from these sweeping tariffs, with major trade partners and struggling countries alike already preparing for the worst. Mr Trump's new regime threatens to begin a global trade war, with The Guardian claiming that this "marks the biggest upheaval of global trade norms since the Second World War." Ireland The front page of the Irish Examiner shows Trump holding up a chart that lists the tariffs for countries and regions around the world with the headline 'Trump hits EU with 20% tariffs'. Front pages April 3 Page 2 reads 'EU leaders split on how to respond to tariffs', echoing the words of Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who has warned that countries will be divided on how to retaliate against such a monumental upheaval in trade relations. A page 10 opinion piece also claims: "Retaliation may not be straightforward, and we may need to be mindful that other EU countries aims may not coincide with our own. "Our sensitivity about the pharma sector and US multinationals here may not be matched by other European nations seeking to punish American business, while the noises from Italy are worrying for a different reason." The Irish Times front page reads 'Trump upends decades of US trade policy with sweeping global tariffs' The cover of the irish Times The Irish Independent says 'Trump ignites historic trade war', while the Irish Daily Mail paraphrases the words of the Taoiseach, worryingly exclaiming, "We will never be back to normal." The cover of the Irish Daily Mail Britain Trump announced 10% tariffs on British goods with the Guardian's Pippa Crerar saying "Downing Street will be relieved to have escaped the higher rate, with Keir Starmer's more conciliatory approach to the Trump administration appearing to pay off". The cover of The Guardian While Britain looks to have got off lightly, The Times writes "The move will hit all of the UK's 60bn worth of annual exports to the US, with economists warning that the tariffs could completely wipe out growth in the UK economy next year". The cover of The Times Trump unleashes tariffs is the headline in the Telegraph. The story's intro reads that the US president has called his new regime a declaration of economic independence. The cover of The Daily Telegraph The Independent's headline touches on how Trump is targeting who he calls the 'foreign cheaters'. USA Across the pond, US broadsheets have been commenting. A front-page article in the New York Times from Ana Swanson and Tony Romm read: "His [Trump's] announcement went far beyond what many economists and analysts had expected." Front pages April 3 They continued: "The moves will shatter the global trading system that the United States helped build up since the Second World War..." A headline in the Wall Street Journal reads: 'With New Trade Regime, US Aims to Topple the Age Of Globalization'. WSJ says the US aims to topple 'age of globalisation' The header on the New York Post simply and smartly quips: 'World War Fee'. The front page of the New York post The cover of the Washington Post features an image of Trump proudly holding an executive order with three American flags draped dramatically behind him. An article by David J Lynch and Jeff Stein warns that the tariffs "would erect towering impediments to products from dozens of foreign countries, many of them poor nations that embraced exporting as a tool to escape grinding poverty." The Washington Post France French outlet Le Figaro's front splash reads 'Guerre Commerciale: Le monde sous le choc', which translates to 'Trade War: The World in Shock'. The front page of Le Fiagro Spain The headline on Spanish paper El Pais translates to 'Trump detonates trade war' while El Mundo declares 'Trump unleashes a maelstrom of tariffs against the global order'. The front page of El Mundo New Zealand Some papers' headlines almost read as a cry for help. For example, the New Zealand Herald simply says 'It will harm us'. US tariffs dominated conversations on the streets of Cork after Donald Trump's announcement of a 20% tax on goods going into the US from the EU. The topic was on everybodys lips, particularly in Carrigaline, a satellite town that has benefitted from having the lucrative pharmaceutical industry located nearby. Concerns had been raised around the future of the pharma sector in Ireland ahead of the US tariffs announcement, but, for now, the 20% tax imposed on goods does not include pharmaceuticals. Many in Carrigaline were relieved the pharmaceutical sector escaped this round of tariffs, but a sense of tension remained in the air, with fears pharma will be hit next time, potentially impacting jobs and investment in the local industry. Margaret O'Neill: Well have to wait and see what he [Trump] is going to do next. Its sickening but I think hell do it bit by bit. I dont think hes going to let anyone get away with anything.' Picture: Larry Cummins Margaret ONeill, who hails from Douglas but has lived in Carrigaline for 50 years, was sceptical about Trumps approach. I felt a lot of sadness when I heard about the tariffs, she told the Irish Examiner. Well have to wait and see what he [Trump] is going to do next. Its sickening but I think hell do it bit by bit. I dont think hes going to let anyone get away with anything. If the pharmaceutical industry is affected, it will put so many jobs around here at risk. There will be others affected too. "If he didnt put tariffs on the farmers this time hell probably do it later on. EU countries will have to come together because we cant do this on our own. Also expressing fears was Nigel Keating, who is worried the measures will result in a recession for the people of Ireland. There are worries about companies relocating to the States. I dont think this will happen but it is a concern. I dont know how Ireland will react. Nigel Keating: 'This is only going to lead to a recession down the line.' Picture: Larry Cummins "What can you really do besides fight tariffs with tariffs? This is only going to lead to a recession down the line. The main impact, I think, will be a loss of business and a loss of opportunities for companies. John Cullen: 'The Irish Government havent come up with a plan. All they are doing is fighting amongst themselves.' Picture: Larry Cummins Carrigaline local John Cullen, who originally hails from Clare, said Irish politicians need to take stock. They knew this was coming, he said of the tariffs. Not one of them can give you an answer with regards to how to deal with this. They havent a clue what theyre doing. "Trump is standing up for the Americans. Thats what hes doing. But Trump is bluffing, without a shadow of a doubt. The Irish Government havent come up with a plan. All they are doing is fighting amongst themselves. They are doing nothing for the country. Peter O'Regan: 'If you look at the multinational sector thats in Ireland and the pharma sector exporting to the US, it can only be negative.' Picture: Larry Cummins Meanwhile, Peter ORegan said a measured approach was needed to mitigate the impact. Tariffs are a negative thing by their very nature, given the volume of Irish trade that is with the US." "The same amount of tariffs are being put on us that are being put on Germany. Its going to have an impact. "If you look at the multinational sector thats in Ireland and the pharma sector exporting to the US, it can only be negative. "I think Ireland will have to react in a measured fashion. There will probably have to be some level of targeted retaliation but it cant be across the board. Theyre going to have to look at certain industries that have a broad base of support in Trump areas and hit those or his billionaire flock of friends. Anne Veale: 'Who, in the name of heavens, could be a Trump supporter now?' Picture: Larry Cummins Anne Veale was among those to criticise Trump. The man is doing his own thing and not thinking about anybody else," she said. "Who, in the name of heavens, could be a Trump supporter now? Andy Fitzgerald. 'This is not positive but its going to affect the States as much as anywhere else.' Picture: Larry Cummins Andy Fitzgerald voiced his hopes for the future of Ireland. Its worrying, of course, but we have been through plenty before. When I came out of school we were in the middle of a nasty recession. We struggled that time but we have a way of coming out the other side. This is not positive but its going to affect the States as much as anywhere else. The trial judge in the case against a 13-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy accused of raping a 16-year-old girl at a Christmas race meeting in Limerick addressed the eleven-person jury throughout today. Mr Justice Paul McDermott addressed the two men and nine women of the jury on legal principles pertaining to the case and also summarised evidence which they heard since the trial commenced on March 11. One of the twelve jurors sworn in on that date became ill during the trial and was discharged from hearing the case against three teenagers. Two are accused of raping and sexually assaulting the girl. The third defendant is charged with aiding and abetting them and falsely imprisoning the girl in a car. It is alleged that the contested incidents occurred in a car in a field car park at Limerick racecourse at Patrickswell, Co Limerick, on December 26 2022. Dean Kelly, prosecution senior counsel, said the three defendants acted as a group in carrying out the offences with which they are charged. Defence senior counsels, Tom Creed, Vincent Heneghan, and Brian McInerney, for the three defendants said the prosecution had not reached the point of proving any of the counts beyond reasonable doubt. The defence also said that by the complainants own account she did consent to some interaction that afternoon. They argued that while the prosecution said it was consent up to a point, it was not clear where that point was. The disputed events in the car relate to a period of somewhere between 20 and 40 minutes, the prosecution allege. Mr Kelly, prosecution senior counsel, said at the outset that it may be the most normal thing for a juror to have sympathies for the complainant, or for the accused because they are so young, but he said they must approach their work as jurors coldly and dispassionately. The case continues. As US president Donald Trump takes aim at the mostly American-owned pharmaceutical factories that dot the Irish countryside, the people of Carrigtwohill are getting nervous. "He is going to do fierce damage," said retired butcher Anthony Barry, 73, at a charity event at Carrigtwohill's community centre, where the tariff threat to the Irish economy dominated conversation. Who says Roy Keane doesnt have a soft side? The former Ireland and Manchester United legend has made an elderly fans day or even year when he paid him a surprise visit in hospital this week. Pat OSullivan, 78, has dementia and was being treated in the Mercy Hospital in Cork. His son Rob rang the Breakfast with KC show on RedFM in the hope of getting a message to his fathers hero. And what happened next will have everyone scrambling for the box of tissues. Keane showed up unannounced to Pats room at the Mercy Hospital where he spent quality time with Pat, offering some words of encouragement and reminiscing about his own time growing up in Mayfield. Rob said his dad cried twice during the visit he was so overcome with emotion at meeting his hero. Roy Keane walked into my dads room, face to face, and shook his hand, Rob told RedFM. For him to come and visit, take time out of his schedule or his personal time to see my dad, sit with him, go back and forward with stories. You have no idea, it still feels like a dream. Rob said his dad was in "shock and awe" upon meeting his hero When I looked at him face to face, I was in awe. I cannot believe he is right in front of me and about to make my dads dream come true. Since we last spoke my dads speech has gone really bad. It was perfect because they were able to have a bit of a conversation, my dad looked at him, he was staring at him, and he just couldnt believe his friend was sitting next to him. When asked if Pat and Keane had had a pint together, Rob replied He didnt drink anything, just to let you know, but when he saw the non-alcoholic beverage coming his way he exclaimed do me a favour! in true Keane fashion. Rob told the Irish Examiner that his dad was in shock and awe. My dad sees Roy as a real gent and a real straight talker who says it as it is, Rob said. He stayed for a full 30 mins or so chatting to my dad, it was incredible Keane poses for pictures with the O'Sullivan family Rob told the story of when his dad first met Keane and introduced Rob to the former Ireland captain. He was drinking at the Temple Acre which is our local and Roy showed up to the pub, this was around 1994, when he had just signed for Manchester United. I was only about ten Id say. Roy signed a load of autographs and bought my dad a pint, something we would never forget. An auctioneer broke down in tears as he appealed for information about missing Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine moments before cattle belonging to Mr Gaine were sold at auction. Kerry County councillor Dan McCarthy appealed for anybody with information, "no matter how small", to give it to gardai. Eight animals were among lots at the weanling and general cattle sale at Kenmare Mart's auction. They sold in two lots: Two in one and six in another. The first two lots of Mr Gaine's cattle sale made 11,900. Mr McCarthy, who is a neighbour of Mr Gaine, said: "This day two weeks ago, an awful tragedy happened in this community. "Our farming community colleague, Mike Gaine, (went) missing. There has been no trace or sighting of him for the last two weeks. "The family have asked me today to thank each and every last one of you that have helped in any way to search for Mike and to bring Mike back to his family." Mr McCarthy said everyone is upset and hurting, "because the farming community is a very small community". "I'm making an appeal to everyone that's out there to help us to find Mike and bring him back to his family," he said. "I'm asking, and I appeal to everyone, wherever he is, he is somewhere in Ireland. Please let the gardai know. We will keep looking, because someone knows something about what happened to Mike. Maybe someone (saw) something: No matter how small, please let gardai know." Shortly after the 56-year-old disappeared, half of his herd of 30 or so animals were taken away to be cared for by a long-standing friend of the Gaine family. Mr Gaine's estimated 300 or so sheep are still on his 1,000-acre farmlands around Moll's Gap and Ladies' View, along sections of the Ring of Kerry between Kenmare and Killarney. The Defence Forces are the latest state body to be brought in to search for Mr Gaine, who has not been seen since he bought a sandwich roll in a local Centra on March 20. An in-store camera filmed him wearing a distinctive orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans and black boots. While there, he also bought credit for his phone and a bottle of juice. His last words to staff were: "I'll see you later." A short while afterwards, he walked out of the car park, got into his wife Janice's nine-year-old bronze Toyota RAV4 and drove onto the Killarney Road towards Moll's Gap. He is understood to have driven past the house he shared with Janice, in Carhoomeengar East, 3km from Kenmare, before heading straight to his family's old farmhouse, less than a kilometre from Moll's Gap, along the Ring of Kerry route and has not been seen since. Detectives still want to speak to anybody who travelled on the N71 on Thursday, March 20, after 9.48am and who may also have dash-cam or CCTV footage from Thursday, March 20, and Friday, March 21, in the Kenmare town and Moll's Gap (N71/ R568) area. Thursday, Apr 3rd, 2025 (12:02 am) - Score 2,800 Infracapital-backed alternative network operator Fibrus, which is currently busy building a new full fibre (FTTP) broadband ISP network across rural parts of Cumbria (England) and Northern Ireland, has today announced a reorganisation of their business and also the appointment of two new Managing Directors (MD) to lead their next phase of growth. The past few months have been fairly challenging for Fibrus, including recent job losses (here) and having to deal with the network damage caused by a major storm (here). But theyve also seen the confirmation of an extension to their Project Gigabit broadband roll-out in Cumbria (here) and are now looking to the future. Fibrus network currently reaches over 400,000 UK premises and has connected 100,000 customers. NOTE: Fibrus is backed by a total investment of around 893m, including 320m of committed debt, 200m in current and committed equity funding and 373m of government funding (e.g. 23m FFNI, 200m Fibrus is backed by a total investment of around 893m, including 320m of committed debt, 200m in current and committed equity funding and 373m of government funding (e.g. 23m FFNI, 200m Project Stratum up to 82,000 premises by June 2025 in N.Ireland and the c.150m Project Gigabit contract for 53,500 premises in Cumbria Hyperfast GB ). However, todays new appointments follow a strategic decision to reorganise the Fibrus Group into three distinct businesses Fibrus Broadband, Hyperfast Networks, and Viberoptix, all of which sit within the Fibrus Group. The organisation claims that this new operating model is designed to set the group up for success in a fast-moving environment and to enable future growth and expansion. Advertisement As for those appointments. The companys previous Director of Sales and Marketing, Keava McHugh, will step into the role of Managing Director of Fibrus Groups retail brand, Fibrus Broadband. In this role, Keava will continue overseeing the Fibrus brand, which she has led from its start-up phase to a trusted household name in Northern Ireland Meanwhile, Jenny Lennon will take the reins of Hyperfast Networks, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the growing network in NI & GB, developing the wholesale proposition, and managing the delivery of government funded projects. Colin Hutchinson, Managing Director at Fibrus Group, said: Jenny and Keava know the business inside out and have been integral to the Fibrus journey, bringing experience, perspectives, and unstoppable energy that has been instrumental to our success story so far. As Fibrus steps into this new era, freshly crowned as the fastest-growing tech company in Northern Ireland and second fastest on the Island of Ireland, were proud to be leading the charge for innovation, championing customers, bridging the digital divide, and connecting communities. The two new roles will join the Senior Leadership team which includes founders Dominic Kearns, CEO, and Conal Henry, Chair, as well as Conor Harrison, Chair at Viberoptix, Shane Haslem, COO, Linda McMillan, CPO and Colin Hutchinson as Group MD and CFO. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has labeled the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a 20% tariff on imports from the European Union as wrong. Mr. Trump confirmed the decision as part of a suite of levies on global economies, referring to it as liberation day for the United States. Ms. Meloni stated that this move would not be advantageous for the US and expressed her hope to collaborate with both the US and the EU to prevent a trade war. We will do everything we can to strive towards an agreement with the United States, aiming to avoid a trade war that would inevitably undermine the West in favor of other global players, she remarked in a statement on Facebook. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez asserted that, Spain will protect its companies and workers and will remain committed to an open world. Swedens Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson indicated that his country does not desire increasing trade barriers or a trade war. We aim to return to a path of trade and cooperation with the US, ensuring that people in our nations can enjoy a better quality of life. European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen is anticipated to respond to the tariff announcement within the next few hours. Read more: Trump: Tariffs are declaration of economic independence Taoiseach says US tariff decision benefits no one The President of the European Peoples Party, the largest group in the European Parliament, stated that it is not liberation day but resentment day for the US. To our American friends, today isnt liberation day its resentment day. Donald Trumps tariffs do not protect fair trade; rather, they undermine it out of fear and harm both sides of the Atlantic. Europe stands united, prepared to defend its interests, and open to fair, rigorous discussions, Manfred Weber added. The German chemicals industry urged Brussels to maintain a cool head in reaction to the tariff, cautioning that a spiral of escalation would only exacerbate the damage. We regret the US governments decision, the Association of the German Chemical Industry stated in a communication. The organization called on the EU to keep a close dialogue with the US, which is the largest export market for the German chemical sector. A 59-year-old man has received a 31-year prison sentence for the murder of his future son-in-law, Damien Conlon, an Irish national, in New South Wales. Mr. Conlon, 38, originally from Sligo, was fatally shot by his fiancees father, army veteran Luke Simon, at his residence in Oberon, New South Wales, on 9 February 2023. Having relocated to Australia over a decade prior to his death, Mr. Conlon was a carpenter who had established his own business and obtained Australian citizenship in June 2021. He was a stepfather to two children from Ms. Simons previous relationship. The court was informed of a disagreement regarding delays in constructing a granny flat. Mr. Simon owned a property which he transferred to his daughter, with plans for her family to live there while a granny flat would be built for him. Both Mr. Simon and his daughter sought legal assistance to formalize the arrangement, and planning permission for the granny flat was granted in December 2022. In January 2023, Ms. Simon wrote to her father requesting that he vacate the property so renovations and construction could commence. She stated in her letter that the house was deteriorating and needed urgent repairs, particularly considering her fathers sleep apnea and heart condition. The court noted that following her letter, Mr. Simon and his daughter exchanged numerous text messages, leading to a breakdown in their relationship. An acquaintance of Mr. Simon testified that the delay in the granny flats construction had made him increasingly anxious. On the morning of 9 February 2023, Ms. Simon awoke to find a missed call and message from her father at 6:35 AM. When she returned his call at 6:50 AM, he informed her that some of Mr. Conlons belongings had been stolen from the Oberon property, prompting Mr. Conlon to drive to the location. CCTV had been installed at the property, recording both audio and video from various angles, including the front steps and door. Prior to Mr. Conlons arrival, Mr. Simon was seen removing semi-automatic pistols from his gun safe, loading them, and concealing them in his waistband. The court learned that Mr. Simon felt he was being forced out and claimed he confronted Mr. Conlon before fatally shooting him. Disturbing and chilling video The CCTV footage captured Mr. Conlon lying on the ground at the front steps of the property at 7:56 AM, after which Mr. Simon called emergency services. He told the dispatcher, I have just killed my son-in-law, daughters boyfriend I will go outside and wait for police. During police questioning, Mr. Simon admitted, I knew they were going to get me out I intended to do it. The court heard that Mr. Simon acknowledged the claim about Mr. Conlons belongings being stolen was a ruse to lure him to the Oberon house. Mr. Simon further stated, Im pretty sure my daughter was pulling the strings. Damien bore the brunt of my anger. Tragically, hes the one that bore the end of it. Just two days before Mr. Conlons death, CCTV footage showed Mr. Simon retrieving a pistol from his gun safe at 9:37 AM while directing comments toward his son-in-law. He was recorded saying, Thats the one thats going to put him to sleep. Justice Sarah McNaughton, in her ruling, mentioned that after reviewing the CCTV footage, she determined the intention to kill Mr. Conlon was established by Tuesday, 7 February 2023. She remarked, Ive viewed the disturbing and chilling video of the final shooting of the already wounded Mr. Conlon. I note the calm and calculated manner in which the offender shot Mr. Conlon, the words bye, bye, Damien, the tone of his voice, and the offenders multiple admissions regarding the shooting. The court also heard that Mr. Simon joined the army as an apprentice at 15 but left at 16 due to experiences of abuse, later being diagnosed with PTSD and depression along with addiction issues. Judge McNaughton expressed that she could not accept that Mr. Simons PTSD was directly related to the murder. Profound loss and trauma She highlighted that Mr. Simons testimony was unreliable and expressed a noticeable lack of remorse. The New South Wales Supreme Court was informed that Mr. Simon has had no contact with his daughter since his incarceration and has been denied access to his four grandchildren. Judge McNaughton noted that Ms. Simons victim impact statement underscored the profound loss and trauma inflicted by Mr. Conlons death. She conveyed to the court that her fathers actions resulted in loss, grief, and a deep sense of betrayal as he took away her fiance. Ms. Simon recounted how Mr. Conlon encouraged her to forgive and support her relationship with her father. She expressed her difficulty in articulating the pain, sorrow, fear, anger, and emptiness she has felt since Mr. Conlons passing. She reflected on how her own father held her sons shortly after their births, proclaiming his love and protection over them, yet he killed their father and stepfather, causing irreparable harm. It breaks her heart that her children will deal with the void left by their fathers absence due to the actions of the man who should have been their grandfather. When sentencing Mr. Simon to 31 years in prison, Judge McNaughton emphasized that the sentence should serve as a deterrent against resolving disputes through violence. She handed down a 31-year sentence, citing special circumstances, along with a non-parole period of 22 years, beginning on 9 February 2023. Judge McNaughton acknowledged that neither words nor a sentence could restore the loss of a loved one and extended her condolences to Mr. Conlons family and loved ones. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military is dividing Gaza and seizing territory as a means to compel Hamas to release hostages held in the Palestinian region. The military is dissecting the (Gaza) Strip and progressively increasing pressure so that (Hamas) will return our hostages, Mr. Netanyahu noted in a statement, adding that Israel is seizing territory, striking terrorists, and dismantling infrastructure. He also mentioned that the army is taking control of the Morag Axis, a section of land anticipated to lie between the southern governorates of Khan Yunis and Rafah. The name of this axis originates from a former Israeli settlement that was evacuated during Israels disengagement from Gaza in 2005. Mr. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will persist in applying military pressure until Hamas releases the remaining hostages. Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamass unprecedented attack on 7 October 2023, 58 remain captive in Gaza, with 34 confirmed dead by the Israeli military. Israel resumed significant airstrikes on the Palestinian territory on 18 March, following a breakdown in discussions regarding subsequent actions in a six-week ceasefire. Since 18 March, at least 1,066 individuals have died in Gaza, according to the latest figures provided by the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. In total, 50,423 individuals have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict ignited by Hamass October 2023 assault, according to the ministrys statistics, which the United Nations considers reliable. Seize large areas Earlier, Israel announced plans to expand its military operations and seize large areas of Gaza, where rescuers reported 34 fatalities due to Israeli strikes, including attacks on a UN facility. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would reinforce its military presence in the Palestinian territory to destroy and clear the area of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure. The operation aims to seize large areas that will be incorporated into Israeli security zones, he remarked in a statement, without providing specifics on the extent of the territory. Gazas civil defense agency reported that at least 19 people were killed, including nine children, when an Israeli strike targeted a UNRWA (UN agency for Palestinian refugees) building housing a medical clinic in Jabalia refugee camp. The Israeli army confirmed that it struck Hamas militants inside a command and control center in Jabalia, north Gaza. They also acknowledged to AFP that the building contained a UN clinic. The Palestinian foreign ministry, located in the occupied West Bank, condemned the massacre at the UNRWA clinic in Jabalia and urged for serious international pressure to halt Israels expanding offensive. Israel has previously conducted strikes on UNRWA facilities that were sheltering displaced persons in Gaza, where conflict has persisted for most of the last 18 months. The Israeli military accuses Hamas of utilizing school buildings as hideouts where numerous Gazans have sought refugea claim that the Palestinian militant organization denies. Israel also carried out deadly air strikes in southern and central Gaza. Civil defense reported that early morning strikes resulted in at least 13 deaths in Khan Yunis and two in Nuseirat refugee camp. Mr. Katz warned last week that the military would soon operate with full force in more areas of Gaza. In February, he announced plans for an agency to oversee the voluntary departure of Palestinians from the region. This followed Israels endorsement of a proposal from US President Donald Trump to have the United States assume control of the territory after relocating its 2.4 million Palestinian inhabitants. This proposal sparked outrage among Gazans and drew significant international condemnation. Read more: Irish surgeons footage shows impact of Israeli hospital strike We need your consent to load this rte-player content. We use rte-player to manage extra content that may set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences Horrified An Israeli group representing families of hostages still detained in Gaza expressed being horrified by Mr. Katzs announcement regarding the escalation of military operations. Has it been decided to sacrifice the hostages for the sake of territorial gains?' the Hostages and Missing Families Forum queried in a statement. Mr. Netanyahu has dismissed claims that his government is inadequately addressing the hostages release. We are negotiating under fire We can observe cracks starting to show in Hamass positions during ceasefire discussions, he remarked to his cabinet on Sunday. Hunger is becoming a growing problem for people in Gaza Theyre all closed As hunger becomes increasingly dire, bakeries in Gaza City have shut down amid worsening shortages of flour and sugar since Israel blocked the entry of aid supplies on 2 March. Ive been going from bakery to bakery all morning, but none of them are operational; theyre all closed, Amina al-Sayed told AFP. On Sunday, Mr. Netanyahu offered to allow Hamas leaders to leave Gaza but insisted that the group must relinquish its arms. Hamas has indicated a willingness to relinquish power in Gaza, yet regards disarmament as a red line. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are working to broker a new ceasefire and ensure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. A senior Hamas official stated on Saturday that the group had approved a new ceasefire proposal, while Netanyahus office confirmed that Israel had submitted a counter-offer. The specifics remain undisclosed. Israels far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited Jerusalems contentious Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, drawing condemnation from both Hamas and neighboring Jordan, which serves as the custodian of the site. Mr. Ben Gvir has repeatedly challenged the long-standing convention that permits Jews to visit but not pray at the compound, igniting fears among Palestinians about Israeli intentions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to embark on a four-day visit to Hungary tomorrow, defying an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning allegations of war crimes in Gaza, as Israel intensifies its military operations in the region. As a founding member of the ICC, Hungary is theoretically required to apprehend and extradite anyone that is subject to a warrant from the court. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made it clear when extending the invitation that Hungary would not comply with the ruling. Mr. Netanyahu is currently facing a political crisis back home due to an investigation into alleged connections between Qatar and three of his aides. He is scheduled to meet with Mr. Orban prior to a press conference tomorrow morning. The Prime Minister has dismissed the allegations against his aides as fake news. A representative from Qatar has described the claims as part of a smear campaign targeting the nation. Security personnel have been observed near the central Budapest hotel where Mr. Netanyahu will be residing. Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, stated that Hungary would disregard the ICCs ruling. This visit marks only the second occasion Mr. Netanyahu has traveled abroad since the ICC issued arrest warrants for him and former defense minister Yoav Gallant last November. However, details of his itinerary remain sparse, aside from a planned visit to a Holocaust memorial. He previously traveled to Washington in February for a meeting with his close ally, US President Donald Trump. Both Israel and the United States are not members of the ICC, with Washington contending that the court could be utilized for politically motivated prosecutions. Mr. Orban extended the invitation to Mr. Netanyahu a day after the ICC released its arrest warrant linked to allegations of war crimes in Gaza. This followed a devastating attack by numerous Hamas fighters that resulted in 1,200 fatalities and the kidnapping of 251 individuals. Since that incident, the Israeli campaign has led to the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians and caused widespread devastation in Gaza, inciting protests globally and prompting South Africa to initiate separate legal proceedings in the International Court of Justicea different body from the ICCaccusing Israel of genocide. Completely unacceptable Israel has categorically rejected the allegations, stating they are driven by political motives and antisemitism. The nation asserts that the ICC has forfeited its legitimacy by issuing warrants against a democratically elected leader acting in self-defense. Mr. Orban has echoed Israels condemnation of the ICC, calling its decision to issue the warrants brazen, cynical and completely unacceptable. The ICC issued a statement indicating that member states have a legal obligation to enforce the courts decisions and that it is not for states to assess the validity of its legal judgments. Read more: What is the International Criminal Court? Along with the warrants for Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gallants arrests, the ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, whose death has since been confirmed. Initially, prosecutors sought to arrest Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, the groups leader in Gaza, both of whom, along with Mr. Deif, orchestrated the October 7 attack on Israel in 2023. However, both were killed by Israel prior to the approval of the request. This visit coincides with Israels expansion of its military campaign in Gaza, as it announced plans to seize portions of the enclave to establish a security zone and evacuate substantial numbers of Palestinians, aiming to exert pressure on Hamas to release 59 hostages still held in Gaza. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured NATO members of the USs commitment to the alliance, emphasizing the necessity for them to significantly enhance their defense spending targets. President Donald Trump has unsettled European allies by questioning his dedication to defending all partners and by engaging with Russia regarding the conflict in Ukraine, subsequently inflating tensions with his latest trade tariffs. Much of the hysteria and exaggeration I observe in the global media and some domestic media in the United States concerning NATO is unjustified, Mr. Rubio remarked during his initial visit to meet NATO counterparts in Brussels. President Trump has made it clear that he supports NATO. We will continue to be a part of NATO, he stated. Our goal is to leave with a consensus that we are on a realistic path for every single member to commit to and uphold a pledge to reach up to 5% spending, including the United States, Mr. Rubio indicated. No one anticipates that this can be achieved in one or two years. However, the pathway must be tangible, Mr. Rubio stressed. He maintained that Mr. Trump is not opposed to NATO. He opposes a NATO that lacks the necessary capabilities to meet its obligations. A number of European nations have declared substantial increases to their military budgets. Significant developments are underway. In recent months, weve seen hundreds of billions of euros being allocated, NATO chief Mark Rutte stated. This is likely the largest increase in defense spending on the European side of NATO since the Cold Wars conclusion, he added. Yet, we still require more. As Europe faces threats from Russia, the Trump administration has caused concern by suggesting a possible redeployment of forces to concentrate on challenges posed by China. Officials have indicated that should the US plan a major troop reduction, a clear timeline must be established for Europe to cover the resulting shortfall. There are no plans for an abrupt drawdown of their presence here in Europe, Mr. Rutte noted. However, we realize that for America, being the superpower it is, there are multiple theatres to manage. Its only reasonable to have that discussion. In addition to NATO and Ukraine, Mr. Trump has further unsettled allies with territorial claims against Canada and Denmark, insisting he will take control of Greenland. Mr. Rubio was scheduled to meet with his Danish counterpart following rising tensions between the two sides after a visit by Vice President JD Vance to the territory. Foreign ministers largely opted to avoid the topic of a potential trade war after Mr. Trumps substantial tariffs on allies, particularly the European Union. Nevertheless, some cautioned that economic conflicts could threaten NATOs unity and its capacity for future strengthening. It is crucial to recognize that we grow more effectively together; if we aim to build resources for a stronger defense, we must focus on economic growth, stated Norways Espen Barth Eide. Protectionism will not benefit us. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to embark on a four-day visit to Hungary tomorrow, disregarding an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to allegations of war crimes in Gaza. Israel has dismissed these accusations, claiming they are politically driven and fueled by antisemitism. Here are some key facts about the ICC. When was the ICC established and what is its purpose? The ICC can prosecute crimes committed by nationals of member states or on the territory of member states by other individuals. It has a total of 125 member states. The courts budget for 2025 is approximately 195 million. What investigations is the ICC currently pursuing? The ICC is investigating incidents occurring in Palestinian territories, Ukraine, and several African countries such as Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya, as well as in Venezuela in Latin America and Myanmar and the Philippines in Asia. The court reports that there have been 32 cases presented before it, some involving multiple suspects. ICC judges have issued at least 60 arrest warrants. How many individuals has the court convicted? To date, ICC judges have handed down 11 convictions and four acquittals. A total of 21 individuals have been detained at the ICC detention center in The Hague and have appeared before the court, while 31 remain at large. Charges against seven individuals were dropped following their deaths. Out of the 11 convictions, only six pertain to the courts core crimes of war crimes and crimes against humanity, while the others relate to offenses like witness tampering. The six convicted individuals were all militia leaders from African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Uganda. Sentences ranged from nine to 30 years in prison. The maximum penalty available is life imprisonment. Who is currently on the courts arrest warrant list? Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11 following an ICC warrant. Prosecutors accuse him of establishing and arming death squads responsible for the deaths of thousands of individuals perceived as drug users and dealers during his administration. Mr. Duterte has stated he takes full responsibility for the war on drugs as he prepares for his legal defense. Other notable individuals on the ICCs radar include Mr. Netanyahu, who faces accusations of being criminally responsible for actions including murder, persecution, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war in the Gaza conflict, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, accused of the war crime of unlawfully deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. Both Israel and Russia have repeatedly denied their forces have committed atrocities in Gaza and Ukraine, respectively, and they argue that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over them. When the warrant for Mr. Netanyahu was issued, the ICC also issued a warrant for the arrest of Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, whose death has since been confirmed. The ICC prosecutor has also requested arrest warrants for high-ranking leaders from Afghanistan and Myanmar, but these have not yet been formally endorsed by judges. Which countries are not part of the ICC? While many United Nations members and the European Union support the court, some countries, including the United States, China, and Russia, are not members, citing concerns that the ICC could be used for politically motivated prosecutions. Myanmar is not a member of the court; however, in 2018 and 2019, judges ruled that the court had jurisdiction over alleged cross-border crimes that occurred partially in neighboring ICC member Bangladesh, such as deportation and persecution, allowing prosecutors to initiate a formal investigation. Israel is not a member and does not recognize the courts jurisdiction, but the Palestinian territories were granted ICC membership in 2015. This ruling, combined with a decision from judges, means the court can investigate potential war crimes committed by Hamas fighters in Israel and by Israelis in the Gaza Strip. While the Philippines is not currently an ICC member, it was from 2011 until 2019 when Mr. Dutertes unilateral withdrawal was finalized. According to the courts founding 1998 Rome Statute, even if a state exits its membership, it retains jurisdiction over crimes that occurred during the membership period. In February 2025, US President Donald Trump authorized economic and travel sanctions against individuals involved in ICC investigations concerning US citizens or allies like Israel. So far, Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has been the only ICC staff member subjected to these sanctions, which are set to take effect on April 7. Read more: Netanyahu to defy ICC arrest warrant in visit to Hungary US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has received emails through his personal email account but has never utilized that account to send classified information, according to the White House. This follows a report from The Washington Post indicating that Mr. Waltz and other members of the National Security Council have been using Gmail for government-related activities. The Post highlighted that Mr. Waltz and his colleagues at the NSC had been using the commercial email service owned by Alphabet to carry out government business. This revelation came a week after the Trump administration faced bipartisan criticism for its security practices linked to the use of the Signal messaging app for coordinating military operations in Yemen. According to the Post, Mr. Waltz had less sensitive information, albeit still vulnerable, sent to his personal email, including his schedule and work documents. NSC Spokesman Brian Hughes, when questioned about the report, stated: NSA Waltz received emails and calendar invites from legacy contacts on his personal email. He has never sent classified material over his personal email account or any unsecured platform, Mr. Hughes added yesterday. He further noted that Mr. Waltz ensured compliance with federal records laws by copying government email accounts on items received after US President Donald Trump assumed office on January 20. According to Mr. Hughes, all NSC staff are made aware that classified material must only be sent through secure channels and that any non-government correspondence must be captured and retained for record compliance. Mr. Waltz, along with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others, has been under intense scrutiny since last month when it was disclosed they used Signalan encrypted commercial messaging app with expiring messagesto coordinate and share highly sensitive plans regarding a military operation against the Houthis in Yemen, instead of utilizing secure government communication methods. Read more: Magazine publishes entire US attack plan shared in group Critics have contended that this action constituted a breach of US national security and could potentially violate legal requirements. The discussions among administration officials were unintentionally exposed when a reporter from The Atlantic magazine was mistakenly added to the Signal chat. Former administration members, including Mr. Waltz and Mr. Hegseth, have previously criticized former Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State under the Obama administration. On Monday, the White House expressed that Mr. Trump continues to have confidence in Mr. Waltz and considers the Signal matter resolved. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt chose not to elaborate on the administrations review of the Signal incident but assured reporters that measures have been implemented to prevent future occurrences. Bipartisan senators have called for a formal investigation. US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Mr. Waltz in the wake of recent Gmail revelations. Mike Waltz is completely unqualified to hold a sensitive national security position, as is the case with the entire Trump national security team, Mr. Jeffries stated in an interview with Axios yesterday. Import taxes will be passed onto the consumer, while the rich will prosper from slashed taxes. by Omar Ocampo | ( Inequality.org ) Trumps trade policies have been wildly unpredictable in the first two months of his second presidency. Tariff deadlines have come and been delayed with no rhyme or reason, leaving cross-border trade in the lurch. Such volatility was a nightmare for investors in the top one percent, but they are now given some clarity thanks to the inauguration of Trumps so-called Liberation Day a comprehensive set of retaliatory tariffs imposed on all imported products from trading partners who allegedly disadvantage US exports through their own regulatory regime. But this class of high net worth individuals have no reason to be nervous or anxious. They are set to see long-term monetary gains because they have the resources to properly adapt and make financial decisions that expand their capital, not to mention the economic benefits they will receive from the tax cut that is currently part of the Republican agenda. Yet the same cannot be said for the working-class. The indiscriminate deployment of taxes on all imported goods is a blatant attack on their living standards. And that is because Trumps trade war is a class war designed not to revitalize American manufacturing, but to weaken progressive taxation. The Trump administration has argued that the implementation of tariffs is critical to ushering in a new era of American prosperity. The administration expects his tariff regime to generate a massive windfall in tax revenue, making trillions of dollars available to the federal government over the next several years. The money raised can then be used to reduce the deficit and service our ever-growing national debt. Government coffers will be overflowing with so much revenue so the argument goes that the IRS can be abolished and replaced with a new agency, the External Revenue Service. Federal income taxes will gradually become obsolete and be thrown into the dustbin of history, never to be resurrected again. Experts and observers have already refuted many of the core arguments advanced by Trump and his cronies. The nonstrategic deployment of tariffs will not make American manufacturing great again and the math does not support the administrations fantastical revenue estimates. To boost domestic manufacturing, tariffs need to be implemented and targeted towards industries with relatively low but growing demand. Renewable technologies and electric vehicles are two quintessential examples. Otherwise, tariffs on highly competitive goods will inflate prices and put US corporations at a disadvantage against their foreign competitors. Furthermore, these import taxes will not be paid by foreign firms or countries. The tariffs will be paid by US citizens and residents, and it will make an array of imported consumer goods more expensive, putting a greater strain on the budgets of working-class households. One estimate says that liberation day will reduce disposable income of the average household by at least $1,600 and as much as $2,000. In short, it will not enrich our citizens. Trade Parasite, Digital, ChatGPT, 2025 Higher prices may boost corporate profits if consumption levels remain constant, but there is no guarantee that this extra revenue will be invested into expanding the productive capacity of the country. Corporate profits have soared over the past 50 years and these earnings were not invested in domestic manufacturing, but instead they were distributed to support excessive executive pay, dividend payments to shareholders, and record-breaking stock buybacks. Tariffs, if anything, exacerbate the already existing problem of extreme inequality. When the economic pie of the rich expands, they will use these new resources to extract more wealth from the working-class through the acquisition of critical assets like residential housing and infrastructure that we rely upon like energy plants, often through private equity and asset management firms. These investment management firms rarely improve quality of service delivered, but they do raise prices to ensure higher profitability for their wealthy clients. The only way to reverse our deteriorating standards of living and extreme wealth concentration is by taxing the rich and increasing the availability and accessibility of public goods. The tariffs implemented today and the tax cuts to come will do little to fulfill Trumps promises of balancing the budget, spurring investment into manufacturing, raising revenue, or creating new jobs with dignified wages. It does not help or deliver benefits to the working-class, but it will transfer more of their hard-earned wealth and income to the top. Omar Ocampo is a researcher at the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies. Via Inequality.org Content licensed under a Creative Commons 3.0 License VANCOUVER, BC TheNewswire - April 3, 2025 Giant Mining Corp. (CSE: BFG | OTC: BFGFF | FWB: YW5) (Giant Mining or the Company) is pleased to announce that Hole MHB-32 (MHB-32) has been successfully drilled to a total depth of 889.5 feet (271.1 meters). MHB-32 is the first hole of the 2025 diamond core drilling program (the Core Program), currently underway at the Majuba Hill Porphyry Copper-Silver-Gold Deposit (Majuba Hill) in Pershing County, Nevada. Following the encouraging visual results from Hole MHB-32, a fifth hole has been added to the 2025 diamond core drilling program. This new hole was designed by Exploration Technologies (ExploreTech) to specifically target a high-potential southern resistivity anomaly identified by its proprietary AI program." As previously stated, the primary objective of the Core Program is to expand the known zones of copper mineralization at Majuba Hill and advance the project toward a new Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). David Greenway, CEO of Giant Mining, commented: "We are thrilled with the continued success of the 2025 drill program and encouraged by our teams recommendation to add an additional hole to the plananother key step toward advancing Majuba Hill to a new NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate. This hole, designed in collaboration with ExploreTech, will test a high-potential southern resistivity anomaly identified by the ExploreTech AI program. The scale and potential of this system continue to impress, and this phase of drilling is critical to unlocking further value for our shareholders. With copper prices near all-time highs and growing urgency to develop domestic U.S. copper sources, the timing has never been better. The entire team at Giant Mining has never had more conviction in advancing Majuba Hill toward its true potential. Big Sky Exploration, LLC (Big Sky) of Eureka, Nevada, successfully completed drilling of Hole MHB-32 and mobilized the drill rig to a new pad where Hole MHB-33 is scheduled to be drilled. MHB-32 was quick-logged and tagged for sampling on-site by Giant Mining geologists (Figure 2), as part of the Companys efforts to efficiently advance the 2025 Core Program at Majuba Hill. Figure 1: Azurite, malachite, chalcocite in core from MHB-32: 527 to 537 ft (160.6-163.6 m) About Exploration Technologies Inc. ExploreTechs AI approach is specifically designed to combine surface geology and drilling results with computationally intensive remodeling of existing geophysical datasets to optimize targeting of covered targets. The process quickly generates thousands of solutions that cluster on the best fits between the geological and geophysical data and then generates drillhole trajectories designed to cut those clusters most effectively. ExploreTech first combines the geological concept with AI geophysical simulation to identify and locate where the source of a geophysical anomaly actually lies. This is done by testing thousands of possible explanations (models) for anomalies measured at the surface and selecting only those that closely match the real-world geophysics. The selected models of the combined geology and geophysics cluster around the most likely location of the anomaly. The program then evaluates the clusters in three dimensions to determine the optimal drilling trajectory to pierce as many of the target anomalies as possible. The entire process can be rerun as drill results for specific targets, or additional geophysical surveying, adds new information allowing improved vectoring to the best mineralized parts of a given ore system. This use of AI to reveal and reinforce target anomalies in existing geophysical datasets is a significant new exploration tool and has already been applied in several cases, some are viewable at www.exploretech.ai. Figure 2: Drill Team and Equipment on Site for 2025 Drill Program The core samples from MHB-32 will be securely transported to Giant Minings secured warehouse facility in Elko, Nevada. At this location, the cores will undergo systematic sawing. Following this, the processed samples will be sent to ALS Group USA, Corp. ("ALS Labs") in Elko, Nevada. At ALS Labs, the samples will undergo rigorous analyses, including assays for copper, silver, gold, and other trace elements, to accurately assess the mineral content and support ongoing exploration efforts at Majuba Hill. As previously reported in the March 17, 2025 news release, the 2025 Core Program has been designed to follow up on high-grade copper mineralization intersected in breccias from the 2024 core holes MHB-30 (MHB-30) and MHB-31 (MHB-31) and extend the high-grade copper zones below the historic underground workings (Figure 3). Figure 3: Majuba Hill 2025 Actual and Proposed Drill Hole Locations The Company will provide regular updates as the drill program progresses, including assay results, geological observations, and any significant developments encountered during drilling. These updates will keep shareholders and stakeholders informed on the advancement of the Majuba Hill project and its potential to support a future resource estimate. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Measures, Chain of Custody The Company utilizes a QA/QC program using best industry practices at the Majuba Hill Project. The samples are placed in cloth or plastic sample bags and are transported from the Majuba Hill to the Giant Mining secure warehouse for core sawing and processing and then samples are delivered to the ALS Labs sample prep facility in Elko, Nevada. ALS then transports the prepared pulps to their analytical lab in North Vancouver, B.C. Drill core samples are sawn in half lengthwise and one half is placed in labeled cloth sample bags. All samples are analyzed for copper, gold, silver, and 33 other elements. Gold is determined by ALS Labs method Au-AA23 which is a fire assay with an AAS finish on a 30-gram split. Copper, silver, and the remaining 31 elements are determined by ALS Labs method ME-ICP61 which is a four-acid digestion and ICP-AES assay. Approximately 5% of the submitted samples are drill duplicates and copper-gold-porphyry commercial standard reference material pulps. The remaining sample pulps are retrieved from ALS Minerals and retained by the Company for future metallurgical testing. Majuba Hills critically important characteristics are as follows: Location: Nevada, USA a globally top-ranked mining jurisdiction, ranked #1 in the Fraser Institutes 2022 Annual Survey of Mining Companies. Project Size: 9,684 Acres Infrastructure: The Majuba Hill property is 113 road km (70 miles) southwest of Winnemucca, Nevada, and 251 km (156 miles) northeast of Reno. Access is by well-maintained county roads from the Imlay, Nevada exit on U.S. Interstate 80, and traveling westward 23 miles. People, Roads, Power and Water are the basic elements when considering infrastructure and Majuba Hill already has a solid infrastructure foundation for building a large facility which will provide significant savings compared to more remote projects History: Historical Producer Drilling: 83,930 feet of drilling to date. Rough replacement value of drilling USD $10.4 Million in development costs. Mineralization: The project shows indications of a potentially large Cu Ag +/- Au mineralized body with many features in common with both large porphyry copper, silver, and gold projects. Expandability: The IP survey, deep drilling, and step-out drilling indicate significant expansion potential, with mineralization open in all directions. Fully Financed: Secured funding for 2025 Drilling Campaign Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by E.L. Buster Hunsaker III, CPG 8137, a non-independent consulting geologist who is a Qualified Person as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43- 101). About Giant Mining Corp. Giant Mining is focused on identifying, acquiring, and advancing late-stage copper and copper/silver/gold projects to meet the growing global demand for critical metals. This demand is driven by initiatives like the Green New Deal in the United States and similar climate-focused programs worldwide, which require substantial amounts of copper, silver, and gold for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and the modernization of clean and affordable energy systems. The Companys flagship asset is the Majuba Hill Copper, Silver, and Gold District, located 156 miles (251 km) from Reno, Nevada. Majuba Hill is situated in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with supportive regulations and has the potential to become one of the next major copper deposits, critical for meeting the increasing need for this red metal. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its 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. On Behalf of the Board of Giant Mining Corp. David Greenway David C. Greenway President & CEO For further information, please contact: E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. P: 1 (236) 788-0643 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS www.giantminingcorp.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forwardlooking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forwardlooking statements are based on the Companys current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forwardlooking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) ("LVG", or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Reynolds to its Board of Directors. Mr. Reynolds brings over three decades of experience in mining, infrastructure, logistics, and commercial development, with a strong track record of success across East Africa and the UAE. Mr. Reynolds' appointment marks an important step in strengthening LVG's strategic partnership with Taifa Group and Taifa Mining & Civils Ltd., Tanzania's leading mining and civil works contractor. In his current role, he reports directly to the Chairman of Taifa Group, providing strategic oversight and support in the evaluation and development of new business opportunities. While not involved in day-to-day operations, he plays a central role in guiding growth initiatives, fostering partnerships, and supporting market expansion across the Group. Previously, as Chief Executive Officer of Taifa Mining & Civils Ltd., Mr. Reynolds was instrumental in shaping the company's mining operations and delivering large-scale projects throughout the region. His leadership in the mining sector and deep operational expertise will be critical in advancing LVG's Imwelo Gold Project toward production. The LVG-Taifa Group partnership marks a significant milestone in the development of the Imwelo Gold Mine, bringing together technical expertise, financial strength, and operational capabilities to accelerate project execution. Taifa Group's extensive experience in contract mining, infrastructure development, and equipment management will be crucial in optimizing Imwelo's mining operations, reducing costs, and maximizing efficiency. Marc Cernovitch, President & CEO of LVG, commented: "We are excited to welcome Richard to the LVG Board. His appointment underscores the importance of our partnership with Taifa Group and reinforces our commitment to unlocking the full potential of our Tanzanian Gold Projects. Richard's leadership in the African business sector, coupled with his expertise in infrastructure and project finance, makes him a key asset as we transition LVG from exploration company into a development one." Beyond his role at Taifa Group, Mr. Reynolds holds several other non-executive directorships across the transport, logistics, and agricultural sectors. His previous leadership experience includes serving as a director of major companies in the telecommunications, rail, and construction industries. Mr. Reynolds holds a Bachelor of Technology in Quantity Surveying, along with National and Higher National Diplomas in Building and Quantity Surveying. He has also completed executive training in infrastructure financing and project finance, positioning him as a leading expert in large-scale project execution. With this appointment, LVG is poised to leverage Taifa Group's resources, operational expertise, and mining capabilities to fast-track the development of Imwelo and establish LVG as a key player in Tanzania's gold sector. Pursuant to an agreement dated April 1, 2025 , the Company has engaged Baystreet.ca Media to provide certain digital advertising and marketing services focused on introducing the Company to a broader audience. In exchange for providing these services, Baystreet will receive an upfront payment of USD$40,000 . The agreement with Baystreet is for a two month term commencing on approximately April 2, 2025. The Company will not issue any securities to Baystreet as compensation for its marketing services. About Lake Victoria Gold (LVG) Lake Victoria Gold is a rapidly growing gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LVG. Leveraging our unique position and experience, the Company is principally focused on growth and consolidation in the highly prolific and prospective Lake Victoria Goldfield in Tanzania. The Company has a 100% interest in the Tembo project which has over 50 thousand meters of drilling and is located adjacent to Barrick's 20Moz Bulyanhulu Mine. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Imwelo Project which is a fully permitted gold project west of AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine. With historical resource estimates and a 2021 pre-feasibility study, the project is fully permitted for mine construction and production, positioning it as a near-term development opportunity. LVG has assembled a highly experienced team with a track record of developing, financing, and operating mining projects in Africa with management, directors and partners owning more than 60% of the shares. Notably, the Company is grateful for the validation that comes with the support and equity investment from Barrick Gold and recent strategic partnership with Taifa Group. Taifa Group (a diverse group of companies with interests in amongst others, Mining, Telecoms, Oil & Gas, Agri Business, Pharmaceuticals and Leather) has entered into an agreement with the Company to obtain an equity stake in the Company and through its wholly owned subsidiary Taifa Mining (a wholly Tanzanian owned company), or other nominees. Taifa Mining will also carry out all the contract mining and civil works for the Imwelo project. Taifa Mining is Tanzania's largest mining contractor with over 30 years mining related experience. Taifa have been the contractor of choice to most mines in Tanzania and have maintained long and successful relationships with companies such as Petra, De Beers, Barrick, and AngloGold Ashanti. In addition, Taifa also owns the largest fleet of mining equipment in Tanzania. As a company, Taifa is committed to adopting and adhering to the latest internationally recognized standards throughout all aspects of its business. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including: future exploration and development plans with respect to the Imwelo Project, contract work on the Imwelo Project by Taifa Mining, securing additional financing for the development costs of the Imwelo project, the closing of the acquisition of the Imwelo Project and the concurrent financing, including the satisfaction of the closing conditions thereunder, and receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the acquisition and financing. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond LVG's control, including risks associated with or related to: the completion of the acquisition of the Imwelo project, the concurrent financing and related transactions, including receipt of all regulatory approvals and third-party consents, the volatility of metal prices and LVG's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving development or production, cost or other estimates; actual exploration or development plans and costs differing materially from the Company's estimates; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Tanzania and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally, including in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for LVG's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and LVG's reputation; and other risks disclosed in the Company's public filings. LVG's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. LVG does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities LVG will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Provides Corporate Update TUCSON, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Western Alaska Minerals Corp. (the "Company" or "WAM") (TSXV:WAM) is pleased to announce the promotion of Sage Langston-Stewart to Principal Geologist in which position she will lead the technical team advancing WAM's 100% owned Illinois Creek project in western Alaska. Since 2019, Ms. Langston-Stewart and Joe Piekenbrock, WAM's Chief Exploration Officer, have greatly advanced understanding of the Waterpump Creek (75 Moz 980 g/t silver equivalent inferred) and Illinois Creek Deposits. Sage was the driving force behind 2024's discovery of mineralization at the Warm Springs prospect. Her understanding of the project's geology is a vital component of WAM's upcoming 2025 summer drilling and exploration program, which is anticipated to kick off in late May following snow melt, subject to successful financing and favorable seasonal conditions. Simultaneously, the Company announces that Andrew West has stepped down as VP of Exploration, effective April 7, 2025. The Company thanks Andy for his contributions since 2023, especially his work on the initial Waterpump Creek resource and completing the State of Alaska Uplands Mining Lease on our core properties. "Sage is an exceptional geologist, and we are delighted to be able to reward her hard work and Warm Springs discovery by elevating her to be our Principal Geologist. We look forward eagerly to her team making the discoveries we believe await the drill bit at our exceptional property," said Kit Marrs, WAM CEO. "Also, I personally want to thank Andy for his service to Western Alaska Minerals since 2023 and wish him continued success in his future endeavors." Grant of Options and Restricted Share Units The Company is pleased to announce that it has granted a total of 80,000 stock options (the "Options") to consultants of the Company. The Options are each exercisable to purchase one subordinate voting share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.64 for a period of 5 years. The Options will vest over one year, with one-quarter of the Options vesting every quarter. The Company has also issued an aggregate of 60,414 restricted share units (the "RSUs") to certain non-executive directors of the Company. Each RSU entitles the holder to be issued one subordinate voting share of the Company on vesting. All the RSUs will vest one year from the grant date. About WAM Western Alaska Minerals (WAM.V) is pioneering North America's next major silver and critical minerals district at the Illinois Creek Project, a prolific 8-km mineral corridor hosting two stand-alone deposits with a new (2024) discovery zone in between. Anchored by the high-grade silver deposit at Waterpump Creek zone, 75 Moz 980 g/t AgEq (Inferred), open to the north and south and the historic Illinois Creek mine, 525 Koz AuEq - 373 Koz @ 1.3 g/t AuEq (Indicated), 152 Koz @ 1.44 g/t AuEq (Inferred), WAM's 100% owned carbonate replacement deposit reveals expansive potential across its exploration landscape. The Illinois Creek project claims cover 73,535 acres (115 square miles or 29,758 hectares), located approximately 38 kilometers by road to the region's marine highway, the Yukon River. Within the same CRD system sits the Honker gold vein prospect. Twenty-five kilometers northeast of the Illinois Creek CRD lies the Round Top porphyry copper and the TG North CRD prospects. All prospects were originally discovered by Anaconda Minerals Co. in the early 1980's. WAM's 100% owned cover 73,535 acres (115 square miles or 29,758 hectares). Since 2010, WAM, along with its precursor company, Western Alaska Copper & Gold, reassembled the Anaconda land package and has been engaged in exploring the district. Headquartered in both Alaska and Arizona, WAM brings together a team with a proven track record of large-scale mine discoveries. On behalf of the Company "Kit Marrs" Kit Marrs President & CEO This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: 1-520-200-1667 For further information, please contact: Vanessa Bogaert, Director of Corporate Communications/IR This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Or visit our website at: www.westernalaskaminerals.com 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. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to market conditions, metal prices, and risks relating to 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, 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 results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by 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 forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Nova Pacific Metals Corp. (CSE: NVPC) (OTCQB: NVPCF) (FSE: YQ10) (WKN: A40GFH) (the "Company", or "Nova Pacific") is pleased to announce the staking of two additional claims (B&B 4 and 5) totaling 912.38 hectares contiguous with the existing property outline (Figure 1), following the completion of Dr. Tom Setterfield's in-depth analysis of historical exploration results to the west of the Lara deposit. Figure 1. Lara Project Location with the Two New Claims B&B 4 and 5 The northwest part of the property is predominantly underlain by the McLaughlin Ridge Formation, host to the Lara deposit and other volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization along strike. Nova Pacific now controls 17 km of this highly prospective stratigraphy. The northwest 7 km of strike length has received much less exploration attention than the southeast 10 km. The prospectivity of the part of the property is highlighted by the following (Figure 2): The northwest-trending McDougall Vein comes to within 500 m of the northwest part of the property; this vein has produced grab samples with up to 182 g/t Au and 86.5 g/t Ag (ARIS 13568). A jasper-rich magnetite iron formation, with up to 0.72 g/t Au, 0.51% Cu and 2.9 g/t Ag (different samples) is within 250 m of the property to the west (ARIS 16802). In 1983, Canamin Resources explored a property straddling the northwest corner of the present Lara property. Canamin Resources collected 65 soil samples 15 of which were on the Nova Pacific property. One of the samples ran 309 ppm Cu, the highest value from the survey (ARIS 11401). A brief property visit in 2001 resulted in the collection and description of five samples. Two examples of quartz-sericite-pyrite schist were noted from the McLaughlin Ridge Formation, as was an outcrop of "quartz-magnetite-chlorite stockwork" (ARIS PF006208). In 2011, Rock-Con Resources collected five rock samples from the present property. One sample ran 2.34 g/t Au, and two other samples ran 2.000% and 1.845% Cu respectively (ARIS 32279). All samples were from the newly staked ground and within the McLaughlin Ridge Formation. Also in 2011, Rock-Con conducted a soil survey covering parts of these western claims. The survey consisted of lines 100 m apart, with a sample spacing of 50 m along the lines. They noted two significant semi-coincident Cu-Zn anomalies and four, single-site gold anomalies; gold in these anomalies varied from 27 to 139 ppb in a background of samples which were mostly below the detection level (5 ppb; ARIS 32850). Figure 2. Features of the Northwest Part of the Lara Property Drill Permit Application: In July 2024, the Company announced the submission of a drill permit application for up to 10,000 meters in 50 diamond drill holes. The application has progressed favourably, and the Company is optimistic that a permit will be issued in the near future. The Company recently completed a flow-through financing of $2,640,540, the proceeds of which will fully fund the intended drill program. J. Malcolm Bell, Nova Pacific's CEO, commented, "Since the acquisition of the initial Lara claims, host to the historic Lara VMS deposit, the Company has continued to expand the project size which today represents a significant, 17 km long, land position within the highly favourable Sicker Group of rocks. While our current focus in the near term is to get underway with drill confirmation of the Lara deposit, we will continue to develop targets for future drill programs. Our drill program is intended to establish an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for presentation by mid summer." Qualified Person David Nelles, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and verified the scientific and technical data contained in this news release. Rights of Indigenous Communities Statement Nova Pacific operates on the Traditional, Ancestral and Unceded Territory of the Stz'uminus and Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, a politically unified group that represents six Hul'qumi'num-speaking First Nations: Cowichan, Penelakut, Lyackson, Halalt, and Lake Cowichan. The Company's entire team is committed to establishing lasting relationships with local communities by fostering inclusion and contributing to a shared prosperity. About Nova Pacific Nova Pacific is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on the Lara Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Project on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This brownfields development project boasts a significant historic resource rich in critical and precious metals situated in a prime location with excellent infrastructure. Nova Pacific's forward-looking strategy includes confirmation and infill drilling, completion of an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) and preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Study if and as required. The Company is committed to creating value for its shareholders while maintaining environmental responsibility and strong community relationships. For additional information please visit: www.novapacificmetals.com On behalf of the Board of Directors J. Malcolm Bell Chief Executive Officer, Director The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forwardlooking information including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's exploration plans. Forwardlooking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forwardlooking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forwardlooking information. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forwardlooking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to the Company's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forwardlooking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forwardlooking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forwardlooking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - Rua Gold Inc. (TSXV: RUA) (OTCQB: NZAUF) (WKN: A40QYC) ("RUA GOLD" or the "Company") is pleased to advise the commencement of drilling at the Cumberland gold camp drill target. This builds upon the integration of the VRIFY AI targeting and ranking process with RUA's extensive geological database, as well as the consolidation of the Reefton Goldfield - an orogenic gold and antimony belt on the South Island of New Zealand. Highlights: The geological team have defined an initial drill program for 6 holes of depths ranging from 70m to 150m to be drilled from the first pad to define the structure of the Gallant lode. Targets are following up on high grade historical intercepts that are at very shallow depths ranging from 30m to 60m. Subsequent drilling will then systematically test the remainder of the Cumberland gold camp targeting the 7 historic mines in a 2.2km long north-northwest trending zone of quartz veins and shearing. Historical drilling targeting the Gallant structure drilled 20.7m of quartz with individual 1m assays ranging from 0.15g/t gold to 1911g/t gold (60oz/t) using screen fire assay method. Re-assaying the historical core using photon assay methods confirms the very high grade and nuggety nature of the gold mineralization. Averaging the two sets of core assays confirm a 20.7m intersection assaying 62.2 g/t (2 oz/t) gold. Modelling of the observed quartz veins and gold mineralisation intercepts interprets an 8m true width of the vein. Initial drilling targets a 600m zone from the Gallant to the Sir Francis Drake historical workings (see figure 3 below), where quartz veins can be traced on surface in folded structurally complex greywacke-argillite host rocks. The Cumberland structural zone has emerged as a standout target from the early stages of the Company application of the VRIFY AI tool. RUA GOLD has completed drilling of the Victoria lode within the Murray Creek mine camp and is now focusing on the Cumberland gold camp, a historic site located 3km south of Globe-Progress Mine. The Globe-Progress Mine has a rich history of production, with over 1 million ounces of gold produced (424,000 ounces prior to 1950 and an additional 665,000 ounces produced between 2007 and 2015 under OceanaGold). Simon Henderson, COO of RUA GOLD, commented, "The Gallant prospect represents the first VRIFY target to be drilled in 2025. With a history of compelling high-grade gold, it lies in structurally complex steeply folded sequence of rocks, is traceable on surface over 600m, and remains largely untested along strike and at depth. Located just 3km south of a major road and accessible via a 4WD track, Gallant has logistical simplicity for exploration and potential development." Figure 1: Overview of the Reefton Goldfield THE PLAN Based on the extensive surface exploration work and historical drilling, the Gallant lode in the Cumberland gold camp stands out as an exceptional high-grade target. Abandoned without rigorous testing following the completion of the Globe-Progress mining, it features quartz veins outcropping on surface within an envelope of strong gold-arsenic anomalism. The Gallant lode has several exploratory holes drilled by OceanaGold 15 years ago, on a well-defined quartz vein at shallow depth (Table 1 in the appendix; Figure 2). The Company has re-assayed the historical core using photon assay methods, which confirmed the very high grade and nuggety nature of gold mineralization. Averaging the two sets of core assays confirms a 20.7 m intersection assaying 62.2 g/t (2oz/t) gold, with a modelled true width of 8m. Core orientation clearly demonstrates that this intersection drilled down the quartz reef exaggerating its width but provides for a compelling and prospective target for immediate follow-up. Figure 2: Gallant Cross Section THE HISTORY The Cumberland gold camp comprises 7 historic mines in a 2 km long north-northwest trending zone of quartz veins and shearing. Historic production totaled 21,740oz gold at an average recovered grade of 26.1 g/t (see appendices). Figure 3: Map showing Cumberland historic mine camp VRIFY'S AI PLATFORM The Company has partnered with VRIFY to onboard VRIFY's AI-assisted mineral discovery platform to accelerate discovery, reduce costs and further de-risk exploration. In conjunction with the consolidation of the Reefton Goldfield in November 2024, the Company implemented the VRIFY AI tool. Early in the AI training phase, Cumberland was identified as a standout target. The VRIFY team has assimilated geochemistry, drilling and geophysical data on an unprecedented scale and accuracy over the whole district, processing over 84GB of data, +170,000 data points, actively informing our 2025 drill targets for quicker project advancement and de-risking our work programs. RUA GOLD's data, unlocked through VRIFY's Al-assisted mineral discovery platform. This AI-assisted data synthesis enabled RUA GOLD to actively and effectively rank its 2025 drill targets, accelerating its project advancement and de-risking its work programs in a matter of minutes, a process that would have taken months, if performed manually. ACCELERATED DISCOVERY RUA GOLD inherited thousands of data points from historic activity on its multiple mine sites and exploration work with the Reefton Goldfields. The ability to rapidly mine this existing data for new insights and targets, while incorporating recent work, provided real-time feedback through VRIFY's platform to inform drilling programs. SCALABILITY and COST SAVINGS RUA GOLD is just beginning and is confident that VRIFY will continue to add value by allowing for the analysis of larger datasets without increasing costs linearly. HIGHER ACCURACY VRIFY's proprietary Al model reduces human error and identifies patterns that manual review might miss, increasing discovery potential. Figure 4: VRIFY AI hotspot identification showing Cumberland-Gallant Prospect QAQC HISTORIC DRILLING (MR 5093) RUA GOLD is treating the drill results as historic. The QP has verified the data disclosed, including drill collar location, sampling and analytical information contained in the written disclosure, Data was verified by examination of remaining core in the core-box; confirming intervals, core splitting and interval handling procedures and logged core descriptions matched original core logging. Verified the core sampling and assay procedures by examining and confirming from the original assay certificates of SGS and ALS laboratories that the sample numbers recorded matched the sample intervals logged. Verified from original assay certificates stated blanks and certified standards and duplicates were used and reported, and where deviations outside 2 standard deviations assays have been repeated. Verified that suitable assay methodology for coarse gold was used by both laboratories SGS Reefton method FASC30T(screen fire assay) and ALS method Au-SCR22AA (screen fire assay). The QP has verified in the zone of exceptionally high-grade gold values that gold is clearly visible in veinlets within a significant quartz vein. The QAQC summarized from the OceanaGold report is as follows: "Diamond drill samples were generally taken over 1 m intervals and cut in half. Half the core was then sent to SGS or ALS. Some of the significant reef samples were analyzed at the ALS laboratory in Townsville for rapid processing and the rest were analyzed at the SGS laboratory in Westport. Due to the large amount of quartz reef drilled in the first part of the program, a screen fire technique was introduced at SGS (FAS30T). ALS Townsville preformed 1 kg screen fire assays (Au-SCR22AA) along with a standard fire assay procedure (Au-AA26). Diamond core submissions included at the minimum one blank and two certified standards and at least two lab duplicates taken after coarse crushing of the sample. If both standard assays from the same hole returned assay values outside two standard deviations of the actual value, the laboratory was requested to re-assay the job. Assays from dispatches RD131025.1 and RD131106.1 showed significant deviation from standards and checks. These two batches were re-assayed (RD131025.1R and RD131106.1R respectively). All assay data was imported into the Reefton project acQuire database directly from laboratory reports." Source: Anderson, T., 2014. MP 41164 Globe Progress annual technical report - 2014, OceanaGold Ltd; NZP&M, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), New Zealand. Unpublished Mineral Report MR5093. PHOTON ASSAYING Samples were analyzed by PhotonAssay at ALS Perth, Australia (ALS code Au-PA01), which has a detection range of 0.03-350 ppm Au. PhotonAssay analysis works by bombarding samples with high-energy X-rays which excite atomic nuclei that produce gamma rays at signature energies, allowing for gold detection. This method has a fast turnaround time and is non-destructive, allowing the preservation of the entire whole-core and unlimited repeat testing. Samples were submitted with certified reference material (CRM) from OREAS into the sample stream every 5 samples. ALS Perth is independent to RUA GOLD and its quality management systems framework is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 or certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards. The QP satisfactorily verified all data used in this disclosure. Grant of Deferred Share Units The Company also announces that it has granted an aggregate of 161,980 deferred share units ("DSUs") to non-executive directors of the Company at a deemed price of $0.61 per DSU under the Company's Deferred Share Unit Plan adopted on April 17, 2024. The DSUs are subject to a one-year vesting period and entitle the holder to receive one Common Share at the time the holder ceases to be a director of the Company. New Marketing Agreement with Baystreet.ca Media Corp The Company has entered into a Services Agreement dated April 1, 2025 (the "Bay Street Media Agreement") with Baystreet.ca Media Corp pursuant to which Baystreet.ca Media Corp has agreed to provide article distribution and full site coverage services to the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Bay Street Media Agreement, such marketing services are to be provided over a 3-month period, for a fee of $45,000 plus applicable taxes. Baystreet.ca Media Corp is a full-service marketing agency based in Vancouver, BC, and is headed by Brady Allan. Baystreet.ca Media Corp provides digital marketing awareness via advertising through its fully owned platform BayStreet.ca, which includes both video and written content coverage of Canadian small-cap stories. As of the date hereof, to the Company's knowledge, Baystreet.ca Media Corp (including its directors and officers) does not own any securities of the Company and has an arm's-length relationship with the Company. Under the Bay Street Media Agreement, the Company will not issue any securities to Baystreet.ca Media Corp. as compensation for its marketing service. ABOUT RUA GOLD RUA GOLD is an exploration company, strategically focused on New Zealand. With decades of expertise, our team has successfully taken major discoveries into producing world-class mines across multiple continents. The team is now focused on maximizing the asset potential of RUA's two highly prospective high-grade gold projects. The Company controls the Reefton Gold District as the dominant landholder in the Reefton Goldfield on New Zealand's South Island with over 120,000 hectares of tenements, in a district that historically produced over 2 million ounces of gold grading between 9 and 50 grams per tonne. The Company's Glamorgan Project solidifies RUA GOLD's position as a leading high-grade gold explorer on New Zealand's North Island. This highly prospective project is located within the North Islands' Hauraki district, a region that has produced an impressive 15 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver. Glamorgan is adjacent to OceanaGold Corporation's biggest gold mining project, WKP. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Technical Information Simon Henderson CP, AUSIMM, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained herein. This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur and specifically include statements regarding: the Company's strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions; and the effects and benefits of the Transaction. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, affect the operations, performance and results of the Company and its business, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; risks related to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war; risks related to climate change; operational risks in exploration, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration projects or capital expenditures; the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; changes in labour costs and other costs and expenses or equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, including but not limited to environmental hazards, flooding or unfavorable operating conditions and losses, insurrection or war, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing, and commodity prices. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated July 11, 2024, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. APPENDICIES Table 1: Gallant 001 Re-assay table Au (g/t) Sample No From To Interval ALS 2025 (Photon) Original Assay (Screen fire ) Average Two methods GAL01001 30.6 32 1.3 2.2 3.16 2.68 GAL01002 32 33 1 0.97 1.37 1.17 GAL01003 33 34 1 0.32 1.9 1.11 GAL01004 34 35 1 0.11 3.32 1.715 GAL01005 35 36 1 <0.03 0.02 0.01 GAL01006 36 37 1 <0.03 0.01 0.01 GAL01007 37 38 1 2.66 3.38 3.02 GAL01008 38 39 1 21.17 23.4 22.285 GAL01009 39 40 1 0.33 0.5 0.415 GAL01010 40 41 1 0.26 0.46 0.36 GAL01011 41 42 1 1.98 6.31 4.145 GAL01012 42 43 1 0.27 0.97 0.62 GAL01013 43 44 1 0.43 1.73 1.08 GAL01014 44 45 1 0.04 3.53 1.785 GAL01015 45 46 1 1.8 0.54 1.17 GAL01016 46 47 1 2.75 6.81 4.78 GAL01017 47 48 1 426 1910 1168 GAL01018 48 49 1 46.12 30 38.06 GAL01019 49 50 0.7 5.2 4.68 4.94 GAL01020 50 51 1 28.46 1.49 14.975 GAL01021 51 52 1 7.14 6.77 6.955 GAL01022 52 53 1 8.15 6.98 7.565 GAL01023 53 54 1 1.15 0.87 1.01 GAL01024 54 55 1 0.19 0.11 0.15 GAL01025 55 56 1 0.38 0.53 0.455 GAL01026 56 57 1 3.41 2.14 2.775 GAL01027 57 58 1 2.96 2.28 2.62 GAL01028 58 59 1 0.46 0.24 0.35 GAL01029 59 60.2 0.5 0.41 0.52 0.465 Note: true width of vein: 8m. Table 2: Historic Production Cumberland Camp (Barry, 1993) Lode Tonnes Production (Au oz) Recovered grade (oz/t) Recovered grade (g/t) Scotia 604 1,283 2.1 66.1 Gallant 2,378 759 0.3 9.9 Sir Francis Drake-Happy Valley 17,261 5,810 0.3 10.5 Cumberland 14,120 13,629 1.0 30.0 Exchange-Industry 519 260 0.5 15.6 Source: Barry, J.M., 1993. The History and Mineral Resources of the Reefton Goldfield. Ministry of Commerce Resource Information Report No. 15. Table 3: Collar for GAL001, historic drill hole. Drill hole Easting (NZTM) Northing (NZTM) Elevation (RL) End depth Azimuth Dip GAL001 1508726 5327981 628 123.7 293 -70 Projection: New Zealand Transverse Mercator (NZTM) 2000. Reference for historical grades and production: Barry, J.M., 1993. The History and Mineral Resources of the Reefton Goldfield. Ministry of Commerce Resource Information Report No. 15. Reference for Gallant assay results: Anderson, T., 2014. MP 41164 Globe Progress annual technical report - 2014, OceanaGold Ltd; NZP&M, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), New Zealand. Unpublished Mineral Report MR5093. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2025) - West Point Gold Corp. (TSXV: WPG) (OTCQB: WPGCF) (FSE: LRA0) ("West Point Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the most recent drill results from its ongoing drill program at the Tyro Main Zone, Gold Chain Project, Arizona. This release contains the assays for three reverse circulation drill holes, GC25-37, GC25-40 and GC25-41, totaling 548.6m. Highlights: Hole GC25-37 intersected 41.15m of 0.83 g/t Au, including 28.96m of 0.98 g/t Au and 1.52m of 5.47 g/t Au. Hole GC25-41 intersected 10.67m of 1.86 g/t Au, including 1.53m of 10.87 g/t Au. GC25-41 also intersected mineralization in a separate zone higher in the system, returning 22.86m of 1.43 g/t Au, including 3.05m of 4.56 g/t Au. Results continue to suggest that mineralization is much broader than initially thought. As a maiden resource definition program drill holes were strategically placed between or beneath previous drilling and expanded the mineralized zone to depth (Figure 1). Tyro Main Zone is open at depth, northeast towards Frisco Graben, and southwest. Assays are pending for an additional 11 completed drill holes (approximately 1,720m), and the drill program is ongoing. "The 2025 drill program continues to demonstrate the potential of Tyro is at least in line, if not better, than the previously announced exploration target at grades that remain significantly above the nearest operating open-pit mine", stated CEO Quentin Mai. "Our ability to expand the current drill program to 5,000 metres, based on recent warrant exercises, should provide a steady stream of drill results over the next two months or so as the ongoing drill program moves the Company closer to a maiden resource at Tyro." Figure 1: Preliminary Tyro Main Zone Long Section showing results from the 2025 RC drill program, previous drill results, trenches and 200 Level Sampling Notes: Table 1: Drill Results Holes From (m) To (m) Width (m) Grade (g/t Au) GC25-37 50.29 91.44 41.15 0.83 incl. 53.34 82.30 28.96 0.98 incl. 79.25 80.77 1.52 5.47 GC25-40 146.30 178.31 32.01 0.17 GC25-41 92.96 103.63 10.67 1.86 incl. 92.96 94.49 1.53 10.87 and 141.73 164.59 22.86 1.43 incl. 147.83 161.54 13.71 1.83 incl. 156.97 160.02 3.05 4.56 Notes: All widths shown are downhole; true width is approximately 60-70% of downhole width. Figure 2: Plan View of Tyro Main Zone Showing Drill Holes, Trenches and Surface Samples (gold) Summary The H1 2025 drill program has been designed to provide the data necessary for a potential maiden resource from the Tyro Main Zone while at the same time increasing the Company's understanding of the mineralization. The program is currently planned for 5,000m but may expand based on success and available funds. The results in this release are from three holes (548.6m), an additional 11 drill holes have been completed, and assays are pending (1,720m). Drilling is ongoing. A key takeaway from these holes is the through-going swarm of sub-parallel quartz-calcite-adularia veins enveloped by broad zones of quartz stockwork which comprise the Main Tyro zone. Increased drill hole density permits the improved definition of the host rocks, structural controls, vein-related alteration and grade variability. Gold grades exceeding the target grade (plus 2 g/t Au) continue to appear over meaningful widths with multiple plus 5 g/t Au intervals within the results. Hole GC25-37 Hole GC25-37 was drilled between and below Holes GC23-23 and GC23-24 (Figure 1). Results from this hole continue to demonstrate a several-metre-wide hydrothermal breccia, partially developed on the Tyro 200 Level, hosted within a broad envelope of quartz stockwork. These mineralized packages are defined by strong propylitic alteration and moderate to strong silicification. Figure 3: Hole GC25-37 Cross Section Hole GC25-40 This hole was drilled about 80 metres beneath hole GC24-30 (89.5m at 1.08 g/t Au) and over 120 metres beneath the Tyro Mine 200 Level. Despite having similar geologic characteristics and intersecting a wide zone of quartz veining, weaker gold values were encountered than the hole above. Closer inspection of hole GC24-30 (core) and surface geologic mapping, a south-dipping, low angle (~35o) fault projects between the two holes on this section (Figure 4) and merits closer inspection. Additionally, hole GC25-37 traversed considerable widths of metamorphic rocks (i.e. amphibolite and garnet gneiss) which may impact fracture development. The Company believes that further drilling in this area is required since the metamorphic rocks are restricted in the extent and interpreted to be xenoliths. Figure 4: Hole GC25-40 Cross Section Hole GC25-41 This hole was drilled about 60 metres beneath hole GC24-31 (50.63m at 0.53 g/t Au) and over 85 metres beneath the Tyro Mine 200 Level. This hole revealed multiple zones of mineralization within a broad zone of quartz veinlets; the overall width of the veining is similar to the nearby holes, but higher grades are reporting to footwall and hanging wall structure, returning distinct footwall and hanging wall zones within the structure hosting Tyro. The local presence of amphibolite lenses within the granitic terrain may have a bearing on the vein's structural behaviour. Figure 5: Hole GC25-41 Cross Section Figure 6: Looking North at the Historical Tyro Open-Pit Qualified Person Robert Johansing, M.Sc. Econ. Geol., P. Geo., the Company's Vice President, Exploration is a qualified person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release. Mr. Johansing has also been responsible for overseeing all phases of the drilling program including logging, labelling, bagging and transport from the project to American Assay Laboratories of Sparks, Nevada. Samples were then dried, crushed and split, and pulp samples were prepared for analysis. Gold was determined by fire assay with an ICP finish, over limit samples were determined by fire assay and gravimetric finish. Silver plus 15 other elements were determined by Aqua Regia ICP-AES (IM-2A16), over limit samples were determined by fire assay and gravimetric finish. Both certified standards and blanks were inserted on site along with duplicates, standards and blanks inserted by American Assay. Standard sample chain of custody procedures were employed during drilling and sampling campaigns until delivery to the analytical facility. About West Point Gold Corp. West Point Gold Corp. (formerly Gold79 Mines Ltd.) is a publicly listed company focused on gold discovery and development at four prolific Walker Lane Trend projects covering Nevada and Arizona, USA. West Point Gold is focused on developing a maiden resource at its Gold Chain project in Arizona, while JV partner Kinross is advancing the Jefferson Canyon project in Nevada. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. 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. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events including, among others, assumptions about future prices of gold, silver, and other metal prices, currency exchange rates and interest rates, favourable operating conditions, political stability, obtaining government approvals and financing on time, obtaining renewals for existing licenses and permits and obtaining required licenses and permits, labour stability, stability in market conditions, availability of equipment, availability of drill rigs, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to West Point Gold's ability to complete any payments or expenditures required under the Company's various option agreements for its projects; and other risks and uncertainties relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, the uncertainties related to resources estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections in relation to production, costs and expenses; risks relating to grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the uncertainties involved in interpreting drill results and other exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; uncertainty related to the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results may vary from those expected; statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position may not be consistent with the Company's expectations due to accidents, equipment breakdowns, title and permitting matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in operations, fluctuating metal prices, unanticipated costs and expenses, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future and regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions. The possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with adjacent properties and the Company's expectations; operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); metal price fluctuations; environmental and regulatory requirements; availability of permits, 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; fluctuating gold prices; possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, political risks, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the filings on SEDAR made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this corporate press 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 expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities legislation. 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. VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Golden Arrow Resources Corporation (TSXV: GRG) (FSE: G6A) (OTCQB: GARWF), ("Golden Arrow" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company has filed the NI 43-101 Technical Report (the "Report") supporting disclosure of the first mineral resource estimate ("MRE") for the San Pietro Copper-Gold-Iron-Cobalt Project in Chile ("San Pietro" or the "Project"), as reported on February 28th, 2025. Table 1 summarizes the MRE. The Report, titled "Mineral Resource Estimate for the San Pietro Copper-Gold-Iron-Cobalt Project, Atacama Region, Chile" with an effective date of January 24, 2024, is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and will be posted to the Company's website www.goldenarrowresources.com . Table 1. Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for Rincones & Colla Deposits at San Pietro Property Effective: January 24, 2025. Reported within US$4.80/lb Cu Pitshell at 0.30% CuEq Cut-off. Qualified Persons: Susan Lomas, P.Geo. & Dr. Bruce Davis, PhD, FAusIMM Class Oxide Tonnes Mt Average Grade Contained Metal CuEq % Cu % Au g/t Co ppm Fe % CuEq Mlb Cu Mlb Au Koz Co Mlb Fe Blb Inferred Oxide 83 0.42 0.23 0.06 96 14.80 759 415 150 17 27 Inferred Sulphide 410 0.41 0.23 0.05 99 14.35 3,686 2,055 620 90 130 Inferred All 492 0.41 0.23 0.05 99 14.43 4,444 2,470 770 107 157 Notes to Table 1: 1. In-Situ Mineral Resources are constrained within a pit shell developed using metal prices of US$4.80/lb Cu, US$2,300/oz Au, US$15/lb Co and US$110/lb Fe, mining costs of US$2.50/t, processing and G&A costs of US$9.46/t, metallurgical recoveries of 90% Cu, 65% Au, 80% Co and 40% Fe and an average pit slope of 45 degrees. 2. CuEq values are based on copper, gold, cobalt and iron values using metal prices of US$4.10/lb Cu, US$2,500/oz Au, US$15/lb Co and US$105/lb Fe and metallurgical recovery values of 90% for Cu, 65% for Au, 80% for Co and 40% for Fe. The resulting formula is CuEq=Cu%+(Aug/t *0.705)+(Co%*3.252)+(Fe%*0.008), The cut-off grade for reporting the mineral resources within the pitshell is 0.30% CuEq using total costs of US$18/t. 3. The block model was classed into Inferred Mineral Resources for blocks with two drill holes within 400m. 4. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resources will be converted into Mineral Reserves. 5. Mineral Resources in the Inferred category have a lower level of confidence than that applied to Indicated mineral resources, and, although there is sufficient evidence to imply geologic grade and continuity, these characteristics cannot be verified based on the current data. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to Indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. 6. Totals in the table may not add up precisely due to rounding differences. Cautionary Statement Regarding Mineral Resources The mineral resources disclosed in this press release conform to NI 43-101 standards and guidelines and were prepared by independent qualified persons. The above-mentioned mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. The quantity and grade of the reported Inferred Mineral Resources are conceptual in nature and are estimated based on limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological data is sufficient to imply but not verify geological grade and/or quality of continuity. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence relative to a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource and constitutes an insufficient level of confidence to allow conversion to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected, but not guaranteed, that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources with additional drilling. Qualified Persons Brian McEwen, P.Geol. VP Exploration and Development to the Company and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 has reviewed and approved the contents of the news release. About the San Pietro IOCG Project The San Pietro Project covers approximately 20,000 hectares, 100 kilometres north of Copiapo within an active, well-developed mining region that is home to all the major iron oxide-copper-gold ("IOCG") deposits in Chile. San Pietro is centrally located in a potential new IOCG+Co district, between and adjacent to Capstone Copper's Mantoverde copper mine property and Santo Domingo copper-iron project, as well as other IOCG exploration and development properties. The Project is hosted by andesite units in a Cretaceous-aged volcano-sedimentary sequence associated with intrusive rocks including granodiorites and diorites of similar age. The Project is located east of the Atacama Fault system, a major north-south regional structure, which was instrumental in controlling the emplacement of the ore deposits in the area. Mineralization at San Pietro is typical of an IOCG system, with the addition of cobalt, and occurs in mantos, breccias and veins within a zone of alteration characterized by an association of actinolite, epidote, chlorite and scapolite. The mantos are replacement of andesite by magnetite and sulphides, with a roughly southeast strike and a gentle dip to the SW. Breccias and veins crosscut the mantos, are often subvertical, and filled with specularite and sulphides. About Golden Arrow: Golden Arrow Resources Corporation is a mining exploration company with a successful track record of creating value by making precious and base metal discoveries and advancing them into exceptional deposits. Golden Arrow is actively exploring its flagship property, the advanced San Pietro iron oxide-copper-gold-cobalt project in Chile, and a portfolio that includes nearly 125,000 hectares of prospective properties in Argentina. The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Joseph Grosso" _______________________________ Mr. Joseph Grosso, Executive Chairman, President and CEO Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "anticipate", "will", "expect", "may", "continue", "could", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments management of the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about the Company's plans for its mineral properties; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlooks; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with exploration activities; 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. There may be other factors that cause results or events to not be as anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof or the dates specifically referenced in this press release, where applicable. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, unless required pursuant to applicable laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Hungary on Thursday, the Hungarian defence minister said, in defiance of the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s arrest warrant against him over alleged war crimes in Gaza "Welcome to Budapest, Benjamin Netanyahu!" wrote Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky on Facebook as Netanyahu began a visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The minister greeted Netanyahu upon arrival at the airport in the Hungarian capital shortly after 02:30 am (0030 GMT) local time. The Israeli leader was due to hold talks with Orban and a joint news conference is expected around 12:30 pm (1030 GMT). Orban extended an invitation to Netanyahu last November, a day after the ICC issued its warrant. The Hungarian leader vowed the EU member would not execute the warrant, despite being an ICC member, saying the court's decision "intervenes in an ongoing conflict... for political purposes". The ICC, based in The Hague, stressed it would be Hungary's "legal obligation" and "responsibility towards other state parties" to enforce the court's decisions. Rights group Amnesty International on Thursday called on the Syrian government to ensure accountability for sectarian massacres targeting the Alawite minority last month, saying they may constitute war crimes. Several days of violence starting on March 6 saw the worst sectarian bloodshed since Islamist-led forces overthrew longtime president Bashar al-Assad, with massacres largely in the Alawite coastal heartland. Many from Assad's Alawite minority have feared reprisals for his brutal rule. Amnesty said that "the Syrian government must ensure that the perpetrators of a wave of mass killings targeting Alawite civilians in coastal areas are held accountable." The massacres "must be investigated as war crimes", it said in a statement. Truth, justice and reparation are "crucial to ending cycles of atrocities", it added. The United Nations human rights office has said that "perpetrators raided houses, asking residents whether they were Alawite or Sunni before proceeding to either kill or spare them accordingly", with men shot dead in front of their families. Online footage, which AFP was unable to independently verify, showed men in military garb shooting people at close range. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor has said security forces and allied groups killed more than 1,700 civilians, mostly Alawites, during the violence. Amnesty's secretary-general, Agnes Callamard, said: "Once again, Syrian civilians have found themselves bearing the heaviest cost as parties to the conflict seek to settle scores." Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led the offensive that toppled Assad in December, has vowed to prosecute those behind the "bloodshed of civilians" and has set up a fact-finding committee, which has yet to announce its results. Amnesty said authorities must "ensure independent, effective investigations of these unlawful killings and other war crimes". The Syrian authorities have accused armed Assad supporters of sparking the violence by attacking the new security forces. Callamard said evidence indicated that "government affiliated militias deliberately targeted" Alawite civilians "in gruesome reprisal attacks", with people killed "in cold blood". "For two days, authorities failed to intervene to stop the killings," she said. The Observatory has accused security forces and allied groups of participating in "field executions, forced displacement and burning of homes". The violence has sent more than 21,000 fleeing to neighbouring Lebanon, the UN has said, with thousands more seeking refuge at a Russian air base on the Mediterranean coast. Amnesty said the Syrian government must "take immediate steps to ensure that no person or group is targeted on the basis of their sect". On Monday, the Observatory said 12 civilians, mostly Alawites, were killed in further incidents of apparent sectarian violence. Juba, December 2024. The air in the hotel room is heavy, curtains drawn against the blinding South Sudanese sun. A fan hums quietly on the ceiling, barely cutting the heat. George Tai sits on the edge of the bed, his phone in one hand, scrolling through old call logs. Here. Five minutes. Then again three minutes. And this one, only two. He taps the screen, showing a list of numbers. The calls had come in rapid succession, just after he discovered someone had been inside his home. A year earlier the human rights lawyer had returned from Sweden, where he gave interviews about the historic war crimes trial against former executives of Lundin Oil, a Swedish petroleum company. In court, he listened to defense lawyers arguing that violence in Unity State, north of South Sudan, where Lundin Oil started operations 25 years ago, was due to tribal conflict, not oil. But Tai disagrees: They tried to make it all about our traditions, but I was there. This was about clearing land for drilling. Back in Juba he had no idea what awaited him in his own apartment. I knew something was wrong the moment I put the key in the lock, Tai says. Inside, chaos. Clothes and papers strewn across the floor. A laptop shoved off the desk. Torn-up banknotes fluttering in the still air. Nothing had been taken but to him the message was unmistakable. Someone had been there. Someone wanted him to know. Later that evening, his phone rang. A mans voice was on the other end, speaking Arabic with icy calm: George, we know what you said in Sweden. Lies about Lundin. Stop, or we will stop you. The calls didnt stop. Neighbors reported two men loitering in the area, asking for him. Tai didnt sleep that night. The following day, he fled. We will assassinate you one by one It all began in 2018. Tai was scrolling Facebook when he saw a post from a South Sudanese organization in Stockholm, announcing preparations for a lawsuit against an oil company Lundin that had operated in Block 5A. He was stunned. I thought nobody still talked about this, he recalls. He clicked Like. He left a comment. The next day, a Swedish investigator called. They agreed to meet. Thats when the messages started. We heard youre talking to Europeans about crimes in Unity State, one voice warned. Stop spreading lies. If you dont, youll pay with your life. Tai is not an isolated case. Throughout the Swedish investigation of Lundin, there have been persistent allegations that witnesses were bribed or threatened into silence. The Swedish polices war crimes unit first launched an investigation into obstruction of justice in 2019, led by prosecutor Thomas Ahlstrand. It was closed in 2023 due to lack of conclusive links between the threats and the Lundin leadership. But now, as the main trial has entered its second year, Kalla Fakta, a Swedish investigative TV program, has presented new evidence. A prosecution witness, plaintiff Liah Diu Gatkuoth, said he received a WhatsApp voice message in September 2024: This informs those who went to Sweden for the Lundin case. We have your names, and we will assassinate you one by one. The recording, sent from a South Sudanese number, went on to describe how airport security officials would be ordered to track and kill those involved in the trial. Kalla Fakta also interviewed a former Lundin employee who had been contacted by his old manager before the trial began. He was sent photos of two prosecution witnesses who had been interrogated by Swedish police. His task: locate them. Instead, he chose to warn them. New allegations The most serious cases of threats and violence were reported in 2017 and 2018. During that time, two British consultants worked for Lundin in South Sudan, attempting to find witnesses who could speak in the companys favor and monitor those expected to testify against it, according to documents obtained by Kalla Fakta. One man interviewed by the TV program confirmed he worked closely with the consultants and the company's former security chief, who is suspected of being behind many of the threats and attacks. The man admitted to being shown photos of witnesses and tasked with locating them, including outside South Sudan. Another man told Kalla Fakta he was assigned to find witnesses so they could be killed: If we kill them, theres no case. When people refused to cooperate, violent methods were reportedly used. In one instance, a man who declined to testify was run over by a car in front of his brother. A second car then drove over him again. One of the men pointed out by the plaintiffs confirmed he worked for Lundin in 2017-2018, trying to influence witnesses and assist in intelligence-gathering. He denied involvement in killings, claiming six witnesses died of natural causes. Lundin and its former executives have consistently denied all accusations. We take these allegations seriously but see them as completely unfounded, said press officer of the company renamed Orron Energy in March, Robert Eriksson. The company also stated that it has not been formally informed of any new suspicions in the investigation on obstruction that was reopened in June 2024 by the Swedish Police. It is incomprehensible that these baseless accusations continue to be used to discredit the company and its representatives, wrote the spokesperson in an email on March 19. In late March, these alleged threats were addressed directly in the courtroom in Stockholm. Egbert Wesselink from the Dutch peace organization PAX testified that already in 2016, he warned prosecutors about the risks to plaintiffs like Andrew Jagei, a radio operator who had received threats urging him to switch sides. Jagei initially chose to stay in Juba, where his family lived. But after his neighbor was killed, he feared he was the true target and fled. Wesselink said others also reported threats from individuals believed to be working on behalf of Lundin. More and more people came forward, he said in court. Even if we couldnt assess the risk, we believed them. They were ready to leave their old lives behind. Bluff and easy asylum? Petter Bolme, who helped prosecutors locate witnesses during the long investigation, also testified. He said threats were often received via text, voice messages, or accompanied by photos of injuries. When asked about witness credibility, Bolme acknowledged skepticism was necessary, but that the material often could be verified. Lundins defense lawyer Per E. Samuelson raised doubts by pointing to a handwritten note by Jagei, allegedly offering to testify for Lundin in exchange for $50,000. He later told us it was a bluff, said Bolme. He said he was told to write down what he wanted. He wanted the note back afterward. Why would he lie? asked Samuelson. I think he was playing a game, Bolme replied. But that didnt affect how I gathered information. I always doubt, I always verify. Defense lawyers also emphasized that many witnesses were later relocated to Europe or the U.S. with the help of the UN High Commission for Refugees. Swedish police reportedly sent formal letters supporting emergency resettlement. These letters made it easier for some to be accepted as refugees, Bolme confirmed. No one has yet been formally charged in the reopened obstruction investigation, but prosecutor Linda Wiking confirms it is now being treated as a serious case. People have tried to influence or stop witnesses from testifying. That qualifies as gross obstruction of justice, she said to Kalla Fakta. Authorities are also concerned for the safety of witnesses still in South Sudan. Weve already documented harm, and we dont want anyone else to be hurt, Wiking said. For Tai, the new information only confirms what he already knew. He believes some former Lundin collaborators are now speaking out due to a guilty conscience. In Juba, reflecting on his visit to Sweden, he says: I lost my job, my home, my country because of this trial. But I survived war as a child, and now I must speak out. Martin Schibbye is a Swedish Freelance journalist and founder of the news website Blankspot.se. Hungary on Thursday said it will quit the International Criminal Court, just as Prime Minister Viktor Orban hosted his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, whom the tribunal has accused of war crimes in Gaza. The government announcement to start the year-long withdrawal process came as Orban welcomed Netanyahu in the capital Budapest on his first trip to Europe since 2023. Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant that Hungary said it would not carry out, welcomed his hosts' "bold and principled" decision to leave the tribunal. Set up in 2002, the ICC, based in The Hague, seeks to prosecute individuals responsible for the world's gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. "It's important for all democracies. It's important to stand up to this corrupt organisation," Netanyahu told a joint press conference with Orban. Orban said the ICC was "no longer an impartial court" but a "political court" as shown "most clearly by the decisions on Israel". Orban invited Netanyahu last November, a day after the ICC issued the arrest warrant against the Israeli leader for crimes against humanity and war crimes -- allegations he fiercely rejects. Hungary's government will initiate the ICC withdrawal procedure on Thursday, according to Orban. A state's withdrawal takes effect one year after the deposit of the withdrawal's instrument -- usually in the form of a formal letter declaring the pullout -- with the UN Secretary General's office. 'Duty' to cooperate The ICC on Thursday insisted Hungary had a "duty" to cooperate with the body. "The court recalls that Hungary remains under a duty to cooperate with the ICC," spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said. Experts say Netanyahu, who is due to stay in Hungary until Sunday, is trying to diminish the impact of the court's decision, while hoping to drive attention away from tensions at home as he meets like-minded ally Orban. "His ultimate goal is to regain the ability to travel wherever he wants," Moshe Klughaft, an international strategic consultant and former advisor to Netanyahu, told AFP. "At first, he's flying to places where there's no risk of arrest, and in doing so, he's also paving the way to normalise his future travels." Germany's chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz in February vowed to make sure Netanyahu can visit his country. The Hungary trip "goes hand in hand with US sanctions against the ICC", Klughaft said, referring to the punitive measures President Donald Trump imposed in February over what he described as "illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel". Hungary signed the Rome Statute, the international treaty that created the ICC, in 1999 and ratified it two years later during Orban's first term in office. The ICC, set up in 2002, has no police of its own and relies on the cooperation of its 125 member states to carry out any arrest warrants. However, Budapest has not promulgated the associated convention for constitutional reasons and therefore asserts it is not obliged to comply with the decisions of the ICC. So far only the Burundi and the Philippines have withdrawn from the court. Increasing pressure The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes -- including starvation as a method of warfare -- in Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. The war was sparked by the militant Palestinian group's attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu's trip comes as he faces increasing pressure over his government's attempts to replace both the domestic security chief and attorney general, while expanding the power of politicians over the appointment of judges. The Israeli prime minister also testified in a probe involving alleged payments from Qatar to some of his senior staff after two of his aides were arrested. "One of Netanyahu's methods is controlling the Israeli agenda," Klughaft said, adding that the Hungary visit gives him a chance to set the conversation for days. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Thursday praised Hungary and its Prime Minister Viktor Orban for taking a "strong moral stance" by announcing its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Thank you, @PM_ViktorOrban and thank you Hungary for your clear and strong moral stance alongside Israel and the principles of justice and sovereignty!" Saar posted, criticising the ICC for its "zest for harming Israel's right to self-defence". Photo: AFP Two years in, Sudans civil war has shifted in recent weeks, with the countrys military regaining control of the capital, Khartoum amid fierce fighting. The civil war has devastated the country, with fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). An estimated 10,000 people were killed and more than six million displaced. The war has also been marked by widespread sexual violence, with the United Nations saying the RSF are responsible for committing sexual violence on a large scale in areas under their control, including gang-rapes and abducting and detaining victims in conditions that amount to sexual slavery. In this podcast our partners at Asymmetrical Haircuts have invited Sudanese activist Hala Al-Karib to highlight the targeted violence against women in Sudan. Its beyond dire situations, says the regional director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA). The gender aspect is very central in this conflict. Women bodies are used as war tools. It became almost normalized. Its quite systemic and very intentional. Hungary on Thursday said it will quit the International Criminal Court, just as its Prime Minister Viktor Orban hosted Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, whom the tribunal has accused of war crimes in Gaza. Hungary's announcement that it will start the year-long withdrawal process came as Orban welcomed Netanyahu in Budapest on the Israeli leader's first trip to Europe since 2023. Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant that Hungary said it would not carry out, welcomed his hosts' "bold and principled" decision to leave the tribunal, calling it a "corrupt organisation". Set up in 2002, the ICC, based in The Hague, seeks to prosecute individuals responsible for the world's gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. The ICC governing body voiced regret and concern over Hungary's announcement, saying any departure harmed a "shared quest for justice." The ICC has insisted Hungary has a "duty" to cooperate with the body. The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA) urged Hungary to comply with the ICC warrant by "immediately handing Netanyahu over to bring him to justice". - 'Political court' - Orban said during a press conference with Netanyahu that the ICC was "no longer an impartial court" but a "political court" as shown "most clearly by the decisions on Israel". Netanyahu's office said that the two leaders spoke with US President Donald Trump on Budapest's decision to quit the body. "The discussion centred on Hungary's decision to leave the International Criminal Court and the next steps that can be taken on this issue," it said. Orban invited Netanyahu last November, a day after the ICC issued the arrest warrant against the Israeli leader for crimes against humanity and war crimes -- allegations he fiercely rejects. Hungary's government submitted a bill to parliament on Thursday to leave the court, with a vote expected at the end of May, after which the country will notify the UN. Withdrawal from the ICC takes effect one year after the deposit of the withdrawal's instrument -- usually a formal letter declaring the pullout -- with the UN Secretary General's office. Hungary signed the Rome Statute, the international treaty that created the ICC, in 1999 and ratified it two years later during Orban's first term in office. The ICC relies on the cooperation of its 125 member states to carry out any arrest warrants. However, Budapest has not promulgated the associated convention for constitutional reasons and therefore asserts it is not obliged to comply with decisions of the ICC. So far only Burundi and the Philippines have withdrawn from the court. - 'Controlling the agenda' - Experts say Netanyahu, who is due to stay in Hungary until Sunday, is trying to diminish the impact of the court's decision. "His ultimate goal is to regain the ability to travel wherever he wants," Moshe Klughaft, an international strategic consultant and former advisor to Netanyahu, told AFP. Germany's chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz in February vowed to make sure Netanyahu can visit his country. The Hungary trip "goes hand in hand with US sanctions against the ICC", Klughaft said, referring to the punitive measures Trump imposed in February over what he described as "illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel". The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes -- including starvation as a method of warfare -- in Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. They also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas's military chief Mohammed Deif, who was killed last year. The war was sparked by the militant Palestinian group's attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu's trip comes as he faces increasing pressure over his government's attempts to replace both the domestic security chief and attorney general, while expanding the power of politicians over the appointment of judges. "One of Netanyahu's methods is controlling the Israeli agenda," Klughaft said, adding that the Hungary visit gives him a chance to set the conversation for days. burs-jza/yad The United States has withdrawn from an international group collecting evidence of potential Russian war crimes in Ukraine, the head of the institution hosting it said on Thursday. The International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA) had brought together investigators from several European countries and the United States, under the umbrella of EU judicial body Eurojust. Eurojust President Michael Schmid told reporters in The Hague: "Just a couple of weeks ago they (the US) announced that they would withdraw... unfortunately due to a change of priorities in the Department of Justice." "We of course regret that but at the same time we obviously continue the work with the participants" still in the group, Schmid said. As of January this year, the ICPA had collected around 3,700 pieces of evidence from 16 countries for use in any potential war crimes cases against Russians over the war in Ukraine. The United States had supported the group financially as well as by contributing evidence for its database. The ICPA was launched with great fanfare in July 2023. "History in the making," said Eurojust in a press release at the time. In a statement in November 2023, Eurojust welcomed a financial contribution of $1.0 million from the US State Department. Schmid said the financial blow will need to be covered by EU funds and hoped that the other contributing members will take up the slack in terms of evidence collecting. "To be honest it is it is not quite clear what exactly will come in the future," acknowledged Schmid. The body secured funding for six more months in January and Schmid said he was hopefully it would continue beyond then. "The plan is to continue," he said. The governing body of the International Criminal Court Thursday voiced regret and concern over Hungary's announcement it was leaving the court, saying any departure harmed a "shared quest for justice." "When a State Party withdraws from the Rome Statute (that established the ICC), it clouds our shared quest for justice and weakens our resolve to fight impunity," the presidency of the Assembly of State Parties said in a statement. The court is "at the centre of the global commitment to accountability" and the international community should "support it without reservation", the statement added. "Justice requires our unity." The governing body also extended an olive branch to Hungary, which earlier Thursday announced it was starting the one-year process to withdraw from the ICC. Every member of the court "has the right to voice its concerns before the Assembly," it said. "The presidency strongly encourages Hungary to have a meaningful discussion on this issue." In the meantime, the body urged Hungary to "continue to be a resolute party to the Rome Statute." Budapest said it was quitting the ICC just as Prime Minister Viktor Orban hosted Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, whom the tribunal has accused of war crimes in Gaza. The death of 15 medics and humanitarian workers in Gaza after shots were fired at their ambulances raises further concerns of "war crimes by the Israeli army," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Thursday. "I am appalled by the recent killings of 15 medical personnel and humanitarian aid workers, which raise further concerns over the commission of war crimes by the Israeli military," Volker Turk told the UN Security Council. Turk called for an "independent, prompt and thorough investigation" into the March 23 incident that Israeli officials have claimed was an attack on "terrorists." The bodies of 15 rescuers and humanitarian workers, including eight from the Palestinian Red Crescent and one from the UN, were found near Rafah in what the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) called a "mass grave." OCHA said Tuesday the first team was killed by Israeli forces on March 23, and that other emergency and aid teams were struck one after another for several hours as they searched for their missing colleagues. This is "one of the darkest moments in this conflict that has shaken our shared humanity to its core," said the president of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society Younes Al-Khatib before the UN Security Council on Thursday. "The souls of Mostafa, Ezzedine, Saleh, Riffat, Mohammad Bahloul, Mohammed Al-Heila, Ashraf and Raed are asking for justice. Can you hear them?" he asked, demanding to know the fate of a 16th team member still missing. "It's worth noting, also, that during the communication with the team, the dispatch could hear a conversation in Hebrew between the Israeli forces and the team, meaning some were alive, still alive, when they were under the control of the Israeli forces," Al-Khatib said. Slovenian UN ambassador Samuel Zbogar called the situation in Gaza "erosion of humanity." "We cannot choose to believe these were simply mistakes," he said, in reference to the repeated attacks on humanitarian workers. The Israeli army has indicated it is investigating the "incident of March 23, 2025," while claiming its soldiers had fired at "terrorists." Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN, called for a better "vetting system" of humanitarian organizations to protect civilian workers. "How did nine Hamas terrorists find themselves traveling inside Red Crescent ambulances in the middle of the night?" Danon said. "The presence of those terrorists puts everyone's lives at risk." Turk also condemned Israel for blocking the entry of humanitarian aid for a month and resuming its military operations, saying "the blockade and siege of Gaza," and the subsequent suffering of civilians "constitutes a form of collective punishment." It "may also amount to the use of starvation as a method of war," he said. Turk expressed alarm over "inflammatory statements by senior Israeli officials about seizing, dividing, and controlling the territory of the Gaza Strip." "All of this raises serious concerns about international crimes being committed and contradicts the fundamental principle of international law regarding acquisition of territory by force." The war was triggered by Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Thursday, April 3, 2025 - An undercover police officer tasked with hunting down criminal gangs in Nairobi and its environs has paraded the faces of notorious gang members behind armed robberies in Kasarani. The suspects robbed a man in the wee hours of the morning at Red Soil area near Mwiki and stabbed him to death. The ruthless gang targets innocent members of the public heading to work in the morning. Several incidents of armed robberies conducted by the gang have been reported by the locals in the past few months. Police officers have launched a manhunt for the gang as the family of the victim, who was stabbed to death on Tuesday, cries for justice. See their photos below. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 3, 2025 - Following intelligence received about individuals engaging in land fraud by forging land ownership documents and other government-related documents with the intent to defraud innocent members of the public of their parcels of land, authorities have conducted a multi-agency crackdown that has brought into custody several suspects. During the coordinated operations launched on March 28th, eight key suspects have so far been apprehended: Livingstone Ambai Munala (aged 44), Dan Adero Okoth, Nicholas Mukuna Ayela, Paul Muigai Kimani, Kennedy Mulatya, Patrice Josaya Tumbo, Emmanuel Matheka Mutuku, and Leonard Clifford Wafula. Each member of the syndicate was arrested in a separate operation. Raid in their premises led to the discovery of multiple assorted land documents belonging to different individuals, including dozens of plain and original title deeds, 287 assorted stamps, blank grant titles and allotment letters, 11 unused green cards, 101 passport size photos for different individuals, certificates of titles, numerous transfer documents among other evidential materials. Notably, Dan Okoth is an assistant security officer at the Ministry of Lands - Survey of Kenya, Emanuel Matheka a casual labourer at Ardhi House - Nairobi, Josaya Tumbo a land broker while Clifford Wafula works at the Government Press as a printer II. The suspects have been promptly arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts, where detectives have been granted additional time to complete investigations and pursue other suspects linked to this fraud scheme. The arrest of the suspects comes at a time when land fraud menace has rocked the Capital given the lucrative real estate business, with landowners having undeveloped plots waking up to skyscraper buildings built on their property by fake document bearers, who are either perpetrators or victims of land fraud. Courtesy of DCI. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 3, 2025 - Prominent city businesswoman and the proprietor of Nairobi Outpatient Gulf Hospital, Wangari Muthuma, has broken her silence after word got out that her marriage with Pastor Dishon Murugi is on the rocks over infidelity. Wangari reportedly kicked Dishon out of her upscale home after she discovered that he was having an affair with one of the ladies in his church. The lady, identified as, Monica Maina, is a Chair Lady at pastor Murigis Flying Eagle International Ministry Church in Thika. Wangari confronted Monica after she found steamy text and WhatsApp messages between her and her cheating husband. Monica is said to have sent death threats to Wangari after the confrontation, prompting her to report the matter to DCI at Kasarani Police Station. Wangari took to her Facebok account after landing in the country from a business trip abroad and posted a cryptic message, hinting that her marriage with pastor Mirugi is falling apart. She cited infidelity as the main cause of her marital woes and said it is better to remain single. Wangari further said that she demands respect and justice after her husbands side chick threatened her life. Wangari and Dishon got married last year in an invite-only wedding attended by friends and family. Check out her Facebook post. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 3, 2025 - A 43-year-old Kenyan woman, Emily Kannin Rodha, was arrested at Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Tuesday for smuggling 1.7kg of cocaine worth 15 to 20 crores (approximately KSh 270 million to KSh 360 million). Rodha had traveled from Nairobi via Doha, and customs officials, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted her upon arrival. A search of her baggage led to the discovery of four packets containing a powdery substance, which, upon testing, was confirmed to be narcotics. The total weight of the drugs was 1,789 grams, with its value depending on quality. Her arrest comes in the wake of another high-profile drug trafficking case involving Margaret Nduta Macharia, a 37-year-old Kenyan from Muranga County, who now faces the death penalty in Vietnam for smuggling 2kg of cocaine. Nduta was arrested in July 2023 at Ho Chi Minh City airport while transiting to Laos, after authorities found the drugs hidden in her luggage. She was scheduled for execution on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 8:30 PM, but her sentence has been temporarily put on hold due to ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Kenya and Vietnam. Since 1.7kg of cocaine falls under commercial quantity, the Kenyan woman arrested in Mumbai is likely to face 10 to 20 years in prison, a heavy fine, and possibly no chance of bail.Bottom of Form The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 3, 2025 - A Kenyan diplomats son, accused of assaulting a five-year-old girl on a school bus in August 2023, has left India with his family, sparking outrage. The departure follows the Kenyan governments decision to withdraw the diplomat, effectively shielding the accused from prosecution under diplomatic immunity. The case, which has dragged on for nearly 10 months, faced a major legal hurdle when Indian authorities discovered that the suspect - being the child of a foreign envoy - was protected from arrest or questioning. The victims family has expressed deep frustration, claiming the teenager had targeted multiple children at the school. We believe he assaulted at least six minor girls, the victims father said. While his daughter is doing okay, they have since changed schools. Delhi Polices request to interrogate the suspect remained pending due to diplomatic immunity protocols. Indian officials urged the Kenyan Government to waive immunity so legal action could proceed, but Kenya instead chose to recall the diplomat and their family. Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, diplomats and their immediate family enjoy legal protection, preventing Indian authorities from detaining or prosecuting the accused. The case has reignited debate on diplomatic immunity and its impact on justice, leaving many questioning whether international laws should be reformed to protect victims of serious crimes. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 3, 2025 - Controversial pastor Dishon Mirugi is embroiled in a fresh scandal after his wife, Wangari Muthuma, a prominent businesswoman and the founder of Nairobi Outpatient Gulf Hospital, reported his side chick to the police for threatening her life. Mirugis side chick, Monica Maina, the Chairlady of Flying Eagle International Ministry church in Thika, which the scandalous pastor runs, threatened to kill his wife. Sources revealed that Monica was arrested by detectives from the Kasarani Police Station after Dishons wife filed a complaint regarding threats to her life made through text messages and phone calls. These threats reportedly followed a confrontation between the two women regarding an affair involving Wangaris cheating husband. Wangari discovered love messages exchanged between her husband and Monica, who is married to a senior manager at Metro Trans Sacco in Nairobi. This revelation led to significant tension, ultimately resulting in Wangari evicting the controversial preacher-turned-musician from her upscale home. This week, Wangari took additional precautions by changing the security guards at her residence after discovering that her husband was sneaking into the servants' quarters late at night. Monica had allegedly warned Wangari that she would kill her, prompting her to report the matter to the authorities. Mirugi came into the limelight after his estranged lover died in his house under mysterious circumstances. He exchanged vows with Wangari last year in a colourful ceremony. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 3, 2025 - Controversial Thika-road based pastor Dishon Mirugi has been kicked out by his tycoon wife, Wangari Muthuma, the proprietor of Nairobi Outpatient Gulf Hospital, from her home in the leafy suburbs of Nairobi over infidelity. Wangari discovered love messages exchanged between her husband and Monica Maina, a chairlady at his church in Thika. When Wangari confronted Monica, Monica threatened her life, prompting her to report the matter to DCI at Kasarani Police Station. Monica, who is married to a senior manager at Metro Trans Sacco in Nairobi, was arrested for questioning and later released. Pastor Murugi is no stranger to controversies involving love triangles. In 2023, he was arrested for questioning after his estranged lover died in his house under mysterious circumstances. Below is a photo of his side chick, Monica, a chairlady at his church. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 3, 2025 - A 66-year-old Scottish man, Walter Buchanan, has been handed a life sentence for murdering his 37-year-old Kenyan wife, Darrel Odhiambo. The Edinburgh High Court found Buchanan guilty of strangling Darrel to death after she confronted him for cheating. Judge Lord Cubie delivered the ruling, emphasizing that the punishment was mandated by law. The court heard that she sent a message, apparently unhappy that you were out without her; she may have harbored unfair suspicions about with whom and where you were; I emphasise that her actions or words provide no justification, provocation, or explanation for what happened. You returned home, and there was a verbal and then physical confrontation,'' the judge continued. "As you have already been told, the sentence for murder is fixed by law. I must now impose that sentence upon you. I sentence you to imprisonment for life," read part of the judgment. According to court records, Darrel had discovered that Buchanan was cheating on her. When she confronted him, he turned violent. He reportedly compressed her neck, restricting her breathing, which led to her tragic death at their flat near Hamilton Racecourse in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. While Buchanan has been sentenced to life, he has a chance to apply for parole after serving 15 years, as the judge acknowledged his remorse. "I bear in mind your age and your previously useful role in society. I consider that the appropriate punishment part in your case should be 15 years," the judge concluded. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 3, 2025 - A group of boda boda riders was captured on camera being paid Ksh 1,000 each after attending President William Rutos ongoing tour of the Mount Kenya region. The riders were mobilized by local leaders allied to President Ruto to attend roadside rallies. After spending the whole day cheering Ruto and accompanying his motorcade, they assembled to receive their dues. Tumeuza Kenya. Tumeuzia kasongo Kenya, the riders were heard saying as they received Ksh 1,000 each. Watch the video. Boda boda riders say they are getting paid 1,000 shillings daily to follow Ruto around and cheer. pic.twitter.com/Tgdsnxf7GT jim Njue (@jimNjue_) April 3, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Police in Northern Ireland have launched an appeal for potential victims of serial rapist Zhenhao Zou to come forward. This week Londons Metropolitan Police Service issued a renewed public appeal via its dedicated online channels over Zou, who police believe may be one of the UKs most prolific sex offenders. 23 women have made reports to the Met since the appeal in March 2025. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it is supporting the appeal. @metpoliceuk have issued another appeal to encourage potential victims of serial rapist Zhenhao Zou to report. He studied at Queens University between 2017 & 2019. Don't suffer in silence if you've been victimised by this man. Report: https://t.co/Uklb1uF9g8 pic.twitter.com/Oge3xkUZq0 Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) April 3, 2025 The 28-year-old moved to Northern Ireland at the age of 20 to study mechanical engineering at Queens University between 2017 and 2019. No reports of offences in Northern Ireland have been made so far. He then returned briefly to his native China due to COVID-19. In September 2019 he moved to London to do a masters degree, returning to China periodically. Zou was found guilty of 11 rapes of 10 different women in the UK and China. Police, however, feel there are potentially more victims who have not yet come forward. Detective Chief Inspector Stephanie Finlay, of the PSNIs Public Protection Branch, said: To date we have not received any reports of potential offences committed in Northern Ireland and so we are again appealing for information. We have concerns that many of the victims do not know they are victims. Zous pattern of offending involved him meeting women socially, or through social media, then luring them back to his flat where he would ply them with drink laced with drugs and sexually assault them when they lost consciousness. We want to appeal to anybody who met him or in any way was alone with him, where somebody may have been in his accommodation or had an encounter with him that left them feeling uneasy or like something may have happened that they did not consent to. Please come forward and report. We will treat you with sensitivity and respect. Do not suffer in silence if you have been victimised by this man, we are only interested in ensuring you get the help and support you need, in finding out what may have happened to you and aiding the Met in getting you the justice you deserve. We remain in close dialogue with the Met who lead on this investigation and that will continue. Reports relating to Zou can be made to the Metropolitan Police Service online via the major incident public portal (MIPP) at mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO1 The MIPP is also available in simplified Chinese at mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO2 If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Zou, you can also contact police via email on survivors@met.police.uk 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. LOCAL Minister James Lawless TD has officially opened the Maynooth University Arts Building following a 5.7m refurbishment to modernise the building while preserving its unique character. Minister Lawless, appropriately the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science met with staff and students on his visit to campus. He also viewed a new Research Ireland-funded mass spectrometer and other high-tech research equipment, before cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony for the refurbished building, one of the main teaching centres on campus. Minister James Lawless, MU President Prof Eeva Leinonen and Jonathan Glendinning, MU Head of Campus & Commercial Services, cutting the ribbon on the refurbished Arts Building These developments will provide state-of-the-art facilities to enhance students' on-campus experience, said Minister Lawless. With Maynooth being my local university, I was familiar with the campus and the old arts block so I was extremely impressed at the architecture and form in the reworked building. This new structure is greener, more sustainable and creates a more pleasant place for students to interact particularly the new all-purpose hall where I met many students congregating during my visit." Originally designed by the renowned Irish architect Robin Walker in the 1970s, the building is one of the oldest on campus and is of significant architectural interest as it was designed in the style of the famous modernist architect, Mies van der Rohe. Despite evolving over time in response to changes in teaching and learning needs, the Arts Building needed a significant upgrade to bring it into line with MUs energy efficiency and climate action goals. It was identified as having the poorest energy performance of MUs building stock as the facade had single glazed windows, walls with little or no insulation, and only natural ventilation by opening the windows. The refurbishment, led by RKD Architects, was delayed by Covid-19 but went ahead over summer 2023 and 2024 to minimise disruption during term time. The upgrade included a complete facade replacement while remaining faithful to the original design to improve energy performance, and the installation of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery in classrooms and lecture spaces. There were also bathroom refurbishments, upgrades to classrooms, staff offices and external courtyard, as well as the introduction of a new student common room with 240 seats. Robin Walker, who designed the arts building, was a key figure in Irish architecture, along with his partners, Michael Scott and Ronald Tallon who became synonymous with Irish modernism during the boom period that followed a major shift in Irish economic policy in the 1960s. A consultant psychiatrist has told a jury that the first time a murder accused reported hearing voices in his head was over a year after he was remanded in custody, on the same day his awareness of the possibility of a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity was first documented. Dr Mary Davoren on Wednesday told the Central Criminal Court that she believes anger and resentment could explain why Brian Ibe fatally assaulted 65-year-old Peter Kennedy, who had previously called gardai to have Mr Ibe removed from his home. Dr Davoren told prosecution counsel, Paul Carroll SC, that she interviewed the accused man, Mr Ibe (23), while he was on remand awaiting trial for the murder of Mr Kennedy at Mr Kennedy's home in Moore Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare. She said she disagreed with psychiatrists called by the defence who said Mr Ibe was in a psychotic state at the time of the assault due to schizophrenia and that the jury could consider returning the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Dr Davoren said Mr Ibe has a dissocial personality disorder, which is not a mental disorder that qualifies for the special verdict. Dr Davoren said there was no evidence that Mr Ibe was suffering hallucinations or other symptoms of psychosis around the time of the offence, but there was evidence that he was regularly smoking cannabis. She also found that an alternative explanation for the assault on Mr Kennedy was anger and resentment after Mr Kennedy called gardai to have Mr Ibe removed from his house about five months previously. On April 28th, 2020, Mr Ibe took a taxi from the Peter McVerry Trust hostel where he was living in Walkinstown in Dublin to Mr Kennedy's home, broke into the house by smashing a window and assaulted Mr Kennedy, who died from his injuries in hospital two weeks later, on May 12th. Mr Ibe, of no fixed abode but formerly of Moore Park in Newbridge, has pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity. He has entered a similar plea in relation to a charge of assault causing harm to Garda Brendan ODonnell at Newbridge Garda Station on or about April 29th, 2020. The trial previously heard that Mr Kennedy took Mr Ibe's mother, Martha, into his home after learning she was living in her car. For a few months leading up to Christmas 2019, Mr Ibe also lived at Mr Kennedy's home but had to leave after he became aggressive and threatened his host. Dr Davoren said that in interviews with her, Mr Ibe described the alleged offence, saying that he awoke that day at about 11am at the Peter McVerry Trust hostel in Walkinstown, where he lived after leaving Mr Kennedy's home. He watched a movie and hung around the house until he heard a voice in his head saying "nice jacket, Peter," which he said was a reference to something he had previously said to Mr Kennedy. He said he went to the kitchen, where he got a butter knife. His intention, he said, was to hurt someone, and he "knew that someone was Peter because that's who I was thinking about at the time." He said he recalled having arguments with Mr Kennedy when they lived together but couldn't remember what they were about. "I just wanted to hurt him," he said. When he arrived at Newbridge, he said he banged on the front door of Mr Kennedy's home, but nobody answered, so he went to the back of the house where he found a rock. He used the rock to smash a window and climbed through, picking up a shard of glass as he went. He said he went upstairs and found Mr Kennedy on the landing beside Mr Ibe's mother, Martha. At some point, he noticed that the knife he had taken from the hostel was missing, so he used the shard of glass, about 8 inches long, to stab Mr Kennedy three or four times. Mr Kennedy fell to the floor, he said, so Mr Ibe started kicking him on the ground before leaving. He went to a nearby train station, took a train to Heuston Station and walked the rest of the distance back to the hostel. When Mr Ibe spoke to gardai 24 hours later, Dr Davoren noted that he did not report any hallucinations, gave coherent answers and did not display any disordered thinking. During those interviews, he lied to gardai, telling them he had not been to Newbridge the previous day, that he had only met Mr Kennedy once and that he never lived with him. He denied knowledge of the assault on Mr Kennedy and suggested that his mother could be lying when she told gardai that she saw him stabbing Mr Kennedy. Also, while in garda custody, he refused to give a DNA sample or to allow gardai to take his fingerprints, became aggressive and punched a garda. Dr Davoren said this was "goal-directed" behaviour rather than "irrational or bizarre behaviour". He didn't want to give samples to gardai and became agitated and aggressive when told he would have to, the psychiatrist said. Dr Davoren said there is no psychiatric explanation for his lies to gardai or for inconsistent accounts he gave of his cannabis use in the days and weeks before the assault. She also said there is no psychiatric explanation for his failure to tell her that he was put out of a residential home in his teenage years following multiple acts of aggression and violence towards staff and continually smoking cannabis despite repeated warnings and gardai being called. In the days and weeks following the alleged offence, Dr Davoren said medical staff at Cloverhill Prison noted no overt psychotic symptoms despite multiple reviews of Mr Ibe by GPs, nursing staff, junior doctors and a consultant psychiatrist. The first time that he reported hearing voices, Dr Davoren said, was one year and 13 days after he was remanded to Cloverhill. This was, she said, the same day that it was first documented that Mr Ibe was aware of the possibility of a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. In his interviews with other psychiatrists, Mr Ibe reported symptoms which Dr Davoren said he did not report to her and which are not typical of schizophrenia, including that he would see images of his own death playing like a video in his environment. Dr Davoren said she formed the view that Mr Ibe might be an unreliable historian. Dr Davoren said her view is that Mr Ibe shows clear evidence of having had a childhood conduct disorder that progressed to a dissocial personality disorder. She said this is evidenced by his ongoing rule breaking as an adolescent and his aggressive and threatening behaviour towards others. She said he meets various criteria for the personality disorder, including a callous unconcern for the feelings of others, gross and persistent irresponsibility and disregard for social norms, low tolerance to frustration and low threshold for aggression and violence. He displays an incapacity to experience guilt or to benefit from punishment and is also prone to blame others or rationalise his behaviour, she said. Dr Davoren said she does not agree with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, but if the jury finds that Mr Ibe was suffering from a mental disorder, she said that does not automatically mean that he is entitled to the special verdict. Dr Davoren said the jury must also be satisfied that as a result of a mental disorder, Mr Ibe either did not know the nature and quality of his actions, or did not know his actions were wrong, or was unable to refrain from killing Mr Kennedy. Dr Davoren said Mr Ibe told her that as he was stabbing Mr Kennedy, he knew it would harm him and, therefore, he did know the nature and quality of his actions. She said he also said that he knew stabbing Mr Kennedy was wrong and at no point did he think it was the right thing to do. She said he showed his ability to form an intent by engaging in a series of deliberate acts, including taking the butter knife, travelling from Dublin to Kildare by taxi, going to Mr Kennedy's home, banging on the door and then breaking in when there was no answer. Those deliberate acts showed no evidence that Mr Ibe was unable to refrain from the assault, she said. Dr Davoren also did not agree that Mr Ibe could be found guilty of manslaughter instead of murder due to diminished responsibility. She said there was no evidence that his capacity to form the intent to cause serious harm to Mr Kennedy was significantly impaired. In disagreeing with diagnosis of schizophrenia, Dr Davoren said an alternative explanation for Mr Ibe's assault on the deceased was anger and resentment after the row that resulted in Mr Kennedy calling gardai and Mr Ibe being put out of the house and moving to a homeless shelter. The trial continues on Thursday before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of six men and six women. Kilkenny musical duo Novatone will perform a concert on April 19 at 7pm in Fennelly's of Callan (13 Upper Bridge Street, Callan, Co Kilkenny, R95 WK80). Tickets are now on sale at 10 plus booking fee and can be purchased here. For this special concert, Novatone will perform as a two-piece to showcase their acoustic roots and beautiful harmonies with a set of their own songs they have crafted over many years together including an acoustic version of their debut single Spotlight. Mark and Ann Marie always encourage the audience to sing with them, so prepare to join in! Mark McCorry and Ann Marie Walsh are Novatone. The duo are originally from Kilkenny - Ann Marie grew up just outside Callan - and are now based on the Wicklow-Wexford border. They unveiled their full electric band in November, having played together as an acoustic duo previously. Support has been coming in 'hot' for Novatone, with Hot Press magazine referring to the duo as "indie pop resplendence". Sarah Corcoran of indie rock band Pillow Queens has described their music as Belle and Sebastian meets Carnival era The Cardigans - very cool. Their debut single 'Spotlight' came out in February and has received airplay on RTE Radio 1, KCLR FM, Dublin City FM and other stations across Ireland plus Amazing Radio and more in the UK. John Loftus of 8Radio.com has called Spotlight a brilliant debut single. The music video for Spotlight can be watched here. Novatone will unveil their second single in June, followed by their debut EP in the autumn. Labour councillor Sean O hArgain has called on all local authorities to take action to make public spaces more accessible and autism-friendly. Marking World Autism Day, the Kilkenny councillor said he believed that too many neurodivergent people and their families face barriers when trying to access public spaces, from sensory overload to a lack of quiet zones and inadequate facilities. Labour is calling for a nationwide commitment to ensuring towns, cities, and villages meet the needs of autistic people. Public spaces in Kilkenny and across the country must be inclusive to the greatest extent possible," he said. "Many neurodivergent people and their families struggle with everyday activities that should be accessible to all from shopping to using public transport or simply enjoying community spaces. Sensory overload, unclear signage, and a lack of quiet areas can make public places overwhelming. We shouldnt have to wait for piecemeal progress. Its time for local authorities to step up and make these necessary changes. Marking World Autism Day, we must acknowledge that creating autism-friendly spaces is just one step towards realising the rights of neurodivergent people. Too often, decisions are made without consulting those most affected. Local authorities must actively engage with neurodivergent people to understand what changes will make the biggest difference. Labour is calling for a national strategy to support local authorities in making public spaces autism-friendly. This must include dedicated funding for essential improvements such as sensory-friendly areas, clear signage, and staff training. These measures should be implemented in consultation with the neurodivergent community, ensuring real, meaningful change that reflects lived experiences. Weve seen excellent examples of autism-friendly initiatives across Ireland, but we need to see more towns and villages following suit. Kilkenny has several autism-friendly initiatives, including autism-friendly status for Kilkenny Library and Smithwick's Experience, and MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre and other shops offer autism-friendly shopping hours. Supervalu, Loughboy, Kilkenny provide autism friendly shopping hours every Wednesday evening. "Becoming an autism-friendly community requires all sectors of society to come together. Businesses can play their part by introducing quiet shopping hours or training their staff. Schools and community groups can lead by promoting understanding and awareness. This must be a collective effort. On World Autism Day, I am calling for urgent action to ensure that no one in Kilkenny or beyond is excluded from public spaces. READ NEXT: Phil Hogan cuts ribbon as new 'advanced automation' farm business opens in Kilkenny A recent post on the An Garda Siochana Kilkenny Facebook page, wishing our local Muslim Community 'Eid Mubarak' has received some negative reaction online, raising concerns that gardai ignore other religious faiths. The Facebook post, published on Sunday, March 30 read; "Our Community Engagement Unit were delighted once again to be guests of the local Islamic Community as they celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid celebrations. Thank you for your hospitality." Some social media users reacted unfavourably to their post. One person commented, "I don't remember An Garda Siochana Kilkenny ever making posts celebrating Christian holidays," while another person, questioned, "assuming ye will be visiting the Catholic church at Easter Sunday?" PICTURES: Take a peek at this brand new Kilkenny housing estate! However, many posters to the site welcomed the local gardai's well wishes. "Thank You for accepting us as #Islam is a religion of peace. THANKS Once Again." "Sadly, racist bigots are going to do what racist bigots do. It's a shame you've felt you needed to post this, anyone that actually follows this page knows you do lots of community engagement stuff." Meanwhile, Kilkenny gardai reacted themselves to the controversial post, stating: "Our Community Engagement Unit interacts with those of all faiths and none. "Every Good Friday, we take pride in leading the Way of the Cross Procession from St John's," they added. "We enter a tree into St Canice's Cathedral Christmas Tree Exhibition and read a lesson in their Carol Service. "Our community bus has been used to bring a group to Knock Basilica and our members are involved in what our Community is involved in," they continued. "It may not suit some but we will continue to interact with the whole community. Today, after a Mother's Day post, itself derived from Mothering Sunday, a traditionally Christian celebration we greeted our friends from a large cohort in our Community on one of their most significant days of celebration. "One day in 65. It makes you think," the post concluded. Simon Watts and Scott Simpson announced: The Government is accelerating Local Water Done Well for the Wellington region to provide greater transparency at Wellington Water and ensure it is delivering value for money for ratepayers, say Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson. Over the last few months, I have had serious concerns around Wellingtons water services, Mr Watts says. Recent reports have shone a spotlight on high costs and unsound financial management at Wellington Water with clear evidence suggesting the ratepayers are not getting good value for money, Mr Watts says. I am not satisfied by the progress made to address these glaring problems and without clear and decisive action, Wellingtonians face a decade of hefty rate increases with little to show for it. The Government is bringing forward Local Water Done Well for the Wellington region by imposing early economic regulation on Wellington Water. This means the Commerce Commission will begin its role as a monitor for the Wellington regions water services sooner than other water services under Local Water Done Well. Given the current issues, Wellingtonians shouldnt have to wait for the full economic regulation regime to be in place to have greater visibility over how their money is spent on water services, Mr Simpson says. Catholic Charities of Northern and Central Missouri will end its refugee program March 31 due to a lack of federal funding. KOMU 8 First Alert Weather is tracking strong to severe thunderstorms moving through the region on Wednesday. Follow live updates here. 5:30 p.m.: Officials declare Pilot Grove tornado an EF-2 The National Weather Service in Kansas City has confirmed EF-2 tornado damage in Pilot Grove. The tornado was only on the ground for about 6 miles. Estimated peak winds were 150 mph. 5 p.m.: Missouri Task Force 1 deploys drone to survey Pilot Grove damage MO-TF1's Disaster Situation Awareness and Reconnaissance team will use drones to survey damage and provide information to local incident management teams, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Operations Center. The information will help the organizations make decisions about resource deployment, according to a news release from the Boone County Fire Protection District. 4 p.m.: Kehoe activates national guard to assist in storm response A tornado touched down in Pilot Grove on Wednesday, alongside hail, heavy rains and flash flooding across the state. Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-21 to activate the guard to assist communities throughout the state in storm recovery over the coming weeks. 3:30 p.m.: Weather Service confirms Nevada tornado at least an EF-1 The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado to cause damage of at least F1 caliber. 3 p.m.: Pilot Grove outdoor warning sirens did not sound Pilot Grove Mayor Dennis Knipp confirmed outdoor warning sirens did not sound in Pilot Grove, despite being triggered by the Cooper County Emergency Management Agency. The Cooper County Emergency Management Agency is investigating and does not currently know why the sirens did not sound when activated, Knipp told KOMU 8. 2 p.m.: Officials confirm tornado touched down in Cooper County, at least 10 buildings damaged Officials told KOMU 8 News that at least 10 buildings were damaged in the storm. Katy Manor nursing home was one of the structures hit by the tornado, but all residents were taken to safe places during the tornado warning and are okay. 1:30 p.m.: Boone County cite abundance of caution as reason for sounding all warning sirens Out of an abundance of caution, the Office of Emergency Management requested Boone County Joint Communications sound all outdoor warning sirens to ensure the broadest possible public awareness, not just the regions impacted. "This precautionary move helps alert everyone," the news release said, "including those who may be outdoors or otherwise unaware of rapidly changing weather conditions. These storms can develop and change rapidly." 1 p.m.: At least one person injured following possible southwest Missouri tornado City Manager Gary Edwards told Kansas City NBC affiliate KSHB that a tree fell on the person. The extent of their injuries was unknown. There have been no deaths reported with this storm, according to a Facebook post from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. 12:45 p.m.: No casualties reported in possible tornado in Pilot Grove Officials told KOMU 8 reporters in Cooper County that no casualties to people or livestock have been reported after a possible tornado struck Pilot Grove. 11:30 a.m.: Serious damage reported in Pilot Grove after possible tornado A radar-indicated tornado was reported in the Cooper County town of Pilot Grove Wednesday morning. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reporting serious damage. The Katy Manor nursing home was hit by the tornado. All residents were taken to their safe places during the tornado warning and are safe, the nursing home posted on Facebook. A garage took the biggest hit, and there was roof damage on the facility itself, the nursing home said. 11:10 a.m.: Most power outages restored Most of the known power outages in Columbia have been restored, according to Columbia Water and Light. There are 269 Ameren customers still without power in Cooper County, according to PowerOutage.us 9:50 p.m.: Power outages reported in south-central Columbia Columbia Water and Light said it has received of reports of power outages in south-central Columbia. Crews are responding and will work to resolve issues as quickly as possible. To report a power outage, you can call 573-875-2555. The city's power outage map says over 1,100 customers are affected. 9:45 p.m.: Pilot Grove schools provides update Pilot Grove Schools posted an update on its Facebook page after a tornado was confirmed via radar north of the city. The school district said everyone was safe and sound. 9:35 p.m.: Missouri 135 closed in Cooper County Missouri 135 in Cooper County is closed from Pilot Grove to Interstate 70 due to storm damage, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. ALERT - COOPER COUNTY ROUTE 135 CLOSEDRoute 135 CLOSED from Pilot Grove to I-70 due to storm damage. Use an alternate route. Damaging storms may pop up with little notice causing downed power lines, trees and flash flooding.https://t.co/0ysWqvKvGK for the latest info. pic.twitter.com/iC2cIl2Dy2 MoDOT Central District (@MoDOT_Central) April 2, 2025 9 a.m.: Hundreds without power in Cooper County Over 800 customers are without power in Cooper County Wednesday morning, according to Co-Mo Electric Cooperative. Severe thunderstorms are moving through mid-Missouri Wednesday morning, and multiple tornado warnings were issued in Cooper County. Around 10,000 customers are without power across the state, according to PowerOutage.us. PILOT GROVE No casualties to people or livestock have been reported after a possible tornado struck Cooper County before 9 a.m. Wednesday, officials told KOMU 8 News. The National Weather Service confirmed Wednesday afternoon the tornado was an EF-2. The tornado tracked 6.3 miles and was 200 yards at its widest point. Estimated peak winds were 150 mph. The tornado started at 8:34 a.m. and lasted until 8:40 p.m. Missouri 135 is closed from Pilot Grove to Interstate 70 due to storm damage. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the road will remain closed until further notice. Officials told KOMU 8 News that at least 10 buildings were damaged in the storm. Electric crews are working to repair widespread power outages. There were 319 Co-Mo Electric Cooperative customers in Cooper County without power as of 9 p.m., and 269 Ameren customers without power as of 1 p.m., according to PowerOutage.us. Over 800 Co-Mo Electric Cooperative customers were without power at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Katy Manor nursing home was one of the structures hit by the tornado, according to a Facebook post. The nursing home said all residents were taken to safe places during the tornado warning and are OK. A storage shed in the back took the biggest hit, the nursing home said, and there was minor roof damage on the facility itself. "I mean you couldn't hardly see anything outside," said Katy Manor administrator Kendra Twenter. "Wind was blowing the rain sideways and we could hear some of the impact from the roof being pulled up." Most of the shed's roof is gone and in pieces, leaving equipment like wheelchairs, walkers and shower chairs inside damaged. Pilot Grove Schools informed families on Facebook that students were safe and sound in their safe locations during the storms and returned to learning around 10 a.m. The school district educates high, middle, elementary and preschoolers on a single campus. The district said older students were reading to its younger students while in its shelter location. Gov. Mike Kehoe activates national guard to assist with storm response A tornado touched down in Pilot Grove on Wednesday, alongside hail, heavy rains and flash flooding across the state. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Gov. Mike Kehoe activated the Missouri National Guard Wednesday to assist with response efforts for ongoing and forecast severe storms in the state. "This executive order allows us to mobilize the necessary resources and personnel to support our communities, protect lives and property, and ensure a swift response to any emergencies that arise," Kehoe said. Missouri Task Force 1's drone team is in Pilot Grove to map Wednesday's damage. MO-TF1's Disaster Situation Awareness and Reconnaissance team will use the drones to survey damage and provide information to local incident management teams, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Operations Center. Pilot Grove outdoor warning sirens did not sound Pilot Grove Mayor Dennis Knipp confirmed outdoor warning sirens did not sound in Pilot Grove, despite being triggered by the Cooper County Emergency Management Agency. The Cooper County Emergency Management Agency is investigating and does not currently know why the sirens did not sound when activated, Knipp told KOMU 8. Multiple Pilot Grove residents told KOMU 8 they did not hear the warning sirens and were alerted to the tornado warning by a text message. The mayor said the warning sirens were tested Tuesday and operated properly. The emergency management agency away is weeks away from implementing a fully digital warning system, the mayor said. Outdoor warning sirens are not meant to be heard indoors and should never be the primary method of receiving severe weather alerts. KOMU 8 Chief Meteorologist Matt Beckwith recommends people have at least two independent ways to receive weather alerts, not including outdoor warning sirens. Weather warnings can be delivered through the following channels: Storm Mode Coverage on KOMU 8 Streaming on KOMU.com and the KOMU 8 News app KOMU 8 First Alert Weather App NOAA Weather Radio KOMU 8 First Alert Weather on Cumulus Radio stations Wireless Emergency Alerts KOMU 8 News has reporters on the scene and will provide updates on-air and on our website. Former Missouri Republican Party Chairman Ed Martin, speaks about his new job as president of the Eagle Forum with St. Louis on the Air on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, at St. Louis Public Radios headquarters in the citys Grand Center neighborhood. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. China enhances social credit system to boost high-quality development Xinhua) 08:09, April 03, 2025 The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on the topic of improving the social credit system in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- China has expedited efforts to improve its social credit system and build a creditworthy society as part of the country's broader push to advance a market-oriented economy. The country has made progress in areas such as credit information sharing and the enforcement of penalties against bad-faith actions, as part of efforts to strengthen the social credit system, Li Chunlin, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference on Wednesday. The credit system is the bedrock of the market economy, according to experts. Credit plays a key role in optimizing the business environment, improving financial services, and enhancing governance and service efficiency of the government. To boost credit information sharing, China has established a national-level credit information sharing platform, which aggregated over 80.7 billion credit records from 180 million business entities, according to Li. The country has also set up a nationwide financing and credit service platform that compiles key enterprise-related credit data, including business registration and tax payment. Li said that the platform is designated to help financial institutions access comprehensive credit information of small firms, enabling them to provide targeted financial support to those in real need. As of February 2025, financial institutions across the country have issued a total of 37.3 trillion yuan (about 5.2 trillion U.S. dollars) in loans through the platform, including 9.4 trillion yuan in credit loans. This has significantly alleviated the capital constraints facing small private enterprises, according to the official. Regarding information security, the country is working to minimize the risk of information leakage by making data available but not visible. It also plans to incorporate blockchain technology to ensure traceability and enhance security during data processing. The press conference came days after the release of a new guideline on further improving the social credit system. The guideline includes 23 measures and aims to create a unified national market while ensuring a fair and orderly competitive market environment. The guideline calls for the establishment of a unified social credit system covering all types of entities, in order to promote the deep integration of social credit system into all aspects of social and economic development. Highlighting the significance of the guideline, experts noted that these measures are expected to address challenges such as fragmented regulatory rules and data silos. "The guideline marks a new historical starting point for China's social credit system, and it will undoubtedly propel the system to reach a higher level of development," said Wang Wei, a professor with the Party School of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (National Academy of Governance). China will support domestic credit service institutions in establishing independent and impartial third-party credit service partnerships with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries and BRICS nations, and will also promote the internationalization of domestic credit rating agencies, according to the guideline. Looking ahead, Li said China will increase efforts in data governance, facilitate the flow of data, effectively cultivate the credit market, and expand the credit economy. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) SHANGHAI, April 2 (Xinhua) -- At the ongoing 2025 Autumn/Winter Shanghai Fashion Week, 22 African fashion brands made their debut, aiming to break into the Chinese and broader Asian markets while highlighting the appeal of China's burgeoning "debut economy." Models walked the runway in Shanghai, presenting the latest collections from African designer brands, from handmade weaving to natural dyeing and environmentally friendly techniques. Themed "Innovascape," the fashion extravaganza took place from March 25 to April 1, showcasing nearly 100 runway shows and about 1,000 brands in exhibitions. Hannah Ryder, CEO of Development Reimagined, brought 22 African designer brands from 12 countries to Shanghai Fashion Week, giving them the opportunity to connect with global buyers and retailers at the trade exhibition MODE. "This is the first time that African designers have come to China as a group, and I think our main message for the Chinese market is that African fashion brands are ready to enter China," said Ryder, noting that African designer brands have immense potential in terms of creativity and sustainability and can offer something truly unique to the Chinese market. "Shanghai Fashion Week is one of the top fashion weeks in the world," Ryder said, adding that this is not only an opportunity to showcase African creativity and culture but also an excellent chance to establish connections and expand business cooperation with the Chinese fashion industry, and even the rest of Asia, including Southeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea. She noted that while African clothing is often associated with beautiful patterns and vibrant colors, African designer brands feature a much more diverse range of design languages and aesthetics. Ryder explained that while some of the brands have already entered the European market, they are still new to China and will use the exhibition and runway shows to introduce themselves, alongside launching select new collections on Chinese e-commerce platforms as a "test drive." A Chinese-style buckle and double-breasted design, featuring cuffs inspired by Hanfu yet reimagined with African geometric patterns, is paired with fabric adorned with scenes of local South African tribes. This striking ensemble is one of the latest creations from the South African fashion brand Molebatsi. South African designer Jessica Jane and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founded the brand. In 2023, Jane made a special trip to central China's Hunan Province to attend the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, followed by a visit to Beijing. During her 10-day trip to China, Jane saw traditional Chinese clothing, such as Hanfu and horse-faced skirts, for the first time. "China's long history and traditional culture fascinated me," she said. After the trip, she began brainstorming ways to combine elements of traditional Chinese clothing with traditional African clothing, ultimately bringing the new products back to China. "It's an incredibly exciting opportunity because there are so many collaborations and mutually beneficial relationships between Africa and China," said Wandile Molebatsi. "There's a huge amount of opportunity for Africans here in China, and it's very exciting." Aristide Loua, from Cote d'Ivoire, is new to the Chinese market. Through pre-promotion activities at Shanghai Fashion Week, he received cooperation invitations and engaged in in-depth negotiations with numerous buyers. "I will formulate a plan for entering the Chinese market based on their feedback," Loua said. "As we witness African designers showcasing their work at one of the world's most influential fashion weeks, we are taking an essential step toward a more inclusive and diverse global fashion industry. Through continued collaboration, investment, and market access, African brands can carve out their space in the Chinese market -- not as a niche, but as a mainstream force," said Phuti Tsipa, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai. Raphael Deray, a buyer from Printemps in Paris, went straight from the airport to the MODE exhibition to meet with designers from China, Africa, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other places. "My expectations are quite high to find good designers and good products during Shanghai Fashion Week because I know China has a lot of potential. It is a big market for fashion," Raphael Deray said. "As a trendsetter in the Asian fashion industry, Shanghai Fashion Week is an amplifier of innovative fashion. We will create a gateway for international brands to engage with the Chinese market through a more open and inclusive approach and foster a new fashion ecosystem that spans from Chinese design to global resonance," said Tong Jisheng, director of the Shanghai Fashion Week organizing committee. Recently, the "debut economy" has emerged as a key driver of consumption in China. This concept encompasses product launches, flagship store openings, new service rollouts, and the development of innovative business models and technologies. Liu Min, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, said that the "debut economy" is an important measure to expand domestic demand and boost consumption. Shanghai has enhanced policy support across multiple areas, including exhibition support, streamlined customs clearance, and financial incentives. These measures have further optimized the launch environment for global new products and provided stronger service guarantees for both domestic and international brands introducing new products in the city. "We hope more brands will establish a long-term presence in Shanghai, starting with a first launch or debut show, followed by the opening of flagship stores, and ultimately establishing headquarters here to expand globally," she added. LEGO is dropping a Beauty and the Beast set that's inspired by the castle in the movie and the beloved Disney characters that starred in it. LEGO Beauty is found within, but LEGOs new Disney Beauty and the Beast Castle Set is also beautiful on the outside and you can order it soon. LEGO is dropping the new Beauty and the Beast Castle Set as part of its Disney Castle Collection on April 4 for $280. LEGO Disney Beauty and the Beast Castle Set Price: $280 Buy Now This Disney movie-inspired LEGO release has a whopping 2,916 pieces and 10 minifigures, including favorites like Belle, the Beast, Gaston, LeFou and Maurice. This Disney Princess Set is an enchanting recreation of the castle from the movie that sprawls an expansive four levels. LEGO didnt spare any details from the beloved fairytale, adding a ballroom with a spinning dance floor, a dining room with spinning platters on the table and the perfect tower to display the enchanted rose another minifigure in the set. Theres also a grand staircase and more surprises that will be unveiled as the set is built. LEGO recommends the Beauty and the Beast Set for ages 18 and up. It also includes digital building instructions in the LEGO Builder app and comes with free shipping from LEGO as an order over its $35 minimum. Get the Disney Beauty and the Beast Castle LEGO Set as soon as it drops here. If you cant wait until Friday to score a new LEGO Set, you can check out this other LEGO Set releases that are available now, including these top picks: Disney Cinderellas Dress for $40 Icons - French Cafe for $80 Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex for $250 Ferrari SF-24 F1 Car for $230 Tipping Dump Truck for $50 Twilight The Cullen House for $220 Vincent van Gogh Sunflowers for $200 Shop for more LEGO Sets from The Lord of the Rings to Super Mario here. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. Kristine Barnett (left) and Michael Barnett (right) are played by Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass on "Good American Family." TVO/Investigation Discovery/YouTube/Canva Kristine and Michael Barnett are being portrayed by Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass on the Hulu series Good American Family, but what are the real-life duo doing now? Kristine and Michael are no longer together. Michael filed for divorce in 2014 and later accused Kristine of emotional abuse. I had the same monster you did. I was exceptionally controlled and put down and threatened, Michael told his former adoptive daughter Natalia Grace in the 2023 Investigation Discovery documentary The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks. Anything that was who I was was ripped from me, and I was guided and instructed to be exactly what [Kristine] wanted me to be, Michael continued. Kristine did not participate in the doc, but she seemingly addressed Michaels allegations in a since-deleted Facebook post. Michael Barnett and Natalia Barnett may have the same monster but that monster is not me, she wrote, per Today. Keep scrolling for more information on the Barnetts: What happened between the Barnetts and Natalia Grace? The Barnetts adopted Ukraine native Natalia Grace in 2010, when she was about 7 years old. The couple later began to suspect that Natalia Grace was an adult woman using her spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism, to pose as a child. Natalia Grace's story is the inspiration for the new Hulu series "Good American Family." Investigation Discovery/YouTube In 2012, the Barnetts successfully sought a court order to legally change Natalia Graces birth year from 2003 to 1989. They moved Natalia Grace into her own apartment in 2013. 10 years later, a DNA test conducted by the company TruDiagnostic showed that Natalia Grace was in her early 20s, meaning she was a child when the Barnetts adopted her. Her legal date of birth was then restored to her 2003 birth year. READ MORE: Where are Cynthia and Antwon Mans now? An update on the true story behind Good American Family The Barnetts faced legal repercussions for abandoning Natalia Grace, but have not been found guilty of a crime. Michael was found not guilty of three counts of neglect and conspiracy to commit neglect of a dependent in 2022. The following year, the charges against Kristine were dismissed. Natalia Grace claimed in the 2023 doc The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks that Kristine hit her with a belt and pepper sprayed her. Kristine has denied the claims. Natalia was a very much loved and cared for member of my family, she wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post. Lets get straight to these allegations. Nobody ever took a belt to Natalia and the allegations that she was beaten are just plain false. Any discipline of Natalia was very minimal and was not out of the bounds of normal parenting. READ MORE: Where is Natalia Grace now? An update on the woman who inspired Good American Family Kristine also claimed that her and Michaels marriage deteriorated due to the toll that their experience with Natalia Grace took on Michaels mental health. In May 2024, Kristine took to Facebook to criticize those who sided with her former adoptive daughter. Just as I knew would happen, the trendiness of pretending to care about Natalia has died down leaving only the truly pathetic and obsessed left in every group, she wrote. You did not actually care. You only wanted to bully a mother. What are Kristine and Michael Barnett doing now? Kristines Facebook page describes her as an Author, Loving Mother, Advocate for Children With Disabilities, Writer, & Activist. She announced in March 2024 that she had written a new book, titled Witch Hunt: The Kristine Barnett Story. Kristine previously penned a book about her son Jacobs autism diagnosis called The Spark: A Mothers Story of Nurturing Genius. READ MORE: Is Natalia Grace from Good American Family on Instagram? Michael, meanwhile, had a face-to-face conversation with Natalia Grace in the 2023 Natalia Speaks documentary. Why didnt you leave [Kristine]? Natalia Grace asked her former adoptive father. READ MORE: Where is Jacob Barnett now? An update on the true story behind Good American Family Thats the best question ever. I tried, Michael replied. Kristine and Michael share three biological sons: Jacob, Wesley, and Ethan. Were Kristine and Michael Barnett involved with the making of Good American Family? Ellen Pompeo plays Kristine Barnett in "Good American Family." Hulu/YouTube The story of Natalia Grace and the Barnetts is now a dramatized Hulu series called Good American Family. The series co-showrunner Katie Robbins told Today.com that the team wasnt in touch with any of the real people who inspired the show. READ MORE: Who is Imogen Faith Reid? 5 things to know about the actress playing Natalia Grace in Good American Family Which made having the copious amounts of research that we have that much more essential, Robbins noted. While he didnt help develop Good American Family, Michael did face charges in 2022 for allegedly violating his gag order in the neglect case by negotiating the sale of his media rights with Hulu. The charges against him were later dropped, leaving him free to discuss the case. Good American Family is available to stream on Hulu. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. A Laois band have shot to the top of the Irish music videos charts, following the release of their highly-anticipated single 'Bones'. Chiral, made up of Gary Duncan, Adam Brewer, Eddie Graveyard Delaney and Al Bluster Bhoy Tierney have recently been praised as one of the top ten rock/metal bands in Ireland in 2024. The band have said that their new single 'Bones' represents 'a cleansing, a moment of rising from the ashes', while the 'lingering shadows of the past remain ever-present'. Below: 'Bones', the new single from Chiral "Its not just about moving forwardits about carrying the scars of what came before," Chiral vocalist Adam Brewer explained to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. Its about breaking free from what haunts you but knowing that some ghosts never fully disappear. 'Bones' isnt just a songits a reckoning, he said. Musically, Bones fuses Chirals signature blend of punk, metal & rock elements, crafting an intense and cinematic soundscape that mirrors the protagonists emotional battle. The track serves as both a climax and catharsis, embodying the raw energy and unfiltered emotions that have defined Chirals music. Pictured: Chiral The accompanying music video brings the story to a stunning conclusion, visually capturing the fight between light and dark, past and present. Directed by Chiral & Thomas Moyles, it is a visceral and symbolic representation of the songs themes. The music video was shot at three locations in Laois; Red Lake Sound Studios, The Malt House, Stradbally, and Timahoe Round Tower, Timahoe. Schools and businesses in Laois and Offaly have rallied together in support of Laois Offaly Families For Autism (LOFFA)'s Rainbow Day fundraiser this Friday. LOFFA Chairperson Breda Murray spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois live to praise Laois locals for their dedication. "At the moment we have 160 businesses taking part between Laois & Offaly and roughly 70 schools , so between both 230 in total will be fundraising and spreading awareness of Autism this Friday for our 5th Annual Rainbow Day," Ms Murray explained. "It is looking like this will be our biggest one yet. The people in Laois Offaly are just fantastic, we have had so much support over the last four years and we would like to sincerely thank them. Pictured: a LOFFA poster detailing the Rainbow Day Fundraiser this Friday, April 4. "Our committee members have been very organised this year, we have had our posters/letters & buckets ready to go over the last month and most of our 230 deliveries are now complete. "There is still time to sign up, members of the public can email us on info@loffa.ie or pm our Facebook page if they would like to take part," Ms Murray highlighted. "We are delighted to have Portlaoise Plaza on board this year. They have secured us an area on Friday to set up a small workshop so we are hoping that will be an extra boost to our funds. "We will have committee members in attendance throughout the day (10am-8pm) so we will be free to chat to members of the public should anyone like to come say hello. LOFFA subsidised a massive 39,500 in private therapies in 2024 for our members, this would not of being possible without rainbow day," she said. Ms Murray explained that LOFFA also subsidise swims, workshops, family day trips, educational talks and more. A Laois Fine Gael councillor says political pressure by Laois TDs is the only way to get the Mountmellick bypass built. Cllr Conor Bergin tabled a motion to the March 31 meeting of Laois County Council to call for action, and he is backed by many other councillors. "This is going on a very long time. Now is the time. We did a survey in 2020 that found 10,000 vehicles a day, a lot of them HGVs are going through Mountmellick. Particularly since Brexit it is the route from Rosslare. There is a lot of congestion particularly at Glanbia. It is important that it's on the agenda for the new Government," he said. He notes that Transport Infrastructure Ireland is responsible, but that the plan is not listed in the Government's National Development Plan up to 2030 so no money can be allocated to the project. "The only way it can be done is by political pressure. We need to keep it on the agenda. I hope all the councillors support this. It is a major project for the county. It's having an effect on smaller roads because people use them as unofficial bypasses. Money is announced every day of the week, this is something that would make a huge difference. I hope we can get the political will. The state agencies can only fund this if they get approval from Government," Cllr Bergin said. He noted that Deputy Brian Stanley "in fairness raised it in the Dail". "It's up to our TDs now to stand up and make their voices heard," he said. His party colleague, Portlaoise Municipal District Cllr Paddy Buggy said he works in Mountmellick every day, as manager in the MDA centre. "This is a critical piece of infrastructure. It is holding back development of the town. The number one topic is the road. I know that Laois County Council is ready to put the wheels in motion. Mountmellick will never be able to develop to its full potential until this is in place," he said. Mountmellick MD Fianna Fail Cllr Paddy Bracken is from the town. "I am blue in the face raising it. It has to be a political decision. I thought last October when I saw the Taoiseach in Mountmellick with Cllr Aird that it would be inspiring something. The traffic now is up to 12,000 vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I fully support this, let's keep the pressure on," he said. Read more about 'Mountmellick's deadly unofficial bypass'. Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said it is "actually disgraceful" that Mountmellick bypass is not on the latest road list. Cllr James Kelly said he uses the back roads to avoid the town centre. "Cars are racing on it to get in front of trucks, there'll be a serious accident or injury on the rat run. This is a joke. Bracken is beating the drum for years. He even asked for laybys and that didn't happen," he said. It is five years since consultants were hired by the council to examine Mountmellick traffic. They conclude that a double bypass is needed to revive the town. Read more on that here. Cllr Bergin's motion calls on Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien and the TII to prioritise the delivery of a bypass for Mountmellick. A letter will now be sent to both from Laois County Council. Laois County Council has revealed an extensive 30 million plan to fix some of the 2,500km of roads across the length and breadth of the county in 2025, but storm damage and rising costs will take a chunk of value out of the money. Director of Services Simon Walton says "significant resources" will be targeted on winter repairs. "Similar to 2024, winter weather conditions, including snow and ice plus Storm Eowyn, provide for a scenario whereby Roadworks Scheme 2025 is presented against the backdrop of a challenging winter for the road network, with an upturn in potholes and general storm damage," he said. So what will get done in Laois in 2025? Almost a quarter of the funds will go on repairing 60km of the regional and local road network. Two pieces of the former National roads now R445 will be strengthened and overlayed, at Pike of Rushall costing 300k and approaching Monasterevin costing 400k. There will be 563.5k spent on urgent repairs to nine bridges, damaged by weather and collisions. They are in Garryhinch, Spink, Shanahoe, Ballyfin, Inchacooley, Rathdowney, Baylough and the old rail bridge in Colt. 425k will go on climate change adaptation on eight local roads including the Ridge Road Portlaoise, Rathmoyle, Levally in Rathdowney, Boston in Mountrath, Cloncannon in Mountmellick, and 35,000 to design a flood relief scheme in the Grange housing estate in Portlaoise. Safety Improvement Works costing 395,000 will be carried out in 13 areas, including at Ballybrophy, Stradbally, Knock School, Derrynaseera, Mountrath, Sheffield Cross and Ballycarnan Cross in Portlaoise. There is 100,000 from the Dept of Transport specifically to scope out traffic relief measures in Portarlington. A handful of the 39 community groups waiting for cash to fix their local roads will be funded with 390,000 for the Community Involvement in Roadworks Scheme. 34 of the 39 are in the Mountmellick Borris-in-Ossory Municpal District, and just one is in Portarlington Graiguecullen district. More popular is the Local Improvement Scheme, where 88 valid applications are awaiting cash to fix private lanes to their homes and farms. There is 470,536 for the LIS in 2025, again with 58 of the applications in the Mountmellick district. The roadworks cash includes 550,000 for public streetlight electricity bills, with 9,573 lights in Laois and growing. For lists of roadworks in the three Municipal Districts of Portlaoise, Mountmellick Borris-in-Ossory, and Portarlington Graiguecullen, see more on Leinster Express /Laois Live. Almost half of the 30m is coming from the Department of Transport, which is over 800,000 more than 2024. The National Transport Authority has allocated another 3.5million for Active Travel, with half a million for bus stops, the rest on their own projects in Laois. Laois County Council will put 5.5 million, with Transport Infrastructure Ireland's allocations not yet announced. The Department of Community and Rural Affairs will give almost half a million to fund Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) laneways. A Laois charity that plays a vital role in enhancing services for Portlaoise hospital patients has paid tribute to its longest-serving member who also departs as chairperson of the support group. The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital paid tribute to Tommy Timmons in an announcement that he is stepping away from the committee after three decades of work for the patients. "We would like to take a moment to extend sincere gratitude to our Chairperson and friend, Tom, as he retires from the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital after dedicating over 30 years to the charity. "Tom has been the driving force behind countless initiatives, always putting the hospital and its patients first. His passion and tireless efforts have not only shaped the organisation but also touched the lives of many patients of the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise," he said. The tribute said that Mr Timmons was involved in many fundraising efforts and has seen many donations to the hospital from TVs to palliative care chairs. "We wish him all the best in his retirement and hope he enjoys the well-deserved time to relax and pursue new adventures. Thank you, Tom, for everything. You will always be a cherished member of the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital family," concluded the tribute. For his part, Mr Timmons told the Leinster Express Laois Live that he is departing safe in the knowledge that there is a capable committee involved. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Committee members, from left: Emma Dempsey, Aoife Reams, Aine Reams, Ger Egan, Tommy Timmons, Anne Reams, Sarah Preston, Emily Maher and John ONeill at the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital Gala Ball in The Midlands Park Hotel in 2024. Picture: Alf Harvey "There is a new committee now of young people and they are brilliant," he said. The Portlaoise native said he was very impressed by the Gala Ball organised by the committee in 2024. "They did a marvellous job," he said. The success convinced him that he could now safely pass the torch of leadership of the Friends to the next generation led by the new Chairperson Emma Dempsey. "We'll never have to worry about our hospital with regards comfort for patients with the current committee," he said. While he is stepping away from the Committee, Mr Timmons said he will continue to help with collections and other projects that require volunteers from the community. He reflecting on the contribution of the Friends down the years to the hospital. "The equipment we bought for the hospital has made a woeful difference to patients," he said. Without this help, he believes the hospital would have been at a 'fierce loss'. He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Portlaoise, Laois and surrounding counties for their generous donations which has allowed so much help to be given over the years. "The support is massive," he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Pictured at Portlaoise General Hospital for the presentation of Flat Screen TVs to the hospital in 2012 were: Tommy Timmons and Dick Sydes of Friends of Portlaoise Hospital, Bernie Thompson (General Hospital Technician) and Emma Dempsey (Friends of Portlaoise Hospital). Photo: Michael Scully He said this was particularly important during the various recessions which led to cutbacks in Portlaoise and other hospitals. Mr Timmons said he has made many friends through the charity both in the hospital and in Portlaoise, Laois and outside the county who have helped down through the years. Among those who he worked closely with were the late Kathleen O'Brien and Dick Sides both of whom were have chaired the Committee. While the organisation works primarily to provide funds for equipment, Mr Timmons said it has also had to use its 'soft power' to campaign for the retention of services in Portlaoise when various threats came to downgrade. He was also involved in the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee. "We always fought for the hospital...the hospital is in a good place now," he said. He concluded by encouraging local people to continue to support the hospital and if possible get involved with the committee. A South Kildare Senator has raised the issue of the lack of GP services in Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare. Fianna Fail Senator Fiona O'Loughlin raised the matter in the Seanad this week with Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kieran O'Donnell. Senator O'Loughlin told Deputy O'Donnell that Ballymore Eustace, a beautiful small town in County Kildare between Naas and Blessington, has a lack of adequate GP clinics. READ NEXT: Paths in Kildare forest park still blocked two months after storm She said this is despite the fact that it has a growing population of 1,700 people, and the highest number of older people in Kildare, according to the most recent census. She said: There was a full-time clinic in Ballymore Eustace and about 15 years ago, a GP based in Blessington, whose name I will not mention, took over the practice. Initially, the agreement was that there would be four clinics a week in the HSE premises and that, therefore, the local population would miss one day. Over the first summer, however, without any consultation with the HSE or the local people, that was cut to two clinics, on Mondays and Tuesdays. Given that on bank holiday Mondays, the practice would not open, that meant there was a service of just one clinic morning a week, which is totally inadequate. According to Senator O'Loughlin, the GP practice was encouraging patients from Ballymore Eustace to go to Blessington, which she said is some distance away with poor public transport. The Fianna Fail Senator told the Minister of State that at one stage, a doctor from Naas approached the HSE about holding additional clinics in Ballymore Eustace, but on the agreed day, when the doctor arrived at the premises, the locks had been changed and the HSE said it could not happen. After two years, she said, the clinics in Ballymore Eustace are back down to two days, Mondays and Tuesdays, from three, which she said is wholly inadequate for the population. The fact that the clinics are only held twice per week, and in some instances, once per week means the population is not being served, she said. She added: I feel strongly that the Minister of State is in a position to help deal with this and ensure the people of Ballymore Eustace get the full-time GP practice they need and deserve. Responding to Senator O'Loughlin, Deputy O'Donnell said that as self-employed practitioners, Gps themselves rather than the HSE determine where they will establish their practices. The Minister of State pointed to significant supports for practices in rural areas, which were increased under the 2019 GP agreement. There has also been significant investment in GP services in general, he pointed out. Furthermore, he added, a strategic review of general practice is under way which is examining issues related to GP capacity. This review will specifically consider rural and under-served areas, he said, and will be presented to the Minister for Health with recommendations. Deputy O'Donnell advised Senator O'Loughlin to write to the Minister directly with any further concerns. Senator O'Loughlin replied: Many people I know in Ballymore Eustace are using Vista and out-of-hours services, so something is wrong. I will respond with an email to the Minister and copy the Minister of State on it. I will also contact the HSE directly. Naas, Co Kildare production company Prelude Content are delighted to announce that feature film, Verdigris, co-produced with MnaMna Films, will have a limited Irish Theatrical release in April 2025. This follows the films festival success, premiering at the 2023 Galway Film Fleadh, where it won the Best Independent Film award and screening at festivals in the US, Canada, Australia, Italy, Luxembourg, Germany, Corsica and the UK. It won 12 festival awards and was nominated for 5 awards at the 2024 IFTAs. Verdigris stars Geraldine McAlinden (The Last Rifleman), Maya OShea (Normal People), Killian Filan (Crash Scene Investigates) and Michael James Ford (Penny Dreadful). It was written and directed by renowned Irish film-maker Patricia Kelly, whose award-winning short films have screened worldwide at film festivals. It was filmed in inner-city Dublin and in the seaside town Rush. Verdigris tells the story of two very different women, Marian and Jewel, who become unlikely friends on the streets of inner-city Dublin. Recently retired, middle-class Marian (McAlinden) takes a job as a census enumerator, believing it will give her the independence she craves and a breakaway from her abusive and controlling husband Nigel (Ford). On her challenging inner-city route, she comes up against Jewel (OShea), a teenage girl living on her own and working as a prostitute. The two eventually strike a deal Marian wont report Jewel to the authorities if Jewel helps Marian with the census. As they walk the Dublin streets, Jewel finds herself forming a real bond with this most unexpected friend. And Marian comes to admire Jewels independence and strength and realises that life away from her miserable marriage is not just a dream its a real possibility. READ NEXT: Tributes pour in for 'lovely, kind lady' from Kildare. Verdigris will screen from 18th April 2025 at the Lighthouse Cinema Dublin, the Eye Cinema Galway, and Omniplex cinemas in Mahonpoint Cork and Rathmines Dublin, and with further screenings to be announced. Tickets for screenings at the Lighthouse Cinema are now available from https://www.lighthousecinema.ie/film/verdigris and for other cinemas will be available soon. For more on Verdigris, visit https://www.preludecontent.com/verdigris. There have been calls for government to make supports available for businesses adversely impacted by US tariffs. US President Donald Trump has imposed 20% tariffs on all imports from the EU, which will hit Irish exports. Labour TD Duncan Smith told the Dail that it must focus on helping workers in Irish firms preparing for the threat of job displacement in vulnerable sectors. Mr Smith called for a new short-term wage subsidy scheme. (It) would keep workers in their jobs in order to retain skills and employment in exposed parts of the economy during what will be a tumultuous period, Mr Smith told the Dail. We have been calling for this since the pandemic and the money to fund this scheme can be found in the Social Insurance Fund and the National Training Fund, both of which are in substantial surplus. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty, the partys finance spokesman, called for an early assessment of the impact of the tariffs on the Irish economy, saying it needed to be sector specific. We need to see urgency and contingency planning, making sure supports for industry and workers are ready to go if and when they are needed, Mr Doherty added. We need to actively look at how we de-risk the economy and mitigate the impact of these tariffs. The fact pharma hasnt been hit with these tariffs buys us a little time. But the reality is we dont know how much. Tanaiste, now there are serious issues also in relation to the all-Ireland economy, now that we have two different tariff rates on this small island of ours, and potentially two different responses to those rates. Ive been in contact with my party colleague, the minister for the economy in the north and Im asking that your government here work very closely, hand in glove and in lockstep with your counterparts in the assembly. The first step to that would be to convene the North-South Ministerial Council without delay. He said it was a time for cools head and urged the Government to take a breath and look at all the available options. Tanaiste Simon Harris said the actions of the US president on Wednesday night were deeply regrettable. He added: It seemed absolutely clear, particularly in recent days, that President Trump was determined to have this moment, what I described as a moment of chaos in terms of an announcement of tariffs. The biggest change in terms of trading approach in probably a century. Hes had that moment now, and what now needs to happen is negotiation. If Im to try and find some glimmer of hope in a very dark and grim situation, it is that there were references to negotiations both by the president last night, the commerce secretary, whom I spoke to last week, the treasury secretary, and in the actual executive orders signed by the US president. Thats what needs to happen. And there needs to be calm, measured, strategic consideration and this is the approach Ireland will take. Mr Harris said the Government would carry out an early assessment on the impact of the tariffs. He said he had convened the Governments trade forum to meet on Friday. This involves business representative bodies and will be an opportunity to take stock, he said. Regarding competitiveness and controlling what we can control, I have asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Peter Burke) to bring forward proposals to the Cabinet Committee on the Economy, which I chair next Thursday, in terms of what we can accelerate in the programme for government around our economy, competitiveness and productivity. Mr Smith also told the Dail that the US could no longer be trusted as an economic ally. The president accused states, both friends and foe, of essential fiscal grand larceny with no basis for these claims, Mr Smith said. The great deceiver that he is stated his tariffs were reciprocal, claiming the EU charging VAT justifies his tariffs. He even claims that these are discounted tariffs based on a made-up 39% rate he claims the EU applies to the United States. Again, there is no basis to these claims. A 67-year-old man has been extradited from the Republic of Ireland over a murder in Co Armagh 40 years ago. Joseph James Porter, a part-time soldier with the Ulster Defence Regiment, was shot dead in Mountnorris in June 1979. The 67-year-old man was arrested in the Republic of Ireland on June 24 2024 on suspicion of the murder, firearms offences and membership of a proscribed organisation. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said extradition proceedings were completed on Wednesday with his return to Northern Ireland. He is expected to appear before Newry Magistrates Court. A PSNI spokesperson said they continue to work closely with authorities in the Republic of Ireland to locate and return those wanted to stand trial in Northern Ireland. In this particular case, we worked closely with the PSNIs Legacy Investigation Branch and An Garda Siochana to locate this man and bring him before the courts, they said. We will continue to work closely with our partners to bring offenders before the courts and deliver justice to victims and their families. Businesses in Northern Ireland are anxious about the impact that US President Donald Trumps tariff announcements will have, First Minister Michelle ONeill has said. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added that it is important for any retaliatory EU tariffs on the US not to penalise Northern Ireland, while Irelands deputy premier Simon Harris said there is a need to examine the implications of a tariffs differential on the island. Mr Trump implemented a 10% tariff on the UK, which he said was the baseline rate for all countries, effective from April 5. Northern Irish goods will be covered by the UK rate. He also announced a 20% tariff on the European Union as part of a slate of international measures on what he deemed liberation day. If the EU announces retaliatory measures, it could have an impact on goods coming into Northern Ireland from the US as it still follows EU trading rules due to the post-Brexit Windsor Framework. The implications of the US announcement were discussed by Stormont ministers at an Executive meeting on Thursday. Ms ONeill said: There is no doubt that the US market is an important market for us all, particularly across this island and these islands. What has been announced yesterday is concerning, it creates instability, it is very much a race to the bottom. It doesnt serve anybodys interests and I think it creates a period of uncertainty and instability in terms of the economy here. It is still an unfolding situation. In terms of the detail on what next, it remains to be seen. The First Minister added: It is very important we continue to be engaged both at a government level, with the Irish Government, with the British Government, with the EU level. But also with our local business community here who are anxious about what this means for them. We want to have a scenario where our bottom line is the protection of jobs, the growth of the economy. It is about ensuring we provide that certainty where we can. Ms Little-Pengelly said her focus was on protecting local businesses from being impacted by an escalation in tariff disputes. She said: This means pushing for all possible actions to protect Northern Ireland, especially against any retaliatory tariffs by the EU. I have been vociferously raising our Northern Ireland issues to all involved, both locally and in the US, in the last number of weeks in Washington DC. She added: My focus is on what is best for Northern Ireland. I believe that this means now working to push forward on that UK-USA arrangement, supporting the United Kingdom Government and ensuring that Northern Ireland is central to all of those considerations. She said it was important that any EU tariffs on the US did not penalise Northern Ireland businesses. Tanaiste Mr Harris said he would be in regular contact with Stormonts leaders on the consequences of most Northern Ireland exports to the US being subject to a 10% tariff while most goods exported from the Republic of Ireland to the US will have a 20% tariff. Mr Harris said this would create huge complexities for products with a cross-border dimension to their production. He said the issues were similar to those from the Brexit debate around maintaining a frictionless land border on the island of Ireland. This does seem like a bit of a throwback to conversations we had in the past, where you have two different realities on the island of Ireland, Mr Harris told RTE Radio One. At the moment, theres a 10% tariff on UK goods and a 20% tariff on European goods, of which Ireland is a part. And therefore, theres a 10% differential. Now, being very honest, theres a lot of work going on in real time to tease through this. In terms of agri-food, for example, my understanding is that if it came to whiskey, youd fill out the custom form before it goes to the US, so thats quite clear. But if you look at things like dairy, theres huge complexities. Stuff that goes out from the north could be listed as coming from the south. Weve had all these conversations during Brexit, where something had started in the south, and goes to the north and back again. So we need to tease these things through and, being quite frank, its for the United States, whove decided to do this differential, to outline their understanding. Stormonts Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said she had set out five key asks of the UK and Irish governments. She said: First, to keep the norths unique circumstances in mind in trade negotiations and in terms of any counter-measures. Second, to act in concert, and to minimise divergence between Britain and the EU. Third, to provide a properly resourced advice service for businesses so that they can understand how tariffs affect them. Fourth, to improve existing trading initiatives such as HMRCs duty reimbursement and waiver schemes. Finally, to bring forward an economic package that protects our international competitiveness. Ms Archibald added: My department will closely monitor the impact of US tariffs and any counter-measures. On Monday morning I will meet with businesses and trade unions to assess the unfolding situation, and the next steps. Our task is to maintain the positive economic momentum that has built up over the last few years. A Sligo-Leitrim TD has raised concerns for the Northwest region following US President Donald Trumps April 2 announcement of tariffs on the European Union. Deputy Frank Feighan of Fine Gael described the news as a nervous week for many exporters in Ireland, highlighting the fears expressed by businesses in food, drink, and pharmaceutical sectors about potential job losses, short-term working and economic slowdown. The European Union is set to face a 20 percent tariff on April 9, sparking worries among many Irish industries, particularly in food, drink and pharmaceuticals. Just three weeks ago, Pat Rigney, founder of the renowned Shed Distillery, warned on Morning Ireland that escalating EU-US tensions under President Trump could threaten a critical market for Irish whiskey. The Shed distillery in Drumshanbo employs more than 100 people, they export 35 percent of their product to the USA, Deputy Feighan said. This is a growing market thanks to excellent work of Pat Rigney and his marketing team both at home and abroad, Deputy Feighan said. He added that the 20 percent tariffs pose a threat to sales, profit margins, and market share in the US. Deputy Feighan said he was heartened to see the Drumshanbo business actively negotiating with US distributors to stabilise prices, though this would mean a reduced profit margin. If this tariff war escalates and this is increased then unfortunately that will lead to a closed market for the Leitrim produced spirits, he warned. Speaking in Brussels, Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon expressed concerns that EU tariffs on bourbon could hurt Europe more than the US. Trade in spirits between the EU and US has been tariff free since 1997. We export a lot more alcohol and spirits and wine from Europe than we import bourbon. So, it would be counterproductive to have something on a list that would hurt Europe more than would hurt America. Beyond food and drink, Irelands pharmaceutical industry is also facing uncertainty. With over 300 pharma companies employing over 50,000 people nationwide, the sector is a major employer in Leitrim. MedTech, the countys largest employer, accounts for 19 percent of jobs, followed by the chemicals and pharma sectors, which together make up one-third of all industrial employment. Deputy Feighan emphasised the importance of pharmaceutical jobs in the region: As well as manufacturing plants operating in the county such as VistaMed, there is considerable commuting from the county, especially from North Leitrim into Sligo. As of Thursday morning, April 3, there has been no official word from the White House on tariffs for pharmaceuticals. Deputy Feighan urged the EU to negotiate with the Trump administration to prevent a trade war. The Northwest region has already been downgraded by the European Commission from a More Developed Region to a Transition Region, reflecting its economic decline. Feighan warned that the Northwest will suffer the most if the tariff war takes off. I call on the government through the EU to engage with the Trump administration, seek common ground and avoid a tariff that will only lead to economic stagnation and huge employment losses especially in the region that can least afford to take it, concluded Deputy Feighan. READ MORE: An Garda Siochana warn Leitrim residents about aggressive tradespeople Catfishing could become a criminal offence under a new Bill which aims to punish anyone impersonating another person using fake photos online. Under the proposed law, a person who, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, impersonates another individual online in a way that causes alarm, distress or harm, either to the impersonated person or someone else, could face up to five years in prison. The Bill also empowers the courts to impose non-contact and exclusion orders to protect victims. Fianna Fail senator Fiona OLoughlin reintroduced the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2024, which proposes to make catfishing a criminal offence. READ NEXT: Everyone is saying the same thing about 'Bush Gate' on Liveline Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, Ms OLoughlin said the legislation recognises that online abuse is as damaging as abuse that happens offline. We have criminalised identity theft in the physical world. Why should someone be able to impersonate you online, deceive others using your photos or name, and face no legal consequences, Ms OLoughlin said. The offence applies when someone operates a computer, phone or similar device to impersonate another person without their consent, and causes substantial interference with their peace, privacy or day-to-day life. Ms OLoughlin said a key focus of the Bill is access to justice. Victims currently face a costly and time-consuming court process just to retrieve basic information from platforms. The Bill would enable gardai to make direct data requests to these companies, which are often reluctant to act unless legally compelled, the senator added. This Bill is about more than enforcement, its about sending a message. Catfishing is not a joke. Its not just awkward online dating gone wrong. It is deception, often deliberate and manipulative, and in many cases, deeply damaging. Whether its a teenager targeted for exploitation, a grandparent conned out of their savings, or a young woman whose face is used to lure others its always a violation. This legislation is not just for the young, or just for the tech-savvy. Its for everyone. Its about making our legal system fit for the online age and protecting people from abuse thats just as harmful, if not more so, than abuse that happens offline. Laws shape norms. By recognising catfishing as a crime, we start treating it with the seriousness it deserves. RTE has today launched Clarity, a new strand of coverage in which its journalism will work to counter the deliberate manipulation of facts and challenge false and fake news. Clarity is RTE's focus on disinformation, discourse, and democracy. On many issues, it is increasingly hard to tell whether something is fair opinion or a false 'fact'. In articles published with the Clarity mark, RTE will look to demystify complicated issues, debunk deliberate attempts to distort reality, detail how online discourse impacts democracy, and explain exactly how RTE verifies its quality journalism. It will also ask the difficult questions, even when it is uncomfortable to do so. New research conducted for RTE in recent weeks (surveying approx 1000 people) shows that over 84% of respondents are worried about disinformation, and 90% are worried specifically about its impact on young people. And one in four people under 30 believe that RTE, compared to other media outlets, bears the most responsibility in addressing that. Clarity will primarily focus on RTE's digital and social platforms. Articles within this online strand will check and explain information and video content and aim to give audiences the tools to navigate this noisy space. The problem posed by disinformation and misinformation is increasingly challenging and becoming ever more serious. Its persistence continues to erode trust in the media and, even more worryingly, the democratic process itself. READ NEXT: EXPLAINER: What are tariffs and how will they impact Ireland? Deirdre McCarthy, Managing Director of RTE News & Current Affairs said, "In a changing world, people are facing a barrage of claims and counter-claims. RTE Clarity will help to equip the reader, the listener, the follower, the viewer, with accurate and impartial facts so you can judge for yourselves where the real story is. "With so many information access points nowadays, the vast amounts of material can be overwhelming and challenging for audiences to make sense of it all. We want you to be confident in our newsgathering and our sourcing of stories to make sure you can see there is no agenda behind our storytelling. "We want the public to understand how we stand over our stories as well as hold ourselves and others to account. There is no room for complacency, and we do not take the public's trust for granted. "If we are to continue to maintain and grow trust levels then we must also clearly demonstrate how we do what we do every day. It is why the sourcing and verifying of stories, as well as providing context to public announcements and claims, is so important. "It is also essential to challenging the ongoing battle to separate fact from fiction and in highlighting false and misleading information." In research by Coimisiun na Mean 64% of Irish people told how they were concerned about being able to spot what is real or fake. That anxiety was conveyed in 2023 - and can only have intensified following recent waves of AI development, deepfakes and the dismantling of moderation on influential social media platforms. Clarity is part of RTEs New Direction strategy in which the organisation committed to enhance media literacy, essential to countering mis and dis-information, by launching a visual mark to assist audiences to confidentially navigate the information they encounter on current events, demystify complicated issues and debunk deliberate attempts to misinform or disinform. READ NEXT: Sun blast to hit Ireland this weekend but experts warn it's not all it seems The Court of Appeal has rejected the States claim that a two-year suspended sentence was unduly lenient for a 22-year-old man who caused devastating and life-changing harm to a five-year-old girl through dangerous driving when he collided head on with her fathers vehicle. We think there is a distinction to be drawn between aggravating factors based on recklessness and conscious or deliberate choices to engage in conduct impacting the ability to drive safely, said Mr Justice John Edwards, delivering judgment in the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions versus Emmett Rigney (22). Rigney, of Shinrone, Co. Offaly was convicted of dangerous driving causing serious bodily injury arising out of a road traffic collision between two vehicles at Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary, on August 14, 2021. When the case was heard at Nenagh Courthouse in April 2024, the driver of the other vehicle told gardai that he saw a car driving fast coming towards him, with three cars in total that looked like they were racing. He tried to avoid me but it was too late. He was driving too fast and it was a slippery road... he hit me head on, said the witness, whose two children were in the rear of the vehicle. His five-year-old daughter suffered a very severe traumatic brain injury as a result of the crash. The girls mother, who was six months pregnant at the time of the collision, gave victim impact evidence that this incident had a destructive impact on the whole family. The wonderful life we had until the day of the accident was taken away from us, and the life (my daughter) could have had was taken away from her, she said. READ NEXT: EXPLAINER: What are the rules when it comes to leaving children at home alone? The respondent was convicted by Judge Catherine Staines at Nenagh Courthouse on April 26, 2024, with a headline sentence of three and a half years reduced to two years, which was suspended for two years on condition of the payment of 10,000 compensation. He was also disqualified from driving for six years. The DPP appealed this sentence on the grounds of undue leniency, arguing that it did not contain a sufficient element of punishment and that the assessment of the driving as being at the lower end of the mid-range was wrong in principle. In delivering the Court of Appeals judgement on Thursday, Mr Justice Edwards said the court recognised that devastating and life-changing harm was caused to the girl by the respondents dangerous driving, as well as significant collateral consequences for other members of her family. He noted that the family had suffered financial consequences and were caused worry, stress and major inconvenience, while the girl experienced a lengthy hospitalisation and subsequent programme of physical and mental rehabilitation. Mr Justice Edwards said that the DPP had argued that the sentencing judge erred in setting the headline sentence at three and a half years, as the aggravating factors included that the respondent engaged in racing, was attempting to overtake two vehicles at the same time, had crossed a continuous white line, was on the wrong side of the road, had failed to take account of the reduced visibility, and had disregarded a request from one of his passengers to slow down. We think there is a distinction to be drawn between aggravating factors based on recklessness and conscious or deliberate choices to engage in conduct impacting the ability to drive safely, said Mr Justice Edwards. READ NEXT: EXPLAINER: What are tariffs and how will they impact Ireland? Ruling that the court did not think the sentencing judge erred in her assessment of the respondents culpability, Mr Justice Edwards said that the evidence did not support that Rigney had been racing at the time. He noted that Rigney had accepted he made a very grave error of judgement in attempting to overtake in poor visibility and at speed when approaching a bend, and that this had been dangerous driving. We find the approach of the sentencing judge in this case to have been conscientious and careful, and that the reasons she has provided in explanation of her approach were cogent, said Mr Justice Edwards. While acknowledging that the sentence imposed was lenient, he said that the court did not consider it to be unduly lenient or outside of the norm. He noted the respondents relative inexperience at driving, his profound and genuine remorse, the fact that he was a first-time offender, and the fact that he had been assessed as being at a low risk of reoffending. Saying that the sentence imposed was designed to achieve communication of significant censure and to achieve deterrence both specific and general, Mr Justice Edwards ruled that the court was not persuaded that the sentencing judge got the balance wrong in all the circumstances. Accordingly, the application by the DPP was dismissed. Ireland has recorded a 4.1 billion euro Exchequer surplus for the end of March as the country moves into a period of heightened uncertainty under new US tariffs on the EU. The Department of Finance said this figure compares with 300 million euro in the same period last year. Most of the improvement comes from receipts from Apple back taxes owed to Ireland after a judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in September. Without those receipts, the surplus was 900 million euro. Ireland is in the process of recovering more than 13 billion euro plus interest in corporation tax from the US tech giant after the European Commission successfully argued that Apple had been given undue tax benefits that were illegal under EU state aid rules. Apple and the Irish Government had argued that the correct amount of tax had been paid and fought the commission on the matter in a years-long legal dispute. The ruling was criticised by US President Donald Trump when he met Irish premier Micheal Martin in the White House last month. The decision formed part of Mr Trumps criticism of the EU which he said had not been fair to Apple. The president said: The United States of America is going to take back a lot of what was stolen from it by other countries and, frankly, by incompetent US leadership. Mr Martin said Ireland had fought with Apple on the matter after the president said the iPhone manufacturer had been treated very badly. Its the European Union, isnt it? The European Union is going after our companies, Mr Trump said when asked if Apple should relocate from Dublin back to the US. He added: Im not happy with the European Union and were going to win that financial battle. He said previous presidents had lost big segments of the US economy, adding that the European Union treats us very badly. They have not been fair. They sue our companies and win massive amounts of money. They sued Apple, won 17 billion US dollars and they use that for other reasons, I guess, to run the European Union. So Im not knocking it. Theyre doing what they should be doing, perhaps, for the European Union, but it does create ill will and as you know, were going to be doing reciprocal tariffs so whatever they charge us with, were charging them. Nobody can complain about that. Mr Trump announced a 20% tariff on most EU exports on Wednesday, with some exceptions thought to be temporary for sectors including pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. Irelands tax revenue to the end of March was 23.6 billion euro, which was 3.5 billion or 17.5% ahead of the same period last year. However, when the Apple revenues are excluded, underlying tax receipts were 21.9 billion euro. Gross revenue to the end of March was 31.3 billion euro, a 22% increase on the March 2024 position of 5.6 billion euro. Non-tax revenue and capital resources were 3.3 billion euro, up by 2.1 billion euro on March 2024, largely driven by transfers to the Exchequer arising from the CJEU ruling, mainly consisting of EU interest. Appropriations-in-aid of 4.5 billion euro took total other revenue to 7.7 billion euro. Total expenditure to the end of March was 27.2 billion euro. Of this, gross voted expenditure was 24.8 billion euro, which was 2 billion euro ahead of the same period last year. Non-voted expenditure was down 200 million euro to 2.4 billion euro. Roughly 4.8 billion euro was collected in corporation taxes throughout the first quarter of the year, up 2.3 billion euro on last year or 600 million euro ahead of the figure for the end of March 2024 figure when the Apple receipts are excluded. Caring Transitions Expands Compassionate Senior Services with New Location in Hinsdale, Illinois Kathleen Cantillon brings deep-rooted experience and personal passion to provide compassionate empowerment to the senior community in Hinsdale and the surrounding areas. HINSDALE, Ill., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Caring Transitions, the leader in senior relocation and transition services, continues expanding its compassionate reach nationwide with its latest location in Illinois. Caring Transitions of Hinsdale, IL will serve Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Countryside, Darien, Hinsdale, Indian Head Park, LaGrange, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Western Springs, Westchester, Westmont, Willowbrook, and the surrounding areas. The new Caring Transitions location, owned and operated by Kathleen Cantillon, will provide a unique full-service approach that is an end-to-end solution, including decluttering, resettling, clean-outs, space planning, and managing estate sales and online auctions while providing a win-win experience for everyone. "Caring Transitions gives me the opportunity to help people directly, to make a difference in their lives during what can be an incredibly stressful time." Kathleen Cantillon, a native of Chicago's western suburbs, founded Caring Transitions of Hinsdale after navigating the complex process of relocating her aging parents. "About two and a half years ago, I helped transition my parents from their large home in Burr Ridge to a continuing care community. It was overwhelming?not just for them, but for me, too," Cantillon shared. "I was juggling responsibilities with my children and career while trying to manage every aspect of their move. I wished there had been someone to guide us through that experience." Inspired by that challenge and fueled by her passion for helping others, Cantillon decided to leave a 20+ year career in corporate communications to open a business focused on delivering compassionate, expert support to families like hers. Cantillon's background in crisis and executive communications prepared her to handle high-pressure situations with skill and poise?qualities she now brings to clients in their most vulnerable moments. With a journalism degree from Northwestern University and a Master's from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, she managed complex public relations roles in the transportation and energy sectors, including as a spokesperson during fatal transportation accidents. After years of navigating intense, demanding situations, Cantillon was ready to bring her talents to a more personal, meaningful mission. "Caring Transitions gives me the opportunity to help people directly, to make a difference in their lives during what can be an incredibly stressful time." Drawing from her own experience and deep community ties, Cantillon is uniquely positioned to serve families in the western suburbs of Chicago. She especially empathizes with those in the "sandwich generation"?adults balancing care for both aging parents and their own children. As a mother to twin high school-aged daughters, Cantillon knows firsthand the demands this life stage can bring. With the support of her life partner, Paul Garcia, an experienced home care worker who actively contributes to the business, she is committed to being a caring advocate for each client. Together, they combine professional expertise with a shared passion for sustainability, leveraging CTBids, Caring Transitions' online auction platform, to help families rehome cherished items and reduce landfill waste. "We are so excited to welcome Kathleen into the Caring Transitions franchise family, continuing to build up our brand presence in Illinois," said Ray Fabik, President of Caring Transitions. "Her unique combination of professional expertise, personal passion, and deep-rooted community knowledge makes her an ideal advocate for families in the western suburbs. She represents the very best of what it means to deliver Day One Living and help clients embrace new beginnings with confidence." Caring Transitions currently has more than 375 franchise locations serving families across the country. To learn more about Caring Transitions, visit https://www.caringtransitionsofhinsdaleil.com/. About Caring Transitions Caring Transitions, founded in 2006, is the most trusted and experienced national franchise specializing in senior relocation and transition services. With more than 375 locations throughout the United States, all owned and operated by Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists, Caring Transitions provides clients with supportive moves, auctions, rightsizing, and transitions. This includes expert advice plus a well-executed transition plan beginning with the initial sorting of personal belongings through packing, unpacking, resettling, and selling of items to the final clearing and cleaning of the property. For more information, visit http://www.caringtransitions.com. Follow Us! Be sure to follow our national social media platforms on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Media Contact Caring Transitions, Caring Transitions, 8442205427, [email protected], www.CaringTransitions.com SOURCE Caring Transitions 3 april 2025 at 10:00 News published onand distributed by: Begins Rerouting ACE Network, but warns that disruptions are expected the latter parts of this month (From Left) Dayugar Johnson, Chairman of NGO Coalition Management Team, G. Mitchell Browne, National Facilitator of NGO Coalition of Liberia, Jonathan W. Yiah, Sustainable Development Institute and NGO Coalition member, Patience T. Yengbeh, and Assistant Facilitator NGO Coalition of Liberia sitting in the conference room at their headquarters during the press conference. LAA, LEC Commit to Providing Reliable Power at RIA As Senate summons managements of both entities for recent power outage at airport THE POWER outage at London Heathrow Airport should serve as a warning against putting too much traffic through Dublin. Thats the view of Limerick Chamber, which has urged Government to take immediate action to decentralise air traffic in Ireland. The electrical fault at Britains largest airport caused chaos to 250,000 passengers, with the facility closed for a whole day. READ MORE: Multi-million euro housing boost for Limerick In Ireland, Dublin handles the majority of Irelands air traffic - with the other airports only welcoming just 15% of inbound traffic. Limerick Chamber believes the reliance on one airport can create a vulnerability to major disruptions in the event of a power outage, technical failure, or security incident. Chamber chief executive Michelle Gallagher said: The Heathrow outage has exposed the risks of over-centralisation in aviation. Ireland must act now to safeguard our connectivity and resilience. Regional airports such as Shannon and Cork have the capacity and infrastructure to handle a greater share of air traffic, enhancing both national resilience and security. This is not just an issue of economic and regional development, its a national security concern, said Sean Golden, chief economist and director of policy at the Chamber. He pointed out the nations current aviation strategy is a decade old. Given the current international environment, which he describes as tumultuous he says it is inappropriate to rely on this. A BARBER, who attacked a teenage boy with a cut throat razor, caused such a deep laceration to the victims cheek that it was flapping open. The injured party has a significant raised scar following the incident in Newcastle West. The victim is a brother of a male who left the barber shop without paying on June 28, 2022, Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard. Tarloknath Kumar, aged 46, of Hanrattys Hotel, Glentworth Street, Limerick city pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a then 17-year-old in The Square, Newcastle West. Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Jerry OSullivan. In delivering her sentence, Judge Sinead McMullan said there were three others prosecuted for affray in the district court in relation to the incident. The judge said Mr Kumar was working in a barber shop where the victims brother got a haircut. It seems that there was no payment. The owner of the shop, not the accused man, pursued him (victims brother). The accused ran out in a misguided sense of misplaced loyalty to help the proprietor. The accused man had a cut throat razor in his right hand. It was made clear to me that it was a tool of his trade, said Judge McMullan. The judge referred to an eyewitness who said the victim arrived in a car to come to the aid of his brother - who had got the haircut and left the barbers without paying. The witness said Mr Kumar was holding the razor by his side but not in a threatening manner. The injured party saw the razor in the hand of the accused man and started questioning him on it. Mr Kumar didn't make any gesture. He was just standing there. The witness said the injured party started charging at the accused man who was actually backing off at that stage. The injured party then threw two punches at him at least, said Judge McMullan. The witness view was then blocked. The next thing they saw was the victim with such a deep cut to his cheek that it was actually flapping open. Judge McMullan referred to a medical report on the seven centimetres long laceration to the cheek which stated it was likely to cause severe permanent disfigurement. The judge said from looking at photos it is a serious, scarring injury and amounts to serious disfigurement. READ MORE: Barrister in Limerick juvenile rape case says complainant got in to car consensually and regretted what occurred Judge McMullan said Mr Kumar is originally from India but went to the UK when he was a young child. He has been working as a barber in Ireland for some time and suffers from mental health difficulties, the court heard. Mr Kumar has no previous convictions. The judge said Mr Kumars barrister - Anthony Sammon SC - asked her to view it as an excessive self-defence type scenario and not impose a custodial sentence as the accused did not go out to engage violence. When violence was first offered to him, he said Mr Kumar retreated. After he was assaulted by the injured party he became involved in the use of violence and used something that he already had lawfully - a tool of his trade. "Mr Sammon urged me to see this as a very exceptional, unusual case that would justify the use of a non-custodial sentence despite the serious injury, said Judge McMullan. The judge said Mr Kumar was clearly not the instigator of the incident and was trying to protect the owner but ultimately, he slit part of the cheek of the injured party. Judge McMullan said it was a difficult case for any judge because it was a very serious incident involving somebody who is unlikely to offend again but did cause serious injury. It's a very raised scar and it's something that doesn't look like it's going to improve, said Judge McMullan, who imposed a two-year prison sentence with the last six months suspended. I do believe the custody threshold has been reached in this case, said Judge McMullan. CORKS loss was Cappamores gain when Sean and Eilis Duggan set up home in east Limerick in 1978. Sadly, Mr Duggan passed away suddenly but peacefully some 47 years later on Tuesday evening at his home - a day after he celebrated his 80th birthday. Sean and Eilis Duggan have three adult children - Barry, Diane and Colin - and five grandchildren who lit up Mr Duggans life in recent years. His funeral arrangements encapsulate his life as requiem Mass takes place in Cappamore this Saturday before cremation in Ringaskiddy, County Cork and interment of ashes in Mr Duggans beloved Bere Island in the near future. Local councillors Brigid Teefy and Martin Ryan expressed their sympathies, as both their families forged long-lasting friendships with the Duggans through politics. Cllr Ryan said this Thursday: We got an awful shock when we heard it last night. It is very sad news. He continued: Sean and Eilis are close friends of our family and of our late father, Martin. Sean and Eilis and our late father would have canvassed a lot of roads together back in the day supporting Dessie OMalley and the Progressive Democrats." The Cappamore-based councillor described Mr Duggan as one of lifes gentlemen. He never lost the Cork accent. He was a quiet man who had his own wit and was very well-respected locally. You couldnt but respect Sean, said Cllr Ryan. Cllr Teefy also spoke of Mr Duggan keeping his Rebel accent and the great banter when Limerick were playing Cork in hurling. Sean was always very good company, had a great sense of humour and wit. He was a great man for history, was very well read and had a great recollection. He was a wonderful family man and very proud of his children and grandchildren, said Cllr Teefy. The former Progressive Democrat recalls travelling all over the country to conferences with Sean and Eilis, and has very fond memories of a visit to Bere Island when their families were younger. The Duggans moved to Cappamore in 1978 due to his job as a medical rep. They planned to stay for a year and return to Cork but they liked it so much, they never left. Their impact on the tight-knit community can be seen by the numerous condolences on rip.ie Mr Duggan (pictured below) has been described as a fantastic friend and neighbour. One tribute reads: May you all find comfort in your treasured memories of the good times with Sean and may those sustain you over the coming difficult days, weeks and months ahead. Last weekend, Sean Duggan marked his 80th birthday with a celebration with his loving family at their east Limerick home. Mr Duggan is mourned deeply by loving wife Eilis and children - Barry (former journalist of the Limerick Leader and Irish Independent and current Head of Press and Communications at Fine Gael), Diane (Barrister and Head of Legal at the Electoral Commission) and Colin (Principal Research Scientist at Dell Technologies). Sadly missed by their partner and spouses, Christine, Michael and Fina and his adored grandchildren Elizabeth, Caoimhe, Ollie, Tommy and Danny, also survived by his sister Eileen and her family. Fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and all his extended family and loyal friends in Cappamore, Bere Island and beyond. READ MORE: 'They really are heroes!' - Amazing young people honoured by Limerick gardai Reposing at Lynch-Kelly Funeral Home Cappamore (V94 C5H2) this Friday, April 4, from 4.30pm with removal at 7.30pm to St Michaels Church, Cappamore. Requiem Mass on Saturday at 10.30am followed by cremation at the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, County Cork at 2pm. Ashes will be interred in Bere Island in the following weeks. ANALOG Devices announced the 32 primary schools that have qualified as finalists for their 2025 Analog Devices Primary Schools Robotics Competition. The grand finale will take place on Saturday, April 5, where young innovators will put their robotics skills to the test. Following two days of exciting semi-finals on March 20 and 21 which saw participation from 280 students from 80 primary schools across Munster. Among the top 32 schools announced as finalists are 19 from Limerick, as well as others from Clare, Tipperary, and Cork. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the competition, which has grown significantly since its inception, with this year being its first time expanding beyond Limerick, welcoming schools from across Munster to engage in the popular hands-on STEM learning and friendly competition. The competition kicked off in January, with participating schools receiving complimentary robotics workshops where creativity, teamwork, and a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) were encouraged, reaching 2,240 students from across the province. READ MORE: Multi-million euro housing boost for Limerick The excitement and energy at the semi-finals were incredible, with 280 students from 80 schools showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, said Fiona Treacy, Managing Director, Industrial Automation at Analog Devices. Expanding this programme across Munster has allowed even more young learners to explore engineering in a fun and engaging way, and we cant wait to see what they bring to the grand finale. In the final competition on April 5, the 32 finalist teams will participate in an advanced robotics workshop, building on the learnings from the initial classroom sessions. They will then be set a new challenge: to design and program robots. In the afternoon, teams will compete in pool stages, with the top performers advancing to thrilling playoffs where points for teamwork, design, innovation and their placement in the challenge determine the overall winners. The finalists from Limerick include; Ahane N.S. Lisnagry, Bruree N.S., Caherline N.S., Caherconlish, Killoughteen N.S., Newcastle West, Le Cheile N.S., Roxboro Road, Limerick Educate Together, Mungret, Limerick School Project, O'Connell Avenue, Monagea N.S., Newcastle West, Our Lady of Lourdes, Rosbrien, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Janesboro, Pallaskenry N.S., Scoil Dean Cussen, Bruff, ScoilIde , Corbally, Scoil Mhuire Broadford, ScoilMocheallog, Kilmallock, St. James N.S., Cappagh, St. Nessan's, Mungret, St. Joseph's N.S., Ballybrown, and St. Paul's N.S., Dooradoyle. A REMARKABLE medieval relic discovered during Adare bypass works is to go on display for public viewing. An early medieval brooch-pin, thought to be over 1,000 years old, was discovered by archaeologists working on an excavation site near the N21 Adare bypass at Ardshanbally in 2024. The pin, which is made of cast bronze, is 12cm in length and features blue glass settings and cast animal and abstract ornaments. It is due to go on display this May. Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick ODonovan TD visited the National Museum of Ireland this Thursday to view a number of treasures discovered in Co Limerick. READ ALSO: Catalyst International Film Festival takes centre stage in Limerick Speaking of the most recent discovery of the brooch-pin while on his visit to the museum on Kildare St in Dublin, Minister ODonovan said: This brooch really is a remarkable find, beautifully detailed and dating from well over 1,000 years ago. It shows what significant skill, talent and wealth there was even in the early medieval period in and around county Limerick. The National Museum is such an important institution for Ireland, housing artefacts of this nature and providing invaluable insights into early Irish culture. Amongst other items viewed by Minister ODonovan was a sixth or seventh century hand-pin, which was found by a farmer in Crean, Co Limerick in 2016, close to Newcastle West. Measuring just 20cm in length, this 1,400-year-old object would have been used as a dress fastener. It is intricately decorated with three interconnected spirals, which are surrounded by a bed of red enamel. This type of ornate dress-fastener is an important type of object which probably originated in Scotland but became popular in Ireland in the sixth and seventh centuries AD. It is about 100 years older than the Ardagh Chalice, which was also discovered close to Crean, in the 19th century. Collectively, the brooch-pin, Ardagh Chalice and hand-pin are illustrative of the richness of the Limerick area in the Early Medieval period. Lynn Scarff, director of the National Museum of Ireland, said: We are grateful to Limerick City and County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and their archaeologists at AMS Ltd, with whom we have worked closely to ensure that ancient objects such as this are rightfully conserved and preserved for future generations. The forthcoming exhibition of the Ardshanbally Early Medieval brooch-pin is a perfect example of state agencies and commercial archaeologists working together to preserve and make accessible our wonderful portable heritage. The discovery of the brooch in a controlled excavation such as this provides a good basis for us to nail down exact dates when fine metalworking was happening in Ireland and more specifically in the Limerick area. There is no justification for US tariffs on the EU which will impact Ireland, Irish premier Micheal Martin has said. On Wednesday night, US president Donald Trump announced a 20% tariff on the European Union as part of a slate of international measures on what he deemed liberation day. There had been significant concern and anxiety in Ireland in the run-up to the announcement, with the US administrations protectionist approach to tariffs and tax posing a significant risk to the countrys economy that is in large part sustained by long-standing investment by US multinationals. Mr Trump said there would also be a minimum baseline tariff of 10%, which was the same rate implemented on the UK. The 10% rate is effective from April 5, and the higher rates are implemented from April 9. The White House said: These tariffs will remain in effect until such a time as President Trump determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying nonreciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved, or mitigated. Significant concerns have been raised for specific sectors in Ireland, including the pharmaceutical and spirits industries. However, a fact sheet from the White House said that pharmaceuticals are not currently subject to the reciprocal tariff, but adds that future good-specific or sector-specific tariffs may be announced. Prior to the announcement, Irish deputy premier Simon Harris previously warned that the export of pharmaceutical products from Ireland to the US could halve if the EU applies the same 20% tariff on the US. Around 45,000 people are employed in Irelands pharmaceutical companies, while some 58 billion euro in pharma and chemicals is exported from Ireland to the US every year. Meanwhile, the countrys Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe previously said Ireland is facing a possible slump in employment growth, a decline in tax revenue, possible income tax increases, and a cut on the projected levels of jobs by up to 80,000 in the next five years. On Wednesday, the US president said he was implementing the taxes after other countries had prospered at Americas expense. During his announcement, Mr Trump said the administration had calculated the combined rate of all tariffs, non-monetary barriers, currency manipulation and other forms of cheating implemented by other countries and the EU. In return, he said the US was taking a very kind approach by generally implementing approximately half of what they are charging us. Ireland was not specifically mentioned in the address, but Mr Trump emphasised his response to the EU. He said: You think of the European Union, very friendly. They rip us off, it is so sad to see it is so pathetic. They charge us 39%, were going to charge 20% so were charging them essentially half. He said the tariffs were kind reciprocal measures and outlined a vision of increased domestic production and competition, adding that the administration would pry open foreign markets and break down foreign trade barriers. The comments raised the prospect of a full reciprocal tariff rate of 39% for the EU. Mr Trump met the Taoiseach last month for St Patricks Day events and said he did not want to do anything to hurt Ireland, but added that the trade relationship between the countries should be focused on fairness. Reacting to the tariffs announcement, Mr Martin said: I deeply regret the US decision to impose 20% tariffs on imports from across the European Union. We see no justification for this. Mr Martin said the Irish Government will now reflect with EU partners on how best to proceed. He added: Any action should be proportionate, aimed at defending the interests of our businesses, workers and citizens. Now is a time for dialogue, and I believe that a negotiated way forward is the only sensible one. A confrontation is in no ones interests. Ireland will be a strong advocate for an outcome which enhances the existing and strong transatlantic trading relationship. Mr Martin said the Government was prioritising protecting jobs and the economy. By working with Irish-owned companies, multinationals, our EU partners and bilaterally with the US, we can and will weather this storm. Mr Harris said the tariffs represent a huge challenge. He added: I must be honest tonight that a 20% blanket tariff on goods from all EU countries could have a significant effect on Irish investment and the wider economy and the impact of what has been announced is likely to be felt for some time. It represents a huge challenge to Irish exporters to the US across all sectors. Work is already under way to mitigate this and we are already taking concrete steps to boost our domestic competitiveness and investing in our infrastructure. The Irish Whiskey Association said the tariffs could bring devastating impacts to the spirits sector. The US represents 41% of Irish drink exports every year, with the total value of the market calculated at 865 million euro annually. In a statement, it highlighted a 450% growth in the combined US and EU spirits sector under a tariff-free regime between 1997 and 2018. It said: Our high-quality jobs cannot be reshored or repatriated to the US. Our sectors are truly interconnected. There are many examples of EU and US distillers working together in developing portfolios, operating facilities, creating additional jobs and new investments in both jurisdictions. It added: The EU and US spirits sector is the best-in-class model for reciprocal, zero-for-zero tariff trade. The representative body said the the industry has surmounted challenges in the past and will continue to engage with the Irish Government and the EU to secure supports. It said: We encourage both the EU and US to work together in good faith in seeking an agreement which will avoid tariffs and the devastating impact they may have. It added: We hope that this spirit of cooperation, collaboration and conviviality can help contribute to an eventual resolution to trade disputes. Mr Trump advised companies who did not want tariffs implemented on their goods, to build your product right here in America. He predicted he would receive calls from foreign leaders looking for exemptions, and advised that they should terminate their own tariffs and start buying tens of millions of dollars of US goods. The Government is aiming to begin establishing Oireachtas Committees next week. The development follows a months-long row over speaking time which has hindered legislative work and has prevented parliamentary committees from being established. Both the Government and opposition parties have stressed the need for the resumption of the work of the committees amid the heated division in the Dail, which delayed the nomination of a Taoiseach and resulted in the suspension of the House amid widespread disruption last week. The row also led to a confidence vote in Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, which the Government won. That motion was brought in response to opposition complaints that Ms Murphy had been biased in her role in implementing the changes to Dail rules brought forward by Government. The coalitions reforms have been implemented under protest from some opposition parties, and there is uncertainty over whether the dispute has been fully resolved. The changes allow some independent TDs who supported Government formation to be given new speaking rights, alongside backbenchers in the coalition parties. The controversial changes to standing orders also include a reduction of time for contributions on debating the order of business and a halving of slots for Taoiseachs Questions. The Government said the moves reflect the changing make-up of the Dail. However, the opposition has vehemently opposed the reforms, characterising them as an attempt to dilute their ability to hold the Government to account and to blur the relationship of the independents who have supported the formation of the coalition. They argue that the other members questions slot does not tally with their position that a TD cannot be in Government and opposition at the same time. Following the vote on the standing order changes and the confidence motion in Ms Murphy, focus has turned to the formation of committees. The Dail Reform Committee is scheduled to meet next Wednesday where Government Chief Whip Mary Butler will bring forward a proposal outlining the committees. The formal selection by Government and Opposition groupings will take place in person at the Dail Business Committee on Thursday morning under the DHondt system. Securing a 200 million funding bid has been described as key to fully delivering an ambitious new plan for the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The Policing Plan 2025-2030 aims for a victim-focused service, which inspires confidence in the community with a representative and valued workforce. It also prioritises tackling violence against women and girls, and hate crime. With police officer numbers at a historic low of 6,300, and 2,200 staff, it is aimed to increase numbers to 7,000 officers and 2,572 staff over the next three years. The plan was published by the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday morning, alongside the first annual performance plan to evaluate progress against delivery of the plan. However the full delivery of the plan is described as reliant on the approval of a business case submitted by the PSNI to the Department of Justice for more than 200 million in additional funding over the next five years. Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said they can only deliver the service they are funded to deliver. Irrespective of our funding situation, there will be a requirement for us to be as effective and efficient with the resources that were given, but it is as simple as this, we will provide the service that we can afford to provide within the budget envelope that is provided to us, he said. The plan is clear, and the board are clear in terms of their support for us in terms of the requirement for additional police resources. Mr Singleton added: I would say that people take for granted the safety and security that we are fortunate to have here in Northern Ireland. This is one of the safest places to live, work and raise a family in these islands, but at this moment in time its really only down to the unwavering dedication and commitment of our officers and staff, and its simply unfair to continue to ask them to make the sacrifices that theyre making in order to do that. Earlier this week, a report by His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found that continued financial pressures facing the PSNI are likely to continue to affect the service it provides. Mr Singleton said it was very clear about the impacts that are being experienced within the service. He added: The delays that are now beginning to manifest in really critical areas like child internet protection and offender management, and unless we get additional resources, it is nigh on impossible for us to be able to make meaningful change to that in the medium to long term. There are things we can do in the short term, and we will in order to keep communities safe, but if we want to have the kind of society that we all aspire towards, then we need a properly funded and resourced police service. That means making policing a priority in not only the (Stormont) programme for government but also future comprehensive spending reviews. Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma described the plan as focusing attention on the future. We strongly believe that working to these outcomes will enable PSNI to deliver effective policing that is visible, accessible, responsive, victim focused and continually improving, he said. This plan does not exist in a vacuum and we cannot achieve these ambitions on hope and hard work alone. Investment in the police service and indeed the wider criminal justice system will be critical to meeting the ambitions of this plan over the course of the next five years. Any argument that a decision to install Irish language signs at Belfasts Grand Central station is not controversial is bizarre, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has said. Ms Little-Pengelly said the move by her ministerial colleague Liz Kimmins looked and felt utterly shambolic. However, First Minister Michelle ONeill defended the decision of the Infrastructure Minister and insisted nobody has anything to fear from the Irish language. Ms Kimmins gave the go-ahead for the signage last week, but it has led to a row among Stormont Executive ministers. The DUP has insisted she has a legal duty to bring the decision to the Executive. The party raised the issue during Thursdays meeting of powersharing ministers. Speaking at a press conference afterwards, Ms Little-Pengelly said: I was deeply disappointed by the way this decision was made and the announcement of it. The detail of how this came about is still very unclear and questions still need to be answered. She said there had been a detailed discussion about the issue at the Executive meeting. Ms Little-Pengelly added: I reaffirmed our clear view that this issue is controversial. Therefore it should have been brought to the Executive Committee for agreement. We will be seeking additional information and considering the way forward. In the meantime the minister ought to bring that decision to the Executive in the proper way, in the legal way, for consideration and agreement. She added: All controversial, significant or cross-cutting matters do have that legal responsibility in terms of ministers bringing that to the Executive. That hasnt happened in this case. I think any argument that this isnt a controversial issue is bizarre because I think its very clear out there in terms of the reaction to this that it is controversial. I wasnt satisfied with the answers we got today from the minister nor in the correspondence she has sent. Therefore we will be seeking further information and, of course, considering the way forward. Ms ONeill said it was important to keep the matter in perspective and said there would always be political disagreements in the four-party Executive. She added: The Irish language is for everybody. Nobody has anything to fear from the Irish language. Asked about the decision taken by her Sinn Fein colleague, she said: I believe the minister was right, she has made her decision and I think its the right decision. The exchange of views today where the minister put her views as to why she took the decision she did and the rationale behind it, I think that stacks up. But Ms Little-Pengelly said: This all looks and feels utterly shambolic by the new Infrastructure Minister. She has come in, made an announcement, it is very unclear, is it a direction to Translink? Is it pressure put on Translink? This is a focus on a shambolic week for the Infrastructure Minister, questions she still has not answered. If this Executive is going to work, and I want it to work, we must abide by the legal obligations and duties the ministers have. Grand Central Station has been billed as the largest integrated transport hub on the island of Ireland, with services including trains between Belfast and Dublin. Earlier this week, it emerged that design work on Irish language signs had stopped due to potential legal action. Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, from the Unionist Voice Policy Studies (UVPS) group, is attempting to secure a judicial review in the High Court in Belfast against the Department for Infrastructure, stating the decision was taken without Executive approval. Under Stormont rules, ministerial decisions that are deemed significant or controversial should be considered collectively by the powersharing coalition, rather than by an individual minister. However, within the Executive it is ultimately the responsibility of Sinn Fein First Minister Ms ONeill and DUP deputy First Minister Ms Little-Pengelly to jointly decide what issues are significant or controversial and should be subject to a wider vote. A DEVELOPER is planning to create new short-stay accommodation in the town of Kilmallock. Andrew Finn, who has revamped the former Murphys Brewery in Kilmallock, is seeking permission from Limerick City and County Council to create three spots for tourists in the town. He wants to change the use of three existing storage units at Gortboy into short-stay tourist accommodation spots. As part of this, he is seeking the go-ahead to alter the window and door openings on the east and south sides of these storage units. PICTURES: The Bangladeshi Muslim community in Limerick celebrate the religious festival of Eid Roof lighting is also proposed, alongside a connection to local services like the sewage system, and other associated site works. A formal decision is expected from council planners by the end of this month. In 2021, the Limerick Leader reported that Mr Finn had taken over the former Murphys Brewery in Kilmallock. He had exciting plans to revamp the landmark premises and convert it into a work-hub. Built before 1871, the old brewery had been out of use since 2005 when Cahill's Hardware vacated. It was William Henry O'Sullivan who opened the building as a mineral water manufacturer, and wholesaler of teas, wines and spirits. He was a former member of the British parliament, representing the south Limerick community in Westminster. Later on, in 1907, it was transferred to the Cork stout firm Murphy's. Mr Finn did not return a request for comment from Limerick Live. MORE than 300 councillors from across Ireland will descend on Limerick this week for a major conference. Limerick Strand Hotel in the city centre is playing host to the Association of Local Governments annual conference. Taking place this Wednesday and Thursday, the event is seeing policy, debate and training under the theme of local government for the next generation. Securing the event represents a major coup for the current association president, Cllr Kieran OHanlon. PICTURES: New Wonder Wander Walking Trails launched for Foynes and Newcastle West The event is taking place in the metropolitan district leaders own electoral area. It is an honour to host this flagship event in Limerick. As councillors, we play a crucial role in strengthening democracy and delivering for our communities, he said. Cllr OHanlon added that the conference, which is being held in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, will provide an important platform to discuss the critical role of local government in implementing the new Programme for Government. Delegates will explore what the taskforce should deliver for local government in Ireland. Contributors to this key session include Dr Aodh Quinlivan, director of the Centre for Local and Regional Governance at University College Cork, Cllr Declan Bree, one of Irelands longest-serving public representatives, and Heather Humphreys, a former Minister and TD. The conference will also feature an address by Elaine OConnor, the Ryder Cup 2027 co-ordinator with Limerick City and County Council. She will outline preparations underway by the local authority for one of the worlds most high-profile sporting events. It was officially opened this Wednesday by Mayor John Moran. MUMBAI : Indias insurtech startups are no longer content with the domestic market. Facing intensifying competition at home and comparatively smaller transaction sizes, these firms are aggressively expanding into West Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europeregions where insurers are ramping up digital adoption and willing to pay more for advanced tech solutions. The timing isnt accidental. With artificial intelligence (AI) transforming underwriting, claims processing, and distribution, insurers worldwide are accelerating digital investments to modernize operations. Indian SaaS-driven (software-as-a-service) insurtechs, known for their cost efficiency and expertise in automation, see an opening to supply these markets with scalable, AI-powered solutions. Read this | InsuranceDekho debuts SaaS solutions firm Heph for insurance distributors Several Indian firms are moving fast to capitalize on this shift. Ensuredit, a Bengaluru-based insurtech helping insurers and brokers optimize distribution, has expanded into West Asia and Europe and is preparing for a US launch later this fiscal year. The company generated 22.63 crore in revenue during FY24, while incurring 32.67 crore in expenses, resulting in a loss of 3.51 crore. Numbers for FY25 were not immediately available. We have been operating in India for 4-5 years, building solutions that address the entire insurance value chain. Our technology stack now handles every aspect of insurance in India. The next step is expanding internationally," Amit Boni, founder and CEO of Ensuredit, told Mint. InsuranceDekhos SaaS insurtech platform Heph is also gearing up for international expansion, with plans to enter West Asia by the second quarter and Southeast Asia by the end of FY26. Since FY25 was its first year of operations, revenue figures are not yet available. In September, Mint reported that Turtlemint, which operates the SaaS platform Turtlfin, is actively exploring acquisitions to enter newer geographies like Southeast Asia. The company is already present in West Asia. Its insurance arm saw revenue from operations surge 3.2X to 505.05 crore in FY24, according to its annual financial statement filed with the Registrar of Companies. Paramdeep Singh, an early investor in fintech startups and a former operator at insurance firms like GE Money and SBI Life Insurance, said more than five other insurtech firms are expected to take the international route in the near term. Read this | Mint Primer | Resistance is futile: AI is now writing code Yet, global expansion comes with hurdles. Indian startups must navigate regulatory landscapes, tailor their offerings to region-specific insurance models, and compete against well-entrenched local players. How they manage these challenges could determine whether they truly carve out a global presence or remain niche players in select regions. Betting on higher margins abroad Beyond market size, one of the biggest draws for Indian insurtechs is pricing power. In terms of pricing, we are in a stronger position than in India. If our product achieves market fit, we can secure (B2B) take rates up to three times higher than in India, as clients in these geographies have a greater propensity to pay," said Ayush Bagmar, business head of Heph. Bagmar expects the international expansion to contribute 15-20% of overall revenues by FY26, with a long-term goal of achieving a 50-50 revenue split. Read this | English fever: How startups are unlocking smalltown India's big-city aspirations Growing inbound interest from global insurersparticularly in West Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africais further fuelling this push. Large budget allocations for digital transformation in these regions are creating new opportunities for Indian firms that specialize in AI-driven automation, embedded insurance, and B2B2C partnerships. Indian insurtech SaaS players excel in AI-driven automation and cost efficiency, leveraging scalable digital models with cloud-native infrastructure. Their expertise in micro-insurance, embedded insurance, and B2B2C partnerships enables rapid adoption in Southeast Asia and the Middle East (West Asia)," said Singh. The attractiveness of different markets varies. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are seen as strong prospects for health, SME, and embedded insurance, while Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines present opportunities in micro-insurance and agent-assisted models. Europes mature market is better suited for AI-driven claims automation and risk underwriting rather than new insurance products," Singh said. A PwC report highlights that 75% of European insurers are increasing investments in AI-driven underwriting and claims automation. Five out of six surveyed firms expect AI to be central to their operations within the next three to five years. While digital adoption in insurance was previously constrained by legacy systems, cost concerns, and reliance on traditional distribution channels, factors like the pandemic, increasing competition, and AI advancements have accelerated change. Read this | Small investments surge as new wave of angel investors enters startup scene, seeking lucrative returns We've seen significant inbound interest from global insurers, which is an opportunity to grow our revenue and improve margins," said Boni. He expects the companys revenues to grow tenfold on an annualized basis after executing its expansion plans. Challenges in global expansion Yet, scaling beyond India comes with its own set of roadblocksregulatory barriers, entrenched competition, and the complexities of local adaptation. One major challenge is compliance. This is not a 3060-day effort. It takes time to get something going there," said Bagmar. While a licence is not always required in every new market, securing approvals and forming partnerships with local authorities can be a lengthy process, he added. Heph, however, has attained all approvals and is ready with its launch in the two geographies, Bagmar added. Competition is another key concern. Indian startups must go up against established regional players that have deep market knowledge and existing distribution networks. Success will hinge on deep localizationadapting underwriting models, navigating compliance nuances, and aligning with key industry decision-makers to build credibility and trust," said Singh. Bagmar noted that Heph partners with firms already operating loan origination, loan management systems, and other tech service providers for banks, NBFCs, and insurance brokers to smooth market entry. We are also reaching out to institutions directly," he said. Another challenge is customization. While Indian insurtech solutions can be deployed globally, they require certain tweaks for different markets. There is an additional layer over the protocol that has to be built for certain geographies based on requirements," said Bagmar. Despite these challenges, Indian firms are pushing ahead, confident that their experience in a highly regulated domestic market has prepared them for global expansion. If India is on the higher end of regulatory difficulty, West Asia would be medium," Bagmar said. To fuel expansion, Ensuredit is in the process of raising a $10 million Series A round, which Boni expects to close by July. Boni, however, did not disclose details on expected valuation for the company. The company has also partnered with Sinch, a global CPaaS (Communications Platform as a Service) provider, to develop insurance solutions on WhatsApp. Additionally, it has two undisclosed partnershipsone with a payments system and another with a global insurerto scale internationally. Also read | Shrinking AI: India Inc rushes to build smaller-scale AI models as cost-effective personalised tools As Indian insurtechs set their sights on international growth, their ability to balance rapid expansion with regulatory and competitive challenges will determine whether they emerge as true global players or face setbacks in unfamiliar markets. Kissht, an online lending platform, is preparing to tap the capital markets with an initial public offering and has hired investment bankers for the process, two people aware of the development told Mint . The company hired ICICI Securities, UBS Securities India Private Limited and Motilal Oswal Investment Banking and is finalising a fourth banker, one person said. Kissht is likely to file pre-IPO documents with the regulator by June, planning to raise $225 million ( 1,926 crore), the person added. The IPO will be a mix of primary and secondary share sales, with 75% expected to be primary capital raised to fund growth and new business lines," the person said, requesting anonymity. Kissht is looking at a valuation of $900 million to $1.1 billion for its public listing, the second person said. Kissht previously raised funding of about $80 million in 2022, at a valuation of about $344 million, from Vertex Growth and Brunei Investment Agency. Founded by Ranvir Singh and Krishnan Vishwanathan in 2015, Kisshts business model is centred on unsecured consumer lending comprising three verticals consumption loans, purchase financing (including e-commerce platforms Amazon and Flipkart), and MSME and business-owner loans. The first and third segments together account for almost 85% of the business, while purchase financing contributes about 15%, the person said. The company recently entered the secured lending space with its loans against property (LAP) business. Pre-IPO round Kissht also plans a pre-IPO private funding round after it files the draft red herring prospectus, the first person added. The funds from the IPO and pre-IPO round will primarily be used to expand the loan book and invest in technology infrastructure," he said. A significant portion of the proceeds will also be allocated to growing the companys newly launched loans against property business secured lending segment," the person said. Kissht said earlier it expects the new business to contribute 12-14% of its overall loan book this year. The company did not respond to queries from Mint. Emails sent to ICICI Securities and UBS Investment Banking did not elicit a response at the time of publishing the story. Motilal Oswal declined to comment. On a consolidated basis, Kissht reported a 54 percent growth in disbursements to 18,527 crore in FY24 from the previous year, credit rating firm Crisil said. Also Read | Kissht ropes in Sachin Tendulkar as strategic investor and its brand ambassador This led to an increase in assets under management to 2,669 crore, up from 1,319 crore the year before. It reported a consolidated net profit (provisional) of 202 crore, a 3.4x jump from FY23, on a total income of 1,700 crore in FY24, as per Crisil. New Delhi: The Delhi high court has issued a notice to Adani Groups Ambuja Cements on a plea by the Delhi stamp duty department, which seeks to recover 218.87 crore in stamp duty and 69 crore in penalties for its merger with Holcim (India) Pvt Ltd. A division bench comprising chief justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and justice Tushar Rao Gedela briefly heard the matter on 2 April. It directed Ambuja Cements to file its response but did not give a deadline. The next hearing is scheduled for 17 July. The plea, filed by revenue counsel Lalltaksh Joshi and reviewed by Mint, seeks to overturn a November 2024 ruling by a single-judge bench of the Delhi high court, which had exempted Ambuja Cements from paying stamp duty of 218.87 crore and dismissed the show-cause notice issued by revenue authorities. The single-judge ruling was considered a landmark decision, providing much-needed clarity on the imposition of stamp duties in mergers and amalgamations. The core legal debate revolves around whether the merger of Ambuja Cements and Holcim (India) should be classified as a "conveyance" under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, thereby making it subject to stamp duty. A key factor in this legal battle is the validity of a 1937 government notification that exempts mergers between wholly owned subsidiaries of a common parent company from stamp duty obligations. However, the revenue department, in its plea before the division bench, is now challenging this exemption, arguing that legal amendments over the yearsparticularly those made to the Stamp Act in 1958 and 2001have rendered the 1937 notification obsolete. The department contends that when companies merge, their assets and liabilities are transferred, which constitutes a property transfer subject to stamp duty. The revenue department also argues that the single-judge ruling misinterpreted the Stamp Act and set a risky precedent for future revenue collection. It maintains that the merger involved significant asset transfers and should not be classified as mere internal restructuring exempt from taxation. According to the revenue department, the case is of public importance, as it could impact future revenue collection from corporate mergers. The long-term revenue implications of the Impugned Order are grave and substantially threaten an important revenue stream for the government, which uses it to fund various developmental works within the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the department stated in its plea. The petition further noted that the aforementioned financial burden is considerable and required extensive consultations at senior levels as the Impugned Order was studied and its effects on public revenue examined. Various queries were answered, and the merits of the appeal were discussed before necessary approvals were issued. On the other hand, Ambuja Cement contends that the merger did not involve the transfer of immovable property and that dematerialized share transfers are not subject to stamp duty. The company also argues that previous judgments have upheld the exemption under the 1937 notification, reinforcing its legal position. History of the stamp duty demand The dispute dates back to 2012, when Holcim (India) Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Holderind Investments Ltd., Mauritius, merged with Ambuja Cements India Pvt Ltd (ACIPL). ACIPL, another Holderind subsidiary, was primarily an investment company with no active operations. Following the merger, Holcim issued shares to ACIPLs shareholders based on a court-approved share exchange ratio, leading to ACIPLs dissolution. In 2014, the stamp duty department issued a show-cause notice to Holcim, alleging non-payment of stamp duty on the merger. The department imposed a 3% duty on the merger value of 7,295.94 crore, amounting to 218.87 crore, along with a 69 crore penalty. Ambuja challenged this decision through a writ petition in the Delhi High Court. The single-judge ruling in November 2024 sided with the company, exempting it from liability and quashing the show-cause notice. The judgment was seen as a landmark decision, bringing much-needed clarity to stamp duty laws concerning corporate mergers and acquisitions. It explicitly upheld the 1937 notification, stating that any merger within its scope would be exempt from stamp duty in Delhi. Before this ruling, uncertainty surrounded the application of stamp duty on such mergers, with stamp authorities attempting to levy duty on the value of shares cancelled during mergers. With the revenue department challenging the ruling before a division bench, the case could have far-reaching consequences for corporate mergers in India. If the high court upholds the exemption, it will reinforce legal clarity for companies undergoing similar restructuring. However, if the exemption is overturned, it may lead to increased taxation on corporate mergers. NEW DELHI : Bangkok-headquartered Dusit International's founding family wants to make its second India innings count with a flurry of new hotel signings. India is one of the most important markets for Thailand, the third-generation hotelier Siradej Donavanik, vice-president of development for global hotels, told Mint on Thursday. "This is our second stint in India, and we want to get things right. Unfortunately, our earlier partnership did not work out for us, and we learnt how important the market is to us and wanted to reenter the market to make a big impact," he said. The Thai multinational hospitality company first came to India in 2013 with Bird Group to set up two hotels. However, the partnership ended about four years later, in 2017. It will now focus on tier-II and -III cities while still eyeing future growth in metro destinations. Hotel industry veteran Deepika Arora will be heading Dusit International's India business. It has eight brands, including luxury apartments, globally. To begin with, it plans to introduce its luxury and upper-midscale brands in the country, one of the "high-potential markets". It has signed deals in locations like Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Bhiwadi (Haryana), Lonavala (Maharashtra), Kolkata (West Bengal), Kasol and Manali (Himachal Pradesh), and Karnataka. The India expansion bid The expansion will allow the brand to increase its presence in different locations while maintaining its standards and identity. It will look at having about 3,000 rooms in the country in the next three years, with about 30 signings. It expects to have about 10-11 open hotels by then, too, with plans to open about two hotels a year. This expansion follows the December 2024 launch of dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla, and the signing of three Karnataka properties, including the wellness-focused Devarana Sakleshpur. Upcoming openings include four Dusit Princess hotels in Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, and Lonavala, as well as two boutique luxury Dusit Collection properties in Kasol and Manali. Dusits India push aligns with its broader global expansion strategy. It will also expand into other high-growth markets, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and China. It has about 10 hotels in China. Interestingly, in Thailand, the company is seeing a fall in the number of Chinese visitors. Future plans Whilethe company is currently only looking to work with local hotel owners, Donavanik confirmed that it is open to investing in properties in the future if the right opportunity comes along. "We have a long-term vision for the company, not just in India, but everywhere else, too. Tier-I cities would be where the company would look to invest in case the right opportunity comes along," he said. The Indian market has grown exponentially. Indians are looking for experiential travel, including food and wellness. The spending on luxury and leisure in India has increased tremendously since we were last hereIndians are expected to spend $410 billion on travel by 2030, and we want to be a part of that journey," he said. At present, India has about 200,000 branded hotel rooms, and the number is expected to reach about 300,000 rooms by 2030, according to hospitality consultancy Hotelivate. Also Read: International chain Minor Hotels plans to have 50 hotels in India by 2035 Dusit is among the five or six companies that are showing a renewed interest in India. Mint recently reported that Thailand's Minor Hotels, UAE's Kerzner, Maldives' Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, and Hong Kong's Mandarin Oriental are scouting for locations in India, while other chains like Accor, IHG, and Hilton plan to debut brands like Handwritten Collection, Vignette Collection, Hampton, and Signia in the country. Dusit's locally listed entity in Thailand, Dusit Thani Public Co. Ltd, reported a total revenue of THB11.2 billion ($326.53 million), up 74.8% year-on-year, for the full year 2024. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) rose 91.4% to THB1.65 billion. The company's net loss also narrowed to THB237 million from THB570 million in 2023. Thailand's big focus on tourism has also meant that India has become one of the top five inbound markets for the country and the top market for Dusit, said Donavanik, whose grandmother Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui started the business in the south-east Asian country in 1948. The company has about 60 hotels in 19 countries and about 250-odd luxury villas, schools, a food business, etc., in Thailand. James Watt, co-founder of the global beer company BrewDog, recently shared a post on LinkedIn, highlighting how Elon Musks productivity rules helped him build a billion-dollar business. Watt referred to a leaked 2018 email from Elon Musk to Tesla employees, where the tech billionaire outlined key principles to improve efficiency at work. Watt said these rules were surprisingly similar to what BrewDog had already been practising. Also Read | Elon Musk will soon step back from govt role: Donald Trump tells Cabinet members One of Musks points was about keeping meetings short. He called excessive meetings a major problem in big companies. Watt said BrewDog followed a similar idea. Meetings were limited to 30 minutes at most, with many lasting just five. If you booked an hour, you better have a damn good reason, he added. The Tesla CEO also advised leaving a meeting if it was no longer useful: Walk out of a meeting or drop off a call as soon as it is obvious you aren't adding value. It is not rude to leave, it is rude to make someone stay and waste their time. Watt agreed. Dont waste time, Watt told his employees. If a conversation isnt useful, get up and leave. Zero guilt. The world's richest man also encouraged direct communication, skipping unnecessary steps in the chain of command. BrewDog applied this in 2020 by reducing hierarchy. If a brewer needed something from me, they didnt need permission from three managers to ask, Watt explained. The final rule was to use common sense and remove silly or outdated processes. Watt said BrewDog banned unnecessary rules. If something didnt support their main goal, it was cut out. Also Read | Setback to Trump in Wisconsin judicial race; Republicans win Florida polls Watt pointed out that in 2018, Teslas revenue was $21.4 billion. By 2023, it had grown to $97.6 billion. According to him, whether people admire Elon Musk or not, theres no denying his ability to grow companies fast. BrewDogs story is also impressive. It started as a small business in Scotland and became a global beer brand worth over a billion dollars. Watt believes Musks ideas played a part in that success, as BrewDog followed similar practices early on. He ended his post with advice for other companies: look at Elon Musks email and ask what can be removed from your company culture. ...most of the processes you think are important are actually getting in the way of you scaling - not assisting it, Watt wrote. Netizens reactions One LinkedIn user reacted, I used to get in trouble at IBM for not following processes. And the funny thing was, the then CEO Ginni Rommety also was of the same opinion and yet every IBMer followed processes. I guess it's the inertia of an old process-driven organisation. Trump's tariffs: The latest reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on major trading partners will likely impact the supply chains of the world's biggest footwear and apparel brands, especially the 46 per cent duties levied on Vietnam, a major production hub for these brands. In the last decade, both Nike and Adidas, global brands in the sportswear and athletic apparel industry, have manufactured most of their goods in Vietnam. Currently, nearly half of Nike's shoes are produced in Vietnam, according to its 2024 Annual report. Meanwhile, Adidas sources 27 per cent of its products from Vietnam. For Nike and Adidas, Vietnam is the biggest supplier of footwear, contributing over $20 billion in combined annual revenue, according to a report by Bloomberg. Impact of reciprocal tariffs on footwear brands The reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States are expected to impact major footwear brands. Nike expects a fall in gross margin already this quarter due to the tariffs imposed by the United States on China and Mexico. Shifting supply chains is not an option given performance footwear requires a very specific skill set and factories, the report quoted Poonam Goyal, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. I cant see how prices to consumers dont go up," she added. What are reciprocal tariffs? By definition, a reciprocal tariff is a tax or trade restriction that one country places on another in response to similar actions taken by that country. On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on trading partners. Trump proposed at least a 10 per cent duty on nearly all goods entering the United States. In the case of Vietnam, Trump announced to impose a 46 per cent reciprocal tariff rates. Also Read | Trump hits India with reciprocal tariffs, putting farm exports at risk Presence of apparel brands in Vietnam Apart from Nike and Adidas, Vietnam remains the biggest supplier for other major apparel companies, such as Uniqlo's parent company, Fast Retailing Co, Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) and Gap Inc. The United States is the largest market for Vietnamese exports, with the total exports of the country standing at $44 billion, as per the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association. During Donald Trump's first term as the US President, due to the escalating trade war with China, the footwear and textile industry in Vietnam saw a major boost. Why do brands opt for Vietnam? Vietnam has become one of the production hubs for top brands. It reportedly has low labour costs and a skilled workforce. The transport route to Vietnam is also considered less prone to geopolitical issues. Additionally, the country has trade agreements with the United States and the European Union. Also Read | Experts warn Trump's tariffs could severely impact THESE export sectors in India Trump's issue with Vietnam In 2019, Trump claimed that Vietnam took advantage of the United States, which is even worse than China," indicating a potential action against the country. With the trade war between the United States and China during Trump's first term, footwear and apparel have become the top-most exported products from Vietnam. Currently, both Nike and Adidas produce less than 20 per cent of their footwear in China. On 2 April, President Donald Trump didnt just shock the world with his reciprocal tariffs announcement he also upended 200 years of trade wisdom. Most of us take free trade and global supply chains as natural and necessary, but few realize these systems stem from the Law of Comparative Advantage, proposed by British political economist David Ricardo in 1817. Its worth revisiting what Ricardo argued, why it has worked (so far), and why it matters now. Read this | Are Trumps tariff rates made up? Heres how they may have been calculated Simply put, the theory suggests that individuals and nations should specialize in what they do best relative to others. This principle applies to daily life as much as it does to global trade. For instance, take two flatmates, A and B, who want to divide household chores fairly. A takes one hour to cook and two hours to clean, while B takes two hours to cook and three to clean. A is faster at both tasks, giving her an absolute advantage. But when deciding who should do what, comparative advantage comes into play. B is only 50% slower at cleaning but twice as slow at cooking, making cleaning the better task for B while A focuses on cooking. Daily decisions often follow this logic. A highly paid executive might hire a drivernot because she cant drive, but because her time is better spent reading or working during her commute. A homemaker might employ domestic help to focus on childcare, improving family well-being. The cost of hiring a driver isnt just his salary but the productivity gained by the executive. Similarly, the cost of hiring domestic help isnt just wages but the improved health, education, and nutrition outcomes for family members. How this extends to global trade Trade works the same way. Countries evaluate transactions based on opportunity costs rather than absolute costs. Bangladesh specializes in low-cost, well-designed cotton T-shirts, while the US excels in manufacturing spacecraft. Bangladesh has a comparative advantage in T-shirts, and the US in spacecraft. Thats why Bangladesh exports apparel while the US exports advanced technology. Read this | In charts: How exposed is India to Trump's reciprocal tariffs? Now, imagine the US decides to make its own T-shirts. It blocks imports from Bangladesh with high tariffs (essentially whats happening now) and sets up large-scale domestic factories, using a US-based supply chain of farmers and mills. With high degree of automation to keep labours costs down, US manufacturers might match Bangladeshs prices. But at what cost? The resourceslabour, land, energy, government grantsdiverted to T-shirt production could have been better used in advancing aerospace technology. Had the US stuck to its strengths and let Bangladesh make T-shirts more efficiently, global productivity would have been higher. This principle of comparative advantage has driven global trade for decades, enabling poorer countries to integrate into large global supply chains. From Japan in the 1980s to China and the Asian Tigers in the 1990s, followed by Vietnam in the 2000s and India with its services exportseach is a testament to how comparative advantage fuels trade. Also read | Andy Mukherjee: Trumps tariffs should push India to double down on reforms Of course, not every decision follows this rule. Nations still maintain armies and print their own currencies. But few insist on domestically producing every item they consume. Sometimes, its simply impossibleIndia, for instance, imports most of its crude oil because it lacks reserves. Other times, its more efficient to import and allocate domestic resources to higher-value activities. The author is an independent writer in economics and finance. Trump Tariff War: United States President Donald Trump has unveiled a comprehensive tariff policy, imposing at least a 10 per cent duty on nearly all goods entering the US. The White House said this was aimed at correcting trade imbalances and bolstering American industries. Meanwhile, Donald Trump justified the move by citing horrendous imbalances in the trade sector that he claimed have weakened the country's industrial base and posed national security risks. What Do Trump Tariffs Mean for India? A total of 180 countries were hit by sweeping reciprocal tariffs on April 2, which Donald Trump called Liberation Day. For India in particular, he announced a 26 per cent reciprocal tariffhalf the rate India imposes on US importswhich is expected to impact trade between the two countries. Notably, the 25 per cent tariff on automobile imports is also expected to hit Indian auto companies such as Tata Motors. What Do Trump Tariffs Mean for India-US Trade? Indian exports to the US in FY24 reached $77.5 billion, with the latter being our biggest destination (over 18 per cent of total value) for merchandise goods, according to a Hindustan Times report. Notably, India's imports from the US dropped to $42.2 billion in the same period, down 17 per cent, the HT report added. It is this imbalance in trade that Donald Trump has taken aim at. Brokerage firm Motilal Oswal told Livemint that Indias top exported items to the US are electronics (15.6 per cent of total exports to the US), gems and jewellery (11.5 per cent), pharma products (11 per cent), machinery for nuclear reactors (8.1 per cent) and refined petroleum products (5.5 per cent). So, what is likely to happen? Global Trade Research Initiative co-founder Ajay Srivastava told HT that India should wait for a list of demands from the US before responding. Notably, for its military and oil purchases, India has been diversifying from the US to buying from Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), whose prices are much lower in comparison. Thus, choosing the US would require a significant reduction in costs. Srivastava told the publication that the US should consider overall economic relations and not simply trade deficit before making ultimatums. He highlighted that India is an important market for US companies across sectors. Notably, some experts speaking to Livemint felt that since Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs at only half the rate other countries impose on US products, there is room for negotiation rather than retaliation. New Delhi: Indian solar equipment makers may have a competitive advantage over their rivals in China and Vietnam after US President Donald Trump announced his promised reciprocal trade tariffs on almost all countries. Although the tariffs will increase costs for US power generators that import solar equipment and may impact the sales of exporters, India may have an edge due to the lower tariff imposed on Indian products. The US imposed a 27% additional tariff on Indian exports, while the tariffs on China and Vietnam are 34% and 46%, respectively. The current tariff rate on Indian solar exports stands at 14%. While the details are yet to be outlined for the tariffs imposed by the US, the initial analysis seems to show a comparatively better situation for Indian solar manufacturers than other global suppliers, Ashwani Sehgal, president of the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association, told Mint. Also Read | 35,000="" cr="" capex="" by="" 2027="" boost="" renewable="" capacity="" threefold"="">ACME Solar plans up to 35,000 cr capex by 2027 to boost renewable capacity threefold "It seems that as the tariff imposed on Indian products is lower than that imposed on China and Vietnam, the major suppliers of modules and cells. India seems to have an edge over its counterparts. This is just the initial assessment and the details, which would be released on 9 April, would give a better picture of the likely impact," Sehgal said. India exported $1.96 billion worth of solar modules in FY24, with $1.93 billionalmost its entire export volumegoing to the US. China remains the global leader, with total module exports valued at $49 billion in 2023, dwarfing Indias export figures. More expensive The tariffs, however, would make Indian supplies much more expensive than solar equipment produced in the US. The imposition of tariffs on Indian solar modules could significantly impact the industry, the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) noted in a report in February. Also Read | Sunny side down: The many gaps in Indias solar story "The export market for Indian solar manufacturers could shrink dramatically due to price disadvantages. For instance, Indian manufacturers are currently selling TOPCon solar modules (manufactured with imported cells) to the US at around USD 0.30 per Watt-peak (Wp), compared to USD 0.17-0.19 per Wp domestically," it said, adding that the tariffs would further inflate these prices in the US market, worsening the disadvantage. Data from CEEW showed that Indias solar module exports accounted for 4.7% of US solar imports in Q1 of 2024, compared with 87% for Southeast Asian countries, where many factories are Chinese owned. While US anti-dumping duties on these imports (up to 271 per cent) create an opportunity for Indian manufacturers, the new reciprocal tariff could erode their competitiveness. Indian companies including Waaree Energies have local manufacturing capacity. In February, Mint reported that India is pursuing direct government-to-government engagements with African and West Asian nations to open new markets for Indian green energy companies and solar equipment manufacturers, beyond the US. The US government's decision to impose a 27% additional reciprocal tariff on Indian imports is expected to significantly impact India's gems and jewellery sector, experts said. Gems and jewellery made up 12.8% of India's exports to the US and amounted to $9.9 billion in FY24. US President Donald Trump announced the new tariff on 2 April, which he said is about half the rate of India's 54% tariff on US imports. The current US duty for Indian gold jewellery imports is 5%, per a note from EY, and there are no duties on import of cut and polished diamonds. Garments, engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and gems and jewellery accounted for 72.7% of the total goods trade between India and the US in FY24, contributing $56.34 billion out of the overall trade of $77.52 billion. The [gems and jewellery] trade is expected to come at a standstill as US importers will assess whether to place orders with Indian jewellery exporters, said Kirit Bhansali, chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council. He added that while gold and diamond jewellery are considered a luxury in the US, they are viewed as an investment in India. Therefore, if prices rise, demand in the US is likely to decline. Also Read | Trumps tariff strike: India hit with 26% duty as trade war escalates Experts said diamond and studded-gold jewellery exporters will be the most impacted by the US tariffs. For starters, the additional 27% duty will be a challenge for the importer in the US to bear, leading to lower exports from India, said Anup Zaveri, a partner at Real Illusion LLP, a diamond manufacturer. He added that exporters will need to gauge the duty on specific items such as loose diamonds and gold-studded items. Cut and polished diamonds accounted for 57% of Indias total gems and jewellery exports to the US in FY24, making them the largest contributor, according to a report by Emkay Institutional Equities on 26 March. Studded-gold jewellery comprised 27% of these exports. The remaining share came from silver jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, and plain gold jewellery, which had a comparatively lower contribution. Affected exporters The tariffs are expected to hit major exporters including Goldiam International, Vaibhav Global and Rajesh Exports. However, companies with a lower dependence on US exports such as Kalyan Jewellers and Titan are likely to be less affected. Sentimentally, the tariff on gems and jewellery will be negative for jewellery exporters as demand for gold jewellery is likely to get impacted, said Preeyam Toila, equity research analyst, FMCG and retail, at Axis Securities. Moreover, from the domestic perspective, surging gold prices due to global uncertainty will have near-term pressure on domestic demand. Also Read | Trump Tariffs: Electronics, Gems & Jewellery most exposed, auto sector relatively insulated Goldiam International shares fell as much as 10% on the BSE on Thursday, while Vaibhav Global declined more than 4%. Rajesh Exports declined 3.2% before recovering. Mumbai: Indias largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) is scouting for fintechs which can help it gain an edge over competitors with debt card solutions, including an option for customers to print their own cards at kiosks. The bank is looking to partner with fintechs who can provide services for these kiosks, allowing customers to upload photos or select from design templates, according to a document seen by Mint. Customers should also be able to set their PIN and manage basic card controls directly at the kiosk," said the document, calling fintechs to apply. It could not be immediately ascertained how these proposed kiosks would work. The bank's kiosks currently offer different services. As on 31 March 2024, SBI had 20,135 barcode-based passbook printing kiosks at 17,663 branches, processing over 1 million daily transactions. It also had 2,496 cheque-deposit kiosks in FY24, according to its annual report. Also read | Mint Primer: How to read SBIs latest poverty estimates SBI also wants fintechs to develop a progressive web app (PWA) through which customers can manage their debit cards. PWAs are web-based applications that offer user experience of an app. Solutions on the kiosk and the web app are what the bank has classified as desired under the proposed partnership. Some other aspects are also mandatory under the potential alliance. Queries emailed to SBI seeking comments remained unanswered. Taking a different route SBIs seems to be charting a different course since most other banks are looking at tie-ups with fintechs to push lending, said experts. A partnership on debit cards shows that State Bank of India (SBI) is pivoting to a new trend where it sees cards as a means of improving customer experience," said Vivek Iyer, partner at Grant Thornton Bharat. According to Iyer, newer customer cohorts may not be happy with how the plastic currency looks and allowing people to choose what they want would aid personalization. SBI is now saying that we will give you something personalised, and fintech partnerships will make it quicker," he said. Also, banks are now realizing that overdependence on any particular channel of service could be detrimental during periods of downtime." Read this | Are you an SBI customer? Heres how new chairman C.S. Setty plans to improve your banking experience An outage in Indias ubiquitous fast payments platform UPI (unified payments interface) meant that scores of transactions were declined last week. In February alone, UPI processed 16.1 billion transactions worth 21.9 trillion. Meanwhile, SBI also wants fintechs to develop solutions that would offer customers a dedicated dashboard to manage, track, and control subscription-based services such as Netflix, Spotify, and utilities linked to their debit cards. The dashboard should also integrate artificial intelligence-based alerts for identifying underutilized subscriptions and suggesting alternatives based on usage behaviour. Fintechs bring agility Experts said since banks come with legacy systems and find it hard to move quickly, partnering with fintechs helps find innovative solutions for customers. For fintechs, it helps that they work with institutions which have deep pockets and a ready pool of users to test their products," said Neha Mehta, founder and chief executive officer at Singapore-based fintech consulting firm FemTech Partners. Mehta said that in Singapore, every bank has an innovation lab, allowing startups to work with them. It is kind of a sandbox where fintechs can test new ideas with a small customer base, she said, adding that banks are able to handhold and see what problems these startups are solving. And read | SBI Card: Competition from personal loans a drag on interest spreads SBI in November launched the State Bank of India Innovation Hub in partnership with APIX, a Singapore-based leading global collaborative innovation platform for financial institutions and fintechs, PTI reported. The idea, the report said, was to provide dedicated space for fintechs, startups, and innovators worldwide to design next-generation financial solutions tailored to meet the digital needs of SBIs diverse customer base." Bengaluru: Flexible workspace providers are seeing higher demand for office space from artificial intelligence companies and AI-first businesses, with a bulk of the leasing happening in Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad. Flex office operators such as WeWork India, IndiQube, Table Space, Incuspaze and others have signed on AI firms as tenants for 50-700 seats in their centres. Leading shared workspace firms WeWork India and IndiQube have signed multiple deals with AI startups in Bengaluru and other cities in the last year or so," said a person familiar with the companies' plans. WeWork India, for instance, has signed lease transactions with companies such as Asper.ai Technologies Pvt Ltd, an AI platform for consumer goods, and Eightfold AI India Pvt Ltd, a talent intelligence platform. Spokespersons of WeWork India and IndiQube, both in IPO mode, declined to comment. Read more: Robust demand for office spaces to give occupancies a leg-up AI is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing sectors today, and at Table Space we are seeing increasing demand from AI-first companies. As these businesses scale and adapt to market shifts, flexible workspaces offer the ideal solutionallowing expansion, quick pivots, and operational efficiency," said Karan Chopra, co-CEO and chairman, Table Space. We are particularly seeing Pune and Hyderabad emerge as hotspots for AI and tech-focused clients who require office space," he said. A 2024 report by Nasscom and Boston Consulting Group said the AI market in India is projected to grow at 25-35% compounded average growth rate till 2027, supported by a large AI talent base and high investments. The AI market size, at $7-9 billion in 2023, is estimated to reach $17-22 billion in 2027. Manas Mehrotra, founder, 315Work Avenue, said AI firms prefer mid-to-large spaces in prime locations, offering flexibility to grow and access talent. This expansion is significantly driven by the rise in AI and tech research facilities. In addition to AI, deep-tech startups are now leveraging flexible workspaces to facilitate quick scaling and changing infrastructure demands," he said. Specialised workspaces In the recent past, Mehrotra said several companies specializing in big data analytics, insights-led customer engagement platforms and AI solutions firms have chosen 315Work Avenues customized workspaces. Consultants said managed and flexible office spaces, which accounted for 20% of total office leasing in 2024, work well for AI-led businesses that have been expanding and raising fresh funding. Rahul Arora, head-office leasing and retail services, senior managing director (Karnataka, Kerala), India, JLL, a property advisory, said emerging sectors, particularly AI and ML (machine learning), are popular and driving demand for office space. Flexible workspaces have become increasingly attractive in this landscape, offering numerous advantages, he said. Such workspaces require minimal upfront investment, can be acquired swiftly, and provide tailored solutions to meet diverse business needs," Arora added. Hanto Workspace has partnered with AI-driven firms such as Future AGI, Composio, and Skyfall AI for long-term workspace solutions. While the average space allocation per employee in conventional startups is 40-50 sq. ft, AI startups require 90-100 sq. ft per person. Read more: Mint Primer: Why Delhi-NCR is Indias new flex office capital This is primarily due to their need for high-powered computing infrastructure and leaner workforce. Preferred locations include tech hubs and business districts in Bengaluru, such as Koramangala, HSR Layout, and Whitefield," said Aashit Verma, founder of Hanto Workspace. Five cities in demand While Bengaluru remains the primary hub due to its strong tech ecosystem, flex office operator Incuspaze said it is also seeing interest in Hyderabad, Pune, Gurugram, and Chennai, where AI startups and research and development centres are expanding. The demand is being driven by a mix of early-stage AI startups, research-driven firms, and larger tech companies setting up AI divisions," said Sanjay Chatrath, co-founder and managing partner, Incuspaze. AI companies typically take up spaces ranging from 50 to 500 seats, with some larger firms requiring entire dedicated floors or customized office setups. Indian medical device makers are staring at a major trade setback after the US administration slapped an additional 27% tariff on exports from India, on top of existing 1% tariff. The move threatens to disrupt supply chains, slow industry growth, and create new barriers for manufacturers looking to expand in the worlds largest healthcare market. Read this | Trumps tariff strike: India hit with 26% duty as trade war escalates The Export Promotion Council of Medical Devices, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the Department of Commerce, has submitted preliminary inputs to the government, analyzing the tariffs impact and outlining potential countermeasures. The council has emphasized the need for fair trade practices and called for bilateral negotiations during the upcoming India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions later this year. "Consider imposing strategic tariffs on US medical device imports to balance the trade dynamics. Utilize platforms like the Trade Policy Forum to negotiate fairer trade terms and address mutual concerns," it added. Mint has reviewed a copy of the report. A strategic response In its report, the council has suggested a range of strategic responses. One proposal calls for reciprocal tariffs on US medical device imports to rebalance trade, with negotiations at the Trade Policy Forum to ensure fairer terms. The report also stresses the importance of regulatory alignment, urging streamlined approvals from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the development of shared regulatory standards to facilitate smoother market access for Indian manufacturers. Another key recommendation is strengthening border controls and customs checks to prevent tariff circumvention through third countries. Additionally, the council has urged the government to expand the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, boost investment in R&D, and promote self-reliance in medical device manufacturing, positioning India as a stronger player in the global market. In FY24, Indias medical device exports to the US stood at $714.38 million, while US exports to India were more than double at $1.52 billion, highlighting a significant trade imbalance. Read this | Are Trumps tariff rates made up? Heres how they may have been calculated India has long been a key supplier of cost-effective, high-quality medical devices to the US, particularly in low-risk, high-volume categories such as catheters, syringes, cannulas, and extension lines. The new tariff threatens to squeeze these exports, potentially eroding India's market share in a sector where it has been a reliable player. Strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and investing in innovation will position India as a competitive player in the global medical device industry," said an official familiar with the matter. By proactively addressing both tariff and non-tariff barriers, India can mitigate the impact of US trade restrictions and secure a stronger presence in international markets." Challenges beyond tariffs While some experts believe India may gain a slight cost advantage over China, which faces a higher 34% tariff, others argue that the real challenge lies in regulatory barriers rather than tariffs alone. While India may seemingly gain a marginal price advantage over China (8%) in certain low-risk, high-volume consumables, the real impact may not be significant if our prices were higher than 15% and the impact has to be further studied compared to other competing nations," said Himanshu Baid, managing director of Poly Medicure Ltd, a medical device manufacturer specializing in infusion therapy, oncology, anesthesia, respiratory care, urology, gastroenterology, surgery, dialysis, and more. Read this | In charts: How exposed is India to Trump's reciprocal tariffs? However, Baid pointed out that non-tariff barriers, such as stringent FDA regulations, remain a bigger obstacle than tariffs themselves. Regulatory hurdles in the US are steep, with FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approval costs ranging from $9,280 to over $540,000, whereas US exporters face relatively minimal costs when entering India. Addressing these imbalances through bilateral collaboration is crucial," he added. Indias medical devices market, valued at $11 billion in 2022, is projected to grow to $50 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 16.4%. However, with high US tariffs and strict regulatory controls, Indian manufacturers may have to rethink their market strategies. India must prioritize healthcare security by strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing dependency on foreign markets," said Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator, AiMeD, urging the government to advocate for a balanced approach to tariffs and regulatory policies in bilateral negotiations. India remains the fourth-largest medical devices market in Asia, after Japan, China, and South Korea, and ranks among the top 20 globally. But Nath warned that high tariffs will give US manufacturers an overnight boost, allowing them to expand capacity utilization and gain market share at India's expense. Beyond tariffs, non-tariff barriers such as the Buy American policy for government procurement could make the US a less attractive market for Indian exporters. As a result, some Indian companies may find it more viable to invest in US-based manufacturing for certain products instead of exporting from India, Nath added. Also read | Can India dodge Trumps trade tariff bullet? Depends on the sector and trade pact talks The 27% reciprocal tariff on Indian exports to the US aligns with global trends, with China facing 34%, Europe 20%, Vietnam 46%, Taiwan 32%, Japan 24%, South Korea 25%, Switzerland 31%, Indonesia 32%, Malaysia 24%, and Turkey 10%. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has not announced any reciprocal tariffs on Indias pharmaceutical sector. Mumbai: Indias pharmaceuticals sector, among the domestic industries most dependent on trade with the US, for now appears to have dodged the heavy reciprocal tariffs US President Donald Trump announced on 2 April. Pharmaceuticals, among other products, won't be subjected to the additional tariffs, according to a White House fact sheet issued shortly after the US Presidents address. Currently, too, the US does not impose any tariff on pharma product imports from India. The US is Indias largest export market for pharmaceutical goods, so the exemption brings huge relief to Indian pharma companies, which supply more than 45% of generics and 15% of biosimilars used in the US. Companies such as Aurobindo Pharma, Dr Reddys, Zydus Lifesciences, Gland Pharma and Sun Pharma earn anywhere from 30-50% of their total revenues from the US. The industry had been hopeful of an exemption in the lead-up to Wednesdays announcement. Also read | Are pharmacists gaming the system? Govt orders a check However, this does not mean tariffs on pharmaceutical imports are off the table. Pharma companies will come roaring back", Trump said in his speech on Wednesday, referring to big pharma increasing its manufacturing in the US. "We're going to produce the medicines that we need right here in America," he said. Pharma giants such as Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly recently announced investments of $55 billion and $27 billion, respectively, for domestic manufacturing in the US. Industry-specific tariffs were not part of the White Houses agenda on 2 April, and it's likely that tariffs on pharma goods will be announced later. According to an 1 April Reuters report, drugmakers are lobbying President Trump to phase in tariffs to give them time to shift manufacturing. Industry leaders such as Dilip Shanghvi, managing director of Sun Pharma, previously indicated that if tariffs were levied, the costs would likely be passed on to consumers. Also read | Trumps tariff strike: India hit with 27% duty as trade war escalates We have been continuously negotiating with the Trump government and have played our cards well," a senior industry executive, who did not wish to be quoted, told Mint prior to the announcement. Of India's pharma exports of $27.9 billion in FY24, $8.7 billion or 31% were to the US, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India, an industry body. Industry experts keeping a eye on trade talks between the two countries said it was likely that India would roll back its import tariffs. If you see, our [import duty] for pharma products we import from the US is 5-10%... theres a possibility that the government may [roll back] that import duty so that the reciprocal tariffs are not there," Param Desai, senior research analyst at PL Capital Group, told Mint. Pharma tariffs would hurt both countries Analysts also cautioned that tariffs on pharmaceuticals could be announced later. We wait for more details and note that higher tariffs on pharmaceuticals are not completely ruled out for the future," Tausif Shaikh, pharma and healthcare analyst at BNP Paribas India, said in a note. India imposes about 5-10% tariffs on pharma products imported from the US. Assuming a 10% tariff is imposed on pharma products, we expect the impact to be negligible," Shaikh said. With a 10% baseline tariff cost, we see a 1-2% impact on FY27E Ebidta in our base case," he added. This no-tariff-impact after the first round will be a positive for the entire pharma sector," analysts at HDFC Securities said in a note. The analysts said Sun Pharma and Lupin were their top picks with a large US focus, as well as India-focused companies such as Torrent Pharma, Mankind, Ipca, and Eris Lifesciences. In case the US starts imposing tariffs on the pharma sector, it will impact both countries," the HDFC Securities analysts added. The US depends on low-cost generics manufactured in India, and tariffs could lead to price-hikes, inflation and drug shortages in the country. Indian companies, operating on thin margins in the US generics space, may struggle to absorb costs and end up passing them on to US consumers or insurers. Also read | Why cancer patients can hope for affordable drugs in India Indian pharma stocks jumped when the market opened on Thursday, with shares of top companies such as Sun Pharma, Aurobindo Pharma, Dr Reddys Labs and Cipla among the top volume-led gainers on NSE. Shares of Dr Reddys were up 5.25% before settling at 1,152.80, up 0.16% at market close, Sun Pharma shares closed at 1,772, up 3.41%, and Aurobindo Pharma rose by over 4.7% before settling at 1,175, up 1.51% at close. CDMO player Gland Pharma was one of the highest gainer, with its shares surging 9.76% at market open. The stock settled at 1,554 at close, up marginally by 1.23%. The Nifty Pharma index was up nearly 4% in early trade and closed the day up 2.25%. The universal and reciprocal tariffs that US President Donald Trump announced on 2 April has put Indian textile and leather sectors at a relative advantage over their peers. This is because the US has levied higher tariffs on Indias main competitors. Vietnam will suffer a 46% tariff on all exports, while it is 44% on Sri Lanka and 37% on Bangladesh. China, the biggest exporter of textiles and leather into the US, will have to pay 54% more (34% reciprocal tariff and 20% tariffs levied earlier after Trump returned to office in January this year). In comparison, Indian exports will face an additional tariff of 27%. The lower tariff significantly improves Indias competitiveness in the US market. The question is: can India take advantage of this opportunity and increase its market share in the US? The existing tariffs on the textile and clothing sector, which contributes $10.8 billion in exports, was 8.99%. Indias textile exports in 2023-24 stood at $35.87 billion. Readymade garments accounted for 41%, followed by home textiles (34%) with products made from man-made fibres, wool, jute, handicrafts and carpets accounting for the rest. The US is Indias largest textile export market. In 2023-24, the US imported textiles worth $10.05 billion, accounting for 28% of Indias overall exports. Apparel makes up the largest share of the export pie. At the current stage, India holds a clear tariff advantage in apparel exports over key competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh, said Prabhu Dhamodharan, convenor, Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF), a textile entrepreneurs body based out of Coimbatore. The US imports apparels worth $80 billion and China accounts for 21% of its imports, followed by Vietnam (19%), Bangladesh (9%), India (6%) and Sri Lanka (3%). The tariffs have opened up unexpected opportunities. The 20% tariff on Jordan will help India export man-made textile apparel more competitively. Jordan is a big player in man-made textile garments and exporters there were exporting to the US at zero duties, said Kumar Duraiswamy, joint secretary, Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA). Now, we can compete effectively." But industry players fear an immediate slowdown in demand as retailers pass on higher tariffs to the consumers. The sudden increase in retail prices will force consumers in the US to postpone purchases. We expect export orders to shrink in the near term, said Dhamodharan. Who'll capture China? In the medium to long term, experts see a big opportunity for India to increase its market share in the US if the tariffs remain. One of the main reasons is China. The tariffs Chinese textile exporters will have to pay is a staggering 54% and this pretty much prices them out of the market. India can move to fill in this gap. Also read | Bangladesh skips India, reroutes global textile exports through Maldives That will not be easy. Indian textile players have to build significant capacity. They need to set up integrated textile facilities and this calls for a large investment. It is the right time for a production-linked incentive scheme for cotton textiles. It will help the sector ramp up its capacity, said ITFs Dhamodharan. There are other demands from the sector. TEAs Duraiswamy wants the government to lift the 11.5% import duty that has been levied on cotton imports. Cotton yield is low this year. We need to import cotton if we have to meet the demand from the US, he said. The industry is also seeking an interest equalization scheme and a textile upgrade fund. The story is similar in the case of the leather sector. In 2023-24, Indias leather exports were $4.69 billion, and the US accounted for 19% of it. As it looks, we are better off than China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh. A lot will depend on what steps the affected countries will take, said Rafeeque Ahmed, chairman at Farida Group, the largest exporter of leather shoes in India. Also read | How Indias textiles and fabrics inspire Parisian brand Maje What entrepreneurs from both the sectors fear is flooding of Chinese exports into other markets. While they may gain in the US, China has the capability to price Indian players out of markets such as the European Union and the UK. Mumbai: Indian steel and automotive companies will face no additional trade barriers over and above the previously announced 25% import duties, according to a fact sheet published by the White House shortly after US President Donald Trump announced additional reciprocal tariffs of 27% on Indian goods on Wednesday. Steel and aluminium articles, and automobiles and auto parts, on which Trump earlier announced blanket 25% tariffs, would be exempt from Wednesdays reciprocal tariffs, the White House said. Also read: Indian pharma companies escape Trumps reciprocal tariffs, for now However, existing concerns remain. While Indias automobile exports to the US are negligible, the country is a significant destination of Indian-made auto parts. India is estimated to export about $6.8 billion in auto parts to North America, as per the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). The bulk of these shipments go to the US. The 25% levy on auto parts that kicks in from 3 May could prove to be a dampener for Indian exporters. However, given the tariff is uniform across countries, trade is unlikely to shift from India to elsewhere immediately. Trade relationships in the auto industry also tend to be sticky. It is not easy for an automaker to switch parts suppliers on short notice, given the complexity of their supply chains and the time it takes to validate and bring on board new suppliers. Also read | Trumps tariff strike: India hit with 27% duty as trade war escalates A larger concern for the Indian industry is that in due course, larger suppliers of auto parts such as China may shift their exports elsewhere from the US, including to India, potentially eating into the business of domestic parts suppliers. Steel and aluminium: Small exposure, big threat Similarly, Indias steel and aluminium imports to the US are negligible, too, but concerns over China redirecting its excess production to India has the industry worried. Indias direct exposure to US steel tariffs remains limited, as exports to the US form a small share of the total steel trade," said Dhruv Goel, chief executive of BigMint, a market intelligence firm. However, the indirect impact could be significant. Any disruption in global trade flows can lead to price volatility, shifts in demand-supply dynamics, and increased competition in alternative markets," Goel said. With major steel-exporting nations diverting supplies, India may face pricing pressures and market realignments. Additionally, if global economic sentiment weakens due to protectionist policies, it could affect overall steel demand," he added. While Indias domestic steel consumption remains relatively strong, the industry must stay agile to navigate these evolving global trade challenges, Goel said. Steel stocks ended Thursday's session 0.5%-1.1% lower, in line with the Sensex, which fell 0.4% to close at 76,312.19. Steel Authority of India Limited ended the session marginally in the green. 'Auto component tariffs will hit margins' Meanwhile, the 25% tariff on auto components will weigh on the margins of Indian suppliers as it will be difficult for American carmakers to pass on the entire cost increase to customers, experts said. It needs to be seen on how higher tariffs are absorbed across the supply chain (customers, OEMs and suppliers). However, we believe there will be some impact, which the suppliers will have to bear, leading to negative implications on margins," analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities said in a note on Wednesday. Also read | In charts: How exposed is India to Trumps reciprocal tariffs? Shares of automotive component companies with a high exposure to the US fell on Thursday. These included Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (-3.45%), Bharat Forge Ltd (-3.125), Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd (-2.61%) and Endurance Technologies Ltd (-1.22). American automakers are lobbying for an exemption on tariffs for key parts such as engines, Bloomberg reported. Tesla chief Elon Musk, a staunch ally of US President Trump, said earlier on X that the tariffs would have a significant impact on his electric car company, given that it buys parts from overseas. Plans to upgrade Indias lone state-owned chip fabrication unit have picked up pace, with the Centre meeting 35 companies last month in a bid to evaluate their roles in a potential deal that is worth 4,000 crore. According to two executives aware of the matter, companies like TCS, HCLTech, Israel-based Tower Semiconductors, and US firms such as Applied Materials, KLA Corporation, and IBM, among others, are vying for the opportunity to bring the existing 180-nanometre (nm) semiconductor production line of Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali up to speed and eventually move into more advanced chips. These companies are expected to submit their bids soon, one of the two executives said on condition of anonymity. The last day to submit the bids is 16 April. Companies like IBM, Belgium-based IMEC, and Tower Semiconductors can help SCL with advanced technology transfers, whereas the major role for equipment replacements can be done by firms such as Applied Materials and KLA," the executive cited above said, adding that IT services companies such as TCS and HCLTech can help with gap analysis and consultation because of their expertise in managing similar projects. Also read | Inox Group companies prepare for semiconductor boom, LNG growth prospects in India Queries emailed to HCLTech, TCS, IBM, IMEC, Tower Semiconductors, and KLA did not elicit any response till press time. It's our policy not to comment on speculation," said Applied Materials in response to Mint's query over email. In 2023, the company had announced an investment of $400 million to build an engineering centre in Bengaluru. The centre will focus on the development of semiconductor manufacturing equipment technologies. Significance of the deal SCLs current tender to revamp its existing facility is divided into three packages or tasks, which involve gap analysis and cleanroom modifications, technology transfers, and replacement of decades-old equipment. The companies can bid for multiple packages as well as through consortium mode. The development assumes as once SCL modernises itself completely, it would be Indias very own company of strategic importance to develop the countrys semiconductor ecosystem. With modernisation, SCL would be the only option available for research and development (R&D), especially for chip design companies in the country to do prototyping and low volume production," a government official said, requesting anonymity. Read this | 2025 to be Indias year in semiconductors and data protection: Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw The official added that currently, chip design companies have to tap global firms such as a TSMC or a GlobalFoundries to get even limited samples of chips before actual production can start. This not only incurs huge costs but also limits their ability to do failure analysis, testing, and identify any challenges in manufacturing or assembly firsthand. After upgrading the current fabrication line, the plan is to develop SCL to produce chips using more advanced technologies, such as 65 nm and 40 nm nodes," the official added. Nodes refer to the specific technology or size of the transistors used in semiconductor chips. These nodes are measured in nanometres (nm), and as the number decreases, the transistors become smaller and more efficient. For modernisation to lower nodes, SCL is also in touch with Tata Electronics, according to the official cited above. Tata Electronics is setting up its own fabrication unit in the country with Taiwan-based Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC). The company can provide SCL with the requisite technology needed for its modernisation. Tata Electronics refused to comment on Mint's queries. Also read | Adani plans to invest $3 bn to kickstart semiconductor biz via JVs with two Israeli firms Under the India Semiconductor Mission, the government has earmarked around 10,000 crore for modernisation of SCL as of now. However, the budget is expected to go up once it forays into manufacturing advanced chips," the official quote above said. Strategic move, but... SCL modernisation is a strategic imperative planned and propelled by the government with a budget outlay of $1 billion that will be the core and sole kinetics to meet the LVM (low-volume manufacturing) needs of varied essential chip startups, academia and government catering to industrial, IoT, automotive, governance, space and defence needs of the country," said Danish Faruqui, CEO of Fab Economics, a US-based boutique semiconductor fab/OSAT greenfield projects advisory and implementation consultancy. At the same time, Faruqui feels there is a critical gap in the SCL modernisation programthe absence of a government-sponsored, domain-competent semiconductor technical services firm. Such a firm can act as a government-appointed neutral project management consultant (PMC) and ensure governance and compliance for different stages for the success of the project, he said. Indias chip maker SCL has been serving strategic sectors like space and satellites, railways, and telecom, among others by supplying them 180 nm chips. It recently started offering end-to-end support including lower-volume production of chips, testing, prototyping, and packaging, to design startups in the country. And read | TCS working with Tata Electronics to build first made-in-India chips The focus of SCLs current upgradation is also to increase the production line capacity to 1,500 WSPM (wafer starts per month) from about 700 WSPM. A wafer is a thin, flat disk made of silicon (or sometimes other materials) that serves as the base for creating integrated circuits (ICs) or chips. WSPM refers to the number of semiconductor wafers that are processed or started in a semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) within one month. New Delhi: Indias micro, small, and medium enterprises have new definitions that promise to open doors wider for them this financial year as well as improve their chances of securing delayed payments faster. The union government, in a notification dated 21 March, amended the definitions of micro, small, and medium enterprises, raising limits for investments in plant and machinery as well as turnover from this fiscal year. The new definitions will push a considerable number of medium-sized businesses into the category of small enterprises, allowing them access to benefits such as the governments public procurement policy, the government's e-marketplace (GeM) for exports, and access to dispute resolution services for delayed payments. Indias Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, which came into force in 2006, allowed only micro and small enterprises access to certain benefits, leaving out businesses categorised as medium-sized enterprises. Also read | Govt plans to decriminalise MSMEs minor defaults Delayed payments have been the most common issue plaguing Indias MSMEs, especially if this involved micro and small enterprises trying to secure dues from large companies. Now, a larger number of newly categorised micro and small enterprises can avail the services of the Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Councils (MSEFCs), which use methods such as arbitration, conciliation, and mediation to resolve delayed payments disputes. But of the 28,398 crore payable to MSMEs from 92,794 cases filed, MSEFCs had resolved only 50,507 disputes over dues worth about 8,740 crore as of 12 March, as per the governments Samadhaan platform for tracking disputes related to delayed payments. In terms of wider market access, more micro and small enterprises can now supply their goods and services to the government. Under the Centres public procurement policy, every ministry and public sector undertaking has to procure at least 25% of its needs from micro and small enterprises. All public procurement is handled on the government e-marketplace. Also read | How Tally, bookkeeper to Indias MSMEs, is harnessing AI An imperative move Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget for 2025-26 proposed wider definitions for micro, small and medium enterprises, saying this would help them achieve higher efficiencies of scale, technological upgradation and better access to capital". MSME industry associations naturally welcomed the new definitions, saying these now align closer with global standards. The change in definition is a natural step taken by the government to align the definition of Indian SMEs with the size and turnover limits prevalent around the world," said Vinod Kumar, president, India SME Forum. With the CBAM and other trade barriers springing up around the world, it was imperative to offer similar protection to our MSME exporters, as is available to SMEs in developed markets," he said. CBAM refers to the European Unions Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanismthe worlds first carbon border tax on imports of carbon-intensive goods such as steel, cement, fertilisers, and aluminium to meet the regions climate target. Also read | How MSMEs can access loans up to 1 crore without collaterala complete guide As per the new definitions, micro businesses can invest up to 2.5 crore in plant and machinery and have an annual turnover of up to 10 crore. Their earlier limits were 1 crore and 5 crore, respectively. The government has similarly tweaked the investment and turnover limits that are used to categorise small and medium enterprises. Now, small enterprises are defined as those with investment in plant and machinery under 25 crore and turnover under 100 crore. The definition of medium enterprises has been widened to include investment up to 125 crore and turnover up to 500 crore. Previously, the investment limit for medium enterprises was 50 crore and turnover had to be under 250 crore. As of November, India had about 61.62 million micro enterprises, 470,492 small enterprises, and 34,752 medium-sized businesses, as per the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises Udyam registration platform. Under the new definitions, about 12,000 entities with up to 500 crore of turnover will be eligible to register as a medium enterprise, per industry estimates. What is this equity conversion all about? In the telecom sector, there are certain regulatory payments that an operator has to make to the government. These are for spectrum usage (pre-2022), licence fee as percentage of their adjusted gross revenue, and spectrum purchase. In Vis case, this is the second time the government has converted part of the dues into equity. Vi, which otherwise would have had to pay the dues in cash, has now given it equity shares (49%) to settle part of it. The operator is in financial distress and needs government support to survive. The government can sell those shares when it wants. How does this equity conversion benefit Vi? As of December 2024, Vis total debt was around 2.3 trillion. Of this, 77,000 crore was AGR (adjusted gross revenue) liability and 1.4 trillion was the spectrum liability. In 2021, as part of the telecom relief package, the government had imposed a four-year moratorium on some AGR dues from spectrum auctions held before 2021. The moratorium is set to expire in September this year. In the absence of any relief, Vi would have had to bear an outgo of 40,000 crore every year. The conversion cuts its debt by 17%, so regulatory payments in FY26 and FY27 are estimated at 18,600 crore and 23,600 crore. Is Vi completely out of the woods? Analysts say the move eases existential concerns for two to three years. Going by Vis free cash flow estimates of 15,583 crore in FY25, analysts believe it will need another support from the government in the medium term to stay afloat. Ambit Capital says Vi needs an average revenue per user (Arpu) of over 300 compared with 173 to be financially viable. Also read | Resistance is futile: AI is now writing code Cant the firm just raise bank debt? Vi has been looking to raise 25,000 crore from banks in debt for long. However, its heavy dues and weak financial position mean the banks have been reluctant to lend to the company. With the government increasing its ownership in the operator, the equity conversion signals strong support. Banks, however, would want to see more government backing in the company before lending. Analysts foresee more government support, which would enable the company to raise bank debt and complete its capex. Also read | Moving flights? Terminal shift worries airlines What does this mean for the sector? For the telecom sector, it signals a three-player private sector with one public operator, BSNL. The government wanted to support Vi to end the duopoly of Airtel and Jio, experts said. The cash flow relief to Vi may also slow down market share shifts towards Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, as Vi could spend more on network expansion and 5G launch. Also, if the government decides to provide relief on the pending AGR dues to telecom operators in future, it will benefit both Airtel and Vi, according to analysts. New Delhi: Donald Trump's sweeping reciprocal tariffs threaten to disrupt Indian exports in key sectors like engineering and electronic goods, potentially reshaping supply chains and shrinking export revenue as businesses brace for impact. With the US being the leading destination for India's engineering exports, the sector is likely to suffer till India strengthens its presence in other markets or finds respite for the sector in the upcoming trade deal. India's electronics exports too will face pressure from reciprocal tariffs. However, relatively higher tariffs on rivals like Vietnam, China, Bangladesh and Cambodia could ease some of the impact on India. "Our preliminary estimate is that engineering goods exports to the US could drop by $4-5 billion in the first year. The exact impact on engineering exports to the US cannot be determined at present since it will depend on the ability of the American market to absorb these duties," said Pankaj Chadha, chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council of (EEPC) India. "Going forward, Indian engineering exporters need to diversify export markets to minimize the impact of the higher US tariff. As India and the US are engaged in negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) we hope it will lessen the impact of the proposed tariff on Indian goods," Chadha added. Also Read: Are Trumps tariff rates made up? Heres how they may have been calculated India's exports to the US in FY24 included $17.63 billion in engineering goods and $10.05 billion in electronics, compared to $18.68 billion and $5.76 billion, respectively, in the previous year, according to the commerce ministry. During the April-February period of FY25, Indian engineering exports to the US stood at $17.27 billion, registering a year-on-year growth of 8.3% as compared to $15.95 billion in the April-February period of FY2023- 24. During the same period, electronic goods exports to the US stood at $11.87 billion, up from $10.5 billion in the year-ago period. To be sure, the reciprocal tariff will apply above the basic customs duty, which is nearly zero for most Indian exports to the US. The current average weighted tariff of Indian exports to US is 3.7%. The US's sector-wide average tariffs on India for electronic products stands at 0.41%, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Meanwhile, the electronics sector is one of the fastest-growing export sectors for Indian exporters. Smartphone exports to the US have surged substantially from $128 million in 2021-22 to $5.6 billion in 2023-24, in value terms. According to GTRI, smartphones and telecom equipment drove India's export growth, adding $6.2 billion17.2% of the total increase from 2017 to 2023. Also read | Trumps reciprocal tariffs: India braces for economic ripples "Some of the critical export sectors to the US, like electronics, gems and jewellery will feel the pinch of reciprocal tariffs. However, the point to note is that countries competing with us in the export market for some of these items, like Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, and Cambodia have been hit by even higher tariffs, hence for India the adverse impact on exports could be relatively lower," said Rajani Sinha, chief economist at CareEdge Ratings. "We expect the overall impact of the reciprocal tariff on India at around 0.2-0.3% of GDP. This takes into account some weakening of the Indian rupee that will partially blunt the impact of the higher tariffs," Sinha added. In comparison, India's real GDP is estimated to reach 187.95 trillion by the end of FY25, with 0.3% of GDP amounting to about 0.56 trillion. However, as it stands, India and the US are negotiating a trade agreement, whose successful conclusion could ease the tariff burden on certain Indian exports. In its latest report on reciprocal tariffs, Jefferies Equity Research stated that the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between India and the US could be set for a late 2025 rollout. The agreement could lead to higher defence and oil/gas imports from the US, potentially strengthening Indias position in tariff negotiations, it added. Both gold and silver have seen impressive rallies in the current calendar year, gaining in double-digits. While trade war jitters and hopes of monetary easing are driving the bullion to record high level, the rally in silver prices comes amid growing industrial demand from solar and electronics industries. In 2025, MCX gold prices have risen 18% to a record high level of 91,696 per 10 grams, which the yellow metal touched today (April 3), as the latest round of tariff imposition by US President Donald Trump further strengthened safe-haven demand. Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on 180 countries, further escalating global trade tensions. Trump unveiled new duties on trading partners, including India, using tariffs as a bargaining tool to push for lower duties on American goods. While this move played out well for bullion investors, silver did not see a similar fate. Silver futures on the MCX tumbled 3% to 97,080 per kilogram as the same tariffs are expected to dent industrial demand, wherein silver has a wide usage. Despite this fall, the white metal has gained 11% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis, and topped the coveted 1,00,000 mark. "Silvers fundamental look is impressive, but the fear of an economic slowdown due to the trade war may affect silvers industrial demand and cause a short-term correction in the price. Safe-haven demand, strong central bank buying, and robust ETF inflows will continue to support gold prices," said Anuj Gupta, Head Commodity & Currency at HDFC Securities. Time to sell silver & buy gold? Even the rising gold-silver ratio is signalling towards a growing cautious sentiment among market participants, driving demand for gold. This ratio is used by investors to assess the relative value between gold and silver. It measures how many ounces of silver are needed to buy one ounce of gold. Often, market experts use this to gauge the prevailing investor sentiment. A higher ratio, denoting the demand for gold, means investors are becoming more risk-averse and prefer the safety of gold. This is visible with the record high gold prices in both domestic and international markets. The gold-silver ratio reached a three-year high in the international market, and analysts believe it may retest the 100 and 105 levels soon. They expect silver to remain subdued, recommending buying gold over silver. "We believe that silver prices will remain under pressure in the short term, so traders can adopt a strategy where they sell silver and buy gold and set up trades when the ratio is 9293, and one can book profit around the 100 level and keep a stop loss at 88," said Gupta. If both gold and silver rise but the ratio remains elevated, it reflects continued underperformance by silver. This divergence could signal an impending correction, said Ajay Kedia, Director, Kedia Advisory. He advised investors to remain cautious, as silver may crash sharply if momentum fails to sustain. Advance Agrolife Limited, an agrochemical company engaged in manufacturing a wide range of agrochemical products that support the entire lifecycle of crops, has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with capital markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), to raise funds through Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO, with a face value of 10, is entirely a fresh issue of shares up to 19,285,720 with no offer-for-sale component. The proceeds from the fresh issue to the extent of 135 crore for funding working capital requirements and general corporate purposes, as per company's DRHP report. The offer is being made through the book-building process, wherein not more than 50% of the net offer is allocated to qualified institutional buyers, and not less than 15% and 35% of the net offer are assigned to non-institutional and retail individual bidders, respectively. About the Company The company commenced commercial operations in 2002 with small-scale production, initially focused on mixing micronutrient fertilizers. As of date, it manufactures Technical Grade and Formulation Grade agrochemical products through its integrated manufacturing facilities. The products designed by the company are used in the cultivation of major cereals, vegetables, and horticultural crops across both agri-seasons (Kharif and Rabi) in India. It manufactures formulation-grade agrochemicals in various forms such as water-dispersible granules (WDG), suspension concentrate (SC), emulsifiable concentrate (EC), capsule suspension, wettable powder (WP), etc. Since 2008, it has manufactured 188,920 MT of agrochemical products, according to the DRHP. As of the date of the Draft Red Herring Prospectus, the company has obtained 404 generic registrations comprising 376 formulation-grade registrations and 28 technical-grade registrations for its agrochemical products. The company's product portfolio includes insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators. It also manufactures other agrochemical products such as micronutrient fertilizers and biofertilizers. The products are primarily sold domestically through direct sales to corporate customers on a B-2-B basis, across the country, particularly in 19 states and 3 union territories. In addition to serving the domestic market, the products were also exported to 7 countries, including the UAE, Bangladesh, China (including Hong Kong), Turkey, Egypt, Kenya, and Nepal. Client Base The company's marquee corporate customers include DCM Shriram Limited, IFFCO MC Crop Science Private Limited, Indogulf Cropsciences Limited, Mankind Agritech Private Limited, HPM Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited, ULink AgriTech Private Limited, and others. "In fiscal 2024, out of the 1,194 corporate customers, 98 have been associated for more than 3 years. The company primarily operates through its three manufacturing facilities located in Jaipur, and it is well supported by robust infrastructure, including dedicated storage for raw materials and finished goods. As of September 30, 2024, the total installed capacity stood at 89,900 MTPA," the company said in its DRHP report. Stock Market Today: Shakti Pumps, a leading Indian manufacturer of solar pumps and motors, saw its shares jump 4.3% in intraday trade on Thursday, April 2, reaching 1,011 apiece following an order win from the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA). In its filing to the exchanges today, the company informed that it has received a Letter of Award from MEDA for 445 off-grid Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems (SPWPS) at various locations across Maharashtra under Component-B of the PM-KUSUM scheme. The total value of the work order is approximately 12.42 crore (inclusive of GST). The company ended the December quarter with an order book of 20,700 million, which it expects to be completed within a year. During the quarter, the company received a Letter of Empanelment for 25,000 pumps, amounting to 7,543 million (inclusive of GST) under the Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Scheme in Maharashtra, along with an order for 3,174 pumps from the Haryana Renewable Energy Department (HAREDA), valued at 1,163.6 million (inclusive of GST). Recognized as a leading manufacturer in the Indian pump industry, Shakti Pumps holds a dominant market position with a 25% share in the domestic solar pump market under the PM-KUSUM scheme, an initiative aimed at transforming India's agriculture sector. With the diversification of orders beyond the PM-KUSUM scheme, such as the Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Scheme, the company remains confident about its growth prospects. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, the government estimates that over 14 lakh solar pumps will be installed under Component B (off-grid pumps) and 35 lakh solar pumps under Component C (on-grid pumps). Recent developments The company recently invested an additional 60 million in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Shakti EV Mobility. It has subscribed to 6 million equity shares with a face value of Rs10 each to expand its operations. With this investment, the company's consolidated stake in Shakti EV Mobility has increased to 450 million. Shakti EV Mobility is engaged in the manufacturing of various types of electric vehicle motors and charger controllers. Wealth creator in the Indian stock market The company's shares have rebounded sharply in March, gaining 21.36% following a two-month slump. This decline came after a remarkable rally between March 2023 and December 2024, resulting in a stellar gain of 1,483%. Also Read | SPML Infra hits upper circuit after collaborating with US energy major Since November 25, the companys shares have been trading ex-bonus, following a 5:1 bonus share issuance. Over the last two years, the stock has surged by 1,368%, while in the past five years, it has delivered an extraordinary return of 5,180%. Stocks to buy under 100: The Indian stock market snapped a two-day losing streak and finished higher on Wednesday. The Nifty 50 index ended 166 points higher at 23,332, the BSE Sensex finished 592 points northward at 76,617, and the Bank Nifty index went up 520 points and closed at 51,348. This resurgence was driven by broad-based buying across sectors. However, trading volumes in the NSE cash market were notably subdued, down 7% from Tuesday and hitting their lowest point since March 17, 2025. Midcap and smallcap indices significantly outperformed the benchmark Indices. The Nifty Midcap 100 surged by 1.61%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 1.12%. The advance-decline ratio on the BSE was robust at 2.60, indicating strong market breadth and marking its highest level since March 19th. All sectoral indices closed in positive territory. Leading the charge were Nifty Realty, Consumer Durables, and FMCG. The Nifty Realty index's 3.6% jump is likely fueled by growing expectations of a repo rate cut by the RBI in its upcoming monetary policy meeting next week, April 7-9. Trump's tariffs On how US President Donald Trump's tariffs may impact the Indian stock market today, Amit Jain, Co-Founder of Ashika Global Family Office Services, said, "Trump's decision on reciprocal taxes introduces a new wave of uncertainty in global trade dynamics. For India, this could mean short-term volatility in equity markets, especially in export-driven sectors like automobiles, pharma, and IT. While selective large-cap stocks from these sectors may face pressure due to tariff headwinds, India's strong domestic consumption story remains resilient. Investors should brace for fluctuations but focus on long-term opportunities in sectors less impacted by global trade tensions." Stock market today Speaking on the outlook for the Indian stock market today, Siddhartha Khemka, Head of ResearchWealth Management at Motilal Oswal, said, "The Indian stock market is expected to remain volatile as it reacts to the tariff announcements, taking cues from the initial response of the global markets." On the outlook for the Nifty 50 today, Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities, said, "Wednesday's market action signals the possible formation of the higher bottom at 23,136. However, US President Donald Trump's tariff decision on India could result in the extreme opening of Indian markets on Thursday on either side. Immediate support for Nifty today is at 23,100, and the next overhead resistance to be watched at 23,400 and 23,650, respectively." Asked about the outlook of Bank Nifty today, Om Mehra, Technical Research Analyst at SAMCO Securities, said, The Bank Nifty index is currently oscillating in a tight range between 50,700 and 51,900, forming a box pattern after a sharp up-move, suggesting a phase of time-wise correction. In the broader view, Nifty Bank is forming a flag pattern, although confirmation is still awaited. The index is above the daily super trend support, a trailing stop level for positional traders. However, a breakout above 51,900 is crucial to resume bullish momentum. Stocks to buy under 100 Regarding intraday stocks for today under 100, market experts Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking; Vaishali Parekh, Vice President of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher; Mahesh M Ojha, AVP of research at Hensex Securities; and Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment and Securitiesrecommended these five shares to buy on Thursday: SJVN, PNB, Meghmani Organics, Restaurant Brands, and Oswal Agro Mills. Sumeet Bagadia's intraday stocks for today 1] SJVN: Buy at 93 to 93.50, targets 98 and 100, stop loss 90. Vaishali Parekh's share to buy under 100 2] PNB: Buy at 97.30, target 110, stop loss 93. Mahesh M Ojha's stocks to buy under 100 3] Meghmani Organics: Buy at 65.50 to 66.50, targets 68, 70, 72, and 75, stop loss 64; and 4] Restaurant Brands: Buy at 66 to 67, targets 69, 71, 74, and 76, stop loss 64.80. Anshul Jain's intraday stock 5] Oswal Agro Mills: Buy at 82, target 87, stop loss 80 (closing Basis). Shares of Avanti Feeds and Apex Frozen Foods declined by 7% and 19%, respectively, in Thursday's trading session following US President Donald Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including India. These companies are notably heavily reliant on exports to the US, with a large portion of their revenues coming from the American market. During his speech last night, Trump presented a chart detailing the tariff rates the US will impose on various nations. In relation to India, the chart indicated that the country imposed a 52% tariff on US goods, citing "currency manipulation and trade barriers," and the US would now apply "discounted reciprocal tariffs" of 26% on India. US Market Accounts for 40% of Exports The US is the largest market, accounting for $2.4 billion of the $5.6 billion worth of shrimp exported from India. Indian shrimp represent 40% of the market share in the US. According to a report by CNBC TV18, Avanti Feeds generated 69% of its total revenue from the North American market in the December quarter, a decrease from 82% in the same quarter the previous year. In its investor presentation for the December quarter, Apex Frozen Foods revealed that 52% of its total revenue was derived from the United States. In a recent note, InCred Equities mentioned that the newly imposed 45% tariff (which includes Anti-Dumping Duty, Countervailing Duty, and tariffs initiated by Trump) will significantly increase the cost of Indian shrimp in the US, potentially leading to a halt in supplies. Competing nations such as Ecuador, Vietnam, and Indonesia will not gain any advantages, resulting in a cessation of shrimp exports to the US. Indian shrimp exporters will begin to explore other markets, such as China, Europe, and the Middle East, to compensate for the downturn in the US market, it said. Supermarkets in the US are likely to run out of supplies within the next 24 hours, which will prompt a reevaluation of food prices. These prices cannot remain once the supermarkets deplete their inventories, as per InCred. The tariff components include an Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) of approximately 2% - 4%, a Countervailing Duty (CVD) of about 5.8%, a universal baseline tariff of 10%, and a reciprocal tariff of 26%, totaling 45%. Technical Views Avanti Feeds share price today opened at 851 apiece on the BSE. The stock touched an intraday high of 880 and an intraday low of 720 per share. Rajesh Bhosale, Equity Technical and Derivative Analyst at Angel One stated that Avanti Feeds share price today is under tremendous pressure, down around 18%. This weakness is likely to extend in the near term, and bottom fishing should be avoided. The next key support for the stock is at 200 SMA, placed around 670, whereas any bounce may face resistance around 780, which is 50 DEMA, Bhosale said. Apex Frozen Foods share price today opened at 211 apiece on the BSE, and the stock touched an intraday low of 199.25 per share and an intraday high of 211.75 apiece. Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment and Securities, explained that the Apex Frozen share price, after a bear market rally, has returned to its basing lows of the 180-200 zone. However, this marks the fourth test of the base, and typically, a fourth retest weakens support, increasing the likelihood of a breakdown, he added. There is no visible buying interest from institutions, and volumes have dried up, signaling a lack of accumulation. Given these factors, we expect the 180-200 zone to be breached in the coming weeks, potentially leading to further downside pressure. Traders should exercise caution as a breakdown could accelerate selling momentum, Jain said. Mumbai: While Asian markets were in full-blown chaos after US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, effectively declaring a trade war with over 180 countries, Indian equities showed relative resilience. Gift Nifty futures took a hit earlier this morning, dropping nearly 2%, while Indian benchmark indices Nifty 50 and S&P BSE Sensex fell 1% in pre-open trade. However, Nifty 50 and Sensex later trimmed some losses, ending the days trade at 0.42% and 0.35% lower, respectively. In comparison, Japans Nikkei 225 fell 2.77%, Hong Kongs Hang Seng ended 1.57% lower, and South Koreas Kospi was down 0.76%. Madhavi Arora, lead economist at Emkay Global Financial Services, believes Asia peers had taken a harder hit from tariffs than India, partly because India is less export-dependent compared to emerging markets in Asia. However, she does not expect India to completely escape the cyclical downturn affecting the region. In the near to medium term, the US dollar could make a comeback as recession fears mount, Arora says. At the same time, she warned of looming dirty foreign exchange wars as countries gear up to navigate the ongoing trade conflict. In the short term, she expects a broad rise in risk premium across emerging market assets. Trump fired up global trade tensions by announcing a baseline 10% tariff on all imports starting 5 April, with additional reciprocal tariffs on specific countries from 9 April. India will be hit with a 26% tariff, while Chinas rate soars to 54%, up from the previous 20%. Its a bold move set to rattle international markets. According to Arora, Sector-specific tariffs will also be imposed, but those sectors will not be part of the country-level tariffs". For example, Indian autos will face a 25% tariff, imposed on all autos globally, and not the country-level tariff of 26% (or 26% +25%), she explained. Kranthi Bathini, director of equity strategy at WealthMills Securities, sees Trumps aggressive tariff move as a stark warning of just how intense this trade war might get. By leaving no loopholes for any nation, Trump has made it clear he means business. Bathini expects this to unleash a wave of volatility across global markets in the near to medium termwhile the US itself might just be flirting with a recession. Also Read: In charts: How Trumps reciprocal tariff plans could impact India For context, the US keeps it pretty light on tariffs compared to many other countries. For example, it imposes a 2.5% tariff on passenger vehicle imports with internal combustion engines, while the European Union slaps 20%, India a hefty 70%, and China 15%. When it comes to network switches and routers, the US charges zero, but India isnt so lenient with a 10% tariff. Similarly, ethanol faces a mere 2.5% tariff in the US, but Brazil and Indonesia hit it with 18% and 30%, respectively. As for rice in the husk, the US charges just 2.7%, while India goes up to 80%, Malaysia 40%, and Turkey averages around 31%. Even apples, which enter the US duty-free, get taxed heavily in Turkey (60.3%) and India (50%). We will have to consider the impact of the tariffs across the world, a negative for global GDP, negative for India and Indian markets," said Sanjeev Prasad, Co-head of Institutional Equities, Kotak Institutional Equities. This would lead to earnings downgrades, impacting sectors such as chemicals, engineering goods and even IT because even though it is a tax on goods imports, it will lead to slowdown in demand and eventually in corporate spends on IT, he said. Although pharma is exempt for now, he doubts it will stay that way for long. While some domestically focused businesses might feel less of an impact, the overall outlook remains negative. Also read | The Great Escape: As investors abandon US for greener pastures, Indian stocks stand to benefit Anirudh Garg, partner and fund manager at Invasset PMS, points out that key export-oriented sectors like electronics, textiles, gems & jewellery, auto parts, and processed foods are feeling the heat from steep US duties. However, theres a silver liningpharma, a cornerstone of Indias exports, has been spared for now. Thats a big relief, given that Indian pharma meets over 40% of the US generic drug demand. Along with IT services and select chemicals, these sectors remain outside the tariff stormfor the time being. For India, this split offers an opportunity to double down on sectors like pharma that retain global competitiveness despite geopolitical churn," Garg said. Even so, there is still a lot to unpack in the coming days as more details emerge about the specific impact on individual products from different companies. Plus, companies will soon start sharing how they plan to tackle the fallout. "Even though India remains one of the more resilient markets from a long-term perspective, global uncertainties could lead to continued volatility in the short to medium term," said Sankaran Naren, CIO, ICICI Prudential AMC. He said that the US economya major engine of global growthcould face a slowdown due to tariffs and broader economic worries, creating a volatile environment for both global and Indian markets. However, he believed the Indian economy is well-positioned to weather the storm. Not a big change for India, prima facie, as it doesn't hurt our relative advantage in trade compared to countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam etc, where higher tariffs have been slapped and where we can now compete more effectively in traditional sectors such as garments and gems and jewellery. It's probable that markets have priced this in and not reacted too negatively," said Devina Mehra, founder and chairperson, First Global. It wasnt an April Fools Day joke after all. As soon as the invite to Vivienne Westwoods 1 April show in Mumbai landed as a WhatsApp text, many thought it was a prank. It was going to be the first-ever India show by the British brand, which doesnt have a store in the country as yet. It was going to be a collection with Khadi as a highlightexperimentations with one Indian fabric on a global stage are unheard of. It was going to be traditional meets ready-to-wear meets couture meets punk, an extraordinary marriage the fashion world hadnt seen in years. It was all of this minus the extraordinary-ness. On Tuesday, while hundreds of attendees sat through an hour of summer heat and rain, with the front-row occupied by celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, over 60 looks were presented on a 166ft long runway with a scaffolding-clad Gateway of India as the backdrop. Creative head Andreas Kronthaler had stitched Khadi cotton, handwoven Chanderi silk, raw silk, sand Muga silk and wool into flowing dresses, power-shouldered coats, puff-sleeved kurtas and ghagras accentuated with Victorian era-esque hoop skirts. All ideas that celebrated the fluidity of Indian textiles and the late Westwoods love for history and punk gestures, but only on paper. The delivery was mediocre. A striped beige-grey Khadi dress came with puff sleeves, an angrakha-style tie-up detailing near the thigh and a pallu-like trail. A mishmash of too many thoughts, making the look seem ill-fitted, confused and hasty. Another difficult-to-describe ensemble, which combined a corset with a floor-length kurtaor was it a kaftan?lacked the level of craftsmanship one would expect from an independent brand known to produce edgy fashion since 1971. There were some garments that stood out, like a purple-pink ikat skirt (it was shown at the Paris show last year) and a white silk dress reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaws famous bridal gown in Sex & The City, but they were overshadowed by mediocre styling. It all made one wonder: what was the idea behind the show that was a collaboration between Vivienne Westwood, Maharashtra governments textile department and Pune-based Vivz Fashion School? We want to test the market," Carlo DAmario, Vivienne Westwood CEO, told Lounge before the show. This is the first time we have taken Khadi from here (from Khadi India and Aaranya, the textile initiative by Gwaliors Priyadarshini Scindia) to our atelier in London. We plan to open a store soon (in Mumbai)." At present, Vivienne Westwood clothes, jewellery and accessories are only available at four outlets of The Collective, a multi-designer store that has presence in over 10 cities. The Westwood brand was launched in autumn-winter 2024, says Amit Pande, business head of The Collective and international brands at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. Over 14% of Vivienne sales are online," he says. Theres, of course, a demand for international brands in India. Brands are also eyeing us, given how young and bright this market is. And a fashion show helps them put their word out." Or, help create viral moments, which seems to be the demand of the day in the world of fashion. The 1 April show fell flat in that aspect as well. What it excelled at was offering an idea of what international brands should not do to make their presence felt. For starters, location is crucial. The Gateway was also the venue for Diors first-ever collection showcase in 2023. While the Dior clothes, created in collaboration with Mumbais Chanakya School of Craft, didnt push the envelope in terms of shape and style, they did bring attention to the Indian artisan. Tuesdays show talked about celebrating the Indian artisan in the show notes but it reflected neither in the clothes nor the silhouettes. View Full Image From the 1 April show DAmario told Lounge that the reason for choosing Khadi was that it was a fabric related to freedom and we are an independent brand, and we had to present it here (at the Gateway) because I have fond memories of this place when I first came here decades ago". Second, India is a fast-developing market where the consumer wants unique garments that acknowledge, if not elevate, cultural nuances, tastes and sensibilitiessomething the Vivienne Westwood collection fell short of. Asked what people should take away from the show, DAmario said: Fashion is no longer dictated by the Vogues of the world or famous photographers, celebrities and stylists. That power has shifted to the consumer, especially after social media. The consumer decides what works and what doesntand we will always listen to that very carefully." Going by the first showcase, they might have to put their ear a little closer to the ground in India. Visa has reportedly offered Apple a whopping $100 million to take over the tech giant's credit card partnership, replacing Mastercard, reported Reuters quoting Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. Visa has made a bold push to secure the Apple Card, offering an upfront payment typically reserved for the largest card programs, WSJ reported. Visa declined to Reuters' request for comment. Reportedly, American Express is also aiming to unseat Mastercard to win the Apple card. Amex wants to be the card's issuer as well as the network, the report said, citing the sources. Another partnership Goldman Sachs and Apple, which launched their credit card partnership in 2019 with Mastercard as the payment processor, have ended the alliance, according to a report from November 2023. Several financial firms are vying to replace Goldman as the credit card partner. Reuters reported in January that Apple was in talks with Barclays and Synchrony Financial to become the tech giant's credit card partner. JPMorgan Chase has also been in talks with Apple about the business since last year, Reuters had reported previously, Reuters reported. Also Read | What are UPI credit cards and why to opt for them? All you need to know Goldman entered the consumer business nearly a decade ago, aiming to broaden its revenue beyond its traditional mainstays of trading and investment banking. By late 2022, the Wall Street powerhouse decided to scale down its retail ambitions after setting aside billions of dollars to cover potential losses in the business. Hyderabad rains: Heavy rains lashed Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana, offering much-needed relief from sweltering heat but also bringing daily life to a standstill. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in Hyderabad and nearby districts in the coming days, accompanied by thunderstorms. Videos and images from Hyderabad captured vehicles submerged in water and residents struggling to navigate through knee-deep floodwaters on waterlogged streets and roads as incessant showers reduced visibility. According to reports, Alwal, Banjara Hills, Begumpet, ECIL Cross Roads, Habsiguda, Jubilee Hills, Kapra, Karkhana, Masab Tank, Paradise, Punjagutta, Sainikpuri, Tarnaka and Trimulgherry have received heavy rainfall today. A public transport bus stuck in a waterlogged railway underpass following rain, in Hyderabad. While two farmers lost their lives after being struck by lightning while working in their fields during a thunderstorm in Nagarkurnool, Telangana, rainwater has also reportedly entered some of the residence in Yakutpura constituency. Damages have also been reported from some parts of the state. According to The Siasat Daily, the north-east minaret of the historic Charminar was damaged in the heavy rains. According to the Hyderabad traffic police, heavy waterlogging was reported at Malakpet RUB causing traffic congestion on both sides of the road, from Nalgonda X Roads to Azampura and vice versa. The fire brigade is on-site, working to clear the waterlogging. Commuters are requested to take alternate route, the traffic police said in a statement. According to ANI, the bodies of the two farmers who have died during the thunderstorm were shifted to PME center and later handed them over to their families. In a horrific incident, a 19-year-old woman labourer from Bihar state was allegedly raped by two men near a railway station in Bengaluru. According to police, the incident took place near KR Puram railway station in the early hours of Wednesday. The victim, along with her cousin, was walking towards Mahadevapura to get food when two unidentified men stopped them. The accused allegedly attacked the victim's cousin and restrained him, while one of them dragged the woman to a secluded area and sexually assaulted her. Some passersby who heard the victim's cries for help, rushed to the spot, forcing the assailants to flee. However, some people managed to catch one of the accused, identified as Ashif, and handed him over to the police. The other suspect remains at large. The victim has been working in Kattappan town of Kerala, but decided to return home as she was unhappy with the job. She took a railway ticket for Mangaluru but used the same to reach Bengaluru. A case has been registered against the two accused and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the second accused. Maharashtra news: 2 men booked for raping woman in Thane A case was registered by police against a man and his driver for allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman in Thane district of Maharashtra on a false promise of job. The prime accused in the case, identified as Surendra Patil, is a resident of Thakurli near Dombivli in the district and is known for his short videos on social media platform Instagram. The victim, a resident of Nashik district, alleged in her complaint lodged at the Manpada police station that Patil sexually assaulted her between February 16 and March 29 this year on the false promise of providing her a job at the Mumbai international airport. In an unfortunate incident, at least eight people died in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa after inhaling suspected toxic gas inside well. The incident took place around 4 pm at Kondavat village in the Chaigaon Makhan area when the deceased persons entered the well to clean it on the occasion of 'Gangour' festival. The deceased were identified as Sharan Sukhram, Mohan, Anil Patel, Arjun, Gajanand, Baliram, Rakesh and Ajay. The immersion of Gangour Mata is scheduled to take place and traditionally, it is done in the well, which located in the middle of the village. Therefore, they wanted to clean the water body for immersion of idols. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh liquor ban: Sale of alcohol prohibited in THESE cities Khandwa SP Manoj Kumar Rai said that three people had entered the well to clean it when they started drowning. Following that, five more people went in to save them and they too got trapped inside, reported ANI. SDRF, Police and Administration and villagers are all cooperating in this operation. We are trying to bring them out as soon as possible, said the SP. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed that all eight persons died due to suffocation from the poisonous gas in the well. The CM also announced an ex-gratia of 4 lakh to the kin of deceased. The Chief Minister stated that as soon as the information about the incident was received, a joint rescue operation was carried out by the police, administration, home guards and SDERF team. In this hour of grief, I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. Instructions have been given to provide financial assistance of 4 lakh each to the families of all the deceased, said Yadav. The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday ordered to stop the cutting down of trees on 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli in Telangana until further order. The bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih, gave the verdict after a newspaper report informed about large-scale tree felling at the site. The court asked the Registrar (Judicial) of Telangana High Court to visit the site immediately and submit an interim report by 3.30 pm today. The court has scheduled to hear the matter by 3:45 pm and clarified that it has not stayed the proceedings of the High Court, according to a report by ANI. What did the bench say? We direct the Chief Secretary of Telangana to ensure that until further order is passed by this court no further felling of trees be permitted in the Kancha Gachibowli forest, SC said. The recent ruling comes after an advocate highlighted massive cutting down trees had taken place during the weekend. While stating the verdict, Justice Gavai said that the authorities took advantage of the long holidays during the weekend to cut down the trees, citing the newspaper report. Also Read | Kancha Gachibowli row: Telangana HC directs state govt to halt work till April 3 The bench further stated that the forest area is home to eight types of scheduled animals. The land located in Hyderabad's IT hub has been a point of contention as people raise concerns about the loss of trees and space for wildlife. Hyderabad University students protest Students from the University of Hyderabad were protesting against the cutting down of trees. On March 30, nearly 50 students from the University were detained by Cyberabad police after staging a protest on the East campus. On April 1, the students declared an indefinite protest and boycott of classes, demanding the removal of police personnel and earth-moving machinery from the campus. Their demands include written assurance that the land would be formally registered under the university; public release of minutes of the Executive Committee meeting held on the issue by the university; and greater transparency in land-related documents. What is the Hyderabad Campus Row About? The Telangana government's plans to develop IT infrastructure and others on 400 acres of land over which student groups of UoH held protests with the government maintaining that the land parcel belonged to it and not the varsity. However, the UoH Registrar issued a statement asserting that the boundary of the disputed land in question was finalised, contradicting the government's claim. In a detailed note on the land issue, the government alleged that students are being misled by some political leaders and realty groups. The student groups and environmental activists have voiced opposition to the proposal to undertake development work at the site, citing environmental conservation concerns. Senior Janata Dal (U) leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari on Thursday resigned from the party and all his posts over party's stand on Waqf Amendment Bill. "...I am disheartened that I gave several years of my life to the party," said Ansari in a letter to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. Ansari alleged that Union Minister Lalan Singh was spreading misconception among Muslims, especially Pasmanda (backward) Muslims, that the Bill was in their favour. Union Minister Lalan Singh spoke about 'Pasmanda' and listed out qualities of the Bill, but he never took the name of Nitish Kumar. He only mentioned Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Kiren Rijiju. He was spreading misconception among Muslims, especially Pasmanda Muslims, that the Bill was in their favour, said Ansari. Ansari added that the remark has hurt Muslims, and therefore, he drafted his letter of resignation overnight and shared with the media as well as people concerned. Mohammed Qasim Ansari's letter to Nitish Kumar. On Wednesday, Janata Dal (United), which is the key ally of the BJP, on Wednesday delivered a full-throated endorsement of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha and accused opposition parties of trying to set a narrative that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anti-Muslim. The proposed amendments are in the interest of 'pasmanda' (backward Muslims) and the poor and women among the minority religion. It will bring transparency, said Union minister Lalan Singh. Also Read | Lok Sabha sitting to clear Waqf Bill, Manipur President rule one of the longest "Pasmandas will stand with Modi in the coming days as they received justice under his government," he said, adding, that the opposition may not like the prime minister but people do. "The Janata Dal (United) and Nitish Kumar do not need your certificate of secularism. Your secularism is about dividing the society for votes," added the former JD(U) president. About the bill According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution. As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors. The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules. The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf. Lok Sabha passes bill On the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the Lok Sabha passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after over a 12-hour debate. No place safer than India for minorities Union Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, in his reply to the debate, said that there is no place in the world safer than India for minorities and they are safe because the majority is entirely secular. He said even a minuscule minority community like the Parsis are safe in India and all minorities here live with pride. "Some members have said that minorities are not safe in India. This statement is completely false. There is no place safer than India for minorities. I am also a minority and we all are living here without any fear and with pride," he said after the debate on the Bill. BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Wednesday called for efforts to increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for college graduates and young people in a bid to keep the country's youth employment at a stable level. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a teleconference on the matter. Ding urged authorities to treat youth employment as a top priority, calling it a crucial matter that affects millions of households. All-out efforts should be made to increase high-quality job opportunities by tapping into key fields and industries, while fostering new employment growth points through industrial upgrades, Ding said. The vice premier called for outlining more favorable policies to support graduates who are willing to start up businesses. Ding also called for improved career services for graduates, and greater support for struggling jobseekers to ease their transition from campus to workplace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Bangkok on a visit to Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on Thursday morning. Modi will proceed on a state visit to Sri Lanka from Thailand. "At the invitation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, I am departing today for Thailand on an official visit and to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit," PM Modi said in his departure statement. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an international organisation of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations, which together employ 1.73 billion people and have a combined gross domestic product of US$5.2 trillion (2023). The BIMSTEC member statesIndia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailandare among the countries dependent on the Bay of Bengal. Over the past decade, BIMSTEC has emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region. With its geographical location, Indias North Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC. I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interest of our people in mind, Modi said in the statement. What is PM Modi's itinerary? PM Modi is scheduled to meet Thai PM Shinawatra on April 3. The leaders are expected to review bilateral cooperation and chart the way ahead for the partnership. During my official visit, I will have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate our age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought, he said. This is PM Modi's third visit to Thailand and the first physical meeting of the BIMSTEC leaders since the 4th Summit, held in Kathmandu in 2018. The 5th BIMSTEC Summit, in Colombo, was conducted virtually on March 22. Also Read | Thailand fears 10-15% drop in foreign tourist arrival after Myanmar earthquake Leaders from all the BIMSTEC countries will discuss collaboration within the regional forum during the summits key meeting India has been taking a number of initiatives in BIMSTEC to strengthen regional cooperation and partnership, including in enhancing security; facilitating trade and investment; establishing physical, maritime and digital connectivity; collaborating in food, energy, climate and human security; and enhancing people-to-people ties, the MEA statement issued before the visit said. On April 4, the BIMSTEC summit is in the morning. In the afternoon, PM will go to Wat Pho, which is one of the most iconic temples in Bangkok or Thailand. The reclining Buddha statue - the PM will also be paying his respects to Lord Buddha, and it is expected that the Prime Minister of Thailand would accompany him, according to news agency ANI The visit will also include an audience with Thailand's royal family and a meeting with the Indian community in Thailand. Modi will also meet the King and Queen of Thailand, before he departs for Sri Lanka. India Thailand Ties India and Thailand have a long-standing relationship, with cultural and historical ties dating back centuries. The two countries have been working together in various areas, including trade, investment, defense, and tourism. In 2022, India and Thailand celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The India-Thailand partnership has significant potential for growth, with bilateral trade valued at USD 16.89 billion in 2022-23. The two countries have identified areas like value-added marine products, smartphones, electric vehicles, and pharmaceuticals as potential sectors for strengthened partnerships. From Thailand, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka on a state visit at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who had visited New Delhi in December last year. "From Thailand, I will pay a two day visit to Sri Lanka from 04-06 April. This follows the highly successful visit of President Disanayaka to India last December. We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives, Modi said on Thursday. The two leaders will review progress made on the areas of cooperation agreed upon in the joint vision adopted during the Sri Lankan Presidents State visit to India. Modi will also travel to Anuradhapura for the inauguration of development projects implemented with Indian financial assistance. The prime minister had last visited Sri Lanka in 2019. Over the past decade, BIMSTEC has emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region. Modi greeted the Indian diaspora as he landed in Bangkok, Thailand, to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. In another setback for Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao, her husband Jatin Hukkeri has decided to file for divorce. During a recently held press conference, Jatin said that he will file for divorce from Ranya as he has been enduring pain and distress since they got married. Also Read | Ranya Rao's stepfather not directly involved in alleged gold smuggling case Since the day we got married, I have been enduring pain and distress. Today, I have made the decision to file for divorce," he said, as quoted by Times Now. After Ranya was arrested, Jatin also came under scrutiny. The police have alleged that Jatin frequently travelled with Ranya to Dubai, from where she allegedly smuggled gold. Jatin is an architect by profession. He holds a bachelors degree in architecture and interior design from RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru. He had also pursued further studies at the Royal College of Art Executive Education, London. Ranya, the stepdaughter of a DGP-ranked police officer in Karnataka, was arrested on March 3, shortly after returning from Dubai at Kempegowda International Airport. Jeweller Sahil Jain arrested The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) said jeweller Sahil Sakariya Jain played a key role in assisting Ranya Rao in disposing of 49.6 kg of smuggled gold worth 40.14 crore. According to the DRIs remand note, Jain not only helped facilitate the illegal transaction but also abetted Ranya in hawala money transfers linked to the smuggling operation. Jain was arrested on March 26 for assisting Ranya in the gold smuggling case. He has been remanded to judicial custody until April 7. "It appears that he (Sahil Jain) assisted and abetted Accused No. 1 (Ranya) in disposing of approximately 49.6 kg of gold worth 40,13,59,374. He has also admitted to aiding A1 in transferring Hawala money amounting to around 38,39,97,000 to Dubai and 1,73,61,787 to A1 in Bengaluru," the DRI stated. Judges of the Supreme Court have on April 3 agreed to publically declare their assets on the apex court's website, when they assume office, according to a PTI report. This move comes in a bid to ensure transparency about apex court judges, it added. CJI Sanjiv Khanna, 29 Supreme Court Judges Will Disclose Assets According to a report, the decision was reached during a full court meeting of Supreme Court judges. The disclosure of assets will be voluntary and all released data will be uploaded on the Supreme Court website, as per the report. Placing the declaration of assets on the Supreme Court website will be on a voluntary basis, the apex court website said. The report added that as many as 30 Supreme Court judges, including Judge Sanjiv Khanna, the Chief Justice of India, have submitted their declarations of assets. What Do The Disclosures Include? "The full court of the Supreme Court had resolved that judges should make a declaration of their assets on assuming office, and whenever any acquisition of a substantial nature is made, to the Chief Justice. "This also includes declaration(s) by the Chief Justice of India. Placing the declaration of assets on the Supreme Court website will be on a voluntary basis," the SC website said. Why The Disclosures from SC Judges? According to the LiveLaw report, while all judges have already submitted disclosures of their assets to the SC, it is not available publically. The decision to publically disclose assets comes after cash was allegedly discovered after a fire at Delhi High Court's Justice Yashwant Varma's Lutyens residence at around 11.35 pm on March 14. In the wake of the controversy, the apex court collegium recommended the repatriation of Justice Varma, from whom work was withdrawn by the Delhi High Court following a directive from the CJI, to his parent Allahabad High Court. On March 26, Allahabad High Court Bar Association (AHCBA) president Anil Tiwari met with the Union law minister and members of the Supreme Court collegium, urging them to reconsider Justice Verma's transfer. External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar has strongly countered Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus over his Northeast landlocked and Bangladesh only guardian of the ocean remark during his visit to China, stating that cooperation is not about cherry-picking. In a statement, Jaishankar said, We, after all, have the longest coastline in the Bay of Bengal, of almost 6,500 km. India shares borders not only with five BIMSTEC members, connects most of them, but also provides much of the interface between the Indian sub-continent and ASEAN. Our North-Eastern region in particular is emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC, with a myriad network of roads, railways, waterways, grids and pipelines. The EAM said countries should work together on all important issues rather than picking only the ones that suit their interests. We are conscious that our cooperation and facilitation are an essential prerequisite for the smooth flow of goods, services and people in this larger geography. Keeping this geo-strategic factor in mind, we have devoted increasing energies and attention to the strengthening of BIMSTEC in the last decadem he said. We also believe that cooperation is an integrated outlook, not one subject to cherry-picking. Also Read | Bangladesh responds to Jaishankars make up your mind on ties comment: Our minority issue isnt Indias concern What did Yunus say? On his China visit, Muhammad Yunus urged Beijing to extend its economic influence to Bangladesh, controversially mentioning the Northeast states of its neighbour, India. He said, The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the seven sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. Calling Bangladesh as the only guardian of the ocean in the region, Yunus said this could be a huge opportunity and could be an extension of the Chinese economy. As Yunus' remarks on Northeast surfaced on social media, they triggered a sharp political reaction in the country. Actor-turned-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kangana Ranaut hailed the Waqf Bill, which passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday, April 3, calling it a fortunate day for the country. Kangana Ranaut emphasised that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, long-pending issues in Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh are finally being addressed. Kangana Ranaut also asserted that the legal system can now hold everyone accountable and reiterated that no one is above the Constitution. We have got to see such a fortunate day. If they [do] anything illegal, the legal system can now ask questions. You can see what the condition was earlier. Be it Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradeshworks which were stuck for years are now being done by PM Modi, she said. Our Home Minister [Amit Shah], Kiren Rijiju elaborated everything about the bill. The bottom line of the bill is that no one is above the Constitution of the country, Kangana Ranaut said. The Lok Sabha early Thursday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after over a 12-hour debate, which saw the ruling NDA strongly defending the legislation as beneficial for minorities, while the Opposition described it as anti-Muslim. The Bill was passed after all amendments moved by the Opposition members were rejected by voice votes. It was passed after a division of votes 288 in favour and 232 against. Also Read | Waqf Bill tabled in Lok Sabha: 5 KEY changes in revised version amid opposition by INDIA bloc, Muslim groups Waqf Bill goes to Rajya Sabha After it was passed in the Lok Sabha, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, asserting that the proposed legislation is not against Muslims or intended to hurt their religious feelings. He said that the Bill, in fact, seeks to improve the functioning of Waqf properties, address the complexities, ensure transparency and introduce technology-driven management. King Charles has been advised to scale back his royal duties following a brief hospitalisation due to temporary side effects from his cancer treatment. While Buckingham Palace downplayed the incident as a mere bump in the road, it still led the 76-year-old monarch to cancel his scheduled engagements the following day, reported the New York Post. Despite concerns over his health, the King remains committed to his responsibilities. Royal experts suggest that his relentless work ethic makes it difficult for him to step back, even temporarily. The trouble is, hes been so conditioned to work that I dont think he functions unless hes working, royal author Ingrid Seward told Newsweek. When hes not working, hes probably a bit all over the place, I know Im like that. Hes always working and its just not his nature to take an afternoon nap, which Im sure Camilla is trying to make him do. Seward, author of My Mother and I, suggested that King Charles could maintain a lighter schedule by focusing on engagements he enjoys while delegating routine and less stimulating duties to others. Cancer treatment makes you very, very tired, she said. The trouble is its his duty as monarch to do these stifling boring handshakes with incoming and outgoing ambassadors". Also Read | King Charles hospitalised following side effects from cancer treatment However, King Charles appears determined to press on. On Tuesday, he made his first public appearance since his hospitalisation, attending an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. According to the New York Post, he was in good spirits, signalling that his health is improving. Looking ahead, the Kings schedule includes attending celebrations for Papua New Guineas 50th anniversary of independence and an event honouring an aviation charity. He is also expected to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. To accommodate his health, King Charles and his medical team are carefully planning his upcoming visit to Italy, where he and Queen Camilla are set to mark their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9. The couple was initially scheduled to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican, but the meeting was postponed following the pontiffs recent hospitalisation. Self-styled godman Nithyananda aka Arunachalam Rajasekaran, a fugitive who is facing sexual abuse charges and kidnapping in India, may have established a fantasy land for himself a nonexistent so-called Hindu nation United States of Kailasa but he is now facing real-world trouble! His followers from Kailasa have been arrested for allegedly trying to take over land parcels in Bolivia. The Bolivian officials have told the New York Times that as many as 20 people, linked to Kailasa, were arrested on the charges of land trafficking after they signed deals with indigenous groups to lease large parts of the Amazon for 1,000 years. They said that the members of Kailasa were also deported to their home countries India, the United States, Sweden and China. In a statement, Bolivias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, Bolivia does not maintain diplomatic relations with the alleged nation United States of Kailasa'. How Kailasa members managed to grab lands in Bolivia According to the NYT report, Kailasa members entered Bolivia on tourist visas and connected with Indigenous groups promising assistance during forest fires. Pedro Guasico, a leader of Baure, one of the groups, said the contact with the Kailasians turned into the signing of a 25-year lease worth $200,000 annually. When the members of Kailasa returned, the deal mentioned 1,000-year lease with permission to extract natural resources. But on paper, the $200,000 seemed more significant than the change in lease years. And Baure chief signed. We made the mistake of listening to them. They offered us that money as an annual bonus for conserving and protecting our territory, but it was completely false, he was quoted as saying. The land-grab controversy came to light after Bolivian newspaper El Deber investigated and discovered that members of the nonexistent nation had signed 1000-year leases with the groups. Is Kailasa an official country? No, the United Nations has not recognised Kailasa as a country and India has kept its distance. In a bid to gain international recognition, Nithyananda sent a delegation to the United Nations where it sought protection for the supreme pontiff of Hinduism. In August 2022, a Karnataka court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Nithyananda in connection with a rape case. The case against the fugitive spiritual figure was filed in 2010 based on a complaint by his former driver Lenin. The controversial guru has, however, failed to respond to all the summons issued against him since 2019. More than 200 Indian passengers have been stuck in a remote airport in Turkey for nearly a whole day after their Mumbai-bound flight made an emergency landing. A Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai had to make an emergency landing at remote Diyarbakir Airport (DIY) in Turkey, News18 reported on Thursday. This has left the passengers stranded at the airport for 16 hours. Why are passengers stuck at Turkey airport for 16 hours? The Indian passengers travelling from London to Mumbai had to undergo an emergency landing when their flight faced a medical emergency. However, the plane, VS 358, landed at the Diyarbakir Airport, which is not equipped to handle such situations. Passengers were reportedly told that the aircraft faced some technical glitch during the landing, and making arrangements for an alternate flight is taking time. Also Read | American Airlines flight diverted to Jackson after engine trouble Also Read | Easyjet flight makes emergency landing in Italy after teen tries to open door Stranded passengers left in dark, no accommodation provided Virgin Atlantic airline has not made a clear announcement yet about alternate arrangement, leaving passengers in the dark regarding their onward journey to Mumbai. Emergency landing was made as one passenger had a panic attack. The airport in Turkey is not efficient enough to handle the aircraft, one of the passengers was quoted as saying by News18. They have reportedly asked the airline to arrange an alternative mode of transportation as fast as possible. Passengers also complained that they were not provided with an accommodation. Weve not received accommodations and we cant even leave the airport as this is a military base, one of the passengers told News18. Pilot dead in IAF plane crash in Jamnagar In other news, a wo-seater Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a night mission shortly after taking off from Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF informed on Thursday. The IAF further stated that one of the pilots tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during the ejection, while the second pilot is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar. According to the statement by IAF's Media Co-ordination Centre on X, the pilots encountered a technical malfunction mid-flight and ejected to avoid damage to the airfield and nearby populated areas. An IAF Jaguar two-seater aircraft airborne from Jamnagar Airfield crashed during a night mission. The pilots faced a technical malfunction and initiated ejection, avoiding harm to airfield and local population. Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar, the IAF said in a statement. The Supreme Court has upheld the Calcutta High Court's ruling to cancel approximately 25,000 school appointments in West Bengal due to significant irregularities in the hiring process. The bench, comprising the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, has supported the Calcutta High Court verdict of April 22, 2024, which annulled the school teacher appointments. Also Read | West Bengal: ED raids in teacher recruitment scam in Kolkata While stating the verdict, the CJI said the teachers whose appointments have been cancelled will not be required to give back their salaries and other emoluments. The bench has also asked the West Bengal government to start a fresh selection and finish it within three months. However, the court has made an exception for disabled employees, stating that they can continue with their jobs citing humanitarian grounds. Also Read | ED summons TMC's Abhishek Banerjee on June 13 The West Bengal plea challenging the High Court's directive for a CBI probe will be heard by the SC on April 4. What is the school jobs for cash scam? The alleged school jobs for cash scam is regarding various illegal recruitments allegedly made in primary and secondary schools across West Bengal during the 2016 recruitment process. US President Donald Trump celebrated America's Liberation Day on Wednesday, announcing sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" against several countries. Trump presented the import taxes, which he calls reciprocal tariffs and range from 10% to 49%, in the simplest terms: the US would do to its trading partners what he said they had been doing to the US for decades. Trump Tariffs: Country-wise full list of reciprocal tariffs The Trump administration imposed a 26% tariff on imports from India, which is slightly higher than the 20% levy for the European Union, the 24% for Japan and the 25% for South Korea. China was hit with one the highest rates for a major US trading partner and now faces a tariff of at least 54% on many goods. Trump Tariffs: Country-wise full list of reciprocal tariffs Social media wieghs in The announcement of "discounted" Trump tariffs have stirred the markets as well as social media. One user said, Trump's new announced tariffs- basically add 20% to the cost of any product you buy. This is going to be horrible. "This is Horrific!," read another reaction. At the same time, another user said, "Trump administration has gone mad." The post read, "They have simply calculated the trade deficit they have with each country and just divided it by that country's exports. They call this number as tariff and charge 50% of it as reciprocal tariff. This is nothing short of insanity." "This is very bad for global trade. This would be more destructive for US than any other country. Expect and be ready for tough times," it said. "Trumps reciprocal tariffs are a clear hawkish surprise for the world economy & markets," read another comment. Meanwhile, a social media user posted in favour of the Trump tariffs against India, saying, India has lot more tariffs on American goods than vice versa. I am all for Trumps reciprocal tariffs. The protectionism is bad for consumers and also takes away the incentives for local businesses to improve their products. Let there be competition and free trade. In another post, a SEBI Registered Investment Adviser said he believes that "...it's a great opportunity for India to make very very important economic and governance reforms which are long overdue. I am sure, without these reforms we can't grow, prosper and develop." He said, In India, unless push comes to shove, no reform is possible. Can we hope for some this time??? A woman from Perth, Australia, was left astonished after discovering that her doctor was using ChatGPT - the popular AI chatbot developed by OpenAI - to treat her. The woman shared her experience on Reddit, saying that she had visited the doctor to receive her test results but was left in disbelief after witnessing the doctor pasting information from the AI tool. "Never felt like I was sat in front of a stupid doctor till now," she wrote in a lengthy post. "Feels like peak laziness, stupidity, and inaccurate medical advice." The woman revealed that her doctor copied her blood test results into ChatGPT, along with her age, seeking suggestions on what needed to be done next. She admitted that doctors sometimes rely on Google; however, she felt this "crossed a line." Knowing that doctors sometimes refer to Google or medical journals during appointments, the woman couldnt help but wonder -Is this normal? She has reportedly filed a complaint with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and will also be taking the issue to the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office. 'Does AI have place in medicine?' Commenters on the post agreed with the poster wholeheartedly, expressing concerns about the legitimacy of an AI diagnosis. According to Aussie GP Sam Hay - a doctor, sometimes, it might sometimes be warranted. Does AI have a place in medicine? I think it does in the right hands! he told Kidspot. Any web-based search tool has its uses for doctors as a means of quickly finding information and facts. I use them daily, including in front of patients. But, and its a big but, you have to know how to trust the information thats thrown up. Sam added that its for this reason that its so important to find a doctor that you trust. For me, its all about using reliable resources from reputable sources which means I have to filter through those that are clearly gimmicks and advertisements. Is every doctor doing that? No, I dont think so and thats why you have to do your research and develop relationships with a doctor you can communicate and relate to, he said. When it comes to ChatGPT-like engines, once again, they can be used to guide a doctor and offer suggestions basically to help us not miss anything rather than provide the diagnosis without thinking. The CEO of a leading Bengaluru-based firm, Amit Mishra, has recently endured a harrowing medical emergency which underscored the critical importance of health. He was rushed to the intensive care unit (ICU) after suffering severe nosebleed and an alarming spike in blood pressure, reaching a dangerous 230. According to details, shared by Mishra on his LinkedIn profile, doctors were unable to pinpoint the exact cause of his condition despite undergoing multiple tests. Though Mishra is on the path to recovery, he is using his experience as a cautionary tale and requested professionals to prioritise their health. How Mishra's health deteriorated? Immersed in work at his laptop on Saturday, Mishra suddenly experienced an intense nosebleed. Initially, he ignored and then the situation escalated within moments, turning his washbasin into a distressing sight of red. He realised the severity of the situation and immediately sought medical attention. His bleeding persisted despite initial treatment and blood pressure skyrocketed. Soon the doctors admitted him to the ICU after recognising the urgency. Mishra collapsed again on Sunday morning due to a drastic drop in blood pressure, which left the medical team perplexed. Tests like ECG, cholesterol screening, and angiography failed to reveal any conclusive answers. Now Mishra has been discharged from hospital, and advised complete bedrest by doctors. What Mishra said on LinkedIn? Sharing his ordeal, Mishra wrote on LinkedIn, "Your body doesnt always give clear warnings. High BP, stress, and health risks can be silent killers. Regular checkups are a must. He highlighted the dangers of neglecting ones well-being. He requested the professionals to undergo regular medical check-ups, stress management, and lifestyle changes to prevent sudden health crises. Work is important, but health is non-negotiable. We often ignore small signs, thinking were fine, until were not," he asserted in his post. As United States President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs on India kicked in from Wednesday, April 2, New Delhi said that it was studying the changes in America's new trade policy and see if any opportunities could arise for the country. In a statement, the Ministry of Commerce said that it is carefully examining the implications of the various measures and announcements made by the US administration. The US President issued an Executive Order on Reciprocal Tariffs imposing additional ad-valorem duties ranging from 10% to 50% on imports from all trading partners. The baseline duty of 10% will be effective from April 05, 2025, and the remaining country-specific additional ad valorem duty will be effective from April 09, 2025. The additional duty on India, as per Annex I of the Executive Order, is 27%, the ministry said. The Department of Commerce is carefully examining the implications of the various measures/announcements made by the President of the USA. Keeping in view the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Department is engaged with all stakeholders, including the Indian industry and exporters, taking feedback of their assessment of the tariffs and assessing the situation. The Department is also studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in the US trade policy, the ministry added. On February 13, 2025, PM Narendra Modi and Donald Trump launched Mission 500, aiming to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Accordingly, discussions are ongoing between Indian and US trade teams for the expeditious conclusion of a mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement, the commerce department said in its statement today. These cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including deepening supply chain integration. "The ongoing talks are focused on enabling both nations to grow trade, investments and technology transfers. We remain in touch with the Trump Administration on these issues and expect to take them forward in the coming days," the statement added. Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday, April 3, described the unusual experience of delivering a speech at 2 am on Presidents Rule in Manipur after the Lok Sabha passed a resolution for the legislation. Although the Presidents Rule was announced in Manipur on February 13, it was pending approval and was adopted by Parliament by a voice vote, following an intense 14-hour debate on Wednesday night. Taking to social media platform X, Shashi Tharoor stated, Had the unusual experience last night of making a speech at 2 AM and that too in Parliament! The Lok Sabha took up consideration of the Home Ministers resolution approving the proclamation of Presidents Rule in Manipur, and it did so after the prolonged discussion and voting on the Wakf Bill finished at 2 am. Also Read | Tharoor posts playfully barbed congratulatory message for Rajeev Chandrasekhar In the Lok Sabha, Shashi Tharoor said his party supported the resolution but emphasised the restoration of peace and stability in the state. "End insurgency, restore peace and stability, promote dialogue with each other, promote inclusivity," PTI quoted Shashi Tharoor as saying. Declaring the legislation as an opportunity to heal, he said, My remarks on why Presidents Rule represents an opportunity for healing that must not be wasted (Ignore the hubbub at the start, from members protesting the unearthly hour). The Presidents Rule resolution was taken up after Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged Speaker Om Birla to begin the discussion. After Home Minister Amit Shah moved the resolution for Presidents Rule in Manipur at 2 am on April 3, the discussion on the issue was wrapped up within 41 minutes. This included a 9-minute response from Amit Shah. Also Read | Lok Sabha sitting to clear Waqf Bill, Manipur President rule one of the longest During the debate, Shashi Tharoor said, Weve all witnessed the horrors of Manipur, a slow-burning horror once the unrest began in May 2023 and continued for 21 months before the Presidents Rule was actually declared. During this time, we have seen at least 250 people having died, perhaps over 300. Emphasising that Manipur witnessed Presidents Rule 11 times, which is the highest for any Indian state in 77 years, the Congress MP pointed to several social evils rampant in the state. Besides illegal immigration and drug trafficking, the state suffers from underdevelopment, limited industrialisation, high unemployment rates, and inadequate infrastructure. An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot died and another sustained injuries after a two-seater Jaguar aircraft crashed during a night mission shortly after taking off from Jamnagar Airfield, an IAF said on Thursday. No civilian casualty was reported in the incident. A CCTV footage of the crash shows moments before the jet crashed on Wednesday night. Watch below: A small dot (the IAF jet) can be seen flying in the top left corner of the video, and then suddenly plummeting at a high speed. A flash of light lights up the sky as the Jaguar fighter jet hits the ground. The fighter jet crashed at around 9.30 pm on Wednesday at an open field in Suvarda village, 12 km from Jamnagar city, and caught fire, police earlier said. While the police found one pilot in an injured state at the spot, a search operation was launched to find the second one, who went missing after the crash. The second pilot was then taken to the government-run GG Hospital in the city but later succumbed to his injuries. IAF orders inquiry The Indian Air Force has ordered an inquiry into the jet crash at a village near Jamnagar IAF station in Gujarat. In a statement on Thursday morning, the IAF said the pilots, who were on a night mission, experienced a "technical malfunction" in the aircraft before the crash on Wednesday night. "An IAF Jaguar two seater aircraft airborne from Jamnagar airfield crashed during a night mission. The pilots faced a technical malfunction and initiated ejection, avoiding harm to the airfield and local population," the statement said. "Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar. The IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident," it added. Ambala crash Earlier, on March 7, a Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed near Ambala in Haryana, with the pilot ejecting safely, IAF officials had said. According to officials, the aircraft had taken off from the Ambala Air Force base for a routine evening sortie when it encountered a system malfunction and crashed. The IAF said that the pilot successfully manoeuvred the aircraft away from inhabited areas before ejecting safely. "A Jaguar aircraft of the IAF crashed at Ambala during a routine training sortie today after encountering a system malfunction. The pilot manoeuvred the aircraft away from any habitation on the ground before ejecting safely. An inquiry has been ordered by the IAF to ascertain the cause of the accident," the IAF said in a post on X. The eurozone economy has never been far from recession over the three years since Russias invasion of Ukraine sent energy prices surging. It may finally be tipped over the edge by a fresh blow from another direction, as the Trump administration targets its exports. The U.S. and eurozone economies parted ways in 2022, with the former growing rapidly while the latter faltered under the burden of sharply higher energy costs and the blow to confidence from the largest military conflict to hit Europe in eight decades. To the surprise of many economists, the eurozone has avoided a recession, if only just. Indeed, the only quarter of slight contraction came at the end of 2022, when high energy bills limited the ability of many households to spend on other goods and services. While its own consumers were tightening their belts, European businesses could at least sell to other parts of the global economy that had been less wounded by the war, including the U.S. But the announcement Wednesday of a 20% U.S. tariff on imports from the European Union may prove to be one blow too many. The direct impact of lower exports will drag growth down but even more damaging could be the broader shock to confidence," said Gaurav Ganguly, an economist at Moodys Analytics. If negotiations fail to yield concessions and these tariffs remain in place, the eurozone will slip into recession this year." The eurozone economy may yet escape a sustained contraction. Estimates of the impact of tariffs vary widely, and some key sectors have been exempted for now, such as pharmaceuticals. In March, the ECBs economists forecast that the eurozone economy was set to grow by 0.9% this year and 1.2% in 2026. Their estimates said a 25% tariff on eurozone exports to the U.S. would lower growth by 0.3 percentage points in the first year. Depending on the timing of maximum impact, eurozone output could decline in a quarter, and perhaps more than one, but the economy shouldnt see a lengthy contraction. One difficulty in estimating the force of the blow is judging the impact on confidence of a major shift in the global economic order that isnt of Europes choosing. HSBC estimates that a 10% tariff could knock a third of a percentage point off eurozone growth, but the impact could be larger. A collapse in confidence could easily trigger a much bigger downturn," economists at the bank wrote in a note to clients. As with the war in Ukraine, a trade war with its closest ally poses fundamental and disquieting questions about the kind of world Europeans inhabit. Institutions, norms and alliances that seemed timeless can suddenly be remade," European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said in a speech Wednesday in which she outlined Europes options in an inverted world." There have also been some recent changes to economic policy that may soften the blow. Eurozone governments have pledged to increase spending on defense to counter a potential threat from Russia without the full support of the U.S. Germany has additionally announced a big drive to repair frayed infrastructure. In combination, those measures are likely to shift the sources of growth toward domestic demand, and away from exports. But they will take time to have an impact, and the new tariffs take effect later this month. European governments will likely do what they can to help out sectors that have been hit particularly hard by the tariffs, while the ECB may also have a part to play. An account of the March meeting released Thursday showed some policymakers were considering the possibility of a pause in their series of rate cuts this month. But the new tariffs make it more likely that investors will get the rate cut that they expect, with perhaps more to come. Higher-than-expected tariff rates tip the balance in support of looser monetary policy," said Andrew Kenningham, an economist at Capital Economics. Write to Paul Hannon at paul.hannon@wsj.com Retaliating to Trump Tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday said that they will impose a 25 percent tariff on some autos imported from the United States. Trump's previously announced 25% tariffs on auto imports took effect Thursday. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced "25 percent tariffs on all vehicles imported from the United States that are not compliant with CUSMA," using the Canadian acronym for an existing North America free trade agreement, reported AFP. However, Carney did not immediately offer detail on how many vehicles could be impacted by Canada's retaliation. Also Read | What should be your investment strategy amid US tariffs? Experts advise Carney's announcement comes as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on US imports sparked threats of retaliation. The Canadian PM said that he told Trump last week in a phone call that he would be retaliating for the those tariffs. "We take these measures reluctantly. And we take them in ways that is intended and will cause maximum impact in the United States and minimum impact in Canada, Carney said. Carney added that Canada won't put tariffs on auto parts as Trump has done, because he said Canadians know the benefits of the integrated auto sector. Also Read | Canada PM Mark Carney vows massive military boost amid US tensions Canadians are already seeing the impact, added the Prime Minister. A former two-time central banker said that Trump's actions will reverberate in Canada and across the world. They are all unjustified and unwarranted and in our judgement misguided, Carney said. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pledged to remove the federal sales tax on new Canadian-made cars. The Conservative leader is also calling on provincial governments to follow suit in removing sales taxes, reported Bloomberg. European farmers urged the EU on Thursday to prioritise negotiations over retaliation against US President Donald Trump's tariffs onslaught, warning against a trade war. Pan-European farmers' group Copa-Cogeca denounced Washington's slapping of a 20 percent tariff on all EU goods, saying it threatened to disrupt global supply chains, and increase prices. But as Brussels readied countermeasures, the group -- which says it represents 22 million farmers -- warned against an escalation. Retaliatory trade measures "Retaliatory trade measures will not benefit farmers in either the EU or the US. Instead, they will limit our opportunities, raise prices, and weaken the resilience of agricultural businesses," said Lennart Nilsson, one of Copa-Cogeca's two presidents. "We call on both administrations to prioritise negotiations and explore all diplomatic avenues before resorting to measures that could have long-lasting consequences." Europe's wine and spirits sector, a major exporter, is particularly exposed, with Trump that has previously threatened to impose a punishing 200 percent tariff on imports. However one views Donald Trumps trade policy, he is not far wrong in calling India a tariff king". Jawaharlal Nehru, its first prime minister, saw foreign trade as a path to colonisation and admired the Soviet Unions drive for self-reliance. His protectionist dirigisme endured until the Soviet Unions collapse in 1991 triggered market-opening reforms in India. Even then, its tariffs remained high by global standards. And in the past decade they have climbed again. Now India faces another watershed moment. On April 2nd Mr Trump unveiled reciprocal tariffs on Americas trade partners, including a 26% levy on Indian goods. In the run-up to the announcement, Indian officials had sounded upbeat. They suggested India could weather any short-term pain and quickly agree to a trade deal with America that would unleash growth. Some even compared it to 1991. But privately many worry that any deal would face fierce resistance at home. And a long trade war could jeopardise the ambitious economic and political agenda of the prime minister, Narendra Modi. India had tried to appease Mr Trump by reducing tariffs on goods including bourbon and motorbikes before Mr Modi visited Washington in February. That helped a bit: the two leaders agreed to complete the first part of a trade deal by this autumn and try to expand bilateral goods and services trade to $500bn by 2030 (from $210bn in 2024). They also agreed that India would buy more American oil, gas and arms to help cut its big bilateral trade surplus. View Full Image (The Economist) Piyush Goyal, Indias commerce minister, visited Washington in early March and offered to cut more tariffs. Not long after, India widened its offer to cover some 55% of American exports to India. It also scrapped a 6% tax on digital advertisements, cutting costs for American tech giants. Indias top two telecoms operators, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, struck deals to bring Elon Musks Starlink satellite-internet service to India. Although that was not enough to escape reciprocal tariffs in the short term, it does seem to have kept trade talks on track. Indias commerce ministry said on March 29th that the two sides had reached an understanding on the next steps". The aim is apparently to reach a goods-trade deal as early as August, with one on services to follow. For now, it seems, India has decided against retaliation. Reciprocal tariffs direct impact on Indias economy will be limited. Bilateral goods trade with America is around 3% of Indias GDP (it is 35% of Canadas). Pravakar Sahoo of NITI Aayog, the Indian governments main think-tank, suggested that India was not going to lose" overall and might even profit from new trade opportunities, as America was likely to reserve harsher treatment for bigger exporters. Still, America is Indias biggest export market and the tariffs could strain individual sectors that are big employers, such as agriculture and apparel. Indias farm exports to America are likely to be hit hardest, according to Ajay Srivastava, a former Indian trade official who heads the Global Trade Research Initiative. He also warned that new American tariffs could undermine Indian hopes to become a hub for manufacturers shifting away from China. The indirect impact on India would be bigger. Slower global growth caused by Mr Trumps tariffs could trim demand for Indian products, which could face more competition from other countries exports that would have previously gone to America, such as steel and chemicals. Goldman Sachs, an American bank, thinks the combined effects could shave up to 0.6 percentage points off Indias annual GDP growth for as long as the tariffs are in place. Although that is manageable for Mr Modi in the short term, it comes as the economy is slowing and the stockmarket slumping. A long trade war could undermine his goal of boosting Indias exports to $2trn by 2030 from $778bn in 2023-24 and accelerating annual GDP growth to at least 8%. It could also damage his reputation for cultivating warm ties with Mr Trump. Mr Modi thus appears to be attempting a pivot. Since he took power in 2014, India has steadily increased tariffs as part of his campaign to develop domestic manufacturing. It has also offered production-linked incentives (PLIs), rewarding companies that lift output over a baseline, to attract foreign manufacturers. Quality-control orders, non-tariff barriers that supposedly impose safety standards on imports, have proliferated too. Yet domestic manufacturing languishes at 14% of GDP, down from 16% in 2015 (in China it is about 25%). Private investment has stagnated and foreign direct investment has gone into reverse. Change may be afoot. Reuters, a news agency, reported on March 24th that the PLI scheme would be allowed to lapse. Mr Goyal recently warned Indian exporters to shed their protectionist mindset". Having walked away from a big regional trade deal in 2019, India is now negotiating deals with the EU and Britain as well. Mr Modi would not be the first leader to use trade deals as cover for market-opening reforms. That is political economy 101," says Vivek Dehejia of Carleton University in Canada. Many Indian economists say such reforms are long overdue. Countries including Vietnam and Malaysia have done better at attracting manufacturing away from China, in part through low tariffs and trade deals. The question is whether Mr Modi can meet Mr Trumps demands, especially in politically sensitive areas such as agriculture and e-commerce. Mr Trump may push India to open government procurement to American firms and remove restrictions on data flowsdemands India has long resisted. Meanwhile, Indias hope of selling more apparel in America could be thwarted by manufacturers there. Mr Trumps immigration policies could also limit visas for skilled Indian workers. Conceding too much ground could trigger protests not just from Indias farmers but from tycoons, who have long been insulated from foreign competition. Many have close ties to Mr Modi and are big donors to his party. The bargaining between Indias tariff king" and Americas tariff man" is only just getting started. 2025, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Ever since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, this chatbot has wormed its way into every other conversation with its wonders of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Over the past week, an online frenzy to post photos in the animation style of Japans Studio Ghibli has seen this tools usage surge. If people arent ghiblifying their photographsfeeding a picture into ChatGPT, i.e., and getting imagery that mimics the beautifully hand-drawn style of Hayao Miyazakis iconic studiotheyre busy debating the pros and cons of doing so. Some bemoan a loss of creativity and view it as open plagiarism, while others envision art being democratized by this embrace of technology and celebrate the fun it inspires. Neither side will win this argument, which is as old as the printing press, if not older. Ethical concerns about the use of GenAI remain, the biggest being whether art produced by humans is fair game for AI models to be trained on. It also raises questions about the meaning of original art and what GenAI means for creativity. How these are resolved could have a bigger impact than it may seem at first brush. If art and creativity take a blow from GenAI adoption, the after-effects could run deep and wide. While the popular image of an artist as a person with a paint-brush and easel persists, creative industries encompass everything from advertising, gaming, performing arts and fashion design to craft, publishing and cinema. Apart from their pursuit of lofty purposes, such as effecting a shift in view that makes the world a better place, artistic efforts generate hard economic value. Unesco estimated in 2022 that culture and creativity account for 3.1% of global GDP and 6.2% of all employment. The creative sector holds high potential but is also highly vulnerable. It is often overlooked by investors, as Unescos Reshaping Policies for Creativity report notes. Often, funding decisions are taken by managers with low empathy for human artists and their humane motivations, so GenAI output that masquerades as art may worsen the earning prospects of artists and cause job losses. Also Read: AI agents want to take over marketing but humans must stay in charge In any case, art projects often depend on the patronage of those who get it. While private patrons do exist, thankfully, state funding has always been scarce in a country that seems obsessed with science and technology, leaving the creative sector in their shadow. A 2024 UNCTAD report ranks India among the worlds top 10 exporters of creative goods, with exports of $21 billion in 2022. While this report counts video games, some kinds of software and recorded media as creative products, jewellery and fashion accessories form the bulk of that figure. Creativity, of course, is medium-agnostic. It is also born of original thinking, the very magic behind a countrys yen for innovation. For the Indian economy to excel in research and development, a premium must be placed on originality in every sphere. If the arts flourish, creativity and value generation could feed off each other. Yet, the arts seem at the mercy of a market that risks losing its ability to discern genuine novelty apart from a digital copy, and thus also its capacity to reward the real thing. As for originality, the claim that AI could beat humans by learning more is suspect. Chatbots spout what theyve been fed, and even if they remix it well, they lack the sentience needed for art. True human expression springs from the lived experience of being wholly human. By this axiom on the origin of art, no android or AI artist can be expected to make the cut. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) is a cabinet-rank official whose office is embedded in the Executive Office of the President of the US . The USTR on its website is described as the presidents principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues." Created by a legislative act in 1962, the USTR has historically proclaimed its alignment with the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a leveller of the global trade playing field. In the years before and after the Indian reforms of 1991, the then USTR Carla Hills was a frequent visitor to the ministry of commerce in Udyog Bhavan, with a sheaf of documented Indian violations of WTO rules. The mosquitoes in Udyog Bhavan must not have improved her mood. India was consistently on the USTR watch list. In the most recent 2025 USTR report released on 31 March, India is criticized for tariff and non-tariff impediments to US exports (not updated to tariffs negotiated with a USTR delegation in March 2025). Against that backdrop, let us look at the 2025 tariff initiatives by the US, before and after its big bang on 2 April. They fall into five categories in terms of disruption of the pre-existing WTO playing field. The first category was of country-targeted tariffs at 25% on (most) imports from two countriesMexico and Canadabound to the US by a free trade regional treaty of the kind permitted as a carve-out by the WTO. These tariffs do violate the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) of the first Donald Trump administration. But the USMCA falls outside the purview of the WTO. The stated reason for these tariffs was that drugs, principally fentanyl, and illegal migrants were crossing the borders. It is unfortunate that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) headquartered in Vienna is ineffectual. The tariff initiative has degenerated into reciprocal tariffs levied by Mexico and Canada. So, whether the US will achieve its original objective is unclear. The second category is of tariffs targeting other named countries, protected in principle by WTO rules. China was the only country in this category before 2 April. The across-the-board tariff on imports from China, initially at 10% and ramped up later to 20% (before the big bang), violates the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle of the WTO, a quaintly phrased way by which equality of treatment is guaranteed to all trading partners. The third category, unilateral sector-targeted (UST) tariffs on steel and aluminium, and most recently, automobiles and automobile parts, target no specific country, and therefore do not violate MFN provisions, unless there will be country exemptions, for say the UK. However, these tariffs violate the bound tariff commitments required by the WTO of all member countries. A fourth category of bilaterally levelized rates (BLR) by country was released on 2 April. Country targeted bilateral levelling is a comprehensive war on MFN, which protected trade from bilateral political tensions and reduced costs of processing imports at the entry point. Successive WTO/GATT rounds only worked towards reciprocal reductions in tariffs without reference to tariff levels. The import processing advantage of MFN is so compelling that the 2 April tariff announcement, nominally targeting bilateral levelling, actually levies a uniform basic 10% tariff on all imports into the US, except for 60 countries or trading blocs. (The countries in that 10% group might actually be charging less than 10%, which violates the levelization principle). The 10% replaces and does not stack up on pre-existing levies. Starting 9 April, higher tariffs will be levied on China (34% on top of the earlier 20%) and the EU (20%). Canada and Mexico remain where they were. The new tariffs do not add on to sectoral tariffs on steel, aluminium and cars. In addition, 11 countries are singled out for the highest tariffs, making for 15 countries in all, targeted for having the largest trade surpluses with the US. India is unfortunately among the 11, despite the recent tariff negotiations. The basis on which the country-specific rates are to be set for these 11 countries has not been officially made public. A New York Times calculation shows how the additional 34% tariff on China may have been arrived at. The total bilateral trade deficit with China of $291.9 billion as a percentage of total imports from China of $433.8 billion equals 67%. That figure halved yields 34%. The only justification I see is punishment for the US bilateral trade deficit loaded on to imports by value, reprieved by that division by two. The average tariff rate levied by India is quantified at 17% in the USTR fact sheet accompanying the announcement, although the discounted tariff" using the same formula as for China works out to 26%. If that formula is used, it imposes a higher rate than the average rate levied by India. Finally, there is a fifth category in which US tariff moves fall, and that is bilateral retaliation targeting (BRT). When the EU responded to American steel tariffs by raising levies on Bourbon whisky from the US, the retaliatory US threat was a 200% tariff on EU wines. In this last instance alone, the actions on both sides may well work towards the good health of all concerned. The author is an economist. US President Donald Trump s Liberation Day package of tariffs is being interpreted in India in three different ways. The immediate reaction is relief mixed with schadenfreude : At 26%, the tax on India is not the slap on the wrist that diplomats in New Delhi would have hoped for, especially after making concessions to Elon Musks Tesla and Starlink as well as to Alphabet and Meta. But that barrier is at least less severe than Chinas 34% and Vietnams 46%. The second view, popular among geopolitical analysts, is that this is nevertheless a betrayal of an important ally: Is it fair to be punished like this for agreeing to be Americas bulwark in Asia against Chinas rising dominance? Has Indias Narendra Modi administration erred in placing too much trust in his friendship with Trump, and by refusing technology and capital from Beijing? The final opinion, which some businesspeople hold privately, is that the White Houses shocker on trade is a once-in-a-generation opportunity: It can help resolve an unfinished political debate from the early 1990s on just how open the Indian economy must be, to whom, and for what. Marry the three assessments, and the obvious conclusions are rapprochement and reform. Modi should mend bridges with Chinese President Xi Jinping and seek to actively participate in intra-Asian production networks. At the same time, to quickly exit Trumps dog-house, New Delhi should dangle the carrot of duty-free (and hassle-free) access for American firms to the most-populous nation. This must go on alongside technical negotiations. For instance, how did the Trump administration conclude that India was charging American exporters double of 26%? Did it count Indias goods and services tax (GST) as a trade barrier? If GST is lowered, but agriculture remains behind high tariff walls, will India qualify for Trumps global rate of 10%? Until those wrinkles are ironed out, Indian exporters will suffer with the rest of the world. The broader economy may have to put up with capital costs that remain elevated globally. Beyond that, however, the only interests that have to be sacrificed are of a tiny group of local tycoons. For 600 million workers and 1.4 billion consumers, Trumps trade war is a wake-up call to revive the three-decade-old liberalization project. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which was in opposition when the project began, didnt care much about pre-1990s, Soviet-style state socialism. But it was also suspicious of the agenda being thrust upon it by the West. When KFC was trying to open its first restaurant in 1995, a prominent BJP leader famously quipped: Computer chips, yes. Potato chips, no." Modi didnt exactly align with this ideology. Under him, however, a small group of local billionaires appeared to have lobbied for and received protection from foreign competition, packaging their goal of dominance as national interest. Import taxes, which had fallen steadily since 1991, shot up again to among the highest in the world. A longstanding territorial dispute with China erupted as border clashes in 2020, leading to a prolonged economic estrangement: The trade deficit with the neighbouring economy ballooned to $100 billion a year. Yet, New Delhi wouldnt let Chinese firms reinvest those gains in India. That also meant missing out on technology, like BYDs five-minute supercharger that can help control emissions in polluted cities. Rapprochement of investment relations with Beijing and trade-policy reforms under pressure from Washington will put the squeeze where it should be: on large conglomerates like the Tata Group, Reliance and Adani Group. These groups should accept bold risks with uncertain payoffs, like Chinas DeepSeek did, or stop expecting to be coddled by state protection. Nationalism has merely meant a transfer of billions of dollars in subsidies to assemble mobile phones or solar panels and allowed success to be claimed for the governments Make in India programme. But if the countrys political left is unhappy with stalled manufacturing and high youth unemployment, many in the ruling right wing arent exactly thrilled with the relentless rise of a few big firms, especially as genuine entrepreneurship remains hampered by red tape. A complete repudiation of the discredited ideology of self-sufficiency is overdue. A global trade war offers an excuse for the Modi government to rebrand itself as the antithesis of the Trump administration. Thats how the 1990s reforms also started; a balance-of-payment crisis worsened by the collapse of the Soviet Union turned socialists into free-marketers. Theres no need for New Delhi to feel shackled by Liberation Day. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering industrial companies and financial services in Asia. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has questioned the Narendra Modi government's move to bulldoze the proclamation on President's Rule in Manipur on Wednesday night, leaving just an hour for debate. Ramesh also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Thailand visit while ignoring Manipur. Frequent Flier flies off again. This time it is to Bangkok. Look East by all means but why continue to ignore Manipur?" Ramesh said in a post on X on Thursday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on a visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka. Modi will participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand and then proceed on a state visit to Sri Lanka. Frequent Flier flies off again. This time it is to Bangkok. Look East by all means but why continue to ignore Manipur? "And why bulldoze the proclamation on President's Rule in the state at 2AM this morning in the Lok Sabha, leaving just an hour for debate and discussion but just about enough time for the Home Minister's falsehoods, twists, and distortions? This is adding insult to injury, the Congress leader said. Early Thursday, the Lok Sabha adopted a Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of the President's rule in Manipur. A proposal seeking approval of imposition of President's rule in Manipur was discussed in the Lok Sabha. Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved statutory resolution regarding President's Rule in Manipur in the Lok Sabha late Wednesday. President's Rule in Manipur The President's Rule was imposed in strife-torn Manipur in February this year. President's rule can be imposed in any state for six months. It is necessary to get the imposition approved in Parliament. The resolution 'Consideration on the Proclamation issued by the President on the 13th February 2025 under article 356 (1) of the Constitution in relation to the State of Manipur was adopted by the Lok Sabha by a voice vote. Also Read | AFSPA extended to entire Manipur, except 13 police station area Amit Shah said the ethnic violence in Manipur had started following an order of the state's high court. "The day the order came, we sent the central forces by air. There was no delay on our part [in taking action]," he was quoted by news agency ANI as saying. About a dozen Opposition Members of Parliament (MP) from the Muslim community spoke against the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday-Thursday. In unison, these MPs said that the legislation undermined the Muslim community's rights, gave the government a handle to control the Waqfs and deepened religious divides. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi led the Muslim leaders' charge against the Bill. Owaisi, the Hyderabad MP, symbolically tore up a copy of the Bill, asserting that its motive was to make Muslims second-class citizens. Yeh bill ka maqsad sirf muslamanun ko zaleel aur ruswa karna hai, musalmanon ko dusre darje ka shehri banane ka in ka maksad hai (The objective of this Bill is to insult and humiliate Muslims and make Muslims second-class citizens), Owaisi, the most vocal voice against the Bill said. Owaisi said the BJP is looking to trigger clashes in the country in the name of temples and mosques. The Lok Sabha passed the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025in the wee hours of April 3, after over a 12-hour debate. The ruling NDA members strongly defended the legislation as beneficial for minorities, while the opposition described it as "anti-Muslim" during the debate. Also Read | Old Lalu Prasad clip pitching for strict Waqf laws resurfaces; BJP reacts The Bill was passed after all amendments moved by the opposition members were rejected by voice votes. It was passed after a division of votes 288 in favour and 232 against. The leaders flagged many provisions of the Bill, including allowing only those who have been practising Muslims for at least five years to allocate their property to Waqf. Congresss Imran Masood asked the government how it would define a practising Muslim. What is your definition? All Muslims do not offer namaz five times, all Muslims do not observe roza. What will be the criteria? he said. Earlier, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, also raised the issue in Lok Sabha. The Jorhat MP said that the words "showing or demonstrating " in Section 3(r)(A) of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 means that a person has to show a certificate to proof his religion to the government. "Now we have to show a certificate to show which religion we believe in.[ab Dharm ka certificate dena padega].Will they [government] ask for such a certificate from people belonging to different religions whether you have been practising that religion for five years or now...why is this provision included in this bill only?," Gogoi asked. Opens the door to legal tussles Masood also said that of the 22 members in the Waqf council, 12 would be non-Muslims, giving them a majority. He said there is a clause that says that if a district magistrate is a Muslim, a junior or a senior officer will be the ex-officio chairman. The Bill opens the door to legal tussles involving Waqf properties, Masood, the Congress MP from Saharanpur said. Samajwadi Partys Rampur MP Mohibbullah also said that the objective of this Bill is to weaken the institution of Waqf. ET Mohammed Basheer, an IUML MP from Kerala, targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming he was pretending to help minorities. Basheer said the government was undermining all statutory bodies. Congresss Mohammad Jawed said the Bill aimed to bring Waqf institutions under government control. The changes being made in the clauses will lead to conflicts. Iqra Choudhary, the Samajwadi Party MP pointed to the government's assertion of Muslim women getting representation on the Waqf boards. Muslim women have been members of the boards before this law. There was provision of a minimum two, and more could have been members. What new thing has the government done? she asked, calling the provision tokenism. Yeh bill ka maqsad sirf muslamanun ko zaleel aur ruswa karna hai, musalmanon ko dusre darje ka shehri banane ka in ka maksad hai. Rahul Gandhi has slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over the Waqf Bill. He has called it an attack on the Constitution. Also Read | Waqf Amendment Bill LIVE: Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha today The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights. This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha tweeted. The Congress party strongly opposes this legislation as it attacks the very idea of India and violates Article 25, the Right to Freedom of Religion, Gandhi added. When a Twitter (now X) user asked Perplexity AI about Rahul Gandhis take on it, the artificial intelligence tool replied that the concerns were legitimate. The Waqf Amendment Bill raises legitimate concerns about religious freedom and property rights that deserve careful constitutional scrutiny. Any legislation affecting specific communities should balance national interests with fundamental rights guaranteed under India's pluralistic framework, it replied. Nasir Khuehami, the National Convenor of the J&K Students Association, replied to RaGa, Unconstitutional and Violation of our Fundamental rights. This bill infringes upon Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law, Article 25, which ensures the freedom of religion, and Article 26, which grants the right to manage religious affairs! Anti-caste activist Suraj Kumar Bauddh wrote, No, the Waqf Bill is not an attack on the Constitution. According to Article 25(2)(a), it ensures transparency in financial and secular matters of religious units. CONGRESS empowered Waqf Board to snatch lands from poors, dalits and govt. Time has come to correct this injustice. What is Waqf (Amendment) Bill? The Waqf Amendment Bill is a new rule the government wants to add to or change in how Waqf properties are managed. As per the Bill, people cant just say this land is Waqf unless they show clear proof (like legal documents). If someones family has owned a land for a long time, no one can suddenly claim it as Waqf without asking the family first and going to court. Also Read | Muslim MPs slam BJP govt over unconstitutional Waqf Bill Earlier, Waqf Boards had a lot of power. Now, this new Bill says everyone must get a chance to speak and prove who really owns the land. So, after the amendment, mosques and dargahs with incomplete or informal records will be in trouble. Smaller Waqf Boards with poor documentation systems may also be questioned. Arguments against Waqf (Amendment) Bill Under the current system, mosques can already be questioned. For example, in Gyanvapi, a survey was ordered despite its waqf status. But, this bill makes it easier by shifting power to government officers and scrapping a key legal defence (Waqf by user) for future claims. It also creates a paperwork burden many Waqf Boards might struggle to meet. In a climate where people are quick to file claims against Muslim sites, often backed by political rhetoric, the bill hands them a sharper tool. The interest in Waqf on Google India went high on April 2-3: Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and several other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders were detained on Thursday during a protest against the Congress-led Karnataka government's policies. The opposition BJP had launched state-wide protests on Wednesday against the Karnataka government, alleging that it "failed" to contain rising prices. In Bengaluru, BJP state president BY Vijayendra and his father BS Yediyurappa led the protests at Freedom Park. Also Read | Karnataka government changes govt office timings in THESE districts Why is BJP protesting Karnataka govt's policies? 1. Diesel price hike Earlier, the state government increased the sales tax on diesel to 21.17 per cent, potentially increasing diesel price in the state by 2 per liter, news agency ANI reported. According to the News Minute, the Akhila Karnataka Petroleum Dealers Association estimated that the new tax will result in a price hike of approximately 2 per litre, pushing the cost to 91.02. 2. Garbage cess Meanwhile, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) introduced a new "garbage cess," making it mandatory for Bengaluru residents to pay a solid waste management user fee starting Tuesday, April 1. The BBMP decided to increase door to door waste collection and disposal charges, imposing a monthly 'garbage cess' on various properties. The new tax will be levied on residential buildings, shops, and hotels, with charges varying based on property size. As per BBMP, hotels which were previously charged 5 per kg of garbage, will now pay 12 per kg. Similarly, for residential buildings charges are based on area. For buildings up to 600 sq ft a monthly charge of 10 will be collected. While for buildings with area between 600-1,000 sq ft a monthly garbage cell of 50 will be collected. Buildings ranging from 1,000-2,000 sq ft of area, a monthly cess of 100 will be collected, while it has been fixed at 150 per month for buildings with 2,000 - 3,000 sq ft of area. Also Read | Actor Ranya Rao moves Karnataka High Court seeking bail in gold smuggling case For buildings from 3,000 sq ft to 4,000 sq ft of area, a monthly garbage cess of 200 will be collected, while 400 will be collected per month for buildings with above 4000 sq ft of area. The garbage cess will be collected annually along with property tax. The BBMP expects to generate around 600 crore annually through this initiative to boost its revenue. 3. Hikes in milk prices On March 27, the Karnataka government announced a 4 per liter increase in the price of Nandini milk and curd, effective April 1. This decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to support dairy farmers and account for rising milk production and processing costs. Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) chairman Bheema Naik defended the state government's move to increase the price of Nandini milk by 4 per litre, stating that the additional cost would go directly to the farmers. "We were selling milk in Karnataka at a price lower than that elsewhere in the country. KMF procures 86 lakh-1 crore (milk) every day. 1 litre of milk is sold at 42 (Karnataka). In Gujarat, it is 53, in Andhra & Telangana, it is 58, in Delhi and Maharashtra, it is 56, in Kerala, it is 54. This decision has been taken in the interest of herders. These 4 Rupees are going to farmers," Naik told ANI. 4. Hike in electricity prices Electricity bills are also set to increase, despite a minor reduction in energy charges. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) lowered energy costs by 10 paise per unit but raised fixed charges by 25 for the fiscal year 2025-26, with further hikes planned in subsequent years, the News Minute reported. Consumers will see the revised rates reflected in their May bills. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday mourned the deaths in the recent earthquake in Thailand. The prime minister expressed his thoughts during his visit to Thailand. On behalf of the people of India, I deeply mourn the loss of lives in the earthquake that occurred on March 28, and we wish for the quick recovery of those who were injured, Prime Minister Modi said while addressing a joint press briefing with Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi receives ceremonial Guard of Honour in Bangkok The centuries-old relationship between India and Thailand is deeply rooted in our cultural and spiritual bonds, he said. "The spread of Buddhism has connected our people, with scholars exchanging knowledge from Ayodhya to Nalanda... I am grateful to the government of Thailand for issuing a special postage stamp based on an 18th-century Ramayana mural paintings to mark my visit," he said. The devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, March 28, caused over 2700 deaths, and left over thousands missing Modi, who began his Thailand visit on Thursday morning, held delegation-level talks with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra. He landed in Bangkpk on a two-day visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC summit and received a Guard of Honour and also witnessed a mesmerising Ramakien Thai Ramayana performance. Guard of Honour "A special ceremonial welcome with Guard of Honour. PM @ingshin of Thailand warmly received PM Narendra modi at the Government House in Bangkok today," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an international organisation of sevenSouth Asian and Southeast Asian nations, which together employ 1.73 billion people and have a combined gross domestic product of US$5.2 trillion (2023). The BIMSTEC member statesIndia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailandare among the countries dependent on the Bay of Bengal. Also Read | Thailand fears 10-15% drop in foreign tourist arrival after Myanmar earthquake "The two leaders will have wide-ranging discussions for charting the way for future India-Thailand partnership," he said. In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office said that he witnessed a mesmerising Ramakien, Thai Ramayana performance after he arrived in Bangkok. It showcased the rich civilisational connect between India and Thailand, the PMO said. "A cultural connection like no other! Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand," Modi said in a post on X. "The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia," he added. In the evening, the Prime Minister will join the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan to oversee the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation. After concluding Thailand's visit, he will travel to Sri Lanka for his first visit to the island country since the election of its new president. The BIMSTEC summit will bring Modi face-to-face with Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, among others. The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia. In a departure statement, Modi described BIMSTEC as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity, and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region over the past decade. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Thursday that his political party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), will approach the Supreme Court against the Centre's proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025. MK Stalin and DMK MLAs reached the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday, wearing black ribbons in a protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill. The CM said, The DMK will approach the Supreme Court on this Waqf Amendment Bill. Stalin asserted that the bill was passed at 2 AM in the Lok Sabha despite widespread opposition. He said that most political parties in India opposed the bill. "Despite the majority political parties' opposition, with the help of some alliance parties, passing the bill by early morning 2 AM is a blow against Indian Democracy and an act to disturb religious things," the Tamil CM was quoted by ANI as saying in the assembly on Thursday. "It is severely condemnable that this bill was passed in Parliament despite much opposition. 232 parliament members voted against it, and 288 members voted in favour of it," he said. "...This amendment is not just to be opposed but should be fully taken back that's our view. That's why we have passed a resolution in the assembly," Stalin said. Stalin added, "So considering this, today we wore black badges and came to assembly session. From DMK, we will approach the Supreme Court on this Waqf Amendment Bill." On Wednesday, MK Stalin had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Union government to completely withdraw the proposed Waqf Bill 2024. Waqf Bill in Parliament On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 after over 12 hours of heated debate, during which members of the INDIA bloc fiercely opposed the legislation while the BJP and its allies strongly supported it. The House sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. Speaker Om Birla later announced the division's result: "Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal," he said. The Waqf Amendment Bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, April 3. Eight hours have been allocated for the discussion on the bill. The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi attempted to link the passage of Waqf Amendment Bill and the imposition of 26 per cent tariffs on India by US President Donald Trump. The parliament was working until 2 in the morning, and at 1:30 am, the US imposed tariffs. The country and especially the BJP voters must understand that this Waqf (Amendment) Bill was pre-planned to deviate people from the issue of tariffs,"Pratapgarhi, the Rajya Sabha MP of the Congress party told news agency ANI. The Lok Sabha passed the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the wee hours of April 3, after over a 12-hour debate. The ruling NDA members strongly defended the legislation as beneficial for minorities, while the opposition described it as "anti-Muslim" during the debate. US President Donald Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on the trading partners of the world's largest economy on April 2. Trump's Liberation Day announcements had no country-specific exclusions as he announced new tariff rates for more than 180 countries. Apart from country-specific tariffs, Trump also announced the imposition of a 10 per cent baseline tariff. This Waqf (Amendment) Bill was pre-planned to deviate people from the issue of tariffs. "The US imposed 26% tariffs, but the government is not ready to talk about that, and I have heard that the PM has now gone to Thailand, Pratapgarhi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Bangkok on a visit to Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on Thursday morning. Modi will proceed on a state visit to Sri Lanka from Thailand. The Waqf Bill passed in Lok Sabha will now be taken up in Rajya Sabha. Second-class citizens About a dozen Opposition Members of Parliament (MP) from the Muslim community spoke against the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday-Thursday. In unison, these MPs said that the legislation undermined the Muslim community's rights, gave the government a handle to control the Waqfs and deepened religious divides. Also Read | Muslim MPs slam BJP govt over unconstitutional Waqf Bill The Lok Sabha passed the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the wee hours of April 3, after over a 12-hour debate. The ruling NDA members strongly defended the legislation as beneficial for minorities, while the opposition described it as "anti-Muslim" during the debate. The Bill was passed after all amendments moved by the opposition members were rejected by voice votes. It was passed after a division of votes 288 in favour and 232 against. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said minorities of India are safe because the majority is entirely secular. The Minister said even a minuscule minority community like the Parsis are safe in India. "Some members have said that minorities are not safe in India. This statement is completely false. There is no place safer than India for minorities. I am also a minority and we all are living here without any fear and with pride," he said after the debate on the Bill. Rijiju tabled the bill on Wednesday afternoon in Lok Sabha. The minister said whenever a minority community faces persecution, it always comes to India to take refuge and cited the examples of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community, minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. "The coming generation will never forgive you. Minorities in India are safe because the majorities of the country are fully secular. This is not the case in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. But still, you abuse us," he said. The Bill will be now taken up in Rajya Sabha for discussion. After passing in Rajya Sabha, the Bill goes for presidential approval to become a law. Unifying minorities in the country Rijiju said, through the Bill, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is going to unify all minorities in the country. He also highlighted the "wholehearted" support of the Christian community for the Bill. He said a large number of disputes are pending with the Waqf tribunals and through the legislation, the government wants to expedite these cases. "We want to expedite the resolution of the disputes in the tribunals. Justice delayed is justice denied. Widows, divorcees, and orphans will be given justice through the Bill," he said. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that a vote bank was being created by intimidating minorities and confusion being spread in the country in the name of the Waqf bill. "The Narendra Modi government runs on a very clear principle that we will not bring any law for vote bank because law is for justice and welfare of people," he said, adding, "Everyone has the right to follow their religion, but conversion cannot be done for greed, temptation and fear." Shah said the non-Muslims in Waqf council and boards are meant purely to ensure the administration of properties in accordance with stated aims. Earlier, there was no provision to include any non-Muslim among those who run religious institutions and the NDA government is not going to do it either, he said. Attack on the basic structure of the Constitution: Gogoi Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the INDIA bloc will oppose the proposed changes to the Waqf law and called the Bill an attack on the basic structure of the Constitution. "This Bill is an attack on the basic structure of our Constitution, an attack on our federal structure, and has four primary objectives: to dilute the Constitution, to defame minority communities, to divide Indian society, and to disenfranchise minorities," he alleged. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the Bill was a BJP ploy for polarisation. He claimed the Bill would send a wrong message to the world and dent the country's secular image. The Bill will prove to be a "Waterloo" for the BJP as some of its allies might be claiming to support the legislation but inside they are not happy about it, he said. Participating in the debate, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi staged a symbolic protest by tearing up a copy of the Bill. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X, called the Waqf Bill a weapon, aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights. "This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future," he said. What does the Waqf Bill say? According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution. As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors. Also Read | FULL Waqf Amendment Bill Controversy Explained In 5 Minutes A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency. The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules. It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans. The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf. This Bill is an attack on the basic structure of our Constitution. It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity. The Voyeurism Victims Act, signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee, extends the statute of limitations for victims of illegal recording and enhances legal protections for those affected. The suit comes after thousands of people were impacted in Tennessee and Georgia by a breach that happened in July of 2024. Among those to be laid off are 900 US hourly employees who make powertrains and stampings that supply the affected Canadian and Mexican plants. It's that time of year when penguins are hoping to collect rocks and find their potential mate. Penguin nesting season is on the horizon at the Tennessee Aquarium; but, the way that they prepare to hatch their eggs may not be how you would expect. Loribeth Lee, assistant curator of forests, said the delivery of rocks for nesting is the most exciting day for the Gentoo and Macaroni penguins at the aquarium. "It signifies the start of breeding season. So, these birds are nest builders, and rocks is what they are provided with, out in their natural habitat. So that's what we give them. We don't keep them out here all year-round, so its very exciting the first day that they come back out, and the birds don't care about anything else. Even if we brought out their favorite fish right now, they wouldn't care, explained Lee. Lee says the birds are light-sensitive, and they know that when the evenings are longer, breeding season is coming up. The aquarium lights are on a timer to adjust to this since penguins have short and long days instead of the 4 seasons like we do. Lee tells us it usually takes about 3-4 weeks before eggs are expected, so they usually have their first egg(s) by May. Lee mentions once an egg is made, it stays in incubation for 40 days. The chicks hatch in June and leave the nest at 75 days old. The chicks grow very quickly; they can start at 100 grams and fit in the palm of your hand before reaching 14 pounds as Gentoos within the 75 days. At this point, they are waterproof and the same size as their parents. By late August, the rocks are removed from the enclosure once the chicks leave the nest, and the birds begin to molt. There is a small crossover between the breeding and molting seasons, says Lee. Unlike the United States, the nesting season is reversed in Antarctica which means they are molting there now. Lee explains molting occurs when chicks leave the nest. They go through a catastrophic molt which is when the old feathers are replaced with new ones at the same exact time. The penguins gain weight and bulk up before molting happens. They are not as fast and not as waterproof during molting which causes them to fast and lose weight again. Molting usually takes about 4 weeks. Lee adds it takes about 2 years for Gentoos to mature and 5-6 years before Macaroni penguins mature. The newest Macaroni chick will be a year old in June, and they are not expecting her to make a nest yet. Instead, the chick causes some mischief with the rocks by throwing them into the water at times because she does not know what they are used for. Some of the Gentoo penguins will retrieve the dropped rocks and jump straight out of the water, but Macaroni penguins cannot jump out of the water. It's a girl! TN Aquarium celebrates newest Macaroni penguin It's a girl! A recent blood test has revealed that our newest Macaroni Penguin - hatched in June to parents Bacon and Merlin - is female. She has been named Lyda Sue by the winner of our fall fundraising auction in honor of a beloved family member," says the Aquarium. The penguins have two types of rocks to choose from, and Lee said using a combination of both kinds is best. The rocks are abundant and the only main resource Macaroni and Gentoo penguins have to use to make nests with in the wild. In fact, there are no real trees or plants in the rocky environment they usually live in. "If they just choose the river rocks, they're very smooth. Their nests don't stack very well; but if they use those nice jagged rocks, they can actually build up a pretty good nest in here, Lee said. "A lot of these Gentoo's, especially the younger ones, go for the smooth river rocks. They think they're very appealing to them; they're a little shinier, but the older birds, the wiser birds, know that the jagged rocks are better for nesting, continued Lee. Lee says sometimes, penguins will also use molted tail feathers in their nests from the previous year. They also like to use ice cubes to build nests because they are drawn to shiny things, but they do not work well since they melt since the enclosure is kept at about 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature actually helps the penguins live longer. Lee explains some of the other methods different that species of penguins use to build their nests. Emperor penguins live where there is always ice and snow, and they keep snow on their feet to keep warm. Lee mentions some species live in warm, tropical environments and dig and nest in cavities under sand, rocks, and boulders, while other species use shells, grasses, or whatever else is available to them. In South Africa, a lot of areas provide containers cut in half for the birds to serve as additional shelter from the sun especially since the species is endangered there. Lee said they have to learn for themselves which type of nest will work for them. But first, the males will pick the territory while the females fight over which male they want as their mate. The toughest female keeps girls out of the picture, but this does not mean the male is interested in her. Penguins try to impress the others when they hiss at each other and bring rocks to one another. In addition, if two birds are sitting together now, they may not continue to be together when they have their nest. This is because penguins do not mate for life but rather only for a breeding season. The birds will keep their nests close to one another which can cause some fighting and stealing rocks from other nests. Lee says they are very sneaky about it, too. Usually, the spots they sleep in become their nesting spots, but sometimes, those are also stolen. "It causes for a lot of fun drama in here, and, you know, the other keepers, we all talk about who we think is going to end up together, but we never really know, Lee said. "So, the birds that are sitting together right now are not necessarily going to be together once they actually have their nest." The Tennessee Aquarium hopes to have a new baby chick by the summer season. You can learn more about penguin nesting or more about the Tennessee Aquarium online. If you are unable to see the penguins this season, you can visit their webcam online. Longfords Christine Collins has been honoured with a prestigious Women in Digital Award at an awards ceremony in Dublin last Thursday night. Christine Collins, the Broadband and Digital officer for the Longford County Council, was recognised for her work by Digital Business Ireland, the countrys largest representative body for digital and online businesses. In her work with the council, Christine is driving transformative digital education initiatives in schools and through regional digital skills efforts such as the Midlands Digital Education programme. Also Read: Tight battle: Three candidates in race to fill Fine Gael seat on Longford county council The 2025 National Digital Awards were held at Twenty-Two in Dublin where the winners and runners-up were crowned in front of over 250 attendees from the digital sector. The sold-out event recognised the best of digital businesses the length and breadth of the country. It consisted of 16 categories featuring the best websites, people, and innovations of the year. Leading digital accessibility campaigner and CEO of RDI Hub in Kerry, Liam Cronin took home the Digital Advocate of the Year award, while a selection of businesses across the sectors, won big at this years iteration. Caroline Dunlea, Chairperson of Digital Business Ireland said: Over the past five years, the National Digital Award series has witnessed tremendous growth in entry numbers and quality, demonstrating the growing importance of the sector and the ways in which businesses are embracing digital tools to increase efficiency and change. The Camlin Keys Music Festival has a number of workshops planned for the Bank Holiday Saturday, May 3 and hope that there is something for everyone amongst the offering! The festival day opens with Tamara Niekludow delivering an all-age Performance & Exam Anxiety workshop. Tamara is a multi-award-winning concert pianist, piano lecturer, and examiner at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, as well as a competition adjudicator, conductor, and composer based in Dublin. Tamaras name will be recognised by many budding pianists, as her delightful compositions are a regular feature in the RIAM exam repertoire. After adjudicating our Festival Competition Classes, in the afternoon, Tamara will facilitate a composition workshop, sharing her methods and inspirations with young musicians. For those of you with an interest in fiddles and strings, try our From Trad to Classical and back again! Workshop with Dr Benjamin Errington. Also Read: Longford woman wins prestigious Women in Digital award Benjamin Errington is one of the countrys leading violists his career has combined classical and Traditional Irish music. Studying at a young age with the renowned Clare fiddle player Brendan Mulkere, he began participating in major folk festivals and national competitions in the UK on both viola and violin, and at aged 18 he was a finalist in the BBC Young Musicians competition. Ben has performed with many renowned musicians and the worlds leading orchestras including the National Symphony Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra and the RTE Concert Orchestra. Also Read: Tight battle: Three candidates in race to fill Fine Gael seat on Longford county council Join Benjamin, founder of the Celtic Viola and Fiddle YouTube channel, as he shares his experience from Trad to Classical and back again! If you want to extend your piano skills, consider the Traditional Piano Accompaniment Workshop with Cathal Culliney. Another multi-award winning musician, Cathal has received awards and medals at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann throughout the years, most recently winning the All-Ireland Accompaniment competition 2025. Cathal is a fiddle and piano player who hails from the ancient Conmhaicne region, a historically vibrant region of Irish music which encompasses South Leitrim and County Longford. Also Read: PICTURES | Art fantastic: Wonderful evening at exhibition opening in Longford's Athena Gallery With a passion for Irish traditional music from a young age, his Masters in Irish traditional music from Maynooth University examined how the piano has developed a collaborative role in traditional music. To book into any of the Camlin Keys Music Festival workshops on May 3 and to keep up-to-date with more workshops as they are confirmed, find Camlin Keys on social media, visit their website, camlinkeys.ie, or email camlinkeys@gmail.com Colin Dalton been selected by Fine Gael and co-opted to Longford County Council to replace Paraic Brady, who was elected as a senator to Seanad Eireann. He secured the highest number of votes to defeat his two rivals Cian Brady and Kathleen McGahern at the party's packed selection convention in Colmcille Community Centre in Aughnacliffe tonight (Thursday). About 220 Fine Gael members in the Granard Local Electoral Area were eligible to vote for the three candidates and the selection convention was chaired by Senator Gareth Scahill. READ NEXT: Community mourns Longford woman and her legendary gift of the gab Mr Dalton was proposed by Sean McKeon and seconded by Enda Dalton as he was confirmed as a candidate. Mr Dalton was co-opted to Longford County Council in May, 2020 to replace Micheal Carrigy who was elected to the Seanad and he has over four years experience of being a public representative. Cian Brady was proposed by Senator Paraic Brady and seconded by Councillor Gerry Hagan as his candidacy was officially confirmed. READ NEXT: Longford woman wins prestigious Women in Digital award The 40 year-old, a younger brother of Senator Brady, is employed as an energy consultant and has his own business said there has been a positive reaction to his candidacy. Kathleen McGahern was proposed by John McGuire and seconded by Mary Gettings as she was officially confirmed as a candidate. She was a member of the Longford-Westmeath Education and Training Board, and former Secretary of the Community Employment scheme. She has lived in Granard for 27 years and she works in the transport sector. Local Fine Gael members warmly congratulated Mr Dalton following the announcement of the result. The US may not have understood the complexity of tariffs on EU pharmaceuticals when it was first suggested, the Irish premier Micheal Martin has said. On Wednesday, US president Donald Trump announced a minimum baseline tariff of 10% on all imports from all countries, with additional higher rates for some regions including a 20% tax on goods from Ireland and the rest of the EU. Pharmaceuticals are currently exempt from measures but Mr Trump has previously threatened tariffs on the sector and may yet make further orders. Asked if he believed the tariff exemption would be temporary, Mr Martin said: We dont know that. I think whats happening there is its much more complex than might have been originally thought on the US side. There are a lot of complex supply chain issues. Also the cost of medicines would go up immediately for American citizens. Mr Martins comments expressed more uncertainty than deputy premier Simon Harris who had earlier said his working assumption was that the US administration intends to bring further tariffs on pharmaceuticals in the future, as part of the White Houses drive to increase domestic production. Mr Harris, who is also Irish Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, said: I think we have to take President Trump at his word here. Speaking to RTEs Six One News, Mr Martin said pharmaceutical goods produced in Denmark, Belgium and Ireland were often intermediate products that required further work in the US. Other issues included the investment already put into EU factories for compliance, and the skilled workforce required. He said: You cant relocate them overnight and so the US could end up doing more damage to its own companies, I dont think thats what they want. Meanwhile, Mr Martin said he did not believe there was a widespread push within the EU for tariffs on US services, but said some of the larger member states may be pursuing that as a sort of nuclear option on day one. He said the Irish Government was against that, particularly as an initial response. There may be outstanding issues from the American side that we would acknowledge, then maybe we could resolve them by negotiation. Theres no point in doing something without really understanding the unintended consequences that can flow from decisions like this, he added. There had been significant anxiety in Ireland in the run-up to Wednesdays announcement, with the US administrations protectionist approach to tariffs and tax posing a major risk to the Irish economy that is in large part sustained by long-standing investment by US multinationals. The potential impact on the pharmaceutical sector, which employs around 45,000 people, was a particular cause of concern. Total Irish exports were valued at 223.8 billion euros last year, with roughly one third going to the US. Of the 72.6 billion euros in US imports from Ireland, approximately 58 billion euros relates to pharmaceuticals and chemicals leaving Ireland. It had been projected this could halve if Mr Trump had implemented a 20% tariff on the goods and the EU had responded in kind. The immediate suggestion that pharmaceuticals are not currently part of the new tariff measures comes despite both Mr Trump and his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously focusing on Irelands moves to attract that sector. The US administration could still implement higher tariffs on pharmaceuticals at a later date, with the White House warning that future good-specific or sector-specific taxes may be announced. The industry will also have to examine the specifics of the lengthy and technical list of exemptions. Mr Harris said Ireland continues to engage with the US and points out that 80% of pharmaceutical exports to the US are not finished goods, and require further work in US factories which comes with jobs and taxes there. Mr Martin travelled to Washington DC last month, where the US president told him he did not want to do anything to hurt Ireland but added that the trade relationship between the countries should be focused on fairness. He accused the Irish Government of taking US pharmaceutical companies through attractive taxation measures and said: Were going to take back our wealth and take back a lot of the companies that left. He added: All of a sudden Ireland has our pharmaceutical companies, this beautiful island of five million people has got the entire US pharmaceutical industry in its grasp. Mr Lutnick, who has described Ireland as his favourite tax scam, told a podcast last month: They have all of our (intellectual property) for all our great tech companies and great pharma companies. They all put it there because its low tax. They dont pay us, they pay them, so that is going to end. Ireland was not specifically mentioned in the address, but Mr Trump focused on the planned response to the EU and elsewhere emphasised the importance of pharmaceuticals to the US. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: April 23 2025 Event To Take Place in the Aftermath of March 8th-9th Pine Barrens Brush Fire. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced the first ever Suffolk County Southern Pine Beetle Symposium will be held on Wednesday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Suffolk County Community College Riverhead Campus in the Montaukett Learning Resource Center (MLRC), room 107/108. The event will be held in the immediate aftermath of the East End brush fires that burned hundreds of acres on March 8-9. The infestation of the Southern Pine Beetle does not only have environmental implications but causes a serious public safety threat to the Pine Barrens and to our residents who reside in the surrounding communities as we witnessed just a couple of weeks ago, said Romaine. Following last months brush fire and the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Sunrise Wildfire, we are being proactive and using this opportunity to further inform our communities as to how they can be best informed and prepared this summer. The symposium will include information on the following topics related to the southern pine beetle: public safety, fire prevention and mitigation, forest management efforts, beetle biology, homeowner education and more. Suffolk County Executive Romaine will serve as the symposiums keynote speaker. The following agencies and organizations are scheduled to participate: Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, Suffolk County Parks, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Central Pine Barrens Commission and Seatuck. The event is also timely due to the recent fire in Suffolk County and wildfires throughout the country, most notably in California and South Carolina, and prior to the 30th anniversary of the Sunrise Wildfire of 1995 that destroyed thousands of acres in the Pine Barrens and damaged homes and businesses. All residents are invited to attend at no cost. For more information on the Suffolk County Southern Pine Beetle Symposium, go to suffolkcountyny.gov. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: April 03 2025 Miguel Nolasco was allegedly more than twice the legal limit for alcohol and speeding when he crashed into a turning vehicle, setting it on fire and killing 30-year-old Jannai Allen. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Hicksville man was indicted for aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges for a high-speed alcohol-fueled crash on West John Street that engulfed the victims vehicle in flames, killing a 30-year-old man. Miguel Nolasco, 43, was arraigned today before Judge Robert Schwartz on grand jury indictment charges of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (a B felony); Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a C felony); Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (a C felony); Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a D felony); Assault in the Second Degree (a D violent felony); Reckless Driving (an unclassified misdemeanor); Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated Per Se (an unclassified misdemeanor); and Driving While Intoxicated (an unclassified misdemeanor). The defendant was remanded. He is due back in court on May 6, 2025. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison. With no regard for the lives of other motorists, Miguel Nolasco allegedly barreled down West John Street while intoxicated, driving more than twice the speed limit, and slammed into Jannai Allen as he tried to make a left turn. The impact of the crash set Jannais car ablaze and horrifically trapped him inside, said DA Donnelly. The defendant allegedly admitted to drinking a dozen beers that night before he made the reckless decision to get behind the wheel that cost Jannai his life. Its time for drunk drivers to wake up and realize the devastation they are causing or end up serving years behind bars. DA Donnelly said that, according to the indictment, on September 21, 2024, at approximately 11:15 p.m., the defendant was driving a 2005 Honda Odyssey westbound on West John Street towards Prospect Avenue in Hicksville at a high rate of speed. The victim, 30-year-old Jannai Allen, was traveling eastbound on Prospect Avenue and making a left hand turn towards Cantiague Rock Road when the defendant allegedly crashed into him, causing the victims vehicle to become engulfed in flames. The victim was trapped inside the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The defendants car continued to roll on its side and strike several trees before coming to a stop. A blood draw taken approximately one hour after the crash revealed the defendants blood alcohol content (BAC) was allegedly .21%. An investigation found the defendant was allegedly driving approximately 100 miles per hour shortly before the crash. The speed limit on West John Street is 40 miles per hour. Nolasco was arrested at the scene by members of the Nassau County Police Department and transported to Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) for treatment for a chest injury and abrasions. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Russell and Assistant District Attorney Daniel Quinn of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Michael Bushwack and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Litigation Division Kevin Higgins. The defendant is represented by Bob Schalk, Esq. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: April 03 2025 Clements died on February 2, 2024 following an encounter with the Nassau County Police Department in Massapequa. New York Attorney General Letitia James Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of David Clements, who died on February 2, 2024 following an encounter with the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) in Massapequa. After a thorough investigation, which included review of footage from body-worn cameras, audio from 911 calls, interviews with witnesses and an involved officer, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers actions were justified under New York law. On the evening of February 2, NCPD officers responded to two 911 calls reporting a suicidal person armed with a gun at a house on Stone Boulevard in Massapequa. Upon arrival, officers surrounded the house before retreating to the street in front of the house after hearing what sounded like someone racking a firearm inside. Mr. Clements came out of the house through the front door armed with what appeared to be two pistols and pointed one in the direction of the officers and the other against his head. Mr. Clements then briefly went back into the house and when he came back outside, he was armed with what appeared to be a third pistol with a mounted flashlight. He pointed the pistol at the officers and ignored their repeated demands to drop his weapons. Mr. Clements walked toward the officers with the weapon pointed at them, and an officer discharged his service weapon in response, striking Mr. Clements. Mr. Clements was declared dead at the scene. Police recovered three BB guns at the scene, all of which looked like real firearms. Under New Yorks justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, officers were responding to 911 calls reporting a suicidal individual with a gun. When officers encountered Mr. Clements, he pointed what appeared to be multiple firearms at officers, ignored repeated demands to drop the weapons, and walked toward officers, aiming an apparent weapon in their direction. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers use of deadly physical force against Mr. Clements was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter. US airstrikes hitting targets in Yemen. (Al Masirah) The Houthis, the Iran-backed terrorist group ruling northern Yemen, have kidnapped more than 75 people since the US began its large-scale operation against the group, according to SAM, a Geneva-based human rights organization focused on the Middle East. The Houthis have a history of kidnappings and forced disappearances as part of their domestic control apparatus; however, the total is a significant increase in a short period. Local media reported on March 26 that at least 15 people had been detained in the Houthi capital, Sanaa. By March 27, more than 75 people had been kidnapped by Houthi intelligence and police agencies, according to Asharq al Awsat. Most of these individuals were taken from the city of Saada in the northern Houthi home governorate of Saada. The individuals detained in recent weeks have been accused of collaborating with US airstrikes. US Central Command (CENTCOM) has struck the Houthis more than 200 times since launching the large-scale operation against the group on March 15, according to the White House. The Houthis accused civilians of communicating with the US if they were deemed to be engaging in suspicious behavior, such as spending significant time on their phones during raids or filming the airstrikes. Even Houthi members have been accused of collusion and arrested or detained without an explanation. SAM also reported on five banking officials kidnapped by the Houthis. Local sources reported to Asharq al Awsat that at least five bank employees were arrested at checkpoints in Houthi-controlled territory. These arrests follow the US designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) on March 4, which prohibits support to the group and restricts its ability to conduct financial transactions. In response, eight banks announced their intention to relocate from Houthi-controlled Sanaa to Aden, the interim capital of the Internationally Recognized Government of Yemen. The Houthis record of arbitrary detentions The Houthis have a long history of detaining individuals. On March 25, the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, the UN said 23 of the 52 UN personnel detained globally are being held by the groups in Yemen. In February 2025, the UN paused operations in the Houthi-controlled Saada Governorate, citing the absence of the necessary security conditions and guarantees. The UN made this decision after one World Food Programme employee died in Houthi detention following his kidnapping, along with seven other UN workers in January 2025. The Houthis also kidnapped UN personnel and aid workers in raids throughout 2024. The terrorist group generally targets local Yemeni employees of the UN and international aid organizations. Beyond aid workers, the Houthis detain Yemeni and foreign civilians and use kidnappings and forced disappearances as a tool of repression. A US State Department human rights report in 2023 recorded allegations of over 500 arbitrary detentions in one year by the Houthis. The terrorist group held the crew of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, seized in November 2023, for over a year. The Houthis targeted the Galaxy Leader in their campaign against commercial vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians over the war in Gaza. Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis. Yemeni Houthis showcasing missiles. The sign reads, surface to surface cruise missile in Arabic. (IRNA) Iran has ordered its military personnel to leave Yemen amidst the ongoing US bombing campaign in the country, The Telegraph reported on April 3. The newspapers source added that regime officials concerns over the Trump administration have eclipsed discussions on Tehrans regional proxies, dominating every meeting and sidelining previous strategic priorities. The move is part of a broader pattern of the Islamic Republic recalibrating its regional strategy in response to the Trump administrations efforts to curtail Tehrans influence in the Middle East and threats to potentially strike Irans nuclear sites. Iran had previously urged the Houthis to cool tensions in the Red Sea on March 18, with Iranian officials claiming the request was conveyed to the Houthi envoy in Tehran and that Iran asked Oman to communicate the same message. The US has launched an extensive military campaign against the Tehran-backed Houthi terrorist group in Yemen, with daily attacks since March 15. US officials stated that the first wave, which targeted radars, air defenses, and missile and drone systems, was in response to the Iranian proxys attacks against commercial vessels and warships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The White House also claimed that the strikes eliminated a high-ranking missile expert, with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stating that the first attack wave targeted [the Houthis] head missileer. This extensive bombing campaign followed President Donald Trumps January 22 announcement of re-designating the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and the State Departments official FTO designation on March 4. Escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran Soon after Washingtons renewed maximum pressure strategy against Tehran, Trump sent a letter to Islamic Republic Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The letter threatened military action against Iran should the regime not halt its nuclear and missile programs and regional doctrine of financing and supplying weapons to terrorist groups. The US also reinforced its military presence in the region, deploying aircraft carrier strike groups and additional naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global energy trade. In addition, the US has deployed at least six nuclear-capable B-2 bombers to its base at Diego Garcia, which is within striking distance of Iran and Yemen. Given heightened tensions, Iran is bracing for a potential confrontation with the United States by expanding its military footprint in the Persian Gulf, reinforcing its presence on the contested islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa with advanced missile systems and infantry units. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has armed its fast-attack vessels with cruise missiles, while large-scale military exercises across the region have tested Irans defensive capabilities and demonstrated its ability to strike enemy bases and warships. Tehran has also unveiled new long-range drones and naval assets, seeking to bolster deterrence against Israel and the US. Trump has pushed Iran into a defensive posture Trumps rigorous stance against the Islamic Republics regional ambitions after he assumed office has forced Tehran to adopt a defensive posture. Iraqs Iran-backed Shia militias refraining from provoking Israel and the United States since December 2024 was the first sign of Irans new approach. More recently, Esmail Ghaani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), which executes the regimes external operations, has traveled to Iraq frequently to instruct these groups to halt attacks against American and Israeli targets. On March 19, Ghaani made an unannounced covert visit to Baghdad for high-level talks with Coordination Framework figures, Popular Mobilization Forces commanders, and Irans ambassador to Iraq to reassure the network of Tehrans support amid the uncertainties surrounding Washingtons Iran policy. 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. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir (Right) during a visit with commanders in Gaza on April 2. (IDF) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) advanced into a new area of Gaza as part of an operation that began in mid-March and is continuing to expand slowly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the latest moves on April 2, referring to operations from April 1 to 2. Last night in the Gaza Strip, we switched gears. The IDF is seizing territory, striking the terrorists, and destroying the infrastructure, the Israeli leader said. The IDF is now operating in an area that Netanyahu dubbed the Morag Corridor, which he compared to the Philadelphi Corridor that runs along the southern Gaza Strips border with Egypt. We are also doing something else: We are seizing the Morag Corridor. This will be the second Philadelphi, an additional Philadelphi Corridor, Netanyahu said. The Morag Corridor is also similar to the Netzarim Corridor, which separates Gaza City from central Gaza. That area was taken over by the IDF in late October 2023 and held until the January 2025 ceasefire. Israel then re-took part of the Netzarim Corridor in mid-March when the IDF began a new operation on March 18. The Morag Corridor is named for the former Jewish community of Morag, which was established in 1972 after the IDF took over Gaza in 1967. It was one of a number of Israeli communities built in Gaza that were dismantled in 2005 during the Israeli Disengagement from Gaza. Morag was in an open region south of the city of Khan Younis. To its north were the Israeli communities of Gush Katif near the Mediterranean. Now called Mawasi, it is an area toward which the IDF has often directed Gazans to evacuate. It is not clear how the IDF will operate in the Morag Corridor. In Netzarim and Philadelphi, the IDF cleared each zone, built a road, and secured the area so that armored vehicles and infantry forces could operate relatively safelyaway from sniper and mortar fire and without being confronted by improvised explosive devices. The operations in the Morag Corridor enable the IDF to separate Khan Younis from Rafah. Israeli troops have also been operating in the area of Tel al Sultan in Rafah, an effort that began with forces surrounding the neighborhood and then searching for terrorist infrastructure. On April 2, the IDFs Arabic language social media account published images of the infrastructure troops discovered, including a rocket launcher. In addition, on April 1, the IDF called on Gazans to leave Rafah and head north toward the Mawasi area. This evacuation notice happened as the IDF prepared to move into the Morag Corridor. On April 2, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir traveled to Gaza to view operations in Tel al Sultan. He was accompanied by the head of the Israel Security Agency Ronen Bar. Netanyahu has sought to remove Bar from his position; however, Bar has continued to carry out his duties until his role is clarified in the coming weeks. In Gaza, Zamir met with Brigadier General Barak Hiram, the head of the IDFs 36th Division, and other commanders. The 36th is one of several divisions whose elements are now operating in southern, central, and northern Gaza. Zamir said that the IDF will preserve operational ambiguity and the element of surprisethe field will speak for itself. The only thing that can halt our advance is the release of our hostages. Bar added that the targeted strikes in the Gaza Strip, which began with the opening strike two weeks ago, will intensify. The IDF is moving incrementally in Gaza to increase pressure on Hamas from multiple sides, taking over more locales each day and asking for people to evacuate areas in northern Gaza and around Gaza City. For instance, on April 3, the IDF called on residents of Shejaiya, near Gaza City, to evacuate. 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). pic.twitter.com/5o72UcKmjc SAM (@5llit) April 2, 2025 Palestinians in the northern Gaza city of Beit Lahia renewed protests against Hamas and its war with Israel on Wednesday. The latest round of demonstrations followed a lull last week after earlier protests erupted on March 25. Some protestors held signs that read Stop the war, and others chanted, Hamas, get out. For about 17 months, Palestinian civilians in Gaza have been caught in the middle of Israels war against Hamas, which has ruled the population with strict force for almost two decades, and other terrorist groups. During the war, Hamas has stolen aid meant for civilians, publicly shot Palestinians who it accused of collaborating with Israel, and beaten or murdered individuals who dissented against the groups rule. On March 25, Palestinians began large protests in the northern Gaza Strip against Hamas. Thousands of people marched through the streets of Beit Lahia while chanting slogans such as For Gods sake, Hamas out and Hamas terrorists, CNN reported. The demonstrations appeared to gain traction the following day as Palestinians began to protest in other parts of the Gaza Strip. However, the public displays of opposition dissipated two days later, coinciding with emerging reports that Hamas had cracked down on Palestinians who took part in the protests. On Wednesday, reports emerged that 22-year-old Uday al Rabay, an anti-Hamas protestor, was brutally murdered by the terrorist group. Rabays family said Hamas kidnapped him on March 29. A statement by the family said Rabay was tortured in the most severe manner with all kinds of sharp and hard objects. Hassan Rabay, Udays brother, told CNN, They [the Hamas kidnappers] then called me and said: come get your brother. [] This is the fate of everyone who disrespects Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] and speaks ill of them. Uday was still alive but soon died after being taken to the hospital, according to his brother. On Tuesday, in a separate incident, members of a prominent Gazan family in Deir al-Balah claimed they killed Hamas police officer Ibrahim Shaldan in retribution for shooting their relative Abdulrahman Shaaban Abu Samra while he was waiting in line for flour. Hamas condemned the killing of Shaldan in a written statement, saying it only served Israels goals of sowing chaos and breaking the internal Palestinian front. While protests in Gaza against Hamas are rare, some have occurred within the last decade. In 2019, Palestinians took to the streets to voice their frustrations against the group over the economic conditions in Gaza. Hamas responded to the demonstrations with violence, which compelled UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, to rebuke the terrorist group. I strongly condemn the campaign of arrests and violence used by Hamas security forces against protesters, including women and children, Mladenov stated. Its unclear if the resumption of protests against Hamas and the war will share the same fate as previous demonstrations, which have ended poorly for dissenters. However, a significant factor was not present during past years demonstrations. The Israeli military has now significantly degraded the capabilities of Hamas and its armed allies. While under Israeli military pressure, Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza may not be able to divert as many resources to suppress protests as they have in previous years. 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. Satellite imagery of the Tiyas Airbase (T4) captured on July 15, 2024. (Google Earth). Media reports indicate that Turkish forces are planning on deploying to the Tiyas Airbase, also known as the T4, and the Palmyra military airport in Syrias Homs provincetwo sites recently targeted multiple times by Israeli airstrikes. According to several sources, Turkey plans to install Hisar-O and Hisar-U air defense systems and potentially the long-range SIPER system at these locations. The deployment of a Russian-made S-400 system is also under consideration, pending Moscows approval. The move appears aimed at deterring Israeli air operations, countering Islamic State activity, and asserting Turkish influence amid the waning presence of Iranian and Russian forces in Syria. If approved, deploying the S-400 could mark a strategic shift with broad implications and may serve as Turkeys most significant leverage in Syria. A Turkish military delegation traveled to the T4 airbase from the Turkish-held bases in Idlib. The delegation conducted reconnaissance operations but has not brought any vehicles or military reinforcements to the sites so far. Turkish forces began constructing a new military base inside the Menagh military airport, located 6 kilometers south of the city of Azaz in the northern countryside of Aleppo Governorate. Military sources confirmed to Al Arabi Al Jadid at the time that the Turkish army was preparing the airport, including deploying armored vehicles, logistical materials, and construction equipment. These developments suggest the base may become a key hub for Turkish forces in northern Aleppo soon. T4 Airbase is located near the village of Tiyas, 60 kilometers east of Palmyra in the Homs Governorate. It is Syrias largest airbase, featuring a main runway and two secondary runways that each total 3 kilometers. During the Syrian Civil War, the airbase was used by the Bashar al Assad regimes Syrian Arab Army and Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) to launch attacks on rebel-held areas. In December 2016, after the Islamic State seized Palmyra from Assads forces, the group attacked T4 and claimed to have destroyed four Syrian Air Force jets. In 2018, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck the base, destroying the main air control tower. Later, in April 2018, another attack destroyed a hangar used to store drones and an Iranian-supplied Tor missile system before it could become fully operational. The airbase has also served as a launch point for drone strikes by Iran-backed Shia militias targeting US bases in northern Syria. On October 8, 2021, Israeli warplanes once again targeted T4 with missiles at around 9:30 pm, injuring six Syrian soldiers, according to Syrian media. Israel maintains that Iranian forces continued to use the base. In early December 2024, T4 was captured by the US-backed Syrian Free Army. Israel is concerned that the Syrian government may allow Turkey to establish military bases within its territory, potentially hindering Israels freedom of operation in Syria. The concern comes amid growing cooperation between Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government. Over the past two weeks, Israel has targeted key military airbases in Syria, including the T4 base, to send a clear message about protecting its operational freedom in Syria. Israeli strikes on Syrian airfields aim to complicate Turkish military logistics and Ankaras ability to operate in the region. Recent satellite images confirm that Israeli airstrikes have caused some damage to the T4 airbase, creating craters on the runway that can prevent heavy-lift transport planes from landing. The IDF airstrikes targeting T4 and other Syrian airbases over the past week are unlikely to be the last. Israel harbors significant concerns about Ahmad al Sharaas Islamist inclinations, and in light of the shifts in Jerusalems security posture following Hamass attack on October 7, 2023, Israels approach has become more proactive and risk-averse. The deployment of advanced air-defense systems to an airbase just 140 miles from Israels borders is unlikely to sit well with the countrys political and security leadership. Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant. The Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies High Commission for Occupational Diseases will be revived following a meeting between members of parliament and Health Minister Martine Deprez on Wednesday. The Commission superieure des maladies professionnelles as it is officially known is meant to establish a list of occupational diseases that workers could be exposed to. In a motion submitted in January, dei Lenk deputies David Wagner and Marc Baum had called for the list to be updated to include occupational diseases workers risk being exposed to as climate change continues to develop. Studies conducted in France showing that people who frequently work in conditions of thermal stress (at least six hours per day, five days per week, for two months of the year) are more likely to suffer from kidney diseases or acute kidney injuries, were cited by the left-wing lawmakers. Also read: Employee group urges protections for workers against heat and extreme weather The list has remained untouched since 2016 and the commission was last called in 2013. On Wednesday, Deprez committed to reviving and expanding the higher commission so that it can update the list after consideration of established medical knowledge regarding diseases that may be caused by the effects of climate change, parliament said on its website following the meeting. Wagners initiative was a good one and Deprezs decision a great success for Wagner, opposition deputy Djuna Bernard (dei Greng) told the Luxembourg Times. Also read: What climate change looks like in Luxembourg At the time, we supported the motion, but its even better if the minister supports it, she said. According to Bernard, Deprez invited Wagner to submit the motion once more at the next plenary session after the Easter break. When the high commission will be created is not known yet, but the minister is doing the right thing by acknowledging that [the lack of updates on the list] is a problem, Bernard said. Luxembourgs ban of smartphones will kick in after Easter in primary schools and after Pentecost in secondary schools, the education ministry confirmed on Thursday, after first announcing the policy in September. From 22 April, the use of smartphones and internet-connected devices such as tablets will be prohibited during the school day in primary schools and maison relais, as well as during breaks and school activities. Exceptions will be made for educational use under teacher supervision or for medical reasons with a doctors certificate. Students needing their smartphones for contact before or after school must keep them turned off and stored in their backpacks. Violations may result in confiscation until the end of the school day. Repeated violations will prompt parental notification. Smartphone ban also in secondary schools In secondary schools, students will be required to keep smartphones away during lessons starting 2 June, after the Pentecost holidays, the ministry had already announced in September. Each secondary school will develop their own charter outlining these rules, and may impose additional restrictions in consultation with the school community. The use of smartphones during lessons had already been largely prohibited across many state schools. Also read: Smartphone addiction is problem, young people agree The ministry campaign Studies link excessive digital consumption to mental health issues, physical development problems, and lower academic performance. The growing negative effects of excessive screen time and social media on the mental and physical development of children are well-documented and are expected to grow, the ministry said in a press release. The newly launched screen life balance campaign for the the 2024/2025 school year intends to reduce screen time and encourage a healthy balance between digital and real-life activities among children and teens. Meteolux confirmed this week what many might have suspected: that March was particularly dry and sunny this year. With nearly 229 hours of sunshine, it was the sunniest March at Findel Airport since records began there in 1947. The third month of the year was also quite a lot warmer and less windy than usual, and - crucially for the countrys farmers and water reserves - exceptionally dry. Marchs 13mm of precipitation was less than a quarter of the average monthly moisture, with half of that falling in just one day. Frightened farmers? Too much of anything is never good for agriculture, Laurent Frantz, vice president of the national farmers association Baueren Allianz told the Luxembourg Times. As farmers, we need moderate weather, where sunshine and rain alternate regularly. Sun and water are two building blocks that all our plants need to grow. Frantz said the alarm bells are not ringing yet this year, but noted that farmers are getting increasingly concerned. Here lies the problem of climate change in relation to agriculture. Climate change is increasing weather extremes, and this is always bad, he said. 2024 was the year with the most rainfall since weather records have been kept in Luxembourg. Almost all our crops suffered as a result and yields were poor, both in terms of quality and quantity for cereals. The extremely dry March follows a dry February in Luxembourg, but last years moisture has meant farms remain resilient for now. In fact, early spring tasks have gone very smoothly this year, Frantz said. We are now in April and April is a very important month for vegetation. To get plant growth going, we need enough of everything. If we dont get rain soon, water will be the limiting factor for growth, he said. Is there enough water generally? The recharge of groundwater aquifers mostly occurs between October and April each year, said Frank Grotz, spokesperson at the national water management service, adding that precipitation levels have been at-or-above average for most months since summer 2023. Groundwater levels have been trending upwards in Luxembourg for several years, Grotz said in an email. The flow rates of the springs also indicate a favourable situation to date, as you can see in the graph below, which shows the variations in precipitation and flow rate of a source from the Luxembourg Sandstone, our most important aquifer for drinking water production. Increased precipitation has brought increased flow to Luxembourg springs Photo credit: Administration de la gestion de leau An impact on our groundwater could only be expected if below-normal precipitation is observed in the coming months, Grotz said. For example, if there is too little precipitation until October 2025, the recharge period of the aquifers would then start later and be considerably shortened, as we observed at the end of 2022, with a very short recharge period that began in early January 2023 due to the particularly dry summer and autumn of 2022. While Luxembourgs groundwater levels remain good, the water management administration is taking no chances: It is [...] essential that everyone uses drinking water sparingly and conserves our precious resources to be prepared for any eventuality and to develop good habits regarding drinking water consumption, Grotz said. If theres a marquee feature for iOS 18.4, its the expansion of Apple Intelligence into the EU, along with Vision Pro compatibility and new language support for French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Thats tens of millions of iPhone 16 owners who can finally use the feature Apple says the newest iPhones were built for. (However, we should point out that this release does not enable Phone Mirroring on Macs in the EU due to issues over Digital Markets Act compliance.) For everyone else, there isnt one standout feature. Rather, iOS 18.4 brings lots of little tweaks, improvements, and changes. Maybe one will stand out for you as the thing youve been waiting for, or maybe the sum of them taken together just makes your iPhone a little more pleasant to use. Heres a by-no-means-complete list of the little things you may come to appreciate about this update. iOS 18.4: 15 minor improvements that make a major impact Visual Intelligence can be triggered in the Control Center or the Action Button. This makes it available on the iPhone 15 Pro, and it means you can add the control to your lock screen. If youve got AirPods Max, youre getting an upgrade (via a firmware update) to allow audio over USB-C, which will include 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio and ultra-low-latency audio. If youre a CarPlay user, youll appreciate the new third row of app icons on the home screen (if your display size is large enough) and a new API for sporting events will allow for custom experiences during live sporting broadcasts. Speaking of driving, Apple Maps will now include the location of NACS chargers (thats the so-called Tesla connector appearing on many new EVs). Got a Vision Pro? Along with support for Apple Intelligence on the headset, theres a new Vision Pro iPhone app that lets you discover spatial experiences, download apps and games, and get tips. If youre a fan of making Shortcuts, youll love that there are now lots of Shortcut options to change app settings. So you can make apps behave differently based on location or time of day or whatever, if youre good at making Shortcuts. Youll notice that Safari now shows recent searches when you select the search/address bar, making it easy to repeat that search you just did earlier today. You can clear this at will, or prevent it from showing at all by going to Settings > Safari > Show recent searches. Foundry There are several tweaks to Control Center. Buttons that have more options when you select them show chevrons, the cellular data toggle shows real signal strength, and so on. There are new controls, too, including four options for Ambient Music: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Each one has multiple playlist options or you can select one of your playlists. Because theyre Control Center controls, you can add them to the lock screen or trigger them with the Action Button, too. Foundry Theres an all-new Apple Intelligence feature: Prioritize Notifications. Go to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications to enable or disable it, and you can select which apps it works with. When enabled, AI will try to determine if a notification is especially important and show it to you in a separate group on top of all your other notifications. Foundry Tweaks to the Photos app include a new Key Photo view mode for your Albums, two new filters for viewing your Photos library (Shared With You and Not in an Album), and the ability to edit the order of the Media Types list. Finally, I can select Screenshots without swiping three pages over! Foundry Image Playground is still a pretty bad experience, but at least it now has the Sketch style that was demonstrated back at WWDC. For certain kinds of drawings, its the best choice. We all love emojis, and there are seven new ones in iOS 18.4: Face with bags under eyes, Fingerprint, Harp, Leafless tree, Root vegetable, Shovel, and Splatter. If youre an Apple News+ subscriber youll want to check out the new Food section, which does an excellent job presenting recipes from popular food publications. Look under the Following tab to find the Food section. Note that this is not yet available in the Apple News app on Macs. You know how you can set up a new iPhone or iPad by bringing another iPhone or iPad near it? Well, now that works for setting up a new Mac, too! Youll need to update the Mac to macOS 15.4 or later, of course. To update your iPhone to iOS 18.4, head over to the Settings app, then tap General, Sofware Update, and follow the prompts. Maybe you didnt realize this, but Microsoft is actually older than Apple. While Apple marked its 49th anniversary earlier this week on April 1, Microsoft will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 4. To commemorate the event, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has posted the source code for Microsofts first-ever product, Altair BASIC. The story of the product begins with the computer credited with starting the personal computer revolution, the MITS Altair 8800. (Yeah yeah yeah, I know what youre thinking, What about the Apple II? I thought this was Macworld! Even PCWorld said its the greatest PC of all time!) But the Altair 8800 has a unique place in history. When it was featured on the cover of the January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics, enthusiasts everywhere were excited about its potential, including Bill Gates and Paul Allen, then students at Harvard. The magazine cover that launched the PC revolution. Popular Electronics Gates and Allen thought that the Altair 8800 was a sign that the PC revolution was imminent, as Gates puts it. They decided to create a version of BASIC that can run on the AltairBASIC, for you young whippersnappers who pay too much attention to those darn TokToks or whatever you call em, is a computer language designed for people with, in Gatess words, no computer experience. BASIC on an Altair 8800 would widen the devices market and bring personal computing one step closer to the masses. Gates details some of the things they had to do to make Altair BASIC a real product, including not having actual access to the Intel 8080 chip that was in the Altair 8800, how to handle memory limitations (you thought 8GB was diddly squat, try 256 bytes!), and rushing to make a tight deadline. Eventually, they entered a licensing agreement with MITS, and Micro-Soft (the name originally had a hyphen) was born. As the story goes, Steve Wozniak saw the Altair 8800 running Gates BASIC at a meeting of the Homebrew Electronics Club. However, the Intel chip was too expensive, so he wrote a new version of Gates Altair BASIC for the cheaper MOS 6502 chip, which became the Apple I with the help of a guy named Steve Jobs. A few years later, they released the greatest PC of all time, the Apple II, and well, you probably know the rest. If you dont, heres a recap. But back to Microsoft. The Altair BASIC source code is available as a PDF download, covering 157 pages. Gates is super proud of how it turned out, and considering what Altair BASIC led to, he should be. If you are a developer or a computer geek, its worth a look. If youre interested in learning more about Bill Gates before Microsoft, read his autobiography, Source Code: My Beginnings. Local Maverick, described as a curated retail experience to discover, shop, and experience the best of Vermont, plans to open a new location at 96 Depot Street in June, for example. As more and more smaller and independent businesses start to come back into the community, as retail and business shifts away from outlets, we just feel like it's the perfect opportunity to come in, said Founder Ryan Nakhleh. William Lambers partnered with the UN World Food Program on the book Ending World Hunger. His writings have been published by the Washington Post, NY Times, Newsweek, History News Network and many other news outlets. Opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. A rally held on March 26, 2025 near Tufts University after student Rumeysa Ozturk was detained by federal immigration agents on a street in Somerville. (Irene Rotondo/MassLive) Ahead of Thursdays court hearing to challenge federal immigration agents detainment of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk last week, the school said has called for her immediate release. The University has no information to support the allegations that she was engaged in activities at Tufts that warrant her arrest and detention, wrote Tufts President Sunil Kumar, in a declaration sent to the school community Wednesday. The declaration was made in support of a motion filed by Ozturks legal team before the hearing scheduled in U.S. District Court in Boston Thursday afternoon, where a judge will hear arguments regarding her unlawful detention and attempted deportation by ICE and detainment in Louisiana. The declaration asked for Ozturk to be released without delay so she can return to finish her degree, and for the recognition of her due process rights. Ozturk is a 30-year-old third-year doctoral student from Turkey and former Fulbright Scholar, studying how young people can use social media in positive ways. She has not been charged with or accused of any crime, according to her legal team. She was arrested by six masked federal immigration agents in Somerville on March 25, in apparent retaliation to an op-ed article she co-authored in the schools newspaper last year. Ozturk was transported out of the state within an hour of her detainment and was already in Vermont by the time her lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, filed a habeas corpus petition to ask for Ozturk to remain in Massachusetts. Ozturk ended up at a federal detention facility in Louisiana by the next morning. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani sided with Khanbabai when she ordered ICE to keep Ozturk in Massachusetts, but the federal government argued in a court filing last week that Ozturk had already left the jurisdiction of the District Court for Massachusetts, and a Massachusetts-based federal judge therefore lacks jurisdiction over the case. On Thursday, members of Ozturks legal team, including Khanbabai, are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Boston for a hearing before a judge to challenge her arrest and argue for her return to Massachusetts, despite the federal governments jurisdictional arguments. Ozturks legal team includes the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Massachusetts, along with members from the Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility (CLEAR) project at the CUNY School of and Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP. In his declaration, Kumar discussed the timeline of how Tufts was informed of Ozturks detainment. Somerville Police notified university police of her arrest at 6:30 p.m. on March 25, after she was in custody of federal immigration agents that day. Then, at 7:32 p.m., Ozturks record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was updated to say her visa was terminated. Kumar said Ozturk had been in good immigration standing on SEVIS when she was arrested and up to that point. At 10:31 a.m. the next day, Tufts received a notice dated March 25 that Ozturks visa was cancelled because she was a non-immigrant status violator, Kumar wrote. The notice also stated the U.S. believed her presence in the country would result in potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. Kumar also highlighted the opinion piece Ozturk co-authored in The Tufts Daily, published March 26 2024, which was called Try again, President Kumar: Renewing Calls for Tufts to Adopt March 4 TCU Senate resolutions. The University declares that this opinion piece was not in violation of any Tufts policies, Kumar wrote, adding it was consistent with speech allowed by the Declaration on Freedom of Expression that Tufts adopted in 2009. For the record, a search of The Tufts Daily will reveal op-eds on multiple sides of the issue with opinions that were shared just as strongly as the op-ed Ms. Ozturk co-authored, the declaration continued. The University has no further information suggesting that she has acted in a manner that would constitute a violation of the Universitys understanding of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. @masslivenews Several hundred people packed a park near Tufts University on Wednesday, March 26 and rallied in show of support for Rumeysa Ozturk, a Ph.D. student arrested by masked federal agents off-campus the day before. #fyp #tuftsuniversity #massachusetts original sound - MassLive News Ozturks arrest has had a dire effect in creating fear on campus, Kumar said. Students, faculty and staff are scared to leave their homes, attend and teach classes on campus. They are choosing to not speak at international conferences and internationally travel. At Tufts, there are 1,818 continuing international students on F-1 visas, 569 alumni pursuing post-completion work authorization in the U.S. and 24 degree and non-degree students on J-1 visas. This is in addition to students, faculty and staff with various immigrant and non-immigrant statuses, Kumar said. The University declares that many of these students will go on to make significant economic and intellectual contributions to the United States and in countries around the world, the declaration read. The University is confident in its declaration because thousands of Tufts University alumni have received their education while on F-1 visas and have gone on to make a positive impact to the economic prosperity and intellectual success of the United States and in other countries, it read. The hearing in Boston is scheduled for April 3 at 2 p.m. at U.S. District Court. President Donald Trumps administration has threatened to withhold funding from public schools that continue to promote diversity, equity and inclusion programs. According to The Hill, a memo was sent to top state education officials nationwide. The memo informed officials that their schools have 10 days to sign a document affirming theyve removed all programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. The federal government threatened to remove Title I funding from schools that are not in compliance, according to The New York Times. Title I funding assists schools with a large amount of low-income students. The White House memo comes days after the Republican administration cut $106 million in education grant funding for Massachusetts public schools. The cut includes a $47 million hit to Springfield Public Schools, the largest funding cut in the state. Massachusetts wasnt the only state impacted by cuts this week. The U.S. Department of Education pulled federal funding from states across the country through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey estimated around $2 billion was cut from public schools across the country. Anyone interested in seeing a full map of states with the largest funding cuts can view it here. Godsmack performs on the Wind Creek Steel Stage at Musikfest in Bethlehem on August 9, 2019. Chris Shipley | lehighvalleylive.com contributor A Grammy Award-nominated rock band with Massachusetts ties is undergoing some major lineup changes Two members of Godsmack guitarist Tony Rombola and drummer Shannon Larkin have retired from the group after three decades, the band wrote on social media Wednesday. The band added that both members left on good terms and that the remaining members are grateful for their contributions. Their departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for new and exciting possibilities, Godsmack wrote. Although we have not made any permanent decisions about who may replace Tony and Shannon, we will be continuing this journey together, and we look forward to sharing the decisions we make with all of you as they happen. Drummer Will Hunt of Evanescence and guitarist Sam Koltun of Dorothy will take over for Rombola and Larkin on Godsmacks current European tour dates. According to Blabbermouth, Larkin responded to rumors about the lineup change in a since-deleted video that confirmed the split was amicable. Im okay. Tonys okay. But we did quit the band last year, after lots of talking to Sully and Robbie. And they understood that we didnt wanna tour anymore thats the reason and we understood that they wanted to tour. And so we understood each other. And in the end, Godsmacks out there touring and we are happily here living our lives," Larkin said. Tony turned 60. Im 58. Look, its not a physical thing. We wanna be home with everything that we love. Godsmack formed in the Boston area in 1995 and has released eight albums, featuring hits like Whatever, Voodoo, Bad Religion, Awake, Cryin Like a Bitch, 1000hp, When Legends Rise and the Grammy-nominated I Stand Alone. Rombola joined Godsmack in 1996, before the release of their major label debut, and Larkin had been a fixture since 2002. Tonys Chocolonely Inc. is voluntarily recalling seven lots of Tonys brand Dark Almond Sea Salt Bar (6.35oz); and Everything Bar (6.35oz) because the product may contain small stones. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Two types of chocolate bars are under a voluntary recall from its manufacturer after the products were found to possibly contain small stones. New York City-based corporation Tonys Chocolonely Inc. is recalling seven lots of its Tonys brand Dark Almond Sea Salt Bar and Everything Bar, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The affected products were sold and distributed nationwide through retailers and on the brands website. The chocolate bars were distributed between Feb. 7 and March 24 of this year. Tonys Chocolonely Inc. is voluntarily recalling seven lots of Tonys brand Dark Almond Sea Salt Bar (6.35oz); and Everything Bar (6.35oz) because the product may contain small stones. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The affected items both weigh 6.35 oz. and have lot codes of 4327, 4330, 4331 and M4331 for the Everything Bar and lot codes of 163094, 162634 and M162634 for the Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Bar, according to the FDA. The affected Everything Bar lots have sell-by dates of Nov. 22, Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 of this year. The affected Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Bar lots have sell-by dates of Feb. 28 and April 2 of 2026. The FDA said no other lot codes are impacted by the recall and no other Tonys brand products fall under it. The recall was initiated following 12 reports of consumers finding small stones in the product not filtered during third-party almond harvesting and the almond processing process, the FDA said. All complaints occurred outside of the United States and Canada, and no injuries were reported. The FDA advises consumers who have purchased the affected products not to eat them and to return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or to throw away the item. Full information on the recall can be found on the FDAs website. In this photograph provided by SEA LIFE Melbourne, Pesto, a huge king penguin chick who weighs as much as both his parents combined, mingles in his enclosure at Australia's Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Sept. 3, 2024, and has become a social media celebrity and a star attraction at the aquarium. (SEA LIFE Melbourne via AP) AP As a species, penguins have to deal with the challenges of harsh winters, predators such as leopard seals and the ever-increasing impacts of climate change. For a group of penguins living on a set of islands near Antarctica, they now face a new challenge global politics and the economics of trade. The Heard and McDonald Islands, an Australian territory near Antarctica uninhabited by humans, was among the countries hit by 10% tariffs imposed Wednesday on U.S. imports. Instead, the islands regions are home to multiple species of penguins, ranging from the Macaroni Penguin to the King Penguin, according to the World Wildlife Federation. Even though there is no active trade on the islands, the United States has imported products from the Heard and McDonald Islands. In 2022, the U.S. imported $1.4 million in goods according to the World Bank. A majority of the goods are listed as Machinery and Electric, per the data. The Heard and McDonald Islands are not the only uninhabited places that were hit with tariffs. Jan Mayen Island, a remote Norwegian volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean, was also hit with a 10% tariff on Wednesday. The island is home to seabirds such as puffins and fulmars, according to Albatross Expeditions. There is no permanent human population on the island. Nowhere on Earth is safe, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday, according to the Guardian. Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on goods from another country. If a country imposes a 10% tariff on imported cars and a car is worth $50,000, for example, the tariff or tax would be $5,000. A vocal supporter of tariffs, Trump has said on numerous occasions that they will help collect tax revenue for the United States and bring back manufacturing jobs. The president also views tariffs as a tool to get back at countriesbelieving they have treated the United States poorly. While the two uninhabited locations saw just a 10% tariff, other countries, such as China and Israel, saw steeper tariffs. China was hit with a tariff of 34% and Israel 17%, according to a chart Trump unveiled on Wednesday. The way the Trump White House calculated the tariffs for each county was that they took the trade deficit the U.S. has with one particular country, divide it by the number of dollars in imports the U.S. took in from said from said country, then divide it by two, according to the New York Times. More than 180 countries were hit with tariffs on Wednesday. Four countries, Russia, Cuba, North Korea and Belarus were not included on the list, according to Axios. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained to Axios that Russia was not on the list because U.S. sanctions already preclude any meaningful trade. She added that Cuba, Belarus and North Korea were also not included on the list because existing tariffs and sanctions on the three countries are already very high, Axios reported. A consequence of these tariffs is that prices on products, such as produce and automobiles, are expected to rise. Another consequence of these new tariffs is retaliatory tariffs from other countries. China and Canada, two countries that have seen tariffs placed upon them, have announced retaliatory tariffs of their own targeting industries in rural counties such as agriculture, coal, oil, car parts and other products that are manufactured, according to an analysis from the New York Times. This photo shows utility company National Grid signage at a Brooklyn location, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) More than 35,000 Massachusetts customers of National Grid can breathe a sigh of relief. The company failed to send timely bills to the tens of thousands of customers this winter due to an issue in its customer billing system, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities wrote in a letter to National Grid on Monday. The scale of the billing delays violated the states consumer protection regulations, the state said, obliging National Grid to waive charges for customers billed more than 60 days late. If the customer has already paid the bill, National Grid must credit or refund the money, the state said. Providing customers with accurate, timely, and transparent bills is a fundamental obligation of electric and gas distribution companies, and when bills are substantially delayed, customers lose the ability to adjust their energy usage to stay within their financial means, the letter from Commonwealth Utilities Commission Chair James Van Nostrand and Commissioners Cecile Fraser and Staci Rubin read. Timely billing is even more important in winters with sky-high energy costs like this one. When bills are delayed, it can wreak havoc with household budgeting, and it is simply unfair to expect customers to pay multiple months worth of bills that were not rendered timely, the commissioners wrote. A spokesperson for National Grid did not immediately respond to a request for comment. National Grids delayed billing was tied to a deficiency in its billing system identified during the changeover from off-peak to peak rates at the beginning of November. The company told state regulators that more than 35,000 customers were not billed in October or November. By Monday, when the commissioners wrote to National Grid, 92% of the customers were again receiving regular bills. That left 3,000 customers with five or six months of unbilled energy use. Many others, the commissioners said, only recently began receiving bills again, reflecting their recent three or four months of energy consumption. The commissioners called the mix-up a systemic and uncorrected failure. Regulations allow for delayed billing in unforeseen circumstances, inadvertent mistakes, and technical glitches. Recent precedents also allowed for companies to recover unbilled charges when excusable errors result in a single unbilled month or an estimated bill for up to two months, the commissioners wrote. Nothing in our regulations or precedent, however, permits an extended and unaddressed systemic error of this magnitude, they added. The state Department of Public Utilities fielded hundreds of calls this winter from confused customers, according to the commissioners. They said National Grid can collect no more than two months of revenue from customers hit by the billing failure. For customers who went unbilled since the beginning of the peak energy cost season, the company must waive charges for any usage occurring more than 60 days prior to the date the Company sends the customer its next bill. The company must issue credits or refunds to customers who already paid bills that were issued late. Men dressed as Revolutionary War soldiers fire off muskets during a demonstration in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania on Sunday, December 11, 2022. John J. LaRosa | For NJ Advance When colonial-era reenactors gather in June to mark the 250th anniversary of one of the American Revolutions most significant battles, it wont be near the site of the original battle in Boston. Instead, the Battle of the Bunker Hill will be reenacted in Gloucester, 25 miles away on the North Shore. The event is a key part of the numerous celebrations taking place across the state over the next year-plus to mark the 250th anniversary of the revolution and its roots in Massachusetts. Though defeated at Bunker Hill, American revolutionaries proved at the June 17, 1775, battle in Charlestown that they could go toe-to-toe with the professional British Army. The British victory remained a sobering experience for the redcoats, who suffered twice the casualties of the Americans, according to the American Battlefield Trust. But there are multiple reasons the historic battle cant be reenacted at its original site, as others will be like the Battle of Lexington and Concord in just over two weeks. First: Quite a bit has changed in Charlestown in the 250 years since the Battle of Bunker Hill. Now home to roughly 20,000 residents (who are still confined to just 1.4 square miles), the modern urban landscape makes a large-scale reenactment impossible, organizers of the event said. However, Gloucesters historic Stage Fort Park where the citys first settlers arrived in 1623 offers a perfect alternative with its natural terrain features closely resembling the Charlestown Peninsula where the battle was fought, they said. Gloucesters Stage Fort Park offers key elements that perfectly capture the topography needed to tell the complete story of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Jonathan Lane, the executive director of Revolution 250, a group helping organize the anniversary events, said. The parks beaches allow us to recreate the British landing, while the natural elevation provides space for the fortified redoubt central to the battle. The event will take place on June 21 and 22. It is expected to draw 5,000 to 7,000 visitors to Gloucester. There, they will see historical encampments for both the American and British armies, where visitors can interact with living historians acting in the roles of soldiers. There will be multiple pieces to the battle reenactment, culminating with three assaults on a recreated Bunker Hill fortification. Visitors will also witness an amphibious landing of British troops at Gloucesters Half Moon Beach with support from colonial-era ships. The beachhead landing will be perhaps the most exciting component of the reenactment, organizers said, with efforts underway to charter period-appropriate vessels that will participate in recreating the British siege and landing. Visitors may also be able to purchase charters aboard local Gloucester boats during the event, witnessing the landing from the water, they said. The amphibious landing of British troops is a central element of the battle reenactment, Michael DeKoster, executive director of Maritime Gloucester, said in a statement. Having traditional ships in Gloucester Harbor will not only create a spectacular visual element of cannon fire and maritime troop movement but will allow us to portray how the British forces arrived at Charlestown accurately. Further details can be found on the event website. Karen Read and attorney Alan Jackson review jury questionnaires during the second day of jury selection in Reed's retrial at Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP Jury selection will resume in the Karen Read trial Thursday morning, with seven people picked for the jury after two full days of questioning earlier this week. Several dozen more potential jurors will be individually questioned by the presiding judge, Beverly Cannone, and lawyers for both sides on Thursday. Across the first two days, more than 150 people were called up to the bench for questioning. Selection will wrap up when 16 people are picked for the jury. By the end of the day Wednesday, four men and three women had been seated. Leaving the courtroom Wednesday, Read said she was not surprised by the pace of selection. Read more: Complete Karen Read trial coverage During questioning, lawyers from either side can strike a juror without providing a specific reason. Both sides can do so up to 16 times. Its not clear how many have been used through the first two days of selection. The painstaking process begins with Judge Beverly Cannone reading a statement of the case, laying out what prosecutors say Read did: backing her SUV into her then-boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, outside a Canton home following a night of drinking. She told jurors that Read is presumed innocent and has no obligation to prove her innocence during the trial. Cannone also referenced the intense publicity that has consumed the Read case, saying, public comment will likely continue, but the rule of law will be upheld. Read thanked the potential jurors after each lawyer introduced themselves. Cannone then read all 150 names on the witness list before asking the jurors a series of questions. Both days, almost every person in the room raised their hand when asked if they had heard or talked about the case. Of the roughly 170 potential jurors, more than 150 said they had. About half of the potential jurors said they had formed or expressed an opinion about the case. After completing a three-page questionnaire, potential jurors are called up to sidebar to be questioned individually by the judge and lawyers for both sides. Those conversations are held out of earshot of both reporters and the other jurors in the courtroom. While the lawyers are at sidebar, Read and Victoria George, an alternate juror from the first trial who has joined her defense team, could be seen going through the questionnaires. Inside the courtroom, it is not always clear when jurors are excused or picked. Cannone occasionally announces if they have been excused, but never if a juror is selected. Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe. Her first trial ended when Cannone declared a mistrial on July 1. Prosecutors say Read intentionally backed her SUV into OKeefe in a drunken rage amid turmoil in their relationship, then left him to die in the snow outside the Canton home of a fellow Boston Police officer. But Reads defense has claimed OKeefe was beaten up inside the house, and his body was planted outside in an effort to frame Read. Only hours after Bostons top prosecutor criticized federal immigration officials on Wednesday as extraordinarily reckless for detaining a man mid-trial last week, the U.S. Department of Justice responded in a series of remarkable letters and court filings. U.S. Attorney of Massachusetts Leah Foley issued a strongly worded letter to a Boston judge who found an immigration agent in contempt of court on Monday. While you may disagree with the enforcement of our federal immigration laws, there is simply no legal basis for you to hold federal officers in criminal contempt for carrying out their sworn duties, Foley wrote. Any attempt or threat to interfere with the lawful functions of federal government agents will not be tolerated. Boston Municipal Court Judge Mark Summerville addresses the court room, while holding an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in contempt after he detained a suspect while he was on trial, Monday, March 31, 2025, in Boston. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP) AP Foley, whose office operates under the U.S. Justice Department, also said that federal officials moved to vacate the order of contempt entered against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent by the Boston Municipal Court. Earlier on Wednesday, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden described the situation as unprecedented when ICE apprehended a man in the middle of a trial on charges of falsifying RMV records. Hayden said his office was investigating ICE agent Brian Sullivan after Judge Mark Summerville found him in contempt of court for interfering with the trial. We have a lot to go over in this case before we can determine exactly how it is were going to proceed, he said. In a separate letter addressed to Hayden, Foley strongly disagreed and called on him to cease from entertaining or pursuing any charges against the ICE officer or any other federal official. The fact that you disfavor ICE officers doing their jobs is not a basis for criminal charges, Foley wrote to the district attorney. She said there is no legal basis for such charges. Rather than attacking the brave men and women enforcing laws of the United States, I urge you to work with us to identify, prosecute, and remove the criminals who break them, Foley wrote. Wilson Martell-Lebron, the 49-year-old man who was detained, had been at the Edward W. Brooke courthouse on Thursday for his first day of trial on falsifying RMV records, when he was taken by plainclothes ICE agents outside the courthouse. Martell-Lebron is a citizen of the Dominican Republic who entered the country illegally and has no lawful status, according to a court filing by the Department of Homeland Security. ICE officials first found a basis to remove him in October 2007, the filing states. Foley said that he is in the country illegally, had prior arrests for serious drug trafficking offenses and was arrested pursuant to a valid federal warrant. Court filings described how federal agents detained Martell-Lebron on Thursday. Sullivan, the ICE agent, was summonsed for the trial to testify and once the days proceedings ended, agents grabbed Martell-Lebron after he left the courthouse through a back exit. Martell-Lebron took a couple quick steps in the opposite direction before officers were able to seize him and make the arrest. This family photo provided by attorney's shows Wilson Martell-Lebron. (Family photo/Erkan & Sullivan, PC via AP) AP Foley said Wednesday that Sullivan and ICEs actions were carried out lawfully. Our motion is clear: the state court lacked authority to issue the unlawful and erroneous order, Foley wrote. She cited the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution that immunizes federal officers from state prosecution for actions taken in the course of their official duties. At the press conference on Wednesday, Hayden criticized ICEs operations not only with Martell-Lebron, but across the city and revealed the alarming effect the publics fear has had on Boston courtrooms. ICE routinely claims that their actions are improving public safety in Boston, and Im here today to tell you and to say that they are doing the exact opposite, Hayden said. Were now finding witnesses reluctant to cooperate with investigators, due to fear of ICE ... We are seeing victims refuse to provide information about crimes against them, due to fear of ICE, Hayden said. Summerville, the Boston judge, said he found ICE agent Sullivan in contempt of the court after he committed intentional and egregious violations of the defendants rights by not allowing due process and a fair trial. Summerville referred the case to the Suffolk County district attorneys office for an investigation. On Monday, the judge also dismissed Martell-Lebrons RMV case due to prosecutorial misconduct. Karen Read appears during the first day of jury selection at Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Dedham, Mass. (Nancy Lane /The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) BH Editors note: This article was updated at 5:30 p.m. April 3, 2025 to add more information. Karen Read has asked the United States Supreme Court to take up her case as she continues to fight against being retried on two charges her lawyers say jurors agreed to acquit her of. Read filed what is known as a petition for a writ of certiorari with the nations highest court on Tuesday. The docket indicates that prosecutors must respond to the petition by May 5. But unlike the other courts where Read has brought her appeal, the Supreme Court is under no obligation to take up the case. The court is asked to review more than 7,000 cases each year it agrees to hear between 100 to 150. The appeal to the Supreme Court comes a week after the First Circuit Court of Appeals denied Reads appeal of a lower court decision not to acquit her on those charges second-degree murder and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death. Read has argued that jurors agreed to acquit her of those charges during her first trial, but did not know they could return a partial verdict. She has sought dismissal of the charges on double jeopardy grounds. But every court that has taken up the case has denied Read. Norfolk Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone, who is overseeing the trial, denied a motion to dismiss the charges in August. Then, the Supreme Judicial Court Massachusetts highest court affirmed Cannones decision in a ruling published in February. Read appealed the SJC decision to U.S. District Court, where a federal judge denied the petition in March. In the petition, attorney Martin Weinberg, who leads Reads appellate team, writes the first circuits denial is rooted in a formalism that has been consistently rejected by this Court in a string of precedents spanning more than one hundred years. In the filing, he argues that Reads double jeopardy claim should not carry less weight than that of someone arguing jury bias under the Sixth Amendment. Read submits that there is no legal or constitutional basis to afford less rights to a defendant seeking the ultimate benefit of her right to a jury trial an acquittal as found by a unanimous jury of her peers than those regularly granted to defendants raising process-related challenges, i.e., contending that their jury was not impartial," the filing reads. Along with the petition to the Supreme Court, Read has filed for a stay in the state court case, where jury selection is already underway for her second trial. It takes a vote of only four justices for the court to take up a case. To grant a stay, five votes are needed. The court hears oral arguments on cases between October and April, and is in recess from late June/early July to October. In April, oral arguments are heard during the last two weeks of the month. But it is extremely unlikely the Read case would be argued so soon, given not just that prosecutors have until May to respond, but that even if the court agrees to take up the case, both sides would have to file briefs. That process typically takes several months. Karen Read sits with her legal defense team during jury selection for her trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, Pool) AP The jury for Karen Reads trial added four new members on Thursday, bringing the total to 10 after one juror selected on a previous day dropped out. One of the four people selected for the jury on Thursday, a man, was initially questioned on Wednesday. It is not clear why his status sat in limbo for so long. The jury is made up of five men and five women. In all, 74 people were questioned individually by the judge and lawyers for both sides on Thursday. Across all three days of jury selection, 226 people were questioned, meaning only about 4% of potential jurors are actually seated. The goal is to seat 16 jurors for the second trial. During Reads first trial, 17 jurors were seated and three were dismissed during the nine-week trial. Only 12 jurors will deliberate once arguments conclude, but alternates are seated so a case doesnt end if a juror drops out unexpectedly. The pool of new potential jurors who filled Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court on Thursday was significantly smaller than previous days. Only about 40 people showed up Thursday, compared to about 90 the previous two days. But on both Tuesday and Wednesday, about 35 jurors were sent home at lunch, meaning the number of jurors questioned has stayed relatively consistent across all three days. Of the pool of 40, 37 said they had heard or talked about the case when asked by Judge Beverly Cannone. Twenty-one said they had formed an opinion about the case, and four said they had some bias or prejudice. All jurors complete a three-page questionnaire before they are called up to sidebar one at a time. While potential jurors were being questioned at sidebar, Read sat on a bench, seemingly listening in. During previous days, she sat at the defense table with Victoria George, an alternate juror from the first trial who has joined her defense team, going through questionnaires. During questioning, lawyers from either side can strike a juror without providing a specific reason. Both sides can do so up to 16 times. Its not clear how many have been used during the selection process so far. Each day of selection begins with Judge Beverly Cannone reading a statement of the case, laying out what prosecutors say Read did: backing her SUV into her then-boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, outside a Canton home following a night of drinking. She told jurors that Read is presumed innocent and has no obligation to prove her innocence during the trial. Cannone also referenced the intense publicity that has consumed the Read case, saying, public comment will likely continue, but the rule of law will be upheld. Read thanked the potential jurors after each lawyer introduced themselves. Cannone then read out the entire witness list, which contains 150 names, before she asks the entire group a series of questions. Only after all that are jurors called up individually. Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe. Prosecutors say Read intentionally backed her SUV into OKeefe in a drunken rage amid turmoil in their relationship, then left him to die in the snow outside the Canton home of a fellow Boston Police officer. But Reads defense has claimed OKeefe was beaten up inside the house, and his body was planted outside in an effort to frame Read. Karen Read talks with her legal defense team during jury selection for her trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, Pool) AP An eighth juror was added to the jury for Karen Reads second trial during the third day of selection on Thursday. The jury is now made up of four men and four women. Sixteen jurors are expected to be seated for the second trial. A group of about 30 jurors who were summoned on Wednesday but sent home in the middle of the day were questioned on Thursday morning. Roughly 40 potential jurors came to court to be questioned Thursday, a significantly smaller number than either of the previous days of selection. Read more: Complete coverage of the Karen Read trial On Tuesday and Wednesday, there were about 90 potential jurors in the courtroom. Of the pool of 40, 37 said they had heard or talked about the case when asked by Judge Beverly Cannone. Twenty-one said they had formed an opinion about the case, and four said they had some bias or prejudice. After a lunch break, jurors from Thursdays pool will begin being questioned one by one. All jurors complete a three-page questionnaire before they are called up to sidebar one at a time. The goal is to seat 16 jurors before the start of the trial. While potential jurors were being questioned at sidebar, Read sat on a bench, seemingly listening in. During previous days, she sat at the defense table with Victoria George, an alternate juror from the first trial who has joined her defense team, going through questionnaires. During questioning, lawyers from either side can strike a juror without providing a specific reason. Both sides can do so up to 16 times. Its not clear how many have been used during the selection process so far. Each day of selection begins with Judge Beverly Cannone reading a statement of the case, laying out what prosecutors say Read did: backing her SUV into her then-boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, outside a Canton home following a night of drinking. She told jurors that Read is presumed innocent and has no obligation to prove her innocence during the trial. Cannone also referenced the intense publicity that has consumed the Read case, saying, public comment will likely continue, but the rule of law will be upheld. Read thanked the potential jurors after each lawyer introduced themselves. Cannone then read out the entire witness list, which contains 150 names, before asking jurors a series of questions. Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe. Prosecutors say Read intentionally backed her SUV into OKeefe in a drunken rage amid turmoil in their relationship, then left him to die in the snow outside the Canton home of a fellow Boston Police officer. But Reads defense has claimed OKeefe was beaten up inside the house, and his body was planted outside in an effort to frame Read. Karen Read and attorney Alan Jackson review jury questionnaires during the second day of jury selection in Reed's retrial at Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP The third day of jury selection is underway in the Karen Read trial on Thursday, with seven jurors picked across two days of selection thus far. A significantly smaller pool of potential jurors arrived in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court Thursday morning than the previous two days about 40 people. On Tuesday and Wednesday, there were about 90 potential jurors in the courtroom. Of the pool of 40, 37 said they had heard or talked about the case when asked by Judge Beverly Cannone. Twenty-one said they had formed an opinion about the case, and four said they had some bias or prejudice. By 11 a.m., questioning of individual jurors had gotten underway. The jurors being questioned in the morning are a group of about 30 who were sent home around lunchtime Wednesday and asked to return Thursday. Once the questioning of those jurors is complete, jurors from Thursdays pool will begin being questioned one by one. All jurors complete a three-page questionnaire before they are called up to sidebar one at a time. The goal is to seat 16 jurors before the start of the trial. While potential jurors were being questioned at sidebar, Read sat on a bench, seemingly listening in. During previous days, she sat at the defense table with Victoria George, an alternate juror from the first trial who has joined her defense team, going through questionnaires. During questioning, lawyers from either side can strike a juror without providing a specific reason. Both sides can do so up to 16 times. Its not clear how many have been used during the selection process so far. Each day of selection begins with Judge Beverly Cannone reading a statement of the case, laying out what prosecutors say Read did: backing her SUV into her then-boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, outside a Canton home following a night of drinking. She told jurors that Read is presumed innocent and has no obligation to prove her innocence during the trial. Cannone also referenced the intense publicity that has consumed the Read case, saying, public comment will likely continue, but the rule of law will be upheld. Read thanked the potential jurors after each lawyer introduced themselves. Cannone then read out the entire witness list, which contains 150 names, before asking jurors a series of questions. Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe. Prosecutors say Read intentionally backed her SUV into OKeefe in a drunken rage amid turmoil in their relationship, then left him to die in the snow outside the Canton home of a fellow Boston Police officer. But Reads defense has claimed OKeefe was beaten up inside the house, and his body was planted outside in an effort to frame Read. The $1.2 million found in Extra Space Storage units in New Bedford is being forfeited. In February, Vinicio DeJesus Marrero Arias, 40, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Arias could also be deported after his sentence. Arias pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in October 2024. About two years earlier, he was arrested after officials searched Arias residence, as well as an apartment that was being used as a stash location and two storage units rented on behalf of Ariass co-conspirator, Yohenry Contreras-Lara. Police found more than 800 grams of fentanyl and $1.2 million in cash in suspected drug proceeds. There was $694,354 in one unit at the New Bedford Extra Space Storage location. And $600,000 in another unit. Another $13,721.63 was seized from Contreras-Lara at an Amtrak Station. All of the money is now being forfeited. Officials filed a forfeiture notice for the money on March 18. Anyone, other than the defendants in this case, claiming interest in the forfeited property must file an ancillary petition within 60 days. Two pedestrians were injured Thursday after being hit by an MBTA vehicle in Cambridge, according to Transit Police. The two pedestrians were struck at about 7 a.m. at 200 Alewife Brook Parkway by a RIDE van, the paratransit service available to people with disabilities. A spokesperson for the MBTA Transit Police said the 2017 Ford van was moving slowly as it pulled out of a parking space. The two pedestrians were brought to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. According to the spokesperson, an investigation into the incident is ongoing, but the driver will most likely be cited. Neither the driver nor the two pedestrians were identified. The RIDE provides on-demand, door-to-door transportation for people who cant use other forms of public transportation due to a disability. Update: Grandmother arrested after police chase with 6-year-old grandson in the car, police say A woman driving with a child in the vehicle was arrested Thursday morning following a police pursuit through several Massachusetts communities that left three Foxborough police cruisers damaged after she failed to stop. The vehicle was reported stolen in Norton about 9:30 a.m. and police in that town called off their pursuit after learning a child was in the vehicle. Mansfield and Wrentham police were notified and the vehicle was observed by police on Route 1 in Foxborough. Foxborough police attempted to stop the vehicle based on a request from Norton to keep an eye out for a stolen motor vehicle driven by a woman, possibly with a child, police said in a social media post. The woman, who was not named, failed to stop for police and fled from the officers, resulting in the officers pursuing the vehicle, the post said. The vehicle struck STOP Sticks deployed by the Massachusetts State Police and continued driving. At some point during the pursuit, the woman hit and damaged three Foxborough cruisers, police said. No officers were injured. The womans vehicle eventually became disabled and the adult female driver was arrested, police said. The driver and child were taken to a hospital as a precaution, police said. The driver was expected to be arraigned at Wrentham District Court. The incident remains under investigation. The Sun Chronicle is a news partner of MassLive.com. To subscribe to The Sun Chronicle, click here. A woman tried to steal chips from a Boston pizza shop, then assaulted the owner when she was asked to leave, according to the Suffolk District Attorneys Office. At about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, police received a call from Pizza Stop at 851 Harrison Ave. The owner told officers that the woman, later identified as Nina Benoit, 33, of Quincy, had been causing a disturbance in the store and not purchasing anything. After being asked multiple times to leave, the owner told police Benoit tried to steal multiple bags of chips from the front counter. According to the district attorneys office, the owner then confronted Benoit and she pulled out a silver multi-tool knife and waved it at the owner, who received a cut about 4 to 6 inches long on his right forearm. Benoit, who was sitting outside when police arrived, told officers she had defending herself because someone in the store was choking her. Multiple witnesses backed up the owners story, police said. The shop owner was treated by emergency medical staff at the scene. It is always frightening to see a disturbance or altercation escalate and rise to violence, Kevin Hayden, the district attorney, said in a statement. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their workplaces, and our business owners and their customers should be able to go about their daily lives without encountering dangerous situations. Benoit was charged with armed robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. She was arraigned Wednesday, ordered held on $2,500 bail and told to stay away from the restaurant. She will return to court on April 17. According to the district attorneys office, Benoit was convicted in 2017 of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and in 2018 of assault and battery on a police officer causing serious bodily injury and served prison time for both convictions. The Franklin Police Department is investigating two vandalisms one at a Jewish temple and the other involving a spray-painted swastika on a public sidewalk. On Wednesday, Franklin police were notified of a vandalized sign at Temple Etz Chaim at 900 Washington St., according to a press release from the police departments Facebook page. A sign that read, We Stand With Israel had been painted over with red paint. The paint was also applied to a light and solar panel, which illuminated the temples sign. The solar panel was partially torn from its mounting bracket, police said. The police department believes the vandalism took place between 8:30 p.m. on April 1 and 8 a.m. on April 2. FILE - Vice President Mike Pence hands the electoral certificate from the state of Arizona to Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., as he presides over a joint session of Congress as it convenes to count the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. (Saul Loeb/Pool via AP, File) The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library will bestow its annual Profile in Courage Award on former Vice President Mike Pence, crediting him with putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on January 6, 2021. The award honoring commitment to public service is presented annually to officials who make a courageous decision of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences, the Kennedy Library said. Past recipients include former Presidents Barack Obama, Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; and the late civil rights activist and U.S. Rep. John Lewis. Caroline Kennedy President Kennedys daughter and a former ambassador and Jack Schlossberg, her son, will present Pence with the award at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on May 4. Protesters interact with Capitol Police inside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Getty Images Pence oversaw the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory over then-President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021, in the hours after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in hopes of changing the outcome of the election. Some in the mob had called for violence against Pence. And he, members of Congress, and their staff were rushed to safety or sheltered in place as Trump supporters overran Capitol Police. In a joint statement, Caroline Kennedy and Schlossberg said Pence upheld his oath to the Constitution and followed his conscience, putting his life, career, and political future on the line. Political courage is not outdated in the United States, they said. At every level of government, leaders are putting country first, and not backing down. Despite our political differences, it is hard to imagine an act of greater consequence than Vice President Pences decision to certify the 2020 presidential election during an attack on the U.S. Capitol. Pence said he was deeply humbled and honored to receive the award. I have been inspired by the life and words of President John F. Kennedy since my youth and am honored to join the company of so many distinguished Americans who have received this recognition in the past, he said. The award recipients are selected by a bipartisan commission that includes Kennedy and Schlossberg, as well as political strategist David Axelrod, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, former U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Florida, and historian Heather Cox Richardson. Other past recipients include U.S. Rep. and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former U.S. Reps. Gabrielle Giffords and Liz Cheney, former U.S. Sen. John McCain, Liberian peace activist and Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee, and former California State Sen. and U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. On Thursday, a day after a far-right activist and avid supporter of President Donald Trump was spotted meeting with the president about his National Security Staff, Trump fired three National Security staffers. Several news outlets, including Axios, CNN and The Guardian, reported that the Republican president fired at least three National Security staffers Thursday. The firings come after The New York Times reported that far-right activist and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer met with Trump on Wednesday to push him to fire his National Security staff. Loomer showed irritation on her X account after finding out her conversation with the president was shared with the press. I woke up this morning to learn that there are still people in and around the West Wing who are LEAKING to the hostile, left-wing media about President Trumps *confidential* and *private* meetings in the Oval Office, Loomer wrote on her X account late Thursday morning. I want to reiterate how important it is that people who gain access to the White House or the administration respect the privacy of their conversations with President Trump and his senior staff Loomer previously expressed her frustrations with the Republican Party justifying screw-ups by incompetent people following the leak of the Signal group chat with government officials. The far-right activist and media personality spent the majority of 2024 using her platform to support Trumps 2024 election campaign and spreading misinformation about Democrats. In her Thursday morning X post, Loomer said she wont share any details of her meeting with the president. It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings. I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of, and the necessity of STRONG VETTING, for the sake of protecting the President of the United States of America, and our national security, Loomers post read. Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet throws during the first inning against the Orioles, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) AP BALTIMORE Instant reactions from the Red Sox 3-0 win over the Orioles on Wednesday here at Oriole Park at Camden Yards: 1) Garrett Crochet had a mediocre start in his Red Sox debut on Opening Day when received a no-decision (5 innings, two runs). His second start two days after signing a six-year, $170 million extension was an absolutely dominant one. Crochet tossed 8 scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out eight. Crochet threw 102 pitches (68 for strikes). He threw 51 four-seam fastballs, averaging 96.2 mph and topping out at 98.1 mph. (His four-seamer was his best pitch last year.) He also mixed in 30 cutters, 11 changeups, six sinkers and four sweepers. 2) It had to happen eventually. Rafael Devers entered 0-for-19 with 15 strikeouts. But he finally got a hit (then another) which is not surprising because of his previous success against Os starter Zach Eflin. Devers smashed a two-out RBI double in the fifth inning. He hit a 78.6 mph curveball from Eflin and it left his bat at 109.5 mph. Devers entered 6-for-16 with two homers, three doubles and five strikeouts in his career against Eflin. He also singled off a 96.2 mph sinker from lefty Gregory Soto in the eighth inning. 3) Shortstop Trevor Story also is off to a slow start this season. He entered Wednesday just 2-for-15 with one walk, six strikeouts and no extra-base hits. But he went 3-for-4 with a 394-foot homer in the second inning. 4) Kristian Campbell signed an eight-year, $60 million extension with Boston earlier Wednesday. The deal includes two team option years that could bring it to 10 years, $96 million. He then doubled in his first two at-bats as a much wealthier 22-year-old. Both went to the opposite field. The second one which led off the fifth inning had a 108.2 mph exit velocity. He scored two batters later on Ceddanne Rafaelas RBI single to center field. That made it 2-0. 5) Ceddanne Rafaelas two-out RBI single was another positive sign for Boston. He entered 1-for-15 with a dismal 76.5% chase percentage. 6) Aroldis Chapman earned his first save for the Red Sox. He walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth. 7) Everyone in the Red Sox lineup reached base except for leadoff hitter Jarren Duran (0-for-5, two strikeouts). But still, three runs usually isnt enough. The offense needs to pick it up as a whole. 8) The Red Sox and Orioles will conclude their three-game series Thursday. Boston righty Tanner Houck (0-1, 6.35 ERA) will start opposite Baltimore righty Charlie Morton (0-1, 10.80 ERA). Hold off on packing your coats, hats and gloves for now. Forecasters predict chilly temperatures across New England from April into May. Theres also a chance of light snow next week. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said right now is the time of the year when people should keep cold and warm weather clothes beside them. You pop out its 70 degrees at a time ahead of a cold front. And for two days to follow its cruddy, its in the lower 50s, Pastelok said, adding that New Englanders should expect this sporadic weather pattern of highs and lows for the rest of the spring. Next week snow is expected to fall in Western Mass. From Tuesday morning to later in the night people in Springfield to higher elevations in the Berkshires should expect pockets of light snow. Whether or not the snow will stick depends on the time of day, according to the meteorologist. Regardless if youre in Western Mass., chilly temperatures are expected to fall across New England next week. Pastelok recommends parents pack hats and gloves in their childrens backpacks just in case temperatures drop further. Pastelok doesnt expect May to be overall chilly. However, he expects frost to appear in parts of New England during the first week of May. As far as severe weather is concerned, Pastelok said Massachusetts should see wind gusts and some hail during the springtime but nothing too intense or concerning. The meteorologist said to expect rain across New England during the springtime. Last year we had drought and fires be a main problem in New England, in Massachusetts, especially, Pastelok stated. Read more: Massachusetts fire weather season begins as 2024 drought conditions linger Pastelok expects a lowering of the drought level across southern New England. It may not go away completely but its getting there. I think more and more improvements will come during April and May, said the meteorologist. The sign at Playa Bowls at 71 Mt. Auburn St. in Cambridge, Mass. Google Maps A food chain that offers acai bowls, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices will open its doors in Worcester and Hudson soon. Playa Bowls, an acai bowl food chain based out of New Jersey, will be opening a new franchise located at 1 Green Island Blvd in Worcester, according to the citys license commissions agenda. The Hudson location will be located at 48 Highland Common and is expected to open within 30 days, said Dennis Sosa at the commissions meeting on Thursday. Sosa, who will be operating both franchises, went before the Worcester license commission Thursday morning to request a victualer license for the Worcester location. The commission unanimously approved a victualer license request for the restaurant, clearing the way for the business to open. The restaurant will be located at the Revington apartments, a spokesperson for the Revington confirmed with MassLive on Thursday. A spokesperson for Playa Bowls told MassLive that Sosa aims to open the Worcester location in spring. Playa Bowls was founded in New Jersey by Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor, longtime surfers who live on the Jersey Shore, according to the companys website. The business started in New Jersey but has since expanded to other parts of the country, including Massachusetts. The chain is known for selling acai bowls, a Brazilian dish made from frozen acai puree mixed with other fruits and sometimes topped with granola. In Massachusetts, Playa Bowls has locations in Amherst, Brighton, Canton, Dartmouth, Hanover, Cambridge, Milton, Brockton, Westwood, Wellesley, Winchester and two locations in Boston, according to the company website. The Hudson and Worcester locations will be the first Playa Bowls in Worcester County. 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Close to three hundred community activists had gathered for the ceremony held to celebrate and reward the efforts of individuals and community groups who seek to make their localities, and county, a better place to live. Presided over by Cathaoirleach, Cllr John O'Hara, the awards ceremony covered seventeen different categories, the finalists for which had been recommended by their communities over the previous four months. In the words of Cllr O'Hara, the awards shine a light on the remarkable work being carried out across Mayo and beyond - work that enriches lives, fosters connections, and ensures that the county remains a beacon of warmth and opportunity. The awards night itself may be a logistical challenge, but the organising team, under the direction of Martina Hughes, head of Corporate Development and Communication, are old hands at keeping things moving smoothly. In Angelina Nugent, they had a polished compere who ruled good humouredly over the proceedings and ensured that all ran to time. And it was no easy task, bearing in mind that the announcement of each category winner required a short spoken introduction, a recorded video of the substance of the award, a photo-op on stage with the Cathaoirleach, and then the ushering off to the wings to be interviewed for TV by Henry McGlade - a need for clockwork precision if a burning of the midnight oil was to be be avoided. A handful of the awards went to individual winners - long serving Noel Howley, the most prominent Mayoman in Dublin, took the Diaspora Engagement award, while Ruth Cawley, a Mayo powerhouse in Chicago, was crowned with the Diaspora Achievement award. Norah Patten, due to become the first Irish person to travel into outer space, won the Contribution to Mayo Life award. And arguably the most resounding cheers of the night came when Martin Neary - famous for, among other things, winning the planning battle to be allowed to be buried on his own family farm outside Swinford - stepped forward to be presented with the 'Blue Riband', the Cathaoirleach's Special Recognition award. But then there were also the keenly contested categories - there were no less than nineteen nominations for the Contribution to Community Life award, any one of which would have been a merited winner. The award went to One Westport, but as Cathaoirleach O'Hara pointed out, every single nominee had already been recognised as a champion by their local community. Whether you take home an award or not, your efforts have not gone unnoticed, he reminded the gathering. The entries lacked nothing for imagination or creativity, and two in particular caught the eye. One of the Environmental Awards went to Ballyhaunis Bike Repair Clinic, a simple but effective concept whereby bike owners are trained on how to repair and maintain their machines rather than - due to lack of mechanical skill - have them rust away in some forgotten corner of a shed or garage. An initiative of Ballyhaunis Community Council, the weekly clinic devotes half of its time to a workshop, and half to repairing damaged or non functioning bikes. Meanwhile, the award for local heritage went to Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage Group for its evocative, affectionate portrayal of a way of life now but a memory, 'Traders on the Reek'. A collaborative project with Louisburgh Area Mens' Shed, and involving the local national schools along the foothills of Croagh Patrick, it tells the story of the families which, for generations, traded on the mountain on Reek Sunday catering for the needs of weary pilgrims. The project centres on an hour long documentary re-enacting the rituals where the traders prepare for the trek to the summit, their panniers of provisions loaded on their faithful donkeys, the climb, the setting up of the stalls on the mountain, the tea making and the banter, all to the backdrop of the sense of meitheal and friendship and neighbourly bond between the trading families. Produced by Mary O'Malley, and filmed and edited by Brendan Gilmartin, the documentary features the last family to trade on the Reek, the Needhams, recalling a time honoured custom which came to an end in 2019. 'Traders on the Reek' is worth watching, again and again; for future generations, it will be a link to a past worth remembering. SYDNEY, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Australian researchers have developed a groundbreaking imaging technology that could transform the study of cellular processes and provide insights into diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic conditions. Published recently in Nature Communications, the study introduced an innovative approach that combines super-resolution imaging with artificial intelligence and deep learning to reveal subcellular structures and dynamics. "It's like taking an aeroplane over a city at night and watching all the live interactions," said Jin Dayong, a professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), who led the project with researchers from Peking University and Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo in east China's Zhejiang Province. "This cutting-edge technology will open new doors in the quest to understand the intricate world within our cells," Jin said, adding many diseases and health conditions arise from problems within cells. Traditional imaging tools, like fluorescence microscopy, face limitations in resolution and can cause phototoxicity and photobleaching, damaging cells through light exposure, he said, adding they also struggle to visualize multiple structures simultaneously due to color restrictions. The new method overcomes these challenges by using a single laser and dye label, accurately predicting 15 different subcellular structures with just two detection channels, which speeds up imaging and reduces cellular damage, while producing high-resolution "optical fingerprints" of organelles, or cell compartments, said Jin, also director of the UTS Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices. Highly adaptable, the technology works across different microscopes, cell types, and even complex living tissues, allowing scientists to examine the 3D structure of live cells during cell division and observe rapid interactions among intracellular compartments, according to the study. Jin's team is collaborating with medical research institutes, including scientists investigating cardiomyocytes to advance heart disease research, and hopes this breakthrough will lead to new insights and advances in medical research, it said. Mighty warhorses, as richly adorned and armoured as their knightly riders, are an immediately recognisable icon of the medieval period. Until recently, they were understood mainly through analysis of written sources but what can archaeology add to this picture? Oliver H Creighton, Robert Liddiard, Alan K Outram, Katherine Kanne, Carly Ameen, and Robert Webley explore the key findings of their recently published research. This reconstruction of a jouster of c.1500, seated on an armoured horse, is on display in the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. For many people, the image of an armoured knight riding into battle or thundering around the tournament ground on a warhorse captures the very essence of the Middle Ages. Valuable, highly trained, and prized for its physical characteristics and temperament, the warhorse was both a weapon that changed the face of battle and a symbol of elite status the very word chivalry, meaning the social code by which medieval nobles lived, was derived from the French for horseman. All very interesting, but what has any of that got to do with archaeology? Surely medieval knights and their horses are best left to historians interested in the study of battles, warfare, and the lives of the medieval great and good? To prove this wrong, Warhorse: A Medieval Revolution? an Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded research project has pioneered an archaeologically driven approach to the study of warhorses to create new knowledge and afford a more rounded understanding of an iconic animal with uniquely close links to human society. Analysis of metal-detected artefacts recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme was vital to the teams work. This heat map shows medieval equestrian items from the PAS database reflecting the density of modern metal-detecting as well as the deposition of artefacts. The work has changed our understanding not only of the medieval warhorse and its military role but also its broader social, economic, and cultural significance. Medieval horses were bred and bought for more than battle: they were essential in transport, agriculture, and industry. A great range of horse-types existed, and an equine hierarchy mirrored the human social strata of the Middle Ages. At the pinnacle was the destrier, an elite, prized military mount that could cost 200 or even 300 times as much as a packhorse. Beyond military grade steeds, though, a great variety of different types of horses were bred for different purposes the swift courser used for hunting, the smooth-gaited palfrey for everyday riding, and the humble sumpter, the workhorse of the medieval world. Spanning AD 800-1550 (the late Saxon period up to and including the reign of Henry VIII), our project aimed to create a new picture of warhorses specifically, but also of medieval horses more generally, including how and where they were bred and trained. The research was run as a collaboration between the University of Exeter and the University of East Anglia, working in partnership with other stakeholders including the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Royal Armouries, and it embraced the contributions of specialists from many different branches of archaeology and history. In this way, we were able to make use of the widest variety of evidence possible, from biomolecular science to fine art. Most previous studies of medieval warhorses have been undertaken by historians, using documents as their key source of evidence, but we set out to gather and interrogate a much wider range of material, including zooarchaeological data (horse bones and teeth); the physical remains of horse apparel, equipment, and armour; visual depictions of horses in art and sculpture; standing structures such as stables; and the evidence of the historic landscape itself. What can these various strands of evidence tell us, and how, when combined, have they created a more rounded picture of the medieval warhorse than that provided by documents alone? A selection of medieval horse-related artefacts recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme. A: An 11th- or 12th-century copper-alloy stirrup-strap mount from West Yorkshire (SWYOR-37E516 on the PAS database, https://finds.org.uk). B: A mid- to late 11th-century copper- alloy stirrup strap mount from Wiltshire (WILT-EB951C). C: A 13th- or 14th-century gilt copper- alloy harness pendant from Wiltshire (NMS-9B4E3A). D: A 13th-century gilt and enamelled copper-alloy armorial harness pendant from Kent (KENT-71F232). E: A late 12th- or 13th-century harness pendant with a bell-shaped pendant (one of a pair; the other is missing) from Lincolnshire (LIN-FD3808). F: A 14th-century gilt copper-alloy harness pendant with a bell, from Norfolk (NMS-022D81). G: A copper-alloy horse harness strap distributor, dating to the 13th/14th century, from Lincolnshire (NLM-862383). H: A fragment of a late 11th- or early 12th-century copper-alloy curb bit from Gloucestershire (GLO-61557E) ILLUMINATING ADORNMENTS Portable objects associated with medieval horses come in a great variety of forms. Organic items such as leather saddles and fabric caparisons (decorative coverings) are exceptionally rare survivals and are found only sporadically in museum collections. Instead, archaeological evidence for warhorse equipment mainly takes the form of metal artefacts. Systematic archaeological surveys of medieval battlefields in England and Wales are unusual and, where they have been conducted, have yielded precious few equestrian items. In order to learn more about the material culture of the medieval warhorse, we must therefore turn to a much broader set of evidence, including artefacts in museums and private collections, but especially data produced by the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). The PAS website (https://finds.org.uk) includes records of almost 1.8 million archaeological finds reported by members of the public, and the Warhorse project partnered with the PAS to make use of the exceptional research value of this resource, compiling a database of more than 14,000 separate medieval horse-related artefacts, mainly metal-detected items. The most familiar and recognisable category of equine artefact is the horseshoe, but there are relatively few of these documented by the PAS. The fact that they are made of iron a metal typically not targeted by metal detectorists means that they are instead dwarfed by a huge array of other smaller bits and pieces of horse equipment made of copper alloy. Many of these objects are only recognisable by finds experts, as they formed component parts of larger items of horse gear. A good example is the stirrup-strap mount a cast object that protected the stirrup strap where it looped through the apex of an iron stirrup. Their presence speaks of horses used for riding, and particularly showy decorated forms appear in the archaeological record in the early 11th century, testifying to a rise in horse ostentation in the period immediately before the Norman Conquest. Also of great research value are harness pendants, which are similarly diagnostic of riding horses. They hung from the breast-bands of these steeds often in large numbers, to judge from iconographic sources. Numerous from the 12th century but rare after the 14th century, these were purely decorative rather than utilitarian items, and they tell us about the social cachet of the medieval horse during this period. Although individual examples may seem small and insignificant, the cumulative data from the PAS, which extends to several thousand pendants, provides valuable insights into the distribution and dating of horse gear. Given that many pendants depict heraldic symbols, in some cases it was possible to map the footprints or hoofprints of noble families too, and distributions of these objects might even tell us about the locations of medieval tournament sites. This early 12th-century sculpture in St Georges parish church, Fordington, Hampshire, depicts a horse equipped with a row of cross-shaped harness pendants hanging from its breast-band. EQUINE ARMOUR Another very distinctive category of equestrian material culture is horse armour, which survives from the early15th century. Components like the shaffron (head covering) survive in museum collections in reasonable numbers, and can provide information on horse size and conformation, particularly for animals bred for battle or the tournament ground. Work carried out by the Warhorse project included an analysis of the earliest piece of surviving medieval horse armour in Europe: the so-called Warwick Shaffron, held by the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Our study, which was published in the journal Arms & Armour (open access at www.doi.org/10.1080/17416124.2024.2308447) explored evidence of battle damage on the piece, and demonstrated that it would have fitted a horse of above average stature for the period. It was not the largest shaffron measured during the project, however: that title goes to VI.1, which is also held by the Royal Armouries and was made c.1515 for a horse of the young Henry VIII (see www.royalarmouries.org/collection/object/ object-2627 for more on this artefact). An Anglo-Scandinavian horse and its equipment, c.1050. Note the non-ferrous embellishments on the bridle, bit, and stirrup. This is an extract of an article that appeared in CA 420. Read on in the magazine, or click here to read it online at The Past, where you can read all of the Current Archaeology articles in full as well as the content of our other magazines, Current World Archaeology, Ancient Egypt, and Military History Matters. In 1978, Current Archaeology arrived on the scene of works begun six years prior by Manchester University, which surveyed Offas Dyke and neighbouring Wats Dyke. My column this month is on one of the least-known great sites of all: Offas Dyke, the linear earthwork that stretches along the Welsh/English border. Most people know Hadrians Wall, and a fair few the Antonine Wall, but how many of us can say that we are familiar with Offas Dyke, either the standing sections of it that survive or the National Trail of that name that runs from Sedbury in the south to Prestatyn in the north? It is generally accepted that it ran from sea to sea (as first described in the 9th century in Assers Life of King Alfred), but its course has never been fully described; it is usually agreed to have been constructed to mark the western edge of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia, probably in the 8th or 9th centuries, but little of this is proven by the modern-day science of archaeology. It is often called the longest continuous ancient monument in Britain (and large sections of it are scheduled, albeit to limited protective effect, as we will discuss below), but it remains enigmatic in both its archaeological remains and its documentary history, not helped by its habit of criss-crossing modern-day legislative boundaries which bedevils its protection: the long-distance path alone passes through eight different counties and crosses the border between England and Wales more than 20 times. A NOBLE EFFORT CA 291 returned to Offas Dyke to cover the story of its fi rst scientifi c dating, which called into question the level of involvement in its construction by the Dykes eponymous king. CA 60 (February 1978) saw the first formal visit to Offas Dyke, reporting on work begun in 1972 by a team from Manchester University who, given the paucity of information available about it at the time, decided to survey the monument. A previous (and first) such survey had been undertaken by Cyril Fox, about whom you can read more in CA 188 (October 2003), back in the 1920-1930s. Manchesters fresh fieldwork showed that less than 14 miles of standing monument could be traced on the ground and more than two miles had been destroyed by modern farming and development since Foxs time, half of this a scheduled monument protected, no less, in response to Foxs original fieldwork. This was just one part of a worrying trend that continued to this day (see CA 306, September 2015, on damage to a section near Wrexham). Manchesters efforts to promote and protect Offas Dyke did not go unrecognised: CA 90 (January 1984) was there to celebrate their 100th test-excavation along its route in October 1983. Fieldwork had led by this time to more than 30 miles of the route being securely identified, and the mood was one of optimism for its future, reflected in CA 94 (October 1984) when the associated long-distance footpath progenitor of todays National Trail was explored by the magazine in honour of the man who did more for the Dyke than any other individual: Frank Noble. Frank lobbied for the Dykes protection and promotion, receiving in time a BEM (British Empire Medal) in recognition of his efforts. His work led to both the Offas Dyke Association and to the Offas Dyke Path being established as a National Trail (details of both are given opposite). CAs most in-depth coverage of Offas Dyke occurred in 2016. Mentioned on the cover, the story looked into further debates over the dating of the Dyke. However, the trail in terms of Current Archaeology coverage, at least then went cold for 20 years. The next visit by the magazine was not until CA 193 (August 2004), but as is explained there the fieldwork begun back in 1972 had quietly but steadily continued, cutting more than 200 sections along its route and extending its known length to over 64 miles, leading to a new publication at this time by David Hill and Margaret Worthington, named simply Offas Dyke. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS After a second hiatus in reporting that lasted a decade, CA next returned to Offas Dyke in issue 291 (June 2014), with a key development: its first scientific dating. One of the problems with our understanding of the Dyke has always been the absence of finds and datable materials, so this work by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) was a game-changer. It made the best of a bad situation: vandalism near Chirk led to the fieldwork underlying these analyses, enabling CPAT to take nine samples from two areas some 20m apart. This yielded a date for an earlier construction phase within one bank of c.AD 541-651, with samples from above/below this dating to c.AD 430-643/c.AD 475-652 respectively, and another sampled section dating to c.AD 887-1019. These new dates questioned Offas direct association with the Dyke, suggesting instead a long-term project by several rulers of Mercia rather than a single king (Offas reign was between AD 757-796). CA 316 (July 2016) followed up on this with the most in-depth assessment of the Dyke in the magazines history, and its first cover mention. A report on work by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust appeared in CA 358, discussing new information that contributed to a better understanding of the Dykes construction. But the history of the Dyke, like its route, is one of twists and turns: by issue 316 the dating reported above was felt to be in question, since the dates came from samples contemporary with the surface on top of which the Dyke was originally constructed that is, not from the Dyke itself, but from the pre-Dyke landscape. In fieldwork terms, it was back to square one, with no secure scientific dates from which to draw conclusions about its construction and phasing. Nonetheless, as CA 316 demonstrates, there remains much to be discovered about Offas Dyke, as explored in a book Offas Dyke: Landscape and Hegemony in 8th-century Britain by Keith Ray and Ian Bapty, published at this time. CA 358 (January 2020) delved into these new considerations with a report on renewed fieldwork by CPAT, which examined the cumulative dating evidence and fieldwork since Foxs first work. This most recent, detailed examination of the Dyke also reported on fieldwork by CPAT at two sections of it that are cared for by the National Trust: at Erddig Hall and Chirk Castle, both near Wrexham. (A note, in passing: in 2024, the new organisation Heneb united Wales four regional archaeological trusts Clwyd Powys, Dyfed, Glamorgan-Gwent, and Gwynedd into a single organisation dedicated to uncovering and preserving Wales archaeological heritage; we hope that they return to Offas Dyke and to Current Archaeology with further updates.) Thankfully, interest in Offas Dyke remains strong. CA 371 (February 2021) featured a new periodical dedicated to its study, the Offas Dyke Journal, edited by Howard Williams of Chester University, and the Offas Dyke Association, founded back in 1969 by Frank Noble, is still going strong, as featured in CA 390s Odd Socs (September 2022). (Another Odd Soc of interest to readers of such large-scale sites is the Society for Landscape Studies, founded in 1979, which featured in CA 384 in March 2022.) The Offas Dyke Association, which promotes the conservation, preservation, protection, and understanding of the Dyke and similar sites, starred in CA 390s Odd Socs. FINDS FURTHER AFIELD For those of you interested in the history of Offas Dyke, and in visiting sections of it, I conclude with other Welsh border sites of interest that have featured in the pages of the magazine down the years. There are Erddig Hall and Chirk Castle, mentioned above, both in the care of the National Trust; nearby also lies Tintern Abbey, in the care of Cadw. But these are great sites in their own right, and CA, as ever, gives readers the inside track on lesser-known marvels, too: how about the hillforts that featured in CA 404 (November 2023), including the Breiddin near Welshpool; the twin castles of Longtown in the March of Ewyas in CA 375 (June 2021); Clifford Castle near Hay-on-Wye in CA 341 (August 2018); and Hen Domen castle near Montgomery in CA 174 (June 2001)? All these sites are worth seeking out. For those of you looking for bodily sustenance on your travels as well, the nearby towns of Chepstow, Monmouth, and Welshpool have all featured in the magazine down the years: digital subscribers can search for all these and unearth their histories online. For more information on the Offas Dyke Association, the charity that promotes protection and understanding of the Dyke, see https://offasdyke.org.uk. For more information about the National Trail that follows its route, see www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/offas-dyke-path. by Fern Siegel , April 3, 2025 Christian Pierre has been promoted to Gut's Global Chief Intelligence Officer. Based in Miami, the agencys headquarters, he will lead the networks 10 global offices, including Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Toronto, Mexico City, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Madrid, New York and Singapore. Pierre will handle all technology efforts, including AI, data and emerging tech initiatives. Data and technology are two areas that are changing rapidly, and I want to position us at the forefront of the industry in terms of what we can offer our internal teams and our clients. Our network spans four continents, so its a big task to create products that work for everyone, but at the same time, there are a lot of insights to pull from, Pierre told Agency Daily. I'm excited to keep pushing our network forward. advertisement advertisement A seven-year agency vet, he previously led regional and global digital campaigns for Coca-Cola, Sprite, Mercado Libre, Stella Artois, NotCo and Michelob Ultra at the Buenos Aires office. Prior to Gut, he oversaw the data and marketing sciences departments at Wunderman and R/GA, and worked on various accounts, including Disney, Nike, Metlife, Western Digital and Patagonia beer. We believe data is nothing without gut, and that the most powerful, effective work blends data-backed insights with human-powered intuition and creativity, said Global CEO Andrea Diquez. Christian has not only helped shape the data and intelligence practice across the agency, but has been instrumental in shaping award-winning campaigns that harness emerging technologies such as The Artois Probability and Handshake Hunt. Pierre also launched two major AI initiatives in 2024: Gut Unprompt, the first prompt-less generative AI platform dedicated to finding and serving insightful facts to spark creative ideation. The other is Gut AI Personas, custom, which leverages a mix of data with a custom LLM that solves some biases popular LLMs possess. When I first started working at Gut, the team was made up of six people in a co-working space. To see the agency grow from a startup to a global network with 10 offices all around the world and work with iconic, culture-shaping brands has been incredibly rewarding, said Pierre, who said he'd deliver era-defining creativity. Gut is part of Globant. by Fern Siegel , April 3, 2025 Ioana Filip has a new creative studio International Waters launched as an open vision of advertising. The former global executive creative director at McCann Worldgroup believes top talent hails worldwide, often from nations sidelined as offshore, such as Brazil, India or Romania. There is a bias against such places an impression she wants to change. Filip embraces "chartered creativity." Simply, selecting teams per project in order to secure the best skill sets. However, a core team will supervise all business to maintain quality control and consistency. Filip appreciates global talent, as her career has taken her to various countries. She worked in Chicago for Energy BBDO, ran MRM in London as CCO before her move to McCann. International Waters is based in Bucharest, with an operations office in the United States. It hopes to have a presence in the MENA (Mideast, North Africa) by 2027. The new decentralized entity is geared to mid-sized clients with revenues between $20 million and $1 billion. The goal is to build cost-effective partnerships in an ever-changing creative landscape. Client announcements are expected later this year. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, April 2, 2025 Google confirmed Wednesday that Sissie Hsiao -- vice president and general manager who led the companys effort to create an AI chatbot, originally called Bard and now Gemini -- will step down. Replacing Hsiao will be Josh Woodward, who leads Google Labs and oversaw the launch of NotebookLM, the companys tool that turns text into a podcast-like show. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis believes the move will sharpen our focus on the next evolution of the Gemini app. He said Woodward will remain head of Google Labs while shaping the next chapter of Gemini, Semafor reported after reviewing a memo to staff from Google. Hsiao has been at Google since 2006, working on Search, Docs, Analytics, and Advertising before taking on Google Assistant in 2021 and then Gemini. Google researchers had pioneered the transformer-based architecture that allowed the creation of large language models, which powered ChatGPT, Semafor reported. It's the technologys unpredictable nature that led the company to keep its chatbot experiments mostly under wraps. advertisement advertisement Semafor reported that in a separate staff memo, Hsiao called her time as head of Bard team chapter 1,and said she was optimistic in handing the baton to Woodward for chapter 2. She plans to take a short break and then return to Google in a new role. by Colin Kirkland , April 3, 2025 Following major user privacy concerns in the U.S., TikToks Chinese owner ByteDance is expected to face more than 500 million in fines for illegally shipping European users data to China. According to a report from Bloomberg, the social-media company will be fined by Irelands Data Protection Commission (Irish DPC) by the end of the month. The fine -- equivalent to about $553 million -- stems from an investigation that found a breach of the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation, as user data has allegedly been sent to China to be accessed by engineers. The expected decision -- which TikTok will be able to appeal in Irish courts -- could mark one of the largest fines handed down by the Irish DPC, following fines of 746 million against Amazon in 2021, and 1.2 billion against Meta in 2023. advertisement advertisement TikToks fine and the timing of the decision are not yet final and could still change, according to the anonymous sources who spoke with Bloomberg. The Irish DPCs suggested allegations against TikTok and its owner ByteDance are similar to privacy concerns that pushed U.S. lawmakers to pass a bill ordering the social media company to sell to an American buyer, or be banned for the regions 170 million users. With the current deadline for a selloff set for Saturday, potential buyers are multiplying. Most recently, Amazon and a startup run by the founder of OnlyFans submitted plans to the White House to acquire TikTok. The mobile technology company AppLovin also put a bid in to buy the platform this week, following previous offers and plans from Oracle, Perplexity AI and more. Despite lawmakers urging President Trump to extend the sell-off deadline by an additional six months, continuing to keep TikTok on the app store until October 16, Trump continues to issue statements about completing a deal by April 5. These new allegations against ByteDance may complicate a deal in the U.S., placing more pressure on the need for substantial separation from ByteDances influence over the powerful algorithm and user data. User protections are a key area of focus moving forward with the deal, with user data security essential to addressing concerns included in the recently passed Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The law, which was passed in January, demands that foreign-owned entities do not own more than 20% of the app, and do not possess direction or control over the platform. In addition, the law states that foreign-owned entities do not have an operational relationship with regard to its content recommendation algorithms or data sharing. Atrial fibrillation is linked to a modest increase in dementia risk, with a stronger effect in individuals diagnosed before age 70. Highlights: Atrial fibrillation increases dementia risk, especially in those under 70 The risk is higher for early-onset dementia, with a 36% increase Age significantly affects the strength of the AF-dementia connection Trusted Source Atrial fibrillation diagnosed in midlife is linked to a 21% increased risk of dementia at any age and a 36% higher risk of early-onset dementia Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? The presence of #atrial_fibrillation more than doubles the risk of developing #dementia after #stroke. #heartdisease #medindia The presence of #atrial_fibrillation more than doubles the risk of developing #dementia after #stroke. #heartdisease #medindia Advertisement Exploring the Catalan Population for Dementia Risk Advertisement Weak but Statistically Significant Link Between AF and Dementia Advertisement Stronger Dementia Risk in Younger AF Patients Silent Strokes and Other Factors Contributing to the Risk Atrial fibrillation diagnosed in midlife is linked to a 21% increased risk of dementia at any age and a 36% higher risk of early-onset dementia - (https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/Atrial-fibrillation-diagnosed-in-midlife-is-linked-to-a-21-increased-risk-of-dementia-at-any-age-and-a-36-higher-risk-of-early-onset-dementia) A concerning connection between atrial fibrillation (AF) and dementia risk has been identified. The research is presented at the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) 2025 scientific congress by the European Society of Cardiology. The study found that individuals under 70 years old diagnosed with AF have ain the future. Additionally,was heightened by. Interestingly, this connection was more pronounced in, with no noticeable relationship found in those aged 70 and older ().The authors, including Dr. Julian Rodriguez Garcia from the Bellvitge University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, describe this as the largest European population-based study to examine the link between AF and dementia . They emphasize that the association was particularly strong for early-onset dementia in younger individuals.Atrial fibrillation, characterized by an irregular heartbeat, is a common condition affecting 2-3% of the general population, with prevalence increasing as people age. Some studies have suggested a direct link between AF and dementia, while others have been less conclusive. The researchers believe that understanding the subgroups most affected could provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of this association and help inform targeted prevention strategies.This new study focused on the relationship between AF and dementia in the Catalan population of Spain. It included individuals aged 45 and older, who were free from dementia at the start of the study in 2007. The researchers utilized anonymized data from the System for the Development of Research in Primary Care, which includes information on over 80% of Catalonia's population. The follow-up period spanned from 2007 to 2021.The study observed 2,520,839 people over an average period of 13 years. At baseline , 79,820 individuals (3.25%) had been diagnosed with AF. In multivariable analyses, AF was shown to have a weak but statistically significant association with an increased risk of dementia, with a 4% higher risk overall.However, age played a crucial role in the strength of this link. Among younger individuals aged 45-50, those with AF weremore likely to develop dementia compared to those without AF. In contrast, no significant association was found in people over 70. These results suggest that the risk of dementia associated with AF diminishes as people age.Further analysis confirmed that the link between AF and dementia weakened in older adults, with the connection losing statistical significance in those over 70. In contrast, younger patients diagnosed with AF before age 70 exhibited a 21% increased risk of dementia, with the risk for early-onset dementia rising by 36%.The authors explain that dementia is often a multifactorial condition with a variety of neurological causes, which could explain why AF appears to have a stronger impact in younger individuals. In older adults, other factors such as age-related neurodegeneration may diminish the relative effect of AF.The researchers also considered the role of stroke in the relationship between AF and dementia. After excluding participants with a history of stroke, AF still showed a significant association with increased dementia risk, particularly for early-onset dementia. This suggests that factors other than stroke, such as silent strokes or microinfarcts, may be at play.In addition to silent strokes, the authors highlight other potential mechanisms linking AF to dementia, such as changes in blood flow and pressure (hemodynamic changes), autonomic dysregulation, and inflammation. These factors could contribute to damage in the brains small blood vessels, a condition often associated with dementia. The authors also suggest that inflammation caused by AF may further exacerbate the risk of developing dementia.The study points out the importance of addressing the association between atrial fibrillation and dementia, particularly in younger patients. The researchers suggest that early detection and proactive management of AF in younger individuals could potentially reduce the risk of dementia and alter the diseases progression.Source-Medindia Studio Ghiblis AI-generated art has been making waves, but nothing beats the original hand-drawn magic. If youve been mesmerised by the dreamy aesthetics and whimsical worlds of Ghiblis AI art, its time to experience the real deal. Even Hayao Miyazaki, the genius behind Ghibli, has expressed his disdain for AI-generated art, calling it an insult to life itself. For him, animation is about soul, emotion, and the human touch something that no algorithm can replicate. With that in mind, here are 10 must-watch Studio Ghibli classics that define the studios legacy and continue to inspire artists, animators, and dreamers alike. 1. Spirited Away (2001) Studio Ghibli This Oscar-winning masterpiece isnt just a film its an experience. Following 10-year-old Chihiros journey through a mysterious and enchanting spirit world, Spirited Away captures the essence of Ghibli magic with breathtaking animation, deep emotional storytelling, and a world teeming with fantastical creatures. If you love Ghiblis AI art, this is the ultimate introduction to their hand-drawn wonders. 2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Studio Ghibli The film that gave us the most beloved, huggable forest spirit of all time. My Neighbor Totoro is a heartwarming tale about childhood, wonder, and the simple joys of life. With its lush countryside scenery and cozy atmosphere, this movie is the definition of feel-good cinema. Plus, Totoro has become the official mascot of Studio Ghibli so you HAVE to meet him! 3. Princess Mononoke (1997) Studio Ghibli If youre looking for something a little darker and more epic, Princess Mononoke delivers in spades. This beautifully animated film dives into the conflict between industrialization and nature, with fierce battles, complex characters, and some of Studio Ghiblis most stunning visuals. The film was also at the center of a legendary Hollywood showdown. When Miramaxs Harvey Weinstein wanted to heavily edit the 135-minutes-long movie to a 'marketable' 90-minutes for its Western release, Studio Ghibli sent him a samurai sword with a simple message: No cuts. Miyazaki later recalled the moment, saying, I defeated him. That commitment to artistic integrity is what makes Princess Mononoke an uncompromising and unforgettable masterpiece. 4. Howls Moving Castle (2004) Studio Ghibli Imagine a walking, steampunk castle, a fire demon with a sassy attitude, and a charming, but slightly dramatic, wizard Howls Moving Castle has it all. This visually rich film explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and war, wrapped in some of the most stunning animation Studio Ghibli has ever produced. Its no wonder this film remains a fan favourite. 5. Kikis Delivery Service (1989) Studio Ghibli A young witch moving to a new town to start her own delivery business? Adorable. Kikis Delivery Service is the perfect coming-of-age story, balancing whimsical fantasy with real-life struggles of self-doubt and independence. The vibrant cityscapes and warm color palette make it a visual treat, perfect for anyone who loves Ghiblis comforting aesthetics. 6. Grave of the Fireflies (1988) Studio Ghibli One of the most emotional and heartbreaking films ever made, Grave of the Fireflies tells the tragic story of two siblings struggling to survive during World War II. Unlike Ghiblis more whimsical offerings, this film is a stark and deeply moving anti-war masterpiece that lingers long after the credits roll. Its a tearjerker, but an essential watch. 7. The Wind Rises (2013) Studio Ghibli One of Ghiblis more mature films, The Wind Rises is a deeply personal story about Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japans WWII fighter planes. Unlike most Ghibli films, this one is rooted in reality, with a bittersweet narrative about dreams, love, and the cost of ambition. Visually stunning and emotionally powerful, its a must-watch for those who appreciate poignant storytelling. Its English dub had an envious star-cast, including Joseph Gordon Levitt, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. 8. Castle in the Sky (1986) Studio Ghibli Ghiblis first official film, Castle in the Sky sets the tone for everything the studio would become. It follows Sheeta and Pazu, two children who embark on an epic journey to find the legendary floating city of Laputa, all while being pursued by government agents and sky pirates. A high-flying adventure packed with airships, floating cities, and stunning landscapes, its pure adventure cinema at its best. If you love breathtaking visuals and epic journeys, this is the Ghibli film for you. 9. Ponyo (2008) Studio Ghibli If The Little Mermaid had a Studio Ghibli makeover, it would be Ponyo. This charming and colourful tale about a little fish-girl who dreams of becoming human is pure childhood wonder bottled into a movie. Its whimsical, lighthearted, and visually stunning everything youd want from a Ghibli film. 10. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013) As the controversy around Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron continues to get uglier, supporters of Kim Sae-ron have found a new way to make sure cases like this dont ever repeat themselves. Amid allegations of Kim Soo-hyun dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, a new amendment to South Koreas statutory rape laws has been suggested by the people. Unofficially dubbed the 'Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Act,' the proposed amendment aims to expand statutory rape protections to cover individuals aged 13 to 19. Currently, South Koreas law only protects minors between 13 and 16, leaving legal gray areas in cases involving older teenagers. The petition advocating for this change has gained significant traction, amassing over 30,000 signatures within two days of its submission. Instagram/Kim Sae-ron FC The grooming sexual abuse committed by Hallyu star Kim Soo-hyun against then-child actor Kim Sae-ron has outraged the entire country, wrote the petitioner. Unfortunately, the current law only protects children aged between 13 and 16, meaning Kim Soo-hyun cannot be legally prosecuted. Beyond raising the age threshold, the petition also calls for stricter penalties for sexual offenses against minors. Proposed reforms include a minimum two-year prison sentence for indecent acts and five years for sexual assault cases. If the petition reaches 50,000 signatures within 30 days, it will be reviewed by the National Assembly. National Assembly Electronic Petition Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun has taken legal action against his accusers since his tearful speech on 31st March, 2025, including a woman claiming to be Kim Sae-rons aunt and Garo Sero Institutes YouTube channel which has been spreading allegations with photo evidence. He has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking 12 billion won ($8.18 million) in damages. Despite a tear-soaked speech at the press conference, many are refusing to fall prey to his crocodile tears. Social media is filled with people finding hidden clues in his speech from dissecting screenshots of his forensic report to his body language. Gunlom Falls has been closed since 2019 and was embroiled in controversy in the years since. But now it's officially set to reopen to the public. Gunlom Falls within Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory will reopen in May. Source: Territory Savvy/Facebook After six years of closure and a long-running dispute over cultural site protection, one of the country's most popular waterfalls is again set to open to tourists. Gunlom Falls, an iconic spot in the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, will officially reopen next month. It has been closed since late 2019, when the construction of a new walkway inadvertently disturbed a site sacred to the Jawoyn people, the traditional custodians of the land. The Northern Land Council (NLC) described the disturbance as a "deeply disrespectful violation" of Traditional Owners' rights. Parks Australia was later fined $200,000 under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act, admitting fault and issuing a public apology in 2021. After years of negotiations, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek confirmed a new lease agreement had been secured between the Commonwealth and Kakadus traditional owners, allowing the park to move forward. The falls have been closed since 2019 after a site sacred to the traditional custodians was disturbed. Source: Kakadu National Park Gunlom Falls has long been a favourite among campers, offering breathtaking views, natural infinity pools and a serene bush setting perfect for an overnight stay under the stars. The Northern Land Council successfully negotiated an increase in annual rent to $10.7 million, up from previous figures, as part of the new lease terms, the NT News reported. ADVERTISEMENT Traditional Owners will now receive 50 per cent of commercial revenue, including entry fees, permits, camping charges, and licence fees, providing a greater financial return to Indigenous custodians. Famous falls set to give Northern Territory economy major boost Online, Australians were overjoyed to hear the news. "Beautiful place. Please take care of it," a woman said. "How exciting," another wrote. "Please go! This place is truly magic," another commented. Gunlom Falls, located in Kakadus rugged southern "stone country" region, is accessible only by 4WD, with the nearest hub being Cooinda, about an hour away, and Darwin, 4.5 hours. The falls have long been a favourite among Territory visitors, famous for their tiered rock pools, panoramic views and emerald-green swimming holes. ADVERTISEMENT They reach peak flow just after the wet season, making May the ideal time for reopening, with the newly constructed access track about a 15 to 20 minute hike. The reopening is expected to be a major boost for tourism in Kakadu, aligning perfectly with A Taste of Kakadu a popular festival celebrating Indigenous culture, bush food and local storytelling which runs in late May. Kakadu Tourism Chair Lauren Ganley called it a "new era", emphasising the need for cultural respect in future park developments. "There is no destination in Australia more culturally unique than Kakadu," she said. "Its essential we present it in a way that respects the heritage and wishes of Traditional Owners. "The reopening of Gunlom Falls is part of a wider program to upgrade infrastructure to allow visitors to better appreciate Kakadus natural wonders. Another major attraction Twin Falls will reopen next dry season after infrastructure upgrades, and there are plans for significant investment throughout the park to re-establish it as one of the worlds leading national parks." With Qantas resuming direct Darwin-Singapore flights, tourism in Kakadu and the broader Northern Territory is expected to see an upswing. Meanwhile, Cooinda Lodge is upgrading its Outback Retreat glamping tents, with plans to add ensuite facilities to 10 of the 20 air-conditioned tents in preparation for increased visitor numbers. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. An Air Force commander at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, has been removed from his leadership position, a move that comes several months after he faced arrest and charges were subsequently dropped against him. Col. Joseph Coughlin, commander of the 557th Weather Wing at Offutt, was removed from his position Tuesday "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead," a Wednesday news release said. In late January, Military.com learned that Coughlin had been arrested in Sarpy County, Nebraska, and was accused of third-degree domestic violence assault charge, according to online court details. The charges were dropped later that month, Kris Pierce, a spokesman for Offutt Air Force Base and the 55th Wing, said at the time. Read Next: Pentagon Hiring Freeze Hits Army, Space Force Base Day Care Centers in Colorado "Offutt AFB fully cooperated with local law enforcement regarding the arrest of Col. Joseph Coughlin," Pierce told Military.com in a Feb. 3 emailed statement. "As of Jan. 30, 2025, local authorities dropped all charges. We have no further comment at this time." While further details of that dropped case were not immediately available, it was considered a factor in Coughlin's dismissal. "The arrest this January contributed to Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley's, the 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) commander, decision to relieve Col. Joseph Coughlin of command of the 557th Weather Wing," Rabia Coombs, a spokesperson for the 16th Air Force, said in an emailed statement. "Lt. Gen. Hensley lost confidence in Col. Coughlin's ability to lead. The Air Force holds leaders to high, uncompromising and clear standards and expects them to always exemplify those standards." It was not immediately clear whether Coughlin had retained an attorney, and he could not be reached by phone calls or texts at numbers listed for him in public records. Coombs deferred other legal questions to the Sarpy County Attorney's Office. When asked whether Coughlin was facing additional charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Coombs said the "Office of Special Trial Counsel is currently reviewing the evidence," adding "it is premature to comment on whether Col. Coughlin will face legal action under the UCMJ." Further details of Coughlin's case were not provided by the 16th Air Force. The Office of Special Trial Counsel investigates "primarily victim-based offenses, including sex-related crimes, incidents of interpersonal violence, sexual harassment and some violent offenses," the Air Force said last year. "This was a difficult decision to make, but one necessary to ensure we are restoring our fighting force and acting in the best interest of the 557th Weather Wing," Hensley said in Wednesday's news release. Eric Carpenter, a former military lawyer who is now a law professor at Florida International University, told Military.com in an interview Thursday that it's not uncommon for the military to pick up some cases that local prosecutors may drop. "Maybe the military won't do anything with it, but it's not surprising that they would pick it up and prosecute it and, oftentimes, when this happens, they end up getting convictions," he said. Coughlin took command of the 557th Weather Wing in July 2024. In his role, he oversaw 1,400 airmen at 19 worldwide operating locations, according to his service biography. The wing is the Air Force's lead meteorology center. His prior assignment was serving as the deputy dean of admissions and business operations at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii. Before that, he was the commander of 8th Mission Support Group at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. He graduated from Lyndon State College in Vermont and was commissioned into the Air Force through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program in 2000. Col. Matthew Sattler, 557th Weather Wing deputy commander, has temporarily assumed the unit's responsibility until Coughlin's replacement is named, the news release said. Related: Trailblazing Coast Guard Commandant Fired by Trump Administration The U.S. military wants to keep training at Pohakuloa, so it's ready to quickly send troops to Asia and the Pacific. Day care centers at Peterson Space Force Base and Fort Carson in Colorado are disenrolling some families and pausing waitlists amid staffing issues, the latest impacts of the Trump administration's hiring freeze throughout the federal government. Two memos, reviewed by Military.com and confirmed as authentic by base officials, both express issues with ongoing staffing challenges at the Space Force base, as well as the Army garrison. "Due to ongoing staffing challenges related to our adherence to current administration guidance and recent impacts from the hiring freeze the Main Child Development Center (CDC) is facing a critical shortage of qualified child care providers," a March 24 memo to families with infants at Peterson's day care center said, also stating that a classroom needed to be closed by April 11. Read Next: Top US General Argues Against Giving Up Command of NATO at Senate Hearing Similarly, an April 1 memo from Fort Carson said "the recent federal hiring freeze, while lifted, has significantly impacted our ability to hire and onboard qualified personnel," adding that staffing levels "are currently not sufficient to meet the needs of our waitlist." It said the base is pausing enrollment from the militarychildcare.com waiting list as a result. President Donald Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk's push to dramatically reduce the size and spending of the federal government has extended to the Department of Defense, which is aiming to cut 50,000 to 60,000 civilian jobs. A Department of Defense memo issued March 18 quickly tried to stop some hemorrhaging by saying certain essential positions were exempt from the hiring freeze, including "child and youth programs staff," as well as "instructors or facility support staff at DoD schools or child care centers." Jules Hurst III, who is performing the duties of under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said in a statement Wednesday that the hiring exemptions were necessary for a wide range of jobs deemed to "support the total lethality" of the military. "DoD will continue to recruit the great Americans who manufacture artillery shells, repair and refit our warships, maintain our fleets of military vehicles and equipment, teach the sons and daughters of service members, and provide medical care to our warriors and their families," Hurst said in his statement. But the effects of those hiring freeze exemptions may not be felt for quite some time. As Military.com reported in an extensive investigation last year, child development centers are frequently understaffed and lack oversight. As a result of the staffing challenges, Peterson Space Force Base's looming closure of its infant classroom meant that eight families would have to be disenrolled, the March 24 memo said. It asked for volunteers to transfer to a preschool about 10 miles away from the base, where they can pay the same rates as they would have at the on-base CDC. If they didn't volunteer, the most recent families with the lowest priority levels were disenrolled, according to the memo. "Due to ongoing staffing challenges, one of the infant rooms is closing effective April 11 to maintain appropriate child-to-teacher ratios and ensure the children's safety and well-being. We will work directly with the impacted families to ensure continuity of care for their children," a Space Force spokesperson, who spoke anonymously to provide information from multiple sources, told Military.com. Peterson is home to Space Base Delta 1, as well as U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command Headquarters -- consisting of more than 20,000 family members, service members and civilians, according to Military One Source. "We are working through all our hiring freeze exemptions as quickly as possible. The hiring, on-boarding and training process will take time; however, we will work with impacted families to return to the main CDC as quickly as possible," the Space Force spokesperson said. At Fort Carson, the April 1 memo to families said "our team is working diligently to expedite the hiring process and to get to fully staffed as quickly as possible" but did not point to other resources families could use while they wait for admittance to the child care center. "While we had to adjust enrolling new children, [we] are working as quickly as possible to alleviate any impacts and bringing on new direct-care staff to ensure we are providing the services and support for our Fort Carson families," said a base official, who spoke to Military.com anonymously to provide information from multiple sources. The news of the military child care woes in the Colorado Springs area is angering family advocates. Kayla Corbitt, a military spouse and founder of Operation Child Care Project, a nonprofit group that advocates for family care for service members, told Military.com that the changes leaves troops and their loved ones scrambling. "In the Colorado Springs area, we are seeing official and unofficial lack of access to DoD-operated care," Corbitt told Military.com. "Even at installations where the military are not being asked to leave, they are being told they cannot enroll or attend until staff is onboarded. Military families will be relying on their community resources and support outside the installation more than ever." Colorado isn't the only place the child care shortages are being felt. Military.com reported late last month that, due to the hiring freeze and staffing issues, Hill Air Force Base in Utah had closed one of its two day care centers -- disenrolling 31 families in the process. "It's time for the states to decide if they are a military supportive community or if they simply have military members in their state," Corbitt added. Related: Families at Utah Air Force Base Lose Day Care Center as Pentagon Slashes Personnel Spending Giving up American military leadership of the NATO alliance would be "problematic," the top U.S. general in Europe told senators Thursday. At an annual hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Christopher Cavoli was asked about reports that the Trump administration is considering relinquishing the U.S. role as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, or SACEUR, a title that has been held by a U.S. general since its inception in the 1950s. As the chief of U.S. European Command, Cavoli also holds the position of SACEUR right now. While he acknowledged that it will ultimately be a policy decision by the administration whether to give up the SACEUR title, he argued that doing so would create problems for the U.S. nuclear umbrella in Europe. Read Next: 'Psychological Warfare': Veterans Fired from Federal Government Speak Out at Informal Hearing "Our allies crave our leadership and are stronger with it, and are stronger for us," Cavoli added. NBC News reported last month that the Trump administration is mulling giving up the role of SACEUR as part of a broader reshuffling of the U.S. military commands around the globe. The tradition of a U.S. general being NATO's top military officer dates back to then-Gen. and future President Dwight D. Eisenhower being appointed the first SACEUR in 1950. But more than tradition and symbolism, Cavoli on Thursday laid out practical reasons for having a U.S. general atop the alliance. In particular, he highlighted that the U.S. extends its nuclear umbrella to its European allies, and that having the same officer in charge of both U.S. and NATO forces prevents complications with nuclear command and control. "We have some nuclear weapons that in a conflict, upon the agreement of the United States and the rest of the nations, would be turned over to SACEUR to be delivered by a variety of nations who are involved in this program, all of them NATO nations," Cavoli said. "If SACEUR were not an American officer, we would have to find some other way to do that, and it would certainly not be as integrated with the rest of SACEUR's operations as it is now." "I and key American elements of my staff at the NATO headquarters, at Supreme Allied headquarters Europe, we are able to be the link in that chain that makes it seamless," he added later. While Cavoli was pressed about the Trump administration's reported plans by several Republicans, suggesting they are troubled by the idea, at least one Republican on the Armed Services Committee offered a full-throated defense of the proposal. "While some of my colleagues have been wringing their hands over the possibility that the United States might step away from its role as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, I can tell you who isn't all that worried about it: It's the American people," Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., said at the hearing. "Quite frankly, they probably thought that ended when Dwight D. Eisenhower was no longer the Supreme Allied Commander." In addition to potentially giving up the title of SACEUR, the Trump administration is also considering consolidating European Command and U.S. Africa Command, according to multiple reports. Africa Command was created in 2007 amid concerns from the George W. Bush administration and lawmakers about a lack of focus on a continent of strategic importance and with a terrorism threat from affiliates of al-Qaida. Prior to that, responsibility for any U.S. military interests in Africa was divided among European Command, Central Command and Pacific Command. While it is a separate command, Africa Command is still headquartered in Europe alongside European Command. At Thursday's hearing, Cavoli suggested it would be difficult for European Command to absorb Africa Command, given Africa's size. "I would have the responsibility for 50 more countries," he said in response to a question from the committee's ranking member, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I. "It would be a stretch, senator. That's a wide span of control." Still, Cavoli also suggested his command could handle the extra workload if "the expertise and the capacity" from Africa Command were folded into European Command, rather than cut altogether. "It would have to be studied very, very closely of course," he added. Related: American Veterans Fighting in Ukraine Struggle with the Politics of Abandonment GRAND RAPIDS, MI Multiple anti-abortion rallies are set to take place across Michigan as the Supreme Court decides whether states have the right to defund Planned Parenthood. Protests were scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, at Planned Parenthood facilities in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Flint, Ann Arbor and Traverse City. Events in Ferndale and Livonia were postponed due to thunderstorms, Lynn Mills of Pro-Life Michigan said. Were not usually fair-weather picketers, but lightning is a different case, Mills said. RELATED: Anti-abortion advocates call for defunding Planned Parenthood at Ann Arbor protest - mlive.com About five activists braved the elements in Grand Rapids Wednesday to protest in front of the Planned Parenthood Irwin/Martin Health Center at 425 Cherry St. SE. Everybody is a creation of God; thats why Im here, protester Miguel Jomarron Fernandez said. The nationwide protests coincide with the Supreme Courts review of a case challenging South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMasters effort to block any Medicaid dollars from going to Planned Parenthood. McMaster in 2018 issued an executive order that would have barred people on Medicaid from accessing care at Planned Parenthood South Atlantic health centers in Columbia and Charleston. Julie Edwards, a patient at the Columbia clinic, sued in federal court, and the U.S. District Court blocked McMasters order, allowing Medicaid patients to continue receiving non-abortion care at PPSAT locations. The Supreme Court is expected to reach a verdict in June. Mel Cooke, who said he comes to the Grand Rapids Planned Parenthood every day, was one of the protesters on Wednesday. He said his tax dollars shouldnt have to pay for the killing of children. When asked about the case affecting South Carolina, Cooke said he hopes it would have an impact on the rest of the nation. Michigan is very liberal, he said. Anybody can do an abortion now. Our governor has not been good for our state. The federal case does not directly involve access to abortion. Federal law already prohibits states from using Medicaid funds for abortions, but anti-abortion advocates have long lobbied to stop any federal funds from going to Planned Parenthood. Since the Supreme Courts landmark Dobbs decision of 2022, which overturned the federal right to abortion, 19 states have banned or limited access to abortion. South Carolina bans nearly all abortions after six weeks. Michigan, however, approved a constitutional amendment enshrining the right to an abortion shortly after Dobbs. Fernandez also said he doesnt want his tax dollars helping fund Planned Parenthood but that hes not optimistic Michigan would move to block Medicaid funding. We have a Democrat government in Michigan, so probably they would not accept the Supreme Court decision, he said. I just want to preach that God loves everybody, especially these children, so please, before you commit an abortion, think about the consequence of this. Its murder. While Mills said she doesnt expect the case to end abortion in Michigan, she is optimistic that Planned Parenthood clinics across the state will continue to suffer without federal funding, noting three closures that were announced Wednesday. Weve got abortion for a long time here, and its worse than it was 20 years ago, she said. But, if federal funding stops for Planned Parenthood, youll see a lot of them close down. Planned Parenthood of Michigan on Wednesday said it is closing health centers in Marquette, Jackson, and Petoskey, effective April 30 and consolidating its two Ann Arbor clinics into one site by May 5. Its also cutting 10% of staff. A release from the organization cited the Trump administrations freeze on Title X family planning funding on top of fears of potential Medicaid cuts. The Trump administration and its anti-abortion allies have made clear their intention to defund Planned Parenthood and attack access to sexual and reproductive health care nationwide so while these attacks are devastating, they are not a surprise, Paula Thornton Greear, president and CEO of PPMI, said in a statement. Our decision to restructure reflects months of strategic planning and careful financial analysis. These necessary changes strengthen PPMIs ability to adapt quickly in a challenging political landscape. While implementing difficult decisions is never easy, they are essential to protect our long-term capacity to fulfill our mission and serve Michigan communities for generations to come. Representatives of Planned Parenthood Irwin/Martin Health Center did not respond to questions at the time of publishing. Planned Parenthood provides other care such as HIV testing and treatment, contraception, pregnancy testing, prenatal and postpartum services and vaccines, according to its website. A ban on Medicaid funds would stop low-income patients from accessing any of these services. Every person should be able to access quality, affordable health care from a provider they trust, no matter their income or insurance status, Jenny Black, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said in a statement. This case is politics at its worst: anti-abortion politicians using their power to target Planned Parenthood and block people who use Medicaid as their primary form of insurance from getting essential health care like cancer screenings and birth control. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. A photo of flood waters covering a portion of Jennings Road in Vienna Township on Thursday, April 3. The road is one of several in the county that had to be closed Thursday due to flooding. (Photo courtesy of Genesee County Road Commission) Genesee County Road Commission GENESEE COUNTY, MI The Genesee County Road Commission has announced road closures in the northern and southern portions of the county due to recent flooding. With total rainfall measurements for the Flint area reaching 1.75 inches on Wednesday, April 2, several roads in the county experienced significant flooding. In Argentine and Mundy townships, Bishop Road is closed from Silver Lake Road to Herrington Road, and Sharp Road is closed at its intersection with Baldwin Road. The Road Commission announced these closures at around 11 p.m. Thursday, April 3. Related: Flooding shuts down two Genesee County roads after record-setting rain In northern Genesee County, flooding has forced the closure of Jennings Road from M-57 to Fields Road, and Elms Road is closed from Lake Road to Willard Road. The Road Commission said these roads were initially closed at 8 a.m. Thursday. All roads in the county closed due to the flooding will reopen once flood waters recede, the Road Commission said. Motorists traveling through impacted areas are urged to find an alternate route in the meantime. The city of Flint issued a warning to residents on Wednesday as it expected flooding in certain areas. Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. SOUTHGATE, MI -- An early morning house explosion sent three people to the hospital, including two who were in the home at the time of the explosion. According to Fox 2 Detroit, one of the victims was blown from the home by the blast and was found in the front yard when police arrived on scene. A woman who was in the home was found under a pile of debris by first responders who were able to get her out as well. A woman in a neighboring house was also taken to the hospital to be evaluated for potential injuries. A nearby house caught fire, and several neighbors reported that the blast had blown out their windows. The explosion happened around 5:30 a.m. Thursday at a home on the corner of Burns and Edison. It is unknown what caused the explosion, but Southgate Police Detective Sgt. Nathan Mosczynski said theyre treating it as a gas-related incident. In this MLive file photo, Tanya Glew, charge nurse on the night shift, left, monitors a computer while at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Mike Mulholland | MLive.com Michigan is offering student loan repayment to recruit and retain nurses. The program will provide up to $300,000 in tax-free funds to successful applicants for the repayment of student loans in two-year increments, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday, April 3. Selected nurses will receive student loan repayment funds, in addition to their typical pay, while working two-year increments up to four years at state psychiatric facilities, or up to 10 years at other eligible practice sites. The Nurse Loan Repayment Program (NLRP) has about $9 million available for student loan repayment. MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel called nurses the backbone of the health care system, providing essential care to patients in hospital clinics, schools and homes. They are often the first point of contact for patients and play a critical role in patient education, advocacy and support, Hertel said in a prepared statement. Health care facilities across the state are facing nursing shortages and this loan repayment program will help providers recruit and retain nurses to provide vital care to patients. Related: Health care jobs with best growth, wage trends for the next 10 years in Michigan Michigan hospitals have made significant strides combating workforce shortages. Nursing vacancies declined by 44% between 2023 and 2024, according to a report by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA). Industry leaders say more work remains, however, with 19,000 open positions across Michigan hospitals, including more than 4,700 nursing positions, as of 2024. Applicants can apply to the loan repayment program online, here. The deadline to apply is June 4. Eligible nursing licenses include registered nurse (RN) and licenses practical nurse (LPN). Not included are certified nurse assistants (CNA), or registered temporary or medical assistants. Under Michigans new program, selected nurses will have to agree to work for a minimum of 40 hours per week for no less than 45 weeks per year, for two-year periods, at eligible nonprofit practice sites that provide nursing services, or full-time for nurses in public school settings or who teach at a school of nursing. Employers will be prohibited from using NLRP payments to offset participants salaries or other components of their compensation packages. Applicants arent eligible if theyve defaulted on federal loans, or if theyre currently enrolled in any loan repayment program other than the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. MDHHS said interested residents should contact their student loan servicer to begin completion of the Nurse Application Part B form. To learn more about the program, including eligible practice sites, visit Michigan.gov/NLRP. An Irish woman's recent encounter with a box jellyfish is being held up as a reminder for Aussies to beware in tropical waters. A tourist is lucky to be alive after accidentally sitting on the "world's most venomous animal" with the incident now being held up as a reminder to Aussies that the dangerous creature resides along thousands of kilometres of our coastline. Irish couple Julie and Daniel were swimming during a three-day excursion along remote islands in the Philippines when Julie made contact with a box jellyfish. She said the translucent stinger was the "length of a man", and her entire body quickly started "vibrating" from excruciating pain. "I squatted down, and I didn't feel anything... when I stood up, I felt burning on my thighs and on my butt... it felt like a flat iron pressed against me," she said. Despite being two hours away from the nearest hospital, Julie survived the incident with only a gnarly scar to remind her of the encounter. Julie said the pain was like having a flat iron on her skin. Source: Instagram/julieanddaniel__ Have you been stung by a box jellyfish recently? We want to hear from you: sophie.coghill@yahooinc.com Director of the Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Services and jellyfish expert, Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin, told Yahoo News the tourist was "lucky to be alive". ADVERTISEMENT "It can take as little as three metres worth of stings on the body to kill a healthy adult, and it happens in less than two minutes. For children, it's only 1.2 metres," Gershwin told Yahoo. "Not everybody who is stung by a box jellyfish will die... but if you've been stung more than that lethal threshold, then, yeah, statistically you are probably going to die. It's really quite mathematical." Fortunately for Julie it appears not enough of the stings came in contact with her body for the encounter to be fatal. Aussie stinger dubbed 'two-step jellyfish' after fatalities There are a number of box jellyfish species residing between Australia and Asia but all are "very, very venomous". The Australian species is dubbed the "two-step jellyfish" by scientists in the US as "two steps is all you get" when you're stung, Gershwin explained. "When someone gets stung, it feels like an electrocution or like hot oil spattering on your skin. It's really painful, and it's completely normal to have a jerk reaction," she said. "But this spooks the animal and as it tries to get away, the tentacles often get tangled around the swimmers body. Now we're in contact with 60 fully lethal tentacles, each one is up to three metres long on a mature animal." ADVERTISEMENT Being in contact with just one of the jellyfish's 60 tentacles is enough to push a swimmer over the lethal sting threshold and cause a catastrophic outcome. "They absolutely have earned the title of the world's most venomous animals," she said. At least 70 people have died in Aussie waters after being stung by a box jellyfish. Source: Getty & Australian Geographic Box jellyfish are found in tropical coastal waters and reside around the country's northern coastline, from Western Australia along to Queensland. In Queensland they are active until late May when the waters cool. Their venomous stings have caused at least 70 known deaths in Aussie waters since records began in the 1880s, according to the Australian Geographic. What do I do if I'm stung by a box jellyfish? The most crucial thing to do if stung by a box jellyfish is to flood the affected area with vinegar and do it immediately. ADVERTISEMENT "Vinegar neutralises the stinging cells from injecting more venom into your skin, and you want to stop every single one of them possible," she said. "If you're over the lethal sting threshold, it isn't going to do anything. But the thing is, you're not going to know in the moment, so you need to flood the area with vinegar and seek medical assistance as quickly as possible." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman speaks to a crowd at Van Andel Arena during a Donald J. Trump campaign rally in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. Joel Bissell | MLive.com As crews and community members continue to clean up the destruction caused by the recent historic ice storm in Northern Michigan, a lawmaker is seeking presidential attention. In a letter sent to Trump Wednesday, Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet) requested Trump visit areas in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula to see firsthand how the storm impacted the region. Bergman called the damage devastating in particular for rural and remote communities, as cleanup efforts face logistical challenges. "Your presence would not only bring national attention to the hardships my constituents are enduring but would also provide much-needed encouragement to the first responders, utility workers, and volunteers who are working tirelessly to restore essential services," Bergman wrote in the letter. Northern Michiganders and Yoopers are among the strongest and most resilient in the country, but a visit from you would be a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this recovery. Bergman offered to provide a tour of areas impacted by the storm and to arrange meetings with local officials, emergency personnel, and families. Thousands of residents are still without power and recovery efforts are being hampered by downed trees and debris, that make transporting resources and personnel difficult. In a series of social media posts made Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she continues to meet with community leaders to coordinate emergency response efforts. On Monday, Whitmer declared a state of emergency for the following 10 counties impacted by the storms: Otsego, Oscoda, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Mackinac and Alpena. In an interview with UpNorthLive Wednesday, Whitmer said she planned on speaking with Trump later in the day to update him on the progress. Whitmer said its probably too early to request a federal emergency declaration because of the various steps the state must take in order to properly ask for the assistance. Whitmer went on to say she hopes to visit the area herself in the coming days, but did not commit to a timeframe. The Michigan Department of State identified 15 people who cast ballots in the November 2024 presidential election who were probable non-U.S. citizens. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com The Michigan Department of State identified 15 people who cast ballots in the November 2024 presidential election who were probable non-U.S. citizens. The 15 votes account for a small percentage (0.00028%) of the more than 5.7 million total ballots cast in the general election in Michigan, according to an announcement from the Michigan Secretary of State. Linda Polk, 52, of Clinton Township was arraigned for first-degree, premeditated murder, vulnerable adult abuse and fraud in Macomb County on April 3, 2025. Macomb County Sheriff's Office MACOMB COUNTY, MI A Michigan woman has been charged with murder after she allegedly obtained a fraudulent power of attorney over an elderly man and told a hospital to pull his life support. Linda Polk, 52, of Clinton Township was arraigned for first-degree, premeditated murder, vulnerable adult abuse and fraud in Macomb County. She had previously been charged in January with identify theft, possession of a financial transaction device and illegal sale or use of a credit card. The charges come after Polk, a licensed practical nurse, began providing in-home care for the victims wife in spring of 2021. In early 2024, the victim, a 78-year-old male from Macomb Township, began to decline in health as well. Due to an illness in October of 2024, the victim was transferred to a local hospital and placed on life support. Polk later instructed the hospital to have the victim taken off life support and he died on Oct. 19. Polk allegedly did not inform the victims family of his passing and used the power of attorney to have the victim cremated, officials said. She then allegedly authored a fraudulent quit-claim deed on the victims home, embezzled a large sum of money from the victim and opened and used credit cards in the victims name. Polk was given a bond of $1 million bond. The Clinton Township Police Department is also investigating Polk on charges of fraud, officials said. Police cant search cars solely because they smell marijuana, Michigan's top court says. Photo by Getty Images. Getty Images DETROIT (AP) The odor of marijuana alone isnt a sufficient reason for police to search a car without a warrant, the Michigan Supreme Court said Wednesday. In a 5-1 opinion, the court threw out gun charges against a man whose car was searched in Detroit in 2020. Michigan voters in 2018 legalized the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana by people who are at least 21 years old, though it cannot be used inside a vehicle. The smell of marijuana might just as likely indicate that the person is in possession of a legal amount of marijuana, recently used marijuana legally, or was simply in the presence of someone else who used marijuana, said Justice Megan Cavanagh, writing for the majority. The smell no longer constitutes probable cause sufficient to support a search for contraband, Cavanagh wrote. Two lower courts had reached the same conclusion. Elsewhere, the Illinois Supreme Court made a similar ruling last September. That state legalized the possession of marijuana in 2019. There are now a myriad of situations where cannabis can be used and possessed, and the smell resulting from that legal use and possession is not indicative of the commission of a criminal offense, Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. said. In the Michigan case, the lone dissenter, Justice Brian Zahra, said he favored returning it to a Detroit-area court to determine whether any other evidence supported a search of the car by police. A photo of a Flint Community Schools bus. The district responded to recent reports that it could lose millions in federal Covid-19 pandemic relief funds. (MLive file photo) Jake May FLINT, MI Flint Community Schools is attempting to alleviate concerns about the district potentially losing millions in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, following recent changes in federal policy. The U.S. Department of Education announced on Friday, March 28, that it has moved up the reimbursement deadline for federal funds requested by K-12 schools through the Education Stabilization Fund. The decision puts school districts across the state at risk of losing a collective $40 million in funding, the Michigan Department of Education said. Related: Michigan schools could lose $40M with deadline change for federal COVID money Flint Community Schools Superintendent Kevelin Jones addressed recent reports that the district could lose $15.6 million in unspent ESSER 3 (Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Funds) in a statement released on Wednesday, April 2. I want to be very clear: we have not been notified of any federal request to return funds, and all ESSER 3 funds have been allocated and spent responsibly in compliance with federal and state guidelines, as well as deadlines met, by Flint Community Schools, Jones said. Jones said the school district is working with the Michigan Department of Education to make sure the district is not affected by the U.S. Department of Educations recent decision. The communication from the U.S. Department of Education noted that the department would consider requests for extensions on an individual project-specific basis, the Michigan Department of Education said in a statement on Tuesday, April 1. MDE will be working with affected districts to determine whether to pursue this option for each districts outstanding federal funds. Jones encourages community members to continue focusing on the progress being made throughout the district, including renovations recently made at various school buildings. He also noted that 80% of the districts schools were recently nominated for the National Capturing Kids Hearts Showcase Schools Award. These efforts (just to name a few) represent our ongoing commitment to providing a top-tier education for all scholars in Flint, he said. We will not let misunderstandings or changes concerning federal funding obscure our infrastructural improvements nor detract from our accomplishments. We remain focused on the success of our scholars and are determined to continue our progress in building a brighter future for our entire community. Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. FLINT, MI -- Floyd Clack, a former Flint City Council member, Genesee County commissioner, and state representative, has died at age 84. Clacks family released a statement announcing his death on Thursday, April 3, saying he died peacefully, surrounded by his wife, Brenda, and children. My dad loved the people of Flint. He loved serving the people of Flint, his son Michael Clack told MLive-The Flint Journal. He loved being an educator as well as a public servant. Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley on Thursday ordered flags in front of Flint City Hall to be flown at half-staff for one week in Clacks honor beginning Monday, April 7. Neeley and other officials who knew and served with him praised Clacks legacy. Floyd Clack was more than a public servant -- he served as a role model and mentor to local elected officials, Neeley said in a statement. He will be remembered for his poise and grace. His leadership and service will live on in the hearts of those he touched ... The county Board of Commissioners also issued a statement on Thursday, paying tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Floyd E. Clack, a tireless advocate for our community, an inspiring educator, and a cherished leader ... He was a straight-forward and decent man who looked out for his constituents and looked out for their interests, said Richard Hammel, who served with Clack as a county commissioner. I cant say enough good things about him. Clack moved to Flint from Texas and became a social studies teacher at the now-shuttered Flint Northern High School before serving in public office. He left his last public position when he retired from the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents on Dec. 31, 2014, but he and his family continued a Clack family tradition of hosting an annual Thanksgiving meal for area senior citizens and others in need. Floyd was not just a fixture in Flint politics, he was a constant in my life since high school, former U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee said in a statement to the Journal. He was my neighbor, and a good one. He was a good teacher, and then we were colleagues for a long time in local government ... When he was in Lansing, everything about him was Flint, Kildee said. Clack also served as the president of the Flint Branch of the NAACP, and the statement from his family said he worked tirelessly to ensure fair housing practices and economic equity for residents. He advocated to rename Flints downtown bus station in honor of Rosa Parks, a push that helped lead to the creation of a bronze statue honoring the civil rights pioneer at the entrance of the facility. In the days following the 1980 fatal shooting of William Taylor Jr., an unarmed, Black 15-year-old, Clack called for the resignation of former Police Chief Max Durbin and the hiring and promotion of more Black police officers. Taylor was shot in the shoulders and back of the head -- not by a homeowner or vigilante -- but by a Flint police officer who had been called to investigate the crime. U.S. District Judge Stewart Newblatt later ruled Flints deadly force policy was unconstitutional and that police violated Taylors Fourth Amendment right against excessive force. Police made quite a few mistakes in shooting Black people in Flint, Clack told the Journal in a story about the shooting in 2020. We still have the same problems today, Clack said then. I got up here (in Flint after moving from Texas) and I thought, Were not going to have those (same racial) problems, but we did. Details regarding Clacks funeral services and memorial arrangements will be shared with the public in the coming days, per the family. FLINT, MI -- A city contractor has started staging for the demolition of a historic north-end church that was built more than 100 years ago and once boasted a membership of 1,200 parishioners. Mayor Sheldon Neeley announced plans for SC Services of Detroit to carry out the tear-down at a cost of up to $200,000, ending the legacy of Oak Park Methodist Episcopal Church on North Saginaw Street. A fire two years ago left the property near Hamilton Avenue in ruins -- unsafe to the public and an eyesore to neighbors. Its endangering to our community and ... not representative of what we want ..., Neeley said during a news conference on Wednesday, April 2. It wasnt one day, one week, one month, or one year that we got into this position to where we have these blighted structures. Its been a period of a decade or better that these structures have been allowed to deteriorate and cause a rottening of our citys aesthetics. Neeley said the city sought the right to tear down the privately-owned church in court and will attach a demolition lien to the property, using Community Development Block Grant funds to take action. City property records show the church is owned by Fresh Start CDC Inc., a group the mayor said is tied to New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church on East Carpenter Road. Flint officials have said the April 2023 fire that most recently damaged the church was caused by a woman who claimed she set a fire there to stay warm. The fire came more than 20 years after the last 40 members of Oak Park ended the churchs 93-year ministry in the city, leaving the majestic building in the hands of a series of owners who used it as a wedding chapel and the home of Freedom Center North, which sold the property nearly a decade ago. Oak Park was organized in 1909 and held its first service here in a tent erected for the occasion at Newall and North Saginaw streets, according to Flint Journal files. The congregation dedicated the church chapel on May 15, 1910. The Neo-Gothic structure was recognized with a historical marker in the 1990s, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The land on which the church was built was originally donated by Flint automotive giants William C. Durant and J. Dallas Dort while Flints population, fueled by the formation of General Motors, was exploding, creating an urgent need for additional housing, schools and churches. The Rev. Daniel Moore, whose Shiloh Baptist Church is across Saginaw Street from Oak Park, said Wednesday the neighboring house of worship was once a staple of Flint but was beyond saving. This is a day of answered prayer for our church, Moore said of the demolition plan. We have been praying diligently ... Its a blessing to see the city move forward with the demolition. Neeley said a bell from the tower of the church remains on site and will be rescued, repaired and displayed in the future. City Council President Ladel Lewis praised the initiative to tear down Oak Park rather than allow it to continue to deteriorate. Saginaw Street is a main artery in the city of Flint, Lewis said. This dilapidated structure was an eyesore. We want to make sure we dont have any clogged arteries in the city of Flint. Its not good for your body, nor is it good for the city. Scenes from Pochis Sweet Designs, a Colombian restaurant and bakery on Ionia Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids. (Drew Travis | MLive.com) Drew Travis | atravis@mlive.com GRAND RAPIDS, MI - An annual event billed as the most epic Colombian Independence Party has been canceled for 2025. Launched in 2023, the free party on Ionia Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids offered people a chance to immerse themselves in Colombian culture. Related: Join the most epic Colombian Independence Party in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend But for this year, organizers announced on social media this week that the festival committee has decided to postpone the event until 2026. We have had two very successful festivals in the past two years and strive to bring you our Colombian music, food, and traditions again this year, the April 2 Facebook post reads. However, due to the current Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion situation, the lack of sponsorship for diverse events, and the overall safety of our attendees, we felt it necessary to cancel this years Colombian Festival and postpone it until next year. Related: Colombian womans Pochis Sweet Designs restaurant thrives in Grand Rapids Over the past two years, Pochis Sweet Designs has hosted the festival in partnership with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and other local organizations. The festival featured Colombian food, a live DJ, dancers, childrens activities and games, raffles and Zumba. It also included a Colombian orchestra and seven vendor tents selling artisan products. Event organizer Paola Carlson is the owner of Pochis Sweet Designs restaurant and cafe. She said the idea came from the absence of a Colombian festival and her desire to bring her countrys independence day, July 20, to her new home and restaurant. We thank all of our sponsors and supporters from previous years and look forward to celebrating soon, Carlson said. Thank you and see you soon, from Paola Carlson and the Festival Committee, Somos Colombia! Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. Planned Parenthood is closing three of its clinics in Michigan and plans to consolidate two others. Mike Clark | MLive.com Planned Parenthood is closing three clinics in Michigan and plans to consolidate two others. According to a press release, Planned Parenthood of Michigan will permanently close locations in Jackson, 2009 W. Michigan Ave.; Petoskey, 1003 Spring St.; and Marquette, 1219 N. Third St., on April 30, with the last patient appointments taking place on April 25. Additionally, Planned Parenthood will consolidate two clinics in Ann Arbor by May 5 and will expand its Virtual Health Center to offer telehealth seven days per week. Ann Arbor has two locations at Power Family Health Center, 3100 Professional Drive, and Ann Arbor West Health Center, 2370 W. Stadium Drive. Planned Parenthood did not immediately respond to a request for comment. As part of this reorganization, Planned Parenthood will reduce staffing by 10%, impacting clinical, programmatic and administrative teams, it announced. Planned Parenthood said it is closing the locations now to ensure the organizations long-term sustainability. The President Donald Trump administration told Planned Parenthood affiliates earlier this week that Title X funding would be withheld, effective Tuesday, April 1. The notice pointed to possible violations of federal civil rights law and Trumps executive orders including prohibitions on promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion and taxpayer subsidization of open borders, Politico reported. The Title X program provides a broad range of family planning and preventive health services for people with low incomes. Planned Parenthood clinics provide emergency contraception, birth control, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, wellness and preventative care, pregnancy testing, gender-affirming care and other services. None of the three closed locations provide in-clinic abortion procedures, but they do provide the abortion pill, according to Planned Parenthood. In-clinic abortion procedures are offered only at Michigan Planned Parenthood clinics in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Flint and Kalamazoo. Federal law dictates Medicaid dollars cannot pay for abortions, with very few exceptions. However, patients also use the clinics for general health care. Nationwide protests took place outside several Planned Parenthood clinics on Wednesday, April 2, as the U.S. Supreme Court heard the case of Kerr v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. The case revolves around Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood clinics in South Carolina. Related: Anti-abortion advocates call for defunding Planned Parenthood at Ann Arbor protest It could upend an option for South Carolina residents on Medicaid to use the clinics for medical services, according to the Associated Press. The states Republican governor, Henry McMaster, is pushing to block any public health care dollars from going to Planned Parenthood. The Trump administration and its anti-abortion allies have made clear their intention to defund Planned Parenthood and attack access to sexual and reproductive health care, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Michigan Paula Thornton Greear said in a statement. Our decision to restructure reflects months of strategic planning and careful financial analysis. These necessary changes strengthen PPMIs ability to adapt quickly in a challenging political landscape. Despite the closures, Planned Parenthood said it remains committed to providing services to patients. Expanding the Virtual Health Center will increase appointment availability statewide, particularly in rural areas. More information can be found on Planned Parenthood of Michigans website. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. KALAMAZOO, MI Indiana-based Beacon Health System has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the Ascension health care system in Southwest Michigan. The agreement, expected to close this summer, includes the acquisition of four hospitals, 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory surgery center. The hospitals being acquired include: Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital in Dowagiac Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital in Plainwell According to Beacon Health CEO Kreg Gruber, Ascension approached Beacon last fall, about a year after the merger of Ascension Michigans other hospitals with Henry Ford Health. Beacon Health Systems primary focus is to deliver outstanding care to our communities, Gruber said. Expanding our reach deeper into Southwest Michigan broadens access to high-quality, affordable care for communities served by Ascension, extends our service area and provides growth opportunity to further strengthen the health system. Kreg Gruber, CEO of Beacon Health System. Provided by Beacon Health Beacon Health was established in 2011 as the result of a merger between Memorial Hospital of South Bend and Elkhart General Hospital. In the 14 years since, it has grown organically and opportunistically, Gruber said. Inspired by a community-driven, local-governance approach, the health system has since acquired a critical care facility in Bremen, Indiana, and Three Rivers Health in Michigan. We believe in strengthening local health care and weve done that, Gruber said. Bremen is more successful today than they have ever been. They are seeing more patients than they have ever seen. Theyve hired more employees than theyve ever had and its because we believe in making it a stronger health care organization. The same thing, Gruber said, has happened since Three Rivers Health joined the fold. Investments in the facility, technology and people have all led to the hospital treating more patients than ever before. As the organization prepares to acquire four hospitals and 35 outpatient clinics in Southwest Michigan, Gruber said he looks forward to working with each local community to improve existing facilities. We dont believe bigger is better, we believe better is better, he said. Our philosophy is that if it is going to work, it is going to work locally. The largest facility in the acquisition, Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo, consists currently of 422 beds, 2,700 associates and 261 providers. We are not interested in coming in and stripping out services, Gruber said. Were interested in coming in and building services. Over the years, at least from what we have seen, Borgess has lost or not been able to retain some of the key physicians and staff that really make a health care organization successful. Weve had a really great track record at Beacon of recruiting great talent and keeping it and I would say a lot of that has to do with our leadership and governance model. Well bring those same approaches to these same organizations. Beacon Health System is acquiring four Southwest Michigan hospitals and 35 outpatient clinics. Provided by Beacon Health Gruber said organizational leaders will work overtime to integrate the new hospitals and clinics into their culture over the coming months. I think relationships are important, he said. I have an open-door policy. Any employee can email, walk into my office or say, Hey, Id like to talk to Kreg. From a patient perspective, both Beacon and Ascension use the Cerner electronic health record system. Beacon is advanced in terms of patient-facing digital scheduling, Gruber said. Ascensions hospitals will be streamlined to match. I think there will be some positive things they will notice, he said. Our goal is that those changes, even if they are hard at first, will ultimately bring satisfaction and value to people. Borgess has served Southwest Michigan for more than 135 years, so change will be inevitable. The teams at Beacon Health System and Ascension are committed to working together to ensure a smooth transition for team members, physicians and consumers, officials said in a joint statement. Current Ascension patients can expect to continue to receive the same level of care from the providers they trust, with minimal, if any, disruption to care and community services prior to and after the closing, according to the company. As a regional provider, Beacon Health System is positioned to serve patients through an integrated care delivery system to ensure that Southwest Michigan has access to sustainable, quality health care long into the future, said Scott Cihak, Chief Operating Officer of Ascension Michigan. After an in-depth review, we found that our organizations are well-aligned culturally, which will streamline the integration process, he said. Our communities are in good hands. The transaction still needs to be approved by the attorneys general in Michigan and Indiana. Beacon officials declined to disclose the sale price. We are thankful for our partnership and long history of collaboration with Ascension Borgess, said Laura Eller, spokesperson with the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. We look forward to forging a strong relationship with Beacon Health System as we remain committed to our vision for health equity and our mission providing medical education, patient care, and research through community partnerships. To learn more about the acquisition, visit beacon.health/bright-future. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. Following years of reform and European assistance, the five Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - are embarking on a strategic pivot towards Europe. The EU is seeking reliable partners in the current rapidly changing geopolitical reality. This is for political and also economic reasons, such as trade, investment and energy. On Thursday and Friday, the Uzbek city of Samarkand will host the first-ever high level meeting between the EU and the Central Asian countries. In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Uzbekistan's president Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the summit's host, called the gathering a "historic chance" for the region. ADVERTISEMENT He said that over the past seven years, trade turnover between Central Asian countries and the EU has quadrupled and now totals 54 billion. Over 1,000 companies with European capital are already working in Uzbekistan with a joint investment project portfolio of 30 billion. Speaking to Euronews, Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Edil Baisalov described it as "truly a historic moment for Central Asia." "We've been independent for 34 years. We celebrated this as a new step," he said. "Where the current world order is being shaken with these great tectonic shifts in geopolitics, we need reliable partners." A major area of cooperation lies in the ongoing project to create a Green Strategic Corridor through the Caspian and Black Seas to Europe. The implementation of this initiative will lay a solid foundation for what both sides are looking for; mutually beneficial energy connectivity. People raise their signs as cars honk while driving by during a protest about Bay City Bridge Partners 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. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com BAY CITY, MI City commissioners will be briefed at their next meeting on the status of the citys review of its contract with United Bridge Partners as well as a class action lawsuit filed by local attorneys against the bridge partners and the city regarding the bridges. Attorneys with the citys corporate counsel, Warner Norcross & Judd, will discuss a legal opinion on the citys contract with the Colorado-based United Bridge Partners and the groups local subsidiary, Bay City Bridge Partners, regarding whether there has been any breach of contract. The attorneys will also discuss with commissioners the summons regarding the class action lawsuit filed against the bridge partners and the city by Garske Hewitt PLC and Outside Legal Counsel PLC. Both briefings will take place in closed session at the Monday, April 7, meeting. The agenda is viewable here. Related: Bay City bridge pass price hike may breach contract, city officials say Bay City chose Bay City Bridge Partners over two other entities when it decided it was time to renovate two of its drawbridges Liberty Bridge and Independence Bridge. However, its use of tolls on the two bridges it leased drew criticism. The bridge partners and the city in 2019 reached an acquisition and development agreement for the rehabilitation and modernization of the Liberty and Independence bridges that pass over the Saginaw River. The city granted BCBP a 75-year tolling concession for the two drawbridges, the purpose being to save city residents from additional taxation for the bridges maintenance. Bay City Bridge Partners assured the public Independence Bridge would be available without significant disruptions. However, the bridge has been routinely closed during overnight hours since the beginning of 2025. On Feb. 3, BCBP announced via its Facebook page it was doubling the monthly toll rate from $15 to $30. The company on Feb. 28 suspended the increase after public outcry. However, city officials said they began reviewing the contract to see if the abrupt increase was a breach of the agreement. Bridge Partners officials have not commented on the matters. Read more: Bay City Bridge Partners targeted with class action lawsuit seeking to reimburse fees, end tolling Amidst the drama, attorneys Matthew B. Hewitt and Philip L. Ellison on March 4 filed a class action lawsuit against the corporation operating the bridges and Bay City itself. The suit lists eight plaintiffs who reside in Bangor Township, Essexville, Kawkawlin and Auburn. The suit requests a judge to order BCBP to forfeit and refund all collected tolling fees, find that BCBP knowingly misled the public regarding the nature and cost of its tolling system, and issue an injunction barring BCBP from continuing its current practices. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. The groundbreaking research could lead to new insights about our own sun as it continues to grow and age. Scientists have listened to distant music in outer space to help them build a picture of an ancient world 2,700 light years away. By listening to the vibrations of 27 stars in the distant M67 cluster, theyve been able to precisely understand their mass, chemical makeup, and how they've changed over time. The Australian-led team believes the research could help deepen understanding of our own sun and how it is likely to grow and change as it ages. The sun was born in a cluster similar to the one we studied, lead author and Australian National University postdoctoral fellow Dr Claudia Reyes said. The University of NSW also believes the advancement could help determine whether distant stars have the properties critical for supporting alien life. What's new about the star research? Researchers examined the frequency of each stars "musical score", just like you would with an orchestra. ADVERTISEMENT But instead of vibrations from strings, they were listening for "starquakes", the constant bursting bubbles of gas that ripple throughout each star. As youd expect, bigger stars hum deeper and slower than smaller ones, and each star essentially hums its own tune. Related: Aussie astronomers sobering warning as meteorite risk increases Dr Claudia Reyes has studied the "music" of distant stars to understand their chemical make-up, mass and history. Source: Australian National University What's new is the precise information that was gathered by examining noises deep within the star. Despite being over four billion years old, under the surface each star in the M67 cluster was still repeating some part of its ancient tune, giving insights into its history. Verifying the age of a star is one of the most difficult things to do in astronomy because the age of a star isn't revealed by its surface, co-author Professor Dennis Stello said. It is what happens inside that shows how old it is. ADVERTISEMENT How were the frequencies picked up? The sound waves were measured using data from the Kepler space telescope, which was launched by NASA to search for Earth-like planets outside of our solar system. In space, there are no particles of solids, liquids and gases for sound as we know it to vibrate off, so the ringing of the planets was observed through changes in light. Its these fluctuations in brightness that we watched and measured to gauge the sound frequencies, Stello explained. Scientists have previously struggled to accurately identify the age and mass of stars in the Milky Way, but this new advancement in astrophysics made by UNSW takes them a step closer. Data has already been collected from across the galaxy, and its now just a matter of using this advancement in star listening to analyse it. ADVERTISEMENT The next step is to go back and look at that data. To look for these particular frequencies that nobody thought to look for before. And we can do this by listening to the stars, Reyes said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Saurav Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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I Accept Cowtail stingrays are found right around the Indo-west Pacific, all the way from East Africa to Fiji, including the northern half of Australia. Taken at Heron Island, on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, incredible video shows dozens of cowtail rays gathering in a huge group. Source: Heron Island Resort "Jaw-dropping" footage of a mesmerising underwater spectacle off Australia's east coast has captivated wildlife lovers nationwide, with viewers hailing the dazzling display as nothing short of "heavenly." Taken at Shark Bay at Heron Island, on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, the incredible video shows dozens of cowtail rays gathering in a group just below the sea's surface. A natural coral cay, the spot is known for its crystal clear waters and for being an incredible viewing point for colourful fish, turtles, rays and reef sharks hence its name. Heron Island Resort described the swarm as "quite a crowd," with even a curious little turtle gliding in on the action. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Manager of Ichthyology at Queensland Museum, Jeff Johnson, explained why the dazzling display occurs. Why do rays gather in such large groups? Johnston described the view as "very nice" and explained there are actually several possible reasons for such a gathering. "They often form aggregations on flats for feeding, reproductive purposes or simply for resting in between," he explained. ADVERTISEMENT "Cowtail stingrays are named for the deep, vertical flap of skin on the lower surface of their broad, flattened tail. The distinctive skin flap extends to the rear of the venomous serrated stinging barb, but not all the way to the tail tip." Johnson said the species is commonly found throughout the Indo-west Pacific, all the way from East Africa to Fiji, including the northern half of Australia. "It prefers sheltered coastal bays and estuaries, where it is often observed resting on sandy or silty substrate," he said, adding that they can reach a length of 1.8 metres in disc width when fully grown. Online, Aussies shared their excitement at viewing the footage. "Magical. I had an experience like this at the island nearby. It was incredible," one person said. "Fabulous to see the rays at peace and not being taken by man," commented another. "Saw this near K'gari once, literally hundreds of them. Lying all over the shallow sandbank," a third wrote. "Heron Island is such a special place," another said. ADVERTISEMENT Cowtail stingrays prefer sandy or muddy seabeds, where they often bury themselves to avoid predators. They primarily feed on crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish, using electroreception to detect prey hidden beneath the sand. Although generally not aggressive, they possess a venomous barb on their tail for self-defence. Due to habitat loss and overfishing, cowtail stingrays face population pressure in some areas, though they are still relatively common in their range. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Shah Rukh Khan, Sunny Deol and Juhi Chawlas Darr to re-release in theaters on April 4 Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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Akshay Kumar to portray a bold lawyer and the voice of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Kesari Chapter 2 Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Trump tariffs set to wipe out nearly $2 trillion from US stocks Rohit Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Less than 0.1 percent of exports entering the US from China, India and Vietnam faced over 25% tariff in 2023 Ishaan Gera USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Adrija Chatterjee USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Higher tariff on competitors to shield Indias farm exports to US: Experts Shubhangi Mathur USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept India likely to negotiate more with US under Section 4C and not retaliate Shweta Punj is an award winning journalist. She has reported on economic policy for over two decades in India and the US. She is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum. Author of Why I Failed, translated into 5 languages, published by Penguin-Random House. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Zoya Springwala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Across the country, police have the authority to immobilise vehicles using clamps as a measure to deter dangerous driving. A 24-year-old Tasmanian P-plater has had his vehicle immobilised for 28 days with a steering wheel clamp. Source: Tasmania Police/Supplied A young Aussie driver has learned the hard way what happens when you break road laws, after police slapped his car with a steering wheel clamp, an unwelcome "gift" hell be stuck with for the next 28 days. The P-plater, 24, was caught allegedly taking part in a "blockie route" a repetitive driving circuit often linked to hooning in March. A Tasmania Police spokeswoman confirmed to Yahoo News on Thursday the young driver was apprehended on the streets of Launceston's central business district. Operations were part of ongoing efforts to crack down on unsafe driving practices. He is soon set to appear in court, and "any further penalties" will be dealt with there, the spokeswoman said. The man may face fines, demerit points, or even a suspension of his licence for such a crime. In the meantime, his vehicle will remain immobilised for a month, with a steering wheel clamp rendering it completely undriveable. P-plater's car immobilised for 28 days In Tasmania, police have the authority to immobilise vehicles using steering wheel clamps as a measure to deter dangerous driving. This practice is part of the state's vehicle clamping and confiscation laws, targeting offences such as reckless driving, street racing, and evading police. ADVERTISEMENT While steering wheel clamps are among the tools available to law enforcement, their use is relatively less common compared to other methods like wheel clamps or vehicle confiscation. The decision to use a steering wheel clamp depends on the specific circumstances of the offence and the discretion of the attending officers. Attempting to drive a vehicle with such a clamp is both dangerous and illegal. Officers issued a stern warning to other drivers engaging in similar behaviour. "If you drive dangerously, you could get your very own clamp too, or your car can be confiscated," Tasmania Police said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Ravindra Sonavane USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tata Motors, ancillary shares fall up to 2% as Trump's tariff on car imports kick in Debaroti Adhikary USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Trade Spotlight: How should you trade CAMS, Nippon Life India, Aditya Birla Capital, Indian Hotels, Shyam Metalics, Supriya Life, and others on April 3? Sunil Matkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Debaroti Adhikary USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Food delivery apps turning unemployed youth into delivery agents for the rich, says minister Piyush Goyal 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 Arun Padmanabhan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Karnataka to collect 5% cess from aggregator platforms like Amazon-Flipkart, Ola-Uber for Gig Workers' Fund: Siddaramaiah Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Christin Mathew Philip USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Rakesh Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Aishwarya Nair USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Melbourne teen Carlos Guirguis died while on holiday last week after his motorbike reportedly collided with a local motorist. Carlos Guirguis, a 19-year-old plumber from Melbourne, died last week after his motorbike reportedly collided with a motorist in Thailand. Source: Neighbourhood Plumbing/Facebook Heartbroken friends and family are paying tribute to a kind and gentle teenage tradie who was reportedly killed in a motorbike crash while on holiday in Thailand. Carlos Guirguis, a 19-year-old plumber from Melbourne, died in the early hours of March 27 after he collided with a motorist on the popular tourist island of Koh Samui, Daily Mail Australia reports. Its alleged Guirguis was trying to overtake the local driver and was travelling at a high speed. On Thursday, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed to Yahoo News it is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Thailand. We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment. According to Daily Mail, Guirguis was not wearing a helmet when he was thrown from his motorbike, leaving him with severe head injuries. Despite desperate efforts from first responders, he was announced dead at the scene. ADVERTISEMENT A Honda brand motorcycle was found parked on its side next to the sign of a 7-Eleven convenience store. Nearby, the body of a white foreign man was found, Thailand police said in a statement, the publication reports. Police said the teen suffered serious wounds and there was an excessive amount of blood on the ground where the accident occurred. Koh Samui, Thailand, is a popular tourist destination. Source: Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images Loved ones and colleagues pay tribute to teen tradie In the days since the death of Guirguis, his colleagues and family members have paid tribute to the beautiful soul who was loved by all and brought warmth everywhere he went. ADVERTISEMENT His infectious smile lit us all up and his genuine care for others was felt by each of us, his co-workers at Neighbourhood Plumbing posted online. Taken too soon, he remains close to our hearts. We will remember his laughter, kindness and countless moments that made him so special. Rest Easy Carlos, we love you. A relative said Guirguiss unexpected death had stunned his loved ones. Our family is still processing this profound loss, and we are finding comfort in the support of those around us during this incredibly difficult time, they wrote on Facebook. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. 'We don't like it': Trump slams Canada and China over tariff on dairy & agri products Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sweta Goswami USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept 26% US tariffs on India to definitely hit exporters: FIEO 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Amit Shah responds to Akhilesh Yadav's query on CM Yogi's future as UP CM: 'Woh bhi repeat honge' Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Anurag Thakur tears into Rahul Gandhi over 'China occupied our land' row: 'Kept sipping soup with Chinese' Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Bengalurus civic body should get its basics right before vanity projects: Experts 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_ Christin Mathew Philip USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Delhi govt to roll out Ayushman Bharat on April 5, 'poorest' to get first 1 lakh cards 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Govt eyeing Waqf land, temple trusts properties could be next, says Uddhav Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Have every right to not accept the verdict: Mamata Banerjee reacts to SC order on SSC recruitment case Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept How Waqf Amendment Bill empowers Muslim women: All you need to know Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept India and Thailand to elevate ties to strategic partnership: PM Modi in Bangkok Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept David Wilcox Executive editor Follow David Wilcox 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 When Metallica performs at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse on April 19, it will be the first time in more than 25 years the heavy metal icons have taken a stage in central New York. Two of the band's few concerts in the region actually took place in Cayuga County, at the fairgrounds in Weedsport. Metallica first performed there July 16, 1989, with The Cult. It returned with Metal Church on July 4, 1992, at the peak of its popularity following the release of "The Black Album" the previous August. Researching Metallica's local history, on the eve of it taking inarguably the region's most elite stage, led me to wonder: Is that the biggest musical act to ever perform in Cayuga County? The short answer is no. Before I get to the long answer, here's how I came up with it. First, I used indispensable concert wiki setlist.fm to generate a list of the 50 biggest acts to ever perform in the area. Then I cross-referenced that list with the top album-sellers of all time to narrow it down to the top 10. OK, it's a pretty obvious methodology but it still produced some fun surprises and trivia: Most big acts came to the area through the Cayuga County Fairgrounds in Weedsport, but not all of them. Others included Simon & Garfunkel at Cayuga Community College in February 1966, Rush at the Auburn campus in March 1977, and Stevie Ray Vaughan at Charlie's (the Auburn Schine Theater) in July 1983. Speaking of Rush, the Canadian power trio is one of four acts to perform in Cayuga County and headline the former Carrier Dome in Syracuse, along with Metallica and two more acts below. Did you know the New York Philharmonic performed at Wells College in Aurora in 1915? The program included Brahms, Bizet, Strauss and Beethoven. You'd be surprised how many of these concerts can be relived through bootleg videos that have been uploaded, decades later, to YouTube. The quality is obviously not great, but it's worth a search. Some of the acts who didn't make the cut of the 10 biggest to perform in Cayuga County include Deftones, Tesla, Boyz II Men, Iggy Pop, REO Speedwagon, Motley Crue, Phish, the Allman Brothers Band, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Alice in Chains, Slayer, Whitesnake, Ozzy Osborne, Neil Young, Huey Lewis and the News, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Frampton and Blue Oyster Cult. Just missing the cut at No. 11 is Kiss. Supporting its 15th album, "Hot in the Shade," the band rock-and-rolled all night on June 16, 1990 right in the middle of its unmasked era in Weedsport. Now, the 10 biggest musical acts to ever perform in Cayuga County: 10. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers July 14, 1987: By the time the chords of "American Girl" rang out through the fairgrounds, it had become abundantly clear: "You know it's summer when they're rockin' in Weedsport!" as the tagline went. 9. The Beach Boys Aug. 7, 1986, and July 26, 1989: They may have been without Brian and the late Dennis Wilson, but the legends still brought "Good Vibrations" and more classics to the Cayuga County Fairgrounds. 8. Def Leppard July 23, 1988, and July 31, 1993: Five years apart, Weedsport audiences got a double-dose of "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Foolin'" and more hits by the beloved English rock band. 7. Chicago July 26, 1989: The "If You Leave Me Now" rockers came to the Cayuga County Fairgrounds with the Beach Boys on the Beachago Tour the first of two cases of a pair of bands on this list sharing a bill. 6. Foreigner July 9, 1996: In the most recent concert on this list, Rochester's Lou Gramm and the band responsible for "Cold as Ice," "Urgent" and more hits came to Weedsport as part of its Can't Stop Rockin' Tour. Van Halen and Cayuga County: Late rock legend had many ties to area Jimmie Dagnesi was sitting with Eddie Van Halen one afternoon in 1982 when the legendary guitarist pulled a bottle of Southern Comfort out of 5. Van Halen July 4, 1993: Nearing the end of the Sammy Hagar era, the rock icons performed "Panama," "Jump" and more classics in front of the largest Cayuga County Fairgrounds crowd ever, a sellout of 12,000. (Van Halen also came to central New York five years prior for an October concert at the Carrier Dome, making it the third of the four bands to perform there and Cayuga County, for those keeping track.) 4. Guns N' Roses Aug. 9, 1988: A year after "Appetite for Destruction," Axl and company stuck closely to their debut in Weedsport. Guitarist Slash at one point praised the "f--king gnarly motherf--king crowd, man!" 3. Aerosmith June 27, 1984, and Aug. 9, 1988: The Boston rockers came to the Cayuga County Fairgrounds twice during their '80s down period, including the second double bill to make this list, with Guns N' Roses. 2. Metallica July 16, 1989, and July 4, 1992: Both of the band's Weedsport shows included "Master of Puppets," "Creeping Death" and other classics and, fittingly, now-Skaneateles resident Jason Newsted on bass. 1. U2 April 27, 1983: The biggest musical act to ever perform in Cayuga County was also the lone concert on this list to take place outside the fairgrounds: A young U2 at Cayuga Community College in Auburn. Two months earlier the Irish band released the album "War," containing early hits "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day." So this was probably its last tour of venues the size of Spartan Hall. Indeed, four and a half years later U2 came to the Carrier Dome in support of the album that elevated it even further into the stratosphere, "The Joshua Tree." I'll end with a quick anecdote: In the crowd for U2 in Auburn was Jeff Silverberg, who recorded the concert. He told The Citizen there were at least 500 enthusiastic people in the audience, and recalled Bono climbing atop a stack of speakers and waving a white flag. He also recalled a woman named Elizabeth being pulled on stage by the singer. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Air Force officer Shubhanshu Shukla to become second Indian in space with ISS flight this May Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept AI wont derail Indias GCC growth but will redefine it, say experts USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept 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 Aihik Sur USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. 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 Danish Khan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Who will buy TikTok in the US? Amazon, Oracle join race to acquire the app before ban Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com 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 Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Beijing (Gasgoo)- On April 1, Dongfeng Motor's premium NEV (new energy vehicle) brand VOYAH announced its March sales figures, reporting 10,012 units sold, which surged 64% year over year. Photo credit: VOYAH In the first quarter of 2025, VOYAH's total sales reached 26,034 units, marking a 59% leap compared to the previous year. In the past month, VOYAH expanded its retail network, adding 10 new VOYAH Spaces and 18 full-function user centers across 24 cities. Meanwhile, the brand continues to enhance its presence in the diplomatic sector. On March 11, VOYAH delivered the all-new VOYAH DREAM MPV to the Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica in China, following similar deliveries to the Arab League Representative Office and the Nicaraguan Embassy. VOYAH is also accelerating its global expansion. On March 14, a China-Europe freight train (Wuhan) "Dongfeng" special train, carrying 96 VOYAH vehicles, departed from Wuhan for Moscow on an 8,909-kilometer journey. The shipment, expected to arrive in 18 days, marks another step in VOYAH's European market expansion. Since 2022, VOYAH has entered over ten countries, including Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, while also strengthening its presence in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai'? Trump's tariffs may push China closer to India and the signs are visible Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Nothing is off the table': UK PM Starmer vows cool and calm response top Trump tariffs Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Putin envoy Dmitriev says some forces are trying to sow discord between Russia and US 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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. Chery, KGM advance strategic partnership Chinese automaker Chery and South Korea's KGM recenlty signed a joint development agreement for mid-to-large SUVs at Chery's headquarters in Wuhu, Anhui. The partnership will leverage Chery's global platform to develop a new generation of both oil-fueled and new energy SUVs, with will be fulfilled in 2026. GAC Group reports 3.01% YoY drop in March sales GAC Group sold 173,900 vehicles in March 2025, marking a 3.01% year-on-year decline. Its cumulative sales for the year reached 371,100 units, down 9.42% from the previous year. Photo credit: GAC Group AITO M8 arrives at stores On April 3, Huawei-backed AITO announced that the first batch of the M8 display vehicles has arrived at 27 stores nationwide, with plans to reach 800 locations by April 10. The AITO M8, with a starting pre-sale price of 368,000 yuan, is set to hit the market this month. Huawei, BabyBus expand partnership in children's digital education sector BabyBus and Huawei have strengthened their collaboration in children's educational applications following the signing of their partnership agreement on the HarmonyOS smart cockpit in Shanghai, Huawei announced today on WeChat. GAC Group's global strategic model AION V goes on sale in Hong Kong On March 31, GAC Group officially put its global strategic model, the AION V, onto the Hong Kong market, according to the group's press release. Volkswagen to unveil three concept car models at Auto Shanghai 2025 On April 1, Volkswagen Group announced that it will debut three new concept car models at the forthcoming Auto Shanghai 2025. These models, developed for its three joint ventures, namely, FAW-Volkswagen, SAIC Volkswagen, and Volkswagen Anhui, will each feature a distinctive design language, embodying the brand's new China-focused design and technology DNA. BYD undocks 'Xi'an' Ro-Ro car carrier, to launch maiden voyage for 'Shenzhen' soon BYD has announced another milestone in its overseas expansion with the "Xi'an" car carrier undocked on April 2. Meanwhile, the "Shenzhen," the world's largest-ever roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) car carrier, is set for its maiden voyage. China's vehicle inventory alert index in Mar. 2025 drops 3.7 percentage points YoY On March 31, the China Automobile Dealers Association ("CADA") released the latest Vehicle Inventory Alert Index (VIA), which stood at 54.6% for March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 3.7 percentage points and a month-over-month drop of 2.3 percentage points. Li Auto hits 1-million-unit milestone in L Series cumulative deliveries On April 2, Li Auto announced that cumulative deliveries of its L Series models had exceeded 1 million units. The company achieved this milestone in just 31 months. UISEE, Seyond partner to advance autonomous vehicle solutions Autonomous driving company UISEE and LiDAR maker Seyond have officially entered a strategic partnership to enhance autonomous vehicle applications, focusing initially on airport driverless buses and UiBox models, UISEE announced on April 3. VOYAH logs 64% YoY surge in March vehicle sales On April 1, Dongfeng Motor's premium NEV (new energy vehicle) brand VOYAH announced its March sales figures, reporting 10,012 units sold, which surged 64% year over year. WeRide partners with Uber, Dubai RTA to launch Robotaxi service in Dubai On April 2, 2025, autonomous driving company WeRide announced a strategic partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc., the world's largest mobility and delivery technology company, and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'The operation is over, the patient lived': Trump calls tariff move a 'success' as global markets reel Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Traveling to the UK? You may now need digital authorisation even without a visa Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 2, the first mass-produced unit of the MAZDA 6e, the globalized version of the MAZDA EZ-6 model, officially rolled off the assembly line at Changan Mazda's Nanjing plant, according to a post on Changan Mazda's WeChat account. At the same time, the company launched its "Billion Investment, Billion Export, and Double Throughput" strategy, with the Nanjing facility beginning operating as its new energy vehicle (NEV) export hub. Photo credit: Changan Mazda Following its global debut at the Brussels Motor Show 2025 and announcements to enter the European and Thai markets, the MAZDA 6e's production launch signifies the full implementation of Changan Mazda's integrated "R&DManufacturingExport" global NEV ecosystem. Moving forward, the Nanjing plant will supply the MAZDA 6e to markets across Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Recognized as one of Mazda's best-performing overseas facilities, Changan Mazda's Nanjing plant features highly automated stamping, welding, painting, and assembly processes. It integrates a cutting-edge digital quality control system and management platform to ensure precision across the production line. Additionally, the factory collaborates with top global suppliers such as Bosch and CATL, establishing a robust supply chain that supports advanced electrification systems and intelligent connectivity technologies. Photo credit: Changan Mazda As one of the world's most mature NEV markets, Europe imposes stringent safety, intelligence, and environmental standards. The MAZDA 6e meets these high safety benchmarks, featuring nine airbags, including a far-side airbag, with a total airbag volume of 350 liters and a coverage area of 25,000 square centimeters. Its steel cage structure comprises seven transverse and five longitudinal reinforcements, ensuring passenger survival space. The vehicle's roof beam uses 2000 MPa reinforced components, while the main body structure incorporates 1500 MPa ultra-high-strength steel. The door impact beams consist of six 1,500 MPa steel reinforcements, with high-strength steel making up 86% of the body. In terms of driving dynamics, the MAZDA 6e has undergone high-speed testing on Germany's unrestricted highways. Its high-rigidity body and 50:50 weight distribution provide optimal stability and smooth handling. With a minimum turning radius of 5.6 meters, the model is well-suited for Europe's narrow urban streets and winding mountain roads, ensuring agility in tight turns and city maneuvers. Changan Mazda emphasized that the MAZDA 6e's production launch not only signifies the operational start of its NEV export center, but also marks the two parent companies' commitment to developing the joint venture into Mazda's sole NEV export base in China. The collaboration between two century-old automakers enables a new cooperation model of global resource sharing, with China's technological advancements contributing to Mazda's international expansion. Photo credit: Changan Mazda The unveiling of the "Billion Investment, Billion Export, and Double Throughput" strategy signals Changan Mazda's aggressive push into the joint-venture NEV sector. The plan involves an RMB 10 billion investment in NEV development and RMB 10 billion in overseas trade, with the goal of doubling the company's overall output value while setting new industry benchmarks in product innovation, brand influence, and global market reach. US bans government personnel in China from romantic or sexual relations with Chinese citizens Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why this top Trump admin official could be scapegoat if tariff war backfires: 'Dont know anyone that isnt pissed off at him Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept President Donald Trump's adviser Elon Musk waves on the day of a rally in support of a conservative state Supreme Court candidate of an April 1 election in Green Bay, Wisconsin, March 30, 2025. REUTERS Zaldy Dandan is a recipient of the Best Editorial Writer Award of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the CNMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/. California State Capitol Building View Photo Sacramento, CA A letter sent by California Republican Senators, and signed by local representative Marie Alvarado-Gil, lists the groups priorities for the legislative session. It was sent as state lawmakers are in the midst of developing a new budget for the fiscal year that starts on July 1st. The letter argues that if California manages its revenues properly, there should be plenty of money to fund these priorities. The list included in the letter to the Governor is below. Prevent Catastrophic Fires. The tragic wildfires in Southern California illustrate yet again that California needs to invest more in fire prevention through vegetation and forest management. After decades of neglect, the state of California began to improve on fire prevention in recent years, but even in the surplus years of 2021-22 and 2022-23, most of the fire prevention funds were short-term in nature. Better fire prevention policies improve residents safety as well as air quality. Avoiding major wildfires would do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions than many of the majority partys mandates, restrictions, and spending priorities. The state of California cannot meaningfully affect global emissions, but it can significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic fires by managing its own forest and urban interface acreage better. The state should start by committing a minimum of $3 billion annually toward fire prevention efforts, including forest and vegetation management. At least $936 million for this purpose should come from redirecting Cap and Trade funds that would otherwise support High-Speed Rail in the Governors budget. The construction phase of High-Speed Rail adds to greenhouse gas emissions, and since the project will never fully be built, High-Speed Rail will never actually reduce pollution. In contrast, preventing fires dramatically reduces pollution. Fire prevention efforts should include keeping previously seasonal firefighters on the payroll year-round and using these staff to assist in prevention efforts. This request is a rough estimate of the annual resources needed to address the problem in a reasonable number of years. The state should also build on the recent work by the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force to develop a more precise estimate of the statewide need for prevention. Fully Fund Treatment and Enforcement Under Proposition 36. Last November, nearly 70 percent of California voters approved Proposition 36s treatment-focused approach to reduce crime by breaking cycles of addiction and lowering recidivism. The voter guide for the election included the nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Offices estimate that Proposition 36 would cost up to the low hundreds of millions of dollars annually to implement. Unfortunately, Governor Newsom did not propose any funding in his January budget for treatment. Senate Republicans call for $400 million in annual funding to implement the expressed will of California voters. Reject Budget Cuts to Public Universities and Financial Aid. The Governors January budget confirmed the plan the majority party enacted in 2024 to cut funding for the University of California and the California State University by more than $1.2 billion combined. The Governors budget would also reduce funding for Middle Class Scholarships by nearly $400 million. Senate Republicans call for rejection of these cuts. Funding for our universities also should be predicated on those systems fulfilling their mission to admit sufficient numbers of California students, not out-of-state applicants. Reduce Government-Imposed Unemployment Debt for Job Creators. The state still holds a $21 billion unemployment insurance debt following Governor Newsoms pandemic-related business shutdowns and the more recent increase in state unemployment. Job creators did not volunteer for this debt, but they began to bear the costs of repaying it beginning in 2023. Those costs will make it more difficult to create new jobs in California, which has the second-highest unemployment rate among states. Despite a nearly $98 billion surplus in 2022-23, the state failed to pay off this obligation, even though 48 other states completely retired their unemployment debts. The state has paid over $1 billion for interest on this debt from the General Fund since 2021, and the Governors budget indicates the General Fund must pay another $634 million for interest in 2025-26. Setting out a payment plan now to eliminate that debt over several years would not only eliminate those interest costs for the state, but also help all Californians by clearing the path for job creators to provide more employment opportunities. Improve Water Storage to Prepare for Fire Response and Rain Variability. Senate Republicans have called for significant investments in water infrastructure for decades in order to prepare California for its cycle of droughts and rainy seasons. The Palisades fire also highlighted the importance of properly maintained reservoirs for fire response: a local reservoir sat frustratingly empty while fire helicopters searched for fresh water to douse the flames. Senate Republicans renew our call to better fund water storage through an investment of $1 billion in bond funds and General Fund combined to construct projects that enhance water reliability and supply, safeguard communities, and protect property. Replace Federal Funds for Rural Schools and Counties. For decades counties around the state that include rural areas have relied on federal funds through the Secure Rural Schools program to replace local government tax revenues that are displaced by federal land. Senate Republicans will advocate for the federal government to restore recent cuts to these funds, but in the near term the state can replace $34 million in funds for this purpose. Potentially half this amount may be provided under Proposition 98. Care for Medically Fragile Children. Pediatric day health centers are facilities that provide nursing care for severely disabled and medically fragile children while their parents work fulltime jobs. Unfortunately, the state has underfunded these facilities. Senate Republicans call for $4 million General Fund in 2025-26 and $8 million annually to increase the Medi-Cal provider reimbursement rates to a sustainable level for these essential services. Provide Ongoing Funds to Combat Internet Crimes Against Children. California has five regional task forces in which local, state and federal agencies join forces to investigate and prosecute crimes against children committed by offenders who use the internet, on-line communication systems, and other technologies to perpetrate their crimes. In recent years, state funding has been provided on a limited-term basis, leading to uncertainty about the future of the task forces. Senate Republicans support the Governors budget proposal to provide $5 million General Fund annually to fully and permanently fund the task forces. California Capitol Building View Photo California voters told lawmakers last fall that they wanted doctors to get paid more to see low-income patients. But officials for the Newsom administration blew past a federal deadline to make that happen through Medi-Cal Monday, effectively leaving millions of dollars unclaimed. The unclaimed money is tied to Proposition 35, a ballot measure passed by 68% of voters in November. The measure committed money from a special tax on health insurance plans to increase payments to doctors and health care facilities that treat low-income patients in Medi-Cal, the states Medicaid program. But first the state had to submit papers to the federal government for approval. That deadline was March 31. Missing the deadline means that, for the first quarter of the year, doctors will not get the rate increases promised by the ballot measure. It also means that California will lose federal matching dollars intended to boost the Medi-Cal program during that time period. The Department of Health Care Services, the agency that oversees Medi-Cal and the implementation of Prop. 35 did not respond by publication deadline to questions from CalMatters about why the state missed the funding deadline. In recent legislative hearings, Health Care Services Director Michelle Baass stated that Californias federal application was delayed by unfilled appointments on the advisory committee established by the ballot measure to oversee spending. Enough of those appointments were filled for the committee to legally meet, but there is still one outstanding appointment. Gov. Gavin Newsoms office refused to respond to questions about why the appointment has not been made. The committee is set to meet for the first time April 14. During a February hearing, another official for the health care services department said the agency never believed it would be feasible for the state to meet the March deadline. The slow implementation is frustrating lawmakers and clinicians alike who say rate hikes are long overdue and necessary to increase access for Medi-Cal recipients. Assemblymember Dawn Addis, a Democrat from Morro Bay, said in a recent hearing that Prop. 35 was widely popular and she had supported it with the hope that rate increases would begin quickly. Lawmakers have aggressively expanded Medi-Cal benefits and eligibility in the past 10 years. Today, one in three Californians get health care through the state program. But doctors say the amount they get paid to see Medi-Cal patients hasnt increased in two decades. Addis said during the hearing that 94% of Californians now have health care coverage, but so many folks cant access providers. And what people in rural areas will point to is that providers just simply cannot afford to practice in rural areas because the reimbursement is so low. In a separate legislative hearing, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson noted that even with the unfilled position, the advisory committee has a quorum and could have met to discuss Prop. 35 implementation. This was something the voters were very, very clear aboutI dont think the residents would like for us to delay, said Weber Pierson, a Democrat and obstetrician from San Diego. It is extremely unfortunate that we will not be able to meet that first deadline and that we are just leaving funds on the table. Medi-Cal shortfall as costs increase The missed deadline comes at a time when California is confronting other Medi-Cal challenges. The state is bracing for potential federal funding cuts that are tied to budget agreements moving through Congress. And, the state program faces its own shortfall. Newsom and the Department of Health Care Services are under increased scrutiny for requesting a $6 billion state loan to carry out Medi-Cal operations through the end of the year. State Republican lawmakers were quick to pin the blame on Newsoms expansion of Medi-Cal access to all income-eligible immigrants who dont have permanent legal status. The administration defended the expansion and pointed to other cost drivers such as increasing pharmacy costs and growing senior enrollment, but acknowledged that about half of the money from the deficit is from the immigrant expansion. Newsom also blamed the Medi-Cal deficit partially on Prop. 35 in an interview with reporters earlier this month. Prop. 35 placed a lot of cost burdens as it relates to rates and so all those things have to be factored in. The voters chose that path with Prop 35, and we were clear, had strong opinions about it. The cost of (Prop. 35) would increase the cost of Medicaid and thats happening, Newsom said. Health care industry backed Prop. 35 Prior to the election, Newsom stopped short of opposing the measure but said Prop. 35s passage would limit the Legislatures ability to address future state budget deficits because it committed the money to a specific use. Prop. 35 was backed by nearly the entire health care industry, including doctors, hospitals, clinics and ambulance companies. Those groups supported the measure in part because Newsom and past governors had previously reneged on promises to increase Medi-Cal payments and instead used the health care tax money to support general government expenses. The proposition allocates $2 billion annually for 2025 and 2026 to the state general fund while reserving roughly another $2 billion for rate increases and other investments providers want. Stuart Thompson, a lobbyist for the California Medical Association, which supported the measure, advocated at a March legislative hearing for the Prop. 35 committee to meet as soon as possible. Thompson noted that some payment increases that were approved separately by the Legislature in 2023 have still not been implemented and that the state needs to work to keep the ballot measure on track. We really want to get our bang for the buck and make sure that the way that Prop 35 is implemented really enhances the care for the most needed here in California, Thompson said. ___ CalMatters reporter Alexei Koseff contributed to this story. ___ This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By KRISTEN HWANG/CalMatters CalMatters Uzumba A 40-year-old woman from Chief Nyajinas area in Uzumba is desperately seeking answers and relief from a series of unsettling and inexplicable experiences. Mrs. Auline Pasipamire claims to be plagued by the leakage of green milk from her breasts, coupled with nightly sexual encounters with unseen, spectral men. Mrs. Pasipamire, a mother of three, including a married child and a five-year-old, says she is utterly bewildered and distressed by her condition. I have a big problem that I am facing of being sexually violated in my dreams, whether it is during the day or at night. As soon as I fall asleep, it starts. Sometimes I wake up and just start feeling the violation, and where I go to seek help, they tell me these are goblins or tokoloshes, Mrs. Pasipamire explained, her voice laced with desperation. The origins of this disturbing phenomenon, she says, can be traced back to her time as a boarding student at Nyadire High School in Mutoko. The nightly visitations by unseen entities continued even after she married in 2003, eventually leading to the breakdown of her marriage. When I was at school, I would just dream of being sexually violated until I finished school. I then got married in 2003, and it continued happening. I also started having the problem of green milk just leaking from my breasts, even though I dont have a baby. I feel these breasts being suckled by things I cannot see as well, which ends up making these breasts sore and painful because the nipples are being pulled, she recounted. The strain on her marriage proved unbearable. Mrs. Pasipamires former husband, she says, struggled to comprehend and cope with the situation. I used to argue with my former husband because he would see me as a man, and he would also say that there was another man who would come into our house and have relations with me. Because of this problem, my former husband ended up running away from home, and we divorced two years ago. Now I am just a widow, she lamented. The green milk discharge, a separate but equally perplexing symptom, began in 2005. Mrs. Pasipamire has sought help from various sources, but her experiences have been met with accusations and stigmatisation. Wherever I go, I am told that I am a goblins wife, and it is also said that there are relatives who are troubling me. In my life, I am also accused of things I have not done, which they say is bad luck that I have been burdened with, she said. Adding to her woes, Mrs. Pasipamire says she suffers from physical ailments related to her alleged spiritual affliction. I have been surrounded by problems. I am talking about being sexually violated by men I cannot see and leaking milk when I dont have a baby. Right now, my private parts have wounds from being scratched and troubled. I went to the hospital, and they said I dont have any illness, she revealed. Currently, Mrs. Pasipamire ekes out a living through piecework, washing clothes and weeding fields, but her meagre earnings are insufficient to meet her needs. Her parents, she says, are unable to provide support due to the magnitude of her problems. In our family, we are 7 children, three boys and four girls, and we all have problems. My sisters dont have children except for one, so we all need help, she pleaded. Mrs. Alice Kwenda Masoko (69) from Harare, offered a traditional perspective on Mrs. Pasipamires situation. She needs help urgently because she may be being sexually violated by tokoloshes or she is a ngozis wife, she said, suggesting that witchcraft or vengeful spirits could be at play. She may have been bewitched by relatives or men she is having relationships with. Dr. Enock Maidah from the medical department at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), urged Mrs. Pasipamire to seek professional medical attention. Mrs. Pasipamire should go to the hospital to see doctors who are experts in various diseases so that she can be helped, he advised, highlighting the importance of ruling out any underlying medical conditions. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Yves here. Yves here. While Andrew Korybkos conclusion about Iran seems reasonable, one can get there by a somewhat different route. There is a considerable body of thought, as well as evidence, that Iran has more than enough in the way of deeply bunkered missiles for them to survive even a US nuclear strike handily. That would mean the end of Israel and likely a lot of Saudi oil production facilities. Thats even before getting to the question of whether Iran also has the means to detect and therefore potentially shoot down not-perfectly-stealthy B2 bombers if they reach Iranian air space.1 So the equation is not that Iran is actually lacking in leverage (being able to drive oil prices to the moon on a sustained basis is a lot of leverage) but the US does not accept that Iran has meaningful power (as in its believes it can destroy the regime and/or the nation). But the US grossly underestimated Russia before the Special Military Operation and seems disposed again to excessively discount a hostile powers capabilities (mind you, the US made them hostile). And Iran may have helped feed that perception by having a nuclear program that is believed capable of building a bomb in short order.2 If Iran were confident that it had a mutual assured destruction capability with respect to Israel, US bases in the region, and oil infrastructure in the region, why would it need to be keeping a nuclear capability close at hand? Korybko does not point out, as we did in a recent post, that the US demands of Iran are so extreme that Iran cant say yes. They want Iran to give up not just nuclear development but also its missiles, as in conventional deterrence. And with the US demonstrably agreement-incapable with Iran and generally, why should Iran bother with this exercise, except to delay and hope the eye of Sauron US attention moves elsewhere? Many commentators are weighing the odds of Israel (and thus the US) attacking Iran, given the buildup of forces in the area (not just the B2s in Diego Garcia; see John Helmer in his latest talk with Nima for a brief mention at 3:00 of more assets being moved from German to Qatar, consistent with a raid on Iran). It seems likely that the immediate US objective is not Iran but the Houthis, given that the US is already making frequent strikes to try to decapitate its leadership. If the US were to succeed in stopping Houthi attacks on Israel shipping, it might back off on Iran, since the recently leaked Hegseth memo indicated the US really does want to focus on China. But it does not seem likely that the US will subdue Ansar Allah, since Saudi Arabia and past US efforts failed. Admittedly, there is the possibility if we collectively get lucky, that the Houthis will even deliver the US a bloody nose, say by shooting down one of those precious B2s. That hopefully would lead to a major rethink about taking on Iran. By Andrew Korybko, a Moscow-based American political analyst who specializes in the global systemic transition to multipolarity in the New Cold War. He has a PhD from MGIMO, which is under the umbrella of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Originally published at his website Iranian-US tensions are boiling after Trump threatened to bomb Iran following its rejection of direct talks over a new nuclear deal. He also ordered the Pentagon to move six B-2 stealth bombers, which CNN assessed to be a full 30% of the US stealth bomber fleet, to the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia. The Iranian Supreme Leader responded by promising strong retaliation if the US attacks while one of his chief advisors warned that their country would then have no choice but to build nukes if that happens. Although the US Intelligence Communitys latest Annual Threat Assessment claimed that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon, there have been long-standing concerns that it could quickly do so if the decision is made due to its nuclear program allegedly have a rapid breakout potential. This makes it no different in principle than Japans, which could begin churning out nukes in a matter of months, but neither the US nor its regional allies consider Japan to be a threat, unlike how they view Iran. The US renewed bombing campaign against Irans Houthi allies in Yemen might have been partially intended to send a message to the Islamic Republic aimed at getting it to enter direct talks over this issue by signaling that Trump 2.0 does indeed have the political will to initiate military action if it refuses. Despite Irans recent rejection of his demand, Trump might still hold off on this for now due to the likelihood that Iran could inflict unacceptable retaliatory damage to the US regional bases and allies. Furthermore, diplomacy hasnt yet been exhausted since Iran didnt reject indirect talks of the kind that Russia offered to mediate after reportedly being asked by the US to do so, which was discussed here. Therefore, it would be premature for the US to seriously consider bombing Iran at this time, yet that option isnt off the table if indirect talks fail to reach a deal. Iran lacks the leverage for a fair deal with the US, however, so itll either have to accept a lopsided one or prepare for a major war that it might lose. Iran is a proud civilization-state thats loath to subordinate itself to anyone, hence the difficulty in getting it to agree to drastic curbs on its nuclear energy program that would enshrine its status as a second-class country in this regard, all while abandoning any chance of nuclear weapons in the future. From Irans perspective, this could embolden Israel into one day launching a large-scale conventional or even nuclear war against it, which Iran believes has only hitherto been deterred by dangling this Damocles sword. That said, while Iran could inflict unacceptable retaliatory damage to the US regional bases and allies (first of all Israel) if its attacked over its refusal to agree to a Russian-mediated lopsided deal, it cannot inflict such damage to the US nuclear triad and would thus likely be destroyed. Iran couldnt count on Russia intervening to help it either since their newly updated strategic partnership doesnt include mutual defense obligations and Moscow doesnt want war with Washington or West Jerusalem. Even though the US could survive a major war with Iran, it still prefers to avoid one. So long as the US demands remain limited to drastically curbing Irans nuclear energy program and dont expand to include curbs on its support for regional allies or its ballistic missile program, then creative diplomacy could prevail. For that to happen, Russia would have to devise a set of incentives for Iran that the US approves of and Iran then agrees to, but thats still a far way off and Trump might strike first if he loses patience. ____ 1 Many military-connected but not Israel-friendly commentators have claimed that an Israel effort to strike Iran after Iran retaliated successfully for the assassinations of Hassan Nasrallah and Ismail Haniyeh was curtailed because the Israel pilots could detect that Iran was seeing and therefore could shoot their supposedly stealthy F-35. But the F-35 apparently throws off a lot of electronic signals and is less stealthy than the B2. 2 I discount the days to less than two weeks claims, but not much longer than that seems credible. There is also the wee issue of missile delivery, but I have read experts that have claimed that Iran would already have solved the big technical issues in building a hypersonic missile. Beetles Conquered Earth by Evolving a Tiny Chemical Factory ZME Science How Elon Musks Plans for Mars Threaten Earth Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Reining in Our Tech God-Emperors Democracy Climate/Environment Pandemics China? European Disunion Old Blighty O Canada Syraqistan Economic officials in Israel are in complete shock over the Trump administrations decision to impose a 17% tariff on Israel. We are in shock. We were sure that the decision to completely cancel tariffs on imports from the U.S. would prevent this move. But it didnt happen. https://t.co/9FiKgNdTFn Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) April 2, 2025 New Not-So-Cold War South of the Border Liberation Day Just figured out where these fake tariff rates come from. They didnt actually calculate tariff rates + non-tariff barriers, as they say they did. Instead, for every country, they just took our trade deficit with that country and divided it by the countrys exports to us. So we https://t.co/PBjF8xmcuv James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) April 2, 2025 They are basically assuming that there will be an ability to make big carve-outs from the headline policies just announced. Similar statement from Chamber. https://t.co/WRxpdTqdaY Skanda Amarnath (@IrvingSwisher) April 2, 2025 Heres the real kick about how Trumps tariffs are going to hike prices for everything: Once that happens, even if the tariffs go away, the prices are never, ever going back down again. David DeWitt (@DC_DeWitt) April 2, 2025 DOGE Democrats en deshabille Its not a filibuster yall bc theres no legislation on the floor to hold up. Its political theateragain. Donation texts & emails will be sent out in 5..432 pic.twitter.com/WgviWMmX0g MonicaFree (@BlakPantherBabe) April 2, 2025 Police State Watch Groves of Academe AI Vibe Coded AI App Generates Recipes for Cyanide Ice Cream and Cum Soup 404 Media Healthcare? Imperial Collapse Watch PATRICK LAWRENCE: American Freefall Consortium News The Bezzle Shitcoins for shitocracy w/Jacob Silverman NEFARIOUS RUSSIANS (Audio) Class Warfare Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Yves here. This piece explains how the current crop of tech squillionaries is less inclined to set up family dynasties to than their super rich predecessors, but are resorting to other methods to preserve their influence over time. By John P. Ruehl, an Australian-American journalist living in Washington, D.C., and a world affairs correspondent for the Independent Media Institute. He is a contributor to several foreign affairs publications, and his book, Budget Superpower: How Russia Challenges the West With an Economy Smaller Than Texas, was published in December 2022. Produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute Few billionaires, including those in President Donald Trumps Cabinet, wield as much influence as the tech moguls who shadowed him at his inauguration. Elon Musk, now one of the presidents closest allies, is overhauling the federal government at Trumps request, which will no doubt secure future government funding for Musks companies. Trumps recent dismissals of Federal Trade Commissioners critical of Amazon were meanwhile interpreted as friendly nods to Jeff Bezos, who pulled the Washington Posts endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Americas four richest peopleMusk, Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Ellisonall in tech, have aligned themselves with Trump to varying degrees. While politically motivated, they must also navigate the entrenched power of Americas old money, as historically, new wealth has often clashedwith established elites. Todays tech billionaires certainly hold immense power, but their positions may still be more precarious than those of enduring dynasties from different eras and industries. For generations, the countrys wealthiest families have maintained their dominance by embedding their businesses within the nations economic foundations while keeping wealth in the family. Tech billionaires are following suit, but rather than simply passing wealth down to their heirs, they are exploring new financial and legal structures to secure their fortunes. Like the philanthropic efforts of the Gilded Age, these initiatives may appear benevolent but are ultimately designed to consolidate power, both during Trumps second term and long after. The Evolution of Americas Ultra-Rich Though the nations founders rejected aristocracy, a landowning elite quickly emerged from former British colonialists. But as immigrants arrivedfree from the constraints of a privileged nobility in Europenew entrepreneurs quickly monopolized key industries. They and their heirs preserved their corporate empires by proving their value to Washington, securing grants, tax breaks, subsidies, and other forms of corporate welfare. Eleuthere Irenee du Pont, for instance, built the first major gunpowder factory in the U.S. in 1802, and received contracts for explosives during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Andrew Carnegies steel empire supplied railroads and infrastructure for government-backed industrialization efforts during the Reconstruction era, with John D. Rockefellers Standard Oil powering homes and factories. J.P. Morgan dictated financial policy, acting as the governments emergency lender in 1895 and 1907, and Henry Fords company provided vehicles and factories in World War I and II. By the 20th century, the fortunes of Americas elite began to wane due to inheritance taxes, extravagant heirs, federal trust-busting, and a changing business climate. Some, like the Roosevelts, turned to politics. Others funneled wealth into philanthropy like the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Rockefeller Council on Foreign Relations, which continue to shape foreign policy. Yet, certain families have endured to this day by maintaining tight family control over their companies while avoiding public scrutiny. The Ford family still holds sway over the Ford Motor Company, though their wealth pales next to modern dynastic titans. Meanwhile, the Cargill family has quietly remained Americas fourth-richest, more than 150 years after Cargill, Inc., was founded. And as other old dynasties faded, new ones took their place. Within 30 years of Sam Walton opening the first Walmart in 1962, the Waltons became Americas richest family, a title they still hold with more than $400 billion. Becoming indispensable to the government allows them to extract benefits: as the nations largest private employer and with its vast customer base, Walmart has secured billions in state and local subsidies to fuel its expansion. Additionally, a significant portion of its low-wage workforce relies on food stamps, shifting labor costs onto public assistance programs, while Walmart stores capture more than 25 percent of annual food stamp spending ($115 billion). Americas other richest families have similarly entrenched themselves in key industries, supply chains, and economic systems. The Mars family, Americas second richest, profits from military food supply contracts through Mars, Inc. The Kochs, despite their libertarian rhetoric, benefit from lucrative contracts to supply the U.S. military with natural resources and have received hundreds of millions in energy subsidies. The Cargill family benefits from billions in indirect subsidies that reduce feed costs for their agribusiness empire. Americas elite also work to keep wealth within the family. As part of the wealth defense industry, they have spent decades lobbying to weaken or repeal inheritance tax laws while shielding assets through trusts, tax loopholes, and private foundations. Privately held companies called family officesmanage multigenerational fortunes, quietly overseeing wealth transfers and handling disputes. Techs Troubles The new generation of ultrawealthy tech oligarchs wield enormous power, but face obstacles in securing their legacies. Public sentiment has turned against dynasty-building, with initiatives like the Giving Pledge discouraging wealth preservation by billionaires. Musks recent pivot from Democratic circles to Republican allies highlights an ongoing search for a protective political base, while Zuckerberg has also faced fire from both sides of the political spectrum. Unlike dynastic families, much of their capital is tied to volatile technology sectors, largely in stocks, private equity, and venture capital rather than stable landholdings and legacy industries. Market fluctuations have erased hundreds of billions of their net worth since Election Day, exposing this vulnerability. Techs expansion has also triggered clashes with entrenched wealthy families. Musk and the Kochs have feuded over subsidies for natural resources versus electric vehicles. Walmart, once aligned with Tesla in pushing renewable energy, later sued Tesla in 2016 over multiple solar panel fires linked to SolarCity, a struggling firm founded by Musks cousins that Tesla controversially bailed out. Walmarts push into electric car charging infrastructure will only intensify tensions in one of Musks critical industries. Bezoss desire to dethrone Walmart as the countrys top retailer has seen tensions going back decades. In 1998, Walmart sued Amazon, alleging it poached 15 Walmart executives to gain insight into its computerized retailing systems. Despite Amazons rise, Walmart has held its ground, and its growing push into e-commerce is adding additional pressure. Trump benefits from his alignment with tech billionaires in his second term, while they recognize the role of his political influence in protecting their interests and undermining rivals. Trump criticized the Koch family during his first term, reinforcing his views on the 2024 campaign trail. Walmart heir Christy Walton funded anti-Trump opposition in the 2020 election, and recently funded a political ad widely interpreted as critical of him. Proposed food stamp spending cuts could hurt Walmart, as Musk and Bezos seek ways to challenge the Walton familys business interests. Trumps pro-big business background may also allow tech billionaires to push their visions more effectively than under other presidents. However, his past disputes with Silicon Valley, including trials against Google and Meta, signal a willingness to use regulatory power against tech giants in high-growth industries. His personal feuds with Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Musk make him an unlikely ally, and tensions within the tech billionaire class, such as the Musk-Zuckerberg rivalry, further highlight their lack of cohesion. Embedding and Consolidation Still, through lobbying and expertise, Americas wealthiest individuals have deeply embedded their companies into U.S. industrial and economic systems. Musks Starlink satellites have played a crucial role in U.S. assistance to Ukrainian war efforts. His SpaceX, alongside Bezoss Blue Origin, has secured substantial NASA contracts. Zuckerbergs Meta is providing AI technology for the U.S. military, and Larry Ellisons Oracle has multiple government contracts as well, particularly in data, cloud computing, and online security. However, true long-term dominance in Americas consumer-driven economy requires sustained access to consumers. Musk has excelled in this, with Starlink recently partnering with Verizon and T-Mobile to expand availability. His business empire has been heavily supported by government grants, and his Tesla leads electric vehicle (EV) charging networks and has received both federal and state subsidies, now subject to political battlesCalifornia threatened to revoke Tesla state tax credits in January 2025 in protest of Trumps call to eliminate federal incentives for EV purchases. Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Ellison also maintain an advantage over the other richest men in the U.S. With more direct control over their dominant companies, they can shape the future of their wealth in ways that others with more passive wealth cannot. Zuckerberg, at 40 years old, faces less immediate pressure than Larry Ellison at 80, but all are actively exploring ways to secure their influence beyond one generation, much of it in the name of philanthropy. Rather than passing down wealth to heirs, their fortunes are flowing into trusted investment vehicles managed by family members and loyalists. As with family dynasties, family offices have become a preferred wealth management tool for tech billionaires. However, unlike traditional family offices, those of tech moguls are not necessarily run by family members and tend to focus on high-growth, disruptive industries, often investing in sectors where their companies already operate or could expand. For example, entities like the Bezos Family Foundation serve as generic philanthropic organizations. However, in 2005, Bezos established Bezos Expeditions as a single-family office LLC, to manage his wealth and invest in industries from space exploration to health care. Similarly, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is an LLC conducting for-profit philanthropy. In 2021, it shut down a Canadian company it acquired, Meta, to adopt the name, showing its wider integration with Zuckerbergs corporate operations. Musks family office, Excession, was set up in 2016 and played a key role in funding his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022. It is run by former Morgan Stanley Banker Jared Birchall, who has hired investigators to scrutinize Musk critics. Ellisons Lawrence J. Ellison Revocable Trust is highly secretive and can be leveraged for personal interests. In 2019, it was suggested the trust would back his daughters Annapurna Pictures, which had taken on significant debt. Even without a formal commitment, the trusts influence made banks uneasy about initiating legal proceedings, ultimately resulting in a settlement. Without building traditional dynasties, tech billionaires may ensure that the next era of wealth accumulation belongs to corporate and philanthropic hybrid structures designed for long-term influence over policy, industry, and technology. However, these models are untested against the established wealthy families, which have endured over generations. Todays wealthy figureheads nonetheless feel emboldened to establish entities to manage their wealth or risk losing it through taxes, individuals, or companies beyond their control. Unlike the Gilded Age billionaires, many of whom saw their money flow into philanthropy or squandered on heirs, these billionaires are channeling their wealth into carefully crafted investment vehicles with missions they have explicitly designed. Aligning with Trump may help secure these entities, carve out business niches, and strengthen political links for future opportunities and contracts. Yet, the unpredictability of his persona and approach could easily disrupt their long-term plans. With legal changes on the horizon, we take a three-part look at the cannabis industry and re The Metro Nashville Police Department released on Wednesday its final report on the 2023 Covenant School Shooting, which the department calls a planned, calculated attack by a killer seeking notoriety. The MNPD's 48-page report comes with the closure of the criminal investigation, which, in short, states that 28-year-old Audrey Hale planned and acted alone in the killing of six people children Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs and adults Michael Hill, Katherine Koonce and Cynthia Peak on March 27, 2023, at the Green Hills private school and church campus. +4 Families Share Statements on Covenant School Shooting Victims Remembering the three students and three staff members who were killed Monday The murders are being cleared by exception due to death of the offender, Audrey Hale, who was fatally shot inside the Covenant building by responding MNPD officers, reads an April 2 release. Importantly, the District Attorneys Office, which has been regularly kept informed of this investigation over the past two years, has reviewed the report and has determined that no criminal charges will be placed against anyone in connection with the Covenant case. The shooting sparked local and national outrage, and saw the formation of anti-violence nonprofits by some Covenant School parents as well as ongoing discussions around school threats and safety. The two-year criminal investigation was also marred by a leak of some of the shooters writings and a lawsuit over public access to the complete writings. The report concludes that the shooter had no accomplices, stating "no evidence was found to suggest anyone other than Audrey Hale took any part in the planning, preparation, or execution of the murders at The Covenant." Key Findings From Report Police say Hale intentionally left evidence behind to be analyzed and publicized, and that Hale wanted to be the subject of books and movies, hoping that the act would be memorialized and inspire other killers. The MNPD determined that Hale was sane at the time of the attack and received no material support or assistance, and that Hale bore no grudge against the school or staff and considered them as innocents and victims on par with herself. Police say Hale chose the school in part because it was a soft target that the shooter was personally connected to, adding that Hale felt she had to die somewhere that made her happy. The report says there was no "personal history between Hale and any of those she killed or harmed during the attack" and that Hale targeted children to increase the shooters own renown. +2 Looking Back a Year After the Covenant School Shooting People are still grieving the deaths of three students and three staff members and still asking for gun safety legislation Hale became fascinated with mass killers in writings that referenced past mass shootings, including the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. Hale called the Columbine killers gods and wanted to join their ranks, the report says, but also saw herself as a victim in the attack. Evidence Recovered In addition to the 9-millimeter carbine, 9-millimeter semiautomatic handgun and 5.56-millimeter AR-style pistol that Hale used in the attack, police recovered and analyzed numerous notebooks, sketchbooks, videos, laptop computers, cellphones and thumb drives, as well as a middle school yearbook and an iPod. They also analyzed cloud data and social media accounts belonging to Hale. In a section titled What She Didnt Leave Behind, police say Hale did not create a manifesto that clearly detailed a motive or plans. In this case, a manifesto didnt exist. No single document, notebook, or digital device contains the answer to those questions. The answer is scattered throughout all the assembled material, which required a careful review of the material to understand Hales motive. Hales Background Hale attended the Covenant School from 2001 to 2006 from kindergarten through fourth grade and considered these years the happiest of her childhood. Hale then attended Isaac T. Creswell Middle Magnet School for the Arts, and graduated from Nashville School of the Arts in 2014. In 2022, Hale earned a bachelor's degree in graphic design from Nossi College of Art. Hale had no criminal history, and the shooters only known prior interaction with police occurred a week before the attack when Hale was questioned as a witness in an accidental firearm discharge at a Gallatin shooting range. Transparency Advocates Say Covenant Ruling Sets Bad Precedent Chancellor IAshea Myles rules that copyright, school security laws prevent MNPD from releasing shooter's writings Hale openly identified as a lesbian and wasn't in a relationship. In the years before the attack, Hale also identified as a male who used he/him pronouns, using the name Aiden Williams and expressing an interest in transitioning from female to male. Police refer to Hale as a female throughout the report, and write that her autopsy "determined she was a biologically female." Hale had numerous mental health struggles and experienced developmental delays as a child, but was not found to have an autism spectrum disorder, per a 2001 mental health assessment. Hale began seeing a therapist In 2011 and an assessment concluded Hale suffered from major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobias, anger-management issues, and was underdeveloped both emotionally and socially. By 2017, stresses of college and her increasing loneliness and despair began to affect Hales weight, and she attended a six-week eating disorder clinic. In 2019, Hale took part in an eight-week intensive outpatient program for mental health following statements in therapy about suicidal ideation and homicidal thoughts. Hale began seeing a new therapist in fall 2019, and started legally purchasing guns in 2020. Police say that in 2021, Hale's mother became concerned about Hales purchasing of guns and interest in the Columbine High School shooting. She brought up the issue with Hale's therapist and convinced Hale to sell the guns, but Hale later purchased more. Hale was assessed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center but wasn't hospitalized and began seeing a new therapist. Planning and Launching the Attack Hale postponed the attack numerous times before settling on March 27, 2023. The report details that in 2018, Hale also began actively planning an attack on Creswell Middle, though those plans were abandoned in 2020. Hale also explored other schools as potential targets. Hale focused on the Covenant School in 2021 and conducted reconnaissance of both Covenant and Creswell, as well other potential attack sites including the Mall at Green Hills and Opry Mills mall. In September 2021, Hale visited Covenant and attempted to get a tour of the school. Hale trained with firearms at Royal Range and in wooded areas near Nashville, and practiced shooting at the range just before the attack, which began at 10:10 a.m. At 10:24 a.m., police shot and killed Hale in the building's second-floor lobby. The entire 48-page report can be viewed below. Ghibli effect sends ChatGPT usage soaring but at what cost? ChatGPT hit 150 million weekly active users, driven by its new AI image-generation tool that transforms photos into Studio Ghibli-style animations, sparking viral trends. The "Ghibli effect" caused server outages due to overwhelming demand, while social media flooded with AI-generated art mimicking the studios iconic aesthetic, boosting app downloads and revenue. Hayao Miyazakis past criticism of AI art resurfaced, with artists and fans condemning the tool for potentially exploiting his lifes work without consent. Experts debate whether AI-generated Ghibli-style images violate copyright, as laws protect specific expressions (e.g., film frames) but not artistic styles though training data sources remain undisclosed. The trend highlights AIs cultural influence, raising questions about regulation, artist compensation and the future of creativity amid growing ethical and legal tensions. OpenAIs ChatGPT has shattered records yet again but this time, the surge comes with a distinctly artistic twist. A viral trend centered on generating Studio Ghibli-style AI art has propelled the chatbot to unprecedented user numbers, while also reigniting debates over AIs ethical and legal boundaries. According to market research firm Similarweb, ChatGPTs average weekly active users surpassed 150 million for the first time this year a milestone driven largely by the rollout of OpenAIs advanced image-generation tool. The feature, part of the GPT-4o model update, allows users to transform ordinary images into whimsical, hand-drawn animations reminiscent of Hayao Miyazakis iconic films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. The frenzy was so intense that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noted on X (formerly Twitter): "We added one million users in the last hour." For context, he compared this to ChatGPTs early days, when it took five days to gain the same number of users following its initial launch. But the explosive demand came at a cost. Server strain led to temporary outages, forcing OpenAI to throttle access. "We are getting things under control, but you should expect new releases from OpenAI to be delayed, stuff to break and for service to sometimes be slow as we deal with capacity challenges," Altman admitted. Why the "Ghibli effect" went viral The trend wasnt just a technical milestone it was a cultural phenomenon. Social media platforms were flooded with AI-generated portraits, memes and landscapes, all mimicking Studio Ghiblis signature aesthetic. The tools ability to replicate the studios lush, painterly style with startling accuracy captivated millions. SensorTower data revealed that global ChatGPT app downloads surged by 11%, while in-app purchase revenue rose by 6% in just one week. The numbers underscore how AI-generated art is no longer a niche experiment but a mainstream attraction. Yet, the trend also exposed deeper tensions. Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, a vocal critic of AI-generated art, once said in 2016 after seeing an early AI animation demo: "I am utterly disgusted. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all." His words resurfaced as the trend gained momentum, fueling backlash from artists and fans alike. Copyright concerns: Where does AI draw the line? The legal implications of AI-generated Ghibli-style images remain murky. While copyright law typically protects specific expressions (like exact frames from a film) rather than artistic styles, experts warn that OpenAIs tool may have relied on copyrighted material for training. "The legal landscape of AI-generated images mimicking Studio Ghibli's distinctive style is an uncertain terrain," said Evan Brown, a partner at law firm Neal & McDevitt. "Copyright law has generally protected only specific expressions rather than artistic styles themselves." Critics argue that even if the style isnt protected, the tools accuracy suggests extensive training on Ghiblis films raising ethical concerns. One social media user lamented: "Miyazaki spent his entire life building one of the most expansive and imaginative bodies of work, all so you could rip it off and use it as a filter for your vacation photos." OpenAI has not publicly disclosed its training data sources, leaving the question unresolved. Meanwhile, the debate over AIs role in creative industries continues to intensify, with recent court rulings (such as Anthropics victory in a music copyright case) setting conflicting precedents. Whats next for AI and art? The "Ghibli effect" demonstrates AIs growing influence not just as a utility, but as a cultural force. While OpenAI scrambles to stabilize its servers, the broader conversation has shifted to how AI should engage with human creativity. Will future regulations force AI companies to compensate artists whose works train their models? Could studios like Ghibli take legal action to protect their legacy? And will users continue embracing AI art despite ethical concerns? For now, one thing is clear: AIs ability to replicate beloved art styles has captured the worlds imaginationbut at what cost? As Altman himself acknowledged, "Images in ChatGPT are way more popular than we expected." The question is whether society is ready for the consequences. Sources include: Reuters.com SeekingAlpha.com WizCase.com A North Carolina community is battling for CLEAN AIR after toxic gases from nearby factory farms seep into their homes In the heart of North Carolina, where the scent of hog farms hangs heavy in the air, residents of Duplin County are engaged in a fierce struggle against an invisible enemy. Toxic gases and manure particles from industrial animal farms are seeping into their homes, leaving a trail of pollution and health hazards in their wake . This community, nestled amidst a hot spot of hog production, is fighting back with the help of researchers to expose the extent of the contamination and demand justice. A community under siege Unregulated Pollution: The federal government does not regulate air pollution from industrial hog and poultry operations, allowing manure particles and toxic gases to permeate nearby communities. The federal government does not regulate air pollution from industrial hog and poultry operations, allowing manure particles and toxic gases to permeate nearby communities. Health Risks: The pollution, which includes dangerous pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, poses significant health risks, including respiratory problems, asthma, lung disorders, and mood disorders. The pollution, which includes dangerous pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, poses significant health risks, including respiratory problems, asthma, lung disorders, and mood disorders. Community Impact: Disproportionately affecting low-income people of color, the pollution has become a daily reality for residents who describe the odor as "so horrific that it immediately makes you want to gag." Devon Hall Sr., executive director of the Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help, lives within three miles of 30 factory farms. He recounts the pervasive stench and the community's frustration with local authorities who have historically dismissed their concerns. "When we're telling the powers that be how bad it is sometimes, that our eyes are watering, our nose is running, and we're coughing, sometimes we hear, 'oh, it can't be that bad,'" Hall says. A Tool for Justice Determined to prove the extent of the pollution, the community has partnered with researchers from Johns Hopkins University to develop a groundbreaking tool. This tool, known as Pig-2-Bac, identifies a specific segment of bacterial DNA found only in the gut of swine. By analyzing dust samples collected from homes, the tool can trace the pollution back to nearby factory farms. Research Collaboration: Residents collected over 1,400 samples from nearly 300 households, swabbing dust from air conditioning units, roofs, porches, and household items. The samples were analyzed for the pig-specific genetic sequence, revealing widespread contamination. Residents collected over 1,400 samples from nearly 300 households, swabbing dust from air conditioning units, roofs, porches, and household items. The samples were analyzed for the pig-specific genetic sequence, revealing widespread contamination. Evidence of Contamination: The study found that homes near larger and more numerous pig farms were more heavily contaminated, providing strong evidence linking the pollution to the swine operations. The study found that homes near larger and more numerous pig farms were more heavily contaminated, providing strong evidence linking the pollution to the swine operations. Legal Implications: The tool's ability to reliably demonstrate the source of pollution is crucial for communities seeking legal recourse. It has already been used in a landmark nuisance lawsuit against Smithfield, the world's largest pork producer, where it helped plaintiffs prove that their homes were inundated with pig waste. The fight for clean air The battle for clean air extends beyond the courtroom. As communities gain ground, states have responded by strengthening "right-to-farm" laws, making it harder for residents to file nuisance lawsuits against industrial farms. North Carolina and Iowa have led the charge, effectively barring many legal challenges. Policy Challenges: The EPA's new federal rules under the Clean Air Act aim to control emissions from animal agriculture, including hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and particulate matter. However, the agency's history of delays and the Trump administration's efforts to roll back environmental protections threaten to undermine these efforts. The EPA's new federal rules under the Clean Air Act aim to control emissions from animal agriculture, including hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and particulate matter. However, the agency's history of delays and the Trump administration's efforts to roll back environmental protections threaten to undermine these efforts. Community Monitoring: Local nonprofits like CleanAIRE North Carolina have stepped in, installing real-time air monitors to track pollution. These monitors provide crucial data, highlighting the disproportionate impact on rural, low-income communities of color. Local nonprofits like CleanAIRE North Carolina have stepped in, installing real-time air monitors to track pollution. These monitors provide crucial data, highlighting the disproportionate impact on rural, low-income communities of color. Data Accessibility: The Trump administration's removal of air pollution data from federal websites further complicates the fight for transparency. Advocates like Daisha Wall emphasize the need for data accessibility, stating, "More than ever right now we need the federal government to prioritize data transparency and accessibility." The struggle in Duplin County is emblematic of a larger issue, where the rights of industrial agriculture often overshadow the health and well-being of neighboring communities. The question remains: will the voices of these residents be heard before the damage becomes irreversible? In the words of Hall, "We're not going anywhere. We're going to keep fighting because this is our home." This sentiment echoes the timeless struggle for environmental justice, where the fight for clean air and a healthy community is a battle that knows no bounds. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org USRTK.org Enoch, Brighteon.ai Russia warns of catastrophic fallout if Trump bombs Iran, escalating global tensions The Kremlin warns Trumps threat to bomb Irans nuclear sites could cause catastrophic regional and global consequences. Russia, Iran, and China are strengthening alliances, with Iran supplying drones to Russia and conducting joint military drills. Russia condemns U.S. ultimatums as reckless, urging diplomacy over military action targeting Irans nuclear infrastructure. Trump vows unprecedented bombing if Iran refuses a deal, risking domestic backlash from anti-war supporters. Escalating tensions could trigger a broader conflict, with Russia and China ready to exploit U.S. missteps. The Kremlin has issued a strong warning to the United States, declaring that President Donald Trumps threat to bomb Irans nuclear facilities could trigger "catastrophic" consequences for the Middle East and beyond. The admonition from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov underscores the deepening divide between Washington and an increasingly coordinated Russia-Iran-China alliance, as Trump doubles down on demands for Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions or face military action. The confrontation comes amid heightened U.S. airstrikes in Yemen targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels, part of a broader "maximum pressure" strategy to weaken Tehrans regional influence. But with Iran supplying Russia with critical military drones for its war in Ukraine and conducting joint naval drills with Beijing and Moscow, the stakes of a direct U.S.-Iran clash now extend far beyond the Persian Gulf. Ryabkov minced no words in an interview with International Affairs, slamming Trumps ultimatums as a reckless attempt to strong-arm Tehran. "Threats are indeed being heard, ultimatums are also being heard," he said. "We consider such methods inappropriate, we condemn them, we consider them a way for [the U.S.] to impose its own will on the Iranian side." The Russian official reserved particular alarm for the potential targeting of nuclear sites, warning that strikes could destabilize the region irrevocably. "The consequences of this, especially if the nuclear infrastructure is hit, could be catastrophic," Ryabkov said, urging diplomacy before it's too late. Trump, however, has shown little patience for negotiation. In a recent NBC interview, he vowed, "If they dont make a deal, there will be bombing. It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before." The remarks echo his 2018 withdrawal from the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, a move followed by crushing sanctions that failed to curb Tehrans uranium enrichment. A high-stakes alliance The Kremlins defense of Iran highlights the strategic bond between the two nations. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Iran has supplied Moscow with hundreds of Shahed drones, bolstering its wartime arsenal. In January, the pair signed a strategic partnership treaty, and their joint naval exercises with China in the Gulf of Oman this March signaled a unified front against U.S. influence. Trumps gamble also risks alienating his domestic base. Many supporters cheered his previous pledge to avoid "endless wars," and airstrikes on Iran could fracture that coalition. Diplomatic deadlock With Tehran refusing direct talks under pressure, the Kremlin has offered to mediatea role that could bolster Russias global standing. But Washington appears uninterested. The U.S. has instead ramped up military posturing, deploying additional assets to the Persian Gulf as Iran activates air defenses near its Natanz nuclear site. Ali Larijani, an adviser to Irans Supreme Leader, escalated the rhetoric on state TV, warning that an attack would force Tehrans hand: "Iran does not want to [build nuclear weapons], but will have no choice." As Trump revives the hardline tactics of his first term, the world watches to see whether brinkmanship will yield concessions or catastrophe. With Russia and China poised to exploit any U.S. misstep and Trumps political future hinging on a base weary of foreign entanglements, the path ahead is filled with risk. One misjudgment could ignite a conflict with consequences far beyond the Middle Eastproving Ryabkovs warning prescient. For now, the question isnt just whether Iran will bend to Trumps demands but whether anyone can control the fallout if it doesnt. Sources for this article include: RMX.news Reuters.com Newsweek.com TimesOfIsrael.com Alaska Medical Board joins growing movement to protect children from predatory transgender procedures The Alaska State Medical Board has unanimously opposed hormonal and surgical treatments for gender dysphoria in minors, citing insufficient evidence of long-term benefits and the risk of irreversible harm. The board urges legislative action to limit such treatments, reflecting a broader trend in the U.S. where 27 states have enacted protections for minors. Despite the board's stance, Alaska remains one of the few states without legislative protections, raising concerns about taxpayer-funded procedures and the lack of informed consent. The Arkansas Senate Bill 199 exemplifies a strong legislative approach, aiming to protect minors from irreversible medical interventions and hold healthcare professionals accountable. A growing movement against irreversible interventions and child exploitation In a bold move that follows a righteous, growing national trend, the Alaska State Medical Board has taken a stand against the use of hormonal and surgical interventions for gender dysphoria in minors. On March 21, the board informed the state legislature of its unanimous resolution, adopted at a March 20 meeting, opposing these treatments due to a lack of evidence for long-term benefits and the potential for irreversible harm. This decision comes at a time when states across the U.S. are grappling with the ethical, psychological, and medical implications of gender transition procedures for minors, with Arkansas leading the charge with its strong legislative approach. The Alaska Medical Board's decision reflects a broader shift in the medical community's approach to gender dysphoria in minors. The board's statement highlights the need for legislative limits on these gender destructive drug and surgery protocols, advocating instead for psychological support and counseling as safer alternatives. This position aligns with the findings of medical authorities in countries like Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom, which have recommended psychotherapy as the first line of treatment for youth gender dysphoria, with drugs and surgeries reserved as a last resort. The board's stance is particularly significant given that Alaska is one of the few states yet to enact legislative protections for minors against gender transition procedures. While 27 states have already taken steps to safeguard children from these irreversible interventions, Alaska's Republican-controlled legislature has not yet acted, despite the board's urging. The role of state legislatures: the case of Arkansas The Arkansas Senate Bill 199, known as the Protecting Minors from Medical Malpractice Act of 2023, provides a compelling example of how states can take a strong stance against the predatory practices of the transgender industry. The bill, which aims to protect minors from irreversible medical interventions, includes several key provisions: Definitions and Scope: The bill defines "gender transition procedure" broadly, encompassing any medical or surgical service related to gender transition, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender reassignment surgery. It explicitly excludes services for individuals with medically verifiable disorders of sex development. Right of Action: The bill grants minors, or their representatives, the right to bring a civil action against healthcare professionals who perform gender transition procedures, seeking declaratory or injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorney's fees and costs. Safe Harbor Provisions: The bill provides a defense for healthcare professionals if they can demonstrate that they followed specific protocols, including documenting the minor's perceived gender for two years, obtaining certifications from at least two healthcare professionals (including one mental health professional) that the procedure was necessary, and ensuring the minor and their parent or legal guardian provided voluntary and informed consent. Informed Consent: The bill mandates that informed consent includes detailed information about the potential risks and lack of evidence for the effectiveness of these treatments, drawing on the experiences of European countries that have conducted systematic reviews of the evidence. The ethical and psychological implications The debate over gender transition procedures for minors is not just a medical or legal issue; it is also an ethical and psychological one. The Alaska Medical Board's decision highlights the moral responsibility of healthcare providers to protect vulnerable minors from potentially harmful and irreversible interventions. The board's emphasis on psychological support and counseling reflects a growing recognition of the complex psychological factors at play in gender dysphoria. Moreover, the board's call for legislative action raises important questions about the role of the state in protecting children from predatory practices. The lack of informed consent and the potential for long-term harm underscore the need for robust legal protections to ensure that minors are not subjected to procedures that could have devastating consequences. As the Alaska State Medical Board joins the growing movement to protect children from gender transition procedures, the question remains: will other states follow suit? The example set by Arkansas, with its comprehensive legislative approach, provides a roadmap for other states to consider. The ethical, psychological, and medical implications of these procedures demand a careful and cautious approach, with the best interests of the child at the forefront. In the words of Alaska Rep. Jubilee Underwood, "True care means providing compassionate psychological support not irreversible interventions that compromise their future." This sentiment echoes the growing consensus among medical professionals and lawmakers alike, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action to protect the most vulnerable among us. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com Arkleg.state.ar.us [PDF] Gender.news Alaska Natives cheer Trumps energy revival: Our voices are finally being heard The Trump administration overturned Biden-era drilling restrictions in Alaskas NPR-A and ANWR, reopening oil and gas leasing to boost energy independence and tribal economies. Native Alaskan leaders, who criticized Bidens policies as economically harmful and exclusionary, praised the move as restoring sovereignty and local livelihoods. Oil and gas taxes fund 95% of the North Slopes budget, supporting critical services like schools and healthcare; restrictions threatened community survival. The decision aligns with Trumps "American Energy Dominance" goals, including reducing reliance on foreign adversaries and lowering domestic energy prices. Tribal leaders urge sustained federal engagement to ensure long-term benefits, emphasizing that resource development supports both culture and national prosperity. For decades, Alaskas vast natural resources have been caught in the crossfire of Washingtons political battles. But now, under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, a new era of energy independence and tribal empowerment is dawning. Native Alaskan leaders are celebrating the Trump administrations decisive reversal of Biden-era drilling restrictionsa move they say will restore economic vitality, tribal sovereignty and Americas energy dominance. A stark reversal: From Bidens lockdown to Trumps unleashing On March 20, Secretary Burgum announced sweeping actions to reopen oil and gas leasing in Alaskas National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A) and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), fulfilling a key promise of Trumps "American Energy Dominance" agenda. The decision directly overturns the Biden administrations 2023 rule, which sought to shut down development in these regions by 2024a policy that Alaskan tribal leaders called "deeply flawed" and economically devastating. Its cautious optimism, said Nagruk Harcharek, president of Voice of the Arctic Inupiat (VOICE), a coalition representing 21 Native communities. We feel like were going to be able to get some things done with a more favorable administration. The contrast between the two administrations couldnt be starker. While Biden officials touted their policies as protective of Indigenous rights and the environment, tribal leaders say they were sidelinedand their livelihoods threatened. We found out policy changes in the news Harcharek didnt mince words about the Biden administrations approach. Despite promises of being the "most tribally friendly administration in history," he said, We didnt get that sentiment whatsoever. The Biden DOI, led by Secretary Deb Haaland, frequently invoked "Indigenous Knowledge" to justify locking up Alaskas resources. Yet, according to Harcharek, meaningful consultation never materialized. Oftentimes we were finding out policy changes in the news, he said. Which is not ideal when they have our phone numbers. Doreen Leavitt, natural resources director for the Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope, echoed this frustration. Secretary Haalands leadership was not just deeply frustrating, but it was saddening, she told the Daily Caller News Foundation. Her lack of respect for our region was frustrating, to say the least. Oil, gas and survival: Why energy development matters For Alaska Natives, this isnt just about politicsits about survival. Harcharek emphasized that 95% of the North Slopes budget comes from oil and gas taxes, funding schools, healthcare and infrastructure. The economy in the North Slope is oil and gas activity, he said. Without it, communities would be forced to rely on the state and the federal governmenta prospect he called unsustainable. Charles Lampe, president of the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation, praised Burgums decision, saying it suggests our communitys voice is finally being heard in Washington. He noted that reopening ANWRs Coastal Plain has overwhelming support from his people. A return to energy dominance The Trump administrations actions align with its broader energy agenda. In February 2025, Trump established the National Energy Dominance Council, chaired by Burgum, to streamline permitting, boost production and reduce reliance on foreign adversaries like China and Russia. Alaska Republican Rep. Nick Begich hailed the DOIs decision as a victory for both his state and the nation: When Alaskans have the freedom to develop our vast natural resources, every American stands to benefitfrom lower energy prices to stronger national security. Energy is freedom. The road ahead: Tribal partnerships and economic revival While tribal leaders welcome the policy shift, they stress the need for ongoing dialogue. Leavitt urged the Trump-Vance administration to maintain open, ongoing engagement to ensure long-term benefits for Native communities. For now, the message from Alaska is clear: After years of federal overreach, the Trump administrations pro-energy, pro-tribal policies are restoring hopeand prosperityto Americas last frontier. As Harcharek put it: We are here to advocate for an economic base to support our culture. And with Alaskas resources finally unleashed, that cultureand Americas energy futurelooks brighter than ever. The battle over Alaskas energy potential is a microcosm of a larger national struggle: Will America embrace its resource abundance, or surrender to radical environmentalism at the expense of working families? Under Trump, the answer is clearenergy freedom wins. Sources include: WattsUpWithThat.com DOI.gov WhiteHouse.gov DailyCallerNews.org Dr. Mary Talley Bowden drops bombshells about children being permanently damaged by mRNA jabs during Tucker Carlson interview Over 38,000 deaths have been reported in the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) following COVID-19 vaccination. Despite these alarming numbers, the FDA has added COVID vaccines to the routine childhood vaccination schedule. Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, a prominent medical freedom advocate, has raised concerns about the long-term health impacts of these vaccines on children. The CDC reports that 9 million American children have received the latest version of the COVID shots, with 12% of US children injected. Dr. Bowden and Tucker Carlson discuss the potential for increased cancer rates and other serious health issues in young people. Babies being destroyed by COVID jabs in 2025 In a chilling revelation that has left many Americans questioning the safety and necessity of COVID-19 vaccines, Dr. Mary Talley Bowden recently appeared on Tucker Carlsons show to discuss the alarming number of adverse events reported following vaccination. The conversation, which left Carlson visibly shaken, highlighted the stark disconnect between the data and the continued push to vaccinate children, even as evidence of potential harm mounts. Before her appearance on Carlsons show, Dr. Bowden, a Texas-based ENT specialist, had already made a name for herself in the medical freedom movement. Her outspoken criticism of vaccine mandates and her advocacy for early treatment options like ivermectin have earned her both praise and criticism. Despite facing backlash, including a suspension from Houston Methodist Hospital for challenging the prevailing COVID narrative, Dr. Bowden has remained steadfast in her commitment to the Hippocratic Oath. She has successfully treated over 6,000 COVID patients without a single death, a testament to her dedication and expertise. During the interview, Dr. Bowden pointed to data from the CDCs VAERS system, which has recorded over 38,000 deaths following the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. Under normal circumstances, such a figure would have prompted the FDA to pull the shots from the market. Instead, the agency has pushed forward, adding the COVID vaccine to the routine childhood schedule. This decision is particularly concerning given that the vaccines are still under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for children under 12 and have not yet received full FDA approval. Dr. Bowdens revelation that 9 million American children have received the latest version of these COVID shots was met with disbelief by Carlson. Actually? he asked, clearly caught off guard. Yes, Bowden confirmed. Still? he pressed. Yes. Yes. 9 million [kids]12% [of US children have been injected]. The conversation took a darker turn when Carlson asked about the potential long-term consequences of these shots. The long-term health implications are serious Dr. Bowden expressed deep concern about the potential for increased cancer rates and other serious health issues in young people. I dont see a ton of cancer in my practice, she said, but I do have friends at MD Anderson, and they said theyve never seen anything like it. The young people coming in with very advanced tumors, I think thats what we have to be worried about now. She explained that while it is difficult to get up-to-date cancer data, anecdotal reports are piling up, painting a troubling picture. The lack of transparency and access to comprehensive data on the long-term effects of COVID vaccines is a significant issue. Dr. Bowden noted that while there may be people who have access to this data, it is not readily available to the public. This raises profound questions about accountability and the decision-making process that has led to the widespread vaccination of children with products that have not yet been fully approved. A call for accountability The interview between Dr. Bowden and Tucker Carlson has sparked a much-needed conversation about the safety and necessity of COVID vaccines for children. The fact that 9 million children have been injected with a vaccine that is still under EUA is alarming, especially given the reported adverse events and the lack of long-term data on its safety. As a society, we must ask ourselves: What have we done? In our rush to vaccinate every man, woman, and child, have we compromised the long-term health of a population that never needed these shots in the first place? What data was ignored, and who made the decisions to ignore that data? These are questions that demand answers. The FDAs decision to add COVID vaccines to the routine childhood schedule, despite the lack of full approval and the mounting evidence of potential harm, is deeply troubling. It is time for a serious conversation about accountability and the need to re-evaluate the current vaccination strategy. In the words of Dr. Bowden, We have to be worried about now. The time for action is long overdue. It is imperative that we remove these products from the market until their safety and efficacy can be unequivocally proven. Sources include: Modernity.news X.com OpenVAERS.com The Message of the Sphinx: Did a lost civilization build the Giza monuments? In "The Message of the Sphinx," Graham Hancock and Robert Bauval challenge the Sphinxs link to Khafre, citing weak evidence and facial mismatches. Geologist Robert Schoch's analysis suggests water erosion, dating the Sphinx to around 10,500 BCE when the Sahara was wetter. The Giza monuments mirror Orions belt and stars, reflecting ancient Egyptian cosmology. The Sphinxs lion form may represent the Age of Leo (around 10,500 BCE) and the mythical "First Time." The authors speculate hidden knowledge beneath the Sphinx, hinting at a lost advanced civilization. In "The Message of the Sphinx: A Quest for the Hidden Legacy of Mankind," Graham Hancock and Robert Bauval embark on a riveting intellectual odyssey, challenging conventional wisdom about the origins and purpose of the Giza necropolis. With the charisma of seasoned storytellers and the rigor of meticulous researchers, they weave a narrative that is as compelling as it is controversial. The book opens with a vivid portrayal of the Great Sphinx, a colossal sentinel that has gazed eastward across the Giza plateau for millennia. Hancock and Bauval paint a picture of a monument that is both majestic and enigmatic, its weathered visage bearing witness to the passage of time and the rise and fall of civilizations. They delve into the Sphinx's various names, from the Arabic "Abul-Hol" (Father of Terror) to the ancient Egyptian "Hor-em-Akhet" (Horus in the Horizon) and explore the rich tapestry of myths and beliefs that have surrounded it throughout history. The authors then turn their attention to the prevailing theory that the Sphinx was built by Pharaoh Khafre around 2500 BC. They meticulously dissect the evidence supporting this claim, revealing its shaky foundations. First, while acknowledging the resemblance between the Sphinx's face and the statue of Khafre, Hancock and Bauval argue that this is insufficient proof of authorship. They highlight the lack of contemporary inscriptions attributing the Sphinx to Khafre and question the reliability of the Thutmosis stela, which contains only a fragment of his name. Second, the authors present the findings of forensic artist Frank Domingo, who concluded that the Sphinx's face does not match Khafre's statue. This challenges the orthodox view and opens the door to alternative interpretations. The book's most compelling argument lies in the geological evidence presented by geologist Robert Schoch. His analysis of the Sphinx's erosion patterns reveals that they are consistent with prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall, not the wind and sand erosion typical of the Giza plateau. This suggests that the Sphinx could be thousands of years older than previously thought, dating back to a time when the Sahara was not a desert. If the Sphinx was indeed eroded by rainfall, it would imply the existence of a civilization predating known history, capable of monumental construction. This challenges the established timeline of human civilization and invites a radical rethinking of mankind's past. Hancock and Bauval propose that the Giza monuments are not merely tombs or temples, but rather a sophisticated astronomical diagram. They argue that: Star alignments : The four shafts of the Great Pyramid are aligned with specific stars, including Orion's belt and Sirius, which held significant religious and symbolic importance for the ancient Egyptians. This suggests a deliberate attempt to connect the monument to the cosmos. : The four shafts of the Great Pyramid are aligned with specific stars, including Orion's belt and Sirius, which held significant religious and symbolic importance for the ancient Egyptians. This suggests a deliberate attempt to connect the monument to the cosmos. The Orion Correlation Theory : The authors present the Orion Correlation Theory, which posits that the layout of the three pyramids mirrors the pattern of the three stars in Orion's belt. They argue that this alignment was intentional and that the pyramids were designed to represent the celestial "kingdom of Osiris" on earth. : The authors present the Orion Correlation Theory, which posits that the layout of the three pyramids mirrors the pattern of the three stars in Orion's belt. They argue that this alignment was intentional and that the pyramids were designed to represent the celestial "kingdom of Osiris" on earth. The Age of Leo: The authors suggest that the Sphinx, with its lion-like form, was built as an equinoctial marker for the Age of Leo, which began around 10,500 BC. This further supports their argument for a much earlier construction date. The authors delve into the ancient Egyptian concept of Zep Tepi, the "First Time," a mythical golden age when the gods ruled the earth. They propose that the Giza monuments are a physical manifestation of this concept, a "message" encoded in stone to preserve the knowledge and wisdom of a lost civilization. Drawing on the prophecies of Edgar Cayce, the authors suggest that a hidden chamber, or "Hall of Records," lies beneath the Sphinx, containing the secrets of the "First Time." They argue that this chamber could hold the key to understanding the true origins of human civilization. "The Message of the Sphinx" is a thought-provoking work that challenges mankind to reconsider its understanding of ancient history. Hancock and Bauval's call for a more open-minded approach to studying the past is a valuable one. They urge people to look beyond the confines of traditional scholarship and consider the possibility that the Giza monuments may hold secrets that could reshape their understanding of human civilization. Whether or not one agrees with their conclusions, Hancock and Bauval's work is a testament to the enduring allure of the Giza necropolis. The mysteries of the Sphinx and the pyramids continue to captivate human imagination and inspire people to seek answers to the fundamental questions of who we are, where we come from and where we are going. Watch this video about Graham Hancock and Robert Bauval's book "The Message of the Sphinx: A Quest for the Hidden Legacy of Mankind." This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Small-town patriots defeat CCP-linked battery giant: How Michigan stopped a communist incursion Gotion Inc., a Chinese EV battery company with deep ties to the CCP, suspended its $2.4 billion Michigan plant after grassroots opposition exposed its connections to forced labor and Party loyalty mandates. Investigations showed Gotions bylaws required CCP activities, employed 923 Party members and relied on Xinjiang forced labor, raising national security concerns. Residents of Green Charter Township recalled local officials who supported the project, marking a rare community-led defeat of CCP-linked economic infiltration. Michigans Democratic-led government approved $175 million in subsidies for Gotion, sparking outrage as activists condemned funding a CCP-tied firm. The case highlights Chinas strategy to dominate U.S. critical industries, urging vigilance against economic threats to sovereignty and supply chains. In a stunning victory for grassroots activism and national security, a Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked electric vehicle battery firm has been forced to suspend its plans for a $2.4 billion plant in rural Michigan. The defeat of Gotion Inc., a subsidiary of Chinas Gotion High-Tech, marks a rare triumph against Beijings economic infiltration of American industryand a warning to other communities facing similar threats. The battle begins: CCP ties exposed The controversy erupted in early 2023 when investigative reports revealed Gotion High-Techs deep entanglements with the CCP. Corporate bylaws obtained by The Midwesterner mandated that the company set up a Party organization and carry out Party activities in accordance with the Constitution of the Communist Party of China. Further investigations by the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) uncovered that Gotion employed 923 CCP members and hosted events where employees dressed in Red Army uniforms pledged loyalty to the Party. Even more alarming, a 2024 congressional probe found that Gotions supply chains relied on forced labor from Chinas Xinjiang province, where the CCP is engaged in a brutal campaign of repression against Uyghur Muslims. The full extent of Gotions ties to the CCP were uncovered, with the help of investigative reporting by the DCNF, as well as the national security risks posed by companies like Gotion, said Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), chair of the House Select Committee on the CCP. Grassroots revolt: A recall election shakes Michigan The backlash was swift. Residents of Green Charter Township, a small community of just 3,200 people, organized a fierce opposition campaign. In November 2023, voters recalled multiple local officials who had supported the project, sending a clear message: CCP-linked companies were not welcome. This was a first-in-the-nation moment where a subnational incursion via a deal with a China-based and CCP-tied company led to the recall and defeat of elected officials, said Joseph Cella, former U.S. Ambassador to Fiji and director of the Michigan-China Economic and Security Review Group. Dr. Ormand Hook, a leader of the No Gotion movement, told the DCNF that the fight was about preserving American sovereignty. We love our freedom and are not willing to give up our freedom to Americas number one geopolitical adversary, he said. Taxpayer betrayal: Michigans $175 million subsidy scandal Adding fuel to the fire was the revelation that Michigans Democratic-controlled government had approved $175 million in taxpayer subsidies for Gotiondespite its CCP ties. The state Senate Appropriations Committee narrowly passed the funding in a 10-9 vote, with every Republican and three Democrats opposing it. We found out most local politicians were in bed with the governor and our enemies, Hook said bluntly. Lori Brock, another activist in the movement, condemned the subsidies as a betrayal. American tax dollars should never, ever be used to subsidize anything associated with the CCP, she told the DCNF. A warning to Washington: Lessons from Michigan The Gotion saga is more than just a local disputeits a microcosm of Chinas broader strategy to infiltrate U.S. supply chains and critical industries. From rare earth minerals to semiconductor manufacturing, Beijing has systematically sought to dominate sectors vital to American security. Rep. Moolenaar warned that the fight isnt over. Gotion must announce it will finally listen to the people, and end its projects for good, he said. For now, the people of Green Charter Township have won a crucial battle. But as China continues its economic warfare against the U.S., their story serves as both an inspiration and a warning: vigilance is the price of freedom. Patriots everywhere should take note: True freedom, as well as national security, is up to the boots-on-the-ground. Be curious, ask questions, stay involved. Sources include: YourNews.com DailyCaller.com TheMidwesterner.news Indian refiners seek alternatives to Russian oil after Trump tariff threat Indian oil refiners are seeking alternative crude oil suppliers following President Trump's threat of secondary sanctions on Russian energy exports. India has been one of the largest buyers of Russian crude since the Ukraine war began, with Urals oil accounting for nearly 40% of imports last year. The threat of a 25% tariff on Russian oil could disrupt India's energy supply and increase global oil prices. The move highlights the geopolitical complexities and economic challenges faced by India in balancing its energy needs with international pressure. Geopolitical chess game In a significant shift driven by geopolitical tensions, Indian oil refiners are actively seeking alternative sources of crude oil after President Donald Trump threatened secondary sanctions on Russian energy exports. The move comes amid escalating rhetoric from the Trump administration, which has vowed to impose a 25% tariff on all Russian oil if Moscow refuses to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. The threat of secondary sanctions has sent shockwaves through the global oil market, particularly in India, which has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian crude since the start of the Ukraine conflict. According to Bloomberg, companies like Bharat Petroleum Corp. and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. are now looking for oil cargoes from the Middle East, the North Sea, and the Mediterranean for May delivery. This shift is a direct response to Trump's announcement that he would impose a 25% tariff on all Russian oil imports if a ceasefire deal is not reached. Trump's proposal would effectively bar any country that buys Russian oil from doing business in the United States. "If you buy oil from Russia, you cant do business in the United States," Trump told NBC. "There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil." This mechanism mirrors the sanctions previously applied to Venezuela, where a 25% tariff was imposed on all imports from countries that continued to buy Venezuelan crude. Economic implications for India India's dependence on imported crude oil has reached an all-time high, with 88.2% of the crude consumed in the April 2024-February 2025 period being imported, according to oil ministry data. This dependence makes India particularly vulnerable to price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. The threat of secondary sanctions could force India to reconsider its reliance on Russian oil, which accounted for almost 40% of the nation's imports last year. Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy for ING Groep NV in Singapore, noted that "traditional sanctions have created enough uncertainty." He added, "The idea of secondary tariffs only intensifies this uncertainty, given that it is a new tool. Buyers need to decide whether the advantages of picking up discounted crude outweigh the potential hit on its economy from additional tariffs." Vandana Hari, founder of Vanda Insights in Singapore, expressed skepticism about the long-term impact of Trump's threat. "It's a bluff, a bargaining ploy on the part of Trump," she said. "But refiners need to prepare, they cant rely on hunches, no matter how bizarre and unlikely a supply threat." Despite the uncertainty, Hari believes that as long as the economics work, India will continue to seek Russian oil. Historical context and global impact The current situation echoes past geopolitical tensions that have disrupted global oil markets. The 1973 oil crisis, for example, saw oil prices skyrocket due to an embargo by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), leading to long-lasting economic consequences. Similarly, the 2019 sanctions on Venezuelan oil led to a significant shift in global oil trade dynamics. The imposition of secondary sanctions on Russian oil could have a profound impact on global oil prices, potentially undermining Trump's promise of cheap energy. The 25% secondary tariffs on Venezuelan oil already had a noticeable effect on benchmarks, and a similar move against Russia could exacerbate this trend. As India navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, the question remains whether the economic advantages of purchasing discounted Russian oil will outweigh the potential risks posed by secondary sanctions. The situation underscores the delicate balance countries like India must maintain between economic interests and international political pressures. Sources include: Zerohedge.com Oilprice.com Bloomberg.com X CEO Yaccarino stunned, Musk intrigued after reading bombshell report on far-left NGOs targeting Tesla There has been a race against time to uncover the complex web of dark-money-funded, far-left NGOs fueling the Tesla Takedown color revolution operation that far-left corporate media outlets have cheerleaded. (Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com) The Daily Show is justifying and practically celebrating the attacks on Teslas and Tesla locationssuggesting Elon deserves it. The audience erupts in CHEERS to footage of Teslas on fire. They prove people are mad at Elon by playing clips from townhalls which feature pic.twitter.com/wueg9RRseD Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 20, 2025 With hate and violence being incited by the left through its network of radical NGOs and fake news media allies, it's only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed. Chaos escalated this weekend after one crazed Democrat resorted to a vehicle-ramming attack against a pro-Tesla supporter. Tesla Protests Turn Violent: Pro-Musk Demonstrator Struck With Car, Woman Beaten On Side Of Road https://t.co/dKAtWPEdrL zerohedge (@zerohedge) March 30, 2025 As we first pointed out on Sunday morning, former Wall Street Journal journalist Asra Nomani unveiled one of the most comprehensive reports on the NGO network behind at least one Tesla Takedown protest. Hello @ElonMusk and Friends, You asked who is funding and organizing the #TeslaTakedown protests. I've got answers for you, after going onto the streets of northern Virginia for the local protests here, seeing familiar faces from the Virginia Democratic political machine and pic.twitter.com/53MMDpOnOx Asra Nomani (@AsraNomani) March 30, 2025 Nomani's investigative report, which focused on 24 groups, revealed that these protests were far from organic and likely fueled by rent-a-protesters. The report reached Elon Musk, who responded with "interesting" on Nomani's X post, which has now garnered nearly 7 million views. X CEO Linda Yaccarino also responded to Nomani's post on X, appearing even more shocked by the NGO list, replying with a simple but telling "!!" ?? Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) March 31, 2025 Nomani's report likely ended up in the hands of DOGE and the federal government, who are investigating the origins of these protests, as well as, likely separately, domestic terrorism attacks by far-left Democrats against Tesla vehicles, showrooms, service centers, and chargers. DEVELOPING: Video provided to the Review-Journal shows several @Tesla vehicles engulfed in flames after Las Vegas police say they were set on fire by an individual early Tuesday morning. UPDATES? https://t.co/sZQr9j1E5Apic.twitter.com/uXeLsdpTVl Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) March 18, 2025 Tesla attacks by Democrats are highly miscaulated as their hate speech, domestic terrorism, and violence against Tesla will haunt them in the next election cycle. * * * Democrats unleashed their coordinated, NGO-driven color revolutiondubbed the 'Tesla Takedown'nationwide on Saturday, though it unfolded in a notably unimpressive fashion. The days of million-man (or woman) marches, usually bankrolled with taxpayer dollars funneled through now-defunct USAID, appear to be over, as their ability to sway national sentiment has diminished significantly. Still, these dark and corrupt NGOs receive monies from leftist billionaires, as we've previously reported. I.e., angry old white liberals OMG, looks at this Tesla protest in Charlotte NC, it's all old white Karen's and their miserable low testosterone cucks ???? pic.twitter.com/BCuEstNEwC Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) March 29, 2025 As the protests wound down by late Saturday, Elon Musk took to X, quoting a Joe Rogan podcast that called out Democrats for their rent-a-protester tactics. Musk asked: "Who is funding and organizing all these paid protests?" Who is funding and organizing all these paid protests? https://t.co/QDjD9Gao8a Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 30, 2025 On Friday, the far-left revolutionaries behind Tesla Takedown began mobilizing their far-left agitators aligned with the Democratic Party. Soros-linked organizations like Indivisible have been linked to yesterday's "Global Day of Action" against Tesla ... The Tesla Takedown website links to The Action Networkan online platform used by shady far-left NGOs to organize and fundraisewhich shows that groups like Troublemakers and the Disruption Project led yesterday's efforts to "tank Tesla's stock" and destroy shareholder value. "Stopping Musk will help save lives and our democracy," Tesla Takedown wrote on its website, adding, "The stakes couldn't be higher. No one is coming to save usnot politicians, not the media." Also, on Friday, Musk threw the corrupt far-left and anti-American NGOs a curve ball that renders their entire movement meaningless... xAI & X Merger Defuses Musk's Tesla Share Liquidation Risk https://t.co/Ohl1l81O6H zerohedge (@zerohedge) March 29, 2025 On Sunday morning, ex-Wall Street Journal journalist Asra Nomani answered Musk's question with a detailed list of the 24 groups that led one Tesla Takedown protest in northern Virginia. Here are the answerssure to give Musk and DOGE investigators a quick path to uncovering the root of the chaos against Tesla vehicles, showrooms, service centers, and chargers in recent months. You asked who is funding and organizing the #TeslaTakedown protests. I've got answers for you, after going onto the streets of northern Virginia for the local protests here, seeing familiar faces from the Virginia Democratic political machine and then following the money -- and the data. AstroTurf Protest Industry To your question, at the latest count, as of 3/30, 5:30 AM: 24 organizations and counting are funding and organizing the #TeslaTakedown protests and leading the very partisan propaganda campaign against Tesla, Tesla drivers, Tesla employees, Donald Trump and you. See below to see all 24 groups with their revenues, involvement, tax ID numbers and other info. and leading the very partisan propaganda campaign against Tesla, Tesla drivers, Tesla employees, Donald Trump and you. See below to see all 24 groups with their revenues, involvement, tax ID numbers and other info. These organizations have combined annual revenues of at least $124 MILLION and counting . . 100% of the groups are aligned with the Democratic Party . At the protest on 3/29 at Tyco Road, in Tysons, Va., a photo I took of a "Virginia Democrats" sign in front of the Tesla dealership. . At the protest on 3/29 at Tyco Road, in Tysons, Va., a photo I took of a "Virginia Democrats" sign in front of the Tesla dealership. Most of these groups enjoy tax-deductible status as 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, claiming they are "nonpartisan." A few have PACs. The organizations have not returned requests for comment. Database You can see the raw data on 306 #TeslaTakedown protests in the database here. Back story I'm a former Wall Street Journal reporter and a propaganda expert and editor of the @DPearlProject , a journalism nonprofit named for my WSJ colleague and friend Daniel Pearl. Since Oct. 7th, I have been reporting on the anti-Jew, anti-America, anti-Israel protests and building a database, following the money. It numbers 2,000 groups now, and I am working on a web and mobile app for parents, policymakers, university administrators, law enforcement, the public and others. I went to the #TeslaTakedown protest a week ago Saturday on Tyco Road at the Tysons, Va., and saw familiar faces from Indivisible and the Fairfax County Democratic Party, shouting for you to be deported as they stood outside the Tesla dealership. I wondered too who is organizing and funding the protests nationwide. I got the protest details scraped from ActionNetwork and Mobilize, the two platforms aligned with the Democratic Party promoting the #TeslaTakedown protests, and built a public database of the groups behind the Tesla protest. AstroTurf, not "grassroots" In an article for the @FairfaxTimes , I wrote about how the local protests in Tysons, are a window into how the protests are AstroTurf, not "grassroots." What this case reveals is the way that a multi-million dollar professional protest industry manufactures outrage in top-down political theater, agitprop, or agitation propaganda, and now criminal offenses. Here is the article. Next step: I just got data on the April 5 #HandsOff protests and will be adding that data to the database. In addition, I am completing an analysis of the propaganda using the tools of natural language processing and content analysis. Why is this important to report on? Because defending principles of free enterprise and individual liberty in the U.S. means allowing people to buy whatever make of car they wish without fear of danger or harassment and allowing companies to do business without fear of danger or harassment. All, please let me know if you have any questions, ideas or recommendations. Asra [email protected] To support the Pearl Project: http://asranomani.com/donate 24+ Groups Leading and Funding #TeslaTakedown (and counting) (view full list here): CC Doge Team... Hello @ElonMusk and Friends, You asked who is funding and organizing the #TeslaTakedown protests. I've got answers for you, after going onto the streets of northern Virginia for the local protests here, seeing familiar faces from the Virginia Democratic political machine and pic.twitter.com/53MMDpOnOx Asra Nomani (@AsraNomani) March 30, 2025 Your dive into these NGOs became much easier because of Nomani's reporting. Read more at: ZeroHedge.com NASA, State Dept. admit to renaming DEI programs to dodge Trumps ban in undercover sting Project Veritas exposed NASA and State Department employees circumventing Trumps DEI bans by rebranding programs. A State Department officer admitted renaming DEI initiatives to evade scrutiny, vowing to repeat the tactic. A NASA scientist revealed renaming "climate change" research to "natural hazards" to secure funding. NASA spent $13 million on DEI under Biden, diverting funds from critical missions. The footage confirms conservative fears of bureaucratic defiance against executive orders. Project Veritas has exposed federal employees at NASA and the State Department openly admitting to circumventing President Donald Trumps executive orders banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The footage, released this week, reveals a culture of deliberate insubordination, with career bureaucrats boasting about rebranding prohibited initiatives to keep them aliveproving that even in the face of clear policy shifts, the federal bureaucracy is determined to resist. The bombshell footage captures State Department Foreign Service Officer Anthony Abate candidly explaining how employees simply relabeled DEI programs to evade scrutiny. "They canceled DEI stuff, but people just did it and called it something else," Abate said. "Work around the rules. Just change the word, but it means the same thing." When asked if the tactic would be repeated under a potential second Trump term, Abate smirked, "Well probably do the same thing again." Meanwhile, at NASA, climate scientist Renato Braghiere admitted that politically charged research on "climate change" was being rebranded as "natural hazards" to secure funding. "They dont like that term, they dont believe that, and theyre probably not going to fund any of that," Braghiere said. "We can change the term to... 'natural hazards' or something like that." The revelations confirm long-standing conservative suspicions that the federal bureaucracy, emboldened by progressive ideology, is actively undermining lawful executive orders. The footage also raises serious questions about fiscal responsibility, as NASA spent a staggering $13 million on DEI initiatives under President Bidenmoney that could have been directed toward critical missions, not political activism. A culture of defiance in the federal workforce President Trumps executive orders, signed at the start of his second term, explicitly banned the use of federal funds for DEI programs, calling them "discriminatory" and "divisive." The orders also prohibited training that promotes race or sex-based stereotyping, a move the administration framed as a return to merit-based governance. Yet, as the undercover footage shows, federal employees have no intention of complying. Abates admission that the State Department rebranded DEI as "multicultural activities" or "team building" is a textbook example of bureaucratic deception. His confidence that the same tactics would be reused under the Trump administration underscores a troubling reality: Many career officials believe they, not elected leaders, should dictate policy. At NASA, the rebranding extends beyond DEI. Braghieres comments reveal that even scientific terminology is being manipulated to align with political agendas. By swapping "climate change" for "natural hazards," researchers ensure their work remains funded, even as the administration shifts priorities. Waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending The Project Veritas expose comes as watchdog groups highlight the exorbitant costs of DEI programs. Under Biden, NASA funneled millions into diversity initiatives while mission-critical projects, like Boeings Starliner capsule, suffered catastrophic failures. A recent OpenTheBooks report found that NASA spent over $13 million on DEI, including contracts for consultants to "deeply engrain" equity policies into the agencys culture. "Newtonian physics and atmospheric reentry do not care about antiracism talks and gender affirmation policies," said John Hart, CEO of OpenTheBooks. "NASA has an opportunity to take one small step toward fiscal responsibility and one giant leap toward common sense." Trumps administration has already begun dismantling DEI offices, but the Project Veritas footage suggests the battle is far from over. The footage is a wake-up call: If federal employees are willing to deceive to preserve their pet projects, stronger oversight is needed to enforce accountability. The undercover sting by Project Veritas is more than an exposeits a damning indictment of a federal bureaucracy that views itself as above elected leadership. By openly flouting executive orders, renaming programs, and disguising political activism as neutral policy, these employees are engaging in a quiet rebellion against the voters who put Trump in office. The footage raises urgent questions: How much taxpayer money is being wasted on rebranded DEI programs? How many more federal employees are gaming the system? And most importantly, will the administration take decisive action to root out this institutional defiance? Sources for this article include: YourNews.com ProjectVeritas.com FoxNews.com Greenlands strategic riches: The new Cold War frontier as U.S. and China vie for Arctic dominance Greenland has emerged as a geopolitical flashpoint due to its vast rare earth mineral deposits, Arctic shipping lanes and location between North America and Europe, drawing intense U.S.-China rivalry. Greenland holds 25 of 34 critical minerals essential for technology and defense. China dominates global rare earth supply (80%), prompting U.S. efforts to secure mining deals, like the Tanbreez acquisition. Beijings "Polar Silk Road" and self-declared "near-Arctic state" status signal its intent to expand influence, while Russia also increases its Arctic military presence. Despite U.S. overtures, Greenlanders prioritize autonomy, with leaders wary of foreign interference. Prime Minister Egede called early elections amid concerns over external pressure. The Trump administration focuses on economic investment (mining) and security (NATOs Pituffik Space Base) to counter China, but risks diplomatic fallout if negotiations are overly aggressive. Greenland, the worlds largest island, has long been dismissed as a frozen wastelanduntil now. With vast deposits of rare earth minerals, emerging Arctic shipping lanes and a strategic location between North America and Europe, Greenland has become the latest flashpoint in the escalating rivalry between the United States and China. The Trump administrations renewed push for American influence over the autonomous Danish territory is not mere geopolitical posturing; it is a calculated move to secure the resources and routes that will define 21st-century power. As Vice President JD Vance declared during his recent visit to Greenlands Pituffik Space Base: "We know that Russia and China and other nations are taking an extraordinary interest in Arctic passageways and Arctic naval routes and indeed in the minerals of the Arctic territories. We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic, because we know that if America doesnt, other nations will fill the gap where we fall behind." Success in the region would provide positive economic outcomes and strategic positioning. Why Greenland matters: Minerals, security and the new Cold War Greenlands southern region is a treasure trove of critical minerals25 of the 34 raw materials deemed essential by the European Commission. These include rare earth elements (REEs) vital for advanced technology, defense systems and green energy solutions. China currently dominates the global REE supply chain, controlling nearly 80% of productiona vulnerability the U.S. can no longer ignore. President Donald Trumps executive order to boost domestic mineral production underscores the urgency. But with China aggressively courting Greenlands mining sector, America must act decisively. The recent sale of Tanbreez Mininga Greenland-based rare earth firmto U.S.-backed Critical Metals instead of a Chinese buyer is a small victory. As Tony Sage, CEO of Critical Metals, revealed, Chinese firms offered far more, but U.S. pressure secured the deal. "Tanbreez had agreed to a payment of 5 million in cash and 211 in Critical Metals stock, which was significantly lower than the offers made by Chinese companies," Sage told Reuters. This is economic warfareand Greenland is the battleground. Chinas Arctic ambitions: A threat to U.S. sovereignty Beijings 2018 declaration as a "near-Arctic state" was a brazen power play. Chinas proposed "Polar Silk Road" seeks to extend its Belt and Road Initiative into the Arctic, leveraging infrastructure investments to gain strategic footholds. Russia, too, is expanding its Arctic presence. Vladimir Putin recently warned: "The role and importance of the Arctic for Russia and for the entire world are obviously growing. Regrettably, the geopolitical competition and fighting for positions in this region are also escalating." The U.S. cannot afford complacency. As Ryan Kiggins, a political science professor, noted: "Securing Arctic shipping laneswhich are becoming navigable as climate change melts polar iceforms another part of Trumps rationale." Greenlands resistance: A diplomatic challenge Despite Washingtons overtures, Greenland and Denmark remain resistant to U.S. annexation. Greenlanders, while open to foreign investment, fiercely guard their autonomy. Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede called early elections in March 2025 amid fears of external interference. Eldur Olafsson, CEO of Amaroq Minerals, framed Greenlands dilemma: "Greenlands vast mineral potential represents an opportunity for the West to secure a supply of essential critical mineralsneeded for batteries, industrial development and AI infrastructureand reduce dependence on China." But sovereignty remains non-negotiable. The path forward: Can America secure Greenlands future? The Trump administrations strategy hinges on two fronts: Economic leverage Expanding U.S. investment in Greenlands mining sector while countering Chinese bids. Security partnerships Strengthening NATOs Arctic presence via Greenlands Pituffik Space Base. Yet, as Kiggins cautioned: "I remain skeptical the Trump administration has prudently deliberated potential costs associated with its aggressive negotiating strategy. These costs may include loss in reputation, prestige and trustworthinessall crucial to striking international bargains." The Arctic century has begun Greenland is no longer a remote outpostit is the epicenter of a new Great Game. With China and Russia advancing, America must act with both strength and diplomacy. The alternative? A future where Americas adversaries control the resources and routes that will define global power. As Harvey Kaye of U.S. Critical Materials declared: "We are uniquely positioned to help Make America Critical Mineral Independent Again." The race for Greenland is onand the stakes have never been higher. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com Newsweek.com APNews.com Norwegian FSA exposes firms fake insurance scam allowing Russian oil tankers to bypass sanctions Norwegian authorities have uncovered a scam involving fake insurance documents allowing Russian oil tankers to circumvent sanctions. Romarine AS, a small firm, is under investigation for providing forged insurance certificates to dozens of ageing tankers. The case highlights the risks associated with unregulated tankers and the potential for environmental disasters. Uncovering the fraud In a startling revelation, Norwegian authorities have uncovered a fraudulent scheme involving fake insurance documents for Russian oil tankers. The investigation, led by Norway's Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA), targets Romarine AS, a company that purported to be an insurance provider for dozens of ageing tankers believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet. The FSA became aware of the issue after receiving an inquiry from overseas last September, asking about a document carrying the FSA's letterhead that certified Romarine as a vessels insurer. "We immediately saw that it was false," said Jo Gjedrem, an official at the FSA. The letterhead had been copied and pasted into the forged document, citing non-existent Norwegian law and bearing a false signature and stamp. In response to the inquiry, the FSA sent a warning to Romarine in January, but the company failed to respond. This prompted the authority to issue an order on March 4, instructing the firm to halt operations. Romarine, in an emailed reply to Reuters, acknowledged the FSA's order and stated that it had responded "with some delay through our lawyers." The company claimed it was operating in line with applicable regulations but decided to stop taking new business until receiving "positive feedback from the authority." Key Information: Company Details: Name: RO MARINE AS Business Address: R&D/Insgaten 25, 0158 Oslo, Norway Postal Address: Postboks 357 Sentrum, 0101 Oslo, Norway Organization Number: 917021481 Home Country: Norway Website: www.romarine.no Supervised by: Finanstilsynet, Norway Approval Date: 14 April 2016 License Type: Non-life insurance company The shadow fleet Romarine's website, as of early March, listed at least 30 oil tankers subject to U.S., EU, or UK sanctions, including the oil tankers Captain Kostichev and Ionia. These vessels were presented in certificates of insurance to Russian port authorities. Although the Captain Kostichev has since been deleted from the website, the Ionia remains listed. The Ionia, a Gabon-flagged tanker, provided a certificate of insurance to Russian port authorities in Primorsk on February 2, listing Romarine as its insurance provider. Similarly, the Panama-flagged Captain Kostichev presented a certificate dated March 24 to port authorities in De Kastri, also listing Romarine as its insurer. It turns out to be a fraud. Investigation and consequences The FSA posted a warning on its website against using Romarine's services on March 25. Oslo police have launched an investigation into the company's business activities after receiving a complaint from the FSA. The police are investigating four people - two Norwegian citizens, one Bulgarian, and a Russian - on suspicion of creating and using falsified documents and performing insurance mediation activities without a license. The investigation has raised concerns about the safety and environmental risks posed by unregulated tankers. "It's an extremely unusual case," Gjedrem told Reuters. The unregulated nature of these tankers means they are not covered by conventional Western insurers, increasing the risk of accidents and environmental damage. The case of Romarine AS underscores the challenges faced by international authorities in regulating the shadow fleet of oil tankers used by countries like Russia to circumvent sanctions. The potential for environmental disasters and the need for stringent oversight are critical issues that demand attention. As the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and risks associated with the global oil trade. The use of fake insurance documents not only undermines regulatory efforts but also poses significant threats to safety and the environment. Sources include: Reuters.com Reuters.com Reuters.com Douglas Mulhalls Our Molecular Future explains how emerging technologies will redefine humanity Douglas Mulhall's book "Our Molecular Future" examines how advancements in nanotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence and genetics (GRAIN) could radically reshape civilization, including human evolution and societal structures. A central theme is the "Singularity" the hypothetical moment when AI surpasses human intelligence, potentially redefining existence, as foreseen by Vernor Vinge. Historical milestones (e.g., AI defeating chess champions) highlight rapid technological growth, raising questions about humanitys ability to adapt or risks like disruptions derailing progress. Breakthroughs like molecular manufacturing ("factories-in-a-box") and medical nanobots offer efficiency and health benefits, but ethical concerns (e.g., privacy, digital divide) and equitable access must be addressed. Mulhall emphasizes that proactive, ethical decisions today are crucial to ensure these technologies reduce inequalities rather than exacerbate them, making preparation essential for an imminent molecular era. Douglas Mulhall's 2002 book, "Our Molecular Future: How Nanotechnology, Robotics, Genetics and Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Our World," explores the profound implications of rapid technological advancements on human civilization. The book delves into the possibility of machines surpassing human intelligence, the transformative potential of molecular technologies and the societal shifts that could accompany these changes. The concept of the Singularity the moment when artificial intelligence (AI) exceeds human intellect lies at the heart of Mulhall's discussion. This idea, popularized by computer scientist Vernor Vinge (1944-2024) in 1993 suggests that within decades, superhuman intelligence could emerge, fundamentally altering human existence. Historical examples, such as Garry Kasparov's defeat by IBM's Deep Blue in 1997, illustrate how quickly machines can outpace human capabilities. The exponential growth of technology raises critical questions about whether humanity can keep up or if unforeseen disruptions like natural disasters or societal collapses could derail progress. Mulhall identifies four key fields driving this revolution: Genetics, Robotics, AI and Nanotechnology (GRAIN). These disciplines promise to redefine human evolution, enabling enhancements such as neural implants for cognitive augmentation or the transplantation of human senses into machines. Nanotechnology, in particular, stands out for its potential to manipulate matter at an atomic scale. Pioneers like Eric Drexler envisioned self-replicating molecular machines, a concept bolstered by breakthroughs like the scanning tunneling microscope and the discovery of buckminsterfullerenes. One of the most promising applications of these technologies is digital fabrication, which could decentralize manufacturing by enabling "factories-in-a-box" capable of producing customized products, from medical models to consumer goods. This shift could revive home-based production while increasing efficiency and precision. Meanwhile, advancements in computing may lead to ultra-lightweight, foldable devices capable of storing vast amounts of information, revolutionizing how we interact with technology. However, the molecular revolution also presents significant challenges. The digital divide the gap between those with access to technology and those without could widen further, though molecular computing might eventually bridge this gap by making networks more accessible. Privacy concerns are another pressing issue as nanotechnology could enable nearly undetectable surveillance, necessitating stronger encryption and anti-discrimination protections. In medicine, nanotechnology offers groundbreaking possibilities from self-repairing dental products to microscopic robots that patrol blood vessels, preventing diseases like atherosclerosis. These innovations could drastically reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life. Yet, ethical considerations must guide their development to ensure equitable benefits. Mulhall's work underscores that the choices we make today will shape the future of humanity. While the molecular revolution holds immense promise, it also demands careful navigation to avoid unintended consequences. By embracing these technologies responsibly, we can harness their potential to create a world where progress benefits all, rather than deepening existing inequalities. The era of molecular transformation is not a distant fantasy; it is an emerging reality that requires thoughtful preparation and ethical foresight. Watch this video about Douglas Mulhall's "Our Molecular Future: How Nanotechnology, Robotics, Genetics and Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Our World." This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Trumps energy sanctions strike again: Venezuelas oil exports plummet 11.5%heres why it matters U.S. sanctions, including a 25% tariff on nations buying Venezuelan crude and revoked operating licenses for foreign firms, caused a 11.5% drop in Venezuelas March oil exports, further straining its economy. The sanctions aim to pressure Nicolas Maduros regime, framed as a response to Venezuelas hostility and migration issues. Key measures include forcing Chevron and other firms to exit by May 27. China remains Venezuelas top oil buyer, but 35 laden vessels stalled near ports as shippers await clarity on U.S. enforcement. Exports to India and the U.S. also declined sharply. Chevrons exit disrupts U.S. Gulf Coast refineries reliant on Venezuelas heavy oil, potentially raising domestic fuel prices amid tighter global supplies. The sanctions test Venezuelas resilience (e.g., workarounds with China) while tying energy policy to U.S. immigration and security goals. The long-term impactwhether regime change or deeper China dependenceremains uncertain. For decades, Venezuela sat atop the worlds largest proven oil reservesa staggering 303 billion barrelsyet socialist mismanagement, corruption and U.S. sanctions have turned its energy sector into a shadow of its former self. Now, under President Donald Trumps renewed sanctions regime, Venezuelas oil exports have taken another major hit, dropping 11.5% in March as Washington tightens the screws on Nicolas Maduros regime. The latest crackdown includes a 25% secondary tariff on any nation buying Venezuelan crude, the revocation of key operating licenses for foreign firms, and a forced wind-down of Chevrons remaining operations in the country. The result? Tankers idling near Venezuelan ports, buyers in China and India hesitating, and Maduros cash cowoil revenuedrying up further. The sanctions hammer drops On March 24, President Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all goods imported into the U.S. from countries that purchase Venezuelan oil, whether directly or through third parties. Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the Freedoms which we espouse, Trump declared on Truth Social, framing the move as part of his broader economic and immigration crackdown. The Treasury Department also revoked licenses allowing foreign firmsincluding Chevron, Eni, Repsol and Maurel & Promto operate in Venezuela, setting a May 27 deadline for them to cease operations. The immediate effect was palpable: 42 tankers left Venezuela in March, carrying just 804,677 barrels per day (bpd) of crude and fuelan 11.5% drop from February. China remained the top buyer (483,700 bpd), followed by the U.S. (210,700 bpd), India (60,160 bpd) and Cuba (50,130 bpd). 35 laden vessels sat idle near Venezuelan ports, as buyers and shippers waited to see how strictly the U.S. would enforce the new tariffs. A repeat of 2020? This isnt the first time U.S. sanctions have crippled Venezuelas oil sector. In 2020, Trumps maximum pressure campaign slashed exports to historic lows, starving Maduros regime of revenue. Now, history may be repeating itself. If sustained, the U.S. measures are expected to hit Venezuelas main source of revenue in the coming months, energy analysts warn. But unlike 2020, Venezuela has since perfected workaroundslike trans-shipments at sea and opaque deals with Chinato keep some oil flowing. Chevrons exit and the heavy crude conundrum One of the biggest blows was the suspension of Chevrons license, which had allowed it to produce and export Venezuelan crude to U.S. Gulf Coast refinerieskey buyers of Venezuelas heavy-grade oil. The Biden administration had granted Chevron a waiver in 2022, hoping to stabilize global oil markets post-Russias Ukraine invasion. But Trump reversed course, arguing that Maduro had failed to uphold electoral reforms and curb illegal migration. The fallout? U.S. refinersalready struggling with reduced Canadian and Mexican crude flowsnow face tighter supplies, potentially driving up domestic fuel prices. Maduros defiance and the global chess game Venezuelas Vice President Delcy Rodriguez dismissed the export decline as wrong, claiming a 8.78% increase in March shipmentsthough she provided no evidence. Meanwhile, Maduros regime defiantly called the sanctions arbitrary, illegal and desperate. But the numbers dont lie. With 80+ vessels stalled near Venezuelan ports and European firms loading what may be their last cargoes before the May 27 deadline, Maduros options are dwindling. Why this matters for America Energy security Cutting off Venezuelan crude risks tightening heavy oil supplies, raising costs for U.S. refiners. Immigration leverage Trump is using energy sanctions to pressure Maduro on border security, tying oil policy to national sovereignty. Chinas shadow trade Beijing remains Venezuelas top buyer, exploiting U.S. sanctions to secure cheap crude. Will secondary tariffs force China to back off? The bottom line Trumps sanctions are bitinghard. But whether they force Maduro to the negotiating table or simply push Venezuela deeper into Chinas orbit remains to be seen. One thing is certain: In the high-stakes game of global energy dominance, America isnt backing down. Stay tuned as we track Venezuelas next movesand how Washington responds. Sources include: Reuters.com Bloomberg.com OilPrice.com Will it lead to shortages? The US first placed export controls on chips sent to China in October 2022 as a means to slow the countrys technological advances. It blocked the sale of Nvidias A100 and H100 chips, leading the company to develop the less powerful A800 and H800 chips for the market; they were also subsequently banned. There was a surge in demand for the H20 following the arrival of Chinese startup DeepSeeks ultra low-cost, open-source AI model in January. And while the H20 is reported to be 15 times slower than Nvidias newest Blackwell chips sold elsewhere in the world, it was designed specifically by Nvidia to comply with the further US export controls introduced in October 2023. It is being used by Chinese companies for training, although its billed as an inference chip, explained Matt Kimball, VP and principal analyst for datacenter compute and storage at Moor Insights & Strategy. Should Nvidia choose to focus its efforts on manufacturing more of the chips, Kimball said he doesnt think it will impact supply in the US and Europe, as Blackwell is the main product sold in those markets and H20 is an N-1 Hopper architecture chip. If you take this a step further and ask whether this large order slows down the production of chips destined for the US and Europe, Id say the answer is no, as the Hopper family is built on a different process node than the Blackwell family, he said. Still, Kimball noted, supply chain management is difficult, especially for smaller organizations that are put to the back of the line as hyperscalers with multibillion dollar orders are first in line for the newest [chips]. "Looking at the grants that we have and what we expect to be renewed, as well as new opportunities ... we're expected to have almost all of the funds that we need to operate (Strides Shelter) for the next fiscal year." Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy, a Republican representing Montana and the founder of multi-national aerial firefighting company Bridger Aerospace, is trying to end annual U.S. Forest Service inspections of aircraft contracted to fight wildfires. The Forest Service, an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has conducted its own annual inspections of aircraft, in addition to standard Federal Aviation Administration inspections, for about half a century following a spate of deadly accidents in the 1960s and '70s. Firefighting aviation has become significantly safer since then, but some deadly accidents have still occurred. A year ago, Forest Service inspections of air tankers that carry fire retardant revealed that a newly developed type of retardant caused corrosion on two aircraft: a Neptune Aviation plane based in Missoula and an Erickson Aero Tanker plane based in Oregon. Both were grounded pending further investigation and repairs. The Neptune tanker was repaired in time for the 2024 fire season; the Erickson tanker did not fly that season. Erickson has begun to fly the plane again this year. Sheehy, who himself has experience as a wildland firefighting pilot and the founder of a company that contracts aircraft to the Forest Service, reportedly met with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in March to advocate that the Forest Service no longer conduct its own inspections of contracted aircraft. Such inspections, he later said in a statement, are redundant to those already performed by the FAA and thus are unnecessary. A similar dynamic of agency-specific inspections beyond the FAA also exists in other agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management within the Department of the Interior. Bridger's aircraft have operated for years with Forest Service certification. A source familiar with Bridger's internal operations confirmed that the company has never been denied certification carding from the Forest Service. In other words, eliminating Forest Service inspections would not seem to affect whether Bridger can contract with the agency. E&E News, a news organization covering energy and the environment that was acquired in 2020 by Politico, was the first to report Sheehy's effort to end the inspections, in a story published online Tuesday morning. Michael Dudley, a retired director of fire, aviation and air management for the Forest Service, told E&E that eliminating the agency's independent inspections of contracted aircraft "moves us backward in our safety culture." Multiple wildfire aviators and flight crew members told the Missoulian they supported keeping the Forest Service's aircraft inspections and were concerned about potential safety ramifications of ending those inspections. They spoke on the condition their names not be used because of possible professional retaliation for discussing the topic. Of the contracted aircraft, one crew member stated that they "prefer aggressive maintenance and in-depth inspections, so I stay alive while flying in them." Another stated they believed the move by Sheehy was a conflict of interest because of his involvement in the aerial firefighting industry. They said the Forest Service inspections are warranted and eliminating them would be "a step back in our safety culture, for sure." In a statement to the Missoulian Wednesday afternoon, Sheehy cited a shortage of Forest Service aircraft inspectors as another reason to eliminate inspections that he characterized as duplicative. "Agency carding of firefighting aircraft is a relic of a bygone era and has become an unnecessary barrier to asset availability," he stated, referring to the agency's inspection and certification process. "With inspector shortages increasing year over year and shifting interpretation of standards, redundant carding has hindered aerial firefighting capability. The FAA already regulates airworthiness of aircraft and that should be sufficient. "The agencies must of course confirm the aircraft has the required special equipment, such as radios and suppression systems, associated with the mission, but as long as that equipment is appropriately STCed," he continued, referring to the FAA's issuance of a Special Type Certification for firefighting aircraft, "the FAA certificate of airworthiness should be sufficient." Through a spokesperson, the Forest Service declined to comment on the inspections and any possible changes to them. A variety of aircraft engage in different roles in aerial firefighting. Air tankers, which range from crop-duster-size single-propeller planes to massive wide-body jetliners, drop fire retardant around the edges of wildfires to slow their advance. Scooper-style water bombers, generally single or twin-prop airplanes, scoop water into internal tanks by skimming lakes or rivers and then drop the water directly on flames. Helicopters with internal tanks or buckets suspended beneath them also pick up water and drop it on flames. Smokejumper aircraft ferry firefighters who parachute into blazes; helicopters often insert and extract firefighters, equipment and supplies. And a variety of helicopters and small airplanes conduct reconnaissance and help to coordinate air operations from above. Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, founded Belgrade-based Bridger Aerospace in 2014 and the company made its public debut on the stock market in 2023. The company operates a fleet of "Super Scooper" water bombers and recently penned an agreement to acquire faster, larger-capacity, longer-range water bombers being developed by a French manufacturer. Sheehy stepped down as CEO in 2024, the same year he was elected to Congress his first time in elected office. Bridger has made hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from its Forest Service contracts. Sheehy's background gives him an unusual depth of expert knowledge and personal experience with aerial firefighting for a member of Congress. He has also proposed consolidating federal firefighting efforts under a single new agency, rather than various agencies each having their own forces. "We are working to change the regulations to this effect, among many other changes, so that we can provide the maximum number of safe aircraft to the teams fighting fire when they are needed most," Sheehy said of eliminating Forest Service inspections. "This is one of many steps we can take to more effectively protect our communities from wildfire." That same background could create at least the appearance of a conflict of interest for the senator: He still owns millions of dollars in Bridger stock, according to his most recent financial filing, as he simultaneously pushes to remove a layer of regulation on aviation companies including Bridger. Jack O'Brien, a spokesperson for Sheehy, addressed that possible perception in a statement Wednesday. "Sen. Sheehy believes strongly that personal assets should not influence the decision making of those who were elected to serve. He has not and will not personally trade stocks in the Senate," O'Brien wrote. "To go even further, he is giving up control of his portfolio by placing his liquid assets, which includes any Bridger Aerospace stock, in a blind trust to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. Sen. Sheehy has been clear one of his top priorities in the Senate is using his expertise to stop the catastrophic wildfires destroying American communities, and he is not going to apologize for it." Multiple bills to provide a child tax credit handily passed initial votes in the Montana Legislature this week, winning support from some of the farthest right members of the House. Hardline Republican support of the legislation puts them on board with one of Democrats' priorities this session: addressing the costs associated with children. The state also has a deep lack of day care availability, and the costs of child care facilities and of raising a child are out of reach for many Montanans. Montanans paid an average of $350 per week or $18,200 a year for a facility to care for their child in 2023. Based on the states median household income, that far exceeds what the federal government deems as affordable child care. About 71% Montanans are concerned about the cost of child care, according to a Montana Free Press-Eagleton poll conducted earlier this year. That same poll found that Montana Democrats expressed more concern about child care overall than Republicans. But in the Montana House, the child tax credit is cruising through floor votes and acting as a horseshoe between most hardline Republicans and all Democrats, as the policy caters to different ideals integral to both parties. Theres a pretty broad coalition around it that I'm not sure is as strong on many other issues here, said Rep. Jonathan Karlen, a Missoula Democrat. Democrats see a child tax credit as a key part in addressing the cost of child care affordability. Republicans who back the credits frame this as pro-family legislation; some say that a child tax credit will raise birth rates in Montana and is a "pro-life" law following the passage of constitutional abortion protections in Montana. In a conversation with Rep. Mary Caferro, D-Helena, whos sponsoring one of the child tax credit proposals, one lawmaker told her it was an unholy alliance. Rep. Lukas Schubert, R-Kalispell, has brought some of the most red-meat bills this legislative session. But he is also carrying his own version of a child tax credit and voiced his support of Caferros bill on the House floor this week. Schubert hopes a child tax credit will make it more palatable for people to have children, particularly after Montanans voted in favor of CI-128, which amended the states constitution to include explicit abortion rights. Especially after the passage of 128, there are very few pro-life policies that we can actually enact here in the Legislature, and this is something that will take away the economic disincentive towards keeping your child, Schubert said while testifying in favor of the Democratic version of a child tax credit. Caferro is sponsoring that bill, which she hopes will build the middle class and create upward mobility for folks that are low-income. House Bill 220 would provide a $1,200 credit for each child five years old or younger for those making up to $50,000 per year. It is then phased out in increments of $90, at which point those making over $56,000 no longer qualify. The proposal passed the House floor earlier this week 69-30. A Legislature cannot compel behavior. It cannot order people around to have children or something like that, said Professor Jeremy Johnson, the head of the political science department at Carroll College. The only thing you can do is provide financial incentives. Theres not a whole lot you can do except redistribute tax revenue. Many Republicans who vote against this type of legislation are concerned about the price tag. Rep. Tom Millett, R-Marion, said hes a hard no on the bill because he believes it will discourage people from working to maintain their eligibility for the credit. In a rare moment of pushback between the two, Schubert responded to his Republican colleague. I want to point out that this is $1,200 per year, he said. This is not a significant amount of money to the point where the individual would cease to work. Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, R-Billings, who has carried bills that have become staples for the right, including the bathroom bill and one banning trans women from participating in women's sports, said the child tax credit gets to the heart of her conservative ideals. To Seekins-Crowe, if the state is not collecting those tax earnings and the money is instead staying with parents, she sees that as a way to shrink the government. Ive got colleagues who say things like, Oh, but the budget. Those words arent going to come out of my mouth, she said. Im not worried about our states budget. Our states budgets just fine, but our families are struggling. Schuberts version of the policy provides a tax credit for the birth of a child. As the legislation stands, it would provide $3,000 to a married couple making $120,000 or to single tax filers making up to $60,000. Those figures stand to be lowered in coming amendments. It passed the House floor this week 79-21. That legislation is in line with what many anti-abortion national organizations push in states where abortion is legal: Americans United for Life wants legislation that would reduce the cost of births, and Students for Life is in favor of child tax credits. Montanas declining birth rates have consistently come up at the Capitol when discussing child tax credits. Montana ranks in the bottom quartile in nationwide birth rates, and the rate has consistently declined. Some Republicans hope a child tax credit will help reverse the trend. With declining [birth] rates, I think just affirming life and kids and supporting families is a good thing, said Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell. But Republicans arent always in favor of bills that help cover the costs associated with children. A proposal to expand eligibility for a program that would have subsidized a portion of the cost of day care for low-income families died on the House floor; nearly every Republican voted against it. It's been very puzzling to me. I was very frustrated after that debate, said Karlen, who sponsored the legislation. I think that it's one of the many issues in the Legislature where there is a puzzling disconnect. Seekins-Crowe voted against that bill, saying that she felt it conflicted with her driving conservative philosophy about shrinking government, not expanding it. Schubert said he voted against it "because it leaves out stay-at-home moms." On the Senate side, where the average hue of Republicans isnt quite as ruby red, Sen. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, is carrying a different version of a child tax credit that also touches businesses and child care workers. Senate Bill 321 would provide an annual $600 tax credit to a single filer making up to $40,000 or a married couple filing jointly who makes a combined $80,000 per year. The subsidy was slashed from $1,200 following a successful amendment brought by Sen. Dave Fern, D-Kalispell, in committee. There is an understanding among some lawmakers that if the cost to the state is lower, the legislation will be easier to pass. But those same lawmakers are also aware that $600 per year wont go far. Based on 2023 numbers from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, that $600 credit would cover less than two weeks of day care costs. In an effort to not create a cliff of eligibility, the credit amount is also phased out. Additionally, the bill provides a $1,600 income tax credit for child care workers with children and a credit for businesses that offer child care worth a maximum of $5,000. In a taxation committee hearing on SB 321, Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, argued it is the employer's duty to provide a higher wage for parents, not the states responsibility to subsidize that cost. The bill ultimately passed out of committee. House Minority Leader Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, said she hopes the Democrats and hardline Republicans draw up a bipartisan grand plan and send the child tax credit legislation to the Senate. Despite bipartisan support among House members, its unclear what fate some of the bills will meet; Kassmiers bill has not yet hit the Senate floor. Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, acknowledged the policy is pro-family, but expressed concern Tuesday over the price tag of the bill. Caferro's cleared the House Appropriations Committee and is slated for a final House vote Thursday afternoon. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Machine learning algorithms utilizing electronic health records can effectively predict two-year dementia risk among American Indian/Alaska Native adults aged 65 years and older, according to a University of California, Irvine-led study. The findings provide a valuable framework for other healthcare systems, particularly those serving resource-limited populations. The computer modeling results also found several new predictors for dementia diagnosis that were identified consistently across different machine-learning models. Findings are published in the Lancet Regional Health Americas. The National Institutes of Health supported the research. Up until now, no other study has looked at harnessing the power of machine learning models to help predict dementia risk among the historically understudied American Indian/Alaska Native population, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Machine learning models, which enable computers to make predictions or decisions using vast datasets without explicit programming for each task, enhance efficiency, accuracy and scalability in analyzing large datasets. The population of older American Indian and Alaska Native adults is projected to increase nearly three-fold between 2020 and 2060. With dementia being a leading cause of disability and mortality in this age group, this debilitating condition is an increasing concern in this community. In addition to numerous ailments like cognitive decline, weakened immune system and depression, dementia has far-reaching societal impacts. It takes a toll on family members emotionally, incurs substantial medical expenses and contributes to a general decline in quality of life. Public health researchers play a significant role in helping clinicians and policymakers make informed decisions about population health. If future studies confirm these results, our findings could prove valuable to the Indian Health Service and Tribal health clinicians in identifying high-risk individuals, facilitating timely interventions and improving care coordination." Luohua Jiang, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics, UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health Jiang and colleagues took seven years of data from the Indian Health Service's National Data Warehouse and related electronic health records databases and divided the data into a five-year baseline period (2007 to 2011) and a two-year dementia prediction period (2012 to 2013). The study included nearly 17,400 American Indian/Alaska Native adults aged 65 years or older who were dementia-free at the baseline, of whom almost 60 percent were female. Over the two-year follow-up, 611 individuals (3.5 percent) were diagnosed with dementia. Four machine-learning algorithms were evaluated and compared based on their data preprocessing efforts and model performance. Of the three top-performing models the team developed, 12 of the 15 highest-ranked predictors for dementia were common across the three models. Importantly, several novel predictors of all-cause dementia, such as health service utilization, were identified across these algorithms. Additional authors include Kayleen Ports, a former UC Irvine master's student, and Jiahui Dai, a current graduate student researcher, both from Wen Public Health; Kyle Conniff, a recent UC Irvine PhD graduate in statistics; and Maria M. Corrada, a professor of neurology in the UC Irvine School of Medicine. Spero M. Manson, a distinguished professor, and Joan O'Connell, an associate professor, with the Centers for American Indian & Alaska Native Health at the Colorado School of Public Health also contributed to the study. The National Institutes of Health AIM-AHEAD (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity, 1OT2OD032581) and the National Institute on Aging (R01AG061189) provided funding for the study. Despite a recent Food and Drug Administration warning against inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, deaths due to misusing the substance are on the rise in the United States. Andrew Yockey, University of Mississippi assistant professor of public health, and Rachel Hoopsick, assistant professor of health and kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, are studying the rise of nitrous oxide misuse. This is a chemical that is commonly used as a sedative or anesthetic, but what we're seeing is a rise in recreational use. But what we're also seeing is also a rise in hospitalizations, in poisonings and in deaths." Andrew Yockey, assistant professor of public health, University of Mississippi More than 13 million Americans have misused nitrous oxide in their lifetimes, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The number of deaths attributed to nitrous oxide poisonings rose by more than 110% between 2019 and 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "The preliminary findings of our study are that deaths have remained fairly small compared to other dangerous substances," Hoopsick said. "But what we're seeing is that over the last couple of years, those rates have increased exponentially. "At that continued rate, we could be looking at a much larger problem." People have misused nitrous oxide also called whippets for decades to get a fleeting high, but the long-term effects of misusing the gas are potentially deadly. The FDA recently warned consumers that repeatedly inhaling it could lead to asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, numbness, paralysis and brain damage, among many other side effects. Unlike many misused substances, nitrous oxide is unregulated. An online search for it yields a plethora of results, with various flavors and all in bright, eye-catching colors. "Think back to big tobacco; they deliberately targeted young people with cartoons, fun flavors and flashy colors," Hoopsick said. "That is a parallel we're seeing now with nitrous oxide." The gas is often marketed as a culinary ingredient to turn cream into whipped cream. The FDA warns that consumers can purchase nitrous oxide through Amazon, Walmart, eBay and many smoke and vape shops across the nation without issue. "I really doubt anyone is buying flavored nitrous oxide to make blueberry mango whipped cream," Yockey said, reading one of the flavors listed on Amazon. "Or 'Bomb Pop.' But I can have it delivered to my house in a couple of days." Also similar to the tobacco industry's tactics for pulling in consumers, nitrous oxide sellers minimize the potential danger of abusing the product, Hoopsick said. "We have evidence that nitrous oxide poisoning is a very real danger, but this is very often ignored or trivialized," she said. "Sellers of nitrous oxide rarely, if ever, provide health warnings. I think the public sees it as a party drug." Hoopsick and Yockey are also investigating the role of social media in influencing young adults to use nitrous oxide. Videos of teens and young adults inhaling the chemical are easily found across social platforms. "We know that if you watch videos of someone else doing it, you're more likely to try it," Yockey said. "I worry about the high school and college-aged adolescents who see this online and decide to buy a fruit-punch flavored tank. Because right now, that's perfectly legal." More research is needed to track the full scope of nitrous oxide misuse, but regulation must also catch up to prevent further harm, the researchers said. "Policy level interventions are what are lacking at the moment," Hoopsick said. "If we have some guardrails on who can sell this, who can buy it and how it's marketed, maybe we can get ahead of the problem." Until then, the availability of nitrous oxide continues to grow. "Some of these brands were not here even a week ago," Yockey said, scrolling through listings on his computer. With expedited delivery, any one of them could be on one's doorstep by the end of the week. "What they're doing here is very ingenious, but it's also incredibly dangerous," he said. Pneumonia caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most dangerous infections that can occur in hospital. Particularly worrying are multi-resistant strains, against which many antibiotics are no longer effective. These pathogens are widespread worldwide and pose a major challenge even for modern healthcare systems. Despite intensive therapy, mortality among affected patients is over 20 percent. Even with effective antibiotics, infections with Staphylococcus aureus are often difficult to treat. Our novel strategy therefore does not attack the bacterium itself, but specifically neutralizes a toxin it produces. This opens up a new therapeutic perspective especially for critically ill people at high risk." Prof. Mark Bronstrup, senior author of the study and head of the "Chemical Biology" department at the HZI The new research approach is aimed at the targeted inhibition of the key virulence factor -hemolysin. Hemolysin is a protein that forms pores in cell membranes in the lungs, leading to the destruction of lung tissue and immune cells, inflammation and ultimately to a worsening of the disease. The researchers developed a miniaturized test system that allowed them to screen over 180,000 compounds for their ability to block the effect of -hemolysin. Drug candidates from the quinoxalinedione class, in particular the compound H052, proved to be highly effective, both in cell culture and in animal models. "Our goal was to develop a small molecule that neutralizes the toxin before it causes damage and that is exactly what the quinoxalindiones do," says Dr. Aditya Shekhar, first author of the study. "It was particularly impressive that we were not only able to protect cells, but also significantly improve survival in infected mice." In the mouse model, the active substance was able to increase the survival rate in the case of an acute lung infection with the highly virulent S. aureus USA300 strain, both when administered preventively or therapeutically. At the same time, inflammatory markers and the bacterial load in the lungs of immunocompetent mice were reduced. The combination of H052 with the antibiotic linezolid was also effective. New approaches in the fight against antibiotic resistance The concept of so-called "pathoblockers", i.e. agents that target bacterial virulence mechanisms rather than the bacterium itself, is considered a promising approach. Since no selective pressure is exerted on the bacterium, the risk of development of resistance is significantly lower. "Our results show that even large bacterial toxins can be specifically inhibited by small molecules this opens doors for a completely new class of anti-infectives," adds Shekhar. Thanks to good manufacturing options and tolerability, the drug candidate H052 could be used in particular as an infusion preparation in hospitals for example to prevent severe pneumonia in high-risk patients. The research was carried out mainly at the HZI in Braunschweig and as part of the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) in close partnership with the Lead Discovery Center (LDC) in Dortmund. The research team received milestone-dependent funding of 4.9 million US dollars to date from the non-profit organization Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X); CARB-X has indicated that further funding may be provided through the end of Phase 1 of the clinical trial based on project progress. Background: Responsible approach to animal testing The animal experiments with mice used in this study were carried out in strict compliance with the applicable legal requirements and ethical standards. The aim was to generate meaningful data with as few animals as possible that could contribute to the development of new therapeutic options for seriously ill patients. The insights gained represent an important step towards developing animal-free models and clinical applications in the long term. Genevieve Graaf spent years as a mental health social worker specializing in children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. Many had to travel to other states or hundreds of miles from family to access adequate medical care. Drawing on her experience, Dr. Graaf, an assistant professor of social work at The University of Texas at Arlington, has continuously sought ways to improve community-based support programs and ease the burden on families. She will build on that work with her latest research through UT Arlington's Center for Innovation in Health Informatics (CIHI), which recently received funding from the Raj Nooyi Endowed Research Award Fund. Graaf's project was one of two selected for inaugural seed grants from the award. The other project, led by Salman Sohrabi, an assistant professor of bioengineering at UTA, focuses on healthy aging. The seed grants were made possible by a $5 million gift from Raj Nooyi ('78 MS, Industrial Engineering) and his wife, Indra, to position UTA at the forefront of the growing health informatics field. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Raj Nooyi for his generous support. His funding for a seed grant initiative was instrumental in encouraging our researchers to refine their ideas and submit impactful proposals to national funding agencies and foundations, with a special focus on cancer, aging and pediatrics." Marion Ball, executive director for CIHI and the Raj and Indra Nooyi Endowed Distinguished Chair in Bioengineering Graaf's project will examine four distinct populations of children-those with physical disabilities, intellectual or developmental disabilities, complex behavioral health needs and complex medical needs. Over an eight-year period, the study will assess and compare child and family characteristics; health care and support service needs; and the social, community and educational challenges each group faces. "Our study will aid state policymakers and administrators in monitoring performance, evaluating programs and designing more responsive community-support initiatives for these children and their families," Graaf said. Dr. Sohrabi will lead a study on healthy aging focusing "not merely on prolonging life, but on enhancing its quality." "I am passionate about translating discoveries in aging biology into meaningful interventions that improve health and quality of life," Sohrabi said. "My work focuses on extending reproductive longevity, preventing neurodegeneration in conditions such as Alzheimer's, and preserving muscle function with age. By targeting the underlying mechanisms of age-related decline, I aim to promote healthier aging." To uncover the molecular basis of healthy aging, Sohrabi said researchers must continuously and quantitatively study the progressive decline of various biological functions over time. The most effective way to do this is through short-lived, millimeter-sized model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans)-a tiny transparent worm often used in research to study genetics, aging and disease-that allow real-time monitoring of age-related changes over just a few weeks. "Our research aims to uncover the mechanisms that either compromise health or extend the health span by developing a novel approach to quantifying quality of life independently of lifespan," Sohrabi said. Today, the American College of Physicians (ACP) announced that it has awarded a total of $260,000 in grants to support regional programs that address equity challenges in obesity care. Thirteen grantees were each awarded $20,000 to implement collaborative regional outreach projects. Through "Advancing Equitable Obesity Care through Regional Action Grants," ACP aims to inspire local collaboration models across the country to train and empower medical professionals to partner with patients to combat misinformation and heighten clinical capacity to manage care for people with obesity. The program capitalizes on local internal medicine physicians' relationships and partnerships with a variety of delivery systems and community partnerships, to broaden educational reach to both physicians (and physician trainees) and their patient populations. Grantee projects will address goals such as filling knowledge and skills gaps in equitable obesity care and management among medical students, physicians, and other clinical staff; addressing obesity treatment, cardiometabolic conditions related to obesity, and preventive care for general health among people with obesity; alleviating stigma and bias encountered by people with obesity, particularly in healthcare settings, and combatting misinformation about the causes and treatment of obesity for patients and the public. Projects were selected based on feasibility and potential impact, and description of the approach that will be used to evaluate impact. The following grantees have been awarded for the projects summarized below: Jennifer Meyfeldt, M.D., ACP Arizona Chapter, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Internal Medicine Residency, Project name: Beyond the Scale: Empowering Resident Physicians in Comprehensive Obesity Care. Julie A. Venci, M.D, ACP Colorado Chapter, Denver Health, Project name: A Community-Based Approach to Combating Obesity Stigma and Misinformation Amongst Interprofessional Healthcare Teams and Patients Experiencing Food Insecurity in Southwest Denver. Bisi Alli, M.D., ACP Arizona Chapter, WellNEST Medicine, LLC, Project name: Transforming Obesity Care in Arizona through Food as Medicine. Gerald A. Cox, II, M.D., MPH DABOM, DABLM, ACP Southern California Chapter, Region II, Mirror Health & Wellness LLC, Project name: Transforming Obesity Care: Bridging Communities with Education and Innovation. Arvind Kumar Venkataramana Raju M.D., George M Abraham M.D., MPH, MACP, FIDSA, FRCP(Lon.), ACP Massachusetts Chapter, Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA, Project name: From Awareness to Action: A Pilot Initiative for Management of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome in Vulnerable Communities. Alicia D. Shelly, M.D. FACP DABOM, ACP Georgia Chapter, Healthy Living for Life LLC, Project name: Escape the Stigma: A Virtual Journey Through Obesity Medicine. Meenal Shukla, M.D., ACP New York Chapter, Janice Prime Care Medical PC, Project name: 365 Days Obesity Challenge of Brooklyn. Carla Margarita Martin, M.D., FACP, FAAP, DipABOM, DipACLM, ACP Rhode Island Chapter, Project name: Bilingual Family-Centric Educational Videos and Materials on Obesity. Molly B. Southworth, M.D., MPH, MACP, ACP Alaska Chapter, Project name: Advancing Obesity Care for Alaskans: A Multi-Stakeholder Initiative. Dawn E DeWitt M.D., MSc, CMedEd, MACP, FRACP, FRCP-London, ACP Washington Chapter, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University (WSU), Project name: From Knowledge to Application: Interprofessional Obesity Education Simulation. Tammy Lin, M.D., MPH, FACP and Vineet Gupta, M.D., SFHM, FACP (University of California, San Diego School of Medicine), ACP California Southern Region 3 Chapter, Hosting an Inclusive Table: Expert Slices, Quick Bites, and Comfortable Spaces. Catherine Tridico Hudson, M.D., ACP Louisiana Chapter, Project name: Scoring System for the Equitable Allocation of GLP1 Receptor Agonists in Patients with Obesity. Judith A. Melin, M.A., M.D., FACP, ACP Massachusetts Chapter, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Project name: Addressing Obesity: Successful Implementation. "Obesity is a critical public health issue and presents a significant health equity challenge. This grant initiative is an effort to leverage the creativity and innovation of internal medicine physicians and other clinicians across the country to fill knowledge gaps and inspire advancements in care for those with obesity," said Isaac O. Opole, MBChB, PhD, MACP, President of ACP. "We congratulate the recipients of this grant and look forward to their efforts to advance equitable obesity care." Funding support for the program has been provided by Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) and the American Heart Association. ACP received $250,000 in collaboration funding from Lilly in support of program workshops and grant projects. ACP also received $100,000 in grant funding through the American Heart Association's cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Health Initiative, in which ACP is a collaborator. Obesity is a chronic disease that disproportionately affects underserved communities, particularly those living below the poverty line and in rural areas, where systemic barriers to care create complex health inequities. We recognize the urgent need to break these barriers to achieve equitable obesity care. We are proud to support the ACP grantees, whose innovative programs will help drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond." Leonard C. Glass, MD, FACE, senior vice president of global medical affairs at Lilly Cardiometabolic Health "More than 40% of adults in the United States live with obesity. While we have learned more about the downstream effects of obesity and effective treatments for it, there are still inequities in who receives evidence-based obesity care," said Eduardo Sanchez, MD, MPH, FAHA, the American Heart Association's chief medical officer for prevention. "Improving clinicians' ability to partner with patients to address weight concerns and increase access to obesity care is foundational to improving the spectrum of chronic health conditions that are part of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health." Following implementation of the projects, ACP will host a post project summit in 2026 for grantees to share lessons, results, insights, and sustainability potential. Tina Ewing-Wilson remembers the last time major Medicaid cuts slashed her budget. In the late 2000s, during the Great Recession, the pot of money she and other Medi-Cal recipients depend on to keep them out of costly residential care homes shrank. The only way she could afford help was to offer room and board to a series of live-in caregivers who she said abused alcohol and drugs and eventually subjected her to financial abuse. She vowed to never rely on live-in care again. Now the 58-year-old Republican from the Inland Empire is worried Medicaid cuts being mulled by her party in Washington could force her into another vulnerable spot. "If they reduce my budget, that doesn't change the fact that I need 24-hour care," said Ewing-Wilson, who has struggled with seizures and developmental disabilities her entire life. "If they cut it too much, people will die or they'll lose their freedoms." Similar stories have already surfaced in GOP-held swing districts nationwide where activists have been applying political pressure to sway vulnerable House members from supporting $880 billion in cuts that health experts say would almost certainly hit safety net programs. But in California, which sends more Republicans to Congress than any state west of Texas, consumer groups and health industry giants are joining forces in a quieter campaign to lobby lawmakers in solidly red districts, some of which they say would be disproportionately affected if those cuts materialize. Organizers are trying to highlight a thorny fact that faces many conservative members as they navigate a complex decision: The scale of spending cuts top GOP leaders are demanding is nearly impossible to achieve without slashing Medicaid funds to states, which are a lifeline for their largely poor, rural districts. In Rep. Doug LaMalfa's northern Sierra district stretching to the Oregon border, for example, some 43% of residents are enrolled in Medi-Cal, while 48% of residents in Rep. Jay Obernolte's district, centered on San Bernardino County, rely on Medi-Cal. "The hospitals, the health plans we don't always get along with those folks," said Dustin Corcoran, CEO of the powerful California Medical Association, which represents more than 55,000 doctors and encouraged its members to call their representatives. "On this, there's not a lot of daylight. It will take strange bedfellows, for sure." The California Hospital Association has sent letters to Republican lawmakers and encouraged executives of its more than 400 member hospitals to reach out or provide tours to them. Consumer advocates and patient groups have protested outside members' district offices and community health center CEOs have requested private meetings. The House of Representatives in February approved a budget framework tasking the committee overseeing Medicaid to cut $880 billion over 10 years. While there are still no specific provisions cutting Medicaid, Medicare, or other safety net programs, health care analysts say the magnitude of the spending reductions means they're inevitable. They could force millions of Californians off Medi-Cal (the state's Medicaid program covers roughly 15 million people), reduce benefits for those still enrolled, and lower reimbursement rates for physicians at a time of acute provider shortages, said Kristof Stremikis, director of market analysis and insight for the California Health Care Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates on health care policy. "What you're talking about at the end of the day is reductions in funding that the states, including California, are in no position to make up," Stremikis said. "You see that reflected in the different groups that have come together to talk about how important this program is." Even before Congress approved its controversial budget plan, Corcoran said, doctors and other industry representatives had been holding weekly calls for months to discuss how to protect Medicaid funding following Republicans' substantial wins in November. Corcoran has also rallied physicians' groups out of state, sending a joint letter to House leaders in February. The group has asked individual doctors to call or write their congressional representatives as well. Many Republican lawmakers appear to be lying low while home after House leadership advised GOP members against holding in-person town halls, blaming Democratic activists for "hijacking" the events. A viral clip showed Obernolte getting booed down by constituents at a district event. Meanwhile, LaMalfa said on the House floor in February that the spending resolution, which all nine California Republicans voted for, does not cut Medicaid, Medicare, or other social safety net programs. "Any claim to the contrary is actually fearmongering, plain and simple, or I guess in my neighborhood it would be known as a lie," he said. Neither LaMalfa nor Obernolte responded to requests for comment. Jo Campbell, who runs a federally qualified health center in LaMalfa's district, said she has invited the lawmaker to join her and other local clinic executives to explain how the federal government can cut the $880 billion without touching funding crucial to health centers like hers. "We all kind of live financially on a knife's edge," said Campbell, CEO of Hill Country Community Clinic, roughly half of whose patients rely on Medi-Cal. "It could mean the difference of whether or not we keep our doors open." Campbell hasn't heard back from LaMalfa's office. Executives at Adventist Health, which has 23 hospitals across California, have met with Central Valley Republican Reps. Vince Fong and David Valadao and have requested a meeting with LaMalfa, with whom they worked closely after one of its hospitals burned in the 2018 Camp Fire. "They're all at different places," said Adventist spokesperson Julia Drefke. "I think they understand what it means for their community. What that translates to in terms of their vote could be a different thing." In 2023, Medi-Cal made up more than 80% of patient revenue at Surprise Valley Community Hospital in LaMalfa's district, for example, and 64% of patient revenue at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, in Obernolte's district, came from Medi-Cal, according to a CHCF analysis of state data. Sabrina Epstein, a policy analyst with Disability Rights California, said she's encouraging local activists, no matter where they live, to engage with California's congressional Republicans. "It only takes a few votes to keep Medicaid going, to protect it in Congress," she said. "We don't know where those votes are going to come from." Republicans swing district or not will now have to weigh the popularity of Medicaid among their constituents with pressure from national Republicans who see a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shrink the size of government and have shown little mercy for party members who fall out of line. More than three-quarters of Americans have a favorable opinion of Medicaid, according to a January KFF poll. Complicating that calculation is the recent revelation by Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration that California's Medi-Cal program is billions of dollars short and relying on a loan to cover the overrun. Republican state legislators have singled out California's decision to cover low-income residents regardless of legal status, although other factors have also contributed. "The majority party decided to add billions of dollars to the cost of Medi-Cal and it was so nonsensical," said GOP Assembly member Joe Patterson. "That's a self-inflicted wound." Jenny McLelland, whose 13-year-old son has a breathing disability that requires round-the-clock care, said cutting benefits for immigrants would end up costing taxpayers more, when they show up in emergency rooms with more complicated ailments. "I don't buy the argument that other people are any less deserving of care than my son," said McLelland, who lives in Clovis, part of Fong's district. For her son, Medi-Cal is "a matter of life and death," she added. She believes if Fong understood how vital Medi-Cal is to families, he would work to make the system better. It remains to be seen whether targeting House Republicans will change minds when a final budget package is voted on. Two vulnerable members Valadao and Young Kim, who represents a district east of Anaheim have signaled they'll oppose major cuts to Medicaid. Rep. Ken Calvert, whose Palm Desert district office was targeted by protesters during the spring recess, said in a statement that he favors work requirements and would not support Medicaid cuts for "mothers, children, disabled, and low-income Americans." In Valadao's district, state data shows, two-thirds of residents rely on Medi-Cal, which is the single biggest payer for all five general acute care hospitals there. That includes Adventist Health Delano, which derives two-thirds of patient revenue from Medi-Cal, according to the CHCF analysis. Most other GOP House members remain silent. Ewing-Wilson voted for Obernolte, who won reelection by 20 percentage points and is in little danger of losing. She's been trying for weeks to get a meeting with him. If he votes to cut Medicaid, she said, "I will be very disappointed in him, because I voted for him, expecting that he would care about all of his constituents." This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. At only two days old, Sophie was losing too much weight, and too quicky. Further genetic testing would show that Sophie has one of a group of rare conditions called CODE (congenital diarrhea and enteropathies) that disrupts the function of cells in the intestine, causing diarrhea and preventing infants from absorbing the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. For Sophie's parents, Samantha and Kyle, this meant a complete re-envisioning of the life they had expected as a family. "Suddenly, our days were filled with medical treatments and frequent hospital visits, requiring us to adjust to being not only parents, but also home health-care providers to our first child," says Samantha. Now, research led by Dr. Aleixo Muise at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has identified new genes responsible for CODE experienced by children like Sophie. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, is an international collaboration that conducted genome sequencing on 129 infants with suspected CODE. The analysis was remarkably successful, providing a diagnosis for 48 per cent of cases a striking improvement from the 20 per cent rate Muise typically sees in his work leading the Precision IBD and Monogenic Intestinal Diseases clinic at SickKids. Not long ago, diagnostic rates were as low as three per cent. The study findings uncovered three new genes associated with CODE (GRWD1, MYO1A and MON1A) and provided answers to 62 families. "Undiagnosed infantile diarrhea can be fatal, but even when it isn't, early diagnosis of rare conditions can help provide much-needed answers for families," explains Muise, Staff Gastroenterologist and Senior Scientist in the Cell & Systems Biology program. As a result of this study, we can now provide a diagnosis to more families and move closer to precision treatments tailored to their child's specific genetic variant." Dr. Aleixo Muise, The Hospital for Sick Children Developing precision therapies for children with CODE Sophie and her parents were referred to the Group for Improvement of Intestinal Function Treatment (GIFT) program at SickKids a few short weeks after her birth, where she began total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a specialized solution delivered through a vein to supply the essential nutrients her gut couldn't absorb. Genetic test results also confirmed Sophie had microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) caused by variation in the MYO5B gene, the second most common cause of CODE. "When we got Sophie's genetic test results back it was a relief, like finally having another piece of the puzzle," says Samantha. "Having the official genetic report meant that we would have the support we need to move forward and connect with other families." A genetic diagnosis alone can provide relief to many families but understanding the genetic and functional underpinnings of the conditions, including three new pathways, can also move scientists closer to targeted treatments. In collaboration with co-leads Drs. Jay Thiagarajah and Wayne Lencer at Boston Children's Hospital, Dr. James Goldenring at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Dr. Martin Martin at the University of California, Los Angeles, the scientists characterized the function of novel CODE genes using advanced computational methods and zebrafish models developed at SickKids. "This is Precision Child Health in action," says Muise, Co-Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Centre. "While the journey towards understanding and treating these rare conditions is ongoing, better understanding of the genetic pathways that impact CODE brings us one step closer to developing drugs to target those pathways and change the trajectory of patients with these conditions." Research provides hope for children with rare genetic conditions At SickKids, Sophie's care team taught Samantha and Kyle how to manage her condition using TPN, and though her early years were marked by frequent diaper changes and slowed growth, she began to gain weight and get the nourishment she needed. Sophie, now six years old, requires ongoing monitoring and TPN treatment, but a novel surgical approach to CODE detailed by co-senior author Dr. Yaron Avitzur, Interim Division Head of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and Director of the GIFT program, significantly improved her health and quality of life, with her parents noting a marked increase in her comfort and happiness. "We hope that there is more research like this, that could move us closer to treatments that will continue to improve Sophie's quality of life and transform the life of children like her," explains Samantha. Neurizon Therapeutics Limited (Neurizon), a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, is pleased to advise that results from an independent study undertaken in collaboration with Tessara Therapeutics (Tessara) will be presented by the groups Principal Scientist and Alzheimers Disease expert, Dr Mark Greenough at the AD/PD 2025 Advances in Sciences & Therapy conference on April 2nd to 3rd. AD/PD is the preeminent international conference on Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases and related neurological disorders in Vienna, Austria, from 1 to 5 April. Image Credit: Neurizon Therapeutics Limited The results are part of a study in ongoing collaboration with Tessara, a leading biotechnology company pioneering a new approach in 3D cell-based models of the brain, having developed its RealBrain 3D human micro-tissues technology that replicates the biological complexity of the human brain in a scalable and reproducible manner. Tessara has validated and recently launched two brain models: the ArtiBrain model (healthy human brain) and the ADBrain model (Alzheimers disease). Tessara has leveraged these models to explore the effect of Neurizons lead candidate, NUZ-001. During the study, NUZ-001 and NUZ-001 Sulfone (major active metabolite) were tested in the ArtiBrain model over a three-day period at doses ranging from 5 M to 50 M. NUZ-001 demonstrated an excellent safety profile in Tessaras RealBrain micro-tissues. The compounds offered protection against a newly identified form of cell death, ferroptosis (induced by RSL3 exposure). This unique type of programmed cell death is mechanistically different from apoptosis, autophagy, or necrosis and has been implicated in diseases where lipid peroxidation is a mechanism of neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsons disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Confocal imaging and subsequent neuronal network analysis, using Tessaras algorithms, further revealed that NUZ-001 and NUZ-001 Sulfone increased neuronal (B3-tubulin+) branching. This suggests an effect on neural connectivity and plasticity, with longer-term drug treatments potentially being required to elicit an overall effect on network and synaptic density. We are delighted for Neurizon on the results they have generated in our ArtiBrain model. These findings indicate that short-term treatment with NUZ-001 and NUZ-001 Sulfone maintains an excellent safety profile in Tessaras RealBrain micro-tissues. In addition, the compounds appear to offer neuroprotective effects against ferroptosis and encourage neural branching, potentially boosting plasticity by enabling neurons to form additional connections. While further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms responsible for these benefits, current data suggest that longer-term treatment may enhance network density and overall plasticity. In humans, this could translate into tangible benefits in cognition, learning, memory, or resilience to neurodegenerative processes involved in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsons disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)." Dr Christos Papadimitriou, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tessara Therapeutics As part of ongoing initiatives with Tessara, the therapeutic efficacy of NUZ-001 is now being assessed through other screening modalities, including Tessaras ADBrain platform, for sporadic Alzheimers disease. Results from further testing are anticipated this quarter and will be used to assess the potential for NUZ to expand its lead asset into a broader range of indications. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Michael Thurn commented: These results provide initial validation of the broader potential use of NUZ-001 in other neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its safety and efficacy in ArtiBrain 3D human micro-tissues model. The presentation of the study results at the worlds leading Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases and related neurological disorder conference in Vienna, is also a major milestone for the Company, which will provide strong independent support for our lead asset. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tessara Therapeutics for the excellent collaboration to date, which will continue as we assess NUZ-001s potential as a treatment of Alzheimers disease in the ADBrain model. These additional results are expected to materialise this quarter and have the potential to highlight NUZ-001s potential in another widespread and debilitating condition. A copy of the poster presentation by Dr Greenough at AD/PD can be found in the original announcement on Neurizon Therapeutics Investor Hub. This announcement has been authorized for release by the Board of Neurizon Therapeutics Limited. The Montana Legislature was packed with tight votes on tax bills this week, including a legislative committee that swiftly halted three major proposals from moving forward Wednesday. One senator said it was "the battle of the tax bills." The Senate Taxation Committee voted down a key Democrat-backed property tax relief bill and Gov. Greg Gianfortes priority income tax and property tax bills. The committee voted to table these bills, meaning they are not entirely dead but are not moving forward through the legislative process for the time being. In the Montana Legislature, no bills officially die until the body adjourns: The legislation can be taken off the table or the concepts can be worked into a different piece of legislation. The sponsor of Gianfortes preferred property tax legislation, Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, called the vote Wednesday no big deal. He said some important amendments were not ready which contributed to it being voted down. Jones House Bill 231 would lower property taxes on primary residences, landlords with long-term rentals and tens of thousands of commercial businesses, while making up the lost tax revenue largely by increasing the tax burden on short-term rentals like Airbnbs and second homes. Over the last two years, Montanans have seen a dramatic spike in property taxes, averaging a jump of 21% statewide. Providing property tax relief is the Legislature's main task for this session, which is entering its final weeks. Jones and Gianforte say the philosophy behind the approach is that out-of-state homeowners do not pay income taxes in Montana, but still benefit from things like hospitals and public safety agencies funded by state income taxes. Sen. Dave Fern, D-Whitefish, said Wednesday the concept of funding the rate cut through second homes and short-term rentals made sense to his constituents in Whitefish, a wealthy town that sees high tourist traffic. He ultimately supported it for that reason, but called it somewhat of a troubled bill. This bill came as a recommendation from the governors Property Tax Task Force, which included Polson Republican Sen. Greg Hertz. He chairs the Senate Taxation Committee and ultimately voted against the legislation Wednesday. [The Property Tax Task Force was] looking at this bill and it looked like it might be the home run, but I'm no longer on that, he said. The committee also tabled Fort Benton Republican Sen. Josh Kassmier's Senate Bill 323, the income tax cut bill backed by Gianforte that he held a rally in support of earlier this week. This legislation would cut the top income tax rate which most Montana residents pay from 5.9% to 4.9% and lower the capital gains tax from 4.1% to 3.9%. An individual Montanan whose income exceeds $20,500 annually currently pays 5.9%. To add to the tax bill chaos, Kassmier attempted to "blast" that bill back onto the floor, but that move failed in a resounding 18-32 vote. A blast motion can happen on the floor when a bill is tabled in a committee, and if successful the bill will be revived and heard again on the floor. There are a slew of other income tax cut bills also moving through the Montana Legislature, including one from Sen. Mike Yakawich, R-Billings, that was voted down in committee and successfully blasted back onto the floor all on Wednesday. Also Wednesday, the Senate Finance and Claims members voted in favor of increasing the business equipment tax exemption. In a narrow vote, the Senate Tax committee also put a major Democratic property tax bill on hold that would have granted a tax credit to homeowners and renters based on income. House Bill 154 is one of two headline property tax reform bills from the Democrats and is the partys method of reaching renters whose landlords pass their rising property taxes onto their tenants by increasing their rent. Based on the income thresholds in the bill, the state estimated it would touch roughly 86,000 households in Montana and cost just shy of $100 million. Hertz, who briefly sported a suit jacket covered in $100 bills Wednesday, voted it down because there are a number of bills moving through the Legislature with hefty price tags. Hertz said some of them will need to be picked off, but Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena, pushed back on that sentiment. This is a true middle-class tax cut and it links property tax problems with an ability to pay, she said. Thats what our budget is for, Mr. Chair: to help Montanans with the money they give us. I dont disagree with you, Sen. Dunwell, Hertz responded. A numbers game is where were at. All these votes in the Senate Taxation Committee were happening on one of the busiest days of the legislative session as the House debated the state budget. A property tax bill that was successful this week is House Bill 528, which passed the House Appropriations Committee by one vote. This proposal is one of the simplest of the property tax reform bills: It slashes the rates of residential, agricultural and commercial property classes. That approach drums up concern from Democrats, Republican lobbyists and many others because it shifts the tax burden onto other classes of property. This past weekend, a private email about two of these property tax bills emerged. The email, sent by Jones to lobbyists and obtained by the Montana State News Bureau, said legislators preferred that HB 528 become the major property tax reform bill over HB 231. That bore out in the votes this week. A recent webinar by Radiant Vision Systems Optics Development Manager highlighted recent advancements in image quality assessment, which is required when integrating prescription lenses into augmented, mixed, and virtual reality (AR/MR/VR) devices. Such techniques are becoming increasingly important in a market where the use of virtual technologies is becoming ever more widespread, and most customers require prescription lenses. With the increasing use of AR, MR, and VR (collectively XR) appliances across multiple industries, current trends suggest that AR/MR appliances will take up a significantly bigger part of the current market. With such significant growth in AR/MR users, multiple factors should be taken into account for user experience; among them is that a larger share of potential users need prescriptions to correct their eyesight.1 Over 4 billion people globally use prescription lenses, equalling roughly two-thirds of the worldwide population. Projections indicate that by 2050, half of the worlds population will be in need of some sort of prescription lens.2 Around 84 % of adults over the age of 45 use vision correction lenses, and the need for glasses in children has also considerably grownapproximately 40 % now need them. This equates to twice as many children requiring prescription lenses compared to the 1970s. Therefore, manufacturers clearly need to take into account the development of tailored optical configurations for XR devices that are used instead of regular eyeglasses and for lenses that may be inserted into some devices to substitute prescriptions for glasses. These lenses could be developed via 3D printing and cold casting.3 Examining the imaging quality of AR/MR devices The Novel Testing Methods for AR/MR Devices and Smart Glasses with Vision Correction webinar by Eric Eisenberg at the 2023 Photonics Spectra Optical Metrology Summit actually explored some of these issues, particularly focusing on the integration of prescription lenses into AR/MR devices. He also offered some novel solutions from Radiant Vision Systems in response to such issues. Owing to his broad experience with optical technology and imaging, Eric Eisenberg has extensive knowledge of the technical considerations needed to properly incorporate optical technology in imaging systems. This article will summarize the key takeaways from this talk, which is available for free online from Photonics Spectra. Issues linked to integrating prescription lenses into VR/AR/MR devices Ophthalmologists prescribe lenses based on two key factors: spherical error, which can be either positive or negative, and cylindrical error, which corrects astigmatisma condition where the eye focuses more effectively in one direction than another. For spherical error, prescriptions typically provide a correction range of +6 to -6 diopters on the optical power scale for each assessment. In cases of astigmatism, corrections of two or more diopters can be prescribed as needed. A typical vision prescription with a range of +6/-6 diopters for each measurement, out to 2 decimal places. Image Credit: Radiant Vision Systems Prescriptions are given in 0.25 diopter increments for spherical correction and in 1/5-degree angular increments for astigmatism. Because these lenses are tailored to an individuals unique eye physiology, each one is custom-made to address specific vision issues. This high level of variation creates a significant challenge when evaluating display system quality in XR devices that incorporate prescription lenses.3 An essential trait in proper quality inspection of AR/MR appliances is assessing the display accurately as a human wearer is able to see it. Device makers should make sure that the images displayed are sufficiently bright and are not blurred or distorted, among other visual quality requirements. Factors that influence image quality include focal distancethe virtual distance from the wearers eyes where images are most sharply in focus. Usually, a devices optical system generates images at a focal distance suitable for individuals with normal vision who are not in need of prescription lenses. However, problems emerge when the optimal focus distance for a user with prescription glasses does not correspond with the devices default setting. For instance, if images are designed to be sharp at a virtual focus distance of two meters, they will seem blurry for users whose prescription lenses change focus in a different way. This discrepancy underscores the need to accommodate different focal distances to precisely measure an appliances image quality.3 So, how can an appliance be tested at all of the possible focal distances amid all of the other prescription vision variables? A conventional method for prescription lens compensation is the Brute Force approach, which mechanically inserts reversed compensation optics to take into account the users corrective optics. This approach, although direct, is complicated, and requires many lenses and moving parts. It therefore is extremely impractical for assessing the XR device image quality for multiple reasons. The main challenge with the Brute Force approach is the lack of space to add extra optical lenses between the eyes entrance pupil (its position inside the headset) and the device. Additionally, manually adjusting the measurement system for each prescription is highly time-consuming, making it impractical for testing hundreds of thousandsor even millionsof devices that would require mechanical lens replacements. A more efficient solution is to leverage existing optics and mechanics within the imaging system to automatically adjust for different prescriptions. Radiant Vision Systems has developed an innovative XR device testing solution that incorporates electronic lenses that are capable of making these adjustments seamlessly.3 A new approach to AR/MR image quality testing Diopter (Spherical) compensation Radiants XRE Lens, combined with TrueTest TT-ARVR Software, eliminates the need for multiple mechanically moving optical lenses by enabling electronic focus adjustment. With this system, small electrical changes allow for significant shifts in overall focus, streamlining the process and improving efficiency. Spherical correctionused to address nearsightedness and farsightednessis achieved by calibrating the imaging systems focal distance beyond infinity using negative diopters. In AR/MR systems, the relationship between optical power and lens motor movement follows a linear pattern, allowing the internal microlens to be adjusted to a negative imaging power. This adjustment is crucial because, while an XR device may display an image at infinity, prescription lenses alter the focal point, effectively shifting the image past infinity. To compensate, the XRE Lenss microlens focus can be adjusted accordingly. Unlike standard lenses, the XRE Lens has the unique capability to "focus beyond infinity," enabling diopter compensation through electronic adjustments. This automated focal adjustment ensures precise image testing at various prescription strengths, allowing focus positions to be verified and iterated as needed. Additionally, software control maintains the integrity of modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements, ensuring accurate and reliable results. Compensating for near-sighted optics by focusing beyond infinity, diverging the light rays to correct for near-sightenedss (negative diopters). Image Credit: Radiant Vision Systems For example, when a 4-diopter lens was inserted into the device under test (DUT), the measurement results showed nearly identical contrast values for the modulation transfer function (MTF), despite differences in motor counts. The specific motor count at which the peak contrast occurs is not criticalas long as the peak value remains consistent. Based on these findings, Eric Eisenberg is confident that this method can effectively accommodate the full +6 to -6 diopter range for spherical corrective lenses. Astigmatism compensation With astigmatism, the required optical compensation varies across different axes, necessitating a cylindrical component to properly focus the eyes. The astigmatism angle can range from 0 to 90 degrees, meaning the pattern used to evaluate a devices focus quality must be aligned with the astigmatic axis of the prescribed lenses. By adjusting the softwares pattern generator, random angles can be entered for contrast characterization, allowing the system to calculate the modulation transfer function (MTF) based on the orientation of these lines. If the prescription is known, the system can be programmed accordingly. If the prescription is unknown, it can cycle through a range of values to determine the correct prescription. Once the test pattern aligns with the astigmatic axis, the resulting MTF contrast closely matches what would be observed without prescription lenses, ensuring accurate assessment. Watch the webinar to learn more about these solutions Radiant Vision Systems has offered a new and effective solution for the imaging assessment of AR/MR devices integrated with prescription lenses, enabling both fast and precise assessment. Automation is essential for these new advancements, and Radiant Vision Systems can provide advanced abilities for both manufacturing and testing XR devices. For a more comprehensive explanation of this approach, watch the following webinar online for free. References and further reading Ahmet Guzel, Beyazian, J., Praneeth Chakravarthula and Kaan Aksit (2022). ChromaCorrect: Prescription Correction in Virtual Reality Headsets through Perceptual Guidance. (online) https://doi.org/10.1364/opticaopen.21912831. Sadovsky, G. (2023). Eyewear Industry Statistics. (online) Overnight Glasses. Available at: https://www.overnightglasses.com/eyewear-industry-statistics/. Radiant Vision Systems (2023). Novel Method of Prescription Vision Compensation to Measure AR/MR Devices and Smart Glasses | Radiant Vision Systems. [online] Radiant Vision Systems. Available at: https://www.radiantvisionsystems.com/learn/webinars/novel-method-prescription-vision-compensation-measure-ar/mr-devices-and-smart (Accessed 6 Mar. 2025). About Radiant Vision Systems World leaders in manufacturing rely on Radiant Vision Systems for test and measurement solutions that ensure quality, reduce costs, and improve efficiencies. Based in Redmond, WA, Radiant Vision Systems has proven production experience with thousands of cameras testing millions of devices worldwide. We approach each application with a wider range of solution options, a global base of experience, and a depth of understanding that enable us to keep raising the benchmarks for practical performance. Radiant Vision Systems engineers advanced imaging systems to critically evaluate light, color, manufacturing integrity, and surface quality of illuminated displays and device assemblies. Radiant products include TrueTest Automated Visual Inspection systems for measurement and control, ProMetric Imaging Colorimeters and Photometers, Source Imaging Goniometer systems, lenses for measuring AR/VR/MR/XR devices, intensity of near-infrared (NIR) emitters, and view angle performance of displays. We also offer the most extensive machine vision software tool library for production-level measurement and control. We back our systems with outstanding consultative technical support, ensuring that our clients enjoy and leverage all the value built into their systems. In addition to its Redmond headquarters, Radiant Vision Systems has direct offices in Cupertino, CA and Novi, MI; Shanghai and Shenzhen in Mainland China; Taiwan; and Seongnam, South Korea, along with production facilities in Redmond; Suzhou, China; and Vietnam. The company is represented worldwide by a combination of direct and indirect distribution channels. Radiant has been a part of Konica Minoltas Sensing Business Unit since August 2015. Radiant Vision Systems enables you to truly See The Difference. Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments. Trumps Tariff Formula: Internet Thinks It Has Cracked The Code, Points To US Trade Deficits Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 14:04 IST Trump announced 10% tariffs on all imports into the United States, and even higher tariffs on goods from about 60 countries or trading blocs that have a high trade deficit with the US White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has suggested the new tariffs would raise USD 600 billion annually, which would be the largest tax increase since World War II. (Photo: AFP) After US President Donald Trumps Liberation Day" , high-ranking officials of affected nations are busy doing calculations on how reciprocal tariffs hit them. But what caught peoples eyes was numbers mentioned on a plaque that Trump held in his hands while announcing the reciprocal tariffs. While making the announcement, Trump said: For nations that treat us badly, we will calculate the combined rate of all their tariffs, non-monetary barriers and other forms of cheating." Recommended Stories The numbers, he said, are approximately half of what they are and have been charging us." Using national emergency powers, Trump announced 10% tariffs on all imports into the United States, and even higher tariffs on goods from about 60 countries or trading blocs that have a high trade deficit with the US. That includes China and the European Union, which will be levied new duties of 34% and 20%, respectively. Internet Cracks The Math Behind Trumps Tariffs Many netizens noted that the new rates seemed to have been calculated by first examining the trade deficit the US has with a country, and then dividing that by the value of goods that country exports to the US. Julian Klymochko, CEO and CIO of Investment firm Accelerate FT, referred to Trumps move as biggest economic blunder of all time". In a post on X, he said the tariffs charged to the USA" are not tariffs at all but they are the US trade deficit divided by US imports from that country. He said to set a level of reciprocal" tariffs based on completely incoherent non-tariff calculations is incomprehensible". Note that the Tariffs charged to the U.S.A." are not tariffs at allThey are the U.S. trade deficit divided by U.S. imports from that country For example: Trade deficit with China ($295.4 billion) / US imports from China ($438.9 billion) = 67% Europe: $235.6 / $605.8 = 39% pic.twitter.com/13JSrtzk68 Julian Klymochko (@JulianKlymochko) April 2, 2025 Ryan Petersen, Founder and CEO of Flexport, also backed trade deficit theory and posted a chart showing the predictions of this formula plotted against the actual new tariff rates. Flexports team was able to reverse engineer the formula the Administration used to generate the reciprocal tariffs."Its quite simple, they took the trade deficit the US has with each country and divided it by our imports from that country. The chart below shows the pic.twitter.com/01bUpfKgk8 Ryan Petersen (@typesfast) April 3, 2025 This guy cracked the tariff formula:@orthonormalistIts simply the nations trade deficit with us divided by the nations exports to us. Yes. Really. Vietnam: Exports 136.6, Imports 13.1Deficit = 123.5 123.5/136.6 = 90% pic.twitter.com/fDOMoQwzKt Geiger Capital (@Geiger_Capital) April 2, 2025 Another netizen, Brian Krassenstein said this is the stupidest thing he has ever seen. URGENT: Trumps tariff figures have absolutely nothing to do with reciprocal tariffs.His numbers are almost all just the approximate % difference in trade balance. For example: U.S. Exports $27.6B to Malaysia and Imports $52.5B from Malaysia = $24.9B imbalance. pic.twitter.com/dQHfUpX9fj Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) April 3, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all How Much New Tariffs Would Help US White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has suggested the new tariffs would raise USD 600 billion annually, which would be the largest tax increase since World War II. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told lawmakers the tariffs would be capped and could be negotiated downward by other countries, according to the office of Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla. 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 Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: April 03, 2025, 13:53 IST DA Arrears For Central Govt Employees: Check Payment Date, Arrear Calculations Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 07:20 IST This time the announcement of the increase in DA has been a bit late. Usually the government makes this announcement before Holi or Diwali DA Hike DA Hike Arrear Payment Soon: The central government has approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for government employees and pensioners, effective from January 1, 2025. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28, will benefit over one crore employees and pensioners. Payment Date & Arrears Calculation Recommended Stories Central government employees will receive their increased DA along with their April 2025 salary, including arrears for January, February, and March 2025. This means they will not only see an increase in their monthly income but also receive a lump sum payment for the past three months. Employees with a minimum basic salary of Rs18,000 will receive an additional Rs 360 per month, totaling Rs 1,080 in arrears. Pensioners with a basic pension of Rs 9,000 will see a Rs 180 per month increase, leading to total arrears of Rs 540. This hike will benefit approximately 48.6 lakh (4.86 million) central government employees and 66.5 lakh (6.65 million) pensioners. The estimated financial burden on the exchequer due to this DA increase is around Rs 6,614.04 crore annually. Future DA Hike & 8th Pay Commission Updates The next DA hike, applicable for the July-December 2025 period, is expected to be announced in October or November 2025. Once the Eighth Pay Commissions recommendations come into effect, DA will be merged with the basic salary, resetting it to zero and leading to a revised pay structure for government employees. How to Check If DA Has Been Credited? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all If youre a central government employee, you can verify whether the increased DA has been credited using the following methods: Check Your Salary Slip Review your April 2025 salary slip, where DA will be listed as a separate component of your gross salary. Bank Statement Check your bank account for the credited salary in April 2025. Compare it with your previous months salary to confirm the DA increase and arrears payment. Online Employee Portals Many government departments provide access to salary slips and pay details online. Log into your departments official portal or the Employee Self-Service Portal to check your updated salary breakdown. Contact HR or Accounts Department If you cannot find the details online or on your salary slip, reach out to your departments HR or accounts team for clarification on the DA credit and any discrepancies. 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: April 03, 2025, 07:20 IST Shrimp Stocks Avanti Feeds, Apex Frozen Foods Crash Up To 17% After Trump Tariffs; Know Why Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 12:21 IST Shares of shrimp feed companies Avanti Feeds Ltd. and Apex Frozen Foods Ltd. plunged as much as 17% on Thursday Trump Reciprocal Tariffs: Shrimp Exports To Get Impacted Shares of shrimp feed companies Avanti Feeds Ltd. and Apex Frozen Foods Ltd. plunged as much as 17 per cent on Thursday, April 3, after US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on exports from 60 countries, including India. India faces a 27 per cent reciprocal tariff, though certain sectors like pharmaceuticals have been exempted for now. Recommended Stories At a press conference, Trump displayed a tariff chart outlining US duties on various countries. For India, the chart claimed the country levied a 52 per cent tariff on US goods, citing currency manipulation and trade barriers." In response, the US imposed a discounted reciprocal tariff" of 26 per cent. Avanti Feeds saw its shares plummet 17 per cent to Rs 733 apiece. According to its Q3 FY25 investor presentation, the company derived 69 per cent of its revenue from North America as of the December quarter, down from 82 per cent in Q3 FY24. Additionally, 17% of its revenue came from Europe, and 14% from Asia. Apex Frozen Foods also took a hit, with shares tumbling over 3 per cent to Rs 209 apiece, marking their lowest level in nearly a month. The U.S. was its top export market in FY24, accounting for 64 per cent of total exports. In its Q3 FY25 investor presentation, the company warned that being an export-oriented sector, any slowdown in consumption in key markets like the US, EU, and Southeast Asia will negatively impact Indias shrimp exports." Coastal Corp shares followed suit, slipping more than 3 per cent to Rs 38.16 apiece, ending a three-day gaining streak. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The U.S. remains Indias largest shrimp export market, importing $2.4 billion worth of shrimp out of Indias total $5.6 billion in exports. Indian shrimp make up 40 per cent of the U.S. market, with a significant portion processed in Latin American countries before reaching American shores. India has approximately 100,000 shrimp farms, primarily in Andhra Pradesh. In FY23, India achieved record seafood exports, shipping 17,35,286 tonnes worth Rs 63,969.14 crore ($8.09 billion). Frozen shrimp remained the dominant export item, with the US and China serving as the largest importers of Indian seafood. 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: April 03, 2025, 12:21 IST Trump Tariff Announcement: Tata Motors, Samvardhana Motherson, Other Auto Stocks Fall Up To 2% Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 10:46 IST Auto stocks including Tata Motors, Eicher Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra and Samvardhana Motherson are in the red Auto stocks in focus after Trump imposes 25% tariffs on all foreign-made automobile. Trump Tariff Announcement: The Indian stock market is anticipated to rattle following the Asian market after US President Donald Trump announced new reciprocal tariffs on several nations, aimed at restructuring the trade imbalances. Several sectors in India will face the brunt of the move because of their export-oriented nature. Auto stocks including Tata Motors, Eicher Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Samvardhana Motherson are in focus today. Under the new tariffs, Trump announced to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all foreign-made automobiles. Recommended Stories Shares of Tata Motors are down almost 2 per cent during intraday on Thursday. The scrip was trading at Rs 661.65 apiece around 10:20 AM. However, Eicher Motors shares are trading flat on Thursday with a drop of 0.16 per cent to Rs 5,365 apiece. While shares of Samvardhana Motherson International are down by 2 per cent. The scrip was trading at Rs 129.74 apiece. M&Ms shares are trading in the green by the time of writing this report. The stocks were trading at Rs 2646.70. According to a report of CLSA, auto companies such as Tata Motors JLR, Bharat Forge, Sona BLW, and Samvardhana Motherson have businesses with the US, indicating an impact on them. India exports passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and auto parts to the US, but the volume is relatively small. US tariffs on steel and aluminum (25% and 10%) have increased costs for Indian auto manufacturers. Companies like Tata Motors (Jaguar Land Rover) and Mahindra & Mahindra face higher costs due to tariffs on metal imports. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India exports nearly $2 billion worth of auto components to the US annually, making the auto components industry significantly impacted. However, the two-wheelers and motorcycles segment experiences limited impact. The US imposed high tariffs on motorcycles over 800cc, affecting Royal Enfield and Harley-Davidson, which exports from India. Since Indias two-wheeler exports to the US are relatively small, the overall impact remains limited. US tariffs on China indirectly benefit India. Higher tariffs on Chinese auto parts make Indian exports more competitive. In the electric vehicle (EV) sector, the impact is mixed. The US imposes tariffs on Chinese EV batteries and components, creating opportunities for Indian manufacturers. About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... 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: April 03, 2025, 09:22 IST Not Lovin' It? These Countries Still Dont Have A McDonalds. Here's Why Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 18:57 IST Despite being the world's largest restaurant chain, McDonald's is absent in several countries across the world due to political, cultural and economic reasons McDonald's boast over 40,000 outlets across approximately 100 countries. (Representative/AP File) When thinking of burgers, McDonalds, often referred to as Mac-D, is the name that comes to mind. However, many might be surprised to learn that there are still numerous countries worldwide without a single McDonalds restaurant. Contrary to what some might assume, the absence of McDonalds is not solely due to geopolitical tensions with the United States. For instance, despite being seen as Americas biggest adversary, Russia hosted dozens of McDonalds restaurants for many years. Recommended Stories McDonalds is recognised as the worlds largest restaurant chain, boasting over 40,000 outlets across approximately 100 countries. Yet, there are still several nations where the fast-food giant has not established a presence. The reasons for this range from political to cultural and social factors. In some places, local authorities have chosen to promote indigenous food and products, thereby preventing the establishment of McDonalds. In Zimbabwe, McDonalds opened its first restaurant in the 1980s or 1990s, only to close it soon after. The company re-entered the market in 2000, but the restaurant closed again due to a severe economic crisis. This financial turmoil led to a significant drop in restaurant patronage, prompting McDonalds to cease operations there. As a result, Zimbabwe has been without a McDonalds restaurant for the past two decades. In a surprising move, McDonalds sold its 850 Russian outlets three years ago, following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war. The first McDonalds in Russia opened near Pushkin Square in 1990, attracting a crowd of 30,000 eager customers. However, the geopolitical situation in 2022 led the company to sell all its Russian outlets. Similarly, Iceland had three McDonalds restaurants until 2009, but they all closed following the financial crisis, and the chain has not returned since. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Other countries without McDonalds restaurants include Nigeria, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Macedonia, where operations ceased in 2013 due to consistent losses. Additional nations without a single McDonalds outlet are Afghanistan, Cuba, Montenegro, Bolivia, Ghana, North Korea, Iran, Laos, Yemen, Jamaica, Maldives, Barbados, Armenia, Tonga, Bangladesh, Iraq, Nepal, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, Sicily, and Belarus. First Published: April 03, 2025, 18:57 IST DU UG Admissions 2025: What Is FYUP? What Does A Four-Year Degree Mean To Students? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 19:33 IST Those finishing the four-year programme are eligible for the one-year PG course. FYUP allows greater flexibility with multiple entry and exit options within the programme FYUP divides each year into two semesters (File) Delhi University (DU) admissions for the academic year 2025 are about to commence. Apart from the three-year undergraduate programmes, the varsity offers a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) implemented under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and introduced in 2022. What is FYUP? Recommended Stories FYUP allows greater flexibility with multiple entry and exit options within the programme, according to the draft Curriculum and Credit Framework for the Undergraduate Programme document prepared by the UGC. It focusses on skill-based education and a multi-disciplinary approach along with a graded exit plan for UG students. The main difference between regular three-year courses and FYUP is students who complete the three-year undergraduate programme can opt for a two-year PG course, while those finishing the four-year programme are eligible for the one-year PG course. Multiple entry/exit options FYUP divides each year into two semesters. Students who exit after one year (with 40 credits) will receive a UG certificate. Those leaving after two years (with 80 credits) will get a UG diploma, and those after three years (with 120 credits) will earn a Bachelors degree. Students exiting before three years can rejoin within three years of their exit and must complete their degree within seven years. Only after completing four years will students be eligible for a Bachelors degree with honours or research. Students can major in two subjects along with a minor The major discipline is the core subject for the degree, accounting for 50% of the academic credits. A minor discipline allows students to gain broader knowledge beyond their major. For example, a student majoring in economics who earns at least 12 credits in statistics courses will receive a BA degree in economics with a minor in statistics. Students can pursue two majors simultaneously, with one potentially being online, and will be awarded two degrees. This reform has already been implemented starting this year. ALSO READ | DU Admission 2025: What Happens When Two Candidates Get Same Marks in CUET UG? Know The Rules What happens during postgraduation? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all One-Year PG Programme after FYUP: DU plans to introduce a one-year postgraduate (PG) programme starting in 2026. Students will complete 22 credits per semester, for a total of 44 credits. Two-Year PG Programme: Students will complete 88 credits. According to UGC standards, the one-year degree will be at level 7, while the two-year degree will be at level 6.5. 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: April 03, 2025, 19:07 IST Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025: Bumper Vacancies For 12th Pass, 13252 Jobs On Offer, Check Details Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 08:25 IST Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025: Candidates can apply for over 13,000 posts from April 2 to May 1, 2025. Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025: The exam will be held in June 2025. Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025: The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) has launched a massive recruitment drive for the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Rajasthan Medical Education Society, offering a total of 13,252 posts. This opportunity is open to candidates who have completed their 12th-grade education, making it an excellent chance for young aspirants to secure a position in the healthcare and medical education sectors. Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025: Important Dates Recommended Stories The online application process for Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025 began on April 2, 2025, and will close on May 1, 2025. Candidates can apply through the official RSSB website, where the application form is now available. Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025: Vacancies The recruitment drive includes multiple roles across NHM and the Rajasthan Medical Education Society. Some of the key posts on offer are: Community Health Officer (CHO): 2,634 posts Nurse: 1,941 posts Medical Lab Technician: 414 posts Lab Technician: 321 posts Pharma Assistant: 499 posts Programme Assistant: 146 posts Account Assistant: 272 posts Nursing Incharge: 4 posts Other positions: 7,635 posts Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025: Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, candidates must have passed their 12th grade with Science, including subjects like Biology or Mathematics. Additionally, specific posts like Medical Lab Technician and Lab Technician require candidates to hold a Diploma in Medical Lab Technology or Blood Bank Technology, along with registration in the Rajasthan State Allied & Healthcare Council. Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025: Application Fees General Category: Rs 600 Reserved Categories (OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and persons with disabilities): Rs 400 How To Apply For Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025? Step 1: Visit the official RSSB website- rssb.rajasthan.gov.in Step 2: Fill out the application form and upload the required documents Step 3: Pay the application fee and submit the form Step 4: Download the confirmation page and save it for future reference Direct Link To Apply For Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Rajasthan NHM Recruitment 2025 Exam Date The recruitment examination will take place in June 2025, with results expected to be announced by November 2025. Candidates should stay updated by visiting the official RSSB website for all relevant updates. 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: April 03, 2025, 08:25 IST Telangana: 3 Medical Students Suspended For 'Ragging' First-Year MBBS Student Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 18:49 IST Three medical students in Telangana have been suspended and booked for ragging a first-year MBBS student, who claimed he was physically abused and harassed. Three students from a Telangana medical college were suspended for ragging a first-year MBBS student. (Getty/Representative Image) Three students from Government Medical College in Nagarkurnool, Telangana, have been suspended for ragging a first-year MBBS student, the college principal said on Thursday. The Anti-Ragging Committee met on Wednesday and took disciplinary action against the three senior studentsone from the third year and two from the second year. They have been barred from academic activities and expelled from the hostel for one to three months, news agency PTI quoted college officials as saying. Police have also registered a case after the junior student filed a complaint on March 25. He said his seniors humiliated him, beat him with a belt, and slapped him. Recommended Stories They also asked for his UPI PIN, and when he refused, they beat him again. The students then forced him to do an air chair" punishment, where he had to squat as if sitting on an invisible chair. After 30 minutes, they made him hold a 5 kg LPG cylinder, the student claimed. ALSO READ: Kerala Education Dept Likely To Introduce Anti-ragging Cells Across Schools Growing Concerns Over Ragging Ragging incidents continue to raise alarm, with a similar case reported last month at Jadavpur University, Kolkata. A second-year postgraduate student, Arani Ghosh, alleged that seniors harassed him for over five hours in the hostel. Ghosh lodged formal complaints via email with the universitys Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and the Anti-Ragging Committee. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ghosh had previously spoken out against the 2023 ragging case in which 18-year-old Swapnadeep Kundu died. He claimed that because of this, the same group of seniors targeted him. On March 15, while visiting a friend, he was surrounded by seniors who verbally abused him and even threatened his mother with rape. Following his complaint, Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Bhaskar Gupta confirmed that an enquiry committee has been set up to investigate the matter. 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: April 03, 2025, 18:49 IST Summer Vacation At West Bengal Schools Rescheduled, Now Starting April 30 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 16:14 IST Nine districts wanted to change school timings due to extreme heat. Several districts wanted to conduct classes for primary school students in the morning session instead of the day session Every year, summer vacation starts on May 9 and continues till May 20 (Representative image/File) Schools across West Bengal will commence summer vacation on April 30. Every year, summer vacation starts on May 9 and continues till May 20. Since the heat is extremely high, there will be a vacation from April 30 so that students do not face any problems," Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said. Nine districts wanted to change school timings due to extreme heat. Several districts wanted to conduct classes for primary school students in the morning session instead of the day session. Nine districts including Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas wrote to the Primary Education board requesting a proposal to conduct classes in the morning session instead of the day session for primary school students. Recommended Stories The summer vacation was scheduled to fall between May 12 and May 23. Heatwave warnings have already been issued in several districts. Teachers wer worried about how the situation will reach in May, with the intensity of the heatwave increasing from district to district. So, the vacation will bring some relief by taking place earlier. This comes amid the Calcutta High Courts verdict to cancel about 25,300 jobs in West Bengal on Thursday. All teaching and non-teaching staff who were appointed through the WBSSC 2016 stand cancelled. All the employees who had left their previous jobs and joined the new job can apply to return to their old jobs. The Supreme Court has ruled that they should be sent back to their previous jobs within the next three months. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A fresh recruitment process will have to be done. Age relaxation will be given to those who are eligible and the specially abled in the job application. Those who have worked so far and received a salary will not have to return it. However, 425 people will remain in service. Of the total jobs cancelled, 18 are visually impaired. 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: April 03, 2025, 15:56 IST Waqf Bill: In Double Whammy, Congress May Lose Muslim & Christian Support In Kerala, Courtesy BJP Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 18:08 IST Congresss catch-22 situation in Kerala can largely be attributed to BJPs quiet outreach to the Church in the state where Christians form 18.4 per cent of the states population The Congress stands to lose the popular support of Muslim voters in Kerala where a vast section of the community is battling the Waqf Board in land or property disputes. (PTI) The Waqf Amendment Bill, which was passed in Lok Sabha on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, has presented a Catch-22 situation for the Congress in Kerala. The BJP, which is still making inroads in Kerala politics, checkmated the Congress-led UDF, leaving them with little avenues for escape. In its pursuit to be seen on the side of Muslims of India, the Congress, ironically, stands to lose the popular support of Muslim voters in Kerala where a vast section of the community is battling the Waqf Board in land or property disputes. On the other hand, another of Congresss traditional vote banks that has recently been slowly slipping away in Kerala the Christian community too will be reasonably upset with the Grand Old Party after its Members of Parliament chose to disregard a KCBC appeal to vote in favour of the amendment. Recommended Stories THE QUIET CHURCH OUTREACH Congresss catch-22 situation in Kerala can largely be attributed to BJPs quiet outreach to the Church in the state where Christians form 18.4 per cent of the states population. The BJP has been actively engaging with the Christian community in Kerala, particularly the influential Catholic Church, to garner support for the Bill. Former Union minister KJ Alphonse and the partys first-ever MP from the state Suresh Gopi are learnt to have reached out to remove any misunderstandings if one may have about the Bill". Sources privy to the matter say the focal point of this outreach was the Munambam land dispute in Ernakulam district. The Kerala State Waqf Board has claimed ownership of around 400 acres of land, affecting over 600 families, predominantly Christians and some Hindus, who have lived there for generations. These residents, mainly fishermen, hold registered deeds and have paid land taxes, yet face legal challenges due to provisions in the existing Waqf Act of 1995. The nature of the law allows the Waqf Board to claim properties it deems as its own, even bypassing civil courts and relegating disputes to Waqf Tribunals. The transparency and fairness of Waqf Tribunals have been a long-standing issue for many who must deal with it. BJP found common ground with the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC), a powerful body representing the Syro-Malabar, Latin, and Syro-Malankara Catholic Churches on the issue of Munambam land dispute, prompting it to back the Bill and urging Keralas Members of Parliament to support the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling certain provisions of the current Act unconstitutional and unjust". Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, KCBC president, cited the Munambam case where Farook College, which originally sold the land, confirmed it was a giftnot Waqf property. After becoming the state president of BJP, one of the first meetings of Rajeev Chandrashekhar was on Tuesday with Cardinal Cleemis, who by then issued the appeal. After meeting him, Chandrashekhar said: I thanked him for the Kerala Catholic Bishops Councils appeal to Kerala MPs to support the Waqf Amendment Bill. It is absolutely incorrect and mischievous for anyone to categorise this Bill as against any community" Though sources suggest some Kerala Congress MPs reached out to the Church describing it as political compulsion", the BJP ensured the Christian community at large, and the Church in particular, are upset with the party where it was seen disregarding an appeal by KCBC. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights.This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 2, 2025 MUSLIMS WONT BE HAPPY EITHER Minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, while presenting the amended Bill, went poetic to make his point: Meine ek shama jalai hai, hawaon ke khilaf (I have lit a lamp against the force of the wind)". The force he was referring to was not just his political opponent who alleged on the floor of the House that the Bill was anti-Muslim but also organisations like Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, a premier organisation of Deobandi theological leaning, and Jamat E Islami, which has been at the forefront of advocacy against the new Waqf Bill and preservation of Waqf properties. It would be ironic to even suggest that the Congress stands to lose Muslim votes in Kerala for opposing the Bill. While these organisations have tried to keep their grip on the Waqf Board and hence, would be happy about the Congresss positioning inside the House, there is a vast section of victims in Kerala who happen to be from the Muslim community and are entangled in legal battles with the Waqf board after their properties were allegedly taken over using the old law. They would be upset with the Congress. There are reportedly 40,951 pending cases related to Waqf properties in Waqf tribunals across India as of recent updates. Out of these, approximately 9,942 cases have been filed by members of the Muslim community against Waqf Boards. This suggests that at least 20 per cent of the total disputes involve Muslims challenging the Waqf Boards actions or claims, such as encroachment, property mismanagement or ownership disputes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all An estimate suggests that there are as many as 1,008 litigations in Kerala that pertain to Waqf properties. Of these, there are only 457 cases where non-Muslims are involved while there are a whopping 551 cases where Muslims are battling the Waqf system in place, making it a little above 54 per cent of the total litigations as of the autumn of 2024. These Muslim families want a fair hearing and seeing Congress bat for a system that denied them so will definitely translate into angst. In his speech at the BJP headquarters on November 23, 2024, following the partys landslide victory in the Maharashtra elections, PM Narendra Modi stated: Waqf is an act of appeasement politics by the Congress, and it has no place in the Constitution." Members of the Union cabinet suggest that after this legislation, the Waqfs power will be back in the hands of what government sources call the original guardians of Indias syncretic values Sufi, Barelwi and Shia Muslims for whom Waqf has always been a matter of faith". About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: April 03, 2025, 11:30 IST What Would Trumps Anger At Putin Over Refusal To Accept Ukraine Ceasefire Mean For Russia? Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 09:45 IST Donald Trump has said he would impose secondary tariffs on the sale of Russian oil if Vladimir Putin did not agree to ceasefire in Ukraine By 'secondary tariffs', Donald Trump means levying penalties on imports from countries that buy Russian oil. (Reuters) Donald Trump said he was very angry" at Russian President Vladimir Putin when he criticised the credibility of Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and has threatened to slap additional sanctions on the sale of Russia oil if he did not accept the ceasefire deal. The remarks mark a change in tone of Trump, who has been open to negotiations with Moscow since his second term began in January. Recommended Stories Agence France-Presse reported that Putin on Friday called for a transitional government to be put in place in Ukraine, which could effectively push out Zelenskyy. What Did Trump Say About Putin? Trump argued, in an NBC interview, that any move seeking to replace Zelenskyy as the leader of Ukraine would inevitably delay the prospects of a ceasefire. If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russias fault which it might not be but if I think it was Russias fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia," Trump said in a phone call with NBC News on Sunday. Trump had criticised Zelenskyy, saying he was sick" of his handling of the war and falsely calling him a dictator. What Did Putin Say About Zelenskyy? Putin said Zelenskyy lacked the legitimacy to sign a peace agreement. The Russian President has frequently claimed that the Ukrainian government is illegitimate, ever since the 2014 overthrow of Moscow-leaning President Viktor Yanukovych, whom the Kremlin claims had US backing. Putin instead suggested that a temporary administration be set up in Ukraine under the supervision of the United Nations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, however, rejected the proposal. Zelenskyy became Ukrainian president in 2019 for five years. After which, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Though Ukraine was supposed to have presidential elections in 2024, the country has been under the martial law due to the war. Secondary Tariffs On Russia And Its Oil A bipartisan bill would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and entities supporting Putins aggression if Moscow does not engage in peace talks or undermines Ukraines sovereignty. The bill includes imposing 500% tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products. Joe Biden had banned Russian oil imports shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Since then, the amount of Russian oil imported to the US has dropped to only 10,000 barrels of Russian crude oil and petroleum products in 2023, according to the US Energy Information Administration. A few of the top importers of Russian oil products include China, Turkey and Brazil, according to an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. The senators Sens. Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal behind The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" said in a press release that the sanctions were hard hitting because the dominating view" in the US Senate is that Russia is the aggressor in Ukraine. Razom for Ukraine CEO, Romanko, said the bill would be a significant step towards ending Russias ability to fund the war. These measures could deal a serious blow to the Kremlins fossil fuel revenues, which remain one of its primary sources of war financing, she added. She further said the US must go further and immediately ban American firms, like oil service company Schlumberger (SLB) from providing services to Russias fossil fuel sector. Imogen Payter, UK Friends of Ukraine Director told Newsweek the proposed sanctions and tariffs in the bill would help close the loophole allowing third party countries to refine Russian oil. What Are Secondary Tariffs? By secondary tariffs", Trump means levying penalties on imports from countries that buy Russian oil. The US has led campaigns known as secondary sanctions in which countries that trade with a sanctioned country also face penalties. For instance, secondary sanctions are in place against the purchase of Iranian oil or heavy military equipment from Russia: countries, companies and individuals that engage in this trade are at risk of US sanctions. Last week, Trump also imposed a 25% secondary tariff on US imports from any country buying oil and gas from Venezuela. What Happens Next? Speaking in Ukraine alongside Germanys visiting foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, Zelenskyy urged the US to ramp up sanctions on Russia after what he said were violations of a ceasefire on energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian president said the US had told Ukraine privately that it had seen the Russian violations. Russia has itself accused the Ukrainians of continuing to strike energy infrastructure, something Kyiv denies. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Ukrainian President will hold in-depth talks on Friday with a small group of foreign countries about contributing forces to a contingent that would act as a security guarantee for Ukraine, as per a Guardian report. As per Newsweek, the House version of the US legislation is also being introduced with the support of both Republicans and Democrats, which will add pressure on Putin. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is likely to continue its push for a deal with Russia in the coming weeks. 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: April 03, 2025, 08:30 IST 'Not A Single Inch Lost': Anurag Thakur Vs Rahul Gandhi In Parliament Over Land Grab Claim Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 13:53 IST Anurag Thakur slammed Rahul Gandhi for alleging China occupied 4,000 sq km of the Indian land, blaming the UPA regime for territorial losses. Anurag Thakur (L)/Rahul Gandhi (R) (Photos: PTI) Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday attacked Rahul Gandhi after the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha raised the issue of alleged encroachment of Indian territory by China. Thakur said those who talk about India and China drank soup with the Chinese, also asserting that not a single inch" of Indian land was lost to China. Recommended Stories Slamming Gandhi, the Union Minister said that politicising such issues would not yield anything. His response came after Rahul Gandhi, in the lower House today, claimed that China took control of 4,000 sq km of the Indian land. He also asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu wrote a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping. There should be status quo, and we should get our land back," Gandhi said. It is a known fact that China is sitting on 4,000 sq km of our territory. I was shocked to see, sometime back, that our Foreign Secretary was cutting a cake with the Chinese Ambassador," Rahul Gandhi said. The question is, what exactly is happening to this territory," LoP Gandhi said. We are not against normalcy but normalcy needs to be preceded by status quo. Our land should be restored to us," he added. It has also come to my knowledge that the Prime Minister and President have written to the Chinese. We are finding this out not from our people but from the Chinese ambassador," Gandhi claimed. Also speaking on the tariffs imposed by the United States on India, Rahul Gandhi said, You have given China 4,000 sq km of land. On the other side, our ally has decided to levy tariffs on us. This will completely devastate us. What is the government of India doing about our land and what will you do on the issue of tariffs." In response, Anurag Thakur asked, During whose time did China take control of the area? Who were the people who were sipping soup with Chinese officials during the Doklam standoff? Why did the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation take money from the Chinese?" Indian forces responded effectively to the Chinese and not a single inch of land has been lost," Thakur said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Doing politics on an issue like this will not yield anything, but they (Congress) have to answer to the people of the country about the mistakes of the past," Thakur said. The Lok Sabha gathered hours after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was eventually passed in the lower House in the early hours of Thursday. The Bill was approved by the Lower House with a majority of 288 votes against 232. 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: April 03, 2025, 13:17 IST ASI Taking 'Proactive' Measures To Protect Aurangzeb's Tomb In Maharashtra: Centre In Parliament Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 19:56 IST The Centre was responding to Kerala's IUML MP Abdul Wahab, who asked if there was a threat of demolition to Aurangzeb's tomb from extremist groups and, if so, about the action taken by ASI to protect the monument There has been a massive controversy around the Tomb of Aurangzeb in Maharashtra as many right-wing groups and ruling alliance politicians in the state have demanded its removal. (Image: PTI/File) The Centre on Thursday told Parliament that the Archaeological Survey of India was taking steps to protect the Tomb of Aurangzeb in Maharashtra from any threats. There has been a massive controversy around Aurangzebs tomb as many right-wing groups and ruling alliance politicians in Maharashtra have demanded its removal. Recommended Stories Keralas IUML MP Abdul Wahab asked the Centre if there was a threat of demolition to the tomb from extremist groups and, if so, about the action taken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to protect the monument. In his reply, Union culture minister Gajendra Shekhawat said the ASI was continuously taking proactive measures in coordination with the district administration to mitigate any damage" to the protected monument. Further, action taken includes providing a 12-foot metal sheet around the tomb, concertina wire over the surrounding walls to check trespassers, deployment of private security personnel in addition to multitasking staff and inspection on regular intervals by ASI officials," he said. Aurangzebs tomb at Aurangabad districts Khuldabad is a protected monument under the jurisdiction of ASIs Aurangabad circle. Recently, former RSS general secretary and senior functionary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi called the controversy over the tomb unnecessary". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Joshi stressed that Hindu Maratha kings like Shivaji were large-hearted enough to even build graves for their fallen rivals. Citing the kings greatness as a true reflection of Hindutvas magnanimity, he said the Mughal emperors grave should be left undisturbed a position that now appears as a nod to a legacy of strength with dignity, rather than fuelling reactionary politics. A week earlier, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, while speaking to the media after the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), echoed a similar sentiment though in different words. He said the invader" (Aurangzeb) is no longer relevant to Bharat, but added that Indians must introspect. Sunil Ambekar, an RSS spokesperson, also termed the Aurangzeb issue irrelevant". About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 19:56 IST Have Nothing Left To Celebrate: An Urdu Scholars Story Of Injustice & Vindication Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 15:47 IST Professor Ali Ahmed Fatmi lost him home in the 2021 demolition drive in Prayagraj and the Supreme Court finally ruled in his favour on April 1 this year Ali Ahmed Fatmi not only lost his home of 32 years but his daughters house too was reduced to rubble. (News18) For professor Ali Ahmed Fatmi, vindication has come from the apex court of the country but the retired Urdu scholar from Allahabad University says its too little, too late. In the 2021 demolition drive in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj, Fatmi not only lost his home of 32 years but his daughters house too was reduced to rubble. His wife, unable to bear the shock, passed away soon after. A lifetimes treasure12,000 books collected over five decadeswas buried in the ruins. Though the Supreme Court finally ruled in his favour on April 1, the victory feels hollow to Fatmi. I am thankful, but I dont know with whom to celebrate and how to react," Fatmi told News18. Recommended Stories A House Lost, A Battle Won On a quiet morning in March 2021, Fatmi received a frantic call from his daughter. The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) had served a demolition notice on their home in Lukerganj. The notice, dated March 1, had been handed over only a day before. The next morning, bulldozers arrived. Within hours, the house that had stood for over three decades, was reduced to rubble. While he is grateful that the Supreme Court has acknowledged the injustice done to him, the scholars pain remains immeasurable. A Battle for Justice Fatmi was not the only one to suffer. His daughter Naila Fatmis house, along with those of lawyer Zulfiquar Haider, Baby Maimuna, and Shahnaz Parveen, were razed. The PDA claimed that the homes were illegally built on Nazul landgovernment-owned land leased for specific purposes. The demolitions were part of a broader campaign against land mafias, particularly targeting properties linked to notorious gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad. However, the residents, including Fatmi, denied any illegal encroachment. The suddenness of the notice and the swiftness of the action left them with no time for legal recourse. Fatmi was away in Jamshedpur attending a family wedding when he received the news. He rushed back, only to arrive hours before the demolition began. Authorities gave them barely any time to retrieve their belongings. We were forced to watch as our home was torn apart before our eyes," Fatmi recounted. The Allahabad High Court refused to intervene, and by the time they reached the Supreme Court, their houses had already been turned to dust. A Scholars Solitude After the demolition, Fatmi initially sought shelter at his in-laws house. Eventually, he moved into a small flat in Kareli, purchased using his retirement savings from Allahabad University, where he had served as the head of the Urdu department. It was meant as a future gift for his younger daughter, but circumstances forced him to make it his home. Despite finding a roof over his head, his life remained deeply unsettled. His vast collection of bookshis lifelong companionscould not fit into the cramped space. He was forced to give most of them away, keeping only a handful. A library is a scholars soul. Losing it was like losing a part of myself," he lamented. His wifes passing in September 2021 compounded his grief. She was a chronic diabetic, but after the demolition, she never recovered from the shock," he said. In 2022, Fatmi suffered a major heart attack, leading to a surgical procedure. SC Verdict: Vindication, But Not Closure After three years of relentless legal battles, the Supreme Court finally delivered its verdict on April 1, 2024. The ruling condemned the PDAs actions as inhuman and illegal" and ordered compensation of Rs 10 lakh to each affected homeowner. The manner in which the demolition has taken place shocks our conscience. Residences of the appellants have been high-handedly demolished. There is something called right to shelter, due process of law," observed a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan. For Fatmi, the verdict was a moral victory, though it did little to erase the deep scars of the past. I am grateful that the court understood our pain," he said. But what do I have left to celebrate? My wife is gone. My home is gone. My books are gone. The void can never be filled." PDAs Demolition Drive The Lukerganj demolitions were part of a larger campaign launched in Prayagraj against land mafia. In a seven-month-long drive, authorities used bulldozers to clear more than 2,000 bighas of land allegedly encroached upon by criminals, particularly those linked to Atiq Ahmad. Atiq, a feared gangster and former MP, had amassed significant real estate in Prayagraj. In an effort to reclaim illegally occupied land, the PDA began demolishing his properties. However, in their zeal to clear entire plots, innocent homeowners like Fatmi and his neighbours were caught in the crossfire. The residents believe that since their houses were adjacent to Atiqs properties, the authorities sought to raze the entire stretch to reclaim the land. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Atiq Ahmads own story came to a dramatic end in April 2023 when he and his brother Ashraf were shot dead while in police custody. While the Supreme Court reprimanded the authorities, it does not bring back what was lost. The Rs 10 lakh compensation is meagre compared to the actual financial and emotional toll inflicted upon the residents. Yet, despite his suffering, Fatmi remains resilient. This was never just about compensation. It was about proving that what happened to us was wrong," he said. Today, the court has acknowledged that." Location : Prayagraj, India, India First Published: April 03, 2025, 15:47 IST SC Stays Tree Felling In Telangana Amid Massive Protests. What Are Hyderabad University Students Demanding? Curated By : Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 15:31 IST The Supreme Court halted deforestation in Kancha Gachibowli near the University of Hyderabad amid protests, directing the Telangana government to stop tree felling for IT development. The University of Hyderabad Students Union (UoHSU), along with other allied unions and parties, has initiated an indefinite protest and announced a boycott of classes starting April 1. (Photos: X) The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the deforestation drive at the biodiversity-rich Kancha Gachibowli area near University of Hyderabad amid massive protests. Taking note of tree felling, the top court directed the Telangana government to ensure no tree felling in the area. In the order, the apex court noted that the news items shows that the authorities, taking advantage of long holidays over the weekend, have rushed through in felling the trees". Additionally, the forest is said to be home to eight species of scheduled animals," read the order, as reported by Bar & Bench. Recommended Stories The case concerns a 400-acre parcel of land in Kancha Gachibowli village, which the State proposes to auction through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd., Hyderabad (TGIIC) to develop IT infrastructure. Earlier, the Telangana High Court had directed the Congress government to halt all the works in this regard until April 3. The petitioners also challenged the state governments decision to allot the land to the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), claiming it violated the Forest Conservation Act. A petitioners counsel argued that the flora and fauna within the 400-acre sitewhether it belongs to HCU or the state governmentwould be lost due to the narrow economic interests" of the authorities. Why Are Hyderabad Students Protesting? The University of Hyderabad Students Union (UoHSU), along with other allied unions and parties, has initiated an indefinite protest and announced a boycott of classes starting April 1. They are demanding the removal of police personnel from the campus and the withdrawal of earth-moving machinery from the land. Student groups and environmental activists oppose the proposed development work at the site due to concerns about ecological conservation. The protests intensified on March 31, with the government asserting that the land parcel belongs to it, not the university. However, the Hyderabad University Registrar disputed the governments claim that the boundary of the disputed land had been finalised. Who Owns Kancha Gachibowli Land & Why Govt Wants It The state government maintains that it is a government land and is utilising it to develop IT parks to provide jobs for youth. On March 30, TGIIC initiated development work at the Kancha Gachibowli site as per a government order. On March 31, the TGIIC stated that it had established its ownership of the land in court and that University of Hyderabad, a central university, does not own any portion of the land. With the consent of the University of Hyderabad Registrar, a survey of the land was conducted in July 2024 in the presence of the university officials for identification of boundaries. The officials finalised the boundaries on the same day," the TGIIC said. However, the University of Hyderabad said no survey was conducted in July 2024 by the revenue authorities in the campus to demarcate the 400 acres of land resumed by the state government in 2006. The only action taken thus far has been a preliminary inspection of the lands topography, UoH Registrar Devesh Nigam said in a statement. Centre Seeks Factual Report From Telangana The Union Environment Ministry has requested a factual report from the Telangana government regarding the illegal clearing of vegetation on 400 acres of forest land" in the state. Additionally, the ministry has instructed Telanganas additional chief secretary (forests) to take legal action under the relevant forest and wildlife laws. The ministry has come to know about the illegal felling and removal of vegetation in Kancha Gachibowli Village, Ranga Reddy district of Telangana by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC). There have also been various news reports in the print and social media in this regard alleging damage to the wildlife found in the said land, its lakes and the unique rock formations in the area," the ministry said in a letter on Wednesday. What Political Parties Saying On Issue? Calling out the Revanth Reddy government over the issue, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao said that the land belongs to the people of Hyderabad. KTR also announced that an big ecological park will be built on the land after the BRS returns to power in the state. We are just asking Revanth Reddy not to undo the good works done by the KTR government Despite the students protests, Revanth Reddy is behaving like a monarch The state govt has become a joke We will be back in power and will build the biggest Eco Park there that will be accessible to the people and the students Where is Rahul Gandhi? Why is he silent on the issue of students protests? The chief minister works as a broker, and he sells the land that belongs to the people to real estate agents. Isnt it Rahul Gandhis responsibility to control the CM?" he asked. BJP MLA Payal Shankar said that 400 acres of land belongs to the government, but that doesnt mean the government has the power to sell it. Today, students and environmentalists are demanding 400 acres of land for the university, but why is the government not listening to them? The government can bring money from wherever it wants, but it cannot generate another land adjacent to the university. They should withdraw their thoughts of selling that 400 acres of land," he said. However, Telangana Minister Sridhar Babu refuted oppositions allegations and said the government has not acquired or forcefully taken one inch of University land. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Congress leader Kota Neelima said, The facts have been made clear by many cabinet ministers of the Telangana government repeatedly over the last two days. The fact has been made clear before everyone that the land belongs to the government and also that the Supreme Court has given orders, after which, the action is being taken Students who were peacefully protesting, how did they get politicised? Why are BJP and BRS playing politics with the youth and students of HCU? The only way forward is a debate They are only creating a crisis in which ordinary citizens and students will be the victims." (With inputs from PTI, ANI) 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 First Published: April 03, 2025, 15:21 IST Bihar Woman Raped At Bengaluru Railway Station, Her Relative Restrained In Late-Night Assault Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 16:36 IST One of the accused, identified as Ashif, has been arrested, while police have launched an investigation to nab the other accused. The victim had been working in Kerala and was returning to her hometown in Bihar. (Representative Image) A 19-year-old woman was raped by two men near KR Puram railway station in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The incident reportedly occurred at around 1.30 am in the night. The victim had been working in Kerala and was returning to her hometown in Bihar. One of the accused, identified as Ashif, has been arrested, while police have launched an investigation to apprehend the other accused. Recommended Stories According to news agency PTI, the police said the victim had been working in Keralas Kattappan town but decided to return home as she was unhappy with the job. She bought a ticket to Mangaluru but used the same ticket to reach Bengaluru. Before reaching the KR Puram railway station, she called her cousin. The victim arrived at KR Puram railway station at around 1:13 am. Accompanied by her cousin, she was walking towards Mahadevapura to get food when they were approached by two unidentified men. One of the assailants allegedly attacked the victims brother and restrained him, while the other one dragged the victim to an isolated area and sexually assaulted her. Hearing the victims cries for help, some passersby rushed to the spot, forcing the attackers to flee. However, the public managed to catch one of the suspects, Ashif, and handed him over to the police. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A case has been registered against both accused. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the second accused, police said. (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 First Published: April 03, 2025, 12:34 IST CCTV Footage Shows Moment When IAF Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashed In Gujarat Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 15:38 IST An IAF Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar on Wednesday night after a technical malfunction, killing a pilot and injuring another. CCTV footage showing the IAF jet crashing near Gujarat's Jamnagar (X/PTI) New CCTV footage has emerged showing the exact moment when an Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarats Jamnagar on Wednesday night, killing a pilot while another suffered injuries. The distant footage from Suvarda village showed the jet tumbling down behind the trees, and a bright flash of light moments after the crash, which took place at approximately 9:30 pm. The pilots faced a technical glitch midair and initiated ejection. Recommended Stories An IAF Jaguar two-seater aircraft airborne from Jamnagar Airfield crashed during a night mission. The pilots faced a technical malfunction and initiated ejection, avoiding harm to airfield and local population. Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family," the IAF said in a statement on Thursday. The Air Force said that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. The crash occurred at around 9.30 pm on Wednesday at an open field in Suvarda village, 12 km from Jamnagar city, and caught fire, police earlier said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While the police found one pilot in an injured state at the spot, a search operation was launched to find the second one, who went missing after the crash, Jamnagar district Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu told news agency PTI on Wednesday. District Collector Ketan Thakkar, who also rushed to the spot after the incident, said the blaze engulfed the open field after the crash and was later doused by firefighters. The injured pilot was rushed to a government hospital. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Jamnagar, India, India First Published: April 03, 2025, 15:34 IST 'Left TMC Because...' Ex-MP Jawhar Sircar Slams Mamata Banerjee's Govt After Verdict On Teachers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 17:25 IST Sircar's remarks came after the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Calcutta High Courts decision to annul the appointments of 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff over an alleged scam. Jawhar Sircar reacted to West Bengal's teacher-for-recruitment scam. (PTI File) After the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled against the Mamata Banerjee government over the appointment of school teachers, former Trinamool Congress MP Jawhar Sircar hit out at the party for corruption and authoritarianism". People ask me why I resigned as MP of TMC. Would my conscience allow me to be a part of such rot? I went with TMC as it is the toughest fighter against communal, fascist BJP. I left because TMCs corruption & authoritarianism were getting too bad," Sircar said on X. Recommended Stories People ask me why I resigned as MP of TMC.Would my conscience allow me to be a part of such rot? I went with TMC as it is the toughest fighter against communal, fascist BJP. I left because TMCs corruption & authoritarianism were getting too bad. pic.twitter.com/nufFFYpnYQ Jawhar Sircar (@jawharsircar) April 3, 2025 Sircar, a retired IAS officer, resigned from the Rajya Sabha and active politics in September last year, citing his protest against the Mamata Banerjee-led Bengal governments handling of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case. He had also voiced his concerns over the ruling TMC governments lack of decisive action" against corruption. Sircar, in his letter, highlighted that after publicly urging the TMC to address corruption scandals prevailing in the party, he faced resistance from senior leaders. He further referred to the ongoing public outrage over the RG Kar case and said, I have not seen such angst and total no-confidence against the government." West Bengal Jobs-For-Cash Scam His remarks came after the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Calcutta High Courts decision to annul the appointments of 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff by the state School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016 over an alleged school jobs-for-cash scam. The Bengal jobs-for-cash scam relates to the illegal hiring of teachers and staff in the primary and secondary schools during the 2016 recruitment process. In 2016, more than 23 lakh candidates took exams for 25,000 job openings. However, later complaints were raised to the Calcutta High Court that several candidates were given jobs unfairly as their answer sheets were wrongly checked. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A Bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjiv Kumar refused to interfere with the High Courts verdict, observing that the appointments were vitiated by fraud. We have gone through the facts. Regarding findings of this case, entire selection process is vitiated by manipulation and fraud and credibility and legitimacy is denuded. No reason to interfere. Tainted candidates must be terminated and appointments were resultant of cheating and thus fraud," the Court said in its judgment. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 17:16 IST 'Can't Accept...': Mamata Banerjee Reacts To SC Ruling On Teachers' Appointment Amid BJP Offensive Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 15:58 IST Mamata Banerjee rejected the Supreme Court's verdict canceling 25,753 school job appointments, alleging BJP and CPI(M) are targeting the state's education system. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (Photo: PTI) Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she cannot accept the Supreme Court judgment invalidating the appointment of 25,753 teachers and other staff in state-run and state-aided schools in West Bengal. The Chief Minister also alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants to target the education system of the state, and that this was done by the saffron party and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Recommended Stories We are studying the verdict. We have the highest regard for the judiciary, but, as a citizen of the country, I have every right to say that I cannot accept this judgment," Mamata said. Our lawyers will review this matter. I know candidates are depressed. I will meet them on April 7 at Netaji Indoor Stadium. Im with candidates on humanitarian grounds. For this step, if the BJP wants to send me to jail, they can. Catch me if you are ready for that," the Chief Minister said. The BJP wants to target the education system of West Bengal. This all has been done by the BJP and the CPM," she alleged. SSC is an autonomous body. We, as a government, will not interfere with their work. If the court mentioned three months (for a fresh selection process), we are with candidates on humanitarian grounds," the Chief Minister said. If 25,000 teachers do not go to school, will it not be a problem for the education system? Is this a plan? Do you want to collapse the education system," she asked. She also said candidates who are already employed do not have to pay the money back. I know teachers are depressed today, those whose jobs are cancelled, we are with them. Our lawyers will do a review on this. Candidates who are already employed dont have to pay back the money," Mamata said. Referring to the BJP demanding her resignation over the alleged scam, Mamata said, (BJP president and Union Minister of State for Education) Sukanta Majumdar said Im responsible for this. Why are they targeting Bengal all the time? I was born in Bengal and I know the intention of the BJP and central government." BJP DEMANDS MAMATAs RESIGNATION Soon after the Supreme Court ruling, the BJP demanded Banerjees resignation, saying that she should take full responsibility for the alleged scam case. In an X post, Majumdar wrote, The sole responsibility for this massive corruption in teacher recruitment lies with the failed Chief Minister of the state." The Supreme Courts verdict has made it clear how, under Mamata Banerjees rule, the merit of educated unemployed youth in West Bengal was sold in exchange for money," he added. No more forgiveness," Majumdars post read. In a video, he also expressed empathy with the deserving candidates who got their jobs using their skills and merit but became sufferers due to corrupt mishandling of the entire recruitment process by the Mamata Banerjee government which is solely responsible for facilitating jobs to a large number of tainted teachers in an irregular manner". They could not be distinguished from the deserving candidates. The corrupt Mamata Banerjee government owes an explanation to the people of the state, particularly the families of the deserving teachers," Majumdar said. The sole responsibility for this massive corruption in teacher recruitment lies with the failed Chief Minister of the state, @MamataOfficial. The Supreme Courts verdict has made it clear how, under Mamata Banerjees rule, the merit of educated unemployed youth in West Bengal was pic.twitter.com/F89dmS97FS Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) April 3, 2025 THE SUPREME COURT RULING The top court on Thursday invalidated the appointment of 25,753 teachers and other staff in state-run and state-aided schools, and termed the entire selection process vitiated and tainted". A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar upheld a Calcutta High Court verdict dated April 22, 2024, annulling the appointments and ordering the Trinamool Congress-led state government to initiate a fresh selection process to be concluded within three months. The CJI also said the employees whose appointments have been annulled are not needed to return their salaries and other emoluments earned so far. It, however, made relaxation for certain disabled employees on humanitarian grounds, saying they would remain in the job. The bench fixed pleas, including the one filed by the West Bengal government, challenging the high court direction for a CBI probe, for hearing on April 4. THE WEST BENGAL RECRUITMENT SCAM CASE The case stemmed from the alleged irregularities in the 2016 recruitment process conducted by the West Bengal SSC in which 23 lakh candidates appeared for 24,640 posts and a total of 25,753 appointment letters were issued. The apex court had termed it a systemic fraud". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The high court instructed those appointed outside the officially available 24,640 vacancies, those recruited after the expiry of the official date, and those who submitted blank OMR sheets but obtained appointments to return all the remunerations and benefits received by them with 12 per cent per interest. Former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee and Trinamool Congress MLAs Manik Bhattacharya and Jiban Krishna Saha are among the accused being probed in the recruitment scam. 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: April 03, 2025, 15:29 IST An effort to change North Dakota's mining laws is creating fault lines between the coal industry and landowners. House Bill 1459 aims to create a legal framework that would boost commercial development of rare earth elements and other "critical minerals" found in the beds of North Dakota's lignite coal. A landowner group calls the proposal unconstitutional because it affects existing contracts. Rare earth elements are a group of 17 minerals that are frequently found together and ubiquitous in electronics and clean energy technologies. "Critical minerals" is a political term that refers to minerals that are considered essential for the economy or national security, which can include rare earths. The bill would use the state's "police power" to require the legal "pooling" together of critical minerals and coal already under contract. Mineral owners would receive a 2.5% royalty rate on net profits from the mining, removal and sale of the minerals. The mining, processing and marketing of rare earths is largely controlled by China, and that has made setting up an industry in the U.S. a challenge. Mountain Pass in California is the only U.S. rare earth mine that exists, and it has struggled to keep the lights on in recent decades due to environmental issues and Chinese competition. There is a push from both federal and state politicians to fund research and development to create a domestic supply. Around a decade of research from state agencies has shown that high concentrations of rare earths exist in North Dakota coal, while other efforts from the University of North Dakota have found that extracting rare earths from lignite could be cheaper and have fewer environmental risks than refining minerals found in hard rocks such as those at Mountain Pass. But whether there is a business case to mine for these elements in North Dakota is still up in the air because questions remain on how much of the coal has high rare earth concentrations, along with the industry being so new. Rare earths remain in ash after coal has been burned, but the technology around extracting that is more challenging. This law would just apply to pre-combustion coal. The coal industry maintains that the tricky economics of developing rare earths requires the state to give it the certainty that it has the legal right to mine coal for rare earths. Coal lobbyists say that the industry is willing to negotiate around royalty rates, but that the broader outline of the bill is needed for the industry to consider moving forward with rare earth development. "We firmly believe this bill is constitutional and the state can exercise its police powers. It's done it before. ... It must do so in a limited fashion," said David Straley with North American Coal. The company operates three mines in North Dakota. He pointed to the limited nature of the legislation to existing coal leases and the public benefits of mineral development. The Northwest Landowners Association (NWLA) says its members want to see the minerals developed too, but by altering contracts between coal companies and landowners that have already been privately negotiated, the law would be unconstitutional. Landowners with coal leases agreed to receive a financial return from companies for the coal used for electricity and in some cases chemical products, but in general, not specifically for rare earths that are in the coal. "Their land is already being disturbed, so it's just a negotiation between the parties to figure out equitable or just compensation," said Troy Coons, the NWLA's chairman. The group's lawyer Derrick Braaten also expressed skepticism on the assertion that the industry would not go forward in the state without this legislation if the market and other national incentives were right. He said questions of whether existing contracts apply to rare earths can be figured out in court as rare earth projects develop. The coal industry pushed back on this. "There'll be thousands of quiet title actions. ... They're not all going to exist the same way. Yes, there's going to be quite a few that are the same, but any one word change in a lease is going to make it susceptible," Straley said. HB 1459 passed 85-2-7 in the state House, but opposition picked up during committee hearings in the state Senate. Over two hours of testimony last week at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee prompted lawmakers to ask industry and landowners to negotiate. The two sides remained at an impasse Thursday on what a legal framework should look like. Lawsuits are inevitable if the bill passes in its present form, Braaten said. The group has repeatedly sued the state for other laws that it argues violate property rights in the state's constitution. Some lawmakers at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee expressed frustration with NWLA on Thursday. "What I hear here is, 'We want to litigate. We want to litigate. That's all we want to do without any answers.' I mean at the end of the day, the people that have the (minerals) are losing," said Sen. Greg Kessel, R-Belfield. Coons pushed back. He said industry should have approached landowners earlier in the legislative process. Straley said provisions that the coal industry pushed for in the bill were added with the goal of compensating landowners as coal miners seek to develop critical minerals. Whatever side gets its way, industry, researchers and lawmakers all expressed the feeling that the state is in a time crunch to get the industry going, noting the multiple ongoing rare earth projects across the country. "If we wait two years or wait four years, there's the risk of getting behind ... we're ready to do it now, it's just a matter of getting the financial and business pieces together," said Dan Laudal, a University of North Dakota researcher. The committee gave both sides until Monday to keep negotiating. 'Mission 500', 'Clause 4': Why Modi Govt Is Not Troubled By Trump's Tariffs Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 17:04 IST Sources say the government was expecting the figure to be about 25-26 per cent, so it came as no shock. Backroom legwork was already being done, and India has looked at and drafted a Plan B Sources say India has huge hope from the good equations between the PM and the President, and the fact is that Trump has often stated that Modi is a good negotiator. (File image/Reuters) As the clock ticked for the passage of the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha, the eyes and ears of key ministries and ministers were on the press conference of United States President Donald Trump over the issue of reciprocal tariffs". As the clock struck 2 am in Sansad Bhawan, the government looked at the situation with mixed feelings: happy at the passage of the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha and trepidatious at the tariff figures being announced by the US President. As India was hit with a 26 per cent tariff, there was some relief for the government. There are reasons for this. Sources say the government was expecting the figure to be about 25-26 per cent, so it came as no shock. Backroom legwork was already being done, and India has looked at and drafted a Plan B. Looking at countries like Canada and Mexico, which were among the earliest to be hit by tariffs (though they were kept out of the latest list), and some like Cambodia (49 per cent), Indonesia (32 per cent), China (34 per cent), and Bangladesh (37 per cent), the commerce ministry in a detailed statement said that this gives India hope and the sense that we are not so badly off. It also offers India the hope that those hit by the high tariff could be a catchment area for it. Recommended Stories But the biggest hope is clause 4 of the US presidential declaration, which makes reference to a periodic review of the tariffs. This, as per official sources, means given Indias intent, which we will showcase, America will see our potential and offer us concessions when it decides to review". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all More than that, India is confident that Mission 500 will be the clincher. On February 13, President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the plan aimed to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Accordingly, discussions are going on between India and US trade teams for the expeditious conclusion of a mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)," said an official. Sources say that this is just the beginning. India has huge hope from the good equations between the PM and the President, and the fact is that Trump has often stated that Modi is a good negotiator. Armed with a strong team, including external affairs minister S Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal with the PM, Indian negotiators say they have nothing to worry about. But India also sees this as a big opportunity to widen its net to countries hit harder by the tariff. Also, officials say, this would be an incentive for indigenous firms to pull up their socks and attract consumers. 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: April 03, 2025, 17:04 IST 'Necessary Reform' Vs 'Targeting Muslims': UP Divided Over Waqf Bill Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 16:22 IST Amid heightened security and political turmoil, the bill has now been tabled in the Rajya Sabha, where the battle over its fate has intensified The Waqf Act, 1995 was enacted by the government to improve the administration and management of waqf properties. (File pic) The countrys most populous state holds a majority of its Waqf properties. And, observers say, Uttar Pradesh stands divided over the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. While the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies are hailing it as a long-overdue reform, the opposition and several Muslim organisations see it as an attack on Waqf properties. Some religious leaders support the Amendment Bill, calling it a step towards transparency, even as others accuse the government of targeting a particular community. Amid heightened security and political turmoil, the bill has now been tabled in the Rajya Sabha, where the battle over its fate has intensified. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed by the Lok Sabha early on Thursday morning as an intense 12-hour debate extended past midnight. The government, leveraging its numerical strength, secured the bills passage with a 288-232 vote, despite fierce opposition. The bill, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, is now being discussed in the Rajya Sabha. Recommended Stories As the debate raged in Parliament, security was heightened in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in communally sensitive districts. A flag march was conducted in Varanasi, and the state government cancelled police personnel leave. Officials were directed to maintain law and order, with strict action promised against those attempting to disturb communal harmony. Strong reactions from political and religious circles The bill has sparked polarising responses from people from all walks of life, including politicians, religious leaders, and members of civil society organisations. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the bill, calling it a distraction from more pressing issues". The government first sold land belonging to the railways, then that of the armed forces, and now it wants to sell off Waqf land," he alleged. The BJP Minority Morcha, in contrast, welcomed the bill. Its Uttar Pradesh chief Kunwar Basit Ali described it as a long-overdue reform benefiting backward sections, women, and different Muslim sects. This is after 70 years that amendments have been introduced with consultation from over 1 crore people. The politics of appeasement wont work now," he asserted. Union minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, who tabled the bill, emphasised that it was not about religion but about ensuring transparency and better management of Waqf properties. This legislation has nothing to do with faith; it only deals with properties. The objective is to eliminate corruption and ensure rightful use of Waqf land," he said. Diverse opinions from religious leaders The bill has divided religious leaders, with some seeing it as a necessary reform and others viewing it as an attack on Waqf institutions. Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, chairman of the Islamic Centre of India and member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), expressed concerns, saying, None of the objections raised by us were considered by the joint parliamentary committee (JPC). The bill violates Articles 14, 25, 26, and 29 of the Constitution. If passed in Rajya Sabha, we will challenge it legally." However, Sufi Kashish Warsi, national president of the Indian Sufi Foundation, supported the bill, arguing that it would curb the influence of the Waqf mafia". The Waqf Board has been misused for years. Instead of benefiting the community, it has been exploited for personal gains. This bill will bring accountability and ensure that properties are used for the welfare of Muslims," he stated. Similarly, Maulana Shahabuddin Barelvi, national president of All India Muslim Jamaat, reassured the community, saying, Muslims have nothing to fear. Those engaged in vote bank politics are trying to create panic. The biggest losers are the land mafia that has been illegally occupying Waqf properties." On the opposing side, Maulana Tauqeer Raza, president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, accused the government of attempting to appease a particular religion" and claimed that the bill was a pretext to seize Waqf land. Yes, there are flaws in the Waqf Board, but the solution is reform, not government intervention to take over our properties," he said. Heightened security in Uttar Pradesh Given the contentious nature of the bill, an alert has been issued across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in districts like Muzaffarnagar, Rampur, Meerut, and Moradabad, known for their history of communal tensions. A senior police official confirmed that all precautionary measures had been taken, including intensified patrolling and surveillance. We will not allow anyone to disturb peace. Those attempting to incite violence will face strict action," he said. In Lucknow, BJP workers from the Minority Morcha celebrated the bills passage in the Lok Sabha by distributing sweets, signaling their endorsement of the proposed reforms. Opposition plans next move Opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP), have vowed to resist the bill in the Rajya Sabha. Akhilesh Yadav reaffirmed that the SP would not let the bill pass unchallenged. Meanwhile, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is preparing to appeal against the legislation in court should it clear both Houses. Our legal experts have identified multiple loopholes in the amendments. We are confident the Honourable Court will provide justice," said Maulana Khalid Rasheed. What next? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all With the bill now in the Rajya Sabha, all eyes will be on whether the opposition can block its passage or if the ruling partys majority and alliances will secure its approval. If passed, it could mark a significant shift in how Waqf properties are managed in India, potentially impacting millions of acres of land under Waqf boards across the country. First Published: April 03, 2025, 16:22 IST Nixing Naxalism: With Amit Shah Visiting Chhattisgarh, Here's How Security Forces Achieved Turnaround Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 23:07 IST This week saw the total number of districts in the country most affected by Naxalism come down to 6 from 12 Fifty Naxalites, including 14 with a cumulative reward of Rs 68 lakh on their heads, surrendered in Chhattisgarh. File pic/ ANI Amid stupendous success on the anti-Naxal front, union home minister Amit Shah will be in Chhattisgarh this week to review the security situation. So what is really leading to this turnaround? Recommended Stories This week saw the total number of districts in the country most affected by Naxalism come down to 6 from 12. As per the home ministry, Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma in Chhattisgarh, West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra are the only districts still severely affected by Naxal violence. If that statistic doesnt give you an exact measure of success in the anti-Maoist battle, then this number might. In the first quarter of 2025, 136 Naxals were killed in 175 operations (Chhattisgarh government data). The comparative figures from the past five years are 90 naxals killed in 2020, 26 in 2021, 50 in 2022, and 57 in 2023, as per data maintained by the CRPF. In 2024, after the Vishnu Deo Sai government was sworn in, 292 Naxal cadres were killed in Chhattisgarh. State police taking the lead Security grid officials testify that the operations on the ground have seen a steady change ever since the double engine government" took charge. The basic template to tackle the Maoist problem remains the same from the time of P Chidambaram. Attack, clear, and area dominate has been the three-pronged strategy since 2009. What has changed now is the will of the local leadership. Earlier, the state police would hesitate to initiate operations and depend on CRPF or central paramilitary. Now, the District Reserve Guard (DRG) generates intelligence, plans operations, and coordinates with paramilitary," a DG rank official opined. The sentiments were echoed by another official who, until recently, served in Chhattisgarh. During my stint, local SPs were told by Raipur not to risk loss of lives. Many a time, the instruction was just to protect political convoys during the election season to avoid a repeat of the Darba Ghati type massacre. Beyond that, if an SP planned an operation, the clearance would have to come from Raipur. Now there is a clear mandate," the senior police officer said. The impact is visible on the ground. The District Reserve Guard, the special anti-Naxal force of Chhattisgarh police, has been at the forefront of operations in the state in the last six months. The DRG, comprising surrendered Naxals, managed to enter the unbreachable" Abujhmad in January. Unfortunately, eight of the jawans and a civilian were blown up when Naxals planted an IED on the route they were returning from. The setback, however, has not led to any pause or pullback from the operations. Surrender The relentless pursuit of the armed cadre of CPI (Maoist) is also backed by a call for surrender. The home minister appealed to Naxals to give up weapons last Saturday, even as 17 body bags carrying slain Maoists were lugged by security forces from Sukma. The list of killed Naxals included one with a Rs 25 lakh bounty who allegedly was part of the Darba Ghati massacre that eliminated the entire state Congress leadership in 2013. 24 hours later, 50 Maoists, including 10 women, surrendered. The list of those giving up arms included PLGA (Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army, the armed wing of CPI Maoist), militia commanders, and members. Bijapur Police said that in total, the surrendered Naxals carried a reward of Rs 68 lakh. Ceasefire The relentless loss of life and loss of cadre to desertion, it seems, is forcing a rethink among Maoists. In a letter sent to local media, a Maoist spokesperson has called for a ceasefire. We are always ready for peace talks in the interest of the people. Therefore, we urge the central and state governments to create a positive atmosphere for dialogue. The government should halt the killings carried out under the guise of anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana and stop setting up new security camps. If the central and state governments respond positively to our demands, we will immediately declare a ceasefire," the statement dated March 28, 2025, issued by Abhay, a spokesperson for the Maoists Central Committee, said. Abhay" claimed counterinsurgency operations have intensified, particularly in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the deaths of more than 400 Maoists over the past 15 months. Telangana police have called that letter written in Telugu a tactical move by Maoists in the wake of mounting losses. Chhattisgarh police say they are verifying the claims made in the letter. What has changed While the broad strategy to tackle Maoists remains the same, the relentless review of set targets, allowing state police freedom to take operational decisions, and better coordination between various agencies and states are some of the key changes. Officials say that with a clear deadline of March 2026, the morale among forces is at an all-time high. Human intelligence, which was a major lacuna earlier, is now being generated on a regular basis. This, combined with technical surveillance, penetration of mobile towers, setting up new camps, and road construction, has given the forces a clear edge. Government schools, dispensaries, and ration shops have managed to counter the Naxal propaganda to a large extent among locals. Most crucial aspect top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The endgame, however, could be most crucial. The home minister is likely to be in Chhattisgarh on April 5 for a security review. The strategy for the final push is how this meeting is being seen. The deadline for making Chhattisgarh Naxal-free could be advanced by a quarter, but the real challenge is to ensure Naxals do not regroup. Better coordination between the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra has thwarted this so far. The challenge also is to ensure development in these parts without heightening concerns that this would mean the Jal, Jungle, Zameen" of tribals being taken away to benefit others. 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: April 03, 2025, 22:53 IST MP Man Slapped Repeatedly By Wife On Camera, Seeks Police Help Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 09:07 IST Lokesh Manjhi, a loco pilot, said that his wife threatened to harm herself and their child if he went to the police Lokesh submitted a video, recorded secretly with a hidden camera, which shows Harshita assaulting him in their home. (Image via X/@NCMIndiaa) A 30-year-old railway employee from Madhya Pradeshs Satna district has accused his wife of domestic abuse and filed a police complaint, sharing video evidence of the alleged assault. Lokesh Manjhi, a loco pilot, told the police that his wife, Harshita Raikwar, has physically assaulted him on multiple occasions. To support his allegations, Lokesh submitted a video, recorded secretly with a hidden camera, which shows Harshita assaulting him in their home. Recommended Stories The footage was later shared by the mens rights group, NCM India Council For Men Affairs, on social media, where it quickly went viral. The mens rights group posted on X, 30 years old Loco Pilot Lokesh Kumar Manjhi of Ajaygarh in MP was brutally assaulted by his Wife Harshita and Mother In Law inside his own house in Satna. There is no Law in India to protect a Husband from Domestic Violence because as per DV Act only a woman can be the victim and complainant of Domestic Violence. What a Shame!" Now the wife reached the ancestral house of the husband in Panna district of MP and saying that she wants to apologise. Can she be trusted now? pic.twitter.com/5xgqHu2wCj NCMIndia Council For Men Affairs (@NCMIndiaa) April 2, 2025 The group also added, Now the wife reached the ancestral house of the husband in Panna district of MP and saying that she wants to apologise. Can she be trusted now?" In the video, Harshita is seen aggressively pulling Lokeshs t-shirt and repeatedly slapping him. Another woman, believed to be his mother-in-law, can be seen in the footage. While she attempts to stop her daughter from continuing the assault, Harshita ignores her. A young man, who appears to be a relative, is seen witnessing the incident while holding a toddler. Lokesh told the police that he married Harshita, whose father works at a petrol pump, without taking any dowry. However, he alleges that his wife has become controlling, preventing him from communicating with his parents, limiting visitors to their home, and restricting his interactions with friends. He also claimed that Harshita refuses to help with household chores, The Economic Times reported. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lokesh also claimed that his wife threatened to harm herself and their child if he went to the police. My wife has even consumed mosquito repellent once. I am very scared and troubled," he said. Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Sai Krishna S Thota has confirmed receiving Lokeshs complaint and video evidence. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited. 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 : Madhya Pradesh, India, India First Published: April 03, 2025, 08:53 IST PM Modi Embarks On Three-Day Visit To Sri Lanka, Thailand, To Attend 6th BIMSTEC Summit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 11:07 IST On his three-day visit, PM Modi will attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, which will also witness the presence of Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, among others. PM Modi will discuss several important topics during the visit (Credits: PMO) Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka on Thursday. On his visit, Prime Minister will be attending several events. In a post on X, PM Modi mentioned that his visit aims at boosting Indias cooperation with these nations." Taking to X, PM Modi informed about his upcoming visit and posted, Over the next three days, I will be visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka to take part in various programmes aimed at boosting Indias cooperation with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries. In Bangkok later today, I will be meeting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and discussing the full range of India-Thailand friendship. Tomorrow, I will take part in the BIMSTEC Summit and also call on Maha Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand." Recommended Stories Over the next three days, I will be visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka to take part in various programmes aimed at boosting Indias cooperation with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries.In Bangkok later today, I will be meeting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025 In a second post on X, he mentioned about his visit to Sri Lanka, adding that it was followed by the successful visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India". My visit to Sri Lanka will take place from the 4th till the 6th. This visit comes after the successful visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. We will review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka friendship and discuss newer avenues of cooperation. I look forward to the various meetings there." #WATCH | Visuals from inside of the hotel where PM Modi will be staying during his Thailand visit in Bangkok.At the invitation of Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, PM Modi is on an official visit to Thailand and will also attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. pic.twitter.com/dHg4au96kF ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025 In an official statement, PM Modi said that during his visit to Thailand, he will review progress made on the joint vision of Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi arrives in Bangkok to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. pic.twitter.com/M0UD413ZvI ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025 I am confident that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening our close relationships for the benefit of our people and the wider region," he said. First Published: April 03, 2025, 07:33 IST Ranya Rao Case: DRI Says Co-Accused Helped Her In Rs 38-Crore Hawala Transfers In Jan-Feb Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 18:25 IST The DRI told the court that one of the accused in the gold smuggling case a jeweller identified as Sahil Sakariya Jain helped Kannada actor Ranya Rao dispose of the smuggled gold and aided her with the hawala transactions to Dubai The DRI suspects that unaccounted cash worth Rs 2.67 crore, which was seized from Kannada actor Ranya Rao's residence on March 4, is likely hawala money. (Image: X) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence claimed to have found that, in January and February, Kannada actor Ranya Rao managed to sell 49.6 kg smuggled gold and transferred Rs 38.39 crore in hawala money to Dubai. According to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), one of the accused in the gold smuggling case a jeweller identified as Sahil Sakariya Jain helped her dispose of the smuggled gold and also aided her with the hawala transactions to Dubai. Recommended Stories The DRI said these transactions took place in January and February. In its remand copy for Jain, the agency told the court that he had helped Ranya Rao dispose of 49.6 kg gold worth Rs 40.13 crore. He also confessed to assisting her in transferring Rs 38.39 crore in hawala money to Dubai as well as Rs 1.73 crore as hawala to her in Bengaluru, it added. HOW DID THE TRANSACTIONS TAKE PLACE? The DRI, in its remand copy, told the court that Jain on being asked he informed that during January 2025, he has assisted and abetted A1 (accused 1 Ranya Rao) in disposing of the gold of weight 14,568 gm worth Rs 11,55,97,204.48 and also accepted that he has assisted and abetted A1 in transferring hawala money Rs 11,00,97,000 to Dubai and also accepted that he has assisted and abetted A1 in transferring hawala money of Rs 55,00,000 to A1 in Bengaluru". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The agency further said it managed to get Jain to reveal the transactions in February as well. He said he had received a commission of Rs 55,000 for each transaction. The DRI said it suspects that the unaccounted cash worth Rs 2.67 crore, which was seized from Ranyas residence on March 4, is likely hawala money received as profits from buying gold in Dubai and selling it in Bengaluru. The agency said it may further quiz Jain based on the evidence extracted from two mobile phones and laptop. 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: April 03, 2025, 18:21 IST 'India Has Longest Coastline In Bay Of Bengal': Jaishankar's 'Cherry-Picking' Jab At Bangladesh's Yunus Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 11:07 IST EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to BIMSTEC, highlighting its long Bay of Bengal coastline and key role in regional connectivity. His remarks countered Bangladeshs Yunus. EAM S Jaishankar (L)/Muhammad Yunus (R) (Photos: PTI) India is aware of its responsibility with regard to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, adding that the country also has the longest coastline in the Bay of Bengal. The Minister also highlighted that India believes that cooperation is an integrated outlook, not one subject to cherry-picking. Recommended Stories His remarks came in reference to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunuss recent remarks on the Northeast, which courted controversy. Yunus recently also urged the Chinese government to establish an economic base within his country and insisted that Bangladesh was the only guardian of the ocean" for the region. Addressing the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, Jaishankar said, The nations around and proximate to the Bay of Bengal have both common interests and shared concerns. Some of it emanates from our history, where other priorities overrode the well-being of this region." ALSO READ | Offensive, Provocative: Himanta Sarma, Biren Singh Slam Northeast Remark By Bangladeshs Yunus India is aware of its special responsibility in regard to BIMSTEC. We, after all, have the longest coastline in the Bay of Bengal, of almost 6,500 km," the EAM said. India shares borders not only with five BIMSTEC members, connects most of them, but also provides much of the interface between the Indian Sub-continent and ASEAN," he said. Our North-Eastern region in particular is emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC, with a myriad network of roads, railways, waterways, grids and pipelines. Furthermore, the completion of the Trilateral Highway will connect Indias North East all the way to the Pacific Ocean, a veritable game-changer," EAM Jaishankar said. We are conscious that our cooperation and facilitation are an essential pre-requisite for the smooth flow of goods, services and people in this larger geography. Keeping this geo-strategic factor in mind, we have devoted increasing energies and attention to the strengthening of BIMSTEC in the last decade." We also believe that cooperation is an integrated outlook, not one subject to cherry-picking," he added. Later, in an X post, the External Affairs Minister shared what he highlighted at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Nations around and proximate to the Bay of Bengal have both common interests and shared concerns," he mentioned. Our North-Eastern region in particular is emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC. The IMT Trilateral Highway will connect Indias North East all the way to the Pacific Ocean," his post read. BIMSTEC needs to recognize the seriousness of cyber security, counter-terrorism, human trafficking, illegal narcotics trade and other associated activities. We need to create the necessary frameworks to deal with them effectively. Nor can we disregard the ever-present dangers of extremism, radicalization and terrorism," Jaishankar wrote. Delighted to participate in the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok this morning.Expressed Indias solidarity and support for Myanmar & Thailand in face of the massive earthquake. Highlighted that: BIMSTEC represents the trifecta of Indias three crucial pic.twitter.com/DKMf3STlHM Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 3, 2025 The BIMSTEC summit will bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi face-to-face with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Bangladeshs Yunus, and Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, among others, according to news agency PTI. YUNUSS REMARK AND THE CONTROVERSY Since the interim government headed by Yunus stepped in following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, the ties between the two countries have seen a slump amid Indias concerns over the violence targeting Hindus and a rise of hardline Islamist forces there. During his visit to China last week, Yunus urged Beijing to extend its economic influence to Bangladesh, controversially mentioning that Indias northeastern states being landlocked could prove to be an opportunity. Yunus, who met Chinese President Xi Jinping and signed nine agreements with Beijing during the trip, said, The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the seven sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Calling Bangladesh the only guardian of the ocean" in the region, he said this could be a huge opportunity and could be an extension of the Chinese economy. The remark surfaced on social media on March 31, and drew sharp reactions from political leaders across party lines in India, who dubbed his remarks as shameful" and provocative". About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 09:26 IST Thailand Releases Ramayana Mural Stamp On Modi's BIMSTEC Visit, PM Receives Special Edition 'Tipitaka' Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 17:42 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi also received as a present 'The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition' -- a compilation of Buddhas teachings and regarded as the principal Buddhist scripture -- from his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra PM Narendra Modi receives 'The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition' from his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra; (right) Thailand released a special stamp depicting Ramayana murals to mark Modi's visit to the country. (Image: @narendramodi/XNews18) In a significant moment of cultural and spiritual diplomacy, Thailand on Thursday released a special stamp based on Ramayana mural paintings from the 18th century to mark the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the country. He also received as a present The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition from his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra. I am grateful to the Thai government for issuing postage stamp based on 18th-century Ramayana mural paintings on the occasion of my visit," he said. Modi arrived in Bangkok on a two-day visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit. Recommended Stories The Tipitaka (Pali), or Tripitaka (Sanskrit), is a revered compilation of Buddhas teachings consisting of 108 volumes and is regarded as the principal Buddhist scripture. The special edition presented to the Indian PM is a meticulously crafted version written in Pali and Thai scripts, ensuring the accurate pronunciation of over nine million syllables. It was published in 2016 as part of the World Tipitaka Project by the Thai government to commemorate the 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit. A very special gesture! I am grateful to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for giving me a copy of the Tipitaka in Pali. Pali is indeed a beautiful language, carrying within it the essence of Lord Buddhas teachings. As you are all aware, our government had conferred the status of classical language on Pali last year. People from all over the world have appreciated this decision and it has also encouraged research as well as study on this language," he said in a post on X, sharing pictures of the Tipitaka given to him by the Thai PM. A very special gesture! I am grateful to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for giving me a copy of the Tipitaka in Pali. Pali is indeed a beautiful language, carrying within it the essence of Lord Buddhas teachings. As you are all aware, our Government had conferred the pic.twitter.com/FDTx4yfmDd Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025 On his arrival, Modi received a Guard of Honour followed by delegation-level talks with Shinawatra. In a post on X, the Prime Ministers Office said he witnessed a mesmerising Ramakien, Thai Ramayana performance after he arrived in Bangkok. It showcased the rich civilisational connect between India and Thailand, it said. A cultural connect like no other! Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand," Modi said in a post on X. The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia." In the evening, he will join the BIMSTEC leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan to oversee the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After concluding Thailands visit, he will travel to Sri Lanka for his first visit to the island country since the election of its new president. The BIMSTEC summit will bring him face to face with Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, among others. (With PTI inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 16:44 IST To Befriend Sentinelese, US Man Enters Andaman's Restricted Island With Coke & Coconut; Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 08:06 IST Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, was arrested on March 31 for allegedly entering North Sentinel Island without authorisation North Sentinel Island is illegal to visit due to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956. (AP file photo) A 24-year-old US national was arrested in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for allegedly entering the restricted North Sentinel Island without authorisation in an attempt to befriend the indigenous Sentinelese people. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov was arrested by the CID on March 31 for allegedly entering the restricted island without authorisation. He had arrived in Port Blair on March 26. Recommended Stories According to the police, in his attempt to reach North Sentinel Island, Polyakov set out from Kurma Dera Beach at around 1 am on March 29. He brought a coconut and a can of cola as offerings, hoping to make contact with the isolated tribe. By 10 am, he had reached the northeastern shore of the island and used binoculars to survey the area but saw no signs of the tribe. He then spent about an hour offshore, blowing a whistle to attract attention, though he received no response. After briefly landing on the island for around five minutes, he left the offerings on the shore, collected sand samples, and recorded a video before returning to his boat. Meticulous plan to reach island At 1 pm, Polyakov began his return journey and reached Kurma Dera Beach by 7 pm, where he was spotted by local fishermen. The police later seized his inflatable boat, outboard motor, and a GoPro camera, which contained footage of his landing on North Sentinel Island. Police also revealed that Polyakov had planned his journey meticulously, researching sea conditions, tides, and accessibility from the beach. He had also used GPS navigation throughout his voyage. This was not Polyakovs first visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Police revealed that he had attempted to access North Sentinel Island twice before, first in October of the previous year, where he was stopped by hotel staff while attempting reconnaissance in an inflatable kayak. He returned in January, where he allegedly tried to procure a motor for his boat and illegally filmed the Jarawa tribe on Baratang Island. FIR registered An FIR has been registered against Polyakov under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation, 2012. The case was filed based on a complaint by Pronab Sircar, the Tribal Welfare Officer of Tirur. The police have informed the Home Department, which will communicate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the US Embassy regarding the arrest. Who are the Sentinelese? The Sentinelese are a particularly vulnerable tribal group living on North Sentinel Island. They are known for their hostility towards outsiders and have previously attacked those who have tried to approach or land on the island. The tribe remains one of the last groups in the world to have had minimal contact with modern civilisation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In 2018, American missionary John Chau was killed after attempting to contact the Sentinelese, considered the worlds last pre-Neolithic tribe. (With inputs from PTI) 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 : Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India, India First Published: April 03, 2025, 07:41 IST Trump Tariffs: India Carefully Examining Situation, Exploring Opportunities Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: April 04, 2025, 03:17 IST Discussions are ongoing between Indian and US trade teams for the expeditious conclusion of a mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. These cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including deepening supply chain integration Donald Trump imposes reciprocal tariffs. (Representational image/Reuters) The Department of Commerce, Government of India, is carefully examining the implications of the various measures and announcements made by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, CNN-News18 has learnt. The US President issued an executive order on reciprocal tariffs, imposing additional ad valorem duties ranging from 10% to 50% on imports from all trading partners. The baseline duty of 10% will be effective from April 5, 2025, and the remaining country-specific additional ad valorem duty will be effective from April 9. The additional duty on India as per Annex I of the Executive Order is 27%. Keeping in view the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Department of Commerce is engaged with all stakeholders, including the Indian industry and exporters, taking feedback on their assessment of the tariffs and assessing the situation. The department is also studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in US trade policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump announced Mission 500 on February 13, aiming to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Accordingly, discussions are ongoing between Indian and US trade teams for the expeditious conclusion of a mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. These cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including deepening supply chain integration. The ongoing talks are focused on enabling both nations to grow trade, investments, and technology transfers. The Indian government remains in touch with the Trump administration on these issues and expects to take them forward in the coming days. India values its Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the United States and is committed to working closely with the US to implement the India-US Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology (COMPACT) for the 21st century to ensure that our trade ties remain a pillar of mutual prosperity and drive transformative change for the benefit of the people of India and the US. First Published: April 04, 2025, 03:17 IST Last Updated: April 04, 2025, 02:58 IST Waqf Amendment Bill, Rajya Sabha Live Updates: The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha late Thursday night after an over 12-hour-long marathon debate on the legislation, similar to the day before in the Lok Sabha. The Bill received 128 votes in favour, 95 votes against and no abstentions in the Upper House. The debate in the Rajya Sabha saw a fierce clash between the BJP and opposition MPs over the contentious legislation, as INDIA Bloc members argued that the proposed act was unconstitutional and against democratic and secular values. Proponents of the Bill argued that it would improve the lives of the poor and women Muslims and prevent corruption in the Waqf board. The Bill was introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju after a prolonged debate on all aspects of the legislation. Two days of marathon debates culminated in the biggest victory of Modi 3.0 government as the Waqf bill received overwhelming support from lawmakers in both Houses. In the Lok Sabha, 288 votes were cast in favour, while 232 went against the Bill after the debate was held in the lower house, where several political parties from the treasury as well as the Opposition benches presented their arguments. The Budget Session of the Parliament will conclude on April 4. Follow LIVE updates: What Is Ramakien? The History Behind Popularity Of Lord Ram And Ramayan In Thailand Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 14:02 IST The history traces Lord Rams popularity in Thailand to a city Ayutthaya, named after Ayodhya The connection between India and Thailand is also reflected in shared festivals and cultural practices. (Photo: X/narendramodi) Upon arriving in Bangkok, Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched the Thai version of the Ramayana, known as Ramakien. PM Modi said the Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia. But the obvious question is why Ramayana is popular in Thailand, situated 3,500 kilometers away from Ayodhya, where Lord Ram was born. You would be astonished to know that there is so mucn Hindu influence in Thailand that the Kings of this Buddhist-dominated nation bear the Royal title Rama". Recommended Stories Ayutthaya & Ayodhya The history traces Lord Rams popularity in Thailand to a city Ayutthaya, named after Ayodhya. While both cities are geographically separated, they are united by name and faith. The Ram Temple in Ayodhya had also received soil from Ayutthaya and water from Thailands Chao Phraya, Lop Buri, and Pa Sak rivers for its consecration ceremony in 2024. The ancient city of Ayutthaya, situated 70 kilometers north of Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River, is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich cultural history. Founded in 1350 as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya by Siamese King U Thong, also known as King Ramathibodhi, it served as the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. From the 14th to the 18th century, it was a thriving hub for global trade and diplomacy. In 1767, the Burmese army attacked and destroyed the city, which was never rebuilt on the same site but remains an archaeological treasure. King Ramathibodi, Ayutthayas first ruler, named the city, reflecting the Ramayanas influence on the region. Subsequent kings, including those of the Chakri dynasty, adopted the name Rama, further cementing the connection to Lord Ram. Some Historians say Ramayana, introduced to Southeast Asia by Buddhist missionaries, was adapted into the Thai version known as Ramakien during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Renowned Sanskrit scholar and Padma Bhushan recipient Satya Vrat Shastri translated the Thai Ramakien into Sanskrit. Shastri explained that the Ramakien does not strictly follow the Valmiki-Ramayana but includes new episodes unique to its narrative. The connection between India and Thailand is also reflected in shared festivals and cultural practices. Thailands Loy Krathong, the festival of lights," coincides with Indias Kartik Poornima and Dev Deepawali, and features idols of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Indra at significant locations. Additionally, Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok showcases large sculptures of Samudra manthana," as described in the Vishnu Purana. 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 Location : Bangkok, Thailand First Published: April 03, 2025, 14:00 IST Woman Withdraws Rape Complaint Against Maha Kumbh Girl Monalisa's Director, Says 'Realised My Mistake' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 12:13 IST The woman claimed that she fell prey to the conspiracy by opponents of Sanoj Mishra and also held Wasim Rizvi and four others responsible if anything happened to her. A video was shared from the official Instagram handle of Sanoj Mishra Days after film director Sanoj Mishra was arrested on charges of rape, the woman who filed the complaint claimed that she had become part of a conspiracy". A video that was posted from the official Instagram handle of Sanoj shows the woman issuing a clarification, also saying that she had withdrawn her complaint. The woman alleged that she had been manipulated into filing a false case against Sanoj Mishra. She also claimed to have been harassed and threatened when she tried to withdraw the case, and accused film producer Wasim Rizvi and four others of endangering her life and reputation. Recommended Stories I was working with Sanoj Mishra on The Diary of West Bengal. After the movie was shot, people started provoking me. Around the same time, Monalisa (of Mahakumbh fame) came into the picture and went viral with Sanoj Mishra. During that period, people sent me fake photos and instigated me a lot. They created such a situation and mentally harassed me to the point that, in anger, I filed a case against Sanoj Mishra. Later, when I found out the truth, I felt terrible. Then, when I went to court to submit an affidavit to withdraw my case, people threatened and intimidated me. They said, I will get you jailed,'" she said in the video. Adding that she had now realised her mistake, she also held Wasim Rizvi and four others responsible if anything happened to her, saying, If anything happens to me or if I die by suicide, Wasim Rizvi and four others will be responsible. These people are playing with a girls dignity. Despite my refusal, they leaked my FIR on social media and are falsely framing someone. I realised the mistake I made in anger and withdrew the case, but these people dont want that." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanoj Mishra (@sanojmishra) The video was posted after Delhi Police arrested Sanoj Mishra on March 30, based on a complaint filed by the 28-year-old woman. In her complaint, the woman alleged that Sanoj had repeatedly raped her over a period of four years. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She further alleged that Mishra had forced her to undergo abortion procedures on three separate occasions. According to Delhi Police, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on 6 March 2024 under sections including serious offenses such as rape, physical assault, forced miscarriage, and threatening. First Published: April 03, 2025, 12:13 IST 5 Reasons Why You Must Teach Your Kids How To Cook During This Summer Vacation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 14:13 IST Teach your kids how to cook during these summer vacations and ensure they learn a new skill and reduce their screen time. Cooking is a fundamental life skill that encourages healthy eating habits and builds confidence. Teaching Kids To Cook: With summer vacation round the corner, chances are that parents must be thinking of new ways to keep their kids occupied during the holidays. While some may have already made travel plans to relax and rejuvenate with their kids, why not use this holiday to teach your kids some important life skills? One of them is cooking. Cooking is a fundamental life skill that ensures independence and self-sufficiency. When kids learn cooking, they grow to become health-conscious eaters. Apart from learning a new life skill, learning how to cook also promotes healthy eating habits and fosters money-saving habits. Recommended Stories Here are five reasons why you must teach your kids how to cook this summer. Encourages Healthy Eating Habits When kids learn to cook, they become more aware of ingredients and nutrition, making them more likely to choose wholesome, homemade meals over processed foods. While you are teaching kids how to cook, you can also talk to them about the health benefits of certain ingredients and vegetables. Builds Life Skills and Independence Cooking is an essential life skill that helps children become self-sufficient. Teaching them early ensures they can prepare nutritious meals for themselves and others as they grow. Boosts Creativity and Confidence Experimenting with flavors, textures, and recipes allows kids to express creativity. Successfully making a dish gives them a sense of accomplishment and builds confidence. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Strengthens Family Bonds Cooking together provides quality time for parents and children to connect. It fosters teamwork, communication, and the passing down of family traditions and recipes. Additionally, it will also reduce your childs screen time. Enhances Math, Science, and Motor Skills Measuring ingredients, understanding cooking reactions, and handling kitchen tools improve a childs math, science, and fine motor skills in a fun, practical way. 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: April 03, 2025, 13:09 IST Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 345th Death Anniversary: Remembering The Maratha Warrior Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 07:52 IST Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj passed away due to health complications on April 3, 1680. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630. (File pic) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Death Anniversary 2025: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, is remembered as a fearless warrior and a visionary leader. Born on February 19, 1630, in Pune to Jijabai and Shahji Bhonsle, he showed remarkable leadership skills from a young age and laid the foundation of the Maratha kingdom in 1674. On April 3, 1680, Shivaji Maharaj passed away due to health complications. Since then, April 3 is observed as the death anniversary of the Maratha warrior. His administrative skills, military strategies and commitment to his people made him a legendary figure. On his 345th death anniversary, lets take a look at some fascinating facts about this iconic ruler. Recommended Stories Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj Death Anniversary: Facts About The Maratha Warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort near Junnar in Pune district. Some believe Lord Shiva inspired his name but scholars suggest that he was named after Shivai, a local goddess. Shivaji Maharaj began establishing Swaraj and his goal was clearly stated in his royal seal or Mudra which was in Sanskrit. The seal promised that the kingdom of Shivaji, son of Shahaji, would keep growing like the crescent moon and always work for the peoples welfare. He captured forts like Rajgad, Torna, Kondhana and Purandar to lay the foundation of Swaraj. In 1656, Shivaji Maharaj captured Javali in Satara district which was important for strategic reasons. Later, he took control of Rairi which was later renamed Raigad and became his capital. He also captured forts in the Konkan region which included Mahuli, Lohagad, Tunga, Tikona, Visapur, Songad, Karnala, Tala and Ghosala. Shivaji Maharaj set up the Ashta Pradhan Mandal, a council of eight advisors who helped him with political and other important matters. The Maratha warrior built a navy to protect ports and merchant ships and to earn money from trade and customs. He took his first naval expedition in 1665. A small group was in charge of Shivaji Maharajs education. The group taught him reading, writing, horse riding, martial arts and religious studies. He also had a special instructor for military training. On June 6, 1674, he was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad by a respected scholar named Gagabhatt. Special coins were made a gold coin called hon and a copper coin called shivrai with the legend Shri Raja Shivachhatrapati inscribed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj Death Anniversary: Inspiring Quotes The strong manly ones, in life, are those who understand the meaning of the word patience. Patience means restraining ones inclinations." It is the prime duty of every citizen to feel that his country is free and to defend its freedom is his duty." A man becomes great when he plants a tree, knowing that he will never sit in its shade." The water of a river doesnt go stale because it flows." Treat your men as you would your beloved sons, and they will follow you into the deepest valley." 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: April 03, 2025, 07:10 IST Kareena Kapoor Channels Effortless Elegance In A Bandhani Print Shirt And Jeans Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 09:56 IST For her appearance at a book launch in Mumbai, Kareena Kapoor kept it casual and stylish in a Bandhani print shirt paired with jeans. Kareena paired her outfit with beige heels and minimal accessories. After making a glamorous statement at Vivienne Westwoods debut show at the Gateway of India, Mumbai, actor Kareena Kapoor kept it simple and casual as she was spotted in the city yesterday. The actor attended a book launch in Mumbai. For her appearance at the event, she made a chic statement as she opted for a purple bandhani shirt that she had paired with a pair of jeans. Viral pictures and videos from the event show Kareena Kapoor making a stylish entry in her Indo-western outfit. She opted for a vibrant printed shirt that celebrated the art of Bandhani and paired it with a pair of comfortable jeans. Her look was not only trendy but also timeless. Recommended Stories Take a closer look at Kareenas OOTD here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani) Kareena kept it stylish in a vibrant purple shirt that featured a bandhani print in white. The Yesha Sant shirt came with a drop shoulder detail and a boxy fit. Kareena rolled up the sleeves of her shirt for a casual look. She tucked in her shirt into her high-waisted, light-wash, straight-leg jeans for a comfortable look. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The actor slipped into a pair of beige-hued pointed-toe heels. For the accessories, she only went with a pair of stylish black sunglasses and earrings. She kept her makeup simple. She went with a fresh and dewy base. She added a swipe of blush on her cheeks for that flush of colour and left her hair loose. Kareenas OOTD is a masterclass on getting the Indo-western look right. Just like Kareena, you can opt for a shirt with Indian prints, motifs, or craftsmanship. Pair it with a pair of jeans for a casual look, or you can also pair it with a pair of linen pants for a summer-ready OOTD. If you want to add an element of chic, you can complete your look with a pair of heels. However, you can also pair it with sandals or flats for an even more comfortable look. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: April 03, 2025, 09:56 IST Prague To Croatia: Cheapest European Countries To Travel During Summer Vacations From India Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 16:03 IST Europe stands as one of the best destinations abroad to travel to during the upcoming vacations, promising a diverse range of experiences, from historical sites and vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes and delicious cuisine. May is the best time to visit Prague. Summer holidays are undoubtedly an ideal period for experiencing new places, especially abroad, thanks to factors like longer daylight hours, great weather for outdoor activities, and meeting new people. Europe stands as one of the best destinations abroad to travel to during the upcoming vacations, promising a diverse range of experiences, from historical sites and vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes and delicious cuisine. Tight on budget? Well, need not worry, as weve compiled a list of the cheapest European countries that you can visit from India during the summer. Take a look. Recommended Stories Albania Situated in Europes Balkan Peninsula, Albania could be the best choice for people planning to travel to Europe with a limited budget. Known for its historical sites, vibrant culture and pristine beaches, a week-long trip to this beautiful location from India might cost you around Rs 38,000 to Rs 1.30 lakh per person, depending upon your travel style and preferences. Greece Next up is Greece, providing a fascinating travel experience with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes and dynamic culture. May is an excellent time to visit Greece due to its pleasant weather, fewer crowds than in peak summer, and the chance to explore both cities and islands at suitable temperatures. A round trip to Greece might cost you around Rs 1 to Rs 2 lakh, depending upon your travel choices. Prague, Czech Republic May is an excellent period to visit the location in Europe, offering pleasant weather ranging between 15 degrees to 25 degrees, fewer crowds and lower prices as compared to the peak summer. Some of the best places to visit in Prague during May are Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with its astronomical clock and the Jewish Quarter. On average, a one-week round trip to Prague will cost Rs 1.10 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. Berlin, Germany Berlin is among the most popular places to visit in Europe, offering decent weather with temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees. You can explore places like Brandenburg Gate, Berlin War Memorial, Charlottenburg Palace, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, and more during this season. The average per-person cost of a one-week or less round trip to Berlin might vary from around Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, as per your preferences. Croatia top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all If youre seeking something more relaxing, like a Mediterranean-fantasy-filled beach, Croatias your place. It has turquoise waters and a gorgeous, island-speckled coastline. A one-week trip to Croatia costs roughly Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.30 lakh per person. However, these estimations may differ depending on your travel activities and preferences. Which of these places are you planning to visit during your summer vacation? 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: April 03, 2025, 16:03 IST Akshay Kumar BREAKS Silence On Saying F-Word in Kesari Chapter 2: 'Slave Wasnt A Bigger Gaali?' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 15:04 IST At the trailer launch of Kesari Chapter 2: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Akshay Kumar addressed the buzz surrounding his characters bold dialogue in the teaser. Akshay Kumar responds to the F-word controversy from Kesari Chapter 2 teaser, saying, Being called a slave is a bigger insult. At a high-profile trailer launch in Delhi, Akshay Kumar unveiled the intense first look at his upcoming historical drama, Kesari Chapter 2: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Joined by producer Karan Johar and co-stars R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, Akshay didnt just premiere the films trailerhe also addressed the controversy brewing over a bold moment in the teaser. In the clip, Akshays characterC. Sankaran Nair, a fearless lawyer fighting colonial injusticeis seen in a British courtroom where a judge says, Dont forget youre still a slave of the British Empire." Nairs sharp reply? F* you." The line sparked buzz online, with some critics focusing on the profanity. Recommended Stories Akshay tackled the criticism head-on. Yes, I used that word," he admitted. But whats surprising is that people noticed that, but didnt react to the line you are still a slave. Isnt that a bigger insult? If they had shot us with a gun, it wouldnt have felt as offensive as being called a slave. Id have preferred if people took issue with that word instead of focusing on the expletive." The crowd erupted in applause, and Karan Johar was seen nodding in agreement, clearly supportive of the films unapologetic tone. Kesari Chapter 2, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, is a follow-up to the 2019 film Kesari and shifts focus from the battlefield to the courtroom. The film follows the true story of C. Sankaran Nair, a prominent lawyer and former President of the Indian National Congress, who dared to legally challenge the British Raj over the brutal 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Set against the backdrop of colonial Punjab, the trailer opens with a haunting depiction of the Golden Temple and the chilling massacre that followed. With Akshay leading the charge, supported by R. Madhavan as British officer Neville McKinley and Ananya Panday as a young journalist, the film promises a tense and emotional portrayal of resistance and justice. Kesari Chapter 2: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre is set to hit theatres on April 18. About the Author Yatamanyu Narain Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 15:04 IST Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal Gets Fresh Threat From MNS: 'I Challenge You To Release Film' Published By : IANS Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 09:13 IST Fawad Khan is making his Bollywood comeback with the movie, Abir Gulaal. It also stars Vaani Kapoor in the lead. Abir Gulaal will be released on May 9. (Photo Credits: Instagram) The upcoming film Abir Gulaal, which stars Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, is currently in the eye of a storm as the regional political party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has now challenged the makers of the film to release. The bone of contention in the matter is Fawad Khan, as MNS has said that this casting goes against the agreement that was put in action after a meeting of the producers guild and CM Devendra Fadnavis, and their party president Raj Thackeray, back in 2016. Recommended Stories Ameya Khopkar, the head of the Chitrapat wing of MNS, spoke with the media and said that they would not let the movie release in theatres. He said, We have been protesting against this film, against Pakistani artists and Pakistani films. And we will continue to do so. No film will be released here featuring Pakistani artists. And there is no need to release it. I just want to say, show the courage to release it. I challenge you to release it. In 2016, we had a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Raj Thackeray was also there". He further mentioned, Some of the producers associations were also there. Thats when we decided to release the film that was made earlier. After that, no Pakistani film or film about Pakistani artists would be made here. The producers association had written a letter to Devendra Fadnavis. Now, I challenge the makers of Abir Gulaal to release the film here in Maharashtra". He was referring to the 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, directed by Karan Johar. MNS in the state was up in arms against the release of the film in the state after tensions flared between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack on the Indian armed forces. About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 09:12 IST Is Akshay Kumar's Kesari: Chapter 2 Director A Lawyer By Profession? Deets Here Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 18:00 IST The trailer for the Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan starrer Kesari: Chapter 2 was released on Thursday, focusing on C Sankaran Nair's fight against the British Empire. The Kesari sequel is directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan starrer Kesari Chapter 2 is ready to hit theatres, bringing to the fore a significant moment chapter from the pages of Indian history. The film, which focuses on the barbaric Jallianwala Bagh massacre, will feature Akshay as C. Sankaran Nair, a lawyer fighting against the British Empire. Kesari Chapter 2 is directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi, who also comes with a crucial law background. Surprised? A Mumbai-based filmmaker, Karan, before pursuing his filmmaking passion, obtained a Master of Law degree (LL.M.) from the prestigious Harvard University. Not just that, he is an admitted member of the New York State Bar and the Bar Council of India and has even worked at multiple law firms in Paris and New York, as per Times Now. Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Singh Tyagi (@karanstyagi) Earlier in an announcement post, filmmaker Karan Johar revealed the launch of Karan Singh Tyagi as the 24th debutant director from his Dharma Productions. I am so proud to say that our next offering is the 24th debutant filmmaker we have introduced to Hindi cinema! Our collaborative producer and debutant director have been on the journey of this film for four years, and the director did nothing else but put his head down and work relentlessly on the film combating pandemic delays and other unforeseen circumstances," a part of his statement read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) On Thursday, the makers dropped the intriguing official trailer for Kesari: Chapter 2, giving a glimpse into the legal battle that unfolded after the Jallianwala Bagh killings of 1919. With Akshay Kumar stepping into the shoes of the strong-headed Sankaran Nair, fighting against the genocide" by the British Empire, R Madhavan will be seen as Neville McKinley, a lawyer representing the ruling British government. Ananya Panday is also seen portraying a lawyer in the film. Produced under Dharma Productions, Cape of Good Films & Leo Media Collective, the film was released on April 18. First Published: April 03, 2025, 18:00 IST Mission: Impossibles Holt McCallany Says Tom Cruise Is The Biggest Movie Star Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 16:56 IST McCallany, 61, shared his excitement about Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning and why he believes it will be a smashing success. Holt McCallany praised his Mission Impossible co-star Tom Cruise. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Tom Cruise is gearing up for his final ride as Ethan Hunt and according to his co-star Holt McCallany, its going to be nothing short of spectacular. At the New York City premiere of his upcoming film The Amateur, McCallany, 61, shared his excitement about Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning and why he believes it will be a smashing success. Well, I havent seen Mission: Impossible [The Final Reckoning] yet, but, Ive seen all of the preceding films and its a great franchise," McCallany said. The Mindhunter actor didnt hold back his admiration for director Christopher McQuarrie either. Christopher McQuarrie is a wonderful guy, a great writer, a great director, and really a great human being, you know, so it was a privilege to work for Chris McQ, we call him McQ, " he shared with People. Recommended Stories Of course, no discussion about Mission: Impossible would be complete without talking about its leading man. McCallany had nothing but praise for Cruise. Tom is the biggest movie star in the world, and theres a reason for that," he said. He went on to express just how much this film meant to him. So I was really happy to be a part of that project, and I think its going to be very successful, especially to be a part of whats going to be the last instalment of that franchise," he said. McCallany takes on the role of Secretary of Defense Bernstein in the much-anticipated blockbuster, about to release in theatres this summer. Cruise, now 62, will once again play Ethan Hunt, the fearless IMF agent who has been at the centre of the franchise since 1996. The eighth Mission: Impossible film continues right where its predecessor, Dead Reckoning (2023), left off. This time, Hunt and his team find themselves up against The Entity, a rogue artificial intelligence system that could change the course of history, reports People. In a February interview with Empire magazine, Cruise and McQuarrie were asked whether this really marks the end of the franchise. It is, I hope, the satisfying conclusion to a 30-year story arc. Im pretty confident that people are going to feel that the title was appropriate," Cruise said. For Cruise, the film is more than just another action-packed mission. Its a hard thing for me to discuss at the moment because it really is something that you have to experience," he admitted. The Top Gun: Maverick star also teased the films emotional depth, calling it an epic, emotional journey of the entire franchise." He even likened it to something out of ancient history. Its Homeric," he said, referencing the legendary Greek poet behind The Odyssey and The Iliad. Alongside Cruise and McCallany, the film boasts an all-star lineup. Familiar faces including Ving Rhames (Luther Stickell), Simon Pegg (Benji Dunn), Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell (Grace), Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff (Paris) and Henry Czerny are all set to reprise their roles. Adding to the excitement, newcomers Nick Offerman, Bob Odenkirk, Janet McTeer, Hannah Waddingham, and Katy OBrian will be joining the cast. Fans wont have to wait much longer to see how Ethan Hunts story ends. Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning will be in the cinemas on May 23, 2025. About the Author Yatamanyu Narain Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 16:56 IST 'Our Country Gives Us Permission': Ridhi Dogra Backs Working With Fawad Khan In Abir Gulaal | Viral Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 08:06 IST Abir Gulaal stars Fawad Khan with Vaani Kapoor. The film is directed by Aarti S. Ridhi Dogra admits she checked for legalities before working with Fawad Khan. (Photos: Instagram) After the teaser of Fawad Khans Bollywood comeback movie, Abir Gulaal, was recently released, some people objected to it and questioned the casting of a Pakistani actor in an Indian movie. Amid all this, actress Ridhi Dogra, who will also be sharing the screen with Fawad in the movie, has come out saying that there is nothing wrong with working with a Pakistani actor. Recently, a video of Ridhi surfaced on social media in which she admitted checking legalities before signing Abir Gulaal with Fawad Khan. Ridhi mentioned that the Indian government has no objection to it and therefore, it is not wrong to share the screen space with a Pakistani actor. Recommended Stories There is no division in art. Whenever we watch a play or a movie, we see only those characters. We dont see their nationality. Thats what I thought upon deciding to work in the movie. The only thing I checked was if I was allowed to work with someone of the said nationality (Pakistani). And yes, our country and government give us permission. I did that homework. If that wasnt the case, I wouldnt have done the film," she said. While the video has resurfaced on social media, the interview is dated November 2024. Interestingly, this comes a day after Raj Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) opposed the films release in Maharashtra because of Fawad Khans casting. We only learned about this films release today when the makers announced it. But we are making it clear that we will not allow this film to release in Maharashtra because it features a Pakistani actor. Under no circumstances will we permit such films to be released in the state. We are gathering more information about the film and will soon issue a full statement," MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar told Dainik Bhaskar. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also reacted to the controversy and added, There is widespread hatred for Pakistan in India. When a film from Pakistan is released, Indian audiences do not prefer watching it. Even if a few people watch it out of curiosity, Pakistani artists have never been able to gain widespread success in India." He also urged the central government to step in and form a policy with regarding to working of Pakistani actors in India. Abir Gulaal stars Fawad Khan with Vaani Kapoor. The film is directed by Aarti S. About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 08:06 IST Ranya Rao's Husband Files For Divorce Amid Gold Smuggling Case: 'Have Been Enduring Pain, Distress' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 10:26 IST Kannada actress Ranya Rao's husband, Jatin Hukkeri, will file for divorce amid her arrest for smuggling gold from Dubai. Significant gold and cash were found at her home. The gold smuggling case has also brought increased scrutiny on Ranya Raos husband. Ranya Rao Case: While Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been making headlines in connection to the gold smuggling case, her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, has now decided to get separated from her. Recently, Jatin held a press conference where he revealed that he will file for divorce from Ranya. Since the day we got married, I have been enduring pain and distress. Today, I have made the decision to file for divorce," he said, as quoted by Times Now. Recommended Stories Interestingly, the gold smuggling case has also brought increased scrutiny on Raos husband. Police have alleged that he frequently travelled with the actress to Dubai, from where she allegedly smuggled gold. Who Is Jatin Hukkeri? Hukkeri married Ranya Rao in a high-profile marriage around four months ago at Taj West End, after which they settled into a high-end apartment in Bengalurus upscale Lavelle Road. Hukkeri is an architect by profession, holding a Bachelors degree in Architecture and Interior Design from RV College of Engineering in Bengaluru. He pursued further studies at the Royal College of Art Executive Education, London, specialising in Disruptive Market Innovation. Who Is Ranya Rao? How Is She Linked To Gold Smuggling Case? Rao, the stepdaughter of Director General of Police (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, was under the radar of authorities due to frequent travel to Dubai. She allegedly travelled to the city 30 times over the past year, and four times in 15 days, bringing back kilos of gold each time. Ranya was arrested by the authorities at the Bengaluru airport in March this year. Following her arrest, the Bengaluru Directorate of Revenue Intelligence recovered gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her Bengaluru home during raids. In her arrest memo, accessed by CNN-News18, DRI said Rao had purchased gold in Dubai on November 13 and December 20, and declared that she was headed for Geneva. But she arrived in India, according to the arrest memo. Rao has admitted that before her arrest, she brought gold from Dubai to India on at least two earlier occasions. DRI officials believe that she evaded customs duty worth around Rs 4.83 crore. Raos bail plea has been rejected three times as of now. About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 09:32 IST Reese Witherspoon Unveils Legally Blonde Prequel First Look, Introduces Lexi Minetree As Elle Woods Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 04, 2025, 04:06 IST Lexi Minetree, who was announced as the lead in February, steps into Elles designer heels for her first major role. Reese Witherspoon announces 'Legally Blonde' prequel series. Elle Woods is back! Reese Witherspoon has unveiled the first look at Lexi Minetree as the young Elle in Elle, Amazon Prime Videos highly anticipated Legally Blonde prequel series. Announcing the news on Instagram, Witherspoon shared, Harvard was hard. High School was harder. Our new series, Elle, is now in production!" The series, which recently began filming, will explore Elle Woods high school years and the formative experiences that shaped her into the iconic, pink-loving, law-defying powerhouse we know from Legally Blonde. Recommended Stories Lexi Minetree, who was announced as the lead in February, steps into Elles designer heels for her first major role. She has previously appeared in Law & Order: SVU, The Murdaugh Murders, Crowdsource Murder, and The Paramedic Who Stalked Me. Joining Minetree in the cast are Tom Everett Scott as Elles father and June Diane Raphael as her mother. The series is created by Laura Kittrell, who serves as co-showrunner alongside Caroline Dries. Both are executive producers, along with Marc Platt and Witherspoon, who produces via her Hello Sunshine banner. Amazon MGM is backing the project, having given it the green light in May 2024. Legally Blonde, originally released in 2001, was directed by Robert Luketic and written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, based on Amanda Browns book. The film was a career-defining moment for Witherspoon, coming on the heels of her standout performances in Cruel Intentions and Election. She returned for Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde in 2003, and the franchise even inspired a Broadway musical in 2007. About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: April 04, 2025, 04:06 IST Val Kilmer, Once Hollywood's Biggest Casanova, Spent Last 24 Years Of His Life Single Published By : Bang Showbiz Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 10:16 IST Val Kilmer, in a resurfaced section of his memoir after his death on Tuesday aged 65, admitted he spent the last 24 years of his life single. Val Kilmer died at the age of 65 on Tuesday after suffering from pneumonia. (Photo: Bang Showbiz) Val Kilmer spent the last 24 years of his life single. The Top Gun actors death was announced by his family on Tuesday after he passed away at the age of 65 in Los Angeles after suffering from pneumonia following a long fight with throat cancer that left him needing a voice box and feeding tube. He was surrounded by family and friends but despite being one of Hollywoods most infamous Casanovas in his heyday, did not have a spouse or long-term partner at his side. Recommended Stories In a resurfaced quote from his memoir being shared by fans in the wake of his death, the actor, also known for roles in Batman Forever and The Doors, once admitted: The truth is I am lonely part of every day." Val, once considered one of Hollywoods most bankable leading men, had lived alone for more than two decades following a string of high-profile relationships and a short-lived marriage. He was romantically linked to several co-stars and celebrities throughout the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. But after a series of failed relationships, he spent his later years largely in solitude. In his 2020 memoir, Im Your Huckleberry, the then 60-year-old actor spoke candidly about the impact of being single. He said: I havent had a girlfriend in 20 years. The truth is I am lonely part of every day." Val met Joanne Whalley in 1987 while working together on the film Willow. The couple began dating and married the following year. Joanne, an actress from Salford, Greater Manchester, in the UK, was widely regarded as one of the greatest loves of Vals life. The couple welcomed their daughter, Mercedes, in 1991, and their son, Jack, in 1995, but their marriage ended in divorce the following year. Over the years, Val was also romantically linked to several high-profile figures, including Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Cindy Crawford. But it was his brief relationship with actress Daryl Hannah in 2001 that left the deepest impact on him. He said in his autobiography: Lord knows Ive suffered heartache. But Daryl was by far the most painful of all." Val also admitted that the breakup left him devastated, saying: I knew I would love her with my whole heart forever and that love has lost none of its strength. I am still in love with Daryl." The separation was so painful for Val he revealed: I cried every single day for half a year." Daryl went on to marry musician Neil Young in 2018. About the Author Entertainment Bureau Entertainment Bureau brings you all updates from the world of entertainment -- breaking news, Twitter trends, features, movie reviews, exclusive interviews and photos of the biggest stars. Be it the newest kid ... Read More Entertainment Bureau brings you all updates from the world of entertainment -- breaking news, Twitter trends, features, movie reviews, exclusive interviews and photos of the biggest stars. Be it the newest kid ... Read More Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: April 03, 2025, 10:16 IST Val Kilmers Legacy: Hollywood Legends Honour The Batman Forever Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 15:04 IST From Top Guns Iceman to Batman Forevers Caped Crusader, Val Kilmer captivated audiences with his versatility and passion. Now, as colleagues and fans remember him, his legacy shines brighter than ever. Rest in peace, Val Kilmer. (Photo Credits: Instagram) The world of cinema has lost a legend. Val Kilmer, known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and Heat, passed away at 65 on Monday, April 1. Kilmers daughter, Mercedes, confirmed he died of pneumonia in Los Angeles. He had battled throat cancer since 2014, and a tracheotomy affected his voice, limiting his acting career, but he made a triumphant return in 2022s Top Gun: Maverick alongside Tom Cruise. After his sudden passing, tributes from Hollywoods biggest names have poured in, remembering him as a gifted actor and remarkable human being. Francis Ford Coppola called him a wonderful person to work with and a joy to know." Val Kilmer was the most talented actor when in High School, and that talent only grew greater throughout his life. He was a wonderful person to work with and a joy to know I will always remember him," read his caption, along with a photo of the duo. Recommended Stories https://www.instagram.com/francisfordcoppola/ Cher, a former partner, described him as funny, crazy, pain in the ass, great friend," and praised his bravery. VALUSWill miss u,U Were Funny,crazy,pain in the ass,GREAT FRIEND,kidsU,BRILLIANT as Mark Twain,BRAVE here during ur sickness Cher (@cher) April 2, 2025 Heat director Michael Mann said, I always marvelled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Vals possessing and expressing character." Filmmaker Ron Howard, reflecting on Kilmers incredible career, praised his awesome range as an actor." #RIPValKilmer I was incredibly fortunate to collaborate with Val a number of times over the years. As the off beat swordsman #Madmartagen in #Willow , his stunning #JimMorrison in Oliver Stones #TheDoors & in a chilling cameo in #TheMissing. I list these titles because even my https://t.co/5GsyqfpJVH Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) April 2, 2025 Josh Brolin called him a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker." David Thewlis, who worked with him on The Island of Dr Moreau, said, He was one of the most extraordinary people I have ever met." Will Kemp recalled, He was fun, unpredictable, generous, and kind to me when I was new to the job." James Woods reflected on his unforgettable Tombstone performance: His rendition of Doc Holliday was what every actor dreams of achieving." Actor Josh Gad thanked him for defining so many movies of my childhood." https://x.com/IamWillKemp/status/1907331045717877094 His rendition of Doc Holliday in Tombstone was what every actor dreams of achieving. So many wonderful performances. Sad to lose him so soon. RIP Val Kilmer. https://t.co/EHfqFhmSM4 James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) April 2, 2025 Ive known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character hes such a powerful actor," said his Top Gun: Maverick co star, Tom Cruise. Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman. pic.twitter.com/a3jQ8ENma9 Top Gun (@TopGunMovie) April 2, 2025 Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Kilmer became the youngest student admitted to Juilliard at 17. He first gained attention in comedies like Top Secret! before achieving fame as Iceman in Top Gun (1986). His portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors stunned even surviving band members. He took on diverse roles in Willow, The Saint, and The Prince of Egypt, among others. In 2021, he released Val, a documentary chronicling his life, featuring 40 years of home recordings. Beyond acting, he was also a passionate artist, often using his film roles as inspiration for his paintings. About the Author Yatamanyu Narain Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 15:04 IST When Smita Patil Called Out Filmmakers For Objectifying Women, Cashing In On Nudity: 'Sirf Aisi Posters' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 19:35 IST Smita Patil's bold views on the film industry's objectification of women continue to inspire. In a throwback interview, she criticised the exploitation of female nudity. Smita Patil passed away at the age of 31 due to childbirth complications. Theres a reason why legendary actor Smita Patils throwback interviews continue to keep popping up years later. The late actors bold take on life and the film industry at the peak of her career continues to inspire aspiring actors and fans even today. Once, Patil fearlessly spoke about how filmmakers and producers cash in on nudity and objectify women only to attract more audience in the theatres. An old Doordarshan interview of Smita Patil has been doing the rounds on the Internet. In the clip, the Mirch Masala actor is seen calling out filmmakers for portraying female nudity on the screen. She can be heard saying, Hero ko toh nanga dikha nahi sakte; usse kuch hone nahi waala hai. Lekin aurat ko nanga dikhaye toh unko lagta hai 100 log aur aajayenge. Hindustan ki audience par yeh baat force ki gayi hai ki dekhiye ji, ismein sex hai; aadhe nange shareer hai toh aap film dekhne ke liye aaiye. Yeh ek aisi attitude bann gayi hai jo bhut galat hai. Film agar kuch sache dil se baat keh rahi hai toh voh chalegi. Sirf aisi posters se film chalti nahi hai." Recommended Stories The Bazaar actor also highlighted the industrys double standards regarding nudity. She noted that while male nudity was considered taboo, female nudity was often exploited as a marketing gimmick. She strongly criticised this practice, arguing that it damaged the portrayal of women in cinema. When asked whether filmmakers assumed audiences preferred seeing women objectified on screen, she responded, It can be true for some films. But I would also say that if some pornographic films are made, then those films will run only because of that. But if there is no storyline in the film, then the audience is not stupid; they like emotional films a lot. Our family structure is so strong. So if the audience is shown the wrong thing and made to depend on that, they will start liking those things. But filmmakers and actors have it in their hands to change things." Smita Patil, in her brief but glorious career, earned two National Film Awards, a Maharashtra State Film Award, and was bestowed with the Padma Shri, Indias fourth-highest civilian honor. Tragically, she passed away in 1986 at just 31 due to complications from childbirth. First Published: April 03, 2025, 19:35 IST Opinion | Cash-At-Home Row: Why Judges Should Declare Assets And The Curious Reason They Dont Have To Written By : News18.com Last Updated: April 02, 2025, 13:56 IST Judges agreed to declare assets in 1997. Two decades, one RTI, and a self-defeated Supreme Court later, most still havent and legally, they dont have to Across India, fewer than seven per cent of High Court judges have declared their assets. (AI Generated Image) We must all be shocked by the recent scandal at the Delhi High Court. An accidental fire at the home of a sitting judge has uncovered piles of burnt cash and also some burning questions. When it comes to the inner workings of our judiciary, how much do we really know? What do we know about their system of appointments, or their vetting process? How can the public hold them to account? Do we even have basic transparency? Not really. Across India, fewer than seven per cent of High Court judges have declared their assets. And in the rare cases where they have, some of these declarations are hopelessly out of date ten or even eleven years old. In 18 High Courts, not a single judge has declared their assets. Recommended Stories How about the Supreme Court, then? For the hopeful, the Supreme Court website maintains a page titled Assets of Judges." Except, when you click on it, all it says is that you have no right to view these declarations online. If these declarations do exist, they might be on file somewhere, making them harder for the public to access. How up-to-date are they? We dont know. For judges, the entire process is voluntary. This might make you wonder: for elected politicians, we can look up their assets any time we want on the Election Commissions website even those of candidates and their spouses. So why is there no law requiring judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court to declare their assets? As it turns out, the story here is bizarre. Have you ever wondered whether its possible to file a case against the Supreme Court itself? Apparently, you can just as you could sue any other legal entity, such as a person, a corporation, the Railways, or the Government of India. In fact, the Supreme Court can even file an appeal in the Supreme Court itself. Thats exactly what happened in the case concerning the assets of judges. The Supreme Court heard an appeal against itself. And the Supreme Court actually lost the case but in such a clever way that the judges still won! Lets find out how. It began in 1997, when the Supreme Court collegium decided that every judge must declare their assets. Not to the public, mind you, but to the office of the Chief Justice, where the records would be kept secret. Still, at least theyd be on file. There were also no penalties for failing to disclose so the whole exercise was essentially voluntary. Nonetheless, it was a step in the right direction. Better than nothing at all. Then came the Right to Information Act of 2005 the RTI. And almost immediately, someone submitted an application asking the Chief Justices office to disclose whatever information it had on file. This is where it gets interesting. There are limits to what can be accessed under the RTI. Could you ask the government to disclose the Indian Armys positions along the Chinese frontier? No such a request would be denied on grounds of national security. Could a nosy neighbour file an RTI to see someone elses board exam mark sheet? Again, that would be rejected. So, who decides what information should be available under the RTI? That is the job of the Chief Information Commissioner, or CIC. And when the application regarding the assets of judges came in, the CIC said yes. Accordingly, the CIC directed the office of the Chief Justice to open up its files. This was in 2009. What happened next is almost surreal. The Supreme Court refused to disclose the information and then took the matter to the Delhi High Court against the CICs order! Apparently, thats allowed. And the Supreme Court actually lost its case. In September 2009, a judge of the Delhi High Court ordered the Supreme Court to release the information. But the Supreme Court wasnt ready to give up so easily. It challenged the order of the single judge before a larger bench of the Delhi High Court. That bench, in turn, decided to refer the matter to the Supreme Court itself. So the case would now drag on even longer. That was in 2010. We checked and at that point, over 3 crore cases were pending in various courts across India. But of course, those could always wait. From that point onwards, the Supreme Court began hearing its own case. First, it was taken up by a two-judge bench. The two-judge bench decided to refer it to a three-judge bench. The case then dragged on before the three-judge bench for nearly eight years. Finally, they made up their minds and decided that the matter should be heard by a five-judge bench. Yes, this actually happened. The decision came in November 2019. We were relieved to find that the five-judge bench did not refer the matter to a seven-judge bench. Instead, they delivered a final verdict. The Supreme Court had lost in the Supreme Court itself! The office of the Chief Justice would have to open its files and disclose the assets of the judges. So, alls well that ends well? Not exactly. Look closely at what the Supreme Court actually ruled. They didnt order the judges to declare their assets. They only asked the office of the Chief Justice to release whatever information it had on file. Now, remember how filing those declarations with the Chief Justice was essentially voluntary? So, if judges do not come forward on their own, there may be nothing to disclose. And there is absolutely no requirement to make the declarations public on a website. The situation across various High Courts in the country is largely the same. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For ordinary citizens, it feels hopeless to realise that this is how the system" works. The judiciary is one of the main pillars of our democracy. We look to it sometimes as a last resort to protect our rights and freedoms, and to ensure justice. Even when we know that over five crore cases are pending, and our turn may never come. We need the judiciary to reward our trust by putting systems of accountability in place. It always begins with transparency. Abhishek Banerjee (@AbhishBanerj on X") is an author and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: April 02, 2025, 13:56 IST Opinion | Six Ideas For A Secure And Developed India: The Road To Viksit Bharat 2047 Written By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 15:57 IST There are several components to this vision, but foremost among them are economic growth, poverty alleviation, self-reliance in defence, education, infrastructure development, andabove allnational security Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission in December 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission in December 2023. This ambitious programme envisions India as a fully developed nation by the 100th anniversary of its Independence. In that sense, it is a vision for the development of comprehensive national power that will make India a strong and confident country. However, from a national security perspective, it is imperative to highlight the significant aspects of this mission and outline a possible way forward now, rather than allow it to evolve without clear direction. While the government has already taken several steps in this direction, it is essential to articulate the parameters of this vision in the public domain to ensure it is comprehensible to the people of India. The vision should rest on six key ideas, each backed by long-term funding. Secondly, it will require a whole-of-government approach to bring it to fruition. Recommended Stories There are several components to this vision, but foremost among them are economic growth, poverty alleviation, self-reliance in defence, education, infrastructure development, andabove allnational security. The last point may appear to contradict the goal of a Viksit Bharat, but in reality, a secure nation demands that all these elements work in tandem. Only then can Indias rightful place in the world be secured. The interlinkages between development, defence, and security become increasingly apparent. Each aspect will require a clear roadmap, which the government is already working on. Implementation will test the resolve and capability of every citizen. Prioritising and balancing development with defence will ultimately enhance national security. Here are six ideas for a Viksit Bharat 2047. In that sense, they are implementableprovided the right mindset is in place. It could be said that these are old ideas in a new bottle, but that is precisely why they are worth revisiting here. The first idea is the urbanisation of rural India. The solution lies in implementing President Kalams vision of Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA). This can be achieved through a public-private partnership model and would help reduce migration to cities. The partnership could be supported by government spending, supplemented by CSR funding from the private sector. For growth to be truly inclusive, rural societies must be actively involved. The second idea is to transform Indias education system and make it more skills- and jobs-oriented. This requires adapting the education system to equip Indias youth with practical, skill-based training in various trades and crafts. The roadmap for this is relatively straightforward. Across vocational training institutions in India, ex-servicemenexperts in their respective fieldscan be recruited as instructors. Not only can India harness the talents of early-retiring ex-servicemen, but it can also train young people in fields that align with the evolving needs of Indian industry. While mechanisation is the dominant trend in modern industry, the labour capital thus generated can find meaningful engagement in the small- and medium-scale industries, as well as in agriculture. The third idea is development from the peripherythat is, initiating Indias development journey from its outer edges. A key aspect of this is ensuring last-mile connectivity. Without it, parts of the country will continue to remain excluded from the vision of a Viksit Bharat. The periphery in this context can refer to Indias border regions, the fringes of villages and towns, or even the margins of society. Development should begin here and radiate outward in concentric circles until it reaches what we currently recognise as developed or urban India. At the same time, urban India must itself undergo a transformation to become truly smart. While the current pace of national infrastructure development is undoubtedly impressive, what is now needed is a strategic shiftone that begins from the periphery. That is the real challenge. The fourth ideatrue Atmanirbharata in defence productionis one whose time has come. While efforts in this direction are already underway, they remain largely based on the transfer of technology from overseas and are primarily led by the private sector. Building roads, airports, and ports can certainly be accomplished with foreign expertise; however, defence manufacturing demands a much higher degree of indigenisation. In the long term, this will require increased investment in defence R&D, the restructuring or winding up of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the creation of a dedicated defence innovation body under the Prime Ministers Office. This platform would serve as a crucial interface between research and development, industry, and the end user. The fifth idea is the need for a whole-of-government approach and enhanced public participation. India faces innumerable challenges, and the next two decades will require high-level planning and strategic implementation. In this regard, the formation of Groups of Secretaries within the government is a commendable initiative. In addition, continuous engagement between the Centre and the states on Viksit Bharatwith the aim of generating shared priorities and coordinated implementation strategiesis essential. This process requires a clear roadmap, which could be formulated by the National Security Council (NSC) through actionable agendas. A related and equally critical element is increased public participation. As demonstrated by the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, such participation does not come naturally. Narratives around development must therefore reach the very last citizen. This is why the idea of development from the periphery becomes even more vitalit ensures that the benefits and messaging of Viksit Bharat are inclusive, far-reaching, and rooted in the lived experience of all Indians. The sixth idea is investment in national security. The intersection of internal and external security necessitates sustained investment in technology, human resources, and the creation of a security architecture capable of addressing future threats. Long-term financial commitmentson a scale previously unimaginedare essential, as the paradigms of security have already shifted in response to rapidly advancing technology. Recasting national security challenges with a fresh perspective should be a key mandate of the National Security Council (NSC). The journey towards a developed India must be both secure and incremental. Safeguards must be put in place to ensure that inimical forcesboth internal and externalare unable to gain leverage over any aspect of this transformation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 has been articulated; the roadmap is in the process of being created. What remains is to fill it with substance and action. The writer is Consultant, MP-IDSA and a former director, national security council secretariat. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: April 03, 2025, 15:55 IST Opinion | To Ally Or Not To Ally, The 2026 Tamil Nadu Poll Dilemma For BJP Written By : News18.com Last Updated: April 02, 2025, 15:47 IST The BJP, which is trying to get a toehold in TN politics, fancies its chances by either going it alone or by reviving the tie-up with the AIADMK The BJP is trying to get a toehold in TN politics. (File) Tamil Nadu will go to polls in 2026, but the opposition, led by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), has already started girding its loins to dethrone its arch-rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which is facing anti-incumbency and widespread resentment for promoting nepotism. The BJP, which is trying to get a toehold in TN politics, fancies its chances by either going it alone or by reviving the tie-up with the AIADMK. Recommended Stories Both the parties are ruing their decision to go it alone in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, with the AIADMK getting an impressive 21% share of the popular votes and the BJP capturing 11%. To psephologists, it was a monumental blunder because, had they fought together, they would have registered an impressive tally of 32%, assuming complete transferability of votes, which sceptics often regard as partially untenable. Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai had prevailed upon the party leadership to go it alone in 2024. The party is now in a dilemma. If it once again goes it alone, it might improve its vote share a bit, but that might not convert into seats for which the critical mass is around 30% to 32%, given the nature of groupings in the state. But if it ties up with the AIADMK, it fears the prospect of having to play second fiddle. Annamalai, in 2024, wanted to shake himself and his party from the coattails of the AIADMK and perhaps still wants to repeat that experiment. But others in the party, especially in TN, are a chastened lot. Meanwhile, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of matinee idol Vijay is getting some traction among the Tamil Nadu electorate. But he, too, wants to go it alone by questioning nepotism and the alleged corruption of the ruling DMK and condemning the alleged communal politics of the BJP. The BJP and the AIADMK feel if the TVK throws its hat in the ring, it will be to their advantage as it would cut into the votes of the ruling dispensation. These are all self-fulfilling prophecies, and time will tell whose vote the TVK cuts into. But one thing is clear film stars, despite their larger-than-life image, cannot make their fledgling parties win unless they have an organisational backbone. Ask Kamal Haasan and the late Vijay Kants party. Both the BJP and Rajinikanth could have complemented each other had the latter not hemmed and hawed for nearly two decades and cast his lot openly with the party. Now his popularity is on the decline, although he is by no means a spent force in a state where people are held in thrall by matinee idols. Freebies play a major role in Tamil Nadu politics, as indeed elsewhere. Women aged 21 and more, with their families not crossing the Rubicon of Rs 2.5 lakh income per year, get Rs 1,000 a month plus a free bus ride irrespective of their age and family income. Mixers, grinders and television sets have swayed the Tamil voters in the past. So, it is very well possible there could be an encore of Delhi and Maharashtra assembly elections in the matter of competitive freebie promises in the run-up to the elections. The BJP will most certainly invoke its much-vaunted double engine power to fulfil its poll promises. The BJP might also try to woo the electorate by conferring the Bharat Ratna posthumously on DMK founder the late Karunanidhi, as it conferred on the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, the founder of the Samajwadi Party (SP). But such symbolisms arent likely to help much. The Dravidian parties are imbued with visceral hatred for what they perceive as the imposition of Hindi and North Indian culture on them by the BJP. The AIADMK might ally with the BJP in the spirit of your enemys enemy is my friend, as well as to score electoral gains under the first-past-the-post system in which allowing votes to split is an unpardonable blunder. But it would not like to be seen on the side of what they perceive to be anti-Islam policies of the BJP, which is why it recently voted with the DMK in passing a resolution against the Waqf amendment bill. Like the BJP, the Dravidian parties have their own core issues, such as minority rights and celebrating exclusively the pristine purity of the Tamil language and culture. The BJP supporters once, not long ago, toyed with the idea of trifurcation of the state of Tamil Nadu. Kongu region, comprising Coimbatore, is a mini bastion of the BJP. Ergo, it can be carved out into a separate state, goes the loud thinking. Ditto for the South, comprising Kanyakumari and Ramnad districts, among others. Smaller states are also administratively convenient. Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand out of UP and Jharkhand out of Bihar. So, administrative convenience can be the ruse for electoral gains. Will the Narendra Modi government latch onto the idea pioneered by the Vajpayee government? While PMK (Pattazhi Makkal Katchi) is in favour of smaller states, other major stakeholders may raise a banner of revolt. The DMK and AIADMK would not be in favour of such trifurcation as it would downsize their empire. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For the BJP, it would perhaps be an opportunity to rule the smaller states. The writer is a senior columnist. He tweets @smurlidharan. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: April 02, 2025, 15:26 IST Opinion | Trust The Law, Stand Firm Together: Supporting Colonel Bath With Patience And Resolve Written By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 07:21 IST Justice will prevail, and until that moment arrives, our patience, integrity, and steadfast resolve must speak louder than impulsive actions driven by emotion Indian Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and son Angad Singh suffer injuries after allegedly getting brutally beaten by police officials in Punjab. (Image: News18) The shocking and brutal physical assault on Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son in Patiala was not merely an attack on individuals but an affront to the dignity and honour of the entire military fraternity. It understandably sparked resounding anger, dismay, and a collective sense of urgency among veterans and serving personnel of the Indian Army. Incidents such as these strike at the very heart of the values we uphold and the bonds of camaraderie that sustain our institution. However, in moments of crisis, our true strength lies not in reactive outrage but in measured, steadfast resolve. It is now, more than ever, essential to channel our emotions constructively, reaffirming unwavering support for justice, dignity, and strict adherence to the rule of law. Recommended Stories Colonel Baths fight for justice is not his alone, and as aforementioned, it truly touches the very core of our institutional values. While frustration regarding the speed of legal proceedings is entirely justified, cooler heads and patience must prevail. The visible support extended by the Indian Army to Colonel and Mrs Bath, as demonstrated by the presence of an officer from Western Command in uniform at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, is a quiet yet powerful affirmation that the institution fully supports Colonel Bath and his family within the permissible boundaries of the law. It also reassures everyone across rank and file, and those who have now hung up their uniforms, that the organisation to which they gave the best years of their lives supports them in their hour of need, always and every time. Now, as we stand in solidarity, we must remain clear-headed about the nature of this situation. Colonel Baths case is fundamentally one of an individual seeking justice against certain errant Punjab Police personnel. While the Army unequivocally supports its own officers, it fully respects the supremacy of the law. The legal proceedings will and must run their due course, and justice must be dispensed transparently and swiftly. The timely actions taken so farsuch as the suspension of twelve Punjab Police personnel involved and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT)are welcome signs of accountability and must translate into decisive legal action against those found culpable. Timely justice in this matter is imperative to restore confidence and ensure deterrence against any recurrence of similar incidents. We must also recognise that this incident represents an aberration involving specific individuals rather than institutional attitudes. To portray it otherwise risks misrepresenting the issue, potentially creating unnecessary friction between two vital institutionsthe Indian Army and Punjab Policeboth of which share a longstanding tradition of cooperation and mutual respect in a strategically vital and sensitive region. Our sustained interaction, joint training exercises, and successful collaborative efforts during past crises amply demonstrate the strength of this relationship, which remains intact despite isolated incidents. Furthermore, we must remain acutely aware of inimical and non-state actors attempts to exploit this sensitive situation. History has repeatedly shown that adversaries actively seek opportunities to amplify internal discord, aiming to fracture unity within Indias security apparatus, especially in strategically sensitive states like Punjab. It is crucial that our collective resolve and vigilance deny any room for extremist groups or external adversaries to exploit this temporary discord. Our disciplined restraint and adherence to legal protocols do not diminish our resolve for justice but reinforce our moral standing. While closely monitoring developments, the Army continues to press for transparency and accountability through legitimate channels. The institutions firm yet respectful stance ensures that undue pressure or procedural shortcuts do not compromise justice. As we approach the next hearing scheduled for April 3, let us, veterans and serving personnel alike, reaffirm our unified commitment to supporting Colonel Bath and his family through disciplined patience and unwavering resolve. Our measured response underlines our dignity and strength, showcasing an unshakable unity. Moreover, it is essential to reinforce to all stakeholders that our commitment is not merely symbolic but rooted deeply in principles of justice and fairness. The Indian Armys foundational values compel us to support our personnel, ensuring that those who serve the nation are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. The institutions strength is derived not only from its operational capabilities but also from its unwavering ethical standards. It is crucial now, more than ever, to send a clear message to the broader community and adversaries alike that any form of injustice against our soldiers will not be tolerated. Simultaneously, our actions must clearly communicate respect for legal processes and institutions. The law is supreme, and our responsibility as defenders of the nation also includes safeguarding the sanctity of judicial processes. This waiting period for the subsequent judicial hearing should also serve as a reflective moment to enhance internal awareness within the Army about maintaining the delicate balance between supporting our personnel and respecting the legal framework. Our unity and collective understanding of this balance are fundamental to ensuring effective outcomes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Justice will prevail, and until that moment arrives, our patience, integrity, and steadfast resolve must speak louder than impulsive actions driven by emotion. Together, we ensure that the law is respected, justice is upheld, and adversaries are denied opportunities for exploitation. Our collective strength remains unbroken and unwavering. Lt Gen Dushyant Singh (Retd) is Director General, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: April 03, 2025, 07:21 IST Opinion | Waqf Showdown Takeaway: Modi Is Not A One-Third PM; NDA Is Not A Paralytic UPA Written By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: April 02, 2025, 20:18 IST The power of a government, especially a coalition, is measured not by its proclamations and not by how many elections it wins but by its ability to get tough laws passed The Congress party truly believed that PM Modi in his third innings would have to grovel before unpredictable coalition partners Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu to get pending controversial reforms passed. File pic Make no mistake about it. Amending the Waqf Act of 1995 and repealing the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 is part of the ideological agenda of the BJP. Just like the occupation of Ram Janmabhoomi and the perpetuation of Article 370, the Waqf Act of 1995 stood as a reminder of inequityone denomination (Muslims) enjoying special status over Hindusin a secular democracy. It had to go. And from all that weve seen in Parliament, the Waqf Act of 1995 will be hollowed out by the amendments piloted by the NDA. But that the BJP has been able to score another ideological goal is not the main learning from Parliament. The real takeaway is that the government has been able to decisively slay the oppositions claim that Modi is a one-third PM" and that the NDA is a paralytic" coalition. Recommended Stories Right after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress partys media mascot, Jairam Ramesh, began using the phrase ek tehai" or one-third" to chide Prime Minister Modi. What Ramesh was trying to insinuate by deploying the barb in his official posts on social media was that because the BJP had ended up short of the majority mark, PM Modi was essentially a lame duck prime minister. The Congress party truly believed that PM Modi in his third innings would have to grovel before unpredictable coalition partners Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu to get pending controversial reforms passed. But a lot of water has flown down the Ganges since then. Far from being diminished, the BJP has gone from strength to strength after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, notching one bigger electoral victory after the other in the states. Far from being the picture of a spent force losing credibility among voters, the BJP and, by extension, Prime Minister Modi have diminished the opposition. It is as if the Lok Sabha setback was an imminently inconsequential aberration. It goes without saying that the resurgence of the BJP has also meant that power equations have changed within the NDA. Nitishs JDU and Naidus TDP have less incentive to rock the boat. They are nowhere near being the oppositions fabled one-third PMs" within the coalition sharing equal power with PM Modi. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But truth be told, the power of a government, especially a coalition, is measured not by its proclamations and not by how many elections it wins but by its ability to get tough laws passed. As a rule of thumb, reformist legislative interventions, like the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, that challenge the status quo and entrenched power structures require governments to exhaust huge political capital, often available to only those regimes that are blessed with vast mandates. And sometimes, even an overwhelming mandate is not enough. Consider how the NDA had to roll back the 3 farm laws even though the BJP had a seemingly formidable majority on its own in Lok Sabha. And it is for this reason that a numerically depleted BJPs ability to push the Waqf Amendment Bill, which severely disrupts the status quo, signals that it retains the risk appetite and public trust to drive disruptive change. This assertion of power will inspire confidence at a time when reformsfinancial and socialare the need of the hour for India to acquire gati-shakti towards viksit status. About the Author Rahul Shivshankar Rahul Shivshankar is Consulting Editor at Network18. He tweets at @RShivshankar Rahul Shivshankar is Consulting Editor at Network18. He tweets at @RShivshankar First Published: April 02, 2025, 20:18 IST KTR Promises To Develop Eco-park On Hyderabad University Land In Kancha Gachibowli Published By : IANS Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 15:35 IST KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known, backed what he called an extraordinary struggle by HCU students against the state government's alleged attempts to encroach on university land HCU remained tense on Thursday as protests by student groups continued against the proposed auction of 400 acres of land abutting the campus. If Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) returns to power in Telangana, it will reclaim 400 acres of land belonging to Hyderabad Central University (HCU) in Kancha Gachibowli and transform it into an eco-park, party working president K. T. Rama Rao announced on Thursday. He told a press conference that the eco-park would be a gift to the students of HCU and the people of Hyderabad. Recommended Stories He slammed the Congress government for eyeing the land for real estate gains. Accusing Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of treating the land as a commodity, KTR cautioned potential buyers that anyone purchasing it in hopes of profiting from it would face severe losses once BRS regains control. We will take back every inch of that land and build an extraordinary eco-park, akin to Central Park in Manhattan, for the future of Hyderabad," he declared. KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known, backed what he called an extraordinary struggle by HCU students against the state governments alleged attempts to encroach on university land. He likened their fight to the historic student movements at Osmania, Kakatiya, and Satavahana universities during the Telangana statehood agitation. He criticised the Congress government for its refusal to engage in dialogue with the students, who have been protesting for the past 10 days. He warned that if the government does not reverse its stance, BRS would mobilise thousands of supporters for a march to HCU. In a scathing attack on Chief Minister Reddy, KTR called him a real estate broker" masquerading as a leader. He (Revanth Reddy) claims to work 18 hours a day, but he should spend at least 10 minutes thinking like a human being, as a father or grandfather about the future generations, instead of acting like a broker," KTR remarked. The BRS leader also slammed Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka for dismissing concerns about wildlife on the HCU campus, mocking his claim that images of animals were merely artificial intelligence-generated". KTR accused the Congress government of exploiting court holidays to carry out destructive activities" on the HCU campus, including felling trees and harming wildlife. Why are they sending bulldozers over the people on Saturdays and Sundays? Has the government no sense, no shame, despite the High Court and Supreme Courts directives?" he questioned. Labelling Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a missing leader" and a political tourist", KTR challenged him to visit HCU and explain his partys actions to the students. KTR lashed out at the government for destroying the only lung space in West Hyderabad. The peacocks and animals there are crying out as their homes are destroyed. Doesnt this pain anyone in the government?" he asked. KTR urged people not to buy the HCU land, promising that BRS would reclaim it upon returning to power. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We fought in the courts during our tenure to secure this land for Telanganas people, not to sell it off for real estate. Those who buy it now will regret it later," he cautioned. HCU remained tense on Thursday as protests by student groups continued against the proposed auction of 400 acres of land abutting the campus. 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 First Published: April 03, 2025, 15:35 IST 'It'll Devastate India': Rahul Gandhi Demands Centre's Response To Donald Trump's Tariff Move Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 14:38 IST Rahul Gandhi said that the reciprocal tariffs announced by Donald Trump will "completely devastate" Indian economy and asked what the central government is doing to counter the impact of the US trade retaliation. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi (Image/Sansad TV) Amid the ongoing debate over the reciprocal tariffs announced by Donald Trump, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that the US Presidents decision will completely devastate" Indias economy and asked what the central government is doing to counter the impact of the US trade retaliation. Rahul Gandhi further criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led governments foreign policy over the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Recommended Stories Speaking in Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition stated, You have given China 44,000 square kilometres of land. On the other side, our ally suddenly decides to impose tariffs on us, which is going to completely destroy our economy. Our auto industry, our pharmaceutical industry. They are all on the line." Soon after Rahul Gandhis remark, Union Minister Anurag Thakur attacked the Congress leader and schooled him that politicising the India-China issue in Lok Sabha would not yield anything. The Opposition parties are also questioning the central government over its next course of action regarding Trumps tariff announcement and have demanded a discussion on the issue in parliament. Meanwhile, the government has responded saying that the Department of Commerce is carefully examining the implications of the various measures and announcements made by President Trump. Keeping in view the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Department is engaged with all stakeholders, including Indian industry and exporters, taking feedback of their assessment of the tariffs and assessing the situation. The Department is also studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in the US trade policy," the government statement read. Opposition Attacks Government Aaditya Thackeray, son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), attacked the government over reciprocal tariffs and accused the Centre of trying to divert everybodys attention from the issue with the Waqf bill. Taking to X, Thackeray said, The reciprocal tariffs. Most countries are debating their way forward with the kind of impact it will have on their economy and country. Our countrys union government has kept everyone busy on another issue altogether. Seems like the coping mechanism of the BJPs government is controversy and dividing the country." He further asked Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to make a detailed statement on reciprocal tariffs- the impact and reaction in the Parliament. He suggested that the government discuss the issue in the Parliament. The reciprocal tariffs.Most countries are debating their way forward with the kind of impact it will have on their economy and country. Our countrys union government has kept everyone busy on another issue altogether. Seems like the coping mechanism of the bjps government Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) April 3, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This is a national challenge very badly managed by the BJPs government. They could have also discussed this earlier. The kind of economy India has the impact of these tariffs on our economy, jobs, businesses, youth, the impact will be tremendous. Yet the government chooses to maintain silence. You dont have to speak against anyone, just tell us how we, as a nation, will cope with the challenge," he added. About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More First Published: April 03, 2025, 14:19 IST Musk Revisits His 2019 Warning, Says Humanity May Be Just A 'Biological Bootloader' For AI Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 12:33 IST Musk reflected on a statement he made in 2019 during a conversation with Alibaba CEO Jack Ma at the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai Tesla CEO Elon Musk. (Photo Credits via Instagram) Tesla CEO Elon Musk has suggested that humanity may serve as a biological bootloader" for the development of digital superintelligence. In a post on X, Musk reflected on a statement he made in 2019 during a conversation with Alibaba CEO Jack Ma at the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. Recommended Stories As I mentioned several years ago, it increasingly appears that humanity is a biological bootloader for digital superintelligence," he wrote. As I mentioned several years ago, it increasingly appears that humanity is a biological bootloader for digital superintelligence Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 2, 2025 Reflecting on his conversation with Ma at the global conference, where Musk had expressed concerns about the rapid advancement of AI and its potential dangers. At the 2019 event, Musk and Ma had sharply contrasting views on artificial intelligence. While had Ma expressed optimism, saying that AI was not something street-smart" people like them needed to worry about, On the other hand, Musk had raised concerns about the rapid pace of technological advancement. I dont know man, thats like famous last words," Musk had responded, which reflected his unease about the potential dangers of unchecked AI growth. During that same event, Musk had explained that a bootloader is a small but essential piece of code that enables a computer to start. Without it, the computer cannot function. It seemed to me some time ago that you could sort of think of humanity as a biological boot loader for digital super intelligence," Musk had said. For those who dont know what a boot loader is, its a very tiny piece of code without which the computer cannot start. But its sort of like the minimal bit of code necessary for a computer to start. Like you couldnt evolve silicon circuitsthere needed to be biology to get there." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hope were not just the biological boot loader for digital superintelligence. Unfortunately, that is increasingly probable Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 3, 2014 The tech billionaires concerns arent new. In a 2014 post on X, he had expressed a similar worry: Hope were not just the biological boot loader for digital superintelligence. Unfortunately, that is increasingly probable." 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 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 : United States of America (USA) First Published: April 03, 2025, 12:24 IST Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Launch Has Been Delayed: Heres When It Might Come Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 09:55 IST Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge launch has been widely expected after its first official unveiling this year and the company is delaying its release further. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge launch gets further delayed by the company and here's the reason Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge variant just cannot catch a break. After multiple sightings, most of us expected the phone to launch this month. But we could be looking at further delays from the company for its premium sleek device. As per reports, Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge launch could be delayed by a few months. The Edge version was first teased at the Galaxy Unpacked event in January this year and later showcased at the MWC 2025 in Barcelona last month. Recommended Stories Most rumours tipped the Galaxy S25 Edge to be announced in April with markets like India in focus but now the company has delayed the official release of the Galaxy S25 series model. Galaxy S25 Edge: The Wait For Slim Model Gets Longer Reports from South Korea claim Samsung is delaying the Galaxy S25 Edge launch owing to recent leadership changes at the company that is directly involved with the product strategy. It was earlier mentioned that Galaxy S25 Edge launch will happen on April 15 but these delays have now pushed back the timeline to May or even June for the company. The ETNews source also mentions that Samsung has informed the local operators about the delay. Thats not all, the company is unlikely to have an in-person launch event for the Galaxy S25 Edge later this year, which seems sensible given it will also need a platform to announce the new Galaxy Z Fold series this year. Having said that, the delay also means that Samsung will not have decent head start on Apple which is expected to bring an iPhone 17 Air model in 2025. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Galaxy S25 Edge will be a flagship device thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It is likely to sport a 6.65-inch AMOLED display which is eerily close to the 6.7-inch panel on the Galaxy S25+ model. But the biggest highlight of the S25 Edge will be its ultra-slim and lightweight design at 5.84mm and under 162 grams, making it the sleekest premium phone in the market. However, the slim design of the Galaxy S25 Edge could become a problem as it is likely to pack a small 3,900mAh battery unit which will be a concern for many. 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! First Published: April 03, 2025, 09:55 IST Delhi Man Accuses Wife Of Attempted Murder, Claims She Married More Than 8 Times Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 18:02 IST The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, alleged that his wife had mentally tortured him and systematically cut him off from his family after marriage. The man revealed that he later discovered his wifes shocking past. (Photo Credit: X) A Delhi man has accused his wife of attempting to kill him and their three-month-old daughter. The woman, Jyoti, allegedly a serial bride, has reportedly been married over eight times and has a history of filing false rape cases against her in-laws. The victim, Suraj, narrated his ordeal to India News, alleging his wife had mentally tortured" him and systematically cut him off from his family after marriage. Recommended Stories After our wedding, she constantly harassed me, subjected me to mental torture, and never allowed me to talk to my family. She ensured I had no connection with them whatsoever," Suraj told the reporter. He added that he later discovered Jyotis shocking past. I later found out that she had hidden from me that she had already been married seven times before. Basically, she extorts people forcefully she traps them in love, then within months marries them and starts harassing them so that they leave on their own. And when they leave, she demands money, legal expenses, or any financial settlement through the court," he added. The horror escalated on New Years night when Jyoti allegedly made an attempt on his life. I was asleep when she boiled a bucket of water, mixed it with red chili powder and salt, and threw it on me. She then grabbed my phone, locked the door from the outside, and ran away," Suraj recounted. In the video, Suraj could be seen with visible burn marks all over his chest. Struggling to escape and save his crying daughter, he desperately tried to break free. I tried everything to get out the gate was locked from the outside. I tried opening it, but it wouldnt budge. My baby was also there, and amidst all the noise, she started crying too. I shouted for help, screamed help! help! but no one heard or helped," he said. Suraj later said that he noticed the window, tried breaking it, and somehow managed to escape to seek help. DELHI WOMAN POURS BOILING WATER MIXED WITH CHILLI POWDER ON HUSBAND WHILE HE'S SLEEPING, LOCKS HIM, TAKES HIS PHONE AWAY SO THAT HE GETS NO MEDICAL HELP23 DAYS BUT THE WOMAN HAS NOT YET BEEN ARRESTED !!! DELHI POLICE ARREST JYOTI ALIAS KITTU This woman Jyoti has earlier pic.twitter.com/EEF63N2WEB Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) January 23, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Last month, a 29-year-old former Merchant Navy officer, Saurabh Rajput was killed in Uttar Pradeshs Meerut. The crime was allegedly orchestrated by his wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her lover, Sahil Shukla. Saurabh and Muskan married in 2016 and had a daughter in 2019. Over time, Muskan rekindled a relationship with her childhood acquaintance, Sahil, whom she reconnected with through a school WhatsApp group in 2019. Their affair led to a conspiracy to kill Saurabh. On March 4, after drugging Saurabh, Muskan and Sahil allegedly stabbed him multiple times, resulting in fatal injuries, including a punctured heart. They then dismembered his body into approximately 15 pieces, placing the remains into a plastic drum, which they filled with cement to conceal the evidence. 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: April 03, 2025, 18:02 IST Enjoying The Ghibli Trend? Here's A Warning Before You Upload Your Next Photo To ChatGPT Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 12, 2025, 11:35 IST The viral Ghibli Art trend has sparked privacy concerns, with experts warning that AI platforms may collect and store personal photos for other uses, without the consent of the users. A representative Ghibli-style image (Social Media) The Ghibli Art trend has taken the internet by storm, especially after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman simplified generating Ghibli-style images and announced the feature is now free for all ChatGPT users. People are not just generating Ghibli-style images of their personal photos, but also of movie scenes and even popular memes. Recommended Stories However, if some experts are to be believed, there may be not one, but many risks associated with uploading personal pictures on the AI platform. And not just experts, recently, the Goa Police too, in a warning advised social media users to consider the risk to privacy before uploading personal pictures for generating Ghibli Art through Artificial Intelligence apps. Joining the AI-generated Ghibli trend is fun, but not all AI apps protect your privacy! Ghibli art is loved for its dreamy charm, but always think before uploading personal photos and use only trusted AI Apps to generate one," the state police said in a post on X on Tuesday. The post also mentioned phone numbers for reporting cybercrime. HOW THE GHIBLI TREND COULD BE A RISK, WHAT EXPERTS SAY According to some, the recently launched Ghibli effect is not just an AI copyright controversy, but also OpenAIs way to gain free and easy access to thousands of personal photos, which, once uploaded, get stored in their database. One of the researchers flagged that the OpenAI was not just scraping images from the internet to use those in training AI models, theres much more to it. Heres what has been pointed out. When people voluntarily upload their personal images, they give their consent to OpenAI to process those images, which in turn gives OpenAI more legal ground and more freedom. The expert also pointed out that OpenAIs privacy policy explicitly states that the company collects personal data input by users to train its AI models when users havent opted out. She argued that people who generally do not upload their photos on social media are now using the Ghibli trend, thus giving OpenAI free and easy access to these images, wherein only the platform will have the originals. Since people want to see a fun avatar of themselves, they are uploading their and their loved ones photos, without requiring a third-party provider. Most people havent realized that the Ghibli Effect is not only an AI copyright controversy but also OpenAIs PR trick to get access to thousands of new personal images; heres how:To get their own Ghibli (or Sesame Street) version, thousands of people are now voluntarily pic.twitter.com/zBktscNOSh Luiza Jarovsky (@LuizaJarovsky) March 29, 2025 Proton, a platform that works on data privacy and security, flagged that once people share their photos with AI, they lose control over how their pictures are being used, not knowing that these images could also be used to generate content that may be defaming or used as harassment. Personal photos of people may also be used for personalised ads and/or sold to third parties, Proton noted. Moreover, photos once uploaded on AI, may also give the platform access to your location, metadata, and more sensitive data, which is also applicable to children. Think this is a fun trend? Think again.While some dont have an issue sharing selfies on social media, the trend of creating a Ghibli-style" image has seen many people feeding OpenAI photos of themselves and their families. Heres why thats a problem: 1/4 pic.twitter.com/o9VqS3Teoe Proton (@ProtonPrivacy) March 27, 2025 CHATGPT USERS DEBATE THE FINDINGS Meanwhile, social media users were quick to respond to such research, with some even saying that they had no problem with ChatGPT using their photos for other uses as flagged. Oh its fine Chat has had my personal image for so long its now using me as a template for other images and Im cool with it. Go at it ChatGPT," a user wrote. A style is not copyright only specific works," another comment read. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Others agreed with the research and wrote, The most dangerous privacy violations arent hidden in complex schemes but wrapped in viral trends that make us willing participants in our own exploitation." People think theyre getting a cute avatar. OpenAI? Theyre harvesting a goldmine of personal images. Consent disguised as creativity," another social media user commented. 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. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: April 03, 2025, 08:24 IST Influencer Shares What India Should Learn From Japanese Food Packaging | Watch Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 04, 2025, 08:31 IST The social media user shared a detailed video explaining how Indian companies "practice fake marketing" to sell their food products. Japanese companies try to depict the product as shown on the packages. (Photo Credits: X) Food packaging tricks often fool customers, misleading them with specific content, quantity, or appearance. Whether it is a package of chips or a cup of instant noodles, the food packages might make you snatch a product off the supermarket shelf right away. But as the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold. At a time when customers are often tricked into buying products over attractive packaging and appearance, Japanese companies are actually delivering on their promises. Revant Himatsingka, a self-proclaimed food pharmer," has shared a video highlighting the difference between food packaging in India and Japan. In the video, Revant explains how Japanese companies prepare their food items in the same manner as displayed on their packaging, stating that the companies believe in maintaining trust among customers. He also shared various clips as evidence to support the claim. Recommended Stories Indian food companies should learn this 1 brilliant thing from Japan!Reshare if you agree! pic.twitter.com/sU1KxEE4tR Revant Himatsingka Food Pharmer" (@foodpharmer2) April 2, 2025 The user went on to specify a few Indian brands like Real Fruit Juices, Glucoplus, Kissan, and more, describing their marketing tactics as misleading." He highlights how the packages emphasise creative visualisation or depiction, which is also shown in television advertisements. Such false marketing still happens as the Japanese companies fear the customers, while Indians fear the companies. But it is time to change such practices and hold companies accountable for their false marketing," he adds. The video sparked an instant debate on the internet, with many agreeing with Revants thoughts. One wrote, Fair point," while another added, Compare Japan to the world and dont restrict yourself only to India. It happens all over the world." India needs a consumer revolution. Until then, creative visualization will keep scamming people daily," another comment read. A user explained, Plus, in Japan, there is a rule for fruit juice pack displays. If the percentage of fruit juice is equal to or more than 5% and less than 100%, it is possible to draw a realistic fruit illustration, but it is forbidden to draw a cross-section of the fruit on the label." A user hilariously shared a photo of incorrect packaging displays, holding up a biscuit pack. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I shared this with my friends group couple of weeks ago: pic.twitter.com/P6apkR2cnU Tejinder (@Tejinder_dass) April 2, 2025 A section of users also asked Revant to do reviews on other Indian products that make such false claims. 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! First Published: April 03, 2025, 16:29 IST Influencer Throws Coffee At Hyderabad Store Staff For 'Laughing At Her', Sparks Controversy Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 04, 2025, 08:27 IST While the details of the situation remain unclear, the influencer claims the saleswoman laughed at her, due to which she threw coffee in frustration. The video shows a Hyderabad influencer screaming at the store employee. (Photo Credit: X) A Hyderabad influencer has courted controversy after throwing coffee and yelling at a store employee in a mall. While the details of the situation remain unclear, Shaikh Maryam Ali claims that the saleswoman laughed at her when she entered the shop. This enraged her, and she threw the coffee. As the video circulated online, many social media users defended the salesperson and criticised the influencer for her rudeness. Many even asked her to be banned from entering the mall. Recommended Stories The video begins with the influencer screaming at the employee, while the staff members are busy cleaning the spilled coffee. She says, That girl is stupid, totally worst experience and she is so arrogant, you know behaviour is most important. I got angry. Is this how she greets customers? She ruined my mood. How does the company even hire such people? They have no idea how to behave with customers." The video shared on X came with the caption that read, This is just stupid. Girls like these should be banned from malls and sent to mental institutions. Shaikh Mariyam Ali thinks she owns the whole world and everyone works for her." This is just stupid. Girls like these should be banned from malls and sent to mental institutions. Shaikh Mariyam Ali thinks she owns the whole world and everyone works for her. pic.twitter.com/XZYwjbl3gX Wokeflix (@wokeflix_) April 1, 2025 Reacting to the post, a user wrote, Her access to the mall and city should be restricted. People who act like her have no place in civil society. Store owner should file a complaint and get her arrested for harassment of store staff." Another shared, World War 3 is going to be between Women vs. Women. Men should just sit relax and enjoy." This is about a spoilt entitled brat who thinks she is papa ki pari and can do what she wants, where she wants. I dont know what happened but throwing coffee at an employee is absurd and absolutely wrong. Needs to be banned from all Calvin Klein India stores and should be arrested for assault," a comment read. One more added, You can earn money not class, this mall should slap a defamation case on this creature, look at her language." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The influencer shared her side of the story on Instagram and revealed that when she entered the store, she noticed the employee was laughing at her. She questioned them, but Ali claimed she received a rude response. She then asked if this was how customers were treated. Speaking to some children in the store, she also mentioned having coffee, and at that moment, the staff member rudely told the children to throw away their drinks. The employee then spoke disrespectfully to her, questioned her identity and laughed at her, which she felt was wrong. 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: April 03, 2025, 18:12 IST The North Dakota House of Representatives on Wednesday reconsidered and passed a resolution to bring a 2026 ballot measure that would modify the state's legislative term limits approved by voters in 2022. Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008 would amend the North Dakota Constitution to allow legislators to serve their four-term limit under Article XV of the North Dakota Constitution -- established by a 2022 ballot measure -- in either chamber of the Legislature, rather than the current restriction of two terms in the House and two in the Senate. It would also strike language from Article XV of the Constitution that says the Legislature does not have the authority to propose amendments to alter or repeal term limits, and establishes the effective date for the 2022 ballot measure as Jan. 1, 2023. Meaning, time served by legislators in office only counts toward term limits if they are sworn in after that date. The effective date of the ballot measure has been the subject of discussion because of a separate bill recently passed by the Senate, House Bill 1300. The Jan. 1, 2023, effective date would mean legislators elected in the 2022 general election would not have the time served during their 2023-27 term counted toward term limits. A separate, effective date of Nov. 7, 2022, has been proposed, which would mean the time served during their 2023-27 terms does count toward term limits. After 20 minutes of discussion, the resolution failed Tuesday with a 46-43 vote. The resolution needed at least 48 votes to pass. Rep. Mike Brandenburg, R-Edgeley, was absent from Tuesdays vote and motioned to reconsider the resolution Wednesday because, he said, This is a subject that I think has to have more discussion. After nearly a half hour of further discussion on the resolution, it passed in a 53-39 vote. Supporters of the legislation argued that term limits are damaging to the institutional knowledge of the Legislature, and that the ballot measure passed in 2022 was confusing and misrepresented what it would accomplish to voters. They argued that bringing another constitutional change to voters in 2026 would allow the Legislature to see if voters made a mistake in 2022 and if they now have buyer's remorse. You can't replace knowledge with tenure because you do learn along the way, and you learn process along the way, Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Rugby, said on the floor of the House. "We need to be able to adapt for the people in North Dakota to make term limits work better. If this is the way to do it, I think we should take it to the people and tell them what we're learning along the way ... I bet many of the people that may have supported the term limit measure initially have learned since they've been elected in this chamber that it isn't quite what they thought it was. Rep. Eric Murphy, R-Grand Forks, said he changed his vote between Tuesday and Wednesday because he took the time to read through the bill and those who testified against it, determining the resolution would benefit the state. I think the people are smart enough in North Dakota to look at this and maybe say, You know what? Maybe we did make a mistake. Institutional knowledge is critical, Murphy said. Last session, I voted against these bills because the people had just spoken. But now, I have a better understanding of institutional knowledge than I had then. Opponents of the resolution said it runs directly counter to the will of the people. I'm having a really hard time buying the idea that -- sure, there may have been some that were confused -- but to say that there were so many that would have overturned 63% vote is really hard, Rep. Jeff Hoverson, R-Minot, said on the floor. So I just hope we send a better message to the people, I guess, and I think a 'no' vote would say, We respect your vote. Rep. Steve Vetter, R-Grand Forks, said he agreed with those concerned about the loss of institutional knowledge but said this resolution does not solve the problem because it does not change the number of total years a legislator can serve. He said that if the Legislature wants to change term limits, then they should put together a separate resolution that actually does something. Vetter added that, ultimately, the courts would be the ones to determine if the Legislature was legally allowed to change term limits. All the people are going to see is we're changing the term limits, Vetter said. So they vote this down. All the arguments I hear out of this chamber are going to be mute because the people have spoken ... If the people looking at this measure vote 'no,' that's giving them all the more ammo now to say, What are you guys doing, proposing a measure on term limits? The North Dakota Legislative Councils Office received hundreds of calls Wednesday about term limits, according to Director John Bjornson. He said the calls were caused by a text message campaign targeting North Dakotans using a spoofed phone number. The message directed North Dakotans to call a number provided in the text message -- the phone number for the Legislative Councils office -- to stop legislators from changing term limits. Bjornson said that many of the callers could not articulate the specific reason they were calling, did not know what Legislative Council was or did not specify which legislator they would like to pass a message to. We want them to be able to contact their legislators, Bjornson said. But there are other methods for doing that. They have their own email. They have the constituent views application, which is really easy -- just gets it (the message) right, directly to the legislator ... On a day like today, we can't possibly talk to everybody, take their message and forward it, particularly when they don't know who they want it forwarded to, right? The concurrent resolution does not need to be signed by the governor. Instead, it will be signed by the Secretary of State and put on the ballot for the 2026 general election. Sam Altman Shares Adorable Ghibli-Style Illustration With Newborn Son Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 10:33 IST OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the arrival of his son with his husband, Oliver Mulherin, in an emotional post in February. The image captures an adorable father-son moment. (Photo Credits: X) The internet is constantly buzzing with Ghibli-style edits inspired by the iconic Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman triggered the trend when he announced a new feature of ChatGPTs image generator that allows users to create illustrations in the signature Ghibli style just like those in animated films such as My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke. He even joined in by changing his profile picture on X to a Ghibli-inspired version of himself. And now, Altman has embraced the trend once more by sharing a heartwarming Ghibli-style illustration of himself and his newborn son. The image captures an adorable father-son moment where Altman is seen peacefully napping with his son nestled in his arms. Recommended Stories Altman had announced the arrival of his son with his partner, Oliver Mulherin, in an emotional post in February He had shared that the baby was born prematurely and was undergoing treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Despite the challenging situation, Altman expressed his gratitude and joy, writing, Welcome to the world, little guy! He came early and is going to be in the NICU for a while. He is doing well, and its really nice to be in a little bubble taking care of him. I have never felt such love." welcome to the world, little guy!he came early and is going to be in the nicu for awhile. he is doing well and its really nice to be in a little bubble taking care of him. i have never felt such love. pic.twitter.com/wFF2FkKiMU Sam Altman (@sama) February 22, 2025 Altmans post captured significant attention online as it accumulated more than a million views so far. Social media users took to the comment section to share their reactions. One user wrote, This is such a lovely image/picture! Ive been ghiblifying my precious family moments and it just hits different. Thanks for all the marvelous work you put into openai! Extremely happy customer." Another shared, This is lovely Sam. May you and your kid have a long and lovely life." Thats the cutest thing Ive seen today!" someone expressed while another person described the image as Soo peaceful and cutest." As the excitement around Ghibli-style edits continues, Altman previously revealed that the AI platform gained one million new users in just an hour. In a post on Monday, Altman wrote, the ChatGPT launch 26 months ago was one of the craziest viral moments Id ever seen, and we added one million users in five days. we added one million users in the last hour." the chatgpt launch 26 months ago was one of the craziest viral moments i'd ever seen, and we added one million users in five days.we added one million users in the last hour. Sam Altman (@sama) March 31, 2025 But the sudden popularity of the new feature has brought some challenges. Altman said the newfound craze has caused the companys GPUs to overload. Its super fun seeing people love images in ChatGPT but our GPUs are melting," he said in an X post. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all it's super fun seeing people love images in chatgpt.but our GPUs are melting. we are going to temporarily introduce some rate limits while we work on making it more efficient. hopefully won't be long! chatgpt free tier will get 3 generations per day soon. Sam Altman (@sama) March 27, 2025 Altman also announced that ChatGPT will temporarily introduce rate limits for Ghibli photos while we work on making it more efficient." He further said that free ChatGPT users will also get three generations per day soon. 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: April 03, 2025, 10:29 IST Should A Man Get Married Without A Stable Income? Viral Post Sparks Debate Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 14:13 IST A recent viral video has reignited this age-old debate, questioning whether a man should be allowed to marry without a regular source of income. The viral video shows a courtroom scene where a judge is questioning a man. (Photo Credits: X) Marriage and finances have always been deeply intertwined, particularly in India, where societal expectations often place significant emphasis on a grooms financial stability. Traditionally, a man is expected to be the provider and any deviation from this norm invites scrutiny. A recent viral video has reignited this age-old debate, questioning whether a man should be allowed to marry without a regular source of income. The video, which has been widely shared on social media, shows a courtroom scene where a judge is questioning a man sitting in front of him, probably defending himself. The conversation takes place as follows: Recommended Stories Judge: You dont have a job? Man: No, sir. I had written that whenever I am called, I go and give a doctors service. Judge: When they drew the preemption, that was totally wrong. What did you say about your income? Man: Sir, I said that I dont have a job now. When I was called, I wrote that I had a job. Judge: You are a doctor. You dont have any right. Only the lawyer has the right to get married without an income. A doctor has no right. If you didnt have an income, why did you get married? Take a look at it here: Why did you get married without any income? pic.twitter.com/iwqf0K5Sea ShoneeKapoor (@ShoneeKapoor) April 1, 2025 The conversation has sparked intense debate online, with many questioning the fairness of the judges remarks. Social media platform X has been flooded with comments from users expressing a range of opinions. One user wrote, Your Honor, its odd that the court questions the mans finances but doesnt ask the woman why she married without income. Shouldnt both parties choices and responsibilities be equally examined?" Another questioned the legality of the judges statement, asking, Is there any law in any country that requires a male to have a stable income to get married?" Some sided with the judges perspective, arguing that financial stability should be a prerequisite for marriage. Obviously, people should not get married without a stable income," one user commented. Others, however, criticised the judges stance. Another person commented, This judge should let the public know under which law it is written that you can only marry if you have an income. What if the person had an income when he got married and later lost his income? Is that a crime? Pathetic statement by a pathetic judge." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Another user echoed this sentiment, writing, There is no law as such that if a man doesnt earn, he cant get married. And if hes asking this question, he shouldve asked the wife why she got married to a guy who doesnt earn." The debate highlights the larger conversation surrounding gender roles, financial expectations and societal norms in marriage. While financial stability undeniably plays a crucial role in a successful marriage, the question remains should it be a legal requirement or merely a societal expectation? 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: April 03, 2025, 12:56 IST Canadian PM Vows To 'Fight' Trump's Sweeping Tariffs With 'Counter Measures' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 05:17 IST Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday pledged to "fight" against US President Donald Trump's tariffs US President Donald Trump and Canada's PM Mark Carney | File Image/AFP Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday pledged to fight" against US President Donald Trumps tariffs, saying that they would significantly alter the global trading system. While Trumps latest tariff announcement had a smaller impact on Canada compared to other major US trading partners, Carney emphasised that American duties on steel, aluminum, and automobiles would have a direct impact on millions of Canadians. Recommended Stories We are going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures," Carney said in Ottawa. A White House fact sheet said goods imported under the existing Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade will not face Trumps latest round of reciprocal tariffs. Speaking at the White House, Trump presented a chart displaying the new tariff rates: 34% on Chinese imports, 20% on goods from the European Union, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan, and 32% on Taiwan. Our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike," Trump declared. They rip us off, its so pathetic. Now, were going to charge." He further noted the disparity in auto tariffs, noting that while the US imposes a 2.4% tariff on motorcycles, countries like India and Vietnam charge 70% and 75%, respectively. He announced that a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles would take effect at midnight. The US is also imposing 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the U.S., including from Canada. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The White House confirmed that Canada and Mexico are exempted from new tariffs under IEEPA orders on fentanyl and migration. USMCA-compliant goods remain tariff-free, while non-compliant imports face a 25% tariff (10% for energy and potash). If the orders are lifted, a 12% tariff will apply. Location : Canada First Published: April 03, 2025, 04:51 IST Donald Trump's 26% Reciprocal Tariff On India: How It Could Play Out, Which Businesses Could Be Hit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 11:54 IST Donald Trump's Tariffs On India: Pharmaceutical exports are exempt from the reciprocal tariff for now which will come as a relief for Indian companies. Heres a look at how Donald Trumps tariffs will impact India US President Donald Trump (Image Credit: Reuters) US President Donald Trump announced a 26% reciprocal tariff on goods imported from India. On what he dubbed as Liberation Day, Donald Trump said that the United States has been looted, pillaged, raped, plundered" by foreign nations as he displayed a chart illustrating proposed reciprocal tariffs. He said, April 2nd, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day Americas destiny was reclaimed, and the day that we began to Make America Wealthy Again." Recommended Stories As per the board held up by Donald Trump, the tariffs charged by India to the US are 52% and the discounted reciprocal tariffs by the US will be 26%. On India, Donald Trump said, India, very, very tough. Very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left. Hes a great friend of mine, but I said, Youre a friend of mine, but youre not treating us right. They charge us 52%. You have to understand, we charge them almost nothing for years and years and decades, and it was only seven years ago, when I came in, that we started with China." Heres a look at how Donald Trumps tariffs will impact India Which Sectors Are Exempt From Trumps Reciprocal Tariffs? Pharmaceutical exports are exempt from the reciprocal tariff for now which will come as a relief for Indian companies like Sun Pharma (33% of revenue from US), Dr Reddys Laboratories (48.5%) and Aurobindo Pharma (48.3%). Other sectors exempt from the latest tariff announcements are steel, copper, bullion, energy and other certain minerals. Which Sectors Will Be Impacted By Trumps Reciprocal Tariffs The reciprocal tariffs will affect the electronics sector in India which relied on the US for 32% of its exports in the financial year ended March 2024. Indias textiles and apparels sector may become more competitive compared to China and Vietnam as reciprocal tariffs on China increased the duties by 34% and by 46% for Vietnam. Truck exporters are likely to take a hit from the increased tariffs in the US. Although, there may be no direct impact of the tariffs on IT services. Heres a sector-wise breakdown: IT and software services: The tariffs will not affect IT services. However, stricter visa policies could indirectly impact outsourcing firms like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro. Automotive: Higher tariffs on auto parts can increase costs for Indian manufacturers exporting to the US. Companies like Tata Motors may face higher costs due to US tariffs on steel and aluminum. Pharmaceuticals: Tariffs have not targeted this sector. Textiles and apparel: Higher tariffs on Chinese goods could benefit Indian exporters as an alternative source for the US. Steel and aluminum: The US imposed a 25% tariff on steel and 10% on aluminum imports in 2018, majorly affecting Indian exporters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Agriculture and food processing: India exports products like rice, spices, and seafood to the US could face higher tariffs. Electronics and machinery: Increased tariffs on Chinese goods could shift US demand to Indian manufacturers. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: April 03, 2025, 08:29 IST How Did Canada And Mexico Escape Trump's April 2 Reciprocal Tariffs Despite Strained Ties? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 14:39 IST Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs on various countries came into effect on April 2. However, Canada and Mexico were untouched by the new tariffs despite strained ties lately. Donald Trump imposes reciprocal tariffs (Reuters Image) US President Donald Trumps discounted reciprocal tariffs" came into effect on Wednesday, however, two of the USAs neighbours, Canada and Mexico, were excluded from the new tariffs despite strained ties lately, in a respite to both nations. However, it does not mean Canada and Mexico do not face any of Trumps actions at all. Recommended Stories Trump announced the reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday on nations, stating that the US has been looted and pillaged by other countries friends and foes alike". The tariffs start with a baseline of 10% and go up to as high as 49% on imports. Trump called it a Liberation Day" for the USA. LIBERATION DAY RECIPROCAL TARIFFS pic.twitter.com/ODckbUWKvO The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 2, 2025 How Did Canada And Mexico Escape New Trumps Tariffs? Both the countries were untouched by the April 2s new reciprocal tariffs, however, they have not got a free pass. Goods from both countries already have tariffs imposed upon them, while the tariffs on car and related components will come into effect on Thursday. The reason Canada and Mexico were excluded from the April 2 tariffs is that they are already facing earlier duties 25% on certain goods linked to fentanyl and 10% on Canadian energy and potash. Earlier this year, Trump imposed a 25% tax on imports from Canada and Mexico, triggering a trade war and hiking tensions with the neighbours. The US President has also announced a lower rate for Canadian energy. These charges will remain in place. However, goods that enter the US under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will continue to be exempt, AFP reported. Even if Canada and Mexico sign deals to reduce or remove some tariffs, they will still be bound to follow Trumps baseline tariff rate of 10%. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to fight Trumps tariffs with counter-measures. We are going to fight these tariffs with counter-measures. We are going to protect our workers," he said. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is also expected to respond to Trumps announcement on Thursday. Trumps Tariffs On Various Nations top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump announced tariffs on several nations with a baseline of 10%. India: 27% China: 34% European Union: 20% Vietnam: 46% Japan: 24% South Korea: 25% Taiwan: 32% Thailand: 36% 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: April 03, 2025, 07:44 IST Hungary Announces Plans To Exit International Criminal Court As Netanyahu Visits Curated By : AFP Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 14:29 IST Hungary declared its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing an ICC arrest warrant. Hungarian PM Prime Minister Viktor Orban with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu (Credits: AFP) Hungarys government announced Thursday that it would withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), just before Prime Minister Viktor Orban was to receive his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu despite an ICC arrest warrant against him. Orban extended an invitation to Netanyahu last November, saying Hungary would not execute the warrant, a day after the ICC issued the arrest warrant against the Israeli premier over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Recommended Stories The announcement comes after Netanyahu arrived in Budapest early Thursday on his first trip to Europe since the start of Israels war against Hamas in Gaza in 2023. Hungary exits the International Criminal Court," Orbans chief of staff Gergely Gulyas posted on Facebook. The government will initiate the withdrawal procedure on Thursday, in accordance with the constitutional and international legal framework," he added. A states withdrawal takes effect one year after the deposit of the withdrawals instrument usually in the form of a formal letter declaring the pullout with the UN Secretary Generals office. The ICC has not yet commented on Hungarys announcement. So far only Burundi and the Philippines have withdrawn from the court. Set up in 2002, the ICC, based in The Hague, seeks to prosecute individuals responsible for the worlds gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. Backed by 125 member states, the court has a low conviction rate as the wheels of international justice grind slowly. Since it was founded, the ICC has opened more than 30 cases for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and offences against the administration of justice. But it has been struggling against a lack of recognition and enforcement power. Russia is one of dozens of nations, including the United States, Israel and China, that does not recognise the jurisdiction of the ICC, hampering its ability to investigate their nationals. In February, US President Donald Trump slapped sanctions on the court, ordering asset freezes and travel bans against ICC officials, employees and their family members. Trump accused the institution of having undertaken illegitimate and baseless" investigations targeting the United States and its ally Israel. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hungary signed the Rome Statute the international treaty that created the ICC in 1999 and ratified it two years later during Orbans first term in office. However, Budapest has not promulgated the associated convention for reasons of constitutionality and therefore asserts it is not obliged to comply with ICC decisions. Location : Hungary First Published: April 03, 2025, 14:23 IST Indian Man Sentenced To 35 Years In US Prison For Sexual Exploitation Of Minors, Child Pornography Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 12:50 IST Sai Kumar Kurremula, 31, an Indian national living in Edmond, Oklahoma on an immigrant visa, has been sentenced to serve 420 months in federal prison Kurremula had pleaded guilty and admitted to sexually exploiting three minor victims and knowingly transporting images of child pornography. (Representational image) A 31-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for sexually exploiting several children through a social media app where he often posed as a teenage boy to gain their trust and threatened and extorted them with child pornography when they refused his requests. Sai Kumar Kurremula, 31, an Indian national living in Edmond, Oklahoma on an immigrant visa, has been sentenced to serve 420 months in federal prison for the sexual exploitation of three children and transportation of child pornography, US Attorney Robert Troester said in a statement. Recommended Stories At the sentencing hearing last week, US District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Kurremula to serve 420 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Goodwin noted that these offences are among those that society considers the most serious because they involve such vulnerable victims. Goodwin further highlighted that Kurremula inflicted trauma on his victims that will echo throughout their lives and their families lives, and his lengthy sentence of imprisonment reflects that trauma. In April last year, Kurremula was charged with sexual exploitation of children and transportation of child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, in October 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating an account on a social media messaging app involving a user who was sexually exploiting minor girls. The Internet Protocol address used to create the account led federal authorities to Kurremula. Public documents and evidence at the sentencing hearing allege Kurremula had sexually exploited at least 19 minors through the social media messaging app, often posing as a 13-15-year-old boy to gain the trust of his victims. When the victims refused his requests, Kurremula would manipulate, threaten, and extort his victims to produce even more child pornography. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kurremula had pleaded guilty and admitted to sexually exploiting three minor victims and knowingly transporting images of child pornography. Specifically, Kurremula admitted that to ensure the minor victims complied, he threatened one minor that he would drive to her house and show her parents sexually explicit images of her; threatened another victim that he would come to her home and shoot her family; and threatened a third young individual that he would publicly post sexually explicit images and videos of her. The appalling exploitation, manipulation, and coercion of multiple children by this defendant justly warranted the 35-year sentence imposed by the Court," Troester said. This case serves as a clear warning to others that the strongest of penalties await those who exploit and victimize our children." FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater said Kurremula manipulated children into sending him explicit images for his perverse gratification. These disgusting actions robbed the victims of their innocence and caused unthinkable harm," Goodwater said. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: April 03, 2025, 12:49 IST 'Operation Over...Patient Will Be Stronger': Donald Trump's Cryptic MAGA Post After Tariff Blitz Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 19:00 IST US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including 27% on India, 34% on China and 49% on Cambodia. Donald Trump has introduced reciprocal tariffs on several countries. (Photo: AFP) US President Donald Trump on Thursday said the operation is over", referring to his sweeping reciprocal tariffs on several countries. His Liberation Day" tariffs have been imposed on countries like India, China and the European Union. In a strong move on trade policy, Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on several countries including a 27% tariff on Indian goods. Trumps new policy imposes a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with even steeper penalties for countries who, according to Trump, have unfair trade barriers" 45% for Vietnam, 36% for Thailand, and 32% for Taiwan, among others. The measure, long proposed by Trump after taking office, is part of his America First" policy. Recommended Stories THE OPERATION IS OVER! THE PATIENT LIVED, AND IS HEALING. THE PROGNOSIS IS THAT THE PATIENT WILL BE FAR STRONGER, BIGGER, BETTER, AND MORE RESILIENT THAN EVER BEFORE. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!" he said on his Truth Social platform. The United States has also imposed a 34% import tax on Chinese goods, 20% on imports from the European Union, 25% on South Korean products, 24% on Japanese goods, and 32% on Taiwanese imports. This is Liberation Day," Trump said, adding that it would forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day Americas destiny was reclaimed." ALSO READ: India Carefully Examining Tariff Impact, Talks For US Trade Pact Underway: Govt After Trump Move Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US in February, he described him as a great friend" but criticised India for imposing very tough" tariffs, stating that the country hasnt treated the US fairly in trade matters. Trump had long criticised Indias tariff structure, referring to it as a tariff abuser" or a tariff king" top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump said for years, American workers stood by as other countries grew wealthy and powerful at the expense of the US, and it was now time for America to prosper, with tariffs playing a key role in economic growth. Today were standing up for the American worker, and we are finally putting America first," he said. While defending his trade measures as fair and reciprocal, Trump acknowledged that he could have imposed stricter policies on trading partners but admitted that the tariffs would still pose challenges for many countries. However, some economists have expressed fears that Trumps larger-than-expected tariffs could result in economic downturn. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: April 03, 2025, 18:53 IST Pakistan Orders Afghan Refugees To Leave Or Face Expulsion, Taliban Condemns Move | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 13:42 IST The crackdown, which affects around 3 million individuals, includes even those holding legal documentation such as Afghan Citizen Cards and Proof of Registration cards Afghan families board a bus to depart for their homeland, in Karachi, Pakistan. (AP Photo/File) Pakistan has launched a fresh wave of deportations targeting Afghan refugees, intensifying tensions with the Taliban government. The crackdown, which affects around 3 million individuals, includes even those holding legal documentation such as Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) and Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. Top Indian intelligence sources have confirmed to CNN-News18 that Pakistan is proceeding with the expulsion of all Afghans, irrespective of their legal status. Over 800,000 ACC holders were ordered to leave Islamabad and Rawalpindi by 31 March 2025 or face forced removal. Deportations were initially scheduled to begin on 1 April but have been delayed to 10 April due to the Eid al-Fitr holidays. Recommended Stories Meanwhile, the 1.3 million Afghans with PoR cards have been told they can stay only until 30 June 2025, after which they too risk expulsion. ALSO READ: Pak Will Pay the Price for Barbaric Action against Refugees: Afghan Talibans Mullah Yaqoob | Exclusive The Taliban has reacted strongly to this move. In a rare public rebuke, its Ministry of Refugees has urged Pakistan to ensure deportations are dignified and voluntary", warning that forced removals fuel hatred and could destabilise the region. Taliban officials also slammed the lack of coordination with Afghan authorities and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), calling Pakistans policy arbitrary" and harmful to bilateral ties. The situation on the ground is dire. Since late 2023, more than 845,000 Afghans have fled Pakistan, many reporting police raids, bribes, document destruction, and separation of families. Vulnerable groups, including women, journalists, and former allies of the Ghani government, face heightened risks of reprisal by the Taliban upon return. Returnees, many of whom are arriving in regions already ravaged by floods, droughts, and earthquakes, are sleeping in open fields or makeshift tents with little access to clean water, food, or healthcare. Internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are overwhelmed, and Afghanistans healthcare system is collapsing. Afghanistans economic situation remains bleak. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, the economy has shrunk by 30 per cent, unemployment has skyrocketed, and over 23.7 million peoplenearly 60 per cent of the populationrequire humanitarian aid. The return of refugees is expected to exacerbate this crisis. Over half of the population is experiencing acute food shortages, and 2.9 million children under five are malnourished. Nearly 30 per cent of Afghan children face emergency hunger levels, with many returnee children unable to attend school due to Taliban restrictions or lack of documents. The plight is especially severe for women and girls, who are banned from education beyond Grade 6 and face near-total exclusion from the workforce. Women protestors who had sought shelter in Pakistan now fear Taliban retaliation if deported. Rights groups and the UN have criticised Pakistans actions as violations of international law, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending refugees back to places where they face danger. The Taliban has warned that the expulsion of returneesmany of them former government workers or Western alliesrisks further instability, as these individuals could be arrested, tortured, or even executed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Security analysts warn that the deportation wave could boost recruitment for extremist groups like ISIS-K and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan claims it is trying to suppress through these deportations. The fallout of this refugee crisis is not just humanitarianit is poised to worsen already fragile regional relations and security dynamics. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: April 03, 2025, 13:42 IST PM Modi Holds Talks With Thai Counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Elevates Bilateral Ties | Top Updates Curated By : & News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 16:53 IST Upon his visit, PM Modi received a warm welcome in Bangkok with members of the Sikh community performing Bhangra at Don Mueang airport. PM Modi holding talks with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok (Credits: ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held talks with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok. The discussion came hours after he reached Bangkok on Thursday to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which will take place in the evening. Prime Minister Modi was warmly received by his Thai counterpart at the Government House in Bangkok as the two leaders exchanged several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and made their remarks to the press. Recommended Stories Had a very fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok a short while ago. Expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Thailand for the warm welcome and also expressed solidarity with the people of Thailand in the aftermath of the earthquake a pic.twitter.com/JD9U1sONy2 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025 Had a very fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok a short while ago. Expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Thailand for the warm welcome and also expressed solidarity with the people of Thailand in the aftermath of the earthquake a few days ago. Indias Act East and Thailands Act West Policies complement each other extremely well and open several possibilities for bilateral cooperation," he said. Thailand issued a special stamp featuring Ramayan mural paintings from the 18th century on the occasion of Prime Minister Modis visit. The Indian leader was also presented with The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition" by his Thai counterpart. #WATCH | In Bangkok, Thailand, Prime Minister was presented with the Holy Scriptures: World Ti-pitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition" by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.It was brought out by the Thai government in 2016 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej pic.twitter.com/nnsDMrWxS9 ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025 The Tipitaka (in Pali) or Tripitaka (in Sanskrit) is a revered compilation of Lord Buddhas teachings, consisting of 108 volumes and regarded as the principal Buddhist scripture. The presentation of the Tipitaka to PM Modi is a testament to Indias spiritual leadership and its enduring bond with Buddhist nations. PM Modi Expresses Condolences For Earthquake Victims In his remarks to the media, Prime Minister Modi started by expressing his deep condolences to the victims of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that left a trail of destruction in Myanmar and Thailand. On behalf of the people of India, I express deep sympathies for the loss of lives in the earthquake that hit on 28th March. We pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured," he said. PM Modi expressed gratitude to Thai leader Shinawatra and the people for the warm welcome and hospitality, and emphasised that the centuries-old relations between India and Thailand are linked by deep cultural and spiritual bonds. The spread of Buddhism has connected our people. From Ayutthaya to Nalanda, there has been an exchange of intellectuals. The tales of Ramayana are a part of Thai peoples lives. The influence of Sanskrit and Pali are reflected in language and traditions even today. I am grateful to the Thailand government that during my visit, a commemorative stamp, based on Ramayana mural paintings from 18th century, was issued," he added. India-Thailand Ties Elevated To Strategic Partnership PM Modi further said that India and Thailand have decided to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy, digital technology, electric vehicles, robotics, space, biotechnology, and startups. The two sides are also working towards strengthening Fintech connectivity between the two countries. Thailand holds a special place in Indias Act East Policy and our Indo-Pacific vision. Today, we have decided to elevate our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. We also discussed establishing a Strategic Dialogue between our security agencies," he announced. Modi also said both sides spoke about enhancing cooperation in tourism, culture and education between Indias northeastern states and Thailand. India will also grant free e-visa for Thai tourists, he said. We believe in pro-development policies and not expansionist policies," the PM further said. PM Modi Witnesses Ramayanas Thai Rendition Ramakien Earlier in the day, PM Modi Prime Minister Modi witnessed a performance of the Ramakien, Thailands adaptation of the Ramayana. He also posted some photos from the event to share a glimpse of the performance along with the caption, A unique cultural relationship! I had the pleasure of watching the captivating performance of the Ramakien, an experience full of value that beautifully demonstrates the cultural and civilizational ties shared between India and Thailand. The Ramakien continues to strengthen the bond of spirituality and tradition across many regions of Asia." PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome In Bangkok Upon his arrival, PM Modi was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit. He also met the Indian community in Bangkok, and said on X, India and Thailand have deep cultural ties that continue to be shared through our peoples. It is great to see this relationship reflected so clearly here." Highlights from Bangkoka vibrant welcome, community connect and the Ramayan! pic.twitter.com/cPyqQ1urVX Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025 PM Modi To Attend Sixth BIMSTEC Summit top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the evening, PM Modi will attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Several global leaders including Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, among others, will also be present during the Summit. Earlier in the day, in an official statement PM Modi said, During my official visit, I will have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate our age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought." Location : Bangkok, Thailand First Published: April 03, 2025, 14:52 IST US Man Enters Restricted Andamans Island: Who Is Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 12:54 IST The 24-year-old Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov was arrested on March 31 when he attempted to enter the restricted area. North Sentinel Island is illegal to visit due to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956. (AP file photo) A US national was arrested in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for entering the restricted North Sentinel Island without authorisation. The 24-year-old Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov was arrested on March 31 when he attempted to enter the restricted area. Who Is Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov? Recommended Stories Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov is a 24-year-old US national who arrived in Port Blair on March 26, the police said. His father is of Ukrainian origin and he had visited Port Blair in October last year as well. At the time, he attempted reconnaissance for North Sentinel Island using an inflatable kayak but was stopped by hotel staff, the police said. He also came to the islands in January this year to procure a motor for his boat for which he went to Baratang Islands and illegally filmed the Jarawa tribe, the police said. How Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov Entered North Sentinel Island? Authorities said that Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov set out from Kurma Dera Beach at around 1 am on March 29 to enter the North Sentinel Island. He brought a coconut and a can of cola as offerings as he wanted to make contact with the isolated tribe on the island. As he reached the northeastern shore of the island, he used binoculars to survey the area but saw no signs of the tribe and then was offshore for around an hour. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He then landed on the island for around five minutes, left offerings on the shore and collected sand samples. He also recorded a video before returning to his boat. The police registered a FIR against Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation, 2012. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: April 03, 2025, 12:54 IST PM Modi In Bangkok: What Is BIMSTEC And Why Is It Significant For India's Strategic Interests? Curated By : Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 12:32 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Thailand for the BIMSTEC Summit, meeting with PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and King Maha Vajiralongkorn. BIMSTEC, founded in 1997, includes seven member states. EAM Jaishankar said that BIMSTEC represents the trifecta of India's three crucial initiatives. (Photo: X/DrSJaishankar) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Thailand where he will attend the BIMSTEC" Summit and also hold meetings with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and King Maha Vajiralongkorn. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is already in Bangkok, participated in the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting today. Jaishankar said nations around and proximate to the Bay of Bengal have both common interests and shared concerns. Recommended Stories Task before BIMSTEC is to be realistic about where we stand today, confident about the foundation of our endeavours and optimistic about its coming possibilities India is aware of its special responsibility in regard to BIMSTEC. India connects most of them, provides much of the interface between the Indian Sub-continent and ASEAN," he said. What Is BIMSTEC? The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation consisting of seven member states located around the Bay of Bengal. This sub-regional organisation was established on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. The seven member states include five from South AsiaBangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lankaand two from Southeast AsiaMyanmar and Thailand. Originally, the economic bloc started with four member states under the acronym BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation). On 22 December 1997, Myanmar joined during a special Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, leading to the groups renaming as BIMST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation). The inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan at the 6th Ministerial Meeting (February 2004, Thailand) resulted in the organisations current name: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). BIMSTEC member countries cooperate in various sectors, including trade, investment, and development; agriculture, fisheries, and livestock; tourism; security; environment and climate change; and science, technology, and innovation. BIMSTEC encompasses 1.67 billion people, a total GDP of $2.88 trillion, and a significant source of high-value energy. Intra-BIMSTEC trade has increased from $5 billion in 2000 to $60 billion in 2023, according to the Financial Express. However, the region has not yet finalised a regional free trade agreement, despite ongoing negotiations for over two decades. The Chairmanship of BIMSTEC rotates in alphabetical order based on the English names of the member states. The chairmanship transfer occurs during a Summit Meeting, where the current chairing member state hosts the Summit and hands over the Chairmanship to the next member state in alphabetical order. India held the chairmanship of BIMSTEC in 2000 and from 2006 to 2008. Thailand has been the chairman since 2022 and Bangladesh is next in line. Why BIMSTEC Is Crucial For India? As China expands its maritime capabilities and naval presence amid the Washington-Beijing rivalry, the Bay of Bengal is becoming a contested zone once again, making BIMSTEC crucial for India in countering Chinas growing influence in the Indian Ocean region. The previous effort at regional cooperation in South Asia, primarily the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which includes Pakistan, remains inactive for a very long time. While Sri Lanka, burdened by Chinese debt, has begun to distance itself from Beijing, Bangladesh, which is set to assume the next BIMSTEC chairmanship, might pose some challenges. Muhammad Yunus, who was appointed chief of Bangladeshs interim government after the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina regime, has already said that the national election could be delayed until 2026. The BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka had been actively supported by previous Bangladesh governments for its operations. With Pakistan playing to the Chinese tunes, Bangladeshs new friendship with Beijing has raised an alarm for India and other BIMSTEC nations. EAM Jaishankar said that BIMSTEC represents the trifecta of Indias three crucial initiatives: the Act East policy, the Neighbourhood First approach and the MAHA-SAGAR outlook and asserted that it is also on the pathway to New Delhis Indo-Pacific commitment. He said that Indias North-Eastern region in particular is emerging as a connectivity hub for BIMSTEC while highlight that the IMT Trilateral Highway will connect Indias North East all the way to the Pacific Ocean. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Jaishankar said BIMSTEC should deepen our collaboration by directing energies towards the most visible convergences, especially in grid connection, digital infrastructure, business activities, maritime & land transport, blue economy and health, food and energy security. We are conscious that our cooperation and facilitation are an essential prerequisite for the smooth flow of goods, services and people in this larger geographyThe world is moving to an era of self-help. Every region needs to look out for itself, whether it is in food, fuel and fertiliser supply, vaccines or speedy disaster response. Shorter supply chains and immediate neighbours have a salience much more than before," he added. 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 Location : Bangkok, Thailand First Published: April 03, 2025, 12:26 IST Not 26%, But 27% Trumps Tariff Imposed On India, Shows White House Order Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 03, 2025, 15:05 IST White House annex listing the reciprocal tariff rates differed for at least 12 countries and two island nations US President Donald Trump with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (AP file photo) Washington has implemented a 27 per cent tariff on India, not the 26 per cent initially announced by US President Donald Trump, an order from the White House showed. In addition to India, the revised reciprocal tariff rates affect more than a dozen countries. The new rates show an increase of exactly one percentage point from the figures publicly announced by Trump earlier. Recommended Stories According to a review of published data by Bloomberg, the White House annex listing the reciprocal tariff rates differed for at least 12 countries and two island nations. Besides India, the tariff rate also differed for countries like Pakistan, South Korea, Botswana, Cameroon, Malawi, Nicaragua, Norway, the Philippines, Serbia, South Africa, Thailand, and island nations such as Vanuatu and the Falkland Islands. Trumps reasoning for imposing tariff Trump had said that the tariff is part of his administrations strategy to address trade imbalances. He has repeatedly stated that India imposes high import duties on American goods, and the US aims to reduce its trade deficit while boosting domestic manufacturing. Earlier today, Trump said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a great friend" but that he had not been treating us right." He made these comments while announcing the tariffs at the White House. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India, very, very tough. Very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left. Hes a great friend of mine, but I said, Youre a friend of mine, but youre not treating us right. They charge us 52%. You have to understand, we charge them almost nothing for years and years and decades, and it was only seven years ago, when I came in, that we started with China," the US President said. ALSO READ: India-US Talks Underway For Mutually Beneficial Trade Agreement: Govt After Trumps Tariff Move 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: April 03, 2025, 14:31 IST Two suspected criminals, believed to be part of a gang that shot and killed a police officer in Bulawayos Sizinda suburb last week, were shot dead in a dramatic shootout with police officers. A third suspect was arrested and is now in police custody pending further investigations. The suspects reportedly engaged in a gun battle with police officers in Sauerstown on Sunday night. The gang is linked to the fatal shooting of Sergeant Abel Masava, who was gunned down while responding to a domestic violence case in Sizinda. The same gang is also linked to 25 armed robberies committed in the city between April last year and March this year. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying the firearm used to kill Sergeant Masava was recovered from the suspects. He said detectives received information linking a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number AGG 8380, to the murder and a string of armed robberies. They tracked the vehicle, leading to the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati, who subsequently implicated his accomplices. This resulted in further arrests and the recovery of five firearms. Recovered weapons included a Browning pistol, a Blow F92 blank pellet gun, a long rifle 12GA 76/3-inch long, a Vizor pistol, a shotgun and a sword. During the operation, two suspects attempted to flee, triggering a shootout with detectives along Harrow Street in Sauerstown. The suspects were shot and later pronounced dead upon arrival at the United Bulawayo Hospitals. (UBH). The suspects allegedly committed a string of armed robberies, including a December heist at a supermarket in New Luveve suburb where cash and three cellphones were stolen. Another robbery linked to the group took place at a funeral parlour in Bulawayos Kelvin North industrial area on February 10, during which US$3 608, R21 130 and a cellphone were stolen. The suspects were also involved in a spate of armed robberies at service stations across Bulawayo. In one incident on March 2, at a service station at the corner of Nketa Drive and Rangemore Road, a shotgun and a cellphone were stolen, said Comm Nyathi. Investigations have revealed that the gang primarily targeted service stations, liquor outlets, supermarkets, funeral parlours and gas operators. Comm Nyathi commended members of the public for their assistance in providing crucial information that led to the arrest of the suspects. He urged citizens to continue reporting any suspicious activities to the National Complaints Desk or any nearest police station. The Zimbabwe Republic Police remains committed to fighting robbery syndicates and ensuring public safety, he said. Bulawayo continues to grapple with escalating gun violence with the latest incident involving a Neighbourhood Watch Committee (NWC) member in Bulawayos Nketa suburb who escaped death by a whisker when one of the three armed men her confronted during a night patrol fired at him and missed. Fuel service stations have also become prime targets and this has forced the service stations that used to open 24 hours to close around 8pm. Earlier this month, six armed robbers were gunned down by police detectives at a tollgate along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road. The gang had earlier robbed a grocery store in Juba, Insuza, in Umguza District. The Senate passed a resolution Wednesday night that would thwart President Trump's ability to impose tariffs on Canada, delivering a rare rebuke just hours after the president unveiled sweeping plans to clamp down on international trade. The Senate resolution, passed on a 51-48 vote, would end Trump's emergency declaration on fentanyl that underpins tariffs on Canada, the AP reports. All Democrats and four Republicans voted yes. Trump earlier in the day announced orders to impose import taxes on a slew of international trading partners, though Canadian imports for now were spared from new taxes. The Senate's legislation ultimately has little chance of passing the Republican-controlled House and being signed by Trump, but it showed the limits of Republican support for Trump's vision of remaking the economy by restricting free trade. Many economists are warning that the plan could cause an economic contraction, and GOP senators are already watching with unease as Trump upends the nation's relationship with the rest of the world. Trump earlier Wednesday had lobbied the RepublicansSens. Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, and Rand Paulwho voted in favor of the resolution in an online post, per the AP. To justify the tariffs, Trump has argued that Canada is not doing enough to stop illegal drugs from entering the US. Customs and Border Protection seized 43 pounds of fentanyl in its northern border sector during fiscal 2024, according to federal data. Meanwhile, at the southern border, authorities seized over 21,000 pounds last year. "This is not about fentanyl. It's about tariffs. It's about a national sales tax on American families," Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, who initiated the resolution, said at a news conference Wednesday. Democrats argued that Trump is using the tariffs to pay for tax cuts that would benefit the wealthy but will make it more expensive to build homes, disrupt industries, and raise prices on imported grocery products. Kaine pointed to aluminum imported from Canada that is used by businesses ranging from pie makers to shipbuilders. UPDATE Apr 17, 2025 7:41 AM CDT An American YouTuber who was arrested after trying to establish contact with a remote tribe in India did not get a break from the courts on Thursday. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, was further detained in custody, reports the AP. He is next scheduled to appear in court in Port Blair, capital of India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on April 29. "It may be claimed to be an adventure trip, but the fact is that there has been a violation of Indian laws," said a senior police official. Apr 3, 2025 7:11 AM CDT The last known outsider to visit an isolated Sentinelese tribe on North Sentinel Island, the US missionary John Allen Chau, was killed by those he hoped to save. So a US tourist who arrived to the island with a can of Coca-Cola and a coconut to offer as tribute should consider himself lucky he was only arrested. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, was nabbed on his return from the island, where he left his offerings after failing to contact the tribe that is hostile to outsiders, the Telegraph reports. He'd arrived on India's South Andaman Island on March 26, around three days before setting out from a beach in an inflatable boat equipped with a motor, according to Indian police. Democrats may be gleeful in the wake of liberal Susan Crawford's victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, a race in which Elon Musk donated heavily to support the Republican candidate, but they're reading far too much into the result, former conservative activist Stephen Kruiser writes at the right-wing PJ Media . Calling Crawford "a commie," Kruiser argues her victory was a bit of good news for Democrats on a night when two special elections were easily won by Republicans in Florida, and "it's only natural that they celebrate any signs of life." But he says to paint the GOP defeat as "a flashing warning for Republicans in 2026," as Washington Post columnist Karen Tumulty did, is "irrational." Though "a horrible result for Republicans in Wisconsin," "there's nothing earth-shattering about the Democrats' ability to still win elections" in the "volatile purple phase" that Wisconsin finds itself in, Kruiser writes. He claims "conservatives love what Musk is doing with the Department of Government Efficiency" but understand he's a GOP newcomer and "don't idolize people in politics the way the Democrats do." Ultimately, Kruiser suggests the Wisconsin voters the GOP relies on didn't have "the emotional bandwidth" for this race, which he doubts is "a real bellwether for any kind of election in the immediate or distant future." Democrats, meanwhile, "are still standing atop a Mt. Everest-sized pile of rubble that they have to pick through in order to rebuild." Read the full piece here. More than a tenth of South Korea's entire police force will be mobilized in Seoul on Friday morning as the country's Constitutional Court prepares to decide Yoon Suk Yeol's fate. The court says it will rule on the validity of Yoon's impeachment at 11am local time, which is 10pm Thursday ET. If at least six of the eight justices decide the impeachment is valid, an election for a new president will be held within 60 days, Bloomberg reports. If the ruling goes the other way, Yoon will be immediately reinstated as president. Background: Yoon was impeached by South Korea's Parliament in December over a martial law decree that he backed down from within hours after lawmakers voted it down. The court will be looking at Yoon's motivation for sending troops and police officers to Parliament after the decree, the AP reports. Top military and police officers have said Yoon watned to block the vote, though he claims he only wanted to restore order. During an otherwise routine renovation of a Vienna soccer field, construction crews unearthed a startling secret buried for centuriesa mass grave from the 1st-century Roman Empire that may be among the only ones of its kind. The remains are thought to belong to warriors who were battling Germanic tribes, and "within the context of Roman acts of war, there are no comparable finds of fighters," said archaeological dig leader Michaela Binder. As the AP explains, Roman Empire soldiers were generally cremated until the 3rd century. Indeed, "there are huge battlefields in Germany where weapons were found. But finding the dead, that is unique for the entire Roman history," said Binder. Kristina Adler-Wolfl, head of archaeology for Vienna, echoed that to Deutsche Welle, saying: "Body burials were an absolute exception. Finds of Roman skeletons from this period are therefore extremely rare." The excavation confirmed 129 bodiesall belonging to males ages 20 to 30with estimates suggesting over 150 victims could be buried at the Austrian site. Each one had evidence of battle wounds sustained by swords and lances, particularly to the head, torso, and pelvis. Carbon dating placed the bones in the 80 to 130 AD span, and the timeline was backed up by other finds within the grave, including nails that were specific to Roman military shoes and type of dagger used between the mid-1st century and early 2nd century. Thus far only one victim has been confirmed as a Roman warrior; archaeologists plan to use DNA and strontium isotope analysis to try to identify which side the remaining victims fought for. President Trump has moved to fire several senior White House National Security Council officials soon after he was urged by far-right activist Laura Loomer to purge staffers she deemed insufficiently committed to his agenda, several people familiar with the matter said Thursday. Loomer presented her research to Trump in an Oval Office meeting on Wednesday, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Vice President JD Vance, chief of staff Susie Wiles, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and Serio Gor, the director of the Presidential Personnel Office, took part in the meeting, reports the AP . CNN lists those fired thusly: "Brian Walsh, a director for intelligence and a former top staffer for now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the Senate Intelligence Committee; Thomas Boodry, a senior director for legislative affairs who previously served as Waltz's legislative director in Congress; and David Feith, a senior director overseeing technology and national security who served in the State Department during Trump's first administration." CNN notes that Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong had not been fired on Wednesday, but a White House source said that move could come as soon as Thursday. NSC spokesman Brian Hughes declined to comment on the meeting or the firings. Loomer, who has promoted 9/11 conspiracy theories, was a frequent presence on the campaign trail during Trump's 2024 White House run. More recently, she's been speaking out on social media about some members of Trump's national security team that she insists can't be trusted. Loomer in a posting on X declined to comment. The move by Trump to push out staff comes at a moment when his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, is fighting back criticism over using the publicly available encrypted Signal app to discuss planning for a March military operation targeting Houthi militants in Yemen. This year's White House Easter Egg Roll will involve around 30,000 eggs, and the American Egg Board says they're not going to be fakes. President Trump confirmed during his tariff remarks Wednesday that the tradition would, as usual, involve real eggs. "They were saying that for Easter 'please don't use eggs. Could you use plastic eggs?' I say we don't want to do that," he said. NBC News reports that the White House "did not respond to a request for clarification about who was telling him not to use real eggs." Eggs donated by farmers are painted and rolled at the White House event. A source tells NBC that there were discussions at the American Egg Board about the "optics" of using real eggs at the event at a time when bird flu has made life difficult for farmers and caused egg price and supply issues, but the decision was made to proceed as usual. "The heart of this event is about bringing joy to children and families, and in these difficult times for egg farmers, it's important to celebrate wherever we can," board President and CEO Emily Metz said in a statement. She said the event "will not create additional strain on the nation's egg supply or egg prices." Egg prices are falling after hitting record highs earlier this year, though it may take time for the recent drop to $3 per dozen to reach grocery store shelves, CNN reports. Bernt Nelson, an economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation, says bird flu outbreaks have fallen sharply "with just 2.1 million birds affected in March of this year, compared to 23 million in January and nearly 13 million in February." "America's poultry farmers have put in the work to tighten biosecurity and they'll continue to strive to protect their flocks," Nelson says. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. The pet alligator taken from a house in Hamburg last year likely will not be returned to his owner any time soon, even after a recent judges ruling opened the possibility of the animal coming home. See you later? Judge orders state to review case of seized pet alligator A judge ruled that the state must re-examine a license application that may let a Hamburg man reclaim his 11-foot-long pet alligator. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is appealing the ruling of State Supreme Court Justice John J. DelMonte, who in February gave the government agency until mid-March to decide whether Anthony Cavallaro should be granted a dangerous animal license for his pet alligator, Albert. The DEC confiscated the 11-foot long, 750-pound reptile in March 2024, claiming that Cavallaros state-issued license to possess the alligator was expired. The state also said Albert had numerous health-related issues and received an anonymous report that Cavallaro allowed members of the public, including children, into Alberts enclosure. In his February ruling, DelMonte ordered that the alligator remain in the states custody, but if the agency fails to follow procedural steps outlined in his order, Albert should be returned to Cavallaro. DelMonte said the DEC incorrectly determined that Cavallaros most recent renewal application for the license was withdrawn. The appeal filed by the DEC stops everything, said Peter Kooshoian, Cavallaros attorney. It likely will take between six months to a year before Albert could be returned home because the appeal temporarily suspends DelMontes order, Kooshoian said. Cavallaro has owned Albert since 1990 and kept him in his Hamburg home since 2006. In 2016, Cavallaro spent more than $100,000 to build an addition to his house for Albert, which includes a 5-foot-deep indoor pool with a waterfall, exit ramp, underground filter system and in-floor heating. A little over a year after Albert was removed from the home, Cavallaro said he feels sick to his stomach about the ordeal and still thinks about the day Albert was seized by the state. I relive it every single day. They destroyed my life, said Cavallaro, adding he visited Alberts enclosure at least five times a day. I had him 34 years, he said. I raised him from a little baby. The government will have six months to perfect its appeal, Kooshoian said. It could take longer if attorneys ask for an extension from the court. Then, Kooshoian will respond to the appeal and the case has to be heard by a higher court, the Appellate Division. That court can continue DelMontes decision or overturn it. Really its unnecessary, Kooshoian said. Accommodations could have been made. This thing could all be worked out. The DEC filed a notice of appeal March 27, but has not yet filed a full document explaining why the agency disagrees with DelMontes ruling. The dispute between Cavallaro and the DEC started in 2020, after the agency reached out to Cavallaro to let him know about upcoming rule changes for people who own dangerous animals. Over the next year, Cavallaro exchanged emails with the DEC trying to renew his permit under the new regulations. He also sought clarification on the rules pertaining to additional safety measures to prevent dangerous animals from escaping their enclosures. An Oct. 4, 2021, email from the DEC to Cavallaro played a key role in DelMontes decision. The agency told him it was reviewing what he submitted. If we need anymore (sic) information regarding your animal, we will reach out to you, a DEC staffer wrote. But the agency never got back to Cavallaro and the judge characterized his license application as being in a dormant state of no administrative treatment since that October 2021 email. Since May, Albert has been living at Gator Country in Beaumont, Texas, a facility that houses more than 450 other alligators, reptiles and mammals. Cavallaro said he is worried that Albert is not being properly taken care of there. Albert will be 35 this year. Male alligators in captivity can live past 60 years old, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Cavallaro described Albert as a playful, loving creature with a range of emotions, just like humans. He liked being petted and would get annoyed if he was bothered while sleeping. Hamburg man sues DEC over rejected license for Albert the alligator The Hamburg man whose alligator was seized from his home in March has filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Environmental Conservation challenging the denial of his license to own a dangerous animal. Hell go in the water, and if all of a sudden you see his tail wiggle, you better get out of the way because hell soak you. Then hell go down the deep end and look up at you, Cavallaro recalled. Hes real playful like that. The past year has been exhausting, Cavallaro said. Hes done dozens of media interviews. In July, he filed the lawsuit against the DEC to try to get Albert back. And hes struggled with depression. But he is not going to give up on bringing Albert home. Im not going to go away and let them win this thing, Cavallaro said of the state government. Im going to make sure that the world knows about it. Im doing it because theyre wrong and I want my pet back. MONTREAL, April 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Segula Technologies, an international group specializing in engineering services, is proud to announce the inauguration of its brand new Segula Technologies Canada headquarters, located in the heart of downtown Montreal. Following the opening of a sales office in Toronto in 2024, Segula Technologies is consolidating its presence at the heart of the industrial and innovation ecosystem of Quebec and Canada. Segula Technologies Canada celebrates the launch of their new offices in Montreal. (CNW Group/Segula Technologies Canada) These new modern, user-friendly facilities, located in the heart of downtown Montreal, are designed to foster collaboration and employee well-being. Larger and brighter, these new spaces transport the company to the heart of the action in metropolitan Montreal, bringing them closer to their loyal clientele. In 2025, SEGULA Technologies Canada will focus on developing its activities in the field of sustainable mobility and renewable energies. This growth will require the expansion of its team and workforce by more than 50 talented engineers in Montreal and Toronto. Through its activities in the design and validation of new products, as well as the improvement of production systems, the company aims to position itself as a leading player in industry 4.0 and decarbonization. ''The opening of our new headquarters in Montreal represents much more than a simple move. It's a truly major project, reflecting our continued growth and our desire to play a key role in the local and national ecosystem,'' said Steeve Lavoie, CEO of Segula Technologies Canada. ''This landmark event symbolizes a key step in the company's expansion and in our commitment to strengthening our presence in one of Canada's major economic and cultural centers. '' Adrien Guillemin, CEO of the Americas said, ''With the opening of these new offices, Segula Technologies is once again demonstrating its commitment to bringing our teams close to the centers of activity of our major customers. We are continuing to invest heavily in Quebec and Canada to better support our leading customers in the fields of carbon-free mobility and energy production." Downtown Montreal, a veritable crossroads of business and culture, was chosen as the strategic location for this new headquarters and will enable Segula Techonologies Canada to strengthen its foothold in this cosmopolitan city and benefit from its thriving ecosystem, talent and modern infrastructure. Present in Canada since 2017, SEGULA Technologies works with leading industries in the rail, automotive, aerospace, energy and naval sectors. In the electric mobility sector, for example, SEGULA Technologies supports automakers in the development of solutions such as battery integration and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). About Segula Technologies: SEGULA Technologies is a global engineering group, serving the competitiveness of all major industrial sectors: automotive, aerospace, energy, rail, naval, life sciences and telecommunications. With a presence in more than 30 countries and 140 offices worldwide, the Group is committed to build close relationships with its clients thanks to the skills of its 15,000 employees. As a leading engineer who places innovation at the heart of its strategy, SEGULA Technologies carries out large-scale projects, from research to industrialization and production. For more information: http://www.segulatechnologies.com Follow SEGULA Technologies on LinkedIn SOURCE Segula Technologies Canada Steeve Lavoie, Chief Executive Officer, Segula Technologies Canada, [email protected], www.segulatechnologies.com Misty Duncans daughter Storie was behind. At around 2 years old, the Niagara Falls child could speak fewer than 50 words when most kids her age wielded about 300. As the toddler entered day care, the lack of expression troubled her mother. I saw how frustrated she would get when she would try to talk to her friends or talk to her teachers, Duncan said. You could see the disappointment on her face when people just didnt get her attempts. It was heartbreaking as a mom to see your child upset, to see her give up because people didnt understand her. Duncan shared her concerns with her daughters pediatrician, who began the process of early intervention, in which children with disabilities or developmental delays between birth and 3 years old receive services such as speech, occupational and physical therapies to prepare them to enter school. About 70,000 children in New York are evaluated for services each year, and many of them grapple with hurdles Duncan experienced. Help did not come right away. Duncan waited several months before Storie could be evaluated, she said, and once she was approved for services, three or four more months passed until there was room in a providers schedule to start speech and feeding therapies. Youre so worried, Duncan said of the lag between identification of need and services to help. I just want her to get the help she needs, and when thats not happening, thats frustrating. Duncans patience paid off, albeit more than 2 years later. Storie is now meeting or exceeding expectations in prekindergarten, which her mother credits to the twice-per-week speech therapy she receives from a provider named Miss Paula. Speech development has empowered Storie, her mother said, even giving her the confidence to ask people questions in the grocery store. She will tell you now who she played with, Duncan said. If she has a speech day, its I played with Miss Paula, she gave me my voice. Not every child whose family targets early intervention services receives the same heartwarming outcome. In fact, the erosion of the program has local leaders and advocates trying to turn a grim present into a more hopeful future. The pendulum has swung From Beyond Boundaries small and tidy Hamburg office, Amy Ruffino and Mary Frances Bayer describe the steady descent of the field to which theyve dedicated their lives. Both women have worked roughly three decades in the field of early intervention and have withstood a slow, crushing force: decades without meaningful support for workers who address intense, pressing needs of children at a vital time of their lives. This was a great job, you made decent money, and you were making a difference, Ruffino said, but I feel like the pendulum has swung. Wages have stagnated for the last 30 years as caseloads ballooned. In-demand therapists may avoid early intervention work due to low pay and lack of incentives, instead picking the superior compensation of nursing homes and hospitals, or the benefit packages offered by working in schools. Theres no shortage of need: An estimated 20,000 children requiring services remain on a wait list, advocacy organizations report. Beyond Boundaries, the agency Ruffino and Bayer have run the last 15 years, helps about 600 kids across Western New York at a given time. New OLV center aims to reduce autism, developmental disability screening delays Our Lady of Victory Evaluation and Treatment Center aims to reduce the delays in autism and other developmental disability screening in the region. We dont want this to be a hidden issue anymore, said Rachel Bonsignore, director of Liftoff WNY, a group that provides funding and advocacy for early intervention programs. We believe we have a collective responsibility to do something. She said New York ranks last of the 50 states in timely service for kids. Destructive but unifying One called it the last straw. Another said it was like an ice storm that decimated an already leaky roof. A third called it excruciating. Beyond Boundaries, Liftoff and Erie County Special Needs Division Director Mary Martin speak similarly about the New York State Bureau of Early Interventions October rollout of its new administrative software, EI-Hub, which was intended to modernize and streamline the data, reporting and compensation in a complex system that weaves together agencies, providers, municipalities, commercial health insurance agencies and Medicaid. 'It's hard to keep up': Buffalo Schools, Erie County face demand for preschool special education services A significant trend has emerged in Western New York: the number of children under 5 years old referred for special education evaluation has increased substantially. Traditional resources to help those children with disabilities, however, have not kept pace. Its debut was a nightmare, Ruffino and Bayer of Beyond Boundaries said. Information did not migrate correctly from the old system, and when owners and staff manually corrected the data, a second release two weeks later duplicated their extra work, which then had to be corrected. Wed put a (help desk) ticket in, and they kept changing how they were going to address a ticket, Ruffino said. She said the new system required twice as many steps to complete a task. Because these administrative tasks do not count as services to children, they are not reimbursable. The system change hamstrung Erie County, too, which plays a role in the tangled payment and reimbursement process between the state, the municipalities and the service providers. Ruffino, using her sons account, joined agencies across the state in a Facebook group dedicated to troubleshooting the software problems on their own. The technical workarounds and solutions were a godsend. There wasnt anyone to help us, Ruffino said. There was no one to answer questions except for the Facebook group. The group remains active as an idea-sharing and advocacy platform six months later, she said. Ruffino and Bayer voiced complaints in a letter to the states Bureau of Early Intervention. They said theyve been pleased with the response and the software situation is improving. What are the aims? Real-time crises faced by agencies such as Beyond Boundaries fuel the advocacy of networks such as Liftoff. The primary aims, according to Bonsignore and Megan Battista, Liftoffs learning and advocacy coordinator, are universal developmental screenings for kids and an additional 5% reimbursement rate increase for providers who say they still await the 5% increase included in last years budget. Nineteen Ninety-Four was the same year that Friends debuted, Bonsignore said. Thats the last year that early intervention (providers) have seen an increase in compensation. Those working in the field now are making the same, if not a little less, than they were then. They emphasized strategies to improve the prospect pipeline into early intervention such as student loan forgiveness, the focus of an Assembly bill. Theres still need for a comprehensive evaluation of the states early intervention setup, a bill for which passed both houses in 2023 but was vetoed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the advocates said. Identifying pain points in the profession from multiple perspectives could properly direct solutions to different populations, said Battista, who added Liftoff advocates for many rural counties, too. Is help coming? Early intervention leaders are disturbed by the lack of state investment and attention, which has caused departing therapists to lose faith in the system, Ruffino said. Theres actually data that shows early intervention is effective, and yet I feel like we keep taking resources away from that early age group, she said. When kids get older, it costs more to support adults and teenagers than it does to get kids help early. Thats really frustrating for us. Bonsignore described the toll of delayed service. Its devastating to children, its devastating to their families, and its devastating to the community, because the early years are filled with so much promise and so much potential, and thats the best time to have these interventions happen, because we know brain development happens 90% before you get to kindergarten, she said. Theres optimism early intervention can return to the fulfilling career Beyond Boundaries leaders recall from decades past, where providers earned a solid wage for meaningful work. But not much optimism. Its definitely at a low, and were hoping the pendulum swings back the other way, Ruffino said. But we need support for that to happen. Its not going to happen on its own. Tobias Natale with his fiancee Sabrina Reynolds and father Joseph Natale. Courtesy of Sabrina Reynolds He can finally put weight on his right leg again. Three months after an alleged drunk driver slammed into him and his father in Atlantic County, Tobias Natale is getting stronger. Some days are better than others, though. He walks with a limp, when he can walk at all. Pain disrupts his sleep and dictates his days. His hand is still pretty messed up, too, he said. But hes far from where he was on the night of Dec. 16, awake in the passenger seat of his dads wrecked silver SUV in Egg Harbor Township with what hed later learn was a fractured pelvis and a dislocated hip. His father, Joseph Natale, was unresponsive next to him. The 72-year-old would later be pronounced dead at a hospital. As his body has begun healing, Tobias, 29, has had to reckon with an equally formidable emotional recovery from the crash. He and his father were best friends. They did everything together. They shared a home in Somers Point. Despite his fathers absence, though, that home has been far from empty. Tobias is Toby to his friends and family, without whom, he said, he would have been left adrift, struggling to contend with life without his father. The crash also brought something unexpected into his life his birth family. His birth mother and family who live more than 2,000 miles away in Colorado, and whom hed never met were by his side within days of the crash. His fiancee and other community members, friends and family rallied around him too. Not a lot of people live to see support like this, he said. Usually that outpouring of love only comes when you pass. Its been overwhelming. Though Joseph and Toby were long a tight-knit family unit of two, Toby had also found what one friend characterized as a big extended family in the tabletop gaming community over the years. Those who lived close to him organized a series of benefit tournaments in his name. Others around the country donated thousands to an online fundraiser. There, too, was his fiancee, Sabrina Reynolds, who has been there every step of the way for him. Shes been a godsend, said a friend, Steve Davis. Apart from those directly involved, Reynolds was the first to know about the crash. She was refilling her Stanley cup in the kitchen at a little past 9 p.m. when her phone let off a blaring alarm. Tobys phone had detected a severe car crash, the alert said, and automatically notified both her and emergency services. She called Davis, who came to pick her up with another friend, Joe Dumas. The trio went to Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point, where they learned Joseph had died. Toby was alive, they were told, and being treated at a nearby trauma center in Atlantic City. Father and son had set out on that cool, rainy evening on a dessert run, swinging by a Crumbl bakery to pick up a Maple Cinnamon Square, a Tres Leches Cake and a Raspberry Cheesecake cookie. Joseph loved anything with cheesecake. They were driving their way back through Egg Harbor Township when another car swerved over the double yellow line, according to a police report. The car allegedly clipped the edge of the Natales vehicle, sending both spinning out. The other driver, Oriel Dixon, 38, of Egg Harbor Township, was uninjured in the crash, as was a 5-year-old boy riding in her car. Dixon allegedly failed a field sobriety test and was taken into custody. Last month, she was charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree child endangerment. Dixon did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Her attorney, Andrew Imperiale, declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation. When Reynolds saw Toby in the hospital for the first time, he cracked a joke about how he was going to be stuck walking like a penguin for the rest of his life. That was one of Reynolds favorite things about her fiance. He can always put a smile on anybodys face, she said. It was that quality that had made him such a pillar of the tabletop gaming community, she said. Its a claim with which their friends agree. Among the diehard fans of trading card games like Disney Lorcana and Magic: The Gathering, both in New Jersey and beyond, Toby had a reputation as an uncommonly generous player, quick to share his treasured cards or show convention newbies the ropes. Toby has always been a guy who goes out of his way to attend to everybody elses needs before he even thinks about himself, said his friend Dumas. So, when it was time for everybody else to reciprocate, most didnt give it a second thought. While Toby was in the hospital, some friends went to the house to make sure it would be wheelchair accessible for him. Others came bearing groceries. A friend in South Jersey started a GoFundMe online fundraising campaign. More than 220 people chipped in, raising more than $19,000. Three stores Phenomenal Games in Lindenwold, the Comic Book Store in Glassboro and Wax, Packs, and Throwbacks in Linwood threw card tourneys for him, drawing dozens of players and raising more than $4,000. Wax, Packs and Throwbacks in Linwood holds a Chaos Draft benefit fundraiser for Tobias Natale on March 7. Courtesy of Sabrina Reynolds Davis and Reynolds are also planning a benefit dinner at an Egg Harbor restaurant later this week. That will be the last such event, they said. Were getting to the point where, the longer we go on doing things like this, the longer Toby has to live in it, Davis said. Hes ready to close that chapter and move forward, Reynolds said. Moving forward has, in some ways, meant going back. Almost immediately after the crash, Toby reached out to his birth family to let them know what happened. Toby grew up knowing that his birth mother, named Malise, had given him up for adoption at six months old. I love my mom, and I understood what she had to do, he said. She was very young." He was adopted by Joseph and his wife, Sylvia, who died when Toby was six. Though Toby had spoken to Malise and his two younger siblings by phone, he hadnt ever set eyes on them in person. That was until after the crash, when Malise and her son Daimon, Tobys brother, flew out to New Jersey. They met Toby in the acute rehabilitation facility hed moved into after his hospital discharge on Dec. 23. The reunion was emotional but good, Toby said. I didnt expect it to go any other way. Malise and Daimon declined to comment beyond agreeing to their first names being used in this story. NJ Advance Media is withholding their surname for privacy. Reynolds was struck by how alike they all seemed. Tobys brother, Daimon, shared his interest in video games and nerd culture, but more than that, the entire family looked like copy and paste versions of each other, she said. It was strange to see her partner of nine years reflected in the faces of two strangers. Tobias Natale with his mother and brother Courtesy of Sabrina Reynolds Malise and Daimon remained in town to welcome him home on Jan. 4, the first time hed been back to the house he and Joseph had shared with Sabrina. Toby had never considered moving out of the house and away from his father, even after he proposed to Reynolds at Niagara Falls last year. Joseph had been diagnosed with two types of cancer colon and esophageal in 2022, and struggled with his mobility. Tobys father was the sweetest man, Davis, Tobys friend, recalled. Toby was his life. He did everything for Toby and lived for Toby. And Toby Joseph was his best friend. Even after Joseph was declared cancer-free in October 2024, I was never leaving him, Toby said. That was two months before the crash. Toby and his fiancee talk about Joseph a lot. Every time the Pittsburgh Steelers play, they tune in to watch his favorite team. They try to remember to be like him kind to everybody, no matter what. That includes Dixon, the alleged drunken driver involved in the crash, whom Toby has never met. Im always going to miss my dad, but her life has also been forever changed by this, he said. No matter what way you cut it, thats something thats important, too. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. AJ McDougall may be reached at amcdougall@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on X at @oldmcdougall. An Atlantic County man admitted to breaking into a home and a car in Atlantic City late last year, officials said Thursday. Paul Wilson, 42, of Atlantic City pleaded guilty Wednesday to two separate burglaries from Dec. 6, 2024, authorities said. Wilson was accused of breaking into an Atlantic City home by ripping apart and shattering the basement doors, officials said. He was also accused of breaking into a car in Atlantic City the same day and stealing several items before fleeing on a bike, authorities said. Wilson faces five years in prison and must serve 85% of the prison sentence under the terms of his plea deal, officials said. An attorney for Wilson did not immediately return a request for comment. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X A Hackensack police lieutenant is suing Mayor John Labrosse, his campaign manager and their running mates for defamation, claiming they spread false statements to damage his reputation after his union endorsed the opposing slate in the upcoming municipal election. Lt. Anthony DiPersia, president of Hackensack Policemens Benevolent Association Local 9A, alleges in a lawsuit that Labrosses campaign intentionally smeared his name in retaliation for the unions support of Hackensack Unites, a rival group running in the May 13 City Council election. Action movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme is being accused of having sexual relations with women he knew were trafficked. (Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP) John Salangsang/Invision/AP Former movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme has been accused of having sexual relations with women he knew were trafficked, according to CNN affiliate Antena 3. A criminal complaint was filed in Romania with the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) claiming the Bloodsport actor engaged in sexual activity with five women that were trafficked by Romanian businessman and modeling agency owner Morel Bolea. It is alleged that the women were presented as a gift to Van Damme, 64, who knew they were sent from a group of traffickers. The events reportedly took place in Cannes, France. A timeframe has yet to be revealed. Van Damme has yet to comment on the matter. Adrian Cuculis, the attorney representing the victims, told Antena 3 that the women were in a state of vulnerability, with the suspicion that they were exploited within the meaning of Article 182 of the Criminal Code. A woman who claims to have witnessed the events in Cannes prompted the DIICOT to conduct a criminal investigation. The attorney told the outlet that the Van Damme incident is connected to to a larger investigation into human trafficking and the trafficking of minors that began in 2020 by the Romanian prosecutors office. The High Court of Cassation in France now must authorize criminal proceedings and identified suspects like Van Damme will be summoned to Romania to give statements, according to the report. Van Damme, a martial artist turned actor, grew worldwide fame appearing in several 80s and 90s action films. Some of his biggest movies include Timecop, Kickboxer, and Cyborg. More entertainment news: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.comon Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. The 14-year-old charged with shooting and killing a Newark police officer will be charged as an adult, a federal prosecutor said Thursday. In a morning appearance on Fox and Friends, interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba said the teen will be federally charged and that his case will be moved from state to federal court. If convicted at the federal level of the March 7 murder of Detective Joseph Azcona, the teen could face a longer prison sentence than allowed by state law for young offenders. This is really the way it should be, Habba said on the television show. If you shoot a police officer, if you shoot anyone, I dont care what your age is, and youre part of a gang and you have a repeated history of crime you will be tried as an adult. Juveniles under age 15 cannot be tried as adults for any offense, according to New Jersey state law. The teen would face a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted in family court in Essex County. He was going to (be prosecuted by) the state which meant that he would have had a very low sentence if he was found guilty, which Im sure he would be, Habba added. I then requested that we take it on and give him a federal charge and charge him as an adult. The teen remains hospitalized, according to Habba. Azcona, 26, was a Newark police officer for about five years. He was promoted to sergeant following his death. Azcona was shot before exiting his car in the area of Broadway and Carteret streets. Another officer was wounded in the gun battle. Azcona was part of an intelligence unit that sought to arrest a suspect they believed was armed, authorities said. The Essex County Prosecutors Office charged the teen with murder, attempted murder and weapons offenses. The prosecutors office said Thursday it will cooperate with federal authorities. We will do whatever is in the interest of justice including, but not limited to, cooperating with the U.S. Attorneys Office in regard to any superseding of this case, Essex County Prosecutors Office Theodore N. Stephens II said in an emailed statement. We ask that you please contact the U.S. Attorneys Office for further comment. The U.S. Attorneys Office for New Jersey didnt immediately comment on Thursday. President Donald Trump named Habba interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey last week. She replaced John Giordano, who held the job for less than a month before departing to become United States Ambassador for Namibia. A person infected with the measles traveled to various places in New Jersey, including Newark Liberty International Airport and several locations in Bergen County, officials from the New Jersey Department of Health said Wednesday evening. The person infected with the contagious virus traveled to New Jersey from Michigan, officials said. The person had traveled abroad before returning to the U.S. and traveling between Michigan and New Jersey, officials said. Anyone who visited the following locations during the dates and times could have been exposed to the measles and should monitor for symptoms that could appear as late as April 17, health officials said: Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 25 between 3:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Marriott Park Ridge at 200 Brae Boulevard in Park Ridge between March 25 at 5 p.m. and March 27 at 3:15 p.m. Starbucks at 191 Kinderkamack Road in Park Ridge on March 26 between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Sean OCaseys Irish Pub inside the Marriott Park Ridge on March 26 between 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Emergency Department at 230 E. Ridgewood Avenue in Paramus on March 27 between 6:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Radiology and laboratory department on March 27 between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. As of Wednesday, no associated cases in New Jersey have been identified, officials said. During the past three months, the CDC has been notified of 378 cases of measles in the U.S. a 32% increase from what the nation saw in all of last year. The cases include two deaths the first deaths related to measles in the United States in a decade. Another person infected with the measles traveled to New Jersey on Friday and potentially exposed people at a Mercer County medical center. Someone else infected with the virus traveled on an Amtrak train earlier in March between New York Penn Station and Washington, D.C. The measles virus spreads easily through the air from coughing and sneezing and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area, officials said. The virus can also be spread through contact with mucus or saliva. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes and a rash that typically appears between three and five days after symptoms begin, officials said. The rash typically begins on the face and hairline as flat red spots and spreads down the head, torso and extremities, health officials said. The virus can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X Shakira will perform two shows at MetLife Stadium in May 15-16. Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for Live Nation Sometimes good things really do come in twos, especially when Shakira is involved. Shakira has just announced a second concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, which will take place on May 16 as part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. Shakira tour 2025 The cheapest tickets to see Shakira at MetLife Stadium this May are available on Viagogo. Buy Now Her previously announced show at the N.J. venue will take place on May 15, which sold out entirely when tickets went on sale. You really dont want tickets to sell out again for her second MetLife Stadium concert, so here is how you can get your hands on them. How to get tickets to Shakiras 2025 stadium tour There will first be a Citi card presale for cardmembers beginning on April 3 at 10 a.m. and it will run until April 6 at 10 p.m. You can access the Citi card presale here. The general sale for Shakiras stadium tour will then begin on April 7 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. If you miss out on this sale, then you can secure tickets through sites, such as StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, Viagogo and SeatGeek. Plus if youre a first-time Vivid Seats user, you can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 just by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout. For her MetLife stadium on May 15, 2025, the cheapest ticket at the time of publication, before fees, is $102 on Viagogo. For the newly added May 16 concert, the cheapest ticket we could find is $157 on Vivid Seats. A full list of Shakiras 2025 tour dates is available here. Shakira tour 2025: Dates, schedule & more Shakira is set to begin her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour on May 13 in Charlotte, N.C. and will wrap up on June 30 in San Francisco. Im so excited to share my best show yet with you, the three-time Grammy winner shared on Instagram. Thank you all for supporting and inspiring me to keep pushing myself. I cant wait to celebrate with you in May! The tour will be in support of her 12th studio album of the same name, which dropped on March 22, 2024. This tour also marks Shakiras first outing in eight years so make sure you get your tickets before they sell out again. Upcoming 2025 tours heading to MetLife Stadium Shakira is not the only one performing at MetLife Stadium this year. Here are a few more artists you dont want to miss out on: Oasis, My Chemical Romance, Zach Bryan and Billy Joel. Hi, Im Nicole, NJ.coms expert live events and deals writer! Ive made it my mission to find the absolute cheapest tickets for the biggest artists, like Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, Sabrina Carpenter, & more. If you missed the general sale or presale for your favorite artist, you dont have to panic. Ive already done the hard work of sifting through tickets and finding you the best price. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. Attendees throw colored powder at one another during the Friends of India Society's 16th annual "Kite and Color Festival" on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds, 3301 Carmel Road in Millville, New Jersey. Yogesh Thakur Nearly 20 years ago, a small group of mostly doctors in South Jersey decided to organize a festival to help their children take pride in their Indian heritage. Slowly, we noticed that the Indian community was starting to grow, said Dr. Bhavna Patel, a pediatrician who moved to Vineland with her family in 1995. As our kids were growing up, we really didnt have any ways to expose them to our culture here. In 2006, the group formed the Friends of India Society, a social and cultural nonprofit based in Millville, organizers said. A year later, the group held its first festival celebrating the Hindu holidays, Holi and Makar Sankranti, with about 150 attendees at a farm in Alloway. The nonprofit will host its 17th annual "Kite and Color Festival" on Saturday, June 14, an event organizers anticipate will surpass last years attendance of 2,200. Everybody had such a great time, Patel recalled of the first festival. Then on the ride back home, my kids were in the car, and theyre like, Mom, I am so proud to be an Indian. I was like, wow, this is something we need to continue. Its just a great way to experience other cultures within a comfortable setting, right here locally, she added. Attendees throw colored powders at the Friends of India Society's 15th annual "Kite and Color Festival" on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds, 3301 Carmel Road in Millville, New Jersey. Yogesh Thakur This years event will celebrate two Hindu festivals, Holi and Makar Sankranti, at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds, 3001 Carmel Road in Millville. Yogesh Thakur, the nonprofits president, said the event would include organic-colored powders, water bursters, sprinklers, a bonfire, free t-shirts, Bollywood music and cultural performances from local talents. Thakur said that BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs Cherry Hill location will provide a full vegetarian lunch. Holi, also known as The Festival of Colors, is one of the oldest festivals in India, marking a special time to embrace love, new beginnings, positivity and rejuvenation, according to The Times of India. The official date for Holi was March 13 and 14, with celebrations continuing beyond that. One of Holis most notable traditions involves merrymakers dressing in all white, gathering in public spaces and throwing colored powders, known as gulal, at one another. Makar Sankranti, also known as Sankranti, is one of the first major festivals on the Hindu calendar, marking the end of winter and the start of the harvest season, according to The Times of India. Celebrated on January 14, Sankranti symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and prosperity. One of the ways festivalgoers observe it is by flying colorful kites. It can get really competitive, Thakur said. The kites fly up high in the sky, and then they have kite fights, where they try to cut each others kites. ... Its a lot of fun. Omarey Williams is the coordinator for the County Cultural and Heritage Commission, which provides grants to the Friends of India Society and supports its annual festival. From an art standpoint, they always have some kind of artistic musical performance or dance element to the event that is expressed to the broader audience, Williams said. Overall, its just a really good event, and year after year, it has consistently been a quality event. The whole community comes out and experiences it. So, its not just the members of the Indian community, but its everyone, Williams added. The atmosphere that [the nonprofit] creates is very welcoming and very open to the community. So that atmosphere is really great. Special early bird tickets to the event are on sale - $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 5 to 12. The event is free for any child under 5. Mosaic staff writer Vashti Harris can be reached at vharris@njadvancemedia.com. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom, on Facebook at MosaicNJcom, on Twitter (X) at @MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law Wednesday criminalizing the production and dissemination of deepfakes in New Jersey, following his conditional veto late last month. The Democratic governor was joined by Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, state Attorney General Matt Platkin and Westfield High School junior Francesca Mani, whose male classmates created deepfakes of her and other female classmates two years ago, which helped spur the legislation. I am proud to sign todays legislation and take a stand against deceptive and dangerous deepfakes, Murphy said. While artificial intelligence has proven to be a powerful tool, it must be used responsibly. Deepfakes deceptive, AI-generated images, videos and audio recordings have been a growing concern among legislators and the public, particularly when it comes to deepfake pornography. The measure, A3540, establishes third-degree criminal penalties in the state for those who produce deepfake audio or visual media for an unlawful purpose, or share deepfakes that were created for an unlawful purpose. If convicted, the creator or distributor could face a prison term of three to five years, a fine of up to $30,000, or both, according to the bill. Third-degree offenses can also carry their own fines of up to $15,000. In late March, Murphy conditionally vetoed the bill so he could suggest tweaks to make its language more precise and minimize potential constitutional challenges, he said. It came after a group of boys at Westfield High School made deepfake pornographic images of their female classmates including Mani, who was 14 years old at the time and shared them without the girls knowledge or consent. Since the incident, Mani and her mother have advocated for federal legislation to combat the problem of deepfakes. You are truly the epitome of bravery, Way told Mani on Wednesday. Mani said she was honored to join Murphy as he signed the bill. This victory belongs to every woman and teenager told nothing could be done, that it was impossible, and to just move on, she said. Its proof that with the right support, we can create change together. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com. A 34-year-old man who placed pizza delivery orders and robbed the drivers when they arrived has been sentenced to prison. Tyreen Walker, of Bridgeton, received a 14-year sentence on Monday, the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office said in a statement Wednesday night. Walker previously pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree robbery. Walker was arrested on Nov. 22, 2019 and accused of robbing delivery drivers from Dominos Pizza and Pizza Hut. Hey there, New Jersey! Heres your audio update highlighting a measles exposure alert at several sites across the state, a fiery car crash in Monmouth County, and a baby seal that got stuck in a fishing line near Long Beach Island. In addition, well tell you about a man who was sentenced for robbing pizza delivery drivers and the highest property taxes in every New Jersey county. 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. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. City Parks Scout Island is an area enclosed by the parks bayous, bridged by Harrison Avenue and surrounded by other park attractions. It gets its name from when Boy Scout troops were allowed to camp overnight in the park, a then rare allowance for park guests. But City Park was once home to many people. There were 13 sugar and indigo plantations on the land, and 300 enslaved people lived there. Thats the starting point for the new immersive theatrical show Wonder Wander City Park, which runs through April 4-13 as part of the We Will Dream: New Works Festival. It lets you hear from characters from the past, says co-director Lisa Moraschi Shattuck. And you can talk to them. This is about endangered stories, adds co-director Lauren Turner Hines. Things that are at risk of being forgotten. Attendees gather in City Park near the entrance to Scout Island on Magnolia Drive. The group crosses to the island and begins a journey back in time. Via headphones, they hear the story being told live before they reach the actors. The show is scripted, but the group has some say in how it unfolds. Theres music, theres dueling, theres dancing, and youre learning things you may not have heard before, Shattuck says. Early on, theres Fannie, an enslaved woman living in the late 1700s. Her daughter Maria is about to turn 12, the age at which children could be sold away from their parents under the Code Noir, French laws governing slavery. The woman who owns them has died, and her will states that the enslaved are to be freed. But executing and enforcing the will is not easy. Its a story about this familys struggle for freedom, and how that will to be free transcends generations, Hines says. The storys characters and segments are inspired by true stories. A story about the Jim Crow era was inspired by stories shared by New Orleans native and former Atlanta mayor and U.N. ambassador Andrew Young. When he was a child, Black people were not allowed to use the park, though they traversed it in cars or on bicycles. The late Sybil Haydel Morial, who was friends with Young, shares similar stories about being forced to leave the park in her autobiography. Wonder Wander brings several eras to life, and the ensemble includes April Louise, Owen Ever, Juniper Cassaway, Lorrin Dabon, Caldrick Williams and Matt Story. The concept of doing a show as a moving outdoor journey with headphones came out of the pandemic and looking for ways to do theater while socially distant, says Shattuck, who conceived this show. Mondo Bizarro did a previous Wonder Wander that imagined traveling forward in time to see a future New Orleans under water. Here, the show explores Scout Island, and the group moves together and encounters the characters. Its the main production of the second iteration of the We Will Dream festival. Upcoming festival events include hosting the HBCU theater summit at the Andre Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice, and a festival delegation will attend the International Black Theatre Summit in Ghana in late April. Hines is the founding artistic director of the No Dream Deferred theater company and its We Will Dream festival. She likes how the Wonder Wander concept allows theater-makers to engage with historic spaces. As a vehicle for storytelling, this is a model that can help us uncover all of our cultural historical sites, she says. It is a beautiful way to experience history in a way thats visceral: You feel like you belong to it, its not something thats separate from you. You have a part of it. Wonder Wander City Park runs at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. April 4, and 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 .m. April 5-6 & 11-13. Find tickets via wonderwandercitypark.mystrikingly.com. Enter at 40 Magnolia Drive. Editor's Note: This article has been updated to include a comment the Cantrell administration sent after publication time. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration has abruptly canceled the contract of a woman who the city has acknowledged was sexually assaulted by a senior city official who oversaw the contract. According to a source familiar with the situation, the contract between the Office of Homeless Services and Strategy and Civix will end on April 20. That will affect two employees, including Mary Bonney, who filed the sexual assault complaint against the offices director Nate Fields. It is unclear if Fields, who would normally be involved in the process, canceled the contract with Civix, or whether it was out of retaliation. The decision, however, appears to predate the citys admission that Fields sexually assaulted Bonney. The source said the move came unexpectedly, as the employees had previously been told they could continue their work with the city at least through the end of the year. Civix declined to comment. On Jan. 13, Bonney reported Fields to the city for sexual assault and creating a hostile work environment, alleging that he forcibly kissed her twice while they were working a night shift on Jan. 6 and repeatedly called her in the week after. In a March 28 letter to Bonney, chief operations manager of the Employee Relations Division Rene Hollins wrote, The Employee Relations Division was able to substantiate your allegation that on January 6, 2025, Mr. Nathaniel Fields kissed you while you were performing work for OHSS under Mr. Fields direct supervision. In the letter to Bonney, the Cantrell administration did not say what if any disciplinary actions they would take against Fields or when that may happen. Pursuant to CAO Policy Memorandum No. 141 (R), the Appointing Authority will make a determination regarding the appropriate resolution, including possible disciplinary action, Hollins wrote. Bonney previously said she was told not to go to the office days after she filed her complaint but that Fields has continued to work at City Hall. She said she has been working but technically taking paid time off through Civix ever since. With the end of the contract, Bonney said she will be able to keep her job at Civix but won't be able to continue her work with the city unless the city hires her. Bonney has raised concerns about how the city has handled its investigation into her complaint, alleging that she was recorded without explanation and never got an answer on if Fields was listening into her interview with Cantrell administration officials Rene Hollins and Bonita Robinson. She has also brought up other issues with the way Fields has run the office. The city has declined to provide comment on the investigation, only putting out a vague statement on Tuesday saying, While we cannot comment further on this personnel matter, we will continue to enforce our policies consistently to maintain the integrity of our workplace. The administration refused to comment on an inquiry from Gambit asking about the contract and why the city canceled it until after the story came out. "Civix has successfully fulfilled their contractual obligations with the Office of Homeless Services and Strategy (OHSS)," the administration wrote in a statement. "While the original contract was set to conclude in December, it was extended on a month-to-month basis to accommodate additional work requested by OHSS. With that work now complete, the contract with Civix can officially be concluded. The March 28 letter is the first update Bonney said the city has given her on the investigation into the complaint she filed against Fields. It comes after the administration extended its 60-day timeframe for completing its investigation "to allow for the collection of additional evidence and information that was identified late in the original sixty-day period, according to a statement from the citys Law Department to Gambit. Bonney has also filed criminal charges against Fields for the alleged assault. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa's biographer, Eddie Cross, has pointed to the rampant corruption in Zimbabwe as the most significant challenge to the President's leadership, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with the government's inability to effectively tackle graft. Cross, a former adviser to Mnangagwa, made these remarks following Monday's national shutdown, which was organized to protest the widespread corruption and misgovernance plaguing the country.Mnangagwa, who took power in 2017 after a military coup ousted longtime leader Robert Mugabe, initially promised a "zero tolerance" stance on corruption. However, years of scandals and the consistent failure to prosecute high-profile individuals involved in corruption have left many observers questioning the political will to address the crisis. Reports indicate that Zimbabwe loses up to US$2 billion annually to corruption, a figure that has only grown as shocking scandals continue to surface."The amount of money being stolen here is just enormous. It probably exceeds our national budget," Cross said in an interview with NewsAfrica. He expressed concern over Mnangagwa's inability to address the country's most pressing issues, particularly the pervasive corruption involving politically connected individuals, known as "tenderpreneurs."Despite multiple exposes, including a recent documentary by Qatar-based Al Jazeera that revealed the involvement of the politically connected in gold smuggling, Cross believes the government's failure to address these issues will only intensify public dissatisfaction with Mnangagwa's regime. "He has not tackled corruption," Cross stated, emphasizing that if the President does not confront this crisis, the dissatisfaction will continue to grow.Cross's remarks came after the national shutdown on Monday, which, though initially planned as a protest against corruption and misgovernance, succeeded in sending a strong message to the government. The protest reflected a broader sense of frustration with the lack of accountability for those responsible for economic mismanagement and the theft of state resources.Transparency International's reports suggest that Zimbabwe is losing up to US$2 billion annually due to smuggling, further exacerbating the country's financial challenges. Cross argues that despite Zimbabwe's sound economic fundamentals, including a growing economy and higher exports than imports, structural issues like corruption remain unresolved.The growing calls for leadership that can confront these challenges have intensified, with many, including Cross, advocating for stronger political courage from Mnangagwa to address these deep-rooted problems.In addition to the corruption crisis, Mnangagwa is facing internal opposition within his Zanu-PF party over plans to extend his presidency beyond 2028, despite his public statements indicating he does not intend to remain in power beyond that year. The push for an extension to 2030 has further complicated the political landscape, deepening divisions within the ruling party.Cross emphasized the need for strong leadership to tackle the structural problems that have hindered Zimbabwe's progress. "Our problems can be resolved. Our fundamentals are sound. We have a growing economy. Our exports are bigger than our imports, but we have structural problems and those must be attended to," he concluded. The defeat of Amendment 2 on the statewide ballot last month should not mean the end for some individual proposals within the amendment. If le As a young senior, there are still things I want to do in life, but watching a state-sanctioned execution isn't one of them. News / National by Staff reporter Days after his call for nationwide protests against the government, war veteran Blessed Geza has sensationally claimed that there is growing support among lawmakers to impeach President Emmerson Mnangagwa, citing what he described as the president's mental incapacity. Geza, who has previously made similar claims about the president's health, alleged that Mnangagwa, 82, has been diagnosed with vascular dementia and that his allies, including controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, have exploited the condition to further their own interests.Speaking in a YouTube video on Wednesday, Geza asserted that Mnangagwa's mental health issues had led to him being manipulated into signing off on deals that benefited corrupt businessmen. "We are impeaching Emmerson Mnangagwa on the grounds that he is no longer mentally fit to lead the country, Geza declared, appearing in military fatigues."We have copies of these medical results. His doctors have already informed him, and his family is aware. Corrupt individuals are taking advantage of his condition and using him to loot the country. The situation is so bad that recently, he failed to recognize Energy Minister July Moyo, he continued.Geza's claims, though dramatic, are not entirely new. Former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere, who is currently in exile, had previously suggested that Mnangagwa was suffering from mental health issues. In response to Kasukuwere's allegations, Mnangagwa's spokesman, George Charamba, had dismissed the claims, saying, "Where did he get his medical degree?Despite the government's dismissal of these allegations, Geza has continued to push his narrative, arguing that Mnangagwa is unfit to remain in office. His call for mass protests on March 31, aimed at forcing Mnangagwa to step down, was largely ineffective, with many Zimbabweans staying home out of fear of clashes between protesters and security forces. Nevertheless, Geza has claimed that the stay-away was a success and has now shifted his focus to the impeachment process in parliament.According to Zimbabwe's constitution, impeachment of the president can proceed on grounds of mental incapacity. The process requires a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly, where a simple majority must agree that the president is unable to perform his duties. Following that, a committee would be formed to investigate the president's ability to serve, and if the committee recommends removal, the final decision would require a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Parliament.Despite this constitutional framework, Geza's push for impeachment faces significant hurdles. Many question whether he has enough support within Parliament to initiate such a process. As a former member of Zanu PF's central committee, Geza was expelled from the party, and it remains unclear if he can garner the backing of lawmakers for his cause.Should the impeachment proceed, it could lead to the temporary assumption of the presidency by one of Mnangagwa's deputies, either Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga or Kembo Mohadi, depending on who was last acting as president. While Mohadi's public appearances have been limited due to health concerns, Chiwenga, who has been publicly supported by Geza, would likely benefit from Mnangagwa's removal. Chiwenga, a former military general who played a key role in the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, has yet to comment on Geza's efforts to oust Mnangagwa.As Geza continues his push for Mnangagwa's impeachment, the political landscape remains uncertain, with both the future of Zimbabwe's leadership and the country's fight against corruption hanging in the balance.. Donald Trump last week imposed the steepest American tariffs on imports in over a century, levying rates as high as 50 per cent on some countries in a move described by the EU as a major blow to the world economy. The US president shocked global markets as he announced minimum tariffs of at least 10 per cent on almost all exporters to the US, with much higher duties for countries that enjoy the largest trade surpluses. Southeast Asian nations and some of the worlds weakest economies were hardest hit, compounding the effects of the Trump administrations cuts to the USAID programme in many of those countries. Below is The Independents breakdown of the countries most affected by the new levies and those that have been exempt. Baseline tariff of 10% A number of countries, including the UK, face what the White House described as the baseline tariff on their imports to the US of 10 per cent, which took effect from 5 April. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington (AP) Other countries in this category include Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brazil, Turkey, Colombia, Argentina, El Salvador, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Countries exempt from new tariffs Exemptions were limited and primarily tied to existing trade agreements or special circumstances. Canada was exempt from both the 10 per cent baseline and reciprocal tariffs under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, it remains subject to a separate 25 per cent tariff on most goods and 10 per cent on energy exports imposed in February 2025, related to immigration and drug trafficking issues, which the White House said could potentially be adjusted or replaced by the baseline tariff later. ADVERTISEMENT Mexico was exempt from the new tariffs due to the USMCA, though it faces the same 25 per cent tariff from February 2025, with possible future alignment to the new framework. Cuba, Belarus and North Korea were also not subjected to new tariffs, either because of existing sanctions or existing high tariffs. Finally, Mr Trump chose not to include Russia on the list of new tariffs, despite adding Ukraine at 10 per cent. Last week the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move as saying US sanctions on Moscow already preclude any meaningful trade. But on Sunday officials had another excuse arguing that introducing new tariffs against Russia would complicate Ukraine ceasefire talks. Its not clear why Ukraine was not exempt for the same reason. Countries hit hardest by new tariffs The following countries face the highest tariff rates under Mr Trumps so-called reciprocal tariff regime, with the White House saying this reflected their significant trade surpluses with the US or high barriers to American exports. These tariffs will come into effect on 9 April. ADVERTISEMENT Cambodia: 49% reciprocal tariff Cambodia has been hit with the highest rate of 49 per cent. A developing economy where nearly 18 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, the majority of its people rely on agriculture, with small-scale farmers vulnerable to climate change, fluctuating crop prices, and land disputes. Vietnam: 46% A major exporter to the US, Vietnam was hit with a 46 per cent tariff despite taking urgent measures to reduce its trade surplus with Washington in recent weeks, including cutting tariffs on a wide range of goods destined for the US. The steep levy was imposed as the country increasingly became a conduit for Chinese goods seeking to evade tariffs, US officials alleged. Chinese manufacturers have previously moved their operations to countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, not just for lower operating costs but also to circumvent trade barriers. Sri Lanka: 44% ADVERTISEMENT Sri Lanka faced the fourth largest tariff despite being a major exporter to the world. Bangladesh: 37% Bangladesh, a top clothing exporter, suffered a major blow as it was hit with a 37 per cent tariff. Already in crisis since its leadership was ousted last August, its garment industry relies heavily on US exports, making up around $7bn annually. Thailand: 36% Thailand faces a 36 per cent reciprocal tariff under Mr Trumps new trade policy. This targets its significant trade surplus and barriers, impacting exports like electronics and textiles to the US. China: 104% China, a major US rival and trading partner, has been hit with massive 104 per cent duties on Chinese goods. Mr Trump nearly doubled duties on Chinese imports, which had been set at 54 per cent last week, in response to counter-tariffs that Beijing announced. ADVERTISEMENT The China State Council Tariff Commission announced a 34 per cent reciprocal tariff last week, saying it was hitting back against bullying from the Trump administration. If the US insists on having its way, China will fight to the end, the Chinese commerce ministry added. Top Chinese brokerages pledged to join efforts by Chinese state holding companies to help steady domestic share prices in response to the tariff-induced turmoil. President Donald Trump speaks as he departs towards the Oval Office after signing an executive order at an event to announce new tariffs (AP) Taiwan: 32% A semiconductor giant and significant tech exporter, Taiwan has been targeted with 32 per cent tariff for its trade surplus and barriers. These tariffs do not yet apply to semiconductors, possibly due to the complexity of the supply chain. Switzerland: 31% Switzerland has been hit with high tariffs despite its smaller trade volume. It was likely due to its own high tariffs on US goods such as agricultural products. India: 26% India, one of biggest trading partners in Asia, has been hit with what Mr Trump said was a discounted reciprocal tariff of 26 per cent. He has repeatedly accused India of very very high tariffs and called it the tariff king for its average levy on American goods of 52 per cent. South Korea: 25% A major US ally, South Korea has still been targeted for its trade surplus and barriers. The tariffs come at a vulnerable time as the country reels from a political crisis that has left it without an elected leader. Japan: 24% Another US ally, Japan, described the 24 per cent tariff as extremely regrettable. Trade experts said they did not expect such a steep rate, given that Tokyos average tariff on non-agricultural goods is approximately 2.4 per cent, among the lowest in the world. European Union (EU): 20% Treated as a single entity, the EU has been hit with a 20 per cent tariff due to a $235.6bn trade deficit with the US in 2024 and higher tariffs on American goods. Attendees at the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington where Donald Trump announced historic tariffs (REUTERS) Trumps custom tariffs list in full This list was supplied by the White House as an annex document following Mr Trumps news conference. It does not include countries that are facing the 10 per cent baseline tariff. Algeria 30% Angola 32% Bangladesh 37% Bosnia and Herzegovina 36% Botswana 38% Brunei 24% Cambodia 49% Cameroon 12% Chad 13% China 34% Cote d`Ivoire 21% Democratic Republic of the Congo 11% Equatorial Guinea 13% European Union 20% Falkland Islands 42% Fiji 32% Guyana 38% India 27% Indonesia 32% Iraq 39% Israel 17% Japan 24% Jordan 20% Kazakhstan 27% Laos 48% Lesotho 50% Libya 31% Liechtenstein 37% Madagascar 47% Malawi 18% Malaysia 24% Mauritius 40% Moldova 31% Mozambique 16% Myanmar (Burma) 45% Namibia 21% Nauru 30% Nicaragua 19% Nigeria 14% North Macedonia 33% Norway 16% Pakistan 30% Philippines 18% Serbia 38% South Africa 31% South Korea 26% Sri Lanka 44% Switzerland 32% Syria 41% Taiwan 32% Thailand 37% Tunisia 28% Vanuatu 23% Venezuela 15% Vietnam 46% Zambia 17% Zimbabwe 18%. A proposal by two Illinois developers to replace the derelict Alfred Beckman Middle School building with a new light industrial "incubator" building got a mixed reception from the Gary Common Council during its Tuesday meeting. After a series of public comments from city residents opposed to the idea and a lengthy discussion between the council and the prospective developers, the body's members voted unanimously to send the item back to the Planning and Development Committee for further discussion. Christina Primbas and Kyle Glascott, who own the property through an entity called Indiana Investment Properties, LLC, need the council's approval of a rezone before starting work on the project. The developers have proposed the adoption of a planned unit development ordinance, which would give the property a unique set of land use rules that would pave the way for the planned facility. The Gary Community School Corporation shuttered Beckman, located near the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Grant Street, in 2005. Since then, the property has been badly damaged by fire, weather and vandalism. It now sits open to the elements, surrounded by debris, garbage and overgrown vegetation. Glascott told the council that he and his partner have already spent "north of a million dollars" purchasing the property and on other associated costs. Primbas and Glascott's proposal for a single, 45-foot-tall, 261,000-square-foot building housing up to six commercial tenants promises to create jobs and turn a ruin into a significant source of property tax revenue. Their choice of location, however, bounded on the north, south and east by residential blocks, has drawn significant pushback from many of the school site's neighbors. In February, after hearing from a series of Gary residents who lamented the prospect of additional truck traffic and noise in their neighborhood, and on the advice of Gary planning and zoning lead Corrie Sharp, who said the proposed building would be "uncharacteristic to the surrounding area," the Gary Plan Commission voted unanimously to deliver an unfavorable recommendation to the city council. From there, the draft PUD ordinance went to the council's Planning and Development Committee, where it was discussed at a meeting March 27. It was presented before the full nine-member council for the first time on Tuesday. The planned building, designed by Illinois-based Heitman Architects, would have a facade of precast concrete broken up by stone accents, faux wood resin panels and timber canopies. Plans include a 262-car parking lot in front of the building and loading docks in the back. Project architect Karl Heitman told the council that the developers anticipate between 50 and 250 jobs to be supported by the facility. He stressed that the building, which could house businesses from a variety of industries, will not be a truck stop or cross-dock truck terminal. During the meeting's public comment period, a series of Gary residents took to the podium to urge the council to vote the PUD ordinance down. Several reiterated arguments they first made before the Plan Commission. "If we look around our city, council, we have truck stops popping up like dandelions and wild trees," Carl Champion said. "We need to put an end to it because they're curtailing where development can go." On the other side was the local radio host and business owner John Allen, who backed the construction of the incubator. He argued that Indiana's property tax caps set at 1% of assessed value annually for owner-occupied homes, 2% for other residential property and farmland and 3% for all other property make new commercial developments the most impactful on Gary's tax revenue. "A city can only be ran on taxes, fines and fees," Allen said. "The 1% yielded from a residential property, it eats into the tax base more than a commercial property." The council members articulated a variety of positions on the proposed project. Some, like councilman Myles Tolliver, D-at large, voiced sympathy for neighborhood residents not keen to see a commercial development go up near their homes. "I'm just worrying about my citizens," Tolliver said. "When I look at other cities... they don't put these type of buildings in residential areas. And I want people to think about that." Others, like councilmembers Dwight Williams, D-6, and Mary Brown, D-3, emphasized the city's need for tax revenue. "My concern is if we do nothing, what do we have?" Brown told her colleagues. "And at this point, we've done nothing for how many years and not collected any tax revenue for us." Councilman Kenneth Whisenton, D-at large, voiced ambivalence. Whisenton pushed back against the idea that commercial developments never belong in residential areas, pointing to a combined YMCA, Boys and Girls Club and Methodist Hospitals facility planned for the former site of the Tolleston Middle School. The project has received support from the council, the mayor's office and many nearby residents. He also dismissed an argument made by many of the proposals critics that a residential development would be the most beneficial use of the Beckman site. "The reality is we need more income. We need more tax bases. And everyone that says housing can do it, I'm so sorry. For a city this big, that's just not true," Whisenton said. "Residential will not save the city." He told the developers, however, that "as it stands, I am not sold," and asked that the legislation be referred back to the committee to allow the council and the developers to resolve issues raised by Sharp's review of the proposed PUD. Among other concerns expressed in her report to the Plan Commission, the planning and zoning lead pointed out that the draft ordinance does not make reference to an established Gary zoning category and, as a result, leaves some areas like "sound levels, odor nuisance, explosives or maximum floor area ratio" unaddressed. The council ultimately voted unanimously to send the ordinance back to the Planning and Development Committee, which will reconsider the item at its next meeting on April 8. Where Trumps Tariffs Will Hit Hardest These countries are some of the most vulnerable to Washingtons sweeping new tariffs. Their economies are deeply reliant on selling goods to the United States, and many of them were hit with especially steep taxes. Exports to U.S. as share of G.D.P. New tariff Vietnam 29% +46% Cambodia 27% +49% Many Southeast Asian economies deeply rely on exports to the U.S. Nicaragua 24% +19% Guyana 23% +38% Taiwan +32% 15% Semiconductors are excluded from the tariffs, but they may be targeted later. Thailand +37% 12% Malaysia 12% +24% South Korea 7% +26% Switzerland 7% +32% Switzerland faces a higher tariff than the European Union. Jordan +20% 6% Venezuela 6% +15% Exports to U.S. as share of G.D.P. New tariff 29% +46% Vietnam 27% +49% Cambodia Many Southeast Asian economies deeply rely on exports to the U.S. 24% +19% Nicaragua 23% +38% Guyana 15% +32% Taiwan Semiconductors are excluded from the tariffs, but they may be targeted later. +37% 12% Thailand +24% 12% Malaysia 7% +26% South Korea 7% +32% Switzerland Switzerland faces a higher tariff than the European Union. +20% Jordan 6% Venezuela 6% +15% Many of the worst-hit countries are close American allies and partners. In Southeast Asia, countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia have for years worked to turn themselves into alternatives to China for factories making the bags, electronics, shoes and auto parts that eventually end up in the United States. Now, they will face some of the most punishing tariffs. A second group of trading partners facing high tariffs includes huge exporters like China, Japan, India and the European Union. Their overall economies are less exposed to changes in American exports, but many of them still face large economic risks. Exports to U.S. as share of G.D.P. New tariff Israel 4% +17% Japan 4% +24% Japan has few options to retaliate, as its imports from the U.S. are limited. South Africa 4% +31% Sri Lanka 4% +44% We will have to write our obituary notice 44 percent is no joke, said one Sri Lankan apparel consultant. Libya 3% +31% European Union 3% +20% Germany fears the tariffs could prevent efforts to revive its stagnant economy. The Philippines 3% +18% Nigeria 3% +14% Iraq 3% +39% China +34% 2% Including existing tariffs, China is now subject to a staggering 54% tariff on most goods. India 2% +27% Tunisia 2% +28% Indonesia +32% 2% Bangladesh 2% +37% Angola 2% +32% Pakistan 1% +30% Norway 1% +16% Ivory Coast 1% +21% Algeria 1% +30% Kazakhstan 1% +27% Exports to U.S. as share of G.D.P. New tariff 4% +17% Israel 4% +24% Japan Japan has few options to retaliate, as its imports from the U.S. are limited. 4% +31% South Africa 4% +44% Sri Lanka We will have to write our obituary notice 44 percent is no joke, said one Sri Lankan apparel consultant. 3% +31% Libya 3% +20% European Union Germany fears the tariffs could prevent efforts to revive its stagnant economy. 3% +18% The Philippines 3% +14% Nigeria 3% +39% Iraq 2% +34% China Including existing tariffs, China is now subject to a 54% tariff on most goods. 2% +27% India 2% +28% Tunisia +32% 2% Indonesia 2% +37% Bangladesh 2% +32% Angola 1% +30% Pakistan +16% 1% Norway 1% +21% Ivory Coast 1% +30% Algeria 1% +27% Kazakhstan These figures show the increase in duties announced by the Trump administration on Wednesday. The United States had already imposed some tariffs on many countries and sectors, but typically at lower levels. Canada and Mexico, which both rely on trade with the United States, were exempted from the new tariffs announced on Wednesday. Both countries will remain subject to the 25 percent tariff that President Trump imposed on many of their products last month in addition to separate U.S. tariffs on global steel, aluminum and cars. The car tariffs went into effect on Thursday. Exports to U.S. as share of G.D.P. New tariff Mexico 27% Exempted Canada 19% Exempted Exports to U.S. as share of G.D.P. New tariff 27% Mexico Exempted 19% Canada Exempted Mr. Trump imposed a minimum 10 percent tariff on almost every trading partner that did not get a higher rate. The countries that have avoided the highest tariffs may still face extraordinary economic pressure. Experts warned the tariffs could destabilize the entire world economy. And European companies may struggle to compete with a flood of low-cost Chinese imports redirected from the United States. Even the countries that are not facing high tariffs are going to be in trouble, said Jayati Ghosh, an economist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. It will disrupt supply chains and inject a huge dose of uncertainty into the global economy, she said, so you will get much lower investment, and lower economic activity, and lower employment. Mathematicians from New York University and the University of British Columbia have resolved a decades-old geometric problem, the Kakeya conjecture in 3D, which studies the shape left behind by a needle moving in multiple directions. The Kakeya conjecture was inspired by a problem asked in 1917 by Japanese mathematician Soichi Kakeya: What is the region of smallest possible area in which it is possible to rotate a needle 180 degrees in the plane? Such regions are called Kakeya needle sets. Hong Wang, an associate professor at NYUs Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, and Joshua Zahl, an associate professor in UBCs Department of Mathematics, in an article recently posted to the preprint server arXiv, which hosts research before it is peer-reviewed and published in a journal, have shown that Kakeya sets, which are closely related to Kakeya needle sets, cannot be too smallnamely, while it is possible for these sets to have zero three-dimensional volume, they must nonetheless be three-dimensional. There has been some spectacular progress in geometric measure theory: Hong Wang and Joshua Zahl have just released a preprint that resolves the three-dimensional case of the infamous Kakeya set conjecture! wrote UCLA mathematics professor Terence Tao, who won the 2006 Fields Medal, which is awarded every four years to a mathematician under the age of 40. It stands as one of the top mathematical achievements of the 21st century, says Eyal Lubetzky, the chair of the Mathematics department at the Courant Institute. Indonesian social media influencer Ratu Thalisa was recently sentenced to two years and ten months behind bars for telling a picture of Jesus that He needed a haircut. A court in Medan, Sumatra found Thalisa guilty of spreading hate speech against Christianity, as well as disrupting public order and religious harmony in Thai society, after she responded to a comment that told her to cut her hair to look more like a man by holding up a picture of Jesus Christ and saying: You should not look like a woman. You should cut your hair so that you will look like his father. Just a few days after making the remark in a TikTok video, five Christian groups filed complaints against her, accusing her of blasphemy. In addition to jail time, the court ordered Thalisa to pay a fine of around $6,200. Thalisa, a transgender Muslim woman with nearly 450,000 followers on TikTok, was sentenced by a court in North Sumatra province a decision that is now being condemned by human rights groups like Amnesty International as a shocking attack on freedom of expression. While Indonesia should prohibit the advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, Ratu Thalisas speech act does not reach that threshold, Amnesty International Indonesias Executive Director Usman Hamid said. Ratu Thalisa was charged under Indonesias controversial Electronic Information and Transactions (EIT) law, which was introduced in 2008 and amended in 2016 to address online defamation. However, many human organizations are accusing authorities of using the law to restrict freedom of expression. In September 2023, a Muslim woman received two years in prison for uttering a Muslim expression before eating pork, and a year later, and a year later, another TikToker was arrested and accused of blasphemy after posting a quiz asking children what kind of animals can read the Quran. In Thalisas case, prosecutors sought a prison sentence of at least four years and immediately appealed the recent decision of the court. They must really want that woman in Jail! Erin Heeter Erin Heeter, who was most recently director of strategic communications for the National Security Council, is joining Melwood Global, a strategic comms firm based in Boston and Washington, DC, as VP. Heeter was previously deputy press secretary at the US Department of Homeland Security. She has also served as press secretary for Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and worked at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Democratic National Committee. At Melwood Global, Heeter will help to lead the firms media relations, strategic communications and crisis communications work both in DC and around the world. Im honored to have had the chance to work with Erin at the Department of Homeland Security and have seen firsthand her depth of skills as a communicator, her determination and her fierce loyalty to the missions she supports, said Melwood Global partner Amanda Munger. Not a Subscriber? Join O'Dwyer's & Get RFP Access Stop wasting time tracking down RFPs. O'Dwyer's connects you with organizations looking for PR firms & services. Get new business with O'Dwyer's! Join O'Dwyer's Racepoint Global adds Acoustic, a global marketing and customer engagement provider for B2C brands. Racepoint will provide such earned-first communications services as media relations, thought leadership and brand storytelling. Acoustics customer engagement platform, Acoustic Connect, gives marketers a real-time understanding of individual customers, including their preferences, frustrations and intent, empowering brands to connect with audiences through data-backed insights and cross-channel marketing strategies. Were excited to partner with Racepoint to amplify our story, build our brand presence, and showcase how our technology enables meaningful customer relationships, said Acoustic CMO Scott Opiela. Scout Lab picks up AOR duties for Osmo, a company that leverages machine learning, data science, psychophysics, olfactory neuroscience, electrical engineering, and chemistry in a multi-disciplinary approach to digitizing scent. Scout Lab is leading brand campaign work to support Osmos launch of its new fragrance house, Generation by Osmo. Launching Generation was a massive moment for Osmo, which we couldnt have done without Scout Labs collaboration, said Osmo founder and CEO Alex Wiltschko. We look forward to working with Scout Lab to externalize both Osmo and Generations work. AMP3 Public Relations signs on as official agency of record for Wrangler as of Spring 2025. The agency will work with the company across all verticals. AMP3 has collaborated with Wrangler for over five years on projects including seasonal collections, and special projects & events. Wrangler collections encompass workwear, outdoor, and classic casual wear, including the brands signature Cowboy Cut jean. UNICEPTA by PRophet, part of Stagwells comms tech unit, expands its media intelligence partnership with the European Commission to include global media analysis services. With its expanded role, UNICEPTA by PRophet will provide real-time media insights across all 27 EU member states in 32 languages, supporting the European Commission as it tracks public sentiment across an increasingly complex global media landscape. Expanding our services to include media analysis is an important step in strengthening our relationship with the European Commission and building on the trust weve established over the past two years, said UNICEPTA by PRophet chief business development officer Thomas Haderer. Nvidia, a member of Wall Streets Magnificent Seven stock group, has registered as a DC lobbyist. The Santa Clara-based company is the leader in the production of artificial intelligence semiconductors, which are largely manufactured in Taiwan. Its stock took a hit following president Trumps Liberation Day announcement, which slapped a 32 percent tariff on goods from Taiwan. Nvidias lobbying push is headed by VP-external affairs Ned Finkle, a 23-year veteran at Nvidia. He also did a 10-year run at Advanced Micro Devices. He is joined by senior director government affairs Stewart Barber, who did a two-year stint in Trumps first administration as special assistant to the president for international initiatives. Finkle and Barber will deal with a wide range of AI issues related to US semiconductor, computer technology, workforce development, trade & export controls and energy. Nvidias stock is trading at $106.30. They ranged in price from $153.13 and $75.61 over the past 52 weeks. Warren Zevon President Trump should have chosen Warren Zevons classic Poor Poor Pitiful Me as background music for his whiny "Liberation Day" speech. He described the worlds most powerful nation as a country that has been looted, pillaged, and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike. Helpless Americans, who actually enjoy one of the worlds highest standards of living, watched in anguish as foreign leaders have stolen our jobs, foreign cheaters have ransacked our factories, and foreign scavengers have torn apart our once beautiful American dream, according to the delusional Trump. The president said hard-working Americans are tired of sitting on the sidelines while other nations got rich and powerful, much of it at our expense, but now its our turn to prosper. Trump held up a poster of countries that would be slapped with tariffs so his administration can raise $600B a year to help pay for tax cuts for the rich. Eswatini, a landlocked southern African nation of 1.3M poor souls is on that hit list for a 10 percent tariff. Sixty-nine percent of its people live below the poverty line. The country already was reeling from Trumps threat to cut the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program to fight HIV epidemic. Eswatini has the worlds highest HIV prevalence, estimated at 27 percent among people 15 years and older. In Trumps mind, Eswatini is among the foreign cheaters who have brutalized poor, poor pitiful Americans. Warren must be rolling over in his grave. Nothing to see here Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief at the Atlantic, told a webinar today that he was most surprised that nobody in the infamous Signal group chat even noticed that he was on, and then left the chat in the midst of the discussion about war plans about an attack on Yemen. An ordinary administration would have noticed and summoned him to the White House. Earlier in his career, Goldberg was involved in such discussions, where he was asked to hold a story until the operation was completed, or to not publicize secret information. Goldberg heard nothing from Team Trump. The e-i-c said Trump saying that Goldberg didnt overhear secret or classified information was absurd or silly. If getting information about an impending attack by American pilots, flying over anti-aircraft systems to bomb an ally of Iran is not secret, then what is, wondered Goldberg. Is obtaining a list of CIA operatives secret, or getting info about where our nukes are located secret? He called the Trump administration's reaction to the Signal crisis nonsense. Goldberg also doesnt mind that the Trump White House has been calling him bad names. That builds our subscriber list, he quipped. Democrats thank the White House... Trumps Liberation Day (the influential Economist magazine calls Ruination Day") tariffs are bound to wreck the US economy and bring on a recession. Thats bad good news for the Republican Party that is desperate to hold onto to its slim control of the House in the mid-term elections. The White House didn't help the beleagured GOP out, by publishing a list of supporters of its bold trade action." The roster includes 40 Republican Members of Congress including New York Citys Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. She said: President Trump is sticking up for American workers & farmers, repatriating our supply chain and protecting our national security. The farmers in her Brooklyn and Staten Island district thank Malliotakis for her concern about their welfare. Those quotes will supply juicy grist for the Democrats in the upcoming election. Shame in Annapolis... The US Naval Academy removed items commemorating female Jewish graduates from a display ahead of a visit by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. They were on view at the Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel, which sounds like a logical location for such a display. Of course, the Naval Academy now says it was a mistake, and is taking steps to correct the unauthorized removal. Oddly, the Academy left items honoring male Jewish graduates on display. One assumes that the Academy thinks males are not under attack in Hegseths war on DEI. Paranoia runs deep. Representatives of Offaly County Council, who were in New York last week for the St Patricks Day period, met with senior executives from Tourism Ireland. They were briefed on Tourism Irelands promotional programme in the United States for 2025, which is in full swing right now. St Patricks Day offers a unique opportunity for tourism to Ireland and Tourism Ireland in the United States has been rolling out an extensive programme of trade, media and consumer activity to capitalise on Irelands heightened profile at this time of year. Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Irelands Head of North America, said: We were delighted to meet with the representatives of Offaly County Council and to have the opportunity to brief them about the extensive promotional programme we are undertaking in the United States this year. The US remains an extremely important market for tourism to Ireland in terms of revenue and visitor numbers. Visitors from the United States tend to stay longer, spend more and tour extensively around our regions. Our St Patricks Day programme included a major programme of trade, media and consumer activity. Our aim is to remind American holidaymakers that Ireland offers the warmest of welcomes and great fun, as well as wonderful scenery and heritage. We are taking every opportunity to capitalise on Irelands heightened profile around this St Patricks Day period. READ NEXT: Council pay over 50,000 to clear illegal waste at Offaly housing estate Tourism Irelands Fill your heart with Ireland campaign is live in the United States right now, with ads running on TV and digital channels. Tourism Ireland created a brand new St Patricks Day video driving engagement on social media and welcoming the viewer in to feel the magic of Ireland on St Patricks Day. Its been wishing the world a Happy St Patricks Day using a haunting cover of Breathless by The Corrs, performed by Irish band Lemoncello. The video includes stunning footage of Ireland and captures the excitement of festivities happening around the island on 17th March. The message is that, while the world goes green on one day of the year, Irelands beauty is evergreen, with landscapes and scenery that will leave you breathless. It will deliver an estimated 29 million quality opportunities to see (reach) what the island of Ireland has to offer as a holiday destination. To view, click here. Tourism Ireland supported Global Greenings once again for St Patricks Day 2025 working with selected iconic landmarks in key tourism markets, including the Empire State Building in New York and the Grand Ole Opr in Nashville. READ NEXT: Three estates in Offaly to be taken in charge by County Council A Prize Giving Ceremony for Transition year students who participated in the Graduate.ie Online Citizenship Programme was held recently in the Radisson Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath. The overall prize which was sponsored by the Midland Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force (MRDATF) was for one selected student who participated fully in the initiative to attend a 3-day educational trip to Strasbourg. The winning student was Sean Og Larkin from Banagher College. Unfortunately, Sean Og is unable to travel and Kyle Earner, also from Banagher College and who also participated in the Graduate.ie programme, will be taking part in the trip. Kyle will travel to Strasbourg in November and spend one full day at the European Parliament where he will have the opportunity to take part in a Youth Parliament (Euroscola) with students from other EU member states. During his stay he will also be visiting other places of educational interest around the city of Strasbourg and surrounding areas. Organised and funded by the Midland Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force (MRDATF), the Graduate.ie programme is an online citizenship & democracy programme for second level students in Ireland. It is a government and EU funded programme and has been in operation since 2001. The MRDATF rolled out this initiative in partnership with 25 Secondary schools across the counties of Longford, Westmeath, Laois & Offaly with transition year students invited to participate. The programme commenced in September 2024 and lasted for a total of 20 weeks. During this period a total of 1,926 students registered to take part in the programme and of these an average of 728 students took part in the programme on a weekly basis. Each week for 20 weeks of the academic year students logged onto www.graduate.ie where they had to answer a number of questions on a range of issues to include drugs and alcohol, health and safety, environmental awareness and climate action, democracy and participation, financial literacy, EU affairs, consumer protection, tourism and regional development. Students were then directed by hyperlinks to the relevant sponsors website where they researched the correct answer and then submitted their answers to Graduate.ie. The computer randomly selected weekly winners from all the correct entries. There was at least one winner selected each week from across the country. (L-R Antoinette Kinsella, Co-ordinator, Midland Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force, Sean Og Larkin & Kyle Earner students Banagher College) In attendance at the event and presenting the prizes to the winning students was Antoinette Kinsella, Co-ordinator MRDATF. Speaking at the event Antoinette said, I am delighted to be here today presenting the winning students with their prizes. This is such a worthwhile initiative allowing the participants to develop active citizenship, an understanding of the workings of democracy and intercultural understanding and awareness. I would like to acknowledge the Midland Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force for sponsoring the prizes and all the schools who participated in the Graduate.ie Programme 2024, this was a great opportunity to research and learn more about the dangers associated with drug and alcohol misuse. The MRDATF were very happy to support the roll out of the Graduate.ie initiative across the midlands area. The uptake and participation received from schools who took part in the initiative was very encouraging and I would like to thank all the students and teachers for their support. While taking part in the weekly quiz students had a fantastic opportunity to learn about various organisations and important topics to include; democracy & participation, environment & waste management, climate change, health & wellbeing, drugs & alcohol education/awareness, entrepreneurship, careers, courses, etc. It is hoped that this initiative will assist in developing life skills such as preparing for the world of work, teamwork, collaboration and valuable insights into the vocational dimensions of life after school. I am sure the winning candidate will also appreciate having the opportunity to experience how the European Parliament works by partaking in the Euroscola Youth Parliament and having the opportunity to pose a question in the European parliament. READ NEXT: 'A beautiful sweet boy' - Offaly community in mourning following death of beloved 11-year-old boy A MAN who stole four bottles of champagne from Tesco, Tullamore, 'must have expensive taste' remarked Judge Andrew Cody at last week's district court. Marius Schiopu (28),of no fixed abode and Finglas, Dublin, who works as a builder's labourer, was in custody when he appeared at last week's district court. Mr Schiopu has been working for two years in Ireland. He has issues with alcohol, cannabis and cocaine, the court heard. Sergeant Richard Thornton said Mr Schiopu had sold the bottles of champagne for 250 and sent the money back to Romania. Judge Andrew Cody said the last day in court he had been told that Mr Schiopu works in construction. He asked about compensation for Tesco. His solicitor Brian Duffy said Mr Schiopu didn't have any compensation. He said he has a release date of April 9 and has engaged proactively with the prison services. He had three previous convictions, including theft. Judge Andrew Cody imposed a two month prison sentence to run consecutively when his current sentence is finished. An application for free legal aid was granted to solicitor Brian Duffy. READ NEXT: Offaly man convicted of assaulting garda in Tullamore Garda Station after judge views CCTV The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents organisations working with young people nationwide, has launched its Local Champions initiative for 2025. The campaign aims to ensure increased investment in young people and youth work locally and nationally. Aisling Maloney and Charlie Beaudelot from Offaly have been selected as Local Champions for Offaly-Laois. Grace McManus, NYCI campaigns manager explained: As part of the Local Champions project, a group of passionate and dedicated young people have been selected as representatives from their communities, tasked with meeting their local politicians and championing the cause of youth work. The Local Champions received training and support from NYCI to effectively convey the positive impact youth work has on their lives and the lives of young people in the local area, as well as the importance of investing in youth work. NYCI is calling for an increased investment of 21 million in youth work in Budget 2026, to support services with increasing pressures, and ensure equal access to youth work for all young people nationwide. READ NEXT: Luxurious Offaly home with its own office and library could be yours for 600K The representatives Local Champions in Offaly are engaging with TDs John Clendennen, Tony McCormack and Carol Nolan. Charlie said, "I am beyond excited to use my experience and joy to demonstrate the value of youth work and the positive impact it has had on my life- thanks to organisations such as SpunOut, Comhairle na nOg, and of course NYCI, there is incredible and important work being completed on a local and national level. "I look forward to highlighting this work to local representatives to ensure that youth work gets the attention it deserves when budget time comes." Aisling said: "Im really looking forward to meeting our local politicians and sharing with them some of the amazing experiences Ive had with Tipperary Comhairle na nOg, Templemore and Thurles Youth Projects, and Roscrea Scouts. "Theres so much important work happening in our local area to support young people and I want to make sure that our local representatives carry that message to the national level, so that youth work in our area and beyond gets its fair share come budget time. READ NEXT: Brother of Offaly hurling stars rides first winner at point to point meeting The Local Champions initiative will include activities such as engaging with policymakers, sharing personal stories, and using social media to raise awareness and mobilise support. Through these efforts, NYCI and the Local Champions aim to create a broader understanding of the significance of youth work and its positive impact on society. The initiative is part of NYCI's campaign ahead of Budget 2026 later this year, to ensure that young people and youth work receive the necessary investment and support they deserve. The Local Champions initiative is supported by the Community Foundation Ireland. READ NEXT: Three outstanding Offaly businesses shortlisted for prestigious national awards Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added: "Empowering Generations is central to our mission as a philanthropic hub for Ireland. To achieve that goal were delighted to be partners with NYCI. "The Local Champions network aims to amplify the voices of young people and showcase the transformative power of youth work. It is bringing together an inspirational group of young people, and we look forward to seeing them connecting with their local representatives to share how youth work changes lives. To learn more about the Local Champions Initiative and NYCI's efforts to advocate for increased investment in youth work, please visit youth.ie There were two Offaly winners among Irelands heroes of breastfeeding support, at a gala awards ceremony in the Tullamore Court Hotel on March 29. Over 200 people attended the Friends of Breastfeeding Awards gala lunch and awards presentation ceremony to recognise and celebrate excellence in breastfeeding promotion, advocacy, and support across both the professional and voluntary sectors on the island of Ireland. More than 1,300 nominations submitted from the public were narrowed down to just 72 shortlisted nominees in thirteen categories. Offaly based nominees lactation consultant Patricia Marteinsson, Cuidiu Offaly breastfeeding group, Banagher Breastfeeding Group, Tullamore Library, Tullamore Lions Club and Tullamore woman Niamh Ni Dhomhnaill were all in contention for trophies at the landmark event, which was held in the midlands for the first time this year. Speaking at the gala lunch, Chairperson of Friends of Breastfeeding, Edel Quirke said, The Friends of Breastfeeding Awards are a truly special opportunity to celebrate all of the positive things happening in the breastfeeding promotion and support space in Ireland, and to recognise and reward all of the many unsung individuals, businesses and groups going above and beyond to ensure breastfeeding is valued, welcomed, and supported. Offaly took home two trophies, with Patricia Marteinsson winning Lactation Consultant of the Year 'and the Niamh Ni Dhomhnaill of Cuidiu Offaly and breastfeeding counsellor Breda Cooney together collecting the trophy for Breastfeeding Friendly Media Feature of the Year 'for their article in the Tullamore Lions Annual 2024 for grandparents on supporting their breastfed grandchild. Patricia Marteinsson accepts her award from FOBF CEO Edel Quirke The award for Lactation Consultant of the Year rewards an individual delivering excellent specialist care in breastfeeding and lactation. Patricia Marteinsson is the Public Health Nurse Breastfeeding Support for Offaly. Patricia runs the Banagher Breastfeeding Support Group and supports Cuidiu Offaly breastfeeding support group. Prior to becoming a HSE IBCLC, Patricia worked as a lactation consultant in private practice. Today, she provides a consultancy breastfeeding support service to all the women in Offaly, working with individual mums in their own home at their own pace, seeing hundreds of women in person and supporting over a thousand by telephone annually. Patricia works with local organisations like Parents First Laois/Offaly to support parents, create groups for mums and help them find their tribe, while networking with many other voluntary organisations to create support for all the women of the region. Testimonials received by Friends of Breastfeeding about Patricia included one person who said she is so passionate about breastfeeding and really kind, builds you up when you are at your most vulnerable as a new mam and tells you what an amazing job you are doing, she facilitates the Banagher breastfeeding group and makes every lady tea or coffee each week so we can get a break, she is one in a million. Another described how Patricia saved my second breastfeeding journey. One year later, I am still feeding my baby and a huge part of that is down to the great start I got from Patricia. The award for Breastfeeding Media Feature of the Year commends a high quality media feature, event or artwork with a focus on stories, topics or issues in, or related to, breastfeeding in Ireland. In 2024 Cuidiu Offaly organised for the publication of an article on What to Expect When Youre Expecting - a New Grandchild! to be published in the 2025 Tullamore Lions Annual. Written by Niamh Ni Dhomhnaill, the article was presented as an interview with breastfeeding counsellor Breda Cooney and provided practical advice for parents on talking to grandparents about breastfeeding and how they can support breastfeeding. The group intend to host an in person event in 2025 on the topic. READ NEXT: 'A beautiful sweet boy' - Offaly community in mourning following death of beloved 11-year-old boy The communities of Clara, Ferbane, Ballycumber, Doon, Belmont, Shannonharbour, and Shannonbridge had good reason to celebrate recently as the completed 9.7 million upgrade to the Clara water treatment plant was marked with a tree-planting ceremony. Students from Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa helped plant native Irish trees to mark the projects completion. This 9.7 million investment will benefit over 7,700 customers from Clara to Clonmacnoise by ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for homes and businesses. As a result of this upgrade, the water supply has been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency's 'at risk' list. To mark the completion, Uisce Eireann's Programme Manager for the project, Ian Walsh, Tony Mc Cormack, John Clendennen local TDs, Pius Larkin and Ronan Galvin water treatment plant caretakers, representatives from Offaly County Council and Veolia Water Ireland contractors who delivered the works on behalf of Uisce Eireann were in attendance. Ian Walsh, Programme Manager at Uisce Eireann, said: I'm delighted to be here today to see firsthand how this upgrade will benefit the community. Delivering this project was essential to enhancing the security and resilience of the community's water supply.'' Ian added, "On behalf of Uisce Eireann, I would like to thank everybody involved for their hard work and collaboration in delivering this project. It was a team effort that led to the successful completion of the works, allowing for the removal of the supply from the EPA's Remedial Action List (RAL). Welcoming the upgrades, Frank Moran, Cathaoirleach, Tullamore Municipal District, said: ''I would like to commend Uisce Eireann and all involved for completing this project as part of its commitment to the people of Offaly. This improvement will be crucial in shaping the local area's future." This project involved installing a new flocculation unit, upgrading filtration and disinfection, installing central controls, and installing automation systems. READ NEXT: Major investment ensures safe drinking water for Clara and Ferbane area say Uisce Eireann Uisce Eireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more, visit the Uisce Eireann website at water.ie OpEd News One-Time Security Check This Is NOT An Error Message Your site IP address* (145.224.119.253) is listed on one or more Internet blacklists. We get visited by hundreds of these spambots daily. To prevent these from taking resources away from legitimate users, we show this page. Please use the CAPTCHA below which proves you are human, not a spam bot. It's a one-time action** for your IP. After that, you will be able to access OpEd News easily. Thank you for your patience. * Here's more info about IP addresses. ** If your IP address is fixed, you'll be able to use this website from now on. However, if your Internet Service Provider (such as Verizon or T-Mobile) assigns you a different IP address every time you use your device, AND these IP addresses are NOT on an Internet blaclist, then all is good. If, for some strange reason, your ISP assigns you an IP that is blacklisted, then you'll have to go through this process again. (Unless you keep yourself logged in. We only check for spambots on non-logged in visitors.) When the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled three years ago to overturn the 1973 Roe versus Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, the political right naturally championed it yet also downplayed its significance by claiming the court was only "returning it to the states". No big deal, right? "States' rights". As long as a woman did not attempt to seek an abortion in a state in which it was now banned, everything would be fine. Let some states keep their pro-choice laws on the books. Leave each other alone. While GOP lawmakers and so-called "Christian" activists continued trotting out this talking point, state legislatures and attorneys general were busy spreading their web to catch would-be malefactors in other states and localities seeking abortion care. Almost two years ago, 19 state AGs were talking about enacting a 21st-century version of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act to pursue across state lines transgender individuals and those who either have had or are seeking abortions. Fast forward to today, and attorneys general in anti-abortion states are trying to stretch the long arm of the law into pro-choice ones. Last month, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed an arrest warrant and Texas State District Judge Bryan Gantt ordered a $100,000 penalty against New Paltz, New York doctor Maggie Carpenter, after Carpenter prescribed abortion medication via telehealth to patients in their respective states. New York, however, isn't rolling over (like some media outlets and law firms). Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck is refusing to file a summary judgment from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, citing New York's Shield Law, which protects healthcare providers and patients from out-of-state legal actions pertaining to abortion services. That stance could potentially set the stage for the first SCOTUS challenge to all states' shield laws. Bruck explained: There's a chance Texas just does nothing and it's just rejected. I believe they could proceed with some sort of litigation against our office. Something like this has never really come up in any clerk's office in the state. This is the first test for this new law. And we'll see. Ulster County, NY, Executive Jen Metzger added: States have no business interfering in women's reproductive health decisions, and New York stands as a safe haven for those seeking reproductive health care. NY State Senator Michelle Hinchey asserted: The only response to this depraved effort by Texas to penalize private healthcare decisions is to reject it, and our Acting Ulster County Clerk has courageously done that today in upholding the New York State Shield Law. New York will not bend to the extreme injustice of hostile, grandstanding Attorneys General weaponizing the legal system to control people's lives and bodies. We stand in defense of our doctors doing their jobs, patients seeking healthcare, and against overreach no matter who's behind it. The Hudson Valley is a beacon of what's right and just and always will be. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Either this nation shall kill racism, or racism shall kill this nation." (S. Jonas, August, 2018) I tried to put in a portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall who, all by himself, made one of the most consequential amendments to the Constitution, but it wouldn't take for the OpEdNews format. Why Marshall? Well, as it happens the present Administration is, all by itself, amending the Constitution in very significant ways, which is what this column is about. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction Increasingly, many observers of what has happened to our nation since the advent of Trump II, within, for example, the legal profession (including legal education), within journalism (print and electronic), and within the fields of history/political-science, are talking about "the coming Constitutional crisis." However, there are some who think that it is already here. I count myself among that smaller-but-growing group, which is what this column is about. But before we get into the "what are the events-speeches-writings-acts," that add up to defining "what-is-going-on-as-we-speak/think/write," as a "Constitutional Crisis," let us look at the provisions of the Constitution which have-been-are-or-predictably-shortly-will-be-violated by the current Administration and its allies in the Congress. For examples, see Appendix I, which presents the texts of those Articles of the U.S. Constitution which describe the functions of the three independent/inter-dependent branches: the Legislative, in Article I; the Executive in Article II, and the Judicial, in Article III. It has often been pointed out that it is very important to note that it is the description of the structure and function of the legislative branch which comes first in the Constitution. The most important poltico-historico development of the Nation subsequent to the ratification of the Constitution, and its subsequent use as the guiding document for the functioning of the Federal government, has been the adoption into practice, over time, of a wide variety of rulings of the Supreme Court. This Supreme Court power is itself nowhere to be found in the Constitution. As it happens, the power of review and qualification of the structure and function of the other two branches is a primary power of the Court for one widely known reason. Very early in the history of our nation there was a Supreme Court decision in a case, "Marbury v. Madsion," in which the Court arrogated to itself the power to declare that any action of the Federal government (and by a series of Court decisions a handed down over the next 20 years or so those of that States as well). And the balance of the national polity let that decision stand, and indeed become controlling, over the time since then. Over the years, I have written a series of analyses in which I have intended to show that "Marbury v. Madison" was itself a vast, unconstitutional, extension of the power(s) of the Supreme Court. (For a summary of the argument, see Appendix II.) I must in all due modesty say that I have never found any judicial/legal authority who agrees with me. (As it happened, at the time of the Decision President Thomas Jefferson did, but he was well occupied with other national and international matters and never pushed the case.) BUT as it happens, at this time in our Nation's history, the fact that the Court has-arrogated-been-allocated those powers in practice may be the only thin string by which Constitutional government in our nation hangs. Time will, as they say, tell. What are (just some of) the Actions of the present Republican Presidency and Congress that indicate that the Nation is in Constitutional Cris or shortly will be. I am defining "Constitutional Crisis" as a state of politico-economic reality that has major elements in it that violate either provisions of the Constitution itself or the history of the provisions of Constitutional Law that have been established, and accepted, as law, by either the Congress or the Supreme Court itself, since the time of Marbury v. Madison. * Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed eliminating certain Federal courts (ones of course that make decisions that the Trumpublicans don't like) or establishing new courts (in which they would find favor). * "'The first thing we do is, let's kill all the lawyers.' It's said by a character called Dick the Butcher in Act IV, Scene II of William Shakespeare's Henry VI, Part II.' "Some might think that it describes Trump's policy towards lawyers who undertake litigation against him. * Trump's re-fighting the legitimacy of the 2020 election by pardoning law-breakers. * Using the justice system for personal revenge/retribution. Trump has boasted about wanting to do this. It is a legal power of the Presidency nowhere provided for in the Constitution or subsequent case law. * The Assault on Higher Education: arbitrary withholding of funds for reasons such as "anti-Semitism on campus." There is no law governing this kind of action * Closing Govt Depts., changing Departmental function, without the benefit of legislation. Just the last day on which I am writing this column, RFK Jr. has announced the essential destruction of the major functions of the Department of Health and Human Services, established by law, by Congress, on his own authority. * The apparently warrantless arrests, and arbitrary deportations without warrants, or the reading of the victims Miranda Rights at the time of the arrest: www.mirandarights.org/mirandawarning.pdf. (MIRANDA WARNING: "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?" This has been regarded as established law since the original Miranda case, decided by the Supreme Court. The cases include: Khalil, Fabian Schmidt, "The Gang" deported en masse to El Salvador, Dr. Alawieh, and etc. * Pres. Trump would like to change voting rights, as mandated by Federal law, under the Constitution, by Executive Order. * Oh yes, is [the] DOGE (with the Bridge of Sighs [see the history of Venice, Italy] likely to come along sooner rather than later) unconstitutional? Well indeed it is. It's a government department (well I guess it must be: is has that word in its name) that was created (and somehow budgeted for) without the benefit of legislation. Of course, as provided for by Article I Sect. 8 of the Constitution, departments can be created only by the Congress, with the head of each requiring confirmation by the Senate before assuming the job (Article II, Section 2). Unfortunately, I could go on (and on, and on) but will not do so here. Over time, I will be dealing with the responses of various Courts to the, let me say it again, Constitutional crisis we are in. I will leave you with two appendices. The first summarizes the powers of the Three Branches of Government, from the Constitution. The second summarizes my argument as to why "Marbury vs. Madison," by which the Supreme Court arrogated to itself the power to determine the Constitutionality of actions of the other two branches of the Federal government (and, with further decisions, of the State governments as well. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appendix I: The Respective Powers of the Three Branches of Government, as determined by the Constitution Of the Congress, from Article I Section 8. The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; To borrow money on the credit of the United States; To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes; To establish an uniform rules of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States; To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures; To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States; To establish post offices and post roads; To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive rights to their respective writings and discoveries; To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offences against the law of nations; To declare war, grant letters or marque and reprisal, and make rules con cerning captures on land and water; To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years; To provide and maintain a Navy; To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval Forc es; To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions; To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress; To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United states, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the State in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock"'yards, and other needful buildings; And To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitu tion in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. Of the Executive Branch, from Article II Section 2. The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several States, when called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, and he shall have pow er to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law: but the Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of law, or in the heads of departments. The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session. Section 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in case of disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States. Of the Judicial Branch, from Article III Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. Section. 2. The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority; to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls; to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party; to Controversies between two or more States; between a State and Citizens of another State, between Citizens of different States; between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects. In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make. The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed. Appendix II : A summary of my argument as to why "Marbury v. Madison" is/was unconstitutional. "Author's Commentary" (that is, excerpts from what the "author" of the book, Jonathan Westminster, wrote about the "decision"). "Anderson v. United States was the most significant decision handed down by the Supreme Court in the old United States since Marbury v. Madison, referred to in the decision summary reproduced above. In that case, Chief Justice John Marshall had established the power of the Supreme Court to review actions of the two other branches of the Federal government. As correctly noted by Chief Justice Steps that power is nowhere clearly grant ed to it by the Constitution itself. Nevertheless, Marshall said, if the Supreme Court found such actions to be unconstitutional, they were null and void. His reasoning went as follows (Cox): " 'The Constitution is either a superior paramount law, unchangeable by ordinary means, or it is on a level with ordinary legislative acts, and, like other acts, is alterable when the legislature shall please to alter it. If the former part of the alternative be true, then a legislative act contrary to the Constitution is not law; if the latter part be true, then written constitutions are absurd attempts, on the part of the people, to limit a power in its own nature illimitable.' " "Marshall, of course, held that the 'former alternative' was true, its truth found in the fact of the Constitution itself. He then drew the defensible conclusion that the body given the power to adjudicate disputes arising under the Constitution, and Article 3 Section 2 surely did that, indeed had the power to review the actions of the other two govern mental branches for their constitutionality. That authority was extended to the appellate review of state court decisions having constitutional implications under the defensible conclusion that by ratifying the Constitution in the first place, the states had ceded to the Unit ed States that appellate jurisdiction, which is clearly contained in Article 3 Section 2 (see the decision in Cohens). "Once the Court under Marshall's leadership had made those judgments, the full American power structure quickly came to agree with him. The Jeffersonians did make several modest attempts to undermine the independence and authority of the Supreme Court, but failed and ultimately gave up. From that time onwards, American jurisprudence came to be firmly established in the legal structure that Chief Justice Marshall had constructed on the Constitution's base, as he interpreted it. "One very important principle set forth by Marshall, and subsequently accepted by all parties to American government down to the Transition Era [that is the projected historical period that led from U.S. Constitutional Democracy to the establishment of the fascist regime], was that the Constitution was a document that meant more than it explicitly said, that it was open to interpretation, and held within itself 'implications.' And by implication that meant the Constitution was a document that could grow and change with changing times and circumstances, that it was indeed designed to grow and change with changing times and circumstances." This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. In September 2007, retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and historian William Astore emailed me out of the blue. He'd been reading articles at TomDispatch, the website I set up soon after the 9/11 attacks to deal with this country's Global War on Terror, especially the invasions of, and then never-ending conflicts in Afghanistan and later Iraq. As a former military man, he had been struck by the staggering rows of medals and ribbons our military commanders leading this country in those disastrous wars displayed on their uniforms. Unbelievably, they had significantly more of them than our victorious generals in World War II! He commented on how those bemedaled losers reminded him of bemedaled Russian generals in the years before the Soviet Union collapsed and considered their Soviet-style chestfuls of medals and ribbons a sign of our military's self-delusion amid its disastrous wars. His note caught my attention and I did something rare for me when it came to over-the-transom requests to write for TomDispatch and instantly responded, urging him to consider doing a piece on the subject. He promptly did so, beginning it this way: "It's time to save the military from itself" -- a phrase that seems no less appropriate in 2025 than it did in 2007. He then asked a question that was too seldom considered in the American mainstream media: "Why are we spilling blood and treasure with such reckless abandon?" And he was struck by another all-too-strange reality, considering how poorly America's wars were already going. He wrote: "In a country founded on civilian control of the military, it's disturbing indeed that, as a New York Times/CBS poll indicated recently, Americans trust their generals three times as much as Congress and 13 times as much as the president." And so it's gone in these disastrous years of the never-quite-ending Global War on Terror. More than a decade and a half and 110 TomDispatch pieces later, Astore's new book of those articles, American Militarism on Steroids: The Military-Industrial Complex, Unbounded, Uncontained, and Undemocratic, explores what it meant for the Pentagon and the military to essentially run off the rails of history and take the rest of us with them. Honestly, I suspect the age of Donald Trump would have been inconceivable had that military not run off just about every rail in sight at a cost, both literal and figurative, almost beyond imagining. In doing so, it devastated Afghanistan and Iraq -- and, in some strange fashion, this country, too. It's both a tale from hell and a hell of a tale, one that might have seemed like part of an outlandish science fiction novel, had it not actually happened. Tom Ending Militarism in America Taking on the MICIMATT(SH) By William J. Astore I read the news today, oh boy. About a lucky man named Elon Musk. But he lost out on one thing: he didn't get a top secret briefing on Pentagon war plans for China. And the news people breathed a sigh of relief. With apologies to John Lennon and The Beatles, a day in the life is getting increasingly tough to take here in the land of the free. I'm meant to be reassured that Musk didn't get to see America's top-secret plans for -- yes! -- going to war with China, even as I'm meant to ignore the constant drumbeat of propaganda, the incessant military marches that form America's background music, conveying the message that America must have war plans for China, that indeed war in or around China is possible, even probable, in the next decade. Maybe in 2027? My fellow Americans, we should be far more alarmed by such secret U.S. war plans, along with those "pivots" to Asia and the Indo-Pacific, and the military base-building efforts in the Philippines, than reassured by the "good news" that Comrade Billionaire Musk was denied access to the war room, meaning (for Dr. Strangelove fans) he didn't get to see "the big board." It's war, war, everywhere in America. We do indeed have a strange love for it. I've been writing for TomDispatch for 18 years now -- this is my 111th essay (the other 110 are in a new book of mine) -- most of them focusing on militarism in this country, as well as our disastrous wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, the ruinous weapons systems we continue to fund (including new apocalyptic nuclear weapons), and the war song that seems to remain ever the same. A few recent examples of what I mean: President Trump has already bombed Yemen more than once. He's already threatening Iran. He's sending Israel all the explosives, all the weaponry it needs to annihilate the Palestinians in Gaza (so too, of course, did Joe Biden). He's boasting of building new weapons systems like the Air Force's much-hyped F-47 fighter jet, the "47" designation being an apparent homage by its builder, Boeing, to Trump himself, the 47th president. He and his "defense" secretary, Pete Hegseth, continually boast of "peace through strength," an Orwellian construction that differs little from "war is peace." And I could, of course, go on and on and on and on" Occasionally, Trump sounds a different note. When Tulsi Gabbard became the director of national intelligence, he sang a dissonant note about a "warmongering military-industrial complex." And however haphazardly, he does seem to be working for some form of peace with respect to the Russia-Ukraine War. He also talks about his fear of a cataclysmic nuclear war. Yet, if you judge him by deeds rather than words, he's just another U.S. commander-in-chief enamored of the military and military force (whatever the cost, human or financial). Consider here the much-hyped Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by that lucky man Elon Musk. Even as it dismantles various government agencies like the Department of Education and USAID, it has -- no surprise here! -- barely touched the Pentagon and its vast, nearly trillion-dollar budget. In fact, if a Republican-controlled Congress has any say in the matter, the Pentagon budget will likely be boosted significantly for Fiscal Year 2026 and thereafter. As inefficient as the Pentagon may be (and we really don't know just how inefficient it is, since the bean counters there keep failing audit after audit, seven years running), targeted DOGE Pentagon cuts have been tiny. That means there's little incentive for the generals to change, streamline their operations, or even rethink in any significant fashion. It's just spend, spend, spend until the money runs out, which I suppose it will eventually, as the national debt soars toward $37 trillion and climbing. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). [Corrected] For Immediate Release: Berkeley Bans AI Rent Pricing Algorithms; Bartlett Calls for Technology to Empower, Not Exploit Communities [Update - March 27, 2025] Berkeley, CA - On Tuesday (March 12, 2025), the Berkeley City Council took a historic step by banning AI-driven rent-pricing algorithms, marking a critical move to protect renters and address soaring housing costs. Vice Mayor Ben Bartlett praised the decision while emphasizing the broader responsibility to ensure AI Mississauga, Canada, April 3, 2025- Renowned Creative Advertising Director and Visual Artist Mr. Viraj Ponkshe has been recognized with two esteemed Canadian awards for his outstanding contributions to the arts and creative industry. He received the prestigious MARTY'S TROPHY in the 'Established Visual Arts Multimedia' category for the 2024 MARTY Awards, Mississauga's premier red-carpet event celebrating artistic excellence. Additionally, he was honored with the City of Mississauga's Civic Award of Ireland Business Plan is a premier Irish-based business plan writing company. They offer entrepreneurs customized, professional business plans to guarantee their success. Expert in startup business plans for Ireland, bank proposals, investor pitches, and restaurant business plans. The company's seasoned team is committed to helping businesses present themselves clearly and effectively to potential investors, banks, and stakeholders. According to the CEO of this prestigious agency, "A well-written business plan is a Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Moda Center on March 16, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) Getty Images Update: Anfernee Simons is out for the Blazers. The Portland Trail Blazers moved to three games behind 10th-place Sacramento Wednesday night when the Kings lost 116-111 at the Washington Wizards. This was an unexpected loss for the Kings, given that Washington (17-59) had lost eight out of nine entering Wednesday. With just six games remaining, the Blazers need a minor miracle to reel in the Kings. Doing so starts with winning Thursday at Toronto. The problem is that the Kings next play Friday at Charlotte (19-57) when the Blazers play the second of a back-to-back at the Chicago Bulls (34-42), who have won five out of seven. However, the rest of the Kings schedule is tough. They play four playoff-bound teams (Cleveland, Detroit, Denver and LA Clippers) before closing at home against the Phoenix Suns (35-41), who trail Sacramento by one game. Were going day by day and see how this goes, Blazers forward Toumani Camara told reporters after Tuesdays 127-113 win at Atlanta. Stick together and try to get as many wins as possible. Thats where our mind is right now. Prediction: The Blazers could get back Anfernee Simons and appear to remain highly motivated despite the odds stacked against them. Expect them to pick up a win over the Raptors to get to within 2 of the Kings. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT TORONTO RAPTORS What: Trail Blazers (33-43) at Raptors (28-48), 4:30 p.m., Thursday. Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto. Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM). TV channel: KATU (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Xfinity: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. KUNP (Antenna: 47.1. Xfinity: 16, 302, 1170. DirecTV: 47. Spectrum: 184). How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you dont have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions on how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here. ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings) Moneyline: POR -120 | TOR 142 Spread: POR -3 | Over/Under: 225.5 INJURIES Blazers: Anfernee Simons (right arm contusion), Jerami Grant (right knee tendinitis), Scoot Henderson (concussion protocol), Deandre Ayton (left calf strain), Robert Williams III (left knee sprain), Sidy Cissoko (left ankle sprain) and Bryce McGowens (right rib fracture) are out. Raptors: Scottie Barnes (right hand MCP joint contusion) and Jared Rhoden (left hand MCP joint sprain) are questionable. Ulrich Chomche (right knee partial MCL Tear), Gradey Dick (right knee bone bruise), Immanuel Quickley (rest), Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain) and Jakob Poeltl (rest) are out. NEXT UP The Blazers play at 5 p.m. Friday at the Chicago Bulls (34-42). -- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook) Clark County sheriff's deputies on Friday arrested a man and a woman in the October killing of a woman found dead at her Vancouver home. TNS Clark County sheriffs deputies arrested a man and a woman on Friday in the October killing of a Vancouver woman. Jordan Sullivan, 31, is accused of first-degree murder in the death of 78-year-old Patricia Jimerfield, officials said. Sullivan is Jimerfields grandson. Alyssa Williams, 30, is accused of second-degree murder. Sheriffs officials describe her as a close friend of Sullivan. A fire boat assisted ground fire crews from the water. Courtesy of the Vancouver Fire Department A fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon on a Port of Vancouver ship loader that transfers grain, fire officials said. The small blaze started around 4:30 p.m. near 1905 Northwest Harborside Drive on Vancouvers waterfront, across from Hayden Island. Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the grain-filled loader, the Vancouver Fire Department said in a statement. Firefighters were able to remove the burning grain through an elevator. Courtesy of the Vancouver Fire Department Around 30 firefighters fought the flames and used an elevator in the loader to remove and extinguish the burning grain, fire officials said. A Vancouver fire boat was on the scene, assisting firefighters on the grain loader. Vancouver fire spokesperson Joe Hudson told The Oregonian/OregonLive in an email that firefighters successfully knocked down the fire by about 5:15 p.m., but stayed at the scene until around 9:30 p.m. to extinguish grain that was still smoldering. Hudson said the fire department didnt know what kind of grain was inside the loader when it caught fire. Nobody was injured during the incident, officials said. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 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 Palestinian flag flutters in the wind as University of Oregon students set up a tent encampment at the university to protest the Israel-Hamas war on Monday, April 29, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) AP AP An international student at the University of Oregon had their visa terminated after they were criminally charged, a school spokesperson confirmed Wednesday. The student hasnt been publicly identified, and its not clear when or where they were charged with unspecified crimes. The Department of Homeland Security didnt notify the university of the visa revocation, but the school spokesperson said the university proactively discovered the situation. [READ MORE: Trump administration terminates funding to two Oregon nonprofits that help immigrants become U.S. citizens] The university was not informed in advance and has not been given details about the reason for this action, the spokesperson, Eric Howald, said in a statement. We recognize that this situation may raise questions and concerns in our community. Howald said the university did not bring the student to the attention of federal authorities and wasnt involved in the decision regarding their visa status. He declined to identify the student, citing privacy laws. The F-1 visa is a non-immigration document that allows foreign students to reside in the country full-time while attending an academic institution. While the number fluctuates, the U.S. State Department typically issues hundreds of thousands of student visas each year. Once revoked, a F-1 holder has 15 days to leave the country unless another legal pathway becomes available. Several prominent pro-Palestinian student activists were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in recent days, raising fears of First Amendment violations. In this case, its not known if political activism was a factor. A social media flyer posted Wednesday by the University of Oregon chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America said the student has fears of returning to their country of origin and is seeking legal aid. A Eugene Police Department spokesperson said she determined the criminal case did not occur locally. The Eugene City Council banned its police force from enforcing federal immigration law in 2017. A State Department spokesperson said the agency doesnt usually comment on specific cases. The United States has zero tolerance for non-citizens who violate U.S. laws, the spokesperson said. Those who break the law, including students, may face visa refusal, visa revocation, and/or deportation. Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane. Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe. Danielle Alisha Monk, 30, and Samira Claire Jensen, 40, blocked police cars while officers were trying to whisk away arrested protesters (file photo from a protest at PSU in early May 2024). Destiny Johnson A woman was convicted Tuesday after being arrested during the pro-Palestinian protests that rocked the Portland State campus last spring, court records show. This follows the January conviction of another woman for the same incident. Danielle Alisha Monk, 30, and Samira Claire Jensen, 40, were both found guilty by juries of trespassing in the second degree for blocking police cars in a parking garage while officers were trying to transport arrested protesters on May 23, 2024, court records and the Multnomah County District Attorneys office say. Attorneys for the defense and prosecution are scheduled to argue a litany of motions, including the defenses latest request to strike the death penalty, at Bryan Kohbergers next hearing, which is next week. AP Attorneys for Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger, in their latest attempt to avoid capital punishment for their client if he is convicted, have asked the judge to consider setting a new legal precedent regarding how autism is classified in death penalty cases. The 30-year-olds public defense team asked 4th District Judge Steven Hippler to remove consideration of the death penalty, and its motion hinges on the premise that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on intellectual disabilities should be expanded to include people with autism spectrum disorder. That 2002 decision concluded that people with severe intellectual impairment must be exempt from a death sentence. His attorneys argued in filings last month that Kohbergers autism diagnosis shares similarities with an intellectual disability, and exposes him to the unacceptable risk that hell be wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to death. He faces four counts of first-degree murder in the killing of four University of Idaho students, and if hes convicted, prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty. In November 2022, the four students were found stabbed to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, roughly nine miles away from Pullman, where Kohberger was studying criminology at Washington State University. The students were: Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur dAlene; Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls; and Ethan Chapin, 20, of Mount Vernon, Washington. Kohbergers attorneys have been trying and failing to remove the death penalty as an option. The defense filed a slew of motions, including arguments that capital punishment is unconstitutional, breaks with evolving standards of decency, violates international law and is arbitrarily applied. But Hippler, who presides over cases in Ada County, where the case was moved after a change of venue was granted, wasnt persuaded. He denied each one of the defenses requests to keep their client from possibly being on death row. Now the defense has turned to the U.S. Supreme Court case Atkins v. Virginia. Executing people with intellectual disabilities violates the Eighth Amendment regarding cruel and unusual punishment, the justices ruled, and Kohbergers lead attorney, Anne Taylor, has argued that the ruling also should apply to those with autism. Mr. Kohbergers autism spectrum disorder prevents him from being sentenced to death in a manner that accords with the constitutional requirements of proportionality and reliability, Taylor wrote in her motion to strike the death penalty. Attorneys for the defense and prosecution are scheduled to argue a litany of motions, including the defenses latest request to strike the death penalty, at Kohbergers next hearing, which is next week. Despite opposition from the prosecution, Kohbergers attorneys also asked Hippler to allow expert testimony about their clients autism, along with diagnoses for obsessive-compulsive disorder and developmental coordination disorder. Kohbergers scheduled to appear at the Ada County Courthouse at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9. Starting this month, Kohbergers hearings will be livestreamed on the courts website: coi.isc.idaho.gov/docs/Stream/District-4/District-4.html. His trial is set for this summer, with jury selection beginning July 30. Kohbergers attorneys, prosecutors debate Supreme Court ruling Prosecutors said in their responding filing that the defenses own arguments to strike the death penalty contradict precedent set by not only the Idaho Supreme Court, but also the U.S. Supreme Court. They failed entirely to demonstrate any type of universal agreement that people on the autism spectrum should be barred from facing capital punishment, the filing added. The only mental disability that precludes imposition of the death penalty is intellectual disability, according to briefs signed by Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson and Special Assistant Attorney General Jeff Nye. Two legal experts told the Idaho Statesman that, absent of cognitive or mental deficits, the precedent set in Atkins v. Virginia likely wont be enough to take the death penalty off the table for Kohberger, although both didnt discount the challenges people with autism face in the legal system. There are aspects of autism in different ways that might cause potential issues in capital settings, in representation and things like that, said Colleen Berryessa, Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice associate professor. Berryessa authored a toolkit which the defense cited in its filing to help judges better understand defendants with autism, but she said in an interview that the actual application of Atkins in higher functioning autism cases is not something that people are talking about. University of Virginia research assistant professor Rose Nevill, a licensed clinical psychologist whose research focuses on enhancing evaluations for people with autism, said theres strong reasoning to expand Atkins v. Virginia to include people with all intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. Nevill, who directs the UVA Autism Research Core, explained there are several reasons to broaden the legal precedent to bar all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from facing the death penalty. This includes concerns that their differences in cognition, communication and socialization would affect how they present themselves during trial, which Nevill said is highly likely to lead jurors to perceive them negatively. Legal experts interviewed by the Statesman echoed Nevills concerns regarding how jurors could view Kohberger. Nevill said people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a harder time understanding social norms, and also have differences in the way they process information, which can make it harder for them to understand laws and regulations. She added that these views were her own opinions and not reflective of the University of Virginias position. They also have social difficulties and have a harder time understanding when they are being manipulated, Nevill said. So when prosecuting criminal cases against people with autism, she said, its important to consider the intention behind their alleged crime and whether their black and white, rigid thinking could have allowed someone else to influence them greatly. Someone with autism might easily have an above-average IQ, Nevill said, but that doesnt always translate to them having above-average adaptive functioning or the ability to perform everyday tasks. His lawyers can and should emphasize impairment in adaptive functioning, she told the Statesman. Many autistic people have adaptive functioning scores lower than intellectual quotient in other words, many autistic adults have a reduced ability to function independently in society and that ability does not match their overall intellect. Kohberger struggles in the real world of daily living One of Kohbergers attorneys, Elisa Massoth, pointed to concerns about his adaptive functioning in a response filing. Massoth said that despite Kohbergers high IQ, he struggles in the real world of daily living, self-care, socialization and communication. The state seeks death when Mr. Kohberger is a person with an intellectual and neurodivergent physical disability, she wrote. On the off chance Hippler strikes the death penalty, Berryessa said his decision likely would establish a legal precedent in Idaho. While not binding to jurisdictions outside the state, it could give attorneys with similar clients a model to cite when crafting arguments. Berryessa said that it likely would be influential to how defense attorneys consider their cases involving defendants with autism in capital cases if Hippler were to rule in favor of the defense. Concerns raised in the Atkins v. Virginia ruling trace back to intellectual disability. Thompson and Nye said that precludes Kohberger, since he has the least severe form of autism without accompanying intellectual impairment. Kohbergers IQ of 119 is far above the required IQ of 70 or lower to prove the states legal definition of an intellectual disability, the filing said. But the Atkins standard is much more than low IQ, the defense argued. Massoth said Kohberger fits the criteria established in Atkins v. Virginia through impairment in communication, reasoning, social skills and understanding the reactions of others. Autism isnt something one outgrows, Massoth wrote, adding that since a young age, Kohberger was treated as a child with special needs. For example, she said Kohberger received reading support, speech therapy, reminders to stay on task, extra time for schoolwork and organizational support. For someone to receive a diagnosis of intellectual disability, they must have a standard IQ and adaptive functioning scores at or below 70, as the prosecution said. Which means someone can receive an intellectual disability diagnosis only if they have the delayed ability to think, reason and function independently in society, Nevill said. The delays also have to be present since childhood. Testing showed that Kohbergers IQ was lower as a child, but it was still above 70, according to a filing. Its unclear what he scored on an adaptive functioning assessment. Based on that, Nevill said, Kohberger wouldnt meet the criteria for an intellectual disability, though she said his obsessive-compulsive disorder could increase the odds of him having adaptive deficits. Kohbergers appearance, behavior are irrelevant: prosecution Kohberger will be under a microscope from the start of his soon-approaching trial, his attorneys argued. The minute that jury selection begins, jurors will begin to study and analyze Mr. Kohbergers physical presence, Massoth wrote. They will watch his every move and pass judgment on him every minute of the jury trial simply based on how he looks and reacts to the presentation of certain evidence and comments about him. Because of that, Massoth wrote in a March 17 filing that Kohberger must be able to present expert testimony. Jurors arent expected to understand neurological and mental disorders like autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, so testimony from two of the defenses expert witnesses must be allowed, she argued. To exclude this evidence will result in unfair bias that could cause a wrongful conviction, Massoth wrote. Prosecutors said they arent aware of any legal rule that allows Kohberger to present evidence explaining how his physical mannerisms or behaviors might appear in front of the jury. Thompson also argued in a March 24 response filing that unless Kohberger is testifying, his appearance and behavior are irrelevant and not evidence. Not only would this type of evidence be completely irrelevant and immaterial to the legal and factual issues in this case whether the defendant committed four murders and burglary it would more likely confuse the issues, mislead the jury and play to the jurys sympathies, Thompson wrote. There are ways for defense attorneys to present information about Kohbergers behavior to the jury, Berryessa said, but it can be more challenging since its not directly related to the case. In fact, the prosecution wants Hippler to prohibit the defense from offering any explanation about his possible appearance or behavior. Both Berryessa and Nevill raised concerns about the way jurors might perceive someone with autism. The main behaviors, like social communication differences and repetitive interests, Nevill said, tend to put those people at a higher risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system, even though they are no more likely to commit crimes than neurotypical people. The reason for that is because autistic people, just in the core features of their diagnosis, tend to do a lot of things that people who are unfamiliar with autism tend to find suspicious, Nevill said. In the situation of a jury (that) would be quite disadvantageous for Kohberger. Kohbergers flat affect, intense gaze, awkward body posture, stillness and inability to show emotion are factors the public already views as indicators of his guilt, Massoth said. Shes concerned those biases will bleed into the courtroom and sway jurors toward a conviction, the filing added. Massoth also pointed to an article by the founders of the Mental Disability Law and Policy Associates, which found that if juries arent informed of a defendants diagnoses, they might interpret the persons demeanor negatively and it could have a detrimental implication, the filing said. Should he be convicted of this crime, his neurological, physical disorder may very well be the reason the jury misjudges him, Massoth wrote. Kohbergers autism reduces his culpability, defense says The jury selection process is an initial way for the defense to bring up Kohbergers autism while unpacking potential jurors attitudes, said Daniel Medwed, a criminal justice and law professor at Northeastern University in Boston. He told the Statesman in an interview that one of the questions the defense could ask is whether jurors know someone with autism, in an attempt to find people who are more empathetic versus people who might have stereotypical views of autism. I think the risk, of course, is if he presents as sort of being emotionless, and not responding to some of the testimony in a way that would reflect empathy, that the jurors would hold it against him, Medwed said by phone. To be impaneled, jurors basically have to be a blank slate, Medwed said. He said the 12 jurors, along with a couple of alternates, have to be objective; cant have too much outside knowledge of the case; and have to be open to the death penalty but not firmly opposed. Medwed said its possible that to mitigate any concerns, the judge could choose to inform jurors about Kohbergers disorder and how it affects the way he carries himself, while adding that they shouldnt hold it against him during the trial. It also could be brought up in opening statements as well as during sentencing, of course, according to Medwed. Thats going to be one of the big mitigating factors, Medwed said, referring to Kohbergers autism diagnosis. Berryessa also addressed misunderstandings around the autism spectrum. A diagnosis can be perceived as an extremely, extremely sympathetic characteristic, she told the Statesman, but some negative views of autism are prevalent. Decades-old research that Berryessa said wasnt well-conducted falsely drew a connection between autism and violence. Although misconceptions about autism arent as pervasive as they once were, Berryessa said they can be very stigmatizing and, in a criminal justice setting, can lead judges or attorneys to believe someone might not be able to control their behavior or be rehabilitated. There can be kind of this double cutting effect, she said. It can be extremely helpful to contextualize the information and especially the behaviors of the person ... but it also depending on the person whos understanding that information as a juror, as a judge, as kind of anybody in the lay public that they might view that as being a negative characteristic. Kohbergers attorneys echoed that. In their Feb. 24 filing, Taylor wrote that both courts and academics have held that presenting mitigating evidence to a jury, such as a mental illness or intellectual disabilities, is a two-edged sword that increases the likelihood a defendant will be seen as dangerous. Kohbergers autism spectrum disorder reduces his culpability, negates the retributive and deterrent purposes of capital punishment, and exposes him to the unacceptable risk that he will be wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death, she wrote. --By Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman 2025 Idaho Statesman. Visit at idahostatesman.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Chick-fil-A's Oregon and southwest Washington locations will offer a different free breakfast item at every Tuesday in April 2025. Courtesy of Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A fans in Oregon and southwest Washington are in luck. Every Tuesday in April, the iconic chicken chain will offer a different free breakfast item at participating locations. No app required, Chick-fil-A said in a news release, just mention the offer when ordering in-restaurant or through the drive-thru! Here are the dates and entrees for the April special: April 1: Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit April 8: Hash Brown Scramble Burrito or Bowl April 15: Spicy Chicken Biscuit April 22: 4ct Chick-n-Minis April 29: Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit Chick-fil-A recently added spun sodas and floats to its menu, available at select locations. The chain also announced a partnership with Costco and other club retailers to sell massive bottles of its perennially popular Chick-fil-A sauce. Chick-fil-A currently has 14 locations in Oregon and two in southwest Washington. Julie Evensen covers trending topics and popular culture. She can be reached at jevensen@oregonian.com or @juliecevensen.bsky.social on Bluesky and @julieevensen on Threads. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. Subscribe to The Best Thing I Ate This Week newsletter Each week, restaurant critic Michael Russell takes Oregonian/OregonLive subscribers along on his culinary explorations. Not a subscriber? You can receive a few weeks of The Best Thing I Ate This Week newsletter as a free trial. Sign up here. This flavor of Krispy Kreme is only available from April 3-6 at Krispy Kreme shops Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme will team up with Fruity Pebbles to offer a limited-edition Milk Original Glazed Doughnut. The catch? Its only available for four days, Thursday through Sunday, April 3 6. The Krispy Kreme website describes the milk-glazed doughnuts as your favorite doughnuts glazed with Fruity Pebbles milk so sweet and tasty, youll think youve just put down the spoon. Doughnut lovers can order a dozen of the limited-edition flavor doughnuts for $5. They are also available for individual purchase. The doughnuts will be available in stores or via drive-thru. If you want to order online, use the code PEBBLES. Purchases are limited to two dozen per guest in-store or one dozen online. You might say that weve reached a new glaze innovation bedrock with Krispy Kreme x Fruity PEBBLES Milk Original Glazed Doughnuts, said Krispy Kreme Chief Growth Officer Dave Skena in a news release. This collaboration perfectly combines the iconic signatures of both brands, said Leah Broeders, Head of Licensing for Fruity PEBBLES in the release. Weve brought the unmistakable, beloved Fruity PEBBLES flavor to Krispy Kremes famed Original Glazed doughnut, creating a truly one-of-a-kind treat. Its a Yabba-Dabba-Doo-licious mashup that delivers the playful spirit of PEBBLES and the melt-in-your-mouth magic of Krispy Kreme in every bite. There are three Portland-area Krispy Kreme locations Happy Valley, Beaverton and Vancouver. Julie Evensen covers trending topics and popular culture. She can be reached at jevensen@oregonian.com or @juliecevensen.bsky.social on Bluesky and @julieevensen on Threads. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. Subscribe to The Best Thing I Ate This Week newsletter Each week, restaurant critic Michael Russell takes Oregonian/OregonLive subscribers along on his culinary explorations. Not a subscriber? You can receive a few weeks of The Best Thing I Ate This Week newsletter as a free trial. Sign up here. Gene Klare sits in his office, surrounded by framed drawings of his children and step-children. (Photo courtesy of Amy Klare) Amy Klare Thirty years after it ended, Gene Klare reluctantly agreed to talk about the traumatic period that upended his life. The occasion was an academic conference, held at Portland State in the 1990s. It didnt go well. He nearly came to blows with an audience member, recalled Marcus Widenor, a retired University of Oregon professor. I remember how raw his feelings were, even then, all those years later. The subject of the conference was the strike against The Oregonian and the Oregon Journal, launched in 1959 by the small stereotypers union and backed by nearly a dozen other unions at the two newspapers, including the reporters guild. The strike proved volatile from the start. A row of parked newspaper-delivery trucks was blown up, resulting in a stereotyper going to prison. Then a mysterious gunman shot and seriously injured a cousin of The Oregonians owner. No one was ever arrested in the attack. In 1960, as they tried to solve the crime, police reenacted the shotgun attack on Donald R. Newhouse, who was shot in the basement of his Northwest Portland house. (Oregonian file photo) The Oregonian/OregonLive The strike would last five years the longest in Oregon history and ultimately end with the local unions destruction. The experience stayed with Klare, whod been in the thick of the conflict. He never got over it, said Don McIntosh, editor of the Northwest Labor Press. The strike was kind of the fulcrum of his life. *** Eugene Francis Klare was one of Oregons highest profile labor activists in the second half of the 20th century. He gave everything he had to the work. But it was always a fallback position for him. Gene Klare, left, and President Jimmy Carter. (Courtesy of Amy Klare) Amy Klare Growing up on an Indiana farm during the Great Depression, hed been fascinated by the newspaper that arrived at the house every week, the sole proof he had of the wider world. My mind was made up at 12 years old, he said in an interview late in his career. I wanted to work on a newspaper. Klare, who died in 2008 at 81, left the farm as a teenager, spent a year in college, two more in the Marines. He then bought a weekly paper in a small Indiana town and promptly ran it and a youthful marriage into the ground. In 1956, at 29, he arrived in Portland and scored a job at The Oregonian. He loved being a reporter at the largest daily newspaper in Oregons largest city. Gene Klare, newspaperman. (Photo courtesy of Amy Klare) Amy Klare He seemed like a caricature of an old-style newspaperman, said Widenor, who got to know Klare in the 1990s. I can hear his voice in my head. Gruff, Midwestern nasal, a little like Studs Terkel. Klare was indeed an old-style newspaperman at The Oregonian, slamming a fedora onto his head and racing into the street at the sound of police sirens, trawling smoky bars late at night in search of politicos behaving badly. He had an instinct for a good story. He wrote about a self-styled minister who strangled a woman to death after she slapped a cigarette out of his mouth. He detailed the modus operandi of a thief, armed only with his wits, who liked to pull off crimes in broad daylight. He profiled a sheriffs deputy who wrote poetry on the side. Klare had a good sense of humor and an infectious laugh, friends and colleagues said. But he could be a difficult man, judgmental and quick to anger. He had an explosive temper, said Amy Klare, his daughter. He drank too much, she added. Gene Klare, labor activist, meets President Lyndon Johnson. (Photo courtesy of Amy Klare) Amy Klare His upbringing probably had something to do with that dark side. Amy Klare described her grandmother, Genes mother, as a whack job. She said of Genes father: I think he was a criminal. The anger helped sustain Gene during the Portland strike, but when the walkout faltered and the newspapers declared themselves open shops, that fury began to scour his insides. Amy Klare remembers her father, out of control, screaming at her mother, his second wife, Jane. The fights even got physical. My brother and I hid in the bathroom, Amy said. It was awful. Gene and Jane eventually divorced. Strikers picket outside the Oregon Journal building in downtown Portland. (Photo: Oregon Historical Society) Oregon Historical Society Gene Klare directed his anger at his fellow journalists as well. He cut out of his life any reporter who gave up on the long strike and returned to work, no matter how desperate the persons financial situation. My dad was very unforgiving of scabs, Amy Klare said. In 1965, after the strike collapsed, Gene Klare became the editor of the Northwest Labor Press, then called the Oregon Labor Press. In the union papers pages, he frequently relitigated the newspaper conflict. One article stated that an unnamed striker who slunk back through the picket line later sought psychiatric counseling, perhaps for a troubled conscience. He liked to make the case for what The Oregonian his paper lost because of the strike, asserting that before the walkout it was listed among the top dozen or so U.S. newspapers on the basis of journalistic quality. Afterward, he argued, it was never the same. This much is certain: Klare was never the same. He was a decent reporter at an important newspaper, then the strike happened, McIntosh said. Overnight, his life changed. *** The spark for the strike was technological innovation. New, German-made plate-casting machines could be operated with fewer men. The stereotypers, whose dangerous job involved pouring vats of hot lead, wanted assurances thered be no job cuts. But the morning-delivered Oregonian and the afternoon Oregon Journal, in a joint editorial, insisted the dispute wasnt about job security or job safety. It was solely about the unions showing who was in charge. When a union said jump the newspapers would jump, the editorial said of the labor bosses motives. Managements were to be brought to their knees any time a union saw fit. This was public-relations spin, but unions unquestionably were powerful in mid- 20th-century America. With 850 union members walking off the job at the two Portland newspapers, the unions had good reason to expect theyd win the fight. Labor was a mighty force, very politically connected, McIntosh pointed out. "Camera-shy K.C. Tanner, attorney for a stereotyper accused of being a newspaper truck bomber, began his defense with a blow to the neck of a TV photographer in the corridor of Multnomah County Courthouse," states the original caption of a photo showing Tanner assaulting a KPTV cameraman before heading into court. (Oregonian file photo) The Oregonian/OregonLive The Oregonian and Oregon Journal took an immediate hit. Some advertisers pulled out of the newspapers, wary of getting on the wrong side of the unions. And with so many staffers out on the picket lines, the two newspapers, longtime rivals, had to publish a combined edition for several months. Missed coverage and typos abounded. The unions then ratcheted up the pressure by starting a strike paper, the Portland Reporter. They took over a former livery stable at Northwest Overton Street and 17th Avenue and transformed it into a newsroom. The International Typographical Union trucked in an outdated, 70-year-old press the strikers dubbed Little David. Klare worked as a reporter for the Reporter. He also proofed pages, sold ads, sent out press releases and fixed machinery. Sometimes he slept on the newsroom floor. When Little David started up every night, reporters and editors headed to a nearby bar, where they got drunk and sang We Shall Overcome. Klare and other staffers working for free, surviving on union benefits and side hustles began to dream big. They wanted to believe the Reporter could do what no strike paper had ever done: outlive the strike, maybe even overtake the citys two established newspapers. Some readers reactions fueled that ambition. One wrote to The Oregonian: Its obvious your best reporters, photographers, pressmen, etc., are putting out the new paper. Maybe so, but management refused to blink. The strike soon bogged down and the truck bombing, followed by the unsolved shooting and an explosion at an Oregonian circulation office, tilted public opinion toward managements side. Union members started thinking the unthinkable: they could lose. A bomb charred the inside of an Oregonian circulation office in Salem, destroying equipment and records. The front plate-glass window was shattered. (The Oregonian file photo) Oregonian Then came a shocking announcement, one that caused many strikers to believe theyd been set up. Samuel I. Newhouse, The Oregonians New York-based owner, bought the Oregon Journal for $8 million. Klare was among those who came to believe this was Newhouses plan all along, that the newspaper magnate had purposely provoked the stereotypers, knowing a strike would stagger the already struggling, locally owned Journal, thus allowing him to purchase the afternoon paper on the cheap. Newhouse denied any such ploy. Whatever the case, it was the next blow that hurt the strikers more. In November 1963, the National Labor Relations Board belatedly concluded the strike was illegal, stating it wasnt economic but for the purpose of obtaining a contract embodying within its four corners an elaborate closed-shop hiring system. The songs of solidarity petered out at the saloon around the corner from the Reporters offices. More and more strikers, defeated, returned to The Oregonian and the Journal. The Reporter managed to last another year, until September 1964. These dedicated men on the last frontier of the independent newspaper are silent this morning, choked with a feeling they are completely unable to express, the Reporters Robert J. Davis wrote in the final edition. Klare was among those choked with an inexpressible feeling. In the months that followed, he tried to express it, writing a pulp novel about a strike against the Cascade Tribune and Bonneville News. The fictional story draws directly from the real thing, with Klares own conspiratorial twist put on it. In the manuscript, a corporate flunky named Vic Vernon dupes a striking stereotyper into dynamiting newspaper-delivery trucks, part of Tribune publisher Wilson Meyers secret plan to make the unions look bad. The scheme goes sideways when Vernon, heading to Polk County to meet the patsy and plant incriminating evidence, gets greedy: On the drive from Bonneville to Falls City, Vernon had resolved to skim off an extra $10,000 for himself on top of the $10,000 Wilson Meyers promised him. A guy has to look out for himself, he rationalized. Im taking the big risk while Wilson sits in his office. The hardboiled novel offers plenty of corruption and double-crosses, as well as Oregon scenery, but much of it reads like union agitprop. Klare couldnt get it published. In January 1960, during a strike of The Oregonian and the Journal, 10 newspaper-delivery trucks were bombed. In this photo, one of the accused, Eddie Snyder, sits with his wife at a police station while detectives question suspects. (Oregonian file photo) The Oregonian/OregonLive The Oregonian and Journal, meanwhile, continued on, without unions now and as fat as ever, as The Wall Street Journal reported. Still, its hard to say there was a winner in the long Portland newspaper strike. Similar strikes in Milwaukee and New York City followed the Portland dispute, with similar results. Newspapers across the country instituted computerized typesetting in the 1960s and 70s, killing off printing-craft jobs and their local unions en masse. (With the subsequent advent of the World Wide Web, the printing press itself now appears headed for extinction.) Sam Newhouse bought the Oregon Journal to dominate the Portland market, but afternoon newspapers already were doomed. In city after city, they fell victim to long car commutes to the suburbs and TVs evening-news broadcasts. The Journal shut down in 1982. Such perspective only seemed to make Klare feel worse in his later years. He remained bitter, McIntosh said. But the strike wasnt for nothing. Thats how Gene Klare ended up at the Labor Press, an independent, nonprofit newspaper owned by unions. He was an important voice in the labor movement, said Widenor, who was a union organizer before moving into academia. Oregon Gov. Vic Atiyeh speaks during a brown bag lunch with labor leaders and activists at the state Capitol. Amy Klare, then a college student, sits to the right of her father, Gene Klare. (Photo: Courtesy of Amy Klare) Amy Klare He was an important voice for his children as well. Amy Klare recalled how, when she was a young girl, her father took her to soup kitchens, telling her the working man was always vulnerable. She worked part-time at the Labor Press while in college and went on to lead the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries civil-rights division. Her father had flaws, she said, but he was also by far the most influential person in my life. Despite his long career in the labor movement, weighing in on union drives and strike actions up and down the West Coast, Gene Klare stayed fixated on his own beginnings in it. He typically refused invitations to talk about the Portland newspaper strike at local history forums, but in his Labor Press column, he showed no such diffidence. Time and again he took up the subject. In a 1980 column, he complained about former journalist Connie McCready, then Portlands mayor, claiming her election campaign was well-protected by The Oregonian and noting that she had worked at the newspaper behind a picket line in 1959-65. More than a decade later 30 years after the strike he asked if The Oregonian had passed along the cost savings from being an open shop to advertisers and subscribers. He quickly answered his own question: Of course not. In 2003, he returned to the plot of his unpublished novel, reminding Labor Press readers of the real delivery-truck bombing in 1960 and suggesting it was an inside job. The dynamiting did nothing to harm the struck papers and did nothing to adversely affect their production, he wrote. So, as the mystery writers ask, Who dunnit? Some readers including people who knew Klare personally wondered about his obsession with the long-gone strike, how he couldnt get over it. I thought he was beating a dead horse, Widenor said. But for Klare, it made sense. The past was prologue. In 1964, as Oregons longest-ever strike was crumbling, union membership in the state stood at 39%. By 2000, it had fallen by more than half and was still dropping. Douglas Perry is a reporter and editor at The Oregonian/OregonLive. You can reach him at dperry@oregonian.com. Arts and culture organizations across the country got the news late Wednesday night: Their federal funding was gone. Their National Endowment for the Humanities grants were being terminated. For Oregon Humanities, an organization that creates and supports cultural events throughout the state, the money that was expected to partially fund their work through 2027 was gone, overnight. Your grant no longer effectuates the agencys needs and priorities and conditions of the Grant, the letter from the National Endowment for the Humanities read. NEH has reasonable cause to terminate your grant in light of the fact that the NEH is repurposing its funding allocations in a new direction in furtherance of the Presidents agenda. The terminations are part of a purge by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, created by President Donald Trump. The New York Times reported Tuesday that Musks team was demanding a 70% to 80% staff reduction at the National Endowment for the Humanities and what could amount to a cancellation of all grants made under the Biden administration that have not been fully paid out. The impacts of the late-night message were immediate at Oregon Humanities. According to Ben Waterhouse, director of communications, the organization was forced to immediately pause its grant program for supporting public humanities events. That program, which helps bring cultural events to places all over the state, is mostly funded with money from the National Endowment for the Humanities. While Oregon Humanities doesnt fully rely on money from the National Endowment for the Humanities, it does make up almost 45% of the groups budget. We were expecting bad news, Waterhouse said, especially in the wake of cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services earlier this week. The news isnt just bad for Oregon Humanities. Money from the National Endowment for the Humanities funds projects from Oregons universities, museums and tribes. According to a press release sent out by Oregon Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded more than $16 million in grants in Oregon since 2020. Recipients include the High Desert Museum, Confederated Tribes-Umatilla and the City of Astoria, among many others. Linfield University is three-quarters of the way through a National Endowment for the Humanities-funded project to train faculty in authentic storytelling and pilot a new class. The university had received nearly $46,000 of a $60,000 grant when they received notice that it was terminated Wednesday. A group of professors at Portland State University were also among those who received a termination notice, though they got theirs on Thursday morning. English professors Rachel Noorda, Susan Kirtley and Kathi Inman Berens have spent the last five years building a pilot program for a creative industries minor at PSU. They are two years into a three-year, $150,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The heart of this creative industries minor was to create new courses and support and transform existing courses to serve students who wanted to work in the creative industries in Portland, Noorda said Thursday. Classes that are part of the pilot program are already available at PSU, including one co-taught by Inman Berens and a computer science professor about artificial intelligence and humanities. We really want to help our students get good jobs that they enjoy and that contribute to the community, Kirtley said. It is so disheartening, she said of the termination of the funding, because its hurting our students. The project has outstanding money due to a graduate student and advisory board members, the professors said. And they are unsure how those will be paid. Not every group with an active grant in Oregon received a termination notice on Wednesday. Leah Murray, the director of the Shelton McMurray Johnson House, a museum in Eugene, said Thursday she hadnt heard anything about the fate of her $25,000 grant, which still had $16,000 to be paid before ending this fall. That money is going towards a project to gather oral histories in the Skinner Butte area of Eugene and accounts for 10% of the museums 2025 budget. I have not received a termination notice yet, Murray said, but I have requested the funds so that hopefully they will not get terminated. That is the advice thats been going out, just go and try to get your funds before it gets shut down. If Murray doesnt get the money, she said, she wont be able to finish the project. None of those funds are funds for the museum. Theyre all funds to go out to our contractors and the people that were working with, the people that we interviewed, their stipends, she said. So this is all funds that will be distributed to the community. Lizzy Acker covers life and culture and writes the advice column Why Tho? Reach her at 503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. Nearly three decades after a womans body was found drifting in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast, its been identified, deputies say. With the help of DNA testing, the remains were identified as Deborah Mitchell Cordier, the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post Wednesday. The remains of a woman were found floating in the Pacific Ocean, several miles off the Point Reyes Peninsula in January 1998, deputies said. The womans body was badly decomposed, making it difficult to identify her, deputies said. Despite investigators efforts to identify the woman, she would remain nameless for decades, deputies said. Then, in 2023, deputies said they partnered with the California Department of Justice and Othram Inc. with their sights set on using forensic genetic genealogy to identify the woman. Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing coupled with traditional genealogical methods to create family history profiles, according to the Library of Congress. With genealogical DNA testing, researchers can determine if and how people are biologically related. Deputies said they sent forensic evidence to Othram. There, scientists built a comprehensive DNA profile that was used in genetic genealogy investigation to create new leads, Othram said in a news release. After a family member submitted a DNA sample to the Richmond Police Department, criminalists had a pivotal breakthrough, deputies said. Sheriff investigators then confirmed the womans identity as Cordier through a meticulous fingerprint comparison, deputies said. Cordier would have turned 46 years old in July 1998, according to deputies. SFGate reported she had lived in Georgia and Nevada. Point Reyes is about a 60-mile drive northwest from San Francisco. 2025 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.). Visit www.TheNewsTribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Oregon's U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley speak at a town hall at Portland's Jefferson High School in 2019. Neither politician plans to step down before his term ends -- but if that were to happen, Oregon's governor might be able to appoint a temporary replacement. Photo by Eder Campuzano/Staff The next time one of Oregons U.S. senators dies or retires before the end of their term, the governor could get to appoint their temporary replacement. That proposal, in Senate Bill 952, would bring Oregon in line with the vast majority of states, which allow their governor to appoint a temporary stand-in for a U.S. senator. Currently, Oregon uses special elections to replace both U.S. senators and representatives and leaves the vacated seat open until that occurs. It is one of only four states that use that system, legislative analysts wrote. Under the bill, Oregon would still hold a special election allowing voters to pick the replacement for an outgoing senator. This bill specifies the election has to happen between 80 and 150 days after a senator leaves office. But it also requires the governor to appoint a temporary replacement within a month. Backers of the bill argue it would prevent Oregon from leaving a critical spot vacant in Washington D.C. The governors appointee would have to be in the same political party as the outgoing senator. And an amendment by state Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham of The Dalles would clarify that the governor cant appoint themselves to the position. We have all seen how important the discussions are that happen in Washington, D.C., state Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin testified to the Senate Committee on Rules Wednesday. It is so important that every state regardless of their perspective has their full voice there. Gelser Blouin has no indication that either of Oregons current senators are on their way out, she told the committee. Spokespeople for U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden confirmed that neither have plans to step down. The bill drew some letters in opposition from voters who argued that it undermines the democratic process. Bonham, Republican leader in the Senate, also raised the point Wednesday that temporary appointees who choose to run in the special election could benefit from incumbent status. Weve seen it in the Legislature, right? The person that resigns before the end of session. Someone comes in as an appointee, Bonham said. I dont think Ive ever seen that appointed person lose. Merkley and Wyden submitted testimony supporting the bill. The legislative process is not about waving a magic wand. It takes months of laying groundwork, Merkley wrote. If Oregon is left without a senator for several months because a vacancy occurs it could have significant repercussions for the people of Oregon. Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430. Lawmakers on the Senate Committee on Rules unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that would hide from quick public view the addresses of nearly all candidates for public office and top officials on their campaigns. Senate Bill 224, sponsored by Democratic Senators Deb Patterson of Salem and James Manning of Eugene, would prohibit the Secretary of State from publishing the residential address of a candidate or a person associated with a campaign in its online elections database. Currently, nearly all candidate addresses are available through the Secretary of States campaign portal, allowing both journalists and members of the public to check where they live. Candidates can opt out of having their home addresses listed. This bill would make that the default. Manning argued that the bill is a safety measure to try to prevent doxxing, or people having their addresses publicly exposed by people who oppose their actions or viewpoints. A podcaster who didnt like a bill Manning had supported once told listeners Mannings address and encouraged them to protest outside of his house, Manning told lawmakers. He also alleged that a former Multnomah County prosecutor had to flee his home in the night when a group of armed men found his address on the secretary of states website. The intent of this is to ensure the safety of every candidates and their campaigns home, Manning said. We dont want people coming over in the dead of night. Luhui Whitebear, chair of the Corvallis School Board and president of the Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus, told lawmakers in February that candidate safety is threatened when their home addresses were made public. She questioned whether to run for public office because it could mean exposing her address to a stalker, she told the committee during a public hearing for the bill, and shes heard from others who have had their homes vandalized. Ive been told that we should know what comes with public office, Whitebear said. However, I do not think that harassment and home vandalism should be a rite of passage in order to serve our communities. Society of Professional Journalists lobbyist Tom Holt reminded committee members that reporters regularly use candidate addresses to verify that people running for office actually live within the boundaries of the office they are seeking and to run candidate background checks. The society worked with Manning on an amendment that clarifies that reporters and members of the public can still request a candidates address through a public records request, Holt said. The committee approved that amendment on Wednesday. That creates some kind of a trail around who has requested the address, Holt said. That would give us a little bit more security as to who is requesting it, Manning said. The bill goes next to the Senate floor for consideration by the full chamber. Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, shown here in a photo from 2024, has said that his agency would be working in tandem with federal authorities immigration enforcement. SR In late January, federal immigration officials got a lead on three people in Idaho they thought, based on information shared by Kootenai County Deputy Harvey Ballman, may be illegal. Not only that, but Ballman was more than willing to send us more information in the future, wrote one Border Patrol agent in an email, passing along the addresses from Ballman of the three targets of immigration enforcement weeks into President Donald Trumps second term. Two of the three people were ordered to be deported, according to Matt Phelps with the Border Patrols Targeting and Intelligence Division. None had been actively committing a crime, and itd been two years since one of the three had been arrested. I want to thank you for providing the information, Phelps wrote to Ballman. If you or any of your LEO partners have information on individuals you have encountered or encounter in the future that you suspect may be illegally present in the US, feel free to send me that information and I will research them to determine if they are valid targets for enforcement. Ballman responded: good to hear. Ill pass on your info to the rest of our patrol division. We have lots of work for you guys. The emails, among a trove obtained by InvestigateWest in a public records request, provide a window into the level of coordination between federal immigration authorities and the Kootenai County Sheriffs Office in North Idaho. As the federal push to deport undocumented immigrants proceeds and as state and local agencies take different paths on how, or whether, to assist Kootenai County has been particularly willing to join in the deportation effort. Sheriff Bob Norris, who represents one of the more conservative counties in a state where two-thirds of voters cast ballots for Trump, has announced that he would use all of his departments resources to help with deportations. The county jail has taken in 72 people on immigration holds, including many arrested by the Border Patrol in neighboring Washington, where state law prohibits using jails for immigration offenses. Since taking office, Trump has encouraged local and state law enforcement agencies to collaborate with federal immigration agents to help with deportation efforts, and several states now have agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement. Norris has been eager to help, regardless of whether an undocumented person has committed a state crime. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that immigration enforcement is the sole duty of the federal government and local police may assist under federal direction. Immigration lawyers and immigrant advocates warn that close collaboration between local police and federal immigration agents could undermine the main goal of state and local law enforcement, which is to deter and solve crimes. If somebody is undocumented and theyve experienced a very serious crime, or seen a very serious crime, they may not be willing to come forward about that if the reality is that they would be then reported to ICE for immigration enforcement, said Geoffrey Heeren, law professor and director of the Immigration Litigation and Appellate Clinic at the University of Idaho. When asked if the fear of deportation could deter victims and witnesses of crimes from reporting them and impede law enforcement, Kootenai County Lt. Jeff Howard said it can and didnt elaborate. Were not going to hide people who are accused of a crime one way or another, Howard told InvestigateWest. The crime he referred to was being present in the U.S. without authorization, a federal civil offense not typically enforced by local authorities. If youre in the country illegally, Howard said, were going to notify Border Patrol. Idaho encourages cooperation InvestigateWest reviewed a month of emails between Kootenai County deputies and federal immigration agents to understand how communication and immigration enforcement may have changed since the election. There were 393 emails between the two agencies from Jan. 1, 2025, to Feb. 4, 2025, that show a close level of coordination between the two agencies. In one message, Border Patrol agents asked deputies about a man from Zimbabwe with an Idaho drivers license in the jail. In another, a Border Patrol agent offered deputies informal training to look for signs of the presence of criminal aliens and to provide real time feedback and record checks for possible suspects without having to go through a lengthy process from another federal agency. Edward Dean, a spokesperson for the U.S. Border Patrols Spokane Sector, first told InvestigateWest that the agency doesnt typically do informal or formal training with law enforcement. After he was shown the email, he shifted his stance and said the Spokane Sector encourages ad hoc, informal training and intelligence sharing in ride-alongs and informal meetings. Not surprised this is happening, Alycia Moss, a Coeur dAlene immigration attorney, said in an email after reviewing some of the correspondence. Idaho is a state that encourages cooperation with ICE and (Border Patrol) and likely will continue to. The emails mostly include Border Patrol agents notifying the Kootenai County jail when theyve arrested someone and planned to place them in the jail with an immigration hold. Border Patrol agents have placed 72 immigration holds on individuals in the jail since the beginning of the year. This is an increase since before Trump took office, Moss said. Once Trump became president, there was a significant uptick in Border Patrol holds in the Kootenai County jail, Moss said. So before, youd see maybe a couple, and now youre seeing more like a couple handfuls. Norris has focused heavily on immigration since he became Kootenai County sheriff in 2020, after retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department. In public statements, he has associated Spanish-speakers with being illegal, said deputies would assist in deporting any noncitizens who are in the country illegally even without criminal backgrounds and suggested they all self-deport. Criminals and illegal aliens be aware Kootenai County is a Sanctuary County for all Law-Abiding citizens of the United States who are here legally, Norris said in a news release in February. In the same statement, he said deputies and Border Patrol agents would be working in tandem and in the same vehicle at times. Norris also made headlines in 2023 for removing library books from a public library and refusing to return them because he thought they were disturbing. Most recently, he threatened to arrest a woman who was protesting inside a legislative town hall and stood by while private security dragged her out of the venue. The sheriffs stance on immigrants has trickled down to his deputies, the emails show. A deputy also reached out to ICE to ask about participating in the federal 287(g) program, which is a program with ICE where local police can engage in some immigration enforcement. We already cooperate with you by housing inmates, but want to become a more involved partner, wrote Kootenai County sheriffs Capt. Jeremy Hyle. Kootenai County doesnt have any formal agreements with ICE or Border Patrol, but the sheriffs office follows the informal guidance of the National Sheriffs Association. In an email to sheriffs across the country, obtained by InvestigateWest, the association wrote at the end of February that ICE had logged around 700,000 civil arrest warrants for illegal entry. As a result, during everyday policing activities, your personnel may encounter someone who has an ICE administrative warrant now entered into this system, Jonathan Thompson, executive director of the National Sheriffs Association, wrote in the email. He explained in the email that agencies without a 287(g) agreement could not arrest people on the ICE warrants themselves, but said they can detain them if they are arrested on suspicion of a state crime. If no crime is suspected, Thompson wrote that police should contact ICE and request that federal agents come arrest the person. If ICE agents cant make it, he wrote, your only real option is to collect as much information from the person as you can and release the person and ICE will have to try to find them through their fugitive operations. Just three Idaho counties have 287(g) agreements with ICE: Gooding, Power and Owyhee counties. Only Owyhee County has an agreement under the task force model where officers can perform immigration enforcement. The Trump administration in January issued an executive order to encourage widespread 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and ICE. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered all law enforcement agencies to enter the agreements. Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued an executive order in February that ordered all law enforcement agencies to consider entering 287(g) agreements with ICE. He also said to the maximum extent possible permitted by law, state agencies shall continue collaborating with ICE to focus on deporting undocumented people with criminal records who pose a threat to public safety. In states like Idaho that encourage information sharing with federal immigration agents, it isnt illegal to share the immigration status of a person if it comes out during investigation of a state crime, but without a 287(g) agreement, it is illegal to serve federal immigration warrants and investigate peoples immigration statuses as local law enforcement. Typically, state and local officers are not supposed to be enforcing immigration law, because thats an exclusively federal arena, with some exceptions, so if they are going out and enforcing immigration law and investigating immigration violations without a formal agreement with the federal government to do so, that would be problematic, said Heeren, the Idaho law professor. Howard said typically when deputies are investigating a crime, they will ask for a persons passport or other citizenship documentation. If deputies find out they are not U.S. citizens, they will contact Border Patrol agents. To see if (Border Patrol has) them in their system, and if they do, and it is somebody who crossed the border and theyre not supposed to be there, then they usually come out (and arrest them), Howard said. Not the worst of the worst Ballman did not appear to be investigating a state crime before giving federal officials the names of the three individuals who he thought were in the country illegally. No incident report was taken, records show. Yet legal experts say that by law, there would have had to be suspicion of a state crime having been committed, since the department doesnt have the authority to carry out immigration enforcement without a 287(g) program. Based on the correspondence with the deputy, it appears he saw the potential for the need for Border Patrol to get involved, Howard said. He said he didnt know how the individuals were contacted by Ballman and didnt respond to questions about the legality of turning them over to the Border Patrol. But if there was no crime being investigated, it is unclear why Ballman suspected the three people were in the country illegally. Two lawyers who reviewed the correspondence with Ballman and federal agents said it could be illegal and at least questionable based on how he came under the suspicion that the individuals were in the country illegally. Moss said if he knew about the peoples immigration status through a law enforcement investigation, he can share that information with federal agents, but it would be improper to obtain and share their immigration status without an investigation for a state crime. Heeren agreed. He said police should not be suspecting people or monitoring people based on their perceived national origin. Officers are not allowed to target people for crimes based on their race or ethnicity. There are also problems with police officers engaging in warrantless surveillance of people if they dont have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed, Heeren said. Across the Idaho border with Washington, unauthorized immigrants are protected by state law from being subjected to questions about their immigration statuses by local law enforcement. Washington state law prohibits state and local law officers from enforcing federal immigration law and from sharing non-publicly available personal information with federal immigration authorities in any noncriminal matter. Idaho has no such law. All local jails accept immigration detainees for ICE and Border Patrol. Little signed a bill March 27 that would make illegal immigration a state crime and would allow law enforcement to ask about someones immigration status if they were arrested for a separate crime. The law was immediately blocked by an Idaho district court judge after the ACLU of Idaho filed a lawsuit against it. The cross-border clash in approaches stands as an example of the local impact of an expanded network of deportation efforts encouraged and created under the Trump administration. Were seeing the administration rapidly laying the groundwork to expand mass deportation into many branches of government that had previously been detached from immigration functions, said Jennyfer Mesa, executive director of Latinos en Spokane, a nonprofit dedicated to immigrant rights in Spokane. Were now seeing state and local authorities that are conducting immigration enforcement, and theres more federal agents within . On March 25, ICE arrested a longtime farmworker and union activist, Alfredo Lelo Juarez, in Sedro-Woolley. The Seattle Times wrote that ICE hadnt responded to questions about why he was arrested, but is a Mexican citizen and was ordered to return there. His peers told the newspaper they worried he was arrested for his activism. We are seeing this time and time again, Mesa said. Its not the worst of the worst getting arrested. Its workers. InvestigateWest (investigatewest.org) is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. A Report for America corps member, reporter Rachel Spacek can be reached at rachel@investigatewest.org. The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, home to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, in Newport has also received the green light to hire two seasonal employees this season. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Federal employees who were fired from one of the busiest parks on the Oregon coast have been rehired, as the Trump administration responds to court orders that declared sweeping layoffs announced earlier this year to be unlawful. All three probationary employees at Yaquina Head who were fired by the Bureau of Land Management in February have been offered their jobs back, park manager Ricardo Escobar confirmed Thursday. Of those, two of the employees accepted the offer and are in the midst of transitioning back into their positions; one employee declined, he confirmed. Century Pulp & Paper is well-established in India's paper industry with an installed capacity of 4.8 Lakh (480,000) metric tonnes per annum. Century Pulp & Paper is well-established in India's paper industry with an installed capacity of 4.8 Lakh (480,000) metric tonnes per annum. ITC Limited to Acquire Century Pulp & Paper in India from Aditya Birla April 3, 2025 - ITC Limited on March 31 signed a Business Transfer Agreement to acquire the pulp and paper businesses of Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited, Century Pulp & Paper. Terms of th edeal were not disclosed Established in 1984, Century Pulp & Paper (CPP) is well-established in India's paper industry with an installed capacity of 4.8 Lakh (480,000) metric tonnes (MT) per annum. The company is a producer of packaging boards such as FBB and SBB, along with a range of virgin tissues, various types of paper such as copier, printing and writing, and specialty papers, and integrated pulp. According to ITC, CPP is a one-of-a-kind asset with a strong strategic fit with ITC's Paperboards & Specialty Papers Business. The acquisition will immediately add significant scale and economies to existing operations with potential for further capacity expansion, provide locational advantage for efficient customer servicing and proximity to key raw material sources, mitigate operational risks through multi-site operations and enhance resilience across industry cycles through portfolio diversification. In addition, ITC expects to drive structural improvement in profitability of CPP through several value unlock interventions such as capacity debottlenecking, product quality upgrade, efficiency improvement leveraging TPM/Digital initiatives, supply chain optimization, overhead rationalization, and procurement efficiencies. "The acquisition will strengthen the market standing of ITC's Paperboards and Specialty Papers Business and engender new opportunities in the domestic and international markets," said Mr. B Sumant, Executive Director, ITC. "The acquisition aligns with the company's strategy of driving the next horizon of growth in the Paperboards and Specialty Papers Business by expanding capacity at a new location considering that the existing facilities are already saturated." ITC noted that India is the fifth-largest producer of paper and paperboards in the world, with an estimated production of around 23 million metric tons per annum and an annual industry turnover of over Rs. 80,000 cr. India's per capita consumption at approximately 16 Kg. per annum (16.2 lbs.) is low as compared to the global average of 57 Kg. (125.6 lbs), reflecting immense headroom for growth. India is one of the fastest growing markets in the world with demand for paper and paperboards growing at 6%-7% p.a., translating to incremental demand of over 1 million MT annually. End-user industries such as FMCG, Food Service / Quick Service Restaurants, Pharmaceuticals, e-Commerce, Education & Stationery and increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions are expected to be the key drivers of growth going forward, ITC added. ITC is one of India's foremost private sector companies and a diversified conglomerate with businesses spanning Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Paperboards and Packaging, Agri Business and Information Technology. SOURCE: ITC Limited Many years ago, my good friend Lou Midgley and I drove up to the Salt Lake Valley one Sunday night to spend the evening at an evangelical Protestant church. The good folks there were showing an anti-Mormon film of some kind, and Lou and I wanted to see it. We hoped simply to sit quietly in the back and watch. However, we had committed an elementary, naive, and obvious mistake: We went to the event dressed in conventional Latter-day Saint church clothes with white shirts and ties, no less. We might as well have been carrying flashing neon copies of the Book of Mormon. Nobody else in the place, not even among the women, was wearing either a white shirt or a tie. None were dressed in what most Latter-day Saints would recognize as Sunday best. All were clad in pretty casual attire. After the showing of the film, which, to be honest, I cant even remember, we were swarmed by aggressive evangelicals trying to save our souls. Well, actually, I dont know that saving our souls was high on their list of priorities; they were quite aggressive and not especially nice. (It was something of a best-practices demonstration on how not to save souls.) They deployed a number of pretty standard evangelical anti-Mormon arguments, and the conversation, such as it was, was going nowhere in particular. If we responded to one critique, another was immediately offered in its stead. One of the most assertive of our hosts decided to concentrate on the doctrine of the Trinity. We werent Christians, he said, because we didnt believe in biblical trinitarianism. (For some of my thinking on the subject of biblical trinitarianism, which may perhaps surprise a few, see Notes on Mormonism and the Trinity.) He unleashed a torrent of proof texts and assertions and condemnations that scarcely permitted time for response. Eventually, I managed to get in an edgewise word. So as to slow him down a bit, I asked him exactly what he understood by the Trinity. He explained to me that there is only one God, that God is one being who manifests himself in different modes or aspects, sometimes as Father and sometimes as Son and sometimes as Holy Spirit. I responded that, yes, by the standard of mainstream traditional Christianity, my Latter-day Saint view of the Godhead is indeed heretical. I think that I remember him smiling in triumph. But then I pointed out that, again by the standard of mainstream traditional Christianity, he too was a heretic. I told him that his view was an expression of Sabellianism, or what is sometimes called modalistic monarchianism. Sabellianism was a third-century heresy that denied the existence of real, distinct persons within the Trinity. It viewed the one God as, if I may, something of an actor, one who simply puts on this or that mask, according to whatever would serve at the time. Sabellianism was rejected by most Christians anciently and is still considered a false doctrine. He protested against my description of what he had said, claiming that his was true, biblical, trinitarianism. Actually, said one of the others who were standing nearby, I dont think youre right. Maybe you need to talk with Pastor. And then others joined in. Eventually with considerable animation. While they were going back and forth Im not making this up, although it seems almost like something in a slapstick comedy Lou and I slipped out. Unnoticed, so far as I could tell. I hadnt thought about that experience for a long, long time, until I saw this little item, dated 30 March 2025, from the Christian Post: Most American Christians dont believe in the Trinity: Survey. Which reminds me, in turn, of a recent exchange between Utahs Senator John Curtis and the former governor of Arkansas, the Baptist pastor Mike Huckabee. You may or may not recall Mr. Huckabees fairly ham-handed effort to weaponize anti-Mormonism against Mitt Romney during the 2008 Republican presidential primaries. That constitutes the background for Senator Curtiss question: Sen. John Curtis asks Mike Huckabee to clarify feelings about Church of Jesus Christ in Senate hearing: Huckabee was nominated to be the U.S. ambassador to Israel Ive seen one or two responses to what Mr. Huckabee had to say that seemed satisfied by his reply. I, however, was not remotely satisfied. Nor, Im gratified to say, was Hugh Hewitt, the conservative radio talk show host, lawyer, and academic (and Catholic): Mormon Memory Lane Being Better And, while Im on the subject of Mike Huckabee, I want to share this article by Fares Abraham, a Palestinian Christian pastor. (I suspect that more than a few people out there though certainly none among the esteemed readers of this blog! would be surprised to learn that there are such creatures as Palestinian Christians.) His is a voice that, I think, many Americans need to hear: Charlie Kirk doesnt feel safe in Bethlehem. Its his worldview thats to blame, not my city. To Charlie Kirk, Mike Huckabee and every Christian taught to fear my people and my city come and see. As I closed out my undergraduate degree in classical Greek and philosophy both highly marketable fields that, Im sure, thrilled my long-suffering parents I was very briefly but seriously tempted to change my field altogether and seek to go to graduate school in economics. Its a an area that has long interested me. And, now as then, I lean strongly toward free-market viewpoints. Ive long fantasized, for instance, about how desirable it would be to make Henry Hazlitts brief classic, Economics in One Lesson, mandatory reading for admission to Congress. (I would probably bundle it with Frederic Bastiats short but powerful little book The State. And, while Im at it, why not make the Constitution of the United States a required text, as well? Now theres a thought!) Ive been thinking about Hazlitt for the past twenty-four hours or so, and particularly about this passage, which is cited in a 2017 article from the American Enterprise Institute: Henry Hazlitt on Why Protective Tariffs Reduce Productivity, Efficiency, and Wages and Make Us Worse, Not Better Off One of the economists that I most admired was the late Milton Friedman (1912-2006), of the University of Chicago, winner of the 1976 Nobel Prize. One of the unexpected highlights of my life, by the way, was the week that I spent in his company (and that of several other prominent economists, including other past and feature Nobel laureates) back in 1976, just two or three months prior to his winning of that Nobel Prize, at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Professor Friedman was a prominent and vocal conservative, an advocate of free markets and limited government. So Ive been thinking about him, as well. This brief 1 October 1993 article from the Federal Reserve Bank of Illinois offers a relevant sampling of his thought: Friedman on free trade: More than 20 years ago the economist Milton Friedman wrote a Newsweek column extolling the virtues of free trade. That column still rings true today. Ive also been thinking about Ronald Reagan and his views on free trade. I was happy and proud to be a Republican when Ronald Reagan was president, and I wish he were still around. It was, once, morning in America. Heres a five-minute radio address of President Reagans that you might find interesting: President Reagans Radio Address on Free and Fair Trade on April 25, 1987 While Im at it, here is some really good reading on current American trade policy. I realize that some or all of these may be inaccessible online to some of my readers. I still recommend these articles. If necessary, there are public libraries. The issues involved are enormously important, as important as anything in the economics of this mortal, material world ever becomes: The Atlantic: Trumps Tariffs Are Designed to Backfire: Instead of leading to reduced trade barriers, the new global tariff plan is all but guaranteed to raise them. Wall Street Journal: Trumps New Protectionist Age: Blowing up the world trading system has consequences that the President isnt advertising. The Wall Street Journal lists several probable consequences of Mr. Trumps new trade policy, saying This is far from a comprehensive list, but we offer them as food for thought. Among the consequences that the Journal foresees: New economic risks and uncertainty Harm to American exports A bigger Washington swamp The end of U.S. economic leadership A major opportunity for China The Economist: President Trumps mindless tariffs will cause economic havoc: But the rest of the world can limit the damage National Review: Tariffs a Harsh New Demonstration of the Folly of Economic Planners: Trump has engineered something like a sanctions regime targeting Americans. National Review: Americans Will Pay the Price for Reckless Tariffs National Review: Trumps Totally Arbitrary Tariff Regime There is some amazing material in this one. Heres a sampling: President Donald Trump once said of Mexico, Theyre not sending their best. We can now say the same of the White House and the team that assembled yesterdays sweeping tariff hikes. The Trump administration announced a 10 percent tariff on all imports from the Australian territories of the Heard and McDonald Islands. Those are uninhabited islands. What, are the penguins stealing American jobs? The administration also announced a 10 percent tariff on imports from Jan Mayan, a Norwegian volcanic island. It has no permanent residents, just 18 personnel operating a meteorological station and airfield. Those are among the most embarrassing details in an announcement that made clear that the people assembling these tariffs had no idea what they were doing. On Wednesday, Israel suspended all tariffs on all U.S. goods. On Thursday, Trump announced the U.S. government would impose a 17 percent tariff on all goods imported from Israel. It is extremely difficult to argue that the Trump administration is pro-Israel when it is imposing what now amount to unilateral tariffs. And you know who got just a 10 percent tariff rate in yesterdays announcement? Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. You know who got only a 10 percent tariff rate announced yesterday? Afghanistan. The Taliban got a sweeter deal from the Trump administration than Israel did. National Review: Pat Toomey Saw the Tariff Madness Coming As I close, let me say that I fully expect some to accuse me of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Heck, I a limited-government, free-market, strict-constructionist, libertarian-leaning, anti-communist, pro-life cultural conservative of very, very long standing have, in recent years, been called a libtard and accused of being a Marxist because of my mostly unexpressed disapproval of Mr. Donald J. Trump and of major elements of the MAGA movement. (Believe me, if I wanted to make this a political blog, it would look very different than it does.) But I want to make it clear that I understand why so many Americans, including many that I know well and hold in high esteem and love, opted to pull the lever for Donald Trump (even while I could not). Assuming that its authentic, here is one powerful illustration: VIDEO: Female Fencer Booted From Tournament After Refusing To Compete Against Male Opponent: Sullivan formerly competed against males. I regard such stories as symptoms of civilizational insanity. You may have noticed that this blog did nothing to observe April Fools Day. I judged that it would be redundant to do so. What is Ecosia and why is it special? Ecosia was founded in 2009 by Christian Kroll, who felt compelled to do something after he saw the effects of deforestation while on a trip around the world. And so Ecosia was born, a search engine that puts its advertising revenue towards tree-planting projects. Ecosia started off as a search engine, but has since expanded with a few other products that include Ecosia Browser (a Chromium-based web browser), Ecosia Chat (an AI chatbot powered by OpenAIs API), and Freetree (a browser extension that plants trees as you shop). Dave Parrack / Foundry Ecosia is a not-for-profit tech company based in Berlin, Germany, that dedicates all profits to the betterment of our planet. In addition to turning every web search into an opportunity to plant and protect trees, Ecosia invests in various initiatives that further regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and fighting climate change. As a Certified B Corporation, Ecosia seeks to maintain the highest standards of equity and inclusivity. (First time hearing about B Corps? In short, its a company thats committed to using business for good and considering the needs of all stakeholders.) Its also a steward-owned company, so it cant be sold off or mined for profit. Dutch smart home hub manufacturer Athom has added new energy-monitoring capabilities to the app for its Homey series of smart home hubs and Homey cloud services. The company also announced the new Homey Energy Dongle for European smart meters. The energy-monitoring feature appears in a new Energy tab in the Homey app. It tracks data from whole-home energy meters, solar panel inverters, and energy-measuring devicesincluding the Emporia Home Energy Monitor, the Shelly Pro 3EM, and Athoms own Homey Energy Dongle and displays that information in easy-to-read charts. Provide your utilities rates and the app will show you how much it costs to operate your home. Euopean consumers can opt to plug Athoms Homey Energy Dongle into their utility-provided smart meters to track their homes energy consumptions. U.S. customers can use any of several alternative energy monitors from third-party manufacturers. Athom Used in conjunction with these and similar energy monitoring devices, Homeys app can also identify which devices are consuming the most energy, and if you have solar panels, how much energy that system is generating. The app can track electrical (in kilowatt hours), natural gas, and even water consumption with a compatible meter (gas and water consumption are measured in square meters). Armed with this information, Homey users can schedule events such as EV charging to occur during off-peak hours, when the electrical utilitys rates are the lowest. Users will also be able to automatically turn off high-consumption devices at peak times. The current version of the app uses manually entered utility rates, but Athom says an update that will support rates that vary by the houror even in 15-minute incrementswill follow shortly after launch. Athoms own Homey Energy Dongle, for European smart meters outfitted with a standard P1 port, streams real-time energy consumption and production data over Wi-Fi to the Home Pro locally, or through the cloud to both the free and Premium tiers of Athoms Homey Cloud. The Homey Energy Dongle supports electricity, gas, and, in select markets, water metering. Priced at 39, the Homey Energy Dongle is available now. After months of mulling scenarios for new elementary school boundaries, the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District school board decided to make no changes and revisit the issue in November. At a special meeting Wednesday at the middle school, the board considered a recommendation from its Elementary Boundaries Review Committee. The board met with parents, staff and other stakeholders to learn about a new amalgamated scenario one of 18 plans drawn up to address boundary concerns. The plan was presented as a balanced approach to address elementary attendance boundaries. The board listened to concerns before voting 4-2 against the committees recommended plan. Board members Sherry Jasper and Peggy McKillip voted in favor of the proposal. Sharon McIlquham was absent. David Martineau, Dennis Fehr and Steve Olson voted against it. David Czech, board president, was the last to vote, ultimately deciding not to support the amalgamated scenario, saying that the proposal was going to fail no matter what at that point. The scenario offered a multi-year implementation schedule to prioritize educational outcomes while thoughtfully considering disruption to students and families, the plan states. Jasper said she found the proposal would benefit classroom sizes. If we can get classroom sizes to a point where behaviors can be learned and taught, and kids can find a place to belong, and curriculum can happen because of those things -- that's pretty hard to say No to, she said. The district hasn't reviewed or amended its boundaries in 20 years and changes are still expected after the board reevaluates options in the fall. Superintendent Jeff Holmes said the schools are grappling with significant population shifts, including areas of rapid growth in some neighborhoods and declining enrollment in others leading to facility underutilization in some schools with overcrowding in others. Katie Crise, a parent, addressed the board saying, how can my daughter, who plays with the neighbor girl across the street who's in the same classroom this year say, Hey, we're not going to be at the same school next year? Crise added that the amalgamated scenario was not one that was proposed at the public session on the topic a few weeks earlier. This information has come out in a very rushed manner, she said. Personally, I would say to not make a decision tonight. If we delay Before the vote, Jasper said, If we delay it, we're going to be back next year and still have a lot of emotions, and it's hard stuff for families. Martineau said with the district's ongoing decline in enrollment, he wanted to wait and see what happened with those numbers next year. In a couple of years, most of these schools would be down considerably. So that plays into my thoughts of, Why would we do this now?" Martineau told the board. Maybe next year, when the numbers come out and we're looking at these, we're seeing reductions of 20, 30, 40 kids in each one of these schools, then those numbers might push us in a different direction. Olson had a hard time making up his mind, a sentiment that seemed common among the board Wednesday. I guess I struggle with this just because we want the classroom sizes to give our kids the best opportunity to learn. There's so many moving pieces out there, he said. And yes, we would be here next year. Like I said before, change is inevitable; we will be making changes. He understands why the district needs to alter its boundaries and knows the issue is not going to resolve itself, he said. But I wonder how much more information we need to make a good change, he said. The district created the Elementary Boundaries Review Committee to consider all options. McKillip said the boundary committee's review was extensive. I think the process went very well, and Steve and I attended the meetings. We didn't vote. We were there just to listen to the committee members and watch the process that they went through, McKillip said. I appreciated the people, the work that they put in, as well as the process of the public comments and whatnot that we received. The highest-rated scenarios focused on targeted boundary adjustments rather than school closures or radical restructuring. The committee said priorities included maintaining neighborhood connections while optimizing facility use. The plan The amalgamated scenario would have rolled out in three phases with initial adjustments taking place in phase one in 2025-26, phase two in 2026-27 and phase three in 2027-28. The recommendation received strong support from committee members, with 82% selecting it as their first or second choice. Had the committee adopted the plan, by the completion of phase two, facility utilization across schools was expected to be notably more balanced. Halmstad would have dropped from 88% to 77% utilization. Hillcrest would drop from 85% to 67%, bringing smaller classroom sizes and available spaces. Parkviews utilization would rise from 70% to 84%. Southview would have risen from 73% to 78%. Stillson would have risen from 84% to 90%. The proposal would have made class sizes more consistent across schools. K-3 had a target range of 18-22 students per class and grades 4-5 had a target range of 23-27 students per class. The committee developed five key themes when looking at options, including student-centered decision-making, facility and resource optimization, special programs and services access, community impact management and implementation metrics. It established non-negotiable parameters, including specific class size targets and maximum bus ride times, aligning with Wisconsin Act 20's emphasis on early literacy instruction and intervention. A weighted scoring system was developed to evaluate potential boundary scenarios, prioritizing student impact (30%), facility utilization (20%), demographic balance (10%), operational efficiency (20%), and community impact (20%). The committees final proposal combined elements of the top-rated scenarios in an aim to balance immediate needs with long-term considerations. A great exercise After the vote, Holmes said the review process was useful and a great exercise. People in the community know more about it now that they've been able to go through it. It's been 20 years since this community has gone through this process. So, it's not wasted time, he said. It does help educate people. The boundary adjustments directly impact educational equity and the quality of learning experiences, said Chad Trowbridge, business manager for the district who was highly involved in the review process. These changes can be really hard, he said. You cant make them in a fashion where it doesnt affect somebody. Leading up to Wednesdays vote, the committee analyzed enrollment data, demographic trends and facility capacities. From my perspective as a superintendent, every year is a hard year to make those kind of decisions, Holmes said. An expanding coffee chain is looking to build 1,000 more locations. Getty Images An Oregon-based coffee company is building 1,000 new drive-thru locations in several states. Taste Of Country reports that the Dutch Bros Coffee chain has announced plans to open 1,000 new stores as part of a massive expansion plan. Dutch Bros Coffee began as a push-cart business, and is now billing itself as "one of the fastest-growing brands in the quick service beverage industry in the United States." According to ChainStoreAge.com, the plans to expand to 1,000 new locations are expected to be completed by 2029. The company has also raised its plans from 4,000 new locations nationwide to a total of more than 7,000. New locations are planned for Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas and Texas, according to FinanzeBuzz.com. For more information, visit the Dutch Bros Coffee website. The American iconic rock band REO Speedwagon with bass player Bruce Hall, lead guitarist Dave Amato, lead vocalist and guitarist Kevin Cronin and drummer Bryan Hitt performs at the Xfinity Center, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018, in Mansfield, Mass.. (Photo by Robert E. Klein/Invision/AP) Robert E. Klein/Invision/AP Just days after former frontman Kevin Cronin ripped REO Speedwagon for knowingly excluding him from an upcoming reunion show, one of his former bandmates is firing back. Speedwagon bassist Bruce Hall took to social media to set the record straight. We were all (including Kevin) invited to participate in this event in early January, Hall wrote. Kevin states hes been falsely accused of turning down the invitation. Ive seen no where its been said he turned it down and I know hes been asked to participate virtually. I truly hope he does. This even was created to provide the founding fathers, original signers and classic REO lineup a chance to reunite and say a proper goodbye, he said. A chance to honor Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbins memory. Most importantly, proceeds are going to the REO Speedwagon fund for GU Cancer Research at Moffitt Cancer Center. The hospital that saved my sons life. How anyone can be deeply disturbed and hurt by this is beyond me. The band is reuniting for a one-off show celebrating its legacy in its hometown of Champaign, Illinois. The event is slated for June 14. LouderSound said musicians Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Bruce Hall, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy and Steve Scorfina are slated to take part. Cronin, however, wont be there, and he took to Facebook over the weekend to voice his displeasure with that. The organizers of the Champaign event could have picked a date when all of the former members of REO were available to participate, Cronin wrote on Facebook. Instead they chose June 14, 2025, a date where it was public knowledge that I was previously committed to perform with Styx and Kevin Cronin Band in Bend, Oregon. Bottom line, I am being asked to participate in an event on a date when I cant possibly be there in person, he added. And then being falsely accused of turning down the invitation. I am deeply disturbed and hurt by all of this. After all I have done to help build the legacy of REO Speedwagon, I feel I have earned and deserve to be included in any event honoring that legacy. Instead, I have been knowingly excluded. REO Speedwagon played what was called its final show last year, per LouderSound, in part because of irreconcilable differences between Cronin and bassists Bruce Hall. The rock star explained his views on cash during an upcoming podcast interview. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images) Getty Images Rock and tongue icon Gene Simmons got candid with regards to money recently. In fact, Simmons admitted he believes its better to be rich than not. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Simmons explained his views on personal finances during an upcoming interview on the publications podcast. Its funny, Im an only child to my mother and I grew up with the hard knocks of not being very romantic about what it all means, Simmons said. I developed a harder skin and for myself, realized that everything was about the search for power and money, which is not a very romantic notion. But I didnt want to be poor, because I know what that felt like. My mother worked at a sweat factory six days out of the week and survived the Nazi concentration camps of Germany, Simmons continued. All I ever did was try to figure out how to become powerful and make lots of money, for survival. The only thing money ever does, really, is give you the freedom to do stuff you actually like doing. Its what its really about and also to keep you safe, pay for your hospital bills, create jobs, give to charity, all of that stuff. A poor person never gave me a job. People reports how Simmonss money talk comes a few weeks after he defended his decision to charge someone to work as his personal assistant during his upcoming tour. This opportunity is part of a $12,000-plus package, which includes other perks such as a meal with Simmons himself. Its better to be rich than poor, it really is. And if youre a miserable [expletive], its still better to be a rich, miserable [expletive], he said. Thats all I ever tried to do. Simmons will embark on his solo tour which was postponed a month on May 2 in Anaheim, California. The good news is, this money is legitimate. (Getty Images) Getty Images Millions of Social Security beneficiaries across the United States noticed something different about their bank accounts recently. They had grown thanks to unexpected payments which in some cases totaled thousands of dollars. And yes, they were legitimate. NBC 5 Chicago reports how these payments are the result of the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law by former President Joe Biden on Jan. 5. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Social Security Fairness Act eliminated two previous rules the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) that reduced benefits for certain retirees. The release explains how these two previous rules specifically reduced or eliminated the benefits of people who received a pension based on work that wasnt covered by Social Security also known as a non-covered pension as they didnt pay Social Security taxes. While these one-time benefits should have mostly gone out by the end of last month, many people will also start getting higher monthly benefits starting this month. Moneywise adds that, on average, these payments amount to about $6,710. This change will impact teachers, firefighters, and police officers, among other types of employees, the SSA states. Social Securitys aggressive schedule to start issuing retroactive payments in February and increase monthly benefit payments beginning in April supports President Trumps priority to implement the Social Security Fairness Act as quickly as possible, said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, via the release. The agencys original estimate of taking a year or more now will only apply to complex cases that cannot be processed by automation. The American people deserve to get their due benefits as quickly as possible. For more information, please click here. The weatherman has become known for sneaking metal references into his forecasts. (Photo by Katja Ogrin/Redferns) Redferns Theres a local weatherman who drops references to metal music in his forecasts. But some of the fans of one group the meteorologist has been referencing werent too thrilled about his name-dropping. Loudwire reports how Chris Michaels a meteorologist for WRAL 5 in North Carolina gained fame in the music community at large for sneaking metal lyrics into his weather reports. A 2023 Loudwire report lists bands such as Bad Omens, Bring Me the Horizon, and Slipknot amongst the Easter eggs Michaels has slipped in along with the temperature and precipitation. Many have deduced that Michaels is being used to promote upcoming events and albums for the bands. Lovers of the massively popular U.K. group, Sleep Token, have recently noticed that Michaels has started to drop some references to the bands upcoming album Even in Arcadia ahead of its release in May. This includes several Instagram posts nodding to the new music, including the use of the bands current cryptic symbol. Many a Sleep Token fan has gobbled up Michaelss breadcrumbs enthusiastically. Some, though, have reportedly harassed him, accusing him of not actually being involved with Sleep Token but rather simply trying to get clicks and views by teasing new songs that have yet to come out. Some of this harassment has even bled over to Michaelss viewers. Apparently, its gotten so bad that Michaels had to publish a video on to social media asking the culprits to knock it off. So, this is a video that I hate to even make, but my obligation is to my viewers here in North Carolina, Michael said in the clip And its come to my attention throughout the Sleep Token project that Ive been working with and working on, that a select few have been rude to the viewers on some of the live streams. All I ask is that you please dont do that. I get the disappointment and the backlash, even toward me, but my viewers didnt sign up for that. Especially on a day when were preparing for potential severe weather, you know thats my priority, theyre my priority, so please, act with kindness with them if youre going to be watching our live streams. Social media users have since expressed their support of Michaels following the posting of his video. And have chastised the bad actors in the Sleep Token fanbase, too. Chris Michaels asking Sleep Token fans not to harass his viewers is [expletive] embarrassing, read one such post. Absolutely [expletive] childish, man. Harassing viewers, or anyone affiliated with him isnt going to get you the song any faster. The dudes just doing what he was asked to do. Do better, wrote a Redditor. I have little hope for this next tour since the degenerate behavior has only gotten worse. Put away the phone and live in the moment. One of the targets of Donald Trump's latest round of tariffs is a small collection of islands populated only by penguins. Getty Images/500px In case you missed it, on Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a slew of tariffs against a lengthy list of countries that run trade surpluses with the United States. On that lengthly list, however, was a small collection of islands that have one notable difference from the countries and territories theyre grouped with. Namely, they dont export anything. Because no one lives there. The Heard and McDonald Islands in Antartica can only be reached by sea and are largely populated by penguins, elephant seals and seabirds. Yet the Trump Administration claims that the islands currently charge a tariff to the U.S. of 10 percent, although it clarifies in small print that this includes currency manipulation and trade barriers. In return, the administration says that the U.S. will start charging discounted reciprocal tariffs of 10% on the islands. The islands are only a little larger than Philadelphia and covered in rocks and glaciers, according to Wired. Heard Island has an active volcano, while McDonald Island is surrounded by several smaller rocky islands. They were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. The islands are managed by the Australian Antarctic Division, which conducts research on the wildlife there as well as the effects of climate change, Wired said. Under the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, the continent cannot be owned by any one country. However, Australia has claimed for decades that the islands are their territories. WILLIAMSPORTThe suicide ruling in the 2023 death of a convicted murderer while incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution at Rockview is being challenged in a federal lawsuit. Denise Woods, administrator of the estate of her son Richard Woods, raises potential other causes in a wrongful death suit filed Wednesday in U.S. Middle District Court. Woods, 46, of Philadelphia, died April 20, 2023, at Mount Nittany Medical Center near State College, after being found unresponsive in his restricted housing cell. His death was ruled suicide by hanging. FILE - Ju'Riese Colon, the CEO for the U.S. Center for SafeSport, said changes have taken place after it hired a troubled police officer. (AP Photo/Eddie Pells, File) AP By EDDIE PELLS, AP National Writer People at the U.S. Center for SafeSport knew a former police officer was the subject of an internal investigation at his former job but hired him anyway, according to details released Wednesday by Sen. Chuck Grassley, who is looking into the matter. Grassley, R-Iowa, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter this week to the centers CEO, JuRiese Colon, asking more questions about why the organization hired Jason Krasley as an investigator even though it had knowledge of his potential legal trouble. You conceded that this was concerning information but hired him nonetheless after being unable to ascertain additional information, Grassley wrote to Colon, who had revealed that information to the senator in response to his original request in February, which stemmed from reporting by The Associated Press about Krasleys arrests. I find this deeply troubling, Grassley wrote. Krasley has been charged with multiple sex crimes, including rape, sex trafficking and soliciting prostitution, from episodes that occurred during his time at the Allentown, Pennsylvania, police department, and before he was hired by the center in 2021. The center, which investigates sex-abuse cases in Olympic sports, fired Krasley in November, two months after learning of allegations that he stole money the Allentown police vice team had seized in a drug bust. Later came Krasleys arrest for alleged sex crimes and, in June 2024, an arrest for harassment that was resolved in December. Grassleys letter recounts what Colon wrote to him: that one of Krasleys references during the hiring process shared with you that he was the subject of an internal investigation by the Allentown police department. The center provided the AP with its response to Grassley, dated March 14, in which Colon writes that the case has triggered several changes in the centers vetting process. Under the new rules, she wrote, this disclosure would have raised a red flag and prompted additional scrutiny into the alleged conduct that led to the internal investigation. Colon outlined enhancements of the centers code of ethics and the addition of an ethics clause that employees must adhere to. She said she is now personally interviewing all final candidates for jobs and that the center plans to contract with an outside consultant to review its recruiting and hiring process. She also said the center now checks the National Decertification Index (NDI), which keeps track of discipline related to officer misconduct. The centers letter said Krasley handled 124 cases, 15 of which were open when he was terminated. The center said there were no complaints of sexual misconduct while Krasley worked there. The former police officer is free on bail awaiting trial. His attorney has asserted his clients innocence in the sex-crime cases, which date to 2015, most recently calling them meritless and uncorroborated allegations from drug-addled and impaired prostitutes. The center has also hired a third-party firm to reach out to people whose cases were handled by Krasley. That carried the potential to retraumatize victims, one of whom, Jacqui Stevenson, told the AP the centers outreach about a case that had long been resolved triggered a total panic attack. In the 22 days since Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to a notoriously violent prison in El Salvador, his young son has sought comfort in the scent of his missing fathers clothes. He shows me how much he missed Kilmar, Abrego Garcias wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, said in court documents. He has been finding Kilmars work shirts and smelling them, to smell Kilmars familiar scent. Abrego Garcia, 29, who worked as a sheet metal apprentice and was pursuing his journeyman license, was pulled over in an Ikea parking lot and arrested on March 12, with his 5-year-old son in the car. An immigration judge in 2019 had granted him protection from being deported back to El Salvador, where Abrego Garcia was likely to face persecution by local gangs. He had a legal work permit issued by the Department of Homeland Security, his lawyer said. Yet he was sent back to his native El Salvador, which President Donald Trump s administration acknowledged on Monday was an administrative error. Despite this, White House officials have argued against bringing him back, alleging without showing proof that he has ties to the MS-13 gang. The administration further says it lacks the power to seek his return from El Salvadors government, noting that a U.S. court could at best order the White House to entreat or even cajole a close ally. Abrego Garcias mistaken deportation has outraged many while raising concerns about the expulsion of noncitizens who were granted permission to be in the United States. Just ask them nicely Abrego Garcias family and attorneys have denied any gang ties and argue that the U.S. has little evidence to support its claim. In court documents filed Wednesday, his lawyers argued that the U.S. governments mistake must be corrected and that he be returned. Otherwise, immigration court orders are meaningless, because the government can deport whomever they want, wherever they want, whenever they want, attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg wrote. Sandoval-Moshenberg noted the U.S. has been paying El Salvadors government to incarcerate Abrego Garcia and other deportees. He argued that efforts to return him would likely be successful: First, just ask them nicely to please give him back to us. Their argument that theres nothing they could possibly do to get this guy back is significantly weakened by the fact that, on Wednesday of last week, they put Kristi Noem inside that prison, Sandoval-Moshenberg told The Associated Press in an interview, referring to the DHS secretary. They didnt so much as ask and say, By the way, you got this one guy. We messed up. Can we have him back, please? he said, adding that the U.S. previously moved mountains to return people mistakenly deported. Ohio State law professor Cesar Cuauhtemoc Garcia Hernandez said its reasonable to ask the Trump administration to return Abrego Garcia, but the courts have little recourse if the White House refuses. Thats because Abrego Garcia is not a U.S. citizen and is outside the country, the professor said. The Supreme Court has long held that Congress, working with the executive branch, gets to decide whos allowed to enter and under what terms. I dont know of a single instance in which a federal court has ordered a presidential administration to allow a particular person who is not a U.S. citizen into the United States, Garcia Hernandez said. Abrego Garcias erroneous deportation is truly worrisome, the professor said, because whos to say they wont deport somebody else who has legal permission to live in the United States? Gangs and the family pupuseria Abrego Garcia said he fled El Salvador because a gang, Barrio 18, routinely extorted his parents business for rent money and threatened to kill him and his brother if the family didnt comply, according to court documents in his 2019 immigration case. The family sold pupusas, El Salvadors signature dish, which are flat tortilla pouches that hold steaming blends of cheese, beans or savory pork. Abrego Garcias mother ran the business, Pupuseria Cecilia, out of their home. His father was a former police officer. The family eventually sent Abrego Garcias brother Cesar to the U.S. Abrego Garcia was also sent to the U.S. after the gang repeatedly tried to recruit him, immigration court documents stated. Abrego Garcia came to the U.S. illegally from El Salvador around 2011, according to his lawyers, and made his way to Maryland to join his older brother, a U.S. citizen. Abrego Garcias emigration from El Salvador was the subject of an October 2019 immigration hearing after he was arrested while looking for work and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following allegations about his gang membership. ICE had argued against his release because local police in Maryland had verified his gang membership, court records said. Abrego Garcia subsequently filed for asylum, while his lawyer submitted voluminous evidence that he faced the threat of violence in El Salvador. Abrego Garcias attorneys also pushed back against the MS-13 claim, which was based on a confidential informants allegations, court documents said. The informant alleged that Abrego Garcia belonged to an MS-13 chapter in New York, where he had never lived. An immigration judge denied Abrego Garcias asylum request in October 2019 but granted him protection from being deported back to El Salvador. He was released and ICE did not appeal. Abrego Garcia later married Vasquez Sura, who is a U.S. citizen, and the couple are parents to their son and her two children from a previous relationship. U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., attended the Wednesday Oval Office meeting where far-right provocateur Laura Loomer persuaded President Trump to fire six national security officials. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Just hours before he held a tele-town hall with constituents on Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Scott Perry attended a meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump and one of the most extreme far-right activists. The New York Times reported what it called an extraordinary meeting during which Trump fired six National Security Council officials at the behest of conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who claimed they were not loyal enough to Trump. Throughout all branches of the military, April is set as the Month of the Military Child. This is done to honor the youngest members of the military families. This special month long honor to the military child was established in mid 1980s by Former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger. This was set up to recognize the over 1.2 million military children for the sacrifices and challenges they face on an everyday occurrence. From their parents (yes sometimes both gone) going overseas, via a one station or a TDY (Temporary Duty) that is three to six months or longer. At a time in their young lives... WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., to honor the life and legacy of Al Simpson, former U.S. Senator for the State of Wyoming. In 1965, Al Simpson began a distinguished career of elected public service representing the people of Wyoming by serving in the Wyoming House of Representatives (1965 -1978) and the United States Senate (1979 to 1997). In the U.S. Senate, he held the important leadership roles of Senate Majority Whip, Senate Minority Whip, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans... Farming isn't just about growing crops, Greg Fiala of rural Butler County has come to find. Hearkening memories from his childhood, Fiala has had a passion for farming since he was a boy, but got his official start to the industry in the late '70s. The smell of freshly-plowed dirt still brings back pleasant memories. "Dad put me on a tractor with the plow and I loved the smell of the soil being turned over," Fiala said. "I loved in the spring like now or maybe a little bit later, and seagulls had come down, and they'd be thick on there. They'd come so close to you could almost touch them as they were swooping down." Fiala has fond memories of the simple days of helping his father farm, from riding on the tractor to throwing dirt clods off the plow trail at jackrabbits as they bound across the fields. He's always enjoyed it. While Fiala helped his father, Joe, Joe also wanted all eight of his children to have an education. He sent his two boys, Greg and Bob, and their six sisters to Aquinas Catholic School, insisting they all go to college as well. Fiala got a degree in agricultural economics and business from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity and the marching band. In 1979, Fiala returned to farming as a business venture, following in the footsteps of his father (1924-2017), grandfather, Joe Sr. (1904-1981), uncle Emil Fiala (1905-1984), great-grandfather Method Fiala (1876-1947) and from what he's read, even his great-great-grandfather, Frank Fiala (1831-1917). His father rented Fiala some space to get started growing crops, 40 acres or so, he guessed. Shortly after that, an uncle rented him some land, too, then a good friend after that. Around the time he married his wife, Peggy, he started farming on the plot where they currently live. "(The owner) was going under at that time, he was having to sell the farm or rent, he had a mortgage on it, and he had to quit farming," Fiala said. "The insurance company that had the loan took it over, and then they rented it to me for a few years." Even then, Fiala didn't own the land. When the previous company's assets finally went to auction, the plot was purchased by a buyer in Florida. Fiala continued renting the land before purchasing it for himself several years later. "I wish I could have bought it the first time, but I didn't have money," Fiala said. "But I've been here for 39-going-on-40 years here." Over the years, Fiala has been pretty conservative with spending on the farm. He doesn't like buying land or equipment unless he has most or all of the money for it. Having started out just before the farming crisis of the 1980s, it just made sense, and still does. "From growing up and starting farming through the '80s, I learned to be cautious, probably overly cautious," he said. "Sometimes, you know, I've tried to not spend if I didn't have most of the money to buy the thing or not to borrow too much." By modern standards, the amount he borrowed when first starting out isn't much, but back then, it was quite a sum $200,000-300,000. There were times where he thought maybe he should jump ship and cut his losses, but he didn't. With corn being close to $1.50 a bushel at the time, an acre only pulled in maybe $300, which wasn't much. "I remember telling Peg, times were tough, we couldn't even get close to what I paid, which is maybe a fourth or fifth of what it is now," Fiala said. "I said, 'Let's dump it, sell it, get out of it, because I don't want the debt.' I was too cautious, because during those times, a guy should be buying. I was also kind of lucky that I grew up through a time when, yeah, it was really good through the '60s and '70s, when I was helping Dad." Fiala said at the time, though, he watched friends sell their farms and get out of the business, many of whom didn't farm after. During the hard times, he did factory work to keep things going and toward the tail end of that decade, in 1988, he added his brother Bob to the operation. Fiala was recently named Outstanding Senior Farmer in the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee's Rural Recognition Awards banquet on March 18, which he speculates is for his involvement in the community given his farm isn't massive. The award is peer-nominated, then a committee chooses the honoree, to be presented the award at an annual banquet. "(When they told me) I told them there's a lot of farmers that farm a hell of a lot more than I do and they probably do a better job than I do, but I think I maybe got the award because I did other things than just farming," Fiala said. Indeed, he's been quite involved in the community over the years, serving on several boards, most recently the Butler County Historical Society as its treasurer. That's where he found information about his great-great-grandfather that leads him to believe he had been a farmer, too. But Fiala does grow seed corn, and has grown corn and soybeans on rotation over the years. They also have some alfalfa and cows, but it's not a major operation, he said. Right now, it's him, Bob, son Justin and son-in-law Travis Polacek keeping things running, with Justin and Travis joining as co-owners of Fiala Seed, LLC in 2014. Justin also farms on his own land, Fiala said, and will hopefully pick up when he finally steps away from farming. In his acceptance speech at the awards ceremony, Fiala thanked the many people who support him and have supported him over the years, including Justin and Travis, but also his father, who passed in 2017. His father never had much, Greg said, but he made sure his kids had a good education and life. Even in his later years, he helped his boy on the farm. "I miss him still, you know, he'd come over here every day, towards the '80s or when I first got married and started building," Fiala said. "Dad was tough. He came here and helped, he'd be around here most of the day, you know." In a sort of full-circle way, Justin lives on the land his father grew up on, just south of Ulysses, and one day, when Fiala is done with farming, he hopes the next generation will pick up where he leaves off. "When (Justin) started farming, I told him to start on his own," Fiala said. "He's using our machinery, but he is renting land on his own because it's kind of hard for him to get into the corporation. I think some time I'll just start handing my part of the corporation over to him." Shannon Shorr Wins WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Main Event for First Ring & $207,615 Jon Pill Contributor Copy link The World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) event at the Horseshoe Las Vegas is one of the most important stops on the WSOPC calendar. This year, the WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Las Vegas paid out $3,775,202 over the course of two weeks from March 20 to April 1. These prizes were spread over 18 ring events. One of the 18 rings and $207,615 of those dollars went to longtime poker pro Shannon Shorr for taking down the Main Event for his first WSOP Circuit win. Shannon Shorr Wins His First WSOPC Ring Shannon Shorr. Shorr beat Jordyn Miller heads up to win the $1,700 Main Event at the Horseshoe Las Vegas. After three days of play, the pair were the last two competitors remaining from a field that started with 774 entries. The high turnout put $1,172,610 in the prize pool. Miller and Shorr ended up battling it out for a $207,615 first-place prize. However, for Shorr the money may have mattered less than the gold ring. Shorr is in the top 100 players for live cashes with a total of $14.9 million, according to The Hendon Mob. The Alabama all-time money leader has a pair of online WSOP bracelets on his wrist and a tournament record of 244 live cashes under the WSOP/WSOPC brand. However, the ring he won in the Main Event was his first live victory for WSOP gold as both of his bracelets were won online. Jordyn Miller. The road to victory was rough at first. I had a lot of chips going into Day 2, but things just went terribly. I was getting roughed up," Shorr said after his win, as reported on WSOP.com. However, things turned around after he pulled off a big bluff near the bubble. "That was big for momentum," Shorr explained. "After that, I just got completely run over by the deck. I had five times the average stack at one point, and everything just kind of fell into place. Miller took home $138,394 for second place. WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Las Vegas Main Event Final Table Results Place Player Hometown Prize 1 Shannon Shorr Las Vegas, NV $207,615 2 Jordyn Miller Las Vegas, NV $138,394 3 John Longowa Lake St Louis, MO $96,751 4 Emily Xie Brooklyn, NY $68,751 5 Evan Sandberg Las Vegas, NV $49,672 6 Michael Johnson Las Vegas, NV $36,499 7 Dennis Yoder Chesapeake, VA $27,283 8 Terry Fleischer Las Vegas, NV $20,753 9 Tomas Szwarcberg Mexico City, Mexico $16,070 Women Shine at the Horseshoe Evangeline Ayad, a WSOP dealer, won the Mini Main. It was a big festival for women in poker as three of the 18 Circuit rings up for grabs went to women, including the first event of the series. Evangeline Ayed won Event #1: $400 Mini Main Event No-Limit Hold'em. Ayed has worked as a WSOP dealer for 25 years and but was just as sharp on the other side of the deck, beating a field of 1,408 players to take home $464,640. WSOPC veteran Shirley Rosario won her fourth WSOPC ring by taking down Event #6: $600 Omaha 8 or Better for $15,792. As a four-card specialist, all four of Rosario's rings have been in Omaha 8-or-better events. The third woman to earn a ring at the Horseshoe was Gladys Landegger, who won her second WSOPC ring and $10,189 in the Ladies Event. Other winners at the Horseshoe included bracelet winner Francis Anderson, who took down the $3,300 High Roller for $56,358. Earlier in the series, Anderson finished 51st in the Main Event for $4,539. The WSOP Circuit Endgame The Commerce Casino will soon be hosting a WSOPC festival. The 2024/2025 season of the WSOPC is in its last stretch, with five events left before the switch to the 2025/2026 season. The WSOP Circuit Grand Victoria begins tomorrow, April 3, and runs until April 14. Shortly after the Grand Victoria riverboat casino slams its hatches on the WSOPC, the Horseshoe Casino in Tunica opens its doors on April 17. After that there are events scheduled at Harrah's Cherokee in North Carolina, The Commerce in L.A., and Caesars Southern Indiana. You can catch recaps of all the action here on PokerNews. WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Las Vegas Full Series Results Event Entrants Prize Pool Winner Prize WSOPC Event #1: $400 Mini Main Event No-Limit Hold'em 1,408 $464,640 Evangeline Ayed $62,005 WSOPC Event #2: $400 Pot-Limit Omaha 119 $39,270 Gabriel Tileff $10,107 WSOPC Event #3: $600 T.O.R.S.E. 165 $20,837 John Brinkman $20,837 WSOPC Event #4: $1,125 Pot-Limit Omaha 98 $98,000 Shahar Biniaminov $26,608 WSOPC Event #5: $600 Monster Stack 434 $362,560 Arnau Alfonso $61,265 WSOPC Event #6: $600 Omaha 8 or Better 121 $62,315 Shirley Rosario $15,792 WSOPC Event #7: $250 No-Limit Hold'em 217 $43,400 Jose Luis Lopez Acebes $10,118 WSOPC Event #8: $600 O/E 109 $56,135 Mark Fisher $14,702 WSOPC Event #9: $600 Seniors Event 293 $150,895 Robert Webb $32,560 WSOPC Event #10: $2,200 High Roller 126 $252,000 Samuel Laskowitz $63,866 WSOPC Event #11: $300 Ladies Event 177 $42,480 Gladys Landegger $10,189 WSOPC Event #12: $400 No-Limit Hold'em Double Stack 473 $156,090 Christopher Quackenbush $29,602 WSOPC Event #13: $1,125 No-Limit Hold'em Mystery Bounty 428 $428,000 David Cabrera Polop $41,280 WSOPC Event #14: $400 Seniors Event 350 $115,500 Christopher Stevens $23,694 WSOPC Event #15: $1,700 Main Event 774 $1,172,610 Shannon Shorr $207,615 WSOPC Event #16: $400 No-Limit Hold'em 219 $72,270 David Larson $16,842 WSOPC Event #17: $250 No-Limit Hold'em 261 $52,200 Daniel Lei $11,561 WSOPC Event #18: $3,300 High Roller 62 $186,000 Francis Anderson $56,358 *Photos courtesy WSOP/8131 Media Share this article Aiken, SC (29801) Today A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. Cloudy with a few showers. Low around 75F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Tropical storm conditions possible. Cloudy with a few showers. Low around 75F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Columbia, SC (29201) Today A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some passing clouds. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some passing clouds. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Local Government Reporter Josh Archote covers the city of Columbia and Richland County for the Post and Courier. He graduated from Louisiana State University and has written for the Tampa Bay Times. 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. Greenville, SC (29601) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low around 75F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Tropical storm conditions possible. Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low around 75F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Luca Strobel is a News Clerk for the Post and Courier. He graduated from the College of Charleston. He contributes to the Post and Courier's arts and entertainment section, Charleston Scene and reports for various expansion markets. Amid concerns from critics including a top Virginia lawmaker that prosecutors are not doing enough to take on motorists who injure or even kill pedestrians, a former Charlottesville restaurateur and city political appointee has settled a lawsuit brought against him by a University of Virginia student he struck with his vehicle two years ago. Charlottesville Circuit Court records show that UVa student Lydia Niguse has settled her $350,000 lawsuit against Kevin Badke, 45, who formerly served on the citys Board of Architectural Review and who had interests in such popular local eateries as the Fitzroy, Trinity and Coupes. Ironically, after the lawsuit was settled, Badke returned to court dealing with an accusation bearing some similarity to the Niguse case. While in the Niguse case he was accused of looking down at something something his lawyer contested before impact, in the next case Badke was accused of holding his phone while driving earlier this year. Hes a negative seven, sir, arresting officer Jacob Chisom told Albemarle County General District Court Judge Matthew Quatrara during a recent hearing. The officer was referring to the Department of Motor Vehicles system for rating Virginia drivers. So he cant do a class, replied Quatrara, who typically directs first offenders to a driving course. No first offender, Badke had six moving violations heading into that Jan. 27 hearing. There, Quatrara found him guilty of holding a phone and assessed a $125 fine plus $66 in court costs. That punishment likely subtracted three more demerit points from Badkes DMV rating. Moreover, it charged him more money than he initially paid for seriously injuring Niguse. A witness to the March 27, 2023, incident said that Niguse was knocked unconscious for a minute by the impact when Badkes Chevrolet Tahoe struck her on a clear spring afternoon. Niguse was dashed to the pavement while walking in a crosswalk near UVas then-under construction Contemplative Commons on Emmet Street. While Badke promptly stopped his nearly 4-ton vehicle, Niguses injuries were extensive. The investigating officer found the young woman had suffered vertebral fractures in her lower spine and internal bleeding near her brain, the latter injury capable of creating lifelong complications and disabilities, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The officer charged Badke with two charges, including reckless driving, an offense that requires some evidence about the drivers state of mind. The officer reported that in the moments before impact, Badke had twice crossed the centerline. In court, Charlottesville prosecutor Will Tanner dropped a failure-to-yield charge and reduced the reckless charge, so Badke could plead guilty to improper driving. After court, Tanner told The Daily Progress that the presence of a construction barrel in the roadway ameliorated Badkes responsibility. Badke paid $100 plus $64 in court costs to satisfy the Charlottesville General District Court. In another recent local case, 19-year-old Louisa resident Matthew Christian Kozub paid $94 to the Charlottesville General District Court to satisfy a failure-to-yield traffic ticket, the most severe charge he faced after killing 64-year-old mother and grandmother Mamawa Simai. One man who tried to strengthen penalties for motorists convicted of striking pedestrians is Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax. In 2020, Surovell pushed a bill through the General Assembly that allowed prosecutors to charge those who seriously or fatally strike pedestrians and cyclists with a Class 1 misdemeanor. The charge carries the same penalty as reckless driving: up to a year in jail. The difference is that it doesnt require as much state-of-mind evidence, only a showing of carelessness or distractedness. To Surovells chagrin, since his law was enacted, prosecutors have brought just 32 charges on his so-called vulnerable road users law. Thats in a state where pedestrian and cyclist casualties regularly top 2,000 every year. No one is using it, Surovell told The Daily Progress. Surovell said he crafted the law to provide a way to get around the insistence of judges in determining mens rea, or the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing. Surovell said that in collisions between cars and people, theres not only an imbalance in physics but also in available information. Usually the defendant is mute or says, I didnt see them, and the victim is concussed or dead, Surovell said. He said that a 1970 Virginia Supreme Court ruling made getting reckless driving convictions too difficult. The ruling in Powers v. Commonwealth dismissed a reckless driving conviction based on circumstantial evidence, despite the driver having wrapped his car around a tree so violently that both he and the engine were dislodged. My law requires no mens rea, said Surovell. It requires that you be careless or distracted. Its basically a negligence standard. Badke was not charged under Surovells law, and a data compilation by the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission cross-checked with local records shows that Surovells law has been never been pressed in the city of Charlottesville and only once in surrounding Albemarle County. I sometimes call commonwealths attorneys and say, Why didnt you charge that? and they say, What are you talking about? said Surovell. Charlottesville Commonwealths Attorney Joe Platania was asked why his office has never used that law. We review the evidence in each criminal prosecution to determine if there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt of reckless, careless, or distracted driving, Platania said in a statement. Sometimes, even when there may be proof of those elements, in consultation with victims and understanding that civil litigation will follow, an agreement is reached to allow the defendant to plead to criminal improper driving, thereby establishing negligence. Surovell contended that some court officials arent accustomed to ratcheting up the blame in wrecks. Its a difficult paradigm shift for a lot of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges, said Surovell, because we have traditionally demanded a higher level of accountability before we find someone criminally liable in a traffic situation. Surovell calls his law a catchall, as it doesnt require the pedestrian or cyclist to be on a public road. They could be on private property, such as a parking lot. The one time Surovells law was employed by a Central Virginia prosecutor was the case against Warren Thurston, the driver in a fatal incident on Rio Road in Albemarle County. Thurston conceded that he was listening to but insisted that he was not watching a video in his car when he struck and killed a man in a crosswalk named Scott Rooth on June 19, 2022. The prosecutor in that case ultimately decided that he couldnt show that Thurston, who voluntarily provided the information about the video and who reported having a mental disorder, did anything wrong, particularly since the victim might have been crossing against a stop light. The prosecutor withdrew the charge. It would be unjust to pursue this case against Mr. Thurston with the evidence we have at this time, Ray Szwabowski, the prosecutor, said when he moved to drop the charge last year. Data from the DMV shows that 63 pedestrians and bicyclists were injured and three killed by motor vehicles in Charlottesville and Albemarle County in 2024. Many people see no harm in texting, sorting through their playlist or adjusting their navigation while driving, according to the DMV. But there are serious dangers hidden in those seconds of your eyes being off the road. You could easily miss a pedestrian stepping out to cross the road, and those seconds could be the difference between life and death. Niguses civil lawsuit against Badke was dismissed on a motion from the plaintiff after a settlement. How much Badke or his insurer paid Niguse is subject, however, to a confidentiality agreement, according to her lawyer. Not as much as she deserved, the lawyer, Richard Armstrong, told The Daily Progress. Badke, who represented himself in the civil suit, according to court records, did not immediately respond to a Daily Progress interview request. As reported last week, a new law takes effect July 1 that continues the push for punishment that Surovell started. Like Surovells vulnerable road users law, the new law criminalizes death and serious injury to bikers and walkers, but it goes a step further by removing any need for a prosecutor to determine what might have been in the mind of such a driver. Thats the way it should be, Charlottesville pedestrian advocate Kevin Cox told The Daily Progress. Theres no excuse for running someone down. Reporter Max White is a reporter for The Post and Courier Spartanburg primarily covering local government and business. He is a South Carolina native of Charleston and graduated from the University of South Carolina in December 2023. PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 15:01:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 696 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 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 text investorinfo@ 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 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.Source/ContactSharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 16:01:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 287 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / BEAM Media Corp is pleased to announce that sponsor and partner, Alexander PCs ( alexanderpcs.com) , has officially become an investor in BEAM. This strategic investment represents a significant endorsement from a trusted partner and underscores a shared vision for the future of livestreaming.Founded in 2020, Alexander PCs has built a distinguished reputation for crafting high-performance custom and gaming PCs. The company has consistently demonstrated a commitment to delivering cutting-edge systems tailored for gamers, creators, and technology enthusiasts.Angel Munoz, Chief Executive Officer of BEAM Media Corp, stated: "We are honored to welcome Alexander PCs as an investor in BEAM. Their decision to deepen the relationship with us reflects a mutual belief in the transformative potential of our platform. Alexander PCs has long been recognized for their excellence in performance hardware, and we look forward to continuing to build the future of livestreaming together." TJ Abell, President of Alexander PCs, added: "Our partnership with BEAM has already shown great promise, and this investment marks a natural evolution of that relationship. We're excited to support BEAM's mission to revolutionize livestreaming and are confident in their leadership, vision, and ability to deliver a next-generation experience for creators and audiences alike." This collaboration further strengthens the foundation of innovation and excellence upon which both companies operate, and signals a dynamic new chapter in their shared journey.About BEAM BEAM Media Corp, a subsidiary of Mass Luminosity, is a cutting-edge streaming platform designed to connect streamers and audiences like never before. By prioritizing quality, interactivity, and accessibility, BEAM is transforming the way livestreaming is experienced.For more information, visit BEAMstream.gg Press Contact:Richard Stone+1 (972) 619-3000 stone@ beamstream.gg SOURCE: Mass Luminosity, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 18:33:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 443 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Ciuni & Panichi, 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 to Ciuni & Panichi.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On November 3, 2024, Ciuni & Panichi became aware of a security incident involving unauthorized activity in an employee email account. Upon detection, Ciuni & Panichi 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 sensitive personal information within its systems. Ciuni & Panichi conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and to identify affected individuals. This review was completed on January 21, 2025.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal information may have been compromised: name of individual, Social Security number, and date of birth. On March 27, 2025, Ciuni & Panichi filed a notice with the Attorney General of New Hampshire and started mailing 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 Ciuni & Panichi, 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: 2025-04-03 13:02:53 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 427 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Edison International ("Edison" or "the Company") (NYSE:EIX) and certain of its officers.Class DefinitionThis lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Edison securities between February 25, 2021 and February 6, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/EIX Case DetailsThe Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Edison's claim that Southern California Edison Company ("SCE") used its Public Safety Power Shutoffs ("PSPS") program to "proactively de-energize power lines to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires during extreme weather events", was false; (2) this resulted in heightened fire risk in California and heightened legal exposure to the Company; and (3) as a result, Defendants' statements about Edison's business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/EIX.or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at332-239-2660 . If you suffered a loss in Edison you have until April 21, 2025, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & GrossmanBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Follow us for updates onLinkedIn ,X ,Facebook , orInstagram .Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.ContactBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller332-239-2660|info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 17:52:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 872 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / enBio Corp , a leader in clinical technology services and medical equipment solutions, is proud to announce the formation of its Advisory Board with the appointment of three nationally recognized healthcare executives: Michael T. Phillips, FACHE, Lloyd Duplechan and Dave Francoeur. Together, these leaders bring unmatched experience in hospital operations, biomedical engineering, regulatory compliance, and strategic transformation.The Advisory Board will support enBio Corp's expansion and innovation across four core service areas: Hospital Bed and Gurney Management, Biomedical Services for Hospitals and Clinics, Facilities/Engineering Projects, and TalentConnect-enBio's biomedical engineer temporary placement service. The Board will also help identify new growth opportunities beyond the company's current scope, with a focus on long-term, sustainable, above-average profitability.Advisory Board MembersMichael T. Phillips, FACHE Michael Phillips is a veteran healthcare executive with over two decades of leadership across hospitals, public health systems, and consulting firms. He most recently served as CEO of Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, one of the largest skilled nursing facilities in the country. He previously led Silver Lake Medical Center, Southern California Hospital in Culver City, and Kindred Hospital Los Angeles, achieving major turnarounds in clinical and financial performance. Earlier, he held senior roles at Cedars-Sinai Health System and Kaiser Permanente, and served in regional leadership at PacifiCare Health Systems.Michael is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he earned a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration. He is currently a Principal at Phillips Strategic Advisors, a premier business consulting firm dedicated to empowering organizations with strategic insights and actionable solutions.His deep operational and strategic expertise will be critical as enBio navigates its next phase of growth.Lloyd Duplechan Lloyd Duplechan is currently President of Healthcare Environment Institute, LLC, a firm focused on compliance, performance improvement, high reliability and continuous survey readiness across hospitals and outpatient settings. Previously, Mr. Duplechan served for 28 years with Kaiser Permanente before retiring as Chief Operating Officer. He is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker and author, with publications through the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, and National Institutes of Health Libraryof Medicine (PubMed) and Europe's PMC websites. He completed the Executive Leadership program at Harvard Business School and was recently invited by HHS to serve on the NIH Advisory Council on Environmental Health Sciences. His consulting insight and regulatory mastery position him as a key advisor to enBio's evolving healthcare platform.Dave Francoeur Dave Francoeur is a nationally respected healthcare technology executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in clinical engineering, field service operations, and executive management. He most recently served as Zone Vice President of Customer Service at Siemens Healthineers, where he led high-performing teams across the Midwest and Central regions and drove strategic initiatives that improved both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. He has also held senior roles at industry leaders including Tech Knowledge Associates, Sodexo, Crothall Healthcare, CREST Services, Aramark, and TRIMEDX, where he spearheaded national programs, strengthened compliance frameworks, and led teams through rapid growth and change.Mr. Francoeur holds a Master of Management from Cambridge College and an Associate of Science in Biomedical Instrumentation from Springfield Technical Community College. He is certified in both Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET) and Healthcare Technology Management (CHTM).His national impact includes serving as a Fellow and Board Member of AAMI, Co-Chair of the FDA Medical Device Servicing Committee, and a founding executive of the Technology Management Council. He has led key industry coalitions-most notably the Alliance for Quality Medical Device Servicing-to protect the right to repair and reduce regulatory burden. His leadership has directly influenced major policy changes at organizations such as the College of American Pathologists and the Veterans Administration, resulting in widespread improvements in productivity and regulatory efficiency. In recognition of his contributions, he was named Biomedical Equipment Technician of the Year by AAMI.Leadership Perspective"We are honored to welcome Michael, Lloyd, and Dave to our Advisory Board," said Arthur Zenian, CEO of enBio Corp. "Their collective experience across hospital systems, compliance strategy, and clinical technology leadership perfectly aligns with our vision to become the gold standard in healthcare support services. With their insights, we will accelerate our strategic planning efforts, elevate quality across our divisions, and build a company that makes a meaningful impact on patient care nationwide." Greg Aghamanoukian, President of enBio Corp, added: "Each of these leaders brings real-world operational experience that will help guide our next chapter. Their deep industry knowledge will ensure our teams are well-positioned to execute with precision, expand into new markets, and remain focused on what matters most-supporting the clinicians and patients who rely on us." About enBio CorpenBio Corp is a leading provider of clinical technology services and medical equipment solutions that support the critical infrastructure of hospitals and clinics across the United States. With a focus on reliability, innovation, and service excellence, enBio operates across four core pillars: Hospital Bed and Gurney Management, Biomedical Services for Hospitals and Clinics, Facilities/Engineering Projects, and TalentConnect, which provides skilled biomedical engineering professionals on a temporary basis. The company is committed to redefining standards in healthcare services while pursuing sustainable growth and nationwide impact.For more information visit:enBio Corp| (818) 953-9976SOURCE: enBio Corp PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 19:01:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 441 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Farmers Bank & Trust 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 Farmers Bank & Trust.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On October 25, 2024, Farmers Bank & Trust experienced unauthorized access to an employee's email account. Upon detection, Farmers Bank & Trust immediately launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cyber security professionals to determine the nature and scope of the incident. Following a detailed forensic investigation and manual review, on February 17, 2025, Farmers Bank & Trust determined that certain files containing personal information may have been accessed or acquired.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personalinformation may have been compromised:full name, Social Security number, financial information, email address, and driver's license.Farmers Bank & Trust conducted a comprehensive review to determine the specific information affected and began sending notification letters to impacted individuals on March 17, 2025. A public notice was filed with the Massachusetts Attorney General on the same day.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 Farmers Bank & Trust, 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: 2025-04-03 13:02:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 438 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against FMC Corporation ("FMC" or "the Company") (NYSE:FMC) and certain of its officers.Class DefinitionThis lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired FMC securities between November 16, 2023 and February 4, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/FMC Case DetailsThe Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) the Company's channel management initiatives were not progressing as represented; (2) that, faced with pricing pressure, the Company had made the decision not to compete on prices and instead walk away from sales opportunities; (3) that, as a result, the Company had inflated inventory in the channels in "LATAM, including Brazil, Asia, including India, as well as Canada and Eastern Europe;" and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/FMC.or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at332-239-2660 . If you suffered a loss in FMC you have until April 14, 2025, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & GrossmanBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Follow us for updates onLinkedIn ,X ,Facebook , orInstagram .Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.ContactBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller332-239-2660|info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 14:16:40 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 462 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 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=140663&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 PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 20:25:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 408 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 RENO, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / iWallet Corporation (IWAL) today announced it has reached a pivotal milestone in the development of its next-generation products, the iWallet 2.0 and iPassport, with final production prototypes slated for completion by the end of the second quarter of 2025. These products represent a significant leap forward in premium, security-focused accessories, tailored for the modern, mobile lifestyle.The iWallet 2.0 redefines the everyday wallet with its sleek, compact design and unparalleled security features. Constructed from aerospace-grade titanium, it offers exceptional durability and a lightweight profile, surpassing both steel and carbon fiber in strength-to-weight ratio. Key features include advanced biometric fingerprint authentication, integrated Bluetooth tracking, and robust RFID-blocking technology, ensuring the protection of up to eight credit cards.Complementing the iWallet 2.0 is the iPassport, a premium travel wallet designed for the discerning global traveler. Crafted from the same high-grade titanium, the iPassport provides secure storage for passports, credit cards, and essential travel documents. It mirrors the iWallet 2.0's advanced security features, including biometric access, Bluetooth tracking, and RFID protection, offering peace of mind during international travel.iWallet Corporation's engineering team boasts a distinguished pedigree, comprising talent from leading consumer technology brands, including Apple, Beats by Dre and Motorola. Notably, team members have contributed to the design of the iPad camera and project management for Beats by Dre. iWallet ensures superior build quality by utilizing a manufacturing partner that produces titanium parts for premium smartphones, employing a unique laser-cutting technique to maintain tight tolerances."The iWallet 2.0 and iPassport represent a fusion of cutting-edge design, robust security, and practical functionality, catering to the demands of today's dynamic lifestyles. We've elevated our previous innovations by integrating the latest technological advancements," stated Steven Cabouli, Founder and CEO of iWallet Corporation. "As we approach prototype completion, we are eager to move forward with the launch of these exceptional products." In addition, iWallet Corporation has finalized its investor presentation, which will be accessible on its soon-to-be-launched website. The site will feature detailed product showcases, company updates, and comprehensive investor resources.iWallet Corporation will continue to provide updates and share key milestones through its official communication channels as product development progresses.About iWallet CorporationiWallet Corporation (IWAL) is dedicated to creating premium, security-focused accessories that blend innovative design with advanced technology. The company's products are engineered to meet the needs of the modern, mobile consumer, offering unparalleled protection and functionality.Contact InformationSTEVEN CABOULICEO info@ wal.tech (858)610-2958SOURCE: iWallet Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 17:00:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 389 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 AUSTIN, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 /The Piazza Center proudly announces that board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rocco Piazza has been selected as one of the few elite plastic surgeons in Austin, TX, to pilot Motiva's innovative implant technology. With over 15 years of experience specializing in breast and body procedures, Dr. Piazza continues to set new standards in aesthetic surgery and patient care.Motiva Implants, known for their advanced safety, softness, and natural look and feel, have gained worldwide recognition. This selection underscores Dr. Piazza's reputation as a thought leader in plastic surgery and his commitment to providing his patients with cutting-edge solutions."As a plastic surgeon dedicated to innovation and patient-centric care, I am honored to be among the select surgeons piloting Motiva implants in Austin," said Dr. Piazza. "Motiva's SmoothSilk surface technology and unique implant designs provide a more natural integration with the body, minimizing complications and enhancing patient comfort. I am particularly impressed with the differences between Motiva SmoothSilk Round and Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix implants, allowing me to tailor implant selection based on each patient's anatomy and goals." Dr. Piazza has observed that patients seeking a more structured and lifted appearance may benefit from Motiva SmoothSilk Round implants, which maintain upper pole fullness while providing soft, natural movement. Alternatively, those looking for a more dynamic and adaptive implant that moves naturally with the body may be better candidates for Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix implants.With a focus on evidence-based enhancements and a track record of superior patient outcomes, Dr. Piazza's expertise and The Piazza Center's commitment to modern, personalized plastic surgery make them a leading choice for patients seeking the latest advancements in breast augmentation.For more information about Motiva implants and to schedule a consultation, visit https://www.thepiazzacenter.com/breast/motiva-implants/ About The Piazza CenterThe Piazza Center, founded by Dr. Rocco Piazza, is a premier plastic surgery and advanced skincare practice in Austin, Texas. Specializing in breast and body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and regenerative aesthetics, the practice emphasizes natural-looking results and patient education. With a focus on innovation and evidence-based treatments, The Piazza Center offers a concierge-level experience that prioritizes safety, comfort, and excellence in aesthetic outcomes for patients wishing to Live Confidently.Media Contact:Taylor MoreiraTaylor@ ThePiazzaCenter.com SOURCE: The Piazza Center For Plastic Surgery & Advanced Skin Care PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 15:01:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 452 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 /MIAMI BREEZE Car Care Inc., (OTC PINK:MIBE), a Florida-based car care company, today announced the acquisition of Gin City Inc., a rapidly growing lifestyle brand known for its innovative Gin City Bar concept.The acquisition was completed through a share exchange agreement and is expected to increase the company's revenue by approximately $2.2 million in 2025.About Gin CityGin City is focused on brand development and international expansion, following the success of its flagship location in Munich, Germany. https://www.gincity.de/en The company plans to launch new venues at exclusive hotspots, including Miami, Ibiza, Dubai, and London.In addition to expanding its venue footprint, Gin City is preparing to introduce a licensing model to further grow its international presence. The brand is also set to expand its premium product portfolio, which includes:Gin City Original London Dry GinGin City Zero (alcohol-free gin)Gin City Gin-Tonic (ready-to-drink can)Gin City TonicAbout Miami Breeze Car Care, Inc.Miami Breeze Car Care, Inc. began as a luxury lifestyle car care company and gained recognition for developing a unique "real new car scent." With the acquisition of Gin City Inc., the company is broadening its focus into the premium lifestyle and beverage industry, aligning with its mission to deliver high-end experiences worldwide.Forward-Looking StatementsThis 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 (the "Exchange Act"), which were adopted as part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.Statements that include words such as "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," and similar expressions, as well as future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," "may," and "could," are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts.These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any anticipated outcomes. The company disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, revise any forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise.For additional risks and uncertainties that could impact the company's forward-looking statements, please see the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1872066/000152013824000172/miami-20241231_10k.htm For further information, please contact:support@ miami-breeze.net Miami Breeze Car Care Inc.848 Brickell Ave. PH 5Miami, FL 33131 U.S.A https://miami-breeze.com/ SOURCE: Miami Breeze Car Care, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 22:00:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 668 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., April 3, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) between February 3, 2022 and February 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 14, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Merck securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Merck class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34975or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 14, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the 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 case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-04 00:00:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 923 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Onco-Innovations Limited (CSE:ONCO)(OTCQB:ONNVF)(Frankfurt:W1H, WKN: A3EKSZ) ("Onco" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Inka Health Corp. ("Inka Health"), which the Company acquired on or about February 3, 2025 (please see news release dated February 3, 2025), has now successfully completed analytical work under contract ("AZ Services Agreement") for AstraZeneca Canada ("AstraZeneca"), contributing to ongoing advancements in pharmaceutical evidence generation.Commissioned by AstraZeneca in consideration for prescribed fees under the AZ Services Agreement (which was entered into on or about September 19, 2024), this work reflects Inka Health's expertise in developing rigorous methodologies to strengthen the reliability of real-world data in healthcare decision-making. By addressing key analytical challenges, the project has yielded insights with broad implications for regulatory evaluation of real-world evidence and market access strategies. As a result of this work, two poster abstracts[1] have been developed and will be presented at ISPOR 2025 in Montreal, showcasing key findings and their impact on the use of real-world evidence in pharmaceutical research.The first study, titled "Addressing Bias and Generalizability Challenges in Non-Local Real-World Evidence Through Transportability Analyses"[2], was co-authored by Inka Health founders Paul Arora and Alind Gupta alongside AstraZeneca Canada. This research explores innovative methodologies to enhance the credibility and applicability of real-world evidence (RWE) in regulatory and market access decisions. RWE is data collected from everyday medical practice rather than controlled clinical trials, making it valuable but sometimes difficult to apply across different populations. It demonstrates how advanced analytical approaches, such as transportability analysis, can mitigate bias and improve the generalizability of international data, ensuring that findings from one country or setting can be adjusted to be more relevant for another. This can be particularly important for regulators and pharmaceutical companies seeking to make informed decisions on treatments across diverse healthcare systems.The second study, "A Comprehensive Review of Real-World Evidence (RWE) Use in Submissions to Canada's Drug Agency (CDA)"[3], provides an in-depth evaluation of how RWE is utilized in regulatory submissions in Canada. Regulatory submissions are the formal applications pharmaceutical companies submit to health authorities when seeking approval for a new drug or therapy. Inka Health has identified key trends and future opportunities in leveraging RWE to support pharmaceutical decision-making. By analyzing past submissions, the study sheds light on how often and in what ways RWE has influenced drug approvals, helping to shape more efficient and evidence-based regulatory strategies. These findings highlight the growing role of data-driven insights in optimizing drug evaluation processes and regulatory strategies.The importance of advanced analytical methodologies, demonstrated through Inka Health's client work, is driving their incorporation into its proprietary analytics platform, SynoGraph (the "Platform"). Designed to address pressing global challenges in pharmaceutical analytics, SynoGraph incorporates advanced causal inference techniques to enable transportability analysis. The Platform, informed by novel research and collaborations with industry leaders like AstraZeneca, strengthens Inka Health's role in advancing evidence generation and precision medicine."The successful completion of this work with AstraZeneca Canada is a testament to Inka Health's ability to tackle some of the most complex challenges in pharmaceutical analytics. Real-world evidence is only as useful as its credibility and applicability, and our team has focused on developing methodologies that push the boundaries of what's possible in this space. Partnerships like this are what drive real innovation, and we're proud to be at the forefront of this evolution," said Paul Arora, CEO of Inka Health.The findings from Inka Health and AstraZeneca Canada's contracted analytical work will be presented at ISPOR 2025, the premier global conference for health economics and outcomes research. The event, taking place in Montreal, Quebec, from May 11-15, 2025, brings together industry experts, academics, regulators, and pharmaceutical professionals to discuss innovations that shape healthcare decision-making worldwide. The studies will be showcased on Friday, May 16, from 9:00 - 11:30 AM ET (Eastern Time).About Inka HealthInka Health is an AI-driven analytics company revolutionizing oncology research and drug development through advanced causal AI. Its proprietary platform, SynoGraph, leverages AI-powered causal inference to identify which cancer patients are most likely to respond to specific treatments, advancing precision medicine. By integrating diverse multimodal medical data - including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics - SynoGraph uncovers hidden insights that can optimize treatment decisions and clinical trial design. With this cutting-edge technology, Inka Health helps pharmaceutical companies accelerate drug development, reduce trial failures, and bring life-saving therapies to market faster.About Onco-Innovations LimitedOnco-Innovations is a Canadian-based company dedicated to cancer research and treatment, specializing in oncology. Onco's mission is to prevent and cure cancer through pioneering research and innovative solutions. The company has secured an exclusive worldwide license to patented technology that targets solid tumours, setting new standards in cancer treatment. Onco's commitment to excellence and innovation drives it to develop advanced therapies that improve patient outcomes and offer hope in the fight against cancer.ON BEHALF OF ONCO-INNOVATIONS LIMITED,"Thomas O'Shaughnessy"Chief Executive OfficerFor more information, please contact:Thomas O'ShaughnessyChief Executive OfficerTel: + 1 888 261 8055 investors@ oncoinnovations.com The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.Forward-Looking Statements Caution. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the further development, potential commercialization and benefits of the Company's technologies, including Synograph, as well as the prospects of the Company, and the Company's business and plans generally, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 08:00:43 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 692 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, GB / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 /Pantheon Resources plc (AIM:PANR)(OTCQX:PTHRF)("Pantheon" or the "Company"), an oil and gas company developing the Kodiak and Ahpun oil fields in close proximity to pipeline and transportation infrastructure on Alaska's North Slope, today announced that management will attend the upcoming LD Micro Invitational XV and the Commodities Global Expo in Spring 2025.Pantheon management is scheduled to present at LD Micro, as well as host one on one meetings at each conference, as follows:LD Micro Invitational XV Date: April 10, 2025Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern timeLocation: Westin Grand Central, New YorkFormat: Webcasted Presentation + 1x1 MeetingsWebcast: https://event.summitcast.com/view/Rv8BqVhT6JpoAvJwfhYEsK/2mqmpa3QmCsfqs5tBz3LiM Top Shelf Partners: The Commodities Global Expo 2025 Date: May 9-11, 2025Location: Four Seasons Resort, Fort LauderdaleFormat: 1x1s MeetingsMax Easley, CEO, commented:"We are excited to participate in these premier investor conferences, providing a platform to engage with investors and discuss Pantheon's latest operational milestones. With our upcoming multi-zone flow tests at Megrez-1, we are entering a pivotal phase in demonstrating the full potential of our assets. The results of these tests could significantly impact our resource estimates and development plans, reinforcing Pantheon's commitment to delivering long-term value for shareholders. I look forward to connecting with investors and providing insights into our strategy as we advance our projects on Alaska's North Slope." Registration is required for conference participation. For more information or to schedule a meeting with management, please contact MZ Group at PTHRF@ mzgroup.us For further information, please contact:Corporate Contact Pantheon Resources plc+44 20 7484 5361 contact@ pantheonresources.com Nominated Adviser and Broker Canaccord Genuity LimitedHenry Fitzgerald-O'Connor, James Asensio, Charlie Hammond+44 20 7523 8000Public Relations Contact BlytheRayTim Blythe, Megan Ray, Matthew Bowld+44 20 7138 3204 pantheon@ blytheray.com Investor Relations Contact MZ GroupLucas Zimmerman, Ian Scargill+1 949 259 4987 PTHRF@ mzgroup.us AboutPantheon ResourcesPantheon Resources plc is an AIM listed Oil & Gas company focused on developing its 100% owned Ahpun and Kodiak fields located on State of Alaska land on the North Slope, onshore USA. Independently certified best estimate contingent recoverable resources attributable to these projects currently total c. 1.6 billion barrels of ANS crude and 6.6 Tcf of associated natural gas. The Company owns 100% working interest in c. 259,000 acres.Pantheon's stated objective is to demonstrate sustainable market recognition of a value of $5-$10/bbl of recoverable resources by end 2028. This is based on bringing the Ahpun field forward to FID and producing into the TAPS main oil line (ANS crude) by the end of 2028. The Gas Sales Precedent Agreement signed with AGDC provides the potential for Pantheon's natural gas to be produced into the proposed 807mile pipeline from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska during 2029. Once the Company achieves financial self-sufficiency, it will apply the resultant cashflows to support the FID on the Kodiak field planned, subject to regulatory approvals, targeted by the end of 2028 or early 2029.A major differentiator to other ANS projects is the close proximity to existing roads and pipelines which offers a significant competitive advantage to Pantheon, allowing for shorter development timeframes, materially lower infrastructure costs and the ability to support the development with a significantly lower pre-cashflow funding requirement than is typical in Alaska. Furthermore, the low CO2 content of the associated gas allows export into the planned natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska without significant pre-treatment.The Company's project portfolio has been endorsed by world renowned experts. Netherland, Sewell & Associates estimate a 2C contingent recoverable resource in the Kodiak project that total 1,208 mmbbl of ANS crude and 5,396 bcf of natural gas. Cawley Gillespie & Associates estimate 2C contingent recoverable resources for Ahpun's western topset horizons at 282 mmbbl of ANS crude and 803 bcf of natural gas. Lee Keeling & Associates estimated possible reserves and 2C contingent recoverable resources totalling 79 mmbbl of ANS crude and 424 bcf natural gas.For more information visitwww.pantheonresources.com This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Pantheon Resources PLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 18:46:48 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 466 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Plaisted Companies, 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 to Plaisted.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?In September 2024, Plaisted experienced a network disruption that prompted an immediate investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts. The investigation determined that certain employee files were accessed without authorization around September 4, 2024. In response, Plaisted initiated a comprehensive review of the impacted files to determine what specific types of personal information were present and to identify affected individuals. This review concluded on February 11, 2025. Following the review, Plaisted verified address information to ensure proper notification could be provided. That process concluded on March 21, 2025.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal information may have been compromised: name, Social Security number, driver's license or other government identification number, account number, credit or debit card number, in combination with any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual's financial account. On March 26, 2025, Plaisted filed a notice with the New Hampshire Attorney General and began mailing data breach notification 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 Plaisted, 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: 2025-04-03 03:30:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 624 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 2, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., April 2, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of TFI International Inc. (NYSE:TFII) between April 26, 2024 and February 19, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important May 13, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased TFI International 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 TFI International class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=36984 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 13, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW:We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) TFI International was losing small and medium business customers; (2) as a result, TFI's TForce Freight revenue was declining; (3) TFI International was experiencing difficulties managing its costs; (4) as a result of the foregoing, the profitability of its largest business segment was declining; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about TFI International's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the TFI International class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=36984 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: Rosen Law Firm PA PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 19:01:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 646 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., April 3, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Edison International (NYSE:EIX) between February 25, 2021 and February 6, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 21, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.SO WHAT: If you purchased Edison securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Edison class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=33590or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 21, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Edison's claim that Southern California Edison Company ("SCE") used its Public Safety Power Shutoffs ("PSPS") program to "proactively de-energize power lines to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires during extreme weather events", was false; (2) this resulted in heightened fire risk in California and heightened legal exposure to Edison; and (3) as a result, defendants' statements about Edison's business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Edison class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=33590call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 15:06:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1050 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Not for distribution to the United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United StatesVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 /Snowline Gold Corp. (TSX-V:SGD)(OTC:SNWGF) (the "Company" or "Snowline") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced "bought deal" private placement of 1,875,000 charity flow-through common shares of the Company (the "FT Shares") at a price of C$10.68 per FT Share (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of C$20,025,000 (the "Offering"). Each FT Share will qualify as a "flow-through share" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")). Existing shareholder B2Gold Corp. (TSX:BTO)(NYSE American:BTG)(NSX:B2G) participated in the Offering to maintain its 9.9% interest in the Company."We are grateful to see tremendous support from existing shareholders in this financing and from new shareholders whom we are excited to have join," said Scott Berdahl, CEO & Director of Snowline. "This financing will allow us to put our heads down and focus on a big year in 2025-advancing Rogue Project's Valley deposit and continuing to bring forward the broader surrounding gold district-while giving us significant runway beyond. It also provides us flexibility to respond rapidly in the event of a greenfield discovery and to pursue other new opportunities that may arise." The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the FT Shares, in the amount of C$20,025,000, to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as both terms are defined in the Tax Act (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's projects in the Yukon Territory, on or before December 31, 2026, and will renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Shares effective December 31, 2025.The Offering was made through a syndicate of underwriters led by Cormark Securities Inc., and including BMO Capital Markets, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Agent is Capital Markets LP, National Bank Financial Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc. and SCP Resource Finance LP (collectively, the "Underwriters"). The Underwriters received a cash commission equal to 5% of the gross proceeds of the Offering.All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the closing of the Offering, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, expiring on August 4, 2025. Closing of the Offering is subject to the final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.The securities issued under the Offering have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and were not to be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.ABOUT SNOWLINE GOLD CORP.Snowline Gold Corp. is a Yukon Territory focused gold exploration and development company with an eight-project portfolio covering roughly 360,000 ha (3,600 km2). The Company is advancing the Rogue Project's Valley deposit - a large, low strip, near surface, >1 g/t Au bulk tonnage gold system located in the eastern Yukon - while continuing regional exploration of surrounding targets in a broader district within the prospective yet underexplored Selwyn Basin.Snowline's project portfolio sits within the prolific Tintina Gold Province, host to multiple million-ounce-plus gold mines and deposits across the central Yukon and Alaska. The Company's first-mover position and extensive exploration database provide a distinct competitive advantage and a unique opportunity for investors to be part of multiple discoveries, the advancement of the Valley gold deposit, and the creation of a new gold district.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDScott Berdahl, MSc, MBA, PGeoCEO & DirectorFor further information, please contact:Snowline Gold Corp. +1 778 650 5485 info@ snowlinegold.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThis news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, the ability of the Company to incur in full or at all "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" and the renunciation thereof to the purchasers of the FT Shares and timing thereof, the final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange, the tax treatment of the FT Shares, the expansion of the scope of the Company's field studies, the Company's advancement of the Rogue Project's Valley deposit, the Company's pursuit of regional exploration and drilling, the Company's ability to unlock value through discovery, the advancement of gold deposits, the establishment of a gold district, and the Company's future plans and intentions. 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 risks, 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. Such factors include, among other things, risks associated with executing the Company's plans and intentions. 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 news 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 news release, and the Company assumes no obligation t PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 18:32:59 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 452 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / St. Joseph's College of Maine 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 St. Joseph's.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On February 20, 2025, St. Joseph's College of Maine became aware of a security incident on its network. Upon detection, St. Joseph's College of Maine 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 the network between December 15, 2023, and January 24, 2024, and potentially accessed or acquired certain files containing sensitive personal information. St. Joseph's 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 information may have been compromised: full name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and government-issued IDs. On March 21, 2025, St. Joseph's College of Maine filed a notice of public disclosure and started sending out notice letters to the 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 St. Joseph's, 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: 2025-04-03 19:01:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 473 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / EVJ, LLC which does business as Storage Durango Blue Diamond, 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 Storage Durango.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On August 31, 2024, Storage Durango became aware of a security incident on its internal systems. Upon detection, Storage Durango launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cyber security experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to systems containing personal information between August 8 and August 31, 2024. Storage Durango conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals. On March 25, 2025, Storage Durango identified persons whose sensitive data was included in the impacted data.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personaland protected health information may have been compromised:name, Social Security number, driver's license or state identification number, financial account number, and health insurance policy number.On March 25, 2025, Storage Durango filed a notice with the Vermont Attorney General 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 Storage Durango, 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: 2025-04-03 15:01:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 423 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SocialLadder's latest white paper reveals how brands can apply the Pareto Principle to build thriving, high-performing communities.PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / A new study from SocialLadder, the leading community and ambassador marketing platform, uncovers a critical insight for brands: only 14% of ambassadors generate 80% of program results. After analyzing hundreds of ambassador programs, SocialLadder's data-driven research confirms that brands may be wasting resources on the wrong ambassadors-but there's a solution. The Pareto Principle in Ambassador Programs How 14% of Ambassadors Drive 80% of the ResultsSocialLadder's latestmarketing white paperprovides an in-depth look at how brands can strategically engage high-performing individuals while strengthening community engagement as a whole.The insights go beyond ambassador marketing, offering guidance for brands aiming to cultivate highly engaged communities. By applying the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to ambassador marketing, brands can focus on what truly drives impact and ROI.Key Findings from the Study:On average, only 14% of ambassadors generate 80% of the total impact in ambassador programs.Across small, medium, and large ambassador programs, high-performers consistently deliver the majority of value.Brands that fail to identify and nurture top ambassadors risk inefficient spending and lost opportunities.The solution isn't just removing low-performers-it's about smart engagement, retention, and optimization.Beyond the Top 14%: Strengthening Community and Sustainable GrowthA thriving brand community ecosystem requires nurturing both high performers and those with untapped potential."Brands that only focus on their highest-performing ambassadors risk missing out on untapped talent," says Raavi Iqbal, CEO and Founder of SocialLadder. "A well-balanced approach-where top performers are maximized while newer or less active ambassadors are nurtured-creates a sustainable and thriving community." - Raavi Iqbal, CEO and Founder of SocialLadderSocialLadder's insights emphasize that nurturing mid-tier ambassadors and providing growth opportunities is just as important as rewarding top performers.While the research confirms that a small group of individuals delivers the majority of results, brands must be careful not to overlook the importance of fostering community-wide engagement.Download the Full White PaperThe complete study is now available for download. To access the full report with actionable strategies for the industry, visit: https://info.socialladderapp.com/pareto-principle-ambassador-programs-white-paper For more information, visit www.socialladderapp.com or contact our Marketing team atmarketing@ socialladderapp.com About SocialLadder:SocialLadder is the leading community management platform built to help brands own and activate their customer community. By providing a white-labeled, fully brand-owned experience, SocialLadder empowers companies to drive engagement, foster authentic connections, and unlock the power of user-generated content-without letting others market your creators.###Contact InformationLaura FerrazzanoMarketingmarketing@ socialladderapp.com SOURCE: SocialLadder When schools out, teacher Wade Ross leads his kindergartners outside as they flock to their parents for their regularly scheduled pick-up at Lafayette Elementary School in Albany. With seven years of teaching kindergarten at Lafayette under his belt, Ross currently has a class of 18 students. Earlier this school year, he was teaching 29. That was before the school hired a third kindergarten teacher to help spread the load, and its courtesy of district funding established after last years strike. Arguably one of the bigger victories union members claimed last December was the creation of a class size fund, which school officials can tap to hire more staff when classrooms surpass certain thresholds. Thats if other options, like blending a classroom by grade level, arent in the cards. Since the strike, according to Greater Albany Education Association President Dana Lovejoy, the district has hired two part-time special education assistants for Oak Grove Elementary, along with the third full-time kindergarten teacher at Lafayette just before winter break. The strike, Lovejoy said, highlighted issues the district needed to address class sizes being one adding that she has hopes the district will take a closer look at how staffing is assigned in the future. Its my belief that they will be looking to have a situation where they dont have those problems so being proactive, instead of needing to be reactive, she said in a recent phone interview. For Grace Prowse, one of Lafayettes now three kindergarten teachers and a 30-year kindergarten veteran, having the extra staff has made a big impact on the latter half of the school year. Were able to get through so many more things more quickly, giving us a lot more class time for instruction and activities, she said in an interview after school with her fellow teacher Ross. Strike history Beyond compensation, teachers on the picket lines last year made reducing class size a key demand during the strike, citing workload and safety concerns for students and staff. Its not a unique grievance. Teachers across the country have pointed to overwhelming numbers in classrooms as hurdles to learning, including in Portland where teachers launched their own walkout in 2023. Initially demanding lower classroom caps and overload pay when those caps are exceeded, striking teachers at GAPS eventually accepted a yearly $500,000 class size fund, from which officials could draw after a review process, specifically to hire staff. The teachers union also touted lower thresholds for kindergarten classrooms at Title 1 campuses, those schools with higher poverty rates, which includes Lafayette. Oregon, for context, doesnt mandate districts meet certain class size numbers for each grade, though the Oregon Department of Education generates a mandated report on class sizes annually. The agency published its most recent report for the 2023-24 school year this February, showing median class sizes for elementary, middle and high schools. It includes the median for kindergarten classrooms, which was 20. Of course, theres variation. The two kindergarten classrooms at Lafayette Elementary at the start of this school year, for example, had nearly 30 students each, according to data released by the district during the strike. Oak Groves two kindergarten classes had 27 students each, while Liberty Elementarys two classes had 25 students. Teacher reaction For Lafayette teacher Ross, the kindergarten class at the year's start was the largest hes had in his career. It made transitioning to various activities during class time hard, he said. Space can be an issue too. Seven desks take a huge amount of real estate in there, and we can get all the kids on the carpet now, Ross said. Ross and colleague Prowse said they had been advocating for the hiring another teacher before the strike in November. Research highlighted by the states class size report, most notably a 1980s study conducted with Tennessee kindergartners, shows students in smaller class sizes can experience more positive outcomes, though other interventions have shown mixed results. Kindergarten is usually organized chaos, Prowse said. But now that shes teaching 18 students, down from the nearly 30 at the start of the school year, it's been more peaceful. The children were getting along better. Theres so few disruptions now, that I really feel like Im able to really teach. Parent reaction And the parents are happier too, Prowse said. They feel like their child is safer in the classroom. One of those happy parents is Areli Brambila. She has a third grader and a kindergartener at Lafayette. The shift from two to three kindergarten teachers was noticeable, she said as she waited to retrieve her children during the afternoon pick-up outside the school. That environment is very different from the chaotic desks and all of that, Brambila said. Its unclear how staffing will work in the next school year. Ross said teachers really dont know how many students will be registered in their classes until after the school year starts. And a $500,000 fund can only go so far. Last year, the districts business and finance director, Jane Nofziger, said hiring one teacher, along with paying for benefits and other related costs, adds up to around $100,000 for GAPS. Earlier this year, the district projected it would face around a $6 million shortfall, with cuts more likely than not. Dividing up the classes, especially later in the year and losing some students to the new teacher was also hard, Ross said. Because we make connections with all those kids, he said. But even that, all things considered, smaller class sizes definitely made up for any concerns we had for removing the kinds to the other class. Related stories: PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-04 00:01:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 407 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Trump 2.0 has started the new era of global tariff warNEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Token Communities, Ltd. (OTC Pink:TKCM) held its first informational conference at Sheraton LaGuardia E. Hotel on March 29, 2025 to announce its subsidiary ASC Global, Inc.'s Asia-Pacific OZ Industrial Park ("APOZ") in the State of Texas. Nearly a hundred people signed up and participated to the event, including people interested in relocating their manufacturing facilities into the APOZ Business Park from the Asia Pacific region. People from the press and community leaders from all over the world attended the event which was broadcast online.The concept of APOZ was presented at this event which it is designed to accommodate manufacturing companies from various industries to relocate and set up their U.S. operations. The first phase is 436 acres, including commercial, industrial, residential and other sections. According to Mr. David Champ, President and CEO of Token Communities, Ltd., "Since the announcement of tariff's by the United States, many overseas manufacturers have been under heavy pressure to avoid these tariffs, and to have their products made in the U.S. Due to this pending trade issue we believe the APOZ is a grand business opportunity to provide a full-service industrial park designed for these companies, and provide them with all types of relocation and operation assistance. There are over a dozen companies expressed strong interest to relocate into the APOZ Business Park. We anticipate have more conferences in California and China, and potentially other locations." About the CompanyToken Communities, Ltd. (the "Company") is a premium water-front real estate development company in Florida, with over 20 premium waterfront home sites (gulf-access with boat docks in Sarasota County, Charlotte County and others), and office suites (Manatee County) as well as the development rights of Paradise Island in Arcadia, Florida (DeSoto County). In addition to the luxury home development lots on the Gulf coast in Florida, the Company is also working on a APOZ (Asia Pacific Opportunity Zone) project of approximately 500 acres in the Greater Houston Area (Chambers County) which will consist of industrial, commercial, and residential areas to accommodate more than 100 offshore companies and 5,000 residents when fully developed. The Company is also working on a revolutionary affordable home housing development project in the Palm Bay Area (Brevard County, Florida ) and Chambers County, Texas.Contact Information:David ChenPresident of American Software Capital Phone Number: (631) 397-1111SOURCE: Token Communities Ltd. PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 17:00:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 440 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 /Travel Nurses, Inc. entered a partnership with Souled Outside Exploration Co. The agency is now a title sponsor of a television series called Souled Outside Travel Tales hosted by travel writer Joe Sills and travel nurse Liz Hooper. Souled Outside Exploration Co. Travel Nurses, Inc. Partnership With Souled Outside Exploration Co.This new episodic TV series, airing in 2025, will blend travel nursing stories with outdoor exploration across the globe, showcasing inspiring journeys from California to Kathmandu on streaming platforms like Apple TV and Roku. Throughout the series, Sills and Hooper - both Memphis-area natives - embark on quests to uncover hidden stories behind some of the world's most intriguing travel destinations, like Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. and Bolivia's Lake Titicaca."Assignments can take you around the world," said Hooper, a pediatric RN who doubles as a travel photographer. "Before I started travel nursing, I had a staff job that I loved, but there wasn't room in that role for the type of personal growth that I was looking for. Something was missing. Travel nursing can allow you to quite literally broadens your horizons." "Liz and I grew up together in a small town about an hour outside of Memphis," added Sills, a veteran travel writer for outlets like National Geographic and Lonely Planet. "Our world was a Wal-Mart and some bean fields. But traveling changes that. We want to inspire other people to chase their dreams beyond their hometowns, too." By combining their expertise, both companies will enhance audience engagement, showcase authentic stories and inspire their communities through dynamic storytelling and impactful media representation.This partnership holds special significance as Hooper is a travel nurse herself. Travel Nurses, Inc. is excited to collaborate with the couple to broaden their reach and visibility within the travel healthcare community. With a deep understanding of the unique experiences of travel nurses, the hosts are well-positioned to authentically represent this lifestyle in their upcoming interviews with our travelers on the series."This collaboration marks an exciting step for Travel Nurses, Inc. as we share the incredible stories of our healthcare professionals while celebrating the spirit of exploration," said Catherine Knoll, Vice President of Marketing at Travel Nurses, Inc. "Together, we're connecting the passion for care with the thrill of adventure." This partnership unites shared passions for storytelling and exploration, fostering growth and inspiring meaningful connections across both audiences.Contact InformationAnna Joy TamayoCommunity and PR Managerannajoy@ travelnursesinc.com 901-347-0271Catherine KnollVice President of Marketingcatherine.knoll@travelnursesinc.com 901-425-1636SOURCE: Travel Nurses Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 13:50:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1044 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV:TRU)(OTCQB:TRUIF)(FSE:706) ("TRU" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has awarded a contract to MCL Drilling ("MCL") to provide drilling services for an approximate 1,800 metres ("m") diamond drilling program planned for the 2025 field season at the Golden Rose Project ("Golden Rose"). Golden Rose is strategically located along the gold deposit bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zones in Central Newfoundland.The 2025 drilling program constitutes the first pass in a larger plan to follow up on the pipeline of quality exploration targets emerging from the revised and refined geological and structural property scale model that has been in preparation for several months and is expected to be completed shortly. The focus of the 2025 drilling program is on the Mark's Pond to Rich House "exploration fairway", a portion of which is host to the very high-grade gold grab samples that were collected by TRU late in 2024 (see News Release dated December 5, 2024). Drilling will commence once the target selection on the exploration fairway is complete.TRU CEO Steve Nicol commented: "The shift to a "big picture" perspective at Golden Rose announced in October 2024 is leading to the generation of a pipeline of exploration and drill targets, with this 2025 drilling program being the first step down the road towards following up on each of the prioritised targets generated. We are very pleased to have arrived at an agreement with MCL for the provision of the drilling services and excited about working with this very experienced and well-regarded local drilling and civil works company to efficiently execute the 2025 drilling program. I look forward to updating investors on the results of this initial drilling program, and on results of subsequent follow-up works on the other targets generated by our "big picture" review across the remaining project area, as results become available." Drilling ContactFollowing a competitive tendering process that began in February 2025, TRU selected MCL as the preferred tenderer. MCL will provide all drilling and reclamation services with mobilisation currently expected in the Spring 2025. The 2025 drilling program is planned to comprise approximately1,800 m of diamond drilling, depending upon results or conditions encountered.2025 Drilling ProgramIn October 2024, the Company reported on its shift to a "big picture" view of Golden Rose embarking on the preparation of a revised and refined geological and structural property scale model with the view to identifying multiple targets across the nearly 300 sq. kilometres ("km") land package. The initial focus of this work is on the Mark's Pond to Rich House exploration fairway. (See News Release dated October 22, 2024).Figure 1: Initial Exploration Fairway at Golden RoseThe Mark's Pond to Rich House exploration fairway, which is approximately 7.5 km long and up to 2 kms wide (see Figure 1) and forms part of the Staghorn licenses, was selected for the initial exploration and drilling focus based upon its interpreted prospectivity and to comply with certain drilling commitments required prior to early July 2025 pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement with Quadro Resources, as modified, on the Staghorn licenses. (see News Releases dated June 16, 2022 and August 18, 2022).The Staghorn licenses cover areas of significant exploration potential and include the Mark's Pond gold zone where past drilling has provided intercepts including 3.22 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au") over 5.0 m, the Northcott gold zone where trenching has returned samples including 57.6 g/t Au over 2.5 m, 34.0 g/t Au over 2.0 m, and 23.5 g/t Au over 2.0 m, and also includes the area which is host to the very high-grade gold grab samples that were collected by TRU late in 2024 near Rich House (see News Releases dated January 12, 2023, December 5, 2024 and NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Golden Rose Project, Newfoundland Labrador, Canada dated October 11, 2023 on the Company's website).The Staghorn licenses represent less than 12% of the total Golden Rose licenses area.The eventual locations of the drill holes for the 2025 drilling program will be determined when the final results of the property scale target generation work are completed and interpreted.The scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release has been prepared and approved by Joel Cranford, P.Geo., Project Geologist for TRU, and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.About MCL DrillingMCL Drilling, a division of Major's Contracting Ltd, is a privately-owned, family business with more than 40 years experience in the fields of construction, civil works, drilling, and forestry. Based locally out of Deer Lake, Newfoundland, MCL is recognised throughout Newfoundland for it's innovative and high quality work, performed to the highest standards of safety and environmental protection. MCL also prides itself on its record for sustainable diversity in its employment decisions. With its fleet of seven diamond drill rigs, MCL has safely and successfully completed over 120,000 metres of diamond drilling since 2020.About TRU Precious Metals Corp.TRU (TSXV:TRU)(OTCQB:TRUIF)(FSE:706) is on a mission to build long-term shareholder value through prudent natural resource property development. The company's flagship project is the Golden Rose Project a regional-scale 297.50 km2 land package in Central Western Newfoundland (includes a 33.25 km2 package of claims over which TRU has an option with TSX-listed Quadro Resources to acquire up to an aggregate 65% ownership) which straddles a 45 km strike length along the gold deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone, directly between Calibre Mining's Valentine Project and AuMEGA Metals' Cape Ray Gold Project. TRU is currently focused on efficiently discovering the full gold and copper potential at Golden Rose, targeting continuity along this proven gold bearing trend. The Golden Rose Project is currently subject to an Earn-In Agreement with TSX-listed Eldorado Gold Corporation ("Eldorado"), whereby Eldorado has the option to fund CAD15.25M in cash payments and exploration expenditures over 5 years to earn an 80%-interest in the Golden Rose project. Please refer to our July 30th, 2024 press release for further details of the agreement.TRU is approximately 36%-owned by European strategic investor Ormonde Mining plc (AQSE:ORM).For further information about TRU, please contact:Steve NICOLCEOTRU Precious Metals Corp.Phone: 1-855-760-2TRU (2878)Email: ir@ trupreciousmetals.com To connect with TRU via social media, below are links:X (formerly Twitter): htt PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 19:01:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 405 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LEESBURG, VIRGINIA / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Vertosoft is thrilled to announce that they have been named as Illumio's newest software distributor for the public sector. With this newly formed partnership, Illumio Zero Trust Segmentation (ZTS), part of Illumio's breach containment platform, will be readily available to the public sector through Vertosoft's direct contracts as well through their partner network. The addition of Illumio's ZTS solution to Vertosoft's cybersecurity portfolio reinforces Vertosoft's commitment to helping the public sector contain breaches and enhance their security posture in support of their missions. Vertosoft x Illumio"We are excited to partner with Illumio and deliver unmatched visibility and threat containment across agencies' infrastructures through their Zero Trust Segmentation solution." said Josh Slattery, Vice President of Tech Sales at Vertosoft. "Illumio's advanced cybersecurity capabilities align perfectly with Vertosoft's mission of delivering secure infrastructure to the public sector, ensuring that we can safeguard our nation's digital assets effectively." "Segmentation ensures that everyday attacks don't escalate into mission-impacting breaches," said Todd Palmer, Senior Vice President of Global Partner Sales and Alliances at Illumio. "Illumio Zero Trust Segmentation offers a straightforward and effective way to contain threats, minimize risk, and build resilience. We're thrilled to partner with Vertosoft to jointly deliver value to the public sector and empower them to stay agile against today's cyberthreats." Illumio's ZTS solution is designed to stop the spread of breaches and provide comprehensive visibility across hybrid attack surfaces. Offering unparalleled visibility, consistent enforcement, and enhanced cyber resilience, enabling government agencies to perform their missions despite increasing adversary attacks.With the Government Cloud achieving FedRAMP Authorization to Operate at the Moderate Impact Level, Illumio ensures mission success through modern breach containment. By reducing unnecessary lateral movement across multi-cloud and hybrid infrastructures, protecting critical resources and preventing the spread of cyberattacks. Eliminating blind spots, preventing lateral movement, ringfencing high-value assets, and ensuring continuous protection, Illumio helps the public sector move securely to the cloud and control information sharing.About VertosoftAt Vertosoft we are a trusted, value-driven distributor of innovative technology solutions. Our experienced team and tailored services equip our channel partners and suppliers with the tools, contracts, and secure systems needed to succeed in the public sector market. Visit vertosoft.com for more information. Visit vertosoft.com for more information.Contact InformationMary DawsonDigital Marketing Managerinfo@ vertosoft.com 571-707-4132Nicole BongianinoChannel Marketing Specialistnicole.bongianino@vertosoft.com 571-707-4130SOURCE: Vertosoft PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-03 15:02:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 967 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2025 / Xebra Brands Ltd. ("Xebra" or the "Company") (CSE:XBRA)(OTCQB:XBRAF)(FSE:9YC0), a trailblazer in the Mexican cannabis sector and the sole company legally permitted to import seeds, cultivate, manufacture, operate, and sell cannabis (-1% THC) in Mexico, is excited to announce, that its largest shareholder, David Ross Macias Diaz (Mr. Diaz), has increased his position in the Company with the recent open market acquisition of 1,000,000 common shares.This purchase brings David's total shareholding to 13,591,333 reinforcing his long-term confidence in Xebra's strategy and future in the Mexican cannabis market.Concurrently, Xebra is exploring a strategic agricultural agreement with David involving the use of Mr. Diaz's land in Mexico for the cultivation of cannabis under the Company's federal authorization. This marks a major milestone-not only for Xebra, but for the country's emerging cannabis sector-representing the first economic agricultural agreement in Mexico executed under a Federal cannabis authorization.A New Chapter for Cannabis in MexicoThis proposed agreement signifies a turning point in the evolution of cannabis in Mexico. As the first company to receive full federal approval from COFEPRIS (Mexico's health regulatory agency) for the legal importation of seeds, cultivation, processing, and marketing of cannabis (-1% THC), Xebra is uniquely positioned to lead the industry's transition from regulatory groundwork to economic execution.By partnering with Mr. Diaz to develop cannabis operations on his land, Xebra would be initiating the first-ever federally compliant cannabis agricultural activity in Mexico-a move that could unlock the long-awaited commercial opportunities across the country. The agreement would establish a scalable blueprint for future cultivation partnerships with landowners, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking to enter the regulated cannabis space."This is more than business development-it's a historic step toward activating Mexico's cannabis economy," said Rodrigo Gallardo, Interim-CEO of Xebra Brands. "By moving from regulatory approval to actual implementation, we are proving that cannabis can be cultivated legally and responsibly in Mexico, with long-term economic benefits for our stakeholders and the communities we engage with." Further details of the agreement will be announced once terms are finalized and regulatory requirements are met.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:Rodrigo GallardoInterim CEOFor more information contact:1(888) XEBRA 88 ir@ xebrabrands.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements", as such terms are defined under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects" ,"is expected", "budget", "scheduled," "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, statements with respect Strategy 2025 and the Company's growth strategy into the CBD market, the roadmap to accelerate growth in the North American CBD market, the Company's expected growth pillars of Cultivation, Manufacturing and Retail and the planned business activities under each such pillar, that the Company is actively seeking to amend current provisions under the Company's Mexican cultivation licences that limit cultivation scale, the aim to collaborate with major agricultural institutions in Mexico for large-scale, low-cost outdoor cannabis cultivation, expectations with respect to the Company's legal proceedings in Mexico, including the results and timing thereof, the expectation that Chapingo University will initiate pilot projects once confined site approval is granted, the anticipation for the importation process the two CBD products, which were manufactured in partnership with Restorative Botanicals, to be completed by April 2025 and the expectation for launch shortly thereafter, the Company's plans for e-commerce partnerships with Amazon Mexico and Mercado Libre is Mexico and the intention to leveraging expertise from a major U.S. e-commerce partner for market expansion and that the Company is seeking partnerships with CBD brands and that such partnerships may expedite the Company's path to self-sustainability.These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Xebra's ability to predict or control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Specific reference is made to Xebra's most recent annual management discussion and analysis on file with certain Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements, which include, without limitation, the inability of Xebra to retain the authorizations granted by COFEPRIS, the inability to successfully complete financings on terms acceptable to Xebra or at all, the inability to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; inability to identify, negotiate and complete potential acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures for any reason; the ability to retain key employees; dependence on third parties for services and supplies; non-performance by contractual counter-parties; general economic conditions; the continued growth in global demand for cannabis products and the continued increase in jurisdictions legalizing cannabis; and the timely receipt of regulatory approvals for license applications on terms satisfactory to Xebra. In addition, there is no assurance Xebra will: be a low-cost producer or exporter; obtain a dominant market position in any jurisdictio Equinix Inc., the worlds digital infrastructure company, has officially opened its latest data centre expansion in Lagos. Called LG2.3, the facility will support Nigerias growing digital transformation efforts, providing colocation and secure interconnection solutions which will empower businesses across the region. It also signifies Equinixs unwavering dedication to advancing Nigerias position in the global digital economy, reinforcing the companys commitment to the region. As part of the inauguration, Bruce Owen, President of EMEA at Equinix, and other Equinix executives led the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly expanded site. In addition to an official visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Equinix hosted an exclusive customer engagement event, bringing together key customers and partners from Nigerias business and technology sectors. Attendees discussed shared successes and Equinixs role in facilitating digital transformation while also connecting directly with Bruce Owen for insights into how Equinixs solutions drive innovation and business agility in the region. Equinix executives also participated in a tree-planting ceremony, symbolising Equinixs continued investment in sustainable initiatives across the globe and highlighting the companys broader goal of reducing its carbon footprint while supporting greener practices worldwide. Speaking about the expansion, Bruce Owen, President of EMEA at Equinix, said, Nigeria is a crucial market for Equinix. Todays opening is a clear demonstration of our continued commitment to invest and grow digital infrastructure that will benefit the many thousands of businesses in Nigeria and on the continent as a whole. I am deeply encouraged by the enthusiastic partnerships and innovations emerging from this dynamic region, which continue to inspire our commitment to Nigerias digital and sustainable future. 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 Adding to this, Wole Abu, Managing Director of Equinix West Africa, highlighted the critical role of data centres in driving economic growth, stating, Data centres continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic development in Nigeria, serving as critical infrastructure that supports digital transformation and economic growth. As governments and enterprises increasingly acknowledge their significance, global demand for data centre capacity is poised to rise. While Africas demand for data solutions is still evolving compared to more mature markets, the continent is demonstrating strong potential for digital adoption and innovation. To meet this growing need, Equinix is actively advancing three major data centre projects in Nigeria, with future expansion plans for Ghana, Cote dIvoire, and South Africa. Equinix says it remains steadfast in its mission to enable secure, scalable, and sustainable digital growth for economies across the world. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting autistic talents in Nigeria. This follows the remarkable achievement of 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who set a Guinness World Record for painting the largest art canvas. At the certificate presentation ceremony at Eagles Square, Abuja, Minister Hannatu Musa-Musawa lauded Kanyeyachukwus accomplishment, describing it as inspiring young creatives and individuals with autism worldwide. The event coincided with the commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day. Historic feat We are here to celebrate Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a young Nigerian prodigy who has shown the world what is possible when passion meets hard work, Minister Musawa stated in a press statement issued by her media aide Nneka Ikem-Anibeze. By breaking this world record, Kanyeyachukwu has set a new record and demonstrated that age is no barrier to greatness. We are witnessing the breaking of a world record and the triumph of determination, perseverance, and the unrelenting spirit of the Nigerian youth. We recognise the unique abilities and potential of individuals with autism and are dedicated to providing opportunities for them to thrive in the creative industries. 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 Kanyeyachukwus record-breaking artwork, Impossible is a Myth, is more than just a paintingit is a beacon of hope and inspiration for autistic individuals across the globe. His success demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, autistic talents can excel in their chosen fields. Ms Musawa also reiterated the ministrys dedication to providing platforms for autistic artists to showcase their talents. We will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to create opportunities for autistic children to develop their creative skills and pursue their artistic passions, she affirmed. Well-wishers Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Mohammed M. Malik, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria; H.E. Pasquale Salvaggio, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria; Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, the Director-General of the National Gallery of Art; and Muhammad Suleiman, the President of the Society of Nigerian Artists. Representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory were also present, alongside the Guinness World Record Organisation and renowned Afrobeat artist Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as Dbanj. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former lawmaker, Shehu Sani ( Kaduna Central), has rejected an appointment to serve as a judge in the forthcoming Miss World Nigeria Beauty Pageant. The pageant will be held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, on Friday. The event organiser, Ben Bruce, a close friend and former colleague of Mr Sani in the Senate, announced the senator as the judge on his official social media handle on Wednesday. He stated: Hearty congratulations to my good friend, Shehu Sani, on his appointment as a judge for the Miss World Nigeria Beauty Pageant, taking place on April 4 at the Federal Palace Hotel. Kindly ensure you arrive on time, 6:00 PM sharp and come dressed in your finest attire. However, Mr Sani, through his social media handle X, declined the invitation on Thursday. He thanked Mr Murray-Bruce for the honour and gave reasons for rejecting the appointment. He said, My wives will not be happy if I serve as a Judge. I have not been able to pass judgment on the most beautiful between my wives, let alone those I dont know. I dont have the knowledge or experience of such events. This is the Sallah period, during which we spend time with family and friends. Thank you for the honour, and I wish them well, Mr Sani said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The former lawmaker, however, apologised for the inconvenience the rejection might have caused Mr Bruce and other organisers. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Several world leaders have condemned President Trumps raft of tariffs on all goods entering the US, a policy that has dealt a major blow to the global economy. The US president declared on Wednesday, a day he termed Liberation Day, that he would impose a 10 per cent baseline tariff on all imports to the country and higher duties on some of the countrys biggest trading partners. His new policy has ushered in two types of tariffsthe 10 per cent flat tax on every import tariff and the reciprocal tariff, which specifically targets imports from 60 nations, including developing countries in Africa such as Nigeria. According to the president, the measures are payback for unfair trade policies used in past years, noting that he was very kind in his decisions. Mr Trump anticipates that the tariffs will boost US manufacturing and make America wealthy again. However, world leaders are worried that the USs attempt to upend decades of trade policy could trigger a global recession that will severely affect millions of lives. African leaders In Africa, countries most affected by the recent levy include Lesotho, with a 50 per cent tariff rate, Madagascar with 47 per cent, and Botswana with 37 per cent. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Nigeria is also facing a 14 per cent import levy. These countries made the long list of nations dubbed the worst offenders that must pay back for unfair trade policies. South Africa, whose relationship with the US has deteriorated significantly since the start of the Mr Trump administration, is also one of the 60 countries on the list. In a statement released on Thursday, the South African presidency criticised the new tariffs as excessively harsh, warning that they could hinder trade and undermine shared economic growth. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the government will respond to the new tariff through a policy of reciprocity but noted that the details of this policy have yet to be finalised. The ministrys acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told PREMIUM TIMES that the Ministry of Trade and Investments recommendations will determine Nigerias response. The tariff is under the purview of the Ministry of Trade and Investment. They will study the details of the imposed levy, identify how it affects the country, and advise on the appropriate response, he said. However, experts have said the imposition of steep tariffs on African nations signals the end of the AGOA trade deal, a programme designed to support African economic growth by granting preferential access to US markets. EU, China, Japan, Canada and UK react The EU President, Ursula von der Leyen, said Mr Trumps sweeping tariffs will trigger uncertainty, and the consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe. The US government had hit the 27-nation bloc with a 20 per cent tariff on all imports. President Trumps announcement of universal tariffs on the whole world, including the EU, is a major blow to the world economy, Mrs von der Leyen said. We are already finalising a first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel, she added. The EU president also noted that, should negotiations fail, further countermeasures will be taken to protect the interests of member states and their businesses. Aside from the EU, China is one of the US trade partners most affected by the new levy. The country has also vowed to impose retaliatory tariffs on the US. It was charged with a 34 per cent reciprocal tariff rate, which adds to the existing 20 per cent duties Mr Trump already imposed on the country earlier this year, which were tied to fentanyl trafficking. That means many Chinese imports face tariffs well above 50 per cent. The Chinese Commerce Ministry stated that the US governments move undermines the balance of interests established through years of multilateral trade negotiations. China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests, the ministry said. Japan, on the other hand, has made it clear that the broad trade restrictions will significantly impact the economic relationship between Japan and the US. The country also indicated that the tariffs will disrupt the global economy and the multilateral trading system as a whole. We have serious concerns about the consistency of these measures with the WTO Agreement and the Japan-US Trade Agreement. We will continue to strongly urge the US to review its measures, Japans trade ministry said. Although Canada was not affected by the reciprocal tariff, the Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, said the country would still fight the previous tariff imposed on it earlier in the year. The US has preserved a number of important elements of our relationshipthe commercial relationship between Canada and the United States. But the fentanyl tariffs still remain in place, as do the tariffs for steel and aluminium. We are going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures, we are going to protect our workers, and we are going to build the strongest economy in the G7, he said. The UK prime minister also echoed the same sentiments and concerns raised by other leaders. Speaking on the development, Mr Starmer said, Nobody wins in a trade war. That is not in our national interest. We have a fair and balanced trade relationship with the US, and negotiations on an economic prosperity dealone that strengthens our existing trading relationshipcontinue. Nonetheless, I will only strike a deal if it is in the national interest, he said. Other world leaders The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has called the recent tariffs fundamentally wrong, noting that they are an attack on a trade system that has created prosperity worldwide. We want cooperation, not confrontation, and will defend our interests. Europe will respond united, strong, and proportionately to this decision. Its perfectly obviouseven if Europe did nothing at allit would lead to economic difficulties for the US. All this is basic economics that we have been able to read about in textbooks on trade wars for 100 years, he said. The South Korean acting president, Han Duck-Soo, also said, As the global trade war has become a reality, the government must use all its capabilities to overcome the trade crisis. Similarly, the New Zealand minister, Todd McClay, said the countrys interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely. New Zealands bilateral relationship with the US remains strong. We will talk with the administration to get more information and with our exporters to better understand the impact this announcement will have. The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, also said, We will do everything we can to work towards an agreement with the United States, with the goal of avoiding a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favour of other global players. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the petition submitted for the recall of the senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has failed to meet constitutional requirements. In a statement signed by the Secretary to INEC, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission said the petition failed to meet Section 69(a) of the Nigerian constitution. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) hereby notifies the public that the petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, which was submitted to the Commission on Monday 24h March 2025 by representatives of the petitioners who are registered voters in the constituency, has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the statements reads in part. What fell short? INEC explained that the constitutional requirement for a recall was to get a signed petition by at least 50 per cent plus one person registered to vote in the constituency. However, the petition submitted was signed by 43.86 per cent of the constituents. It said only 208,132 of the 474,554 registered voters in the constituency signed the petition. Consequently, no further action shall be taken on the petition, the statement said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later This Public Notice is issued pursuant to the provision of Clause 2(d) of the Regulations and Guidelines for the Recall of a Member of the National Assembly, House of Assembly of a State or Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (2024). In another statement by its spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, INEC explained that the signatories requirement fell short by 29,146 voters from the constituency. Mr Olumekun said the leadership of the Senate has also been copied in the public notice of the outcome. The public notice, along with a summary of the review of the signatures/thumbprints of the petitioners, which are disaggregated by Local Government Areas, are available on our website and social media platforms for public information, the statement said. Senators Recall PREMIUM TIMES reported how a group of voters, under the aegis of Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, submitted the petition for Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans recall as a senator. In a letter addressed to INEC chairperson, Mahmood Yakubu, members of the group said they had lost confidence in her representation at the National Assembly and, therefore, asked the commission to commence the process of recalling her. Last week, INEC wrote the presiding officers of the Senate and Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, informing them of the process. Many Nigerians had questioned the petition after the promoters claimed that over half of the 400,000 plus voters in the constituency signed the petition. INEC, as part of the process, was expected to verify each of the over 200,000 signatories. Legal framework for recall Section 69 of the Constitution states that: A member of the Senate or of the House Representatives may be recalled as such a member if (a) there is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission a petition in that behalf signed by more than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that members constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member; and (b) the petition is, thereafter, in a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission within ninety days of the date of receipt of the petition, approved by a simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that members constituency. INECs Recall Process The commission had explained that once a petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in its regulations, it will commence the verification of the signatures in each polling unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only. It said the petitioners, the elected official whose recall is sought, interested observers and the media can also nominate agents who will be accredited to observe the verification process. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of clause 1(f) of the regulations and guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation INEC said. Akpoti-Uduaghans ordeal The Senate, on 6 March, suspended Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for six months following the recommendations of its ethics, privileges and public petitions committee. The decision of the upper chamber followed her alleged misconduct during the plenary session of 20 February and her refusal to adhere to its sitting arrangement. It imposed several penalties on Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, including withdrawing all her security aides and closing her office in the National Assembly. She was also asked to hand over all properties of the Senate in her possession to the Clerk to the National Assembly, while she was also prohibited from entering the premises of the federal legislature during the period of suspension. The Senate also suspended her salary and allowances and banned her from presenting herself as a senator locally and internationally. The upper chamber, however, said it may consider recalling her if she submits a written apology. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that she was being persecuted for accusing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment. Mr Akpabio has denied the allegations though the Kogi senator has maintained her claims. She initially submitted a sexual harassment petition against Mr Akpabio to the Senate but it was rejected on the basis that a sitting senator cannot sign a petition. Days later, another petition signed by one Zubairu Yakubu, who described himself as a concerned Nigerian citizen from the Kogi Central Senatorial District, accused Mr Akpabio of harassing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan sexually. It also accused him of abuse of office and obstruction of legislative duties. On 11 March, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan externalised her case by taking it to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the United Nations headquarters in New York. She told the IPU at the meeting that her suspension was unlawful and an attempt to silence her for making allegations of sexual harassment against Mr Akpabio. Earlier in the month, PREMIUM TIMES reported that some Kogi Central constituents condemned Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans suspension from the upper chamber. The constituents expressed displeasure with the possibility of not being represented in the Senate for six months. Past failed processes Recalling legislators is one of the rights conferred on of members of senatorial districts and constituencies to hold them accountable. However, there has not been a single case of successful recall since 1999 when democracy was restored in the country. No fewer than six attempts to recall federal lawmakers have failed in the last 26 years of the nations democracy. In 2016, some constituents in Borno South Senatorial District attempted to recall their senator, Ali Ndume, citing poor representation and insensitivity to their plight. It did not, however, succeed because it was resisted by the senators loyalists. Subsequently, the matter died naturally. In 2018, the attempt to recall the former senator for Kogi West, Dino Melaye, failed following a low turnout for the verification of signatures of petitioners. At the end of the exercise, only 18,742 out of 189,870 signatories to the recall petition at the time could be verified by the commission hence the process could not continue. There were moves to also recall other lawmakers, including Farouk Lawan, Abdulmumin Jibrin, Datti Mohammed, and Chris Ngige, but all did not advance for one reason or the other. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print When civil war started in Sudan in April 2023, the United Nations (UN) warned that the conflict could seep through the countrys borders and spread. The likelihood of that happening is increasing with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) recent threats against its neighbours, Chad and South Sudan. Last week, SAF Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Yasir al-Atta, said Chads airports in Amdjarass and NDjamena were legitimate targets for Sudans army. His statement was made against a backdrop of continued external support for the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudans neighbouring countries initially maintained a neutral position on its war, but a 2024 UN Security Council report confirms Chads support of the RSF and its involvement in the conflict. The SAF accuses Chad of serving as a logistical hub and siding with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to supply weapons and military equipment including drones carrying guided missiles to the RSF through Amdjarass International Airport. The UAE and Chad deny Sudans allegations. In response to Mr al-Attas remarks, Chads Foreign Affairs Ministry declared its readiness to retaliate. Other prominent Chadian figures, including former prime ministers, government ministers and senators, echoed this belligerent rhetoric. On 29 March, the General Staff of the Chadian Armies said it considered the Sudanese generals remarks a declaration of war against Chad. How far could this escalation go, and what might the consequences be? With their 1,360 km shared border, Sudan and Chad have significant and longstanding cultural, commercial and ethnic ties. But that has not prevented fraught relations and a history of proxy wars, which have come to define interactions between the two administrations. 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 Chad is emerging from a contested transition sparked by the death of former president Idriss Deby Itno in 2021, and his sons subsequent takeover. The government is still finding its feet and establishing its legitimacy. Sudan has gone from a turbulent transition after the coup that unseated former president Omar al-Bashir in 2019, to civil war. The failure of its state-building process is evident, as is the armys inability to monopolise the use of force. Neither Chad nor Sudan have the means to conduct a regional war, the consequences of which would be catastrophic. Preventive measures are needed to de-escalate tensions. While the SAFs statements may simply reflect its renewed impetus after driving back the RSF, a long history of tensions between the two countries is grounds for concern. Although a full-blown war is unlikely, various scenarios could play out. The first would be armed conflict between the two countries. With the SAF stronger and re-energised due to its recent battlefield gains, it could expand its military expedition westwards. Short of attacking Chad using ground forces, Sudan could use its drones to threaten Amdjarasss airport and other towns along the border, and Chad would likely retaliate. However, even if Sudan had the will to do so, SAFs current capacity would make it hesitant to open a new front against Chad, considering the current stalemate with the RSF. Sudans army of approximately 100,000 troops is overstretched, with contingents battling various armed groups in Khartoum, El Obeid and east of Abyei, in addition to holding the eastern frontier. While Chad isnt similarly engaged in a domestic conflict, many security risks remain on its borders. Chads National Army less than half the size of the SAF at approximately 37,000 troops is battling Boko Haram along its western border and rebel groups in the north and east. Both armies run the risk of overreach in this scenario. The second (and most likely) scenario would be a return to a proxy war through rebel groups, as occurred under former presidents Idriss Deby and Omar al-Bashir. These proxy wars undermined the security and stability of both countries, with Chadian rebels supported by Sudan striking at the heart of Chads capital in 2006 and 2008, and Sudanese rebels supported by Chad reaching Omdurman in May 2008 before being repulsed. For Sudan, this scenario could mean the SAF uses the Darfur Joint Forces (an SAF-aligned militia) to launch military action against NDjamena. But the RSFs siege of El Fasher, where the Darfur Joint Forces are currently positioned, would make this nearly impossible given the RSFs control of almost the entire Darfur region. However, the SAF could arm Chadian rebels, an option suspected by NDjamena for some months. Many fighters from the various rebellions in northern Chad, both active and dormant, could be mobilised by offers of payment. The same dynamics are possible in the ChadCentral African RepublicSudan border triangle, where several armed groups circulate. Both scenarios would have far-reaching cross-border consequences for those living on either side. These communities already face limited humanitarian aid, and any further increase in violence would cause more displacement and exacerbate their dire living conditions. Host communities would likely bear the brunt, increasing the chance of intercommunal violence. READ ALSO: Trouble looms as Cameroon soldiers desert to fight in Ukraine The third scenario is de-escalation, involving an end to the warmongering, a drop in tensions and a gradual return to normality between the two countries. This is the best-case scenario for Sudan and Chad, but also for a fragile sub-region. However, it cannot happen without diplomatic and political action by a third party. The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council is cognisant of the growing inter-state tensions. It could deploy the High-Level Panel on Sudan, alongside a newly elected Commission Chairperson, to appraise the situation and conduct shuttle diplomacy to mediate between the two countries. Previous regional consultations by the AU panel can be leveraged to bring the two parties together for talks. These preventive measures could also help Chad and Sudan to deal with long-standing issues such as trans-border migration, humanitarian challenges and transnational organised crime. The result could be a secure and peaceful border favourable to both countries. Remadji Hoinathy, Senior Researcher, Central Africa and Great Lakes and Maram Mahdi, Researcher, African Peace and Security Governance, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) (This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In an effort to strengthen ties between the Nigerian community in Dominica and the government, Nigerians in the republic recently visited the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton. A delegation from the Nigeria Dominica Association (NDA), led by the bodys president, Gbenga Oladele, visited President Burton on 21 March at the State House in Roseau, the countrys capital. A statement by the NDA shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday described the meeting as a defining moment for Nigerians in the Caribbean nation, saying it provided an opportunity for the delegation to discuss opportunities for collaboration. The NDA foresees collaboration between the Nigerian community and the Dominican government, particularly in healthcare and cultural exchange. The visit comes as Nigerians become more visible in Dominica, an island nation in the Lesser Antilles with a population of about 11 million. Speaking at the meeting, the NDA president, Mr Oladele, said the associations goal was to set the stage for meaningful partnerships that would benefit both communities. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later This meeting with Her Excellency represents a defining moment for Nigerians in Dominica. It reaffirms our shared values of inclusivity, development, and cultural exchange, he said President Burton, who made history last October as Dominicas first female head of state, also congratulated some of the delegates recently appointed as District Medical Officers for the Castle Bruce and Roseau health districts in the country. She acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians in Dominica, particularly in the healthcare sector, and commended their dedication to strengthening the countrys medical system. The NDA is an umbrella body for Nigerians in the country. It has been instrumental in promoting unity among its members and fostering connections with the local community. The recent visit signals a new phase of engagement between Nigerians in Dominica and the government, one that could pave the way for deeper cooperation in the future. The NDA delegates included the the General Secretary, Emmanuel Itodo; the Financial Secretary, Mutiu Olagunju; the Assistant General Secretary, Ndubueze Onyeani; and the Student Representative, Brasin Odushu. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has donated more than 2.5 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccines to the Bauchi State government. The Chief UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, disclosed this on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi, where the vaccines are kept. Ms Rafique said that the vaccination exercise would take place across the state from 24-29 April. She called on all stakeholders to ensure massive awareness campaign before the commencement of the exercise to ensure high level turnout and participation. According to her, Bauchi State is one of the very important states where we have 13 out of 20 local governments that have zero dose children. Zero dose children are those children who have never received any dose of vaccines, and that implies that almost 556,000 children have never received any vaccine. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We are starting with these Local Government Areas on 24 April, and I request you to give this message to all communities in the state. We are targeting every under five children in this campaign, but in those 556,000 children who are zero dose, we are hoping that they will not be zero dose anymore. The UNICEF official appealed to all the communities to cooperate and mobilise to go to the vaccination centres or anywhere the vaccination teams would assemble to vaccinate the children. She stressed that the exercise is important for the future of the children and the next generation. In the same vein, Patrick Akor, Health Officer, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, explained that UNICEF had also provided pen markers that would be used to finger mark the children already vaccinated. We are going to ensure that all the local government areas and teams have adequate vaccines during the implementation exercise, he assured. Bappah Jika, a representative from the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, who confirmed the receipt of the vaccines from UNICEF, appreciated the Fund for their life saving support. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print US President Donald Trump has imposed a 10 percent minimum baseline tariff on all imports into the country with many nations, including Nigeria, facing even higher rates. He announced the long anticipated raft of tariffs on Wednesday, a day he termed Liberation Day, stating that the policy will erase trade imbalances between the US and other nations. President Trump introduced two types of tariff. The first tariff imposes a 10 per cent flat tax on every import entering the US. The second set is the reciprocal tariffs, which specifically target imports from 60 nations. Several African countries are affected by the reciprocal tariff, with Nigeria facing a 14 percent import duty, the second highest among West African countries after Cote d Ivoire which faces 24 per cent. Both Ghana and Ethiopia also face a 10 per cent baseline tariff. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later On the continent, the most affected countries are Lesotho with 50 per cent, Madagascar with 47 percent, and Botswana with 37 per cent. This new policy threatens the trade of Nigerian goods in the US, particularly crude oil, which is Nigerias major export. Nigerias primary exports to the US consist of crude oil, petroleum gas, and nitrogen-based fertilizers, while the US predominantly ships cars, refined oil products, and wheat to Nigeria. Meanwhile, the US recently began importing jet fuel from the Dangote Refinery, with six vessels carrying 1.7 million barrels arriving this month. President Trump said the reciprocal tariff was designed to stop the US economy from being cheated and equalise the trade balance. For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike, Trump said. Foreign leaders have stolen our jobs. Foreign cheaters have ransacked our factories. And foreign scavengers have torn apart our once-beautiful American dream. China with highest tariff President Trumps reciprocal tariff ends decades of US trade policy and has made it possible to unleash a global trade war. The US president, through this announcement, has rattled global trade and could trigger a global recession. China, the top US economic rival and chief target of Mr Trumps first-term trade war, is again in his crosshairs. The country was initially charged a 34 per cent reciprocal tariff rate, stacked on top of 20 percent duties Mr Trump already imposed this year, tied to fentanyl trafficking. That means many Chinese imports face tariffs well above 50 per cent. President Trump also plans to end duty-free shipping of small parcels from China under the so-called de minimis exemption. However, China, in response to being hit by the worlds biggest tariff rate, stated that the US governments move undermines the balance of interests established through years of multilateral trade negotiations. China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests, the ministry said. The European Union, which has begun preparing emergency measures to shield its economy from Mr Trumps tariffs, is subject to a 20 per cent levy. However, the new tariff does not include Canada and Mexico yet. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Military, in collaboration with Briech UAS, a communications company, has unveiled the first and largest indigenous attack drones and bombs in Nigeria and Africa. Briech UAS, in partnership with the Nigerian Army, demonstrated and unveiled these attack drones and bombs at the companys headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, described the initiative as a major milestone in Nigerias journey toward self-reliance in defence technology and a significant step in strengthening national security capabilities. Mr Musa, an army general, emphasised that the development of combat drones was a timely intervention, highlighting their efficiency in intelligence gathering. He said that these drones would facilitate decisive actions against threats in an era where security challenges were increasingly complex and asymmetric. These force multipliers will play a vital role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of our military. 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 Particularly in a world where global politics surrounding the procurement of advanced military hardware have become more intricate. Countries that do not produce such solutions face bureaucratic bottlenecks and diplomatic hurdles when acquiring these critical platforms. We are facing such challenges directly. If you dont produce what you need, you will be at the mercy of others, even when you have the financial resources to acquire them. By manufacturing these drones locally, Nigeria reduces its dependence on foreign resources, ensures prompt acquisition, and strengthens its ability to respond swiftly to security threats. With the brilliant minds we have, particularly among our youth, we can create outstanding technology that competes globally, he said. The Governor of Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, stressed that Nigerias growth depended on recognising and patronising indigenous products. Mr Mutfwang stated that the drones would play a critical role in protecting national sovereignty both in Plateau and across the nation. He revealed that some of these locally made technologies had already been deployed to Plateau, significantly improving the efficiency of ground forces. He also noted that his state was partnering with local bomb and drone manufacturers like Briech UAS to counter insurgency using domestically produced weapons. As a nation, we made a mistake by allowing non-state actors to acquire capabilities that nearly rival those of state actors. We have entered into a partnership that has enabled the deployment of these facilities in our state. We have witnessed significant improvements in the efficiency of our security forces. Indeed, it was an error to allow non-state actors to amass capabilities that almost overpower those of legitimate state forces. It is time to rectify that imbalance. We must ensure that no one within our borders possesses capabilities that match or exceed those entrusted with the constitutional duty of protecting our national sovereignty, he said. Earlier, the Chairman of Briech UAS, Bright Echefu, noted that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP had recently adopted commercial drones for reconnaissance and attack missions. These drones have been used to track and attack our troops. They are being deployed to coordinate ambushes and execute crude aerial strikes, he said Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The former Director General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maharazu Tsiga, has regained freedom from bandits. A family member of the army brigadier general, Suleiman Tsiga, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Katsina on Wednesday. According to Suleiman, the former DG who was released on Wednesday, is in good condition but receiving medical attention at an undisclosed location. NAN reports that Mr Tsiga was abducted alongside an unspecified number of people on 6 February, at his residence in Tsiga, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina. The suspected gunmen reportedly demanded N250 million for his release but later reduced it to N50 million. However, the source did not disclose if a ransom was paid before he was released. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State, has restrained the Abia State Government from appointing new judges in the state. The order followed a suit filed by two female lawyers seeking to be appointed as judges in the state. How it began Abia State Judicial Service Commission, in 2022, shortlisted candidates for appointment as judges in the Abia State Judiciary. The candidates attended an interview conducted by the National Judicial Council on 17 October 2022. The State Security Service was also said to have screened the candidates. They were awaiting official announcements as judges before some persons instituted a suit that stalled the process. Okezie Ikpeazu was the governor of the state at the time. Mr Ikpeazu would later exit office on 29 May 2023. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Alex Otti was subsequently sworn in as governor of the state the same day following his election on 22 March 2023. Upon his assumption, Mr Otti-led state government jettisoned the 2022 recruitment exercise and began a fresh process which angered the 2022 shortlisted applicants. Suit Two of the lawyers seeking to be appointed as judges consequently filed a lawsuit against the Abia State Judicial Service Commission, the chief judge of the state, the attorney-general and eight others. The lawyers, Uzoamaka Ikonne and Victoria Nwokeukwu challenged the state governments fresh process to appoint 10 new judges. ALSO READ: Abia govt begins digitalisation of justice delivery system The plaintiffs sought an interim order of the court directing the plaintiffs and the defendants to maintain the status quo in the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction in the suit. They also prayed the court for any further orders as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstance. Judgement The court read the affidavit of urgency in support of the motion ex-parte deposed to by the first plaintiff, Mrs Ikonne and the submission of the counsel for the plaintiffs, Obinna Nkume. Delivering judgement, the court presided by Justice S. B. Onu ordered all parties to the suit to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiffs motion on notice, Vanguard reported. The court also ordered that the plaintiffs shall enter into an undertaking as to damages if the order ought not to have been made. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police say they are probing the killing of a man during Kano Emir Lamido Sanusis Sallah day procession on Sunday. The disturbance occurred when Mr Sanusi returned home from Eid prayers on Sunday. The police and other security agencies in the state had banned the traditional Sallah Durbar procession, in pursuit of safe and secure celebration and to sustain the relative peace and public order in the state. The police spokesperson in the state, Abdullahi Kiyawa, announced in a statement on Thursday that the agency had set up a Special Investigation Panel for the probe. The panel will examine the causes of the incident and any violations of the police ban on Durbar and horse-riding during the Sallah celebrations. The Command had earlier banned all forms of Durbar and horse-riding during Sallah due to security concerns in the state, the statement read. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The violence led to the death of Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi Jaba Quarters, while another person, Aminu Suleman of Kofar Mata Quarters, was injured and is receiving treatment at Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital, the police said. Mr Kiyawa said the police had arrested two suspects: Usman Sagiru, 20, of Sharifai Quarters, and Nasir Idris, 35, of Kofar Mazugal Quarters in connection to the killing. Also, Mr Kiyawa said an aide of Mr Sanusi, Wada Isyaku, who holds the title of Shamakin Kano, was invited for questioning over alleged defiance of the Durbar ban. The panel is charged with expediting action to ensure justice is served, and anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law, the statement added. PREMIUM TIMES observed that the two emirs observed Eid prayer in the city from different locations. Mr Ado-Bayero performed the Eid prayer at the mini palace with residents and supporters. Mr Sanusi, on his part, presided over the prayer at the Eid prayer ground, Kofar-Mata, with Governor Yusuf and other top government officials in attendance. Violence erupted in Mr Sanusis encourage on his way back to the palace when some hoodlums threw sachets of water on the emir, prompting violence quelled by the police firing teargas. Also, on Tuesday, Mr Sanusi visted Governor Yusuf for the Sallah homage. The visit was delayed due to obstruction caused by the presence of the rival emir on the state road. Mr Sanusi took a longer route to the Kano State Government House in a convoy of cars to pay Sallah homage to the governor. The mini palace occupied by the embattled 15 Emir of Kano, Mr Ado-Bayero, is situated on the state road about 300 metres from the Government House. It was also buzzing with Sallah activities as supporters paid homage to the palace. Security agents barricaded the state road from the main emirs palace (Gidan Rumfa), which is the traditional route Mr Sanusi is expected to follow to the Government House. However, he diverted to another route as Mr Ado Bayeros Sallah event at the mini palace was taking place. Mr Sanusi took a longer route from the main palace moving through Sabuwar Kofa, BUK Road, Zaria Road, Gadar Lado, and Tarauni Junction. When returning to the palace, Mr Sanusi rode through Lodge Road, Nasarawa Hospital, Bank Road, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kofar Mata and Shahuci. His supporters were seen in a viral video singing to mock the polices ban on the durbar procession. If we cant use horses for the Sallah durbar we can use cars, they sang at the Government House. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, will on 8 April serve as the chairman of the 28th convocation lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. The lecture, titled Patriots, Citizenship and National Ownership: The Imperative of Collective Responsibility for Nigerias Future, will be delivered by the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa. The lecture is one of the key events marking the institutions convocation ceremony, scheduled to hold from 4 to 10 April. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at the universitys Senate building, the Vice-Chancellor, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello noted that a total of 8,711 students will be awarded first degrees. Mrs Olatunji-Bello announced that Nwosu Sybil of the Biochemistry Department emerged as the overall best-graduating student with a CGPA of 4.93. More details According to Mrs Olatunji-Bello, a total of 192 out of the 8,711 graduates earned first-class honours, while 17 will graduate with unclassified degrees in medicine and dentistry. 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 She noted that 3,076 will graduate with second-class upper division, 4,397 with second-class lower division, 990 with third class and 39 with a pass. As part of the convocation activities, LASU will confer honorary doctorate degrees on prominent Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to national development. The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and former Military Governor of Lagos State, Buba Marwa, as well as a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Olufemi Pedro, will be among the recipients. Mrs Olatunji-Bello also revealed that the university will elevate Joseph Olagunju to the prestigious rank of distinguished professor in honour of his academic contributions. Achievements LASU Vice-Chancellor further highlighted some of the universitys recent accomplishments. She noted that the University secured full accreditation for 43 out of 44 courses it presented during the last accreditation exercise in 2023. READ ALSO: PDP chieftain congratulates APC governor on tribunal victory At the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education (ACEITSE), we commenced Postgraduate Diploma, Professional Masters and Academic Masters for the first time in the history of the programme, she said. At the 98th Annual Conference of National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST), which is the highest body in STEM Education worldwide, LASU has the highest number of paper presentations accepted at the conference. She added that the Lagos State Government has also commenced the construction of a two-story technology hub to facilitate research and innovation in the university. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations of influencing the court judgment that led to the removal of former Adamawa Central Senator, Elisha Abbo, from the Senate in October 2023. Mr Akpabio, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, on Thursday, reaffirmed his commitment to the independence of the judiciary and assured that he would never influence any court decision. The senate presidents comment was in reaction to the allegation made by the former Adamawa senator on Arise Television on Wednesday. During the television programme, Mr Abbo accused the senate president of orchestrating his removal from the senate as political retaliation for his refusal to support his senate presidency bid in 2023. Abbos sack from Senate Mr Abbo was removed from the Senate by an appellate court ruling in October 2023. A three-member panel presided over by C.E. Nwosu-Iheme, a judge, found that the 2023 elections in Adamawa Central Senatorial District were marred by non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later After deducting the invalid votes, the court ruled that Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the election with a majority of lawful votes. The court, therefore, set aside the Certificate of Return issued to Mr Abbo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue the certificate to Mr Yohanna. Similar judicial interventions led to the removal of other senators, including former Minority Leader Simon Mwadkwon (PDP), who was replaced by Pam Dachungyang (ADP), and former Kogi Central Senator Abubakar Ohere (APC), who was replaced by Natasha Apoti-Uduagan (PDP). Abbos allegations against Akpabio But during the television programme, Mr Abbo alleged that his refusal to support Mr Akpabios senate presidency bid in 2023 led to his ouster. He told me that five senators would be removed. I asked how he knew, and he said, I am the Senate President. I know. True to his words, five of us were removed. I had no idea that I was one of them, he said during the television programme. Additionally, Mr Abbo accused Mr Akpabio of offering senators $10,000 each at a meeting at Transcorp Hilton to secure their votes for his senate presidency bid, an offer he said he refused. At a meeting at Transcorp Hilton, $10,000 was being distributed, but I refused to take any money, he added. He further alleged that Mr Akpabio denied him several financial benefits, including salary and travel expenses, after his removal was confirmed. This is the second time Mr Abbo has made such allegations. However, in 2023, he admitted that Mr Akpabio had no hand in the court ruling and that his suspicions were premature. Campaign of misinformation and blame transfer Reacting to Mr Abbos allegations, the senate president described them as a desperate attempt to spread misinformation and shift blame for his removal. It is sad and regrettable that despite publicly retracting a similar allegation in 2023after admitting that his earlier accusation was premature and based on the available information at our disposalMr Abbo has once again embarked on a campaign of misinformation and blame transfer. Following a discussion with the Senate President last year, Mr Abbo himself acknowledged that Senator Akpabio had no involvement in the judicial process that led to his removal. It is puzzling that he would now return to the same baseless allegations he once renounced. Mr Akpabio argued that the Court of Appeals decision was based on legal scrutiny and adherence to constitutional provisions. For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal, after a thorough legal process, ruled unequivocally that Mr Abbos presence in the Red Chamber was in error. The court determined that he was not validly elected as the Senator for Adamawa North, and consequently, he was removed. The court acted in accordance with the extant laws and the Constitution within its sacred duty to uphold the rule of law. Senator Akpabio, a seasoned lawyer and democrat, holds the independence of the judiciary in the highest regard and would never interfere in its processes. Illogical accusations The senate president also criticised Mr Abbos contradictory stance, questioning why he was now reviving allegations he had previously dismissed. It is therefore both illogical and irresponsible for Mr. Abbo to now turn around and allege that the Senate President influenced a court judgmenta judgment which he himself accepted at the time and for which he expressed contrition for his earlier unfounded claims. (see Punch newspaper of 18th October, 2023) Mr Abbo has also sought to create the impression that he was unjustly denied official benefits following his ouster. He claims entitlement to salaries, allowances, and even an official vehicle, despite the courts declaration that his tenure was null and void ab initio. Approving Mr Abbos salary The senate president also addressed Mr Abbos grievances regarding unpaid benefits, clarifying that all payments in the Senate are subjected to administrative vetting and approval. He claimed that if any of Mr Abbos request for payment was not approved, it means that the payment was illegal and not because of personal issues. In matters of financial and administrative processing, it must be stated that the Senate President only approves payments that have been duly vetted and forwarded by the appropriate administrative units, in line with extant laws, Senate procedures, and standard due diligence practices. If any of Mr Abbos claims for payment did not reach the desk of the Senate President, it is because they failed to meet these lawful standardsnot because of any personal or political vendetta, the statement said. Mr Abbos past records In the statement, Mr Akpabio also recalled Mr Abbos history of misconduct, referencing a 2019 incident in which he was caught on video assaulting a female in Abuja. It is unfortunate that instead of accepting the consequences of his legal and political failings, Mr Abbo continues to resort to media theatrics and reckless finger-pointing. Even more telling is his record of public conduct. Nigerians will recall that in 2019, he was caught on video assaulting a female citizen in Abujaan incident for which he was ordered by a competent court to pay N50 million in damages. This is a matter of public record and speaks volumes about his temperament and disposition. The senate president said Mr Abbos allegation was a desperate attempt to remain politically relevant. His recent outbursts about unpaid travels and imagined plots further reinforce the conclusion that his actions are driven not by facts or principle, but by bitterness and desperation to remain politically relevant. These claims are not only baseless, but they reek of grievance and a refusal to accept personal responsibility for his removal and loss of public trust. He reaffirmed his focused on governance, legislative leadership, and upholding democratic institutions, including judicial independence The statement said, Senator Godswill Akpabio remains focused on the noble task of nation-building, providing purposeful leadership in the Senate, and strengthening democratic institutionsespecially the independence of the judiciary. He will not be distracted by the antics of individuals who seek to rewrite history to mask personal failures. We urge Mr Abbo to reflect deeply, respect the rule of law, and focus on rebuilding the confidence of his constituents if he hopes to return to public life. Nigerias democracy can only thrive when its actors show maturity, responsibility, and an abiding respect for the truth. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian military says its troops deployed in different operations, killed key terrorist commanders and several of their foot soldiers in the first quarter of the year. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, a major general, made this known while briefing journalists on operations of the military on Thursday in Abuja. Mr Kangye said the first quarter, spanning January to March, witnessed aggressive operational tempo by the gallant troops in conjunction with hybrid forces and other security agencies across all theatres. He said the troops demonstrated uncommon bravery, resilience, determination and strong will during various encounters throughout the quarter, including fighting and confidence building patrols, raids, ambushes and clearance as well as search and rescue operations with remarkable outcomes. According to him, many terrorist commanders such as Abba Allai (aka Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Abdullahi (aka Honour), Jagaban and Dan Danger amongst others, were neutralised. Abdullahi Ali was captured alive with severe gun wounds, while efforts by our gallant troops created gaps in the command and leadership structures of Boko Haram terrorists as well as Islamic States of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists. 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 There were also infighting for supremacy within the ranks of the various terrorist factions, which sparked cracks in their leadership hierarchy, hence the observed confusion in their various camps. Our gallant troops exploited the situation and dealt decisively with them on various fronts, hence their resort to attack on soft targets and use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and isolated ambushes. The sustained operations against the terrorists also led to the arrest of scores of them, rescue of kidnapped hostages as well as surrendering of many to our troops, he said. Mr Kangye said some alleged gunrunners and terrorists logistics suppliers such as Alhaji Mansur Mohammed, Shehu Babangida, Sagi David, Blessing Paul, Shuaibu Maji were also apprehended. He said troops recovered huge quantities of assorted arms including various kinds of machine guns, RPG tubes, automatic weapons as well as locally fabricated guns and IEDs. According to him, a huge cache of assorted 7.62mm and Nine mm ammunition, as well as live cartridges were also recovered. Mr Kangye said that troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over N7.4 billion, comprising 6.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, 1.3 million litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,130 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and 4,545 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 257 crude oil cooking ovens, 128 dugout pits, 192 boats, 138 storage tanks, 236 drums and 122 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include; barge, speedboats, pumping machines, drilling machines, and 90 vehicles, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports of Niger Republics withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), stating that such a move would have serious security implications. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, a major general, addressed the media on Thursday in Abuja, emphasising the critical role of the MNJTF in regional security. The MNJTF was formed in 1994 by countries of the Lake Chad Commission to fight terrorism and other transboundary crimes in member states. Members of the Force are Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, and the Benin Republic. However, there were speculations that the Niger Republic had withdrawn from MNJTF following its exit from ECOWAS, which had insisted that it should reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The country, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, subsequently formed another sub-regional body called Alliance of Sahel States (Alliance des Etats du Sahel (AES). Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Security experts believe the withdrawal of the Niger Republic could have serious implications on the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the Lake Chad region and by extension, the greater Sahel. They also said the exit may result in a resurgence of terrorist assaults, particularly targeting the IDPs and refugee camps. About seven Nigerian states have borders with the Niger Republic. They are Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno. Virtually all the states are plagued by one form of security challenge or the other. Mr Kangye stressed that efforts must be made to prevent any member state from leaving. I believe this issue has been a topic of discussion over the past few months, particularly after some ECOWAS members decided to form an alliance. However, the Multinational Joint Task Force was established by the Lake Chad Commission countries to address shared security concerns. Nigeria has made significant efforts to ensure the sustainability of this task force. However, if any member decides to withdraw, the implications will be significant. The synergy we rely on may no longer exist. It is not in our interest for any country to leave because their challenges also affect us. A withdrawal creates a gap and weakens the strength of the contingent from that country. Therefore, efforts must be made to prevent such a situation. We will continue to monitor the situation and, as always, provide further updates when necessary, he said. He also responded to concerns about the militarys operations, dismissing claims that efforts against terrorists, cattle rustlers, and herders had been scaled back. He reaffirmed that operations remained ongoing and that high-value targets, such as notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji, were still being pursued. Addressing concerns about the welfare of troops, Mr Kangye assured the public that soldiers wounded in action were well taken care of. The military has provided housing for those who cannot return to active service, and senior officers frequently visit wounded troops both on the frontlines and in hospitals. Some soldiers requiring advanced treatment have been flown to countries like Egypt, Turkey, and India, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Demands for compensation by farmers whose livelihoods have been destroyed remain a valid one. It is consistent with the polluter pays principle. A more sustainable approach would be a complete restoration of the farmlands, so that incoming generations can make use of them years later, rather than a simple one-off payment. A few weeks ago, Niger Delta king, Godwin Bebe Okpabi, leader of the Ogale community in Ogoni land, sued Shell for what he described as decades of oil pollution and destruction of livelihoods. He is demanding a clean environment and compensation worth about 88 million. The case started initially around 2016 in Nigeria. He insists that leakages from oil exploration and exploitation in his community have led to devastating effects on the livelihoods of community members, whose farmland and drinking water have been polluted, leading to health afflictions. The case is now being heard in London. Shell and the Ogoni people share a contentious history. Especially since a chain of crisis led to the murder of four prominent Ogoni leaders in 1994 by irate youths. Later on the renowned environmental activist, Ken Saro Wiwa, and his eight kinsmen, were blamed for the killings and subsequently executed by the military junta led by the late dictator, Sani Abacha. Although Shell left Ogoniland in 1993, it did so in a hurry amidst widespread social unrest and protests. Many of its facilities were not decommissioned and some pipelines reportedly still carry oil through the area. The Nigerian government has a track record of glossing over complaints of environmental pollution. The government appears to always be on the side of the international oil companies operating in Nigeria. This is because government relies on them for tax revenue. The government appears to be continuously seeking ways to appease the companies to ensure steady cash flow. there is a history of compensation paid to several communities in the Niger Delta region. In 2015, the Royal Dutch Shell announced a financial compensation of 55 million to 15,600 farmers and fishermen in Bodo, Ogoniland, who were impacted by oil spills in 2008 and 2009. In 2021, the Anglo-Dutch oil giant agreed to pay an equivalent of 81 million (N45 billion) to end a case of oil spill with Ejama-Ebubu, a community near Eleme in Rivers State. Furthermore, most the Nigerian agreements with oil companies are in the form of joint ventures, which mean that the partners have share in both the profits and liabilities of oil production. As a result, any fines incurred become a responsibility that are distributed according to the percentages contained in the JV agreements. Unwittingly, the government seems to pay less attention to the demands of communities for ecological justice in the Niger Delta, partly because such demands will have financial implications on it, as well as the companies. 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 Loss of Confidence in Nigerias Judiciary Apparent The fact that the case is before a court in the United Kingdom, for an issue that took place in Nigeria, confirms the lack of confidence the claimant has in the judiciary in Nigeria. Recently, the World Justice and Rule of Law Index ranked Nigeria poorly in judicial accountability, with the country placed on the 120th position out of 130 countries globally. A survey conducted by Gallup, a US consulting firm, in 2021, revealed that only 36 per cent of Nigerians trust their countrys judges. According to a 2020 Judicial System Perception Poll conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, 88 per cent of Nigerians perceive corruption as common in the judicial system. Another 63 per cent of the population described their experience with the judicial system as negative, suggesting that justice is for sale to the highest bidder in the country. Compensation to Communities Deflects Attention From Restoration Demands for compensation by farmers whose livelihoods have been destroyed remain a valid one. It is consistent with the polluter pays principle. A more sustainable approach would be a complete restoration of the farmlands, so that incoming generations can make use of them years later, rather than a simple one-off payment. Despite all the efforts made in cleaning up the region, the Niger Delta remains heavily polluted. A recent study commissioned by the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission chaired by the former Archbishop of York, Rt. Reverend Lord Sentamu revealed what was described as an environmental genocide in a report that was widely publicised. However, there is a history of compensation paid to several communities in the Niger Delta region. In 2015, the Royal Dutch Shell announced a financial compensation of 55 million to 15,600 farmers and fishermen in Bodo, Ogoniland, who were impacted by oil spills in 2008 and 2009. In 2021, the Anglo-Dutch oil giant agreed to pay an equivalent of 81 million (N45 billion) to end a case of oil spill with Ejama-Ebubu, a community near Eleme in Rivers State. Another 12.2 million was paid to communities, families and farmers impacted by Shells oil spills in Ikot-Ada Udo, Oruma and Goi in the Niger Delta. Comprehensive Environmental Restoration in the Niger Delta Not Yet in Sight Despite all the efforts made in cleaning up the region, the Niger Delta remains heavily polluted. A recent study commissioned by the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission chaired by the former Archbishop of York, Rt. Reverend Lord Sentamu revealed what was described as an environmental genocide in a report that was widely publicised. The Nigerian government set up the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to restore communities impacted by hydrocarbon pollution in the Niger delta. The efforts have been ongoing but observers are divided over whether the work done so far has been commensurate, when juxtaposed with the resources expended so far. Many of the projects interventions have been in Ogoni land, while the oil pollution spread across the Niger Delta. Critics of HYPREP insist that a comprehensive approach to the clean-up is necessary. This is because many of the rivers and creeks in the region are integrated and it is difficult to clean one side and leave the other. Uche Igwe is a visiting professor at the Polish Centre for African Studies, Wroclaw. He can be reached on [email protected] Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Russia systematically uses disinformation to advance its geopolitical goals. Research data indicates that the influence of Russian disinformation on European societies is quite significant. For instance, a study by Princeton University (USA), Trends in Online Foreign Influence Efforts, revealed that Russia is the global leader in using online disinformation during influence campaigns. Russia is responsible for 62 per cent of such interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The Truth Must Come First The number of influence campaigns in African countries is growing, with some of them linked to Russia. In its work with African audiences, the Kremlin employs the same methods as in Ukraine: spreading fake news, manipulating social media, promoting anti-Western narratives, and undermining trust in democratic institutions. Over the past three years, Ukraine has faced a large-scale information attack, developed counter-strategies, and gained valuable experience. This article examines which approaches have proven effective, which have not, and what lessons African countries can learn from Ukraines experience. In early March, the Russian State Duma held a roundtable discussion titled, Russia-Africa, where high-ranking Russian officials emphasised the importance of delivering truthful Russian news to African information spaces. Russia views the Wests media policies in Africa as colonial and flawed, positioning itself as an alternative with a strong focus on anti-colonialism and youth engagement. To achieve this, Russia plans to expand its television network in Africa and establish centres for collaboration with African bloggers. These media platforms will serve as channels for spreading Russian narratives and exerting an even greater influence on African countries than before. Overall, Russia aims to support African Orthodox bloggers and create religious content targeted at African audiences. At the same time, it continues to manipulate the anti-colonial narrative, presenting itself as the nation entrusted with the noble mission of putting an end to information colonialism in Africa. Even now, Russia exerts significant influence over the media landscape in African countries, as it consistently pushes messages about the inability of African governments to function effectively and serve their nations interests, while simultaneously promoting anti-Western rhetoric. This anti-Western and anti-government discourse has contributed to civil unrest and coups in some countries. 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 Previously, military forces in three West African countries Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger overthrew their democratically elected governments, raising Russian flags as a symbol of resistance during protests. This serves as further evidence that Russian propaganda is deeply rooted and actively spreading within African information spaces. There is also a possibility that this propaganda, along with the associated anti-Western sentiments, could spread to Nigeria, the immediate neighbour of these countries, potentially further escalating tensions in the region. Russia Has Done this Before As Damilola Banjos report states, incidents of people waving Russian flags have already occurred in Nigeria. In particular, demonstrators in Kano not only waved Russian flags but also called on Russia to pressure the Nigerian government into changing its policies. President Bola Tinubus government responded by arresting several local residents, including a tailor who had sewn the Russian flags. and several Polish nationals linked to the incident. Russia, in turn, denied any involvement in the events in Kano. However, denial is nothing new for Russia. After the annexation of Crimea Ukraines peninsula in 2014 and the invasion of Ukraines Luhansk and Donetsk regions, Russias official stance remained the same: This is not Russia. These are little green men. These are unknown individuals.' The presence of Russian flags among them, according to this narrative, was simply because they disliked Ukraine, were tired of living in it, and preferred Russia and its system. Russia benefited from portraying its expansionist ambitions as the supposed natural aspirations of the residents of those regions to be part of Russia, rather than Ukraine. By doing so, Russia skillfully shifted the blame for its aggression onto Ukraine, claiming that Ukraine had neglected its citizens for years, leading those areas to seek separation and unification with Russia. For decades before these events, Russia had been spreading disinformation and propaganda among the Ukrainian audience, attempting to convince them that an independent Ukraine has no future. Without this informational groundwork, the events described above might not have taken place. Russia had worked for years to destabilise Ukraine. It built a network of loyal media outlets and experts and influenced the audience through television content, such as TV series and films. In the 2000s, Ukraines media landscape was heavily dominated by Russian content. In its efforts to destabilise Ukraine, Russia promoted several key narratives: Ukraine is a Failed State This is a key narrative that Russia continues to spread about Ukraine not only among Ukrainian audiences but also internationally. The aim is to make Ukrainians doubt their own statehood by promoting the idea that Ukraine is an artificial entity that came into existence by accident and that its statehood is a historical anomaly. Within this framework, Ukraine is depicted as a failed Western project doomed to collapse, due to its inability to function independently. Russian propaganda highlights frequent government changes, political scandals, economic crises, and internal conflicts as supposed evidence that Ukrainians are incapable of governing their own country. This narrative seeks to create the impression that Ukraine has no future without external control or integration into the so-called Russian world. In doing so, propaganda deliberately ignores the fact that Ukraine has a long history, including the existence of Kyivan Rus and numerous other historical milestones, proving its enduring statehood. Ukraine is the Most Corrupt and therefore the Poorest Country Russian propaganda exploits real corruption issues, exaggerating them to an extreme degree to portray Ukraine as a country where not only reforms but even normal life is impossible. At the same time, it hides the fact that in itself, it is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. This narrative is actively used to discredit Ukraines European integration efforts and undermine international support. Propagandists try to convince the world that Western aid to Ukraine is futile because all resources are supposedly embezzled. Additionally, this narrative fosters apathy among Ukrainians, leading them to lose faith in the possibility of change. It deprives them of agency, pushing the idea that efforts to improve the country, such as paying taxes or supporting reforms, are meaningless because everything will be stolen anyway. Ukrainians in the West and East are Completely Different For decades, Russian propaganda has attempted to divide Ukrainian society by emphasising regional differences and creating the illusion of two Ukraines a pro-European West and a pro-Russian East. It has sought to instil hostility between these regions by portraying the East as bad to the West, and vice versa. At the same time, historical and cultural ties between different parts of the country were deliberately downplayed. Differences in language preferences, religious traditions, and political views were exaggerated to create an unbridgeable divide, supposedly making the existence of a united Ukraine impossible. This approach was used particularly aggressively during and after the Revolution of Dignity, as well as in the early years of Russias war against Ukraine, starting in 2014, when it attempted to justify its aggression by claiming that parts of Ukraine desired separation. Western Ukraine is Full of Banderites and Nazis Who Hate Russia This myth originates from Soviet propaganda, which has distorted the history of Ukraines national liberation movement by equating it with Nazism. In the modern context, Russian media and Kremlin officials use this narrative to justify aggression against Ukraine, claiming that the country harbours a Nazi threat that must be eliminated. Propagandists paint Western Ukraine as a stronghold of radicals who allegedly persecute Russian-speaking citizens and seek ethnic cleansing. This serves as a means for Russia to justify its crimes, while also attempting to sow division among Ukrainians by fostering regional animosity. Ukraine Has No History or Culture of Its Own For decades, Russian propaganda has sought to strip Ukraine of its cultural and historical identities by promoting the idea that Ukrainian statehood is temporary and that Ukrainian culture is either identical to Russian culture or merely an extension of it. Kremlin ideologues deny the existence of a distinct Ukrainian nation, presenting it as part of a unified Russian people. They attempt to appropriate Ukraines cultural achievements, for instance, claiming that Kyivan Rus was the first Russian state and that prominent Ukrainian historical figures were actually great Russians. Furthermore, they actively distort historical memory by downplaying or falsifying events such as the Holodomor, the Ukrainian Insurgent Armys (UPA) struggle, and the Revolution of Dignity. The Ukrainian Language is Not Real Because No One Writes Books or Makes Films in It Russian propaganda has long promoted the idea that Ukrainian is merely a dialect of Russian or an artificially created language. It has spread claims that Ukrainian is incapable of being used for science, quality literature, filmmaking, or contributing to global culture. The goal of this narrative is to marginalise the Ukrainian language, reduce its usage, and push Ukrainians toward assimilation. In reality, despite long periods of Russification, Ukrainian has a rich literary, cinematic, and musical heritage that continues to develop, debunking this myth. This narrative also seeks to strip Ukrainians of their agency, suggesting that they cannot have an independent state if they do not even have a legitimate language of their own. Ukraine Cannot Survive Without Russias Support Russian propaganda tries to create the illusion that Ukraine is incapable of functioning independently economically, politically, or militarily. For years, the Kremlin used gas dependency, trade wars, and political pressure to convince Ukrainians that their country could not survive without Russian resources and markets. This myth is also spread internationally to weaken global support for Ukraine. However, reality has proven the opposite: after severing many ties with Russia, Ukraine has continued to develop, find new partners, and overcome challenges demonstrating its resilience as an independent state. For years, Russia has not only spread its messages and narratives in Ukraine but has also built a network for disseminating disinformation. Similar processes may occur or are already happening in African countries. Notably, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, funded by the US Congress to study security issues, has reported that Russia is the largest sponsor of disinformation campaigns on the continent. All these narratives work together to undermine national identity, weaken societal unity, and justify Russian aggression. However, reality and historical facts consistently debunk these claims, proving that Ukraine is an independent state with its own culture, language, and future. How and why does Russia enter African countries? For years, Russia has not only spread its messages and narratives in Ukraine but has also built a network for disseminating disinformation. Similar processes may occur or are already happening in African countries. Notably, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, funded by the US Congress to study security issues, has reported that Russia is the largest sponsor of disinformation campaigns on the continent. In 2022, the centre found that pro-Russian actors used thousands of new, fake, and hacked accounts to spread pro-Russian narratives and manipulate social media algorithms, leading to two pro-Russian hashtags trending on X/Twitter. According to the centres report, the campaign aimed to create the appearance of global support ahead of the UN General Assembly vote in early March 2022 on a resolution condemning Russias invasion of Ukraine. While Nigeria voted yes, nearly half of the other African countries abstained. This is clearly an attempt to stir unrest and manipulate genuine grievances [against the government], said Seigel. Protests are a normal democratic act to demand change. These are precisely the acts that are seized upon by an external actor which has become a key way for Russia to enter and exert influence in Africa. In other words, Russia sees African countries as a new target and is already working in several directions: Spreading disinformation through the media. Russian propaganda networks actively use local media (and, in some cases, create their own) to spread distorted facts about the war and the food crisis, thereby fostering negative attitudes toward Western countries and their policies. Using social media to spread pro-Kremlin narratives. The networks exploit social platforms to disseminate pro-Kremlin narratives, which may include manipulating public opinion and inciting protest sentiments. Supporting anti-government sentiments. They actively promote anti-government sentiments by spreading information that undermines trust in authorities and contributes to destabilisation in the country. What Has Ukraine Done to Counter Russian Information Aggression? Ukraine was not immediately able to effectively adapt to the challenges posed by disinformation. Before 2014, Russian information aggression was not perceived as a critical threat, and mechanisms to counter it were underdeveloped. Russian TV channels were freely broadcast in Ukraine, while local pro-Russian media and politicians actively spread Kremlin narratives to the Ukrainian audience. The absence of a state strategy in the field of information security allowed Moscow to influence public sentiment for years, particularly in the east and south of the country. After 2014, when Russia occupied Crimea and launched the war, Ukraine gradually began to develop mechanisms to counter disinformation. However, even then, the state response was often slow, and efforts were fragmented. For example, while some Russian TV channels were banned as early as 2014-2015, popular Russian social networks like VKontakte and Odnoklassniki continued to operate in Ukraine until 2017. Similarly, pro-Russian media outlets such as 112 Ukraine and NewsOne remained in the information space for several more years before sanctions were imposed on them. By 2019-2021, the fight against disinformation began to take on a more systematic approach, with the state, civil society organisations, and academic institutions working together to develop strategies. Overall, efforts to counter disinformation can be divided into several key areas. State Initiatives Blocking pro-Russian Resources. In 2017, Ukraine blocked Russian social networks VKontakte and Odnoklassniki, followed by a series of propaganda media outlets (RIA Novosti, Sputnik, RT). In 2021, the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) imposed sanctions on pro-Russian TV channels 112 Ukraine, NewsOne, and ZIK, which were spreading Kremlin narratives. Establishing the Center for Countering Disinformation and the Center for Strategic Communications. In 2021, the NSDC created the Center for Countering Disinformation to analyse information threats, while the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy launched the Center for Strategic Communications. Both institutions work to address information challenges, research disinformation, and strengthen Ukraines information security. Media Literacy Development Strategy. The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine developed a multi-year strategy aimed at enhancing public resilience to disinformation and manipulation. Legislative Initiatives. In 2022, Ukraines parliament adopted the Media Law, establishing clearer regulations for combating disinformation and overseeing online platforms. The Role of Civil Society Developing Media Literacy and Critical Thinking. Ukrainian NGOs, research institutions, and schools, with support from international organisations and donors, have implemented systematic programmes to equip citizens with skills to recognise fake news, manipulation, and information attacks. One of the key actors in media literacy has been the NGO Detector Media. A significant milestone was the inclusion of media literacy in Ukraines school curriculum. The Academy of Ukrainian Press, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science and international organisations, developed educational modules for teachers, integrating media literacy into subjects such as history, Ukrainian language, and civic education. International donors, including USAID and IREX, have actively supported media literacy in Ukraine. For example, in 2018, the Learn to Discern programme was launched, covering hundreds of Ukrainian schools and training thousands of teachers in effective information analysis. Fact-checking Organisations. Several Ukrainian initiatives focus on researching disinformation, debunking fake news, and exposing manipulations to a broad audience. These include StopFake, VoxCheck, Beyond the News ( ), Nota Yenota ( ), and Detector Media. These organisations analyse media content, uncover manipulations, and educate audiences on critical thinking. Use of Digital Technologies and Social Media Rapid Debunking of Fake News. Ukrainian official institutions and fact-checkers actively use Telegram, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to counter disinformation. For instance, the Center for Countering Disinformation regularly exposes Russian manipulations about frontline events. Telegram Channels and Chatbots. Special bots have been launched to report fake news, including the StopRussiaChannel, which systematises information about hostile online resources. International Cooperation Ukraine collaborates with the EU, NATO, and international organisations such as EUvsDisinfo, which help analyse and counter Russian disinformation at a global level. Russia systematically uses disinformation to advance its geopolitical goals. Research data indicates that the influence of Russian disinformation on European societies is quite significant. For instance, a study by Princeton University (USA), Trends in Online Foreign Influence Efforts, revealed that Russia is the global leader in using online disinformation during influence campaigns. Russia is responsible for 62 per cent of such interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Which Methods Can Be Considered Successful? According to the head of the Center for Strategic Communications, Ihor Solovey, one of Ukraines successful cases in countering hostile informational threats is the establishment of a structured approach to commenting on events and providing accurate, reliable information in this manner. From the first days of the war, the only officials authorised to comment on military events were the president, the chief of the General Staff, the commander-in-chief, the minister of defense, and the minister of foreign affairs. This hierarchy extended to the media, and no other figures commented on events directly related to military operations, Ihor Solovey explains. Another successful case was the United News telethon organised by the Ukrainian government and major television channels at the beginning of the full-scale war. The telethon aimed to provide daily updates on security conditions and the activities of state institutions. Despite criticism, for the first year and a half, it mobilised the information space and society, preventing the opening of a new front and strengthening Ukrainian unity. For these reasons, its duration has been set until the end of martial law, he adds. Ihor Solovey also emphasises that fighting disinformation is not only a matter of legal regulation but also media community awareness. We do not have military censorship as such, so self-censorship has worked due to the high level of responsibility among journalists who understand that their material has a cost. And that cost is not only in monetary terms for an article or a report but also in human lives. The high level of media awareness is one of the phenomena of these years of war, he says. Another successful practice, according to him, is active engagement with foreign journalists. This is a matter of strategic communication. Ukraine has never before hosted as many foreign journalists as it does now. The interest of international media, especially at the beginning of the full-scale war, was enormous. We worked hard to improve interaction with these media and developed an effective system, explains Ihor Solovey. However, he also believes there are areas where Ukraine could be more effective. Alongside traditional media, which are reputable, have editorial offices, employ journalists, verify information, and maintain professional standards, a new media empire has emergedsocial networks and news-sharing platforms. These are often anonymous sources, and the problem is that people tend to trust them more than official sources. This is our shortcoming, says Ihor Solovey. When working with these platforms, we face challenges. Some act responsibly and engage in dialogue, while others are less accountable, turning their platforms into hubs for disinformation. One of our shortcomings is that the state has not taken more decisive action against these networks and has not shut them down in Ukraine, as it previously did with Russias VKontakte and Odnoklassniki. Instead, the government has issued recommendations, but this approach has not been fully effective, he concludes. Conclusion Russia systematically uses disinformation to advance its geopolitical goals. Research data indicates that the influence of Russian disinformation on European societies is quite significant. For instance, a study by Princeton University (USA), Trends in Online Foreign Influence Efforts, revealed that Russia is the global leader in using online disinformation during influence campaigns. Russia is responsible for 62 per cent of such interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Overall, Russian disinformation is dynamic and adaptive. It changes and adjusts to the context depending on the circumstances. To systematically counter it and successfully build resilience against disinformation, it is not enough to simply address its consequences and debunk falsehoods. A proactive approach is necessary, as it strengthens resilience. Strategic communication approaches can be particularly useful in this regard and should be further developed to enhance effectiveness. These approaches should be integrated into various state systems. Specifically, every government institution, including national agencies and municipal authorities, should have an action plan for critical situations and informational threats. As media expert Olha Danchenkova writes, it is also crucial to build trust with the audience and understand their expectations and fears before adversaries exploit them to undermine democratic institutions. Olha Bilousenko is a Ukrainian journalist, disinformation expert, and researcher. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has assured that there will be an increase in revenue following the significant improvements in security across the state. He made the remarks on Wednesday when he toured mining factories and sites in Anka and Maru local government areas of the state A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the tour was aimed at exploring the vast natural resources in Zamfara State and creating additional revenue-generating opportunities. Today, Governor Dauda Lawal has begun a tour of mining sites and factories, starting with a visit to Comet Star Industry, a private mining company located in the Anka Local Government Area. The factory, owned by Prince James Uduji OON, processes approximately 1,000 tons daily. It is fully equipped with the latest mining technology to ensure efficient operations. While at the factory, Governor Lawal toured the site, starting from the discharge bay, where the soil is received, and continuing to the crusher section, conveyor belt, and shaking table. Governor Lawal also visited various locations within the factory, including the Powerhouse, which provides electricity for the entire company, and the laboratory where products are processed. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In his remarks immediately after the tour, Mr Lawal expressed satisfaction with the factorys standard, stating that it is the type of investment the state government is seeking. I am delighted today because this clearly shows the improvement in security in Zamfara State. I would like to appreciate the troops and all stakeholders who are working tirelessly to bring about peace. More importantly, discussions are ongoing between the Federal Government, State Government, the private sector, and the communities to understand our assets and identify where we have a comparative advantage. This state is blessed with solid minerals. If we can get it right, I assure you that we will improve revenue and rapidly develop Zamfara. In Maru Local Government Area, Mr Lawal promised the state governments full support to artisanal miners to ensure that they operate within legal confines. The governor promised to provide essential tools to the artisanal miners to stop environmental degradation. We are collaborating with the Federal Government and are taking specific steps to implement necessary measures. I will direct the environment commissioner to meet with you so that everyone can register. By registering, we will be able to maintain a proper record. The State Government will provide you with the necessary support, including securing a small-scale mining lease from the Federal Government, but you must form cooperative societies, the governor stated. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria is at a critical crossroads, one that challenges not just the nations political integrity but its very identity. This crisis is not marked by war or famine, but by a deep and troubling internal issue that questions the fairness of the judicial system and the moral foundation of the country. At the heart of this is the unjust persecution of Aisha Achimugu, a distinguished businesswoman, philanthropist, and symbol of Nigerian excellence. Mrs Achimugu is far more than a businesswoman, she is a beacon of resilience and brilliance, an embodiment of Nigerian potential. Through her company, Felak Concept Group, Mrs Achimugu has made significant contributions in engineering, consultancy, and maritime innovation. Her work has led to job creation, policy reform, and environmental sustainability, all within industries that are traditionally dominated by men. Her achievements stand as a testament to her determination to break barriers and her unwavering commitment to national progress. Despite her immense contributions to Nigerias development, Mrs Achimugu has faced an appalling injustice. Instead of being celebrated, she has been met with public slander, a red poster of accusations, and the denial of a fair trial. Even when she was summoned, Aisha was abroad and was deprived of the dignity of due process. Where is the fairness in this? Where is the compassion for a single mother, a widow, and a woman whose achievements have enriched the nation? The answer is clear: it is absent. Mrs Achimugu is not just a business mogul, she is a cherished figure beloved across the country for her character, diplomacy, and generosity. She has bridged political, ethnic, and religious divides, always putting Nigerias best interests first. She was awarded two oil block by the Nigerian government not as a favour, but as recognition of her competence and ability. This honour was bestowed not out of nepotism, but because of trust in her capabilities. If Mrs Achimugu were truly guilty of any wrongdoing, how did the same government that honoured her with two oil block suddenly turn against her? The question is, if she were truly guilty, why are others equally implicated in Nigerias systemic corruption not facing the same public scrutiny? 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 Mrs Achimugu is not a woman who seeks attention. She has earned her place at the table through hard work and a proven track record. Her impact on national development, her mentorship, and her philanthropy have created a profound legacy. Her reputation is built on her accomplishments not rumors or politically motivated attacks. Yet, her brilliance seems to have become a threat to those driven by personal insecurity and political motives. Mr President, this is not a victory in the fight against corruption, it is a manipulation of the system driven by envy, personal vendettas, and political maneuvering. If the justice system were truly functioning, why does only one womans image appear on a red poster while countless others implicated in corruption continue unchecked? The answer lies in the political machinations at play. You were elected to restore hope and deliver justice for all Nigeriansnot to preside over selective justice. When justice becomes partial, hope dies. And when hope dies, the very soul of the nation is at risk. This fight is not just for Mrs Aisha, it is for the future of the nation. To the youth, women, civil society, the diaspora, and all those who long for a better Nigeria this fight is yours too. If they can silence someone as influential and accomplished as Aisha, they can silence any of us. If they can slander her with no trial, what will happen to the rest of us who lack the power or connections to fight back? This is a battle for the soul of Nigeria. It is a fight to ensure that no Nigerian regardless of their gender, status, or background ever faces injustice. We cannot remain passive while one of the countrys finest is destroyed by political manipulation. We must demand that Aishas case be heard in a court of law, not through media headlines or WhatsApp groups. The truth must be brought to light through a transparent and fair process, not through politically motivated attacks. If the justice system truly works, let it be demonstrated in action, not in orchestrated public campaigns. A nation that allows one of its daughters to be humiliated without due process undermines its own future. This issue is not merely about gender, it is about the character of the nation itself. Mrs Aisha Achimugu has not shied away from accountability; she is ready to face any legitimate inquiry, but only in a system that is just and fair. What she will not acceptand what we must not allow is for her to be victimized by individuals who fear the strength of an independent woman. Enough is enough. The time for action is now. We are watching. Justice for Aisha is Justice for Nigeria. * Binta Adeshola contributed this piece from Lagos Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Jamaatu Izalatul Bidah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), on Thursday, announced the killing of its financial secretary by suspected terrorists. The religious organisation said in a statement on Facebook that Khalid Adamu was stabbed to death at his residence in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Some terrorists have stabbed to death (Khalid Adamu) at his residence. He is the financial secretary of the JIBWIS at Lugbe Division in the Federal Capital Territory. On behalf of the organisation, the leader, Sheikh Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, condoles the family of the deceased and the JIBWIS FCT members over the loss, the statement said. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident. However, the JIBWIS leadership has called on the police in the FCT to investigate the incident and prosecute the suspects. The police spokesperson in the FCT, Josephine Adeh, said she was yet to be briefed on the incident when our reporter contacted her on phone. 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 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo on his victory at the tribunal. The Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting on Wednesday, affirmed Mr Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected governor of Edo. A three-member panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi dismissed the petition against the election outcome filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. The petition challenged the result of the governorship election held on 21 September 2024 but was struck out by the tribunal for lack of merit. But reacting to the judgment, Mr Wike, who remains an influential member of the PDP despite serving in an APC government, congratulated Mr Okpebholo, who trounced his party in court. In a statement via Lere Olayinka, his senior special assistant on public communications and social media, Mr Wike urged the governor to savour his victory while remaining focused on delivering good governance to his people. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He advised Mr Okpebholo not to be distracted but to remain dedicated to serving the people of Edo State. Mr Wike described the tribunals ruling as a confirmation of the mandate freely given to Mr Okpebholo by Edo voters. The minister expressed confidence in the governors ability to bring relief and development to the state. This victory belongs to the people of Edo, who elected Okpebholo as their governor. I believe in him, and with the way he has started, his government will positively impact Edo and its people, he added. PREMIUM TIMES recalls that Mr Wike also supported the APC governor, Mr Okpebholo, during the Edo governorship election, sparking calls by party members who wanted him disciplined for anti-party conduct. Mr Wike remains a member of the PDP, but his political actions in the past two years have favoured the APC the more. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, dismissed the rumour of his recent collapse at an event in Abuja. Mr Wike, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, said the rumour emanated from political machinations. A statement signed by Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, the FCT ministers office, said Mr Wike attributed the rumour to those seeking to divert attention from serious allegations of planned attacks on national assets, including the Rivers State House of Assembly complex as revealed by a former Head of Service of Rivers State government. According to the statement, Mr Wike spoke on the issue during a routine inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects slated for inauguration in May to commemorate President Bola Ahmed Tinubus second anniversary in office. Mr Tinubu will clock two years in office on 29 May. What happened was that the former Head of Service of Rivers State government came out to let the public know what was going on about a plan to bomb the House of Assembly complex and attack national assets. To divert the attention of people from focusing on that, they had to bring up rumours that I had been flown overseas. There was never a time I collapsed, there was never a time anybody took me overseas, Mr Wike was quoted as saying. 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 Rivers State, where Mr Wike was governor for eight years before becoming the FCT minister, has been at the centre of attention over months of explosive political developments culminating in the recent declaration of emergency rule in the state. His reference to the claim by the former Head of Service of the state is a sign of his continued hostility with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was controversially suspended along with other elected officials of the state under the prevailing state of emergency declared in the state by President Tinubu. About a week ago, the immediate past Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, George Nwaeke, who abruptly resigned from office, accused Mr Fubara of ordering the bombing of the state assembly complex in December 2023. Nigerias Supreme Court, in a ruling delivered earlier in March on an array of legal issues stemming from the protracted political crisis in the state, similarly blamed the governor for the demolition of the assembly complex. Although Mr Fubara denied the allegation, Mr Wike re-echoed the claim on Thursday, blaming those responsible for the demolition of the House of Assembly complex for the spread of the rumour of his purported collapse in the public. The rumour had spread widely on X, alleging that Mr Wike collapsed at an event in Abuja last Friday and was subsequently rushed out of the country for treatment. But the minister has since made a public appearance, appearing in high spirits, when he joined other dignitaries on a Sallah homage during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. Lere Olayinka, Mr Wikes media aide, had also dismissed the rumour. I remain focussed Mr Wike said he was focussed on his job of providing good governance in the FCT and would not be distracted by such unfounded rumours. He emphasised his continued public engagements, citing his presence at the Presidents Iftar engagement and his leading of Abuja residents during the Sallah homage to the President as evidence of his robust health. You see me every day. The day Mr. President broke Iftar during his birthday, I was there. The next day, I led Abuja residents to pay Sallah homage. I see so many stories online, this is politics. Those things dont bother us. We are not distracted. We are focused on our jobs. He thanked Nigerians for their concern but cautioned against wishing ill health on others, reiterating that only God determines the time of ones passing. I thank Nigerians for showing concern, but people should not wish their fellow human beings such a thing to happen. We know that we will die one day, nobody will remain in this world forever, but its only God who determines the day you will die. No human being can say you will die today or tomorrow. So, dont bother yourself, Im very agile and I can assure you that I will write the condolence letters for those peddling these rumours, he said Read the statement in full FCTA PRESS RELEASE RUMOURS OF MY COLLAPSE ARE DIVERSIONARY, BASELESS -WIKE The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has dismissed as baseless and diversionary, widespread rumours about his collapse and being rushed abroad for treatment. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, following a routine inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects slated for commissioning in May to commemorate President Bola Ahmed Tinubus second anniversary in office, Barrister Wike categorically denied the claims, saying that they were untrue. He attributed the spread of these rumours to political machinations, specifically pointing to those he alleged sought to divert attention from serious allegations of planned attacks on national assets, including the Rivers State House of Assembly complex as revealed by a former Head of Service of Rivers State government. He said, What happened was that the former Head of Service of Rivers State government came out to let the public know what was going on about a plan to bomb the House of Assembly complex and attack national assets. To divert the attention of people from focusing on that, they had to bring up rumours that I had been flown overseas. There was never a time I collapsed, there was never a time anybody took me overseas. The Minister said he was focused on his job of providing good governance in the FCT and would not be distracted by such unfounded rumours. Barr. Wike emphasized his continued public engagements, citing his presence at the Presidents Iftar engagement and his leading of Abuja residents during the Sallah homage to the President as evidence of his robust health. You see me every day. The day Mr. President broke Iftar during his birthday, I was there. The next day, I led Abuja residents to pay Sallah homage. I see so many stories online, this is politics. Those things dont bother us. We are not distracted. We are focused on our jobs. He thanked Nigerians for their concern but cautioned against wishing ill health on others, reiterating that only God determines the time of ones passing. I thank Nigerians for showing concern, but people should not wish their fellow human beings such a thing to happen. We know that we will die one day, nobody will remain in this world forever, but its only God who determines the day you will die. No human being can say you will die today or tomorrow. So, dont bother yourself, Im very agile and I can assure you that I will write the condolence letters for those peddling these rumours. Speaking on the infrastructure projects he inspected, Barr. Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the International Conference Centre (ICC) renovation, the Arterial road N16 in Gishiri and its interchange connecting Maitama District to Katampe, and the Judges Quarters and its access roads in Katampe District. He said, We were at the International Conference Centre where much work has been done. They are keeping to the time that they have given and they are also doing a good quality job. Weve gone to Gishiri and the roads leading to the Justices Quarters. Im very much impressed with the good jobs and the contractors handling these projects. You can attest to the fact that this is a quality job being carried out. He commended the contractors, including Julius Berger and CGC, for their commitment to delivering the projects on schedule and assured that funding, with the support of President Tinubu, was not a challenge. He encouraged taxpayers to fulfill their obligations, promising that they will witness the tangible results of their contributions. All we will say is that those who are supposed to pay their taxes should pay their taxes, and ask us what we are doing with taxpayers money. They can see what we are doing with taxpayers money. ANTHONY OGUNLEYE DIRECTOR OF PRESS (OFFICE OF THE MINISTER) FCTA/ODP/PR/665 03/04/2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from PR Newswire the last two weeks, including Midea Group, Newronika, and As Ever,. LONDON, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the last two weeks that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Fortnightly Round-up: 12 Stories You Need to See 1: MEGHAN, DUCHESS OF SUSSEX ANNOUNCES AS EVER'S FIRST COLLECTION WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE TODAY Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is proud to announce that the first collection of eight signature products will be available for purchase, beginning today. Developed in partnership with Netflix's CPG division, this collection offers a glimpse into Meghan's approach to elevated, everyday living and is inspired by her long-lasting love of cooking, entertaining, and hostessing with ease. 2: Midea Group Releases Sustainable Heating Solutions for Europe at ISH 2025 Midea Group is showcasing its advanced and sustainable heating solutions under the theme 'Green Vision, Blue Future' at ISH 2025 in Frankfurt this week. These innovations aim to further improve energy efficiency in heating and cooling for European buildings and homes. 3: AG&P Industrial creates history by setting sail its first-ever module shipment to Europe, in Antwerp, Belgium for INEOS's over 4 Billion landmark Project ONE Project ONE is an investment by INEOS in the Antwerp chemical sector for the construction of an ethane cracker. The investment amounts to over four billion euros, making it the largest investment in European chemistry in more than 20 years. 4: Newronika Receives CE Mark Approval for AlphaDBS, Advancing Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease Newronika, a leader in neuromodulation and adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS) technology, announced today that it has received CE Mark approval for its AlphaDBS device, a next-generation closed-loop DBS system that dynamically adjusts stimulation based on real-time brain signals. 5: REVOLUTIONARY NEW IRISH DANCE SHOW TO TOUR UNITED KINGDOM Celtic ThronePsalter of Ireland, a trailblazing new Irish dance show with original music from Golden Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne, will embark on its United Kingdom tour, beginning June 22. 6: TAICCA and Federation Studios Establish Official Partnership to Deepen Collaboration and Move Toward the Global Market Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) announced an agreement with Federation Studios today at Series Mania in Lille. This strategic alliance would offer a fast track for creators, producers, investors, and distributors from both sides to ensure market access in Asia and Europe. 7: Tom's Studio Tackles the Plastic Pen Problem with The Wren - Write Off: A Pen Made from Discarded Pens Tom's Studio, the stationery brand challenging throwaway culture, has launched The Wren Write Off, a writing pen crafted with lids made from upcycled plastic waste primarily discarded pens. 8: Behind the Stephen Hawking Medal Scenes: STARMUS, Christopher Nolan, and Kip Thorne on Their Groundbreaking Fusion of Science and Cinema Renowned director Christopher Nolan received the esteemed Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication at the seventh Starmus Festival, joining the ranks of legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough, artist Laurie Anderson, and oceanographer Sylvia Earle. 9: Mums the Word (and the organiser): OpenTable research reveals 50% of mums have booked their own Mother's Day meal out Mother's Day is a time for mums and mother figures to relax but for many, it appears that this may not be the case. New research from OpenTable has revealed that half of UK mothers (50%) have booked their own celebratory Mother's Day meal. 10: Jackery & Olight Power Adventurers' Journeys from Sunlight to Starlight Jackery, a leader in portable solar power solutions, and Olight, an innovator in high-performance lighting, are excited to announce their partnership, bringing energy and illumination together for outdoor enthusiasts. 11: Delta Demonstrates How its AI-Enabled Solutions Foster Intelligent Industries and Sustainable Energy Transition at Hannover Messe 2025 Delta, a global leader in power management and smart green solutions, highlighted today at Hannover Messe 2025 a versatile set of AI-driven smart manufacturing, energy infrastructure, and data centre solutions. 12: The secret ingredient: Cooking confirmed as the ultimate dating green flag, says Knorr survey Cooking is the ultimate green flag according to 78% of singles aged 18-35, with nearly two thirds (65%) more likely to connect with someone on a dating app if they are interested in cooking or can cook, while one in three (37%) won't even consider dating someone who can't cook. Read more of the latest releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNalert on Twitter. Can't-Miss Earnings Catch up on all the latest earnings reports here. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world. For questions, contact the team at media.relations@cision.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2657383/PR_Newswire_Round_up.jpg Featuring Exploratory Learning Through Hands-On STEM NORTH CANTON, Ohio, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For 35 years, Camp Invention has helped young innovators build confidence and problem-solving skills through authentic, hands-on STEM activities. In this year's program, campers will design their own claw machine, create special effects and even learn Morse code! Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/national-inventors-hall-of-fame/9299852-en-national-inventors-hall-of-fame-camp-invention-2025 Discover Where Curiosity Can Lead with Camp Invention 2025 2025 Camp Invention Helps Children Discover Their Creativity and Inventiveness Camp Invention, a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, provides a unique experience for children to make discoveries about the importance of intellectual property while exploring, creating and designing. Camp promotes STEM learning; builds leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship in an exciting and engaging environment. "My son recently attended Camp Invention, and it was an absolutely phenomenal experience for him," said the parent of a 2024 Camp Invention camper. "The camp's focus on creativity, problem solving and innovation truly sparked his curiosity and imagination." Each year, the program features a new curriculum inspired by some of our nation's most world-changing inventors the National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees. This year's program, appropriately named Discover, encourages children to be confident in their ideas and explore their innovativeness through hands-on activities including: In Control: Campers take control of their innovation journey as they head out on the ultimate road trip. From assembling a custom control panel with a transmitter and receiver, to creating a prototype of their own artificial intelligence-inspired bobblehead assistant, they invent their way around every bump and twist in the road. Illusion Workshop: Children discover the mesmerizing world of illusions, where things are not always as they appear. Through hands-on activities and experiments, they go behind the scenes of the tech tricks used in theme parks, animated films and theater. Using design and electrical engineering skills, campers build an animation device to bring drawings to life. Claw Arcade: Campers use their creativity and engineering skills to construct a functional Claw Arcade out of cardboard. They explore physics in easy-to-reach ways as they make hands-on discoveries about the science behind claw machines. Penguin Launch: Children embark on an eco-expedition to investigate penguins and the ice and snow of Antarctica . Along the way, they discover the fascinating connections between the technology and training used to explore Antarctica and outer space. From flippers and flingers to exploring high-wingers, children are sure to have a blast as they propel Pengy, a research assistant penguin, across the South Pole and beyond! Local programs are facilitated and taught by qualified local educators. Annually, Camp Invention programs benefit more than 140,000 children and partner with 2,600 schools and districts across the nation. Search for a camp near you or find additional information at invent.org/camp. Join the Camp Invention conversation and help invent the future of our nation by using #CampInvention on social media! About Camp Invention Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized summer program focused on creativity, innovation, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention. Through hands-on programming, Camp Invention encourages children entering kindergarten through sixth grade to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum inspired by some of the world's greatest inventors. Camp Invention is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. This nationwide, nonprofit organization is committed to the curious minds and innovative spirits of the past, present and future. Since 1990, our education programs have served more than 3 million children, and 297,000 teachers and Leadership Interns. For more information, visit invent.org/programs/camp-invention. CONTACT: Ken Torisky National Inventors Hall of Fame [email protected] 234-901-6085 SOURCE Camp Invention -Agreement extends one of the world's most enduring alliances for drug discovery- -Landmark discoveries from partnership have led to novel drug candidates, including an immunotherapy for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis currently in Phase III clinical trials- - New focus on cell and gene therapies to accelerate novel treatments for patients with unmet medical needs - LA JOLLA, Calif. and PRINCETON, N.J., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A 35-year academic-industry partnership that has produced groundbreaking discoveries in immunology and supported first-in-class therapies for rare disease patients has entered its 36th year with the signing of a three-year research funding agreement between La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), an independent nonprofit research organization in California, and Kyowa Kirin, Inc., the wholly-owned North American subsidiary of Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Kirin, TSE: 4151), a Japan-based global specialty pharmaceutical company. The three-year agreement marks the latest milestone in one of the world's most enduring and prolific industry-academic collaborations, conceived in 1988 by a Japanese immunologist and funded by then Kirin Brewery's emerging pharmaceutical business to advance scientific exploration and immunologic research. Today, LJI ranks among the world's top five immunology institutions, whose renowned faculty have transformed basic understanding of human immunity and paved the way for important clinical advances. Simultaneously, Kyowa Kirin has evolved into a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company that develops novel therapies for patients with rare and debilitating diseases. The company markets three therapies in North America and more than 50 products worldwide in hematology-oncology, rare bone disease, and other therapeutic areas. Together, the two organizations have created a unique alliance that blends the academic prowess of LJI with the drug development and commercialization expertise of Kyowa Kirin. Working side by side under one roof, scientists from LJI and Kyowa Kirin's La Jolla laboratories partner on joint research programs while also pursuing independent projects that accelerate the mutual interests of science and patient health. To date, the partnership has included sponsored or collaborative research projects, with, as well as top-tier journal publications authored by LJI faculty. LJI scientists have made pioneering discoveries that harness the immune system against cancer, reveal key differences between the immune systems of men and women, and provide new opportunities to protect against emerging and infectious diseases. "The unique and vibrant culture we've established over the past 35 years, coupled with the continuous research funding from Kyowa Kirin, has enabled our teams to make pioneering scientific contributions that have dramatically increased our understanding of human immunology," said LJI Professor, President & CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire , Ph.D., MBA. "Further, our proximity and open access to one another's respective scientific expertise, technical capabilities, and LJI's core facilities have fueled the identification and validation of target molecules as well as numerous candidate compounds adding life-changing value to the research we do." Kyowa Kirin's research team has advanced several of these compounds into clinical trials for a range of conditions, including ulcerative colitis, acute respiratory distress, atopic dermatitis, with preliminary data anticipated in 2025. "We're excited about our future with LJI and the opportunities it affords to shape a healthier future for patients with unmet medical needs," said Yoshifumi Torii, Ph.D., Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Research at Kyowa Kirin. "Pairing the best basic scientists and translational medicine researchers at the table from the beginning creates a more entrepreneurial way of thinking about drug discovery and development that promotes innovation and accelerates timelines on behalf of patients." The renewed research agreement provides LJI with multiple types of support, including research funding, faculty hiring support, and project-specific research funds relating to Kyowa Kirin's therapeutic scope. Joint research will prioritize cell and gene therapies designed to treat diseases with limited or no treatment options. This focus aligns with Kyowa Kirin's commitment to addressing some of the world's most challenging and unmet medical needs. About Kyowa Kirin Kyowa Kirin aims to discover novel medicines and treatments with life-changing value. As a Japan-based global specialty pharmaceutical company, we have invested in drug discovery and biotechnology innovation for more than 70 years. We are currently working to engineer the next generation of antibodies and cell and gene therapies with the potential to help patients with high unmet medical needs, including rare bone & mineral disorders, intractable hematologic diseases, and other hematologic/oncologic diseases. A shared commitment to our values, to sustainable growth, and to making people smile unites us across the globe. You can learn more at www.kyowakirin.com . About La Jolla Institute for Immunology The La Jolla Institute for Immunology is dedicated to understanding the intricacies and power of the immune system so that we may apply that knowledge to promote human health and prevent a wide range of diseases. Since its founding in 1988 as an independent, nonprofit research organization, the Institute has made numerous advances leading toward its goal: life without disease. Visit lji.org for more information. Media Contacts: Gina Kirchweger [email protected] 848.357.7481 This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com . SOURCE La Jolla Institute for Immunology ATLANTA, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Liquid Web, a leader in VPS, dedicated servers, WordPress, GPU, and cloud hosting, today released a new study analyzing the financial and operational impact of poor website performance. The report, The Impact of Downtime on Businesses , reveals how website reliability affects customer trust, brand reputation, and ultimately, revenue. Read the full report > Speed, reliability, and seamless user experiences are key drivers of customer trust and revenue growth. Post this How Website Downtime Impacts Revenue and Customer Trust In today's digital-first world, businesses rely on websites to generate leads, engage customers, and drive revenue. Any disruption in performance can have immediate and lasting consequences. Liquid Web's study found that: 67% of businesses reported lost revenue due to poor website performance. due to poor website performance. 26% of business owners had bounce rates exceeding 30% , showing how slow load times drive visitors away. , showing how slow load times drive visitors away. A third of respondents feared reputational damage caused by unreliable website performance. caused by unreliable website performance. A quarter of business owners believed website issues put them at a competitive disadvantage . . 12% of businesses reported losing revenue each month due to ongoing website performance issues. The financial impact of website outages is staggering. According to a 2024 report by the Uptime Institute , 16% of outages cost businesses over $1 million. While a recent Acronis study showed that more than 60% of downtime incidents exceed $100,000 in losses, a 39% increase since 2019. What's more, downtime isn't a rare occurrence. Liquid Web's study discovered that 17% of the survey respondents had experienced an outage. Whether caused by server failures, cyberattacks, or inadequate hosting solutions, these incidents can cripple business operations and erode customer confidence. Why Reliable Hosting Matters "Our research highlights a powerful opportunity: businesses that invest in high-performance hosting are better positioned to win," says Sachin Puri, Chief Growth Officer at Liquid Web. "In today's digital economy, speed, reliability, and seamless user experiences are key drivers of customer trust and revenue growth. Forward-thinking companies understand that their hosting infrastructure isn't just a backend decision, it's a strategic advantage. These insights empower businesses to make informed choices that fuel performance, protect reputation, and drive long-term success." Additional key findings from the study highlight: 40% of businesses reported that website downtime directly impacted their ability to attract new customers, leading to long-term revenue loss. Consumer trust is severely impacted by slow or unreliable websites, leading to lost customers and long-term reputational damage. Investing in high-performance hosting solutions can mitigate risks associated with downtime and improve overall business continuity. Liquid Web's study provides businesses with critical insights into the financial and operational risks of website downtime. By understanding these challenges, companies can implement proactive strategies to enhance site reliability, improve user experience, and safeguard revenue. To learn more, read the full report: The Cost of Server Downtime on Businesses and Teams . For more information on Liquid Web's hosting solutions and how they help businesses maintain peak website performance, visit LiquidWeb.com . About Liquid Web As a cornerstone of CloudOne Digital, Liquid Web leverages best-in-class infrastructure and cloud capabilities to provide unparalleled support and growth for businesses. Building on 25+ years of success, Liquid Web delivers industry-leading hosting for mission-critical sites, stores, and applications to SMBs and the designers, developers, and agencies who create for them. Liquid Web's expansive global reach and support for nearly 200,000 customers is a testament to its reliability and the trust it has garnered from its customers. Our foundation is built by a world-class team of technology and industry experts dedicated to delivering excellence 24/7/365. As a leader in customer service, the rapidly expanding brand has been recognized among INC. Magazine's 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies for 12 years. For media inquiries, please contact: Media Contact Name: Amanda Valle Title: Global Director Email: [email protected] SOURCE Liquid Web MEDIA ADVISORY FOR NORTH CHARLESTON, SC ON SATURDAY, April 5, 2025 9 AM TO NOON EST NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT: STEM South Carolina, powered by Clemson University, presents a free STEM FEST in North Charleston to help students in grades K-12 build curiosity and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The festival will feature more than 60 stations where kids and their parents engage in unique and fun activities, such as operating a robot, building motorized model cars, flying drones, watching live animal dissections, riding a hovercraft, and much more. The educational activities offer unique learning experiences for students and parents, encouraging creativity and enhancing problem-solving skills. Students will work with college volunteers and STEM professionals during a morning of exploration and discovery. It will be a day of exploration, innovation, and discovery for students. "STEM Fest is about making STEM education accessible, engaging, and exciting for all students," said Dr. Calvin Mackie, Founder and CEO of STEM NOLA/ STEM Global Action. By creating hands-on learning opportunities, we help young minds develop critical thinking skills and inspire them to see the endless possibilities in STEM careers. This event is made possible through the generous support of Integer Technologies LLC, Benedict College, STEM Carolina, and Clemson University. Register Today: Parents are encouraged to register their children in advance to secure a spot at STEM Fest. Registration is now open at www.clemson.edu/stem-sc. Call for Volunteers STEM professionals and college students can play a crucial role in exposing, engaging, and inspiring young learners through hands-on STEM activities by volunteering at the event. Undergraduate college volunteers will receive a $50 stipend for their participation. Sign up to volunteer here: https://stemnola.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1061009. WHO: STEM Global Action Clemson University STEM South Carolina WHERE: R.B. Stall High School (3625 Ashley Phosphate Road, North Charleston, SC WHEN: Saturday, April 5, 2024 9 AM to Noon ET Media Contact: Jim Pittman, 504-583-5862, [email protected] About STEM Global Action STEM Global Action is a national campaign dedicated to advancing STEM education for all students. Through hands-on programming, mentorship, and community engagement, STEM Global Action empowers children to develop skills that will shape their futures. In 2024, STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action engaged 41,000 K-12th grade students in 14 states and 36 cities throughout the U.S. Learn more at www.stemglobalaction.com SOURCE STEM Global Action With new accolades and a dedication to crafting distinctive dining experiences, Four Seasons is the leader in global gastronomy. TORONTO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Seasons continues to set the standard for culinary excellence, beginning the year with new accolades and reaffirming its position as one of the world's most awarded operators of restaurants and bars. Song, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre Blue Lobster Nage - Le Cinq, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris Yu Yuan, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Following the latest Michelin Guide announcement from France, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris upheld its legendary position of holding six Michelin stars and one Green star for sustainability, with its iconic restaurantsLe Cinq, L'Orangerie, and Le Georgecontinuing to set the benchmark for fine dining. Additionally, Le Cap at Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel retained its prestigious one star recognition. Earlier this year, Four Seasons added to its constellation of stars with Yu Yuan at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul earning a coveted Michelin star in February. In March, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong retained its extraordinary eight Michelin stars across Caprice, Lung King Heen, Noi, and Sushi Saito, while Zi Yat Heen at Four Seasons Hotel Macao retained its one star. Lung King Heen also received further distinction with a near-perfect 99.5 score on La Liste 2025. Additionally, SEZANNE at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, which holds three Michelin stars, was named Best Restaurant in Japan and ranked #4 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Notably, the growing Four Seasons portfolio of Michelin-recognized Chinese concepts speak to the brand's focus to redefining excellence in the space. With these latest Michelin star recognitions, multiple honours from Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, and sustained industry acclaim, Four Seasons remains the most Michelin-starred luxury hospitality company, holding 33 stars across 24 restaurants worldwide. This continued success is driven by the commitment of Four Seasons to originality, with each of its more than 600 restaurant and bar concepts thoughtfully designed to deliver a unique experience. From regionally inspired menus to unique dining spaces, no two are alikeyet all are united by an unwavering dedication to exceptional service, innovation, and the highest standards of quality. "At Four Seasons, every restaurant and bar is a one-of-a-kind concept, designed to push creative boundaries and deliver something truly original," says Philipp Blaser, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage. "We provide a platform for the best talent to join us in crafting food and beverage excellence, attracting visionary chefs and craftspeople who share our passion for innovation and our legacy of unparalleled service. We are honoured to receive these prestigious global awards, a testament to the culinary teams who are the heart of our operations." New Openings and Culinary Innovation As Four Seasons expands its culinary footprint, recent openings around the world highlight a commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. HAVA at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi offers authentic northwestern Indian cuisine in an open-air setting with panoramic sea views, blending traditional flavours with the island's natural beauty. Sushi L'Abysse Osaka at Four Seasons Hotel Osaka presents a cross-cultural omakase experience led by Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alleno and Edomae sushi master Chef Itaru Yasuda , merging French innovation with Japanese tradition. and Edomae sushi master Chef , merging French innovation with Japanese tradition. Cayao at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol introduces Nikkei cuisinea fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavourscrafted by acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval , offering a unique dining experience by the sea. , offering a unique dining experience by the sea. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai unveils a reimagined ULU alongside NOIO, a new sushi lounge and omakase dining experience, enhancing its commitment to exceptional dining that celebrates Hawaii's rich culinary heritage. rich culinary heritage. Verdello at Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr embarks on a gastronomic journey celebrating the richness of Italian traditions while integrating local Moroccan products, creating a flavour fusion that evokes Sicily and the Mediterranean. and the Mediterranean. Cafe Boulud Riyadh at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre showcases Chef Daniel Boulud's contemporary approach to French cuisine, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and refined techniques. contemporary approach to French cuisine, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and refined techniques. Song at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre reinterprets Ningbo cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and delicate seafood flavours, honouring the region's coastal culinary traditions. cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and delicate seafood flavours, honouring the region's coastal culinary traditions. Komo at Four Seasons Resort Maui showcases Tokyo -born Chef Kiyokuni Ikeda's masterful take on Japanese traditions, featuring pristine seafood, house-crafted ingredients, and artful presentations that blend precision with Maui's renowned hospitality. -born Chef Kiyokuni Ikeda's masterful take on Japanese traditions, featuring pristine seafood, house-crafted ingredients, and artful presentations that blend precision with renowned hospitality. Teppanyaki Tempura Shun at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong offers an intimate teppanyaki and tempura dining experience, where skilled chefs prepare dishes with precision, highlighting the freshness of premium ingredients. Oma at Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City presents a seasonal omakase journey, providing diners with a curated selection of dishes that reflect the chef's creativity and the finest available ingredients. Brasserie Margot at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta delivers a contemporary twist on the classic French brasserie, combining traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques and local ingredients. Onde at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze emerges as a modern Italian dining destination within a restored historic setting, honouring Italian coastal cuisine while embracing a convivial, relaxed atmosphere. Opus at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai offers a globally inspired menu, rare Modbar coffee, and Art Deco elegance, creating a sophisticated dining environment that blends international cuisine with local influences. Kyub at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca introduces an elevated robatayaki experience infused with Japanese flavours and Moroccan influences, showcasing a unique culinary fusion in a vibrant atmosphere. For a full list of Four Seasons awards and accolades, click here. To discover more award-winning dining experiences at Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world visit fourseasons.com/dining/award-winning-dining and follow #TasteofFS on Instagram to continue exploring. About Four Seasons Four Seasons opened its first hotel in 1961 and since that time has become a global leader in luxury hospitality and branded residential, with a focus on genuine and unparalleled service experiences. Four Seasons currently operates 133 hotels and resorts and 55 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries. The company continues to grow with a guest-centric mindset, including a global pipeline of more than 60 projects under planning or in development. In addition to its hotels and resorts, Four Seasons experiential offerings include more than 600 restaurants and bars globally, the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, Four Seasons Drive Experience, and the upcoming Four Seasons Yachts. Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world's best hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars, and most prestigious luxury hospitality brand in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com Media Contacts: Four Seasons Emily Killion [email protected] SOURCE Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts CINCINNATI, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Staffmark Group, a leading provider of total talent solutions, is uniting three of its trusted staffing brands under one name. Advantage Resourcing and Pro Staff have officially transitioned to Staffmark, strengthening the company's national presence and driving smarter hiring and better opportunities nationwide. "This is more than a name changeit's a strategic move to deliver even greater value," said Stacey Lane, CEO of Staffmark Group. "By uniting under the nationally recognized Staffmark name and investing in the latest recruiting technology, we're expanding access to top talent and creating a frictionless hiring process for both employers and job seekers, making hiring faster, more efficient, and more impactful." For decades, Advantage Resourcing and Pro Staff have been trusted staffing partners across diverse industries. Now, as part of Staffmark's national network spanning 400 locations across 38 states, businesses and job seekers will experience: AI-driven hiring solutions that match talent to jobs faster and more accurately. A national talent network delivering broader, more diverse workforce solutions. Faster, smarter job placement powered by digital innovation and real-time insights. This strategic move enhances Staffmark's ability to scale workforce solutions across industries, helping businesses fill roles with speed and precision while giving job seekers access to more opportunities than ever before. Updated branding, signage, and digital enhancements will be rolled out over the coming months. To experience the next generation of hiring, visit www.staffmark.com. About Staffmark Group Staffmark Group is one of the largest staffing companies in the United States and is a portfolio company of RGF Staffing and Recruit Group, a global leader in HR technology and business solutions with annual revenue of $22 billion. For more than 55 years, Staffmark Group has delivered the industry's widest range of tailored workforce solutions through its family of specialty brands, including Staffmark, Advantage xPO, Advantage Technical, Hunter Hamilton, and Digital People. Operating across a network of over 400 branches and 250 onsite locations, Staffmark Group places over 175,000 talented individuals annually. About RGF Staffing: RGF Staffing is a leading global HR services provider with activities in Asia Pacific, Europe, Japan and North America. Every day more than 300,000 people work for businesses and institutions via the RGF Staffing network. RGF Staffing is part of Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. For further information please visit www.rgfstaffing.com. SOURCE Staffmark Group LOS ANGELES, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adam Milstein, renowned Israeli-American philanthropist and strategic venture philanthropist, has published a groundbreaking white paper titled "The Strategic Imperative: Transforming Jewish Philanthropy for an Era of Global Challenges." The comprehensive analysis offers a strategic framework for action in response to unprecedented challenges facing Jewish communities worldwide. Adam Milstein philanthropy In this timely publication, Milstein addresses the fundamental shifts in threats facing Jewish communities globally following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent surge in antisemitism. The white paper presents both quantitative data and qualitative insights into the current landscape while offering innovative approaches to strengthen Jewish resilience and security. "The current moment is not merely another crisis point in Jewish history - it represents a fundamental shift in the nature of threats facing our community," writes Milstein. "The sophistication of modern antisemitism, combined with the emergence of what I term the 'Islamo-leftist Alliance,' presents challenges that traditional philanthropic models are ill-equipped to address." Key points covered in the white paper include: Analysis of post- October 7 antisemitism and its unprecedented scale antisemitism and its unprecedented scale Critique of current philanthropic and security response capabilities Strategic framework for building sustainable Jewish community infrastructure Implementation strategies across multiple domains including digital transformation, leadership development, and cross-cultural coalition building Specific recommendations for immediate actions and long-term vision Milstein, co-founder of the Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation, draws on his decades of experience in Jewish philanthropy to offer practical solutions for community leaders, organizations, and institutions. His four guiding principles for effective leadershipmental acuity, physical strength, sustainable resource allocation, and passionate dedicationprovide a foundation for the strategic recommendations outlined in the paper. "Through strategic philanthropy, technological innovation, and committed leadership, we can transform current challenges into opportunities for growth and renewal," Milstein states. "The time for bold action is now." The white paper can be accessed at https://adammilstein.substack.com/p/the-strategic-imperative-transforming . About Adam Milstein Adam Milstein is an Israeli-American "Strategic Venture Philanthropist," businessman, and community leader. He is the co-founder of the Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation, which focuses on strengthening American values, supporting the U.S.-Israel alliance, and combating hatred and bigotry in all forms. Milstein is also a founding member and Chair Emeritus of the Israeli-American Council. Through his philanthropic and community work, Milstein has been a leading voice against antisemitism and in support of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Media Contact: [[email protected] ] SOURCE Adam Milstein LINCOLN, Neb., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Craig Schommer has become the new senior vice president, risk and compliance, at Ameritas, effective March 30, 2025. "The experience and leadership Craig brings to his new role will undoubtedly strengthen Ameritas," said Sue Wilkinson, president at Ameritas. "His approach to risk management will help ensure we are prepared for future challenges and set us up for long-term success and stability." Ameritas names Craig Schommer as new senior vice president, risk and compliance. Post this Craig Schommer, senior vice president, risk and compliance, at Ameritas Schommer joined Ameritas in 2017 as a second vice president, product management, before becoming the vice president of life product development in 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Schommer earned the professional designation of Fellow of the Society of Actuaries in 2010 and has worked in the insurance industry for over 15 years. Schommer is a member of the Society of Actuaries and American Academy of Actuaries. He is also a member and past president of the Nebraska Actuaries Club. About Ameritas Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp, Ameritas Investment Company, LLC, Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas and its subsidiaries offer a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; retirement plans; investments; asset management; and public finance. Securities offered through Ameritas Investment Company, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC. Visit ameritas.com to learn more. Contact: Derek Rayment, Sr. Media Relations Specialist Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. Phone: 402-467-7850 [email protected] SOURCE Ameritas Leading clinical outsourcing services organization expands partnership with AI orchestration platform to bring agentic AI to 1,800 healthcare clinicians across the United States NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adonis, a leading AI Orchestration platform for RCM, is proud to announce the expansion of their partnership with ApolloMD, a nationally recognized leader in the clinical outsourcing services industry, providing care to millions of patients annually in hospitals and health systems nationwide. This enhanced collaboration marks a significant milestone, as ApolloMD now leverages Adonis' AI Orchestration capabilities to intelligently deploy agents that automate complex revenue cycle resolution workflows. To date, ApolloMD has seen a success rate of more than 90% in autonomous issue resolution with Adonis' AI Agents, saving thousands of hours of manual work. "We are excited to be expanding our partnership with ApolloMD to bring a new layer of orchestration and automation to their revenue cycle processes," said Aman Magoon, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Adonis. "Over the past 2+ years, ApolloMD has been realizing both time and cost savings through Adonis Intelligence's AI-powered alerting, monitoring, and denial mitigation technology. While payer policies, regulations, and staffing dynamics are subject to constant and unpredictable change, we're excited to introduce AI Orchestration to measure, interpret, and dispatch AI Agents dynamically based on daily needs." "Adonis has been a game-changer for our revenue cycle strategy, and expanding into AI-driven orchestration is a natural evolution," said Tennille Lizarraga, EVP of RCM at ApolloMD. "By deploying Adonis AI Agents, we're not just solving today's administrative challenges; we're setting up a scalable, forward-thinking approach to RCM that enhances both team efficiency and financial performance." This partnership exemplifies Adonis' broader mission to transform RCM operations from reactive issue management to future-proofed proactive revenue attainment. Through an innovative use of adaptive workflows, Smart Worklists, and AI-driven automation, Adonis is helping healthcare organizations like ApolloMD streamline operations, minimize costs, and maximize outcomes. The deployment of AI Agents signals the next chapter in this partnership by proving that the right blend of technology and automation can fundamentally alter the economics of healthcare billing. With these expanded capabilities, ApolloMD is poised to lead the way in modernized RCM operations. Together, the two organizations are charting a bold, innovative path in transforming revenue cycle management. Discover how the Adonis platform and AI Agents can redefine your RCM strategy, here . About ApolloMD ApolloMD is a private, independent group with no outside ownership that partners with more than 100 hospitals nationwide to provide integrated, multispecialty physician, APC and practice management services in Emergency Medicine, Hospital Medicine and Revenue Cycle Management. Our high touch, solution-based approach emphasizes quality, efficiency, communication and patient experience. All eligible physicians and advanced practice clinicians have the opportunity to become owners giving them a stake in the company's success. ApolloMD works collaboratively with partner facilities to implement best practices and process improvement across the board in a cost-effective manner. Visit ApolloMD.com for more information. About Adonis Adonis is the leading AI Orchestration platform for RCM, purpose-built for healthcare organizations seeking to transform their revenue operations. Traditional RCM processes often struggle with inefficiencies, costing providers up to 15% or more of their potential revenue. Adonis addresses these challenges by leveraging advanced automation, data science, and AI to create the infrastructure that RCM teams need to detect vulnerabilities, optimize workflows, and deploy precise solutions that drive reliable and scalable financial outcomes. Whether identifying issues before they escalate, recommending tailored resolutions, or automating the deployment of those resolutions, Adonis creates a seamless, future-proofed approach to RCM. Discover how Adonis is equipping healthcare providers with smarter, more agile RCM strategies at adonis.io . Contact: Dan Murdoch [email protected] SOURCE Adonis LINK to images An emergent initiative dedicated to the social and environmental transformation of the Aral Sea region through art, culture, design and science debuts 4-6 April 2025 . To be inaugurated during the first Global Climate Forum in Samarkand on 4th April, attended by EU and Central Asian leaders and reinforcing Uzbekistan's commitment to green development and global cooperation. A multidisciplinary programme in Nukus, Karakalpakstan (5-6 April) with global and regional experts on culture, architecture, ecology, food security and water resource management to foster dialogue and call to action. A masterplan to revitalise Istiqlol, the Summit's future headquarters - a former amusement park and one of few remaining green spaces in Nukus - will be unveiled on 5th April 2025 . NUKUS, Uzbekistan, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aral Culture Summit (ACS), a cultural and environmental initiative to revitalise the Aral Sea region in Central Asia will take place from 4-6 April 2025. Organised by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), the Summit seeks to foster dialogue and action through art, culture, design, and science. Amu Darya, Aral Sea Basin. Aral Culture Summit 2025. Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan and ACDF, all rights reserved Myunaq. Aral Culture Summit 2025. Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan and ACDF, all rights reserved Sudochye Lake, Aral Sea Basin. Culture Summit 2025. Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan and ACDF, all rights reserved ACS will bring together leading cultural figures, policymakers, artists, and environmental experts across two cities to explore and implement sustainable solutions that address the Aral Sea crisis and global climate challenges. Aral Culture Summit 2025 will be inaugurated during the first Global Climate Forum in Samarkand (4th April), attended by regional and European heads-of-states and reinforcing Uzbekistan's commitment to the regional cooperation for environmental and social development. Programme Highlights and Themes Aral Culture Summit continues in Nukus, Karakalpakstan near the Aral Sea on 5-6 April and will host a multidisciplinary programme with panel discussions, keynotes, artistic performances, and exhibitions, addressing critical issues such as environmental regeneration, creative economy, and cultural diplomacy. On 5th April, Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF will announce a preliminary masterplan for the regeneration of Istiqlol, a former amusement park in Nukus, reimagined by Ludi Architects as a permanent cultural and ecological hub. Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF, comments: "Aral Culture Summit is a platform for change. By integrating cultural dialogue with the climate agenda, we are ensuring that the arts contribute to our collective commitment to long term sustainable development. Our participation in the first Global Climate Forum underscores the critical role of culture to drive environmental transformation." aralculturesummit.uz | @aral.culture.summit Press Kit: LINK (including hi-res images) Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2656559/Aral_Culture_Summit_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2656556/Aral_Culture_Summit_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2656555/Aral_Culture_Summit_3.jpg SOURCE Aral Culture Summit ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced the acquisition of London, UK-based Bircroft Insurance Services (Bircroft). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Bircroft is a specialist insurance broker providing retail and wholesale services with a focus on the commercial real estate sector. The Bircroft team, led by Ian Lee and Simon Bird, will become part of Gallagher's specialist real estate practice in its UK & Ireland Retail division. "Bircroft is a well-regarded broker that will broaden our existing property specialist capabilities in the UK," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman and CEO. "I am very pleased to welcome Ian, Simon and their associates to our growing, global team." Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. Investors: Ray Iardella, VP - Investor Relations Media: Paul Day, Communications Manager 630-285-3661/ [email protected] 630-285-5946/ [email protected] SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. BERKELEY, Calif., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Atom Computing has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to explore how Atom's highly-scalable neutral atom technology will realize utility-scale quantum computing in the near term. The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) , an expansion of the existing Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program, aims to determine the possibility of building an industrially useful quantum computer much faster than conventional predictions. Atom Computing has been selected for Stage A of the QBI program, which focuses on the conceptual description of a utility-scale quantum computer that has a plausible path to realization in the near term. As part of the program, Microsoft has agreed to also provide algorithmic support and error correction codes to Atom Computing. To realize a utility-scale quantum computer, Atom Computing leverages the scalability and flexibility of its technology, as well as multiple critical platform capabilities such as high- fidelity gate operations , all-to-all qubit connectivity , 1,000+ physical qubits , long coherence times , and mid-circuit measurement with qubit reset and reuse. These capabilities enabled the recent joint demonstration with Microsoft of the entanglement of 24 logical qubits, and error detection, correction, and computation with 28 logical qubits . "Pushing the state-of-the-art of quantum computing to utility scale is an exciting challenge, and it is an incredible honor to be selected to participate in DARPA's QBI program", said Dr. Ben Bloom, Founder and CEO of Atom Computing."We are confident that Atom Computing's technology and roadmap are on track with DARPA's timeline for achieving utility-scale quantum computing." About Atom Computing Atom Computing is developing large-scale quantum computers to enable companies and researchers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Utilizing highly scalable arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms, the company has developed systems with over 1,000 qubits, featuring advanced capabilities towards fault-tolerant quantum computing. Atom Computing's on-premises systems provide customers with new computational tools to address increasingly complex applications and to grow their quantum ecosystem. Learn more at atom-computing.com and follow us on LinkedIn . SOURCE Atom Computing LINZ AM RHEIN, Germany and PARIS, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BIRKENSTOCK continues its expansion in France with the opening of a new store in the heart of Paris. Following the successful debut in the vibrant Marais district last year, this second Parisian location further strengthens the brand's presence in one of Europe's most dynamic and culturally rich capitals, bringing its timeless footwear designs and signature footbed to the cultural landscape of historic Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Located at 4 Rue de Sevres in the 6th arrondissement, the new store is set in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, a neighborhood renowned for its intellectual and artistic legacy. Once home to world-famous writers, philosophers, and jazz musicians, the district has long been a center of Parisian culture, where creativity and craftsmanship thrive. From existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir to the legendary cafes where Miles Davis once played, Saint-Germain remains a hub of inspirationmaking it the perfect home for BIRKENSTOCK's fusion of tradition and innovation, welcoming loyal footbed enthusiasts and new fans alike. Bringing the legendary BIRKENSTOCK footbed and unparalleled walking experience directly to consumers, the brand deepens its connection with the Parisian community while making its core valuesquality, function, and traditionmore tangible than ever. This 85-square-meter location is a testament to BIRKENSTOCK's dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation. The latest store joins a network of 38 stores across eight European countries. Further openings in key cities are planned as part of the brand's ongoing commitment to engaging local communities and fostering direct connections with consumers. A STORE DESIGN ROOTED IN HERITAGE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP Spanning 85 square meters, the store's interior reflects both BIRKENSTOCK's heritage and the literary and artistic character of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Clay-plastered walls, a concrete floor, and a light beige ceiling set a warm and inviting tone, while natural materialscork, leather, and dark-stained oak woodunderscore the brand's craftsmanship while reflecting some of the brand's most iconic design elements. Bright silver aluminum displays with a natural matte finish introduce a modern contrast. At the heart of the space, a striking library-inspired feature wall made of dark-stained oak wood pays homage to the district's literary legacy. Designed for versatility, the display integrates interchangeable visuals, allowing a dynamic presentation of products from sandals to closed-toe shoes. A central seating area, crafted from rich leather invites visitors to relax and explore the footwear. Large mirrors amplify the sense of openness, while sharp-edged metal coffee tables add a modern twist. A huge mirror wall wraps around the corner, enhancing additional depth and dimension. The cash desk with its elegantly curved design seamlessly integrates a dedicated Care Essentials and socks display, while a large illuminated visual behind it serves as a striking focal point. Throughout the space, original shoe lastsa nod to BIRKENSTOCK's craftsmanshipare displayed, emphasizing the detail behind every pair. At the back of the store, a round light box in the ceiling floods the space with natural brightness. Beneath it, a dedicated centerpiece display highlights the exclusive BIRKENSTOCK 1774 premium collection, offering a contemporary take on the brand's signature designs. A CURATED SELECTION OF ICONIC AND SEASONAL STYLES The new store will showcase a carefully curated selection of BIRKENSTOCK's most iconic and contemporary designs. Shoppers can explore timeless styles such as the ARIZONA, BOSTON, and MADRID, alongside seasonal highlights including the TOKIO SUEDE and the latest EVA collection. The store will also feature the BIRKENSTOCK Care Essentials collection, its shoe care product range, as well as the exclusive 1774 premium collection. With this new location, BIRKENSTOCK invites Parisians and visitors alike to explore its unparalleled craftsmanship, timeless style, and the function of the legendary footbed firsthand. AN EXCLUSIVE OPENING EXPERIENCE To celebrate the opening, BIRKENSTOCK invites everyone to discover its timeless designs and experience the legendary footbed firsthand on March 27th, from 11am. BIRKENSTOCK will welcome its most loyal customers and valued community members, along with other guests, for an exclusive customization while enjoying a selection of coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and refreshments. Renowned footwear artist and designer Stan Birch from the south of France will be present to offer on-site customization, allowing guests to personalize their footwear and create one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces. Exclusive gift bags will be offered to valued members, enhancing the membership experience and rewarding loyal fans. Please note that the customization service will be available only within the artist's capacity during the day, and access to it cannot be guaranteed. INFORMATION FOR MEDIA Open from March 27th, 2025 Store Address: 4 Rue de Sevres, 75006 Paris Opening Hours: Monday Saturday, 10:30 AM 7:30 PM Store Imagery: Download Link Photocredit: BIRKENSTOCK/MaartenWillemstein Press Contact BIRKENSTOCK Group Lenbach Palais Lenbachplatz 3 80333 Munchen (Munich) ABOUT BIRKENSTOCK BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income and which is committed to a clear purpose - maintaining foot health. Deeply rooted in studies of the biomechanics of the human foot and footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774, BIRKENSTOCK is a timeless super brand with a brand universe that transcends product categories and ranges from entry-level to luxury price points while addressing the growing need for a conscious and active lifestyle. Function, quality and tradition are the core values of the lifestyle brand which features products in the footwear, sleep systems and natural cosmetics segments. BIRKENSTOCK is the inventor of the footbed and has shaped the principle of walking as intended by nature ("Naturgewolltes Gehen"). With around 6,200 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is convinced that how things are made matters as much as the product itself. To ensure these quality standards, the Group operates a vertically integrated manufacturing base and produces all footbeds in Germany. In addition, BIRKENSTOCK assembles over 95% of all products in Germany and sources over 90% of materials and components from Europe. Raw materials are processed to the highest environmental and social standards in the industry. For materials testing BIRKENSTOCK operates state-of-the-art scientific laboratories. Headquartered in Linz am Rhein, the BIRKENSTOCK Group also operates its own sales offices in the United States and Canada as well as in Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Dubai, Singapore and India. Birkenstock Group B.V. & Co. KG Burg Ockenfels, Linz am Rhein, Germany For further information, please visit www.birkenstock-group.com You can find our online shop at www.birkenstock.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2537200/5243153/Birkenstock_Logo.jpg SOURCE Birkenstock Group HOPE MILLS, N.C., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Custody battles can be some of the toughest challenges a parent facesemotionally draining, financially straining, and full of legal roadblocks. Blue Falcons Investigation understands these struggles firsthand and is committed to helping parents gather the critical evidence they need to protect their rights and their children. Blue Falcons Investigation expands efforts to help parents win custody battles For many parents, the family court system does not always function as fairly as it should. Outdated assumptions and biases can sometimes outweigh hard facts, making it difficult for a parent to prove they provide the safest and most stable environment for their child. Private investigators play a crucial role in these cases by uncovering financial inconsistencies, documenting neglect, and gathering key evidence to help courts make informed decisions based on facts rather than assumptions. Blue Falcons Investigation has seen firsthand how strong documentation can change the course of custody disputes. Parents facing false accusations, financial manipulation, or concerns about their child's well-being need more than just verbal testimonythey need proof. A private investigator can track patterns of neglect, reckless behavior, or inconsistencies in parenting claims, uncover hidden income or financial misrepresentation that could impact child support arrangements, and identify potential risks posed by individuals involved in the child's life. These findings, when compiled into clear, court-admissible reports, provide the objective evidence necessary to support custody claims. This hits close to home for the owner of Blue Falcons Investigation. As a parent, he fought a decade-long custody battle filled with legal obstacles, false allegations, and systemic biases that initially worked against them. Through careful documentation of financial misrepresentation, neglect, and reckless behavior, the parent was able to shift the case in their favor. In the end, the court ruled based on clear, indisputable evidenceproving that without a thorough investigation, justice can be delayed or denied. Custody battles are not just about legal argumentsthey are about presenting the truth. Blue Falcons Investigation is dedicated to helping parents build strong, fact-based cases to ensure their children's safety and well-being. With the right evidence, courts can see the full picture rather than a one-sided narrative. In custody disputes, securing your child's future shouldn't be left to chance. Blue Falcons Investigation is committed to uncovering crucial evidence and offering families the support they need. Don't waitvisit bluefalconsinvestigation.com to take the first step toward peace of mind and a brighter future for your family. About Blue Falcons Investigation Founded in 2019, Blue Falcons Investigation is a leading private investigation firm serving North Carolina and beyond. Their slogan, "Making your case, our concern," reflects their commitment to handling each case with professionalism, discretion, and a client-first approach. They specialize in criminal cases and spousal-related investigations, including infidelity, child custody, divorce, and alimony matters. As proud members of the North Carolina Association of Private Investigators, they are fully licensed and insured, maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct. While they frequently collaborate with attorneys, their primary focus is on directly serving private clients, providing them with straightforward communication, and ensuring they stay fully informed throughout the investigative process. For more information, visit bluefalconsinvestigation.com today. Media Contact: Brett Roth [email protected] (910) 912-4560 SOURCE Blue Falcons Investigation CHICAGO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Buffalo, the leading modern alternative to traditional smokeless tobacco, is proud to announce the addition of Power Slap standout Branden "The Butcher" Bordeaux to its growing roster of brand ambassadors. Branden "The Butcher" Bordeaux joins Black Buffalo as Brand Ambassador A butcher, family man, and rising force in the world of Power Slap, Bordeaux embodies the resilience, grit, and work ethic at the core of the Black Buffalo brand. From running a mobile slaughter business in West Michigan to delivering heavy-handed performances in one of the fastest-growing combat sports, Branden brings a blue-collar mentality and unwavering purpose to everything he does. Branden joins an elite group of Black Buffalo ambassadors, including UFC legends, pro athletes, and military heroes who believe in hard work and resilience. As part of the partnership, Branden will collaborate with the brand on exclusive content, community engagement, and bringing more visibility to Black Buffalo's tobacco-alternative offerings. "I was introduced to Black Buffalo because I am a longtime dipper. Amazing company, with amazing products, run by even better people, and that's what means the most to me. I am very honored to be part of the Black Buffalo family and to have such a great team of individuals behind me!" - Branden "The Butcher" Bordeaux Black Buffalo is committed to supporting those who live with integrity, are committed to the hustle, and push forward despite obstacles. Branden Bordeaux is a true example of that spirit. Black Buffalo is the only smokeless tobacco alternative that delivers the same experience as traditional dip without the tobacco leaf or stem. Built for 21+ adult consumers of nicotine or tobacco, Black Buffalo is made from barn cured leafy greens. You can find Black Buffalo online and in retailers nationwide. For media inquiries please contact [email protected] . SOURCE Black Buffalo Inc. NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us today launched its most recent episode, featuring host Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group and guest Richard Esposito, an award-winning journalist, author, and communications strategist. In a thought-provoking conversation, the two experts delve into the evolving landscape of journalism, the impact of media on democracy, and the challenges of fostering dialogue in a divided society. Listeners can tune in to Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us on buildingbridges.nyc. "The business has changed so dramatically," noted Hershman. "Time is dead, and distance is moot. Anything can happen at any time and suddenly become news." "The pace is a real challenge," said Esposito. "There is also a divisiveness in our society, where all sides are in silos, and they're almost talking to themselves. How do you bridge both sides and get a story or message out that, even if somebody might disagree, they're there to listen? The storytelling challenge right now is how to break out of those silos." Chief Executive Officer of RoundHouse Strategies, Esposito has served in both the public and private sectors in various roles, including NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Public Information, Senior Investigative Reporter at ABC News, and Senior Executive Producer of the Investigative Unit at NBC News. Among his many accomplishments, Esposito is a five-time Emmy Award winner, a Peabody recipient, and a shared Pulitzer Prize winner. His latest book, The Man Who Told the Truth, debuted on The New York Times Bestseller List and explores the life and career of celebrated New York columnist Jimmy Breslin. Turning to civil debate in the current atmosphere, Esposito commented, "There was a time there would be a William Buckley on the right, a Jimmy Breslin in the middle, and a Murray Kempton on the left. Afterward, they would talk to each other, they were friendly to each other, and they respected each other's point of view. I see no reason we won't go back there, I see this as a moment in time and I hope we survive it, but I believe we can." Produced by WABC Radio, Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us explores topics that connect New Yorkers and the City to the rest of the country, with a focus on finding common ground through meaningful conversation. Each episode brings listeners into the heart of Manhattan, where Michael engages in citizen on the street interviews to capture the authentic voices and thoughts of everyday New Yorkers. These candid comments fuel deeper discussions with guest experts, as Michael applies the discussion to national conversations about culture, democracy, and unity. About Michael Hershman Michael Hershman is the CEO of Soloviev Group, a diversified real estate development firm based in New York City, dedicated to community-focused verticals, including hospitality, residential and commercial development, agriculture, energy, logistics and philanthropy. He is a global leader in corporate governance and compliance, mergers and acquisitions strategies and securities issues. Founder of the consulting firm the Fairfax Group, Michael has more than 30 years of experience advising companies both domestic and international, including Soloviev Building Company, General Electric, Walmart, and Siemens. About WABC Radio WABC Radio is an award-winning commercial radio station licensed to New York City, New York, serving the greater metropolitan area. It is owned by Red Apple Media, a subsidiary of Red Apple Group. WABC features some of the biggest names in New York radio, including Sid Rosenberg's Sid & Friends In The Morning. In addition, the station serves as the flagship for the Red Apple Audio Networks, which syndicates WABC Radio programs such as, The Cats Roundtable with John Catsimatidis, Roger Stone, Larry Kudlow, Greg Kelly, and Rita Cosby. The music division of the Red Apple Audio Networks syndicates Sundays with Sinatra with Joe Piscopo, Cousin Brucie's Rock & Roll Party, Tony Orlando, and more. One of the country's oldest radio stations, WABC began broadcasting in 1921, originally as WJZ in Newark, New Jersey. For more information, visit wabcradio.com. SOURCE The Soloviev Group Globe Telecom announced on Wednesday it has become the first mobile network operator to join the UN Global Pulse's Data Insights for Social and Humanitarian Action (DISHA) coalition as part of a pilot project in the Philippines to harness data and AI for better disaster preparedness and response. With many local organizations still relying on manual assessments of data to direct delivery of aid in times of disaster, the DISHA pilot which is in beta mode leverages a Socio-Economic Mapping solution developed in collaboration with McKinsey & Company and its AI arm QuantumBlack to provide more timely and accurate information to enable faster responses. For example, the Population Movement heatmap highlights unexpected population movement in disaster-stricken regions in near real time using trends derived from telecoms data. Meanwhile, the Poverty Nowcasting feature uses machine learning models trained on government census data, telecom trends, and other anonymized signals to provide a regularly updated view of poverty levels. Both tools help humanitarian organizations better respond to disasters and other emergencies, reaching those in most need, said Katya Klinova, head of AI for humanitarian and development use at UN Global Pulse. When used responsibly, trends derived from telecommunications data can meaningfully augment operational analytics available to first responders, she said in a statement. Globe is providing its data for the project, as well as connectivity, said Jenny Echevarria, Globes VP for enterprise data and strategic services. "Our partnership with DISHA provides a crucial data-for-good solution that will enable disaster management agencies and partner organizations to deliver life-saving aid to those who need it the most, she said. Because connectivity is essential in those first critical hours after a disaster, DISHA's Socio-Economic Mapping solution allows Globe to proactively prioritize service availability in shelter areas to enable recovery. Catholic Relief Services, the Philippine Red Cross, and Oxfam have provid feedback to the project to refine the DISHA dashboard and improve its usability and effectiveness. DISHA said it chose the Philippines for its pilot run in part because its one of the world's most disaster-prone regions, where roughly 74% of the population faces risks from floods, cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides. DISHA said it is expanding the pilot, and is inviting humanitarian organizations in the Philippines to test and validate the solution. Zodia Custody's Interchange solution will offer Bybit's institutional clients independent custody and off-venue settlement to support secure institutional trading. LONDON, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zodia Custody , the institution-first digital assets platform backed by Standard Chartered, Northern Trust, SBI Holdings, National Australia Bank, and Emirates NBD, and Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, have joined forces to bring secure, segregated custody and off-venue settlement to Bybit's institutional clients. In engaging with digital assets, institutional investors require the assurances of regulatory compliance and robust security measures to protect their capital. Amid heightened industry scrutiny, there is a corresponding demand for credible infrastructure that addresses the potential weaknesses of on-exchange settlement, including centralised control and counterparty risk. Zodia Custody's Interchange solution addresses these security concerns by providing independent asset custody via regulatory-grade infrastructure. Through Interchange, institutional users can deploy capital for immediate trading on Bybit while their assets remain securely held with Zodia Custody ensuring full segregation, no co-mingling, and significantly reduced exposure to exchange-side risks. This design neutralises counterparty risk and removes the need to pre-fund exchange accounts, enhancing both capital efficiency and operational integrity. This partnership elevates security and compliance standards across the digital asset trading space, offering institutional clients access to Bybit's best-in-class trading infrastructure with the safety of Zodia Custody's off-venue settlement. Julian Sawyer, CEO of Zodia Custody, commented: "Institutional clients need more than speed they need to know their assets are held securely, off-exchange, and fully under their control. As leading players in the industry, Zodia Custody and Bybit have a shared responsibility to provide tailor-made solutions to increase security and protect capital for the institutions that use our services. That's what we're delivering through this partnership. With Interchange, we're enabling Bybit's clients to access trading liquidity without compromising on custody standards, counterparty risk, or capital efficiency. It's custody and settlement built for institutions, not retrofitted for crypto." Shunyet Jan, Head of Institutional and Derivatives at Bybit, added: "At Bybit, our mission is to provide institutional-grade solutions that meet the evolving needs of sophisticated investors. Our partnership with Zodia Custody underscores our dedication to compliance, security, and innovation in the digital asset space. Zodia Custody's reputation as a trusted, highly regulated custodian makes it the ideal partner to safeguard our clients' assets while enhancing capital efficiency. Together, we are setting new standards for the institutional adoption of digital assets." Certified under SOC 1 Type I and II and built for institutions from the ground up, Zodia Custody serves regulated financial institutions, government bodies, crypto platforms, and hedge funds across specific global markets delivering trust, transparency, and uncompromising security at scale. This partnership marks a decisive shift toward secure, compliant infrastructure in crypto markets one where institutions can finally move at speed, without sacrificing safety. About Zodia Custody Zodia Custody is an institution-first digital assets platform backed by Standard Chartered, in association with Northern Trust, SBI Holdings, National Australia Bank, and Emirates NBD. Through the combination of its custody, treasury, and settlement solutions with consultancy and middle office operations, Zodia Custody enables institutional investors around the globe to realise the full potential of the digital assets future simply, safely, and without compromise. It operates under authorisations granted by the Financial Conduct Authority, Central Bank of Ireland, Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier, and Hong Kong Companies Registry. Zodia Custody implements the requirements of the 5AMLD and applies the same standards as Standard Chartered relating to AML, FCC, and KYC. It implements the requirements of the FATF Travel Rule. Zodia Custody Limited is registered in the UK with the FCA as a crypto asset business under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017. Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited is registered with the Central Bank of Ireland as a VASP under Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 (as amended). Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited was established in Ireland in August 2021. Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited is registered with the CSSF in Luxembourg as a Virtual Asset Service Provider in accordance with article 7-1 (2) of the law dated 12 November 2004 on the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, as amended. Zodia Custody (Hong Kong) Limited is registered with the Registry for Trust and Company Service Provider with License Number TC009245 under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO), Cap. 615 in respect of its custodial activities in digital assets. For further information on Zodia Custody, please visit: https://zodia-custody.com/ 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 NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambridge Wilkinson ("CW") is expanding its forward flow capabilities to meet the increasing demand from private lenders and specialty finance companies. As market dynamics continue to evolve and traditional financing sources remain constrained, forward flow agreements are playing a larger role in supporting platforms with consistent origination capabilities and proven track records. Forward flow structures provide a reliable framework for institutional capital to be deployed over time, aligning with consistent monthly loan originations from lenders in a variety of categories. These agreements are particularly well-suited for lenders focused on asset-based strategies across real estate, specialty finance, and other niche verticals where access to capital can directly accelerate growth and market share. Cambridge Wilkinson structures forward flow agreements that are tailored to each client's underwriting model and business objectives. These solutions provide certainty of execution and often serve as an alternative to warehouse lines or more rigid financing arrangements, offering clients the ability to scale without sacrificing control or operational agility. "We're seeing tremendous demand for flow-based capital solutions from both sides of the market lenders looking to expand originations and institutional investors seeking steady, repeatable exposure to attractive credit assets. The goal is to structure and match these opportunities in a way that delivers value to both parties over the long term," said Rob Bolandian, Co-Founder and Global Head of Investment Banking at Cambridge Wilkinson. www.cambridgewilkinson.com About Us: Cambridge Wilkinson is a leading global investment bank with the speed, connections, and the confidence to get transactions done. With a focus on middle-market companies, we arrange debt and equity capital raises as well as forward flow programs from $25 million to $5 billion and advise on mergers and acquisitions. In addition, we also provide flexible and scalable leverage facilities and credit facilities for private equity funds and alternative credit funds which range from $25 million to $2 billion. We bring deep experience working with specialty finance institutions, real estate entities, funds as well as businesses spanning a variety of other industries. We offer unique access to a broad network of capital sources including large family offices, credit funds, banks, non-bank credit groups, insurance companies, private equity, sovereigns, and endowments. Securities offered through Finalis Securities LLC Member FINRA / SIPC. Cambridge Wilkinson LLC and Finalis Securities LLC are separate, unaffiliated entities. Rob Bolandian, Co-Founder & Global Head of Investment Banking [email protected] Howard Chernin, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer [email protected] SOURCE Cambridge Wilkinson GCase elevations meaningfully exceeding efficacy threshold, well-tolerated safety profile, and IV-administration support advancing CAP-003 into clinical development in 1H25. THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Capsida Biotherapeutics ("Capsida") today announced new data from the three-month cohort of a GLP toxicology study in non-human primates (NHPs) with CAP-003, its intravenously (IV) delivered gene therapy for Parkinson's disease associated with GBA mutations (PD-GBA). CAP-003, enabled by one of Capsida's proprietary engineered capsids and cargo, demonstrates best-in-class potential to effectively and safely treat PD-GBA. These data will be presented in oral presentations at the International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases (AD/PD) being held April 1-5, 2025, in Vienna, Austria, and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) annual meeting taking place April 5-9, 2025, in San Diego, CA. Capsida is on track to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the second quarter of 2025. Mutations in GBA, the gene expressing the GCase enzyme, affect up to 15% of PD patients and are the most common genetic risk factor for PD. Post-mortem studies demonstrate an approximate 30% GCase activity deficit in patients compared to healthy individuals1. There are no approved treatments that target GCase and there are no disease modifying treatments for PD. Other investigational treatments for PD-GBA have been limited by their lack of specificity and inability to cross the blood-brain barrier and supplement GCase enzyme activity in sufficient quantities to overcome the deficit in patients and impact the disease. In an attempt to overcome these challenges, those treatments have required invasive direct brain or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) administration, with limited results, but significant burden for patients. In the study, CAP-003 was delivered via IV infusion at doses of 9.8E12, 3.1E13, or 5E13 vg/kg. Three months after a single administration, results demonstrated dose-dependent increases in GCase activity in critical brain regions including the substantia nigra, frontal cortex, caudate nucleus, and putamen substantially above the established 30% efficacy threshold expected to restore enzyme activity levels back to normal in patients with PD-GBA. A single IV infusion of CAP-003 resulted in an increase in average brain GCase activity by up to 206% and an increase in average brain GCase bulk protein by up to 415% in relevant brain regions compared to healthy, untreated animals. Strong correlation between GCase protein in the CSF and GCase activity in the brain supports use of GCase levels in CSF as a potential clinical biomarker. Furthermore, decrease in levels of the GCase substrate glucosylsphingosine in the plasma confirm target engagement by CAP-003 in healthy NHPs and also demonstrates its utility as a clinical biomarker. Results from this study showed CAP-003 was well tolerated with no adverse clinical observations or adverse histopathology findings. "We're excited by the emerging data from our GLP toxicology study demonstrating the potential of CAP-003 as a best-in-class treatment for PD-GBA," said Peter Anastasiou, Capsida's Chief Executive Officer. "Capsida is on track to file an IND for CAP-003 in the second quarter of this year, with the goal of bringing a much-needed disease-modifying treatment option to those suffering from this debilitating disease." Presentation Details AD/PD: Title: Systemic AAV Gene Therapy with CNS-Targeted Engineered Capsids Significantly Increases GCase Activity to Support the Potential Treatment of PD-GBA Systemic AAV Gene Therapy with CNS-Targeted Engineered Capsids Significantly Increases GCase Activity to Support the Potential Treatment of PD-GBA Date and Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025 ; 12:40-12:55 PM CET ; Session: AD & PD: Towards Novel Therapeutic Intervention AD & PD: Towards Novel Therapeutic Intervention Location : Austria Center, Vienna , Hall F1 : Austria Center, , Hall F1 Presenter: Kimberly McDowell , Ph.D., Director of Preclinical Research, Capsida AAN: Title: Systemic AAV Gene Therapy Using a CNS-targeted Engineered Capsid Significantly Increases GCase Activity to Support the Potential Treatment of PD-GBA Systemic AAV Gene Therapy Using a CNS-targeted Engineered Capsid Significantly Increases GCase Activity to Support the Potential Treatment of PD-GBA Date and Time: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 ; 2:12-2:24 PM PT ; Session: S37: Movement Disorders: Clinical Trials S37: Movement Disorders: Clinical Trials Location : San Diego Convention Center | 4 : Convention Center | 4 Presenter: Reed Ressler , Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Capsida About Capsida Biotherapeutics Capsida Biotherapeutics is a fully integrated next-generation genetic medicines company with a central nervous system (CNS) pipeline consisting of disease modifying and potentially curative treatments for rare and more common diseases across all ages. Capsida's wholly owned pipeline includes a potential first-in-class treatment for STXBP1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (STXBP1-DEE), best-in-class treatment for Parkinson's disease associated with GBA mutations (PD-GBA), and best-in-class therapy for Friedreich's ataxia (FA). The STXBP1-DEE and PD-GBA programs are on track to enter the clinic in 1H 2025. In addition to its wholly owned programs, the Company has validating partnerships with AbbVie, Lilly, and CRISPR Therapeutics. Capsida was founded in 2019 by lead investors Versant Ventures and Westlake Village BioPartners and originated from groundbreaking research in the laboratory of Viviana Gradinaru, Ph.D., a neuroscience professor at Caltech. Visit us at www.capsida.com. 1Leyns, C. E, G. et al (2023). npj Parkinson's Disease, 74(9). SOURCE Capsida Biotherapeutics Centerview Capital Invests as Strategic Partner, Helping Build U.S. Beverage Business GUATEMALA CITY, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Castillo Hermanos, a multinational diversified business group, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Brynwood Partners to acquire Harvest Hill Beverage Company, a leading beverage products player in the United States, with brands such as SunnyD, Juicy Juice and Little HUG. The acquisition of Harvest Hill by Castillo Hermanos, a family-owned company founded in 1886, significantly expands its U.S. presence and provides a platform to grow its existing U.S. business unit. Castillo Hermanos is partnering with private investment firm Centerview Capital, which has provided a significant investment and will be a strategic partner to help grow the U.S. beverage business. With over 139 years of operating expertise, Castillo Hermanos has a solid track record in over 35 countries, where it continues to captivate consumers across its brands, including Gallo Beer (known as Famosa Beer in the U.S.) as well as Del Frutal and Raptor Energy Drink. It is also the leading cereal producer in Central America. Juan Monge Calderon, Chairman of Castillo Hermanos, stated, "In recent years, the company has been working to open itself to the world and bring to life our goal to create global brands that ensure sustained growth and continue to strengthen our leadership. This acquisition marks a milestone in our history. We welcome the leadership team of Harvest Hill that will join our team and are confident that, together, we will continue to captivate consumers and create world-renowned brands." "This is a key moment in our history as we set out to meaningfully expand our reach into the U.S. Our trusted and iconic brands, combined with Harvest Hill's, offer a compelling product assortment to cater to diverse consumer needs," said Roberto Lara, CEO of Castillo Hermanos. "We are thrilled to welcome Harvest Hill to the Castillo Hermanos family and want every one of their employees to be part of our strategy for expansion and sustained growth. We look forward to working closely with Harvest Hill's experienced leadership team to unlock key growth opportunities, leveraging their manufacturing facilities, distribution network, and understanding of the beverage category in the U.S." "We could not be more excited to build our future with Castillo Hermanos," said Robert Mortati, President and CEO of Harvest Hill. "Founded on similar values and principles based on respect, quality, innovation, and customer and consumer centricity, Castillo Hermanos' and Harvest Hill's strategic visions are aligned. Together, we will be able to scale our businesses, enhancing the presence of our brands across the beverage marketplace." Reflecting on the transaction, Jim Kilts, Founding Partner of Centerview Capital, added, "We've been impressed by Castillo Hermanos' business execution and brand portfolio and Harvest Hill's commercial and operational success. Both companies have proven track records of acquiring and integrating assets and our investment underscores the potential of this transaction." The transaction will create a compelling player that is well-positioned to capitalize on the significant U.S. juice and alcoholic beverage opportunities. Harvest Hill's nationwide beverage platform and diverse portfolio of national, iconic brands, along with its strategically located manufacturing and distribution footprint, and deep relationships with retailers across grocery, mass, club and other channels, will advance Castillo Hermanos' U.S. route to market. In addition to the complementary strengths presented by this transaction, Castillo Hermanos can execute other key value levers, including expanding and introducing beverage brands from its Maravilla business unit (http://www.esdemaravilla.com/web/) to the U.S., lowering production and distribution costs by manufacturing in the U.S. as opposed to importing, and potentially introducing new brands to the U.S. market. Castillo Hermanos and Harvest Hill both recognize the importance of talent and are committed to putting people first. All of Harvest Hill's 1,000+ employees, including the management and leadership team, are expected to retain their jobs as part of the transaction, joining Castillo Hermanos' 20,000+ employee base. Citi is serving as financial advisor to Castillo Hermanos and is lead arranger and bookrunner on the acquisition financing. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal advisor to Castillo Hermanos. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals. About Castillo Hermanos Castillo Hermanos is a multinational diversified business group with over 139 years of success. Driven by a commitment to combine innovation and passion to share and celebrate life's moments with its consumers, while also fostering well-being and sustainable development, the company has presence in over 35 countries. Its portfolio, which includes more than 75 brands, has captivated consumers of all ages and preferences. Thanks to its strategic expansion, Castillo Hermanos' leadership extends across a wide range of industries, including beer, bottled water, carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, food, packaging, retail, and real estate. The company's history began in 1886 with the founding of Cerveceria Centro Americana, born from the vision of two entrepreneurial brothers: Mariano and Rafael Castillo Cordova. Castillo Hermanos has steadfastly adhered to a principle that has stood for over 139 years: delivering the highest quality products, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and building a team of exceptionally skilled professionals grounded in strong ethical values. Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, the company upholds the highest standards in quality, innovation, and talent and also inspires every member to surpass expectations. This enduring dedication extends to fostering sustainable leadership and creating shared value for the communities and society at large, working together to shape a better future. For more information on Castillo Hermanos, please visit: https://castillohermanos.global/ http://www.esdemaravilla.com/web/ About Harvest Hill Beverage Company Harvest Hill, based in Stamford, CT, was formed by Brynwood VII in July 2014 to acquire the iconic Juicy Juice brand from Nestle USA, Inc. Juicy Juice is the largest 100% juice brand in the U.S. focused on the kid's segment. The company markets Juicy Juice products in single-serve and multi-serve formats to the retail and foodservice channels. In March 2015, Harvest Hill acquired American Beverage Corporation ("ABC") from Wessanen, a publicly-traded food and beverage company based in Holland. With the ABC acquisition, the company added the Little HUG juice brand and Daily's Cocktails brand. ABC's brands are distributed to a blue-chip customer base that includes leading grocery retailers, wholesalers, supercenters and foodservice distributors. In December 2016, the company acquired the Nutrament energy drink brand from Nestle HealthCare Nutrition, Inc. Most recently, Brynwood VII acquired Sunny Delight Beverages Co. ("Sunny Delight") from a private equity firm in February 2016 and, in May 2017, merged it into Harvest Hill. The 62-year-old SunnyD brand is a leading chilled juice drink in the U.S. In addition to the SunnyD brand, the company markets the Fruit2O, Veryfine, Big Burst and Guzzler beverage brands. Sunny Delight's products are widely distributed through leading retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Harvest Hill, which currently operates six manufacturing facilities strategically located across the U.S., intends to continue to grow its branded, private label and co-manufacturing businesses both organically and through strategic add-on acquisitions. For more information on Harvest Hill, please visit www.harvesthill.com. About Centerview Capital Centerview Capital is an operationally-driven investment platform focused on the U.S. consumer sector. Its principals have collectively delivered ~$50 billion of shareholder value over the course of their careers and have helped build or revitalize some of the most recognized brands in the consumer industry. The firm was founded in 2006 and is based in Naples, FL. More information about Centerview Capital is available at https://www.centerviewcapital.com/consumer/ Media Contacts Steve Lipin / Lauren Odell Gladstone Place Partners (+1) 212-230-5930 Luis Gomez Gandara Castillo Hermanos (+502) 5553-0055 Pamela Aviles Castillo Hermanos (+502) 5202-4059 SOURCE Castillo Hermanos Centerview Capital Invests as Strategic Partner, Helping Build U.S. Beverage Business GUATEMALA CITY, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Castillo Hermanos, a multinational diversified business group, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Brynwood Partners to acquire Harvest Hill Beverage Company, a leading beverage products player in the United States, with brands such as SunnyD, Juicy Juice and Little HUG. The acquisition of Harvest Hill by Castillo Hermanos, a family-owned company founded in 1886, significantly expands its U.S. presence and provides a platform to grow its existing U.S. business unit. Castillo Hermanos is partnering with private investment firm Centerview Capital, which has provided a significant investment and will be a strategic partner to help grow the U.S. beverage business. With over 139 years of operating expertise, Castillo Hermanos has a solid track record in over 35 countries, where it continues to captivate consumers across its brands, including Gallo Beer (known as Famosa Beer in the U.S.) as well as Del Frutal and Raptor Energy Drink. It is also the leading cereal producer in Central America. Juan Monge Calderon, Chairman of Castillo Hermanos, stated, "In recent years, the company has been working to open itself to the world and bring to life our goal to create global brands that ensure sustained growth and continue to strengthen our leadership. This acquisition marks a milestone in our history. We welcome the leadership team of Harvest Hill that will join our team and are confident that, together, we will continue to captivate consumers and create world-renowned brands." "This is a key moment in our history as we set out to meaningfully expand our reach into the U.S. Our trusted and iconic brands, combined with Harvest Hill's, offer a compelling product assortment to cater to diverse consumer needs," said Roberto Lara, CEO of Castillo Hermanos. "We are thrilled to welcome Harvest Hill to the Castillo Hermanos family and want every one of their employees to be part of our strategy for expansion and sustained growth. We look forward to working closely with Harvest Hill's experienced leadership team to unlock key growth opportunities, leveraging their manufacturing facilities, distribution network, and understanding of the beverage category in the U.S." "We could not be more excited to build our future with Castillo Hermanos," said Robert Mortati, President and CEO of Harvest Hill. "Founded on similar values and principles based on respect, quality, innovation, and customer and consumer centricity, Castillo Hermanos' and Harvest Hill's strategic visions are aligned. Together, we will be able to scale our businesses, enhancing the presence of our brands across the beverage marketplace." Reflecting on the transaction, Jim Kilts, Founding Partner of Centerview Capital, added, "We've been impressed by Castillo Hermanos' business execution and brand portfolio and Harvest Hill's commercial and operational success. Both companies have proven track records of acquiring and integrating assets and our investment underscores the potential of this transaction." The transaction will create a compelling player that is well-positioned to capitalize on the significant U.S. juice and alcoholic beverage opportunities. Harvest Hill's nationwide beverage platform and diverse portfolio of national, iconic brands, along with its strategically located manufacturing and distribution footprint, and deep relationships with retailers across grocery, mass, club and other channels, will advance Castillo Hermanos' U.S. route to market. In addition to the complementary strengths presented by this transaction, Castillo Hermanos can execute other key value levers, including expanding and introducing beverage brands from its Maravilla business unit (http://www.esdemaravilla.com/web/) to the U.S., lowering production and distribution costs by manufacturing in the U.S. as opposed to importing, and potentially introducing new brands to the U.S. market. Castillo Hermanos and Harvest Hill both recognize the importance of talent and are committed to putting people first. All of Harvest Hill's 1,000+ employees, including the management and leadership team, are expected to retain their jobs as part of the transaction, joining Castillo Hermanos' 20,000+ employee base. Citi is serving as financial advisor to Castillo Hermanos and is lead arranger and bookrunner on the acquisition financing. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal advisor to Castillo Hermanos. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals. About Castillo Hermanos Castillo Hermanos is a multinational diversified business group with over 139 years of success. Driven by a commitment to combine innovation and passion to share and celebrate life's moments with its consumers, while also fostering well-being and sustainable development, the company has presence in over 35 countries. Its portfolio, which includes more than 75 brands, has captivated consumers of all ages and preferences. Thanks to its strategic expansion, Castillo Hermanos' leadership extends across a wide range of industries, including beer, bottled water, carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, food, packaging, retail, and real estate. The company's history began in 1886 with the founding of Cerveceria Centro Americana, born from the vision of two entrepreneurial brothers: Mariano and Rafael Castillo Cordova. Castillo Hermanos has steadfastly adhered to a principle that has stood for over 139 years: delivering the highest quality products, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and building a team of exceptionally skilled professionals grounded in strong ethical values. Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, the company upholds the highest standards in quality, innovation, and talent and also inspires every member to surpass expectations. This enduring dedication extends to fostering sustainable leadership and creating shared value for the communities and society at large, working together to shape a better future. For more information on Castillo Hermanos, please visit: https://castillohermanos.global/ http://www.esdemaravilla.com/web/ About Harvest Hill Beverage Company Harvest Hill, based in Stamford, CT, was formed by Brynwood VII in July 2014 to acquire the iconic Juicy Juice brand from Nestle USA, Inc. Juicy Juice is the largest 100% juice brand in the U.S. focused on the kid's segment. The company markets Juicy Juice products in single-serve and multi-serve formats to the retail and foodservice channels. In March 2015, Harvest Hill acquired American Beverage Corporation ("ABC") from Wessanen, a publicly-traded food and beverage company based in Holland. With the ABC acquisition, the company added the Little HUG juice brand and Daily's Cocktails brand. ABC's brands are distributed to a blue-chip customer base that includes leading grocery retailers, wholesalers, supercenters and foodservice distributors. In December 2016, the company acquired the Nutrament energy drink brand from Nestle HealthCare Nutrition, Inc. Most recently, Brynwood VII acquired Sunny Delight Beverages Co. ("Sunny Delight") from a private equity firm in February 2016 and, in May 2017, merged it into Harvest Hill. The 62-year-old SunnyD brand is a leading chilled juice drink in the U.S. In addition to the SunnyD brand, the company markets the Fruit2O, Veryfine, Big Burst and Guzzler beverage brands. Sunny Delight's products are widely distributed through leading retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Harvest Hill, which currently operates six manufacturing facilities strategically located across the U.S., intends to continue to grow its branded, private label and co-manufacturing businesses both organically and through strategic add-on acquisitions. For more information on Harvest Hill, please visit www.harvesthill.com. About Centerview Capital Centerview Capital is an operationally-driven investment platform focused on the U.S. consumer sector. Its principals have collectively delivered ~$50 billion of shareholder value over the course of their careers and have helped build or revitalize some of the most recognized brands in the consumer industry. The firm was founded in 2006 and is based in Naples, FL. More information about Centerview Capital is available at https://www.centerviewcapital.com/consumer/ SOURCE Castillo Hermanos CHICAGO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, today reported March trading volume statistics across its global business lines and provided guidance for selected revenue per contract/net revenue capture metrics for the first quarter of 2025. The data sheet "Cboe Global Markets Monthly Volume & RPC/Net Revenue Capture Report" contains an overview of certain March trading statistics and market share by business segment, volume in select index products, and RPC/net capture, which is reported on a one-month lag, across business lines. Average Daily Trading Volume (ADV) by Month Year-To-Date Mar 2025 Mar 2024 % Chg Feb 2025 % Chg Mar 2025 Mar 2024 % Chg Multiply-listed options (contracts, k) 13,529 10,570 28.0 % 13,556 -0.2 % 13,412 10,744 24.8 % Index options (contracts, k) 5,270 4,057 29.9 % 4,469 17.9 % 4,771 4,089 16.7 % Futures (contracts, k) 285 217 31.3 % 241 18.1 % 250 220 13.4 % U.S. Equities - On-Exchange (matched shares, mn) 1,617 1,464 10.5 % 1,673 -3.4 % 1,642 1,510 8.7 % U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange (matched shares, mn) 92 81 13.6 % 97 -5.2 % 91 82 10.4 % Canadian Equities (matched shares, k) 153,961 159,704 -3.6 % 166,261 -7.4 % 159,593 146,253 9.1 % European Equities (, mn) 16,422 10,248 60.3 % 13,718 19.7 % 13,818 9,918 39.3 % Cboe Clear Europe Cleared Trades (k) 157,411 96,734 62.7 % 131,723 19.5 % 412,072 294,326 40.0 % Cboe Clear Europe Net Settlements (k) 1,130 828 36.5 % 1,021 10.6 % 3,201 2,525 26.8 % Australian Equities (AUD, mn) 900 814 10.5 % 914 -1.6 % 820 765 7.2 % Japanese Equities (JPY, bn) 312 357 -12.8 % 335 -7.0 % 324 316 2.5 % Global FX ($, mn) 54,784 47,346 15.7 % 50,699 8.1 % 51,926 45,256 14.7 % March and First Quarter 2025 Trading Volume Highlights U.S. Options Total volume across Cboe's four options exchanges in the first quarter achieved an all-time high of 1.1 billion contracts, with an ADV of 18.2 million contracts traded, and included a multiply-listed options ADV record of 13.4 million contracts. In March, ADV across Cboe's four options exchanges hit a monthly record of 18.8 million contracts traded. Cboe's proprietary product suite set several new trading volume records for the month and quarter, including: New quarterly overall proprietary index options ADV record of 4.8 million contracts New monthly overall proprietary index options ADV record of 5.3 million contracts New quarterly S&P 500 Index (SPX) options ADV record of 3.6 million contracts New monthly SPX options ADV record of 3.9 million contracts New single-day SPX options record of 4.8 million contracts, set on March 10 New quarterly XSP (Mini-SPX) options ADV record of 105 thousand contracts European Equities In March, Cboe Europe achieved a record high average daily notional value (ADNV) during continuous trading of 16.2 billion. Cboe BIDS Europe, Cboe's European block trading platform, reported a monthly ADNV record of 836.0 million. Global FX Global FX reported a record monthly Spot Full Amount ADNV of $15.9 billion . First-Quarter 2025 RPC/Net Revenue Capture Guidance The projected RPC/net capture metrics for the first quarter of 2025 are estimated, preliminary and may change. There can be no assurance that our final RPC for the three months ended March 31, 2025, will not differ materially from these projections. (In USD unless stated otherwise) Three-Months Ended Product: 1Q Projection Feb-25 Jan-25 Dec-24 Multiply-Listed Options (per contract) $0.067 $0.063 $0.064 $0.064 Index Options $0.908 $0.913 $0.904 $0.905 Total Options $0.288 $0.278 $0.277 $0.281 Futures (per contract) $1.743 $1.756 $1.760 $1.765 U.S. Equities - Exchange (per 100 touched shares) $0.014 $0.015 $0.016 $0.018 U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange (per 100 touched shares) $0.117 $0.120 $0.124 $0.126 Canadian Equities (per 10,000 touched shares) CAD 4.294 CAD 3.921 CAD 3.920 CAD 4.008 European Equities (per matched notional value) 0.252 0.261 0.263 0.261 Australian Equities (per matched notional value) 0.156 0.154 0.153 0.154 Japanese Equities (per matched notional value) 0.243 0.241 0.231 0.233 Global FX (per one million dollars traded) $2.810 $2.811 $2.767 $2.724 Cboe Clear Europe Fee per Trade Cleared 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.008 Cboe Clear Europe Net Fee per Settlement 0.950 0.988 0.997 1.002 The above represents average revenue per contract (RPC) or net capture is based on a three-month rolling average, reported on a one-month lag. Average transaction fees per contract can be affected by various factors, including exchange fee rates, volume-based discounts and transaction mix by contract type and product type. For Options and Futures, the average RPC represents total net transaction fees recognized for the period divided by total contracts traded during the period for options exchanges: BZX Options, Cboe Options, C2 Options and EDGX Options; futures include contracts traded on Cboe Futures Exchange, LLC (CFE). For U.S. Equities, "net capture per 100 touched shares" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments and routing and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BZX, BYX, EDGX and EDGA and the number of trading days for the period. For U.S. Equities Off-Exchange, "net capture per 100 touched shares" refers to transaction fees less OMS/EMS costs and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BIDS Trading and the number of trading days for the period. For Canadian Equities, "net capture per 10,000 touched shares" refers to transaction fees divided by the product of one-ten thousandth ADV of shares for Cboe Canada and the number of trading days for the period and includes revenue. For European Equities, "net capture per matched notional value" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in British pounds divided by the product of ADNV in British pounds of shares matched on Cboe Europe Equities and the number of trading days. For Australian Equities, "net capture per matched notional value" refers to transaction fees less trading fee relief in Australian Dollars divided by the product of ADNV in Australian Dollars of shares matched on Cboe Australia and the number of trading days. For Japanese Equities, "net capture per matched notional value" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in Japanese Yen divided by the product of ADNV in Japanese Yen of shares matched on Cboe Japan and the number of trading days. For Global FX, "net capture per one million dollars traded" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments, if any, divided by the Spot and SEF products of one-thousandth of ADNV traded on the Cboe FX Markets and the number of trading days, divided by two, which represents the buyer and seller that are both charged on the transaction. traded" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments, if any, divided by the Spot and SEF products of one-thousandth of ADNV traded on the Cboe FX Markets and the number of trading days, divided by two, which represents the buyer and seller that are both charged on the transaction. For Cboe Clear Europe, "Fee per Trade Cleared" refers to clearing fees divided by number of non-interoperable trades cleared and "Net Fee per Settlement" refers to settlement fees less direct costs incurred to settle divided by the number of settlements executed after netting. About Cboe Global Markets Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives and FX across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Above all, we are committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com . CBOE-V Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. or its affiliates. Standard & Poor's, S&P, SPX, and S&P 500 are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC, and have been licensed for use by Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Any products that have the S&P Index or Indexes as their underlying interest are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor's or Cboe and neither Standard & Poor's nor Cboe make any representations or recommendations concerning the advisability of investing in products that have S&P indexes as their underlying interests. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates do not recommend or make any representation as to possible benefits from any securities, futures or investments, or third-party products or services. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. is not affiliated with S&P. Investors should undertake their own due diligence regarding their securities, futures, and investment practices. This press release speaks only as of this date. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. disclaims any duty to update the information herein. Nothing in this announcement should be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell any securities or futures in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation would be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction. Nothing contained in this communication constitutes tax, legal or investment advice. Investors must consult their tax adviser or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates make no warranty, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, any warranties as of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, completeness or timeliness, the results to be obtained by recipients of the products and services described herein, or as to the ability of the indices referenced in this press release to track the performance of their respective securities, generally, or the performance of the indices referenced in this press release or any subset of their respective securities, and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies, errors. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates have not calculated, composed or determined the constituents or weightings of the securities that comprise the third-party indices referenced in this press release and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies or errors in any of the indices referenced in this press release. There are important risks associated with transacting in any of the Cboe Company products discussed here. Before engaging in any transactions in those products, it is important for market participants to carefully review the disclosures and disclaimers contained at: https://www.cboe.com/us_disclaimers/. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all market participants. Prior to buying or selling an option, a person should review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (ODD), which is required to be provided to all such persons. Copies of the ODD are available from your broker or from The Options Clearing Corporation, 125 S. Franklin Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60606. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes or changes in tax regimes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security vulnerabilities and breaches; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel; increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; factors that impact the quality and integrity of our and other applicable indices; our ability to manage our global operations, growth, and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit, counterparty, investment, and default risks, associated with operating our clearinghouses; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing our business interests and our regulatory responsibilities; the loss of key customers or a significant reduction in trading or clearing volumes by key customers; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; the accuracy of our estimates and expectations; and litigation risks and other liabilities. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC. We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Proven tourism executive to lead Chicago's global destination marketing efforts CHICAGO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Choose Chicago announced today that Kristen Reynolds, a highly respected leader in the travel and tourism industry, will serve as the organization's new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 5. Reynolds joins Choose Chicago after an impactful tenure as President and CEO of Discover Long Island, where she spearheaded transformative growth in the region's visitor economy. Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds. "Kristen Reynolds is a proven leader in the tourism industry and we welcome her to Chicago," Mayor Brandon Johnson said. "With major global events on the horizon and our city continuing to break tourism records, Kristen's leadership will be instrumental in strengthening Chicago's position as a top destination for visitors, conventions, and business investment." Chicago's tourism industry is a key driver of the city's economy, and Reynolds' hiring highlights a strong commitment to growth, innovation, and global visibility. "Illinois is in the middle of everything and offers some of the most diverse and engaging opportunities of anywhere in the country," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I look forward to working with Kristen and Choose Chicago on spreading that message, encouraging people to visit Chicago, and showing businesses why we're the best place in the country to operate." Reynolds brings 27 years of experience in destination marketing, strategic partnerships, and tourism advocacy. Under her leadership at Discover Long Island, she significantly increased tourism revenue, spearheaded new initiatives for leisure and business markets, and strengthened regional economic development. Reynolds' track record illustrates a seasoned executive in the ever-changing destination-marketing landscape, working alongside cultural institutions, hotels, boards and civic leaders. A Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), she also serves on the Board of Directors for Destinations International and the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, and previously was President of the New York State Destination Marketing Organizations. "Chicago is a world-class city with unparalleled cultural, culinary, and business assets, and I am honored to take on this leadership role at Choose Chicago," Reynolds said. "I look forward to working with the incredible team, city officials, and industry partners to continue elevating Chicago's global reputation, attracting visitors and driving economic impact across Chicago's 77 neighborhoods." Reynolds steps into the role at a pivotal time as Chicago builds on record-breaking tourism momentum heading into the spring and summer months. In 2024, Chicago drove historic hotel revenue and tax collections while earning Conde Nast Traveler's "Best Big City in the U.S." title for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year. "With her experience working on both the state and DMO level, Kristen is a dynamic and visionary leader who understands the critical role tourism plays in Chicago's economy," Glenn Eden, Chair of Choose Chicago's Board of Directors, said. "Her track record of driving growth, fostering strategic collaborations, and championing destination marketing makes her the perfect choice to lead Choose Chicago into its next chapter." Choose Chicago Board Member Rich Gamble, who served as interim CEO during the transition, will support Reynolds in her onboarding. "We're extremely grateful for Rich's guidance during this time of transition," Eden said. "He has been a source of critical support for our organization and is a steadfast advocate for our city." About Choose Chicago Choose Chicago is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Chicago, dedicated to promoting the city as a premier global destination for visitors, meetings, and conventions. By leveraging Chicago's diverse assets, world-class attractions, and vibrant cultural scene, Choose Chicago drives economic growth and enhances the city's reputation worldwide. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X/Twitter, and tag #ChicaGOandKNOW. For more information, visit choosechicago.com. SOURCE Choose Chicago Clever Complete eliminates integration barriers between schools and their applications, powering a more open ecosystem in K-12 edtech. SAN FRANCISCO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clever , the global identity platform used by most schools in the U.S., today announced Clever Complete, a single, robust integration that enables edtech applications to integrate with Clever to roster, power single-sign-on, and scale LMS support for any school. This innovation is a significant step forward in how schools and edtech applications connect, modernizing edtech interoperability. By removing the barriers and costs associated with integrating edtech solutions with K-12 schools, Clever Complete will allow them to deliver consistent experiences to all school systems regardless of their technology infrastructure even if they're not on the Clever platform. Edtech applications will be able to leverage Clever's trusted integrations across any district while enriching synced identities with additional data such as demographics and attendance. By eliminating integration challenges, providers can redirect resources towards innovation and core product improvements, delivering more secure and consistent experiences that drive outcomes for school partners. "Clever Complete will be a game-changer for how products work with schools. The solution provides the flexibility to support different school systems with a consistent user experience," said Ian Lotinsky, CTO at Great Minds. "It also means product teams can allocate more energies on their product development, focusing on innovations that can drive real impact for learning." Clever launched in 2012 to solve the challenge of integrating edtech solutions with over 100 student information platforms in use by school systems. Over the past decade, the technology stack in school systems has expanded, significantly increasing the number of integrations including fragile, one-off manual connections that school leaders and edtech providers must manage. This highly fragmented ecosystem imposes significant costs on K-12 education, introducing barriers and inefficiencies that often prevent school systems from integrating with all of the edtech solutions used in their classrooms and making it difficult for educators to better personalize instruction and improve teaching and learning. "Today, it's a full-time job to manage all of the integrations with our edtech partners, and that doesn't include the solutions we can't or haven't been able to integrate with," said Rashad Slade, Chief Technology Officer, of Guilford County Schools. "Removing those barriers means not only freeing up time so we can focus on the things that really matter for kids but also that we are able to make better use of our available data to glean the valuable insights that will support student learning." "Clever Complete reaffirms Clever's commitment to an open edtech ecosystem, building on Clever's decade-long mission to simplify and improve how school systems and edtech providers work together to support student learning," said Trish Sparks, CEO at Clever, "Clever Complete will make it easier and more cost effective for edtech providers to work with more schools, providing more insights about student learning to drive impact." With a single, powerful integration that consolidates and secures edtech connectivity, edtech applications and schools benefit from: An Open Edtech Ecosystem: Schools can roster however they want, without impacting how edtech providers receive and manage data from their partners, liberating schools' data and reducing the need for custom workarounds. Schools can roster however they want, without impacting how edtech providers receive and manage data from their partners, liberating schools' data and reducing the need for custom workarounds. Trusted Security and Compliance - Reducing the number of systems school leaders and providers need to navigate to integrate data also reduces potential points of entry for cyberattacks. Drawing on Clever's established security infrastructure, schools, and apps can ensure data privacy and secure authentication across all integrations. Reducing the number of systems school leaders and providers need to navigate to integrate data also reduces potential points of entry for cyberattacks. Drawing on Clever's established security infrastructure, schools, and apps can ensure data privacy and secure authentication across all integrations. Scalability and Reach - Clever Complete connects edtech providers with any school systemincluding those not currently using Cleverexpanding provider reach while allowing schools to access more tools through their existing technical infrastructure. Clever Complete connects edtech providers with any school systemincluding those not currently using Cleverexpanding provider reach while allowing schools to access more tools through their existing technical infrastructure. Faster Time to Impact with Consistent Experience - By reducing the time needed to onboard and integrate new solutions, Clever Complete enables educators and students to use and benefit from edtech solutions faster, while creating a consistent experience for both schools and apps regardless of location or technical setup. Clever Complete extends Clever's 1EdTech OneRoster integrations to support all schools, even those not already on Clever. With a single, powerful integration, edtech applications can roster, enable SSO, and scale LMS support with any school, while also enriching unified identities with key data like demographics and attendance. To learn more about Clever Complete, get in touch with the Clever partnerships team here . About Clever Clever is on a mission to connect every student to a world of learning. More than 77% of U.S. K-12 schools use Clever, the global identity platform for education, to power secure digital learning experiences. And, with Clever's layered security solutions, K-12 schools can protect school access and identities for all staff, teachers, and students. With a secure platform for schools and a network of leading application providers, Clever is committed to advancing education with technology that works for students everywhere. Clever, a Kahoot! company, has an office in San Francisco, CA, but you can visit us at clever.com anytime. Media Contact Daimen Sagastume [email protected] SOURCE Clever JACKSON, Mich., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today it will provide 2025 first quarter results along with a business and financial outlook at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Thursday, April 24, 2025. A webcast of the presentation will be available on CMS Energy's website, cmsenergy.com. An audio replay will be available approximately three hours after the webcast and will be archived for 30 days on CMS Energy's website in the "Investors" section. CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy company featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses. For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com. To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website. SOURCE CMS Energy Compass ranks No. 106 on the list of 500 fastest-growing companies DALLAS, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass Datacenters has been named one of the fastest-growing companies in the Americas by the Financial Times. From a pool of 30,000 applicants, Compass ranked No. 106 on the 2025 list due to extraordinary growth between 2020 and 2023. Compass designs and delivers data centers for the world's largest hyperscalers and cloud providers. It is unique in the industry for its modular designs and manufacturing-style approach to construction, which yield faster delivery times at a lower total cost. This distinctive way of working made Compass well-positioned to respond to skyrocketing data center demand in recent years. "Our success is a direct result of our team's drive and commitment to delivering best-in-class solutions with a mission to make lives better," said Compass CEO Chris Crosby. "Our large-scale, long-lived campuses are meeting customer's need for continuity of capacity. We're grateful for our customers' trust and the opportunity to make a positive impact in the communities we serve. The Financial Times' recognition is proof that doing things differently works." The FT Americas' Fastest-Growing Companies 2025 is a list of the 500 companies in the Americas that have the highest growth in publicly disclosed revenues between 2020 and 2023. This ranking was created and completed by Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, and the Financial Times. Statista examined revenue data of public and private companies to identify the country's fastest-growing companies. For the full list of companies in the FT ranking, visit: The Americas' Fastest Growing Companies. About Compass Datacenters Compass Datacenters, one of Inc. Magazine's 5000 fastest growing companies, designs and constructs data centers for the world's largest hyperscalers and cloud providers. Through prefabrication and applying modern manufacturing principles to construction, Compass is uniquely able to deliver customizable, scalable, sustainable, and low-cost data centers in an expedited time frame. These large-scale, long-lived campuses create economies of scale for customers and local communities. Compass is backed by Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and Brookfield Infrastructure. For more information, visit www.compassdatacenters.com. SOURCE Compass Datacenters A dispute over a real estate loan that left operator MTN Cameroon unable to get its hands on over US$20 million worth of assets may finally be over. After a wait of nearly two and a half years, and following an appeal, a Cameroon appeals court has ordered the release of MTN's bank accounts in the country. These were seized in 2022, apparently over a loan dispute with a Cameroonian businessman. A court order froze MTN Group's Cameroon accounts containing 14 billion CFA francs (about US$23.20 million) in September 2022. The dispute is said to be over a real estate loan. It involves Cameroonian business mogul Ahmadou Baba Danpullo, the owner of Bestinver Group companies, and lender South Africa's First National Bank (FNB). After FNB liquidated a number of properties belonging to Danpullo in South Africa, the businessman was somehow able to convince a Cameroonian court to freeze the accounts of a number of South African companies. These included MTN, whose network in Cameroon has around 15 million users. The other major players in the country are Orange Cameroon, Nexttel Cameroon (a venture between Viettel Group and Danpullos Bestinver Cameroon) and Camtel. Reuters explains that in 2023 MTN Cameroon said its funds were to be transferred into an escrow account managed by the court registrar as part of a third party debt, or "garnishee", order related to the dispute. After an MTN appeal a court ruled on 24 February that the Bestinver Group companies were not entitled to impose these seizures. That said, one of Danpullo's lawyers has said he plans to make a new attempt to seize the assets and is following legal procedures to obtain an enforcement order. Company accelerates transition away from original franchise model through strategic acquisition of existing locations, shifting focus to corporate operations and enterprise-level partnerships MINNEAPOLIS, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CRISP & GREEN, a fast-casual dining destination known for its chef-crafted, health-focused menu, today formally announced the move to transition away from the original franchise model through strategic acquisitions of existing franchise groups and locations. This move also marks the return of Founder Steele Smiley back into the role of Chief Executive Officer. After formally rejoining in Q3 of 2024, Smiley partnered with the company leadership team to lead a strategic shift away from a predominantly franchised model, guiding the company to become a majority corporate-owned brand, a significant evolution in the company's growth strategy and operational structure. The move to become a mostly corporate system was prompted by a desire to regain brand consistency and operational control across a national footprint of locations of almost 50 locations. In late 2024, the company started the process of becoming a mostly corporate-owned system by acquiring several existing franchise groups and locations throughout the country. Today, almost 50 percent of CRISP & GREEN locations are corporately owned, with additional acquisitions and new locations underway. While Smiley's vision is to operate a majority of CRISP & GREEN locations, there still remains an opportunity for enterprise-level operators to become franchise partners. Late last year, two new groups with significant multi-unit and multi-brand experience joined the brand and have already started on their development schedule. The OM group, led by Kalpesh Patel and based outside of Chicago, operates several brands including over 50 Dunkin locations and 15 Wing Stop locations. M3 Holdings, led by Alex Mortenson, has experience in both the restaurant space and wellness space, specifically in the Planet Fitness brand. Collectively, the two groups have committed to opening 37 locations over the next couple of years, helping the business progress towards its next milestone of 100 restaurants. "As we transition to a new model, we are redefining and repledging our commitment to the core values that have guided us since our founding," said Smiley, founder and CEO of CRISP & GREEN. "Our focus is on delivering outstanding food, providing elevated hospitality experiences, and supporting the wellness of our communities. I'm excited to lead us into this new chapter of growth and continue our journey to transform the way people think about and access healthy living." Founded in 2016, Minnesota-based CRISP & GREEN is rooted in the belief that wellness improves every aspect of life, from ourselves to the community around us. Originally hailing from the fitness industry, Smiley had the simple idea that people shouldn't have to choose between a quick meal and a healthy one. He created CRISP & GREEN to provide scratch-made food in a fast-casual setting that's both healthy and delicious. In addition, CRISP & GREEN is dedicated to supporting guests' wellness journeys outside the kitchen by offering complimentary fitness classes to each community it's located in. Today, CRISP & GREEN continues to thrive as a privately held company with the founding team still firmly at the helm, driving the brand's vision and success based on its founding principles. About CRISP & GREEN CRISP & GREEN is a fast-casual dining destination offering chef-crafted healthy menu options including salads, grain bowls, smoothies, wraps, acai bowls and more. Founded in 2016, the lifestyle brand is dedicated to supporting guests' wellness journeys and providing the ingredients for the next era of wellness. With almost 50 locations across the U.S., CRISP & GREEN is rapidly expanding, driven by its "Live Crisp" ethosserving up hospitality, community, and seasonally-minded healthy dishes in equal measure. For more information, visit www.crispandgreen.com. Media Contact Brooke Vane [email protected] (615) 977-2522 SOURCE CRISP & GREEN PLAINFIELD, Ind., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy has restored power to more than 74,000 customers who were affected by high winds and significant rainfall that ripped through Indiana yesterday, causing more than 85,000 power outages. Crews are working to restore the approximately 10,500 customers who remained without power as of 11:45 a.m. Crews have been making repairs while assessment remains underway to determine the full scope of damage. The company will provide power restoration time estimates as more information about damage assessment becomes available. Extended outages are possible, however, in the hardest-hit areas in southern Indiana. Wind gusts of 65-80 miles per hour caused broken poles, trees in power lines and damage to electric infrastructure. In addition, flooding is also impacting crews' ability to restore power in some areas. "We are bringing in additional crews to supplement our statewide workforce and speed power restoration," said Clint Carnahan, general manager of emergency preparedness at Duke Energy. "Our priority is always to restore service as quickly and safely as possible, and we appreciate our customers' patience while we respond." Power restoration process During power restoration, the company's priority is to repair large power lines and other infrastructure that will return power to the greatest number of customers as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible. Additionally, it prioritizes essential services such as hospitals and water pumping and treatment facilities. Crews then can work on repairs affecting individual neighborhoods and homes. Click here for information on how Duke Energy restores power. How to report outages Duke Energy customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways: Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply). Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play. Visit duke-energy.com/outages on a desktop computer or mobile device. Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON (800.343.3525). Receive the most up-to-date information about restoration efforts by enrolling in Outage Alerts. Visit Duke Energy's interactive outage map on the company's website to find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration. Important safety tips Safety is the company's first concern after every storm. Duke Energy offers the following electrical safety guidelines, particularly when coping with flooding. Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed electrical lines. Don't drive over and don't stand near downed electrical lines. Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands, or while standing on a wet or damp surface. If your home or business is flooded, Duke Energy cannot reconnect power until the electrical system has been inspected by a licensed electrician. If there is damage, an electrician will need to make necessary repairs and obtain verification from your local building inspection authority before power can be restored. More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety. Duke Energy Indiana Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 910,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana's largest electric supplier. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. Contact: McKenzie Barbknecht 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 SOURCE Duke Energy Beloved neighborhood breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant looks to partner with local entrepreneurs in one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country DALLAS , April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eggs Up Grill , a neighborhood favorite and the fastest-growing "better breakfast" restaurant franchise in the country, is bringing its signature warm, welcoming atmosphere to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex. With plans to establish multiple locations across the region, the brand is seeking passionate franchise owners eager to serve up smiles and make their community's morning brighterone All-American breakfast at a time. With more than 91 locations open and dozens more in development, Eggs Up Grill is poised for a major push into Texas, beginning with the booming DFW market. As one of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S., DFW presents an ideal landscape for the brand's expansion, fueled by an influx of families, professionals, and young adults craving high-quality, affordable dining experiences. The brand's flexible footprint, simplified operations, and focus on hospitality make it a perfect fit for both suburban and urban settings throughout the metroplex. DFW is a natural fit for the brand, as Texans embrace the tradition of a hearty, satisfying breakfast. From classic pancakes and waffles to freshly prepared omelets and signature home fries, Eggs Up Grill delivers a dining experience that keeps guests coming back. The brand's single shift model with hours from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. allows franchisees to build a successful business while maintaining a balanced lifestylefreeing up evenings for family time. "Let me make you breakfast" isn't just a taglineit's the heart of what we do at Eggs Up Grill," said Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill. "We believe in creating a place where neighbors serve neighbors, where guests feel like family, and where every meal is an opportunity to make someone's day better. With the incredible energy and growth happening in DFW, we see a tremendous opportunity for local entrepreneurs to establish a thriving business that brings our mission to their community." Eggs Up Grill's DNA is deeply rooted in hospitality, community, and simplicityoffering a best-in-class experience for guests while making franchise ownership accessible and rewarding. Designed to be welcoming and easy to operate, the concept features a simple menu of classic, high-quality breakfast and lunch offerings, with strong unit economics and a family-friendly culture that resonates with both franchisees and customers alike. Eggs Up Grill is actively seeking motivated individuals to partner with in the DFW area. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or you're looking to own your very first business, Eggs Up Grill could be the perfect opportunity for you. To learn more about franchising with Eggs Up Grill and the available franchise incentives, visit: https://eggsupgrillfranchise.com/ For more information about Eggs Up Grill, visit: https://eggsupgrill.com/ About Eggs Up Grill Founded in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Eggs Up Grill has been serving smiles for over 25 years. From the first sip of freshly brewed coffee to the last bite of a hearty breakfast or lunch, our welcoming atmosphere and attentive service make every visit feel like coming home. As "neighbors serving neighbors," we proudly serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a full menu throughout our hours of operation. Eggs Up Grill's business model is designed to create smiles not just for guests but for our Franchise Partners as well. Ranked the No. 1 breakfast franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise500 for four consecutive years, Eggs Up Grill is experiencing record growth and actively seeking both seasoned and first-time franchise partners. With 92 locations currently in operation and over 100 more under development or committed to open this decade, the brand is poised for continued success. SOURCE Eggs Up Grill Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $50,000 In e.l.f. Beauty To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $50,000 in e.l.f. Beauty between November 1, 2023 and November 19, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). [You may also click here for additional information] NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. ("e.l.f. Beauty" or the "Company") (NYSE: ELF) and reminds investors of the May 5, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi Logo (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP) Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com. As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) contrary to its representations to investors, the Company was experiencing rising inventory levels as a consequence of flagging sales; (2) Elf falsely attributed the rising inventory levels to, among other things, changes in its sourcing practices; (3) to maintain investor confidence, Elf reported inflated revenue, profits, and inventory over several quarters; (4) accordingly. the Company's business and/or financial prospects were overstated; (5) all of the foregoing, once revealed, would likely have a material negative impact on the Company; and (6) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant time On November 20, 2024, Muddy Waters Research ("Muddy Waters") published a report entitled "e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. A Revenue and Inventory Mystery" (the "Muddy Waters Report"), alleging that Elf had "materially overstated revenue over the past three quarters," and that in "Q2 FY24, ELF management realized its growth narrative was in trouble as its inventory built. It appears that ELF then began reporting inflated revenue and profits. Its reported inventory also appears materially inflated as a result - i.e., to account for cash that has not really come in." Further, Muddy Waters accused the Company of concealing its inventory challenges from investors by falsely attributing its rising inventory levels to supposed changes in its sourcing practices rather than the true causeinsufficient sales. After the Class Period ended, on February 6, 2025, Elf released its fiscal Q3 2024 results and provided its fiscal 2025 outlook. Specifically, Elf revealed that it expected full-year fiscal 2025 net sales growth to be 27%-28%, down from the previous guidance of 28-30%, and also revised its adjusted EBITDA guidance to $289-293 million, down from $304-308 million, resulting in part from the updated sales outlook and a $7 million foreign currency loss. Further, the Company stated that it anticipated net sales growth was lowered to -1% to +2%, with management explaining that this reflected prudence amid softer consumption trends, challenging category conditions, and slower-than-expected new product performance The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding e.l.f. Beauty's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the e.l.f. Beauty class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/ELF or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP announced today that Partner Kelly Cunningham has been recognized by Daily Journal as one of the "Top Intellectual Property Lawyers" for 2025. The annual list honors California's top 100 lawyers specializing in intellectual property litigation, and trademark, copyright, and patent counseling. This is Cunningham's second consecutive year receiving this state-wide recognition. With more than 29 years of intellectual property litigation and counseling experience, Kelly Cunningham "remains driven by the same passion that led him from engineering to legal advocacy," as the feature states. "His career began as a research engineer at The Aerospace Corporation before a pivotal career change inspired by the company's patent attorney." "Fighting the good fight to vindicate my client's IP rights is exciting and energizing without much parallel," Cunningham told the Journal. Kelly's experience in patent, trademark, and copyright infringement litigation, spans numerous district courts and appellate courts throughout the country. He is well respected by courts and opposing counsel alike for coming up with creative solutions for resolving disputes in his clients' favor. Kelly is also experienced in all aspects of IP strategies, procurement, analysis, protection, and enforcement of his clients' intellectual property rights under patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secrets law. Among his many accomplishments, Kelly worked with members of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Intellectual Property Law as an intellectual property lawyer and patented inventor, himself, helping to draft portions of the 2012 Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP is a full-service firm that provides a broad range of business-related legal services including corporate law; litigation; intellectual property & technology law; real estate transactions and finance; construction & environmental law; tax planning and controversies; employment law; health care law; bankruptcy, receivership and reorganization; and estate planning. For more information, visit http://www.ecjlaw.com/ SOURCE Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP SHENZHEN, China, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Sohu Finance interviewed Songyu He, General Manager of CLOU Energy Storage Overseas, to discuss the company's global expansion and competitive strategies. Here are the key insights from the conversation. How is CLOU expanding its overseas markets? Songyu He, General Manager of CLOU Energy Storage Overseas Songyu He: CLOU is focusing on three main regions: strengthening its presence in the Americas, expanding rapidly in Europe, and exploring opportunities in Belt and Road countries. In the Americas, CLOU has built strong local teams across sales, technical support, and after-sales service. In Europe, Germany, the UK, and Italy are key markets, with Spain emerging as a potential new focus. What challenges does CLOU face in new overseas markets? Songyu He: Securing the first large-scale project with a reputable local client is often the biggest hurdle. Beyond that, managing the full lifecycle of an energy storage projectfrom production and logistics to installation, commissioning, and ensuring 20 years of reliable operationis crucial. CLOU prioritizes long-term brand building and sustainable market development. How does CLOU navigate intense price competition? Songyu He: CLOU adopts two key strategies: 1. Advancing Product Innovation with String Energy Storage Systems The market is shifting from centralized to string energy storage systems. CLOU is developing AC storage cabinets that integrate string inverters and batteries into a single unit, improving efficiency and flexibility. Only a few companies globally can deliver mature string solutions, and CLOU is among them, with a focus on the Americas, Europe, and Japan. 2. Strengthening After-Sales Service A robust after-sales network is crucial for long-term success. In the U.S., CLOU collaborates with over ten third-party engineering firms to provide maintenance and support across multiple states. In Chile, CLOU has established local service partnerships to support ongoing projects. How does CLOU view the trend of overseas manufacturing? Songyu He: While offshore manufacturing presents challenges such as labor costs and supply chain complexity, it can ultimately lower costs, especially when factoring in tariffs. CLOU is actively evaluating this approach. What are CLOU's advantages compared to other energy storage companies? Songyu He: CLOU stands out in two key areas: 1. Deep Technical Expertise With roots in smart metering and inverter (PCS) manufacturing, CLOU has a deep understanding of battery storage, power conversion, and grid integration. 2. Extensive Global Experience CLOU has been active in the U.S. since 2018 and launched ERCOT projects in 2019, gaining strong expertise in international standards and regulatory compliance. How has Midea supported CLOU's global expansion? Songyu He: Midea has strengthened CLOU's global expansion by improving financial bankability, optimizing digital management, reducing costs, and leveraging its extensive global service network to accelerate market penetration. SOURCE CLOU Electronics Co., Ltd. The names of 345 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty to be honored and officially added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial WASHINGTON, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has formally announced that there are 345 names of U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2025. The names will be engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the month of April and properly dedicated during the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil held on the National Mall between 4th and 7th streets in Washington, DC, at 8:00 pm on May 13, 2025. The 2025 "Roll Call of Heroes" features the names of official Line-of-Duty Fallen Heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. This includes 148 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers who died in the line-of-duty in 2024, along with previous years where cases have been approved by NLEOMF's research department. The total number of line-of-duty deaths in 2024 represents a 25% increase in officer deaths compared to 2023. 345 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty to be added to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Post this After thorough research and approval by the names committee, 197 officers who died in previous years - before 2024 - will also have their names inscribed this year. Their sacrifice is now being recognized after the Memorial Fund's research staff confirmed the circumstances of their death and their record of law enforcement service. "As we gather once more to honor our fallen officers, we're reminded not only of the lives they gave, but of the unwavering devotion that led them to serve," said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. "Their courage and selflessness continue to guide usthey embody the very spirit of law enforcement. This solemn moment is a time to grieve, to remember, and to ensure that we carry their legacy forward with gratitude and purpose." Each May 13th, during National Police Week, an estimated 30,000 people attend the Candlelight Vigil ceremony in Washington, D.C., including surviving family members, friends, law enforcement colleagues, and others. The event brings people together from across the country to honor the officers and be surrounded by strength in remembering their service and ultimate sacrifice. With these additions, there will now be 24,412 officers' names engraved on the Memorial, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, and campus and military police agencies. The engraving process starts with a lengthy stencil and proofing procedure followed by meticulous engraving and curing processes. Once the engraving and curing process is finished, the covers are removed, and the panel is completed. The utmost care is taken not only in vetting and authenticating each name, but also to ensure that each is engraved on the memorial to the degree that the integrity is forever maintained. The engraving process will begin with a brief ceremony on Monday morning April 14th at 9:30 am EST and work is expected to be completed by the end of April. The names of the 345 officers added to the National Memorial this year can be found at the Roll Call of Heroes, 2025. For a complete schedule of National Police Week events in Washington, DC, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek. For information on the National Law Enforcement Memorial please visit nleomf.org/memorial. --- www.NLEOMF.org --- About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The first pillar of this mission, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the names of all of the 24,412 officers who have died in the line of duty to date throughout U.S. history. Additionally, NLEOMF maintains and publishes comprehensive details on the circumstances surrounding official line-of-duty deaths. The Officer Safety and Wellness pillar uses that data, coupled with best-practice program models, to produce programming directed at solutions to improve survivability and enhance wellness. NLEOMF's third pillar, the National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come. SOURCE National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund BEIJING, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beijing Fangyixing Information Technology Co., Ltd. ("Fangyixing"), a subsidiary of China's leading Internet healthcare solutions provider Fangzhou Inc. ("Fangzhou" or the "Company") (06086.HK), has been certified as a 2024 National High-Tech Enterprise, solidifying its role as a pioneer in AI-powered healthcare innovation. The designation, jointly awarded by the Beijing Science and Technology Commission, Beijing Finance Bureau and Beijing Municipal Tax Service, recognizes Fangyixing's strengths in core intellectual property, commercialization of scientific achievements, and robust R&D management. Dr. Xie Fangmin, founder, chairman, and CEO of Fangzhou, commented, "This honor validates our long-term commitment to R&D and empowers us to further scale AI innovations within our H2H Smart Healthcare Ecosystem. We will continue to deepen collaborations with industry leaders and accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into accessible and life-changing healthcare solutions." Strong Financial Performance Driven by Robust Innovation Fangzhou's inaugural post-IPO annual results highlighted its dual trajectory of growth and innovation: 2024 revenue grew 11.2% YoY to RMB2.707 billion, while adjusted net profit increased by 139% YoY to RMB17.1 million. This significant growth reflects Fangzhou's sustained investment in and focus on AI-enabled technologies as a core driver of business value and operating efficiency. AI-Driven Growth and Strategic Vision Fangzhou's growth objectives are aligned with its deployment of AI models such as DeepSeek-V3 and partnerships with Tencent Health and Tencent Cloud to accelerate AI-driven healthcare solutions. Fangzhou will further strengthen its technological capabilities and accelerate the commercialization of innovations, with a goal of delivering improved user experiences for patients and customers. About Fangzhou Inc. Fangzhou Inc. (06086.HK) is China's leading online chronic disease management platform, serving 49.2 million registered users and 223,000 physicians (as of December 31, 2024). The Company specializes in delivering tailored medical care and precision medicine solutions. For more information, visit https://investors.jianke.com. About the "National High-Tech Enterprise" The National High-Tech Enterprise designation represents China's most prestigious recognition for technological excellence, awarded to companies that demonstrate cutting-edge innovation in priority sectors. Qualifying enterprises must demonstrate sustained R&D investment, successful commercialization of proprietary technologies, and domestic or international leadership in converting advanced research into productive applications. This certification serves as the gold standard for validating a company's scientific capabilities and innovation-driven business model in China's competitive tech landscape. Media Contact For further inquiries or interviews, please reach out to: Xingwei Zhao Associate Director of Public Relations Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated due to various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements SOURCE Fangzhou Inc. FORNEBU, Norway, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aker BP, together with SLB and Stimwell Services, has extended its alliance agreement for another five years to further accelerate and boost oil production. Hand in hand for five more years. From left Sami Haidar (Managing Director, StimWell Servies), Karl Johnny Hersvik (CEO, Aker BP) and Olivier Le Peuch (CEO, SLB). The picture in the background was taken at the alliance signing ceremony in 2019. The renewed agreement was signed by the CEOs of all three companies at Aker BP's headquarters at Fornebu on 2 April. Formed in 2019, the alliance has successfully supported Aker BP's operated assets in meeting production targets. By combining collaboration, digitalisation and innovative technology, the alliance has set new benchmarks for safe, efficient and cost-effective operations. Milestones include simultaneous operations using jack-up rigs, a reduced backlog of locked-in barrels, and the world's first autonomous intervention operation. Today, planning and execution are handled through digital workflows resulting in increased productivity, lower risk, and improved success rates. Looking ahead, the alliance strategy remains firm: to transform offshore well intervention and stimulation. Over the next five years, the partners aim to continue delivering top-quartile performance while further developing future-proof capabilities. This includes scaling up digital transformation through deeper integration between subsurface and operational domains, expanding the use of Aker BP's Integrated Operations Centre for remote operations, and accelerating the deployment of new technologies. The alliance will also play a key role in putting wells on stream across Aker BP's field development projects. In particular, the newly upgraded stimulation vessel will be used to optimise the new Valhall PWP wells, contributing significantly to future production. Collaboration is the runway to the future "Strategic partnerships are essential to shaping the future of our industry. At Aker BP, we remain committed to the alliance model, which creates value through long-term collaboration. It enables us to increase productivity, maintain world-class performance, and deliver oil and gas with low cost and low emissions. This is how we position ourselves as the E&P company of the future," said Karl Johnny Hersvik, CEO of Aker BP. Olivier Le Peuch, CEO SLB added: "Increasing production and recovery from maturing assets is a top priority across the industry, and this alliance demonstrates how we can drive progress together through the power of partnership, The complex challenges facing our industry will increasingly require deep collaboration and trust across teams, and this alliance has been a cornerstone example of how powerful driving innovation together can be." Sami Haidar, Managing Director, StimWell Servies said: "Stimulation has been critical in unlocking and increasing the recovery from tight reservoirs such as Valhall. During the last five years, the alliance working together, managed to successfully develop very tight areas of the field, by using innovative technology which significantly reduced the execution time, and CO2 footprint and making it economic." Well Intervention and Stimulation Alliance signing ceremony group photo. Contacts: Ole-Johan Faret, Press Spokesperson, tel.: +47 402 24 217 Kjetil Bakken, Head of Investor Relations, tel.: +47 918 89 889 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1629/4130094/3364812.pdf Release https://mb.cision.com/Public/1629/4130094/b915f0c0bc930180_org.jpg Well Intervention and Stimulation Alliance signing ceremony group photo https://mb.cision.com/Public/1629/4130094/92475a2045c6d54f_org.jpg Well Intervention and Stimulation Alliance signing ceremony Sami Haidar Karl Johnny Hersvik Oliver Le Peuch SOURCE Aker BP ASA TAMPERE, Finland, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Treon and Skyler have announced a strategic partnership to transform asset reliability management. The collaboration combines Treon's IoT-powered solutions with Skyler's comprehensive reliability services and AI analytics for mechanical equipment, delivering full coverage across plantsfrom balance-of-plant systems to critical assets. Treon and Skyler partnership The partnership, covering over 50,000 assets across industries, offers an end-to-end solution for industrial asset monitoring. Customers gain expert support in reliability strategy development, hardware selection and deployment, and continuous insights from certified vibration analystshelping teams identify and address equipment degradation well before a critical fault. A Complete reliability solution Treon Connect and Skyler's joint solution gives customers the tools to improve equipment performance, maximise productivity, and deliver ROI in as little as three months. This integrated approach includes: Strategic reliability consulting Identifying critical assets and processes to develop optimal monitoring approaches for both core and balance-of-plant equipment. Identifying critical assets and processes to develop optimal monitoring approaches for both core and balance-of-plant equipment. Smart monitoring devices and AI platform Deploying Treon IoT sensors, seamlessly integrated with Skyler's advanced analytics platform to provide real-time condition monitoring and predictive insights for monitored equipment. Deploying Treon IoT sensors, seamlessly integrated with Skyler's advanced analytics platform to provide real-time condition monitoring and predictive insights for monitored equipment. Installation and ongoing support Expert hardware installation and system integration, with continuous support from certified vibration analysts for accurate interpretation and actionable recommendations. Expert hardware installation and system integration, with continuous support from certified vibration analysts for accurate interpretation and actionable recommendations. Risk mitigation insurance Providing insurance solutions to protect equipment and operations from potential failures. "Our customers face two major challenges: an overwhelming amount of raw data and limited resources," said Justin Hatfield, Board Member of Skyler. "This partnership turns data into actionable insights, helping businesses detect equipment degradation early and address it efficiently. While we manage the full reliability journeyfrom world-class hardware integration to expert analysiscustomers can focus on what matters most: solving key operational issues." Joni Korppi, CEO of Treon, added: "By combining our industry-leading portfolio of IoT driven solutions with Skyler's comprehensive reliability services, we're creating exceptional value for our customers and ecosystem" About Treon Treon is a leading technology company with a mission to help businesses improve productivity, enhance operational visibility, and sustainability. Its platform, Treon Connect, boosts operational efficiency by utilizing data-driven automation to extend machine lifespan, monitor assets, increase productivity, and ensure safety across industries. Treon is trusted by global leaders to provide secure, customized products that integrate seamlessly into existing business solutions. About Skyler Skyler prevents downtime and high maintenance costs through IoT-driven reliability solutions. Specializing in maximizing the lifespan of rotating assets, Skyler leverages AI and machine learning, along with industry expertise, to prevent equipment failures. Skyler Rotate bridges the gap between raw data and actionable solutions. The company is backed by Energy Management Corporation, HECO Inc., and Northwest Electricleaders in the electromechanical industry and members of the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA). Treon press inquiries Samah Zain, Head of Growth [email protected] +358-505507331 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2657033/Treon_and_Skyler.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2652650/5250172/Treon_Logo.jpg SOURCE Treon Theres good news potentially for African data centre development with the announcement from Raxio Group, a sub-Saharan African data centre platform, that it has signed an agreement for US$100 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. The funding will accelerate Raxios expansion of facilities powering key technologies like AI, cloud computing and digital financial services. In particular the debt funding from IFC will help Raxio double its deployment of high-quality colocation data centres within three years, addressing growing demand in underserved markets across the continent. The company says it is developing a sub-Saharan African regional data centre platform in a number of countries including Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote dIvoire, Tanzania and Angola. Raxio says it is committed to bridging Africas digital divide by introducing Tier III-certified, carrier-neutral, and secure data services to markets that have been overlooked by other providers. It adds that, with a focus on high-growth areas, the company is tapping into regions with significant economic potential to unlock new opportunities across the continent. IFCs commitment builds on earlier debt funding from French development finance institution Proparco and the Emerging Africa Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), along with equity investments from Africa-focused investment firm Roha Group and transformational infrastructure specialist Meridiam. IFCs financing includes concessional funding from the GROW Facility, which seeks to advance gender equity and inclusive economic growth through blended finance, and the IDA Private Sector Window, which supports private investment in the worlds poorest and most fragile markets. Raxio says its facilities are designed for 24/7 reliability, ensuring uninterrupted service even during maintenance or unforeseen disruptions. The company integrates renewable energy solutions to minimise its environmental footprint and uses innovative energy-efficient equipment to reduce electricity and water consumption for cooling in several of its countries of operation. Exploring How Brands Will Be Lived, Felt, and Shared in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At SXSW 2025, SoHo Experiential, SOON Future Studies, and The Taboo Group unveiled The Future of Brand Experience Design Report, offering a visionary look into how brands can create immersive, participatory, and emotionally resonant experiences. This groundbreaking report maps the shift from storytelling to story-living, drawing on expert interviews, real-world case studies, and future-focused research. "We crave the new, we bond over the unexpected, and we remember the extraordinary," said Reece Hobbins, Culture Futures Director at SOON Future Studies. SXSW 2025 The Future of Brand Experience Design Report SXSW Unveiling: Immersive Insights into Experiential Marketing The report premiered during the SXSW session, "The Future of Brand Experience Design: How Brands Will Be Lived, Felt, and Shared," on March 9, 2025, in Austin, TX leaving attendees with actionable strategies to future-proof their brands. Led by industry leaders Reece Hobbins (SOON Future Studies) and John Millward (SoHo Experiential), the interactive session explored how cultural shifts, emerging technologies, and human behavior are reshaping brand experiences. Key Trends Include: The "Prison of Joy" Effect Hyper-personalization creates algorithmic comfort bubbles that risk isolating consumers in predictable, repetitive experiences. Hyper-personalization creates algorithmic comfort bubbles that risk isolating consumers in predictable, repetitive experiences. Bittersweet Nostalgia Nostalgia's emotional power lies in its dualityblending warmth for the past with a sense of loss. Nostalgia's emotional power lies in its dualityblending warmth for the past with a sense of loss. Curated Authenticity & the "Fourth Wall" In the digital age, the push for radical requires a balance between openness and strategic storytelling. "Brand experience design that integrates memory science, nostalgia, AI-driven personalization, and shared experiences will forge deeper, more enduring connections, transforming moments into lasting memories," said John Millward, Chief Creative Officer at SoHo Experiential. To download the report, visit www.soonfutures.com or www.sohoexp.com . Industry Leaders Shaping the Report: Kelly Knowlen VP, Sales Engagement & Special Events, Hilton VP, Sales Engagement & Special Events, Ian Fettinger SVP, Experiential Marketing, Citi SVP, Experiential Marketing, Allison Varone VP, Channel & Customer Marketing, Campari Group About SOON Future Studies SOON Future Studies specializes in cultural trends and human insights to inform future-forward strategies. Learn more at www.soonfutures.com. About The Taboo Group The Taboo Group is an independent Melbourne-based creative agency known for breaking norms and delivering impactful brand experiences. Learn more at www.tabboo.com.au. About SoHo Experiential SoHo Experiential is a New York City-based independent marketing agency specializing in bold, immersive brand experiences. Learn more at www.sohoexp.com. Media Contact: SoHo Experiential: [email protected] SOON Futures: [email protected] SOURCE SOHO Experiential Founder/CEO of FUBU and Shark Tank Investor to Join First Conference of its Kind in the Chicago South Suburbs TINLEY PARK, Ill., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Southland Development Authority (SDA) announced that Daymond John , star of ABC's Shark Tank and the founder and CEO of global fashion brand FUBU, will headline the ACHIEVE Summit 2025 conference as its keynote speaker. This year's ACHIEVE Summit will be the largest and most rewarding business gathering ever to be hosted in the South Suburbs of Chicago, with Daymond's commitment being the first of many exciting announcements to come regarding this inaugural and groundbreaking event. ACHIEVE Summit The ACHIEVE Summit is a landmark event aimed at driving millions of dollars in regional economic growth and fostering hundreds of business and real estate transactions. This first-of-its-kind, three-day event will take place from June 27 to June 29 and culminate in a conference of business leaders, exhibitors, investors, and entrepreneurs at the Tinley Park Convention Center, where Daymond John will be one of many speakers to address attendees. "I'm pumped to be speaking at the first annual ACHIEVE Summit alongside dozens of incredible corporate visionaries! Whether you're a business owner, an investor, or a property developer, this is an event you cannot miss," said Daymond John, The People's Shark. "I'm excited to share my Shark Tank secrets to help you take your business to the next level on June 28 at ACHIEVE!" The Southland is uniquely positioned, offering many investment opportunities, ranging from commercial real estate and manufacturing to high-growth sectors like renewable energy and technology. The SDA envisions a Southland where all people have access to the resources and financial capital necessary to achieve economic stability and generational wealth, especially those belonging to historically underserved areas. "We are thrilled to announce Daymond John as this year's keynote speaker," said Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority. "This is the first of many exciting announcements to come regarding the ACHIEVE Summit, and we're eager to continue diligently planning to help make this inaugural ACHIEVE Summit a historic event for the Chicagoland and Southland regions." More information on the ACHIEVE Summit and the complete event program is available on the event's website: ACHIEVESummit2025.com/ About the Southland Development Authority The Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the south suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development. For more information, visit southlanddevelopment.org Media Contact Bob Spoerl [email protected] 773.453.2444 SOURCE Southland Development Authority NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research convened more than 150 scientists from 13 states and seven countries at its 2025 Scientific Symposium in New York City on April 3, 2025. The event provided a critical forum for the Foundation's grantees to share their research, foster new collaborations, and build robust partnerships within a global network dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs in cancer research. The program included talks by ten Mark Foundation-funded investigators, who shared groundbreaking discoveries in areas ranging from the use of circulating tumor DNA to monitor cancer evolution to how obesity impacts responses to cancer immunotherapy. Regina Barzilay, PhD, the School of Engineering Distinguished Professor for AI and Health at MIT, delivered a keynote address on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in cancer medicine. James Bradner, MD, Executive Vice President, Research and Development at Amgen, joined Ross Levine, MD, Senior Vice President, Translational Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Chair, Mark Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee, for a fireside chat. "The caliber of research presented by our grantees at the Symposium underscores the rapid progress being made in cancer research," said Levine. "These findings are not just promising; they're actively shaping the future of cancer treatment and diagnosis." In the Symposium's opening remarks, Mark Foundation CEO Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, pointed to the critical role that foundations play in the cancer research funding landscape and called for increased cooperation between organizations around the world to amplify their impact. Schoenfeld also announced significant new initiatives at the Symposium, including the launch of The Mark Foundation Center for Lineage Plasticity. This $10 million, five-year commitment will support a collaborative effort between investigators at Columbia University's Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The Center, co-funded by the Torrey Coast Foundation, will focus on unraveling the fundamental mechanisms of tumor plasticity, with the goal of developing novel and effective therapies for challenging cancers like bladder and esophageal cancer. Additionally, the Foundation unveiled its latest cohort of Endeavor Award recipients. These $3 million, three-year grants support interdisciplinary teams tackling critical challenges in cancer research. This year's awards go to a multi-institute collaborative team at the Weizmann Institute, Technion, and Tel Aviv University focused on understanding and treating cancer-associated cachexia, a debilitating syndrome affecting patients with advanced cancer, and, with co-funding from the Torrey Coast Foundation, to a team at the University of California, San Francisco that is engineering advanced CAR T-cell therapies for gastric cancer. "This Symposium exemplifies our commitment to fostering an inspired, collaborative ecosystem that empowers scientists to push the boundaries of cancer research," said Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, CEO of The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. "By facilitating knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships, we're driving the kind of innovation that ultimately translates to meaningful benefits for patients worldwide." ABOUT THE MARK FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, a charitable organization based in New York City, actively partners with scientists worldwide to accelerate research that will transform cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Since 2017, The Mark Foundation has awarded over $250 million in grants to investigators at more than 100 academic institutions across 16 countries, with research programs focusing on early career support, team science collaboration, new technology innovation, and therapeutics discovery. Additionally, The Mark Foundation maintains a growing portfolio of investments in early-stage cancer diagnostics and therapeutics companies, including several that have transitioned from grantee projects into commercial development. To learn more, please visit www.themarkfoundation.org. Media contact: Katherine Kremer [email protected] SOURCE The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research As tech giants dominate supply, ionstream CEO Jeff Hinkle explains how GPUaaS and bare metal cloud open access to essential infrastructure for startups and developers. HOUSTON, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The AI boom is fueling a massive surge in demand for GPUsnow the most sought-after and expensive components in the technology ecosystem. Big tech companies are securing long-term supply contracts and building massive new data centers, leaving smaller players scrambling for access to compute. To understand the scale, look no further than Elon Musk's xAI. The company recently acquired a 1 million-square-foot property in Southwest Memphis to expand its AI data center footprintadding to its existing Memphis site and a new development in Atlanta. In 2025, xAI aims to grow its NVIDIA GPU fleet tenfold, from 100,000 to 1 million. They're not alone. Meta, OpenAI, Microsoft, and other major players are aggressively investing in infrastructure. The result: unprecedented demand, rising prices, and supply bottlenecks. Just last month, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on X that the company was "out of GPUs," delaying the rollout of ChatGPT 4.5. While these investments may drive progress, they also expose an imbalance. Startups, researchers, and smaller AI companies often find themselves at the end of the linewaiting weeks or months for access to high-performance hardware, or paying inflated prices to stay competitive. Rethinking Infrastructure: Why Deployment Model Matters With AI models growing exponentially in size and complexity, developers need compute power that scales with their ambitionswithout crushing their budgets. Cloud GPU and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) offerings, along with bare metal cloud, have emerged as accessible, flexible solutions. These services allow companies to rent GPU resources by the hour or day, instead of purchasing and maintaining hardware on-site. Providers like ionstream maintain close relationships with vendors, helping customers secure access to the latest chipseven when supply is constrained. For example, NVIDIA's newest release, the B200, is now available through ionstream for as low as $2.40 per hour via GPUaaS. Benefits of GPUaaS and Cloud GPUs: Scalable performance on demand Aligns compute power with real-time needs, avoiding overprovisioning and waste. Aligns compute power with real-time needs, avoiding overprovisioning and waste. Lower financial barrier to entry A single NVIDIA H200 can cost over $25,000 , but on-demand rates start at $2.49 /hour . A single can cost over , but on-demand rates start at . Faster time to market Reduced procurement delays help developers move faster, iterate quickly, and stay competitive. Reduced procurement delays help developers move faster, iterate quickly, and stay competitive. No maintenance overhead Providers handle infrastructure so teams can focus entirely on building, training, and scaling models. Bare Metal Cloud: Raw Power, Full Control For companies that need dedicated access, bare metal cloud combines the performance of physical servers with the flexibility of cloud infrastructure. Bare metal solutions offer: High throughput for latency-sensitive or compute-heavy workloads (e.g., large-scale ML training) for latency-sensitive or compute-heavy workloads (e.g., large-scale ML training) Stronger security by isolating workloads on dedicated hardware by isolating workloads on dedicated hardware Full customization of operating systems, libraries, and APIsideal for advanced developers and research teams This model is especially attractive to AI labs, fintech innovators, and biotech firms seeking more predictability and control without sacrificing scale. Orchestration Matters: Kubernetes vs. Slurm As workloads expand across multiple clusters and GPUs, orchestration becomes critical. Two leading frameworksKubernetes and Slurmoffer powerful resource management for large-scale AI deployments. Kubernetes is best for containerized, cloud-based environments. It's self-healing, automatically redistributes workloads, and supports auto-scaling based on demand. is best for containerized, cloud-based environments. It's self-healing, automatically redistributes workloads, and supports auto-scaling based on demand. Slurm excels in high-performance, bare metal environments. It schedules and distributes jobs across thousands of GPUs, optimizing for speed, energy efficiency, and reliabilityespecially in scientific research and deep simulations. Choosing the right orchestration tool ensures resources are used efficiently and costs remain under control, even at massive scale. Ionstream's Role "The AI landscape shouldn't be gated by who has the deepest pockets," said Jeff Hinkle, CEO of ionstream. "GPU-as-a-Service gives every innovatorfrom nimble startups to academic labsaccess to the compute power needed to compete." ionstream offers on-demand GPUaaS and bare metal solutions powered by cutting-edge NVIDIA chips, including B200, H200, L40S, and more. Whether you're scaling an LLM, running complex simulations, or accelerating time to insight, Ionstream's infrastructure is purpose-built for performance, flexibility, and affordability. About ionstream ionstream provides scalable, on-demand GPU infrastructure for AI startups, research labs, and developers. Our GPUaaS and bare metal solutions empower teams to train faster, deploy smarter, and innovate without limitswithout the overhead of owning hardware. SOURCE Ionstream.ai JINAN, China, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- How to Start a CNC Business from Scratch Starting a CNC business can seem like a big stepespecially for those who have the skills, the contacts, and maybe even the tools, but no roadmap. Many aspiring entrepreneurs get stuck on questions like: How profitable is CNC machining? How much does it cost to get started? Where do the first customers come from? To help answer those questions, Blue Elephant CNCa global CNC machine manufacturer with years of industry experiencehas developed a comprehensive guide. It's designed to help machine dealers, repair specialists, or anyone with machining knowledge turn their capabilities into a profitable CNC venture. "Many of our clients had everything in place except a clear plan," says Jack Zhang, founder of Blue Elephant CNC. "They had experience, contacts, even workshop spacebut they didn't know how to start. That's what this guide solves." Whether you're looking to offer CNC services as part of an existing operation or you're starting from scratch, this roadmap outlines the real steps involved. It's not theoryit's what Blue Elephant CNC has seen work for actual clients. It covers everything from setting up a workshop to winning your first contracts. Step 1: Identify Your Niche Trying to serve every market at once can lead to thin margins and operational chaos. Blue Elephant CNC encourages new businesses to focus their efforts by choosing a specific service model: Custom part production for dealers : If you're connected to dealerships, offer quick-turn, low-volume replacement parts. These customers often require high reliability and fast delivery. Building on your current distribution relationships allows for faster customer acquisition and higher repeat orders. : If you're connected to dealerships, offer quick-turn, low-volume replacement parts. These customers often require high reliability and fast delivery. Building on your current distribution relationships allows for faster customer acquisition and higher repeat orders. Rapid prototyping for engineers : Cater to startups that need fast, precise prototypes for testing and development. Many engineers need 1-5 sample pieces, not full runs. If you can meet tight deadlines and communicate clearly, you'll win loyal clients in R&D-heavy industries. : Cater to startups that need fast, precise prototypes for testing and development. Many engineers need 1-5 sample pieces, not full runs. If you can meet tight deadlines and communicate clearly, you'll win loyal clients in R&D-heavy industries. CNC repair and upgrades : Offer servicing and retrofitting for shops using older equipment. Many small operations can't afford new machines and need affordable upkeep options. This niche is in high demandespecially in industrial zones with aging infrastructure. : Offer servicing and retrofitting for shops using older equipment. Many small operations can't afford new machines and need affordable upkeep options. This niche is in high demandespecially in industrial zones with aging infrastructure. Machine rental or leasing : Ideal in regions with high demand but limited access to equipment. This can include short-term or project-based equipment access. It requires fewer staff but a strong maintenance and scheduling process. : Ideal in regions with high demand but limited access to equipment. This can include short-term or project-based equipment access. It requires fewer staff but a strong maintenance and scheduling process. Engraving, marking, or branding: Appeals to both industrial clients and consumers needing serialized or branded parts. These are typically small-batch, repeatable jobs. Adding creative services increases your average order size and customer stickiness. Specializing allows you to work more efficiently and market more clearly. Blue Elephant CNC advises using your current connections and technical strengths to pick a profitable starting point. Step 2: Create a Business Plan A well-structured business plan helps you make smarter decisions and attract funding. It's not just a formalityit's the foundation for every major decision you'll make. Blue Elephant CNC recommends every shop, no matter how small, create a clear business plan covering: Defined services : Know what you'll offer and what materials you'll focus on. Clear offerings avoid confusion and help customers understand your value. It also simplifies machine and tooling decisions. : Know what you'll offer and what materials you'll focus on. Clear offerings avoid confusion and help customers understand your value. It also simplifies machine and tooling decisions. Target customers : Be clear about who you're serving. Focus on specific industries or business types that need your expertise. Research 1020 real businesses you could pitch in your first 3 months. : Be clear about who you're serving. Focus on specific industries or business types that need your expertise. Research 1020 real businesses you could pitch in your first 3 months. Your edge : Faster delivery? Lower cost? Precision finishes? Think about what differentiates your business. Blue Elephant CNC often helps clients position their offering for contract success. : Faster delivery? Lower cost? Precision finishes? Think about what differentiates your business. Blue Elephant CNC often helps clients position their offering for contract success. Startup and ongoing costs : Cover everything from tools to insurance, raw materials, utilities, and software subscriptions. Use actual supplier quotes wherever possible. : Cover everything from tools to insurance, raw materials, utilities, and software subscriptions. Use actual supplier quotes wherever possible. Pricing strategy : Account for machine time, material waste, labor, and utilities. Don't forget to include markup for profit. Run a few job simulations to test pricing. : Account for machine time, material waste, labor, and utilities. Don't forget to include markup for profit. Run a few job simulations to test pricing. Growth vision: How will you scale? Through automation, staff expansion, new services? What milestones will you track in your first year? Blue Elephant CNC has helped many clients develop realistic business plans that evolve as they grow. Starting small with a clear path makes future investments easier. Step 3: Calculate Startup Costs Startup costs vary, but here are the main categories: CNC Machines : $10 ,000$100,000+. Blue Elephant CNC provides starter packages and financing options. Consider machine versatility, training support, and warranty terms. : ,000$100,000+. Blue Elephant CNC provides starter packages and financing options. Consider machine versatility, training support, and warranty terms. Software : $2 ,000$10,000 for design and CAM tools. CAD/CAM software is essential for precision and speed. Include recurring licensing fees. : ,000$10,000 for design and CAM tools. CAD/CAM software is essential for precision and speed. Include recurring licensing fees. Workshop Setup : Power upgrades, benches, dust collection$5,000$50,000. Consider air compressors, lighting, and proper safety systems. : Power upgrades, benches, dust collection$5,000$50,000. Consider air compressors, lighting, and proper safety systems. Raw Materials : $5 ,000$15,000 depending on your focus. Buy enough to fulfill your first 510 orders. : ,000$15,000 depending on your focus. Buy enough to fulfill your first 510 orders. Licensing & Insurance : Around $500$3,000. Check zoning laws, permits, and required insurance in your region. : Around $500$3,000. Check zoning laws, permits, and required insurance in your region. Marketing: Websites and branding from $2,000+. A simple site with testimonials and service pages is enough to start. Blue Elephant CNC suggests building a detailed spreadsheet of both upfront and monthly costs. Include tooling, maintenance, and shipping to avoid surprises. They often work with clients to plan financing and capital allocation. Step 4: Register Your Business Before launching, get legally registered: Choose a structure : LLCs are often best for CNC shops. They protect personal assets and are tax-efficient. If you plan to raise funds or sell equity later, consider an S-Corp. : LLCs are often best for CNC shops. They protect personal assets and are tax-efficient. If you plan to raise funds or sell equity later, consider an S-Corp. Register your name : Make it industry-relevant and unique. A professional name builds trust. Check domain availability if you plan to market online. : Make it industry-relevant and unique. A professional name builds trust. Check domain availability if you plan to market online. Apply for an EIN : Needed for banking and payroll. : Needed for banking and payroll. Secure licenses and permits : Required in many industrial zones. Check local zoning and business regulations. Some areas require specific environmental approvals. : Required in many industrial zones. Check local zoning and business regulations. Some areas require specific environmental approvals. Open a separate bank account: Keep personal and business funds apart. Blue Elephant CNC emphasizes the importance of staying compliant with OSHA, EPA, or ISO standards if your work falls under regulated industries. Missing paperwork can delay machine installation and delay revenue. Step 5: Purchase Machines and Tools Your main investment should align with your services: Mills : For metal or plastic part production. These are the most common machines in CNC shops. : For metal or plastic part production. These are the most common machines in CNC shops. Lathes : Best for cylindrical parts. Many repair and automotive jobs require them. : Best for cylindrical parts. Many repair and automotive jobs require them. Routers : Great for wood, foam, and plastic. Used in signage, cabinetry, and decor. : Great for wood, foam, and plastic. Used in signage, cabinetry, and decor. Plasma Cutters : Ideal for sheet metal cutting. Often used in HVAC or metal fabrication. : Ideal for sheet metal cutting. Often used in HVAC or metal fabrication. 5-Axis Machines: For high-precision or complex jobs. Aerospace and medical fields demand them. Blue Elephant CNC provides tailored recommendations based on client needs. Also invest in: Tooling and holders : These determine your cut quality and speed. : These determine your cut quality and speed. Workholding gear : Fixtures and clamps secure parts during machining. : Fixtures and clamps secure parts during machining. Inspection tools : Calipers, micrometers, and gauges. : Calipers, micrometers, and gauges. Dust collection systems: Vital for health and equipment longevity. Don't overspend early. Start with essential tools and scale as orders grow. Step 6: Source Raw Materials Your choice of raw materials directly impacts part quality, machining speed, and pricing. Blue Elephant CNC recommends beginning with a focused inventory of core materials suited to your niche. Common starting points include: Aluminum or steel : Ideal for structural, mechanical, and automotive components. : Ideal for structural, mechanical, and automotive components. Plastics : Useful for lightweight parts, electronics housings, or rapid prototyping. : Useful for lightweight parts, electronics housings, or rapid prototyping. Wood or MDF: Common for signage, cabinetry, and decorative projects when using CNC routers. Reliable sourcing is just as important as material selection. Look for: Local distributors : Offer faster turnaround and easier communication. : Offer faster turnaround and easier communication. Online marketplaces : Provide wider selection and user reviews for comparison. : Provide wider selection and user reviews for comparison. Direct from mills: Cost-effective for large orders, though usually with high minimums. To reduce delays and quality issues, Blue Elephant CNC suggests building relationships with at least two trusted suppliers. Ask about lead times, bulk pricing, delivery reliability, and whether they provide test samples or material certifications for compliance-heavy industries. Step 7: Learn CNC Programming & Techniques Even the most advanced CNC machines need skilled operators to deliver quality results. Blue Elephant CNC emphasizes that strong technical knowledge is essential for running an efficient and profitable shop. Key areas to focus on include: G-code and M-code basics : These programming languages control movement, tool changes, and operations. Understanding how to read and adjust code can help troubleshoot issues and improve accuracy. : These programming languages control movement, tool changes, and operations. Understanding how to read and adjust code can help troubleshoot issues and improve accuracy. CAM software operation : Learning how to set up, simulate, and generate toolpaths using software like Fusion 360 or Mastercam is crucial for smooth production. : Learning how to set up, simulate, and generate toolpaths using software like Fusion 360 or Mastercam is crucial for smooth production. Feeds and speeds per material : Setting the correct parameters prevents tool wear, improves part quality, and boosts efficiency. : Setting the correct parameters prevents tool wear, improves part quality, and boosts efficiency. Tool selection and maintenance : Using the right toolsand knowing when to replace themensures consistency and reduces downtime. : Using the right toolsand knowing when to replace themensures consistency and reduces downtime. Fixturing best practices: Proper workholding prevents vibration and errors during machining. Blue Elephant CNC offers guidance on software selection and connects clients to training resources. Whether you're self-learning or hiring a skilled operator, mastering these areas is key to long-term success. Step 8: Set Up Your Workshop A well-organized workshop can significantly boost productivity and reduce errors. Blue Elephant CNC advises business owners to prioritize layout and workflow early in the setup process. Key setup tips include: Logical material flow : Arrange stations so materials move smoothly from delivery machining inspection packaging. : Arrange stations so materials move smoothly from delivery machining inspection packaging. Safe spacing : Leave enough room between machines and walkways to allow easy movement and prevent accidents. : Leave enough room between machines and walkways to allow easy movement and prevent accidents. Clean environment : Dust and chip control is essential for both machine health and worker safetyinstall proper dust collection or ventilation systems. : Dust and chip control is essential for both machine health and worker safetyinstall proper dust collection or ventilation systems. Compliance: Ensure your facility supports electrical loads for CNC machines, has designated PPE zones, and meets safety regulations. Other smart layout considerations: Set up dedicated storage for raw materials and finished parts to avoid clutter and confusion. for raw materials and finished parts to avoid clutter and confusion. Keep inspection tools near machining areas to speed up quality checks. near machining areas to speed up quality checks. Use visual boards or workflow charts to monitor active jobs and deadlines. Even small spaces can operate efficiently when thoughtfully arranged. Blue Elephant CNC works closely with new shops to design productive, scalable layouts from day one. Step 9: Build a Marketing Strategy Many CNC businesses struggle because they wait for clients to come. Blue Elephant CNC recommends starting with: Website : List services and upload sample parts. : List services and upload sample parts. Google My Business : Helps nearby clients find you. : Helps nearby clients find you. Social media : Show your capabilities visually. : Show your capabilities visually. Direct outreach: Email or call businesses in your target industry. Other tactics include: Publishing articles or case studies about your work. Offering workshops or free consultations for new clients. Asking for Google and LinkedIn reviews from satisfied customers. Referral incentives, testimonials, and industry networking can also help build your brand. Blue Elephant CNC has seen small shops grow fast by combining digital and relationship-based outreach. Step 10: Scale Your CNC Business Once your CNC business is stable and generating consistent work, it's time to think about growth. Scaling effectively means increasing output without compromising quality. Ways to scale include: Adding machines or shifts : More capacity allows you to take on larger orders or reduce lead times. : More capacity allows you to take on larger orders or reduce lead times. Hiring machinists or designers : Skilled staff help handle increased workload and bring in new capabilities. : Skilled staff help handle increased workload and bring in new capabilities. Automating workflows : Implement automation tools like tool changers or part loaders to save time and reduce manual steps. : Implement automation tools like tool changers or part loaders to save time and reduce manual steps. Expanding services: Offering laser engraving, 5-axis machining, or specialty finishes can help you move upmarket and attract higher-value clients. Blue Elephant CNC recommends using operational data to guide decisions. Analyze which services, machines, or clients generate the most profitand prioritize scaling those areas. As your shop evolves, Blue Elephant CNC offers ongoing support, advanced equipment options, and strategic insight to help you scale sustainably while staying competitive. Conclusion: Start With Confidence With clear steps and the right support, starting a CNC business doesn't have to be risky. Blue Elephant CNC has helped businesses around the world move from side projects to full-time production shops. With experience-backed guidance and reliable equipment, they're here to help you turn your skills into a business. To learn more or speak with a specialist, contact the Blue Elephant CNC team today: Blue Elephant CNC Website: www.elephant-cnc.com Email: [email protected] Phone: +86 18668991371 SOURCE Jinan Blue Elephant CNC Machinery Co., Ltd BOISE, Idaho, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. magazine today revealed that Inspire Impact Group is No. 41 on its fifth annual Inc. Regionals: Rocky Mountain list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the Rocky Mountain region, which includes Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, the Regionals offer a unique look at the most successful companies within the Rocky Mountain economy's most dynamic segmentits independent small businesses. "We give all glory to God for our continued rapid growth marked by making the Inc. Regionals list three times," said Robert Netzly, CEO of Inspire Investing. "It's evidence of the poignant need for Christian investors to be represented and served in the marketplace with biblically responsible investing products and services. We are honored to stand in the gap." The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Rocky Mountains. Between 2021 and 2023, these private companies had a median growth rate of 106 percent; by 2023, they'd added 3,565 jobs and $2.1 billion to the region's economy. Complete results of the Inc. Regionals: Rocky Mountain can be found at https://www.inc.com/regionals/rocky-mountain. "The honorees on this year's Inc. Regionals list are true trailblazers driving economic growth in their respective regions, industries, and beyond. This list celebrates their achievements and tells the stories of remarkable companies that are fueling growth and adding jobs in local economies throughout the country," said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. About Inspire The Inspire Impact Group includes Inspire Investing, a world leader in faith-based investing, Inspire Advisors, a Christian RIA platform, and faith-based screening technology, Inspire Insight, all of which are dedicated to inspiring transformation for God's glory throughout the world with biblically responsible investing excellence and innovation. Inspire is the creator of the globally recognized Inspire Impact Score, which investors worldwide use to measure the biblical alignment of their investments. Inspire has gained recognition by FA Magazine eight times since 2017, making the Top 50 Fastest Growing Firms list three years in a row. Inspire was also recognized in The Financial Times' "Americas' Fastest Growing Companies" three times and the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America five years running. Inspire also donates 50% or more of its net corporate profits to support impactful ministry projects around the globe through its Give50 Program. Currently, Inspire is supporting church planters in Cuba to help them grow their ministry and spread the Gospel throughout the country. More about Inc. and the Inc. Regionals Methodology The 2025 Inc. Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth over two years. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2021. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independentnot subsidiaries or divisions of other companiesas of December 31, 2023. (Since then, some companies on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2021 is $100,000; the minimum for 2023 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. About Inc. Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com. Investment advisory services offered through Inspire Investing, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. SOURCE Inspire Investing PITTSBURGH, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a vehicle safety system to help parents always remember to remove youngsters from their safety seats upon parking," said an inventor, from Franklinton, La., "so I invented the SAVE- A- LIFE. My design would serve as an automatic reminder, and it would enhance safety for children or pets in the backseat." The invention provides an effective reminder for a parent to remove a child from the backseat of a vehicle upon parking. In doing so, it prevents a child from being left behind. As a result, it provides added protection and peace of mind. It also helps prevent discomfort, hyperthermia, and possible death. The invention features an automatic design that is easy to use so it is ideal for parents with children, vehicle owners, etc. The original design was submitted to the Chicago sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 23-CHK-4300, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com. SOURCE InventHelp Kia and LG Electronics cooperate to present concept models for mobile professional and recreational spaces based on Kia's Platform Beyond Vehicle s (PBV s) The PV5 Spielraum Studio concept for mobile work and the PV5 Spielraum Glow cabin concept for outdoor activities debut at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show Kia and LG are collaborating to launch the concept models in the second half of 2026 SEOUL, South Korea , April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Corporation and LG Electronics today announced a partnership to collaborate on the implementation of mobility space solutions based on PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) technology. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Kia pavilion at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, and unveiled concept models for mobile work and recreational spaces that incorporate advanced home appliances into Kia's PBVs. Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play View PDF The agreement brings together Kia's PBV technology and LG's expertise in AI solutions. The companies aim to offer customized space experiences for users, tailored to different lifestyles and work needs, by integrating advanced home appliances into PBVs. This will enable users to transform the vehicle into a personalized office, studio, lounge, etc. "By offering mobility space solutions that combine automobiles with home appliances, we aim to lead a transformative shift in customers' lifestyles," said Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division at Kia. "This partnership with LG Electronics advances the core value of PBVs, contributing to a new mobility paradigm where vehicles evolve into personalized spaces for living and working." PV5 Spielraum concepts Kia and LG are showcasing two PV5 Spielraum concept models at the Kia pavilion during the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held from April 4 to 13. The word 'Spielraum' German for 'play space' reflects the concept of flexible mobility environments. Spielraum Studio concept : The Spielraum Studio concept is aimed at solo entrepreneurs who travel frequently, requiring both workspace and storage. It features LG's AI-powered home appliances, such as its modular Stylers, smart mirrors, and coffee machines, which are integrated to optimize the PV5's interior. The AI system can monitor the user's business schedule, calculate the remaining travel time to the destination, and recommend appliance settings accordingly. : The Spielraum Studio concept is aimed at solo entrepreneurs who travel frequently, requiring both workspace and storage. It features LG's AI-powered home appliances, such as its modular Stylers, smart mirrors, and coffee machines, which are integrated to optimize the PV5's interior. The AI system can monitor the user's business schedule, calculate the remaining travel time to the destination, and recommend appliance settings accordingly. Spielraum Glow cabin concept: The Spielraum Glow cabin concept is designed to cater to the growing demand for car picnic experiences. It includes appliances such as refrigerators, lightwave ovens, and wine cellars, seamlessly supporting a wide range of outdoor leisure activities. Each appliance has MoodUP panels that adjust color based on the user's preferences, providing a unique experience. About Kia Corporation For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com SOURCE Kia Corporation A partnership designed to empower adult, military, and transfer students through a connected and engaging digital learning experience. DENVER and ST. CHARLES, Mo., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lindenwood University , a leader in higher education online learning innovation, is committed to becoming The Next Great Learner-Centric University. To support this mission, it is expanding its support for online learners through a partnership with InScribe , a trusted leader in building connected digital learning communities. This initiative directly supports Lindenwood's mission of delivering "Real Experience. Real Success." It reinforces the university's commitment to improving online student retention and persistence, ensuring every student has the tools and connections necessary for academic and professional achievement. Lindenwood University + InScribe Logos As online enrollment at Lindenwood continues to outpace on-campus growth, the university remains focused on serving "The New Majority"a diverse student body that includes adult learners, military personnel, first-generation students, and transfer students. Experts predict that online students will make up 25% of all college students within the next five years ( National Center for Education Statistics , 2023). Additionally, nearly 75% of college students today are classified as nontraditional ( National Center for Education Statistics , 2023). In response, Lindenwood is taking proactive steps to ensure these learners receive the same level of support and engagement as their on-campus peers. Understanding the unique challenges these students face, Lindenwood is incorporating InScribe's platform within their Canvas LMS to create a more connected and engaging learning environment. This integration will strengthen peer and faculty interactions, foster collaboration, and provide critical support resources tailored to their diverse needs. "As the digital education landscape continues to evolve, fostering meaningful connections is more top-of-mind than ever," said Nathan Watson , Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management at Lindenwood University. "By partnering with InScribe, we are enhancing our ability to provide online students with a dynamic space to engage with peers, faculty, and support staff, giving them access to the support and connections necessary for success." InScribe's AI-driven platform enables real-time collaboration, peer-to-peer interaction, and direct faculty engagement. It addresses one of the key challenges in online educationbuilding relationships and providing personalized support. It reinforces the university's commitment to improving online student retention and persistence by ensuring every student has the tools and connections necessary for academic and professional achievement. Lindenwood's strategic plan outlines a bold 40-40-20 academic model, in which 40% of its educational offerings will be online to meet the growing demand. With an average student age of 34 and a high proportion of military and transfer students, Lindenwood understands the importance of creating a flexible and supportive learning environment. The InScribe partnership is designed to help these students balance their academic goals with their personal and professional responsibilities by building a network of support tailored to their academic and professional goals. Institutions that have implemented InScribe's platform have seen measurable improvements in student success and engagement. For example: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Lindenwood University as they continue to redefine the online learning experience," said Katy Kappler , Co-Founder and CEO of InScribe. "Backed by over 30 years of experience in online learning, our team at InScribe is dedicated to more than just providing a platformwe build thriving educational communities. Our approach will empower Lindenwood's students with an inclusive and supportive digital environment, helping them navigate their academic journey with confidence and support." This partnership is part of Lindenwood's broader commitment to innovation in higher education, as outlined in Lindenwood 2026: Adapt, Build, Engage . By leveraging technology to create a personalized, high-impact learning ecosystem, the university is reinforcing its position as a leader in online education and lifelong learning. As institutions nationwide seek scalable solutions for fostering student success in online education, InScribe provides the engagement and support system needed to thrive in the digital age. Learn more at www.inscribeapp.com/contact-us-1. About InScribe InScribe is a digital student support platform that leverages the power of community and artificial intelligence to connect students with the answers, resources, and individuals they need to succeed. InScribe's digital communities cut across the traditional support silos in higher education, giving students a single place to turn when they need helpno matter the topic or time of day. Students benefit from on-demand, peer-to-peer, and student-to-expert collaboration which helps them feel more connected, increasing student engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Learn more about InScribe at https://www.inscribeapp.com/ . About Lindenwood University Lindenwood University offers all the benefits of online higher educationwith the prestige, accountability, and legacy of a historic institution. At Lindenwood University, we're proud to support every online student who entrusts us to help them build the future they envisiongrounded in the highest quality of distance education. With roots reaching back to 1832, Lindenwood brings nearly two centuries of academic excellence to our online programs, thoughtfully designed to meet students where they arewherever they choose to learn. This space is more than just a virtual meeting room. It's a hub for connection, collaboration, and community. Whether you're across town or across the country, you're part of something bigger here. Welcome to your online Lindenwood community. For more information about Lindenwood University and our commitment to student success,visit https://degrees.lindenwood.edu/ . SOURCE InScribe ATLANTA, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX) announced today that it will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 on Thursday, April 24, 2025 before the market opens. In conjunction with its earnings release, the Company will host a conference call to review the Company's financial and operating results on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Individuals wishing to participate in the conference call should dial toll-free (888) 660-6357, or (929) 201-6127 for international callers, and use conference ID number 9979064. For interested individuals unable to join by telephone, the call also will be broadcast and archived for 90 days on the Company's investor website. Interested parties are encouraged to click on the webcast link 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the conference call. Marine Products Corporation is a leading manufacturer of high-quality fiberglass boats under the brand names Chaparral and Robalo. Chaparral's sterndrive models include SSi Sportboats and SSX Luxury Sportboats, and the SURF Series. Chaparral's outboard offerings include OSX Luxury Sportboats and the SSi Outboard Bowriders. Robalo builds an array of outboard sport fishing models, which include Center Consoles, Dual Consoles and Cayman Bay Boats. The Company continues to diversify its product lines through product innovation. With these premium brands, a solid capital structure, and a strong independent dealer network, Marine Products Corporation is prepared to capitalize on opportunities to increase its market share and generate superior financial performance to build long-term shareholder value. For more information on Marine Products Corporation visit our website at MarineProductsCorp.com. For information about Marine Products Corporation or this event, please contact: Mark Chekanow, CFA Vice President, Investor Relations (404) 419-3809 [email protected] Michael L. Schmit Chief Financial Officer (404) 321-7910 [email protected] SOURCE Marine Products Corporation Indias Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reportedly awarded 5G spectrum worth INR610 billion to state-owned telco Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) to ready the telco for its planned launch of 5G services sometime this year. ETTelecom reported on Wednesday that DoT allocated spectrum in the 700-MH, 3300-MHz and 26-GHz bands to BSNL for 5G usage. No timeline has yet been released regarding an official launch date, but BSNL has said it will start with Delhi before expanding the service to other select cities. Minister of state for communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar told Parliament that BSNL has deployed almost 84,000 4G base station sites (out of a planned 100,000) across the country as of March 8, of which just over 74,500 are live. Sekhar added that all of BSNLs 4G network will provide the foundation for its nonstandalone 5G launch, as all base stations are 5G-upgradable, the report said. BSNL has launched 4G services in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai as of the end of 2024, as well as most state capitals. The telco aims to offer 4G in all circles by June 2025. Government officials told ETTelecom that funding wont be a problem for BSNLs 5G rollout, as the government has provided enough funding to cover the telcos capex in the near term via a INR60 billion funding package issued in February. The government will provide more funding once 5G deployments are underway, the report said. BSNL also plans to launch standalone 5G in Delhi across 1,876 sites using the 900-MHz and 3300-MHz bands. That project has run into problems partly because BSNL is required to use only indigenous gear to build the network, and partly because vendors are unhappy with the telcos revenue share model, under which BSNL would get at least 70% share of revenue, with select vendors getting whatever is left. CLEARWATER, Fla., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Morton Plant Hospital has named Dr. Robert Kopec as vice president and chief medical officer (CMO), effective March 30. Dr. Kopec is filling the role being vacated by Dr. Jeffery Jensen, who is retiring from BayCare at the beginning of May. Dr. Kopec has been serving as CMO of Morton Plant North Bay Hospital since April 2022. Dr. Robert Kopec has been named vice president and chief medical officer of Morton Plant Hospital, effective March 30. As CMO of Morton Plant Hospital, Dr. Kopec will assist the medical staff and Matt Novak, the hospital's president, in providing safe, effective medical care to the public. His responsibilities will include training new physicians in the hospital's policies and keeping staff current on health regulations. He also will provide clinical oversight to physicians, ensure regulatory compliance, evaluate quality of services and represent the hospital at BayCare and community meetings. "BayCare's physician enterprise continues to grow at record levels. We are delighted to announce the promotion of Dr. Kopec to VP and CMO of Morton Plant Hospital," said BayCare Chief Physician Executive Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan. "He is an outstanding physician leader and has added tremendous value and service throughout his BayCare career, especially throughout the COVID years. We are excited for him to continue the momentum of leading clinical excellence and driving innovation into the new year at Morton Plant." "At BayCare, we provide high quality patient-centered care. It's been an honor and privilege to serve for more than 13 years in various leadership roles throughout BayCare Health System," Dr. Kopec said. "I look forward to collaborating with the team at Morton Plant Hospital to achieve our shared organizational goals." Founded in 1916 in Clearwater, Morton Plant Hospital was one of the first hospitals in Pinellas County and is known for advanced medical technologies and outstanding patient care. In 2024, the 599-bed hospital had 27,454 discharges; 2,050 births; 93, 251 emergency department visits; 14,036 outpatient surgeries; and 3,362,672 lab tests. Dr. Kopec joined BayCare Medical Group in 2012, serving as a hospitalist at Mease Countryside and Mease Dunedin hospitals until April 2020. He previously served as the Morton Plant Mease medical director for infection prevention and control and as the lead physician adviser for clinical documentation integrity for BayCare Health System. In these roles, he led multiple efforts to improve patient outcomes and reduce clinical infections. In 2020 and 2021 as our hospitals and community were facing many unknowns in dealing with COVID-19, he collaborated with various teams throughout BayCare to ensure patients were properly diagnosed when admitted and then appropriately discharged. He also serves on the COVID-19 Medical Advisory Board for Pinellas County Schools. Dr. Kopec received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in 2000 and is board certified in infectious disease and internal medicine. He received his master's degree in health care administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2023. About BayCare BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 16 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. The system is West Central Florida's largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric services and its provider group, BayCare Medical Group, is one of the largest in the region. BayCare's diverse network of ambulatory services includes laboratories, imaging, surgical centers, BayCare Urgent Care locations, wellness centers and one of Florida's largest home care agencies, BayCare HomeCare. BayCare's mission is to improve the health of all it serves through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information, visit BayCare.org. SOURCE BayCare Health System WASHINGTON, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) applauds President Donald J. Trump's strong leadership in addressing critical national priorities, including strengthening American manufacturing, securing our borders, and revitalizing our economy. As an association representing thousands of electrical contractors nationwide, we share his vision for a more resilient domestic supply chain and a thriving workforce. At the same time, NECA remains mindful of the potential impacts that the newly announced tariffs may have on the electrical construction industry. With a global supply chain integral to our work, increased costs on key materials such as copper wiring, transformers, work vehicles and electrical products could pose challenges for contractors, project timelines, and infrastructure development. The National Electrical Contractors Assoc. applauds Pres. Trump's leadership in strengthening American manufacturing. Post this That said, we appreciate the Administration's efforts to support American businesses and are encouraged that several key materials critical to the electrical construction industrysuch as copper, semiconductors, steel, and aluminumare not subject to these new reciprocal tariffs. Ensuring access to these essential goods at competitive prices is vital to the success of our contractors and the broader economy. "President Trump has consistently prioritized policies that put the electrical industry as a priority, and we recognize his commitment to strengthening our nation's economy," said David Long, NECA's Chief Executive Officer. NECA encourages its members to proactively prepare for potential shifts in pricing and availability by: Strengthening Supplier Partnerships Exploring new domestic sourcing opportunities while reinforcing existing relationships to maintain project efficiency. Exploring new domestic sourcing opportunities while reinforcing existing relationships to maintain project efficiency. Adapting Contract Strategies Reviewing and adjusting contracts to accommodate material cost fluctuations and ensure long-term project sustainability. Reviewing and adjusting contracts to accommodate material cost fluctuations and ensure long-term project sustainability. Engaging in Policy Dialogue Collaborating with industry leaders and policymakers to support a balanced approach that protects American businesses and workers. The electrical construction industry plays a vital role in America's infrastructure and economic growth. NECA is committed to working alongside the administration and industry stakeholders to uphold the strength, innovation, and competitiveness of U.S. electrical contractors. Long concluded, "As these new tariffs take effect, we look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that electrical contractors and the entire electrical industry can continue powering America efficiently while navigating potential cost and supply chain challenges." ABOUT THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION NECA is the voice of the $255 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across North America. NECA's national office and 118 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. Go to www.necanet.org for more information. SOURCE National Electrical Contractors Assoc Inc. NEEDHAM, Mass., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Needham Bank announced today that the Bank has been ranked #20 in S&P Global Market Intelligence's best-performing US community banks of 2024, among banks with $3 billion to $10 billion in assets. S&P Global Market Intelligence annually ranks the nation's top-performing financial institutions and the top community banks under $10 billion in assets in five regions: South Central, Southeast, Northeast, West, and Midwest. Banks across the United States are ranked based on returns, growth, and funding. S&P Global Market Intelligence pays particularly close attention to the strength and risk profile of balance sheets. "Needham Bank is honored to be recognized by S&P Global Market Intelligence. We are particularly proud of our 2024 operating results, which included significant investments in technology and teams to propel growth," said Needham Bank President, Chairman and CEO Joseph P. Campanelli. "We've built a bank that's deeply ingrained in our communities through donations and grants to over 400 non-profits and thousands of hours of volunteer work each year. Our philosophy is to grow by delivering an outstanding and personal experience to the businesses, consumers and communities that bank with us." The Top-Performing Community Banks from the annual rankings will be recognized at the 2025 Community Bankers Conference, hosted by S&P Global Market Intelligence, May 19-20, 2025. This conference was created by SNL Financial and has been the premier forum where influential executives, board members, investors, technology providers, and advisers discuss their visions, issues facing community banks, and actions for success. About Needham Bank Needham Bank offers an array of tech forward products and services that businesses and consumers need to manage their financial needs. We have the financial expertise typically found at much larger institutions, and the local knowledge and commitment you can only find at a community bank. Known as the "Builder's Bank", Needham Bank has been helping individuals, businesses and non-profits build for their futures since 1892. For more information please visit https://NeedhamBank.com. Needham Bank is a member of the FDIC. SOURCE Needham Bank "I, Ovosan" offers inspiring cancer survivor stories interwoven with cutting-edge research, detailing the development and therapeutic potential of Ovosan's bioactive phospholipids, now available in the US as CellBB. AURORA, Colo., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Immod is thrilled to announce the English-language release of "I, Ovosan," a book presenting stories surrounding the supplement Ovosan. The book explores its origins and the key figures involved in its creation. It also features narratives from twenty cancer patients and their doctors, describing their experience with Ovosan. In short, this book involves: twenty cancer survivors four physicians-oncologists three scientists one yellow pill "I, Ovosan" front page featuring an enlarged capsule of Ovosan. Cancer researcher Dr. Eva Pokorna's "I, Ovosan" details her successful cancer battle and explores Ovosan's therapeutic potential through research and personal accounts from survivors and physicians, bringing a riveting dual perspective. The ebook "I, Ovosan" is now available for free download at i-ovosan.com . "My own battle with cancer fueled my passion for creating 'I, Ovosan'," says Dr. Pokorna. "I hope this book provides comfort, inspiration, and a sense of community to anyone facing this challenge," she added," The bioactive phospholipids of Ovosan made a big difference for everyone." "I, Ovosan" traces the discovery of Ovosan and its bioactive phospholipids, spotlighting Dr. Pokorna's own journeyovercoming breast cancer during pregnancy while protecting her unborn child. The book also features nineteen other patients' experiences, highlighting universal themes of fear, resilience, and hope. Though set in a different healthcare and cultural context, these stories resonate with readers everywhere. The obstacles of serious illness and the emotional toll of facing a life-threatening disease transcend borders. The perspectives of four physicians-oncologists further enrich the narrative and provide a fascinating insight into each patient's story and view on the role of bioactive phospholipids and cancer treatment in general. "I, Ovosan," the English translation of the 2014 Czech book "Ja, Ovosan," incorporates translator's notes referencing new findings from Machavert Pharmaceuticals and CU Anschutz Medical Campus. These studies demonstrate that Ovosan's bioactive phospholipids stimulate Natural Killer cells, providing a scientific explanation for previous observations. Dr. Eva Pokorna, a Czech native with a PhD in molecular biology, has a distinguished career in cancer research at leading institutions in Prague. Her personal experiencea breast cancer diagnosis during pregnancyhas profoundly shaped her life's work. She is now devoted to supporting and advocating for those affected by cancer. With Ovosan now available in the US, CellBB carries its legacy forward. Download "I, Ovosan" today and discover the stories, science, and spirit behind this remarkable supplement. Media Contact: [email protected] Immod Innovations is a specialty nutrition company focused on well-being and balanced immunity. Immod was launched following years of research by scientists and physicians at Machavert Pharmaceuticals. Find out more at immodinn.com, Facebook, and Instagram. SOURCE Immod Innovations LAS VEGAS, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- What happens when doing the right thing gets you destroyed? When personal pain becomes public spectacle? When one opinion is all it takes to lose everything? A bold new docuseries is tackling the cultural fault lines of our timeCancel Nation, created and executive produced by American entrepreneur Clark Swanson, has officially been slated for production. Photo credit: CS Investments, LLC, Cancel Nation TV Equal parts social commentary and cultural autopsy, Cancel Nation investigates the high-profile cancellations reshaping the modern worldfrom billion-dollar brands to influencers, scientists, and CEOs. Through immersive storytelling, original reporting, and sharp panel discussions, the series exposes the machinery behind mob outrage, media distortion, and public takedowns. "Cancel culture has become the courtroom of the internetwhere guilt is viral and the punishment is exile," said Swanson. "Cancel Nation isn't about taking sides. It's about uncovering the truth and sparking honest conversation that can challenge, heal, and redefine societal norms." The first episode of the Cancel Nation docuseries explores Swanson's real-life collision with cancel culture as co-founder of the breakout wellness brand, Halo Beauty. The company was propelled to become the #1 selling beauty supplement on the internet, fueled by viral customer testimonials who raved about the product's unprecedented results. But when the face of the company, Tati Westbrook, dropped her now-infamous video "Bye Sister," it set off a media firestorm that spiraled into one of the most public and vicious business meltdowns in internet history. Titled "The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Halo Beauty," the premiere goes far beyond internet gossipunpacking the multimillion-dollar lawsuit, power struggles, and branding war that turned influencers into enemies and partners into plaintiffs. More than a scandal, it's a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs navigating the creator economy. This episode lays bare the business lessons behind the headlines: how platforms can be weaponized, how public trust can be shattered overnight, and what it takes to rebrand and rebuild. Watch trailer here. The first season of Cancel Nation dives headfirst into some of the most explosive and polarizing stories in recent memory. Confirmed episodes include: RFK Jr.: Labeled. Marginalized. Uncancelled. Elon Musk : From Climate Savior to Canceled Symbol : From Climate Savior to Canceled Symbol Mr. Beast vs. The Mob Joe Rogan & Spotify: Misinformation, Freedom, and $200 Million Lindy Li : The Democratic Party's Fundraising Powerhouse In addition to the docuseries, Cancel Nation features a companion podcast, co-hosted by Clark Swanson, delivering real-time cultural analysis, field interviews, and unfiltered roundtable discussions that go deeper into each episode's subject matter. Cancel Nation will debut later this year with a cross-platform rollout, including streaming episodes, YouTube exclusives, the podcast, and live panel events designed to spark dialogue and debate around the stories that shapedand shookour culture. About Clark Swanson: Clark Swanson is an American entrepreneur, creator and executive producer of the documentary series, Cancel Nation. He is widely recognized for his leadership across health & wellness, fintech, and emerging technologies. Swanson served as the founding President & CEO of Blockcap, which he scaled into the world's largest Bitcoin mining operation in less than 2 years prior to its acquisition for $1.46 billion. Prior to that, he was co-founder, President & CEO of Blackline Safety, lauded as one of the world's most innovative companies, a Top 50 Canadian technology company that grew to a market capitalization exceeding half a billion dollars with a global workforce of over 500 employees. Swanson co-founded and launched Halo Beauty, which became a top-selling beauty supplement brand that sold over 1 million units and became a cultural phenomenon within the beauty and wellness industry. Beyond business, Swanson is a committed philanthropist. He has redirected much of his success into the search for a cure for cancer, spearheading multimillion-dollar investments in medical research and pioneering drug discovery. His work has included research collaboration with Harvard Medical School and the formation of the Phytomedicine Institute at Harvard University, in partnership with the Global Oncology University. To further his philanthropic mission, Swanson founded the Swanson Calderon Foundation in 2025, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting mental health treatment for children. In partnership with the foundation, Halo Beauty has committed $100,000 to fund accessible mental health care. The foundation aims to raise $1 million in charitable giving to support transformative causes mainly focused on mental health for children. For more information, press, media or interviews: [email protected] For syndication and distribution: [email protected] Copyright: 2025 CS Investments, LLC SOURCE CS Investments, LLC 81% of cyberattacks on utilities compromise identity systems such as Active Directory, Entra ID, and Okta. HOBOKEN, N.J., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Semperis, a leader in AI-powered identity security and cyber resilience, today released a new study analyzing cyberattacks targeting water and electricity operators across the U.S. and U.K. 62% of utility operators were targeted by cyberattacks in the past year, and of those, 80% were attacked multiple times. More than half (54%) suffered permanent corruption or destruction of data and systems. New Semperis Study Reveals the Public Safety on Critical Infrastructure in the U.S. and UK Recent high-profile cyberattacks by nation-state groups on water and electricity utilities underscore the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. A public utility in Littleton, MA, was recently compromised by a group linked to Volt Typhoon, the Chinese state-sponsored threat group. American Water Works the largest U.S. water and wastewater utilityalso detected unauthorized activity in its computer network that disrupted customer service and billing. In response to escalating threats such as these, the EPA issued an advisory urging water utilities to improve their ability to detect, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks. Surprisingly, more than one-third (38%) of utility operators believed they had not been targeted by cyberattacks. Cybersecurity experts view this figure as alarmingly high, suggesting that many of these organizations may have been breached without realizing it. "Many public utilities likely don't realize that China has infiltrated their infrastructure," said Chris Inglis, the first U.S. National Cyber Director and Semperis Strategic Advisor. "Chinese-sponsored threat actors like Volt Typhoon are known to prefer Living off the Land attacks, which are difficult to detect and can remain dormant, planting backdoors, gathering information, or waiting to strike for months or even years." The report, The State of Critical Infrastructure Resilience: Evaluating Cyber Threats to Water and Electric Utilities, found that nearly 60% of attacks were carried out by nation-state groups. In addition, in 81% of cyberattacks, attackers compromised identity systems such as Active Directory, Entra ID, and Okta. The potential public impacts of being without electricity, heat, or clean water for even a short period can be significant. Our study indicates that utility customers in the U.S. and U.K. have been relatively fortunateso far. The Age of Resilience "If you don't improve resilience, attackers keep coming. Utilities have an opportunity to address this challenge. They need to assume breaches will happen and, through tabletop exercises, they can practice attack scenarios that could be a reality in the future," said Mickey Bresman, CEO, Semperis. What sets utility operators apart from many other industries is the critical nature of their work. If an electricity or water operator is compromised, the potential risks to public health and safety can put an entire nation at risk. Our experts note that resilience to cyberattacks that threaten operations should be the top priority for every organization involved in critical infrastructure. "The systems that supply our power grids and our clean drinking water are the underpinning of everything we do," added Inglis. "And yet we go about our business, confident that somebody else is going to handle it. Somebody else isn't going to handle it. We need to harden our systems and extract criminal elementsnow." To improve operational resilience against cyberattacks, utilities should: Identify Tier 0 infrastructure components that are essential for recovery from a cyberattack. that are essential for recovery from a cyberattack. Prioritize incident response and recovery for these systems, followed by mission-critical (Tier 1) functions, business-critical (Tier 2) functions, and then all other (Tier 3) functions. for these systems, followed by mission-critical (Tier 1) functions, business-critical (Tier 2) functions, and then all other (Tier 3) functions. Document response and recovery processes and practice them using real-world scenarios that involve people and processes beyond the IT department. and practice them using real-world scenarios that involve people and processes beyond the IT department. Focus not just on fast recovery but on secure recovery. Attackers often attempt to compromise backups to maintain persistence in the environment, even after recovery attempts. Implement solutions that support speed, security, and visibility in crisis situations. The full cyber threat study analyzes survey responses from IT and security professionals at 350 utility companies and includes breakdowns by country. Free download is available at: https://www.semperis.com/the-state-of-critical-infrastructure-resilience. For more information about how Semperis helps global organizations improve cyber resilience, visit the Semperis Identity Resilience Platform page at: https://www.semperis.com/identity-resilience-platform/. About Semperis Semperis protects critical enterprise identity services for security teams charged with defending hybrid and multi-cloud environments from cyberattacks, data breaches, and operational errors. Purpose-built for securing hybrid identity environmentsincluding Active Directory, Entra ID, and OktaSemperis' AI-powered technology protects over 100 million identities from cyberattacks, data breaches, and operational errors. As part of its mission to be a force for good, Semperis offers a variety of cyber community resources, including the award-winning Hybrid Identity Protection (HIP) Conference, HIP Podcast, and free identity security tools Purple Knight and Forest Druid. Semperis is a privately owned, international company headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey, supporting the world's biggest brands and government agencies, with customers in more than 40 countries. Learn more: https://www.semperis.com Follow us: Blog / LinkedIn / X / Facebook / YouTube Media Contact: Bill Keeler Senior Director, PR & Comms [email protected] SOURCE Semperis FOREST CITY, Iowa, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rural Development Partners (RDP) awarded $19.5 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing to Potters Industries, LLC, a manufacturer of glass beads specializing in retroreflective highway safety products. The rural community of Wilson (NC) was devastated by the closure of a local manufacturing plant in 2023, losing many jobs and economic opportunities. NMTC financing will help expedite the site acquisition and purchase of capital equipment and inventory essential for accelerating the creation of jobs and economic recovery. Wilson Economic Development Council Director, Jennifer Lantz shared, "We are thrilled to have Potters as our newest industry. We are excited to see the former Ardagh facility back in use and welcome the opportunity to work with them (Potters) going forward." "RDP is proud to be a part of the Potters expansion into Wilson, NC. Their presence will have an immediate impact on the Community and bring a large number of high-quality jobs for its residents and the surrounding area." - Dan Helgeson, Rural Development Partners CEO New Markets Tax Credits spur jobs and catalytic economic impacts for underserved rural America. Post this The allocation is part of a $44.5 million NMTC package with Midwest Renewable Capital ($13 million) and Community Business Investment ($12 million), creating 43 jobs in its first year of operation and up to 123 when the plant is operating at capacity. The direct jobs (96% low-income accessible) spur catalytic economic impact and opportunities vital for underserved rural regions. The acquired 548,570 SF facility is also a good strategic location for Potters as they work to maximize service and efficiency for their growing customer base and product demand in the Southeast United States. "We are very pleased and excited to be partnering with Rural Development Partners as we continue to make major investments in the facility and community of Wilson, North Carolina." - Scott Randolph, Potters Industries CEO Potters Industries Potters' roots trace back to 1914 when Rudolph Potters invented a unique way to manufacture glass beads. Potters is a recognized leader in glass microspheres used to make roads safer and improve industrial and consumer products, meeting stringent safety rules and regulations that require retro reflectivity. Their products can be found throughout the world on roadways, guardrails, airport runways, taxiways, and so much more. A majority of Potters engineered glass is manufactured from post-industrial recycled glass, including internally created glass waste from their production. Potters has been influential in the development of highway safety, Federal Aviation Administration policy, and Department of Defense legislation, and remains a valuable resource for federal, state, and municipal authorities. Rural Development Partners LLC Rural Development Partners is a Community Development Entity with a national service area eligible to apply for an annual allocation of Federal New Markets Tax Credits. From 2004 through 2024, RDP has won thirteen NMTC awards from the US Treasury totaling $816.7 million. Funding has helped over 50 businesses and nonprofits expand to provide quality jobs, economic impacts, and healthy food access in underserved communities. RDP seeks to serve and partner with businesses, non-profits, communities, and government entities that share its mission to build public-private partnerships for catalytic job growth in rural America. Learn more about RDP and the NMTC program by visiting our website or social media platforms at Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Media Contact: Rural Development Partners [email protected] SOURCE Rural Development Partners ORLANDO, Fla., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE: NNN) ("NNN" or the "Company"), a real estate investment trust, today announced that it will release its results for the first quarter 2025, before the market opens on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The Company will host a conference call that day at 10:30 a.m. ET to discuss its financial and operating results. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's website at www.nnnreit.com or by using the following link. The conference call can also be accessed by dialing 888-506-0062 in the U.S. or 973-528-0011 for international callers and entering the participant code 696567 or referencing NNN REIT, Inc. A telephonic replay of the call will be available through May 8, 2025, by dialing 877-481-4010 in the U.S. or 919-882-2331 internationally and entering the code 52285. About NNN REIT, Inc. NNN REIT invests in high-quality properties subject generally to long-term, net leases with minimal ongoing capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2024, the Company owned 3,568 properties in 49 states with a gross leasable area of approximately 36.6 million square feet and a weighted average remaining lease term of 9.9 years. For more information on the Company, visit www.nnnreit.com. SOURCE NNN REIT, Inc. NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued by Squitieri & Fearon, LLP regarding the Seed Invest Technology Settlement: SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK JOSEPH MUELLER, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, -against- SEED INVEST TECHNOLOGY LLC, PLUTO HOLDINGS LLC, RYAN MICHAEL FEIT, CHRISTOPHER M. MYERS, CIRCLE INTERNET FINANCIAL PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY and SI SECURITIES LLC, Defendants. Index No.: 653225/2023 SUMMARY NOTICE OF PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION TO: Any Person who or which purchased or otherwise acquired the NowRx stock from February 1, 2022 through July 1 2022. THIS SUMMARY NOTICE WAS AUTHORIZED BY THE COURT. IT IS NOT A LAWYER SOLICITATION. PLEASE READ THIS SUMMARY NOTICE CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a hearing (the "Settlement Fairness Hearing") will be held on July 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., before the Honorable Andrew Borrok of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, either in person at the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, Courtroom 238, New York, New York 10007, or by telephone or videoconference (in the discretion of the Court). (The hearing may be adjourned without further notice other than posting the adjourned date to the website identified in Footnote 1 below). At the Settlement Fairness Hearing the Court will, among other things: (i) determine whether the proposed settlement of the above-captioned action for $2,300,000 in cash (the "Settlement") plus other consideration as set forth in the Stipulation of Settlement dated February 19, 2025 ("Stipulation")[1] is fair, reasonable, and adequate, and should be approved by the Court; (ii) determine whether the Judgment as provided under the Stipulation should be entered; (iii) determine whether the proposed Plan of Allocation for the distribution of the Net Settlement Fund should be approved by the Court as fair and reasonable; (iv) determine whether to grant final certification of the Settlement Class for purposes of the Settlement; (v) consider Plaintiffs' Counsel's application for an award of attorneys' fees and Litigation Expenses, including Plaintiffs' request for payment for their efforts in prosecuting this Action on behalf of the Settlement Class; (vi) consider any objections or opt outs received by the Court; and (vii) rule upon such other matters as the Court may deem appropriate. Any updates regarding the Settlement Fairness Hearing, including any changes to the date or time of the hearing or updates regarding in- person or remote appearances at the hearing, will be posted to the Settlement Website, www.NowRxLitigation.com. This is a securities action against Defendants for claims under 12(a)(2), and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933. Plaintiff's claims that Defendants violated the Securities Act by reason of material misrepresentations and omissions in solicitations for the sale of Series C equities of NowRx. Defendants deny they have committed any act or omission giving rise to liability in this Action. IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE SETTLEMENT CLASS, YOUR RIGHTS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE SETTLEMENT OF THIS ACTION. To share in the distribution of the Settlement Fund, you must establish your rights by submitting a Proof of Claim and Release Form ("Claim Form") postmarked (if mailed), or submitted online using the Settlement Website, www.NowRxLitigation, no later than May 31, 2025. Your failure to post-mark your Proof of Claim or to submit it online using the Settlement Website by May 31, 2025 will subject your claim to rejection and preclude your receiving any of the recovery in connection with the Settlement of this Action. If you are a member of the Settlement Class and do not request exclusion therefrom, you will be bound by the Settlement and any judgment and release entered in the Action, including, but not limited to, the Judgment, whether or not you submit a Claim Form. If you have not received a copy of the full Notice of Proposed Settlement of Class Action (the "Notice"), which more completely describes the Settlement and your rights thereunder (including your right to object to the Settlement), and a Claim Form, you may obtain these documents, as well as a copy of the Stipulation (which, among other things, contains definitions for the defined terms used in this Summary Notice) and other settlement documents, online at www.NowRxLitigation.com, by contacting the Claims Administrator by email at [email protected], or by writing to: NowRx Litigation Claims Administrator 8922 P.O. Box 2599 Faribault, MN 55021-9599 Inquiries should NOT be directed to Defendants, the Court, or the Clerk of the Court. Inquiries, other than requests for the Notice or Claim Form, may be made to Plaintiff's Counsel: Olimpio L. Squitieri, Esq. Squitieri & Fearon, LLP 205 Hudson St, 7th Floor New York, NY 10013 212-421-6492 [email protected] If you desire to be excluded from the Settlement Class, you must submit a request for exclusion such that it is received no later than June 30, 2025, in the manner and form explained in the Notice. All members of the Settlement Class who have not requested exclusion from the Settlement Class will be bound by the Settlement even if they do not submit a timely Claim Form. If you are a Settlement Class Member, you have the right to object to the Settlement, the Plan of Allocation, the request by Plaintiffs' Counsel for an award of attorneys' fees and Litigation Expenses, and/or the awards to Plaintiffs for representing the Settlement Class. Any objections must be filed with the Court and sent to Plaintiffs' Counsel and Defendants' Counsel such that they are received no later than June 30, 2025, in the manner and form explained in the Notice. DATED: March 18, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NEW YORK. HONORABLE ANDREW BORROK, J.S.C. 1 The Stipulation can be viewed and/or obtained at www.NowRxLitigation.com. Any capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Summary Notice shall have the meanings given to them in the Stipulation. SOURCE Squitieri & Fearon, LLP New software releases further enable open Radio Access Network (RAN) adoption aligned to O-RAN ALLIANCE standards SAN FRANCISCO and BONN, Germany, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The O-RAN Software Community (O-RAN SC), sponsored by the O-RAN ALLIANCE (O-RAN) and operated by the Linux Foundation , announced the availability of its J and K software releases strengthening collaboration across the open RAN ecosystem. These releases, based on O-RAN specifications, enhance integration between the O-RAN SC and the OpenAirInterface (OAI), enhance integration with Intel FlexRAN reference software, provide a more robust platform for RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) application developers, and introduce an improved simulator for researchers. These achievements highlight the O-RAN SC's commitment to advancing open-source innovation in the RAN industry. The J and K releases demonstrate how the O-RAN SC is meeting industry demands for open, efficient, and modular RAN software solutions. The releases also address critical issues such as interoperability, security, and scalability, paving the way for widespread adoption of open-source technologies across the telecommunications ecosystem. We support expanding cooperation among software communities to broaden open-source SW for developers and operators Post this "Open-source innovation is critical to accelerating the adoption of open and intelligent RAN, and projects like the O-RAN SC are poised to lead the way," said Arpit Joshipura, general manager, Networking, Edge & IoT at The Linux Foundation. "The work being done in this community is essential in reducing resources required for commercial and product offerings during the transition to next-generation technology. The recent releases represent the next step in that journey." "In partnership with the Linux Foundation, O-RAN ALLIANCE established the O-RAN Software Community to provide the RAN industry with efficient open-source software solutions, helping to advance the development of open and intelligent RAN solutions," said Chih-Lin I, Co-chair of O-RAN ALLIANCE's Technical Steering Committee and China Mobile Chief Scientist, Wireless Technologies, China Mobile Research Institute. "We support expanding cooperation among software communities to broaden the range of open-source functions for developers and operators deploying them in their networks. A big thank you to all contributors driving the open-source innovation." Key Features and Highlights The J and K releases reflect critical advancements in the O-RAN SC's mission to enable open, intelligent, and interoperable RAN technologies. These releases drive open-source adoption, improving interoperability, integration, and AI/ML support. Notable examples include RIC Testing as a Platform (RIC-TaaP) , a collaboration with Orange that advances xApp/rApp design and testing, and an OAM solution for Distributed RAN , showcased at India Mobile Congress 2024, enhancing real-time network management. J Release: The J release delivered significant advancements, including: Improved integration and collaboration with OAI. Enhanced rApp Manager and Service Manager with new sample rApps. Introduction of a Python-based O1 Simulator and topology generator. AI/ML framework updates with Kubeflow integration and R1AP v6.0 support. The delivered significant advancements, including: K Release: Marking the community's December milestone, the K release built on this progress with: New AI/ML APIs for model management, along with retraining pipelines and SDKs for feature and model storage. Kubernetes operators for RIC deployment and OKD O-Cloud bare-metal support. Enhanced xApp support and improved integration between O-RAN SC DU and OAI components. Marking the community's December milestone, the built on this progress with: "These releases underscore the power of collaboration within the O-RAN SC," said David Kinsey, Expert Member of Technical Staff, AT&T and Co-Chair for the O-RAN Software Community. "In alignment with the O-RAN ALLIANCE, the O-RAN SC addresses real-world challenges and delivers solutions that advance the adoption of open-source technologies in telecommunications." Looking Ahead The O-RAN SC will continue to prioritize innovation and collaboration in 2025, focusing on key advancements expected in the upcoming L release. These include the introduction of a new simulator, the development of additional xApps, enhancements to the AI/ML framework, and improved integration between the O-RAN SC O-DU and OAI. The community remains committed to expanding deployment use cases, refining technical documentation, and fostering deeper engagement within the telecommunications and open-source communities. To learn more about O-RAN SC and the J and K releases, as well as what the community has contributed in earlier releases, visit www.o-ran-sc.org . About the Linux Foundation The Linux Foundation is the world's leading home for collaboration on open-source software, hardware, standards, and data. Linux Foundation projects are critical to the world's infrastructure including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js, ONAP, OpenChain, OpenSSF, PyTorch, RISC-V, SPDX, Zephyr, and more. The Linux Foundation focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users, and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at linuxfoundation.org . Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. About O-RAN ALLIANCE The O-RAN ALLIANCE is a world-wide community of mobile operators, vendors, and research & academic institutions operating in the Radio Access Network (RAN) industry. As the RAN is an essential part of any mobile network, the O-RAN ALLIANCE's mission is to re-shape the industry towards more intelligent, open, virtualized and fully interoperable mobile networks. The new O-RAN specifications enable a more competitive and vibrant RAN supplier ecosystem with faster innovation to improve user experience. O-RAN based mobile networks at the same time improve the efficiency of RAN deployments as well as operations by mobile operators. To achieve this, the O-RAN ALLIANCE publishes new RAN specifications, releases open software for the RAN, and supports its members in integration and testing of their implementations. For more information, please visit www.o-ran.org . SOURCE O-RAN Alliance Of that number, 53% do not hold a bachelor's degree WASHINGTON, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Science is US, a foundation-supported initiative housed within the American Association for the Advancement of Science, published a new study, Science at Work: The People and Industries Powering America's Prosperity, which found Americans working in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical-related fields now number more than 73.6 million, a 9.7% increase in a two-year time span. The economic impact study, which combines 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the economic modeling system IMPLAN, highlights the importance of retaining, investing in and attracting a wide variety of talent. Americans in high-demand STEMM occupations represent 34% of the U.S. workforce and account for 39.2% ($10.8 trillion) of the national gross domestic product. Science at Work: The People and Industries Powering America's Prosperity Post this Other major findings include: More than half (53%) employed in STEMM roles (35.5 million) do not have a bachelor's degree. There is a higher percentage of STEMM professionals with a high school diploma or general equivalency credential (18.8%) than a master's or doctoral degree (12.9% and 5.5% respectively). STEMM professionals account for more than $20 trillion in sales output. They are also responsible for generating $6.9 trillion in labor income, $1.6 trillion in federal tax revenues, and $715 billion in state and local tax revenues. in sales output. They are also responsible for generating in labor income, in federal tax revenues, and in state and local tax revenues. Occupations in STEMM come with higher incomes, with a median annual wage of $94,003 . The median wage for non-STEMM jobs is $52,354 , the analysis determined. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook between 2023 and 2033 for careers in STEMM is greater than any other industry sector, with demand for STEMM labor projected to increase by 10.5% in the next ten years. The fastest growing occupations are data scientists, information security analysts, medical and health services managers, computer and information research scientists, and operations research analysts. "It takes intentional investment and cooperation among educators, businesses, policymakers and communities to expand entry points into STEMM careers," said Tatiana Nin, interim executive director of Science is US. "Building pathways from apprenticeships and internships to advanced degrees is necessary to ensure more Americans can enter the STEMM workforce given growing demand, which will accelerate economic growth and innovation." The top 10 U.S. regions with the largest percentage of STEMM workers are: District of Columbia Michigan Massachusetts New Hampshire Indiana Connecticut Ohio Utah Alabama Wisconsin The study also reinforces the importance of expanding the definition of who is considered a STEMM professional. The individuals counted in the study perform science or math-related functions in their daily tasks. For example, they are agricultural technicians, bookkeepers, electricians, logisticians, plumbers and pharmacists, among many others. "Given the significant economic contributions of STEMM professionals, the United States has a valuable opportunity to reinforce its commitment to nurturing and prioritizing this essential workforce," said Joanne Padron Carney, chief government relations officer at AAAS. "By strengthening federal support for research and enhancing workforce stability, the nation can continue to attract and retain global STEMM talent, ensuring sustained economic growth and global competitiveness." This latest Science at Work study is the third conducted by Science is US in collaboration with FTI Consulting. This new report builds on previous versions published in 2023 and 2020. Science is US is a foundation-supported initiative housed within the American Association for the Advancement of Science. It works to shift perceptions of the STEMM workforce and advocates for evidence-based decision making in public policy. The American Association for the Advancement of Science is one of the world's largest general scientific societies and publisher of the journal Science, as well as Science Translational Medicine; Science Signaling; a digital, open-access journal, Science Advances; Science Immunology; and Science Robotics. AAAS was founded in 1848 and includes more than 250 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. The nonprofit AAAS is open to all and fulfills its mission to "advance science and serve society" through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education, public engagement and more. For additional information about AAAS, visit www.aaas.org SOURCE Science is US Orchestry introduces new capabilities to automate recalibration of collaboration workspaces and ensure security and compliance. VANCOUVER, BC, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - PRLog Orchestry announces their new Workspace Review feature to help IT admins automate Microsoft 365 collaboration workspace maintenance. Orchestry (https://www.orchestry.com), makers of an all-in-one, enterprise-grade M365 management platform, today announced Workspace Review, a new feature designed to automate the process of realigning Microsoft Teams and SharePoint sites to their intended states. The new feature addresses the challenges of keeping collaboration workspaces like SharePoint sites and Teams secure, compliant, and efficient. Workspace Review tackles the issue of workspace misalignment by providing an automated engine for remediation. This feature allows admins to set up review policies that regularly and automatically check and correct deviations from standards. This helps admins ensure that collaboration spaces remain aligned with organizational policies throughout their lifecycle. Key benefits of Workspace Review include: Automated Compliance and Governance : Workspace Review automates the process of checking and correcting deviations from established policies, giving IT administrators time back and ensuring that workspaces remain compliant without manual intervention. : Workspace Review automates the process of checking and correcting deviations from established policies, giving IT administrators time back and ensuring that workspaces remain compliant without manual intervention. Empowered Workspace Owners : Workspace Review enables the delegation of remediation tasks to workspace owners, who can easily review and correct issuesand maintain healthy workspaces. : Workspace Review enables the delegation of remediation tasks to workspace owners, who can easily review and correct issuesand maintain healthy workspaces. Flexible Configuration : Admins can set Workspace Review to run on a schedule that suits their organization's needs, whether it's monthly, quarterly, or annually. Policies can be focused on specific criteria like membership, sensitivity labels, privacy settings, and storage limits. : Admins can set Workspace Review to run on a schedule that suits their organization's needs, whether it's monthly, quarterly, or annually. Policies can be focused on specific criteria like membership, sensitivity labels, privacy settings, and storage limits. Comprehensive Remediation: Workspace Review includes several key components such as version cleanup; membership review; sensitivity and privacy review; and search and Copilot visibility, ensuring thorough remediation. Workspace Review is a revolutionary tool for organizations looking to maintain governance and compliance for ever-expanding Microsoft 365 environments. By automating the review process and enabling delegation to workspace owners, it ensures that workspaces remain secure, compliant, and efficient throughout their lifecycle. For more information about Workspace Review, please visit https://www.orchestry.com/microsoft-365-workspace-review. About Orchestry Orchestry is an all-in-one enterprise-grade M365 management platform that provides unparalleled predictive insights and automated governance, ensuring a secure, efficient, and AI-ready workspace. Orchestry helps you experience operational agility, reduced costs, and enhanced compliance, paving the way for strategic growth and digital innovation. SOURCE Orchestry Software FORT COLLINS, Colo., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OtterBox is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of America's Most Loved Brands 2025 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. This honor was awarded based on a comprehensive study that included an in-depth survey of 24,000 American consumers, the collection of over 359,000 brand reviews, followership data across social media platforms and detailed sentiment analysis. Protective phone case maker, OtterBox, named one of America's Most Loved Brands by Newsweek With a legacy spanning more than 25 years, OtterBox has become the #1 most trusted smartphone case brand in the U.S., known for its engineering excellence and customer-first mindset. In the last decade alone, the brand has sold nearly half a billion casesproof that innovation, quality, and reliability continue to resonate with consumers. "OtterBox's success is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction," said OtterBox CEO Trey Northrup. "Being named one of America's Most Loved Brands by Newsweek is an honor and reinforces our dedication to innovation and delivering exceptional products that our customers can rely on." Founded in 1998 in a Fort Collins, Colo., garage, OtterBox has grown from a single dry box solution into a global leader in mobile accessories. Today, the brand's portfolio includes rugged phone cases, screen protection, power solutions and more designed to keep people connected and protected wherever life takes them. OtterBox's impact extends well beyond its products. Through its philanthropic arm, OtterCares, the company is committed to inspiring students to become entrepreneurs and philanthropists who create lasting, meaningful change in their communities. Since its founding in 2010, OtterCares has awarded more than 3,000 grants totalling over $7.5 million. Additionally, OtterBox empowers its employees to give back by offering 24 hours of Volunteer Time Off (VTO) annually. Since 2011, employees have logged over 163,000 hours of service in their local communities. "The ultimate measure of a brand's ability to resonate with consumers is how they make us feel, not just the features their products offer. Newsweek and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights are proud to introduce America's Most Loved Brands 2025, highlighting companies that have won the hearts of customers by fostering connections and creating loyalty that transcends mere transactions." Jennifer H. Cunningham Editor-in-Chief Newsweek About OtterBox: From humble beginnings in a Fort Collins, Colo. garage, OtterBox now leverages more than 25 years of engineering and design expertise to develop protective products for all things mobile. It's no surprise that OtterBox is the #1 most trusted smartphone case brand in the U.S. From ultra-rugged to sleek and stylish, OtterBox has you covered. Protect it. Style it. OtterBox it. At the center of every OtterBox innovation is a deeper goal to affect positive, lasting change. In partnership with the OtterCares Foundation, OtterBox gives back by inspiring kids to change the world through entrepreneurship and philanthropy. To learn more about this mission, visit otterbox.com/givingback. For more information, visit otterbox.com . SOURCE OtterBox TUCSON, Ariz., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Paragon Space Development Corporation (Paragon) is pleased to announce Nina Grigsby as our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She will lead Paragon's Finance Team and report to Paragon's President & CEO, Grant Anderson. Paragon Announces Nina Grigsby as CFO Ms. Grigsby possesses over 20 years of financial leadership experience, with considerable tenure across multiple organizations handling a cross-spectrum range of financial and accounting responsibilities. At Paragon, Nina will be in charge of numerous financial duties, to include advising company leadership on key financial issues and ensuring business health through experience-based financial approaches, systems, and practices. "We are more than overjoyed to have Nina onboard with Paragon. She is highly accomplished with a deep background ensuring that organizations are in top financial shape and are run in a streamlined and fiscally transparent way," said Grant Anderson. "Her record of accomplishment is a proud one, with a clear emphasis on ensuring every penny is spent wisely, that company decisions keep financial performance front-and-center, and that all accounting records and procedures are meticulously maintained and followed. On behalf of the executive team and the board of directors, I am very excited to have Nina in our ranks at Paragon!" Before joining Paragon, Nina's robust career includes serving as CFO of The District Communications Group in Washington DC, Director of Business Operations at NewWave Telecom & Technologies, Inc., CFO of Mitigation Technologies in Maryland, as well as in other strategic business development, controller, and consulting roles in numerous other companies and institutions. "I am very much looking forward to being part of Paragon a company with a reputation for excellence, high credibility in government, and on the cutting edge of an array of increasingly important scientific and technological frontiers for our nation. This is an exciting time for Paragon, especially given the growth and importance of America's and the world's space industrial economy. I can't wait to get to work!" said Nina Grigsby. "We are honored to have Nina as part of our Paragon family and know that she will add an immeasurable degree of sharpness, dedication, and vital accounting expertise to our operations. Whether we're talking about contract negotiations, fiscal compliance, accurate budgeting, managing costs, or finding opportunities to attract or generate capital, Nina has precisely what we need to move forward in a sound and successful way. We're glad she's on our team!" said Ron Sable, Chairman of Paragon's Board of Directors. Paragon has been pioneering on the forefront of systems designed for extreme environments in sea, land, air, and space for more than 30 years. Paragon has a successful history of providing design, analysis and/or hardware on every United States human space program of record since 1999. Since then, Paragon has grown in personnel, design, analysis, manufacturing, and operational capabilities to support the most current and forward-leaning civil and commercial space programs anywhere in the world. For more information and other news, visit www.paragonsdc.com. Media Contact: Tracey Templeton 520 382 4838 [email protected] SOURCE Paragon Space Development Corporation Gretchen Evans will receive the Military Hero Award for her advocacy for veterans and her founding of Team Unbroken, an adaptive racing team of mostly veterans who have experienced life-altering injuries, illness or traumas. Evans is a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major who received a Purple Heart in 2024, nearly 20 years after being injured in combatduring a time when women weren't allowed in combat. Jimmy Graham will receive the Military Advocacy Award for his work with The Jimmy Graham Foundation, which provides life changing and impactful experiences through the freedom of flight. The foundation works to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of veterans and provides flights for underprivileged youth as an introduction to aviation. A former star tight end in the NFL, Graham was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and played for four different teams throughout his career. Charles E. "Chuck" Fagan III will receive the Corporate Hero Award. Fagan has served as president and chief executive officer of Velera (formerly PSCU/Co-op Solutions) since January 2024. In this role, he leads the strategic direction of the company and oversees all aspects of Velera's operations. Prior to the PSCU/Co-op Solutions combination, Fagan served as president and chief executive officer of PSCU since April 2015. A committed advocate for the credit union industry and an active member of the community, he has been a champion of Velera's support of The PenFed Foundation, leading the company to donate more than $1.1 million over the last 10 years. The PenFed Foundation will also deliver two national community hero awards to veterans and organizations making a positive impact in their communities, including: Mitchelene BigMan , the founder of Native American Women Warriors, a color guard of female Native American veterans with the mission to bring attention to and honor the contributions of Native American women's military service. BigMan was raised on and off the Crow Reservation in Montana and enlisted in the Army in 1987. the founder of Native American Women Warriors, a color guard of female Native American veterans with the mission to bring attention to and honor the contributions of Native American women's military service. BigMan was raised on and off the Crow Reservation in and enlisted in the Army in 1987. American Legion Post 20, National Press Club (NPC). Post 20 received its charter on November 19, 1919 , after the urging of General John Pershing , the most celebrated commander of WWI. The NPC is a vigorous advocate of press freedom worldwide, just as Post 20 has represented the core value of service to country for more than 100 years. The award will be presented to Zack Baddorf , an accomplished international journalist, Navy veteran and Post 20 member who founded the nonprofit Military Veterans in Journalism. "The PenFed Foundation is thrilled to celebrate Gretchen, Jimmy, Chuck, Mitchelene and the American Legion Post 20 for their fierce advocacy on behalf of the military community," said PenFed Foundation President Andrea McCarren. "They are an inspiration and epitomize our mission of helping to ensure the transition of veterans from military service to success in their civilian lives. This gala serves as a heartfelt tribute to our nation's veterans and our incredible community members and supporters. " Click here to register for the 2025 Celebration of Service Gala. About PenFed Foundation Founded in 2001, The PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their transition from service to success in the civilian world. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has provided more than $55 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members and military families. PenFed Credit Union covers most of the salaries and administrative costs of The PenFed Foundation, so more of your donation goes right to our programs. To learn more, please visit www.penfedfoundation.org. SOURCE PenFed Foundation Thompson brings more than 30 years of experience to leadership post BERKELEY, Calif. and WAYZATA, Minn., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pivot Bio, one of the world's leading innovative agtech companies, is announcing the appointment of Laureen Thompson to the role of head of people and human resources. She will serve as a member of the company's executive leadership team, reporting to Chris Abbott, chief executive officer of Pivot Bio. Laureen Thompson "Laureen brings significant experience to this leadership role," said Abbott. "As we have continued to grow, she has played an important role in shaping our workforce strategy, fostering a positive workplace culture and driving the engagement of our team. I look forward to her aligning human resources strategies with overall business objectives, supporting both organizational growth and team member well-being." In her new position, Thompson will focus on the company's overall people and human resources strategy, working with team members who are based at four hubs in California, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota, and an office in Brazil. She will oversee all aspects of human resources management: recruitment, talent development, team member engagement, compensation and benefits, and organizational culture. Thompson joined Pivot Bio in 2022 as senior director of total rewards, bringing more than 25 years of strategic HR experience to the company. In addition to total rewards, Thompson recently took on responsibility for talent acquisition, HR systems and operations. Her career began at Prudential. During her time there, she was selected to serve in its rotational leadership program. She went on to spend more than a decade at Willis Towers Watson as a consultant and 16 years at VWR/Avantor, where she served as global vice president of total rewards and played a key role in executing two IPOs. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from Arcadia University and an MBA from LaSalle University. She is active in the human resources field and serves on several nonprofit boards. About Pivot Bio Pivot Bio, one of the world's leading innovative agtech companies, delivers to farmers patented crop nutrition technologies that harness the power of nature to reliably and productively grow the food the world needs in the face of increasing volatility. Currently available in North America and soon in Brazil, the company's products are a breakthrough innovation and one of the agriculture industry's most promising climate solutions. Pivot Bio has been recognized three times by Time magazine on its annual list of best inventions, by Fast Company on its World Changing Ideas and World's 50 Most Innovative Companies lists, by CNBC on its Disruptor 50 list of private companies, by Fortune on its Impact 20 list of startups driving social good and by MIT Tech Review as one of 15 climate tech companies to watch. For more information, visit PivotBio.com. SOURCE Pivot Bio, Inc SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Plug and Play, the ultimate innovation platform that accelerates over 2,500 startups annually, has announced its first Silicon Valley batch of 2025, welcoming over 150 startups into the program. Selected from a highly competitive pool, these startups represent some of the most promising innovations across 15 industry-focused programs, addressing challenges in areas such as AI, fintech, insurtech, digital health, supply chain and logistics and more. Each startup was selected based on program fit, traction to date, and interest from Plug and Play's ecosystem partners. Throughout the 3-month program, startups will gain hands-on support from industry experts, investors, and corporate partners. The program includes mentor-led workshops, private dealflow sessions, and curated introductions designed to accelerate their business growth. Startups will also have the opportunity to secure pilots, proofs of concept, and potential investmentall without equity requirements. "Quite frankly, this is one of the strongest batches we've had," said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. "The energy in Silicon Valley is inspiring and this program gives the entrepreneurs the opportunity to move fast. These startups are solving real problems and I look forward to seeing how they grow." Participating programs in the Silicon Valley June 2025 batch include: Brand & Retail Deeptech Energy Enterprise & AI Fintech Food & Beverage Global Overseas Acceleration & Learning Health Inclusive Fintech Accelerator Insurtech Mobility New Materials & Packaging Real Estate & Construction Supply Chain & Logistics Travel & Hospitality This batch reflects a strong presence from across the United States, with 13% of startups based in Silicon Valley and 61% from other parts of the country. The remaining 26% represent a growing international presence, with teams joining from Canada, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and several other countries. The geographic diversity highlights Plug and Play's global footprint and its ability to attract high-potential startups from around the world. A list of participating startups is available on the Plug and Play website . The program will culminate at the Silicon Valley Summit, taking place June 10-12, 2025, where founders will present their solutions to an audience of investors, corporate executives, and industry leaders. The event will showcase cutting-edge innovations in over 17 industries, positioning these startups for growth in the global market. Plug and Play invites the media to follow the journey of these startups and attend the Silicon Valley Summit. To meet the startups, attend the event, or request additional information, please contact Plug and Play at [email protected] . For more details on the Silicon Valley Summit, visit the event website . About Plug and Play Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we're present in 60+ locations across five continents. We offer corporate innovation programs and help our corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also organize startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC to drive innovation across multiple industries where we've invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal, and Rappi. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/ . Plug and Play Media Contact Jacky Tsang Senior Communications & PR Associate [email protected] SOURCE Plug and Play BOCA RATON, Fla., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PointsKash Inc., has announced the signing of their new agreement with Discover Network, a leading global payments network, to provide PointsKash customers pre-paid loyalty rewards debit cards from its KashPoint ATM/BTM kiosks nationwide. PointsKash is a fintech company founded and led by former Wall Street executives with extensive experience in the online transactional space. The PointsKash wholly owned subsidiary PKKash leads the PK Family with their all-in-one financial services kiosk ('KashPoint') offering consumers the ultimate in convenience, providing the ability to deposit, withdraw, transfer, send and receive funds, pay bills, obtain microloans, buy/sell cryptocurrency, and even secure tickets to events among other services. PointsKash KashPoint kiosk users will now be able to redeem their accrued loyalty rewards points converted to cash credits issued on Discover Network cards from KashPoint kiosks and redeemable anywhere Discover Cards are honored. This agreement will also allow for these cards to be whitelabeled with the PointsKash corporate identity, helping PointsKash continue to build brand awareness in its pursuit to grow its customer footprint. "This is a huge win for PointsKash and our growing customer base," said Steve Janjic, CEO of PointsKash Inc. "And to be one of the first to partner in this manner with Discover Network we believe is testament to the increasing demand for our convenient financial transaction solutions for the underbanked population in our country," said Janjic. PK Payments LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of PointsKash Inc. is a certified independent sales office of CardConnect, LLC. CardConnect is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, CA., Synovus Bank, USA, Columbus, GA, PNC Bank, N.A., Pittsburgh, PA and Pathward, N.A., Sioux Falls, SD. Copyright 2023 CardConnect. All trademarks, service marks and trade names referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. ABOUT POINTSKASH INC. PointsKash, Inc. is a disruptive FinTech company that provides convenient, secure, one-stop shopping access through state of the art hardware and software technology for all banking needs including ATM, check cashing, bill payment, microloan provider, money transfer, crypto-currency buy/sell services and a rewards loyalty points program allowing consumers to convert their rewards points from participating companies to cash, cryptocurrency, event ticketing and more, all in one kiosk machine. The PointsKash merchant payment processing services team has over 100 years of combined experience serving small, medium, and enterprise-level businesses, including national convenience store chains, fuel stations, auto dealerships, manufacturers, sporting events, e-gaming organizations, and retailers. PointsKash is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. Contact: Michael Herron Chief Operating Officer; President [email protected] 1.802.227.2247 Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, , or the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein and public statements by our officers or representatives, that address activities, events or developments that our management expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to such things as future business strategy, plans and goals, competitive strengths and expansion and growth of our business. These forward-looking statements, along with terms such as "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "may," "will," "should," and other comparable terms, involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future, and include risks related to changes in our operations; uncertainties concerning estimates; industry-related risks; the commercial success of, and risks related to, our development activities; uncertainties and risks related to our reliance on contractors and consultants. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations of the Company and members of its management, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Although these forward-looking statements were based on assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable when made, you are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. In addition, even if our results, performance, or achievements are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, those results, performance or achievements may not be indicative of results, performance or achievements in subsequent periods. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made in this news release speak only as of the date of those statements, and we undertake no obligation to update those statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of those statements to reflect future events or developments. SOURCE PointsKash DELRAY BEACH, Fla., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Potassium Formate Market by Form (Liquid/Brine, Powder), Application (Deicing Agent, Drilling & Completion Fluids, Fertilizer Additives, Heat Transfer Fluids, Preservatives), End-Use Industry Global Forecast To 2030", size is expected to reach USD 1.07 billion in 2030 from USD 0.77 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2024 to 2030. Browse in-depth TOC on "Potassium Formate Market" 220 Tables 54 Figures 180 Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=69224407 The demand for potassium formate is driven by several key factors, Demand for potassium formate in the market is fueled by its environmentally friendly characteristics, superior performance in target markets, and rising regulatory pressures on conventional chemicals. Potassium formate is broadly applied as a drilling and completion fluid in the oil & gas sector owing to its high density, low corrosiveness, and biodegradability, usability in HPHT wells and offshore drilling activities. Tight environmental regulations, such as the EU REACH Regulation, U.S. EPA standards, and Norway's offshore chemical legislation, have pushed the move away from chloride-containing fluids to potassium formate brines. The deicing market is another important driver, with airports, municipalities, and highway authorities increasingly adopting potassium formate-based deicers to minimize infrastructure corrosion and freshwater pollution, particularly in North America and Europe. Potassium formate are mainly used in construction, oil & gas, agriculture, food & beverage, industrial and other end use industries. Potassium formate are used for various applications like, deicing agents, drilling & completion fluid, heat transfer fluid, fertilizer additives, preservatives and others. Liquid/Brine form potassium formate segment is expected to grow with highest CAGR in terms of value in potassium formate market during the forecasted period. Potassium formate liquid/brine segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the potassium formate market over the forecast period owing to its extensive industrial use, convenient handling, and surging regulatory-induced demand for environment-friendly products. One of its key growth drivers is its leadership in the oil & gas sector, where it is used as a high-performing drilling and completion fluid, especially in HPHT wells and offshore operations. Large North American, Norwegian, and Russian energy players are looking to potassium formate brines due to their non-corrosive, biodegradable character and excellent well-stability-enabling properties. The deicing market is also seeing significant growth, with airports, municipalities, and highway authorities in Europe and North America, in particular, switching to liquid potassium formate deicers as an environmentally safe, chloride-free alternative to conventional salts. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=69224407 Drilling and completion fluid application is expected to grow with the highest CAGR in terms of value in potassium formate market by application segment during the forecasted period. The drilling & completion fluid segment is expected to register the highest CAGR over the growth period of the potassium formate market due to growing energy demand globally, increased offshore and deepwater drilling activity, and tightened environmental regulations. Potassium formate brine is preferably applied in high-temperature, high-pressure (HPHT) wells due to its high density, thermal stability, and non-corrosive character, making it an ideal substance for complex drilling operations in locations like North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Arctic fields. The ongoing boom in shale gas and tight oil drilling in North America, particularly in the Permian Basin and Bakken Formation, is similarly creating demand for efficient, environment-friendly drilling fluids. The demand for potassium formate in construction industry is expected to grow with the second-highest CAGR in terms of value in potassium formate market during the forecasted period. The construction sector is anticipated to grow with the second-highest CAGR in the market for potassium formate as it is increasingly being used for deicing, cold-weather concreting, and protection of infrastructure. In areas where winter conditions are severe, including North America and Northern & Central Europe, potassium formate liquid deicers are gaining popularity as a green solution to conventional chloride-based salts that lead to corrosion and structural degradation of roads, bridges, and tunnels. Municipalities and governments in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and the U.S. are increasingly using potassium formate deicing products to meet stringent environmental and infrastructure conservation regulations. Request Customization: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=69224407 Asia Pacific region is expected to register second-highest CAGR both in terms of value and volume during forecasted period The Asia-Pacific area is estimated to grow with the second-highest CAGR in the potassium formate market owing to increasing oil & gas exploration, growing industrial use, and developing usage in agricultural activities. Countries such as China, India, Australia, and Indonesia are hugely investing in the exploration of energy, especially for deepwater drilling and unconventional wells, thus inducing demand for the use of drilling and completion fluids based on potassium formate. The Asia-Pacific oil & gas market is trending towards environmentally friendly and high-performance brines in line with local environmental regulations for minimizing formation damage and water contamination. Key players Prominent companies include Perstorp Holding AB (Sweden), Clariant (Switzerland), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (US), Eastman Chemical Company (US), Tetra Technologies Inc (US), ADDCON GmbH (Germany), Dynalene, Inc (US), Hawkins (US), American Elements (US), Hangzhou Focus Chemical Co., Ltd. (China), and among others. Get access to the latest updates on Potassium Formate Companies and Potassium Formate Market Size Browse Adjacent Market: Bulk Chemicals and Inorganics Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Heat Transfer Fluids Market - Global Forecast to 2029 Specialty Oilfield Chemicals Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Refractories Companies Aerogel Companies Commercial Refrigeration Companies About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. In addition, MarketsandMarkets SalesIQ enables sales teams to identify high-priority accounts and uncover hidden opportunities, helping them build more pipeline and win more deals with precision. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets OKLAHOMA CITY, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prism Bank is excited to announce key leadership promotions and the addition of Bryan Byers as Director of Aviation Lending, reinforcing its commitment to growth and innovation. Leadership Promotions Strengthen Prism Bank's Vision Prism Bank is pleased to recognize the achievements of two distinguished team members with recent promotions. Matthew Scantlin has been promoted to EVP, Chief Lending Officer, after serving as SVP, Director of Commercial Banking. With extensive experience in both commercial and aviation lending, Scantlin will lead the bank's lending strategies, driving growth and enhancing client relationships. Additionally, Addison Brown has been appointed EVP, Chief Financial Officer. Previously serving as Controller, Brown has played a critical role in financial management and operational efficiency. His leadership will further strengthen Prism Bank's financial strategy and support ongoing initiatives. Expanding Aviation Lending with Industry Expertise Prism Bank also welcomes Bryan Byers as its new Director of Aviation Lending. With over 25 years in aviation finance, Byers brings valuable industry knowledge and leadership. He also serves on the Board of the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA), further solidifying his influence in the sector. As part of this growth, Scantlin and Byers will represent Prism Bank at the 2025 NAFA Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL, in early April, where Byers will also be a featured speaker. This presence underscores the bank's ongoing commitment to serving the aviation sector while expanding its impact across commercial and financial industries. About Prism Bank: Prism Bank is a community-focused financial institution dedicated to serving customers across central Oklahoma. With a strong entrepreneurial culture and a commitment to relationship-driven banking, Prism Bank delivers innovative financial solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of its communities. To learn more about the organization and its services, visit prism.bank . SOURCE Prism Bank Bipartisan Majority Says House-Passed Budget Resolution Would Worsen Health Outcomes as NAMI Urges: "Protect Medicaid. Protect Mental Health." ARLINGTON, Va., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans are deeply and overwhelmingly opposed to slashing funding for Medicaid, according to new polling data released today by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Seven in ten Americans, including a majority across party lines, disagree that Medicaid funding should be cut to reduce government spending, and nearly eight in 10 (78%) believe that Medicaid saves lives by helping people access mental health care. This new data comes as Congressional leaders are debating a budget plan this week that would cause harmful cuts to lifesaving Medicaid funding. Medicaid is a lifeline for more than 72 million Americans, providing important access to health care coverage. Medicaid pays for one in four dollars spent on mental health and substance use care in this country and covers 40% of non-elderly adults with a mental health or substance use condition. Today's new research, conducted with Ipsos, highlights widespread support for Medicaid, which 84% of Americans agree is an essential program for providing health care to vulnerable populations with support high across the political spectrum. With this new data, NAMI urges members of Congress to vote against any budget resolution that would require cuts to Medicaid. "We often hear that our country is divided on nearly everythingbut this polling shows that, across party lines, Americans agree on two important priorities: protecting Medicaid and doing more to address mental health," said NAMI Chief Executive Officer Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. "We are facing a mental health crisis in our country, and the message from the American public is clear: they want our policymakers to do more, not less, to address it." This new data comes as Congress considers deep spending cuts to Medicaid. Three in five Americans (60%) believe Congress is doing too little to address the current state of mental health care up six percentage points from last June. Three in five Americans agree that Medicaid (61%) and mental health care (60%) should be high funding priorities for the federal government. Today's new NAMI-Ipsos poll also finds: Americans say Medicaid should be a priority for Congress : 87% of Americans view Medicaid as a priority for Congress to fund federally, with 60% saying it should be a high priority. Additionally, seven in 10 (71%) Americans disagree with cutting Medicaid funding to reduce government spending. : 87% of Americans view Medicaid as a priority for Congress to fund federally, with 60% saying it should be a high priority. Additionally, seven in 10 (71%) Americans disagree with cutting Medicaid funding to reduce government spending. People agree that Medicaid cuts are harmful to health outcomes : More than half of adults (52%) disagree that people with mental health conditions are getting better treatment than a year ago, and 76% are not satisfied with the state of mental health care in this country. Nearly four in five Americans (78%) say that Medicaid funding cuts would lead to worse health outcomes for low-income individuals and families. : More than half of adults (52%) disagree that people with mental health conditions are getting better treatment than a year ago, and 76% are not satisfied with the state of mental health care in this country. Nearly four in five Americans (78%) say that Medicaid funding cuts would lead to worse health outcomes for low-income individuals and families. Americans say that Medicaid should be expanded to help people access mental health care, not cut. Three in four adults (75%) agree that Medicaid should be expanded to increase access to affordable mental health care and 74% agree, including across party lines, that Medicaid expansion has helped improve access to affordable mental health care in states that implemented it. Three in four adults (75%) agree that Medicaid should be expanded to increase access to affordable mental health care and 74% agree, including across party lines, that Medicaid expansion has helped improve access to affordable mental health care in states that implemented it. People have a favorable view of Medicaid more so than of private health insurance: seven in 10 Americans (71%) have a favorable view of Medicaid, seven percentage points higher than their views on private/employer-sponsored health insurance (64%). People (78%) overwhelmingly agree that Medicaid saves lives by helping people access mental health care, and 85% support protecting federal Medicaid funding to help people access mental health care. That is a sentiment echoed by NAMI advocates, who have shared their Medicaid stories directly with their members of Congress through NAMI's "Protect Medicaid. Protect Mental Health." campaign. "Medicaid saves livessomething NAMI advocates have been sharing directly with their elected officials for months," said Gillison. "Congress should listen to their constituents and stand up for people with mental illness and their families by not advancing a budget that cuts Medicaid." One in three people with mental illness rely on Medicaid to access vital services. Cutting Medicaid funding or benefits would disproportionately harm people with mental health and substance use conditions. NAMI urges Congress not to advance any budget resolution that includes deep cuts or harmful changes to Medicaid. Learn more about NAMI's efforts to "Protect Medicaid. Protect Mental Health." at nami.org/Medicaid. This NAMI-Ipsos poll was conducted March 21 23, 2025, by Ipsos using the probability-based KnowledgePanel. This poll is based on a nationally representative probability sample of 2,049 general population adults age 18 or older. The survey has a margin of error of 2.2 percentage points. Learn more about the poll methodology here. SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Brandt Hospitality Group's Downtown Fargo Hotel Updates Branding FARGO, N.D., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson Blu Fargo debuted new exterior signage this week as part of the Radisson Blu rebrand. The property located at 201 5th St N in Fargo, North Dakota is undergoing a rebrand featuring updated logos, colors, and typefaces. The new visual identity of the Radisson Blu brand offers a refreshed personality to showcase the upscale hotel. "We are thrilled to be one of the first hotels to unveil the new Radisson Blu logo, marking an exciting new chapter for our property. This refreshed brand identity not only enhances our presence in the market but also strengthens our connection with Choice Hotels, bringing increased visibility and support. With this evolution, we anticipate driving more bookings and attracting even greater business opportunities, all while continuing to provide the exceptional service and upscale experience our guests expect," said Jess Fredette, Director of Sales. The hotel plays a historical role in the Downtown Fargo skyline and continues to grow and evolve with the city. This rebrand offers a fresh perspective for the hotel to continue building on the promise of a modern guest experience. Radisson Blu Fargo offers a range of unique dining experiences. 84 Italian Steakhouse is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the second floor of the hotel. Coffee lovers appreciate the on-site coffee shop - Corner Cup serving Caribou Coffee and fresh-made pastries. Craft cocktails and small bites are available at BLU Bar, located adjacent to 84 Italian Steakhouse. Learn more about the property's dining experiences here: https://www.choicehotels.com/north-dakota/fargo/radisson-blu-hotels/nd137/dining Radisson Blu Fargo is a part of the Choice Hotels Group family. Become a Choice Privileges member to earn rewards when you stay at a Choice Hotels property. Visit https://www.choicehotels.com/north-dakota/fargo/radisson-blu-hotels/nd137 to book your stay now. About Brandt Hospitality Group Brandt Hospitality Group is a hotel development and management company based in Fargo, North Dakota. Brandt Hospitality Group continues to build award-winning hotels from coast to coast. In 2024, Marriott awarded Brandt Hospitality Group with "Partnership Circle Award" and "Guest Service Excellence" titles. To learn more about Brandt, visit www.brandthg.com SOURCE Brandt Hospitality Group CHICAGO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following its recognition on Inc. Magazine's 2025 Regionals list as Illinois' fastest-growing construction company, Richard today unveiled its Purpose Builder program through a landmark partnership with Habitat for Humanity. As Gold Sponsor of Habitat's Home is the Key campaign, Richard will activate employee volunteers across its 17-state footprint while deepening its commitment to its Chicago hometown. The program represents up to $600,000 in community impact through financial contributions and volunteer hours in its first year. The announcement transforms Richard's decade-long commitment to purposeful construction into direct community action. "For ten years, Richard has approached every project with a fundamental question: Why?" said Jed Richard, CEO of Richard. " Today, we're answering that question with action - as community builders, every project we win, we give back." The partnership's first major initiative launches April 15 with Purpose Builder Day, where Richard employees will repair a veteran's home in the Chicagoland area. This kicks off the company's 2025 commitment of 4,000 volunteer hours. "The housing crisis affects every region of our country, from rural communities to major cities, and families continue to face significant barriers to affordable homeownership," explained Richard. "Our Habitat partnership creates a powerful multiplier effect strengthening our Chicago roots through focused local investment while empowering our teams to create impact wherever they build." The Purpose Builder program reflects Richard's core expertise and values through three strategic pillars: Community: As community builders, every project we undertake strengthens the places people call home. From veteran housing to Air Force base infrastructure, we're extending this mission through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and Boys Hope Girls Hope. These collaborations leverage our construction expertise in two powerful ways: creating affordable housing in our communities with dedicated support for veterans, while also building student residences that provide underserved youth with access to quality education. As community builders, every project we undertake strengthens the places people call home. From veteran housing to Air Force base infrastructure, we're extending this mission through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and Boys Hope Girls Hope. These collaborations leverage our construction expertise in two powerful ways: creating affordable housing in our communities with dedicated support for veterans, while also building student residences that provide underserved youth with access to quality education. Well-Being: Our extensive healthcare construction experience directly contributes to community health. Our upcoming partnership with Lurie Children's Hospital connects deeply with our employees, allowing us to support the critical infrastructure that helps children and families thrive. Our extensive healthcare construction experience directly contributes to community health. Our upcoming partnership with Lurie Children's Hospital connects deeply with our employees, allowing us to support the critical infrastructure that helps children and families thrive. Sustainability: Our forward-thinking approach ensures we build responsibly with cutting-edge solutions. From our work on EV charging infrastructure to data centers, we want to create pathways for accelerated innovation in construction. This pillar reflects our commitment to sustainable practices that are both environmentally responsible and good business. "Through Habitat for Humanity's Home is the Key campaign and our Purpose Builder program, we're working alongside other industry leaders in addressing the critical need for affordable housing," added Richard. "As our business grows, our positive impact grows with it creating lasting change in Chicago and every community where we build." About Richard Established in 2014, Richard is a nationally recognized, purpose-driven general contracting company headquartered in Chicago, IL. Founded by veteran Jed Richard, the award-winning company is known for building efficient and dynamic spaces that advance community, sustainability, and well-being nationwide. By prioritizing a people-first culture, Richard has consistently earned top industry recognition, including multi-year honors from both Inc. and Crain's Chicago Business as one of the Fastest Growing Companies and Best Places to Work. Since its founding, Richard has delivered transformative projects including patient care facilities, mission-critical data centers, electronic healthcare upgrades, governmental renovation projects, commercial buildings and water treatment centers. Founded on a mission to make an impact, Richard combines unmatched attention to speed, simplicity, and safety with deep expertise, ensuring the communities we serve can work, heal, live, and thrive better than ever before. SOURCE Richard Group SummerTide is set to debut on April 10 PALM COAST, Fla., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Richmond American Homes of Florida, LP, a subsidiary of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of SummerTide (RichmondAmerican.com/SummerTide) in Palm Coast. This inviting community showcases an impressive array of brand-new single- and two-story homes, all of which boast professionally curated fixtures and finishes (RichmondAmerican.com/Curated). Community tours (RichmondAmerican.com/SummerTideGO) The Daniel is one of four thoughtfully designed Richmond American floor plans available at SummerTide in Palm Coast, Florida. Prospective homebuyers and area agents are encouraged to visit SummerTide on Thursday, April 10, from 12 to 2 p.m. Two fully furnished models will be open for tours and complimentary refreshments will be provided. More about SummerTide: New single- & two-story homes from the upper $400s Four exceptional floor plans with open layouts Generous homesites 3 to 4 bedrooms & approx. 2,070 to 2,380 sq. ft. Designer-curated finishes & fixtures Deluxe primary bathrooms & 3-car garages available Close proximity to dining, shopping & beaches Convenient access to US-1 & I-95 SummerTide is located at 5 Ponce Preserve Drive in Palm Coast. For more information, call 904.637.8384 or visit RichmondAmerican.com. About M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1972. MDC's homebuilding subsidiaries, which operate under the name Richmond American Homes, have helped more than 250,000 homebuyers achieve the American Dream since 1977. One of the largest homebuilders in the nation, MDC is committed to quality and value that is reflected in each home its subsidiaries build. The Richmond American companies have operations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Mortgage lending, insurance and title services are offered by the following MDC subsidiaries, respectively: HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. and American Home Title and Escrow Company. SOURCE M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. ST. PAUL, Minn., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RobotLAB, a leader in robotics integration, is proud to announce the launch of RobotLAB St. Paul, expanding its footprint in the Midwest. Led by Dex Chia and Tyler Undem, this new location will provide advanced automation solutions tailored to the region's diverse industries, including hospitality, healthcare, and logistics. RobotLAB St. Paul St. Paul's thriving business community is embracing automation to enhance efficiency and address labor shortages. RobotLAB St. Paul will deploy and support a range of robotic solutions, including cleaning, delivery, and service robots, helping businesses streamline operations and improve customer experiences. With a strong local presence, RobotLAB St. Paul will provide businesses with hands-on support, customized integration services, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring seamless adoption of automation technologies. Whether helping hotels optimize guest services, assisting healthcare facilities with operational efficiency, or supporting logistics centers with smarter automation, RobotLAB is committed to delivering impactful solutions. RobotLAB's expansion into St. Paul is part of its nationwide network of 31 locations, ensuring hands-on support and seamless integration of robotics technology. The company has already successfully deployed robots in key markets across Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, with St. Paul now set to benefit from its automation solutions. St. Paul will be hosting their grand opening April 15th, and if you would like to attend, you may do so by submitting a RSVP at www.robotlab.com/stpaulgrandopening With partnerships spanning top-tier robot manufacturers and over 10,000 successful deployments worldwide, RobotLAB has earned a reputation for delivering reliable and impactful automation solutions. The company's expansion into Minneapolis aligns with its mission to be more than just a technology providerit's about building relationships and offering hands-on, localized support that ensures long-term success for businesses. RobotLAB has strategically expanded into key markets across the U.S., including Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. The addition of St. Paul location marks an important milestone in its commitment to the Midwest, an area experiencing a growing demand for AI-driven solutions in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. For updates on RobotLAB St. Paul, job opportunities, and industry trends, follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/robotlabinc. About RobotLAB Since 2007, RobotLAB has been a pioneer in robotics integration, helping businesses across hospitality, healthcare, retail, and logistics adopt automation solutions that enhance efficiency and profitability. With a growing network of locations, RobotLAB continues to bring cost-saving robotic solutions to businesses nationwide. Media Contact Berkan Dincer [email protected] Phone: 1-87-RobotLAB SOURCE RobotLAB 200 maintenance workers in Charlotte and Atlanta honored as part of new brand initiative HUNTERSVILLE, N.C., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Behind every impressive test score isn't just a caring teacher. Behind every successful procedure isn't just a skilled surgeon. These outcomes, among many others we experience in life, wouldn't be possible without a cast of unsung heroes doing the work that nobody sees yet everybody needs. This is precisely the inspiration behind "Made for Work that Matters," the new campaign from Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) that was officially unveiled last week in conjunction with a pair of Employee Appreciation Month events in Charlotte and Atlanta. The "Made for Work that Matters" campaign is inspired by the cast of unsung heroes doing that work that nobody sees yet everybody needs. The RCP team honored 200 cleaning and facility maintenance professionals from Central Piedmont Community College (ABM Industries) and Building Cleaning Solutions, Inc., surprising them with locally catered lunches and gift bags filled with items that will make their job easier. The gifts included Coleman cooler backpacks for convenient commuting, sturdy shoes for foot support, premium headphones for easy listening, Marmot apparel for on-the-job comfort, and Contigo water bottles for daily hydration (click here for photos from the events). "We're so proud of 'Made for Work that Matters' and everything that it stands for," said RCP Senior Vice President and General Manager Rob Posthauer. "At the core of our brand purpose is the incredible workforce that uses our products day in and day out, so we couldn't think of a better way to introduce this campaign than by surprising and celebrating the tireless workers who keep our facilities clean, safe, and fully operational." From heavy-duty refuse and material handling products, including BRUTE trash containers and utility carts, to a comprehensive cleaning and washroom portfolio, RCP delivers industry-leading solutions with the best, most durable materials that are made to last longer, stay stronger, clean deeper, work harder, and keep people safer. These productsand the hard-working people who put them into actionsupport vital facilities like hospitals, schools, and warehouses across the country. The "Made for Work that Matters" campaign, executed in collaboration with RCP's agency partner, MMB, can be seen across a variety of brand channels, including the company's website and social pages. To learn more, please visit www.rubbermaidcommercial.com. ABOUT RUBBERMAID COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS Headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) is a manufacturer of innovative, solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Since 1968, RCP has pioneered technologies and system solutions in the categories of waste handling, material transport, cleaning, safety, washroom, and foodservice. RCP is one of the many industry-leading brands within the Newell Brands global portfolio. More information can be found at www.rubbermaidcommercial.com or on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. SOURCE Rubbermaid Commercial Products NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sage Alliance Schools (Sage) is pleased to announce that its therapeutic, college-preparation program has been officially approved by the New York State Education Department and will open its doors in September 2025. Sage NYC is now accepting students and is ready to provide personalized educational opportunities tailored to meet the needs of students who thrive in small, supportive learning environments. The Sage NYC program is designed to serve students grades 7 12 who require a customized academic experience that fosters both academic and social-emotional growth. Students often come to Sage with challenges including anxiety, depression, social exclusion, and school avoidance, but excel academically. With a strong emphasis on individualized instruction, Sage combines rigorous, college-focused academics with therapeutic support to help students achieve their full potential. "We are thrilled to bring Sage Alliance Schools to New York and provide families with an option that prioritizes individualized support and student success," said Dr. Ryan Plosker, Senior Vice President, New Story. "With nearly 30 years of services in New Jersey, our expansion to New York reflects our commitment to offering high-quality, personalized education to students who may need a more tailored approach to thrive." About Sage NYC In the heart of Manhattan, the school includes 13 classrooms, a gymnasium, student lounge and cafeteria, counseling offices, among other amenities. Specifically, Sage NYC provides: Small class sizes to provide individualized attention. Highly trained educators focused on academic and social-emotional development. A college-preparation focus includes honors level courses in core curriculum areas and guided postsecondary planning. A nurturing environment with integrated therapeutic support, where students feel supported, engaged, and empowered to succeed . Collaborative partnerships with families to create customized learning plans. Open Houses Sage NYC is hosting two open houses and invites families, educational advocates, special education attorneys, community groups, and anyone interested in learning more about the school and programming to join. Open House Option 1 Date: April 22, 2025 Time: 7 8 p.m. ET Location: Virtual via Webinar RSVP: https://info.sagealliance.com/nyc-open-house Open House Option 2 Date: April 24, 2025 Time: 9 a.m. 1 p.m. (We encourage attendees to join on the hour) Location: 40 E 30th Street, New York, NY 10016 (Floor 5) RVSP: https://info.sagealliance.com/nyc-open-house Enrollment Open for 2025-2026 Sage NYC is accepting students for the 2025-2026 school year and offers rolling admissions to meet the unique needs of families and students seeking placement. For families interested in learning more or exploring enrollment opportunities, please contact Sage NYC at [email protected]. More information about the program can also be found at sagealliance.com. About Sage Alliance Schools Sage Alliance Schools provides personalized educational experiences designed for students who benefit from smaller, supportive learning environments in New Jersey and New York. Through a combination of rigorous academics, a college-prep focus, social-emotional learning, and individualized support, Sage empowers students to grow, achieve, and thrive. About New Story At New Story, we believe in the incredible potential of each child and young adult. Our education and therapeutic programs are designed to meet the needs of each child to promote their achievement, growth, and development. We offer a comprehensive spectrum of support for children and young adults with special needs, drawing from the diverse histories, legacies, expertise, and methodologies of our network of companies. Together, we empower children and young adults to reach their highest potential. SOURCE Sage Alliance Schools DALLAS, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Senske Family of Companies (SFC), a leading provider of lawn and pest control services across North America, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Huron Pest Control, a trusted name in pest management serving Ontario. As part of this transition, Huron Pest Control will now operate under Mosquito Buzz, Senske's premier Canada brand specializing in mosquito and tick control. Huron Pest Control has built a strong reputation for delivering effective, customer-focused pest management solutions. By joining Mosquito Buzz, customers will continue to receive the same great service from the team they know and trust, now backed by the expanded resources, technology, and expertise of a top-tier national brand. "Expanding our presence in Canada through Huron Pest Control strengthens our ability to provide exceptional, environmentally responsible pest control services," said Casey Taylor, CEO of Senske Family of Companies. "Mosquito Buzz is known for its innovative solutions and outstanding customer care, and we're excited to bring these benefits to Huron's loyal customers while maintaining the trusted service they expect." This acquisition reinforces Senske Family of Companies' commitment to growth in key markets while maintaining its core values of exceptional service and customer satisfaction. Huron Pest Control customers can expect a seamless transition, with uninterrupted service and access to Mosquito Buzz's industry-leading mosquito and tick control programs. About Senske Family of Companies: Since securing investments from the private equity firm GTCR, the Senske Family of Companies has completed nineteen acquisitions. Senske serves customers in sixteen U.S. states as well as Canada and remains committed to its international expansion strategy by actively seeking partnerships with distinguished home services companies. More on Senske's M&A process can be found at www.senske.com/why-senske/mergers-and-acquisitions/. SOURCE Senske Family of Companies HOUSTON, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sewa International USA has launched immediate relief operations following the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by a powerful 6.4 magnitude aftershock that struck Southeast Asia on March 28. As a leading global humanitarian organization, Sewa has activated its emergency response teams to provide critical aid to devastated communities in Thailand. A building collapsed due to the recent earthquake. The first Sewa shipment of medicine left the port at Vishakhapatanam, India, on March 30. The earthquake has claimed over 2,700 lives and left thousands injured amid widespread destruction across Thailand, Laos, and parts of southern China. In Bangkok, Thailand, rescuers are trying to save over 70 people trapped under the rubble of a collapsed 30-story building. In Laos, remote villages have been cut off from aid due to damaged infrastructure, while southern China has reported significant damage to buildings and roadways. Survivors across the region face acute shortages of shelter, food, and medical care. Sewa International's teams are working alongside local partners to address these urgent needs. Sewa Relief for the Earthquake Victims "Our global emergency response network allows us to deliver immediate relief to disaster victims worldwide," said Swadesh Katoch, Vice President of Disaster Relief at Sewa International. "We've already dispatched essential medical supplies to the region and are coordinating the delivery of 1,000 sleeping bags and additional relief materials. The scale of this disaster requires a sustained response, and Sewa is committed to supporting survivors through immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts." Sewa International USA is a humanitarian nonprofit organization that has responded to 25 major disasters worldwide since 2003. With 46 chapters across the United States and global partnerships in more than 30 countries, Sewa delivers aid regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization has earned a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is known for its efficiency in channeling over 90% of donations directly into program services. Through its disaster relief, education, and development programs, Sewa has impacted over 2.5 million lives globally, embodying its guiding principle: "service to humanity is service to the divine." To support Thailand in this time of need, please find the donation links below: Website - https://sewausa.org/ThailandEarthquakeRelief Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/1EoyKPYahP/ About Sewa International Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 46 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. Contact: Vidyasagar Thontalapur 7205269939 [email protected] SOURCE Sewa International Accelerating Global Energy Transition Through Innovations in Clean Energy and Smart Infrastructure HANNOVER, Germany, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At Hannover Messe 2025, Shanghai Electric ("the Company", SEHK:2727, SSE:601727) announced the signing of strategic cooperation agreements totaling CNY 3.637 billion with enterprises from more than 10 countries, including Germany, the U.K., France, Egypt, and Zambia. These collaborations focus on advancing technological breakthroughs and industrial applications across three core themes: green and low-carbon solutions, smart infrastructure, and high-end manufacturing, with an emphasis on wind power, photovoltaics, energy storage, aerospace manufacturing, and industrial components. Shanghai Electric Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreements Worth Over CNY 3.637 Billion at Hannover Messe 2025 "Shanghai Electric is transitioning from a traditional manufacturing enterprise to a provider of green intelligent systems. These agreements reflect a shared vision of complementary strengths and integrated innovation between global partners. This evolution in collaboration underscores our collective resolve to address the challenges of the global green transition," said Wang Deyuan, Managing Director Assistant at Shanghai Electric Group. Showcasing Breakthrough Innovations At the exhibition, Shanghai Electric unveiled over 20 cutting-edge technologies, including automation solutions for the aerospace sector, new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing systems, and zero-carbon industrial park solutions. Three flagship products stole the spotlight: The " Thinker" Smart PV Module : A next-generation photovoltaic solution integrated with real time AI-driven optimization for maximum energy yield. : A next-generation photovoltaic solution integrated with real time AI-driven optimization for maximum energy yield. Next-Gen Hydrogen Cubic-Level Type-I Electrolyzer : Based on independently developed high-performance composite membrane technology, it can achieve technological advantages such as high hydrogen production, high energy efficiency, and easy operation and maintenance; : Based on independently developed high-performance composite membrane technology, it can achieve technological advantages such as high hydrogen production, high energy efficiency, and easy operation and maintenance; 50 Nm/h Seawater/Wastewater-to-Hydrogen System: Innovative development of electrolysis hydrogen production technology suitable for direct coupling of seawater/wastewater, which can achieve high-efficiency and high tolerance electrolysis hydrogen production capacity under different water qualities, and all indicators have reached the leading level in China . Aerospace Automation Excellence Through its subsidiary BROETJE Automation, a global leader in complex assembly systems, Shanghai Electric introduced the revolutionary "Snowflake" Mobile Robotic Platform. This system combines high-flexibility industrial robots with autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), enabling dynamic resource allocation, heavy-load precision handling, and seamless manual/automatic control switching. The platform addresses critical industry challenges such as labor shortages, supply chain volatility, and demand for flexible production paradigms. Driving the NEV Revolution Shanghai Electric's NEV solutions span the entire lithium battery lifecycle, from cell production to module/pack assembly. Highlights include: A 900V DC high-voltage industrial air compressor with ultra-wide operating ranges and reliability. with ultra-wide operating ranges and reliability. Modular thermal management systems using R290 (propane) refrigerant , prioritizing sustainability and efficiency. , prioritizing sustainability and efficiency. Two high-efficiency variable-frequency compressors tailored for recreational vehicle applications. Zero-Carbon Industrial Ecosystems The Company's "Full-Stack" Zero-Carbon Park Solution integrates wind, solar, hydrogen, smart motors, and AI algorithms to deliver comprehensive decarbonization for industrial hubs. Successfully deployed in multiple landmark projects, this system showcases Shanghai Electric's expertise in end-to-end sustainability solutions. About Shanghai Electric Shanghai Electric (SEHK: 02727, SSE:601727) is a global leader in high-end equipment manufacturing, energy equipment, and industrial integration services. With a legacy of innovation spanning over a century, the Company is committed to advancing sustainable development through intelligent and green technologies. For more information: https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/. SOURCE Shanghai Electric In todays digital age, it is essential for businesses to stay informed about what is being said about their brand online. NoLimit is a powerful digital conversation monitoring platform that can help businesses improve their strategy, understand their audience, and detect potential crises early on. Trusted by over 1000 brands, organizations, and agencies, NoLimit offers a range of features that can empower businesses to make data-driven decisions and stay ahead of their competitors. Features NoLimit Dashboard: Beyond social listening and monitoring, the NoLimit Dashboard transforms insights into real business intelligence with a multi-dimensional dashboard. From content analysis to campaign optimization to a full insight of your competitors, this dashboard provides valuable information to help businesses make informed decisions. 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NoLimit is suitable for a wide range of industries and sectors, including enterprises looking to create data-driven strategies, small and medium businesses aiming to engage a wider audience, government agencies monitoring public opinion, local governments striving to build public trust, and political entities leveraging social media data for voter and competitor insights. NoLimit is designed to help businesses understand their data and metrics, enabling them to make the right decisions for business transformation. Whether you are looking to monitor public perception, analyze competitor brands, or optimize social media strategies, NoLimit provides the tools and insights needed to stay ahead in todays competitive business landscape. Pricing Nolimit offers three pricing plans starting at $84/month for Starter, $168/month for Lite (30% off), and $420/month for Advanced (50% off) with features like content analysis, campaign optimization, and community tracking. Additional items like social profiles and hashtags/keywords can be added for extra cost. Visit nolimit.id for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. SPRINGVILLE, Utah, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sisel International, a leader in science-based nutrition and wellness, has announced a strategic partnership with Gazpro Foundation to expand global nutrition efforts. This collaboration will focus on enhancing malnutrition relief through the SiselNUTRIFY program, which provides fortified meals to undernourished children worldwide. Sisel International Joins Forces with Gazpro Foundation Sisel International, founded by industry visionaries Thomas Mower Sr. and Tom Mower Jr., has long been committed to developing high-quality, nutrient-dense supplements that support overall health and well-being. Through the SiselNUTRIFY initiative, the company has actively contributed to malnutrition relief efforts by delivering essential nutrients to those in need. Gazpro Foundation, a logistics and distribution company with a strong global presence, will play an important role in improving the accessibility and reach of SiselNUTRIFY's nutritional meal supplement. By leveraging Gazpro Foundation's extensive network, this partnership aims to ensure that essential nutrition reaches communities struggling with food insecurity and malnutrition. "We are thrilled to announce our Gazpro Foundation partnership in our ongoing mission to combat malnutrition," said Sisel International CEO Tom Mower Jr. "This collaboration aligns with our commitment to providing science-driven nutrition solutions that make a real difference in people's lives. Through this partnership, we can expand our efforts and positively impact even more communities around the world." The SiselNUTRIFY program is designed to address the growing need for comprehensive nutritional support, particularly in areas where access to essential vitamins and minerals is limited. By providing nutrient-rich meals, Sisel International aims to improve the overall well-being of individuals affected by malnutrition, supporting long-term health outcomes. Gazpro Foundation's role in the partnership will enhance the efficiency and reach of SiselNUTRIFY's distribution model. With the company's knowledge in global logistics and supply chain management, Gazpro Foundation will help streamline the delivery of fortified meals, ensuring that they reach underserved populations in a timely and effective manner. This Gazpro Foundation partnership underscores Sisel International's ongoing commitment to addressing global nutrition challenges and advancing its humanitarian efforts. By working together, Sisel International and Gazpro Foundation are poised to make a lasting impact on malnutrition relief initiatives worldwide. For more information about SiselNUTRIFY and how to support the program, visit Sisel International's website. About Sisel International Sisel International is a global leader in science-based health and wellness products, dedicated to providing innovative, toxin-free supplements and personal care solutions. Founded by Thomas Mower, Sisel International emphasizes cutting-edge research and high-quality ingredients to promote optimal well-being. The company is committed to improving lives through advanced nutrition and is actively involved in humanitarian efforts, including the SiselNUTRIFY program, which provides vital nutrients to undernourished communities worldwide. For more information, visit Sisel International. Media Team Marketing Manager Sisel International [email protected] "This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com." SOURCE Sisel International PHILADELPHIA, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stern & Cohen, The Workers' Compensation Lawyers, is proud to announce a significant legal victory that underscores the firm's relentless pursuit of justice for injured workers. Founding Partner David Stern recently secured a $2.25 million settlement for a client who suffered a catastrophic injury in a work-related motor vehicle accidentan extraordinary result in the field of Pennsylvania workers' compensation. This settlement is not only life-changing for the injured worker, but it also represents one of the largest known workers' compensation settlements in Pennsylvania in recent years. Given the inherent limitations of the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act, which typically only provides wage loss benefits and coverage for medical treatment, recoveries of this size are exceptionally rare. "Our mission has always been to fight for the maximum recovery possible for every client," said Attorney David Stern. "This case exemplifies what we strive to do every daydeliver results that truly make a difference in our clients' lives. I'm proud of the outcome and even more proud to have helped someone secure the support they need after such a devastating injury." The client, a professional driver, was left permanently paralyzed and faces lifelong limitations as a result of the catastrophic accident. Through multiple rounds of successful litigation, Stern strategically positioned the case to maximize the recovery. This significant settlement ensures the client's long-term financial security and ongoing medical care. This standout result reaffirms Stern & Cohen's reputation as a leader in workers' compensation law across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. With a proven track record of success and a client-first approach, the firm continues to set a high standard for advocacy in this space. "This case is a testament to the power of experienced, passionate legal representation," Stern added. "At Stern & Cohen, we don't just settle, we fight to win." About Stern & Cohen Stern & Cohen is a premier workers' compensation law firm based in Philadelphia, proudly representing injured workers throughout Pennsylvania. With decades of experience and a dedicated team of legal professionals, the firm is committed to obtaining life-changing results for those hurt on the job. Website: www.sterncohenlaw.com SOURCE Stern & Cohen P.C. BEIJING, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily: U.S. carmaker Tesla's new Megafactory in Shanghai, a sprawling 200,000-square-meter facility, launched production this February, marking a significant milestone in China-U.S. investment cooperation. Built in just over eight months, the factory is set to produce 10,000 energy storage battery units annually, adding roughly 40 gigawatt-hours of storage capacity. The project, expected to boost Tesla's global energy storage output by over 50 percent from last year, highlights what some see as a model of the synergistic "Shanghai speed" meeting "Tesla speed." Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979, two-way investment between China and the U.S. has grown exponentially - from near zero to $260 billion, while bilateral trade has ballooned from under $2.5 billion to over $680 billion. More than 70,000 U.S. companies have invested and operated in China, with exports to the Chinese market supporting 930,000 American jobs. At the same time, more than 7,000 Chinese enterprises have invested over $140 billion in the U.S., creating over 1 million American jobs. A notable testament to this interdependency is China's Fuyao Group. In 2014, the company inaugurated the world's largest automotive glass production facility in Ohio. The facility has since become an essential part of the U.S. auto supply chain - a crucial engine for local employment and economic growth. China offers vast investment and development opportunities for global businesses, including American firms. A report by the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) released in January revealed that 48 percent of surveyed U.S. firms ranked China among their top three global investment destinations, and 53 percent planned to increase their investment in the country this year. Alvin Liu, chair of AmCam China, underscored the enduring importance of China as both a crucial consumer market for American companies and a critical contributor to global innovation and supply chains. This sentiment is echoed by many U.S. businesses, who maintain that disengagement from China is not a viable commercial strategy. They argue that the country offers an unparalleled industrial ecosystem, an improving business environment, stable foreign investment policies, and a highly skilled workforce. Sean Stein, president of the U.S.-China Business Council, noted that China has grown into the world's second-largest consumer market, offering significant opportunities for global companies. With China's economy continuing to recover and global investors reaffirming their confidence, many view investment in China as an investment in the future. At the same time, Chinese investment in the U.S. has helped drive innovation, job creation and industrial growth. SOURCE People's Daily Winners of the College Debt Payoff Program Announced MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Study.com, provider of an award-winning online platform for K-12 curriculum, college courses and test preparation, is paying off student loan debt for four lucky winners of its recent College Debt Payoff Program. Since January, current and former students have shared stories of overcoming obstacles and balancing school with other life obligations on the path to furthering their education. Study.com will pay off the student loan debt* of these four individuals as part of its ongoing commitment of providing access to the life-changing impact of education. Alexis McKinnie from Grand Ridge, Ill. Alexis is a recent graduate from Purdue University Global with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Anthony Villanueva from Sacramento, Calif. Anthony earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Thomas Edison State University and continued to earn a master's in social work from Western New Mexico University . Jeanette Hardman from Springville, Calif. Chemistry teacher, Jeanette Hardman used Study.com to take the graduate education degree exams as well as to pass her teacher certification exam. Sadie Hill from Houston, Texas Sadie recently earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Colorado Christian University and is continuing her education to become an Osteopathic Doctor specializing in Neurology at Sam Houston State University . "We firmly believe that education is the bridge to upward mobility, especially among first-generation college students," said Dana Bryson, SVP of Social Impact, Study.com. "Our courses are designed to build confidence in learners while making their education journey more affordable. In fact, since we introduced our College Saver program offering 220 flexible online courses, we've helped to save students more than $475 million in tuition costs." For more information about the winners and to watch their videos, please visit https://study.com/blog/study-com-relieves-college-loan-debt-for-four-students.html. About Study.com Study.com opens the door to the life-changing impact of education for more than 34 million learners and educators a month through its award-winning online learning platform for K12 curriculum, college courses and test preparation. With learners and educators in more than 11,000 school districts nationwide, Study.com is recognized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for meeting Level IV evidence standards. Headquartered in Mountain View, CA, Study.com has been honored as one of the world's most innovative companies by Fast Company and included in the GSV150, celebrating the world's most transformative private companies in education, for the last four consecutive years. The company has donated $29 million across social impact programs committed to increasing educational equity. These programs include Working Scholars, an accelerated pathway for working adults to earn a debt-free bachelor's degree; College Saver, which has saved students more than $475 million in tuition costs, and Keys to the Classroom, which seeks to help aspiring educators prepare for and pass their teacher certification exams. *Study.com will pay up to $10,000 directly to the respective student loan servicer on behalf of each winner. SOURCE Study.com DALLAS, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) ("SUN" or the "Partnership") announced that it will release its first quarter 2025 financial and operating results before the market opens on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Management will hold a conference call that same day at 9:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time) to discuss SUN's results. By Phone: Dial 877-407-6184 (toll free) or 201-389-0877 at least 10 minutes before the call. A replay will be available through May 13, 2025 by dialing 877-660-6853 (toll free) or 201-612-7415 and using the conference ID 13752786. By Webcast: Connect to the webcast via the Webcasts and Presentations page of SUN's Investor Relations website at http://www.sunocolp.com. Please log in at least 10 minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software. A replay will be available shortly after the call. About Sunoco LP Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) is a leading energy infrastructure and fuel distribution master limited partnership operating in over 40 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Europe, and Mexico. The Partnership's midstream operations include an extensive network of approximately 14,000 miles of pipeline and over 100 terminals. This critical infrastructure complements the Partnership's fuel distribution operations, which serve approximately 7,400 Sunoco and partner branded locations and additional independent dealers and commercial customers. SUN's general partner is owned by Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET). Contacts Scott Grischow Treasurer, Senior Vice President Finance (214) 840-5660 [email protected] Erik Gulbrandsen Director Investor Relations and Capital Markets (214) 840-5684 [email protected] SOURCE Sunoco LP GREENVILLE, N.C., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Superior Fence & Rail is proud to announce that its Eastern North Carolina franchise, owned and operated by Billy and Kellie Casey, has been awarded the prestigious Franchise of the Year award. This accolade recognizes their outstanding performance, commitment to quality, and exceptional customer service in the fencing industry. 2024 Franchise of the Year award recipients Billy and Kellie Casey, presented by Zach Peyton, Superior Fence & Rail brand president, during February's annual conference in Austin, TX. Since its establishment, Superior Fence & Rail of Eastern North Carolina has consistently delivered top tier fencing solutions to residential and commercial clients. Their dedication to superior craftsmanship and customer satisfaction has set a benchmark in the region. "Winning this award is an incredible honor for us and our team," said Billy Casey, owner of Superior Fence & Rail of Eastern NC. "We take great pride in serving our community with the highest-quality fencing solutions, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to excellence." Kellie Casey, co-owner, added, "Our success is built on strong relationships with our customers, our team, and our community. We are so grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service." Superior Fence & Rail President Zach Peyton also praised the Eastern North Carolina team. "We are thrilled to honor our Eastern North Carolina franchise with this award," Peyton said. "Their unwavering commitment to our core values and their community has been exemplary. Billy, Kellie, and their team truly embody what it means to be a Superior Fence & Rail franchisee." Superior Fence & Rail is known for delivering high-quality, durable fencing solutions that enhance security and curb appeal. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, expert craftsmanship, and innovative design, the company offers a wide range of customizable fencing options, including vinyl, wood, aluminum, and chain link. As a locally owned and operated business, the Eastern North Carolina franchise is committed to providing reliable service, competitive pricing, and long-lasting products to homeowners and businesses alike. About Superior Fence & Rail Superior Fence & Rail is North America's leading fence franchise and is part of the Empower Brands family of franchises. Now active in 36 states and over 100 locations, Superior Fence & Rail is committed to providing first class service and quality fence products. Learn more about Superior Fence & Rail at superiorfenceandrail.com or fencefranchise.superiorfenceandrail.com. Contact: Kellie Casey, [email protected] SOURCE Superior Fence and Rail of Eastern NC COLUMBUS, Ohio and BUFFALO, N.Y., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The American Welding Program (AWP), through its parent organizations, the CWB Group and EWI, is pleased to announce the integration of Weld.com into its corporate network. Weld.com is a prominent online hub specializing in a range of informative and engaging resources for the industry's community. The AWP is an educational platform jointly delivered by U.S.-based EWI and the CWB Group. By combining EWI's engineering expertise with CWB's history in developing trusted training resources, the AWP provides top-tier instructional content to welding professionals across all levels of the trade in the United States. Weld.com has an established online presence through its digital app, instructional videos, articles, and the community it has created within the welding industry. Its approach to education and engagement is well-aligned with the strategic direction of AWP within the U.S. market. The addition of Weld.com's platform provides an opportunity for our entire network to expand its engagement and reach within the U.S. welding and joining community, and into other related markets. "Weld.com has a strong following of passionate welding professionals in the United States and we are excited to have them join us. Through our strategic partnerships, we will leverage the Weld.com platform so they can continue doing what they do best engaging with the welder community through inspiring and educational content," says Douglas Luciani, President and CEO of CWB Group. Henry Cialone, President and CEO of EWI added, "EWI is committed to advancing innovation in the wide range of industries we serve and by integrating Weld.com under our broader umbrella, we can deepen connections throughout the industry and allow all of our organizations to reach new audiences." "We are excited to be joining the organizations affiliated with the American Welding Program and see this move as a natural extension of the amazing community we've fostered for all these years. Through this partnership, we are looking forward to taking the Weld.com platform to a whole new level of engagement with the welding industry," says Austin Hargett, Host Manager at Weld.com. This strategic investment in Weld.com enhances the ability of the AWP network to further support welding professionals, educators and students, and drive industry excellence in the United States and beyond. About the American Welding Program: The American Welding Program (AWP) is an innovative provider of welding education and training resources across the United States. Offering expert-led courses, flexible online learning, and custom workforce solutions, AWP is dedicated to advancing the welding profession by equipping individuals and businesses with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive industry. For more information on how the American Welding Program can advance your career or business, visit our website at www.americanweldingprogam.org. About CWB Group: The CWB Group is an industry-supported private sector organization providing welding certification, management systems registration and training services to over 10,000 companies in over 60 countries globally. Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, with staff and offices across the country and around the world, CWB is recognized as one of the largest and most innovative welding organizations in the world. For more information, please visit: https://www.cwbgroup.org/ About EWI: EWI (previously known as Edison Welding Institute) is a not-for-profit engineering and technology organisation dedicated to developing, testing, and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies for industry. Headquartered in Ohio in the US, EWI has a team of over 150 people, offering applied research, manufacturing support, and strategic services to leading manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, government, heavy manufacturing, medical and electronics sectors. For more information, please visit: https://ewi.org/ In 2022, EWI, of Columbus, Ohio, and CWB Group, of Milton, Ontario, announced a strategic alliance to serve and promote materials joining and allied technology services (MJATS) in Canada, the United States, and beyond. Unified in their mission, CWB, EWI, and the CWB Foundation work to advance workforce development, champion public safety, and deliver innovative and meaningful solutions that contribute to a strong economy and a better world. About Weld.com: Weld.com is a tight-knit team with a big passion for welding. Our mission is to highlight the incredible welding community. We cover everything, from teaching the trade to sharing tips and video training for passing your AWS certifications. We are committed to educating, entertaining, and expanding our wonderful global welding community! SOURCE American Welding Program LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Heist, a Thinkingbox company known for pushing the boundaries of brand storytelling through animation, motion, and live-action, today announced a significant expansion with key creative and production hires from The Mill. The move includes the opening of a new Chicago office to support the continued growth of The Heist and its parent company, Thinkingbox. Leading the expansion is Patrick Coleman, who joins The Heist as Executive Creative Director. Patrick brings an award-winning portfolio and a team of long-time collaborators from The Mill, marking one of the most significant team transitions in the design and animation space in recent years. He will oversee creative operations across North America, with a primary base in Chicago. "I'm beyond excited to join the Heist family," said Coleman. "It's an incredible opportunity to bring along so many talented friends to strengthen an already thriving studio and help elevate it even further. The creativity, warmth, and 'can-do' attitude truly resonate with meI'm thrilled to see what we do together!" Also joining from The Mill are Blake Nickle, now Director of Production, Chicago, and Jason Esser, Creative Director at Thinkingbox. Their combined experience strengthens both Thinkingbox and The Heist's ability to deliver world-class content across experiential marketing, design, and animation. Justin Inman also joins Thinkingbox as SVP of Business Development, bringing his team along. With nearly a decade at Google and recent leadership in direct-to-client growth at The Mill, Justin will play a key role in expanding client partnerships and integrated creative offerings. The addition of this talent deepens the creative and production capabilities across all Thinkingbox studios in Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City, Vancouver, Toronto, Mexico City, and now Chicago. "In an era of transformation, talent remains the driving force behind innovation," said Amir Sahba, CEO of Thinkingbox. "Bringing in Patrick and his team of designers and animators represents more than just growth. It's a bold investment in the future of storytelling. Their combined experience and creative leadership raise the bar for what's possible across our studios and our clients." "The recent news of Technicolor's bankruptcy was a shock to many in the industry. We have deep respect for The Mill's legacy and the incredible talent that has shaped it. Our goal is to provide a new home at both Heist and Thinkingboxensuring their craft continues to thrive in an environment that values artistry, innovation, and collaboration." Thinkingbox is currently in active discussions with additional former Mill talent across North America and Europe and expects to share more updates soon. Contact Point: Justin Inman; SVP, Global New Business Development [email protected] 949-701-0093 ABOUT THE HEIST The Heist is a creative studio specializing in animation, motion design, and live-action storytelling. As part of the Thinkingbox family, The Heist blends craft and technology to create emotionally resonant brand content across digital, experiential, and broadcast platforms. https://www.theheist.com/ ABOUT THINKINGBOX Thinkingbox is a creative and technology company offering end-to-end services across experiential, digital, content, and design. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, Toronto, Salt Lake City, Mexico City, and now Chicago, Thinkingbox partners with brands to create standout campaigns fueled by creativity, innovation, and craft. www.thinkingbox.com SOURCE Thinkingbox Honor Recognizes Success of Emerus' Partnership with The Hospitals of Providence And a Shared Commitment to Quality, Compliance and Patient Safety HOUSTON, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hospitals of Providence is excited to announce that two of its small-format acute care facilities, in partnership with Emerus, have earned COLA's highest honor for laboratory safety and excellence, while also receiving no formal patient complaints. The honor means the Montwood Emergency Department and The Hospitals of ProvidenceHorizon City Campus in El Paso, Texas, have met all the criteria for Laboratory Accreditation by COLA Inc., a leading national laboratory accreditor. COLA's program and standards enable clinical laboratories and staff to meet United States Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) and other regulatory requirements. The facilities received this distinction for their teams', "focus on compliance to lab policies and the commitment to do the right thing for our patients," said Vanessa Smith, Chief Operating Officer for Emerus. Through a mentoring approach using education to improve quality and patient safety, accreditation is given to laboratories that apply the highest standards of quality in day-to-day operations, demonstrate continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing, and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey. In addition, "award recipients must have demonstrated successful proficiency testing for the prior three testing events and have no substantiated complaints against the laboratory," Smith said. Through its joint venture with Emerus, The Hospitals of Providence opened the Horizon City Campus in 2017 and the Montwood Emergency Department in 2019. ABOUT EMERUS Emerus is the nation's first, largest and most experienced operator of small-format, neighborhood hospitals. Emerus partners with leading health systems to provide an innovative health care delivery model through value-based, capital-efficient hospitals. The Emerus network brings patient-centric acute episodic, inpatient and ambulatory clinical services to communities nationwide. Our hospitals and healthcare facilities help patients by positioning best-in-class provider services in the communities where they live, work and play. More information is available at www.emerus.com ABOUT THE HOSPITALS OF PROVIDENCE With state-of-the-art facilities, world-class services and a deep and abiding commitment to the greater El Paso region, The Hospitals of Providence has been faithfully serving our community since 1902. Generations of families have chosen our hospitals.We serve as a steward of health in the El Paso community. Committed to providing the care you need, when you need it. Today, The Hospitals of Providence are comprised of our region's most trusted hospitals, each dedicated to meeting your family's specific healthcare needs. CONTACT: Richard Bonnin at 281-840-9820 [email protected] SOURCE Emerus; The Hospitals of Providence TORONTO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The Kat Florence Lumina, a flawless 181.61-carat Paraiba tourmaline, is completing its global debut tour with final exhibitions across Asia before making its way to Bonhams Hong Kong, where it will be auctioned on May 22. Discovered in 2003 by gem hunter Don Kogen during a routine expedition through the Mavuco district of Mozambique's Nampula province, the original crystal weighed an astounding 830 carats. Recognizing its extraordinary potential, Kogen estimated that a clean 300-carat stone could be achieved, an ambitious yield by any standard. The Kat Florence Lumina (CNW Group/Kat Florence) The Kat Florence Lumina (CNW Group/Kat Florence) Years later, in 2009, Guinness World Records recognized the 191.87-carat Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba as the largest Paraiba tourmaline ever recorded. That gem was valued between $25 million and $125 million and became the benchmark for rarity and prestige. In 2025, with the original crystal still uncut, Don's wife, world-renowned jewelry designer Kat Florence encouraged him to revisit the stone. The initial result was a 315-carat gemstone, remarkable in size but compromised in brilliance. Like many Paraibas over 100 carats, it displayed "windowing," a flatness that dulls fire and life at the center of the gem. Kat, never one to compromise on perfection, envisioned more. After thoughtful deliberation and months of precision work by Kat Florence's elite cutting team, the stone was reimagined and reborn as The Kat Florence Lumina; a perfectly proportioned, flawless, 181.61-carat Paraiba. It is now the largest known Paraiba tourmaline of its kind: unheated, vividly saturated, and masterfully cut to ignite brilliance from every angle. Certified by Bellerophon, AGL, and Gubelin Gem Lab, The Kat Florence Lumina holds global recognition for its rarity, uniting size, color, clarity, and cut in a way never before seen in the world of Paraiba tourmalines. The stone is currently completing its final tour, with exhibitions in: Taipei | April 1113 | April 1113 Singapore | May 1011 | May 1011 Hong Kong | May 1721 On May 22, The Kat Florence Lumina will go under the hammer at Bonhams Hong Kong, offering collectors and connoisseurs a rare opportunity to own a true masterpiece. www.katflorence.com www.bonhams.com About Kat Florence is a globally celebrated jewelry house known for its uncompromising craftsmanship and dedication to the rarest, most exceptional gemstones on Earth. SOURCE Kat Florence Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched a new solution that will allow companies, especially small businesses, to work smarter. Amazon Q Business, an AI-driven generative assistant, is now generally available in the AWS Asia Pacific (Sydney) Region. It is designed to make it easier for employees to access company information, receive quick answers, generate content, and make better decisions. Key Features: Get instant, accurate answers from various types of data such as documents, images, audio, video, and beyond. Build light applications to automate tasks and make things easier. Speed up intensive tasks across systems with AI-driven automation. Seamlessly integrates with popular applications like Microsoft 365, Slack, and Amazon QuickSight. Secures data with administrative controls and role-based permissions. For SMEs, Amazon Q Business guarantees substantial time savings. Report generation, which previously took two weeks, is now done in two days. Preparation time for quotes is reduced by half, enabling businesses to close 25% more deals. By automating repetitive tasks, employees can concentrate on more critical work, ultimately leading to productivity and growth. Amazon Q Business seamlessly integrates with over 40 popular systems such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Amazon S3, making it easy to pull information from multiple systems into one place. It offers permission-based, secure access with full citations for all findings for transparency and data integrity. This launch is part of AWSs ongoing $22.3 billion investment in Australias digital economy, helping businesses of all shapes and sizes become more efficient, compete on an even footing, and expand without going broke. With Amazon Q Business, SMEs finally have a powerful tool to level the playing field with larger competitors. We are empowering Australian customers and partners across all industries to transform their operations through generative AI and Amazon Q Business, said Nam Je Cho, Director of Solutions Architecture at AWS Australia and New Zealand. Amazon Q Business represents a fundamental shift in workplace productivity, providing secure, comprehensive answers with citations and intelligent document summarisation. Teams can now access and analyse information faster than ever before, enabling data-driven decisions that drive business value. From streamlining customer service to accelerating research and development, Amazon Q Business helps organisations optimise their processes while maintaining enterprise-grade security. Amazon Q Business is already optimising productivity in the workplace, from financial institutions streamlining risk assessment documentation, to healthcare providers accelerating patient care coordination, to HR teams helping employees more easily navigate their benefit programs. For example, Amazon Q Business is also helping employees across Amazon work more efficiently, including generating more than 100,000 account summaries for the AWS Sales team, and reducing the time developers spend churning on technical investigations by more than 450,000 hours. This includes customers and partners in Australia like Arcanum AI and Ingram Micro. Implementing enterprise-grade generative AI may seem out of reach for small and medium-sized businesses. Weve transformed this perception by helping companies across manufacturing, construction, and professional services modernise their operations with Amazon Q Business. Its ability to automate manual processes while maintaining security and compliance delivers significant productivity gains and often saving hours of manual work daily. Customers are growing twice as fast without adding headcount, cutting quote times in half to win 25% more deals, and reducing report generation from two weeks to just two days. Our remote deployment model ensures quick implementation, and as we expand our industry connectors and AI assistant libraries, were positioned to help even more businesses transform their operations through accessible, practical generative AI solutions, said Asa Cox, Arcanum AI CEO. As a global technology distributor and solutions aggregator, Ingram Micro is excited to bring Amazon Q Business to our vast network of partners in Australia and New Zealand. We believe that AI-powered apps and solutions can enable our channel partners to boost their operational efficiency and deliver enhanced value to their customers. Amazon Q Business has potential to help our partners streamline their workflows, improve decision-making processes, and reduce time spent on routine tasks. With Amazon Q Business AI apps our partners will be able to create customised solutions which in turn may help them address specific business challenges and scale their operations effectively. As organisations continue to embrace AI-driven digital transformation, Ingram Micro is committed to empowering our partners with solutions like Amazon Q Business that drive innovation and business growth, said Phil Duke, Ingram Micro Senior General Manager Cloud, (ANZ). Amazon Q Business will be available to customers and partners using cross-region inference profiles. Cross-region inference automatically routes inference requests to the optimal AWS Region, prioritising the source region to minimise latency and enhance user experience. This approach helps to ensure continuous performance for customers and partners even during peak demand periods. It is also cost-effective as charges are only incurred on the source region of the request, with no routing costs. Customers with data residency preferences can opt to run and store Amazon Q Business workloads exclusively within the AWS Sydney Region. AWS has a long-term commitment to boosting the digital economy in Australia by supporting customers to leverage the latest AI and cloud technologies. AWS has invested more than $9.1 billion in the country since the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Sydney) Region in 2012. AWS launched the AWS Asia Pacific (Melbourne) Region in 2023 and also announced plans to invest more than $13.2 billion in local infrastructure, supporting more than 11,000 jobs annually by 2027. These investments will accelerate innovation and drive economic growth and are estimated to contribute $35 billion to Australias gross domestic product by 2027. AWS is helping customers and citizens across the world to upskill in the latest digital technologies such as generative AI. Since 2017, AWS has trained more than 400,000 people with cloud skills in Australia. Anyone interested in learning more about using Amazon Q and Q Business can access four free courses adapted to all levels of technical experience, including Amazon Q Business: Getting Started, which helps users tap into their organizations own knowledge base, and Amazon Q Developer: Getting Started, which assists developers in using AWS applications to code faster. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. SINGAPORE, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestled in the vibrant heart of Singapore's Marina Bay precinct and central business district, the iconic Pan Pacific Singapore stands as a symbol of sophistication and gracious hospitality. A distinguished choice for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), the hotel boasts a range of facilities and services tailored to meet the needs of discerning business travellers. Pan Pacific Singapore Melvin Lim, General Manager of Pan Pacific Singapore shares, 'Since opening our doors in 1986, our hotel has built a storied legacy as one of the pioneering luxury hotels in the Marina Bay area. With 790 elegantly designed guestrooms, we have become a preferred venue for global leaders and prestigious events. Our hotel's commitment to excellence is reflected in our expansive 2,329 square metres of meeting spaces across three levels, all equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and innovative culinary experiences.' Guests can unwind at the award-winning spa, St. Gregory or relax by the outdoor swimming pool. The 24-hour gymnasium provides guests with the flexibility to maintain their fitness routines. Culinary enthusiasts will find a diverse array of dining options, including signature cocktails and canapes at PLUME, authentic Cantonese dishes at Hai Tien Lo, traditional Japanese cuisine at Keyaki, and international fare at Edge and Pacific Emporium. In celebration of Singapore's 60th National Day (SG60) this year, the hotel offers tailored SG60 MICE packages infused with Singapore flair, available from now until 31 March 2026. Each refreshment break is a feast for the senses, featuring a vibrant selection of Singaporean delicacies. Indulge in local favourites, prepared a la minute at the Chef's live station, such as Kaya Toast (A beloved and iconic local breakfast staple originating from Singapore, Kaya Toast consists of two thin slices of toasted bread spread with rich coconut jam and butter), freshly-made Popiah (Part of Singapore's street food culture with roots in China, these soft spring rolls are filled with a flavourful mix of fresh ingredients, including prawns, eggs, and crunchy vegetables), Nyonya Kueh (Colourful traditional treats that reflect Singapore's unique Peranakan heritage, often made with rice flour and filled with sweet or savoury fillings), Kopi Tarik (Hailing from Malaysia, Kopi Tarik or 'Pulled Coffee' in Malay, is a popular beverage made with coffee and condensed milk, using a unique 'pulling' technique to create a frothy, milky texture), and more. These local culinary offerings not only elevate the experiences of meeting delegates but also highlight Pan Pacific Singapore's commitment to commemorating Singapore's 60th National Day. A full day meeting package is priced from S$155.00++ per guest and includes lunch and two refreshment breaks. For those with shorter agendas, a half day meeting package is available from S$140.00++ per guest and includes lunch and one refreshment break. More details here. With a legacy of hospitality excellence, Pan Pacific Singapore is the premier destination for those looking to harness the power of in-person interaction. Here, distinguished events blend elegance and innovation to create memorable experiences. Furthermore, the hotel is committed to sustainability, holding GSTC certification, ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems certification, ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety certification, and the BCA Green Mark Gold award. This ensures that meetings and events hosted at the hotel not only meet the highest standards but also support safe and environmentally responsible practices. For more information, visit www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/meetings.html, or email [email protected] (Quote SG60). Pan Pacific Singapore where sophistication and elegance converge to redefine the art of convening. View our MICE images here. For more information about Pan Pacific Singapore, click here. SOURCE Pan Pacific Singapore DALLAS, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trive Capital ("Trive"), a Dallas-based private equity firm, is pleased to announce the successful final closing of Trive Capital Fund V, LP ("Fund V"), with total commitments of $2.7 billion, exceeding its target of $2.5 billion. Trive's predecessor program closed in April 2022 on $2.0 billion. "We are grateful for the continued support from our existing Limited Partners, as well as many new investors across the world, who share our vision and commitment to driving growth and value creation in companies," commented Conner Searcy, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Trive Capital. "The success of the fundraise is a testament to our team's unwavering dedication to delivering strong performance and results." "Fund V will continue to invest in middle-market companies with a sector-agnostic but situation-specific approach" Post this Consistent with Trive's history for over a decade, Fund V will continue to invest in middle-market companies with a sector-agnostic but situation-specific approach. The Fund aims to create value through a hands-on operational approach. Fund V has already made seven investments that demonstrate Trive's off-the-run sourcing, deep value and operationally focused investment strategy. Over the last twelve months across all funds, Trive has executed 10 platform investments and 19 add-on investments and completed three exits and dividend recapitalizations, most recently completing the successful IPO of Karman Space & Defense. Chris Zugaro, Co-Founder and Partner at Trive Capital, added, "We are excited to deploy Fund V and continue our strategy of identifying and investing in companies with strong growth potential. Our flexible structuring, hands-on approach and deep industry expertise will be key drivers of the success of these investments." Campbell Lutyens served as global placement agent, and Ropes & Gray LLP acted as fund counsel. About Trive Trive Capital is a Dallas, Texas based private equity firm with more than $8 billion of regulatory assets under management. Trive focuses on investing equity and debt in what it sees as strategically viable middle-market companies with the potential for transformational upside through operational improvement. We seek to maximize returns through a hands-on partnership that calls for identifying and implementing value creation ideas. The Trive team is comprised of seasoned investment professionals who have been involved in over 250 middle-market transactions representing more than $10 billion in revenue across Trive's targeted industry sectors and situations. SOURCE Trive Capital Industry leaders unite to deliver seamless freight management solutions, with global logistics company Gebruder Weiss contributing collaborative customer insights DALLAS , April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Turvo, LLC, provider of a leading collaboration application designed for the supply chain, announces an integration partnership with SMC3, the trusted provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation technology solutions. This partnership delivers streamlined shipment execution, real-time visibility, and data-driven decision-making for logistics providers. With this integration, Turvo users can seamlessly access SMC3's comprehensive LTL capabilities through integrated APIs. By automating critical functions such as rating, booking, tracking, and document retrieval, the integration eliminates manual steps and improves operational accuracy and efficiency. "Partnering with SMC3 reinforces our commitment to delivering intelligent, collaborative solutions that drive efficiency for our customers," said Samantha Foley, Chief Growth Officer at Turvo. "By integrating SMC3's best-in-class LTL solutions with Turvo's unified platform, we empower brokers and 3PLs to make smarter decisions, boost profitability, and elevate service levels." SMC3 brings decades of LTL expertise, enabling logistics providers to optimize their freight management strategies. Brian Thompson, Chief Commercial Officer at SMC3, added, "Our partnership with Turvo brings efficiency to their customers' LTL supply chain. By embedding our direct-carrier API connections within Turvo's collaborative TMS, we're enabling customers to seamlessly plan, rate and execute shipments with greater confidence and control." Customers like Gebruder Weiss, a global provider of full-service logistics, recognize the value of leveraging both Turvo and SMC3 to enhance their freight operations. "We chose to work with Turvo and SMC3 because of their proven capabilities in driving accuracy and streamlining logistics operations," said Mark McCullough, CEO at Gebruder Weiss North America. "The ability to execute LTL shipments, gain real-time visibility, and enable our shipper customers to self-select preferred LTL carriers, enhances efficiency and supports more effective freight management." "The collaboration between Turvo and SMC3 will strengthen our LTL operations by enhancing visibility, improving efficiency, and enabling more responsive service," added Kate Leatherbury, Director of LTL at Gebruder Weiss. "Having access to real-time contract, volume, and dynamic pricing within our TMS will significantly improve our ability to deliver a seamless experience to both carriers and customers." Turvo and SMC together deliver a connected, data-driven approach to LTL freight management, giving logistics providers greater visibility, control, and cost efficiency. For more information on how this partnership is transforming freight management, visit www.turvo.com and www.smc3.com About Turvo Turvo provides a collaborative Transportation Management System (TMS) application designed specifically for the supply chain. Turvo Collaboration Cloud connects freight brokers, 3PLs, shippers, and carriers to unite supply chain ecosystems, delivering outstanding customer experiences, real-time collaboration, and accelerated growth. The technology unifies internal and external systems, providing one end-to-end solution that streamlines operations, enhances analytics, and automates business processes while eliminating redundant manual tasks. Turvo's customers include some of the world's largest Fortune 500 logistics service providers and shippers, as well as small to mid-sized freight brokers. Turvo is based in Dallas, Texas, with offices in Hyderabad, India. (www.turvo.com) About SMC3 With its range of transportation technology solutions, SMC is the one-stop knowledge hub for everything less than truckload (LTL), facilitating business across the supply chain with the right LTL transportation technology solutions, industry expertise and leadership to inform decisions. Shippers, carriers, logistics service providers and technology providers rely on SMC to translate intricate LTL transportation pricing and transit detail into data-centric solutions to optimize the shipment lifecycle whether they move 10 or 100,000 shipments per day. A trusted industry partner for nine decades, SMC is an established thought leader, hosting premier supply chain conferences and educational events across North America. For Turvo media inquiries, please contact Kendall Scott, at 972-742-4778 or [email protected] SOURCE Turvo AUSTIN, Texas, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's (AFLCMC) Armament Directorate has selected Ultra Intelligence & Communications (Ultra I&C) as a prime contractor for the Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity vehicle. The contract has a ceiling of $46 billion over 10 years and focuses on accelerating the acquisition and delivery of solutions to the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Weapons' critical requirements. EWAAC emphasizes transformative capabilities, advancing Armament and the Digital Trinitydigital engineering and management, agile software, and open architectureto enable rapid delivery of mission-critical solutions that enhance lethality, decision dominance, and operational resilience. As a prime contractor, Ultra I&C will leverage its commercial solutions and industry partnerships to provide affordable mission-critical systems supporting the Air Force's warfighting objectives. The company delivers weapon multi-function processors in 3U VPX and VNX+ form factors and net-enabled weapons command and control software, with cryptographic management and remote rekey capabilities. Ultra I&C's solution enhances weapons system autonomy by integrating tactical datalinks across C2 and non-C2 assetsenabling enrichment through weapons datalinks and seamless integration with sensors and shooters. "Our team brings an unmatched level of expertise and innovation to this mission," said Randy Fields, Ultra I&C's Chief Technology Officer. "These technologies align with government-referenced architectures and position Ultra I&C as a key provider for the Air Force's affordable mass initiatives and high-fidelity connections throughout long-range kill chains." Ultra I&C will support Air Force modernization through rapid prototyping and integration at "gold-standard" test benches for open standard conformance validation. The company will collaborate with government and industry partners to enhance multi-domain integration and accelerate development timelines for warfighter effectiveness. About Ultra Intelligence & Communications Ultra Intelligence & Communications, also known as Ultra I&C, has generations of experience fielding tactical communications, command and control, and cyber security technologies for the most challenging defense applications. Ultra I&C connects the multi-domain battlespace and ensures secure information advantage in high-threat environments. These innovative solutions are an integral operational component for the U.S. Department of Defense, the UK Ministry of Defence, the Canadian Department of National Defence and many more defense organizations worldwide. The company is headquartered in Austin, TX with locations and manufacturing facilities around the globe. For more information, visit https://www.ultra-ic.com . Media Inquiries Amanda Rudolph, Vice President of Marketing and Communications: [email protected] SOURCE Ultra Intelligence & Communications Aviation Technicians Demand Strong Contract, Jobs Stay in United States ORLANDO, Fla., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, April 4, United Airlines Teamsters from Local 769 will hold a rally and informational picket at the United Airlines Maintenance Base in Orlando. 10,000 aviation technicians nationwide are demanding an industry-leading contract from the world's second-largest airline. United Airlines is stalling negotiations and threatening to outsource these critical American jobs to China and South America all while raking in $4 billion in profits last year. Teamsters technicians are fighting for wages that reflect the company's profit margins, improved health care benefits, and the return of outsourced maintenance work to the U.S. WHAT: United Airlines Teamsters Rally WHO: Rank-and-file United Airlines Teamsters WHEN: Friday, April 4, 2025, 8 a.m. WHERE: United Airlines Orlando Maintenance Base 9741 Transport Drive Orlando, FL 32827 VISUALS: United Airlines Teamsters rallying, leafleting, and holding signs that say, "Fixing Planes in China (X) Fixing Planes in America (checkmark)" and "First Class Contract Now!" Contact: Colin McCullough, (856) 625-6856 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters SAN ANTONIO and CHICAGO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- USAA Perks and CarAdvise today announced the launch of the CarAdvise Fuel program, a new initiative designed to help USAA members save on fuel at more than 60,000 locations across the United States. The program, powered by Corpay, includes a network of recognized brands such as Speedway, 7-Eleven, Casey's, ARCO, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Love's, Sam's Club, Pilot/Flying J, and many more. Through this program, USAA members will receive a discount of 5 cents per gallon for fuel purchases at any participating gas station within the network. USAA will promote this valuable fuel savings opportunity through USAA Perks, ensuring members are informed about the new program through a wide array of marketing touch points, where permitted. The program is the latest in a series of meaningful new relationships launched by USAA Perks and its partners that will benefit its loyal membership base including active-duty military members and their families. "We're thrilled to partner with CarAdvise to bring fuel savings to USAA Perks members," said Armando Netto, at Corpay. Post this "We're delighted to bring the CarAdvise Fuel program to our members," said Angela Wong, Assistant Vice President at USAA. "Finding value and savings is important for our members, and this program is a new way we continue to support those who serve and their families by helping them save at the pump." CarAdvise, the platform behind this fuel rewards program, has been offering its core car maintenance savings program to USAA members since 2020. This program helps members save time, money, and ensure peace of mind throughout the often-challenging process of vehicle upkeep. Keagan Russo, CEO of CarAdvise noted, "We are honored to further partner with USAA on this fuel program. USAA is the benchmark for customer loyalty in Financial Services and beyond, and this collaboration goes even deeper in delivering real benefits to USAA members nationwide, providing savings and enhancing their overall experience." "We're thrilled to partner with CarAdvise to bring fuel savings to USAA Perks members," said Armando Netto, Group President Vehicle Payments at Corpay. "By leveraging Corpay's proprietary network and technology, we're delivering a seamless and cost-effective fueling experience to millions of USAA members. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing innovative payment solutions that drive real value for consumers." The CarAdvise Fuel program is part of the USAA Perks commitment to delivering valuable benefits and supporting members' financial well-being. For more details on how to access this offer, USAA members can visit www.caradvise.com/usaa/fuel. The CarAdvise Fuel Program card is powered by Corpay (NYSE: CPAY), a global S&P 500 corporate payments company. Corpay's services include issuing fuel cards to customers and providing advanced technology to facilitate, monitor, and control transactions made at retailers. For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] About USAA Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is a leading provider of insurance, banking, and retirement solutions, serving nearly 14 million members of the U.S. military, veterans, and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in eight U.S. cities and three overseas locations, employing over 37,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com. About CarAdvise CarAdvise is a leading online platform offering automotive management solutions, designed to simplify vehicle care and maintenance while providing savings and convenience. About Corpay Corpay (NYSE: CPAY), the Corporate Payments Company, is a global S&P 500 provider of commercial cards (e.g, business cards, fleet cards, virtual cards) and AP automation solutions (e.g., invoice and payments automation, cross border payments) to businesses worldwide. Our solutions result in our customers saving time, mitigating fraud, and ultimately spending less. To learn more visit www.corpay.com SOURCE CarAdvise RESTON, Va., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- V2X, Inc., (NYSE: VVX), announces it has successfully repriced and extended its $238 million Term Loan A and $500 million Revolving Credit Facility ("Revolver"). As of December 31, 2024, there were no outstanding borrowings on the company's Revolver. "I'm pleased to announce further enhancements to our capital structure through a successful repricing and extension of our Term Loan A and Revolver," said Shawn Mural, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at V2X. The amendment includes an updated leverage-based pricing grid, offering over 50 basis points of interest savings compared to the prior grid, as well as an extension of the facility by two years to March 2030. Mr. Mural continued, "This repricing and extension, which was well oversubscribed, builds on our recent Term Loan B repricing and demonstrates the strength and positioning of our business as well as our ongoing commitment to increasing value for shareholders. I'd like to thank our banking partners for their continued support and confidence in our business." Safe Harbor Statement Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"): Certain material presented herein includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Act. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, all the statements in this release that are not historical, including, without limitation, interest savings, enhancements to our capital structure, and the strength and positioning of our business. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "potential," "continue," "can," "goal," "long-term," "drive," "next," and variations of such words and or similar expressions and terminology. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of the Company based on information currently available to management. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions, or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors, many of which are outside our management's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. For a discussion of some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements, see the risks and other factors detailed from time to time in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the SEC. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. About V2X V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission's lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today's toughest challenges across all operational domains. Investor Contact Mike Smith, CFA Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations [email protected] 719-637-5773 Media Contact Angelica Spanos Deoudes Director, Corporate Communications [email protected] 571-338-5195 SOURCE V2X, Inc. SYNEVIT's Cutting-Edge UTI Supplement Is the Perfect Preventative Measure against UTIs FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UTIs in women are very common. Approximately 25-40% of women in the US aged 20 - 40 years have had a UTI. This results in over 6 million patient visits to physicians per year. Health and wellness brand SYNEVIT has created its VOLURINE formula as a way to support a healthy urinary tract. The formula contains two important ingredients: D-mannose and cranberry extract. They act synergistically in treating and preventing UTIs. However, the purpose and function of D-mannose in the role of protecting the urinary tract against bacterial infection have been misunderstood in the past, but "we have always seen D-mannose as a solution to UTIs," explained SYNEVIT founder and CEO George Cvetkovski. The research backs up Cvetkovski's statement. Professional reviews have found that D-mannose and proanthocyanidin or PACs from the cranberry extract affect the adhesion of bacteria, making it difficult for the invasive group to stick to the walls of the urinary tract. The result is an easier expulsion of bacteria and a natural clearing of the body from infection. These ingredients are not just helpful. They have a high efficacy when provided at a high quality and in the right dosage. Some studies have even compared D-mannose to antibiotics in their ability to treat UTIs. Information like this has been key in helping researchers develop effective supplements to prevent and address UTIs. This is why SYNEVIT's UTI prevention and treatment formula, VOLURINE, specifically not only calls out its use of D-mannose but also the presence of PACs from the cranberry extract. In addition, the brand's signature approach to formulations is to create synergistic blends of ingredients in optimized doses. The D-mannose in VOLURINE in structure is a simple sugar that could also prevents bacterial build-up. Vitamin C is also included to inhibit bacterial growth and enhance immune function. Taken altogether, this formula of powerful ingredients organically guards against UTIs and makes it easier to maintain a healthy urinary tract over time. About SYNEVIT Launched in 1998 by CEO George Cvetkovski, SYNEVIT traces its roots to North Macedonia (ex: Yugoslavia). The brand is currently headquartered out of North Macedonia with offices in Serbia and Rochester, New York. SYNEVIT is an in-house brand of vitamins and minerals with unique, perpetually improved formulas informed by on-staff doctors and pharmacists and designed for therapeutic effect in patients. Learn more at synevit.com. Media Contact: George Cvetkovski [email protected] (02) 3225 843 SOURCE Synevit The combined industry-leading lidar capabilities and software solutions will help mitigate risk to critical pipeline and utility infrastructure. DENVER, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Woolpert, a premier architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) firm, announced today that it has forged a strategic partnership with Teren, a leader in AI-powered, lidar-enabled environmental intelligence capabilities. This collaboration will advance the collection and application of lidar data for oil and gas infrastructure, providing next-generation geospatial solutions to address these challenges worldwide. Through this partnership, Woolpert has acquired Teren's lidar operations and will benefit from Teren's analytics and software-as-a-service platform, Terevue. Woolpert also hired Teren Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Energy Operations Sam Acheson to provide focused support to key energy clients. Teren will benefit by expanding its geospatial reach globally and building on Woolpert's established presence in energy, transportation, government, mining, and renewable markets. Both companies will continue to operate independently. "We pride ourselves on providing easy-to-access, actionable geospatial intelligence for infrastructure and community risk and resilience in real time," Teren CEO and Founder Tobias Kraft said. "Collaborating with Woolpert accelerates our ability to deliver these insights, allowing organizations to proactively address environmental threats." Woolpert President and CEO Neil Churman said: "This partnership with Teren is an ideal way for us to leverage our emerging geospatial technologies to better support our clients' critical infrastructure. We are also excited to bring Sam and his 25 years of experience and relationships working with the industry's top oil & gas, utilities, and energy companies to Woolpert. I am looking forward to what our teams can do together." About Woolpert Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) firm with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private, and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is a Global Top 100 Geospatial Company, a Top 100 ENR Global Design firm and has earned eight Great Place to Work certifications. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has been America's fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. Woolpert has over 2,700 employees and more than 60 offices on five continents. For more, visit woolpert.com. About Teren Founded in 2021, Teren helps businesses and communities manage environmental threats with geospatial intelligence. Combining deep earth and data science, advanced computing, and industry expertise, Teren has crafted a cloud-based software solution, Terevue, that enables users with easy-to-access, actionable geospatial intelligence on infrastructure risk and resilience, in real time. Serving 100+ customers in energy, oil and gas, transportation, renewables, utilities, and forestry and land management across the US and Europe, Teren equips critical infrastructure industries with the customized insights they need to face environmental threatsbe it landslides, floods, or wildfire threatshead-on. For more information on Teren: www.teren4d.com . For more information on Terevue: www.teren4d.com/terevue-for-pipeline . Media Contacts: For media inquiries about Woolpert, please contact Lynn Rossi at [email protected] and +1312-837-2017. For media inquiries about Teren, please contact Kelly Hendricks [email protected] and +1630-207-0510. SOURCE Woolpert Xero and Sumday are partnering to offer eligible small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) using Xero 12 months of free access to Sumdays carbon accounting tools, helping them meet the growing demands for climate reporting and sustainability tracking. With a growing emphasis on transparency from larger corporations and government agencies, small businesses are under pressure to provide detailed supply chain emissions data. This collaboration aims to help SMEs track their carbon footprint and meet the evolving regulatory requirements. Angad Soin, Managing Director AU and NZ and Global Chief Strategy Officer at Xero said: Despite uncertainties surrounding the future of carbon reporting legislation in Australia, major businesses are proactively driving the push toward decarbonisation and sustainability reporting. Our goal is to empower small businesses to put themselves in the best position to retain existing customers, but also capitalise on new business opportunities. We know small businesses will look to their accountants and bookkeepers for help in this area and were pleased that this offering will also provide training, templates and resources to help enhance their carbon accounting skills. Tamara Somers, GM Sustainability and Impact at Xero said: We know small businesses have a lot on their plate, and tackling emissions reporting can seem overwhelming at first, but rather than seeing it as a burden, we encourage small businesses to see it as an opportunity to discover new efficiencies and appeal to environmentally conscious customers. It could be the difference between winning or losing a contract. Our partnership with Sumday puts powerful tools in the hands of small businesses so they feel prepared and able to drive towards a more sustainable future. Jessica Richmond, CEO and Co-founder of Sumday said: By making carbon accounting as routine and accessible as financial accounting, were empowering small businesses to account for their impact beyond dollars and cents. Having been a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges these businesses face in making time to get across a new area. Our tools are making it easy for small businesses to understand their impact at a high level, before going deeper and helping improve the quality of their carbon accounting. Sometimes small businesses just need help and weve always believed that accountants would play a key role in that. Through this partnership with Xero, were putting powerful carbon accounting tools in the hands of those who understand the business and want to deliver auditable accounting that generates meaningful insights as well. Heres what this means for Xero customers Free access to Sumday for 12 months for Xero customers (eligibility and terms apply), which includes: Ability to link financial data from Xero directly into Sumday, streamlining the carbon accounting process Access to Sumdays online academy to upskill on carbon accounting practices The ability for small business customers to create profiles to communicate sustainability related data without the hassle Supply chain engagement tools that allow small businesses to both share their emissions data with larger clients and request information from their own suppliers Support for compliance with expanding mandatory emissions reporting requirements Accountants and bookkeepers get extra resources and support to help them offer comprehensive carbon accounting services to their clients With Sumday, small businesses and their advisors can see their entire emissions supply chain, work towards emission reduction, and show everyone the steps theyre taking, including customers, employees, banks and other stakeholders who increasingly look for this. Xero small business customers and accountants and bookkeepers can access Sumday in the Xero App Store. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. A Singaporean teenager allegedly planning to kill dozens of Muslims outside several mosques has been detained, the city-state's Internal Security Department said on Wednesday. The 17-year-old boy was detained in March, the ISD said in a statement, adding that he had regarded white supremacist Brenton Tarrant -- who in 2019 had killed worshippers at mosques in New Zealand -- as a "hero." ISD also said he had "identified as an 'East Asian Supremacist'," and had decided on five mosques across Singapore for his post-Friday prayer attacks. "This boy wanted to kill at least 100 Muslims, so that he can kill more Muslims than Tarrant had killed. He also wanted to live-stream his attacks," Home Minister K Shanmugam told reporters. "When he was arrested... he had already made a number of attempts to get a gun. He told ISD quite openly if he had gotten a gun, he would have carried out his attacks." The teen had been in online contact with 18-year-old Nick Lee, who was detained in December for having similar plans. The multicultural country has seen several cases in recent years where young Singaporeans have been detained for allegedly making attack plans following exposure to extremist content online. In 2024, authorities arrested a teenage boy who was allegedly planning an Islamic State group-inspired stabbing attack at a busy suburb. In the same statement Wednesday, the ISD also said a 15-year-old girl was placed under a restriction order in February, forbidding her from traveling nor having access to the internet without the approval of the ISD director. It alleged that between July 2023 and December 2024, the girl was in at least eight short-term romantic online relationships with overseas-based Islamic State group supporters. "She went to pledge allegiance to an ISIS chatbot," said Shanmugam. "She wanted to fight and die for ISIS, she looked up flights to go to Syria, she thought of how she was going to save money to plan for her travels." He added that the trend of rising radicalism and extremism of young people via the internet was "concerning." ISD said "self-radicalization can happen very quickly." "In the case of the 15-year-old, it only took weeks," it said, appealing for the public to "be vigilant to signs." If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here You see people walking in processions peacefully, with a palm leaf in hand, and you know its Palm Sunday. This special day marks the beginning of Easter and holds deep meaning for Christians around the world. Palm Sunday is celebrated with a variety of customs, each reflecting the culture and traditions of different countries. From Spain's grand Processions to the cute Easter witches of Finland, these traditions not only celebrate Jesus arrival in Jerusalem but also reflect the local culture and history. As people travel to visit family or head to the airport during the Holy Week, they bring their own Palm Sunday customs with them. Lets explore some of the most fascinating Palm Sunday traditions from around the world. 1. Procession of the Donkey - Spain Image Source: Envato.com Procession of the Donkey - Spain In Spain, the 'La Borriquita' procession on Palm Sunday symbolizes Jesus humble entry into Jerusalem. Celebrated in regions like Andalusia and Catalonia, it features a float with a statue of Jesus on a donkey or, in some cases, an actual donkey carrying the statue. Worshippers, especially children, carry palm or olive branches for blessings. This marks the beginning of Easter celebrations in the country. 2. Hosanna in Ethiopia Image Source: Envato.com Hosanna in Ethiopia Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Hosanna on Palm Sunday by wearing white robes and carrying palm or olive branches during church services. The day is marked by hymns, prayers, and processions that symbolize Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This celebration leads into Holy Week, a time of deep reflection and devotion, culminating in the grand observances of Fasika, the Ethiopian Orthodox Easter. 3. Palm Weaving - Mexico Image Source: Envato.com Palm Weaving - Mexico Palm leaves are an unavoidable part of Palm Sunday anywhere, and in Mexico, they take on a special artistic and spiritual significance. Skilled artisans weave them into intricate shapes like crosses, doves, and flowers, which are then blessed in church. These woven palms are displayed in homes as symbols of protection and devotion. 4. Fish on the Menu - Greece Image Source: Envato.com Fish on the Menu - Greece Greek Orthodox Christians typically abstain from fish, meat, and dairy for 40 days, but this day is an exception. The tradition dates back to ancient times when palm crosses were shaped like fish, an early Christian symbol. Many families prepare 'bakaliaros skordalia', a beloved dish of fried cod with garlic sauce. 5. Palm Fronds - Philippines Image Source: Envato.com Palm Fronds - Philippines Filipinos bring intricately woven palm fronds to church for blessings on Palm Sunday, known as 'Palaspas.' Some communities also stage reenactments of Jesus entry into Jerusalem, adding a lively and theatrical touch to the celebration. After the blessing, the palaspas are displayed in homes as symbols of faith and protection, blending religious devotion with Filipino cultural traditions. 6. The Cross Procession - Netherlands Image Source: Envato.com The Cross Procession - Netherlands Dutch children celebrate 'Palmpasen', a special Palm Sunday tradition where they carry wooden crosses decorated with bread rolls, ribbons, and colorful paper. While chicks and eggs are common Easter symbols, the focus here is on the rooster. In some towns, children participate in a procession with crosses topped with a bread rooster. These decorated crosses are sometimes given to the elderly or sick as a gesture of goodwill and blessings. 7. The Willow Twig - Norway Image Source: Envato.com The Willow Twig - Norway Since palm trees are scarce in Norway, people use willow twigs for Palm Sunday celebrations. The twigs are blessed in church, and children join in processions, carrying them as symbols of Jesus arrival in Jerusalem. This tradition allows Norwegians to honor the occasion with locally available materials, while still preserving the spiritual significance of the day. 8. Easter Witches of Finland Image Source: Envato.com Easter Witches of Finland Starting from Palm Sunday, children dress as witches, wearing colorful scarves and face paint. They visit homes, offering willow branches in exchange for sweets, much like the Halloween trick or treating. This tradition blends Christian and Pagan customs and is believed to drive away evil spirits. It has become a fun and lively part of the Easter celebration, enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. 9. Olive Branches Instead of Palms - Italy Image Source: Envato.com Olive Branches Instead of Palms - Italy Since palms are not as abundant in Italy, olive branches are often used in Palm Sunday processions. These blessed branches symbolize peace and are kept in homes throughout the year. The tradition highlights the deep connection between faith and nature, with the olive branch representing peace and cultural significance in Italian communities. These traditions highlight the diverse ways Palm Sunday is celebrated around the world. These customs bring people together, honoring the meaning of Palm Sunday while showing the unique cultures that celebrate it. Its a beautiful reminder of faith and tradition all over the world. Washington, April 3 : US President Donald Trump has announced a base-line rate of 10 per cent on all imports and higher individualised rates for dozens of countries that included 26 per cent for India, 34 per cent for China and 20 per cent for the EU. Other countries hit with higher rates are the UK, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, the EU, Vietnam, Cambodia, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. "India, very, very tough," President Trump said on Wednesday, reading out the new levies from a chart. "Very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left. He's a great friend of mine, but I said, 'You're a friend of mine, but you're not treating us right.' They charge us 52 per cent. You have to understand, we charge them almost nothing," Trump said. The Indian levy on imports from the US -- as calculated by the US in this instance follows a formula that includes both monetary and non-monetary levies and barriers. The new American levy on imports from India was put at half, 26 per cent. "Because we are being very kind, we're kind people, very kind," Trump said, explaining the new levies. "We will charge them approximately half of what they are and have been charging us, so the tariffs will not be reciprocal. I could have done that, I guess, but it would have been tough for a lot of countries who didn't want to do that." President Trump was referring to a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House in February as among his first foreign visitors. Trump spoke warmly of his friendship with the Prime Minister, as he has on many occasions. Reading out from the chart, Trump said the Chinese levy on US imports added up to 67 per cent, "so we're going to be charging a discounted reciprocal tariff of 34 per cent, I think; in other words, they charge us, we charge them, we charge them less." For the EU, he said, "They're very tough, very, very tough traders. You know, you think of the European Union, very friendly. They rip us off. It's so sad to see. It's so pathetic... We are going to charge them 20 per cent... essentially half." Vietnam, he said, had "great negotiators, great people. They like me. I like them. "The problem is they charge us 90 per cent. We're going to charge them 46 per cent tariff." Taiwan, which he said, "took all of our computer chips and semiconductors. Taiwan, where they make, they took all of our computer chips and semiconductors. We used to be the king, right? We were everything. We had all of it. Now we have almost none of it, except the biggest company is coming in. They're going to have, we're going to end up with almost 40 per cent." New York, April 3 : Outlining his vision of a tariff-driven industrial renaissance, President Donald Trump said immigrants would be let in to meet the needs of plants that would be opening up. "We need more people", he said. "We're going to let people come in. They want to come in, (but) we want them to come in legally," he said on Wednesday while announcing the reciprocal tariffs. "We need people to run these plants, to help the auto workers and the teamsters and the non-union people and everybody else," he said. "We want people, by the way, to come into our country, but we want them to come in through a legal process," he said. Trump listed several companies like Stallantis, General Motors, GE Aerospace, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Johnson & Johnson, Nvidia, TSMC, and Meta that were committed to investing billions of dollars to set up manufacturing facilities. These would open up jobs for Americans, he said, while also looking at needs for labour fueled by these factories exceeding those available domestically as, in his vision, the US becomes a global industrial powerhouse. While his administration is carrying out a campaign against illegal migrants and has begun deporting some of them, Trump made the distinction between legal immigration that was welcome and illegal migration. "We want them to come in legally," he said repeatedly. Another criterion, he said, was that they should become patriots. "They have to have the capability of loving our country, not people that hate our country -- we don't want them in our country," he said. Students, academics, and other visitors have had their visas revoked because Secretary of State Marco Rubio said they were involved in "activities that are counter to our foreign, to our national interest." Trump has in the past spoken of welcoming immigrants with professional skills, saying at one time that he wanted to staple green cards to the diplomas of foreigners graduating from US universities. On Wednesday, his focus was explicitly on skilled workers. However, factories and manufacturing facilities would also require well-educated professionals. He also said, "We need people on the farmers," adding they would be let in if they came in legally. There are H2 categories of visas for skilled workers and farm labour, but the numbers are inadequate, and illegal migrants have been able to find jobs in farms and factories, making up for the shortages. New Delhi, April 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his wishes on the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri, praying for strength and new resolve in the lives of devotees. Taking to X, PM Modi posted, "The blessings of Maa Durga bring new energy and new resolve in the lives of devotees. This Devi Bhajan by Anuradha Paudwal will fill you with devotion." The Prime Minister also shared the devotional song Durga Amritwani with his followers. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also took to X to offer prayers to Goddess Katyayani, the sixth form of Maa Durga. Posting a Sanskrit shloka, he wrote, "Adishakti, the sixth form of Maa Durga, Mahishasurmardini, Maa Katyayani is the destroyer of fear, disease, and sorrow." "By the grace of Adishakti Maa Katyayani, the world should be well, and everyone's life should be healthy, full of happiness and prosperity -- this is my prayer. Jai Maa Katyayani!" he added. Goddess Katyayani, a fierce aspect of Mahadevi, is revered as the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. She is the sixth among the Navadurgas, the nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri. According to the Amarakosha, the Sanskrit lexicon, Katyayani is the second name of Goddess Adi Parashakti. She is depicted with three eyes and four hands, holding a sword and a lotus in her left hand while her right hands are in 'varada mudra' (granting boons) and 'abhaya mudra' (offering protection). She rides a lion, with a crescent moon adorning her forehead. Navratri, meaning 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. The festival is celebrated with devotion across India, with devotees visiting temples, offering prayers, and seeking blessings for protection and well-being. --IANS New Delhi, April 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok. In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "At the invitation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, I am departing today for Thailand on an official visit and to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit." "Over the past decade, BIMSTEC has emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity, and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region. With its geographical location, India's North Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC," he added. The Prime Minister expressed his enthusiasm for engaging with BIMSTEC leaders, stating, "I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interests of our people in mind." On his official engagements in Thailand, PM Modi said, "During my visit, I will have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate our age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought." Following his arrival in Bangkok, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to interact with the Indian diaspora. As part of his two-nation tour, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka next. "From Thailand, I will pay a two-day visit to Sri Lanka from April 4-6. This follows the highly successful visit of President [Ranil] Wickremesinghe to India last December. We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future' and provide further guidance to realize our shared objectives," he said. Expressing optimism about his visits, the Prime Minister stated, "I am confident that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening our close relationships for the benefit of our people and the wider region." India plays a pivotal role in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), acting as a key driver of regional integration and cooperation. PM Modi's presence at the summit is expected to further elevate India's leadership within the framework, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing collaboration and progress. BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising seven member states in the Bay of Bengal region -- five from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar and Thailand). The grouping serves as a crucial bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, with India being its largest and most influential member, shaping its agenda and promoting collaboration across various sectors. Washington, April 3 : US President Donald Trump announced a baseline rate of 10 per cent on all imports and higher individualised rates for dozens of countries, including 26 per cent for India, 34 per cent for China and 20 per cent for the EU. The levies are half of what the US deemed the trading partner countries imposed on goods from America, a combined total of tariffs and non-monetary barriers. Trump said the lower rates are because Americans are "kind" people. Other countries hit with higher rates are the UK, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, the EU, Vietnam, Cambodia, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Many of the targeted countries are treaty allies of the US, but Trump said, friends have been more unfair to the US on matters of trade than foes, reiterating his long-running beef with countries with high trade surpluses with the US or those that he has perceived levy high import duties on American goods. "India, very, very tough," President Trump said on Wednesday, reading out the new levies from a chart brought up to him by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick at the presentation. "Very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left. He's a great friend of mine, but I said, 'You're a friend of mine, but you're not treating us right'. They charge us 52 per cent. You have to understand that we charge them almost nothing." The Indian levy on imports from the US -- as calculated by the US in this instance follows a formula that includes both monetary and non-monetary levies and barriers. The new American levy on imports from India was put at half, 26 per cent. The US President was referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the White House in February, among Trump's first foreign visitors. He has spoken warmly of the Prime Minister and their friendship but has also refused to concede because of it. He went on to explain why the reciprocal tariffs are not as highly feared. "Because we are being very kind, we're kind people, very kind," Trump said, explaining the new levies. "We will charge them approximately half of what they are and have been charging us, so the tariffs will not be reciprocal. I could have done that, I guess, but it would have been tough for a lot of countries who didn't want to do that." Reading out from the chart, Trump said the Chinese levy on US imports added up to 67 per cent, "so we're going to be charging a discounted reciprocal tariff of 34 per cent, I think; in other words, they charge us, we charge them, we charge them less." About the EU, a collective of 27 European countries of which 23 are members of the US-led military alliance NATO, he said, "They're very tough, very, very tough traders. You know, you think of the European Union, very friendly. They rip us off. It's so sad to see. It's so pathetic. 39 per cent we're going to charge them. 20 per cent, so we're charging them essentially half." Vietnam, he said, had "great negotiators, great people. They like me. I like them. The problem is they charge us 90 per cent. We're going to charge them 46 per cent tariff." Taiwan, which he said, "took all of our computer chips and semiconductors. We used to be the king, right? We were everything. We had all of it. Now we have almost none of it, except the biggest company is coming in. They're going to have, we're going to end up with almost 40 per cent." Setting up the announcement, Trump said, "April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America's destiny was reclaimed, and the day that we began to make America wealthy again. Going to make it wealthy, good and welcome. For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike." As before, he used the phrase Liberation Day to describe the event. Trump views the reciprocal tariffs and other tariffs that he has announced as tools for reducing the trade deficit with trading countries, bringing back manufacturing to the US, forcing trading countries to lower their levies on American goods and removing trade barriers to allow American companies more access to their markets. The American President has so far announced four rounds of tariffs -- a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10 per cent tariff on China, and a 25 per cent duty on all imported cars, trucks and auto parts. He has indicated more sector-based tariffs, such as pharmaceuticals. Kampala, April 3 : Uganda launched a landmark malaria vaccination campaign, aiming to immunise 1.1 million children under two years old in its largest rollout to date. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja presided over the official launch of the immunisation exercise at Booma Grounds in the Apac district in northern Uganda on Wednesday. The campaign aims to administer the R21/Matrix-M injectable vaccine to babies aged six to 18 months. "It is a bold step toward liberating our nation from the heavy burden of malaria, a disease that has for too long robbed our children of their futures, strained our health system, and hindered our socio-economic progress," Nabbanja said at the event. The campaign, under the theme "Vaccinate Against Malaria and Other Preventable Diseases, Protect Your Child for Life," is expected to span 105 out of 146 districts with high to moderate malaria transmission rates, reports Xinhua news agency. Since its pre-qualification and recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021, the vaccine has proven to be an essential tool in malaria prevention. Following three phases of clinical trials, it has been hailed as a game-changer in reducing the burden of the disease and lowering child mortality rates. This rollout made Uganda the 19th African country to integrate the malaria vaccine into its routine immunisation program. "By integrating the malaria vaccine into routine immunisation, Uganda is taking a bold step to protect its children, save lives, and secure a healthier future," WHO Representative to Uganda Kasonde Mwinga said while addressing the launch event. Uganda's Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, underlined the introduction as a significant milestone in the country's fight against malaria. "It is expected to prevent at least 800 cases of severe malaria among children every day and ease the financial burden on families," she said. She urged parents and caregivers to ensure children complete all four doses -- administered at six, seven, eight, and 18 months -- for optimal protection. The vaccine's introduction expands Uganda's routine immunisation schedule to 14 childhood vaccines -- one of the most comprehensive in Africa, according to the Ministry of Health. The rollout followed successful pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, where the vaccine reduced malaria-related deaths by 13 percent and significantly cut hospitalisations, according to the WHO. Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda. In 2024 alone, the country recorded 10.9 million malaria cases and 3,582 deaths. Last month, Uganda received 2.2 million of 3.5 million doses for nationwide distribution, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Robin Nandy, the United Nations Children's Fund representative in Uganda, emphasised that the vaccine should complement other malaria prevention measures, including insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Prague, April 3 : Central European states are seeking European Union (EU) -wide coordination to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Czech Minister of Agriculture Marek Vyborny said. The minister told journalists on Wednesday that the objective is to present a unified proposal to the European Commission together with partners from the Visegrad Group (V4) -- Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary -- and neighbouring Austria and Germany. "The current situation requires a coordinated response at the EU level to prevent further spread of the disease and to protect livestock in individual member states," he said. Also, on Wednesday, the Czech government approved the deployment of military veterinarians to assist in border controls in response to the current situation surrounding FMD. Up to 20 military veterinarians are expected to support the State Veterinary Administration and contribute to inspections of cargo transport from Thursday or Friday, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, reports Xinhua news agency. The minister added that extraordinary veterinary measures are already in place, and an emergency status would only be declared if an outbreak was confirmed on a Czech farm. According to the latest reports, new FMD outbreaks have been confirmed on farms in Slovakia and Hungary. One outbreak in Slovakia at the beginning of the week lies just about 50 km from the border with the Czech Republic. In the Czech Republic, in addition to restrictions on the import of livestock and animal products, the ban also extends to feed, including hay and straw, from Slovakia and Hungary. Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It causes fever, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, and blisters on the mouth and feet. In the Czech Republic, the disease was last detected in 1975. Amman, April 3 : Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. During a phone call on Wednesday, the two ministers stressed the urgency of halting Israeli military operations in Gaza and its escalating actions in the West Bank, according to a ministry statement. The two ministers called for immediate international action to pressure Israel to open all crossings to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and ensure that UN and humanitarian organisations can operate without obstruction while safeguarding their staff, reports Xinhua news agency. They condemned Israel's targeting of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) medical clinic in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, describing it as a violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the 1949 Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilians in Time of War. Safadi and Abdelatty also warned of the grave consequences of Israel's escalating actions, including repeated raids on Palestinian cities, land confiscations, and the expansion of settlements. They denounced ongoing Israeli provocations, such as the "storming" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The ministers also discussed the role of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee and ways to strengthen its efforts in supporting the Palestinian people and implementing the outcomes of the emergency Arab summit held in Cairo on March 4. Both ministers reaffirmed that the full realisation of Palestinian rights -- specifically the right to freedom and the establishment of an independent, sovereign state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital -- remains the only path to a just peace, ensuring regional security and stability. Jerusalem, April 3 : The Israeli military has ordered civilians in multiple areas of the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate immediately, citing intercepted rocket fire from Palestinian territory. Military spokesman Avichay Adraee on Wednesday urged residents to "move immediately west to the shelters in Gaza City," accusing "terrorist organisations" of launching attacks "from among civilians." Earlier on Wednesday, Israel's military said its air defence systems intercepted two rockets fired from northern Gaza. Air raid sirens sounded in communities near the Palestinian enclave, police said. Israel also tightened its grip on the southern part of the enclave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a territorial expansion in southern Gaza, declaring troops were seizing land to establish a new security corridor. In a video statement, Netanyahu said forces had begun taking control of the area between Khan Younis and Rafah, calling it a "second Philadelphi Corridor" akin to the buffer zone Israel occupies along Gaza's border with Egypt. "We are slicing up the enclave," he said, vowing to continue "striking militants and destroying infrastructure." Separately, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed airstrikes in Syria targeting military bases in Homs and Hama, as well as infrastructure near Damascus, reports Xinhua news agency. The IDF said the strikes hit "remaining military capabilities" at the T-4 (Tiyas) Air Base and Hama, along with sites in the Damascus area, calling the operation a response to "threats against Israeli civilians." Syrian state news agency SANA reported strikes on an airport in Hama and areas near a scientific research centre in Damascus' Barzeh neighbourhood. Israel resumed large-scale air and ground operations in Gaza on March 18 after weeks of halted food and fuel deliveries. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reported 1,066 Palestinians killed and 2,597 wounded since the renewed offensive, bringing the total death toll to 50,423, with 114,638 injured since the war began in October 2023. New Delhi, April 3 : After the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, it will be tabled by the government in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The Lok Sabha intensely discussed the bill for more than 12 hours, which began at Wednesday noon and continued till the early hours of Thursday. The Waqf Bill was passed with 288 votes in favour and 232 against. Apart from the Waqf bill passage, a resolution was adopted by the Lower House confirming the President's Rule in Manipur. As per the Business List for Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will move in the Rajya Sabha the Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur. HM Shah will "move the following Resolution - that this House approves the Proclamation issued by the President on the 13th February 2025 under Article 356(1) of the Constitution in relation to the State of Manipur." The Lok Sabha early Thursday passed the Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur. Even though members across party lines supported the decision, some opposition members slammed the Centre for the situation in Manipur. HM Shah said that the government has taken every possible measure to bring back normalcy in the restive Northeastern state. Minister Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani will lay a statement regarding the withdrawal of funds from the Contingency Fund of India for servicing Interest on Sovereign Guarantee Bonds (SGBs) raised by Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). In the Lok Sabha, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, will be put up by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for consideration and passing. The motion was moved by Sonowal on April 1, namely - "That the Bill to consolidate and amend the law relating to regulation of coastal shipping, promote coasting trade and encourage domestic participation therein, to ensure that India is equipped with a coastal fleet, owned and operated by the citizens of India for its national security and commercial needs, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration." Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu will move The Protection of Interests In Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, for consideration and passing. The Bill seeks to "provide for protection of interests in aircraft objects and to implement the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment and the Protocol to the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment, each signed at Cape Town on 16th November, 2001." Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will make a statement in the Lower House regarding "the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 10th Report of the Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs on PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) pertaining to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs". People pay tribute to a memorial monument to martyrs in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Bei He) An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows students paying tribute to martyrs in front of a monument in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by He Wuchang/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Jiyuan City of central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Duan Erping/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Zaozhuang City of east China's Shandong Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Liu Ming/Xinhua) People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua) People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Yuan Yong/Xinhua) People pay tribute to martyrs in Hengyang, central China's Hunan Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Cao Zhengping/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs in front of a monument in Yongzhou City, central China's Hunan Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Jiang Keqing/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows students paying tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Zunhua City, north China's Hebei Province. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) People pay tribute to a memorial monument to martyrs in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Bei He) Students pay tribute to martyrs in Jiamusi City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Chen Zhiguo/Xinhua) The honor guards pay tribute to a memorial monument to martyrs in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Bei He) Editor: Zhang Zhou Mumbai, April 3 : Indian equity indices opened lower on Thursday following a sharp sell-off in global markets after the US President Donald Trump announcement of reciprocal tariffs. At around 9:20 am, Sensex was down 470 points or 0.61 per cent at 76,197, and Nifty was down 105 points or 0.45 per cent, at 23,227. In early trading hour, midcap and smallcaps were trading with minor gains compared to largecap. Nifty midcap 100 index was up 125 points or 0.24 per cent at 52,183 and Nifty smallcap 100 index was up 121 points or 0.75 per cent at 16,283. On the sectoral front, Auto, IT, PSU bank, FMCG, metal and media were in the top laggars. Pharma, realty and energy were major gainers. In the Sensex pack, Infosys, HCL Tech, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Tata Motors, M&M, Bharti Airtel, Reliance, HDFC Bank, Maruti Suzuki and Kotak Mahindra Bank were major losers. Sun Pharma, Power Grid, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Titan and UltraTech cement were major gainers. Vikram Kasat, Head-Advisory, PL Capital-Prabhudas Lilladher, said, "Large Tariff shocks threatens US and global recession If these policies, if sustained - would likely push the US and Global Economy into recession this year." "In very general terms, Canada and Mexico have got off lightly, while those in Asia, particularly China and Vietnam, have been hit hard. The European Union and Japan sit somewhere in the middle. Just the hope - no one retaliates Since If you retaliate, there will be escalation. If you don't retaliate, this is the high water mark," he added. Most Asian markets witnessed heavy selling due to US tariffs. Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Seoul were in the red. The US markets closed in the green on Wednesday's trading session. On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling streak for the third consecutive session on April 2, offloading equities worth Rs 1,538 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained net buyers for the fourth consecutive day, purchasing equities worth Rs 2,800 crore. Chennai, April 3 : The Tamil Nadu Cyber Security Department has launched a detailed investigation after two individuals in Coimbatore lost a combined total of Rs 31 lakh in separate cyber fraud incidents. According to the police, Siva Kumar (40), a resident of Anbu Nagar in Edayarpalayam, was deceived by fraudsters who offered him a fake managerial job in Japan. The scammers conducted an online interview and even issued a bogus appointment letter. Under the pretext of resolving issues related to visa processing, they extracted Rs 22 lakh from him in multiple instalments. When Kumar did not receive the promised flight tickets, he filed a complaint with the cybercrime police. In another case, Karthik (33), a bank employee from Saravanampatti, was duped in a money-doubling scam. He received an SMS promising high returns on investment and ended up losing Rs 9 lakh before realising it was a fraud. Cybercrime police have registered separate cases for both incidents, and investigations are ongoing. In 2024 alone, the Cyber Crime Wing (CCW) of the Tamil Nadu Police has frozen a total of Rs 771.98 crore lost to various cyber frauds and successfully returned Rs 83.34 crore to victims. Operating under the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930), the CCW filed 4,326 First Information Reports (FIRs) and generated 79,449 Community Service Registers (CSRs), with the total reported loss amounting to Rs 1,673.85 crore. Last year, the CCW arrested 838 individuals, with 34 detained under the stringent Goondas Act. Additionally, through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), the wing recovered 16,296 stolen mobile phones and blocked 79,748 International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. The CCW handled 2,68,875 calls and registered 34,392 online fraud complaints. As part of Operation aThiraineekkua, a statewide crackdown carried out from December 6 to 8, 2024, the department apprehended 76 suspects across Tamil Nadu, following directives from DGP Shankar Jiwal. The Cyber Crime Wing consists of three divisions: The State Cyber Command Centre, the State Cyber Crime Investigation, and Cyber Arangam. Cyber Arangam focusses on public awareness to prevent cyber and mobile-related frauds. It conducted 972 awareness events in schools, 856 in colleges, and 5,878 in public areas. The CCW urges the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any cybercrime by calling the toll-free helpline 1930 or lodging a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in a"IANS aal/rad New York, April 3 : Taking a symbolic stand against President Donald Trump's tariffs, the US Senate passed a resolution against some of the levies he has announced against Canada. The resolution moved by Democrats was adopted on Wednesday with the support of four Republicans who broke ranks with their party, which holds the majority in the Senate. The measure does not seem to have a chance in the House, where the Republican majority has moved to block it, and would remain a mere symbol of opposition to President Trump's tariff war from even members of his party. The resolution, adopted 51 to 48, sought to overturn the national emergency declaration President Trump made under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act to impose tariffs on Canada claiming it was a source of the deadly fentanyl drug crisis. The Senate resolution was adopted shortly after President Trump had signed the reciprocal tariffs order imposing a 26 per cent levy on imports from India and varying tariffs on other countries. The vote gave the Democrats and the Republicans an opportunity to air their case against the tariffs. Republican Senator Rand Paul, who co-sponsored it, took a broader view of the impact of tariffs, calling them a "terrible mistake" that "will lead to higher prices". Democrat Senator Tim Kaine, who was the resolution's main sponsor, said it was a "made-up" reason because "the fentanyl emergency is from Mexico and China. It's not from Canada". President Trump accused the four Republicans who voted for the resolution of endangering the lives of Americans and playing "right into the hands of the Radical Left Democrats and Drug Cartels". The bulk of the fentanyl comes to the US from Mexico, which accounted for about 9,600 kg of the seizures by the US officials, while only 19 kg were from Canada. President Trump is using it as an excuse to pressure Canada, which he wants to take over and incorporate into the US. New Delhi, April 3 : The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Calcutta High Court's order cancelling 25,753 appointments in teaching and non-teaching posts made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016. Disposing a batch of petitions, including the West Bengal government's appeal, a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar made certain modifications in the directions issued by the Calcutta High Court. "The credibility and legitimacy of the selection procedure is denuded. Accordingly, we have proceeded to made some modifications in the directions issued by the Calcutta HC," the apex court said. It added that the challenge to the CBI probe into the creation of super-numeric posts by the West Bengal government will be listed for hearing on April 4. On May 7, 2024, a Bench headed by then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud stayed the operation of the impugned order passed by the Calcutta High Court cancelling school jobs. The then CJI Chandrachud-led Bench had allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to continue with its investigation into the alleged scam but restricted the agency from taking any coercive action against the candidates or officials. In an order passed in the third week of April 2024, the Calcutta High Court nullified the appointment of the candidates selected from the expired panels and asked them to return the entire salary drawn during their tenures, along with an annualised interest of 12 per cent, within the next four weeks. Besides directing the WBSSC to initiate the recruitment process afresh, a Division Bench of Justices Debangsu Basak and Shabbar Rashidi of the Calcutta HC also directed the probe agency to carry on with its investigation into the matter. Taking cognisance of the state Cabinet's decision for the creation of super-numeric posts, it had said that the CBI, if necessary, can question the masterminds behind the creation of the seats in excess of the vacant posts. These super-numeric posts, which have remained under the cloud since the beginning, are perceived to provide room for ineligible candidates recruited illegally. In July 2023, the apex court had set aside an interim direction passed by the Calcutta High Court terminating the service of 32,000 primary teachers and asking the West Bengal authorities to complete the recruitment process for the newly-created vacancies within three months. Asking the Calcutta High Court to decide the appeal pertaining to the school-jobs-for-cash scam at the earliest, the Supreme Court had stressed that the opportunity for a hearing has to be given to all concerned. New Delhi, April 3 : Expressing displeasure over the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Imran Masood said on Thursday that it is unconstitutional and will be remembered as a black day. Talking to IANS, Masood said the way it was passed in the Lok Sabha is unconstitutional. "It is violative of the rights given to us by the Constitution under Article 14 (Right to equality), 16 (equality of opportunity in matters of public employment) , 25 (freedom of religion) and 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs)," he said. On Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remark that the bill is not anti-Muslim, he said: "You have declared all properties illegal. And you will decide which property is illegal or legal. UP is the biggest example. You have declared all properties unconstitutional. Already there are numerous cases in the court. If this bill becomes law, it will further increase the number of petitions in the courts. Claiming that it is the biggest attack on Muslims, he said: "If the Waqf(Amendment) Bill becomes legislation, we will change it when we come to power." The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The Lok Sabha discussed the bill for more than 12 hours. It was passed in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favour and 232 against. BJP allies, including Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Shiv Sena, supported the Bill while INDIA bloc parties opposed the Bill, arguing that it is anti-constitutional. Amid the row over the bill, Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) founder Jitan Ram Majhi shared that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad was opposing the Bill as it was introduced by the Modi government. He shared a video of Lalu's speech in Parliament in which he called for a stricter law against Waqf properties. Bangkok, Aril 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bangkok on Thursday to a warm reception from the Indian diaspora, who greeted him with enthusiastic chants of "Modi Modi" and "Vande Mataram." Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Suriya Jungrungreangkit, along with several other top officials, welcomed PM Modi at the airport. PM Modi is in Thailand to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, where he will engage with regional leaders on April 4 to discuss key areas of cooperation. He is also set to hold bilateral talks with the Thai leadership to strengthen India-Thailand relations. Following his arrival, the Prime Minister is scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora, underscoring the deep cultural and economic ties between India and Thailand. Earlier, in his departure statement, PM Modi said, "At the invitation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, I am departing today for Thailand on an official visit and to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit." "Over the past decade, BIMSTEC has emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity, and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region. With its geographical location, India's North Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC," he added. The Prime Minister expressed his enthusiasm for engaging with BIMSTEC leaders, stating, "I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interests of our people in mind." On his official engagements in Thailand, PM Modi said, "During my visit, I will have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate our age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought." As part of his two-nation tour, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka next. "From Thailand, I will pay a two-day visit to Sri Lanka from April 4-6. This follows the highly successful visit of President [Ranil] Wickremesinghe to India last December. We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future' and provide further guidance to realize our shared objectives," he said. Expressing optimism about his visits, the Prime Minister stated, "I am confident that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening our close relationships for the benefit of our people and the wider region." India plays a pivotal role in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), acting as a key driver of regional integration and cooperation. PM Modi's presence at the summit is expected to further elevate India's leadership within the framework, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing collaboration and progress. BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising seven member states in the Bay of Bengal region -- five from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar and Thailand). The grouping serves as a crucial bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, with India being its largest and most influential member, shaping its agenda and promoting collaboration across various sectors. Chennai, April 3 : Well known actor Redin Kingsley and his wife, actress Sangeetha V, have now announced that they have been blessed with a baby girl. Chennai, April 3 (IANS) Well known actor Redin Kingsley and his wife, actress Sangeetha V, have now announced that they have been blessed with a baby girl. Sources close to the actor said that the couple welcomed the baby into their lives on April 2, 2025. Sources added that both the mother and baby were doing well, and that the family was cherishing this beautiful blessing. Redin's wife Sangeetha took to Instagram to announce the news first with a simple post that read, "Thanks for all your wishes and blessings, it's a princess." She later followed it up with another poster, which she posted on her Instagram timeline. The poster read,"It's a girl! We are overjoyed to announce the arrival of our beautiful baby girl. We feel so blessed and grateful for this new chapter in our lives. Thank you for all your love and support during this special time. Our family is complete and we couldn't be happier." Several people including top actors have congratulated the couple and cheered the good news. Actor Gautham Karthik was among those who congratulated the couple. Redin and Sangeetha began their journey as husband and wife on December 10, 2023. The couple have been expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of love, warm wishes, and blessings from their dear ones. Reding Kingsley first made his debut as an actor in director Nelson's Vettai Mannan which was made in 2012. However, the film got shelved and the comedian had to wait another six years for him to make his debut. He finally debuted in another film by Nelson called 'Kolamavu Kokila', featuring Nayanthara in the lead. The dark comedy emerged a superhit but more importantly, it brought Redin Kingsley under the spotlight. He soon found himself being cast in films like Netrikann and Doctor, both of which went on emerge as hits. His comedy in both these films worked big time, establishing him as a bankable comedian. --IANS Mkr/ On day 3 of Chaiti Chhath, devotees to gather at water bodies to offer prayers to setting Sun. Image Source: IANS Patna, April 3 : Chaiti Chhath, a significant festival in Bihar, is currently underway, with Thursday marking the third day of the four-day celebration. Devotees are observing a 36-hour aNirjala (waterless)a fast, which began after the Kharna ritual on Wednesday. This evening, they will gather at various water bodies to offer the first 'Arghya' to the setting Sun. The festival will conclude on Friday with offerings to the rising Sun. In Patna, the district administration has made extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all participants. A total of 92 ghats have been prepared for the rituals, with 41 ghats and seven ponds specifically readied within the Patna Municipal Corporation's jurisdiction. Key locations include Patipul Ghat, Didarganj, and Kachhi Talab in Gardnibagh. To maintain law and order, 132 Magistrates and police officers have been deployed across 76 locations in the district. These officials are working under the leadership of 23 sector officers, supported by baton and women forces. Additionally, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are stationed at the ghats, equipped with motorboats, divers, and life-saving equipment. Unauthorised boat movements have been strictly prohibited to ensure the safety of devotees. For the convenience of devotees, the administration has implemented traffic restrictions. The movement of vehicles on roads leading to the ghats is banned from 2 pm to 7 pm today. Parking arrangements have been made at designated spots away from the ghats, and devotees are advised to use these facilities to avoid congestion. Given the current weather conditions in Patna, with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius today, devotees are advised to take necessary precautions to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related issues. The forecast for the coming days indicates continued high temperatures, with highs of 38 degrees Celsius on Friday and 39 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The district administration has issued guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Devotees are urged to cooperate with security personnel, and adhere to the designated routes and parking areas. Medical teams are on standby at major ghats to provide assistance if needed. As devotees prepare to leave for the ghats this afternoon, they are encouraged to plan their journey accordingly, considering the traffic restrictions and weather conditions. The collective efforts of the administration and the community aim to facilitate a harmonious and safe celebration of Chaiti Chhath. The Patna district administration has emphasised safety precautions for Chaiti Chhath devotees, urging people to be cautious in large crowds. Officials have provided the following key guidelines including special care for the safety of children, elderly individuals, and women in crowded areas; keeping a slip in childrenas pockets with their name, address, and mobile number; avoiding carrying firecrackers or any inflammable substances and prohibition of consumption of tobacco, alcohol, or any intoxicants. The officials also urged people not to spread or believe in rumours that may cause panic. They have also asked people to immediately inform the authorities if they see any unattended or suspicious object. The Patna District administration has issued emergency phone numbers 0612-2219810 / 0612-2219234, Dial-112 and police control room mobile: 9470001389. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Mumbai, April 3 : Actor Paramvir Singh Cheema is set to share the screen with Sunny Deol in the much-anticipated war film, "Border 2." Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Actor Paramvir Singh Cheema is set to share the screen with Sunny Deol in the much-anticipated war film, "Border 2." In a recent interview, Cheema opened up about the thrill of working alongside the actor and the impact it has had on him personally. Speaking about working with Deol in the film, Paramvir told IANS, "Yes, that's true. The exciting part is that Border 2 is an action filma full-scale war movie. It's packed with action from start to finish. I'm sharing the screen with Sunny Deol. I've always admired him because he's also Punjabi. Whenever we come from Punjab, the first place we visit is Sunny Deol's house." Cheema went on to share a memorable moment from the set, saying, "Yes, I met Sunny Deol himself on set. I truly consider that a blessing." Paramvir Singh Cheema will be making his big-screen debut with "Border 2." Directed by Anurag Singh, "Border 2" also features an ensemble cast, including Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. It is slated for a grand release on January 23, 2026. Paramvir has appeared in a variety of projects, including "Tabbar", "Chamak," "Sapne vs Everyone," and "Black Warrant." Talking about playing different roles in the films, the actor shared, "I believe it's primarily the director's vision that helps me a lot. They see me in different roles, and I add my own touch to them. For example, in Tabbar, I played a cop. I suggested we keep a mustache because it fit the charactera young, enthusiastic Punjabi cop. Then in Chamak, people questioned how it could be in black and white. So, they toned me down and asked if I could grow my hair, which I agreed to. I even suggested adding mascara because the character is a musician. These small details come together to shape the character." "When playing intense roles, looking in the mirror feels different. I don't see Paramveer every time; sometimes, I see Kala or Mangat. Each character leaves a hint of itself with me, but eventually, I let it go. For instance, in Chamak, after portraying Kala, Prashant helped me transition back to myself," he added. Revealing his upcoming projects, Paramvir Singh mentioned, "I'm working on a film with Aanand L Rai, though I can't reveal the name yet. It's an exciting project because I want to work with directors who have a strong vision. I'm also doing a Punjabi film (details to be disclosed later) and Chamak Season 2, which premieres on April 4th. There are a couple of other shows in the pipeline as well." April 03 : After its successful theatrical run, Shahid Kapoors action thriller Deva has made a powerful impact on Netflix, trending as the #1 movie in India and soaring in popularity across six other countries. The films official handle, Roy Kapur Films, shared the exciting news on social media, celebrating its global success. "#Deva reigns supreme! Trending at #1 Movie in India along with 6 other countries! #2 Global Movie (Non-English) and still rising," the post read, accompanied by tags for the films stars and production team. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews and produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur under Roy Kapur Films, Deva is an action-packed thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film stars Shahid Kapoor alongside Pooja Hegde and Pavail Gulati, with a gripping storyline that has captivated audiences worldwide. It is a remake of Andrrewss acclaimed 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police, though with a fresh climax to offer new twists for both old fans and new viewers. The plot revolves around a violent cop who suffers memory loss following a tragic accident. As he grapples with his fragmented recollections, he embarks on a tense journey to reinvestigate the murder of a fellow officer. This complex narrative of crime, memory, and justice unfolds with intense action sequences and emotional depth, making it a standout in the action thriller genre. With its rising popularity on Netflix, Deva has not only showcased Shahid Kapoors versatile acting prowess but also reaffirmed the growing appeal of Indian cinema on global streaming platforms. Fans from across the world are now tuning in, eager to experience the gripping tale that has everyone talking. This photo taken with a mobile phone shows workers processing seafood at the production workshop of Chongqing Jiajiarong Foods Co., Ltd. in Qianjiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, March 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Mengtong) CHONGQING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Nestled deep in the mountains of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, a seafood factory buzzes with activity as workers skillfully process a batch of Northern shrimp, an exotic species they hadn't even heard of just months earlier. "These Northern shrimp were imported from Canada and will be processed here before being exported to Japan and other countries," said Wang Lezhi, general manager of Chongqing Jiajiarong Foods Co., Ltd. Spanning 18,000 square meters, the factory is located in Qianjiang District, a region nestled within the Wuling Mountains. It officially began operations last December. Before reaching the factory, the shrimp consignment undertook a 45-day journey -- shipped across the ocean to Qinzhou Port in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and then transported via freight trains through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, a vital logistics network linking China's western regions to global markets. Once at the facility, the shrimp undergo a meticulous deep-processing procedure that includes cleaning, de-shelling, weighing, quick-freezing, and packaging. Within a week, they are transported to Rizhao Port in east China's Shandong Province before being shipped to sushi restaurants and supermarkets across Japan. Unlike China's coastal hubs, Qianjiang lacks the geographical advantages typically associated with foreign trade. Yet, against the odds, the district has carved out a niche in the global seafood industry. "Policy support is the golden key that unlocked our access to the international market," Wang said. As part of China's broader strategy to foster collaboration between its eastern and western regions, as well as its rural revitalization drive, the company has benefited from a host of policy incentives. These include preferential logistics support for imports and exports, along with an abundant local labor force, both of which have helped slash operational costs. To boost its competitiveness, the company has also sent workers to China's coastal cities to learn advanced processing techniques. Thanks to these efforts, it expects to export over 80 tonnes of aquatic products by the end of April, with an export value of 760,000 U.S. dollars. Going ahead, the company is set to expand its business operations. A new domestic sales channel for South American white shrimp is slated to launch by late April or early May, while production of fish puree products is expected to commence in July or August, according to Wang. Beyond that, the company has ambitious plans to utilize shrimp by-products, such as heads and shells, in industries ranging from fish bait and biopharmaceuticals to cosmetics. This move is expected to drive growth in downstream industries and inject new momentum into rural development, he added. Editor: Zhang Zhou Los Angeles, April 3 : Hollywood actress Michelle Pfeiffer is paying tribute to her former co-star and friend Val Kilmer after he passed away at the age of 65. The actor, who rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in films such as 'Top Gun', 'Batman Forever' and 'The Doors', died from complications related to pneumonia after a long battle with health issues, reports 'Female First UK'. His passing was announced by his daughter Mercedes. His death sparked a flood of tributes from Hollywood greats, and now Michelle Pfeiffer, 66, has added to them by sharing a black-and-white photograph of herself and Val from the set of the 1985 ABC Afterschool Special 'One Too Many'. Alongside the image, she wrote, "Rest in peace, Val". The two actors first met while filming the special, which tackled the dangers of teenage drinking, and formed a close friendship that lasted decades. As per 'Female First UK', Val spoke openly about his bond with the actress in his 2020 memoir, 'I'm Your Huckleberry'. He described the connection they shared, saying, "The secret pain that Michelle and I shared created an intimacy between us". He revealed he had felt comfortable confiding in her about his strained relationship with his parents, while Michelle, in turn, spoke to him about the difficulties in her marriage to Peter Horton, whom she later divorced. Though Val wrote fondly about Michelle, he admitted to having harboured a longstanding attraction to her younger sister, Lori Pfeiffer, now 59. He said in his memoir, "I had an all-consuming crush on her younger sister Lori, who did not seem to reciprocate, even a little", he wrote. "In fact, she seemed to not even know I existed". While speculation has persisted over whether Michelle and Val ever dated, the details remain unclear. However, Val reflected on their time together in a 2018 Instagram post, sharing the same image Michelle later used in her tribute. He said, "I first met Michelle through her husband Peter and Mare Winningham, who was my first girlfriend in high school. "It was so amazing to work with all three such talented people in one 'after school special' which was, to my memory, always a morality play designed to educate kids just home from school". Val, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, spent the later years of his life largely out of the public eye, though he made a widely praised return to the screen in 2022, reprising his role as Iceman in 'Top Gun: Maverick'. Michelle has not publicly commented on Val beyond her Instagram post. Along with Mercedes, Val is survived by his son Jack, who he had during his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, April 3 : Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, on Thursday, condemned AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi for tearing a copy of the legislation in the Lok Sabha, calling it an "attack on democracy" and stating that the public will "never forgive" the act. Speaking to IANS, Pal said, "Owaisi has torn the bill. He has done unconstitutional work. Tearing up a bill introduced by a democratically elected government is an insult to the people of this country. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi will not justify this act, and the nation will not forgive it. No one has the right to disregard the mandate of the people." Owaisi, on Wednesday, had cited Mahatma Gandhi's protest against discriminatory South African laws while dramatically tearing the bill in Parliament, stating, "Like Gandhi, I am also tearing up this law." Reacting sharply, Pal said, "The people will not forget. No one has the right to vote against a law brought by the government through the mandate of the people. You may disagree with it, but tearing it is an attack on democracy." He further stated that the bill would be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, and the outcome would be positive. Defending the need for amendments in the Waqf Act, Pal argued that the existing law granted "unlimited power" that overrode constitutional provisions. "This Bill has been in existence for so long. Whether it was the Principal Act of 1995 or its 2013 amendment, unlimited power was given to them, which was above the Constitution. The UPA government in 2013 violated Article 300A, which is the Right to Property," he stated. Emphasising that the bill aims to provide justice to marginalised communities, Pal said, "Tomorrow will be a historic day for the poor, pastoralists, women, widows, and children of the country. People contribute their hard-earned money to ensure benefits reach the underprivileged. Waqf properties are the third largest in India after railways and the army, yet they were not benefiting the needy. For the first time, a bill has been passed to ensure justice, aligning with the constitutional spirit envisioned by Babasaheb Ambedkar." Citing the Sachar Committee's findings on the socio-economic conditions of Muslims, Pal pointed out that the literacy rate of Muslim women was only 51.3 per cent, while their higher education rate stood at just 6.9 per cent. He asserted that despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to uplift them, the opposition continued to falsely accuse the government. Slamming opposition leaders, Pal said, "Be it Akhilesh Yadav or Rahul Gandhi, they consider Muslims as a vote bank and want to divide the community for appeasement politics. But today, it is clear who truly wants to empower them and who seeks to mislead them." Kolkata, April 3 : A political has erupted in West Bengal following the Supreme Court's decision to uphold last year's order of the Calcutta High Court cancelling all the appointments in teaching and non-teaching categories made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016. On April 22, 2024, the Calcutta High Court's division bench of Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi cancelled 25,753 appointments made by WBSSC, which include secondary and higher secondary teachers and non-teaching staff in Group-C and Group-D categories. The appointments were cancelled on the grounds that it was impossible to segregate the genuine candidates from the ineligible ones who got jobs after paying money. On Thursday, the apex court division bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar accepted the observation of the Calcutta High Court's division bench and upheld the order. According to CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate of Calcutta High Court Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, who had been involved in the entire legal process since the beginning, said that though it is unfortunate that some "eligible" candidates will also have to suffer because of the apex court order, there was no other option than cancelling the entire panel. "The nature of institutional corruption in the entire selection process was so rampant that it became impossible to segregate the 'genuine' candidates from 'ineligible' candidates. The apex court repeatedly questioned WBSSC on whether such segregation was possible or not, but the commission was not able to come up with any definite answer on this point," Bhattacharya said. BJP's state president in West Bengal and the Union Minister of State Dr Sukanta Majumdar said the "genuine" candidates will now have to suffer because of the sustained efforts of the Mamata Banerjee-led state government to protect those "ineligible" candidates who got their jobs paying money to the ruling Trinamool Congress leaders. "The apex court's verdict has made it clear that how under Mamata Banerjee's rule the merit of educated unemployed youth in West Bengal was sold in exchange for money. We demand the resignation of the Chief Minister, taking full responsibility for this huge corruption," said Majumdar. Trinamool Congress leader Biswajit Deb, who is currently the advocate general of Mizoram, said the suggestion to the state government will be to immediately file a review petition at the apex court. "The basic principle of the legal system is that 1,000 culprits can escape, but not even one innocent should be punished. But following the verdict, now the genuine candidates will have to suffer. So I think that the state government should immediately file a review petition at the apex court," Deb said. However, Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya said that filing the review petition would mean another delay in the process and wastage of money from the public exchequer. At the time the report was filed, there was no reaction from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the matter. Dhaka, April 3 : With most doctors and nurses in major public hospitals on leave during the Eid vacation, severe medical negligence unfolded in Bangladesh as many patients were deprived of necessary treatment and suffered due to long delays in receiving care, local media reported. According to media reports, the number of patients in the emergency departments at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), also known as Pongu Hospital, saw a surge during the Eid vacation, causing suffering for several patients seeking services. Speaking to the country's leading newspaper, The Daily Star, on Wednesday, DMCH Director Md Asaduzzaman said around 500 nurses out of 2,500 nurses were on duty during the Eid holidays. He, however, did not mention the number of doctors who worked. Meanwhile, a family alleged that a mob beating victim was denied treatment at many hospitals in the region, leading to his death. When Riyad Hossain, who sustained severe injuries in an alleged mob beating, was taken to Kurmitola General Hospital by the police, the hospital did not admit him and referred him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) instead. DMCH, the country's largest hospital, also did not admit him. Instead, they provided some medication, stating that his condition was stable. When Riyad's condition deteriorated, police took him to a nearby private hospital, but he was denied admission due to the unavailability of doctors. As his condition worsened, they took him back to Kurmitola General Hospital, but the hospital once again refused to admit him. Later, Riyad succumbed to his injuries at the hospital's emergency department early Monday. "My husband died because he was not given proper treatment at any hospital," Riyad's wife, Farzana Akter, told The Daily Star. According to a report of Bangladesh's leading daily, Prothom Alo, the national survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in February 2025 revealed that one in every three persons in the country has experienced negligence, carelessness and mistreatment in government or private hospitals. This rate is higher in cities than in villages. Around 91 per cent of the people in Bangladesh want the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to be legally bound to provide primary healthcare to all. Panaji, April 2 : Bollywood actor Abhay Deol revealed that he has been exploring Goa's hidden gems, such as the lush forests, lesser-known beaches and unique local experiences, which have inspired my journey. Panaji, April 2 (IANS) Bollywood actor Abhay Deol revealed that he has been exploring Goa's hidden gems, such as the lush forests, lesser-known beaches and unique local experiences, which have inspired my journey. Abhay, who was present at the launch of 'Goa Unseen'a digital guidebook, said, "Goa has always been a place of discovery for me, a sanctuary where creativity, nature, and community thrive. Over the years, I've been exploring its hidden gems - from lush forests and lesser-known beaches to unique local experiences - all of which have inspired my journey." "Through 'Goa Unseen,' I'm excited to share this side of Goa and invite travelers to experience its true essence. With Airbnb, I hope you'll find your own connection to Goa's vibrant soul." The 'Goa Unseen'a digital guidebookwas launched by Airbnb, in collaboration with the Goa Tourism Department. It takes travelers beyond the obvious, uncovering the very soul of the state through its hidden cultural treasures and heritage gems. The guidebook was launched in the presence of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb's Country Head for India and Southeast Asia and Abhay. Commenting on the Rediscover Goa 2.0 campaign & Goa Unseen guidebook, Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, said, Tourism is the backbone of Goa's economy, and our focus on regenerative tourism ensures that its benefits reach local businesses, communities, and a new generation of entrepreneurs." "By encouraging homestays, particularly in rural Goa, and empowering women and youth, we are aligning with our Honorable Prime Minister's vision of Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti. He added, "Furthering our MoU with Airbnb on initiatives like the 'Goa Unseen' guidebook, we offer travelers an authentic Goan experienceone that extends beyond the popular hotspots and into the heart of our Goa Beyond Beaches. We are excited to partner with Airbnb once again and look forward to welcoming travelers from around the world to discover the true essence of Goa." The 'Goa Unseen' guidebook has been curated with insights from local experts who offer a fresh, authentic perspective of the state. Contributors include culinary maestro Avinash Martins, food writer Nolan Mascarenhas, artist and content creator Siddharth Kerkar, GoaGetterr founder Garv Vohra, travel writer Insia Lacewalla, and TV host and content creator Scarlett Rose. Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb's country head for India and Southeast Asia, said, "Goa has always been a key destination for Airbnb in India, and through initiatives like 'Rediscover Goa' and the launch of 'Goa Unseen,' in partnership with the Goa Tourism Department, we are striving to showcase the state's rich cultural heritage, dynamic communities, and unique accommodations." -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Ranchi, April 3 : Hundreds of tribals took to the streets on Thursday to protest against the violence that erupted during the Sarhul festival procession in the Pithoria police station area of Ranchi on April 1. The protest, organised under the banner of the Central Sarna Committee, saw demonstrators blocking the Ranchi-Patratu road since 9 a.m., demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the assault. Shops in the Pithoria market also remained shut in solidarity. Protesters alleged that the tribal procession was not only disrupted, but the Pahan (tribal priest) and other participants were also physically attacked. Women were also reportedly harassed and beaten. An FIR was registered on Wednesday against the attackers, but the demonstrators insist that their protest will continue until all accused are arrested. According to reports, the violence arose from a dispute in Hethbalu village near Ranchi, where members of another community had set up electric carts on both sides of the road for their own festival. As the Sarhul procession passed through the area, some of its flags allegedly broke electric poles, triggering a heated altercation that quickly escalated into stone-pelting and violence. Several people, including Ravi Pahan, Nagdev Pahan, Painbhora Munda, and Sandeep Munda, sustained injuries in the clashes. A named FIR has been filed against Adam Ansari, Arif Ansari, Mintu Ansari, and Juaifa Ansari, along with several unidentified individuals, for their alleged involvement in the attack. The complaint states that the attackers, who were lying in wait, ambushed the Sarhul procession with sharp weapons as it reached Hargarhi in Hethbalu village. Police have so far arrested two accused in connection with the incident, but protesters, led by Central Sarna Committee President Ajay Tirkey and other tribal leaders, are demanding the immediate arrest of all culprits. As of 1 p.m., traffic on the Ranchi-Patratu road remained blocked, causing significant disruption to commuters. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation. Bangkok, April 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed gratitude to the Indian diaspora in Thailand for their "warm welcome" and described watching Ramakien, the Thai adaptation of the Ramayana, as an "enriching experience." Soon after his arrival in Bangkok for the BIMSTEC Summit, PM Modi witnessed a performance of Ramakien, a cultural spectacle that reflects the deep historical and civilisational ties between India and Thailand. Upon reaching his hotel, he was greeted with a vibrant Garba performance, a folk dance from his home state of Gujarat. Large crowds of the Indian diaspora, dressed in traditional attire, gathered to welcome him, including members from the Sikh, Garhwali, and Gujarati communities. Taking to X, PM Modi posted, "Grateful for the warm welcome by the Indian community in Bangkok. India and Thailand share a deep-rooted cultural bond that continues to flourish through our people. Heartening to see this connection reflected so strongly here." The Prime Minister also lauded the Ramakien performance, calling it "a cultural connect like no other!" "Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand," he wrote on X. "The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia," he added. PM Modi was welcomed at the Bangkok airport by Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and other senior officials. The Indian diaspora cheered his arrival with chants of "Modi Modi" and "Vande Mataram," underscoring the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations. The Prime Minister is in Thailand to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, where he will engage with regional leaders on Thursday and Friday on key areas of cooperation between the Bay of Bengal countries. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to further strengthen India-Thailand relations. India plays a crucial role in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), acting as a key driver of regional integration. PM Modi's presence at the summit is expected to further enhance India's leadership within the framework, reinforcing its commitment to regional progress. BIMSTEC is a regional grouping of seven member states -- five from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar and Thailand). It serves as an essential link between the two regions, with India being its largest and most influential member, actively shaping the group's agenda and fostering collaboration. Following his engagements in Thailand, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka for the second leg of his tour. Bangkok, April 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra began bilateral discussions in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon during which they are expected to not only review bilateral cooperation but also chart the way for future partnership between the countries. The relations between both countries are set to be elevated to a Strategic Partnership following the discussions. This is PM Modi's second meeting with the Thai counterpart. He had earlier met her on the margins of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane in October last year. Both leaders will review the progress in the entire gamut of bilateral relations and ways to add greater momentum to the India-Thailand bilateral partnership besides also exchanging views on the regional and multilateral issues. They will also witness the signing of several bilateral documents. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Bangkok on his third visit to the country at the invitation of PM Shinawatra to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held on Friday by Thailand, the current BIMSTEC Chair and for an Official Visit. This is PM Modi's third visit to Thailand. He had attended the ASEAN and East Asia Summit that was hosted by Thailand in November 2019 and earlier - in November 2016 - been to Bangkok en route to Tokyo to pay homage to the late King Rama IX. India and Thailand are maritime neighbours with shared civilizational bonds which are underpinned by cultural, linguistic, and religious ties. "During my official visit, I will have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate our age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought," PM Modi said in his departure statement early Thursday morning. Thailand is also India's valuable partner in the 'Act East' policy, Vision for the Indo-Pacific, and in BIMSTEC. The bilateral ties between both countries remain multifaceted and cover a range of joint cooperation from defence and security to trade and investment, connectivity, science, technology, innovation, education, space, health, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. "Thailand is the third-largest economy in ASEAN and our fourth-largest trading partner after Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia in the ASEAN region. Our trade is almost $15 billion, and our exports to Thailand are about $5 billion, and imports from Thailand are about almost $10 billion," said Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ahead of the Prime Minister's official visit. "Last year, at the request of the government of Thailand, India had sent the holy relics of Lord Buddha and two of his main disciples for a 25-day exposition, over five different cities of Thailand. This was from 25th February to 9th March, and around four million people paid their obeisance to the relics. The unprecedented success of this exposition is a reaffirmation of our age-old, indelible religious and cultural ties between the two countries," he added. This would also be the first physical meeting of the BIMSTEC Leaders since the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2018. The last BIMSTEC Summit was hosted by Sri Lanka in March 2022 in virtual format. The theme for the current summit is 'BIMSTEC a" Prosperous, Resilient and Open'. The leaders are expected to deliberate on ways and means to infuse greater momentum to BIMSTEC cooperation during the Summit. The leaders from the Bay of Bengal countries are also expected to discuss various institution and capacity building measures to augment collaboration within the BIMSTEC framework. India has been taking a number of initiatives in BIMSTEC to strengthen regional cooperation and partnership, including in enhancing security; facilitating trade and investment; establishing physical, maritime and digital connectivity; collaborating in food, energy, climate and human security; promoting capacity building and skill development; and enhancing people-to-people ties. New Delhi, April 3 : The executive order issued by US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional duty of 27 per cent on Indian goods entering the US and the Commerce Department carefully examining the implications of the order, the Piyush Goyal-headed Commerce and Industry Ministry said on Thursday. The US President issued an executive order on reciprocal tariffs imposing additional ad-valorem duties ranging from 10 per cent to 50 per cent on imports from all trading partners. The baseline duty of 10 per cent will be effective from April 5, 2025 and the remaining country-specific additional ad-valorem duty will be effective from April 9. For India, the additional duty works out to 27 per cent, the Commerce and Industry Ministry said. "The Department of Commerce is carefully examining the implications of the various measures/announcements made by the President of the USA. Keeping in view the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Department is engaged with all stakeholders, including Indian industry and exporters, taking feedback of their assessment of the tariffs and assessing the situation. The Department is also studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in the US trade policy," an official statement said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had, on February 13, announced the "Mission 500" - aiming to more than double the bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Accordingly, discussions are ongoing between Indian and US trade teams for the expeditious conclusion of a mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement. These cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including deepening supply chain integration, according to the statement. "The ongoing talks are focused on enabling both nations to grow trade, investments and technology transfers. We remain in touch with the Trump Administration on these issues and expect to take them forward in the coming days," the statement said. "India values its Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the United States and is committed to working closely with the US to implement the India-US aCatalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technologya (COMPACT) for the 21st century to ensure that our trade ties remain a pillar of mutual prosperity and drive transformative change for the benefit of the people of India and the US," it added. Mumbai, April 3 : As the beloved web series 'Panchayat' celebrates 5 years of its release, Prime Video announced the much-awaited season 4 of the comedy-drama. Season 4 of 'Panchayat' is set to premiere on July 2 on Prime Video, continuing the journey of its beloved characters and their unforgettable slice-of-life story. After three award-winning and widely acclaimed seasons, 'Panchayat' has cemented itself as a fan favorite, captivating audiences with its simple yet deeply relatable storytelling, brilliant performances, and endearing rural charm. As the journey continues, the expectations from season 4 are sky-high. The comedy-drama follows the journey of Abhishek (Jitendra Kumar), an engineering graduate, who, due to limited job opportunities, takes up the role of secretary at a panchayat office in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh. The latest season of the show will feature Abhishek, Pradhan Ji, and the beloved villagers of Phulera navigating new challenges and embarking on some quirky adventures. Produced by The Viral Fever, 'Panchayat' has been created by Deepak Kumar Mishra, along with Chandan Kumar. While Chandan Kumar has provided the script for the drama, Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya are the directors. 'Panchayat Season 4' will feature the much-loved returning cast, including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha. Refreshing your memory, season 3 of aPanchayata ended on a huge cliffhanger, leaving the fans with the question - will Abhishek leave Phulera or not since his transfer is uncertain and his relationship with Rinki (Sanvikaa) is still not settled? In addition to this, the upcoming 'Panchayat' season will also include some exciting twists and turns with the panchayat elections in the works, and Abhishekas CAT results pending. It is also believed that along with the old cast, some new characters might also be entering the show in season 4. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko described the increase in tariffs imposed by the United States on Ukrainian goods as a difficult but not critical situation, noting that small manufacturers will bear the brunt of the impact. "If the situation remains unchanged, the universal U.S. tariff will primarily affect small manufacturers. Therefore, we are already working to secure better conditions for Ukraine. We export over 600 different product categories to the United States ranging from highly specialized goods to everyday tools such as wrenches. Of these, 65 product categories have an annual export volume exceeding $1 million," Svyrydenko wrote on Facebook on Thursday. She clarified that Ukraine will be subject to a general 10% tariff, unlike Moldova (31%) or the European Union (20%), which face higher rates. In 2024, Ukraine's exports to the United States totaled $874 million, with $363 million attributed to pig iron and $112 million to pipes. In contrast, Ukraine imported $3.4 billion worth of goods from the United States. The country's tariffs on American products remain relatively low 10% on automobiles and 0% on coal and oil. "This means we have a real chance to negotiate better terms, as the U.S. statement explicitly acknowledges the possibility," Svyrydenko said, adding that Ukraine, as a reliable ally and partner, has much to offer the United States, emphasizing that fair tariffs would benefit both nations. According to an announcement on the White House website late on April 2-3, U.S. President Donald Trump decided to invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to impose a 10% tariff on all countries, effective April 5, 2025, at 12:01 AM. Notably, Russia was absent from the published tariff tables, though no explanation was provided for this. Mumbai, April 3 : The Indian stock market closed lower on Thursday as investors remained cautious following US President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs. The new tariff structure includes a 10 per cent tax on all US imports, with higher tariffs on countries with a trade surplus. India will now face a 27 per cent tariff. The Sensex fell 322.08 points, or 0.42 per cent, to close at 76,295.36. During the day, the index fluctuated between an intraday high of 76,493.74 and a low of 75,807.55. The Nifty also ended lower, down 82.25 points, or 0.35 per cent, at 23,250.10. "The primary catalyst for todayas decline was deteriorating global sentiment, exacerbated by US President Trump's announcement of a 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian imports, which prompted a cautious stance among investors," said Sundar Kewat of Ashika Institutional Equity. Tech stocks led the losses, with TCS, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, and Tata Motors declining by up to 4.02 per cent. On the other hand, Power Grid Corporation, Sun Pharma, Ultratech Cement, NTPC, and Asian Paints were among the top gainers, rising as much as 4.57 per cent. The IT sector was the worst performer, with the Nifty IT index dropping 4.21 per cent, dragged down by Persistent Systems, Coforge, TCS, and Mphasis. Auto, oil & gas, and realty stocks also struggled. However, pharma stocks performed well, with the Nifty Pharma index climbing 2.25 per cent. Banking, healthcare, FMCG, and consumer durables stocks also saw gains, rising up to 1.94 per cent. Despite the overall market decline, smallcap stocks outperformed, as the Nifty Smallcap100 index gained 0.58 per cent. Market analysts stated that investors are expected to remain watchful of global developments and their impact on market trends. "The domestic market initially showed signs of recovery but ended with modest losses after the announcement of a relatively lower 26 per cent tariff on US imports," said Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments Limited. "Although the tariff presents short-term challenges, India's economic resilience and bilateral trade agreement may help mitigate the overall impact," he stated. The rupee ended flat but traded in a volatile range between 85.75 and 85.35, as markets reacted to Trumpas reciprocal tariff policy. Chennai, April 3 : Fishermen from 10 coastal villages, stretching from Nochikuppam to Srinivasa Puram (Mullikuppam) in Chennai, staged a massive protest on the Marina Loop Road on Thursday, demanding the establishment of a protected traditional fishing zone in the area. The protesters, representing traditional artisanal fishing communities, asserted their rights over the sands, sea, and seafront. "This coast has belonged to our people for generations," said one of the protesting leaders. "We are not deep-sea trawler operators. We are artisanal fishermen who rely on these shores for our livelihood," they said. The fishermen expressed strong opposition to multiple development proposals, including the proposed sea bridge and blue flag beach certification project. They claimed these initiatives are threatening their way of life and depriving them of access to traditional fishing spaces. "Marina Loop Road is not just a stretch of asphalt for us," said a local fisherman, adding, "It is where we bring in our catch, clean our nets, and sell the day's fish. The road has been part of our working life for generations." According to the protesters, the Chennai Corporation laid the Loop Road only because it could not widen the Santhome High Road. They said the Corporation should instead focus on widening Santhome High Road to a two-way road to accommodate traffic rather than using the Loop Road as an alternative route. Sekar, a fisherman from Mullikuppam, said, "The decision to declare Marina Loop Road a public road must be revoked. Diverting traffic through this road threatens our livelihoods and safety." Another major concern raised during the protest was land acquisition. Fishermen allege that land taken by the government for constructing housing projects for fisherfolk has not been returned or properly allocated. They also emphasised the generational aspect of their occupation. "Fishing is not just our work -- it's our heritage," one fisherman said, adding, "Our children grow up learning this trade, and they need access to the seafront to continue our way of life." The protest disrupted traffic along the Marina Loop Road until Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has been considering a redevelopment plan for the Loop Road. The proposed vision is to transform it into an eco-friendly public space prioritizing non-motorable traffic, such as pedestrians and cyclists. A tender has already been floated by the GCC's Special Projects Department, inviting consultancy services to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) at an estimated cost of Rs 17.7 lakh. The consultant will conduct a topographic survey, land use and activity studies, traffic and transportation surveys, pedestrian and cyclist assessments, a parking study, a street vending analysis, and a landscape study to evaluate tree cover and shading potential. Based on these findings, the DPR will include concept designs, detailed engineering drawings, bills of quantities, and construction-ready plans. The proposed design envisions dedicated pedestrian pathways, green spaces, and recreational areas in compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines. An official from GCC said, "Our aim is to make Loop Road a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible space for everyone while also addressing the existing challenges." Stretching over 2.55 km, Loop Road connects Lighthouse Junction to Greenways Road Junction and serves a diverse population of fishermen, vendors, and beachgoers. However, it currently faces issues like traffic congestion, irregular parking, and unregulated vending, which the redevelopment aims to resolve. Bengaluru, April 3 : Karnataka BJP President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, on Thursday expressed his happiness over the Lok Sabha's approval of a historic Bill on the Waqf Board. Vijayendra further criticised the Congress for opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill both at the state and national levels, calling it a tragedy. He accused the party's leaders and politicians of looting land in Karnataka under the guise of the Waqf Board. "These very Congress leaders are now opposing the Waqf Bill," he said. He further stated that discussions on the Waqf Act had been ongoing for several decades across the country and in the state. "In our state, lands belonging to temples, religious institutions with a history of over a thousand years, and even lakhs of acres of farmland owned by farmers have been forcefully taken under the name of the Waqf Board," Vijayendra alleged. "If no one is allowed to question this, what kind of justice is this? What kind of country are we living in?" he asked. A few months ago, the BJP had protested against this issue, he said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set up a parliamentary subcommittee at the Centre to address the injustices and fraud committed under the name of the Waqf Board," Vijayendra said. He stated that as the Lok Sabha had granted approval to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill at midnight yesterday, it was a historic moment. "This is an occasion for everyone to celebrate," Vijayendra said. He also mentioned that not only Hindus but even Muslims have welcomed this decision. "To mark the occasion, sweets were distributed among the BJP leaders and workers," Vijayendra stated. Vijayendra claimed that many Congress leaders were involved in the Waqf scam. "Karnataka is the latest example of this. Congress leaders' names have surfaced in this scam multiple times in the past, which is why they naturally oppose amendments to the Waqf law," he said. Vijayendra criticised Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's leadership, saying that after becoming the Chief Minister for the second time, he has been acting with arrogance. "His deceptive socialist mask has fallen off during this tenure," he alleged. Vijayendra also accused the Congress of using Karnataka as a pawn for the High Command and the Gandhi family, turning it into an ATM during elections. "We failed to counter the misinformation spread against our previous BJP government, and I accept that. As a result, we are now in the Opposition. But we hold no resentment over this," he said. New Delhi, April 3 : The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) on Thursday said that owing to India's price competitiveness and supportive government policies, it expects GDP to see only a marginal 0.1 per cent impact amid the recently announced US reciprocal tariffs. New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) on Thursday said that owing to Indiaas price competitiveness and supportive government policies, it expects GDP to see only a marginal 0.1 per cent impact amid the recently announced US reciprocal tariffs. Strong domestic manufacturing, continued government handholding by strategic policy measures including production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, aMake in Indiaa and aAtmanirbhar Bharata, among others, will support Indiaas growth resilience, PHDCCI President Hemant Jain said. The industry chamber expected continuing collaboration with the US through a well-negotiated bilateral trade agreement (BTA) that is likely to come into effect in fall 2025. "Indiaas robust industrial competitiveness will balance the impact of US tariff announcements and GDP will see only a 0.1 per cent impact in the short term," said Jain, adding that in the medium term, as the policy takes full effect, this shortfall will be negated. The transition to strengthening domestic consumption will easily absorb the tariff impact. Indiaas robust demand augurs well for sectors such as electronics, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals, among others. India is a major consumer market with diversified supply and value chains with emerging trade partners that includes the Middle East, South Africa, and Latin America, as well as Asian nations. The demand for Indian products has increased in recent years due to price competitiveness and improved quality. According to a Morgan Stanley report on Thursday, on monetary policy, "we expect the RBI to cut rates by 25bps and also anticipate that on the back of an uncertain external demand environment, the RBI will change its stance to accommodative in the policy review on April 9". In case of pronounced downside risks to growth, "we expect policymakers to pause fiscal consolidation and increase capex spending to support domestic demand", said the global brokerage. The executive order issued by US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional duty of 27 per cent on Indian goods entering the US and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is carefully examining the implications of the order. Keeping in view the vision of aViksit Bharata, the Commerce Department is engaged with all stakeholders, including Indian industry and exporters, taking feedback of their assessment of the tariffs and assessing the situation. The Department is also studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in the US trade policy, according to the Ministry. The Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) Chairman, Mohit Singla, said that they do not see much impact on most Indian products. aFor most of the competing countries, the tariff has been kept very high, which keeps India better off than many other emerging economies. For example, US tariffs on all Chinese products are now as high as 65 per cent," he noted. In the agriculture sector, there might be a few market diversification, such as for shrimp, where some business might go to Venezuela or tea to Sri Lanka and Kenya. "In fact, in the long run, the non-tariff barriers (NTBs) will see more rationalization and Indian companies will be pushed to better efficiencies and quality products," said Singla. Crisil Ratings' Senior Director Anuj Sethi said the US administration has exempted pharmaceuticals from reciprocal tariffs, given its focus on enhancing availability of affordable medical care of the US citizens. India exported $8 billion of pharma products to the US in fiscal 2024, its largest export destination, and supplies 40 per cent of generics consumed in the US, and this move by the US Administration will help sustain exports. "India has more than 650 manufacturing facilities approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), the second-highest number outside the US. They account for a quarter of all such certified facilities outside the US," Sethi said. Bangkok, April 3 : In a special gesture that spotlights the shared civilizational bonds underpinned by cultural, linguistic, and religious ties between India and Thailand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the holy scriptures 'The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition' by Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra following their bilateral discussions in Bangkok on Thursday. The Tipitaka (in Pali) or Tripitaka (in Sanskrit) is a revered compilation of Lord Buddha's teachings, consisting of 108 volumes and regarded as the principal Buddhist scripture. The edition presented to PM Modi is a meticulously crafted version written in Pali and Thai scripts, ensuring the accurate pronunciation of over nine million syllables and highlights a significant moment of cultural and spiritual diplomacy. This special edition was published in 2016 as part of the World Tipitaka Project by the Thai government to commemorate the 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit. "PM Shinawatra just gifted me the Tipitaka and I accepted it with folded hands on behalf of Bharat, the Land of Lord Buddha. Last year, India had sent the holy relics of Lord Buddha and two of his main disciples to Thailand. It is so heartwarming to know that around four million people paid their obeisance to the relics," said PM Modi. Analysts believe that the presentation of the Tipitaka to PM Modi is a testament to India's spiritual leadership and its enduring bond with Buddhist nations. According to the Thai authorities, with the Kings as upholders of Buddhism, Thailand has played long standing role in disseminating the Tipiaaka to various countries. In 1893, the Chulachomklao of Syam-Paai Tipiaaka Bangkok Era 112 Edition with Paai-Syam script was published as the first printed version of Tipiaaka in book form. King Chulalongkorn presented the Paai-Syam Script Tipiaaka as Royal Gifts to more than 250 institutions in 25 countries. Later on, in 2005, the World Tipiaaka in Roman script edition, the first complete set in the Roman-script transliteration, was published and presented as Gifts of Dhamma to over 150 major international institutions worldwide. The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 editions was published as the world's first Tipiaaka specifically designed for Sajjha-ya recitation ensuring accurate pronunciation of the Tipiaaka, maintaining the original Paai pronunciation in the era of the Lord Buddha. In 2016, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne, King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, then the Crown Prince, graciously accepted to be the Chairperson of the Publication and the foundation was bestowed to disseminate the set of 80 volumes of the World Tipitaka. The project to disseminate the World Tipiaaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Recitation 2016 editions to international community to commemorate the 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on 28th July 2024 is the collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the World Tipiaaka Foundation. New Delhi, April 3 : Raising the issue of US reciprocal tariffs of 26 per cent on Indian exports, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sought an explanation from the government on what it "is going to do on the issue". New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) Raising the issue of US reciprocal tariffs of 26 per cent on Indian exports, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sought an explanation from the government on what it "is going to do on the issue". He also raised the issue of alleged encroachment of 4,000 sq km Indian territory by China, suggesting that the government should take a firm stand on matters of foreign policy. Calling US an ally, LoP Gandhi accused the government of compromising the interest of the country, claiming that the 26 per cent reciprocal tariff imposed by the Donald Trump administration on India would "devastate" our economy, more specifically the auto, pharmaceutical and agriculture sectors. "They bow their head before every foreigner that comes," he said, recalling the drastically different approach adopted by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's who once said on matters of foreign policy that she stands "straight" as she "was an Indian and did not lean left or right." "It is in their history, it is in their culture. We know that," he said hitting out at the BJP-led government for its alleged submission before foreigners and other countries. He said, "The question is that what are you going to do about the tariffs that our ally has imposed." Turning his focus on the border dispute with China, LoP Gandhi said, "It is a known fact that China is sitting on 4,000 sq km of our territory." "I was shocked to see, sometime back, that our Foreign Secretary was cutting a cake with the Chinese Ambassador," he said, wondering if it was a "celebration of our 20 soldiers' supreme sacrifice." "The question is, what exactly is happening to this territory," he said. "We are not against normalcy, but normalcy needs to be preceded by status quo, our land should be restored to us. We should get our land back," he said. The LoP said that it has also come to his notice that the Prime Minister and the President have written to the Chinese. "We are not finding out from our people but it is the Ambassador of China who is saying that the PM and the President have written letters," he said, frowning over the secrecy shrouding the diplomacy with China. Gandhi said foreign policy is about managing other countries, including the neighbouring ones. "You have given China 4,000 sq km of land. On the other side, our ally suddenly decides to impose 26 per cent tariff which is going to devastate our economy," the LoP said, seeking an explanation from the government on both the issues. "Our auto industry and pharmaceutical industry, they are all on the line," said LoP Gandhi, warning about the implications of the tariffs on the sectors. "The question is what is that you are going to do about this tariff that our ally has imposed on us," he said. Hubballi, April 3 : Right-wing organisation Sri Ram Sena will give 'Trishul Deeksha' to 1,000 Hindu women, training them in self-defence on the death anniversary of college student Neha Hiremath, who was killed by her jilted lover on the college campus. Neha was stabbed to death by Fayaz Kondikoppa with a knife on her college campus in Hubballi. Neha's father, Niranjan Hiremath, a Congress corporator, said his daughter has been denied justice and demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He had alleged that it was a case of "love jihad." Speaking to IANS on Thursday, Sri Ram Sena founder and national president Pramod Muthalik said, "It has been almost a year since the brutal murder of college student Neha Hiremath. On April 18, 2024, the day the incident occurred, we will conduct 'Trishul Deeksha' for 1,000 Hindu women. This initiative is for their safety." "To defend themselves against rapists and those who seek to harm or exploit them, women must develop courage. They should be prepared to teach such perpetrators a lesson. Trishul Deeksha will instil bravery, valour, and the spirit to fight adversities in life. The event will be held for 1,000 women in Hubballi city," he announced. Muthalik further stated, "A recent incident in Hubballi involved an individual named Siraj, who harassed a Hindu girl and pressured her to marry him. When she rejected him, he barged into her hostel and assaulted her while celebrating the Ramzan festival." "The girl, distressed by the incident, consumed pills in an attempt to harm herself. She has been admitted to KIMS Hospital and is now out of danger. Siraj should be dealt with strictly. Cases of 'love jihad' are being reported daily, and the Police Department, along with the Congress government, is responsible for this," he criticised. Commenting on the Waqf controversy, he said, "The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. This is a historic moment. For 50 years, the Waqf Board has been looting government land and the properties of temples, mutts, and other religious institutions." "It is a landmark bill. Those opposing it are anti-nationals. The amendment will benefit poor Muslims, who were previously exploited by mullahs, moulvis, and Congress leaders," he alleged. Islamabad, April 3 : The government of Pakistan has started a major nationwide crackdown against Afghan nationals, arresting hundreds of "illegal foreigners", including Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, before transferring them to camps for further repatriation to Afghanistan. Hundreds of Afghan nationals have been taken into custody as law enforcement agencies began deportation process for them along with their families following the Eid holidays and March 31 deadline that was set for the voluntary return of Afghan nationals in Pakistan. Interestingly, directives issued to the security forces reveal that if any Afghan citizen is implicated in criminal activities, the entire family will face deportation as part of the country's broader punitive approach. The Afghan Taliban government in Kabul had requested Islamabad to delay the process of repatriation of Afghan nationals in Pakistan but Islamabad is in no mood to relet and has started conducting raids and arresting Afghan nationals from major cities. "Notably, Pakistan has announced a renewed crackdown, stating that it will deport individuals without legal residence permits, even as valid cardholders face uncertainty," the Afghan government stated. "Pakistan could not be expected to shoulder the responsibility of hosting Afghan refugees indefinitely. There is a need for humanitarian aid, not just for short-term relief but also to support long-term development initiatives," said Philippa Candler, UNHCR representative in Pakistan. The decision to not extend the deadline and start a crackdown was taken during a meeting between Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which a briefing about the repatriation process of Afghan nationals was given. The government authorities had issued a stern warning that it would take action against those who failed to leave the country by March 31. As per details, at least 43 camps have been established to accommodate Afghan refugees in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Sources say that the authorities will conduct raids and take into custody illegal Afghans in the country, who will then be transferred to the refugee camps. They will then be enlisted before being transferred to the Landi Kotal area at the Torkham Pak-Afghan border for repatriation. Statistics reveal that there are at least 1,344,584 Afghan nationals in the county with at least 709,278 Afghan nationals residing in KP having a Proof of Registration (PoR) with them. Provincial data reveals that there are at least 317,000 registered Afghans in Balochistan, 74,117 in Sindh, 196,000 in Punjab, 42,718 in capital Islamabad and 4,448 Afghan refugees in other parts of the country. Pakistan has maintained that its mass deportation drive is to regulate undocumented migration and keep a tab on illegal immigrants, who have, at times, become a security threat to the country. Mumbai, April 3 : Japanese girl group XG is currently in the midst of their first world tour 'The first HOWL'. Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) JapaneseA girl groupA XG is currently in the midst of their first world tour 'The first HOWL'. During the tour, they will be covering 35 cities and regions worldwide, with 47 performances. Moreover, XG has successfully completed additional shows in four Chinese cities - Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu. While the entire tour has experienced continuous sold-out performances, the China leg was particularly notable with tickets selling out within one minute of going on sale. The girls performed for a total of 40,000 enthusiastic fans across China, captivating audiences with their powerful performances. In addition to this, XG released collaborative merchandise with Chinese brands "DIDU" and "YUEQI QI." On March 24, the group also made a surprise visit to the ENG FLAGSHIP STORE "ENG L+Mall CONCEPT STORE Shanghai," drawing hundreds of fans and further demonstrating their immense popularity in China. Furthermore, XG appeared as the runway models at Nike's "Victory Lap" event during Shanghai Fashion Week on April 1. This marked the first fashion show appearance for XG members, making it a highly anticipated event. Additionally, on March 30th, MTV's "VMAJ" broadcast aired, where XG won two awards - "Best Visual Effects" and "Performance of the Year." Also, Executive Producer JAKOPS (SIMON) received the newly established "Best Producer" award. Talking about the award, JAKOPS said, "I'm deeply honored to receive this at the VMAJs in Japan, which is my home country and has inspired my creative work, alongside many wonderful artists." He added, "However, honestly, I'm far from satisfied. I will continue to pour my soul and strong determination into creating history and culture, and I promise to show you sights you've never seen before." Following the China shows, the XG tour will shift to Latin America in April (SAo Paulo and Mexico City), and then Seattle. The tour will conclude with a powerful finale at Tokyo Dome on May 14. New Delhi, April 3 : People with heart failure are likely to experience a significant decrease in cognitive abilities like attention and problem-solving, according to a study on Thursday. Researchers from the University of Michigan, US examined the cognitive abilities of nearly 30,000 adults over time, comparing those who did and did not develop heart failure. The researchers found heart failure is associated with a significant decrease in cognition at the time of diagnosis. Global cognition and executive functioning also declined more rapidly over the years after heart failure diagnosis. The team found that people with the condition mentally aged the equivalent of 10 years within just seven years of a heart failure diagnosis. "Heart failure is a disease that never goes away and treating it relies heavily on a patient's ability to follow specific instructions, monitor their symptoms, and keep up with many different medications," said Supriya Shore, first author and clinical assistant professor of internal medicine-cardiology at University of Michigan Medical School. "Seeing this cognitive decline among patients, and how it worsens over time after a diagnosis of heart failure, should be a warning for providers to assess a patient's cognitive ability early and factor it into the care plan," she added. Notably, the study, published in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure, showed that the typical risk factors for cognitive impairment, such as high blood pressure and heart attack, did not explain the accelerated decline observed in the participants with heart failure. The largest decrease in global cognition -- a composite of several features of cognitive ability, including attention and problem-solving -- occurred among older adults, women, and white participants. Adults with heart failure reached the threshold for meaningful decline in global cognition nearly six years earlier than people without it. Executive functioning would diminish around four-and-a-half years earlier. Globally, an estimated 64 million people suffer heart failure. Monitoring these people, although complex, may prevent cognitive decline in adults, said the team. "Regular cognitive monitoring of older adults with heart failure would help identify individuals with the earliest signs of cognitive decline who require supportive care," said Deborah A. Levine, Professor of internal medicine and neurology at the varsity. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/taras.kachka Ukraine will be able to ensure predictability of trade flows to the European Union, and this will be more effective than the introduction of tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural products by the European Commission after the end of the autonomous trade measures on June 5, said Deputy Minister of Economy Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka. "It's about the attention (of the Ukrainian government) to trade flows, about the agreements between Ukraine and the EU in 2023-2024, about regional control over the flow of grain products from Ukraine to the five neighboring member states and the system of export licenses introduced by Ukraine. This is evidence that we are listening to the concerns of our partners. We are convinced that we can ensure the predictability of trade flows from Ukraine to the EU better than any tariffs," he said at the online discussion "The Future of the Ukraine-EU Trade Regime: the Position of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Community". The trade representative recalled that Ukraine buys many resources and products that are necessary for the production of Ukrainian agricultural products from the EU. Therefore, the products that Ukraine supplies to it have a European component, and there cannot be a biased attitude towards them. Kachka noted that Ukraine is actually a pillar for the EU farming community, because thanks to Ukrainian agricultural products, price stability is maintained on the EU market and deficits are covered. "We support producers in the EU, and we are also major clients of EU producers," he emphasized. Kachka emphasized that the earlier Ukraine and the EU fully liberalize trade, in particular in agricultural products, the more opportunities Ukrainian and European farmers will have for adaptation. In the medium and long term, Ukraine is the solution to all the EU's challenges in agriculture, he emphasized. "Today, the whole world is discussing tariffs, their expansion, and their benefits. This is about the decision of the US administration to introduce additional tariffs on EU products and make them higher than on Ukrainian goods. This is really painful (the decision) and sometimes so much that we see the reaction of the European Union," Kachka drew an analogy with the US quotas on EU goods and the attitude of European countries to the quotas of Ukrainian agricultural products. He added that it is inappropriate to discuss the introduction of EU tariffs against Ukrainian products. "For us - for Ukraine and the European Union - it is important to maintain and improve market access, since this is important for both sides," the Ukrainian trade representative summed up. New Delhi, April 3 : The second edition of the three-day Startup Mahakumbh 2025 officially kicked off at Bharat Mandapam here on Thursday, with the event standing as the largest gathering in India's startup ecosystem, featuring over 3,000 startups showcasing their latest technologies, products, and services. New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) The second edition of the three-day Startup Mahakumbh 2025 officially kicked off at Bharat Mandapam here on Thursday, with the event standing as the largest gathering in Indiaas startup ecosystem, featuring over 3,000 startups showcasing their latest technologies, products, and services. Delegates from more than 50 countries will participate, The Startup Mahakumbh is set to create a buzz in Delhi. Dubbed the worldas biggest event of innovation and entrepreneurship, it will bring together over 3,000 startups, over 1,000 investors and incubators, and more than 10,000 delegates from over 50 countries, providing an unparalleled platform to shape the future of Indiaas entrepreneurial landscape. Pavilions representing 10 dynamic sectors have been set up at the event, including AI, Deeptech, Cybersecurity, Health Tech, Biotech, Agri Tech, Energy and Climate Tech, Incubators and Accelerators, D2C, FinTech, Gaming and Sports, Defense and Space Tech, and Mobility. Organised under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Startup India initiative of the Centre, the event aims to provide startups with opportunities for funding, networking, and global connections. In his address at the event, Minister of State for Information and Technology Jitin Prasada expressed optimism about Indiaas growth prospects. "India is in safe hands. We are committed to becoming a developed nation by 2047. We have the talent, the skills, and an agile government. Unlike others, our government has been consistently elected for three consecutive terms under Prime Minister Narendra Modias leadership. Together with stakeholders like you, we will collaborate to build a stronger, more creative, and vibrant India, fulfilling our commitment to the people of India," he said. Speaking to IANS, Uttar Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma highlighted the significance of the event, saying: "The Maha Kumbh of Prayagraj taught the world the essence of making records. Similarly, Startup Mahakumbh is setting new benchmarks in our countryas development sector, showcasing new talents and driving India toward becoming a developed nation." "Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has posed new challenges in the world of startups, and in Uttar Pradesh, (Chief Minister) Yogi Adityanath has demonstrated how economic progress can be achieved through well-managed events. The UP pavilion at Startup Mahakumbh will showcase the stateas vibrant startup ecosystem, with over 15,000 registered startups. The leadership of UPas Chief Minister deserves recognition for effectively managing the Maha Kumbh, and this event reflects that same spirit of progress." Bangkok, April 3 : Thailand on Thursday released a special stamp based on Ramayan mural paintings from the 18th century during the first day of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the country. "I am grateful to the Government of Thailand for issuing a special postage stamp based on the 18th century Ramayan mural paintings to commemorate my visit," the Prime Minister stated. In another special gesture, spotlighting the shared civilizational bond between the two countries, PM Modi was presented with the holy scriptures - World Tipitaka in Pali - by Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra following their bilateral discussions at the Government House in Bangkok on Thursday. The day witnessed another cultural connection with PM Modi witnessing an enriching performance of the Thai Ramayana 'Ramakien' soon after he landed in Bangkok. "Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand. The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia," said Prime Minister Modi. India's bilateral relations with Thailand are rooted in history, age-old social and cultural interactions, and extensive people-to-people contacts. The shared link of Buddhism is reflected in regular pilgrimages to places of Buddhist interest in India by a large number of Thai people. Hindu elements can be found among those reflected in Thai architecture, arts, sculpture, dance, drama and literature. Thai language incorporates Pali and Sanskrit influences. Thursday's special gestures also highlight how India's rich traditions are on full display during PM Modi's foreign visits. During his visit to Mauritius in March 2025, PM Modi visited Ganga Talao, signifying spiritual unity between India and Mauritius. He offered prayers and immersed the holy water from the Triveni Sangam at the sacred site. The Prime Minister's gesture of bringing the holy water from the revered Mahakumbh Mela to Ganga Talao signified not only the spiritual unity between the two nations, but also their commitment to preserve and nurture the rich traditions that form the foundation of their shared cultural ties. In Kuwait last December, PM Modi met two Kuwaiti nationals who are renowned for translating and publishing Arabic versions of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. During his visit to Brazil in November 2024, PM Modi was welcomed with the chanting of mantras. During the same visit, he also witnessed a Ramayana enactment in Rio de Janeiro performed by the students of Vishwa Vidya, a Brazilian organisation dedicated to promoting Vedanta and Sanskrit. The founder of Vishwa Vidya, Jonas Masseti (also known as Vishwanath), welcomed the Prime Minister in Sanskrit. The Vishwa Vidya group had also performed Vedic chants and welcomed the Prime Minister upon his arrival at the hotel in Rio de Janeiro. In Guyana in November 2024, PM Modi witnessed soulful Ram Bhajans as well as Vedic chants by children. Before that, during his visit to Russia, PM Modi witnessed Russian nationals singing Krishna Bhajan in his welcome at Kazan. In Laos, PM Modi was welcomed by locals with chants of Gayatri Mantra. During the same visit, he witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayan - called Phalak Phalam or Phra Lak Phra Ram - performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. Ramayan continues to be celebrated in Laos, and the epic reflects the shared heritage and age-old civilization connection between the two countries. Several facets of Indian culture and tradition have been practised and preserved in Laos for centuries. During PM Modi's visit to Italy in 2021, community members in Rome chanted the Shiva Mantra during the PM's presence. New Delhi, April 3 : Amid a raging political debate in Delhi over the previous AAP government's education model, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday said that during the past 10 years, the education department sought land for only 25 new schools. Almost a third of these plots have not been handed over due to issues including lack of layout plans for land-pooling areas in urbanised villages, the DDA said. Interestingly, controversial AAP legislator from Okhla, Amanatullah Khan and Tughlakabad MLA Sahi Ram are among the various lawmakers aiming to get government schools opened in their constituencies, official documents showed. While Khan was pushing to open a school in Zakir Nagar-Jasola, Sahi Ram was aiming to get land allotted in Lal Kuan on Mehrauli-Badarpur Road in South Delhi. Khan has had several brushes with the law in his 10-year tenure as Okhla legislator. In September last year, Khan was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case related to irregularities in appointments in the Delhi Waqf Board during his tenure as its chairperson. He was later granted bail. In February, Khan was booked for trying to obstruct police and engaging in a scuffle. A police official said that the incident took place in the Jamia Nagar area when the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police attempted to arrest one Shabaz Khan, who is wanted in an attempted murder case. Khan's confrontation with the police team helped Shabaz to escape arrest. Amanatullah Khan defeated BJP's Manish Chaudhary by a margin of 23,639 votes in the Okhla constituency in the recently concluded Delhi Assembly polls. Khan got 88,392 votes whereas BJP's Chaudhary got 65,304 votes. Amanatullah Khan has won the elections from Okhla for the third consecutive time. Earlier, the DDA said that while possession of eight of the 25 plots is still to be handed over, a bulk of the remaining plots were allotted between February 23, 2017, and January 2024. Giving reasons for a delay in land allotment in some cases, the DDA said the lands sought for schools are Gram Sabha land of various villages allotted by Gram Sabha to the Department of Education, GNCTD, for setting up schools. Citing issues related to the handover of some lands, the DDA said the villages to whom these lands belong, have been urbanised, and the said land has been vested with DDA. "The subject lands have not been handed over since these areas fall under land pooling zones and there are no sector plans and layout plans prepared for land pooling areas," said the DDA. New Delhi, April 3 : Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) member Manoj Jha on Thursday strongly criticised the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, questioning both its intent and timing. Participating in the debate on the legislation in the upper house, Jha said: "Every now and then, something is being 'discovered' under old mosques. Look at the atmosphere in the country right now -- there are talks of economic boycotts, challenges to the Places of Worship Act, and now this bill. In such an environment, both the draft and the intent of your bill are bound to be questioned." Jha further alleged that the bill appears to be a pretext for targeting religious properties, saying: "At times, one feels that this bill is merely a legal cover for bulldozers." "Winning a massive majority in elections does not guarantee wisdom. You often assume that because you have the numbers, you also have all the wisdom. That is not the case," he said. Raising concerns about increasing divisions in society, Jha said, "Why are there constant disputes over food, clothing, jewellery, language, and worship? We have developed a habit of marginalizing people, and this trend continues unchecked." He emphasised the historical coexistence of communities, stating: "Hindus in this country are used to Muslims, and Muslims are used to Hindus. Christians and Sikhs, too, have lived alongside both. Do not try to disrupt these centuries-old habits." The Rajya Sabha is discussing the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill after it was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Both the treasury and opposition benches locked horns over the Bill. Earlier, after introducing the Bill in the Upper House, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed allegations that the Bill would harm Muslim interests. He asserted that non-Muslims cannot interfere in the Waqf affairs as its management and beneficiaries would be only Muslims. Bhopal, April 3 : A collision between two buses occurred on Thursday on the Tikamgarh-Sagar road near the Baragaon police station area in Tikamgarh district, leaving ten individuals injured. The incident, which took place just a few meters away from the police station, was reported by officials and has been attributed to poor visibility caused by hazy weather and light drizzling in morning hours. Kailash Patel, the traffic inspector, Tikamgarh explained that the drivers of both buses were attempting to navigate a blind turn on a table-top road. During the manoeuver, the rear section of one bus struck the front of the other, causing one of the buses to plunge into a five-foot-deep roadside trench. Both the buses are owned by same private operator. This unfortunate turn of events occurred near a CM Rise School, now renamed (Sandipani Vidyalaya), at approximately 7 a.m. One of the buses, en route from Tikamgarh to Sagar, was carrying several passengers, ten of whom sustained serious injuries. Emergency services promptly transported all injured individuals to the Baragaon Community Health Center for immediate treatment. Those requiring advanced care were later referred to Tikamgarh District Hospital. According to medical professionals at the Baragaon Government Hospital, one individual remains in critical condition. Baragaon Police provided a detailed account of the injured passengers, identifying them as Ramkali (32), Bhumani Bai (22), Lakhan Ahirwar (24), Gokul Ahirwar (20), Manoj Ahirwar (23), Prem Bai (27), Sheela (40), Ganeshi Ahirwar (34), Nandkishore (30), and Monu (40). The passengers, residents of Sagar, Gadhakota, and Ghuwara, were reportedly returning to their villages after working as labourers in Gwalior. The cleaner of the bus, also injured in the incident, stated that the drivers managed to avoid a head-on collision, which could have resulted in far graver consequences. While the light drizzle and compromised visibility have been cited as contributing factors, the police have clarified that no one is immediately at fault. Nevertheless, a thorough investigation into the accident is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collision. Bangkok, April 3 : India and Thailand on Thursday agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership during extensive discussions held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Government House in Bangkok. Both leaders held talks on various areas of bilateral cooperation and later witnessed the signing of several key agreements that add new vigour and dynamism to the longstanding friendship between the two nations. Besides the Joint Declaration on the establishment of India-Thailand Strategic Partnership, a MoU was also signed between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India on cooperation in the field of digital technologies. A MoU between Sagarmala Division of India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Thailand's Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture was signed for development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. Another MoU between India's National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) and Thailand's Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) was signed on cooperation in the field of micro, small and medium enterprises Two other key MoUs signed included between the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and between North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC) of India and Creative Economy Agency (CEA) of the Government of Thailand. In his remarks, PM Modi highlighted that India's 'Act East' policy and Thailand's 'Act West' complement each other very well and open up opportunities for bilateral cooperation in many fields. "We have emphasised on cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between Thailand and the North-Eastern states of India. We discussed growing mutual trade, investment, and business exchanges. Agreements have also been made to foster cooperation in the areas of MSME, handloom and handicrafts," PM Modi said during the joint press statement with the Prime Minister of Thailand. "We have decided to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, digital technology, e-vehicles, robotics, space, bio-technology and start-ups. In addition to enhancing physical connectivity, both the countries will work to boost FinTech connectivity," he added. The Prime Minister stated that the talks focused on ways to deepen the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership, including sectors in strategic areas such as defence, security, maritime safety and hydrography. "We also reiterated our commitment to working together to overcome the challenges of terrorism, money laundering and more," said PM Modi. During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi also expressed solidarity with the people of Thailand in the aftermath of the earthquake a few days ago. PM Modi also mentioned that India fully supports ASEAN unity and ASEAN centrality. "In the Indo-Pacific, we both support free, open, inclusive and rule-based order. We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism," said PM Modi. Mumbai, April 3 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Thursday criticised Shiv Sena-UBT president Uddhav Thackeray for voting against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025 in the Lok Sabha, saying his action proves that he has abandoned Hindutva and Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology. Responding to Thackeray's statement that his party's opposition was against corruption and not the bill, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said, "Wednesday was truly an unfortunate day for Shiv Sena-UBT." By voting against Waqf, Uddhav committed a bigger crime than the compromise he made for the sake of power in 2019, he said. He said: "Shiv Sena-UBT top leaders have reached a state where if you hold them, they bite, if you let them go, they run away." "Uddhav Thackeray is addressing me by my initials ESS (Eknath Sambhaji Shinde), should I name him UT (Uddhav Thackeray) (Use and Throw)?" he asked. People know that Uddhav was "stabbing" both the Hindu and Muslim communities in the back, and it was evident from the 2024 Assembly elections results, the Shiv Sena chief said. Taking a swipe at Uddhav, he said: "Balasaheb Thackeray supported patriotic Muslims. Shiv Sena and BJP are also following it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also holds the same stand. We support Muslims who love the country. We oppose anyone who does anti-national acts. This is the stand taken by the BJP through the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. However, Shiv Sena-UBT chief is not sure what to do." "When leadership of a party is confused, it becomes history," said Deputy Chief Minister Shinde, stepping up attacks against Thackeray. "During the Congress era, lands were denotified and given to a few people. Now, no such act can be done. Now, the lands will be utilised for hospitals, schools, and public works," said the Deputy Chief Minister, hailing the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. Los Angeles, April 3 : Hollywood actor Ben Affleck is still dealing with his 'The Accountant 2' character Christian Wolff somewhere, as the actor has claimed that the character "never left" him. The 52-year-old star, who first played the autistic accountant in the original 2016 action thriller, is reprising his role in the upcoming sequel, reports 'Female First UK'. The sequel will see the character team up with his estranged but highly lethal brother Braxton (played by Jon Bernthal) to track down mysterious assassins. Speaking at CinemaCon, he told the crowd, "It does feel great to continue the story of 'The Accountant'. I'm thrilled to be playing this part again with this great cast. In some ways, I feel like this character never left me". As per 'Female First UK', Daniella Pineda joins the cast for the sequel as Anais, and she has hinted her character will be able to hold her own against Wolff. She teased, "I do have some pretty brutal fight scenes that will look awesome on your screens". And while Bernthal suggested Wolff needs his brother Braxton by his side, Affleck isn't convinced. He joked, "It's not necessary. it's useful". Affleck recently admitted that shooting the stunt scenes "did not come easy" to him on set. He told AccessHollywood, "It did not come easy for me, especially with a guy like Jon (Bernthal) who's so spectacular at it. Cynthia (Addai-Robinson) did an incredible job, Daniella (Pineda) is super bada** in the movie, so I was just trying to keep up. "Gavin (O'Connor, director) does a great thing with action sequences, which is really, they're not just action for its own sake. I don't think it's interesting just to see people shooting or a car flipping over or something blowing up just by itself". Meanwhile, director Gavin O'Connor has revealed how the movie almost didn't happen because of "musical chairs" behind the scenes. He previously told ScreenRant, "I think there was a bit of a revolving door and musical chairs going on at Warner Brothers. We made the deal to write the next movie in 2018, and it was just, I don't know, whatever dysfunction goes on in studios these days. I don't know if there were complications with Warner Brothers and Artists Equity doing a co-studio kind of deal, I'm not really sure exactly what happened with all that, but we just could never get it going over there". "Once Ben had his studio, we were like, 'If you're not going to make it, don't hijack it and not allow us to go pursue this film we've been trying to make now for eight years'", he added. New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 : A week after the Kerala High Court dismissed two pleas seeking a probe by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department into the allegations that IT firm Exalogic of Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, got a monthly gratification from Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL), for mining sanctions, the Delhi High Court on Thursday refused the mining firm's petition seeking to stay the ongoing SFIO investigation. As this case came up in the Delhi High Court on Thursday, it was heard by a new bench as the judge, who was hearing the case till now, has been transferred to the Allahabad High Court. While the new judge pointed out that he will hear the matter afresh, the counsel for the CMRL sought to stay all proceedings in the case. This was strongly objected to by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which pointed out its probe is in its final stages. Following this, the judge refused a stay as sought by the CMRL. Kerala BJP leader Shaun George, who is also a party in the case, said now with the stay getting rejected, the SFIO can go forward with their work. "The probe will go forward without any hitch. Once the Ministry of Corporate Affairs gives prosecution sanction, the SFIO can then file their complaint in the special court," George said. The SFIO has all along maintained in the Delhi High Court that the payment made by the mining company CMRL to Exalogic constituted corruption and that the payment was made to ensure smooth operations for the CMRL. In the Kerala High Court, the same case was brought by Congress legislator Mathew Kuzhalnadan and another person, seeking a Vigilance probe, but the court informed the petitioner that with the present set of evidence produced before the court, it cannot give an order and told him that if he desires, he can return with more authentic evidence. But in the Delhi High Court, it was the CMRL which approached with a plea that the SFIO probe should be quashed. This issue first surfaced when an Income Tax Settlement Board statement pointed out that Exalogic received Rs 1.72 crore from the CMRL, and it was illegal gratification, and there was no service the IT firm had provided. Incidentally, two petitions, filed earlier in the Kerala High Court and the other in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the SFIO investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic transactions, were dismissed. The only relief that Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter have so far received is when, last week, the Kerala High Court refused a Vigilance probe. Kolkata, April 3 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) are trying to get the entire education system in the state collapsed. She said this while reacting to the verdict by the Supreme Court to uphold a previous order by the Calcutta High Court last year cancelling all the appointments in the teaching and non-teaching categories made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) for 2016. She, however, did not make it clear whether the state government would make a review petition to the Supreme Court on the recent order. She targeted CPI-M Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate of Calcutta High Court Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, who had been involved in the entire legal process in the matter since the beginning and indirectly targeted for Calcutta High Court judge and the current BJP Lok Sabha member Abhijit Ganguly, who was first one to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the multi-crore cash for school job case. However, the Chief Minister refrained from taking the name of Ganguly even once. At the same time, she also targetted the state BJP president and the Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar. "A former judge of Calcutta High Court for the first time spoke about this cancellation of job. He is a BJP Lok Sabha member now. I do not know his name or surname. So everyone understands what has happened," the Chief Minister said while interacting with the reporters on Thursday afternoon. She also targeted Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, who had been representing the deprived candidates since the beginning at various courts, including the Supreme Court in the matter. "He filed the case for the first time as a result of which so many jobs were cancelled. He is the world's most high-profile lawyer. He should get the Nobel Prize. I am thinking of recommending his name," the Chief Minister said. She also lambasted Sukanta Majumdar for his comments earlier in the day holding the Chief Minister as solely responsible for the plight of many candidates on grounds that there was no scope for segregation of "genuine" candidates from "ineligible" ones getting jobs paying money. "Why did he target me? What sort of illegal work have I done? When the first case in the matter was filed, then it should not have been considered who is eligible and who is not. Why is Bengal always targeted?" the Chief Minister questioned. Speaking on the occasion, she expressed apprehension that if so many teachers lose jobs, then the academic system in the schools they are teaching at might collapse. "That is why I am saying that there is a conspiracy to destabilise the education system in the state," the Chief Minister said. On the question of the review petition possibility, she said that the matter is being reviewed by the legal team and nothing can be said about it now. EBRD, IFC and Black Sea Trade and Development Bank provide Galnaftogaz with EUR157 mln loan for 147 MW wind farm in Volyn The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank have announced the provision of a EUR157 million loan to Galnaftogaz Group for a 147 MW wind farm in Volyn region. According to a release from the EBRD on Thursday, the financing is provided with the support of the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom and the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF). It is noted that this agreement was announced today in Kyiv. "The financing package includes loans of EUR60 million from the EBRD and IFC and EUR37 million from the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank. The total cost of the project is estimated at EUR225 million (excluding VAT), with the remaining financing to be provided by the contribution of Galnaftogaz Group, which is implementing this project and is widely known in Ukraine under the OKKO brand," the release says. The loans are provided to the project companies registered in Ukraine, Wind Power GSI Volyn LLC and Wind Power GSI Volyn 3 LLC. It is expected that these wind farms with a total capacity of 147 MW will annually produce at least 380 GWh of renewable carbon-free electricity and will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 245,000 tonnes per year. The EBRD emphasized that the new project is one of the first private projects for the construction of generating capacities in the Ukrainian energy sector since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022. The wind farm project, in particular, includes a technical cooperation component, which is implemented by the EBRD with funds from the TaiwanBusiness-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund to strengthen the client's ability to detect cyber threats. Mumbai, April 3 : Who among us has not heard the 'Samunder Mein Naha Ke' track from Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman starrer 'Pukar'. Sharing the sizzling number on her official IG, Zeenat Aman talked about her experience of working in the movie. Hinting at the rising temperature, the veteran actress wrote, "Uff.. Iall be candid. This is a bit of a gratuitous post brought on by the summer. Itas just so damn hot! The weather I mean. Though I wonat be too coy to say that Mr.Bachchan and I romancing to those salty lyrics are quite sizzling too." Revealing how 'Samunder Mein Naha Ke' was shot, she added, "Director-producer Ramesh Behlas Pukar was a blast to shoot. Its anti-colonial underpinning, excellent cast, and catchy songs were what drew me to the script. Now Goa in the early 80s was quiet, idyllic, and unpeopled. So Samundar Mein Naha Ke was shot on an empty beach and it was an easy-breezy affair. For me at least! I didnat have any lip-syncing to do, nor much choreography to learn. The brief was as basic as they come - look pretty! So there I was in a titillating white outfit, with a bit of midriff on display, rolling around in the surf, while Mr. Bachchan pranced around me like an ardent bird-of-paradise." Zeenat Aman revealed that her otherwise seamless performance was hindered by one small fact, "I canat swim! I had to swallow a fair amount of nerves (and seawater) for those shots of me writhing in the swash! Despite taking a few tumbles in the waves and being left with sand in uncomfortable places, I thought I did a convincing job of being a jal pari." She added that this song was the first time Big B faced the camera after his horrific accident on the sets of 'Coolie'. "P.S: Hereas another titbit for you. This was Mr.Bachchanas first shoot after the life-threatening accident he suffered on the sets of Coolie in 1982. Bachchan mania was well-established in the country by then, and the nation practically held its breath till he was in the clear. So as you can imagine, the atmosphere on set was particularly buoyant during the making of this film." the yesteryear diva concluded. New Delhi, April 3 : A large nuclear power expansion programme of 13,600 MW is under implementation which is expected to increase India's nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, the Parliament was informed on Thursday. Currently, there are 25 operational nuclear power plants in the country with a total capacity of 8,880 MW, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Atomic Energy Dr. Jitendra Singh said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The minister further stated that the National Fuel Complex (NFC)-Kota project is scheduled for completion by March 2026 and has currently achieved more than 90 per cent physical progress with commissioning of major equipment in advanced stage, the minister said. He explained that India is pursuing a three-stage nuclear power programme, for optimum utilisation of its limited uranium resources and exploiting vast thorium resources for long-term energy security, by following nearly closed nuclear fuel cycle wherein the spent fuel from reactors is treated as resource material and not waste. India has developed expertise in backend fuel cycle of pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs), the minister said. The Programme of Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD&ER) is linked to the front end of nuclear fuel cycle, wherein exploration is carried out to identify, evaluate and augment atomic mineral resources to cater the need of Nuclear Power Programme of India. As on date, AMD&ER has established 4,28,300 tonnes in-situ U-oxide resource in 47 uranium deposits located in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra, he explained. Besides, the directorate has estimated 13.15million tonnes (MT) in-situmonazite (a mineral containing thorium, uranium and Rare Earth Elements) resource occurring in the coastal beach and teri/red sands in parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and in the inland alluvium in parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Monazite in beach placer sands contain about 9-10% thorium oxide. The estimated in-situ monazite resource (13.15Mt) contains approximately 1.04Mt thorium metal (Th) or approximately 1.18Mt thorium oxide (ThO2), the minister stated. He further stated that the uranium fuel requirement for the reactors which are under domestic safeguards is adequately met by Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Time to time, projects which include capacity expansion of some existing units as well as for establishing new projects in various parts of the country, are planned to maintain sustained supply from UCIL. Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) with its initial establishment in Hyderabad has further augmented its own production facilities for fuel and structural fabrication at Hyderabad and further establishednewfacilitiesthroughGreenfieldProjectsat"ZirconiumComplex", Pazhayakayal for Zirconium sponge production and "NFC-Kota" for Fuel Production. The project at Zirconium Complex, Pazhayakayal is completed in 2009 and is under operation since then. Currently, the spent fuel from PHWRs is reprocessed to extract fissile material for use as fuel for next stage nuclear power plants. However, a small volume of radioactive liquid wastes containing minor actinides and fission products is generated during reprocessing. The high level radioactive liquid waste, generated from reprocessing of spent fuel, is subjected to a process called vitrification, wherein it is converted to glass. This vitrified solid product is subjected to natural cooling in a solid storage surveillance facility. This policy is at par with international practices following the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the minister added. Geneva, April 3 : The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Thursday expressed deep concern about reports of widespread extrajudicial killings of civilians in Sudan's capital Khartoum following its recapture by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on March 26. Calling on Sudan to launch independent, transparent and effective investigations into these incidents in line with relevant international standards, Turk urged to punish those responsible and to ensure victims' rights to truth and justice. "I am utterly appalled by the credible reports of numerous incidents of summary executions of civilians in several areas of Khartoum, on apparent suspicions that they were collaborating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). I urge the commanders of the Sudanese Armed Forces to take immediate measures to put an end to arbitrary deprivation of life," said Turk. "Extrajudicial killings are serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Individual perpetrators, as well as those with command responsibility, must be held accountable for such unacceptable actions under international criminal law," he added. The UN Human Rights chief stated that his office has reviewed multiple horrific videos posted on social media since March 26, all of them apparently filmed in southern and eastern Khartoum. They show armed men some in uniform and others in civilian clothes executing civilians in cold blood, often in public settings. In some videos, perpetrators state that they are punishing supporters of RSF. According to reports, the killings were carried out by the SAF and State security personnel, as well as by SAF-affiliated militias and fighters. In the Janoub Al Hezam area of southern Khartoum, for instance, at least 20 civilians, including one woman, were allegedly killed by SAF and affiliated militias and fighters. "Our office has also documented a disturbing rise in online hate speech and incitement to violence, with lists of individuals accused of collaborating with the RSF posted online. Ethnic groups from the Darfur and Kordofan regions appear to be disproportionately targeted," the High Commissioner stated. Condemning the horrific incidents, Turk once again called on all parties to take immediate steps to ensure their forces respect the right to life, without distinction, consistent with their obligations under international human rights law and humanitarian law. Meanwhile, the UN in its report on Wednesday stated that it is nearly two years since the brutal war between the forces of the military government in Khartoum and the Rapid Support Forces militia erupted, sparking one of the world's worst humanitarian crisis. "Human rights abuses have been committed on both sides, and more than 30.4 million Sudanese require urgent assistance, with millions displaced, and tens of thousands killed. Nearly 25 million people face acute hunger," the report added. The UN stated that since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, the situation has worsened dramatically in Sudan, with almost 13 million people forcibly displaced nearly one third of the population and the health system all but obliterated. New Delhi, April 3 : As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill awaits the Rajya Sabha Test after easy sailing through the Lok Sabha, several Parliamentarians elicited their views on the contentious bill. The ruling party MPs welcomed the Bill and termed the moment 'historic' while those from the Opposition slammed the government for 'betraying' the minority community. Kangana Ranaut told IANS that the passage of the Waqf Bill is a historic moment and it will pave the way for better governance of its properties. "This is a historic day and has been made possible because of the Modi government. The amendments in the Bill will bring transparency and facilitate better governance in the management of Waqf properties, and if there is any irregularity, the corrupt would be held accountable and brought to book. Prior to this, there was no such mechanism and hence they remained in utter despair," said the BJP MP from Mandi. Manoj Tiwari, BJP MP from Delhi, slammed Congress and Sonia Gandhi's opposition to the Bill and said, "For the grand old party, it may be a black day but for the nation, it is a day of celebration." Rejecting Congress's charges of government bulldozing the Bill in Parliament, he said that those who themselves don't believe in democracy think in this manner. "Congress itself has no democracy in the party, how would they support such a Bill?" he said in a derisive tone. He claimed that many Congress members are known to be benefiting from the Waqf properties and added, "This is a day of happiness for everyone, a sad day for those who are benefitting from Waqf Board properties." Lashing out at naysayers, he said that those who are protesting against Waqf are the same people drawing benefits from Waqf properties. Congress MP Tariq Anwar termed the passage of the Waqf Bill as a black chapter in democracy. "This is a black day in the history of democracy because the Waqf Bill will snatch the rights of the Muslim community. The government is arm-twisting the community to garner its support. It brought the Bill pertaining to the Muslim community but never reached out to take them into confidence," he said. LJP MP Sambhavi Chaudhary said, "As against claims of indecision, the Modi government is firmly positioned and focused on its path of Viksit Bharat. Waqf Bill was passed in Lok Sabha with a clear majority and will also clear the Rajya Sabha test." Chennai, April 3 : Accepting a CBI appeal, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has sentenced five persons, including two former employees of a Debts Recovery Tribunal and an ex-bank manager, to five years' Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) with a total penalty of Rs 27 lakh in a corruption case, an official said on Thursday. Chennai, April 3 (IANS) Accepting a CBI appeal, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has sentenced five persons, including two former employees of a Debts Recovery Tribunal and an ex-bank manager, to five yearsa Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) with a total penalty of Rs 27 lakh in a corruption case, an official said on Thursday. The accused, including S. Kasimayan, the then Recovery Officer in the DRT, and Selvaraj, the then UDC in DRT, were held guilty of abusing their official position in fixing the upset price or reserve price of properties at a lower price than the market value. All the accused conspired to cause wrongful loss to the bank and the property owner and corresponding wrongful gain and pecuniary advantage to themselves, alleged the CBI. While agreeing with the appeal filed by the CBI against a trial court decision acquitting the accused, the High Court also pronounced its sentence against N. Venkeeshwaran, the then Branch Manager of Dhanalakshmi Bank, Madurai, and two private persons - R. Rajesh Kannan and R. Anitha, wife of accused UDC of DRT, Madurai. The CBI had registered the case on March 30, 2009, in the corruption matter. It was alleged that the accused Kasimayan fraudulently fixed the upset prices of the properties much lower than the market value in 2008. After the completion of the investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet on June 6, 2011. The trial court issued its order dated December 7, 2016 acquitted all the accused. The High Court, upholding CBI's appeal, sentenced the accused and slapped a fine of Rs 6 lakh on Kasimayan and Vakeeshwaran. Selvaraj, then UDC of DRT, and two private persons were directed to pay a fine of Rs 5 lakh each. Just before the sentencing by the HC, the accused approached the Supreme Court, which suspended the sentence for three weeks starting March 27. New Delhi, April 3 : The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to relax its order imposing a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR). Noting that air pollution levels had remained alarming for a considerable time, a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan opined that imposing crackers-ban only for a period of 3-4 months every year is not effective and no exception, even for green crackers, should be allowed. It said that unless it was shown that the pollution caused by the green crackers was bare minimum, there was no question of giving them a relaxation. The Justice Oka-led Bench remarked that the right to health, an essential part of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, includes the right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere. In January this year, the top court had extended the effect of the orders passed by the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments imposing a complete ban on firecrackers in the areas falling under the NCR region. It had ordered that the ban imposed by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, which was effective till January 17, be extended till further orders. On the intervention application filed by the Federation of Fireworks Traders, the Justice Oka-led Bench said: "Why should we hear you? You will have to satisfy us that burning firecrackers do not create pollution. You can sell firecrackers in other parts of India where there is no ban." Earlier, the Supreme Court had said that the ban already imposed by the Delhi and Rajasthan governments would turn effective only when the remaining states impose similar measures. The apex court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) relating to the control of pollution in Delhi and NCR. In the course of the hearing, it was told that while Haryana had permitted the use of green crackers, Rajasthan had imposed a complete ban on firecrackers in the NCR region. The Supreme Court had asked the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments to impose a ban on firecrackers in the same terms as imposed in Delhi. Before this, the top court had asked the state governments of Delhi and adjoining states to take a call on a permanent ban on the use of firecrackers. Asking the state governments to place their stand on record, it had indicated issuing necessary guidelines, including on the manufacture, storage, sale and distribution of firecrackers. "The ban on firecrackers will be helpful not only to curb the air pollution but the noise pollution as well. We will consider issuing necessary directions to the state governments on the issue of a ban on the use of firecrackers," it had said. In November 2024, after Diwali, the Supreme Court had remarked that the ban on firecrackers was hardly implemented in the national capital and pulled up the Delhi government for not implementing it. It had called for an affidavit from the Delhi government and Police Commissioner detailing the steps taken to enforce the ban. The apex court had suggested that the premises of sellers of firecrackers should be sealed, apart from enforcing a ban on importing firecrackers from neighbouring states. Guwahati, April 3 : At least five persons were pushed back to Bangladesh by Assam Police on the charges of illegal infiltration, said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday. These five Bangladeshi nationals entered Indian territory by crossing the border unlawfully in the Sribhumi district of Assam. They were first arrested by security personnel and later pushed back to the neighbouring nation. Taking to X, Chief Minister Sarma wrote, "5 Illegal Infiltrators Apprehended and Deported. In a strong and decisive move against illegal infiltration, @sribhumipolice apprehended 5 Bangladeshi nationals and pushed them back across the border." Five Bangladeshi nationals were identified as Md. Iman Miya, Md. Naim Ahmed, Miyazaki Muhammad Rasel, Abdul Kalam Miya and Md. Munna. Earlier, the Chief Minister said: "We have put the security forces on high alert at the international border following the unrest in Bangladesh to check infiltration. The police have detected a good number of illegal immigrants on a daily basis along the international border; however, no Hindu infiltrator from Bangladesh was arrested in the last five months." The Chief Minister argued that the Hindu community people have 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. Sarma also stated that 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 of the community people were more affected than the minority section. "So far, we have arrested around 1000 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. Colombo, April 3 : Marking a significant milestone in historic relations, Sri Lanka will refer to India as the 'Republic of Bharat' on commemorative plaques that will be unveiled during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend, Lankan media reported on Thursday. "The commemorative plaques will be unveiled for three India-assisted projects, which include the groundbreaking of the Sampur solar energy project, the opening of a cool storage complex in Dambulla in Sri Lanka, and the commissioning of 5000 rooftop solar panels at 5000 places of religious worship. While commemorative plaques will have the name 'Bharat', the Sri Lankan authorities will, however, use the name 'India' in official communications," reported Daily Mirror. Citing the G20 Summit, it mentioned that the Indian government has increased the use of the name 'Bharat' in its official communications as the country was mentioned as 'Bharat', which has its roots in ancient Indian texts, during the official invitations sent to guests during the G20 summit in India in 2023. "This gesture was reflected when Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited India in December last year. The Indian authorities referred to President Droupadi Murmu as the President of Bharat," the report added. Prime Minister Modi, currently in Thailand for the BIMSTEC Summit, will travel to Sri Lanka on a State Visit (April 4a"6) at the invitation of the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold discussions with the Lankan President to review progress made on the areas of cooperation agreed upon in the Joint Vision for 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future' adopted during Dissanayake's India visit, last December. PM Modi will also have meetings with senior dignitaries and political leaders. As part of the visit, both leaders will travel to Anuradhapura for inauguration of development projects implemented with Indian financial assistance. Prime Minister Modi last visited Sri Lanka in 2019. Earlier, the President of Sri Lanka paid a State Visit to India as his first visit abroad after assuming office. Dissanayake had visited New Delhi in December 2024 on his first overseas visit after taking office as President and now Prime Minister Modi will be the first foreign leader to be hosted by the Lankan President in his present capacity. "India and Sri Lanka share civilizational bonds with strong cultural and historic links. This visit is part of regular high level engagements between the countries and will lend further momentum in deepening the multi-faceted partnership between India and Sri Lanka," the Ministry of External Affairs stated. Bengaluru, April 3 : A decision to establish a gig workers Welfare Board in Karnataka was taken during a meeting led by Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in New Delhi on Thursday. The Chief Minister's Office said that the state government had been working towards implementing necessary measures for the welfare of gig workers employed in companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, and several other platforms. "During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi had also raised his voice in support of gig workers and their well-being. In today's meeting held at Rahul Gandhi's residence, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with Minister for Labour Santosh Lad, Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge, and Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil, participated in a comprehensive discussion on the matter," it said. It added that the meeting was productive, leading to the decision to establish the Gig Workers' Welfare Board. "It was also decided that a 5 per cent cess would be collected from relevant companies, and the remaining required funds would be provided by the government to formulate schemes and organise programmes for the welfare of gig workers," it further added. The Chief Minister's Office said that in the meeting led by Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and three ministers regarding the welfare of gig workers, three representatives from the gig workers' sector were also given an opportunity to participate. Rakshitha Dev from Karnataka, Sheikh Salahuddin from Hyderabad, and Nikhil Dev attended the meeting as representatives of gig workers. Rahul Gandhi appreciated all eight key proposals prepared by the Labour Department. As the next step, a comprehensive bill incorporating all necessary aspects will be presented before the state cabinet for approval. The Chief Minister's Office said that the Labour Department has already introduced three significant bills, including the Gratuity Bill for Workers and the Cinema Workers' Bill. "Now, with plans to introduce a law for the welfare of gig workers, the unorganised labour sector in the state has expressed great appreciation and congratulated the government for its concern and initiative," it added. New Delhi, April 3 : Leader of the Rajya Sabha and Union Minister J.P. Nadda came down heavily on the Congress for its handling of the Waqf Act, accusing the grand old party of enacting the law in a way that allegedly facilitated land mafias. Speaking in the Upper House on Thursday, J.P. Nadda passionately defended the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, stressing the urgent need for reform to protect national interests and prevent the misuse of Waqf properties, which should serve the welfare of poor Muslims. Spotlighting the national importance of the issue and the need for in-depth deliberation, J.P. Nadda drew attention to the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. Comprising 31 members, the committee has facilitated over 200 hours of debate on the bill. This, he pointed out, stands in stark contrast to the JPC setup during the UPA government in 2013, which had only 13 members and lacked the same level of commitment. J.P. Nadda asserted that democracy thrives on meaningful discourse and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, rather than simply accepting a single viewpoint. Underscoring its national significance and the imperative for focused deliberation, leader of Rajya Sabha, the leader of the House, highlighted the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) under PM Modi-led government, which comprised 31 members and facilitated an extensive 200 hours of debate on the Bill. This, he noted, was a marked improvement over the JPC established during the UPA government in 2013, which had only 13 members and lacked the same level of commitment. He emphasised that democracy thrives on logical discourse and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, rather than the mere acceptance of a singular viewpoint. Sharing insights from Jagdambika Pal, J.P. Nadda revealed that the JPC under PM Modi-led government convened 36 meetings, consulted 284 stakeholders, and visited 10 different locations to gather comprehensive input on the Waqf Bill. "In contrast, the UPA-era JPC engaged with only 18 stakeholders, reflecting a lack of thoroughness," he pointed out. This enhanced consultation process, he argued, underscored PM Modi-led government's dedication to comprehensive deliberation. J.P. Nadda criticised the opposition for attempting to derail the discussion by introducing irrelevant topics. He urged members to prioritise the nation's welfare over party interests, asserting that the Bill is fundamentally in the country's interest. Addressing Constitutional concerns, J.P. Nadda explained that under previous regulations, Waqf land claims were shielded from challenges in civil courts, which he deemed a violation of constitutional principles. He stated that the Waqf Amendment Bill seeks to rectify this by empowering district collectors to determine rightful ownership of properties and explicitly excluding lands under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from Waqf claims. This, he noted, was a pivotal reform. Turning to social issues, he accused the opposition of neglecting the plight of Muslim women. He criticised the Congress-led UPA government for delaying action on the Supreme Court's recommendation to ban "triple talaq," describing it as a clear instance of reducing Muslim women to second-class citizens. He pointed out that countries like Turkey abolished triple talaq as early as 1929, and other Muslim-majority nations had followed suit. This reform, he stated, was finally enacted in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, empowering Muslim women. Amid uproar, the Leader of the House, also raised concerns, about the identification of government properties as waqf properties, questioning how temples, lakes, and other government assets were declared as such. He highlighted the alarming increase in Waqf properties, from 4.95 lakh in 2013 to 8.59 lakh in 2024, while financial implications rose marginally from Rs 163 crore in 2013 to Rs 166 crore. He referred to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report of 2018, which raised questions about the management and misuse of Waqf properties. The misuse of Waqf claims was another focal point of his speech as he mentioned that representatives from Kerala churches and politicians had approached Delhi to discuss Waqf-related issues in the national capital. He cited an example from Wayanad, where 4.7 acres of land were claimed as Waqf property. Expressing concern, he remarked that people from Wayanad had come to Delhi seeking intervention, questioning whether they had lost trust in their Parliamentarian. The Union Minister also accused the Congress party of alleged "involvement with land mafias", urging them to "distance themselves now" from such activities and focus on the welfare of poor Muslims, particularly in the realm of education. He quoted various sub-sections and clauses to demonstrate how the law-governing Waqf properties had gone astray between 2013 and 2025, enabling exploitation by land mafias. Expressing concern over a new trend where individuals deliver speeches and leave without engaging further, the Leader of the House maintained patience and humility despite interruptions during his address. He urged his colleagues to reflect on the issues at hand and concluded with a call for wisdom and realisation. He emphasised the need for collective efforts to address the challenges posed by waqf property management and misuse. In his closing remarks, J.P. Nadda stressed that Waqf properties should primarily benefit the underprivileged and not be misused. He expressed concern over the misuse of Waqf properties, which increased by 3 lakh acres after the 2013 bill. This, he argued, necessitated amendments to ensure accountability and proper utilisation of these lands. He called for collective responsibility to address these challenges and urged support for the Waqf Amendment Bill to advance the nation's welfare. The spring sowing campaign has started in the fields of the southern cluster of the agroholding TAS Agro (the territories of Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia and Mykolaiv regions), with the focus on sunflower, under which 2,764 hectares will be allocated, the agroholding's press service reported on Facebook. "Production units are fully supplied with seed material, fertilizers, plant protection products and fuel and lubricants. Modern technological complexes are involved in the sowing, which increase the accuracy of sowing and increase work productivity," noted Andriy Zvarych, director of TAS Agro Pivden. At the same time, preparatory work for sowing is currently underway in the central, northern and western clusters of TAS Agro. In particular, in the northern cluster of TAS Agro, which is in Chernihiv region, equipment is currently being prepared for future spring fieldwork. In the fields of TAS Agro West, the stage of pre-sowing soil preparation is being completed - moisture closure on an area of 13,500 hectares. In addition, the enterprise TAS Agro Center continues comprehensive care for crops and conducts another top dressing of winter wheat using KAS-32 in a mixture with ammonium thiosulfate. The agricultural holding TAS Agro was established in 2014. Its land bank includes 88,000 hectares in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad and Mykolaiv regions. It specializes in crop production, the capacity of the agroholding's elevators is about 250,000 tonnes. The livestock business is represented by a cattle herd of 5,500 heads, of which 2,500 heads are dairy herds. Patna, April 3 : The sacred banks of the Ganga in Bihar turned into vibrant hubs of faith and devotion as devotees gathered in large numbers to celebrate the third day of Chaiti Chhath Puja, known as the Sandhya Arghya (evening offering). This cherished festival, rooted in folk traditions, saw immense participation across Bihar, with special security arrangements ensuring the safety of the devotees. In Patna, the Ganga Ghats buzzed with the spirit of devotion as thousands gathered to offer prayers to the setting sun. The administration had bolstered security with CCTV cameras, drones, and the deployment of SDRF teams alongside the police force to manage the massive crowd and ensure a smooth celebration. Barricades were set up to regulate the flow of devotees, while continuous monitoring maintained peace and order. The atmosphere was equally divine in Nalanda, where thousands thronged the Baba Maniram Akhara Ghat in Bihar Sharif. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, performed rituals with great reverence, offering Sandhya Arghya to Lord Bhaskar (Sun God). The serene ghat was a canvas of devotion, adorned with flowers, candles, and the vibrant colors of festive attire. Special arrangements were made to ensure the comfort of the devotees, with tight security to manage the large gathering. Similarly, in Bhagalpur, the Chaiti Chhath celebrations lit up the ghats of Ajaibinaath Dham and Bateshwar Sthan in Sultanganj. Devotees, especially women observing the fast, took holy dips in the Ganga, praying with ladles in hand, seeking blessings for peace and prosperity. The enthusiasm was palpable as families gathered, with heartfelt prayers echoing across the ghats. Chaiti Chhath Puja, celebrated with fervour in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, spans four days, beginning on the fourth day of the Chaitra monthas Shukla Paksha and concluding on the seventh day. The festival is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, with devotees observing rigorous fasts and performing rituals to fulfill their wishes. This four-day festival is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observe strict fasting and offer prayers during Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya to seek blessings for happiness and prosperity. The final day, known as Usha Arghya, is on April 4, 2025, when devotees will greet the rising sun with prayers, marking the end of this spiritual journey. Jaipur, April 3 : In a high-level meeting held at the secretariat on Thursday, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari emphasised the importance of conserving the historic mansions of the Shekhawati region. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Department of Autonomous Government, Principal Secretary of Urban Development, Secretary of Tourism, and district collectors from Jhunjhunu, Sikar, and Churu. Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to undertake immediate measures for the preservation and digitisation of Shekhawati's Havelis. She instructed district collectors to survey these heritage structures with the help of patwaris and compile a digital record. Stressing the need for a comprehensive heritage conservation framework, she called for updating the heritage conservation bylaws where necessary to ensure large-scale preservation efforts. For the conservation of Havelis in Ramgarh (Sikar district), the Deputy Chief Minister instructed the Sikar Collector to conduct an on-ground study with experts in heritage restoration. The findings from Ramgarh will serve as a model for preserving Shekhawati's other historic mansions, ensuring a structured, phase-wise approach to conservation across the region. By formulating a strategic conservation plan, the government aims to revitalise Shekhawati's architectural heritage, attracting cultural tourism and fostering sustainable economic growth in the region. The Shekhawati region in Rajasthan is also known as the "open-air art gallery of Rajasthan", for its exquisitely painted havelis, grand forts, and vibrant markets, showcasing the opulence of Marwari merchants. These havelis, built by wealthy merchants during the 18th and 19th centuries, showcase both wealth and craftsmanship. The exteriors and interiors of these havelis are adorned with vibrant fresco paintings, often depicting scenes from daily life, mythology, and historical events. The architecture and painting details were greatly influenced by Mughal ornamentation and Rajputana courts. The themes depicted in the paintings had shifted over time, reflecting the changing world and the experiences of the Marwari merchants, including scenes of industrialisation, European culture, and the British monarch. Dhaka, April 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government in Bangladesh, sat side by side during the official dinner hosted by the Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for the visiting Heads of States and Head of Governments on Thursday attending the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok. The official X handle of Chief Advisor of the Government of Bangladesh posted screen grabs of both leaders sitting side by side at the dinner table as the Thai PM welcomed the BIMSTEC leaders. Local media in Bangladesh quoted Chief Advisor's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad as saying that both leaders "met each other" during the official dinner. The interim government has been keen on holding first-ever bilateral talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok. The BIMSTEC chairmanship will be officially handed over to Bangladesh on Friday. Chief Advisor's High Representative on Rohingya and Priority Issues Khalilur Rahman said on Wednesday that the leaders of BIMSTEC member states will discuss their future works with Yunus and there is a scope to hold the meeting between Yunus and PM Narendra Modi. "We requested India to hold this talk (between the leaders of two countries)...there is enough possibility of holding this meeting," Rahman said, addressing a press briefing in Bangladesh ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand. Last week, PM Modi had written a letter to Yunus on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh, highlighting the significance of mutual sensitivity while referring to the Bangladesh Liberation War as a "shared history". "We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," wrote PM Modi. New Delhi has been worried about the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh under the current interim government. The Yunis regime has been criticised severely for acquitting extremist elements and exonerating many Islamists since the fall of the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. "We support a stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections. We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation, which has further been exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has stated on several occasions. As Bangladesh slid into abyss following the fall of Awami League government, the Yunus-led regime has been accused of giving a free hand to the Islamist forces in the country and also relaxing comprehensively the policy of mandatory security clearance required for Pakistani citizens seeking visas, thus facilitating easy return of many notorious terror suspects who had earlier fled to the safe havens in Pakistan. With no end still in sight to attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly on members belonging to the Hindu and Ahmadiyya communities, the MEA has repeatedly highlighted the serious issue and the interim government's botched up investigations that have so far been just an eyewash. "We have repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and religious institutions. As seen so far, only 1254 out of 2374 reported incidents between August 5, 2024, and February 16, 2025, have been verified by the police. Further, 98 per cent of these 1254 incidents were deemed political in nature. We expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson, and violence to justice without making such distinctions," the MEA spokesperson has mentioned in the past. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, during his meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain in Muscat, conveyed that it is important that Bangladesh should not normalise terrorism. Mumbai, April 3 : Shraddha Kapoor's furry baby Shyloh has turned 14 today. The 'Stree' actress commemorated the day with a special birthday party. Shyloh was seen enjoying his birthday in the company of his other furry buddies. The social media video dropped by Shraddha featured her sitting on the floor, feeding the cake to her pet while his other pet friends also accompanied him in enjoying the treat. We could also hear Shraddha saying in the backdrop, "He is going for it". Shraddha was seen dressed in a casual attire with a simple white T and baggy trousers. She also had her hair tied in a messy bun. Shraddha captioned her latest post, "Is b'day party pe invite hona mushkil nahi na mumkin hain (It is not difficult but impossible to be invited to this birthday party) #OnlyFamily.". She added, "Shyloh turns 14!!!" Work-wise, going by the latest buzz, Shraddha will be joining forces with aTumbbada fame director Rahi Anil Barve for her next. If the report are to be believed, she has signed a multi-film contract with producer Ektaa Kapoor, who will also back the untitled drama. Over and above this, the details of another yet-to-be-titled flick of Ektaa and Shraddha are doing rounds on social media. The film will reportedly reunite the beloved aAashiqui 2a pair of Shraddha and Aditya Roy Kapoor. However, nothing has been made official as of now. Additionally, reports have been doing rounds for some time that Shraddha will be a part of the upcoming installment of the popular 'Dhoom' franchise. If these reports turn out to be true, she will be seen sharing the screen with her 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar' co-star Ranbir Kapoor in her next. However, the fans are still waiting for an official announcement. After the massive success of the blockbuster hit 'Stree 2', Shraddha's fans are eagerly looking forward to the announcement of her next. -- IANS pm/ Bhopal, April 3 : The final rites of two children aged 5 and 8, who lost their lives in a firecracker factory in Banaskantha district of Gujarat, were performed on Thursday at Nemawar ghat on the Narmada river in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh. Two other victims -- aged 11 and 12 -- were among those who lost their lives in a blast that occurred in a firecracker factory in Deesa, Banaskantha. Government officials have said two persons who lost their lives are yet to be identified through DNA test. All the victims were residents of Harda and Dewas districts in Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred at 8 a.m. last Tuesday in Deesa near Banaskantha, when a boiler explosion led to the devastation that was so severe that workers' bodies were dismembered and scattered as far as 50 meters. Those among died from Sandalpur of Dewas district include -- Kesharbai (50), Lakhan (24), Sunita (20), Radha (11) Rkma (8), Abhishek (5), Rakesh (30) Lali (25), Kiran (5) and a contractor were from Sandalpur of Dewas while 8 others from Handia tehsil of Harda district are -- Guddi (30), Vijay (17), Ajay (16), Krishna (12), Vishnu (18), Suresh (25) Babita (30) and Dhanraj (18). The state government through district administration performed final rites of the victims at Nemawar ghat of Narmada river in Harda district. Remains of some individuals were also discovered in a field behind the factory, reports said. Among the victims, eight workers were from Handia tehsil in Harda district while nine others workers were from Sandalpur in Dewas, and a contractor from Khategaon also lost their lives. Additionally, eight workers sustained injuries, with three in critical condition, said the reports. District Collector Dewas has posted a list of victims of the incident on social media handle. DNA tests were conducted to identify the remains of two bodies that were initially unrecognisable, an official said. The chief ministers of both the states -- Mohan Yadav and Bhupendra Patel -- announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 4 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives, and Rs 50,000 for injured persons, respectively. Mumbai, April 3 : The Maharashtra government has released a circular to amend the route of file movement, especially after the change in the MahaYuti government led by Eknath Shinde to Devendra Fadnavis. As per the circular, the file, which will be cleared by the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, will now go to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his signature, and later it will be forwarded to the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for final clearance. During the Eknath Shinde-led government, the file assessed and cleared by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar used to go to Fadnavis, who was then Deputy Chief Minister and later to the Chief Minister for final approval. The circular was necessitated by the change in the role of Fadnavis and Shinde after the MahaYuti government was formed in December last year. On March 18, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik issued a circular, which stated, "...and now revised orders are being issued as all the matters specified in the Second Schedule of the Maharashtra Government Rules of Procedure should be submitted to the Chief Minister for approval through the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister (Urban Development, Housing) after the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister (Finance)." "This essentially means that a file will first go to the desk of Deputy CM Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, as in the previous regime, and later to Deputy CM Shinde, who also holds the urban development and housing portfolios. After this, it will be submitted to CM Fadnavis for final approval," said a senior bureaucrat. The MahaYuti alliance comprises the BJP, Shiv Sena and the NCP. By winning 132 seats in the 2024 Assembly polls, the BJP reaffirmed its status as the leader of the coalition. The Shiv Sena and the NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively, in the 288-member Assembly. "The movement of files within an alliance government has always remained a key issue, leading to checks and balances within the allies. With a three-party government in power and each department dependent on others for the implementation of schemes, the smooth movement of files is of utmost importance. It avoids unnecessary friction and disputes within the allies. It also ensures that heads of all three parties are part of a major decision in the government and have scrutinised every aspect of it," said a senior minister. He recalled similar arrangement existed when Eknath Shinde was the Chief Minister. "To avoid any rift among the alliance partners, it was cautiously decided that the files sent by Ajit Pawar would travel to Devendra Fadnavis and later to Chief Minister Shinde for final clearance. That system worked well between July 2023 and November 2024. The similar system will work again during the CM Fadnavis-led government," he said. Jamnagar, April 3 : In a remarkable act of bravery, Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav saved countless lives during the tragic crash of a Jaguar fighter jet in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Amid a critical technical malfunction, Siddharth displayed extraordinary courage by steering the crashing aircraft away from a densely populated area. In his final moments, he also ejected his fellow pilot, ensuring his safety before tragically losing his own life. Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav, a resident of Rewari, was killed when his Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat on Wednesday night shortly after the jet took off from the Jamnagar Air Force Station. The 28-year-old pilot had recently returned to duty after a brief leave and was involved in a routine sortie when the crash occurred. During the flight, the aircraft encountered a technical malfunction. Despite the pilotas best efforts to safely land the jet, it became clear that a crash was inevitable. In his final moments, Siddharth displayed extraordinary bravery. He ejected his fellow pilot from the aircraft to save his life and steered the plane away from a densely populated area, ultimately guiding it into an open field. Siddharth was martyred in the crash, but his actions ensured that no civilian lives were lost. His colleague, Manoj Kumar Singh, was injured and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. Siddharth Yadav, the only son of Sushil and Neelam Yadav, had completed his training as a fighter pilot and joined the Indian Air Force after passing the NDA exam in 2016. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant just two years ago. His family, who hails from Bhalkhi-Majra village in Rewari, was eagerly anticipating his wedding, which was scheduled for November 2. Siddharth had gotten engaged on March 23, just days before returning to his duties. The news of his martyrdom has sent shockwaves through his family and the entire town of Rewari. Siddharth's father, Sushil Yadav, who is a retired Air Force personnel and currently working with LIC, said that his sonas bravery in the face of danger would always be a source of pride. Siddharthas body is expected to arrive in Rewari on Friday morning, where it will be taken to his ancestral village for his final rites with full military honours. Siddharth was part of a family with a long tradition of military service. His great-grandfather served in the Bengal Engineers under the British regime, his grandfather was a member of the Paramilitary Forces, and his father served in the Indian Air Force. Siddharth's martyrdom has left his family and the community devastated, but his courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The crash, which occurred approximately 12 km from Jamnagar city in the Suvarda village, saw the aircraft burst into flames after impact. Local villagers quickly arrived at the scene, providing assistance to the injured pilot and notifying authorities. Aizawl, April 3 : The Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Mizoram Forest Department officials, have rescued several exotic wildlife species and apprehended three Myanmar nationals in the northeastern state, officials said on Thursday. A defence spokesman said that Assam Rifles troops, along with Forest Department officials acting launched a joint operation at the crossing point four (Robert Kai), in Mizoramas Zokhawthar areas bordering Champhai district. The security personnel intercepted trafficking of exotic wildlife species and apprehended three Myanmarese while they were crossing from Myanmar into India and carrying concealed containers on Wednesday night. A spot check conducted in the presence of independent witnesses and forest officials led to the seizure and rescue of three Patagonian Maras, 24 African Spurred Tortoises and one Albino Burmese Python. The estimated value of the seized wildlife is approximately Rs 1.31 crore, the spokesman said. The apprehended individuals, identified as Thawngsuangmunh (26), Biakzapiang (26), and Jeecy Lalnunmawia (31), are all Myanmar nationals from Khawmawi. The rescued wildlife species, along with the apprehended individuals, were handed over to the Forest Department in Champhai for further investigation and legal proceedings. Assam Rifles remains committed to curbing illegal wildlife trafficking along the Indo-Myanmar border as per extant conservation laws, a defence release said. Earlier on a number of occasions, the law enforcement agencies recovered exotic wildlife animals smuggled from Myanmar. Myanmaras Chin state is a hub for smuggling of varied drugs, exotic wildlife animals and many other contrabands through six Mizoram districts -- Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. Champhai is a hotspot for the smuggling of diverse drugs, foreign cigarettes, areca nuts, arms and ammunition, and exotic animals and their parts. The varied drugs mostly come to India from Myanmar through illegal border routes in Mizoram and Manipur, and then are smuggled to other northeastern and Indian states and neighbouring countries, mainly Bangladesh. Mizoram shares 510 km and 318 km unfenced border with Myanmar and Bangladesh, respectively. --IANS sc/dan Srinagar, April 3 : The Jammu and Kashmir government has enhanced the Financial Assistance under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) for poor girls, increasing the amount from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 for families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards, an official said on Thursday. An order issued by the Department of Social Welfare stated that in partial modification of Government Order No.49-JK(SWD) of 2022 dated March 22, 2022, the financial assistance has been increased to Rs 75,000 (one time) for eligible AAY category girls of marriageable age under the scheme. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that it is a step towards dignity and empowerment, adding that the government stands committed to uplifting every household in need. "This support will be directly credited before marriage via DBT," he said. The decision follows Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's Budget Speech on March 7, in which he announced a series of pro-poor initiatives, including the enhancement of marriage assistance for AAY-category girls. The revised scheme will take effect from April 1, 2025. "To ensure transparency and efficiency, the financial aid will be directly transferred to the beneficiary's bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system before the marriage," the Chief Minister said. In another major welfare initiative, the J&K government has approved the distribution of additional food grains free of cost to AAY households with four or more members under the Public Distribution System (PDS). "This move aims to strengthen food security for the region's most vulnerable families and fulfills a key commitment made in Budget 2025-26," the Chief Minister added. Omar Abdullah hailed the initiative as a significant pro-people decision, emphasising that the government is delivering on its promises. "We are committed to ensuring food security for our most vulnerable families. Under this initiative, all AAY households will receive additional food grains free of cost. Each beneficiary in a family with four or more members will get up to 10 kg of food grains, reinforcing our commitment to social welfare," he stated. Furthering his government's commitment to women's empowerment, the Chief Minister had also flagged off the Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative - a free government bus service for women - on April 1 from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC). Speaking at the launch event, Omar Abdullah said: "This initiative will create an environment where women feel empowered to travel freely, without financial constraints. It marks another step towards ensuring gender equality and mobility for women across Jammu and Kashmir." The Omar Abdullah-led government has fulfilled yet another promise by implementing Zero Stamp Duty on property transfers through Gift Deeds within blood relations. In this regard, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued S.O. 75, dated 27th March 2025, under Section 9(a) of the Stamp Act, 1977, to remit Stamp Duty on such transfers. The term "Blood Relations" includes parents, siblings, children, and grandparents. This notification has come into force w.e.f. 1st April 2025. New Delhi/Hyderabad, April 3 : The Supreme Court on Thursday took a serious view of tree-felling on 400 acres at Kancha Gachibowli near Hyderabad Central University and directed Telangana government to stop all developmental activities on the site till further orders. A bench of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih asked Telangana Chief Secretary what was the urgency to undertake development activity, including clearing of trees. The apex court heard the matter after the Registrar of the Telangana High Court submitted a report after its order passed in the morning. The registrar stated in his report that about 100 acres of land had been cleared. Observing that it is a serious matter, the bench wanted to know if the authorities had required permission. "You cannot take law into your own hands," the bench told the state government. The court observed that even if it is not forest land, permission of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) should be taken to cut trees. It asked CEC to visit the site and submit a report by April 16. The court also asked the state government to file an affidavit and posted the matter for further hearing on April 16. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court directed that the cutting of trees should be stopped. The bench asked the Registrar of the Telangana High Court to inspect the site and submit a report by 3.30 p.m. The bench passed the interim order after senior advocate K. Parmeshwar, the amicus curiae in forest cases, made an oral mention of tree felling on the land. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the state government would abide by the Supreme Court's order. He stated that they have full faith in the judiciary and that the government would submit all the information sought by the Supreme Court. Celebrations erupted on the HCU campus as students hailed the Supreme Court order. Students who have been opposing the cutting of trees and the proposal of the state government to auction the land, were seen signing and dancing amid drum beats to welcome the apex court order. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) thanked the Supreme Court for intervening in the Kancha Gachibowli issue. "This is a victory for the youngsters from the University of Hyderabad, whose inspiring and relentless struggle has resulted in this positive verdict. Thanks to all the activists, celebrities, environmentalists, media and social media friends who've supported this noble cause," Rama Rao posted on aXa. The Telangana High Court on Wednesday had stayed tree felling and other works on the land till Thursday. The High Court gave the interim order while hearing the Public Interest Litigations filed by HCU students and Vata Foundation. The High Court, which resumed hearing on Thursday, extended the stay order till April 7. Number of victims in missile strike on Kryvy Rih increases to 17 As a result of the missile strike by the Russian army on Kryvy Rih, the number of victims has increased to 17, at night the Russians attacked Dnipropetrovsk region with drones, head of the regional military administration Serhiy Lysak reported. "According to the updated information, 17 people were injured in yesterday's missile strike on Kryvy Rih, 11 of whom remain in the hospital. Four died," hi said on Telegram. Among the destroyed buildings, in particular, were nine high-rise buildings, cars and garages, a gas station, an administrative building, and a post office. An aid headquarters was deployed on site, where you can get construction materials and apply for material assistance from the city. People were also supported by philanthropists, Lysak added. In addition, in Pavlohrad, as a result of a UAV attack, windows in an administrative building and two five-story buildings were broken. The Russian army targeted the Mezhivska community of the Synelnyky district with a drone. There is damage to buildings. Lysak noted that units of the Skhid Air Command destroyed 10 enemy targets. New Delhi, April 3 : The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) Imphal Sub-Zonal Office has taken a significant step towards the restitution of properties in a money laundering case involving Sanasam Jacky Singh and other officials of the Lamjingba Group of Companies. This case, which is based on seven FIRs filed by the Manipur Police, involves a fraudulent investment scheme that defrauded over 15,000 investors of approximately Rs 600 crore. The ED's investigation revealed that Lamjingba Group, led by Sanasam Jacky Singh, was operating a high-risk "investment/deposit scheme" promising exceptionally high returns, luring unsuspecting investors. Instead of generating the promised returns, the company used the funds to acquire several assets, including both movable and immovable properties. As a result of the fraudulent activities, Singh was arrested, and the ED took action by provisionally attaching properties worth Rs 63.52 crore. In response to these findings, the ED filed Prosecution Complaint No. 02/2023 on March 20, 2023, against Singh, M. Robindro Singh, and others associated with the Lamjingba Group. The ED also sought the confiscation of the attached properties, which include an under-construction hotel property. Charges have since been framed against the accused in the case. Further developments saw a writ petition filed by Wahengbam Pratap Singh and others in the High Court of Manipur. The petitioners requested the restoration of properties that were attached in connection with the case. Following this, the High Court directed the Special Court (PMLA), Imphal East, to consider the claims for property restitution strictly according to the relevant legal provisions. In compliance with the court's directive, the Special Judge, PMLA, Imphal East, issued an order on March 21, 2025, for the publication of claims related to the properties. The petitioners were instructed to publish notices in two newspapers -- one in a vernacular language and another in English, inviting claims from interested parties. New Delhi, April 3 : Expressing concern over frequent power cuts in the national capital, Delhi unit Congress president Devender Yadav on Thursday said that the BJP-led government does not seem to have any concrete action plan to meet the high power demand during summer. He said that the Delhi government has failed to rein in the power distribution companies discoms, who are seeking a tariff hike by creating pressure on the Government through power outages for hours at a stretch. Yadav said that under pressure from the discoms, Power Minister Ashish Sood has already announced that power tariffs may be hiked to put additional burden on the people, like the AAP government had done by imposing various surcharges. The Congress chief said that like the previous Arvind Kejriwal Government, the Rekha Gupta administration is also trying to help the discoms by "looting "the power consumers. Yadav said that according to an estimate, the demand for electricity during peak summer is likely to reach 9,000 MW, and if the discoms could not meet the power demand of 4,070-4,360 MW on March 25 a" the day that witnessed large-scale power cuts across the city -- how would the power companies meet the huge demand as the temperature will soar further in summer. The Congress leader also raised the fear of consumers getting inflated power bills, as was the case under the Kejriwal government. He said that during the Congress regime in Delhi, power distribution was streamlined so effectively that power cuts became a thing of the past, and people were not burdened with inflated power bills. Chennai, April 3 : Tamil Nadu BJP Spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad has urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take strict action against DMK leader and former Union Minister A. Raja, accusing him of repeatedly making derogatory remarks against Hinduism and its symbols. Prasad alleged that Raja's recent comments continue to hurt the sentiments of Hindus and incite communal and divisive politics in the state. He said the former minister had once again demonstrated his "hostile and fascist attitude" by making statements that tarnish the image of Indian citizens who follow the Hindu faith. Despite widespread condemnation across Tamil Nadu, Prasad questioned why Chief Minister Stalin has not publicly criticised Raja's remarks. "Why is the Chief Minister silent? Why has he not issued a strong condemnation to show respect for the sentiments of the people?" Prasad asked. The BJP leader also targeted Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, who oversees the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, accusing him of shielding those who misuse the department's assets and disrespect the sanctity of Hindu temples and traditions. He criticised Sekarbabu for dismissing Raja's remarks as personal opinions, calling it a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the issue. Calling Raja's comments "unconstitutional" and "offensive," Prasad demanded a public apology from the DMK leader. "As a Deputy General Secretary of the DMK and a sitting Member of Parliament, A. Raja must apologise for making such statements that insult Hindu religious beliefs," he said. He also questioned whether such remarks would be tolerated if they were directed toward other religions. "If A. Raja made similar derogatory statements about the faiths of DMK's Muslim or Christian members, would he still be able to move freely in Tamil Nadu?" Prasad asked. Highlighting the inclusive and tolerant nature of Hinduism, Prasad said that the religion should not be tested further by repeated provocations. --IANS aal/dan Chandigarh, April 3 : Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Thursday launched an e-learning portal for the e-office platform, aiming at helping government employees enhance their digital skills and streamline administrative processes. The initiative marks a major step toward a more efficient, paperless governance system, ensuring that all government departments adopt digital workflows effectively. The e-Learning portal, developed by the Haryana State Electronics Development Corp Ltd (HARTRON), provides structured training modules for employees. It is accessible through elearninghartron.org.in and features user-friendly courses designed to help officials understand and use the e-Office system with ease. The platform supports Haryanaas broader vision of promoting digital governance and ensuring that government work is handled swiftly and transparently. The platform is bilingual -- both in English and Hindi. Speaking at the launch, Chief Secretary Rastogi emphasised the importance of continuous learning and digital transformation in government departments. He highlighted that this initiative will not only improve efficiency and accountability but also make official work faster and more accessible. The government is committed to making all administrative processes digital, and this training portal is a crucial step in that direction. The Chief Secretary also directed the formation of a committee to identify other such courses that can be incorporated on this portal. He called for sharing of resources and modules in coordination with other training institutes working in this domain. The e-Learning portal comes with several advanced features to assist employees in their training. It includes a dashboard that displays the number of enrolled departments, total participants and course progress. Employees can track their learning, access performance reports, and view data on course completion rates. A leader board has also been introduced to encourage participation and recognize top learners. Employees can provide feedback on training quality, and upon completion of courses, they will receive e-certificates as proof of their learning. Mumbai, April 3 : Gaurav Saxena, the ex-husband of 'Bigg Boss 18' contestant Hema Sharma has decided to step into acting post his divorce. Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Gaurav Saxena, the ex-husband of 'Bigg Boss 18' contestant Hema Sharma has decided to step into acting post his divorce. When asked about his acting debut, Gaurav told IANS, "More than acting, my love is to create new things. YouTube is a platform for people like us where we can do things we love. I am enjoying working on scripts and looking forward to the shoots lined up in the coming month." Throwing some light on this project, Gaurav added, "I am going to commit to making some good content in the form of good short films. I am looking forward to exploring a new hobby all together." He was asked, "What made you take this decision?", to which he replied, "I think sometimes coming out of the comfort is exciting. I will also continue to travel and make vlogs as I have been to more than 56 countries, and I feel there is so much the world has to offer." Gaurav further answered the question, "From a businessman to an actor is it not two different things completely?" He stated, "I am happily working in my company. I don't see myself shifting careers. But will be exploring new business ventures in the creative industry." Talking about his life post-divorce, Gaurav revealed, "I feel more peaceful and calm as the divorce is finally through. I am travelling and doing what I like most. My company is doing great and I am excelling there as well so professionally and emotionally I am in a great spirit." During a previous interaction with IANS, Gaurav spilled the beans on his future plans post-divorce. He revealed that he would fight for the custody of his kid. "Steps ahead is me believing in justice and our Indian judiciary. I'll fight. I have evidence and I'll go by the rule. God is there with him over my kid. I am sure we both will unite and he will get everything he deserves and all that he has been deprived of for greed," the businessman shared. New Delhi, April 3 : In a move to strengthen its organisational structure, the grand old party has decided that District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents will play a more prominent role in candidate selection and overall party performance. During a key meeting held at Indira Bhavan on Thursday, senior party leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Organisation K.C. Venugopal, discussed empowering district-level leadership. The initiative aims to enhance accountability and participation, with district presidents being evaluated based on various factors, including voter engagement, election performance, and involvement in party activities. This shift is a part of the Congress' broader strategy to boost its presence and effectiveness at the grassroots level. Moreover, the meeting focused on fortifying the Congress' presence at the district level, with detailed discussions held on strengthening the party structure across various regions. District presidents from states including Maharashtra, Mumbai, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Chandigarh participated in the session, along with Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chiefs, in-charges, and General Secretaries. One of the key highlights of the meeting was the six presentations made by various departments of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC). These presentations covered a range of topics, including media management, social media outreach, party properties, organisational structure, treasury management, and training. The discussions were aimed at equipping district-level leadership with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance the partyas reach and impact. Addressing the media after the meeting, Congress spokesperson and Head of Media and Publicity Pawan Khera stated that this was the second phase of the ongoing series of meetings with District Congress Presidents. Khera elaborated that the Congress party intends to empower the district-level leadership with greater authority. As part of the new structure, district presidents will have more involvement in the candidate selection process, and their performance will be closely monitored. District presidents' contributions will be evaluated based on various criteria, including voter lists, participation in party programmes, and overall performance. The evaluation will also factor in voter turnout during Panchayat, Municipal, Assembly, and Lok Sabha elections. Khera further said that this was the first time the party has organised such meetings to ensure comprehensive planning and accountability at the district level. The next phase of the meeting will take place on Friday, where remaining states will be covered in the discussions. Patna, April 3 : The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has triggered political turmoil in Bihar, with Mohammad Kasim Ansari, a senior JD-U leader and Dhaka assembly constituency candidate (East Champaran district), resigning from the party in protest. In his resignation letter addressed to JD-U national president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Ansari expressed deep disappointment over the party's support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament. "Many people in the Muslim community like me had viewed Nitish Kumar as a flag bearer of secularism, but this belief has now been shattered," Ansari said. He further stated, "The way JD-U supported the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has deeply hurt Indian Muslims and party workers like me." Ansari was particularly shocked and disheartened by the speech of Union Minister Lalan Singh in support of the Bill. He stated, "The Muslim community is deeply saddened by the manner in which Lalan Singh backed the Bill in the Lok Sabha. The Bill is anti-Muslim and a violation of fundamental rights." Ansari declared that Muslims are being humiliated and insulted by the Bill. He claimed the legislation is particularly harmful to Pasmanda Muslims, but JD-U is failing to recognise it. Expressing regret over his years of association with JD-U, he said, "I gave many years of my life to this party, and now I deeply regret it." He formally resigned from all posts, including primary membership, and sent copies of his resignation letter to JD-U State President Umesh Kushwaha and JD-U District President Manju Kushwaha of East Champaran. On the issue of the Waqf Amendment Bill, more JDU leaders are drifting away. Gulam Gaus, a veteran JD-U leader, also seems discontent with the party's stance. On Eid-ul-Fitr, he met RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav and discussed the Waqf Bill, signaling a potential shift in his allegiance. Ansari's resignation and Gaus's meeting with Lalu suggest internal cracks within JD-U, particularly among its Muslim leaders and workers. Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 : After the name of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena Vijayan's figured in the list of accused of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) charge sheet for receiving illegal gratification to the tune of Rs 2.70 crores from Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL), for mining sanctions, the Congress and the BJP demanded the resignation of Vijayan. The Congress party has called for a statewide protest demanding the resignation of Vijayan on Friday. An official said that the charge sheet has now been filed before the special court looking into cases of economic offences based in Kochi, adding that the money was given to Veena's now defunct IT firm Exalogic based in Bengaluru. Veena is the second accused in the SFIO charge sheet and includes both firms, the CMRL and Exalogic, besides CMRL's MD Sasidharan Kartha and others. State Congress chief K. Sudhakaran said Vijayan has no moral right to continue as Chief Minister after his daughter has been named as an accused. "The decision to have Vijayan step down has to be taken up at the ongoing 24th CPI-M Party Congress being held in Madurai. If the ongoing Congress fails to take the right decision in asking Vijayan to step down, it would be the beginning of the collapse of the CPI-M," said Sudhakaran. Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan said that with the country's premier agency dealing in company affairs naming Veena as an accused, Vijayan has no moral right to continue, hence he has to step down. "Ever since this case surfaced, Congress has been pursuing it, and now Vijayan has to go. The ongoing Congress in Madurai has to come out with what they have to say," said Satheesan. Senior Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala said Vijayan was using his daughter to accept the bribe and hence he has to quit at the earliest. "The Madurai Party Congress should now find a replacement for Vijayan," said Chennithala. Meanwhile, the BJP has announced that it will also hold a protest against Vijayan. Kolkata, April 3 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday sought the Central government's stance on the deployment of central armed police forces (CAPF) personnel at Mothabari in Malda district of West Bengal which has witnessed communal tensions in the recent past over alleged attacks on the members of a particular community. Earlier, on March 28, the Calcutta High Court sought an action taken report from the state administration and also directed the Malda district magistrate and the district police superintendent to file reports in the court specifying what led to the tension at Mothabari. On Thursday, the state government submitted the action taken report in the matter to the court. On Thursday, the Union government counsel informed that the Centre had no problem in the deployment of CAPF personnel at Mothabari to keep the situation under control. Thereafter, the Calcutta High Court directed the Union government to submit an affidavit on the matter in court. Recently, BJP leader in West Bengal and Calcutta High Court counsel Kaustav Bagchi had filed a petition at the High Court seeking CAPF deployment at Mothabari acting on which the division bench had earlier directed the state government to submit the action taken report. Earlier, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari too had written a letter to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose requesting the latter to direct the state government to deploy CAPF personnel at Mothabari following the alleged large-scale attack on the Hindus there. The leader of the opposition has also accused the West Bengal government and the ruling Trinamool Congress of preparing the blueprint for "Greater Bangladesh" through appeasement politics. Adhikari has also claimed to the media persons that the miscreants at Mothabari went out of control, plundered, bashed, and vandalized in an unabated manner. "Their targets were Hindus. That is why I feel that CAPF deployment is the only solution to control the situation, as the police have failed to contain the vandalism and hooliganism. The state police personnel were acting like 'helpless puppets: just pleading with the miscreants with folded hands. The miscreants took control of the main roads and freely vandalized several vehicles," he added. Hyderabad, April 3 : The Telangana government on Thursday constituted a three-member committee of ministers to resolve the issue relating to 400 acres of land at Kancha Gachibowli near the Hyderabad Central University (HCU) The committee, comprising Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Industries and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, will consult with the Hyderabad Central University executive committee, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and civil society groups, studentsa delegation, and all stakeholders to resolve and give a way forward in Kancha Gachibowli land issue. The move came hours after the Supreme Court stayed tree-felling and other developmental works on the land. The Supreme Court on Thursday took a serious view of tree-felling on the land and directed the state government to stop all developmental activities on the site till further orders. A bench of Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice A. G. Masih asked Telangana Chief Secretary what was the urgency to undertake development activity, including clearing of trees. The apex court heard the matter after the Registrar of the Telangana High Court submitted a report after its order passed in the morning. The Registrar stated in his report that about 100 acres of land had been cleared. Observing that it is a serious matter, the bench wanted to know if the authorities had required permission. The apex court then intervened to stay the tree-felling amid a huge row over the state governmentas plans to develop the land and auction it for setting up IT companies. HCU students and environmental activists have been staging protests for the last few days, demanding the government not to go ahead with its plans as this would destroy biodiversity on the land and finish a vital lung space for the city. Opposition BRS, BJP, CPI, CPI-M, and student groups affiliated to them have backed the protest by the students. The Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) deployed several bulldozers on Sunday to clear the land, triggering massive protests by students. According to the Vata Foundation, which filed a PIL in Telangana High Court, the land has three lakes, several rocks, and many species of animals and birds, and they need to be protected. It accused the government of acting against the Supreme Court guidelines. The state government defended its stand and clarified that it has not taken even an inch of the land belonging to the university. The government claimed that after winning the court case relating to the land, it protected the government land worth thousands of crores from falling into the hands of private persons and wants to use the same to provide employment to the youth by setting up IT companies. Addressing a joint press conference on Tuesday, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Sridhar Babu, and Srinivas Reddy had slammed the opposition BRS and BJP for spreading lies about the land for political gains. They appealed to the students not to get misled by the opposition parties. They also cautioned that stringent action would be taken against those creating hurdles for government works and development. People across China pay tribute to martyrs ahead of Qingming Festival Xinhua) 08:20, April 03, 2025 People pay tribute to a memorial monument to martyrs in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Bei He) An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows students paying tribute to martyrs in front of a monument in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by He Wuchang/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Jiyuan City of central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Duan Erping/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Zaozhuang City of east China's Shandong Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Liu Ming/Xinhua) People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua) People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Yuan Yong/Xinhua) People pay tribute to martyrs in Hengyang, central China's Hunan Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Cao Zhengping/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs in front of a monument in Yongzhou City, central China's Hunan Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Jiang Keqing/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows students paying tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Zunhua City, north China's Hebei Province. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) People pay tribute to a memorial monument to martyrs in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Bei He) Students pay tribute to martyrs in Jiamusi City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Chen Zhiguo/Xinhua) The honor guards pay tribute to a memorial monument to martyrs in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Bei He) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ US President Donald Trump said that his administration has done "more in that time that any other administration in the history of our country in the first 100 days." "I think weve had an amazing in terms of what we've done, what we've gotten accomplished. I'd like to see if we can get that war [Russia vs. Ukraine] ended and another war from not starting in the Middle East," Trump said during a speech at the White House. He noted that Russia is suffering heavy casualties on the front in Ukraine, averaging up to 2,500 people a day. "They're losing those soldiers, they're dying, they're being decimated, and they're not from our country, but they're from other countries, but they're human beings, they're from Russia, they're from Ukraine in this period, most of them, and we're going to get it stopped. This is a senseless war that would never have happened if I was president, and it should not be allowed to go. And I think we're being giver a good cooperation by Russia and by Ukraine, but we have to get it stopped," Trump stressed. Bhopal, April 3 : Eight persons died in Kondavat village of Chhaigaon Makhan police station area of Khandwa district -- around 250 km from here -- in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday evening. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to next of kin to the deceased. The villagers had gathered for the sacred ritual of "Gangaur" idol immersion, a tradition of cultural and spiritual practices in rural areas. The well, chosen for the immersion of the "Gangaur" idol, became the site of an unimaginable calamity. It began with a team of four persons led by one Arjun, a villager who volunteered to clean the government owned well in preparation for the ritual. As they descended into the 20-25 feet deep well, they trapped within the confined space unaware of the lurking danger probably a poisonous gas, which rendered them unconscious. Unable to escape, they drowned in the swampy sludge that had accumulated at the bottom of the well. "Seeing their plight two more villagers quickly descended into the well, armed with a rope to rescue them. However, they encountered debrisa common sight in village wells and as they attempted to clear it, they too succumbed to the 'toxic gas', falling unconscious one after the other. The situation escalated panic as two more villagers entered the well, determined to save their friends," Vikram Dharve, in-charge of Chhaigaon police station, told IANS. Tragically, the officer further said, they too fell victim of the same poisonous gas instantly. By the time the villagers raised an alarm, all eight individuals had perished. The incident occurred between 4.30 and 5 p.m. The police officer further explained that the primary investigation revealed the villagers had entered the well to clean it for the idol immersion on the occasion of Gangaur Puja. Prima facie they all died of the presence of poisonous gas, likely trapped within the well, which proved fatal. He, however, said that autopsies will reveal the exact reason. The bodies of all the victims have been sent for post-mortem at district hospital Khandwa. All of them have been identified as; Arjun (35), Rakesh (21) Vasudev (40) Gajanand (35) Mohan (48) Ajay (25) Sharan (40) Anil (28). In a village well, presence of poisonous gas is surprising but reports said a waste water channel drains into the well that might have caused swamp in the well and poisonous gas might have formed. Indore, April 3 : An Indore district court in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday acquitted two persons in connection with the Baleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal temple tragedy that took 36 lives and 18 were injured during the Ram Navami festival in March 2023. Following that incident, Indore Police had arrested the temple trust's president, Sevaram Galani and Secretary Murlidhar Sabnani. They were booked under the charges of culpable homicide. On Thursday, the court acquitted both the accused persons, stating that "they were not aware of a well" that was covered through a concrete slab at the temple premises, according to advocate Raghavendra Singh, who appeared for Gilani and Sabnani. "The prosecution produced a total of 33 witnesses in the case throughout the hearing in the matter. After hearing them, the court observed that Sevaram Galani and Murlidhar Sabnani were not aware of the existence of the well, which was located a few meters away from the temple's main gate and was covered with a concrete slab. Subsequently, the court has acquitted them of all charges," Raghuvendra Singh told IANS. He further stated that during the hearing, the court was surprised to know that even the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), which has a regional office a little far from the temple, also wasn't aware of the presence of the tragic well. The shocking incident occurred on March 30, 2023, when the floor (concrete slab) of the temple, which was constructed after covering a huge stepwell, caved in during Ram Navami celebrations. While prayer was going on, the concrete slab caved in and more than 60 people fell into the well. The rescue operation that was carried out jointly by SDRF, NDRF and a team of the Indian Army recovered a total of 36 bodies, while 18 persons were injured. --IANS pd/dan Patna, April 3 : BJP leader Rituraj Sinha has strongly defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and all MPs who supported the Bill in Parliament. He argued that the Bill was necessary to prevent the misuse of Waqf properties, which he claimed had been illegally occupied or misused under the previous law. Citing land disputes, he said: aIf someone buys land and leaves it vacant for a few years, Waqf can claim it without any paperwork. They even claimed that the Indian Parliament and the Maha Kumbh land were Waqf properties. Isn't that proof enough that an amendment was needed?" He alleged that "land grabbers and mafia" who benefited from loopholes in the law were the ones protesting the amendment. Sinha slammed the opposition, saying: "Those whose dishonest businesses have shut down are the ones making noise." He questioned why such a law was needed in India when no Muslim-majority country has similar provisions. He also pointed out that despite Waqfas wealth, the Muslim community remains one of the most backward, implying that Waqf's properties were not benefiting the poor. Sinha linked the Bill to other major BJP reforms, stating: "Like the abrogation of Article 370, Triple Talaq, and the push for One Nation, One Election, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill reflects PM Modias bold decision-making." He emphasised that the Modi government stands apart from previous governments because of its tough and nation-centric policies, making it the most popular government to date. While the BJP is celebrating the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the opposition - especially RJD, Congress, and Muslim leaders - continue to oppose it fiercely. Muslim leaders in JD-U are resigning from the party after it has supported the Bill. Mohammad Kasim Ansari of East Champaranas Dhaka constituency and Shahnawaz Malik, the State Secretary of the Minority Wing of JD-U, resigned from posts and primary membership on Thursday. Shillong, April 3 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said that to solve the border dispute with Assam, efforts are underway, adding that steps are being taken to ensure peace and harmony. On the challenges along the area of difference between the Assam-Meghalaya border, he said: "There has been an effort from the Assam and Meghalaya government and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council to ensure that we work in harmony and maintain peace." He said that there is no school in area of difference, and children have to study under the shed of a tree or in someone's house, but with a concerted effort and coordination between Assam and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Meghalaya has been able to support construction of a school in one of the area of difference. The school is being constructed from funds released under Chief Minister Special Development Fund (CMSDF). "There are many areas where the government is working together, to ensure development that the people deserve. Challenges are there and will always be there, but the government is working to resolve the issue," he added. The Chief Minister attended the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the All Meghalaya Karbi Association (AMKA) at Purduwa Kharpati in Ri Bhoi District. Talking on the shared history and brotherhood between different tribes of the state, the Chief Minister said, "We may have different larger communities and tribes in our state, but let me assure every single citizen of our state, that no matter which tribe you belong to, no matter which religion you practice, being in Meghalaya and being a citizen of Meghalaya, makes you equally important to us, and it is the duty of every single leader and the government to ensure that all development and overall protection and rights are given to all the people living in our state of Meghalaya." Highlighting the importance of preservation of the state's diversity and culture, the chief minister announced Rs 50 lakh for establishment of Karbi Culture Centre. He said that the government has been supporting different minority groups in the state for preservation of culture and tradition. "The government's endeavour is to ensure that every community feels included. Culture is essential to our identity, and it is what makes us who we are whether Khasi, Garo, Rabha, Koch, Hajong, or Karbi," he added. Patna, April 3 : Khushboo Pandey, popularly known as 'Hindu Sherni', has been granted bail by the Jamui Civil Court on Thursday after spending nearly one and a half months in jail. Patna, April 3 (IANS) Khushboo Pandey, popularly known as aHindu Shernia, has been granted bail by the Jamui Civil Court on Thursday after spending nearly one and a half months in jail. On February 16, a controversy erupted in Baliyadih village under the jurisdiction of the Jhajha police station area in Jamui district over the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa event. That had led to a violent clash, with people attacking with bricks and stones, leaving several injured and damaging many vehicles. Khusboo Pandey was facing charges of making provocative speeches and raising objectionable slogans during the Hanuman Chalisa recital, which allegedly led to the provocation. Additionally, Pandey and others were accused of organising the event and assembling people without informing the district police. A threatening video of Khusboo Pandey, related to the event, was also circulated online on the day of the event. Following the violence, Sub-Inspector Nandan Rai of Jhajha police station registered a case against seven other named individuals, including Khusboo Pandey and 50 unknown persons, in connection with the incident. On February 18, Jamui police arrested Khushboo Pandey from her residence, naming her a prime accused in the incident. After being presented in court, she was sent to jail pending further proceedings. Her arrest sparked political controversy in the district, with several groups raising concerns over her detention. After more than 45 days in jail, the Jamui Civil Court granted her bail on Thursday, bringing major relief to her supporters. She is expected to be released from jail soon. Bengaluru, April 3 : The Special Court for MLAs/MPs on Thursday quashed the petition filed by prime accused in the Karnataka obscene video scandal -- former MP Prajwal Revanna -- to drop charges against him in a rape case. Revanna is the grandson of ex-Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, The court has adjourned the further proceedings of the matter to April 9. Revanna had filed a petition with the court to drop charges against him in the rape case in the last month. He claimed that there is no his role in the case lodged by a victim from K.R. Nagar. When the judge read out the order rejecting his plea, Revanna, broke down in the court and shook his head and joined both the hands, trying to say that he has not done the crime. The investigating authorities have filed charges against him already in the case and the court will start proceedings against him based on the chargesheet from April 9 onwards. Revanna is presently lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara. Revanna was arrested at the Bengaluru International Airport in the early hours of May 30, 2024, when he was returning from Germany after his grandfather H.D. Deve Gowda, and uncle H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is also Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, made a public appeal that he has to come and face the authorities. His father, JD-S legislator H.D Revanna was jailed. Revanna and Prajwalas mother Bhavani Revanna are currently out on bail in the kidnap and rape case linked to the sex video scam. His younger brother, JD (S) MLC Suraj Revanna, who was jailed for allegedly sexually assaulting male party workers, is also out on bail. Four cases have been lodged against Prajwal Revanna in connection with sexual assault and rape. His bail plea has been rejected in all the cases. The prosecution has charged Prajwal Revanna under Sections 354 (A) (sexual harassment), 354 (B) (Assault or use of criminal force on a woman with an intent to disrobe her), 354 (C) (An act of watching or capturing a womanas image while she is engaging in a private act), 376 (2) (N) (Aggravated form of rape committed by police officers and other public servants in charge, repeatedly raping same woman), 376 (2) (K) (Being in position of control or dominance over a woman, committing rape), 506 (Criminal intimidation), 201 (Causing disappearance of evidence) of the IPC and Section 66 (E) of the IT Act. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sexual assault video case involving Prajwal Revanna submitted the 2,144-page charge sheet to the Special Court for MLAs/MPs in August last year. Imphal, April 4 : The Manipur BJP would soon constitute a 13-member committee to look into the issues of delimitation of electoral boundaries exercise in the state, senior party leader Kh Ibomcha said on Thursday. Ibomcha, who is also an MLA of the Lamlai Assembly constituency, said that the BJP party also reiterated that it has no objection to delimitation of constituencies in the state if it is based on an authentic census. In a recent meeting, the BJP MLAs of Manipur discussed the proposed delimitation exercise and decided to form a 13-member delimitation committee to deal with the serious issue. The party leaders are making all efforts to resolve the matter in the state as soon as possible, Ibomcha told the media. He said that of the 13 members from various sections, 12 will be MLAs and one will be from the office bearers of the state BJP Pradesh committee. It was proposed that the delimitation likely be conducted based on a 2001 census report, but it was full of irregularities, and then the delimitation exercise would not be correct, Ibomcha pointed out. The BJP has been demanding the implementation of the NRC before carrying out the delimitation exercise in the state. The opposition Congress in Manipur on Wednesday opposed any possible delimitation exercises in the state based on the 2001 census report, and the party demanded a thorough rectification of the census data before re-demarcation of electoral boundaries. Congress Vice-President in Manipur, Hareshwar Goswami, had said that the issue of inaccuracy in the 2001 census arose after detecting a disproportionate growth rate of people in nine subdivisions across three districts in the state. The Congress leader said that the party supports delimitation, but it must be based on a correct census without any errors. Everyone knows that the 2001 census had many irregularities, he had claimed. "Most people, political parties, civil societies and social organisations in Manipur are not opposed to the delimitation process. Most political parties, civil societies, social organisations and others are asking for it to be conducted based on a genuine Census," Goswami pointed out. He had said that the Congress's stance on re-demarcation of electoral boundaries is that the exercise must be conducted on the basis of a correct Census and the delimitation to defer till 2026. On March 25, leaders of 16 political parties in Manipur held a significant meeting and urged the Central government to defer delimitation of constituencies till 2026, when national delimitation would be undertaken with the new census figures. CPI-M Manipur state Secretary Kshetrimayum Santa, who was one of the three convenors of the March 25 meeting, had said that the meeting had resolved that the delimitation in Manipur should not be held till the rectification of the errors in the 2001 census in Manipur. "We have also decided to urge the Central government to defer the delimitation till 2026, when national delimitation would be undertaken with the new census figures," Santa had said. The 16 political parties' meeting follows a recent directive from the Supreme Court, which has instructed the completion of the pending delimitation exercise in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam within the next three months. Washington, April 4 : Democrat Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said on Thursday that President Donald Trump's tariffs on India are "misguided" and are likely to place an unnecessary strain on the US relationship with the world's largest democracy. Washington, April 4 (IANS) Democrat Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said on Thursday that President Donald Trump's tariffs on India are "misguided" and are likely to place an unnecessary strain on the US relationship with the world's largest democracy. "President Trump's latest blanket tariffs on India are not only misguided but also profoundly damaging to the economic, diplomatic, and security interests of the US. At a time when our partnership with India is more crucial than ever to our shared prosperity and coordinated efforts to counter the military aggression and economic coercion of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), these tariffs place an unnecessary strain on our relationship with the world's largest democracy," the Congressman said. The Congressman is one of five Indian-descent members of the House of Representatives. The others are Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar and Pramila Jayapal. Krishnamoorthi. The Congressman said that while the friendship between the US and India will remain strong, these new tariffs will increase costs for American families and place additional burdens on both American and Indian businesses. "I strongly urge President Trump to reverse his harmful new tariffs, including those on Indian imports, and instead prioritise the well-being of American families, the strength of the US-India partnership, and our collective economic and national security in the face of authoritarian threats," he said. On Wednesday, President Trump rolled out a reciprocal tariff system that seeks to levy higher tariffs on trading partner countries that levy high duties on imports from the US or have huge trade surpluses over the US. There is a baseline rate of 10 per cent that has been levied on all imports into the US. A large group of countries have been brought under individualised rates. Imports for India will be tariffed at 26 per cent. Imports from China will be levied at 34 per cent, 20 per cent for imports from the EU and so on and so forth. United Nations, April 4 : While appealing for international help to quake-ravaged Myanmar, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for transforming the "tragic moment" into an opportunity to end the brutal civil conflict. United Nations, April 4 (IANS) While appealing for international help to quake-ravaged Myanmar, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for transforming the "tragic moment" into an opportunity to end the brutal civil conflict. He asked the international community to immediately step up vitally needed funding to match the scale of this crisis. And to the government and people of Myanmar, he said, "as they unite in grief, it's also time to unite behind a political solution to end the brutal conflict". "There must be an end to the violence and human rights violations across the country and a pathway for democracy to take root," he said while speaking to reporters at the UN on Thursday. Guterres announced that he was rushing Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher to Myanmar and his Special Envoy Julie Bishop will visit the country "to reinforce our commitment to peace and dialogue". India had already launched "Operation Brahma" immediately after the earthquake, flying relief supplies and personnel to Myanmar, which was the epicentre of the March 28 earthquake. Guterres said, "The death toll is now 3,000 and climbing with thousands injured, and many trapped under the rubble. This disaster has laid bare the deeper vulnerabilities facing people throughout the country," he said. He added that as communities across Myanmar unite in grief, it's also time to unite behind a political solution to end the brutal conflict. Welcoming the temporary ceasefire between the military government and the rebels in the civil war, he said, "This is essential to help aid flow and let rescuers do their jobs. But an end to fighting must quickly lead to a beginning of a serious political dialogue and the release of political prisoners." He said that the ceasefire should lead to an inclusive political process where all the people of Myanmar feel represented. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that the quake has affected more than 17 million people. Myanmar is ruled by the military, which overthrew the democratically elected government in 2021. The regime has not been recognised and the representatives of the civilian government continue to hold Myanmar's seat at the UN. The Association of American Publishers has named University California Press the winner of its top PROSE Awards honor, the R.R. Hawkins Award for excellence in scholarly publishing, for Exit Wounds: How America's Guns Fuel Violence across the Border by Ieva Jusionyte. University of California Press is honored by the recognition, said Erich van Rijn, executive director of the University of California Press, in a statement. Building on her experience as an emergency responder in the borderlands and over five years of ethnographic fieldwork and archival research in both Mexico and the United States, Ieva Jusionyte has crafted a truly unique work of narrative nonfiction that connects with readers on a deeply human level. The AAP has also announced the four Area of Excellence winners of its annual PROSE Awards, recognizing outstanding scholarly publications in four categories: biological and life sciences, humanities, physical sciences and mathematics, and social sciences. This years winners are: The Mindful Health Care Professional: A Path to Provider Wellness and Patient-Centered Care by Carmelina D'Arro (Elsevier) in the biological and life sciences category Blacksound: Making Race and Popular Music in the United States by Matthew D. Morrison (UC Press) in the humanities category The Importance of Being Educable: A New Theory of Human Uniqueness by Leslie Valiant (Princeton University Press) for the physical science and mathematics category Exit Wounds: How America's Guns Fuel Violence across the Border (UC Press), which, in addition to winning the R.R. Hawkins Award also took home the PROSE award in social sciences. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the University of California Press, Elsevier Inc., and Princeton University Press, whose exceptional entries demonstrate groundbreaking scholarship and a dedication to publishing excellence, said AAP COO Syreeta Swann We also extend a thank you to our esteemed panel of judges, who year-after-year express unwavering commitment to evaluating submissions with care and expertise, as well as all entrants who continue to advance the scholarly publishing community. Awarded since 1976, the AAPs PROSE Awards recognize publishers who produce books, journals, and digital products of extraordinary merit that make a significant contribution to a field of study. Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak reported that another eleven children were successfully returned from the temporarily occupied territories and the territory of the Russian Federation. "Today we have another piece of good news - under the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA, another 11 Ukrainian children were successfully returned from the temporarily occupied territories and the territory of the Russian Federation," he wrote on Telegram. According to him, among the rescued are two brothers, 10 and 12 years old, whose father died after being tortured because of his pro-Ukrainian position. After his death, the mother finally decided to leave the temporarily occupied territory with her sons. A two-year-old child was also evacuated together with her pregnant mother. The woman fundamentally refused to receive Russian documents, but because of this she could not leave the occupation on her own. Already in the territory controlled by Ukraine, the woman gave birth to another child - in safe conditions, Yermak said. The Presidents Office head thanked the team of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine for their assistance in organizing the rescue mission and everyone who was involved. In late 2021, Farrar, Straus and Giroux president and publisher Mitzi Angel took the stage at the Center for Fictions annual gala and delivered an ode to what she called a particular fancy of mine: Georges Simenons Inspector Maigret series, centered on the titular, pipe-smoking French detective. She had discovered the seriescomprising 75 novels published between 1931 and 1972a few months earlier and swiftly devoured them. Im now approaching the 75th novel, and Im fearfully anticipating the end, Angel told gala-goers. Im obsessed. A couple years later, Angel received a serendipitous email from Andrew Wylie. The Wylie Agency had just made available the rights to Simenon's works, he wrotewould she be interested in acquiring them? She leapt at the opportunity. I was passionate about these books and felt very strongly that they had a place on the list at FSG and Picador, Angel said. So this year, Picador, the paperback arm of FSG, will embark on its most ambitious backlist publishing program to date: the trade paperback reissue of all 75 Inspector Maigret novels over a three-year period starting in spring 2025. Reissues of 30 of his standalone psychological noirswhich Simenon himself called romans durs, or hard novelswill follow beginning in winter 2026. Picador is working closely with John Simenon, the late authors son, whom Angel called a wonderful partner with us in thinking about how we might present the work, who we might involve, how to describe the work. The first three Inspector Maigret novelsPietr the Latvian, translated by David Bellos; The Late Monsieur Gallet, translated by Anthea Bell; and The Hanged Man of Saint-Pholien, translated by Linda Coverdalewill be published by Picador on May 6. An additional 15 titles will be published throughout 2025. All titles in the series have announced print runs of 30,000. Simenon, who died in 1989 at the age of 86, is one of the bestselling authors of the 20th century, and was extraordinarily prolific in his lifetime. His oeuvre, consisting of more than 200 novels, has been translated into dozens of languages, with some estimates placing worldwide sales of his books at around 600 million print copies. While Simenon has cultivated a towering reputation among international readers and in certain literary circles statesideErnest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, Sigrid Nunez, and Gary Indiana have all counted themselves as fansthe author largely faded from American cultural consciousness after the midcentury. I think there have been plenty of readers, but the books havent been quite as accessible, perhaps because of the distribution, Angel said. The Inspector Maigret novels are currently only available in the U.S. as import titles from Penguin Books UK, which undertook the task of reissuing the series in 2013 and published its final installment, Maigret and Monsieur Charles, in 2020. (Picador will largely use the translations published by Penguin, though some titles will receive new translations.) Between 2003 and 2011, NYRB Classics published at least nine Simenon's romans dursincluding Tropic Moon (1933), The Widow (1942), and Dirty Snow (1948), which featured respective introductions by novelists Norman Rush, Paul Theroux, and William T. Vollmannbut all are now out of print. The Maigret series was firstand lastpublished in the U.S. by Helen Wolff under her eponymous imprint at Harcourt Brace, which reissued around four of the authors novels per year for roughly two decades starting in the mid 1960s. (Wolff and her husband Kurt also cofounded Pantheon Books, in 1942.) Angel suspects that many Simenon fans likely own copies of the Harcourt Brace editions, which she hopes will remain beloved keepsakes. Designing new covers for the Maigret novels posed the challenge of not only establishing visual unity across all 75 titles, but also communicating the substance of the books, which straddle the line between genre and literary fiction. Angel praised designer Alex Merto, who elected to do something slightly different and to draw in a range of readers who will be interested in the detective aspects of the Maigret novels but who also will be drawn in by the artistry of the work. Picadors Simenon program comes on the heels of two other significant recent reissue programs at the imprintof the works of Roberto Bolano and Tom Wolfe, respectivelyand precedes a forthcoming reissue of the oeuvre of the late Martin Amis, launching later in May. I do like to think of FSG and Picador as a home for a certain kind of writing, Angel said. That means thinking about writers over the long term and gathering their work together and thinking about what their work means today. But the unprecedented scale of the Simenon program has required a uniquely all-hands-on-deck approach. Its involved making sure that we have everything lined up at the right time, its involved a lot of project management, so we're all working on it together, Angel said. There's a whole array of discussions that go on with lots of different peopledesign, production, sales, editorialand it's true that we have to make space for that in our days and in our working weeks. Spearheading a reissue of this scale is something Angel admitted she would have never imagined being able to do when I first read those books in 2021. Now shes eager to share her Simenon obsession with readers. Its my feeling that this private passion could be experienced by many, many other people, she said, and thats what we want to do at FSG and Picador. Amazon MGM Studios executives said producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman will deliver a fresh take on James Bond during CinemaCon Wednesday. ADVERTISEMENT "We are committed to honoring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy [Pascal] and David [Heyman]. They're both in London getting started and couldn't be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know to make an incredible partnership," said Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll, according to Variety. Pascal, who produced films in the Spider-Man franchise, and Heyman, known for his work on the Harry Potter films, will bring the next James Bond movie to life. Deadline said Amazon shelled out $1 billion for creative rights to the franchise, which has previously seen such actors as Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig portray the iconic character since the first film's 1962 release. Former producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli continue to be partial owners after the transaction. "We are humbled to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson who made so many extraordinary films," Heyman and Pascal had previously said. Craig's successor has not yet been shared, although the BBC said Marvel actor Chris Hemsworth is being considered for the role. CinemaCon kicked off Monday in Las Vegas and is described as "the largest and most important gathering of movie theater owners from around the world." Comedy Central announced the premiere date for South Park Season 27 on Wednesday. The new season debuts July 9. ADVERTISEMENT In a teaser, Randy Marsh offers ketamine to his daughter, Shelley, while Butters and other kids become air traffic controllers as airplanes crash into each other. South Park has always been topical because its one week production schedule allows it to address the week's events. The teaser begins with live-action footage of a swing set and airplane wing, stating "The acclaimed drama returns." A slowed down version of the Oscar-nominated song "Blame Canada" from the 1999 South Park movie plays. Some of the clips show Canadians going to war waving the Canadian flag. Other scenes show Cartman in a delivery room while a woman gives birth, Kyle sprouting chicken feathers in an allusion to bird flu, and South Park's version of Moses from a Season 3 episode. It has been over two years since Season 26. Trey Parker and Matt Stone previously signed a $900 million contract with Viacom that included 14 Paramount+ specials, seven of which have aired. Air Force: 28 enemy UAVs shot down last night, seven lost in location Last night, units of the Defense Forces shot down 28 enemy UAVs out of 39 that attacked the territory of Ukraine, seven imitator drones were lost in location, the press service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. "On the night of April 3, 2025 (from 21:00 on April 2), the enemy attacked with 39 Shahed attack UAVs and imitator drones of various types from the directions: Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Kursk - Russia," the Air Force said in a telegram message on Thursday. It is reported that as of 09:00, 28 Shahed attack UAVs (other types of drones) were confirmed to have been shot down in the north and east of the country. Seven enemy imitator drones were lost in location (without negative consequences). The air attack was repelled by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Kharkiv, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions suffered as a result of the Russian attack. All roads around Morris Hall, including South Lumpkin Street, have been reopened, according to an email the University of Georgia sent at 4:25 p.m. on Wednesday. All buses have also returned to their normal routes, according to an Instagram post from UGA Transportation & Parking Services. There is no threat to the public regarding the gas leak, the email said. An assortment of signs, some flashing on passing gas station entrances, some hidden on grocery store doors read SNAP, EBT and food stamps, in Athens. These small signs seem to fade into the background as students bustle by going to and from class, yet have a deeper meaning that many are unaware of and the potential to change lives. ONGC's overseas arm applied for a sanctions waiver to access $500 million dividend from two Venezuelan projects. Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy ONGC The effort by ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) and other Indian public sector oil companies to repatriate dividends stuck in Venezuela may pose a bigger immediate challenge than managing the loss of crude imports, following the latest US push to sideline the South American nation, officials said. OVL, the overseas arm of State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), has more than $500 million in dividends from its Venezuelan assets stuck in the country. Oil-marketing major Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and upstream company Oil India Limited (OIL) also have participating interest in one of these stuck projects. On March 21, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on countries purchasing oil and gas from Venezuela beginning April 2. Part of the Trump administration's tough stance on the Venezuelan regime that it considers to be directly hostile to US interests, the move is expected to cut off India's access to Venezuelan crude, which made up 0.92 per cent of India's overall crude imports in FY25. The latest development could push back OVL's efforts to secure a waiver from the US State Department and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The waiver, if granted, would have exempted OVL from sanctions and allowed it to operate in Venezuela using US entities and the US dollar, the officials said. "The licence was sought to gain proprietorship in the two projects, similar to what had been given to an US oil producer. However, it would be difficult to secure it now in the current environment. But we will move to raise the matter as part of discussions with Washington DC," a petroleum ministry official said. Stuck dividends OVL had acquired a 40 per cent stake in the San Cristobal field in Venezuela in 2008, with Venezuelan State-owned Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) holding the remaining stake. Located in the Junin Norte block in Venezuela's massive Orinoco Heavy Oil Belt (known as the Faja), the field is the world's largest heavy oil deposit and was estimated to have 232.4 million barrels of recoverable crude, yielding up to 100,000 barrels per day. The deal was ONGC's first involvement in Venezuela and it had agreed to a total investment of $355.8 million, including a $173.1 million signing bonus. OVL had last received annual dividends worth $56.224 million for oil produced from the field back in 2008. But dividends worth about $500 million remain stuck at the moment. "The idea so far has been to sell the share of oil owed to OVL to interested buyers. But the latest move will make it harder," a public sector refinery official said. He pointed out that an agreement was signed by the parties to settle outstanding dues through installment payments. OVL had received three installments totaling $88 million until March 2017, but the mechanism had broken down afterwards. In January 2024, petroleum ministry officials had said Venezuela had agreed to supply oil to OVL in lieu of the unpaid dividends. OVL also holds an 11 per cent participating interest in Petrocarabobo, a joint venture established in 2010 to produce oil in Venezuela's Carabobo region. IOCL and OIL each hold a 3.5 per cent stake in the project, while PdVSA (71 per cent) and Repsol (11 per cent) own the rest. Production in these two projects began in December 2012. By August 2024, OVL officials estimated crude production at 12,000 to 15,000 barrels per day, with potential to expand to 45,000 to 50,000 barrels per day in the next two to three years. Crude flows to stop Officials said they were monitoring further US directives on sanctions waivers but said crude flows from Venezuela to India would stop. Venezuelan crude accounted for $1.01 billion of the $109.3 billion worth of crude imported by India in the first nine months of FY25. Currently, only Reliance Industries Limited imports from the country having secured an official clearance from US authorities last year. While public sector refiners wait for a similar waiver, some had begun making 'second order transactions' to source it from companies who already have the waiver, sources at the ministry of petroleum and natural gas had said in September. The US had imposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector back in 2018, after the socialist government of Nicolas Maduro returned to power. These sanctions had been eased in October, 2023, but were re-imposed in April, last year. However, the US State Department made an exception for US companies to operate in Venezuela. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com The US retaliatory tariffs are a major setback for the Indian gems and jewellery exports, apex industry body GJEPC said on Thursday as it urged the government to take steps to secure the long-term interest of the sector. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters The US has announced 27 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India saying New Delhi imposes high import duties on American goods, as the Donald Trump administration aims to reduce US' trade deficit and boost manufacturing. The Trump administration's announcement of a 27 per cent reciprocal tariff on India would be a significant burden on Indian exporters and American consumers alike, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said in a statement. "In the long-term, we foresee a reshaping of global supply chains. In the short-run, we anticipate challenges in sustaining India's current export volume of $10 billion to the US market. "We urge the government of India to progress the Bilateral Trade Agreement between India and the US, as it would be crucial in navigating the tariff issues and securing long term interest of the sector," GJEPC added. The US imports $11.58 billion gems and jewellery from India and exports $5.31 billion to the latter. The total bilateral trade between the US and India in the gems and jewellery sector is $16.89 billion. Bilateral trade between India and the US includes natural and lab grown polished diamonds, gold and platinum jewellery, silver jewellery, imitation jewellery, rough diamonds, rough LGD, rough coloured gemstones, gold bar, silver bar and platinum bar, coloured gemstones. Kama Jewelry MD Colin Shah said, it's a big setback for India as the US has announced retaliatory tariffs. "While in the broader sense, it will be 27 per cent, the gems and jewellery sector will be the most affected as import tariffs may be up to 20 per cent from the current '0' per cent on loose diamonds and 5.5-7 per cent on gold jewellery," Shah said. Shah further noted that the US is one of India's largest jewellery export markets, accounting for almost 30 per cent of the share. Indian jewellery exports to the US are over $11 billion per year. Experts said the retaliatory tariffs will significantly impact India's diamond and jewellery sector -- a cornerstone of its exports to the US, said the Council. "India currently imposes a 20 per cent import duty on gold, silver, and platinum jewellery from the US. Efforts should be made to rationalise import duty as well as balance trade with all major nations. Import duties help protect local industries, but the retaliatory tariffs will end up negating this step by most governments," he added. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she respects the judiciary but disagrees with the Supreme Court's verdict on school appointments "on humanitarian grounds" and dared the Bharatiya Janata Party to arrest her for supporting the affected candidates. IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses a press conference, at the CM office in Kolkata, April 3, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Accusing the BJP and the Communist Party of India-Marxist of "hatching a conspiracy and influencing the verdict," Banerjee emphasised that while her government would abide by the ruling, it would explore all possible legal options. "I have the utmost respect for the judiciary and judges, but from a humanitarian perspective, I cannot accept this judgment. As a citizen of this country, I have every right to express my opinion," Banerjee said at a press conference at the state secretariat. "The ones whom you call tainted, we don't have proof regarding them. How can a single person's crime lead to punishment for all?" she said questioning the dismissal of all candidates, asserting that not all appointees were guilty of wrongdoing. She also took a defiant stance against the BJP's criticism of her support for the dismissed teachers. "Our lawyers will review this matter. If the BJP wants to send me to jail for supporting them, they can," she declared. The development, ahead of next year's assembly polls, triggered a flurry of political reactions, with the opposition BJP demanding Banerjee's resignation for the "plight" of around 25,753 teachers and other staff of state-run and state-aided schools whose jobs were invalidated by the Supreme Court. "The sole responsibility for this massive corruption in teacher recruitment lies with the failed CM of the state. She must resign immediately," state BJP president and Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar said. Banerjee, however, alleged that the verdict was "influenced by a conspiracy between the BJP and the CPI-M." Referring to the alleged recovery of large amounts of cash from a judge's residence in New Delhi, Banerjee questioned why such cases were treated differently. "I have heard and read reports of huge cash being recovered from a judge's residence. If you recover money from a sitting judge's home, he is only transferred. Then why were these candidates not transferred? The first judge (former Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay) to give this order is now a BJP MP," she said. Banerjee highlighted that the ruling had impacted not just the candidates but also their families. "It's not just 25,000 candidates; their families are affected too. Why should so many people be punished for a few?" she questioned. A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar upheld a Calcutta High Court order dated April 22, 2024, which annulled the appointments and directed the state government to initiate a fresh selection process. Accusing the BJP of deliberately targeting Bengal, Banerjee asked whether being born in the state was a crime. She raised concerns over the impact of the verdict on the education system. "Over 11,000 of the affected teachers taught in Class 9 and 10, and more than 5,500 in Class 11 and 12. These are crucial years, the gateway to higher education. Many of them are correcting answer sheets of board exams. Do BJP and CPI-M want the education system to collapse?" she asked. She defended her government's stance on the issue and slammed the BJP's criticism. "Sukanta Majumdar said that I am responsible for this. Why are they targeting Bengal all the time? I was born in Bengal, and I know the intention of the BJP and the central government," she said. Referring to the arrest of senior TMC leader and former education minister Partha Chatterjee in the school jobs scam, Banerjee compared it to the Vyapam scam in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh. "Our former education minister is in jail, but how many BJP leaders were arrested in the Vyapam case?" she questioned. She reiterated her belief that the BJP was deliberately trying to weaken Bengal's education system. "Does the BJP want to ensure the collapse of West Bengal's education system?" she asked. The CM assured the affected candidates that she would stand by them. "I know candidates are depressed, if something happens to them, who will be responsible? I will meet them. I am with them on humanitarian grounds. I will tell them not to lose hope," she said. Banerjee said she, along with state education minister Bratya Basu, would meet the candidates on April 7 at Netaji Indoor Stadium. Meanwhile, the Raj Bhavan said the verdict had vindicated Governor C V Ananda Bose's stance in the matter. In a communication to its staff, the Raj Bhavan said the irregularities "wreaked havoc in the lives of thousands of deserving candidates who were deprived of their rightful jobs." BJP MP and former Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Ganguly blamed CM Banerjee for the situation, alleging that her administration's ineptitude worsened the crisis and victimised deserving candidates. CPI (M) West Bengal state secretary Mohammed Salim warned that the state's school education system would be affected due to the large number of teachers losing their jobs and urged the state government to urgently fill the vacant posts. A Delhi court on Thursday sought a response from Tihar Jail authorities on a plea of Christian Michel James, an alleged middleman in the Agustawestland case, claiming attempts were made to poison him inside the prison. IMAGE: Christian Michel James, an alleged middleman in the Agustawestland case. Photograph: ANI Photo Special judge Sanjeev Aggarwal sought a status report form the DG (prisons), Tihar Jail on the application filed by James over the "specific serious allegations". The judge directed the official to file the report by April 16, 2025 detailing the action taken after James levelled the allegations. The judge further directed the jail superintendent concerned to "positively" take James to the orthopedic department, AIIMS on April 7 after her complained of pain post his surgery on February 11, 2025. James, a British national, was extradited on December 4, 2018 from Dubai, where he spent four months in custody. Probe agencies had reported irregularities in the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from Italian manufacturing company AgustaWestland. James, on March 7, offered to "finish his sentence" and leave India instead of walking out on bail owing to "security risks". Following the reprieve in the CBI and ED cases against him, the special court imposed the necessary bail conditions for releasing him on bail. While the Delhi High Court on March 4 granted him bail in the ED case and directed for saddling James with the necessary bail riders, the Supreme Court on February 18 granted the relief in the CBI case subject to the trial court's conditions. A trial court judge on March 7 asked James, "How are you now? God has been kind to you in the last two months. You have got bail in both cases." He said, "Delhi is just a larger prison. My family cannot come to me...My security is at risk. I would rather complete my sentence and leave the country." The judge asked James how could he continue to be incarcerated when he was granted bail. "I cannot accept the bail. It's unsafe. Every time I step out of Tihar (prison), something happens," he said. On the aspect of furnishing a surety bond, he said, "How can a person who has been in jail for six years produce local sureties?" After he stressed he did not want to be released on bail because of security reasons, the judge asked, "Can't you find a safehouse in Delhi?" James then offered to "narrate in private the incident" he faced when he was admitted to AIIMS. "The problem I have is with the police. I would rather talk to you in private," he said. The judge then asked the media persons and the police personnel to wait outside for some time. The court later passed its order, laying down the conditions for bail. The conditions included James marking his attendance physically before the investigating officers once every 15 days, providing his cellphone number, email and residential address to the probe agencies aside from not leaving the country without the court's permission and not tampering with the evidence or attempting to influence the witnesses. "The accused shall not interact with respect to the present case with the media nor shall communicate regarding this case at any forum, during the trial of this case, the order said. The court directed James to furnish a personal bond and surety of Rs 10 lakh in both cases and surrender his passport. James is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case and the other two are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. The CBI, in its chargesheet, claimed an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer due to the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros. The ED chargesheet filed against James in June 2016 alleged he received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. The Delhi high court has directed Customs officials to ensure that old and personal jewellery of travellers, including ornaments being worn by them during travel, are not unnecessarily detained at airports and they are not harassed. IMAGE: Customs officers of the Cochin International Airport arrested a passenger who returned from Dubai and seized foreign-origin 24-carat gold rings weighing 488.50 gm and gold jewellery weighing 130.80 gram from his possession, in Kochi. Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Rajneesh Kumar Gupta passed the direction after being informed by the Customs that a detailed stakeholder consultation is being carried out by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and some more time was needed to amend the Baggage Rules. The court was hearing a batch of more than 30 petitions raising issues on the procedure for detention of goods belonging to the tourists travelling to India, of both Indian and foreign origin, by the Customs department. "Since the CBIC and the Customs department are now seeking further time to amend the Baggage Rules and to place the same before this court, a sensitisation initiative shall be carried out by the Customs department for all its officials. "The Customs officials shall ensure that old jewellery of even Indian travellers, personal jewellery which is being worn by the travellers during travel or used jewellery are not unnecessarily detained in a routine manner, so as to ensure that no harassment is caused to the travellers coming to India," the bench said. It added that if the Baggage Rules can't be amended by the next date of hearing, a standard operating procedure (SOP) should be placed on record by May 19, which shall be followed by the Customs department till the time the rules are amended. In the petitions, the court noticed that various travellers, tourists, and Indian citizens coming back from foreign countries were being intercepted and various items which they were wearing, including jewellery, were being detained. The court considered the Baggage Rules, 2016, and the Indian Customs Declaration form and the Guide for Travellers prepared by the CBIC and observed that the rules were quite outdated and archaic, considering the increase in the price of gold in the last several years. It noted that the Baggage Rules date back to 2016, i.e., more than nine years old and considering the present market realities, they need a re-look. The bench, in its March 27 order, said the SOP should cover all the issues, which have been highlighted by the court. The court said the CBIC, the Customs department, and the other stakeholders should also consider the manner in which the statements were recorded in standard form from all the passengers. It said the procedures for appraisal and disposal of the detained items were also required to be simplified and re-looked. The court also asked the concerned authorities to file an affidavit in terms of these directions and place before the draft SOP before it. White House does not rule out new sanctions against Russia Russia has not been included in the list of countries subject to relevant U.S. import duties, but it is not ruled out that it may face new sanctions, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. "Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios Wednesday that Russia was left off because U.S. sanctions already preclude any meaningful trade," the portal reports. She also said that Russia could still face "additional strong sanctions." Leavitt noted that Cuba, Belarus and North Korea were also not included in the list of countries subject to import duties, "because existing tariffs and sanctions on them are already so high." The decision to impose corresponding duties on foreign trading partners of the United States was announced on Wednesday by President Donald Trump. Axios cites data that refutes the White House's statements about the absence of trade with Russia. According to the publication, although trade between the United States and Russia has fallen 90% (from $35 billion in 2021 to $3.5 billion in 2023), it still exists. Axios also notes that even remote island territories, whose trade with the United States is smaller than with Russia, were subject to duties. 'What signal would we be sending -- that we don't stand by our friends?' IMAGE: A mural of Sheikh Hasina is vandalised by protesters in Dhaka, August 5, 2024, as people celebrate her resignation as Bangladesh prime minister. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters India is unlikely to accept Dhaka's request to extradite Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, who was ousted in a student-led movement and fled her country in August last year. She has since been living in self-exile in New Delhi. An Indian government official, with knowledge of the matter, told Business Standard that if India were to agree, a wrong message would go to the world, especially to other countries in the region -- "friends and foes alike". The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: "What signal would we be sending -- that we don't stand by our friends?" Other than India's historical relationship with Bangladesh and China's reach in South Asia, Pakistan's influence, more apparent since Hasina's fall, has become a concern for New Delhi. "Any perceived act of weakness would be detrimental to India's position," the official said. In December, the transitional government in Dhaka made a formal request to India for Hasina's extradition. India has not responded yet. The transitional government, which has alleged human rights violations by Hasina during her 15-year tenure, including her attempt to quell last year's protests with brutal force (hundreds were killed), has requested Interpol, the world police network, to issue a notice for her arrest. Previously, Hasina lived in India for six years after her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of her other family members were assassinated in a coup in 1975. Riva Ganguly Das, India's former ambassador to Bangladesh, said: "The world will judge us by how we treat our friends." Asked about the legal aspect of an existing treaty between India and Bangladesh, she pointed to the section under which extradition could be refused if the offence for which it is requested is of a political nature. India is worried about the lack of political stability in Bangladesh, where the transitional government is being led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize winner. "It is in nobody's interest that the instability continues. The people of Bangladesh want an election," Das said. However, it is unclear when Bangladesh's next election would be held. The transitional government has sought a meeting between Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of a conference of South and Southeast Asian countries in Bangkok today or tomorrow. The Indian government has not responded yet. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka in December. Yunus met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last week.. China analyst and member of India's National Security Advisory Board Jayadeva Ranade said, "We are not going to ditch a friend. It will be effectively sentencing her to death. That will be unacceptable even to the international community." The Indian government is also concerned about Pakistan's influence that goes beyond Islamist groups in Bangladesh. "More than China, it is Pakistan that India would be worried about, from a security perspective, in the changed scenario," Das said. India and Bangladesh share a border of some 4,000 km. India has significantly tightened its border control since August. "The instability in Bangladesh poses a security risk for India," Ranade said. India is Bangladesh's largest trading partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade at $14.01 billion in 2023-2024, according to Indian government data. But talks on economic and water-sharing (Teesta river) agreements are currently stalled. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com A showdown is looming between Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and the nearly six-month-old government over the transfer of bureaucrats and other issues, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to convene on Friday an urgent meeting of MLAs belonging to the ruling National Conference and supporting parties. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hold a review meeting on the implementation of new criminal laws in J-K, in New Delhi, February 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The agenda for the meeting to which legislators of the alliance partner Congress have also been invited, remained a subject of speculation as Abdullah and NC spokespersons remained tight lipped. But the meeting is expected to discuss reported interference by Raj Bhavan in administrative matters which fall in the domain of the elected government. The controversial transfer of 48 bureaucrats belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service by the LG two days ago led to the latest flashpoint between the Raj Bhavan and the Abdullah government which regards the transfers as violative of the legal and administrative framework under Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. Sources in the know said the chief minister has written to Sinha asking him to review the unilateral decision, pointing out that the transfers and postings of officers outside the All India Services cadre was the exclusive prerogative of the elected government. Such orders undermine the functioning and authority of the elected government, Abdullah asserted in the letter. Abdullah is said to have taken up the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah complaining that a series of actions by the LG, including the transfers, eroded the authority of his government. The LG's approach was a serious challenge in functioning of the elected government, he is said to have stated. Though the Abdullah government had been facing difficulties with the Raj Bhavan over several administrative issues, Sinha's Tuesday order to transfer and post 48 JKAS officers led to a face-off between the two power centres in the Union territory. The chief minister also called for the expedited finalisation of the Transaction of Business Rules, which were approved by the Cabinet on March 6, saying that the delay in issuing these rules is contributing to the current administrative friction. Abdullah has also directed chief secretary Atal Dulloo to ensure that no transfer or posting orders for non-All India Services officers are issued without his prior approval. He has specifically asked the chief secretary to keep the transfer orders of the 48 JKAS officers in abeyance. In the meantime, Friday's meeting is expected to convey the same feelings to the LG as well as the Centre. The announcement of the meeting was made by NC Chief Whip Mubarak Gul on Thursday, who stressed on its significance, requesting all members to prioritise attendance. Political analysts argue that the LG's recent transfers signify an attempt to gain an overarching control of the bureaucratic structure, particularly at a time when the elected government is awaiting approval from the Union home ministry for its proposed governance rules. "Until we receive statehood, it is essential to establish business rules for clarity," Chief Minister Abdullah had said during a response to the LG's assembly address, noting that the Cabinet had finalised the governance rules in a meeting on March 6 and submitted them for the LG's approval. Abdullah has previously expressed his discontent with the dual governance model in the Union Territory, labelling it as a "recipe for disaster". In a show of solidarity, the Congress party also criticised Sinha's decision on Thursday, saying that the LG should have awaited approval of the business rules before proceeding with officer transfers. Gulam Ahmed Mir, the Congress's national general secretary and leader of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) in the J-K assembly, said that the LG should have exercised more patience, asserting that such actions could undermine confidence in the administration. The current business rules stipulate that the chief minister has dominion over the transfers of local JKAS officers, while the LG retains authority over senior officers (IAS), Mir said, adding "taking such a step was not advisable". Mir also said the LG's action, knowing that the business rules proposal is pending approval in Delhi, sent a wrong message about the state of affairs within the J&K administration. "It has sent the wrong message that everything is not well (within the administration). The LG knew it well that the proposal for business rules is under consideration, yet he took this step," Mir said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the situation in Manipur is largely under control as there has been no death in the last four months but it can't be considered satisfactory as the displaced people are still living in relief camps. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Rajya Sabha. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo Replying to a short debate in Lok Sabha, which adopted a Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of President's rule in Manipur, Shah also said that after the imposition of President's rule in Manipur, discussions were held with the Meiteis and the Kukis and separate meetings were conducted with different organisations from both the communities. The Ministry of Home Affairs will soon convene a joint meeting, he said, adding while the government is working to find a path to end the violence, the top priority is to establish peace. President's rule in Manipur was imposed on February 13 after the then chief minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 9 following months of ethnic violence which started in May 2023. Shah said the opposition has been trying to portray a picture that the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities was the first violence in Manipur and the BJP-led government failed to maintain law and order. "Three major instances of violence spanning 10 years, 3 years, and 6 months had occurred during the rule of the earlier governments. After those incidents, neither the prime minister nor the Union home minister visited the state," he said, replying to the debate, which was held in the wee hours. The home minister noted that there have been no deaths in Manipur in the past four months, with only two people injured, and the situation is largely under control. However, he said, the situation would not be considered satisfactory until the displaced people are living in camps. Discussions are ongoing regarding a rehabilitation package for the displaced people, he said. The home minister said ethnic violence between two communities in Manipur had started due to a decision by the Manipur High Court regarding a reservation-related dispute. "These were neither riots nor terrorism-related violence, but ethnic violence between two communities which have taken place due to the interpretation of the high court's decision," he said, adding there should not be any violence and ethnic violence should not be linked to any political party. He said so far 260 people lost their lives in Manipur and 80 per cent of these incident have taken place in the first month itself and appealed to all MPs not to politicise the issue as the government is making every possible effort to restore peace in Manipur. The home minister said between 1993 and 1998, there was a Naga-Kuki conflict in Manipur and that continued for five years in which 750 died and sporadic incidents continued for a decade. In the 1997-98 Kuki-Paite conflict, more than 50 villages were destroyed, 40,000 people were displaced, 352 people were killed and 5,000 homes were burned, he said, adding during the six-month-long Meitei-Pangal in 1993, over 100 people were killed. Shah said in a specific situation, when both the communities interpreted a high court decision as being against them, violence erupted within just two days. On the very day of the high court's, security forces' companies were dispatched to Manipur via air, he said. The home minister said when Biren Singh resigned as chief minister, the governor held discussions with 37 BJP MLAs, 6 from NPP, 5 from NPF, 1 from JD(U), and 5 from Congress. When most of the members stated that they were not in a position to form the government, the Union Cabinet recommended the imposition of President's rule, which was accepted by the President, he said, adding the government wants peace to be restored in Manipur as soon as possible, along with rehabilitation efforts and healing the wounds of the affected people. Earlier, participating in the debate, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said his party supported the resolution but wanted the restoration of peace and stability in the state. "End insurgency, restore peace and stability, promote dialogue with each other, promote inclusivity," he said. Sayani Ghosh of the Trinamool Congress said her party too supports the resolution but favours early restoration of peace. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's K Kanimozhi said 'divisive' politics should come to an end in Manipur. "We want normalcy to return, peace and harmony should be restored. We also want the formation of an elected government," she said. Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Arvind Sawant expressed concern over the prevailing situation in Manipur and said peace must be restored. Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar member Supriya Sule said the President's rule is not good for democracy and sought "strong intervention" of the home minister in bringing back normalcy. The resolution 'Consideration on the Proclamation issued by the President on the 13th February 2025 under article 356 (1) of the Constitution in relation to the State of Manipur' was adopted by the House by a voice vote. Indian personnel are tirelessly conducting relief and rescue operations in quake-struck Mandalay, braving the stench of death to recover bodies from the rubble. IMAGE: NDRF personnel carry out rescue operation as part of Operation Brahma, the HADR mission to earthquake-hit Myanmar. Photograph: ANI Photo Amid the devastation, a story of faith and resilience emerged -- one that will be etched in the memory of those who witnessed it. It was the sacred hour of Alvida Namaz of Ramzan when the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar last Friday, the death toll of which has risen to more than 3,000. Near Street 86A in the former royal capital of Mandalay, a devout Muslim woman and young child, among others, were deep in prayer, unaware of the disaster unfolding around them. "We men were performing Alvida Jumme ki Namaz at the mosque while women and children were praying in their respective homes in the society," Aadam Hussein, 65, told PTI. "Within moments, the ground convulsed violently, reducing a residential complex with around 50 people, mostly women and children, to ruins and leaving destruction in its wake," he said. When the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other Indian personnel reached the site two days later, they faced initial resistance from locals in this Muslim and Nepali Hindu-dominated area of Mandalay, home to around 1.5 million people and the city closest to the epicentre. "It took us more than three to four hours before we could start the rescue operation. They thought it was being delayed intentionally, but they didn't understand our process. It was all part of the rescue efforts we had been conducting since morning at the site," a rescue team member, who wished to remain anonymous, told PTI. On Tuesday, rescuers found several bodies at the site. "Among many bodies, it seemed a woman was still in the posture of prayer with her child beside her, entombed in the debris," he said. Indian relief personnel began preparing to extract the remains carefully. But just as they prepared to lift the body, a tense moment unfolded. The woman's grieving family resisted their efforts. "Don't touch the body, we will handle it," family members told a rescue official. Respecting their wishes, the Indian team stepped back. The locals, determined to retrieve their loved one themselves, attempted to lift the decomposed body from the rubble. "But the cruel passage of time had made the body fragile; at the slightest touch, it began to disintegrate. Realising they lacked the expertise to recover it intact, they hesitated. Their earlier reluctance turned into an urgent appeal," the rescuer explained. With a nod of understanding, the NDRF personnel resumed their task. With finesse and precision honed by experience, they carefully extricated the woman's body, preserving the dignity of her final posture in prayer. "The same voices that had hesitated to accept help now whispered words of gratitude," a senior NDRF official who was present at the site told PTI. Deputy Team Leader of the NDRF Search and Rescue operation team in Myanmar, NDRF Deputy Commander Kunal Tiwari, said the team is trained in dead body management. Mandalay city has been divided into four sectors -- Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta -- for relief and rescue operations. Local authorities have allocated Delta to India for rescue work, while the other three sectors are being handled by China, Russia, and the Myanmar Fire Service Department. The NDRF team has attended 11 of the 15 worksites allocated in Mandalay and has rescued around 30 bodies so far. "We are very satisfied with the efforts made by India. My daughter, who sustained severe injuries, was successfully operated on at the field hospital set up by the Indian Army," Addam Hussein said. An elderly man, his voice thick with emotion, praised the Indian rescuers as the NDRF team continued searching for 24-25 missing people. "May Allah bless them." India launched 'Operation Brahma' soon after the quake, under which medicines, ration, food and tents were airlifted and shipped to the country through its military aircraft and ships. Under the operation, the Indian Army established a field hospital in the city. In the first two days of its operation, around 200 patients have been treated, with 34 admitted for further care. "Locals have been arriving since they learned about the hospital. Besides earthquake victims, other people have also sought treatment, and we are happily treating them," Lt Col Jagneet Gill, Commanding Officer of the 60 Para Field Hospital, told PTI. The Indian Army is also providing food to earthquake victims who have taken shelter on the streets. "Indian people are supporting us. We are searching for our family members in the rubble. We are thankful to Indians for assisting us at this difficult time," said 25-year-old Ummer Malik. The strong earthquake severely damaged numerous historic and religious sites, including mosques, pagodas, and Hindu temples. The Myanmar government stated that over 3,000 buildings were damaged, including about 150 mosques and pagodas. Eighty personnel from the NDRF have been working tirelessly in the city including at the historic U Hla Thein monastery, where over 100 monks are still missing under a 'pancake'-collapsed building, as well as at Ganga Ghat Hindu Temple and several other locations in the city. In a 'pancake' collapse, floors of a building structure fall one over the other. Many people have expressed their appreciation for the Indian disaster response team, including Aadam Hussein, who concluded his remarks by saying, "Thank You, India." Security forces have intensified search operations using aerial surveillance and sniffer dogs following a night-long cordon after fresh reports of suspected movement of three individuals in the Panjtirthi area of Kathua. The individuals are believed to be terrorists who escaped a recent encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Two terrorists and four policemen were killed while three others, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured during a gunfight in a remote forested area in the Sanyal belt of the district on March 27, 2025. IMAGE: Army personnel keep vigil during the search operations. IMAGE: Army personnel engaged in search and cordon operations, here and below. IMAGE: Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Nalin Prabhat, right, along with security personnel visits the Panjtirthi area. IMAGE: Army personnel get ready for cordon and search operation. IMAGE: Army personnel carry out search and cordon operations, here and below. IMAGE: A soldier stands guard in the area after a fresh encounter with terrorists at Panjtirthi Jathana. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'For three months Raj Thackeray becomes a staunch Hindu and for the next three months he becomes anti-Hindu.' IMAGE: The banner opposite Shiv Sena Bhavan that was promptly removed by BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation officials. Photographs: Sahil Salvi In the heart of Mumbai, where political rivalries play out as fiercely as IPL matches, a seemingly routine political statement made through a banner turned into a high-voltage drama. It wasn't a massive protest, a large rally, or a violent agitation -- just two Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers on their phones, hectic conversations on their mobiles by these two with other MNS workers and leaders about this banner, and the sheer weight of political influence that made this said banner disappear just eight hours after they were put up. The Eight-Hour Drama IMAGE: Samadhan Sarwankar's indirect attack on MNS chief Raj Thackeray's criticism of the Mahakumbh. The banner went up in the early hours of the morning -- around 4:30 am -- planted strategically right opposite Shiv Sena Bhavan, the headquarters of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party near Shivaji Park. It was the handiwork of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator Samadhan Sarwankar, who wanted to make a pointed statement about MNS chief Raj Thackeray's shifting political stands. By 9 am, Sarwankar was standing beneath it, giving interviews, confidently explaining his stance and taking on Raj Thackeray's on-off Hindutva mode. But by noon, the banner was gone. What happened in those crucial three hours? Witnesses say that just two MNS workers showed up, expressed their displeasure, made hectic phone calls and seemed agitated when it caught the attention of a police van stationed near the Shiv Sena Bhavan: Either the authorities remove the banner, or they would take matters into their own hands, these two MNS workers made it clear. That was enough. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) swiftly dispatched staff and the banner was taken down. A local shopkeeper who saw it unfold was stunned. "The speed with which the BMC reacted was shocking. The police didn't even try to argue. It was as if they were more concerned about avoiding trouble." The Message Behind the Banner IMAGE: The banner announces the Mahakumbh as a historic extravaganza that comes once in 144 years. At the centre of this storm was Raj Thackeray's comments about the Mahakumbh and the pollution in the Ganga river. Sarwankar's banner took a sharp dig at Thackeray, although he didn't name anybody in that banner. The banner which was in Marathi, said: The water of river Ganga is pure. But what about thoughts of some people? Thackeray was being called out for what Sarwankar and his supporters see as political opportunism, shifting between religious rhetoric and criticism based on electoral needs. While standing under the banner before its removal, Samadhan Sarwankar said: "If he's positioning himself as a Hindu leader, he shouldn't target Hindus selectively. His remarks on the Mahakumbh were wrong. While concerns about pollution (of the Ganga) are valid, this event brought together 60 crore Hindus." "The Kumbh Mela itself shouldn't be blamed and he did just that during his Gudhi Padwa rally (on March 30 at Shivaji Park)." Interestingly, the banner didn't name Raj Thackeray. "We only opposed his statement. But it looks like the MNS couldn't handle even that level of criticism," Sarwankar added. Raj Thackeray's Political See-Saw IMAGE: BMC workers at work removing the banner put up by Samadhan Sarwankar. This isn't the first time Raj Thackeray's political stance has shifted dramatically. In the past, he has aligned with the BJP, praised Devendra Fadnavis, predicted before the assembly election results that he would be Maharashtra's next chief minister while on other occasions he ensured that he criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis and even the BJP's and Fadnavis's plans to communalise the issue of Aurangzeb's tomb. A veteran political analyst summed it up: "Raj Thackeray's politics is less about ideology and more about timing. His stance depends on what suits him at the moment." "For three months Raj Thackeray becomes a staunch Hindu and for the next three months he becomes anti-Hindu," adds Sarwankar. "His workers may have got my banner removed but the sentiments of Hindus are deeply hurt and that would show some day." An MNS functionary dismissed Sarwankar's banner as a desperate attempt to stay relevant: "Samadhan is just trying to gain favour within his party. His father Sada Sarwankar still hasn't gotten over the loss of the Mahim Vidhan Sabha seat." Old Rivalries, New Flashpoints IMAGE: Police officers keep a vigil as BMC workers fold the banner Raj Thackeray's son Amit had contested the November 2024 assembly election against Sada Sarwankar from Mumbai's Mahim constituency and despite efforts from Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis to dissuade him from contesting against Amit, Sarwankar contested and lost. Amit Thackeray too lost the election with Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Mahesh Sawant pipping the two to the post. That electoral battle left scars, and this banner controversy is just another chapter in that ongoing feud. "This isn't just about a banner. It's a continuation of an old rivalry," noted a local political analyst. "The wounds from that election still run deep." BMC Elections 2025: A Political Powder Keg IMAGE: One of the two MNS workers who ensured that the banner was taken down The BMC elections in October-November 2025 loom large over every political move in Mumbai. With shifting alliances and power struggles, every party is on high alert. The MNS is being speculated as a potential ally for the BJP, which could change the entire equation in Mumbai's political landscape. A former MNS worker who has now joined the SS (UBT) puts it bluntly: "The speed at which the banner was removed tells you everything. Authorities are already reading the political winds and adjusting their actions accordingly." Samadhan Sarwankar insisted his banner had nothing to do with the elections. "Elections are still far away. This was about a statement, not votes," he claimed. Political observers remain sceptical -- early skirmishes like this often set the stage for bigger battles ahead. "We have seen it in the past. We will see the same drama play out as soon as the BMC elections are announced," adds a political observer. Who Calls the Shots? Perhaps the most troubling part of the incident was the police and BMC response -- or rather, the lack of it. Witnesses confirm that the police made no attempt to intervene when the two MNS workers effectively dictated terms. "They just stood there. It was like they already knew they wouldn't get involved no matter what happened," a shopkeeper, who had a front row seat to the unfolding drama, said. "If two MNS workers can override official permissions and compel authorities to act within hours, what does that say about the city's governance?" asks a Shiv Sena leader who expressed his displeasure about the taking down of the banner. More Than Just a Banner The drama that began at 4.30 in the morning and ended with a damp squib by noon ended up revealing much more than just party rivalry. "It showcased how power operates in Mumbai -- how political influence, threats of violence can easily override the police and bureaucracy, how authorities respond to pressure, and how even a small act of defiance can make authorities bend before hooliganism," the Shiv Sena leader adds. As the 2025 BMC elections draw closer, this incident is just a glimpse of the battles to come. With alliances shifting and rivalries deepening, Mumbai's political landscape is only going to get more volatile. And if this episode proved anything, it's that in Mumbai's politics, numbers don't always matter -- perception of power does. And sometimes, all it takes is two people to shake the system. With inputs from Sahil Salvi Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday claimed that the Union government has its eye on the land of the Waqf boards, and it may turn its attention to the land of temples, churches and gurudwaras next. IMAGE: Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray addresses a press conference in Mumbai. Photograph: @OfficeofUT His party opposed the Bharatiya Janata Party's fraudulent stand on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and 'its ploy to take away (Waqf) land and give it to its industrialist friends', Thackeray said at a press conference in Mumbai, hours after the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha. "The concern about the Muslim community shown by the BJP and its allies supporting the bill will put Pakistan founder (Muhammad Ali) Jinnah to shame," he said. His remarks came as the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde sought to corner the Sena-UBT for 'abandoning' Hindutva and the ideals of party founder Bal Thackeray in not supporting the Waqf (Amendment) bill. "You are eyeing Waqf land, but temple trusts, churches, gurudwaras too have land. You may be eyeing us (lands of Hindu temples) as well. The bill was brought just for land. We have opposed this sham," said the former Maharashtra chief minister. "If the Waqf bill is for the betterment of the Muslim community, who has abandoned Hindutva (by bringing it in)," Thackeray asked. "What has the Waqf (Amendment) Bill to do with Hindutva? How will Hindus benefit from this?" he further said. Thackeray, however, admitted that the bill has some good elements, and said his party will not support negative politics. "There should be transparency," he added. The BJP has won a third term at the Centre and things are going well, yet it is raking up Hindu-Muslim issues, he said, alleging that the saffron party's policy is to create a divide, orchestrate fights, and rule. He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have told the country about the impending danger of US tariffs and the steps being taken to mitigate it. Both houses of Parliament should have set aside all other business and held discussions on the impact of US tariffs on India, Thackeray said. Thackeray also dared the BJP to remove the green colour from its party flag if it disliked Muslims. When the Shiv Sena-BJP combine was in power in the state from 1995 to 1999, his father and Sena founder Bal Thackeray had told then chief minister Manohar Joshi and deputy CM Gopinath Munde to give additional FSI to places of worship, he said. "You were a kid then. Do not teach us about Bal Thackeray's ideals," Uddhav Thackeray said, attacking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who had targeted him for 'abandoning' Hindutva ideology. Thackeray also denied the suggestion that his party decided to oppose the Waqf bill due to pressure from the ally Congress. In a bid to ensure transparency, Supreme Court judges have agreed to make declaration of their assets public on assuming office. Photograph: Ayush Sharma/ANI Photo In a full court meeting, the top court judges decided to disclose their assets and the data will be uploaded on the SC website. Placing the declaration of assets on the Supreme Court website will be on a voluntary basis, the apex court website said. Thirty judges, including Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, have submitted their declarations of assets. "The full court of the Supreme Court had resolved that judges should make a declaration of their assets on assuming office, and whenever any acquisition of a substantial nature is made, to the Chief Justice. "This also includes declaration(s) by the Chief Justice of India. Placing the declaration of assets on the Supreme Court website will be on a voluntary basis," the SC website said. The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to relax the ban imposed on the manufacture, storage and sale on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR noting that air pollution levels remained alarming for a considerable time. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan said a large section of the population worked on streets and was the worst affected by pollution. Not everybody can afford an air purifier at their residence or place of work to fight pollution, the bench said. "Several orders passed by this court during last six months bring on the record the horrible situation with which prevailed in Delhi due to very high levels of air pollution...Right to health is an essential part of Article 21 of the constitution so is the Right to live in a pollution free atmosphere," the court said. Unless the court was satisfied that the pollution due to the "so-called" green crackers was bare minimum, there was no question of reconsidering the previous orders, it added. The bench said restricting the ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region just around Diwali would be meaningless, as it could be purchased and stored in advance. The top court said the orders passed from time to time would indicate that the directions and ban on the use of firecrackers was warranted by an "extraordinary situation" created in Delhi. Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, who is amicus curiae in the case, informed the bench that all four NCR states had banned firecrackers, but online sale remained an issue in some states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The apex court also raised the issue of noise pollution caused by bursting of firecrackers. The top court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by firecracker manufactures seeking relaxation of ban and permission to sell green crackers. The court said manufacturers also have to do their duty towards environment under Article 51A of the Constitution and told them to cooperate. "We are on whether there is any study on whether any pollution is caused by green crackers. We are appealing to all of you please don't place these applications. The ban is limited to NCR Delhi. You have the entire India open for sale of firecrackers," the bench said. The top court had in December directed the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments to impose a complete ban on firecrackers until further orders. The court had noted the Delhi government had enforced a complete ban on the manufacture, storage and sale, including delivery of firecrackers through online marketing round the year with immediate effect. "We are of the view that this ban will be effective only when other states forming part of the NCR region impose similar measures. Even the state of Rajasthan has imposed a similar ban in that part of state of Rajasthan which falls in NCR regions. For the time being we direct the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to impose a similar ban which is imposed by the state of Delhi," the bench had said. Expressing serious concerns over high pollution levels in Delhi during Diwali, the apex court previously took exception to the violation of court orders and said its directives on firecrackers ban were "hardly implemented". The apex court was hearing a plea filed by M C Mehta in 1985 seeking directions to curb air pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas. At least two 'persons' in Bihar on Thursday announced their "resignation" from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United, voicing dissatisfaction with the party's support to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill brought by the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the release of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana in Bhagalpur, February 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Expressing dismay over the development, JD-U national spokesman Rajiv Ranjan Prasad claimed neither Mohammed Qasim Ansari, who hails from East Champaran, nor Jamui resident Nawaz Malik was a part of "our rank and file". In a letter that has gone viral on social media, Ansari claims to be JD-U's medical cell president in East Champaran and the party's Dhaka assembly candidate. Interestingly, Dhaka was not contested by the JD-U in 2020, when the seat was won by ally BJP's Pawan Jaiswal. Ansari alleged that the Waqf Bill was "against Muslims" and deplored the failure of the JD-U to thwart its passage, despite being an alliance partner on which the BJP depended for survival in power. Likewise, Malik, who called himself "secretary of JD-U's minority cell", alleged in his letter "Muslims and workers like us are shocked by the JD-U's stand on Waqf Bill issue". "I wonder what to say about things. I have been associated with the party for long. I say with full responsibility that neither person has been a part of our rank and file", Rajiv Ranjan Prasad told PTI. He added, "We admit that some genuine members of our party, like national general secretary Ghulam Rasool Baliyawi, are not very happy with the passage of the Bill. Their grievances will be dealt with at the appropriate level. But those who are coming up with the claim of resignation from the party, were never members in the first place". Notably, Baliyawi and another JD-U leader Syed Afzal Abbas, who heads the Bihar Shia Waqf Board, had earlier in the day voiced their disappointment with the Bill, claiming that it was passed without heeding many of the suggestions given by Muslim leaders during deliberations with the Joint Parliamentary Committee. However, both Baliyawi and Abbas stopped short of voicing disapproval of the party's stance over the issue. The controversy over Waqf Bill is likely to roil Bihar at least till the assembly elections, which are due later this year. Recently, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board had staged a demonstration in the city, in a bid to put pressure on Nitish Kumar and junior NDA partners like Chirag Paswan to thwart the contentious legislation. Kumar, a socialist who claims to be following in the footsteps of Jayaprakash Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia, has prided himself on his secular credentials, despite having been a BJP ally since 1990s. The JD-U supremo appears focused on the challenge of securing Muslim votes, with recent speeches highlighting his government's record on minorities. Recently, at a function where he shared the stage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the chief minister underscored "failure of putting a stop to Hindu-Muslim clashes, despite getting Muslim votes" of the RJD, the main opposition party, which had ruled Bihar for 15 years. The Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress and Left combine has also latched on to the opportunity to corner the JD-U over the Waqf issue, hoping to consolidate Muslims in favour of the "Mahagathbandhan". Photo: https://www.facebook.com/office.ombudsman.ua The Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) Maksym Dotsenko and Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets discussed cooperation and support for war victims. A meeting was held between Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society Maksym Dotsenko and Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets. They discussed important issues of cooperation in the field of human rights protection, compliance with international humanitarian law and further steps to support war victims, the URCS reported on Facebook on Thursday. According to the Ombudsmans Office on Facebook, the meeting also discussed the involvement of the URCS in expert monitoring of legislation and possible support for new initiatives. I believe that our interaction with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society will become the basis for new initiatives that will make the human rights protection system in Ukraine even stronger, Lubinets concluded. A small group at Brattleboro Meals on Wheels wraps up freshly cooked meals before heading out to deliver the food to people in the community on Dec. 5, 2023. BRATTLEBORO A man accused of burning down his former girlfriend's family's house in Athens and stalking her will continue to be held without Doctors of frontline hospitals of the Interior Ministry system work without rest, doctors from conventionally rear regions are sent to them, there is also a need for rehabilitation specialists and speech therapists, advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine on veterans, a veteran of the National Guard, Hero of Ukraine Dmytro Finashyn says. "The main thing now is to save life and health. That is, the first priority, of course, is the treatment of the wounded and high-quality rehabilitation, so that the soldier can be returned to service, returned to normal life," Finashyn said in the first part of an exclusive video interview with Interfax-Ukraine. According to Finashyn, the Ministry of Internal Affairs needs specialists with a narrow profile. "Speech and language therapists, for example. There are very few of them in Ukraine... Now all healthcare institutions are 'hunting' for them and want them on their staff. Also, physical therapists, that is, rehabilitation specialists - there is always a need for more high-quality professional rehabilitation specialists," he explained. Speaking directly about the rehabilitation of soldiers, the Minister's advisor emphasized: "We have quite good rehabilitation centers, in some places thanks to patrons who opened centers on the basis of our healthcare institutions." "The problem is that our front-line healthcare facilities are very busy. There is a huge workload there: doctors work tirelessly, without days off, without rest. And we send doctors from conventional rear facilities so that they can both help and gain experience," he noted. Speaking about how the situation can be improved, Finashyn said: "What can I do? Monitor and systematize the issues to understand how we can solve this or that problem, and propose changes. Positive suggestions will be heard and implemented." New Zealands third largest telco, 2degrees, has been fined $325,000 by the Auckland District Court after admitting it made misleading claims about its Aussie business roaming costs. 2degrees had said this was free or at no extra cost when in fact customers were charged for roaming after 90 days. The word free is a powerful tool in marketing and consumers should be able to rely on the truth and accuracy of advertising claims like these, Commerce Commission deputy chair Anne Callinan said. 2degrees pleaded guilty to five breaches of the Fair Trading Act in the Auckland District Court. In a statement, 2degrees said its team accepted the decision of the court and had fully cooperated with the commission throughout this process. It was certainly not our intention to mislead business customers and we remain proud of the impact of our free Aussie business roaming benefit, which has saved our business customers close to $6 million in roaming charges since we launched the product in 2020, it said. As a business, we will continue to innovate and develop new products and services that benefit our customers. 2degrees remains committed to moving the telco market forward and fighting for fair for Kiwi businesses. Claims made by the telco in a widespread advertising campaign between 2020 to 2023 created an impression that customers on mobile business plans would have the ability to roam year-round in Australia at no extra cost when that was not the case, the commission said. Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev has arrived in Washington to meet with US officials as part of President Donald Trumps push to press for a cease-fire in the war in Ukraine, US media reports said on April 2. Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), was to meet with US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, according to the reports. Reuters quoted two US officials as saying that Witkoff invited Dmitriev to the United States last week. Dmitriev is the high-ranking Russian official to visit Washington on state business since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The White House has not confirmed the visit, but the officials quoted by Reuters said the White House directed the State Department to issue a short-term license for Dmitriev to enter to the country. The envoy would otherwise not have been allowed in because he is under US sanctions, the officials said. "Whatever your politics -- dialogue between the US and Russia matters. Its about building a more secure, more prosperous world for everyone," Dmitriev said on X in a post that included an image of a jetliner reaching the US East Coast. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed earlier reports by Reuters and CNN that Dmitriev's visit might occur this week. "Yes, I confirm. This visit may be possible. We are continuing to talk to the Americans. I will not give more concrete [details]," Peskov said. Dmitriev is to discuss strengthening relations between the United States and Russia during his talks with Witkoff, according to CNN. Trump, who recently expressed frustration with the pace of cease-fire talks and with Russian President Vladimir Putin, mentioned the war on April 2 at the end of a speech announcing sweeping tariffs against EU countries, Canada, Mexico, and other US trading partners. Trump again vowed to bring an end to the war and said he believes the United States is "being given good cooperation by Russia and by Ukraine in the negotiation process. Dmitriev may be key in repairing relations between Moscow and Washington, which have sunk to the lowest level since the depths of the Cold War. The Russian envoy played a role in early contacts with the United States when Trump was elected president the first time in 2016. Dmitriev recently has mentioned a host of initiatives that Russia and the United States could work on together, including rare earth mineral mining, energy, the Arctic, and space. Prominent Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza noted that Dmitriev is not a diplomat and said his arrival in Washington and apparent talks with Witkoff were very illustrative of the direction that the negotiations are taking. Judging by the personalities of these two interlocutors they are not going to talk about people. They are not going to talk about peace. The are not going to talk about the future of Ukraine, Kara-Murza said on CNN on April 2. They are going to talk about money. They are going to talk about profits. They are going to talk about rare earth minerals, he added. He said the RDIF the Russian sovereign wealth fund is a shadowy government agency that is very unpublic" through which billions of dollars flow. He noted that recently a major investigation published by the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), the organization set up by Kremlin critic and opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, who died suspiciously just over a year ago in a Russian prison, alleged that Dmitriev is involved in extensive corruption. Kara-Murza also noted that comments made by Witkoff in a recent interview with former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson on his social media-based program showed that the US envoy is not seeing Putin for who he really is. Witkoff said that Putin had been enormously gracious when he recently met him at the Kremlin, adding that he doesn't regard Putin as a "bad guy. The war and "all the ingredients that led up to it" make for a "complicated situation," Witkoff told Carlson. Its never just one person, right? Kara-Murza, who had been serving a 25-year prison sentence in Russia when he was released in a prisoner exchange in August, said Putin is hardly "someone whom we know nothing about" but a politician who has launched attacks on other countries, slammed political opponents in jail, or allegedly ordered them killed. I think its completely unacceptable to see senior officials of the United States administration acting as propagandists for the Kremlin and whitewashing all the crimes that Vladimir Putin has committed both against our own people in Russia, against the people of Ukraine, and against the people of so many other countries around the world," Kara-Murza said. He rebutted Witkoff's comment that conflict is "never about one person," saying that often in history it has been. It was about Adolf Hitler. It was about Josef Stalin. Now it is about Vladimir Putin, he said. With reporting by Reuters and CNN The European Union and Central Asian countries have kicked off their first-ever high-level summit as the bloc eyes new trade and infrastructure investments while aiming to significantly elevate Brussels' ties with the region, according to a draft document for the meeting seen by RFE/RL. "Reaffirming our commitment to deeper cooperation in an evolving global and regional geopolitical landscape, we have decided to upgrade relations between the European Union and Central Asia to a strategic partnership," states a draft EU version of the joint declaration for the April 3-4 summit's intended outcomes. Beyond strengthening political ties between Brussels and Central Asia, the draft document, which could still be subject to change, outlines deepening the EU's partnership with the region through enhanced cooperation on water management, critical minerals, and a focus on digital connectivity. As outlined in the draft document, the 27-country bloc also calls for a greater focus on trade and investment and lumping the array of proposed initiatives for Central Asia under the Global Gateway, the EU's infrastructure partnership plan launched in 2021 that's seen as an alternative to China's worldwide Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A key part of the Global Gateway's early footprint in Central Asia is the Trans Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC), also known as the Middle Corridor, a 6,500-kilometer developing trade route that connects China to Europe through Central Asia and the Caucasus by bypassing Russia. The EU document calls for the route to be expanded further. The summit is something of a watershed moment for the EU as it aims to boost its regional standing at a time when Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shifted the geopolitical balance in Central Asia and China's economic expansion has left the region more integrated with Beijing. But analysts say there are still questions in the region about the EU's interest in Central Asia. "Central Asia wants a bigger EU presence, but the region's leaders don't have high expectations," Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, told RFE/RL. "So far, the EU hasn't put enough money on the table to make them think that Europe can be this third player that allows Central Asia to rely less on Russia and China," he said. Why Is The EU Looking To Partner With Central Asia? Since 2023, Western leaders have been flocking to Central Asia on high-level state visits as they've looked to take advantage of the economic and political window opened by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Central Asian governments have maintained strong ties with Moscow, they've also accelerated their efforts to diversify their relations with other countries. This push to woo new partners and deepen preexisting ties has been boosted by the region containing some of the world's largest hydrocarbon reserves and critical raw materials. The result has been a flurry of diplomatic inroads made by Brussels and individual European states such as France and Germany in recent years. Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and other Middle Eastern countries have also expanded their presence. But the region's deepest inroads have been carved out by China. Beijing has established itself as a leading trade partner and top foreign investor in Central Asia, and China hosted its own landmark summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his regional counterparts in 2024. Bilateral trade between Central Asia and China, its largest individual trade partner, has been rising steadily in recent years, hitting a record high of $94.8 billion in 2024, but with its 27 member states, the EU is Central Asia's biggest foreign investor. The EU and the five Central Asia states signed a road map for expanding their ties in 2023. This was later followed by an investors forum in 2024 that saw the EU pledge 10 billion euros ($10.8 billion) toward the Middle Corridor trade route. Can The Global Gateway Compete With China? The EU's heightened interest in Central Asia is driven in part by its need to secure new energy supplies and gain access to critical minerals but also to help diversify the region away from its historical reliance on Moscow. Central to these needs are the development of the Middle Corridor and deepening of the Global Gateway's profile. "One of the core elements of the EU's approach to Central Asia is to develop connectivity to and through this region," Marie Dumoulin, a program director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told RFE/RL. "Central Asian countries should benefit from the Global Gateway initiative, but concrete projects are slow to materialize and not very visible." Since the all-out war in Ukraine, the Middle Corridor has attracted new investment and seen the amount of cargo traveling along its roads, railways, and shipping lanes expand after being avoided for years due to rising costs and border issues. But the trade route is still grappling with limited capacity and bottlenecks at key ports due to a lack of infrastructure, which still holds it back from being an alternative to the traditional Northern Route that takes goods from China through Russia to Europe. The EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand is looking to inject new momentum into those initiatives. Jacob Mardell, a senior fellow at Sinification and the author of a new report about the future of the Global Gateway, says the EU's infrastructure program gives Brussels an opportunity to create more goodwill in Central Asia and become a more visible player on the ground in a way similar to how the BRI allowed China to expand as an investor and create new opportunities for Chinese businesses. "Global Gateway might not be a direct response to BRI, but it's a response to the changing environment that the BRI created when it challenged the status quo for development finance," Mardell told RFE/RL. "The EU now has a chance to respond." Hungary announced it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC) as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest for his first trip to Europe since an ICC arrest warrant was issued for him over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Hungarian Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky met Netanyahu at the Budapest airport at around 2:30 a.m. before acknowledging the Israeli leader's arrival in a post on Facebook. Hours later, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, was quoted by the state news agency MTI as saying the government was moving to pull out of The Hague-based court, confirming what diplomatic sources inside Hungary told RFE/RL earlier this week. Orban followed that by saying during a news conference with Netanyahu that "recent ICC decisions show that it has become a political instrument" as witnessed "most clearly by the decisions on Israel." "We are exiting the ICC," he added. Even before the announcement, Netanyahu was virtually certain he would not be detained during his four-day visit. As a signatory to The Hague court, Hungary has an obligation to arrest him, but its domestic legal situation is complicated and has given the government enough wiggle room to welcome him. Since the court has no police force of its own, it has no way to enforce its rulings and relies on states to comply. The process of leaving the ICC is expected to take up to a year as parliament must approve such a move. "The Hungarian justice minister will hand over to the national parliament the paperwork on our termination of cooperation with the court," Orban said. Orban publicly extended an invitation to Netanyahu in November shortly after the ICC issued the warrant, and has called the ICC warrant Brazen, cynical and completely unacceptable. "I will guarantee him, if he comes, that the judgment of the ICC will have no effect in Hungary," Orban said. What Are The Political Reasons? Orban has closely aligned himself with Netanyahu and with US President Donald Trump, who has also criticized the court's warrant. Neither the US nor Israel are parties to the ICC. Trump issued sanctions against the ICC last month, criticizing as "baseless" its arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The indictment says Netanyahu is "allegedly responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare and of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024." What's The Legal Position? Other countries have defied the court's arrest warrants in the past, and even German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on April 3 he could "not imagine" an arrest warrant being executed against Netanyahu if he were to visit Germany. "It is not for states to unilaterally determine the soundness of the court's legal decisions," court spokesman Fadi El-Abdallah told RFE/RL, adding it was a "legal obligation to the court" to enforce them. This view was endorsed by two senior lawyers who spoke to RFE/RL. "If Mr. Netanyahu visits a state party like Hungary or Germany and is not arrested, this state violates its obligations under the Rome Statute of the ICC," said Kai Ambos, professor of criminal and international law at Germany's Goettingen University. "The nonexecution of ICC arrest warrants undermines the court's legitimacy," said Ambos, who serves as a war crimes judge at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, an international court set up for crimes committed during the 1990s Kosovo conflict. Tamas Adany, an associate professor of international law in Hungary, agreed with this but also pointed to a nuance. "Globally speaking, there are countries where, whenever they ratify an international treaty, it becomes part of the law of the land," he said. "Most other countries, where the typical language of multilateral treaties is not an official languagerely on a process called promulgation" to make an international obligation part of national law, he said. Hungary ratified the Rome Statute in 2001 under the first Orban government. But it has never carried out the second step, which basically amounts to incorporating the statute into the country's own national legal code. "The question is hard because Hungary is under a legal obligation from the perspective of international law to comply with this. But Hungarian national law does not make it possible for the authorities [to do so]," Adany said. This reasoning has also been used by the Hungarian authorities. "Thanks to former President Janos Ader, we had the sense to never make it part of domestic law," government spokesman Gergely Gulyassaid on March 13. Yet Adany said the law was not entirely clear on this point, because Netanyahu is accused of crimes that have been considered part of customary international law since the 1940s. "I'm very positive that those parts of the Rome Statute, which are considered by a majority of states to be customary international law in nature, should be enforced in Hungary even without a formal promulgation," he said. Is Hungary Alone? Gulyas pointed to another reason for not arresting Netanyahu. When the court warrant was issued, Germany offered an ambiguous response. "I find it hard to imagine that we would make arrests on this basis," government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said, adding that legal questions had to be clarified about the warrant. Then, in January, Christian Democrat leader Friedrich Merz said he would find "ways and means" to invite Netanyahu to Germany. Merz's party subsequently won federal elections, and he is now preparing to take office as the country's next chancellor. Gulyas, the Hungarian government spokesman, seized on this. "Since a country of Germany's size and power thinks that it must disregard its own domestic law because the decision of the International Criminal Court is so absurd, what is the point of the whole thing?" he said. What Would Be The Consequences? Merz's comments were hugely controversial in Germany. Ambos said there could be "sanctions" for not carrying out an arrest warrant, imposed by the ICC's Assembly of State Parties, which is responsible for various court matters, including the election of judges and prosecutors and setting its budget. "Such a situation just arose with regard to Vladimir Putin's visit and nonarrest in Mongolia," he added, referring to the Russian president's visit there in September. Putin is wanted for the war crime of abducting children from Russian-occupied Ukraine. "The consequence for Hungary is that we may possibly lose our voting rights in the Assembly of States Parties," Adany said, adding there could be a "judicial investigation into this conduct of Hungary." The political fallout might be quite limited. Hungary is already highly isolated within the European Union, where it has been accused of democratic backsliding and curtailing media freedom. Its pro-Russia positions have also led to diplomatic problems. "I'm absolutely positive that the arrest is not going to happen," Adany said. "Netanyahu is going to travel home safely." Lithuania held a farewell ceremony for the four American soldiers who died during a military exercise in March. Mourners gathered in Vilnius on April 3 for the procession before the bodies were taken to the airport and returned to the United States. International teams labored intensively to find the four missing troops. Their armored vehicle was submerged in a peat bog in eastern Lithuania. Hundreds of Lithuanians gathered in Vilnius on April 3 to honor four American soldiers who died during a training exercise in Lithuania, as a procession carrying their coffins passed through the city's Cathedral Square. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausada, who attended the ceremony, expressed his condolences to the families of the soldiers and said the recovery operations, supported by international cooperation, were "the best proof of NATO's invincibility." Their readiness to be with us, as they say, in a difficult neighborhood, is the best proof of who our friends are today," Nauseda told reporters. Defense Minister Davile Sakaliene and the archbishop of Vilnius were among those present at the ceremony. Sakaliene emphasized that the joint rescue efforts by soldiers from Lithuania, the United States, Germany, Poland, and Estonia demonstrated "unity" in times of crisis. "We consider US soldiers in Lithuania as our own. The farewell ceremony once again demonstrated our society's solidarity, respect, and gratitude to the Americans," the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said in a post on Facebook. The last US soldier missing in Lithuania was found dead on April 1, ending a massive weeklong search for the four service members whose armored vehicle was pulled from a swampy training area, the US military said. The bodies of the first three soldiers from the US Army's 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle had been retrieved on March 31. The soldiers were on a tactical training exercise when they went missing. US Major General Curtis Taylor, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division, earlier expressed thanks to everyone who contributed to the recovery operation. "We cannot thank our allies and fellow service members enough, especially Lithuanians, who spared no resource in support of this mission," he said. Lithuania, a NATO and EU member, hosts more than 1,000 US troops stationed in the Baltic nation on a rotational basis. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration is committed to remaining in NATO and urged the military alliance's 32 members to pledge to increase spending to strengthen its defense capabilities. Speaking as he arrived in Brussels for a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Rubio said the United States was "as active as it has ever been" in the alliance as he sought to allay concerns that US President Donald Trump is undercutting transatlantic relations. "President Trump's made clear he supports NATO. We're going to remain in NATO," Rubio said before entering the meeting. "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway, to every single one of the members committed and fulfilling a promise to reach up to 5 percent of spending. That includes the US." Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also tried to tamp down fears over Trump's commitment to the alliance, saying in his mind the US's dedication to NATO "is absolutely clear." "I know there has been some tough language. I know that there have been allies, for example, on this side of the pond being worried about the long-term commitment of the US to NATO," Rutte said on April 2. "I'm absolutely convinced this alliance is there to stay with the US. Their commitment is absolutely clear," he added. NATO allies have been determined to present a united front to counter Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but the European allies feel their efforts have been marginalized. In search of a quick cease-fire deal, Washington has suggested Ukraine might have to make territorial concessions and taken step to restart a dialogue with Russia. Rubio is expected to be confronted with questions from allies who are alarmed, angered, and confused by the Trump administration's moves to mend ties with Russia and its rhetorical attacks on longtime transatlantic partners. Based on what they have seen and heard since Trump took office in January, European officials have expressed deep concerns about the future US role in the alliance. Rubio likely also will be pressed to explain Trump's stated desire to make NATO ally Canada the 51st state and his push to annex Greenland, which is autonomous within the Kingdom of Denmark, another NATO ally. NATO leaders in June were expected to decide whether to raise the defense spending target for each individual member from its current minimum of 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). The Trump administration has previously floated the idea of a 5 percent of GDP spending minimum, while Rutte has been pushing for every ally to commit to spending at least 3.7 percent of GDP on defense as quickly as possible. Some European allies will be reluctant to commit too much on defense too soon given they are struggling with low growth and ballooning budget deficits. Trump's announcement of stiff tariffs on almost every country around the world -- which EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic on April 3 called "unjustified" -- have exacerbated fears that economic growth could slow even further. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will also attend the NATO meeting and is expected to provide an update on the situation on the battlefield in the war against Russia. While Ukraine's membership in NATO is off the table for now, most European allies are keen to at least get assurances that US weapons will continue to go to Ukraine and that NATO's training mission for Ukrainian soldiers continues to operate. However, the United States is no longer chairing the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, known as the Ramstein group, which coordinates military support for Kyiv. The United Kingdom chaired the last meeting of the group in February, and the next one tentatively scheduled for April 11 could be co-chaired by the UK and France. Russian law enforcement officers raided the Yekaterinburg residence of Mikhail Volkov, the father of prominent opposition politician Leonid Volkov, a key ally of late Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny. Leonid Volkov said the April 3 search was conducted under the guise of an investigation into the alleged financing of an extremist organization, namely the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), an organization founded by Navalny that was classified as extremist by the Russian government in 2021. Authorities allege that 69-year-old Mikhail Volkov, a renowned mathematics professor, gave money to the FBK, known for its investigations into high-level corruption in what appears to be the latest escalation in the Russian governments crackdown on dissent. Leonid Volkov, who now lives in exile in an undisclosed European country, said officers from the FSB security service confiscated electronic devices from his fathers home. The searches are "revenge for the work I have been doing, am doing, and do not intend to stop," he said. Hours later, Volkov said on Telegram that his father was detained for interrogation and released later but ordered not to leave the city as a criminal case was officially launched against him. The younger Volkov said earlier that his father, a distinguished mathematics professor, was dismissed from his position at the Ural Federal University in February 2025. No reason was given for the dismissal, which Leonid Volkov said was an attempt to pile pressure on his family. The April 3 raid and interrogation are the latest of several similar actions by Russian authorities on the families of opposition leaders who have fled the country. In 2021, the father of Ivan Zhdanov, another prominent associate of Navalny and a former director of the FBK, was convicted of corruption, charges which he denies and his supporters call politically motivated. Like Leonid Volkov, Zhdanov went into self-imposed exile to escape persecution from Russian authorities. The Anti-Corruption Foundation, founded in 2011 by Aleksei Navalny, has been at the forefront of investigating corruption within Russias political elite. The organizations detailed reports have not only uncovered vast wealth amassed by high-ranking officials but also drawn significant attention and concern both domestically and internationally. The Russian government designation of the FBK as an extremist organization meant its activities were banned and anyone connected to it -- including journalists who covered his court hearings -- could face criminal charges. Human rights organizations have widely condemned this designation as an attempt to stifle one of the countrys most vocal anti-corruption movements. Navalny died in February last year in a remote Russian prison while serving a 19-year prison term on charges many said were retribution for his pursuit of corruption around President Vladimir Putin. The city of Siversk, in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, has been reduced to rubble. As a key logistics hub for the Ukrainian military in its defense of the region, the city has become a major target as Russian forces intensify efforts to seize more territory. Volunteer Yevhen Tkachov delivers humanitarian aid to the citys isolated residents and is one of the few lifelines still reaching the frontline area. He remembers what the city looked like before the attacks began. "It was densely populated," he says. "There were multistory houses, a marketplace, lots of stores. Now it's in ruins." The few remaining locals live in basements to shelter from daily Russian aerial attacks. But even those people are at risk. "A woman and her husband who lived in the basement were buried under the rubble," Zoya, an elderly Siversk resident, told RFE/RL during a break in shelling. Nearby, a makeshift cemetery outside a leveled hospital is a grim reminder of those who have lost their lives during the Russian onslaught. "We don't go there anymore," Zoya says. Russian forces have recently increased attacks on the area in an attempt to break through and seize Siversk. Outgunned Ukrainian troops have so far been able to hold the city and push back against Russian assaults as Moscow's forces try to advance further into Ukraine. The city of Siversk in Ukraine's Donetsk region has been razed to the ground. The few remaining locals live in basements to shelter from daily Russian aerial attacks. RFE/RL correspondent Serhiy Horbatenko visited the destroyed frontline city and spoke to residents trying to survive the Russian onslaught. Psychologists of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry system work with wounded soldiers in the hospital, during rehabilitation and upon return to service, use foreign practices, but already have the most relevant experience themselves, Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine on Veterans, National Guard veteran, Hero of Ukraine Dmytro Finashyn said. In the first part of an exclusive video interview with Interfax-Ukraine, Finashyn said that psychologists begin working with a soldier immediately after he enters a medical facility after being wounded. "During treatment and rehabilitation, psychologists work with him. Then, if the fighter returns to his place of service, each structure has its own full-time psychologists on site," Finashyn explained. Also, as the Minister's Advisor noted, if there is a request, psychologists also work with family members of all fighters, not just those who were injured. "Our psychologists are constantly training, adopting the experience of other countries. But it would be fair to note that the most relevant experience is ours now... We have powerful psychologists who already have the opportunity to train other Ukrainian specialists," Finashyn emphasized. He specified that the psychologists of the Ministry of Internal Affairs cooperate with colleagues from the United States, in particular on the program to combat alcohol and drug addiction. "Our psychologists cooperate with Japan on preventing burnout and preventing suicide," he added. In addition, according to the Minister's Advisor, Israeli military psychology programs are used. "We always need more. It's impossible to reach everyone... In fact, everyone needs help and work with a psychologist. And especially those who are fighting. A priori, such people need help, they need to talk, to vent," he concluded. Volodymyr Zelenskyy went from TV star to Ukraine's president with a landslide victory in 2019. Now he's poised to face an even bigger electoral challenge: putting his wartime presidency to a vote for the first time since Russia launched its all-out invasion more than three years ago. Amid mounting pressure from Western backers, Ukrainian authorities are quietly laying the groundwork for a new election, a vote that would test the strength of Zelenskyy's patriotic support and whether war-weary Ukrainians want new leadership. Officials have denied efforts are under way, citing longstanding arguments that martial law, which was declared shortly after Russian forces invaded in February 2022, precludes holding any vote. "We are not preparing to hold elections because elections in wartime are impossible, according to the constitution, current legislation, and common sense due to security challenges," Dmytro Lytvyn, a spokesman for the presidential office, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. But officials have in fact started planning details and figuring out aspects ranging from printing ballots to ensuring security at polling stations and making sure millions of Ukrainian refugees living outside the country can vote. "I can see that in recent months there have been real preparations for elections," said Oleksiy Koshel, who heads the Committee of Voters of Ukraine, an NGO. "We see lots of signs of activity at election headquarters, advertisements quietly circulating, millions of special informational bulletins about party leaders being distributed." The campaign "has de-facto really already started," Koshel said. Olena Davlikanova, a Kyiv-based scholar and fellow with the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, said there are many signs political parties are preparing for a new vote. But, she said, it would be impossible to do without Russia actually agreeing to a cease-fire. "Many of us, we do not believe that [President Vladimir] Putin will stick to his word," Davlikanova told RFE/RL. "Without a cease-fire, elections are impossible to hold in Ukraine." Servant Of The People First as part of a beloved comedy troupe, and then as a fictional high-school teacher who is catapulted to the presidency in the TV series Servant of the People, Zelenskyy won a resounding victory in 2019, defeating incumbent Petro Poroshenko. Ukrainians were drawn to his fresh-faced, media-savvy personality, as well as his promises to normalize relations with Putin, and with Russia more broadly. Less than three years into Zelenskyy's presidency, however, Putin ordered more than 100,000 troops into Ukraine, launching the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Ukrainians have continued to rally behind Zelenskyy's leadership, even as Kyiv's troops have over the past year suffered setback after setback. Russian troops are grinding forward at multiple locations. A much-vaunted counteroffensive in 2023 failed. Military commanders and political leaders are squabbling over how to bolster recruitment and replenish depleted ranks. The country's top military officer was pushed out, as was its defense minister. Ukrainian presidents are elected to five-year terms; Zelenskyy should have stood for reelection in 2024. But government officials have insisted a new election is legally impossible under martial law, not to mention the logistical hurdles. That's opened the door for outside criticism. Putin, who has questioned the very existence of the Ukrainian state, has accused Zelenskyy of being an illegitimate president because of the lack of elections. Last week, he suggested the entire country be put under a United Nations-backed transitional government. "No one cares what Putin is saying because Ukrainian legislation is very clear: All power is legitimate unless the martial law is lifted and elections are organized in a duly manner," Davlikanova said. "So Putin can do you know what to himself." "Putin offered UN oversight over Ukraine," she said. "We are saying we offer United Nations' oversight to Moscow, because they haven't had real, fair elections since 1996." But there's also been criticism from the United States, the largest single supplier of weaponry to Ukraine's military. Just before a confrontational Oval Office meeting in February, US President Donald Trump -- whose fraught relationship with Zelenskyy dates back to his first term in the White House -- called him a "dictator without elections." The outside criticism has bolstered Zelenskyy's standing among Ukrainians. One poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showed Zelenskyy's trust doubling in recent weeks. Shortly after the Oval Office meeting, Ukraine's parliament adopted a resolution backing Zelenskyy and stating that new elections will be held only after a "comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace" is in place. For Zelenskyy's backers, that would tip the decision toward holding a new vote sooner rather than later to box out any challengers: first and foremost, Valery Zaluzhniy, the popular former commander-in-chief who is now Kyiv's ambassador to London. Zaluzhniy was pushed out by Zelenskyy after openly questioning government decision-making in a November 2023 essay. Since landing in London, Zaluzhniy has said nothing publicly about challenging Zelenskyy. However, he regularly shows up at the top, or near the top, of public opinion polls. Other prominent political figures have also signaled they were considering challenging Zelenskyy if a vote goes forward. In February, Poroshenko, the wealthy businessman whom Zelenskyy defeated, raised eyebrows when he traveled to Washington, D.C., for meeting with administration officials. Speaking at a conference, Poroshenko said Zelenskyy should have been working on a national coalition. "Instead of that we have a very strange preparation for elections," he said. "According to my information, the decision was made to organize and hold presidential elections as soon as possible after the hostilities end," Oleksiy Honcharenko, an opposition lawmaker, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. Logistical Hurdles If a US-brokered cease-fire were to take hold, election law requires at least 60 days for candidates to campaign. If it were to begin on April 20 -- Easter Sunday -- as Finland's president said he proposed to Trump, that would mean the earliest balloting could actually take place in early July. But logistical details of organizing are massive. Millions of Ukrainians are refugees in foreign countries, and getting them ballots alone is a major challenge. So is providing soldiers fighting in frontline positions the opportunity cast their vote. "Now there seems to be a consensus in society and among politicians that a longer period of time is needed to prepare for elections after the end of martial law than that specified by law," said Oleh Didenko, who heads the Central Election Commission, said in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda. While Ukrainians have welcomed US weaponry, voters are wary about how steadfast US support will be in the future, Davlikanova said. "Whatever the Americans are doing, whoever they are talking to, the Ukrainian people understand," she said. "So we understand that we will rely on ourselves," she said. RFE/RL North American correspondent Todd Prince contributed to this report from Washington. Participation in hostilities changes a persons thinking, not all veterans can return to civilian life and the work they had before the war, says Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine on Veterans, National Guard veteran, Hero of Ukraine Dmytro Finashyn. "Not everyone. The type of thinking changes. When you are at war, you are more or less aware of the importance of your activities. You realize that now, at this moment, the future of the state, a huge number of the population, depends on you. These things are something global," Finashyn said in the first part of a video interview with Interfax-Ukraine, answering the question of whether veterans return to their previous civilian life and the work they did before participating in hostilities. According to Finashyn, a person, taking into account the acquired experience of war, "may find it not so interesting" to engage in those things that were once important to him. "You already have an adrenaline addiction. You have already acquired quite specific skills that it is logical to apply somewhere. And in general, it is no longer so interesting, not so driving, it is perhaps no longer so important for society," he explained. "Not everyone is ready to return [to their previous civilian life], a lot of [participants in hostilities] are discovering this military path for themselves, they want to stay... on this path," the advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs on veterans' issues concluded. Eimear Dodd A man has been jailed after he admitted assisting six people in entering the state as part of a human smuggling operation. Faleh Al Anisi (52) arrived at Dublin Airport after travelling from Lisbon on May 24th, 2024. At immigration and following advanced immigration checks, he handed over his British passport, and officers noticed he was originally from Kuwait. He was allowed to proceed into the main hall. Later, a family from Kuwait three adults and three children presented at immigration and requested international protection. They had no documents and had arrived on the same flight from Lisbon as Al Anisi. He agreed to return to the customs area and told officials he had flown from London to Lisbon the day before, then onto Dublin several hours later. Al Anisi told officials he had gone to Lisbon for a holiday, but found it too hot and too expensive so he decided instead to go to Dublin. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard evidence that officials didn't consider this to be a plausible explanation. A member of the flight crew later handed immigration officials a set of Dutch and French passports with the bio pages which contain the photos and personal information, removed. Al Anisi said he'd met an unknown man in Lisbon who asked him to carry a brown paper bag to Dublin, which he'd agreed to do. He said he didn't know what was in the bag, and the unknown male was due to collect it in London. Al Anisi didn't have a return flight booked for London, with the investigating garda giving evidence that it is believed he intended to travel back via Northern Ireland. This paper bag contained the genuine passports of the six individuals, the court heard. One member of this family unit said he paid smugglers 4,000 to travel to Europe. Al Anisi, of no fixed abode in the UK, pleaded guilty to three counts of assisting the entry into the state of a person in breach of Section 5 of the Immigration Act 2004. He has no previous convictions. The court also heard evidence of Whatsapp exchanges found on Al Anisi's phone. In one exchange, a male booked his flight to Lisbon and asked for updates. In another thread of messages, Al Anisi described making between 2,000 and 3,000 per trip to another individual. The investigating garda said it is believed that the family have since travelled to the UK. He expressed the view that Al Anisi's role was low to mid-range in the organisation and that his job was to lead the family, telling the court that some of the people involved may never have been on an airplane before. Defence counsel told the court Al Anisi has been resident in the UK since 2016 and was working there until he suffered two strokes and other health issues. He has four children, and his wife and family are still based in the UK. Counsel said his client was facing financial difficulties and this was the first time he was approached to do this. Al Anisi has had two further strokes while in custody and has limited English skills. Medical reports and a letter from his wife were handed to the court. Judge Martin Nolan noted that it is accepted that the family's ambition was probably to go to the UK and this mans role was to help them and lead them to that ambition. He noted the evidence that Al Anisi was in the low to middle level of the people smuggling operation. The judge said he had taken into account Al Anisi's early guilty pleas and health issues, and that his time in an Irish prison will be more difficult as a foreign national. The judge imposed a sentence of two and half years backdated to May 24th, 2024, when Al Anisi went into custody. Eoin Reynolds When a murder accused threatened and demanded money from an elderly man, whom he would later fatally assault, he was not displaying symptoms of schizophrenia but showing goal-directed, logical thinking, a psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court. Dr Mary Davoren gave evidence for a second day on Thursday in the trial of Brian Ibe (23), who is charged with the murder of 65-year-old Peter Kennedy at the deceased's home in Moore Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare. Mr Ibe has pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity. His lawyers called two psychiatrists who said that Mr Ibe was undergoing a schizophrenic psychosis at the time of the assault and meets the criteria for that special verdict. Dr Mary Davoren, however, who was called by the prosecution, disagrees with the schizophrenia diagnosis and has told the jury that Mr Ibe has a dissocial personality disorder, which is not a mental disorder that would qualify for the special verdict. She said there was no evidence that Mr Ibe was psychotic at the time of the offence and told the jury that the first time Mr Ibe disclosed that he had been hearing voices was one year and 13 days after going on remand in Cloverhill Prison. Dr Davoren added that this was also the first day it was documented that Mr Ibe was aware of the possibility of an insanity verdict. The trial has previously heard that Mr Kennedy took Mr Ibe's mother, Martha, into his home after learning she was living in her car. In 2019, he allowed Mr Ibe to move in also but called gardai when Mr Ibe became aggressive and threatened him around Christmas of that year. Gardai asked Mr Ibe to leave the house, and he moved to a homeless shelter in Walkinstown in Dublin. On April 28th, 2020, Mr Ibe took a taxi from Walkinstown to Mr Kennedy's home, broke into the house by smashing a window and assaulted Mr Kennedy, who died from his injuries in hospital two weeks later, on May 12th. Mr Ibe, of no fixed abode but formerly of Moore Park in Newbridge, has also pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to a charge of assault causing harm to Garda Brendan ODonnell at Newbridge Garda Station following his arrest on or about April 29th, 2020. Under cross-examination today, Dr Davoren told defence senior counsel Conor Devally that she read a statement in the book of evidence from Mr Kennedy's neighbour about threats and demands Mr Ibe made of Mr Kennedy for money. In one account, it was said that when Mr Kennedy said he didn't have the money, Mr Ibe pushed him. Dr Davoren described this as an "instrumental threat" which was "goal-directed" and "logical" and not a symptom of schizophrenia. The psychiatrist said lies told by the accused to gardai were also not related to delusions or hallucinations and have no psychiatric explanation. When asked what goal Mr Ibe had in taking a butter knife and travelling to Newbridge to attack Mr Kennedy, she replied that Mr Ibe may have been annoyed about being asked to leave the deceased's house the previous Christmas. She said Mr Ibe had complained that he lost some of his social welfare money because he could no longer attend an educational course in Newbridge and that he felt "disgust" about the state of Mr Kennedy's house. Mr Ibe had complained to Dr Davoren that there was dog faeces on the floor and that Mr Kennedy didn't keep the place clean. Dr Davoren said disgust is a "very strong emotion", and Mr Ibe's "anger and resentment" provides an alternative explanation for the assault. His irritability, aggression and violence while in garda custody, she said, could be explained by the fact he did not want to remain in the garda station but was told he could not leave. His experience in the past, she said, was that when gardai spoke to him about drug use or aggressive behaviour, he would get a warning, and nothing would happen. Mr Devally said there is evidence that Mr Ibe has become less aggressive and hostile since he began taking Olanzapine - an antipsychotic medication. Dr Davoren said Olanzapine has a soothing or sedative effect on people even if they do not have a psychotic illness like schizophrenia. A study of more than 75,000 people by Oxford Universtity showed it caused a decrease in aggression, including in those who did not have a primary psychosis, she said. She added: "Mr Ibe was on remand, charged with a very serious offence with a significant court case coming up. In and of itself, that is a deterrent to engaging in dissocial or anti-social behaviour." Ms Justice Melanie Greally told the jury of six men and six women that they will hear closing speeches from barristers for both sides on Friday. Ballaghaderreen businessman Michael Mulligan has warned that local traders and residents are not for turning on their opposition to the council's public realm enhancement plan despite the local authority's offer to address the loss of substantial parking spaces in the town. Daily protests over the town centre enhancement project has now entered its fourth week with up to thirty people turning up each morning in The Square to oppose the plans. The local business community claim the public realm enhancement project will decimate local trade by removing a significant amount of parking spaces, especially in the town centre, while the new layouts involving footpath widening and road narrowing are already making the town very difficult for vehicles to navigate. Retailers are also opposed to the proposal to permanently close one of the roads in The Square outside the bank and other businesses. Traders are demanding major revisions to the plans before they will withdraw their protest. The project contractor and his workforce have not been on site since the controversy began, and work has ground to a halt since the protests began on March 10th. In a statement issued today, Thursday, Roscommon County Council said it is proposing to fully offset the loss of parking spaces in the town centre. This includes providing a minimum of eight additional parking spaces in and near the Town Square itself and improving access, lighting, security and signage for the nearby 72-space Plots carpark. These works can be completed within the confines of the existing planning permission for the project, it said. The council is also proposing to develop a new 50-space carpark located within 60 metres of the town square, to be delivered in parallel with the public realm scheme. The council statement outlines that the project is approximately 40% complete and that significant expenditure - 2.4m to date - has been incurred on planning and design and construction. However, former councillor and businessman, Michael Mulligan, described the council's proposals as a waste of time. Tell them not to be wasting their time spending this money. It is a revised Part 8 that we want and it has been done in other counties, he said, claiming that 72 car-parking spaces in the town will be lost in total, including 47 on The Square. This plan is not fit for purpose. School buses cant get up to St. Nathys College, neither can the fire brigade or any other services, he said. Meanwhile, local Independent councillor and businessman, Micheal Frain, has repeated his call for mediation to take place. The council and the traders need to get a mediator to go through everything and if something needs to be shelved, it needs to be shelved. We need to sit down and get this resolved for everyone concerned, he said. Cllr Frain emphasised that the council need to look at the whole aspect of safety. I have asked them to do this and I hope it is being done. There are issues with safety regardless of safety audits having already been carried out. Does anyone realise for one minute there might have been a mistake, it might be wrong? The plans might suit a programme on Autocad but theres a huge volume of trucks coming through the town and this plan needs to be looked at again, he said. Referring to the offer of additional parking from the council, the councillor said it was welcome but wondered why it wasnt done initially. By Cillian Sherlock and Cate McCurry, PA The US may not have understood the complexity of tariffs on EU pharmaceuticals when it was first suggested, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said. On Wednesday, US president Donald Trump announced a minimum baseline tariff of 10 per cent on all imports from all countries, with additional higher rates for some regions including a 20 per cent tax on goods from Ireland and the rest of the EU. Pharmaceuticals are currently exempt from measures but Mr Trump has previously threatened tariffs on the sector and may yet make further orders. Asked if he believed the tariff exemption would be temporary, Mr Martin said: We dont know that. I think whats happening there is its much more complex than might have been originally thought on the US side. There are a lot of complex supply chain issues. Also the cost of medicines would go up immediately for American citizens. Mr Martins comments expressed more uncertainty than Tanaiste Simon Harris who had earlier said his working assumption was that the US administration intends to bring further tariffs on pharmaceuticals in the future, as part of the White Houses drive to increase domestic production. Mr Harris, who is also Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, said: I think we have to take President Trump at his word here. Taoiseach Micheal Martin during a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump (Niall Carson/PA) Speaking to RTEs Six One News, Mr Martin said pharmaceutical goods produced in Denmark, Belgium and Ireland were often intermediate products that required further work in the US. Other issues included the investment already put into EU factories for compliance, and the skilled workforce required. He said: You cant relocate them overnight and so the US could end up doing more damage to its own companies, I dont think thats what they want. Meanwhile, Mr Martin said he did not believe there was a widespread push within the EU for tariffs on US services, but said some of the larger member states may be pursuing that as a sort of nuclear option on day one. He said the Government was against that, particularly as an initial response. There may be outstanding issues from the American side that we would acknowledge, then maybe we could resolve them by negotiation. Theres no point in doing something without really understanding the unintended consequences that can flow from decisions like this, he added. Tanaiste Simon Harris (Cillian Sherlock/PA) There had been significant anxiety in Ireland in the run-up to Wednesdays announcement, with the US administrations protectionist approach to tariffs and tax posing a major risk to the Irish economy that is in large part sustained by long-standing investment by US multinationals. The potential impact on the pharmaceutical sector, which employs around 45,000 people, was a particular cause of concern. Total Irish exports were valued at 223.8 billion last year, with roughly one third going to the US. Of the 72.6 billion in US imports from Ireland, approximately 58 billion relates to pharmaceuticals and chemicals leaving Ireland. It had been projected this could halve if Mr Trump had implemented a 20 per cent tariff on the goods and the EU had responded in kind. The immediate suggestion that pharmaceuticals are not currently part of the new tariff measures comes despite both Mr Trump and his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously focusing on Irelands moves to attract that sector. US President Donald Trump (Niall Carson/PA) The US administration could still implement higher tariffs on pharmaceuticals at a later date, with the White House warning that future good-specific or sector-specific taxes may be announced. The industry will also have to examine the specifics of the lengthy and technical list of exemptions. Mr Harris said Ireland continues to engage with the US and points out that 80 per cent of pharmaceutical exports to the US are not finished goods, and require further work in US factories which comes with jobs and taxes there. Mr Martin travelled to Washington DC last month, where the US president told him he did not want to do anything to hurt Ireland but added that the trade relationship between the countries should be focused on fairness. He accused the Irish Government of taking US pharmaceutical companies through attractive taxation measures and said: Were going to take back our wealth and take back a lot of the companies that left. He added: All of a sudden Ireland has our pharmaceutical companies, this beautiful island of five million people has got the entire US pharmaceutical industry in its grasp. Mr Lutnick, who has described Ireland as his favourite tax scam, told a podcast last month: They have all of our (intellectual property) for all our great tech companies and great pharma companies. They all put it there because its low tax. They dont pay us, they pay them, so that is going to end. Ireland was not specifically mentioned in the address, but Mr Trump focused on the planned response to the EU and elsewhere emphasised the importance of pharmaceuticals to the US. Lok Sabha Passes Waqf Amendment Bill, Rejects Amendments Proposed by Opposition Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "Crores of poor Muslims will thank PM Modi for the bill being passed." Lok Sabha Passes Waqf Amendment Bill, Rejects Amendments Proposed by Opposition, Latest News: The Lok Sabha passed the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on Thursday after a 12-hour-long debate, which the opposition strongly opposed. The bill was passed after the amendments proposed by the opposition were rejected. Advertisement Speaker Om Birla asked whether the bill, listed as item no. 12 in the day's business, should be taken up for consideration in the House. Before the voting, he directed that the lobbies be cleareda standard parliamentary procedure ensuring that only eligible members remain inside to prevent unauthorized influence. The Speaker then called for a division vote and later announced the result: Ayes 288, Noes 232. Since the majority supported the proposal, the bill was officially taken up for consideration. During the discussion, opposition members demanded a division vote on certain amendments. One such amendment was put to vote, with 231 members supporting it and 238 opposing it. Since the majority voted against it, the amendment was negatived. Advertisement After the bill was passed, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "Crores of poor Muslims will thank PM Modi for the bill being passed." ANI further quoted him saying, "I want to thank all the leaders for expressing their views on the Bill. Some leaders claim that the bill is unconstitutional. If it were unconstitutional, why didnt the court strike it down? Words like 'unconstitutional' should not be used so lightly." ANI also quoted Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards. Advertisement He clarified, saying "No non-Muslim member will be involved in the Waqf Boards religious activities. Any person, regardless of religion, can be appointed as a Charity Commissioner, who will ensure that the board functions according to charity laws. This is an administrative role, not a religious one." The Waqf Amendment Bill, initially scheduled for an eight-hour discussion on Wednesday, proposes 40 amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995. It also renames the Act as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. Currently, Waqf Boards manage 8.7 lakh properties spanning 9.4 lakh acres across the country, making them Indias third-largest landowners after the Armed Forces and Indian Railways, according to a Hindustan Times report. Advertisement Both the BJP-led NDA and the INDIA Bloc opposition had issued whips to ensure the presence of their MPs during the vote. On Tuesday, the INDIA Bloc held a meeting and confirmed its decision to oppose the bill. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal told ANI, "We are going to oppose this bill. This decision was made unanimously by the INDIA Bloc, and we urge other like-minded parties to vote against it." Supreme Court Orders Interim Report on 400-Acre Deforestation in Telangana. (Credit: the print) The forest is home to a wide range of wildlife, including species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Supreme Court Orders Interim Report on 400-Acre Deforestation in Telangana, Latest News: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the Telangana government to immediately halt ongoing deforestation in Telanganas Kancha Gachibowli forest. The court also directed the Telangana High Court to submit an interim report by late afternoon on Thursday. The internet has been taken by storm, with netizens expressing concern and sharing videos of peacocks, deer, and birds reportedly distressed by the deforestation. Bulldozers were seen clearing the 400-acre forest land. Reports suggest that the Telangana Congress government plans to auction the land. Mass protests erupted from students of the Hyderabad Central University Students' Union (HCUSU), as the land is adjacent to the university. Advertisement The forest is home to a wide range of wildlife, including species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with some classified as endangered. The area also contains two lakes. Deforestation allegedly began on March 30. Experts warn that clearing 400 acres of forest could lead to a temperature rise of 34 degrees Celsius in the surrounding areas. The Telangana government has claimed ownership of the land and stated that any challenge against its decision would be considered contempt of court. ( For More News, Apart from 'Supreme Court Orders Interim Report on 400-Acre Deforestation in Telangana, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Why Certain Countries, Including Russia and Canada, Escaped Trumps New Tariff List? U.S. had already implemented a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced a sweeping set of tariffs on various nations, imposing duties ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent. However, several countriesincluding Russia, Canada, Mexico, North Korea, and Cubawere notably absent from the list, prompting speculation about the reasons behind their exclusion. Why Were These Countries Spared? While major U.S. trading partners such as India (26 percent), the European Union (20 percent), and Vietnam (46 percent) faced steep tariff hikes, Canada and Mexico were not included in Trumps April 2 tariff announcement. However, this does not mean they have completely avoided trade penalties. Advertisement Earlier this year, the U.S. had already implemented a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, with Canadian energy and potash subjected to a lower 10 percent rate. Moreover, goods traded under the US- Mexico- Canada Agreement (USMCA) remain exempt from the latest round of tariffs. Despite this, new levies on auto parts and other products are set to take effect soon. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to fight back. We are going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures. We are going to protect our workers, he told Bloomberg. Advertisement Similarly, Mexico is expected to issue a formal response, with President Claudia Sheinbaum set to address the matter in an upcoming press conference. Russia, North Korea, and Cuba: A Different Case Unlike Canada and Mexico, countries such as Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Belarus were also left out of the tariff hikebut for a different reason. A White House official, speaking anonymously to The New York Times, explained that these countries are already under extensive U.S. sanctions, significantly limiting their trade with the U.S. Advertisement These countries already face extremely high tariffs, and our previously imposed sanctions restrict any meaningful trade with them, the official said. Russias Exemption: Strategic or Economic? Some experts believe Russias exclusion is tied to ongoing geopolitical considerations. Saurav Ghosh, co-founder of Jiraaf, a bond investment platform, suggested that Trump may be keeping diplomatic channels open with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Given the existing sanctions, trade between the U.S. and Russia had already declined, Ghosh noted. Furthermore, if Trump is negotiating with Putin on ending the Ukraine conflict, he may need Russias cooperation. Advertisement Additionally, Trumps stance on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas remains unclear, leaving room for potential policy shifts in the future. Trumps Target: Nations with Trade Surpluses Trumps tariff strategy appears to be aimed at countries with significant trade surpluses with the U.S. For instance, China, which reported a $295 billion trade surplus with the U.S. in 2024, has been hit with a 34 percent tariff. Asian nations and the EU have larger trade deficits with the U.S., so naturally, they are higher on the list, Ghosh explained. Additionally, Trump has cited non-tariff barriers such as domestic VAT policies and currency manipulation as key factors in determining reciprocal tariffs. One of the biggest surprises in Trumps tariff announcement was the aggressive stance against Japan (24 percent) and Vietnam (46 percent), which have been major U.S. trade partners. The harsh tariffs on Japan and Vietnam were unexpected, Ghosh remarked. Whats Next? Global Trade Repercussions With Trumps tariffs already reshaping global trade, several countries are preparing retaliatory measures. Canada and Mexico are assessing their options while Asian and European nations brace for economic impact. For now, Russia and North Korea remain outside Trumps immediate tariff targets, but given the fluid nature of international relations, that could change depending on diplomatic developments in the months ahead. The Danish government has announced the 25th aid package for Ukraine, providing military support to Ukrainians for a total of DKK 6.7 billion (EUR0.898 billion) in 2025-2027, the Danish Ministry of Defense reported. The aid package is financed by the Ukrainian Fund and includes air defense assistance, artillery and financial support for the Ukrainian Air Force. "The security situation is evolving rapidly. It is therefore of utmost importance that Denmark continues to provide massive support to Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, Denmark has been one of the leading donor countries. With the 25th aid package, we emphasize our support for Ukraine in both the short and long term," says Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen. Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen stressed that Ukraine's security is crucial for the future of all of Europe. "I hope that our package can inspire other allies to provide even more support," he said. DKK 1.4 billion is planned for 2025-2027 to support artillery capabilities and the provision of ammunition through allies. In addition, funds are allocated for air defense, the drone coalition and the IT coalition. In 2026 and 2027, funds will also be allocated to increase the number of contributions through the "Danish model" to the Ukrainian defense industry. If additional funds are available, Danish funding will also support ongoing efforts to encourage allies to contribute through this model for several years. A total of DKK 2.0 billion has been allocated in 2026-2027. "It is absolutely essential that we help Ukrainians build their defense industry. The Danish model has shown that Ukrainian potential is producing and supplying equipment for the Ukrainian struggle for freedom. Denmark should continue to invest in this, and I hope that other countries will follow our example even more," said Poulsen. In 2024, Denmark implemented a total of approximately DKK 4.4 billion to the Ukrainian defense industry under the Danish model. The Ministry of Defense is currently preparing the implementation of funds in 2025, including on behalf of the EU and allies, and is working in parallel to strengthen control and audit measures within the model. Almaj river Valley, the apple blossom country South-western Romania's fascinating beauty, yet to be discovered by tourists Cascada Bigar Eugen Nasta, 03.04.2025, 14:00 Western Romania boasts a very special region: it is one of the four main valleys in Caras-Severin County. Were speaking about Almaj River valley. It outlines a unique world, a country in its own right. In Almaj Country youre invited to relax under the blooming apple trees, youre also invited to embark upon true expeditions so you can discover the Almaj Countrys tourist assets. You can take the trails by foot or you can cycle all the way to the caves. It is also here that you can discover south east Europes largest watermills reserve. Not the least, those who have a little bit more time on their hands can have a train ride on Romanias oldest mountain railway, cutting through 14 rock-carved tunnels. For starters, we set the borders of our destination, alongside a photographer and promoter of tourism in the region, Claudiu Vatau. Ive had talks with many people and I found out Almaj River Valley was indeed an unbeknownst area. I wouldnt introduce it like that, yet it is being presented as an isolated area. In is an inter-mountain depression lying in western Romania, bordered by the Semenic, Almaj and Anina Mountains in Caras-Severin County. It lies at a mere two-and-a-half-hour drive from Timisoara, the capital city of Banat. A great many people have definitely heard about the Bigar Waterfall. A lot has been written about it, and its being mentioned by an American publication has propelled it among Romanias the worlds top waterfalls. Vert few people know where the Almaj River Valley lies and what it is, in fact. Clearly, the Bigar Waterfall is the areas most popular tourist asset. Nevertheless, the most important such asset is I think the Nera Gorges destination. The Nera Gorges are Romanias longest such gorges. They stretch along 24 kilometers, of which 22 are active. The way in and the way out of the gorges are two kilometers long. From the Danube Gorges you can have easy access to the Almaj River Valley, while no less easy is the access from the Almaj River Valley to the Danube Gorges. In the Nera River Gorges you can have a great many trekking options. Here the Ochiul Beiului Lake stands out. It is well-known for its incredible color, Turquoise-blue, provided by the karstic springs that fill it in with water. Also, the Beusnita Waterfalls are renowned for their natural beauty and for the way water flows over calcareous tuff formations, creating a fairy-tale landscape. However, the Almaj River Valley is not about nature alone, it is also about people. The traveler reaching this destination discovers picturesque villages, each with their own wooden church, pristine houses with verandas that have vine canopies and welcoming people, proud of their heritage. Of them, Revensca stands out, it is the smallest village of the string of Czech villages of Banat, with a population of roughly 100 inhabitants. And that is not the only fascinating point of the area. Claudiu Vatau: On the Almaj river Valley there is the only Czech village that has been preserved just like in the Czechs time, just like in the Pems time since thats how the Czech inhabitants were called in those parts. There the old Czech language has been preserved almost intact. They do not have Serbian influences of the villages nearby the Danube Gorges. They preserved the traditions but also the customs. About Ravensca, we can say it is an isolated village. It lies somewhere on a mound, on top of a hill. From the village, on a day with clear skies, you can see the Danube, and there, there is the most beautiful sunset you can see on the Almaj River valley, from the hilltop and to the Danube. And the main asset of that particular area along the Almaj river Valley, there is the Moceris Waterfall, which is a stunningly beautiful waterfall. It is a three-level waterfall that was formed and has undergone transformations, throughout the years, because of human intervention through the production of lime. In that particular area lime was produced. There were countless o lime pits. The trail from Moceris to the water fall, you can take it by foot, by bike or in an off-road safari, with terrain vehicles. A photographer and promoter of tourism in the region, Claudiu Vatau, recommends us that, after a city-break in Timisoara, we should retreat for at least one week in the Mountainous Banat and in the area of the Almaj River Valley. The experience of all that is simply unique. Trails through the forests, trails taking us to the caves, foot trails, bicycle trails. In the Anina Mountains, close by the Bigar Waterfall, there is the Cave with Bones. There the Homo Sapienss oldest skull was discovered, it was 4 million years old. The caves can be visited free of charge, as we speak, we dont know for how long. I was saying the area is somehow unspoilt as all trekking routes are not even marked. It is very important that you contact a local guide who can tell you the legend of the place and who can take you to those places. Tourists can also go to Rudaria or Eftimie Murgu, as the locality is called as the present. On the Rudaria Gorges we can find south-east Europes largest watermill reserve, made of 22 watermills. Some of them are in the village, in peoples courtyards, they are functional yet inaccessible. Others can be visited and theres more to it than that. The tourists, be they Romanian or foreign, can see for themselves how the maize flour is ground, how the white corn flour is ground, which is unique in the area, and special, how the appointment at the mills is being performed. Tourists can find out how 15 or 16 families are assigned to each mill, how they maintain it, earning their keep from the grinding of the grains in those mils. If you a little bit more time on your hands, you can also venture so far as to board a train on one of Romanias most spectacular railways, often compared with the famous Semmering railroad of Austria, thanks to its winding route along the Banat Mountains. Officially, it is known as the Oravita-Anina railway, Romanias oldest mountain railroad. The Banat Semering is a one-of-a-kind asset in Romania. It is the oldest mountain railway on Romanian territory. It connects Anina and Oravita. Departures are scheduled from both destinations. The locomotive is a Diesel, the carriages are more than 100 years old. The furniture of the carriages is made of wood, completely. The landscapes are dreamlike, you get to dee them as the train drives through the tunnels and on the viaducts built along the 34-kilometer-long railway. It is beautiful in the spring as well as in the summer, when everything is green, and in autumn, when we have dozens of hues of yellow, red, green, brown, but also in the winter, when there is snow in the region. The Anina area is an area rich in snow. The Almaj River Valley is also famous for its apple-tree orchard, hence its poetic name: The Apple Blossom Country. By all means, spring is very special here, And, if you feel like having an even more interesting area, alongside the traditional food you can have a loaf of bread prepared with the flour you can grind at the watermills of the Eftimie Murgu commune. April 3, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and world news Newsflash Ana-Maria Popescu, 03.04.2025, 20:00 TARIFFS The government is already preparing aid schemes for sectors that could suffer from the new tariffs imposed by the United States, and next week the proposed measures will be discussed in detail with those affected, so as to minimise the impact of these tariffs on Romanian companies, the finance minister Tanczos Barna announced at the end of the Cabinet meeting on Thursday. Previously, PM Marcel Ciolacu had also promised that the government would protect Romanian companies, with all available resources, from the effects of the new trade war between the US and Europe. We are working on support measures for all the affected industries, through state aid schemes that are as efficient and easy to implement as possible, so that they can produce effects in the shortest possible time, Mr Ciolacu said. The US President Donald Trump announced new customs duties, ranging from 10% to 50%, on all trading partners of the United States. He claims he wants to balance trade deficits of hundreds of billions of US dollars and bring wealth back to America. However, experts warn that a trade war escalation will lead to higher prices for American consumers and to a decline in the global economy. NATO Romanias foreign minister Emil Hurezeanu said on Thursday that a solid transatlantic bond is critical for a strong North Atlantic Alliance, and Europe must step up its efforts, as peace and security never come by themselves. Emil Hurezeanu is taking part in a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. In a social media post, the Romanian official stressed that a major priority is to strengthen deterrence and defence on the eastern flank, as well as to protect the security of the Black Sea, as the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also said. In a press conference held on the eve of the two-day meeting, the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pointed out the importance of increasing defence investment, a key element for the future success of the North Atlantic Alliance. He welcomed the Alliances efforts aimed at bringing a just and sustainable end to the war in Ukraine and highlighted NATOs solid support for Kyiv by announcing the commitment of over EUR 20 billion in security assistance, promised by the Allies, since the beginning of the year. The threat we face from Russia remains, and Russia continues to work closely with China, Iran and North Korea in a way that not only affects Ukraine, but also poses risks to the Alliance and the world, Mark Rutte said. OECD Romania has already fulfilled half of the conditions required in order to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, a target that once reached will allow for a huge economic leap, the Romanian PM Marcel Ciolacu said at a conference on the prospects of joining this organisation. The participants, including many business people, identified this as a new goal for the country, after joining NATO, the EU and Schengen. Bucharest aims to complete the OECD integration process next year. The organisation is made up of 38 states, which account for 60% of the worlds GDP. DEFENCE The Romanian defence minister Angel Tilvar Wednesday and Thursday took part in an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Warsaw. According to a news release from the line ministry, the agenda included a session on the implementation of the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, as well as talks on improving the military support provided by EU states to Ukraine. Romania expresses its interest in strengthening the European industrial and technological base, so as to be able to meet current and future challenges, the Romanian official highlighted. He also appreciated the importance of close coordination between European and NATO efforts, in order to ensure complementarity and strategic coherence. During the working session focusing on Ukraine, the participants conveyed broad support for a lasting peace in this country. In this context, Romanias contribution to the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine was highlighted, as well as the importance of continuing to use all available support instruments, the news release also reads. EU MEPs have approved the European Parliaments priorities for next years EU budget, which will be negotiated with the Commission and the Council of the EU. In the adopted text, the EP calls for improving the blocs security and defence capabilities, as well as for financing dual-use transport infrastructure. The MEPs also highlight the need for sufficient resources, given the sharp drop in international funding, and pledge unconditional support for Ukraine. The European Commission is expected to present its proposal for next years budget in June, with the European Council and Parliament to agree on it by the end of the year. (AMP) New US Customs Duties Experts caution that raising tariffs for the goods imported by the United States runs the risk of causing an international trade war Photo: Paul Teysen / unsplash.com Bogdan Matei, 03.04.2025, 14:00 The US president Donald Trump has made a decision, experts predicted long ago, namely new tariffs on all imports to US. In a speech delivered at the White House and quoted by Radio Romania correspondent in Washington, President Trump described it as liberation day, adding the measures would bring back tremendous wealth to our country. Decades before going into politics, when he was only a successful entrepreneur, Trump used to say that the US was being unfairly treated by its trade partners. Now, as a president, he says that the US has been taken advantage of by cheaters and has been pillaged by foreigners. President Trump announced the new tariffs to come into effect this month and which are to be raised according to the way trade partners are treating American imports: 10% for Britain, up to 20% for imports from the EU members and up to 50% for other countries. The European countries bearing the brunt of this decision are non-EU members, Switzerland, Serbia and Lichtenstein, with taxes 30% higher. The presidents declared goal is to protect the US industry, create new jobs, increase the US manufacture and balance trade deficits, which are now in hundreds of billion dollars. Experts have cautioned against the measures as they are likely to raise prices for the US consumers and cause an international trade war. Shortly after the US presidents address, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen has announced countermeasures. According to Radio Romania correspondent in Brussels, she says that the EU is already finalizing a new package of duties. Von der Leyen has described Trumps decision as a major blow to the world economy and would cause dire consequences for millions of people around the globe. The cost of doing business with the United States will drastically increase. And what is more, there seems to be no order in the disorder. No clear path through the complexity and chaos that is being created as all US trading partners are hit. At the same time, we know that global trading system has serious deficiencies. I agree with president Trump, that others are taking unfair advantage of the current rules. And I am ready to support any efforts to make the global trading system fit for the realities of the global economy. But I also want to be clear: Reaching for tariffs as your first and last tool will not fix it, the head of the EU Executive went on to say. Newspapers in Bucharest say that Romania will not be left outside this trade war. On one hand the countrys exports to the USA will be affected and on the other hand ripples caused by the blow dealt to Germany, Romanias biggest trade partner and the main destination of our car exports, will also be felt in Romania, as Germany is the biggest European exporter to America. (bill) Romania, towards the OECD Romania has fulfilled half of the OECD accession requirements Ilie Bolojan la Conferinta Stefan Stoica, 03.04.2025, 13:50 Romania is on track to complete all the technical analyses for joining the OECD in the next twelve months or so. The announcement was made by the Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Matthias Cormann, in a video message sent to a conference attended by the countrys top officials. This month, Bucharest is expected to finalize 13 of the 25 technical analyses. Accession to OECD, which equates to greater investments and a more efficient public administration, should be considered by Romania as a new national goal, just like the NATO, EU and Schengen accession, the conference participants argued. The interim president, Ilie Bolojan, stressed that the state must create the context in which Romanians can showcase their creativity, and business people can perform and create development and prosperity. He pleaded for the best possible governance, for accessing European funds and keeping deficits under control, for creating conditions in which work and performance are rewarded, and lack of performance is discouraged. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu recalled that in the year and a half since the official application was submitted, 12 objectives had been met, almost half of the number of objectives that must be met for OECD membership. Dan Sucu, one of the business people who participated in the conference, criticized the fact that certain economic policies were not aligned with the OECD principles. He gave as examples the capping of energy and insurance prices, which became a permanent feature and not an exceptional measure, or the display of the trade mark-up on all products in Romania. In his opinion, such interventions fundamentally contradict the market-based principles that the OECD supports. In turn, Ramona Jurubita, vice-president of the Foreign Investors Council, called for the adoption of reforms in key areas, which are in line with OECD standards and will lead to increased incomes. In her opinion, reforms in education, taxation, state-owned companies and administrative capacity can increase the annual rate of the Gross Domestic Product by up to one percentage point. Thus, Romanias accession to the OECD can help us get out of the so-called middle-income trap, which we have been talking about lately, Jurubita added. Romanias coordinator for OECD integration, Luca Niculescu, stressed that everyone the political class, the business community wants OECD integration and that the process is going well. He stressed, however, that the most difficult files will have to be addressed next year. Romania has set itself the goal of completing the OECD integration process next year. (MI) Final composite Purchasing Managers' survey results from the euro area and the UK are the top economic news due at Thursday. At 3.15 AM ET, S&P Global publishes Spain's services and composite PMI survey data. The services indicator is forecast to fall to 55.6 in March from 56.2 in the previous month. At 3.45 am ET, services and composite PMI data is due from Italy. Economists expect the services index to drop to 52.6 in March from 53.0 a month ago. At 3.50 am ET, France's composite and services PMI survey results are due. The flash estimate showed that the composite indicator advanced to 47.0 in March from 45.1 in February. At 3.55 am ET, Germany's final composite and services PMI data is due. The index is seen at 50.9 in March, in line with flash estimate, and up from 50.4 in February. 4.00 am ET, Eurozone final composite and services PMI data is due. The composite indicator is forecast to match the flash estimate of 50.4 in March compared to 50.2 in February. At 4.30 am ET, S&P Global is scheduled to issue UK final services PMI data. According to flash estimate, the services PMI rose to 53.2 in March from 51.0 a month ago. At 5.00 am ET, Eurostat is set to release euro area producer prices for February. Prices are forecast to grow 0.3 percent on month, following a 0.8 percent rise in January. At 7.30 am ET, the European Central Bank publishes the account of the governing council meeting held on March 5 and 6. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Stantec Inc. (STN.TO), a provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting, Thursday said it has agreed to acquire architecture and engineering firm Page. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The addition of Page is expected to increase Stantec's US Buildings practice by 35 percent. "This acquisition will greatly support our strategic market growth in our Buildings while enabling us to leverage our expanded platform to better serve our North American clients and grow our worldwide market presence," said Gord Johnston, president and chief executive officer of Stantec. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The Federal Aviation Administration has announced that it is taking a series of steps to improve safety around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport based on the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendations. FAA is increasing support and oversight for the air traffic controller team at the airport. The Administration is also evaluating the current arrival rates of aircraft per hour at the airport, which is disproportionately concentrated within the last 30 minutes of each hour. The National Transportation Safety Board, which led the investigation into the deadly midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport in January, submitted its recommendations in March. Helicopter traffic around DCA was restricted following the accident. Two runways at the airport were reopened and the hourly arrival rate of aircraft was increased to 28. Announcing its latest steps taken to improve safety, FAA said that to support the well-being of controllers, a Critical Incident Stress Management team will visit DCA in early April, offering confidential support for staff following stressful events. The FAA will also conduct regular wellness checks at the facility. Additionally, the number of operational supervisor staff will be increased from six to eight. Certified Professional Controller staffing numbers at DCA will be reviewed. President Donald Trump ordered immediate assessment of U.S. aviation safety hours after an American Airlines flight carrying 64 people collided with a US Army helicopter on January 29, and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, leaving no survivors. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News A top UN official has called for an investigation into all incidents in which UN buildings and staff were attacked during Israeli military campaign in GAZA. Since the war began, more than 300 UN buildings have been destroyed or damaged, although the coordinates of these locations have been shared regularly with the parties to the conflict, said Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the Palestine refugee agency UNRWA. He said more than 700 people had been killed while seeking UN protection. Lazzarini added that too many UNRWA premises have also reportedly been used for military and combat purposes by Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas, or by Israeli forces. "The total disregard of UN staff, premises or operations is a profound defiance of international law," he said in a social media post. "I call once again for independent investigations to find out the circumstances of each of these attacks and the serious violations. In Gaza, all lines have been crossed over and over again." Jonathan Whittall, acting director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, described the situation in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday as a "war without limits." Briefing reporters at UN Headquarters in New York via video link from Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, he described what is happening there as "an endless loop of blood, pain, death." He told reporters that Gaza has become "a death trap.". He said that forced displacement orders resumed after the collapse of the ceasefire, and 64 per cent of the Gaza Strip is now under active forced displacement orders by Israel or within the so-called "buffer zone." Responding to reporters' questions, he said there was nowhere else in the world, to his knowledge, where an entire population of 2.1 million people is under siege, denied all forms of humanitarian aid, and the commercial sector is destroyed and then expected to survive entirely dependent on aid in a besieged and bombarded area. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Ukrainian Red Cross Society provides aid to victims of Russian missile strike on Kryvy Rih The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) provided assistance to victims of the Russian army's missile strike on Kryvy Rih on Wednesday. "Yesterday, the Kryvy Rih branch of the Dnipropetrovsk regional rapid response unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society worked at the site of the shelling in Kryvy Rih," the URCS reported on Telegram on Thursday. Volunteers provided first aid to two victims and psychological assistance to 15 people. Volunteers also conducted house-to-house rounds to identify victims. As reported, as a result of the missile strike on Kryvy Rih on Wednesday, four people were killed and 14 were injured, including two children. Within 25 years, rising seas will extend the potential reach of a severe coastal flood over areas where more than 2.5 million Americans currently live, according to a new climate analysis. The homes of an estimated 271,000 New York City residents, as well as large numbers of people in Boston, New York's Long Island, and coastal New Jersey are under threat of being inundated. Florida is the U.S. state facing the greatest threat, with more than 500,000 residents living within the projected risk zone of a 100-year flood by mid-century, says the study published by Climate Central. Florida homes represent roughly one-quarter of the 1.4 million homes within reach of a severe coastal flood by 2050. Those sites are mapped by Coastal Risk Finder, a publicly available online screening-level tool. The affected areas could be impacted by floodwaters during an event with a 1 percent annual likelihood of occurring, or a so-called 100-year flood, the study says. "As sea level rise accelerates in response to climate change, flooding during coastal storms will threaten more homes in the U.S. every year," said Kristina Dahl, vice president for science at Climate Central. "By pinpointing local risks, science and can lead the way toward solutions that protect coastal residents in an increasingly hazardous future." The nonprofit news organization that analyzes and reports on climate science, said its analysis is based on the most recently available data from the U.S. Census and sea level rise projections from the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The price of gold showed a substantial move to the downside during trading on Thursday, giving back ground following the rebound seen in the previous session. After climbing $21 or 0.7 percent to $1,139.90 an ounce on Wednesday, gold for April delivery tumbled $42.90 or 1.4 percent to $3,097 an ounce. The steep drop by the price of the precious metal came amid a broad sell-off in financial around the world after President Donald Trump revealed his plan to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. trade partners. Trump's "reciprocal tariff" plan calls for a baseline 10 percent tariff to be imposed on all U.S. imports except those compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Certain countries deemed the "worst offenders" will face much higher tariffs, with countries like Cambodia, Laos, Madagascar and Vietnam set to be charged nearly 50 percent. While gold is often seen as a safe haven, traders may have taken the opportunity to cash in on recent strength after the precious metal reached a record closing high on Wednesday. Selling pressure was relatively subdued compared to other markets, however, with a slump by the value of the U.S. dollar helping limit the downside for gold. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis #RUGrad2025 By: The Division of Communications & Advancement Against a backdrop of social and economic inequality, Rhodes University's 2025 Autumn Graduation Week marked a celebration of resilience, grit, and achievement. A total of 2,062 graduates crossed the stageeach story a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. While talent is abundant and widespread, opportunities are not always equally available, noted Rhodes University Vice Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela. Given the chance, young people consistently demonstrate their ability to rise to the occasion. The following stories highlight just a few of the remarkable journeys that unfolded at this years graduation. However, even as we celebrate successes, Rhodes University is aware that the academic journey against all odds is still unfolding for many students. One of them, Liyema Gqweta, is pursuing his Bachelor of Pharmacy a dream made possible by Rhodes University's fundraising efforts. He shared his story of resilience and hope here, where he talks about coming from the heart of a township to the halls of Rhodes University. You can be part of someones breakthrough. Donate to Rhodes University today and change a life. GRADUATE SUCCESS STORIES Ripfumelo Chauke: Turning Challenges into Opportunities Raised in a township in Soweto with high dropout rates and substance abuse, Ripfumelo Pascalia Chauke became the first in her family to earn both a Bachelors Pass in matric and a university degree. After a gap year due to financial constraints, she enrolled at Rhodes, supporting herself through a hair salon and tuck shop. Despite limited NSFAS support, she balanced academic demands with roles as a community volunteer, House Committee member, and Student Assistant. I never lost sight of the goal. This degree is not just mineit's for my whole community, she said. Sinomhlobo Ndlela: Leading on Water and Stage After taking a gap year, Sinomhlobo Ndlela made waves as Rhodes Universitys first Black female Cox, steering the rowing team to consecutive Intervarsity wins in 2023 and 2024. A Top 120 Student Leadership Award recipient, she also served as a Peer Educator and captivated audiences as Sino_The_Poet. Now teaching in Aberdeen, she reflects: Rhodes University shaped not just my education, but who Ive become. Tina Bikitsha: From Personal Struggle to Academic Distinction Mother to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tina Sisanda Bikitsha used her Masters research to explore how Eastern Cape parents of children living with Autism use social media for support. The emotional toll was heavy, but the resilience of fellow parents kept her going. Their stories inspired me to keep writing, even through tears, she shared. Tina graduated with Distinction in Journalism and Media Studies during Autism Awareness Month (April). Michael de Kock Willemse: Proving Its Never Too Late At 72, Michael became Rhodes Universitys oldest undergraduate to date. Despite challenges like illness, theft, and COVID-19 disruptions, he completed his degree in Anthropology and Politics with honours, joining the Golden Key Honour Society. Its never too late to learn, he said. Michaels journeyfrom his 1970s high school days to his 2025 graduationhas captured national attention and serves as a beacon for lifelong learning. His graduation coincided with his birthday. HONORARY DOCTORATE Rhodes Universitys Graduation week continues. On Thursday, the University honoured Professor Kwesi Kwaa Prah, a distinguished scholar, anthropologist and sociologist, and advocate for African development, with the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate from Rhodes University in recognition of his immense contributions to academia, social justice, and the advancement of African languages. You can watch this special moment, as well as other Graduation ceremonies, online. Follow the conversation on social media using #RUGrad2025. Hydrogen as a vehicular fuel, is much debated on as it is greener to the environment and allows for lightning quick recharges (in EV standards). While it is yet to be mainstream, more OEMs have been exploring the Hydrogen route. Hyundai is one of those companies and has just revealed its 2nd Gen Nexo based on Initium Concept revealed last year. Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen Electric Car One look at the 2nd Gen Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen Electric car, it feels familiar and rings certain bells. Thats because it is based on Hyundai Initium Concept showcased last year in October 2024. It is a complete departure from the 1st Gen Nexo and its curvaceous design language and is now a lot quirkier. When compared to the Initium Concept, anyone would be hard pressed to draw differences on the new Nexo. Thats because the production version of Nexo look almost identical to Initium Concept. Except for the toned down alloy wheels, roof carrier and quad-pixel LED headlight and tail light, production-spec Nexo and Initium Concept are virtually identical. The Art of Steel design language used on new Hyundai Nexo reminds me of Pontiac Aztec, which is hailed as one of the worst car designs of all time. However, on Hyundai Nexo, this silhouette looks kinda nice and futuristic owing to the overall coolness factor and rugged SUV appeal, something Aztec didnt have. The double dash LED DRL signature along with quad-pixel LED lighting signatures at the front, rugged front and rear bumpers, large alloy wheels, flush door handles, sorta-triangular rear quarter glass, roof rails, rear view cameras, SUV profile, circular wheel arch claddings, tough side body claddings and other exterior elements make a surprisingly cohesive design. Hyrogen FTW? On the inside, things are a lot more conventional as the overall dashboard layout is inspired by that of Santa Fe and Palisade. There are two 12.3-inch displays (infotainment and instrumentation), two displays to show rear view camera feed, there is a digital IRVM, a 12-inch HUD and lastly Hyundai and Kias slim pill-shaped climate control screen. Theres a twin-deck centre console and is attached to the dashboard. Gear selector is mounted on steering column and looks like the same unit as we saw in Creta Electric. Steering wheel gets quad dots logo which reads H in Morse Code. Also notable is the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Powering this vehicle, we have a 2.64 kWh battery pack which sends juice to a single 201 bhp electric motor promising 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds. Continuously replenishing this battery is a 147 bhp Hydrogen fuel cell stack. New Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen Electric car gets larger Hydrogen tank (6.69 kg) as opposed to the 6.33 kg tank and promises a max range of 700 km in one filling. Speaking of, Hydrogen filling hardly takes 5 minutes when compared to EV recharging. Umerov calls on partners to provide more weapons to Ukraine: We have clear action plan to force Russia to real negotiations Photo: https://www.facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, addressing participants in the meeting of EU defense ministers, which is taking place in Warsaw within Poland's presidency of the Council of the EU, emphasized that more weapons for Ukraine mean a shorter path to peace. "Now, more than ever, we need to jointly strengthen Ukraine, increase pressure on Russia and coordinate our actions in the security sphere. We have a clear action plan aimed at forcing Russia to real negotiations," he wrote on Facebook. According to the minister, together with allies, Ukraine is focused on three key goals: maintaining the front line; protecting Ukrainian skies - creating a powerful air defense system for the security of cities, the economy and the army; development of long-range capabilities to destroy logistics and enemy offensive potential. He emphasized: more weapons for Ukraine means a shorter path to peace. We need support in key areas: ammunition; long-range missiles; armored vehicles; aviation; air defense systems. Umerov paid special attention to issues of the defense industry. According to him, Ukraine is open to joint projects - both according to the "Danish model" and in other formats. "Ukraine is also ready to invest in the defense industry of EU countries. Our strategic goal is the full integration of the Ukrainian industrial base into the European defense ecosystem. Expanding military assistance and developing joint production is the path to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and throughout the continent," he emphasized. During his visit to NATO headquarters, which began on Thursday, April 3, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will hold a series of meetings with partners, talks with Secretary General Mark Rutte, and a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council. I began my visit to NATO HQ. There will be many important bilateral meetings with NATO allies, talks with Secretary General Mark Rutte, and the Ukraine-NATO Council, he said on X Thursday. We will focus on the path to peace, strengthening Ukraine, and increasing pressure on Moscow to achieve peace, the foreign minister noted. Since its discovery during Heinrich Schliemanns excavations at the legendary fortress city of Troy, the depas amphikypellon a cylindrical goblet with two curved handles which is thought to be the goblet mentioned in Homers epics has been considered a potential drinking vessel for wine. New investigations by archaeologists from the University of Tubingen, the University of Bonn and the University of Jena confirm this hypothesis by identifying high concentrations of fruit acids indicative of regular use specifically for wine though these same acids were also found in cups and beakers from Troy. This raises questions regarding the social and cultural significance of the beverage: while previously perceived as an exclusive emblem of the Early Bronze Age elite, wine consumption may have been more widespread than previously assumed. Hephaestus spoke, then stood up, passed a double goblet across to his dear mother, says the first book of the Iliad, recounting how the god of fire, metalworking and volcanoes encourages his mother. As he spoke, the white-armed goddess Hera smiled. She reached for her sons goblet. He poured the drink, going from right to left, for all the other gods, drawing off sweet nectar from the mixing bowl. This drinking vessel, the depas amphikypellon, is well-known to archaeologists. The object is a slender clay goblet with two handles, narrowing to a pointed base. Over one hundred such vessels from the period between 2500 and 2000 BCE have been found in Troy to date. They are also scattered across the Aegean to Asia Minor and Mesopotamia, and can hold between 0.25 and 1 liter. Heinrich Schliemann already conjectured that the depas goblet was passed around at celebrations just as described in the Iliad, said Dr. Stephan Blum, an archaeologist at the University of Tubingen. The classical archaeology collection of the University of Tubingen holds a depas goblet and two fragments from Schliemanns trove. In a new study, the researchers heated a 2-gram sample from the two fragments and studied the resulting mixture using gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectronomy (GC-MS). The evidence of succinic and pyruvic acids was conclusive: they only occur when grape juice ferments, said Dr. Maxime Rageot, a researcher at the University of Bonn. So now we can state with confidence that wine was actually drunk from the depas goblets and not just grape juice. Wine was the most expensive drink in the Bronze Age and a depas goblet was the most precious vessel. Depas goblets have been found in temple and palace complexes. So, scientists had deduced that wine drinking took place on special occasions in elite circles. However, did people from the lower classes in Troy also drink wine as an everyday food and luxury? Weve also chemical studied ordinary cups that were found in the outer settlement of Troy and therefore outside the citadel. These vessels also contained wine, Dr. Blum said. So it is clear that wine was an everyday drink for the common people too. The teams paper was published in the American Journal of Archaeology. _____ Stephan W.E. Blum et al. 2025. The Question of Wine Consumption in Early Bronze Age Troy: Organic Residue Analysis and the Depas amphikypellon. American Journal of Archaeology 129 (2); doi: 10.1086/734061 An AI model trained on large amounts of genetic data can predict whether bacteria will become antibiotic-resistant. The new study shows that antibiotic resistance is more easily transmitted between genetically similar bacteria and mainly occurs in wastewater treatment plants and inside the human body. "By understanding how resistance in bacteria arises, we can better combat its spread. This is crucial to protect public health and the healthcare system's ability to treat infections," says Erik Kristiansson, Professor at the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). When bacteria become resistant, the effect of antibiotics disappears, which makes conditions such as pneumonia and blood poisoning difficult or impossible to treat. Increased antibiotic-resistant bacteria also make it more difficult to prevent infections associated with many medical procedures, such as organ transplantation and cancer treatment. A fundamental reason for the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance is bacteria's ability to exchange genes, including the genes that make the bacteria resistant. "Bacteria that are harmful to humans have accumulated many resistance genes. Many of these genes originate from harmless bacteria that live in our bodies or the environment. Our research examines this complex evolutionary process to learn how these genes are transferred to pathogenic bacteria. This makes predicting how future bacteria develop resistance possible," says Erik Kristiansson. Complex data from all over the world In the new study, published in Nature Communications and conducted by researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology, the University of Gothenburg, and the Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre, the researchers developed an AI model to analyse historical gene transfers between bacteria using information about the bacteria's DNA, structure, and habitat. The model was trained on the genomes of almost a million bacteria, an extensive dataset compiled by the international research community over many years. "AI can be used to the best of its ability in complex contexts, with large amounts of data," says David Lund, doctoral student at the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg. "The unique thing about our study is, among other things, the very large amount of data used to train the model, which shows what a poweful tool AI and machine learning is for describing the complex, biological processes that make bacterial infections difficult to treat." New conclusions about when antibiotic resistance arises The study shows in which environments the resistance genes were transferred between different bacteria, and what it is that makes some bacteria more likely than others to swap genes with each other. "We see that bacteria found in humans and water treatment plants have a higher probability of becoming resistant through gene transfer. These are environments where bacteria carrying resistance genes encounter each other, often in the presence of antibiotics," says David Lund. Another important factor that increases the likelihood that resistance genes will "jump" from one bacterium to another is the genetic similarity of the bacteria. When a bacterium takes up a new gene, energy is required to store the DNA and produce the protein that the gene codes for, which means a cost for the bacterium. "Most resistance genes are shared between bacteria with a similar genetic structure. We believe that this reduces the cost of taking up new genes. We are continuing the research to understand the mechanisms that control this process more precisely," says Erik Kristiansson. Hoping for a model for diagnostics The model's performance was tested by evaluating it against bacteria, where the researchers knew that the transfer of resistance genes had occurred, but where the AI model was not told in advance. This was used as a kind of exam, where only the researchers had the answers. In four cases out of five, the model could predict whether a transfer of resistance genes would occur. Erik Kristiansson says that future models will be able to be even more accurate, partly by refining the AI model itself and partly by training it on even larger data. "AI and machine learning make it possible to efficiently analyse and interpret the enormous amounts of data available today. This means that we can really work data-driven to answer complex questions that we have been wrestling with for a long time, but also ask completely new questions," says Erik Kristiansson. The researchers hope that in the future, the AI model can be used in systems to quickly identify whether a new resistance gene is at risk of being transferred to pathogenic bacteria, and translate this into practical measures. "For example, AI models could be used to improve molecular diagnostics to find new forms of multi-resistant bacteria or for monitoring wastewater treatment plants and environments where antibiotics are present," says Erik Kristiansson. The United States Cystic Fibrosis Foundation released the first guideline on newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF), in order to improve timely detection of CF in infants from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. The new guideline, based on systematic literature reviews and published in the International Journal of Neonatal Screening, reflects rigorous scientific investigation and perspectives from parents, CF specialists, public health representatives, primary care providers and genetic counselors. CF is a genetic disorder that causes problems with digestion and breathing. Currently, newborns in every state are screened for CF. However, great variation in practice and the genetic panels used contributes to missed and delayed diagnosis, which leads to worse outcomes. "Delays more often occur in diagnosis of infants who are Black, Hispanic, or Asian, in part because these groups tend to have CF-causing gene variants that are rarer and seldom included in the newborn screening panels. These infants frequently screen negative and get diagnosed much later when they exhibit symptoms. The delay in care causes more severe illness trajectory," explained co-senior author Susanna McColley, MD, an internationally recognized expert in CF newborn screening, pediatric pulmonologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "The most common CF-causing gene variant, which is featured in all genetic panels, is predominantly found in people of European descent, whereas it is much less frequent in people of other ancestries," she said. "It is important to recognize that babies of any race and ethnicity can have CF. Newborn screening panels need to become representative of the entire population." The new guideline sets out to make newborn screening for CF more equitable by recommending that states test for all CF-causing gene variants. As of September 2024, 1,085 CF-causing gene variants have been recognized. Current state panels range from including only the single most common CF-causing gene variant to including almost all variants. "We realize that big changes will take time to implement and intermediate improvement strategies will be needed," said Dr. McColley. "For example, if a state can't screen for all gene variants that cause CF, then genetic sequencing could be performed in addition to the limited panel currently used." Another key recommendation that aims to prevent missed cases of CF involves a test that measures the levels of a chemical made by the pancreas called immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), which is increased in people with CF. This test is part of CF newborn screening in every state and is performed prior to genetic testing. According to the new guideline, if IRT is very high, CF should be suspected even if the genetic test result is normal, unless all known gene variants that cause CF are included in the genetic test. To improve the timeliness of diagnostic evaluation, the guideline recommends that both the primary care provider and CF specialist get notified when newborn screening results are abnormal (or positive). This is very different from current practice, which varies by state and usually does not include a CF specialist in the communication of positive results. "Time is of the essence, and we need better coordination between public health departments, primary care and CF specialists to promote timely diagnostic follow-up of positive newborn screening results," said Dr. McColley. "It is also critical for parents to be proactive and ask their baby's doctor about newborn screening results, and make sure that follow-up occurs as soon as possible if the results are abnormal." To learn more about CF and newborn screening, view a recent report that Dr. McColley co-authored, in partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Dr. McColley also discusses newborn screening and her work promoting equity in early diagnosis and care for CF on the In Pursuit podcast from Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Lurie Children's. A new study has found that the world's finest yodellers aren't from Austria or Switzerland, but the rainforests of Latin America. Published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B and led by experts from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the University of Vienna, the research provides significant new insights into the diverse vocal sounds of non-human primates, and reveals for the first time how certain calls are produced. Apes and monkeys possess special anatomical structures in their throats called vocal membranes, which disappeared from humans through evolution to allow for more stable speech. However, the exact benefit these provide to non-human primates had previously been unclear. The new research has discovered that these vocal membranes, which are extremely thin and sit above the vocal folds in the larynx, allow monkeys to introduce "voice breaks" to their calls. These voice breaks occur when the monkeys switch sound production from the vocal folds to the vocal membranes. The calls produced possess the same rapid transitions in frequency heard in Alpine yodelling, or in Tarzan's famous yell, but cover a much wider frequency range. The study involved analysis of CT scans, computer simulations and fieldwork at La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia. There, researchers recorded and studied the calls of various primate species, including the black and gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), tufted capuchin (Sapajus apella), black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis), and Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek). New World monkeys, whose range stretches from Mexico to Argentina, were found to have evolved the largest vocal membranes of all the primates, suggesting these thin ribbons of tissue play a particularly important role in their vocal production and repertoire of calls. The study also revealed that the "ultra-yodels" produced by these monkeys can involve frequency leaps up to five times larger than the frequency changes that are possible with the human voice, and while human yodels typically span one octave or less, New World monkeys are capable of exceeding three musical octaves. Senior author Dr Jacob Dunn, Associate Professor in Evolutionary Biology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, England, said: "These results show how monkeys take advantage of an evolved feature in their larynx -- the vocal membrane -- which allows for a wider range of calls to be produced, including these ultra-yodels. "This might be particularly important in primates, which have complex social lives and need to communicate in a variety of different ways. "It's highly likely this has evolved to enrich the animals' call repertoire, and is potentially used for attention-grabbing changes, call diversification, or identifying themselves." Lead author Dr Christian T Herbst, of the Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology at the University of Vienna, said: "This is a fascinating example of how nature provides the means of enriching animal vocalisation, despite their lack of language. "The production of these intricate vocal patterns is mostly enabled by the way the animals' larynx is anatomically shaped, and does not require complex neural control generated by the brain." Professor Tecumseh Fitch, an expert in human vocal evolution from the University of Vienna and a co-author of the study, said: "Our study shows that vocal membranes extend the monkey's pitch range, but also destabilise its voice. They may have been lost during human evolution to promote pitch stability in singing and speech." In addition to Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Vienna, experts from Osaka University and Ritsumeikan University in Japan, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, and La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia also contributed to the research. The explosion in the store occurred as a result of a grenade detonation, the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kyiv reported. "Remnants of ammunition were found in the explosives room of the Main Directorate," the message posted on the Telegram channel on Thursday reads. The deceased were two men, local residents aged 59 and 60. On this fact, investigators of Desniansky police department opened two criminal proceedings: under Part 1 of Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (intentional murder) and under Part 1 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives). As reported, an explosion occurred in Desniansky district of Kyiv, killing two people. Ukraine received another batch of 5,000 Starlink terminals from Poland, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has said. "Another 5,000 Starlink terminals were received from Poland. The terminals will provide uninterrupted communication in places where it is needed most hospitals, schools, critical infrastructure facilities," he said on Facebook on Thursday. Due to the cooperation of the Ministry of Digital Affairs with international partners and donors, Ukraine has already received more than 50,000 Starlink terminals, of which the largest number was 29,500 from Poland, the minister said. Fedorov expressed gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitalization of Poland Krzysztof Gawkowski and the Polish government for their contribution to Ukrainian stability. Earlier, Polish media, citing the Polish Ministry of Digital Technologies, said the cost of Ukraine's subscription to the Starlink satellite Internet, paid from the Polish budget in 2025, will exceed $20 million. In 2022-2024, almost PLN 323 million (approximately $84 million) was spent on Starlinks for Ukraine, both for terminals and for their subscription, which must be paid monthly. All costs were made at the expense of the Assistance Fund, established on the basis of the law on assistance to citizens of Ukraine due to the armed conflict in the territory of this country. According to the law, support for providing communications through Starlink terminals is provided until September 30, 2025. The specified term has already been changed by law in connection with the extended military operations in Ukraine. Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhy called the allegations of interference in Mali's affairs groundless. "This is a serious claim for someone who represents an illegitimate junta that usurped power and relies on Russian mercenaries to preserve its rule. On a serious note, we once again reject baseless claims of interference in Mali's affairs. These claims have never been supported by any factual evidence," he said on the X social network on Thursday. Tykhy said the real threat to African stability and progress is "Russian 'Wagner' mercenaries, who bring nothing but death, destruction, and plunder wherever they go." Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/13559 Ukraine will never recognize its temporarily occupied territories as Russian, but a compromise is possible so that the return of some territories occurs through diplomatic means, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admits. "Other geopolitical things are the non-recognition of any territories that Russia has occupied as Russians. These are Ukrainian territories, in any case, this is one of the main red lines for us, in any case, this is a temporary occupation of territories," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with entrepreneurs from Chernihiv region. He stressed that a just peace will exist when all territories are returned. "But if it is possible to do something to find a compromise so that the return of these territories happens over time through diplomatic means, I think that, probably, as far as some territories are concerned, this will be the only way," the president added. According to him, the Ukrainian side will do everything to ensure that the territorial integrity of Ukraine is restored. Mark Wedel Mary Balkema, Kalamazoo County Housing Director, says "What's the solution to shortage? I guess it's build, baby, build, right?" Al Jones Among those turning the first shovels of dirt at Mt. Zion Baptist Church's Legacy Senior Living project are Rev. Christopher Moore, First Lady Gwendolyn Moore, Pastor Addis Moore and Edison Community Partners Senior Development Jason Muniz. Eric Hennig Mary Balkema and Willa DiTaranto are enthusiastic about housing going in at Sugarloaf mobile home park. During the talks in Saudi Arabia, Russia did not agree to an unconditional ceasefire, but talks between the USA and Russians on this topic continue, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "Then in Saudi Arabia, you know, we agreed to an unconditional ceasefire. In Russia, they have not yet agreed to this, we see this. Although we know that there are conversations between the Americans and Russians on this topic. There are non-public conversations, they exist," Zelenskyy said during a conversation with entrepreneurs in Chernihiv region. According to the president, the USA and Europe have their own interests in the matter of a speedy ceasefire, in particular, everyone is united in the issue of putting pressure on the Russian Federation. "I think that this can be done in the next few weeks, maybe months, or it can be different: sometimes it happens in one moment. Especially with this part of the end of the war," the president added. He stressed that the end of the hot phase of the war is a complete ceasefire, and this is the right step, which Ukraine supports. "As for another step, but then there will be time, for example, the first agreements can take a month, two months, it doesn't matter, to be honest. But this is a chance for countries to start diplomatic options for certain formats of dialogue. They can really be different, completely different. This takes time," Zelenskyy explained. Big Technologies said in an update on Thursday that it has referred the circumstances surrounding the recent dismissal of founder and former chief executive officer Sara Murray to the Takeover Panel, citing potential breaches of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers. The AIM-traded company reiterated concerns first disclosed in announcements on 21 and 31 March, confirming that Murray had or previously had undisclosed interests in, or relationships with, four entities - Zinc Limited, Monitoring Partners, RCP and Romelle - that together held around 17.7% of Big Technologies issued share capital at the time of its initial public offering in July 2021. It said the entities were understood to still hold approximately 17.3% of the companys shares. The board said Murray failed to disclose her connection to the entities during the companys admission to AIM. Separately, Murray held around 25.3% of the companys shares at the time of listing and was presumed to be acting in concert with her sister, Judith Murray, who held an additional 0.21%. Sara Murray had since increased her personal holding to about 26.8%, Big Technologies said. The company said the matter could engage Rule 9 of the City Code, which may require a mandatory offer to be made to shareholders if a person, along with parties acting in concert, increased their shareholding above certain thresholds. It said it would provide further updates as appropriate. At 1002 BST, shares in Big Technologies were down 0.95% at 71.12p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Video game publisher and developer tinyBuild announced on Thursday that it has sold its quality assurance and localisation subsidiary Red Cerberus for $1.5m in cash to a North American software and hardware consultancy specialising in testing. The AIM-traded firm said the sale was expected to be marginally accretive in 2025, with proceeds earmarked for general working capital. It said the transaction was subject to standard net working capital adjustments, and completed as part of tinyBuilds ongoing efforts to streamline operations and refocus on core publishing and development activities. Red Cerberus, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was acquired in 2021 alongside Versus Evil. It generated $4.3m in revenue and recorded a net loss of $0.1m in 2024 on an unaudited basis. The subsidiary had a book value of $0.8m at year-end. The sale of Red Cerberus marks an important milestone in streamlining our portfolio and focusing on what we do best - creating and growing great IP, said chief executive officer Alex Nichiporchik. Red Cerberus has been a valuable partner in our journey, and I'd like to thank the entire team for their dedication. Nichiporchik said that reallocating resources to the companys core creative pipeline would help it to maximise long-term revenue potential with the release of new game IP. We look forward to launching certain high-potential games in 2025 and remain excited about the future of tinyBuild. At 1424 BST, shares in tinyBuild were down 3.91% at 5.53p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. European shares finished mostly lower on Wednesday as investors held their breath ahead of US President Donald Trumps latest round of tariffs with healthcare stocks in focus on fears the sector could be in his sights. The pan-regional Stoxx 600 index was off by 0.50% at 536.92. Germanys DAX was down 0.66% to 22,390.84. Germany's car making industry is bracing for a 25% levy on its exports to the US a major customer. Swissquote Bank analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya said the tariff announcement could give a fresh direction to global markets, but it would be naive to think that today will mark the end of the tariff shenanigans. More likely, it marks the start of another phase of uncertainty and turmoil. The real risk isnt just the tariffs themselves but the constant threat of escalation, reversals, and retaliation. The Federal Reserve is still expected to deliver its next rate cut in June and not before but things could change rapidly depending on how much Trump policies will hit the US economy. Trump has threatened tariffs on every country that exports to the US. The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that he would apply a 20% levy on all goods on what he has nationalistically called liberation day. He has already implemented an extra 20% tariff on all Chinese imports and 25% for all steel and aluminium imports. There is also a 10% levy on Canadian energy imports. Last month, he unveiled a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and, eventually, car parts, which will start taking effect on Thursday. In equity news, Grifols shares jumped on a report that Canadian investment fund Brookfield had restarted talks on a takeover of the Spanish pharma company. On the flipside, tariff woes hit other shares in the sector, including Sanofi, Novartis, and Roche. The overall Stoxx healthcare index was down 1.67%. Italian securities regulator Consob approved the document of UniCredits takeover bid for Italian domestic peer Banco BPM. The offer has been given the go-ahead for tender between April 28 and June 23. Shares in Svitzer surged 30% after Danish shipping giant AP Moller made a cash offer of 9 billion Danish crowns for the towage and marine service provider. Greeting cards and gifts retailer Moonpig delivered a mixed fourth-quarter update on Thursday, with full-year revenues slightly missing expectations but margins at the top end of guidance, as it unveiled plans for a new share buyback. Ahead of the close of its financial year, which ends on 30 April, the company said annual revenues would be between 350m and 353m, up from 341.1m the year before but slightly short of the current consensus forecast of 354m. However, adjusted EBITDA margins should be at the top of the 25-27% guidance range, with double-digit percentage growth expected in adjusted earnings per share. The company, which operates in the UK and the Netherlands, said it saw a softer start to the second half at the Greetz division, which offers gifts like flowers, chocolate, balloons and beverages alongside the main card offering, though recent trading has improved. Given strong free cash flow generation, the board has decided to launch a new 60m share buyback which will commence in the next financial year. Commenting on Thursday's update, analyst David Hughes from broker Shore Capital said Moonpig continues to be a "highly cash-generative business", with high profit margins, low capex requirements and negative working capital. "With the elevated debt levels following the Buyagift acquisition now well under control [...] this cash generation translates into a step up in the share buyback programme," Hughes said. "Key for the business going forward will be delivering on sales in the Greetz and Buyagift divisions alongside core Moonpig brand, and with this we see the potential for a return to high-single digit growth alongside these enviable margins." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is paying a working visit to Sumy region, one of the areas "where a lot of is decided." "Since August last year, our units have been conducting combat operations on enemy territory - this is one of the biggest Ukrainian results during this war. It is absolutely fair to transfer the war to where it came from. We spoke today with the commanders of our units in this direction - basic needs, additional supplies, equipment supplies, drones, operational issues," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday. According to him, work is underway to protect Ukrainian positions; it is known what the enemy is counting on. In any case, we will protect our state, our independence, our people, the president added. The average tax refund issued by the Internal Revenue Service so far this year is roughly 4.6% higher than in 2024. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) AP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- More than 55 million Americans have already received their annual tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), with the average filer getting back nearly 5% more than they did last year. Through Mar. 21 the latest date currently available the agency has issued 55,716,000 refunds, roughly 1.3% more than the 54,990,000 that had been issued by that time last year. In total, the agency has issued roughly $176.6 billion in refunds, up 6.1% from the $166.4 billion issued at that time in 2024. The average refund amount through Mar. 21 was $3,221, roughly 4.6% higher than the average refund of $3,081 at that time last year. Through Feb. 14, the average had been just $2,169, but has increased dramatically now that the IRS has begun issuing refunds to taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. Due to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, or PATH Act, which took effect during the 2017 filing season, the IRS legally cannot issue refunds or credits to anyone who claimed an Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before Feb. 15. The policy was implemented to help prevent revenue loss due to identity theft and refund fraud related to fabricated wages and withholdings, according to the IRS. Tracking your refund If youre one of the millions of Americans who have already sent in their tax returns, there are online portals that will allow you to monitor the status of your refund. For federal taxes, residents can use the IRS Wheres My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to see when their refunds have been received, processed and sent. Refund status will appear roughly 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return, three or four days after you e-file a prior-year return, or four weeks after you file a paper return. To access the information, which is updated overnight each day, residents must provide their Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number, filing status and exact refund amount on their return. Once refunds are sent, those using direct deposit should receive their refund within five days, while those expecting checks in the mail may have to wait several weeks. For state taxes, New Yorkers can visit the Department of Taxation and Finance website and click Check refund status. This allows residents to see if their return has been received; when its being processed; if the return requires additional review; if the state requires additional information; if a requested refund amount has been adjusted and when a refund has been issued. New income tax brackets While tax rates have remained the same, ranging from 10% to 37% depending on an individuals total taxable income, the IRS has announced new brackets with adjusted thresholds for tax year 2024. In addition to the new tax brackets, the standard deduction, the amount you can deduct to adjust the amount of income on which youre taxed, will also increase from $13,850 to $14,600 for single filers and from $27,700 to $29,200 for married couples filing jointly. Heres a look at the new tax brackets that will be used when filing in 2025. Tax brackets for single filers: $11,600 or less in taxable income 10% of taxable income $11,600 to $47,150 in taxable income - $1,160 plus 12% of the excess over $11,600 $47,150 to $100,525 in taxable income - $5,426 plus 22% of the excess over $47,150 $100,525 to $191,950 in taxable income - $17,168.50 plus 24% of the excess over $100,525 $191,950 to $243,725 in taxable income - $39,110.50 plus 32% of the excess over $191,150 $243,725 to $609,350 in taxable income - $55,678.50 plus 35% of the excess over $243,725 $609,350 or more in taxable income - $183,647.25 plus 37% of the excess over $609,350 Tax brackets for married couples filing jointly: The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce hosts its second annual Civics Bee at the Michael J. Petrides School in Sunnyside. Pictured here with the competition's judges are: Victoria Figliolia, center, Vivian Chen, left, Robert Kasegrande, right. (Courtesy of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce) (Courtesy of the Staten Island C STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its second annual Civics Bee part of a national competition that inspires young Americans to engage in civics, contribute to their community, and enhance their civic literacy. All Staten Island middle school students in grades six through eight were invited to participate in the Bee, and 115 entrants submitted essays on a civic topic of their choice each opining on a challenge that the community faces and offering a potential solution. From the left to right, Assembly member Michael Reilly, Susanne Cannella, Assembly member Sam Pirozzoli, Lakshmi Rao Sankar, Barbara DAmora, holding a photo of her son, Nicholas, Assembly member Charles D. Fall and Assembly member Michael Tannousis. (Courtesy/Lakshmi Rao Sankar) Staten Island Advance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. CrimsonRise, a Staten Island-based not-for-profit founded by and for non-speaking individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, was honored last week on the floor of the New York State Assembly. Executive Director Lakshmi Rao Sankar, Barbara DAmora, and Susanne Cannella were introduced and recognized by Assembly members Sam Pirozzolo, Charles D. Fall, Michael Reilly, and Michael Tannousis. Pirozzolo explained to his colleagues the mission of CrimsonRise, highlighting that the organization, the first of its kind, was founded by non-speaking autistic self-advocates Nicholas DAmora, William Jusino, Cristofer Puleo, and Tejas Rao Sankar. He emphasized that CrimsonRise is a vital voice for those who are often excluded from public discourse due to communication challenges. From the left, Assembly member Angelo Santabarbara, Lakshmi Rao Sankar, Barbara DAmora, Susanne Cannella,and Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo. (Courtesy/Lakshmi Rao Sankar) Staten Island Advance Following the Assembly recognition, the CrimsonRise delegation met with several state lawmakers, including Assembly member Angelo Santabarbara, chair of the Committee on People with Disabilities. From the left, Barbara DAmora, Lakshmi Rao Sankar and Susanne Cannella. (Courtesy/Lakshmi Rao Sankar) Staten Island Advance The discussions centered around the challenges faced by non-speaking individuals in New York, including: Lack of Access: Many individuals are unable to access Spelling to Communicate (S2C) or similar assistive communication methods due to insufficient funding and lack of awareness. Educational Barriers: Schools often fail to provide meaningful academic or social opportunities for non-speakers, resulting in isolation and unrealized potential. Funding Gaps: Families bear the cost of communication training, which is rarely covered by insurance or public funding streams. CrimsonRise Policy and Legislative Recommendations are to: Increase Funding for AAC (Augmentative and alternative communication) Training Support inclusion of S2C and other proven methods in state-funded disability services, so that non-speaking autistics have communication access. Expand School Access with summer training: Equip schools with trained professionals to start communication training in AAC before the start of the school year to support nonspeaking students using S2C Legislate Rights of Non-speaking Individuals: Enact policies that recognize and protect the communication rights of nonspeaking people. Support CrimsonRise Training Programs: Invest in initiatives that train educators, therapists, and parents in evidence-based communication approaches. From the left, Susanne Cannella, , Barbara DAmora, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Lakshmi Rao Sankar. (Courtesy/Lakshmi Rao Sankar) Staten Island Advance Our visit to Albany reaffirmed our belief that change is possible when the voices of nonspeaking individuals are not just heard, but respected, amplified, and acted upon, said Rao Sankar. We are deeply grateful to Assembly members Pirozzolo, Fall, Reilly, Tannousis, and Santabarbara for recognizing our mission and walking with us toward a more inclusive New York. She added, We have been invited back to help draft legislation for the rights of non-speaking autistic individuals. This is an incredible honor, and a recognition of the work we do. For further information on CrimsonRise or to get involved, visit www.crimsonrise.org. Joe Gatto attends the Animal Haven benefit gala at Second on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in New York. (Photo by CJ Rivera/Invision/AP) CJ Rivera/Invision/AP Joe Gatto, the comedian, actor and producer who hails from Staten Island and who starred in the hit show Impractical Jokers makes headlines once again. Following allegations from a woman that he was inappropriate with her when she was 19, People.com confirmed that Gatto, 48, now plans to enter treatment at an inpatient treatment facility, which he says is to work on himself. And now, according to a new story on People.com, Gattos wife Bessy says the couples dog rescue shelter is rebranding as Cannolis Sweet Life Senior Rescue. The Long Island rescue shelter had been known previously as Gatto Pups and Friends, but as of Monday, Bessy announced via Instagram that the companys name has changed. Shes reported that the new branding is in honor of the dog, Cannoli, who inspired Bessy to launch the shelter in the first place. Bessy explained in the caption of the March 31 announcement that the shelter is focusing a bit more on the dogs that helped get us here. She also included a statement in the Instagram carousel, saying she is entering a new chapter of [her] journey in dog rescue. Bessy shared that since the shelter was initially created in 2022, more than 200 senior dogs and 135 have found their forever homes. Bessy went on to explain in a video that the shelter was created after she got her dog, Cannoli. All of the Gattos pups famously are named after Italian foods. Bessy also alluded to the fact that she found herself spending more time at the veterinarians office than at home, which is how she learned about the existence of puppy mills. Then, as time passed, she started going to shelters to stop supporting places that utilize puppy mills and to rescue dogs that survived. After a while she fell in love with a small 15-year-old senior dog, Mishkeen, in 2016. After adopting a couple more seniors, I realized that it wasnt enough, and I wanted to do more to connect more senior dogs with humans of their own, she wrote in the statement. And thats how this rescue started! I cant imagine myself doing anything else in the world, and I hope you will keep supporting these precious babies until every dog has a home. Thank you again for your continued support. I cant wait to see all of the magic we can continue making in the lives of senior dogs, together. Today, tomorrow, and everyday beyond-golden years start here, the statement continued. There was no mention in the rebranding announcement of Joe Gattos woes amid the allegations of sexual assault that led to the cancelation of his national stand-up comedy tour. The woman, who goes by the handle joozyb on TikTok, posted a now-viral video in which she alleged that when she was 19 and Gatto was 46, she attended his show in 2023 in Milwaukee after accepting his invitation. Although denying the allegation that he assaulted the then-teen, Gatto did admit he had made mistakes. Ive made mistakes and, as a result, have lost the trust of those I care about, Gatto said. However, anyone who knows me well understands that I would never assault anyone. Im focusing on improving myself and will take some time away from the public to direct my energy where its needed. The Medicine Woman cannabis dispensary in Jersey City is backed by business partners, from left, Ice-T, Charis Burrett and John Batchelor. Their dispensary recently received state approval for recreational sales. Haresh Oudhnarine | The Jersey Journal Famous rapper and actor Ice-T has partnered with a former Playboy model to debut a new weed dispensary in Jersey City. The cannabis dispensary had a soft opening last month and expects to kick off full operations after its April 19 grand opening, according to Ice-Ts Instagram post. Ice-T, born in Newark, partnered with former Playboy model Charis Burrett to open the store, dubbed The Medicine Woman. Our mindset is to bring global medicine to local areas at an affordable price for everybody, Burrett said in an interview in High Times. MORE: Should N.J. allow home-grown weed? Most candidates for governor say yes. We believe that cannabis should be available to everybody that needs it. You know, it is a beautiful medicine. Its been around for centuries. And we love being able to educate people and communities, have healthy debates and like I said, bring global medicine to local communities at affordable prices, she added. Ice-T said he is glad to open the shop in Jersey City. The future location of The Medicine Woman cannabis dispensary on Tonnelle Avenue in Jersey City in January, before it was renovated for its April grand opening. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Ive dedicated my life and career to giving back and paving the way for minorities, he said in a statement. As a New Jersey native, Im excited for the opportunity legalization offers our community. The Medicine Woman was approved by the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission to sell recreational marijuana. It is located at 660-684 Tonnelle Ave. and joins several other dispensaries already open in Jersey City. It is not far from where Ice-T star of NBCs Law & Order: Special Victims Unit grew up in Summit before moving to California. I look forward to ushering in a new era for cannabis in the state, Ice-T added. Im Black, Im a veteran, my whole career has been about helping people. Nobody starts a business thinking about social impact But its lucrative enough that you should want to help the community. The April 19 opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, music, food and an afterparty, the shops announcement said. A public health alert has been issued for white chicken chili sold at Costco. (Courtesy of Costco) Costco A public health alert has been issued for white chicken chili products sold at Costco stores. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Costco released the alert for packages of Allen Family Food White Chicken Chili, because they did not receive the benefit of import reinspection by the departments Food and Safety Inspection Service. The products were sold from March 27 to March 31 at Costco warehouses in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. A recall hasnt been requested, though the alert urges not to consume the products. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of this product. Items should be returned to a local Costco for a full refund. Consumers can call Allen Family Foods at 877-813-1884 for any issues or concerns. In this file photo, Luigi Mangione appears in court for a hearing on Feb. 21, 2025, in New York. (Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP, Pool, File) AP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. United States Attorney General Pam Bondi is calling for Luigi Mangione to receive the death penalty. Mangione is facing three cases for the alleged murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson two state cases (New York and Pennsylvania, respectively) and one federal case (New York). Mangione pleaded not guilty to the New York state charges back in December 2024. He has not yet had to make a plea for the New York federal case while the Pennsylvania case has yet to have a court date established. Bondi revealed Tuesday that she will be pursuing the death penalty on the federal level should the 26-year-old be found guilty, sparking a steady wave of backlash from the internet. According to the Associated Press, Bondi said the following in a statement: Luigi Mangiones murder of Brian Thompson an innocent man and father of two young children was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America. Again, Mangione has not been found guilty of the murder as of this writing. Gen Z Staten Islanders voiced their stark opposition on the matter of the death penalty in an informal survey taken late March. Of the dozens of participants in the informal survey, over two-thirds believe that Mangione should not face the death penalty if he is convicted. Additionally, over 90% agreed that America has a problem with healthcare. Id want to have multiple in-depth discussions with him [Mangione] about anything and everything..., a North Shore 22-year-old wrote. Along with telling him I support him either way, whether hes guilty or innocent. Mangione is presently being held in Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting his trials, with his next appearance in court expected to be April 18, 2025, for USA v. Mangione in New York City. Councilmember Kamillah Hanks is seeking to ensure transparency and communication in the installation of battery energy storage systems like this one located at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Littlefield Avenue in Eltingville. (Advance/SILive.com | Jessica Jones-Gorman) (Staten Island Advance/Jessica J STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Councilmember Kamillah Hanks is seeking to ensure transparency and communication in the installation of battery energy storage systems across New York City neighborhoods, introducing legislation that would require developers to notify Community Boards and local politicians before installation of the systems begin. Im introducing legislation that will ensure transparency and communication in the installation of energy storage systems in our neighborhoods, Hanks, a Democrat who represents the North Shore, noted in a press release. These systems, which are critical for our clean energy fcfuture, are being installed in residential areas without adequate notification to local residents or community leaders. This lack of transparency has created concerns, and its time we take action. A technology that uses a group of batteries to store electrical energy, allowing the energy to be released later when needed, the storage system sites, commonly referred to as BESS, essentially act as backup power sources for homes or the grid, particularly during peak demand or power outages and are often used in conjunction with renewable energy sources like solar power. Developers and green energy proponents tout the lithium-ion structures which started popping up in several NYC neighborhoods in 2022 as quiet neighbors that are a necessary agent for renewable change. They are designed to remove pressure from the citys stressed grid, using rechargeable batteries to store electrical energy from various sources, and then releasing that stored energy when needed. But over the past two years, borough residents and local officials have voiced their concerns about their siting. Community Boards voted against their proximity to bakeries and storefronts and elected officials issued a moratorium on applications filed within residential districts. In one instance, an energy developer retracted plans to place batteries in a Bulls Head church parking lot. Hanks bill aims to alleviate some of those issues, mandating proper notification to ensure that those most directly affected by an installation have the opportunity to voice their concerns, and that neighborhoods are not left in the dark about significant environmental change. Energy storage is a vital part of our transition to sustainable energy. However, we must strike a balance between progress and community involvement, Hanks said. We cannot allow these systems to be installed without proper notice. Residents need to know whats happening in their neighborhoods, especially when it comes to potential environmental and safety concerns. The legislation was inspired by concerns raised by Staten Island residents who discovered energy storage installations in their neighborhood without any prior warning. Weve seen firsthand how a lack of transparency can lead to distrust and frustration, said Hanks. This bill will create a process that encourages open dialogue between residents and local authorities. Hanks is currently inviting her colleagues to join her as co-sponsors on this legislation. This bill is a simple yet critical step to ensure accountability and transparency in our energy storage projects, she said. By signing on, we can send a message that we prioritize the well-being and interests of our communities, and that we wont let them be sidelined. Trader Joes fans rejoice because there is good news this week in that the popular grocery chain is bringing back an item that went viral a year ago. That item? Well, per USA Today, the company plans to release its canvas mini-totes to stores across the country this month April. Trader Joes told USA Today that the exact date each Trader Joes will have the bag will vary. Also, if you can get your hands on the bags, they are downright affordable at just $2.99 a pop, and USA Today says they will be available in blue, pink, purple and green. But, again, that is if you can actually get your hands on the bags after last year. The company released the bags in March 2024 and in some places shoppers literally lined up in lengthy lines to wait for a chance to buy them. Before we had the opportunity to promote them in any way, customers across the country found them at their neighborhood Trader Joes, a representative for the company told USA Today. The demand for the bags became so great, in fact, that USA Today reported that they were being resold on secondary markets like Facebook or eBay for as much as $500. Trader Joes told the site that was done without our approval. To be clear, we neither condone nor support the reselling of our products and do all we can to stop the practice, the company added. That may be so, but if you want a tote and dont want to break the bank, it is probably best to try to catch them for $2.99 in the store. As for when they might hit your local Trader Joes in April, the company said the best way to find out is to ask any crew member in their neighborhood store. Participants set a Guinness World Record by placing 12,000 ribbons on a van during the World Autism Day event at the GRACE Foundations Sea View campus on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Jan-Somma Hammel STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Supporters of the GRACE Foundation smiled, hugged and danced with joy as they placed 12,000 multi-colored awareness ribbons on a shiny white vehicle on Wednesday, setting a Guinness World Record for the most ribbons ever placed on a van. The event, held at the not-for-profit foundations Sea View campus on World Autism Day, brought together members of the Staten Island community in an effort to raise awareness about autism and the importance of recognizing neurodiversity. The foundations mission is to increase the quality of life for children, teens, adults and their families. The 12,000 ribbons eventually covered the van and far surpassed the goal of 8,000 set by Guinness for the record. Fifty students from the GRACE Foundations Day Habilitation Program, their families and supporters, spent about three hours working on the project on a sunny, yet chilly day. They were joined by many representatives from other Staten Island not-for-profit organizations and supporting businesses, including On Your Mark, Eden II and Northfield Bank. 85 1 / 85 World Autism Day event at the Grace Foundation City Councilmember David Carr placed ribbons on the van, as did Michael Cusick, a former New York state assemblymember and current president and CEO of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation. Both spoke of the need to educate the community about autism and the services provided by the GRACE Foundation. The not-for-profits really are the entities on Staten Island that take care of our families and our friends and our neighbors, and thats important for a great quality of life for Staten Island, Cusick said. Though the standard set was 8,000, those at the foundation were aiming high, said Cathy Del Priore, the organizations executive director. Were going big so that nobody breaks it after us, she said, thanking the team that made the event happen: Brian Licata, of Marvel Consults; Dan Ryan, of the Staten Island Advance; Mike Bloomfield, of Tekie Geek; Anthony Rapacciuolo, of PRcsion; Vin Bonomi of TMG Graphics; and Sal Fabozzi, of Because We Can. To ensure each ribbon was unique and countable, GRACE Foundation students spent two weeks numbering, counting and bagging them. The day was about so much more than a Guinness World Record, Del Priore said. Were making our voice be heard, she said, noting the importance of being vocal amid todays talk of possible Medicaid cuts. Its about equality for all. Give everybody a chance. Give everybody that same opportunity. On hand was a Guinness World Records adjudicator, Michael Empric. He performed a spot check of the ribbon count before the event, inspected the van after completion, and presented Del Priore with the official certificate the third for the GRACE Foundation. We want it to be significant and challenging, Empric said of the setting of the goal. Supporters gushed all day about the good things the GRACE foundation does and the need for support and understanding. Many were determined to place as many ribbons as they possible could, including 9-year-old Daniel Finn Ryan, who placed at least 100 ribbons and was able to reach the lower parts of the van many had trouble reaching. Carr, the Republican who represents the Mid-Islands 50th Council District, said hes had a long relationship with the foundation, and respects the work it does. It calls attention to the fact that we have great providers on the borough, he said of the event. They are trusted hands that this community can support to do the mission that is required to serve the IDD (Intellectually and/or Developmentally Disabled) community and their families. Jenna Baratta, of Where Little Minds Grow, which performs speech and occupational therapy and runs classes for young students for the GRACE Foundation, said shes always proud to be part of the event. It just spreads so much awareness, and thats really what we need with this community, she said. Her colleague, Danielle Mikhail, agreed. Were all about the special needs community: Inclusion, inclusiveness, one big happy family trying to get people to notice what the special needs community can accomplish on their own, she said. The two previous Guinness World Records earned by the GRACE Foundation occurred in 2023 and 2024. On April 19, 2023, The foundation broke the record for the Worlds Largest Human Puzzle Piece with 2,423 participants. It marked the first Guinness World Record held by a non-profit on the borough. Then, On Jan. 26,2024, the foundation partnered with St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, in Huguenot, to create the worlds largest human infinity symbol with 1,540 participants. The State Security Service (SBU) has exposed and collected evidence base on Ukrainian traitors who claim to implement Putin's idea of "external management" of Ukraine. "These individuals are hiding in Russia, have declared themselves the 'sole legitimate authority' of our country and are promoting a plan for Ukraine's surrender," the SBU said on the Telegram channel on Thursday. It is noted that the illegal formation includes traitors and collaborators who fled from Ukraine to Russia even before the start of the full-scale war. The leader of this group is Dmytro Vasylets, the head of the banned "Derzhava political party, who is already serving a prison sentence in absentia for supporting the Russian armed aggression. He has attracted his like-minded people to his subversive activities: Valentyn Rybin, the lawyer of Anatoliy Shariy, who is suspected of treason; Oleksandr Skubchenko, the so-called political expert from Medvedchuk's television channels, who is currently a frequent guest on the airwaves of Moscow propagandists; Oleksandr Semenchenko, deputy head of the banned Derzhava political party, who previously lived in Kyiv and is now hiding in Russia. Aon others are collaborator Pavlo Onyschenko, the head of the pro-Kremlin association Slobozhanska Sich; propagandist Viktor Malafeev, who, in addition to anti-Ukrainian speeches on RosTV, is collecting donations to purchase weapons for the occupiers; pro-Russian agitator in Crimea, Maxim Shikhaleev, who supported the seizure of the peninsula in 2014 and began to cooperate with Russia. "These defendants created a website similar to the official pages of the Ukrainian authorities, announced the holding of an 'online referendum' on the future of our state, and also developed a copy of the Diia portal in order to falsify the results of the fake vote," the SBU said. According to the case materials, after the creation of the anti-Ukrainian cell in Moscow, the defendants received an assignment from their Russian curators to form their own "branches" in EU countries as an "alternative" to the diplomatic missions of Ukraine. According to the SBU, this week the leaders of the aforementioned group and other Ukrainian traitors visited the so-called "Unity" forum in Moscow, which was also attended by the ideologist of Russian fascism Dugin, State Duma deputies, bloggers and "Z-military units." "The entire rhetoric of the 'conference' was devoted to promoting Putin's thesis that for lasting peace in our state, it is necessary to create a transitional administration under the control of the Russian Federation and the United States, which would temporarily govern Ukraine," the SBU said. Based on the evidence collected, SBU investigators informed the defendants of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 109 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (actions committed with the aim of violently changing or overthrowing the constitutional order or seizing state power, as well as conspiracy to commit such actions as part of a group). Comprehensive measures are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice for crimes against Ukraine. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul had strong words for President Donald Trump on his Liberation Day tariffs. Since the start of the Trump administration, the constant threat of tariffs has caused nothing but chaos and uncertainty. Tariffs are estimated to cost Americans upwards of $6,500, 401(k)s are plummeting and businesses that rely on tourism are feeling the negative impacts of the loss of our Canadian visitors from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point, Hochul said in a written statement. Dont be fooled, this so-called Liberation Day is nothing but a reckless tax on hard working New Yorkers that is hurting small businesses, driving up costs for families and alienating our long standing global partnerships. This is not how you grow an economy, its how you tank one, she warned. The worlds eye is critical as Trump announced his tariff plan Wednesday afternoon, consisting of some of the following 25 countries: 1. China: 34% 2. European Union: 20% 3. South Korea: 25% 4. India: 26% 5. Vietnam: 46% 6. Taiwan: 32% 7. Japan: 24% 8. Thailand: 36% 9. Switzerland: 31% 10. Indonesia: 32% 11. Malaysia: 24% 12. Cambodia: 49% 13. United Kingdom: 10% 14. South Africa: 30% 15. Brazil: 10% 16. Bangladesh: 37% 17. Singapore: 10% 18. Israel: 17% 19. Philippines: 17% 20. Chile: 10% 21. Australia: 10% 22. Pakistan: 29% 23. Turkey: 10% 24. Sri Lanka: 44% 25. Colombia: 10% Trump is calling his tariff policy kind reciprocal, saying he couldve been much harsher on U.S. trading partners. The president said the tariff rates hes imposing, steep as they are, dont match the levies that some countries impose on U.S. exporters. Hes calling the rates he chose the discounted reciprocal tariff. The Associated Press contributed to this piece. Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, a Republican who represents the East Shore of Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, held a press conference in Albany to condemn the early release of some inmates amid ongoing staffing shortages at state prisons. (Courtesy of Tannousis' Office) Courtesy of Tannousis' Office STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New Yorks plan to release some inmates early amid an ongoing staffing shortage at state prisons has drawn the ire of one of Staten Islands lawmakers. On Wednesday, Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, a Republican who represents the East Shore of Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, held a press conference in Albany to blast New Yorks recent handling of state prisons and plans to release prisoners due to inadequate staffing of correction officers. It looks like Elon Musk had some help in deciding to leave the White House. Amid reports that Musk will soon return to the private sector, it is also being said that a top White House power broker may have been quietly greasing the skids behind the scenes for the billionaire Tesla owners departure. The Daily Mail reported that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles had grown increasingly agitated at Musks failure to coordinate his cost-cutting efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency with the White House chain of command, led by Wiles. The Daily Mail said that Wiles, known as the Ice Maiden, launched a relentless vendetta against Musk. Politico reported that Musk had frequently sent top Trump staffers into a frenzy with unexpected and off-message comments on X including sharing unvetted and uncoordinated plans to gut federal agencies." X is the social media platform owned by Musk and formerly known as Twitter. Wiles and Trump were also said to have been taken unawares by reports that Musk had been briefed on classified war plans with China, a conflict of interest given Musks business dealings in China. With Musk in the room, Trump had also told cabinet officials that they were in charge of their agencies, not Musk. Vanity Fair had reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had lit into Musk for slashing their agencies staffs without their approval. The final straw may have come when Musk poured millions of dollars into this weeks hotly contested Wisconsin Supreme Court race. A Democrat won the race and the party maintained its majority on the states high court, much to the chagrin of Trump and the White House. Despite his departure, Musk is expected to still be a major figure in the Trump orbit, with ready access to the president. In this Jan. 22, 2015 photo, a gentoo penguin feeds its baby at Station Bernardo O'Higgins in Antarctica. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) AP Penguins, hand over your fish and put your flippers up: President Donald Trump is tariffing you. Trump revealed his global tariff plan Wednesday afternoon, including a 10% tariff on the islands of Heard and McDonald, which exist in the Indian Ocean. The pair of islands homes living creatures, to be sure just not humans. According to Newsweek, the main occupants of the islands are penguins, seabirds and seals. In fact, it is thought that humans have not even ventured to the islands in almost a decade, the Guardian reported. Alas, they could not escape the Trump tariffs due to their status as Australian territories, sparking the countrys prime minister to comment: Nowhere on Earth is safe. Heard Island and McDonald Islands were listed separately from Australia in Trumps tariff list, in addition to other Australian territories like Christmas Island, Norfolk Island, and the Cocos Islands, the Guardian wrote. The world is in an uproar over the tariffs, which includes the following list of countries: 1. China: 34% 2. European Union: 20% 3. South Korea: 25% 4. India: 26% 5. Vietnam: 46% 6. Taiwan: 32% 7. Japan: 24% 8. Thailand: 36% 9. Switzerland: 31% 10. Indonesia: 32% 11. Malaysia: 24% 12. Cambodia: 49% 13. United Kingdom: 10% 14. South Africa: 30% 15. Brazil: 10% 16. Bangladesh: 37% 17. Singapore: 10% 18. Israel: 17% 19. Philippines: 17% 20. Chile: 10% 21. Australia: 10% 22. Pakistan: 29% 23. Turkey: 10% 24. Sri Lanka: 44% 25. Colombia: 10% Trump is calling his tariff policy kind reciprocal, saying he couldve been much harsher on U.S. trading partners. The president said the tariff rates hes imposing, steep as they are, dont match the levies that some countries impose on U.S. exporters. Hes calling the rates he chose the discounted reciprocal tariff. The Associated Press contributed to this piece. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Outraged, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand blasted President Donald Trump Wednesday for enacting new cuts to World Trade Center Health Program personnel. This is the third time in four months that Trump has pulled the rug out from 9/11 survivors and their families in the World Trade Center Health Program. These instances are not mistakes,but rather in purpose and it is outrageous and beyond the pale. This callous treatment of our 9/11 heroes must end and the vital workers who staff it must be rehired. President Trump and Secretary Kennedy, let me be perfectly clear: get your hands off the 9/11 workers health program and reverse these cuts immediately, Schumer said in a written statement. These cuts will delay and deny care for our sick first responders suffering from cancer, respiratory illness and more. It is nothing less than a complete betrayal to the memory of those we lost on 9/11 and the heroes who courageously stood up to help New York and our country during one of Americas darkest hours. Everyone should be furious and I will not stop until the staff and program is fully restored, the Senate minority leader vowed. The program is a vital resource for at least 132,000 Americans across the country, all of whom were impacted by the deadly terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. In the latest round of cuts approved by the president, the administrator of the program Dr. John Howard was axed, the statement announced. Howard was in charge of making critical decisions regarding covered conditions and ensures the WTCHP complies with statutes enacted by Congress. About 20% of the staff was nearly let go due to employee reductions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which runs the program, a letter penned by Schumer and Gillibrand revealed in February. The Trump administration later rescinded the order. Slashing staff who are essential to the operation of the World Trade Center Health Program will devastate our ability to provide sick responders and survivors with the care they need, Gillibrand said. Earlier this year, President Trump slashed the workforce of the WTCHP, and only relented after bipartisan outcry and pressure from our brave first responders. Now, once again, President Trump is abandoning the heroes who stepped up and risked their lives in one of our nations darkest hours. For those who dont know, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella was one of the four original authors of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, from which the program was born. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis has been an active proponent of the program. Her communications director, Anthony Raisley, said the following on the topic: Congresswoman Malliotakis previously cautioned about making cuts that could impact the World Trade Center Health Program our first responders rely on. She has expressed her concern to the White House and believes this decision will be reversed as was the last one. The program is financially supported by the government through 2027 but funding beyond that year was excluded from a federal continuing resolution passed in December 2024. Vice President JD Vance said that he could run for president in 2028. But the veep said hed have to do one thing first: talk it over with President Donald Trump. When we get to that point, Ill talk to the president, well figure out what we want to do. But the way that I think about it is, if we do a good job, the politics take care of themselves, Vance said in an interview on Fox & Friends that was reported by the New York Post. The veep said, Theres so much to do and I dont really think that much about what happens in three and a half years. Trump earlier this year declined to endorse Vance as his successor. During a pre-Super Bowl interview with Fox Newss Bret Baier, Trump was asked if he saw Vance as the 2028 GOP nominee. No, but hes very capable, Trump replied. I think you have a lot of very capable people. So far, I think hes doing a very fantastic job, the president said. Its too early; were just starting. Vance later brushed off Trumps non-endorsement. I think he said exactly what he should have said, which is, Its too early, Vance said, adding that hes not focused on politics. He said, There will be a time to focus on politics, of course [like] the midterms. So lets do a good job and then worry about the midterms. And then well worry about presidential politics at the appropriate time. Republicans in Vances circle told The Post that the veep is a likely front-runner for the GOP nomination but said that Vances status hinges on his performance as Republican National Committee finance chair in the 2026 midterms. Betting sites have installed Vance as the clear front-runner for the 2028 GOP presidential nomination. But Trump has also talked openly about running for a third term if the constitutional bars can be overcome. The 22nd Amendment says that nobody can be elected president more than two times. Trump has already been elected twice, in 2016 and in 2024. In a ceremony at the Orwigsburg Free Public Library on Wednesday, Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity returned a World War I medal to the family of Private First Class Joseph William Morrison, a fallen soldier from Auburn, Schuylkill County. The medal, reported to the Treasury as unclaimed property, was awarded posthumously to Morrisons mother in recognition of his sacrifice during the war. The WWI Gold Star Mothers and Widows Pilgrimage Medal had been stored in a safe deposit box owned by the late Agnes Morrison, the granddaughter of Josephs mother, Agnes Kissick Morrison. Christine Morrison of Brooklyn, New York, a cousin of Agnes Morrison, traveled to Schuylkill County for the ceremony, which was attended by numerous family members. Im so honored to be returning this medal to Joseph Morrisons family on behalf of a grateful Commonwealth, said Treasurer Garrity. It is so important we remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives serving our country, as PFC Morrison did when he died representing the Allies in France. As a fellow veteran, there is no higher honor for me than to return these medals to our military families and shine a light on the heroism of our men and women in uniform. PFC Joseph W. Morrison served in the 554th Army Ambulance Service and was killed in action on November 1, 1918just ten days before Armistice Day marked the end of the war. His bravery was also recognized with the Croix de Guerre, and VFW Post 2198 in Orwigsburg bears his name in tribute. Christine Morrison expressed her gratitude, stating, When I was growing up in Auburn, I heard many stories about our great Uncle Joe. However, I was not aware of the Gold Star Medal which was presented to our great-grandmother after World War I. That is what makes the return of the medal to our family a very momentous occasion. It is quite remarkable, and only through the diligent efforts of the Pennsylvania Treasury staff, that the return is possible. More importantly, the medal reminds us of the sacrifice made by him and others and their families in defense of humanity. The Gold Star Mothers and Widows Pilgrimage Medal was awarded to mothers and widows of World War I soldiers, commemorating government-sponsored pilgrimages to their loved ones graves in France between 1930 and 1933. Agnes K. Morrison participated in such a pilgrimage in 1933, and in 2022, Christine and her husband traveled to France to visit PFC Morrisons grave. Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has returned 477 military decorations, including 11 Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars. Approximately 480 decorations remain in Treasurys vault, awaiting their rightful owners. The public can search Treasurys military decoration database at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/medals to help reunite veterans and their families with these honors. Unclaimed property often includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, and the contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes. Many tangible items, including military decorations, come from abandoned safety deposit boxes, police evidence rooms, colleges, and nursing homes. Pennsylvania law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to the Treasury after three years of dormancy. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, with an average claim worth about $1,600. To learn more or search the Treasurys database, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression will be on the agenda of discussions of issues on the meeting of NATO defence ministers. He said this in Brussels on Thursday before the start of a meeting of the heads of foreign diplomatic departments of NATO countries, which is taking place at the alliance's headquarters on April 3-4. I think all of these discussions, there will be a common thread, which is Ukraine, how to keep Ukraine in the fight, how to make sure that we keep on delivering what is necessary for Ukraine to sustain in the fight, including the military aid to Ukraine, Rutte is convinced. Answering a question about the US administration's actions in relation to the peace agreement, the Secretary General reiterated that the good news is that President Trump broke the deadlock on Ukraine, has started a dialogue with the Ukrainians and the Russians. We fully support this. I personally gave my commitment - whatever we can do, we will help. And the Americans have been absolutely clear that a deal, be it a ceasefire deal or a full deal on Ukraine, has to be lasting, has to be enduring, and that you have to make sure that Putin will never, ever try again to capture one square kilometre or one square mile of Ukraine in the future I do not want to comment on every intermediate step other than that I very much welcome what he is doing, that we want to support those efforts, that we agree with his red lines, that there should be an enduring and lasting peace for Ukraine. According to the NATO Secretary General, the focus here that of all 32 [allies] are concentrated on how to defend NATO territory, against the Russians, our long-term threat, which will be there even after, I hope, there will be a deal on Ukraine. The Russian threat will be there for many years to come. We are seeing what China is doing. We seeing how these two theatres, the Indo-Pacific and the Euro-Atlantic, are getting more and more connected by the fact that the Russians are working together with the North Koreans, with the Chinese, with the mullahs in Iran. So we have to look at all these theatres in conjunction, and that will be our focus, he explained. Rutte indicated that this would be the first meeting of foreign ministers with the participation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We will welcome him, and we will discuss, of course, a lot of things, but particularly, of course, focusing on ramping up defence spending, the Secretary General detailed. At the same time, Rutte again noted that over the past couple of months we literally see hundreds of billions of euros/dollars rolling in. So this is probably the biggest increase in defence spending here on the European side of NATO since the end of the Cold War. But we still need more. So that will be discussed, he added. Asked by reporters whether allies intend to hear from Rubio about reducing the American presence in Europe, the secretary general said: But this is not new. For many years, the Americans have told us, and they started 50 years ago, that they want to pivot more towards Asia. That there are issues in the Indo-Pacific the Americans have to attend to that's one. Second they have, for many years, told the Europeans, you have to spend more So these issues are not new. There are no plans for them to all of a sudden draw down their presence here in Europe, as I said yesterday. But we know that for America being the superpower they are, they have to attend to more theatres than one. The Secretary General also said that during the current meeting, the allies will be joined by partners from the Indo-Pacific region, in particular from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. We will discuss how to deepen that relationship, very much, focusing on another big subject these two days, which is the defence industrial production Of course, we also have the Ukrainian Foreign Minister here. We have Kaja Kallas here, Rutte noted. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per week Premium Includes: -- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time. -- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content -- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community -- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week! Hidden in the job contracts of about one in five Australians are little clauses weighing down their chances of landing a pay rise or a better-fitting role. They might, for instance, ban you from working for any of your employers competitors for a set amount of time even after leaving your job. Or, they can prevent you from setting up your own business in the same industry. These are called non-compete clauses, and theyve been on the rise for the past five years. Non-compete clauses are weighing down the economy. Credit: Matt Davidson From 2027, non-compete clauses on workers earning less than $175,000 a year could be banned by a Labor government. But why are these clauses so bad? And will banning them make much of a difference for workers or the economy? Non-competes are mostly in place to protect business interests, but in some roles, they can be reasonable. For example, they might stop a big bank employee from sharing timely and confidential information or business secrets with a competitor or prevent them from taking client relationships theyve developed through the bank to another bank. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Three retro-modern baking recipes the whole crew will love from The Bakers Book starring these chocolate rye tahini cookies. Many of Australias best bakers got their start in childhood, leafing through handwritten cake and biscuit recipes for their first foray into cooking. These hand-me-down recipes of our heritages, as influential baker Natalie Paull describes them in the foreword to The Bakers Book, have the power to transport us to another time or place, evoke a sense of wonder, spark a life-long hobby or even a career. Ruby Goss hoped to capture that magic when she teamed up with baker Rosemary Andrews on The Bakers Book, a compilation of recipes and cooking advice from more than 30 of Australias most inspiring bakers, among them Good Food contributors Emelia Jackson and Danielle Alvarez, and Nadine Ingram from Sydney bakery Flour and Stone. We asked for recipes that excited them, that they wanted to share, in the hope that this book might become something you treasure, like a passed-down community cookbook, Goss writes in the books introduction. The recipes range from everyday loaf cakes, slices and biscuits to tarts, choux and showstopping layer cakes. But what could be better than these three updated classics steeped in nostalgia? Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A European-style patisserie and cafe serving everything from pastries to pizza. 1 / 8 Ricotta gnocchi and other assorted dishes. Supplied 2 / 8 Brunch at Cheri. Julian Lallo 3 / 8 Croissant. Supplied 4 / 8 Breakfast at Cheri. Supplied 5 / 8 The breakfast plate includes Mr Cannubi salami cotto and aged gouda. Supplied 6 / 8 Almond croissant. Supplied 7 / 8 Avocado tartine with cream cheese, cucumber and dill. Supplied 8 / 8 Croissant French toast with cinnamon sugar and maple syrup. Julian Lallo Previous Slide Next Slide European$$$$ A stones throw from the South Melbourne Market, the Darling Group (Higher Ground, Top Paddock, The Terrace) has expanded its cafe portfolio with this handsome patisserie and eatery spanning the former Bibelot and Chez Dre sites. Entering off Coventry Street, youll find a six-metre-long glass cabinet filled with everything from classic eclairs to pistachio-cream-filled choux pastry, as well as large-format celebration cakes. Moving into the 150-seat dining area, theres an all-day menu that runs the gamut from cinnamon-sugar-dusted French toast (made with croissant loaf), to a Middle Eastern-style fry-up brekkie, to pizzas made with 72-hour-fermented dough. Upstairs is a production kitchen churning out 600 sourdough loaves, 1000 croissants, and 800 brownie pain au chocolats a week exclusively for the groups venues. Most people will agree that becoming a parent changes your life. Fewer, it appears, can agree on how positive that change is. Last week, pop star Chappell Roan triggered a heated debate online after speaking about parenthood on the Call Her Daddy podcast. When asked about her hometown friends, most of whom are now parents, the 27-year-old described their lives as hellish. Chappell Roans remarks about parenthood have certainly gotten people talking, but are they fair? Credit: AP All of my friends who have kids are in hell. I dont know anyone ... whos happy and has children at this age, Roan said. I literally have not met anyone whos happy, anyone who has light in their eyes, anyone who has slept. Roans comments arent entirely unfounded. Some studies suggest the first few years of a childs life are the most stressful for mothers. In fact, according to data from the 2010 Australian National Infant Feeding Survey, one in five mothers with children under two suffer perinatal depression. A resolution between warring psychiatrists and the NSW government will be derailed if thousands of doctors walk off the job for three days next week after a judge blasted the doctors union for defying his orders. While their union was in an urgent hearing at the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) on Thursday, doctors began receiving letters from hospital executives warning them against striking for the first time in almost 30 years. The Herald revealed on Tuesday that thousands of doctors across the state were planning a three-day strike. Credit: Nic Walker The decision by the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF NSW) to proceed with the strike defied Acting Justice Peter Kites orders to cease organising and refrain from any industrial action for three months. ASMOF expects a significant portion of its 9000 members to participate in the strike. So far, staff at 32 hospitals have signed up to strike, spanning specialties including surgery, anaesthetics, emergency and intensive care. On Thursday, during a meeting with Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine Maciej Janczak and the delegation of Head Office led by Christian Urse, a Memorandum on cooperation was signed with the Ministry of National Unity, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Unity of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov said. "During the meeting with the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine Maciej Janczak and the delegation of the Head Office led by Christian Urse, a Memorandum on cooperation was signed," he said in the Telegram channel. Commenting on the signed document, Chernyshov said the joint project activities will focus on improving laws and simplifying access to services for those returning to Ukraine and supporting initiatives, attracting grant programs and exchanging experiences between different migration waves to strengthen social cohesion. "We are working together to ensure that Ukrainians have better access to their rights and opportunities regardless of their place of residence," the deputy prime minister said. Queenslands first permanent pill-testing sites will close their doors at the end of Friday, just a week after one of them picked up a highly toxic synthetic drug. CheQpoint, a jointly operated service funded by Queensland Health, opened in Bowen Hills in April last year. A second clinic launched on the Gold Coast in July. The LNP promised to scrap the Labor initiative if elected, but allowed a temporary Schoolies service to go ahead last year. The states first permanent pill-testing sites will close from April 4. Credit: CheQpoint Cameron Francis, chief executive of The Loop Australia a not-for-profit organisation that delivers the pill-testing service said he feared lives would be lost as a result of the state governments decision. Nobody needed a ceremony in a rose garden to know that Donald Trump wanted a divorce from the global economic system that has delivered wealth and security to America for at least seven decades. The signs were all there before the reality-TV theatrics at the White House. Now the objective is clear. The tariffs imposed on Australia are based on a fraud. Wielding a prop for his stage show, the United States president claimed Australia imposed 10 per cent tariffs on American exports. It does not. Yes, it has biosecurity controls on beef, pork and food imports. It does not apply tariffs. This has no bearing on the outcome, however, because Trump is intent on imposing tariffs. US President Donald Trump tosses a Make America Great Again hat during his tariff announcement in the Rose Garden of the White House on Wednesday. Credit: Bloomberg The reasoning behind the 10 per cent tariff on Australia is nakedly political and at odds with rational economic thinking and it makes a mockery of anyone who suggests the outcome would have been any different if Anthony Albanese had held another phone call with Trump. The blame for the tariffs does not lie with Australia not with the prime minister, not with ambassador Kevin Rudd for calling Trump a village idiot a few years ago, not with former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull for angering Trump by criticising him a few weeks ago. Follow our live coverage of the 2025 federal election here. The Australian Electoral Commission has cleared Abbie Chatfield of any wrongdoing after it reviewed whether her combined posts with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Greens leader Adam Bandt breached laws. Acting electoral commissioner Jeff Pope told Senate estimates last week he would review whether Chatfields posts with the party leaders should have an authorisation message. Content endorsing candidates or instructing people how to vote is legally required to include this, although news media outlets are exempt. Abbie Chatfield has interviewed both the prime minister and the leader of the Greens on her podcast. Clips of Chatfields separate interviews with Albanese and Bandt appeared on both her own and the respective leaders Instagram. The videos included a summary of Labors Medicare policies while criticising the Liberal Party. Another post showed her describing Bandt as an incredible leader. Anthony Albanese has announced that he wants to get the Port of Darwin back into Australian hands, declaring he wants to see the end of the Chinese-owned Landbridge Groups 99-year lease of the port. Weve been working on this for some time, Albanese said of the governments plan, describing the port as a strategic asset. Albanese said the government would enter into negotiations to buy back the port, saying he would be prepared to directly intervene to buy the port if a private buyer cannot be found. He said he was hopeful that an Australian superannuation fund may take over the lease. Pressed for detail by the local ABC host, who said she was confused by Albaneses announcement, the prime minister said he would have more to say about the issue later in the campaign. He suggested he was trying to pre-empt an announcement on the port by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who is travelling to Darwin. The US is the second-biggest trading nation in the world after China, and the biggest importer of goods. More than 200 countries, territories and regional associations around the world trade with the US, and on Thursday, the White House released a list of more than 100 of them that would be hit by new tariffs. The tariff rates include a baseline of 10 per cent on all imports (except those covered by an existing continental trade deal known as CUSMA between the US, Mexico and Canada). These tariffs will come into effect on Saturday, US time. There are also further reciprocal tariffs on imports from roughly 60 countries dubbed by Trump as the worst offenders those that have their own tariffs on US goods or other barriers in place, including currency manipulation or restrictions. These will come into effect on April 9, US time. Here are the countries facing some of the steepest or unexpected tariff rates. Its two specks of land populated by penguins and seals. Heard and McDonald islands, which sit 4000 kilometres south-west of Perth and are home to Australias only active volcanoes, are uninhabited apart from an occasional visit by scientists to check in on the unusual wildlife. The inhabitants of Heard and McDonald islands a tariff threat to the United States. But according to US President Donald Trump, the penguins and seals of Heard and McDonald islands are worthy of a 10 per cent tariff. As part of Trumps Liberation Day, Heard and McDonald islands an Australian external territory with no recorded exports were included in his hit list. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has targeted mining and farming regions in his first major campaign pledge to Western Australians. Dutton was in Perth on Thursday to announce a national mining and agriculture roads program. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in Perth. Credit: James Brickwood The program would be developed in consultation with miners and farmers to identify roads that require upgrading to improve the transport of food and mining commodities. I want Western Australia to continue to be the powerhouse of the national economy. But we need a government in Canberra that plays to WAs strengths, not works against it, Dutton said. Follow our live coverage of the 2025 federal election here. Donald Trumps self-destructive tariff blitz has forced Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to acknowledge the elephant in the room theyve so far been reluctant to talk about. Australia may have got the better end of a bad deal with a baseline rate of 10 per cent on exports to the US, but that doesnt mean we shouldnt be bracing for impact and not just economic, Peter Hartcher says, with Trumps Liberation Day having political implications beyond Australias federal election. Speaking with Samantha Selinger-Morris on The Morning Edition podcast, our international and political editor explains why Trump has delivered a massive advantage to Chinas Xi Jinping on a silver platter. To listen to the full episode, click the player below or read on for an edited extract of the conversation. US President Donald Trumps imposition of tariffs punishes foreign friend and foes but confoundingly damages those he claims to help: American consumers and industry. Trump has enjoyed a good run among partisan fans since his inauguration but his polarising tariff gambit will undoubtedly be his first test with his own supporters. They are the ones who will be forced to pay the price for such a wrecking-ball policy, with no guarantees the US economy will recover previous robustness. Donald Trump holds up a chart of reciprocal tariffs while speaking during a Make America Wealthy Again trade announcement event in Washington. Credit: Getty Trump had already announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, as well as 25 per cent duties on steel and aluminium exports. But, his so-called tariff Liberation Day is a watershed moment for world trade. Stock markets crashed the ASX200 dropped 1.9 per cent, wiping $48 billion off its value. The price of gold soared and uncertainty lies ahead as nations digest an economic policy that is counter to economic policies widely accepted for decades. A universal 10 per cent tariff on all imports will go into effect on April 5. Most Asian nations will be hit with steeper tariffs beginning on April 9, including massive 49 per cent and 46 per cent charges for Cambodia and Vietnam respectively. Under the new regime, Australian exports to the US will be hit with a 10 per cent tariff, with Trump singling out our continuing mad cow disease ban on US beef as a problem. The changes have far-reaching consequences on the global system and economies of our region, especially South East Asia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stayed clear of retaliation, instead calmly announcing Australias response, which included strengthening anti-dumping provisions, $50 million in funding for industry to seek new customers, a $1 billion interest-free loans scheme for firms to expand into new export markets, prioritising Australian firms for government procurement and new a critical minerals strategic reserve. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticised the Albanese approach as weak and said he would be prepared to fight with the US administration over tariffs. Surprisingly perhaps, he even took a personal swipe at Trump: We have a special relationship with the United States and it hasnt been treated with respect by the administration or by the president and the question now is what do we do to resolve this matter and to do it quickly? Dutton also slammed Albanese as a leader of a bad government who could not get a phone call with Trump to discuss tariffs. But what he did not say was that prime ministers and presidents from across the world have phoned the White House seeking special consideration and fared no better than Australia. Trump has a predilection for chaos and a tendency to retreat when the whip comes down. But his protectionism has opened the door to a world trade war. Washington: The US government has banned American government personnel in China, as well as family members and contractors with security clearances, from any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, The Associated Press has learned. Four people with direct knowledge of the matter told the AP about the policy, which was put into effect by departing US ambassador Nicholas Burns in January shortly before he left China. The people would speak only on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a confidential new directive. Though some US agencies already had strict rules on such relationships, a blanket non-fraternisation policy, as it is known, has been unheard of publicly since the Cold War. Its not uncommon for American diplomats in other countries to date locals and even marry them. The new policy covers US missions in mainland China, including the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan. Credit: EPA A more limited version of the policy was enacted last summer prohibiting US personnel from romantic and sexual relations with Chinese citizens working as guards and other support staff at the US embassy and five consulates in China. But Burns, the departing ambassador, broadened it to a blanket ban on such relations with any Chinese citizen in China in January, days before US President Donald Trump took office. The AP was unable to determine exactly how the policy defined the phrase romantic or sexual relationship. Photo: https://mfa.gov.ua/ During the meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will speak about putting pressure on Russia to start a real dialogue and about security guarantees for Ukraine. He announced this on Thursday during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte before the start of the meeting, which is taking place in Brussels as part of the meeting of foreign ministers of NATO member countries. "Today I will discuss with allies how to put pressure on Russia to engage in real dialogue. I will also discuss our urgent defense needs and security guarantees for Ukraine, as well as a credible deterrence package. For us, strong and long-term guarantees are directly linked to the ongoing peace process and efforts, because without them, Russia will attack again," Sybiha said. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister noted that he "came to NATO headquarters to talk about peace, long-term, comprehensive peace, how to achieve it and how to maintain it." "Ukraine has demonstrated its readiness to achieve peace. We accepted the US proposal for a complete temporary 30-day ceasefire without any conditions. This proposal is still on the table. But we see that instead of accepting it, Putin is talking about demands and conditions," he stated. In this regard, Sybiha expressed the conviction that Russia "must take peace seriously, and for this, the time has come to increase pressure on Moscow." "Now is the time for diplomacy, but also for pressure and containment. Although the media's attention is focused on global trade wars, we must not forget that a real full-scale war is ongoing in Europe," the minister emphasized, adding that Russia remains "an existential threat to Europe." According to the Ukrainian minister, today at the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting he intends to focus "on the self-sufficiency of Ukraine and Europe." "Ukraine currently spends 26% of its budget on defense. Our defense industry produces millions of drones a year. We are already almost 40% self-sufficient. And we can increase all these figures," Sybiha said. He stressed that 800,000 Ukrainian soldiers "are defenders of Ukraine and defenders of Europe." "They must be well armed. The world must be well armed. Our defense industry will become the backbone of European defense. Our army is the largest land army in Europe, and our defense technologies are among the most advanced," the minister assured. In turn, Rutte noted that, having visited Bucha after its liberation, he was convinced that dealing with the Russians "will be very difficult." "Of course, I highly appreciate America's efforts to get the situation out of the impasse. This is important. We must make sure that when a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached, it will be sustainable, long-term ... The world is watching. This is not a regional war, this is a global conflict, because Russia is cooperating with North Korea, China, Iran, and in the end there is an audience that will evaluate the outcome of this war," he is convinced. Rutte also recalled that in the first three months of this year, NATO allies committed to providing Ukraine with EUR 20 billion, and last year the total amount was EUR 50 billion. Pond Island:--- The TelEm Group of Companies acknowledges recent public discourse surrounding its financial status and firmly refutes misleading information being circulated. The company says inaccurate portrayals are creating unwarranted harm at a time when management and personnel are making substantial progress in restoring economic stability, improving service delivery, and regaining stakeholder trust. The public deserves to know clearly and accurately that TelEm is not leaderless or adrift but is under the active and capable guidance of a dedicated management team that has been working diligently and responsibly to restore profitability and long-term stability. There is no void in leadership, only a deep commitment to action, accountability, and transformation, says TelEm Group management in a strongly worded release. Strategic Leadership Driving Real Progress Management says while financial challenges exist, strategic leadership within the company is driving real progress. Many of the rumors and commentary in the public domain have been taken out of contextor are simply false. These statements have created confusion and undermine all honest efforts being made at a time when unity and transparency are critical, continues management. The company chiefs say they are building a leaner, stronger TelEmone that reflects St. Maarten's pride and potential. While some seek to derail progress with misinformation, our focus remains on results, transparency, and resilience. Pointing to significant developments already in motion, management points to a number of key improvements that are delivering tangible benefits to customers and strengthening the companys core infrastructure, including: SMPR-1 Undersea Fiber Cable Now Live: The SMPR-1 undersea fibre cable is fully operational and actively carrying traffic. This key development enhances capacity and significantly reduces the cost of third-party bandwidth. Recent Outage Transparently Addressed: A recent service outage was traced to malfunctioning legacy equipment. The issue has been addressed and publicly communicated, and the company is accelerating modernization efforts to eliminate such risks moving forward. Mobile Network Modernization: Ongoing upgrades to the 3G and LTE platforms are delivering better service reliability and laying the foundation for 5G deployment in 2025. Island-Wide Internet Expansion: Infrastructure upgrades to TelEms ISP core will improve mobile internet coverage across the island's Dutch and French sides. Power System Enhancements: TelEm has completed critical power and backup system upgrades at essential sites like the SMITCOMS building and Earth station. Fiber-to-the-Home (FttH) Growth: The FttH initiative continues to expand across St. Maarten, connecting more homes and businesses to world-class fibre-optic internet and solidifying TelEms position as the islands leading fibre provider. Financial Restructuring with Transparency The company acknowledges legacy financial obligations, including an arbitration judgment, but emphasizes that these challenges are part of an already active and transparent restructuring process. Weve made difficult but necessary decisions and are moving forward with clarity and resolve, management states. TelEm Group management says they understand that trust is earned through consistent action and transparency. They note that while recovery will take time, the company is focused on regaining the confidence of customers, partners, and the broader St. Maarten community. The telecom industry moves fast. TelEm hasnt always kept pace, but we are correcting that now. Were focused on operational excellence and on delivering the services our customers expect and deserve, We continue to extend our most profound appreciation to our customers for their loyalty and patience during this transitional period. The continued support of everyone is the foundation of a stronger future, states the company. PHILIPSBURG:--- In preparation for the anticipated Carnival 2025, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) and the Gendarmerie of Saint Martin have strengthened their working agreement to reinforce their commitment to public safety. On Thursday, April 3, 2025, members of the Carnival 2025 Coordinating Team from KPSM met with their French law enforcement counterparts to discuss safety strategies and cross-border cooperation during the upcoming festivities. The meeting focused on ensuring a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors during the carnival season. As part of this collaboration, French officers will assist KPSM in maintaining order and security during key Carnival events, including the parades, Jump-Ups, and large shows at the Festival Village. This joint effort reinforces the strong partnership between both law enforcement agencies and sends a clear message to individuals with ill intentions that authorities on both sides of the island are working together to guarantee public safety. KPSM remains committed to fostering regional cooperation to enhance security and maintain public order. The force thanks the Gendarmerie of Saint Martin for their ongoing collaboration and support. KPSM Press Release. France says EU to target US online services after Trump tariffs Paris, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 The European Union is "ready for a trade war" with the United States and plans to "attack online services" in response to Donald Trump's new tariffs, the French government spokeswoman said Thursday. "We are pretty sure that we are indeed going to see an adverse effect on production," Sophie Primas told broadcaster RTL, expressing particular concern about the "strong" impact on wine and spirits. "We have a whole range of tools and we are ready for this trade war," she added. "Then we will look at how we can support our production industries." Trump "thinks he is the master of the world", Primas added. "It is an imperialist stance that we had somewhat forgotten about but which is returning with great force and great determination." President Emmanuel Macron will meet Thursday with representatives of French sectors "impacted by the tariff measures" announced by Trump, his office said. The meeting is set to take place at 1400 GMT. On Wednesday, Trump unveiled stinging tariffs on major trade partners including China and the European Union on what he called "Liberation Day". Primas said the EU was preparing a two-stage response, with "an initial response" to be put in place around mid-April concerning aluminium and steel. Then the EU will target "all products and services", with the measures probably ready at the end of April, she said, adding this was still being discussed. "But we are also going to attack services. For example, online services, which are not taxed today but could be," Primas said. The EU's response could also concern "access to our procurement contracts", she said. - 'Catastrophe' - The French association representing wine and spirits exporters (FEVS) said that the US announcement "will have extremely serious consequences for the French and European wine and spirits sector". The association said exports of French wines and spirits to the United States could drop by around 800 million euros ($877 million), with the figure estimated at 1.6 billion euros for the EU. "Such a decline will have a huge impact on employment and the sector's economy," the association said in a statement. The measures will also have "an extremely negative impact on American importers, wholesalers and retailers", according to the statement. In 2024, France exported around 2.4 billion euros worth of wines and 1.5 billion worth of spirits to the United States, its largest export market. The FEVS emphasised "the importance of maintaining an open and constructive bilateral dialogue around a positive agenda on transatlantic trade issues." Separately, the CNAOC wine and spirits association estimated the impact of the new US tariffs at "several hundred million euros". For French-made cognac and armagnac "it is a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions," the association said. far-as/phz AI could impact 40 percent of jobs worldwide: UN Geneva, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 The global artificial intelligence market is projected to reach $4.8 trillion -- roughly the size of Germany's economy -- by 2033, the UN said Thursday, warning nearly half of jobs worldwide could be affected. While AI is transforming economies and creating vast opportunities, the technology also risks deepening existing inequalities, the UN trade and development agency UNCTAD warned in a report. In particular, the report cautioned that "AI could impact 40 percent of jobs worldwide, offering productivity gains but also raising concerns about automation and job displacement". While previous waves of technology mainly impacted blue-collar jobs, UNCTAD highlighted that knowledge-intensive sectors would be left most exposed by AI. This means advanced economies will surely be hardest-hit, it said, adding though that these economies were better positioned to harness the benefits of AI than developing economies. "The benefits of AI-driven automation often favour capital over labour, which could widen inequality and reduce the competitive advantage of low-cost labour in developing economies," UNCTAD said. In a statement, the agency chief Rebeca Grynspan underlined the importance of ensuring people are at the centre of AI development, urging stronger international cooperation to "shift the focus from technology to people, enabling countries to co-create a global artificial intelligence framework". "History has shown that while technological progress drives economic growth, it does not on its own ensure equitable income distribution or promote inclusive human development," she warned in the report. - $4.8 trillion - In 2023, so-called frontier technologies like the internet, blockchain, 5G, 3D printing and AI, represented a $2.5-trillion market, with that number expected to increase sixfold in the next decade to $16.4 trillion, the report said. And by 2033, AI will be the leading technology in this sector, with an expected value of $4.8 trillion, it showed. But UNCTAD cautioned that access to AI infrastructure and expertise remained concentrated in just a few economies, with only 100 firms, mainly in the US and China, currently accounting for 40 percent of global corporate research and development spending. "Countries should act now," the agency said, insisting that "by investing in digital infrastructure, building capabilities, and strengthening AI governance", they could "harness the AI potential for sustainable development". "AI is not just about replacing jobs," it said, insisting the technology could "also create new industries and empower workers". "Investing in reskilling, upskilling, and workforce adaptation is essential to ensure AI enhances employment opportunities rather than eliminating them." The UN agency stressed the need for all countries to take part in discussions around how to govern AI. "AI is shaping the world's economic future, yet 118 countries - mostly in the Global South - are absent from major AI governance discussions," it said. "As AI regulation and ethical frameworks take shape, developing nations must have a seat at the table to ensure AI serves global progress, not just the interests of a few." Zuckerberg repeats Trump visits in bid to settle antitrust case Washington, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has made repeated visits to the White House as he tries to persuade US President Donald Trump to settle a major antitrust case before it goes to trial on April 14, US media reported. The case against Meta was filed in 2020 by the Federal Trade Commission and seeks to prove that the company formerly known as Facebook illegally acquired potential competitors, particularly Instagram and WhatsApp, to eliminate competitive threats. The New York Times reported that Zuckerberg has visited Trump at both the White House and his Mar-a-Lago resort several times in recent weeks as he makes a last-ditch attempt to spare his company the seven- to eight-week trial. The trial is to take place in a Washington federal court, with Zuckerberg and former executive Sheryl Sandberg among those to take the stand. Contacted by AFP, a Meta spokesman said: "Mark's continuing the meetings he's been holding with the administration on American technology leadership." Since Trump took back the White House, Zuckerberg has courted the president with frequent visits and notable changes to corporate policies on matters like content moderation, aligning himself politically with the Republican administration. Zuckerberg has also bought a $23 million residence in the US capital in recent weeks as he steps up his lobbying of Trump. The case from the FTC focuses on Meta's acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014, with the US government alleging Meta made the purchases while operating an illegal monopoly in the US social networking market. It is seeking to force the company to divest from these platforms, but the final outcome could take years after appeals. According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump has yet to decide whether the administration will settle with the company, which would be a highly unusual decision at this stage of the proceedings. Asked recently about his agency's commitment to the case, Trump-appointed FTC chair Andrew Ferguson said his teams were "gearing up" for the trial. "This trial has been five years in the making, was started by President Trump in 2020 and we have the resources ready to go," he added in comments to Bloomberg TV last month. arp/jhb Meta SBU reports in absentia suspicion of seizure of Zaporizhia NPP to three Russian generals, their accomplices The State Security Service (SBU) has collected evidence on six occupiers who in March 2022 participated in the seizure of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe Zaporizhia NPP. "According to the investigation, at the beginning of the full-scale war, Russian officials gave orders to their subordinates to attack the energy facility using heavy weapons," the SBU said on the Telegram channel said on Thursday. It was documented how during the seizure of the NPP, the occupiers shelled the station with tanks and other types of armored vehicles. "As a result of the fire, a station employee and two other citizens died, and a fourth was injured. In addition, enemy shelling could have damaged technological equipment and caused a man-made disaster," the SBU said. Three Russian generals were suspected in absentia, namely: Major General Dmytro Chystiakov, commander of the 102nd separate operational brigade in the Republic of Dagestan of the Russian Federation; Major General Oleksiy Dombrovsky, deputy head of the main administration of the Russian Guard for Krasnodar territory of the Russian Federation; Major General Yuriy Lukachev, commander of the 22nd separate operational brigade "Kobra" of the North Caucasus District of the Russian Guard (at the time of the crime he held the rank of colonel). In addition, suspicions were received by: Colonel Oleksiy Reshetnev, commander of the regiment for the protection of important state facilities of Volga district of the Russian Guard; Colonel Serhiy Dovhan, Head of the Department for the organization of protection of important state facilities of Siberian district of the Russian Guard; Lieutenant Colonel Murakhdan Akhmedkhanov, Commander of the Reinforced Tactical Group of the 749th Separate Operational Battalion of the Russian Guard in the Republic of Dagestan of the Russian Federation. Based on the collected evidence, they are charged with violating the laws and customs of war, committed by a group of persons in a preliminary conspiracy (Part 2 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The indictments against all the defendants have been sent to court. Comprehensive measures are underway to bring each war criminal of Russia to justice. Rubio heads to Europe as transatlantic tensions soar Washington, April 2 (AFP) Apr 02, 2025 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio headed Wednesday to a NATO meeting in Europe as transatlantic tensions soar, with President Donald Trump unleashing a trade war and challenging Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland. Rubio flew out of Andrews Air Force Base shortly after Trump made his long-awaited announcement of sweeping global tariffs, part of an effort to remake the world's economic order and shatter decades of efforts toward freer trade. European allies have warned they will respond in kind, although Britain, which has left the European Union, said Wednesday it would take its time as it seeks a trade deal with Washington. Rubio, as the top US diplomat, has used more delicate language than Trump. But ahead of his trip, he said Trump was right "that the state of global trade is completely unfair to America." "So I get why all these countries are unhappy, because they got a great deal going on and they want to keep it going," Rubio said in a Fox News Radio interview in March. Rubio will be taking part in two days of talks among NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, which will prepare for a June leaders' summit in The Hague. The new US administration has quickly shown itself ideologically at odds with much of Europe. Vice President JD Vance made the Trump team's European debut in February by calling on Germany to stop shunning the far right. Other than Canada, which Trump has mocked as the 51st US state, perhaps no ally has come under as much fire as Denmark. Trump covets its Arctic territory Greenland, which is rich in resources and strategically located. Vance flew last week to an American space base there and said: "Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland." Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who hopes to meet Rubio in Brussels, said that Denmark did "not appreciate the tone" of Vance. "This is not how you speak to your close allies, and I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies," Rasmussen said on X after Vance's trip. - Swings on Ukraine - The talks come a month after Trump stunned Europeans by dressing down Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a White House meeting, with Vance calling him ungrateful for the billions of dollars of US weapons sent to repel a Russian invasion. The White House showdown prompted European allies to reconsider US commitments to the continent as never before. Germany changed its constitution to ramp up defense spending and France redoubled calls for European-led collective defense. Since then, however, diplomacy has shifted, with Rubio meeting senior Ukrainian officials who backed a US-led proposal of a 30-day ceasefire. Putin rejected the truce proposal and instead has stepped up calls to remove Zelensky, prompting annoyance from Trump. Rubio is expected to hear calls in Brussels from Eastern European nations that want the United States to push forward on sanctions against Russia unless it budges. The Trump administration has sought to reprioritize US defense strategy to focus on China, as tensions rise over Taiwan, and to let Europeans handle more of their own security. The sentiment was laid bare in a text exchange on US strikes on Yemen, to which a journalist of The Atlantic was inadvertently added. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, backing up assertions to Vance, described "European freeloading" as "PATHETIC." Ahead of the summit in The Hague, Trump is pushing NATO members to show their commitment by raising defense expenditure to five percent of GDP -- more than any, including the United States, now spends. lb-sct/md/des Shaken NATO allies to meet Trump's top diplomat Brussels, Belgium, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Rattled US allies will press Secretary of State Marco Rubio Thursday to lay out Washington's plans for NATO and Ukraine, but his first visit to the alliance risks being overshadowed by a growing trade war. President Donald Trump has rocked the foundations of Western security by casting doubt on NATO's collective defence vow, reaching out to Europe's nemesis Russia, and threatening the territory of Canada and Denmark. In a further stoking of transatlantic tensions on Wednesday, the mercurial leader announced tariffs that will buffet allies and look set to draw retaliation. "I know that there have been allies, for example, on this side of the pond being worried about the long-term commitment of the US to NATO," alliance head Mark Rutte said. "But I'm absolutely convinced this alliance is there to stay with the US. Their commitment is absolutely clear." NATO's 31 other members will be desperate to separate the trade row from their two days of talks on the alliance's future and the war in Ukraine, whose foreign minister will also attend. Ahead of a June summit in The Hague, they're looking for details from Rubio on Trump's demands for allies to hike defence spending, warnings the United States could pull back forces from Europe, and intentions for Russia and Ukraine. "Obviously Rubio will keep pushing us to do more," one European diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "But we need some sort of additional reassurance from the US as well, and would be happy if he says 'we'll stand by you'." On Ukraine, Washington has left its allies in the dark as it engages in a head-spinning rapprochement with Russia aimed at convincing President Vladimir Putin to stop his three-year war. Nervous European countries are pleading with Trump to stand strong against Moscow as the US leader pushes for a partial ceasefire despite the warring sides trading accusations of ongoing strikes. The president has cheered allies by menacing Putin with sanctions for dragging his feet -- but there are fears Trump ultimately may want to draw close to a country viewed as NATO's number one enemy. Meanwhile, Britain and France are spearheading talks on sending troops to Ukraine to shore up any deal Trump may strike. While Kyiv's future is seen as a key issue for Europe, there are also fundamental questions over the future of the NATO alliance that has underpinned Europe's security for seven decades. Trump has long berated members for not spending enough on their own defence and is pushing them to show their commitment by massively hiking expenditure to five percent of GDP -- more than any member, including the United States, now spends. In a bid to ratchet up pressure he has threatened to only protect those countries that cough up enough in his eyes. NATO is looking to thrash out a new spending pledge for the Hague summit, with diplomats saying internal estimates say at least 3.5-3.7 percent of GDP needs to be spent on average to fill plans aimed at deterring Russia. - 'Therapy session' - Allies are scrambling to show they are doing more for their own protection as Washington warns it could look to shift assets from the continent to focus on other threats like China. In a blistering debut at NATO in February US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Europe it would now have to "take ownership of conventional security on the continent". Diplomats and officials are calling for the United States to give them plenty of time to coordinate any drawdown so no gaps are left in Europe's defences. So far though Washington has provided no further details on any plans to pull out its roughly 100,000 troops or the key weaponry that others would struggle to replace. After Hegseth's shock-and-awe approach last time round, allies hope Rubio could adopt a softer tone -- albeit still insisting on Trump's priorities. "If he doesn't say stuff to patch up our concerns then we may need a therapy session," said one NATO diplomat. Russian strike on Ukraine leader's home city kills four Kharkiv, Ukraine, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 A Russian ballistic missile strike killed at least four people and wounded 17 others in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's home city of Kryvyi Rig on Wednesday, authorities said. The strike followed an overnight Tuesday drone barrage on the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv, which together killed one and injured at least seven others, according to officials. The head of Kryvyi Rig's military administration, Oleksandr Vikul, said Russia attacked civilian infrastructure with a ballistic missile, sparking a large fire, and that a rescue operation was under way. "As of now, it is known that four people's lives were unfortunately taken by this strike. All of them are civilians," Zelensky said on social media. "The only way to stop this is to put enough pressure on Moscow, on the Russian system, so that they are forced to abandon war and terror," he added. Eleven of the 17 injured remain in hospital, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor Sergiy Lysak wrote on his Telegram account. An unverified social media video from the scene showed fire and smoke rising from a damaged industrial building, and debris lying around. Russia's defence ministry said it intercepted and destroyed 23 Ukrainian drones overnight Wednesday, mostly over the Bryansk, Oryol and Kursk regions. Russia and Ukraine have stepped up aerial attacks even as US President Donald Trump pushes Moscow and Kyiv to agree to a ceasefire after more than three years of costly fighting. A 45-year-old man was killed when a Russian drone strike hit cars parked outside a house in Zaporizhzhia, the head of the region's military administration Ivan Federov said on Telegram early Wednesday. In Kharkiv, five people were wounded in drone strikes, the head of the Kharkiv regional state administration Oleg Syniegubov said. An AFP reporter saw firefighters hosing down a building in Kharkiv, where a blaze was raging and black smoke billowed from windows. Gaza rescuers say Israeli air strikes in north kill at least 15 Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Gaza's civil defence agency said that Israeli air strikes in the north of the territory killed at least 15 people early on Thursday, as the military issued an evacuation order for residents of the area. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said that the strikes targeted several homes in Gaza City's Shujaiya neighbourhood. "There are still a number of people trapped under the rubble," he said. The Israeli military issued a new evacuation order for residents of Shujaiya and some other districts in the Gaza's north. "The IDF (military) is operating with great force in your areas to destroy the terrorist infrastructure," military spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post on X. "You must evacuate these areas immediately and move to the known shelters in western Gaza City." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has heard a report on the progress of the Kursk operation and actions in certain areas on enemy territory. Our warriors, our defense. I was briefed on the course of the Kursk operation our active operations in designated areas on enemy territory. We continue to defend the Sumy and Kharkiv regions by destroying the occupiers on the approaches to our land, Zelenskyy said on X on Thursday. He thanked all units for their steadfastness, for months of endurance and for one of the most important Ukrainian results during the war - Kursk operation. Colombia to buy Swedish fighter jets after turning down France, US offers Bogota, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Colombia will buy fighter planes from Sweden to replace its aging Israeli aircraft after declining proposals from the United States and France, President Gustavo Petro has said. The Latin American nation is facing its worst security crisis in years in the face of violence by guerrillas, drug cartels and other armed groups, which are gaining strength. Bogota has weighed multiple options over the past decade as its Kfir fighters become increasingly outdated. Colombia will purchase Saab 39 Gripen jets that are "completely new, with the latest technology," Petro wrote Wednesday in a post on social media platform X. Petro did not specify the value of the deal or the number of aircraft the Colombian air force would buy. In 2022, Colombia said it was considering buying 16 Rafale fighter jets from French manufacturer Dassault after looking at Swedish Gripen and US F-16 planes. das/lv/mel/tjx/sco Israel says shares with France 'common' goal of Iran without nuclear weapons Paris, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Israel and France share a "common" goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, the Israeli foreign minister said in Paris on Thursday. Western countries including the United States have long accused Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapon, which Tehran has denied, insisting its enrichment activities were solely for peaceful purposes. "The most extremist regime in the world shouldn't possess the most dangerous weapon in the world," Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters. "This objective to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear weapon is a common objective of France and Israel." Israel is the region's sole, if undeclared, nuclear-armed state. It has long made preventing any rival from matching this capability its top defence priority. Saar, who met France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot earlier Thursday, stressed that Iran was a threat to the entire region and not just to Israel, adding Israel was in talks with France, Britain and the United States. "We don't exclude a diplomatic path with Iran," he added. Concern is mounting as talks with Iran appear to have reached an impasse, while the window for negotiating a new treaty with Tehran is set to close in the fall. Key aspects of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear deal that Iran signed with world powers in 2015, are due to expire in October. US President Donald Trump already took the US out of the deal during his last mandate. Saar said he had invited France's top diplomat to visit Israel. "I have a continuous dialogue, an ongoing dialogue, with the French foreign minister," he said. On Wednesday, Barrot warned that a military confrontation with Iran would be "almost inevitable" if talks over Tehran's nuclear programme failed. Trump said in early March he had written to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to call for nuclear negotiations and warn of possible military action if Tehran refused. He has threatened that Iran will be bombed if it persists in developing nuclear weapons. Khamenei has promised to hit back. Detained Burkina journalists seen at anti-jihadist front line Abidjan, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Three Burkinabe journalists arrested over criticism of the junta have appeared in a video, saying they are at the front line to "cover the reality" of the battle against jihadist attacks. The government last week dissolved the Burkina Journalists' Association (AJB), a day after police arrested its president, Guezouma Sanogo, and his deputy, Boukari Ouoba. The arrests followed an address Sanogo made to the AJB's congress in which he criticised "attacks on the freedom of expression and the press" in the west African country. A third journalist, Luc Pagbelguem, was later taken in for questioning after reporting on Sanogo's remarks. The location of where the three were being held was unknown. The three men appeared in a video widely shared since late Wednesday on pro-junta social media accounts. In it, they appear to be inside a military barracks in a rural area, with shaved heads and in military fatigues, and are answering questions from a soldier. They talk about the need to "cover the reality on the ground", without it being clear whether the answers are being given under duress. Burkina Faso has seen numerous abductions of people viewed as critical of the junta under its chief Ibrahim Traore since he took power in a coup in 2022. In the past decade, the country has been caught in a spiral of violence blamed on jihadists that has spilt over from neighbouring Mali and Niger and since spread beyond the three countries' borders. NGOs have reported cases of people being forcibly recruited into the security forces to be sent to fight jihadists, following a mobilisation order in 2023. The campaigners say the order targets figures critical of the country's leaders. Rubio says US committed to NATO - but tells allies to spend more Brussels, Belgium, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told nervous NATO members on Thursday that Washington remained committed to the alliance, but said they must agree to massively ramp up their spending targets for defence. President Donald Trump has rattled Europe by casting doubt on his willingness to defend all allies, and by reaching out to Russia over the war in Ukraine -- before further raising tensions with his latest trade tariffs. "Some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media and some domestic media in the United States about NATO is unwarranted," Rubio said on his first visit to meet his NATO counterparts in Brussels. "President Trump's made clear he supports NATO. We're going to remain in NATO," he said. Ahead of NATO's June summit in The Hague, Trump has demanded that the alliance more than double its current spending target to five percent of GDP -- more than any, including Washington, spend now. "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway to every single one of the members committing and fulfilling a promise to reach up to five percent spending, and that includes the United States," Rubio said. "No one expects you're gonna be able to do this in one year or two. But the pathway has to be real," Rubio said. He insisted that Trump was "not against NATO. He is against a NATO that does not have the capabilities that it needs to fulfil the obligations." The words of reassurance will provide succour to allies, who are rushing in the meantime to show Washington they are stepping up. A string of European countries have announced steep increases in military budgets, with economic powerhouse Germany opening the way for a major splurge. "Great things are happening. Over the last couple of months, we literally see hundreds of billions of euros rolling in," NATO chief Mark Rutte said. "So this is probably the biggest increase in defence spending here on the European side of NATO since the end of the Cold War," he said. "But we still need more." - No 'sudden' withdrawal - As Europe grapples with the threat from Russia, Trump's administration has set the continent on edge by raising the prospect it could shift forces away to focus on other challenges like China. Officials have said that if Washington is planning a major shift away it needs to agree a clear timeline over years for Europe to fill the gaps left behind. "There are no plans for them to all of a sudden draw down their presence here in Europe," Rutte said. "But we know that for America, being the superpower they are, they have to attend to more theatres than one. It's only logical that you have that debate." Europe is nervously eyeing Trump's outreach to its number one nemesis Russia as he sidelines allies to press for a deal with Moscow to end the Ukraine war. Allies are pleading with Trump to stand strong against Moscow as he pushes for a partial ceasefire despite the warring sides trading accusations of ongoing strikes. He has cheered allies by menacing Putin with sanctions for dragging his feet, but there are fears Trump may ultimately want to draw close to a country viewed as NATO's main foe. "We have to admit that there is only one aggressor in this situation. This is Russia," Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said. "Russia is a long-term, direct military threat to all NATO and to Ukraine, and for Ukraine, we need a just and long lasting peace," he said. Meanwhile, Britain and France are spearheading talks on sending troops to Ukraine to shore up any deal Trump might strike. - Sidestepping tariff row? - Beyond NATO and Ukraine, Trump has also rocked allies by making territorial threats against Canada and Denmark, insisting that he will take over Greenland. Rubio was set to meet his Danish counterpart after tensions soared between the two sides following a visit by Vice President JD Vance to the territory. Foreign ministers largely looked to skirt the issue of a looming trade war after Trump's hefty tariffs on allies, in particular the European Union. But some warned that economic disputes risked jeopardising NATO's unity and its ability to strengthen itself. "It's important to understand that we grow faster and better together, that if we want to build resources for a stronger defence, we need to have economic growth," Norway's Espen Barth Eide said. "Protectionism will not do us any good." French creche worker faces 30 years jail on charges of killing baby with drain fluid Lyon, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 A French woman on Thursday risked being sentenced for up to 30 years in prison on charges of killing a baby by making the infant ingest drain cleaning fluid at the daycare centre where she worked. Prosecutors at the court in the southeastern city of Lyon asked for 30 years in prison, including 20 without possibility of parole, for Myriam Jaouen, now aged 30, over the death of baby Lisa in 2022. Lisa died just one week before her first birthday. The verdict is expected later Thursday. There is an "unfathomable" element to the killing, said prosecutor Baptiste Godreau as he outlined sentencing demands, adding that Jaouen had acted "perfectly conscious" of what she was doing. He said that the "heavy" sentencing demand was aimed at "punishing the extreme seriousness of this act, for having taken the life of a defenceless child in a cowardly fashion, to protect society in a lasting way and to protect the interests of the family". The accused admitted while in police custody that she had given Lisa the corrosive liquid while insisting that she had not intended to kill her. She presented several versions of the facts before admitting during the trial that she had held the child's head and poured the product directly into her mouth. She said that she could no longer bear the little girl's crying. "Is it impossible to spend eight minutes alone with a child when you have the qualification?" asked Godreau. - 'Cowardice' - He denounced the defendant's "cowardice" after the incident, saying she did not call for help herself, got rid of the bottle before she finished her workday and then went shopping, seemingly indifferent to the baby's "agony." Myriam Jaouen attended the proceedings with her back often hunched but without showing much emotion. At the time of the tragedy, the young woman, who is partially deaf, was still living with her parents after a difficult school career and on-off jobs in the sector. Despite her flaws and lack of experience, Myriam Jaouen was hired by the People and Baby group, a major player in the creche sector in France, which managed the nursery. On June 22, 2022, she was alone at the opening of the facility when Lisa's father dropped off the infant. A few minutes later, two women who had come to drop off their sons found the employee panicking and the child vomiting. The girl, seriously burned, died late that morning at the hospital where she had been taken. Lisa's death sparked outrage in France and triggered a series of investigations both by the government and media which highlighted shortcomings in the private daycare sector. But when they gave evidence in court, Lisa's parents wanted to bring the debate back to the criminal responsibility of the defendant, whom they described as the "monster" who killed their daughter. Poland aims to 'get closer' to 5% GDP defence spending next year Warsaw, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Poland aims to earmark around five percent of its economic output for military expenditure next year compared with 4.7 percent this year, its defence minister said on Thursday. Staunch allies of Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states -- all neighbours of Russia -- far outstrip NATO's two-percent-of-GDP target on defence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday told NATO to commit to spending five percent of GDP on defence and dismissed as "hysteria" questions about President Donald Trump's commitment to the alliance. "Five percent is definitely the goal we want to achieve next year, to get closer and closer to five percent," Poland's Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters. Fearing threats from Russia, Poland has for several years rapidly modernised its military, with a string of arms purchase contracts, mainly from the United States and South Korea. Gaza rescuers say 21 killed in Israeli strike on school-turned-shelter Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 21 people were killed Thursday in an Israeli air strike on a school serving as a shelter for people displaced by the war. "So far, 21 people have been killed as a result of an Israeli air strike on Dar al-Arqam School in the Al-Tuffah neighbourhood, northeast of Gaza City," Mahmud Bassal, the agency's spokesman, told AFP. The Israeli military when contacted did not provide an immediate response, but said in a statement that it had struck a "Hamas command and control centre in the area of Gaza City". "The command and control centre had been used by the terrorists to plan and execute attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops," the military said. It was unclear whether it was the same attack that targeted the school. Rubio reaffirms 'strong' US relationship with Denmark at meeting Brussels, Belgium, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday reassured his Danish counterpart of the "strong" ties between the two countries, as tensions soar over Washington's territorial threats against Greenland. "Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the strong relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark," a US statement said after a meeting on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels. The statement did not say if there had been any discussion on Denmark's autonomous territory of Greenland. Tensions between the United States and Denmark have soared after President Donald Trump repeatedly said he wanted to take control of the resource-rich Arctic island for security reasons. The US statement said Rubio's talks with Denmark's foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen focused on "shared priorities including increasing NATO defense spending and burden sharing, and addressing the threats to the alliance, including those posed by Russia and China." "They also reviewed ongoing coordination to enhance stability and security in Europe and to secure an enduring peace in Ukraine," it said. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited Greenland on Thursday in a show of unity with the island. Her visit came on the heels of a trip by US Vice President JD Vance last week that both Nuuk and Copenhagen viewed as a provocation. Israel says struck Hezbollah operative in south Lebanon Jerusalem, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Israel's military said it carried out an air strike targeting a member of Hezbollah in south Lebanon on Thursday, its latest attack on the country in recent days. "A short while ago, an IAF (Israeli air force) aircraft struck a Hezbollah terrorist who operated" in the area of Alma Al Shaab, a military statement said. Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported that one person was wounded in an Israeli drone strike on a car in the village near the border with Israel. It had also reported two wounded in Bint Jbeil in south Lebanon by an Israeli drone strike that targeted a car. An Israeli strike on Beirut on Tuesday killed a Hezbollah official handling Palestinian affairs, the second such raid since a November ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group. The health ministry reported four dead in the strike, including a woman. Israel and Hezbollah separately said the strike killed Hassan Bdair, who a source close to the Iran-backed group identified as its "deputy head for the Palestinian file". Israel also attacked the Hezbollah stronghold in the Lebanese capital's south on Friday in response to rocket fire, after it issued an evacuation warning. Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah spiralled into all-out conflict last September, and the group remains a target of Israeli air strikes despite the November 27 ceasefire. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel was due to complete its withdrawal from Lebanon by February 18 after missing a January deadline, but it has kept troops in five places it deems "strategic". The agreement also required Hezbollah to pull its forces north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south. The Lebanese army has deployed in the south as the Israeli military pulled back. Israel army says hit over 600 Gaza 'terror targets' since resuming strikes Jerusalem, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 The Israeli military said Thursday it had struck more than 600 "terror targets" across the Gaza Strip since resuming its strikes in the Palestinian territory on March 18. "We have struck more than 600 terrorist targets since the resumption of fighting.... The only thing that could slow us down is the release of our hostages," military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said in televised remarks. In a separate statement posted on X, the military's Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee said that more than "250 terrorists, including 12 senior terrorists in Hamas and its ruling arm" were killed since March 18. Earlier on Thursday, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said that 1,163 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory since the fighting resumed. mib-jd/acc/dv Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul discussed assistance to Ukraine and strengthening ties and joint efforts to counter the deepening cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. I was glad to catch up with Cho Tae-yul and thank the Republic of Korea for its support, including todays new $100 million assistance package. I welcome my colleagues participation in todays NATO ministerial as a sign that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is directly linked. We discussed strengthening our ties and joint efforts to counter the deepening Russia-DPRK cooperation that threatens both of our regions, Sybiha said on X. Gaza rescuers say 25 killed in Israeli strike on school-turned-shelter Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 25 people were killed Thursday in an Israeli air strike on a school serving as a shelter for people displaced by the war. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP the death toll had risen to 25, with more than 100 others wounded in the strike on Dar al-Arqam School in the Al-Tuffah neighbourhood, northeast of Gaza City. The Israeli military when contacted did not provide an immediate response, but said in a statement that it had struck a "Hamas command and control centre in the area of Gaza City". "The command and control centre had been used by the terrorists to plan and execute attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops," the military said. It was unclear whether it was the same attack that targeted the school. The military, when contacted by AFP, said that it was unable to confirm whether the strike had hit the school. Hamas condemned the attack, accusing the Israeli government of continuing its "targeting of innocent civilians as part of the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip". Since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge in schools and other facilities to escape the deadly violence. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Thursday that 1,163 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory since Israel resumed large-scale strikes on March 18, bringing the overall death toll since the war began to 50,523. Rubio says US committed to NATO - but demands allies spend more Brussels, Belgium, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told nervous NATO members on Thursday that Washington remained committed to the alliance, but said they must agree to massively ramp up their spending targets for defence. President Donald Trump has rattled Europe by casting doubt on his willingness to defend all allies, and by reaching out to Russia over the war in Ukraine -- before further raising tensions with his latest trade tariffs. "Some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media and some domestic media in the United States about NATO is unwarranted," Rubio said on his first visit to meet his NATO counterparts in Brussels. "President Trump's made clear he supports NATO. We're going to remain in NATO," he said. Ahead of NATO's June summit in The Hague, Trump has demanded that the alliance more than double its current spending target to five percent of GDP -- more than any, including Washington, spend now. "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway to every single one of the members committing and fulfilling a promise to reach up to five percent spending, and that includes the United States," Rubio said. "No one expects you're gonna be able to do this in one year or two. But the pathway has to be real," Rubio said. He insisted that Trump was "not against NATO. He is against a NATO that does not have the capabilities that it needs to fulfil the obligations." The words of reassurance will provide succour to allies, who are rushing in the meantime to show Washington they are stepping up. A string of European countries have announced steep increases in military budgets, with economic powerhouse Germany opening the way for a major splurge. "Great things are happening. Over the last couple of months, we literally see hundreds of billions of euros rolling in," NATO chief Mark Rutte said. "So this is probably the biggest increase in defence spending here on the European side of NATO since the end of the Cold War," he said. "But we still need more." - No 'sudden' withdrawal - As Europe grapples with the threat from Russia, Trump's administration has set the continent on edge by raising the prospect it could shift forces away to focus on other challenges like China. Officials have said that if Washington is planning a major shift away it needs to agree a clear timeline over years for Europe to fill the gaps left behind. "There are no plans for them to all of a sudden draw down their presence here in Europe," Rutte said. "But we know that for America, being the superpower they are, they have to attend to more theatres than one. It's only logical that you have that debate." Europe is nervously eyeing Trump's outreach to its number one nemesis Russia as he sidelines allies to press for a deal with Moscow to end the Ukraine war. Allies are pleading with Trump to stand strong against Moscow as he pushes for a partial ceasefire despite the warring sides trading accusations of ongoing strikes. He has cheered allies by menacing Putin with sanctions for dragging his feet, but there are fears Trump may ultimately want to draw close to a country viewed as NATO's main foe. - 'Increase pressure' - "It is time to increase pressure on Moscow. Now is the time for diplomacy, but also pressure and deterrence," Ukraine Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said as he met NATO counterparts. "While the media attention is on global trade wars, we must not forget there is a real, full scale war going on in Europe. Russia remains an existential threat to Europe." Foreign ministers largely looked to skirt the issue of a looming trade war after Trump's hefty tariffs on allies, in particular the European Union. But some warned that economic disputes risked jeopardising NATO's unity and its ability to strengthen itself. "It's important to understand that we grow faster and better together, that if we want to build resources for a stronger defence, we need to have economic growth," Norway's Espen Barth Eide said. "Protectionism will not do us any good." French creche worker gets 25 years for killing baby with drain cleaner Lyon, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 A French court on Thursday sentenced a daycare worker to 25 years in prison for killing a baby by making the infant drink drain cleaner to stop her from crying. Myriam Jaouen, 30, was charged with murder but the court in the southeastern city of Lyon found her guilty of "torture" and "barbarism resulting in death," but with no intention to kill. There is an "unfathomable" element to the 2022 killing of baby Lisa, said prosecutor Baptiste Godreau, adding that Jaouen was "perfectly conscious" of what she was doing. He said that the "heavy" sentence was needed to punish "the extreme seriousness of this act, for having taken the life of a defenceless child in a cowardly fashion, to protect society in a lasting way and to protect the interests of the family". The accused admitted in police custody that she had given Lisa the corrosive liquid, but insisted that she had not intended to kill her. She gave several versions before admitting during the trial that she had held the child's head and poured the product directly into her mouth. She said that she could no longer bear the infant's crying. Baby Lisa's parents were "shocked" that Jaouen had not been convicted of murder, their lawyer said after the trial. The verdict "adds pain to pain," Catherine Bourgade told reporters, adding that the parents "have the impression of having lost their child twice." "Who can put drain cleaner into the mouth of a child and then tell us that she didn't mean to kill her?" Bourgade said, adding that she hoped the prosecution would appeal the verdict. - 'Cowardice' - Godreau denounced the defendant's "cowardice" after the incident, saying she did not call for help herself, got rid of the bottle before she finished her workday and then went shopping, seemingly indifferent to the baby's "agony." Jaouen attended the proceedings with her back often hunched, without showing much emotion. At the time of the killing, the woman, who is partially deaf, was living with her parents after a difficult school career and on-off jobs in the sector. Despite her lack of experience, Jaouen was hired by the People and Baby group, a major player in the creche sector in France, which managed the nursery. On June 22, 2022, she was alone at the opening of the facility when Lisa's father dropped off the infant. A few minutes later, two women who had come to drop off their sons found the employee panicking and the child vomiting. The girl, seriously burned, died hours later at the hospital where she was taken. The death sparked outrage in France and triggered investigations by the government and media which highlighted shortcomings in the private daycare sector. In their evidence at the trial, Lisa's parents sought to highlight the responsibility of the defendant, whom they described as the "monster" who killed their daughter. Pentagon watchdog to probe defense chief over Signal chat row: memo Washington, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 The Pentagon inspector general's office will investigate Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of commercial messaging app Signal to discuss air strikes on Yemen, a memo released Thursday said. President Donald Trump's administration is facing a scandal over the accidental leak of a group chat by senior security officials on the strikes, which targeted Yemen's Huthi rebels in a bid to curb their attacks on commercial shipping and military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The probe will evaluate "the extent to which the Secretary of Defense and other DoD personnel complied with DoD policies and procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business," said the memo from the acting inspector general, Steven Stebbins. "Additionally, we will review compliance with classification and records retention requirements," according to the memo, which said the investigation is in response to a request from the top two members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a Republican and a Democrat. The Atlantic magazine revealed last week that its editor -- a well-known US journalist -- was inadvertently included in the Signal chat in which officials including Trump's National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Hegseth discussed details of air strike timings and intelligence. More Israeli air raids on Syria despite UN warning Damascus, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Israeli warplanes launched more air strikes against military targets in Syria on Thursday, hours after the United Nations said such attacks "undermine efforts to build a new Syria". Thursday's air raids came after a wave of Israeli strikes on military targets, including an airport, and a ground incursion in the south killed 13 people. War monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported two strikes "on military positions and posts" in the vicinity of Al-Kiswah and Al-Muqaylibah outside Damascus. It said there were no immediate reports of casualties. Since Islamist-led rebels toppled longtime strongman Bashar al-Assad in December, Israel has been bombing Syrian military assets extensively and has conducted ground incursions into southern Syria to repel the new government's forces from the border. UN envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen decried "the repeated and intensifying military escalations by Israel in Syria, including air strikes that have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties". "Such actions undermine efforts to build a new Syria at peace with itself and the region, and destabilise Syria at a sensitive time," he said in a statement. Authorities in the southern province of Daraa said nine civilians were killed and several wounded in Israeli shelling overnight near the town of Nawa. The provincial government said the bombardment came amid Israel's deepest ground incursion into southern Syria so far. Israel said it had responded to fire from gunmen during an operation in southern Syria and warned interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa he would face severe consequences if its security was threatened. The Observatory said the dead were gunmen killed "while attempting to confront Israeli forces, following calls by the mosques in the area for jihad against the Israeli incursion". - 'Military threat' - An angry crowd gathered Thursday for the funeral of those killed in Daraa. "This is an agricultural area... where no one threatens Israeli forces. We want to live in peace, but we do not accept attacks," said one, 48-year-old Khaled al-Awdat. Israel's military said its forces had been conducting operations in the Tasil area near Nawa, "seizing weapons and destroying terrorist infrastructure" when "several gunmen fired at our forces". They responded "and eliminated several armed terrorists from the ground and from the air", a spokesperson said. There were no Israeli casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded in February that southern Syria be completely demilitarised and said his government would not accept the presence of the forces of the new Islamist-led government near Israeli territory. In December, Netanyahu ordered troops into the UN-patrolled buffer zone along the 1974 armistice line on the Golan Heights. On Wednesday, Israel hit targets across Syria including in the Damascus area. Syria's foreign ministry said the strikes resulted in the "near-total destruction" of a military airport in the central province of Hama and wounded dozens of civilians and soldiers. "This unjustified escalation is a deliberate attempt to destabilise Syria and exacerbate the suffering of its people," it said on Telegram. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz hit back, pointedly referring to Sharaa by the nom de guerre he used as an Islamist rebel commander. "I warn Syrian leader Jolani: If you allow hostile forces to enter Syria and threaten Israeli security interests, you will pay a heavy price," he said. - 'Normalise violence'- "The air force's activity yesterday near the airports in T4, Hama and the Damascus area sends a clear message and serves as a warning for the future," Katz added. A Syrian source told AFP the T4 airbase was coveted by the new government's main foreign backer, Turkey. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Turkey of playing a "negative role in Syria". "We don't think Syria should be a Turkish protectorate," he said. Israel has said it wants to prevent advanced weapons from falling into the hands of the new authorities, whom it considers jihadists. Sharaa fought for Al-Qaeda in Iraq after the US-led invasion of 2003 and later set up a Syrian branch of the jihadist network before breaking off all ties. Neighbouring Jordan called Israel's repeated attacks on Syria a clear breach of the 1974 disengagement agreement between the two countries and a "flagrant violation of international law". Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Thursday also condemned the Israeli attacks. burs/srm/dv Pentagon watchdog to probe defense chief over Signal chat row Washington, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 The Pentagon inspector general's office will investigate Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of commercial messaging app Signal to discuss air strikes on Yemen, the watchdog said Thursday. President Donald Trump's administration is facing a scandal over the accidental leak of a group chat by senior security officials on the strikes, which targeted Yemen's Huthi rebels. The probe will evaluate the extent to which Hegseth and other defense personnel complied with "policies and procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business," said a memo from acting inspector general Steven Stebbins. They will also review "compliance with classification and records retention requirements," it said. The investigation came in response to a request from the top two members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a Republican and a Democrat, the memo said. The Atlantic magazine revealed last week that its editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently included in the Signal chat in which officials including Hegseth and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz discussed the strikes. The magazine initially withheld the details the officials discussed, but later published them after the White House insisted that no classified information was shared and attacked Goldberg as a liar. - Strike timing, intelligence info - The chat included messages in which Hegseth revealed the timing of strikes hours before they happened and information on aircraft and missiles involved, while Waltz sent real-time intelligence on the aftermath of the military action. The White House and a string of officials involved in the chat -- including Hegseth -- have tried to downplay the story, and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists this week that "the case is closed." A US judge ordered the Trump administration last week to preserve all Signal communication between March 11 and March 15. The dates cover the period between when Waltz set up the chat -- and mistakenly added Goldberg -- and the day of deadly US air strikes on the Iran-backed Huthis. The Atlantic said that Waltz had set some of the Signal messages to disappear after one week, and others after four, saying it raised questions about whether federal records law was violated. Trump has largely pinned the blame on Waltz, but has also dismissed calls by Democrats for top officials to resign and insisted instead on what he called the success of the raids on the Yemeni rebels. The Huthis began targeting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the Gaza war began in 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. Huthi attacks have prevented ships from passing through the Suez Canal, a vital route that normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic, forcing many companies into a costly detour around southern Africa. The United States first began conducting strikes in response under the Biden administration, and US forces have continued to hammer the Huthis with near-daily air assaults since March 15. Detained Burkina journalists seen at anti-jihadist front line Abidjan, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Three journalists arrested over criticism of Burkina Faso's military government junta have appeared in a video, saying they are at the front line to "cover the reality" of the battle against jihadist attacks. The government last week dissolved the Burkina Journalists' Association (AJB), a day after police arrested its president, Guezouma Sanogo, and his deputy, Boukari Ouoba. The arrests came after Sanogo criticised "attacks on the freedom of expression and the press" in the west African country at an AJB congress. A third journalist, Luc Pagbelguem, was taken in for questioning after reporting Sanogo's remarks. The three men appeared in a video widely shared since late Wednesday on pro-junta social media accounts. In it, they appear to be inside a military barracks in a rural area, with shaved heads and in military fatigues, and are answering questions from a soldier. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the video. "To force journalists to relay state propaganda under duress is an unacceptable violation of the freedom of the press, which bears witness to a regime incapable of tolerating criticism," the group said in a statement. It said that "six journalists" have been "requisitioned into the army in less than a year". Burkina Faso has seen numerous abductions of people viewed as critical of the military authorities since Ibrahim Traore took power in a coup in 2022. The country has become caught in a spiral of violence blamed on jihadists that has spilt over from neighbouring Mali and Niger. NGOs have reported cases of people being forcibly recruited into the security forces to be sent to fight jihadists, following a mobilisation order in 2023. The Defense Forces of Ukraine strictly adhere to the terms of the energy truce and do not strike at energy facilities both on the Russian territory and within the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said. "We emphasize that the Defense Forces of Ukraine strictly adhere to the agreements reached with partners and did not strike at energy facilities both on the territory of the Russian Federation and within the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine. Fire strikes are carried out exclusively against military targets of the Russian occupation army," the General Staff said in Telegram message on Thursday. It is noted that the enemy's information resources are producing fakes about Ukraine's attacks on energy facilities in Russia and in the territories occupied by it. "In particular, the Russian Foreign Ministry has prepared another pseudo-report about fabricated strikes on a number of Russian oil, gas and electricity enterprises," the General Staff said. "At the same time, numerous violations of these agreements by the Russian army are being recorded. Thus, in the last decade of March, the aggressor repeatedly attacked our energy facilities in Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson regions," the General Staff said in a statement. "The diplomatic service of the aggressor country traditionally spreads false and baseless accusations in order to shift the blame for the disruption of the peaceful settlement onto Ukraine and continue the war of aggression against our state," the AFU General Staff said. Instead, the Government should redouble its efforts to make a deal with America if we use our distinctive advantage of national sovereignty outside the EU, and our shared interest with the US in preserving the gargantuan flow of trans-Atlantic trade, then a deal could yet be achieved. Nothing should be allowed to stand in the way. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Back in March 2025, an Armenian military delegation touched down in India for a high-level visit that wasnt just another photo-op. The talks werent held in some plush New Delhi hotel ballroom they went straight to the top brass of Indias elite High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg, nestled deep in the Himalayas, and also met with the badass Shatrujeet special ops brigade. Thats not your average meet-and-greet thats boots-on-the-ground, no-nonsense war talk. And make no mistake: the South Caucasus security crowd has been buzzing ever since. This wasnt a one-off handshake deal. What were seeing is the early scaffolding of a full-fledged strategic alignment between Armenia and India. Armenias licking its wounds after battlefield beatdowns in 2020 and 2022, and its looking to rewire its entire defense playbook. Meanwhile, Indias eyeing the Caucasus as the next frontier in its power projection a chance to punch above its regional weight and rub elbows in NATOs neighborhood. When Armenian special forces start running drills at HAWS, this isnt just military optics its a geopolitical tell. It signals a new doctrine coming out of Yerevan: think smaller, strike smarter, and lean on asymmetric warfare. And thats not just theory its a threat Azerbaijan cant afford to ignore. So, whats really cooking in this India-Armenia axis? Can it actually bend the military balance in the South Caucasus? Lets break it down, from Armenias shift in military mindset to Indias regional calculus and what it all means for Baku. Indias Endgame & Armenias Desperation Play New Delhis play here is three-dimensional chess. The South Caucasus might be a world away from the Ganges, but for India, it checks all the right boxes: Geo-economics: India needs trade routes that skip China and bypass Pakistan altogether. Thats where Armenia steps in pitching itself as a key link in an alternate leg of the International NorthSouth Transport Corridor (INSTC). If it works, it could give India a straight shot to Europe that doesnt touch Chinese steel or Pakistani soil. Counterbalancing the BakuAnkaraIslamabad axis: Lets be real Pakistans been riding shotgun with Azerbaijan for years. They dont even recognize Armenia. And with Turkey backing Baku with both guns and rhetoric, Indias not just watching its responding. Building up Armenia gives New Delhi a counterpunch to Islamabads Caucasus ambitions. Selling weapons, building clout: Indias got a growing defense industry and needs serious buyers. Armenias all in snapping up Pinaka rocket systems, loitering munitions, radar gear, and ATGMs. Its not just a cash deal; its a diplomatic signal: India wants to be seen as a global arms supplier, not just a regional heavyweight. And playing in NATOs backyard? Thats gold. Armenia: hedging its future, ditching Moscow, shopping for a new bodyguard Post-2022, Yerevans had it with Moscow. The Kremlin sat on its hands while Armenia took hits. The CSTO looked more like a toothless club than a security pact. So what does Armenia do? It flips the script: Doubles down on military ties with France and India Loads up on Indian weapons systems Sends its troops for elite training abroad India, for Armenia, is the sweet spot no alliance strings attached, no post-Soviet baggage, just cutting-edge weapons and open training programs. Yerevans betting big on precision upgrades boosting its special ops to level the field, even if the rest of its army lags behind Azerbaijan in size and tech. Special Forces & Mountain Warfare: Armenias New Playbook Why go all in on Special Ops? After getting smoked in the Second Karabakh War and losing face in Syunik skirmishes in 2022, Armenian brass finally owned up: Their troops were slow, their tactics old-school They werent ready for fluid, mobile mountain warfare They lacked flexible, self-sufficient strike teams So heres the fix: elite, agile, and lethal. Armenia wants: Rapid-response units that can operate without backup Special teams trained for sabotage, recon, artillery spotting, and deep-infiltration ops Psychological warfare assets to throw their opponents off balance and sow chaos Mountain forces are now mission-critical. Think Karabakh, Syunik, Gegharkunik, Lori all high-altitude zones where boots need lungs, grit, and glacier training. Thats why HAWS in Gulmarg isnt just a training school its a laboratory for Armenias next-gen warfighters. The Bottom Line Indias arming Armenia isnt about friendship bracelets its a hard-nosed strategy. For New Delhi, its about putting boots on new geopolitical turf and tweaking regional balances without firing a shot. For Yerevan, its about clawing back dignity and building a military that punches above its weight. But for Azerbaijan? Its a warning shot. A signal that the post-2020 status quo is being challenged not by Moscow, not by Washington, but by a rising South Asian giant with something to prove. And if you're watching the Caucasus and not factoring in India? Youre playing last seasons game. HAWS School: Indias Mountain Warfare Blueprint and What It Means for Armenia Indias High Altitude Warfare School better known as HAWS isnt just another military academy. Its one of the worlds premier training centers for troops gearing up to fight in hellish conditions between 10,000 and 20,000 feet above sea level. Were talking combat in thin air, freezing temps, vertical terrain the kind of environment that chews up soldiers and spits out corpses. Heres what HAWS throws at its trainees: Full acclimatization up to 16,500 feet Combat drills on rocky slopes and snow-covered ridgelines Hardcore survival skills and night ops training Mountaineering and ropework that would make an alpine guide sweat Anti-ambush tactics, stealth, camo, and radio silence drills And HAWS isnt working in a bubble theyve teamed up with British, French, and U.S. instructors, building a cross-cultural training hub thats as NATO-ready as it gets. Now, some Armenian troops have begun passing through this brutal gauntlet, hoping to come out leaner, meaner, and more mission-ready. But heres the kicker unless those guys get fully integrated into a coherent military system back home, theyll end up as elite misfits with no real place to operate. Armenia vs. Azerbaijan: The Mountain Warfare Scorecard Since the 2020 war, Baku hasnt just rested on its battlefield wins its gone full throttle into modernization mode. Heres how theyre stacking the deck: Permanent, fully equipped mountain bases in Karabakh, locked and loaded year-round Tight integration of drones, artillery, and missile systems with AI-enhanced targeting and real-time intel Combat-tested Azerbaijani special forces, trained alongside Turkish and Pakistani counterparts Upgraded logistics and comms networks, even in terrain that looks like the moon Agile, modular assault units that eat elevation changes for breakfast And lets not forget the war games Azerbaijans mountain training resume is stacked: "Sarslmaz Qardaslq" (2021): Simulated high-altitude assault ops "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 2023": Deep strike missions above 10,000 feet Elite commando cross-training with Turkeys mountain warfare units in Tunceli Bottom line: Azerbaijans army isnt just playing catch-up theyve got the infrastructure, tech, and battle-hardened muscle to stay king of the mountains. Armenia: Patchwork prep with no master plan Now lets talk about Yerevan a whole different story. The Armenian military is still trying to shake off: Chronic manpower shortages and low troop morale No unified training or rotation system to speak of Outdated gear, especially when it comes to NVGs, radios, and fire control Painfully slow logistics in remote mountain zones A broken reserve and mobilization framework So, sure a few commandos heading off to HAWS might learn how to rappel down a glacier in the dead of night. But back home, theyre a one-off asset, not part of a well-oiled war machine. And lets not kid ourselves without air cover, ISR support, and top-shelf logistics, even the best-trained special ops units turn into sitting ducks. Azerbaijan holds that advantage across the board. Will HAWS Move the Needle for Armenia? Short-Term Tactical Gains Lets be fair. Armenias HAWS trainees will come back tougher, sharper, and better prepped for: Survival and ambush tactics at high altitude Micro-scale operations in rugged terrain Diversionary raids and hit-and-run moves in zones like Syunik That might give Yerevan some teeth in limited engagements, especially along tricky border areas. But... Strategic Reality Check There are some hard ceilings Armenia cant break no matter how good the training is: Limited resources: No homegrown pipeline to mass-produce HAWS-level troops. No infrastructure to support them in-country. Small numbers: At best, 100 to 150 trainees a year. Not nearly enough for a full-fledged special ops corps. Limited application: Mountain raids dont win modern wars. Wars in the South Caucasus are decided by firepower artillery, air defense, drones, and fast-moving brigades. External dependency: No defense industry, no strategic depth. Armenias still at the mercy of foreign suppliers and external training. Block those pipelines, and the whole system buckles. The Bottom Line Even if Armenian troops ace every module at HAWS, what were talking about is a band-aid on a bullet wound not a game-changer. Its a patch of elite capability with no foundation to stand on. Tactical upgrades, yes. Strategic shift? Not a chance. Until Armenia builds out a real military ecosystem to support these troops with logistics, intel, comms, and doctrine to match its HAWS effect will be more headline than hard power. Bakus Take and How Azerbaijan Can Strike Back As Armenia steps up its game with Indias mountain warfare elite, Azerbaijan isnt sitting this one out. Yerevans flirtation with HAWS may grab headlines, but for Baku, its not the time for alarm bells its time for cold, calculated countermeasures. Lets cut to the chase: there are legitimate threats Azerbaijan needs to keep an eye on, but theres also a clear roadmap for neutralizing them with brains, muscle, and strategy. The Real Risks for Baku Heres whats potentially on the table: Armenian special ops teams trained to slip through border zones, strike from behind, and vanish into the mountains Indian-style ambush tactics, covert infiltration, and sabotage ops targeting Azerbaijani supply lines or infrastructure A growing anti-Baku triad Yerevan, Paris, and New Delhi each pulling their weight to help Armenia retool, rearm, and retrain Its not just about bullets. Its about building an ecosystem of support aimed at giving Armenia an edge it couldnt get from Moscow. Bakus Counterplay: Tools Are in Place, Strategy Needs Sharpening Azerbaijans not starting from scratch the toolbox is well-stocked. But to stay two steps ahead, its time to fine-tune the playbook: Eyes Everywhere Step up border surveillance. That means full-spectrum technical recon drones, satellites, SIGINT to catch SSO teams before they move. Early detection is everything in counterinsurgency. Train to Counter Whats Coming Get ahead of the ambush playbook. Azerbaijan should double down on joint drills with Turkey and Pakistan, focusing on high-altitude counter-infiltration tactics and anti-sabotage operations. Turn Up the Diplomatic Heat Engage India through bilateral channels and make it clear that militarizing the Caucasus is a red line. Dont shout explain. Quiet diplomacy can do more damage than a press conference. Mirror the Threat Ramp up Azerbaijans own SSO training. Take cues from Turkish commando doctrine, pull in Pakistani expertise, and seriously consider building a national mountain warfare training hub a Caucasus HAWS, if you will. Own the Narrative In the media war, Baku needs to go on offense. Frame Armenias new military moves as reckless escalation. Make the case internationally that Azerbaijan is playing defense rational, stable, responsible. Strategic Recommendations Azerbaijans Smart Moves Lets get specific about how Baku can flip the script: Dont Panic Over HAWS Its elite training, sure but it wont transform a fragmented force into a world-class army. Monitor Armenian SSO deployments carefully, especially in high-risk zones like Syunik. Double Down on Your Own Special Ops Game Expand Azerbaijans SSO capabilities, with an eye toward terrain-specific warfare. Tap into Turkish and Pakistani training pipelines. Push forward the Caucasus Training Center concept not just for optics, but for readiness. Work the Diplomatic Angles Leverage the Non-Aligned Movement and OIC platforms to raise flags about Indias role. Highlight the destabilizing potential of a regional arms race disguised as training. Counter the YerevanParisNew Delhi Triangle Bolster the BakuAnkaraIslamabad axis not just as military coordination, but as a regional security alliance. Shared doctrine, joint drills, and intelligence fusion should be the baseline. Invest Where It Hurts Them Most Azerbaijans defense industry needs to stay laser-focused on tech that neutralizes enemy SSO units think thermal and night-vision gear, counter-drone systems, signal jammers, and precision strike capabilities. Its a New Phase, Not a New Threat The Armenian militarys engagement with HAWS is symbolic. It signals that Yerevan is trying to reinvent its playbook to win where it cant match Azerbaijan on conventional terms. But symbols dont win wars. Without deep structural reform, a real mobilization framework, and an overhauled logistics chain, Armenias elite training missions remain what they are: tactical makeup masking strategic flaws. Azerbaijan, by contrast, holds all the key cards a battle-proven army, a rock-solid alliance with Turkey and Pakistan, and a technological edge that Armenia cant buy overnight. So long as Baku maintains political resolve, invests in defense innovation, and keeps its diplomatic engines running, any Armenian attempt at targeted enhancement will remain exactly that limited, local, and containable. The mountains may be unforgiving, but in this region, its still the lowland strategists who decide how wars are won. Baku Network The US President also indicated tariffs of 10% would apply to other products from the UK the same level as the global baseline he was setting for countries around the world as part of reciprocal measures that will come into force from 5am on Saturday. Asked if either the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, or the UK Ambassador the US, Lord Mandelson with whom the First Minister recently met had warned the Scottish Government not to seek to engage with the US administration, the spokesman said that was not the case. She said: Leaving the EU has left us in a stronger position on trade. We now have an independent trade policy but this only works if it is used properly by people who know what theyre doing. However, there was palpable relief among British ministers last night that the new tariffs described by one former IMF economist as the equivalent of dropping a nuclear bomb on the global trading system were set at only half the level of the 20 per cent imposed on the European Union. Downing Street will hope that there is still a chance that the tariffs, due to come into effect on April 5, will only last for a few weeks before a comprehensive US-UK trade deal can be signed with the Trump administration. According to one Downing Street source: We will keep negotiating, keep cool and keep calm. We want to negotiate a sustainable trade deal and of course to get tariffs lowered. Tomorrow we will continue with that work. Duvitski is a British actress best known for her roles in the British sitcom Benidorm, One Foot in the Grave, Waiting for God and Mike Leighs stage play Abigails Party. Bentall starred in Flash Gordon, The Worlds End and First Knight, amongst others. Two of their four children are also performers, taking up the family trade. He went on: It is out of a deep sense of respect for the parents of the babies that we have not and will not get drawn into the widespread commentary and speculation online and in the media. They have suffered greatly and continue to do so as this case plays out in a very public forum. She added: l have every faith in Lord Weir and his team, and it is essential that they are allowed to get on with their work in order to deliver the justice which the former patients so richly deserve. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers said: I am appealing for information as to the whereabouts of Dilawar Hussain. In 2014 we released a statement confirming he had fled to Bangladesh soon after the murder and weve heard nothing to believe that this situation has changed. 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 Shonagh Manson, the GLAs assistant director of culture and creative industries, told the event: This is a really important conversation right now, and something that our team have been researching and case-making for, for the last seven years if not longer, which seems to have come to its moment, in a way. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. As the blessed month of Ramadan comes to a close with Muslims worldwide uniting in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, I have the honor to extend my sincerest greetings to Your Excellency and your esteemed people. I pray to Allah the Almighty during these holy days to accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds, and to grant us His blessings in our pursuit for a brighter and more secure future for our Muslim Ummah. Dear Mr. President, may this Eid bring you an abundance of health and happiness, and may our two friendly nations continue to progress and prosper. Eid Mubarak! Highest fraternal consideration and appreciation He said there would be a sharp contrast in temperatures between the southern England and much Scotland, where it will struggle to get into double digits, but added: For many it will be a fine and sunny day. I grew up with this story, he said. I was stunned when I was a small child to discover the Victoria Cross in a frame in the wardrobe of my grannys house in Stenhouse in Edinburgh, the house where she had been told that her son had been killed in the war. The US administration could still implement higher tariffs on pharmaceuticals at a later date, with the White House warning that future good-specific or sector-specific taxes may be announced. The industry will also have to examine the specifics of the lengthy and technical list of exemptions. She added: An independent public investigation dealing with the coroners concerns, capable of dealing with sensitive material, with the Brown family legally represented, provided with the relevant material and able to examine the principal witnesses must be held without further delay in order to satisfy the obligations imposed by Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which all parties agree the UK Government is in breach of. I thought he was going to fire me because obviously at that point that was my eighth loss and compared to everyone else, I had the most losses, she said. Dont get me wrong, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is great, as is the Museum of African American Culture in DC, but theres so much more history, and so many more people who have done amazing things and they should be celebrated. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. President of the Republic of Tunisia Kais Saied has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan With the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan, I am pleased to extend to Your Excellency my sincere congratulations and best wishes, praying to God Almighty to grant you continued protection, good health and well-being, and bestow further goodness, growth, and prosperity upon the brotherly people of Azerbaijan. I am also pleased to reiterate to Your Excellency our firm resolve to continue working together to further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and enhance the existing cooperation relations between our two countries, elevating them to the highest levels for the benefit and interest of our two brotherly peoples. I pray to God Almighty to bring us and the entire Islamic nation many more occasions like this one with goodness, blessings, and prosperity. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 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 Saturday to Sunday. 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: Saturday to Sunday, coming to an end Sunday night. ### 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Perisa Kastratovic today, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend. The meeting discussed the current status and prospects of Azerbaijan-Montenegro cooperation, opportunities for developing relations at bilateral and multilateral levels, as well as regional and international issues. In terms of developing cooperation between the two countries and utilizing existing potential in this direction, the importance of mutual visits and contacts, including the use of the political consultations mechanism, and interparliamentary relations was emphasized. It was highlighted that there is a favorable environment for further developing cooperation, particularly in the areas of economy, trade, energy security, tourism, and humanitarian sectors. In this context, the importance of expanding green energy partnerships was also discussed. Bayramov also informed the counterpart about the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, large-scale restoration and reconstruction works in the liberated territories, and the ongoing efforts to combat the mine threat, which endangers the lives and health of citizens on a near-daily basis. He was also briefed on the current state of the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization and peace process. It was emphasized that as a result of the bilateral negotiations initiated by Azerbaijan, the text of the peace treaty had been agreed upon, but there are still major obstacles, particularly with Armenia's constitutional claims against Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest. On the same day, political consultations were held between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Montenegro. The consultations were led by Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov and Perisa Kastratovic. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Perisa Kastratovic, the State Secretary of Montenegros Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on April 3, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend. The officials discussed the current state of Azerbaijani-Montenegro relations, explored prospects for further collaboration at both bilateral and multilateral levels, and exchanged views on the broader regional and international landscape. In the course of the meeting, the current state of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Montenegro was discussed, as well as the prospects for bilateral and multilateral relations. The talks also focused on the regional and international situation, with particular attention given to enhancing ties in various sectors, including economics, trade, energy security, tourism, and humanitarian initiatives. Bayramov emphasized the importance of expanding green energy cooperation between the two nations, highlighting the significant potential in this area. He also briefed his counterpart on the post-conflict situation in the region, ongoing large-scale restoration efforts in the liberated territories, and the countrys efforts to combat landmine threats, which continue to pose risks to the lives and health of citizens. In addition, the current state of the normalization and peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia was discussed. It was noted that as a result of bilateral negotiations initiated by Azerbaijan, a peace treaty text had been agreed upon, but key obstacles remain, particularly due to territorial claims in Armenia's constitution that challenge Azerbaijans territorial integrity. The meeting also touched upon other mutually interesting issues, and later the two countries' Foreign Ministries held political consultations, led by Deputy Minister Elnur Mammadov from Azerbaijan and State Secretary Perisa Kastratovic from Montenegro. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Health Minister Alexandru Rafila underscored the importance of promoting intolerance towards terrorism, especially among the youth, as they are the ones who will "take over the reins of society" in a short time. "A year and a half ago, our world was shaken by what happened in Israel at the end of 2023. We must fight so that such things never happen again. We must stand in solidarity and I believe that one of the strong messages we all must give, especially to the young - because they are the ones who will take over the reins of society in a short time - must be that of intolerance (...) towards terrorism and towards the cruelty that, unfortunately, marks our society, and the State of Israel is constantly beleaguered with such issues," Rafila told the 16th edition of the International Conference on Diplomacy and Global Affairs for students "2DAY AMBASSADOR" organized on Thursday by the Laude-Reut Educational Complex in Bucharest. He also pointed out that education represents a bridge between the Romanian and Israeli people, and tolerance is one of the fundamental elements a young person must be instilled with during their studies. "The personal development of those who have or have had the opportunity to learn in this collegiate school is what has given them wings for a special career. (...) I was a little surprised by the conference theme - diplomacy through sports, a very, very good idea you cannot help but support, and I believe that the performances of Romanian athletes, of Israeli athletes are a proper - if you want - means of knowledge, of improving bilateral relations," Rafila concluded. Deepening bilateral relations and exploring new directions of cooperation amid the current international context were the topics of talks between Chamber of Deputies' Deputy Speaker Raluca Turcan and Senate Vice President Robert Cazanciuc, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves. The two senior MPs Turcan and Cazanciuc participated on Thursday in an official meeting with the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph E. Gonsalves, who is on an official visit to Romania. "Prime Minister Gonsalves' visit is of particular importance, being the first to Romania by a head of government of this country since the establishment of diplomatic relations on May 22, 2003, and at the same time, the first bilateral visit to Romania by a prime minister from the Caribbean region in the last 35 years. The discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations and exploring new directions of cooperation in the current international context. During the meeting, the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines domestic political situation was also approached in the light of the general elections taking place in November 2025, in an important electoral year for Romania as well," Raluca Turcan said in a release. According to the cited source, special emphasis was placed on economic cooperation. "Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is classified as an upper-middle-income economy, with tourism as its main economic sector, and agriculture and fishing as important sources of income and employment. The sides discussed opportunities to expand economic and trade cooperation, including by the promotion of Romanian products. Another point of joint interest was the relationship between the European Union and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Prime Minister Gonsalves stressed the importance of EU support in essential areas such as infrastructure, with an emphasis on climate change adaptation and energy transition, transport development and strengthening the health system," the statement adds. The meeting was also attended by Romania's ambassador to the Republic of Cuba Magdalena Theodora Mircea, who is also accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Minister of Education, Daniel David, on a visit to the United States, held meetings with representatives of several organizations and institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL), the Atlantic Council, as well as with representatives of the Romanian diaspora. According to the ministry's Facebook page, during the meeting with representatives of the Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the US Congress, the discussions focused on the potential impact of the current paradigmatic changes in the international order on education and research-innovation and on how Romania can learn from the American resilience and leadership in the face of these changes. The Education minister said, according to the cited source, that only the US-EU partnership is the "winning card" under these major changes, and Euro-Atlantic Romania is an active supporter of this commitment. Minister David also outlined the ministry's vision of how education should promote culture and science in society as an antidote to pseudo-science. "In order to facilitate COIL's activities in Romania, we agreed to have a contact person for COIL within the Ministry of Education and Research. The COIL team was led by Jane Sargus, executive director, and included Matt Tucker, senior program manager," explained the minister At the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Daniel David discussed with Executive Director Jeroen Clicq, who is also in charge of Romania, the discussion focusing on the IMF's educational internship program and how Romania can have a stronger presence, including through the involvement of the Ministry of Education and Research. At the same time, Daniel David presented the impact of the country's economic-financial situation on education and research-innovation, mentioning the assumption of the field as a national priority by the ruling coalition, including the slight increase in the budget compared to last year. "I pointed out that, in general, these areas need to be protected when cautious/austerity measures are proposed by the IMF, because these fields give rise to the competitiveness which can then contribute to economic and financial recovery and development," the minister of Education and Research added. During the meeting with representatives of the Atlantic Council - one of the most powerful US think-tanks promoting Atlantic cooperation - minister David spoke with the Director for Europe, Jorn Fleck, and Ambassador Daniel Fried. "The discussion focused on international paradigm shifts impacting on education (e.g. academic mobility) and research-innovation. I pointed out that, in the context of these changes, the European Union (and therefore also Euro-Atlantic Romania) and the USA must strengthen their Atlantic partnership in order to be winners in these international realignments, and education and research-innovation can be such connecting platforms," David added. The minister also met representatives of the Romanian diaspora and visited an American school where children of Romanians from Washington DC study. Romania's Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu said on Thursday that a solid transatlantic bond is essential for a strong North Atlantic Alliance, and Europe should intensify its efforts, as peace and security never come by themselves. The Romanian official participated in a meeting of the foreign ministers of the NATO member states in Brussels, Belgium. "In the first session with the NATO allies, Minister Hurezeanu sent a clear message: a strong transatlantic bond is essential for a strong NATO Alliance, and Europe should step up its efforts, as peace and security never come by themselves. A major priority is to strengthen deterrence and defence on the eastern flank, as well as to protect Black Sea security, as stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte," Hurezeanu said in a social media post. The government approved on Thursday, by memorandum, an agreement in principle regarding the possibility of contracting an IBRD loan or a series of development policy loans. According to a government release, the loan is estimated at around 650 million euros and will be used to "finance the budget deficit and refinance the government's public debt, as well as to support the implementation of fiscal reform measures, thus contributing to strengthening the sustainability of Romania's public finances." Also, the loan program could target the goals included in the NRRP and/or the 2025 - 2031 Medium-term National Budgetary-Structural Plan, the cited source said. "The loans granted by the IBRD are competitive and more flexible than other alternative financing instruments on the international market, contributing to limiting costs and extending the maturity of the public debt portfolio at an advantageous cost," the government states. The Executive has decided that the Finance Ministry shall take the necessary steps to apply for this repayable financial assistance from the IBRD, as well as to complete the other stages in order to contract it. "Between 2022 - 2024, Romania contracted three development policy loans (DPL) from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development worth a combined of approximately 1.79 billion euros," the cited source also said. Improving the military support provided by the member states of the European Union for Ukraine was on the agenda of recent talks at the Warsaw Meeting, Romania's Defence Ministry (MApN) reported on Thursday. Romania's Defence Minister Angel Tilvar participated on Wednesday and Thursday in the informal meeting of EU defence ministers that took place in Warsaw. The agenda of the meeting included a session dedicated to the implementation of measures resulting from the White Paper for European Defence - Readiness 2030, a document published by the European Commission on March 19, as well as discussions on improving the military support provided by EU member states to Ukraine. Regarding the discussions during the session dedicated to European defence, Tilvar welcomed the publication of the programmatic document, including the ReArm Europe initiative. "Romania expresses its interest in strengthening the European industrial and technological base, which will be able to respond to current and future challenges, including by benefitting from support under existing instruments and new mechanisms, such as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, within REARM Europe," Tilvar is quoted as saying in a MApN release. With reference to the needs of capability development, the emphasis was placed on several areas among which can be highlighted: military mobility, anti-aircraft defence, ammunition, protection of critical infrastructure "On the sidelines of the debates on cooperation in defence industry, the minister of national defence stressed the importance of strengthening the defence industrial and technological base at the level of the entire European Union, in a geographically balanced way. In this context, the essential role of adequately supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as pillars of competitiveness in the field was highlighted." The Romanian official also appreciated the "concrete" direction expressed in the White Paper for European Defence - Readiness 2030 with reference to the simplification of defence legislation in a future omnibus proposal. Tilvar also highlighted the importance of close coordination between European and NATO efforts, in order to ensure complementariness and strategic coherence. During the working session dedicated to Ukraine, the defence ministers conveyed their broad support for a lasting peace. In this context, Romania's contribution to the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA) was highlighted, as well as the importance of continuing to use all available support instruments. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. We firmly reject the allegations made by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot during his speech at the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly on 2 April 2025, regarding the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process and the trial of persons of Armenian origin, said Spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada, Trend reports. "Questioning the legitimate demand to amend the Armenian constitution, which contains claims to Azerbaijani territories, that have been discussed for the past two and a half years, while presenting it as a new precondition, is unacceptable. If France, as it claims, indeed supports the early signing of a peace agreement, then it should encourage Armenia to take appropriate steps. Regarding the calls for the release of individuals of Armenian origin accused or convicted of war crimes, ethnic cleansing, military aggression, torture, and other serious offenses, we emphasize that it is Azerbaijans right to investigate and prosecute such crimes. It was reaffirmed in the Opinion of the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, published on 13 March 2025, also proving that the smear campaign against the trial is unfounded. In general, it would be more appropriate for the French side, which is attempting to interfere in judicial proceedings in other countries, first and foremost investigate facts such as political persecution in France and the killing of protesters in various rallies, torture of the local population in overseas territories as a result of Frances neocolonial policy, and the spread of bribery and corruption in the French Parliament. As an example, in the same session, in response to a question from a member of parliament about the inadmissibility of interfering in other countries regarding the rule of law when the judicial system in France is used as a means of pressure against political opponents, the French ministers response that he cant comment the decision of a French court is also an indication of the double standards of the French side. We demand France to cease its steps that do not serve peace and undermine stability in the region," the statement reads. The Government is set to approve on Thursday an aid of almost 350 million RON for farmers for growing vegetables in greenhouses and solariums, prime minister Marcel Ciolacu informs. "We are offering a new aid of almost 350 million RON to farmers for growing vegetables in greenhouses and solariums. We want to offer consumers fresh vegetables produced in the country. The cumulative area for which the support is granted is a minimum of 1,000 square metres, but no more than 50,000 euros for each beneficiary," Ciolacu said in the beginning of the Government meeting. Interim President Ilie Bolojan on Thursday convened a working meeting at the Cotroceni Palace with representatives of the national defence industry and the main trade union groups in the field. According to the Presidential Administration, discussions focused on the EU Plan for strengthening defence capabilities, called ReArm/Readiness 2030, a European initiative released among the current security situation, marked by the war in Ukraine and Russia's aggressive policy. "Romania will pursue efficient integration with the plan in order to strengthen its defence capability and develop the national industry, capitalising on the opportunities offered by the EU, in addition to its commitments pledged to NATO," the administration said. Bolojan said that Romania can strengthen its military capabilities, attract investments in the field of defence and modernise the industry, facilitating job creation and technology transfer. Another issue was funding of dual-use projects, both military and civilian, with a focus on military mobility and infrastructure. The need for a more transparent and simplified legislation to boost local production, industrial cooperation and attract investments was also highlighted. The ReArm/Readiness 2030 plan, presented by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on March 4, is structured on five pillars: a new financial instrument, Security Action for Europe (SAFE); increasing the support from the European Investment Bank, by expanding the eligibility categories; flexibility of existing EU instruments for greater investments in defence, including through the revision of the Cohesion Policy; mobilising private capital for industrial-scale development; increasing public funding on defence by activating the Stability and Growth Pact's escape clause. The objective of this plan is a coordinated and accelerated increase in the defence expenditures of the member states, reducing strategic dependencies and consolidating the European industry. A common list of priorities at EU level includes key areas such as air and missile defence, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, drones and anti-drone countermeasures, critical infrastructure protection, military mobility, cyber defence, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare. "President Ilie Bolojan reaffirmed Romania's commitment to implementing this plan as a strategic priority, maintaining an active dialogue with the national industry to maximise the benefits of this European initiative," said the administration. The meeting was attended by representatives of the government, including Minister of the Economy, Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Bogdan-Gruia Ivan; Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery Stefan-Radu Oprea, and MApN senior official Eduard Bachide, along with over 160 representatives of publicly and privately-owned defence companies, as well as employers' and trade union associations. The event was moderated by Bogdan Mazuru, presidential advisor, who also presented the ReArm Europe Plan. Also speaking were Mihai Jurca, presidential advisor, and Dragos Anastasiu, honorary advisor. Bucharest General Mayor and presidential hopeful Nicusor Dan said on Thursday that the tariffs set by the United States of America will affect the entire world, and Romania "risks being caught on the wrong foot again." "The tariffs imposed by the United States will affect the entire world, and Romania risks being caught on the wrong foot again. Government squandering and the huge deficit are already a hard to bear burden. We must support the local industry, seek new export opportunities, and support the business environment through efficient and transparent communication. The government must directly consult entrepreneurs in order to understand the impact of trade measures and find real solutions to support Romanian companies. Yet instead of preparing for the coming economic wave, the government continues to increase the number of public employees by over 4,500 in the first months of the year and to pass inefficient expenditure-cutting measures," Nicusor Dan wrote on Facebook. He stressed that in this context, Romania must be a strong voice in the European Union. "Only in this way can we protect our interests and successfully face external challenges. It is imperative to work closely with the European Commission and the EU member states to respond in a coordinated manner to trade tariffs. Only in this way will we boost the Union's negotiating power and protect the Romanian economy! Romania needs a leader capable of taking quick and decisive action to protect our economy and future," the mayor said. US President Donald Trump announced "mutual tariffs" worldwide in a bid to revive American industry and put an end to the "pillaging" of the United States. Tariffs of 20% will be imposed on products imported from the European Union, 34% for those from China, 31% for Switzerland, 26% for India, 10% for the United Kingdom, and 10% for Brazil. The Romanian and Azeri energy regulatory authorities ANRE and AERA signed on Thursday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking the beginning of an in-depth bilateral cooperation on energy market regulation, ANRE informed in a release. This agreement strengthens the Romania - Azerbaijan strategic partnership started in 2009 and continued through the Green Energy Corridor Agreement signed in Bucharest in 2022, together with Georgia and Hungary. The scope of the Memorandum includes: the exchange of best practices regarding the energy market regulation, with a focus on electricity, natural gas, green hydrogen and energy infrastructure; the organization of bilateral visits, training sessions for experts and joint participation in events; the promotion of a cooperation framework for the exchange of data, studies and information of shared interest. "This Memorandum is more than a symbolic document - it is a platform for concrete action. Together with AERA, we are committed to building a modern, open and predictable regulatory framework that supports the integration of regional markets and encourages investments in green energy," said ANRE president George Niculescu, as cited in the release. The signing of the Memorandum took place on the sidelines of the 11th Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council and the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the Green Energy Advisory Council, which will take place in Baku on April 4, 2025. In the context of ANRE's turning from a classic regulatory authority into a strategic actor, oriented towards investments, digitalization and regional integration, the partnership with AERA strengthens Romania's role as a regional leader in the field of energy regulation, the release also states. "Both Romania and Azerbaijan are key pillars in the development of the Green Energy Corridor, which connects the Caspian Sea region to Europe. This partnership will support the harmonization of regulations for cross-border projects, the promotion of green hydrogen and the increase of investor confidence through stability and transparency. ANRE reaffirms its commitment to modern, citizen-oriented regulation and supports international cooperation initiatives that contribute to energy security and sustainability in the region," ANRE representatives said. Romania has a deadline from the European Union to halve the values of pollutants in the air, by January 1, 2030, according to a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council, from October 23, 2024, on the quality of ambient air, informs the president of the National Agency for Environmental Protection (ANPM), Laurentiu Alexandru Pastinaru. The document must be transposed into Romanian legislation by December 11, 2026, and a first form of the law, prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests, could be ready this year, Agerpres. Directive (EU) 2024/2881 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe was published in the Official Journal of the European Union and entered into force on 10 December 2024, with two years for transposition into Romanian legislation. The document brings several important modifications to previous air quality directives, greatly reducing the daily limit values for air pollutants, as well as the number of permitted exceedances. "The limit values for the protection of human health to be achieved by January 1, 2030, have been halved compared to the current ones, and new categories of measurement intervals have been introduced. The situation will be very complex, given that we often fail to meet the imposed limits even now," Laurentiu Alexandru Pastinaru emphasised in a press release of the National Environmental Protection Agency (ANPM) The president of the institution specified that the greatest responsibility in implementing the law that will transpose this directive lies with the mayors, and they must understand that they will have to periodically prepare progress reports if pollutant levels in an area or an administrative-territorial unit exceed any limit value. "For the PM 2.5 pollutant, a maximum limit per calendar year of 25 micrograms per cubic metre is currently provided, but once the new directive enters into force, a maximum daily value of 25 micrograms per cubic metre will be the new measurement, and the annual value decreases to only 10 micrograms/cubic metre. Also, for PM 10, the annual value will be reduced by half, from 40 micrograms per cubic metre down to 20, and the maximum number of permitted exceedances has decreased to 18, from 35," explained Corina Lupu, head of the General Monitoring Directorate of the ANPM. Changes also occur in the case of measurements for nitrogen dioxide, where a daily average of a maximum of 45 micrograms/cubic metre is introduced, and the annual limit decreases from 40 to 20 micrograms/cubic metre. Also, for sulfur dioxide, the daily average will be reduced from 125 to 50 micrograms/cubic metre, and an annual average of only 20 micrograms/cubic metre is introduced. The Government approved on Thursday Romania's participation in the second cycle of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). According to the government, Romania will participate in a new educational program of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, an international forum which the country aims to join in 2026, in order to "have a clear image of the level of skills of adults and the quality of the educational system." The participation costs for the five years (2025-2029) run into EUR 600,000, and they will be partially covered by support from the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme and from the national budget, for the first three years. For the next two years, the necessary amounts will be covered only from the national budget. Also, for the implementation of the study in Romania, a consortium of three organisation is proposed: the National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA), the Executive Unit for the Financing of Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation and the Institute for Labour Market Research. "Participation in this study will assess, among other things, problem-solving skills among adults aged 16 to 65, how the education and training system respond to the demands of the labour market, as well as the identification of population categories at risk of social exclusion or in need of support for reskilling," according to the government. EDWARDSVILLE Bernhardt Mueller, a barber, testified he saw Joseph Riegel lead the lynching. Riegel grabbed the rope first, Mueller said, and shouted to his cohorts, "Let's not have any slackers here." Defense lawyers asked Mueller why he was "pro-German." Riegel was accused of being the ringleader in the murder of Robert Paul Prager, a coal miner and native of Germany. A mob hanged Prager, 30, from a hackberry tree west of Collinsville on the false and flimsy tale that he was a spy for the Kaiser during World War I. Riegel, a cobbler and former soldier, and 10 other men went on trial in the Madison County Courthouse on May 28, 1918, seven weeks after the lynching. It had taken the lawyers two weeks to seat a jury. Many of their questions were about loyalty to America, or the supposed lack of it. "When the present laws were made, we were not at war," said defense lawyer Thomas Williamson. "Things are different now." The day St. Louis public schools dropped introductory German After Congress declared war against Germany on April 6, 1917, pressure grew to muzzle the slightest German tendencies. The U.S. had declared war against Germany one year before, and public sentiment turned hard against German-Americans. Prager tried to join the U.S. Navy and dutifully reported his legal status as an "enemy alien." It wasn't loyalty enough. A rumor flashed through Collinsville that he was a saboteur. On April 4, he posted a proclamation declaring himself "heart and soul for the good old USA." Collinsville police hid him in the City Hall basement, but Riegel and Wesley Beaver, a saloon porter, brushed past the guard and dragged Prager into the street. With Beaver carrying an American flag, a mob of as many as 300 people pushed Prager west on St. Louis Road. Witnesses testified that Riegel let Prager jot a note to his parents in Germany, then led a group in pulling on the rope. Prager died at 12:30 a.m. on April 5, 1918. A few hours later, Riegel gave Prager's note to the Collinsville Herald. He bragged about his role to Post-Dispatch reporter Paul Y. Anderson. In court, Riegel denied everything. Beaver testified he went home before the lynching. Shortly before closing arguments began on June 1, a Navy band played patriotic tunes in the courthouse lobby. Madison County States Attorney Joseph Streuber sought to turn the defense strategy, saying, "The man who justifies mob rule is a disloyalist." But chief defense lawyer James Bandy said "the men who hung Prager were good, loyal citizens." The jury acquitted everyone in 45 minutes. Charges against four police officers for failing to intervene were dropped. Seven months later, the guilt-ridden Beaver fatally shot himself. The "hangin' tree," at the current entrance of St. John's Cemetery in Collinsville, was cut down in 1962. Robert Paul Prager lynching Look Back: Robert Paul Prager lynching, 1918 Look Back: Robert Paul Prager lynching, 1918 Look Back: Robert Paul Prager lynching, 1918 ST. LOUIS COUNTY One of the victims of a triple shooting last Friday has died, police said. K'Sean Collard, 28, died Wednesday from his injuries. Collard was shot last Friday afternoon in the 9400 block of Duenke Drive in Bellefontaine Neighbors. Collard lived in the 9400 block of Duenke Road. A woman, 19, was also shot but survived. The gunman, identified by police as Corey Jordan, then shot himself in the head too, authorities said. Prosecutors charged Jordan, 37, with two counts of assault. The charges haven't yet been amended to reflect Collard's death. ST. CHARLES COUNTY A former custodian at St. Dominic's High School in St. Charles County faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday to possessing child pornography. Bernard Ray Mennemeier, 58, of OFallon, Missouri, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of possession of child pornography. File-hosting site Dropbox made a tipline report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in January 2024 about an account with the name Bernard Mennemeier that had uploaded five videos of child pornography, according to a plea agreement. The report was forwarded to the St. Louis office of the FBI. After an FBI search of the Dropbox account as well as of Mennemeier's home, he initially admitted to viewing pornography on Twitter but denied ever knowingly accessing child pornography. Later, after a polygraph, Mennemeier admitted to O'Fallon police that he would message a Twitter user and pay that person $20-$40 for images and videos of child pornography, saying he has paid for the content numerous times since 2019. He said he could not recall how many times, according to the plea agreement. Mennemeier's electronic devices contained numerous files of child erotica, but they contained no obvious files of child pornography, according to the plea agreement. His Dropbox account, however, contained at least six videos of child porn. He is scheduled to be sentenced July 9, and the charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. LINCOLN COUNTY A 33-year-old Troy, Missouri, man died Wednesday when his ATV braked abruptly and rolled over, ejecting him into the path of a car which struck him, the Missouri Highway Patrol said. The patrol said the incident took place shortly before 3:15 a.m. on Highway B east of U.S. Highway 61. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, the patrol said. The patrol did not release his name. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. A delegation led by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, head of the Venezuela-Azerbaijan Friendship Group, America Perez, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, visited the Alley of Honorable Burial on April 3, Trend reports. The delegation, honored with deep respect for the memory of Heydar Aliyev, national leader of our people, architect and founder of the modern independent state of Azerbaijan, laid flowers at his tomb. Furthermore, the delegation also visited the Victory Park in Baku and laid flowers at the monument. Afterwards, the guests were presented with detailed information about the Victory Park created to immortalize the unparalleled heroism shown by the Azerbaijani people in the Second Karabakh War, the grandiose historical victory won by them, and the bright memory of the Martyrs. It was noted that a 44-meter-high, 22-meter-wide, 44-columned Triumphal Arch was built at the entrance of the park, which has an area of about 10 hectares, as a symbol of the 44-day Second Karabakh War. The delegation was accompanied by MP, head of Azerbaijan-Venezuela inter-parliamentary working group of friendship Tamam Jafarova and other officials throughout the visit. PAGEDALE Officers in this north St. Louis County municipality on Thursday were seeking the publics help finding a runaway police dog. Capt. Anthony Bilal said Raider, a 3-year-old Dutch shepherd, is believed to have gotten away late Wednesday night from his kennel outside his police handlers home in Florissant. Bilal said police believe the dog jumped a kennel fence after a tree limb fell during a storm or wind and dislodged a tarp on top of the kennel. The officer discovered the dog was missing a few hours later, Bilal said. Bilal said the search initially focused on the area around Shackelford and Charbonier roads in Florissant. He said the dog showed up on footage from a security camera on one residents home in that area about 12:30 a.m. and on another home security camera about two miles away later. Bilal said Raider has been a member of the department almost two years. His specialty is finding illegal drugs. Hes an asset to our police department, Bilal said. He has a pretty good success record of taking narcotics off the streets. Anyone who has seen the dog should call Pagedale police at 314-726-1112 or St. Louis County police at 636-529-8510. The dog has a black collar with the word police. Bilal said while Raider isnt aggressive, the department as a precaution was advising people who may see him not to approach him. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri lawmakers are considering a plan aimed at reversing worrisome financial declines in the St. Louis Public Schools pension system. Under legislation moving in the House, the district would be required to boost its contribution to the retirement program for school employees from a current level of 12.5% to 14%, with an eye on stabilizing the program over the next 14 years. If approved, the plan would not affect what employees contribute, which currently stands at 9%. We need to make this correction to stabilize the fund, said Rep. Doug Clemens, D-St. Ann, whose brother, Byron, is retiree chapter chairman of the teachers union in St. Louis. Part of the problem is a decrease in new teachers paying into the system at a time when more educators are retiring. That has resulted in pension recipients not receiving cost-of-living increases for two decades. There are more retirees than new employees coming in, said Rep. Barry Hovis, R-Whitewater, who is co-sponsoring the proposal. Also affecting the system is a 2017 change in state law that reduced payments to the system by the school district and allowed teachers to retire earlier. The pension system currently has 14,000 members, with about 5,000 active members and more than 4,200 retired members. It provides benefits to all personnel employed by the St. Louis Public Schools and the citys 17 charter schools. Pension system board of trustees chairman Louis Cross told members of the House Pension Committee Thursday that the system is 64% funded and will remain under 70% funded for at least another 14 years. If the change is approved, the ratio will move to 89% by 2039. If the funding ratio were to drop below 60%, Cross said the state would have to step in. I am concerned about the financial well-being of the system, Cross said. The plan has the support of teachers unions and the school board, as well as members of the House. A financial analysis provided no estimate of the total dollar cost for the school district. It is important for us to make this fix, said Matt Davis, school board vice president. Based on what the experts tell us, this will put us on the right trajectory. Weve done our due diligence. The measure has been attached to House Bill 147, which is pending in the Senate. The legislation also is outlined in House Bill 404. ST. LOUIS COUNTY Ferguson-Florissant School District will close one school and merge three others in an ongoing effort to address a financial crisis. Innovation High School, an alternative school with 133 students, will close at the end of this school year. The districts middle and high STEAM schools for arts and sciences will be merged into one building to cut down on staffing and transportation costs. And the Mark Twain Wellness and Restoration Center, where suspended students learn from specially trained educators, will go up for sale. Referred students will instead go to either Wedgwood Sixth Grade Center or STEAM High. The moves are some of several ways Ferguson-Florissant officials said theyre cutting back amid what theyve described as a financial crisis. The district had a budget shortfall of $7.7 million as of early March. Unlike other local districts that are deficit spending, such as St. Louis Public Schools and Special School District of St. Louis County, Ferguson-Florissant doesnt have the financial reserves to buoy itself while in the red. The problem is the result of a torrent of challenges inundating public education both locally and nationally said the districts co-superintendents, Joycelyn Pugh-Walker and Brent Mitchell. Missouris funding formula for public schools relies heavily on enrollment and attendance, both of which have declined in Ferguson-Florissant in recent years. District officials are also bracing for the effects of St. Louis Countys new senior property tax freeze, which could reduce district revenue by a yet-unknown amount, school leaders said. We just know it is one of the mitigating components to us not receiving revenues that we have previously received, Pugh-Walker said. And recent uncertainty surrounding federal funding hasnt helped, Pugh-Walker added. On Friday, the U.S. Department of Education said it would no longer reimburse schools for expenses covered by pandemic relief funds, leaving Ferguson-Florissant in the lurch for $900,000 spent on HVAC improvements, Pugh-Walker said. Ferguson-Florissant also has to adjust to its own unique set of issues. The district hired 71 more people than budgeted this fiscal year and adopted a costly reliance on contracted labor to fill nurse and food service vacancies amid nationwide shortages. Plus, the districts longtime former leader, Superintendent Joseph Davis, was fired last month amid allegations of sexual harassment (allegations Davis has denied), leaving Pugh-Walker and Mitchel with the task to right-size the district as freshmen superintendents. Things have gotten tight. The district has undergone a spending and hiring freeze, and positions, contracts and services are being scrutinized for potential savings. In February, the districts board approved changes to 26 positions, mostly administrative or high-level building staff. The jobs will be eliminated, receive salary reductions or get repurposed into other roles. That's in addition to other personnel cuts. Eighteen assistant principals won't be replaced as they resign or retire throughout the years. Last week, the districts school board approved the elimination of 14 attendance secretary positions, which officials said had limited impact on attendance. Mark Twain Restoration Centers building will be sold along with the former building of Vogt Elementary, which is currently being used by administrative staff. The closures would save the district $770,000 in staffing, facilities and bus route costs. Closing Innovation High will save $1.2 million. Students there received small-group education through advisers and spent two days a week at internships, according to the districts website, but cost $1,700 more to educate than the average student. Mitchell, the co-superintendent with Pugh-Walker, said the moves were extremely difficult decisions. It may not be the ideal situation, [but] at the end of the day, every decision we make is to truly try to benefit and impact the lives of children, Mitchell said. JEFFERSON CITY A Republican state senator spent hours Wednesday trying to block the appointment of a former GOP colleague to a county office over a grudge that goes back more than seven years. State Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, sought to prevent former Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz from being confirmed to a spot on the Franklin County Commission. Schatz was appointed to the job earlier this year by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe. Moon said he tried to work behind the scenes to express his distaste for the appointment. But he said no one listened, so he chose to force the issue. Ive tried, Moon said on the Senate floor. My words and my thoughts were not well taken. He began his filibuster Wednesday afternoon, laying out grievances against Schatz and reading emails from people he said were residents of Franklin County who wanted the Senate to support another candidate. Moons one-man filibuster sputtered early Thursday, when he began offering procedural motions that were repeatedly defeated by his GOP colleagues. After numerous failed attempts to set the appointment aside, the Senate confirmed Schatz around 1 a.m., adjourned for 10 minutes and returned to approve its journal and head home for the week. The Moon-Schatz rivalry dates back to 2018, when Schatz added a provision to a bill that placed a gas tax increase on ballots statewide. Moon joined a conservative activist in an unsuccessful lawsuit, saying the amendment was beyond the bills original scope. The Missouri Constitution states that: No bill shall contain more than one subject which shall be clearly expressed in its title. Moon is a stickler for keeping bills to a single subject, sometimes voting against conservative legislation to send a message to abide by the states foundational document. In 2022, Schatzs last year in the Legislature, he booted Moon from his committee assignments after Moon wore overalls on the Senate floor. Schatz had told Moon to change earlier in the day, but he pushed back. If someone comes to me and threatens me with infractions, or ramifications, for me just coming to the chamber, and doing the duty that I was called to do, thats unacceptable, Moon said at the time. Schatz at the time called Moons reaction childlike. It is rare for a senator to lose committee assignments, though it happened last year when Missouri Freedom Caucus members slowed the Senate to halt. A House member lost her spots on committee in 2021 after being indicted on federal medical fraud charges and another was censured after lying about a relationship with an intern. Moon, who is prone to procedural skirmishes with Senate leadership, led a faction in 2021 that hoped to override then-Gov. Mike Parsons veto and reimburse owners of wedding venues for legal fees in their fight with the Department of Revenue. He hoped to buck tradition and call for a vote to override the veto, something that is traditionally done by the budget chair. Kehoe, who was lieutenant governor at the time, didnt recognize Moon for the motion. Schatz became the intermediary, eventually ruling in favor of Kehoe. For Moon, it was another sign of the chasm between Republican Senate leadership and the chambers conservative caucus. Moon said he was standing up for Franklin County residents. You think Im here to prove something else, he said. Im not. Moon, seasoned in filibustering, held the floor for multiple hours Wednesday with periodic quorum calls approximately every 20 minutes to bring fellow senators back to the chamber. Some senators offices received calls in support of Moon, asking them to turn down the nomination. Moon read emails from Franklin County residents opposing Schatz. Many asked for Franklin County Clerk Tim Baker to be nominated instead. The Franklin County Republican Central Committee wrote letters in February asking Kehoe to pick Baker. How many more emails until you wake up and do the will of the people, Moon said. Facebook pages, such as Patriot Mama Bears and Liberty Link Missouri PAC, posted requests for followers to email Moon. Schatz did not comment on Moons filibuster. Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and X. ST. LOUIS Mayor Tishaura O. Jones announced Wednesday that crime continued a historic fall in the first three months of the year and took another swipe at the ongoing state takeover of city police. Speaking at a quarterly press conference at police headquarters, Jones said homicide totals through March were the lowest since 2005. Shootings were down 39% over last year. Major crimes overall were down 28%. Residents, visitors and businesses in St Louis deserve to live in a safe city, Jones said, and we continue to make our city safer each and every day. The announcement marks the latest good news on crime the homicide rate has dropped 40% in the past five years since a record high in 2020, and overall crime is down 14% since 2021. It is also good news for the mayor. She stands for reelection on Tuesday, and her opponent, Alderwoman Cara Spencer, beat her by 35 percentage points in the March primary. Still, homicides have been falling nationwide since 2022. And big cities across the U.S. are reporting similar declines this year: Murders are down 43% in Los Angeles, 35% in New York City, and 22% in Chicago. Denvers have been cut in half. Police Chief Robert Tracy, sitting with Jones at the press conference along with other department brass, said he tries not to compare St. Louis to other cities, and instead focuses on improvement. He also brushed off a question about the January snowstorm depressing crime overall crime dipped 35% to about 2,800 incidents in January, compared with the average over the previous four years. He said other cities got snow and had more trouble with crime. Homicides are up in Kansas City, for instance. Instead, Tracy attributed the falling crime numbers largely to good police work. He said homicide detectives are clearing cases at twice the average rate nationally. He said officers are building trust with residents at community meetings. And he said theyre using technology that tracks gunfire to get to scenes more quickly, render aid to victims, and gather evidence that could be used to track guns and shooters. He acknowledged that it may take time for residents to feel safer, but he said everyone should be encouraged by the numbers. This is progress, he said. Thats what we want to see. He lauded Jones for her leadership over the past few years. He noted her administration has provided multiple across-the-board raises for officers. He credited her work on violence prevention efforts and youth services with helping knock down juvenile shootings. And he said she had given the department autonomy to do good work and kept politics out of promotions, transfers and discipline notably, the same things Republicans in Jefferson City have said a new state-controlled police board would do. Jones on Wednesday cast the law returning control of the police department to the state board as a threat to successful crimefighting strategies. Tracy expressed hope the new board sees the department's progress and supports it. They do not want to see crime go up, he said. But he was less sure about a part of the new law requiring the city to devote more of its budget to police. City budget analysts have said the new law could force the city to spend an extra $40 million per year on the department by 2029. When Gov. Mike Kehoe signed the state police board bill last week, he pointed specifically to the new spending rule as a way the state would help the department. Tracy said he would appreciate new money for, say, officer raises. The Kansas City police department, which is run by a state board, advertises starting salary for recruits at more than $65,000, while St. Louis pays $57,000. But Tracy noted there could be new costs, too. The department currently relies on city employees to hire its officers, fix up its cars and defend it in court. Under state control, it may need to pay for those things itself. Ultimately, he said, decisions on raises and the services will be up to the new board. And you know what? he said. Theyve got to be fiscally responsible. VALLEY PARK Henry Eirich fixed his Valley Park home after hail damage, then waited for the final reimbursement check from his insurance company. For five weeks, he waited for the check to arrive in his mailbox. It finally came Saturday, two days after he had it canceled. The government doesnt know how to run anything, Eirich, 73, said in an interview Wednesday. This is not service at all. It should not take a week, even, to deliver that mail. Eirichs complaint about staggeringly slow mail delivery by the U.S. Postal Service has joined a growing chorus across the St. Louis area. Residents have complained about weekslong delays of magazines, checks, mailers and more. This week, seven members of Missouris congressional delegation sent a letter to the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service about significant mail delivery disruptions in the St. Louis area. The lawmakers are asking for an audit of the agency in the St. Louis area and an outline explaining how mail delivery will improve. The audit, they said, should cover postal facilities and distribution centers in St. Louis County, St. Charles County and the city of St. Louis. The letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and U.S. Reps. Ann Wagner, Robert Onder, Jason Smith, Sam Graves and Eric Burlison. The lawmakers, all Republicans, asked the inspector general for a reply by April 15. Many in the St. Louis area experience persistent delays, the letter said, while some go extended periods without receiving any mail at all. Packages are shuffled between St. Louis area post offices for weeks, the lawmakers alleged. Customers mailed payments are late. One resident got mail on only 10 days so far this year. This is simply unacceptable, the seven lawmakers said in the letter. Others have struggled to access critical prescription medications and Social Security checks, creating unnecessary hardships. Hawley asked for an audit a year ago. The postal agency chose instead to audit a more broad region, the Kansas-Missouri postal district, with emphasis on the Kansas City area. That audits findings released in September included: Employees scanned packages improperly. Master keys or arrow keys werent secured properly. Employees had a high number of unscheduled absences. But the seven members of the congressional delegation who signed Tuesdays letter said the Kansas City-area audit, did not specifically address the challenges faced by residents in the St. Louis area. Since that time, mail service in the region has not improved. They added, Identifying and addressing the root causes of these service failures is critical to restoring trust in USPS operations in the region. The last time the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service conducted an audit here was in 2022 when it examined four St. Louis-area post offices, according to Tara Linne, a spokesperson for the Inspector Generals office. The audit found delivery delays at one of four stations but package scanning issues at all four, among other problems. The Post-Dispatch wrote about complaints of missing mail in January. Residents across the St. Louis area reported empty mailboxes, seldom-seen letter carriers and other issues with mail delivery after a storm dumped as much as a foot of snow and ice on the region. Tara Jarrett, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Post Office, said at the time that snow and ice made deliveries difficult. But for many, the troubles havent improved even as the weather has. On Monday, Eirich, the Valley Park man, shared his complaints about mail delivery on Next Door, a neighborhood-focused social media site. Within two days, more than 210 people had chimed in on his post. Some said the decline has been happening for years and that competitors like Fed Ex and UPS arent always better. They were pretty close to split about whether privatizing the U.S. Postal Service would help. A West County woman said she changed to paying most bills online after she was hit with late fees when checks mailed in plenty of time didnt arrive promptly. A High Ridge man got his license renewal notice in the mail after his license had expired. A Ballwin woman mailed a St. Patricks Day card to a friend March 11, but the friend still hadnt gotten it nearly three weeks later. Michael Sanders, of Kirkwood, said that some days he gets no mail at all. Every once in awhile, Sanders, 73, said in an interview, something will come in from a local address that was mailed weeks ago. Its inconsistent, I would have to say. ST. LOUIS While campaigns for mayor and comptroller have drawn the most attention on Tuesday's city election ballot, four incumbents are defending their seats on the Board of Aldermen. Anne Schweitzer, Shane Cohn, Alisha Sonnier and Laura Keys are running for reelection amid ongoing concerns over crime, vacant properties, homelessness and basic city services. Here's a rundown on those races: 1st Ward Anne Schweitzer is in a rematch with former sheriff's deputy Tony Kirchner in the 1st Ward, which includes south side areas such as Boulevard Heights, Holly Hills and Carondelet. Schweitzer won their previous electoral battle, in 2023. In the background is Kirchner's widely-reported accusation that he was unfairly fired by newly-elected Sheriff Alfred Montgomery in January after Schweitzer complained he had been campaigning while in uniform at neighborhood meetings since 2023. Kirchner, who has since sued Montgomery, insists he attended such gatherings as then-Sheriff Vernon Betts' representative and never mentioned his own candidacy. Schweitzer, whose grandfather was sheriff in the 1980s, insists that's not the case. She says she made the same complaint to Betts when he was sheriff. Meanwhile, Kirchner casts himself as a moderate alternative to Schweitzer, who was first elected in 2021 as part of a slate of progressive aldermanic candidates. "Most people just want public safety and the basic city services," said Kirchner, 39. He touts his endorsement by the St. Louis Police Officers Association and says his relationships with police supervisors from his 12 years in the sheriff's department would be a plus for ward residents. Schweitzer, 36, cites her record dealing with day-to-day issues in the ward, such as problematic vacant buildings and working to get basic services. "I have four years of experience doing the job," she says. "I've built the needed trust of the community to keep doing it." She said she could be described as a progressive politically, and also is "pragmatic, hard-working, responsive." She has the endorsement of Aldermanic President Megan Green, the leader of the board's progressive wing, but also has support from more moderate Democrats such as state Rep. Steve Butz and former Mayor Francis Slay. She also is backed by the region's main business lobby, Greater St. Louis Inc.; the St. Louis Labor Council and the politically influential Firefighters Union. Schweitzer points to her passage of an updated Complete Streets policy to improve street access for bicyclists and pedestrians and a bill requiring utility companies to better coordinate digging up streets for repairs. She also has been a prime advocate for getting funds for needed repairs in the city's aging water mains and pipes, sponsoring a 2023 rate increase. In January, in a split with board president Green, Schweitzer pushed to spend $40 million of the city's roughly $290 million in Rams' settlement money on water system improvements and leave decisions on the rest for later. In the end, nothing passed. Kirchner said among progressive initiatives he disagrees with is Mayor Tishaura O. Jones' program to reduce the number of temporary state license plates by loaning some lower-income drivers money to pay for real ones. Schweitzer said the idea was worth looking at. Schweitzer has a big campaign fund advantage, with reports filed this week showing she raised more than $70,000 and Kirchner about $20,000. In addition, a committee tied to Greater St. Louis spent $14,183 to promote Schweitzer. 3rd Ward Shane Cohn, who if reelected will become the longest-serving current alderman, is opposed by political newcomer Dallas Adams. Cohn, 44, cites his efforts to deal with his area's ongoing problems with vacant buildings, poverty, crime and other issues. The ward includes Dutchtown and nearby south side areas. "I have the experience, the commitment and the record of fighting for my constituents," he said. Adams, 30, a former communications manager with the Great Rivers Greenway trails district, said Cohn's 16-year tenure is long enough and a new approach is needed. "Experience has to be put into action for it to have any difference for us," Adams said. Cohn, part of the board's progressive faction, is backed by board president Green. Adams says she also believes in "progressive ideals" such as pushing for more affordable housing, which Cohn also backs. Cohn's legislative achievements include a 2015 bill to set a minimum wage higher than the statewide minimum, a move eventually blocked by state legislators. In 2010, he got aldermen to add "gender identity or expression" to the city's anti-discrimination law. Adams argues that Cohn, who owns two rental duplexes, had a conflict of interest last year when in floor debate he criticized a measure requiring registration of owners of rental properties. Cohn said he voted "present" on the registry bill because while he supported the idea, he believed that a longstanding shortage of building inspectors and other issues would limit its effectiveness. Adams also says new efforts are needed to redevelop the long-vacant Cleveland High School in the ward. Cohn says he's worked on that for years and last year got the city schools and city government to cooperate on a review of options for stabilizing it and finding a developer. Cohn finished first in the March 4 primary, with 56% of voters approving him. Adams was second with 42%, with a third candidate trailing. Committees backing Cohn reported raising more than $114,000, far more than the nearly $16,000 reported by Adams' campaign. 7th Ward Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier, who was first elected in 2023, is running against Cedric Redmon, a federal Department of Homeland Security employee who finished third in the primary that same year. Progressive leader Green, in endorsing Sonnier, 29, calls her one of the most effective freshmen legislators. She's passed bills requiring developers getting city tax breaks to be paid up on taxes they owe, mandating rental landlords to register with the city and requiring at least one room in rental units to be air-conditioned below 85 degrees in the summer. "I think those are big wins," Sonnier said. However, Redmon, 38, complains about Sonnier's unsuccessful "unhoused bill of rights" measure, which included a controversial provision to exempt homeless people from a city ban on urinating and defecating in public. He also was critical of another failed Sonnier bill to reduce the percentage of nearby neighbors' signatures in support before a homeless shelter can be approved. "It would paralyze the neighborhood associations," Redmon said. Sonnier did pass a bill to otherwise make it easier to open shelters but it retains the current signature standard. Calling her work on the issue "a learning journey," she says she no longer advocates decriminalizing public urination or defecation and instead wants to make more public restrooms available. Redmon, meanwhile, wants to improve emergency aid for the homeless. Redmon has been endorsed by the city Police Officers Association and wants to allocate some Rams settlement funds to making repairs at the police academy and adding police cars. Sonnier has Firefighters Union support. In 2019, Redmon and others tried but failed to get the city to agree to a company's proposed trial program to use aircraft cameras to track movements of suspects moments after gun-related crimes are committed. Sonnier opposes such efforts, citing privacy rights. She noted that after another firm proposed running anti-crime drones over the Gravois Park part of the ward in 2023, she passed restrictions on such plans. The ward also takes in Tower Grove East, Fox Park and other south side areas. Redmon said he no longer is pursuing the airplane plan; he said Texas-based philanthropists who had offered to cover part of the cost no longer are interested. He said he didn't take a position on the drone idea. Sonnier reported raising about $57,000 for her campaign. In addition, the committee affiliated with Greater St. Louis Inc. spent about $14,000 to promote her reelection. Redmon in mid-February reported raising more than $8,000 but did not have a more recent campaign funding report on file Wednesday afternoon with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Two other groups, the 71 Percent PAC and Leadership Counts, spent $7,020 and $12,000, respectively, to promote Redmon's candidacy. The 71 Percent group's major donors include Clayco founder Bob Clark and construction executive Bob Brinkmann. Recent major donors to Leadership Counts include attorney Steve Stone and Schnuck Markets. 11th Ward Alderwoman Laura Keys, who has been in office since 2022, is challenged by Rebecca McCloud, a sales supervisor at Spectrum and a first-time candidate. Keys, 61, cites various projects in the ward she's supported, such as new-home developments. "We've got to repopulate our city," she said. "The way to do that is single-family homes." She also points to the "tire amnesty" days set up in her ward, in which people discard old tires at prearranged sites instead of dumping them illegally in alleys and streets. McCloud, 45, says she'd be more aggressive than Keys in dealing with citizen complaints and problems in the ward, which stretches from the north side neighborhoods of Penrose and O'Fallon south to Grand Center and St. Louis University. "The main issue in the ward is accessibility and transparency," McCloud says. Keys scoffs at that, saying she is available and involved in the ward "seven days a week until my head hits the pillow every night." Noting that Aldermanic President Green supports McCloud's effort to unseat her, Keys says that's because she's too independent and isn't "Megan's minion." McCloud insists she'd make her own decisions on issues. McCloud criticized Keys for not voting in 2023 on a bill to spend city funds on legal representation for low-income renters facing eviction. Aldermanic minutes show Keys was at the meeting that day. She said she doesn't recall why she didn't vote on the bill, which passed, 11-1. Keys' campaign committee reported spending about $10,000 by late February but didn't have a more recent report on file Wednesday with the state Ethics Commission. Meanwhile, there was $13,718 in pro-Keys spending by the Greater St. Louis Inc.-related committee and $6,600 by the 71 Percent PAC. McCloud reported donations of about $3,000 by late February but didn't have a more recent report on file Wednesday with the state. The Progress PAC, a committee tied to Green, reported spending $3,360 on McCloud's behalf. Updated at 8 p.m. Thursday with additional campaign fund information CLAYTON Voters will decide on Tuesday whether to empower the St. Louis County Council to fire county department heads. Proposition B has been at the center of a tense debate between councilmembers and County Executive Sam Page. Here are seven things to know about the measure. What would the proposal do? If passed by voters, Prop B would give the council the power to fire county department heads and the countys top attorney. Five of the seven council members would have to vote in favor of such move. Only the county executive has the power to do that now. Why is council asking for the power now? Theres a new supermajority on the council; six of the seven councilmembers now frequently oppose Page. And some of them have complained they cant get enough information out of the people Page appointed to direct county departments. Council Chair Rita Heard Days, a Democrat from Bel-Nor, said the council needs to be able to hold directors accountable and force them to the table on important legislative issues, such as budget cuts. Page has called the proposal a power grab, and says it would, if passed, upset the balance in county government. The proposal would cause chaos in county services and confusion among directors, he said. Its not the first step the council has taken to gain power. What do Page and council members say? County department directors, who oversee services including health, parks and roads, would fear for their jobs if the council could fire them, Page says. Department heads would answer to eight bosses, instead of just one, creating confusion and chaos, he said. Councilmembers have rejected Pages claims. Councilman Mark Harder, a Republican from Ballwin, said the proposition would make directors answer to the council, and actually reduce chaos by improving communication. The council also deserves a say in how department heads conduct county business, he said at a news conference Tuesday. We can have better government, better government accountability and make sure that people are doing what theyre supposed to be doing on a daily basis, Harder said. Could the council fire the police chief? Page has said the measure would give the council the power to fire the county police chief. Days said the proposition does not give the council that power, which rests with the police commissioners board. The St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners last month unanimously passed a resolution to not support Proposition B, voicing concerns about a lack of clarity in the language. Some commissioners worried future councils might disagree with the current council and flex power over the chief. But on Thursday, the county police union said it talked to half a dozen local legal experts who agreed the proposition would have zero impact or effect on the St. Louis County Police Department. The county charter states the commission is in charge of the department, the union pointed out. We have no position on Proposition B because it simply does not pertain to the police department, the police chief or our members, St. Louis County Police Association Executive Director Joe Patterson said in a statement. Do department heads talk to the council? Page has said his administration communicates plenty with the council. Councilmembers say there have been several instances where the administration hasnt. Republican Councilman Dennis Hancock, of Fenton, said he has been asking for the minimum cost to fix up county headquarters in downtown Clayton. But he said the Transportation and Public Works department hasnt given him the information. The department director, Stephanie Leon Streeter, has said she has shared everything she could. Councilwoman Shalonda Webb, a Democrat from North County, said last year that Page instructed department leaders not to communicate with members of the council. A spokesman for the county executive said any lack of sharing information wasnt deliberate. Other councilmembers said at the time they didnt have a problem communicating with Pages staff. Could the council fire a director without cause? Page says the council could fire department heads and the county counselor without cause and inject the agendas of seven councilmembers into the decision. Hancock said department heads are at-will employees, and can already be fired by Page with or without cause. The council would have the same power, Hancock said. The bill that sent the proposition to voters didnt say the council needed a reason to fire a department head. It does say at least two members would need to introduce a resolution to remove a director, and that the resolution may outline a basis for the introduction. Webb said this week that directors would have the chance to appear before the council to make their case. And while a hearing might happen behind closed doors, there would at least be public notices its happening as required by public records laws. Page can fire his department directors without notifying the public, Webb said. Councilmembers promised to only use the measure, if voters approve it, as a last resort. As long as a director is doing their job, they have nothing to worry about, Days said. Will the proposition be challenged in court? Almost certainly. After a group of St. Louis County directors challenged the proposal in February, county Circuit Judge Bruce F. Hilton called the propositions language misleading, insufficient, inaccurate, argumentative, prejudicial and unfair. He ordered it off the ballot. An attorney for the County Council appealed, and an appellate panel issued an order that put the measure back on. Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Judge Thomas C. Clark II wrote in the order that the court shouldnt prevent voters from considering the issue. If anyone wants to challenge the measure, he wrote, they can do so if it passes. ST. LOUIS The news flashed from Memphis, Tenn., on the evening of April 4, 1968: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had been shot by a sniper. Anger exploded in cities across the nation. In downtown St. Louis, almost 100 black inmates in the old jail rioted at 8:30 p.m., barely 90 minutes after King was pronounced dead. They ripped away plumbing and started small fires. Some shouted, "They killed our leader." Police fired tear gas into the cellblocks, then hustled coughing, handcuffed inmates across Clark Avenue to police headquarters. Later that night, business windows were shattered at North Kingshighway and Page Avenue. A firebomb was thrown at a grocery, but didn't ignite. Overnight, riots erupted in Washington, Memphis, Boston, Chicago. The next morning, 75 local civil-rights leaders met at the Mid-City Community Congress, 4005 Delmar Boulevard, to plan a memorial march for Palm Sunday, two days hence. With everyone on edge, militants and moderates shouted at each other. There were demands to bar white politicians and police officers. A militant, James Rollins, bluntly warned of the plans, "If we militants don't go along with it, you're not going to have a nonviolent march." Morris Hatchett, a World War II pilot and head of the local NAACP, stood firm against violence: "We're all black. ... This battle of name-calling has got to go." They announced the march together. On Saturday, the national death toll was 19 as riots spread to Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Minneapolis. St. Louis and East St. Louis reported more firebombs and smashed windows. Somehow, none of that touched off rioting. So far, Hatchett's hope was holding. About 7,500 people gathered at the Gateway Arch on Sunday. Led by organizers locked arm-in-arm, they marched eight miles to Forest Park. Thousands more joined downtown, including Mayor Alfonso J. Cervantes and St. Louis County Supervisor Lawrence K. Roos. The assembly grew to 30,000 as it came down Union Boulevard toward the park. News reports said about 60 percent of the marchers were black. Most of the whites were near the back of the 20-block-long line parade. Some marchers carried banners. Many sang civil rights songs. Five white girls stood along Union holding a sign: "Your loss is ours, too." Police wore black armbands and stood back as the parade's volunteer marshals kept the peace during the 2-hour march. Once in the park, the crowd grew even larger. "We should honor the memory of the great apostle of freedom, justice and love," the Rev. Vinton R. Anderson, of St. Paul AME Church, told the weary marchers. "We have lived up to our commitment." More churches held memorials. More fires were set. But St. Louis didn't burn. Automaker Stellantis is temporarily halting production at a plant in Canada and a plant in Mexico shortly after President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported vehicles. The move will result in the temporary layoff of 900 U.S. employees. Stellantis, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroen and Ram, said Thursday it will be temporarily pausing production at the Windsor assembly plant in Canada for for the weeks of April 7 and 14. Operations will resume at the facility the week of April 21. The company will also be temporarily pausing production at the Toluca assembly plant in Mexico for the month of April, starting on April 7. Due to the production pause, there will be temporary layoffs at the Warren and Sterling stamping plants in Michigan and at the Indiana and Kokomo transmission plants and Kokomo casting facility in Indiana. Stellantis plans to continuously monitor the situation to determine if further action is necessary. In a email from North American Chief Operating Officer Antonio Filosa sent to employees, Filosa said that Stellantis will quickly adapt to the policy changes imposed by Trump. He noted that the actions that the company is taking are necessary given the current market dynamics. We understand that the current environment creates uncertainty, Filosa wrote. Be assured that we are very engaged with all of our key stakeholders, including top government leaders, unions, suppliers and dealers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as we work to manage and adapt to these changes. Late last month Trump said he was placing 25% tariffs on auto imports, a move the White House claimed would foster domestic manufacturing but could also put a financial squeeze on automakers that depend on global supply chains. Later Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will match U.S. President Donald Trumps 25% auto tariffs with a tariff on vehicles imported from the United States. Stellantis has also been dealing with some of its own challenges. In December CEO Carlos Tavares stepped down amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales. Stellantis North American operations had been the companys main source of profits for some time, but struggles piled up last year, with the company citing rising competition and larger market changes. In efforts to revive sales, Stellantis previously made a number of leadership changes in October, which included naming new heads of operations in North America and Europe. In January the company announced plans to reopen an assembly plant in Illinois and build the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit as it looked to resolve issues with the UAW. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. President of the Republic of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Her Excellency Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Excellencies, My best wishes to you this Eid al-Fitr. As we usher in this festive season, may we take the opportunity to deepen the spirit of community and international fraternity. I wish you and your loved ones a meaningful and blessed celebration. WASHINGTON The Social Security Administration's acting commissioner faces calls to resign after he issued an order which was quickly rescinded that would have required Maine parents to register their newborns for Social Security numbers at a federal office rather than the hospital. Newly unearthed emails show the March 5 decision was made as political payback to Maine's Governor Janet Mills, who defied the Trump administrations push to deny federal funding to the state over transgender athletes. In the email addressed to the agency's staff, acting commissioner Leland Dudek said, no money will go from the public trust to a petulant child. Staff members warned that terminating the contracts would result in improper payments and the potential for identity theft. Dudek's order initially drew widespread condemnation from medical organizations and public officials, who described it as unnecessary and punitive. The practice of allowing parents to register a newborn for a Social Security number at a hospital or other birthing site, called the Enumeration at Birth program, has been common for decades. Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree, one of two House members from Maine, said Dudek should resign immediately. She characterized Dudeks actions as retaliation for Mills publicly opposing President Donald Trump. If a federal agency can be turned into a political hit squad at the whim of an acting appointee, what checks remain on executive power? Commissioner Dudeks vindictive actions against Maine represent a fundamental betrayal of public trust that disqualifies him from public service, Pingree said. Mills said Wednesday that Social Security is being subjected to rushed and reckless cuts and needs leadership that treats it like a public trust. She said that is especially important in Maine, which has a high number of recipients. Social Security is not a scheme, as some have said, its a covenant between our government and its people. The Social Security Administrations leadership must act in a manner that reflects this solemn obligation, Mills said. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to Dudek on Tuesday, calling for his immediate resignation and a request that he sit for an interview with the committee. The American people deserve answers about your activities and communications in the time between President Trumps February 21, 2025, public threat to Governor Mills and your February 27, 2025, order to cancel the enumeration at birth and electronic death registration contracts with the state of Maine, and about your knowledge that cancelling these contracts would lead to increased waste, fraud, and abuse," Connolly said in his letter. Connolly, in the letter, said Democrats on the House oversight committee obtained internal emails from the Social Security Administration that he says shows Dudek canceled the contracts to politically retaliate against Maine. A representative from the Social Security Administration did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment. Dudek on a March 18 call with reporters to preview the agency's tighter identity-proofing measures, initially said the cancellation of the Maine contract happened because I screwed up, adding he believed the contract looked strange. I made the wrong move there. I should always ask my staff for guidance first, before I cancel something. Im new at this job." He added, "Well, I was upset at the governors treatment, and I indicated in email as such, but the actual fact of the matter was it looked like a strange contract. I'm not interested in political retaliation," he said. "Im interested in serving the public. Maine was the subject of federal investigations since Mills sparked the ire of Trump at a meeting of governors at the White House in February. During the meeting, Trump threatened to pull federal funding from Maine if the state does not comply with his executive order barring transgender athletes from sports. Mills responded: Well see you in court. The Trump administration then opened investigations into whether Maine violated the Title IX antidiscrimination law by allowing transgender athletes to participate in girls' sports. The Education Department issued a final warning on Monday that the state could face Justice Department enforcement if it doesn't come into compliance soon. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said Wednesday that the department will pause federal funds for some Maine educational programs because of Title IX noncompliance. Two weeks ago, the Trump administration issued an executive order defunding the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia. The Chinese Communist Party is celebrating this decision. ("Editorial: Trumps assault on Voice of America combines his two worst instincts," March 18.) Indeed, Chinese state media (the Global Times) has said, The so-called beacon of freedom, VOA, has now been discarded by its own government like a dirty rag," in an article titled "Why VOA, known as a lie factory, has halted operations." This defunding decision has resulted in not only suspension of independent information transfer to the people of China, but now also prevents dissident voices inside China from reaching the rest of the world. I fail to see how allowing propaganda of a totalitarian government to thrive unchecked by our critical voices is in the U.S. governments interests. Mari Watanabe University City Regarding As Trump supporters claim election fraud, St. Charles County moves to keep 2020 ballots" (March 31): My first thought while reading the article is, this is an April Fools joke. St. Charles County Election Authority Kurt Bahr, a Republican, sought permission to shred paper ballots left over from several recent elections, including 2020, which is normal practice. When a critic filed a complaint, then-Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, also a Republican, cleared Bahr of any wrongdoing. Trump's own attorney general during his first term, William Barr, said there was no voter fraud. More than 50 court cases alleging fraud were thrown out, many by Trump-appointed judges. Please tell me this article was a joke. I mean, this is as inane as saying it's terrorism to vandalize Tesla cars but attacking the U.S. Capitol is patriotism. Paul A. Kieselhorst Maplewood Indiana National Guard soldiers with the 252nd Support Maintenance Company are welcomed home by Indiana National Guard leadership in Indianapolis after returning from a 10-month deployment in the Middle East, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (Jeff Lowry/Indiana National Guard) About 120 Indiana National Guard soldiers returned home from a 10-month deployment in the Middle East on Wednesday, according to a service news release. The soldiers are with the 252nd Support Maintenance Company, which is based at Stout Field, and serviced equipment that supported three U.S. Central Command campaigns, including Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. The guardsmen worked more than 46,000 hours of repairs and completed over 7,200 work orders, the release said, across a wide range of equipment and weapon systems. We did an outstanding job, everybody did an outstanding job, said 1st Sgt. David Tallent, the companys senior enlisted leader. Yet I am very happy to be home, and I think we all are. U.S. Army Air Forces Sgt. Edward S. Kovaleski and U.S. Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Sanford G. Roy. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) The remains of two soldiers killed during World War II will be buried next week with full military honors. U.S. Army Air Forces Sgt. Edward S. Kovaleski will be interred Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery, and U.S. Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Sanford G. Roy will be interred Tuesday at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Tennessee. Kovaleski, a native of Southbridge, Mass., was an engineer and ball turret gunner assigned to the 760th Bombardment Squadron, 460th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 15th Air Force, in the European and Mediterranean Theater. He was killed in action April 26, 1945, at age 25, after the B-24J Liberator aircraft he was aboard crashed near Huttenberg, Austria, while en route to a bombing mission in northern Italy. Kovaleski was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on June 4, 2024, after his remains were recovered from the crash site between 2021 and 2022 for laboratory analysis and identification. Roy, a native of Chattanooga, was a waist gunner assigned to the 732nd Bombardment Squadron, 453rd Bombardment Group, 2nd Combat Bomb Wing, 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force in the European Theater. He was killed in action April 8, 1944, at age 31, after the B-24H Liberator aircraft he was aboard was shot down by enemy fighter aircraft fire while on a bombing mission to Brunswick, Germany. Roy was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on June 20, 2024, after his remains were excavated from the crash site between 2021 and 2023 for laboratory analysis and identification. About 81,000 American troops from past conflicts remain unaccounted for, according to the DPAA. U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan, seen here in 2022. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan The Department of Defense has scheduled listening sessions at three U.S. military bases in Japan next week to collect feedback on a pilot program designed to connect DOD civilians with Japanese health care providers. Anyone who has used the program the Health Insurance Enhancement for DOD Civilian Employees in Japan is encouraged to participate at sessions at Misawa Air Base, Camp Foster and Yokosuka Naval Base, according to a March 28 email distributed by the Defense Health Agencys National Capital Region. Interested parties must register to attend at dha.ncr.Exec-Svcs.mbx.pilot-listening-sessions@health.mil and indicate their location and preferred time. Spots are limited and only open to those who have used the service, the DHA wrote in the email. A calendar invite will be available for those who RSVP to confirm their spot and provide updates. DOD on Jan. 1 launched the pilot program, which features a 24/7 call center that connects DOD civilian employees with Japanese providers. The health agency in December 2022 limited DOD employees to space-available appointments only at military health care facilities while encouraging them to seek care from local providers. Alexandra Cummings, the spouse of a civilian employee at Yokosuka Naval Base and an advocate for DOD employee health care in Japan, said shes hopeful our community members will give DHA feedback. Cummings, a volunteer with the Japan Civilian Medical Advocacy group but speaking on her own behalf, said the group has heard consistently that the program can be helpful but needs improvement. Many civilians have expressed frustration that dependents are not covered, particularly because pediatric care is especially difficult to obtain, she said. Im also aware it can take days for the program to make a referral, meaning that this tool still does not help address our lack of emergency care. Each base has two 50-minute listening sessions scheduled. A DHA spokeswoman in Hawaii referred further questions to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, which did not respond after close of business Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan scheduled its sessions on Monday from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. and again from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Camp Foster, on Okinawa, will host its sessions during the same two periods on Wednesday. Yokosuka Naval Base scheduled its sessions April 11, first from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. and again from 2 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. The pilot program concludes Sept. 29; dependents and contractors are not eligible. So far, it has helped hundreds of DOD civilians navigate the Japanese health system, to include alleviating up-front financial burdens by issuing on average, $500-$1000 in payment guarantees, according to the email announcing the listening sessions. The $4.2 million, DOD-funded program is administered by International SOS Government Services Inc., the primary contractor for the Tricare Overseas Program, the DOD health care plan for service members, their dependents and retirees. Federal employees enrolled in the following health plans may participate in the pilot program: Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield; Foreign Service Benefit Plan; Hawaii Medical Service Association; Government Employees Health Association; and Mail Handlers Benefit Plan. Non-appropriated fund employees in Japan are also eligible if they are covered by Aetna International, but they must first contact Aetna International directly, according to an updated fact sheet included in the email. The Akasaka Press Center in the Roppongi district of central Tokyo. (Joseph Ditzler/Stars and Stripes) YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan U.S. Forces Japan is establishing a satellite office in central Tokyo as part of its reorganization to a joint force command and to ease communications with Japans Ministry of Defense, according to the ministry. USFJ established a new liaison department in March as part of its reorganization, the ministry said in an unsigned statement emailed Thursday to Stars and Stripes. To further strengthen operational cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military a satellite office has been set up at the Akasaka Press Center to further deepen cooperation on a regular basis, the ministry said. Akasaka Press Center has been headquarters for Stars and Stripes Pacific since 1952. The fenced compound includes Hardy Barracks, an Army lodging facility, and several tenant commands, including the Office of Naval Research. The curvy street outside the gate is named Seijoki Dori, or Stars and Stripes Street, after the newspaper. The property includes a helipad, a center-city transit point for visiting dignitaries, including U.S. politicians, presidents, high-ranking military officers and foreign officials. A spokesman for USFJ did not directly address a move to the press center. Our Alliance is stronger than ever and the upgrade of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) to a Joint Forces Headquarters, alongside Japans new Joint Operations Command, directly reflects this enhanced partnership, spokesman Air Force Col. Greg Hignite said by email Thursday. The upgrade enables closer bilateral command and control and significantly improves our combined ability to ensure peace, stability, and deterrence in the region. The first phase of the upgrade focuses on enhancing USFJs operational capabilities and command and control by streamlining its structure into a dedicated warfighting command with increased staff and resources, Hignite said. This will result in greater agility, lethality, and deeper integration with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, he said. USFJ is in close collaboration with [U.S. Indo-Pacific Command] on developing a successful transition into a Joint Task Force Headquarters. Lloyd Austin, the U.S. defense secretary at the time, announced USFJs restructuring in July; his successor, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, confirmed the changes Sunday on his visit to Tokyo. USFJ oversees about 115,000 troops, civilians and family members in Japan. Relocating some of its functions from Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo to the busy Roppongi district in the city puts USFJ personnel within 2 miles of the defense ministry headquarters at Camp Ichigaya in Tokyo. The ministry in a ceremony last month officially activated its joint operations command, a counterpart to a restructured USFJ. The changes are part of the allies response to growing threats in the region from China, Russia and North Korea. Members of USFJs new department and personnel who frequently visit Ichigaya will move to the press center, the Japanese statement said. Only a small number of personnel will be based at the satellite office at Akasaka Press Center in order to minimize the visible impact to the area, the statement said. With the move, the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military may communicate and coordinate more closely than ever before, according to the ministry statement. Activists and bystanders gather around a gate leading to the National Assembly building in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 4, 2024. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea The U.S. Embassy in Seoul warned American citizens to expect large-scale demonstrations and protests following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment ruling expected Friday from one of the countrys highest courts. The notice on the embassy website Tuesday advised Americans to avoid demonstrations and to use caution in crowded areas ahead of the Constitutional Courts verdict. The embassy will be closed Friday to interviews for passports and visas, notarial services and birth certificate applications and will resume those services Monday, according to the notice. Although most demonstrations in South Korea are peaceful, rallies intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence, the notice said. During a protest Jan. 19, Yoons supporters stormed the Seoul Western District Court, damaged gates, smashed windows and vandalized furniture. Roughly 60 people were arrested in the incident. U.S. Forces Korea, the military command overseeing 28,500 American troops in South Korea, aligns with the U.S. Embassys guidance, Army Col. Ryan Donald, a spokesman for the command, said by email Thursday. We advise avoiding protest areas, staying alert, and following local authorities guidance, he added. Tens of thousands gathered in front of the National Assembly building, presidential residence and Constitutional Court in Seoul for political demonstrations in the weeks following Yoons short-lived martial law declaration Dec. 3. Yoon defended the decree by claiming his Democratic Party political opponents were stonewalling legislation and impeaching senior government officials without justification. National Assembly lawmakers voted to impeach Yoon 11 days later, which prompted the Constitutional Court to review his case starting Dec. 27. If the court upholds Yoons impeachment, South Korea is required to hold a presidential election within 60 days. If his impeachment is struck down, Yoon will be reinstated and serve the remainder of his five-year term until May 2027. (Tribune News Service) Hungary announced its exit from the International Criminal Court as Prime Minister Viktor Orban hosted Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, ignoring an arrest warrant for the Israeli leader. Calling the Hague-based institution a political court, Orban said his government will immediately submit legislation to withdraw from the ICC. Speaking alongside Orban in the Hungarian capital, Netanyahu lauded the decision to leave this corrupt organization. I hope many will follow, the Israeli premier told reporters on Thursday. Netanyahu is making his first foreign trip outside the U.S. since the October 2023 attack by Hamas that triggered the war in Gaza, selecting in Orban a fellow right-wing ally of U.S. President Donald Trump as his host. All three leaders have condemned the ICC ruling in November that Netanyahu be detained for alleged war crimes. Hungary is a signatory to the ICCs founding charter, meaning that it would have been obliged to detain Netanyahu on arrival. But Orban has dismissed the order from the outset, immediately inviting his Israeli counterpart for an official visit with a guarantee that he would not be arrested. The ICC declined to comment. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed Hungarys decision, which he said demonstrated its stance in support of Israel, according to a post on X. The decision was reported earlier this week by Radio Free Europe. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said the ICC host nation deeply regrets Hungarys decision, noting that the withdrawal process would take about a year. Until then, Hungary will have to comply with the obligations that come with being a member, Veldkamp told reporters in Brussels. The international tribunal issued the arrest warrant in response to Netanyahus handling of the conflict with Hamas, saying he needs to account for crimes against humanity and war crimes. The war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel in October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 250. Israels subsequent campaign in Gaza has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory, while devastating urban areas and displacing much of the 2.2 million population. Like the U.S., Israel isnt an ICC signatory and argues that the court has no jurisdiction over the country because it has an independent judiciary capable of its own investigations into allegations of war crimes. The ICC says Israel has turned a blind eye to the killing of civilians in Gaza, requiring intervention, something Israel denies. With assistance from Sarah Jacob, Alisa Odenheimer, Patrick Van Oosterom and Andras Gergely. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan Abdelrahman Al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of the Sudan, has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. "Your Excellency. On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Sudan, I am greatly pleased to extend my congratulations to you on the occasion of the Ramadan holiday and convey my best wishes. I pray to the Almighty Allah to grant you robust health and abundance. I hope that this holiday brings prosperity, peace, and tranquility to our brotherly countries and all Muslim nations. Ramadan Mubarak! Please, accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration," the letter reads. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to reporters April 3, 2025, before a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels. (Screenshot/NATO) NATO countries must show credible plans for meeting a U.S. demand for greater defense spending, the top American diplomat said Thursday in Brussels. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who made his debut at NATO headquarters for high-level talks, dismissed angst about a potential American withdrawal from the alliance as hysteria and hyperbole. President Donald Trump isnt against NATO, Rubio said at the start of talks. He is against a NATO that does not have the capabilities that it needs to fulfill the obligations that the treaty imposes. But Trumps call for members of the bloc to spend 5% of gross domestic product on defense, up from the current benchmark of 2%, appeared nonnegotiable. No one expects that youre going to be able to do this in one year or two, but the pathway has to be real, he said, adding that the United States also will need to increase its own defense expenditures. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte walk through the alliance's headquarters in Brussels on April 3, 2025, before a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers. (NATO) Rubio wasnt clear about whether that means Pentagon spending levels would need to rise all the way to 5%, which would push the Defense Department budget over $1 trillion. He also didnt elaborate on consequences should members refuse to reach the higher spending mark. Still, there isnt an indication that all the alliances 32 members are onboard with such a dramatic increase in spending. The differing outlooks in the bloc are closely related to the threat perceptions of each country. Worried about Russian aggression, some members on NATOs eastern flank have ramped up spending well above the 2% mark. Poland already is at 5% of GDP, for example. Italy, Portugal and Spain, on the other hand, are yet to hit even the 2% level. Rubio said political leaders need to adapt to the changed security environment and the hard budget choices that come with it. This is a collection not just of partners and allies, but of advanced economies, of rich countries who have the capability to do more, Rubio said. He said tradeoffs, such as scaling back on social welfare safety nets, could be required. We have to do it every single year in our country, he said. I assure you that we also have domestic needs, but weve prioritized defense because of the role weve played in the world. And we want our partners to do the same. The Trump administrations calls for Europe to be less reliant on the American military for defense are prompting a rethink of arms purchases from the United States by some NATO members. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio listens to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte speak April 3, 2025, before a meeting of the alliance's foreign ministers at its headquarters in Brussels. (NATO) But Rubio has sent a message that excluding U.S. companies from European military tenders would draw displeasure from Washington, according to a Reuters report that cited two sources familiar with the matter. And at the meetings in Brussels, Rubio plans to make allies aware that the White House expects European countries to continue buying American weaponry, a senior State Department official told Reuters. Rubios comments come as the United States aims to shift more of its military focus to the Asia-Pacific region to counter Chinas growing power. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during his first visit to NATO headquarters in February, told leaders the expectation is that European allies will be able to provide the bulk of the security of the Continent. While there are no immediate plans to cut American troop levels, the force posture in Europe is under review, Hegseth has said. What isnt clear is how large a potential reduction in the American military presence in Europe could eventually be and how soon it could happen. Russias full-scale ground war in the heart of Europe is a reminder that hard power is still necessary as a deterrent, Rubio said. We want NATO to be more viable, he added. And the only way NATO can get stronger and more viable is if our partners, the nation states that comprise this important alliance, have more capability. Syrians look for metal pieces and unexploded ammunition at the site of an Israeli airstrike in northeastern Syria, on Dec. 10, 2024. Israel carried out another wave of airstrikes on Wednesday in an ongoing bid to reduce the military capacity of it war-torn neighbor. (Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) The Israeli army carried out multiple airstrikes in different parts of Syria on Wednesday, including the capital Damascus, and almost completely destroyed a military airport in another major city as Israel continues to degrade the war-torn countrys military capabilities. The airstrikes, carried out in five different areas, lasted for 30 minutes and wounded civilians and military personnel, the Syrian foreign ministry said in a statement. Syria TV reported that the military airport in Hama, north of Damascus, had been hit more than 15 times. The Israel Defense Forces said on Telegram that within hours, it had struck military capabilities that remained at the Syrian bases of Hama and T4, along with additional remaining military infrastructure sites in the area of Damascus. The IDF vowed to continue to operate to remove any threat to Israeli civilians. The T4 base is in Homs. An Israeli airstrike targeted the vicinity of a research facility in Damascus, the Syrian state-run news agency Sana reported. Israeli forces fired artillery shells in the countryside near Daraa, close to the border with Jordan, according to Syria TV. The Israeli government has attacked military infrastructure and seized weapons and equipment in Syria following the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad last December as a precaution. Interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who led an Islamist uprising against his long-standing predecessor, previously fought alongside Islamic State in Iraq and ran al-Qaedas branch in Syria. The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instituted a new defense doctrine intended to prevent another surprise attack by building military positions in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza. The Syrian foreign ministry described the Israeli attacks as an unjustified escalation that aimed to shake the stability of Syria and prolong the suffering of its people. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Ships pass through the Bosporus Strait near Istanbul, Turkey. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) The United States levied economic sanctions on an accused Iranian money launderer, along with two Afghans and two Russians, for helping Houthi militants in Yemen obtain millions of dollars of goods and weapons from Russia. The Treasury Department case illustrates a web of operations including stolen Ukrainian grain shipments aboard a Russia-flagged, Chinese companys cargo ship, the sales of which were used to support Houthi attacks on U.S. Navy and commercial vessels in the Middle East. Russia-based Afghan businessmen Hushang Ghairat and Sohrab Ghairat helped senior Houthi financial officer Said al-Jamal to acquire the stolen grain, weapons and sensitive goods, the Treasury Department said Wednesday. Russian nationals Vyacheslav Vidanov and Yuri Belyakov helped ship the grain aboard the AM THESEUS, owned by a Hong Kong-based business, according to a Treasury Department statement. The vessel also is known as the ZAFAR. Turkey-based Iranian national Hassan Jafari laundered the money for the Houthis, the Treasury Department said. The sanctions against the men underscore the departments commitment to degrade Houthi capabilities, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. He noted that the Houthis rely on al-Jamal and his financial and procurement network to supply the groups terrorist war machine. The destroyer USS Gravely launches Tomahawk missiles Jan. 12, 2024, in response to increased Houthi strikes in the Red Sea. The Houthi attacks, which began in November 2023, have been bolstered by a replenishable supply of sophisticated weapons from Iran and Russia. (Jonathan Word/U.S. Navy) Based in Iran, al-Jamal is backed by the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and was sanctioned by the U.S. in June 2021, the department said. Sanctions generally freeze any U.S.-based assets owned by the targeted individuals and companies. They also ban American citizens and businesses, such as banks, from working with them. Houthi militants in Yemen have used anti-ship missiles and one-way aerial attack drones, among other weapons, in their strikes on military and civilian ships in the Red Sea. Those attacks, which began in November 2023, have been bolstered by a replenishable supply of sophisticated weapons from Iran and Russia. While the U.S. has focused on Irans connections to the Houthis for good reasons, that attention may have obscured some of the other actors that are now serving as proxies for the relationship between them, as well as allies to the Houthi themselves, said Ian Ralby, a maritime law and security expert and founder of I.R. Consilium, a research and consulting firm. For example, weapons are being shipped from Russian ports in the Black Sea, through the Bosporus and Dardanelles and into the Mediterranean Sea before eventually moving onward to Yemen, he said. The Iranians may be using the Russians to move weapons into Hodeida (in Yemen) and the Russians themselves are taking up an initiative in part because they gravitate towards the chaotic nature of the (Houthis), Ralby said. Russia also would like to have a presence in the Red Sea, including a port in Sudan, he added. Open-source intelligence has long documented the transfer of Russian goods, including stolen Ukrainian grain, to Yemen. In a March 19 post on X, ship watcher Yoruk Isik videotaped AM THESEUS heading through Turkeys Bosporus toward the Black Sea. Trump's ally Russia feeds Yemen's Houthis: Russia flag bulker Zafar that is routinely trading out of Russian-occupied Crimea transits Bosphorus toward BlackSea after delivering 35000t of wheat to Houthi-controlled ports of Saleef & Hudaydah in Yemen. pic.twitter.com/tVpofHRxf9 Yoruk Isk (@YorukIsik) March 19, 2025 U.S. officials say Hushang Ghairat and Sohrab Ghairat, the two Afghan businessmen, also have helped the Houthis with commercial activities. Three Russia-based businesses connected to Sohrab Ghairat and the company that owns AM THESEUS are part of the latest sanctions, according to the statement. The crackdown on the Houthi financial and procurement network comes as the U.S. beefs up its presence in the Middle East amid escalating tensions with the Houthis and Iran. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on its way to join the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group already on duty in the Red Sea. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also has ordered the deployment of additional squadrons and other air assets to the region. Meanwhile, at least six nuclear-capable B-2 bombers along with other aircraft have arrived at a U.S. base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Those actions come as the U.S. continues to pummel Houthi militants with airstrikes that began last month. The group said six people were killed in suspected U.S. strikes across the country on Wednesday, The Associated Press reported the same day. Stars and Stripes reporter Lara Korte contributed to this report. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during an event at the Pentagon on March 7, 2025. (Madelyn Keech/Defense Department) WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths use of the Signal group chat with other national security officials to discuss plans for airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen will be investigated, the Pentagons acting inspector general announced Thursday. The objective of this evaluation is to determine the extent to which the secretary of defense and other [Defense Department] personnel complied with DOD policies and procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business, acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins wrote. Additionally, we will review compliance with classification and records retention requirements. Stebbins added the IGs office could revise the objective of the evaluation as it proceeds. The evaluation will be performed in Washington and U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa. The probe comes less than two weeks after the top editor of The Atlantic magazine, Jeffrey Goldberg, revealed he was mistakenly included in the conversation on the Signal app in which national security officials for President Donald Trump discussed the plans for airstrikes in Yemen. Hours before the bombing, Hegseth posted during the Signal chat when American fighter pilots would attack Houthi targets in Yemen, sharing information on the types of aircraft that would be used and the approximate times of launches and strikes. The chat also included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and other top officials. Waltz, a former Green Beret, accidentally invited Goldberg to the discussion. The scandal has caused a furor on Capitol Hill, with Democrats increasingly calling for Hegseths resignation. Sens. Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the Republican chairman and top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, made a formal request last week that the Defense Departments inspector general assess whether anyone in the chat transferred classified information. Members of Trumps National Security Council, including Waltz, have also conducted government business over personal Gmail accounts, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. In addition, Waltzs team set up at least 20 chats on Signal to coordinate official work on issues including Ukraine, China, Gaza, Middle East policy, Africa and Europe, Politico reported. The IG investigation announced Thursday comes shortly after reports that the White House fired at least three senior aides on the National Security Council staff. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, left, and Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley prepare to testify at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on April 3, 2025. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON The commanders of U.S. troops in Europe and Africa expressed trepidation Thursday about the Pentagons reported plans to consolidate commands and give up Americas role as NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe. A merger of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command into a single command would be a daunting task, said Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of AFRICOM. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, who leads EUCOM and is the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, called it a stretch. I would have the responsibility for 50 more countries. Thats a wide span of control, Cavoli said in testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee. [The proposal] would have to be studied very, very closely. Reports emerged last month that President Donald Trumps administration was considering major restructuring measures across the military, including the dismantling of AFRICOM and moving it to a subcommand position under EUCOM in Stuttgart, Germany. The reported plans prompted the Republican chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services committees to push back with a statement warning that significant changes to the U.S. warfighting structure could risk undermining American strength around the globe. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate committee, said Thursday a merger of the Europe and Africa commands would be a deeply mistaken and harmful decision. AFRICOM was created in 2007 under President George W. Bush. Since then, terrorism on the continent has risen from 2% to 43% as Chinese and Russian influence has grown, Langley said. The challenges in Africa have increased exponentially over the last 10 years, not just the terrorism that was there during the previous period of the last 20 years but the increasing activity of Russia and China, Cavoli said. There are a lot of problems there and Im satisfied with the problems I have in EUCOM. Langley and Cavoli are set to retire from their posts in the summer. Cavolis dual position as EUCOM commander and NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe, known as the SACEUR, has also been under debate. The Trump administration is reportedly contemplating whether to retain a four-star U.S. general in the SACEUR role, which oversees all NATO military operations in Europe. The job has been held by an American for nearly 75 years. Cavoli said Thursday that ceding the role to another nation would bring some challenges in terms of nuclear command and control. The SACEUR is responsible for overseeing U.S. nuclear forces that are deployed across several NATO countries. We would want those under the command of a U.S. officer, clearly, Cavoli said, especially if Article 5, NATOs mutual defense clause, is invoked. He noted such a scenario could also put large numbers of American troops under non-U.S. command for the first time since World War I. I think those are things that would have to be considered carefully, Cavoli said. It is unclear when the Pentagon plans to announce its restructuring and cost-cutting efforts, which could include the combination of U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Southern Command into a single AMERICOM command. The consolidations reportedly could save the Defense Department, which has a $850 billion annual budget, about $330 million in five years. From left, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., speaks with Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, before an unofficial hearing on the recent firings of veterans by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON A fired federal worker who was the information security lead for VA.gov the online platform that enables veterans to manage their benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs warned users health information and other sensitive data is at risk because of workforce reductions across the federal government. Jonathan Kamens, a former information security employee with the U.S. Digital Service, described his role protecting online data for millions of veterans during a two-hour shadow hearing held Wednesday by Senate Democrats to examine the recent mass firings of federal workers by President Donald Trumps administration and the impact on veterans. The unofficial meeting was organized by Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, who was joined by several other Senate Democrats to hear first-person accounts from workers about their job terminations and the impacts on benefits and services for veterans. These firings have disproportionately affected our VA and veterans workforce, and the harm to them individually will become painfully clear today, Blumenthal said at the start of the hearing. They have suffered from uncertainty, from financial distress, from emotional hardship, in ways that I think Elon Musk and Donald Trump need to understand. The hearing was livestreamed on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, the tech billionaire who has advised the administration and orchestrated sweeping job terminations as part of a federal workforce reduction ordered by Trump. Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Though the meeting was held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, most of the witnesses participated remotely. More than 8,500 users had watched the hearing on the social media by Thursday. Kamens, who had worked at the U.S. Digital Service for 18 months, said his role was to secure online health information and other sensitive data at VA.gov. He told lawmakers that VA.gov processes an array of extremely personal information on veterans and their families, including medical, financial and demographic data. This includes Social Security numbers and tax data showing income. This type of data is continuously sought out by threat actors looking to defraud or extort victims or bombard them with targeted disinformation, said Kamens, who testified virtually from Massachusetts. But he said he and other employees in similar positions were fired in February under what was described as an agency restructuring. Kamens said his job has not been filled. I spoke to someone from my department, and the role I had remains vacant, he said. My firing leaves the office of the chief technology officer without adequate information security expertise, a gap that is unlikely to be remedied due to DOGEs crusade to slash the federal workforce and contractors and VA Secretary [Doug] Collins plans to aggressively cut VA staffing. Kamens referred to a leaked memo from the VA chief of staff that disclosed plans for 83,000 additional VA job cuts in the summer. Jonathan Kamens testifies remotely during an unofficial hearing on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, regarding the recent firings of veterans by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Kamens was fired from the U.S. Digital Service, where he oversaw information security for VA.gov. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Marine Corps veteran Kira Carrigan, who is a military spouse, was among the fired federal workers invited to speak at the hearing. Carrigan, who spoke virtually from her home in Louisiana, talked about the impact of losing her job as a human resources specialist at the Office of Personnel Management. She described herself as a disabled veteran who served in the military from 2006 to 2010 and is married to an active-duty Marine. I started my position in December of last year and successfully passed multiple trainings and had been assigned work cases. I only had positive feedback from supervisors. Despite my outstanding performance, I was dismissed with less than 30 minutes warning, Carrigan said. The termination notice stated she was fired for poor performance. This has devastated our family and our future as well, said Carrigan, whose husband is about to retire from military service. I dont believe I am owed a job or a paycheck. But what I am owed is respect and not being fired under the guise that my performance was poor. All I ask is that the federal government follow its own procedures for reducing the workforce and treating us with dignity. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the Senate Armed Services and Senate Budget committees, said he is worried the administration is waging a war on veterans. When you look at the disproportionate effect across-the-board firings has on a federal workforce that is 30% veteran, the single group most disproportionately affected is veterans, he said. Kaine said two large VA clinics are about to open in Virginia with just a skeleton crew. He questioned how the clinics will be able to fully function, as the VA plans another round of job cuts after imposing a hiring freeze earlier this year. Other Senate Democrats at the hearing included Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, also took part. Hassan asked the veterans who participated what message the sweeping job terminations sends to veterans. About 6,000 veterans have been fired across federal agencies, including at the VA. I have a 17-year-old son, and we were looking into the military for him. But I dont know that I want him to do this now. I do not have confidence to have my child put his life on the line for this country, said Air Force veteran Shernice Mundell, who had been promoted to a new position at the Office of Personnel Management right before she was fired. Retired Air Force veteran Shernice Mundell testifies during an unofficial hearing on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, regarding the recent firings of veterans by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Mundell previously worked in the Office of Personnel Management before she was fired. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Lou Graziani, a retired disabled Army veteran who served for 20 years, said he was just reinstated in his job at the VA per federal court order after being fired in February. I was unceremoniously terminated on Valentines Day. But I do not feel as safe as I think I should, said Graziani, who works in public affairs at a VA office in The Bronx, N.Y. His job includes explaining VA services and benefits to veterans. When Blumenthal announced the shadow hearing, he said it was necessary because Republican lawmakers who lead the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees have yet to schedule a formal hearing on the federal job terminations and their impact on veterans jobs, benefits and services. Blumenthal said the VA secretary did not respond to his invitation to speak at the hearing, though Collins has agreed to come before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee at an unspecified date, according to lawmakers. I am hopeful that he will give us a date certain when he will be before the committee, but we again dont know, we dont know when that will be, Blumenthal said. Infantrymen ride into action atop an M48 in 1968. A combined Infantry and Cavalry mission was halted when the North Vietnamese opened up with 75mm recoilless, 50 caliber and AK-47 rifles, hitting one Armored Personnel Carrier twice, blowing off its tracks, and disabling a tank. The action took place about 2,000 meters from Landing Zone Ross, north of Chu Lai. (John Olsen/Stars and Stripes) When Jack Danner hit the beach in a landing craft on his first day as an American soldier in Vietnam in 1965, he expected to see bullets flying. As we pulled into Vietnam everybody was given their magazine with live ammunition. ... You realize this is the real banana, he recalled in 2003 video interview. On the beach he found not the enemy, but the top U.S. commander in Vietnam, Army Gen. William Westmoreland, said Danner, a former first lieutenant who served with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment. Danners recollections are among 27,000 Vietnam veterans recordings, videos, photographs, drawings, letters and other documents stored by the Library of Congress Veterans History Project in a collection thats still growing, even as America prepares to mark the 50th anniversary on April 30 of the wars end. The project began in 2000 as a grassroots effort to collect and make accessible the firsthand narratives of U.S. military veterans, according to project spokesman Travis Bickford. The backbone of our collection is oral history, he told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday. Future generations can hear directly from those who served in their own words. Veterans of World War I through recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions are included in the project, according to the Library of Congress website. Their recollections are available at the library in Washington, D.C., or at its website. Curated collections include In Country: Stories from the Vietnam War, which presents stories from 16 veterans. Each of the 2.7 million Americans who served in country during the Vietnam War had a unique experience, shaped by a vast array of factors perhaps especially the place or places in which they served, the library states on its website. The Vietnam collection includes stories from veterans dispatched to locations ranging from Saigon to Khe Sanh, from the waters off the coast of Vietnam to the skies above it. Personal Snapshots: Picturing the Vietnam War, features candid, amateur photographs taken by soldiers, sailors and Marines. Soldiers carry their wounded to a Huey helicopter in 1968. The helicopter was sent to pick up the wounded from a combined Infantry and Cavalry mission that was halted when the North Vietnamese opened up with 75mm recoilless, 50 caliber and AK-47 rifles. (John Olsen/Stars and Stripes) Soldiers watch as the gunner fires at NVA enemy positions from his M113 Armored Personnel Carrier in 1968. The action took place about 2000 meters from Landing Zone Ross, north of Chu Lai. (John Olsen/Stars and Stripes) Soldiers walk back after a combined Infantry and Cavalry mission was halted by when the North Vietnamese opened up with 75mm recoilless, 50 caliber and AK-47 rifles. The action took place about 2,000 meters from Landing Zone Ross, north of Chu Lai in 1968. (John Olsen/Stars and Stripes) The 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division on the day they took the mountain, west of A Shau Valley, called Dong Ap Bia, or Hamburger Hill in 1969. A wounded soldier is put on a stretcher and carried to a Huey to be evacuated off of the mountain. (Jim Clare/Stars and Stripes) It includes hundreds of photographs, letters and tape recordings sent home by Marine Lance Cpl. Mark Ryan Black who was stationed in Quang Tri province, Vietnam, with a combined action company. Black was killed by enemy fire during an attack on his compound on Aug. 14, 1967. In Vietnam War: Looking Back, veteran Tom Hagel explained: When we think of wars whether its Vietnam or any other war we think of it as a unitary subject but there are millions of Vietnam Wars. Typically, each video recording of a veteran was collected by a volunteer and lasts at least 30 minutes. The project also collects things such as old photographs and diaries, Bickford said. The late Vietnam War correspondent Joseph Galloway, who co-wrote the book, We Were Soldiers Once ... And Young with Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, conducted some of the veteran interviews in the collection, Bickford said. The sort of people who listen to the recordings are researchers, students, film makers and authors or family members who want to hear their loved ones voice again, said Bickford, an Army veteran who served in Germany and Iraq. Documentary makers from the History Channel and the National Geographic have accessed the collection, he said. Filmmaker Ken Burns, who made the 10-part 2017 television series The Vietnam War has also researched the collection, he said. Interviews from the collection have been quoted in hundreds of books, Bickford added. Technology means theres a lot of firsthand recordings from the front lines of recent conflicts, but that wasnt necessarily happening during the Vietnam War, he said. Thats what makes this project important, he said. Collecting all these stories from the past. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. A number of events on the occasion of the 9th anniversary of the victory in the April battles in 2016 were held in types of troops, army corps, and formations, as well as in special educational institutions of the Azerbaijan Army, according to the annual action plan approved by the Minister of Defense Zakir Hasanov, Trend reports via the Defense Ministry. Servicemen, participants of the April battles, members of martyrs families, and public representatives visited the Alley of Martyrs, laid flowers at the graves of the martyrs, and paid tribute to their blessed memory. At the events, the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was honored with a minute of silence, and the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was performed. The speakers at the event spoke about the reasons for the battles that began as a result of the provocations of the Armenian armed forces on the night of April 1-2, 2016, and about the historical significance of the successful counter-offensive operation of the Azerbaijan Army. It was emphasized that the victory won in the April battles, inscribed in golden letters in the history of Azerbaijan's statehood, was the beginning of the Azerbaijan Armys victories in the Gunnut operation, the Tovuz battles, and the Second Karabakh War, including the anti-terror operation led by the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. In the artistic part of the event, documentaries were shown, poems were recited, patriotic music and literary-artistic composition were performed, and the battle participants shared their memories. Servicemen also visited the families of the martyrs, enquired about their care and wishes, and paid tribute to the memory of comrades-in-arms who became martyrs. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The army veteran killed his future son in law at his home in February 2023 Security camera footage has been released of the build up to the tragic murder of Sligoman Damien Conlon . It first appeared on Australian news site news.com.au. The video shows his killer (and future father in law), Luke Samouel Simon, retrieve a gun and talk out loud about how he was going too kill him. The video then flips to outside security footage at the house where Damien is lured to his death, before Simon returns to the garage to put the murder weapon away. Army veteran Simon was sentenced to 31 years in prison. Forty-eight-year-old Vytautas Siaulys, of Edgeworthstown, Longford, was handed down five and four month consecutive prison terms A condom stealing construction worker who was caught drug driving on four separate occasions while in the possession of a fake drivers licence has been jailed for nine months and put off the road for 10 years. Forty-eight-year-old Vytautas Siaulys, Bracklin Park, Edgeworthstown, Longford, was handed down five and four month consecutive prison terms at a sitting of Longford District Court after the father of one pleaded guilty to a string of road traffic offences between August 2022 and January this year. The first of those took place on August 21, 2022 as gardai were carrying out a speed checkpoint at Ballinrud East, Granard, Co Longford at around midday. Vytautas Siaulys was sentenced to a total of nine months in prison following a series of drug driving and road traffic related offences between August 2022 and January this year. Sgt Mark Mahon, for the prosecution, said when officers stopped Siaulys driving at 130kmh in a 100kmh zone, they carried out an oral swab which the accused failed. When he was arrested and conveyed to a local garda station, it was found the Lithuanian national had cannabis in his bloodstream. The following January, Siaulys was caught for a second time, this time just before 11am when at the wheel of a BMW 5 series in the Pound Street area of Edgeworthstown. Sgt Mahon said the accused was pulled in initially because Road Traffic Corps gardai were unable to identify his number plate. When stopped and asked to produce his driving documentation, the court was told the father of one handed over a bogus Lithuanian drivers licence. Vytautas Siaulys outside Longford Courthouse. Siaulys, who was consequently later charged with no insurance, ended up being brought back to Longford Garda Station where a blood sample deemed him to be under the influence of cannabis. Eight months later, gardai apprehended Siaulys drug driving for the third time as he drove along Granards Barrack Street at around 8pm. Unlike the two previous episodes, on this occasion Siaulys was found with cocaine in his system in an incident that also led to a number of other road traffic charges and careless driving being handed down. Vytautas Siaulys being led from Longford Courthouse following his sentencing. The latter charge, the court was informed was being struck out as details surrounding Siaulys fourth drug driving incident were relayed in open court. Judge Bernadette Owens was also told how gardai came across Siaulys driving at speed in the Bracklin Park area of Edgeworthstown, Longford on June 18 last year at 9:30pm. Siaulys was arrested and processed at a local garda station where he was charged with failing to produce insurance and found to be once again under the influence of cocaine. In the wake of that incident, the court heard how Siaulys walked into Davis SuperValu in the middle of the afternoon on September 21, 2024 and stole a packet of condoms. Sgt Mahon said the items were not recovered with the accused being spotted placing the contraceptives into his jacket pocket. Vytautas Siaulys (48) was told to lodge 300 in cash as part of a 500 independent surety should he opt to appeal the severity of the sentence handed down. When he was brought back to Longford Garda Station, an examination of Siaulys Lithuanian driving licence identified it to be false with a follow-up search retrieving two counterfeit notes from his clothing. In pleading guilty to the offences before the court, Siaulys, picked up two further charges for no insurance and drivers licence offences after gardai stopped him shortly before 12pm on January 27 this year while driving along Longford towns Athlone Road. The court was told Siaulys had racked up a number of convictions outside of the jurisdiction and had amassed two previous indiscretions here, one of which included a 15-month prison term for the unauthorised possession of firearms. Brid Mimnagh, defending, conceded that despite her clients road traffic offending being considerable, he had been forthright in his belief over the bona fides of the false Lithuanian licence, so much so that he had managed to procure insurance for six or seven years prior to being apprehended in Longford. Ms Mimnagh also revealed how Siaulys had even returned to his native homeland believing he could rectify the licences authenticity. Turning her attentions to the shoplifting incident, Ms Mimnagh told of how her client had been accompanied by a female accomplice on the day in question who thought it would be very funny to put the condoms into Siaulys pocket. He didnt realise until he went outside and the security guard stopped him, she said, insisting the accused would have paid for them had he been privy to what was unfolding around him. Ms Mimnagh said Siaulys was acceptive of his past drugs issues, but contended the two counterfeit notes seized by gardai, one of which was for 200, had copy written across both and belonged to a Monopoly game the accused had been playing at home. Judge Owens said while the court could see some merit in the arguments offered up on behalf of Siaulys road traffic offending, it had little option but to impose a custodial element to its sentencing. As such, Siaulys was handed down five and four month jail terms for the June 2024 drug driving offence and no insurance charge from January 2025 respectively, both of which are to run consecutively. A six year driving ban was likewise attached to the former by Judge Owens with a 10 year disqualification assigned to the latter. Siaulys was also issued with a five month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months for the third drug driving incident and was disqualified for four years. Fines totalling 1,000 were similarly added as part of Siaulys overall sentencing with recognisances of an independent 500 surety, 300 of which was ordered to be lodged, being applied in the event of an appeal. Vasyl Fedoryn kept 13 malnourished dogs in appalling conditions A Co. Cork dog breeder has been handed down a three month jail sentence for significant animal cruelty. Vasyl Fedoryn (41), from Ballypierce, Charleville was ordered to pay 20,000 in costs and fines. He was also banned from keeping any animals for fifteen years after he pleaded guilty to nine breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. At the sentencing hearing this week, Barrister Meg Burke for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine told the court that the accuseds probation report was somewhat concerning. She said Fedoryn had tried to minimise the harm done and had very little insight into his offending. While the report found he had a low risk of reoffending, Burke said the Department took a different view as he was found to be still keeping cats, which was a breach of the undertaking he gave to the court not to keep any animals. Judge Colm Roberts acknowledged that the accused had no previous convictions but said the level of cruelty to the animals was significant. His neglect of these animals was absolutely appalling he seems to have no regard for other sentient beings, he said. Judge Roberts sentenced Vasyl Fedoryn to five months in jail with two months suspended. He was fined 500, ordered to pay 16,450 rehoming costs for the animals to the ISPCA and legal costs of 3,000 to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. He also banned Fedoryn from owning or keeping any animal for 15 years. At a hearing in January the court heard evidence from an Animal Welfare Inspector who said the case was one of the most horrific shes ever responded to, adding that the images would stay with her forever. A member of the public called the ISPCA in April 2023 to raise concerns for the 13 dogs, 12 of which were puppies. Solicitor Denis Linehan (left) with his client Vasyl Fedoryn outside Mallow District Court Caroline Faherty said the Collies and German Shepherds were living in horrendous conditions in dark, filthy sheds, and without access to water. The pups had no bedding, and their coats were matted with faeces. She said it was also apparent that rats were living in the shed. Faherty was emotional as she described the putrid and stomach turning smell which left her retching. She eventually had to change into rubber boots and overalls as there were faeces and sewerage everywhere. Three German Shepherd puppies were so malnourished and confined they had no muscle mass in their legs and were unable to walk properly. One German Shepherd, who was nursing four pups, was so thirsty that they had to take away the fresh drinking water they provided her, as they feared for her welfare. Video footage of the horrific scene was played in court. Tragically, four of the dogs were put down, despite every effort to rehabilitate the dogs with veterinary interventions, high-level nutrition, and physiotherapy. This included three Collie dogs who from a lack of stimulation had resulted in being so nervous, that they were feral and tried to bite the inspector.. One young German Shepherd was also euthanised as his limbs were so deformed he could not bear any weight as he grew. Images of the puppy farm show five small puppies confined to a small shed, the floor covered in their feces. Another small shed housed the German Shepherd mum and her four pups. Another picture shows a dog with hair so matted, its breed is barely recognisable. Locals previously told the Sunday World that prior to the discovery of the malnourished animals in April 2023, the dogs could be heard barking in the sheds at the side of Fedoryns home. People were concerned and I assume someone rang the ISPCA, a local said. You hear dogs barking all the time and eventually you think to yourself something isnt right. But nobody had any idea there were so many dogs and that they were in such distress. The pictures of the poor things would break your heart. Conor Duffy (27) pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of 25-year-old Kate Keenan A man told gardai who arrived at the scene of a road collision that he was after killing his best friend, the circuit court has heard. Conor Duffy (27), Channonrock, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of 25-year-old Kate Keenan at the L1140, Monavallet, Louth, on January 22, 2024. He was disqualified from driving and over the drink drive limit when he crashed into a fallen tree which was completely blocking the road in the early hours of the morning during Storm Isha. Ms Keenan died instantly. She had been sitting on the knee of a male front seat passenger in a Volkswagen Caddy when the impact occurred. The defendant also admitted drink driving, driving without a licence and having no insurance. Kate Keenans family were present, and her parents and sister read out their Victim Impact Statements. Judge Dara Hayes expressed his sympathy to the family on their loss before adjourning finalisation of the case. Det Gda David Leddy testified that the occupants of the vehicle had been drinking in a pub in Louth Village and left around 1.30am to drive to Mr Duffys home, approximately three minutes away. None of them were wearing seatbelts. Visibility was poor and there was no street lighting where the Caddy collided with a fallen tree, 2.5km from Louth Village and 1km from Channonrock. It was immediately clear Ms Keenan was deceased. There were no tyre marks indicating an attempt to brake. Mr Duffy got out and ran to his own house, 700m away, for help. There was nobody there so he went to his sisters home next door, and she rang 999. The defendant got into his mothers car and drove back to the scene. Det Gda Leddy continued that gardai were alerted at 1.50am and arrived fifteen minutes later. Two men at the scene were aggressive when approached by officers and asked if they needed medical attention. Mr Duffy was agitated. He was taken to one side. He said he didnt require medical treatment. After a short delay he admitted driving and said he was after killing his best friend. He began shouting, My best friends after dying, leave me alone, when cautioned. The defendant was unsteady on his feet and there was a smell of drink from him. He refused to be breathalysed. He was taken to Dundalk Garda Station where a sample was provided which gave a reading of 225mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine. Alprazolam, cocaine, a version of cocaine and cannabis were also detected in his system. Mr Duffy told investigators that he was banned from driving. He said that he didnt see the tree and that he was not aware of a storm warning in place. He needed help to sort his head out. A voluntary cautionary statement was provided on the following February 8. The accused said that he shouldnt have gotten into the van and that he regretted his behaviour. He admitted responsibility for his driving and expressed remorse. He admitted being out in a pub in Louth. He had some alcohol but denied being drunk. It was a road he knew well. He was driving handily not speeding. The headlights were on. He remembered him and his male passenger screaming when they saw the tree blocking the road. He braked, swerved and hit the tree. It felt as if it (the tree) came out of nowhere. Det Gda Leddy said that Mr Duffy co-operated at the garda station. He lived with his mother. His parents were separated. There were 12 previous convictions, all under the Road Traffic Act. On October 13, 2022, he was disqualified for four years for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Mr Duffy was close childhood friends with Kate Keenan and the witness told defence counsel that there was no romantic relationship between them. He had a toxic relationship with alcohol and cars. His older brother died at a young age. Reading out a Victim Impact Statement, Rachel Keenan said that she had been robbed of her little sister. She said a part of her died and spoke of her hurt and anger, adding that Kate had been taken home in a coffin on the day of her (Rachels) birthday. Wayne Keenan said that he would never get to walk his daughter down the aisle. A social butterfly, she had been taken in the prime of her life. No parent should ever have to go through this. Mr Keenan thanked the gardai and emergency services. Cathy Keenan showed the court a photograph of Kate and told of the special bond that existed between them. She said this should never have happened. Her grief was raw. I died that night too, only Im still breathing. Mrs Keenan added that in one moment her daughter was gone and their lives would never be the same again. She told Conor Duffy that she had trusted him with Kate and cannot forgive him. A personal letter and reports on behalf of the defendant were handed into court by his legal team. Mr Duffy then instructed counsel not to continue with mitigation. Judge Hayes said that he wanted to consider evidence, and the matters raised. He further remanded the defendant in custody to April 10 via video link for finalisation. Ianos Carolea has three convictions for similar acts in public toilets A man who was cleared of exposing himself in the bathrooms of Dublins Jervis Centre has previous convictions for similar acts in public toilets. Ianos Carolea (39) was acquitted this week after pleading not guilty to exposing his genitals intending to cause fear, distress or alarm on March 13th 2023. However, he has three similar convictions for incidents that occurred in public bathrooms in Dublin between June 2021 and December 2021. The first of which he exposed himself in front of an undercover garda in the toilets of Marks and Spencer on Mary Street in Dublin city centre on June 8th 2021. At a hearing, Garda Seamus Donoghue told the court that Carolea was arrested during an operation in the public toilets of the store. The accused had come in and "nodded" to a plain-clothes garda to enter a cubicle beside him. Carolea exited the cubicle a moment later and walked to the undercover officer, who was washing his hands at the sink, and began masturbating. A second garda entered the toilets, but he continued to masturbate. The garda then identified himself and Carolea was arrested. Less than six months later, while working as a cleaner at a HSE Covid contact tracing centre, he followed another employee into the bathrooms and performed a sex act on himself. The court heard Carolea had followed the man to the toilet twice, the second time he entered a cubicle without closing the door and began masturbating. The incident was then reported to the gardai. He was convicted of both incidents at a hearing in Dublin District Court and fined 500. Solicitor for Carolea, Michael Kelleher said it wouldnt happen again, but he found himself back in court in March 2023 when Carolea was handed down a suspended eight-month sentence for sexual assault. Carolea pleaded guilty after he admitted that he exited a bathroom stall while masturbating before approaching and assaulting a male employee of the store. It happened in September 2021 - after the incident in Marks & Spencer, but before the HSE Covid contract tracing one. The court heard that the accused went to the sink area, where the victim was washing his hands, and made an attempt to unzip his clothing. The victim protested, and Carolea groped his backside. In the separate case that came before the courts this week, his defence team, instructed by the same solicitor as before, told the court that self-confessed far right activist Anthony Boyle had manufactured the recent complaint of exposure. He said that Boyle had done so out of hatred for Carolea because he was Romanian, and to back up his beliefs about foreigners committing crimes in Ireland. Mr Boyle denied this, insisting theres not a racist bone in my body. Boyle, who was the only witness of the alleged offence, said he saw the man performing a lewd act at a urinal on March 13, 2023, before chasing him and tackling him to the ground. He told Dublin District Court when he looked in the mirror at the toilets he saw Mr Carolea standing with his erect penis in his hand, masturbating in front of me, in plain sight. I got the impression he was asking me, did I want to partake in this or something, Mr Boyle said. He approached Mr Carolea, who sprinted off, so he chased after him and apprehended him, telling onlookers to contact the gardai. Mr Boyle said he wanted to stand up to this and do the right thing. Anthony Boyle, who was a witness in the case of Ionas Carolea, who was acquitted of a charge of exposing himself at a public toilet. Photo: Collins Courts Anthony Boyle, who was a witness in the case of Ionas Carolea who was acquitted of a charge of exposing himself at a public toilet. In cross-examination, defence barrister Gregory Murphy, said some people might describe Mr Boyle as far right to which he responded: People are entitled to describe me in whatever way they want, I have my political views. I have issues with the current political establishments trajectory on immigration policy, its not sustainable. I do have political beliefs but that is completely beside the point, I know what I saw. Its nothing to do with what country hes from. Mr Murphy read out social media posts shared by Mr Boyle, who denied that the theme was against people who are not Irish. One such post read its so cold right now even the Roma gypsies have their hands in their pockets. Mr Boyle said this was a joke but accepted he had described Carolea as the Jervis Street flute player. He also accepted he had asked for online donations to take a few days off work to get that flute player jailed. It was put to Mr Boyle that when he saw Mr Carolea in the toilets he decided to take advantage of it and told a lie to suit his social media narrative. To which he said: Its preposterous and abhorrent to suggest to me that I would make it up and get an innocent man into trouble. A security guard said in evidence that when he separated the men on the ground, Mr Boyle told him this male had his c**k in his hand and he was w**king. In evidence, Mr Carolea said of the allegation, I havent done any of this. He said he was peeing at the urinal and took about two minutes because he was on medication and having difficulty. He said he looked in the mirror and saw Mr Boyle looking at him and smiling. He said he had no interaction with him and thought at the time Mr Boyle knew him from his work. He alleged Mr Boyle punched him in the face and he ran, screaming for help. He also said Mr Boyle grabbed him, got him in a choke hold and punched him in the ribs. Mr Boyle denied punching him. Prosecutor Clare Barry said Mr Boyles evidence was clear and it beggared belief that he made it up from absolutely nothing. Judge John Hughes dismissed the charge against Mr Carolea, saying there was a complete conflict in the evidence and he had a doubt. Dr Mary Davoren gave evidence for a second day today in the trial of Brian Ibe (23), who is charged with the murder of 65-year-old Peter Kennedy When a murder accused threatened and demanded money from an elderly man, whom he would later fatally assault, he was not displaying symptoms of schizophrenia but showing goal-directed, logical thinking, a psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court. Dr Mary Davoren gave evidence for a second day today in the trial of Brian Ibe (23), who is charged with the murder of 65-year-old Peter Kennedy at the deceased's home in Moore Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare. Mr Ibe has pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity. His lawyers called two psychiatrists who said that Mr Ibe was undergoing a schizophrenic psychosis at the time of the assault and meets the criteria for that special verdict. Dr Mary Davoren, however, who was called by the prosecution, disagrees with the schizophrenia diagnosis and has told the jury that Mr Ibe has a dissocial personality disorder, which is not a mental disorder that would qualify for the special verdict. She said there was no evidence that Mr Ibe was psychotic at the time of the offence and told the jury that the first time Mr Ibe disclosed that he had been hearing voices was one year and 13 days after going on remand in Cloverhill Prison. Dr Davoren added that this was also the first day it was documented that Mr Ibe was aware of the possibility of an insanity verdict. The trial has previously heard that Mr Kennedy took Mr Ibe's mother, Martha, into his home after learning she was living in her car. In 2019, he allowed Mr Ibe to move in also but called gardai when Mr Ibe became aggressive and threatened him around Christmas of that year. Gardai asked Mr Ibe to leave the house and he moved to a homeless shelter in Walkinstown in Dublin. On April 28, 2020, Mr Ibe took a taxi from Walkinstown to Mr Kennedy's home, broke into the house by smashing a window and assaulted Mr Kennedy, who died from his injuries in hospital two weeks later, on May 12. Mr Ibe, of no fixed abode but formerly of Moore Park in Newbridge has also pleaded not (NOT) guilty by reason of insanity to a charge of assault causing harm to Garda Brendan ODonnell at Newbridge Garda Station following his arrest on or about April 29, 2020. Under cross-examination today, Dr Davoren told defence senior counsel Conor Devally that she read a statement in the book of evidence from Mr Kennedy's neighbour about threats and demands Mr Ibe made of Mr Kennedy for money. In one account, it was said that when Mr Kennedy said he didn't have the money, Mr Ibe pushed him. Dr Davoren described this as an "instrumental threat" which was "goal-directed" and "logical" and not a symptom of schizophrenia. The psychiatrist said lies told by the accused to gardai were also not related to delusions or hallucinations and have no psychiatric explanation. When asked what goal Mr Ibe had in taking a butter knife and travelling to Newbridge to attack Mr Kennedy, she replied that Mr Ibe may have been annoyed about being asked to leave the deceased's house the previous Christmas. She said Mr Ibe had complained that he lost some of his social welfare money because he could no longer attend an educational course in Newbridge and that he felt "disgust" about the state of Mr Kennedy's house. Mr Ibe had complained to Dr Davoren that there was dog faeces on the floor and that Mr Kennedy didn't keep the place clean. Dr Davoren said disgust is a "very strong emotion" and Mr Ibe's "anger and resentment" provides an alternative explanation for the assault. His irritability, aggression and violence while in garda custody, she said, could be explained by the fact he did not want to remain in the garda station but was told he could not leave. His experience in the past, she said, was that when gardai spoke to him about drug use or aggressive behaviour, he would get a warning and nothing would happen. Mr Devally said there is evidence that Mr Ibe has become less aggressive and hostile since he began taking Olanzapine - an antipsychotic medication. Dr Davoren said Olanzapine has a soothing or sedative effect on people even if they do not have a psychotic illness like schizophrenia. A study of more than 75,000 people by Oxford Universtity showed it caused a decrease in aggression, including in those who did not have a primary psychosis, she said. She added: "Mr Ibe was on remand, charged with a very serious offence with a significant court case coming up. In and of itself, that is a deterrent to engaging in dissocial or anti-social behaviour." Ms Justice Melanie Greally told the jury of six men and six women that they will hear closing speeches from barristers for both sides tomorrow. Sean O'Faolain (48) of College Grove, Castleknock, Dublin 15 came forward from the District Court on signed guilty pleas A man who punched his ex-partner at a Dublin theatre, then assaulted her outside the venue leaving her with a scar on her face has been jailed for 20 months. Sean O'Faolain (48) of College Grove, Castleknock, Dublin 15 came forward from the District Court on signed guilty pleas to assault causing harm on April 13, 2024. He has no previous convictions. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard evidence yesterday that O'Faolain's ex-partner invited him to go to a show at the Olympia Theatre with her as another friend was unable to attend. They went to dinner and for drinks before going to the theatre, where O'Faolain became aggressive and started to punch the injured party, who received a blow to the left side of her face. O'Faolain was looking for more alcohol, but she ignored him before leaving through a side entrance during the interval. On a side street outside the theatre, O'Faolain pushed her and the victim fell to the ground. He then stood over her and punched her in the face. Passerbys tried to intervene, but O'Faolain was aggressive towards them. Staff from the Olympia Theatre brought the woman inside, then contacted emergency services. Sean O Faolain The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance. She sustained a deep cut to her chin, and her jaw was fractured in two places. Damage was also caused to her teeth, and she also had bruising to her face and neck. She told gardai she was shocked by what happened, was in pain and the incident meant she missed work, which caused embarrassment and has had financial implications for her. The court was told she wore a scarf and a face mask to disguise the bruising so she could return to work. She has a permanent visible scar on her face, which she is conscious about and tries to disguise with make-up. She developed anxiety and attends counselling. The victim also faces ongoing medical and dental bills. The court heard the woman declined to make a victim impact statement as she felt the effects of the assault were outlined in her complaint to gardai. The investigating garda agreed with Carol Doherty BL, defending, that her client surrendered his bail ahead of the sentencing date and has accepted responsibility for his actions. Ms Doherty said this was a shameful incident, which occurred when her client was highly intoxicated. She said O'Faolain has had difficulties with alcohol over the years and while this is not an excuse, it provides context to his offending. She asked the court to take into account O'Faolain's early guilty plea, his work history and the contents of three character references. She said his behaviour was appalling but asked the court to look at his previous good character and to consider suspending a portion of any sentence imposed. Judge Martin Nolan said O'Faolain became angry and hostile before he punched the victim in the theatre, then continued the assault outside the venue. He noted the victim sustained serious injuries but described her as an accomplished lady who has done her best to carry on with her career. The judge noted that O'Faolain has no previous convictions, a good record of work and pleaded guilty at an early stage. Judge Nolan said O'Faolain deserved a custodial sentence and handed him a 20-month prison sentence, backdated to February 19 last when he went into custody. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Novruz holiday, Trend reports. "Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, On behalf of myself and the people of Kyrgyzstan, I wholeheartedly congratulate you on the occasion of the Novruz holiday. Since ancient times, Novruz has symbolized unity, peace, prosperity, and progress. I am confident that the friendship and brotherly ties between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan will continue to strengthen for the well-being of our peoples and countries. Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I wish you and your family good health and happiness, and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan everlasting peace and progress," the letter reads. The seizure in Ballybofey, Co Donegal was made in a joint operation Some of the cannabis that was seized Two men who were arrested after gardai seized an estimated 2.2 million worth of cannabis in Co Donegal have been charged. The two men, aged in their 30s, are due to appear before a sitting of Letterkenny District Court this afternoon at 2pm. The seizure in Ballybofey, Co Donegal was made in a joint operation by Revenues Customs Service, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the Donegal Divisional Drugs Unit. Around 112kg of herbal cannabis was seized by Revenue officers, with an estimated value of 2,240,000. Both men were detained at a Garda station in the north west region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. The seizure was made as part of Revenues ongoing joint investigations involving organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs. Anthony Boyle (33), who is also accused of possession of stolen property, did not come to Dublin District Court today for his non-jury trial because he had a medical appointment A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a social media influencer and activist who failed to appear in court on public order charges. Anthony Boyle (33), who is also accused of possession of stolen property, did not come to Dublin District Court today for his non-jury trial because he had a medical appointment. Judge John Hughes issued a bench warrant, saying the accused had sent no certification that he was unfit to attend. Mr Boyle, of North Frederick Street, Dublin 1 is charged with threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, public intoxication and possession of a stolen laptop and wallet. He has pleaded not guilty to the offences, which are alleged to have happened on South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2 on September 7 last year. Earlier this week, Mr Boyle separately gave prosecution evidence against a man he claimed he saw exposing himself in public toilets at Dublins Jervis Street shopping centre. He wrestled Ianos Carolea (39) to the ground in a citizens arrest and accused him of a lewd act. Mr Boyle, a critic of the states immigration policy, denied he was a racist or that he had made up the complaint against Carolea out of hatred because he was Romanian. Judge Hughes had acquitted Carolea, saying he had a doubt after hearing the evidence. Carolea had previous convictions for sex acts in toilets. When Mr Boyles own criminal case was called today, his barrister applied for an adjournment in his absence because of a medical appointment. She also asked Judge Hughes to transfer the case to another venue, saying some views were expressed by this court about Mr Boyle in the Carolea trial. During that hearing, it emerged Mr Boyle had sought donations online before giving evidence, and Judge Hughes described the practice as entirely inappropriate. The barrister said she was not making a comment on the court but in terms of fairness, it may be more appropriate to send it to another court. You want me to recuse myself where I have dealt with him in a case where he was a witness, Judge Hughes said. The judge said he had simply commented that he believed it was inappropriate that Mr Boyle had sought funds before coming to court, while the DPP had thought it was appropriate considering the guidelines for witness expenses. Im not going to be recusing myself, it would be inappropriate for me to do that, Judge Hughes said. On the application to adjourn the case, he said he had only been given a letter stating Mr Boyle had a medical appointment but there was nothing to say he was unfit to attend court. The judge also noted that there was no earlier application to vacate todays hearing. The allegation is that he groped inside and outside a man's shorts in the luxury five-star hotel on a date last month A "wealthy" American businessman accused of sexually assaulting a male in Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel can return to the United States while he decides his plea. The accused, in his 50s, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged on Friday and granted nominal bail with a series of strict conditions. He returned to Dublin District Court today to lodge 30,000 and seek an adjournment. The allegation is that he groped inside and outside a man's shorts in the luxury five-star hotel on a date last month. Today, Judge Paula Murphy noted the accused had brought a 30,000 draft to lodge in court, and fresh bail could be drafted. She noted from Detective Garda Cathal Ryan that as per conditions imposed by Judge John Brennan last week. The man's passport, which gardai had seized, could be returned. He no longer has to sign on daily at a garda station and could return to the United States, provided he comes back when required. The detective reiterated that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed the accused's case be dealt with at the District Court level "on a guilty plea only". Otherwise, he must face trial on indictment in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers. The charge carries a possible jail sentence of up to five years. The detective has provided disclosure of evidence to the man's legal team. Defence solicitor Luke Staines asked for a late plea to be considered. Judge Murphy acceded to that request and excused the accused from attending the next stage. Detective Garda Ryan said the accused needed to attend on the following date. Judge Murphy also told the businessman that he must have no direct or indirect contact with the complainant. He did not address the court but nodded to show he understood. At his first court appearance on March 28, the court heard that his response to the charge was "It was consensual". Detective Garda Ryan had expressed flight risk concerns because the accused was a tourist from the United States with no ties to this jurisdiction. The detective said the man "has no family friends or any connection to the State", and both he and his partner had "exceptional means" and were "quite wealthy". The officer explained that the financial implications of bail "would not be an issue for the man if he did not return". Questioned by defence counsel Oisin Clarke, he agreed that his client's instructing solicitor, Brian Keenan, had been in touch with gardai from the outset and indicated he met them by appointment once the DPP's decision was given. He agreed with the barrister that the accused had mentioned the financial aspect. Gardai learned his partner was a company director and together they had significant means of income. The detective garda accepted that the accused had indicated that he had no difficulty returning to Ireland for his case. Addressing the seriousness of the accusation, Mr Clarke had said, "The actual allegation related to touching outside the clothes of another man's penis". Detective Garda Ryan responded: "Judge, the allegation relates to reaching inside the shorts of the victim, groping his buttocks and then grabbing his penis from outside his shorts at the same time". He added that while the DPP stated that the case could stay in the District Court on a guilty plea, "I still categorise it as a very serious offence". Mr Clarke disclosed on Friday that his instructions were that his client intended to plead not guilty, having indicated to the garda that it was consensual. Counsel said that if it proceeded to trial in the Circuit Court, the earliest date would be in 2027. Detective Garda Ryan had agreed the accused was cooperative, gave a full account, and answered all questions during his interview. There were no issues during the arrest or any need to handcuff him. However, given the serious nature of the allegation, his primary concern was "the extreme possibility of flight risk". When his bail was granted on Friday, the accused said, "I agree" in response to the temporary conditions. Louise McCarthy (41) appeared at a sitting of Athlone District Court The DNA profile of a woman in her 40s was retrieved from the wrappings of over 100 deal bags of heroin found in the drugs search of a house in the midlands, a court has heard. Louise McCarthy (41), 65 Battery Heights, Athlone, Westmeath, appeared at a sitting of Athlone District Court on Wednesday charged with two counts of drugs possession arising out of an incident on April 5, 2023 at Magazine Avenue, Athlone, Co Westmeath. Sgt Paul McNally, for the prosecution, said it will be alleged gardai called to the address at 10am that morning to execute a search warrant. Louise McCarthy was charged in connection to the seizure of over 100 'deals' of suspected heroin following a garda search operation at a house in Athlone, Co Westmeath in April 2023. He said officers uncovered a total of 108 deal bags of diarmorphine, otherwise known as heroin, in the kitchen of the residence. Gardai arrested two individuals, one of which was McCarthy, in connection to the planned operation, he added. Judge Bernadette Owens was told how, following an analysis of the seized drugs at the Gardais Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) laboratory in Dublin, McCarthys DNA was found on a number of wrappings contained on the deal bags. Louise McCarthy's DNA profile was allegedly found on the outer wrappings of a number of 'deal bags', a court was told. He said following that analysis, the estimated street value of the drugs amounted to just over 4,200. McCarthy was later charged with a section 3 drugs offence, more commonly known as a count relating to possession for an individuals own use and its more serious section 15 sale or supply equivalent. Louise McCarthy outside Athlone Courthouse. Upon hearing the States case, Judge Owens accepted jurisdiction, allowing the case to be heard at District Court level. McCarthy, who wore a matching blue tracksuit bottoms and top to court, remained silent throughout and did not indicate a plea. Louise McCarthy was remanded on bail to reappear at a sitting of Athlone District Court in May. Defence solicitor Tony McLynn confirmed the disclosure of State evidence in connection to the case had been provided and sought a date in May to clarify instructions from his client. Judge Owens acceded to that request and remanded McCarthy on bail to reappear at a sitting of Athlone District Court on May 28. Serious criminals freed en masse to alleviate crowding The alleged matriarch of one of the countrys most prolific burglary gangs was given temporary release from prison just 10 days after being sentenced to 18 months. She is one of many serious but non-violent offenders being freed from prisons countrywide because of the worsening overcrowding crisis in the jail system. Official figures show that last year 1,033 convicted criminals spent less than 24 hours behind bars before being let out on temporary release, an 18pc increase compared with 2023. The figure continues to rise. She might be high-profile and was sent to prison for serious offences, but she is classified as a non-violent offender, so she was let out its happening every day of the week, a source said. Such is the drastic level of overcrowding in the system that hundreds of these decisions are being made every single day in relation to non-violent offenders. There is no doubt that what is happening is undermining the entire criminal justice system, and the release of an individual of this womans criminal calibre is a prime example of it she is far from the only one who has been released in such circumstances. The woman was convicted of two charges of failing to make tax returns and one of money laundering in relation to a car that was seized by gardai and found to be the proceeds of crime. Based on Co Dublin, she was was convicted of the offences after a lengthy trial at Dublin Circuit Court last year. The trial heard details of substantial rental income in relation to a number of properties, but no tax being paid on that money She received a three-year jail sentence, with the final 18 months suspended, but the woman who is closely linked to some of Irelands most dangerous convicted burglars was released from the Dochas Centre 10 days later. She was granted conditional temporary release and has since been arrested in relation to a separate matter. She cannot be named for legal reasons as she is before the courts on other matters, but her links with serious criminals are a matter of concern to gardai, sources said, and she has been a target of the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab). Apart from some of her close family members being classified as leading members of the countrys biggest burglary gang, other individuals well known to her are suspected of being involved in organised crime. One of these is a 30-year-old Eastern European national who is suspected of having pointed a machine gun at the door of a pub in Dublin earlier this year after the manager refused to serve him. This led to a garda search of a property linked to the matriarch in which vehicles and other items were seized. It was one of a number of searches that have taken place in recent years at the womans compound. While she is not a suspect in the firearms incident, she was told at Dublin Circuit Court in January that she was being given an 18-month jail sentence because there has to be a deterrent for these types of offences. It was pointed out that she had chosen to fight the case. The trial had earlier heard details of substantial rental income being made in relation to a number of properties, but no tax being paid on that money. The court also heard the garda investigation began when a car worth around 30,000 that was being driven by a female relative of the matriarch was stopped at a garda checkpoint in 2020. Things are not being fixed toilets, lights, showers and TVs are included in this. Its exacerbating the problems The Dochas Centre is now at 127pc of its prisoner population capacity, and Limerick Womens Prison is at 159pc, according to official figures released yesterday. It is the worst prison overcrowding crisis in the history of the State. A source said: We need 1,000 extra spaces just to stand still. Some non-violent offenders are being granted temporary release with far more than two years left on their sentences. Anyone who is committed to the prisons for non-payment of fines is automatically released once they are processed. Another source said the crisis means that with all cells being used because of overcrowding, proper maintenance is not taking place. This means that things are not being fixed toilets, lights, showers and TVs are included in this. Its exacerbating the problems. An Irish Prison Service spokesperson said: The Irish Prison Service must accept into custody all people committed to prison by the courts. As such, the Irish Prison Service has no control over the numbers committed to custody at any given time. The Government has made significant capital funding available... to enhance the existing prison infrastructure and provide additional capacity. Gardai caught one of the chief targets throwing 500 worth of cocaine out the window during the course of the search Five properties were searched by specialist officers from two Divisional Drugs Units, resulting in the seizure of over 30,000 of cocaine, cannabis and cash in Longford yesterday. A man in his 20s has been arrested and charged in connection to the seizure of over 30,000 worth of drugs and cash during a major search operation by gardai in Longford. Officers from the Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Drugs Unit and Sligo/Leitrim Drugs Units uncovered almost 28,000 of cocaine and a further 1,000 worth of cannabis during the search of five houses in the greater Longford town area on Tuesday. In one of the properties, gardai also seized 4,000 in cash, the contents of which are now subject to what is an extensive and ongoing garda investigation into organised crime in the midlands. The Sunday World understands gardai caught one of the chief targets identified in the raids throwing 500 worth of cocaine out the window of one of the properties during the course of the search. He was later arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station where he was detained and questioned by officers for a number of hours. A garda spokesperson has since confirmed he has since been charged ahead of an anticipated court appearance in Longford over the coming weeks. As part of an ongoing operation targeting the sale and supply of drugs in the region, Gardai in Co Longford seized around 28,500 worth of cocaine and cannabis in Longford on Tuesday, 1st April, 2025, said the spokesperson. Five residential properties in the town were searched under warrant. Cocaine with an estimated street value of around 27,500 and cannabis with a value of around 1,000 was seized, along with 4,000 in cash. At one of the addresses, a male aged in his 20s was arrested and detained at a Garda Station in the Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He was subsequently charged to appear before Longford District Court later this month. The operation involved the Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Drugs Unit, Sligo/Leitrim Drugs Unit and Longford Gardai. The spokesperson confirmed that all of the drugs seized will now be sent to the Gardais Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) in Dublin for analysis. It comes after detectives from the Metropolitan Police said that more than 20 women had come forward to say they may have been raped by Zou Police believe Zhenhao Zou may be one of the UKs most prolific sex offenders (Met Police/PA) Police have issued a renewed appeal for potential victims of serial rapist and former Queens University Belfast student Zhenhao Zou. It comes after detectives from the Metropolitan Police said that more than 20 women had come forward to say they may have been raped by Zou. An international appeal was issued after Zou (28) was convicted of drugging and raping 10 women following a trial at the Inner London Crown Court in March. The Met Police has said that 23 women have made reports about Zou since March 2025. To date no victims have been identified in NI. In a new appeal, the PSNI said they have concerns that there are victims in NI who may not realise they are victims. They are appealing to current or former Northern Ireland residents who may have had concerns about Zou to come forward. Police believe Zhenhao Zou may be one of the UKs most prolific sex offenders (Met Police/PA) Chinese PhD student studying in UK guilty of drugging and raping 10 women Zou moved to Northern Ireland at the age of 20 to study mechanical engineering at Queens between 2017 and 2019. He then returned briefly to his native China due to Covid. In September 2019 he moved to London to do a master's degree, returning to China periodically. Detective Chief Inspector Stephanie Finlay of the PSNI's Public Protection Branch said: "To date we have not received any reports of potential offences committed in Northern Ireland and so we are again appealing for information. "We have concerns that many of the victims do not know they are victims. "Zou's pattern of offending involved him meeting women socially, or through social media, then luring them back to his flat where he would ply them with drink laced with drugs and sexually assault them when they lost consciousness. DCI Finlay added the PSNI would like to speak to people who encountered Zou while he was in Northern Ireland. "We want to appeal to anybody who met him or in any way was alone with him, where somebody may have been in his accommodation or had an encounter with him that left them feeling uneasy or like something may have happened that they did not consent to, she added. "Please come forward and report. We will treat you with sensitivity and respect. Do not suffer in silence if you have been victimised by this man, we are only interested in ensuring you get the help and support you need, in finding out what may have happened to you and aiding the Met in getting you the justice you deserve. "We remain in close dialogue with the Met who lead on this investigation and that will continue." "Too bad you didn't get my face. It's stolen A brazen car thief who was caught on camera after crashing the vehicle laughed at neighbours who confronted him, saying ha-ha, its stolen. The incident was recorded by Brad Reynolds in Houston, Texas, after the stolen 2024 Dodge Charger ended up in a ditch. When Reynolds heard squealing tyres outside his home he went outside to investigate. He captured the stolen Charger in mobile phone video, driving off on Rex Road near Hope Village Road on Sunday morning. However, it then crashed and when Reynolds approached to get an image of the license plate, the driver got out and taunted him. "Too bad you didn't get my face. It's stolen," he laughs in the footage. "It's a stolen vehicle. However, Reynolds had, in fact, captured a clear image of the thief, later telling local ABC13 Eyewitness News: That's quite a blooper there. I did get his face. The suspect then hurled a racial slur as he ran from the scene before yelling: "I'll be back for you. I know where you came from. I'll be back." Reynolds later told ABC13: "It would be unwise to come back. The car thief taunts neighbours The drama unfolded earlier that morning when a couple, who work in law enforcement and wish to remain anonymous, reported their Dodge Charger stolen. Doorbell camera footage from around 3.45am shows the thief rummaging through the car that is parked on the street, before managing to start it and drive away. It later emerged that the Charger was severely damaged and may be written off. As the Harris County Precinct 2 Constable's Office continues investigations to identify the suspect, Reynolds said the only way to deter crime is to punish it. If you let people steal cars and get away with it, get a slap on the hand, they'll keep doing it, he added. I hope charges are brought." BUSTED | Watch the moment brothel owner tries to hide six phones during police raid She is linked to a huge criminal gang well known to police in the UK Video: Moment brothel owner tries to hide six phones during police raid Daragh Keany Thu 3 Apr 2025 at 14:59 Ive had 14 masses said for me, thank you so much. Loads of candles lit Brendan Courtney has revealed how he received hundreds of cards following a horror attack he suffered in Dublin. The presenter was punched to the ground and repeatedly kicked in the head when he was set upon by three people as he made his way to his apartment in February. Doctors later confirmed he had sustained a fracture to a bone in his eye after he attended A&E. However, Brendan described the beautiful kindness he had experienced as he opening up about the horrible drama. Appearing on the Six Oclock show on Tuesday alongside his Lennon Courtney co-founder Sonya Lennon, he said: I have had hundreds of cards. Like, the fact that people went to a shop, bought a card Ive had 14 masses said for me, thank you so much. Loads of candles lit. Loads of people had masses said for me, and had cards sent, (from people who) were so appalled. It was a massive outpouring of love. Brendan revealed that he had even received a letter from one woman in particular who wrote: Brendan Courtney, RTE/ Designer, Wicklow, County Wicklow. After he posted the story about the letter making it to his house, Sarah Jessica Parker shared it, he told presenters Katja Mia and Brian Dowling. I saw that, Katja declared while Brendan said it was very exciting. I did squeal, and I was in a big store in London doing a bit of shopping or whatever I was doing in between meetings and I did nearly spontaneously combust. But Im okay. Speaking previously about the incident, Brendan warned others to be careful as he asked whats going on in the capital. He said he believed the attack may have been because he was gay and that his attackers may have recognised him from his TV work, which was perfect fodder for them. So, Im just going to do this because I feel like I should, he said in a social media post. "Last night, at nine oclock on my way home with some food, crossing the traffic lights just outside my apartment, three lads pulled up in a car and jumped out of a car and jumped out and attacked me and punched me to the ground, he said. "God, Im lucky actually but Im sore because they kicked me in the head a couple of times. An amazing American couple walking by started screaming and the manager from the place on the corner came out and the police were there in seconds. He said the group jumped in the car and drove off at that point. "That happened to me yesterday, so be careful. Dublin, whats going on? BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. First Lady of the Kyrgyz Republic Aigul Zhaparova has sent a congratulatory letter to First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva on the occasion of the Ramadan holiday, Trend reports. "Dear Mrs. Mehriban Arif gizi, I wholeheartedly congratulate you on the occasion of Ramadan, the holy holiday for all Muslims. May the Almighty Allah accept all the good deeds we have performed during this blessed month, and may this holy holiday bring us greater peace and happiness. This holiday, which guides humanity toward compassion and mercy and reflects high values, may bring happiness and abundance to every home and grant peace and tranquility to our brotherly nations. Dear Mrs. Mehriban, I wish you and your loved ones good health, family happiness, prosperity, and success," the letter reads. A swathe of fresh weather warnings have been issued for much of the North Island as an atmospheric river begins dumping 450mm of rain over the country. Weather watches for Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and other central regions have been upgraded to orange heavy rain warnings with 400mm of rain over about 30 hours expected in some areas in coming days. Residents at the top of the South Island are being warned to prepare for slips on vital roads and surface flooding. MetService has upgraded its watches for many North Island regions to orange heavy rain warnings as the rain begins soaking the country. Northlands warning began at 10am and will be in place for 27 hours. Residents have been told to expect 150 to 200mm of rain north of Maungatapere and 90 to 120mm further south. The heavy rain is set to strike more central areas early tomorrow morning. A heavy rain warning will come into effect for Bay of Plenty and Gisborne at 6am, with residents told to expect up to 160mm of rain inland and about the ranges with lesser amounts near the coast. Warnings will come into effect for Coromandel Peninsula at 1am. A new warning was issued for the Tararua Range north of Wellington for 18 hours from 11am. Heavy rain watches are in place for Waikato, Waitomo and Taumarunui. A warning is in place for Tongariro National Park. Watches are also in place for Nelson and Tasman, southeast of Motueka and North Taranaki. Meanwhile, heavy rain warnings have also been issued for central South Island regions. An orange heavy rain warning came into effect for Marlborough, northwest of the inland Kaikoura Range, the Grey District and Westland District north of Harihari and the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers at 9am. Earlier, MetService meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said the rain had begun to soak the upper South Island overnight with 80mm of rain already washing over the Tasman region. The Tasman District Council was warning residents that slips and flooding could impact vital roads. Isolated heavy bursts are possible and could result in more significant flooding in small creeks and surface flooding. Expect some slipping to occur in prone areas. Rainfall is forecast to be highest toward the end of the event when catchments are soaked. Mhlongo said the rain would creep down from the Far North - where it has already fallen overnight - later this evening before the skies opened up over Auckland about 10pm. A heavy rain watch has been issued. He said the showers over Northland would remain steady throughout the day, becoming heavier about midday. A heavy rain watch has been issued for the area from 12pm today until noon tomorrow. It is designed specifically for demanding, high-stakes missions, allowing rescue crews to respond faster, reach more remote locations, and with increased cabin space provide improved critical care in flight. The Airbus H145 rescue helicopter is the international gold standard helicopter for air ambulance and rescue services worldwide, PSRT general manager Vanessa Richmond said. The $20 million helicopter was purchased by Philips Search and Rescue Trust (PSRT) and is one of nine upgraded air ambulance helicopters that will soon operate all around the country. The bright red five-blade Airbus H145 D3 replaced the old BK117 and took to the skies above Waikato, Coromandel and King Country last month with upgraded equipment and increased cabin space. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Its a new rescue helicopter! The arrival of the new helicopter is just one of two reasons for the charity to celebrate, as PSRT also marks its 40th anniversary this year. The trust was founded in 1985 after a plane crash killed management personnel from Philips NZ Ltd, an electronics goods manufacturer. Having experienced the need for air search and rescue support firsthand, Philips NZ Ltd established an endowment and PSRT as a trust, to provide helicopter search and rescue services, initially based out of Taupo. Now, PSRT is the charity that owns, maintains and kits out the Central North Islands largest fleet of six community rescue helicopters, including the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter serving the Waikato, King Country and Coromandel region, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter, serving the Bay of Plenty region, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, serving the Central Plateau and Lakes region and the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter, serving the Manawatu-Whanganui region. The trust collaborates with Search and Rescue Services Ltd which leases the helicopters, operates them and provides the crew. PSRT is responsible for fundraising for the helicopters and ensuring the crews have the appropriate equipment, bridging the gap in Government funding and resourcing. Without our donors, you would have a helicopter with a crew in a paddock. There is no hangar, no equipment like a stretcher, CPR machine or a winch, no rapid response vehicle, PSRT head of fundraising Sharni Weir said. PSRT is the charity that owns, maintains and kits out the Central North Islands largest fleet of six community rescue helicopters. The trust fundraises 20% to cover baseline costs, plus money to cover the cost to maintain the six helicopters. The average cost for a callout is $9500, although it is free for people in need. Since its start, PSRT has helped save 43,438 lives across the Central North Island. One of them was 18-month-old Ciara Hamilton who needed a helicopter in 2019. Her mother Laura said the family was living in Tokoroa at the time and rushed to the local emergency department after Ciara had been unwell on and off for months. Ciara Hamilton needed a rescue helicopter in 2019, when she was just 18 months old. At the ED, Laura said her daughter went downhill really quickly. She had difficulty breathing and her oxygen levels were low. She was put on breathing support and the emergency department called an ambulance to transfer her to hospital, Laura said. But when the ambulance came out, they said they couldnt take her, because they didnt have the right equipment. Thats when the rescue helicopter was called and Laura was able to accompany Ciara to Starship Hospital, where Ciara was in intensive care for four days, due to asthma and pneumonia. Last week, Ciara turned 7 and is living a normal life. Laura said she had been donating to PSRT since 2011, even before Ciara was in need, but after this experience, she wanted to do more. Philips Search and Rescue Trust general manager Vanessa Richmond. After moving to Hamilton, Laura worked part-time in an office role at Melville Intermediate, until she saw a job ad for a database coordinator at PSRT. I said to my colleagues, I love working with you guys but I am gonna apply for this, Laura said. I came into the [job] interview and said I want this job. I just wanted to say thank you. [My daughter] just wouldnt be here if it wasnt for them. Aside from donating her life to the trust, she also continues to support their work with regular donations. They saved my daughters life, you cant put a price on that... [and] I want to help keep [the service] going for someone else, pay it forward. You always think you never gonna need it - until you do. Richmond said stories like Ciaras were the reason why she loved her job. This... is a very very important service in New Zealand. [The country] is quite spread out with different terrain where bad things can happen. The rescue helicopter is the one service that can pluck you out of difficult places. They make the difference between life and death. The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter will have an open day on Sunday, April 6, from 11am to 2pm at Hamilton Airport, 201a Airport Rd. For more information or to donate, visit rescue.org.nz. People can choose who will be Taurangas new Maori ward councillor from Monday. The Te Awanui Maori Ward byelection was trigged after Mikaere Sydney resigned from his position in January. Sydney was elected to Tauranga City Council in July 2024 but was unable to take up his position due to illness. Local Democracy Reporting asked the five Te Awanui candidates about their goals and how they would advocate for their voters if elected. Suaree Borell Suaree Borell. Photo / Supplied. Borrell lives in Whakamarama and is of Ngati Ranginui, Tapuika and Samoan descent. The 48-year-old is the director of Awa Associates, a Maori and Pasifka research and evaluation company. She is also the deputy chair of Te Runanga o Ngati Ranginui and chair of the Whakamarama Community Hall Committee. Why are you standing? To make sure that the diverse voices and needs of our community, particularly those of Maori, are represented. I strongly believe that wahine (women) are vital to the success of our communities and should have a seat at the table in local government. Tauranga has faced gender inequality for too long, and its essential we achieve equity for women to help our community thrive. Goals if elected: My primary goals include advancing policies that prioritise the sustainable management of whenua (land), ensuring that land use respects cultural values and contributes positively to the community. I will advocate for initiatives that honour whakapapa, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our heritage within local government decisions. I aim to address issues surrounding wai (water) by promoting the protection and restoration of our water resources. How are you proposing to be active in the Maori community? By attending events, collaborating with local iwi, and engaging in regular dialogue with community members. I will provide regular updates to iwi, and others reporting on the initiatives and investments made by the council that meet Maori needs. What is the biggest issue facing Maori in Tauranga and how would you address this? Maori in Tauranga face several significant challenges, including inequitable access to resources, underrepresentation in decision-making, and the need for cultural preservation. A key issue is the lack of access to whenua and wai resources, which disproportionately affects Maori communities. If elected, I will advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to these vital resources, making certain that Maori values and aspirations are at the forefront of decisions regarding land use and environmental protections. Given the referendum required on Maori wards, are you concerned this could be Taurangas only term with a Maori ward? How would you advocate to keep this ward? I am concerned that this could be Taurangas only term with a Maori ward. Maori communities represent a unique and vital community of interest in our region, deeply connected to the land, culture, and environment. To advocate for the permanence of the Maori ward, I will work to educate the broader community on the significance of Maori representation, emphasising how it aligns with the principles of partnership and collaboration outlined in the Treaty of Waitangi. George Ngatai George Ngatai. Photo / Supplied Ngatai lives in Auckland and has whakapapa to Ngati Awa, Ngati Whakahemo, and Ngati Maniapoto. The 54-year-old is the director of the Whanau Ora Community Clinic and a breakfast radio host on Aotearoa FM. He has worked for the Auckland City Council and North Shore City Council and is a former member of the Manukau City Council Treaty of Waitangi Committee. Why are you standing? I want to be an independent voice for Maori constituents in Tauranga, ensuring that this seat becomes a permanent part of Tauranga City, much like the dedicated Maori seats at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Goals if elected: Ensure Maori have a strong, permanent voice in Tauranga City Council decisions. Regular engagement with tangata whenua representatives to advance their priorities. Support housing and infrastructure projects that benefit Maori and the wider Tauranga community. Work closely with social and health agencies to create opportunities for whanau. Enhance economic opportunities for Maori and general businesses in Tauranga. How are you proposing to be active in the Maori community? Meet with whanau, hapu, and iwi representatives to discuss key issues. Host weekly open meetings for all Maori and Tauranga constituents. Utilise public spaces like libraries to ensure accessibility. Encourage direct communication and support for whanau concerns. Work closely with Maori organisations to strengthen advocacy and partnerships. Establish regular clinics to ensure direct engagement and accountability. What is the biggest issue facing Maori in Tauranga and how would you address this? Ensure Maori participation in the byelection by promoting enrolment and voter turnout. Advocate for the long-term retention of this seat before the next election. Address housing shortages, improve healthcare access, and support employment pathways for Maori and the wider community. Given the referendum required on Maori wards, are you concerned this could be Taurangas only term with a Maori ward? How would you advocate to keep this ward? There is a risk that Te Awanui Ward could be removed after one term. To prevent this I would highlight the benefits of having dedicated Maori representation in Tauranga. Educate the wider community on why Maori representation strengthens the council. Work with current councillors to demonstrate how the Te Awanui Ward seat contributes to effective governance. Reinforce that this ward is one of 10 seats, ensuring it is viewed as an integral part of Tauranga Citys decision-making structure. David Ratima David Ratima. Photo / Supplied Ratima, 60, is married with three adult children and seven grandchildren. He is of Ngati Ranginui, Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Pukenga descent and lives in Tauranga. Why are you standing? For Maori to have a voice at the table of decisions impacting Maori health and wellbeing, our mauri the environment. I have the skills in negotiation and advocacy, which I attribute to many years in dealing with Government and Crown entity representatives. Goals if elected: My main goal would be advocating for more Maori to sign up on the electoral roll, so they can vote for Maori or whanau standing to be a voice for their communities, iwi, hapu, whanau. In regards to whether Tauranga City Council would retain Te Awanui Maori ward. How are you proposing to be active in the Maori community? Not answered. What is the biggest issue facing Maori in Tauranga and how would you address this? Not answered. Given the referendum required on Maori wards, are you concerned this could be Taurangas only term with a Maori ward? How would you advocate to keep this ward? I would rely on our iwi and hapu leaders, also trusts that are already in partnership with Tauranga City Council, to help promote the understanding of why it is important for Maori to register and vote. Hemi Rolleston Hemi Rolleston. Photo / Supplied Rolleston is the uncle of Mikaere Sydney and said he was inspired by his nephew to stand. He consulted whanau about stepping in to complete the mahi. The 56-year-old has whakapapa to Ngai Te rangi, Ngati Ranginui, Ngati Whakaue, Te Arawa and lives in Matapihi. He is a professional director and previously worked at Tauranga City Council as the head of Maori land. He has also been a board member of Priority One, Grow Rotorua and SmartGrowth. Why are you standing? To bring a strong committed Maori voice to the council table to make good decisions for both Maori and the entire Tauranga Moana community. Decisions that are good for both today and enduring for the future mokopuna of Tauranga Moana. Goals if elected: To be a strong and valued contributor to the council table and ultimately show the community the value of having a voice like mine at the table. Which will ensure the seat is valued and enduring. How are you proposing to be active in the Maori community? I am already very active at all levels in the Maori community so I will continue to do so. I will also endeavour to make myself available as necessary. What is the biggest issue facing Maori in Tauranga and how would you address this if elected? Housing, particularly affordability. Statistics and numbers matter. Before we address the issue, we need to really understand it. Once we understand it, we can then plan a collective effort to address it. Its not councils issue alone to solve; we must do it in partnership. I have significant experience both professionally and personally in this space. Given the referendum required on Maori wards, are you concerned this could be Taurangas only term with a Maori ward? How would you advocate to keep this ward? Yes. By working hard and being a good advocate showing the value in this seat and what I can add. Alongside others I will promote the need to enrol and vote. I will also harness relationships with the entire community. Ange Webster Ange Webster. Photo / Supplied Webster lives in Matapihi and is a specialist in industrial relations and organisational psychology. The 52-year-old is also a qualified teacher and has taught in local primary, intermediate and secondary schools. She is currently contracted to Tauranga City Council to support mana whenua engagement on the reconsenting programme for the water supply. She has roles on ahu whenua trusts, incorporated societies, charitable trusts, post-settlement governance entities and council-controlled organisations. Why are you standing? I am standing to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti and to amplify the collective voice of Maori so that it is heard and considered. Goals if elected: My initial focus is to bring our people together, enable papakainga development and make well-informed decisions. Papakainga are housing development for Maori on their ancestral land. How are you proposing to be active in the Maori community? Arrange regular opportunities for engagement. Establish a Te Awanui Ward Ratepayers and Residents Association. Continue to participate in all things Maori. What is the biggest issue facing Maori in Tauranga and how would you address this if elected? Cost of living, housing and taiao (environment). Increase employment opportunities for Maori by applying equitable procurement policies and practices as well as building into consent conditions. Given the referendum required on Maori wards, are you concerned this could be Taurangas only term with a Maori ward? How would you advocate to keep this ward? I am hopeful that we will retain the Maori ward. I will govern effectively, add value and make good decisions. The details Postal voting documents will be sent and voting opens on MondayAPRL7. Voting closes on April 29 at noon election day. Results will be announced by May 5. Enrolling to vote People of Maori descent can choose which roll they want to be on. If they are on the general roll and want to vote in this byelection, they can change to the Maori roll up to election day by going to the Electoral Commissions website www.vote.nz, by texting a name and address to 3676 to get a form sent, or by calling 0800 3676 56. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Long-Time Sidney Pastor has been called to new flock SIDNEY--He announced the news a few weeks back to his congregation, and the move will be official by May 1st. Pastor Corey Jenkins, of the Faith Methodist Church in Sidney, is moving with his wife, Sarah, to Bowman, ND to take over a congregation that has been in need of a pastor for the past 13 months. Jenkins said that the decision was made between himself and his wife over the holidays. The pair saw an opportunity for Jenkins to serve one more parish before retiring, and an opportunity for her to work with the Farm Service Agency. Sarah had worked with the agency in the past and is eager to... Sidney Shooting Park Banquet Set for April 5, 2025 SIDNEY--Saturday, April 5, 2025 will be an on target night at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds as the Sidney Shooting Park holds its annual banquet. For $20, attendees can enjoy a full meal of Rocky Mountain Oysters, pulled pork, and chicken strips as well as participate in firearm raffles, a silent auction, and a live auction. The banquet starts at 5:30 pm, and tickets can be purchased through the Sidney Shooting Club or at the event. For more information, email [email protected] or go to their website at www.sidneyshootingpark.com Firearms to be won this year include a Kimber Micr... Brianna Jones and her husband, Mitchell, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third son, Christian, when an unexpected tragedy hit. With no time to work through their grief, the couple, who delivered in Fort Collins, was greeted with looming questions. How would they commemorate his short time on earth? Facing an overwhelming bombardment of feelings all at once, the couple planned for their new future, one that included a change of plans and the burial of their infant son. It was those formidable emotions in July of 2022 that sparked an idea for an alliance, one built out of a community... Ignacio Lillo Malaga Thursday, 3 April 2025, 10:10 Compartir Storm Nuria has been making itself felt in the province of Malaga since the early hours of this Thursday morning, in the form of moderate rainfall which has left accumulated amounts of more than 20mm up to 8am in some inland areas, according to the latest information provided by the Junta de Andalucia's Hidrosur network. So far, the wettest spot in the province has been the upper Axarquia, specifically the town of Alfarnatejo, with 21mm, followed by Alcaucin, with 17. The Fuente Piedra lake (15), Guadalteba river and the Guadalhorce river in Bobadilla (15) have also benefited from this first dampening. Many other points in the inland areas of the province have received accumulated rainfall of between 10 and 15mm, which is serving to reinforce the water reserves in the reservoirs, recharge aquifers and irrigate the fields. With these numbers, it is not surprising that the level of the reservoirs has remained stable over the last few hours, despite the fact that since yesterday El Limonero, in Malaga city, has been added to the releases already under way in Casasola (also in the city); La Concepcion (western Costa del Sol) and Conde del Guadalhorce. The level of stored water exceeds 58% of total capacity at 8am., with almost 356 million cubic metres. What is happening is that the outflows in the dams that are already full (or have a maximum level of protection) are being compensated for by the inflows of water into those that still have spare capacity. In this case, the one that is benefiting most from the latest rains is La Vinuela, which supplies the Axarquia and which is already at around 47% of its capacity, with around 77 million cubic metres; and the best thing is that it will continue to rise in the coming hours due to the runoff left by the latest downpours. The Guadalteba and Guadalhorce also continue to receive abundant inflows (47% and 42%, respectively). Rain today and tomorrow Spain's state weather agency's forecast considers rainfall in the province of Malaga to be a certainty for this Thursday and tomorrow, Friday. For the now, Aemet has not seen the need to activate any warnings, as moderate rainfall is generally expected. As for the time of distribution, today it will be more likely until 12noon. From then until approximately 6pm, a low-risk clearing will open up. And then the weather fronts will return to unload rain during the late afternoon and evening. As for Friday, the bulk of the precipitation will be concentrated between the early hours of the morning and 6pm. From then on, there is not expected to be any more rain. In theory, there is no risk of precipitation on Saturday; and on Sunday there is a probability, although it is low. No new storms are expected to arrive in Spain during the first days of next week. Elisa Rae Shupe, formerly Jamie Shupe identifies as neither male nor female. A Multnomah County Circuit judge changed Shupe's legal sex to nonbinary. LC- Jamie Shupe. LC- Jamie Shupe Elisa Rae Shupes life was a journey of emotional pain, soul-searching and inspiration from the military women who transitioned before her, she wrote in a 2015 New York Times essay. It began with childhood sexual abuse as a young boy named James, she said. She joined the U.S. Army. Later, she started identifying as a transgender woman and won a historic court case for trans rights. She suffered through mental health crises and briefly embraced the anti-transgender movementa decision she later regretted. This journey ultimately led to the top of a five-story parking garage in Syracuse. Shupe, 61, identifying as Elisa Rae Shupe, died by suicide Jan. 27 near the Syracuse VA Medical Center, a month after undergoing gender confirmation surgery there. She wrapped herself in a transgender pride flag and died near dozens of Syracuse University students and faculty. Her death received little attention in the mainstream media, but it sent a shudder through LGBTQ+ communities in Upstate New York and beyond. To them, it underscored the heightened risks of suicide among veterans and transgender people. On Feb. 23 in Syracuse, around 150 people held a vigil to mourn the trans lives lost here, including Shupe, who lived in Las Vegas but came to Syracuse for care. Many trans people around the country knew Shupe from her landmark court victory. In 2016, she became the first person in the country to gain legal recognition of a nonbinary gender neither male nor female. The trans community felt the timing of her death, too. Shupe died in the opening days of the effort by President Donald Trump and national Republicans to limit trans rights and public services for them. Hours after being sworn in Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order revoking the Biden administrations decision to allow all qualified Americans to serve in the military. Then, hours after Shupes death, Trump signed executive orders rolling back rights for trans people. This time, an order specifically said it would ban trans people from the military because they are not mentally and physically fit to serve. The orders never used the word transgender and instead used terms such as false gender identity. About 15 minutes before her death, Shupe emailed a note to several people across the country. She did not blame the Syracuse VA for her death but raged against the VAs upper management and the Trump administration. You cannot erase non-binary and transgender people because you give birth to more of us each day, Shupe wrote. Shupe holding a transgender flag in 2016. Photo by Sandra E. Shupe Sandra Shupe Identity rollercoaster Shupe grew up in Southern Maryland with seven siblings. She was sexually abused as a child, she said, and recalled being physically abused for acting like a sissy. She served in the Army from 1982 to 2000, working as a tank mechanic and rising to the rank of sergeant first class. While stationed at Kentuckys Fort Knox, Shupe met her wife. The two married in 1987 and had a daughter. Shupe said she felt like an outcast as a child and in the Army. She struggled with gender dysphoria in the military but said she didnt seek treatment because of the harsh environment. She recalled sabotage from other soldiers who thought she was gay. Shupe began transitioning in 2013 at the age of 49, according to her Times essay. She said in an NPR interview that she was in a deep depression and told her family that she had to transition, or she would shoot herself in the head. In 2016, Shupe applied to the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles to be listed as nonbinary. The agency refused, so she went to court and won, becoming the first legally recognized nonbinary person. She was really progressive, and there was no opposition to it at that time, her lawyer, Lake Perriguey, told syracuse.com. She felt things really deeply and was often dealing with an internal identity rollercoaster. Perriguey said he remembers Shupe talking about her struggle to blend in as a trans woman because she wasnt confident in her appearance. She had a tough time coming to terms with her role in the trans movement, he said. The court decision made national and international headlines. At the time, it seemed to free her. These days I have total freedom in my gender expression, she told a Pittsburgh LGBTQ blog in 2016. I present in any manner I choose depending on my mood or needs. My gender identity is still highly feminine, but Ive been freed from the confines of both manhood and womanhood. Nowadays Im just a human, that gets to exist outside of the confines of the gender binary. And its wonderful! Burned bridges on both sides By 2019, Shupe no longer wanted to identify as transgender. She rejected her previous views, becoming a public opponent of trans rights and gender-affirming care. Identifying then by her birth name, James Shupe, she wrote an essay for The Daily Signal, a conservative news website. She blamed medical professionals for helping her transition, saying LGBTQ+ organizations helped screw up her life. During this time, Shupe said she had post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and possibly borderline personality disorder. In 2022, Shupe reclaimed her transgender identity. She said she was taken advantage of by members of the anti-trans movement while struggling with her mental health. From 2022 until her death in 2025, she publicly identified as trans. In a 2023 interview, Shupe summed up the impact of her decisions: I burned bridges on both sides of the aisle. So, at this point, Im just all alone in my life. Elisa Rae Shupe at the Syracuse VA Medical Center on Dec. 23, 2024, before receiving gender-affirming surgery. Elisa Rae Shupe's Substack She was used Shupe received psychiatric care at the Syracuse VA, according to a VA notification sent to government officials and reviewed by Syracuse.com. She had been in psychiatric care units in the past, according to the note she left. Stef Trump, a friend of Shupes who met her online, told syracuse.com: Her life was always full of rejection and pain. The last time they exchanged words, Shupe told the friend she was suicidal and checking herself into psychiatric care. She was harsh in her feelings and language, Stef Trump said. Elisa, her very being, pissed off many. She was used, as so many marginalized humans are. She definitely didnt have adequate support. Sandra Shupe, Elisas wife, said in a June 2024 post on X that Elisa was hospitalized for a fifth time because of suicidal ideation as a result of people trying to exploit her, knowing she was mentally unwell. The Syracuse VA Medical Center on Irving Avenue. Greta Stuckey Gender-affirming care brought her to Syracuse. But Shupe also received psychiatric care at the VA center here and was discharged from the inpatient psychiatry unit Jan. 21, according to the VA notification. Six days later, Shupe died by suicide. Her wife did not respond to Syracuse.coms request for an interview. The family did not publish an obituary. Sue Kerr, an activist and blogger, who met Shupe at an LGBTQ+ community center in Pittsburgh, last talked to her in 2018. In a tribute to Shupe, Kerr recalled spending hours with her at a trans pride picnic, bonding over their shared experiences of abusive childhoods, misunderstood young adulthoods and a mutual desire to make a positive impact on the world. Elisa was so intense and fierce in her thinking, Kerr said. She lived a hard life and often struggled with her own identity and health, according to Kerr. I do not believe Elisa was broken by her identity. She was broken by failed systems including her family of origin and the military as well as the anti-transgender movement, Kerr said. She was beaten down by beauty standards, by her own conflicting desire to be accepted and to challenge non-acceptance. Where to get help If in crisis, help is available by calling, texting or chatting with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. For a veteran-specific crisis line, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. For a transgender-specific crisis line, call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860. For an LGBTQ+ specific crisis line call 866-488-7386 or text 678678. Around 150 people gathered for a vigil in downtown Syracuse on Feb. 23 to honor and memorialize the lives lost in the trans community during the last month. Greta Stuckey BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. First Lady of the Kyrgyz Republic Aigul Zhaparova has congratulated First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva on the occasion of the Novruz holiday, Trend reports. "Dear Mehriban khanum, I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of the Novruz holiday, a symbol of natures renewal. Historically celebrating unity, harmony, and mutual understanding, Novruz marks the beginning of a new year with pure thoughts and noble aspirations. May the Novruz holiday bring the start of new opportunities filled with bright moments and heartfelt gatherings. Dear Mehriban khanum, I wish you good health, a long life, and happiness, and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan peace and prosperity," the letter reads. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon says the owners of nine hotels have failed to hand over to the county the room occupancy tax they collect from travelers. Tim Knauss Syracuse, N.Y. The Onondaga County district attorneys office plans to charge the owners of nine local hotels with felony crimes unless they fork over a collective $1.9 million in overdue room taxes collected from travelers over the past few years. Charging tax-delinquent hotel owners with crimes, rather than seeking civil penalties, appears to be unprecedented in New York state, said Peter Hakes, chief of the DAs economic fraud and rackets bureau. A man survived after driving his car through a fence at the Niagara Falls Gorge on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. State Park Police Niagara Falls, N.Y. A man drove his pickup truck down the side of the gorge in Niagara Falls on Wednesday, police said. The driver got out of the badly smashed truck and walked out of the gorge, police said. At 6:25 p.m. New York State Parks Police went on the call to the Aquarium of Niagara in Niagara Falls, according to a police Facebook post. A Niagara Falls man, 42, drove his 2008 Toyota Tundra into the Niagara Gorge near the Whirlpool Bridge, police said. The Whirlpool Bridge crosses into Canada. The car landed far down the side of the gorge, badly damaged, according to photos. It does not appear to have entered the water. A man survived after driving his car through a fence at the Niagara Falls Gorge on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. State Park Police The man managed to get out of the car and walk up the side of the gorge, police said. The man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The state parks department is figuring out how to remove the vehicle. A man survived after driving his car through a fence and down a gorge at Niagara Falls on April 2, 2025. State Park Police Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. Elon Musk's time as a formal member of the Trump administration could soon be coming to an end. Musk speaks during a town hall Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jeffrey Phelps | AP Photo) Jeffrey Phelps | AP Photo President Donald Trump has said that Elon Musk will soon step back from his current role in the administration, Politico is reporting. Trump has shared the news with some members of his inner circle, including some members of his Cabinet. Politico reported that Trump is pleased with Musk and the cost-cutting efforts led by his Department of Government Efficiency. But both men have decided it will soon be time for Musk to return to his businesses and take on a supporting role. Some Trump insiders and outside allies have been frustrated by Musks unpredictability and increasingly view him as a liability, according to Politico. Hell likely remain an informal adviser and a part of Trumps circle. The transition will likely take place with the end of Musks time as a special government employee, Politico said. That status temporarily exempts him from some ethics and conflict-of-interest rules, but expires after 130 days in late May or early June. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt referred to Politicos story as garbage in a social media post. She said Musk will leave the White House when his work is complete. DOGE was originally intended to operate until July 4, 2026, according to The Associated Press. But there are signs it is already winding down. Some employees have been shifted to federal agencies, which are supposed to take the lead on cost cutting. Layoffs across the federal government are also underway. Theyre aimed at accomplishing some of the goals laid out by Trump and Musk, AP said. Musks work on behalf of Trump has led to some problems for him elsewhere. His efforts to back a conservative candidate in a Wisconsin judicial race ended in a 10-point loss. Musk spent $20 million on the contest, according to CNN. Some of Musks business interests have suffered. Tesla, where Musk is CEO, reported its biggest sales drop ever in the first quarter, CNN said. Its share price has also fallen. Some New York lawmakers have started pushing back against Teslas operations in the state. Musk is the worlds richest man and was a major donor to the Trump campaign. His rapid efforts to slash the federal government have been met with cheers from supporters, harsh criticism from opponents and a host of lawsuits. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 Onondaga County Legislator Julie Abbott, left, and former NY Assembly member John Salka are considering whether to seek the Republican nomination for Congress in Central New York. Provided photos Two Republicans who have served as Central New York lawmakers are considering whether to challenge Rep. John Mannion in next years election for the 22nd Congressional District seat. Onondaga County Legislator Julie Abbott told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that she received calls from New York Republican leaders over the past few weeks who are trying to recruit her to run for the House seat. At the same time, former state Assembly member John Salka of Madison County said he approached local Republican leaders to let them know hes considering a bid for Congress. Abbott, R-Skaneateles, declined to identify those who are urging her to challenge Mannion next year. She is seeking a fourth term in the county legislature in this Novembers election. My current focus is my reelection campaign for my legislative seat, Abbott said. But I am always open to any conversation about opportunities for higher office that will help the communities I serve in Central New York. Salka, of North Brookfield, told syracuse.com he has already talked with Onondaga County Republican Chair Joe Bick about his potential candidacy. Salka said he plans to meet with Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon next week as part of his exploratory campaign. Im very strongly considering it, Salka told syracuse.com. Although the election is 18 months away, we all know in the political world how fast things go by. Until now, no Republican candidate had publicly expressed interest in challenging Mannion, who was elected in November. Mannion, D-Geddes, defeated first-term Republican Rep. Brandon Williams, R-Sennett, by almost 10 percentage points. The major political parties tend to recruit their challengers for House races about 18 months in advance of the election because of the time needed to raise millions of dollars to compete in congressional races. Mannion, a former state senator, launched his campaign for Congress in July 2023, about 16 months before the 2024 election. The National Republican Congressional Committee, the House Republican campaign arm, is already identifying the New York House seats that it will try to win back next year. The NRCC announced two weeks ago that it will target 26 Democratic-held seats across the nation as pick-up opportunities for Republicans to grow their slim House majority next year. Without a Republican challenger, Mannions seat in the 22nd Congressional District did not make the initial target list. Instead, Republicans said they would target three other House Democrats in New York freshmen Reps. Josh Riley of Upstate New York and Laura Gillen of Long Island; and Tom Suozzi, who represents a district spanning parts of Queens and Long Island. The 22nd District in Central New York spans all of Onondaga and Madison counties, and parts of Cayuga, Cortland and Oneida counties. Almost 70% of the districts voters are in Onondaga County. Bick, the Onondaga County Republican chair, said Salka is the only potential candidate for the 22nd District seat who has contacted him to express initial interest in a campaign. Bick said he has not set a deadline for recruiting a candidate. He said the party is focused first on winning local elections this November in Syracuse and Onondaga County. State Assembly member John Lemondes, R-LaFayette, is among those whose name has been floated by Republican officials as a possible congressional candidate. He campaigned for the GOP designation for Congress in 2014 but lost the partys backing to former Rep. John Katko. Lemondes, reached by syracuse.com this week, said he is not considering a bid for Congress. Lemondes was elected to a third term in the Assembly in November. If Abbott and Salka move forward with a campaign for Congress, it would set up a Republican designation contest between the moderate and conservative wings of the party. Abbott, 51, is a moderate Republican who supports abortion rights and red flag gun laws. She has been endorsed by the local chapter of the Sierra Club, a leading environmental group. She began her career as a television reporter at WSYR-TV (Channel 9) in Syracuse. The mother of four boys, Abbott served five years on the Skaneateles School Board. Abbott was first elected to the 6th District seat in the Onondaga County Legislature in 2019, where she represents five towns in the western part of the county. She chairs the legislatures Environmental Protection Committee. Abbott won the Republican Partys backing in 2022 to challenge state Sen. Rachel May, D-Syracuse, in the 48th Senate District election. In that race, the local Conservative Party declined to back Abbott. She lost a Conservative primary election to Justin Coretti. In the general election, Coretti won about 7% of the vote. May won the election over Abbott by about 7 percentage points Abbott said she is now on good terms with the Onondaga County Conservative Party and recently won the partys designation in her reelection campaign for the legislature. Salka, 70, of North Brookfield, is a conservative Republican who most recently worked for Williams as director of community affairs in the congressmans Utica district office in 2023 and 2024. Before serving as a top aide to Williams, Salka was elected to two terms in the state Assembly starting in 2018. Salka edged out 14-term incumbent Democrat Bill Magee in the 2018 election by about 500 votes. He had lost two previous campaigns to unseat Magee. Salka decided not to run for a third term in 2022 when Madison County was carved into five separate Assembly districts in the redistricting process. He previously served as school board member and town supervisor in Madison County, including seven years on the board in the Brookfield Central School District and later as Brookfield Town Supervisor for 11 years. Salka is a registered respiratory therapist. He previously worked as director of cardiopulmonary services at Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 The second season of the hit anime Wind Breaker will premiere on Thursday, April 3 (4/3/2025), and you can catch the first episode on Crunchyroll. The episode will be available to stream at 1:30 p.m. ET. For those who want to watch the Wind Breaker Season 2 premiere for free, Crunchyroll offers a 7-day free trial. Crunchyroll - 7-day free trial Your ultimate destination for watching a vast collection of anime series and movies. Buy Now What is Wind Breaker about? According to the animes official synopsis per Crunchyroll, Sakuras idea of what it means to be at the top has begun to change. After making new friends and encountering new enemies in his time at Furin High School, he has gained some perspective. Now, he stands tall as a Grade Captain, fighting to protect others. Watch as Sakuras rise continues from high school delinquent to heroic legend! The first episode of Wind Breaker Season 2 picks up right where the first season left off, with Haruka Sakura and the Bofurin team heading to a KEEL hideout to rescue Masaki Anzais childhood friend. Wind Breaker cast and crew Wind Breaker Season 2 is produced by CloverWorks, known for its work on series like The Promised Neverland and Fate/Grand Order: Demonic Front - Babylonia. The anime adapts Satoru Niis manga, which began in 2021. Toshifumi Akai (Fate/Grand Order) directs the series, while Hiroshi Seko (Chainsaw Man) oversees the series composition. The Japanese cast is led by Yuma Uchida as Haruka Sakura, with Koki Uchiyama and Nobunaga Shimazaki in supporting roles. The English dub features Austin Tindle as Haruka. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. In a recent article for the popular Canadian outlet THEJ.CA, Rachel Avraham, a prominent political analyst, journalist, and founder and CEO of the Don Gracia Center for Diplomacy, criticized the European Parliament for its double standards regarding Azerbaijan, Trend reports. "Before attempting to interfere in Azerbaijans internal legal matters, the European Parliament should address its deep-seated corruption issues and restore public trust. MEPs should be driven by a genuine pursuit of truth, justice, and peacenot by self-serving political games or financial interests," the article reads. The article highlights that Azerbaijan is conducting trials against individuals of Armenian descent for war crimes they have committed. These individuals are accused of serious crimes in Azerbaijan, including torture, mercenary activities, war crimes, acts of terrorism, and financing terrorism. The author characterizes the recently adopted EP resolution on this issue as unfounded, biased, and prejudiced, considering it part of a campaign to undermine Azerbaijan's reputation. Drawing on past experiences, Avraham noted that the European Parliament's (EP) hostile stance toward Azerbaijan comes as no surprise, describing it as yet another example of the EP advancing Armenias interests. She also pointed to similar patterns within other European institutions, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Furthermore, Avraham argued that this persistent bias represents just one aspect of the double standards Azerbaijan continues to face. The Azerbaijani government, she emphasized, has consistently defended the legality of its actions under both national and international law. The article stresses that the ongoing trial in Baku of individuals accused of grave crimes is a domestic legal matter, and any external interference is unjustified and unacceptable. For the full text of the article, visit: https://thej.ca/2025/03/20/azerbaijans-right-to-justice-european-parliaments-double-standards-on-armenian-detainees/ Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Share At an event attended by Tech Digest, four South Korean MedTech companies showcased their innovative healthcare solutions yesterday. Targeting critical issues in elderly care amid the UKs growing senior healthcare crisis, the four companies included JCF Technology, InHandPlus, Seven Point One, and Silvia. The event was part of a 25-year regeneration project in East London aimed at revolutionizing the NHS and tackling the UKs urgent healthcare challenges. The demo day was the result of a collaboration between Rainmaking, a global innovation firm, Care City, a not-for-profit innovation centre and Thames Freeport, an economic growth zone. The project has garnered over 600 million in public and private investment. Thurrock Council and the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering are also stakeholders. These three local authorities are recognized as key areas where MedTech can significantly address local health and economic challenges. Daniel Avery, Head of Venture Building at Rainmaking, emphasized the need for a stronger focus on preventative care in the UK healthcare system. He believes that these advanced tools can address root causes and manage risk factors early, leading to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. The initiative brings together experts from healthcare, technology, innovation, and business, all focused on transforming healthcare through technology. The adult health and social care accelerator program also aims to boost job growth in the area, reduce pressure on the NHS, and attract international investment. Myung Jin Ko (MJ), CEO and co-founder of Silvia Health, highlighted the opportunity to showcase its AI-driven dementia prevention solutions in the UK. Our mission is to use AI in the real-world for dementia prevention, to ensure early intervention is scalable and accessible, said MJ. The four MedTech startups and their featured technologies included: JCF Technology (McKare): A radar-based solution for predicting and preventing falls, reducing emergency visits and hospital admissions. InHandPlus: AI-powered tracking to improve medication adherence rates by 20-30%. Seven Point One (AlzWin): Rapid dementia screening for early diagnosis and proactive care. Silvia: AI-driven solutions for dementia prevention. For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv Like this: Like Loading... Related Posts Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust The big picture: The AI boom is significantly changing the enterprise and data center market. Arm predicts that chips based on its designs will soon amount to around 50% of CPUs used in data centers. According to Arm Senior VP Mohamed Awad, the company's market share in this sector will grow by 15 percent over 2024. Chips based on the Arm architecture used to play a marginal role in the data center business. However, things are changing fast and Arm expects substantial financial rewards thanks to the company's key partners in the market. Arm struggled to compete against the x86 enterprise leadership for nearly 20 years due to significant hardware infrastructure changes and the associated costs. Reuters notes that Arm CPUs have increased in popularity in data centers thanks to their lower power consumption levels compared to x86 chips made by Intel and AMD. Compounding the problem are the growing energy requirements of AI processing. Cloud computing providers desperately seek alternatives, and software solutions are helpful. "We've gotten to the point where software is actually being developed for Arm first and foremost," Awad said. Nvidia is another major factor in this significant market evolution, as the GPU maker heavily relies on Arm's chip architecture and IP. The Grace CPU is a custom-built solution that fully exploits the computing capabilities of the Blackwell framework. Nvidia Grace's features and benefits include better energy efficiency, ECC LPDDR5X memory for improved reliability, and a "tightly coupled" CPU and GPU system architecture. Awad explained that chips designed for data centers must achieve higher complexity and efficiency to compete since Arm's business model is primarily licensing-based. The company typically receives much greater aggregate royalty rates on higher-level designs than microchips for simpler devices and low-level consumer electronics. The data center market is one of Arm's key investments for the future. The Japanese-British chip designer had begun a substantial effort to differentiate its business, with management considering direct chip manufacturing as one solution. Arm is also in an antitrust legal battle with former business partner Qualcomm, though a victory is anything but guaranteed. In a nutshell: It should go without saying that buying a very cheap, obviously counterfeit Android handset is a bad idea. Not only will you likely run into a slew of technical problems, but it could also contain pre-installed malware that infects virtually every process carried out by the handset. Kaspersky researchers have discovered a new strain of the Triada Trojan preinstalled on thousands of new very cheap Android devices counterfeit versions of popular models. The modular remote access trojan (RAT), first identified in 2016, can steal sensitive data and crypto while performing other malicious actions. The malware is embedded in an infected phone's firmware, operating without detection and granting attackers full control over a device. The list of malicious actions the new strain of Triada can perform is an extensive one. It is able to send and delete messages in WhatsApp, Telegram, and other messaging apps to impersonate users, hijack social media accounts, replace crypto wallet addresses in apps to steal the virtual currency, and track browsing activity and even swap links. Triada can also monitor, intercept, send, and delete SMS messages, send premium SMS texts to receive paid services, download and run other programs on an infected device, and block network connections to interfere with the operation of anti-fraud systems. Dmitry Kalinin, an expert on cybersecurity at Kaspersky Lab, said the new version of Triada is likely being installed in the counterfeit phones during one of the early stages of the supply chain, so the stores selling the devices may not realize anything is amiss. There's always the chance that some vendors knew about the malware and were benefiting financially by spreading it, of course. Kalinin adds that the authors of Triada have already used the malware to transfer about $270,000 in different cryptocurrencies from victims' crypto wallets to their own, though the actual amount may be higher as the attackers also stole Monero, a cryptocurrency that cannot be traced. Over 2,600 people across multiple countries encountered the new version of Triada between March 13 and 27, 2025, with most of the cases reported in Russia. Kaspersky says its mobile anti-virus software can detect Triada, though the company's products are banned in the US over its ties to Russia. In a nutshell: The European Commission is developing a new strategy to enhance internal security across the entire European Union. The plan introduces a cultural shift in how internal security is perceived, but some aspects of the proposal could potentially weaken digital security instead. The recently announced ProtectEU plan aims to safeguard Europe from internal threats, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, emphasizing that security is a fundamental pillar of open societies and thriving economies. Among the most pressing threats identified by the European Commission are terrorism, organized crime, cybercrime, and attacks on critical infrastructure. The EC is positioning ProtectEU as a broad initiative in response to an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. With hybrid threats and state-sponsored cyberattacks wreaking havoc online, Europe urgently needs a significant overhaul of its internal security strategy. While ProtectEU does not yet include a detailed proposal, the official announcement outlines several key objectives as a foundation for the plan. ProtectEU advocates for a new security governance framework, aiming to transform the European Commission's approach to internal security. The initiative calls on EU member states to enhance intelligence-sharing practices through a newly proposed platform, the Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity. Additionally, the Commission envisions expanding Europol's role, effectively transforming it into a European equivalent of the FBI, with enhanced operational capabilities. The most intriguing and concerning aspect of ProtectEU from a technological standpoint is its focus on Europol's expanded enforcement tools, which are intended to address increasingly complex criminal investigations involving digital information. The plan includes provisions for "lawful access to data," outlining a technology roadmap that targets encryption and evaluates the EU's current data retention rules. Granting Europol the ability to access encrypted data can only mean one thing: Brussels is proposing some form of government-mandated backdoor for communication platforms protected by end-to-end encryption. These systems are notoriously difficult to breach, making them a challenge for law enforcement. However, security researchers have repeatedly demonstrated that implementing so-called "lawful" backdoors is inherently flawed as such vulnerabilities would inevitably be discovered, accessed, and exploited by cybercriminals and black-hat hackers. It remains to be seen how the EU plans to move forward with its encryption-breaking ambitions, though expectations for a practical or effective outcome are low. Meanwhile, the ProtectEU initiative also includes proposals to strengthen digital infrastructure, tighten regulations against organized crime networks, and expand international cooperation, particularly with Latin America and the Mediterranean region. Notably, the European Commission makes no mention of new partnership initiatives with the United States. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan hosted a meeting with the delegation of the American GE Healthcare company, headed by Elena Legezina, President and CEO of GE Healthcare in Russia and CIS countries, Trend reports. Welcoming the guests, Azerbaijans Minister of Health Teymur Musayev noted that GE Healthcare is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of medical equipment and technologies. "The companys extensive experience in providing leading hospitals worldwide with high-quality diagnostic imaging equipment and IT solutions, such as MRI and ultrasound machines, enables specialists to obtain accurate information for differential diagnosis. At the same time, GE Healthcare technologies help improve the efficiency of doctors and healthcare facilities in selecting precise treatment methods for various diseases," he said. In conclusion, Minister Musayev expressed confidence in the continued development of bilateral cooperation. Expressing gratitude to the hosts for the warm welcome, Elena Legezina emphasized that such meetings are extremely important for the exchange of experience and knowledge. She expressed the companys interest in further developing cooperation with Azerbaijan. It was highlighted that, in addition to its vast experience in medical imaging and information technologies, GE Healthcare actively invests in scientific research and development, collaborating with leading medical institutions and healthcare experts. Furthermore, to help specialists acquire skills in using modern medical equipment in daily practice, GE Healthcare has opened training centers in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan under the GE Healthcare Academy initiative. In the course of the meeting, the sides discussed potential areas for mutual collaboration across various sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Apple Intelligence is still not available in China, which means that it cannot be accessed by those who purchased their devices especially in the mainland. Moreover, those who bought iPhones outside of China but are either temporarily visiting or residing in the mainland also cannot access Apple Intelligence Apple Intelligence Is Not Available on China-Purchased Devices Apple Intelligence may have been released in October, but many places around the world have yet to gain access to it, including China. According to 9to5Mac, this was previously a problem faced by the European Union and China with iOS 18.1's rollout. However, with the release of iOS 18.4, Apple Intelligence was made available to Europe not in China. According to the Apple Support website, supported devices would not be able to run Apple Intelligence if they were bought in mainland China. That being said, it is a different story for users who bought from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, as they would be able to use Apple Intelligence if they have a supported device. If You Are in the Mainland, Apple Intelligence Won't Work It should also be noted that users who bought their devices outside of the country but are visiting the mainland for vacation would not be able to use it as well. This would be a similar experience to not being able to access certain social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more when in the mainland. Apple Intelligence will be accessible once more by aforementioned users once they leave China. However, those who bought their devices outside of China but reside on the mainland will still not have access. Apple Intelligence and Its Global Availability After Apple rolled out iOS 18, all eyes were on Apple Intelligence and its availability on devices, and the tech company did not restrict its global rollout as it was made available to all eligible devices and regions. However, there is an emphasis on "eligible" as not all devices are compatible with the technology, including models older than the iPhone 15, non-M-series iPads and Macs. Two regions stood out when Apple rolled out its AI, particularly as the EU and China both did not get access to the technology because of local regulations or legislation in place. However, Apple worked it out over at the EU and the recent iOS 18.4 released in late March made the AI available for users, but many were wondering why iPhone mirroring is still unavailable. Only weeks after Google launched its AI-based search mode, Microsoft is following suit with its own AI-based experience, the Bing Copilot Search. In contrast to the blue link-filled traditional search results, Copilot Search provides answers in a formatted, chatbot-style response, simplifying the search for information quickly. Accessing Bing Copilot Search As first reported by Windows Latest, the new AI-related feature in Bing's Copilot will roll out across many platforms. Microsoft's silent release indicates that it is gearing up to directly challenge Google's AI Search. Accessing Bing Copilot Search is easy. You can get it via Bing in any browser, or you can click here right away to start testing its capabilities. The feature is now on Microsoft Edge, both desktop and mobile. After searching on Bing, you will find a "SEARCH" tab next to the Copilot icon at the top menu bar. By clicking it, Copilot Search will be turned on, and instant results powered by AI will be produced. For users with desktops who don't find the option, it can be enabled manually by going to the three-dot menu below the text box and choosing "Copilot Search" from the drop-down menu. How Does Copilot Search Work? Bing Copilot Search is similar to AI chatbots in that it organizes its response into paragraphs or bullet points based on the query. Hyperlinked citations at the bottom of each section are also provided, enabling users to easily check the sources. A carousel of sources below the AI-generated response appears, just like Google's AI Search format. It remains transparent while still providing a streamlined, AI-powered browsing experience. Is Bing Copilot Search Accurate? Early tests indicate that Bing Copilot Search provides accurate answers for the majority of queries. Nevertheless, like all AI-generated content, there is a possibility of misinterpretation and inaccuracy. Users are cautioned to verify information using the referenced sources prior to depending on it entirely. In a stunning turn of events, OnlyFans creator Tim Stokely has made a last-ditch offer to buy TikTok's US business from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Stokely, along with his social media startup Zoop and blockchain company The Hbar Foundation, aims to acquire the popular video-sharing app before the impending April 5 deadline. A Creator-First Approach to Social Media Zoop, which was founded by Stokely and influencer marketing strategist RJ Phillips, is framing this bid as a "David vs. Goliath" opportunity. In a statement provided to WIRED, the collective is looking to upend social media by putting creators first with more equitable revenue-sharing models. The move could disrupt the sector, toppling entrenched tech titans such as Meta and Google. Why ByteDance Needs to Sell Quickly The reason for the urgency in the deal is a new American law that requires TikTok to be sold to an American company on the grounds of national security. If ByteDance fails to seal a deal by April 5, the app might be banned nationwide. With this, many companies wage a bidding war with several buyers, with Zoop entering as an unexpected bidder. White House Takes Control of the Sale Unlike a typical business transaction, this deal is being orchestrated by the White House rather than ByteDance itself. RJ Phillips revealed that their legal team directly engaged with government officials to initiate negotiations. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was set to review multiple offers in a private Oval Office meeting alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Variety reports. Other Tech Giants Enter the TikTok Bidding War Zoop is not the only firm interested in TikTok. Amazon also tabled a surprise last-minute bid, although reports indicate it is not being considered seriously. Other possible suitors are a group of US investors led by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and private equity behemoth Blackstone. Even Perplexity AI and YouTube content creator MrBeast expressed their desire to buy TikTok, per Tech Times' report earlier this year. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Azerbaijan have advanced rapidly in recent years, bringing mutual satisfaction to both nations, said Zeljka Cvijanovic, Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in an exclusive interview with Trend. "I can confidently affirm that our relations are now exceptionally strong and marked by genuine friendship. Above all, we owe our deepest gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev, whose substantial personal contribution has been instrumental in strengthening our institutional ties," Cvijanovic stated. She highlighted a recent meeting in Baku, where both sides discussed enhancing cooperation. Cvijanovic also recalled the signing of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Azerbaijan. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to further solidifying our relations and establishing a comprehensive framework to foster cooperation and business ties across all areas of mutual interest," she noted, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts will lead to further advancements in bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, she highlighted the strategic advantages that both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Azerbaijan possess due to their geographical locations, emphasizing their potential to drive regional trade growth. Cvijanovic went on to underline the increasing importance of the Middle Corridor, noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina has the potential to become a central distribution hub for goods coming from Azerbaijan, as well as for broader trade flows towards Central and Western Europe. However, she stressed that achieving this potential requires substantial infrastructure development. "A crucial prerequisite for this is enhanced infrastructure connectivity, including the construction of new and modern transport routes that would facilitate faster and more cost-effective goods transportation through Bosnia and Herzegovina," the chairwoman stated. She also revealed that her government is actively engaging in discussions with Azerbaijani partners to develop specific projects aimed at improving transport infrastructure. "We are hopeful that the implementation of these projects will take place in the near future," Cvijanovic added. Cvijanovic emphasized that both entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina - are committed to creating a favorable economic and business environment to draw in new investments. "We offer numerous advantages to investors, from a highly skilled and cost-competitive workforce by European standards to various incentives and an excellent geographical position," Cvijanovic noted. She added that these advantages position Bosnia and Herzegovina as an attractive destination for investment, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and education. Cvijanovic also identified the energy sector as a significant area of potential development, especially in cooperation with Azerbaijan. She explained, "Energy is one of the most promising industries and has become a crucial pillar of overall development. Azerbaijan, with its abundant natural and energy resources, presents valuable opportunities for collaboration." She pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly Republika Srpska, possesses substantial untapped natural resources, notably in hydropower and wind energy. "We have significant potential in this sector, and I believe energy can serve as a key point of economic cooperation between our countries," Cvijanovic added. Energy security, she stressed, is an existential challenge worldwide, making the energy sector even more important for both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Azerbaijan. Cvijanovic also mentioned that discussions on energy cooperation have been ongoing, with high-level institutional meetings and continued communication at the institutional level. Zeljka Cvijanovic then highlighted the importance of the Global Baku Forum as a platform for high-level discussions on pressing global challenges and strategies to address them. She noted that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine was a central topic at this years forum but emphasized a more optimistic outlook. Cvijanovic also used the forum to draw attention to what she described as a severe crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, "the most serious since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement". She criticized the actions of the High Representative, Christian Schmidt, stating that his decisions had been imposed unlawfully, bypassing domestic institutions and democratically elected representatives. She specifically highlighted the indictment and first-instance conviction of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, arguing that he was prosecuted for performing his constitutional duties. "His trial represents a textbook example of lawfare where the judicial system is weaponized to eliminate political opponents under the guise of upholding justice," she said. Cvijanovic stressed that the leadership of Republika Srpska is engaged in a struggle to uphold the Dayton Agreement and protect its constitutional autonomy. Given the extent of misinformation on the issue, she felt it necessary to provide forum participants with a first-hand account of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "This year, we were able to approach it with a slightly greater sense of optimism, as peace initiatives led by President Trump and the new U.S. administration have at least provided a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel," Cvijanovic stated. She added that this optimism extends beyond Ukraine to other regions, including the Middle East and the conflict in Gaza. Tunisian startup turns olive waste into clean energy Sanhaja, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 In a northern Tunisian olive grove, Yassine Khelifi's small workshop hums as a large machine turns olive waste into a valuable energy source in a country heavily reliant on imported fuel. Holding a handful of compacted olive residue -- a thick paste left over from oil extraction -- Khelifi said: "This is what we need today. How can we turn something worthless into wealth?" For generations, rural households in Tunisia have burned olive waste for cooking and heating, or used it as animal feed. The International Olive Council estimated Tunisia will be the world's third-largest olive oil producer this year, with an expected yield of 340,000 tonnes. The waste generated by the oil extraction is staggering. Khelifi, an engineer who grew up in a family of farmers, founded Bioheat in 2022 to tackle the issue. He recalled watching workers in olive mills use the olive residue as fuel. "I always wondered how this material could burn for so long without going out," he said. "That's when I asked myself: 'Why not turn it into energy?'" Beyond profit, Khelifi hopes his startup helps "reduce the use of firewood as the country faces deforestation and climate change". At his workshop, employees transport truckloads of olive waste, stacking it high before feeding it into the processing machines. The material is then compacted into cylindrical briquettes and left to dry for a month under the sun and in greenhouses before its packaging and sale. - 'The soul of olives' - Khelifi began developing his idea in 2018 after he travelled across Europe searching for a machine to turn the olive paste into long-burning fuel. Unable to find the right technology, he returned to Tunisia and spent four years experimenting with various motors and mechanical parts. By 2021, he had developed a machine that produced briquettes with just eight-percent moisture. He said this amount significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to firewood, which requires months of drying and often retains more than double the amount of moisture. Bioheat found a market among Tunisian restaurants, guesthouses, and schools in underdeveloped regions, where winter temperatures at times drop below freezing. But the majority of its production -- about 60 percent -- is set for exports to France and Canada, Khelifi said. The company now employs 10 people and is targeting production of 600 tonnes of briquettes in 2025, he added. Selim Sahli, 40, who runs a guesthouse, said he replaced traditional firewood with Khelifi's briquettes for heating and cooking. "It's an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative," he said. "It's clean, easy to use, and has reduced my heating costs by a third." Mohamed Harrar, the owner of a pizza shop on the outskirts of Tunis, praised the briquettes for reducing smoke emissions, which he said previously irritated his neighbours. "Besides, this waste carries the soul of Tunisian olives and gives the pizza a special flavour," he added. - 'Protect the environment' - Given Tunisia's significant olive oil production, its waste byproducts pose both a challenge and an opportunity. Noureddine Nasr, an agricultural and rural development expert, said around 600,000 tonnes of olive waste is produced annually. "Harnessing this waste can protect the environment, create jobs, and generate wealth," he said. Nasr believes repurposing olive waste could also help alleviate Tunisia's heavy dependence on imported fuel. The country imports more than 60 percent of its energy needs, a reliance that widens its trade deficit and strains government subsidies, according to a 2023 World Bank report. Fuel and gas shortages are common during winter, particularly in Tunisia's northwestern provinces, where households struggle to keep warm. Redirecting agricultural waste into alternative energy sources could ease this burden. Yet for entrepreneurs like Khelifi, launching a startup in Tunisia is fraught with challenges. "The biggest hurdle was funding," he said, lamenting high-interest bank loans. "It felt like walking on a road full of potholes." But now his goal is "to leave my mark as a key player in Tunisia's transition to clean energy", he added. "And hopefully, the world's, too." Rats and rotting waste as rubbish row blights UK's second city Birmingham, United Kingdom, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 On a normal day in an ordinary English street there would be nothing special about the arrival of a bin lorry. But in Birmingham, the UK's second city, a rare garbage truck visit brings crowds of people rushing into the road, their arms full of rubbish. Residents are desperately trying to get rid of an estimated 17,000 tonnes of trash that has piled up since refuse workers ramped up a strike last month. Now, as bin bags swelter in the spring sun and rats, foxes, and cats claw through mounting heaps of litter, many people in Birmingham feel the city has reached breaking point. Four weeks in, the city council has declared a "major incident," the prime minister has had to defend the government's response in parliament, and residents say their problems are worsening by the day. "There was a bin fire on the end of our street the other night," said Abel Mihai, 23, who lives in the Saltley area of the city where mounds of ripening rubbish have attracted worms, maggots and vermin. "It's scary -- I'm worried for my kids," he said, adding the pest-infested piles were affecting his three-year-old son's health. "Every time he goes out the back he vomits from the smell," Mihai said. "We need to do something about it," his eight-year-old daughter Vanessa told AFP. "It's not good." At the centre of the dispute is a pay row between the cash-strapped city council and refuse workers belonging to the Unite union, which says some staff employed by the council stand to lose pound8,000 ($10,400) per year under a planned restructuring of the refuse service. The quarrel also plays into wider problems in British society -- from stretched local council funding to sweeping inequality. Residents in poorer areas of the city in England's Midlands region told AFP they felt neglected, and questioned whether the trouble would have spiralled in wealthier parts of the country. - Pay cut fears - City Councillor Mohammed Idrees said he was also worried about Birmingham's reputation. The city of over a million people is known for its industrial heritage and rich multicultural makeup -- but he said the strike was "creating a very bad image throughout the world." The council has disputed the union's account of the restructure and insists it has "made a fair and reasonable offer" to workers. But at a union picket line outside a city waste depot, refuse collectors told AFP they felt insulted by the changes, which they said would amount to a hefty pay cut for hundreds of workers. Wayne Bishop, a 59-year-old driver and union member, said he would lose his position under the shake-up and be around pound600 per month worse-off. He said the job was gruelling work and deserved to be paid fairly. "We can't afford that for our toil," he said. "We go out all weathers, we was out in Covid, we just can't afford to lose that with the cost of living going up." The industrial action has been rumbling on since January, but increased to an all-out strike on March 11. It's now begun to cause a political stink for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Confronted by the opposition in parliament on Wednesday, he admitted the situation in Birmingham was "completely unacceptable" -- but insisted his government would provide extra support and stood by the council, which is run by Starmer's Labour party. Residents are tired of waiting though, and some have taken matters into their own hands. The special waste truck visit on the street in Saltley on Wednesday was arranged by members of a community centre who contacted a local councillor for assistance. Organiser Hubaish Mohammed, 26, said the Hutton Hall group had helped hundreds of people lug their rubbish to the temporary collection site, where residents load their waste onto trucks staffed by non-striking workers. Staff said they'd helped collect around 45 tonnes of waste in a single day. "It's been a graft but we're here to look after the community," Mohammed said. "We had to take the initiative." EU lawmakers approve delay to rights, environment business rules Brussels, Belgium, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 EU lawmakers on Thursday approved a delay to landmark new rules on environmental and human rights supply chain standards, which have faced major pushback since their adoption as too burdensome for businesses. Concerns about sluggish European growth have shifted the bloc's focus to competitiveness and away from the climate change push of EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's first term -- to the alarm of green advocates. The European Commission in February proposed postponing two sets of rules as step one in a sweeping "simplification" package aimed at cutting red tape and giving businesses more breathing room. The first text, called the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), requires large firms to give investors and other "stakeholders" information on their climate impacts and emissions, and steps taken to limit them. The second is the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which demands that large companies fix the "adverse human rights and environmental impacts" of their supply chains worldwide. Under the so-called stop-the-clock proposal approved with an overwhelming majority by lawmakers on Thursday, the implementation of both sets of rules is to be delayed to help companies better prepare. Member states had greenlit the delay last month. Companies required to comply with the CSRD as of 2026 and 2027 will now have until 2028 to do so, while larger firms would get a one-year reprieve on initial implementation of the CSDDD. Beyond that, the commission is proposing more fundamental changes to both directives. It wants CSRD rules to apply only to 10,000 larger companies rather than the initial 50,000, effectively sparing 80 percent of the firms originally targeted. And it proposes scaling back the CSDDD's requirements to have companies assess the impact only of their direct suppliers -- rather than their full value chain -- and every five years as opposed to annually. Those changes are still up for negotiation however, and face a tough ride in parliament where left-wing and green lawmakers strongly oppose weakening EU environmental rules. The Green Deal, the EU's ambitious climate plan setting the bloc on a path to become carbon-neutral by 2050, dominated von der Leyen's first term. But the bloc's environmental agenda has been largely eclipsed by the issue of competitiveness -- all the more so as US President Donald Trump pursues an aggressive tariffs policy that is pushing Europe and the United States towards a trade war. EU delays 2040 climate target until summer Brussels, Belgium, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 The EU's climate chief said Thursday the bloc was aiming to publish its delayed 2040 emission reduction targets by summer, as it pursued a "pragmatic" approach to its green ambitions. The European Commission had indicated it wanted to make official its proposal to slash Europe's planet warming emissions by 90 percent within the next 15 years in the first quarter of 2025. But it has so far failed to do so -- to the worry of green groups and lawmakers, who fear the target might fall victim to Brussels' new push to revamp the bloc's economic competitiveness. "Clearly we need a bit more time," Wopke Hoekstra, the EU's climate commissioner told a press briefing, adding that talks continued with member states and the European Parliament. "We're still full of ambition, and I hope, and I'm confident, that I will have secured a landing zone before summer". The 90 percent reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions relative to 1990 is considered a stepping stone towards the EU's broader goal to reach climate neutrality by 2050. The latter is at the heart of the European Green Deal, a landmark package of measures that defined commission chief Ursula von der Leyen's first term in office but has since come increasingly under fire. Right and hard-right gains across Europe and the return of Donald Trump to the White House have focused Brussels' attention on defence and competitiveness -- which critics of climate action say is hindered by green rules. Some countries, such as the Czech Republic, see the 90 percent goal as unattainable. Italy has suggested it be lowered to 80 or 85 percent, while France warned Brussels should refrain from setting targets without detailing how to meet them. On Thursday, Hoekstra expressed optimism that the target would not be lowered -- saying that 90 percent was his "goal" -- but did not rule out changes. "That clearly is our starting point," he said, adding that however "we will need some pragmatism in how to get there". "We need to make sure that the transition, the transformation we embark on, is also an asset rather than a liability in terms of competitiveness". Two dead as violent storms batter central-eastern US Washington, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Fierce storms stretching up and down the central-eastern United States killed at least two people overnight, officials said, spawning tornadoes and violent thunderstorms that are expected to persist into Thursday. The Tennessee Department of Health reported two fatalities in the state's west as residents sheltered from the raging weather. The storm damaged buildings, toppled trees, downed powerlines, overturned cars and lifted roofs off homes across a vast swath of the United States, photos on social and local media revealed. The system, which stretched from Arkansas northeastward into Ohio, produced heavy rains and flash flooding that forecasters say could last for days. "A multi-day, potentially historic heavy rainfall event may produce catastrophic and life-threatening flooding through Saturday," the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Before the storm's arrival in Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear warned residents that the state was "facing one of the most serious weather events we've had forecast." Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes were possible into Thursday night, the NWS in Louisville, the state's largest city, warned. As of Thursday, electricity was out for nearly 400,000 customers across the central-eastern United States, according to the PowerOutage.us website. A variety of damaging weather is expected in the coming days. "All modes of severe weather will be possible" the NWS office in Little Rock, Arkansas reported Thursday, including "very large hail, strong gusty winds and even a few tornadoes." Warning of "unsettled weather" the NWS in Lincoln, Illinois, posted on X that severe storms, including hail and damaging wind gusts, were possible into Friday. bfm/aha Deadly storms batter central US, bringing 'historic' flood risk Washington, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2025 Fierce storms pounded a large stretch of the central-eastern United States overnight, with officials on Thursday reporting at least seven deaths and warning the system continued to bring severe threats. The line of storms, which stretched from Arkansas northeastward into Ohio, produced dozens of tornadoes and heavy rains that forecasters say could last for days. Western Tennessee was particularly hard-hit by the system, with state and local authorities reporting on Thursday at least five deaths across several counties. A father and his teenage daughter were killed in Tennessee's Fayette County when their modular home was overturned by a tornado, local media reported, citing the sheriff's office. Three others were hospitalized, including the mother, who was extracted from the home wreckage by emergency responders. Photos shared on social and local media showed widespread damage from the storm across several states, with homes torn apart, toppled trees, downed power lines and overturned cars. "A multi-day, potentially historic heavy rainfall event may produce catastrophic and life-threatening flooding through Saturday," the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Other deaths were reported in Indiana -- where a man was reportedly electrocuted after his car hit a downed power line -- and Missouri, with the Perryville Fire Department saying a nearby district's fire chief "made the ultimate sacrifice" in an unspecified storm-related incident. Schools were closed in various areas impacted by the storm, including Tennessee's state capital Nashville. Before the storm's arrival in Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear warned residents that the state was "facing one of the most serious weather events we've had forecast." Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes were possible into Thursday night, warned the NWS in Louisville, the state's largest city. As of Thursday, electricity was out for around 230,000 customers across the central-eastern United States, according to the PowerOutage.us website. A variety of damaging weather is expected in the coming days. "All modes of severe weather will be possible" the NWS office in Little Rock, Arkansas reported Thursday, including "very large hail, strong gusty winds and even a few tornadoes." Warning of "unsettled weather" the NWS in Lincoln, Illinois, posted on X that severe storms, including hail and damaging wind gusts, were possible into Friday. bfm-des/md BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan exported non-oil products worth $10.7 million to Belarus from January through February of this year. Data obtained by Trend from the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee indicates growth of this figure by $5.3 million (two times) compared to the same period of 2024. During the reporting period, exports of non-oil products to Belarus amounted to 2.21 percent of Azerbaijan's total exports. Thus, Belarus ranked 7th among the top non-oil export destinations for Azerbaijan. The volume of foreign trade turnover of Azerbaijan for the reporting period amounted to $8.9 billion. This figure is $1.7 billion, or 23.2 percent, more than in the same period last year. The volume of Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover from January through February of last year amounted to $7.2 billion. Of the trade turnover, exports accounted for $4.8 billion and imports $4.1 billion, which is $13 million (0.3 percent) less and $1.7 billion (69.2 percent) more than a year ago. The foreign trade surplus amounted to $628 million, which is $1.7 billion or 3.7 times less than a year ago. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice I used to rarely say exactly what I meant if it could get me into conflict. Then I made a friend who is both kind and highly brusque, a combination that, as a Brit, I didnt think was possible. Its important to mention at this point that she is Dutch. I dont know if youve ever had a conversation with a Dutch person, but they refuse to read between the lines. Very early on in our friendship, she explained, perhaps as a warning, that a British acquaintance had recently told her, Sure, lets do coffee sometime, and when my friend replied, OK, when? the Brit started to malfunction. I found this story hilarious, while knowing that, if faced with this prompt, I also wouldve done the conversational equivalent of jumping out of the nearest window. Everyone in the UK is aware that lets do coffee is code for: Ill see you in another year at a mutual friends event where well hug and suggest coffee again. But why do we do this? Why cant we be more Dutch? Lets stop with this objectively bizarre facade of grace and manners. She and I are not alone in observing how automatically Brits use these placeholder phrases (regrettably, the whole world knows this about us), but now science shows the extent of our cultural defect. New research reveals that British conversations are regularly littered with polite phrases that attempt to mask our resentment, frustration or irritation, or to avoid awkwardness. Said phrases include all the classics: Sounds fun, Ill let you know, Im sure its just me, and No rush, whenever you have a minute. If we were being clear, wed give the direct translations: Sounds dire its a no from me, Ah, this is a you problem, and Do this immediately. Apparently, almost half of British people use these sorts of phrases regularly (about 14 times a day, which seems like both a lot and a gross underestimation). This intel comes from researchers at Trinity College London, who studied 2,000 adults to create a list of the polite-isms most used to avoid disagreements or social discomfort. I can only imagine that women say these more than men, too, since were socialised to avoid confrontations. Their next study should be on the feminised phrase, No worries if not!, which I hear from British women approximately a hundred times a day lest we ever be accused of propositioning anyone with a request. As a culture, were known for being passive-aggressive, and Im sure some people will read about this study and write our behaviour off as just that. But I really think that supposed passive-aggression is a red herring for the fact that were scared of arguments. We cant abide anything thats even edging into a grey area of tension that might escalate into conflict, so we pad our interactions out with all these nothingy comments and non-committal bargaining chips that keep us constantly in uncertain territory. Call it a kind of linguistic purgatory. We think that being slippery in speech is a kindness to everyone involved, a necessary buffering to the edges of life in fact, were lying. We are conversational weasels, sliding, dipping and diving in and out of what we truly mean, leaving everyone only half sure of our intentions. My Dutch friend said she doesnt understand how any of us get anything done, and I totally agree that its a mystery. The only way we move forward at all is because we all know what these phrases really mean, so we can sometimes act accordingly but rarely without mixed feelings and a lack of context about what is happening. Wouldnt it be refreshing to just say what we mean and have the necessary arguments where we need to be having them? Yet words are words, and because were not being upfront when we use these ones, were shielded by their more literal translation. We have no intention of attending an acquaintances party, but if we say Sounds great, if I can, I totally will!, theres a cowardly part of us that knows we are protected by that out we cleverly created for ourselves. We didnt show up, so obviously: We couldnt! As we very well suggested! Its amusing to me that in this research, 60 per cent of people said they hated (hated: a strong word!) being on the receiving end of these phrases. But these same people are still using them every day. Wouldnt it be refreshing to just say what we mean and have the necessary arguments where we need to be having them? Whats the worst that could happen? An uncomfortable moment of real words and honest purposes colliding, and then the cleansing relief of the truth. But seriously, if that sounds too difficult, its no big deal. No worries if not. Its probably just me. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Russian airline Red Wings is resuming regular flights on the Zhukovsky (Moscow) Almaty route, Trend reports. According to information, the first flight is scheduled for June 6, 2025, and passengers can already purchase tickets for the new route. Direct flights WZ 4607/WZ 4608 will be operated on modern Superjet 100 aircraft with a capacity of up to 100 seats. "Departures from Zhukovsky Airport are scheduled for Mondays at 21:20 and Fridays at 20:30 (local time). Flights in the return direction are planned for Tuesdays at 04:45 and Saturdays at 03:50 (local time). The flight duration will be 4 hours and 20 minutes," the statement from Red Wings informed. Ticket prices start from 14,000 rubles (approximately $168) one way. Tickets can be purchased on the airline's official website. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Lidl is piloting a click-and-collect service, offering loyalty program members a chance to reserve coveted "middle aisle" products before they hit the shelves. The initial trial will focus on the popular Parkside Robot Lawnmower, allowing Lidl Plus app users to reserve the item between 7 and 13 April. Customers can choose their preferred store for collection between 16 and 19 April, ahead of the mower's general release in stores on 24 April. Lidl GB chief customer officer Jassine Ouali said: Were always exploring bold new ways to enhance our customers shopping experience and are pleased to be in a position where we can bring this latest trial to life. We know how popular our Middle of Lidl deals are, and this trial will give our Lidl Plus customers the chance to secure a must-have item before it hits the shelves. open image in gallery Lidl GB says they are excited to bring a new way of shopping to Lidls UK stores ( PA Archive ) We cant wait to see how our customers respond. Lidl Plus launched in 2020 and now has more than 100 million users globally, according to the supermarket. Alongside the lawnmower, shoppers will also be able to secure the Parkside Robot Lawnmower Garage, a weather-proof docking station to house the lawnmower while it is not in use. Lidl, like fellow discounter Aldi, has found its middle aisle deals on products that can range from air fryers to ski clothing and hot tubs to camping and gym equipment to be hugely popular with British shoppers. Both discounters advertise the often-seasonal special buy product lines as on sale for a limited time only at low prices, with Aldi using the slogan When its gone, its gone. Lidls middle aisle is particularly attractive to men. Ryan McDonnell, the supermarkets UK chief, described it as having a big male following. There is plenty of evidence online of the unusual items that people pick up in the store. As one Reddit user put it: Lidl is dangerous you go in for a few basics and come back out with a chainsaw and a ratchet set. Another described their grandfather returning home with a neon yellow jacket. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice National Burrito Day is in full swing, with some of the most popular Mexican restaurants in the U.S. are celebrating. The annual event is celebrated on the first Thursday of April, which is April 3 this year. With that in mind, customers can expect one-day-only deals at their favorite spots. While this doesnt necessarily mean that restaurants are giving out free food, burritos are being sold at a discount price or through Buy One, Get One Free deals. From Chipotle to Taco Bell, heres a list of restaurants that are having specials today in honor of National Burrito Day. Chipotle Similar to last year, Chipotle launched an interactive game called the Burrito Vault in which players were tasked with guessing the ingredient order for a Chipotle burrito. The first 2,500 players who win will receive a buy-one-get-one-free burrito coupon, which can be used today only. Rewards members who correctly guess the burrito order, after all of the buy-one-get-one-free coupons have been given out, will still receive 25 reward points. National Burrito Day is celebrated on the first Thursday of April each year ( Getty Images ) Moes Southwest Grill Today, Moes is offering a Buy One, Get One Free deal on burritos and bowls. As noted on the brands Instagram, the deal can be used when ordering on Moes app or in one of the companys restaurants. Qdoba When customers buy an entree and drink a Qdoba, they will also receive a free burrito or bowl. The deal is exclusive for customers who are a part of Qdoba's rewards program, and it can only be applied in stores. Taco Bell Taco Bell is offering customers a $2 burrito today when theyre making an order that costs $15 or more. The deal cant be used on burritos that cost less than $2 already. The offer is only redeemable through Taco Bells mobile app. Del Taco If youre a part of Del Tacos rewards program, you can get a free burrito when placing an order thats $10 or more. All orders need to be made on Del Tacos app or online for the deal to be applied. Torchys Tacos Customers at Torchys Tacos can get a $5 breakfast burrito when ordering online or in stores today. El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco will be offering a slew of deals this week in honor of National Burrito Day. Today, members of El Pollo Loco are offered a Buy One, Get One Free deal on select chicken burritos. Tomorrow, the business is offering free delivery on orders that cost $15 or more and are made through the Loco Rewards app. Dos Toros Taqueria Members of Dos Toros Taquerias rewards program will receive $5 off any burrito or burrito bowl today. The discount will automatically be applied when customers order in person or online. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hailey Okula, an influencer known as Nurse Hailey on social media, has died shortly after giving birth to her son, Crew. The influencers husband, Matthew Okula, shared the news on her Instagram and TikTok on Tuesday, revealing she died due to complications from childbirth. Hailey went into cardiac arrest minutes after giving birth via cesarean section to Crew, Fox 11 Los Angeles reported. During an interview with the publication, Matthew said Hailey went into cardiac arrest after suffering an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare complication during childbirth. Words cannot convey the depth of the loss I feel. Hailey was more than I could have ever dreamed of in a wife and partner. She was gorgeous, smart, hardworking, passionate, trustworthy, and above all else, unbelievably loyal, Matthew wrote in the caption of his Instagram post, alongside a video series of him and Hailey. For nearly 13 years, she stood by my side in the hardest of times, loving me endlessly, even when I felt undeserving of that love. Matthew acknowledged how badly he and his wife wanted to be parents following years of infertility struggles and a long, challenging IVF process, which Hailey spoke openly about on her social media. He applauded Hailey for her courage and grace throughout every hurdle she faced, especially during the IVF process. I will never forget the moment I broke down, apologizing for the toll the process would take on her. She held my face, looked into my eyes, and said, We are a team, and well get through this together. That was Hailey, he continued. A woman who would do anything for the people she loved. Matthew, an engineer for the Los Angeles Fire Department, also celebrated Haileys career accomplishments as an ER Nurse. In 2019, she created RN New Grads, which aims to help newly graduated nurses launch their careers. She was so proud of it and was dedicated to creating something meaningful, not just for herself, but for the nursing community she loved so much, Matthew added. She dreamed of helping new nurses thrive while also being present for our sweet Crew, building a life and legacy she was so proud of. The LAFD was among those paying tribute to Hailey on Instagram, writing alongside a wedding photo of the couple, On March 29, 2025, during the delivery of their child, Mrs. Hailey Okula, wife of LAFD Engineer Matthew Okula, tragically passed away, adding that they were grateful for those working to support Engineer Okula and his newborn, Crew, during this unimaginably difficult time. Matthew told Fox 11 LA in a clip shared by the LAFD, She wanted to be mom so incredibly bad, while holding their newborn son on his lap. Speaking to Fox 11 LA, Matthew opened up about his wifes rare complication after giving birth. Theres no treatment. Theres no way of diagnosis it, he said about his wifes cause of death, an amniotic fluid embolism. Its just so sad to think that other people have to go through what Im going through right now. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an amniotic fluid embolism is a dangerous and life-threatening complication that occurs during delivery or shortly after giving birth. The condition is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other serious complications during childbirth. open image in gallery Hailey Okula welcomed her son on March 19 ( RNnewgrads / TikTok ) A GoFundMe has been set up for Matthew to help him navigate life as a single father while grieving the love of his life. Donations will go towards funeral and memorial expenses for Hailey, household bills and utilities, future baby supplies and childcare for Crew, and Matthews time off from work so he can be with his son. At the time of writing, the fundraiser has raised $251,936, surpassing its $250,000 goal. This isnt about charityits about duty, about standing by one of our own when he needs us the most. As firefighters, we never leave a brother behind. As a community, we step up when our family is hurting, the GoFundMe reads. Every dollar raised will give Matt the space he needs to begin the long road to healing and ensure that Crew is surrounded by the love and security Hailey dreamed of for him. open image in gallery Hailey Okula leaves behind her husband Matthew ( RNnewgrads / TikTok ) After starting RN New Grads, Hailey became a beloved face in the online nursing community. She had more than 420,000 followers on Instagram, where she posted videos about being an ER Nurse and shared her candid advice about entering this field. She was also open about the challenges she faced with IVF and infertility. When announcing her pregnancy in September, she called it an indescribable feeling, after dealing with infertility for nearly two years. Without going too much into detail about my journey from my infertility problems, to my husbands infertility problems, to us having to create a special probe because we both carry the same genetic disease, lotsssss of meds and lots of money, the journey has been hard, but so worth it, she wrote on Instagram, alongside a video with moments from her IVF process. I realize this is not always the outcome for people that have to go through IVF so I am so grateful and blessed that our first transfer stuck. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tom Hankss daughter, E.A. Hanks, revealed her father once had to locate her after her mother took her out of school. E.A. which stands for Elizabeth Anne was the daughter of the Forrest Gump actors first wife Susan Dillingham. She is the younger sister of actor Colin Hanks, 47. Dillingham and Hanks were married from 1978 to 1987, with Dillingham receiving primary custody of both of their children. However, one day, E.A.s mother spontaneously decided to move her and her older brother Colin from Sacramento, California, to Los Angeles without informing Tom. My dad came to pick us up from school and were not there, she said. And it turns out we haven't been there for two weeks and he has to track us down. Hanks went on to re-marry Rita Wilson in 1988, and they welcomed two sons: Chet in 1990 and Truman in 1995. The Cast Away actor has previously opened up about the differences between his two sets of children in a 2019 interview with The New York Times. My son [Colin] was born when I was very young. As well as my daughter [Elizabeth], he said. Tom Hanks was given primary custody of E.A. after her mother became neglectful ( Getty Images; Instagram/eahanks ) We have this gestalt understanding because [Colin and Elizabeth] remember when their dad was just a guy trying to, you know, make the rent. My other kids, they were born after I had established a beachhead in every way. And so their lives were just different. He explained that after being a parent as long as he has, the best thing a mother or father can say to their children is, I love you, there's nothing you can do wrong, you cannot hurt my feelings, I hope you will forgive me on occasion, and what do you need me to do? You offer up that to them, Hanks continued. I will do anything I can possibly do in order to keep you safe. That's it. Offer that up and then just love them. Despite her mother never receiving a formal diagnosis, E.A. assumed that her mother was bipolar with episodes of extreme paranoia and delusion. Her upcoming memoir, titled The 10: A Memoir of Family And The Open Road, mostly revolves around her mother as E.A. took a six-month-long road trip from L.A. to Palatka, Florida, where her mothers family is from, to learn more about her before she died from lung cancer in 2002. In an excerpt from the book shared with People, E.A. said her mother slowly started to become more neglectful, leading to a switch in the custody arrangement where she would only see her mother on weekends and during the summer. As the years went on, the backyard became so full of dog s*** that you couldnt walk around it, the house stank of smoke. The fridge was bare or full of expired food more often than not, and my mother spent more and more time in her big four-poster bed, poring over the Bible, the excerpt read. One night, her emotional violence became physical violence, and in the aftermath I moved to Los Angeles, right smack in the middle of the seventh grade. The 10: A Memoir of Family And The Open Road is released on April 8. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An 18-year-old startup founder shared his college admission essay after being rejected from some of the top schools in the country and many readers were not impressed. Zach Yadegari shared a post to X/Twitter on Monday about a slew of colleges he was rejected from. This included schools with notoriously low acceptance rates like Stanford University, Harvard University, Columbia University, Princeton University, Cornell University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Pennsylvania. He was accepted into three less prestigious schools: the University of Miami, the University of Texas and Georgia Institute of Technology. The high school senior, whos the founder of the app Cal AI, claimed his business is making $30 million a year, that he has a 4.0 GPA and scored a 34 on the ACT. The highest possible score you can get on the test is 36. Yadegari followed up his post with screenshots of his college admissions essay, where he was asked to discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. His essay bragged about his achievements over the years, from starting coding at seven to publishing his first app on the App Store when he was 12. He claims to have earned $60,000 a year on his online gaming website by the time he was 14. He explained that after moving to California to continue working on his startup, his mentors told him he didnt need college. He then described the success of his company, with his team allegedly growing to 15 employees and Cal AI becoming the fastest-growing app in its category. open image in gallery Zach Yadegari's college admission essay ( Zach Yadegari/X ) open image in gallery Zach Yadegari's college admission essay ( Zach Yadegari/X ) However, once his app hit one million dollars of revenue, he felt like something was missing and questioned his purpose. He looked back on how he rejected the idea of going to college since he had bound himself to another framework of expectations: the archetypal dropout founder. Ultimately, he said he realized college is more than a mere rite of passage and wanted to learn from other students and professors rather than just computers or textbooks. Yadegaris post has since racked up nearly 20 million views on X, with many people criticizing the student for being too self-aggrandizing and failing to address the question. I dont want to dunk on some poor teenager but it is unbelievably obvious why a college would not admit someone based on a statement like this and I'm honestly bewildered there weren't people in this kids life who tried to explain that to him, one person wrote. Its not even a bad essay in any vague literary sense, its just full of a lot of stuff that pretty clearly communicates 1) a major risk of dropping out and 2) no particular interest in the specific school or program. Both major red flags for admissions, they explained. This reads like a braggadocious cover letter more than a personal statement that showcases who you are as a holistic individual outside of your accomplishments, wrote a second person. A third suggested: Personal statement indicates that youre a high probability to drop out so they gave your spot to someone that actually wants to graduate college. Others thought Yadegari didnt share enough specifics about how hed benefit from going to college. As a former admission office staff, I would say you might wanna connect the dots on how your experiences built your skillset, and align it with the major you are applying, one person wrote. How these skill sets would contribute to the school, and specify the course you wanna take (must state alignment as well). My view is that you didn't get to the heart of what they were looking for until the final few paragraphs and it didn't last long enough. You spent too much time on why you didn't need college and not enough time on why it will benefit you and you will benefit the community, another agreed. However, other people defended Yadegaris essay and were impressed by his achievements. Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian responded to the tweet saying: Thats nuts. I hope everyone dunking on the essay saves some energy to dunk on the requirements that led to it. Yes, it would have been better for his admissions chances to create a fake charity and have a ghostwriter write treacle about it. But this is how ambitious 17-year-old boys think, another wrote. Zach was honest, and had the cojones to share it. It's amazing how many want to deride you and nitpick you for this essay, a third wrote. I presume it's to avoid dealing with the reality of the massive discrimination that's happening...and what it says about our society that it's still happening. Speaking to The Independent Yadegari responded to the immense backlash over his essay. It was interesting to see many different perspectives, but ultimately, Ill never know exactly why I was turned down, he said. At the end of the day, when I wrote my essay, I hoped admissions offices would perceive me as authentic - because thats all I ever want to be. In response to one tweet asking about his motivation, he replied: My motivation of going to college is just to have a social life. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Queens man has been arrested after police say he performed illegal cosmetic surgeries, leaving one woman in a critical condition. New York police arrested Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, 38, at the John F. Kennedy International Airport with a ticket to Colombia on Friday night. He now faces second-degree assault and unauthorized practice of a profession charges, according to a criminal complaint provided to The Independent by the Queens District Attorneys Office. Hoyos-Foronda has since pleaded not guilty, NBC New York reports. open image in gallery Felipe Hoyos-Foronda was arrested at JFK Airport with a ticket to Colombia, police say ( New York Police Department ) Police say a 31-year-old went to Hoyos-Forondas home on Friday to have her butt implants removed, CBS News reports. But when she arrived, Hoyos-Foronda allegedly injected her with lidocaine, which caused her to go into cardiac arrest, according to the criminal complaint. Hoyos-Foronda called EMS and then left, police say. The woman was unresponsive when officers arrived at his home. She was taken to Astoria General Hospital and is currently intubated without any brain activity, according to the criminal complaint. Shes likely suffering from lidocane toxicity, her care team told police. She likely wont survive. Hoyos-Foronda was operating out of an apartment "as a medical office with medical exam table, cosmetic injectable syringes, exam lights, police say. Prosecutors say he applied botox and fillers, and even liposuction, inside his apartment on 35th Street in Astoria. open image in gallery Hoyos-Foronda was illegally administering Botox from his apartment in Queens, pictured, according to police ( Google Maps ) Investigators were able to find Hoyos-Foronda after his landlord provided his name and picture. They also found his license plate on a vehicle driving near JFK Airport. Hoyos-Foronda is expected back in court on Thursday, NBC New York reports. Second-degree assault carries a maximum of seven years in prison, while falsely practicing a profession carries a maximum of four years in prison. Police are also urging anyone who may have also been a victim of his to come forward, according to CBS News. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Florida woman has been arrested for allegedly holding two children at gunpoint for fishing in her backyard and threatening to blow their heads off. Donna Elkins, 59, was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault and false imprisonment after the incident on Friday. According to ClickOrlando.com, deputies with the Brevard County Sheriffs Office responded to the womans home after Elkins called 911 to report two teenage boys had been fishing in her backyard. She told the dispatch officer she had petrified the children and they were lying on the ground after she had stopped them. She allegedly walked into her backyard with a pellet gun to scare the 15-year-old and 13-year-old, police said. The boys told deputies the woman threatened them after she caught them fishing in a pond behind her home. open image in gallery Donna Marie Elkins, 59, has been charged with aggravated assault ( Brevard County Sheriff's Office ) The victims stated that they feared for their life and believed that violence was about to take place, police wrote in court filings. The woman ordered the victims onto the ground and stated they could not leave. The boys were forced to lie on the ground for five minutes before the womans husband came home and disarmed her. Nearby witnesses corroborated police information. In the end, investigators determined the teenagers had not been playing on the womans property but rather on a peninsula located near a pond on land owned by Baytree Development District, a local government entity. The land was approximately 30 feet away from the womans property line. The outlet obtained footage of the incident from one of the teenagers fathers. In it, the woman can be heard telling the boys if someone goes into their backyard, you can blow their (expletive) heads off. She continues: I have a right to protect my property and my house. After Elkins was arrested, officials released her on $25,000 bond. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Six people were injured after a man went on a stabbing rampage in northeast Washington, D.C. on Thursday, police said. The unidentified suspect was walking in the Trinidad neighborhood, a few blocks away from Gallaudet University, an institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, around 3 p.m. when he launched the attack. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith said he was in an altered mental state from an unknown substance as he allegedly began stabbing himself and a female acquaintance. The suspect then began stabbing others nearby, she said, adding that two good Samaritans attempted to intervene but were also stabbed. In total, four women and two men, including the suspect, were transported to area hospitals for treatment. All of the individuals are currently stable. The suspect was in surgery as Smith discussed the crime at a briefing. He was taken into custody without incident shortly after police responded around 3.22 p.m. A knife was recovered a few feet away. I want to offer my thoughts to the victims, their families and those who witnessed today's events, the police chief said. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith holds up a photo of the knife reportedly used in the attacks ( ABC 7 ) While praising the good Samaritans, she asked the public to refrain from intervening in such incidents to avoid being harmed. Earlier in the day, Smith and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser held a joint news conference announcing a 26 percent reduction in city crime rates year-to-date. Both women acknowledged that more work has to be done to make the city safer. Speaking after the stabbing, Smith said: "This incident highlights the need for assistance of substance abuse issues in our communities. Several nearby roads remain closed after the incident. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan is in talks to start exporting eggs to Poland, Belgium, and Israel, with shipments expected shortly, Murvat Hasanli, chairperson of the Azerbaijan Poultry Meat and Egg Producers and Exporters Association, said in an interview with Trend. Hasanli emphasized that Azerbaijan produces an excess of eggs, with domestic demand averaging around 4 million eggs daily. Our daily egg production is nearing 6 million eggs, so we are exporting eggs to countries in the Middle East and the US. Before the Novruz holiday, the first 10 containers of eggs were shipped to the U.S. In total, weve exported 25 containers of eggs to the country. Discussions with Poland are ongoing, and paperwork for egg exports to Belgium is also underway. Additionally, the association is working on the documentation to begin egg exports to Israel, with Hsnli predicting that these shipments will begin soon," he said. The official also discussed the export of breeding eggs. "Our export of breeding eggs is ongoing. Since the start of the year, we have exported nearly 9 million breeding eggs, and we expect this number to grow in the coming months," he added. The expert also highlighted that Azerbaijan's status as an avian flu-free zone has played a key role in opening European and global markets for the country, including the upcoming exports of poultry meat. "By May, we plan to start exporting chicken meat, and we may increase exports further in the future," he added. Regarding domestic prices for eggs and chicken meat, Hasanli provided some insights. A tactical team from the New Orleans ICE field office stands together to plan an early morning raid to pick up an illegal immigrant who is a multiple DUI offender and is on the deportation list in Kenner , La. Wednesday, June 8, 2022. (Photo by Max Becherer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate) Eastbound traffic on Interstate 10 is seen between College Drive and the I-10/I-12 split during the evening rush hour Monday, August 19, 2024, in Baton Rouge, La. Interstate 12 eastbound will be closed at the I-10/I-12 split overnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the new College Drive flyover project, the Department of Transportation and Development said. The closures will start at 10 p.m. on each of those nights and end at 5 a.m. the next day, DOTD said in a news release. Drivers will be able to detour to I-10 east, to the Essen Lane exit, then north on Essen to the I-12 east on-ramp, the agency said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a technical assistance project for the expansion of the Baku Metro, as of March 24, 2025, the ADB told Trend. The project, financed by the Technical Assistance Special Fund, is valued at $225,000. The aim of the project is to review existing and upcoming detailed designs and other documents, enhance the project's implementation capacity to facilitate institutional changes that strengthen sector management, and provide support for acquiring knowledge on ADBs safeguards, procurement, and other project requirements. The project aligns with the ADBs country partnership strategy for Azerbaijan for the period from 2025 to 2029, which aims to improve sustainable urban transport. As stated in the strategy, it focuses on infrastructure improvement and human capital strengthening through knowledge exchange. Additionally, the technical support is consistent with the key components of the Greater Baku Green Transport Program. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members49 from the region. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Lifestyle entrepreneur Martha Stewart will appear at Vivid Sydney for an exclusive, in conversation event next month, the festival has announced. Stewart, 83, is expected to reflect on her four-decade career, the evolution of her personal brand and the changing face of food, design and home life. Martha Stewart in a scene from Martha, a Netflix documentary about her life. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix I have made some wonderful memories travelling to Australia over the years, so I am thrilled to return for Vivid Sydney, Stewart said in a release provided by Vivid. The conversation will be fun and honest, covering many aspects of my life and career. Im always looking for inspiration when I travel so Im excited to see what Sydney has to offer. Stewart became the first self-made female billionaire in 1999. In 2004, she was found guilty of lying about why she had sold her shares in a biotech company. The Duchess of Sussex has released her range of lifestyle products, with the range appearing to sell out in 30 minutes. The As Ever range includes a $US14 ($22) jar of raspberry jam, wildflower honey with honeycomb for $US28, and flower sprinkles for $US15. The goods went on sale in the United States on Wednesday, and the entire product range appeared to have sold out shortly after going live. Meghan has released her own range of jams, honey, tea and flower sprinkles. A well-placed source said the items would be made available in small quantities and quickly marked as sold out to generate interest, which is a common marketing ploy. Advertisement Eating outJust open Chadstones shiny new Market Pavilion is a spectacle, but does it deserve the hype? Recipe bots, pre-packaged meals and sweet treats are all there. But where do you sit down and eat? Heres Good Foods guide to the enormous food precinct. Emma Breheny April 4, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in the May 2025 hit list. See all stories . Grocery shopping, as a rule, is dull. But does it have to be? What if you put gelato stands in supermarkets and made the shops look like high-end fashion retailers? Could you still call it doing the shopping? Its a question the folks at Chadstone are asking with their dazzling new Market Pavilion, which opened on March 27. Not a food court but not quite a food hall a la David Jones or Marks & Spencer, it defies categorisation. All I can say for sure is that its a spectacle. Inside one of the shiny new shops at Chadstones Market Pavilion. Joe Armao Wandering from the Market Pavilion into the rest of the shopping centre, you might feel like Harry Potter crossing from Platform 9 back into the world of muggles. Everything is a bit flat in comparison. Theres an indoor greenhouse with herbs. Soaring glass walls display row after row of dry-aged beef. Robots can make you coffee, if youd rather not deal with another human (fair there are a lot of them around). No one is striding purposefully with trolleys and reusable bags; theyre ambling like theyre in an amusement park: gawking, stopping abruptly, snacking often and whipping phones out for content opps. Advertisement Shops for cannoli, doughnuts, acai and other snacks are abundant. Good Food visited five days after the precincts opening (which included a cooking demonstration by AFL star Christian Petracca), with two of us going unannounced to experience it as the average punter would. At 12.20pm on a Tuesday, its much, much busier than youd expect, and not just with retirees. Dont these people have to work? Related Article The Chadstone effect: Thousands flock to sample Melbournes newest food mecca Career women are catching up over flutes of Moet ($24) and half a dozen Tassie oysters ($17, or $39 with bubbles). Lines snake out of the bagel shop and the pasta bar. Tradies, couples and colleagues take a good look at the shiny new stalls. Advertisement Among these are: a bubble tea shop, an acai outlet, a hot chocolate specialist, a doughnut stand, a boutique spice retailer, two bakeries, a chocolate shop, a place selling wine with personalised labels, a food concierge, and three spots for coffee and cake. On wants versus needs, Id say the Market Pavilion is definitely more focused on the wants side of the ledger. You can buy ostentatious ceramic heads (testa di Moro) like the ones seen in season two of White Lotus for $850. There are myriad drinks to slurp on while you stroll, but fewer options for buying groceries. Pre-packaged meals, ultra-chunky cookies and Sicilian cannoli are in abundance. Finding lunch and a place to sit and eat is more of a task (despite the precinct having seating for 1933). Heres a users guide to shopping, eating and navigating Market Pavilion. The champagne and oyster bar serves Moet & Chandon. Joe Armao Advertisement What are the best grocery shops? There are nine places to buy food you can cook, including the big three supermarkets. But if youre looking for specialists such as butchers, fishmongers and greengrocer theres only one of each, so price competition is pretty much nonexistent. That said, Colonial Freshs fruit and veg is reasonably priced, comparable with what I saw at Queen Victoria Market over the weekend. There was some decent-looking alfonsino at The Fishmonger. Vics Meats, sibling of Armadales snazzy Victor Churchill butcher and supplier to many hatted restaurants, aint cheap but when is wagyu ever a bargain? The AI recipe generator at the food concierge. Whats it like to use the food concierge and its AI recipe generator? Chadstone reps will tell you that this is the worlds first shopping centre with a food concierge like this. What that means is theres an information stand where you can chat to some very friendly people about where to shop for your next dinner party then stow your groceries in their refrigerators so you can go and try on $500 sunglasses unencumbered. They might direct you to a touch screen where an unnamed AI tool is ready to concoct your whims into recipes (as few as five, as many as 10) that are yours to keep. They may not be the equivalent of Stephanie Alexanders A Cooks Companion, but you will get a matter-of-fact menu if you punch in Greek Easter for six people (Greek lemon potatoes, Greek chicken souvlaki, Greek salad and Greek tzatziki). Advertisement Pro tip If the crowds are getting to you, head into the serene Readings bookshop, which is (bizarrely) being totally bypassed right now by visitors. What we loved Head and shoulders above every retailer for range, quality and price is Maita, the Asian grocer, a more upscale offshoot of Tang Food Emporium in the CBD. Prepare for overwhelm as you gaze at metres of curry paste, chilli oil, imported potato chips, rice varieties, frozen dumplings and more. Within the store are takeaway windows for onigiri (Japanese rice balls), Korean dishes, gelato and baked treats including Hokkaido cheese tarts. Illuminated signs and a minimalist fit-out feel much, much cooler than any other grocery shop we have in Australia. Maitas shelves are lined with an enormous range of spices, rice, chilli oil and more. Joe Armao What to eat Advertisement Unfortunately, everything we tried on our visit was a miss. But next time, based on what looked good around us, Id share a monster-sized focaccia with ultra-crackly porchetta from Thats Amore or perhaps boxed nigiri from The Fishmonger. Id also lean into the frou-frou of a Mork hot chocolate, maybe the sakura Black Forest featuring cherry blossom. Vics Delis reuben sandwich is one of several hot options you can order. Joe Armao What to skip The deli sandwich at Vics Meats costs $23 and is no doubt inspired by what you might find in a New York bodega (where itd be half the price). Sadly, the one we tried tasted pre-made and a bit fridgey, and was no bigger than your palm. Get one of their hot sandwiches (maybe the Reuben) for the same price and thank yourself later. Cacio e pepe, the cheesy Roman pasta that uses just four ingredients, is, at $35, the most expensive pasta at Thats Amore, makers of mozzarella and other Italian cheese. Sure, good cheese costs money, but for that price, Id want a little more cacio (and pepe, and pasta) in my bowl. Advertisement Where can I sit to have lunch? Good question. At 1.30pm midweek, we struggled to find a seat at one of the three new restaurants upstairs. Theres food-court-style seating (more beautiful, of course) where you can bring sandwiches or sushi from nearby stalls, but if you want to lean into the fanciness of Market Pavilion and eat at Amalfi pasta bar or Thats Amore, prepare to queue (and then squish in). The verdict Is this the Vegas of food shopping? Its probably closer to the high-quality malls in Asia, where dining, shopping and recreation meet. Its perfect if you want to kill a few hours with your kids these school holidays or throw together dinner without too much chopping or mess. Id argue the market in the name is a misnomer. Which leaves you with Pavilion or should that be The Food Court? Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up The Queensland government has ramped up penalties for supplying illegal tobacco and vape products, increasing on-the-spot fines by a factor of 10 and expanding the range of finable offences. The state added vapes and nicotine pouches to the list of illegal tobacco and vape products, and increased on-the-spot penalties for corporations to $161,300, and individual fines to $32,260. Loading Cases escalated to a court can result in up to two years prison time and even higher penalties $322,000 for an individual and $1.6 million for a corporation. The move comes as the state battles a quiet war on the illegal tobacco trade, with overseas imports growing significantly in recent years. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the fines were a necessary step in reducing the illegal trade. These are now some of the highest infringements that can be issued in Queensland, and they recognise the scourge that these illegal chop shops are on our community, she said. No school culture wars I am a teacher in a government secondary college in regional Victoria. Since the Gonski Report was released in 2012 we have been fighting for an increase in federal and state funding to 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard to ensure better and fairer outcomes for the 2.6 million Australian students who attend government schools. After 9 years of inaction by the previous Coalition government, agreements have now been reached between the Albanese government and every state and territory. With a degree of scepticism I also note that the Shadow Minister for Education, Sarah Henderson, has insisted that a Coalition government would honour those agreements. However, in his appearance on Sky News on Monday night, Peter Dutton made it clear that he intends on slashing education funding to any state who he accuses of pursuing what he has referred to as a woke agenda in curriculum and educational programs. What does this mean for programs such as the Respectful Relationships program which is mandatory in all Victorian government schools in an attempt to address the shocking levels of violence against women and children in our community? Australian students must not become pawns in Peter Duttons culture wars; their education and wellbeing is far too important. Any voter who values the educational outcomes of Australian students over Trump-inspired culture wars must seriously take this into consideration before casting their ballot on May 3. Chris Green, Venus Bay Trump means it How often do we hear people of all ages complain about politicians not saying what they mean, or meaning, what they say? Love him or loathe him, President Trump has changed that profile. No one is in any doubt about his opinions or that he is clearly acting on them. It will be so interesting to observe the impact on the political landscape, generally, over time. Catherine Healy, Brighton Canadian insight Late last century, Canadian author John Ralston Saul, proposed that communism was dead, capitalism had seen its day, and corporatism was the emerging ethos governing society. He defined corporatism as an overarching system of negotiations and bargains, where corporate entities controlled their citizen employees. Hire and fire was the coercive tool and management policed their state through fear and conformity. But the danger, argued Ralston Saul, was that calm and control came at the cost of a persons moral code, an individuals right to disagree, an employees ability to shut their eyes to greed and self-serving interests; the citizens would lose their right to self -determination and democracy. He called his book The Unconscious Civilisation because people would become blind to the dangers of moral turpitude as they focussed more and more on their own financial welfare. Ironically, it is a Canadian who had the foresight to predict the policies and negotiating ethos of this newly re-elected POTUS. While the rest of the world calls out Trumps manifest cronyism and self-interest, the voices of dissent from within the US are scant. Have they already given up the fight for democracy and drifted into unconsciousness, just as Ralston Saul predicted? Suzanne Miles, Frankston South Boys to men With all the attention that the Netflix series Adolescence is capturing and its message that young boys need good male role models, it is sad to see your correspondents report of being verbally abused by grown men when campaigning for their female independent candidate (Letters, Fragile, fearful, mens abuse only fuels us, 31/3.) There are also reports of campaign material for this candidate being defaced. Come on men, when violence against women is such an issue in our society, show our young boys that you can cope with competition and/or rejection in a healthy way. Anne Carroll, Brighton East Start a movement Bravo David Halliday! (You know who loves WFH? Dads, 3/4). Stand up and shout for your right to have your place in the home: your right to be an active father, liberated from the grind of the daily work commute. Start a movement. There will be plenty of women who can advise you on how this is done. It was called the Womens Movement when I was a young woman. Of course, in those days, we were fighting for the right to be liberated from home duties, and allowed to have a career, but the process of mens liberation will be much the same, Im sure. I advise you to find a peer group of like-minded men. Changing social norms is a slow lonely process, so you will need each others support to keep going. But with commitment and strategy, and being prepared to be unpopular with all sorts of people who will feel threatened, you will gradually get somewhere. I wish you good luck. We women have been waiting for this moment for a long time! Josephine Ben-Tovim, Carlton Womens work Katy Halls article on the lack of gender equality in work is spot on (Duttons me too election strategy is great unless youre a woman, 1/4). The only thing she omits is that both major parties give preference to male-dominated industries. Ive recently been analysing gender (in)equality in apprenticeships over the last 40 years. In the 1980s, serious attention was paid to extending apprenticeships to female-dominated industries, but this emphasis has never returned. In feminised industries, apprenticeships are usually called traineeships, are looked down upon, and receive less funding for training. Recently, in fact, the federal government removed employer subsidies from some female-dominated apprenticeships, and gave extra handouts to employers in many male-dominated apprenticeships. The apprentices in some of those industries were also awarded substantial cash bonuses. Nothing for the girls though! Erica Smith, Emeritus Professor, Federation University, Ballarat Anxiety management Congratulations to Sam McLure for raising the issue of anxiety (Dirty secret: AFL players urged to deal with anxiety, 3/4). After 30 years of clinical practice with young people, I have learnt four things about anxiety. First, anxiety is not a choice you cant just snap out of it. Second, most of the things people do to numb anxiety makes it worse in the long term, especially alcohol and drug use. Third, if people notice that their anxiety feels so much better because they have managed to avoid everything that makes them feel anxious - that is not a win for them, or the people who enable this. Finally, choosing to step in to the fear that stands between them and where they want to be - that is progress. Gradual exposure with support from a therapist is essential. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, child, adolescent and family psychologist Trials of parking The City of Melbourne raised a staggering $36 million dollars in parking fine revenue last year - an increase of $5 million dollars from the previous year (31/3). I dont think this news comes as a shock to many who live, work or endeavour to access the CBD by car. The so-called trial introduced a few years back increased the paid two-hour parking limit up to 10pm every day of the week including Sunday which had previously had some reprieve for paid limits. Coupled with a significant reduction of metered street parking, confusing signage and no doubt extra staff to patrol the streets and issue fines nearly 24 hours a day Im surprised not more revenue is being generated. The downside is that if you are lucky enough to score a park on the street in the evening be careful not to exceed the 2-hour limit by going to an event, having dinner or visiting friends or relatives who live in the city. Does the City of Melbourne know that all the shops arent open at night and some of the logic around a two hour limit in the evening just doesnt work? Lawrence Walsh, Docklands Weekend traffic I read that more people are driving into the CBD (31/3) and wondered why these people are driving to a place well serviced by trains and trams. Then I remembered how infrequent weekend public transport is, and how big the gaps in our bike lane network are. A frequent train is a far better option than driving. People will ride when they feel safe. Our government could make both of these a reality. Adrian Jackson, Kensington Less than zero Re the letter, The tax rules on housing must change 3/4. To state that investment in property does not benefit anyone but investors is flawed. First, ask my tenants if my investing in a property helps them, and I bet youd get a yes. Also, the property is not negatively geared and that, out of the rent received, land tax is 30 percent, income tax about 30 per cent and maintenance, rates etc about 20 per cent. Over half of the rent is paid in tax to the government which clearly benefits everyone in funding roads, infrastructure etc. The amount I get in my pocket is very small and in some years, zero. Mike Mack, Kew Flu season I find it alarming as an over 65 year-old that on the one hand we are being urged by articles such as Flu numbers in ominous early surge (3/4) to get vaccinated, but on the other hand, the over 65 flu vaccine is not available for several weeks. I was offered the standard flu vaccine for $20 at one pharmacy and $24.95 at another, with advice that I have the choice to wait or take the less effective offer, but I cant have both. While the Chief Health Officer is quoted as saying that its critically important to stay up to date with your shots, the Shire of Campaspe immunisation team is waiting until the end of April to offer the flu vaccine on the premise that being closer to winter is going to be better for us to have this shot. Can those people responsible for this conflicting advice, please try to work together a little better? Wilma Hills, Echuca AND ANOTHER THING Credit: Illustration: Matt Golding Trump world Donald Trump wants the US to be isolationist. We live in hope. Pete Sands, Monbulk We were inspired by the words of John F. Kennedy: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Where have such beautiful sentiments gone? They have certainly been ignored in this whats in it for me nation. Louis Roller, Carlton Peter Duttons bravado regarding US tariffs and Trump might be about as effective as Tony Abbotts hot air regarding shirt fronting Putin. Meg McPherson, Brighton Why should Australia remain in its Free Trade Agreement with the US when the US is unilaterally breaching it by imposing tariffs? Denny Meadows, Hawthorn With a 10 per cent increase on Big Macs using Australian beef trimmings, now might be the time for Americans to look to a healthier option. Annie Wilson, Inverloch Furthermore Albanese claims that the Greens have lost their way. It is Labor that has lost its way in its continued support for Israel as it bombs and starves the population of Gaza in defiance of international human rights legislation. Miranda Jones, Drummond Why should the apparent unpopularity of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and the Victorian Labor Party impact on who voters in the state support in the forthcoming federal election? Garry Meller, Bentleigh An emergency bushfire burning dangerously close to homes in the Perth southern suburb of Ferndale has had its threat downgraded. The blaze was reported at 4am Thursday morning, with residents near Canning River told to evacuate their properties. The blaze in Ferndale. Credit: 9 News Perth You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services alert read. The emergency zone included people west of Canning River between Nicholson Road, Metcalfe Road, Latham Road and Willcock Street. Fremantles dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe is likely to be scratched from playing this weekend after suffering soreness in his troublesome knee. Fyfe, who had arthroscopic surgery on a knee in January, returned to action in state league ranks last weekend. But Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said the 33-year-old hadnt fully recovered from that match and was likely to be rested this weekend. Nat Fyfe is still battling injury. Credit: Getty Images Hes close to being AFL ready but unfortunately hes just pulled up a little bit sore this week in that knee, Longmuir told reporters on Thursday. At this stage I dont think we will see him at any level (this weekend) ... its not significant but he may need a week off. We expected this could happen to some degree when we lifted his loads. He played his first full game on the weekend and its probably the first time hes really unleashed his strength, run and all those types of things and let himself go and hes just pulled up a little bit sore. Longmuir also ruled out ruckman Sean Darcy from making his AFL return against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday. Darcy, who like Fyfe hasnt featured at AFL level this season, is recovering from ankle and knee injuries. Sean is going to play WAFL, Longmuir said. Its a vital step for him with his fitness, strength and ruck craft to be able to play at that level first before we put him on the big stage. It will be a good stepping stone for him. Influential on-baller Hayden Young was in the frame to return from his hamstring injury. We will see how he goes through training and we will have a discussion this afternoon, Longmuir said. Weve got no doubt he could probably play AFL but we need to think a bit longer term with this. The Dockers, with one win from three games, host the Bulldogs (two wins, one loss) at Optus Stadium. AAP BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Association of Azerbaijani Construction Manufacturers (ATIA) is currently working on the process of exporting construction materials to Europe, Shahana Sari, Secretary-General of ATIA, said at a press conference dedicated to the "ATIA Construction Week" on April 10 Builders' Day, Trend reports. "We are working on exporting through the Balkan Peninsula to Europe. Currently, this process is ongoing. We are in the initial stage of studying the standards of construction materials exported to Europe. 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 With the election campaign in full swing and Australians going to the polls on May 3, we asked undecided voters around the country what they thought the big issues were and what would clinch their vote. To burst the Canberra bubble, we spoke with 12 undecided voters in NSW, Victoria, WA and Queensland to gauge what everyday Australians regarded as the real issues and what they made of their politicians. The voters were recruited through Resolve Strategic, which conducts regular RPM polling for the Herald and The Age. They were screened to ensure they lived in the seats that could help decide the 2025 election outcome, were not fully committed in their vote choice, and did not work in an occupation that would give them special insight into the election. We asked them questions about their top priorities for politicians, their views on the major parties and their leaders, what they made of minor parties and independents and how they felt about Australias outlook. Their responses were forthright, ranging from local issues on crime and internet coverage to housing affordability and health. The common theme was the cost of living. Most said they felt necessities were becoming more expensive and needed to be addressed by the next government. Washington: US President Donald Trumps new reciprocal tariffs are set to hit some of the worlds poorest nations the hardest, putting their labour-intensive export industries at risk and diminishing one of the USs biggest economic advantages over rival China. Cambodia was slapped with Asias highest tariff rate of 49 per cent in Trumps levies announced on Wednesday. Garment manufacturing giant Bangladesh was hit with a 37 per cent rate, while in Myanmar, where a devastating earthquake last week left more than 3000 dead, the US imposed a 45 per cent duty. The southern African nation of Lesotho received a 50 per cent tariff, the highest of any country. Even Timor-Leste made the list with a 10 per cent tariff. According to the US State Department, Timor-Leste remains one of the least developed countries in Asia and has little direct trade with the United States. The departments analysis says the tiny nations third-largest export is coffee, which generates between $US15 million ($24 million) and $US30 million a year for its economy. The United States, via USAID, helped establish the coffee industry in Timor-Leste in the 1990s, and today, Starbucks Coffee Company is a major purchaser of Timorese coffee, it says. A market at the village of Lospalos in the east of Timor-Leste. Credit: iStock Oh, look at Cambodia, 97 per cent, Trump said at the White House, drawing laughter as he pointed to the levy he claimed the US was subjected to from the South-East Asian nation. They made a fortune with the United States of America. Cambodia levies duties on US goods at an average applied rate of 11.7 per cent, according to US data. The average Cambodian earns about $US6.65 ($10.50) a day, according to World Bank data, less than a fifth of the global average. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Association of Azerbaijani Construction Manufacturers (ATIA) is set to host its annual "Construction Week" in the country once again, said Shahana Sari, Secretary-General of the Association of ATIA, Trend reports. In a press conference dedicated to the "ATIA Construction Week" on April 10 Builders' Day, Sari shared that, as in previous years, this years "Construction Week" will involve a series of organized activities. A memorandum of long-term strategic cooperation will be signed with the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Industrial Safety Association. Additionally, ATIA will be accepted as a member of the European Engineering Society. Furthermore, as part of "Construction Week," the presentation of the INOVEX fire- and moisture-resistant facade panels, which are being produced for the first time in Azerbaijan by Matanat A Group of Companies, is scheduled. INOVEX facade panels are a unique product manufactured based on innovative green construction technology. Compared to materials like brick, stone, and masonry blocks, they allow for faster project execution and offer architects and designers an easy way to implement individual renovation solutions in line with global trends. Produced using green building technology, INOVEX is easy to use and environmentally friendly. The association regularly shares updates on global construction sector innovations and the latest developments from member companies, which helps entrepreneurs quickly become informed and integrate global practices into Azerbaijan's market. Founded in 2017, the primary goal of the association is to support the production of construction materials in the country and promote the economic and social development initiatives carried out by the government in the construction materials industry. April 10 is annually celebrated as "Builders' Day." Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel May God shower blessings upon India, its leadership! Myanmar locals hail Operation Brahma By Rajnish Singh MANDALAY WHEN operation Brahma by India is operating at full swing in earthquake-hit Myanmar, locals have hailed Indias aid and support in this time of distress. A Myanmar local, Hussain spoke to ANI and expressed thanks for the Indian efforts underway in Myanmar. He said, We got a great sense of relief when you came. You (Indians) are very hardworking people. We are very happy and at peace. We have benefited a lot from the arrival of NDRF. May God shower blessings upon India and its leadership. Many others expressed similar views about Indias helping hand. NDRF crew member Kavita Singh spoke to ANI. She said, There is no possibility for people being alive because few days have passed, hot weather. We have only retrieved dead bodies. She highlighted the conviction of NDRF and told ANI that despite the infrastructural damage difficulties, the NDRF team is working after undertaking risk because they are committed towards the operation. Singh also said that the NDRF team has recieved a lot of support from the locals. She shared an incident wherein a family came to the NDRF team and expressed relief and hope on the teams efforts for the rescue operations. We are very proud and thankful that you have come to help us, the locals told them. NRDF crew member Manju Bhati said that a team of 57 members of NDRF has arrived in Myanmar. It is very difficult for us to take out the dead bodies. It is also very hot, so it is very difficult for anyone to be alive, she said on Wednesday Thousands of refugees settled in Manipur since 1960s IMPHAL : FORMER Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday said that thousands of refugees settled in the State since 1960s with the knowledge oftheauthoritiesandthosepeople were provided assistance for rehabilitation. Singh, who resigned as the Chief Ministerin February leading to imposition of Presidents Rule in the restive State, also wondered what happened to thosefamiliesandwhetherthose people were added to the electoral roll. His comments, made in a lengthy post on X, came a day after BJP MLAs of Manipur sought a review of the 2001 Census and implementation of the NationalRegister ofCitizens (NRC)beforecarryingoutdelimitation exercise in the State. Singh, when he was the Chief Minister,andtheCentreaccused illegal immigrants from Myanmar of largely being responsible for the ethnic violenceinthestatewhichleftmore than 250 people dead since May 2023. Official records show that even before we became a fullfledged State, thousands of refugees were settled here with the knowledgeofthe authorities at the time. As early as the late 1960s and early 70s, documents revealthepresenceofover 1,500 families who had crossed over andwereprovidedassistancefor rehabilitation, Singh saidinthe post. Manipur became a Union Territory on November 1, 1956, and was granted full statehood on January 21, 1972. Singhasked,Whathappened tothose families? Howwerethey integrated? How many generations have grown since then?... Werethey eventually grantedfull rights?Were they added to electoralrolls?These questions have never been fully addressed in the public domain and the issue has remained largely unspoken, even as the demographic structure of the State changed over the years, the BJP leader claimed. Paokai Haokip, then Member of Parliament from Manipur, wrotealettertoKCPant,Minister ofStateforHomeAffairs,informing him about the presence of over 1,500 refugee families who settledinManipurby1967,Singh said in the post, sharing a copy of the letter. His correspondence is just one among several that confirm how deeply rooted and longstanding this issue is, the former Chief Minister said. Wondering whether Manipur was a dumping ground for refugees from the very beginning, Singh said it is important to ask whether there were legal mechanisms in place to ensure these individuals remained in refugee status. Were they extended benefits meant for indigenous communities? These are not small matters; they touch the core of our identity, our social balance, and the directionwere heading inas a society, he said. Singh said it is time to revisit this chapter and not to assign blame, but to understand what happened, reflect on its implications, and chart a fair and balanced path forward, as the issue has far-reaching consequences and will shape the States present and future. Frommyexperienceinactive politics and high office, I understand the weight it carries to a representative of the people. Its easy to go with the tide, but true responsibility lies in standing firm on facts. We owe it to our people to be truthful, defend their dignity, and be forwardlooking. Thats what it means to be a statesman, not just a politician, he said. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan has issued a statement regarding the new U.S. customs duties on a range of goods, Trend reports. The Ministry noted that a preliminary analysis of the new trade measures being implemented by the U.S. side showed that a significant portion of Kazakhstan's exports to the U.S. is not subject to additional tariffs, as it is included in the list of exemptions provided by U.S. administrative regulations. "The core of Kazakhstan's exports to the U.S. consists of crude oil, uranium, silver, ferroalloys, and others. These categories, which account for 92 percent of supplies, are included in the list of exemptions provided by the U.S. Presidents Decree 'On Regulating Imports Through Reciprocal Tariffs to Eliminate Trade Practices Leading to a Significant and Persistent U.S. Trade Deficit in Goods'," the Ministrys statement said. Moreover, it was noted that the additional tariffs will apply to certain groups of goods, the export of which amounted to $95.2 million in 2024. These include phosphorus ($15.9 million in exports in 2024), ferrosilicon ($12.7 million), lenses ($4.1 million), wheat gluten ($4 million), and ammonium nitrate ($2.4 million). "The introduced tariff measures will affect only 4.8 percent of the total volume of Kazakhstan's exports to the U.S. The government is initiating consultations with the U.S. side to discuss the possibility of excluding additional duties for Kazakhstan," the Ministry emphasized. The Ministry also noted that the Republic of Kazakhstan has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for about 10 years and strictly adheres to its principles in implementing foreign trade policies. "As part of bilateral cooperation with the U.S., Kazakhstan ensures equal and non-discriminatory trade conditions following international commitments," the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan concluded. According to the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the U.S. reached $4.2 billion in 2024, which is 4 percent higher compared to the previous year ($4.1 billion). Kazakhstan's exports to the U.S. grew by 30.6 percent and amounted to $2.0 billion. The import of goods from the U.S. to Kazakhstan amounted to $2.2 billion. On April 2 each year, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would impose the highest tariffs on Kazakhstan among the Central Asian countries - 27 percent, compared to 10 percent for its neighbors. Facing massive setbacks & surrenders, Maoists now appeal for peace talks By Kartik Lokhande : Rattled by setbacks due to several of its cadres getting eliminated in encounter with security forces and also surrender of many of its senior cadres, the proscribed organisation Communist Party of India (Maoist) has now appealed to the Government of India for peace talks. A statement issued in Telugu purportedly by Abhay, Spokesperson of the Central Committee of CPI (Maoist), calls for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks, urging the Government of India to halt Operation Kagaar. In the said letter, the outlaws have claimed that the latest operation by the Government security forces had led to elimination of 400 people including Maoist leaders, cadres, and tribals. Facing reverses, the Red terrorists have urged the Government to withdraw security forces and cease counter-insurgency operations. If these conditions are met, we are willing for dialogue, stated the letter. The letter is issued by Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupati alias Sonu alias Sonudada alias Vivek alias Laxmirajan alias Lachhanna alias Abhay. Now 70-years-old, this Maoist leader is originally a resident of Peddapalli in Telangana. Identifying as Abhay, he is Central Committee member and spokesperson, Politburo member, Central Regional Bureau member. He has been active in Maad area, which is under intense pressure from the security forces of late. The Maoists have called for halting the operations in Central India, which covers Maad area that has been a den of the Red terrorists for decades. Since the BJP-led Government of India, along with the State Governments of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana has launched Operation Kagaar -- an intense counter-insurgency operation to rid several affected areas of Maoists -- the outlaws have been facing massive setbacks, sources told The Hitavada. Many of the Maoists have either been killed in encounters with security forces or have surrendered or have been arrested. A few days ago, around 50 Maoists laid down arms in Bijapur ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Chhattisgarh. Several senior leaders of Maoists including Tarakka and Giridhar have surrendered in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. CPI (Maoist) has stated in its letter that over 400 Maoist leaders, commanders, and members of Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army have reportedly been killed. Of course, as fits the devious Maoists character, the letter levels allegations also against the security forces. Surprisingly, despite pleading for peace talks, the Maoists have also laid down certain pre-conditions that include immediate withdrawal of security forces from affected regions, end to deployment of new troop, suspension of counter-insurgency operations, not opening new police stations in deep areas etc. CPI (Maoist), which is a banned organisation, has temerity to state that it will announce a ceasefire once the government ceases military operations. As part of their strategy to activate their ecosystem, the Left Wing Extremists have also urged the intellectuals, rights groups, tribal and Dalit groups, journalists, students and youth, and environmental activists to mount pressure on the Government for peace talks and has issued an appeal for nation-wide campaigns in this regard. History shows Maoists appeal for talks is deception only Though the Maoists have appealed to the Government of India to engage in peace talks, the history of the outlaws shows that their appeal for talks is pure deception. In 2004, they had gathered at Hyderabad after the then government had accepted the erstwhile Naxalites offer for negotiations. Security forces had stopped action. Various Naxalite leaders took out marches and rallies, and also held their meetings openly in Hyderabad. However, as is the history, in September 2004, the Naxalite groups unilaterally declared that the talks had failed and had blamed the Government for the same. And, the Naxalites declared merger of two big groups -- Maoist Communist Centre of India and Peoples War -- to form the new organisation CPI (Maoist). Thus, the Red terrorists had used the talks as an opportunity to regroup, reorganise, and gain new strength to continue with their anti-India subversive activities. Besides, about talks with the Government, the then General Secretary of CPI (Maoist) Ganapathy had stated in an interview after the encounter in which high-ranking Maoist leader Azad was killed, We see the issue of talks and peace as part of class struggle too. When class struggle intensifies, it would be in an armed form. In other circumstances it would be conducted in peaceful methods too. This clearly indicates that the Maoists use talks and peace to bide time as part of strategy, and then continue with violence in the name of protracted peoples war or armed class struggle. Further, in a press release issued on November 3, 2009, the then spokesperson of CPI (Maoist) Azad had, in a way, refused the Government offer for talks by accusing the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram of resorting to propaganda. The Central Committee of CPI (Maoist) unequivocally asserts that the Governments proposal for peace talks is only a propaganda ploy that in no way differs from the peace proposals of Hitler prior to World War-II, Azad had stated. Later on, the Maoists Central Committee spokesperson Abhay (who has issued the latest letter too) had dubbed the offer for peace talks made by the then President of India Pratibha Patil as nothing but a ploy to divert the people from the reality of Operation Green Hunt Phase-2. The previous rejections of the Governments offers for peace talks by the Maoists, raise suspicion that the Left Wing Extremists latest appeal for talks is nothing but a deception to bide time since they have become weaker than ever. Pak troops crossed LoC,violated ceasefire: MoD JAMMU : Responded effectively, says Army 5 enemy soldiers injured, say sources THE Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman said on Wednesday that the Pakistan Army intruded into the Indian side and also violated the ceasefire by opening fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district. The violation took place at 1.10 pm on Tuesday, and the Indian troops responded with controlled and calibrated retaliation, the spokesman said. The defence spokesman made no mention of any casualties on the Pakistani side of the LoC due to Indian retaliation, but official sources said five enemy soldiers were injured in the explosion and the subsequent firing between the two sides. Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal, Defence Ministry spokesman, said in a statement, On April 1, 2025, a mine blast occurred in Krishna Ghati Sector due to Pakistan Army intrusionacrossLoC.Thiswas followed by unprovokedfiring and ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army. Own troops respondedeffectivelyinacontrolledandcalibratedmanner. Situation is under control and being closely monitored. Indian Army reiterates the importance of upholding the tenets of Director Generals Military Operations (DGsMO) understanding of 2021 to maintainpeacealongtheLoC, he further said. Since the signing of the ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021, between the two sides, ceasefire violations have been rare, and the local issues have usually been resolved through flag meetings at the Brigade commanders level. The Indian Army and the security forces have been maintaining heightened vigil on the border and the LoC becauseofthepresenceofforeignmercenariesinborderdistricts of Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua and at some places in the hinterland of Jammu division. Currently, an extended seek and destroy operation hasbeengoingonsinceMarch 23, when five Pakistaniterrorists were seen in the Kathua district, 4 km inside the International Border. Two of these five terrorists have beengunneddownsofar by the security forces while effortsareontotraceandeliminate the remaining three terrorists. Four local policemen were killed in the initial gunfight between the police and the hiding terrorists. TANGLE, NO TANGO TO describe the bilateral relations between India and China as a (dragon-elephant) tango is just preposterous. On the ground, what is witnessed is only a tangle whose loose ends are just not visible or available to untangle the innumerable knots that block any proper definition from being attempted. Yet, on the 75th anniversary of relations between the two countries, Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping has chosen to use the word tango - - meaning dance -- of the Chinese dragon and the Indian elephant. In tune with the calling of the occasion, Indian leadership, too, has shared congratulatory sentiments with their Chinese counterparts. Yet, speaking frankly, there is no one who can capably recognise and define the actual texture of the bilateral relations between two Asian powers. Expression of mutual goodwill -- a serious diplomatic requirement -- by the leaders of the two countries has its own significance, all right. Yet, on the ground of reality, both the countries know that achieving a tango-like mutuality is far more difficult than writing simplistic poetry. Of course, the realism of the situation should not and need not stop India and China from trying to achieve some cordiality in relations. That is exactly the attempt at least India has been engaged in for the past several years, or even decades. Despite all those conciliatory overtures, the Indian side knows fully well that the Chinese have designed a craft case based on utter falsehood to lay claims on vast Indian lands -- a proposal to which India can never agree. True, even in the economic relations, Chinas conduct is far from ideal, and tends to irritate India every now and then. Despite this, the economic relations between India and China have improved over time, and the volume of mutual trade has increased manifolds. However, reasonable economic relations do not actually mean much on the ground where strategic thought-process almost always dominates considerations. When China has been pushing an entirely false narrative onto India, it is just not possible for New Delhi to accept cosmetic words to be used to paper over the fault-lines of adversarial relationship. Against this background, a dragon-elephant tango is just out of question as Beijing has no inclination to extend genuine hand of friendship with New Delhi. So, what China does is to press into service new narratives all the time to add value to the definition of sensible mutual relations. Therefore the current suggestion of the dragon-elephant tango. Some time ago, the Chinese suggestion was that together, India and China have the worlds biggest demography -- which can make the two countries invincible together. Still earlier, that is around the year 2010 when Mrs. Pratibha Patil became the first Indian President in a decade to visit China, Beijing talked of the premium India and China enjoyed with common water heritage in the Himalayan region. So the dragon-elephant tango does not suggest anything more than a periodic Chinese overture to keep India in a good humour at least for sometime. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, too, had expressed a sincere optimism about Indias relations with China -- on an international podcast interview. Beijing responded positively and hoped to build upon that sentiment to improve the mutual relations. Then came an statement of the Chinese Army that it would be happy to work together with the Indian Army to improve bilateral ties. Such overtures from the Chinese have to be taken with a pinch of salt, as they say. Of course, India will keep playing along -- but fully aware that with China, things may have to wait for eternity before a genuine and honest Chinese move comes up. Young engineer ends life, leaves suicide note alleging conspiracy Staff Reporter : A 28-year-old engineer committed suicide at her residence in Mankapur. The young woman allegedly took her own life after leaving behind a suicide note in which she claimed that she was the victim of a conspiracy which involve a fake video and threats to her life. The police have begun an investigation into the matter. Vaishali, who worked for a company in Pune, had returned to Nagpur around 15 days ago. She lived with her father, brother, and sister-in-law. Her father was present at home when she took the life. According to police, she asked the father to step out to buy breakfast on Tuesday morning around 11 am. When the father went out, she hanged herself. The police recovered suicide notes written in English and Marathi. In a letter addressed to her sister, Vaishali accused two persons named Ritesh and Pratim of being responsible for her death. She also alleged that her roommate had issued threats to kill her. She also mentioned that her mobile phone was stolen from Indore airport on March 5. Despite her attempts to lodge a complaint, the police allegedly refused to register and cited the lack of a mobile bill. She alleged in the note that she was being framed through a fabricated video and further denied making any religious comments. She also claimed that some persons were trying to falsely implicate her. Family members revealed that Vaishali had travelled to Coimbatore from Prayagraj before returning home. Since then, they had observed a change in her behaviour. She appeared to be under immense mental stress and refused to eat food prepared by others. She was preferring to cook her own meals or staying hungry. Mankapur police have registered a case of accidental death and started investigation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. US President Donald Trump has put pen to paper on an executive order, rolling out reciprocal tariffs on a handful of countries, with Azerbaijan in the mix, and the minimum customs duty for Azerbaijan has been pegged at a solid 10 percent. What impact will Washingtons new tariffs have on Azerbaijan? MP Vugar Bayramov addressed this issue on his social media account, clarifying that while trade between Azerbaijan and the US has grown in recent years, Azerbaijan continues to import more goods from the US than it exports. "So, in 2024, Azerbaijan imported goods worth $1.61 billion from the United States, and during that period, our exports to the United States amounted to only $135.3 million. This means that we have a negative balance of $1.48 billion in foreign trade with the US. In addition to all this, last year, compared to the previous year, our imports from the United States increased by 1.8 times, and our exports to the United States by 8.4 times. In other words, despite the low level of our exports, the growth dynamics are very high. This means that the United States has become a new export destination for our businessmen," he said According to the MP, the recent imposition of tariffs predominantly impacts non-hydrocarbon export commodities to a greater extent. "In 2024, our exports to the US of non-oil and gas products amounted to $134.6 million. Exports of non-oil and gas products of Azerbaijani origin amounted to $55.9 million. Considering that our total exports of non-oil and gas products in 2024 amounted to $3.35 billion and total exports of non-oil and gas products of Azerbaijani origin amounted to $2.88 billion, our cooperation with the US in this area does not have a high share. As for our exports of non-oil and gas products to the United States, in 2024, the country with the world's strongest economy will export other substances in primary forms resulting from polymerization worth $6,508,000, intestines, vesicles and stomachs of animals worth $593,000, fresh, chilled, frozen products. We exported $410,000 worth of tropical and other fruit juices, $279,000 worth of sturgeon caviar, $242,000 worth of unrefined, premium first-pressed olive oil, $177,000 worth of fruit jams, fruit jellies and marmalades, fruit purees and pastes, and other products. As you can see, Azerbaijan's non-oil and gas exports to the US, although not in large amounts, have diversified into commodity groups. So, although Washington's tariffs will not have a serious impact on Azerbaijan's exports to the US, they may affect the overall growth dynamics. Of course, in all cases, a new tariff means new costs. That is, it is not excluded that the growth rate of our total exports to the US will decrease. At the same time, since the products we send to the United States are more specific, a 10 percent tariff may not affect the market position of these products. But in any case, the new tariffs will mean the beginning of a new stage in the world economy," Bayramov noted. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is preparing a $3 million grant to support those affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, Trend reports. The funding will be used to address urgent humanitarian needs, including food distribution, drinking water, medical supplies, and shelter assistance. ADB Director General for Southeast Asia Winfried Wicklein stated that the bank is committed to assisting Myanmar in the aftermath of the disaster. We are deeply concerned by the impact of the earthquake on the people of Myanmar and are immediately preparing a $3 million grant to support emergency relief efforts, he said. The grant will be provided through the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, which delivers fast-tracked assistance to developing member countries following major natural disasters. ADB is also considering additional support through the Asian Development Fund 14s community development resources. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. UK Export Finance (UKEF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Serbia, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation, Trend reports. The agreement was signed by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Serbias Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Sinisa Mali. This MoU is the first official document between UKEF and the Government of Serbia, with both parties aiming to enhance collaboration on a variety of capital infrastructure and renewable energy projects in the future. Dusko Krsmanovic, Country Head for UKEF in Central and Eastern Europe & the Balkans, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that UKEF looks forward to working closely with Serbia in the coming years to support these key sectors. Yes Significant efforts are being made No Much more needs to be done Some progress But there are still critical gaps Vote View Results BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. On April 4, Baku will host the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council and the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the Green Energy Advisory Council, Trend reports. The event will be attended by representatives from 24 countries, including Azerbaijan and the European Union, 7 international financial institutions, and 42 energy companies. Ministers, deputy ministers, and other high-level officials will participate. The program includes an opening session followed by a Ministerial Session, as well as plenary discussions on the Southern Gas Corridor's progress and future steps, as well as Green Energy Projects and Green Energy Corridors. Additionally, the 2nd Ministerial Meeting on the Green Electricity Transmission and Trade Project between Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Georgia, and Bulgaria will take place, alongside an informal steering committee meeting on the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor and an EU-Azerbaijan roundtable on offshore wind power development. Documents related to green energy are expected to be signed during the event. At the conclusion, a press conference will be held to discuss the outcomes of both the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council and the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the Green Energy Advisory Council. The Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council has been held regularly since February 2015. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a 50 million euro loan to Lantmannen to co-finance the construction of a new pea protein isolate factory in Lidkoping, Sweden, Trend reports. The loan will cover approximately half of the project's investment cost. This factory, the first of its kind in Sweden, will have an annual processing capacity of over 40,000 tons of peas grown by Lantmannen cooperative members. Scheduled for completion in the first half of 2027, it is expected to create around 30 local jobs. The plant will produce high-quality plant proteins, used in products such as protein bars, drinks, plant-based milks, and meat substitutes. This project supports EU objectives for increasing plant protein self-sufficiency and promoting sustainable agriculture while reducing climate impact. EIB Vice-President Thomas Ostros emphasized that the project would enhance food security and contribute to climate action in Sweden and the EU. By utilizing locally grown legumes, such as peas and beans, the project will help reduce the reliance on imported soybeans, supporting sustainability goals. Lantmannen CFO Michael Sigsfors highlighted the projects long-term value, noting that it would promote exports, improve food security, and benefit farmers profitability. BIMSTEC Dialogue | BANGKOK, Apr 3: The 3rd BIMSTEC Dialogue, held from April 1-3, 2025, at Chulalongkorn University, brought together key policymakers, academics, and business leaders to discuss the imperatives and impediments of regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. The event highlighted BIMSTEC'S role in fostering economic growth, security, and connectivity among its seven member Nations : Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, former Minister of State for External Affairs of India, addressed the gathering, reflecting on his previous participation in BIMSTEC conferences and reiterating India's commitment to strengthening the organization. He emphasized the importance of maritime security, trade integration, climate resilience, and Cultural exchanges to ensure a prosperous future for the region. Key challenges discussed included BIMSTEC's lack of institutional capacity, slow decision-making, and overlapping regional affiliations that sometimes hinder progress. To counter these, Dr Singh proposed enhancing institutional mechanisms, fostering private sector involvement, and promoting coordinated regional policies. As the Indian Ocean grows in strategic significance, BIMSTEC stands as a crucial bridge between South and Southeast Asia. The dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment to regional prosperity, highlighting BIMSTEC's potential to drive economic and strategic cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world. anmnews Found dead | IMPHAL, Apr 3 : A man working as a Chowkidar at the Chief Ministers bungalow was found dead this morning. The deceased has been identified as Ramesh Thapa (56) s/o Prem Thapa. He hailed from Nepal. While the corpse has been deposited at RIMS mortuary, a case has been registered at Imphal police station in connection with the incident, said a source. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. South Korean airline Eastar Jet is launching a new flight route between Incheon and Almaty, further enhancing Almatys position as a growing tourist destination in the region, Trend reports via the Kazakh Tourism National Company. " Starting from April 7, 2025, the Incheon-Almaty flights will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. The departure from Incheon International Airport will be at 19:30, arriving in Almaty at 22:45. The return flight departs at 23:45 and arrives in South Korea at 9:50 the following day (all times are local)," the information notes. Ticket prices for the flights start from $137 (199,000 won). The service will be operated using B737-8 aircraft. This will be one of the longest routes for Eastar Jet. The introduction of this new flight route reflects the growing interest in Kazakhstan as a tourist destination. Last year, the number of visitors from South Korea to our country grew by 10 percent, reaching approximately 40,200 people, the company added. Kazakh Tourism is also expanding cooperation with South Korean tourism industry representatives. Last year, B2B meetings were held between leading tour operators from both countries, and this year a familiarization tour of Almaty and the surrounding region is planned. As thousands in Siliguri prepare for Ram Navami celebrations on 6 April, a controversy has emerged after a group allegedly vandalised several hoardings. The hoardings, displayed in the name of Siliguri mayor Goutam Deb, featured Mahatma Gandhi and lines from his beloved Ramdhun (Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram). With a large section of BJP supporters eagerly anticipating the festivities, the incident has sparked political debate. Advertisement Taking to social media, mayor Deb condemned the act, stating: Some divisive forces, with deliberate intent, are vandalising hoardings across Siliguri that displayed four relevant lines from Mahatma Gandhis beloved Ramdhun. Advertisement Such actions go against the values, culture, and heritage of the people of Siliguri. What kind of culture does this represent? I leave this matter to the conscience of the right-thinking citizens of the city. Let a united protest arise against such incidents, he added. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) experienced a temporary outage for the second time within a week. According to Downdetector, a platform that monitors and shares alerts on outages in real-time based on user reports, the outage seems to have occurred on Wednesday evening with a maximum number of UPI users (520) reporting the service disruption at around 7:23 pm. Advertisement On the other hand, 44 per cent of users reported payment failures, and around 55% of them reported issues related to fund transfers. Advertisement National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has also acknowledged the issue. Taking it to a social media post on X, NPCI said, There were some intermittent declines in UPI due to fluctuations in the success rates in some banks. These fluctuations increased the latency in the UPI network. NPCI has been working closely with them and UPI has been stable. Notably, on March 26 too, a nationwide outage of UPI services occurred. Both outages have affected major digital payment platforms including Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm as well as other banking applications. As per the recent data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), UPI transactions drive 83 per cent of all digital transactions in India. UPI transactions surged 4.4 times from 2021 to 2024, reaching 172 billion transactions annually. According to the latest data shared by the NPCI, UPI has set a new record in March, registering 18.30 billion transactions worth Rs 24,77,000 crore. This marks a significant year-on-year growth of 36 per cent in transaction volume and 25 per cent in transaction value. On average, there were 590 million UPI transactions daily, with a daily transaction value of Rs 79,910 crore. For the fiscal year 2025, UPIs annual transaction value surged by 30 per cent to Rs 2,60,56,000 crore, up from Rs 1,99,96,000 crore in FY24. A man, identified as Sagar, who went missing from the Tilak Nagar area of West Delhi was found murdered in the Shamli district in Uttar Pradesh, the Delhi Police said on Thursday. In a missing report, initially registered at the Tilak Nagar police station, the family of the deceased reported that he was never seen after leaving for home from the hotel that he was running on lease. They suspected the role of certain persons who he told them were after his life. Subsequently, a case of abduction was registered and a hunt launched for trace him, an official said. Advertisement Multiple teams were formed to track down the suspects through technical and manual surveillance while keeping the family of Sagar in the loop for prompt response to any inputs as the suspects were known to them for long. Advertisement Eventually, on March 27, a body was found in the area under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kandla, Shamli and on Wednesday, its identity was established. The body turned out to be that of Sagar. Soon after, a team of the Tilak Nagar Police station dispatched to Shamli, in coordination with the UP Police, along with the family members of the deceased. Many people were rounded up during the preliminary investigation into the case but none of the main suspects have been traced so far, even as non-bailable warrants have been issued against them, the official mentioned. The Uttar Pradesh Mahila Congress on Thursday held a massive protest to raise the issue of non-implantation of womens reservation by the government, along with rising crimes against women and other women-related matters. Congress women activists, led by outgoing UP Mahila Congress presidents Shehla Ahrari (Eastern), Mamta Chaudhary (Central), and Karishma Thakur (Bundelkhand), raised slogans against the government. They wanted to march to the Vidhan Sabha but were stopped near the Congress office gate. Police placed high barricades to prevent the women protesters from crossing. Advertisement However, a mild clash broke out between the Congress protesters and the police, resulting in injuries to a couple of women. Advertisement Mamta Chaudhary, president of the Central Zone, fell and was injured. She was taken to Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Civil) Hospital in Lucknow for treatment. Addressing the workers, Easter Zone president Shehla Ahri said that the BJP government passed the womens reservation bill after 10 years but remains silent on its implementation, reflecting its anti-women mentality. She said Congress has always advocated for womens interests. In 1992, the party ensured womens leadership at the town and district levels by implementing womens reservation in municipal bodies and panchayats through the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution. She added that crimes against women are rising in BJP-ruled states, making it difficult for sisters and daughters to step out of their homes. If we talk about Uttar Pradesh, heinous crimes against women are occurring here every day, and the police administration has become completely helpless, she further alleged. Actor Ali Fazal is mourning the passing of Hollywood legend Val Kilmer, who died at 65 on April 1. Taking to Instagram, Ali shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling a cherished moment when the Top Gun star praised his performance in Victoria & Abdul. Ali Fazal posted a throwback picture of Val Kilmer from one of his films and wrote, RIP Mr. Val Kilmer. You were the first big-ticket compliment I ever got from an actor of your caliberfor my attempt to portray a real person in Victoria & Abdul I know Ive got miles to go, but this, from someone whose performance changed the way I saw acting, meant the world. Advertisement The Bollywood actor even referenced Vals legendary turn as Jim Morrison in The Doors, saying, You made a better Jim Morrison than Morrison himself. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by ali fazal (@alifazal9) Val Kilmer, known for his unforgettable roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, passed away in Los Angeles due to complications from pneumonia, his daughter Mercedes Kilmer told The New York Times. The actor had battled throat cancer since 2014 but was cancer-free at the time of his death. Kilmers impact on Hollywood is undeniable, having played iconic roles that shaped generations of movie lovers. His portrayal of Iceman in Top Gun remains one of the most memorable performances in action cinema. Ali Fazal, who has made his mark in Hollywood with projects like Death on the Nile and Victoria & Abdul, has often expressed admiration for cinema greats. While fans and industry peers continue to mourn Kilmers passing, his legacy remains alive through his legendary performances. As Ali perfectly put it, We are privileged because we are in mediums that linger longer than times assigned. Looks like Phuleras favorite secretary isnt done yet! Prime Video just made everyones day by confirming that Panchayat Season 4 is officially happening, and its going to release on July 2, 2025. Hard to believe its been five years since we first met Abhishek Tripathi, played by the brilliant Jitendra Kumar, reluctantly navigating his way through village life. Advertisement Over three seasons, Panchayat has become more than just a showits a slice-of-life masterpiece that has won hearts with its simplicity, humor, and unforgettable characters. Advertisement The entire gang is back for the new season, with Jitendra Kumar reprising his role as Abhishek, alongside Neena Gupta as Manju Devi, Raghubir Yadav as Brij Bhushan Dubey, and Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha all returning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) While Prime Video is keeping plot details under wraps, one things for sureSeason 4 will bring another round of laughter, politics, drama, and the kind of small-town charm that makes this show so special. When Panchayat first dropped in 2020, it was a breath of fresh air. The simple yet relatable story of an urban guy stuck in a rural setup, complete with quirky villagers and unexpected friendships, struck a chord with audiences. Over time, it became a cultural phenomenon, winning awards and a dedicated fanbase. Season 3 took the drama up a notch with Abhishek caught between his government job, village politics, and personal dilemmas. Now, Panchayat Season 4 promises to dive deeper into his life, the Pradhan-Pati power dynamics, and the ever-growing tensions in Phulera. Fans love Panchayat for its witty dialogues, heartwarming moments, and realistic portrayal of rural India. Whether its Abhisheks frustration, Pradhan Jis political games, or Vikas and Prahlads comic timing, every character feels real and relatable. Circle July 2, 2025, on your calendars because Phulera is calling, and we cant wait to return! Stay tuned for more updates, and in the meantime, let the Panchayat binge begin! Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Thailand on Thursday on the first leg of his two-nation tour to attend the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, saying BIMSTEC has over the past decade emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region. Mr Modi was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival by top Thai officials and the large Indian diaspora at the Bangkok Airport. Advertisement Landed in Bangkok, Thailand. Looking forward to participating in the upcoming official engagements and strengthening the bonds of cooperation between India and Thailand, PM Modi wrote on X shortly after his arrival. Advertisement Earlier, in a statement before his departure on his four-day visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka, he observed that with its geographical location, Indias North-Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC. I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with interests of our people in mind, he added. The PM said during his visit, he will have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought. From Thailand, he will pay a two-day visit to Sri Lanka from 4-6 April. This follows the highly successful visit of President Disanayaka to India last December. We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives, he added. He expressed the confidence that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening close relationships with the two nations for the benefit of people and the wider region. Shortly after he arrived in Bangkok, Mr Modi, expressing admiration for the deep cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand, witnessed an enriching performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. In separate posts on X, he wrote: A cultural connect like no other! Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand. The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a 400 million euro loan to SachsenEnergie to support the modernization and expansion of electricity grids in Eastern Saxony, Trend reports. The investment aims to enhance grid stability and integrate renewable energy sources. SachsenEnergie, in collaboration with grid operator SachsenNetze, plans to invest 732 million euros in network upgrades by 2027. The EIBs financial support will help ensure a stable power supply amid growing electricity demand from businesses and households. EIB Vice President Nicola Beer highlighted the importance of reliable and affordable energy for economic resilience. She emphasized that expanding renewable energy must be accompanied by grid modernization to support the energy transition. SachsenEnergie CEO Dr. Frank Brinkmann stressed the challenges of financing large-scale grid expansion and acknowledged the EIB as a key financial partner. The loan will fund infrastructure projects across Dresden and the surrounding districts, including Bautzen, Gorlitz, Meien, and Sachsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge. Key projects include high-voltage grid expansions, new substations, and upgrades to Dresdens Racknitz substation, supporting industrial development in the region. SachsenNetze aims to upgrade 170 kilometers of high-voltage lines and expand 20 substations by 2028. Between 2029 and 2033, an additional 125 kilometers of power lines and 29 substations will be improved. By 2045, the company plans extensive renovations across 280 kilometers of grid infrastructure. This investment aligns with the EIBs commitment to sustainable energy and climate goals, ensuring long-term energy security and supporting the green transition in Eastern Saxony. The Jaipur District Collectorate remained on Thursday closed and cordoned off for nearly five hours as security agencies conducted a thorough search for explosives following a bomb threat, which was later confirmed to be a hoax. The threat was conveyed via an email sent to the official ID of District Collector Dr Jitendra Soni at 07:58 hrs. However, it was read by officials only at 11:15 hrs in the Collectors office, a police spokesperson said. Advertisement Upon receiving the alert, the police were informed, and security personnel, including officers from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), civil defense, bomb disposal squads, and sniffer dogs, were deployed to the scene. Advertisement The authorities immediately evacuated the entire Collectorate premises, sealed all four gates, and set up barricades. Security teams conducted a meticulous search, covering every nook and corner of the premises for more than three and a half hours. However, no explosive was found. At around 15:30 hrs, the premises were reopened, and officers and staff were allowed entry after thorough frisking. Meanwhile, a team of cyber experts is working to trace the origin of the email, the spokesperson added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday moved a statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha for the approval of the imposition of Presidents rule in Manipur stating that the Centre is working to restore peace in the northeastern state at the earliest. Introducing the resolution in the lower house, the Minister said that ethnic violence in the state broke out due to a decision by the Manipur High Court regarding a reservation-related dispute. He said the violence is a result of the interpretation of the high courts decision. Advertisement Shah informed the house that there has been no violence in Manipur for nearly four months, from December to March, and the provisions for food, medicines, and medical facilities have been ensured in the camps. Advertisement He also said that online arrangements for technical and medical education have been made and for primary education, classes have been set up inside the camps, where arrangements for their studies have been made. The Minister said there should not be any violence and no violence should be linked to any political party. Attacking the Congress-led Opposition for crticising the BJP, he said it is trying to portray a picture as if this is the first violence in Manipur and our governance has failed. Mentioning three major instances of violence spanning 10 years, three years, and six months which had occurred during the rule of the previous government, he claimed that after these incidents of violence, no one from the then government, including the home minister, visited the region. Countering the Oppositions allegation that the government ignored the violence in Manipur, Shah informed the house that on the very day the high courts order was issued, companies of security forces were dispatched to the region via Air Force planes. He emphasised that everyone shares the same concern on this matter. Shah also appealed to all members not to politicise the issue as the government was making every possible effort to restore peace in Manipur. He said the government wants peace to be restored in Manipur as soon as possible, along with rehabilitation efforts and healing the wounds of the affected people. Later, the resolution was adopted by the Lok Sabha. The House also expressed its respect, sympathy, and deep sorrow for those who lost their lives in the violence in Manipur. The Indian Air Force has ordered a court of inquiry into the crash of a Jaguar two-seater fighter aircraft in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday night that has left one pilot dead while the other escaped with grievous injuries. The ill-fated aircraft on a night training mission caught fire before breaking into pieces following the crash at around 9.30 pm near Suvarda village in Jamnagar. Videos of the site of the crash show the burning aircraft lying in the open fields. No civilian casualty was reported. Advertisement In a statement issued on X, the IAF said that the injured pilot is undergoing treatment in the hospital. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. Advertisement The pilots faced a technical malfunction and initiated ejection, avoiding harm to the airfield and local population, the statement read. Initially inducted into the Indian Air Force in late 70s the British French fighter bomber comes in two variants single seater and twin seater. In March, another Jaguar had crashed after encountering a technical defect during a routine training sortie in Panchkula, Haryana. The pilot had ejected to safety before the aircraft crashed into open fields. India and Thailand on Thursday decided to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership as Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that India believes in the policy of development and not expansionism. India supports ASEAN unit and ASEAN centrality. India and Thailand support a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, he said after wide-ranging talks with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok. Advertisement The two countries also exchanged memorandums across a range of sectors, including one on the establishment of an India-Thailand strategic partnership. Advertisement India and Thailands centuries-old relations are connected through our deep cultural and spiritual ties. The spread of Buddhism has connected our people. From Ayutthaya to Nalanda, there has been an exchange of intellectuals. The tales of Ramayana are a part of Thai peoples lives. The influence of Sanskrit and Pali is reflected in language and traditions even today, the Indian leader said. He said he was grateful to the Thai government that during his visit, a commemorative stamp, based on Ramayana mural paintings from the 18th century, was issued. Earlier, the PM arrived in Thailand to attend the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, saying BIMSTEC has over the past decade emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region. Mr Modi was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival by top Thai officials and the large Indian diaspora at the Bangkok Airport. Landed in Bangkok, Thailand. Looking forward to participating in the upcoming official engagements and strengthening the bonds of cooperation between India and Thailand, PM Modi wrote on X shortly after his arrival. Earlier in a statement before his departure on his four-day visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka, he observed that with its geographical location, Indias North-Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC. I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interests of our people in mind, he added. The PM said during his visit, he would have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought. From Thailand, he will pay a two-day visit to Sri Lanka from 4-6 April. This follows the highly successful visit of President Disanayaka to India last December. We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives, he added. He expressed confidence that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening close relationships with the two nations for the benefit of people and the wider region. Shortly after he arrived in Bangkok, Mr Modi, expressing admiration for the deep cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand, witnessed an enriching performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. In separate posts on X, he wrote: A cultural connect like no other! Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand. The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia. Catholic Congress Global Director Fr Philip Kaviyil on Thursday said that the UDF and LDF MPs from Kerala did not see the tears of the people of Munambam while they voted against the Waqf amendment bill. It will definitely be reflected in the next elections, he added. Speaking to media persons in Kannur, Fr Philip Kaviyil said that the Kerala MPs stance in the Parliament against the Waqf Amendment Bill has become a big wound in the hearts of the people of Munambam and that it will remain in the minds of the people. Advertisement Today is a dawn of hope for the people of Munambam, who are worried about the Waqf Boards claims on their land and residences. Among those facing the threat of eviction from the Waqf Board are Christians, Hindus, and Muslims, Fr Philip Kaviyil said. Advertisement Fr Philip Kaviyil also said that the MPs of Kerala could not have voted against the bill. They should have considered the sufferings, woes, and miseries of the people of Munambam while voting against the bill. Other than that, they should not have looked for ways to get political power. The Catholic Congress Global Director said that the church has not taken a stand in favour of the BJP. He said the church stood on the side of the suffering people and that with the passing of the Waqf Amendment bill, the problems being faced by the people of Munambam would come to an end. Meanwhile, Congress leader and opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan rejected the BJPs claim that the Waqf Amendment Bill passed by the Lok Sabha is a victory for the beleaguered residents of Munambam fighting to regain their ownership rights on their land. Speaking to media persons in Kochi, V D Satheesan said that Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has made it clear that the Bill will have no retrospective effect. So, can all those who are claiming that the Bill will help the people of Munambam please explain how it will benefit the affected people there? he asked. It has been pointed out that the Waqf amendment under Section 2(a) will help the residents of Munambam to regain ownership rights over their properties, which are being claimed by the Waqf Board. Section 2(a) states that if the land was transferred from a trust formed by Muslim believers, the Waqf Act will not apply to such transactions. The protest committee claims to possess documents proving that they purchased the land from the Farooq College Trust. Munambam residents watched the live Lok Sabha discussions on the Waqf Amendment Bill on a TV installed at the protest site at the Velankanni Church premises in Munambam on Wednesday. Disbelief and anger were the most common emotions that reflected on their faces as they saw and heard the MPs they had elected turn against their cause. To be stabbed in the heart by the very people we had thought would protect and aid us is an unexplainable pain. Every Munambam residents heart is bleeding. Even after Catholic Church organisations like KCBC and CBCI requested the Kerala MPs to vote for the Bill, their speeches said otherwise, said one agitator at the satyagraha site. Our peoples representatives have shown their true colours. The sweet words that they said before us turned into poison in LS. This is the start of Congress decline, another agitator said. Another protester accused the UDF and LDF of only caring for their votes. They only want our votes, but when the time comes to safeguard our rights, they are nowhere to be seen, she said. Around 610 families of the Munambam coastal village in the Ernakulam district have been protesting against the claim by the Waqf Board on their land for the last 173 days. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday held a meeting with the partys district chiefs from Delhi and several other states including Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The meeting was part of the Congress ongoing interaction with the district Congress committee chiefs across the country to further strengthen the party at the grassroots level. Advertisement During the meeting, the Congress chief and leader of Opposition in the lower house emphasized strengthening the organisation at the district level. Advertisement It may be mentioned that Kharge, while addressing the first leg of the meeting with district Congress committee presidents, had said the role of district presidents are crucial as they are not just messengers, but generals of the party, who are leading from the front on ground. District presidents, your role is crucial. You are not just our messengers, but the generals of the Congress party, leading from the front on the ground. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi ji and I recognised the need for direct communication with you, he said. He said it is essential to appoint the most capable, committed, and hardworking individuals to these positions rather than making selections based on local leaders recommendations. Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood on Thursday accused Leader of the Opposition Atishi of a misinformation campaign about power cuts in the national capital. He alleged that the AAP leader is repeatedly making false statements about power outages in the city to mislead the public in a bid to create panic. Refuting all allegations made by Atishi, Sood emphasised that under the leadership of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the government is committed to making substantial reforms in the power sector. Advertisement He said legal action is being explored against those spreading misinformation, and consultations with various departments are underway in this regard. Advertisement The power minister claimed that in the past 10 years, there have been 51,958 instances of power cuts exceeding five hours, averaging 14 outages per day. He pointed out that two days ago, when the Opposition moved a calling attention motion in the Delhi Assembly on power cuts, they were conveniently absent. He said globally, no power network can function without scheduled shutdowns for maintenance, and questioned as to how will AAP continue their practice of allegedly spreading lies. He disclosed the minutes of a meeting on power issues on May 23, 2023, held under the then government were reviewed. It exposed several key facts, including power companies reporting multiple instances of extended power cuts lasting three to four hours. According to Soods, the minutes of the meeting also reveal that during the summer preparedness review meeting, the then power minister had inquired about areas experiencing frequent three to four-hour-long power outages. The minister said that the former power minister had sought reports from BRPL on prolonged power outages in several localities, including Freedom Fighter Colony, Saket, Alaknanda, Aya Nagar, and Begumpur. Sood said during the Assembly debate two days ago, he had presented various facts, and had reaffirmed that no electricity network in the world can function without occasional shutdowns for maintenance. He said, If they (the AAP leaders) claim that there was not a single minute of power outage during their tenure, it means they neglected essential power maintenance altogether. This is nothing but political opportunism, Sood added. Strict legal action under BNS sections will be taken against those who falsely accuse and disrupt the citys harmony, the minister said. The minister assured that the government would inform the citizens in advance before any scheduled power cuts and would execute them in a planned manner. He questioned why Atishi failed to address power shortages in 2024, despite her partys claims of having improved the power sector. He said despite the fact that the current government is only 40-42 days old, it is already working on transformer replacements to balance power loads. The Parliament on Wednesday approved Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 seeking to regulate immigration, entry and stay of foreigners in the country. The Rajya Sabha gave nod to the Bill after holding a discussion on it which has already been passed by the Lok Sabha. A key aspect of the Bill is the implementation of enhanced surveillance and security protocols. Advertisement Earlier, Home Minister Amit Shah, while speaking about the importance of the Bill in the Lok Sabha, had said: It will strengthen the countrys security and economy, pave the way to make our education system and universities global, lay a strong foundation for research and investigation in the country and make India number one in the world in every field by 2047. Advertisement He said that immigration was not an isolated issue but many issues of the country were directly or indirectly linked with it. He said that it was very important for the security of the country to know who is entering our borders, when they are entering, for how long they will stay and the purpose for which they are here. Earlier in the day, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai on Wednesday. Speaking on the Bill, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut asserted that while no one wants to turn the country into a Dharamshala (shelter for all), it should not become a jail either. For the last 10 years, people of this country have been treated like prisoners. Now, this law appears to extend the same treatment to foreigners arriving on valid visas and passports, he said. Raut warned that certain provisions in the bill could deter tourism. We do not want illegal immigrants, whether they are Bangladeshis, Rohingyas, Americans, or Europeans. When former US President Trump deported Indians living illegally in America, they were shackled and sent back on army planes. If an American is staying illegally in India, he should be deported in the same manner, he said. He claimed that over three crore Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are residing in the country illegally and must be expelled. Criticising Section 7 of the bill, he said it grants the Central government the power to decide where a foreigner can stay, travel, and whom they can meet. Under this provision, even foreign delegations, journalists, or diplomats would need government approval to meet prominent leaders in India. If permission is denied, such meetings cannot take place, he argued. Raut also pointed out that past terrorist infiltrations were not through legal immigration channels. Ajmal Kasab and his accomplices did not enter with valid passports; they came illegally by sea, undetected. Strengthening the law is necessary, but this bill should be referred to the standing committee for further discussion, he urged. On the other hand, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra defended the bill, emphasizing national security. He stated that previous immigration laws had limitations in securing borders and preventing illegal infiltration. The new bill streamlines entry into India, travel documentation, visa requirements, and denial of entry where necessary. We aim to make India a hub for medical, educational, and manufacturing activities while ensuring that foreigners visit for legitimate purposes. National security remains paramount, and authorities must have the power to scrutinize travel documents and deny entry if required, Jangra said. He highlighted that India offers e-visas to citizens of 169 countries but stressed the importance of empowering authorities to safeguard sovereignty and security. If there is a threat, officials must have the right to refuse entry to foreign nationals, he added. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday claimed that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is the BJPs ploy to take away land and give it to its industrialist friends. The concern shown by Union Minister Amit Shah and BJP MPs for Muslims during their speeches on the Waqf Bill in Parliament would put even Pakistans founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah to shame. It is a rather strange coincidence that Kiren Rijiju, who once supported eating cow beef, presented the Waqf Amendment Bill, he told media persons here. Advertisement Despite securing a third term, the BJP is raking up Hindu-Muslim issues for politics. The BJP must remove the green colour from its party flag if it dislikes Muslims, Thackeray said. Advertisement Thackeray said that he was not opposing the Bill but only the double standards of the BJP. I have not said I support the bill. I have not opposed the bill, but I have opposed the double standards of the BJP. There are definitely some good things about the bill, but they should not use it for politics. It has nothing to do with Hindutva, Uddhav Thackeray said. Thackeray also questioned the Central government for the intrusion by China into eastern Ladakh. What about the land of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the land on which China has intruded? Is the government only concerned about Waqf board land in the country, Uddhav Thackeray said. Thackeray also criticised MAharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after the BJP leader questioned if Thackeray-led Sena would uphold Bal Thackerays ideology or the ideology of Rahul Gandhi on the Waqf bill. I want to ask Fadnavis whether he will follow the ideology of Atal Behari Vajpayee or the ideology of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Fadnavis was only a kid when Balasaheb Thackeray gave land to the Muslim community to offer prayers in Bandra-Kurla Complex, which was later used for the bullet train during his tenure. Fadnavis is only a kid to understand Balasahebs ideology. So, he should not teach us, Uddhav Thackeray said. BJP Kerala president Rajiv Chandrasekhar on Thursday said that the Waqf Amendment Bill will give relief to the people of Munambam, who are facing the threat of eviction from their land and residences. Speaking to media persons after visiting the Nair Service Society (NSS) headquarters at Changanassery in Kottayam, Chandrasekhar said that as soon as the Waqf Amendment Bill is passed, the rights of the people of Munambam on their land will be restored. Advertisement He said the people of Munambam now realized, who were with them when they faced a serious problem in their life and who helped them to solve their problem. The appeasement politics of the Congress and the Communists came to light on Wednesday, he said. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Syro-Malabar Church has welcomed the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, stating that it brings relief to the people of Munambam. However, Church spokesperson Fr Antony Vadakkekara emphasized that their stance should not be interpreted as direct support for any political party. Expressing solidarity with the people of Munambam, Fr Vadakkekara stated, The existing Waqf law was against the principles of the Indian Constitution, and the government has fulfilled its responsibility by addressing this issue. He reiterated that the Church only opposes laws that contradict the Indian Constitution, not the practice of Waqf or the rights of the Muslim community. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who arrived in Samarkand to participate in the "Central Asia European Union" summit, held a meeting with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, Trend reports. The meeting focused on discussing the prospects for further strengthening multifaceted cooperation in various sectors of the economy. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Antonio Costa emphasized the importance of dynamic development of the partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU, based on mutual trust, strategic interests, and long-term perspectives. The European Union is Kazakhstan's largest trading partner and foreign investor, accounting for more than 40 percent of the total volume of foreign direct investments. In 2024, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the EU member states reached around $50 billion, which is 80 percent of the total EU trade volume with Central Asian countries. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told media persons on Thursday that transactions of Waqf Boards lands in Maharashtra and Mumbai have already been done, even before the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Parliament. When asked about Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticising former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackerays stand on the Waqf Bill, Sanjay Raut said, Fadnavis is afraid of Shiv Sena. He has not yet been able to digest the sin he committed by splitting the Shiv Sena. We always expose their hypocrisy and sins. The Waqf Boards land transactions in Maharashtra and Mumbai have already been done. The Waqf Bill has been brought merely to legalise the buying and sale of that land. We are going to expose him, and we are doing it. Who will sell these vacant lands now? Just like Dharavi land was sold, airports were sold, and public sector companies were sold, Waqf land too is going to be sold. Therefore, we can understand Devendra Fadnaviss fear, Raut said. Advertisement The central government has brought the Waqf Amendment Act merely to provide a legal basis for these land deals which have already been done. We have voted against the Waqf Bill, and we will expose Devendra Fadnavis. The bill is merely a ploy to seize Muslim lands. Whatever language Amit Shah used yesterday claiming that poor Muslims will get a great relief due to this bill is a complete lie. The value of the Waqf Board property is over 2.5 lakh crores. Amit Shah tried to show that the BJP is a messiah of Muslims, but the truth in his stomach came out when he said that they will not touch mosques, madrasas, or dargahs, but will sell vacant lands. Unknowingly, the truth came out of his mouth that he will deal with vacant land. The value of this vacant land is 2.5 lakh crores, Raut said. Advertisement The BJP has nothing to do with Muslims. They have their eyes on the property worth Rs 2.5 lakh crores under the control of the Waqf Board. This bill will make it possible to buy and sell vacant lands. Their statement that they will sell and negotiate vacant lands came out unknowingly. The way the BJP government sold public undertakings in this country, they wish to do the same with Waqf Board land. Everybody knows that in this country, there are only two sellers and two buyers, Raut said. Raut said that Union Home Minister Amit Shahs speech in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday was an amazing example of propaganda. He tried to show that the BJP is the messiah of national unity and Muslims. Amit Shahs speech was embarrassing even to Barrister Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Amit Shah made such propaganda on Wednesday, which even Barrister Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the creator of Pakistan, would never have done. However, by mistake, Shah ended up speaking the truth about selling vacant Waqf lands, Raut said. The truth in his stomach came out of his mouth yesterday. Shah only sees land and wealth when he gets up and sits down. BJP, Modi, and Shah do not see anything except land and money. There are only two sellers and two buyers in this country. Everyone knows who they are. This bill has been brought only to give a legal basis to land deals which have already been done across the country, Raut said. The decision to bar Marine Le Pen from running for public office for five years is nothing short of seismic for French politics. With her far-right National Rally (RN) gaining ground over recent years, Ms Le Pens absence from the 2027 presidential race reshapes the political landscape in ways that are both predictable and unpredictable. While legal consequences must apply to all politicians equally, the broader implications of this ruling raise pressing questions about democracy, political strategy, and the future of Frances right-wing populism. Ms Le Pens conviction for misappropriating European funds and her subsequent sentencing, including a prison term and financial penalties, reinforce the principle that no politician is above the law. At the heart of the case was a system of using European Parliament funds to pay staff who worked primarily for RN, an act deemed as fraud by the courts. The ruling sends a strong message about accountability, particularly in an era when public trust in institutions is fragile. However, the immediacy of her disqualification ~ despite the possibility of appeal ~ introduces concerns about judicial influence over political processes, especially since past cases involving French politicians allowed more time before a ban took effect. The most immediate consequence of this ruling is the leadership vacuum within RN. Ms Le Pen was widely seen as the far-rights strongest candidate for 2027, with polls suggesting she could have mounted a formidable challenge to centrist governance. Now, her party must either rally behind a successor, most likely Jordan Bardella, or risk losing momentum. Advertisement Mr Bardella, as RNs president, has positioned himself as a charismatic and competent figure, but whether he can command the same level of personal loyalty and electoral success remains uncertain. The ruling may force RN to accelerate its transition into a broader populist movement rather than relying on the Le Pen family brand. But this decision doesnt only affect the far right. French democracy itself now faces an intense debate on whether judicial rulings should have the power to reshape elections. Figures from both the left and the right, including Mr Jean-Luc Melenchon and Mr Laurent Wauquiez, have expressed unease about a judges decision effectively removing a popular politician from electoral contention. Advertisement Their concerns tap into a larger question: should the electorate alone have the power to remove leaders, or is judicial oversight necessary to safeguard democracy from corruption? Ms Le Pen and her supporters will undoubtedly frame this as a political persecution, fuelling anti-establishment sentiment. When populist rhetoric thrives on narratives of victimhood and elite suppression, this ruling could backfire. Rather than diminishing RNs influence, it might galvanise its base, reinforcing the belief that the system is rigged against them. If the party can effectively channel this grievance into electoral gains in the legislative elections, the French political establishment may find itself facing an even stronger far-right movement. Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in Economics, died by assisted suicide (according to Wikipedia, Assisted suicide, also known as physician-assisted suicide (PAS), is the process by which a person, with the help of others, takes drugs to end their life) on 27 March 2024, three weeks after his 90th birthday, in Switzerland (a country where PAS is legal). In fact he went to Switzerland to die. He had earlier written an email where he said: I have believed since I was a teenager that the miseries and indignities of the last years of life are superfluous, and I am acting on that belief. I am still active, enjoying many things in life (except the daily news) and will die a happy man. But my kidneys are on their last legs, the frequency of mental lapses is increasing, and I am ninety years old. It is time to go. Advertisement Who are we to decide when its time to go? Because, after all, our lives are not entirely ours. Had Kahnemans children hug ged him closely and made him feel loved and wanted in spite of his ailments, would he still wish to go? Would he still have gone? Because ultimately we live for others, just as much as we live for ourselves ~ through our work and lives ~ in our professions and at home. We are constantly spending every bit of our lives, our time and energies thinking about others well-being. Poet Sunil Bhandari writes, Because the fact is that our breath, our life, is also a collective. Advertisement We are made of the efforts, the hope springs, the heart carvings, the soul bindings, the body cravings, the thought mouldings of all who love and care for us. We start being someone and then are slowly changed and created out of what others see us as. What might start as an opinion, an illusion, starts getting recreated. We then are what we make of ourselves, but are also deeply vented and grooved by what our world thinks of us. And therefore, our lives can never be entirely ours ~ our presence, our existence is so intertwined with those of our near ones, and theirs in ours, and that our lives can never be thought of in isolation. And therefore it cannot be our decision to end it either. In the same vein, Bhandari, once again, writes, If our presence makes a difference to the lives of someone else, we are not only our own. If our mere breath gives solace to someone else, we are not our own. If mere presence, without words, without effort, makes someones life feel complete, then our life is not merely ours. And we have also seen instances of how hard ending ones life could be. One is reminded of Somerset Maughams famous short story, The Lotus Eater (a reference to the Lotus eaters of Greek Mythology, who led a life of indolence), where the protagonist gives up his job in London to spend his life in a small cottage on the island of Capri. He arra nged his finances in a way that he wou ld be able to support himself for a fixed number of years (till he is sixty years old), with the assumption that he wou ld either die naturally by then, or commit suicide. It turned out that he did not die naturally, and after having sold his assets was still unable to make ends meet, and so decided to end his life. He shut him self up in his cottage and lit a charcoal fire to fill the room with carbon monoxide. But somehow with ample leakages, his suicide attempt seemed halfhearted and it failed. He survived but with grave brain damage and lived out the remainder years of his life in a deplorable state. Maugham therefore wanted to show that it wasnt easy to end ones life. The other day there was an article in The Statesman that said Finland is named the happiest country in the world for the eighth year in a row, according to the World Happiness Re port 2025. Other Nordic countries are once again at the top of the happiness rankings. Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden remain the top four and in the same order. Country rankings were ba sed on answers people give when asked to rate their own lives. The study was done in partnership with the analytics firm Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Happiness isnt just about wealth or growth ~ its about trust, connection and knowing people have your back, said Jon Clifton, the CEO of Gallup. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other. Researchers say that beyond health and wealth, some factors that influence happiness sound deceptively simple sharing meals with others, having somebody to count on for social support, and household size. In Mexico and Europe, for example, a household size of four to five people predicts the highest levels of happiness, the study said. Believing in the kindness of others is also much more closely tied to happiness than previously thought, according to the latest findings. As an example, the report suggests that people who believe that others are willing to return their lost wallet is a strong predictor of the overall happiness of a population. So one must find the light at the end of the tunnel ~ would families survive if their friends and relatives reached out to them, if they reached out to their friends and relatives? In earlier days with joint families, and societies being much more closely knit, much more supportive of ones kin and neighbours, it would be hard to imagine circumstances where entire families could choose to end their lives. The growing importance of virtual friendships and relationships no doubt add fuel to the flames of isolation and loneliness. Solitude and depression become a commonplace circumstance instead of being of rare occurrence. Virtual existences, instead of binding and bringing people closer in warm bonds of camaraderie, in physical proximity to each other and in forging genuine relationships, fan the frosty breeze of separation and solitariness. But Camus urges us to think positively. In the preface to The Myth of Sisyphus, he writes, The fundamental subject of The Myth of Sisyphus is this: it is legitimate and necessary to wonder whether life has a meaning; therefore it is legitimate to meet the problem of sui cide face to face. The answer, underlying and appearing through the paradoxes which cover it, is this: even if one does not believe in God, suicide is not legitimate. Written fifteen years ago, in 1940, amid the French and European disaster, this book declares that even within the limits of nihilism it is possible to find the means to proceed beyond nihilism. In all the books I have written since, I have attempted to pursue this direction. Although The Myth of Sisyphus poses mortal problems, it sums itself up for me as a lucid invitation to live and to create, in the very midst of the desert. And hence, concluding in words of Camus again: I leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain! One always finds ones burden again. But Sisyphus teaches the higher fidelity that negates the gods and raises rocks. He too concludes that all is well. This universe henceforth without a master seems to him neither sterile nor futile. Each atom of that stone, each mineral flake of that night filled mountain, in itself forms a world. The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a mans heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy. So life may be a desert, but it is up to us to create forests in it, we may be given a huge stone to roll up a mountain knowing very well that it will roll back, but it is we who will have to accomplish the feat, its we who will have to arrange to have meals together, and look out for each other, its we who will have to return lost wallets and show kindness to others, its we who will have to feel the breeze and the sun on our skin and start living, start wanting to live like the toad and all living beings, its we who will have to stop being lotus eaters and start seeking like meaningfully, not just spending it like a burden. It is up to us to be happy Sisyphuses. (The writer is Associate Professor, Economic Research Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata) How is the situation of womens rights and their role as bridge-builders today, connecting between the multilateral and local settings? A recent seminar at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), hosted by its International Studies Center, elaborated upon the situation in a world witnessing tumultuous changes. Notably, there has never been a woman UN Secretary General, nor, for Thailand, a woman Minister of Foreign Affairs. Less than 20 per cent of key politicians at the national and local levels in this country are women. Yet, there has been some progress due to welcome changes of laws, policies and practices, such as the countrys Gender Equality Act. Of course, the countrys Prime Minister is a woman, but the fate of her aunt, also a PM, overturned by a coup detat, should not be overlooked. The fickleness of international and national politics interplays with the fate of womens rights, especially their implementation. Advertisement Currently, the post-World War II multilateral framework is being compromised, if not dismantled, by rampant nationalismcum-transactionalism, with an introspective vibe at the apex of the superpower level. There is an ideological undercurrent which seeks to stifle a more liberal interpretation of womens rights and to upstage the gains which have been enjoyed by all, including the impetus from the UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Beware of the rambunctious chauvinism emanating from key international players, whether in peace or in war! The global community and friends of womens rights need to be more strategic in these fluctuating times. Advertisement The most prominent instrument safeguarding womens rights is the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The CEDAW Committee which supervises the treatys implementation has been broadminded to interpret womens rights to cover sexual orientation and gender identity, shaping welcome space also for lesbians and transgender communities. A couple of years ago, it ruled in a seminal case concerning a South Asian country that an old colonial law prohibiting same sex relations between women was in breach of the CEDAWs anti-discrimination provisions. This is complemented well by Thailands most recent reform with a marriage equality law enabling same sex marriages. That openness to change needs to be well protected. If there are cracks in the nodes of multilateralism today, the advocacy to sustain and strengthen advances on the part of humanity needs to be astutely supported. The CEDAW remains important. The SDGs, especially their targets to eradicate gender-based violence and discrimination, are value added for global and national programmes propelling gender-transformative change. To this should be added the need to realign global partnerships and alliances so that beyond the superpower realm, countries of the middle to higher power spectrum must cooperate more resolutely to overcome the assistance-cum-protection vacuum. Interlinking between the multilateral and the local, there was the visit to Thailand by the UNs Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls at the end of 2024 whose advice needs to be better disseminated. This Group is one of the Special Procedures under the UN Human Rights Council emerging from the UN Charter, rather than from a human rights treaty such as the CEDAW. What has this Working Group recommended to Thailand? Among a myriad number of findings, some are particularly significant. In the field of civil and political rights, it called upon the Thai authorities to address more the issue of gender-based violence and harassment against women politicians and other members of the public, together with more womens gateways to the top of the power stratum. It expressed concern as regards Strategic Litigation against Public Participation (SLAPP) against women human rights defenders (WHRD), especially the charges brought against at least 470 WHRDs for participating in pro-democracy activities since July 2020 and (it) urges the Government to refrain from suppressing their freedom of expression and assembly and to ensure their protection in accordance with international human rights standards. On the economic front, the Group called for more participation of women at the top of the employment ladder, supporting action to share the multiple loads of women in housework, child care, and workplace, with an assurance of equal wages. While recognizing a high proportion of women in education, it encouraged more space for women in the science and technology field. On family and social matters, it underlined discrepancies in the Thai nationality law and the challenge of early marriage among girls in parts of the country, coupled with polygamy in Southern Thailand. It can be added that there are no women religious judges and there remains the blockage from a male-dominated religious hierarchy. With regard to the new marriage equality law, it advised that if a person has reached the age of 18, permission from the parents to marry should not be needed. The advent of climate change and environmental degradation takes its toll among women and the Group advised a gender-responsive approach to climate-related mitigation and adaptation. It then singled out the issue of intersectionality whereby women and girls are affected multiply via a variety of statuses and situations, including disabilities, security in Thailands Southern Provinces, women in detention, refugee, migrant and displaced women, ethnic minority and indigenous women, gender diverse and older women. Finally, it called for adjustments to ensure that the existing domestic violence law and the gender equality law comply with international standards. The weakness of the former is that it is based on too much mediation without accountability, while the loophole of the latter is that it is constrained by national security and religious grounds. The country also needs a comprehensive anti discrimination law. Those propositions will doubtlessly be re-visited when the country next appears before the CEDAW Committee, tentatively in 2025. Ostensibly, womens rights and roles as bridgebuilders of peace, human rights, democracy and sustainable development, connecting between multilateral/international standards and local wisdom, are at the heart of every society, without exception. And navigating the uncharted course of the future will invite not only dexterity and creativity but also empathy for all. (The writer is Professor Emeritus at Chulalongkorn University and a UN Special Rapporteur under the UN Human Rights Council who wrote Thailands first report for the CEDAW.) Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the Rash triya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur is more than just a routine event ~ it is a powerful political signal. As the ideological fountainhead of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, the RSS wields considerable influence over the partys direction, policies, and electoral strategies. Mr Modis visit, therefore, is not just symbolic but a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted ties between the government and the Sangh. This meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat comes at a crucial juncture, when the nation is on the cusp of another election cycle and the BJP faces both opportunities and challenges. The party has maintained a strong electoral presence, but with opposition forces regrouping and public discourse around governance and policy intensifying, Mr Modis presence at the RSS headquarters could be seen as an attempt to consolidate ideological and organisational support ahead of the political battles to come. Advertisement The RSS has long been the backbone of the BJPs grassroots mobilisation efforts, ensuring electoral victories through disciplined cadre work and ideological propagation. It is no secret that many senior BJP leaders, including Mr Modi himself, have deep RSS roots. While the Prime Minister has, at times, sought to carve out a distinct image of governance focused on development and national security, the RSS remains an indispensable part of the broader political ecosystem that sustains the BJP. His visit signals that despite any apparent divergences, the government and the RSS remain aligned in their larger vision for the country. One must also consider the internal dynamics at play. Mr Modis relationship with the RSS has seen phases of both synergy and strategic distance. Advertisement While his government has championed policies that align with the Sanghs nationalist vision, it has also, at times, taken a pragmatic approach that diverges from traditional RSS positions. Economic reforms, foreign policy manoeuvers, and governance priorities have not always been in lockstep with the RSS worldview. This visit could be an effort to smooth over any differences, ensuring continued cooperation as the party and its parent prepare for future challenges. For Mr Bhagwat and the RSS leadership, Mr Modis visit serves as an acknowledgment of the Sanghs enduring relevance. While the RSS does not directly participate in electoral politics, its influence is undeniable. By hosting the Prime Minister, Mr Bhagwat reiterates that the organisation remains central to shaping the ideological and strategic discourse of the ruling dispensation. Ultimately, the visit to Nagpur is a reminder that in Indian politics, ideological anchoring is as important as electoral arithmetic. Mr Modis visit to the RSS headquarters underscores the symbiotic relationship between the party and its ideological mentor. Whether this is a show of strength or a necessity dictated by the political moment, one thing is clear ~ the RSS continues to hold significant sway over the countrys political trajectory. The 25th session of the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) concluded on Wednesday in Bangkok, Thailand. This meeting, which precedes the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on April 3 and the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on April 4, finalised key documents and set the agenda for the upcoming discussions at the Ministerial and Summit levels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Thailand on April 3 to attend the BIMSTEC summit. After the summit, he will visit Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6. Advertisement The major outcomes of the 25th SOM include: Advertisement The finalisation of the Draft Declaration of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which outlines the vision, decisions, and directives to be adopted by the heads of State/Governments during the Summit. The finalisation of the Draft Report of the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting, which will be considered and adopted by the Foreign Ministers during their meeting. The consideration of the Report of the Eminent Persons Group on the Future Direction of BIMSTEC. This report includes recommendations to reform and revitalise the regional grouping and will be reviewed by both the Foreign Ministers and the leaders during the Summit. The consideration of various other reports, including those from meetings held since the 24th SOM, as well as the proceedings of the BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee. The review of the Panel of Auditors Report for the Financial Year 2014-2015, providing an overview of BIMSTECs financial status. The finalisation of the Draft Concept Note on the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence on Tropical Medicine, which aims to serve as a framework for establishing the Center in Bangkok, Thailand. The draft Joint Statement on the Impact of the Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake on March 28, 2025, underscoring the urgency of establishing the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Disaster Management in India. The statement will be adopted by the leaders during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. The BIMSTEC SOM serves as a key decision-making mechanism for the regional organisation, bringing together foreign secretaries and senior officials from the member states. The delegations expressed their gratitude to the government of Thailand for successfully hosting the 25th SOM, paving the way for the upcoming Ministerial Meeting and Summit. BIMSTEC, comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, focuses on cooperation in seven key sectors: Agriculture & Food Security, Connectivity, Environment & Climate Change, People-to-People Contact, Science, Technology & Innovation, Security, and Trade, Investment & Development. It also addresses eight sub-sectors, including the Blue Economy, Mountain Economy, Energy, Disaster Management, Fisheries & Livestock, Poverty Alleviation, Health, and Human Resource Development. With these developments, BIMSTEC member states are positioning themselves for stronger regional cooperation to address pressing challenges and opportunities across the Bay of Bengal region. The Houthi group reported on Tuesday that US forces have carried out 22 airstrikes on its targets in Yemens northern Sanaa and Saada provinces over the past several hours. According to a brief statement broadcast by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, five airstrikes at dawn targeted the Jarban area in the Sanhan district southeast of Sanaa, while two others hit the Bani Matar district west of the capital. Advertisement The statement further indicated that Saada, a stronghold of the group, was subjected to 15 US airstrikes overnight, but did not disclose specific locations targeted. Advertisement The attacks came one day after US airstrikes killed two people and injured a child in Bani Qais in Yemens northwestern province of Hajjah on Monday, according to residents and local health authorities, Xinhua news agency reported. The US military has resumed airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in northern Yemen since March 15 in a bid to deter the group from attacking Israeli targets, the US Navy, and international shipping lanes in the region. However, the Houthi group responded by affirming its unwavering support for Gaza. It has resumed attacks on Israeli targets and US military vessels in the Red Sea, as Israel ended a January ceasefire with Hamas and restarted military operations in Gaza. US President Donald Trump vowed on Monday that strikes on Yemens Houthis will continue until they are no longer a threat to US ships. The choice for the Houthis is clear: Stop shooting at US ships, and we will stop shooting at you, Trump said on his Truth Social platform, declaring that the Houthis had been decimated by relentless strikes over the past two weeks. Earlier in the day, the Houthis said in a statement that it had shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Yemens central province of Marib. Our air defences shot down a hostile American MQ-9 drone in the airspace of Marib province, using a locally manufactured missile, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by the groups al-Masirah TV. US President Donald Trump announced a baseline rate of 10 per cent on all imports and higher individualised rates for dozens of countries, including 26 per cent for India, 34 per cent for China and 20 per cent for the EU. The levies are half of what the US deemed the trading partner countries imposed on goods from America, a combined total of tariffs and non-monetary barriers. Trump said the lower rates are because Americans are kind people. Advertisement Other countries hit with higher rates are the UK, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, the EU, Vietnam, Cambodia, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Many of the targeted countries are treaty allies of the US, but Trump said, friends have been more unfair to the US on matters of trade than foes, reiterating his long-running beef with countries with high trade surpluses with the US or those that he has perceived levy high import duties on American goods. Advertisement India, very, very tough, President Trump said on Wednesday, reading out the new levies from a chart brought up to him by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick at the presentation. Very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left. Hes a great friend of mine, but I said, Youre a friend of mine, but youre not treating us right. They charge us 52 per cent. You have to understand that we charge them almost nothing. The Indian levy on imports from the US as calculated by the US in this instance follows a formula that includes both monetary and non-monetary levies and barriers. The new American levy on imports from India was put at half, 26 per cent. The US President was referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the White House in February, among Trumps first foreign visitors. He has spoken warmly of the Prime Minister and their friendship but has also refused to concede because of it. He went on to explain why the reciprocal tariffs are not as highly feared. Because we are being very kind, were kind people, very kind, Trump said, explaining the new levies. We will charge them approximately half of what they are and have been charging us, so the tariffs will not be reciprocal. I could have done that, I guess, but it would have been tough for a lot of countries who didnt want to do that. Reading out from the chart, Trump said the Chinese levy on US imports added up to 67 per cent, so were going to be charging a discounted reciprocal tariff of 34 per cent, I think; in other words, they charge us, we charge them, we charge them less. About the EU, a collective of 27 European countries of which 23 are members of the US-led military alliance NATO, he said, Theyre very tough, very, very tough traders. You know, you think of the European Union, very friendly. They rip us off. Its so sad to see. Its so pathetic. 39 per cent were going to charge them. 20 per cent, so were charging them essentially half. Vietnam, he said, had great negotiators, great people. They like me. I like them. The problem is they charge us 90 per cent. Were going to charge them 46 per cent tariff. Taiwan, which he said, took all of our computer chips and semiconductors. We used to be the king, right? We were everything. We had all of it. Now we have almost none of it, except the biggest company is coming in. Theyre going to have, were going to end up with almost 40 per cent. Setting up the announcement, Trump said, April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day Americas destiny was reclaimed, and the day that we began to make America wealthy again. Going to make it wealthy, good and welcome. For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike. As before, he used the phrase Liberation Day to describe the event. Trump views the reciprocal tariffs and other tariffs that he has announced as tools for reducing the trade deficit with trading countries, bringing back manufacturing to the US, forcing trading countries to lower their levies on American goods and removing trade barriers to allow American companies more access to their markets. The American President has so far announced four rounds of tariffs a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10 per cent tariff on China, and a 25 per cent duty on all imported cars, trucks and auto parts. He has indicated more sector-based tariffs, such as pharmaceuticals. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of implementing projects in the fields of transportation and logistics, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, during her meeting with the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on the sidelines of the "Central Asia European Union" summit, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, the prospects for developing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union in various sectors of the economy, digitalization, and innovation were also discussed. The parties positively assessed the start of procedures for concluding an agreement on simplifying the visa issuance process between Kazakhstan and the European Commission. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted that the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation remains the foundation for the multifaceted interaction between Kazakhstan and the EU. The President outlined four priority areas where Kazakhstan has the potential to deepen cooperation with Europe. These include energy, the implementation of major infrastructure and industrial projects, expanding transportation and logistics networks, and digital innovations, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence. For her part, Ursula von der Leyen noted the importance of implementing projects in the field of transportation and logistics. She also congratulated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the opening of a large rare earth metals deposit in Kazakhstan. The interlocutors agreed to continue working within the framework of the C5+EU dialogue platform and also discussed current regional and international issues. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is in Uzbekistans Samarkand to participate in the "Central Asia European Union" summit and the international conference "Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Threats." Earlier, he held a meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the World Bank have engaged in discussions regarding potential cooperation opportunities within the Country Partnership Framework for 2025-2029, CBA Governor Taleh Kazimov said in a post on his official X page, Trend reports. "We had a productive meeting at the Central Bank with a delegation led by Rolande Pryce, Regional Director for the South Caucasus at the World Bank (WB). During the meeting, we discussed projects and initiatives implemented within the framework of our long-standing and successful partnership with the WB. We also exchanged views on potential areas of cooperation under the Country Partnership Framework for 2025-2029," the post reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel India is one of the five fastest-growing markets for Starbucks globally. Though India is primarily a tea-drinking nation, the number of coffee drinkers is also growing significantly and there is a huge potential for future growth. Though size-wise, the United States is the largest market for Starbucks, They are on a growth path in India and opened more than 80 stores in the country in 2024. It has now around 485 stores in India including smaller towns in the country. These observations were made by Sushant Dash, CEO, TATA Starbucks, in an interaction with THE WEEK Growth is now coming in from everywhere in the country. We have opened outlets in smaller towns such as Raipur, Salem, Nellore, Gangtok etc. In Mumbai, we have 100 stores followed by Delhi where we have 75 stores and now we have opened our 50th store in Bengaluru. Altogether we are present in around 77 towns in India and growing day by day, remarked Dash during the interaction. Dash mentioned that Shanghai city in China tops the world with the largest number of 1000 stores for Starbucks anywhere in the world. He said that a lot of innovations were on in India and they were keeping the Indian taste preferences in mind while opening their stores in the country. For instance, Dash observed that consumers in India consume small quantities of coffee in one go compared to the US where they prefer large quantities so they had designed. Keeping this in mind they have designed 'Picco' small quantity of coffee serving for India. Similarly in the US, they prefer only coffee at many stores but in India, people prefer to eat something alongwith coffee and a place where they can sit and relx. Dash also said that they had designed many food menus keeping the local taste preferences in mind. He said that in Bengaluru they had reached a landmark 50th store which is the city's first drive-thru store marking the initiation of Starbucks' next phase of growth across southern India. At the same time they have plans for a new reserve store in India, located in Bengaluru, later this year. The new drive-thru store has signage in English and Kannada and the space reflects the citys tech-forward energy and its deep-rooted coffee culture. Curated artwork and a vibrant accent ceiling add to this store's environment, while indoor and outdoor seating encourages moments of connection. The menu offerings include Arabica coffee sourced from Indian estates and also local flavour palettes with local favourites like masala chai and filter coffee. Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Taa Consumer Products Limited. The venture has around more than 4,000 partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee. Bike taxi services in Bengaluru will be stopped in six weeks as the Karnataka High Court has directed the bike taxi aggregators like Rapido, Uber and Ola not to operate unless the state government issues relevant guidelines and rules under the Motor Vehicles Act. A single judge, Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad, on Wednesday, passed the order while dismissing a batch of petitions filed by Uber India Systems Private Limits, Ani Technologies Private Limited, Roppen Transportation Services Pvt Ltd and others and gave the state government a three-month deadline to frame the necessary rules and guidelines. The HC ruling has caused distress to students and young executives, who are dependent on bike taxis, which serve as cost-effective and better alternatives to public transport. The Namma Metro train fares were hiked by 50 per cent, the bus fares revised by 15 per cent, and diesel prices shot up by 2 and the poor last-mile connectivity, the unruly auto drivers and the poor condition of the city roads, had made bike taxis popular due to their affordable rides (10 per km). But the latest ruling has dealt a strong blow to Bengaluru-based startup Rapido and other bike taxi platforms like Uber and Ola. Rapido spokesperson, in a statement, said: "The High Court of Karnataka has directed aggregators to cease bike taxi operations after six weeks and has accordingly instructed the state transport department not to take any adverse action during this period. Karnataka-born Rapido is concerned about the welfare of the lakhs of bike taxi captains onboarded on the platform and will evaluate and pursue appropriate legal remedies once the detailed order is made available." While the commercial use of privately owned (white-board) two-wheelers had led to states like Delhi and Maharashtra banning them, states like Goa, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have permitted bike taxis and rental services to operate. In February 2024, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued an advisory stating that motorcycles qualify as contract carriages as per Section 2(7) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It urged states and Union territories to process contract carriage permits for motorcycles too. However, it is the prerogative of the states to frame guidelines and grant permits to bikes as transport is a state subject. Two days back, the Maharashtra cabinet gave its nod for bike taxis to operate in the state. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the bike taxi policy would generate 25,000 jobs and clarified that only electric bike taxis would be allowed to ply. Karnataka, on the other hand, was the first state in the country to launch an electric bike taxi policy in 2021. But it does not allow private and non-EV two-wheelers to be used as bike taxis. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who welcomed the high court order, said the app-based platforms were operating without any regulation, raising safety concerns of the customers. The government contended that it could not grant licence under the Karnataka On-demand Transportation Aggregator Rules 2016, as it did not include motorcycle aggregators. Bharat Forge supplied 100 guns, including 18 Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGs), to several countries, including those in Europe, said the company chairman Baba Kalyani, adding that the company intends to become the largest artillery producer in the world. "We exported artillery guns to Europe even before supplying them to the Indian Army. As a matter of fact, last year, we supplied 100 guns to a European country, including 18 ATAGs," Kalyani said at a press conference. ALSO READ: Why India decided to wet lease 60-year-old KC-135 aircraft from US military contractor Metrea for IAF, Navy According to him, many countries around the world are showing interest in the guns the company has to offer. He noted that India is now not only capable of manufacturing its own artillery guns but also exporting them to European nations, and called this a great feeling. Kalyani added that the company sees immense opportunities worldwide. "Our goal is to become the largest artillery producer in the world, hopefully by 2030. To achieve this, we are setting up a significant manufacturing capacity." Kalyani further said the company manufactures all types of artillery guns, including ultralight artillery guns (ULH). "Currently, we are developing artillery guns capable of firing on the move." ALSO READ: 330 Dhruv advanced light helicopters out of action for another three months Last year, exports accounted for nearly 90 per cent of our sales. This year, we have planned for almost 80 per cent of our sales to come from exports. The global market is opening up for us, and we aspire to become a supplier to the US Army, the French Army, the British Army, and other global defense forces in the future," he said. Observing that today, many countries are facing a significant shortage of defense hardware and manufacturing capacity, he said, "While there is no doubt that they possess advanced technologyperhaps even superior to ours the real challenge lies in production. The sheer volume of equipment consumed in the Ukraine war has created an urgent need for replenishment." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that the proxy war by India's "adversary" continues along the Western borders even as he praised the Indian Armys response to cross-border terrorism. Addressing the Army Commanders Conference, the defence minister said, "I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF/Police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should remain. Addressed the Army Commanders Conference in New Delhi today. Complimented the Army leadership for successfully taking ahead the Defence and Security vision of the Nation to new heights. Also lauded their approach on the infusion and absorption of cutting edge technology. pic.twitter.com/grn0UKj7UI Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 3, 2025 He hailed the high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities of India's security forces which he got to witness during his visits to the forward areas. The Army is present in every domain from Security, HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief), medical assistance, to maintaining the stable internal situation in the country. The role of Indian Army is incomparable in nation building as also in the overall national development Singh said. ALSO READ: Why India decided to wet lease 60-year-old KC-135 aircraft from US military contractor Metrea for IAF, Navy Urging the leadership to be further equipped to deal with the emerging threats, the minister said unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war, will be part of the future conventional wars. The armed forces should prepare a dynamic perspective planning addressing both the long-term and short-erm challenges, keeping in mind the dynamic geo-strategic changes and the ongoing global security scenarios, Singh said. Cyber, information, communication, trade and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts. This necessitates that armed forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies. He praised the Army for the contributions it is making in military diplomacy to further India's national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign armies and emphasised the important role of defence attaches in achieving the same. The conference, which will conclude on Friday, is focused on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration, human resource management, modernisation through indigenisation, induction of niche technologies and assessment of the impact of the various existing global situations, the defence ministry said in a release. Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the incumbent and first female Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) is a shining example of the growing Nari Shakti (woman power) in the military, said Rajnath Singh while addressing the 261st Raising Day celebrations of Army Medical Corps (AMC) at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi. Under her leadership, not only are our doctors carrying out exceptional work, the participation of women has also increased," Singh said. He pointed out that AMC has strengthened the combat medical readiness of the armed forces by introducing advanced mobile surgical units and rapid response medical teams. VIDEO | Delhi: Its the 261st Raising Day of the Army Medical Corps. I extend my greetings to all. I congratulate the medical family. AMC has played a huge role in providing medical service to the soldiers, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) while speaking at pic.twitter.com/ZFbWww9HdW Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 3, 2025 Singh urged the AMC to make use of the latest technological advancements to provide quality health services to India's soldiers even as he acknowledged its efforts of adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and carrying out research in cutting-edge tech. ALSO READ: Proxy war by Pakistan still unresolved, says Rajnath Singh as he urges Army to stay prepared Indigenous trauma management system and AI-powered medical triage systems have improved emergency response time and patient care, he added. Highlighting the need to stay abreast with evolving practices in the medical field to achieve new breakthroughs, the minister pitched for encouraging simulator-based training, wherein expertise in a medical procedure is achieved through machine-based learning. He also spoke about the need for additional research and training centres for the personnel to achieve this proficiency. Civil-military convergence in the field of defence technology is important for the overall development, he said, while hailing AMC for working with academia such as ICMR, IITs & AIIMS and medical organisations of other countries. A month after Kieran Culkin secured an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, the comedy flick is now available for streaming on JioHotstar starting today (April 3). A Real Pain follows the journey of Benji and David, two cousins with polar opposite personalities, who embark on a journey to Poland in honour of their late grandmothers Polish heritage. Stuck in a tour group of elderly citizens, the trip spirals into a series of mishaps, interwoven with moments of self-discovery. Helmed and penned by Jesse Eisenberg, the Oscar-nominated film stars Eisenberg, Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, and Kurt Egyiawan. ALSO READ | Jesse Eisenberg reveals The Social Network producers warned him not to meet Mark Zuckerberg The story hits close to home for Eisenberg, a Jewish thespian, who disclosed in an interview with CBS that he landed on the idea when a pop-up advertisement showed up on his screen just as he was battling writers block. Auschwitz tour (with lunch), it read, which struck him as odd a perfect premise for a film. Speaking to the publication, he said, "I come from a family who survived the war; a lot of, you know, cousins, aunts, and uncles who didn't. And yet, I walk around New York City, like, kind of miserable. Like, I'm not, like, a happy person. I'm not asking for pity or anything; I'm just recognizing objectively, like, I'm not a happy person. And yet, I come from people who survived through miracles. ALSO READ | Oscars 2025: Complete list of winners A Real Pain was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. The film also bagged two BAFTAs Eisenberg for Best Original Screenplay and Culkin for Best Supporting Actor three Critics Choice Award nominations, where it clinched Best Comedy, and four Golden Globe Award nominations. Actress Anupriya Goenka, who recently starred Hindi spy thriller flick Berlin, has recalled a few times her male co-stars crossed the line with her set. During a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Goenka disclosed two incidents one where a co-star got excited performing an intimate scene with her, and another where the co-star placed his hands on her lower back. The 37-year-old said, Once, I wouldnt say that the person was taking advantage of me; rather, an excitement took over. I could see that he was getting excited, which is not the way it should be. Then you feel a little violated and uncomfortable. These incidents happened during kissing scenes. In another instance, I was wearing clothes that werent comfortable. I had expected that he (the co-star), as a man, would know that holding a woman by her waist is easier in such scenes. But he almost put his hands on my butt, which wasnt required. He could have put his hands on my waist. I felt it was not right. Elaborating on the latter, she said, Later, I moved his hands slightly up (to the waist) and told him to hold there and not below. But at that moment, it felt I couldn't question him about why he did that, because he would have simply said it was a mistake. I couldnt call him out at that time. But I told him, In the next take, dont do this, rather do this. He then adhered to that. With kissing scenes, you can kiss softly, but sometimes they just go at you, and thats too much to take. Goenka started her career in 2013, making her debut in the Telugu film Potugadu. Since then, she has starred in films such as Dishoom, Tiger Zinda Hai, Padmaavat, and War. Actor Val Kilmer dreamed of the woman he would marry days before he met her. The day after his dream, he immediately wrote a poem called Weve Just Met but Marry Me Please. When he went to London soon after, he saw actor Joanne Whalley in a play. He found her fascinating and followed her to a pub. Two years later, the two starred together in the film Willow (1988) and ended up getting married. Everyone knows about Kilmers prodigious talent onscreenthe way he could effortlessly transform into the tortured and troubled Bruce Wayne of Batman Forever, the brash and brawny Iceman of Top Gun or the sensitive and sensual blind masseur of At First Sight. But not many know that Kilmer was also a playwright, painter and poet. While at The Juilliard School, a performing arts conservatory in New York, where he was the youngest student ever to get admitted to the drama department, he co-wrote the play How It All Began, based on the true story of a West German radical. He also wrote, produced and directed the one-man show, Citizen Twain. According to his website, he is also a prolific artist leaning towards enamel paint on metal. His art has been exhibited in galleries and pop-up shows around the US. Kilmer is also a gifted poet. In 1987, Kilmer published his first collection of poetry called My Edens After Burns. The poems are by turns profound, philosophical and satirical. In one, titled The Pfeiffer Howls At The Moon, he wrote about former girlfriend and actor Michelle Pfeiffer. Many of his poems are inspired by his paramoursCher, Cindy Crawford and Angelina Jolie. Thirty-four years later, he published his second collection, Cowboy Poet Outlaw Madman. Many celebrities like Cher, Robert Downey Jr and Sean Penn endorsed it. A true Renaissance man, wrote Cher. He is always creating, preparing, even though hes unaware. Penn said the poems displayed effervescent talent while Downey Jr described Kilmer as a phoenix, rockstar, and hero. Upon his death from pneumonia at age 65 on April 1, actor Laurence Fuller wrote, Saddened to hear of Val Kilmer passing today. It was an amazing experience to be a small part of this legacy; we adapted from his poems four cinematic poetry projects. When we spoke about poetry, he quoted Voltaire: Poetry is the music of the soul. He expressed his love for the pieces and saw his poems this way. Few might know how instrumental poetry was to Vals journey as an artist. The world will remember him for his transformations and setting the screen ablaze with iconic characters. Ill remember him for that too for inspiring me as a young actor. But Ill also remember him as a rebel poet and artist who had the courage to collaborate with me, to take risks in this new age and to see the value of art beyond his own celebrity. RIP to a true legend, good luck on your next voyage my friend. In 2017, Kilmer revealed he was recovering from throat cancer. He had to undergo a tracheostomy that damaged his voice. It isnt easy to talk and be understood, he said in 2022. The New York Times described his voice after the procedure as something between a squeak and a voiceless roar. He might have lost the voice of an actor, but they couldnt take from him the soul of a poet. A new research has shown that atrial fibrillation (AF) can increase the risk of dementia -- more profound in younger patients than the older population. The European Society of Cardiology found that AF increases the likelihood of dementia by 21% in patients over the age of 70 and by 36% for those diagnosed with early-onset dementia before the age of 65. Research showed that with the increase in age, the association weakens. Led by Dr Julian Rodriguez Garcia of the Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia department of the Bellvitge University Hospital in Barcelona, the researchers wanted to assess the independent association between AF and dementia, a concept that was theorised but yet to be proven. The large-scale study assessed data from 2,520,839 individuals in Spains Catalonia. Participants, aged 45 and older without prior dementia, were evaluated from 2007 to 2021, out of which 79,820 patients (3.25%) had a recorded diagnosis of AF. Overall, the research recorded that AF resulted in only a 4% increased risk of dementia, but it was more prominently linked to younger patients. In patients aged 45-50, the risk of dementia was 3.3 times higher, while the association was unseen in patients over the age of 70. The authors of the study explained, Dementia is often a multifactorial condition with mixed neuropathological findings rather than a single pathophysiological process. This may explain why AF has a greater impact on younger patients, where it could be one of the primary pathogenic factors. Conversely, in older individuals, additional contributors to cognitive declinesuch as age-related neurodegenerationmay lessen the relative impact of AF. After a student accused the Banaras Hindu University of caste-based discrimination, a faculty member has now levelled the same charge. Mahesh Prasad Ahirwar, a professor in the department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, has alleged that as the senior most in his department, he should have been appointed as its head. However, on March 31, the VC appointed Sushma Ghildiyal, the Dean, Faculty of Arts, to the position. Ahirwar, who is a Dalit said, This is a grotesque form of caste discrimination. While no one from the university administration was willing to go on record, one senior member said that there would be a meeting to decide seniority. This, Ahirwar said, is not in accordance with any rules, since his seniority is an established fact, and head post is given by rotation to the senior most members for a period of three years. He is ready to approach the courts, if the university does not appoint him. Last week, an aspiring PhD student, Shivam Sonkar began a dharna outside the residence of the Vice Chancellor to protest denial of admission to the programme despite securing the second rank in the general category in the entrance exam. Earlier too the BHU administration has been charged with being casteist. Dr Shobhana Narlikar, the first Dalit woman in the country to hold the post of Chairperson in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication in the university, had to fight a long battle to get her dues. She said that her promotions were stopped since 2017. Her allegation was that whenever an interview was to be held for her promotion, it was cancelled at the last moment. Despite fulfilling all the criteria, she was not made professor. Not only were her juniors promoted, those without the requisite qualifications also got ahead of her. She said she was made head of the department only when the university had no more leeway for any more tricks. She sat on a dharna alone for weeks before the university relented. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) and the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of energy regulation, a source in the agency told Trend. The agreement was signed by Chairman of AERAs Board Samir Akhundov, and President of ANRE George-Sergiu Niculescu. The ceremony was attended by the Romanian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Vasile Soare, and representatives from both regulatory authorities. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between AERA and ANRE in energy regulation. Under the MoU, the two regulatory authorities will exchange information and best practices in various areas of energy regulation, covering electricity and renewable energy, natural gas, green hydrogen, energy infrastructure, as well as other matters. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel As the Congress party has recently declared to contest the upcoming Bihar elections in alliance with the RJD, top Congress leaders in Bihar say that the chief minister face of the alliance will be announced (by Congress) three months ahead of the elections. Aware of RJDs leverage in alliance talks, the Congress is, till then, trying to build its own political base so that it can negotiate a better tally of seats. The party, for now, is showcasing Kanhaiya Kumarits expert oratorthrough a yatra in Bihar, echoing Tejashwi Yadavs themes of jobs and migration to induce cadre enthusiasm. A senior Congress leader said, "Even though we have not declared Tejaswi the CM face, there is a mutual understanding that we have to pick up pro-people issues." And, despite the solo posturing by Congress leaders, the Congress high command has conveyed to Bihar leaders that a tie-up with RJD remains unshaken. The solo posturing, Congress leaders say, is done in a pursuit to build our own voter base. Talking about the roadmap, Congress Bihar unit president Rajesh Kumar said, in Bihar, SC population strength is more than 18 percent, and minority, too, is 18 percent. These are the biggest chunks and the upper-caste are around 4 percent. That makes it 40 percent. But we are trying to appeal to 46 percent voters of Bihar." Kumar added that the extra six percent they will try to pull from the OBC section of voters. "The government hasn't been able to address unemployment, we are going to take up that issue." Although a section of Congress is displeased with the alliance and have become disinterested towards the party's ambitions, Kumar says the party will make them understand that alliance is the need of the hour to reach a larger objective (to dethrone the BJP-JDU alliance) and they have to work in this situation for a greater good. CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat has urged ASHA workers, who have been protesting on the streets for more than 50 days, to not allow their platform to be misused. Since February 10, under the leadership of the Kerala ASHA Workers' Association (KAHWA), a dominant section of ASHA workers in Kerala has been agitating in the state capital, raising several demandsincluding recognition as employees rather than volunteers and a shift from the current 7,000 honorarium to a minimum wage of 21,000. When asked about the ASHA workers' protest at the Madurai Party Congress, Karat said that it was essential to identify who was responsible for their plight. Also read | Kerala local body polls: Will ASHA workers' month-long protest impact CPI(M)? There is no doubt that ASHA workers across India are struggling because of the central guidelines issued in 2005 by the UPA government. I remember being in Parliament when the concept of ASHA workers was first proposed as part of the rural health mission. If you look at the speeches made at the time, including mine, you will find that we strongly opposed the idea that those responsible for delivering healthcare-related services to the most remote rural areas should not receive a minimum wage. The guideline states that they will always remain voluntary helpersa policy that remains unchanged to this day, she said. The veteran politburo member added, I would say to my sisters in Kerala that we are 100% in support of ASHA workers' demand to be recognised as government employees and regular workers. Not just once or twicewe have been consistently raising our voices for this. When asked about a possible solution, Karat said that it was up to the leaders of the struggle to find one. It is not for me to find a solution, she said. But I would only request my sisters to stay united because I feel their pain, and I understand the issues at hand. As I have said before, the fundamental issue is the recognition of ASHAs as workers. Notably, the Political Resolution for the 24th Party Congress adopted at the Central Committee meeting of CPI(M) in January also takes a similar line. The Central government has set the framework for anti-labour practices in its treatment of its own employees such as scheme workers, a large majority of whom are women. It is shameful that the central government, exploiting womens desperate need to earn an income, refuses to provide even basic rights such as a minimum wage, pensions, etc., to the lakhs of workers employed in services such as Anganwadis, Mid-day Meal workers, ASHA etc. The Modi government has proved to be the most anti-worker government, says the resolution which is now being debated and discussed at Madurai. Meanwhile, in Kerala, the ASHA workers' protest has surpassed 50 days. On the 50th day, workers intensified their agitation by cutting their hair, in addition to the hunger strike. Amid the ongoing protest, Keralas Education Minister stirred controversy by suggesting that ASHA workers should send their cut hair to the central government, as the responsibility for increasing their honorarium lies with the Centre. Today, Keralas health minister held another round of discussions with ASHA workers. However, no consensus was reached. Vijoo Krishnan, general secretary of the All India Kisan Sabhathe farmers' wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)belongs to that breed of leaders who transitioned from academic studies on agrarian issues to frontline activism, organising farmer struggles on the ground. A soft-spoken leader and a Central Committee member of the CPI(M), this 51-year-old has arguably been the face of the party in several historic peasant struggles in recent years. Krishnan, the youngest general secretary in the history of AIKS, has been the key organiser of numerous farmer movements across various states, including the landmark Kisan Long March in Maharashtra. At the 24th Party Congress in Madurai, he spoke to THE WEEK. Edited excerpts from the interview: You have been at the forefront of numerous farmer movements and protests. Even in states where the CPI(M) is not considered a major electoral force, you have successfully led large farmer protests. Over the last decade, we have built numerous strugglesthey were not spontaneous uprisings but meticulously organised movements led by the All India Kisan Sabha. We have also forged strong connections with working-class and agricultural worker organisations, broadening our unity on this foundation. These have not been mere token struggles; they have resulted in decisive victories and tangible outcomes. Through these movements, many people have come closer to us. Unlike other political parties, we do not offer mass memberships. Instead, we gradually bring individuals into the party based on their active involvement in these struggles. Looking ahead, following the Party Congress, we have significant actions planned. On May 20, all central trade unions will hold a general strike. The Kisan and agricultural workers unions will organise a nationwide rural strike (Grameen Bharat Hartal) on the same day. On June 26, the electricity sector will go on strike, and we, as an organisation, have committed to actively supporting them. This marks a new phase. Previously, farmers' participation in working class movements was limited to expressions of solidarity, such as attending events and giving solidarity speeches. Now, we are actively engaged in their struggles, just as they are in ours. This shift is creating fresh momentum, and while many well-wishers and observers expect quick results, our focus remains on sustained and meaningful change. How are these struggles helping you earn back strength electorally? The notion that a significant political shift will immediately follow movements like the Kisan Long March or the farmers struggle is mistaken. If we examine the history of the Communist movement in Indiabe it in Kerala, Tripura, or Bengalit has been built through relentless struggles since the 1930s, or even earlier. Take Kerala, for instance. From the 1930s, there were continuous movements for land rights, against feudal landlords, and for workers' rights. It was through this sustained struggle that, by 1957, the political base expanded, enabling the party to come to power. Gaining governance was crucial to implementing land reforms. A contrast can be seen in Telangana, where despite strong struggles, severe suppression by the government eroded many of the gains made against feudal landlords, as there was no supportive government in place to sustain those achievements. This underscores the importance of political power in translating movements into lasting change. In the coming days, even larger struggles are on the horizon. The left alternative to the neoliberal economic policies and the corporate-communal regime will be widely popularised. Now is the time for a generational shift in the CPI(M)'s leadership. New general secretary will come. In the Politburo itself, at least six to seven new members will be inducted, bringing fresh faces and new energy. How will this transition shape the partys direction? Additionally, how will the agenda set here and the resolutions passed impact the broader leftist movement in India? The party has introduced two significant changes: a three-term limit for secretaries at all levels, from the branch upwards, and an age limit. The three-term rule alone has sparked a major shift, bringing in a wave of young leaderssomething largely overlooked by the media. They are people who have emerged from struggles. As I travel across the country, I see many of my contemporaries and even younger comrades rising to positions such as district and area secretaries. Along with this, the age cap of 75 has also been introduced. Yes, this means some of the experienced leaders have to step down, but the party operates as a collective leadership. The Central Committee, the partys crucial decision-making body is supreme in between two Party Congresses. Its position is also binding on the Politburo. It clearly implies that the leadership remains a shared responsibility and we work as a collective. With a significant influx of young leaders, I see this as a positive change. The agenda set here is clear: enhance the independent strength of the CPI(M) while reinforcing left unity. Having been involved in left politics since 1995, I recall a time when CPI(M-L) Liberation and CPI(M) rarely shared a platform. But today, we work together. CPI has always been a part of this alignment, and in struggles involving the working class, trade unions, farmers' movement, struggles of students, youth etc, all left organisations are now coordinating more closely than ever. This growing unity is driven by a shared recognition of the dangers we face. No single force is enough to resist these challenges; only a united action can mount an effective resistance. This realisation has taken root across the left spectrum. Despite a reduced parliamentary presence, we remain on the front lineswhether it is fighting for people's livelihoods or standing against communal attacks. We are there on the streets. At the Party Congress, you are raising the slogan Socialism is the Alternative. This has always been a part of the partys programme, with socialism as a core principle. However, the challenge now is to effectively communicate this vision to the people. What is the alternative we are advocating? What does this socialist alternative look like? A relentless campaign to popularise our alternatives will happen now. Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Sri Lanka marks a crucial moment in the bilateral relations between the two countries. This is Modis fourth visit to the Island nation after he took over as the Prime Minister in 2014, and is likely to change Indias engagement with Sri Lanka. The first two visits in 2015 and 2017 saw a focus on bilateral exchanges between the two countries, whereas the third visit in 2019 following the Easter bombings in Colombo focused on solidarity. Modi's highly-anticipated 2025 visit comes amid a huge political transformation in Sri Lanka. The new dispensation, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, that came to power in November 2024, wants to engage with India and capitalise on Indias economical and technological prowess. In December 2024, two months after taking charge as the President, Dissanayaka called on Modi in Delhi, to discuss the need for bilateral relations. Sri Lankan sources say that the key highlight of the visit will be the signing of eight MoUs covering energy, digital connectivity, defence and training, and more. The two leaders will also discuss regional security, digital infrastructure, connectivity, and the Palk Bay fisheries conflict. Modi will also inaugurate the railway modernisation project, funded by Indian assistance. This project aims to improve transportation networks, boost trade logistics, and enhance regional connectivity. In that regard, the Prime Minister will launch the Sampur Power Plant at Trincomalee, in North-eastern Sri Lanka. This project, which has been in the cards for the past few years, is a milestone initiative by India and Sri Lanka in energy security, aimed at reducing Sri Lankas burden on energy exports. In a statement shared by the Indian High Commission in Colombo, Modi expressed confidence that his visit would help in building on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening our close relationships for the benefit of our people and the wider region". Modis visit to Sri Lanka from April 4-6, follows the visit of Sri Lankan President Dissanayaka to India in December last year. We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of fostering partnerships for a shared future, and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives, Modi explained. However, Sri Lankas firm decision to drop the Adani Green Energy power project at Mannar in Northern Sri Lanka, is also likely to come up during Modi's visit to Colombo. Under Dissanayaka, Sri Lanka has maintained a firm non-engagement with Adani's renewable energy project, claiming that it was high on tariff. The Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdur Rahim Rather, has slammed the passing of the Waqf Bill and called it a violation of the constitutional right to religious freedom. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Rather said the bill violates Article 25 of the Indian Constitution that guarantees every citizen the right to freely practice their religion. He said the bill was an interference in personal laws. He said such actions are not acceptable. Loksabha passes the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 288 in favour of the bill 232 against the bill#WaqfBoard #WakfAmendmentBill #Wakf pic.twitter.com/oBrZaCSUM5 Bar and Bench (@barandbench) April 2, 2025 Article 25 ensures that individuals have the freedom to follow, express, and promote their religious beliefs without restriction. Critics of the bill believe that it undermines these rights, he said. The Lok Sabha approved the Waqf Bill after a 12-hour discussion, The BJP and its allies supported the bill, and the opposition INDIA bloc voted against it. Regional political parties of Jammu and Kashmir, including the National Conference (NC), Peoples Conference (PC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have voiced strong opposition to the Bill. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP of targeting minority rights and trying to take control of Waqf properties. She warned that such actions could have lasting consequences. Justice (retired) Hasnain Masoodi, an NC leader and former MP, termed the move as unfair to the Muslim community. No similar law exists for other religious groups, and that reforms should not come at the cost of community control over religious institutions, he said. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, custodian of Kashmirs historic and highly revered Jama Masjid, termed the passing of the bill as disturbing and unfortunate. He said concerns raised by Muslim organisations, including the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), were ignored during discussions in Delhi. Sajad Lone of PC echoed similar views, saying the bill was a clear interference in the religious matters of Muslims. He said it strips rightful custodians of their authority. The bill has sparked widespread debate, with many seeing it as a challenge to religious autonomy and minority rights in India. Supreme Court judges on Thursday resolved to make their asset details public and publish its details on the apex courts website. The apex courts move comes following a row over the alleged discovery of cash from Justice Yashwant Varmas residence in Delhi in March. The top courts judges decided to make their asset details public to ensure transparency in a full court meeting. The details regarding the assets will be uploaded on the Supreme Courts website. The declaration of assets is being done on a voluntary basis, the apex court said. "The full court of the Supreme Court had resolved that judges should make a declaration of their assets on assuming office, and whenever any acquisition of a substantial nature is made, to the Chief Justice. This also includes declaration(s) by the Chief Justice of India. Placing the declaration of assets on the Supreme Court website will be on a voluntary basis," PTI reported quoting the statement on the website. As per reports, 30 judges including Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna have submitted their declarations of assets. The declaration comes amid a huge row over the alleged discovery of cash at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma while he was a judge at the Delhi High Court. The Supreme Court has ordered an in-house inquiry and constituted a three-judge panel for the probe. The collegium transferred Justice Varma to his parent court, Allahabad High Court following the issue. However, Justice Varma has not been allotted any judicial work yet. The Allahabad High Court Bar Association and various other bar associations had met CJI Khanna and demanded withdrawal of his transfer. Earlier, the probe report by Delhi High Court chief justice over the matter was made public and it was published on the Supreme Courts website. In his statement, Justice Varma charged it was a conspiracy to malign his image. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday lashed out at BJP MP Anurag Thakur, accusing him of hurling wild allegations against him. The Congress president dared Thakur to prove his allegations or resign from the MP post. "After almost 60 years in politics, I do not deserve this. Yesterday, completely false and baseless charges were hurled at me in the Lok Sabha by Anurag Thakur. When he was challenged by my colleagues, he was compelled to withdraw his defamatory remarks," said Kharge. Thakur made the remarks on Wednesday during a discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Following an uproar, his remarks have been expunged from the records. Kharge, while speaking in the upper house on Thursday, however said the damage had already been done. All the media (outlets) have carried (it). Social media is also spreading it. His statements damaging my image and reputation has already been picked up by the social and other media," he said. Demanding an apology from Thakur, Kharge said he has no right to continue as an MP if he cannot prove his allegations. "I expect an apology from the Leader of House, that is the very least the ruling party can and must do. If Thakur cannot prove his allegation, he has no right to be in Parliament, he should resign ... And if it is proved, I will resign," said the Congress chief. Continuing his tirade, Kharge said hi is the son of a labourer and has worked hard to rise from the post of Congress' block committee president to become the president of the party. "I am such a person...If these BJP people want to intimidate me and make me bow down, then let me remind them that I will break but will never bow down," he said. With an aim to bring in more transparency and public confidence in the judiciary, 30 sitting judges of the Supreme Court have unanimously agreed to disclose their assets publicly by publishing the details on the official website. The total sanctioned strength of apex court judges is 34, including the CJI. Under the Lokpal Act, it is mandated that public servants - those earning a salary from public funds - must publicly declare their assets and liabilities, including those of their spouses and children. The decision, taken at a full court meeting on April 1, is a departure from the current practice under which judges make the disclosure to the Chief Justice of India and it is not necessary to make them public unless a specific judge on a voluntary basis and this will apply to future judges as well. With the new resolution in place, public declaration of assets will no longer be a discretionary exercise. As of now, the Supreme Court website only says that 30 judges of the Supreme Court have declared their assets. The details of the assets, however, are not available in the public domain. But soon it will be available. According to sources, the specific modalities for publishing the judges' assets declarations will be finalised in due course. The apex courts move comes following a row over the alleged discovery of cash from Justice Yashwant Varmas residence in Delhi in March. The resolution is likely to push high courts to also follow the apex court. The move comes days after the Law Ministry in the Parliament answered questions on assets owned by judges. The ministry had said that the declaration of assets is completely on a voluntary basis in line with the Supreme Court Constitution bench judgments. However, the government had clarified that no record of the assets of judges was maintained by the Centre. A full court resolution was passed by the Supreme Court in 1997, as per which, the Supreme Court judges were mandated to disclose their assets to the Chief Justice of India. On August 26, 2009, the Supreme Court passed another resolution in a full court meeting that the judges would voluntarily declare assets, which would be made public. Under the disclosure of assets, judges need to disclose their assets and liabilities along with that of their families too. However, from 2018 onwards, the voluntary declarations of assets stopped and declarations made by former judges were also removed from the website. At present, there is a list of 30 judges posted in the section related to judges' assets on the website. It says these judges have declared their assets to the CJI. According to official data, 49 of 763 High Court judges across India publicly declared assets. 29 of the 53 Punjab and Haryana High Court judges have declared their assets, followed by Delhi High Court, where seven of the 39 sitting judges have declared their assets. In Madras High Court, five of the 65 sitting judges have declared their assets, followed by three of the 44 judges of the Kerala High Court, three of 12 sitting judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, one of 50 sitting judges of the Karnataka High Court and one of 16 sitting judges of the Chhattisgarh High Court. Judges from 18 high courts have not declared their assets. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she would abide by the Supreme Court verdict on School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment but asserted that she could not accept it. The top court on Thursday upheld the Calcutta High Courts last year order to cancel the entire 2016 recruitment panel of the West Bengal SSC. It resulted in the loss of over 25,000 jobs. Speaking at a press conference, Banerjee expressed her emotional and moral support for the majority of deserving candidates who lost their jobs due to fraudulent practices by a few corrupt individuals. "While I have the highest respect for the judiciary and judges, I cannot accept the judgment from a humanitarian point of view," said Banerjee. She assured that the state government would ensure that the fresh recruitment process is completed within three months, in line with the Supreme Courts directive. I have asked the education minister to inform the SSC, which is an autonomous organisation, what we feel. CM Banerjee further announced that she would attend the meeting organised by those who lost jobs on March 7, urging them to remain calm, avoid mental stress and be patient. The chief minister also suggested that political motives were behind the verdict, accusing the BJP and CPIM of being responsible for the hardships faced by those who lost their jobs despite being innocent. She specifically blamed senior advocate and CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, claiming that thousands had lost their jobs due to his actions. The BJP's goal is to dismantle the education system. We will fight this battle through legal means, CM Banerjee said. If these families are left in crisis, the BJP and the CPI(M) will also be affected. If anything happens, the responsibility will be on them. The CM also blamed former Calcutta High Court justice-turned BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay. "The judge who first delivered this order in the high court is today a BJP MP," she said. "How can they speak so boldly today?" She also attacked Sukanta Majumdar, the Bengal BJP president and union minister of state for education, after he directly blamed her and her partymen for the job losses. When you first filed the case, did you ever consider who was qualified and who was not? You didnt even give the government a chance to assess the situation. Soon after the Supreme Courts verdict, Majumdar released a video message on his social media handles. He accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and CM Banerjee of sacrificing the jobs of deserving and qualified candidates to safeguard the unqualified candidates. My question is, why didnt Mamata Banerjees School Service Commission and the state government separate the qualified from the unqualified candidates? If the state government had done this in front of the honourable court, then the jobs of 25,573 people would not have been lost," the union minister said. Meanwhile, his party colleague and leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari also launched a scathing attack on the state government. He demanded the arrest and imprisonment of those in the state cabinet who were involved in the corruption. When we come to power, we promise that we will separate the tainted and untainted candidates which the state government and the school service commission failed to do, LoP Adhikari said. Mohammed Salim, the state secretary of the CPI(M) in West Bengal, claimed the Supreme Courts verdict is a testament that the entire education system of West Bengal has been destroyed by the TMC. He urged those who lost jobs to unite and fight against the corrupt regime of Trinamool. In a video message from Madurai, where the CPI(M)s 24th party congress is underway, Salim was seen attacking the BJP. The BJP will claim that they will ensure fair recruitment, but that is not the case. This has happened in other states as well. Madhya Pradesh was the first to witness such corruption. Trinamool and BJP are just two sides of the same coin. As the Rajya Sabha is debating the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stepped up her attack on the BJP government at the Centre, accusing it of bringing the bill to divide the country. Banerjee said an amendment to nullify the new provisions would be brought in when a new government is formed at the Centre. "When a new government is formed after ousting the current regime, we will bring a new amendment to nullify this Waqf Bill brought by the BJP," the chief minister told reporters in Kolkata. On Wednesday, Banerjee had taken a sharp jibe at the Narendra Modi government for its divisive agenda. "My MPs are in Delhi to speak on the Waqf issue. The 'jumla party' has only one agenda -- to divide the country. They believe in 'divide and rule'," she had said. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill with a 288-232 vote in the wee hours of Thursday after nearly 12 hours of debate. The government proposes to rename the Waqf Bill as Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill. The Bill seeks to improve the functioning of Waqf properties, address complexities, ensure transparency and introduce technology-driven management. The opposition, however, alleges that the bill is an attempt by the central government to violate" the religious freedom granted to Muslims under the Constitution. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 3. Turkmenistans Ambassador to Ukraine, Toily Ataev, met with the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Moldova, Sergey Harea, and Vice President Mihai Bilba, Trend reports, citing the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ukraine. The two sides discussed expanding partnership between the business communities of both countries. Both parties noted the significant potential for increasing trade turnover between the two nations. Turkmenistan exports mineral fertilizers, oil, and textiles to Moldova, while Moldova supplies pharmaceuticals, food products, and chemicals to Turkmenistan. Harea underscored the nations strategic imperative to amplify trade throughput with Turkmenistan. A special focus was placed on transport logistics. Ataev highlighted the strategic importance of Turkmenistan as a developing international logistics hub, underscoring the significance of the seaport in Turkmenbashi and the development of new transit corridors. One of the promising projects mentioned was the Caspian Sea Black Sea route, which connects Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Romania. The participants expressed their readiness to further intensify cooperation in business and investment. At the end of the meeting, the Turkmen side invited Moldovan partners to participate in upcoming events in Turkmenistan, including the National Carpet Exhibition scheduled for May in Ashgabat. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Calcutta High Courts April 2024 order cancelling the entire recruitment panel of the 2016 West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), resulting in job losses of over 25,000 teaching (for classes 9, 10, 11 and 12) and non-teaching staff (for Group C and D). A division bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar noted that the recruitment process was marred by widespread corruption, making it impossible to differentiate between eligible and ineligible candidates. The court ordered the state to initiate a new recruitment process within three months and allowed those not implicated in misconduct to reapply. Furthermore, it ruled that individuals whose appointments were revoked must return their salaries. Additionally, those who had previously held government jobs but left them for SSC positions can return to their former roles, provided they apply for a transfer within three months. The Central Bureau of Investigation will continue its probe into the matter, and the Supreme Court also upheld the High Courts order for an investigation against the state cabinet. On February 10, the apex court had reserved its judgement after hearing arguments from all stakeholders. CJI Khanna had earlier said that it was impossible to authenticate the accuracy of what would be the right information. Throughout the hearings at both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, it became evident that most candidates secured their jobs legitimately. However, their lives have now been changed, as they must bear the consequences of a few fraudulent individuals who obtained jobs through bribery. The proceedings at the Supreme Court, which involved 124 petitionsincluding one from the West Bengal government challenging the high courts decisionfocused on whether it was possible to distinguish candidates who benefited from irregularities from those who were legitimately appointed. Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, representing SSC, informed the court that the commissions application had classified candidates based on their involvement in irregularities. This classification was based on instances of rank jumping and out-of-panel appointments. However, the court noted that SSC had not cross-verified the data provided by M/s NYSA. M/s NYSA, responsible for processing OMR sheets, had outsourced this task to Data Scantech. The CBI reported recovering authentic scanned OMR sheet images from NYSA employee Pankaj Bansal. However, senior advocate Karuna Nandy, representing accused candidates, challenged the CBI, arguing that its charge-sheet lacked clear evidence to identify specific individuals. In a previous hearing, senior advocate Dushyant Dave, representing Group C employees, alleged that the CBI did a casual investigation on the direction of a former Calcutta High Court judge, who has since entered politics, and failed to properly distinguish guilty candidates from the innocent ones. The investigation was initially ordered by former Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who is now a BJP MP, before a division bench led by Justices Debangsu Basak and Shabbar Rashidi overturned the entire 2016 State Level Selection Test (SLST) panel for state-aided schools. The Supreme Court had called the recruitment scandal a "systemic fraud", emphasising that the state had failed to act on its responsibility of maintaining digitised records of appointments. While the Supreme Court verdict invalidated the appointment of 25,752 teachers and other staff in state-run and state-aided schools in West Bengal citing corruption in the selection process, one person will retain her job. Soma Das, a cancer-stricken teacher from Bengali teacher at Madhura High School in Nalhati-1 block of Birbhum, will get to stay in her job despite all others losing theirs in the 2016 SSC recruitment scam. The bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar upheld the Calcutta High Court verdict which retained Soma's appointment on 'humanitarian grounds'. However, Soma expressed her anguish about the others losing their jobs. "I never wanted others to lose their jobs. This verdict is not acceptable to me as many others in the entire panel were qualified. Due to some negligence on the part of the government and the commission (SSC), it was not possible to separate the qualified and the ineligible," Das told Anandabaazar Patrika. She appeared for the 9th-10th class teacher recruitment (SLST) exam in 2016. However, she was allegedly not given the job despite her name being on the merit list. A case was filed in the High Court. During her legal fight, she was diagnosed with cancer in February 2019. Despite the treatment, she continued her fight, holding sit-ins on the streets of Kolkata, demanding the job. Her plight was brought to the attention of the then-justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay. Justice Gangopadhyay then 'requested' the state government to appoint Soma. In 2022, the commission accepted that 'request' and posted her at Modhura District School at Nalhati in Birbhum. She continues to hold the position. The Division Bench of Justice Debangshu Basak and Justice Mohammad Shabbar Rashidi of Calcutta High Court too exempted Soma while her entire panel was cancelled in their verdict. Though there were other specially abled persons on the list, the Supreme Court did not consider their plea to join the work. However, they will be able to participate in the new recruitment process. Israel has launched a major expansion of its military campaign in Gaza, with Defence Minister Israel Katz declaring that the army would seize a substantial amount of territory and add them to the coastal strips existing security zones. The announcement came close on the heels of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus explicit threat to divide up the Gaza Strip, a strategy he outlined in a video statement on April 3. Tonight, we have shifted gears in the Gaza Strip. The [Israeli army] is seizing territory We are also doing another thing, seizing the Morag route. This will be the second Philadelphi route, Netanyahu said, referring to a new security corridor intended to separate the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah. Named after a former Jewish settlement that once stood between Khan Younis and Rafah, the Morag corridor aims to further fragment Gaza, compounding fears of permanent Israeli control. Netanyahu said the latest manoeuvre was intended to put more pressure on Hamas into releasing remaining Israeli hostages. We are currently dividing up the strip, adding pressure step by step, so that our hostages will be given to us, he said. Katz echoed Netanyahus aggressive stance, explaining that the newly captured areas would be added to the security zones already maintained by Israel, such as the buffer along Gazas borders with Egypt and Israel, and the Netzarim corridor, which bisects Gaza City from the south. He said the operation would involve massive expulsion of Gazas population from the combat zones, although he declined to give further details, especially about the planned extent of the annexation. The warning statements from Netanyahu and Katz came after a night of devastating airstrikes on Khan Younis and Rafah, killing at least 21 people, including a pregnant woman and nine children who were killed when a Jabaliya health clinic came under attack. The indiscriminate attacks came despite IDF claims of taking precautions to limit civilian harm. Since Israel chose to renew the offensive, abandoning the truce in place since January, Gazas health ministry has reported close to a thousand deaths, with at least 322 children among the casualties. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has also outlined demands that include total disarmament of Hamas, complete security control over Gaza and voluntary migration for Gazans. Thats the plan, said Netanyahu, adding that his government was not hiding its intentions. The Israeli military has already seized 62 square kilometres17 per cent of Gazas total land areasince October 2023, according to human rights groups. Evacuation orders have pushed residents towards al-Mawasi, a designated humanitarian zone repeatedly bombed by Israel. Ceasefire talks, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, remain stalled, with Hamas rejecting disarmament and expulsion of Gazans, demanding a full Israeli withdrawal instead. Arab nations, including Egypt, have also rejected proposals to receive Gazans, insisting they remain in their homeland. The latest escalation has drawn massive protests in Israel, especially from the families of hostages, who want an immediate deal to end the war rather than further aggression, highlighting the deepening humanitarian and political crisis. Amid the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza war crimes, Hungary has made a bold statement by announcing its decision to withdraw from ICC. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's statement came after Netanyahu visited Budapest. Hungary leaving the ICC is a "bold and principled" decision, said Netanyahu on Thursday. ! , . .@PM_ViktorOrban pic.twitter.com/eRVG9c1Ylt Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) April 3, 2025 "Hungary will exit the ICC. The government will initiate the withdrawal procedure on Thursday in accordance with the constitutional and international legal framework," said Orban's chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas. As part of the process, Hungary will formally notify the UN secretary general's office and the withdrawal will come into effect a year later. Hungary cited ICC being political as the reason behind the decision. However, the Dutch foreign minister Casper Veldkamp on Thursday said that as long as Hungary remained officially a member of the ICC, it should "fulfil all its obligations to the court". Any country being a member of the ICC is required to detain and extradite anyone subject to a warrant but Hungary had argued this law was never promulgated. "It was never made part of Hungarian law," said Gulyas. It implies that no ICC measure can be legally carried out within Hungary. In November last year, Orban said that he would "guarantee" the ICC's ruling would have "no effect in Hungary". Meanwhile, Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar posted on social media thanking Hungary for its clear and moral stance. ICC, "lost its moral authority after trampling the fundamental principles of international law in its zest for harming Israel's right to self-defence." Earlier, Netanyahu's government said that the court lost its legitimacy by issuing warrants against a democratically elected leader for exercising the right of self-defence. Orban has always supported Israels right-wing PM Netanyahu. Hungary has frequently blocked EU statements or sanctions against Israel. Since ICC warrants, Hungary's visit is Netanyahu's second foreign trip. In February he travelled to the US, which is not a member of the ICC. ICC had issued warrants against Netanyahu, former defence chief Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri after finding reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and Gallant were criminally responsible for acts including murder, persecution and starvation as a weapon of war. While, the EU members are divided over whether to enforce the warrants. Countries like Spain, the Netherlands and Finland, say that they would enforce them, while others, including Germany and Poland, suggest they could find a way for Netanyahu to visit without being arrested. France has said Netanyahu should be immune from the warrant since Israel is not an ICC member. The ICC has a membership of 125 countries. Out of them, 33 are African states, 19 are Asia-Pacific states, 20 are from Eastern Europe, 28 are from Latin America and Caribbean states and 25 are from Western European and other states. A US tourist who illegally travelled to the remote North Sentinel Island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was arrested earlier this week. Identified as Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, the 24-year-old was apprehended by the CID on March 31. He arrived at Port Blair on March 26. On March 29 roughly around 1 am, Polyakov sailed from Kurma Dera Beach for 25 km using GPS on a inflatable boat to the restricted island. He reached the northeastern coast of the island on March 30 around 10 am. World's Most Isolated Tribe - North Sentinel Island, India The Sentinelese are considered the last pre-Neolithic tribe and have viciously defended their isolation from the outside world for more than 50,000 years. Numerous reports suggest they have killed people who attempted https://t.co/CJTnhornz1 pic.twitter.com/t3NHxc3s6w RT_India (@RT_India_news) April 3, 2025 Authorities said Polyakov did a recce of the island using binoculars and blew whistle to lure out inhabitants of the island. With no one responding, he landed on the island for around five minutes to collect sand samples and left a can of Coke and a coconut for the islanders. Polyakov also recorded video of the island. Polyakov returned to the Kurma Dera Beach the same day around 7 pm when fishermen in the area reported him to the authorities. The CID arrested him and recovered a GoPro containing videos he captured at the island. His boat and an outboard motor were also seized. The authorities have contacted the US embassy and the Home Department regarding Polyokov's arrest. He had visited Port Blair in October 2024 when he tried to sail to North Sentinal on an inflatable kayak. However, the hotel staff had stopped him. Later, he came back in January and visited the Baratang Islands. He is believed to have recorded the videos of the Jarawa tribe. Who are the Sentinelese? The Sentinelese tribe are considered vulnerable and are believed to have little immunity to the diseases carried by the general population. Sentinelese are known to be aggressive towards outsiders, even killing some people who entered the island. Contacting them is punishable by up to three years in prison. In November 2018, a US missionary, John Chau, was shot to death with arrows by the Sentinelese tribe. Colleges and universities that allow events promoting antisemitism could lose federal funding under a bill reintroduced in both chambers of Congress this week. The Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act, sponsored by Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), would bar federally funded institutions from authorizing, facilitating, funding, or otherwise supporting events that promote antisemitism, as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The intention of taxpayer dollars for universities is to educate students, not promote and foster hate, Scott said in a statement. Lets make one thing clear: federal funding is a privilege and not a right. Originally introduced in the 118th Congress, the legislation comes in the wake of widespread antisemitic incidents on college campuses following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. Columbia University, a flashpoint for anti-Israel protests, recently saw $400 million in federal funds cut off by the Trump administration over such concerns. Jewish students reported being spat on and subjected to antisemitic slurs, according to the Anti-Defamation League. The bill has gained momentum as the Trump administration announced plans to audit $9 billion in federal grants and contracts to Harvard University and paused $210 million in funding to Princeton University, both of which are under scrutiny for handling antisemitism-related incidents. Sen. Katie Britt, one of the bills co-sponsors, voiced strong support. Any American educational institution authorizing, facilitating, or otherwise supporting pro-terrorism activities should lose every cent of federal funding and subsidization, she said. We must continue to send a resounding message that antisemitism has no place in America. In total, five Republican senators, 10 House Republicans, and Rep. Tom Suozzi have joined as original co-sponsors of the bill. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Lithuanias political and religious leaders joined thousands of people on Thursday to bid farewell to four American soldiers who died during a training exercise in the Baltic nation. President Gitanas Nauseda and other dignitaries were among those who stood in respect as hearses carried the bodies of the four young Americans to Vilnius airport before being flown to the United States for burial. Many of the onlookers were in tears, and Nauseda said that the reaction of the population and the military to the disappearance of soldiers was rooted in Lithuanias own difficult history. For us, it is more than a duty, it is an emotion. We have experienced trials in our history and therefore we understand well what loss is, what death is, what honourable duty is, Nauseda said in a speech to those gathered. Schoolchildren accompanied by teachers waved Lithuanian and U.S. flags to honor the soldiers, who died in an accident along NATOs eastern flank, a region that is on edge due to Russias aggression in nearby Ukraine. Leading one group was Justin Boyd, the secondary school principal of the American International School in Vilnius, who said his group was there to honor the fallen soldiers from the United States and to honor the relationship between Lithuania and America and the defensive pact that represents. Its important for us to give dignity to the fallen and to let the families know that we are with them and we support them in this time, Boyd said. The soldiers, part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were on a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle went missing a week ago, the Army said. Lithuanian, Polish and U.S. soldiers and rescuers searched through the forests and swamps at the Gen. Silvestras Zukauskas training ground in the town of Pabrade, 6 miles (10 kilometers) west of the border with Belarus. The M88 Hercules armored vehicle was pulled from a peat bog Monday and the final body was recovered Tuesday. I feel sorry for these young men, said one mourner from the town of Pabrade as he watched the hearses make their way towards the airport. I live nearby, and I know that swamp. Dangerous places for anyone who enters that area. The U.S. Army has identified the soldiers as Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan; Staff Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Staff Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California; and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam. About 3,500 soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team deployed in January to Poland and the Baltic states for a nine-month rotation as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which supports NATO allies and partners following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. (AP) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administrations new envoy to NATO are seeking to reassure wary NATO allies of the U.S. commitment to the alliance. Rubio on Thursday decried hysteria and hyperbole in the media about President Donald Trumps intentions despite persistent signals from Washington that NATO as it has existed for 75 years may no longer be relevant. Rubio and newly confirmed U.S. ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker are in Brussels for a meeting of alliance foreign ministers at which many are hoping Rubio will shed light on U.S. security plans in Europe. The United States is as active in NATO as it has ever been, Rubio told reporters as he greeted NATO chief Mark Rutte before the meeting began. And some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media and some domestic media in the United States about NATO is unwarranted. President Trumps made clear he supports NATO, Rubio said. Were going to remain in NATO. We want NATO to be stronger, we want NATO to be more visible and the only way NATO can get stronger, more visible is if our partners, the nation states that comprise this important alliance, have more capability, he said. In a statement, Whitaker said that under President Trumps leadership, NATO will be stronger and more effective than ever before, and I believe that a robust NATO can continue to serve as a bedrock of peace and prosperity. But he added: NATOs vitality rests on every ally doing their fair share. Concerns about US commitment to allies Despite those words, European allies and Canada are deeply concerned by Trumps readiness to draw closer to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who sees NATO as a threat as the U.S. tries to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, his rhetorical attacks and insults against on allies like Canada and Denmark. And Trumps Wednesday imposition of new global tariffs, which will affect allies, have added to the uncertainty and unease. Asked about concerns among European allies about a possible U.S. troop drawdown and the importance of getting clear messages from the Trump administration, Rutte said: These issues are not new. There are no plans for them to all of a sudden draw down their presence here in Europe. Indeed, the Trump administration has not made its NATO allies aware any plans it might have. But several European countries are convinced that U.S. troops and equipment will be withdrawn, and they want to find out from Rubio how many and when so they can fill any security gaps. We need to preempt a rapid retreat, but weve had nothing precise from the U.S. yet, a senior NATO diplomat said ahead of the meeting, briefing reporters on his countrys expectations on condition that he not be named. Ruttes dilemma Rutte is in a bind. European allies and Canada have tasked him with keeping the United States firmly in NATO. Around 100,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Europe along with the Navys 6th Fleet and nuclear warheads. U.S. firepower ensures that NATOs ability to deter Russia is credible. This means he cannot openly criticize Trump, who is commander in chief of NATOs biggest and best-equipped armed forces. What is clear, is that U.S. allies must ramp up defense spending even more than they already have since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine 3 years ago, so that they can defend Europe with less American help and keep Ukraines armed forces in the fight. The U.S expects European allies to take more responsibility for their own security, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said, which means that European NATO countries rapidly have to strengthen the European pillar of NATO and have to increase their defense spending. Since Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned last month that U.S. security priorities lie elsewhere in Asia and on the U.S.s own borders the Europeans have waited to learn how big a military drawdown in Europe could be and how fast it may happen. In Europe and Canada, governments are working on burden shifting plans to take over more of the load, while trying to ensure that no security vacuum is created if U.S. troops and equipment are withdrawn from the continent. (AP) Turkey has significantly increased the flow of weapons and money into Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, Kan News reported on Wednesday morning. According to the report, Turkey has its eyes on several Syrian Air Force bases, some of which were supported by Iran in the past. The most prominent of these is the Tiyas (T-4) airfield in central Syria, which the IDF attacked last week. According to Middle Eastern media outlets, Turkey recently initiated efforts to take control of the T-4 airfield and is planning to deploy air defense systems there. According to sources familiar with the matter quoted by the Middle East Eye website, construction is currently taking place to transform the facility into a permanent Turkish military presence. Turkey has begun moving to take control of the T4 air base, located near Palmyra in central Syria, the sources said. A Hisar-type air defense system will be deployed to T4 to provide air cover for the base. Once the system is in place, the base will be reconstructed and expanded with necessary facilities. Ankara also plans to deploy surveillance and armed drones, including those with extended strike capabilities. The report added that another source claimed the presence of Turkish air defense systems and drones would likely deter Israel from launching air strikes in the area. According to the Kan report, Turkey is also eying additional bases in Syria, including the Palmyra airfield, the Deir ez-Zor airfield, and the Menagh Airbase in northern Syria. According to a report by the Syrian North Press Agency, Turkey has already begun building a base inside the Menagh Airbase. Turkish forces have begun constructing a military base inside Menagh Military Airbase in northern Aleppo countryside, northwestern Syria in recent days, the report stated, citing a source. Turkish forces started transporting massive concrete slabs and logistical materials using large transport vehicles into Menagh Military Airbase, approximately six kilometers south of Azaz, to establish an air defense center. Turkey wants to turn the airbase into a fully operational air defense base, including the restoration of helicopter landing pads, as part of efforts to strengthen its military presence in northern Syria. The report added that there are claims that Turkey is also building a base in northwestern Syria near the town of Manbij. Israel is very concerned about Turkeys increased presence in Syria, which at its worst is a direct threat to Israel, and at its best, is a hindrance to the IDFs freedom of operation in the unstable country. A senior IDF official told The War Zone (TWZ): The establishment of a Turkish Air Force base in Palmyra, Syria could heighten regional tensions and increase the risk of conflict with Israel. Given Israels ongoing efforts to prevent hostile military entrenchment in Syria, any significant Turkish military presence, especially in strategic locations like Palmyra, could be perceived as a threat to Israeli security interests. Recently, Israel has conducted airstrikes against military infrastructure in the region, including the T-4 airbase near Palmyra, he added. While there have been no direct confrontations between Israeli and Turkish forces so far, the situation remains sensitive and requires close monitoring. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly warned Israel about intervening in Syria. Those seeking to benefit from Syrias instability will not succeed, Erdogan said last month. We will not allow them to divide Syria as they imagine. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu held a cabinet meeting earlier this week over increasing tensions with Turkey and conveyed a message that a confrontation with Ankara is inevitable In January, a state committee warned that Israel should prepare for a possible direct confrontation with Turkey. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Minister of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, Dorin Junghietu, will participate in the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Advisory Council on the Southern Gas Corridor and the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the Advisory Council on Green Energy, which will take place on April 4, 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Minister of Energy. "These events will bring together ministers and high-ranking representatives from the participating countries and partners of the Southern Gas Corridor, CEOs of major energy companies, as well as international financial institutions. The high-level discussions will focus on ensuring a continuous and reliable energy supply, as well as addressing key challenges in the global energy landscape," reads a message from the ministry. Reportedly, in Baku, Minister Dorin Junghietu will hold discussions with the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jrgensen, and the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Parviz Shahbazov, on critical topics related to regional energy security, productive energy cooperation, and the development of the renewable energy sector. The Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) is a strategic energy project designed to transport natural gas from the Caspian Sea region to Europe. The Southern Gas Corridor consists of three main pipeline systems: the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP), the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Its initial capacity is 10 billion cubic meters with the possibility of expanding to 20 billion cubic meters per year. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn A classified intelligence briefing on the situation in Gaza was presented to the members of the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Tuesday. A senior IDF intelligence official said in the briefing that Israel is continuing efforts to reach a hostage release deal while simultaneously carrying out intense military activity in order to exert pressure on Hamas and bring about the release of additional hostages. The senior official noted that the military actions are what led to the two previous hostage release deals. Regarding Iran, intelligence officials told committee members, There is great vigilance in Iran in light of the increase of US forces in the Persian Gulf, and there is significant concern in the country about the implications of the move. At the same time, it was reported that the United States is working to form a broad coalition that will oppose Iran. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that Israeli forces are establishing a new security corridor in southern Gaza, aiming to isolate the city of Rafah from the rest of the Strip and increase pressure on Hamas to release remaining hostages. In a video statement, Netanyahu said the IDF is securing the Morag Corridor named after a former Israeli settlement between Rafah and Khan Younis. He described the effort as creating a second Philadelphi route, echoing the corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border. Netanyahu has prioritized Israeli control of the Philadelphi Corridor in ongoing ceasefire talks, although Israel previously agreed to vacate the area by the 50th day of the January hostage deal. The IDF has also reinforced control over the Netzarim Corridor, which divides northern Gaza, including Gaza City, from the rest of the territory. Both corridors stretch from Israels border to the Mediterranean Sea and are central to Israels broader campaign to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a ceasefire and hostage deal. We are now cutting off the Strip and increasing the pressure until they give us our hostages, Netanyahu declared. The IDF has deployed a third division to Gaza, intensifying its offensive with over 50 airstrikes overnight and dozens more throughout the day. The military says the strikes targeted Hamas infrastructure, including a command center in a UN clinic in Jabalia. Palestinian sources reported over 40 deaths, including 19 at the clinic, though those numbers remain unverified. Following rocket fire from northern Gaza on Wednesday intercepted near Sderot with no casualties the IDF issued evacuation orders for Beit Hanoun and Jabalia, warning of imminent strikes. Similar warnings were issued for Rafah and the area north to Khan Younis, where Israeli troops have not yet operated extensively. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar visited troops in Rafahs Tel Sultan neighborhood, both reaffirming that the offensive would continue until the release of the 59 remaining hostages, including at least 35 confirmed dead. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beytenu party and longtime antagonist of lomdei torah, has openly called on police to prosecute the gedolim for allegedly encouraging draft evasion. His accusations, laced with contempt, were directed at none other than the Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka and leader of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, Hagaon HaRav Dov Landau shlita, as well as the former Rishon LeTzion, Harav Yitzchak Yosef shlita. Lieberman, no stranger to anti-chareidi rhetoric, claimed that Rav Landau had ordered bochurim not to report to recruitment offices, and that Rav Yosef had made remarks about discarding draft notices. In a social media post, he expressed outrage over the continued refusal of yeshiva bochurim to join the IDF, and demanded that law enforcement prosecute those who incite others to reject the draft during wartime, a move which he says is punishable by 15 years imprisonment. Knesset member Yaakov Asher (UTJ) responded sharply, mocking Liebermans Soviet roots. If the Israel Police are having difficulty, perhaps the KGB could lend a hand, he quipped. Other chareidi representatives remained silent, with one insider telling the press, We refuse to fan the flames of Liebermans sinas haTorah. Just days ago, Rav Landau issued a clear psak on the front page of Yated Neeman, reaffirming the Torah worlds stance: no yeshiva bochur should cooperate with the army. Bochurim were instructed not to speak with IDF representatives, not to respond to summons, and to contact the Vaad HaYeshivos or the newly established Lemaancha hotline for guidance. Those deemed deserters were told to avoid contact with authorities at all costs. This was not Rav Landaus first public stand. In a speech reported in Kikar HaShabbat, the Rosh Yeshiva made it clear that Torah learning is the true protection of Klal Yisrael and criticized modern distortions of Torah hashkafah, which he said had led to spiritual and even physical casualties. Meanwhile, Rav Yitzchak Yosef has previously warned that if the government removes draft exemptions for lomdei Torah, the chareidi tzibbur may be forced to leave Eretz Yisrael en masse. If you force us into the army, well go to chutz laaretz, he said at the time. According to newly released IDF statistics, of the 10,000 draft notices sent to chareidim since last summer, only 205 have responded by enlistingjust over 2%. Over 1,000 arrest warrants have been issued for noncompliance, but military police have yet to enforce them. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Israel bombed two military airbases and other targets in Syria on Wednesday night following reports that Turkey is preparing to take over the T4 airfield in Syria, which would harm Israels freedom of operation in the country. The IDF spokesperson confirmed the attacks, stating: In the past few hours, the IDF attacked remaining military capabilities at the Hama and T4 airbases in Syria, along with additional remaining military infrastructure in the Damascus area. According to Syrian media outlets, the target in Damascus was the Barzeh scientific research center. Israeli security sources said on Thursday morning that the strikes were carried out to prevent Turkey from taking over the airbases and that the T-4 and Hamas airbases were completely destroyed in the strikes, including planes, control towers, radar systems, and runways. Weapon depots, fighter jets, and hangars at the Hama airport were also attacked. An Israeli source told i24NEWS: The Israeli attacks in Syria is intended to convey a message to Turkey: Do not establish a military presence in the country and do not interfere with Israeli activity in the countrys skies.' Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued a stern warning on Thursday morning to Syrian leader Abu Mohammad al-Joulani (Ahmed Al-Sharaa). Israel will not allow Syria to become a threat to its communities and its security interests, Katz said. I warn the ruler of Syria, Joulani Katz said, referring directly to the Syrian leader. If you allow forces hostile to Israel to enter Syria and endanger Israeli security interests, you will pay a very heavy price. The Air Forces activity yesterday against the T4 and Hama airports and the Damascus area is a clear message and a warning for the future we will not allow Israels security to be harmed. Your browser does not support the video tag. Overnight Wednesday, IDF forces operated in the Tasil area in southern Syria, confiscating weapons and destroying terror infrastructure. During the operations, armed terrorists fired towards the IDF forces in the area. The forces responded with fire and eliminated several armed terrorists. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu landed in Hungary early Thursday morning for a four-day visit after receiving an invitation from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him. Hungarian Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky greeted Netanyahu and his wife at the airport with a full military honor guard. Shortly after Netanyahu arrived and minutes before he met with the Hungarian Prime Minister, Orbans office issued a statement announcing Hungarys withdrawal from the ICC. Orban had condemned the arrest warrant after it was issued, telling Hungarian media that the ICC decision was fundamentally wrong and an outrageously brazen political decision that would lead to the discrediting of international law. He also wrote Netanyahu a letter, saying he was shocked by the ICCs shameful decision and extending an invitation to visit. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded to Hungarys announcement by stating: I commend Hungarys important decision to withdraw from the ICC. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and I dealt with this matter extensively. The so-called International Criminal Court lost its moral authority after trampling the fundamental principles of international law in its zest for harming Israels right to self-defense. Thank you, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and thank you, Hungary, for your clear and strong moral stance alongside Israel and the principles of justice and sovereignty. Your browser does not support the video tag. Your browser does not support the video tag. Your browser does not support the video tag. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) sent a sharply worded letter to Lebanon on Wednesday urging the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to accelerate the implementation of the US-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel or face a possible reasssment of US military aid. We are at a critical moment in Lebanon. The Lebanese people have an opportunity to break Irans stranglehold on Beirut, they wrote. The lawmakers expressed frustration over the LAFs too slow implementation of the fulfillment of the ceasefire conditions. The US should be prepared to expand assistance to the LAF to support expeditious fulfillment of the ceasefire obligations. However, any LAF hesitancy to meet the security challenges in the south would be deeply concerning and force the United States to re-evaluate its approach, they threatened. The White House told Al Arabiya English that the US would judge the new Lebanese government based on whether it acts against the finances and terrorist capabilities of Hezbollah, to ensure that Hezbollah can never again incite a destructive war with Israel or any of Lebanons other neighbors. It should be noted that Hezbollah long ago infiltrated the highest echelons of the Lebanese Army, which has not only failed to implement the ceasefire but has even assisted the terror group. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Solid progress is being made with implementation of projects to extend Azerbaijani gas reach within the European Union, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jrgensen said in an exclusive interview with Trend on the occasion of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Councils meeting to be held in Baku April 4. The EU is working with partner countries to increase gas supplies through the Southern Gas Corridor. This is even more important as we aim to phase out our dependency on Russian fuels and diversify our energy supplies. The Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council is an important platform where we track progress on these goals, ensure the operations of the Southern Gas Corridor, address energy security challenges, and work towards achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, he said. Jrgensen pointed out that today, energy is even more a security matter. So we are committed to promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and renewable hydrogen and to explore options for a regional green energy corridor in line with the objectives of our Clean Industrial Deal and REPowerEUplans which aim to phase out our reliance on Russian fossil fuels. Advancing the green agenda goes hand-in-hand with security of supply. Energy efficiency and the expansion of renewable energy reduce gas usage, and can hence be applied where it is most needed. At the Advisory Council, we aim to strengthen mutual cooperation on gas supply and demand, while discussing the necessary infrastructure upgrades along the Southern Gas Corridor, the commissioner added. He noted that the EU aims to continue with Azerbaijan and other partner countries the development of the bilateral trade of natural gas via the Southern Gas Corridor. This is of course also subject to commercial viability and market demand. It is for market participants to assess indeed the opportunities and agree on commercial terms for higher volumes of gas, that will underpin investment in increased pipeline capacity. We are making solid progress with the implementation of a number of projects to extend the reach of Azerbaijani gas within the EU, such as the Adriatic backbone and the strengthening of the Bulgarian and Romanian energy systems. All this, of course needs to be seen also against the backdrop of decreasing gas consumption in the EU, as we advance faster to end the use of fossil fuels in our economies. Azerbaijan is playing a significant role in our effort to diversify away from Russian fuels, in the light of Russias weaponisation of energy supplies and its brutal war in Ukraine. This is appreciated and valued, said the commissioner. Jrgensen went on to add that Azerbaijan and the EU remain major energy partners for one another. In 2024, the EU imported around 11.7 bcm from Azerbaijan through the Southern Gas Corridor, 44% more than in 2021. Azerbaijani gas is reaching more and more customers across South Eastern Europe. One of our main priorities is to continue to implement the Strategic Energy Partnership with Azerbaijan. We are facilitating discussions on the gas supply outlook, market demand, and key gas infrastructure upgrades necessary, while, at the same time, advancing the clean energy transition, he said. The Commissioner noted that EU appreciates in particular the action taken by Azerbaijan over the past year to reduce methane emissions, which as a Greenhouse Gas are a major contributor to climate change. When Azerbaijan hosted and chaired the annual UN Climate Change Conference in 2024, energy transition aspects of our strategic partnership came to the forefront. The European Commission strongly supports the COP29 Global Pledge on Grids and Storage initiated by Azerbaijan. The aim of the Pledge is crucial for all: to boost global investment in energy grids, storage, and other flexibility solutions to ensure that clean energy can be deployed and consumed efficiently. This pledge to develop 1,500 GW in energy storage and 25 million kilometers of grid infrastructure by 2030 will be instrumental in taking forward the energy transition agreed at COP28 in Dubai (UAE). I truly hope it will be a source of inspiration for preparing ambitious new nationally-determined contributions in the run up to COP30 in Belem, Brazil, Jrgensen concluded. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 3. Representatives of Turkmenistan and Romania discussed the prospects of joint energy projects during the 5th meeting of the Turkmen-Romanian Working Commission on Energy Cooperation, Trend reports. The main topics of the talks included the diversification of energy resources, optimization of oil and gas transportation, and the development of renewable energy sources. The negotiations took place during the visit of the Romanian delegation to Turkmenistan, headed by Pavel Casian Nitulescu, State Secretary of the Romanian Ministry of Energy. Both sides emphasized the importance of open dialogue and the exchange of innovative ideas for the effective implementation of joint energy projects. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Romania were established in 1992, the main areas of cooperation remain energy, trade and transportation. Earlier, ahead of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of developing partnership relations with European countries, including Romania, and instructed to ensure proper preparations for the meeting. Irelands crucial pharmaceutical sector appears to have largely avoided a new US tariff rate for now, amid a broader 20% tax imposed on other goods from the European Union. But the industry, which accounts for a large portion of Irish exports, may be subjected to harsh tariffs at a later date as the White House seeks to increase domestic production. On Wednesday, US president Donald Trump announced a minimum baseline tariff of 10% on all imports from all countries, with additional higher rates for some regions including a 20% tax on goods from Ireland and the rest of the EU. The 10% rate is effective from April 5 while the individualised reciprocal higher rates will be implemented from April 9. Further information published by the White House after Mr Trumps address suggests some goods including pharmaceuticals and semiconductors will not be subject to the reciprocal tariff. Mr Trump has previously threatened tariffs on these sectors and may yet make further orders. There had been significant anxiety in Ireland in the run-up to Wednesdays announcement, with the US administrations protectionist approach to tariffs and tax posing a major risk to the Irish economy that is in large part sustained by long-standing investment by US multinationals. The potential impact on the pharmaceutical sector, which employs around 45,000 people, was a particular cause of concern. Total Irish exports were valued at 223.8 billion euro last year, with roughly one third going to the US. Of the 72.6 biliion euro in US imports from Ireland, approximately 58 billion euro relates to pharmaceuticals and chemicals leaving Ireland. It had been projected this could halve if Mr Trump had implemented a 20% tariff on the goods and the EU had responded in kind. The immediate suggestion that pharmaceuticals are not currently part of the new tariff measures comes despite both Mr Trump and his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously focusing on Irelands moves to attract that sector. The US administration could still implement higher tariffs on pharmaceuticals at a later date, with the White House warning that future good-specific or sector-specific taxes may be announced. The industry will also have to examine the specifics of the lengthy and technical list of exemptions. Irelands premier Micheal Martin travelled to Washington DC last month, where the US president told him he did not want to do anything to hurt Ireland but added that the trade relationship between the countries should be focused on fairness. He accused the Irish Government of taking US pharmaceutical companies through attractive taxation measures and said: Were going to take back our wealth and take back a lot of the companies that left. He added: All of a sudden Ireland has our pharmaceutical companies, this beautiful island of five million people has got the entire US pharmaceutical industry in its grasp. Mr Lutnick, who has described Ireland as his favourite tax scam, told a podcast last month: They have all of our (intellectual property) for all our great tech companies and great pharma companies. They all put it there because its low tax. They dont pay us, they pay them so that is going to end. During Wednesdays announcement, Mr Trump said his administration was being very kind by implementing tariffs for most trading partners that were essentially half the rate of measures it had calculated was imposed on the US. Ireland was not specifically mentioned in the address, but Mr Trump emphasised his response to the EU. He said: They rip us off, it is so sad to see it is so pathetic. They charge us 39%, were going to charge 20% so were charging them essentially half. The comments means that the US administration considers that a full reciprocal tariff rate for the EU would be 39%. On Wednesday, Mr Martin said there was no justification for the imposition of the tariffs. He said the Irish Government will now reflect with EU partners on how best to proceed. He added: Any action should be proportionate, aimed at defending the interests of our businesses, workers and citizens. Now is a time for dialogue, and I believe that a negotiated way forward is the only sensible one. A confrontation is in no ones interests. Mr Martin said the Government was prioritising protecting jobs and the economy. By working with Irish-owned companies, multinationals, our EU partners and bilaterally with the US, we can and will weather this storm. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan has exported over 45 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the countrys Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov wrote on X, Trend reports. "We had discussions with TAP CEO Luca Schieppati about the Southern Gas Corridor's strategic role in ensuring affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, the expansion of the TAP pipeline, and efforts to reduce methane emissions. To date, over 45 billion cubic meters of gas have been delivered to Europe through the TAP pipeline," the post reads. TAP facilitates the transportation of natural gas from the Greek-Turkish border to southern Italy, providing a vital supply route for gas to various European countries. As part of the Southern Gas Corridor, TAP offers a direct and cost-effective transportation solution, connecting the Caspian Sea to Europe via a 3,500-kilometer gas route. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Manny's recent quote about a "personal vendetta" deserves attention. However . . . Our readers always to demand more and here's a news fun fact that we want to share because local media can't say it . . . We only offer this truism in order to help unpack the drama . . . NOBODY CARES WHEN BLACKS & LATINOS FIGHT EACH OTHER!!! Sorry to bust everyone's bubble but that's an axiom that holds up with only a few exceptions. A quick history lesson . . . Remember that corporate media had to invent the term "white Hispanic" in order get people to pay attention to the tragic death of Trayvon Martin . . . Meanwhile, Black & Latinos shoot each other all the time, every day and with very little interest from anyone. That Zimmerman creep only endured more scrutiny than usual because he had a gringo last name. Accordingly . . . Most "urban" disputes for political power rarely inspire much attention from the MSM. And so . . . The backstory here is that this fight has been going for about two years and it's actually a sign of desperation from the Exec that's he's finally starting to push back after years of constant criticism from most of the Legislature . . . And the Legislature before this one . . . Singling out Abarca is a calculated move that didn't distract from the bigger story about property tax payback this week. And so . . . Here's more insight for news junkies who want to know more about courthouse debate that has been years in the making . . . Check-it . . . Abarca claims that Whites characterization of that email and his overall treatment of county employees is overblown and said he welcomes a full investigation. I think he intentionally wants to create this idea that Im this terrible person, and therefore all of my actions are motivated and predicated off of being upset at staff and harassing them, Abarca said. What Abarca is trying to do, he said, is hold White and the people who work for him accountable to the taxpayers on issues such as property tax reassessment. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Jackson County legislator dismisses misconduct investigation as personal vendetta An email from Legislator Manny Abarca is the latest example of behavior that warrants an investigation, County Executive Frank White says. Jackson Co. Legislator Abarca denies misconduct claims Jackson County Executive Frank White initiates independent investigation into Legislator Manuel Abarca's alleged misconduct. Developing . . . Follow-up on love lost a VERY EXPENSIVE CASE of he said/she said. Check-it . . . "A Texas judge has extended a temporary restraining order for the woman who has accused Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy of domestic violence. A court hearing was held Tuesday in Williamson County, where Tia Jones, Worthy's ex-fiance, is seeking a permanent protective order." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Judge extends temporary protective order for Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy's accuser A Texas judge has extended a temporary restraining order for the woman who has accused Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy of domestic violence. Xavier Worthy's Ex-Fiancee Tia Jones Breaks Silence With Strong Message Amid Lawsuit Saga With Chiefs WR Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy gets a strong message from his ex-fiancee Tia Jones amid the lawsuit drama over assault. Developing . . . Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. Zionist State of Israel Reneges on Ceasefire Agreement The kind of oppression and tyranny that the Zionist occupation state is currently inflicting on the Palestinian people, along with its acts of terrorism and genocide, is unprecedented Thursday April 3, 2025 8:30 PM , Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi Zionist State's Stalling in Negotiation After the battle of Al-Aqsa Flood , negotiations for a ceasefire were held between Hamas and the Zionist state of Israel, mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. It was agreed that the ceasefire would consist of three phases. The implementation of the first phase began on 19th January 2025 . This phase was set to conclude on 1st March, and negotiations for the second phase should have begun before that. However, the Zionist state started stalling the negotiations. Throughout the first phase, Hamas fully adhered to the agreement and continued to release hostages in accordance with the deal, handing them over to Red Crescent workers, who ensured their safe transfer to Israel. Despite the occupation states destruction of Gaza and acts of genocide during the war, the spirit of the people of Gaza and the members of Hamas remained unshaken. Before handing over the hostages, Hamas would set up a formal stage, bring the hostages forward, complete the paperwork with full dignity, and then transfer them to Red Crescent officials. During the first phase of the ceasefire, the Israeli government repeatedly acted provocatively and violated the ceasefire agreement in the ways that, had Hamas responded, the agreement would have collapsed. However, Hamas demonstrated its commitment to honouring the agreement. Throughout the ceasefire period, the occupation forces carried out sporadic bombings multiple times. Then, the Zionist state began demanding the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages. As negotiations for the second phase approached, the Israeli government started imposing unreasonable conditions on Hamas. One of the key terms of the agreement was the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, but the Zionist state obstructed this process and began imposing restrictions on aid deliveries. In the first week of March, officials from the World Food Programme warned that if these restrictions continued, Gazas food supplies would be depleted within two weeks. Hamas' Response Throughout this period, Hamas maintained a positive stance, enduring the Zionist state's violations of the agreement. In an effort to build further trust, former U.S. special envoy Adam Boehler requested Hamas to release an Israeli-American citizen, Aiden Alexander, who was in its custody, along with the remains of four other American citizens. Hamas agreed to this request. In exchange, 400 Palestinian prisoners were supposed to be released from Israeli custody. However, the Zionist state refused to honour the deal. The U.S. Secretary of State criticized the agreed-upon exchange formula, calling it "foolish," despite the fact that this very formula was established under U.S. mediated negotiations. Despite several Israeli provocations aimed at inciting Hamas during the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas remained committed to the agreement. However, when it was time to initiate the second phase of negotiations, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delayed sending a representative. Eventually, Netanyahu unilaterally terminated the ceasefire agreement. Trump's Statements Encourage the Occupation State Trump initially spoke about taking control of Gaza and forcibly displacing its residents. Over time, he continued to threaten Hamas and made several statements against it. In one of his remarks, Trump labeled Hamas members as a "gang of evil people." On 5th March 2025, Trump addressed Hamas and the people of Gaza through a letter posted on his presidential account on X. The language used in this letter was so inappropriate that even a person with minimal awareness would struggle to consider it fitting for the President of the United States or any civilized individual. Trump began his letter with the Hebrew word "Shalom," which can mean "greeting" or "goodbye." The full text of the letter is as follows: "'Shalom Hamas' means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you dont do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!" President Donald J. Trump When the so-called guardian of peace, the President of the United States, uses such harsh language, it inevitably leads to destruction and devastation in the world. Statements like Trump's embolden the Zionist occupation state. Following Trump's letter, the Israeli Defense Minister declared that if the Israeli hostages were not released soon, "the gates of hell would be opened upon Gaza." He then ordered his air force to begin flying fighter jets over Gazas airspace. Threats to Disarm Hamas and Evacuate Gaza The U.S. President's special envoy and Israel set a precondition for advancing peace talks: Hamas must surrender its weapons, disarm completely and evacuate Gaza. The tone and statements of Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President's special envoy for peace negotiations, suggested that President Trump was more interested in forcibly displacing Gazas residents than in achieving a ceasefire agreement. During an interview with Fox Television, Witkoff stated, "A new era of peace will begin in Gaza once the resistance fighters surrender their weapons and leave." When asked whether the resistance would accept this condition, he responded, "What alternative do they have?" According to him, leaving Gaza was the only option left for the resistance fighters. Intense Bombardment on Gaza and Martyrdom of Key Hamas Leaders On 18th March 2025 , after two months of ceasefire, Israel launched relentless airstrikes on Gaza at the break of dawn, blatantly violating international and humanitarian laws. The bombardment was so intense that Gaza echoed with continuous explosions throughout the night. According to reports, almost 500 Palestinians were martyred in a single night, including several top Hamas leaders. Gazas government media office confirmed that among the martyrs were Isam Al-Dalees, head of the government, Ahmed Al-Hasna, Minister of Justice, Mahmud Abu Watafa, Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Bahjat Abu Sultan, head of the Security Agency. A report from Asharq Al-Awsat stated that Gazas Ministry of Health announced that 412 Palestinians were martyred in the first night of Israeli airstrikes, with the majority being women and children. More than 440 people suffered serious injuries. In response, the government media office issued a statement: "We extend our condolences to the families of the martyrs and the entire Muslim Ummah. The martyrdom of our leaders will not halt our struggle; instead, we will remain steadfast in our fight for our people's freedom." Israeli Ground Invasion Orders and Forced Evacuations in Gaza Alongside the intense airstrikes, the Israeli Minister of Defense also ordered ground forces to advance into Gaza. Israeli army spokespersons Avichay Adraee and Ali issued warnings to Gazas residents, instructing them to evacuate the Eastern areas and move toward Western Gaza and Khan Yunis. On 31st March, the Israeli occupation forces issued evacuation orders for most areas of Rafah, directing Palestinians to move from the coastal tent camps toward the Al-Mawasi region. This directive strongly suggests that Israel is preparing for a large-scale ground invasion in the near future. Global Condemnation of the Massacre The United Nations, Arab countries and Hamas have strongly condemned this massacre, labeling it a crime against humanity. Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and reaffirmed its commitment to the previous truce. It has also called on the international community to pressure Israel into halting the attacks and withdrawing from Gaza. Hamas further stated that the United States is as guilty as Israel in this brutal aggression. The reason, according to Hamas, is that the Zionist state is using lethal American-supplied weapons to carry out the genocide of Palestinians. Bombing on Eid Day The occupation Israeli forces continued their bombardment of the innocent people of Gaza even on the blessed day of Eid, committing acts of genocide. According to a report, on Eid day , early in the morning, approximately eight Palestinians were martyred, including five children. The occupation army bombed a house and a tent in Bani Suheila, located east of Khan Yunis. Additionally, shelling occurred in the town of Abasan Al-Kabira, also east of Khan Yunis. In the northern part of Gaza, a house in the Journ area was bombed, resulting in the martyrdom of one individual. While the people of Gaza were performing Eidul Fitr Salaah, the occupation and brutal Zionist forces were bombing mosques, tents and schools. Who Organized the Protests Against Hamas in Gaza? On 25th March 2025, for the first time, hundreds of demonstrators protested in areas such as Shuja'iyya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia in favor of a ceasefire, aiming to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a truce with Israel. According to sources, on Tuesday, 25th March, an unknown individual issued a call on the social media outlet "Telegram" for protests to be held at various locations in Gaza on Wednesday. Notably, the slogans chanted during this protest against Hamas echoed the longstanding Israeli stance that Hamas's presence in Gaza is unacceptable and that Hamas is a terrorist organization. These slogans appeared to be not only from Hamas's staunch opponents; but also reflected the voice of the enemy. There are suspicions that this protest was organized by the Zionist state. Resistance groups have labeled this protest as a dubious movement. It is worth noting that the Zionist occupation state praised and commended the demonstration. One Day, the Zionist State will be punished for its Crimes Due to the acts of state terrorism by the Zionist state, the people of Gaza are not only facing mass killings and genocide; but also enduring the worst economic blockade. In early March, the occupying Israel halted all deliveries of food, fuel, medicine and humanitarian aid to Gaza. Now, reports indicate that on Monday, 31st March, all bakeries in the Gaza Strip have shut down. This closure is a result of the continuous blockade imposed by the Israeli military, which has led to the depletion of flour and diesel supplies necessary for their operations. Abdul Nasir Al-Ijarami, head of the Bakeries Owners Association in the Gaza Strip, stated: "All bakeries in the Gaza Strip are closed today due to a shortage of flour and diesel." He further mentioned: "The World Food Programme informed us today that their warehouses in the Gaza Strip have run out of flour." He warned that this blockade would lead to widespread famine in the region. Al-Ijarami urged the world to pressure the occupation to open crossings to prevent the situation in the Gaza Strip from worsening. The kind of oppression and tyranny that the Zionist occupation state is currently inflicting on the Palestinian people, along with its acts of terrorism and genocide, is unprecedented against any nation in any part of the world. This will be recorded in history, and one day, if not today, the Zionist state will receive punishment for these crimes, In Shaa Allah. [The writer Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi is associated with Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia. He can be reached via qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 3. Turkmenistans Ambassador to Ukraine, Toily Atayev, met with Ina Coseru, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy of Moldova, on Wednesday at the Moldovan Parliament in Chisinau, Trend reports, citing the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ukraine. In the course of the meeting, Ina Coseru expressed Moldova's interest in expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan in diversifying energy supplies. The Turkmen diplomat highlighted the successful participation of Moldova in the International Forum on Attracting Foreign Investment to Turkmenistans oil and gas sector, which took place in Paris last year. The sides also discussed preparations for the high-level International Forum Peace and Trust, scheduled for December 12, 2025, in Ashgabat, marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistans neutrality. Moldova has been invited to participate in this significant event, and opportunities for strengthening diplomatic and interparliamentary ties between the two countries were also explored within this framework. Meanwhile, the energy sector was also highlighted earlier in 2023 as one of the areas of promising cooperation during the two countries' meeting, and both sides reiterated their willingness to explore opportunities in this direction. Small-business owners can learn about Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) opportunities at the Department of Defense (DOD) during a half-day virtual workshop Thursday, April 10. Jim Greenwood will lead the discussion during a Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network webinar titled SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Prep with Emphasis on the Department of Defense from 8:30 a.m.-noon. The Wyoming SBDC Network is partnering with Manufacturing Works for this workshop. To register, go here. Registration is free. 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. Greenwood will provide helpful tips and a recommended process for developing a competitive Phase I proposal. While material is relevant to all SBIR/STTR agencies, the DOD will be emphasized. Sage Kor, account and project manager at Manufacturing Works, will share how local Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) can help small businesses with product design and development, supplier scouting and more throughout the life of a business. Greenwood, co-owner of Greenwood Consulting Group Inc., is a nationally recognized trainer and proposal reviewer for the SBIR and STTR programs. He has taught SBIR/STTR workshops in 48 states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., offering training through local and regional economic development groups, universities, federal laboratories, SBDCs and MEPs. Small-business owners also will have the opportunity to meet with Greenwood one-on-one for strategy sessions during the afternoon. Preference for scheduling with Greenwood will be given to Wyoming small businesses. For one-on-one scheduling, email Kelly Haigler Cornish, Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative manager, at haigler@uwyo.edu. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The interconnector between Greece and Bulgaria continues to play a major role in the diversification and security of natural gas supply for Bulgaria and the wider region, Teodora Georgieva, Executive Officer of ICGB, the pipeline operator said in an exclusive interview with Trend on the occasion of the upcoming Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Councils meeting in Baku April 4. One of our key priorities at the upcoming Southern Gas Corridor meeting will be reinforcing the potential for additional gas volumes from Azerbaijan not only for Bulgaria, but for the SEE region overall. As a strategic and reliable partner, Azerbaijan already supplies over 40% of Bulgarias gas consumption via IGB a share that demonstrates both the importance of this route and the trust in its stability, she said. Georgieva noted that the company will also emphasize the significance of long-term cooperation within the framework of the Vertical Gas Corridor (VGC), of which ICGB is a key participant. The connection with TAP and the broader SGC infrastructure enables a strategic east-to-north flow, securing access not only for Bulgaria but also for Central and Eastern Europe, and potentially for Ukraine and Moldova through the Trans-Balkan pipeline, the executive officer noted. She went on to add that ICGB continues preparatory activities for expansion within the scope of the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative. We believe this is a strategic, visionary decision that will contribute to Europes energy security and independence. A technical design has been completed for the expansion of the Stara Zagora gas metering station, technical specifications are in place for the Komotini site, and permitting processes are being updated. Work is underway for the procurement documentation, ensuring that when theres a green light, implementation can begin without delay. Another open issue remains the financing of the expansion, with the companys preference being to secure grant-based funding to support the project. This is of extreme importance so that were able to maintain highly competitive model thats attractive to network users, noted Georgieva. She added that importantly, no pipeline shutdowns for maintenance are planned for 2025. The focus remains on ensuring the pipelines continuous operation at optimal capacity while reinforcing our operational resilience and preparedness. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. State Secretary of Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Boglarka Illes will visit Azerbaijan, a diplomatic source told Trend. She will lead the Hungarian delegation in the upcoming Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council meeting in Baku on April 4, said the source. Baku will host the 11th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council meeting on April 4 this year. The Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) is a strategic energy project designed to transport natural gas from the Caspian Sea region to Europe. The Southern Gas Corridor consists of three main pipeline systems: the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP), the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Its initial capacity is 10 billion cubic meters with the possibility of expanding to 20 billion cubic meters per year. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn Meloni says the Italian government will do all it can to avoid trade war. Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first world leaders to criticise US President Donald Trump's introduction of sweeping import tariffs around the globe. Trump slapped 20 per cent duties on EU exports, including Italy, introducing reciprocal tariffs on trading partners that sent shockwaves through the global economy. Hailing it as Liberation Day, Trump claimed the move will free the US from dependence on foreign goods. He slammed the European bloc for the way it treats the US, saying: "They rip us off. It's so sad to see. It's so pathetic." In a post written on Facebook late on Wednesday night, Meloni said she considered the introduction of the tariffs on the EU as "wrong" and one that "does not benefit any of the parties involved." "We will do everything we can to work towards an agreement with the United States, with the goal of averting a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West to the advantage of other global players" - Meloni wrote - "In any case, we will, as always, act in the interest of Italy and its economy, also by coordinating with our European partners." Italy's foreign minister Antonio Tajani also said a trade war must be avoided, saying he would meet EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels on Thursday. In a post on X, Tajani called for "a response based on a pragmatic approach, based on dialogue". Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said she "deeply regretted" the move. "The universal tariffs announced by the US are a major blow to businesses and consumers worldwide" - von der Leyen wrote on X early on Thursday - "Europe is prepared to respond. We'll always protect our interests and values. We're also ready to engage." Meloni, who was the only EU leader to attend Trump's inauguration in January, may have a chance to discuss the tariffs in person with US deputy president JD Vance who is reportedly planning a trip to Rome later this month. Photo credit: A.PAES / Shutterstock.com. Italian premier cancels all appointments for Thursday. Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni convened emergency talks in Rome on Thursday after US president Donald Trump announced a 20 per cent tariff on EU imports. Meloni cancelled all prior engagements on Thursday to discuss the fallout from Trump's sweeping tariffs that have sent shockwaves through the EU and the global economy. The prime minister was joined at Palazzo Chigi by a "task force" of senior government ministers, including Giancarlo Giorgetti (economy), Adolfo Urso (business), Francesco Lollobrigida (agriculture) and Tommaso Foti (European affairs), according to Italian media reports. Deputy premier and transport minister Matteo Salvini was also present while fellow deputy premier and foreign minister Antonio Tajani was joining by video link from Brussels. On Wednesday night Meloni criticised the tariffs on EU goods, saying she considered the move to be "wrong" and one that "does not benefit any of the parties involved." In a statement, Meloni said the Italian government will seek an agreement with the US to avert "a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West to the advantage of other global players", adding: "We will act in the interest of Italy and its economy, also by coordinating with our European partners." Photo credit: Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com. Student died of suspected anaphylactic shock. A 21-year-old American student died in Rome on Wednesday afternoon from a suspected allergic reaction after she ate a sandwich at a vegan restaurant. The student was allergic to cashew nuts, according to the Corriere della Sera, and went into anaphylactic shock after eating the sandwich in the Casilino area of the Italian capital. She had already felt ill in the restaurant and rushed back to her student accommodation on nearby Via Casilina where she collapsed unconscious, the Corriere reports. Her fellow American students rushed to her aid by administering cortisone, however despite this and the repeated efforts of paramedics, the young woman died at the scene. An investigation is underway into the tragic incident, which may have occurred due to a language barrier between the student and restaurant staff. Last October a 14-year-old British girl with a peanut allergy died of anaphylactic shock after dining in a pizzeria in Rome. Photo credit: Jose HERNANDEZ Camera 51 / Shutterstock.com. An Evening of Music and Purpose: The Amazing Grace Choir Supports AUR Scholarships On the evening of April 17, 2025, the AUR Auditorium will come alive with music, community spirit, and a shared commitment to shaping the future. Professor Timothy Martin and the incredibleare generously sponsoring a special benefit concert to support one of The American University of Romes most vital missions: providing scholarships for deserving students. This event is more than a performanceit's an opportunity to make a lasting difference. Scholarships at AUR open doors for students from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to pursue their academic dreams and go on to make meaningful contributions in their communities and beyond. Guests will be treated to an uplifting evening of gospel music, beginning with an aperitivo at 6:30 PM, followed by the concert at 7:30 PM, all held in the AUR Auditorium on Via Pietro Roselli 16 in Rome. By attending, youll directly support several impactful scholarship initiatives, including: The Women in Leadership Scholarship Fund Supporting future female leaders in breaking barriers and driving change. Supporting future female leaders in breaking barriers and driving change. The Italian Excellence Scholarship Enabling Italian citizens to pursue a world-class education at AUR. Enabling Italian citizens to pursue a world-class education at AUR. The Emergency Relief Fund Providing urgent support for students facing unforeseen financial hardship. and many more. Reserve your tickets now and be part of an evening where music meets mission. Every note sung, and every seat filled, brings us one step closer to creating life-changing opportunities for the next generation of AUR scholars. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. North Macedonian Deputy Minister of Energy, Mining and Minerals Miroslav Labudovikj will visit Azerbaijan, a diplomatic source told Trend. He will attend the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Councils meeting in Baku on April 4, said the source. Baku will host the 11th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council meeting on April 4 this year. The Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) is a strategic energy project designed to transport natural gas from the Caspian Sea region to Europe. The Southern Gas Corridor consists of three main pipeline systems: the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP), the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Its initial capacity is 10 billion cubic meters with the possibility of expanding to 20 billion cubic meters per year. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn Author Martina Devlin joined Waterford City and County Librarian Mary Conway, for the first Writers at Waterford Libraries event of 2025, in Central Library recently to discuss her latest book, 'Charlotte', and her life in writing. Martina Devlin is an author and newspaper columnist who has written nine novels, two non-fiction books, two plays and a collection of short stories. Her latest novel, 'Charlotte', explores Charlotte Brontes Irish connections. Martina enthralled the audience of almost 80 people in Central Library with the stories of her research into Charlotte Bronte and the background to the book. She gave a very interesting insight into the life of Charlotte and her Irish husband, Arthur Bell Nicols, as well as recounting detail of the second marriage of Arthur to his cousin Mary Bell. Other novels from Martina include 'Edith', about the Irish RM co-author, Edith Somerville, and 'The House Where It Happened', about a mass witchcraft trial in Co Antrim in 1711, which led to a plaque being erected to commemorate those convicted, following a campaign she initiated. Her work has won many prizes including the Royal Society of Literatures VS Pritchett Prize and a Hennessy Literary Award, and she has been shortlisted three times for the Irish Book Awards. Martina writes a weekly national newspaper column and her journalism led to her being named National Newspapers of Ireland commentator of the year, among other journalism prizes. She holds a PhD in literary practice from Trinity College Dublin and is currently a judge on the Dublin Literary Award. Mary Conway, Waterford City and County Librarian, said after the recent event: It was an absolute pleasure to engage Martina Devlin in conversation about her work and it was clear to me how interested the audience were by their complete attention throughout the whole event. Waterford parents travelled to Leinster House to have their voices heard about the education crisis facing their children. On Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of people gathered outside the Dail to protest the lack of school spaces for children with additional needs. Throughout the day, multiple politicians came out of the Oireachtas to watch and lend support to the protest, including TD Paul Murphy and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald. Parents staged a sleep-out outside the Department of Education to keep pressure on the Government to provide their children's constitutional right to an education. Waterford mum Rebecca Meehan speaks at the protest. Still waiting Roisin O'Donoghue was just one of the parents from Waterford who travelled up to Dublin in solidarity with the protest. Her daughter Willow is still waiting on a general assessment of need. She said: "I'm feeling hopeful, however, I am hesitant in that hope. "Our hope hasn't gotten us anywhere yet but I think the more we rally across the country on a national level, hopefully some action will be implemented." L-R: TD David Cullinane, parents Danielle Cleary, Roisin O'Donoghue, Conor Coady and TD Conor McGuinness at Leinster House. Photo: Caroline Spencer Like many parents, Roisin has had to go through private channels for her little girl, but even the private waiting lists are "inundated with children waiting to be assessed". Recently, parents met with Minister for Education Helen McEntee over the crisis. In the weeks following the meeting, the parents have not heard any news. Roisin commented: "It's all very good and well for [McEntee] to compel schools to open units and to be more accommodating for our children, but 'compelling', 'thoughts' and 'hopes' don't produce action." Mother Rebecca Meehan spoke movingly about her son at the gates of Leinster House, telling the crowd: "My child's education will include him learning to be as independent as he can be because, unfortunately for him, I actually can't live without him, like most of you here, but one day he is going to have to live without me and we all need to stay strong, stand up for our children and make sure that they get the right and the entitlement of what they deserve." Local Representatives TD David Cullinane and TD Conor McGuinness lent their support to the protest. Deputy Cullinane said: "It shouldn't take parents to sleep out to get movement from the Government or to get the education that their child deserves. "We had a lot of the same parents from Waterford a number of weeks ago when we moved a private members' motion, it was on this issue, demanding that the Government and the Minister would look at putting additional classes in place, making sure that those classes would be in place by September, making sure that the physical space was available, that the teaching posts, the SNA posts, and so on, and that there was an appropriate school place." Waterford mums Roisin O'Donoghue and Danielle Cleary with Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald. Photo: Caroline Spencer Deputy McGuinness commented: "Government has failed to address the capacity crisis that means local children with additional needs remain without a place for the coming school year at St. John's Special School. Waterford may well be the worst affected county in the country, but we dont even know as the Department of Education have not begun collecting the data needed to understand how many children are affected by the issue. On Saturday, April 5, there will be a major protest on John Roberts Square in Waterford city at 2pm. As Roisin said: "We're trying to get as many in attendance as we can for that, whether that be parents, carers, supporters, general public, because we need to get everyone to rally behind us." Minister of State Mary Butler commented: "Through late February and early March, 12 new special classes in Waterford were sanctioned by the NCSE for the coming school year 2025/2026. I continue to work with all relevant stakeholders regarding the provision of these classes throughout the county. I remain satisfied that the NCSE, the Department of Education, and the Minister for Special Education have a comprehensive understanding of the situation affecting families in Dungarvan and Waterford, based on the detail of discussion which has taken place to this point." Her statement continued: "The NCSE and Department of Education continue their detailed analysis of the needs profile of the various children currently without a place with a view to securing a satisfactory resolution for families. I also continue to engage with parents who have been affected by the shortage of places. "Throughout my dealings with all stakeholders to this point, including the very hard-working principal at St. Johns in Dungarvan, I have prioritised adopting a collaborative, constructive and honest approach. My main focus at this point is working directly with the respective schools to ensure that they are supported in resolving their capacity issues in advance of the impending academic year." Star Entertainment may have just days to pull off a deal that would stave off collapse, as it teeters on the brink for the third time in as many months after it failed to secure a $940 million lifeline from investment company Salter Brothers to ensure its survival. The development has put the NSW and Queensland governments on high alert as Star employs 8000 staff across the two states, and plays a crucial role in their tourism and hospitality industry with over 2700 hotel rooms and more than 100 bars, cafes and restaurants operating at its resorts. Star still faces a fine in the hundreds of millions of dollars for contraventions of Australias money-laundering laws, adding to its funding woes. Credit: Bloomberg Both state governments have declined to help Star and its investors, but are expected to step in and provide short-term support to keep its operations running if administrators are appointed. On Wednesday, Star announced its latest refinancing attempt had failed, and that it was now pursuing funding from other sources, including a proposed equity injection from US casino group Ballys Corporation, but did not specify how long it has before it runs out of cash. Advertisement Eating outFood Comedian Matt Okine opens a cosy wine spot in Brisbanes south Locals (and their dogs) are flocking to this former post office for rare and precious but affordably priced bottles from Australia, France, the Czech Republic, Canada and beyond. Matt Shea April 1, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in Brisbanes most exciting restaurant openings of 2025 so far. See all stories . Readers who follow Australian comedy might most readily associate Matt Okine and wine with his role in a sketch on Nazeem Hussains series Legally Brown. Called White Person Dancing Lessons, it was one of the best moments in the shows 2013 run. In it, Okine arrives at a secret location to learn from Hussain and Ronny Chieng the art of dancing like a white person that is, with no rhythm or grace. Matt Okine and Dan Wilson at their newly opened LPO wine store in Tarragindi. Markus Ravik Its not until Hussain and Chieng make him guzzle a few glasses of red wine that he gets the hang of it. But it turns out Okine has a more sophisticated relationship to wine at least in 2025. Hes one of the owners of LPO, which opened in Tarragindi last week. Partnering with him in the business is Dan Wilson, a seasoned chef who, pre-pandemic, ran kitchens and opened his own venue, Dandy, in London. Advertisement Related Article A Hectors Deli founder is behind one of Brisbanes tastiest sandwiches Matt and I are old friends from university [in Brisbane], Wilson says. I had dated someone who was studying law, who then was in a close relationship for a couple of years with Matts closest friend, Paul. So Matt, Paul and I would spend a lot of time together in our mid-20s, I suppose, before everyone started working properly and trying to have a career. LPO occupies a former post office on Windmill Street in Tarragindi. Markus Ravik The original idea of LPO was born out of a Christmas party at Dandy that Okine happened to attend. Advertisement He rocks up and its a room full of hotshot chefs from Copenhagen and all over London, France, Wilson says. He was saying, How can we do something like this, where we can sit and drink and meet people? When he moved back to Brisbane a couple of years ago, it was that kind of thing he was missing in the neighbourhood: a nice place to go and drink wine and be treated like a human being. Inside, find drops from the Loire Valley, Canada and Czechia. Markus Ravik LPO is short for Local Post Office after Okine and his wife, Belinda Rabe, found an old post office for rent on Windmill Street. Brisbane has suffered in recent decades from a relative lack of small tenancies for food and beverage venues. But there can be rich pickings in the old hubs of shops in fringing suburbs such as Tarragindi, which are now being populated by young professionals and families seeking communal spots to eat and drink. Advertisement Related Article The Reuben thats not a Reuben, but you need to eat ASAP anyway Thats exactly it, Wilson says. Thats the beauty of this space. The build is simple, the rents affordable, the landlords are great and the neighbours are really friendly. Rabe took care of much of the design, adding a teal timber-panelled frontage that captures the feel of a French wine bar or cafe. Inside, its ply walls, timber shelves for the 160 vintages currently on display (Wilson and Okine are hoping to soon push it up to 300), polished concrete floors, and potted plants to add a bucolic touch. In the middle of the space, theres a communal table designed to let guests interact with each other. Okines wife, Belinda Rabe, took care of much of the design. Markus Ravik The other day we had people our age or younger, in their 30s, having an engaged conversation with some couples in their late 50s, Wilson says. Everyones dogs are bouncing around, and theyre all connecting over the weirdness of the wine, and their shared excitement of where they come from and who they are. Thats a really lovely thing. Advertisement As for the wine, the focus is on minimum intervention drops with a roughly 60-40 split between international and Australian producers. The licence allows for a rotating selection of four white wines and four reds by the glass. Markus Ravik Wilson has leant on his deep connections both in Australia and abroad to source some heady drops. You might grab a bottle of an earthy, funky Julien Courtois Originel orbois-romorantin blend from the Loire Valley, a herbaceous, amphora-aged rosato from A & C Ainsworth Wines in Daylesford, or a textural, vibrant Gazzetta Rosso Trilli from Australian Trish Nelsons winery in the Lazio region of Italy. We also have wines from Canada theyre making extraordinary pinots up there and some stuff from the Czech Republic, Wilson says. Just lots of stuff from winemaking regions that often arent really considered as being relevant or accessible. On the shelves, its a roughly 60-40 split between international and Australian producers. Markus Ravik Advertisement LPOs licence means there will be a rotating selection of four white wines and four reds by the glass. And theres a focus on keeping things affordable, with some bottles going for less than $20 all the better to make this a neighbourhood destination that locals will return to. Everyones walked in and said, Wow, fk, things are really affordable here, which is maybe a little concerning, Wilson says, laughing. But its not only about making money, but also having a good time. Related Article What would Brisbane look like on TV? Matt Okine has ideas cooking In future, Wilson and Okine will apply for a change-of-use of their licence, allowing them to convert a back room into a tasting room with a small kitchen. At which point, we can extend out front as well and start making other drinks, as you can with those ancillary licences. Advertisement Open Wed-Sun 12pm-8pm 100 Windmill Street, Tarragindi lpowine.com.au Advertisement Review Eating outMount Lawley This French bistro is a masterclass in knowing when to follow and when to flout the rules A spirited blend of new and old, Sarah and Liam Atkinsons neighbourhood destination in Mount Lawley remains a bastion of French(ish) dining and wining. Max Veenhuyzen April 4, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 1 / 3 Duck frites with bearnaise sauce. Jacqueline van Grootel 2 / 3 Vitello tonnato with house sourdough baguette. Jacqueline van Grootel 3 / 3 The Crab Toast. A must-eat dish. Jacqueline van Grootel Previous Slide Next Slide Good Food hat 15.5 / 20 How we score French$$$$ It may take your eyes a few moments to adjust to the darkness of Le Rebelle. Dont be alarmed. Once the low-lit room fades back into focus, I think youre going to like what you see. Youre going to see a tri-level space with ground floor booths, a handsome Art Noveau timber bar on the mezzanine, plus more tables and chairs on the floor above. Youre going to see unopened wine boxes stacked everywhere: a sign of a commitment to good drinking at all price points. Youre going to see smiling, sharply dressed people. (But Perth being Perth, youll probably spy some not-so-sharply-dressed folks, too.) Youre going to see an operation full of energy, confidence and customers, even on a Wednesday. Le Rebelle remains a bastion of cuisine francaise in Perths inner-north. Ven Tithing Advertisement Being busy on a school night is just one way this bolthole lives up to its name and subverts conventional restaurant thinking. Yet six years after Sarah and Liam Atkinson introduced Highgate to their vision of a neighbourhood bistro, Le Rebelles definition of raging against the machine feels less enfants terrible and more dining traditionalist. Some of those smiling, sharply dressed folks include the aforementioned Sarah plus Phillip Koch and Simon Carthy: experienced career waiters who understand that being themselves and getting the measure of guests is pivotal to delivering sincere, personable hospitality. The meal format is also built along classical lines: think entrees, mains, desserts and diners ordering for themselves. Still, a chefs menu ($96) is available for the decision-phobic, and no ones going to stop you from passing plates of ricotta gnocchetti ($36) around the table. Cote du boeuf and other large-format cuts of meat also grace the chalkboard specials menu. That last sentence hints at Le Rebelles biggest nod to yesteryear: an allegiance to French cooking. Once the crown ruler of the culinary universe, cuisine francaise has been steadily ceding ground to other cooking styles. To the umami and dashi of Japan. Advertisement To the everyman familiarity and regional diversity of Italy. To the Womens Weekly and CWA nostalgia of yesteryear Australia. Related Article 14.5 / 20 Review Noodle-cooking wizardry on show at this suburban gem Lukewarm execution of predictable, made-by-ChatGPT menus hasnt helped the cuisines plight either, yet when prepared with thought, French food is every bit the serious art form that American author Julia Child proclaims it to be. While previous menus have included detours to Italy and Switzerland bigoli with cuttlefish and the fried Gruyere fritter known as Malakoff, say Le Rebelles current carte sticks largely to assured, quietly inventive riffs on bistro staples. Staples such as wickedly silky duck liver parfait ($10) topped with a zippy jelly of port and leftover citrus rescued from the bar. Or a saucy steak tartare ($32) freckled with grated horseradish and spiked with Cognac: an old-school kitchen hack not typically utilised in Perth. Advertisement Vitello tonnato ($26) might be more Piedmont than Paris, but tender, rosy swatches of veal eye fillet draped across a chunky tuna-infused mayo speaks to Le Rebelles firm grasp of technique, as does its formidable sauce game. Legendary French chef Fernard Point hailed the saucier as the soloist in the orchestra of a great kitchen. Im not sure if head chef James Knubley has a dedicated sauce cook on his roster, but if the nutty, crystal-clear beurre noisette served with grilled whiting ($46) is anything to go by, Le Rebelle chef-patron Liam Atkinson has passed on plenty of cooking wisdom to his charges. Wagin duck with bearnaise and frites ($52) is a P-Town classic, not least because of how well the sauces richness and acidity work with the crunch of the well-seasoned frites. (The fries also ride shotgun with the burger and steak tartare. If you order includes too much fried potato, staff may suggest switching them out for another carb to avoid frites fatigue. Respectfully wave away such advice.) Just as crucial to the dish, though, is the glossy jus that the dry-aged bird sits in: an understated detail thats easy to miss. Related Article Five WA food and drink events to put into your autumn calendar Equally easy to overlook is the brilliance of the house sourdough baguette ($5): a lacquered thing of bubbly beauty thats chewy rather than crusty as most Perth baguettes tend to be. Its sawed into thick lengths and served with a lush, gently funky butter that, as a duo, tastes like anything but subsistence food. Advertisement House-baked bread also stars in the Instagram-famous crab toast ($12) featuring a mayonnaise-bound marble of seafood mounted on a raft of brioche. Im not sure if its correct to describe a two-bite snack as tall as a Lego figurine as statuesque but it feels apt in this instance. The offer of crab toast on the dessert menu (round two?) alongside dense creme caramels ($18) and other traditional sweets further illustrates the Atkinsons capacity for madcap thinking. Yet despite such eccentricities see grungy, Basquiat-style artwork, plus an untethered soundtrack that swings from swamp funk to cool Womack & Womack covers Le Rebelle has the substance to back its freewheeling, brazen style. True, its menu might not be as large or far-reaching as previous seasons, but by keeping the edit tight, the focus shifts to consistency rather than constant (re)invention: just the salve, I think, for these uncertain times when life presents us with excuses to celebrate. For some, the Atkinsons fidelity to how-things-used-to-be will be irresistible. For others, the draw is a kitchen and floor team that knows when to follow the rules and when to flout them. Some, naturally, just want tasty things on plates and in glasses. Whichever category best describes you, I think youre going to like what you see at Le Rebelle. The low-down Vibe: some things old, some things new, some things borrowed, some things (red, white and) blue. Go-to dish: The Crab Toast (capitals are the writers own) Drinks: a cool, democratic cellar featuring European and Australian wines across all styles and price points, plus French cafe-style cocktails. Cost: about $200 for two, excluding drinks. Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epsteins victims who lives in WA, is facing another court battle, this time charged with breaching a violence restraining order in Ocean Reef in February. 9 News Perth revealed Giuffre, who also accused Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, of sexually assaulting her as a teenager, faced Joondalup Magistrates Court on March 14 and is due back before the courts next week over the charge. The news comes after her family came forward following a social media post she wrote claiming, she was suffering kidney failure and had just days to live. 9 News Perth has reported that her family has now claimed publishing the post publicly was a mistake, and that the details were meant to be shared privately. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have discussed a broad spectrum of cooperation opportunities in the field of green energy, Azerbaijan's Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, wrote on X, Trend reports. As part of the Advisory Council, we held a productive meeting in Baku with Harry Boyd-Carpenter, Managing Director of the Sustainable Infrastructure Group at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Our discussions focused on key priorities of our energy agenda and the broad spectrum of cooperation opportunities in the field of green energy," the publication reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The EU will launch a new strategic partnership with Central Asia, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced, Trend reports. "We are in Samarkand for the first ever EU-Central Asia Summit. Tomorrow, we will launch a new Strategic Partnership with Central Asia. It means we can rely on each other. And in todays world, this matters more than ever," she wrote in a post on X. Meanwhile, the first EU-Central Asia summit is kicking off tomorrow in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. President of the European Council Antonio Costa will attend the event along with Ursula von der Leyen. This summit is part of the EUs broader efforts to deepen its relations with Central Asia, as outlined in the 2019 EU strategy on Central Asia and the 2023 joint roadmap. These evolving ties have grown in strategic importance, with both sides keen to advance cooperation on a variety of issues. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has held a meeting with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the EU-Central Asia summit, Trend reports via the Kazakh presidential administration. The heads of state outlined the high dynamics of cooperation development between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as emphasized the productivity of the recent informal meeting in Almaty. Tokayev emphasized the critical significance of the summit. He articulated a strong assurance that this initiative will facilitate the enhancement of discourse between the regional entities and the European Union. Furthermore, the heads of state affirmed their preparedness to amplify synergistic collaborations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BATON ROUGE - At the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting in Baton Rouge on April 3, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) honored 10 Enforcement Division agents for their bravery during the January 1 terrorist attack in New Orleans. The 10 agents received the LDWF Medal of Merit for their response while working security during the mass casualty event in New Orleans. I couldnt be more proud of this group of agents who in the face of danger ran towards the danger, said Col. Stephen Clark, head of the LDWF Enforcement Division. Their actions were not simply performed out of duty but out of an unwavering commitment to public safety and the preservation of life. Their fearlessness, professionalism and quick reaction to this heinous situation is highly commendable and they deserve every acknowledgement. The agents awarded the LDWF Medal of Merit are: Lt. Suni Nelson Sgt. James Bruce Sgt. James Smith Sgt. Carl Armstrong Sgt. Devin Bryant Corporal Tib Guillory Senior Agent Rebecca Bercegeay Senior Agent Mason Castello Senior Agent Christopher Pippin Senior Agent John Stansbury These agents were on a security detail for New Years Eve and Sugar Bowl events within the French Quarter in the early morning hours of Jan. 1 when a terrorist act occurred on Bourbon Street resulting in 14 fatalities and 57 injuries. When the terrorist act occurred, these agents immediately responded to the scene while not knowing if the threat had yet been neutralized or about any bombs that were later found in the area. Once the threat was neutralized, agents immediately began helping render aid to victims and assisting in securing the area. This is the first time that LDWF has awarded the Medal of Merit. The medal is granted for conspicuous and intrepid gallantry at the risk of life with full awareness of that risk. ### If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Senator Mark Duffy has confirmed this evening that the proposal for an IPAS centre at the former St. Marys Secondary School on McDermott Street will not go ahead. Last week, the Western People reported that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth was assessing an offer to use the former secondary school, which was sold privately last year, as accommodation for international protection applicants. However, Senator Duffy has said that this proposal was rejected with no further new application by the owners of the former St Marys site. Senator Duffy commented that although renovations are presently taking place in the building, this is the right of any property owner, but it does not imply that the department has any interest in the site. Senator Duffy who had opposed the application in November last year has welcomed the decision to reject the proposal. The former St Marys Secondary School site was used by the school until it moved into a new state-of-the-art facility nearby in September 2022. The site was then put up for sale privately last year and sold quite quickly. A Section 5 declaration planning application was made to Mayo County Council last November by the applicant CH Care, a Dublin-based company, for the use of the former school as temporary accommodation for displaced persons seeking international protection. The property was then declared exempt from requiring planning permission by the local authority in a letter issued on November 28 last. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has been contacted for comment. Saolta management has denied there is a stillbirth problem at Mayo University Hospital despite five deaths in the space of three months. Cllr Michael Kilcoyne raised concerns about the stillbirth numbers at the hospital at meeting of the Regional Health Forum West. Figures provided by the HSE show there were seven stillbirths in Mayo University Hospital in 2023, five of these occurred in the last three months of the year. They said that based on the Irish Maternity Indicator System (IMIS) report for 2023, Mayo University Hospital perinatal mortality rate is within the national range. As per the national incident management framework, all seven stillbirths underwent local preliminary review. Two met the definition for serious reportable incidents (SRE) and full external reviews were commissioned on these cases. There were no indications of commonalities in these cases. One of these reviews has been completed and shared with the family and the second is underway. This is a very dramatic situation, said Cllr Kilcoyne. He argued that five stillbirths occurring in the last three months of 2023 is way above the national average. The national average should really be zero. We are talking about childrens lives, said Cllr Kilcoyne. I think there should be a clear acceptance from the HSE that this should not be happening and it should be regarded as most serious when it does. In a three month period, five stillbirths, thats five families devastated. It shouldnt be happening, he added. Saolta Chief Executive, Tony Canavan denied the MUH figures are overly concerning. He said there is considerable oversight across the maternity departments within the hospital group. Mr Canavan said across the country, indicators show that the outcomes for babies born in Irish hospitals are improving. Its not correct to say that stillbirths should not be happening. Thats not correct, said Mr Canavan. There are circumstances under which stillbirths occur that are outside of all our control, he added. The Chief Executive suggested having people who work within this area to attend a future meeting and explain exactly what these stillbirth indicators mean and how they should be interpreted. Five still birth in a three month period is not acceptable, commented Cllr Kilcoyne. How do you know? retorted Mr Canavan I wouldnt be qualified to make that determination, and neither are you, he told the councillor. Mr Canavan said he does not accept there is anything wrong at MUH in relation to stillbirth numbers. Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan has brought a memo to Cabinet seeking approval for the new 'Valeries Law' legislation to be introduced The law is named after Valerie French, a mother of three who was killed by her husband James Kilroy at their home in Kilbree Lower, near Islandeady, on June 14, 2019. She was 41 when she died. Ms French was originally from West Cork and worked as a senior occupational therapist in Castlebar. Her husband received a life sentence for inflicting 57 injuries on Ms French in the horrific knife and hatchet attack. Valerie Frenchs family had called for a review of the law to stop people who kill their partners from having parental rights to their children. Her brother, David French, said that Ireland should follow the lead of the United Kingdom where people who have killed their partners are now unable to have parental rights to their surviving children. This legislation is very important for families and someone like Kilroy, who deprived Valeries children of a devoted mother, should not have guardianship rights. My sister died defending her children and I hope that other families can benefit from Valeries Law once it has been implemented, said David last week. Mr French is also to establish a trust fund for Valeris three children after securing a court order making him the administrator of her estate. The High Court ruling was made last Monday after the mum-of-threes killer opposed Mr Frenchs legal bid to obtain responsibility for her estate. The courts decision means the killer will no longer be recognised as the executor of her estate. The legislation being brought to Cabinet would require an application to be brought before the District Court to remove guardianship of a parent who is convicted of the murder or manslaughter of another parent or guardian. It states that this should be within six months of a conviction and that the court should order another guardian to be appointed for the child or children. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to examine proposals to remove guardianship rights from those convicted of killing their partners or a parent of their child. In a world where opinions are cheap, and outrage sells like discount narcissism at a reality star's garage sale, another social media darling has fallen victim to that most modern of plagues: cancellation by digital pitchfork. Garron Noone - Mayo's pride and joy, known for the catchphrase 'Follow me, I'm delicious' (a sentiment that would make Oscar Wilde blush with its unabashed self-promotion) - abruptly vanished from our screens after doing something terribly unfashionable: expressing nuance on immigration. The poor lamb committed the cardinal sin of suggesting that immigration in Ireland might be complex; that perhaps - brace yourselves - there are legitimate concerns that deserve addressing without dismissing everyone as either a bleeding-heart liberal or a knuckle-dragging xenophobe. For this act of outrageous centrism, the digital mob descended, their thumbs primed for destruction, their outrage meters dialled to eleven. Having written a piece on these pages from such a centrist perspective, arguing against intolerance towards genuine cases of displaced humanity, I can sympathise with Garron's much more acute predicament. Noone has amassed 1.5 million followers on TikTok, a platform where profound thought goes to die in 40-second bursts between dance routines and makeup tutorials. He appeared twice on the Late Late Show - the Irish equivalent of being canonised while still breathing. Yet all this cultural capital evaporated faster than a politician's promises after election day when he dared suggest that "the systems that we have in place are being taken advantage of" and that "communities all over Ireland are concerned, and their concerns are continuously not being heard". How frightfully reasonable. How unforgivably moderate. What Mr. Noone has experienced is the modern equivalent of being burnt at the stake, only instead of flames, it's the constant ping of hateful notifications and the knowledge that somewhere, someone is telling you to end your existence over your painfully mild opinions on border control. I can think of one acquaintance who found himself in similar digital quicksand for writing an article with controversial views. The trolls descended like digital locusts, their bile manifesting as constant demands that he shuffle off this mortal coil. He made the mistake of monitoring social media "pretty much all day", transforming what was essentially a handful of basement-dwelling misanthropes into an army of persecutors in his perception. Trolls operate within echo chambers that would make the Grand Canyon jealous of their acoustics. Their relationship with confirmation bias isn't casual dating - it's a committed marriage with a prenup that explicitly forbids entertaining opposing viewpoints. The science is clear: social media algorithms feed users content that matches their existing beliefs, but trolls take this digital buffet and turn it into an all-you-can-eat feast of self-affirmation. The typical troll is like a palaeontologist who refuses to acknowledge dinosaur fossils that don't fit their theories. Their self-serving bias filters information through cognitive sieves calibrated to catch only what supports their worldview, focusing on choice morsels while ignoring the diverse menu. Research shows they excel at provoking reactions while remaining impressively immune to perspective shifts - a psychological contradiction worthy of academic study. The solution? My friend deleted his apps for a week. By the time he returned, the trolls had moved on to fresher meat, proving that online harassment is often as persistent as a politician's principles which is to say, not very. What Garron needs to understand is that perception is reality. The philosopher Edmund Husserl, father of phenomenology, argued that what you experience may differ from objective reality, but this is irrelevant. The reality that matters is what you perceive. And if you perceive digital threats as existential ones, they become precisely that. Online bullies are, quite frankly, pathetic specimens. Studies have found they possess the 'Dark Triad' of personality traits: sadism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. These digital terrorists are disproportionately anxious and depressed compared to the population average. In real life, they're people you'd cross the street to avoid - or perhaps, if you're feeling charitable, offer directions to the nearest therapist. As stated some weeks ago, we Irish have always had a complicated relationship with immigration, having been both emigrants and immigrants throughout our history. We've populated half the world's major cities with pubs and policemen, yet now find ourselves awkwardly navigating the reverse journey. Garron Noone simply acknowledged this complexity, suggesting that suppressing legitimate concerns "increases distrust in the government and pushes people towards racism and extremism". For this common sense, he was digitally drawn and quartered. Garron Noone may be delicious, but the internet prefers its meals served raw, bloodied, and screaming. Illustration: Conor McGuire What's the solution for our beleaguered TikTok star? I imagine Garron knows already: change your perception, withdraw your attention. He suspended his accounts and refused to engage, recognising that the internet's memory is shorter than a goldfish with amnesia. He took a complete social media cleanse for a few days. When he returned last week, the digital lynch mob had already found someone else to persecute - perhaps some poor soul who suggested that not all immigrants are financial opportunists. Like it or not, the internet is our modern public square where the village idiots have megaphones and the thoughtful voices of citizens are drowned in the feverish clamour. The unaccountability of social media is where nuance goes to die and extremism thrives like bacteria in a petri dish. But remember, Garron, you control your perception and your attention. These two weapons can eradicate problems that once seemed insoluble, your digital persecutors are not Roman legions at your gate - they're lonely individuals tapping away at keyboards, their power entirely dependent on your willingness to grant it to them. Withdraw that power, and they vanish like so many morning mists. The tumultuous immigration debate will continue with or without you, lurching between extremes while reasonable voices are shouted down and ritually vilified. So prioritise while being mindful of your mental health, which need not be sacrificed on that profane altar, and come and go as you please, armed with the knowledge that the trolls' power exists only in your perception of it. In the meantime, perhaps consider the old-fashioned approach: write your thoughts in more than 40 seconds, publish them somewhere that values nuance, and remember that followers aren't friends, likes aren't love, and comments aren't conversation. After all, as Oscar Wilde nearly said, the only thing worse than being trolled on social media is not being trolled on social media. Actually, no, that's complete nonsense. The best thing is having no social media at all, which is precisely why I draft these columns with a quill pen dipped in the tears of extinct creatures before reluctantly allowing them to be digitised and flung into the electronic void. Garron, you may be delicious, but the internet prefers its meals served raw, bloodied, and screaming. And as you've returned refreshed and wiser, perhaps consider a new catchphrase: "Follow me, I'm carnivorous." Allentown, PA (18103) Today Mostly sunny and pleasant with refreshingly low humidity! Great weather to celebrate the 4th of July!. Tonight Mostly clear skies and very comfortable overnight. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 3. The Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Mongolia, Aibek Artykbaev, and the President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia, Tur-Od Lkhagvajav, met to discuss expanding Kyrgyz-Mongolian cooperation in trade and the economy, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. The meeting focused particularly on strengthening business contacts between entrepreneurs from both countries and organizing a Kyrgyz-Mongolian business forum. Artykbaev suggested revitalizing the Kyrgyz-Mongolian Business Council, which plays a crucial role in strengthening business ties between the two nations. He also proposed holding a meeting of the council later this year. In response, Lkhagvajav expressed Mongolia's readiness to further strengthen and expand mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation, as well as to implement new promising projects in trade and investment. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue active collaboration on the discussed matters. The data from the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan shows that trade turnover between the two countries reached $160,207 in January 2025, 30.8 percent less than in January 2024. NEW YORK Bruce Springsteen knows what Bruce Springsteen fans want. And that's more Bruce Springsteen. The Boss will release seven new studio albums, titled "Tracks II: The Lost Albums," on June 27. It will contain material written and re-recorded between 1983 and 2018. The news arrived Thursday morning via Instagram. The 83-song collection is mostly previously unreleased tracks, 74 of them never-before-heard songs, in a box set that includes a 100-page hardcover book. In a short video clip posted to the social media platform, Springsteen explains that during the COVID-19 pandemic, he began completing "everything I had in my vault," he says. "The Lost Albums are records that were full records, some of them even to the point of being mixed and not released." Springsteen first teased the records on Wednesday morning. A short video posted to his Instagram account revealed that something called "The Lost Albums" was forthcoming, along with Thursday's date, April 3, 2025. The clip also featured text that read "What was lost has been found." The caption urged his followers to head to www.lostalbums.net. It led to a subscription webpage and featured the dates "1983-2018." "Tracks ll" follows his first "Tracks" volume. Released in 1998, it was a 4-CD, 66-song collection of unreleased material. Springsteen released his last studio album, "Only the Strong Survive," in 2022. It was a collection of covers, the Boss taking on classics from the Four Tops, Temptations, Supremes, Frankie Wilson, Jimmy Ruffin and others. The late soul legend Sam Moore, a frequent Springsteen collaborator, sang on two of the cuts. "I wanted to make an album where I just sang," Springsteen said in a statement at the time. "And what better music to work with than the great American songbook of the Sixties and Seventies?" Next month, Springsteen and the E Street band will embark on a tour of Europe and the U.K., beginning May 17 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, and concluding on July 3 in Milan, Italy, at the San Siro Stadium. Reading, PA (19601) Today Mostly sunny and pleasant with refreshingly low humidity! Great weather to celebrate the 4th of July!. Tonight Mostly clear skies and very comfortable overnight. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 3. A delegation from UK Export Finance (UKEF), led by Sebnem Alp, Country Head for Turkiye, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, will visit Kyrgyzstan, the UK's Ambassador Nicholas Bowler said during a meeting with Daniyar Amangeldiev, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports. During the engagement, prospective frameworks for operationalizing capital infusion strategies will be deliberated. The specific temporal designation has yet to be disclosed. In the course of the strategic dialogue, Bowler and Amangeldiev engaged in a comprehensive discourse regarding the Kyrgyz-British partnership, underscoring the criticality of maintaining robust bilateral relations. Focused emphasis was placed on the execution of collaborative initiatives between the two sovereign entities. Amangeldiev also reiterated to the participants the memorandum of understanding executed on February 6 between the Kyrgyz administration and the UK-based entity United Concrete Canvas, which encompasses the establishment of a facility dedicated to the production of cement composite materials within the jurisdiction of Kyrgyzstan. Moreover, Bowler congratulated Kyrgyzstan on completing the delimitation and demarcation of its borders with Tajikistan, calling it a significant step toward enhancing regional stability. In December 2024, the UK government announced a 1.8 billion pounds sterling funding allocation for projects in Kyrgyzstan, available through UKEF at competitive rates. UKEF, a UK government ministerial department, is the nations export credit agency. In the 2023-2024 financial year, UKEF provided 8.8 billion pounds sterling in financial support to UK exporters. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 3. Bakyt Sydykov, the Minister of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan, held discussions with analysts from Fitch Ratings international credit rating agency regarding the assignment of a sovereign credit rating to Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz ministry. During the meeting, key socio-economic indicators, reforms, and strategic priorities of Kyrgyzstans economic policy were discussed. Special focus was placed on reforms aimed at attracting investment, modernizing infrastructure, and improving the business climate, including digital tools in government, industrial development, tax incentives, and legal protections for investors. Sydykov highlighted the governments efforts to ensure macroeconomic stability, social protection, and a competitive environment, which help create favorable conditions for business, expand exports, and strengthen the financial system. He emphasized that cooperation with Fitch Ratings will boost Kyrgyzstans international image and investment attractiveness. Fitch analysts also met with various ministries to discuss macroeconomic indicators, structural reforms, and key sectors like energy and subsoil use. On September 10, 2024, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement with Fitch Ratings to assign the country its sovereign credit rating. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 3. Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon has signed a decree setting the date for the first session of the upper house of parliament of the seventh convocation, Trend reports. The session will take place on April 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM (GMT+5) in the capital, Dushanbe. In a separate decree, Rahmon appointed members to the lower house of parliament for the seventh convocation. Tajikistan has a two-chamber parliamentary system: the upper house consists of 33 members, while the lower house has 63 members. The elections for the lower house of parliament were held on March 2, 2025. Citizens voted for 41 deputies from single-mandate districts, while 22 others were elected through a nationwide proportional representation system. In total, 220 candidates, including 65 self-nominated individuals, competed for the 63 available seats. According to the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums of Tajikistan, voter turnout was reported at 85.3 percent. The ruling People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan won the elections, securing 12 out of the 22 seats. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 3. Tajikistan's relations with Russia's Tatarstan are entering an active phase, the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, said during a meeting with the Head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, in Dushanbe, Trend reports via the president's office. Rahmon highlighted the priorities for cooperation between the regions of Tajikistan and Russia, focusing on key areas such as industry, energy, machine engineering, transport, construction, and agriculture. One of the promising areas of collaboration identified was the creation of joint enterprises to process raw materials into finished products, including silk and wool yarns, various types of fabrics, workwear, and furniture. In this context, both sides emphasized their mutual interest in strengthening cooperation to establish textile production facilities. The sides also discussed the potential for collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, including the joint production of medical products. Moreover, expanding cultural, humanitarian, and tourism ties was recognized as an important priority. The necessity of increasing the number of scholarships for Tajik citizens to study abroad was also emphasized. In a previous meeting with Minnikhanov in October 2024, within the frame of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Rahmon noted that Tatarstan's contribution to the overall trade turnover between Tajikistan and Russia exceeded $50 million. He also stressed the untapped potential to increase this figure through more extensive use of existing opportunities. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 3. The agreement on expanded partnership and cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union (EU) has reached its final stages of negotiation, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Tajikistan. According to the service, the announcement was made during a meeting between President Emomali Rahmon and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, on the sidelines of the EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand. During the meeting, key areas of cooperation between Tajikistan and the EU were discussed. Special emphasis was placed on expanding partnerships in the fields of healthcare, social protection, and education, as well as increasing grant programs and supporting vocational education. A notable example of a stable bilateral partnership was the collaboration on energy sector reforms and the reconstruction and construction of hydroelectric facilities. The importance of continued collaboration within the framework of the Border Management Programme in Central Asia and Afghanistan (BOMCA) and the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP) was also highlighted. Moreover, climate change issues, including the increase in environmental disasters and their catastrophic consequences, were discussed, with a focus on implementing Tajikistans global initiatives to address these challenges. Antonio Costa also noted the significance of resolving border issues between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan and congratulated President Rahmon and the people of Tajikistan on this historic achievement. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 3. Tajikistan has expressed its readiness to participate in the European Unions satellite connectivity initiative for Central Asia, Trend reports via the press service of the country's President. The announcement was made during a meeting between President Emomali Rahmon and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Samarkand. The key topics of the meeting were the signing of an expanded partnership and cooperation agreement between Tajikistan and the EU, as well as practical steps to implement the roadmap for deepening interregional relations. President Rahmon emphasized that Tajikistan is in favor of bringing relations to a strategic level. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 3. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso in Samarkand, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik President. In the course of the meeting, key areas of cooperation were discussed. It was noted that during the period of cooperation, the EBRD has implemented 184 projects in Tajikistan totaling more than one billion dollars. The projects cover strengthening the financial system and development of the private sector, as well as the transportation and energy sectors of Tajikistan. Rahmon emphasized the importance of joint projects in the context of external economic challenges, noting the need to expand cooperation to continue economic reforms and increase the sustainability of the country's economy. Moreover, the attraction of grant and concessional funds for the implementation of priority initiatives, including within the framework of the Green Agenda, was also discussed. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 3. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev have discussed the prospects for the development of bilateral relations between the countries on the sidelines of the EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand, Trend reports via the Tajik presidential office. The meeting reviewed the state and prospects of cooperation between the two countries , as well as current international and regional issues. Rahmon expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of bilateral relations, particularly in the trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Special attention was given to the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, which was recognized as an important step for further strengthening interstate cooperation. Issues regarding the promotion of cooperation in various industrial sectors, the realization of the export and investment potential of both countries, as well as the expansion of interregional ties were discussed. Additionally, a productive exchange of opinions took place on a number of other topics of mutual interest. To note, the Treaty on Allied Relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan was signed on April 18, 2024. It came into force on March 31, 2025. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Mass shooter who killed 6 people at The Covenant School had no grudge against victims but was fueled by a quest for notoriety SCOTUS conservatives appear open to siding with Planned Parenthood in fight over South Carolinas funding cut TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Sino Road and Bridge Corporation has expressed interest in participating in projects aimed at developing railway, aviation, and road infrastructure in Uzbekistan, Trend reports. The matter was discussed during a meeting between Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport, Jasurbek Choriyev, and a delegation led by Jimmy Chang, Executive Director of the corporation's foreign division. During the talks, the parties exchanged views on potential cooperation and investment opportunities in the transport sector. Deputy Minister Choriyev proposed that Sino Road and Bridge Corporation take part in the modernization and management of railway stations in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Kokand under a public-private partnership model, as well as in other promising transport projects. Following the meeting, Choriyev emphasized the importance of developing proposals that would be mutually beneficial for both sides. Over recent years, Uzbekistan has actively worked to improve transport links with neighboring countries. Between 2016 and 2024, the number of flights between Uzbekistan and Central Asian states nearly doubled, while passenger traffic increased 2.1 times. Additionally, new international bus routes were introduced, and previous ones were restored, significantly expanding cross-border mobility. Major infrastructure projects have also been implemented. In 2017, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan inaugurated the TurkmenabatFarab railway and road bridges over the Amu Darya River. A year later, the GalabaAmuzang railway line connecting Uzbekistans Surkhandarya region with Tajikistans Khatlon province was reopened, marking a historic milestone in regional cooperation. These efforts have led to a significant increase in cargo transportation between Uzbekistan and its neighbors, with Central Asia's share in Uzbekistans total freight volume reaching 28 percent in 2024. The Seaver Science Center at Pomona College in Claremont, California Confirming their collaboration with the Trump administrations fascistic attacks on free speech, several university administrations have announced they will fully cooperate with a right-wing congressional committee formed to attack student protesters. The Committee on Education and Workforce, led by Republican Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan and Burgess Owens, Republican of Utah, has issued patently false charges of student antisemitism and placed demands on five universities, including Pomona College in California, Sarah Lawrence College and Barnard College in New York, Northwestern University in Illinois and Bowdoin College in Maine. Walberg is a far-right Christian nationalist who is vehemently opposed to same-sex marriage and abortion rights and denies the reality of man-made climate change. He made headlines last year by calling for the complete annihilation of the Gazan population. We shouldnt be spending a dime on humanitarian aid, he said. It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Get it over quick. In relation to Pomona College, the committee demanded that the university provide all documents related to disciplinary actions taken against students involved in the [colleges October 2024] Carnegie Hall occupation and vandalism. Its letter, addressed to Pomonas acting and former president and to its Board of Trustees, also notes the defacement of a flyer posted on campus commemorating the founding of the state of Israel. This was apparently the work of a student armed with a sharpie marker who wrote, Have you no shame, you bloodthirsty baby killers? The letter omits mention of the police crackdown in April of last year in which Pomona students peacefully occupying the college presidents office were viciously set upon by police and swat team members clad in riot gear and wielding truncheons. As at universities across the US, such violent attacks on unarmed college students were unconditionally supported by the Pomona College administration. All of the allegations in the Pomona letter were provided by the pro-Zionist Anti-Defamation League. The Pomona letter, along with those sent to the other four universities, expressly asserts an equivalence between criticism of Israel and criticism of the Jewish religion and Jewish people, branding both as antisemitism. It states: The term antisemitic incidents should be understood to include any incidents involving the targeting of Jews, Judaism, Israel, Israelis, Zionism and/or Zionists, or incidents otherwise identified as antisemitic. This narrative, which the World Socialist Web Site has called semantic inversion, is a perverse attempt to equate genuine antisemitism with the politically principled and lawful actions of student youth opposed to the crimes of the Zionist state against Palestinians. It actually slanders the Jewish people as a whole, associating them with, and thus attempting to make them complicit in, the crimes of the Israeli government and its US imperialist backers. The committees letter to Sarah Lawrence College expressed concern that students were able to establish an encampment and occupy the colleges main administrative building for a short period of time and hang posters with flagrant messages such as Long live the Intifada. The committee also cited the students demand that the college administration release the names of Israeli companies receiving investments from the university. The Barnard College letter differs from the others in its pursuit of student protesters who dared to challenge the colleges expulsion of their comrades. It writes that dozens of masked agitators gathered at Barnards Milbank Hall to protest the two [previous] student expulsions. The agitators demanded the reversal of the expulsions as well as amnesty for other anti-Israel protesters who had been disciplined. The committee is demanding that Barnard brief it on all aspects of its investigation of that incident. In flagrant violation of due process rights, the letter to Northwestern focuses on the Community Justice and Civil Rights Clinic of its School of Law, which has provided legal services to the organizers of a protest that blocked access to Chicagos OHare Airport. The committee letter expresses particular outrage that student protesters pressured the administration to boycott Sabra Hummus, whose parent company is known for its support of the Israel Defense Forces. The boycott demand emerged from a student encampment opposing the Gaza genocide that was shut down after a back-door agreement between the organizers and the university administration. The House committee is demanding oversight of all legal clinics at Northwestern Law, including their funding sources and budgets. A letter was also sent to Bowdoin College, which includes among its alumni the celebrated 19th century authors Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry David Thoreau, the latter two of which were open abolitionists. In the case of Bowdoin, the committee is demanding records of all disciplinary actions taken against students involved in an encampment at a student center in February of this year. It accuses the administration of capitulating to the organizers of antisemitic encampments, and lifting disciplinary sanctions under pressure from radical students and faculty. The reign of terror and political repression on college campuses is a continuation and qualitative expansion of the actions of the Biden administration and the Democratic party, which supported crackdowns against anti-genocide protesters, utilizing the same fraudulent charges of antisemitism. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris made clear that she would continue Bidens full support for Israeli genocide in Gaza as well as the assault on pro-Palestinian protesters, stating: Let me be clear. I will always stand up for Israels right to defend itself and I will insure Israel has the ability to defend itself. The so-called progressive wing of the Democratic Party is also fully in line with the campaign to arm Israel to the teeth as it murders Palestinian families with bombs and aid blockades. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has vehemently declared his support for the right of Israel to defend itself against the imprisoned Palestinian population, and the pseudo-left Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), an arm of the Democratic Party, continues to support its congressional representatives who have authorized billions in arms sales to the Israeli military. The attack on pro-Palestinian student protesters will not be halted through appeals to college administrations, broadly aligned with the Democratic Party, to change course. College administrators do not have any interest in protecting the rights of students. They take in high six-figure and seven-figure salaries and are supported by multi-millionaire and billionaire board members. Their institutions are intimately tied into the military-intelligence establishment of US imperialism. The letters sent by the House committee are only one part of a broad attack being conducted by the Trump administration against democratic rights and all elements of intellectual and cultural life. Trumps fascistic regime is determined to prosecute these attacks to the end. The kidnappings and disappearances of foreign students like Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk will be extended to native born students as well, creating 21st century versions of Pinochets Chile and Hitlers Germany. To confront this reality, students must organize themselves independently on the basis of a socialist and internationalist perspective and reach out to the working class, going to factories and workplaces and preparing mass protests and job actions to defend all those targeted by Trumps dictatorial actions. This is the fight being led by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality. Dundee University management announced this week that there could be as many as 632 job lossesaround one fifth of the universitys entire work forcein response to a financial deficit of up to 35 million. Some 197 academic and 435 professional services staff positions are threatened. In a letter dated March 31, Interim Principal Professor Shane ONeill warned that the university would be massively reorganised, with eight academic schools merged into three faculties and a 20 percent reduction in teaching modules. Research will be rationalised. 17 million worth of cuts have already been made. Some 49 million annually will be saved by the job cuts. ONeill told the Dundee Courier of three scenarios involving either the massive job losses proposed, break up or merger with another university, or closure. ONeill complained of a 22 percent cut in real terms state funding to Scotland-based students since 2013-14. This has forced universities to rely on international students and risky financial adventures. The university is threatened with insolvency and would have run out of money by June without a 22 million bail out from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). An external investigation has been launched with support from the SFC into the financial crisis. Most of the universitys senior management have resigned over the last few months. These include Peter Fotheringham, the director of finance; Principal Iain Gillespie; also Universities Scotlands convenor and international vice-principal Wendy Alexander. Alexander is a former leader of the Scottish Labour Party and was paid around 200,000 annually to attract students from around the world to Dundee. She is now Baroness Alexander of Cleveden. The announcement confirming job losses came towards the end of a well-supported three week strike by lecturers in response to earlier threats of redundancies. The University and College Union (UCU) leadershipwhose 450 members voted by 74 percent for strike actionis merely demanding that any redundancies are voluntary and that the union apparatus is consulted in all aspects of the reorganisation. On April 1, UCU leader UCU general secretary Jo Grady responded to ONeills warning with a statement that the dispute could be over if only the job losses are packaged as being voluntary. University senior managers need to listen to what staff are telling them, rule out compulsory redundancies and engage with the union to find a better way forward that avoids irreparable damage before it is too late, she said. The fact that management felt able to confirm redundancies when a strike was still ongoing reflects their confidence in the UCU functioning as a means to let off steam. A March 26 interview on the pseudo-left RS21 website with Melissa DAscenzio, co-chair of the Dundee UCU branch, brought this out. The RS21 introduction suggested that the strike has started to turn the tide. DAscenzios comments made clear this was not the case at all. She noted that the real number of jobs threatened should include 237 currently unfilled posts. Counting these took the job losses up to 869 full-time equivalent positions. DAscenzios primary complaint was they didnt even follow their own redundancy avoidance policy ... they just jumped to compulsory redundancy. DAscenzio sought to pin blame for the crisis primarily on Dundees own management, rather than the Scottish National Party government and the funding models imposed by successive Labour, Tory and Liberal Democrat governments on the entire university system in Britain. Dundees crisis, the over-reliance on international students and the highly dubious investments undertaken by the university, are merely one of the sharpest expressions of the problems faced by every university responding to government policy. DAscenzio repeatedly claimed the UCU had changed the narrative and that Weve already won in a way when all that appears to have changed is that the Scottish government has baulked at a much loved university collapsing into immediate insolvency. One consequence of the bailout from the SFC is that the university will be able to afford payments due to staff bullied and hounded into the voluntary redundancy, which the UCU considers acceptable. Unison plays a similar role. Having delayed a strike ballot among non-academic staff until the lecturers were already on strike, Unison announced a 71 percent majority of among cleaners, security, IT and facilities workers for strike action. No action was called, however. Instead, Unison, the UCU and Unite called a Town Hall meeting to push their demands, all directed towards securing the union bureaucracies relations with management. Around 1,000 people attended the meeting, in person and online, testifying to the tremendous concern and frustration among academics, staff and students. Immediately after the meeting, a group of 20 staff members were ejected by university security for seeking to question the University Executive Group over finances. Simultaneously, the University of Edinburgh has announced measures likely to lead to hundreds of job losses. An all-staff email from Principal Sir Peter Mathieson, February 25, announced plans to cut around 140 million in expenditure over the next 18 monthsequivalent to 10 percent of annual income in 2023-24. Mathiesons email followed a warning two weeks previously of restructuring, possible closures of programmes or even Schools, mergers or shared services between Schools, centralisation of some services, outsourcing of others: nothing is off the table. The planned cut will force a smaller staff base, meaning significant reductions in both academic and administrative personnel. Fewer lecturers and support staff will lead to cancelled or merged courses. Edinburghs Senior Management Team (SMT) claims that external pressuresflat government funding for home undergraduates, rising utilities costs driven by post-COVID supply-chain issues and war-related price hikes, along with a decline in international student numbershave created a financial gap demanding a 10 percent cut in expenditure. Yet, according to the UCU, in 2023-24, the university recorded a net surplus of 25 million and an operating surplus of 86 million5.8 percent of its income. The institution holds as much as 3.1 billion in total assets. Between 2018 and 2023, the university accumulated as much as 623 million. While management points to external pressures, as in Dundee, the immediate strain on the university stems from its unchecked capital expenditure. Edinburghs aggressive investment in new building projects has driven maintenance costs from 60 million in 2019 to 91 million annually in 2023-24. These capital projects are not aimed at improving educational infrastructure but at expanding revenue streams. In response, the SMT is targeting staff coststhe largest budget componentto free up resources and secure profitability. The trade unions in Edinburgh are seeking to contain and isolate any struggle. A consultative ballot of UCU members found that 75 percent of academics were willing to strike. Faced with this, the UCU, Unison and Unite have written to the Scottish parliament merely to demand that Mathieson be required to give evidence to the Scottish parliament. Students, staff and academics at Dundee, Edinburgh and every other threatened university throughout Britainwith well over 10,000 jobs immediately under threatare urgently posed with taking control of their struggle out of the hands of the leadership of the UCU, Unison and Unite. A fight in defence of students, lecturers and staff can only be taken forward by forming rank-and-file workers and student committees independent of the trade union leaderships and committed to mobilising the broadest layers of the working class in defence of higher education. BVG workers strike rally in Berlin, March 26, 2025 Dear fellow transit workers, The political significance of our contract battle is becoming ever clearer. A week ago, we emphasised that management at Berlin transit operator BVG, the Berlin Senate (state executive) and the federal government wanted to set an example. Every effort is being made to prevent us from organising an all-out strike and enforcing our justified wage demands. They do not want the negotiations between the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and Social Democrats (SPD) to form a new federal government to take place under the pressure of our strike. Since then, Berlin mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) has spoken out, attacking our last warning strike. He said that further strikes would no longer be acceptable until arbitration had taken place. Shortly afterwards, former Berlin mayor Eberhard Diepgen (also CDU) also spoke out against our industrial action. This has-been right-wing politician, who was driven out of office by a vote of no confidence in 2001 due to his involvement in the Berlin banking scandal, described our demands as completely unrealistic and called for a restriction on the right to strike. He called for the possibility of strikes going forward to be prevented by compulsory arbitration. Several employers associations have also endorsed this demand, describing our warning strikes and the ballot on all-out action as something that must be prevented. The Gesamtmetall engineering employers association proposed a draft bill for compulsory state arbitration. Warning strikes would be limited to a few hours and should not hinder operations or production processes. Anyone who refuses arbitration would not be allowed to take industrial action. With our contract bargaining dispute, we are currently at the forefront of the fight in defence of the right to strike. This concerns a fundamental question: do we workers, who produce everything and provide all services to keep society functioning, have the right to strike in order to enforce decent wages and reasonable working conditions? Or do the speculators, billionaires and their politicians have the right to keep lowering wages and increasing exploitation to increase their profits and finance their policies of rearmament and war? It is an old principle of the labour movement that our right to work and wages is more important than the greed for profit and the economic interests of the super-rich. At the same time, our wage struggle is an important signal in the resistance against war and rearmament. We are not prepared to make sacrifices for the military adventures of a warmongering cabal in the government, the arms industry and the media. Two world wars are enough! That is why we must achieve a high level of approval in the current ballot and enforce an indefinite all-out strike. But this requires breaking from the control of the Verdi union functionaries and building up the rank-and-file Transport Workers Action Committee. There are many signs that Verdi is already negotiating a rotten sell-out behind our backs and is prepared to agree to an outcome that has nothing to do with our demands. We would like to remind you once again that our demand for 750 more per month over 12 months is the minimum after years of cuts in real wages. With the last contract in 2021, wages were gradually increased by 4.5 percent from January 2022. According to official figures, consumer prices in Berlin have risen by 15 percent in the same period, with real price increases for food, heating and rent being significantly higher still. BVG, the largest public transport company in Europe and in Germany, stands at the bottom of the league when it comes to pay. Everyone knows that the miserable pay is the main reason why many people no longer want to put up with the stress of driving in Berlins traffic, full of roadworks, and why the exodus is leading to a constant increase in work stress. Nevertheless, Verdi is refusing to initiate an indefinite strike after the ballot. The Verdi officials are part of the governing parties, support the policy of rearmament and war and have already made agreements to prevent a full strike with the help of arbitration. It is very striking that all the previous results of the negotiations were subject to a member consultation before a vote in the bargaining committee. Only in the last and most important negotiation, when the BVG, in an absolutely provocative manner, did not present a new offer but demanded arbitration, was there no member consultation. Why not? Because the majority would have voted against it. Because the vast majority regard the ballot as a prelude to an all-out strike and not as a means of exerting pressure in the conciliation talks. Verdi also did not organise discussion among members about the arbitration arrangements and the selection of the arbitrators. There has not yet been any conciliation at BVG and therefore no arbitration agreement. Verdi was not forced to adopt the agreement to undergo conciliation from the public sector employers and accept the so-called industrial peace obligation, i.e., a ban on strikes. It was all voluntary because this is what the Verdi leadership wanted. The brazen talk from Verdis head negotiator Jeremy Arndt about your conciliation, which was organised according to your ideas, cannot hide the fact that arbitration was pushed through without consultation and against the resistance of many members. A look at the recent pay agreements in the public sector and at Deutsche Post makes clear what Verdi also has in mind for us. Verdi has agreed to a miserable deal for the 170,000 postal workers, which means further cuts in real wages. With a contract running for 24 months, the first three months of this year see a pay freeze, followed by a 2 percent increase from April 2025 and a further 3 percent from April 2026. Although a clear majority of members (54 percent) voted against the agreement, Verdi pushed it through. Verdi cynically manipulated various ballot results, so that an approval of 25 percent was sufficient to push through a bad result against the opposition of a majority. Arndt & Co. want to repeat exactly the same thing at BVG. It is therefore necessary to break through Verdis control and impose an indefinite strike after a successful ballot. To achieve this, the establishment of the Transport Workers Action Committee is now of the utmost importance. In the Staff Council election campaign in November, we wrote: We are running in these elections to build new fighting structures that will enable us, rank-and-file transport workers, to intervene directly in workplace disputes. Our goal is to develop the great strength and power that we have as workers. We want to strengthen the self-confidence of those who keep the city and the country moving. We are not supplicants or beggars. We have rights! The organisation of the Transport Workers Action Committee is the first important step towards preparing an indefinite strike to enforce our demands. Halt the arbitration! Get in touch with the Transport Workers Action Committee! Force Verdi to organise an indefinite all-out strike! Get in touch with us! Send a Whatsapp message to +01748402566 and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. Over the past week, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, leader of the right-wing nationalist NZ First Party, has fuelled a vile slander campaign accusing Green Party MP Benjamin Doyle, without a shred of evidence, of being a sex criminal and a danger to children. New Zealand Green Party MP Benjamin Doyle and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters [Photo by CC-BY-SA 4.0/Green Party,AP/Cliff Owen ] The unhinged and hysterical claims, which have been repeated by sections of the corporate media, point to the rapid lurch to the right by the political establishment. Like the Trump administration in the US, the National Party-led coalition government, in which NZ First plays a major role, is whipping up racism and backwardness in order to divert attention from soaring social inequality, brutal austerity measures and the integration of New Zealand into US-led war preparations against China. Towards the end of March, Doyle came under attack by various far-right hacks, including anti-transgender activist Ani OBrienwho was a digital director for former National Party leader Judith Collinsand Chantelle Baker, a Christian influencer who played a major role in anti-vaccination protests in 2022. These and other individuals shared innocuous photos from Doyles private Instagram accountincluding one of the MP kissing his own childand made lurid and defamatory statements. In a typical post, Baker asked: Are the @nzpolice investigating the very concerning images this man has been posting involving incredibly young children? She added, in a swipe at the gender diverse community, that of course, [Doyle] identifies as non binary. Peters amplified these baseless innuendos in a social media post on March 29 which demanded that the Green Party answer serious questions about Doyles Instagram account, including the meaning of the accounts name, BibleBeltBussy (bussy is a lewd slang term used to denote the male anus, according to Wikipedia). Peters also asked why Doyle had deleted several dozen photos from the account, implying this was somehow suspicious. Based on the so-called evidence, the worst that an objective observer could conclude is that Doyle made a foolish choice in naming the Instagram account. The deputy prime minister frothed: This is the guy who wants to provide puberty blockers on demand and surgery for children. Doyle has been placed in Parliament to sabotage ethical beliefs our society stands for. In an interview with Peters on the far-right Platform podcast on March 31, host Sean Plunket declared that Doyle had made sexually provocative social media posts and asked Peters whether he believed that Doyle was a promoter of paedophilia. Peters replied that this requires a serious inquiry and called for a police investigation. Plunket also repeated extreme right-wing conspiracies attacking the Burnett Foundation, formerly the AIDS Foundation, where Doyle worked before entering parliament. He said the state-funded sexual health organisation was involved in very questionable sex education in schools. Peters replied: Youre right about the AIDS Foundation, saying it was pushing a certain type of behaviour which only invites more AIDS. Peters is repeating the same deranged lies that he spread during the 1980s when, as a member of the National Party, he opposed the legalisation of homosexuality. He told parliament on October 9, 1985, that the Homosexual Law Reform Bill would contribute to the spread of AIDS and that its supporters had a hidden agenda of promoting paedophilia. Doyle has become the target of a far-right hate campaign after delivering a speech at a protest outside parliament on March 23 supporting access to gender-affirming medication for transgender youth. On the same day, Peters gave a speech in Christchurch in which he demonised transgender people, denounced sex and gender education in schools and declared a war on woke. It is no accident that the campaign against Doyle erupted shortly after Peters visit to Washington and talks with the Trump administration last month. Anti-LGBT demagogy was a major feature of Trumps election campaign and his anti-democratic executive orders since becoming president, including a ban on transgender athletes and an order to cease all funding for gender-affirming care. NZ First and the government are using the Trump playbook to shift politics in New Zealand further and further to the right. The conspiracy theories that LGBT people are grooming children are emboldening fascistic groups. In February, the fundamentalist Destiny Church stormed a drag event at Aucklands Te Atatu library, forcing about 30 adults and children to lock themselves in a room, fearing for their safety. Destinys leader Brian Tamaki has circulated the allegations against Doyle and called for police and child welfare agencies to investigate the MP. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said on March 31 that Peters was actively fanning flames of hatred towards the LGBT community, and that the Greens had received an immense number of death threats and abuse directed against Doyle and his family. Doyle has taken leave from parliament. The main opposition Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins similarly criticised Peters, saying his comments showed an ugly side of New Zealand politics. Davidson made a futile appeal to National Party Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to take responsibility for the behaviour of his coalition colleague. When questioned by reporters, Luxon expressed support for Peters, saying the language used on Doyles account was really inappropriate. The claims by NZ First and its supporters to be protecting children are ludicrous and hypocritical in the extreme. The NZ government has aligned itself with the fascist Trump administration, which is tearing up democratic rights and carrying out mass deportations of entire families. It also backs the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza, in which tens of thousands of children have been murdered. Peters has slandered opponents of the genocide as racists and fascists. The Platforms Plunket and the rest of the right-wing pundits attacking Doyle are all supporters of the Israeli state and defenders of genocide. In New Zealand, as a result of the brutal austerity policies inflicted by successive Labour and National Party-led governments, at least one in five children lives in poverty. The current government has slashed the nutritional content of school lunches for hundreds of thousands of children, under conditions where half a million people (10 percent of the population) are relying on food parcels from charities. As for the issue of child abuse, a royal commission of inquiry last year found that thousands of children had been beaten, tortured and sexually abused for decades in state-run schools, detention facilities and psychiatric institutions. Successive governments, including ones in which Peters held leading positions, covered up these crimes and shielded the state from accountability. NZ First is a deeply unpopular party: it received just over 6 percent of the votes in the 2023 election. Peters founded the party in 1993 on an anti-immigrant platform, and it has a long record of promoting racism and xenophobia, particularly against people from China, India and the Middle East. Along with the libertarian ACT Party, NZ First is seeking to scapegoat indigenous Maori people for the social crisis by falsely implying that they have received privileges due to identity politics, which has in fact benefited only a narrow, affluent layer. The toxic and divisive politics of NZ First and the government must be opposed. But it must be stressed that NZ First is only able to play such a prominent role in the countrys politics because it has been legitimised by National, the Labour Party and the Greens itself, as well as sections of the trade union bureaucracy. In 2017, the Greens joined a Labour-led coalition government that included NZ First. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made Peters the deputy prime minister and the foreign ministerthe same positions he holds today in the National-led coalition. On November 8, 2017, the Greens then co-leader James Shaw told parliament that the Greens and NZ First do not agree on everything, but we do agreeas has not been documentedon far more than we disagree, and we do look forward to working with them over the course of the coming years to find common cause and to deliver the best for New Zealand. The Ardern government adopted NZ Firsts anti-immigrant proposals and its call for a major increase in police numbers. The Greens Shaw worked directly with NZ Firsts defence minister Ron Mark to argue for increased military spending, on the false pretext of providing disaster relief to the Pacific. The real purpose was to align New Zealand more closely with US war preparations against China. At the same time, ACT and NZ First have benefited from the fixation of the Greens and Labour, and their pseudo-left supporters, on divisive identity politics based on race, gender and sexualitywhich explicitly blames white and male workers for social problems caused by capitalism. As is the case in the US, Europe and Australia, the entire political establishment has worked to elevate the far-right and promote every form of backwardness, in order to divide the working class and defend the profit system. Democratic rights, including the rights of LGBT people, immigrants and other minorities, can only be defended by unifying the working class in opposition to this system. This requires a political struggle against all the parliamentary parties, including the Greens, based on a socialist and internationalist program. A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, June 29, 2024. [Photo: Air Force Senior Airman Jack Rodgers ] Against the backdrop of Israels Gaza genocide and ongoing US attacks against Yemen, the Trump administration is rushing military hardware to the Middle East amid escalating threats to attack Iran. While the Trump administrations pretext for threatening Iran is the alleged development of its nuclear program, US war plans against Iran are part of a US-Israeli offensive, decades in the making, to reshape the Middle East under direct imperialist domination and launched using the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas as a pretext. As part of this plan, Israel is ethnically cleansing Gaza and seeking to annex the territory. On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced that the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group will be deployed to the Middle East, joining the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group. The Pentagon has sent six of its B-2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia in the Indian Oceanwithin striking distance of Iranor 30 percent of the entire US stealth bomber fleet. The B-2 bomber is capable of deploying both nuclear weapons and the largest US bunker-buster bombs, which are reportedly capable of reaching underground Iranian nuclear facilities. Military aviation analyst Peter Layton told CNN that the deployment of six B-2 bombers would be far too many to be used against Yemen and could instead only be leveraged in an attack on Iran. Six is a serious number. For Houthi deeply buried targets, two or maybe three, but six B-2s is a major effort, he said. Alongside the aircraft carriers and bombers, the US has sent additional destroyers capable of launching long-range cruise missiles and Patriot missile defense batteries to bases around the region. Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump declared that unless Iran accepted the United States demands, there will be bombing. Last month, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz told CBSs Face the Nation that the United States is seeking the full dismantlement of Irans nuclear program. Waltz said: This isnt some kind of, you know, kind of tit-for-tat that we had under the Obama administration or Biden. ... This is the full program. Give it up or there will be consequences. On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron held a meeting to discuss the likelihood of a US attack on Iran, with a spokesman later declaring that a military escalation appeared almost inevitable. On March 15, the Trump administration launched a series of bombing campaigns on Yemen, which have hit hundreds of targets in the most intense US bombardment of the country to date. On Tuesday, Trump again threatened Yemen, saying: we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come, for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran. The same day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the United States has carried out over 200 attacks on Yemen, declaring: Iran is incredibly weakened as a result of these attacks, and we have seen they have taken out Houthi leaders. In response to Trumps threats against Iran, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that if they commit any mischief they will surely receive a strong reciprocal blow. The Telegraph reported Sunday that an Iranian official said that British troops could also be targeted in response to a US attack, saying: There will be no distinction in targeting British or American forces if Iran is attacked from any base in the region or within the range of Iranian missiles. He added: When the time comes, it wont matter whether youre an American, British, or Turkish soldieryou will be targeted if your base is used by Americans. A US attack on Iran threatens to massively escalate the ongoing war throughout the Middle East, potentially drawing in China and Russia Last week, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Qalibaf said: If the Americans attack the sanctity of Iran, the entire region will blow up like a spark in an ammunition dump. During Trumps first presidential term, the United States withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an agreement brokered under the Obama administration to reduce the scale of Irans nuclear program. In December, the International Atomic Energy Agency said that Iran has expanded its capacity to enrich uranium. In a statement this week, Ali Larijani, Khameneis adviser, raised the prospect that Iran would build a nuclear weapon in response to the US threats. Ali Larijani said: We are not moving towards (nuclear) weapons, but if you do something wrong in the Iranian nuclear issue, you will force Iran to move towards that because it has to defend itself. He added: Iran does not want to do this, but (it) will have no choice. If at some point you (the US) move towards bombing by yourself or through Israel, you will force Iran to make a different decision. Meanwhile, the Gaza genocide continues to expand. Al Jazeera reported that at least 77 Palestinians had been killed in the blockaded territory Wednesday, amid nonstop ground and air attacks by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In the IDFs missile attack on a United Nations medical facility in the Jabalia refugee camp, at least 22 people, including women and children, were killed. On Tuesday, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) announced that every one of the bakeries it operates in Gaza has been closed due to shortages of food and fuel caused by the ongoing Israeli blockade. For nearly a month, Israel has prevented all food, fuel, water and electricity from entering the Gaza Strip as part of a deliberate policy of starvation and ethnic cleansing aimed at killing or displacing Palestinians in Gaza and annexing their land. On Tuesday, Israel announced a major expansion of its ground offensive in Gaza, adding that large portions of the enclave would be seized and put under military control. Meanwhile more details continue to come out about the 15 aid workers, including one UN employee, massacred by Israeli forces on March 23 and dumped into a mass grave. After The Guardian reported Tuesday that those who had been killed had been bound and executed, the New York Times reported that the rescue workers were shot multiple times before being buried in a mass grave. Thailands Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra survived a no-confidence vote last week after two days of a censure debate in the National Assembly. Called by the parliamentary opposition bloc, this was part of the ongoing infighting within the Thai ruling class, which is certain to continue and generate further political instability. Thailands Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, centre, arrives at Government House for cabinet meeting in Bangkok, February 4, 2025. [AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit] The censure motion was led by the so-called progressive Peoples Party (PP) in alliance with the military-backed Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). The ruling bloc in parliament, which includes Paetongtarns Pheu Thai Party (PT) and its allies including the right-wing Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) and the United Thai Nation Party, which is also backed by military factions, defeated the motion 319 to 162. Afterwards, Paetongtarn stated that the debate went smoothly and thanked all members of parliament for motivating her to continue to work hard for our people. Paetongtarn became prime minister last August after Srettha Thavisin, the first Pheu Thai prime minister, was removed from office by the Constitutional Court on trumped-up ethics charges. Paetongtarn was probed on a number of issues including corruption over landholdings, tax evasion and even poor economic knowledge. She was also accused of taking political orders from her father, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the founder of Pheu Thai who was removed from office in the 2006 military coup. He remains de facto party leader and a political target of the military and the royalist political establishment. As has repeatedly been the case in Thai politics, the corruption charges are simply the means by which rival factions of the political establishment battle for power and influence. Tensions in ruling circles have markedly sharpened amid a worsening economic crisis and growing fears of an eruption of opposition by workers, peasants and youth. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Thailands GDP growth in 2024 was just 2.6 percent, with contractions in both manufacturing and agriculture. The growth rate was considerably lower than the region as a whole, which sees countries in the order of 5 to 6 percent. In backing the no-confidence motion, the progressive Peoples Party, as the lead opposition party in the National Assembly, has aligned itself more closely with the PPRP, which was the party of the military junta that seized power in the 2014 coup. Peoples Party MP Pakamon Noon-anan criticised remarks Paetongtarn made last September, in which the latter stated a strong baht was good for Thailands exporters. People worldwide know that a strong baht benefits imports because they cost less to bring in. It harms exports because our products are more expensive Lack of understanding of a simple issue affects peoples confidence in the nations leader, Pakamon declared during the debate. It is not the peoples confidence but the interests of big business that is the real concern. Thailand is in the firing line in the Trump administrations trade war measures, having a trade surplus with the US of $35.42 billion in 2024. The US is Thailands top export market, supplying food stuffs, electrical appliances, automotive parts, industrial products and some minerals. According to estimates from the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, operating costs for Thai exporters could spike by 6 to 8 percent if US tariffs are directed against Thailand. In the first part of this year, Thailands exports have actually grown, partly in anticipation of US tariffs. However, this growth is not sustainable. The Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) of Siam Commercial Bank this month lowered its export growth forecast from its November prediction of 2 percent to 1.6 percent, while the government is targeting 3 to 3.5 percent growth. The EICs prediction is based in part on factors like US tariffs, which includes 25 percent tariffs on all vehicle and auto part imports into the US that came into force today. Thailand has the tenth largest auto industry in the world, and in 2024 exported approximately $US4 billion worth of auto parts to the US. The Thai economy has taken another huge hit today after Trump announced his list of so-called reciprocal tariffs on countries worldwidefriend and foe alike. Now Thai exports to the US across the board will be subjected to a huge 36 percent tariff. Sections of Thai big business are deeply concerned that Paetongtarn lacks the ability to deal with Trumps trade war, protect corporate interests and deal with the inevitable social unrests as new burdens are imposed on working people. As a result, the future of the Paetongtarn government is still very much in doubt, despite its defeat of the no-confidence motion. PPRP Secretary-General Paiboon Nititawan remarked prior to the parliamentary debate: After the censure debate, many issues will follow and involve legal ones which can be expanded. They may turn out to be petitions to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Constitutional Court. He warned that a petition to the Constitutional Court on the prime minister may lead to political change and would be fun. Four prime ministers have been removed by the Constitutional Court in the last 16 years, including Pheu Thais Srettha Thavisin last year. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and other bodies like the Constitutional Court (CC) have been heavily influenced by the military since the 2014 coup. The coup leaders wrote and rammed through the 2017 constitution that paved the way for elections and included substantial powers for the military. Significantly while the Peoples Party criticised Thaksins undue influence on the Paetongtarn government during the censure debate, the influence of the military and the monarchy went unchallenged. Its past criticisms of the military and monarchy have now been shelved as it has aligned itself with the PPRP. The PPs predecessor, the Move Forward Party, rose to prominence following huge protests of mainly young people in 2020 against the 2014 coup leader, the 2017 constitution and the monarchy. After winning the 2023 election, the military blocked it from forming government and undoubtedly played a role in its dissolution last August. That the Peoples Party is working with the PPRP to target the Paetongtarn government, not only exposes the fraudulent character of its progressive posturing, but demonstrates the organic inability of any faction of the bourgeoisie to defend basic democratic rights. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player President Donald Trump watches as Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch swears in Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary, as his wife Cheryl Hines holds the Bible in the Oval Office at the White House on Thursday, February 13, 2025 in Washington D.C. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] The initiation of mass firings of over 20,000 scientists and public health workers at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) marks a historic turning point in the collapse of American democracy and the Trump administrations efforts to establish a fascist dictatorship in the United States. Trumps war on science and public health, overseen by the anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has now evolved into a scorched-earth policy of social vandalism, in which all the medical and scientific gains made by countless scientists and public health workers are being decimated overnight. For Trump and the financial oligarchy he represents, the enemy in this war is the international working class, whom they are determined to reduce to conditions of industrial slavery and barbarism on a scale not seen since the Nazi regime of Adolf Hitler. Under the Orwellian banner Make America Healthy Again, Trump and Kennedy are deliberately creating the conditions for the flourishing of infectious diseases, the proliferation of pseudoscience and the steady decline of life expectancy for masses of workers across the US and throughout the world. Tuesdays mass firings coincided with the swearing-in of Trumps new directors of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Jay Bhattacharya, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Martin Makary. Bhattacharya is most notorious for co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration, the herd immunity manifesto that justifies a policy of mass infection, death and debilitation with COVID-19. Makary adopted this policy, while both figures promoted anti-vaccine disinformation and denigrated virtually all other public health measures throughout the pandemic. Kennedy greeted their swearing-in Tuesday with the declaration, The revolution begins today! By this he meant a social counterrevolution against all remaining vestiges of public health and scientific integrity at the CDC, FDA and every other HHS agency. It is impossible to succinctly present all that took place on April 1, as thousands of employees at HHS and its 13 subsidiary agencies awoke to emails informing them of their firings. Among the most significant developments are the following: At the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 880 of 1,100 employees were fired, eliminating research into mining safety, chemical exposure and more. Eighty percent of the staff at the CDCs Global Health Center were laid off, crippling outbreak detection in over 40 countries. The CDCs Chronic Disease Prevention sub-agency was dissolved, ending diabetes and heart disease tracking in 30 states. Over 300 positions were cut at the HIV Prevention Division, with estimates that over 20 million patients across Africa will now be cut off from life-saving assistance through PEPFAR. The CDCs Environmental Health Science division was eliminated, halting PFAS toxicity studies and more. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) was disbanded, ending firearm mortality tracking. The entire staff of the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) was terminated. At the NIH, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) was closed, ending $500 million in grants to address racial health disparities, and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) was shuttered. 450 of 900 employees at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) were fired. At the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), 80 employees were terminated, weakening national stockpile management and pandemic forecasting. Among those targeted were agency heads, with at least nine directors of agencies either fired or placed on administrative leave, while several other senior leaders were reassigned. Five of the 10 HHS regional offices were closed, including in Boston, New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle. At numerous agencies, communications teams were gutted, preventing future notices on a wide range of critical health issues to both the American and worlds populations. All of these savage cuts will have far-reaching global ramifications, but arguably the most ominous are those targeting agencies overseeing the nationwide outbreak of H5N1 bird flu among poultry and dairy farms. In addition to the aforementioned firings at the CDCs Global Health Center and ASPR, 140 staff were fired at the FDAs Center for Veterinary Medicine, including critical leadership and administrative staff. These three centers collaborate with the US Department of Agriculture to track the spread of the bird flu, which numerous scientists have warned threatens to become the next pandemic. Historically, bird flu has had a 50 percent fatality rate among humans. Last month, Kennedy and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins both proposed to let the virus rip through poultry farms instead of culling infected birds. This insane policy, widely denounced by scientists, would effectively give the virus tens of millions of hosts to evolve, with researchers warning that only one mutation is needed for the development of human-to-human transmission. Were such a policy now put in place, there would be no effective mechanisms to track or report on the nationwide spread of bird flu, which could very well spark the next global pandemic. A poultry farm [Photo by Fot. Konrad ozinski / CC BY 2.0 The events on Tuesday, which multiple sources have described as a bloodbath, follow a series of unprecedented attacks on public health and science by Trump and Kennedy, of which the following were most significant: On January 24, Trump withdrew the US from the World Health Organization (WHO) and imposed unprecedented gag orders across all 13 HHS agencies. Thousands of pages of scientific information have been modified or removed from the websites of the CDC, NIH, FDA and other HHS agencies, a form of modern-day book burning. On February 7, NIH spending on facilities and administration was slashed by $4 billion, nearly 50 percent of the current $9 billion allocation, affecting research grants at universities nationwide. Kennedy has downplayed the worsening measles outbreak in Texas, instead promoting quack remedies like cod liver oil and initiating a fraudulent study into the link between vaccines and autism, to be headed by anti-vaccine activist David Geier. Declaring the pandemic is over, the HHS has halted NIH-funded research into Long COVID and next-generation vaccines. Last week, the HHS rescinded its Scientific Integrity Policy, allowing political appointees to censor or alter studies contradicting administration narratives. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) cut 1,000 positions, including National Weather Service staff critical for hurricane tracking. The NIH has canceled all studies on transgender healthcare. On March 20, Trump signed an Executive Order to initiate the dismantling of the Department of Education The State Department has revoked hundreds of student visas and even green cards via AI-driven social media monitoring, targeting pro-Palestine activists, including Columbias Mahmoud Khalil and Cornells Momodou Taal. On March 5, Trump threatened to defund any institution allowing illegal protests, demanding expulsion or deportation of participants, with multiple campuses immediately complying with the orders. What emerges from this barrage of reaction is a clear and definite policy of fascist counter-revolution. Dominant sections of the American ruling class are determined to destroy all of the social gains won by the working class during the 20th century, and they have selected Trump as their Fuhrer to carry this out. The Nazi concept of Gleichschaltungsynchronization or falling into lineentailed the subversion of academic freedom, the driving out of Jewish scientists and the reshaping of German society into a fascist dictatorship, in the process undermining all of the core concepts of the Enlightenment, human progress and philosophical materialism. Today, Trump demands the same falling into line, with Kennedy carrying this out in the sphere of public health. They are reviving the outlook advocated by Hermann Goring at a June 1934 speech in Wassertrudingen, when he declared, Real leaders are born of blood and soil and have no need for science and culture. What is now unfolding is a dramatic and sudden reversal of the nearly century-long dominance of American scientific prowess. Over the course of World War II, the United States emerged as the global center for scientific research and innovation, with many of the above agencies either founded or reconstituted during this period. Europes greatest scientists, including Albert Einstein and Enrico Fermi, fled fascism and sought refuge in the US. This initial brain drain fueled by fascism continued in the post-war period, as the US became a magnet for top scientific talent from throughout the world. Through the deepening integration of these federal agencies with academia, numerous scientific breakthroughs were achieved which have collectively saved billions of people from premature death, raised life expectancies globally and profoundly shaped modern society. The greatest scientific achievements made through this collaboration included the development of mass production techniques for penicillin in the 1940s; vaccines to prevent polio, HPV, Ebola, COVID-19 and other pathogens; therapies and treatments for HIV/AIDS, bipolar disorder, breast cancer, heart disease and a myriad of other chronic diseases; the Green Revolution in agriculture; the Human Genome Project; MRI technology; virtually all of the advances associated with modern computing technologies and the Internet; and literally thousands more medical and technological breakthroughs. This scientific progress was always bound up with and constrained by Cold War geopolitics and the efforts of American imperialism to undermine the Soviet Union, while access to higher education remained limited for large sections of the working class. But the advances made still had vast objective significance. With the coming to power of Reagan, the American ruling class initiated a social counterrevolution, steadily rolling back these social gains, imposing mass layoffs, beginning with the firing of the PATCO air traffic controllers, and funneling ever-greater wealth to the corporate-financial oligarchy. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, these processes accelerated, as the War on Terror and decades of unending war required the diversion of ever-greater resources to the military. Upon the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americas once preeminent health agencies were totally unprepared and easily subordinated to the pro-capitalist policies of first the Trump and then the Biden administrations. Outside of Operation Warp Speed and the rapid production of vaccines, the heads of the CDC, NIH and other agencies collaborated in the bipartisan war on public health, which helped set the stage for the return of Trump. But the unfolding war on science and public health under the new Trump administration marks a qualitative turning point in this process. All scientific agencies and academic institutions are in a state of free fall, from which they will not recover under capitalism. Already, a reverse brain drain is underway. A recent Nature poll found that fully 75 percent of scientists in the US are now considering leaving the country, with most eyeing Europe and Canada for relocation. Opposition is building among scientists, as part of a growing radicalization of the American and international working class in response to the threat of fascism. An Open Letter written To the American People which condemns Trumps wholesale assault on U.S. science has now been signed by over 2,000 elected members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. The defense of science and public health cannot be entrusted to the Democratic Party, which has fully enabled Trumps consolidation of a fascist government and facilitated the terrorizing of students on college campuses. It was Biden and the Democrats who fully implemented Trumps herd immunity policy of mass COVID-19 infection and death, while orchestrating the Israeli genocide of the Palestinians and the ruthless crackdown on student protesters. As with the fight to defend democratic rights and oppose war and genocide, the struggle for science and public health will only develop through the building of a socialist movement in the working class, the great progressive social force under capitalism. The Socialist Equality Party is leading this struggle, and we urge all those seeking to oppose Trumps building of a fascist dictatorship to join our ranks today. Brazil's president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, reviews the troops during Inauguration Day, Brasilia, January 1, 2023. [Photo: Jose Cruz/Agencia Brasil] Last Monday marked the 61st anniversary of the US-backed military coup in Brazil that overthrew the elected government of President Joao Goulart and established a brutal dictatorship that remained in power for 21 years. The date was observed by the Workers Party (PT) government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva with the same reactionary directives it adopted for the historic 60th anniversary of the coup last year. In order to avoid friction with the upper echelons of the Armed Forces, infested with fascist apologists for the military dictatorship, the official orientation of the Lula government was to ignore the date. In 2024, the Brazilian Socialist Group for Equality (GSI) wrote in response to the governments cancellation of planned ceremonies in memory of those murdered, tortured and imprisoned as a result of the military coup: Lulas statements are remarkable in light of recent events. The bourgeois PT governments nervousness about the issue is directly proportional to the renewed relevance of the lessons of the 1964 coup for the Brazilian and international working class. This assessment is even truer today. This years anniversary took place a week after the indictment of former president Jair Bolsonaro and seven allies, almost all members of the top brass of the military, accused of being the hard core of the fascist coup attempt that culminated in the attack on the seats of power in Brasilia on January 8, 2023. The complacent attitude of the PT government towards the persistent danger of a military fascist coup, contrasts with the moods of significant sections of the Brazilian population. The popularity achieved by Im Still Here, the movie depicting the terror of the military dictatorship that was awarded an Oscar for the best international film in March, is one of the most significant mass cultural phenomena in the recent period in Brazil. Almost 6 million Brazilians went to see it in theaters, in screenings that were repeatedly closed with political demonstrations by audiences in repudiation of the dictatorship. As we wrote, this phenomenon reflects a widespread recognition that resolving the current acute political crisis is impossible without a reckoning never before carried out with the crimes and dark legacy of the 1964-85 military dictatorship. The Lula governments guidelines have provoked criticism from its own allies, who are aware of their unpopularity. An article in Estado de Sao Paulo noted: The silence on March 31 is seen as embarrassing by some PT members. Seeking to fill the political vacuum left by this embarrassing silence, the PT and its pseudo-left allies held demonstrations on Sunday, March 30, in different Brazilian capitals, under the slogan No Amnesty. The demonstrations aimed not only to mark the 1964 coup, but also to counter the protests carried out two weeks earlier by Bolsonaro and his supporters, who advocate a bill to grant amnesty to those involved in the coup attempt of January 8, 2023. This demand makes direct reference to the Amnesty Law, signed by the military itself in 1979, which led to the transition to a civilian bourgeois regime without trial or punishment for those responsible for the atrocious crimes of the military dictatorship. Despite attracting a few thousand people to the streets, the demonstrations were significantly contained, smaller and less publicized than the recent pro-Bolsonaro protests. This was no accident. The main aim of their pseudo-left leaders was to release pressure from the growing opposition of youth and workers to the reactionary policies of the Lula government. This was clear in the comments made beforehand by Guilherme Boulos, leader of the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL) and the People Without Fear Front, a collective of social movements and trade unions that called for the protests. The issue is not the size of the crowd. We cant leave the streets to Bolsonarism, Boulos told CNN on March 28, already assuming that the demonstrations would be smaller than those recently held by Bolsonaros supporters, which were considered a fiasco. In the main speech at the demonstration in Sao Paulo, Boulos ironically declared: The world turns, and we will still have the opportunity to take the Human Rights Commission of the Chamber of Deputies and deliver Solidarity Kitchen lunch to [Bolsonaro] at the Papuda [Penitentiary Complex]. Boulos lack of seriousness and empty triumphalism are hallmarks of the petty-bourgeois politics espoused by the PSOL. In the last five years, Boulos has waged two failed campaigns for mayor of Sao Paulo. His campaigns were based on the bankrupt and reactionary political theory that a fight against fascism requires ever broader political fronts with the bourgeoisie and its right wing. Also speaking at the Sao Paulo demonstration was the leader of the government in the Congress, Lindbergh Farias. Seeking to numb the audience to the persistent threat of fascism, the PT deputy declared: Im calling the leaders. This is going to be the week when we bury this Amnesty Bill. They wont succeed, Im telling you. According to Farias, the fact that the majority of the congressmen are in favor of or neutral towards the bill that exonerates the perpetrators of the 2023 attempted fascist coup, is just a misunderstanding that can be fixed with a few phone calls. At the end of the day, Lula made a bland personal statement on social media. Today is a day to remember the importance of democracy, he wrote on X, without referring directly to the military coup. Instead, Lula praised the civilian political regime inaugurated in March 1985, writing: Our people, with much struggle, have overcome the dark periods of their history. For 40 years, we have lived in a regime of democracy and freedom, which became even stronger and more alive with the Federal Constitution of 1988. This is a path that I am sure we will continue to follow. Without ever going backwards. No amount of positive thinking by Lula can obscure the fact that the Brazilian bourgeois regime is going through a crisis that demonstrates its failure to overcome the dark periods of the countrys history. Bolsonaro and the fascist militarys conspiracy leaves no doubt that the experience and lessons of the 1964 coup remain very much alive for the Brazilian ruling class. While the Lula government has adopted a cowardly and capitulating silence on the 1964 coup and the military dictatorship, Bolsonaro has done exactly the opposite. Since his first year in office, the fascistic president has openly celebrated March 31 as the victory of the 1964 Revolution. General Walter Braga Netto, former Chief of Staff and Bolsonaros running mate, joined the government as Minister of Defense on March 30, 2021. Remarkably, his first action in office was to issue an order of the day which, falsifying history, described the 1964 coup as a popular movement initiated in the streets, through which the military guaranteed the democratic freedoms we enjoy today. There are striking parallels between this narrative, and the development of the 1964 coup as a whole, and the strategy guiding the fascist coup attempt of 2022-23, which had Braga Netto as one of the main and perhaps most unscrupulous leaders. The evidence published in the November Federal Police report shows that Bolsonaro, Braga Netto and their allies instigated a series of violent actions with the express aim of creating the conditions for a military takeover under the pretext of restoring order, as they did 61 years ago. The main center from which these actions originated was the encampment of Bolsonaros fascist supporters in front of the Army Headquarters in Brasilia. On December 12, during the ceremony certifying Lulas electoral victory, the encampments participants burned buses and attacked public buildings, creating chaos in the Brazilian capital. On January 8, they led the storming of the governmental headquarters. The fascist encampments in front of the barracks were hailed as popular demonstrations in an official note of the Armed Forces, which at the same time affirmed the militarys unrestricted and unwavering commitment to the Brazilian people. The eventual police repression against these encampments would serve, in the words of the fascist conspirators, as trigger events for a military intervention that would place power in the hands of an Institutional Crisis Management Office, commanded by Braga Netto and other generals. This crisis office was supposed to play the same role as the Supreme Command of the Revolution led by the three commanders of the Armed Forces in 1964, which oversaw the consolidation of a dictatorial regime with the first Institutional Act of April 9. The fascist encampments in front of the barracks, which Lulas current defense minister, Jose Mucio Monteiro, said were attended by his friends and family members, are directly reminiscent of the 1964 March of the Family with God for Freedom. With slogans such as Green and yellow, without sickle and hammer and Brazil will not be a new Cuba, the March of the Family brought the most reactionary sections of the petty bourgeoisie to the streets of Sao Paulo on March 19, 1964, serving as a popular facade for the subsequent military takeover. The demonstration was organized and financed by the infamous Institute of Research and Social Studies (IPES), a counter-revolutionary think tank of the Brazilian capitalist elite clandestinely sponsored by the CIA. The vow of silence between Lula and the military only serves to mask these fascist traditions that continue to be cultivated inside the barracks, providing an inspiration for future coups. Today, it is not only March 31, 1964 that serves as a touchstone for Brazils fascist-military factions, but also January 8, 2023, their first attempt to take power in the 21st century. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbekistan's oil and gas company) is set to test modern ultrasonic gas meters at its production facilities as part of its efforts to enhance industrial cooperation and develop products tailored to local market demands, Trend reports. The news follows a meeting between the representatives of Uzbekneftegaz with specialists from the Russian Kuibishev Telecom-Metrology research and production enterprise. During the meeting, representatives from Russia presented their manufacturing capabilities and technological expertise. Following discussions, the parties agreed to continue meetings with international experts in an online format and to explore the testing of ultrasonic gas meters at Uzbekneftegaz production sites. The Russian company also expressed interest in deploying highly qualified specialists to Uzbekistan and localizing the production of control and measurement instruments in the country. Kuibishev Telecom-Metrology specializes in the production of gas and liquid metering devices and operates its own scientific and technical center. The companys proprietary software, KTM Smart Stream, is registered in the State Register, allowing seamless integration of its measurement instruments into automated control systems. Its meters are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including pressures up to 55 MPa, temperatures up to +710C, and operation in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other cryogenic environments down to -196C. The company also produces meters for a wide range of applications, from small-diameter pipes to large exhaust ducts up to 15 meters in diameter. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso as part of the first Central Asia - European Union Summit, Trend reports. The meeting focused on expanding full-scale cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EBRD. Both sides noted the highest level of strategic partnership, with the EBRDs total investments in Uzbekistan surpassing 5 billion euros, including nearly 1 billion euros in 2024 alone. The majority of financial support has been directed toward the private sector, and Uzbekistan continues to implement a medium-term Country Partnership Strategy with the EBRD, facilitating banking sector transformation and business development. Discussions also emphasized the importance of optimizing procedures and accelerating project preparation. The meeting addressed key areas for expanded cooperation, such as SME development, support for women and youth entrepreneurship, and the expansion of public-private partnership (PPP) projects in education, water supply, and waste management. Priorities also include green economy initiatives, decarbonization, digitalization, AI, mortgage market development, and transport infrastructure. The parties also discussed preparations for the Tashkent International Investment Forum and the next Foreign Investors Council meeting in June 2025. Meanwhile, the current project portfolio of the EBRD projects in Uzbekistan has totaled 3 billion euros as of February 28, 2025. In particular, the loan portfolio of the EBRD is quantitatively assessed for the execution of 95 distinct initiatives. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Uzbekistan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) discussed assessing the progress of ongoing agreements and accelerating new investment projects, Trend reports. he news follows a meeting between Uzbekistans Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, with a delegation from the EBRD, led by President Odile Renaud-Basso. The Uzbek delegation also included Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov, as well as senior officials from various ministries and agencies. Both sides expressed satisfaction with Uzbekistans status as the EBRDs largest regional partner over the past five years. During this period, the Bank has invested 4.5 billion euros, with 70 percent directed toward private sector development. The strategic priorities outlined in the EBRDs Strategy for 2024-2029 align with Uzbekistans Strategy 2030, facilitating deeper collaboration in key sectors through non-sovereign financing. In this context, discussions focused on private sector support, including initiatives for womens and youth entrepreneurship, banking sector development, education, healthcare, and water supply system modernization through public-private partnerships. EBRD representatives expressed their readiness to expand investment volumes, particularly in green economy projects and direct corporate sector investments. Following the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, increasing joint projects, and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Since the start of its operations in Uzbekistan, the EBRD has approved financing for 173 projects across multiple sectors, totaling over 5.4 billion euros. Of these, 20 projects worth 1.9 billion euros have been successfully implemented, while 14 projects valued at 3.5 billion euros are currently in progress. Additionally, pre-project documentation for 29 initiatives, amounting to 3.6 billion euros, is nearing completion. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Uzbekistan and European Commission discussed prospects for further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, Trend reports. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen held a discussion on the sidelines of the first Central Asia-EU summit. The leaders also discussed the upcoming interregional summit and climate forum, which are scheduled to take place on April 4. Meanwhile, the first EU-Central Asia summit is kicking off in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. President of the European Council Antonio Costa will attend the event along with Ursula von der Leyen. This summit is part of the EUs broader efforts to deepen its relations with Central Asia, as outlined in the 2019 EU strategy on Central Asia and the 2023 joint roadmap. These evolving ties have grown in strategic importance, with both sides keen to advance cooperation on a variety of issues. The sold-out April 10-13 "The Boys from Oklahoma" stadium shows, to be co-headlined by newly reunited band Cross Canadian Ragweed and fellow popular Oklahoma Red Dirt act Turnpike Troubadours, have evolved into what's believed to be the biggest concert event in state history. More than 180,000 tickets were swiftly snapped up for the four-night concert run at Oklahoma State University, which also is expected to bring to Stillwater thousands of fans looking not just to attend the concerts but also to tailgate, explore the birthplace of Red Dirt Music and catch the many other shows local venues are planning for the Ragweed reunion run. Here's what to know about "The Boys from Oklahoma" shows at OSU's Boone Pickens Stadium: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 'Gives me chill bumps:' With Cross Canadian Ragweed's reunion, OSU hosts a historic event Start times and lineups Thursday, April 10: Doors open at 4 p.m., show starts at 5:30 p.m. with co-headliners Cross Canadian Ragweed and Turnpike Troubadours, plus Stoney LaRue, Jason Boland & The Stragglers and The Great Divide. Friday, April 11: Doors open at 3:30 p.m., show starts at 5 p.m. with co-headliners Cross Canadian Ragweed and Turnpike Troubadours, plus Stoney LaRue, Jason Boland & The Stragglers and Mike McClure Band. Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13: Doors open at 3:30 p.m., show starts at 5 p.m. with co-headliners Cross Canadian Ragweed and Turnpike Troubadours, plus Stoney LaRue, Jason Boland & The Stragglers and The Great Divide. More: Timeline: How Cross Canadian Ragweed's members met, split up and reunited 15 years later Where to tailgate Tailgating is limited to designated areas on campus. See OSU's tailgating maps to view publicly available and prohibited areas for tailgating, along with tailgating guidelines, at www.okstate.com/tailgating. People may begin claiming tailgate spots starting at noon Wednesday, April 9. All tailgate areas open at 8 a.m. for the day and must be vacated by one hour after the event ends. No sleeping in tents or overnight tailgating allowed. Jason Boland performs in concert with his band The Stragglers Nov. 29, 2024, at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa. An Oklahoma native, Boland is the frontman for the Red Dirt band Jason Boland & The Stragglers. Where you can park Attendees who want to park on campus are advised to check out the OSU parking map. Concert parking on campus is priced at $100, $75 and $50, with permit required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several places in a Stillwater are offering "Parking with a Purpose," with the proceeds going to local churches or charities: First Christian Church, 411 W Matthews: $50 benefiting First Christian Church. Reserve at pokesfans19@gmail.com Northern Oklahoma College, 615 N Monroe St.: $50 benefiting NOC Scholarships, Study Abroad and Stillwater Public Education Foundation RCB Bank, 324 S Duck St.: $20 benefiting Turning Point Ranch Salem Lutheran Church, 101 S Duck St.: $40 per day. Lot opens at noon each day Simmons Bank, 308 S Main: $20 benefiting United Way of Payne County. Reserve and prepay at https://www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org/Parking. Stillwater Medical Center, 1323 W 6 Ave.: $20 benefiting Kameoka sister city exchange program. OSU's Concert Park & Ride: Free round-trip shuttle to and from downtown Stillwater to Boone Pickens Stadium. Information For more information, go to https://www.visitstillwater.org/the-boys-from-oklahoma. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Cross Canadian Ragweed OSU concert: Where to park, tailgate, info In an increasingly global music world, stars are popping up from every corner of the planet. But rising Colombian star Venesti may be the first to come from Guapi, a small, remote town near Colombias Pacific coast where there is nothing resembling a music industry. This is a place with maybe 25,000 people or less. People who come from a place like Guapi, dont think they can be successful at this level, says Venesti, who at 14 years old move to nearby Cali, known as a capital of salsa and a breeding ground for new rhythms. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venesti, real name Faiber Stiven Caicedo Castro, carved out the artistic name Venesti from a play on words on his middle names, and began to do a mix of tropical and pop informed by the Afrobeats of his hometown. Last year, he won his first Billboard Latin Music Award, for Best Latin pop song for No Es Normal, alongside Nacho and Maffio. Building on the songs mix of pop beats with Afro roots and sensibility, Venesti released his sophomore album Origen on March 28 a 12-track set that incorporates traditional Afro Caribbean rhythms with Afrobeats, reggaeton and ultimately pop for broad appeal. I wanted to find my roots, my culture, says Venesti. This is an evolution of my sound. Ive gone through salsa, bachata, and Ive rescued many sounds from each genre, Ive encountered a lot of folklore, fused with Afro culture. The album features many collaborators, from known names like Guaynaa and Nacho to rising Colombian DJs and artists. Some may not be as known to mainstream Latin audiences but theyre part of Venestis journey from small town boy with big dreams to his arrival in Cali, and later, Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena, all places whose music informs this album. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below, Venesti gives us his picks of five tracks to begin his journey with. Taca Tu Tacu This came from a session with Gangsta, who is one of the most incredible producers today. Wed been talking forever and finally met in Miami. We chatted at home and set it up. I told I wanted to create a fusion of ancestral sounds, and he brought up currulao, a genre from the Pacific coast thats set in five beats, and we put it inside the chorus. Theres like a currulao in the Afrobeat, and it may be my favorite song. [In terms of the lyrics] I began my career writing poetry, but I wanted a chorus here that you could feel rather than sing. The Taca Tu Tacu is the beat of my heart. The poem is recited by my heart. Tamo Ahi (with DJ Pope) This is the song that has that danceable rhythm, but the song is all about courtship, and youre there, almost there. DJ Pope is Balvins longtime DJ and hes also someone whos come up to me and congratulated me for getting to where I am coming from a place like Guapi. Felina (with Nacho) I worked with Nacho in No es normal and I had that personal goa lof having him sing Afro. We agreed to do something else after No es normal and he had wanted to do another merengue. I said, bro, if you allow me, let me show you this other rhythm. And he fell in love. We did several songs, but in the end, we stayed with Felina. Me vas a extranar (with Jeivy Dance & Andy Alaska) This is a heartbreak song. Its sad to remember happy moments that are over, but its also about realizing its time to let go of the people whove hurt you. Its about putting it all out there. I worked on this one with Jeivy Dance, this huge talent from Cartagena, and Andy Alaska, a DJ whos going through a great moment. I hadnt realized that Afro was being done like this in other parts of Colombia and the Pacific. The four DJs that are in this album are here based purely on friendship. Number 1 This is the guy who is winning over the girl every day with little gestures. And when I say gestures, I dont mean gifts; I mean a look, a call, those little things that matter, that are subtle. Its a very romantic song and I think people will really connect with it. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Doha Film Institutes 11th Qumra talent and project incubator gets underway on Friday, with the aim of nurturing 49 works across all formats supported by its grants program. Some 350 international film and TV industry professionals will touch down in the Qatari capital from April 4 to 9 to advise and network with the emerging filmmakers behind the projects. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years selection marks a milestone for the institute, which celebrates its 15th anniversary later this year, for the strong selection of projects by Qatari nationals or long-time Qatar residents, including five features. Most advanced among these is A.J. Al-Thanis drama Sari & Amira about a Bedouin couple living in the lawless deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, who steal a relic with the potential to transform their lives but also unleash destructive ancient forces. Pursued by a ruthless warlord and a battalion of British soldiers, they set off on a perilous journey to uncover the treasures truth. Other feature projects by Qatari nationals include Noor Al-Nasrs drama The Pearl, about a tech-obsessed Qatari teen who travels back in time to the era of pearl diving, and documentary essay Jodari Meno by Jamal Rashid Al-Khanji, exploring his personal journey as he pursues his passion for the underwater world through spearfishing, shot in Qatar, Zanzibar and Italy. Projects by long-time Qatari residents with strong DFI connections Love 45 by Syrian-French director Anas Khalaf, who has lived in Doha since 2012, after fleeing Damascus due to the political situation, and Cotton Queen by Sudanese-Russian filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani also feature in the selection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other formats, Doha-based Palestinian filmmaker and screenwriter Dana J. Atrach will present drama series Task Force: Apocalypse!, revolving around the imaginary Imperial Government of Bakalawis flawed attempt to encourage eco- friendly practices in the face of a looming fresh water shortage. Another 12 Qatari short projects will also be presented at the meeting including Amna Al-Binalis drama Inside the White Canvas about a young woman struggling to earn her fathers approval as her curiosity about the outside world grows, and Mohammed D. Fakhros Rumor Has It, about a Qatari food blogger who subscribes to an AI app that promises to earn him more followers. DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi says the institute has been instrumental in laying the foundations for Qatars emerging film and television industry by fostering local talent, supporting homegrown productions, and training hundreds of national talents annually. A.J. Al-Thani, for example, got her first taste of filmmaking through early DFI workshops in 2010, with the institute then supporting her short films Kashta and The Black Veil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are among 65 films by Qatari filmmakers supported by the DFI to date, but Al Remaihi says the organizations work goes beyond funding. The ecosystem weve created is comprehensive and includes education, training, networking, and platforms for exhibiting work and facilitating global collaborations, she says. Weve strong established industry partnerships with some of the most prestigious global film and culture organisations to further develop a highly skilled creative community in Qatar and the region, bridging the gap between the east and the west, she adds. Upcoming educational workshops, for example, include the Producers Lab, in collaboration with European producer body EAVE and with the support of the Royal Jordanian Film Commission, and the editing focused program overseen by First Cut Lab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the backdrop an organic film and TV ecosystem is also taking shape. Al-Thanis Sari & Amira is being produced by burgeoning Qatari production house Katara Studios, headed by Ahmed Al-Baker, another local film and TV pioneer, who is credited with making the territorys feature film, the 2010 sci-fi, 3D thriller The Package: Volume 1. Initially producing under the banner of Innovation Production, Al-Baker is now the head of Katara Studios, with his credits directing The Pact for Roku and creating sci-fi drama Medinah for Starzplay. Sari & Amira is among a quartet of features currently on the go at the studio alongside biopic Sakhr, about late Kuwaiti tech pioneer Mohammed Al-Sharekh; Mohammed Al Ibrahims mystery thriller Sa3oud Wainah and documentary Anne Everlasting about Anne Lorimor who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at 89-years-old to reclaim her title as the oldest person to scale the summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Thani and Al-Baker will be at Qumra with Katara Studios Senior Vice President Luca Bercovici. We complement each other, comments Bercovici on the companys relationship with the DFI. Sa3oud Wainah director Al Ibrahim, who is also Senior Content Developer at Katara Studios, and in-house film editor Maryam Al-Sahli reveal that they also cut their filmmaking teeth at the DFI, followed by a stint at Doha-based Al Jazeera Children, which has since rebranded as Jeem TV. Maryam and I were involved with the DFI almost from its initiation. We started out making short films back in the day. I made two shorts, Land of Pearls and Bidoon, before branching out into other outlets, says Al Ibrahim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Billed by Katara Studios as as Qatars first commercial film, Al Ibrahims debut Sa3oud Wainah is currently in post-production for a planned pan-Arab release later this year. I think there is a hunger for local content, says Al Ibrahim. Whether they will go and see it in local theaters or on a platform remains to be seen but it will create buzz, thats for sure. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. HAWTHORNE The local movie theater will host a free screening next week of No Other Land, an acclaimed film that examines the destruction of a Palestinian village over the course of five years. The film, which won the Oscar for best documentary feature last month, shows at close range the squalid living conditions and violence in the West Bank as its inhabitants are forced to flee Israeli occupation. It takes place before the current war began. The screening will be on April 10 at 7 p.m. at Hawthorne Theaters, at 300 Lafayette Ave. Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham accept the documentary feature film award "No Other Land" onstage during the 97th annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, in Hollywood, California. The event is co-sponsored by borough residents Janice and Jack Lohr and Wider World Circle, the charitable arm of The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood. Donations will go to Mercy Corps, an international nonprofit that has aided Palestinians in occupied territories for nearly 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack Lohr said he and his wife are renting the 289-seat auditorium because they want the important film to be available to their neighbors. He said they were also inspired by a story covered by The Record and NorthJersey.com in November 2023 about an imam and rabbi who called for mutual understanding amid raging hostilities in the Middle East. We hope that viewers will come with open hearts and minds, he said. The event, Lohr said, has the dual purpose of boosting the nearly century-old movie theater one of the few remaining examples of an independent cinema in this area. Law & order: NJ state trooper experienced 'personal crisis' at time of Wayne arrest, union president says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George Sayegh, its owner, said he appreciates the support. Were living in a time when small theaters are closing up at a rapid and concerning rate, he said. Independent cinema is the backbone of the film industry, and it should be treated as such. No Other Land, which debuted at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2024, zeroes in on the village of Masafer Yatta and a young man, Basel Adra, who resists the forced migration of his people. Adra co-directed the film with three other activists, including Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist. Their friendship serves as the basis for the documentary being produced. Exterior of the Hawthorne Theater in Hawthorne, N.J., on Jan. 20, 1984. "Hot Dog The Movie" and "Sudden Impact" are on the marquee. Despite its positive appraisal by critics, No Other Land has been condemned by the Israeli government and by the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the film winning an Oscar, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, part of the larger boycott movement, said in a statement that Palestinians dont need validation, legitimation or permission from Israelis to narrate our history, our present, our experiences, our dreams and our resistance. The triggering film continued to make the news days later. Just last week, one of its co-directors, Hamdan Ballal, was attacked and temporarily held captive by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. Adra said he was among several witnesses to the alleged ambush. Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news in your community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Email: devencentis@northjersey.com This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 'No Other Land', movie about Palestine, to be screened in Hawthorne NJ Playboi Carti is feeling the weight of his latest triumph, and hes not shy about drawing comparisons to one of Hip-Hops greatest. The Atlanta rapper recently took to social media to celebrate his album MUSIC, boldly likening his impact to that of Lil Wayne. FEELING LIKE WEEZY WE ALREADY PLATINUM N DA STREETS, Carti wrote, seemingly referencing Weezys legendary commercial peak when Tha Carter III sold over one million copies in its first week of release. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS DECEMBER 04: Lil Wayne performs onstage during iHeartRadio 103.5 KISS FMs Jingle Ball 2023 on December 04, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. The statement signals Cartis confidence in MUSICs dominance, particularly as it becomes his second consecutive album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The albums success has been undeniable, logging the biggest streaming week for any project since Taylor Swifts The Tortured Poets Department last May. Playboi Carti Adding to the significance, MUSICs gold certification arrived around the same time as the anniversary of Cartis breakout single, Broke Boi, a track that introduced him to a wider audience years ago. Released on March 14, MUSIC debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking his second consecutive album to top the chart. His previous album, Whole Lotta Red, also reached that summit in 2023, accounting for over 100,000 album-equivalent units sold during its first week of release. Playboi Carti Carti has also paid direct homage to Lil Wayne, subtitling the deluxe edition of MUSIC as Sorry 4 Da Waita nod to Waynes classic mixtape of the same name. While his comparison to Weezy is bold, Cartis ability to captivate audiences and push boundaries suggests hes carving out his own legendary path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The album, which includes features from Kendrick Lamar, Future, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Jhene Aiko, Skepta, Lil Uzi Vert, Ty Dolla Sign, and Young Thug, also became the most-streamed studio album in a single day on Spotify in 2025. See Playboi Cartis Instagram post below. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. With the eighth and final episode of The White Lotus just days away, fans are eagerly awaiting answers to the many unresolved questions surrounding the vacationers in Thailand. From the ominous gunshots in the first episode and the body floating in the hotels waters, its clear that not everyone will make it out of this tropical paradise unscathed. The series finale promises to be the longest episode yet, running nearly 90 minutes, and we can only hope it will provide the closure we need. Will Timothy confess the truth or succumb to despair? Jason Isaacs/'The White Lotus' - Credit: HBO HBO More from GoldDerby Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timothy (Jason Isaacs) has been in a downward spiral ever since discovering that a business deal gone wrong could lead to both jail time and the loss of his fortune. Faced with the weight of his mounting troubles, he contemplates suicide and even steals the gun of hotel worker Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong). Timothy has hidden his dark secret from his family and starts to numb his pain with a dangerous combination of pills and alcohol. In Episode 6, he teeters on the brink of ending his life but halts when his wife, Victoria (Parker Posey), unexpectedly walks in. Later, his son Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) confronts him, asking what's wrong, but Timothy lies, insisting that everything is fine. As his emotional and financial turmoil deepens, were left wondering: Will Timothy survive the island both physically and emotionally? Or will his despair finally consume him? Will Belinda accept Gary/Gregs offer? Natasha Rothwell/'The White Lotus' - Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO Fabio Lovino/HBO In Episode 7, Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) finds herself having to make a difficult decision. After first spotting Gary/Greg (Jon Gries) at the resort, she grows increasingly suspicious of his involvement in Tanyas (Jennifer Coolidge) mysterious death. So when she and her son, Zion (Nicholas Duvernay), attend a party at Gary's lavish home she's on high alert for her safety. Gary asks to speak to Belinda in private where he offers Belinda $100,000 in exchange for her silence about his whereabouts. Belinda leaves the party without accepting the bribe and is extremely hesitant to take the money. Back at the resort, she tells Zion what happened, expressing her refusal to take the money. However, Zion strongly urges her to accept the offer, reminding her of the financial security it could provide. With her moral compass in conflict, will Belinda stick to her principles or succumb to the temptation of the money? Will Ricks revenge plot come to a violent end? Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood/'The White Lotus' - Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO Fabio Lovino/HBO Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Episode 7, Rick (Walton Goggins) finally takes matters into his own hands and confronts Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), the owner of the White Lotus and the man he blames for his fathers death. Despite warnings from his girlfriend, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), not to go, Rick travels to Bangkok and, with the help of his old friend Frank (Sam Rockwell), devises a plot to enter Jims home with the secret intent of confronting him about the past. But does the heated exchange and the dramatic chair push truly satisfy Ricks thirst for revenge? Or will his actions lead to even greater consequences? Whats next for the three friends: Jaclyn, Laurie, and Kate? Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb, and Carrie Coon/'The White Lotus' - Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO Fabio Lovino/HBO What began as a carefree girls' trip filled with poolside cocktails, late-night dancing, and plenty of flirting soon takes a darker turn for Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Laurie (Carrie Coon), and Kate (Leslie Bibb). When Laurie becomes fed up with Jaclyns behavior, she decides to leave the group, only to find herself in a compromising situation with local man Alekse (Julian Kostov). When Laurie returns to the resort, will the tension among the three women grow even more strained, or can they mend their fractured friendship before the trip ends in catastrophe? With so much hanging in the balance, we can only wait and see if the finale delivers the shocking twists and resolutions we've been waiting for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White Lotus finale airs Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO. Best of GoldDerby Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Uzbekistan and the EU are preparing to sign the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), Trend reports. The news follows a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the Central Asia-EU Summit. During the meeting, the leaders thoroughly discussed the further development and deepening of multifaceted Uzbek-European cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, economy, and investment. With particular satisfaction, they highlighted the active contacts and productive exchanges at various levels, as well as the effective work within institutional mechanisms for practical cooperation. EU institutional leaders highly praised and expressed firm support for Uzbekistans economic reform program aimed at building a New Uzbekistan, as well as policies for strengthening good neighborliness, trust, and partnership in Central Asia. During the talks, the main focus was on advancing joint programs and projects in innovation, green energy, the mining industry, agriculture, transport, logistics, digitalization, and other areas. The importance of continuing active exchanges in tourism, culture, science, education, and healthcare was also emphasized. Discussions also covered the agenda of the upcoming first summit at the highest level in the Central Asia European Union format and the prospects for strengthening the connectivity between the two regions under the European Global Gateway strategy. Additionally, there was an exchange of views on current issues in international and regional politics. Meanwhile, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and EU countries has been growing dynamically. The portfolio of investment projects with leading European companies exceeds 30 billion euros. Uzbekistan is a major beneficiary of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank is opening a regional office in Tashkent. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel For introducing metro Detroit to Ethiopian cuisine, The Blue Nile is the 2025 Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Restaurant of the Year Classic, awarded to an exceptional establishment that has been under continuous ownership for at least 10 years. Seifu Lessanework, the 78-year-old owner of The Blue Nile in Ferndale and Ann Arbor, is scrolling through old photos of dignitaries hes served throughout the span of his career. He reaches across the table at the center of a small booth to place the screen on his book-style foldable phone in my line of sight, and points to photographs signed by late and living rulers of various nations. Theres President George Bush both H.W. and W. Theres President Barak Obama and Ronald Reagan. Theres former President of Uganda Idi Amin and Ethiopias last emperor, Haile Selassie I in 1972. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And you know who this is? he asks, pointing to a figure standing behind the Ethiopian dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam and leaving little room for a response. Me, he says, beaming with pride. Blue Nile restaurant owner Seifu Lessanework talks with the Detroit Free Press at his business that serves Ethiopian food in Ferndale on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Today, the restaurateur is recognized for laying the foundation for African cuisine in the Detroit area a commitment he made more than four decades ago. Lessanework walks me through an oral history of his life in hospitality and the notable people hes encountered along the way. As a head cook for Hilton Hotels, he opened hotel restaurants across the globe, including branches in Beirut, Jerusalem, London and Nairobi. In Montreal, he worked as a cook at The Queen Elizabeth. A native of Ethiopia, Lessanework returned to his home country for a new job opportunity in the early 1970s and remained there during the Ethiopian Revolution of 1974. Amid the unrest brought by the Revolution, he sought peace in the United States, first in New York City, where he accepted a job as head chef at Windows on the World, the former glass-enclosed restaurant that occupied the top floors of the World Trade Centers North Tower. And in 1982, he relocated to Michigan, where he was hired as a regional manager of the C. A. Muer Restaurant Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lessanework helped the late restaurateur Chuck Muer open restaurants in metro Detroit, as well as locations throughout the Midwest. He developed a closeknit relationship with Muer and considered him a mentor. When he got the idea to open his own restaurant, he remained loyal to the restaurant giant. I wanted to open an Ethiopian restaurant because that was the only thing that didnt compete with Chuck Muer, he tells me. He saw Muer as a generous manager and appreciated his trust in him as one of the only Black individuals to hold a leadership position in the company during a time when diverse management teams were rare. Lessanework opened the original location of The Blue Nile in Midtown Detroit. He dressed the Woodward Avenue restaurant in Ethiopian garb and served spiced stews with tangy injera bread. The experience, he says, was positive. The environment surrounding the restaurant, however, was concerning. I was doing very good, but the crime was so bad, he says. He recalls times when customers would enjoy a lovely meal, only to return moments later to report that their vehicles had been broken into. Everybody complained about security and safety, but bragged about the food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lessanework credits Coleman Young for offering a solution. The former Detroit mayor pointed him to Trappers Alley Shopping Center, the former mall in Detroits Greektown neighborhood. When it opened in 1985, The Blue Nile became one of Trappers first tenants, serving Ethiopian dishes from Lessaneworks own family recipes to a bustling crowd of mallgoers. But only for two years. Though hed signed a 25-year lease, Lessaneworks efforts were interrupted by new ownership with long-term plans to open a casino at the old Trappers Alley site. The venue would become Greektown Casino in 2000. When he reopened The Blue Nile in 2002, it would be in Ferndale, where the restaurant remains today. Decorations and artwork on the walls at Blue Nile restaurant in Ferndale on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The Ferndale location honors Lessaneworks Ethiopian heritage and his pride as a Detroit immigrant. For more than two decades, the space has donned Ethiopian prints as table cloths and fabrics wrapped around lampshades. Paintings of East African landscapes hang in the dining room, juxtaposed against artifacts from The Blue Niles old post in a former office space at Trappers. Most of the ornamental wood cabinets and wall pendants and a massive mantle are ghosts of Trappers past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With restaurants like Baobab Fare, Yum Village, Matys, KGs African American Grill, Saffron De Twah and Warda Patisserie; metro Detroit is home to a host of establishments that showcase the depth and diversity of African foodways. Lessanework looks fondly at local Ethiopian kinfolk like the operators of Taste of Ethiopia in Southfield and the pop-up Konjo Me. Im so proud, he says. These restaurants all add value for Ethiopian food because they give base for comparison. But as he was getting his start, Lessanework did not have the same advantage. The Blue Nile, with the same dishes served today meats cooked in niter kibbeh, or clarified butter infused with herbs, and various preparations of split peas and lentils had the duty of delighting and informing unfamiliar customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had to adapt the recipes to the tastebuds of the Americans, he says, noting that he moderated the heat on especially spicy dishes. Low-to-the-ground tables and chairs added an allure to the space and he encouraged diners to sweep up their stews with tears of injera and their bare hands, another dining concept that still takes some getting used to among new customers. A fork can fall on the floor, but you trust that more than your hands? he asks incredulously. Refills of vegetarian dishes including Kik Alecha, foreground left, made of pureed split yellow peas flavored with onions and herbs and Yemisir Kik Wat, right, made with spicy pureed split red lentils cooked with berbere sauce are loaded onto a tray to be taken to a table at Blue Nile in Ferndale on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Lessanework says sharing is central to Ethiopian dining, and an idea hes tried to enforce at The Blue Nile for more than 40 years. If you dont like to share, Ill bring you separate plates, he says, but thats not the culture. The culture is, you roll up your sleeves, and dig in. When you eat together, youre sharing. The latter sentiment, I interpret as a collective sharing. A sharing of food, yes, but also a sharing of culture and of self. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The key to educating people on a cuisine, he says, is targeting children, a lesson he learned from McDonalds and the corporations tactic of creating Happy Meals, including toys with meals and building play gyms into restaurants. When you work on the kids, forget about Mom and Dad. Like it or not, the kids will bring them to the restaurant, he says. Lessanework connected with local schools to incorporate dishes from The Blue Nile into lunch menus. The Blue Nile went on to becoming a family affair. Lessanework runs the Ferndale location with his wife Fetle, and his children and grandchildren have all served the business in some capacity over the years, on their way to becoming doctors and engineers. His sister Almaz and brother-in-law Habte Dadi operate an Ann Arbor location. After 50 years in the hospitality business, this year will be Lessaneworks last as he heads into retirement. He looks back on the customers whove celebrated milestones at The Blue Nile and the children hes watched grow into adults with their own families. Before he retires at the end of the year, he intends to serve his most loyal customers like the dignitaries who hang on the walls in his home office. Hell set up tables for six in their homes and serve them with his own hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are the true kings and queens of The Blue Nile. The Blue Nile, 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-547-6699. 221 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor. 734-998-4746; bluenileferndale.com Save the Date: On Tuesday, June 10, The Blue Nile, the Detroit Free Press and Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers will host a Top 10 Takeover dinner. Stay tuned for ticket information at Freep.com/top10. For a chance to win five $100 gift cards to dine at restaurants on the 2025 Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Top 10 New Restaurants & Dining Experiences list, visit chevydetroit.com/community/giveaways/roy25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for extras and insider scoops on Detroit-area dining. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Restaurant of the Year Classic brought Ethiopian traditions to Detroit Well-known Spanish climber Carlos Suarez, 52, died yesterday in a wingsuit accident. He was performing a stunt for a film about his own life of solo climbing and extreme BASE jumping. The film La Fiera ("The Wild Beast"), directed by Salvador Calvo, was also supposed to document the adventurous lives and premature deaths of a group of close friends of Suarez: Spanish BASE jumping pioneers Dario Barrio, Alvaro Bulto, and Manolo Chana. Improbably, they became a famous chef, a TV anchor, and a successful entrepreneur before all dying in wingsuit accidents. In a further irony, Barrio died jumping at an event that paid tribute to Bulto, who had recently perished. File image of Carlos Suarez. Photo: Pou Brothers/Facebook Close call, quit -- and return Suarez himself miraculously survived a BASE jumping accident in Galayos in central Spain that nearly cost him his life. He was seriously injured. That, and the trauma of seeing his friends die one after another, finally made him quit BASE jumping and wingsuit flying. He kept rock and ice climbing, paragliding, and participating in expeditions, but also focused on writing, speaking, and photography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some weeks ago, Suarez admitted he was going to wingsuit again, and for a good reason: "I am going to pay tribute to several of the friends gone some years ago," he wrote. "We are carefully preparing to make sure everything will be safe." The tribute he was referring to was the film La Fiera. Something clearly went wrong with the safety procedures. Freak accident The accident took place during the pre-production phase while Suarez and other wingsuit pilots were filming some scenes. Details are still sketchy, but they reportedly made a group jump from a hot-air balloon. Three to five people jumped, depending on the source. For some reason, Suarez's parachute and his reserve didn't open properly, and he crashed to the ground. Surprisingly, no one noticed his fatal fall. The alarm only sounded as the film crew drove around to pick up the pilots and discovered that one was missing. They found Suarez's body after a short search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation into the accident is ongoing. The production was scheduled to start in May, and Disney was to distribute it in 2026, El Pais reported. Community shocked During an interview last year, Suarez described a near miss he had while testing a new model of wingsuit. While in the air, he couldn't find the ring to pull in order to open the chute. He described the moment as total stress but saved the situation by relaxing and carefully groping behind himself to find the ring, which had become lodged in a fold in the suit. Check a clip of the interview in Spanish below. Suarez's death has shocked the Spanish climbing community. Alex Txikon was among the first to share the sad news on Instagram. The Pou brothers also weighed in. "Carlos [Suarez] was a reference for us during the 1990s," they wrote. "We were about the same age, but he was extremely precocious on his solo climbs, on sport-climbing routes, trad, big walls, and alpine routes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Txikon and the Pous noted that Suarez had spoken to them last weekend. Suarez had apparently just ended his relationship with a long-time sponsor. Life on the edge Suarez embraced extreme challenges from a very young age. At 17, he soloed the Walker Spur of the Grandes Jorasses and then did the first solo of one of Spain's most iconic trad wall climbs, the Rabada-Navarro to Pico Urriello. He was the Spanish sport climbing champion for three years. Eventually, he became interested in paragliding and then BASE jumping. He especially enjoyed solo climbing + BASE jumping, as he did from Uriellu in the Asturias and from the sandstone walls of Riglos in the Pyrenees. Below, a video of him and Leo Houlding climbing and BASE jumping. His yearly expeditions combined all disciplines of climbing and paragliding. In his books, such as Morir por la Cima ("To Die for the Summit") and the documentary Obsession Patagonia, he often reflected on risk. Suarez planned to climb Saula Peak in the Manaslu region of the Himalaya this year with two companions. Carlos Suarez leaves a wife and a two-year-old daughter. MILAN Furnishings, lighting and contract group Dexelance has set its sights on taking over luxury outdoor furniture-maker Roda. On Wednesday, the Milan-based group said it signed a letter of intent to acquire a minority stake in Rodas share capital, partly through the purchase of shares and partly through the subscription of a share capital increase. The injection is aimed at supporting new investments and starting a new phase of growth for Roda Group, which owns luxury outdoor furniture maker Roda. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dexelance said that the letter of intent envisages it initially acquiring a minority stake in Rodas share capital and in a second phase, Dexelance will acquire a majority of Roda through specific buy and sell options. Andrea Sasso Chairman, CEO IDB Group In the 1990s, Roda was founded by Roberto Pompa, who sought al fresco areas as places to inhabit and enhance outdoor spaces. Roda is an acronym of the names of Pompas family Ro for Roberto and his wife Rosaria, Da for their children Daniele and Davide. In 2005, the late Italian designer Rodolfo Dordoni was welcomed into the team as artistic director. Dexelance, which recently changed its name from Italian Design Brands, reported revenues up 4.3 percent to 324 million euros in 2024. Dexelance chief executive officer Andrea Sasso said Roda, a well known name in the outdoor furniture market, is an ideal complement to its growing portfolio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are very happy to join with the Pompa family to accelerate the development of one of the most prestigious names in the international outdoor market, sharing not only their projects but also their values and a common strategic vision, the CEO said. Rodas CEO Daniele Pompa said it sees Dexelances experience and support driving a new phase of global expansion and consolidating its position as a leader in luxury outdoor furniture. Daniele Pompa, CEO, Roda. Since its market listing in 2023, Dexelance has been focused on international expansion. In an interview with WWD in February, its managing director Giorgio Gobbi said the group was in talks with several potential acquisitions. In October 2023, Dexelance opened its first U.S. flagship in New York City that hosts dedicated showrooms for Meridiani, Davide Groppi and from May 2024 Gervasoni. In the same year, it also bought a majority share in Turri, a luxury furniture business founded in 1925 in Carugo near Lake Como, and last year increased its stake to 100 percent in lighting firm Axolight. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Earlier this month, Redditor @smalltown_dreamspeak asked, "Do non-American cultures have classic 'picky' foods?" The responses featured many people excitedly sharing the best staple foods from the cuisines they grew up on. Here are just 15 examples: 1."In Mexico, picky eaters usually stick with quesadillas and a Coke." Simon McGill / Getty Images TheFenixxer "Bean and cheese only and a fresh water. No ice here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adorable-Bobcat-2238 "I survived childhood thanks to quesadillas, beans, and eggs." BodegaCat00 "I was going to say quesadillas or beans. My brother's favorite." DizzyWalk9035 2."At restaurants in Japan, the kids menu might have stuff like curry rice, hamburger steak, or spaghetti. And at sushi restaurants, a kid might want just the rice, not the topping. The quintessential 'yucky' vegetable for Japanese children is green pepper." Kenta Ishizuka / Getty Images headlessworm 3."When I was growing up (in Russia and then the US), my mom would sometimes make stuffed green peppers. The peppers tasted bitter to me (not spicy, just bitter), so I would only eat the meat/rice 'stuffing.' I now love green peppers cooked or raw, but I can see why a little kid may not enjoy it when it's cooked!" Lissart / Getty Images bwaybabs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4."I'm Polish, and our picky kid food is crepes with sweet cheese filling, pierogis with strawberries, noodles with strawberries, and sour cream with some sugar. Also, chicken soup, but just the broth and noodles. No visible veggies. Scrambled eggs made with milk. Bread and butter." Adam_przezak / Getty Images/iStockphoto everybodys_lost "Haha, pasta with mashed strawberries. If you thought ananas (pineapple) on pizza was awful, may I introduce Polish sweet dinners? My gran used to make them, too. Wild, but they were quite good when I was a kid: blueberry soup with croutons, knodel with plums, and strawberries with sugar and cream on pancakes or on pasta." iampola Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I grew up as the picky eater American kid of Polish immigrants. My mom made me pierogi with blueberries, knedle (dumplings) filled with strawberries, and plain rosol (broth) with noodles. Thank you for unlocking this lovely memory!" oedipa17 5."When I first moved to Korea, my adult language students took me out for lunch to teach me about Korean food. They got me 'kiddie kimchi,' which, as I recall, was a couple of different veggies prepared as kimchi but with a fraction of the spice." Peter Meade / Getty Images NotLucasDavenport "I'm Korean but born and raised in the States. This is what my mom and grandma did for us when we were little and not able to handle the spice yet." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SouxsieBanshee 6."In Norway, just bread with cheese on top mainly lol." NYS444 / Getty Images/iStockphoto "The Netherlands too." m07815 "Canada too." merelyadoptedthedark 7."Growing up in Thailand, the quick and easy food when my sister and I were being difficult and my mom just wanted to shove some food into us was some rice, scrambled egg, and something that is called pork floss, which is basically pork that has been cooked until it shreds and then continued cooking until the shreds turn into fluffy little bits almost like cotton candy. I believe it is usually made with soy sauce and maybe some sugar drink in the initial cooking phase because it's sweet and salty. Hanging out now in Asian-centered food groups as an adult, quite a number of other people are familiar with this and remember eating it as a child when the grown-ups were eating something the kids wouldn't. I still eat it as a comfort food or as a really, really quick no-fuss meal." ThamKC / Getty Images PasgettiMonster Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was in the army, and we did a training trip to Thailand. Before our cooks could get all their stuff to the country, I guess the government just paid some local families a bunch of money to feed us. That's what they made for us every day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. None of us complained until we had to eat our own food from America lol." TheBotchedLobotomy 8."Philippines: I think I was pretty picky. My comfort foods were spam and rice, corned beef and rice, longganisa (spiced pork sausage), tocino (a Filipino pork dish) and rice, or adobo and rice. Pancit, but just noodles. Nesquick on rice for a treat." Mariano Sayno / Getty Images Dawishiss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9."Finland: meatballs with mashed potatoes, baked macaroni casserole, and hotdogs. This is little kids eating, but picky eaters tend to stick with such familiar things." Jenner Images / Getty Images kupimukki "Looked up the Finish baked mac and cheese. Are you talking about it with ground meat? Either way, I want to try it! :)" Fluffymanolo "Yep, makaronilaatikko." kupimukki 10."I was a picky eater as a kid. But thankfully for my parents, I actually did like the standard Dutch food of potatoes, vegetables, and meat. Which is boring but very healthy. It was things like pasta and rice dishes that I had major issues with. And desserts. And bread toppings. No cheese on bread for me, no sirree." Irina Dobrolyubova / Getty Images Farahild Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 11."In Puerto Rico, it's just vegetables in general. Some people love them. Others hate them. We eat a lot of meat, fruit, and seafood (lots of fried foods and alcohol, as well). But vegetables are usually an afterthought as a side dish or just a component of the main dish. Never a major component unless it's a vegan restaurant or dish. Which, when I was growing up on the island, wasn't a thing. So, some people who don't like them just eat the main dish without them. Even our fried rice is different from the States, as it typically doesn't include peas and carrots. I'm personally in the anti-veggie camp. Could never stand onions, tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, etc., but I still like their flavors. So, them being used to cook foods and impart their flavors was okay with me. Bistec encebollado (Puerto Rican steak and onions) is an example, where the flavors of the onions were delicious. But as soon as I felt an onion in my mouth, my appetite died. Same with most of my siblings and some of my friends." Kewkky 12."In Germany, the most common thing on the kid's menu is probably a Schnitzel with fries. There's also stuff like pasta with tomato sauce or chicken nuggets." Pixura / Getty Images Horin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 13."Indonesia: rice with egg (either sunny side up or scrambled) and a drizzle of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). Spinach would be the go-to vegetable for picky eaters since it's soft when cooked and mild tasting. We usually add it into soup/broth for kids." Rendi Prasetyo / Getty Images Powerful-Historian70 14."My dad's side of the family is Guyanese. And apparently when me and my brother were super young, we would only eat rice and roti with either butter or chickpea dal." RBB / Getty Images Queen-Of-Nothing97 15.Finally, "In Venezuela, its arepas." Juanmonino / Getty Images Usual-Reputation-154 "So the more plain arepas? Like just cheese?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement tboy160 "Yup. Or eggs, Diablito Underwood (like a ham pate), or sausage with mayo and ketchup. My mom would also make us rice with ground beef and ketchup when we didn't like what she made for the adults." theburntarepa "I live in Miami, and my son's daycare teacher is Venezuelan. She is always bringing in arepas for her lunch. My son always wants her to share with him. They're so delicious." OrcinusCetacea Are you a non-American with a favorite "picky" food you grew up on or still eat? Let us know in the comments below! The Ohio Department of Development will be helping over 1,000 people in Ohio who are recovering from substance abuse get safe and stable housing. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Community Development Block Grant is going to be supporting 11 mental health boards across Ohio. The Recovery Housing Program gives people with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income rental subsidies. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This gives transitional housing options for residents looking to establish stability. Recovery doesnt happen overnight, and no one should have to take that journey alone, said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. These grants will ensure more Ohioans have the opportunity to reclaim their independence, rebuild their lives, and write a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity. Clermont, Cuyahoga, Hancock, Lake, Logan, Champaign, Lucas, Mahoning Trumbull, Union and Montgomery County are all receiving a portion of the funds along with the Paint Valley ADAMH region. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Members of the Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates voted to approve a tentative contract Wednesday, the first time the union has negotiated an agreement without a strike vote in more than 15 years. The deal will be sent for ratification next week to 30,000 union educators. If the rank-and-file members approve the contract, final vote from the Chicago Board of Education will still be needed. In-person paper ballot voting will take place April 10 and 11, with results expected to be announced April 14. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter This document gives our educators, our paraprofessionals, our clinicians, an opportunity to be co-producers of a better school day in Chicago, a better staff day in Chicago, Union President Stacy Davis Gates said at a press conference Tuesday. That is for the impact of our students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contract grants teachers a 4% retroactive raise for the current school year and4% to 5% salary increases for each of the next three years. Other provisions include smaller class sizes for all grade levels, hundreds of more positions like librarians and social workers, increased teacher preparation time and raises for veteran educators. Elementary school teachers would get 70 minutes of daily preparation time, up from an hour. Veteran teachers with more than 14 years of experience would receive additional pay bumps, adding up to a $30 million price tag. If the agreement is approved, Chicago teachers will be among the highest-paid in the nation, with an average $110,000 salary by the end of the contract. The base pay for new teachers would start at $64,470 for the 2024-25 school year and increase to $72,520 by 2027-28. The deal is less expensive than the unions original list of demands, such as minimum 9% annual raises, but district officials estimate the current version will cost up to $1.5 billion over the life of the four-year contract. While the district has said it can cover the first year, questions remain about how it will afford payments in future years amid a half-billion-dollar budget deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Chicago Fire: Chaos Reigns as School Board Quits & Elections Loom Last year, district CEO Pedro Martinez and Mayor Brandon Johnson clashed over how to pay for the upcoming agreement as federal COVID aid was about to expire. The conflict led to the October resignation of the entire school board, which had been appointed by Johnson, and the firing of Martinez in December. Davis Gates said Tuesday that district leaders confirmed they can afford the contract. She said the city council and the mayors office believe that surplus tax revenue should go to the district to help fund the deal. We think that we have a good coalition of partners that will help us win the necessary funding. This has really been an interesting negotiation where we dont have people screaming that they cannot pay for it, Davis Gates said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked how the district plans to pay for the deal, Johnson told WBEZ Chicago, Well do it. Just like I came in and I had a half-billion-dollar deficit in my first budget, had a $1 billion deficit in the second budget. We rectified that. We are leading in this moment. Related Chicago Mayors Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Debt Plan for the District Teachers and parents at Tuesdays press conference pointed to contract changes beyond the pay hike as major wins. The agreement would double the number of libraries, librarians and bilingual support staff in the district. It would create 215 more special education case manager positions and increase the number of social workers and nurses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emmy Ayala, a Chicago Public Schools parent, said her childs elementary school has a library but no librarian. Because of the agreement, this will allow more children to develop a love for reading, a love for learning, and [there will be] a third space in their communities to learn and engage and be safe again, she said. Related Chicago Is Running Out of Money. Its Teachers Union Wants 9% Raises Anyway Union officials said academic freedom, including teaching Black history, would also be protected for the first time. This tentative agreement makes sure that not only do we provide an education to students that is culturally relevant, but that we also embrace their language, their culture, their identities and everything about them, said Diane Castro, a preschool teacher and bargaining team member. We will not reduce them. Karen Read and her team left court at the end of the third day of jury selection as nearly two thirds of the juror seats were filled. Read herself is involved in the selection process, going over jury questionnaires as she did at her first trial. She also sits close to the bench and listens in as the candidates for jury are individually questioned in front of Judge Beverly Cannone. The process on the whole, however, remains the same each day. Day 3 of jury selection for the Karen Read trial is done. Clerk tells 10 of the 16 seats have been filled. 5 men and 5 women. Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 3, 2025 Live updates: Over half of jury seats for retrial of Karen Read filled as opening statements loom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following introductions and a brief summary of the case, Judge Cannone reads the names of all 150 people who could be called testify. The names include Cantons police chief, a controversial blogger, and friends of Boston Police Officer John OKeefe. Read, 45, of Mansfield, is accused of hitting John OKeefe, her Boston police officer boyfriend, with her Lexus SUV in Canton on January. 29, 2022, and leaving him to die in the cold 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 40 new jury candidates brought in Thursday: 11 acknowledged knowing at least one person on the witnesses list. 37 have spoken or heard about the case. And 21 have already formed an opinion. According to a new filing from Reads camp requesting the names of all the jurors being summoned daily for this case, the defense is using a jury consultant. Consultants identify people who could be favorable to one side or the other. 3 new jurors were added on Thursday, bringing the grand total for 10. The current makeup is five men and five women. The jury selection process will continue on Friday. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) kicks off 12 days of non-stop movies on April 2. This year, the fest includes more than 200 films featuring big-name stars, hidden gems, happy hours, panel discussions, and loads of films with Minnesota connections. Across the programming, more than a third of the films have connections to the state, a third are directed by women, and a third are the work of first- or second-time directors. It offers the chance to see exciting films that might not otherwise get the spotlight in Twin Cities theaters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at 10 films that are worth tracking down at the fest, which will have screenings at The Main Cinema, Capri Theater, Edina Mann Theatres, and elsewhere. 'Free Leonard Peltier'Courtesy of MSP Film Society Free Leonard Peltier The timely documentary opens MSPIFF on April 2. Directors Jesse Short Bull and David France explore the life of Leonard Peltier, the activist who was given double life sentences for the murder of two FBI agents at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1975. Peltier and activists have maintained his innocence, even after former President Joe Biden commuted Peltier's sentence during his last days in office. Screening: April 2 Brooklyn, Minnesota Part of the festival's MN Made roster, the teenage Maise accompanies her dad from Brooklyn to rural Minnesota for his father's funeral. Though, it's a bit of a surprise to her, as Maise had been told her grandfather was already dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Screening: April 45, as well as April 6 in Rochester Bushido If you couldn't get enough of Shogun, Director Kazuya Shiraishi's new samurai film is headed to MSPIFF. It, in many ways, has a traditional chambara set-up. An honorable ronin is pushed to the edge, even as he attempts to live a peaceful life. When there's nothing left to lose, revenge and bloodshed may be in the offing. MSPIFF curators say it's "very Shakespearean." Screening: April 4 and 7 Ai Weiwei's Turandot When renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei was asked to direct Puccini's opera, "Turandot," at the Rome Opera, the experience was followed by director Maxim Derevianko. Weiwei admits he's not particularly interested in opera but attempted to create something new and lively. However, a pandemic and other obstacles turn the endeavor into a documentary that explores art, free speech, and the art of finding your voice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Screenings: April 5, 9, and 12 'The Legend of Ochi'A24 The Legend of Ochi The festival has many screenings that are kid-friendly, including this new A24 film starring Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, and Helena Zengel. Yuri is raised in a forest where they hunt the orange and blue monkey-like creatures called Ochi. When she finds and bonds with a baby Ochi, it leads to a fantastic journey that upends the community. Screening: April 56 Friendship This new comedy is getting just one Midnight Mayhem screening at MSPIFF before its theatrical release. (It's a similar situation for The Friend, starring Bill Murray and Naomi Watts.) The movie stars Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave) as a lonely suburban man who gets a little too attached to his new neighbor, played by Paul Rudd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Screening: April 5 The Dance Is Not Over MSPIFF presents the world premiere of a documentary about Patrick Scully, the artist behind Patrick's Cabaret in south Minneapolis. It celebrates the life of an artist the film describes as a "dancer, performer, choreographer, LGBTQ+ and publicly HIV-positive activist." Scully and director Mark Wojahn will be in attendance. Screening: April 8 and 10 Kill the Jockey The Argentinian film is almost impossible to explain. A jockey suffers an accident, goes on the run from mobsters, and sheds his identity to discover himself anew. It's a comedy. It's surreal. It's a noir. It's got dance numbers. It's the kind of movie where the trailer does a better job selling its idiosyncrasies than any description could. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Screening: April 8 and 12 The People's Way This new documentary delves into the lives of three community organizers in Minneapolis who are looking to reimagine George Floyd Square and the impact it can have on the community. The filmmakers, who will be in attendance, say it's both a record of the work of these activists and a "clarion call to action." Screening: April 910 Misericordia As the story moves forward, it's almost hard to remember that Alain Guiraudie's film is a murder mystery. It patiently watches Jeremie, in a powerfully subtle performance by Felix Kysyl, return to his hometown for the funeral of his former boss. It may be a sort of thriller, but its most potent threads probe the unrequited love between Jeremie and a surprising number of the town's inhabitants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Screening: April 9 and 11 Caught By the Tides Chinese director Jia Zhang-Ke has made beautiful films that offer thoughtful portraits of life in China, including Ash Is Purest White, Mountains May Depart, and the stunning Still Life about a town in the shadow of the soon-to-be-demolished Three Gorges Dam. Caught By the Tides is different, though. It takes 20 years of footage from his past films starring Zhao Tao (including the three mentioned above), along with newly-shot scenes, to weave a new story about a woman searching for lost love across space and time. Screening: April 10 and 13 Bonus: Ang Lee The festival will honor Ang Lee with the Milgrom Tribute, which includes a panel conversation with the director who was recently given the Directors Guild of America's Lifetime Achievement Award. Among his many accolades, Lee has won Oscars for multiple films, including Brokeback Mountain, a film for which he became the first person of color to win Best Director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The celebration of Lee's work will include screenings of both Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain on April 6, the same day as the panel discussion. Related: 20 of the best concerts in the Twin Cities this spring "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." When Kamala Harris was inaugurated as vice president of the United States on January 20, 2021, she made history as the first female, first Black and first South Asian to hold the office. While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, the former United States Senator from California promised a Wilmington, Delaware crowd while delivering her November victory speech. Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities. The culmination of Harris historic run with President Joe Biden first began with her own bid for the 2020 Democratic beginning in January 2019. Through the numerous debates and media appearances that followed, voters learned plenty about Harris political views and values, but here are 10 things you might not know about the vice president: She is the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants Harris was born at Oakland, Californias Kaiser Hospital on October 20, 1964, to Indian American immigrant and breast cancer researcher, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan and Jamaica-born Donald Harris, an emeritus professor of economics at Stanford. The couple met as doctoral students at the University of California at Berkeley in the fall of 1962 and married the following year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I came to study at UC Berkeley. I never came to stay, Gopalan told a reporter for SF Weekly in 2003. It's the old story: I fell in love with a guy, we got married, pretty soon kids came. The couple later divorced in 1972, and Gopalan raised Harris and her younger sister Maya. Her name is a nod to her Indian heritage Dr. Gopalan gave her daughter the name Kamala, which means lotus in Sanskrit and is another name for the Hindu deity Lakshmi, in part, to help preserve her cultural identity. The vice presidents middle name, Davi, translates to goddess in Sanskrit, another tribute to the Hindu religion. A culture that worships goddesses produces strong women, the late Gopalan told the Los Angeles Times in 2004. Kamala Harris in March 1997; Photo: Mary F. Calvert/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images - Getty Images She has a long history of activism A 2004 Los Angeles Times profile recounted a favorite family story that began with Harris joining in protest chants from her stroller while her parents marched for civil rights in Oakland and Berkeley, California. Following one march, Gopalan innocuously asked the toddler, What do you want, Kamala? Her response: FEE-DOM! Later, when she was 13, Harris and her sister, Maya, led a demonstration in front of their Montreal apartment building in protest of the policy that banned children from playing on the lawn. The owners eventually reversed the policy. She loves to cook As a child, I remember hearing the pots and smelling the food, and kind of like someone in a trance, I would walk into the kitchen to see all this incredible stuff happening, Harris recalled in a May 2020 Glamour interview. My mother used to tell me, Kamala, you clearly like to eat good food. You better learn how to cook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats exactly what she did, and, now, the politician regularly shares her culinary skills, recipes, and love for Sunday dinners on social media. In 2019, she and actress Mindy Kaling made masala dosa together in a campaign video, and Harris also taught fellow senator Mark Warner how to properly make a tuna melt in an online video. When sharing her recipe for Kamalas Cornbread Dressing on Thanksgiving 2020, she tweeted, During difficult times I have always turned to cooking. This year, I wanted to share one of my family's favorite Thanksgiving recipes with you. I hope whenever you're able to make it in life, it brings you as much warmth as it has brought me even when separated from those I love. Kamala Harris in April 2009; Photo: Mike Kepka/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images - Getty Images Shes an avid reader While running as a Democratic candidate for president in 2019, Harris was the first to respond to Book Riots request for her favorite books and/or those that have been most influential in her life. She listed five: Native Son by Richard Wright, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority While attending Howard University in 1986, Harris joined the HBCUs chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority, the first established Black Greek Letter Organization for women. One way Harris honored her ties to the Divine Nine the council of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities on the campaign trail was by wearing a string of pearls, which represents the sororitys 20 founders and incorporators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What you learn at an HBCU is you do not have to fit into someone's limited perspective of what it means to be young, gifted and Black," she said during a 2018 interview on Power 105s syndicated radio show The Breakfast Club. Kamala Harris questions Attorney General William Barr as Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Dirksen Building on May 1, 2019, in Washington, D.C.; Photo: Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images - Getty Images Shes written three books In 2009, Harris, who was elected as San Franciscos district attorney six years earlier, published her first book, Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor's Plan to Make Us Safer, which focused on criminal justice reform. Ahead of the launch of her 2019 presidential campaign, Harris introduced voters to her values in The Truths We Hold: An American Journey, which included a blend of career highlights and personal philosophy. "A patriot is not someone who condones the conduct of our country whatever it does, she wrote in an excerpt from O. It is someone who fights every day for the ideals of the country, whatever it takes. Also in 2019, she released an illustrated childrens book, Superheroes Are Everywhere, which was geared toward readers aged three to seven. In the book, she wrote about how heroism is more about choice and character than capes. "Heroes stand up for what is right. Who stands up for what is right in your life?" the book poses, while introducing kids to the heroes of Harris's life, per O. She accomplished several firsts in California From 2004 to 2010, Harris served as the first woman District Attorney in San Francisco's history, and as the first African American woman and South Asian American woman in California to hold the office, according to the states Department of Justice. After completing two terms in the role, she was then elected as the first African American and first woman to serve as California's Attorney General. Kamala Harris hugs Joe Biden after she endorsed him at a campaign rally at Renaissance High School in Detroit, Michigan on March 9, 2020; Photo: JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images - Getty Images She and Beau Biden were friends Prior to becoming President Bidens running mate, Harris first met the former vice president through his late son, Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015. The pair became friends while Harris was Californias Attorney General, and Beau served in the same position for the State of Delaware, namely connecting over their work during the Great Recession of 2008 and the 2011 housing crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I learned quickly that Beau was the kind of guy who inspired people to be a better version of themselves, she said in a 2020 speech. He really was the best of us. And when I would ask him, Whered you get that, whered this come from? he always talked about his dad. She takes her 'Momala' role very seriously When Harris and Doug Emhoff married in 2014, she officially became stepmom to his children, Cole and Ella (with film producer Kerstin Emhoff). She and the kids agreed they didn't like the term "stepmom," however, and instead came up with the name "Momala." In a May 2019 Elle essay, Harris called Cole and Ella her "endless source of love and pure joy," adding, "I can say one thing with certainty, my heart wouldnt be whole, nor my life full, without them." She's also been a strong role model for her niece, Meena Harris, a Harvard-educated lawyer who published the children's book, Kamala and Maya's Big Idea, in early 2020. Meena's two young girls also look up to their great aunt, and following Harris' 2020 election win, a video of Meena's daughter, Amara, sitting on the vice president's lap went viral. "You could be president," Harris told her great-niece. "But not right now you have to be over the age of 35." The Truths We Hold: An American Journey $31.13 at amazon.com You Might Also Like SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Construction to rehabilitate the Almus Olver Towers in Syracuse is about to begin, the New York State Governor announced on Thursday, April 3. The $107 million project will include 191 public housing units in the citys plan to transform Syracuses East Adams Neighborhood. Latest local news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we move forward with the long-awaited I-81 viaduct demolition in Syracuse, the rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers fits our broader vision to reconnect communities segregated for decades by highway concrete, Governor Hochul said. This transformative $107 million investment will revitalize a cornerstone of the East Adams neighborhood, modernize the citys public housing stock, and create new affordable housing opportunities for current and future New Yorkers. According to the release, all apartments created within this rehabilitation plan will be set aside for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income, primarily housing seniors aged 55 and older and individuals with disabilities. Some of the renovations at Almus Olver Towers include increasing the total number of units, upgrading common areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and the facade, replacing the buildings roof, and the construction of an outdoor pavilion, the state said. Our partnership with the Syracuse Housing Authority on the $107 million rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers not only preserves 191 apartments for vulnerable New Yorkers, but it also contributes to the reversal of decades of segregation and under-investment in our public housing stock, New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner, RuthAnne Visnauskas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. The Agreement on the establishment of a regional office of the EIB (European Investment Bank) in Uzbekistan has been signed in the presence of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the European Council Antonio Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Trend reports. The document was signed in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, within the framework of the first EU-Central Asia summit. The opening of the office in Tashkent will expand mutually beneficial cooperation and increase the volume of investments attracted to the development of the green economy, innovative industry, and modern infrastructure in Uzbekistan and in Central Asia as a whole. The first EU-Central Asia summit will take place in Samarkand on April 3-4. The event will be attended by Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. This summit is part of a broader EU strategy to deepen relations with Central Asia, outlined in the 2019 EU strategy for Central Asia and the joint roadmap for 2023. These growing ties have taken on strategic importance as both sides seek to advance cooperation on a variety of issues. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ISTANBUL (AP) Turkish police detained 11 people on Thursday for supporting a shopping boycott as part of protests against the imprisonment of President Recep Tayyip Erdogans main rival, state-run media reported. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutors Office issued arrest warrants for 16 suspects in an investigation into hatred and discrimination and inciting hatred and hostility among the public, the Anadolu news agency said. Among those detained was actor Cem Yigit Uzumoglu, who played Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in the Netflix docuseries Rise of Empires: Ottoman, the Actors Union said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects were held over social media posts calling on people to not to spend money on Wednesday and for businesses to shut their doors in solidarity during the daylong boycott. Large-scale anti-government protests began last month after the arrest of Istanbuls opposition Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on alleged corruption charges that critics say are politically motivated. The government insists the judiciary is independent and free of political interference. Members of Imamoglus Republican Peoples Party, or CHP, were attacked by a man with a knife on Thursday as they collected signatures in support of Imamoglu. The opposition-supporting Halk TV showed images of the man brawling with staff in the Black Sea city of Trabzon. One party member was injured and police arrested the perpetrator, a local party official said. Istanbul prosecutors on Tuesday launched a criminal investigation into earlier boycott calls by Imamoglus party targeting companies it alleges support the government. In particular, the opposition identified media firms that did not air images of protests in which hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets to call for Imamoglus release and an end to democratic backsliding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leader of the CHP issued a warning after authorities blocked social media accounts supporting Wednesday's boycott. We know that you have closed hundreds of pages to date, Ozgur Ozel wrote on X. If you become a tool for anti-democratic practices today, if you implement access ban demands, think carefully about what this nation will do to you! According to the independent ANKA News Agency, some 2,000 people have been detained since Imamoglu was arrested on March 19, with 316 jailed pending trial. Most face charges relating to participating in protests. Lawyers for imprisoned protesters on Wednesday said many had suffered mistreatment. The government has not responded to the allegations but on Thursday the police issued a statement denying claims that women had been sexually assaulted in custody as vile slanders. While in prison, Imamoglu has been confirmed as the CHPs presidential candidate. The next election is currently scheduled for 2028 but is likely to take place earlier. TOPEKA (KSNT) The Kansas Insurance Department (KID) is offering assistance to state residents impacted by the recent liquidation of a multi-state domestic insurance company. KID Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced in a press release on April 2 that her agency is trying to help Kansans who were impacted by the recent liquidation of Key Insurance Company. Court documents show the Shawnee County District Court ordered the liquidation of the company on March 31, 2025. Key Insurance Company, a stock property and casualty company, had around 30,000 remaining policies in place nationwide when the liquidation order was released. About 13,000 of these policies were in effect in Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dana Chandler sentencing date set in Topeka after guilty verdict in double-murder trial If you are a Kansan with a Key Insurance Company policy, I encourage you to visit the Liquidation FAQs found on the Departments website to learn more about what this means for you and how to file proof of claim, Schmidt said. The Department will be working closely with the deputy liquidator and the guaranty associations in the states Key Insurance Company did business to pay claims and process unearned premium refunds. People who have questions about this are encouraged to head to the KIDs website, call 785-296-3071 or send an email to KDOI@ks.gov. A KID FAQ page can be found below: Key Liquidation FAQs by Matthew Self on Scribd Historic Topeka neighborhood lost to time brought to life in film, art project Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. 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. 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: John Karl Van Ess III. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. We want to remember John Karl Van Ess III, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. FRANKLIN CUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The Franklin County Sheriffs Office announced charges after a high school student allegedly brought a gun to the high school Tuesday, prompting a shelter in place. The 17-year-old student was taken to the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center and is being held on the following charges: Student arrested after gun discovered at Franklin County High School Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Possession of a Firearm on School Property Possession or Transportation of a Firearm by a Person Under Age 18 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. DENVER (KDVR) On Tuesday, the Colorado Attorney Generals Office announced that a settlement had been reached with a real estate company called HomeOptions that released dozens of homeowners who had contracted with the company. According to the AGs office, HomeOptions would promise a cash payment, usually between $900 to $1,100, to allow the real estate company exclusive rights to sell the house in the future. State lawmakers want to sue over TABORs constitutionality Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HomeOptions would allegedly use an agreement with provisions that all but guaranteed the company would get thousands of dollars from the homeowner. The funds would come from commissions on the sale of the home, or fees assessed for terminating the contract with HomeOption, according to the AGs office, which said these terms were even binding on the homeowners heirs. Its predatory for a company to offer a paltry amount of money to homeowners in exchange for binding themselves and their heirs to a real estate transaction that might be many decades away, said AG Phil Weiser in a release. This settlement provides relief for those who were locked into the unfair contracts. I will continue to fight for Coloradans and take action against those irresponsible companies who engage in predatory and unconscionable behavior. HomeOptions began this practice in 2021, according to the AGs office. Under the settlement announced Tuesday, the company is required to release all 171 homeowners with existing contracts from the agreements, leaving HomeOptions with no claim on any property owned by Colorado consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. A group of 19 Democratic attorneys general is suing the Trump administration over its sweeping executive order targeting election rules and administration across the country, saying the president has no authority to make changes to federal elections. The attorneys general argue in the suit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts on Thursday, that President Donald Trump has no authority to request a number of the order's key components, like requiring documentary proof of citizenship for the national voter registration form or requiring that mail-in ballots must arrive on Election Day. It bears emphasizing: the President has no power to do any of this, they write in the lawsuit. Neither the Constitution nor Congress has authorized the President to impose documentary proof of citizenship requirements or to modify state mail-ballot procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit comes from some familiar names. Donald Trumps attempt to control our elections, intimidate voters, and limit Americans right to vote is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and frankly, un-American, said New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose state is joining the suit, in a statement. My office is fighting back to preserve our democracy one that is fair, just, and accountable to the people. This is now at least the second lawsuit challenging Trumps order, which was signed on March 25 and immediately sparked questions of legality among election law experts. On Monday, nearly the entire Democratic partys fundraising and campaign apparatus joined the first lawsuit, as did Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, challenging what they called a power grab in a statement announcing the suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sweeping order, which seeks to change how elections are administered across the country, especially rules related to citizenship and mail-in voting, was touted by Trump as a way to end "election fraud," which he has long railed against despite presenting little proof of its existence. Election fraud. Youve heard the term. Well end it, hopefully. At least, this will go a long way toward ending it, Trump said during the order signing at the White House. In a statement, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields accused Democrats of having "disdain for the Constitution." "It continues to show in their insane objections to the Presidents commonsense executive actions to require proof of U.S. citizenship in an effort to protect the integrity of American elections," Fields said, adding that citizenship is a "basic question." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Requiring documentary proof of citizenship would impose a significant burden on the voter registration systems maintained at the state and local level, arge the attorneys general, and they note that the order will pull federal funding from states that do not comply. That, they say, is a lose-lose proposition, because complying with the order would disenfranchise lawful voters, but the federal funding they receive is essential. Across the country, states have wide latitude to administer elections differently but none allow votes to be counted if they are cast after Election Day. Some accept absentee ballots after Election Day, as long as they are postmarked by Election Day, while many others require ballots to be in the possession of election officials by the time polls close. By circumventing the states and their unique procedures and by making any changes to federal elections at all Trump dramatically oversteps the limits of Presidential power, the lawsuit says. Ben Johansen contributed to this report. Apr. 2KENTON A McGuffey man who killed his father more than a year ago in Hardin County was sentenced Wednesday to 19 years to life in prison. Dustin Bolen, 43, pleaded guilty in March to charges of murder, a first-degree felony; tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; and gross abuse of a corpse, a fifth-degree felony. The charges stemmed from the death of his father, 66-year-old Michael Bolen, whose body was found late last year beneath a family home in McGuffey. With several family members of the victim and defendant present at Wednesday's sentencing hearing, Hardin County Common Pleas Court Judge Steve Christopher called the case "a tragedy for everyone in this courtroom. There is no good resolution to a situation like this, nothing to take away the pain that you will feel for the rest of your life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court-appointed defense counsel Drew Wortman said his client had a "tumultuous relationship" with his father that was exaggerated by substance abuse and mental health issues. Wortman asked the judge to impose concurrent sentences on the three charges, but Christopher decided to tack them on consecutively. Hardin County Prosecutor Brad Bailey said the plea deal accepted by Bolen left little doubt what his sentence would be: "Our hands are tied; the sentence (for murder) is set by the legislature," he said. Bolen spoke briefly before the sentence was imposed, apologizing to family members and hinting at a lifetime of pent-up anger and tension between he and his father. "I have my addiction, and he had his issues. I wish I could have just walked away, but I just couldn't take it anymore," Dustin Bolen said. "I'm sorry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessica Anderson, Michael Bolen's daughter and Dustin's sister, spoke on behalf of the family. "I love my dad; I love my brother. I know Dad wanted my brother to get help," she said. "I forgive my brother and pray that he heals and learns from his experiences." Addressing her brother directly, Anderson said, "Thank you for telling the truth and taking responsibility." Christopher imposed a mandatory prison sentence of 15 years to life on the murder charge. The judge also ordered sentences of 36 months for tampering with evidence and 12 months for abuse of a corpse and ordered all sentences to be served consecutively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardin County authorities were alerted more than a year ago that Michael Bolen's whereabouts were unknown. The county sheriff's office began an investigation and identified Dustin Bolen as a person of interest in the case. On April 5, 2024, he was arrested for violating a no-contact order after a previous domestic violence incident with his father. From April to November, searches with cadaver dogs were conducted at Michael Bolen's residence and other areas in Hardin County to no avail, according to the sheriff's office. On Dec. 16, Dustin Bolen confessed to family members that he had killed his father and buried him in the crawl space of their residence, according to a press release from the sheriff's office. On Dec. 17, a search warrant was executed at the Bolen residence on Hunsicker Street in McGuffey. Michael Bolen's remains were discovered in a portion of the crawl space that had limited access. It was learned that a section of floor had been cut out by Dustin Bolen so Michael Bolen's body could be hidden. After burying the remains, Dustin Bolen replaced the flooring to hide his crime, authorities said. Featured Local Savings MAULDIN, S.C. (WSPA) Two people were arrested Wednesday after shots were fired at an apartment complex in Mauldin. The Mauldin Police Department responded to Willowbrook Apartments for a domestic disturbance. Officers said the argument was between known parties that escalated into an accidental discharging of a firearm. Police reported that no one was hit by the bullet, but a bystander did sustain a laceration to the head during the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police department arrested two individuals in connection with the crime. They are both facing a domestic violence high & aggravated charge. Authorities have not released the suspects identities at this time. The incident remains under investigation by the Mauldin PD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Two brothers were arrested on active personal recognizance bond warrants for smuggling and other charges on Wednesday, April 2, in Northeast El Paso, according to the El Paso County Constables Office Precinct 3. Manuel Antonio Hurtado, 37, was wanted on 10 counts of smuggling of persons and one count of a controlled substance, with a total bond of $115,000. Ismael Hurtado, 32, was wanted on one count of theft, with a $101,000 bond. Manuel Antonio Hurtado, 37. Photo courtesy of El Paso County Constables Office Precinct 3 Ismael Hurtado, 37. Photo courtesy of El Paso County Constables Office Precinct 3 According to the Constables Office, on April 2, constable deputies spotted Ismael Hurtado as a passenger in a stopped vehicle that was located at the 7500 block of Gateway North. He was then taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a later time, deputies located Manuel Hurtado at a house on the 4600 block of Vulcan Avenue, according to the Constables Office. After a short standoff, Manuel Hurtado was taken into custody, according to the Constables Office. Both Manuel and Ismael Hurtado were booked in the El Paso County Jail. Constable Bernal stresses for the El Paso County community to remain vigilant and report any criminal activity to law enforcement, read the news release by the Constables Office. The Constables Office said TIPS may be submitted to Crime Stoppers El Paso at (915) 566-8477 or online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Two men were shot following an argument at Taco Bell, according to Birmingham police. Man fatally shot in west Birmingham house identified Police said two men were shot at the Taco Bell in the 2300 block of Bessemer Road around 1:21 a.m. Both men are in stable condition. The incident reportedly started as an argument at Taco Bell between the victims and a separate group. The victims then left in a private vehicle and were taken to Courtyard Hotel first mistakenly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no suspect in custody. Anyone with information can call BPD at 205-254-1700. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Uzbekistan's Qanot Sharq resumes direct flights to Prague, Trend reports via the airline. The flights will be conducted starting from May 15. Qanot Sharq Airlines initially planned to launch direct flights from Tashkent to Prague on April 18, 2024, with twice-weekly services. However, the start date was postponed to May 30, 2024, and the frequency was reduced to once a week. The airline operated these flights until October 24, 2024. The suspension of flights was due to operational reasons, including maintenance requirements for their Airbus A320 aircraft. Qanot Sharq continues to expand its international flight network. The airline first launched commercial operations in 1998 and has since been developing routes to key destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) North Carolina State University officials said that Student Exchange and Visitor Program records for two international students had been terminated by the United States government. Due to the termination, both students made the decision to leave the United States and head back to their home countries. According to university officials, the school did not initiate the termination and was not notified of the changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, officials said: Our Office of International Services (OIS) contacted the students to advise them about the potential consequences of these changes and provide resources for them. OIS staff also contacted government officials to confirm the terminations. In consultation with their home country embassies and private immigration attorneys, both students made the decision to depart the United States. We are deeply concerned about the lack of communication from federal agencies and the impact of these actions on our international students. We are committed to assisting these two students in any way we can, including completing the semester from abroad. Our NC State international students, faculty and staff remain critically important members of our community and we deeply value the talent, ideas and insight that they bring to our campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Muslim Student Association at NC State also released a statement Wednesday. We are deeply saddened and outraged by the recent forced departure of two NC State students who student visas were unjustly terminated. These students both international engineering majors were notified by the Department of Homeland Security that their visas had been revoked, with no clear explanation provided. They were not only committed scholars, but also friends, peers, and contributors to the vibrant diversity that defines our NC State community. The Muslim Student Association at NC State University strongly condemns the actions of the Trump administration, whose policies continue to target international university students across the United States without legitimate justification. This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of discriminatory practices enabled by deeply flawed immigration enforcement systems. Such actions directly contradict the principles of inclusion, academic freedom, and justice. We call for full transparency in this process and demand the reinstatement of the students visas. While we acknowledge the universitys effort to support the student body, we urge NC State University to do everything in its power to further support those affected and to ensure that no student is ever subjected to this kind of injustice. International students deserve safety, respect, and the freedom to pursue their education without fear of abrupt and baseless removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We stand in unwavering solidarity with the affected students and with international students at NC State and beyond. We call on the universitys administration, state leaders, and federal officials to take a firm stand against unjust immigration practices and to advocate for policies that uphold dignity, equity and fairness for all. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police said two people have been arrested for defacing Teslas in the District. On Thursday, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said officers arrested a man and a woman for writing political hate speech on peoples Teslas. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Ask me about my support of Nazis: 2 people wanted for defacing peoples Teslas with political hate speech, DC police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man and woman defaced peoples Teslas in these areas: March 1, at approximately 10:11 a.m., in the 200 block of K Street, Northeast March 2, at approximately 6:15 p.m., in the 200 block of 11th Street, Northeast March 21, at approximately 5:15 p.m., in the 600 block of G Street, Northeast March 8, at approximately 8:05 a.m., and on Friday, March 14, between 12 a.m. and 8:06 a.m., in the 600- 700 blocks of F Street, Northeast The man also defaced Teslas in these areas: March 9, at approximately 3:48 p.m., and on Monday, March 10, at approximately 3:48 p.m., in the 800 block of F Street, Northeast March 12, at approximately 12:35 p.m., in the 600 block of G Street, Northeast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD said 49-year-old Justin Fisher turned himself in on Tuesday and was charged with eight counts of defacing public or private property. 50-year-old Emily Fisher turned herself in on Wednesday and was charged with five counts of defacing public or private property. MPD said it is investigating the offenses as being potentially motivated by Political Affiliation hate or bias. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Two people were killed in a fire at a high-rise senior center in North Bergen, N.J., on Thursday morning, authorities said. The victims were identified only as an 88-year-old man and a 77-year-old woman who investigators believe are related, WABC reported. One other resident, who was not identified, was hospitalized. Two police officers who responded to the scene were also hospitalized for smoke inhalation, according to WNBC. Two firefighters also suffered minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire erupted around 1:30 a.m. at the Cullum Apartments, a public housing building for seniors and disabled people, NJ.com reported. The 17-story building is just three miles west of Central Park across the Hudson River. Firefighters said the blaze was contained to one unit on the 10th floor of the building, according to News 12 New Jersey. However, residents in 24 other units were displaced by the fire. I was going to sleep and my mom called me to say everything was on fire, the daughter of one resident told WABC. I came here and everyone was crying and panicked, they had to take everybody to the basement. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but foul play is not suspected, WNYW reported. Nearly 23 years ago, a fire in the same building killed a 71-year-old woman and sent 10 more residents to the hospital. That fire, on Dec. 6, 2002, also sent at least 10 firefighters to the hospital for smoke inhalation. Gov. Mike Braun signed another round of bills into law Thursday. (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed 20 bills into law Thursday, including one that would expunge certain civil red flag proceedings and another impacting carbon dioxide sequestration projects. Lawmakers have sent Braun 38 bills thus far, and he has signed all of them. House Enrolled Act 1137 would create a method to expunge red flags from a persons public record. The Hoosier States red flag law allows police to temporarily remove firearms from people considered dangerous, with an aim to curb gun violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two situations in which a person might receive an expungement. First, if someone who was alleged to be dangerous was later found not to be. Second, if courts determined someone was dangerous, but after the person got help, deemed them safe. Committee testimony revealed that Hoosiers had lost jobs and volunteer opportunities because of old red flag notices. An amendment clarified that law enforcement would still have access. A bill on carbon dioxide sequestration projects also got a signature. Senate Enrolled Act 457 exempts pipeline companies from needing to get certificates of authority in certain cases, creates a permit for exploratory wells and well conversions; adds inspection provisions; charges new fines for legal violations; and tweaks other fee amounts. Originally, fines and fees wouldve gone to dedicated funds to defray state spending on project administration and monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But an amendment in the Senate directs the money to the states General Fund instead. Lawmakers are still trying to find a compromise, which could be put in another piece of legislation before the session ends. Braun also signed House Enrolled Act 1033, which seeks to reduce financial strain on construction contractors. It impacts only public works projects. It eliminates the minimum retainage requirement for publicly funded projects and lowers the maximum withholding percentages by 4%. Retainage is the portion of payment withheld from a contractor or subcontractor until a construction project reaches substantial or full completion. All of the legislation Braun has signed is listed online. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Rapid City, S.D. (KELO) Authorities in Western South Dakota are investigating a murder. They found the victim around 7 oclock Tuesday night. In just a matter of hours, they identified a suspect and made an arrest. Rapid City Police say 22-year-old Diontae Eagleman stabbed a man last night, just a block from city hall. Members of the Rapid City Police Department, and Pennington County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene and began investigating the incident as a homicide. During the course of the investigation, we interviewed several potential witnesses and we also reviewed video surveillance from different area cameras, RCPD Sargent Trevor Tollman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the identity of the victim is still unknown until next of kin can be found. However due to the questioning authorities had with Eagleman, it is believed that this incident was not random in nature and that both Eagleman and the victim knew each other. A couple of the interviews had focused our attention on a particular individual based on his age and clothing. That when we looked at video surveillance, we were able to realize this one person is who they were speaking of, Tollman said. Investigators sent that information to every officer in the city. Police quickly found Eagleman and brought him in for questioning, where he was later arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then like I said, we just started working through past contacts through him and were able to locate him, Tollman said. Police are still looking for two others who were seen walking with Eagleman who may have more information on this ongoing investigation. As they continue to look for witnesses, police say theres no reason to believe there is any threat to public safety. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) A brand new $2.5 million emergency vet clinic facility is set to open its doors soon, and it is helping more than pets. The Central Pennsylvania Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services (CPVETS) is currently located at 1522 Martin Street, and the new location will be at 100 Oakwood Ave., Suite 700, in State College. They are promising quick care around the clock. We have staff, on location doctors, nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, Dr. Andrea Loar, the owner, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will have their work cut out for them, with Loar explaining that animal emergency cases have definitely been on the rise. PHOTOS: Electrocuted eagle rescued in Blair County We have about doubled our caseload since 2020, Loar said. To help out with the increased workload, CPVETS offers a program through Penn State to give students a chance to get real world experience at the clinic. We really believe in the importance of hands-on learning for our students, along with its so important while theyre going through their education to learn what they like as much as what they dont like, Academic Adviser for Penn State Madison Heilveil said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says students will learn about emergency triage, different levels of trauma and learning to work as a team. For Loar, the investment so far has been worth every penny. We have invested a lot in making sure that this care is available for the pets of Central Pennsylvania, Loar said. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. The clinic is set to open for patients Thursday, April 10. For more information, visit CPVETS 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. 25 Investigates has learned Newton-Wellesley Hospital, as well as the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), are investigating after multiple nurses have come forward with brain tumor diagnoses. The nurses began coming forward at the end of 2024 and were concentrated in the hospitals labor and delivery department. 25 investigates has learned as of April 1 that 11 staff members with ties to that fifth-floor unit have been interviewed by Newton-Wellesley investigators. Five cases were various types of benign tumors, and six cases were other health concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newton-Wellesley Hospital says following CDC guidelines, it worked with the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, the hospitals safety officers, and an external environmental consultant and checked air quality, water, radiation levels, and more. The hospital says their investigation found no environmental risks which could be linked to the development of a brain tumor. We presented these findings to relevant stakeholder groups, including the staff on the unit and the Massachusetts Nursing Association, and have held forums to meet with clinical and Occupational Health leaders to answer their questions. The hospital is providing the MNA with the test results from the investigation, including those of several external environmental firms. And based on their results, we can confidently reassure our dedicated team members at Mass General Brigham/Newton-Wellesley Hospital and all our patients that there is no environmental risk at our facility. The hospital says every staff member had an opportunity to come forward and be interviewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the MNA believes the hospitals investigation was inadequate. So, they conducted a survey of their own. The MNA tells 25 Investigates that as of April 2, more than 300 past and present Newton-Wellesley nurses and staff have responded. MNA is now working to contact those who requested a direct follow-up and obtain their medical records if they consent to sharing them. MNA told nurses in a statement this week, The hospital cannot make this issue go away by attempting to provide a pre-determined conclusion. The hospital told 25 Investigates that they have held multiple forums to answer questions about these health concerns and the safety of all is their absolute top priority. Read the entire statement from Newton-Wellesley Hospital: After we became aware of reported brain tumors in individuals who currently or previously had worked in the same area of the hospital, we conducted an extensive investigation in collaboration with the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Newton-Wellesley Safety Officer, radiation and pharmaceutical safety offices, and external environmental consultants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every staff member who came forward was given the opportunity to be interviewed by the Occupational Health and Safety team to evaluate each diagnosis in the context of their individual medical history and risk factors. To evaluate for any possible environmental exposures in that area of the hospital, comprehensive environmental assessments following CDC guidelines began in December. The investigation found no environmental risks which could be linked to the development of a brain tumor. We presented these findings to relevant stakeholder groups, including the staff on the unit and the Massachusetts Nursing Association, and have held forums to meet with clinical and Occupational Health leaders to answer their questions. The hospital is providing the MNA with the test results from the investigation, including those of several external environmental firms. Based on these results, we can confidently reassure our dedicated team members at Mass General Brigham/Newton-Wellesley Hospital and all our patients that there is no environmental risk at our facility. As always, the health and wellbeing of our staff, clinicians, and patients is our absolute top priority. Jonathan Sonis, MD, MHCM Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associate Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs Sandy Muse, DNP, FNP-BC, NEA-BC Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A Danville man died while attempting to navigate Wednesday's storm in Hendricks County. About 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Hendricks County Sheriff's Department was called to a crash near the intersection of County Road 75 West and County Road 200 South. Deputies arrived at the scene to find a blue pickup on fire with an unresponsive man lying on the ground beside it. Police and fire couldn't immediately intervene, though, because Wednesday night's tornado had thrown multiple downed power lines in the roadway, according to a statement from the sheriff's department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the power in the area was shut off, medics pronounced the man dead at the scene. He was identified as Nathan Merritt, 27, of Danville. Investigators believe Merritt was driving north when his pickup struck a downed power line and came to a stop. He got out of the vehicle and died after touching live power lines. No other fatalities associated with the storm were reported early Thursday. Indiana storm updates: Tornadoes, power outages, flooding. A look at the damage day after major storm Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter at IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana man dies after pickup strikes live power lines downed by storm TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov have discussed relevant bilateral agenda matters during a meeting on the sidelines of the Samarkand Summit, Trend reports via the Uzbek presidential administration. The leaders of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan conveyed notable satisfaction with the fruitful trilateral meeting of the heads of state, including President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, conducted on March 31 in Khujand, Tajikistan, during which a historic treaty regarding the demarcation of state borders was signed. The complexities surrounding the pragmatic execution of high-level accords were deliberated, with a particular focus on strategies to expedite the realization of pivotal collaborative initiatives across sectors such as industrial development, transportation logistics, energy solutions, and infrastructural enhancements. The executive leadership underscored the imperative to sustain dynamic interregional engagements and cultural-humanitarian interactions. A discourse transpired regarding the timeline of forthcoming engagements and additional pertinent matters concerning regional collaboration. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) Three people have been arrested in connection to a shooting investigation, according to the Davidson County Sheriffs Office. On Thursday, March 6, deputies responded to a shooting in the area of Snider Kines Road in which a male victim was shot in the head. He was treated at an area hospital and later released. That same day, Donna Michelle James was arrested and charged with one count of felonious assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury. Jordan Allen Thompson (top) Donna Michelle James (b-left) Joshua Shane Sizemore (b-right) (Davidson County Sheriffs Office) On March 25, Joshua Shane Sizemore was arrested for felonious assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation also revealed that Jordan Allen Thompson was involved. On March 20, he was arrested and charged with felony obstruction of justice and felony accessory after the fact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. Three Colombian nationals have been arrested in connection with a residential burglary in the Highgate neighborhood of Weddington, following an extensive investigation by the Union County Sheriffs Office and multiple law enforcement agencies. The suspects, identified as Joiner Jhosuet Cortes Morales, Terry Stiven Cajamarca-Grijalba, and Cristian Hernan Pirajan-Rivera, were apprehended in Columbia, South Carolina. They are believed to be part of a transnational criminal enterprise known as the South American Theft Group, which targets high-end residential properties across the United States. These arrests are a direct result of determined, coordinated law enforcement efforts across multiple jurisdictions, said Sheriff Eddie Cathey. Our investigators, alongside our law enforcement partners, have worked relentlessly to identify, track, and apprehend these dangerous criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The burglary occurred on February 2, 2025, in the Highgate neighborhood of Weddington. Despite a rapid response from deputies, the suspects managed to flee the scene before law enforcement arrived. ALSO READ: CMPD working to charge Lincoln County burglary suspect for Charlotte crimes Following the incident, the Union County Sheriffs Office initiated a comprehensive investigation, collaborating with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the York County Sheriffs Office, the Huntersville Police Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The three suspects, who have criminal histories spanning multiple states, are currently held at the York County Detention Center in South Carolina under secured bonds of $300,000 each. They are also subject to detainers issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and face extradition to other jurisdictions for additional crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities believe the South American Theft Group is responsible for numerous burglaries nationwide, including over ten incidents in the southeastern United States in recent months. The investigation into this group and similar crimes in the area is ongoing, with additional arrests and charges expected. VIDEO: CMPD working to charge known burglary suspect for Charlotte crime Say goodbye to Beryl, Helene and Milton. The World Meteorological Committee officially retired the names from the list of hurricane names "because of the death and destruction these storms caused in 2024." Three hurricanes hit the Florida in 2024, and two of them were major hurricanes, which are those that are Category 3 or stronger. Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic basin and had a major impact in the Caribbean. A nation hit hardest by a devastating storm can request its name be removed because use of the name again would be insensitive. The WMO decides whether to retire a name. What names were retired from list of 2024 hurricane names? "The WMO Hurricane Committee has retired the names Beryl, Helene and Milton from its Atlantic basin name list ... because of the death and destruction these storms caused in 2024," the World Meteorological Organization announced April 2. "The only time that there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity," according to the WMO. What hurricane names will replace Beryl, Helene and Milton? Brianna, Holly, Miguel will replace Beryl, Helene and Milton on the rotating list of hurricane names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a storm name is retired from the Atlantic's list, member countries of the WMO from that region select a new name. For Atlantic storms, the name can be French, Spanish or English, reflecting the languages of residents of countries that could be hit by a hurricane. Florida was hit by 3 hurricanes in 2024, including Helene and Milton Florida was hit by three hurricanes in 2024: Debby, Helene and Milton. The year tied with 1871, 1886, 1964, 2004 and 2005 for the most Florida landfalling hurricanes on record in a single season, according to Philip Klotzbach, meteorologist at Colorado State University specializing in Atlantic basin seasonal hurricane forecasts. Hurricane Debby Hurricane Helene Landfall: 11:25 p.m., Sept. 26, near Perry Strength at landfall: Category 4, sustained winds of 140 mph NOAA report on Hurricane Helene; NWS report on Hurricane Helene Special notes: While Helene had a huge impact in Florida, including storm surge flooding, unprecedented flooding washed away entire buildings and dramatically changed the landscape of some mountain towns across the southern Appalachians and North Carolina. Hurricane Milton Landfall : 8:30 p.m., Oct. 9, near Siesta Key Strength : Category 3, sustained winds of 120 mph NOAA report on Hurricane Milton; NWS report on Milton Special note: A tornado outbreak associated with Milton produced 46 tornadoes and caused torrential rainfall and localized flooding with total rainfall amounts of 10-15 inches (and higher). Milton produced a destructive storm surge between Siesta Key and Fort Myers Beach. Hurricane Beryl was earliest Atlantic Category 5 storm on record Hurricane Beryl was the earliest Atlantic basin Category 5 hurricane on record, with major impacts in the Caribbean, the WMO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It made landfall as a Category 4 Hurricane on 1 July in Grenada and its dependencies, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The torrential rains, huge waves and powerful winds caused severe flooding and widespread devastation on Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada. Significant damage was sustained on Carriacou and Petite Martinique, with upward of 98% of homes damaged or destroyed. "Beryl also affected Jamaica, the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and made a final landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in the United States. Beryl is responsible for 34 direct fatalities across the region." Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as Category 4 storm Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm on the Florida Gulf Coast on Sept. 26. "The storm caused catastrophic flooding across the southern Appalachians, widespread wind damage from the Gulf Coast to the North Carolina mountains and storm surge flooding along portions of west coast of Florida," the WMO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Helene was the deadliest hurricane to affect the continental U.S. since Katrina in 2005, with more than 248 fatalities, the majority of which occurred in North Carolina and South Carolina. "Damage was estimated at $78.7 billion making it the seventh costliest U.S. hurricane (adjusted to 2024 values)." Hurricane Milton spawned deadly tornadoes across Florida Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key on Oct. 9. "Milton's rate of rapid intensification was among the highest ever observed and at its peak it was Category 5 intensity over the Gulf of Mexico," the WMO said. "Milton caused 15 fatalities (12 in the U.S.) and an estimated $34.3 billion in damages. The storm produced a historic and deadly tornado outbreak across Florida." WMO maintains 6 lists of hurricane names The WMO maintains six lists of hurricane names in the Atlantic basin and separate lists for the Pacific basin. There are 21 names on each list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The six lists are used on a rotating basis, so names from the list used in 2025 will appear again in 2031. What are the 2025 hurricane names? Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea: AN-dree uh Barry: BAIR-ree Chantal: shahn-TAHL Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee What if we run out of hurricane names in 2025? If the entire list of 21 names is used in a season, a supplemental list of names will be used. If all 21 names on the list for that year are used, names from a supplemental list are used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The supplemental list, also approved by the WMO, replaced the use of names using the Greek alphabet in 2021. For Atlantic storms, the supplemental list of names are: Adria Braylen Caridad Deshawn Emery Foster Gemma Heath Isla Jacobus Kenzie Lucio Makayla Nolan Orlanda Pax Ronin Sophie Tayshaun Viviana Will Predictions for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season AccuWeather is predicting 2025 could be a year with "volatile hurricanes" and warns storms could rapidly intensify shortly before making landfall. 'Volatile hurricanes' in AccuWeather 2025 hurricane season predictions. What Florida can expect The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season could bring: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Named storms: 13 to 18 Hurricanes: 7-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 Direct U.S. impacts: 3-6 Florida weather expert WeatherTiger predicting 16-21 tropical storms, 7-9 hurricanes "Early indications are that 2025 might tilt busier than usual overall, but is most likely to land in the ballpark of long-term typical U.S. landfall activity," according to Dr. Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist with WeatherTiger. Truchelut is a Florida meteorologist who works with the USA TODAY Network. Flooded with anxiety? 2025 hurricane forecast offers a bit of hope for a more sane season The 2025 season has a 50-50 shot of landing in the ranges of: 16-21 tropical storms 7-9 hurricanes 3-4 major hurricanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Theres a 50% chance of 2 or 3 U.S. hurricane landfalls in 2025, with only about a 1-in-8 chance of no U.S. landfalls, against normal odds of reprieve of about 1-in-4. "Theres also a 50% chance of one or more U.S. major hurricane landfalls in 2025, versus baseline annual odds of about 40%. When is the 2025 hurricane season? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The National Hurricane Center begins posting a tropical outlook, showing any system with potential of developing, starting May 15. A special advisory will be issued be issued prior to May 15 which happened March 17 if something shows potential for development. When does hurricane season start in 2025? A countdown How many hurricanes were there during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season? There were 18 named storms during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, according to NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eleven became hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or greater. Five intensified to major hurricanes, with winds of 111 mph or greater, which are Category 3 or higher storms. That's above the historical average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Here were the names of 2024 hurricanes These were the major hurricanes in 2024: Beryl: June 28-July 9. Maximum sustained winds, 165 mph Helene: Sept. 24-27. Maximum sustained winds, 140 mph Kirk: Sept. 29-Oct. 7. Maximum sustained winds, 145 mph Milton: Oct. 5-10. Maximum sustained winds, 180 mph Rafael: Nov. 3-10. Maximum sustained winds, 115 mph. A major hurricane is one that is Category 3 or higher, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. Hurricanes in 2024: Debby: Aug. 3-9. Maximum sustained winds, 80 mph Ernesto: Aug. 12-20. Maximum sustained winds, 100 mph Francine: Sept. 9-12. Maximum sustained winds, 100 mph Isaac: Sept. 26-30. Maximum sustained winds, 105 mph Leslie: Oct. 2-12. Maximum sustained winds, 105 mph Oscar: Oct. 19-22. Maximum sustained winds, 85 mph Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Hurricane names Beryl, Helene, Milton retired by WMO. See new names President Donald Trump announced widespread tariffs on Wednesday, sending the stock market plunging. One of the more significant of these tariffs is a 20% levy on goods coming from longtime U.S. ally and trade partner the European Union. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen in a press conference on Thursday said the bloc is finalizing a package of retaliatory tariffs on up to roughly $28.4 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum that took effect last month. While the E.U. is prioritizing negotations, Von der Leyen said the Commission is also now preparing for further countermeasures if discussions fail. Negotiation efforts by the bloc have so far been rebuffed by the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first set of countermeasures will be announced on April 14, EU parliamentary trade committee chair Bernd Lange told German broadcaster Deutsche Welle on Thursday, with the second set likely to come in a month. These countermeasures could target large tech firms, according to European government officials. French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said the EUs response would attack online services, while German economy minister Robert Habeck said everything is on the table when it comes to countermeasures, adding: The big tech companies have an incredible dominance in Europe and are largely exempt from European taxes. Europe can zero in on antitrust probes Relations between the EU and U.S. have been growing sour, particularly since Trumps election in November. Trump and other administration officials including FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, are vocally upset about Europes antitrust crackdown on American Big Tech companies, something the administration views as overseas extortion and unfair fines and penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple (AAPL), Alphabet (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), Meta (META), and Microsoft (MSFT) were among the major tech names classified as gatekeepers under the 2022 Digital Markets Act, a landmark European antitrust law intended to address anti-competitive practices in the tech industry. All of the magnificent seven tech stocks are down today on the tariffs news. Leading the drop is Apple. Just last month, Google and Apple were found in violation of the DMA, and were sent preliminary findings and action requests respectively. If the companies fail to comply with the orders, they face potential fines, including a fine for Alphabet that would amount to up to 10% of its worldwide revenue. In 2024, Alphabets worldwide revenue reached approximately $350 billion. The European Commission is expected to issue its first fines under the DMA to Apple and Meta very soon, Politico reported earlier this week. The wider trade environment has factored into EUs decision on the matter, even though the act is technically overseen by the European Commissions competition and digital directorates, according to Politico, which cited a person briefed on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other company executives have been asking Trump and his trade officials to pressure Brussels to drop the anticipated fines and a cease-and-desist order, according to a Wall Street Journal report from Monday. Meta is reportedly worried that the EU could ask it to sell less personalized ads on it platforms, according to the WSJ, which could undercut its revenue in the region. Europe is likely to fight back. It is not likely to withdraw its antitrust and DMA enforcement against the American firms. But whether Trumps bullying will chill Europes enforcement, we have to wait and see. Europe wants to stand firm, legal scholar and New York University professor of trade regulation Eleanor Fox told Quartz, calling the antitrust probes entirely legitimate. Europe has shown that theyre willing to step back, and reinterpret the penalties that might be involved, Brookings senior fellow Dan Hamilton said. But if this scales into a full blown trade war, the bloc would not shy away from levying major fines on the companies that could even go beyond the antitrust probes. Europes real bazooka A greater threat to Silicon Valley in the EUs arsenal is the anti-coercion instrument, often referred to as a bazooka. Created during Trumps first term but used mainly against China thus far, the ACI allows the EU to impose trade restrictions on services, intellectual property rights, and foreign direct investment if a country is deemed to be using tariffs on goods to coerce policy changes in the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law is used mostly as a deterrent, but it can be utilized against U.S. tech giants that provide digital services, like Apple, Google, and Meta. Even in that case, however, Hamilton says it can take months and months for the EU to conduct an investigation and get a qualified majority to agree on enacting the ACI. An attack on the services economy would hurt U.S. companies big time. Europes where they make their money, its the most profitable place in the world for U.S. companies, Hamilton said, before adding that the services economies of Europe and the U.S. are so deeply intertwined that it will likely hurt Europeans as well. Tariffs could be the least of Big Techs worries Hamilton says the real problem at hand for Big Tech is not even retaliatory tariffs, but potential court orders over data privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. data privacy frameworks have been invalidated by EU courts in the past over being deemed not private enough for European data. To address that, former President Joe Biden signed a Data Privacy Framework with the EU that puts significant importance on an oversight board that would ensure alignment with EU data protection standards. In January, Trump fired all three Democrats on the bipartisan oversight board, stirring concern in the European Parliament. If deemed inadequate, EU courts have the power to shut down data flows across the Atlantic. Any court decision as such would have far more serious implications than any fine, Hamilton said. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A group of Republican senators voted along with Democrats on Wednesday for a resolution to undo President Trumps 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports, dealing an embarrassing blow to Trump. The resolution expresses the sentiment of the Senate and doesnt have the force of law, but its 51-48 passage is unwelcome news for the president on the very day he announced a host of new tariffs. Four Republicans Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Mitch McConnell (Ky.) voted for the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They voted to express their disapproval of Trumps tariffs on Canada a few hours after the president announced he would impose a 10 percent tariff on all imports and levy even higher rates on imports from the European Union, China, Vietnam and Japan. Collins told reporters after the vote that she had serious concerns about Trumps decision to slap high tariffs on U.S. allies such as Canada. In general, one of my biggest concerns is: We should be distinguishing between allies and our adversaries and not treating them the same way, she said. McConnell made a similar argument after casting his vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With so much at stake globally, the last thing we need is to pick fights with the very friends with whom we should be working with to protect against Chinas predatory and unfair trade practices, he said in a statement. Murkowski said she did what I needed to do for Alaska. She said her constituents are worried about what Trumps tariffs are going to mean for price increases. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) had urged Republican colleagues to vote against the resolution, advising them it was a political gambit by Democrats to embarrass Trump. Thune argued on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon that the tariff against Canada is necessary leverage to push Canadian authorities to crack down on drug smuggling across the northern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution and ensure that President Trump has the tools that he needs to combat the flow of fentanyl from all directions, he said. He argued the fentanyl crisis warrants an aggressive response. Democrats framed the resolution as a plea for Trump to stop escalating his trade war with Canada, one of the nations biggest trading partners. They said Trumps Canadian tariffs would impact an estimated 6.5 million jobs across the country. Trump, for his part, took a shot at Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) for sponsoring the resolution. Sen. Tim Kaine, who ran against me with Crooked Hillary in 2016, is trying to halt our critical Tariffs on deadly Fentanyl coming in from Canada. We are making progress to end this terrible Fentanyl Crisis, but Republicans in the Senate MUST vote to keep the National Emergency in place, so we can finish the job, and end the scourge, Trump posted on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also targeted the four Republicans in the hours before the vote. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul, also of Kentucky, will hopefully get on the Republican bandwagon, for a change, and fight the Democrats wild and flagrant push to not penalize Canada for the sale, into our Country, of large amounts of Fentanyl, by Tariffing the value of this horrible and deadly drug in order to make it more costly to distribute and buy, Trump posted. Collins and Murkowski said Trump did not try to reach out to them directly ahead of the vote. Trump has imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution would also undo Trumps 10 percent tariff on energy resources from Canada. Collins has been an outspoken critic of Trumps 25-percent tariff on Canadian goods, warning last month it would have a devastating impact on some businesses in her state. Speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday, Collins pointed out that the Maine economy is integrated with Canada, our most important trading partner. From home heating oil, gasoline, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products, to Maines paper mills, forest products businesses, agricultural producers, and lobstermen, the tariffs on Canada would be detrimental to many Maine families and our local economies, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Canadian tariffs will definitely have a detrimental impact on the economy of Maine and on border communities in particular, she told The Hill last month. We have, for example, a major paper mill in northern Maine right on the border that gets its pulp from Canada. That mill alone, which is by far the biggest employer in the region, employs 510 people directly. Ive talked to the owner of that mill the imposition of a 25-percent tariff could be devastating, she warned. Paul, a libertarian-leaning conservative, has been the loudest critic in the Senate GOP conference of Trumps trade war with Canada and Mexico. He is a co-sponsor of the resolution. I have every major industry in Kentucky lobbying me against them: the cargo shippers, the farmers, the bourbon manufacturers, the homebuilders, the home sellers you name it fence manufacturers, Paul told The Hill last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said the tariffs were an end-run around Congress. Trade is a good thing. Trade is proportional to prosperity, and so tariffs are bad economically, he told reporters Tuesday. Its a terrible idea to run a country by emergency where representatives to vote on raising or lowering taxes. Paul said tariffs are bad for the country, bad for prosperity, bad for the economy. Our Constitution was very specific that taxes tariffs are a tax taxes originate in the House, come to the Senate and then go the president, he said. They dont just go to the president and no one else. What kind of system would it be if all of our taxes and laws were passed by one person? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McConnell, speaking at a recent press conference in Kentucky, pointed out that Canadian authorities have already pulled Kentucky-distilled bourbon from store shelves. Im not a fan of tariffs, he said. We have 70,000 farmers in Kentucky, basically make their money off of trade, export. So I think a long-term trade war would be a mistake. In the statement released Wednesday evening, McConnell called tariffs a tax on everyday working Americans. Make no mistake: goods made in America will be more expensive to manufacture and, ultimately, for consumers to purchase, with higher broad-based tariffs, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a time when Americans are tightening their belts, we would do well to avoid policies that heap on the pain, he cautioned. Senate Democrats hailed the passage of the resolution as a big political victory at a time when many in their party feel frustrated over Trumps aggressive moves to slash the federal government and reshape global alliances. We always felt that things were going to begin turning in our direction, and they are, said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who lauded Kaines leadership of the resolution. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), a co-sponsor of the resolution, said the vote sends a clear message to Trump to back off from his trade war. Today, the Senate sent a clear message to the President: You cannot abuse your powers to start an unjustified trade war with one of our strongest allies. Canada is Minnesotas top trading partner, but the Presidents tariffs are jeopardizing that relationshipand the consequences may be irreversible, she said in a statement. Senate Republican leaders who opposed the resolution said it wont come up for a vote in the Republican-controlled House. They predicted it would never make it to Trumps desk. Itll go nowhere in the House and the president wont sign it, so its not going to go anywhere, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), an adviser to the Senate GOP leadership team. The S&P 500 fell in after-hours trading Wednesday after Trump announced his 10 percent across-the-board tariffs and his further tariffs targeting Europe, China, Vietnam and Japan. Updated at 10:45 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. 40-year-old man accused of threatening mass violence at school A Burke County man is accused of threatening mass violence at an elementary school and having a manifesto and floorplans of the school. On March 24, the Drexel Police Department served a search warrant at the home of Brandon Dean Johnson, 40, who lives in the 600 block of South Main Street. 21-year-old woman dies in Burke County fire, investigators say The Drexel Police Department also seized an AR-15, two pistols, a 30-round magazine, ammunition, a ballistic vest, and computers from Johnsons bedroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brandon is not one to harm kids, said his sister, who didnt want to give her name. Hes not capable of doing this. The search warrant said that a source of information told police that Johnson had a manifesto with plans to commit a school shooting at Drexel Elementary and cause as many casualties as possible. His family says that a source of information was in jail on other serious charges, and they dont believe Johnson would hurt anyone. According to warrants, that source of information told police that Johnson tried to recruit him to help with the attack. It states in the search warrant that (the source) seen this on Brandons computer, Johnsons sister said. Hes been locked up for a year. He aint seen nothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was arrested and charged with communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property. Channel 9s Dave Faherty learned parents didnt find out about it until the next day. Resident Kelly Martinezs younger brother attends the school. I dont think its right for a school administration to hold that back from the parents, Martinez said. The school district said it alerted parents the following afternoon after learning of the arrest and working with police. The alert notified parents that the district increased security at the school after learning about the threat. Faherty reached out to the police chief for more information but had not heard back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Bureau of Investigation and Morganton Public Safety assisted with the investigation. The Drexel Police Department also worked with Burke County Public Schools. This investigation is ongoing. VIDEO: 21-year-old woman dies in Burke County fire, investigators say Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least five civilians and injured at least 40 over the past day, regional authorities reported on April 3. Moscow's forces attack Ukrainian towns and villages on a daily basis, inflicting civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure with drones, missiles, artillery, and aerial bombs. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 28 of the 39 strike and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said. Seven decoy drones disappeared from radars without causing damage, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia launched a missile attack against the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on April 2, killing four people and injuring 17, Governor Serhii Lysak reported. Eleven people remain hospitalized. Nine high-rise buildings, gas stations, administrative buildings, a post office, garages, and cars were damaged. Elsewhere in the region, Russian attacks injured a man and a woman in the Nikopol district and a woman in the Synelnykove district, Lysak said. In Donetsk Oblast, a Russian attack against Pokrovsk killed one person and injured six, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. One civilian was also injured in the town of Dobropillia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven people were injured in Russian attacks against Kharkiv Oblast, said the regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov. This included five people, including a 10-year-old child, injured when a Russian drone hit a 16-story residential building in Kharkiv. Four people were injured in Russian strikes in Kherson Oblast, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. A high-rise building, a shop, and eight houses were damaged. Russian attacks in Sumy Oblast injured two civilians and damaged a youth center and a bank, the regional military administration reported. Read also: Putin issued a decree. Now, millions of Ukrainians face an impossible decision Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. UPDATE (6:05 p.m.): News 5 has learned new information regarding the five people indicted in the multi-million dollar scheme involving the Prichard Water Works and Sewer Board. All five of the people indicted have pleaded not guilty in federal court. PREVIOUS REPORTING PRICHARD, Ala. (WKRG) The indictment for a multi-million dollar fraud scheme involving the Prichard Water Works & Sewer Board has been unsealed revealing new information regarding seven peoples involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mobile defendants sentenced to life in prison for murder-for-hire conspiracy Five of the seven people have been indicted on a combined 32 counts the other two have already pleaded guilty on their charges. The people allegedly involved in the scheme include 50-year-old Nia Bradley, 47-year-old Randy Burden, 61-year-old Steve Jones, 35-year-old Larry Knight, 47-year-old Dejuan Lamar, 47-year-old Ayanna Payton and 49-year-old Stephanie Hunn. According to a U.S. Department of Justice news release, Payton and Hunn are the two people who have pleaded guilty and are waiting for sentencing. The news release said the seven people defrauded the water board of at least $2.4 million through a false and fraudulent contractor scheme between 2018 and 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Bradley and Burden illegally laundered nearly $1 million through a business they owned and operated. PWWSB is funded by customer payments and a $55 million bond that was given to the board in 2019 allowing the water board to provide water and sewer services to 2,000 businesses and 8,000 homes. The indictment alleges that the criminal scheme involved the creation of a fictitious business by Hunn and the creation of false invoices to justify unlawful payments to Hunn, Jones, Knight, and Lamar, read the release. Bradley and Burden, who were employees of the Prichard Water Board, allegedly falsified payment authorizations and received kick-back payments and other benefits. Payton, along with another board member, allegedly falsified payment authorizations, allowing them to receive kick-back payments and other benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the seven people used coded messages to talk and destroyed evidence in order to avoid detection of their crimes. It was also revealed in the indictment that Bradley, Payton, Hunn and Jones had committed tax fraud in an attempt to conceal their crimes and avoid paying taxes. Through its criminal cases, the United States is seeking money judgements in the amounts of approximately $2,459,279.39, $960,851.41, and $302,134.90, as well as the forfeiture of three properties which were purchased using fraud proceeds and involved in the money laundering scheme, read the release. Bradley is charged with conspiracy to commit mail, bank and wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States (taxes), money laundering conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud and tax charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burden is charged with conspiracy to commit mail, bank and wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and bank fraud. Jones is charged with conspiracy to commit mail, bank, and wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and bank fraud. Knight and Lamar are charged with conspiracy to commit mail, bank and wire fraud as well as bank fraud. PWWSB crisis: Prichard seeks state and federal aid Payton and Hunn have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail, bank, and wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States (taxes), wire fraud, bank fraud and false tax filing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Since 2019, the focus has been on enhancing infrastructure to boost trade turnover between Iran and the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Mirhadi Seyedi, an advisor to the head of Irans Trade Development Organization, told reporters, Trend reports. Speaking to local media, Seyedi noted that efforts to boost trade have been ongoing since October 27, 2019, when a temporary trade memorandum was signed between Iran and EAEU member states. As a result, infrastructure development aimed at enhancing trade has led to a 2.2-fold increase in trade turnover between Iran and EAEU members. Seyedi emphasized that the Trade Development Organization continues to work on further increasing trade and is engaged in ongoing negotiations to simplify cargo transportation via corridors. On December 25, 2023, a free trade agreement was signed between Iran and the EAEU in Saint Petersburg, Russia. After the agreement comes into force, it's predicted that trade turnover will reach $18-20 billion within five to seven years. President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian has announced the law on a free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union to various circles in Iran for implementation on March 15, 2025. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The unveiling of President Trumps new tariffs included some big surprises as economists and trading partners sifted through which countries were hit the highest rates and who was spared. Questions swirled over the calculations and decisionmaking process within the White House while administration officials and Republicans hit the airwaves to defend the tariffs, urging investors and the broader public to trust Trump as stocks plunged on Thursday morning. Here are five surprises from Trumps new tariffs. The scale and scope After months of walking back, delaying and watering down previous tariff proposals, many on Wall Street wondered if Trump was serious about imposing major tariffs on all U.S. imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It appears he was. The reciprocal tariff announcement by President Trump was significantly bolder than market expectations, ushering in new uncertainty, Ed Mills, Washington policy analyst at investment firm Raymond James, wrote in a Thursday analysis. The analysts said Trumps Wednesday announcement amounted to $600 billion in new taxes on Americans, bringing the average tariff rate up to 25 percent far higher than the 10 percent to 15 percent expected by the market. We have seen a variety of countries seek to lower trade barriers, reduce tariffs, and directly engage the Trump administration. This has not seemed to have prevented the reciprocal tariffs from being announced, Mills wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We expect that President Trump and his administration will begin to engage in negotiations, but given the enormity of the announcement, this will take time. Uninhabited territories included The Heard and McDonald Islands, which are Australian territories and considered some of the most remote places in the world, were hit with a 10 percent tariff. The sub-Antarctic volcanic islands are populated mainly by penguins and seals. Other Australian territories Norfolk Island, Cocos Island and Christmas Island were also included on the list, getting hit with 29 percent, 10 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The population of Norfolk Island is less than 2,000 people, while Christmas Island has just less than 1,700 people and Coco Island just more than 500. Another small territory, Diego Garcia, is a British territory that is made up mostly of military personnel, including some from the U.S. It is being hit with 10 percent tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that targeting these low-population territories is a sign that nowhere on earth is safe, The Guardian reported. While Norfolk Island faces a 29 percent tariff, Australia was only hit with a 10 percent tariff. Russia, North Korea not included Russia and North Korea, as well as Belarus and Cuba, were not included in the tariffs, while dozens of other countries that are historic allies and close trading partners with the U.S. were hit with up to 40 percent tariffs. The White House defended the decision to leave those four countries out, telling The Hill they are not subject to the new tariffs because they are already facing extremely high tariffs and our previously imposed sanctions preclude any meaningful trade with these countries. Among the countries being targeted with tariffs are China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, India, South Korea, Thailand, Switzerland, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China will face the highest tariffs, with a 34 percent tariff announced Wednesday going on top of a previously implemented 20 percent for a total 54 percent tariff on goods. A White House official also noted Trump has recently threatened to impose strong sanctions on Russia to further explain leaving out Moscow from Wednesdays action. Trump said last month he is weighing additional sanctions and tariffs on Russia as a way to bring them to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine. Russia said weeks later it expects the U.S. to ease certain sanctions as part of an agreement for a limited ceasefire with Ukraine. Unclear calculations Trump and top administration officials said during Wednesdays announcement they calculated individual tariff rates using a model that factored both tariff and nontariff trade barriers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several analysts, however, figured out the White Houses tariff rates were calculated by taking the total trade deficit between the U.S. and that nation, dividing it by the total value of U.S. good imports, and then either dividing that number in half or setting the rate at 10 percent. The White House insists tariff and trade barriers were part of the calculation. No we literally calculated tariff and non tariff barriers, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said on the social platform X, which received a community note explaining the formula. X is owned by Trump adviser and close ally Elon Musk. When pitching the upcoming tariffs, Trump said for weeks they would be reciprocal as a way to create fairness. He argued that countries should be charged what they charge the U.S. on imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a call with reporters just before the announcement, White House officials said the tariff rate would be lower and were only charging half because the president is lenient and kind. Not a negotiation Trump has often used tariffs to push countries toward trade deals and other agreements, and he said Wednesday that trading partners could rid themselves of the new burden with good behavior. But top White House officials have offered conflicting opinions on whether Trump would be willing to ease tariffs or strike agreements. Were very focused on getting this tariff regime in place, a senior White House official said on Wednesday, just ahead of Trumps announcement. This is not a negotiation, its a national emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick offered conflicting guidance Thursday, insisting Trump wouldnt back off his tariffs but would also be open to deals. This stuff has got to stop. America has got to stop being exploited, and youre going to see America prosper. And then, and only then, will Donald Trump make a deal with each country when theyve really, really changed their ways, Lutnick said. Thats not back off. That is, let the dealmaker make his deals when and only if, these countries can change everything about themselves, which I doubt they will. The presidents son Eric Trump advised that countries facing new tariffs should act quickly to negotiate for the president to drop them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wouldnt want to be the last country that tries to negotiate a trade deal with @realDonaldTrump, the younger Trump wrote on X. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Senate Republicans on Wednesday rolled out a 70-page blueprint to advance President Trumps tax agenda, along with directions that could pave the way for more than a trillion dollars in cuts to government spending. The resolution comes after weeks of negotiations between House and Senate Republicans to reach a compromise on how to enact the presidents priorities. Republicans are pushing to quickly adopt the resolution to kick-start a complex process that will allow them to eventually move major spending and tax cut legislation through Congress without Democratic support. However, some instructions in the measure underline a few of the differences both chambers will need to hammer out in the coming weeks as they look to assemble the planned package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are five things to know about the framework. Trump tax cuts Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement accompanying the release of the resolution that Republicans intend to permanently extend Trumps signature 2017 tax cuts. This will allow the tax cuts to be permanent which will tremendously boost the economy, he argued, as Republicans have sought to make the case that their tax cuts are pro-growth. Graham also said he has determined that current policy will be the budget baseline regarding taxation, moving forward with an accounting method that would allow the proposed tax cut extensions to appear costless because theyd be considered current policy. That would allow the Senate to enact them without needing to offset them in the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senates instructions also made changes from their previous resolution that could allow for further significant tax cuts. Fiscal hawks and Democrats have loudly sounded alarm over the accounting method, pointing to projections that show extending the tax cuts could add trillions of dollars to the nations deficits in the coming years. By contrast, the Houses instructions allow its tax-writing committee up to $4.5 trillion for changes that could increase the deficit, along with proposed spending cuts that would ride with the tax cuts. Top Republicans had previously raised concerns that the cap would not allow for permanency for the tax cuts, noting projections that place the cost estimates above the cap amount. In remarks to reporters earlier this week, House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) said he also supports making tax cuts permanent and equal to the way [the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)] treats spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBO treats spending on current policy, but I only am open to that if we offset the cost of tax cuts so we dont increase the deficit, he said. Spending cuts The resolution includes different instructions for the House and Senate for spending cuts over roughly the next decade. The Houses instructions call on various committees to find at least $1.5 trillion in savings, while leaning on its Agriculture, Education, and Energy and Commerce committees to find ways to reduce the deficit. It also retains language in the Houses previous resolution calling for the cap on tax cuts to be reduced if eventual cost-cutting recommendations from committees dont total at least $2 trillion. The Senates instructions call for at least $4 billion in cuts. They task committees on Agriculture, Banking and Housing, Energy and Natural Resources, Health and Education to find at least $1 billion each in a move that some argue is meant to provide them with more flexibility when it comes time to write the expected bill. The addition of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to that group of committees is new for the Senates instructions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservatives on the House side had already been grumbling about the rumored move to create competing instructions across the chambers ahead of the resolutions release. Then it will just set it up for failure down the road, so you might as well work it out now, Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) told The Hill earlier this week. Bad news doesnt get better with time. Debt limit The House instructions call for raising the debt limit by $4 trillion, while the Senate instructions detail a $5 trillion increase to the debt ceiling. The debt limit caps how much money the Treasury Department can owe to pay the countrys bills. It was reinstated in January after being suspended for a year and a half under a previous bipartisan deal struck between former President Biden and House GOP leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absent congressional action, recent projections have indicated the nation risks defaulting on its debt later potentially in the summer or early fall an outcome that experts have warned would mean catastrophic effects for the economy. Republicans say its important to raise the debt ceiling through the special process known as budget reconciliation, which bypasses the Senate filibuster and thus would avoid handing Democrats any leverage in the process. Graham told reporters on Wednesday that a $5 trillion increase to the debt limit should stave off the threat of default through the coming midterm elections. Doing so would help Republicans avoid having to give into demands for concessions from Democrats in exchange for their help to raise the nations borrowing limit. But there could be resistance from hard-line conservatives who have traditionally had a hard time voting for debt limit increases to agree to a higher number than proposed in the House. Medicaid The resolution still contains instructions from the Houses earlier budget resolution that calls for its Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over Medicaid, to submit recommendations to reduce the nations deficits by at least $880 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Congressional Budget Office said in a report last month that House Republicans would have to make cuts to Medicaid in order to cut $2 trillion in spending over the next decade. However, Republicans in both chambers have raised concerns over potential cuts to the program, posing a possible hurdle for leadership as they look to move quickly to craft and pass the major legislation this year. Some funding boosts The resolution also allows for funding increases for a list of committees that Republicans have said will be aimed at boosting defense and the military, while providing funding for Trumps border and deportations plans and other measures. Senate Republicans say their instructions allow for upward of $340 billion in spending for those goals, while the House GOPs instructions still outline caps for their boosts at around $300 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A federal grand jury in Asheville has returned multiple indictments, charging several individuals with criminal charges that include unlawful firearm possession, straw purchasing of firearms, and trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. Protecting our communities from drugs and guns is one of the Justice Departments core missions. Through Operation Take Back America we are stepping up our efforts to remove illegal firearms from our communities, eliminate drugs in our neighborhoods, and make sure our streets are safer for everyone. Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Bryan Austin Herron, 23, of Marshall, N.C., was indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that, on August 5, 2024, Herron unlawfully possessed a RugerEC9S 9mm handgun knowing he had prior felony convictions, including attempt to traffic methamphetamine. John Quentin London, 39, of Hendersonville, N.C., is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful possession of two firearms: a Smith and Wesson, model 649, .38 caliber revolver, and a Smith and Wesson, model SD9, 9mm pistol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Mills, 46, of Hendersonville, is charged with multiple counts of distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Mills trafficked fentanyl and methamphetamine in Henderson and Buncombe Counties between January and February 2024. Christopher OBrien Moore, 30, of Shelby, North Carolina, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that, on June 6, 2024, Moore, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a federal racketeering conspiracy and multiple state felonies, unlawfully possessed a Glock, model 22, .40 caliber pistol and ammunition. Dontavis Raheem Pressley, 36, of Shelby, N.C., is charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that, on August 13, 2024, Pressley possessed a Glock model 43, 9mm caliber pistol, knowing he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Tia Marche Ray, 33, of Asheville, is charged with five counts of straw purchasing firearms. The indictment alleges that between July 12, 2020, and August 3, 2022, Ray acquired six firearms from multiple dealers in Buncombe County, by making false statements in connection with the acquisition of the firearms, falsely representing that she was the actual buyer of the firearms. CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Since 1956, the Captain Hornblower has been a working tugboat, mainly as a ship-assist tug. She worked in the New York harbor area and some years later, moved down to Charleston and worked there in the harbor, moving naval vessels and submarines about. And we purchased her there in 2005. And shes been working in the harbor of Panama City here ever since owner of Captain Hornblower, Chuck Knowles said. The Knowles family is excited for the Hornblower to continue its life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It means a lot. I grew up on that boat. I engineered on it, decked it that it eventually ended up being running. So, you know, I cut my teeth on her so she got to has a special place in my heart. And so its going to be neat to have her on the bottom instead of going to get cut co-owner of Captain Hornblower, Russell Knowles said. The total cost of this deployment is $65,000, with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Vernon man sentenced to 25 years for trafficking fentanyl We want to really thank Florida Fish and Wildlife for getting involved and putting their money toward this project. Bay County has not alone, by itself, deployed anything in over sixteen years. So we are extremely happy. This boat is going to be deployed about 12 miles off the coast. So it will be in federal waters. It will be easy to find. The coordinates will be publicly given as soon as its dropped Clair Pease, Bay County Commissioner, District 5 said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During fishing and diving season, Bay Countys tourist industry brings in $207 billion a year. This vessel will benefit the community and ecosystem. Bay County, we have a division that is in charge of reef building reefs and looking for vessels to deploy or writing grants to get vessels out there to deploy. And those vessels not only are for fishing and diving, but also for fish habitat. So were growing baby snapper, baby grouper. And its exciting to see them go down and to see how the habitat grows quickly, Pease added. The deployment of this vessel is set for April 9th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Most Americans oppose impeaching federal judges who have ruled against President Trumps spending cuts and agency closures, according to a new poll. In the Marquette University Law School poll, 70 percent of respondents said they do not back federal judges impeachment over anti-Trump rulings on spending cuts and agency closures, while 30 percent said they did support the judges impeachment. Last week, two GOP lawmakers filed articles of impeachment aimed at two federal judges who issued rulings that essentially halted Trump from going forward with parts of his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) said he introduced articles of impeachment targeting U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell, who in March issued an injunction preventing a Trump administration federal spending freeze. Another Republican lawmaker, Rep. Andy Ogles (Tenn.), announced last week that he filed an impeachment article targeting U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang. Chuang in March stopped tech billionaire Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency from going ahead on further dismantling the United States Agency for International Development. A third Republican, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas), introduced a resolution to impeach Judge James Boasberg, who issued a ruling that barred the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants. Impeachment of judges, however, is widely seen as a futile endeavor on Capitol Hill. Skepticism from a number of Republicans could make it hard to get through the House, and a conviction in the Senate would require support from at least 14 Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other findings in the Marquette Law poll included 65 percent of respondents not supporting the Department of Educations elimination, while 35 percent said they supported the departments termination. Late last month, the president signed an executive order looking to facilitate his goal of getting rid of the Department of Education. The Marquette Law School poll took place between March 17 and 25, featuring 1,021 people and a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An employee cleaned rodent droppings, then washed and dried their hands without using soap. Twenty-six roaches crawled around a restaurant kitchen, including under a food prep table. And about 42 flies buzzed around another kitchen, landing on beer spouts and clean dishes. This is just a sampling of violations that led the state to temporarily close 10 South Florida restaurants last week six in Broward and four in Palm Beach County. The Sun Sentinel typically highlights restaurant inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in Broward and Palm Beach counties. We cull through inspections that happen weekly and spotlight places ordered shut for high-priority violations, such as improper food temperatures or dead cockroaches. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any restaurant that fails a state inspection must stay closed until it passes a follow-up. If you spot a possible violation and wish to file a complaint, contact Florida DBPR. (But please dont contact us: The Sun Sentinel doesnt inspect restaurants.) BROWARD COUNTY Southport Raw Bar 1536 Cordova Road, Fort Lauderdale Ordered shut: March 26 Why: 22 violations (10 high-priority), including: About 35 flies seen landing on ceiling as well as on wrapped bread stored on bread rack, bread rack shelf, wall behind dry storage rack, plate boxes and dish machine. Observed roach inside pest trap stored in kitchen. Observed cook wearing watch during food prep at cook line. Stop sale ordered for three dented cans of crushed tomatoes stored on shelf in dry storage area. Stop sale ordered for raw mahi mahi that it is to remain frozen until time of use [but was] no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed frozen crawfish, conch salad and lobster bisque thawing at room temperature on prep table in kitchen. Other time/temperature issues involved chili and cooked chicken wings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Status: Remained closed on March 27 after a follow-up visit found one high-priority violation. Reopened March 28 when a third inspection found no violations. The Pup Tent 1345 NW 40th Ave., Lauderhill (inside Lauderhill Mall) Ordered shut: March 26 Why: 10 violations (four high-priority), including: About 75 rodent droppings under three-compartment sink, under counter holding hot dog hot-holding unit and on counter holding fries fryer. Observed employee cleaning rodent droppings then [proceeding] to wash and dry hands without using soap. About six live flies flying around kiosk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Status: Remained closed on March 27 after a follow-up inspection found five violations (three high-priority). Reopened March 28 after a third visit found three violations (one high-priority). Annes Paradise Takeout & Catering 2428 N. State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes Ordered shut: March 26 Why: 20 violations (two high-priority), including: About 26 live roaches in dishwashing area underneath utensils stand, in kitchen underneath food preparation table, in kitchen crawling on clean food container and underneath cooking equipment at cook line. One dead roach in dishwashing area underneath utensils storage shelves. Observed chef engaging in food preparation with no hair restraint. Observed standing water cover floor surface next to three-compartment sink. Accumulation of grease buildup on floor in kitchen underneath cooking equipment and on shelves under food preparation tables. Observed no date mark on cooked legume, chicken and turkey stored in walk-in cooler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Status: Remained closed on March 27 after a follow-up visit found 14 violations (one high-priority). Reopened March 28 after a third inspection found three intermediate and seven basic violations. Kussifay Argentine Pizza & Grill 2652 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood Ordered shut: March 26 Why: Nine violations (five high-priority), including: Three live roaches in empty dish racks next to triple sink, under triple sink in kitchen and on floor next to oven. Two dead roaches on floor next to grease trap under triple sink in kitchen. Floor next to triple sink covered with standing water. Employee, after baking bread rolls, used bare hands to serve them to a customer. Employee used personal phone and proceeded to reach out for a clean plate to serve cooked food to guest without washing hands. Frozen chicken thawed at room temperature. Other time/temperature issues involved marinara sauce and shredded cheese. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Status: Reopened March 27 after a second inspection found no violations. Kaluz Restaurant 3300 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Ordered shut: March 26 Why: Eight violations (two high-priority), including: About 10 roaches observed in kitchen crawling on fire wood on cart at the grill and on floor and wall next to fire wood cart. Approximately six dead roaches on floor under wood cart and in front of reach-in cooler in kitchen. Time/temperature issues involved cooked onion, mushroom, bell pepper and artichoke. Status: Reopened March 27 after a follow-up visit found no violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocean Alley Restaurant & Beach Bar 900 N. Broadwalk, Hollywood Ordered shut: March 26 Why: 16 violations (three high-priority), including: 14 roaches crawling behind garbage can, next to reach-in cooler in cook line, behind reach-in cooler in cook line, behind steam table and on box of gravy packets in dry goods storage area. 11 live flies by hand-wash sink in bar area and by mop sink, next to clean equipment storage. Two fly sticky tapes full of dead flying insects around mop sink area, one in front of cleaning equipment storage room. Time/temperature issues involved cooked chicken wings and shrimp; there were also several bags of frozen shrimp in standing water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Status: Reopened March 27 after a second visit found one intermediate and three basic violations. PALM BEACH COUNTY Chez Den Restaurant 4422 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach Ordered shut: March 27 Why: Six violations (five high-priority), including: Sewage backup from floor drain from hand sink and three-compartment sink in middle of kitchen. Stop sale ordered for cooked rice, cut cabbage, boiled eggs, black rice, and rice and peas due to temperature abuse. Raw shell eggs stored over cut, washed cabbage in the kitchen. Status: Reopened March 28 after a second inspection found one intermediate violation, with a follow-up inspection required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tijuana Flats 6201 S. Jog Road, Suite 101, Lake Worth Ordered shut: March 27 Why: 11 violations (four high-priority), including: About 42 live flies in kitchen areas such as at the front counter landing on to-go order shelves, landing on beer spouts and surrounding wall, landing on soda machine dispenser, and on clean and sanitized dishes and dish storage rack. In kitchen, tray of taco shells being stored on top of trash can while employee removes them from fryer. Stop sale ordered for raw chicken and raw shrimp due to temperature abuse. In walk-in cooler, large puddle of standing water. In kitchen, hand-washing sink drain pipe leaking on to floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Status: Reopened March 28 after a follow-up inspection found one basic violation. CocoCabana Bar & Grill 2944 S. Jog Road, Greenacres Ordered shut: March 25 Why: Seven violations (one high-priority), including: About 17 rodent droppings on shelves with napkins, utensils and straws, with canned items and with toilet paper in dry storage hallway behind kitchen. Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Salmon that it is to remain frozen until time of use [was] no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Plantains on floor on cook line. Status: Reopened March 26 after a follow-up inspection found no violations. Georgia Maes 5029A Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach Ordered shut: March 25 Why: 10 violations (eight high-priority), including: Two roaches seen crawling on wall from overhead dish-drying rack with clean pans toward ceiling in dish-wash area of kitchen and on wall beside dish-drying rack for clean dishes. 20 dead roaches under dish-drying rack for clean dishes in kitchen, on dish-drying rack and on clean cutting board that is on dish-drying rack. About four live flies around dish-washing area near reach-in cooler in kitchen and at front-counter steam table. Stop sale ordered for heavy cream, cooked turkey and cooked collard greens due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature issues also involved cooked yam juice and macaroni and cheese. Status: Reopened March 26 after a second inspection found no violations. Editors Note: The video above reflects the top story of the day. MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Animal advocates across Midland came together this week to rescue 76 dogs from a home on East County Road 76 in south Midland County. Lone Star Sanctuary for Animals, a not-for-profit, no-kill, animal welfare organization, got the call on Tuesday about a property where dozens of dogs had been hoarded and they quickly jumped into action. On Tuesday, the group rescued 33 dogs. When they returned to the property on Wednesday, an electrical fire broke out and rescue efforts came to a stop as Midland County fire crews and crews with the Midland County Sheriffs Office raced to put of the fire. While some animals died because of the fire, the group still rescued another 43 dogs on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All we could do is watch with tears in our eyes and pray that the dogs survived, advocates said of the fire. A huge thank you to Permian Basin Animal Advocates and Town and Country Veterinary Hospital for making it possible to rush some pups in for smoke inhalation. Several pups unfortunately did not make it but the amount that did was a pure miracle! Now, the group is facing a huge and unforeseen expense. The expense of all these dogs is going to be high as many of them suffer from eye issues, mange, and will need to be spayed and neutered. We are also looking for anybody willing to foster. Please reach out to us for a foster application. If youd like to donate, simply scan the codes below. You can also visit this website to learn more about fostering. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An 80-year-old Massachusetts man identified in news reports as Methuens former town manager appeared in a Salem courtroom on Wednesday to face child rape charges. Robert LeBlanc, of Methuen, pleaded not guilty to the charges in Superior Court in Salem, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said in a statement. LeBlanc is charged with rape of a child, indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older, and attempt to commit crime indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older. Tucker said Judge Salim Tabit imposed conditions agreed upon by the prosecution and defense: that LeBlanc report immediately to the Methuen Police Department for booking, that he stay away and have no contact with any victim or witness in the case, and that he may have no unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LeBlanc is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on May 20. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Hours after undergoing dental surgery, a 9-year-old girl from San Diego was found unresponsive in her home, according to officials who are investigating her death. The dentist who performed her anesthesiology had been disciplined by the state for a 2016 incident in which he was accused of "excessively" administering drugs or treatment accidentally to a 54-year-old man whose heart stopped briefly during a dental procedure. On March 18, Silvanna Moreno was placed under anesthesia for a dental surgery at Dreamtime Dentistry, a facility that is described in its website as striving "to be the premier office for sedation dentistry in Vista, CA." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Dreamtime Dentistry said it was "deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our young patient, which occurred several hours after her completed dental procedure." "The patient was referred to our office for dental treatment under general anesthesia due to her young age and acute situational anxiety," according to the statement. During the surgical procedure, Dr. Ryan Watkins, a licensed dentist who is trained and credentialed in anesthesiology, observed Silvanna and noted no complications, the dental office stated. After the procedure, she was discharged into the care of her mother and sent home, according to the County of San Diego Medical Examiner's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 'Our little angel.' Fifth-grader dies of powerful narcotics combo, and SoCal woman is charged "Following the procedure, she was discharged in stable condition awake, with stable vital signs and protective reflexes intact into her mother's care, following our standard post-anesthesia protocols," according to the statement. Silvanna fell asleep on the car ride home, and when she arrived home she stayed asleep and was transitioned into her bed, according to the medical examiner's office. Her family checked on her throughout the day and called 911 when it was discovered later that she was unresponsive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramedics transported the child to Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego while providing lifesaving measures during transport. When Silvanna arrived at the hospital, medical staff assumed the lifesaving measures to no avail, and she was pronounced dead, according to the medical examiner. The San Diego Police Department's child abuse unit is investigating the girl's death because the unit investigates deaths when the victim is 17 or younger, said Abbey Madison, a Police Department spokesperson. A verified GoFundMe account created to help pay for funeral expenses described the Sherman Elementary School third-grader as "the sunshine in every room she entered, always greeting staff and classmates with a big smile and an even bigger hug." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Emotional 911 call follows discovery of mummified bodies of Gene Hackman and wife Silvanna is survived by her parents, Itzel de Jesus and Roberto Moreno, and three siblings. Watkins, the dental anesthesiologist, has more than 20 years of experience administering general anesthesia to children and owns Dreamtime Dentistry, according to the news release. But in 2020, Watkins was placed on disciplinary probation for 35 months after a 54-year-old patient's heart stopped beating while under anesthesia, four years prior, according to the Dental Board of California. According to the filed complaint, Watkins had administered anesthesia to the patient, a triathlete whom he considered to be in excellent health, and who had the appropriate vital signs on the day of surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the surgery began, the patient's vital signs declined; his heart rate and blood pressure dropped. Watkins administered medication to treat hypertension and another to restore fluid and electrolyte balance. That patient's heart rate rose until it stopped, according to the complaint. First responders were called and transported the patient to a local hospital, where upon arrival he "was able to respond non-verbally by opening his eyes in response to voice." The patient was discharged from the hospital two days after admission, and doctors stated the cause for his medical visit was "cardiac arrest" and reported "discharge diagnoses of 'poisoning by other drug primarily affecting the autonomic nervous system, accidental, initial encounter,'" according to the complaint. Watkins agreed to the suspension under a stipulated settlement with the state's dental board. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Head of the Working Group on the Azerbaijan-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Relations Fariz Ismailzade has sent a letter of protest to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Armenia in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, Trend reports. The letter states the firm rejection of the baseless accusations aimed at discrediting the trial of the individuals responsible for war crimes, ethnic cleansing and military aggression committed during Armenias 30-year occupation. Labelling these individuals as prisoners of war and calling for their release disregards the severity of their crimes, the commitment of which is supported by substantial evidence. During the occupation, Armenia forcibly displaced around one million Azerbaijanis and committed Khojali Genocide as well as urbicide, culturcide and ecocide. Azerbaijani cities and villages were destroyed, cultural and religious heritage was desecrated and severe environmental damage was done. Armenia also planted landmines across the occupied territories, making Azerbaijan one of the most heavily mine-contaminated countries in the world. Those mines continue killing and injuring civilians and delaying the return of the displaced persons and the reconstruction efforts alike. It is emphasised in the letter that the fate of nearly 4,000 missing Azerbaijanis, including women and children is another dreadful consequence. Armenia refuses to provide information on the mass graves whereas such information could help determine their whereabouts. Additionally, Armenian leaders have long promoted ethnic hatred of the Azerbaijanis. The former Armenian presidents publicly justified ethnic cleansing, with statements endorsing the forced expulsion of Azerbaijanis and the Khojali Genocide. Despite these crimes, no one in Armenia has been held accountable and war criminals continue to be respected. In contrast, Azerbaijan has been ensuring justice since having restored her territorial integrity. While Azerbaijan did release over 200 Armenians as a humanitarian gesture, those responsible for war crimes are now facing trial in Baku. They are charged under Azerbaijani law for crimes including military aggression, war violations, enforced disappearances, torture, terrorism, etc. The judicial process is transparent, with legal representation ensured, and no complaints of mistreatment have been reported. I THOUGHT THE GOVERNMENT followed the rules, Carol told me.1 Carol worked at USAID. She was among those fired when the Trump administration gutted the agency, getting rid of all but a few hundred of the 10,000 employees. Now, even those few hundred are on the way out, as the administration announced on Friday that only fifteen employees will stay behind, the minimum number required by law. The story of Carols final days at USAIDlike the final days of so many others at the agencyis filled with sadness and sacrifice. Its a story worth hearing not only because of what it says about the chaos, cruelty, and grievous harm of the closure of USAID, but also because it exposes two Trumpist lies about the agency: that its work was not important and that its employees were corrupt. Since 1990, USAID has provided health, sanitation, food, and education to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Working in USAIDs Center for Education, Carol was responsible for supporting field staff, helping to make USAIDs education programs in the DRC as effective as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the best coverage of DOGE, democracy, and everything else about Trump 2.0, become a Bulwark+ member and join our community. By way of background, the DRC is resource richmany rainforest- and mining-derived resources come from the DRC, including 50 percent of the worlds cobalt and 60 percent of the worlds coltanyet it remains among the poorest countries in the world. As more than a hundred armed rebel groups are vying for control of the DRCs mineral wealth, there are millions of Congolese internally displaced by conflict. The country is beset by mismanagement of resources, autocratic rule, and a lack of investment. Basic public serviceshealth care, education, sanitation, and clean waterare limited and unevenly available throughout the country. Nearly three quarters of the Congolese people live on less than $2.15 a day. So you can imagine how USAIDs education assistanceensuring that hundreds of thousands of students were taught, as well as providing educational materials used even more widely in the countrywas an important source of stability and hope in these childrens lives. Enter Donald Trump. Shortly after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, he issued Executive Order 14169 mandating a 90-day pause in United States foreign development assistance for assessment of programmatic efficiencies and consistency with United States foreign policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rumors immediately circulated at USAID about funding cuts, reorganization, and work stoppages. But agency leaders quelled the concern: After all, USAIDs education policy had been written in 2020 by one of Trumps appointees, and the work of the Center for Education had been authorized by Congress. In compliance with the executive order, USAID senior staff told employees not to schedule any overseas trips. But Carol had already planned a trip to the DRC the next day. In addition to meeting local researchers and partners from the University of Notre Dame, she was to strategize with the education team on how to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of children displaced by violence in the eastern part of the country. Agency leaders in the United States and the DRC agreed that this work did not violate the executive order. Accordingly, Carol left Washington for Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, on January 21, 2025. The following day, Carol met with project partners and colleagues in Kinshasa, preparing to launch the research phase of the work. After the launch, Carol and her colleagues met for dinner to debrief and relax. But later that night, she received a stop-work order from the State Department which she initially thought was the beginning of the ninety-day formal review of the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same night, Carol called into a team meeting at USAID headquarters. Although her boss had received little guidance from the State Department, she told her Not to worry. More ominously, Carol was told that the State Department did not want employees to speak directly to partnersthat is, to representatives of the programs on the ground that USAID works with or funds. This put her in an untenable situation. At minimum, she needed to tell the team that work would stop, at least for now. Predictably, they had many questions that Carol could not answer: If they were laid off, whether the work would begin, and what the process was for the ninety-day review. All she could say was I dont know. Meanwhile, in the eastern part of the country, clashes between the rebels and the Congolese Army were increasing, threatening everyone in the area with violence. Mission staff were particularly concerned that a work stoppage would accelerate the humanitarian crisis. Congolese continued to be displaced, and Ebola and Mpox were spreading rapidly. And many USAID staff were worried about their own families living in the eastern part of the country. Despite the risks, the USAID mission sought permission to provide health and emergency assistance to relieve the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the east. This accorded with the State Departments January 28 directive that exemptions to funding freezes would cover life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance. But USAIDs financial systems were frozen, and many critical USAID staff were put on administrative leave. The waiver was a pretense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By late January, the violence had spread to Kinshasa. From her hotel window, Carol saw fires and demonstrations in the streets. Angry protesters condemned the West for failing to provide military support to the DRC government to fight the rebels. Senior USAID staff urged Carol to return to the States. But that was impossible: The city was in lockdown, hotels and businesses were being looted; protesters were trying to break through the walls of the U.S. embassy. Carol learned that rioters had breached a senior staff members home, forcing him to flee with his family to a safe house as his home was looted and destroyed. Join now Events became ever more perilous. Carol learned that Lucy Tamlyn, the U.S. ambassador, had called the DRC government for help without response. The DRC government cant protect us, Carol told me at the time. When she called USAID headquarters, the responsible officers were out on administrative leave as part of the Trump administrations effort to shut down the agency. Carol faced an increasingly dangerous situation as the civil unrest was directed at the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, senior mission staff announced that all 250 employeesanyone working directly for or contracted for work with the U.S. governmentand their families would be evacuated. But since Elon Musks DOGE crew had frozen all agency funds, Carol was unsure how this would happen. Finally, she was told that they would be evacuated at night by speedboats taking passengers out of the countryacross the Congo River to Brazzaville, the capital of the neighboring Republic of Congo. At 2:00 a.m. evacuees assembled and waited for their names to be called to get on one of the boats; if your name wasnt called, you were instructed to assemble the next night. It was three anxious nights later that Carol was finally evacuated by speedboat to Brazzaville at 4:00 a.m. At least for Carol, preparing for the evacuation was simpleshe had been in the DRC for a short time. But, for the 250 USAID and embassy employeesmany of whom had been living with their families in the DRC for yearsthe evacuation was traumatic. Because the speedboats were small, they were given a choice: they could each take one carry-on or a pet. Deciding on what to pack was even more wrenching, as they did not know if they would ever return. The situation at the airport was hectic and disorganizedfamilies with pets, children, luggage. The flight from Brazzaville to Washington, D.C. left at 2:00 a.m. Twenty hours later the passengers arrived in D.C. in the cold of winter. Few had winter clothes. Carol was more fortunate. She merely arrived home exhausted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Share THE USAID EMPLOYEES coming home from the fighting in Kinshasa were not alone in facing tribulations as they returned to the United States from their postings abroad. Other agency workers went through their own harrowing crises. Meanwhile, in the days that followed, abuse of USAID employees continued. Having just risked their lives for the United States, they were called criminal and worms by Musk. The government provided hotels for returning employeesmany with familiesfor only two days. Because remote work was barred, thereafter employees had to find their own housing in the D.C. area. Those with children had to find schools and get their families settled. Carol has colleagues still in D.C., not yet reimbursed for housing. In many cases they have incurred thousands of dollars of debt and dont know if or when they will be reimbursed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The evacuees had been told to report to the USAID headquarters in the Ronald Reagan Building on Monday morning, February 3. But that morning they were notified that the offices were closed. When Carol called the USAID help desk to find out if she was still employed, they could not tell her. (It was on that same day, February 3, that Musk tweeted he had spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper.) By February 5, the USAID website contained a single notice: Everyone would be put on administrative leave, and all mission employees were called back to the United States. It wasnt until February 23 that Carol was terminated. Within hours, she lost access to her email and other USAID services. On February 27 she received an alert that she had fifteen minutes to enter the Ronald Reagan Building to collect her belongings. Carol feels a sense of deep betrayal, loss and anger. Our own government has treated her and the entire USAID workforce as if they were criminals. The Trump administration put those who served our governmentU.S. citizens and host-nationals alikein danger and left their futures in doubt. And again, Carols traumatic experience is just one of many across the globe: There are countless stories of USAID employees that have yet to be told. Lawsuits challenging the Trump administrations dismantling of USAID have been working their way through the courts. But even if the appeals process for some or all of them were to conclude that the administration acted unconstitutionally, that does not mean USAID is coming back. The workers are fired; the grants have been ended; the damage is done. A future president might someday relaunch USAID, but for Carol, for the generation of fired USAID employees now searching for jobs, for the agencys partners around the globe, and for the recipients of our assistance, its too late. Its an appalling, shameful decision, and one the United States is likely to come to regret. Share 1 Not her real name. AUSTIN (KXAN) In an exclusive interview with KXAN Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott said lawmakers are making school funding a priority, as well as teacher pay raises. This comes just hours after a Texas House committee advanced one of the governors top legislative priorities, education savings accounts. Abbott spoke with KXAN on Thursday evening. The interview aired live on KXAN News at 5 p.m. and on Facebook. You can watch that exclusive interview in the video player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can prioritize public education, as well as pass school choice to ensure that every parent is going to have the ability to choose the school best for their child. With regard to the funding, know this were going to finish this session with an all-time record high of funding for public schools, an all-time record high for teacher pay raises. We will ensure that public schools are going to be able to compete against school choice, but importantly, school choice will inject competition into the education process to ensure that both public schools, as well as private schools, will be achieving the best. Know this one key fact, and that is, in Florida, they have the largest school choice program in America, and yet they also have the No. 1 public school system in the United States. You can achieve both, and thats what Texas wants to do, Abbott told KXAN during the interview. State of Texas: School choice emergency item wins fast approval in Senate Abbott laid out his priorities for lawmakers in February during his State of the State address, with Senate lawmakers pushing through one of his top priorities days later. Texas Senators voted to approve Senate Bill 2, the piece of legislation carrying an education savings account (ESA) program. SB 2 advanced to the full House floor after committee approval Thursday. The Texas House Committee on Public Education also approved House Bill 2, which would increase funding to public education. The committee voted 13-2 in favor of HB 2. SB 2 passed in a 9-6 party-line vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other priorities Abbott laid out during his address included property tax relief, bail reform, water investments and more. School choice and school finance meeting will not be streamed KXAN also asked Abbott about the vacant seat in Congress after former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner died March 5. Listen, theres going to be time to do it. Know this, and that is that election is in Harris County, and Harris County is a repeat failure, as it concerns operating elections. Had I called that very quickly, it could have led to a failure in that election, just like Harris County has failed in other elections, they need to have adequate time to operate a fair and accurate election, not a crazy election like what theyve conducted in the past. I will be announcing that some time soon, but I want to make sure that Harris County has all the opportunity to get this right, unlike what theyve done in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffires, D-New York, told reporters during a press conference Wednesday that House Democrats would likely sue Abbott over not holding a special election for House District 18. Abbott missed the states deadline for hosting the special election during the May 3 election. The next formal election in Texas is Nov. 4. Adam Schwager contributed to this report Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The thing about Britain, at least since 1649, is that it does revolutions nice and quietly, ideally by committee. And so it is with the removal of the hereditary peers from the House of Lords. The Lords this week finished the fifth and final committee day of the Hereditary Peers Bill, which abolishes the hereditary principle in the Upper House. I asked the Duke of Wellington when I met him the other day if he was going to miss it. Terribly, he said. It has been a great privilege to serve for the last 10 years. I shall miss it very much. I suggested that at least now he would be able to vote in general elections (peers arent allowed to). A consolation, he admitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Personally I think that the Lords will be a less fun, less representative and possibly less civil place without the Duke and his peers. But once theyre gone, these real peers, these dukes, earls and barons, the really big question is, why on earth should any of the remaining members of the Upper House be called lords at all? The House of Lords gets its name from its members. Formerly if you inherited an earldom, it meant you had to turn up for the State Opening of Parliament and do your bit in the chamber. The peerage carried the job with it. Now that the link between the upper chamber and the hereditary peerage has been cut, there is no reason whatsoever why MUHs members of the Upper House should have a title. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that the Government has decided its against all the flummery of hereditary peerages, they should do away with titles altogether. No more scarlet and ermine for the new members, then. Instead the intake can be introduced as The Honourable Stakeholder if we want to retain civility. The Earl of Devon, one of the doomed hereditaries, has introduced explosive amendments to the Bill (including incendiary changes to bring gender equality into the inheritance of peerages, which is, I think, a rubbish idea). But the most interesting one asks for a Review of and consultation on appropriateness of name of House. So, The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, lay before Parliament a report based on a public consultation on the implications of the provisions in this Act for the appropriateness of the name of the House of Lords. In other words, why have a House of Lords if there are no proper hereditary peers in it? The dignity of being a member of the Second Chamber would have to be enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets examine what that would actually look like in practice. The wives of the male members wouldnt be called Lady any more; the member himself or herself wouldnt have quite the same pull booking a restaurant and travelling abroad, and Americans wouldnt get quite as excited. On the bright side, they would still get 361 plus travel expenses for every day they turn up, enough to sort out the utility bills. And they would still have a lovely subsidised restaurant and access to umpteen post offices within Parliament, which is more than the rest of us. I say the Government should fully back the amendment. If they are Roundhead enough to get rid of the hereditaries, let them get rid of the titles and ermine as well. The thing is, they might find far fewer takers for the Upper Chamber without all of the regal pomp and circumstance. 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. An environmental advocate has embarked on an ambitious 50-city tour that is sure to get participants' hearts pumping as communities are beautified. Vivek Gurav (@theplogman) began picking up litter when jogging after realizing his desire for more practical environmental action. That desire grew into a "plogging" movement inspired by a Swedish initiative that combines the terms "jogging" and plocka upp, or picking up that invites volunteers to actively participate in being part of a cleaner tomorrow. "If they go and pick up rubbish or do some form of biodiversity conservation, it's going to bring them closer to the green spaces. It's not just about climate change overall, but it's also more about the small things," Gurav, 29, told the PA news agency, per the Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[Disruptive protest] also brings a sense of refusing responsibility towards the environment and just blaming everything on the government, which I don't think is the only approach," he added. Gurav's individual journey began in his home city of Pune, India, in 2013. Ultimately, according to the Independent, his community also got involved in plogging, and collectively, teams have now picked up more than 22,000 tons of litter. When Gurav went to the United Kingdom in 2021 to study at the University of Bristol, he continued the movement. In 2023, he completed a 30-day tour of 30 cities that attracted 250 volunteers, as the BBC reported. "It feels fantastic to have seen almost all the major cities in the U.K. in the shortest span while also doing something I love," Gurav said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years later, the plogger's impact is clear. Pune Ploggers, Gurav's nonprofit founded in 2019, highlights some of the accolades the environmental advocate has earned while helping connect more than 2,500 ploggers across 530-plus campaigns. In 2022, Gurav was honored with the United Kingdom's daily Points of Light award, which recognizes outstanding volunteers positively impacting their communities. "Every individual matters, every action counts in the race to fight climate change, and this award strengthens this belief of my entire community of ploggers based in India as well as U.K. to keep going," Gurav said in a release from the Prime Minister's office. That same year, he also spoke at the 17th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth, per the Independent. Beyond the clear environmental and community benefits of removing waste from public spaces, the plogging initiative has brought participants joy and a sense of purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Joining Pune Ploggers has been a source of immense happiness and relaxation for me. It's not just a platform for expressing diverse opinions, but a welcoming space where people of all ages can participate without hesitation," plogger Harsh Jain shared with the nonprofit. 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. New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) announced he is running for reelection as an independent in the mayoral race, as he has faced long odds of being able to win as a Democrat. Observers had been watching for what Adams would do ahead of Thursdays filing deadline for the race as he had not yet formally submitted his signatures to be on the ballot in the Democratic primary. He previously said he would run as a Democrat and was collecting signatures, but questions lingered. I have always put New Yorks people before politics and partyand I always will, he said early Thursday in a post on social platform X. I am running for mayor in the general election because our city needs independent leadership that understands working people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams revealed his plans in an interview Monday with Politico, which first reported his independent candidacy. The mayor said in a video posted on X that the bogus criminal case against him dragged on too long, causing a primary campaign to be impossible to mount. But Im not a quitter, Im a New Yorker, he said. And that is why today, though I am still a Democrat, I am announcing that I will forego the Democratic primary for mayor and appeal directly to all New Yorkers as an independent in the general election. The news comes a day after a federal judge formally dismissed the corruption case against Adams following the Justice Departments request in February that the charges be dropped. The case alleged the embattled mayor had for years sought and accepted bribes from wealthy foreign businesspeople and a Turkish government official in exchange for favors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams has maintained his innocence and argued without evidence that the case was politically motivated because of his criticism of the Biden administrations immigration policy. At the end of brief remarks he gave Wednesday reacting to the case being dropped, Adams responded to a reporters question about the election by saying he was running and would win. But with the Democratic primary less than three months away, he had barely taken any public steps to indicate hes launching a campaign. The Big Apple mayor hadnt participated in any forums for Democratic candidates, hadnt held campaign events and only raised small amounts of money relative to the other major candidates in the race. That, along with the significant hurdle he would likely face winning the Democratic nomination, raised speculation that he would seek reelection outside the Democratic primary. Despite emphasizing his innocence, his already-poor approval rating plummeted since he was indicted in September, and a majority of New Yorkers have consistently said in polling that they believe he should resign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams has also trailed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) as the party front-runner in recent polling, usually receiving support in the high single digits or low double digits. State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani (D) has begun overtaking Adams for second place more recently. But he may still have significant difficulty running a successful independent campaign in the heavily Democratic city with such low favorability ratings. A recent survey from Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill found Adams well behind in a hypothetical three-way match-up with Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, the 2021 GOP nominee who is running again. Cuomo, who officially entered the race last month, led with 43 percent to Sliwas 13 percent and Adamss 11 percent. Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg won reelection in 2009 as an independent, but the Republican Party did not nominate another candidate and gave him its party line on the ballot. Bloomberg was also much more popular than Adams currently is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, despite seemingly warming up to the Trump administration in recent weeks, had already ruled out switching to the Republicans. Updated at 8:50 a.m. EDT. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. 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? An April Fools' Day social media post on the Indiana Republican attorney general's accounts raised eyebrows and drew condemnation from some of his constituents. The message attributed to Todd Rokita on Tuesday said he was brainwashed and showed him standing next to the pride flag, a universal symbol of hope and visibility for LGBTQ+ people worldwide. Pride groups across Indiana have since called for Rokita to apologize. Outraged social media users have sharply criticized the attorney general, calling his professional ethics into question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A request by IndyStar with questions posed to Rokita's office went unanswered before the publication of this article. Here's what we know. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita makes April Fools' Day social media post with pride flag On Tuesday, Rokita posted the following message both on Facebook and X, which read: "The Left wins... They have finally brainwashed me," wrote someone on Rokita's official account, coupled with images of the Attorney General standing beside a pride flag. "I am taking down our 'Come And Take It' flag and replacing it with this one. April Fools!" Not everyone is laughing. Indiana Pride groups call for Rokita to apologize Rokita's words have rankled some Hoosiers across the state. On Wednesday, Pride Lafayette demanded Rokita issue an apology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is disrespectful, unbecoming, and beneath the office of Attorney General," wrote Derrick Jones, executive director of Pride Lafayette Inc. in a fiery letter. Jones added the pride flag "is not a punchline or a joke" to LGBTQ+ Hoosiers, but a symbol of equality, hope and a remembrance for those who died from the AIDS epidemic. Story continues after photo gallery. "For the states chief law enforcement officer to use an official communications channel to mock the pride flag and the LGBTQ+ community is as disgraceful as it is insulting," Jones wrote. "Whether he likes it or not, LGBTQ+ Hoosiers live here, pay taxes here, raise families here, and are entitled to the same rights and representation as other Hoosiers. Indy Pride joins others in condemning Rokita Indy Pride, a nonprofit organization for the Indianapolis LGBTQ+ community, joined others Thursday in denouncing Rokita. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We believe that public officials should uphold the dignity of all communities they serve," a spokesperson for Indy Pride said in a message to IndyStar. "Words and actions that mock or demean the LGBTQ+ community contribute to division rather than unity. We encourage the attorney general to acknowledge the harm caused and to affirm the value and respect of LGBTQ+ Hoosiers." Indy Pride encourages all public officials, a spokesperson said, to recognize the impact their words have on the diverse communities they serve. Story continues after photo gallery. What social media users are saying online about Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita Rokita appears to have joined a list of public figures and companies whose April Fools' Day antics may have tarnished their own image. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Thursday on Facebook, Rokita's post had 2.3K "angry" reactions compared to 484 "laughing," 204 "like" and 23 "heart" reactions. While some social media users on X left smiling emoji faces in response to Rokita, most had pointed words for Indiana's attorney general. Social media users who responded to Rokita's posts pointed out the attorney general represents all Hoosiers and called the message "distasteful," among other comments. More about Todd Rokita: Indiana Attorney General faces another Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission charge. Here's what it says. John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana AG makes April Fools joke about LGBTQ+ Pride. Not everyone's laughing Wednesday morning, people were lined up again to collect sandbags from the Daviess County Emergency Management Agency at Panther Creek Park. The line was so long that county officials closed it to new arrivals shortly before 2 p.m. As of Wednesday morning, the county had distributed just over 13,000 sandbags to residents hoping to staunch potential flooding around their homes. DCEMA director Andy Ball, who had been at Panther Creek Park until 1 a.m. Wednesday preparing to distribute more sandbags, said officials across the county were planning for the weather event thats expected to cause flooding, along with bouts of severe weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are looking at all severe weather (possibilities) tonight tornadoes, hail, heavy winds, rain and lightning, Ball said Wednesday morning. A flash flood watch is in effect through Sunday, with multiple rounds of heavy rainfall in the forecast through Saturday night, according to the National Weather Services Paducah office. Daviess EMA set up tornado shelters at Yellow Creek Baptist Church; Owensboro Christian Church and Stanley Baptist Church Wednesday, in advance of the expected severe storms. Some agencies were affected by the timing of the weather, Ball said. Its a real bad week for the storms, Ball said. I know (county Fire Chief) Jeremy Smith has three of his command staff on spring break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are doing the best we can, Ball said. The county road department was prepping crews to close roads that flood during the storm, Ball said. Smith said the county fire department was readying its rescue boats for water rescues, if people get stranded by flood water. We are thinking long-range, too, of the backwater coming in next week and potentially stranding people in their homes, Smith said. Well have water rescue teams and put them on standby. The fire department is short some personnel, with regular crew and volunteer firefighters out of town on spring break, Smith said, but that the department had made arrangements to have full crews on Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith and others said under no circumstances should people attempt to drive over flooded roads or drive past barricades closing off flooded roads. I cant express enough: Dont try to drive through that water. Its not worth it, Smith said. Six inches or water will move your car off the roadway, Smith said, and that people on foot will be swept away by much less, Trying to drive over flooded roads is not only putting their lives at risk, but also risks the lives of emergency responders called to assist, Smith said. Captain Duane Harper, patrol division commander for the Daviess County Sheriffs Office, said patrol vehicles were being outfitted with life jackets and rope, for potential water rescues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are telling the guys to make sure their cars are filled up and their radios are charged, Harper said. Harper said roads could become unstable when flooded, enhancing the danger. Turn around, dont drown is a crucial message we are trying to get out, Harper said. We want to make sure people know when they come across a barricade, dont go around it. That barricade is there for a reason. Daviess County Engineer Dirk Dooper said crews had already stationed barricades along roads that are known to flood. During the event, county workers will be closing flooding roads as well as cleaning culverts and inlets to keep water draining, Dooper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panther Creek is expected to be flooded this week and the weekend, Dooper said. Flooding on the Ohio would also affect areas such as Stanley and Masonville in the coming days, Dooper said. Daviess EMA said in a social media post that people in areas known to flood should make plans for alternative places to stay now. People who have medical issues, such as dialysis, that need transport by GRITS should make plans if they live in areas that flood, the post says. Kevin DeRossitt, assistant director of Owensboros Public Works Department, said the city put multiple crews on the streets Wednesday to clean off storm inlets. DeRossitt urged residents to clear storm drains and inlets near their homes to help reduce the potential for flooding. We have our storm equipment ready and crews on standby to remove any tree limbs downed in the storm, DeRossitt said. Whatever Mother Nature throws at us, well be ready, but I wish someone would call her and tell her to calm down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Fire Chief James Howard said the department prepared vehicles and storm response equipment, such as chainsaws, and said the agency has inflatable boats to use for water rescues. While the water tends to recede relatively quickly in the city, Howard said people should not drive through water. Because parts of the city are still on the combined sewer system, flood water could also contain dangerous contaminants, Howard said. If you dont know how deep it is, its too deep to drive through, Howard said. Officer Mark Hammonds, public information officer for the Owensboro Police Department, said people in the city should avoid driving or walking through high water. Along with the other issues related to flooding, manhole covers can be dislodged creating a risk of someone falling into a manhole or a vehicle becoming stuck, Hammonds said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OPDs patrol division will continue regular calls for service throughout the weather event, Hammonds said. We might have to take a detour to get to you to avoid flooded streets, Hammonds said, but Well still respond. Well still come to help. Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and two-time tech company founder, is set to make history as the first person of Bahamian heritage to travel to space when she joins an all-female Blue Origin crew launching on April 14. Bowe appeared on "CBS Mornings" to discuss her preparation for the historic mission alongside co-host Gayle King, who will also be part of the crew. "I have been preparing for this moment my entire life," Bowe told King during the interview. "I mean, I started my career thinking I was allergic to math ... And here I'm sitting here, and I'm just like, we are going to space." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Bowe and King, the groundbreaking mission features a group of women that includes musician Katy Perry, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, philanthropist Lauren Sanchez and film producer Kerianne Flynn. "This crew represents the best in the future of humanity," Bowe said. "It's really space for the benefit of Earth." Bowe also shared how she overcame early discouragement, including being told she should pursue cosmetology instead of aerospace engineering. "I was told I couldn't, I wouldn't, I shouldn't, and I can't, and I did," said Bowe. "I went from community college to studying aerospace at the University of Michigan to working at NASA for six years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crew recently appeared on the cover of ELLE magazine's special April digital edition, where they met in person for the first time. When asked what excites her most about the upcoming journey, Bowe emphasized the impact on future generations. "I did it because I saw all of you reach for the sky, and I knew it could, too," Bowe said. Bowe's preparation has included experiencing G-forces to simulate the physical demands of spaceflight. She joked that her biggest concern for the actual flight is streaking makeup through the tears of excitement. Watch live coverage of "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King's trip to space aboard a Blue Origin rocket on Monday, April 14, starting at 9 a.m. ET on CBS, CBS News 24/7 or Paramount+. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authors of "Autism Out Loud" on motherhood, diagnosis and growth on the spectrum Democratic-backed candidate wins record-breaking Wisconsin Supreme Court seat Judge to hear case of Tufts University student detained by ICE, school calls for her release A boldly feminine expression of the art deco spirit of the Reverso in a radiant new interpretation Recognised as an icon of Art Deco design, the Reverso has become an exceptional canvas for artistic decoration, exemplified by the feminine Reverso One collection. For 2025, La Grande Maison introduces a new interpretation of the Reverso One Precious Colours, a masterpiece of enamel and gem-setting first created in 2023. Set in a white gold case (18k, 750/1000), the new timepiece will be produced in a limited edition of 10 pieces. Inspired by art deco geometry First introduced in 1931, the Reverso stood out as a quintessential example of Art Deco design. While initially created for the polo field, it quickly began to appear in feminine form, even before the first anniversary of its launch. A practical and elegant merging of aesthetic and function, its blank metal caseback was left free for the wearer to personalise initially with an engraved message or lacquered motif. From those beginnings, the Maison has explored and developed the creative opportunities presented by the double-sided case, unleashing the art of decoration. In homage to its origins, the richly decorated case of the Reverso One Precious Colours pays direct tribute to Art Deco style. Emerging in the mid-1920s and named (many decades later) after the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, Art Deco grew directly out of the dramatic social and cultural changes that followed the First World War. With an exuberant and streamlined elegance that emphasised clean, strong lines as an organising principle, it reflected the new sense of freedom and hedonism that permeated every aspect of society. In surface decoration, the repetitive use of parallel lines and rectilinear motifs to form chevrons and zigzags was amplified by blocks of colour and gleaming metal accents, creating a visual dynamism that remains captivating to this day. Embracing the growing appreciation for rare handcrafts, it is this design language that the talented artisans of Jaeger-LeCoultres in-house Metiers RaresTM atelier have translated for the Reverso One Precious Colours. Reverso One Precious Colours Jaeger-LeCoultre A tour-de-force of the decorative crafts With a scintillating geometric pattern that covers the entire caseback and wraps seamlessly around the case sides to frame the dial, the Reverso One Precious Colours unites the crafts of miniature-painted grand feu enamel and diamond-setting. The process of creating this decoration is complex and demanding, requiring full mastery of each technique, as well as the impeccable coordination of the different crafts. First, the areas destined for gem-setting must be drawn with absolute precision. The remaining areas, which are to be enamelled, are then hollowed out to create a flat surface that must be perfectly uniform, so that there will be no variation in the depth of the enamel and thus the intensity of the colours. To begin the enamelling process, the white gold case metal is sealed with a fondant enamel and fired. Next, to create a pristine surface onto which the multi-coloured design will be painted, the enameller applies two layers of opaque white enamel, with drying and firing after each layer. Then, working entirely by eye, the enameller begins to create the shapes of the geometric design. The raised rectangles that are to be gem-set are used as a reference to determine the choice of angles and dimensions of the triangles and rectangles that are to be enamelled. For this complex pattern, it is essential that no adjoining shapes are exactly the same and the process is even more challenging where the design continues seamlessly around the case sides to the edge of the dial. Once the pattern is finalised, the colouring can begin. Using a very fine-tipped sable brush, the entire surface is hand-painted to create the blocks of different colour again working layer by layer, with firing after every application until the enameller is fully satisfied with the depth and intensity of each colour. Once the firing of the colours is completed, more layers of transparent fondant are applied. This final coating preserves the colours and enhances the sense of depth; this exceptionally durable surface is then hand-polished to achieve a shiny, glazed appearance, with the smooth finish of a sheet of glass. Known as the Geneva technique miniature painting protected by layers of transparent enamel the mastery of this complex process typically requires five years of enamelling experience. Enamelling the convex case sides of the Reverso One Precious Colours at the same time as the flat caseback is particularly challenging, because the two areas require a different consistency of enamel for better adherence during the firing. Equally challenging is the question of colour: just as an artist would do with paints on a palette, the enameller blends different metal oxide pigments together to achieve the desired colour. However, with grand feu enamelling the outcome is unpredictable because firing at 800 degrees Centigrade changes some pigments, causing them not to blend as expected. It is only with years of experience and careful experimentation that an enameller can predict the outcome with any degree of accuracy. The Reverso One Precious Colours case requires up to 15 firings, as well as multiple phases of drying at 200 degrees. Excluding the drying time between firings, the enamelling represents 60 hours of work. After enamelling, the Reverso case is handed over to the gem-setter, who must work with absolute precision to ensure that the diamonds are perfectly set. Using the grain-setting technique, tiny claws of white gold are raised from the flat metal surface to hold each stone in place. This must be done without disturbing the finished enamel nor encroaching on the perfectly straight lines that define the coloured fields and separate them from the gem-set ones. Setting the 277 diamonds (1.59 carats) that decorate the Reverso One Precious Colours requires 40 hours of meticulous work. A great benefit of Jaeger-LeCoultre having its own decorative crafts atelier within the Manufacture, gathering multiple skills together under one roof, is that the different artisans are able to work so closely together, exchanging ideas and sharing their creative energy. A new interpretation of the Reverso One Precious Colours With the dial facing outwards, the Reverso One Precious Colours has an elegant presence, the soft glow of white mother-of-pearl complementing the flashes of enamelled colour around its frame and the sparkle of the diamond-set gadroons and lugs. The dial is finely detailed, with the narrow brackets in each corner, the transferred numerals and the Dauphine hands that are signatures of all Reverso One jewellery models. A reverse-set diamond adorns the winding crown, and the watch is fastened to the wrist by a shiny white alligator strap. Turn the swivelling case over, and the Reverso One Precious Colours becomes a piece of High Jewellery, with six different enamel colours complemented by brilliant-cut white diamonds. Three pastel shades in nuances of grey, mauve and pink colours that epitomise Art Deco style complement the white gold of the case, and contrasting highlights in dark purple, white and yellow amplify the optical illusion of depth and movement. The use of yellow and pink is especially notable because, of all enamel pigments, they are the least predictable when fired at the high temperatures required for the grand feu process. Concealed within the case, the movement that powers the Reverso One Precious Colours the hand-wound Calibre 846 was developed and produced entirely within the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. It was created specifically for the Reverso and, in keeping with Jaeger-LeCoultres philosophy of product integrity, is shaped to follow the contours of the rectangular case. Reaffirming Jaeger-LeCoultres mastery of the decorative crafts along with fine jewellery techniques and deftly fusing functionality, aesthetics and fine watchmaking, this boldly feminine interpretation of the Reverso is a jewel to be worn, as well as a watch to tell the time. Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, speaks on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 25, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. An intense debate took place in a House committee Wednesday over legislation sponsored by Faulkner that would allow the Alabama Farmers Federation to offer health care plans to members. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) An Alabama legislative committee held a public hearing Wednesday on a bill that would allow the states dominant agricultural organization to offer health benefit plans to its members. HB 477, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, was the subject of intense debate lasting nearly an hour. Supporters said farmers needed more health care options, while opponents warned about the proposed legislations lack of consumer protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have the opportunity here in Alabama to help the farmers and small business owners who are the heart of communities by allowing the federation to develop an Alfa health plan for its members, Faulkner said to the committee, claiming the plan could save a family in your in your district up to $18,000 a year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The bill would create the means for a nonprofit agricultural organization fitting the description of the Alabama Farmers Federation (Alfa) to provide health plan options not subject to state insurance regulations. The bill states the qualifying organization is not a health insurer and is not engaging in the business of health insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents said the measure could be a lifeline for farmers and small business owners struggling with conventional health insurance costs. Monica Carroll, whose husband is a sixth-generation farmer from Dale County, said health care costs forced her to take an off-farm job despite wanting to manage the family poultry operation. Her newly-married son, she said, wanted to join the farm. But she asked, How are they going to be able to afford health care? Who will be the ones to carry on our legacy if they cant afford a health care plan and still be able to farm? While the bill mandates coverage for ambulatory patient services, hospitalization, emergency services, and laboratory services, opponents pointed out the absence of requirements for other ACA essential health benefits. They raised concerns about potential loopholes and the lack of patient protections established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), such as excluding individuals with pre-existing conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe this bill threatens those protections by allowing the sale of health plans that are not required to cover essential health benefits and can discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, including cancer, said Jane Adams, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Alabama. Adams cited alleged negative experiences from Tennessees similar plan, which provides health plans that are not traditional health insurance to Tennessee Farm Bureau members, including denials based on conditions like a history of melanoma or a negative breast biopsy. She also warned the bill could destabilize the insurance market by siphoning off healthy individuals from traditional health insurance. Ben Sanders, executive director of government affairs for Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance, said Tennessees Farm Bureau health plan, which has been operating since 1947, accepts 85-90% of applicants, has a 98% retention rate, covers conditions like cancer after enrollment, includes mental health and prescriptions, and does not impose annual or lifetime limits. He also claimed that data showed their plan did not negatively affect Tennessees ACA marketplace. While acknowledging Tennessees plan had 250 complaints in 2024, he said this was out of 2.6 million claims processed. Faulkner said the bill is not meant to reform health care insurance but to help a small portion of the population with health care costs and that Alabamas bill was more restrictive than Tennessees or any other state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deanna Deschaun, a resident of Shelby County who lives with multiple sclerosis and works with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said that she feared plans could deny enrollment based on individuals pre-existing conditions or impose annual and lifetime limits on benefits. She also pointed out that if someone develops a condition like MS and loses coverage under the Alfa plan, it does not trigger a special enrollment period for ACA marketplace coverage, which is typical for people who lose health insurance, potentially leaving them uninsured when they most need health care. Offering Alabama farmers health plans that may not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions does not protect them from high health care costs. In fact, enrolling in these unregulated plans and lack of transparency around them makes it more likely that farmers will experience financial harm, Deschaun said. Faulkner said the bill resulted from extensive negotiations and included numerous safeguards, pointing to provisions like requiring a complaint system for customers and rules for out-of-network emergency care payments. The plans would also be subject to a 1.3% premium tax payable to the states General Fund. He called it by far the most comprehensive Farm Bureau plan in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a plan for everyone. This doesnt even save the nation or the state in health care, but it is an option. It is an option for some, and it could mean economic survival for small business owners and farmers, Faulkner said. But the plan is not for everyone. After the committee meeting, Faulkner said that for people with pre-existing conditions have other options, like getting health insurance through the marketplace. The ACA Health Marketplace is there. Its there right now. What were trying to do is provide an option for farmers [and] small business owners so they can lower their health care costs, Faulkner said. But Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, citing 48 years as an insurance professional, questioned the lack of explicit language requiring agents to be licensed by the state. She also said that the bill does not explicitly say which benefits are covered, saying that planning to include those in the contracts gives her great concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want the word planning on it out of the discussion. I want the words, this is what were doing, she said. Ted Hosp, vice president of governmental relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, the largest private insurer in the state, said he expected the bill to pass, but asked for specific amendments. Hosp said that at the very least there should be a provision that states once a person has such a health plan, the plan cant be canceled, and premiums cant be raised if the person gets sick. He also asked the committee to consider mandated coverage of mental health and prescription drugs, and explicit enforcement authority for the Department of Insurance. Alfa has told you that they plan to do all of the things that we are asking to be put in this bill at this point. Based on that and based on the commonsense nature of the changes that we are asking for, its surprising to me that Alfa has not simply accepted those changes and moved on, Hosp said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Health Committee Chair Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, also seemed concerned about codifying consumer protections. He asked Sanders and Faulkner if they were intended to cover benefits like mental health and why it was not explicitly listed in the bill along with other covered benefits. Faulkner pushed back, saying that most states dont have covered benefits listed on the legislation, and that is determined through contracts. Of the 10 programs out there that have passed in states, only two listed benefits in their bill This is the four benefits that were listed in two out of the 10 plans. So, we have done that and listed those here, Faulkner said. Lee asked if Faulkner meant that Alfa would cover the additional benefits not listed in the legislation, which Faulkner confirmed Alfa would. All Im asking is for it to be put in writing, Lee said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, greets a colleague on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 6, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Judiciary Committee Wednesday approved a bill sponsored by Yarbrough to allow local law enforcement to enforce the country's immigration laws. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) An Alabama House committee Wednesday approved an immigration bill that had already received another committees approval earlier in the session. The House Judiciary Committee approved HB 7, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, which would give local law enforcement the authority to enforce the countrys immigration laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no new laws added, Yarbrough said to committee members during the meeting. It simply allows that partnership to take place just to address safety in our communities. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Judiciary approved the bill about six weeks after the House Public Safety and Homeland Security did so in February. It is unusual for a bill to go through two committees before going to the floor of the House for a vote. The last major legislation to get routed through two House committees was the bill legalizing medical cannabis in Alabama in 2021. The current bill, largely unchanged from last year, allows local law enforcement, such as sheriffs offices and police departments, to enter into agreements with federal agencies to arrest and detain people who are not legally authorized to reside in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once in custody, deputies and police officers must then attempt to determine a persons immigration status and get the help of an interpreter to determine someones nationality. If a person cannot provide documentation proving they are eligible to live in the country, local law enforcement may then reach out to a Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC) to get information about a persons immigration status. The bill states that people cannot be detained solely because of their immigration status unless authorized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and that sheriffs deputies and police departments will verify that a person has an arrest warrant within 24 hours of the person getting detained. Law enforcement must also obtain documents to verify a persons immigration status, bet that a passport or a permanent resident card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Judiciary Committee members approved an amendment making a few of the requirements optional. A previous version required the Alabama Attorney Generals Office to publicly name any agency failing to comply with provisions in the legislation and notify the governors office. The updated language gives the AGs Office an option to inform the Governors Office. Another amendment also allows, but doesnt require, local law enforcement to report the total number of people arrested and the number of foreign nationals they take into custody as well as the inquiries they make to the LESC. Immigration advocates who spoke at a public hearing on the legislation in March said the legislation is creating fear among immigrant communities. That, they said, would lead to mistrust toward law enforcement and increased school truancy for children of immigrants who are afraid to attend school for fear of their parents being deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee criticized the legislation. What country do we border in Alabama? asked Rep. Penni McClammy, D-Montgomery during the committee meeting Wednesday. Yarbrough said that every state is connected, and that people travel. Each state doesnt have a physical wall, so people travel from state to state, Yarbrough said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Big news for parents in Alabama. The state just did something big: It recognized, officially and legislatively, that when parents are given time to bond with a new baby, to grieve a loss, or to settle into the whirlwind of adoption, everybody wins. Governor Kay Ivey signed SB199, the Alabama Public Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025, into law this week, establishing paid parental leave for public employeesincluding teachers and state workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Alabama, we are committed to strengthening families and supporting those who serve our state, said Governor Ivey, as reported by the Alabama Politcal Reporter. This new law reflects our values. No parent should have to choose between their paycheck and spending time with their newly welcomed child. Today, Alabama sends a clear message: We value families, and we value our workforce. Heres what the law delivers: 8 weeks of paid leave for female employees after childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth. 2 weeks for male employees in those same circumstances. For adoptive parents of children under 3, each eligible parent is entitled to 8 weeks of paid parental leave, subject to limitations . If both adoptive parents are eligible employees, one gets 8 weeks of leave, and the other gets 2 weeks. Employees must return to work for at least 8 weeks after taking leave, unless exceptions apply (e.g., serious health conditions). Lets be clear: this policy is a major milestone. A state put into law what OBGYNs, pediatricians, and plenty of exhausted moms have known forever: when new mothers are supported, children thrive, parents stay in the workforce, and communities get stronger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But heres the thingin our view, if its good for public employees, its good for everyone. Related: The U.S. is way behind in paid parental leavebut these 6 companies offer generous policies Paid leave isnt a perkits a public good Gov. Ivey put it simply: No parent should have to choose between their paycheck and spending time with their newly welcomed child. Yet the majority of new moms in America today do not have access to paid maternity leave. Its out of touch. And its inhumane. Paid leave improves maternal health outcomes, increases the likelihood that both parents bond with their child, and boosts retention for employers. Its not just humaneits smart policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So why is this only available to state workers? Families in hospitality, retail, restaurants, gig work, small businessesthey all welcome babies. They all face postpartum challenges. They all deserve to not have to choose between a paycheck and holding their newborn. A strong startbut not the finish line Alabamas new law is proof that change is possible, even in places that havent always been at the forefront of family policy. Its a big dealand it should be a starting point, not a stopping point. Because if were serious about valuing families, we have to support all of them. Whether you wear a government badge or an apron, a lanyard or scrubsyou deserve the chance to show up for your family without sacrificing your livelihood. Lets celebrate this moment. But lets also keep going. Related: Its science: paid parental leave is good for babys developing brain Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, speaks in favor of Senate Bill 15 on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in the Alaska House of Representatives. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) The Alaska Legislature has voted to allow teenagers as young as 18 to serve alcohol in the state. On Wednesday, the Alaska House of Representatives voted 32-8 to pass Senate Bill 15, which lowers the minimum alcohol-serving age in restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, resorts and similar businesses. The minimum age to serve alcohol at a bar or sell it at a package store remains 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate provision of the bill requires alcohol-serving businesses to post a sign stating that alcohol causes cancer. Another late-added section also allows members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to attend each others social clubs. The Houses vote follows a 19-0 vote by the Alaska Senate in February and sends the bill back to the Senate for a concurrence vote. Thats typically an uncontroversial act that asks the Senate to agree with minor changes to the bill that were made in the House. If the Senate concurs with the House changes, the bill will go to Gov. Mike Dunleavy for final approval. I am hopeful for concurrence, said Sen. Kelly Merrick, R-Eagle River and the bills sponsor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 15 is almost identical to House Bill 189, which passed the Legislature last year. HB 189 was one of five bills vetoed by Dunleavy because they were passed by the House after the legal end of the regular session. This one passed literally two minutes after midnight and was vetoed for that reason, said Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, who carried the bill on the House floor. Speaking before Wednesdays vote, Fields called SB 15 a jobs bill that will help employers hire for Alaskas busy summer tourist season. Rep. Alyse Galvin, I-Anchorage, spoke in favor of the bill. She worked as a waitress while growing up in Anchorage, and as a teenager, she earned half of what her older coworkers did because she couldnt serve alcohol, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was living on my own, paying my own way through college, and I was at Simon and Seaforts and many of the restaurants that you all are familiar with, and because I couldnt serve alcohol, I made much less money, and so I think this gives those of us who are trying to make it on their own an opportunity to make money and also get good training and supervision about how to be safe while serving, she said. Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, has advocated the cancer-warning section of the bill for three years and spoke in support of that segment. This bill is not telling anyone what they should or shouldnt do. Its simply informing Alaskans about a medical fact long established, the simple way to lower your risk of cancer is to choose not to drink alcohol, he said. None of the bills opponents spoke against the bill before the final vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, voted in favor of the bill last year but was among the eight no votes in the House this year. Vance said that after thinking about the bill over the past few days, she supports the current over-21 drinking age and doesnt think it makes sense to tell Alaskans that they can serve alcohol but not drink it. It felt like were putting a moral juxtaposition for those in that age range, and its just not fair, Vance said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The Albuquerque Police Department said one person is dead following a shooting at Walmart near Coors Blvd. and I-40. According to APD, officers responded to the area around 6:30 p.m. for reports of a shooting and a fight that was happening. Man sentenced in 2024 murder of 79-year-old at New Mexico rest area APD Spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said the shooting started as a road rage incident between individuals in a truck and a Charger. They pulled into the Walmart parking lot and began to argue. A third vehicle showed up, APD said guns were pulled, and then a fourth vehicle also showed up at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats when the fight broke out and shots were fired. A male driving the Charger drove into three other males and pinned them against a truck. One of the males who was pinned shot the driver of the Charger. The driver got out and ran, and then collapsed. He later died. The three males who were pinned were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Prom season is here, and Alabama law enforcement is reminding students to stay safe and sober behind the wheel. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is hosting Prom Promise and mock crash events throughout April, coinciding with National Distracted Driving Month. These events simulate real-life accidents, showing students the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. Officers say the goal is simplemake responsible choices and get home safely. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency hopes these events will encourage students to make responsible decisions and prevent tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are also hosting Fatal Vision events, where special goggles are used to simulate the effects of drugs and alcohol. ALEA encourages all high school students to attend these events. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. A dangerous MS-13 local ringleader believed to be linked to nearly a dozen murders in the US was arrested on Long Island Tuesday night after four years on the run. Joel Vargas-Escobar, who also went by Momia, was nabbed by FBI agents in Westbury, Nassau County, for his alleged role in 11 murders across Nevada and California, the US Attorneys Office for the District of Nevada announced Wednesday evening. The El Salvadoran national, who was in the country illegally, was the alleged leader of the Parkview clique, an MS-13 subset in Las Vegas, where he ordered the slaughter of at least two of the 11 victims in 2017, officials alleged. Authorities arrested an MS-13 leader in Virginia on March 27. X/Attorney General Pamela Bondi His arrest comes amid the Trump administrations ongoing crackdown on migrants who are in the country illegally especially those linked to gangs, drug cartels and crime. The Justice Department has deemed gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua terrorist organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This terrorist entered our country illegally and is accused of orchestrating 11 murders under President Trumps leadership, we will not rest until this terrorist organization is completely dismantled and its members are behind bars, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement Wednesday. Vargas-Escobar was deported in 2018 to his home country, but illegally crossed into the US after he was tossed out and had been a wanted fugitive for nearly four years, according to the US Attorneys Office. Joel Vargas-Escobar was arrested in Westbury, New York, late on Tuesday and is being transferred to Nevada, where he was initially charged in a 2021 federal indictment. AFP via Getty Images The MS-13 shot caller was finally captured on Long Island which has long been plagued by MS-13 violence seeping into its sleepy suburban neighborhoods thanks to a joint effort by several federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI and the Justice Department. The arrest of yet another violent and dangerous MS-13 leader is a major win for our FBI agents, law enforcement partners, and safer American streets, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. Our agents and analysts are continuously coordinating across multiple field offices and investigating with our valued partners to keep this work going and we will not stop until that work is done. Joel Vargas-Escobar is accused of entering the US illegally, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Getty Images Vargas-Escobar was hit with racketeering conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering and related firearms charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He faces mandatory life in prison if convicted. The alleged gangbanger was ordered detained and is set to be transferred to Nevada, where he was initially charged in a 2021 federal indictment and will have his trial. According to the White House, several potential buyers have bid on the popular social media app to ensure its continued access in the United States. Amazon, the company founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is offering to purchase TikTok, the popular social media app facing a United States ban if not sold by its Chinese-based parent company, ByteDance, according to NBCNews. President Trump gave ByteDance a deadline of Saturday, April 5, to sell or face a ban in the United States. Because of the last-minute nature of the bid, it isnt considered a serious contender to purchase the app should ByteDance agree to sell, but is added to what is believed to be a sizable list of suitors. The talks are being led by the White House; Vice President J.D. Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick received the bid from Amazon via a letter, as reported by the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump was expected to weigh the various offers to purchase TikTok on Wednesday and has placed Vice President Vance and national security advisor, Michael Waltz, in charge of determining the best course of action for the future of the social media app. TikTok, one of the most popular apps for social media users and influencers alike, has been the subject of debate for years and has become a political talking point on both sides of the aisle. Former President Joe Biden signed a law in 2024 requiring ByteDance to sell to a non-Chinese buyer or face a ban in the United States. After President Trump assumed office in January 2025, he signed an executive order on day one, extending the deadline for ByteDance to sell until April 5, 2025. In that time, several entities and companies have offered to purchase the company to ensure its survival for users in the United States. As the full list of potential suitors has been kept under wraps, it appears that no deal is imminent and, according to NBC News, President Trump has signaled that he is willing to extend the deadline if no deal can be made by the target date. In an interview earlier this year about the potential deal, Vice President Vance signaled that they might be able to get near a deal by the deadline, but its possible that it wasnt likely to be finalized in time. Typically, some of these deals that are much smaller and involve much less capital take months to close. Were trying to close this thing by early April. I think that the outlines of this thing will be very clear. The question is whether we can get all the paper done, said Vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump seems optimistic that a deal will get done. We have a lot of potential buyers. Theres tremendous interest in TikTok. The decision is going to be my decision. TikTok is, its very interesting, and a lot of people want to buy it. Only time will tell the fate of TikTok in America. More must-reads: The "Fearless Girl" statue stands in front of a banner for Newsmax Inc., displayed during the company's IPO at the New York Stock Exchange, in New York City, U.S., March 31, 2025. Newsmax, the cable TV network that repeated Donald Trumps 2020 election fraud claims, went public on Monday and soared more than 2,000% in just two sessions. At its debut, the stock was priced at $10 per share, before climbing to a high of $265 on Tuesday. However, it corrected sharply in Wednesdays session, closing at $49 per share. The stock which the U.S. media is already calling a meme stock, meaning a speculative frenzy-driven asset has been so volatile that trading was halted up to 10 times on its debut day. Bearish investors, who bet against certain stocks, have also taken positions in Newsmax, and some have already profited, as the stock plunged 79% in its third session. The sharp rally in its first two trading days briefly pushed Newsmaxs market capitalization above that of its main competitor among pro-Trump media outlets, Fox News. At its peak, Newsmax reached a market value of $29 billion, surpassing Foxs $24 billion and even eclipsing The New York Times $8 billion. However, despite this valuation surge, Newsmax is not a profitable company. While Fox Corporation posted a profit of $13.98 billion in 2024, Newsmax reported a $55 million loss in the first half of last year, despite generating $80 million in revenue during the same period. Nonetheless, the companys CEO, Christopher Ruddy a former New York Post journalist and longtime Trump associate has personally reaped massive gains from the stocks performance. Ruddy, who owns nearly a third of the companys shares, has seen latent capital gains of $9.1 billion from the stock surge. This places him among the wealthiest people in the United States, according to Bloombergs billionaire index, ranking him above figures like Bill Ackman and Mark Cuban. However, his fortune remains below that of Rupert Murdoch, the former chairman of Fox, whose net worth stands at approximately $22.5 billion. It is unusual for an independent cable news network to go public, particularly in an era where traditional television networks face declining ad revenues due to competition from digital platforms. This is the newest entry into the pantheon of meme stocks, Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers, told Bloomberg, referring to Newsmaxs dramatic stock surge. Whether or not that persists, who knows, but it has all the hallmarks of a meme stock. There needs to be some sort of passion to enable investors overlooking fundamentals, and Newsmax fits that bill. The company itself fueled the excitement surrounding its IPO, posting messages such as Become an owner of NEWSMAX! In an editorial published on its website, Ruddy expressed hopes that hundreds of thousands of Americans would become co-owners of Newsmax. He urged supporters to buy shares in the company, assuring them that Newsmax is rising because Americans like you are tired of incredible media bias, now reaching a dangerous level. This phenomenon is reminiscent of the meme stock frenzy of 2020 and 2021, when retail investors poured into stocks like GameStop, disregarding traditional financial metrics and causing sharp losses for short sellers. Trump Media & Technology Group experienced similar volatility after making its highly anticipated stock market debut last October. The company operates the Truth Social network, with Donald Trump holding a 57% stake. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Trump administration is considering a deal to save TikTok that would have China maintaining control of the algorithm that will be leased to a U.S. company, with a minority ownership stake, a source close to the deal said Wednesday. The Trump administration is eyeing an executive order for the president to sign Friday that will extend the deadline to sell or face a ban in the U.S., the source said. The administration has set an April 5 deadline for the app to be banned if it is not sold by it's Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump claims America is 'going to boom' after tariff rollout causes markets to plunge It's unclear if that proposal follows the bipartisan law that Congress passed, which forces TikTok's Chinese parent company to sell the wildly popular social media platform or face a ban in the U.S. The law bans "the establishment or maintenance of any operational relationship" between the U.S. app and "any formerly affiliated entities that are controlled by a foreign adversary, including any cooperation with respect to the operation of a content recommendation algorithm." PHOTO: A TikTok logo is shown on a phone in San Francisco, Jan. 17, 2025. (Jeff Chiu/AP) The algorithm is the secret sauce that makes TikTok so addictive and popular, and it's the source of national security concerns over Chinese ownership of the app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of that, the source said buyers are demanding liability protection. They are only willing to spend billions on TikTok if there are guarantees that they won't be sued by the next administration, according to the source. In flux right now is how they will be given that guarantee. Potential buyers are looking for an indemnification or an adjustment to the law, which would need congressional action. MORE: What's in Trump's sweeping new tariff plan? Among those potential buyers: Amazon. The company sent a letter to the Trump administration to join the bidding war for TikTok, sources told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mobile tech company AppLovin and a group including tech giant Oracle have also made bids to buy the app. President Donald Trump while speaking aboard Air Force One on Thursday hinted that his recently announced tariffs on China could be a negotiating tactic to achieve a deal on a TikTok sale, noting, "If somebody said that we're going to give you something that's so phenomenal, as long as they're giving us something, that's good." "We have a situation with TikTok where China will probably say, we'll approve a deal, but will you do something on the tariff?" he said. "The tariffs give us great power to negotiate." Even if Trump approves a deal, China will still need to sign off on it, and Beijing isn't too happy right now with the country about to be hit with a whopping 54% tariff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Trump and senior administration officials considered multiple proposals. It's unclear if a decision has been made on how to move forward. Trump has said publicly that if an agreement isn't reached by the deadline, he will just extend it. The White House has not immediately responded to requests for comment. Trump eyeing plan to avoid TikTok ban as deadline looms: Source originally appeared on abcnews.go.com US tariffs are plunging the world into an "open trade war," the president of a German trade association said on Thursday, hours after US President Donald Trump's announcement of blanket 10% customs duties on all imports. Dirk Jandura, president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), called the decision a "frontal assault on global trade." "With drastic tariff increases for more than 100 trading partners, the US president is plunging the world into an open trade war with an American Brexit," Jandura said. "I assume that conflict will have a significant impact on our economic growth." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an exporting nation, Germany is set to be hit particularly hard by the 20% tariff announced by Trump on goods from the European Union, which is due to take effect on April 9. The country's crucial automotive sector is already facing massive disruption, as a steep US tariff of 25% on all imported cars came into effect overnight. CANTON, N.Y. (WWTI) The American Red Cross is assisting three people after a fatal fire in St. Lawrence County. Volunteers from the Central and Northern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross provided immediate emergency aid to three people after a fatal fire early Wednesday morning on State Street in Canton. One person was lost in the fire. The Red Cross provided financial assistance which can be used for necessities such as shelter, food, and clothing to three adults. Volunteers also offered emotional support, comfort kits containing personal care items, and health services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the coming days, Red Cross staff and volunteers will remain available to help those affected by the fire as they navigate the road to recovery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Both of Rhode Islands congressmen will be back in their districts Thursday to hear directly from constituents and provide updates about whats happening in Washington, D.C. The energy at town halls for members of Congress has made headlines in recent months, with both Republicans and Democrats facing tough crowds. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, advised his fellow Republicans to avoid hosting town halls, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Speaker Johnson tells GOP lawmakers to skip town halls after an onslaught of protests Democratic Congressman Gabe Amo is holding a town hall for residents of the First Congressional District in Riverside. His event will start 7 p.m. at Riverside Middle School. According to his office, Amo will be joined by Attorney General Peter Neronha and East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva. Meanwhile, Democratic Congressman Seth Magaziners town hall for residents in the Second Congressional District will be in East Greenwich. The event is set to start at 6 p.m. and will be at Swift Community Center. RELATED: Magaziner wont move into his congressional district after all Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Magaziner said his town hall will also be streamed on Facebook in response to expectations they may hit capacity. Neither of the town halls require an RSVP to attend. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) During Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneauxs weekly visit to the morning show, he shared updates on some issues that impact residents. The mayor updated the public on an ordinance that will take effect today and give Shreveport police the authority to enter an abandoned home and arrest squatters. This new law, known as Operation A.S.K B.L.U.E., allows police to enter a dilapidated home without the owners presence and criminalize squatters inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The change came about after Highland neighborhood residents suffered from homes being burned down by squatters. Highland resident reacts to squatting ordinance and enforcement What theyll be able to do is simply if they have a report that somebody is occupying a home thats dilapidated, which is what most of these are, the vast majority of them are dilapidated homes, and they can check to see if theres a water account and merely those facts are all it takes to violate the ordinance, explains Mayor Arceneaux. If you would like to report squatters, call Shreveport police. The mayor also gave an update on the I-20 passenger rail, which will soon run through Shreveport, connecting four major cities, including Dallas and Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says he has been working on this since his first week in office after receiving a phone call from the mayors of Monroe and Ruston. The mayor says progress is being made. Weve recently met with Amtrak to work on where our terminal would be in Shreveport. and we have a location for it. its going to be once we get the line approved, it will be by the sport train facility at Texas and Murphy, he explained. The mayor says the projects finalization is still years away, but significant strides have been made this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Anne Arundel County Police Department (AACOPD) said Wednesday that an officer was indicted following a criminal investigation that started in August of 2024. AACOPD said that the investigation started after a fatal crash that happened in Laurel on Aug. 10, 2024. Officer Alexander Rodriguez, a two-year veteran with AACOPD, was reportedly involved in the crash. USAO: Man arrested for threatening to kill federal official, DC police officer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maryland Office of the Attorney Generals (OAG) Independent Investigations Division was investigating the crash. According to a news release from the OAG, a motorcyclist crashed into a flatbed truck that was making a left turn onto Washington Boulevard around 4 a.m. on Aug. 10, 2024. The motorcyclist, later identified as 21-year-old Joshua Vanderziel of Laurel, died there. The OAG said that the Howard County Police Department reported that a police cruiser from another jurisdiction was traveling near the scene of the crash. After the investigation, the IID determined that Rodriguez had chased Vanderziel in an unauthorized high-speed chase for four miles before the crash, according to Attorney General Anthony Brown. The chase started in Anne Arundel County and went through parts of Prince Georges County before the crash in Howard County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown said that speeds during the chase reached up to 100 mph. He said that Rodriguez never turned on his police cruisers emergency lights or sirens and did not inform anyone that he was leaving the county. Brown said that three civilians two people in the truck and a bystander called 911. Instead [of calling 911,] Officer Rodriguez slammed on his brakes, did a u-turn in proximity to where Joshua crashed into the truck and fled the scene, Brown said during a news conference. Officer Rodriguez did not stop to see if Joshua needed medical attention. He did not check on the people in the truck. He did not tell dispatch or his superiors about the crash. He did not file a report. He did not even request emergency medical assistance. He left Joshua, who died in the dark. Senate staffer arrested for carrying gun on Capitol Grounds, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AACOPD said that Rodriguez was initially suspended with pay. After his indictment on Wednesday, AACOPD changed his status to be suspended without pay. We have fully cooperated and have been working in concert with the Office of the Attorney General since the initial stages of this investigation. The alleged actions of Officer Rodriguez contained in this indictment are deeply disturbing and not representative of the men and women of the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Our department will continue to cooperate with the Office of the Attorney Generals investigation. Anne Arundel County Police Department statement AACOPD said that Rodriguez is charged with two counts of manslaughter by vehicle, one count of duty of driver to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in bodily injury or death, and five counts of misconduct in office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Another man was arrested this week after he was caught hiding narcotics in his rectum while trying to cross the Ysleta Port of Entry in El Paso, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP: Man tries to smuggle meth hidden in his buttocks CBP says officers working at the Ysleta bridge seized around one-third of a pound of fentanyl after a 41-year-old man was hiding the drugs in his rectum. Photo: U.S. CBP The man, a U.S. citizen who arrived from Mexico was crossing the border as a pedestrian just after 7 p.m. this past Monday, March 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An officer selected the man for a secondary exam following a short interview and a CBP drug sniffing dog searched the man and alerted to the presence of narcotics, CBP said. Officers continued their inspection and discovered that the man had hidden drugs concealed within his anal cavity, CBP said. CBP says the man would not consent to a medical exam and a Homeland Security Investigations special agent obtained a search warrant shortly after midnight on Tuesday, April 1. An X-ray was then conducted on the man confirming a presence of a foreign object concealed internally, CBP said. CBP officers continued to monitor the man while he was under medical care, and the man eventually passed a bundle just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contents of the package contained multiple tablets which tested positive for fentanyl. The total weight of the package was 0.31 pounds, CBP said. CBP officers arrested the driver. He was turned over to HSI special agents to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt. A 26-year-old man was also recently arrested after he was caught trying to smuggle methamphetamine which was concealed within his buttocks, according to CBP. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Faced with constant attacks by Ukrainian drones and artillery, officials in the Russian border town of Shebekino have placed anti-drone netting on dozens of buildings for protection. The move comes as Ukrainian forces continue to maintain a small salient in the region after launching an incursion there two weeks ago. Images taken by local photographer Olga Klyuchkareva emerged on social media Thursday showing several high-rise buildings covered by the netting. The nets in the images are attached to the tops of a block of five-story apartment buildings and drape down outward toward the street. In Shebekino, Belgorod region, 41 apartment buildings have been covered with anti-drone nets. The local creatures are loving it they joke about it and, as always, endure it with classic patience. pic.twitter.com/Q26fwKX1ut WarTranslated (@wartranslated) April 3, 2025 In the city, about 35 multi-story buildings are already covered with such networks, the Russian Military Chronicle Telegram channel reported. Shebekino is under constant enemy attacks. Yesterday, UAV strikes damaged an apartment in an apartment building, a car, and a residential building, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported in the morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The netting seen today in Shebekino is the result of a program Gladkov initiated last November. As part of the experiment, 10 residential buildings will be covered with such nets, said Gladkov, the independent Russian Astra news outlet reported at the time. The material chosen is non-standard, suitable for these purposes. One of the contractors undertakes to cover 10 buildings with such nets. We will see how it performs, and then we will make a decision. Though officials were evaluating how well the netting worked, that experiment was designed to be temporary, Gladkov explained at the time. Such a measure would not be durable, since in winter the netting gets clogged with snow and can break under its weight, he said. Their lifespan will be three to four days, so it is not profitable in terms of costs or implementation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These building nets are the latest iteration of a defensive measure both sides have adopted to help protect against drones by either causing them to explode at a distance from the target or get caught up in the webbing. They have appeared in static locations like oil refineries in Kapotnya and in Novoshakhtinsk, and more recently, as tunnels on roadways. To protect themselves from Ukrainian drone attacks, the Russians have fenced off the road from Bakhmut to Chasiv Yar, creating a 2-km mesh tunnel. In this way, the Russians are trying to rescue their equipment and personnel from threats from drones. pic.twitter.com/qbtFvwrAcx WarTranslated (@wartranslated) February 9, 2025 Installing nets made of durable synthetic material allows for the interception of small fragments and the slowing down of the fall of larger debris, minimizing the likelihood of casualties and destruction, the Russian Dzen media outlet reported. This measure is far from infallible of course. First-person view (FPV) drones with the ability to command detonate could punch holes in these nets, allowing other FPVs to enter. They would offer no protection against artillery shells or airstrikes. All this comes as Ukrainian troops have established a 13km (about eight miles) thrust into the Belgorod region, a retired high-ranking Ukrainian officer told The War Zone. The Belgorod Oblast border city of Shebekino has come under frequent attack by Ukraine. (Google Earth) Aviation assets are carrying out combat sorties to cut off logistic lines of supplies, blowing up bridges and trying to reduce the operational tempo of Russian troops in counteroffensive actions, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details. On the other hand, making it more difficult for Russian troops to withdraw from the area of operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strategic objective of the Ukrainian Belgorod operation is to create one more bridgehead as a buffer zone to our border and create more favorable conditions before the widely expected spring-summer Russian counteroffensive, the retired officer posited. The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) acknowledges the incursion but said its forces are inflicting heavy casualties on Ukrainian forces. In the Belgorod direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces hit manpower and hardware of two mechanized brigades, one motorized infantry brigade, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and two territorial defense brigades close to Miropolskoye, Prokhody, and Petrushevka. That Russia is using nets to protect civilian buildings is a stark reminder of how the war has hit home for this city. A large number of the 40,000 residents who lived there before the all-out war began have been evacuated because of Ukrainian bombardment. Whether this defensive measure can help protect some of those who stayed remains to be seen. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Javier Milei has overturned Argentinas historic claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and acknowledged the right of the Malvinenses as he recognized the archipelagos inhabitants to choose their nationality. On Veterans and Fallen Day, which commemorates the war that pitted Argentina against the United Kingdom 43 years ago, the far-right president decided not to participate in the main homage. Instead of traveling to Tierra del Fuego, where Vice President Victoria Villarruel a political rival of his had traveled, Milei stayed in Buenos Aires and led a brief ceremony, surrounded by officials and a vast police deployment. The speech he delivered generated widespread criticism for weakening national demands to recover the islands. Today, we remember those heroes who gave their lives for the homeland. Today, we honor them by reaffirming, with genuine determination, the claim for Argentine sovereignty over the Malvinas [the Argentine name for the archipelago], were Mileis first words in Plaza San Martin Wednesday, a public holiday in Argentina. But then his speech veered off course, and he took the opportunity to advocate for downsizing the state, vindicated the Armed Forces and attacked the political caste. Sovereignty does not mean that the state has many companies, or that it finances the film industry, or fourth-rate recitals, or similar things. Believing that the larger the state, the greater the sovereignty is an Orwellian concept through which politics has tried, throughout history, to hide its dirty business, he enthused, and then expounded on his idea: That is why we have embarked on the liberating path we are treading, so that Argentina may be the freest country in the world, once again have the highest GDP per capita in the world, and so that all the citizens of the world may fantasize about the Argentine dream. Milei then delivered his controversial proposal, which adds to other gestures of rapprochement with the United Kingdom: When it comes to sovereignty over the Malvinas, we have always made it clear that the most important vote of all is the one made with our feet. We hope that the Malvinas people will one day decide to vote with their feet for us, he said. That is why we seek to make Argentina such a power that they will prefer to be Argentines and that we will not even need dissuasion or convincing to achieve it, he emphasized. Argentinas official position has always been to reject the Falklanders right to sovereign self-determination, a right defended by the United Kingdom and the islanders themselves. Until now, Argentina has argued that this right is not applicable because they are a population established by the country that colonized part of its national territory. From left: Minister of Justice Mariano Cuneo; Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich; and Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos at Wednesday's ceremony. Associated Press/LaPresse (APN) The change in Argentinas stance implied by Mileis statements generated widespread criticism. Former president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (2007-2015) considered it very serious and a manifestation of sepoy thinking, from someone who supports foreign power to the detriment of the interests of the country where he was born, she wrote on social media. No president of any government has reached this level of cooperation with the British, noted Guillermo Carmona, former secretary of the Malvinas, Antarctica, and the South Atlantic in the previous Peronist administration. When territorial integrity is compromised, the decisions of those who occupy the territory on behalf of and at the behest of the colonial power dont count, he added. Santiago Cafiero, foreign minister from 2019 to 2023, echoed this sentiment: There is no self-determination after occupation and expulsion. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 defined that it is not applicable. Milei is aware of this, and it affects our sovereignty, for which our Malvinas heroes fought. The leader of the Radical Civic Union (UCR), Martin Lousteau, asked: Did Gandhi ask the British in India if they preferred to be Indians, or was he simply demanding that they leave their territory? Are we now asking the representatives of the colonial power if they would prefer to be Argentines? For the UCR senator, the presidents remarks were an insult to the veterans. Representative Gabriel Solano of the Workers Left Front called Milei a traitor to the country and stated that his speech is equivalent to the renunciation of Argentine sovereignty over the Malvinas. Milei during his speech Wednesday at the Falkland Islands War Memorial. Associated Press/LaPresse (APN) Disapproval of Mileis speech was also expressed at the official event for Malvinas War Veterans and Fallen Soldiers Day, held in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, the province to which the islands belong under Argentine law. I just heard the president say that we must listen to the inhabitants of the islands say they want to be Argentine, something similar to self-determination for peoples, which is not at all appropriate because they are not an Indigenous people, as we all know, said Juan Carlos Parodi, a representative of the local Malvinas War Veterans Center. The audience applauded him. While the war initiated by Argentinas last military dictatorship, in which 649 Argentine soldiers died, is a traumatic memory for the country, the Malvinas issue is one of the few causes that unites most of the political and social sectors. Milei has previously clashed with that consensus. Before becoming president, he admitted his admiration for former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in fact, in his office at the Casa Rosada he has a portrait of the woman who led the war against Argentina in 1982. Last year, the government was heavily criticized when an official communication identified the islands as the Falklands, their British name. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Demonstrations against Hamas erupted on March 25 in the northern Gaza Strip and spread since then to other parts of the territory. Three common themes can be easily detected in the demands of the demonstrators: a cry for help, a demand to let Gazans live and have access to food; an end to the war and the death, displacement, and the threats of expulsion it creates; and most notably a demand for Hamas to step down and leave governance to others. It should be clear from the outset that in the eyes of the demonstrators, these three demands are linked, even if many of the written signs raised during these demonstrations do not explicitly state the link. While some view these demonstrations as a genuine popular uprising against Hamas which could undermine the Palestinian movements control over Gaza, the Islamist group sees them as a desperate attempt by its external enemies to use local agents to create a false impression that a revolt to its rule is underway. Both assertions are partially correct and partially wrong. The resumption of the war, accompanied this time by the threat of expulsion, shifted Gazans' sentiments toward Hamas. However, high levels of national and religious loyaltyand few political alternativeslimit the choices at hand for Palestinians. There is no doubt that many Gazans are opposed to Hamas. As the director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, I have studied public opinion in Gaza for decades and to be sure, Hamas has never in its entire history had a majority support in Gaza. Our surveys, which started in 1993, covering both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, were all conducted face to face with representative samples of Palestinians of at least 1,200 adult respondents, including 400 or more people from the Gaza Strip. We estimate that the margin of error for our surveys is about 3%, but over time, they have consistently shown that many Palestinians do not support Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, in July 2023, thousands, mostly young Palestinians, marched across the Gaza Strip in a rare show of anger with Hamas and discontent with living conditions. In November 2021, 51% of Gazans told us, in an Arab Barometer survey, that they had run out of food and lacked the money to buy more during the past 30 days. But a few days before October 7, 2023, that percentage increased to three quarters. Not surprisingly, trust in the Hamas-led government at that time stood at only 29%. As living conditions in Gaza have worsened considerably after Oct. 7, due to the continued war and lack of access to food and other essentials, Hamas gradually became less popular. The findings of several surveys I have conducted before and after Oct. 7 clearly demonstrate that. In Sept. 2023, 38% of Gazans said that they support Hamas. And this level declined a year later to 35%. Nonetheless, none of rival political factions received greater support than that, with Hamas main domestic political rival, Fatah, receiving the support of only 25% of Palestinians just before Oct. 7 and 29% a year later. Given the little change in this domestic balance of power, before and after Oct. 7, it is highly unlikely that these numbers have changed significantly in recent months. It is true that Gazan public perception regarding the war and its consequences has shifted significantly since the early weeks after Oct. 7. These shifts have drastically damaged Hamas narrative. For instance, the perception among Gazans that Hamas decision to launch its attack against Israel on Oct. 7 was correct dropped from 57% in late Nov. 2023 to 39% in late 2024. During that same period, the perception that Hamas will win the war on Gaza dropped from 50% to 26%; the expectation that Hamas will continue to control the Gaza Strip after the end of the war dropped from 51% to 37%; satisfaction with Hamas performance during the war dropped from 52% to 39%; and the preference for continued Hamas control dropped from 38% to 36%. Yet, during that same period, the preference to replace Hamas control with that of the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority (PA) rose from 16% to only 27%less than the preference for a Hamas control. In fact, in Sept. 2024 we asked the public specifically about their support for the return of the PA to the Gaza Strip to control the recently Israeli reoccupied and closed Rafah Crossing, the border terminal that links the Gaza Strip to Egypt from which international aid is delivered and access to the world is provided. And even in this context, only 42% of Gazans said they would support the PA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For all of this, any denial of the genuine nature of the grievances of the demonstrators, and most importantly their belief that if Hamas leaves the governance scene, the war might stop and life might improve, is misplaced and reflects serious miscalculation. But the belief that such demonstrations pose a threat to continued Hamas control over the Gaza Strip is also misplaced and reflects an erroneous reading of reality. Our surveys clearly show that the overwhelming majority of Gazans blame Israel and the U.S. for their suffering; only one in five puts the blame on Hamas. Focus groups and in-depth interviews I have supervised clearly reveal that despite the tremendous criticism of Hamas, Gazans are fully aware that even if that group leaves the governance scene immediately, there is no viable alternative that can enforce some level of order, manage the critically needed civil defense units and health sector, ensure a relatively secure environment for humanitarian service delivery, allow markets to operate, and prevent the eruption of tremendous chaos and open anarchy and violence. So, why demonstrate? One way to help us understand these demonstrations is to ask about the timing: Why now? Four developments in March 2025 seem to illustrate the immediate impetus for the motivation to rise against Hamas. Early in the month, Israel stopped international aid organizations from delivering badly needed food to Gazans. In mid-March, Israel resumed its war against the Gaza Strip. A few days later, the Israeli army ordered residents of Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun, where the anti-Hamas demonstrations first erupted, to evacuate their homes. At that time, the Israeli defense minister threatened to annex parts of Gaza and expel its population if Hamas did not release the Israeli hostages. Days after that, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved the establishment of a "Voluntary Emigration Bureau for Gaza residents interested in relocating to third countries." These developments have created an environment of horror, instilled fear in the hearts of highly vulnerable residents who have just returned to their homes ruins after more than a year of displacement, and convinced them that they have nothing to lose. Under these conditions, it is easy to see why some people might have concluded that if Hamas goes now, the war would then stop and living conditions improve. While the hundreds or even thousands of demonstrators might believe that, it is highly unlikely that many more Gazans share this view. Israels strategy since the start of the war has been to ensure that there is no viable alternative to govern Gaza after Hamas is eradicated. And many Gazans understand that their displacement can take place only under one of two conditions: a full Israel reoccupation of the Gaza Strip or the engenderment of total anarchy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite prior use of violence by Hamas to crack down on demonstrations, the Hamas authorities in Gaza, so far, have not used similar violence to crack down on the current demonstrations. This might be explained in part by the limited nature of participation in these demonstrations and the lack of receptivity by the residents to the calls for planned demonstrations. Hamas willingness to trust Gazans is supported by our findings: despite the tremendous pain and suffering during the war, Gazans basic values regarding their religious and national identity and their attachment to their land have not diminished at all. Plus, their willingness to make huge personal sacrifices remains astonishingly very high. Contact us at letters@time.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) On Thursday, the Austin Police Department provided an update following the completion of its review of the APD Sex Crimes Units sexual assault cases. According to the department, it looked at past case data and found eight areas that could be improved within the department. APD said those areas were: Enhanced Patrol Officer Training to focus on dispatching victim services, coordination with SCU detectives, victim-centered practices, report writing and resource availability for victims. Establishment of Patrol Response Guidelines to further enhance the response to sexual assault calls. Implementation of a Detective Checklist to guide detectives through thorough investigative steps. Improved Documentation and Communication Tracking, which includes improved procedures for documenting and tracking communications with victims, suspects and witnesses. Implementation of an Evidentiary Inventory to guarantee a complete inventory of evidence within case files. Improved Data Collection Systems to focus on comprehensive, consistent and accurate data capture and analysis. Implementation of Quality Assurance Procedures and Personnel, which will help ensure the thorough completion of all investigative steps, the appropriate application of offense codes and clearance statuses, and the verification of evidentiary inventory. Clarification of Expectations and Standards, which will involve clearer standards in policies, procedures and training Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The primary goal of the annual case review is to continuously improve the quality of service, professionalism, victim sensitivity, and investigative thoroughness within the APDs SCU, APD said. By understanding current practices and identifying areas for improvement, the department can enhance its response to sexual assault cases year after year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A federal appeals court has rejected the Justice Departments claim that President Donald Trumps pardon of crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol is so broad that it sweeps in convictions for illegal possession of weapons five months later. In a ruling Wednesday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals panel split, 2-1, in turning down Kentucky resident Dan Wilsons bid to avoid reporting back to prison this week to serve the remaining time on his five-year sentence on charges of possessing an unregistered firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Wilson was a member of the mob that stormed the Capitol and was charged with multiple crimes related to his conduct on Jan. 6. During the FBIs broad criminal probe of the riot, investigators found an arsenal of illegal firearms at his home. The weapons were not connected to his involvement in the Jan. 6 attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barring intervention from the Supreme Court or some further action by Trump, the appeals court ruling seems likely to result in Wilson returning to prison on the weapons charges. His lawyer, George Pallas, told the appeals court that Wilson was slated to report back to prison on Wednesday. Pallas told POLITICO he intends to appeal the ruling as far as the Supreme Court and may ask Trump to issue a new pardon to stave off Wilsons return to prison. By again pardoning Wilson, he will show the courts that he has the upper hand, Pallas said, lamenting attempts by judges to second-guess President Trump. The panels majority concluded that the plain terms of Trumps mass pardon for Jan. 6 defendants included only crimes directly connected to the attack on the Capitol, not those discovered by happenstance during the investigation of the riot. The ruling split the two Trump appointees on the panel, Judges Greg Katsas and Neomi Rao. Katsas joined Obama-appointed Judge Cornelia Pillard in taking the narrow view of the pardon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardons language plainly applies to related offenses not, as here, to an offense that is only connected to January 6 by the happenstance that it was uncovered during investigation of the unrelated January 6 offenses, the majoritys order said. Rao dissented, questioning whether judges have the authority to interpret presidential pardons and suggesting that the courts should defer to the Department of Justice about their scope. Shortly after Trump signed the clemency proclamation on Jan. 20, the Bureau of Prisons released Wilson. However, weeks later, the Justice Department argued that was an error because Trumps pardon was narrow and should not be read to cover Wilsons gun offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About two weeks after that, prosecutors reversed course and said the pardon was meant to absolve Jan. 6 defendants of a range of other crimes that had nothing to do with the attack. The appeals courts decision is the latest judicial rebuke to the Justice Departments effort to expand the scope of Trumps clemency for a variety of Jan. 6 rioters who were convicted of other crimes based on evidence discovered during the riot investigation. Trump has been reluctant to clarify the scope of his pardon despite questions that have perplexed the courts. The president could settle the issue by simply issuing new pardons for the additional crimes. But in the absence of further action by Trump, the courts have been working to parse the opaque language of his blanket pardon and consider the relatively thin precedents governing the way courts interpret pardons. In recent weeks, several other Jan. 6 rioters with separate charges or convictions have seen developments in their bids to deploy their pardons broadly: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge in Florida agreed Wednesday to dismiss the case against Jeremy Brown , a retired Green Beret who was convicted of possessing classified information and grenades at his home. The California-based 9th Circuit Court of Appeal has resisted an effort by the Justice Department to drop the conviction of defendant Benjamin Martin, who possessed guns despite a history of domestic violence. The Richmond-based 4th Circuit has pressed lawyers for Elias Costianes and the Justice Department to explain why Trumps pardon should cover his illegal gun possession, for which Costianes is currently incarcerated. A federal judge in Tennessee declined to expand Trumps pardon to cover Edward Kelley, who was convicted by a jury of conspiring to kill the law enforcement officials who investigated him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge in North Carolina agreed to postpone the criminal trial of David Daniel, who is facing charges for possession of child pornography that he says should be covered by Trumps pardon. Notably DOJ has argued that Trumps pardon despite extending to many unrelated crimes of Jan. 6 defendants was not intended to cover the crimes of Kelley and Daniel. U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, a Trump appointee who presided over Wilsons trial on both his Jan. 6 and gun charges, expressed frustration and bewilderment at DOJs shifting and inconsistent positions as she took the narrower view of the pardon. In their opinions, both Friedrich and Rao suggested that Trump could settle the issue with some type of clarification such as an additional pardon that makes his intent clearer. INDIANAPOLIS The court of appeals has upheld the 258-year prison term given to an Elkhart man who was convicted of frequently molesting two girls over a five-year period. Kenneth Nipper, 68, was convicted of nine counts of child molesting at trial in March 2023. He was given multiple consecutive prison terms, with 12 years suspended, at his sentencing weeks later. Nipper was arrested in October 2019 on a warrant issued after police investigated claims that two girls raised in 2018. The victims, who were both under 14, described incidents involving Nipper that had occurred for years up until 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six of the counts were Class A felonies, which under pre-2014 Indiana law are punishable by up to 40 years, and three were Class C felonies, punishable by up to eight years. Nipper faced a potential maximum prison term of 324 years, according to an Indiana Court of Appeals opinion. The court last month affirmed his conviction and sentence after he appealed the judges reasoning for his sentence and for allowing certain evidence at trial. Nipper argued that the trial court erred in admitting evidence of additional acts of molestation during the period in question, and that it erred at sentencing by relying on improper aggravating circumstances and by failing to explain the basis for imposing consecutive terms. Nipper also argued that the court imposed a sentence that was inappropriate in light of the nature of the offenses and his character. Nipper claimed that allowing the two victims to testify about incidents other than the nine for which he was charged constituted negative character evidence or evidence of other bad acts, in violation of the rules of trial evidence. Appellate justices ruled in their opinion that the testimony was direct evidence in support of the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims testified to Nippers repeated acts of molestation that occurred within the charged time frame. Thus, their testimony was direct evidence in support of the charges rather than negative character evidence or evidence of other bad acts, the opinion states. Nipper acknowledges that the trial courts rulings are consistent with current law on this issue but nevertheless urges us to criticize our prior decisions. We decline his invitation. Nipper claimed regarding his sentence that there wasnt enough evidence of harm to the victims to support using that as an aggravating factor. The appellate decision highlights statements the victims made about depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety as among ample evidence that supports using harm as an aggravator. The opinion disagrees with Nippers claim that the trial court abused its discretion by failing to explain why it imposed consecutive sentences. The rationale for stacking the prison terms is apparent on the face of the record, the decision states, and the justices expressed confidence that the court would have imposed the same sentence if it had given more detail on how the aggravating circumstances would support that. The justices also remarked on the young age of the victims and the span of the crimes, as well as Nippers abuse of trust, in looking at the nature of the offense. Regarding Nippers character, the opinion acknowledges that he has no formal criminal record, was active in his church and had substantial family and community support, with the court receiving 132 letters on his behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the justices observed that the victims and their families also wrote to the court requesting the maximum sentence and describing Nipper as a monster, sicko and creepy individual. They also pointed again to the mental trauma inflicted on the girls. Nipper has produced no compelling evidence that portrays the nature of his offenses or his character in a positive light to overcome the deference we show to a trial courts sentencing determination, the opinion states. Greenleaf123/Getty Images A federal appeals court has upheld the convictions of two men convicted of leading a 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. were found guilty in August 2022 of conspiring to kidnap and conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction in connection to an effort that sought to kidnap Whitmer from her vacation home in northern Michigan in 2020. Federal prosecutors said the pair were part of a group that orchestrated the scheme in retaliation for her COVID-19 restrictions early on in the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Croft, 41 and a trucker from Delaware, was additionally found guilty of possession of an unregistered destructive device and was sentenced to just over 19-and-a-half years in prison. Fox, 49 and from Grand Rapids, is serving a 16-year prison sentence. Attorneys for the pair appealed their convictions, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to find them guilty and that judicial rulings during the trial unfairly limited both the defenses time for cross-examination as well as the scope of the admissibility of certain government informant statements. However, in a 3-0 ruling Tuesday, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed and let the convictions stand. Based on the evidence presented at trial, the jury saw and heard a host of video and audio recordings of Defendants promising violence, planning and participating in trainings, bringing their own weapons and material, and plotting the abduction without reluctance, the opinion said. It also said the defendants had presented weak evidence that they had been entrapped by government informants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the second trial for Fox and Croft after an initial jury could not reach a verdict, while acquitting two other defendants, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta. Of the 14 individuals charged in both state and federal court with taking part in the plot, five were acquitted. Authorities say the group sought to create chaos in the days leading up to the 2020 general election. Investigators said Fox and Croft conspired to obtain a weapon of mass destruction, related to their attempt to purchase explosives that could be used to blow up a bridge near Whitmers vacation home in order to slow police response to the kidnapping. Evidence presented during both trials indicated Fox twice traveled to northern Michigan to scout out the area around Whitmers second home with Croft and an undercover agent coming along on one of the trips. While authorities only charged the defendants with trying to kidnap Whitmer, she has maintained the ultimate goal of the plot was to murder her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intent was not about ransom, Whitmer said in an October 2020 interview with the Michigan Advance. It was to put me on some sort of a trial and execute me. And for some reason that seems to have been lost in all of the coverage. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Richard R. Barron | The Ada News District Attorney Erik Johnson read a proclamation Tuesday morning naming April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. District Attorney Erik Johnson announced Tuesday that April 2025 has been designated Child Abuse Prevention Month. The ceremony, at the Pontotoc County Courthouse outdoor plaza, was attended by members of the 22nd Judicial District Attorneys Office, area law enforcement, CASA and CARE Cottage staff, and other supporting parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I encourage all citizens of the 22nd Judicial District to recognize that prevention starts with each of us, Johnson said, reading from the proclamation. This month is really busy for us, Bekah Roberts, Executive Director of CASA, said. Its important to highlight the efforts that you all put into partnering with CASA. Our community does a great job supporting our cause. Were thankful for each of you. Johnson said his office has also proclaimed 2025 as the Year of the Child in District 22. That effort has been recognized by the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association, Johnson said. And theyve taken that effort state-wide, so all 27 Districts in the state are emphasizing best practices for caring for children who are in peril. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony took place at the Pontotoc County Courthouse outdoor plaza, and was attended by members of the 22nd Judicial District Attorneys Office, area law enforcement, CASA and CARE Cottage staff, and other supporting parties. I encourage all citizens of the 22nd Judicial District to recognize that prevention starts with each of us, Johnson said, reading from the proclamation. This month is really busy for us, Bekah Roberts, Executive Director of CASA, said. Its important to highlight the efforts that you all put in to partnering with CASA. Our community does a great job supporting our cause. Were thankful for each of you. Johnson said his office has also proclaimed 2025 as Year of the Child in District 22. That effort has been recognized by the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association, Johnson said. And theyve taken that effort state-wide, so all 27 Districts in the state are emphasizing best practices for caring for children who are in peril. SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KRON) Advances in DNA technology helped solve a murder mystery dating back almost five decades in Santa Cruz County. The victim, 25-year-old Karen Percifield, was found slain in Aptos Village Park on May 28, 1976. She was reportedly stabbed to death. Homicide detectives with the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office collected forensic evidence, but they were unable to develop strong leads. No arrests were made, and the case went cold, the sheriffs office wrote. On Thursday, the sheriffs office announced that investigators generated a DNA profile, and they finally know the killers identity: Richard Sommerhalder. The man was a person of interest early in the Percifield case, however, detectives did not have enough evidence to arrest him. Karen Percifield (Photo via Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office) Months after Percifields violent death, Sommerhalder was arrested for two more murders in Aptos. He served less than nine years in prison before he was paroled and released from custody. Sommerhalder, who moved away from California after his prison term, died in 1994, according to SCCSO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, investigators sent several evidentiary items to Othram Laboratories and the California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services for further DNA testing. Through genetic genealogy, familial DNA testing, and help from forensic DNA experts at Othram Laboratories in Texas, detectives were able to conclude that Sommerhalder was Percifields killer, according to SCCSO. District Attorney Jeff Rosell said, Despite the passage of time and death of the perpetrator, the closure that solving this murder brings to the Percifield family is incredibly important. Sheriff Chris Clark said, No matter how much time has passed, we will never stop seeking the truth. Advances in DNA technology continue to provide new opportunities to deliver justice and closure to victims and their families. This case is a powerful example of how those advancements can give us the answers weve been searching for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Othram Labs wrote, Members of Karens family also shared their gratitude. Her daughter said, To the detectives, and forensic team, I appreciate them not giving up. This has been weighing on me my whole life, not having a memory of my mom and just wondering who it could have been, this just means so much. Im just so grateful you didnt give up.' Girl, 13, found dead in Santa Cruz identified through DNA A Santa Cruz Sentinel newspaper article published in 1976 reported that Percifield was last seen alive at the Bay View Hotel in Aptos. Her body was found in a steep, brush-covered ravine near Nisene Marks State Park, and she had been stabbed twice in the chest, the newspaper reported. Sommerhalder was 29 years old at the time. In the two other murder cases, Sommerhalder beat and fatally stabbed two Aptos women, 31-year-old Vicki Bezore and 21-year-old Mary Gorman, the newspaper reported. He was also accused of rape by additional young women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. A state trooper was taken to a hospital after a truck driven by an intoxicated suspect struck his vehicle on Interstate 10 in Buckeye, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Andrii Mykhailivk, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested in suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and was accused of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and endangerment, according to DPS. Around 7:30 p.m. April 2, the trooper was parked on the right westbound shoulder of I-10 in the area of milepost 117 in Buckeye as he completed paperwork from a crash that had just taken place without injuries, according to DPS. A Dodge Ram 3500 truck towing a trailer with three vehicles aboard, veered right and off the highway, crashing into the trooper's cruiser at a "significant speed" and pushing it about 60 feet, DPS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trooper, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital with possible head injuries and, as of April 2, was being evaluated to determine injuries, according to DPS. The Dodge Ram driver, Mykhailivk, was the only person in the truck and was not injured, DPS added. The injured trooper was released from the hospital April 3 and is recuperating at home, DPS confirmed. (This story has been updated to add more information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pickup driver suspected of DUI crash with Arizona trooper on I-10 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced her support on Wednesday for two bills that tighten social media restrictions and update current laws. Sponsors introduced Senate bills 611 and 612 in the 95th General Assembly on Wednesday. SB611 amends the Social Media Safety Act of 2023, while 612 allows suing social media companies under certain circumstances. Keeping children safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, a federal judge struck down the Social Media Safety Act of 2023 for its age-verification requirements, citing the First Amendment. SB611 amends that act by creating the ability to fine a social media company $10,000 for each day it allows a minor to access its services to view addictive or harmful material. The revision to the act includes striking the age-verification requirement and requires parental controls and annual audits for social media platforms. Federal judge strikes down Arkansas social media age verification law SB612 forbids social media from creating an environment that encourages a user to purchase a controlled substance, develop an eating disorder, commit or attempt suicide or become addicted to social media. If they do, they can be sued by a parent or guardian for up to $10,000 per violation, plus attorney fees and damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill clarifies that it does not impact third-party content or content protected by the First Amendment or the Arkansas Constitution. Arkansas has led the nation on commonsense, conservative reforms to protect kids online and these additional protections continue that effort, the governor said in announcing the legislation. Moms and dads whose kids have fallen victim to Big Tech deserve the right to take action against these abusive companiesand Arkansas law should protect kids so they arent subjected to toxic material in the first place. Social media influencer is a growing career choice. Colleges have noticed Sen. Tyler Dees (R-Siloam Springs) and Rep. Jon Eubanks (R-Paris) sponsor the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Arkansas National Guard has mobilized troops in anticipation of heavy rains and flooding due the first week of April. Officials said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders mobilized more than 40 Guardsmen in northeast Arkansas to assist local authorities with any evacuations. Arkansas National Guard to assist with winter weather response The guardsmen are organized into teams. Each high-water team has three light-medium tactical vehicles (LMTV), a four-wheel-drive 2.5-ton cargo and troop transporter vehicle, a Humvee and nine Guardsmen. Each LMTV can carry up to 16 passengers in the cargo compartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 875th Engineer Battalion in Jonesboro will provide three high-water teams. The 224th Maintenance Company in Mountain Home will provide one high-water team. In addition to the 36 Guardsmen on the ground, liaison officers at the unit level, Joint Operations Center and a public affairs team will round out support at a total of 42 Guardsmen. Arkansas National Guard mobilized as part of severe weather response The anticipated rainfall amount can prove to be challenging, Arkansas adjutant general Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges said. In supporting the Governors direction, the Arkansas National Guard will assist local authorities and help Arkansans get through this. We will use high-water teams where needed to meet mission requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. For a bribe of just $20, a 50-kilogram shipment containing six refilled jugs of what is claimed to be Bushmills Irish Whiskey slips into Zimbabwe without being checked by customs officials at the Chirundu border post. It comes from the neighboring Republic of Zambia, just across the Zambezi River. But these bottles contain a pale yellow liquid that is not authentic Bushmills Irish Whiskey. They are imitation whiskeys, made and bottled in clandestine distilleries in Tanzania or Zambia no one knows that and then smuggled into Zimbabwe, says Batsi, a smuggler at the Chirundu border, who prefers not to give his real name. The clandestine producers are making a fortune, he adds. Counterfeit alcohol has flooded the streets of Zimbabwe, although its a story that is also repeated on the borders of Zambia, Mozambique, and South Africa, says Paul Nyathi, commissioner and spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police, in an interview with this newspaper. Doctors, parents, and authorities are alarmed by the rise in consumption of these drinks, which are sold at a lower price and are causing an unprecedented kidney health and addiction crisis across all age groups. George Guvamatanga, chief director of Zimbabwes Ministry of Finance, warns of another risk: local subsidiaries of European brewers, such as the American-Belgian-Brazilian multinational Anheuser-Busch InBev, could lose market share and millions in long-term investments to clandestine manufacturers. Counterfeit whiskey is so sophisticated that even the most experienced bartenders can mistake it for the real thing. Ishmael Mangeto, a retired chemist and former distillery manager at Delta Beverages Zimbabwes largest distiller and majority-owned by AB InBev says hes never seen anything like it in his career. Its a disaster, he says, as he pours the contents of a fake Bushmills into a glass, swirls it, and pours it onto a white plate. Its not just Bushmills, its also London Dry Gin, Scottish Leader, Justerini & Brooks... These are iconic drinks that have been stripped of their authenticity here. Foreign actors Oliver Mandipaka, a former police inspector in Zimbabwe and now a legislator, tells this newspaper that organized groups from tax havens in Asia and Latin America have arrived in southern Africa to establish clandestine distilleries and alcohol laboratories. The groups are employing skilled chemists, transporters, and beverage tasters, and bribing underpaid government officials to set up clandestine factories, says Mandipaka, adding that the fake whiskeys are designed to resemble the originals because the groups employ the best talent available. These mafias, he continues, have supply chains, especially in Tanzania, where the regions busiest port is located, and in South Africa, which is home to the wealthiest consumer market, he explains. Although demand for counterfeit alcohol is high in Zimbabwe, in the broader picture, its just a transit country, he adds. Another danger cited by this former police officer is that counterfeit European whiskeys are manufactured in the same factories where chemicals destined for the production of illicit drugs are mixed. He cites a July 2024 explosion in Limpopo Province, South Africa, where, he claims, an alleged Mexican cartel had set up a $109 million facility with boiler rooms and laboratories to manufacture everything from acetone to methamphetamine. Networks producing counterfeit whiskey and even Russian vodka are creating addictions in a generation of drinkers too poor and unemployed to afford safe and authentic drinks. My son was kicked out of law school after getting hooked on fake Irish whiskeys, says Ivan Torindo, a father of four in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Torindo explains that for unemployed youth and adults, the attraction is clear: while an authentic bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey costs $22 in Zimbabwean bars and supermarkets, a fake version of the same drink with twice the alcohol content costs just $1.50. Doctors fear that the lucrative profits generated by counterfeit whiskeys will fuel an underground industry, with deadly health consequences. Zimbabwe has one of the highest rates of kidney failure in Africa and a severe shortage of kidney nurses. The effects are already being felt in hospitals, says Edmore Shumba, an emergency room doctor in Mutare. This town is home to the Forbes border crossing, a major smuggling point, just 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the port of Beira in Mozambique. I am dismayed, says Shumba, who in 2024 referred a dozen young patients to lung and kidney specialists. They arrived with severe coughs, pale skin, and swollen feet. Blood tests indicated scarring of the lungs and kidneys. When I asked them about their lives, they all said they were unemployed and drank counterfeit whiskey daily to cope with the stress of poverty, he explains. Strong measures The Zimbabwean government has stepped up its efforts to combat transnational counterfeit whiskey networks, which involve corrupt customs officials, illegal distillers, smugglers, and street dealers. Regina Chinamasa, director of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, says authorities are working tirelessly to strengthen borders, deploy sniffer dogs and drones, and arrest customs officials who accept bribes to combat the importation and distribution of counterfeit European whiskeys. For its part, Chinamasa continues, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has launched a lightning operation in 2025, and all merchants selling liquor without tax receipts will be considered smugglers. The liquor will be confiscated, she warns. We call on the advertising industry to act morally, Chinamasa adds. Part of the problem is that counterfeit alcohol is flooding the streets with the help of sophisticated but misleading advertising campaigns that saturate Zimbabwean cities. Its creating a toxic fantasy in the minds of young drinkers, she explains. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Video: Arkansas prison appropriation bill for Franklin County fails in Senate UPDATE: The bill failed a third time in a Thursday afternoon vote on the Senate floor. This story will be updated with the vote count when it becomes available. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Arkansas prison funding allocation bill continues to fail in the state senate. The bill to allocate funding for a new 3,000-bed prison failed in an 18-13 vote after being resubmitted in the Senate on Wednesday afternoon. On Tuesday, the identical bill failed on a 19-10 vote, showing that support diminished and opposition increased for its second vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas prison appropriation bill for Franklin County fails in Senate The bill is to allocate $750 million for the prison to add to an initial $75,000 allocated by the General Assembly in 2023. Because it is a funding bill, it requires 27 votes, three-quarters of the chamber, to pass. Because it is allocation legislation, it may be resubmitted after its initial failure, leading to its Wednesday submission after failing on Tuesday. The legislation, Senate Bill 354, is not on the Thursday agenda, and the Senate is in recess on Friday. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has supported the prison project, citing the catch and release issues due to county jail overcrowding as post-sentencing inmates wait for space in the state system. Supporters of the new prison point to the failure of the misdemeanor justice system in the state due to inmates being released despite being assigned a jail sentence in court due to overcrowding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pair of bills intend to reduce Arkansas recidivism rate through prison training & education programs Opponents of the prison point to a lack of planning, including expenses outside the prison building itself, such as the need for supporting roads and water systems for its rural location and an expected increase in construction costs due to tariff increases. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Sen. Terry Rice (left), R-Waldron, asks a question during debate over Senate Bill 536 in the Senate chamber on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) The Arkansas Senate narrowly endorsed the elimination of the Arkansas State Library on Wednesday, but the bill did not receive enough support to go into effect July 1 if it becomes law. Senate Bill 536 would transfer the authorities, funds, contracts and employees of the agency and its board to the Arkansas Department of Education. The State Library is already under the departments umbrella but operates independently, and its board disburses state funds to public libraries on a quarterly basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, is the bills sponsor and has repeatedly promised to dissolve the State Library Board. Sullivan broadened his intention to dissolve the entire State Library last month after he said the board did not satisfy the conditions he gave them for its survival. Most laws go into effect 90 days after the end of a legislative session, around Aug. 1, but SB 536 had an emergency clause that would have allowed it to go into effect July 1. This provision was one of many aspects of the bill that library directors opposed Tuesday before it passed the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs. Misty Hawkins, regional director of the Arkansas River Valley Regional Library System, said it would be impossible to rework the interlocal agreements in the four counties she serves within three months to account for the language of SB 536. Several library systems in Arkansas encompass multiple counties. Emergency clauses need the support of two-thirds of lawmakers, which is 24 votes in the Senate. SB 536 instead received 18 votes, the minimum for a simple majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sens. Breanne Davis of Russellville and Bryan King of Green Forest joined five of the six Senate Democrats in voting against the bill. Sen. Stephanie Flowers, D-Pine Bluff, and Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton, were absent. Three Republicans voted present and five did not vote. The Senate subsequently approved a clincher motion from Sullivan with a voice vote. A clincher prevents a bill from receiving another vote in the applicable chamber, so the House will consider SB 536 without its emergency clause. Hawkins and three other library directors said Tuesday that SB 536 might cost them the state funding they need to operate their libraries. The bills criteria for receiving state funds include prohibit[ing] access to age-inappropriate materials to a person who is sixteen (16) years old or younger. One-room libraries do not have segregated spaces to ensure that children under 16 cannot access specific material, and SB 536 says the Department of Education may disburse funds to libraries that meet the proposed criteria but does not mandate it, the library directors said. Sen. Clarke Tucker, D-Little Rock, repeated these concerns on the Senate floor Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 536 defines age-inappropriate material as books, media, or any other material accessible at a public library containing images or explicit and detailed descriptions of sexual acts, sexual contact and human genitalia. The State Library Board approved a motion at a special meeting March 13 to create non-binding policies to protect children while honoring First Amendment freedoms and libraries material selection policies. Sullivan had asked the board to pass a motion to protect children in libraries and to detach from the American Library Association; the board rejected two separate motions to these ends. Sen. Terry Rice, R-Waldron, said he also asked State Library Board members to ensure that libraries keep inappropriate content away from children. Its time for drastic things to happen if this incompetent bunch is going to continue to put our children at risk, Rice said. Theres going to be fallout, but well fix the fallout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tucker said the Legislature has the authority to reconstitute the State Library Board instead of dissolving it and its parent agency if lawmakers are dissatisfied with its actions or inactions. Library directors and State Library Board members have repeatedly said, including at Tuesdays committee meeting, that libraries already organize books on shelves in an age-appropriate manner in accordance with existing standards. The location and availability of books based on appropriateness for minors was the thrust of Act 372 of 2023, also sponsored by Sullivan. The law would have given local elected officials the final say over whether to relocate challenged library materials some consider obscene and made librarians legally liable for disseminating such materials. A federal judge temporarily and later permanently blocked portions of Act 372; Attorney General Tim Griffin appealed the ruling in January. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, asks a question during a Dec. 6, 2024 committee meeting about a prison planned for Franklin County. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) The Arkansas Senate on Wednesday rejected for the second day in a row a $750 million appropriation bill to support construction of a new 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County. Opposition to Senate Bill 354 grew Wednesday with three more senators Republicans Alan Clark, Steve Crowell and Dan Sullivan joining ten colleagues who voted against the legislation Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of expanding prison capacity, including the governor, argue the new prison is necessary to address overcrowding in county jails. Officials last month set the preliminary cost estimate of the project at $825 million. Local officials and residents were caught off guard last October when Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the states $2.95 million purchase of 815 acres near Charleston for the project. Community members and elected officials have pushed back against the project for months. Sen. Bryan King, a Green Forrest Republican whos been a vocal opponent from the start, on Wednesday referenced costly prison projects in states like Utah, and said building a 3,000-bed penitentiary in the rural western Arkansas county would be fiscally irresponsible. These mega prisons are still mega-financial disasters, he said. The only winners are going to be the prison building companies out of state thats going to take millions of our dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King also criticized the decision to not expand the states Calico Rock prison. Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson proposed expanding the facility by roughly 500 beds using surplus funds, and state lawmakers approved $75 million in reserve funds for the project in December 2022. That was put on hold when Sanders threw her support behind the Protect Arkansas Act, a 2023 law that, among other things, removes the possibility of parole for the states most serious offenders. Inmates serving more of their sentences means more prison space will be needed, which Sen. Justin Boyd, R-Fort Smith, said needs to be addressed. In this chamber we voted to create new penalties for Arkansansso we all want to say were tough on crime, but yet then we dont want to provide the space, Boyd said. The Legislature set aside $330 million in 2023 to support the governors prison expansion efforts, but disputes between the executive branch and the Board of Corrections, and among state lawmakers, have delayed the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the process may not have been perfect, state lawmakers need to find a way to fund this effort to protect constituents, Corning Republican Sen. Blake Johnson said. I appreciate everybodys differences, but please lets try to work together for the safety of Arkansas citizens, he said. Johnson was one of 18 senators who voted in favor of the measure Wednesday, one fewer than Tuesday. Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, voted for the measure Tuesday, but did not vote Wednesday. Sen. Ken Hammer, R-Benton, who did not vote Tuesday, cast an affirmative vote Wednesday. Sullivan supported the measure Tuesday, but voted against it Wednesday. SB 354 has twice failed in the Senate because appropriation bills require 27 votes to advance out of the upper chamber. There is no restriction on how many times lawmakers can vote on an appropriation bill, but they only have until the end of the session to advance legislation to the governor for final approval. The General Assembly is expected to finish considering bills by April 16. Editors note: This story was updated at 9:49 p.m. April 2 to reflect the correct amount of the appropriation bill. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) An Arlington man has been charged after allegedly assaulting and attempting to disarm officers during his arrest on Tuesday, according to the Arlington County Police Department. Police say Jack Witherell, 25, was arrested and charged with five counts of assault on police, three counts of attempted disarming of a law enforcement officer, felony destruction of property, and assault and battery. VSP issues critically missing adult alert for woman last seen in Arlington Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, officers responded to reports of a fight at 8:42 p.m. in the 2100 block of N. Culpeper St. Police say Witherell and another man got into an argument inside a community center. Witherell then exited the building and hit the mans parked car with objects, shattering the front and back windows. According to police, Witherell then began walking to his vehicle when the man approached him. Witherell made threatening statements to him claiming he had a firearm. He then assaulted the victim, and the man sustained minor injuries. Officers located Witherell in the passenger seat of a parked car and attempted to arrest him. Police described his reaction as combative and non-compliant as he made threatening statements towards officers and tried to grab three officers firearms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VIDEO: Crews battle fire at Arlington restaurant During the incident, Witherell assaulted five officers by kicking and spitting at them. All sustained minor injuries, with one officer seeking medical treatment at an area hospital. He was eventually arrested and evaluated at an area hospital before being transported to the Arlington County Detention Facility, where he remains without bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) An armed robbery & assault suspect wanted in connection with an investigation was located on Wednesday. The Asheville Police Department announced that 42-year-old Keithan Deshun Whitmire was arrested in Charlotte, NC, and taken into custody. Officers announced Monday that Whitmire was wanted for armed robbery. It was reported that the suspect entered an apartment on the 100 block of Bartlett Street before 3 a.m. and assaulted two residents while they were sleeping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitmire is facing the following charges: Felony break-in/enter terrorizing/injure Felony first-degree burglary Assault on a female Simple assault Assault with a deadly weapon Interfering with emergency communication Whitmire was booked into the Mecklenburg County Detention Facility on April 2. The investigation remains ongoing by the Asheville PD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. North Koreans are infiltrating British companies to earn money for Kim Jong-uns regime by posing as remote employees. Researchers at Google found that IT workers from the hermit kingdom were increasingly seeking out jobs at companies in the UK and Europe, amid a crackdown on their activities in America. The workers are hired for remote IT jobs, using stolen or fabricated identities, in an attempt to earn money which is then siphoned back to Pyongyang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as earning salaries of thousands of pounds a month, they often use special access to corporate systems to extort funds. In the UK, IT staff from North Korea have infiltrated and been hired for a string of web development and artificial intelligence projects, the report said. Last year, US prosecutors charged 14 North Korean nationals with violating US sanctions after they generated $88m (68m) over six years, but said that the country had trained thousands more. Researchers at Googles Threat Intelligence group said that increasing attention in the US meant that the scope and scale of their operations has continued to expand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said that in one case, a single North Korean worker had operated 12 different personas across Europe, seeking employment at organisations including defence companies and government agencies. As part of the fake worker tactics, North Koreans use stolen or fake identities and set up accounts on remote job websites such as Upwork and Freelancer to apply for work. They are typically hired after remote interviews, where they can mask their identity or avoid turning on cameras. Google said payments were often made by the workers using cryptocurrency or the foreign exchange services Wise and Payoneer. Facilitators in th UK An intricate network of local facilitators helps the workers maintain cover, for example by hosting work laptops in the country, which the workers then control from overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers often use software such as mouse jiggler systems which automatically move the cursor on computers to pretend someone is working to maintain several jobs at once. Google researchers found that one laptop issued by a US company was being hosted in London, suggesting facilitators in the UK are part of the network. The North Korean IT workers are ordered to earn around $10,000 (7,700) a month, US prosecutors said last year. Companies have been urged to fully vet candidates identities, and require cameras to be turned on during interviews. A spokesman for Wise said: When we identify potential financial crime or any other misuse of our service, we take immediate steps to investigate the case, including suspensions or freezing of the transactions and customer accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Upwork spokesman said: The tactics outlined in this report represent a challenge that affects the entire online work industry, and Upwork is at the forefront of combating these threats. Any attempt to use a false identity, misrepresent location, or take advantage of Upwork customers is a strict violation of our terms of use, and we take aggressive action to detect, block, and remove bad actors from our platform. A Payoneer spokesman said: The threat of financial crimes by DPRK operatives posing as IT consultants is a serious challenge for the global financial system. Payoneer proactively works to combat fraud and financial crime through a robust sanctions program, in compliance with US and other laws where we operate. We also ensure compliant onboarding and monitoring and we continue to work closely with regulators and law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freelancer was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Police in Simi Valley have arrested a 21-year-old man from Los Angeles County as part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale financial scam operation targeting at least one elderly resident. On March 19, officers from the Simi Valley Police Department arrested Ruishan Liu of West Covina for his alleged role in the scheme. The Chinese-born suspect is accused of targeting an elderly Simi Valley resident and manipulating them into withdrawing and handing over $200,000 in cash by claiming it was part of a bank security measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, authorities said, would transfer funds to people they believed were bank representatives but were in fact scammers. The crimes eventually got the attention of the Simi Valley Police Department who, with assistance from Ventura Countys Organized Retail Theft Task Force, deployed a sting operation to catch Liu in the act. At an undisclosed location, Liu arrived to collect a decoy package that he was told was filled with a large amount of cash that the victim had recently withdrawn. When he arrived, officers arrested him and took him into custody. Hes remained at the Ventura Main Jail since his arrest as he awaits felony charges for his involvement in the scam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities did not say if there were additional co-conspirators or if Liu acted alone. His arrest, according to police, sheds more light on the growing trend of financial scams targeting vulnerable victims, often scaring them into willingly handing over substantial amounts of money to thieves. The scams range in complexity and often involve the use of cryptocurrencies or gift cards, but can also come in the form of a simple withdrawal like the one in this recent arrest. The Simi Valley Police Department encourages the public to exercise caution and skepticism with unsolicited requests involving financial transactions, officials said. For a list of common financial scams and warning signs to look out for, visit the FBI website. You can also report online scams through the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liu is being held on $150,000 bail and is due in court on April 10. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two 22-year-old men who were reportedly intoxicated when they vandalized and stole a statue of Paddington Bear eating marmalade sandwich on a park bench in Newbury, England have been issued steep fines and sentenced to community service, according to multiple media reports. In surveillance footage of the March 2 incident posted by NBC News, the two British Royal Air Force engineers can be seen kicking the statue, albeit with a lack sharp motor-skills, breaking it apart and getting away with a portion of the beloved bear that rode with them in a taxi back Royal Air Force Odiham shortly after 2 a.m. It turns out that Newbury is the wrong place to pick a fight with Paddington Bear, drunk or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the New York Times, the town is the birthplace of Michael Bond, the creator of the childrens book series. The two men, identified by Thames Valley Police as Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, were tracked by the towns neighborhood policing team to the air force barracks later the same day and arrested. A Paddington Bear statue vandalized and stolen seen sitting outside Newbury Police Station in March 2025. (Thames Valley Police) A Paddington Bear statue vandalized and stolen seen sitting outside Newbury Police Station in March 2025. (Thames Valley Police) A Paddington Bear statue vandalized and stolen in Newbury, England on March 2, 2025, seen sitting in a police car. (Thames Valley Police) (Photo credit JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) The Paddington Bear statue is a beloved part of Newbury so we did everything we could to locate it and bring the offenders to justice, Inspector Alan Hawkett of the Newbury Policing Team, said. After a short stay at Newbury police station, we handed the statue back to its owners so it can be restored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men admitted to removing the Paddington statue and pleaded guilty to a count of criminal damage in court. In return, the pair were fined the equivalent of $3,500 U.S. dollars and sentenced to one year of community service. The brutalized Paddington Bear, which got to ride in a police car and hangout at the station for a little while, was one of 23 statues depicting the character installed in concert with the release of the latest film, Paddington in Peru. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Allen Dinoyo, who pleaded guilty to felony arson charges, was sentenced to 13 years and four months by a judge in El Cajon on Wednesday. The 48-year old started nine brush fires in November of last year, including the Millar Fire in Rancho San Diego which torched 11 acres and forced evacuations. Dinoyo, who was homeless at the time of the crimes, set the first fire on Nov. 10 within the community of Jamul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six more fires occurred on Nov. 20 within less than two hours, authorities said. Those fires took place in Rancho San Diego, Jamul and Dehesa. Then, on Nov. 30, two separate fires happened within the cities of San Diego and La Mesa, according to Cal Fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. In a city like Madrid, men live, on average, three years longer in the Chamartin neighborhood, with greater purchasing power, than in Puente de Vallecas, a working-class area. The trend is similar worldwide, because economic capacity correlates with health and life expectancy. However, according to a recent publication in The New England Journal of Medicine, this dynamic changes when comparing the rich and poor in the U.S. and Europe. The study, led by Irene Papanicolas, a professor of health services at the Brown School of Public Health, sampled 73,000 Americans and Europeans aged between 50 and 85. They were followed since 2010 to observe the effect of wealth on an individuals likelihood of dying. First, it was found that, in both the U.S. and Europe, the rich lived longer than the poor, although the gap was much greater in the United States. This finding was consistent with previous studies showing that the wealthy live longer, but when the comparison was made across continents, the result was even more surprising. Mortality rates across all wealth levels in the U.S. were higher than in the European regions included in the study. The wealthiest Americans had a lower life expectancy than the wealthiest Europeans, and did not exceed that of the poorest in some European countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands. In a statement from her institution, Sara Machado, a researcher at Brown University and co-author of the study, argues that her findings are a humbling experience for the United States and a call to action for policymakers who can improve national health. If you look at other countries, they have better results, and that means we can learn from them and improve, she says. Its not about spending more; its about addressing the factors were overlooking that could give us greater benefits than we think. According to the study, the richest 25% of individuals had a 40% lower mortality rate than those in the poorest quartile. Furthermore, European participants died at approximately 40% lower rates than those in the United States throughout the study period. In Southern Europe, estimated mortality rates were 30% lower than those of American participants, while in Eastern Europe, mortality rates were between 13% and 20% lower compared to the U.S. It seems that there are very wealthy people who do not have access to a healthcare system as comprehensive as Europes Miguel Angel Martinez Beneito, lead author of the National Mortality Atlas in Spain These data provide further insight into why, in recent years, life expectancy in the worlds most powerful country, where the planets greatest scientific and medical breakthroughs emerge, has been declining. Papanicolas acknowledges that there are many differences we observed between the United States and Europe, but its not clear how they explain the health advantages of Europeans over Americans. The study found that many of the determinants associated with longer survival, such as having a college education, not smoking, or being married, are more concentrated among the wealthiest 25% of Americans, which would explain the large gap in life expectancy between rich and poor in that country. In Europe, factors such as education and smoking are more evenly distributed. Wealth can influence health by affecting access to education, job opportunities, healthcare, and social networks, all important predictors of health, the researcher notes. Possibly, the more generous social safety net in Europe also exerts a protective effect on the survival of those with fewer resources, and wealth status matters less overall, she adds. This finding tells us that, although wealth is linked to health everywhere, in Europe, especially in the north and west, less wealth is needed to achieve better life expectancy than in the United States. For the researchers, their results serve as a reminder that even the wealthiest Americans are not protected from the countrys structural problems, which are influencing worsening health and reducing life expectancy, such as economic inequality, stress, poor nutrition, and environmental risks. If we want to improve health in the U.S., we need to better understand the underlying factors that contribute to these disparities, especially among similar socioeconomic groups, and why they translate into different health outcomes across countries, Papanicolas says. Miguel Angel Martinez Beneito, lead author of the National Mortality Atlas in Spain, highlights that the most striking aspect of the work published Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine is the transversality of mortality in the U.S. across all economic groups. This means that this excess mortality goes beyond economic issues, because it seems that there are very wealthy people who do not have access to a healthcare system as comprehensive as Europes, or who are exposed to higher cumulative risk factors than Europeans, he points out. Now we must open lines of research to determine what factors explain the data, and how to improve access to a healthier life for all of American society. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition HIGHBRIDGE, The Bronx (PIX11) Art versus advertising its the tension at the heart of a legal battle pitting an iconic institution against New York City inspectors. The Highbridge section of the borough is where hip hop began more than 50 years ago in the community room of an apartment building at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. More Local News For the past couple of years, brickwork on the buildings facade has required scaffolding to be in place in front of the historic building. Its management company, Workforce Housing Group, commissioned a banner to be placed along the top of the scaffolding, which is also called a sidewalk shed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This spring, the citys Department of Buildings fined Workforce Housing $2,500 over the banner, which the city claims is advertising, in violation of city code. The Birthplace of Hip Hop, the organization that runs the building, says that the fine is an infringement on its First Amendment rights. The Birthplace of Hip Hop says that this is an artwork, said the hip hop artist and historian known as Professor Sanchez, who founded the organization Temple of Hip Hop. We partnered with the city to do this artwork, he initially said. Were in partnership, and were in agreement that allowed us to put this artwork on the scaffold, and now theyre suing and fining us for putting a dot-com somewhere that I cant even see. Sanchez pointed out the heart of the legal battle. The banner on the sidewalk shed shows, among other images, the organizations website, TheBirthplaceOfHipHop.nyc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Department of Buildings inspectors have claimed that its an advertisement. The city does allow artwork on scaffolding that meets the guidelines laid out in its City Canvas program. In a statement, the Buildings Dept. referenced that program in response to a PIX11 News request for comment. While the City Canvas program for temporary construction equipment allows art to be placed on sidewalk sheds, the statement read, it does not allow for commercial advertising. The websites owners said that its almost entirely a historic web destination that happens to have an invitation for visitors to purchase a commemorative poster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Culture is culture, Sanchez said in an interview in front of the banner. He and The Birthplace of Hip Hop said that the banner is an extension of graffiti art that lines the community space where hip hop originated. The two sides are now set to meet in federal court on Friday, before an administrative judge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A crypto billionaire and a filthy rich ketamine user have launched a trip to the stars stop us if you've heard this one before. We promise it's not quite as Silicon Valley as it sounds, though as Australian explorer and freshman astronaut Eric Phillips told Ars Technica, there are shrooms involved. Alongside Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, German roboticist Rabea Rogge, and Chinese crypto billionaire Chun Wang, Philips is a member of SpaceX's Fram2 mission. The first private flight of its kind, the four-person team launched in a Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket for the first-ever civilian mission flying over Earth's poles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chartered by Chun and, of course, greenlit by SpaceX owner and resident White House psychonaut Elon Musk the four-person crew launched on March 31 and are currently in orbit, working on nearly two dozen scientific experiments they have planned for their short journey. Among them, as Ars noted, is the plan to become the first mushroom growers in space but "theyre not the ones youre thinking," Philips told the website. Instead, per a Fram2 statement released ahead of the launch, they'll be growing delectable oyster mushrooms. FOODiQ Global, the Australian company behind the "Mission MushVroom" experiment aboard Fram2, said in the press release that "oyster mushrooms are the perfect space crop" because they grow rapidly and have tons of nutrients. They even have "the unique ability to make vitamin D," the statement noted. Along with all those nutritional benefits, those yummy shrooms will almost certainly taste better than space food if top space minds can figure out a way to cook them in orbit, that is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an op-ed for Business Insider, FOODiQ founder and CEO Flavia Fayet-Moore said that she identified mushrooms as an ideal in-orbit crop, particularly for years-long missions to Mars and other planets. "Can you imagine eating thermostabilized, dehydrated food for five years?" the space nutritionist yes, that is apparently a real thing wrote. "I can't." We won't know how well the shrooms grew in microgravity until Fram2 gets back to Earth this week. More on space life: Boeing's Starliner Disaster Was Even Worse Than We Thought, Astronaut Reveals OKLAHOMA CITY (April 3, 2025) Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced Thursday, the annual event that honors the best and brightest in law enforcements 2025 Officer of the Year. According to the AGs office, law enforcement supervisors across Oklahoma are invited to submit nominations for any officer who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication. The brave men and women of Oklahoma law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety and security of our communities, said Drummond. These awards provide an opportunity to honor their commitment, sacrifice and exemplary service. I am proud to continue this tradition of recognizing the heroes who protect the people of Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of 10 Most Wanted list arrested in Texas, says AG Drummond A statewide award winner and four regional award winners will be acknowledged at a special ceremony in November. Officers serving in all Oklahoma law enforcement agencies. (*college, university, municipal, county, state, tribal and federal agencies are eligible) To qualify, officers must have performed admirably in the line of duty within the last 18 months, says AG Drummond. Bryan County Sheriffs Deputy Austin Murray was named the 2024 Officer of the Year. Supervisors interested in nominating a deserving officer click here. All nominations must be submitted by June 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Attorney General Matt Platkin was called to testify about his budget ask Thursday. Instead, he was on the defensive over his office's investigations and losses. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) State legislators rebuked Attorney General Matt Platkin Thursday for several recent high-profile court losses and suggested New Jersey needs an inspector general to oversee his offices work during a legislative hearing in Trenton Thursday. Platkin, appearing before the Senates budget committee to discuss his $1.6 billion budget request for the next fiscal year, pushed back on the attacks that peppered nearly three hours of testimony, prompting the committees chair, Sen. Paul Sarlo, to chide Platkin for being combative and urge all parties involved to quit talking over each other. Sen. Douglas Steinhardt (R-Warren) listens to testimony during a Senate budget committee meeting March 9, 2024, at the Statehouse in Trenton. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) Some of the testiest questioning came from Sen. Doug Steinhardt (R-Warren), who interrogated Platkin over gun data in the wake of Bruen, the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark decision that forced states like New Jersey to remove restrictions on carry permits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steinhardt and Platkin sparred over whether an increase in people carrying firearms results in more violence. Platkin maintained that it does, which Steinhardt called a false narrative. Steinhardt noted that Platkin himself testified that the 778 people who were shot last year in New Jersey represents the smallest number of people shot here since state police began tracking shooting data in 2009. What youre saying makes zero sense, Steinhardt said. You come in here telling us that shooting stats are down, yet 60,000 more people have carry permits than they did in the two and a half years preceding Bruen. With people running around carrying firearms like they would be, why arent the stats through the roof? Platkin responded: Im not sure that anything I said doesnt make sense The statistics that Im referencing are kept and collected by the state police. I dont cook them up in my office. A 2022 study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found gun assaults rose in states that relaxed restrictions on conceal carry permits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The criticism of Platkin was bipartisan, with several senators bringing up recent losses by Platkins office of public integrity and accountability. That office led a racketeering investigation into South Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross that resulted in a 13-count indictment a state judge dismissed in February. Platkins office has appealed that dismissal. Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) listens to testimony during the Senate budget committee hearing on March 11, 2024. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) told Platkin the Norcross case was painful to watch. That case did appear to be a very personal matter, Burzichelli said. I would say, if we were talking off to the side, that a number of people feel equally aggrieved at the Norcross event, top to bottom. He zeroed in on comments Platkin made when he appealed the Norcross dismissal, when Platkin said the dismissal, if allowed to stand, would send a message that the most wealthy and well-connected few live under a diferent criminal justice system than everyone else. Those comments, as well as the loss itself, created a distraction of confusion that doesnt reflect well on you, Burzichelli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Platkin defended the public integrity and accountability offices record, saying its had well over 100 successful cases and less than a handful of losses. The media, he complained, typically ignore the wins and focus on the losses. On his lament about two systems of criminal justice, Platkin said: Whatever case it is, Im the attorney general of the state. I want people to believe in the criminal justice system. Both Steinhardt and Burzichelli also questioned whether the Attorney Generals Office should continue overseeing state police or should be subjected to oversight itself, suggesting Platkin has a vendetta against the state police that is illustrated by recent investigations by his office that uncovered widespread problems in the agency. Platkin rejected both suggestions. Keeping the state police under the state attorney generals supervision would ensure coordination and oversight, he said. Supervision by an inspector general is unnecessary, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We already have robust procedures to ensure that any allegation of misconduct is taken seriously, is addressed independently within our office, and is handled appropriately, he said. Republican legislators in February called for Platkins ouster, partly over his lawsuits targeting the Trump administration. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ST. MARTIN PARISH, La. (KLFY) Attorney General Liz Murrill spoke on the lawsuit filed against the St. Martinville Fire and Police Civil Service Board. This follows a complaint filed with Murrills office about the board possibly violating Louisiana Open Meetings Law. Attorney General Murrill says the reason behind filing her lawsuit against the St. Martinville Fire and Police Civil Service Board, was because there was a ratification vote the board made that she believes was ineffective in solving the problem. A complaint was filed with Murrills office, resulting in her sending a letter to the service board that Open Meetings Law may have been violated. Murrill says she filed the lawsuit because her office received a violation that had not been rectified after the letter was sent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this particular case, we believed that we needed to follow a lawsuit to get the proper remedy, she said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest She says in situations like this her office tries to work with the board to make sure they know what the rules are, however, if their actions arent remedied a lawsuit is filed and whatever action is taken during the meeting is invalid. The votes that they took in violation of the law are not valid, she said. Murrill says although the lawsuit is filed it does not mean the board cannot go back and do it the proper way. The do-over for an Open Meetings Violation is to go back and follow the rules and open meetings, follow the rules for executive session if thats what you need to do. But, you know, it doesnt mean that they cannot take these actions, she said. It does mean that they have to do them in the right way for them to be valid. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) One year after a substitute teacher in the Decatur Public Schools District was arrested and accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy, her attorney has withdrawn from the case and a public defender has been appointed. WCIA previously reported that Alley Bardfield was charged with criminal sexual assault after allegedly having sexual intercourse with one of her male students from Hope Academy at her home. She was fired by Decatur Public Schools after being arrested. PREVIOUSLY: New details in Decatur substitute teacher sexual assault investigation; students family hires attorney Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 2, Kevin Sanborn, Bardfields attorney filed a motion to withdraw from the case. On Thursday, the motion was granted and Sanborn was allowed to withdraw as counsel for Bardfield. WCIA reached out to Sanborns office for comment, but did not immediately hear back. For now, a public defender has been appointed to represent Bardfield. WCIA reached out to the Macon County Public Defenders Office for a statement but did not immediately receive a response back. PREVIOUSLY: Decatur Public Schools sued by family of student allegedly sexually assaulted by substitute teacher During Thursdays hearing the court found that continued detention is necessary to avoid a real and present threat to the safety of any persons or the community, to prevent Bardfields flight from prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bardfields pre-trial hearing is scheduled for April 17 at 9 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Rumeysa Ozturk, the Turkish student detained by immigration officers in Boston last month, was moved across multiple state lines as part of a highly unusual and secretive attempt to keep her from accessing her attorney or being near her home, her attorneys charged Wednesday. In documents filed with the federal district court in Boston, attorneys for Ozturk accused the federal government of targeting the Tufts University graduate student because of her advocacy for Palestinian rights a violation of Ozturks constitutionally protected right to free speech. Attorneys filed the petition late Wednesday, asking the court to assert jurisdiction over the case or at the very least transfer it to Vermont the last place where Ozturk was taken before a final transfer to Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston federal judge Denise J. Casper on Friday transferred the governments case against Ozturk to Vermont and denied the governments motion to transfer the case to Louisiana. She also ruled her order to stop Ozturks deportation stands. While the ruling on jurisdiction is a technicality, it is an important precursor to efforts by Ozturks attorneys to have her released pending her removal hearings. With this ruling, the Court has rightfully reaffirmed that Rumeysa Ozturks case belongs in Vermont significantly closer to her community, her counsel, and her colleagues, said attorney Sidra Mahfooz in a statement to CNN. While the trauma ICE has inflicted on her for writing an op-ed is irreparable, this is the first step towards bringing her home. The US Attorneys Office in Boston argued during oral arguments on Thursday the case against Ozturk should be heard in Louisiana since her lawyers failed to file a motion seeking her release in the appropriate court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If individual is not located in the districtthe court doesnt have jurisdiction over that person, attorneys for the US attorneys office in Boston said during the hearing. Attorneys for Ozturk challenged the governments position, telling Casper they did not file in the proper court because the government purposely kept them in the dark regarding Ozturks location. We really have a situation where its a government that is forum shopping that is, whisking away a petitioner to its forum of choice and doing everything in its power to ensure that a petition cannot be filed, attorney Adriana Lafaille said in court. The governments case against Mahmoud Khalil the Columbia University graduate who was also arrested by federal agents last month was mentioned multiple times during Ozturks hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Khalil and Ozturk were transferred across state lines shortly after their arrest. The government has argued both cases should be heard in Louisiana. A federal judge ruled his case should be litigated in New Jersey, against the wishes of the government who wanted the case heard in Louisiana, where Khalil is detained. The decisions in the two cases are a loss for Trumps Department of Justice, which has sought to transfer cases of detained international students down south. Documents show Ozturk was detained near her home close to Tufts Somerville campus, put into an SUV by masked officers and driven to several undisclosed locations in a short period. Ozturk was first taken to Methuen, Massachusetts, for 14 minutes, then to Lebanon, New Hampshire, for about two and a half hours, and finally to St. Albans, Vermont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozturks attorney read aloud the first statement from the student since her arrest at a news conference after the hearing, which said: My life is committed to choosing peaceful and inclusive ways to meet the needs of children. I believe the world is a more beautiful and peaceful place when we listen to each other and allow different perspectives to be in the room. Ozturk had about 10 months left to complete her doctorate in child study and human development at Tufts University, her brother Asim Ozturk said in a statement. Attorneys for Ozturk also accuse the government of ignoring an initial court order requiring them not to move her from the district without providing the court at least 48 hours notice. Despite this order, ICE moved Ozturk to multiple locations and eventually to Louisiana without notifying the court, her counsel, or government counsel, thereby violating the courts directive, the lawyers wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documents are in response to a motion filed by the US attorneys office in Boston, which is seeking to dismiss the case to Louisiana, where Ozturk is currently held. In their filing, attorneys for Ozturk also challenge the legality of her detention. They ask the court to release her, citing the extraordinary circumstances of the case, Ozturks lack of access to asthma medicine and because she is not a flight risk or danger to the community. Living in nightmares from post 9/11 All Ozturk could think about in the days leading up to her arrest is whether shed be the next international student to face detention by immigration officers, according to a longtime friend. Ozturks close friend who CNN is not identifying because of concerns of retaliation spent time with her a week prior to her detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two friends who met seven years ago while both were pursuing their degrees - spent time together as they prepared for Ramadan. They talked about growing fears after officers detained Khalil, who the Trump administration has accused of supporting a terrorist organization. Its definitely a really terrifying time, and all of my nightmares from post 9/11 are coming true of just you know, people being detained for no reason at all, Ozturks friend said. She told me that she had started to be cautious about going out at night out of fear for her safety, Ozturks friend told CNN. Ozturk told her friend she was concerned after discovering the website Canary Mission had published her photo and created a profile accusing her of being a terrorist sympathizer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN previously reported the website along with Betar USA a pro-Israel activist organization that has been working to help identify students who have participated in last years protests against the Israel-Hamas war. That was really terrifying. You know, all her personal information was out there, all of her social media links there, Ozturks friend said. Ozturk started carrying her visa documents in her backpack which her friend says shed wear everywhere she went. Its the same backpack officers can be seen removing from her shoulders as they take her into custody. Like every other international student she was freaked out, and she was trying to understand what were her rights in this situation, what was she supposed to do? Ozturks friend said, adding they have been able to speak with Ozturk from detention in Louisiana, where she is without her asthma medicine and away from attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozturks family, who live in Turkey, are aware she is in detention and watching the case unfold from a distance, her friend said. Tufts supports Ozturk in court filing The legal battle over Ozturks detention has drawn support from Tufts University, which backed her motion for release. In a declaration to the court, university President Sunil Kumar said Ozturks arrest has paralyzed the schools international community, which now fears for its safety. The University has heard from students, faculty and staff who are forgoing opportunities to speak at international conferences and avoiding or postponing international travel, Kumar said in his declaration. In the worst cases, many report being fearful of leaving their homes, even to attend and teach classes on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kumars declaration marks the first time a school has publicly defended one of its students in court. Several international students have been detained as part of Trumps immigration crackdown. Separately, the Trump administration has threatened federal funding cuts for several US universities. In his declaration, Kumar also said the op-ed Ozturk wrote a last year which was critical of the schools response to the Israel-Hamas war was well within the schools guidelines and did not violate any rules. The University has no information to support the allegations that she was engaged in activities at Tufts that warrant her arrest and detention, Kumar said. The University has seen an outpouring of support for Ms. Ozturk over the last week from Tufts students, faculty and staff. Ozturk mentioned her op-ed in the statement read by her attorney on Thursday, saying, Writing is one of the most peaceful ways of addressing systemic inequality. She continued, Efforts to target me because of my op-ed in the Tufts Daily calling for the equal dignity and humanity of all people will not deter me from my commitment to advocate for the rights of youth and children. CNNs Gloria Pazmino wrote and reported from New York, and Bob Crowley contributed from Boston. CNNs Yash Roy contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Almost 100 years ago, Hungarian explorer Laszlo Almasy was crossing the Sahara Desert when he came across something inexplicable in a cave. On the rock walls, he saw human figures painted thousands of years earlier that seemed to be swimming peacefully in the middle of the desert. Some thought they represented corpses, even souls floating in the waters of Nun, the primordial ocean of Egyptian culture. Almasy suggested that they were in fact simply people swimming, because the Sahara wasnt always a desert. Now, the corpses of two adult women who died some 7,000 years ago in what is now southern Libya have provided the first known genetic data on the mysterious inhabitants of the so-called Green Sahara. The two corpses were naturally mummified thanks to the aridity and high temperatures in the region, which allowed DNA to be extracted from their tooth roots and some of their bones. The results, published on Wednesday in Nature, show that these people belonged to a previously unknown branch of the human family that survived in isolation for thousands of years thanks to a radical transformation of the landscape. Fourteen thousand years ago, the Ice Age ended, and monsoon rains turned all of Africa green. The desert transformed into a savanna covered with grasses, trees, lakes, and rivers inhabited by giraffes, hippopotamuses, and other animals, as well as groups of humans who survived by hunting and gathering. This is the landscape depicted in the famous rock paintings in the Tadrart Acacus Mountains of Libya, which are up to 12,000 years old. In this same area is Takarkori, a rock shelter where 15 bodies have been found, including those of the two women analyzed, along with baskets woven from riparian grasses, characteristic of wetlands. View from the Takarkori rock shelter. M.A.S/U.S. R. The authors of the research compared the genomes of these two women with those of nearly 800 present-day humans and 117 Africans from different periods in the past. The results show that they are not related to sub-Saharan African populations. The closest match is that of humans who lived about 15,000 years ago in Taforalt, Morocco. One of the greatest mysteries of this period is how these people adopted pastoralism and learned to live off the milk, meat, and blood of their animals. One hypothesis is that the Green Sahara served as a corridor for human migrations returning to Africa from Asia and Europe, finding suitable pastures to expand their way of life. But the DNA of the Takarkori women shows that these populations remained isolated from the south and the north. The origin of their lineage dates back 50,000 years, when their group separated from modern humans who left Africa at that time, from whom all people outside that continent descend. The Takarkori people had 10 times less Neanderthal DNA than modern humans outside of Africa, but more than those from sub-Saharan Africa. This suggests that they originated from North African populations who already carried some Neanderthal genetics and who settled in the Green Sahara during the so-called African Humid Period. Our research challenges some theories about the history of human populations in North Africa and reveals the existence of this lineage with very ancient roots that remained isolated from the rest, said study co-author Nada Salem, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, in a press release. Furthermore, we show that pastoralism spread throughout the Green Sahara likely through cultural exchange, rather than through migration. Takarkori rock shelter, southern Libya. S. U. R. About 5,000 years ago, the shift in the Earths rotational axis and the withdrawal of monsoon rains turned the Sahara back into a desert. This caused an exodus of pastoralist peoples to other parts of Africa and may have been the origin of Egyptian civilization. The Takarkori lineage, such as it was, became extinct forever. But some of its DNA is still present in North African populations. Its a fascinating discovery, says Carles Lalueza-Fox, a geneticist at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Until now, the inhabitants of the Green Sahara were merely paintings in some caves, such as the famous Cave of the Swimmers, which appeared in the film The English Patient [inspired by Almasys life], he emphasizes. These genetic data give a more realistic view of what these people were like, who lived in an ecosystem that no longer exists, and they uncover a previously unknown lineage that appears to have separated from other African ancestry for almost 50,000 years. Its also interesting that in the work we published on 8,000-year-old individuals from Shum Laka, Cameroon, we detected a ghost lineage that we placed in the Sahel, but these individuals dont seem to represent it. This only indicates how little we know about ancient African populations. Mary Prendergast, an anthropologist at Rice University in the United States, warns that the study has a limitation as it relies only on the DNA of two individuals to shed light on a history that spans thousands of years. Even so, the work makes a crucial contribution, she believes. Current research is only just beginning to unravel the complex history of African populations and is discovering new lineages that have left virtually imperceptible marks on the genome of present-day populations, she writes in a commentary on the study. In this context, even two individuals can change our conception of the past. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition MOUNT VERNON, M0. In a surprising move today, the Aurora woman accused of gunning down her estranged husband, the father of her child and that mans girlfriend pleaded guilty to the first of those alleged offenses. Taylor Paige Santiago is to be sentenced June 10, 2025, for the first-degree murder of her husband Troy Huffman. She pleaded guilty in Lawrence County Circuit Court on April 3 to murder, robbery, unlawful use of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aurora police investigating homicides in Missouri and Arkansas after woman turns herself in She had earlier waived her right to counsel and her Miranda rights to remain silent. The range of punishments to which she could be sentenced include life in prison for first-degree murder and one to seven years for each of the other counts. According to court documents, Santiago arrived at the Aurora Police and Fire facility on Jan. 23 to tell officers she had killed Huffman. When they arrived at the apartment, they found Huffman dead. Aurora Marionville Police Department Chief Wes Coatney says that Santiago shot Huffman several times with a .38 caliber revolver and that a child was inside the home at the time of the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents go on to say Santiago also disclosed to police that she had driven to Arkansas earlier and shot two additional people, including the biological father of one of her children, who was also home at the time of the shooting. Police have also seized the gun they believe Santiago used in the incidents, according to AMPD and there is no ongoing threat to the Aurora or Marionville community. In Arkansas, the Carroll County Sheriffs Office said deputies located a male and a female victim at a residence. The male was transported to the hospital in serious condition. The female was pronounced dead. During the post-Miranda interview, Santiago told police she invited Huffman to her residence for the sole reason of killing him and then stealing his car. She admitted to police she drove Huffmans car to Carroll County to kill Huffmans estranged lover and her current lover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santiago is not yet charged with the Arkansas shootings. The man who was shot but survived there is identified in court papers as NG. Family members of the woman killed said her name was Sophia Williams. Ozarks First will report on sentencing in June and will continue to pursue details on the Arkansas shooting when charges are filed in that state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. MELBOURNE, Australia Australian military leaders are scrambling to cobble together fresh air defense capabilities, as Chinas missile arsenal is growing and Beijings warships have started showing up in Australasia. Global companies offered weaponry to that end at the recent Avalon International Airshow, held near Melbourne in late March. For now it appears that military leaders are prizing sensors over interceptors in what will be Australias future network of weapons for defending would-be targets in a conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air Vice-Marshal Nick Hogan, head of Air Force Capability, acknowledged that an integrated, medium-range air defense capability has been delayed. Whats most important to us is seeing and sensing first, so getting the command and control right first, and then getting the kinetics that might be required to effect anything coming towards us, he told Defense News at the Avalon event. Hogan was referring primarily to Project Air 6500, which is slowly delivering an integrated air battle management system. One lesson from Ukraine is the need for air defense, and Hogan said Australia was learning from evolutions seen globally. However, Australia currently owns only NASAMS batteries and three air-warfare destroyers. Australias only land-based air defense capability comes from recently inducted NASAMS missile batteries. (Gordon Arthur/staff) While major Australian cities and military bases are often on coasts, there are simply not enough ships to protect them all. Furthermore, it is likely the U.S. will demand an air defense umbrella to protect a nuclear submarine base being established in Western Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defence Strategic Review of 2023 urged acceleration of medium-range and high-speed missile defenses, with authors lamenting the low priority placed on integrated air and missile defense. Instead of pursuing a long-term, near-perfect solution at unaffordable cost, the review said the government must allocate sufficient resources to the Chief of Air Force to deliver the initial capability in a timely way. According to Hogan, ground-based defenses may not be the ideal solution for Australia. When you have a limited inventory, you want to be able to be as flexible as possible, so that might be using maritime stocks on land, it might be using land stocks in the maritime domain, he said. There are many options to go forward. What were trying to do is make sure, where possible, we can get the biggest return on investment using sovereign capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about a timeline for implementation, Hogan said: As soon as we can practically make it happen. Potential solutions, such as Raytheons Patriot and systems from Israel and South Korea, were being promoted at Avalon Airshow 2025. Officials have also begun addressing an Australian weakness in countering drones, albeit at a limited level. Last year, Anduril Australia signed a three-year deal to trial a counter-drone capability at RAAF Base Darwin in the north, but this is an isolated step forward. Nonetheless, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, Chief of Air Force, said: Were investing in our northern base infrastructure, including the ability to passively defend, use deception, be able to recover, be able to agilely move forces around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardened aircraft shelters are no longer part of the equation. That was a fantastic concept for its day, but probably its day has passed, Chappell said. Were already working with our civilian sector and our industry sectors in the northern half of Australia using non-military airfields to land, refuel and, in the future, rearm, combat aircraft or other aircraft in order to regenerate airpower from non-military bases. A recent report by the U.S.-based Hudson Institute think tank assessed that as few as ten missiles, each with a warhead spraying cluster munitions over a 450-foot diameter, could neutralize all aircraft parked in the open at various key U.S. bases. Australias situation is no different. Likewise, loitering munitions could easily penetrate regular aircraft shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz, Air Commander Australia, argued the air service is very deliberate about our passive efforts to protect bases. As threats evolve, and warfare evolves, wed seek to have layers of defense systems that wed want to have in place, Braz said. But were very much training our teams to fight the network of bases as a system. Meanwhile, officials used the the Avalon airshow to provide an assessment of key aerial platforms in the pipeline. They had good things to say about the influx of F-35s, the fifth-generation warplane made by Lockheed Martin. We had the last nine aircraft arrive in December, so were thrilled to have our 72 F-35s with us in Australia across our three operational squadrons, the training unit and integrated training center, Chappell told Defense News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, the RAAF continues testing of Boeing Defence Australias MQ-28A Ghost Bat unmanned aircraft. Hogan said he is very pleased with progress. This year were going to demonstrate the capabilities of the platform over a number of activities, Hogan said. Well test all of the payloads weve planned for potential use on the platform, with the exception of it being armed. Thats one that remains in our thinking, but were going to focus on other payloads first. Competition for the Ghost Bat is brewing under Project Air 6015, where the RAAF will make recommendations to government on the way forward for collaborative combat aircraft, probably by years end. Hogan said the MQ-28A will be a very strong contender in any options we take forward to government. Regardless, Anduril believes its YFQ-44A Fury stands a chance. The American company displayed a full-sized model of the aircraft at the Avalon show. By Alasdair Pal and Jill Gralow MOSS VALE, Australia (Reuters) - At a cattle auction in Australia's lush Southern Highlands, an auctioneer shouts from a gantry over the din of nearly 2,000 cows waiting to be bought. Prospective owners in felted hats bid up prices with a nod of the head, and business is brisk, despite U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday imposing a 10% import tariff on Australian goods and singling out the country's beef exports for criticism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australian beef farmers, traders and industry groups said on Thursday they would pass on the extra costs of U.S. tariffs to the American consumer, pushing up the prices of hamburgers and steaks. "The effect on our market here today ... we haven't seen it," said Dhugald McDowall, of livestock agency Elders Cleary McDowall, at the Southern Regional Livestock Exchange in Moss Vale, around two hours by road from Sydney. "It does make the commodity that's going into America a lot dearer for their own consumers. So I think in the short term, it could be quite detrimental to the U.S. economy." Australia exports beef worth a record A$4 billion ($2.52 billion) annually to the United States - its largest market - while banning U.S. fresh beef products since 2003 due to the detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, known as mad cow disease, in U.S. cattle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That has drawn the ire of Trump, who said on Thursday Australia "won't take any of our beef" as he announced tariffs on the country. PRIZED BEEF Australian beef is prized by U.S. fast food chains for its lower fat content, which is combined with fattier U.S. beef to produce hamburgers with the ideal fat content. Under regulations from United States Department of Agriculture, hamburgers and ground beef cannot have a fat content of more than 30%. Garry Edwards, chair of Cattle Australia, an industry trade body, said Australian producers had seen some short-term disruption to U.S. exports in recent weeks while waiting for details on tariffs, but buyers there would ultimately be forced to pay up for Australian beef. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are completely reliant on our grass-fed beef and some of our high quality grain-finished beef to meet their requirements of their domestic consumers," he said. "I can't imagine that the American consumer is going to like paying more for their burgers or their steaks for the foreseeable future." The industry's presence in the American fast-food supply chain has been used as a negotiating tactic by the Australian government. Australia trade minister Don Farrell said last month higher tariffs on beef could push up the price of McDonald's hamburgers. Trump's support of the chain featured prominently in his electoral campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livestock agent McDowall noted Australia had been given an identical tariff to export rival Brazil, the world's largest beef exporter, as well as Argentina, which together with Australia and the United States comprise the world's four largest beef exporters. "So we're all at 10%, it really doesn't change anything," he said. Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday the government would provide support to industries impacted by the U.S. tariffs to sell into alternative markets. "America's not the only market," said James Fitzpatrick, a cattle farmer at the auction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's a worldwide market out there." ($1 = 1.5860 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Alasdair Pal, Jill Gralow and James Redmayne in Moss Vale and Cordelia Hsu in Sydney; editing by Barbara Lewis) VIENNA (Reuters) -Austria will close two smaller crossings at its border with Slovakia and 21 at its border with Hungary from Saturday, in a bid to prevent foot-and-mouth disease from entering the country, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday. The first outbreak of the highly infectious disease in 50 years in Hungary led the country on Wednesday to deploy soldiers and launch disinfection measures to contain it in an area bordering Slovakia and Austria. The disease, which poses no danger to humans, mostly affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals like swine, sheep and goats, causing fever and mouth blisters. Outbreaks often lead to trade restrictions and culls of some livestock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slovakia declared an emergency situation on Tuesday after the disease was found on three farms. To strengthen efforts aimed at preventing the disease from reaching Austria, the country will focus its police resources at those borders on its main crossings, the ministry said in a statement. "So as not to undermine these police checks, we ask you to understand that we cannot provide further details, particularly the times, staffing levels, form of checks etc at the various locations," the ministry said. (Reporting by Francois MurphyEditing by Bernadette Baum) CLEVELAND (WJW) A Cleveland nurse indicted in the death of an 84-year-old nursing home patient, who was found unresponsive outside the facility in winter, nine hours after she went missing, appeared in court on Thursday. Amber Henderson was employed as a nurse at the Avenue at Warrensville Care and Rehabilitation Center, which had been caring for 84-year-old Alvera Meuti, the FOX 8 I-Team reported in March. Dad sues Madison Local Schools, claiming son was punished for Lets Go Brandon shirt A Warrensville Heights police reported obtained by I-Team showed the woman was last seen by a nurse at 8:40 p.m. on Dec. 23, but police were not notified of her disappearance for nine hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meuti was found on a patio outside the facility on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. She died later at a hospital. Dropped doughnut contributes to 3-car crash on Rock Creek Road in Thompson: OSHP Henderson was indicted in March by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on charges of involuntary manslaughter, patient neglect and tampering with records, to which she pleaded not guilty on Thursday. A judge set Hendersons bond at $2,500. She was also ordered not to have contact with the victims family. Henderson is due back in court on April 10. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. A man who coordinated and ordered the murder of a police informant while still in prison was sentenced to an additional 42.75 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and participating in a criminal street gang. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office said 41-year-old Jonathan Peterson used a smuggled cell phone to orchestrate an "execution-style" murder of police informant Juan Raygoza in October 2017. The Attorney's Office said Peterson colluded with accomplices who were outside prison to lure Raygoza to the area where he was killed. The Attorney's Office said two of the accomplices were also executed after Raygoza's murder while another accomplice was targeted to be killed. Investigators analyzed cellphone use, accomplice statements, recorded jail and prison calls along with ballistics evidence, according to the Attorney's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peterson received the sentence on top of the 24-year sentence he was serving since 2008. He was originally scheduled to be released in 2029. This defendant murdered an individual for cooperating with law enforcementan act that was meant to intimidate and silence others, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a statement. "No matter how clever criminals believe they are, this conviction sends a clear messagewe will track them down and hold them accountable, no matter where they are." The Chandler Police Department led a multiagency investigation into several crimes including a series of armed bank robberies, drug trafficking, extortion operations and other gang-related activities, all from the same prison gang group, the Attorney's Office said. Additional agencies involved included the Mesa, Glendale, Phoenix, and Surprise police departments, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at perry.vandell@gannett.com or 480-341-9433. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PerryVandell. (This story has been updated to add more information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Jonathan Peterson, who ordered murder from AZ prison, gets 42 years HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) A 73-year-old had his bail denied after being arrest and charged with raping a teenage girl from 2021 to 2024. Eugene Rowles, 73 (Huntingdon County Prison) Eugene Charles Rowles, of Todd, was arrested after a girl, now 18, came forward April 1, about Rowles allegedly raping her starting when she was 14. According to the criminal complaint, the girl told state police that Rowles would sexually assault her in a garage and at his residence. She alleged that everyone thought Rowles was a nice guy and she was scared to tell anyone or to tell him no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl alleged Rowles would use sexual devices and make her watch sex videos. According to charging documents, she was able to tell police where he kept the devices, VHS tapes of sex videos, an air mattress and enhancement pills. While executing a search warrant, troopers said they located all of the listed items as described as well as finding a key to the locked cabinet, exactly where the girl told them. Rowles has been charged with 10 felonies including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with someone under 16, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors and related charges. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. Bail was denied for Rowles, citing that no money could ensure the victims or communitys safety. He was placed in Huntingdon County Prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. (This story has been updated with a new photo.) The Army has identified the fourth soldier who died during a training in Lithuania as a 28-year-old man from Battle Creek. Although we are relieved to have found all our Dogface Soldiers, it does not make the pain of their loss any less, said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Inf. Div. commanding general. We will continue to care for and support the Soldiers Families and loved ones as we bring them home and honor their memory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The soldier was identified as Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins. Knutson-Collins, Jose Duenez Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois and Edvin Franco, 25 of Glendale, California, were all posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant. Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam, also died in the training. Their M88A2 Hercules was reported missing March 25 during a recovery mission in support of regularly scheduled training at Pabrade, Lithuania. Three soldiers and the vehicle was dug out of a peat bog Monday by U.S., Polish and Lithuanian armed forces. The Army said the fourth soldier was recovered Tuesday. Words cannot express how deeply this loss is felt by everyone in our unit, said Capt. Jackson Patillo, commander, Foxtrot Company, 1st Bn., 41st FAR. Staff Sgt. Troy Collins was an exceptional friend to all of us and an irreplaceable member to our entire Fox family that we will truly miss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knutson-Collins was an artillery mechanic with more than seven years in the Army. He arrived at Fort Stewart, Georgia in February 2018 and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment. According to the Army, Knutson-Collins graduated from the Army Basic Leader Course, the Advanced Leaders Course, the Tracked Vehicle Recovery Operations course, and the Combat Lifesaver course. He deployed to Korea in 2020. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Master Technician Badge. The pain we feel from this loss is insurmountable, said Lt. Col. Erick Buckner, 1st Bn., 41st FAR commander. Staff Sgt. Knutson-Collins was well loved throughout our unit and a brother to all. He was an expert, an incredibly talented mechanic and a warrior. We will never forget his dedication to his unit, his family and his country. Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Battle Creek soldier dies in U.S. Army training accident in Lithuania Chinese int'l rescue team continues operations in Myanmar's Mandalay Xinhua) 08:22, April 03, 2025 Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) A member of the China international search and rescue team carries out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) October 17, 2024. An angry businesswoman sends an email to Spanish Customs. Her name is Vilma Janet Aguila, and she is the owner of Abadix Fruits, a company based in Alicante supposedly specializing in importing fruit from South America. How can it be that on average containers spend 2-4 weeks at the port after arrival. Were talking about perishable fruit (NOT NAILS OR SCREWS). When the fruit gets to our clients, over ripe, they dont pay us what was agreed upon, because the quality doesnt correspond to what was negotiated, she writes in the email, in which she goes out of her way to appear indignant and announces that she is giving up on collecting the cargo of container TCLU1210545, which had arrived in Algeciras a few days earlier: WE CANT TAKE THIS SITUATION ANYMORE! she complains in capital letters in the text, co-signed by her partner, Jose Miguel Berenguer. The email sent by Vilma Janet Aguila, according to the case opened in an Algeciras court following the interception of the container, to which EL PAIS had access. In reality, according to Spains National Police, the complainants cared little about the bananas in that container. According to investigators, when the couple sent that email, their main objective was to try to disassociate themselves from the other merchandise hidden among the fruit, since they already knew that the authorities had found it and were monitoring it, waiting for someone to come and collect it: 13 tons of cocaine, the largest haul of the drug seized in the history of Spain. Its starting to get boring, commented one officer during the bale count. At the time, the two had already guessed what was coming their way, as had their supposed boss. The trail of this stash closes the circle of one of the most high-profile anti-drug operations in Spain in recent years. Investigators have put together many of the pieces of the puzzle, leading from the owners of Abadix Fruits to the Spaniard Ignacio Toran, who has been accused of drug trafficking since the 1990s and whom investigators now place at the top (at least in Spain) of a criminal network dedicated to importing cocaine from South America. Toran also allegedly employed Oscar Sanchez, the head of the National Polices Economic and Financial Crimes Unit (UDEF), who was arrested last November with nearly 20 million ($22 million) stashed in his office and home (much of which was hidden inside walls). The Algeciras shipment, whose market value could exceed 700 million ($772 miilion), highlights the roles each defendant played and the vast sums of money they handled. The Ecuadorian company Quality-Ecuatoriana SA sent the container carrying the drugs. It was supposed to be received by Abadix Fruits, a front company headed by Vilma Janet Aguila and Jose Miguel Berenguer, who worked under the orders of Toran, who was actually responsible for the drug shipment, according to police reports. The network also had the support of Oscar Sanchez, who entered key terms into police databases that allowed him to find out if other units were investigating any of his co-conspirators among many others, he had registered the terms Abadix and Berenguer in the system. Whats more, Internal Affairs maintains that, after the container containing 13,000 kilos of cocaine was intercepted in the city of Cadiz, Sanchez tipped off the gang, which facilitated the escape of Aguila and Berenguer. On the left of both images, Vilma Janet Aguila; and on the right, Jose Miguel Berenguer, captured by security cameras in a Madrid hotel last October. In fact, the investigation reveals the fundamental role played by the chief inspector, who learned of the containers seizure at 4 p.m., just minutes after it was opened. This is evidenced by two videos of the intercepted merchandise found on his cell phone. At that moment, days of turmoil began for the police officer, who for the first time since his alleged collaboration with Toran began in 2019, saw something spiraling out of his control. Shortly before 6 p.m., one of his subordinates called him. Theres a lot of cocaine coming out, his deputy inspector said. The method Sanchez used to protect members of the organization consisted of entering names, phone numbers, and container numbers into police databases. If another investigative unit also entered them into the system, the chief inspector would receive an alert and could inform his partners. Sanchez had registered the 13-ton container on October 7, a week before it was opened. In conversation with his sub-inspectors, he was particularly interested in whether the one opened was the one destined for Abadix Fruits in Alicante. Both his subordinate and his superior mentioned several times that they were unaware that this container was going to be inspected, since the initiative to analyze the cargo had come from Customs Surveillance. For this reason, it had escaped Sanchezs control. The container that housed the largest stash of cocaine ever seized in Spain, at the time of its opening. During this flurry of calls, Sanchez also spoke with his superior at the Madrid Provincial Brigade. The latter informed him that he had spoken with the Central Narcotics Brigade and that they, along with Customs, had taken charge of the inspection and controlled delivery of the merchandise. Sanchez was outraged because his colleagues at the Central Narcotics Brigade hadnt entered the container number into the databases and, therefore, he hadnt been aware of the coincidence. This was his mechanism for warning his co-conspirators if they were going to be arrested. Sanchezs wrath continued the next day, when he spoke again with his superintendent about his colleagues at the Central Brigade: Theyve interfered in a very dirty way. Sanchezs two cell phones were a source of back-and-forth conversation. Two days after the container was examined, he informed Toran that the shipment had been discovered because there had been a tip-off from Ecuador the same day. Toran replied that it could have been the three letters, referring to the DEA, and practically demanded proof from Sanchez that the leak had come from Ecuador. The rise of cocaine The investigation into container TCLU1210545, initially filed in an Algeciras court and to which EL PAIS had access, also sheds more light on a part of the shadowy drug trade that has authorities playing catch up. Three factors converge in these investigations that have set off alarm bells in recent years: the rise of cocaine trafficking (the Public Prosecutors Office has warned that seizures have multiplied and that Spain ranks third in Europe in terms of the largest amount of cocaine entering); the role of ports as the main entry route for this narcotic; and the involvement of corrupt police officers, for sale to the highest bidder. To make matters worse, the route used is not surprising. In its latest report, the Prosecutors Office highlighted the importance of the port of Guayaquil as a cocaine exit point for Europe and, at the same time, focused on the Cadiz facility as one of the main entry points for the illicit merchandise, along with the ports of Valencia and Barcelona. Some of the packages containing the 13 tons of cocaine intercepted in Algeciras, according to the indictment. Specifically, members of the gang led by Toran had previously used the port of Algeciras for their schemes. In several reports, agents emphasize that another container with 1.6 tons of cocaine was intercepted there in May 2021, traveling hidden in a container carrying pineapples in the name of the company Trapani Export. Jose Luis Lopez Rodrigo, who works under Torans orders, was identified as the person behind this partnership, and that shipment was also linked to Alejandro Salgado, alias El Tigre, a Spanish drug trafficker based in Dubai. Investigators were unable to capture Lopez Rodrigo at the time because, they maintain, Sanchez was already operating under the organizations tutelage and tipped him off, allowing him to escape. Lopez Rodrigo remained wanted for a year, until he turned himself in to the police in 2022 and was released. On November 8, 2024, he was arrested and finally remanded in prison. This situation left Trapani Export burned, and Abadix Fruits replaced it as the main vehicle for the organization led by Toran to introduce cocaine shipments into Spain, according to a resolution signed by Judge Francisco de Jorge, head of the Central Investigation Court 1 of the Spanish High Court, which is investigating Torans criminal group and its ties to the head of the UDEF. The members of the plot had set up Abadix Fruits in 2018. Vilma Janet Aguila was listed as its main partner, with 98% of the shares. Her sister Flor Celina owned 2%. Jose Miguel Berenguer, Aguilas husband, was the main salesperson. The couple were normal people, as Toran himself described them, having allegedly recruited them in 2018. During the police surveillance carried out on them in 2024, they were barely seen leaving their villa in El Campello (Alicante), except to take their daughter to school. Drug trafficking organizations use fruit and vegetable companies to mask their illegal activities because they have established shipping routes and go more or less unnoticed at customs due to their prior experience, while tropical fruits are the most commonly imported product from Latin America in Spain. In the intercepted conversations, Berenguer appears to be a dutiful employee to his boss, Toran. At your disposal, Whatever you say, dont worry, the fake businessman is heard telling the networks leader in a 2020 conversation. From left, Oscar Sanchez and Ignacio Toran, during one of their encounters captured by investigators. In the days following the seizure of the cocaine, the organization was paranoid because they had just lost a lot of money on their big heist, which they had been planning for months. Berenguer gave Toran his daughters phone number to look after her, in anticipation of arrest or flight. Hes too imaginative, its not like hes going to Guantanamo, the chief inspector downplayed. However, Toran expressed concern about Berenguers possible arrest: Theres nothing we can do now. What a mess. Lets see if he behaves. Im worried, Sanchez responded, referring to the possibility that Berenguer might reveal information to the police. October 24 was the day scheduled for the arrests of Berenguer and Aguila, but thanks to a tip-off from the organization, they had already fled. When the police arrived at one of their homes, they encountered two of Berenguers brothers, who lived nearby. One of them told the officers that he hadnt spoken to his relative for years. I knew the pineapples didnt earn them that much... the same brother commented on the couples luxurious lifestyle. Berenguer and Aguila remained on the run until they turned themselves in to the police in March. Toran's preventive jail order annulled Investigating Judge Francisco de Jorge remanded Ignacio Toran in custody following his arrest last November, but the Criminal Chamber recently accepted an appeal seeking to annul the decision. The court believes his rights were violated because the judge failed to provide his lawyer with the "essential elements" of the charges against him as the case was sealed under a secret summary order at the time, preventing him from properly defending himself. BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) Four members of the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office formally received promotions at a ceremony Wednesday. In front of their families, friends, colleagues, and coworkers, Captain Tyler Jenkins, Chief Deputy Pete Golden, Major Patrick Burk, and Undersheriff Hollie Anderson received their new ranks. Each had a family member pin on their new badge before they spoke about what the promotion and being a member of BCSO meant to them. Jury hears victim testimony, second trial continues for former APD officer accused of false imprisonment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the promotion to undersheriff, Anderson became the highest-ranking female in the departments history. I just dont want to focus on her gender. Its her qualifications and the leadership skills that she has. But its also very important for women and females. Make sure that other people that were recruiting, they can now see where Hollie is at in her position and that they can also stand in her place and be a leader also, said BCSO Sheriff John Allen. Allen took Anderson out of retirement in January 2023, asking her to join his top brass as a Major. Anderson spoke at the ceremony and explained she had taken a year off from law enforcement after spending nearly two decades with the Albuquerque Police Department. The native New Mexican started in the Aviation department before serving in APDs homicide unit and then receiving a promotion to sergeant. The sheriff said he could not ask for a better person to fill the role. The undersheriff position has been vacant since Feb. 23, 2025, when Sheriff Allen requested Johann Jareno resign after learning the FBI interviewed Jareno in connection to the DWI dismissal scheme. The massive public corruption case involves officers from around the metro taking bribes from an Albuquerque law firm to make drunk-driving cases disappear. Jareno served in BCSOs DWI unit from December 2011 until October 2019. The sheriff appointed him undersheriff when he took office in January 2023. At the time of this publication, Jareno has not been criminally charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I told everybody that I was coming here to battle corruption. What I did not know is that it was right beside me, and I have to keep dealing with that and moving forward. Thats why I put Hollie into position. Total trust in her. Its a great and positive day for us. We got to keep moving, Allen said. He currently has one deputy, Jeffry Bartram, on paid administrative leave. Allen said thats connected to an internal investigation regarding the DWI scheme. Former BCSO deputy Jeffrey Hammerel admitted to his role and took a plea deal in late February. Related Coverage Look, we all know that everybody is talking about the DWI scandal and everything else that goes on in law enforcement. I want to make sure that the public and the community that we serve knows that that will not stop us in our tracks, Allen said. We will do the investigation and cooperate with anybody that we need to. But we have a mission for the community to do, and thats to keep people safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Midland Crime Stoppers is asking for the publics help identifying two suspects who allegedly stuffed eight steaks into their purse and walked out of H-E-B without paying earlier this month. According to officials, the theft occurred around 7:30 p.m. on March 4 at a Midland HEB. A man and woman were seen concealing the steaks, valued at $166.75, inside a purse while inside the store. They then left without attempting to pay. The pair exited the scene in what police described as a silver 2005 Hyundai four-door passenger car. The incident is being investigated as a misdemeanor theft under case number 250304030. Midland Crime Stoppers says anyone who provides the first tip leading to an arrest or case resolution will be eligible for a cash reward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 694-TIPS, using the P3 Tips mobile app, or visiting 694tips.com. No caller ID is ever used, and tipsters will not be asked to identify themselves. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) Beef tallow, the edible fat from cattle, is in demand from American restaurants and consumers as a replacement for seed oils and even as a skin moisturizer. However, Americans searching for the trendy nutrient-dense fat might find it difficult to find as demand has increased but not supply. Beauty influencers are raving online about how it moisturizes skin and adds flavor to foods, but some farmers and health advocates say seed oils are needlessly getting a bad rap and maintain they are healthy unsaturated fats that help maintain good cholesterol levels and heart health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic states sue to stop billions in public health funding cuts Beef tallow a saturated fat is made of melted-down fatty tissue from cattle. Given all the publicity its getting, its important to remember the issue of supply and demand. According to the USDA, soybeans are the largest US agricultural export to China, valued at over $12 billion last year. Additionally, the USDA said the United States produced roughly 1 billion pounds of edible beef. Some agricultural experts are concerned there will not be enough beef tallow to accommodate consumers. ACLU sues Trump administration over NIH grant cancellations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The influx in beef tallow popularity is partially due to food activists and Make America Healthy Again moms like influencer Vani Hari, also known by her social media handle Food Babe, who have argued against seed oils along with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hari said that the consumers have to make the demand in order for the food industry to adjust to their requests. This happened to me when I asked Chick-fil-A to go antibiotic-free, theyre like, well, theres just not enough antibiotic-free chicken, Hari said. No, if you demand your suppliers move this way, they will move. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BELLBROOK, Ohio (WDTN) One family in Bellbrook is glad no one was hurt after a tree fell on top of their house during Wednesdays severe storms. Storms left the Miami Valley early Thursday morning, but it left scenes of devastation in its wake throughout the area. What to do if a tree falls on your house during severe weather For the Schweickarts, who have lived at their home on Brookwood Drive for 37 years, the whole experience has left them shocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a room that was damaged right there. It didnt hit any of the other parts of the house, said Jodie Schweickart, homeowner. Jodie Schweickart was in her home, keeping track of the storm on the TV last night, just like many others in the Miami Valley. But around 1 a.m., her night changed entirely. There was just this big boom and the house shook and the windows shook, said Schweickart. Initially, she thought it was just thunder, but thats when her neighbor came and knocked on her door, informing her that a tree on their property had just fallen on top of her home. He told me about the tree and I came out, couldnt see much, said Schweickart. And then our ceilings are leaking in the back room and the whole ceiling collapsed in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she entered the room the tree fell on, wood and insulation were sticking out of the ceiling. Inside the house, the ceiling collapsed. And you could see the tree actually coming through the ceiling, said Schweickart. The family then called the Bellbrook Fire Department, who were able to come help remove the tree from the top of the home and tarp up the damage. Now, the family is working to make sure the home is secure. My son-in-law just called the restoration company to come out and recheck the structure of the building, said Schweickart. Schweickart and her husband have called this house their home for 37 years, and have resided in Bellbrook for a majority of their life. It see it damaged like this is scary to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was living in Bellbrook when the 74 tornado went through, said Schweickart. So I just never thought it would happen. You think it never will happen to you until it does. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) Bernalillo County held a groundbreaking ceremony for Fire Station 36, which is near Osuna and Edith. The energy-efficient facility will be powered in part by an on-site solar energy system and house New Mexicos first electric fire truck. The new station will replace the aging structure on nearby Bear Canyon Road. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building will include 12 bunks, four apparatus bays, showers, a day room, a kitchen, essential support services and a community outreach building. The project cost is approximately $15.8 million, funded through Bernalillo County general funds, public safety bonds, fire impact fees, and state grants. Work is expected to be completed by December of 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." On August 4, 1944, members of the German Sicherheitsdienst, in tandem with Dutch Nazis, carried out a raid on a building at Prinsengracht 263-267 in Amsterdam. The Jewish people found hiding within were arrested and shipped off to concentration camps. It was a scene not dissimilar to many others that had occurred throughout the country. As the National World War II Museum notes: Of the nearly 30,000 Jewish people in hiding in the Netherlands, around 12,000 were arrested and sent to prison or concentration camps. Some were betrayed by neighbors and paid informants, while others were discovered by police raids. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank $22.89 at amazon.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason the August 4 raid is known to even people with a cursory education in Holocaust history is due to one of the families caught in that raid: that of German-born businessman Otto Frank. His teenage daughter Anne Frank had been keeping a journal of their time in hiding that would ultimately be published as The Diary of a Young Girl, perhaps the most widely read firsthand account of the Nazi persecution of Jews in Europe. Annes chronicling of her familys time stowed away in a small portion of the Amsterdam office building they had dubbed the Secret Annex began on her 13th birthday and spanned two years. Her diary blended observations about the world, both within those walls and out, alongside her own internal ruminations that were at times hopeful or despairing. After the raid, Anne, Otto, and the rest of the Frank family were first brought to Camp Westerbrook then to Auschwitz, where Otto was separated from his wife and daughters. He wouldnt see them alive again. Anne and her sister, Margot, died of a typhus outbreak at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in the spring of 1945. Otto, the familys sole survivor, later published Annes diary in 1947. By then, Otto was already seeking out answers, answers he would never find, answers that still allude historians to this day. Who exactly betrayed Anne Frank and the other Jews hiding away in The Secret Annex, condemning many of them to death? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it turns out, the lack of answers might be a matter of asking the wrong question. Otto Frank believed a warehouse worker was the betrayer Getty Images The man Otto Frank most fervently suspected of selling out the residents of the Secret Annex was Willem van Maaren, a laborer who worked on the premises of Prinsengracht 263 from March 1943 to June 1945. Otto wasnt the only member of the Frank family to view van Maaren with suspicion, either. Years before the raid, Anne mentioned van Maaren in her diary, including a rather foreboding entry on September 16, 1943: Another fact that doesnt exactly brighten up our days is that Mr. van Maaren, the man who works in the warehouse, is getting suspicious about the Annex[] We wouldnt care what Mr. van Maaren thought of the situation except that hes known to be unreliable and to possess a high degree of curiosity. Hes not one who can be put off with a flimsy excuse. In a novel, like the kind young Anne had hoped to write when she was older, the reader might take such comments as foreshadowing. Theres a temptation for those who read the diary to do the same. But as the Anne Frank House points out, despite suspicion, no actual evidence was found of van Maarens guilt. In 1947, Otto Frank and the helpers filed a complaint against him with the political police on suspicion of betrayal, they summarize. However, the investigation did not prove his guilt. Van Maaren fought the accusations and rejected a settlement. The Subdistrict Court dismissed the complaint. Other theories point to a Dutch Nazi and a known Jewish informant Getty Images The Anne Frank House devotes a whole section of its website to the van Maaren accusations and other allegations that havent been sufficiently substantiated. The museum notes, for example, that Dutch Nazi Tonny Ahlers has been suggested as a possible betrayer. When Ahlers purpotedly found out that Otto Frank had spoken negatively about the German war effort, he reportedly pressured Frank and extracted money from him. Biographer Carol Ann Lee put forward Ahlers as having turned in the Franks, but the Anne Frank House notes that there is no indication that Ahlers knew about people in hiding in the Secret Annex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museum offers a similar rebuff to the assertion made by journalist Sytze van der Zee that the traitor was Ans van Dijk, a Jewish woman who, after being arrested, was given the choice between deportation and helping the authorities track down other Jews. Van Dijk did indeed help Nazi authorities capture over 100 (some suggest as many as 700) Jews while pretending to offer them hiding places. For her crimes, van Dijk was sentenced to death by the Special Court in Amsterdam and executed by firing squad on January 14, 1948. But there is no substantial evidence van Dijk had anything to do with the Frank familys capture, and the Anne Frank House notes the books that have proposed her as the betrayer are based on post-war memories that were written down even later by third parties, making those claims entirely unverifiable. Findings of a 2022 investigation were quickly discredited Headlines were made in 2022 when a team of investigators, including an ex-FBI agent, claimed to have used modern investigative techniques such as computer algorithms to search for connections in order to determine just who betrayed the Frank family. Their shocking conclusion was that the Secret Annex had been brought to Nazi attention by Arnold van den Bergh, a Jewish resident of Amsterdam. As the BBC noted in January 2022, the team claimed that van den Bergh gave up the Franks to save his own family. Their conclusion offered more than one shocking revelation, however. The team said it had struggled with the revelation that another Jewish person was probably the betrayer, the January BBC article wrote. But it also found evidence suggesting Otto Frank, Annes father, may himself have known that and kept it secret. The issue wasnt a long unsolved mystery, their conclusion asserted, but rather a conspiracy to cover up the truth that it had actually been a fellow Jew who betrayed the Franks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim was as audacious as it was specious. Not long after the conclusion was made public, in a book titled The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation, historians emerged to speak out against what they decried as an amateurish investigation. By March 2022, as the BBC reported, a team of World War Two experts and historians declared that there is not any serious evidence for this grave accusation. The book was roundly discredited, pulled by its Dutch publisher, and ultimately dropped by its intended English publisher as well. Were the Franks betrayed at all? Some of the individuals who had a hand in the Franks discovery have been known for decades. In 1945, Otto identified two of the Dutch policemen who had been involved in their arrests, Gezinus Gringhuis and Willem Grootendorst. By 1946, SS member Karl Silberbauer had been identified as well. None of those men ended up serving their initial sentences, and Silberbauer was actually recruited by West Germany to infiltrate communist organizations later in life. Given these undeniable participants, why do so many people still search for who betrayed Anne Frank? Certainly, the young diarists enduring legacy has contributed to the fascination. However, a 2016 study by the Anne Frank House suggests the Franks might not have had a betrayer at all and that the raid on 263 Prinsengracht might not have initially intended to find hidden Jews. Study author Gertjan Broek, a historical researcher at the museum, found that compared to an ordinary case of betrayal... [the Franks] account contains a number of striking aspects. Broek highlights the length of the search, more than two hours, as being longer than necessary for rounding up betrayed Jews in hiding. Among other inconsistencies was the fact that Gringhuis was working as an economic fraud investigator at the time of the raid, meaning he wasnt primarily focused on finding Jews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the parts of the building beyond the Secret Annex, other activities took place, including illegal work and fraud with ration coupons, all of which could have caught the attention of the Sicherheitsdienst (SD). As the museum notes in its summary of the study, it is possible that the SD searched the building because of this illegal work and fraud with ration coupons, and that the SD investigators discovered Anne Frank and the seven others in hiding simply by chance. You Might Also Like Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) brought over 1,000 students and academic advisers from across Iowa to the Doubletree Hilton Convention Center in Cedar Rapids from March 30 to April 1. The annual FBLA conference brings career and technical education (CTE) students together to compete in over 100 competitive events. Students attended learning sessions with industry leaders and elected a state student officer team. The State Leadership Conference is a way to highlight the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom and apply them in real world scenarios and case studies. (Left to Right) Preston Tennant, Connor Wehr, Olivia Keninger, Sreya Alla, Delainey Sullivan, Kelly Le and Winston Shaner (BCSD) (Left to Right) Connor Wehr, Preston Tennant, Delainey Sullivan, Winston Shaner, Olivia Keninger, Sreya Alla and Kelly Le (BCSD) Seven students from Bettendorf High School attended and competed in several business and entrepreneurship competitive events. Six students became national qualifiers after getting passed in the first round, to the delight of their advisors Sarah Roeder, Mark Pisel and Angie Mojeiko. Sreya Alla (BCSD) Bettendorf had a student who ran for state office for FBLA this year. Sreya Alla gave a campaign speech and ran an informational booth to convince voters to choose her as the next Iowa FBLA State Secretary. The members of Iowa FBLA voted for her as the next secretary for Iowa FBLA. This is the second time a state officer was chosen from Bettendorf in the last six years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are so proud of our student members, who have been working diligently to prepare for the State Leadership Conference, said Angie Mojeiko, Bettendorf FBLA adviser. They impressed industry leaders with their mastery of competitive event subjects, made powerful new connections with students around Iowa, and demonstrated their readiness to enter the workforce. Award winners include: 1st place Help Desk, Sreya Alla 1st place Intro to Business Communications, Sreya Alla 2nd place Hospitality & Event Planning, Olivia Keninger & Kelly Le 3rd place Vocabulary Relay, Connor Wehr, Preston Tennant & Winston Shaner 4th place Intro to Business Concepts, Preston Tennant 4th place T-shirt Design, Sreya Alla & Delainey Sullivan 4th place Marketing, Connor Wehr & Preston Tennant 4th place Social Media Strategies, Sreya Alla, Olivia Keninger, & Delainey Sullivan 6th place T-shirt Design, Olivia Keninger & Kelly Le 8th place Broadcast Journalism, Delainey Sullivan 8th place Advertising, Delainey Sullivan 8th place, Visual Design Connor Wehr & Kelly Le Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. When Los Angeles residents voted last year to implement the citys nearly decade-old mobility plan, transportation safety advocates called it a win for Los Angeless pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Sidewalks would improve, traffic congestion would slow and bike lanes and bus lanes would be upgraded and built. But the scope of Measure HLA the citywide initiative to follow through on what L.A. City Council had adopted in 2015 has been at the center of a recent debate between advocates and Metro after the transit agency moved forward on a project for the countys busiest bus route without anticipated plans for new bike lanes. Transit advocates argue that the exclusion from the Vermont Avenue project ignores voters mandate to follow the mobility plan, which calls for improved bike lanes on that street; Metro and city officials have countered that the measure applied only to the city of Los Angeles not to the countywide transit agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We don't think it's legal, said Michael Schneider, who heads Streets for All, the advocacy group behind the ballot measure. HLA is a city measure, and Metro is a county agency, but Vermont is owned by the City of Los Angeles, and the city is working with Metro. They're permitting it, theyre providing technical expertise, they're spending staff time and money. This falls under Measure HLA, which requires a bike lane on Vermont. Last week, the agencys board of directors voted to approve plans for the Vermont Transit Corridor a project that will add dedicated bus lanes and 26 stations at 13 locations along a 12.4-mile stretch on Vermont Avenue between 120th Street and Sunset Boulevard. The route sees 38,000 daily bus boardings, according to Metro, and that is expected to increase to 66,000 by 2045. Read more: Metro's Olympics plans rely on federal funding. Will Trump threaten it? The project is expected to especially improve transit access for disadvantaged communities and a high number of residents who identify as Black, Indigenous and people of color, according to Metro. The corridor includes a majority of low-income households, including residents without access to a car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is included in the Measure M expenditure plan, which allocated $425 million for construction. Metro is supportive of the goals and objectives of HLA, specifically we have worked and will continue to work with all local jurisdictions to provide better quality transit and safer streets for all of Los Angeles County, the agency said in a statement. However, HLA does not apply to Metro projects. The board vote did not include discussion and ignored pleas from public commenters who asked Metro to reconsider its plans to include upgraded bike lanes. The project has been under study for nearly a decade. According to Metro, the addition of new bike lanes would delay the project by up to five years, increase the cost and force Metro to acquire properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to Metro Chief Executive Stephanie Wiggins last month, Schneider disputed Metros assertions and said the addition of bike lanes would not cause delays or affect properties if parking was not prioritized over the upgrades. He warned that the plan without bike lanes would further compromise safety on the route for bicyclists and pedestrians. Vermont Avenue sees one of the citys highest pedestrian death and injury counts, according to Metro and Streets for All. Metro has maintained its stance. In a letter sent to L.A. City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson last month, an attorney for Metro said that the agency would take legal action if the city forced it to comply with Measure HLA. The attorney cited a letter that the city attorney sent Streets for All in November that said the agency does not need to comply with the measure, a point that was reiterated at an L.A. City Transportation Committee meeting in February. The attorney also pointed to an agreement between the city and Metro, which acknowledges the agencys self-governance authority. The [agreement] simply does not transform Metro projects into City projects, the letter states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schneider and others have said that the agency's plan dismisses residents needs. We have an epidemic of traffic fatalities and injuries, said Eli Lipmen, the executive director of transit advocacy group Move L.A. Some of it has to do with how people drive and reckless driving, but a lot of it has to do with lack of good infrastructure. Lipmen said that more people will be hurt if Metro does not allow for new protected bike lanes in its plans and hopes there is still time for conversation. Vermont needs to happen and needs to happen as soon as possible. We cannot delay this project another second, Lipmen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is expected to be completed by the 2028 Olympics. 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. Apr. 3Opponents of the proposed Gorham Connector took their fight to the State House on Thursday, hoping to undo prior legislation that paved the way for the Maine Turnpike Authority to plan and build the now-controversial $331 million highway spur. The Legislature's transportation committee heard three hours of testimony on LD 1020, a bill that would repeal previous laws directing the authority to plan and build a toll highway extension from South Portland to Gorham. It also would order the agency to sell any land purchased for the project to the previous owners or give it to the municipalities where the properties are located. The authority has spent $6.3 million on 15 properties totaling 340 acres, or about 30% of the 50 parcels the authority would need to complete the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill's supporters said they want to fully extinguish the connector proposal, even as the MTA last month enlisted the Maine Department of Transportation to conduct a review of alternative solutions to traffic congestion in towns west of Portland. The department and others opposed to the bill said the connector should be preserved as an option to be considered in the department's review. Sen. Stacey Brenner, D-Scarborough, the bill's primary sponsor, said the connector is an outdated and costly proposal that would do little to fix commuter congestion, worsen suburban sprawl and vehicle emissions, displace homes, and destroy wetlands, farmlands and forests. Brenner also noted that traffic counts dropped in the wake of the pandemic, in part because more people are working from home. "The costs far outweigh the benefits," Brenner told the committee. "We need to let this highway option go." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robb Cotiaux, president of the local Trout Unlimited chapter, urged the committee to support the bill to protect the Red Brook watershed, which stretches from Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook to the Maine Mall area in South Portland. Gorham Town Councilor Lou Simms said the connector proposal should be abandoned and affected communities should take a more collaborative approach to finding alternative solutions to traffic congestion and residential sprawl. Myles Smith, a leader of Mainers for Smarter Transportation, said the public has been misled on the benefits of the connector proposal, which would shave an average of four minutes off rush-hour commutes. When a committee member, Rep. Wayne Parry, R-Arundel, questioned Smith's data, he said it came from an MTA study. The authority's spokesperson, Erin Courtney, clarified later that the connector would save some rush-hour commuters more than 10 minutes of travel time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courtney also said the authority has spent $18 million so far planning and developing the connector proposal, but it was taking no position on whether the road should be built and the project isn't on its current work plan. Leading testimony against LD 1020 was Deputy Transportation Commissioner Dale Doughty, who said the connector proposal should remain in the department's toolbox as it studies all commuter congestion solutions in its upcoming review. "Everything should be on the table," Doughty said. Repealing the connector's authorization "presupposes the result of the study." Doughty also said the department opposes forcing the turnpike authority to sell property it has purchased for the connector, saying that the land is protected while the study is underway. Supporters of the bill acknowledged that the order to sell may warrant amending and that the land may be useful for other community and regional transit purposes, such as a recreational path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the planning stages for more than 20 years, the spur would run from the recently rebuilt turnpike Exit 45 in South Portland, through Westbrook and Scarborough, to the Gorham Bypass at Route 114 in Gorham. The town councils in Scarborough and Westbrook have withdrawn their support for the project in recent months. SUPPORT IN QUESTION Gorham Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak stood to "strongly express" the town's opposition to the bill because growth and traffic congestion are major community issues. "All solutions and options (should) remain on the table," Paraschak told the committee. "We continue to be a willing partner with everyone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly Flagg, executive director of the Associated General Contractors of Maine, also spoke against the bill, saying the connector has strong community support. However, a recent MTA poll found that 45% of respondents said they oppose (12%) or strongly oppose (33%) the connector, while 40% said they support (20%) or strongly support (20%) building the road. The authority announced in March that it had asked the department of transportation to lead a two-year study that will include reviewing how the pandemic changed some of the underlying reasons for the 5-mile, four-lane toll highway extension. The decision followed a year of community conflict over the connector proposal and growing negative feedback "from the public and civic leaders who have called for a broader, more holistic and multimodal approach to addressing the region's mobility challenges," the authority said in a statement. The study will be completed in 2026. Copy the Story Link A bill to regulate has passed the Georgia Senate and now heads to Gov. Brian Kemps desk to be signed into law. The bill does not ban booting, but it would place major new restrictions on how booters operate. The bill has regulation and licensing under the Department of Public Safety, new signage requirements, and a ban on paying kickbacks to property owners. The bill that passed took out a measure that would have outlawed the practice of booters monitoring or patrolling lots. RELATED NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past 2 years, Sen. Josh McLaurin has introduced legislation to rein in booting. In 2023, he filed a bill that would ban booting entirely. In 2024, he introduced a bill similar to this amendment. McLaurin said the proposed law would stop the worst abuses of booters. All the horror stories you hear about, you walk into the store for four minutes, and theres a boot on your car that will come to an end, he said. The governor has 40 days to sign the legislation into law. Getty Images A new bill before the Legislature would dramatically reduce the size of school and park zones that some prosecutors rely on to enhance criminal charges and penalties against otherwise low-level drug offenders. Under current law, school and park zones contain the area within 300 feet or one city block, whichever distance is greater, of the school or park property line. The DFL-sponsored legislation (SF3207/HF2980) would reduce that buffer to 100 feet across the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who possess drugs or attempt to sell them in school or park zones face stiffer penalties under a Drug War-era law aiming to protect children from the harms of drug use. In reality, few people ensnared by the law are actually attempting to target kids. Because of the way the law is written, prosecutors can charge people with prohibited zone violations simply for driving past a school incidentally during the course of their day. In rural Polk County, for instance, a Reformer investigation found that prosecutors have filed prohibited zone charges against people who used drugs inside a home located within a block of a school; a homeless man who walked across a bridge near a park; and a woman who parked her car at an apartment complex within a block of a city park. Statewide, few prosecutors apply the law this way. Polk County, for instance, is home to just 0.5% of the state population but prosecutors there charge 40% of the states prohibited zone violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Polk County has successfully defended its use of the statute in appellate courts, defense attorneys have argued its a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The uneven application of the law is a driver of the reform effort in the Legislature this year. This legislation is the start of a much-needed conversation on reforming drug-free zones in Minnesota to ensure the state has uniformity around criminal penalties, said Jenny Catchings, a state policy manager with the Justice Action Network, which supports the bill. This law has been misconstrued to the point that there are valid reasons to see constitutional rights issues and Minnesota now has a system of justice-by-geography around drug-free zones, with some counties as notable outliers. The reform bill would dramatically shrink the areas defined as school or park zones in Minnesota. The map below, for instance, illustrates how drug-free zones would change in East Grand Forks, the largest city in Polk County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the map, green areas are parks and plum-colored areas are schools. The regions shaded peach, representing distances of 300 feet or one city block beyond park and school property lines, are also considered drug-free zones under current law. The dark brown outlines show the much smaller extent of those buffers under the proposed law. In practice, the one-block provision of current law means entire neighborhoods become drug-free zones if a tiny park is located within them, or if a neighborhood abuts the citys sprawling Greenway: the vast natural area surrounding the Red and Red Lake rivers. The illustration of drug-free zones under current law should be considered an approximation, as the statutes do not define a block for the purposes of calculating the extent of a drug-free zone. State courts have held that for drug-free zones in places with regular street grids, the buffer encompasses all eight blocks surrounding the block a school or park is located on. But considerable uncertainty remains: What about situations where streets form blocks of irregular shape or size? What about cases where parkland, like the East Grand Forks Greenway, extends partially into a block? What happens near the margins of a town, where the distance between two roads can be a quarter mile or more? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those ambiguities have not been addressed by the courts, meaning an enterprising prosecutor could file drug-free zone charges under any number of edge-case scenarios and try to get a judge to go along with it (Polk County Attorney Greg Widseth did not respond to a request for comment). The reform bill would eliminate all of that uncertainty, replacing it with an across-the-board 100-foot buffer. But it would still leave the door open to aggressive prosecutions. Nothing would stop prosecutors from charging drug-free zone violations for simply driving past a school, as is practice in Polk County. And in a city like East Grand Forks, which is bounded entirely on one side by a large tract of parkland, it would remain impossible to traverse the city without passing through a drug-free zone. The bills odds of passage this year are uncertain, as most legislative committees have a deadline of April 4 to advance bills under consideration. And with a 67-67 House, bills need bipartisan support to reach the necessary 68 votes needed for passage. A bill that would send immigrants without permanent legal status to jail for being in Tennessee was pushed to 2026. (Photo: John Partipilo) A bill creating a new state crime for immigrants illegally present in Tennessee punishable by incarceration followed by a 72-hour notice to vacate the state has been deferred until 2026. The move to table the controversial measure Wednesday in the Senate State and Local Government Committee came at the request of its chairman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Richard Briggs, a Knoxville Republican, cited his neighbor from Canada, an engineer who is at risk of being unable to renew her visa before it expires due to bureaucratic delays resulting from actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency. Briggs said he was concerned the law could sweep up immigrants like her. The bills sponsor, Republican Sen. Jack Johnson of Franklin, acknowledged the measure runs afoul of established law and a 2012 Supreme Court decision that said states cannot usurp the federal governments exclusive power to enact immigration enforcement laws. Rep. Lee Reeves, a Franklin Republican, cosponsored the bill, but noted the bill would take effect only in certain circumstances. The bill was crafted as a trigger law, only going into effect if one of three things happened: the Supreme Court overturned its 2012 decision, the U.S. Constitution is amended or similar laws enacted by other states remain in effect for 60 days. Sponsors of the bill said it was intended to demagnetize Tennessee as a destination for immigrants who lack legal status and immigrant advocates called it incredibly inhumane legislation that put families living in Tennessee at risk. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The Alabama Legislature moved another step closer to approving a measure to pay pharmacists a $10 dispensing fee for each prescription handled. Supporters point to problems with the current reimbursement system, which they argue has led to the closure of more than 100 pharmacies in Alabama over the past four years. Local dealership weighs in on how auto tariffs could impact prices Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alabama House Insurance Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 252 on Wednesday and voted to send the bill to the full House of Representatives for consideration. In addition to directing pharmacists be paid a $10.64 dispensing fee, the measure would provide some regulation over Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, that operate in the state. The measure has already been approved by the Alabama Senate. The $10.64 dispensing fee is the rate the Alabama Medicaid program pays pharmacists for dispensing drugs. Pharmacy Benefit Managers administer prescription drug plans for health care providers. Alabama pharmacists argued before the Insurance Committee Wednesday that they pay a fixed price for the prescription drugs they dispense and get a fixed fee for dispensing that drug from PBMs. However, they contend that in recent years, the reimbursement levels have fallen to the point where they are being paid less by the PBMs to distribute that drug than the cost of distributing it. Boaz pharmacist Ann Noojin addressed the House Insurance Committee during the public hearing Wednesday. She was one of six people the committee heard from; three spoke in favor of SB 252, and three spoke in opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were drowning. We buy medications at a set cost, we dispense them at a set reimbursement, said Noojin, who said she followed her father in the pharmacy business and that her daughter has plans to be a pharmacist as well. Pharmacy owners havent suddenly lost their skills to run a successful business, its been taken away from us. Senate Bill 252 is a win for Alabama consumers, employers and pharmacy. A practical bill to provide for a fair and proven payment to pharmacies, choice and access for patients and transparency for employers. But leaders of business groups, including the Business Council of Alabama, expressed concern that the fees paid to pharmacists would be passed on to business owners. Increasing a cost on a business, I dont know about yall, but most businesses dont absorb that cost, John Barganier, CEO of Manufacture Alabama, told the committee. They pass it down to their customer. In this case, with a new dispensing fee being proposed. PBMS are sophisticated organizations, they have a lot of resources. And at the end of the day, its our concern they will ultimately pass this increased cost down to their customers, which happen to be employers that provide employer-sponsored health care benefits. Supporters point to the bills language. PBMs get paid a rebate by drug manufacturers to be included on an insurance plans approved drug list. The bill directs that 100 percent of the rebate money PBMS get from drug manufacturers should be given to health plan providers. The bills supporters say a portion of that money will cover the dispensing fees that SB 252 would pay to pharmacists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) With the rise of antisemitism around the country, places like the West Virginia Senate are taking steps to tackle the issue through education. In late March, Senate Bill 54 passed in the Senate and is now headed to the House. The bill, sponsored by Mike Oliverio, would require students be taught age-appropriate curriculum on the Holocaust, starting in sixth grade. 12 News spoke with a representative from the Yad Vashem USA Foundation, where the goal is to continue educating the world about the Holocaust and preventing future events like it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its amazing that that bill was passed and we hope that many other states will do so as well It is not an easy story to understand how this could happen in a modern western society, how one group could be targeted and exterminated and that is what Yad Vashem does and that is how we want to educate people around the world, Tamar Major, National Director of Philanthropy for the Yad Vashem USA Foundation. West Virginia House passes microgrids bill, rejects gambling ad legislation Major said the organization is able to provide educational material to schools and educate teachers on how to best teach the history of the Holocaust, adding that although West Virginia legislators have not yet been in contact with Yad Vashem, it is an available resource. For more information on Yad Vashem, you can go here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. After a federal judge blocked Arkansas' online safety law for children, two legislators filed a bill to amend the law to address its challenges and another bill to give parents the right to sue social media platforms if they violate the law. (Peter Cade/Getty Images) Two days after a federal judge permanently blocked Arkansas Social Media Safety Act, state lawmakers filed two bills Wednesday aimed at expanding social media protections for children. Senate Bill 611 would amend Act 689 of 2023 (the Social Media Safety Act), apparently to address some of the judges reasons for ruling as he did. Act 689 was the first of its kind in the nation and was a priority of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in her first year in office. It required social media platforms to verify the age of new account holders in Arkansas. Those under 18 could only access sites with parental permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 612 would create a right for parents to sue social media platforms if their child develops eating disorders, self-harms, commits or tries to commit suicide, or becomes addicted to the platforms feeds because of content the child was exposed to. Rep. Jon Eubanks of Paris (left) and Sen. Tyler Dees of Siloam Springs, both Republicans, talk to reporters in the Arkansas Capitol on Jan. 29, 2025. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) Both bills establish a civil penalty of $10,000 per violation. Sen. Tyler Dees, R-Siloam Springs, and Rep. Jon Eubanks, R-Paris, are chief sponsors of both bills. In January, Sanders called on the Legislature to amend the Social Media Safety Act so it wouldnt be held up in court any longer. U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks of the Western District of Arkansas had temporarily blocked it in August 2023, shortly before it was to take effect. Brooks on Monday ruled that law violated the First Amendment and the due process clause of the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanders also asked lawmakers in January to create a right for parents to sue social media platforms if their children kill themselves because of content encouraging them to self-harm. The governor noted the presence of a woman in the gallery whose child died by suicide. In a press release Wednesday announcing the filing of SB 611 and 612, Sanders noted that Arkansas has led the nation on commonsense, conservative reforms to protect kids online, and these additional protections continue that effort. Moms and dads whose kids have fallen victim to Big Tech deserve the right to take action against these abusive companies and Arkansas law should protect kids so they arent subjected to toxic material in the first place. Eubanks and Dees echoed Sanders comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation keeps our children safe online, and puts their safety where it should be in the hands of parents, Eubanks said in the press release. SB 612 establishes a private right of action for parents whose child commits suicide or attempts suicide because of his or her exposure to toxic material on social media, allowing them to sue abusive Big Tech companies in state court, Sanders press release says. The amendments to Act 689 in SB 611 more clearly define social media and apply the definition to more platforms, lower the age of minor users to 16, prohibit social media algorithms from targeting minors, and add a penalty for companies that do not comply, according to the press release. The regulations would apply only to new accounts, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new legislation follows Sanders signing of the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act in February that bans personal electronic devices, including cell phones and smart watches, in schools. That bill was also sponsored by Dees and Eubanks. Editors Note: If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) National Library Week will take place from April 6-12, according to the American Library Association. The theme for the week is Drawn to the Library. Here are some specific dates the ALA said to look out for: April 7 Right to Read Day The ALA will kick off the week by releasing its State of Americas Libraries report for 2025, which will include a list of challenged books. The ALA stated this is a day for readers and library advocates to defend and celebrate the right to read. April 8 National Library Workers Day The ALA stated this day is designated to recognize library workers. April 9 National Library Outreach Day According to the ALA, National Library Outreach Day aims to celebrate the outreach services offered by library workers. April 10 Take Action for Libraries Day The ALA stated that April 10 is dedicated to rallying advocated to support libraries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information about National Library Week can be found on the ALAs website. Trussville Public Library to feature local students art at show next week Some local libraries have plans in place to celebrate the week. Montevallos Parnell Memorial Library is giving patrons the offer to write notes of appreciation to the library staff, which will be read on National Library Workers Day. The Homewood Public Library will host a week-long bookmark contest. The Southside Branch Library will host a What Draws You to Our Library? celebration. National Library Week was first developed in 1957 by the National Book Committee, and the week was first observed in 1958 with the theme Wake Up and Read! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Students at Tennessee State University, a public HBCU, greet Oprah Winfrey at a 2023 commencement ceremony. In recent months, university officials have warned that they could run out of cash by May. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images) The nations historically Black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs, are wondering how to survive in an uncertain and contentious educational climate as the Trump administration downsizes the scope and purpose of the U.S. Department of Education while cutting away at federal funding for higher education. In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing federal grants and loans, alarming HBCUs, where most students rely on Pell Grants or federal aid. The order was later rescinded, but ongoing cuts leave key support systems in political limbo, said Denise Smith, deputy director of higher education policy and a senior fellow at The Century Foundation, a left-leaning think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders worry about Trumps rollback of the Justice40 Initiative, a climate change program that relied on HBCUs to tackle environmental justice issues, she said. And theres uncertainty around programs such as federal work-study and TRIO, which provides college access services to disadvantaged students. People are being mum because were starting to see a chilling effect, Smith said. Theres real fear that resources could be lost at any moment even the ones schools already know they need to survive. Most students at HBCUs rely on Pell Grants or other federal aid, and a fifth of Black college graduates matriculate from HBCUs. Other minority-serving institutions, known as MSIs, that focus on Hispanic and American Indian populations also heavily depend on federal aid. Its still unclear what these cuts will mean for HBCUs and MSIs, even though theyre supposedly protected, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States may be unlikely to make up any potential federal funding cuts to their public HBCUs. And the schools already have been underfunded by states compared with predominantly white schools. Theres real fear that resources could be lost at any moment even the ones schools already know they need to survive. Denise Smith, deputy director of higher education policy and a senior fellow at The Century Foundation Congress created public, land-grant universities under the Morrill Act of 1862 to serve the countrys agricultural and industrial industries, providing 10 million acres taken from tribes and offering it for public universities such as Auburn and the University of Georgia. But Black students were excluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1890 Morrill Act required states to either integrate or establish separate land-grant institutions for Black students leading to the creation of many HBCUs. These schools have since faced chronic underfunding compared with their majority-white counterparts. None of them are equitable In 2020, the average endowment of white land-grant universities was $1.9 billion, compared with just $34 million for HBCUs, according to Forbes. There are other HBCUs that dont stem from the 1890 law, including well-known private schools such as Fisk University, Howard University, Morehouse College and Spelman College. But more than three-fourths of HBCU students attend public universities, meaning state lawmakers play a significant role in their funding and oversight. Marybeth Gasman, an endowed chair in education and a distinguished professor at Rutgers University, isnt impressed by what states have done for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions so far. She said she isnt sure there is a state model that can bridge the massive funding inequities for these institutions, even in states better known for their support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think North Carolina or Maryland have done a particularly good job at the state level. Nor have any of the other states. Students at HBCUs are funded at roughly 50-60% of what students at [predominately white institutions] are funded. Thats not right, said Gasman. Most of the bipartisan support has come from the U.S. Congress and is the result of important work by HBCUs and affiliated organizations. I dont know of a state model that works well, as none of them are equitable. Under federal law, states that accept federal land-grant funding are required to match every dollar with state funds. But in 2023, the Biden administration sent letters to 16 governors warning them that their public Black land-grant institutions had been underfunded by more than $12 billion over three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee State University alone had a $2.1 billion gap with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. At a February meeting hosted by the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, Tennessee State interim President Dwayne Tucker said the school is focused on asking lawmakers this year for money to keep the school running. Otherwise, Tucker said at the time, the institution could run out of cash around April or May. Thats real money. Thats the money we should work on, Tucker said, according to a video of the forum. In some states, lawsuits to recoup long-standing underfunding have been one course of action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Maryland, a landmark $577 million legal settlement was reached in 2021 to address decades of underfunding at four public HBCUs. In Georgia, three HBCU students sued the state in 2023 for underfunding of three HBCUs. In Tennessee, a recent state report found Tennessee State University has been shortchanged roughly $150 million to $544 million over the past 100 years. But Tucker said he thinks filing a lawsuit doesnt make much sense for Tennessee State. Theres no account payable set up with the state of Tennessee to pay us $2.1 billion, Tucker said at the February forum. And if we want to make a conclusion about whether [that money] is real or not youre going to have to sue the state of Tennessee, and I dont think that makes a whole lot of sense. Economic anchors There are 102 HBCUs across 19 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, though a large number of HBCUs are concentrated in the South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama has the most, with 14, and Pennsylvania has the farthest north HBCU. Beyond education, HBCUs contribute roughly $15 billion annually to their local economies, generate more than 134,000 jobs and create $46.8 billion in career earnings, proving themselves to be economic anchors in under-resourced regions. Homecoming events at HBCUs significantly bolster local economies, local studies show. North Carolina Central Universitys homecoming contributes approximately $2.5 million to Durhams economy annually. Similarly, Hampton Universitys 2024 homecoming was projected to inject around $3 million into the City of Hampton and the coastal Virginia region, spurred by increased visitor spending and retail sales. In Tallahassee, Florida A&M Universitys 2024 homecoming week in October generated about $5.1 million from Sunday to Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their significance is especially pronounced in Southern states such as North Carolina, where HBCUs account for just 16% of four-year schools but serve 45% of the states Black undergraduate population. Smith has been encouraged by what shes seen in states such as Maryland, North Carolina and Tennessee, which have a combined 20 HBCUs among them. Lawmakers have taken piecemeal steps to expand support for HBCUs through policy and funding, she noted. Tennessee became the first state in 2018 to appoint a full-time statewide higher education official dedicated to HBCU success for institutions such as Fisk and Tennessee State. Meanwhile, North Carolina launched a bipartisan, bicameral HBCU Caucus in 2023 to advocate for its 10 HBCUs, known as the NC10, and spotlight their $1.7 billion annual economic impact. We created a bipartisan HBCU caucus because we needed people in both parties to understand these institutions importance. If you represent a district with an HBCU, you should be connected to it, said North Carolina Democratic Sen. Gladys Robinson, an alum of private HBCU Bennett College and state HBCU North Carolina A&T State University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took constant education getting folks to come and see, talk about what was going on, she recalled. Its like beating the drum constantly until you finally hear the beat. For Robinson, advocacy for HBCUs can be a tough task, especially when fellow lawmakers arent aware of the stories of these institutions. North Carolina A&T was among the 1890 land-grant universities historically undermatched in federal agricultural and extension funding. The NC Promise Tuition Plan, launched in 2018, reduced in-state tuition to $500 per semester and out-of-state tuition to $2,500 per semester at a handful of schools that now include HBCUs Elizabeth City State University and Fayetteville State University; Western Carolina University, a Hispanic-serving institution; and UNC at Pembroke, founded in 1887 to serve American Indians. Through conversations on the floor of the General Assembly, and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, Robinson advocated to ensure Elizabeth City State a struggling HBCU was included, which helped revive enrollment and public investment. Im hopeful because weve been here before, Robinson said in an interview. These institutions were built out of churches and land by people who had nothing, just so we could be educated, Robinson said. We have people in powerful positions across the country. We have to use our strength and our voices. Alumni must step up. Its tough, but not undoable. Meanwhile, other states are working to recognize certain colleges that offer significant support to Black college students. California last year passed a law creating a Black-serving Institution designation, the first such title in the country. Schools must have programs focused on Black achievement, retention and graduation rates, along with a five-year plan to improve them. Sacramento State is among the first receiving the designation. And this session, California state Assemblymember Mike Gipson, a Democrat, introduced legislation that proposes a $75 million grant program to support Black and underserved students over five years through the Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions Grant Program. The bill was most recently referred to the Assemblys appropriations committee. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Students at Tennessee State University, a public HBCU, greet Oprah Winfrey at a 2023 commencement ceremony. In recent months, university officials have warned that they could run out of cash by May. (Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images) The nations historically Black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs, are wondering how to survive in an uncertain and contentious educational climate as the Trump administration downsizes the scope and purpose of the U.S. Department of Education while cutting away at federal funding for higher education. In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing federal grants and loans, alarming HBCUs, where most students rely on Pell Grants or federal aid. The order was later rescinded, but ongoing cuts leave key support systems in political limbo, said Denise Smith, deputy director of higher education policy and a senior fellow at The Century Foundation, a left-leaning think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders worry about Trumps rollback of the Justice40 Initiative, a climate change program that relied on HBCUs to tackle environmental justice issues, she said. And theres uncertainty around programs such as federal work-study and TRIO, which provides college access services to disadvantaged students. People are being mum because were starting to see a chilling effect, Smith said. Theres real fear that resources could be lost at any moment even the ones schools already know they need to survive. Most students at HBCUs rely on Pell Grants or other federal aid, and a fifth of Black college graduates matriculate from HBCUs. Other minority-serving institutions, known as MSIs, that focus on Hispanic and American Indian populations also heavily depend on federal aid. Its still unclear what these cuts will mean for HBCUs and MSIs, even though theyre supposedly protected, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States may be unlikely to make up any potential federal funding cuts to their public HBCUs. And the schools already have been underfunded by states compared with predominantly white schools. Theres real fear that resources could be lost at any moment even the ones schools already know they need to survive. Denise Smith, deputy director of higher education policy and a senior fellow at The Century Foundation Congress created public, land-grant universities under the Morrill Act of 1862 to serve the countrys agricultural and industrial industries, providing 10 million acres taken from tribes and offering it for public universities such as Auburn and the University of Georgia. But Black students were excluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1890 Morrill Act required states to either integrate or establish separate land-grant institutions for Black students leading to the creation of many HBCUs. These schools have since faced chronic underfunding compared with their majority-white counterparts. None of them are equitable In 2020, the average endowment of white land-grant universities was $1.9 billion, compared with just $34 million for HBCUs, according to Forbes. There are other HBCUs that dont stem from the 1890 law, including well-known private schools such as Fisk University, Howard University, Morehouse College and Spelman College. But more than three-fourths of HBCU students attend public universities, meaning state lawmakers play a significant role in their funding and oversight. Marybeth Gasman, an endowed chair in education and a distinguished professor at Rutgers University, isnt impressed by what states have done for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions so far. She said she isnt sure there is a state model that can bridge the massive funding inequities for these institutions, even in states better known for their support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think North Carolina or Maryland have done a particularly good job at the state level. Nor have any of the other states. Students at HBCUs are funded at roughly 50-60% of what students at [predominately white institutions] are funded. Thats not right, said Gasman. Most of the bipartisan support has come from the U.S. Congress and is the result of important work by HBCUs and affiliated organizations. I dont know of a state model that works well, as none of them are equitable. Under federal law, states that accept federal land-grant funding are required to match every dollar with state funds. But in 2023, the Biden administration sent letters to 16 governors warning them that their public Black land-grant institutions had been underfunded by more than $12 billion over three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee State University alone had a $2.1 billion gap with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. At a February meeting hosted by the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, Tennessee State interim President Dwayne Tucker said the school is focused on asking lawmakers this year for money to keep the school running. Otherwise, Tucker said at the time, the institution could run out of cash around April or May. Thats real money. Thats the money we should work on, Tucker said, according to a video of the forum. In some states, lawsuits to recoup long-standing underfunding have been one course of action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Maryland, a landmark $577 million legal settlement was reached in 2021 to address decades of underfunding at four public HBCUs. In Georgia, three HBCU students sued the state in 2023 for underfunding of three HBCUs. In Tennessee, a recent state report found Tennessee State University has been shortchanged roughly $150 million to $544 million over the past 100 years. But Tucker said he thinks filing a lawsuit doesnt make much sense for Tennessee State. Theres no account payable set up with the state of Tennessee to pay us $2.1 billion, Tucker said at the February forum. And if we want to make a conclusion about whether [that money] is real or not youre going to have to sue the state of Tennessee, and I dont think that makes a whole lot of sense. Economic anchors There are 102 HBCUs across 19 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, though a large number of HBCUs are concentrated in the South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama has the most, with 14, and Pennsylvania has the farthest north HBCU. Beyond education, HBCUs contribute roughly $15 billion annually to their local economies, generate more than 134,000 jobs and create $46.8 billion in career earnings, proving themselves to be economic anchors in under-resourced regions. Homecoming events at HBCUs significantly bolster local economies, local studies show. North Carolina Central Universitys homecoming contributes approximately $2.5 million to Durhams economy annually. Similarly, Hampton Universitys 2024 homecoming was projected to inject around $3 million into the City of Hampton and the coastal Virginia region, spurred by increased visitor spending and retail sales. In Tallahassee, Florida A&M Universitys 2024 homecoming week in October generated about $5.1 million from Sunday to Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their significance is especially pronounced in Southern states such as North Carolina, where HBCUs account for just 16% of four-year schools but serve 45% of the states Black undergraduate population. Smith has been encouraged by what shes seen in states such as Maryland, North Carolina and Tennessee, which have a combined 20 HBCUs among them. Lawmakers have taken piecemeal steps to expand support for HBCUs through policy and funding, she noted. Tennessee became the first state in 2018 to appoint a full-time statewide higher education official dedicated to HBCU success for institutions such as Fisk and Tennessee State. Meanwhile, North Carolina launched a bipartisan, bicameral HBCU Caucus in 2023 to advocate for its 10 HBCUs, known as the NC10, and spotlight their $1.7 billion annual economic impact. We created a bipartisan HBCU caucus because we needed people in both parties to understand these institutions importance. If you represent a district with an HBCU, you should be connected to it, said North Carolina Democratic Sen. Gladys Robinson, an alum of private HBCU Bennett College and state HBCU North Carolina A&T State University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took constant education getting folks to come and see, talk about what was going on, she recalled. Its like beating the drum constantly until you finally hear the beat. For Robinson, advocacy for HBCUs can be a tough task, especially when fellow lawmakers arent aware of the stories of these institutions. North Carolina A&T was among the 1890 land-grant universities historically undermatched in federal agricultural and extension funding. Sen. Gladys Robinson (Photo: ncleg.gov) The NC Promise Tuition Plan, launched in 2018, reduced in-state tuition to $500 per semester and out-of-state tuition to $2,500 per semester at a handful of schools that now include HBCUs Elizabeth City State University and Fayetteville State University; Western Carolina University, a Hispanic-serving institution; and UNC at Pembroke, founded in 1887 to serve American Indians. Through conversations on the floor of the General Assembly, and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, Robinson advocated to ensure Elizabeth City State a struggling HBCU was included, which helped revive enrollment and public investment. Im hopeful because weve been here before, Robinson said in an interview. These institutions were built out of churches and land by people who had nothing, just so we could be educated, Robinson said. We have people in powerful positions across the country. We have to use our strength and our voices. Alumni must step up. Its tough, but not undoable. Meanwhile, other states are working to recognize certain colleges that offer significant support to Black college students. California last year passed a law creating a Black-serving Institution designation, the first such title in the country. Schools must have programs focused on Black achievement, retention and graduation rates, along with a five-year plan to improve them. Sacramento State is among the first receiving the designation. And this session, California state Assemblymember Mike Gipson, a Democrat, introduced legislation that proposes a $75 million grant program to support Black and underserved students over five years through the Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions Grant Program. The bill was most recently referred to the Assemblys appropriations committee. This report was first published by Stateline, which like NC Newsline, is part of the national States Newsroom network. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org. TOKYO - Japan on Thursday expressed its disappointment and "serious concern" over the U.S. move to impose reciprocal tariffs on the Asian nation's products, calling on Washington, its closest ally, to rescind the measure, which Tokyo says may violate global trade rules. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said the wide-ranging trade-restrictive steps by the United States will have a "big negative impact on bilateral economic ties, the global economy and the multilateral trade system." He said he will urge U.S. President Donald Trump to rethink the measures in person, if necessary. In response to the 24 percent new levy targeting Japan, government officials have left the possibility of taking retaliatory steps open without officially denying it. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto said the government will explore various options and choose the best path for protecting national interests. The remarks came after Trump on Wednesday laid out his sweeping reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners, aiming to address what he sees as imbalanced trade. Japan has been seeking exemptions. Muto said he conveyed Tokyo's concern to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during their online meeting that the new tariffs will make it difficult for Japanese companies to invest in the U.S. market, therefore hurting the world's largest economy. The United States is one of Japan's biggest trading partners, and higher duties on U.S.-bound shipments will deal a blow to the export-reliant Japanese economy. Concerns are also growing bout the negative shock from a separate auto tariff to Japanese companies such as Toyota Motor Corp. "It's extremely unfortunate and against our wish that the U.S. government announced its decision to impose tariffs even though we have conveyed our concern at various levels and urged (the United States) not to take unilateral tariff measures," Ishiba told reporters. "We are seriously concerned about whether the tariff measure is consistent with WTO rules and the Japan-U.S. trade agreement," he added. Tokyo has been emphasizing the investment Japanese firms have made in the U.S. economy in its bid to secure tariff exemptions. The Asian nation has been a promoter of free trade, salvaging negotiations on a trans-Pacific free trade deal from collapse after the United States withdrew during Trump's first term. "I won't hesitate at all to ask President Trump in person (to retract the tariff measure) at the most appropriate time and in the most appropriate format, if necessary," Ishiba said, though he noted the issue should be dealt with first at ministerial and other levels. The envisaged tariff hikes raise uncertainty over the economy at a time when Japanese households are struggling with rising costs for everyday goods. Trump claims that Tokyo imposes an average 46 percent duty on U.S. imports, taking nontariff measures, such as regulating the entry of U.S. cars to be sold in Japan, into consideration. He has also argued that Tokyo imposes a 700 percent tariff on rice, a level that Japan's farm minister Taku Eto described Thursday as "incomprehensible." "We won't get that number if we do calculations in a logical manner," the minister said. Cars and rice are seen as sensitive areas for Japan, given that automakers have served as the backbone of the Japanese economy and rice is a staple food item. Japan has been explaining to the U.S. side that the country imposes no tariffs on rice imported within its minimum quota. Beyond that quota, it imposes a duty of 341 yen ($2) per kilogram of rice entering the country. Tokyo has been emphasizing the investment Japanese firms have made in the U.S. economy, in its bid to secure tariff exemptions. The Asian nation has been a promoter of free trade, salvaging negotiations on a trans-Pacific free trade deal from collapse after the United States withdrew during Trump's first term. "I won't hesitate at all to ask President Trump in person (to retract the tariff measure) at the most appropriate time and in the most appropriate format, if necessary," Ishiba said, though he noted the issue should be dealt with first at ministerial and other levels. The envisaged tariff hikes raise uncertainty over the economy at a time when Japanese households are struggling with rising costs for everyday goods. Trump claims that Japan imposes an average 46 percent duty on U.S. imports, taking nontariff measures, such as regulating the entry of U.S. cars to be sold in Japan, into consideration. He has also argued that Japan imposes a 700 percent tariff on rice, a level that Japan's farm minister Taku Eto described Thursday as "incomprehensible." "We won't get that number if we do calculations in a logical manner," the minister said. Cars and rice are seen as sensitive areas for Japan, given that automakers have served as the backbone of the Japanese economy and rice is a stable food item. Japan has been explaining to the U.S. side that the country imposes no tariffs on rice imported within its minimum quota. Beyond that quota, it imposes a duty of 341 yen ($2) per kilogram on rice entering the country. Ishiba instructed Itsunori Onodera, the policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, to consider all necessary measures to cope with the imposition of higher U.S. tariffs. The government has decided to set up around 1,000 consultation centers to measure the fallout on businesses and make sure that struggling small and midsize firms can meet their funding needs. "The whole of the government and the ruling parties will do the utmost to protect people's livelihoods, domestic industries and jobs at any cost," Ishiba said, months before a key parliamentary election in Japan. Related coverage: Trump to slap new 24% tariff on Japan, at least 10% on all countries Apr. 3The nation's historically Black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs, are wondering how to survive in an uncertain and contentious educational climate as the Trump administration downsizes the scope and purpose of the U.S. Department of Education while cutting away at federal funding for higher education. In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing federal grants and loans, alarming HBCUs, where most students rely on Pell Grants or federal aid. The order was later rescinded, but ongoing cuts leave key support systems in political limbo, said Denise Smith, deputy director of higher education policy and a senior fellow at The Century Foundation, a left-leaning think tank. Leaders worry about Trump's rollback of the Justice40 Initiative, a climate change program that relied on HBCUs to tackle environmental justice issues, she said. And there's uncertainty around programs such as federal work-study and TRIO, which provides college access services to disadvantaged students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People are being mum because we're starting to see a chilling effect," Smith said. "There's real fear that resources could be lost at any moment even the ones schools already know they need to survive." Most students at HBCUs rely on Pell Grants or other federal aid, and a fifth of Black college graduates matriculate from HBCUs. Other minority-serving institutions, known as MSIs, that focus on Hispanic and American Indian populations also heavily depend on federal aid. "It's still unclear what these cuts will mean for HBCUs and MSIs, even though they're supposedly protected," Smith said. States may be unlikely to make up any potential federal funding cuts to their public HBCUs. And the schools already have been underfunded by states compared with predominantly white schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's real fear that resources could be lost at any moment even the ones schools already know they need to survive. Denise Smith, deputy director of higher education policy and a senior fellow at The Century Foundation Congress created public, land-grant universities under the Morrill Act of 1862 to serve the country's agricultural and industrial industries, providing 10 million acres taken from tribes and offering it for public universities such as Auburn and the University of Georgia. But Black students were excluded. The 1890 Morrill Act required states to either integrate or establish separate land-grant institutions for Black students leading to the creation of many HBCUs. These schools have since faced chronic underfunding compared with their majority-white counterparts. 'None of them are equitable' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, the average endowment of white land-grant universities was $1.9 billion, compared with just $34 million for HBCUs, according to Forbes. There are other HBCUs that don't stem from the 1890 law, including well-known private schools such as Fisk University, Howard University, Morehouse College and Spelman College. But more than three-fourths of HBCU students attend public universities, meaning state lawmakers play a significant role in their funding and oversight. Marybeth Gasman, an endowed chair in education and a distinguished professor at Rutgers University, isn't impressed by what states have done for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions so far. She said she isn't sure there is a state model that can bridge the massive funding inequities for these institutions, even in states better known for their support. "I don't think North Carolina or Maryland have done a particularly good job at the state level. Nor have any of the other states. Students at HBCUs are funded at roughly 50-60% of what students at [predominately white institutions] are funded. That's not right," said Gasman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Most of the bipartisan support has come from the U.S. Congress and is the result of important work by HBCUs and affiliated organizations. I don't know of a state model that works well, as none of them are equitable." Under federal law, states that accept federal land-grant funding are required to match every dollar with state funds. But in 2023, the Biden administration sent letters to 16 governors warning them that their public Black land-grant institutions had been underfunded by more than $12 billion over three decades. Tennessee State University alone had a $2.1 billion gap with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a February meeting hosted by the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, Tennessee State interim President Dwayne Tucker said the school is focused on asking lawmakers this year for money to keep the school running. Otherwise, Tucker said at the time, the institution could run out of cash around April or May. "That's real money. That's the money we should work on," Tucker said, according to a video of the forum. In some states, lawsuits to recoup long-standing underfunding have been one course of action. In Maryland, a landmark $577 million legal settlement was reached in 2021 to address decades of underfunding at four public HBCUs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Georgia, three HBCU students sued the state in 2023 for underfunding of three HBCUs. In Tennessee, a recent state report found Tennessee State University has been shortchanged roughly $150 million to $544 million over the past 100 years. But Tucker said he thinks filing a lawsuit doesn't make much sense for Tennessee State. "There's no account payable set up with the state of Tennessee to pay us $2.1 billion," Tucker said at the February forum. "And if we want to make a conclusion about whether [that money] is real or not ... you're going to have to sue the state of Tennessee, and I don't think that makes a whole lot of sense." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Economic anchors There are 102 HBCUs across 19 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, though a large number of HBCUs are concentrated in the South. Alabama has the most, with 14, and Pennsylvania has the farthest north HBCU. Beyond education, HBCUs contribute roughly $15 billion annually to their local economies, generate more than 134,000 jobs and create $46.8 billion in career earnings, proving themselves to be economic anchors in under-resourced regions. Homecoming events at HBCUs significantly bolster local economies, local studies show. North Carolina Central University's homecoming contributes approximately $2.5 million to Durham's economy annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, Hampton University's 2024 homecoming was projected to inject around $3 million into the City of Hampton and the coastal Virginia region, spurred by increased visitor spending and retail sales. In Tallahassee, Florida A&M University's 2024 homecoming week in October generated about $5.1 million from Sunday to Thursday. Their significance is especially pronounced in Southern states such as North Carolina, where HBCUs account for just 16% of four-year schools but serve 45% of the state's Black undergraduate population. Smith has been encouraged by what she's seen in states such as Maryland, North Carolina and Tennessee, which have a combined 20 HBCUs among them. Lawmakers have taken piecemeal steps to expand support for HBCUs through policy and funding, she noted. Tennessee became the first state in 2018 to appoint a full-time statewide higher education official dedicated to HBCU success for institutions such as Fisk and Tennessee State. Meanwhile, North Carolina launched a bipartisan, bicameral HBCU Caucus in 2023 to advocate for its 10 HBCUs, known as the NC10, and spotlight their $1.7 billion annual economic impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We created a bipartisan HBCU caucus because we needed people in both parties to understand these institutions' importance. If you represent a district with an HBCU, you should be connected to it," said North Carolina Democratic Sen. Gladys Robinson, an alum of private HBCU Bennett College and state HBCU North Carolina A&T State University. "It took constant education getting folks to come and see, talk about what was going on," she recalled. "It's like beating the drum constantly until you finally hear the beat." For Robinson, advocacy for HBCUs can be a tough task, especially when fellow lawmakers aren't aware of the stories of these institutions. North Carolina A&T was among the 1890 land-grant universities historically undermatched in federal agricultural and extension funding. The NC Promise Tuition Plan, launched in 2018, reduced in-state tuition to $500 per semester and out-of-state tuition to $2,500 per semester at a handful of schools that now include HBCUs Elizabeth City State University and Fayetteville State University; Western Carolina University, a Hispanic-serving institution; and UNC at Pembroke, founded in 1887 to serve American Indians. Through conversations on the floor of the General Assembly, and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, Robinson advocated to ensure Elizabeth City State a struggling HBCU was included, which helped revive enrollment and public investment. "I'm hopeful because we've been here before," Robinson said in an interview. "These institutions were built out of churches and land by people who had nothing, just so we could be educated," Robinson said. "We have people in powerful positions across the country. We have to use our strength and our voices. Alumni must step up. "It's tough, but not undoable." Meanwhile, other states are working to recognize certain colleges that offer significant support to Black college students. California last year passed a law creating a Black-serving Institution designation, the first such title in the country. Schools must have programs focused on Black achievement, retention and graduation rates, along with a five-year plan to improve them. Sacramento State is among the first receiving the designation. And this session, California state Assemblymember Mike Gipson, a Democrat, introduced legislation that proposes a $75 million grant program to support Black and underserved students over five years through the Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions Grant Program. The bill was most recently referred to the Assembly's appropriations committee. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at [email protected]. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. Last updated 5:02 a.m., Apr. 3, 2025 Tucked away on a quiet part of La Cienega Avenue in the Culver City Arts District, Black Image Center feels reminiscent of a collegiate Black student center. On a recent Tuesday, five people were gathered for the center's daily community co-working series. Laughter and casual conversation swam above the sound of the clicks of their laptops. But instead of a 100-page reading or a mind-boggling problem set, they were working on creative pursuits editing a photography-forward zine, working on the treatment for a music video project, polishing a fashion journalism article and consulting one another on them. "I've seen the daily magic that goes down at a place like this," said Julian Samuels, a longtime volunteer at Black Image Center, who called its offerings "really rare in L.A." (Amanda Villegas / For The Times) Black Image Center, an organization dedicated to providing photography resources to Black Angelenos, was born from a group of six photographers and creatives who connected over Instagram in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After securing nonprofit status, Black Image Center opened in a physical location in Mid-City in May 2022. In addition to a free 35-millimeter film refrigerator, visitors can use both a normal and large-format printer free of charge. The open-format space boasts a cozy book nook with scores of Black photography books. The space regularly hosts sold-out photography workshops, in addition to having hosted more than 50 artists-in-residence, according to co-founder Maya Mansour. So members of the Black creative community were shocked and disappointed when Black Image Center recently announced on Instagram its imminent physical closure. None of us couldve done what we did without you. Personally speaking, yall are the reason I feel empowered to keep a camera close by, commented photographer Adam Davis beneath Black Image Center's post. Asked about the closure, Samuels audibly sighed, saying, "Oof. I understand it as a necessary transition. That being said, I can't lie. I'm feeling pretty sad about it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the March 14 announcement, the organization said it was stepping into a new space, without physical walls, but with endless room to grow." During a recent conversation with The Times, Mansour pushed back on the notion that Black Image Center is closing for good. Astrid Kayembe, community coordinator at Black Image Center, sits in the reading nook. Kayembe was a 2022-23 reporting fellow at The Times. (Amanda Villegas / For The Times) But the closure of Black Image Center's physical space echoes that of other small businesses in Greater Los Angeles that have served as Black community hubs beyond their primary offerings, with many owners saying the initial support garnered during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement has since waned. The Salt Eaters Bookshop, an Inglewood feminist bookstore, transitioned to a virtual model at the end of 2024. Bloom & Plume, a coffee and flower shop, closed its Echo Park doors last August. The artist Noname's Radical Hood Library in Jefferson Park, while hanging on, has been transparent on social media about financial instability and started a Patreon account in an attempt to offset costs. The Times spoke with some of these business owners, who said their desire to provide for their community was often in direct contradiction to business operations. Although Black Image Center hasn't struggled to get people into its space, a lack of capital resources has put a strain on its small leadership team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really hard and it doesnt work most of the time, said Mansour of her experience with Black Image Center. You just kind of stretch yourself in ways that you didnt know that you could. Mansour cited several factors that contributed to the founders' decision to not renew their lease come May. For starters, where the founders had a clear creative vision the "magic" that is evident when you walk in the room they lacked business acumen. To this day, Mansour said Black Image Center doesn't have a clear business plan something that she hopes will have time to develop without the pressure of maintaining a physical space. Having the brick-and-mortar really does kind of put your back against a wall in a way that you have to kind of get it together, said Mansour, who over time stepped into the role of executive director despite the groups original nonhierarchical vision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, at least three of the six original founders have stepped away from Black Image Center, said Mansour, and the center relies extensively on a small group of volunteers to maintain its robust programming schedule. None of us really went into this expecting it to blow up in the way that it did, Mansour said. I kind of promised myself: At the end of this lease, its probably going to be time to reevaluate. Like, what can I do for this thing? Mansours experience was preceded by that of Asha Grant, founder of the Salt Eaters Bookshop, which opened its Inglewood doors in 2021 and closed at the end of 2024. Like Black Image Center, the Salt Eaters Bookshop was Grant's brainchild during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant was running the Los Angeles chapter of the Free Black Womens Library and accumulating hundreds of books when a GoFundMe campaign gave her the capital to open a physical bookstore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life, Grant said of running the store. More people than Ill ever know showed up for me and showed up for our community. Grant described her vision for the Salt Eaters Bookshop as being someones bedroom but with a lot of books in the space. Zora Neale Hurston wallpaper lined the walls, vintage Ebony magazines were on a coffee table once owned by Grant's grandmother, and an autographed Destinys Child picture hung near the register. If it were a song, Grant said, itd be Brandys hit Sittin Up in My Room. But while visitors to the shop were embraced in a cozy hug, Grant, who was supporting the store full-time, was struggling to breathe. Asha Grant, founder of the Salt Eaters Bookshop, in 2019. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) I was constantly negotiating how to keep doing what I love and what I know our community needs most, while also not being a martyr for the cause, said Grant, who also pointed out the irony of her store offering free hygiene products while she herself lacked health insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Black Image Center, Grant decided to close the Salt Eaters at the end of her last lease cycle. Selling books wasn't covering rent. Over the course of the stores existence, Grant had launched two GoFundMe campaigns and thrown rent parties in addition to hosting events and renting out the physical space. Grant called turning to the internet for help emotionally draining. Also, a nearly $4,000 plumbing issue in 2023 almost forced the shop to close. Grant said she didnt have the energy to apply for grants, and for years, she was clouded in a looming sense of dread. My whole existence cant be making sure everyone is well and Im suffering myself, said Grant, who began a master of library science degree program in January after closing the shop in December. Although a message on the Salt Eaters website reads, "We are transitioning to a virtual model in 2025!" Grant, in practice, maintains an affiliate webpage for Salt Eaters on the online marketplace bookshop.org. With time, she said she hopes to restart her virtual book club series and sell books on her own website. Part of the strain is that small Black businesses are infrequently just small businesses; owners also labor under what Jazzi McGilbert, founder of the bookstore and concept space Reparations Club in Jefferson Park, calls "an unrealistic set of expectations." Jazzi McGilbert, owner of Reparations Club concept space and bookstore in Los Angeles, says her space might be next on the chopping block. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) "There's so many things that we end up carrying. Even just the psychological components of people having a hard time, and they come into our spaces to seek that relief," said McGilbert, who has cried with her customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On one occasion, McGilbert dog-sat for a customer, something she said she was happy to do yet cheekily notes is not a service that could be found at, say, the Apple Store. "Sometimes, I think these spaces are asked to hold a lot of things that really our government should be providing," she said. "There should be more spaces that are equipped to hold people, you know, bringing back the town square. Libraries and other spaces shouldn't feel sad and underfunded. They should feel like exciting, generative spaces that people want to spend their time in, and that requires funding." Jazzi McGilbert, left, reads a book by Danez Smith. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Unlike Grant, McGilbert strayed away from crowdfunding, as she doesnt see it as a sustainable business model. But over the years, she has learned to make business adjustments to stay viable while still prioritizing a sense of community. For example, she will consider canceling an event if it doesnt meet an RSVP minimum. Also, most events are priced on a sliding-scale model with free access. McGilbert said Reparations Club has grown year over year, and she is interested in adding a cafe element to the shop in addition to expanding the business hours. But at the same time, she said rent has increased significantly over the past five years. With the lease being up in September, McGilbert is constantly questioning how to keep Rep Club solvent and not at my expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know whats next for us, and I dont know if were next on the chopping block, she said. McGilbert said she suspects that part of the reason that Reparations Club has been able to survive is because it opened in 2019, before the official March 2020 start of the pandemic and the wave of racial reckoning and investment in Black businesses that occurred after the murder of George Floyd. Maurice Harris, founder of the now-closed coffee and flower shop Bloom & Plume, in 2020. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) I think we saw a lot of businesses open because we, maybe wrongly, maybe hopefully, assumed that would remain, McGilbert said. I think that part of what has happened here is that that support comes in waves, and because it necessitates Black people to be experiencing some kind of trauma to get that support, I don't think that's viable long-term. Maurice Harris, founder of now-shuttered Bloom & Plume Coffee, experienced a similar surge and waning of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were considering closing when COVID happened," Harris said of the coffee and flower shop that opened in January 2019. "What kept us open was George Floyd." In addition to the two months after Floyd's murder by police, Harris said his shop was most profitable the month he announced its closure in August 2024. By then, he said, minimum wage had skyrocketed to $17.28 from $12 when the shop opened; meanwhile, a drip coffee at Bloom & Plume increased in price by just 50 cents, going from $3 to $3.50. "That's a huge discrepancy," said Harris, who employed five people and did not pay himself over the course of the shop's lifetime. Despite partnering with his brother, a corporate banker, on a business plan, Harris said Bloom & Plume struggled to break even during its entire five-year run. Although Harris' inspiration for opening the shop was to provide an elevated, beautiful experience for everyday folks "actually stopping and smelling the roses is an important part of sustaining your life," he said its demands were ultimately "fighting against" his job as a luxury florist, his main source of income. "Can an actual mom-and-pop small business afford that?" he said. "Probably not as much." Black Image Center is tucked away on a quiet strip of La Cienega Avenue in Mid-City. (Amanda Villegas / For The Times) While not operating for profit, the Black Image Center team also felt the impact of the cultural shift away from supporting Black businesses, said Mansour, with many of the corporate sponsorships initially sustaining the center now gone. Weve just been so focused on maintaining our physical space that we have really just been working paycheck to paycheck, grant by grant, said Mansour, who works independently as a photographer in addition to running the center. With mounting pressure, Mansour said, she is excited about the lease ending and "creating this really natural opportunity for us to do this internal restructure. Theres a lot of ego involved in the conversation around running your own business, Mansour said. I think that when youre doing something where the intention is service, you really have to know when it is your time to bow out and make room for other people who are better at being of service in that way. Grant, who experienced this same wave of emotions mere months ago, agreed. You don't want to give up on your dream, but then I kind of realized that I already achieved my dream, she said. I've already experienced it. I know what it feels like. I can feel proud about that and that I'm not a failure. Whatever I need to do is whatever I need to do. Black Image Center, which will close its physical space this month, displays its mission statement on its front window. (Amanda Villegas / For The Times) Mansour said there isnt yet a clear plan or timeline for whats next for Black Image Center, but that the founders would be looking to establish a new executive board. In the meantime, people can visit Black Image Center for its signature community co-working series until April 10. According to Mansour, a farewell party will be held in the space on April 27. Like all good things, its going to take time, because we want it to be good, said Mansour of Black Image Centers next phase. Were not really putting any pressure on ourselves, because theres been a lot of pressure on us the last five years. Updates: 2:16 p.m. April 4, 2025: This story was updated with additional details about Black Image Centers April plans. 11:23 a.m. April 3, 2025: Additional information about Bloom & Plume Coffees pricing for a drip coffee was added to this story. Sign up for The Wild newsletter to get weekly insider tips on the best of our beaches, trails, parks, deserts, forests and mountains. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. ROARING SPRINGS, Pa. (WTAJ) A Blair County dog rescue spoke out after problems with their kennel license almost forced them to shut down. A Darrah Bull Bully Rescue, which is a foster network that helps find new homes for bully breeds, was cited due to issues with their kennel license. According to the rescues president Renae Metz, a dog warden inspected the rescue and mentioned an increase in dogs being brought in, which caused the rescue to upgrade their license. The license was originally at Kennel II, which accounted for 51 to 100 dogs brought in per year. However, the inspection had the warden count over that 100-dog threshold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This made Metz level up to a Kennel III license, which has a maximum of 150 dogs rescued per year. New 24/7 emergency vet clinic opening in State College The end of 2023, the laws changed in the state, Metz said. APA with dog law, prior to 2024, is licensing a rescue network, kennel or nonprofit could have rescued unlimited dogs for $25 a year. We gave the state $25. They come in and inspect our paperwork twice a year, and its a done deal. Beginning with 2024, they did away with that $25 fee, and we are now treated as if we are a boarding kennel per se, just like one where you go and pay a fee to keep your dog there while youre on vacation. In a Facebook post, the rescue informed their followers of a citation that resulted in an additional $275 payment, which Metz says is unfair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To me, that just seems like its, you know, youre youre hitting the good guys with a big fine rather than a dog loss should be taking those laws and putting them where they need to be, Metz added. On the news, youre seeing all these hoarding cases, dogs being brought in from puppy mills. Thats where they need to focus their attention and not on the good guys. In that Facebook post, she contemplated shutting down the shelter, citing mental exhaustion and no time due to her full-time job. However, the recent loss of her dog, Darrah, whom the rescue was named after when it started 14 years ago, made her reflect on that decision. When Darrah passed away, you start rethinking things like, Wait, thats her legacy. Now, I think we should go on,' Metz said. I think that its just something that were really considering. Were we are regrouping the rest of this year. Were trying to get the 27 dogs that are in the rescue, adopted. And then next year, when it comes to do the 2026 license, were really going to think about it and just make sure its the step we want to take. However, multiple shelters and supporters have reached out in support, donating money to help pay the fine. But the support will build up a stance against the new kennel laws from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They all would like the state to really take another look at this and realize that us paying $25, which was like that for the past 14 years, is realistic, Metz added. Paying upwards of $500, $600 and $700 just to help out dogs is a little over the top. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. WTAJ reached out to the Department of Agriculture for a comment on the situation, but they did not respond to our request. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Welcome to The Scoop the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich. Subscribe to her newsletter here. (NewsNation) Blake Lively is trying to paint herself as a victim of sexual harassment and defamation in her lawsuit against It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni (who also directed and produced the movie) but her public persona is hitting a new low. Blake Livelys popularity lower than it was a year ago: Poll According to market research company YouGov, which tracks the popularity and fame of public people, Livelys popularity is at a meager 54.5 lower than it was a year ago (but not as low as it was in January once Baldoni hit back with his own lawsuit, publishing thelawsuitinfo.com, which contains his suit as well as a timeline of events and receipts to back up what he claims). However, only 7% of the people polled actively dislike her (though it seems like a lot more if you watch reels on social media), while 25% were neutral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her fame index which means the percentage of people in the United States who recognize her name has skyrocketed five percentage points, with 86.1% of Americans recognizing her name. Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds friends dragged into It Ends With Us lawsuit; content creators claim theyre being intimidated This could spell good news for Lively, who, at least during the lawsuit which doesnt go to trial until 2026 is untouchable in Hollywood. As I previously reported: Hollywood is loath to work with litigious actresses who cause them to go over budget. Hollywood insider: No one wants to work with Blake Lively No one wants to work with Blake, my Hollywood insider said. She cost (producer) Wayfarer and Sony (the distributor of It Ends With Us) millions and blew past budgets with her demands and actions. This combination of images shows Blake Lively at the London screening of the film It Ends With Us on Aug. 8, 2024, left, and Justin Baldoni at the world premiere of the film in New York on Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo) FILE Blake Lively poses for photographers upon arrival at the UK Gala Screening for the film It Ends With Us on Thursday, Aug, 8, 2024 in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File) This image released by Sony Pictures shows Justin Baldoni, left, and Blake Lively in a scene from It Ends With Us. (Nicole Rivelli/Sony Pictures via AP) Blake Lively is seen arriving at the CFDA Fashion Awards held at the American Museum of Natural History on October 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) JERSEY CITY, NJ JANUARY 12: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are seen on the set of It Ends with Us on January 12, 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) US actor Blake Lively poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the UK gala screening for It ends with us at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester square, central London on August 8, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) JERSEY CITY, NJ JANUARY 12: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are seen on the set of It Ends with Us on January 12, 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) FILE Blake Lively appears at the screening for the film It Ends With Us' in London on Aug. 8, 2024. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File) NEW YORK, NEW YORK AUGUST 06: (L-R) Hugh Jackman , Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds attend the It Ends With Us New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on August 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images) The demands and actions are detailed in the $400 million defamation lawsuit (and corresponding website) Baldoni, who produced, directed and co-starred in It Ends With Us, filed against Lively. Blake Lively trying to help her image Meanwhile, Lively is trying to repair the damage to her image by posting wholesome social media posts like the story on Saturday where she was in a friends industrial kitchen and pastry dough was being mixed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe she will get her own cooking show a la Meghan Markle. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Apr. 2The Senate approved a bill Tuesday to amend the Blueprint for Maryland's Future but not without addressing an amendment about transgender children in sports. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here. Originally Published:April 2, 2025 at 5:01 AM EDT Miracle Meadows School, a Christian boarding school in Salem, West Virginia, was shut down in 2014 after multiple allegations of abuse of students. (Forbes Law Offices | Courtesy photo) In the wake of a child sexual and physical abuse scandal at a West Virginia boarding school, the Senate and House of Delegates have been considering two very different pieces of legislation. A Senate bill, backed by heiress and actress Paris Hilton, sought to prevent child abuse by regulating in-state residential programs and some outdoor programs that often serve children with behavioral issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the House, a bill would have reduced the timeframe that a civil suit brought by a victim of child sexual assault or abuse could be filed against the states insurance program, the Board of Risk and Insurance Management, known as BRIM. Miracle Meadows in Salem closed in 2014, and dozens of former students who say they were subjected to horrific abuse began coming forward in 2017, and some civil cases are ongoing. The state could be on the hook for $100 million in settlements paid out by BRIM. Both bills are unlikely to become law after not going up for a vote in their respective chambers on Wednesdays Crossover Day deadline. Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Mike Stuart, who parked Senate Bill 817 the Paris Hilton bill in his committee, said the legislation needed more work that couldnt be completed by the legislative session deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the measure would have exempted religious programs from regulation, Stuart, R-Kanawha, said concerns from leaders of religious-based programs about unintended consequences had stalled the bill. There were some drawbacks that would have taken a lot of time in committee, especially up against the demands of deadlines, he said. It was just more a victim of time than anything [else]. The bill would require state licensure for private adolescent residential programs and some outdoor or boot camp experience. It also banned the use of physical discipline in these programs and mandated that children have regular, unsupervised video communication with their parents. Hilton, who says she was abused in residential treatment facilities as a teen, urged state senators to pass the bill, saying it would establish essential protections for children. Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio Bill sponsor Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio, said the bill would close a hole in current state law, citing widespread abuse at Miracle Meadows. One lawsuit against the facility on behalf of child victims, which was settled for $50 million, said the children experienced routine beatings and at times were not given toilet paper, requiring them to remain in their own filth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our children have to be protected, and this is one way to protect them, she said. This is such a common sense bill. West Virginia Watch recently reported that the state has spent $70 million on housing foster children in out-of-state facilities. Chapman said the bill could encourage good actors to set up well-regulated, in-state programs to help children with behavioral issues who are now forced out of state. We do need help, and we need to stop shipping our children in crisis out of state, she said. Stuart, who was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as general counsel for the federal health department, said hed like to see the bill workshopped during interim meetings ahead of the next years legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im interested in whatever we can do to fix the system, Stuart said. House pauses controversial bill involving child sex abuse victims House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay In the House, a bill sponsored by Speaker Roger Hanshaw would have reduced the window for child victims whose abusers were covered by state insurance to seek relief in civil suits. The measure, House Bill 3516, originated in the House Judiciary Committee late last week, raising concerns from House Democrats that the controversial bill had skipped the typical process of how legislation is introduced in the House. House leadership decided on Wednesday morning to move the bill to its inactive calendar without explanation. Some members said there wasnt consensus among Republicans, who hold a super majority in the House, on the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanshaw, R-Clay, said the state has been assessing what types of liabilities BRIM should cover. The lengths of some statutes of limitations the window when claims can be brought have caused BRIM rates to rise for entities using the insurance program, including county boards of education and cities. The multi-million dollar payouts for Miracle Meadows will be one of the largest liabilities BRIM has had to cover in the last couple of years, Hanshaw said. In consultation with BRIM, we decided it makes sense to start the conversation about just how long we should leave open statutes of limitations on various kinds of claims. This bill is one of them. To make it sound like its more than it is, frankly, pretty irresponsible, Hanshaw said on Monday. Current law allows a child victim of sexual abuse and assault 18 years after reaching age 18 to bring a civil claim; the bill would give victims two years after reaching age 18 to file a civil claim if it was against an entity covered by BRIM. Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio This legislation is a devastating blow to victims of childhood sexual abuse. We know how difficult it is for survivors to come forward, and how long it can take to process that trauma, said Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Democratic Party called the measure a dangerous and callous attempt to roll back legal protections for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The timing of this bill is especially egregious in light of the tragedy that was exposed less than two years ago at the Miracle Meadows Boarding School for troubled youth in Salem, West Virginia, the group said Tuesday in a news release. Thirty-two victims have come forward with abuse allegations against Miracle Meadows. Hanshaw said there had been a mischaracterization of what the bill was intended to do. The bill was not intended to make life easier for the perpetrators of sexual violence, he emphasized. There would be no changes to criminal claims or proceedings under the legislation. We will punish the perpetrators of horrific violence under the criminal laws of the state of West Virginia, exactly like we always would have, Hanshaw said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ANDERSON The trial of Carl Roy Webb Boards II, charged in the shooting death of Elwood police officer Noah Shahnavaz, has been continued. Madison Circuit Court Division 3 Judge Andrew Hopper granted a motion for a continuance in the trial, which was not objected to by the Madison County prosecutors office. Boards is charged with the July 2022 shooting death of Shahnavaz. He was scheduled to go on trial in September on charges of murder, two counts of resisting law enforcement, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, firearm enhancement, habitual offender, life without parole and the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Hopper set a new trial date of Jan. 26, 2026, with jury selection to begin on Jan. 12, 2026. The jury will be selected from Delaware County; Hopper indicated a jury questionnaire would be sent in November of this year. Deputy Prosecutor Jesse Miller said the process of selecting a jury would begin around Thanksgiving and continue through the Christmas holiday. Hopper said there were several weeks between the two holidays. Hopper set a hearing for April 15 concerning defense attorneys request for an intellectual disability hearing for Boards. The state wants the process of having an insanity evaluation of Boards to start at the same time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorney Joe Duepner said the insanity evaluation should take place after an intellectual disability evaluation is completed. That could result in a complete shift in our strategy, he said. Duepner said different people should perform the separate evaluations of Boards, who has already filed an insanity defense in the case. Duepner recommended the intellectual disability evaluation be done by July, and the insanity evaluation by October. Andrew Hanna, chief deputy prosecutor, said that timeline would jeopardize the January trial date. Judge Hopper agreed that could impact the trial date. We have already moved the trial date from September to January, Hanna said. There is no reason the insanity evaluations cant start now. Boards was found competent to stand trial by three doctors in April 2024. A frustrated federal judge is strongly considering holding Trump administration officials in contempt of court for their urgent rush to deport hundreds of people to El Salvador on President Donald Trumps order. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said the administration appeared to have acted in bad faith when it hurriedly assembled three deportation flights on March 15 at the same time that Boasberg was arranging emergency court proceedings to assess the legality of the effort. Boasberg said during a hearing Thursday that hes still weighing what penalties he could impose if he does hold officials in contempt. But courts have broad power to issue fines or impose jail time on people who defy court orders. Boasberg could even try to order the administration to demand that El Salvador return the deportees to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boasberg did not indicate which officials could be subject to contempt. But he said he believes the administration was attempting to avoid legal scrutiny when it sent planes full of Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador despite urgent legal efforts and Boasbergs own order to halt any flights carrying people being deported under an unusual invocation of wartime authorities by Trump. The judge, an Obama appointee, is contemplating whether to initiate formal contempt proceedings. Holding executive branch officials in contempt would be highly unusual but not unprecedented. During the first Trump administration, for instance, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was held in contempt and fined $100,000 for violating a court order related to student loans. In the El Salvador deportation case, Boasberg is concerned about two issues: the administrations effort to sidestep legal scrutiny of the deportations themselves, and officials refusal to give him a clear timeline of how events played out before and after he gave an order to return many of the deportees, if necessary by turning around planes that were already in the air. During Thursdays 40-minute hearing, the judge grew increasingly irritated after receiving vague answers to his questions. He expressed bewilderment at the Justice Departments unwillingness to provide him with basic information about the decision to rush planes into the air while emergency court proceedings were pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A belated attempt by senior Trump administration officials to invoke the state secrets privilege to deprive him of basic details only compounded his concerns, the judge said, because none of the information at issue appears to be classified. At the heart of the dispute is Trumps decision to invoke wartime deportation powers under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a law intended to expedite deportations of potential enemies during wars or invasions. The law has been invoked only three other times in history, most recently during World War II. It has never been used the way Trump has attempted to deploy it: against alleged members of a Venezuelan gang that he has designated a terrorist organization. Trump secretly signed a proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act on March 14, and immigration authorities quickly began organizing the flights. But five of the targets of Trumps proclamation filed a lawsuit at 1 a.m. the next day, seeking emergency intervention to prevent their deportation. They claimed Trump had misidentified them as members of the gang, Tren de Aragua. Boasberg described learning of the lawsuit at 7:30 a.m. six hours after the suit was filed and quickly ordering a halt to their deportations. He then scheduled a hearing that afternoon at 5 p.m. on whether to broaden his order to cover a much larger group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his action, the Trump administration continued its rushed effort to assemble three planeloads of deportees, two of which took off during the afternoon hearing, even as Boasberg struggled to get details from the Justice Department about the administrations deportation plans. Boasberg said this sequence of events showed the administration had acted in bad faith throughout that day. And he pressed Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign for a chronology of how the judges orders traveled from the courtroom to the upper ranks of the administration. Ensign disclosed that he relayed Boasbergs orders to a senior DOJ official, James McHenry; to the Department of Homeland Securitys acting general counsel, Joseph Mazzara; and to State Department attorney Jay Bischoff. Ensign did not mention any discussion with White House officials and, despite prodding by the judge, did not identify any officials outside the Justice Department who were listening to the hearing live via a publicly available audio line. Boasberg repeatedly grilled Ensign, probing to see whether the lawyer was privy to the fact that the operation was underway even though Ensign told Boasberg that day that other officials had refused to give him any information. They told you nothing about these planes? Boasberg asked incredulously. You were there arguing on behalf of the government and they told you nothing? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I diligently tried to obtain that information and was not able to do so, Ensign replied, adding that many of the conversations he had could be covered by attorney-client privilege. That prompted the judge to immediately raise his eyebrows and shake his head in disagreement. Boasberg said he was puzzled that after he issued his morning order and indicated he was considering expanding it, the Trump administration continued or even accelerated its effort to launch the flights. Why wouldnt the prudent thing be to say, Lets slow down here. Lets see what the judge says? Boasberg asked. Boasberg said the only inference he could draw was that the administration was racing to complete the deportations before the courts could intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you really believed everything you did that day was legal and would survive a court challenge, you wouldnt have operated the way you did, the judge said. The judge also said the the erroneous deportation of a Venezuelan man to El Salvador on one of the three planes despite an immigration-court order that he not be deported to that country was added evidence of the administrations rush to dodge judicial oversight. Lo and behold, at least one that we know of shouldnt have been there in the first place, Boasberg said. Ensign acknowledged reports that the planes were carrying at least seven women and one man who were ultimately returned to the United States. That suggests officials could have complied with Boasbergs order to bring those deported under Trumps proclamation back to the U.S. It was certainly operationally feasible for those planes to bring individuals back to the United States, the judge said. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) The family of murdered tech mogul Bob Lee filed a wrongful death lawsuit in San Francisco this week accusing his killers family of a conspiracy and an attempted cover-up. Nima Momeni stabbed Lee in the heart under the Bay Bridge on April 4, 2023, threw the knife over a fence, and slipped away from the crime scene before police arrived. Lee called 911, and begged a dispatcher for help as he left behind a heavy blood trail on Main Street. The 43-year-old father of two never named his killer before he lost consciousness and died. Homicide detectives launched an investigation without any suspects. The victim was an icon in the Bay Area tech industry, a founder of CashApp, a MobileCoin executive, and a man with a large circle of friends. Khazar Momeni arrives at the courthouse to testify on Oct. 22, 2024. (KRON4 Photo) Bob loved being in San Francisco, and San Francisco loved Bob. Walking down the street would sometimes be difficult because every young person with a dream would search him out. Young entrepreneurs standing there with binders wanting to show Bob their new app, Lees brother wrote. Lee spent the last week of his life attending his daughters theatre production and going to parties with friends around the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit writes, Bob leaves behind his two children: his son, Dagny Lee, and his daughter, Scout Lee. Bob was a devoted father to his two children. His untimely death robbed the world of a brilliant mind and a remarkable innovator in technology. Khazar Momeni and her mother walk out of a San Francisco courtroom on Oct. 22, 2024. (KRON4 Photo) It took several days before detectives had enough evidence to identify a homicide suspect and arrest Momeni at his home in Emeryville. One of their first clues was a surveillance video showing a white BMW Z4 Roadster driving under the Bay Bridge on April 4, 2023. Additional cameras showed the BMW parked outside Millennium Tower with Lee and Momeni inside. A second clue came from Lees cellphone. Detectives found a text message from Momenis sister, Khazar, asking if he was OK six hours after the stabbing. Khazar wrote, Just wanted to make sure your doing ok. Cause I know nima came wayyyyyy down hard on you. And thank you for being such a classy man handling it with class, court documents show. Bob Lee (Photo via X) Police received a crucial tip from Lees friend. The friend said Lee went to Khazars luxury condo in Millennium Tower shortly before he was murdered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims ex-wife, Krista Lee, received a text message on April 5, 2023, from someone who told her to check the Millennium Towers security footage of the lobby, according to the lawsuit. The footage showed Lee and his killer leaving Khazars apartment together. The lawsuit claims that after Momenis sister, mother, Mahnaz Tayarani, and brother-in-law, Dino Elyassnia, found out that Lee was slain, the family attempted to cover-up the crime. Khazar, Tayarani, and Elyassnia gave substantial assistance to defendant Nima Momeni to hide and/or destroy evidence, attorneys wrote in the lawsuit. After Bob Lees death, law enforcement officers were searching for, and unable to find, defendant Nima Momenis white BMW, attorneys wrote in the lawsuit. Police later discovered that Tayarani, Khazar, and Elyassnia had been trying to sell the white BMW, the suit states. Bob Lees ex-wife, Krista Lee, and their daughter enter the courtroom on Dec. 2, 2024 in San Francisco. (AP Photo / Godofredo A. Vasquez) Momeni left the clothes he was wearing on April 4, 2023, and his BMW, at his mothers house, he testified at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Momeni hired a defense attorney before he was ever questioned by police and arrested, the lawsuit states. The Momeni family gave their cellphones to the attorney and obtained new cellphones, according to the suit. The lawsuit claims that the Momeni family hid the white BMW and ditched their cellphones in an effort to hide evidence from law enforcement officers at the San Francisco Police Department, attorneys wrote in the lawsuit. Khazars husband, Elyassnia, also conducted a search on the Internet on how to erase information from a cell phone, the suit states. Prosecutors said Khazar and her brother usually wrote text messages to each other every day. But in the days after the homicide, their text communications suddenly stopped. Nima Momeni walks into the courtroom for his arraignment in San Francisco, May 2, 2023. (Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP, Pool, File) Khazar wrote a letter to a judge in 2023 describing her sibling relationship. He watches out for me. Nima is one year older than I am. (We) are in near constant contact and have deep feelings of love for one another. My brother means the world to me, she wrote. I dont believe we could live without each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said the murder cases motive was revenge. Khazar testified that she was sexually assaulted by Lees drug dealer on the day before the homicide. Prosecutors said Momeni was an overprotective big brother who blamed Lee for the assault. On December 16, 2024, a jury found Momeni guilty of second-degree murder. He will be sentenced on May 16. Khazar, Tayarani, and Elyassnia were never charged with any crimes connected to Lees death. Bob-Lee-Lawsuit-SFDownload The lawsuit was filed Friday in San Francisco Superior Court by law firms Gutman Law and BD&J. Plaintiffs named in the lawsuit include Lees two children; his brother, Timothy Oliver Lee; and his ex-wife, Krista Lee. Their attorneys accuse Momeni and his family of wrongful death, conspiracy, and aiding and abetting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. BRUSSELS - The foreign ministers of Japan, the United States and South Korea on Thursday voiced "serious concerns" over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs as well as its growing military cooperation with Russia, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. At their meeting in Brussels, the three ministers reaffirmed they will work closely together in tackling issues related to North Korea, which has allegedly engaged in malicious cyber activities to finance its military development, the ministry said. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and his U.S. and South Korean counterparts, Marco Rubio and Cho Tae Yul, met on the sidelines of NATO's two-day ministerial gathering through Friday, where the two Asian nations are taking part as Indo-Pacific partners. The meeting was their second in-person one since U.S. President Donald Trump's return to the White House in January, demonstrating that their cooperation remains solid even under his "America First" banner. Their previous gathering was held in February in Germany. On Thursday, they also exchanged views on regional matters, opposing "unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force," the ministry said. The phrase is commonly used to address concerns over China's growing maritime assertiveness in the surrounding waters. The three confirmed that maintaining their shared principles, such as the rule of law, while strengthening deterrence and response capabilities through concrete collaboration would contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region and the world, the ministry added. Related coverage: China ends 2 days of drills near Taiwan in warning to leader Lai North Korea's Kim oversees reconnaissance, suicide attack drone tests Japan, China agree to push mutually beneficial, practical cooperation Law enforcement officials have found a body in Oxnard that matches the description of a 13-year-old boy who failed to return home to the San Fernando Valley after visiting an acquaintance in Lancaster, authorities said. Oscar Omar Hernandez was reported missing by his family on Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. LAPD homicide detectives assumed the lead in the investigation Tuesday and found information that led them to an area of interest in the city of Oxnard. The LAPD led a foot search of the area alongside members of the FBI and discovered a body matching the description of the missing teen, police said. The body was found in the area of North Harbor Boulevard and West Gonzalez Road, near McGrath State Beach and the Santa Clara River, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The identity of the body has not been officially confirmed, and the cause of death is yet to be determined, police said. The missing boy is believed to be from the LAPD's Foothill Division, said LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton. This division serves the San Fernando Valley communities of Tuna Canyon, Lake View Terrace, Pacoima, Shadow Hills, Sun Valley, Sunland and Tujunga. LAPD detectives are continuing to investigate the cause of death and trying to identify anyone who may be involved or possess information relevant to this investigation. This is a developing story. 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. A body pulled from the Hudson River was identified Wednesday as a Hoboken murder victim, authorities said. Julio Flores, 23, was fatally shot on Feb. 1 in the New Jersey city, the Hudson County Prosecutors Office said in a press release. The Passaic resident was not seen again until March 23, when someone spotted his body in the Hudson River and alerted Hoboken police. An autopsy determined the victim was killed with a gunshot wound to the head, and DNA tests confirmed it was Flores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time Flores body was found, police had already charged his suspected killer. Erick Fernandez, 26, was charged on Feb. 6 and has been in custody for nearly two months. According to police, Flores and Fernandez, a Lodi resident, traveled to a Hoboken skate park together on Feb. 1, where Fernandez lured Flores to a restricted area and killed him. Fernandez then took off with Flores keys and wallet, investigators said. Later that night, Fernandez dumped the murder weapon in a storm drain, cops allege. It was later retrieved by investigators. Authorities claim Fernandez returned to the murder scene the next day and disposed of Flores body into the Hudson River. Cops initially found a pool of blood at the scene but no body. Fernandez was charged with first-degree murder, desecrating human remains and multiple weapons crimes. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg was questioned about safety on Capitol Hill. The Senate Commerce Committee hearing took place on Wednesday. Ortberg discussed the safety steps taken since last years 737 Max door plug blowout. The company has replaced executives and added additional training and audits. Weve made sweeping changes to the people, processes and overall structure of our company. While theres still work ahead, these profound changes are underpinned by a deep commitment from all of us to the safety of our products and services, Ortberg said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also added that people can still trust the plane. Spirit AeroSystems shareholders approve Boeing deal The 737 Max airplanes take off and land every two seconds of the day, safely take off and land every two seconds of the day, he said. Im not denying the horrible incidents that youve outlined. We need to take immediate action, and we are taking action to make sure those accidents never, never happen again. Earlier this year, Boeing said it significantly reduced defects in the 737 fuselages made by Wichitas Spirit AeroSystems. Ortbeg told Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran that Boeing is spending significant money to buy Spirit AeroSystems and is committed to keeping work in Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOLIVAR, Mo The public is invited to make comment at the meeting hosted by the Board of Alderman Thursday, April 3. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bolivar City Hall, community members are being offered up to three-minutes to speak about utility services. Liberty Utilities has been invited to attend, and Representatives from the Missouri Public Service Commission, as well as the Office of the Public Counsel will be present according to a release from the City of Bolivar. Nearly one year ago, Ozarks First reported on the City of Bolivar filing an appeal to the Missouri Public Safety Commission on a proposed sewer and water rate increase by Liberty Utilities for its residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that time, Bolivar officials expressed concern about an increase for residents that could be around 132%. Its a pretty significant rate increase. Were looking at about $40 for residential and an average for the water and about $7 on average for a residential. So pretty significant, City Administrator Thomas Relford told Ozarks First in April of 2024. They have told us that theyve had expenses that they need to recapture over the last several years and theyre going to bring that forward to the Public Service Commission. It wasnt just Bolivar that had an issue with Liberty Utilities billing. In February of this year, The Missouri Public Service Commission ordered an investigation of the companys billing practices. In a release on February 27, 2025, the commission said: The Commission has had numerous inquiries, complaints, comments and testimony about issues with Liberty Utilities billing and customer service. These inquiries have come through the Commissions customer service hotline, comments and testimony submitted at local public hearings and constituent inquiries received by Missouri legislators. Because of these persistent concerns, the Commission will direct its Staff to investigate all the Liberty Utility companies operating in Missouri and file a report with any recommended actions to be taken by the Commission. Missouri Public Service Commission (2/27/25) Thursdays meeting in Bolivar will live stream on the City of Bolivar Youtube Channel. For further information, contact Bolivar City Hall at 417-326-2489 or your respective Alderman directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. NEW BERLIN, Wis. (WFRV) A Police Department in Wisconsin recognized a boy during their spring Awards Ceremony for heroic efforts that likely saved his brother from serious injuries or his life. The New Berlin Police Department said that Liam Crull was honored with a Life Saving Award because of what Liam did while waiting at the bus stop on a November 2024 morning. Jackson Elementary hosts Quilting Blessing & Celebration, sewing life skills through quilting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liam and his brother, Declan, were waiting for the school bus to come when a motorist went off-road and hit Declan. Liam immediately pulled his brother aside to safety to help prevent further harm. Liam even got a nearby adults attention for added assistance. New Berlin Police said his quick response prevented Declan from any major injuries, and that his actions resembled a real-life hero. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trump still seems to think that groceries is something of an uncommon word. Its such an old-fashioned term, but a beautiful term: groceries. It sort of says a bag with different things in it, Trump said at a White House event on Wednesday, where he discussed his massive new tariffs. Groceries went through the roof and I campaigned on that. I talked about the word groceries for a lot. Trump has had an odd fixation with the word and an even odder fixation with the notion that its somehow an uncommon or old-fashioned word. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He mentioned it last week as like an old-fashioned word, but its a beautiful word, a very descriptive word. At a different event last week, he called it like an old-fashioned word, but really its not, and people understand it. He also brought it up on the campaign trail, where at one point he tried to define it. The word grocery, its a sort of simple word, he said in October. But it sort of means, like, everything you eat. The stomach is speaking, it always does. The Daily Show this week took to the streets to try to convince people that groceries was an old-fashioned word in a video you can watch here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And on social media, Trumps critics mocked the latest word salad over groceries: Wait. Is there a new word for groceries? Did i miss it?what is he talking about. https://t.co/SB2DKoMAZv Kathleen Madigan (@kathleenmadigan) April 3, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh crap, I forgot to order a couple items for today's "bag with different things in it" delivery. On a related note, I wish there were some term for that. https://t.co/1J0FVUogc3 NTodd Official (@ntoddpax) April 2, 2025 He clearly hasn't bought his own groceries in decades. That's why he doesn't care about making yours more expensive. https://t.co/JWtq2SfvKC Minnesota DFL Party (@MinnesotaDFL) April 2, 2025 Trump constantly talks about how groceries are an such an old fashioned word. And brags about how he used it while campaigning anyway. Honest question: How is it an old fashioned word? What is the modern word for groceries that the hip people use? I kinda suspect its pic.twitter.com/rXZl09wmXC Jonah Goldberg (@JonahDispatch) April 2, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groceries, that unspoken term lost to the sands of time. https://t.co/kwZUEFkl2T Josh Dorner (@JoshDorner) April 3, 2025 Groceries aren't a campaign buzzword. They're a line in a family budget and you just made them more expensive. https://t.co/1O2fA8bNtc Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) April 2, 2025 when " idiot" just doesnt do the drivel justice https://t.co/jt9P65ZuyD Simon Schama (@simon_schama) April 2, 2025 "A bag with different things in it" is basically an analogy for what's going on inside his brain. Just a sackful of various and sundry thoughts from the bargain bin. And he's running our country. https://t.co/yIgnJIWyHm Jennifer Erin Valent (@JenniferEValent) April 3, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, I haven't heard "groceries" since my grandmother and I used to go to the dry goods store for our sundries https://t.co/bfOxNngsL2 Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) April 2, 2025 2028 is going to be JD Vance pretending he never met this guy. https://t.co/9FeSrVPOn5 Everything Price Sufferer (@agraybee) April 2, 2025 This is your King, MAGA. This is your Daddy. https://t.co/mINqGCxork Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) April 2, 2025 When hes right, hes right. It says a bag with different things in it. Thats just true. https://t.co/5JkUvKUQgI Noah Garfinkel (@NoahGarfinkel) April 2, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is an old fashioned term that we don't use enough. It's schmuck. https://t.co/NapsLc668q Mr. Newberger (@jeremynewberger) April 2, 2025 Comments like these by Trump are really proof of how far removed he is from the average person. Normal people experience grocery shopping on a weekly or more basis. Has Trump ever been in a grocery store? https://t.co/ovQcQqSIXq Matthew Sheffield (@mattsheffield) April 3, 2025 Hes unfamiliar with the term because he hasnt bought any possibly ever. https://t.co/k5rUpKC3eA Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) April 3, 2025 this is about as close to lucille bluth irl as its possible to get https://t.co/p66XI3Soau america's humble lounge singer (@KrangTNelson) April 2, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related... BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil said on Wednesday it is assessing all potential responses to the United States' 10% tariffs on imports from Latin America's largest economy, while its Congress approved a bill outlining the framework for trade retaliation. "The Brazilian government is evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the World Trade Organization, in defense of legitimate national interests," the government said in a statement. Minutes earlier, Brazil's Congress approved a bill, which still requires a ratification by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, that establishes a legal framework for Brazil to respond to potential unilateral trade measures targeting its goods and services, including countermeasures such as tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the text did not specify the United States, the bill gained traction with lawmakers in recent weeks amid the U.S. administration's threats to impose tariffs. The government also highlighted the framework's approval in its response to the U.S. tariffs. Brazil also said it remains open to dialogue and believes U.S. claims the tariffs are reciprocal do not "reflect reality", pointing to the U.S. recording "recurrent and significant trade surpluses in goods and services with Brazil." (Reporting by Victor Borges, Maria Carolina Marcello and Marcela Ayres in Brasilia, and Andre Romani in Sao Paulo; Editing by Sarah Morland) Democrats on Tuesday scored a win in Wisconsins Supreme Court race, while Republicans held on to two seats in deep-red Florida districts, raising questions about what the results mean as both parties look ahead to next years midterms. While off-year special elections dont see the same turnout as a general election, Democrats say President Trump and Elon Musk are proving to be turnout machines for their liberal base. Some Republicans have brushed off the results, however, noting that their voters tend not to turn out in full force when Trump isnt on the ballot. Still, the results have given Democrats a much-needed shot in the arm as they look toward both the Virginia governors race in November and next years midterms, when historically the party in power loses seats in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans everywhere can no longer deny the toxicity of Trump 2.0, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin told reporters on Wednesday, predicting a possible blue wave in 2026. Florida state Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried added that Tuesdays results should send shivers down the spines of every Republican running in a district who won by 15 points. But Republicans arent as convinced Tuesdays results provide insight into next years midterms. I think what it shows is that unless you have a turnout comparable to a presidential election, the Republicans in Wisconsin are at a disadvantage, said Mark Graul, a Republican strategist who was President George W. Bushs Wisconsin director for his 2004 reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graul cautioned against reading too much into what the Wisconsin election results could mean for either party as a unique off-cycle spring election. If you look back in Wisconsin history, these April elections are almost never predictors of the future, he said. Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center of Politics, too, suggested of the Florida and Wisconsin elections that he didnt necessarily know if this is predictive of anything, but the results showed similar signs of Democrats performance right after the 2016 election. Voters headed to the polls in Wisconsin and Florida to weigh in on multiple special elections. In the Sunshine State, Republican candidates Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine easily won their races to fill vacancies in Floridas 1st and 6th congressional districts, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the biggest surprises of the night was that Floridas 1st Congressional District was just as competitive as the closely watched race in the 6th District. Both Fine and Patronis won their districts by roughly 14 points, underperforming Trump in Novembers general election. And Democrat Gay Valimont notably flipped the 1st Districts Escambia County, winning it by just more than 3 points. Trump, in contrast, won that county by nearly 20 points five months ago. Strategists note Democrats high-propensity voters turned out in greater numbers, while lower-propensity GOP voters stayed home. Trump has seen massive success in general elections by targeting low-propensity voters, who tend to be less educated and come from lower income brackets. In 2023, the 1st Congressional District had a poverty rate of 11.3 percent, while the median household income was $75,000 a year. In comparison, the 6th Congressional District had a 14.1 percent poverty rate and a median household income of $61,000 in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, the Democrats almost have a monopoly on college-educated voters and those are the folks that tend to turn out, said Ford OConnell, a Florida Republican strategist. You see a situation where college-educated voters just vote more often. Historically, Republicans have underperformed when Trump has been absent at the top of the ticket, with the exception of the 2021 state elections in Virginia and New Jersey. OConnell noted that while Republicans took care of business in Florida, there is still room to improve. There are a lot of low-propensity voters in todays Trump GOP, meaning that these voters only turn out in droves when his name as at the top of the ballot, he said. Republicans have to make sure before the 2026 midterms that these same voters understand that its all hands on deck all the time at the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over in Wisconsin, Democrats successfully defended the state Supreme Courts liberal majority. Judge Susan Crawfords performance in some of the states counties was largely identical to how Justice Janet Protasiewicz performed in 2023, the last time there was an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, in a race that also determined the partisan tilt of the high court. Crawford won the Democratic strongholds of Dane and Milwaukee counties with 82 percent and 75 percent of the vote share, respectively; Protasiewicz won the two with 82 percent and 73 percent of the vote share each in 2023. In the suburban WOW counties referring to Washington, Ozaukee and Waukesha Republican candidate Brad Schimel received roughly the same vote share in all three that conservative Dan Kelly received two years ago. Overall, Protasiewicz beat her opponent by 11 points, compared with Crawfords 10-point margin over Schimel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Crawford overperformed former Vice President Kamala Harris in the November election and won counties including Racine and Kenosha, which Trump had won in 2024. Charles Franklin, the director of the Marquette Law School Poll, said Wisconsins race offered an upside to both parties given both sides voters were heavily engaged. Overall, turnout was up by more than half a million votes, which is astonishing for an April election, but it favored Democrats just a little bit. They added 280,000 votes compared to the 2023 Supreme Court race, he said. Republicans added 245,000, so both were really successful in getting additional voters to turn out this time. But Franklin noted that the Tuesday election was consistent with the strong Democratic performance seen in the last handful of state Supreme Court elections, noting four of the five last elections were ones that liberal candidates won by double digits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Republicans have sought to downplay the results. Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) suggested in a CNN panel on Tuesday that Trump voters dont vote in spring elections, saying it was always going to be an uphill battle for Republicans. Musk, too, appeared to brush off the results, saying in a post on the social platform X, which he owns, that he expected to lose. Its not unreasonable to believe that the low-propensity Trump-only voter is uniquely hard to mobilize in a spring election. But getting an extra 245,000 votes is no mean feat, Franklin said. And in fact, the kind of stunning statistic is that Brad Schimel got over a million votes and still lost. Thereve only been two other candidates whove ever gotten a million votes, and they both won pretty easily, he added. For Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), he said that Republicans agenda was the foil in the Wisconsin election, not necessarily Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having someone who is out of central casting as a villain like Elon Musk helps, but its ultimately, you know, what we keep hearing, is its the cuts that theyre doing, Pocan told The Hill. The potential cuts to health care and long-term care, to education, to food assistance that people are most concerned about. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler, on the other hand, argued Musk gives Democrats a boost at the ballot box. Elon Musks money might buy some ads, but it repels voters, Wikler said. I hope he stays at the White House with Donald Trump. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 person charged with stealing a police vehicle and a postal vehicle, leading to a Bridgeview crash that left three people injured March 19, failed to show up to multiple court hearings, according to Cook County court records. Miguel Alvarado, 36, was charged March 21 with vehicular hijacking in Oak Lawn as well as aggravated possession of a stolen vehicle and aggravated reckless driving/great bodily harm to a child in Bridgeview, according to the Cook County states attorneys office. The states attorneys office also confirmed Thursday that Alvarado failed to show up to two court hearings last week, but was ordered detained Tuesday while the case is pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors petition for detainment states Bedford Park police officers were called to a Speedway March 19, where Alvarado was allegedly causing issues and trying to access a locked area in the back of the gas station. The officers were reportedly familiar with Alvarado, who they released earlier that day for a misdemeanor. Officers engaged Alvarado again after he walked across the street to the firehouse on Archer Avenue and caused another disturbance, prosecutors said. Alvarado accepted a ride to the train station from the officers, asking if he could first finish his cigarette. The defendant then ran to the Bedford Park officers fully marked squad vehicle and drove away, the petition states. The officer tried to stop him but ultimately ended the pursuit due to safety risks, the petition states. From there, Alvarado drove to Chicago Ridge and the police vehicle was disabled on train tracks, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He approached a postal worker sitting in a United States Postal Service van in Oak Lawn and pulled her out before taking the van, prosecutors said. The two were involved in an altercation that allegedly included Alvarado punching the postal worker with a closed fist, they said. Alvarado drove the van west on 97th Street and was traveling at about 80 mph when he collided with a black sedan driving in his path that included an adult and her two children, ages 3 and 6, the petition states. The children remained in critical condition March 21, with injuries including multiple broken bones for one and a brain bleed for the other, the petition states. The mother was taken to Northwestern University Medical Center Wednesday, and the children to Comer Childrens Hospital in Chicago and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Bridgeview police said. Alvarado reportedly hit two vehicles in addition to the black sedan with the three victims and unsuccessfully tried to take one person out of the car to take that car as well, the petition states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That victim was able to wrestle the defendant to the ground for when officers arrived on the scene, the petition said. Alvarado was allegedly identified as the person who stole the postal van by the postal worker and as the person who stole the police vehicle by Beford Park officers, it said. Alvarado is due back at the Bridgeview courthouse April 22. ostevens@chicagotribune.com KOBE - Prosecutors on Thursday dropped charges against an American man arrested in March for alleged possession of a firearm after bringing a handgun and ammunition in his luggage into Japan and passing through airport customs undetected. Prosecutors did not provide a reason for not indicting the 73-year-old man. Local police said he arrived at Kansai airport in Osaka Prefecture on a flight from Hawaii on March 22. The following day, he realized the revolver loaded with three bullets was in a bag in his suitcase. He reported the discovery to an attendant as he was boarding a cruise ship in Kobe later the same day and was arrested on March 24. The case highlighted concerns over screening measures during the World Exposition opening in the city of Osaka. Many international arrivals are expected during the event lasting six months from April 13. Related coverage: American arrested after bringing gun into Japan undetected: police 3 nabbed for illegally exporting 30 tons of wagyu beef to Hong Kong NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) A New Britain woman pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. Officials say 34-year-old Victoria Kates defrauded the Connecticut Department of Labor of at least $217,056 between March 2020 and May 2021. Kates filed fraudulent unemployment applications with the DOL on behalf of family and friends, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman arrested for alleged fraud in North Haven, police say In response to CT-DOL demanding proof of legal wages and address, Kates created a fraudulent IRS form and provided it to CT-DOL. An additional form of relief provided by the CARES Act was the Paycheck Protection Program which gave loans to small businesses. In 2021, Kates applied for and received $16,250 in PPP loans approved by the Small Business Administration by falsely representing her yearly income. Kates pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and was released on $40,000 bond. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 2 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A report in the New York Times this week suggests British soldiers have been operating in Ukraine since the start of the war. It describes heavily-armed, plain-clothed British commandos escorting a Ukrainian general from Kyiv into Poland for onward travel to an American base in Germany not long after Russia invaded. Assuming this is accurate, those soldiers are likely to have been SAS troops. Whenever British diplomats or intelligence officers are stationed in danger zones, it is standard practice for them to be protected by the SAS, usually out of uniform, and they may also be assigned other tasks if necessary, including the sort of thing described in this article. The same article goes on to say that the British had placed small teams of officers in Ukraine after the invasion, in contrast to the Americans, who would not allow any of their servicemen to be deployed in the country until much later in the war. Even then, they were restricted to Kyiv for the most part. The US approach characterised President Joe Bidens extreme caution over Ukraine, whereas the apparently more free-ranging British presence, albeit no doubt discreet, reflected Boris Johnsons bullishness. This would have had considerable advantages, enabling our military advisers to gain greater confidence among Ukrainian commanders and leading to an increased ability to influence the course of the war. It would also have given our forces improved insight into the situation on the ground, beneficial in assessing what military assistance was required and how best it could be configured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such knowledge was useful to British decision makers and to our allies alike, with whom information and guidance would have been shared. No doubt such activity played a significant part also in helping our politicians and diplomats to rally support among some of the more equivocal national leaders. When he was prime minister, Rishi Sunak only admitted to small numbers of British soldiers being in Ukraine for diplomatic protection, medical training and unspecified other tasks. But the Germans blew the lid off the deployment of our forces to assist in operations involving Storm Shadow cruise missiles donated to Ukraine to fight the Russians. In April last year, the Kremlin-controlled news agency RT released an intercepted phone conversation between two Luftwaffe generals discussing the British presence on the ground in Ukraine for Storm Shadow mission planning. Around the same time Chancellor Olaf Scholz publicly revealed much the same thing. He said this to justify his refusal to allow German boots on the ground which he believed would be necessary for supplying Ukraine with the longer-range Taurus missiles that Kyiv had long sought and never got. Scholz feared that deploying Taurus risked making Berlin a participant in the war. That same sort of timidity, although mainly coming out of Washington, permeates the New York Times article. It shows senior US military officers doing the best they knew how to help Ukraine defeat the Russians from their remote headquarters in Germany, but often frustrated in their efforts by Bidens fear of Putins sabre-rattling. That resulted in what turned out to be fatal heel-dragging in supplying vitally needed munitions like long-range missiles, tanks and combat planes. Then, when eventually they were reluctantly sent, there was a refusal to allow their use on Russian territory where they could have been applied to greatest effect. Bidens anxiety over the threat of escalation is reflected in the words of one of his senior officials who claimed that the American message to the Russians was: This war should be fought inside Ukraine. What an indictment! A former Ukrainian military intelligence chief, Lieutenant General Valeriy Kondratiuk, summed it up perfectly: We are allies, but we have different goals. We protect our country, and you protect your phantom fears from the Cold War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British leaders shared such fears but perhaps not as much as Biden. We were right to stick our neck out by sending troops into Ukraine to do what needed to be done, albeit in a very limited way. We will need to be much bolder, and to build up our own withered defences, if we are to play a role in deterring Vladimir Putins future ambitions. And we will need allies who are not so terrified that, like Scholz, they live in perpetual dread of being seen to participate in a war to defend their friends from aggression. 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. Brookfield Police Chief James Adlam has retired about five years after taking the role and nearly 40 years into working for the community, the police department announced this week in a Facebook post. Former Assistant Chief Chris Garcia was sworn in Wednesday as the city's new chief of police, Mayor Steve Ponto posted on Facebook. Garcia and his assistant were not immediately available for requests for comment. Adlam leaves the department about a month after a citizen filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court against four Brookfield Police officers who used a Taser and arrested him after they mistook him as a suspect. During his tenure, the agency received scrutiny for its policy not to release juvenile records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adlam did not respond to a Journal Sentinel reporter's request for an interview in the wake of his departure. Adlam started his career with the with the Eau Claire Police Department in 1985 and joined the Brookfield Police Department in 1986, the Facebook post said. He began as an officer, became an acting detective, and went through the ranks before becoming the chief of police in 2021, according to the department. During his career, Adlam graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico and completed the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University, which aims to "prepare experienced law enforcement professionals for success in senior command positions," according to its website. The former chief's "leadership and expertise have shaped the department and inspired many," the Facebook post said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Enjoy this new chapteryouve earned it," the post said. "We wish you and your family all the best. May your retirement be filled with joy and relaxation." Bridget Fogarty reports on Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Elm Grove. Contact the reporter at bfogarty@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brookfield Police Chief James Adlam retires, Chris Garcia sworn in A Philadelphia woman is facing more than a dozen felonies for allegedly defrauding Medicaid of more than $42,000 for work she didnt provide. The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office alleges that Nyshimah Anderson, 26, was paid as a direct care worker through two staffing companies, including one in Bensalem, but that records show she submitted hours she could not have worked. Anderson worked for All American Home Care in Bensalem from February 2022 through July 2024. Between 2022 and April 2023, she reported working almost daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. , according to a probable cause affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning on April 20, 2023, Anderson reported she was working from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily through July 2024 for the company, the affidavit said. A Philadelphia woman is facing felony charges she defrauded Medicaid by submitting for payment for hours she did not work as a direct care worker. As a direct care worker, Anderson provided assistance with everyday activities such as feeding, bathing, dressing and household tasks for Medicaid recipients approved for the service through the states Community Health Choices waiver. But investigators found similar records for a different staffing company that showed Anderson was paid to provide care for a Medicaid recipient from March 3, 2023 through June 21, 2024 for hours that overlapped when she was allegedly working for All American Home Care, the affidavit said. State investigators alleged she submitted more than 2,000 hours of overlapping time causing Medicaid to fraudulently pay out at least $42,668 for services not rendered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with investigators in January Anderson allegedly admitted she submitted overlapping time submissions, the affidavit said. Anderson was arraigned Tuesday before District Judge Joseph Falcone on seven felony charges including fraudulent medical assistance claim, theft, tampering with public records. She is free on unsecured bail. Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Employee of Bensalem health staffing company accused of $42K theft A Bucks County man has sued Elon Musk alleging the Trump adviser owes him, and at least 100 others in Pennsylvania, money for canvassing work performed last year. The plaintiff, identified only as John Doe, has petitioned a federal judge to certify his case as a class action, which would allow others who allege that they weren't paid to join the lawsuit. The suit was filed April 1 in the U.S. District Eastern Pennsylvania Court in Philadelphia. Doe filed his lawsuit under a pseudonym for his safety and security, according to the lawsuit. He is suing defendants Musk, Group America LLC, a Musk-owned entity, and America PAC citing breach of contract and violations of Pennsylvania Wage Payment Collection Law. These images were included in a lawsuit seeking class-action certification against Elon Musk, his Super PAC and an LLC associated with him for breach of contract and state wage law violations. More Bucks County news: A Levittown man, 21, died after a shooting, crash in Philadelphia Saturday. What we know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does attorney, Jeremy Abay, did not immediately respond Thursday to an email seeking comment. The plaintiff is seeking at least $5 million, alleging that he and other registered voters were promised $100 if they signed a petition supporting free speech and gun rights and another $100 for each additional petition signature they collected, the lawsuit alleges. These images were included in a lawsuit seeking class-action certification against Elon Musk, his Super PAC and an LLC associated with him for breach of contract and state wage law violations. The lawsuit alleges that Doe and others were initially offered $47, but that the amount was increased to $100, and that the defendants have since failed to pay them in full for signatures and referrals. Doe alleges that he worked as a canvasser for the defendant's America PAC and Group America LLC, and while he was paid an hourly rate and for some referrals for petition signatures well after he performed the work he believes he is owed $20,000, according to the suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does attempts to collect his full payments have been unsuccessful, according to the suit, which also alleges that the plaintiff relied on these payments to pay his bills and suffered damage to his credit and health when the payments did not arrive as expected. Plaintiff is in communication with numerous others who referred voters to sign the America PAC petition, who are likewise frustrated that they did not receive full payments for their referrals, according to the lawsuit. The solicitation of voters was among the South African billionaires most controversial strategies used in swing states such as Pennsylvania in the 2024 presidential election, which offered to pay voters to sign various petitions supporting Trump and GOP platform positions. Recently Musks America PAC resurrected the strategy ahead of the hotly contested Wisconsin Supreme Court race, which ended Tuesday with voters picking the Democrat candidate in what is being described as the most expensive judicial race in Wisconsin history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America PAC offered $100 to Wisconsin residents who signed a petition opposing judges who impose their own views, $20 a day to recruit voters over in the two days before the April 1 election and pledged $1 million to two participants. American PAC spokesman Andrew Romeo seemingly defended against the lawsuit in a statement to CNN. America PAC is committed to paying for every legitimate petition signature, which is evidenced by the fact that we have paid tens of millions of dollars to canvassers for their hard work in support of our mission, Romeo said, per CNN. Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Suit alleges Musk stiffed Bucks County man, others for election work. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Odessa College is bringing back its $325 million Vision 2030 bond proposal for a second vote this May after it was rejected by voters last November. The bond would fund six new buildings, four major renovations, and campus-wide upgrades, including infrastructure, security, technology, and child care facilities. We have a fired-up campus. We have a lot of outstanding employees who are doing a wonderful thing. And weve pushed it to the limit, said President Gregory Williams. Thats what we dowere doing all that we can to bring value to this community. Williams emphasized that the college has only passed two bonds in over 40 years- in 1982 and 2010, and said this one would likely be the last for decades. Over the last 43, 44 years, Odessa College has passed one bondI think if this bond is successful with all the work weve done, it will be 20 to 25 years before we come back to this community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The college currently serves more than 15,000 students each year, offering over 120 degree and certificate programs. Odessa College projects a 15 to 20% increase in workforce program enrollment and estimates its annual economic impact at $395 million. Odessa College makes a big impact on the Permian Basin economy One in 38 jobs in the Permian Basin are supported by the activity of Odessa College. One in every 38. And Odessa is the 9th fastest growing metro area in the United States, Williams said. Some voters have compared the proposal to ECISDs new career center, but Williams said the colleges role is complementary, not competitive. We are partners with them in that effort. We do not compete with them. We partner with them They will provide training at one level with our help, and we will take it to the next level here with the new workforce center that we will have at Odessa College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Williams, the bond would cost the average homeowner about $13.65 more per month. One of our early college high school principals mentioned that [the price is the same as] a certain kind of latteAnother said that its a fast food meal, Williams said. Williams also highlighted the impact the bond would have beyond the student body. If youre a person whos been here for a long time, and youre retired, take advantage of these amenities He reminded voters how Odessa College supports essential services and job training across the community. Dont forget, healthcare workers are provided and taught at Odessa College. First responders auto technicians We need teachers, social workers, probation and parole officers. We need all of these people again, trained, or partly trained through Odessa College. Beyond education and job training, Williams framed the bond as a chance to uplift the entire Odessa community. There are some taxes Im okay paying. There are some things that make me better, make my experience better, make my journey better This bond will cost an extra $13.65 per month to the average homeowner that limited expense can help to transform this community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also urged voters not to sit this one out. I dont want you to sit at home and say someone else will do it. I need you to go and vote and be a part of the process. We all have to own it. Our futures are on the line, and not only from a college standpoint, but the entire Odessa community. Early voting runs from April 22 to April 29. Election Day is Saturday, May 3. For more information about OCs Visions 2030 Bond, 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 Yourbasin. BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) With budget-drawing season here, Bulloch County officials have named another interim county manager whos doubling as the public safety director. Randy Tillman, the public safety director, said the countys new chairman asked him if he was willing to take the job while they continue their search for a permanent replacement. We have a great public safety team here in Bulloch County, a lot of experience, very professional, said Tillman. They will continue to do their job as if I were there every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county hasnt had a permanent county manager since the last resigned four months ago after a turnover of seats on the commission. Tillman has experience managing prison operations for the State of Georgia, before he became the county warden in 2018 and the public safety director last year. He told WSAV the new job can be pretty similar to his other work considering a warden is a lot like the mayor of an incarcerated city. The prison system in Georgia was either the fifth or sixth largest city in the state unfortunately- but you offer the same services that a large city or town would, said Tillman. He said although its early in the process, the budget will probably have the same focus as the previous: infrastructure and public safety to include the salaries of 37 new firefighters for the county department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres certain services, life safety that youre going to continue to provide based on the anticipated growth of the community, said Tillman. Officials told WSAV they dont have a clear number yet of what funding will be available as they wait on state calculations for the homestead exemption. Meanwhile, the county has hired a New York firm to search for a permanent county manager. Tillman will assume his role on April 10, after Cindy Steinmans last day. Tillman said the two have been working together for the past couple weeks in order to prepare for the transition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. Fatima Guisado lozano/Getty Images Chocolate rocks, but typically not literally: A bunch of popular chocolate bars were just recalled becausedrumroll, pleasethey may contain small stones, according to the FDA. On April 1, per the FDA, the New Yorkbased chocolate brand Tonys Chocolonely, Inc. announced they were voluntarily recalling seven lots of two of their flavored bars: the brands 6.35-ounce dark almond sea salt bar and the 6.35-ounce everything bar (which Tonys Chocolonely describes as milk chocolate with caramel, pretzel, almond nougat, and sea salt.) The recall was initiated in response to 12 reports of consumers finding small stones in the products not filtered during third-party almond harvesting and the almond processing process, according to the FDA announcement. None of the complaints originated in the US or Canada, and no injuries were reported, the FDA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whilst the chance of any individual product being affected is low, and we have not yet received any complaints in North America, we have decided to take this step in order to ensure the safety and satisfaction of Tonys Chocolonely consumers in an abundance of caution, the company said in a statement on its website. Both bar products were distributed across the US and available for sale via retail stores and the Tonys Chocolonely website (tonyschocolonely.com), according to the FDA. Distribution began on February 7 and ended on March 24, the FDA said. Tonys Chocolonely sells products at popular retailers like CVS, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods, as well as online. In the US, the affected lot codesidentifying numbers often assigned to a specific batch or quantity of products for tracking purposesare as follows, according to Tonys Chocolonely. You can find the lot code printed on the side of the wrapper, according to the Tonys Chocolonely website. Dark almond sea salt bar (6.35 oz): Lot numbers 163094, 162634, and M162634 Everything bar (6.35 oz): Lot numbers 4327, 4330, 4331, and M4331 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chocolate companys website also includes a helpful tool that allows you to check your lot code. If you find out your sweet treat is affected? Definitely do not eat it, due to the risk posed by the potentially present stones, according to the FDA. You can return the products to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement, or you can dispose of them yourself. For more information, contact Tonys Chocolonely USA at +1(503) 388-5990. In the meantime, if youre looking for something sweet, try one of these 49 healthy desserts that will satisfy your sugar cravings and slip in some extra nutrients to boot. Related: Get more of SELFs great news coverage delivered right to your inboxfor free. Originally Appeared on Self COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) The South Carolina Forestry Commissions (SCFC) burning ban has been lifted in the last five counties, effectively cancelling the statewide burn ban. The ban was originally lifted for 41 SC counties on Monday, March 31, with the ban still kept in place in Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg county. Officials say that the ban is being lifted due to more favorable weather conditions, and significant progress from fire crews in containing the ongoing wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Wednesday, April 2, the Table Rock Complex has burned around, 13,564 acres with 12,929 acres in South Carolina and 635 acres in North Carolina. Containment has reached up to 68%, with crews making significant leaps in progress following recent rain activity. The Persimmon Ridge Fire has been reported to reach approximately 2,078 acres, with containment at 74%. The lifting of the burn ban allows citizens to burn material outdoors. Authorities ask resident to follow proper procedures and notify others when conducting outdoor burning, as above-average fire danger and activity is expected to continue through the month of April. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Layoffs of federal employees and cutbacks to federal agencies have direct consequences for the Philadelphia area. I am a law professor at Villanova University outside Philadelphia, and my research focuses on the work of the administrative agencies that compose the federal government. I believe that understanding the federal governments presence in the Philly metro area can highlight some of the potential consequences in our region for the rapid changes currently underway. Over 65,000 federal employees in PA More than 80% of federal civilian employees work outside of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. There are about 66,000 federal employees in Pennsylvania and 35,000 in Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over a dozen federal agencies have offices in the Philadelphia region. These include the Internal Revenue Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Agricultural Marketing Service, Food and Drug Administration, Economic Development Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal Transit Administration and the Census Bureau. Here are some examples of the broad variety of services that federal employees in the Philadelphia region provide to the public. Services to businesses Several federal agencies in the Philadelphia area provide expertise, advice and resources for businesses. For example, the U.S. Commercial Service, part of the Commerce Department, has an office in Philadelphia and assists U.S. businesses with exporting their products for international markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Small Business Administration, which has a district office in King of Prussia, provides resources and support for small businesses. And the Economic Development Administration operates a regional office in Philadelphia that distributes federal funds for construction, workforce training, manufacturing, disaster relief and other purposes. Benefits for retirees and veterans Other federal agencies administer government benefits programs. The Social Security Administration disburses benefits for retirees and the disabled, providing more than US$13 billion in benefits to almost 8 million people in the Philadelphia region each month. About 3,800 Pennsylvanians work for the Social Security Administration in offices located around the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Veterans Affairs operates the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Medical Center in West Philadelphia. The center provides primary and specialty health care for veterans. Statewide in Pennsylvania, about 17,000 federal employees work for the Veterans Health Administration. Another 1,500 work for the Veterans Benefits Administration, which provides veterans with education and training, home loans, life insurance and pensions. Census data collection The Census Bureau operates an office in Philadelphia to collect and disseminate data in a region that stretches from Tennessee to Pennsylvania. The Census Bureau conducts the constitutionally mandated census of the U.S. population every 10 years, as well as an economic census of businesses every five years, and numerous surveys about communities, health, housing, crime, education and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, regional census employees answer questions from local media, work with local organizations to encourage participation in censuses and surveys, and educate the public about census data. This work is of particular importance because census data determines how federal funding is allocated. Military logistics The Defense Logistics Agencys Troop Support Command is headquartered in Northeast Philadelphia. Troop Support is responsible for creating and maintaining military supply chains. This includes securing food, clothing, equipment and medical supplies. It is also responsible for procuring medals and ribbons for military awards, such as the Medal of Honor. About 5,000 federal employees, many of them military veterans, work for the Defense Logistics Agency in Pennsylvania. Bridges, dams and seawalls The Army Corps of Engineers has operated its district headquarters in Philadelphia since 1866. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to its role in supporting the military, the Corps of Engineers also constructs and maintains civil works projects. Its first civil works project in the Philadelphia region was the construction of a breakwater near Cape Henlopen, Delaware, in 1829. These days, employees of the district inspect and maintain bridges, operate flood control dams, build beachfill and seawall projects along coastlines and maintain 500 miles of navigation channels. The vast majority of federal civilian employees dont work in D.C. Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress Domain National historical sites The National Park Service manages numerous historical sites and parks in the Philadelphia region, including the Independence National Historical Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, the Flight 93 National Memorial and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. At these locations, National Park Service personnel educate visitors, maintain facilities, protect park resources and keep the public safe. Environmental cleanup The Environmental Protection Agency is perhaps best known as an environmental regulator, enforcing limits on air and water pollution and toxic substances. But it also is active in other areas, such as cleaning up contaminated sites in the Philadelphia area through the Superfund program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EPAs National Priorities List includes almost 40 contaminated sites in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. For example, EPA manages the cleanup of the Philadelphia Navy Yard in South Philadelphia, where part of the Navy Yard had historically been used to dispose of waste from ships. EPAs cleanup has remediated the onsite landfill and prevents contamination from seeping into the Delaware River. EPA also supervises the cleanup in Havertown of the site of a former wood treatment operation that contaminated the soil and groundwater with the highly toxic chemical pentachlorophenol, or PCP. Because of the cleanup, part of the contaminated site is now a widely used YMCA that serves the recreational and fitness needs of the community. Tax help The Internal Revenue Service, another agency known for its enforcement activities, also provides services in the Philadelphia area to support taxpayers. These include, for example, taxpayer assistance centers in Horsham, King of Prussia, Media and Philadelphia. The IRS also has a Taxpayer Advocate Service office in Philadelphia. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent office that advocates for taxpayers who are having difficulties with the IRS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of our stories about Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. 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: Todd Aagaard, Villanova School of Law Read more: Todd Aagaard is a visiting fellow at Resources for the Future in addition to his faculty position at Villanova University. From 1999 to 2007, he served as an attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice. JOHANNESBURG, April 3 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Thursday expressed concern over the tariffs imposed by the United States on its products, calling them "a barrier to trade and shared prosperity." On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a global minimum 10 percent tariff on all imports and 30 percent tariffs for South Africa, whom he called the "worst offenders." The South African currency, the rand, weakened by over 2 percent after the U.S. announcement. In a statement issued Thursday morning, the South African Presidency said it "has noted with concern the newly imposed tariffs on South African exports to the United States of America." "Whilst South Africa remains committed to a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the U.S., unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs are a concern and serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity," the statement said. "The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the U.S., as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty," it said. Relations between South Africa and the United States worsened after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act into law in January. Last month, the United States expelled South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, further straining their relations. On Tuesday, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed that its delegation had returned from a trip to the United States to mend relations. According to a statement issued by DIRCO, the delegation held meetings with U.S. government representatives to clarify key issues and address misconceptions about South Africa's policies and legislation, including the Expropriation Act. DIRCO said the delegation directly tackled concerns and misconceptions that South Africa's policies were designed to violate minority human rights, noting that the government's efforts to address inequality are constitutionally mandated and necessary. Americans looking to purchase a new car are likely going to see a higher price tag, by as much as $15,000, as a result of President Donald Trumps 25 percent tariff on foreign-made vehicles. During his Liberation Day speech, Trump said his 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles would go into effect on Thursday at midnight. Beginning May 3, that tariff will also apply to imported car parts, which is likely to raise the cost of vehicles and repairs in the United States. The presidents tariffs are part of his effort to increase domestic manufacturing, thus adding and protecting auto worker jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But automakers and sellers are expecting those tariffs to be passed onto consumers. Bank of America estimates that imported auto parts could raise the cost of vehicles by $3,285 per vehicle on average. Goldman Sachs estimates the cost of foreign-made cars could increase anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 per vehicle. Heres what you need to know about the automobile tariffs. Approximately eight million cars, half of the U.S.s vehicle production, are imported (AFP via Getty Images) What are the car tariffs? The tariffs that went into effect on Thursday at midnight will apply to all foreign-assembled cars or about half of the U.S.s car purchases. The Trump administration believes that imposing the tariffs will increase domestic manufacturing and bring more automobile manufacturing jobs to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around eight million cars were imported into the U.S. last year, with a majority coming from Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Japan and Germany. But in one month from now, those tariffs will expand to all foreign-made auto parts, which is likely to disrupt the automotive industry. Around 60 percent of car parts are imported, even if the car is finally assembled in the U.S. Every single 2025 model car sold in the U.S. had at least 15 percent of its parts from a country outside of North America. This is because its cheaper to make parts and import them than to make them in the U.S., or some parts may be more readily available in other countries. Asian markets tumbled on Thursday after Trump announced the automobile tariffs as well as other reciprocal tariffs (Getty Images) What does this mean for buyers? Vehicles are likely going to become more expensive, regardless of where they are assembled, due to the impact of Trumps tariffs on supply and demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cost of vehicles will go up. Its just math, Mark Fields, the former CEO of Ford, told CNN. The bottom line is there is absolutely no vehicle that wont be impacted by tariffs. But cars that are mostly manufactured abroad, such as the Hyundai Elantra made in South Korea, Nissan Infiniti made in Japan or Porsche Cayman S made in Germany, will see the highest tariffs. While automakers may try to absorb most of the increased cost, its likely some will be passed onto consumers as well. Auto parts is where many Americans may feel the impact while trying to get vehicles repairs or updated. For example, research from CNN said that a car with a value of $40,000 would be hit with a $10,000 tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a healthy debate to be had over how that cost might be shared between the suppliers, the (automakers), dealers and the final consumers, an auto executive told the outlet last week. The consumer will see a fair chunk of it, they added. Consumers may look to purchase used vehicles to circumvent the tariff, but the used car market is already dealing with a low supply of lightly used newer vehicles. "If you just think about the overall pool of used vehicles, it's gotten a little bit older because we had lower production and sales in 2021 and 2022, and those vehicles take time to become used vehicles, Jeremy Robb, senior director of economic and industry insights at Cox Automotive told Car and Driver. General Motors and other automakers also reported notable increases in their first-quarter sales, largely put down to tariff-weary consumers making purchases before prices climb. An auto executive said he believes consumers will need to foot a fair chunk of the price rises. (AFP via Getty Images) Are there exemptions? There are some exemptions for Mexico and Canada per the United StatesMexicoCanada, which allows for tariff-free trade between the three countries for certain products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vehicle parts often cross all three countries during manufacturing and assembly. Automakers will only be tariffed for any parts made outside of the U.S. This means automakers will not be charged the tariff if an engine or battery is made in the U.S. but installed in a car in Mexico or Canada. To incentivize buyers, Ford said it would offer employee pricing to customers from April 3 to June 2. Will this improve the industry? The White House is adamant that the tariffs will increase production and jobs in the U.S., but they may see job losses before seeing any are created or new factories are built. Since the U.S. relies heavily on outside manufacturers for parts and vehicles, if those assembly plants see less demand, they may have to shut down or decrease staff to keep up with costs. This could disrupt the supply chain and thus jobs in automobile production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the on-again, off-again nature of Trumps tariffs mean manufacturers are not in any rush to make sweeping changes to how they operate. Think about a world where were spending billions in capital, and then it ends. We cant be whipsawing the business back and forth, General Motors CFO Paul Jacobson told investors, per CNN. There are also no ways to quickly pivot and shift production to an American-first model. There are not a lot of levels we can pull in the very short term, an auto executive told CNN. Youre talking investing in new physical capacity in the U.S., which has a very long lead time, he added. Stellantis NV, the maker of Ram trucks and Jeeps, said on Thursday it would temporarily lay off 900 workers across five facilities in the U.S. Donald Trump has told Sir Keir Starmer that Britain must start selling chlorinated US chickens if it wants lower tariffs. The US president has called for the concession after imposing a 10pc levy on goods from the UK to America, claiming that the UKs restrictions on chlorine-washed poultry and hormone-treated beef were flawed. After announcing a barrage of sweeping global tariffs on Wednesday, the White House released a statement saying: The UK maintains non-science-based standards that severely restrict US exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This formed part of Mr Trumps narrative that America has been subject to unfair treatment from countries around the world, including the UK. It listed Britains ban on chlorinated chicken among a range of non-tariff barriers that limit Americas ability to trade. Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, has vowed not to change the rules on meat, promising in a GMB interview today to abide by Labours clear manifesto position to maintain that regime. When asked about American meat-processing practices last year, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, said: Were not going to allow British farmers to be undercut by different rules and regulations in other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We opposed [allowing the imports] in the last parliament, and that wont change. The debate over Americas chlorinated chickens has been revived after previously disrupting Britains attempt to negotiate a trade deal with the US. The issue first came to the fore under Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister, who promised farmers in 2023 that there would be no chlorine-washed chicken and no hormone-treated beef on the UK market. Not now, not ever. The US argues that washing meat in chemicals reduces the risk from pathogens such as salmonella, while Europeans more typically say higher hygiene standards throughout the meat processing are preferable to cleaning up cuts with a chlorine rinse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers Union, warned the Government last week against loosening the rules to placate Mr Trump. Absolutely no one wants to see hormone-treated beef, or pork or chicken treated with anti-microbial washes which are banned here in the UK sold on our market, he said. Those ways of production were banned in the 1980s and 90s for a reason. As for current trade across the Atlantic, most of Britains tariffs were lower than those charged by the US before the new 10pc border tax. Last year, the average tax levied by the UK on imports from America was 0.9pc, compared to the 1.1pc typically charged on goods coming the other way, according to the World Trade Organisation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, that is not true for agricultural goods. As a legacy of the pre-Brexit era, border taxes on farm produce entering the UK average 9.2pc, more than three-times the USs levies of 3pc. 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. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds outside the House of Representatives Chambers on Thursday, April 3, 2025. (Photo by Christine Sexton/Florida Phoenix) U.S. Rep. and Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Byron Donalds was in Tallahassee Thursday, where he met with House Speaker Daniel Perez and members of the House he once served with. Well, I mean everybody knows we had some scheduling changes in Washington, Donalds said, referencing the decision by GOP leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives to cancel votes after failing to block a change in rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donalds was one of nine Republicans to buck GOP leadership and agree to allowing new parents serving in the chamber to vote by proxy. So, it opened up a day for me to come down here, have some meetings with people in Tallahassee about what their views are, what their goals are for the future of the state, share with them my thoughts. And then, its always good to be back at the Florida House. Its been a long time since Ive been on the House floor. Donalds was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2020. He has served in Congress since 2021. In a media availability with reporters, Donalds defended President Donald Trumps economic policies, played down recent Florida election results that saw Republicans win by smaller margins than in the recent past, and dismissed increasing tensions between Perez and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding the Perez-DeSantis relationship, Donalds said its actually pretty typical. I think the most unfortunate thing is now its spilling out, he said. Theyre going to finish their business here. Im quite sure that the governor, the House, and the Senate will come to a resolution on a lot of these issues. President Donald Trump has endorsed Donalds to be the next governor of Florida. The endorsement has strained his relationship with DeSantis, who has repeatedly said his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, would be a good choice to replace him. The first lady has not publicly announced any run. Donalds said he didnt collect any gubernatorial endorsements from state legislators while in Tallahassee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He didnt share his opinion about whether he preferred DeSantis approach to reduce property taxes or House Speaker Danny Perezs push to pare back the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% instead. Donalds said he didnt want to get in the way of negotiations. Because, to be blunt, theres one governor at a time. They are going to take care of this and we move on from here. He said the goal is to make sure that the people of Florida are getting what they need. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The self-professed Make America Great Again president is yet again reaching back to some bad old days in his chaotic quest for this never-defined national greatness. And yet again, Donald Trump is shaming what actually is (was?) a great nation. With punitive tariffs this week, hes ushering in not his promised Golden Age but a global trade war. Predictably, consumers and businesses are collateral damage, suddenly facing higher prices, layoffs, depressed retirement accounts and fears of recession. Some Liberation Day. Separately, Trump is overseeing migrant roundups, detentions and deportations that lack any semblance of constitutional due process. His agents are sweeping up legal residents in their opaque nets, labeling the whole unidentified lot as terrorists and shipping most of them off by planeloads to a Salvadoran megaprison. Scores of families plead that the government is mistaken, and this week the Trump administration uncharacteristically did concede to one administrative error: It told a federal judge that it wrongly nabbed a 29-year-old Maryland man after hed left work and picked up his 5-year-old son, who has autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Calmes: It's a 'break-glass' moment in Washington, but then what? And yet the same U.S. government that pays El Salvador millions to do its dirty work and whose president is a strongman wannabe told the court that it cant get Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia out of the foreign prison and back home to Maryland. Less noticed amid the economic chaos and extrajudicial deportations is yet another travesty that strikes at the foundation of the countrys proud legacy as a world leader the world leader since World War II: The ever-transactional Trumps sordid, neocolonial attempt to extort Ukraine of its wealth of oil, gas, critical minerals and rare-earth elements as repayment for the United States support in the Ukrainians defense against Russias invasion. Americans may be distracted but foreigners and global market-watchers have noticed. As Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky resists Trumps latest one-sided demands, which dropped on Friday, Bloomberg News headline was U.S. Seeks to Control Ukraine Investment, Squeezing Out Europe. More colorfully, the Telegraph of London reported , America holds gun to Zelenskys head with unprecedented reparation demands. Its article quoted Alan Riley , an expert on global energy law at the Atlantic Council, who damned the proposal as an expropriation document and added, Ive never seen anything like it before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Calmes: When it comes to Trump's economy, the adults have left the room Certainly nothing like it has been seen since 1948, when the United States solidified its postwar leadership and banked global goodwill with the Marshall Plan , which rebuilt war-ravaged Europe, including former enemies. Over four years, President Truman and Congress provided bipartisan aid roughly equivalent to $175 billion today. All the while, U.S. politicians persuaded Americans that the aid they were paying for was neither selfless nor a giveaway: In reviving Europe, the United States was recovering markets for its products and stabilizing democratic allies to withstand further world wars. As the laws advocate, Secretary of State George C. Marshall Jr., stated, the program reflected a willingness on the part of our people to face up to the vast responsibilities which history has clearly placed upon our country. How far weve fallen. Youd have to go back several centuries when European powers colonized and plundered Africa, Asia and the Americas to find the sorry model for Trumps attempt to extract Ukraines resources ( and Greenlands ) valued at trillions of dollars . But its all the worse considering that Ukraine, a democratic ally, has spilled its own blood and treasure to withstand and weaken Russia, a U.S. adversary, and asks only for aid not troops to hold the line against would-be Czar Vladimir Putins dreams of empire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Calmes: The United States careens toward a constitutional crisis In fairness, Trump is arguably following up on overtures from Zelensky last year to the Biden administration for U.S.-Ukraine cooperation in developing his countrys minerals and energy riches. But Zelenskys offer was always in exchange for a U.S. guarantee of its security, perhaps NATO membership or American peacekeeping troops. Trump has refused to agree to that. The tension over a security guarantee was behind Trumps and Vice President JD Vances February Oval Office pile-on that humiliated Zelensky and sickened U.S. allies. That debacle derailed a minerals deal, but negotiations resumed in recent weeks. After all, Zelensky doesnt have much choice You dont have the cards, Trump mocked him. This much is true: Ukraines future relies on U.S. help, despite Europes talk of filling the void. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps 55-page proposal calls for a U.S.-controlled investment fund to develop Ukraines resources, including minerals such as lithium and titanium that are essential for electric cars and other products based on modern technology. From Ukraines half of all proceeds, it would have to repay the United States for all past aid none of which was provided on such terms, and most of which went to U.S. defense plants for weaponry plus 4% interest. All with no U.S. security guarantee for Ukraine. And, just like Trumps purported peace talks with Russia, the proposed minerals deal cuts out Ukraines more stalwart European allies, who, contrary to his repeated falsehoods, have collectively contributed more to Ukraine than the United States has asking nothing in return. On Sunday, Trump told reporters that Zelensky is trying to back out of a deal. He added, for thuggish effect, If he does that, hes got some problems. Big, big problems. Yes, Zelensky has big problems. But he and his country have their pride. Which is more than America will be left with if Trump has his way. @jackiekcalmes Get the latest from Jackie Calmes Commentary on politics and more from award-winning opinion columnist. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. (KRON) A Campbell woman accused of a wrong-way crash on Interstate 280 in 2023 that killed a mother and injured the mothers son was denied a mental health diversion in the case last week, according to the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office. Constellatia Martin, who is now 26 years old, pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run causing death, among other charges related to the fatal collision on April 22, 2023, in Woodside. Last week, on March 28, Judge Susan Jakubowski determined that while there are treatments that could treat the defendants symptoms, the DAs office wrote, the defendants past history shows repeated failure to comply with treatment conditions and there was a lack of an adequate treatment plan presented by the defense. The judge denied the defenses motion. Constellatia Martins car is seen at the crash scene on April 22, 2023. (Image courtesy Cal Fire CZU) Prosecutors said Martin was driving a white 2010 Ford Fusion northbound on the southbound lanes of I-280 at 2:38 p.m. when she collided head-on with a black 2019 BMW SUV being driven by Eden Palmer, 54, of San Francisco, near the Woodside Road exit. Palmer was pronounced deceased at the scene, and her 16-year-old son, who was riding in the backseat, suffered major injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the crash, prosecutors said Martin ran off. It was California Highway Patrol officers who found her naked laying down on a grassy area 150 years away, according to the DAs office. The officers noted her red and watery eyes, rapid speech and erratic behavior, prosecutors wrote. The DAs office said that Martin refused sobriety tests before being arrested, after which a blood sample was taken. San Jose man struck, killed in Monterey County pedestrian crash The blood sample showed that Martin had marijuana in her system but no other drug, prosecutors wrote. Martin returned to court on Thursday morning to schedule a date for pretrial. A pretrial conference was set for May 12. Martin remains in jail with no bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. OTTAWA Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will impose carefully calibrated and targeted counter tariffs on the United States while pursuing new trade ties with like-minded allies. Carney said Canada will respond to President Donald Trumps tariffs with 25 percent counter measures on vehicles imported from the United States that do not comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, as well as on the non-Canadian content of USMCA-compliant vehicles. But Carney said that unlike Trumps tariffs, Canadas countermeasures will not touch auto parts because we know the benefits of our integrated production system. He said previously announced Canadian countermeasures will stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on Parliament Hill on Thursday, Carney said that Canada hopes to forge a new global alliance across Europe and with Mexico. Canada is ready to take a leadership role in building a coalition of like-minded countries who share our values, he added. The counter tariffs are expected to raise about C$8 billion, which Carney said will be used to assist Canadian workers. That list now includes 3,600 unionized workers at the Stellantis auto plant in Windsor, Ontario, which has announced a two-week shutdown. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Trumps announcement clear as mud, but warned that the impact on his provinces auto sector will be very real, even at a reduced tariff of 12.5 percent. We have to get down to zero percent, he said. He told reporters that he hopes Stellantis would reopen. The automaker also announced it was laying off 900 workers at five American plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's just one company, one sector, not to mention all the other sectors, Ford told reporters at Queens Park. Carney said Trumps global reciprocal tariffs have ended 80 years of American global economic leadership that started after World War II. This is a tragedy. It is also the new reality. We must respond with both purpose and force. We are a free, sovereign and ambitious country, Carney told reporters after meeting with Canadas provincial and territorial premiers. He emphasized that Canada remains a U.S. ally our ally in security and defense partnerships, he added. Part of what our relationship has been based on, though, has been a degree of integration between our economies, our trade becoming closer and closer together. That is over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carneys office noted in a readout that he and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke Thursday and agreed to strengthen the diverse trade relationship between their two countries. Reliable trade partners are more important than ever, it said. Carney also spoke by phone with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum this week. He noted that he made his first trips as prime minister to Paris and London while signing a deal with Australia on over-the-horizon radar for the Arctic. Quebec Premier Francois Legault said Thursday that after recently taking 100 Quebec companies on a trade mission to Germany, it was really exciting to have held talks on green economic co-operation between the country and his province. People talk about electric vehicles, batteries for electric vehicles, critical minerals like lithium, like zinc and cobalt and nickel, critical minerals that we have here in Quebec, that are very important as part of the green transition. They also talked to me about green aluminum, said Legault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney warned Canadians that there is a long road ahead. The president believes that what he is doing is best for the American economy. He believes that it's best for American workers, and although their policy will hurt American families, until that pain becomes impossible to ignore, I do not believe they will change direction, he said. Canada is in the middle of a federal election campaign. Carney said whoever ends up prime minister will have to negotiate a new economic and security deal with Trump. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has said hell call Trump to do the same on his first day if hes elected. Poilieve said hed suspend the federal tax on new automobiles, which he said would save new car buyers C$7,000 on a C$50,000 purchase. I dont consider the Americans to be a reliable trade partner right now, Poilievre said during a campaign stop in Kingston, Ontario. Their president has chosen to betray Americas best friend and closest ally. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, mourns the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, former Lao president and former chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), at the Lao Embassy in China, April 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, went to the Lao Embassy in China on Thursday to mourn the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, former Lao president and former chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). Wang, also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, wrote a message in the condolence book. Comrade Khamtay was an outstanding leader of the older generation of the Lao party and state, who made significant contributions to the development of relations between the two parties and two countries, Wang said. China stands ready to work with Laos to promote the steady development of the China-Laos community with a shared future under the guidance of the important consensus of the top leaders of both parties and nations, Wang said. The Lao side expressed sincere thanks for Wang's condolence visit. Canada is responding to US President Donald Trump's trade war by imposing countertariffs on certain vehicle imports from the United States. Ottawa will impose a 25% import fee on all cars not produced under the North American Trade Pact USMCA, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced. Carney emphasised that the United States is no longer a friendly partner to Canada and that the country will defend its interests and sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney spoke on the phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday. "We agreed to strengthen the diverse trade relationship between Canada and Germany," he added. "As we face the crisis caused by President Trumps tariffs, reliable trade partners are more important than ever." In view of the trade dispute with the US, Mexico is looking for ways to minimize the impact on German carmakers in the Latin American country. According to President Claudia Sheinbaum, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are prepared to adjust their production to comply with rules of origin as part of the USMCA. Mexico wants to continue negotiating with Washington on preferential treatment for car imports under the agreement. OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) Two of the organizers of Canadas trucker protests against COVID-19 restrictions in 2022 have been found guilty of mischief for their roles in the mass protest in Ottawa, a judge ruled Thursday. Tamara Lich and Chris Barber were key figures and organizers in the massive protest that saw hundreds of vehicles and thousands of people occupy downtown Ottawa and insist they would stay until COVID-19 public health mandates were eliminated. The February 2022 protests, dubbed the Freedom Convoy, were sparked by a Canadian government vaccine mandate for truck drivers crossing the U.S.-Canada border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of protesters clogged the streets of the capital, Ottawa, and besieged Parliament Hill for three weeks in early 2022, demonstrating against vaccine mandates for truckers and other precautions and condemning then Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal government. In finding the two guilty of mischief, Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey said the evidence shows that the two routinely encouraged people to join or remain at the protest, despite knowing the adverse effect it was having on downtown residents and businesses. The defense argued that Lich and Barber called for a peaceful protest and blamed any disorder on police and city officials. Perkins-McVey found Lich and Barber not guilty of intimidation, counselling someone to commit intimidation, obstructing police and counselling someone to obstruct police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barber also was found guilty of counselling to disobey a court order for telling people to ignore an injunction issued by a judge directing convoy participants to stop honking their truck horns in downtown Ottawa. The truckers convoy gridlocked downtown streets around Parliament Hill, with area residents complaining about the fumes from diesel engines running non-stop, and unrelenting noise from constant honking of horns and music from parties. Truckers also blockaded U.S.-Canada border crossings in protest. Trudeaus government ultimately invoked the Emergencies Act to try and bring an end to the protests. Ottawa Police brought in hundreds of officers from forces across Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Freedom Convoy shook Canadas reputation for civility, inspired convoys in France, New Zealand and the Netherlands and interrupted economic trade. For almost a week the busiest U.S.-Canada border crossing between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit was blocked. It carries more than 25% of trade between the countries, who are each others largest trading partners. Ken Boessenkool is a longtime inside player at the highest level of Conservative politics in Canada, and there are a couple of political inversionsweird things at least from the U.S. point of viewthat he thinks we south-of-the-border types need to know about as his country advances toward a snap election in which the party of the center-left, woefully behind in the polls only a few months ago, is expected to romp to victory. The first of them is that the usual polarized politics of ageyoungsters on the left, oldsters on the rightis at least partly turned upside-down right now, with the Conservatives polling unusually well among younger voters and the Liberals showing strength with the older ones. And the reason for that is the second item, a quirk of Canadian politics that sets it apart from the rest of the Anglophone (yes, put in whatever is Quebecois French for an asterisk) countries: In Canada, the party of nationalism is the left-leaning party, not the right-leaning onethe rally-to-the-flag effect pushes Canadian voters in the direction of the Liberal Party, whose logo is pretty much just the Canadian flag and which as a party has long been associated with major nationalist initiatives in Canada, most prominently the patriation of the Canadian constitution, which ended the role of the U.K. parliament in Canadian political life and secured full Canadian sovereignty in 1982. The Liberals are the party of abortion and universal health care, sure, but also the party that takes credit for building the navy and creating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadas version of the Bill of Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That a left-leaning social-welfare party would also be the party of nationalism is, of course, old news to readers of Jonah Goldberg or to students of the New Deal, but it does run against the grain of contemporary political assumptions. In Canada, the Conservatives are a party of market-oriented economic reformers and the Liberals are a party of big-government corporatists and nationalistshence the leftward stampede of Canadian voters in response to Donald Trumps insults, threats, and abuse. In January, there was a 99 percent chance Pierre Poilievre was going to win a majority government; today, there is a 75 percent chance the Liberals will form a majority government. Only one thing has changed between January 15 and now. Ken Boessenkool But that nationalist sentiment is not uniformly distributed throughout the Canadian population, as Boessenkool notes. In Canada, if youre over 45, Trump is all youre thinking about. If youre under 45, all youre thinking about is that you cant afford a home. People under 45 are voting for [Conservative leader] Pierre Poilievre to fix the housing crisisand it is a crisis. People over 45 are voting for Mark Carney to be more of an adult in the room to deal with Trump. Boessenkool, a senior adviser to former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and longtime collaborator with Preston Manning (founder of the Reform Party that evolved into the modern Conservative Party of Canada), is as deep-dyed a Conservative as you are likely to find, but he is not at all begrudging in his assessment of Carney, whose Liberal Party is all but guaranteed to win the election on April 28: Trumpy politics in the U.S. is driving our politics in the opposite direction, and Carney is the anti-Trump: He is smart, he has a resume, he speaks in complete sentences. He is boring. But Carney did say something unusually interesting for a Canadian PM, at least to U.S. ears: The longstanding cooperative relationship between the neighbors and allies is over, he said a week ago. His task going forward, as he describes it, is to help Canada chart a new and more independent courseone that will be informed by the politics and principles of the center-left rather than by the Conservatives. If the election were held right now, the Liberals could win six to 10 seats in Albertaa Conservative strongholdand they havent won more than one seat there in 40 years, Boessenkool says. In January, there was a 99 percent chance Pierre Poilievre was going to win a majority government; today, there is a 75 percent chance the Liberals will form a majority government. Only one thing has changed between January 15 and now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real question for Conservatives isnt how badly theyre going to lose but how badly the countrys second left-leaning party, the social democrats in the New Democratic Party, are going to lose. The Conservatives are at best a 40 percent party, and their electoral success in past decades has depended on splitting the left-wing vote. If the New Democrats get wiped off the map and the left doesnt split, then Conservatives cant win elections, Boessenkool says. If we move from a three-party system to a two-party system, it is going to force the Conservatives to look at their coalition, because a 40 percent coalition wont be enough to build a government in the future. And so it is likely that we will see a Canada that not only is less open to Americans and less inclined to advance U.S. interests but that also is economically and politically worse off than it otherwise could be thanks to the entrenchment of left-wing policies, which typically suffocate economic growth, dynamism, and entrepreneurshipa price that an already stagnant Canada can hardly afford to pay. And thats a strange bit of cosmopolitanism from the Trump gang: When it comes to helping conservatives to lose elections, Trump and his allies have not limited themselves to Wisconsin. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that sweeping tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday "fundamentally change the international trading system." "President Trump has just announced a series of measures that are going to fundamentally change the international trading system," Carney said, speaking from Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Carney said that, while Canada was spared the 10% baseline tariff that Trump said would be applied on most imports to the US, "the fentanyl tariffs still remain in place, as do the tariffs for steel and aluminium." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As of this evening, the tariffs on automobiles will enter into force and the US has signalled that there will be additional tariffs in so-called 'strategic sectors'," the Canadian premier said. Carney said that the tariffs will affect "millions of Canadians." "We are going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures. We are going to protect our workers," Carney said without going into details. "In a crisis, it's important to come together and it's essential to act with purpose and with force, and that's what we will do." Trump announced new blanket tariffs of 10% on most US imports, with higher penalties based on trade deficits. Imports from the European Union will face a 20% tariff. Canada has brutally dumped the United States over its tariffs again. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a strong rebuke Thursday of Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs on nearly every country in the world. The global economy is fundamentally different today than it was yesterday, Carney said. The system of global trade anchored on the United States, that Canada has relied on since the end of the second World Wara system that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity to our country for decadesis over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our old relationship of steadily deepening integration with the United States is over. The 80-year period when the United States embraced the mantle of global economic leadership, when it forged alliances rooted in trust and mutual respect, and championed the free and open exchange of goods and services is over, Carney continued. While this is a tragedy, it is also the new reality. We must respond with both purpose and force. We are a free, sovereign, and ambitious country. We are masters in our own home, he added. Trumps announcement does mark the end of U.S. leadership in global trade, favoring the kind of protectionist economic policy that drove the U.S. into the Great Depression nearly 100 years ago. And Carney, who is a former central banker and a former deputy minister for Canadas Finance Department, likely understands exactly how destructive Trumps tariff policy would be. Canada was spared from Trumps newest tariff announcement, because the president had already levied steep 25 percent tariffs on all imports to the U.S. More than 100 U.S. trading partners were hit with a baseline tariff of 10 percent or more Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Carney slammed Trumps permanent 25 percent tariff on all imported vehicles and autoparts as a direct attack on Canadian autoworkers, and in a stunning break with its longtime ally, Carney announced that Canadas relationship with the U.S. was over. Carney had warned that Canada, which is currently one of the top importers of U.S. goods, totaling $412.7 billion in 2024, would need to reshape its economy to wean itself off its southern neighbor. Carney doubled down on this threat Thursday, saying that Canada would begin looking elsewhere to expand its trade partnerships. Earlier Thursday, he posted on X that he had already spoken to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz about expanding trade relations between the two countries. An attorney from Pittston-based law firm Joyce, Carmody & Moran last month sent a letter to NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania asking if its employee Todd Pousley would resign from his job if he won election to Scranton City Council, because the nonprofit receives funding from the city. The attorney, Brendan Fitzgerald, who also copied the March 5 letter to Scranton City Council and the Lackawanna County Board of Elections, claims Pousleys candidacy in the May 20 Democratic primary election for council presents a clear conflict of interest. During councils meeting Tuesday, council President Gerald Smurl announced that council received the letter Friday and pointedly noted he believes it was meant to intimidate the nonprofit NeighborWorks NEPA to force Pousley to withdraw from the primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview Wednesday, Pousley said he started a leave of absence March 27 from his job with NeighborWorks because of the concerns raised about a potential conflict of interest, but he remains a candidate in the Democratic primary for council. If elected, he acknowledged he would have a conflict of interest on any matter directly involving NeighborWorks, but the remedy to that would be for him to recuse himself from any such matter, discussion or vote, he said. * A March 5, 2025 letter from attorney Brendan Fitzgerald of the Joyce, Carmody & Moran law firm to NeighborWorks NEPA regarding the candidacy of NeighborWorks employee Todd Pousley in the May 20 Democratic primary election for a omination to Scranton City Council. The letter, provided by Scranton City Council President Gerald Smurl, was copied to council. (Submitted) * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A March 5, 2025 letter from attorney Brendan Fitzgerald of the Joyce, Carmody & Moran law firm to NeighborWorks NEPA regarding the candidacy of NeighborWorks employee Todd Pousley in the May 20 Democratic primary election for a omination to Scranton City Council. The letter, provided by Scranton City Council President Gerald Smurl, was copied to council. (Submitted) Show Caption 1 of 2 A March 5, 2025 letter from attorney Brendan Fitzgerald of the Joyce, Carmody & Moran law firm to NeighborWorks NEPA regarding the candidacy of NeighborWorks employee Todd Pousley in the May 20 Democratic primary election for a omination to Scranton City Council. The letter, provided by Scranton City Council President Gerald Smurl, was copied to council. (Submitted) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expand Its pretty clear the intent (of Fitzgeralds letter) is to get me to drop out of the race, Pousley said. Ive gotten a good lesson in politics the past few weeks and its motivated me even more to run for city council, because I dont agree with those kinds of tactics. During Tuesdays council meeting, Smurl said he believes that Fitzgerald does not live in Scranton and does not claim in the letter to represent any Scranton voter or client regarding his concerns about Pousleys candidacy. Smurl noted that Joyce, Carmody & Moran law firm partner Joseph Joyce is the vice chairman of the board of NeighborWorks. To make it even more interesting, attorney Larry Moran Jr., another partner in the same law firm, to my knowledge is and has been very involved with the Lackawanna County Democratic Committee in various leadership positions, Smurl said. Smurl continued, So, one could view that this letter is an effort to intimidate the board of directors of NeighborWorks into forcing Mr. Pousley to withdraw from the Democratic primary race for Scranton City Council. I would hope this clearly is not the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Efforts to reach Fitzgerald, Joyce and Moran on Wednesday were unsuccessful. Smurl said he will have council ask NeighborWorks to do an internal investigation on the potential of a conflict of interest of Pousley serving on city council and suggested the nonprofit also should contact the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission for an opinion. Smurl also will have council Solicitor Tom Gilbride do the same and review the citys ethics code, and then render an opinion to council. Pousley said, Theres obviously concern from my employer, my CEO and board of directors about the letter that was sent. In an interview Wednesday, NeighborWorks board President Teddy Michel said Pousley is on a leave of absence at least until the primary election. If Pousley were to win a nomination, NeighborWorks then would have to decide whether to extend the leave of absence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thatll be a decision how to navigate the next segment, to the general election in November, Michel said. Asked whether the board found the letter intimidating, Michel said he did not want to comment on that or speak for the entire board, adding, I think the letter is the letter. The board will continue to do what it does best be prudent and gather and assess facts. Fitzgeralds letter said in part: Public officials should not be in positions where their personal or financial interests could compromise their decision-making. Ethical governance is essential for maintaining citizens trust in their government. If elected, he (Pousley) would be in a position to influence the allocation of city funds, including those directed to NeighborWorks. This dual role raises significant ethical concerns and the appearance of impropriety, which could compromise both his duties on the City Council and his responsibilities within your organization. Pousley and five other candidates are vying in the primary for three Democratic nominations to appear on the Nov. 4 general election ballot, including incumbent Councilman Tom Schuster, Virgil Argenta, Patrick Flynn, Frankie Malacaria and Sean McAndrew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During public comment at recent weekly council meetings, Argenta has raised as an issue a potential conflict of interest of Pousley running for council. City funding to NeighborWorks for its Beautiful Blocks program in recent years was budgeted at $30,000 in each of 2022 and 2023, $40,000 in 2024 and $100,000 in 2025, according to the citys 2025 Operating Budget. Regarding Fitzgerald sending the letter to the county Board of Elections, county spokesman Pat McKenna said via email that the board does not consider ethics issues regarding individual races, but deals with election administration. SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) Its a problem several residents across the tri-county say drives them crazy dangerous left turns, changing a simple commute into a daily travel headache. This is the case with some residents in the Cane Bay area of Summerville, who say they are anxiously waiting for a change to be made at one intersection. Mendy Glavas and Jenniver Ortiz said traffic on the Nexton Parkway Extension onto Highway 176 can get backed up fast. Its dangerous I drive a smaller vehicle, so if I need to turn and make a left, if theres a car on the opposite direction, I cant see. So, I have to make a risky decision to either make that left turn or wait, which frustrates the drivers behind me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair started a petition to add a green left turn arrow to the Nexton Extension onto Highway 76, and it already has over 600 signatures in just a week. Despite this support, these two residents say coming to a resolution has been difficult when reaching out to the South Carolina Department of Transportation and Berkeley County, and they even tagged them directly in the online petition. They say its a simple change that could save lives. But they still await answers. I have asked three times, at least, for them to change it, and I know other residents in Cane Bay have as well. Everybody keeps getting the runaround. So, when people send in letters, theyll get a letter back saying, oh, no, you need to reach out to someone else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opposing side of the intersection of Nexton Extension and Highway 176 does have a left turn lane arrow, despite residents saying there is less traffic coming from that side. They believe recent construction to be the reason for the influx in traffic. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called Thursday for increased Arctic defense collaboration with the United States during a visit to Greenland, and firmly dismissed the US desire to annex the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Frederiksens visit follows months of tension between Washington and Copenhagen over US President Donald Trumps repeated declarations that the Arctic island should become part of the United States. At a news conference with the outgoing and incoming Greenlandic prime ministers, Frederiksen switched to English to address the United States directly, inviting them to strengthen security in the Arctic together with Denmark and Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like to take this opportunity to send a message directly to the United States of America, Frederiksen said onboard a military vessel with snowy cliffs in the background. This is not only about Greenland or Denmark, this is about the world order that we have built together across the Atlantic over generations. You cannot annex another country, not even with an argument about security, she said. Her comments came shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen met on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels. According to Rasmussen, Rubio acknowledged Greenlands right to self-determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio had reaffirmed the strong relationship between the US and Denmark, the State Department said in a statement after the meeting. Meanwhile, Greenlandic incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who won last months parliamentary election, told the news conference it was important for Denmark and Greenland to stand united during a situation with such external pressure, according to daily Sermitsiaq. US Vice President JD Vance visited a US military base in northern Greenland last Friday and accused Denmark of not doing a good job of keeping the Arctic island safe. He suggested the US would better protect the strategically located territory. Frederiksen said at the time Vances description of Denmark was not fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, she outlined Denmarks security commitments, including new Arctic ships, long-range drones and satellite capacity, and said Denmark would announce more investments. If you want to be more present in Greenland, Greenland and Denmark is ready and if you would like to strengthen the security in the Arctic just like us, then let us do it together, she said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com HONG KONG, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced on Thursday that it has readied supplies weighing over 20 tons to aid disaster-relief efforts in Myanmar after it was jolted by a deadly 7.9-magnitude earthquake on March 28. The supplies, including food, drinking water, first aid kit and temporary accommodation materials, have been handed over to Consul-General of Myanmar in Hong Kong Han Win Naing to be delivered to disaster-stricken areas. A portion of the supplies were donated by the local community. At a donation ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport on Thursday, Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR government, expressed his sincere hope that the relief efforts will tide local people over this period of difficulties so that they can resume a normal life as soon as possible. He said the HKSAR government will continue to keep a close watch on the situation in Myanmar and provide further support as needed. During a meeting with the consul-general of Myanmar in Hong Kong on Thursday morning, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said that the search and rescue team dispatched by the HKSAR government to Myanmar will continue to make all-out efforts to aid the disaster-relief work. The HKSAR government has activated the Disaster Relief Fund mechanism and has liaised closely with various local relief organizations. It has given in-principle approval for grants totaling about 30 million Hong Kong dollars (3.86 million U.S. dollars) to seven organizations. CANTON, Miss. (WJTV) A Canton firefighter is recovering after coming into contact with a live power line. The incident occurred on Renfroe Road on Wednesday, April 2. According to the Assistant Canton Fire chief, crews responded to a downed tree and powerline. The unidentified firefighter was transported to Merit Health Canton. The firefighter was then airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Thursday, April 3, the firefighter was reported to be in stable condition. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A car crashed into a mud bog in Lancaster County on Thursday morning. According to the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department, officers responded to Pine Hill Road and Buch Mill Road for a single-vehicle crash at 8:32 a.m. Police say a small SUV went over an embankment and into a mud bug. photo from NLCRPD photo from NLCRPD Brunnerville and Rothsville Fire Companies were on the scene to assist in removing the driver from the vehicle, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was checked out by local EMS, per police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) New tariffs imposed by the Trump administration could make owning a foreign-made car more expensive, leaving many wondering: Is my car imported? President Donald Trump recently announced a 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles and their partsincluding those used in U.S. assembly plants. He claimed the move will boost domestic manufacturing and generate $100 billion annually. However, according to the Associated Press, these tariffs cause complications for U.S. automakers, dealerships, mechanics, and even insurance companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BACKGROUND: From repairs to insurance, Trumps auto tariffs could make owning a car more expensive How do I know if my car is imported? Many vehicles will be affected by the new tariffs, according to the 2025 American Automotive Labeling Act (AALA) list which details: The percentage of a car made in the U.S. or Canada Where the final assembly took place The origins of the engine and transmission The percentage of parts from other continents (View the full list at the bottom of this article.) Finding your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) To determine if your car was imported or has foreign-made parts, youll need to check its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). While it may seem like a series of randomly generated letters and numbers, those characters actually form a specific 17-digit code that provide details about the car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Where to find your VIN There are a few places the VIN can typically be found in a car: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dashboard: Lower-left corner of the windshield (drivers side) Engine block: Pop the hood and check the front Drivers side door: Near the latch Vehicle documents: Registration or insurance paperwork Decoding your VIN The first character of the VIN tells you where your car was manufactured: 1, 4, 5: United States 2: Canada 3: Mexico 6: Australia 7: New Zealand 8, 9: South America A-H: Africa J-R: Asia S-Z: Europe The second character identifies the manufacturer (Ford, Toyota, etc.), while the third indicates the vehicle type (car, truck, bus, etc.). The remaining characters provide details about the model, engine size, security code, year, and assembly plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ ALSO: What Trumps promised Liberation Day of tariffs could mean for you For a full breakdown, enter your VIN into the NHTSAs free, online VIN decoder service to see the exact assembly location and manufacturing details. Full 2025 AALA list below: MY2025-AALA-Alphabetical-2.4.25-1Download Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Apr. 2ABILENE Chris Wilcox's decision to attend Texas State Technical College was based on several factors. But one stood out above the rest. "I like the career placement opportunities TSTC can provide me," the Welding Technology student said in a news release. Wilcox is studying for a certificate of completion and looking forward to learning the different welding techniques from his instructors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I always wanted to go to school for welding," Wilcox said. "I have been welding for six or seven years, and I knew that getting my certificate would lead to more opportunities." He has not been disappointed with what he has been able to accomplish in the TSTC lab. "There is a lot more freedom than I expected," he said. "I am learning on different machines and different techniques." The tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding technique is something that he began learning during his second semester. "I had never done it before, and I think I picked it up naturally," he said. "I know I am still going to have to practice to become better." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilcox said having different instructors is also an advantage. "All of the instructors mesh well together in the program," he said. "They may teach their own style, but it works to help all of us." John Fuller, one of Wilcox's current instructors, said experience helps the Devine native in the welding booth. "When he is shown something, it is usually just once, and then he fine-tunes his welds," Fuller said in the release. With career opportunities becoming clearer with the help of the college's Career Services department, Wilcox said he is leaving his options open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hopefully I can get into something structural in a shipyard or in the oil and gas field," he said. "If I keep working on my TIG techniques, maybe I can find a career in aerospace." Fuller does not see any path where Wilcox will not be successful. "Chris is going to excel, no matter which area he enters," he said. According to onetonline.org, welders can earn a yearly median salary of more than $48,000 in Texas. Welding jobs were expected to increase 23% between 2020 and 2030 in the state, according to the website. To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Famous workwear brand Carhartt is opening its first Kansas store at Bradley Fair in Wichita on Thursday. The company says the 4,000-square-foot space will create about 20 local jobs and offer Carhartts full line. To celebrate the grand opening, the first 1,000 customers who are members of Carhartts loyalty program will receive a free commemorative T-shirt. Wichita city manager to retire, mayor wants changes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were excited to support Wichitas hardworking community with gear built to last, Mark Kastner, Carhartts director of store strategy, said in a news release. Bradley Fair General Manager Jessica Branning called the brand a perfect fit for our retail mix and the Wichita workforce. Store hours are 10 a.m.8 p.m. MondaySaturday and 126 p.m. Sunday. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Investing.com -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gave a speech on Thursday following the implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs and an additional 25% auto tariff on Canada. The recently-elected Prime Minister declared that Canada is implementing 25% tariffs on all vehicles and non-Canadian vehicle content imported from the U.S. that are not compliant with the CUSMA (USMCA) trade pact. Trump said on Wednesday that the U.S. will impose reciprocal tariffs of 10% on all imported goods, with higher reciprocal rates for some nations that will be half of the rate they charge on U.S. exports. The 10% tariffs will go into effect on April 5, while the higher "half" tariffs will begin on April 9. The U.S. administration also confirmed previously announced 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts. Additionally, Trump implemented a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada that are not compliant with the USMCA deal. There is already a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In answering, Carney said, "We are responding today with carefully calibrated and targeted counter-tariffs." He confirmed that Trump has been aware of this after their call last week. He then announced that Canada will match the U.S.' approach with 25% tariffs on all vehicles imported from the U.S. that are not in compliance with the USMCA deal. Carney went on to verify that auto parts will not be affected by these tariffs, and that no tariffs would affect vehicles or vehicle content from Mexico. Carney alleged that total funds raised from Canada's tariffs could reach CAD$8 billion, and all funds will go to the autoworkers and companies affected. This excludes a CAD$2 billion fund announced last week to bolster Canada's auto sector, which would be applied if Carney and the Liberal Party win the upcoming April 28 election. The Prime Minister confirmed that the tariffs will remain in effect, though they are imposed reluctantly. He underscored that goods chosen are meant to have maximum impact on the U.S. and minimal impact on Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As President Trump and I agreed last week, he and the Prime Minister of Canada will sit down immediately following the election to find areas of common ground and agreement in a new economic and security partnership," he said regarding the future of U.S. and Canada's trade relations. The U.S.' exemption of Mexico and Canada from those reciprocal tariffs, as well as the USMCA goods exemption, have been seen by many to be a positive break for the two countries. Carney acknowledged this, calling the sparing of Canada "progress." However, Carney pointed out that tariffs will still impose serious problems for Canadian workers and businesses, calling them "unjustified, unwarranted, and misguided." He addressed the already-yielded consequences, pointing to a Windsor assembly plant that told UNIFOR union workers that it would be shutting down for at least the next two weeks, costing some 3,600 employees work. In his repudiation of the U.S.' trade policy, Carney stated that there was a 97% drop in fentanyl seizures on the U.S.-Canada border in January compared to December. Fentanyl and other drug-trafficking have been cited by Trump as one of his chief objections with Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, Carney looked to the U.S. Senate to bolster his claims, as U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Maria Cantwell introduced a bill to curtail the President's authority to impose tariffs unilaterally. Carney reiterated previous statements criticizing the U.S. for violating the USMCA agreement with its tariffs, saying that Canada is fighting in courts, filing disputes, and has approached the World Trade Organization in efforts to halt the tariffs. The Prime Minister spoke of the previous relationship between the U.S. and Canada in automotive trade, citing the Canada-United States Auto Pact, an agreement that ran from 1965 to 2001. The pact removed duties on most automotive parts traded between the two countries. Carney expressed that the same trade symbolized under the pact is "over," unless a new approach is found. Continuing, Carney conceded that despite the U.S. not targeting Canada in yesterday's announcements, the tariffs will "rupture the global economy and adversely affect global economic growth." He stated that the world's trade, previously anchored under the U.S., is also "over," saying, "The 80-year period where the United States embraced the mantle of global economic leadership is over." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He further emphasized the importance of Canada's individual growth through expanding trade elsewhere, building the economy, and protecting their sovereignty. Carney contended that Canada is ready to bear a leadership role in the world, saying, "If the United States does not want to lead, Canada will." To conclude, the campaigning Prime Minister implored Canadians to "draw strength" from each other, calling for economic unification across the 13 Canadian provinces. Regarding the future of the U.S., Carney expects Trump to change his course, pointing to the pain that this potential trade war may cause on Americans and saying, "Until that pain becomes impossible to ignore, I do not believe they will change direction," but, "They should eventually change course." Related articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IMF's Georgieva says US tariffs represent significant risk to global outlook FDA halts bird flu testing improvement program amid staff layoffs - Reuters US stocks post biggest drop since 2020, dollar falls as Trump tariffs fuel recession fears PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) Prosecutors revealed at trial Wednesday that Lonna Carroll during a July 17, 2024, interview admitted to South Dakota criminal investigators she stole from the state Division of Child Protection Services and that Carroll signed a document summarizing thefts totaling $1,777,665.73 during a 13-year period. NWS to watch weather with less staff, official says The interview took place at Carrolls house in Algona, Iowa. A South Dakota grand jury had previously issued an indictment and there was a warrant for her arrest. She was taken to the Kossuth County jail and later was turned over to South Dakota authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation agent Trevor Swanson and supervisory special agent Matt Glenn went to Carrolls house with an Iowa DCI agent and conducted the interview. Carroll didnt know they were coming. Swanson said the document that Carroll and he signed was prepared by the South Dakota Department of Legislative Audit. Carroll, 68, moved from Pierre to Algona, Iowa, where her son and his family live, after she retired in March 2023 from the South Dakota Department of Social Services, where she worked as a program assistant for Child Protection Services. Carroll has pleaded not-guilty to two counts of grand theft. She has a court-appointed defense attorney and remains in Hughes County jail because shes been unable to post $50,000 bond. Her trial, scheduled for four days, began Tuesday and continues Thursday. Prosecutors played a digital recording of the full interview for jurors on Wednesday and provided them copies of a transcript that they could read while hearing the recording. The transcript copies were collected immediately afterward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Hughes County grand jury had already issued an indictment and a warrant was out for Carrolls arrest when the two DCI agents went to Algona. By signing it, Swanson testified about the document, I had her attest to its accuracy. Under cross-examination, Swanson acknowledged, I knew there was a very high likelihood she would be placed under arrest. Carroll is accused of falsifying requests for things that children supposedly needed, authorizing those requests, filing them for payment and authorizing payment. Then she would take checks issued from state auditor to American Bank & Trust in Pierre, deposit the checks in the childrens accounts, and immediately withdraw cash in the same amounts, using the money mostly for herself. During the interview, Carroll initially gave various versions of how money was distributed from what the division refers to as OWN Accounts that are set up for some children who are in the departments care. Swanson asked Carroll early in the interview, Have you ever withdrawn cash from those accounts? Carroll replied, Unh-unh, meaning no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swanson then asked whether she ever withdrew cash from childrens accounts at American Bank & Trust. Well, she answered, I withdrew cash to get stamps for letters. She added, I only took out four hundred (dollars) and that was years ago. Soon, Carroll told Swanson that she sometimes took out cash that would go to the childrens parents or legal guardians. Swanson told Carroll that he uses what he described as honesty checkpoints to see whether people were telling the truth when he interviewed them. He asked whether she had withdrawn money many times and she nodded yes. I think you made a mistake at some point and it spiraled out of control, Swanson said to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, Carroll replied. He suggested that she had withdrawn money many times. Mm-hmm, she answered, signaling agreement. At that point Swanson produced the summary that Legislative Audit had prepared for him. It listed names of childrens accounts, dates, amounts and her name next to each transaction. This is all of it? Swanson asked. Mm-hmm, Carroll answered. I see youre nodding your head yes, Swanson said. He asked her, What was the money for? Just to live, she said. She added, Like food and rent. Carroll then said to Swanson, I want to tell you something thoughBoth my parents passed. She had inherited money. And thats how I bought the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her son and his family had previously lived in the house. She bought it from them when they moved to a larger house. Swanson steered the interview back to the transactions. Did it get just out of control? Yes, Carroll said. Was there ever a time I cant stop?' Yes. There were still some questions Swanson wanted answered. Where is the rest of it? he asked. Nowhere, she said. Its gone? Yes. She added, I never did anything like this before. Her son and daughter-in-law were at the house. The daughter-in-law asked if Carroll needed a lawyer. Swanson next asked Carroll to sign the Legislative Audit summary. He placed an X on the document and signed it with a date. Then she signed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for that. I appreciate that, Swanson said. It was then that Swanson told Carroll that an indictment had been issued and there was a warrant for Carrolls arrest. After more talk about whether Carroll needed a lawyer, Swanson asked her, Did anybody make you take that money? No, Carroll said. She was then placed under arrest and taken to a waiting Algona police car. In the courtroom on Wednesday, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley conducted the direct questioning of Swanson. Jackley asked who Carrolls statement of sorry was intended for. She was directing that comment at me, Swanson said. She was apologizing for her actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) The Carter County Sheriffs Office is warning businesses of an ongoing counterfeit money scheme. The sheriffs office said several businesses have been targeted in recent months, particularly in the Roan Mountain and Hampton areas. Cases have also been reported in nearby North Carolina. As part of the scheme, a subject comes into the business and makes a small purchase, typically less than $5, the sheriffs office said in a release. The subject then pays for the purchase with a counterfeit $50 or $100 bill. In some instances, while making the purchase, the subject has asked the cashier if they will break another large bill for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TOSHA: No citations for Impact Plastics, Helene deaths werent work-related In one case, a suspect entered a store and conducted the scheme before exiting, changing clothes, and conducting the scheme again, according to the sheriffs office. Security camera video has shown that at least two suspects are involved in the scam, and both were seen driving the same vehicle, believed to be a white or silver early 2000s Volkswagen Toareg. Businesses are encouraged to be on the lookout for suspicious-looking bills and possibly limit accepting large bills for small purchases. Anyone who has fallen victim to the scheme or has information on the suspects is asked to call the sheriffs office at 423-542-1896 or submit a tip online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. The case of Nathan Carman, a Vermont man who was accused of murdering his mother off the Rhode Island coast in 2016, is returning to television on "20/20" this week. The true crime investigation show announced it will be premiering the new special, "Family Lies," on Friday. Carman, who was from Vernon, was charged with first-degree murder and fraud in the death of his mother, 54-year-old Linda Carman, on a fishing trip. She was never seen again and is presumed dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Carman died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial. The 32-foot fishing boat "Chicken Pox," owned by Nathan Carman, tied up in South Kingstown before its fateful trip to sea in September 2016. Carman modified the boat in ways that his insurance company said and a judge agreed rendered the craft unseaworthy. How to watch new '20/20' special on Nathan Carman case "20/20" said its special on the Carman case, "Family Lies," will premiere Friday, April 4 at 9 p.m. ET. According to a trailer posted on social media, the episode will feature never before seen police interrogation videos as well as new details and interviews about the case. The episode will also discuss the death of Carman's grandfather, John Chakalos. A wealthy real estate developer, Chakalos was shot at his home in Connecticut in 2013. Carman was never charged in the case, though an indictment accused him of the killing in an effort to defraud insurance companies. Nathan Carman was interviewed on '20/20' before VIDEO: Nathan Carman adamantly denies any suggestion that he sabotaged his boat, leaves interview https://t.co/45JaZQPsHj #ABC2020 pic.twitter.com/Par9VooVqC 20/20 (@ABC2020) August 25, 2018 Six years before his death, Carman appeared on "20/20" to deny the claims against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the 2017 episode, Carman also alleged that police officers targeted him in his grandfather's death because he had Asperger's syndrome. At one point when questioned about whether he sabotaged his boat to make it sink, he abruptly left the interview before returning 20 minutes later. 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 Burlington Free Press: Nathan Carman case, VT man accused of killing mother, to be on '20/20' For years, local residents have rallied against the project, citing its proximity to a pristine lake and forest, and related fears about how the landfill would impact the environment and public health. (File photo by Amanda Gokee/New Hampshire Bulletin) This story was updated on April 3 at 6:10 p.m. to add a comment from Casella and at 8:45 a.m. to correct Mike Wimsatts job title. A Vermont-based companys proposal to build a landfill in a tiny, northern New Hampshire town took a major blow this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Environmental Services issued a denial by dormancy Thursday to Casella Waste Systems solid waste permit application for its proposed landfill in Dalton. This permit is one of several sought by the company for the project, and without it, the project cannot go forward. The company has 30 days to file an appeal with the states Waste Management Council. Jeff Weld, Casellas vice president of communications, said the company had received the letter and was considering its options. For years, local residents have rallied against the project, citing its proximity to a pristine lake and forest, and related fears about how the landfill would impact the environment and public health. Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte joined them in their efforts, vowing in her inaugural address in January that the landfill would not be built. At the same time, solid waste management across the state has come under greater legislative scrutiny, especially after the state approved hotly contested updates to its landfill regulations in December. A permit application becomes dormant when the applicant fails to submit required information requested by the department within a year of first being notified that the application is incomplete. For Casella, that one-year mark came on Feb. 28, according to a letter sent to the company Thursday by Mike Wimsatt, the agencys waste management division director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dormant, incomplete application shall be deemed denied without further action by the department, per the letter. Wimsatt said the application remained incomplete for a number of reasons. For one, it lacked a site report that demonstrates that the location of the proposed facility complies with all applicable siting requirements and that the site is a suitable location for the proposed facility , according to the letter. Additionally, the maps, figures, and hydrogeological report submitted by the applicant in 2023 had not been updated to show compliance with the states regulations that were updated in December, Wimsatt said. Legal agreements submitted by the company failed to fulfill application requirements because they were heavily redacted and referenced other legal agreements, which were not provided, Wimsatt said. The company also had not submitted copies of the documents that demonstrate that the applicant and their successors and assigns will have a legal right for the use of the properties as proposed in the application, which the state requires, according to the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those who have invested years in fighting the landfill, it was a moment of optimism. But for many, the work doesnt end in Dalton. Adam Finkel, a former federal regulator and Dalton resident who has advocated for solid waste reform in the state, pointed to pending legislation to bolster the states landfill siting requirements and other aspects of the recently updated regulations that raised deep concerns last year. Very happy that DES has done the right thing, but it doesnt in any way, large or small, deter me from the larger goal, Finkel said, which is making sure that no community in New Hampshire ever has to deal with this kind of inept vanity project in a terrible location, unneeded, ever again. A Chinese rescuer checks the condition of a woman at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A woman brings her child for medical consultation at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A Chinese rescuer provides medical consultations at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A Chinese rescuer provides medical consultations at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A woman brings her child for medical consultation at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Chinese rescuers measure a woman's blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A Chinese rescuer examines a child's mouth at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) A Chinese rescuer performs an ultrasound examination for an elderly woman at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A Chinese rescuer applies medicine to a man at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A local official (2nd R) expresses gratitude for the medical consultation provided by Chinese rescuers at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A Chinese rescuer checks the condition of a child at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Chinese rescuers provide medical consultation at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) A Chinese rescuer checks the condition of a woman at a shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. Chinese rescuers provide medical consultations for quake-affected people at a shelter in Mandalay on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The latest call for Animal Charity of Ohio took one of its agents to rescue a cat from a commercial freezer. Read next: Woman loses nearly $15,000 in bank card scam: Police Kali the cat was found in a locked freezer at a Youngstown gas station. It is now in safe hands at Animal Charity. Courtesy: Animal Charity Courtesy: Animal Charity Courtesy: Animal Charity Animal Charity believes the cats owner is the same as the owner of a dog named Koda, which was shot in the neck and paralyzed. The dog was in the hospital for several days, and Animal Charity spent $15,000 saving her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is looking into the fact that the animal was put into the freezer and abandoned there and also the safety aspect of an animal being shot and then not subsequently receiving veterinary care, said Jane MacMurchy with Animal Charity. Animal Charity is taking donations to help meet those expenses. Its also hoping the owner of both animals will face criminal charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Business owners reacted with shock and concern on Wednesday to the sweeping series of tariffs Donald Trump announced on all U.S. trading partners. Despite the Trump administration framing the measures as a way to bolster U.S. manufacturing, those within American industry warned the tariffs might do the opposite. Manufacturers are scrambling to determine the exact implications for their operations, National Association of Manufacturers president and CEO Jay Timmons said in a statement on Wednesday. The stakes for manufacturers could not be higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tariffs, which Trump continues to erroneously claim will mean other countries paying the U.S., will in fact threaten investment, jobs, supply chains, and, in turn, Americas ability to outcompete other nations and lead as the preeminent manufacturing superpower, according to Timmons. Other industry leaders had a similar outlook. The National Restaurant Association warned the tariffs will create change and disruption, as small business owners struggled with increased prices. Business groups warned of widespread chaos and paused investment in wake of worldwide tariffs (REUTERS) Many restaurant operators source as many domestic ingredients as they can, but its simply not possible for U.S. farmers and ranchers to produce the volumes needed to support consumer demand, the groups CEO Michelle Korsmo said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we have heard from business of all sizes, across all industries, from around the country is that these broad tariffs are a tax increase that will raise prices for American consumers and hurt the economy, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce added in a statement of its own. This is catastrophic for American families, Matt Priest, president and chief executive of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, told The New York Times. We had hoped the president would take a more targeted approach, but these broad tariffs will only drive-up costs, reduce product quality and weaken consumer confidence. Political reaction to the tariff plan which includes 25 percent tariffs on imported autos, 10 percent baseline tariffs on all imports, and double-digit reciprocal tariffs on numerous individual nations was split on predictable partisan lines, though a handful of Senate Republicans joined all Democrats in the upper house for a largely symbolic vote Wednesday evening to reject the national emergency determination the Trump administration has used to justify tariffs on Canada. Democratic critics of Trump hammered the president, arguing the tariffs would do the opposite of the Republicans campaign promises to lower prices and aid American families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Nydia Velazquez of New York warned in a post on X directed at Trump of the working families, small businesses, and everyday Americans getting crushed by your half-baked trade war. Others emphasized that the tariffs, which, despite Trumps claims to the contrary, are paid by U.S. companies importing goods, functionally act as tax hikes on U.S. consumers. Donald Trump just imposed the largest tax hike in our lifetime, California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Wednesday on X. Liberal political commentator Jonathan Chait argued in The Atlantic that Trump, whose tariff plans sent stocks declining after hours and raised fears of a recession, might become the first one to kill off a healthy economy through an almost universally foreseeable unforced error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some cheered the economic overhaul. Hes resetting the negotiating table. Hes resetting the deck here, Rep. Andy Ogles, Republican of Tennessee, said in a video statement on Wednesday, adding, At the end of the day, I know Trump is going to be proactive. Hes going to put America First and put American workers first, which is what we should do. Today's tariff action will cement President Trump's legacy as one that ushered in a new Golden Age of American industrialization and prosperity, Nick Iacovella of the Coalition for a Prosperous America said on X. Absolutely massive day for those of us that care about strengthening our nation's industrial capacity and creating working-class jobs. On the international front, leaders also showed concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is the American people who will pay the biggest price for these unjustified tariffs, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said after Trumps announcement. "We will do everything we can to work towards an agreement with the United States, with the goal of avoiding a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global players, added Italtys Giorgia Meloni. Employees at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta are accusing the Trump administration and the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) of laying off Black CDC workers at higher rates than other racial demographic groups. Three employees two of whom received layoff notices on Tuesday told Capital B Atlanta that the CDCs labor force reductions in Atlanta were concentrated in areas of health study that have an outsized impact on Black people, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, gun violence, and youth violence. An internal memo provided to Capital B Atlanta by a CDC employee appears to show a list of agency departments and divisions that were downsized on Tuesday. In addition to divisions related to areas of research in which Black people are overrepresented, the memo also lists research divisions primarily affecting women and other minority groups. An internal memo provided to Capital B Atlanta by a CDC employee appears to show a list departments that were downsized on Tuesday. The workers say the reductions are in areas of health study that have an outsized impact on Black people. They went in there and dismantled anything that would help any marginalized community, CDC information technology specialist Irismar Reese Williams said on Tuesday, after receiving a layoff notice. Make no mistake: This is a direct attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services denied to Capital B that the CDCs restructuring is racially motivated, calling the allegations not only absurd but entirely inaccurate. This reorganization will enhance the American experience with HHS by making the agency more responsive and efficient, while also positioning the Department to improve health outcomes for a nation grappling with chronic disease and illness, which affects all Americans, said Emily G. Hilliard, Health and Human Services deputy press secretary. Civil rights leaders have been sounding the alarm about potential bias in DOGE downsizing since the agency that President Donald Trump tasked with reducing federal government waste began laying off workers last month. The federal government is one of the largest employers of Black Americans in the nation, serving as a gateway to middle-class employment for many. Prior to Tuesday, an estimated 12,000 people worked at the CDC, according to Reuters and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Black staffers made up more than 27% of the CDCs workforce in 2018, according to a National Institutes of Health analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams was one of an estimated 10,000 federal government workers who received layoff notices early Tuesday morning. Shes been placed on administrative leave until June 2, her last day of employment at the CDC. The 46-year-old Snellville resident, a single mother of two adult children, said she has worked at the CDC for 23 years. Members of the American Federation of Government Employees union protest layoffs and budget cuts near the main campus of the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on April 1, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo courtesy of Irismar Reese Williams) She said DOGE workers have patrolled the halls of the CDCs offices in Atlanta in recent weeks, combing through records and interviewing agency leaders to find ways to reduce staff, departments, and overall expenditures. Every day has been fresh hell, Williams said, insisting that DOGE cuts are motivated by conservative political agendas rather than conserving governmental funds. Hilliard said the CDC layoffs were part of the Trump administrations overhaul of HHS, which is designed to address the agencys core mission: stopping the chronic disease epidemic, and making America healthy again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of that mission involves eliminating redundant administrative positions. Hilliard said HHS had 41 chief information officers covering just 28 divisions, for example, in addition to dozens of IT and HR departments. Williams said due to her role as treasurer in the local American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union chapter, she wasnt surprised by the layoff notice she received on Tuesday. Theyre union busting, Williams said. I just figured I would automatically be a target. What she and others didnt expect were cuts to areas of research that disproportionately affect minority communities, including Black Americans. A soon-to-be laid-off veteran health scientist working in Atlantas CDC headquarters supported Williams claim that Black employees were overrepresented among those who were downsized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The health scientist said she has been placed on administrative leave, thus requesting to remain anonymous to avoid losing her paycheck prior to her scheduled June 2 termination. She said she was one of many CDC researchers in the violence prevention department who worked in areas of clinical study that disproportionately impact Black people and other marginalized communities. In terms of how far and wide the slashing of our programs, of our divisions, of our center went, it was shocking, the scientist said. An additional CDC worker a veteran public health advisor who hasnt received a layoff notice, but asked to remain anonymous to avoid being targeted by DOGE agreed with Williams and the health scientist that the DOGE layoffs disproportionately impacted Black workers, who were overrepresented in affected support service departments such as information technology, human resources, and financial services. A vast majority of the workers in those roles are Black and minority, he said. The public health advisor also agreed that programs receiving the largest budget cuts appear to be in areas of progressive policy research that Trump and his conservative allies oppose and perceive as woke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They include the CDCs Office of Minority Health, the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, the entire division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, childhood lead poisoning prevention, and the division of global HIV and tuberculosis study. He said the affected divisions do research beyond U.S. borders. Where does all of that money and research and aid go? A lot of it is to sub-Saharan Africa, which is almost exclusively Black, he said. Are you a CDC or other federal worker in Atlanta who would like to share your story with Capital B? If so, please email atltips@capitalbnews.org. The post CDC Employees Say Layoffs Under Trump Hit Black and Marginalized Staff Hardest appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. A team that tracked how well in vitro fertilization worked across the U.S. was abruptly cut Tuesday as part of the sweeping layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services. The elimination of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance team a group of six epidemiologists, data analysts and researchers shocked public health experts and IVF advocates who said they had felt encouraged by President Donald Trumps comments supporting access to the infertility treatment. Just last week, Trump declared himself the fertilization president while touting efforts to expand IVF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fertilization, Trump said at a White House event on March 26 to commemorate Womens History Month. Im still very proud of it, I dont care. Ill be known as the fertilization president and thats OK. But Barbara Collura, the president and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, a nonprofit group for reproductive health, said one of Trumps best assets to address IVF was now gone. This is a big handicap for the administration as they embrace IVF and want to expand coverage, Collura said. These are the right people to have at your side. Aaron Levine, a professor of public policy at Georgia Tech who has worked with the CDC team over the last decade, called it an immediate loss for patients who want to make a well-informed decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data was produced at the clinic level every year, so you could say, Is this clinic successful 15% of the time, 20% of the time, 25% of the time, he said. And you can imagine that is super valuable information for patients considering IVF, or maybe considering IVF at multiple clinics, and trying to make their choices. Dr. Brian Levine, founding partner and practice director of CCRM Fertility of New York, said about 1 in 6 people experience infertility both globally and in the U.S. IVF was first used in the 1970s. It involves combining eggs and sperm in the lab to create embryos. Those embryos are then implanted in a womans uterus. IVF is the most common type of infertility treatment in the U.S., according to the CDC. More than 8 million babies have been born via IVF since 1978, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The success rate varies, with age being the strongest factor. Women younger than 35 have a success rate of around 46%, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That drops to 22% for women at age 38. Patients deserve to know the success rates of each clinic, and the elimination of the CDC group gives them one less resource, Brian Levine said. Patients are highly motivated for treatments because they want a family, but theyre also walking in a state of sometimes despair, he said. Knowing the success rates also helps keep clinics accountable, forcing them to make changes that could help improve the quality of care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you have a pervasive disease like this, it gives a lot of women angst, Brian Levine said, referring to infertility. We typically report to the CDC, so I know that my colleagues across the country are practicing to the same standards. A 'tremendous resource' The Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance team was mandated by Congress in 1992. It worked under the CDCs Division of Reproductive Health, which was also gutted Tuesday. The team was responsible for monitoring and tracking outcomes related to IVF, including whether women gave birth to multiples or delivered prematurely, to ensure both the safety and success of the procedure. It also provided tools to the public, including an IVF success estimator that allowed people to plug in information about themselves and get an estimate of how well IVF would work. People could also look up each individual clinics success rates across the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also did research on different IVF topics, including how to make it more efficient with fewer side effects, and how to make the extremely expensive procedure more accessible. Theyre a tremendous resource within the government, Collura said. Theyre also public-facing. All the content is on the CDC website; theyre putting out all the information for patients. I rely on their information and their data to do my work, she added. Im not sure what thats going to look like now going forward. One CDC worker on the team who was terminated Tuesday tried to reconcile Trumps comments on IVF and the mass layoffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worker, who asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to speak with the media, said the group was preparing to publish new data on the success rates of IVF across states, but now that work has stopped indefinitely. Its surprising to me, the worker said. President Trump said he was the fertility president. How does cutting this program support that? An official at the Department of Health and Human Services said that the work will continue although they didnt provide details on how or when the administration would continue to track and collect data on IVF. We are focused on implementing and bringing Secretary Kennedys high-level vision of HHS transformation to life, the official said in. an emailed statement. The Department is mapping out what each of the 15 redefined divisions will look like at a detailed level and will share more information soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aaron Levine, of Georgia Tech, noted that there are other groups that track IVF outcomes, such as the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, a professional group, although the data appears to be more limited. In a statement, Micah Hill, president of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, called the cuts to the IVF group dangerous and devastating. The depth of expertise held by CDC personnel will be difficult to replace, Hill said. In many ways, the American public health system has been the global leader, and we are now in danger of throwing that away and doing so in a manner that may be very difficult to recover from. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (PUEBLO, Colo.) Public health epidemiologists with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) have discovered a third location of possible measles exposure. On Monday, March 31, PDPHE and CDPHE confirmed the first measles case in Colorado in a joint press release. The person who contracted measles had reportedly recently traveled to an area of Mexico that is experiencing an ongoing outbreak. The first case was confirmed in an unvaccinated adult. Officials investigate measles case reported in Pueblo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both health departments are now warning anyone who may have visited these locations on specific dates and times to monitor themselves for symptoms. As our investigation has progressed, we identified an additional location where people may have been exposed to measles. This is common in case investigations as we learn more about an individuals movements during their infectious period. Identifying and notifying the public about these locations as quickly as possible is critical to protecting the health of the community and limiting further spread, said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer. On Thursday, April 3, CDPHE and PDPHE revealed a third location where individuals may have been exposed. Location Date/Time Southwest Deli and Cafe 1873 S. Pueblo Boulevard Monday, March 17 Tuesday, March 18 Wednesday, March 19 Thursday, March 20 Friday, March 21 Southern Colorado Clinic Saturday, March 22 New time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. New location: South Side Walmart 4080 W. Northern Avenue Specifically, those who were in or near the pharmacy Saturday, March 22 2:30 p.m. 5 p.m. Those who have been exposed to measles should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings. Symptoms include fever, cough, running nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monitoring is crucial, especially for those who are not vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to CDPHE, measles is highly contagious but preventable with the MMR vaccine. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed and developed symptoms should immediately contact their health provider by phone or call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that they might have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures. For additional questions, the Pueblo County Public Health and Environment has set up a hotline for additional questions and information about measles at (719) 583-4446. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Shreve Memorial Library is celebrating National Library Week with interactive programs throughout Caddo Parish. Shreveport Public Works bringing careers to life at Woodlawn High School According to a press release, SML provides a variety of programs and services for all ages, such as free Wi-Fi, digital collections, career workshops, STEAM programs, story times, teen programs, local history and genealogy workshops, book clubs and book discussions, arts and crafts, and more, ensuring that everyone has access to resources that educate, inspire, and connect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether preparing for a career change, launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, Shreve Memorial Library is here to support everyone along their journey, the release stated. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities. The release added that SMLs Make & Go mobile makerspace is visiting library branches throughout Caddo Parish, introducing patrons to new ways to bring their ideas to life with a series of How To workshops. During National Library Week, the Make & Go will teach patrons to draw in three dimensions with 3Doodlers, code with Ozobots, make color ink designs, sew, and use a Cricut machine to create personalized items. CHRISTUS Healthcare provides tips for managing spring allergies All programs are free and open to the public, and all supplies are provided. National Library Week Make & Go How To workshops are scheduled as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How To: 3Doodle: Monday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. at the North Caddo Branch, 615 N. Pine Street, Vivian How To: Ozobot: Monday, April 7 at 4:00 p.m. at the North Shreveport Branch, 4844 North Market Street How To: Ink Coasters: Tuesday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m. at the Mooretown Branch, 4360 Hollywood Avenue How To: Sew A Fabric Basket: Thursday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch, 8303 Line Avenue How To: Cricut: Friday, April 11 at 12:00 p.m. at the Hollywood/Union Avenue Branch, 2105 Hollywood Avenue For more information on SML National Library Week events and programs, please visit www.shreve-lib.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) You may not know it, but aerospace is Oklahomas second largest industry and its the fastest growing. A crowd gathered at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Wednesday to celebrate that. Its a time of great opportunity and bring everyone together right now, Brig. Gen. Chris Eason with the Oklahoma Air National Guard said. Theres a very large history, long standing, Clay Pearce, an engineering site leader with Spirit Aerosystems, said. Some of the aviation pioneers were in Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fastest growing sector in the state boasts a whopping $44 million in annual economic impact, according to ACES, Aerospace Commerce Economic Services Program within the Aerospace and Defense Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Its just really gratifying to see the growth thats occurred commensurate with the growth in the industry itself, Deputy Executive Director of the Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute Donald Wetekam said. Whats less clear though, is the potential impact of the presidents recent tariffs. Trump announces sweeping reciprocal tariffs It can have a huge impact on aerospace export opportunities, Director of ACES Leshia Pearson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consider, in 2023, air and space craft parts were one of Oklahomas top exports, making up over $860 million. Canada buys a lot of those products, as can be seen on the State Department of Commerces website, with Canada towering over other countries. In the last ten years, our aerospace exports have increased 125 percent, Pearson said. The impact from tariffs could come from what we import in that industry, including turbo jet engines, which totaled over $450 million in 2024. Any reciprocal tariffs could also make it harder to sell our top exports as well, including aircraft parts that totaled over $1.3 billion in that same year. Despite the tariff headwinds in both directions, industry boosters remain optimistic in the fast-growing industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the growth that weve seen in the last ten years in aerospace and defense, I see that that glide slope continuing, Wetekam said. Pearson said the department plans to run a new economic development impact study in the next year on the industry for more updated numbers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Apr. 3The Odessa Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Welcome Reception for Keeley Boyer, the newly appointed Superintendent of Ector County Independent School District. The reception will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the chamber office, 700 N. Grant Ave., No. 200. The event will provide an opportunity for Chamber members to meet Boyer in a social setting and learn more about her and the vision she has for the future of ECISD, a news release said. "We are honored to host a reception for new ECISD Superintendent Dr. Keeley Boyer. Our Chamber works very closely with ECISD as they are a major community partner and employer here in Odessa. The success of our ISD is certainly tied to the overall success of our community and we wanted to offer our members an opportunity to get to know Dr. Boyer as we formally welcome here into this new role," said Renee' Earls, President/CEO of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. A Chamblee police officer and his 22-year-old daughter remained behind bars in Gwinnett County Wednesday, more than a month after they were arrested and charged in connection with a drug and gang investigation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Chamblee Ofc. Ulysses Arthur Bernard was booked into jail on Feb. 24 on multiple drug charges, including trafficking, violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, possession of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, according to jail records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernards daughter, Kayla Alyssa Bernard, 22, is also facing multiple drug offenses and nearly two gang charges, court records confirmed. A third suspect, Tashavia Jakira Wilder, was also arrested on a drug charge. Jail records show that she had bonded out of jail. A judge denied bond for Bernard and his daughter. TRENDING STORIES: On Feb. 24, investigators with Gwinnett County police served a search warrant at 252 Braxton Place. When officers went inside, they discovered fentanyl, opium, marijuana, magic mushrooms, fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl, firearms, ammunition, and digital scales, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police havent released any specific details about the circumstances surrounding the investigation, citing the ongoing investigation. In an arrest affidavit obtained by Channel 2 Action News, investigators accused Bernards daughter of selling drugs in the parking lot of Walmart off Jimmy Carter Boulevard. Property records show that Bernard purchased the townhome in 2021. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A spokeswoman for Chamblee Police Department confirmed that Bernard had been suspended without pay pending termination. The Chamblee Police Department does not tolerate these behaviors and holds its officers to the highest standards, the spokesperson wrote in a statement emailed to Channel 2 Action News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPD will continue to fully cooperate with outside law enforcement agencies during their investigations. Channel 2 Action News emailed and called Bernards attorney but as of Wednesday evening, no one had returned our messages. A member of a rescue team from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (L) and a member of China Search and Rescue Team carry out search and rescue operations in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 2, 2025. The Chinese rescuers successfully extricated a male survivor at a hotel on Wednesday afternoon in Mandalay. The man, an employee of the E-outfitting Golden Country Hotel, had been trapped for nearly 125 hours and was in stable condition when rescued. (Security Bureau of HKSAR government/Handout via Xinhua) A member of a rescue team from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (L) and a member of a volunteer team from China's Shenzhen city carry out search and rescue operations in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 2, 2025. The Chinese rescuers successfully extricated a male survivor at a hotel on Wednesday afternoon in Mandalay. The man, an employee of the E-outfitting Golden Country Hotel, had been trapped for nearly 125 hours and was in stable condition when rescued. (Security Bureau of HKSAR government/Handout via Xinhua) Members of a rescue team from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) carry out search and rescue operations in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 2, 2025. The Chinese rescuers successfully extricated a male survivor at a hotel on Wednesday afternoon in Mandalay. The man, an employee of the E-outfitting Golden Country Hotel, had been trapped for nearly 125 hours and was in stable condition when rescued. (Security Bureau of HKSAR government/Handout via Xinhua) Teens are struggling with their mental health. Families are concerned about bullying, vaping and drug use. Students do not always feel safe commuting to school. Over two months late last year, the newly minted leader of New York Citys public schools, Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, held feedback sessions in each of the five boroughs. On Thursday, she shared her takeaways in a 24-page report along with the beginnings of a plan to tackle the issues families raised a body of work she is calling NYCPS Cares. Parents want to send their kids to school. If kids arent going to school, there is a barrier keeping them from school, Aviles-Ramos told the Daily News ahead of the announcement. Instead of, why havent you sent your kids to school? were asking, what are the things that are keeping you from sending your kids to school? And how can we help you?' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said her plans were influenced by her own childhood, when she lacked a proper jacket but her family did not ask her school for help. She said she recently asked her mom why. I needed a coat. You put me in a Mets coat and we live in the Bronx, she related. Why couldnt you just ask for some help? And she said, because I was so scared that if I went to the school and I asked for help, that they would think I wasnt a fit mother, and they would take you away from me. A modest launch of NYCPS Cares will involve students and their parents in helping to address underlying issues in schools. As part of the initial rollout, current public school parents will undergo five weeks of trainings at various city agencies to become family connectors who will help connect families at their schools with public benefits and services through the NYPD, and housing and youth agencies. No data or personal information will be collected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school system aims to sign up 1,600 volunteers. Relying on unpaid parents, it requires no new city funding. This was a promise I made that I wasnt going to bring in a bunch of new stuff and turn tables over that, said Aviles-Ramos, who was thrust into the top post a month into the school year after her predecessor, David Banks, was forced to step down early amid a federal corruption probe. NYCPS Cares is an example of that. What are the existing resources? How do we pull them together and make sure that theyre going to the right places? The program will focus recruitment efforts in a dozen school districts where poor attendance and housing instability are particularly high. Close to 35% of students were considered chronically absent last school year; before the pandemic, that rate typically hovered around a quarter of students. The same year, about 1 in 8 students were homeless or forced to live with extended family or friends because their parents could not pay the rent a record-high as the city reckoned with an affordability crisis and the rise of migrant families living in shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chancellor also plans to launch two student-led campaigns against bullying and vaping under the NYCPS Cares umbrella. Forty teens so far have signed up for the anti-bullying drive, which will roll out as posters, PSAs and other student ideas next school year. The push against e-cigarettes is already starting in schools including through spoken-word and theater performances. Bullying has been on the rise in city schools over the last several years. More than half of middle and high school students say kids bully each other at their schools, according to a 2024 annual survey. A data analysis by the education news source Chalkbeat found it was the highest level at any point in the past five years. In New York, 18.7% of high school students vaped in 2022, according to statewide health data. The United States Postal Service is undergoing changes in April that will affect millions of customers across the country. Although the moves are intended to improve efficiency and cut costs, some people may experience slower mailing processes. Some parts of the initiative have already begun, with an official start coming soon. The second phase of the plan is set to roll out in July. The "new refined service standards" in transportation, mail processing and facility cost reductions will save the postal service at least $36 billion over a decade, according to a USPS fact sheet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USPS typically doesn't get tax dollars for operating expenses; instead, the service is generally self-funded. It relies on the sales of stamps and postage, products and services to finance operations and remain independent. In all, the postal service delivers mail to 163 million addresses nationwide and employs 530,000 workers. Pew Research Center found the USPS to be the second-most popular federal agency. Data shows 72% of Americans like it, behind the National Park Service (76%) and above NASA (67%). However, President Donald Trump is critical of the service and its declining profitability. The agency has seen a sharp decline in first-class mail since electronic communication became more popular. It's dropped 80% since 1997, and volumes are the lowest since 1968, according to Reuters. The USPS lost $9.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to lose another $6.9 billion this year, Government Executive reports. Trump aims to see it make a profit and has floated the idea of merging it with the Commerce Department. That would halt the USPS's independent status and put it under his administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It'll be a form of a merger, but it'll remain the Postal Service," Trump said. "And I think it'll operate a lot better than it has been over the years. It's been just a tremendous loser for this country." Citing postal sources, The Washington Post said the plan would "probably violate federal law." The outlet, along with The Wall Street Journal, cited anonymous sources who said Trump planned to fire the governing board of the postal service via executive order. The White House said no such order existed, but Trump did confirm that the merger was being considered. Here's what you need to know about confirmed changes to USPS services and mail delivery. How will the new changes affect mail in Texas? The first round of changes started on April 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some areas could get "2-3-day turnaround service within regions and specific local areas," according to the postal service. Some post offices could have delivery extended by a day. The information provided didn't say which ones could expect delayed mail delivery caused by changes to regional transportation schedules. "Under the new approach, while most mail will retain the same service standard, some mail will have a faster standard, and some will have a slightly slower standard," a USPS news release reads. "For First-Class Mail, the current service standard day range of 1-5 days is staying the same, while the day ranges for end-to-end Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services are being shortened. All Mail will benefit from more reliable service." The postal service said, "all packages will benefit from more reliable service." The 2-5 day range for USPS Ground Advantage will stay the same. However, some shipping products will have a slower delivery range going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five-digit zip code add-ons are meant to streamline sorting and delivery as compared to the current three-digit pairs. USPS already has a map online that will let customers see how long it will take to deliver mail from one zip code to another. Customers can also look up service standards at usps.com. Service standards will be "refined" for: First-Class Mail Periodicals Marketing Mail Package Services (Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail) USPS Ground Advantage Priority Mail Priority Mail Express When will the next changes to the postal service happen? The next round of changes is set to take effect on July 1. More information will be released closer to that date. Postmaster strikes deal with DOGE, 10K jobs to be cut In March, then-U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said he signed a deal with the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department had been exempt from DOGE cuts, but DeJoy reportedly told Congress in a letter that USPS would cut 10,000 jobs over the next month through a voluntary early retirement program. The reduction plan was announced in January and is different than the federal employee buyout offer announced for most civilian federal employees. According to a news release from the American Postal Workers Union, workers who opt to retire early can get a one-time $15,000 incentive paid in two parts. DeJoy said the deal with DOGE and the General Services Administration will help with "identifying and achieving further efficiencies." Will Trump merge USPS? What if he does? Musk has said he wants to see the USPS privatized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has suggested that postal workers could carry out the U.S. census and handle tasks performed by Social Security employees as cost-cutting measures. If it goes through, the merger could close offices, slow delivery, increase costs and lead to layoffs, Newsweek reports. These effects are likely to hit rural areas the hardest. Postal workers rally after DOGE threatens to dismantle USPS Thousands of people, including those in several Texas cities, recently turned out to protest the cuts and proposals to dismantle the current system across the nation. "We had an election in November, and some people voted for President Trump, and some people voted for Vice President Harris, some people voted for other candidates," National Association of Letter Carriers President Brian Renfroe said at a rally in Los Angeles. "But you know what none of them voted for? To dismantle the Postal Service." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media posts showed rallies in several states, including major cities and Washington, D.C. Hashtags included #fightlikehell and #hellno. Could Trump privatize the postal service? That would require congressional approval. The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 made the postal service an independent agency under the executive branch. USPS is directed by a Board of Governors appointed by the president and approved by Congress. The president can make nominations but doesn't have direct oversight. Mississippi Clarion Ledger reporter Bonnie Bolden contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: USPS changes to affect Texas mail delivery. Here's why, when it starts The White House has fired several top National Security Council officials as internal fights among factions of the Trump team escalate, according to three people familiar with the matter. The firings came a day after Laura Loomer, a far-right activist who has spread conspiracy theories including about the origins of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, reportedly met with President Donald Trump to question the loyalty of some NSC officials. POLITICO could not independently confirm whether the firings came as a direct result of Loomer meeting with the president or the fallout from the revelations that top officials discussed U.S. military operations in an NSC Signal group chat that accidentally included a journalist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the terminations, NSC spokesperson Brian Hughes said the NSC doesnt comment on personnel matters. National security adviser Mike Waltz, under pressure over the Signalgate scandal, briefly attended Trumps meeting with Loomer to defend his team, according to The New York Times, which previously reported the meeting. Axios previously reported on the NSC firings. But the firings also speak to ongoing fights between the head of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, Sergio Gor, a former spokesperson for Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Waltzs team over a number of prospective administration hires that the powerful vetting organization has deemed to be out of step with Trumps foreign policy positions. The NSC did not respond to a request for additional comment on this matter. The frustrations which have not been previously reported in this detail date back to the beginning of Trumps transition in November. One person familiar with internal NSC hiring decisions said Gor has blocked Waltzs picks for key NSC appointments despite those people being in line with Waltz and the presidents hawkish views on adversaries like China and Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its astounding to me that Waltz has the trust of the president on national security issues but not the trust to staff his own team, this person said. Like others, the person was granted anonymity to discuss internal White House dynamics candidly. Among the officials being fired, according to two people familiar with the matter, are Thomas Boodry, a senior NSC official overseeing legislative affairs who worked for Waltz when he was in Congress; David Feith, an official overseeing technology and national security; and Brian Walsh, an NSC official working on intelligence issues who previously worked for Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his time in the Senate. There are worries inside the White House that the round of firings of new NSC hands will have a chilling effect on Waltzs ability to staff up the NSC with experienced and capable national security officials and ultimately handicap Trumps foreign policy agenda from its nerve center in the White House, according to the three people familiar with the matter. All these jobs have a real learning curve and pushing a reset will set the Trump team back by months, argued one former Biden national security council official, who was granted anonymity as they did not want to weigh in on Trump personnel decisions publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firings came a week after a top Republican lawmaker rallied to defend deputy national security adviser Alex Wong in the face of far-right attacks from Loomer and others accusing him and his wife without evidence of being agents of the Chinese government working to undermine the Trump administration. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) for whom Wong previously worked,said in an X post that Wong and his wife, Candice Chiu Wong, are complete and total patriots, 100% MAGA Warriors who always put America First. Cotton added that America is safer and better off with Alex in the White House. Loomer did not respond to a request for comment, but appeared to confirm the meeting in a post on X on Thursday. She wrote: I woke up this morning to learn that there are still people in and around the West Wing who are LEAKING to the hostile, left-wing media about President Trumps *confidential* and *private* meetings in the Oval Office. She added: I will continue reiterating the importance of, and the necessity of STRONG VETTING, for the sake of protecting the President of the United States of America, and our national security. Dasha Burns contributed to this report. A police manhunt is underway for the suspected gunman who shot a man dead at a Venice dog park Wednesday night, a cold blooded killing that led SWAT-geared officers to descend on Westminster Avenue while LAPD helicopters swept the beachside neighborhood bellowing orders from above for the shooter to surrender. The victim, Zackery Melton, 29, who locals know as "Turtle," an ironic nickname bestowed on him because, as his girlfriend Cheyenne Barrett, 30, told Los Angeles, "he was fast as fuck," had intervened in an argument between a young woman and another local man who calls himself "Prince Thomas." A shot rang out around 10:30 p.m. that exploded through the victim's head. He was pronounced dead by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics in the parking lot of the dog park at 1243 Pacific Avenue a short time later. A fatal shooting at Westminster Dog Park on Pacific Avenue sent swarms of cops to a touristy Venice Beach neighborhood as part of an ongoing manhunt for the suspected gunman who lives nearby and fled the scene in a silver Maserati Michele McPhee The assailant fled the scene in a silver Maserati, which was found abandoned nearby. The vehicle was tracked to a known registered sex offender named Tyrone Jones at 26 Westminster Avenue, a rundown building between Pacific Avenue and the Speedway, which led to a LAPD standoff that began Wednesday night and continued well into Thursday. Police executed a search warrant at the building late Thursday morning, but the suspected shooter was gone and remains on the run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones has an identical twin brother, several neighborhood residents who know the suspected gunman said. "All Turtle was doing was what he always did. He was protecting someone in our community," Barrett said through tears. "That's what Venice is all about. Community. He loved everyone here and was such a good person. We are all heartbroken." Other street denizens from Venice gathered near two benches shaped like dog bones, an area which has become a small unhoused encampment, to remember Turtle yesterday. Locals brought flowers to remember him, and dumped a shot from a small nip bottle of alcohol to pay tribute to the slain man, who was often spotted with his beloved dog Max in the neighborhood. Jones is a familiar face to the regulars who camp in the parking lot at the Westminster Dog Park and shows up on a list of registered sex offenders in Venice, which lists a conviction on human trafficking charges. He calls himself "Prince Thomas" and "everyone knows him because he's not good to women," Barrett said. Turtle, she says, was protecting one of her female friends when the deadly argument exploded. "They'll catch him," she said of the suspected killer. "Everyone knows who he is around here. Cops too." Get Your Daily Dose! Sign up for The Daily Brief to receive Los Angeles Magazines latest stories directly in your inbox. Subscribe below or by clicking here. At a wildfire relief event Feb. 9, Taiwanese dignitaries, California politicians and Arcadia firefighters posed for a photo with a giant check made out to a fledgling foundation. The $510,000 gift from a Taiwan-based international chamber of commerce would benefit the roughly 54 firefighters of Arcadia, a city near Altadena that was spared by the Eaton fire. But the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation, which counts City Councilmember David Fu as a board member and former City Councilmember Sho Tay as president, was not registered with the state and was therefore not allowed to accept donations, according to filings with the California Attorney Generals Office, which regulates charities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundations website shut down in February, days after The Times inquired about its status with the Attorney General's Office. We are working with the Foundation to get them into compliance," a spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office said in a statement. More than a month later, the foundation still has not registered. Arcadia officials say they haven't received the money. The sizable check made out to a small, unregistered charity overseen by a local politician touched a nerve in a city on the watch for signs of foreign influence. In December, Arcadia found itself at the center of a spy scandal after federal prosecutors charged City Councilmember Eileen Wang's campaign manager with colluding with the Chinese government to get her elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funds raised from foreign entities to a non-profit that an elected government representative sits on is always suspicious and to have no specific use or project to fund is even more suspect, former Arcadia Mayor April Verlato wrote on Nextdoor. Read more: Who is the politician at the center of the latest Chinese influence scandal? Fu did not respond to multiple requests for comment. But on the same Nextdoor post, Fu said the funds will be used to support our brave firefighters and further protection of our city. I can't take any credit. I'm not Taiwanese, don't speak Chinese, and had nothing to do in receiving this amazingly generous gift, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tay, who founded the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation a few years ago, said the lack of paperwork was probably a mix-up by his accountant. The World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, which announced it was making the $510,000 donation to the foundation, is a global organization that connects Taiwanese business communities across the world. The group did not respond to a request for comment. At the Feb. 9 wildfire relief event at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles the equivalent of a consulate, since Taiwan doesn't have official diplomatic relations with the U.S. the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation received its check alongside the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, which got $500,000 from the government of Taiwan. Taiwan is a self-governing democracy that China claims as its own territory. The two governments vie for power internationally, with China convincing all but 11 countries and the Holy See not to recognize Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arcadia, with an Asian American population of nearly 60%, is home to many Taiwanese and Chinese immigrants. According to federal prosecutors, the Chinese government had scouted for a rising star in Arcadia, hoping to cultivate a politician who could help them push pro-China policies, particularly regarding Taiwan. Arcadia Fire Chief Chen Suen said the foundation told him that $360,000 of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce donation would go to the fire department for a training center, which he said would also benefit nearby cities such as Sierra Madre, Pasadena and Monrovia. The rest, Suen said, would go to another charity associated with the Arcadia firefighters union, to be used for cancer screenings for firefighters. That other charity, the Arcadia Firefighters Foundation, is in delinquent status with the state attorney generals office and also barred from accepting donations due to lapsed registration, according to publicly available filings. Arcadia Deputy City Manager Justine Bruno said the city won't accept any money from the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation until its paperwork is in order. She said the foundation will decide how to spend the money from the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were getting a lot of questions about it, Bruno said. The foundation got a really generous donation and contribution, which is wonderful for the foundation, but at the moment, there's no plan to spend those dollars. She added that city lawyers don't believe that serving on both the City Council and the foundation's board of directors creates a conflict of interest for Fu, since he isn't supposed to financially benefit from gifts to the foundation. In a small city, she noted, politically active residents often find themselves wearing both hats. Mayor Michael Cao, for example, is on the board of the Arcadia Police Foundation, according to the city website. In late January, officials from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office visited an Arcadia fire station, Suen said. The officials wanted to know how he might use the money that the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce planned to donate. Suen, who is Taiwanese American, said he told them the city was looking to build a training center with the U.S. Forest Service to improve response times for emergencies such as active shooters and bombings. U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) was trying to get $2 million through federal grants, but the city thought the center would cost as much as $4 million, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suen said he didnt know how the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce found the fire department, but he was grateful for the support. Even though Arcadia was widely unaffected in terms of losing homes, we had 66 percent of our department on staff for 36 to 48 hours taking care of the east end, he said. Previously, the largest donation the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation had made was $20,000, which the Arcadia City Council voted to accept last year to fund fire department training projects. Tay, the former City Council member, said that after hearing about the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office's planned donation to the L.A. Fire Department Foundation, he wanted to see what might be available for Arcadia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tay said he was connected to the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in January. I said, 'We have a big population of Taiwanese, and our chief is from Taiwan, and I'm from Taiwan, so maybe you can help,'" he said. The World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, which is not a government entity, is fundraising for its gift to the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation through its network in Asia, Europe and America, according to Arthur Chen, head of its North American chapter. Amino Chi, director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, said in a statement that Taiwan and the Arcadia Fire Department share "a longstanding connection," with Taiwan sometimes sending firefighters to the city for training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Donations topped $650 million, and the question looms: How to best use it for fire recovery? After the Palisades and Eaton fires, Chi's office reached out to Los Angeles city officials, who suggested that they donate to the L.A. Fire Department Foundation or the Red Cross. Its common after disasters for foreign countries to donate to relief efforts in a show of goodwill and a subtle flexing of soft power. Since they cant donate directly to U.S. government agencies, they usually give to charities. Among the countries that donated to the wildfire relief efforts were Japan, which gave $2 million to the Red Cross, and South Korea, which gave $1 million to the California Community Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tay said the money from the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce was a gift no strings attached. Some people started getting political, [saying], 'Oh, this is government money.' No, this is from the Chamber of Commerce, he said. Some people read into it too much way too much. 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. ALBANY Chehaw Park & Zoo has received $5,000 from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to help develop public viewing aspects for a new head start education program focused on rare gopher frogs. Gopher frogs are a species of special concern in the state of Georgia, and they only live in certain patches, Jackie Entz Shores, Chehaws director of education, said. By head-starting the gopher frogs we are essentially giving them a really big boost. Six total grant projects announced Tuesday by the DNR will improve public opportunities to see and learn about native animals and plants statewide. The proposals chosen by the DNR Wildlife Resources Division for this years Wildlife Viewing Program grants range statewide from Chehaw Park & Zoo in Albany to McIntosh Reserve Park in Carroll County and walking trails in Athens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grants, funded by the Georgia Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund, help develop and enhance wildlife viewing options, with an emphasis on State Wildlife Action Plan species and habitats. Georgias Wildlife Action Plan is a comprehensive strategy to conserve these animals, plants and places before they become rarer and costlier to conserve or restore. These projects include work and support by partners that will significantly amplify the grants provided. Each will also help people experience the states native wildlife, including species and habitats identified in the Wildlife Action Plan, according to Matt Elliott, chief of DNRs Wildlife Conservation Section. We are thrilled to be able to support these conservation partners in these types of quality projects focused on high-priority species and habitats throughout the state, Elliott said. The grants are small capped at $5,000 each but the interest they tap is big. In 2022, wildlife viewing involved more than 148 million people nationwide, or nearly 60% of the population. That total has been growing since the mid-1990s. In Georgia, an estimated 4.8 million residents, almost three out of every five residents 16 or older, said they took part in wildlife viewing activities such as observing, feeding or photographing wildlife. Nationwide, related expenditures reached $250 billion in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are extremely excited to be a recipient for this grant, Shores said. The grant allowed Chehaw to purchase the materials necessary for the Head Start program and to provide public education programming on the project. Shores said the gopher frog project is already in full swing. Chehaw worked with state herpetologists to locate frog egg masses. Staff at Chehaw are keeping the eggs until they hatch into baby froglets and are re-released into a local wildlife management area. This eliminates the potential for predators to eat the gopher frogs as eggs or tadpoles. Gopher frogs are rare. Shores said this is largely due to habitat loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we build up roads, birds can fly over them, but a lot of times smaller species, like frogs, some of our tortoises and turtles, have trouble crossing those barriers, Shores said. The gopher frogs are also losing habitat to extreme weather events like droughts as well as fire suppression. Shores said these frogs need to live in a habitat that is maintained by natural fire or prescribed burns. We dont currently have any frogs there, so this will be really cool, because the gopher frogs that we head-start here at Chehaw will hopefully start bringing the population right here in southwest Georgia, she said. Chehaw received more than 1,100 eggs on Feb. 13 that have hatched out. There are 860 tadpoles currently in the head start program. Three hundred tadpoles already have been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That simple act of raising these egg masses and re-releasing them into the wild has increased their survival percentage significantly, Shores said. The public is able to get a first-hand look at this process. The tadpoles are on display by Chehaws reptile house, and Chehaw will host frog chats for school groups, talking about the importance of the gopher frog and its life cycle, as well as other amphibians. Those interested in scheduling a presentation time can look in the field trip section of Chehaws website or contact Shores directly at jentz@chehaw.org. A bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Strickland from McDonough aims to ease the pressures of the increasingly expensive cost of raising a family for Georgians. Getty Images This story was updated at 2:40 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, with the latest. The rising cost of child care and workforce shortages have hit Georgia families and providers hard in the aftermath of the pandemic. While the state did see the burden alleviated via temporary federal relief programs for families and financial support for child care workers, those programs have ended. Advocates for children are calling on state lawmakers to now increase financial support for Georgias families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A proposal that cleared the Legislature this year aims to create tax credits to offer parents some support. The bill now sits on the governors desk after the Senate signed off on a final version Friday, the last day of the 2025 legislative session. This legislation will ensure that Georgias workers have access to affordable and quality child care, while encouraging more businesses to offer childcare, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a Republican from Jackson, said in a statement Friday. Child care is critical, not only for childhood development, but also for Georgias economy. Child care expenses are a concern that hits home for John Jackson, head of financial planning and analysis for BlackRock in Atlanta and a member of the board of directors for Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students. As a dad of three daughters, I know how challenging it can be to find reliable, high-quality child care, Jackson said. Ive had mornings where our backup child care is unavailable, and its instant chaos in terms of my wife and I trying to figure out whos going to miss work, what schedule and meetings will be changed and how we are going to close those gaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several nonprofits like GEEARS and Voices for Georgias Children are advocating for financial support for families, especially those with young children. In the COVID era, many parents pulled their children out of child care facilities while teachers also left their workplaces due to stay-at-home orders. This allowed providers to lower their prices significantly, but as parents have returned to work and new families search for a place to take care of their children, providers have struggled to maintain enough openings at an affordable price. The child care system that we have now really doesnt work for families who need care, or for the teachers who teach and care for the kids who are in care, said Ife Finch Floyd, director of economic justice for the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. Often people call that a market failure, where we cant always meet the needs of the demand. Child care providers face a hard time attracting new employees and retaining current workers while keeping prices affordable for families. Since other employers can offer more competitive wages, many workers may opt for a career outside of the child care industry. Many providers have raised prices to cover their expenses and increase workers wages. A bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Strickland from McDonough aims to ease the pressures of the increasingly expensive cost of raising a family for Georgians. Sen. Brian Strickland. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Strickland proposes to allow taxpayers to claim 50% of a portion of their child care expenses on their state taxes, up from 30%. His bill would also create a new $250 credit per child six years of age or younger. It also aims to offer a $1,000 tax credit for child care facilities for each employee whose child is six years of age or younger and is enrolled in the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stricklands bill has now been tacked onto House Bill 136, legislation designed to increase financial support for foster care providers. Last year, Strickland was involved in a Senate study committee that explored child care costs in Georgia, where he says he learned more about how child care access affects not only families but businesses too. His work on this bill comes from a personal place his own family life. Having two young children myself, a lot of people that I come in contact with have kids the same age as my kids and were are all struggling with the same thing, Strickland said. Were all trying to figure out can we make enough money working to cover child care costs? Its something thats affecting people all around our state. The bill has received bipartisan support throughout the session. Advocates and legislators emphasize the economic benefits of strong support for early education. A flyer passed out by GEEARS at a recent press conference read, Every $1 invested in high-quality early learning yields as much as $13 in savings. This is a piece that is designed to help the taxpayer, Strickland said. This is keeping more of the money that youd otherwise be paying the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the credits offered by Stricklands bill are non-refundable and cannot exceed the taxpayers tax liability, they would cost the state tax revenue. State estimates of the original bills cost calculated the hit to the state budget to be about $179 million in the first year. Floyd said that the cost is likely higher than this number now, as the federal match provision increased the the state credit from 40% to 50%. We are supportive of tax policy that supports families with low to moderate/middle income, said Floyd. GBPI has long supported tax credits for the families of everyday Georgians and individuals to make sure that they can afford their basic needs and help plan for their futures. While there is bipartisan consensus on the reality of rising child care costs, there are differing views on the best ways to offer relief. Rep. Lisa Campbell Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Kennesaw Democratic state Rep. Lisa Campbell proposes the Georgias Children First trust fund in House Resolution 396. Her bill would take a portion of Georgias budget surplus to support the Child and Parent Services Program, allocate money for child care providers and help purchase supplies that young children need, like diapers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual rate of child care in Georgia right now is about $11,000 per child per year, Campbell said. And thats in many cases more expensive than a college degree. Creating a new trust fund in Georgia requires a constitutional amendment. Although her proposal did not receive a committee hearing before the Crossover Day deadline in early March, Campbell hopes to continue supporting this bill next year when bills filed this year that dont pass in 2025 can have a second chance. She said Stricklands tax credit is a great thing to do. She also recognizes the role that gender plays in the fight to support families. When women exit the workforce to care for children and come back, its often very difficult to catch up in terms of the types of roles and responsibilities that they are offered, she said. Its very rare that a woman will catch up to her peers who did not leave the workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed tax credit was unanimously approved by the Senate in late March. Strickland frames this bill as a step towards increasing support for Georgias working families. Inside and outside of the Capitol, supporters of legislation like this are advocating for Georgias young children to be prioritized in various ways. We at Voices are big advocates for dollars and support for quality afterschool and summer learning programming as well, said Polly McKinney, advocacy director for Voices for Georgias Children. We know that school aged children deserve developmentally appropriate, safe, educational and fun places to grow into the happy, healthy and wise adults who will carry the rest of us into the future. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX KANSAS CITY, Mo. Childrens Mercy Kansas City announced a $152 million expansion plan for Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas. The hospital hopes the expansion will enhance patient care and improve access to existing services and new clinical programs. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV As the only freestanding pediatric hospital in the state of Kansas, this expansion will allow for even more families to have access to world-class care closer to home, said Alejandro Quiroga, CEO & President of Childrens Mercy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By bringing all our outpatient services together, improving our hospital facilities, and creating a modern, connected campus, were making sure we can meet the growing needs of patients and families in the region. The expansion of surgical services, which includes remodeling the Sterile Processing Department and adding new pre-op, post-op, and procedural spaces, is the first phase of the project, which has already begun. Right now, they have four operating rooms, and theyre adding two procedure spaces, according to Fallon. That excites me so much, Rachel Meyers said. Thats so cool that theyre going make it bigger, maybe have more to offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meyers is a mom of eight from Belton, her 1-year-old was born with a clubfoot. Doctors here at Childrens Mercy helped correct it. They have frequent follow-up appointments in Overland Park It is incredibly helpful, only about 12 minutes from our house, Meyers said. We will be bringing our College Boulevard clinics to this campus, so well have all of our outpatient clinics at one location, Fallon said, and well be able to take care of kids at a single destination for this community. The hospital said construction is set to be complete by summer 2026. View the latest headlines from Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas at fox4kc.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expansion project also includes: New Medical Office Building (MOB): The MOB is scheduled to open in the summer of 2027. Hospital Renovations: The renovations are expected to be completed by the summer of 2029. New Service Offerings : Introduction of new programs such as Inpatient Rehab, intensive outpatient programs, an expanded GI Motility program and a neuroscience center. Parking and Exterior Updates: To improve accessibility and wayfinding, there will be new entrances, contemporary parking structures, and exterior upgrades. We listened to the needs of physicians and families in this community and the expansion of our Kansas hospital strengthens our capacity to serve the growing pediatric population, said Amy Fallon, President of Regional Operations at Childrens Mercy. This is more than just adding rooms or advancing technology; its about deepening our commitment and reaffirming our dedication to delivering top-quality, accessible health care to every child that needs it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Childrens Mercy is inviting the community to help by donating to advance the renovation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Wednesday that the Food and Drug Administration properly rejected applications to market fruit- and dessert-flavored liquids for electronic cigarettes that the agency says are popular with young people and risk them getting hooked on nicotine. The FDA had appealed a lower-court decision that said the agency unfairly shifted its standards for approving e-cigarettes liquids while ruling on applications from two companies wanting to sell new products with names such as "Jimmy the Juice Man Peachy Strawberry," "Suicide Bunny Mother's Milk and Cookies," "Iced Lemonade" and "Killer Kustard Blueberry." Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., who authored the opinion, wrote that the FDA rejection of the applications was "sufficiently consistent" with the guidance it had given companies seeking to win approval for such products. Alito also highlighted the potential dangers of flavored e-cigarettes. "One nearly decade-old estimate found that there were 7,700 unique e-liquid flavors, including not only flavors that were familiar to cigarette smokers (tobacco and menthol) but also fruit, candy, and dessert flavors that were appealing to nonsmokers," Alito wrote. "The kaleidoscope of flavor options adds to the allure of e-cigarettes and has thus contributed to the booming demand for such products among young Americans." An e-cigarette or vape is a battery-powered device that heats a nicotine-infused liquid, turning it into a vapor that is inhaled. E-cigarettes are generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes but still carry health risks. The case marked a milestone in an ongoing battle between the FDA and a vaping industry worth billions of dollars. The agency has moved aggressively to regulate flavored vapes in recent years, rejecting more than 1 million fruit-, candy- and dessert-flavored products, according to court filings. Wednesday's ruling was also a somewhat rare example of the high court siding with government regulators, after a string of decisions trimming agency powers. A 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found vapes were the most common tobacco product used by middle- and high-schoolers. About 1.6 million students use e-cigarettes, according to the survey, which amounts to about 6 percent of the middle- and high school population. Nearly 90 percent of those who vape prefer the flavored liquids, according to the survey. Overall, youth vaping has declined significantly after reaching a peak in 2019. Health officials have said that addictive nicotine from vapes can influence the development of adolescent brains, affecting attention, learning and memory. Vaping may also be associated with asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The FDA began regulating e-cigarettes as tobacco products in 2016, as public health officials expressed concern about a dramatic rise in youth vaping. The booming marketplace offered flavored liquids such as bubble gum, mocha and margarita that were enticing to kids. Some experts have criticized the FDA's denials of e-cigarette products, arguing that the agency has refused to accept evidence that the products are not as harmful as once believed to be and that studies show e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking. The FDA has allowed the marketing of some menthol- and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes because cigarette smokers say they want to use them to quit the habit. Yolonda C. Richardson, president and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, praised the ruling and accused the companies of attempting to market "blatantly kid-friendly flavors." "Today's ruling is a major victory for the health of America's kids and efforts to protect them from the flavored e-cigarettes that have fueled a youth nicotine addiction crisis," Richardson said in a statement. "It affirms that the FDA's marketing denials for flavored e-cigarettes have been legally and scientifically sound and should encourage FDA to stay the course." Richardson said the FDA must to do more to crack down on thousands of illegally marketed flavored e-cigarettes that have flooded the market without the health agency's approval. The high-court case revolved around the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which Congress passed to combat tobacco use among adolescents. The act requires any company marketing a new tobacco product not commercially available after 2007 to get approval from the FDA. Some flavored vapes available before 2007 were grandfathered in under the law. Applicants must show that the product will be "appropriate for the protection of the public health." That means weighing the likelihood that the product will help existing smokers, usually adults, switch to less-dangerous alternatives against the risk that it will encourage new users, typically young people, to start smoking. The FDA rejected the applications by Triton Distribution and Vapetasia to market the candy and dessert-flavored vapes in 2021, finding there was insufficient evidence to back the companies' contention that the benefits of the products - helping adults to quit - would outweigh their downside. The companies appealed the denials to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the FDA was requiring more-rigorous scientific evidence of its claims than it initially announced, making it all but impossible for the companies to win approval. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the companies, finding the FDA rejection was "arbitrary and capricious." The FDA then appealed to the Supreme Court. After Wednesday's ruling, Tony Abboud, executive director of a trade association representing e-cigarettes companies, called on President Donald Trump to clarify regulation of e-cigarettes. Trump vowed to "save" the vaping industry while running for president in September. "This ruling underscores the urgent need for decisive action from the Trump Administration to resolve ongoing - and future - litigation by eliminating once and for all the regulatory uncertainty plaguing the FDA," Abboud, of the Vapor Technology Association, said in a statement. "President Trump's FDA can establish clear and fair guidance that supports innovation and ensures the survival of the small businesses that make up the U.S. vaping industry." BEIRUT, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji on Thursday urged the European Union to step up pressure on Israel to withdraw from all occupied Lebanese territories, halt attacks, and respect Lebanon's sovereignty. Rajji made the appeal during talks with Stefano Sannino, director-general for the Middle East and North Africa at the European Commission, who led a EU delegation visiting Beirut, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported. The discussions covered regional developments and Lebanon-EU relations. The minister condemned Israel's continued military actions, including daily strikes in southern Lebanon and renewed attacks on Beirut. He called for Israel's adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and pressed the EU to take a firmer stance against the violations. Meanwhile, an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in Lebanon's southern border region wounded two people on Thursday, Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Center said. "The Israeli strike on a vehicle on the Bint Jbeil road resulted in the injury of two civilians," the center said in a statement. In a separate incident, Israeli airstrikes at dawn targeted a civil defense center in Naqoura, the General Directorate of Civil Defense, affiliated with the Islamic Health Authority, said. The attack destroyed the center and damaged an ambulance and a fire truck, but no casualties were reported among rescue teams, it added. A U.S.- and French-mediated truce between Hezbollah and Israel has been in place since Nov. 27, 2024, ending more than a year of cross-border hostilities linked to the Gaza conflict. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued strikes in Lebanon, citing security threats from Hezbollah. The Israeli military also remains at five border positions, missing a Feb. 18 deadline for full withdrawal. TRYON, N.C. (WSPA) Due to the ongoing closure of Chimney Rock caused by Hurricane Helene, the Chimney Rock State Parks 69th Annual Easter Sunrise Service will continue its long-standing tradition at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (Tryon International). Organizers said the public is invited to participate in the event, which will take place at the International Stadium on Sunday, April 20. The service will begin at 6:40 a.m., with sunrise occurring at 6:50 a.m., according to representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Easter Sunrise Service, which began in the 1950s when the park was family-owned, has been a tradition for nearly seven decades. Chimney Rock and Tryon International will continue the tradition in the temporary location, bringing the community together during this year of recovery. Officials are encouraging attendees to arrive as early as 5:30 a.m. to find seating and prepare for the service, which will be hosted by Foothills Village Chapel. Representatives mentioned that the service will feature live music by the Chimney Rock Bagpipe Band. Chimney Rocks park naturalists will also be hosting up-close encounters with their animal ambassadors and sharing insights into the areas wildlife. Free parking passes can be found here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the service, guests can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the day, including Sunrise Service Breakfast Buffet at Campagna from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., free Easter egg hunts for all ages at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., and a pre-registered brunch at Legends Club. Additionally, WNC Main Street will offer shopping opportunities from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to support local businesses, including those from Chimney Rock Village, impacted by the Helene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BEIJING (AP) China has detained three Philippine nationals on suspicion of spying, the government and state media reported, as the countries' relations deteriorate. The three were found to have handed over sensitive material about China to a Philippine contact, the official Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday, citing an anonymous official from Chinas Ministry of State Security. Xinhua reported that the three had confessed to the charges against them while the case remains under investigation. China vows strict action against foreign espionage, Xinhua said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three could not immediately be reached for comment. The arrests came after Filipino authorities recently apprehended several Chinese nationals suspected of carrying out espionage activities in the Philippines. Relations between China and the Philippines have taken a sharp downturn as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strengthens relations with the U.S., China's main competitor. China's Foreign Ministry lashed out at the Philippines on Wednesday after Manila expressed concern over Chinese military exercises around Taiwan, the island China claims, which sits just north of the Philippines. We urge certain people in the Philippines to refrain from making provocations and playing with fire on the Taiwan question, and those who play with fire will perish by it, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Philippines has also been bulking up its military, mainly in response to territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The U.S. has prospectively approved selling 20 F-16 aircraft to the Philippines, along with hundreds of medium-range, air-to-air missiles, bombs, anti-aircraft guns and ammunition, in a deal worth $5.58 billion. The Chinese Embassy in Manila issued a travel advisory on Tuesday saying Chinese citizens face higher security risks considering the recent unstable public security situation in the Philippines and growingly frequent harassment of Chinese citizens and businesses. Beijing on Thursday threatened countermeasures after US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on Chinese goods, further escalating trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. The US has already imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting retaliation from Beijing. The latest round, which Trump announced on Wednesday, adds a 34% tariff hike, raising total duties on many Chinese products to over 50%. China's Ministry of Commerce said the tariffs violated international trade rules and were based on subjective and unilateral assessments by the US, calling them a typical act of bullying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry urged Washington to remove the measures and resolve disputes through dialogue, or it would take countermeasures to protect its rights and interests. Trump on Wednesday announced new blanket tariffs of 10% on most US imports, with higher penalties based on trade deficits. Christina Fulton says her son's headed for a diversion program instead of jail ... but, he still hasn't apologized for allegedly assaulting her. We caught up with the actress in Downtown Los Angeles Wednesday while she was leaving a courthouse where she read a victim impact statement in court to tell her son how the beating she suffered affected her. TMZ Fulton says her son's been ordered to participate in a "mental health diversion" ... a program where Weston Cage will presumably go through mental health counseling to avoid prison time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this ruling, Christina says her son hasn't apologized to her ... and, hasn't shown any remorse for the incident that took place last year. Weston Cage Through The Years - Click image to open gallery Remember ... Weston was arrested last summer for assault with a deadly weapon after he and Christina allegedly got into an altercation in April, and cops claim Weston attacked her. He had fled the scene by the time officers arrived. TMZ Christina released a statement after his arrest ... "On April 28th, 2024, around 5:30 PM I received urgent messages from friends of my son, Weston Cage regarding his deteriorating mental state, urging me to come help. When I arrived to offer support and console him, he was already in the midst of a manic rage. Within minutes, I was brutally assaulted and sustained serious injuries." Nicolas Cage's Ex Christina Fulton Says She's Heartbroken Over Son's Alleged Attack We caught up with Fulton after a different court date recently ... and, she told us she wanted better from the LAPD, who she says left her bleeding on the ground without medical attention when they responded to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She's still serious about police reform -- telling us today she's called and left messages for L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman ... saying she wants to work with him on police reform. Nicolas Cage and Weston Cage Together - Click image to open gallery Fulton also has a parting message for her ex, Nicolas Cage -- Weston's dad ... listen to the clip all the way through to hear what she's got to say. Looks like Weston's moving on from the situation with his mom ... even if she's still heartbroken from it. Greater Cincinnati communities are assessing damage this morning after intense storms rolled through the area overnight. The strongest storms have moved east, but the entire area is under a flood watch with more rain in the forecast. Another round of rain, possible thunderstorms return to Greater Cincinnati Final Thursday update, 8:15 p.m.: While not as severe as the storms that pelted the region late Wednesday night, the Cincinnati area is in store for some more rainy weather Thursday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some steady showers and possibly a thunderstorm are expected Thursday night through most of Friday, according to the National Weather Service. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and 1 inch are possible. Winds, however, won't be as strong as Wednesday, with forecasts saying they'll clock in around 6 mph after midnight. As of 8:15 p.m., only a flood watch is in effect for all of Southwest Ohio, Southeast Indiana and Northern Kentucky. It is set to expire Sunday morning. The Ohio River at Cincinnati could see minor to moderate flooding, according to a water gauge forecast. Water levels could reach as high as 56 feet by Sunday night, causing some inundation of roads and structures near the river. Duke Energy workers have been hard at work Thursday to restore power to the tens of thousands of households that went dark after Wednesday night's storms. As of 8:15 p.m., only about 5,000 households in Greater Cincinnati still don't have power, according to Duke Energy's outage map. Number of outages in region down to 20K Update, 2:15 p.m.: After intense storms left nearly 48,000 without power in Greater Cincinnati early Thursday, that number has been cut in half as of the afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Duke Energy outage map, around 20,000 households in the region, which includes Northern Kentucky, remain without power as of 2:15 p.m. Areas majorly impacted include Loveland, Day Heights, Springvale, Dallasburg and Forestville, as well as the Northern Kentucky city of Erlanger and several other communities in Campbell County. The estimated times of restoration for most of these areas are still unknown. To stay up to date, visit Duke Energy's live outage map here. Watch: Toppled tree crashes into NKY home with 3 inside 10:18 a.m.: The severe storms that swept through Greater Cincinnati on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning toppled a large tree into a house in Erlanger, Kentucky, with three people inside. Two of the people inside the home escaped on their own, but the third person was trapped inside, officials said. First responders were able to free the trapped person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The severe weather also sent a tree crashing into a house on Cedar Drive in Loveland, Ohio, splitting it in half. Death toll rises after tornadoes reported across central U.S. 9:53 a.m.: Dozens of tornadoes were reported across Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri on Wednesday and overnight, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. Images show widespread damage, with roofs collapsed, vehicles overturned and trees snapped and uprooted. At least four deaths have been tied to the storms. Officials in Missouri said one person was killed Wednesday in the southeast part of the state, KFVS-TV reported. In Tennessee, officials reported three deaths across McNairy, Obion and Fayette counties. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said several strike teams are in areas impacted by tornadoes that swept across the state Wednesday night and early Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state agency released video on social media of troopers responding to tornado reports, searching through the wreckage of a flattened home near Selmer, a small city just north of Mississippi, which took a direct hit. Christopher Cann USA TODAY National Weather Service surveying storm damage for evidence of tornadoes 9 a.m.: As of 7:30 a.m., only one storm damage survey was announced by the National Weather Service. The Northern Indiana office, which covers several Northwest Ohio counties, will survey Dupont and surrounding areas in Putnam County. Two radar-confirmed tornadoes were spotted in Southwest Ohio. Per the NWS Wilmington office, which covers Central and Southwest Ohio, one touched down in northern Brown County and went into southeast Clinton County, and the other hit in northeastern Clinton County before moving into Fayette County. However, these radar-confirmed tornadoes are not official until the NWS surveys damage on the scene later Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Severe storms this past weekend brought four tornadoes to Ohio. Two of the tornadoes both rated as an EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale touched down in Butler County. One of the tornadoes landed just north of New Miami, while the other tornado touched down near West Chester before crossing eastbound into Warren County and dissipated just west of Morrow County, according to the NWS. The third tornado touched down near the city of Corwin in Warren County. It was also rated as an EF0, which is the weakest rating for a tornado on the EF Scale with winds between 65 and 85 mph. The fourth tornado, confirmed by NWS Monday night, was rated as an EF1 that touched down in Fayette County in Jeffersonville, also in southwest Ohio. The twister reached a peak wind gust of 90 miles per hour, and it traveled for nearly four miles over about four minutes before dissipating, the NWS said. An EF1 tornado can reach wind gust speeds between 86 and 110 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chad Murphy USA TODAY NETWORK Flooding impacts roads in Northern Kentucky 8:40 a.m.: High water is affecting numerous roadways in Northern Kentucky, with highways blocked due to flooding, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Those roadways include: State Route 8 near Garfield Avenue in Campbell County. State Route 547 between Eight Mile Road and State Route 8 in Campbell County. Licking Pike at Alysheba Drive in Campbell County. State Route 467 from Sparta to Glencoe in Gallatin County. Storms bring tornadoes, widespread damage to central U.S. 7:45 a.m.: Deadly storms that have caused widespread damage across the central U.S. were still bearing down on much of the country Thursday, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and putting millions under tornado watches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than a dozen tornadoes were reported across Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri on Wednesday and overnight, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. The center reported one person injured in Stoddard, Missouri, when a home was destroyed by a tornado, and four others injured after structures were damaged in Gage, Kentucky. A tree split a home in half on Cedar Drive in Loveland after storms hit the Greater Cincinnati area overnight Thursday, April 3, 2025. Officials in Missouri said at least one person was killed Wednesday in the southeast part of the state, KFVS-TV reported. The Tennessee Department of Health said two deaths have been linked to the storms, including one in McNairy County and another in Obion County. Over 30 million people from Texas to Ohio were still at risk Thursday of powerful tornadoes and major flooding, which is only expected to worsen over the coming days as some parts of the country receive upwards of 15 inches of rain. The National Weather Service said in a forecast, "This is a catastrophic, potentially historic heavy rainfall and flash flood event." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christopher Cann USA TODAY What's next for the weather? 7:15 a.m.: Here's what to expect this week: Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 p.m. High near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible. Thursday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low of around 53. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 6 mph in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible. Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then showers between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 a.m. High near 68. East wind 6 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch are possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low of around 61. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch are possible. Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 74. Southwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch are possible. Saturday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low of around 47. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible. Sunday: Showers, mainly before 2 p.m. High near 53. The chance of precipitation is 80%. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Source: National Weather Service office in Wilmington, Ohio Schools are closed and delayed 7 a.m.: There are no classes for Loveland City Schools students this morning as multiple districts have either delayed or canceled classes. Enquirer media partner Fox19NOW has an updated list of schools affected by the overnight storm. Attention turns to flooding threat 6:20 a.m.: The National Weather Service in Wilmington said there's a significant threat of flash flooding and river flooding in the coming days. Flooding of homes and businesses is expected, along with widespread road flooding. Numerous flash floods are likely through Saturday night. The next round of heavy rain is expected Thursday evening through Friday morning, followed by a third round on Saturday. Thousands without power in Ohio and Kentucky 5:45 a.m.: Duke Energy reported more than 560 active power outages, leaving nearly 48,000 customers without power Thursday morning. There's no timetable for when power is expected to be restored. Clermont County has the most outages, with more than 13,000 customers affected. Two radar-confirmed tornadoes 5 a.m. Thursday: From Cincinnati.com media partner Fox19Now Severe storms and at least two radar-confirmed tornadoes tore through the Tri-State overnight, according to the National Weather Service. Large trees also fell on at least two homes in Loveland and Erlanger, where one person was rescued, according to fire crews. In general, trees and wires are down all over the region, county dispatchers say. The NWS in Wilmington confirms a radar-confirmed tornado touched down in northern Brown County and went into southeast Clinton County near the village of Lynchburg in Highland County. Another one hit in northeastern Clinton County near Sabina before moving into Fayette County, according to meteorologist Christine Aiena. These radar-confirmed tornadoes are not declared official tornadoes until the NWS surveys damage on the scene later Thursday to determine whether it is from tornadoes or straight-line winds. A tree split a home in half on Cedar Drive in Loveland after storms hit the Greater Cincinnati area overnight Thursday. Highland County dispatchers confirm the Lynchburg area has a lot of damage. They said around 2:30 a.m. they were slammed with calls requesting emergency service or reporting storm damage such as wires and trees down. It will be a task trying to sift through everything trying to figure what is straight-line winds and what was tornadic, Aiena said. More than 45,000 Duke Energy customers are without power in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, mostly in Clermont County (12,893) followed by Hamilton County (9,957) and then Campbell County (9,677). Its unclear when power will be restored, according to the utilitys website. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Duke Energy reports thousands without power after intense storm New Cincinnati Archbishop Robert Casey grew up in an Irish Catholic family in Chicago in the 1980s, when about twice as many Catholics attended Mass as they do today, and every neighborhood church seemed flush with priests. Forty years later, as he celebrates his installation as archbishop Thursday, Casey finds himself and his church in a very different place. Mass attendance continues to decline. Retiring priests outnumber seminarians. And debates among Catholics rage over church closings, the clergy abuse crisis and the churchs activism on fraught political issues like abortion and immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is now Caseys job to lead Greater Cincinnatis 400,000 Catholics through those many challenges. New Cincinnati Archbishop Robert Casey discussed the challenges facing the Catholic Church in an interview with The Enquirer a day before his installation at a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati. The work will be difficult, he said. The church today is no longer the church of his childhood, no longer able to grow and thrive simply by throwing open the doors for Mass every Sunday morning. But Casey believes the church and its people can and will adapt. Were in a new moment as a church, said Casey, who will replace the retiring Archbishop Dennis Schnurr. It forces us to kind of reassess how we live and move and have our being in society. That comes with challenge, but it also comes with opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Enquirer interviewed Casey for about 25 minutes Tuesday, on the eve of his installment at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. The conversation covered, among other things, the archdiocese-wide consolidation thats likely to close parishes and schools, his personal connection to the clergy abuse crisis, and the possibility hed reconsider his predecessors decision to ban the Girl Scouts from parishes. Cincinnatis Archbishop Robert G. Casey, 57, talks with Enquirer reporter Dan Horn at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati, Tuesday, April 2, 2025. He is taking over following the retirement of Archbishop Dennis Schnurr. Casey was ordained into the priesthood in 1994 in Chicago. The following has been edited for clarity and brevity. Question: Mass attendance has been ticking back up, but its still 14% lower in the archdiocese than it was before the start of the pandemic. How do you address that? Answer: For many in the church, they look at the pandemic as the moment that people left the church. And the truth is, as with so many other aspects of the pandemic, things were exacerbated. They were advanced more quickly. It wasnt that it was something new. It was that our eyes were opened to a reality that was already existing. If we look at the life of the church, we know that we have been on a decline for much longer than the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there is tremendous hope, because, through the pandemic, one of the gifts I think it awakened in a number of our people was a desire for something more. They dont have to live isolated and apart from one another. Theres an opportunity for our church, especially being a church thats grounded in communion, the Holy Eucharist, for us to invite people into this experience of communion with God and neighbor. Question: As a practical matter, how do you do that? What does the church do to encourage that movement back? Answer: This becomes, again, a shift in how we operate. I think Pope Francis has been most helpful to us in this regard. Were not just called to open our doors and wait for people to come in. Were called to open our doors and go through the doors, out into the streets, out into our communities, and be present. And that presence must be a joyful presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truly, that has been my operating system since I was ordained a priest in 1994. The joy that I find in my faith, the joy that I find in my relationship with Jesus, is what motivates me to encounter people and share with them that gift of faith and that gift of Jesus. Question: A related challenge that youre walking into here is the consolidation of parishes and schools under Beacons of Light (an archdiocese-wide effort to streamline operations, share resources and accommodate fewer priests). Do you foresee any changes in the way Beacons of Light is operated under your leadership? Answer: Its all still new. I look forward to bringing my experience (with a similar program in Chicago, where Casey served as auxiliary bishop) here to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, discovering what has been happening here and together navigating the path forward. But the truth is that, for all of us, not just here in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, but every diocese, its a shift from a burden of bricks and mortar to a responsibility to engage people. So many of our pastors and our parishes have been weighed down with that preoccupation for the bricks and mortar, and we need to assist our parishes to say your focus needs to be as a missionary. Cincinnatis Archbishop Robert G. Casey, 57, talks with Enquirer reporter Dan Horn at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati, Tuesday, April 2, 2025. He is taking over following the retirement of Archbishop Dennis Schnurr. Casey was ordained into the priesthood in 1994 in Chicago. Question: Its one thing to say we want to focus on the people, but the people want their church, and they want their school. So how do you navigate that? Answer: Two things assist me. The first is my own personal experience, knowing that the church I was baptized in is closed, knowing that the church that I was raised in, where I received my first communion, my confirmation, that church is closed. My own experience of grief and loss assist me as I accompany people through that same experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second thing that assists would be the importance of kind of putting our eyes on the bigger picture. Looking at the big picture and saying, Were family, and so we can get through this moment. Remind ourselves of who we are and why we do what we do, and not just focus on this present moment that might be challenging for us. Question: Catholic doctrine doesnt fit under any one political umbrella, but the church recently contributed to an anti-abortion ballot issue in Ohio and politicians have taken Catholic bishops to task for their stance on immigration. Are you concerned at all about how involved the church has become, willingly or not, in some of these political debates? Answer: I would draw a distinction between the church being seen as a political institution and the church proclaiming its truths and beliefs. As a church, we dont stand with the political party. We stand with Jesus. Thats where it gets very interesting as Catholics. The word Catholic means universal, and so we hope to be a place of welcome for the broad spectrum of Gods children. The tendency is to push towards one side or another and not draw towards the middle. And yet, as church, we are compelled to say, Come to this middle point in which we find oneness with God and oneness with neighbor. Cincinnati Archbishop Robert Casey, speaking to The Enquirer the day before his installation as leader of the archdiocese. Question: Another challenge for the church has been the clergy abuse crisis. Youve had personal experience with this (Casey faced an allegation of misconduct with a child in 2008, which was determined to be unfounded after an investigation by both civil authorities and the church). Has your experience informed your view of the clergy abuse crisis and how the church should move forward? Answer: I have come through a civil process through the Department of Children and Family Services (in Chicago), as well as a church investigation with an independent review board separate from the archbishop. Both of those recognized that this was an unfounded accusation. Im grateful that the truth won out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That experience 17 years ago helped me to become more aware and understanding of the pain caused by abuse. And I think, since then, Ive also come to value how the church or any institution can create policies, procedures, practices that assist those who have been abused to find their voice and raise their voice, to have policies and procedures that help to bring healing and restore relationships. Ive become more appreciative, too, of our churchs growth in how to accompany victim survivors. Its not work we do out of a requirement. Its work that we do because its the right thing to do. Its my hope that we can be a good partner to other institutions, other agencies, that have work yet to do to create safe environments. This remains an issue within our families, within our neighborhoods, within our communities, that so many want to sweep under the rug. Question: Archbishop Schnurr last year told parishes to cut ties with the Girl Scouts, saying they promoted an ideology contrary to Catholic teaching (At least some of his objections related to optional patches and programs related to LGBTQ+ Pride Month). Some in the parishes have asked the archdiocese to reconsider this decision. Is that something thats on the table? Answer: What Ive come to understand through Archbishop Schnurr is that there has been conversation over the past couple of years, and now its my opportunity to enter into this conversation, not just with the archbishop, but with all who are involved. It is through dialogue that we come to understand one another, so I look forward to that conversation. Question: And after that conversation, is there the possibility the outcome could be different? Answer: It all depends on the conversation. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: New Cincinnati Archbishop Robert Casey talks politics, Girl Scouts The Milwaukee Health Department has lost the help of federal employees who were helping with lead contamination investigations at Milwaukee Public Schools. They were swept up in recent mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the city's health commissioner said. The employees, part of a division that focuses on lead poisoning prevention, were helping the city create a plan for mass testing of schoolchildren for lead, Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also were part of weekly discussions with city health officials on the investigation, and provided coaching and document reviews, a city health official previously told the Journal Sentinel. They helped with technical questions and with triaging lead poisoning cases among schoolchildren, Totoraitis said. "To know that I can't call those staff anymore is really concerning," he said. The lead hazards investigation started in January when it was found a child with lead poisoning had been exposed to lead-based paint at Golda Meir Lower Campus. The investigation has since expanded to more MPS schools, with seven identified as having lead hazards. A few schools were ordered closed for lead remediation. Others are in line for inspection. MPS has about 125 schools built before lead paint was banned. All are assumed to have lead-based paint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Totoraitis was notified Tuesday of the layoffs. The employees were part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Environmental Health within HHS, he said. The layoffs have also thrown into limbo a request that the city made to the CDC for Epi-Aid. That refers to experts the CDC would temporarily send to Milwaukee to provide on-scene help. The Health Department put in the request on March 26, seeking help with lead screenings, said spokesperson Caroline Reinwald. Totoraitis indicated he doesn't have much hope the request, which is pending, will be fulfilled. The request was transferred to a different agency within CDC. And that agency is expected to be subsumed under the new Administration for a Healthy America, part of a planned overhaul of HHS. Milwaukee affected by RFK Jr.'s mass layoffs Last week, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to cut 10,000 employees at the federal agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also announced an overhaul of the department that included consolidating its 28 divisions into 15 and closing some regional offices. National news outlets have reported that entire divisions or programs within HHS were shuttered when all their employees were laid off. "The administrative realignment is not affecting critical regional and national efforts; instead, it is focused on eliminating redundancies and improving program efficiency," HHS Press Secretary Vianca Rodriguez Feliciano said in a statement. The layoffs come in the midst of federal funding cuts to state and local health departments. HHS agencies sent them notices last week canceling billions of dollars in COVID-era grant funding. The Milwaukee Health Department expects to lose about $5 million in funding tied to four canceled grants, Totoraitis said. Most of the funds were meant to last through mid-2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under one of the grants, the department had planned to launch a new neighborhood nursing program with part of the $2.7 million in remaining, unspent funds. That program would have placed public health nurses and social workers in neighborhoods to support preventive care. Totoraitis said the department will be forced to scale back those plans and look for funding elsewhere to support the program. Wisconsin is one of nearly two dozen states suing HHS and Kennedy over the grant cancellations. The states say HHS went beyond its authority in arbitrarily canceling funding that Congress had already appropriated. The Health Department still plans to test thousands of MPS students for lead, with priority given to children at the ages and in the schools most at-risk, Totoraitis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With many of the experts on lead now gone from CDC, Totoraitis said the department would rely more heavily on its local and state partners to address lead poisoning and other public health issues. "We have less thought partners nationally," Totoraitis said. "We see, essentially, the CDC take a back seat to being the experts that they were. Reporter Alison Dirr, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel staff, contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee loses federal help on lead probe after RFK Jr. fires workers OWASSO, Okla. (KFOR) The City of Owasso is offering resources to residents regarding storm-related damage of the April 2nd tornado. City officials say Tulsa NWS confirmed, the storm produced a high-end EF1 tornado with estimated 100-110 mph winds. Red Cross is on the scene giving tarps and other supplies to residents directly affected by the weather event, says Owasso officials. Red Cross on the scene assisting with storm clean-up efforts, Image courtesy The City of Owasso Red Cross on the scene assisting with storm clean-up efforts, Image courtesy The City of Owasso HOTEL SPECIAL RATES: The following hotels are offering special rates for people displaced from their homes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hampton Inn & Suites: 918-609-6700 Holiday Inn Express: 918-376-4415 Home 2 Suites: 918-609-6800 La Quinta: 918-376-4447 SureStay: 918-609-6828 TownePlace Suites: 918-376-4400 Finally, good rainfall on the way Oklahoma The City of Owasso offers free clean up, Image City of Owasso FREE CLEANUP SERVICES: Attic Storage (storage): 918-274-7334 Bravo Pressure Washing LLC (general cleanup): 918-609-2345 Cattle Creek Removal (major debris & haul-off): 918-210-8411 Chuck Your Junk (tree removal & debris): 918-331-6664 Cornerstone Fence (temporary fencing): 918-697-6901 Family Animal Medicine (pet boarding): 918-609-6111 Jonathan Pewe (tree & debris haul-off): 918-853-3219 Junk Happens LLC (major debris & haul-off): 918-409-0828 K9 Solutions (pet boarding): 918-402-2071 M&C Construction Cleaning (junk haul-off): 918-403-9012 or 918-519-8040 Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (tree damage cleanup & assessment): 405-516-4822 Pregnancy Resource Center (diapers & formula): 918-272-6888 Proof Constructions LLC (tarping): 918-902-0156 Rickert Landscape & Tree Service (green waste removal): 918-272-6111 SAHO (pet boarding): 918-205-4295 Stump Man LLC (tree & debris haul-off): 918-724-2203 TGS Powerwash LLC (powerwashing): 918-688-4297 VCA Woodland Broken Arrow (pet boarding): 918-258-5579 Stump Man LLC 9187242203 The City of Owasso offers free clean up, Image City of Owasso According to Owasso officials, a State of Emergency has been declared and waivers are in place for all building permit fees for work relating to storm damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Owasso City Council declared a state of emergency following the severe storms stating: This declaration will ensure city staff can deliver a timely response to the communitys needs; allow them to receive state and federal assistance, if necessary; give the Community Development Department the ability to suspend permitting fees for those affected by the storm; and authorize the expenditure of funds and emergency contracts, if necessary. Pictured is Owasso Mayor Alvin Fruga, Image courtesy City of Owasso The City of Owasso reveals aftermath of Wednesdays overnight storm BUILDING PERMIT FEES: Building permits are required for all trade work (roofing, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing), as well as all structural/remodel work, says City officials. There is no city registration or licensing process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To apply for a permit, please email the following to buildingpermits@cityofowasso.com or stop by City Hall to apply in-person. Job/service address Residents name and phone number Type of work to occur Contractors company name, address, phone number and a copy of the Oklahoma State Contractors License/Registration Card For general questions regarding permitting, email buildingpermits@cityofowasso.com or call 918-376-1500. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A city in South Carolina isn't messing around after a resident venomous snake collector sustained a bite at home that sent him to the hospital. Months later, WMBF reports the City of Florence is enforcing a comprehensive ban on keeping wild and exotic animals that encompasses not just snakes but a host of other creatures. The new ordinance is a direct response to the September 2014 incident where a deadly Australian inland Taipan bit a man and prompted a search by officials, according to WBTW News 13. That probe uncovered 14 dangerous snakes that were then euthanized for safety reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per WMBF, the new Florence ordinance also forbids keeping alligators, crocodiles, primates over 15 pounds, coyotes, foxes, wolves, hybrid species with dogs, and rodents over 5 pounds. While a proposed bill with similar language exists at the state level, Florence felt like it had to act now. "We are here because there was snakes, venomous snakes in a close area, which made our community unsafe," Florence Mayor Lethonia "Peaches" Barnes told WMBF. Residents in violation of the ordinance will be able to turn in any illegal pets without penalty to a vet clinic or rehab facility. Additionally, there are exemptions for places like zoos, wildlife centers, and educational institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the legislation takes meaningful action against those who keep exotic pets. Doing so is bad for the animals and the environment for multiple reasons, as the World Wildlife Fund detailed. For one thing, properly taking care of these animals might be difficult or impossible. They also pose a public safety risk, as the man in Florence found out the hard way. That can be problematic for humans and other animals alike if they spread disease. Just as bad, they frequently become costly invasive species, outcompeting local animals and requiring lots of money and effort to rein in. For one example, Florida spends well over $100 million each year dealing with the fallout of these animals coming into the ecosystem. Should the government be allowed to restrict how much water we use? Definitely Only during major droughts No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. For all those reasons, Florence is making a sensible move in acting quickly instead of waiting until the state legislation shakes out. 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. NAIROBI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Governments and industry partners must step up financing for sustainable development to cushion vulnerable communities from poverty, climate crisis, hunger and resource-based conflicts, officials told a forum held in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Thursday. Kenya is hosting the Annual Policy Dialogue 2025 on Financing for Sustainable Development themed "Driving Sustainable Futures for All." Convened by Club de Madrid, an international not-for-profit governance lobby, the two-day forum brought together former heads of state and government, policymakers, representatives of multilateral lenders, the private sector, academia and civil society to chart a new roadmap for financing the sustainability agenda. Kenyan President William Ruto said the inaugural annual dialogue on financing sustainable development, to be held in Africa, serves as a wake-up call for mobilizing greater resources to realize resilient and inclusive growth. "The forum recognizes the centrality of adequate, accessible and fair financing as a key driver for the realization of a sustainable development agenda," Ruto said in a speech read on his behalf by Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale. Ruto acknowledged that geopolitical tensions, the climate crisis, global economic slowdown and conflicts have undermined efforts to bridge funding gaps toward sustainable development, escalating poverty and inequality in the Global South. The Kenyan leader stressed that reforming the global financial architecture, making it inclusive and aligning it with the needs of developing countries will be key to unlocking the resources that are required to accelerate green and resilient growth. In a video message, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that adequate financing is key to realizing the goals of freeing humanity from hunger, poverty, disease and climatic shocks. Guterres said multilateral lenders should embark on people-centered financing, while governments should leverage private capital and negotiate concessional financing to accelerate growth and ease the debt burden. The Nairobi forum is expected to generate recommendations on taxation, debt relief and financial system reforms, topics that will be amplified at major global events this year, such as the Group of 20, International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings. Danilo Turk, former president of Slovenia from 2007 to 2012 and president of Club de Madrid, said financing for sustainable development should be considered a global public good to help advance climate justice, equitable growth, peace and stability. Fresh off an election in Wisconsin where voters said no to Elon Musk and DOGE, NBC News has learned that President Donald Trump has told members of his Cabinet that Musk will leave in the coming months. The two reportedly discussed his transition back to the private sector during a March 24th Cabinet meeting. Anna Schlobohm de Cruder stands for a portrait in March amid the remains of her Altadena, Calif., home, which was destroyed in the Eaton Fire early this year. California is among the states considering bills that would force fossil fuel companies to pay recovery costs for climate disasters. (Mario Tama | Getty Images) For many California residents, the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year were the latest and most searing example of the devastating effects of climate change. Some estimates have pegged the damages and economic losses from the fires at more than $250 billion. Weve had disaster after disaster after disaster, said Assemblymember Dawn Addis, a Democrat. Its the taxpayers and the insurance ratepayers that are bearing the cost. Its not sustainable, its not right and its not ethical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addis and Democratic lawmakers in nearly a dozen other states want to force the worlds largest fossil fuel companies to help pay for the recovery costs of climate-related disasters. Last year, Vermont became the first state to pass a climate Superfund law, followed soon after by New York. This session, 10 states have seen similar proposals, several of which have advanced in key committees. Advocates point to legislation in Maryland that has drawn support in both chambers, as well as to strong grassroots support in California after the Los Angeles wildfires. Lawmakers say the rapidly increasing cost of climate disasters from wildfires to floods to sea level rise is more than state budgets can bear. Climate Superfund is the it girl policy of the [2025] session, said Ava Gallo, climate and energy program manager with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, a forum for state lawmakers. Theres a lot of popularity in the idea of holding polluters responsible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The momentum for these polluter pays bills is tied to the maturation of attribution science. That new field of research can help calculate fossil fuel companies contributions to historic emissions totals, as well as the role climate change played in causing or worsening natural disasters. Vermonts law was the first attempt to use that science to charge emitters for their role in causing devastating floods and other catastrophes. We've had disaster after disaster after disaster. It's the taxpayers and the insurance ratepayers that are bearing the cost. It's not sustainable, it's not right and its not ethical. California Democratic Assemblymember Dawn Addis Fossil fuel companies and their allies have fought back hard. Late last year, the American Petroleum Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit challenging Vermonts measure. The groups argue that emissions are governed by the federal Clean Air Act, precluding states from charging companies over global pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither group responded to a Stateline interview request. The Independent Petroleum Association of America also declined an interview request. A separate lawsuit, led by 22 Republican attorneys general, is challenging the New York law. And a conservative group has targeted Rachel Rothschild, an assistant professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School, who helped draft the legal justification for climate Superfund policy. The group, Government Accountability and Oversight, has sought to subject Rothschild to a deposition, The New York Times reported, a move that some experts view as an intimidation tactic. Meanwhile, oil and gas executives asked President Donald Trump during a White House meeting this month to direct the Justice Department to join the legal fight against climate Superfund laws, The Wall Street Journal reported. Industry leaders are also pushing Congress to shield them from more than 30 lawsuits brought by state and local governments that aim to make them pay for some of the results of climate change. While experts expect a bruising legal battle over climate Superfund policies, the threat of lawsuits hasnt deterred more lawmakers from backing the concept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States were a little bit wary; they wondered, Is this some new radical plan? said Cassidy DiPaola, communications director with the Make Polluters Pay campaign, a coalition of groups backing such bills. Then one of the littlest states passed it and this powerhouse, New York, passed it. That really set the ball rolling. Fossil fuel companies have cast doubt on attribution science. They also note that their production of oil and other products was done legally under U.S. and international regulations. Manufacturers will see this as a shakedown of any industry you dont like at some point in the future, even though in the past they were licensed and operated under government regulation, Brett Vassey, president and CEO of the Virginia Manufacturers Association, said during legislative testimony about a climate Superfund proposal in that state. It will have a chilling effect on Virginia being able to grow its economy. Proponents of Superfund legislation point to legal settlements with large tobacco companies in the 1990s. Although those companies also sold their products legally, they were held responsible because they knew about the harmful effects of those products and deceived the public. Most climate Superfund proposals target companies for their emissions over the past 30 or so years, after leading experts had documented the dangers of greenhouse gases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres good documentation of how well the fossil fuel industry knew the probable long-term impacts of their product, said Oregon state Sen. Jeff Golden, a Democrat. Should an industry that made such historic profits over a period of time and made so many representations that we had no problem not bear any of the costs? Golden and other lawmakers say its becoming impossible for taxpayers to cover the costs of recovery from wildfires and other catastrophes. In Rhode Island, sea level rise is causing massive damage for coastal communities, said Democratic state Rep. Jennifer Boylan, who has sponsored a climate Superfund bill to help the state adapt. Some advocates also note that Trumps return to the White House has cut off the possibility of federal climate relief. All the states are affected by the disappearance of this federal funding, said Gallo, of the state lawmakers group. States everywhere are going to be looking at some way to fill the gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This session, climate Superfund bills have been introduced in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Virginia. While the bills are structured differently, they all seek to target the largest polluters often covering companies that produced 1 billion metric tons of emissions over the last 30 or so years. Lawmakers say that applies to roughly 100 companies. The measures also take different approaches to assigning damages. Some direct state agencies to conduct complex studies to determine the costs of climate-caused disasters over a certain period, the approach pioneered by Vermont. Others set a fixed number that represents a conservative baseline for those damages. New Yorks law set that figure at $75 billion over a 25-year period. Many of the bills also require that significant amounts of the funding be directed to the communities hit hardest by pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates are particularly optimistic about the measures in California and Maryland. Lawmakers in Maryland modified their bills to commission a study about the financial impacts of climate change. Those measures passed both the House and Senate, and legislators are working to reconcile the versions from each chamber. Figures produced by the study would be the backbone of a climate Superfund policy in a future session. From a legislative perspective, its a shot in the dark as to what the costs are, said Democratic Del. David Fraser-Hidalgo, who sponsored one of the bills. This will give us the factual data needed to make a more well-educated decision on policy. In New Jersey, an Assembly committee advanced a climate Superfund bill this month. State Sen. Bob Smith, a Democrat who chairs the Environment and Energy Committee and who sponsored the bill, said it will help to rebuild and fortify water treatment plants, schools and firehouses. He noted that Trump has called for the dismantling of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The end of the world is coming; its kind of hard to ignore, Smith said. FEMA has been the backstop to help communities recover from disasters. If the handwriting isnt on the wall to all the states that theyve got to deal with this, shame on them. Lawmakers in many states have heard from mayors and other local government leaders that more climate recovery funding is essential. Municipal officials are getting behind [climate Superfund policies], said Massachusetts state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, a Democrat who has sponsored similar legislation. Theyre facing the costs of flooding, of droughts, of heat waves, and really asking for relief. Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@stateline.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten on Wednesday argued that billionaire Elon Musks visit to Wisconsin wasnt particularly helpful to Republicans seeking a victory in the states Supreme Court race this week. Elon Musk, simply put, is an unpopular guy. He is political poison, Enten stressed. Enten said that Musks visit may have backfired for Republicans, advising GOP candidates running in swing states to not let the billionaire anywhere near them. He added that Musks net favorability rating is at -12 points in Wisconsin (compared to -17 points, his national net favorability rating). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So if theres one big lesson to take away from Wisconsin is Elon Musk does not help Republicans when he shows up. If anything, the data suggests that he hurts them, Enten told CNNs John Berman. Republicans, stay clear of Elon Musk if you want to win in a swing state, at least in terms of his physical appearance in your state. Musk backed political groups that spent over $20 million to support conservative candidate Judge Brad Schimel in the race against liberal candidate Judge Susan Crawford, who ultimately won on Tuesday. At a rally for Schimel on Sunday, Musk leaped into the air and donned a cheesehead headwear typically sported by fans of the Green Bay Packers while also handing out two $1 million checks to voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, whose cost-cutting push under President Donald Trump has led to massive backlash including tumbling sales at his company Tesla has since claimed that he expected the loss in Wisconsin. But there is value to losing a piece for a positional gain, he added in a post to X, formerly Twitter. H/T: Mediaite Related... The "Coalition of the Willing" has agreed that at least one European leader should engage in dialogue with Russia, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on April 3. Stubb suggested that either France or the United Kingdom, as key coalition leaders, should initiate contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "In our discussion with the 'Coalition of the Willing' in Paris on Thursday (March 27), we recognized the reality that a European leader will have to reach out to Russia at some point," Stubb told reporters in Helsinki. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, European leaders are not engaging in negotiations with Putin. Early in the full-scale war, French President Emmanuel Macron and later German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Putin, but those discussions yielded no results. European leaders have also been excluded from recent U.S.-led ceasefire talks with Ukraine and Russia, including the latest meeting in Saudi Arabia on March 25. The coalition, which consists of countries committed to providing security guarantees and potential peacekeeping forces for Ukraine, held a summit in Paris on March 27. France and the U.K., leading the coalition, have pledged to send troops to Ukraine to enforce a potential ceasefire. Stubb also said on March 31 that Finland must prepare for the eventual restoration of relations with Russia. He told reporters that U.S. President Donald Trump asked him whether Putin could be trusted, to which he replied that he could not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 1 that Putin was open to normalizing relations with Finland. Finland, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, joined NATO in 2023 in response to Russia's full-scale invasion. The country shares a 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia and has strengthened its defense ties with Western allies since the war began. Read also: NATO assets may be used for peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, FT reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Celebrate the worlds shorelines with the new Coastal Collection by National Geographic Traveller (UK). As more of us seek adventures where water takes centre stage and research backs the benefits of being beside the sea, we delve into destinations that truly make the most of their coastline. In this issue, we journey to Vancouver Island, a place where locals love of the ocean runs deep. Here, we explore one of the worlds newest travel trends: storm-watching, revealing where best to marvel at natures wildest moods. We also cook with kelp, snorkel with salmon and witness grey whales making their annual migration. We head out on a windswept road trip through the Faroe Islands, too, following the Buttercup Routes to some of the nations most isolated villages, and shine a spotlight on the remarkable revival of the UKs beach towns. And theres even more kooky coastal adventures to be had, from e-biking beside Japans Seto Inland Sea to camping on deserted islands in Stockholm and searching for striped shore crabs in Oregon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All this, plus a roundup of the most epic hotels, resorts and retreats to inspire your next oceanside escape. (More from The Collection by National Geographic Traveller (UK).) To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). Natural gas meter. (Photo by Bill Oxford/ Getty Images) Following reports that mass firings at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wiped out the entire staff of the federal low income heating assistance program, Maines two senators sent a letter to the head of the agency warning of potentially devastating consequences. The Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is federally funded and provides financial assistance to help lower income households afford energy bills, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Susan Collins and independent Angus King, along with 11 of their Senate colleagues, penned a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday, urging him to reverse course on any staffing or funding cuts that would jeopardize the distribution of these funds to our constituents. While the program remains in effect, its roughly 20 federal staffers were reportedly among the approximately 10,000 HHS workers terminated this week as part of a mass layoff to make the agency more responsive and efficient. The senators wrote that, if true, the terminations will undermine the HHSs ability to deliver this critical funding to low-income seniors and families. In addition, they noted that local community action programs that help enroll qualified residents could also be weakened by cuts undertaken by HHS and billionaire advisor Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Maine has seen a sizable increase in applications for LIHEAP in recent years, jumping from 45,000 in 2019 to 70,000 in the past year, according to the Maine State Housing Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For fiscal year 2025, Maine was awarded about $37.6 million in LIHEAP funds with an additional $1.4 million for the Wabanaki Nations, according to Collins office. In the letter, the senators noted that states are expecting HHS to release nearly $400 million in FY25 funding later this month. Any delay in providing this funding will set back efforts to provide summer cooling grants, weatherize low-income homes, and plan for the next winter heating season. Maine legislators on Friday followed up with a separate letter to Kennedy saying that for the tens of thousands of Maine households that rely on the program, LIHEAP isnt just a line item in your agencys budget its a lifeline that can make the difference between staying warm and freezing to death in a cold home. Describing the action reckless, unreasonable, and heartless, the 92 Democratic and independent state lawmakers asked the secretary to please explain your plan to administer this Congressionally-mandated program with no staff, and urge you to reconsider this decision. This story was updated to include information about the legislator letter. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE FREDERICK, Colo. (KDVR) Residents of Colorados most competitive district are weighing in on President Trumps new tariff plan. Colorados 8th Congressional District stretches from parts of Thornton to the south, up to Greeley, in the north. Wednesday, the president outlined his plan for a 10% baseline tax on imports from other countries. Liberation Day or recession day? Colorado legislators react to Trumps tariffs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like everyone else charges us for everything, and we dont charge everybody else for everything, said Bernadette Bailey, a server at Gabes Restaurant, in Frederick. Dave Petrocco Sr., owner of Petrocco Farms, with locations in both Brighton and Greeley, applauds the move. I just hope and pray, he said. That all of us working people in the U.S. are able to adjust to the changes that will have to be made. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis speaks during a news conference about a bipartisan property tax reduction bill on May 6, 2024, at the Colorado Capitol. (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline) Colorados four Republican members of Congress urged Gov. Jared Polis to veto a bill that would set safety training requirements to purchase some firearms. U.S. Reps. Jeff Hurd, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank and Gabe Evans sent the letter to Polis, a Democrat, on Wednesday asking him to reject Senate Bill 25-3, which has been passed by both chambers of the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite making some amendments to the legislation to appear less restrictive, the Colorado State Legislature proceeded with a partisan vote to pass one of the most restrictive gun ownership laws in the United States on par with California and Illinois gun laws. The bill would impose a deceptive permit-to-purchase system riddled with bureaucratic hurdles and impedes our constituents ability to freely exercise their right to self-defense, the letter, first reported by Colorado Politics, reads. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SB-3 would limit the ability to purchase semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines to those who have completed a safety training course either four hours of training if they already have a hunter safety license or 12 hours if they do not. It would not criminalize possession, but it would be one of the largest changes to Colorados gun purchasing laws in recent years. The bill originally would have outlawed those guns with detachable magazines outright, but it was amended in the Senate to create the permit-to-purchase system. It passed the Senate and House on partisan votes, with some Democrats joining Republicans in opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It now sits on Polis desk for him to sign into law or veto. A bill can become law without the governors schedule after 10 days. It was officially sent to Polis on Thursday. The congressional Republicans wrote that the process laid out in the bill is burdensome, time-consuming, potentially costly and violates the Second Amendment. A person would need to undergo a background check and obtain an eligibility card from their sheriff before they could enroll in a class. Sheriffs could deny applicants if they believe the person is a danger to themselves or others. Not only does this new scheme come with additional fees and time commitments that no criminal will ever participate in, but it also gives any sheriff hostile to the individual or semi-automatic firearms in general carte blanche authority to block the enrollment, they wrote. Polis spokesperson Shelby Wieman wrote in a statement that the governor welcomes input on legislation that comes before him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governor was clear he would oppose banning any guns, and his team worked with the sponsors, and got feedback from the hunting and sport shooting community, and members of law enforcement to amend the bill to address the overarching concerns, remove any bans on guns, and ensure people could continue to purchase the gun of their choice. The final bill allows responsible Coloradans to continue to purchase the gun of their choice as long as they receive gun safety education, she wrote. Members of Congress do not often weigh in directly on matters at the state Legislature, unless a bill is especially controversial or consequential. Democratic Reps. Diana DeGette and Brittany Pettersen lent their support last month to Senate Bill 25-5, which would eliminate a second election required in the union organization process. That bill passed the Senate but has not been debated on the House floor. Polis has expressed desire for labor and business groups to work out a compromise on the issue. The legislative session ends in about one month. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Two Colorado Democrats are urging renewed bipartisan support for legislation that would seek to improve working conditions for federal firefighters. Rep. Joe Neguse and Sen. Michael Bennet on Thursday called for the advancement of Tims Act, a bill that would overhaul wild land firefighter compensation and benefits. This workforce is underpaid and undervalued, despite putting their lives on the line to protect our homes, families, and communities. Unconscionable, said Neguse, co-chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were calling on Democrats and Republicans alike to take decisive action to implement much-needed reforms in how we recognize their sacrifices, and join us in championing Tims Act, the congressman added. The bill in question was written in honor of Tim Hart, a smokejumper from Wyoming who died while fighting fire in New Mexico in May 2021. The legislation would seek to bolster recruitment, retention and well-being within this workforce. The lawmakers first introduced Tims Act, as the Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act, in October 2021. They then introduced the act again in May 2023, followed by a third try in January. Portions of Tims Act were implemented via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which established a new classification series for wildland firefighters, temporarily increased pay and created new support systems via mental health services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Provisions for permanent pay increases were also codified in Congresss most recent continuing resolution bill. Nonetheless, Neguse and Bennet maintained that federal firefighters remain severely overworked and underpaid, while working under grueling conditions to protect other Americans. They also stressed that firefighters working for agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management are currently at risk of reduction in force measures instituted by the Trump administration. In advancing Tims Act, Neguse and Bennet said they are promoting a holistic solution that would recognize the sacrifices made by this critical workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the challenges that Tims Act would address are improvements in hazardous duty pay, support for enhanced pay management oversight and retirement benefits and the inclusions of paid rest and recuperation leave. As climate change fuels increasingly frequent and destructive wildfires across the West, we rely more and more on wildland firefighters to protect our homes and communities, Bennet said in a statement. These brave firefighters deserve support for their mental and physical health and more time to recover, he added. This legislation ensures they receive the benefits they deserve for their life-saving 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 The Hill. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes Japan's export controls on semiconductor-related items and will take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, a commerce ministry spokesperson said Thursday. NEW YORK A group of Columbia University students on Wednesday afternoon chained themselves to locked campus gates to protest the arrest of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. We demand to know the names of the Columbia trustees who facilitated the abduction of our beloved friend by collaborating with the Trump administration, the Columbia chapter of Jewish Voices for Peace and the Columbia Palestine Solidarity Coalition wrote on social media. The four protesters, who were escorted off campus after public safety officers cut the chains, hung banners from the gates at Amsterdam Ave. and 117th St. calling to Free Palestine and Free Mahmoud Now. The entrance has been closed for months as administrators have sought to get campus protests under control, though Columbia is facing a lawsuit over its closure to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They continued their demonstration outside the campus gates. They unfurled a third banner from a bridge over Amsterdam Ave., saying Free Mahmoud Khalil, Name the Trustees, while dozens more students gathered. Giving it another try, around 4:45 p.m., protesters chained themselves to a gate at Earl Hall. Khalil, a green card holder, served as a negotiator and spokesman for the pro-Palestinian campus encampments last spring. Last month, federal immigration authorities detained him in the lobby of his university-owned housing. In an article in The Forward, a Jewish media outlet, a pro-Israel activist alleged that some members of Columbias Board of Trustees had reported Khalil to the federal government before his arrest. The activist, Ross Glick, led the far-right group Betar USA until February, during which it claimed to have a deportation list of international students involved in campus protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbia denied students claims and reporting that any trustees were involved in calling in the feds. In addition to Khalils residence, ICE has also searched two students dorms. No member of Columbia leadership has ever requested the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on or near campus to target students, read a statement from the university, which said the protest was a violation of school rules and that students had to provide identification, but refused to leave the area. Individuals complied with the demand for identification but refused to leave the area. The chains were removed by Columbias Public Safety and the individuals were escorted off campus. We will follow the process established in the Rules of University Conduct for enforcing violations. Our focus is on preserving our core mission to teach, create and advance knowledge while ensuring a safe campus for our community. On Tuesday, a federal judge in New Jersey said Khalils case can remain in the tristate area instead of Louisiana, where Khalil is currently being held. _____ COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Columbus Police Department is seeking the publics help to find a young man who was last seen around 3:00 a.m. Travis Royal, 14, was last seen near the 1900 block of Nina St. on April 2. It is suspected that Royal ran away, according to CPD. Anyone with information about Royal or his whereabouts, is asked to contact 911, the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449, or the lead investigator, Cpl. Luis Bencosme-Gonzalez at 706-225-4367. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A high school substitute teacher at an east Columbus charter school was arrested under the suspicion of engaging a murder-for-hire arrangement with a student. According to court documents, a student at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School, located on East Broad Street in the Woodland Park area, was approached by a staff member and was offered $2,000 to kill her husband, with whom she is separated. Unsolved Ohio: Where is Donnell White? Child vanished over 33 years ago Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The staffer, later identified as 44-year-old Stephanie Demetrius, solicited the student by initially giving $250 down payment to the student for the job. Police said digital information was collected, which included a recording of a phone conversation between Demetrius and the student. During the phone call, Demetrius allegedly confirmed the remaining payment was not an issue, and that she owed an additional 15. She also noted her husband worked from home and when the kids would be out of the house. Police said that when the student asked if the neighbors would hear gunfire, she reportedly said that they dont care about the neighbors. CPD Sgt. James Fuqua told NBC4 that the mother of the student had checked his phone and discovered messages between him and Demetrius. The mother and son then came forward to police. Though the extent Demetrius relationship with the student is unknown, Fuqua said there appeared to be some history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was communication back and forth via cell phone, he said. So not only was she involved with this young person at school, but she was also involved with this young person via phone conversations. And we believe there was other outside communication outside the school. According to case reports with the Columbus Division of Police, Demetrius has twice violated an order of protection filed by her ex-husband. In the report the complainant alleged Demetrius, who reportedly still has a key to her former residence in Dublin, let his dog out and turned on the gas to the outdoor patio, started a fire in the basement, and another time arrived to pick up clothing, but left without officers escorting her. Ohio bill would mandate success sequence education, including marriage before kids Court documents also stated that Demetrius has also tried to stab and run over her husband, and attempt to set his house on fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demetrius, who is a registered substitute teacher according to the states board of education database, was arrested Tuesday night and charged with felony conspiracy. She was issued a $150,000 bond in Franklin County Municipal Court and ordered to next appear in court on April 11 for a preliminary hearing. The Academy for Urban Scholars High School released a statement to NBC4 and said Demetrius has terminated her employment. Fuqua said at this time no charges have been filed against the teenaged student. Were thankful that we had a parent that is so active with a young person and staying on top of them, getting into their cell phone, Fuqua said. And, you know, without that, were not exactly sure where we would be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. President Donald Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he thinks it's a fitting response to how the US has been treated. Lutnick criticized the European Union's tariffs on American poultry, seafood, and beef. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump's new reciprocal tariffs are just a response to how the US has been treated on trade. "The European Union won't take chicken from America. They won't take lobsters from America. They hate our beef because our beef is beautiful and theirs is weak," Lutnick said on Fox News' "Hannity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lutnick added that he thought it was "unbelievable" that other countries weren't buying more goods from America. He also accused other nations of ripping the US off. "Finally, finally, the man behind the Resolute Desk, the man in the Oval Office, Donald Trump, is finally standing up for our farmers, our ranchers, and our manufacturers," Lutnick said. "To let the world understand either they buy our products, or don't bother coming here unless you are paying for the right to come." On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order imposing reciprocal tariffs on countries that have placed tariffs on US goods. "Reciprocal. That means they do it to us, and we do it to them. Very simple. Can't get any simpler than that," Trump said in his remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he would charge countries "approximately half" of what those countries have been charging. The tariffs will start at a baseline rate of 10% and affect 185 countries, Trump said. The European Union was hit with a 20% tariff, while India received a 26% tariff. China received an additional 34% tariff. This is on top of the 20% tariff that Trump had already imposed on China last month, bringing the total to 54%. Lutnick had called for the use of reciprocal tariffs during his confirmation hearings as commerce secretary in January. "We are treated horribly by the global trading environment. They all have higher tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers, and subsidies," Lutnick said at his Senate confirmation hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They treat us poorly. We need to be treated better. We need to be treated with respect, and we can use tariffs to create reciprocity, fairness, and respect," Lutnick continued. Representatives for Lutnick at the Commerce Department did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider As stocks continued to tumble in the wake of President Donald Trumps sweeping new tariffs, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNNs Pamela Brown there is little chance the administration reconsiders its already widely condemned trade policy. I dont think theres any chance theyre going to that President Trumps going to back off his tariffs. This is the reordering of global trade, right? Thats whats going to happen, Lutnick said. Pressed for more, he conceded that negotiations between the U.S. and individual nations were not out of the question. I want to just be very clear here, Brown told the commerce secretary, Because allies and adversaries alike are looking at everything youre saying right now about whether theres room to negotiate on these tariffs before they announce what theyre going to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I hear from you is that there isnt room for negotiation. Is that right? she asked. Lutnick responded to say that countries can fix their tariffs [and] their non-tariff trade barriers, which are much, much rougher. Americas got to stop being exploited, Lutnick said. And youre going to see America prosper. And then, and only then, will Donald Trump make a deal with each country, when they have really, really changed their ways. Then they go sit with him. Trumps tariffs start at 10% for imports from countries including the United Kingdom and Brazil, and go up from there. Vietnam, for instance, has a 46% tariff set and Cambodia a 49% tariff. They go into effect April 5. Related... (Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service) This article was first published by High Country News. The U.S. Forest Service announced this week that it will temporarily prohibit commercial picking of huckleberries this summer in Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwestern Washington. Commercially picked berries have fueled an entire huckleberry industry, flavoring ice cream, sodas, pies, jams, vodkas and wines at the expense of Yakama Nation tribal members, as detailed in High Country News March feature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huckleberries are a vital cultural and ecological resource, and we must ensure their sustainability for generations to come, Johanna Kovarik, Gifford Pinchots forest supervisor, said in a written statement. This change allows us to work more closely with tribal governments, and local stakeholders and law enforcement to improve management while reducing conflicts. The announcement comes after years of complaints from members of the Kamipa Band of the Yakama Nation about the agencys commercial program. Gifford Pinchot is the only national forest that allows large-scale commercial harvest of huckleberries, which are a traditional food for the Yakama Nation and other Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples. Members of the Yakama Nation have reserved rights under their 1855 treaty with the U.S. government to harvest huckleberries in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Our elders, I think, are smiling about this, said Trina Sherwood, a 60-year-old Kamipa member and food gatherer. Its like a dream come true, said Elaine Harvey, 48, who is Sherwoods niece and also a food gatherer from the Kamipa Band. Harvey and others in her family have pushed the Forest Service to ban commercial picking for years, which she said has infringed on tribal members treaty rights to harvest. Both Harvey and Sherwood hope that the Forest Service will permanently prohibit commercial harvesting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials will conduct an assessment and consult with tribes this year before making any long-term changes to the commercial program. Forest Service officials were not immediately available for an interview. Most commercial pickers descend from Vietnamese and Cambodian families who came to the U.S. in the 1970s and found work picking huckleberries for low wages. Pickers sell berries directly to individual commercial huckleberry buyers, who are often small business owners or contractors for wild food companies, like Mikuni Wild Harvest, a Canadian corporation with a distribution center in Tacoma. Those companies then sell to private customers, chefs, wineries and other companies that create huckleberry products. Tillamook Creamery, according to a Forest Service official, buys berries harvested from Gifford Pinchot for the companys huckleberry ice cream. In its press release, the Forest Service said that commercial pickers take 50,000 to 70,000 gallons of berries from the forest each year. Huckleberries grow only in the mountains and have resisted Western scientists decades-long attempts to cultivate their genes to grow them on farms. Thats why the berries fetch a high price up to $200 a gallon. Commercial pickers pay either $60 for a two-week permit with a 40-gallon limit, or $105 for a seasonal permit with a 70-gallon limit. Gifford Pinchot sold 928 permits last season, totaling $83,445 in revenue. During annual meetings with Forest Service officials, Harvey and other Yakama Nation leaders have said that commercial pickers leave few berries for tribal members. They threaten elders, who are mostly women, by blocking roads, picking closely off the same bush and bringing dogs to the fields. Some also damage the shrubs, using illegal rakes to quickly strip berries from the bushes. Tribal members have observed commercial pickers harvesting berries before the commercial season begins in mid-August and encroaching on areas reserved for exclusive tribal harvest. Weve always explained it, year after year, that the situation is getting worse, Harvey said of meetings with agency officials. There was always the question of, Why do we have to have commercial harvest? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, Sherwood could harvest four to six gallons of berries per day. But with the increase in commercial pickers, shes lucky if she can pick one-and-a-half gallons for herself. It just has really changed the landscape with all this commercial picking, she said. I go back to places where I used to see berries in abundance, and its all just taken away. The Forest Service cited sustainability concerns, enforcement challenges and escalating conflicts among harvesters, as reasons for not issuing commercial permits this season but did not specifically mention the programs impact on Yakama Nation members treaty rights to gather. Drought, habitat loss and invasive species, such as the spotted winged drosophila, a small fruit fly whose larvae have been found inside huckleberries, are also among the agencys cited concerns. Harvey and Sherwood want to see more Forest Service officers within the fields this summer to enforce the ban and protect tribal pickers who may face intimidation or harassment from those who oppose the temporary commercial closure. But the Forest Service has struggled to adequately patrol the fields for years, citing a lack of funding. And as the Trump administration has slashed the federal workforce, including Forest Service employees, Harvey worries that the agency wont be able to increase patrols. Hopefully people will be safe this summer, she said. Harvey was part of a volunteer federal committee appointed under the Biden administration that developed amendments to the Northwest Forest Plan, many of which center on cultural resource management. In those committee meetings, Harvey regularly brought up the impacts that Gifford Pinchots commercial huckleberry program has had on her community. I think thats when the real push came, Harvey said, and Forest Service officials started to listen. But federal officials told committee members earlier this month that the agency will likely disband the group. With fewer federal employees, Harvey is concerned about how that will affect the temporary commercial harvesting ban and the Forest Services ability to complete the Northwest Forest Plan update. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherwood is proud of the efforts over the years by her family, including her niece Elaine Harvey, to advocate for the protection of huckleberries. Its always been instilled in us, by our elders, our mothers, our grandmothers, Sherwood said of speaking up for traditional foods. Were very protective of our resources. The Kamipa Band has a long history of defending their treaty rights to gather huckleberries and other traditional foods that have been threatened by Forest Service mismanagement. Kamipa Chief atway William Yallup established whats known as the Handshake Agreement in 1932, which reserved part of the berry fields in Gifford Pinchot for exclusive tribal harvest. Nearly 50 years later, Sherwoods family pushed the Forest Service in the 1980s to allow the Kamipa Band to reestablish a traditional huckleberry feast in the fields to commence berry season, in late July or early August. Her brother and Kamipa Chief, atway Fred Ike Sr., worked with Cielo Chief atway Howard Jim, along with elders, including Sherwoods parents, Moses Dick Sr. and Elsie Billy Dick, to host an annual feast. We wanted to revitalize that history and recognize it and make sure our presence was known, Sherwood said. She now helps organize the feast with Harvey and other family members, gathering berries and enough food to feed the longhouse for a few days. Her grandmother, atway Susie Walsey Billy, lived for weeks at Sawtooth Mountain in Gifford Pinchot during huckleberry season. Theyd stay there until it snowed, Sherwood said. I think about that a lot, and thats whats pushed me forward. Harvey, as well as Kamipa Chief Bronsco Jim Jr. and Yakama Nation Tribal Council member Jeremy Takala, will discuss the commercial huckleberry program and the Forest Services latest change at an event hosted by High Country News and the Native Arts + Cultures Foundation on April 9 in Portland, Oregon. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The Norfolk School Board has its hands full after City Council called for a plan within the next five months to close 10 schools. Norfolk council calls for School Board to close or consolidate 10 schools Board members gathered for a work session Wednesday night, and it was business as usual. The board heard presentations on topics such as test scores, textbook recommendations and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norfolk Public Schools officials say more about the school closings and consolidations will come later, and community members are eager to learn more. My initial reaction was definitely surprised, because that seems like a lot of building closures and consolidations, especially given the timeline that they are looking at, said retired Hampton Roads teacher Paige Stanley. Council gave the board an Aug. 1 deadline to have a list of schools in the school division to be closed. The reason? Money that combined with the need to cut costs. Members were briefed on recommendations such as buying new textbooks, but even that purchase came with a lot of discussion. I see a disconnect between what goes on in the classroom and the money that were spending on textbooks, said Norfolk Public School Board Chairwoman Sarah DiCalogero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the more than $200 million Maury High School project, city officials believe spending has to be cut somewhere. Norfolk residents and parents, just wish it didnt involve possibly shuttering schools. Norfolk School Board approves initial design for Maury HS Its a very quick and an aggressive timeline, so I hope that they can come to a happy medium so that everybody gets what they need, said Norfolk resident Mark Luck. The board hopes to have much more insight at its April 23 school board meeting. Its gonna be disruptive for the teachers as well because theyre going to have to change buildings, learn the new building, learn the new admins, Stanley said, and maybe some teachers wont have positions either if they are consolidating that much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. If you have ever seen a shampoo that was labeled "all natural" but the ingredients list had synthetic substances, you know that it's all too common for companies to use greenwashing to lure in customers. Greenwashing is especially frequent in the beauty, fashion, and shipping industries because of their high carbon footprints, but not every act of greenwashing is punished. Luckily, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) cracked down on three companies, issuing an extraordinary fine of 8 million ($8.7 million). What's happening? In January, the Italian Competition Authority fined three transport companies General Logistics Systems B.V., General Logistics Systems Italy S.p.A., and General Logistics Systems Enterprise S.r.l. for greenwashing via misleading marketing claims and charging customers an exorbitant amount for carbon offset certificates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first issue was that the companies used taglines including "100% green energy in our facilities" with no evidence to back up their claims. The second issue was that they forced customers to subscribe to a "Climate Protect" program to offset carbon pollution from deliveries. The companies did not verify the carbon emissions created by the customers before charging and charged up to four times more than necessary. Instead of using the excess to offset more of their carbon footprint, they kept the profit. "While top clients were exempted from paying the contribution, all other customers were led to believe that the GLS companies themselves would be contributing significantly to the program's funding," the AGCM said in a statement. Why is greenwashing important? These false claims influenced customers to choose these shipping companies over others that might have actually offset more of their carbon footprints. The greenwashing also ruined the reputation of the companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transportation industry contributes 8% of global heat-trapping gas pollution and up to 11% if ports and warehouses are included. Demand for shipping is expected to triple by 2050 and become the biggest contributor of all industries, which means it's imperative that we reduce our use of dirty fuels immediately. A way the industry can effect change is to use boats more than cars or trucks and transition to electric vehicles. What's being done about greenwashing? More lawsuits are popping up against greenwashing, which means corporations trying to skirt environmental laws are being held accountable. Even Apple isn't exempt from a civil lawsuit. Consumers can also call out businesses if they see greenwashing, like with this case against Fisher-Price or these brands at Target. If you would like to learn more about greenwashing, you can check out the TCD guide. 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. CLAYTON, Mo. In a newly filed complaint with the Missouri Secretary of States Office, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page is accused of improperly using public funds. Tom Sullivan submitted the complaint after postcards started arriving in voters mail that contained information about Proposition B, the ballot measure that would give the county council the ability to remove department heads. Sullivan says he sent two separate complaints: one to the Secretary of State claiming Page spent public funding on the postcards, the other to the Missouri Ethics Commission claiming Page violated campaign finance disclosure laws. That complaint has to do with fliers that were distributed that contained similar information and wording to the postcards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan showed FOX 2 News an invoice which shows a company billing the county executives office about $5,000 for close to 55,000 Prop B postcards. Anytime you have tax dollars being spent, I think its a concern, Sullivan said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News When asked for an interview, the county executives office sent FOX 2 a statement saying, We were happy to see Mr. Sullivan publicly come out against Prop B with letters to the editor. He understands how flawed the proposal is. He also understands that it is proper, legal, and necessary to educate voters on ballot language that the circuit court called misleading, insufficient, inaccurate, argumentative, prejudicial, and unfair. Why Mr. Sullivan would want to keep voters in the dark goes against his long-time declaration as a government watchdog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan says his complaint is about the finances, not Proposition B. He says the postcards went beyond educating voters. 100% is telling you how terrible things are going to be if Proposition B is passed. Theres no objectivity. Theyre not informational. Theyre all opposed to Proposition B, Sullivan 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 FOX 2. PHNOM PENH, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodia's leading think tank will host a forum on Cambodia-China relations on April 9, aiming at fostering a deeper understanding of the historical, political, and economic ties between the two countries, an organizer said on Thursday. Under the theme "Cambodia-China Ironclad Friendship in the New Era: Win-Win Cooperation and Shared Prosperity," the forum will bring together around 100 participants from government agencies, academic experts, researchers, university professors and students, among others. "As traditionally close neighbours and partners, Cambodia and China have forged and nurtured an unbreakable 'iron-clad' friendship that has weathered various historic tests and difficulties," Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told Xinhua. Cambodia and China established official diplomatic relations on July 19, 1958. Phea said this enduring relationship has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership characterized by mutual respect, non-interference, and win-win cooperation. "China has emerged as Cambodia's most significant development partner, playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth through substantial investments in infrastructure, trade and other sectors," he said. "The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has further solidified this partnership, facilitating the modernization of Cambodia's transportation networks, energy sector, and digital infrastructure," he added. Phea said the forum will serve as a vital platform for in-depth analysis and meaningful exchanges on the evolving relationship between Cambodia and China. "This forum will highlight the enduring and strategic nature of Cambodia-China ties, which have been strengthened through economic collaboration, infrastructure development, and cultural exchanges," he said. The significant contribution of Chinese enterprises to Cambodia's socio-economic development will also be elaborated, he added. Phea said this event will greatly contribute to strengthening people-to-people ties, promoting academic and policy exchanges, and reinforcing the long-term vision of win-win cooperation and shared prosperity between Cambodia and China in the new era. Apr. 2Complex Community Federal Credit Union is hosting shred days for community members and residents where they can dispose of sensitive documents. This series of events begins on Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m. at 4900 E 52nd St., Odessa. CCFCU's shred day is open to anyone who is looking to get rid of sensitive documents and papers safely. For anyone not able to attend this Saturday's event, more shred days will take place at CCFCU's branches over the next few weeks. Shred days align with CCFCU's goals of helping protect private information in preventing fraudulent activity for the community. By hosting shred days, individuals have the opportunity to take an extra step in preventing identity theft, and ensuring compliance with privacy laws, while also encouraging efficient waste management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shred Days: Odessa Saturday, April 5 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 4900 E 52nd Street, Odessa Monahans Monday, April 7 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 1117 S. Stockton Ave, Monahans Andrews Saturday, April 12 8:30 a.m. 12 p.m. 100 NW Ave D, Andrews Midland Saturday, April 12 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 310 W Longview, Midland Lubbock Saturday, April 26 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 8603 University Ave, Lubbock Big Spring Monday, April 28 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 503 E FM 700, Big Spring ELKHART Four-year-olds in Elkhart County will have the opportunity to join one of the only full-day pre-K programs in the county starting this fall at Concord Community Schools. The Concord Mini Minutemen Preschool will start in the 2025-26 school year. It will be available for 80 students. School will start with the Concord calendar, so then theyll start in August, said Erin Kennedy, the new lead teacher for the pre-K program. Registration opens to the public April 1 and then when its full, well get a waiting list going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of a $4.2 million grant called Next Generation School Improvement Grant will be used to help fund the pre-K program. The program will be also partly funded by federal Title I funds, which support schools with a high percentage of low-income students. Accessible and affordable preschool options are few across the county, according to Dan Funston, superintendent of Concord Community Schools. He also said the county is a preschool desert. Were going to start with one class per elementary school, Funston said, and then hope to grow from there. We have some construction projects going on at some of the elementary schools, and so were incorporating some bathrooms in some rooms and doing what we need to do from a facility perspective in order to support that. Indiana does not fully fund pre-K programs, but it does offer the On My Way Pre-K program, using mostly federal dollars. Tuition for Concords pre-K program will be income-based, and $150 per week for families who do not qualify for On My Way Pre-K. The program is free for children of Concord staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between those sources, we think itll be self-sustaining, but we know that we have this grant there to support it as needed to get it going, Funston said. The Head Start preschool program already offered by the district will not be replaced by the new pre-K program. Funston said there was a waiting list for several students to get into the Head Start program last year. He said the district hopes the new pre-K program will give more students an opportunity next year. Funston said Concord has been working with Building Strong Brains, a coalition in Elkhart County working on change in the realm of early childhood education and development. Kim Boynton, director of Building Strong Brains, said the county has been learning more about kindergartners readiness for school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only 40 percent of Elkhart County kindergarteners have all the needed skills to support their success, Boynton said. Building Strong Brains, a coalition of 70 organizations, is working together to create opportunities for children to be ready to learn and thrive as they arrive at kindergarten. We are thrilled when opportunities emerge to help children and their families. Parents interested in learning more about the program can visit www. concordschools.com/ preschool. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) As measles continues to spread in nearby states, Connecticut leaders are reminding people to stay up-to-date on your vaccinations. CT health department urges residents to get measles vaccine as cases rise across the US Nearly 500 cases have been confirmed across the country. While none have been reported in Connecticut, there have been cases found in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC says that 97% of the people who were infected were unvaccinated or didnt know their vaccination status. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said that even people who have been vaccinated could also benefit from a new dose. Some adults who received their MMR vaccines between 1963 and 1967 and Im one of those people might have received a different vaccine that was less effective, Bysiewicz, who got another dose on Wednesday, 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 WTNH.com. From right, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Gov. Henry McMaster and first lady Peggy McMaster pose for a photo during a press conference at the S.C. Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. (File photo by Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA As she mulls a 2026 gubernatorial bid, South Carolinas lieutenant governor says her decision is guided by a desire to build on the states economic growth under Gov. Henry McMaster using her own business experience. Pam Evette has served alongside McMaster since the 2018 election, the first in the state with candidates for governor and lieutenant governor running on the same ticket. McMaster, the states oldest and longest-serving elected governor in state history, cant run again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That plays a factor in this, making sure that legacy continues on, so Im seriously considering (running), Evette told the SC Daily Gazette on Wednesday. She did not give a timeline for a decision. Evette, who joined McMasters team as his running mate in November 2017, said the accomplishments shes proud of include using the governors bully pulpit to promote the career paths available to students through the states technical colleges. Her roles have included leading South Carolinas 2020 Complete Count Committee, which had the unexpected task of getting an official tally of residents amid a pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 57-year-old accountant will be aided by the political action committee Patriots for South Carolina. Made up of allies of President Donald Trump, the PAC has already secured $5 million in donor commitments for Evette, The Post and Courier first reported. Its a boost shell need to stand out among an expectedly crowded field for the Republican nomination. Despite her travels across the state as the governors ambassador and her frequent appearances beside McMaster at news conferences, Evette is an unknown to many voters, as shown by the latest Winthrop Poll. Although no one is officially in the race, Republicans considering a bid include Attorney General Alan Wilson, U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, and state Sens. Sean Bennett and Josh Kimbrell. Unlike any of them, Evettes bid for governor would be her first solo run for elected office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mace, who constituents criticized for not attending a town hall in her district last Friday, was at the Statehouse on Wednesday and told reporters things are looking very positive for her decision on a gubernatorial announcement. She added that she was meeting with House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, about the future of the state. The First District congresswoman has made repeated jabs at Evette on social media. However, the lieutenant governor said the comments dont bother her much. Thats what you see in Washington (D.C.) politics, and thats why we are where we are in Washington with an unbalanced budget and things not getting done, Evette said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One question is who in the potential field might get Trumps endorsement. In January, Mace told reporters that Trumps opinion on her potential run would be a crucial factor in her decision. Evette said shes not relying on his endorsement, though she called Trump an inspiration. She described herself as a Trump girl when McMaster introduced her to voters in 2017. It was at a reception in Washington, D.C., for Trumps inauguration where she first met McMaster. Last week, Evette traveled to Washington at the invitation of the White House for an event celebrating Womens History Month. Mace was also among attendees. Time is money Originally from Ohio, Evette moved to South Carolina two decades ago and made the Palmetto State her adopted home, she said. Its where she raised her three children and grew her business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When McMaster picked Evette, the political novice was the president and CEO of Quality Business Solutions, an outsourcing payroll and human resources firm operating out of Travelers Rest for clients nationwide. (Her husband became president when she joined McMasters team.) Her business credentials and desire to cut bureaucratic red tape remain the key component of her potential sales pitch to voters. During her conversation with the SC Daily Gazette, Evette said shed want to put her own stamp on the state with a company-like approach to the governors office. Sounding a lot like former Gov. Nikki Haley, who also had an accounting background and crafted her reputation as the jobs governor, Evette said shed focus on making South Carolina the most business-friendly state in the nation if she were to run, of course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a former business owner, now equipped with more than six years in office, Evette says she has a unique understanding of how to help the states business community. When you believe that the government can run efficiently like a business in the private sector, whos better to do that than a businessperson thats had to live with it every day in the private sector, she said. She also wants to continue a push for technical college education, which she says would create the workforce of tomorrow. She touted the success of the states Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship, better known as SC WINS, that covers expenses for students at South Carolinas 16 technical colleges. SC Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) 54-year-old Michael Todd Panella, a convicted Kern County child killer, is a free man. Panella was released on parole Wednesday morning, after 25 years behind bars. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Panella is not allowed back in Kern County, where the crime occurred. He will be a parolee for life. First of all, I was told he was never going to come up for parole, itll always be denied, said Tammy Bell, mother of the victim, Johnathen Bell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At just 20-months-old, little Johnathen Bell was brutally abused and murdered by Panella, Bells then-boyfriend of three months. Bell said even after two decades, its a daily reminder her baby boy was taken too soon. I tell him I love you and he goes, I love you, like it was like cute, said Bell. And Id be like, you love momma? Mhm. And like Id go, I love you, Johnathen. Its like, those are the last words I had with him, said Bell. The irony for Bell, is that April is Child Abuse and Prevention Awareness Month. Bakersfield couple charged with child cruelty, drug crimes after confrontation with daughter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bell said she still too-vividly remembers young Johnathens cold body she found in her bed the night of November 27, 1999. I remember laying him on the floor, trying to do CPR, which I didnt know how, I didnt know CPR, I was young, Bell recalled. This is not over, Bell said of Panellas release. He will not, I will make sure hes not comfortable in his own skinIf they cant protect me and keep him in there, or protect my other kids that are living, you know? A jury in October 2000 found Panella guilty of first-degree murder and he was sentenced to 25 years to life. According to court documents, Johnathen suffered at least 50 bruises to his hips, head, face and extremities, ultimately dying from multiple blunt impacts to his abdomen, which caused internal bleeding and dehydration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panellas parole conditions include not having unsupervised contact with minors under the age of seven. Its unclear at this time where Panella is, but he was released in San Luis Obispo. 17 News Jenny Huh: Do you feel safe? Tammy Bell: No, I dont feel safe for my other kids living. I dont feel safe. I dont, I shouldnt have to pack up and move. This is my town. This is where my kids were born. He dont, he is not from here. Heres a timeline of how Panellas parole came to be. A 2020 state law on elderly parole reduced requirements for inmates at least 50 who served 20 years of their sentence Panella became eligible for his first parole hearing in July 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parole was granted, but after much appeal, including from Bell, Governor Gavin Newsom reversed the decision. Panella faced another parole hearing in February 2023. Parole was denied for three years. But for reasons undisclosed, Panella had his third hearing in October 2024. Parole was granted. This time, Newsom did not reverse the decision. 17 News Capitol Correspondent Eytan Wallace had the chance to ask Newsom about Panella at a Wednesday morning press conference. Newsom stated, Thats not atypical. A reversal is not always in perpetuity. Theres always an opportunity to come back. In a statement to 17 News, a Newsom spokesperson further explained the governors decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Board of Parole Hearings determined this individual was not a public safety risk. The Governor asked the full Board to review it again and sent back the case. The full Board once again reached the same conclusion and so by law he is entitled to be released on parole. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) Williamson County law enforcement credited a quick response and excellent communication for the successful apprehension of a man who was driving recklessly in a stolen car Tuesday morning. It all started on Tuesday, April 1 as an alert out of Nashville for law enforcement to look out for a convicted felon. Williamson County deputies picked up the pursuit on Interstate 65 South. The vehicle was allegedly being driven by Deterrius McClain, 30, who was in a Ford Explorer reported stolen out of Maury County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Metros Most Wanted fugitives sought for rape of a child According to the Williamson County Sheriffs Office, a helicopter kept eyes on the fleeing vehicle while ground units worked to contain the suspect. A deputy was able to lay out spike strips in the Thompson Station area and flatten all four of the vehicles tires. The vehicle was forced to stop and the suspect ran into a field. Body camera footage from the end of the chase shows a deputy running through the field with his weapon drawn, barking out commands for McClain to lay down and not move. In the background, you can see the WCSO helicopter guiding units to the suspect. Our teams worked incredibly together. There were warrants units; Air 1, which is our aviation unit; and our patrol units and K9 unit working together meticulously to apprehend the suspect, WCSO Capt. Becky Coyle told News 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Tennessee Department of Corrections website, McClain was arrested on cocaine charges and was out of prison on probation until 2040. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com His Maury County record is also substantial, dating back some 10 years with many felonies, such as aggravated burglary, drug sales, and thefts. I am so incredibly proud of our dispatchers. I mean, the communication was excellent. Everybody knew where everyone was at, Coyle added. McClain is in the Williamson County Jail facing multiple charges, including evading arrest and reckless endangerment. Not only is there a hold on him for other organizations, but hes also wanted on warrants out of Maury County. Theres no word on how this may affect his probationary status with TDOC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A Clinton Township woman is facing murder and embezzlement charges after Macomb County sheriff's authorities accuse her of obtaining a fraudulent power of attorney over an elderly Macomb Township man and then telling a local hospital to pull his life support, causing his death. Linda Polk, 52, was taken into custody Wednesday on eight charges, including first-degree, premediated murder, according to a release Thursday from the sheriff's office. She was arraigned Thursday and ordered held in the county jail on a $1 million bond, the release indicated. No attorney was listed for her case in online records at 41B District Court in Clinton Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her arrest comes after a several-months-long investigation. The sheriff's office indicated Polk began providing in-home care for the 78-year-old man's wife in 2021. Early last year, the release states, the man began to decline in health as well. He was transferred to a local hospital in October and put on life support. Polk is accused of obtaining fraudulent power of attorney over the man and told the hospital to have him taken off life support, according to the sheriff's office release. The man succumbed to his unidentified illness and died Oct. 19, per the release. It states Polk did not inform the man's family of his death and used the power of attorney to have him cremated. Polk also is accused of authoring a fraudulent quit-claim deed on the man's home. Authorities allege she then embezzled a large sum of money, though a specific amount was not provided, from the man and opened and used credit cards in his name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scam Alert: Scammers are claiming you owe E-Z Pass tolls. What to know in Michigan Social Security: Why you don't want to follow this bad social media advice on Social Security payments Sheriff's Office Spokeswoman Jennifer Putney did not release the name of the man or the hospital where he died, but said the hospital is in Macomb County. She said the man's widow is alive and safe, but declined to provide additional details about her. Putney said the man's family is out of state and that sheriff's authorities say Polk isolated the couple from the family, though she did not explain further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putney said Polk was working independently for the family, and the man hired her to help with the care of his wife. She said the family learned of the man's death at the end of October. Putney said the family was concerned about his death and the welfare of his widow and reached out to the sheriff's office in November. Putney did not have a specific amount for which Polk is accused of embezzling from the man, saying the investigation is ongoing. County Prosecutor Peter Lucido stated in a text from his interim communications director: "I am always especially concerned about cases that include allegations of calculated deception and exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The allegations in this case are deeply troubling." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polk was arraigned Thursday on the murder charge as well as two counts each of forgery of a document affecting real property, identity theft, and the illegal sale or use of a financial transaction device. She also was arraigned on one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult over $1,000, but less than $20,000, according to the sheriff's office release. A petition for a court-appointed attorney for Polk was filed, with Polk to be appointed counsel after arraignment, according to online court records. The sheriff's office release indicates Polk is to wear a steel cuff tether and turn over her passport if she posts bond and is released from the jail. A probable cause conference is set for April 14, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This story has been updated to add new information.) Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Clinton Twp. woman accused of murder after man's life support pulled Corpus Christi ISD recently received grant funding to support dual credit and early college programs and to support the district's partnership with Del Mar College. The funding will be used to expand access to early college coursework with the goal of ultimately increasing the numbers of Corpus Christi Independent School District graduates who enroll in college after finishing high school. The focus will be on encouraging students to complete 15 college credits while in high school. Corpus Christi ISD Superintendent Roland Hernandez and Del Mar College President Mark Escamilla met Wednesday morning at King High School to formalize the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Critical funding such as this helps us with our mission to prepare students to be life-long learners to continue their education and enter the world of work and become productive citizens," Hernandez said. Corpus Christi Independent School District Superintendent Roland Hernandez, left, and Del Mar College President Mark Escamilla sign an agreement for a dual credit partnership supported by enhanced grant funding on Wednesday at King High School. The grant award will allow Corpus Christi ISD to offer a new college and career exploration course through the OneGoal program for high school juniors at Carroll, King and Miller high schools next year. In 2026-27, the schools will offer a subsequent course for seniors, which will assist students with the college application process. CCISD Director of Advanced Academics Bryan Davis said the OneGoal program will also support students in their first year of post-secondary education. The three high schools were chosen to host the program based on college and career-readiness accountability data, Davis said. King High School Principal Prudence Farrell said that about 75 students have already expressed an interest in the course for next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant will also help the district improve technology to track college, career and military readiness among students and outcomes after graduation. According to CCISD's most recent annual performance report for 2023-24, 47% of CCISD 2023 graduates were college-ready. This includes: 88.3% of Collegiate High School graduates 80.3% of Branch Academy graduates 70.2% of Veterans Memorial High School graduates 51.5% of Ray High School graduates 45.7% of King High School graduates 38.4% of Carroll and Moody high school graduates 36.6% of Miller High School graduates At Coles High School, an alternative school program, that figure was just below 7%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Education Agency measures college readiness through several metrics, including student outcomes on college-readiness assessments and completion of dual credit, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credits. The state's indicator of college readiness tied to dual credit is based on whether a student completed nine hours of dual credit. With the grant funding and Del Mar College partnership, CCISD is increasing its dual credit goal to 15 credit hours. Del Mar College has also set sights on increasing dual credit attainment across the region, offering dual credit at no cost for tuition to partnering school districts. "That efficiency that's going to be gained by the 15 hours or so that we're aiming for will absolutely make all the difference," Escamilla said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: A head start in life: How students can work toward degrees in Corpus Christi high schools Taxes are due April 15. Here's where to find free tax assistance in Corpus Christi Who made a difference in Corpus Christi ISD? See 2025 award winners New schools, demolitions: What to know about Corpus Christi ISD construction projects This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi ISD increases dual credit goals with grant support Amid the drama and turmoil created by Donald Trumps second presidency, three Yale University professors last week announced they would be leaving the U.S. for Canada over concerns about the increasingly authoritarian direction their country is heading in. "I could feel the reign of terror spiraling," one of them, historian Marci Shore, told the Kyiv Independent on April 1, adding: "My impulse was to take my kids and get out of the situation that seemed very dark and very frightening to me." Shore along with her husband Timothy Snyder and colleague Jason Stanley are leaving their posts at Yale University to teach at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three have been vocal pro-Ukraine advocates, particularly throughout Russias full-scale invasion, visiting the country multiple times between them and educating audiences in the U.S. with what theyve learned. The Kyiv Independent spoke to Shore to find out what made them take such a drastic decision, and if she believes she can continue to advocate for Ukraine, in the U.S., from Canada. Editors note: The interview has been edited for language and clarity. The Kyiv Independent: Can you explain what made you come to this decision? Marci Shore: It was a complex family decision. I've taught at Yale as a professor of history for almost 20 years now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's been an incredible privilege to teach there. I've loved teaching there, but there are also a host of reasons why people might not spend their whole career at one institution. I've long been drawn to the University of Toronto and I'm hoping, if anything, that our voices will be stronger there. But that said, my impulse was to take my kids and get out of the situation that seemed very dark and very frightening to me. The Kyiv Independent: Was there one event in particular that made you think Right, this is it, we have to get out of here? Marci Shore: There were so many such events I could feel the reign of terror spiraling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was an extraordinary sermon that Bishop Budde gave at the time of (Trump's) inauguration, asking the president to have mercy on those who are vulnerable. And immediately afterward there were calls to do violence against this woman, including by a Republican member of Congress who said she should be deported. And you could just feel this purging impulse. Wow. Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde fearlessly calls out Trump and Vance to their faces. This is heroic. pic.twitter.com/igyKzC8dRo MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) January 21, 2025 You could feel that we were about to spiral into a reign of terror. But the Oval Office meeting with Zelensky, for me personally, was one of the things that kind of pushed me over the edge. I've rarely been so viscerally angry looking at a screen. You had Vance and Trump saying You have to say thank you, you must say thank you, you haven't acknowledged your gratitude. For me as a historian of totalitarianism, this is what the Stalinist secret police interrogators were saying to the people they were interrogating. This is what the victims of the show trials were made to say to thank their executioners as they were being led to their deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This motif of domestic violence that you must express your gratitude to the party, for you haven't expressed it it was just repulsive. And Trump saying Youre not holding any cards, and Zelensky saying Were not playing cards this was the profound moment that exposed that you're dealing with people for whom there are no first principles, you're just looking into this abyss of moral nihilism. Everything is a transaction, everything is a deal. Confronted with a man who actually feels responsible for the lives of millions of people, the humiliation of (Zelensky) was grotesque. And Lindsey Graham then got on television immediately afterward and said Donald Trump just gave us a master class in putting America first. And I tweeted back at him and I said Donald Trump just gave us a master class in moral nihilism, and Lindsey Graham just gave us a master class in selling one's soul to the devil. Lindsay Graham: Today, President Trump gave a masterclass on how to stand up for America. No, today President Trump gave a masterclass on moral nihilism and Lindsay Graham gave a masterclass on selling ones soul to the devil. Marci Shore (@marci_shore) March 1, 2025 The Kyiv Independent: How bad do you think that it could potentially get in the U.S.? Marci Shore: I think it could get very bad I feel like the subtitle of the present moment could be Vindication of the neurotic catastrophist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things that has affected me most viscerally because I'm a professor are the guys in masks from (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), from wherever they are, coming and taking away foreign students on the street and throwing them in detention centers with no access to anything. And as a professor what is very real to me are my students. You come into the classroom, you're advising students. Your job is to protect those students. And if your priority is not to look out for your students, you have no business being in a classroom. "I want to think I'd be brave, but I don't know, and that not knowing terrifies me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was just recently back at Yale meeting with some of my advisees, undergraduates, and graduate students who I still work with and I will continue to work with for as long as they want to work with me. I've never abandoned any of my students anywhere. A couple of them are from Ukraine. Yale is a big university. There's a high percentage of foreign students. And I'm an East Europeanist, so I probably have an even higher than average number of foreign students. And I'm thinking Okay, I'm sitting in the dining hall with them. I'm walking past the library. We're sitting in the coffee shop. What would I do if guys in balaclavas came and tried to drag somebody away? Would I try to pull them off? Would I be brave? I would like to think that I would be, although I'm a middle-aged woman who's not particularly strong, so I probably wouldn't have much of a chance. Would I try at least to pull the mask off? Would I scream? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Would I videotape something? Would I start crying? Would I get scared and run away? I want to think I'd be brave, but I don't know, and that not knowing terrifies me. U.S. President Donald Trump looks down from the Presidential Box in the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during a tour and board meeting in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) The Kyiv Independent: Some people have described your announcement as a canary in the coal mine moment. Have you heard other academics or other people expressing the same kind of fears and desires to leave America? Marci Shore: Yes, definitely. And it works both ways. I in no way feel morally superior to people who have made the courageous decision to stay. I know a lot of people who would like to leave. I know a lot of people who feel a moral imperative to stay. I know a lot of people who are torn. I feel quite guilty about leaving because I do feel that America is going under. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And because I've been so personally and intimately involved albeit from a distance and vicariously with this gruesome war that the Russians are carrying out in Ukraine, I know how the Ukrainians feel about the Russian opposition, and I know how they feel about the people who resisted and lost. I know how my Russian oppositionist friends felt when confronted with the full-scale invasion three years ago, and saying Okay we have failed. And that failure is somehow unforgivable, and no matter how hard we fought, it wasn't enough. And I understand why Ukrainians are resentful, and I in no way feel morally superior to the Russian oppositionists to have fled. I don't feel like I'm particularly courageous. I don't feel like I'm willing to go to prison. I don't feel like I would hold up particularly well in prison. The Kyiv Independent: Are you concerned that by leaving the U.S., Ukraine is losing two voices within the country where they're possibly needed the most right now? Marci Shore: That has not been my top concern because I don't actually anticipate being less effective from here than I would be there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thing that is crushing is feeling like I can no longer have any influence on what is going on in Washington because I'm an enemy of the current regime. At least with the Democratic administration, I had the feeling that when I went to Washington or when I talked to people there not that I'm such a terribly important person but I did potentially have some kind of influence, that there were people in positions there that I could have conversations with who were open to listening to the experiences I had had in Ukraine, and to the experiences my friends and colleagues were having in Ukraine. I no longer feel that that's true because those people are no longer in power in Washington, and people like myself are enemies of the people in power in Washington. Read also: Putin issued a decree. Now, millions of Ukrainians face an impossible decision Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. People visit the 3rd edition of the "Made in Cote d'Ivoire" Fair at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, April 2, 2025. The Ivorian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting local products and enhancing local industrial processing during the third edition of the "Made in Cote d'Ivoire" Fair, which opened Wednesday in Abidjan. With around 20 sectors on display and 160 exhibitors at about 100 stands, the Abidjan exhibition center has, for five days, taken on the appearance of a hypermarket for local products. (Photo by Laurent Idibouo/Xinhua) ABIDJAN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Ivorian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting local products and enhancing local industrial processing during the third edition of the "Made in Cote d'Ivoire" Fair, which opened Wednesday in Abidjan. With around 20 sectors on display and 160 exhibitors at about 100 stands, the Abidjan exhibition center has, for five days, taken on the appearance of a hypermarket for local products. Minister of Commerce and Industry Souleymane Diarrassouba highlighted the fair as an "excellent platform for the economic development of Cote d'Ivoire," as it displayed the country's industrial transformation efforts and the expertise of local private sectors in agriculture, cuisine, fashion, cosmetics, electronics, pharmaceuticals, culture, and literature. Diarrassouba urged local businesses to prioritize local products in their consumption habits to strengthen the resilience of the Ivorian economy and make it more inclusive and job-creating for the youth. Adama Bictogo, president of the National Assembly, emphasized the need to change the production, local processing, marketing, and consumption habits of local products. "We need to achieve our food sovereignty, which invites us to produce what we consume and to consume what we produce, a process that includes prioritizing local production of our diverse products to meet the consumption needs of our population," he added. A woman trader promotes local doughnuts, commonly known as "Kre Kre," during the 3rd edition of the "Made in Cote d'Ivoire" Fair at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, April 2, 2025. The Ivorian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting local products and enhancing local industrial processing during the third edition of the "Made in Cote d'Ivoire" Fair, which opened Wednesday in Abidjan. With around 20 sectors on display and 160 exhibitors at about 100 stands, the Abidjan exhibition center has, for five days, taken on the appearance of a hypermarket for local products. (Photo by Laurent Idibouo/Xinhua) An African braiding workshop is held during the 3rd edition of the "Made in Cote d'Ivoire" Fair at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, April 2, 2025. The Ivorian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting local products and enhancing local industrial processing during the third edition of the "Made in Cote d'Ivoire" Fair, which opened Wednesday in Abidjan. With around 20 sectors on display and 160 exhibitors at about 100 stands, the Abidjan exhibition center has, for five days, taken on the appearance of a hypermarket for local products. (Photo by Laurent Idibouo/Xinhua) This photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows the bread made from local ingredients displayed during the 3rd edition of the "Made in Cote d'Ivoire" Fair at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The Ivorian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting local products and enhancing local industrial processing during the third edition of the "Made in Cote d'Ivoire" Fair, which opened Wednesday in Abidjan. With around 20 sectors on display and 160 exhibitors at about 100 stands, the Abidjan exhibition center has, for five days, taken on the appearance of a hypermarket for local products. (Photo by Laurent Idibouo/Xinhua) A counter-terrorism police unit worker who joined a confidential call in a public library was unfairly sacked, an employment judge has ruled. A librarian gave Colin Bastin a private room to dial into the call, which he said he was unable to take from home because of noisy building works, a tribunal heard. He claimed there were no police stations within easy access of his home where he could go for the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Counter Terrorism Security Office worker made several other mistakes during his probationary period, including accidentally booking a top secret security level room for a team meeting, which would have excluded one of the delegates, the tribunal was told. London Central employment tribunal heard Mr Bastin joined the unit, which advises the Government and industry on protecting against terrorism, in September 2021. His delivery support officer role was subject to him passing his probation, which was twice extended because of concerns about his progress. Mistake not to bring his headphones In April 2023, Mr Bastin was required to be on a sensitive and confidential call, but there were building works at his home, which he thought would be too noisy, the tribunal heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A written decision from the tribunal said: There is a public library with Wi-Fi near his home and he decided to take the call there. Unfortunately, he forgot to take his headphones when he left home. He asked a librarian if there was anywhere quiet that he could take the call and she gave him a private room. He accepts that it was his mistake not to bring the headphones. Although he agrees that he could have gone to a police station for the call, there are none within easy access of his home. In February 2024, Mr Bastin was asked to book a room for a team meeting. He looked online at the available rooms and selected a room TS Auditorium, the tribunal heard. He did not realise that TS stood for top secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the delegates was unable to access top secret locations so it would have been embarrassing if the meeting had gone ahead in that room, as she would have been excluded. In April 2024, Mr Bastin was told he was facing dismissal and was invited to a meeting. He gathered evidence to show his performance had improved, but was told managers would only be considering his performance up to the end of the extended probationary period, which ended in early 2023. After taking his employer to an employment tribunal, a judge ruled his original dismissal was unfair because it was based on out-of-date information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bastins performance, which was the reason for dismissal, had been assessed over a fixed period that had ended over a year before the decision was taken, the judge said. It was unfair not to allow him to bring evidence of his recent improvement. In conclusion, I find that the dismissal was unfair and outside the band of reasonable responses. A hearing to decide how much compensation Mr Bastin should receive will be held at a later date. 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. Many would-be travelers go online to plan their vacations, whether that means looking for the best flight deals and hotel recommendations or more nitty-gritty info about whether their destination of choice requires a visa. In the United States, those preparing for an international trip can check out the State Departments website for up-to-date info about other countries, which are ranked from Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions to Level 4: Do Not Travel. These rankings can change based on political conflicts, natural disasters and other current events as things happen in real time. But the travel advisory system also works in the other direction. Countries around the world maintain their own guidelines for their citizens who are planning to visit the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, amid high-profile incidents of gun violence in the US, several nations issued travel warnings about potential safety risks in America, including Japan, Australia and Canada. Now, a series of European countries have begun warning residents about what could happen if they travel to the United States if they are trans, non-binary or hold a third-gender passport. President Donald Trump has enacted, or announced plans to enact, policies regarding this community, including moving to ban trans people from serving in the military and blocking support for gender-affirming health care for minors. In January, he signed an executive order stating that there are only two biological sexes, male and female, and that US passport holders would need to have a passport that reflected the sex they were assigned at birth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of those moves, here is what several countries have told their citizens to know about travel to the United States. Denmark The Nordic nation is currently at odds with the United States over President Trumps comments about wanting to take over Greenland, which is controlled by Denmark. Denmark has warned its citizens, who can have an X marker for their sex on passports, that it could be challenging to visit the United States, writing if you have the gender designation X in your passport or you have changed gender, it is recommended to contact the US embassy prior to travel for guidance on how to proceed. Finland Finland has just been named the worlds happiest country for the eighth straight year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the country issued an advisory regarding US travel, noting that if the gender listed on the applicants passport does not match the gender assigned at birth, the US authorities may deny the application for a travel permit or visa. Finns were also cautioned that a valid ESTA or visa does not necessarily grant entry to the United States, with discretion given to individual border patrol officers and other enforcement groups. Germany In January, German tattoo artist Jessica Brosche tried to enter the United States from Mexico but was detained at the American border and held for several weeks before eventually being deported. Brosches case was big news in Germany, where Friedrich Merz, expected to become the countrys next chancellor, has said that Europe needs to declare independence from the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Germanys latest travel advisory regarding American travel focused on gender identity, not on tattooing or traveling via Mexico. Travelers who have the gender entry X or whose current gender entry differs from their gender entry at birth should contact the relevant US diplomatic mission in Germany before entering the country and find out the applicable entry requirements, reads the advisory. Ireland Irish media was watching closely when MMA fighter Conor McGregor who was recently ordered to pay $257,000 to a woman who accused him of rape and assault visited the White House as a guest of President Trump. McGregor has said he is against immigration to Ireland and hopes to run for office himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Ireland has issued a warning that Irish citizens will have to fill out forms declaring their sex to get an ESTA visa waiver. The US authorities have indicated that this should reflect, what they term, the travelers biological sex at birth, reads the advisory. Travelers whose sex on their passport differs from sex assigned at birth should contact the Embassy of the United States of America in Dublin for further details on specific entry requirements. The Netherlands While no citizens from the Netherlands are known to have been turned away at the US border, the country put out an advisory that you must indicate your gender at birth when applying for an ESTA or a visa to the United States. An existing note on the Netherlands travel page for the US states that a number of states have introduced local laws that may have negative consequences for LGBTIQ+ people, for example when it comes to access to health care. Portugal Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for Americans seeking to relocate abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for travelers going in the other direction, Portugal recently offered guidance on what to do when heading to the US. We point out that the possession of an ESTA or of a visa does not constitute an automatic right of entry to the USA, says its government. The final decision is always taken by the border agent on arrival to the North American territory. To avoid misunderstandings in communication, it is recommended that travelers have proof of return travel and avoid making false statements about the purposes of their stay. In addition, citizens who identify as non-binary are reminded that they can only check male or female on immigration forms and should choose the sex they were assigned at birth. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com ANDERSON Madison County officials are preparing for heavy rains and possible severe storms through Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning from Wednesday evening through Sunday morning. The White River in Anderson is expected to rise by five feet by Saturday morning. Roger Edens, director of the Madison County Emergency Management Agency, updated the Madison County Commissioners Tuesday on the steps being taken before the storms arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We could be looking at severe weather with two to five inches of rain by Sunday, Edens said. There will be two rounds of severe weather on Wednesday in the middle of the afternoon and overnight. County officials are making sandbags available to residents at the Madison County Highway Department on West Eighth Street. The county expects to have 2,000 sandbags available at no cost by Wednesday. Flooding is possible, Edens said. He said last weekend, 40 of Indianas 92 counties reported storm damage. We were fortunate that the storms went north and south of the county, Edens said. Edens said the Madison County Highway Department is preparing to have staff available during the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flooding is a concern on roadways, he said. The county only has so many road closed and high water signs and staffing. This will be a multi-day incident, he added. County residents are being urged to get notifications from EMA on their cellphones through Nixle. To sign up for notifications, dial 888-777 and the ZIP Code for EMA alerts. Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. said city officials will be monitoring flood-prone areas of the city and will close streets if necessary. He said the levee system along the White River should prevent any significant flooding. MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) Charles and Dale Brown said it all started with a phone call to Dale and a tall tale to steal her money. I had no idea what was going on, said Dale Brown. Madison police officer delivers food after arresting Doordash driver Dale Brown said that last week, a man who identified himself as a federal agent called and told her that her identity had been compromised in drug dealings and that she needed to remove money from their accounts and put it into a bitcoin account to trace the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She didnt want her name associated with drugs and they just operated on her possible guilt, I think they tried to make her feel guilty or stupid, said Charles Brown. They talked her into removing money from our savings and checking account and putting it into a Bitcoin machine. The Bitcoin ATM machines are located at gas stations throughout Morgan County. With the scammer still on the phone, Dale Brown jumped in her car and drove to her bank for a withdrawal before heading to Decatur to the Bitcoin ATM. Dale Brown knew her social security number as well as other personal information. UpDog Challenge Canine Disc International Finals kick off at Point Mallard Park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scammer sent her a QR code to open a Bitcoin account where she deposited $13,000 into that account. The scammer had me so scared and so terrified about the drug stuff and he said that they were watching me 24 hours a day and all of this stuff, Dale Brown explained. The Browns know that its money that they will never get back. Cyber security expert Steve Weisman of Scamicide.com is issuing a warning to unsuspecting seniors who have been vulnerable to this elaborate bitcoin that is growing. Weisman reminds that you will never be contacted by phone by an agent, nor should you ever download or click on a text or email message, and most of all, never answer the phone to a number you do not recognize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My best friend in Florida had to tell me that you did not do anything wrong, said Dale Brown. She said its nothing that we could have helped because they played on my emotions. News 19 was informed that there is a federal investigation since the scam involved money connected to fraud. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Crater Lakes most popular trail and the only one that has access to the water will be closed to the public for up to three years for construction, beginning in 2026, officials said. As a result of the construction at the Cleetwood Cove Trail and its closure, there will also be no public boat tours on the lake for the summer seasons of 2026, 2027 and 2028, according to the National Park Service. This means boat tours to visit Wizard Island will also be unavailable during that time. The trail is scheduled to reopen in 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska Airlines plane evacuates at PDX due to fumes The Crater Lake National Park itself outside the Cleetwood Cove Trail, marina and the Cleetwood parking lot will remain open throughout the construction period. It will still be possible to traverse along Rim Drive and visit other park trails to catch views of the central Oregon lake and tourist destination during the 2026-28 seasons, NPS said. This project is all about improving safety and the visitor experience at Cleetwood Cove, Marsha McCabe, a spokesperson for Crater Lake National Park, told KOIN 6 News. The reason for the closure largely stems from safety issues at the trail, officials said. The construction project will include making improvements to the trail surface and retaining walls and manually dislodging rocks that are at risk of falling in a process called slope scaling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MAX train collides with car in Downtown Portland The marina at the end of the trail will also be replaced, along with outdated composting toilets. It is expected that the project will involve the use of helicopters to move bulk materials to and from the renovation site and the Cleetwood parking lot will need to be closed as it will be used for a construction staging area. The trail is still expected to be open to visitors in the summer of 2025. However, NPS hopes to secure a construction contract this year, with the project slated to go underway in the summer of 2026. Construction can only take place during the summer season, with the project expected to last at least two or three years. Once our trail crew is able to make it safe, the Cleetwood Trail will be open for visitors to access the lake this summer. We do not yet know if there will be boat tours or not. The construction project will begin as soon as there is access to the area in the summer of 2026, McCabe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon dispersing $11M in unclaimed money The Cleetwood Cove Trail sees about 54,000 park visitors per year, or 10% of the total visitors to the park. The National Park Service has more information about ongoing and upcoming Crater Lake National Park projects. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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 1300 block of N Willis Street Criminal Mischief A victim reported a suspect damaged his property without consent. 2400 block of N Mockingbird Lane Criminal Mischief A victim reported a suspect damaged his property without consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2300 block of Barrow Street Criminal Trespass A suspect was arrested for criminal trespass at an Abilene convenience store. 1800 block of Jameson Street Burglary of Vehicle Two tools worth $450 were reported stolen. 3300 block of Sherry Lane Theft of Property $400 worth of rims were reported stolen. 1200 block of Shelton Street Assault Family Violence A suspect was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend. 4500 block of S 1st Street Identity Theft by Electronic Device 4300 block of Buffalo Gap Road Theft of Property Three shirts were reported stolen. 4300 block of Bob-o-Link Drive Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon A victim reported her spouse hit her with a large tree branch, causing her pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1000 block of Justice Way Warrant A victim reported she was assaulted by her boyfriend. 5300 block of Taos Drive Assault Pregnant Person An assault family violence report was taken in south Abilene. 3200 block of Pheasant Drive Assault Family Violence 1100 block of Orange Street Assault Police responded to a disturbance in north Abilene. Arrests Cody League Warrant Timmy Gilbreath Criminal Trespass David Lee Assault Family Violence Robert Kamer Warrant Mekhai Coleman Theft of Property Derrick Jones Public Intoxication Patrick Wilson Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon Christopher Allred Warrant, Assault Family Violence Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iris Licon Public Intoxication, Failure to Identify Benjamin Vieth Possession of Marijuana Alejandro Sigala Unlawful Carrying of Weapon Robert Brown Assault Family Violence Robin Toole Possession of Controlled Substance Adrian Dominguez Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon Nicole Sikes Possession of Controlled Substance Crystal Baker Possession of Controlled Substance Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) This week on Crime Stoppers, police need your help tracking down someone who committed a retail fraud in St. Johns and a man police say escaped custody in Jackson. If you have information regarding any of these cases, call Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan at (517) 483-STOP. You can remain anonymous. Those who contact Crime Stoppers with information on the cases below can receive up to a $1,000 reward. Retail Fraud The Clinton County Sheriffs Department is asking for any information related to a retail fraud that occurred at a business in St. Johns. The suspect left in what was described as a green Jeep. Tavis Dashay Porter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tavis Dashay Porter, 32, is wanted for aggravated assault and absconding out of Jackson. He is 58 and 110 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLOMBO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A total of 592 Sri Lankans have died in 565 fatal road accidents as of April 2 this year, said police on Thursday. Deputy Inspector General of Motor Traffic and Road Safety of Sri Lanka Police Indika Hapugoda told the media that there were 594 fatal accidents, claiming 619 lives during the same period in 2024. He also noted that April tends to record a higher number of fatal road accidents due to multiple nationwide celebrations, with 204 deaths reported during the month in 2024 alone, adding that December is another month that typically sees a spike in road fatalities for similar reasons. Looking at annual figures, Hapugoda said 2,341 people died in 2,231 fatal road accidents in 2023, and the number rose in 2024, with 2,541 deaths recorded from 2,403 fatal accidents. He further highlighted that 7,127 people sustained serious injuries in fatal accidents in 2024, many of whom now face long-term medical treatment or permanent disabilities. In response to the alarming statistics, the police will launch several new initiatives this month to reduce road accidents, Hapugoda said. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) on Wednesday pushed back against Attorney General Pam Bondi after the Justice Department head criticized the Texas Democrats comments about tech billionaire Elon Musk being taken down multiple times. To have her go on Fox News, and to then decide that she wanted to send a threat to me, it was wrong, Crockett said during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing. Because here it is, she is the highest law enforcement agent in this country and people are watching and they are consuming this information, and they are believing that simply because I decided that I wanted to exercise my right to free speech which I am not abridged from doing that she then wanted to then politicize something that should not be politicized. I dont like Elon Musk, Im going to say it 50,000 times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi has taken two recent swings at Crockett on Fox News, one on March 23 and one last week, over comments Crockett made during a livestreamed event last month in which she said that all I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down. And Maria, now you have this congresswoman, Crockett, who is calling for attacks on Elon Musk on her birthday? Well, she is an elected public official, and so she needs to tread very carefully, Bondi said on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures on March 23. A day later, Bondi said that Crockett should apologize to Tesla shareholders for her livestream comments. She needs to unequivocally denounce the violence, she must apologize immediately, not only to all Texans, but to our country, to the American shareholders of Tesla, because she is promoting violence, Bondi told Fox Newss Sean Hannity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to Crocketts office and the Justice Department for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) The Trump administration appears to be leaving no stone unturned with its sweeping tariffs around the globe, from rocky outcrops home to polar bears in the Arctic to tiny tropical islands to a former British penal colony whose leader is befuddled that it was targeted. The American president rattled markets, manufacturers and more Wednesday announcing a baseline of 10% tariffs on imports into the United States and far higher on goods from some places, notably those with high trade surpluses with the United States. A few countries like Russia, which is facing U.S. sanctions, and Canada and Mexico which face separate U.S. tariff measures were left off. The Holy See, for example, got a pass too from being listed among the dozens of countries and territories targeted by U.S. President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a look at some target territories that have little to no production, exports or role in the global economy. There was no immediate explanation as to why these places made the cut in a list presented on the White House-affiliated Rapid Response 47 account on the X social media platform. Jan Mayen This small Arctic island, possibly featuring more polar bears than people, figures among the more peculiar places on the U.S. target list. The only inhabitants on Jan Mayen, part of Norway since 1930, are staff of the Norwegian military and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. The island 600 kilometers (370 miles) northeast of Iceland is partly covered by glaciers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Norwegian military's main role there is to oversee Norways claim to sovereignty over the island, it flies C-130 Hercules cargo planes to Jan Mayen about a dozen times a year from Norway. The planes are able to land only if visibility is good as the airport doesnt have any instrument landing capabilities. Norways Foreign and Environment Ministries did not immediately reply to requests for comment Thursday from The Associated Press. Tokelau The nation made up of three tropical coral islands and home 1,500 people on a combined land area of 4 square miles (10 sq. km), is also facing 10% U.S. tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the smallest economies in the South Pacific, Tokelau survives on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and finance from New Zealand, which counts the islands as one of its territories. Roland Rajah, lead economist at the Lowy Institute, an Australian foreign policy think tank, said officials in small island nations would likely struggle to change Washingtons mind. If those countries didnt get much consideration in terms of what tariffs were imposed on them given their size and obscurity to the Trump administration, that also could make it difficult for them to do anything about negotiating their way out of those tariffs, he said. Christmas Island Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leader of Christmas Island, which has fewer that 2,000 people, said the Indian Ocean atoll exported nothing to the United States. Theres no trade between Christmas Island and America except that we do buy mining equipment through Tractors Singapore, said Christmas Island Shire President Gordon Thomson, referring to the regional dealer for the Texas manufacturing giant Caterpillar Inc. The Australian outpost located 360 kilometers (225 miles) south of the Indonesian capital Jakarta has used U.S. heavy machinery to mine phosphate for decades. The trade, if anything, is U.S. product into Christmas Island. The only thing that we export is phosphate and that goes to Malaysia, Indonesia, maybe Thailand and a bit to the Australian mainland, Thomson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heard and McDonald Islands The Heard and McDonald Islands in the remote Antarctic, which together form another Australian territory this one uninhabited is also on the list and subject to 10% tariffs. The mostly barren islands between Madagascar and Antarctica have two active volcanoes and can only be reached by sea. Contacted by the AP, the Australian governments Antarctic Division did not immediately respond when asked about how the tariff might affect its operations in the islands. Norfolk Island Norfolk Island in the Pacific, another Australian territory with a population of around 2,000 people, received more severe tariff treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration, in its calculation, said the former British penal colony charges the United States 58% tariffs and it responded with a tariff rate of 29% on Norfolk Island, whose economy revolves around tourism. It's about 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) east of Sydney. Norfolk Island Administrator George Plant, the Australian governments representative on the island, was looking into what was behind it. To my knowledge, we do not export anything to the United States, he told the AP. We dont charge tariffs on anything. I cant think of any non-tariff barriers that would be in place either, so were scratching our heads here. Speaking to reporters, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese quipped: Im not quite sure that Norfolk Island, with respect to it, is a trade competitor with the giant economy of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that just shows, I think, exemplifies, the fact that nowhere on Earth is exempt from this. ___ Keaten reported from Geneva. Charlotte Graham-McLay in Wellington, New Zealand, and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report. By Hannah Lang (Reuters) - Some influential cryptocurrency executives are making a last-minute pitch to Congress to allow interest to be paid on U.S. dollar-pegged tokens as part of popular legislation establishing a regulatory framework for stablecoins. That lobbying effort has been met with mixed reactions from lawmakers, and has also raised concerns from financial industry watchdogs who warn yield-bearing stablecoins could encourage consumers to move deposits into uninsured crypto accounts and out of the regulated banking system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a constant value, usually a 1:1 dollar peg, are commonly used by crypto traders to move funds between tokens. Their use has grown rapidly in recent years, and proponents say that they could be used to send payments instantly. But some crypto executives and lawmakers are divided as to whether stablecoins should be treated as equivalent to cash, or if they are more like deposits at banks and should be able to earn interest. "The government shouldn't put its thumb on the scale to benefit one industry over another," said Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong in a post on X this week. "Banks and crypto companies alike should both be allowed to, and incentivized to, share interest with consumers." Stablecoin issuers like Tether and Circle hold U.S. Treasuries and other cash equivalents to maintain a peg to the U.S. dollar. Those firms earn yield on those assets, but don't currently pass that on to token holders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Issuers already hold the assets. There's some yield on them, so it will make sense to allow them to also share that with the depositors," said Chen Arad, co-founder of Solidus Labs, a crypto compliance company. The push is coming to a head as Congress appears likely to pass a bill creating stablecoin rules for the first time. The House of Representatives and the Senate have both introduced bills to create a regulatory regime for stablecoins. The Senate Banking Committee advanced one measure last month, and the House Financial Services Committee approved another Wednesday. The House bill currently prohibits stablecoin issuers from paying interest. But the bill in the Senate is less specific, excluding interest on some types of stablecoins but not explicitly banning such a product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't view [stablecoins] the same way I would view a bank account, said Republican House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill on Monday. I hear the point of view, but I dont think that theres consensus. Dante Disparte, chief strategy officer and head of global policy at Circle, which issues the stablecoin USDC, said payment stablecoins are more akin to "regulated electronic money" than other financial products. "Our operating model since the beginning has been that any interest-bearing features on fully reserved, regulated payment stablecoins is a secondary market innovation," he said, suggesting that paying interest should be up to the venue where stablecoins are purchased, instead of an issuer like Circle. Still, several lawmakers remain flexible on allowing a provision in the final bill to allow for issuers to pay yield and proponents plan to keep pushing for it to be included in a final measure, according to a source familiar with the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That has raised alarm bells for some, particularly given the crypto industry's growing influence in Washington. The sector spent more than $119 million backing pro-crypto congressional candidates in last year's elections. Some experts warn opening the door to interest-paying crypto products could destabilize the banking system, as deposits provide critical funds to banks to engage in lending and other activities. "This is an existential threat to the banking industry, as well as to the financial system writ large," said Arthur Wilmarth, a professor emeritus of law at George Washington University, adding that taxpayers could ultimately be on the hook. President Donald Trump has sought to broadly overhaul U.S. cryptocurrency policies after courting cash from the industry during his presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bo Hines, who leads Trump's Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, said last month that the White House wants a stablecoin bill passed before August. Hines did not comment on whether stablecoin issuers should be allowed to pay interest. In a statement to the House Financial Services Committee, the American Bankers Association urged lawmakers against any provisions that would encourage money to be held in the form of stablecoins rather than bank deposits. "This concept is not a mere competitive concern; rather it poses significant risk to the fundamental role banks play in credit intermediation," the group said. If stablecoin issuers were permitted to pay interest, though, it could be positive for consumers, said Navin Gupta, CEO of blockchain analytics firm Crystal Intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Would there be financial instability? Maybe, but would there be a movement towards a better instrument that today responds to the consumer needs? That answer would also be yes," he said. (Reporting by Hannah Lang in New York; Editing by Nick Zieminski) Rachelle Wolf woke up Wednesday morning to the faint wail of sirens in Nevada, Missouri, and called her husband to alert him. He jokingly told me to run for cover because no tornadoes ever come to Nevada, she said with a laugh later on Wednesday, surrounded by debris shredded by a tornado that did just that. She opened a window, saw the sky getting darker and heard the noise before running to brace herself in the bathtub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, bam, she said. Everything fell on top of me. Officials have said it was indeed a tornado that rocked the Nevada Oaks apartments where Wolf was staying, along with a stretch of Vernon County about 100 miles south of Kansas City. The storm ripped up trees, damaged buildings and shattered glass as it roared through town Wednesday morning, leaving a substantial amount of damage in its wake, officials said. Rachelle Wolf, left, felt fortunate to be alive while she sat in the apartment where she lives in Nevada, Missouri, after it was heavily damaged by a tornado Wednesday, April, 2, 2025. Wolf survived by taking shelter in a bathtub. Wolfs friend, Cheyenne Coale, right, was at the room to help after the storm. A National Weather Service survey team found EF-1 tornado damage extending from southwest of Moundville to Nevada to northwest of Walker. Eight train cars were knocked over, widespread tree damage was recorded and homes were found with roof damage, a report from the weather service said. Numerous businesses had varying degrees of damage, the report said. The tornado path extended nearly 17 miles and had a width of 600 yards, the weather service said. Maximum wind speeds reached nearly 100 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the tornado passed, Wolf clambered out from under the rubble in shock and began to register the damage around her. Her friend Cheyenne Coale later helped her pick through the debris and salvage what items they could. Its just a mess, Wolf said. Gotta keep pushing on Nevada Fire Department Chief Taylor McKlintic said Wednesday afternoon the storm did significant damage to homes and businesses in town. One person was rescued from under a vehicle, and a couple people who were trapped under homes in Moundville also had to be rescued, he said. No one needed to be taken to a hospital, and no deaths have been reported, he said. Officials said earlier in the day that one person had been injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coale had been in line waiting to drop off her kids at school when the tornado sirens began sounding around 7:30 a.m. She abandoned that plan and cut across the parking lot seeking shelter. I probably looked like a madwoman, she said. Cheyenne Coale studied the damage to the area surrounding The Oaks student housing center after a tornado tore through Nevada, Missouri, Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025. Im grateful that none of my stuff got damaged, she said. Me and my kids are OK. I just got a new apartment yesterday. These things happen, you just gotta keep pushing on. Riley Worthen, who is a little more than three weeks into studies at the Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada, walked around his living space at Nevada Oaks assessing the damage Wednesday. He believes the roof was just seconds from blowing off, a bathroom wall that protected him was pushed out by a couple inches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are wood fragments here from an office a couple hundred yards away, shattered glass there. The scene was baffling. Me and two buddies literally just cuddled up in the bathtub and just prayed, he said. We didnt know what was going on, we didnt have no idea how we were going to react. CURRITUCK, N.C. (WAVY) A registered nurse anesthetist and practitioner in Currituck County recently arrested on a forcible rape charge faces additional charges. Currituck Co. man arrested on forcible rape charge On Feb. 27, Paul Pellini, 54, was arrested and charged with one count of second-degree forcible rape after a magistrates order alleging that he unlawfully, willfully and feloniously did carnally know and abuse someone who was physically helpless at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only On 10: Lawsuit pending for Currituck County anesthetist accused of rape According to new court documents, Pellini, who is currently being held on a $2 million bond, has been named in several additional indictments, one of which includes charges of the sexual exploitation of a minor. The documents allege that Pellini committed the crimes while the victims, who are said to have been patients of Pellini, were incapacitated at the time. The offenses were said to have happened between Aug. 18, 2024 and Feb. 11. Pellini now faces an additional three charges of second-degree forcible rape, three charges of sexual penetration under pretext of medical treatment and one count of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its now four patients who have accused Pellini, who operated Outer Banks Wellness and Pain Management, of engaging in sexual intercourse while they were mentally incapacitated and physically helpless. Attorney Kevin Biniazin, who represents one of the alleged victims, known in the grand jury indictment as TP. He wants Pellini, and those who knew what he was doing, to be held accountable. Court documents allege that Pellini forcibly raped TP under the pretext of medical treatment. And from our perspective, weve learned that Hampton Roads has truly been a breeding ground where Pellini has attempted to create connections and relationships that he could then draw on, whether it was from his Williamsburg location when that was active, or in Moyock where a lot of these indictments are now coming and he could force, Biniazin said. It is unfathomable to imagine, or to even think, that somebody would incapacitate, put somebody under anesthesia, and then commit these crimes. Its something that none of us want to believe is true. Biniazins client, along with two others, identified as MP and MC, who was 16-years-old at the time, make four victims, according to court documents, joining the first victim, known as PJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biniazan said, however, that he is aware of three others said to be victims, which would bring the total to seven. The grand jury found Pellini did engage in sexual intercourse while the victims were mentally incapacitated and physically helpless. While he may have been acting alone in sexually abusing and assaulting these women, he was not acting without the knowledge and understanding of other persons who were likely aware of his wrongdoing. Pellini had still been listed on the Old Dominion University website, and the university confirmed he was employed there between June and August 30, 2024. One of the offense dates was August 18, 2024, while Pellini was employed at ODU. After we contacted ODU, they took down Pellinis email contact from the website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Czechia's initiative to provide Ukraine with artillery ammunition has secured funding to continue monthly deliveries until September 2025, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said on April 3, Ukrainian publication European Pravda reported. The initiative, backed by contributions from Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and other European countries, has significantly boosted Ukraine's artillery capabilities, Lipavsky claimed. The minister said the effort had reduced the effectiveness of Russian artillery "by 500%" and improved the shell ratio from 1-to-10 in Russia's favor to 1-to-2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claim. In 2024, the Czech initiative supplied Ukraine with 1.5 million rounds of ammunition, including 500,000 large-caliber 155mm and 152mm shells. The initiative was launched amid Ukrainian shell shortages, largely caused by delays in U.S. military aid in 2024. Czechia's opposition party ANO has vowed to suspend the initiative if it wins the parliamentary elections in October 2025, opposition leader Karel Havlicek said in January. "We're not going to continue the munitions initiative. Not at all," he told the Czech media Respekt. Prague has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, supplying military aid, leading EU efforts to secure weapons, and hosting tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Czech President Petr Pavel said on March 22 that the country was also ready to contribute troops to a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Read also: Denmark unveils new aid for Ukraine worth almost $1 billion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Czechia has confirmed that Ukraine will receive guaranteed monthly ammunition deliveries until the autumn of 2025 through a Czech-led initiative enabling partner countries to jointly finance arms purchases on global markets. Source: Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, as reported by European Pravda Details: Lipavsky stated that the Czech initiative now has sufficient funding to supply ammunition to Ukraine on a monthly basis until September. He revealed that when it comes to the Czech initiative, the key point is that the financing is now secured and the initiative has enough resources to provide Ukraine with ammunition every month until September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foreign minister stressed that this was made possible through contributions from Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and Denmark. Lipavsky noted that the initiative had reduced the effectiveness of Russian artillery by 500%. He explained that the ammunition ratio between the Ukrainian and Russian forces had improved from 1:10 to 1:2, calling it a crucial development. He also highlighted that Czech industry delivered 1.5 million shells to Ukraine in 2024, including half a million large-calibre 155 mm and 152 mm rounds. Concluding, Lipavsky stated that this material must be delivered to Ukraine so it can defend itself against Putins imperial war of aggression. Background: Czechia is also a member of the drone coalition for Ukraine. Czech President Petr Pavel recently stated that his country is ready to take part in an international mission to send troops to Ukraine in the event of a potential peace deal. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editors note: This story talks about suicide and may be sensitive for some viewers/readers. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The Sedgwick County district attorney has decided not to pursue criminal charges against a Wichita police officer who shot and killed a man in December 2023. District Attorney Marc Bennett said the evidence shows 50-year-old Daniel Stowe raised his gun and was pointing it at another officer, so the officer felt she had to shoot to protect that officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting happened the afternoon of Dec. 3, 2023, after a woman requested police respond to a domestic disturbance involving Stowe in the 4200 block of E. Gilbert Street. Police were advised that he was known to carry guns. Motorcycle clocked at 102 mph on Rock Road near school bus At the scene, one officer went inside the home to talk to the woman. Other officers stayed outside to talk to Stowe, who was in the street in front of the house. The officer inside the home learned that Stowe had sent potentially suicidal texts to the woman. That officer told the officers in the street to pat Stowe down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office says the officers tried, but Stowe was not compliant. Investigators say Stowe put his right hand on his right hip, and an officer drew his gun. The district attorneys report includes some of the exchange between Stowe and the officers: Stowe: Im not going home today. Officer: Dont do this. Stowe: Were gonna do this. Stowe: On the count of three, Im going to grab my gun. Stowe: Im not going to shoot either one of you. You all just take a shot at me. Officer: No, dont do that. Stowe: Were gonna do it. Take your pick. The report says Stowe turned to one of the officers and said, Ill let you take it first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officer: Nope. No sir, dont do it, sir. Stowe: 1, 2, 3. The report says Stowe pulled his handgun. Officer: Do not reach for your gun! Officer: Dont. Do not. Officer: Daniel, dont make us do this. The district attorney says Stowe pointed the gun at one of the officers in the street. The officer who had been in the house was now outside and fired her weapon four times at Stowe, hitting him once. Stowe fell, and officers called for EMS. This image is from a WPD Axon camera while officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call in the 4200 block of E. Gilbert, Dec. 3, 2023. (Courtesy Wichita Police Department) This image is from a WPD Axon camera while officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call in the 4200 block of E. Gilbert, Dec. 3, 2023. (Courtesy Wichita Police Department) This image is from a WPD Axon camera while officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call in the 4200 block of E. Gilbert, Dec. 3, 2023. (Courtesy Wichita Police Department) This image is from a WPD Axon camera while officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call in the 4200 block of E. Gilbert, Dec. 3, 2023. (Courtesy Wichita Police Department) The officers had been at the address for only five minutes. Stowe was rushed to the hospital, but died a short time later. According to the district attorneys report, investigators later confirmed that Stowe had sent messages to the person in the house indicating he intended to act in a manner that would cause officers to shoot him and end his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Kansas law and the facts of the case, I conclude that no criminal charges will be filed against the Wichita Police Officer, Bennett said in his report. If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available any time of day or night. Just call 988. To learn more about the NAMI Peer-to-Peer program and other resources in our community, 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 KSN-TV. CLEVELAND (WJW) A Richland County school district infringed on a students right to free speech by punishing him for repeatedly wearing a T-shirt to school that reads Lets Go Brandon, alleges a new federal civil rights lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in Ohios Northern District federal court by Richard Conrad Jr. on behalf of his son, a student at Madison Middle School in Mansfield, alleges violations of the boys First Amendment right to free speech and the Fourteenth Amendment right to due process. Shaker Heights Public Library to research long-term safety solutions after fatal shooting of teenager Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It names as defendants the Madison Local School District, each of its five board of education members, the middle schools principal and a teacher, and seeks an injunction to stop their custom of treating free speech as a punishable offense. The first incident happened in November. The boy wore the T-shirt beneath a flannel shirt in a hallway before class had started, according to the complaint. A teacher whom the complaint identifies as a registered Democrat made the boy button up the shirt to cover the message, telling him, I know what that means. The phrase Lets Go Brandon became a right-wing meme in 2021, and refers to a profane denouncement of former President Joe Biden. Conrads lawsuit claims the phrase is a popular expression of certain peoples opinion toward the American media and politics and isnt vulgar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police shoot man with meat cleaver suspected of stabbing 4 girls at Brooklyn home The boy later took off his over-shirt to cool off, before attending the aforementioned teachers class, according to the complaint. When the teacher saw the shirt again, she issued the boy a pink slip, referring him to the principal for discipline. The school districts 2024-25 student handbook states clothing with obscene, violent or suggestive language or images is considered non-appropriate dress, though it notes the schools principal has the final say on appropriate attire. Students who violate the dress code are allowed to call their parents to have them bring them new clothes to school, according to the handbook. They cant return to class until theyre wearing proper clothes, and their absence is unexcused. Subsequent violations may result in additional consequences, the handbook reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The principal demanded that the boy wear the over-shirt for the rest of the day and to never again wear an item communicating the content of this speech, reads the complaint. When the boy wore the shirt to school again in January, the teacher named in the complaint pulled him aside and asked, Do you like offending people? Town adds squiggly lines to problematic road to stop speeding Thats not my problem, nobody has to read my shirt, the boy replied, according to the complaint. The principal later met with Conrad and his son. The principal said the phrase is code for a vulgar expression. But Conrad said thats not how he interprets it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the boy wore the shirt again on March 24, the principal gave him detention. The school sent an email to Conrad regarding the boys repeated violations of the student code of conduct, which is set by the board of education. The complaint alleges the code is unconstitutionally vague and gives individual employees too much discretion in enforcing it. It also cites a 1969 U.S. Supreme Court case related to black armbands students wore while protesting the Vietnam War, which held that students dont lose their First Amendment rights when on school property. The ruling required school administrators to determine the speech would interfere with school operations, according to the complaint. 22,600 lbs of bratwurst recalled in 10 states over possible plastic contamination Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madison Local School District Superintendent Robert Peterson said the district became aware of the lawsuit on Wednesday. He declined to comment on the lawsuit on Thursday, as its being actively litigated. School officials have been issued summonses, court records show. No future court dates have been set. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. AUCKLAND, New Zealand, April 3 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand regions were warned against heavy rain and strong winds, caused by "the largest weather system" so far this year, for Thursday afternoon and Friday, the national weather authority MetService said. "A complex trough accompanied by a strong moist northerly flow moves east across the country Thursday afternoon and Friday. This system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, with the heaviest rain expected to affect northern parts of the South Island. This could be a significant rain event for the Tasman/Nelson districts, and there is a chance that warnings in the area could be upgraded to Red," said MetService in its severe weather warning. It has been a wet 18 hours across much of the country, and MetService was forecasting further heavy rain as a widespread weather system moves through. The top of the South Island is in line for the highest rainfall accumulations. After a wet night, the heaviest rainfall is still to come from Thursday afternoon and may lead to surface flooding, slips, and hazardous road conditions. Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are in place there until midday Friday. Other parts of South Island and most parts of North Island are also under an Orange Warning. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said, "The warning areas are forecast to see around a month's worth of rain in about a day, so expect rivers to rise rapidly, and surface flooding may cause disruption." The main rain band is expected to extend into the North Island from late Thursday into Friday, bringing large amounts of rain to northern and western regions. The heaviest rain is expected overnight in Northland and Friday morning around commute time for Auckland, extending to other areas throughout the day. In addition to heavy rain, strong winds are set to impact parts of the North Island. It was said that the strongest winds are expected in part of the North Island. "This is the largest weather system we've seen so far this year. It will definitely pay to keep a close eye for updates over the next day or so," Makgabutlane said. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Thursday on the Daily 8, were looking at a juice recall in Michigan, an Eastown business offering a trip to Italy, video of falling ice on the Mackinac Bridge and more. You can watch the full Daily 8 for April 3, 2025, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each weekday, the Daily 8 brings you the top eight stories we are keeping an eye on in and around West Michigan. Join us again on Friday for the Daily 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A man was ordered to serve over a decade in prison for abusing his infant daughter in December 2023, the Montgomery County States Attorneys Office announced Wednesday. At about 3 a.m. on Dec. 29, 2023, officials learned that a five-month-old girl was being transported from Shady Grove Hospital to Childrens National Medical Center with unexplained injuries, according to court documents. She was with her father, 26-year-old Oliver Hernandez Caballero, and had skull fractures, a brain hemorrhage, rib fractures and bruising to her body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials later learned she was also suffering from multiple lacerations to her liver and other abdominal injuries. Damascus man charged with child abuse of 5-month-old baby in Montgomery County Medical staff at Shady Grove said the injuries were all at different stages of healing, but that the brain hemorrhage was causing the infant to have trouble breathing and possible seizures. While at Childrens National, Child Protective Services (CPS) met with Hernandez Caballero, who outlined the events leading up to their visit to the hospital. According to court documents, he was at home with his daughter in the 26300 block of Woodfield Road in Damascus at around 9 p.m. on Dec. 28. He tried feeding her and noticed she was having trouble breathing and drinking from her bottle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hernandez Caballero called his daughters mother, who told him to call 911. While speaking to investigators with the Special Victims Investigations Division on Jan. 5, 2024, Hernandez Caballero admitted he shook and punched the five-month-old in the hours leading up to his call for an ambulance. He said he noticed she had trouble breathing after one of the times he punched her in the stomach. He told authorities this was not the first time he had shaken or punched her in the stomach. Though his daughter survived, she was hospitalized for a month with seizure activity, the States Attorneys Office noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hernandez Caballero was charged with first-degree child abuse and convicted by a jury in February 2025. On April 1, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with all but 14 years suspended. He will also undergo five years of supervised probation upon his release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. TOPEKA (KSNT) Dana Chandler is set to be sentenced this summer in Topeka after she was found guilty earlier this year for the deaths of two people in 2002. 27 News reached out to Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay who confirmed that Chandler will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3. She was found guilty in a double-murder trial on March 7 in Pottawatomie County. Chandler was accused of killing her ex-husband Mike Sisco and his fiance Karen Harkness in 2002. The couple were killed by gunfire in their bed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chandler was originally arrested in 2011 and convicted in 2012, receiving a life sentence. However, the Kansas Supreme Court later overturned the verdict after it was found the prosecutor in the case lied to the jury. A jury failed to reach a verdict on the case in 2022 during a second trial. 18-year-old sentenced to 18 years in prison for shooting death of Topeka teen A Shawnee County judge recently appointed a criminal defense attorney for Chandler in March as she works to appeal her recent murder convictions. For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The prime minister of Denmark questioned the future of her countrys relationship with the U.S. on Thursday, as President Donald Trump teases drastic measures to take over Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed hope that the two NATO member countries decadeslong partnership would continue long into the future. But she said the stability of the alliance has been deeply shaken. When you demand to take over a part of the Kingdom of Denmarks territory, when we are met by pressure and by threats from our closest ally, what are we to believe in about the country that we have admired for so many years? Frederiksen said Thursday at a press conference in Greenland, alongside Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the semi-autonomous islands prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since his first term, Trump has repeatedly mused about acquiring the territory, home to 56,000 residents but prized by the president for its mineral reserves and strategic position in the Arctic. But since his November reelection, Trump has become increasingly aggressive in his desire to control the island, declining to rule out the use of force to do so. We have to have it, Trump told radio host Vince Coglianese in an interview last week. Last Friday, a White House delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and national security adviser Mike Waltz visited a U.S. Space Force base on the island much to the chagrin of local lawmakers. Only the U.S., Vance claimed, would respect Greenlands sovereignty and security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cannot annex another country, Frederiksen countered on Thursday. Not even with an argument about international security. The president believes Greenland is a strategically important location, and is confident Greenlanders would be better served if protected by the United States from modern threats in the Arctic region," Anna Kelly, deputy White House press secretary, said in a statement when asked about the remarks. "President Trump is committed to establishing long-term peace at home and abroad. Nielsen, Greenlands newly-elected prime minister, has also rebuffed White House overtures, saying we do not belong to others. Just six percent of the islands residents aspire to join the U.S., according to a January poll. This is not only about Greenland or Denmark, Frederiksen said Thursday. This is about the world order that we have built together across the Atlantic over the generations. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) As Ohio lawmakers are considering increasing funds for school vouchers, state data shows the education voucher programs largely underserve rural counties. As they set Ohios biennial budget, lawmakers are weighing how to fund public schools and the EdChoice voucher program, which provides state-funded scholarships to attend private schools. In the last budget cycle, the General Assembly expanded EdChoice so that any student, regardless of income, could be eligible for at least a partial voucher. Now state data shows location, rather than income, is the largest barrier to voucher participation. All but five of Ohios 88 counties are more than 50% rural, and more than 50 counties have a rural area that covers more than 95% of their area. NBC4 analyzed the states list of nonpublic schools that accept EdChoice vouchers and found rural counties have few opportunities to opt into the EdChoice program. See previous coverage of Ohios vouchers in the video player above. Ten Ohio counties have no voucher-eligible schools whatsoever, and 70% of counties have fewer than five voucher schools. These numbers account for all schools regardless of grade level, so counties may only be able to attend EdChoice-applicable schools for some grade levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susan Kaeser, testifying regarding Ohios budget on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Ohio, researched public school education in Ohio. She found between 90%-100% of students in 75 of Ohios counties attend public school, including all but two counties with fewer than 10,000 public school children. The distribution of nonpublic schools in Ohio today confirms that they were right, Kaeser said. Public schools are the only education that is universally accessible. Ohio lawmakers ponder if this is the right effort for property tax relief Voucher advocates say the lack of access in rural counties should lead to voucher increases, not decreases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there are gaps in places where education alternatives are not present, the state should embrace policies to increase supply, Donovan ONeil, state director for Ohios branch of Americans For Prosperity, said. There is a lack of supply of schools that accept these dollars, especially in rural communities. Maybe the numbers arent capturing lower-income families in rural areas simply because the option is not available. Kaeser found 47 counties have more than 95% of students attending public school. She said private and charter schools are concentrated between just six counties. NBC4 found 54% of all 610 voucher-eligible schools are located in those six counties: Franklin, Cuyahoga, Lucas, Summit, Montgomery and Hamilton. The Ohio House released its version of the state budget on Tuesday for Senate consideration, and public school districts say it will drastically cut their funding while raising appropriations for the EdChoice program. Democrats and education groups condemned the Houses budget draft. While Rep. Stewart claims that the state cant afford full and fair school funding, the House budget proposal would direct more public dollars toward a new voucher for non-chartered, private schools which follow practically no state guidelines on student safety or academics, the All in for Ohio Kids Coalition said about the Houses budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, school choice advocates said this budget will support parent choice in education through the voucher system. The budget now enters Senate committee hearings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In this handout photo provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, two federal law enforcement officers coordinate with other officials on the ground during an enhanced immigration enforcement operation on February 4, 2025 near Washington, D.C. (Photo by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images) Dauphin County Board Chairman Justin Douglas says the Trump administration Wednesday should end the deportation of Bhutanese residents. Since President Donald Trump took office, Dauphin County officials say as many as 18 Bhutanese residents who legally immigrated to the U.S. as refugees may have been deported back to the country where many fled ethnic cleansing. Alyson Wert, a spokesperson for Douglas, said three lived in the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We owe it to these individuals and to the promise weve made as a nation committed to protecting the vulnerable, Douglas said at a Dauphin County Commission meeting on Wednesday. We have a moral and legal obligation not to return refugees to a country that once ethnically cleansed them. Some may say this is political, but for me its about people. Its about my constituents. As of April 1, at least four of the deportees appear to have been arrested in Nepal while attempting to contact family members in refugee camps there. Fourteen were unaccounted for, at this point. Douglas said at least nine other Bhutanese Pennsylvanians have been detained. Central Pennsylvania is home to the largest population of Bhutanese Nepali refugees in the country. In the last decades, tens of thousands of them were welcomed into the U.S. as refugees following ethnic cleansing of Nepalese-speaking minorities in Bhutan. Many settled around Harrisburg which has a Bhutanese Nepali population estimated in the tens of thousands. All of the Bhutanese residents detained or deported by ICE appear to be men, and at least some had criminal charges that Douglas and family members describe as minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the impact of the arrests has reverberated across the Bhutanese community. The community right now is living in uncertainty, unsure of who might be targeted next, Douglas said. Yes, these individuals may have minor criminal histories, which enabled ICE to attempt to remove them from the United States. But that is no reason to rip them away from their wives, children, brothers, sisters and community. The detentions have caught the attention of Pennsylvania lawmakers at both the state and federal level. Democratic state lawmakers representing Dauphin County in Harrisburg have spoken out against the arrests. On March 29, U.S. Congressman Scott Perry (R-Dauphin), a supporter of Trumps hardline immigration policies generally, said on social media that he met with Bhutanese community members in Harrisburg. A spokesperson for ICE did not immediately respond to a request for more details on the deportations and arrests. DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Dauphin County Commissioner is under investigation for another crash in his county-owned vehicle Wednesday morning and was not at a public event he claimed to have attended that same morning. The Attorney Generals Office is handling the investigation into George Hartwick crashing his 2023 Ford Explorer, in the county parking garage, multiple county officials confirmed Wednesday. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania County officials then reportedly tried to take Hartwick for drug and alcohol testing, and law enforcement was contacted to investigate, Dauphin County Chief Clerk Eric Hagarty wrote in a statement. Following this mornings Board of Commissioners meeting, we became aware of an apparent vehicle accident in the garage of the County Administration Building, Hagarty wrote. We can confirm that the vehicle in question was Commissioner Hartwicks County-assigned vehicle, and that he was the driver. The standard procedure in a case such as this involving a County vehicle would be for the individual in question to be taken for drug and alcohol screening and to make a referral to the Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division. We have attempted to initiate both of those steps. As this matter is still under investigation, we cannot provide additional comment at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSP: Camp Hill police officer, constable charged with trespassing Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo confirmed the states Attorney Generals Office is handling the case. When reached by email, a spokesperson for the AGs Office wrote they can confirm we received the referral. Since 2014, this is reportedly Hartwicks fourth crash in a county-owned vehicle, county officials said. The crash happened around the time a public meeting was going on that Hartwick was late to. Hartwick entered Wednesdays meeting saying he had been at an event near the capitol planting blue flags for victims of child abuse, however, organizers say he was not there. Pa Family Support Alliance invited all three Dauphin County commissioners to yesterdays flag planting event at the Capitol. Commissioner Hartwick replied that he would attend and was expected to offer remarks and to present a county proclamation recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month. No PFSA staff saw the commissioner at the flag planting or our Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids Awards ceremony. PFSA spokesperson Hartwick is in his sixth term as a County Commissioner and previously served as Chair before being ousted earlier this year. At 24 years old, he was elected Mayor of Steelton, where he served two terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Dauphin County woman was charged with murder after allegedly selling the drugs that led to a mans overdose death on Christmas Eve in Cumberland County, court documents state. Samantha Pack, 30, of Elizabethville, faces multiple charges, including murder of the third degree, for a mans deadly overdose in his apartment above Visaggios restaurant in Enola on Dec. 24, according to a criminal complaint. Mugshot of Samantha Pack from Cumberland County Prison DCNR Falcon Cam to feature live hatching in Harrisburg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pack was with him when he was overdosing, and instead of calling 911, which would have been an attempt to save his life, she left him to die, Silver Spring Township Police said in the criminal complaint. Further, Samantha Pack admits and describes Ronald Martin Jr. as being in an overdose state to this investigator, as well as other friends, the charging officer wrote in the complaint. However, Pack, knowing that, provides no medical care, and furthermore does not call 911. She, however instead leaves his motel room while he is inside experiencing a drug overdose. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts According to police, they were alerted about the fatal overdose after the restaurant owner found Martins body in the apartment located along Wertzville Road. Police said Martin was an employee of Visaggios, and the owners went to check on him after he did not show up for work and no one could get ahold of him. Baggies and other drug paraphernalia were found inside the apartment, according to the complaint. Pack was spotted on surveillance video entering the victims apartment with him and coming and going from the room multiple times before leaving. However, the victim was never seen leaving his room after he entered with Pack, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSP: Camp Hill police officer, constable charged with trespassing The complaint shows Pack was located and questioned her about the victims overdose. Police say Pack admitted to giving the victim drugs and found him passed out on his bed. She tried to roll him over, then took his phone and left, not calling 911 because she didnt want him to get fired. Police were told about a phone call Pack made while she was in the room with Martin, and how she could be heard crying and yelling his name. The coroners report shows that Martins cause of death was from multiple drugs, including Xylazine, also known as Tranq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pack also faces felony charges of drug delivery resulting in death, criminal use of a communication facility, and manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver or manufacture. She also faces misdemeanor charges of involuntary manslaughter, theft, receiving stolen property, tampering with/fabricating evidence and additional drug charges. She is locked up in Cumberland County Prison with her bail denied after being arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Kathryn Silcox. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 10. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A Davenport man is in the Scott County Jail after police say he tried to cash a forged check. Jimmie Anderson (Scott County Jail) According to the criminal complaint, the defendant, identified as Jimmie Anderson, 29, knowingly went to the DuTrac Community Credit Union in Eldridge to cash a forged check on the victims account. The check was written out to pay to the order of Anderson in the amount of $2,860. Anderson allegedly signed the back of the check when he tried to cash the check and gave his Illinois ID card to the bank employee during the attempted transaction. The credit union gave the Eldridge Police Department the check for evidence. Anderson was arrested on April 2 and charged with felony forgery and felony second-degree theft. He is being held in the Scott County Jail on a secured $10,000 and is waiting on an initial court appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The latest search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been suspended, according to Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. The suspension was temporary and was due to unsuitable weather conditions with the effort by exploration firm Ocean Infinity expected to resume later this year, he said in a recording released on Thursday. "They have stopped the operation for the time being. They will resume the search at the end of this year," he said. It was reported earlier that the Malaysian government had approved the terms and conditions of a service agreement on a "no find, no fee" basis. The Malaysian government will only be required to pay Ocean Infinity if the wreckage is discovered, with a success fee of 70 million U.S. dollars. The disappearance of MH370 was a tragic accident that occurred on March 8, 2014, when the plane, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, China, vanished from radar screens with all 239 people on board. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. has shared a response to the Ohio House Finance Committees state budget proposal on Thursday, April 3. The proposal would affect the Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF). Sub. House Bill 96 can be read in its entirety here. The Ohio Housing Trust Fund is a critical resource that helps communities like Dayton address housing affordability and homelessness, said Mayor Mims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued by explaining how the fund has been used in previous years. Mims said the loss of funding would jeopardize Daytons most vulnerable. From 2022 to 24, Dayton/Montgomery County received $3.5 million in OHTF support. The House Finance Committees proposed budget for 2025 to 27 would effectively eliminate this vital program, jeopardizing efforts to expand affordable housing and support for our most vulnerable residents, said Mims. I urge Ohio House members to maintain support for this vital resource for Ohios communities, said Mims. Speaker of the Ohio House Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and House Finance Chair Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) spoke on Tuesday, April 1, about the fiscally conservative budget proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This proposed budget tackles the issues that matter most to Ohioans, said Speaker Huffman. From supporting our schools and strengthening our workforce, to providing property tax relief and revitalizing Ohio communities, this budget delivers real solutions for our state. To learn more about the Ohio House representatives, visit here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced on Thursday the launch of a new unit tailored to respond to crimes involving young people. The Juvenile Investigative Response Unit (JIRU) is an initiative designed to respond more effectively to youth-involved crime, the Mayors Office stated. Its goal is to provide at-risk youth with alternatives to crime, while also ensuring that repeat offenders are held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference Thursday, MPD Chief Pamela Smith said there has been an increase in fights in school, as well as an increase in juveniles as suspects in crimes across D.C. New food bank pop-ups coming to DMV for federal workers affected by sweeping layoffs JIRU will focus on strengthening the polices outreach to young people and bringing youth investigations under one unit, with a goal to break cycles of recidivism and prevent offenses. There is nothing more important to me than the safety and well-being of our youth, Smith stated. Our goal is to prevent offenses and disrupt the cycle that often leads young people into a life of crime, ensuring a brighter future for our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unit will work with DC Public Schools, the Child and Family Services Agency, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services and other District-wide agencies to ensure a comprehensive, whole-government approach. JIRU itself will operate within the police departments Youth and Family Engagement Division, with three core missions: Expanding outreach to young people already in the criminal justice system to prevent repeat offenses. Investigating violent offenses involving juvenile offenders. Identifying and apprehending youth with outstanding custody orders. Smith added that success will be measured by tracking recidivism rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A man was indicted Wednesday on multiple child cruelty charges after allegedly pushing a 2-year-old down an escalator in 2023, according to the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia (USAO). The USAO says William Woodson, 26, of Southeast Washington, D.C., was indicted by a D.C. Superior Court grand jury on first-degree child cruelty, assault with significant bodily injury against a minor, and another felony charge from conduct directed at a separate adult. Senate staffer arrested for carrying gun on Capitol Grounds, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, the charges stem from an allegation that Woodson kicked a strangers two-year-old child down the escalator at the Mount Vernon Square metro station. Court documents say on July 24, 2023, around 11:20 a.m., the childs mother was walking down the escalator when Woodson came up behind them and kicked the two-year-old down the escalator, where the child hit his head and face. The USAO says Woodson did not previously interact with the woman or child before the incident. Medics noted the child was bleeding from his head and determined he needed to go to the hospital. Court documents say the child was in the hospital for twelve hours before being diagnosed with a mild concussion and sent home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents say the victims mother followed Woodson out of the metro station and called 911, providing law enforcement with information. Woodson remains in custody while his case is pending. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced Wednesday that a second arrest has been made in connection to a murder that happened in 1992. MPD said that on March 31, 1992, Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) officers found a man who was unconscious in Hyattsville, Md. He displayed no signs consistent with life and stayed there until he was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which determined the mans cause of death to be strangulation, multiple stab and cut wounds and blunt force trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was deemed a homicide, and investigators identified the man as 19-year-old Ricardo Burbano of Falls Church, Va. Damascus man to spend over 10 years in prison for abusing 5-month-old daughter Investigators later learned that the murder happened inside a home in the 100 block of Q St. NW one day earlier. In 2022, MPD officers charged a 47-year-old man from Florida for the murder. On Tuesday, MPD arrested a second suspect, 54-year-old Tyrone Long of Northwest, and charged him with first-degree murder. Police said that the case is still under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, issued an urgent alert about dengue fever, a painful and sometimes deadly mosquito-borne illness common in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Some 3,500 travelers from the United States contracted dengue abroad in 2024, according to the CDC, an 84 percent increase over 2023. This trend is expected to continue, the agency said, noting that Florida, California, and New York, in that order, are likely to see the biggest surges this year. On Thursday, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency put out a similar warning, noting that there were 900 cases of travel-related dengue in the U.K. in 2024, almost 300 more infections than the preceding year. The two reports relayed a similar array of statistics about dengue, its symptoms, and rising caseloads. But the U.K. Health Security Agency included a crucial piece of information that the CDC omitted: It noted why cases are breaking records. The rise is driven by climate change, rising temperatures, and flooding, it said. In the past, the CDC has readily acknowledged the role climate change plays in the transmission of dengue fever but the political conditions that influence scientific research and federal public health communications in the U.S. have undergone seismic shifts in the months since President Donald Trump took office. The new administration has purged federal agency websites of mentions of equity and climate change and sought to dismantle the scientific infrastructure that agencies like the CDC use to understand and respond to a range of health risks including those posed by global warming. Workers from the Florida Keys' mosquito-control department dressed in white protective gear pour a chemical into a red funnel. Last week, ProPublica reported that the National Institutes of Health, or NIH the largest source of funding for medical research in the world will shut down all future funding opportunities for climate and health research. It remains to be seen whether ongoing grants for research at this intersection will be allowed to continue. A few days later, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his agency plans to cull 10,000 people from its workforce, including new cuts at the CDC, an agency that was established in 1946 in order to prevent a different mosquito-borne illness, malaria, from spreading across the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taken together, the suite of directives will prevent the U.S. and other nations whose scientists rely on NIH funding from preparing for and responding to dengue fever at the exact moment when climate change is causing cases of the disease to skyrocket. The abrupt subversion of the personnel and institutions tasked with responding to a threat like dengue bodes poorly for future health crises as climate change causes carriers of disease like mosquitoes, fungi, and ticks to expand their historical ranges and infiltrate new zones. The disease pressure in the last couple of years is very dramatic and its going in one direction up, said Scott ONeill, founder of the World Mosquito Program, a nonprofit organization that infects mosquitoes with a naturally occurring bacteria to fight disease in 14 countries. For example, Brazil the country that consistently registers the highest number of dengue cases recorded a historic 10 million cases last year. The country reported 1.7 million cases in 2023. The two types of mosquitoes that most often infect humans with dengue, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, thrive in the warm, moist conditions made more prevalent by rising atmospheric temperatures caused by fossil fuel combustion. The vast majority of annual dengue cases are asymptomatic, but about 25 percent of people infected, depending on the population, develop symptoms like fever, headache, and joint pain. A small percentage of those cases result in severe sickness, hospitalization, and even death. The number of severe dengue infections corresponds roughly to the size of the pool of people infected every year. In 2023, when there were 6 million total dengue infections, 6,000 people died. In 2024, a year when there were more than 13 million cases registered globally, over 8,000 people died. Dengue patients, protected under mosquito nets, receiving treatment in Bangladesh. There is no cure for dengue. Patients in wealthier countries generally fare better than patients in developing regions with limited access to medical interventions like blood transfusions and places where waves of dengue patients overwhelm already-strained healthcare systems. Two dengue vaccines are available in some countries, but both have serious limitations in terms of efficacy and how long they confer immunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NIH began taking climate change and health research seriously in 2021, and the institutes have funded dozens of studies that probe every aspect of the climate-dengue connection since. NIH-funded researchers have sought to understand how warmer temperatures shift the geographic ranges of Aedes mosquitoes, which factors predict dengue outbreaks, and how communities can protect themselves from dengue following extreme weather events. These studies have taken place in the southeastern U.S., where dengue is becoming more prevalent, and internationally, in countries like Peru and Brazil, where dengue is a near-constant threat. The NIH has also funded studies that bring the world closer to finding medical and technological interventions: more effective vaccines and genetically engineered mosquitoes that cant develop dengue, among other solutions. Disease doesnt have national borders, said an American vector biologist who has received funding from the NIH in the past. She asked not to have her name or affiliated academic institution mentioned in this story out of fear of reprisal from the Trump administration. Im worried that if were not studying it, were just going to watch it continue to happen and we wont be prepared. Americans arent just bringing cases of dengue fever home with them from trips abroad; the disease is also spreading locally with more intensity in warmer regions of the country and its territories. Last March, Puerto Rico declared a public health emergency amid an explosion of cases on the island. By the end of 2024, Puerto Rico registered over 6,000 cases passing the threshold at which an outbreak officially becomes an epidemic. More than half of the known infections led to hospitalization. Close to 1,000 cases have been reported there so far this year, a 113 percent increase over the same period in 2024. California and Florida reported 18 and 91 locally-acquired cases of dengue, respectively, last year. California registered its first-ever locally-acquired case of dengue in 2023. A health worker fumigating against dengue on July 28, 2023, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Dengue is already found in many places in the U.S. that have never seen this disease before, said Renzo Guinto, a physician and head of the Planetary Health Initiative at the Duke-NUS medical school in Singapore. To combat this emerging climate-related health threat, U.S. scientists must collaborate with others working in dengue overseas. With no resources and capacity, how can such collaboration occur? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are limited non-government sources of funding for climate and health research. The money that is available to American researchers is primarily offered by private foundations like the Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. The grants these philanthropies offer annually pale in comparison to the $40 million Congress made available annually through the NIH for climate and health research in the two years before Trump took office. Researchers will be forced to compete for a small pool of funding in the coming years, which will likely lead to fewer studies and less innovation in the years to come. The end result will be that much less of this work would be done we would all tell you to the detriment of Americans long term, said the vector biologist. As dengue spreads with more intensity in the countries where it is already common and slips across borders into zones like North America where the disease is still comparatively rare, its clear countries need to expand their arsenals of disease-fighting weapons. But the U.S. appears to be leading a charge in the opposite direction, with thousands of lives at stake. Were at a time when we need acceleration of innovation and solutions to very pressing global problems, said ONeill, whose organization receives funding from governments around the world, including the U.S. Its not the time to let ideology drive science rather than let science drive itself. This story was originally published by Grist with the headline A deadly mosquito-borne illness rises as the US cuts all climate-health funding on Apr 3, 2025. By Doyinsola Oladipo (Reuters) -A deadly spring storm killed at least seven people and spawned tornadoes and drenching thunderstorms in a swath of the U.S. stretching from Texas to Ohio for a second day on Thursday, raising the risk of flooding. The powerful system is expected to stall over the country's midsection, the National Weather Service said, fueling further deluges and possible tornadoes in areas already drenched with heavy rain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're concerned there could be some strong but essentially intense tornadoes across Northeast Texas up into Western Arkansas," said Evan Bentley, a forecaster at the NWS' Storm Prediction Center. The NWS upgraded the storms to a risk level four out of five on a scale used to measure the expected intensity of severe weather. Only 10 to 12 storms are given a four rating per year, making them "pretty rare," Bentley said. The extreme weather has killed at least seven people since Wednesday, according to media reports. The fatalities include a father and his 16-year-old daughter who were killed when a tornado hit their modular home in Tennessee, according to the New York Times. Five people in total died in Tennessee in weather-related incidents, one in Indiana and one in Missouri, NBC News reported. At least 13 were injured across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 34 tornadoes were reported across the region on Wednesday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. It confirmed that at least one tornado touched down in Wilmington, Ohio, about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Cincinnati. Twisters were confirmed overnight in six states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. Climate change is bringing heavier rainfall and related flood risks in most parts of the U.S., with the upper Midwest and Ohio River Valley among the regions most affected, according to Climate Central, an independent nonprofit that researches weather patterns. In July 2023, for example, days of historic flash flooding spread across western Kentucky into portions of southern Illinois after six to 12 inches (152 to 305 mm) of rain fell, mostly within 10 hours, the NWS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, the risk of rainfall topping flash-flood guidance was at 40% or higher for an area stretching from western Arkansas northeast to southwestern Ohio, according to NWS maps. Flash-flood warnings are in effect in the Ohio River Valley from the northwestern corner of Mississippi to northeastern Kentucky. "Any flash and riverine flooding across these areas will have the potential to become catastrophic and life-threatening," the NWS Weather Prediction Center said on social media. The NWS is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The wave of severe weather is one of the first since the Trump administration began to sharply cut NOAA's workforce, part of an initiative by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, to slash the size of the federal payroll. The weather service is housed within the NOAA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The layoffs and a buyout program are expected to shrink NOAA's headcount by roughly 20% and could hamper some of its operations, scientists and researchers have said. Despite those concerns, there were no apparent delays or disruption in the weather service's forecasts for the areas affected by this week's storm system. (Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Frank McGurty and Rod Nickel) A new death has been confirmed in connection to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires after human remains were discovered Wednesday, raising the death toll to 30. Crews from the L.A. County Medical Examiners Offices Special Operations Response Team investigated the remains found on the 900 block of Boston Street in Altadena on April 2. Following an investigation, the remains were determined to be human. Officials have not provided information on a possible identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 18 people were killed in the Eaton Fire and 12 people were killed in the Palisades Fire. The fires, which ignited on Jan. 7 just after 10 a.m. in Los Angeles County, remain one of the most deadly and destructive wildfires in Southern California history. The Palisades Fire, which ignited in the Pacific Palisades, burned a total of 23,707 acres and destroyed 6,833 structures, according to Cal Fire data. The Eaton Fire, which erupted in Altadena, scorched 14,021 acres and destroyed 9,413 structures. A Berkshire Hathaway office is left in smoldering ashes during the Palisade fire in the Palisade village area Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, January 8, 2025. The terrifying blazes leveled whole streets, torching cars and houses in minutes. More than 1,000 buildings have burned in multiple wildfires that have erupted around Americas second-biggest city, forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images) Buildings and cars destroyed by the Palisades fire lay along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, on January 8, 2025. At least five people are now known to have died in wildfires raging around Los Angeles, with more deaths feared, law enforcement said January 8, as terrifying blazes leveled whole streets, torching cars and houses in minutes. More than 1,000 buildings have burned in multiple wildfires that have erupted around Americas second biggest city, forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. (Photo by Zoe Meyers / AFP) (Photo by ZOE MEYERS/AFP via Getty Images) An aerial view shows homes burned in the Eaton Fire on Feb. 05, 2025 in Altadena, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) FILE A lone home stands among residences levelled by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File) Altadena, CA January 8: The remains of a home lost in the Eaton fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Firefighters watch as water is dropped on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) FILE A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire around a burned structure in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent, File) A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) A firefighter sets up a hose while fighting the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA JANUARY 8: A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire while it burns homes at Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The fast-moving wildfire has grown to more than 2900-acres and is threatening homes in the coastal neighborhood amid intense Santa Ana Winds and dry conditions in Southern California. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images) MALIBU, CALIFORNIA JANUARY 16: An aerial view of a beachside homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 16, 2025 in Malibu, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Malibu, CA January 15: The remains of beachside homes that burned along Pacific Coast Highway during the Palisades Fire in Malibu, CA, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images) Kenneth Snowden, left, surveys the damage to his fire-ravaged property with his brother Ronnie in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) An emergency vehicle drives through a neighborhood devastated by the Eaton Fire, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher) Debris from a destroyed home is seen as a newly built ADU (accessory dwelling unit) stands behind after surviving the Eaton Fire, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) The rubble of apartments overlooking the ocean, destroyed in the Palisades Fire, are seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on January 10, 2025. (Zoe Meyers/AFP via Getty Images) The devastation from the Palisades Fire is visible in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) LOS ANGELES, USA JANUARY 11: A Monterey County Firefighter watch as a LA County helicopter comes in to make a water drop on the Palisade Fire. (Photo by Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images) A home is engulfed in flames during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County in California on Jan. 8. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) The Andrew McNally House, a historical landmark, burns during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Jan. 8, 2025. Rampaging wildfires around Los Angeles have killed at least two people, officials said Jan. 8 as terrifying blazes leveled whole streets, torching cars and houses in minutes. More than 1,000 buildings have burned in multiple wildfires that have erupted around Americas second biggest city, forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) The fires prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents, with many receiving little or no notice, and forced the closure of a large stretch of Pacific Coast Highway. In the aftermath of the fires, many communities and businesses are struggling to rebuild and recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The causes of both fires remain under investigation. For the Eaton Fire, Southern California Edison came under scrutiny after photos and videos taken by residents showed a fire burning under a transmission tower when the fire first started, according to the Los Angeles Times. More than 40 lawsuits from over 600 residents have been filed against SoCal Edison accusing the utility company of igniting the blaze, the Times reports. The origin of the Eaton Fire is being investigated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The cause of the Palisades Fire remains under investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Tennessees workplace safety agency has absolved a plastics plant of responsibility in the deaths of six workers who were swept away by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene in September. The Sept. 27 deaths gained national attention when community members and relatives of the mostly Latino plant employees questioned why they hadnt been dismissed from work early enough to escape the record levels of rain that overcame the plastics factory in Erwin and the only road out. The report from the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) published Wednesday, said that because work operations had stopped and employees had left the building, the deaths were not work-related and thus not within its jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After considering the evidence," Chris Cannon, a spokesman with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, said, "TOSHA determined that company management exercised reasonable diligence in dismissing employees and providing them sufficient time to leave the facility safely. A criminal probe by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into the deaths is still underway, said Leslie Earhart, the bureaus spokesperson. Five employees and one contractor were killed when the semi-truck trailer they had sought refuge on was overtaken by raging floodwaters. They were Monica Hernandez-Corona, 44; Bertha Mendoza, 56; Johnny Peterson, 55; Lidia Verdugo Gastelum, 63; Rosa Maria Andrade Reynoso, 29; and Sibrina Barnett, 53. Six others were tossed from the truck bed and later rescued. Attorneys representing relatives of some of the deceased employees rejected the probes conclusions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TOSHAs report ignores multiple witnesses testimonies, critical text messages, emergency alert logs, and photographic evidence that tell the real story about Impact Plastics fatal failures," Zack Lawson, an attorney representing Alexa Peterson, Johnny Petersons daughter, in a wrongful death lawsuit against Impact Plastics. "Were grateful that in America, juries not bureaucrats citing unnamed sources will decide the truth based on all the evidence." Greg Coleman, an attorney for the Mendoza and Barnett families, said in a statement from his firm that they vehemently disagree with any characterization that Impact Plastics exercised reasonable diligence in dismissing employees. According to Coleman, "the facts simply do not support" a finding that the floodwaters were already too high and strong when the factory "finally, and begrudgingly, allowed workers to leave." While he agreed with a suggestion from the safety administration that the plant should improve its emergency plans, he stated that "this comes far too late for our clients." The Rev. Tom Charters speaks during a vigil for the flood victims in Erwin, Tenn., in 2024. Relatives of the missing and dead factory employees, and those who survived, have alleged they were made to show up to work even as the hurricane was moving through the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day before the historic flood, the National Weather Service in Morristown, Tennessee, issued several warnings of potential flooding for the rest of the week. The local school district canceled school, citing weather warnings, and at least one other company in the same industrial park as Impact Plastics, Foam Products Corp., closed their doors Friday. It was the first time their Erwin plant had ever closed for extreme weather. Impact Plastics, which manufactures components for cars, helicopters, furniture and other products, decided to open that Friday, as did several other nearby businesses. Through lawyers, Impact Plastics said in a statement Wednesday that it welcomed the results of TOSHAs investigation and that the company and its founder, Gerald OConnor, have cooperated with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Impact Plastics and Gerald OConnor continue to concentrate on seeing to the needs of members of the Impact Plastics family and grieving over the wonderful people who were lost in the flood," the company stated. "Mr. OConnor is focused on rebuilding Impact Plastics for the benefit of the employees, the customers, and the community. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China voiced firm opposition after the Japanese government announced export controls on semiconductor-related items Thursday, vowing to take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. As the two countries are highly complementary and closely integrated in the semiconductor field, Japan's export control measures will severely disrupt regular business exchanges and undermine the interests of enterprises in both countries, said a spokesperson with the commerce ministry. "For some time, certain countries have generalized the concept of national security and abused export control measures to suppress China's semiconductor and other industries, which seriously threatened the stability of the global semiconductor industrial and supply chains," the spokesperson said. China hopes Japan will make rational decisions and correct its wrongdoings to protect the rights and interests of enterprises from all countries and keep the global semiconductor industrial and supply chains stable, said the spokesperson. KAUKAUNA, Wis. (WFRV) The debate over Wisconsins next budget kicked off as lawmakers held the first of four public hearings in Kaukauna. The Joint Finance Committee gathered input from residents on key issues such as school funding, infrastructure, and economic policy. Jackson Elementary hosts Quilting Blessing & Celebration, sewing life skills through quilting Among those urging for increased state funding was State Superintendent Jill Underly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So it all goes back to funding. Whether we want kids to be successful in the classroom, reduce class sizes, or retain teachers, it all goes back to funding, and this budget represents a tremendous opportunity for us to reinvest in our Wisconsin future, Underly said. Governor Tony Evers proposed budget focuses on reinvesting in public schools, infrastructure, and economic relief for working families. However, Democrats argue that their efforts are being undermined by what they describe as chaos in Washington. What Republicans in Washington are doing is hurting Wisconsin families. They are raising prices at the gas pump, buying cars, and making massive cuts. These prices are going to go up because of what Republicans in Washington are doing, said State Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison). On the Republican side, lawmakers emphasized the importance of hearing directly from Wisconsinites and maintaining fiscal responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first of four public hearings around the state, as weve done many times in the past. We are conducting these public hearings all over the state of Wisconsin. This is an important step in the process in putting the budget together, said State Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green). Republicans also stressed that negotiation will be key in finalizing the state budget. The budget is a compromised document. The two houses compromise and talk about things all the time, so I think theres always an opportunity to compromise, whether its between the houses or with the governors office, Marklein added. Among those testifying at the hearing were local labor leaders, educators, and business owners. Many voiced concerns about rising costs and the potential impact of federal funding cuts on state programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yesterday, we heard loud and clear that Wisconsin is not a place where people want to give the state away to billionaires, but rather a place where we want to invest in working men and women and working families so they can succeed, and thats what Governor Evers budget does, said State Representative Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha). The hearing followed Tuesdays Wisconsin Supreme Court election, where Democrat-backed Susan Crawford defeated former Attorney General Brad Schimel. Republicans say the result follows a recent trend of lower GOP turnout in spring elections. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers hold rummage sale featuring game-worn items at a discount I think in some ways it kind of went the way spring elections have gone. Obviously, lower turnout than the fall elections. Democrats have done a better job in getting their voters out to these spring elections, and I think thats what happened last night, said State Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next Joint Finance Committee public hearing will take place in West Allis on Friday, April 4, with stops in Hayward and Wausau later this month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) DeBaun Funeral Homes and Crematory were recently honored at the Indiana Statehouse with a certificate for 100 years of service to the Terre Haute community. For a century, DeBaun Funeral Homes has been a source of comfort, guidance and support, upholding a tradition of excellence that has touched countless lives, State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) said. Their steadfast dedication to serving others with professionalism and empathy has made a lasting impact, ensuring that families receive the care and respect they deserve. DeBaun Funeral Homes was founded in 1925 at Prairie Creek by Curt DeBaun Sr. and Myrtle DeBaun. In 1952, the family opened their Idaho Street Chapel and their Springhill Chapel in 1989, both in Terre Haute. They later added a crematory and acquired the New Harmony Cemetery south of Prairieton on State Road 63. Heaton said over three generations of DeBauns have faithfully served the area as a family-owned business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about DeBaun Funeral Homes and Crematory, visit debaunfuneralhomes.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 MyWabashValley.com. DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) The Decatur Police Department is asking for the publics help in finding a missing woman who was last seen on Tuesday. DPD said they are looking for help in finding Amy Lynn Phillips, 40. Police said she was last seen in Decatur on Tuesday, leaving the Clarion Point Motel on 810 6th Ave. NE. HPD: Man shot by girlfriend following argument on Huntsville Street Amy Lynn Phillips (Decatur Police Department) The department said that Phillipss last known location was in Huntsville on Tuesday after she had dropped off a rental vehicle at the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to DPD, Phillips was in Decatur from Texas, completing a work assignment that was scheduled to take several weeks. Phillips is described as being 56 tall and weighing about 135 lbs, She has red hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with any information on Phillips whereabouts is asked to contact the Decatur Police Department at 256-341-4660. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. More than 80 countries and international organizations have agreed on a common declaration on improving inclusion for people with disabilities at a summit in Berlin. The Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion, signed on Thursday, intends to boost the number of development projects focusing on inclusion for people with disabilities. Around 1.3 billion people, or 15% of the global population, are estimated to have a disability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 4,500 participants from 100 countries attended the Global Disability Summit, which was officially opened by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Jordan's King Abdullah II on Wednesday. The aim of the two-day summit was to achieve concrete progress in implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. "With the Amman-Berlin Declaration, we have achieved a real breakthrough for the rights of people with disabilities worldwide," said German Development Minister Svenja Schulze. The agreement provides an objective for 15% of global development projects to be targeted towards the inclusion of disabled people. HOMOSASSA, Fla. (WFLA) A Homosassa man is accused of intentionally hitting a woman with his car. The Citrus County Sheriffs Office said it received a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance on Wednesday. The caller reported that 46-year-old John Kazmier Kaminski and a woman had been fighting in the yard, saying they witnessed Kaminski enter a vehicle, accelerate, and intentionally strike the woman with the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida woman tells teens fishing in backyard that shell blow their heads off: affidavit When deputies and Citrus County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene, they found the woman unconscious and struggling to breathe. The woman was airlifted to HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Kaminski was detained and taken to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), where he was interviewed by CCSOs Criminal Investigations Division. Kaminski was arrested on attempted murder charges. He was taken to the Citrus County Jail and is being held on no bond. This is a deeply disturbing and senseless act of violence. We are committed to working relentlessly with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorneys Office to ensure that Kaminski is held fully accountable for his actions, said Sheriff David Vincent. We are committed to seeking justice for the victim and ensuring that this individual faces the full weight of the law for this violent act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Apr. 3Defense attorneys began working in earnest on Wednesday to cast doubt on the Flathead County Sheriff's Office's investigation into a 2022 double homicide in Bigfork. Prosecutors have accused Derrick James Jackson, 39, of shooting dead his 62-year-old mother Tricia DeMotts and her 65-year-old partner Stanley Grotberg in their Esteban Lane home on Oct. 28, 2022. Jackson, arrested hours before deputies discovered the bodies, has pleaded not guilty in Flathead County District Court to two counts of deliberate homicide and one count each of tampering with evidence and drug possession. Judge Amy Eddy is presiding over the trial, which began March 31 and is scheduled through early next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy County Attorney Amy Kenison told jurors in her opening statement on Monday that evidence would link Jackson to the gun used in the deaths of Grotberg and DeMotts. His fingerprints allegedly were on the gun case where the .40-caliber Smith and Wesson that killed the couple was stored, that same gun later found near where deputies arrested Jackson. Casings ejected from the weapon were retrieved from the murder scene, she said, and gunshot residue was found on Jackson's clothes. Witnesses called by Kenison and fellow prosecutor Deputy County Attorney Katie Handley in the intervening two days have included the deputies who arrested Jackson and found the bodies of Grotberg and DeMotts during a subsequent welfare check, Esteban Lane residents who reported Jackson acting strangely that day, Jackson's father, crime scene technicians and medical examiners. Jurors have also seen body camera footage of a barely coherent Jackson during his arrest, reluctant to comply with commands from law enforcement and struggling to answer questions about his actions that day. Defense attorneys Tom Schoenleben and Levi Roadman had asked jurors to keep an open mind and pledged to expose what they called the assumptions, inferences and speculation undergirding the case against Jackson. Through cross examination, they have pointed to Grotberg as a possible source of abuse in the home all three shared on Esteban Lane and suggested that investigators started with Jackson as a suspect and worked their way backward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DURING WEDNESDAY'S testimony, jurors heard from Kate Mason, who oversees the Sheriff's Office crime scene team, as she recounted collecting evidence from the Esteban Lane home. That included cataloguing casings located in the bedroom, which is where DeMotts and Grotberg were located, as well as samples of blood found there and in the nearby kitchen. Crime scene team members also recovered a pitchfork from the bedroom, which was shown to jurors during Mason's time on the witness stand. She testified that the items sent to the Montana State Crime Lab included the clothes Jackson was wearing during his arrest jeans, hooded sweatshirt, boots as well as the gun and ammunition for it, casings and a gun case found in Grotberg's Nissan Pathfinder. They also sent a buccal swab, used to collect DNA, collected from Jackson's mouth, Mason said. Investigators had requested that Jackson's clothes undergo testing for gunshot residue, Mason said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But they hadn't asked the same of the clothes DeMotts and Grotberg were wearing, Schoenleben noted. Investigators bagged each of the victims' hands to preserve evidence, had they performed gunshot residue testing on those, he asked. "No," Mason replied. Schoenleben repeatedly asked Mason about red marks, which he deemed possible abrasions, visible in photographs of Jackson's hands, including a small cut on a ring finger. The photographs, taken at the county jail, also captured bruising on his side and on his shins, Schoenleben asserted. While not major wounds, did they suggest Jackson had suffered some injuries prior to his arrest, he asked. Mason agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also quizzed Mason on the possible location in the bedroom where the gun had gone off. Given that the casings eject from the right side of the firearm, the gun could have been fired from either end of the room, he argued. Prosecutors had earlier noted that investigators found a bullet hole in the wall farthest from the door. Schoenleben asked other investigators about the decision to examine Jackson and his clothing for gunshot residue but not either DeMotts or Grotberg, including Deputy Jamie Meyer, who helped collect evidence, and Dr. Sunil Prashar, a former medical examiner with the state who performed the autopsies. Meyers said she was not asked to use a gunshot residue kit on the two bodies. Prashar told Schoenleben that he could not recall whether investigators asked for the testing. His office could perform the tests, he said, but only did so when requested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SCHOENLEBEN AND Roadman began poking at the prosecution's explanation of events leading up to DeMotts' and Grotberg's deaths on Tuesday. When Aaron Westphal, then a corporal with the Sheriff's Office, described struggling to understand Jackson during his arrest on a neighboring property on Esteban Lane, Roadman asked whether he had dealt with victims of trauma or shock in his career. "I suppose that I have," Westphal replied. "Is confusion one of the signs that you've observed?" Roadman asked. "It's possible but I can't think of [of an example]." Westphal answered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roadman also latched onto several statements Jackson purportedly made to his father, John Jackson, and a family friend during a visit inside the county jail following his arrest. Prosecutors played the video after calling John Jackson to the stand late Tuesday afternoon. Much of what Derrick Jackson said, from behind a glass window, was inaudible when played in the courtroom. Roadman noted that John Jackson seemed to repeat several of the statements back to his son. That included Derrick Jackson apparently saying he had tried to avoid being killed and that he was defending himself, according to Roadman and John Jackson. Roadman said that Derrick Jackson had accused Grotberg of abusing DeMotts in the video. But John Jackson reiterated he was ignorant of what happened on Oct. 28, 2022. "Your testimony is still, right now as you sit here, that you have no idea what happened out there?" Roadman asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nothing," John Jackson replied. News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com. Flathead County Sheriff's Deputy Jamie Meyer points to a location on a crime scene sketch where the bodies of Stanley Grotberg and Tricia DeMotts were found during testimony in the Derrick James Jackson trial in Flathead County District Court on Wednesday, April 2. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Casey Kreider Derrick James Jackson speaks with his defense attorney Levi Roadman during his trial in Flathead County District Court on Wednesday, April 2. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Casey Kreider Defense Health Agency officials are examining military treatment facilities across the military medical system, facility by facility, to determine their fate which could include closing some facilities or downgrading some hospitals to clinics. The process is in the pre-decisional stage, said DHA officials, speaking during a panel discussion at the Association of Defense Communities National Summit in Arlington, Virginia, on Monday. We have to match our resources against the mission set that we have, said Dr. Michael Malanoski, DHAs deputy director. There will be some changes in services across the system, he said. The process of evaluating the military treatment facilities started many, many moons ago, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No decisions have been made yet at DHA, according to Rear Adm. Matthew Case, acting assistant director for health care administration at DHA. Any changes would have to be approved by Defense Department leadership, and Congress would have to be notified by law. The issue is resources, Case and Malanoski said. The priority is readiness, especially at the largest facilities, where staff provide combat casualty care support, Case said. Those facilities, such as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, must be ready to receive casualties, he said. The Defense Health Agency has been fighting to keep its military treatment facilities staffed in recent years, as a shortage of medical personnel has affected facilities nationwide. At the same time, officials are evaluating the situation in communities around military installations, recognizing there are locations in medical deserts, where not enough care is available in the civilian community for military beneficiaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we have to go rack and stack of what the capabilities are, Case said. A rigorous analysis facility by facility, location by location is underway, Case said. Were looking at not only is there an adequate Tricare network, but how [civilian medical facilities] are doing on Leapfrog scores, he said. Those scores, compiled by a national nonprofit organization, collect and evaluate medical facilities information about quality and safety. Where are our patients going? What are the scores in those facilities? Are those facilities doing better than we are? Case said. At Mondays panel discussion, a member of the Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, community asked about the status of the study, saying the community is concerned about the future of its military hospital because it is in a medical desert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When is this going to happen, and what should we be doing to provide input to you? he asked panelists. Senators Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Robert Marshall, R-Kansas, have written to DHA officials demanding answers to whether the medical facilities at Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and Fort Riley, Kansas, were being considered for downgrades. Although Case said he couldnt speak specifically to Fort Leonard Woods military treatment facility, he said, You have a beautiful, relatively new facility, but being able to man that properly is a challenge for us. Meanwhile, the military medical system has been working to attract patients back to military treatment facilities after forcing many military beneficiaries to seek outside care in the private sector. That push is being driven by both costs and medical readiness. DODs overall health care costs have risen as patients have migrated to the civilian sector. That decline in patients has also spurred the military services to seek more private-sector training opportunities to keep their medical staffs clinical skills current. By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) -Democratic state attorneys general on Thursday filed a lawsuit challenging U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order that compels voters to prove they are U.S. citizens and bars states from counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day. The lawsuit, filed in Boston federal court, followed two other lawsuits against Trump's order. The states said Trump was unconstitutionally trying to "amend election law by fiat." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the latest action, California and Nevada led 19 states in arguing the president lacked any independent power to modify states' election procedures although Congress under the Constitution may preempt state laws for federal elections. "Neither the Constitution nor Congress authorize the president's attempted voting restrictions," California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, said in a statement. "We will not be bullied by him." Trump signed the March 25 executive order after years of raising doubts about the integrity of the U.S. electoral system and falsely claiming his 2020 loss to Democratic former President Joe Biden was due to widespread voter fraud. White House spokesman Harrison Fields said in a statement that Democrats were showing disdain for the Constitution by objecting to Trump's commonsense efforts to protect election integrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Trump administration is standing up for free, fair, and honest elections and asking this basic question is essential to our Constitutional Republic," Fields said. In announcing the executive order, Trump said it was needed to "straighten out our elections." He and his Republican allies have made baseless claims about widespread voting by non-citizens, which is illegal and rarely occurs. His order is already being challenged in court by the Democratic National Committee and the two top Democrats in Congress, Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries. In Thursday's lawsuit, the attorneys general argued that Trump does not have unilateral authority to create an onerous new requirement that voters document their citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said that provision not only violates the Constitution but also runs afoul of the National Voting Rights Act. That law requires only that a person attest to their citizenship under penalty of perjury when registering to vote, they said. The attorneys general said the order also violates states' constitutional authority over elections by threatening those who do not comply with loss of federal funding and Department of Justice investigations. Trump's order effectively bars states from counting mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day, even if they are postmarked on time, and upends procedures intended to increase voter participation, the states said. "The president's attempt to control our elections, intimidate voters, and limit Americans right to vote is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and frankly, un-American," said New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston and Jack Queen in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Cynthia Osterman and Mark Porter) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (2nd L) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Hungary and Israel on Thursday pledged to expand strategic and economic ties during high-level talks in Budapest, emphasizing mutual interests in security, technology, and defense. At a joint press conference, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Hungary supports Israel's stability as a matter of national interest, while his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted shared efforts against regional threats and praised Hungary's continued support in areas such as sport and tourism. The two sides pointed to growing cooperation in defense, high-tech industries, and pharmaceuticals. More than 150 Israeli companies currently operate in Hungary. Hungary also announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, calling it "a political court." Netanyahu faces an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Hungary is the first European country to host Netanyahu since the warrant was issued. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a joint press conference after their meeting in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R, front) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R, front) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a joint press conference after their meeting in Budapest, Hungary on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Democratic officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia will get a Thursday hearing in a case suing to stop the Trump administration from canceling more than $11 billion in public health funding. The states sued the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Tuesday, asking for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order to stop the cuts from taking effect. The officials claimed the administration acted unlawfully, without any analysis of benefits of the health funding or the dire consequences of termination. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Thursdays hearing will be in front of Judge Mary McElroy, who was appointed by President Trump in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HHS said the funds, totaling $11.4 billion, were primarily used for COVID-19 response including testing, vaccination and hiring community health workers. Since the pandemic has ended, HHS said the funds would be rescinded. The administration also canceled about $1 billion in grants awarded by coronavirus relief legislation and allocated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The COVID-19 pandemic is over, and HHS will no longer waste billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a non-existent pandemic that Americans moved on from years ago, the department said last week in a statement. The lawsuit claims that explanation is nonsensical and says the administration gave no other facts supporting termination. They contain no acknowledgment of the public health purposes for which the grants actually have been and are being used, much less an explanation of why those uses are no longer necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State and local health department leaders said the money was already in their hands. Even though the grants were initially authorized by COVID relief legislation, they were allowed to be used for non-COVID priorities, including responding to the measles outbreak in Texas. The lawsuit argues the federal government does not have the legal authority to unilaterally rescind funding it already allocated, particularly when states have built essential health programs around the commitments. For instance, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the state stands to lose more than $972 million. In New York, more than $400 million in critical funding has been terminated, and North Carolina officials estimated the state could lose $230 million, while Massachusetts has estimated it could lose more than $100 million. State and local officials have said the decision to take away funding they were counting on will make it even harder for them to continue to fight infectious disease outbreaks, fund substance use disorder support programs and address other concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Senate Judiciary Democrats are pushing for a rare hearing on a U.S. attorney nominee as they argue President Trumps pick to lead the office in D.C., Ed Martin, is especially alarming and deserving of further scrutiny. Martin has held the job on an interim basis since Inauguration Day, but in just a few short weeks on the job, hes sparked significant attention and three calls for investigations. While the Senate Judiciary Committee does not typically hold hearings for U.S. Attorney nominees, Mr. Martins record merits heightened scrutiny, Judiciary Committee ranking member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats pointed to a string of actions taken by Martin in office from calling himself the presidents attorney to currying favor with Elon Musk and launching investigations into two Democratic lawmakers. But in the Wednesday letter Durbin also highlighted Martins support of a Nazi sympathizing Jan. 6 defendant and raised the specter that Martin may have erased many of his past podcasts. Since his nomination to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Mr. Martin appears to have attempted to scrub much of his previous public commentary from the internet. For example, nearly 1,000 hours of his podcast have been removed from online platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts, interfering with the Committees ability to thoroughly examine his record, the lawmakers wrote. They also pointed to a speech Martin gave at Trumps Bedminster Club praising Tim Hale, a Jan. 6 defendant the lawmakers describe as having an extensive and well-known history of antisemitism, misogyny, and racism, including direct praise of Adolf Hitler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of the goals of many of us to make sure that the world and especially America hears more from Tim Hale because hes extraordinary, Martin said after calling Hale an extraordinary man, an extraordinary leader. The panel doesnt usually hold confirmation hearings for the 94 U.S. attorneys nominated by the president, and committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said he was uninterested in doing so. The Senate Judiciary Committee hasnt held a hearing for a U.S. Attorney nominee in more than 40 years, and not once in the time Grassley has chaired or been ranking on the committee. Chairman Grassley intends to maintain this precedent, Grassley spokesperson Clare Slattery said. The Judiciary Committee will thoroughly review Ed Martins background and qualifications, including his questions for the record, as part of its standard nominations process for U.S. Attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on Tuesday placed a hold on Martins nomination a move that blocks his swift consideration on the Senate floor but one Republicans can easily defeat with just 50 votes. Martin, who has never served as a prosecutor, is facing two calls for investigations by the Justice Departments Office of Inspector General and while another from Durbin was sent to the D.C. bar. Martin has written public letters to Musk, vowing to go after those who even acted simply unethically, saying he would chase them to the ends of the earth to hold them accountable and added that noone is above the law. Those letters appeared to serve as the basis for later correspondence to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) asking about alleged threats they made against public officials. Martins investigation into Schumer for comments he made five years ago warning justices would pay the price in regard to an abortion case appears to have fallen by the wayside, according to reporting from The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martins Jan. 6 connections both before and after taking on his new role have also caused alarm. Martin flouted a subpoena by the now-disbanded Jan. 6 panel in relation to his role as a Stop the Steal organizer. He also later represented at least three defendants who were charged in connection with storming the Capitol. Martin is facing requests for two ethics investigations after he simultaneously was the attorney of record both for the Justice Department and a Jan. 6 defendant he represented, filing to dismiss his charges following Trumps widespread pardons. Martin has also sidelined prosecutors who worked on Jan. 6 cases, demoting several to entry-level positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among his first official actions were to shut down the section of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) that was handling January 6 cases and terminate numerous prosecutors who were involved in prosecuting January 6 rioters, Durbin wrote. While Martins office did not respond to request for comment, the Constitutional Rights PAC has launched a Stand With Ed Martin campaign, indicating its preparation for a difficult confirmation path. It features a number of quotes from those supportive of the attorney, including the late Phyllis Schlafly, who hired Martin for a leading role at her organization. Ed is a man of unwavering integrity. He stands on principle and always, always strives to do what is right, by the Constitution, the American People, and the Lord Jesus Christ, the website states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is precisely why President Donald Trump has asked him to serve in one of the most unsung, yet critical roles in his administration. Ed has been called to be the United States Attorney for Washington, DC, perhaps the most powerful prosecutor in the country, with the ability to shape the application of justice in our Nations Capital, routing out the sickness and corruption and bringing hope nee hope to America. And because you can trust him, the attacks will come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Danish government has held consultations with the Foreign Policy Committee regarding the 25th aid package for Ukraine, amounting to DKK 6.7 billion (about US$970 million). Source: Danish Ministry of Defence, as reported by European Pravda Details: The new 25th aid package provides military support to Ukraine for the period 2025-2027 and is financed through the Ukraine Fund. The key elements of the package include air defence, artillery and financial support for Ukraine's Air Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The security situation is changing rapidly. Therefore, it is crucial that Denmark continues its large-scale support for Ukraine With the 25th aid package, we reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine both in the short and long term," said Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen noted that the new package would "enhance Ukraines combat capability". "Ukraines security is crucial for the future of all of Europe. I hope our support will inspire other allies to provide even greater assistance," he emphasised. In particular, DKK 1.4 billion (about US$207.3 million) will be allocated between 2025 and 2027 for the transfer of artillery systems and ammunition. Additionally, funds will be directed towards air defence, the drone coalition and the IT coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funding will also be allocated to increase contributions to Ukraines defence industry, taking into account the positive experience of the Danish model. Danish funding over several years will also support ongoing efforts to encourage allies to contribute through this model. "The Danish model has demonstrated that Ukraine has the potential to produce and supply equipment for its fight for freedom. Denmark must continue investing in this, and I hope other countries will follow our example even more," Poulsen stated. Background: In February, Denmark, which is overseeing the reconstruction of Mykolaiv Oblast, allocated a new support package for the oblast amounting to 26 million. Recently, the "drone coalition," which also includes Denmark, allocated 20 million from a joint fund to purchase Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones for the Ukrainian defence forces. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Danish government approved its 25th package of military assistance to Ukraine worth 6.7 billion Danish kroner ($970 million), which will provide support to Ukraine from 2025 until 2027, the Danish Defense Ministry announced on April 3. The package, funded through the Danish Ukraine Fund, includes air defense equipment, artillery, and financial assistance to the Ukrainian Air Force. "The security situation is evolving rapidly. Therefore, Denmark must continue its massive support to Ukraine. From the start of the war, Denmark has been among the countries leading the way in donations," Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With the 25th donation package, we emphasize our support for Ukraine in both the short and long term," Poulsen added. The assistance program includes the allocation of 1.4 billion Danish kroner ($203 million) until 2027 for the purchase of artillery and ammunition in cooperation with allies. Additional funds are allocated for air defenses, the drone coalition, and the IT coalition. Denmark will also invest 2 billion Danish kroner ($290 million) in Ukraine's defense industry, according to the statement. "The Danish model has shown that there is a Ukrainian capacity to produce and deliver equipment for the Ukrainian fight for freedom. Denmark must continue to invest in this, and I hope that other countries will follow our example to an even greater extent," Poulsen said Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of September 2024, Denmark announced it would invest 4.2 billion Danish kroner ($630 million) in the Ukrainian defense industry. Copenhagen pioneered the so-called Danish model of purchasing weapons for Ukraine directly from Ukrainian producers. In January, Denmark reserved 135 million euros ($139 million) for further purchases under the Danish model this year. Read also: Its a trap Trumps US minerals deal threatens Ukraines EU membership Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. DENVER (KDVR) Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said its time for people to start coming downtown again. With businesses in the area struggling to regain their footing after the pandemic, he said he knows crime is an issue. Wednesday, he announced a plan to do something about it. Liberation Day or recession day? Colorado legislators react to Trumps tariffs The mayor announced downtown Denver will get an increased police presence soon. Leaders hope making people feel safe will get them back downtown again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we allow folks to commit crimes on our streets and sidewalks without consequences, that also does not solve crime. Today we are here to share that those days are over in Denver. Today we are going to launch a commitment to making sure we can secure that experience of vibrance in the middle of downtown with this collaborative effort, Johnston said. The mayor wants to make downtown safe again. He said that coupled with an investment of $570 million through the Downtown Development Authority, the city is boosting safety so people feel comfortable in the area. Well have 10 officers that will be dedicated just to downtown. That will include foot patrol, itll include bike patrol, motorcycle patrol. In addition, well add three more shifts of our park rangers: three additional shifts a day coming up and through our park area as a way to activate and keep that supported, Johnston said. In an effort with the Downtown Denver Partnership, the city will also add five security guards on board. On top of all that, the mayors say they will have a surge of officers on hand for weekend nights when bars close. The city will also add bike paramedics and a police kiosk to help people who may need it rather than reaction to criminal activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Broncos CEO names Aurora as possible new stadium site at NFL owners meetings The mayor acknowledged with Rockies opening day, the reopening of the 16th Street Mall and potential playoff runs from Denver teams all around the corner, now is a great time to bring people back to the heart of the city. While some may be skeptical of increased patrols, some business owners welcome the change. Im super excited about the increased investment: the plan for horses and bikes and foot patrols. Its exactly what we need. And it feels very familiar. Weve had these things before but I do hope they bring us the safety and vibrancy that the mayor talks about, said Derek Friedman, owner of Sportsfan. The 10 new downtown officers will be a permanent fixture in the area. The additional 10 foot patrols per day have been funded for an entire year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The East Feliciana Parish Sheriffs Office is still investigating the disappearance of Wesley Dale Morgan, 23 years after he was reported missing. Wesley Dale Morgan (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) The sheriffs office said Morgan was reported missing by his mother, Ruby Havard, from their home in East Feliciana Parish on May 15, 2001. He was only 2 years old at the time of his disappearance. The FBI, Louisiana State Police and the LSP Crime Lab later joined the investigation. The initial report from 2001 stated that Morgan was playing on the porch of their Clinton home, and when his mother came back outside minutes after going inside, he was gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgans aunt Mary Dufour still remembers the day she got a phone call at work notifying her that a little boy was missing, having no idea at the time that it was her nephew. Just wondering what could happen to him and just pray to God, wherever he was, he was still safe, Dufour recalled. No answers years later; investigation ongoing According to Sheriff Jeff Travis, Morgans mother, Havard, has not been cleared of suspicion of involvement in her sons disappearance. She is the person who reported him missing and is assumed to be the last person to know his whereabouts. She will not talk with investigators on the advice of her attorney, which is her right, EFPSO said in a Wednesday press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruby Havard has spoken with investigators many times over the years, including sitting down with the FBI many times over a weeks span, said Rhonda Covington, the public defender for East Feliciana Parish and Havards attorney. I have never stopped her from speaking with authorities. She simply needs to have an attorney present. The current sheriff has not asked Ruby for an interview. Covington believes a possible kidnapper couldve been someone who had harmed Havard in the past. Since Morgans disappearance, she said the community seemingly placed blame on Havard. They determined, oh well, she sold him,' Covington said, adding that its difficult to get past that narrative. Covington said law enforcement agencies have attempted to coerce a confession from Havard. Havard has not been charged in the case, nor has anyone else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont care if you give me a free pass, it didnt happen, and Im not going to admit to something that didnt happen, Covington said on behalf of Havard. Dufour said she just wants answers. Someone knows something, and if they have any heart, any decency, they should come forward, Dufour said. Reward available for information Investigators follow leads as they become available. A $10,000 reward is available for information leading to Morgans recovery. EFPSO asks that anyone with information contact any of the investigating agencies in this case. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. The Texas Senate gave unanimous approval to a sweeping water bill Wednesday that would address a range of issues that have caused a looming water crisis in the state. The bill focuses on creating new sources of water supply to meet Texas growing water needs. Senate Bill 7, filed by state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, was the first bill in a highly anticipated package of water-related bills to pass. It includes proposals to address Texas water supply needs by using funds on strategies such as desalination, projects on produced water treatment plants and reservoir projects. It also creates an office tasked with planning and coordinating the development of infrastructure to transport water referred to by lawmakers as a water tree made by a project. During the discussion on the Senate floor, Perry reaffirmed his push toward creating new supplies of water. He said the bill prioritizes new water sources, including brackish and marine water, along with shovel-ready reservoirs and wastewater treatment in rural communities. Perry has acknowledged in the past that the states water infrastructure needs repairs. However, he did not spend much time discussing that concern Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry said after traveling the state, he believes Texas is 25 years behind on supply development. We've developed all the cheap water, and all the low-hanging fruits have been obtained, Perry said. In addition, Perry stressed that any new water supply plan has to include all of Texas 254 counties. He also said it has to be a coordinated planning approach across the state that leverages existing water resources to regional expertise. Changes were made in Perrys bill since it was first introduced. The new version of the bill added provisions that would separate the Texas Water Development Board's funding specifically for administrative costs up to 2% in funding and carryover of unused funds. While Texas prohibits using state-funded pipelines for intrastate water transfers, the bill clarifies that out-of-state water can be imported through these pipelines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One other change offers protections to sources of freshwater by prohibiting projects that extract water from sources with a certain amount. Perry assured lawmakers they were not funding the depletion of existing freshwater aquifers. State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, called the bill visionary and applauded Perry on his work. It changes water law, it changes water procurement, Gutierrez said. Moving forward, the constitutional amendment that will accompany the water bill is House Joint Resolution 7, which will dedicate $1 billion to the Texas Water Fund for up to 10 years. The annual stream of state tax dollars would help cities and local water agencies buy more water and repair aging infrastructure. If approved, Texans can vote on that ballot measure in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the states population booming, data shows the states water supply is falling behind. According to the states 2022 water plan, water availability is expected to decline by 18%, with groundwater seeing the steepest drop. A Texas Tribune analysis found that cities and towns could be on a path toward a severe water shortage by 2030 if there is recurring, record-breaking drought conditions across the state, and if water entities and state leaders fail to put in place key strategies to secure water supplies. Water experts and organizations celebrated the passage of SB 7. Jennifer Walker, director of the Texas Coast and Water Program for the National Wildlife Federation, said its a step in ensuring Texans have reliable and resilient water supplies. Perry Fowler, executive director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, said he is grateful for Perrys work on the bill. [I look] forward to reconciling the House and Senate approaches to accomplish the best collaborative water policy for Texas to secure our shared water future, Fowler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Mazur, director of infrastructure and natural resources policy for Texas 2036, said the unanimous passage of SB 7 is a good sign the chamber wants to move forward with a bold strategy to address infrastructure challenges. However, he said there is still more work for the Legislature to do. Even though SB 7 has passed, there are several other big measures in the legislative pipeline that need to be addressed, including the constitutional dedication of state revenues for water infrastructure," Mazur said. Perry said the water development board will still have to establish rules for what kind of projects get prioritized for funding. The House will now take up SB 7 for debate. Perrys Senate Resolution has been referred to a Senate committee on finance but has not been heard yet. A similar House bill, led by state Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, is still pending. Harris HJR 7 was passed unanimously out of committee and is waiting to be scheduled for a hearing. Disclosure: Texas 2036 has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Tickets are on sale now for the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin. Get tickets before May 1 and save big! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed his support for a bill banning what he called weather modification nonsense before it hits the Senate floor on Thursday. SB-56, dubbed the so-called chemtrails bill after its sponsor pointed to the conspiracy theory while defending the bill in committee, prohibits the injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of a chemical, a chemical compound, a substance, or an apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of this state for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, weather, climate, or intensity of sunlight. Very disturbing: Canadians flee Florida, worrying business owners Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of us senators receive concerns, complaints on a regular basis regarding these condensation trails, aka chemtrails, bill sponsor Ileana Garcia said in a committee hearing last month. Theres a lot of skepticism. The bill would also require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to set up a system allowing residents to report suspected geoengineering activities and directing the FDEP to investigate those claims. DeSantis said that while he supports the bill, it was gutted by the House lawmakers who made changes to their version on Wednesday, cutting down the bill from 10 pages to a single page. I support the legislation, however, the Florida House of Representatives has gutted Sen. Garcias legislation, and they would actually codify the practice of geoengineering and weather modification, DeSantis said in a video posted to X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House version of the bill does not forbid the practice of weather modification outright, just without a license. It also comes with a less steep penalty. The Senate version, which would impose a sweeping ban, calls for violators to be charged with a third-degree felony and face a fine up to $100,000. The House version would charge those without a license, or who lie on their application, with a second-degree misdemeanor and up to a $10,000 fine. Beryl, Helene and Milton retired from list of hurricane names People have a lot of kooky ideas that they can get in and put things in the atmosphere to block the sun and save us from climate change, DeSantis said. Were not playing that game in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed, the law would take effect on July 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. It's a classic line from a spy movie: "Burn after reading." For German agent Karl Muller, that advice would have really helped. Muller, a spy who masqueraded as a Russian shipbroker and covertly traveled to England among a crowd of refugees in 1915, used pen nibs dipped in lemon to write invisible messages to his counterparts. He relayed his secrets in between lines of regular ink in what appeared to be otherwise unremarkable letters. But Muller's cover was blown when an agent from Britain's Secret Service Bureau - known today as MI5 - ran a flat iron over a letter he sent in 1915, causing the invisible lemon ink to show. He was executed by firing squad at the Tower of London. Now, his trusty lemon - 110 years old and shriveled black - will be on display starting Saturday in a new exhibit called "MI5: Official Secrets," which showcases relics used by spies and spy-catchers, at the National Archives in Britain. The fruit was found in Muller's coat pocket at the time of his arrest and became a key piece of evidence in the bitter case against him. "Lemon juice had been used for centuries as a form of 'invisible ink,' since it cannot be seen on paper until it carbonizes when heated," the National Archives says on its website. "Other methods were available by the time of the First World War, but Muller had not realized the risks involved with using such a time-honored approach." The practice dates at least as far back as the Renaissance, when artist-inventor Leonardo da Vinci combined it with milk to write invisible messages, according to a research paper. Some have experimented throughout history with other acidic or alkaline substances, including urine, vinegar, onion juice, juice from other citrus fruits and semen. Lemon and grapefruit juice were also sometimes used during the American Revolutionary War. Invisible ink made from orange juice was a key part of the infamous 1605 Gunpowder Plot, when a handful of English Roman Catholics, angered by religious persecution, conspired to kill King James I and blow up Parliament. They did not succeed, but letters swapped among members of the underground Catholic movement from that time revealed numerous uses of orange ink. As for Muller, the German spy, his trial and execution were kept secret from the public so that British agents could continue to use his methods to pose as him and send false information to German intelligence units. They collected payments for his purported services and eventually pooled it together to purchase a Morris automobile, an iconic brand of car at the time. They named the car Muller, according to the National Archives. JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Israel's national airline El Al announced on Thursday that it will resume flights between Tel Aviv and Moscow starting May 1, following a security assessment and discussions with Russian authorities to ensure flight safety. The airline suspended flights to the Russian capital in late December 2024, citing "developments in Russian airspace" as the reason for the move. Israel's state-owned Kan TV News channel reported that the suspension of flights was influenced by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airports, including those in Moscow, as well as the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan while en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia. In its latest statement, the airline said the decision to restore the route is part of its broader strategy to expand operations along key flight paths. The resumed service will include seven weekly flights to the Russian capital. Meanwhile, the Israel Airport Authority announced in a separate statement that on May 1, El Al will also resume domestic flights between Tel Aviv and the southernmost Red Sea resort city of Eilat, after a 12-year hiatus. SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) Dick Pond Road at the Socastee swing bridge will be closed for several hours on Friday while Santee Cooper workers make emergency repairs to poles on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway. A Santee Cooper spokesperson said the utility received permission from the South Carolina Department of Transportation to close the road while the work is done. The road is expected to be closed from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. * * * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Contrary to reports earlier this week that the main ferry from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Isle Royale National Park is stuck without a crew, the National Park Service says it does not anticipate any disruptions for the upcoming season. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale National Park, located in the northwest part of Lake Superior, is considered one of the most remote and least visited national parks. Most visitors make the 76 nautical mile trip to the remote island archipelago from Houghton, Michigan, on a public ferry, known as the Ranger III. The ferry, operated by a federal, U.S. Coast Guard-licensed crew, makes the more-than-six hour trip four days a week in the summer. The park is only open from mid-April through October. The island archipelago, also designated as a wilderness area, consists of one large island and over 450 smaller ones, covering 850 square miles, including submerged land extending 4.5 miles into the big lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports began emerging earlier this week that the ferry is lacking a crew because of recent federal buyouts. Bill Fink, a retired Isle Royale superintendent, informed National Parks Traveler that both the ferrys engineer and assistant engineer opted for the federal buyout program in February. The retired superintendent told the outlet that if the Ranger III cannot operate then Isle Royale cannot be functionally open. However, the National Park Service Midwest Regional Office denied this report. We are looking forward to the upcoming summer season and seeing visitors enjoy all the park offers. At this time, we do not anticipate disruptions to the passenger season schedule, which starts on May 27. The park is working to finalize scheduling for the first freight trip, which is currently scheduled for late April," Meredith Mingledorff, supervisory public affairs specialist with the National Park Service Midwest Regional Office, said in an emailed statement to the Journal Sentinel. Mingledorff added that the agency cannot comment on specific staffing questions due to federal privacy law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like most federal agencies, the National Park Service, which sits within the Department of Interior, was hit the layoffs and buyouts as part of the Trump administration's effort to reduce the federal workforce. In February, 1,000 National Park Service employees across the country were laid off, according to the National Parks Conservation Association, though the agency intends to hire 5,000 temporary seasonal workers. Staff at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield County were among those cut, leaving the park staff, visitors and $55.7 million local economy in something of a holding pattern. The cuts come at a time when staffing at national parks has been unable to keep up with the pace of increasing visitation across the U.S. For instance, staffing in parks is down 20% since 2010, while visitation has increased by 16%, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. Because of its remote location and rugged landscape, Isle Royale is among the least visited national parks. In 2023, about 30,000 people visited the park. In comparison, in that same year, Lake Superior's Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, Michigan, saw about 247,000 and 910,000 visitors, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Summer at Lake Superiors Apostle Islands threatened by federal workforce cuts, tourism boards warn More: Apostle Islands, other Lake Superior national parks aggressively seek net zero carbon emissions Caitlin Looby is a Report for America corps member who writes about the environment and the Great Lakes. Reach her at clooby@gannett.com, follow her on X @caitlooby and learn more about how she approaches her reporting. Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to this reporting effort at jsonline.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Dr, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Have federal cuts left the ferry to Isle Royale without a crew? Another round of severe weather ripped across Ohio early Thursday morning, leaving thousands without power and possibly spawning a couple of tornadoes. But did any touch down? Here's where the National Weather Service is looking for evidence of tornadoes today. National Weather Service surveying storm damage for evidence of tornadoes As of 7:30 a.m., only one storm damage survey has been announced by the NWS. The Northern Indiana office, which covers several Northwest Ohio counties, will survey Dupont and surrounding areas in Putnam County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two radar-confirmed tornadoes were spotted in Southwest Ohio, the Enquirer reports. Per the NWS Wilmington office, which covers Central and Southwest Ohio, one touched down in northern Brown County and went into southeast Clinton County, and the other hit in northeastern Clinton County before moving into Fayette County. However, these radar-confirmed tornadoes are not official until the NWS surveys damage on the scene later Thursday. NWS confirms 4 tornadoes touched down Sunday Severe storms this past weekend brought four tornadoes to Ohio. Two of the tornadoes both rated as an EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale touched down in Butler County. One of the tornadoes landed just north of New Miami, while the other tornado touched down near West Chester before crossing eastbound into Warren County and dissipated just west of Morrow County, according to the NWS. The third tornado touched down near the city of Corwin in Warren County. It was also rated as an EF0, which is the weakest rating for a tornado on the EF Scale with winds between 65 and 85 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fourth tornado, confirmed by NWS Monday night, was rated as an EF1 that touched down in Fayette County in Jeffersonville, also in southwest Ohio. The twister reached a peak wind gust of 90 miles per hour, and it traveled for nearly four miles over about four minutes before dissipating, the NWS said. An EF1 tornado can reach wind gust speeds between 86 and 110 mph. How are tornadoes confirmed? After suspected tornadoes are spotted, crews from the National Weather Service go out in person to survey possible tornado damage. The pattern of damage, not how much damage was caused, determines whether a tornado touched down, according to the weather service. For tornadoes, with their violently rotating columns of air, damage often has a chaotic appearance, with larger uprooted trees often crossing each other. Weather service surveyors often look at larger uproots of trees to get a true idea of where the wind was blowing from. What's the difference between a tornado and a microburst? The National Weather Service defines a microburst as a localized column of sinking air within a thunderstorm. Wind speeds in microbursts can reach up to 100 mph or higher, which is equivalent to an EF1 tornado. Winds this high can cause major damage to homes and other structures and level hundreds of trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, the weather service looks at the pattern of damage to determine a microburst. Damage looks flattened out, with trees pointing in the same direction or fanning out from one another. How are tornadoes rated? The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories: EF0: Weak, with wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph EF1: Weak, 86 to 110 mph EF2: Strong, 111 to 135 mph EF3: Strong, 136 to 165 mph EF4: Violent, 166 to 200 mph EF5: Violent, greater than 200 mph Has there ever been an EF5 tornado in Ohio? Just four Ohio tornadoes since 1950 have received the most severe EF5 designation. The last time was May 31, 1985, when an EF5 tornado that tore through parts of Portage and Trumbull counties claimed 10 lives. There were 10 other tornadoes in Ohio that day. When is tornado season in Ohio? Ohio's tornado season is considered to be April through June, according to the National Weather Service. However, tornadoes can and have happened in every month of the year. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Were there tornadoes in Ohio last night? NWS surveying storm damage Billionaire Elon Musk, left accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump, right, and Musk's son, X Musk, speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 11, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) The Federal Trade Commission late Tuesday stayed a lawsuit accusing pharmacy middlemen of gaming the system to inflate the price of insulin a drug millions of Americans need to survive. When it did, it left experts in Ohio and elsewhere trying to figure out if President Donald Trump was trying to sabotage the commissions work, or if it was simply part of his vendetta against Democrats. Created in 1914, the FTC is tasked with stopping unfair trade practices particularly those by big corporations that use their dominance to harm small businesses and consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting around 1980, Republican and then Democratic administrations which appoint the agencys commissioners greatly diminished the role of the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department. The argument then prevailed that despite what the laws themselves said, the goal of antitrust law was efficiency, which would supposedly deliver better outcomes for consumers. But awareness has grown in recent years that the rise of big box stores, health conglomerates, and tech companies hasnt been to the uniform benefit of consumers. In response, the Biden administration began a new era of stepped-up enforcement of laws that had long been on the books. The FTC filed lawsuits against Amazon, to stop the Kroger-Albertsons merger, and it sued giant health conglomerates. It accused the latter companies of unfairly driving up insulin prices at the expense of diabetics especially those with low incomes. That was the case that the FTC stayed on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency did so because two Republican commissioners had recused themselves from the case, saying they had conflicts of interest. A third Republican commissioner hasnt yet been approved by the Senate. And Trump in March tried to fire the two Democratic appointees, Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter. The case was to be heard by the commissioners. But now there arent any to hear it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Bedoya and Slaughter are in court challenging the attempted firings, arguing that the president doesnt have the power to simply decree a change in the structure of a regulatory commission created by Congress. The suit quotes the Federal Trade Commission Act, which says the president can only remove commissioners for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So long as that lawsuit plays out, the FTC suit against the pharmacy middlemen wont. It alleges that the big three pharmacy middlemen excluded cheaper generic forms of insulin from insurance coverage in order to extract larger rebates from manufacturers more costly products. The three biggest middlemen, or pharmacy benefit managers, control nearly 80% of the insured drug transactions in the United Sates. Each is a part of a conglomerate that also owns a major insurer UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health and Cigna-Express Scripts. As middlemen, the benefit managers decide which drugs are covered, and which of those have low or no copayments. The FTC suit says that since 2012, theyve been increasingly aggressive about demanding ever-larger, non-transparent rebates their critics call them kickbacks from manufacturers in exchange for covering their drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With insulin, prices were effectively jacked up when the middlemen refused to cover some of the cheapest alternatives at all, the suit said. Its clear that for now, anyway, the insulin suit isnt going anywhere. What isnt clear is whether thats what Trump intended when he tried to remove Bedoya and Slaughter. Sadly, this was an entirely foreseeable consequence of illegally attempting to fire the minority commissioners, they said in a joint statement Tuesday decrying the suspension of the insulin suit. Foreseeable, yes, but was it intentional? The White House press office didnt respond to questions Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the one hand, Trump in the past has been critical of the pharmacy middlemen. In his first administration, he floated the idea of ending legal exemptions that allow them to collect rebates from manufacturers in exchange for covering their drugs. And in December, then President-elect Trump said of pharmacy benefit managers, The horrible middleman that makes more money, frankly, than the drug companies, and they dont do anything except theyre a middleman, USA Today reported. I dont know who these middlemen are, but they are rich. Despite all that, Trump hasnt taken any meaningful action against the health conglomerates that own the middlemen or against tech moguls such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who donated millions to his campaign and his inauguration. Meanwhile, Trump has at least temporarily crippled the antitrust watchdog that has tried to rein them in. Antonio Ciaccia is a Columbus-based drug-pricing expert who has followed the rise of drug middlemen since Trumps first term. He said the president is yet to back up his tough talk with concrete action. In his first term as president, Trump pushed to eliminate the anti-kickback law exemptions that ballooned the prices of medicines like insulin. The Biden Administration refused to implement the policy, Ciaccia said. The FTCs lawsuit against (pharmacy benefit managers) over their role in inflating the prices of insulin was another opportunity to achieve Trumps original policy goals albeit via different means. Regardless of the intent, the recent shake-up at the FTC effectively ends that pursuit for the foreseeable future. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Quite a few Pulaskians spent Thursday hoping that history didnt repeat itself. It didnt escape the attentions of many around the area that this weeks severe storms happened to fall on the 51st anniversary of one of the most destructive tornado outbreaks North America has ever seen. Over the course of April 3 and 4, 1974, there were 148 confirmed tornadoes throughout the U.S. and Canada tracked and cataloged by Ted Fujita himself, the creator of the Fujita scale for measuring tornadoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his study, there were 30 F4 and F5 tornadoes during that outbreak. All told, the outbreak caused 335 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries. And Pulaski County contributed to those statistics. In the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) report on the outbreak, it stated that Kentucky saw at least 26 vicious tornadoes strike between 3:40 a.m. and midnight on April 3. (The report uses Central Daylight Time (CDT) for all of its records.) Buried within that report, NOAA states, Pulaski County, in south-central Kentucky, was struck by three separate tornadoes during the evening. The first of these (74) touched down near Mt. Victory at 7:55 p.m. CDT and moved into Rockcastle County before lifting. This storm killed six and injured 30 in Pulaski County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second tornado (73) moved into southern Pulaski County shortly after 9 p.m. after killing 2 and injuring 16 in eastern Wayne County. The storm hit Alpine at 9:20 p.m. CDT and caused 29 injuries in Pulaski County. The County apparently was struck by Kentuckys final tornado of the outbreak (64) between 11:30 and midnight, as the storm moved from Piney Grove Church near the Russell County Line through Nancy and Bobtown to Level Green (In Rockcastle County). Pulaskis official total of deaths was eight the six that were killed on Piney Grove Ridge and two from Alpine who would later die of their injuries. The Commonwealth Journal covered dozens of stories in the aftermath of the storms. The April 4, 1974 edition didnt shy away from the devastation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One story read: All of the fatalities in Pulaski County occurred in the Piney Grove community, north of Nancy in the western part of the county. Listed as dead are Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Johnson and Mr. And Mrs. Clifford Weddle, all of the Piney Grove community. Robert and Tom Johnson are brothers. The two Johnson families lived about two miles apart, according to Coroner J.B. Morris. The bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Weddle reportedly were found beneath the debris of a demolished house. He was 62 and she was 58. They were discovered and brought in to City Hospital several hours after the other four were found. The Johnsons were taken to Somerset Undertaking Company. The bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Weddle were taken to Bernard Funeral Home in Russell Springs. There was also a story from State Trooper Jim McWhorter about members of a community finding a baby alive that had been blown out of her home. The childs mother and father were injured when their mobile home was whisked away by the tornadic winds, the article read. Trooper McWhorter said he was on his way to Science Hill to check on additional storm damage when he received a radio call that a baby was missing at Towering Hills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors found the infant just as the officer arrived at the scene. The child rested quietly in a small cavity created when a piece of furniture was lifted and dropped by the great blow. If the baby was hurt at all, I couldnt tell, smiled McWhorter. Its amazing, he added. The entire trailer blew away and the baby was protected. The late Bill Mardis, who was editor at the time of the outbreak, spent years after that compiling even more stories about that day. This reporter left work at the Commonwealth Journal shortly after 4 p.m., went home, ate supper, and left for the Briar Bowl, Mardis said, writing about himself in the third person, in several articles that reflect on the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the way to the bowling alley, I noticed a small dip momentarily from the base of a shelf cloud in the southwest. It disappeared quickly; I thought no more about it. A short while later, someone came in the bowling alley and said a tornado had struck Alpine and people were hurt. Then, I remembered, the shelf cloud, the sudden cone-shaped dip. That was the tornado that hit Alpine. I chilled. Im late on the story, I thought. I put my bowling ball in a locker and left the Briar Bowl, hurrying to the Commonwealth Journal newsroom. Mardis recalled that then-publisher George Jop Joplin III asked Mardis to go by the Somerset Hospital, located on Bourne Avenue, to check on injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm still raged, Mardis wrote. Lightning was more intense. Thunder rolled, and sirens wailed. The emergency room was a madhouse with injured on stretchers. It took just moments to learn a tornado had roared across Piney Grove Ridge, leveling relatively new brick homes and killing six people. One patient was dead upon arrival at the hospital, nine were admitted and 18 treated and released as hospital doctors and staffers worked through the night. Roads were blocked by fallen trees and ambulance and rescue squad personnel had to cut fences along the recently opened Cumberland Parkway to bring injured to the hospital. Searches continued for the dead beneath the storms rubble. Of all the chaos of the evening, Mardis recalled that nobody noticed when WHAS in Louisville reported that there was an earthquake in the area around 9 p.m. that evening. There was too much devastation; an angry sky was shaking the ground, Mardis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These days, Pulaskians and people living all over the country have improved technological resources for predicting and warning of potential deadly tornadoes. Many experts point back to the storm of April 1974 as being one of the reasons that technology was sought. As an article on the NOAA website points out, Better communication with all sectors involved in hazardous weather preparation and emergency response, notably mass media and emergency management, was borne of the outbreak, helping to preserve life and property up to the present and beyond. The outbreak also highlighted the need for enhanced weather and storm observing capabilities across the U.S. and beyond, spurring the funding and development of new technologies in radar and satellite meteorology, many of which are still in use in the (National Weather Service) to this day. The outbreak also helped to expedite the passage of the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, passed by the U.S. Senate just a week after the tornadoes. That act, according to news reports of the day, was notable for not only providing assistance to tornado victims, it also overhauled how federal agencies respond to disaster relief. The Trump administration's latest tariffs are likely to be "difficult, but not critical" for Ukraine's economy, Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on April 3, voicing hope for hammering out more favorable conditions with the U.S. U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping list of "reciprocial tariffs" on April 2, imposing a baseline 10% duty on all countries including Ukraine with even higher rates for major trade partners like the EU. Ukraine's exports to the U.S. in 2024 amounted to $874 million, including $363 million in cast iron and $112 million in pipes, Svyrydenko said on Facebook. The same year, Ukraine imported $3.4 billion worth of U.S. goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian producers sell over 600 different categories of goods to the U.S, according to the minister. "Our tariffs on American goods are quite low the rate on cars is 10%, on coal and oil 0%," Svyrydenko said. "Therefore, we now have a chance to agree on different conditions. The American statement clearly indicates such a possibility," she noted, adding that the tariffs will be felt most strongly by small producers. Last month, the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum products imported into the U.S., though these commodities and other metals were exempt from reciprocal tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steel production is a key sector of Ukraine's economy, the second-largest source of foreign currency after agriculture. Some 60 countries or trading blocs were hit with additional duties higher than the 10% baseline, including the EU (20%), China (34%), and Taiwan (32%). Russia, Belarus, and a handful of other countries were exempt from the list, with the White House arguing that the existing sanctions imposed on these nations already "preclude any meaningful trade." Read also: Trump ignites trade war against all, slaps 20% tariff on EU, 10% on Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Diplomatic means may be the only way to eventually return some Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a working visit to Chernihiv on April 3. Russia now occupies about 20$ of Ukraine. Russian forces control parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, and have also occupied Crimea since the peninsula's illegal annexation in 2014. Ukraine will never recognize the occupied territories as Russian, Zelensky told a group of entrepreneurs in Chernihiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are Ukrainian territories ... this is one of the main red lines for us, in any case, this is a temporary occupation of territories," he said. A just peace will be achieved when Ukraine's territorial integrity is restored, Zelensky said, but this may involve a lengthy diplomatic process. "But if it is possible to find a compromise so that the return of these territories occurs over time through diplomatic means, I think that, probably, as far as some territories are concerned, this will be the only way," he said. Zelensky traveled to Chernihiv Oblast on April 3 for meetings with local government officials, business representatives, and residents. His visit marked the third anniversary of the liberation of the village of Yahidne from Russian occupation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the occupation, all 350 residents of Yahidne were held in the basement of the local school for nearly one month. There were about 80 children among the hostages, including infants. Ten villagers died due to the conditions of captivity, while another 17 were killed by Russian forces. Over three million Ukrainians are estimated to live under Russian occupation. Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 20 issued a decree demanding that all Ukrainians living in the occupied regions submit to Russian law by Sept. 10 or face legal consequences. U.S. officials have said that territorial concessions will be necessary to secure a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Kyiv has consistently maintained that it will not formally recognize Ukrainian territories as Russian as part of any peace deal. Read also: Every finding is a key: The mission to recover Ukraines fallen soldiers (Photos) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Carl Rinsch - Credit: John Sciulli Carl Erik Rinsch, the director accused of blowing $11 million of Netflixs money on cars, mattresses, and cryptocurrency, has pleaded not guilty to charges including fraud and money laundering. Rinsch was arrested in March in connection with the alleged misappropriation of the streaming services funds; a seven-count grand jury indictment detailed the scheme to steal millions by soliciting a large investment from a video streaming service, claiming that money would be used to finance a television show that he was creatingbut that was fiction. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netflix hired Rinsch to write and direct a sci-fi series called White Horse (later renamed Conquest) in 2018, but despite Netflix pouring $55 million into the project, the director never delivered a single episode. Rinsch later asked Netflix for an additional $11 million in funding, which a New York Times report and later the indictment alleged he used to gamble on the stock market, stay in fancy hotels, and purchase luxury goods. No episodes of Conquest were ever produced. A Sept. 8 trial date was set for Rinsch, who remains free on $100,000 bail, Variety reports. While Rinsch initially faced up to 90 years in prison if convicted on all seven counts, the Manhattan court judge said Thursday that Rinsch would only face up to 20 years if found guilty, though even a sentence that severe is wholly irrational. I dont pay much attention to the [sentencing] guidelines, the judge said. Rinsch also faces a civil trial brought forth by Netflix, which is seeking to recoup some of the $11 million the director allegedly misappropriated; Rinsch has said he is broke, and that his cryptocurrency balance plunged from $26.7 million in May 2021 to $68,000 in May 2023. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer shocked the world when he was arrested in 1991, as much for the heinous crimes he committed against his victims, as for the fact that he killed 17 men and boys over more than 13 years without capture. Well-mannered, soft-spoken and pleasant in appearance, Dahmer barely escaped arrest on multiple occasions during his murderous spree, in which he lured men often on societys fringes back to his home where he would kill and perform acts of necrophilia and cannibalism with their remains, often preserving body parts as mementos. Details of Dahmer's crimes were sourced from FBI files. WATCH: Invisible Monsters on A&E Crime Central Heres a timeline of Dahmers murderssome of the most shocking ever committed in modern history: June 1978: Dahmer kills his first victim I always knew that it was wrong. The first killing was not planned, Dahmer told Inside Edition in 1993. I was coming back from the shopping mall back in 78. Id had fantasies about picking up a hitchhiker, and taking him back to the house, and having complete dominance and control over him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hitchhiker was 18-year-old Steven Hicks, Dahmers first victim. Dahmer took Hicks to his parents house in Ohio where he strangled and beat him with a barbell before dismembering the body and placing it in trash bags. No one. No one had a clue as to what was happening for over a decade, Dahmer said of what would transpire following his first killing. Dahmer would not murder again until 1987. In the intervening years he had joined the army and was stationed for a time in Germany, eventually being discharged due to problems with excessive drinking. Of those nine years without a victim, Dahmer said the urge was always there; what he lacked were the right circumstances. There just wasnt an opportunity to fully express what I wanted to do. There was just not the physical opportunity to do it then. September 1981: Dahmer returns to Ohio following a military discharge Dahmer briefly returned to Ohio to live with his parents following his military discharge, but was arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct, for which he was fined and received a suspended jail sentence. Hoping his grandmother would be a tempering influence on their son's ongoing drinking, Dahmer's parents sent him to live with her in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. August 1982: Dahmer is arrested Arrested for indecently exposing himself at Wisconsin State Fair Park, Dahmer was convicted and fined $50. Photo: Bureau of Prisons/Getty Images - Getty Images August 1986: He is charged with disorderly conduct Arrested for masturbating in front of two boys, Dahmer told authorities he was merely urinating. Charged with disorderly conduct, he was sentenced to one year of probation and to undergo counseling. September 1987: Dahmer kills his next victim, nine years after his first After taking Steven Tuomi, 24, back to a hotel room, Dahmer says he awoke the following morning to find Tuomi dead alongside him in bed. Dahmer would later tell authorities he had only planned on drugging Tuomi and had no recollection of beating him to death with his fists. Placing the body in a suitcase, Dahmer transported it to his grandmothers basement where, a week later, he dismembered it and placed it in the trash, except for the head which he retained for a further week before boiling it in industrial detergent and bleach, eventually pulverizing the brittle skull. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Jeffrey Dahmer's Life (and Death) in Prison October 1987: Dahmer lures in another victim Dahmer brought 14-year-old James Doxtator to the basement of his grandmothers house after promising him $50 in exchange for posing for nude photos. After drugging him, Dahmer strangled Doxtator, disposing of his body in similar fashion to that of Tuomi. March 1988: Dahmer meets his next victim outside a gay bar Richard Guerrero met his killer outside a Milwaukee gay bar. Dahmer offered Guerrero $50 to return to his grandmothers house and spend the night with him. After drugging Guerrero with sleeping pills, Dahmer strangled him before performing sexual acts on the corpse. This time, Dahmer dismembered the body within 24 hoursbut hiding his killings and the dismemberments was becoming increasingly difficult. September 1988: Dahmer is arrested for sexual assault Dahmers grandmother had become annoyed with his bringing men to her house late at nightand with the foul smells emanating from the basementso she eventually told him to move out. Within days of securing a one-bedroom apartment, Dahmer was arrested and charged with second-degree sexual assault and enticing a child for immoral purposes after luring 13-year-old Keison Sinthasomphone back to his apartment, where he drugged and molested the boy before his intended victim escaped, taking his story to the police. Dahmer spent a week in jail before being released on bail. March 1989: After killing his fifth victim, Dahmer begins to keep trophies Aspiring model Anthony Sears, 24, became Dahmers fifth victim after they met at a bar. Dahmer, fearing his apartment was being watched by the police, brought Sears to his grandmothers basement to be drugged and strangled. Sears was the first victim from whom Dahmer took trophies, storing and preserving Sears head and genitals, which he kept in a wooden box. For a time, he stored the box in his work locker. May 1989: Dahmer is sentenced to 12 months in jail with work release Sentenced to 12 months of jail time and five years of probation for second-degree sexual assault, Dahmer was permitted work release in order to keep his job as a mixer at Ambrosia Chocolate Factory, while also being required to register as a sex offender. Paroled from jail two months early, Dahmer rented an apartment at 924 North 25th Street in Milwaukee. May 1990: Shortly after his release, Dahmer kills again Just months after being released from jail, Dahmer killed Raymond Smith, a 32-year-old prostitute he had offered $50 for sex. After drugging Smith at his North 25th St. apartment, Dahmer strangled him with his hands before taking Polaroid pictures of the corpse in suggestive poses. Dismembering the body in his bathroom, Dahmer boiled the remains, dissolving them in a container of acid except for Smiths skull, which he kept in a cabinet alongside Sears skull. When neighbors complained of the smell emanating from his apartment, Dahmer told them his refrigerator was broken and he was waiting to get it fixed. June 1990: Dahmer kills again and attempts to preserve the body After killing 27-year-old Edward Smith, Dahmer attempted to retain the body by keeping it in a freezer for several months. The frozen corpse was eventually discarded, with Dahmer telling authorities he was upset he did not get to keep any of Smiths body parts due to degradation in the freezer. Photo: EUGENE GARCIA/AFP/Getty Images - Getty Images September 1990: Dahmer claims two more victims, but deviates from his previous methods Ernest Miller, 22, had his throat slashed after being promised money to join Dahmer at his apartment. A lack of sleeping pills forced Dahmer to change his method of killing. Dahmer kept parts of Millers body to eat, something he was doing increasingly, and he painted and displayed Miller's head in his apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three weeks later, Dahmer killed 22-year-old David Thomas. Later, he said he came to realize during their encounter that he was not attracted to Thomas, but he still drugged and killed him, then disposed of his body, intentionally not keeping any parts. February 1991: A tenth victim is murdered Dahmer picked up 17-year-old Curtis Straughter at a bus stop, offering him money in exchange for nude photos. Dahmer continued his rituals with his tenth victim: offers of cash to a stranger, drugging and strangling his victim before taking photos, dismembering and keeping body parts for cannibalism and trophies. Following his arrest, Dahmer said eating his victims was a compulsion, a way of making me feel they were a part of me. April 1991: Dahmer attempts to put a victim into a "zombie-like" state After drugging 19-year-old Errol Lindsey, Dahmer drilled a hole in his skull, into which he poured hydrochloric acid in an attempt to produce what Dahmer would describe as a zombie-like state in his victim. Lindsey regained consciousness before Dahmer drugged him further, and then strangled him and flayed the corpse with the intention of retaining Lindseys skin. May 1991: He narrowly escapes capture Dahmers next victim, 31-year-old Anthony Hughes, was dead, but still intact on the floor when he lured 14-year-old Konerak Sinthasomphone to his North 25th St. apartment. After photographing and drugging Sinthasomphone, Dahmer again tried to render his victim brain dead by drilling into his skull and inserting acid, leaving the drugged body alongside Hughes corpse while he left the apartment for a few hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Returning in the early hours of the following morning, Dahmer discovered a groggy Sinthasomphone sitting outside the apartment building with three women huddled around him. Telling the women Sinthasomphone was his friend, Dahmer attempted to lead the boy back to the apartment to the dismay of the women, who informed Dahmer they had already called the police. Dahmer eventually convinced attending police that Sinthasomphone was his 19-year-old boyfriend and that they had quarreled after drinking too much. Amid protests from the women, the officers escorted Dahmer and Sinthasomphone back to the apartment, where Dahmer produced the Polaroids he had taken earlier as proof of their relationship. Categorizing the event as a domestic dispute, the three officers left Sinthasomphone with Dahmer in the apartment, which they noted had a strange odor. Dahmer once again drilled Sinthasomphones head and injected it with acid, this time with fatal results. By coincidence, Sinthasomphone was the younger brother of the boy Dahmer had molested in 1988a crime for which he was convictedthough according to Dahmer, he had no idea of their connection. After dismembering their bodies, Dahmer kept the skulls of both Hughes and Sinthasomphone. June 1991: Dahmer lures in another victim with the promise of a photo shoot Dahmer met 20-year-old Matthew Turner in Chicago and persuaded him to travel to Milwaukee for a photo shoot. Once again, Dahmer drugged, strangled and dismembered his victim, keeping the head and internal organs in plastic bags in his freezer. July 7-19 1991: Three more victims are killed Choosing another victim from Chicago, Dahmer promised Jeremiah Weinberger, 20, a weekend away at his apartment in Milwaukee. Dahmer did not commit the murder until the day following their arrival, when Weinberger voiced his intention to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, after agreeing to pose nude, 24-year-old Oliver Lacy accompanied Dahmer back to his apartment, where Lacy was drugged and then administered chloroform over the course of a day in an attempt to render him alive, but unconscious. After strangling Lacy, Dahmer had sex with the corpse, storing the head and heart in the refrigerator and the skeleton in a freezer. Four days after murdering Lacy, Dahmer was fired from his job. The same day, Dahmer lured Joseph Bradehoft, 25, to his apartment, strangling him and laying the body on the bed where it remained for two days. He then placed Bradehofts head in the refrigerator. July 22, 1991: Dahmer's killing spree comes to an end Two Milwaukee police officers were flagged down by an agitated man with handcuffs attached at one wrist. Tracey Edwards, 32, told the officers a freak had placed the handcuffs on him and that he had spent the better part of the evening trying to escape from a nearby apartment where he was being held captive. Dahmer had met Edwards earlier that day, and persuaded him to accompany him to his apartment. Upon entering, Edwards immediately noticed a foul smell and stacked boxes of hydrochloric acid. Dahmer had tried to place handcuffs on Edwards, succeeding only in fastening one wrist before he brandished a knife, pulling Edwards toward the bedroom where Dahmer said he intended to take nude pictures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Continually repeating he was Dahmers friend, Edwards waited until his captor had a lapse of concentration whereupon he punched Dahmer in the face. In the confusion Edwards fled through the front door, eventually flagging down the police car. Upon their arrival at his apartment, Dahmer invited the attending officers inside, admitting it was he who had placed the handcuffs on Edwards and that the keys were in his nightstand. On entering the bedroom, one officer noticed a partially open drawer filled with Polaroid pictures of numerous bodies in differing states of dismemberment. Brandishing the images, the officer returned to the living room, reportedly saying to his partner: These are for real. Seeing the images, Dahmer attempted to escape, but was quickly subdued by police, who immediately called for assistance. When authorities opened Dahmers refrigerator door, they found the severed head of a Black male on the bottom shelf. Authorities would discover four other severed heads in Dahmers kitchen, two human hearts in the refrigerator, seven skulls in Dahmers bedroom, as well as an entire human torso in his freezer. Further investigation at the apartment would reveal preserved sexual organs, two entire skeletons, severed hands and a further three torsos submerged in acid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked following his arrest if he was glad it was over, Dahmer stated he was not glad, that he liked his lifestyle and found it exciting and thrilling, according to FBI files. When authorities asked Dahmer if it would be possible to lead a normal life if he were ever released, the murderer responded that the best place for him was prisonbecause if he ever got out, he would go right back to the same behavior, including killing. Sentenced to 16 consecutive life terms, Dahmer was killed by fellow prison inmate Christopher Scarver in 1994. You Might Also Like A new survey of British Muslims has provided much food for thought on how to view the matters of demography, culture and identity in modern Britain. The Whitestone Insight polling conducted on behalf of the Institute on the Impact of Faith in Life (IIFL) found that seven in 10 British Muslim respondents identified with their religious identity first and foremost with around a quarter identifying most strongly with their British/English national identity. This is not necessarily a surprise, especially when one considers the centrality of Islam to the lives of many British Muslims, including the concept of the Ummah (global Islamic community). But the fact that younger British Muslims are more likely to identify as Muslim first than their elders peaking at 85 per cent for 18-to-24-year-olds burns a hole in the theory that minority identities subside over the generations. It appears the opposite is taking place regarding British Muslims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality is that many British Muslims especially those born in the UK have integrated in terms of education and employment. They will tend to have higher rates of social mixing outside their own ethnic and religious group, especially when compared to foreign-born parents or grandparents. Is it any wonder that some dont want to integrate? Perhaps the most significant development in modern Britain is that many law-abiding Muslim social conservatives including those who are born on these islands, well-educated and making headway in the labour market have reached the view that integrating into mainstream Britain is not desirable and a certain degree of insulation is preferable in the shape of conventional Islamic morality. Integration in modern Britain is a double-edged sword. As Britains Muslim population has become more integrated, it has also been more exposed to the reality that they live in a society characterised by high levels of family breakdown, intergenerational disconnection and a fundamental loss of community spirit against a backdrop of fast-paced secularisation and rampant material individualism. The growing disregard of the sanctity of life whether it is abortion or assisted dying would alienate the most liberal of Muslims. Previous research by the IIFL found that three in five British Muslims believe that most Brits prioritise their individual interests over their own family and local community perhaps they have a point? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And many young, politically-engaged, British Muslims who will have higher expectations of their democracy when compared to foreign-born elders who are naturally grateful after leaving conflict-affected, unstable and impoverished places of origin will be left disillusioned by the perceived lack of solidarity with Palestine among the political establishment. Some may even consider it to be a betrayal, which will only raise the salience of their religious identity. As a patriotic British Muslim of Bangladeshi origin, none of this fills me with pleasure. The portrait of modern Britain is becoming an increasingly complicated one diversity is our strength rings hollower by the day. And it seems like none of our political leaders has the faintest idea on how to navigate the choppy waters we find ourselves in. Dr Rakib Ehsan is the author of Beyond Grievance 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. VIENTIANE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Technology and Communications held a meeting to review progress and discuss plans for developing secure, modern telecommunications and information technologies across all sectors, from central to local levels. The meeting, held in Lao capital Vientiane from Wednesday to Thursday, was chaired by Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara and attended by key staff from across the country, according to the ministry's report. During the meeting, the ministry outlined a development plan for 2026-2030, focusing on leveraging research and technological innovation to diversify products, enhance competitiveness, and develop skilled digital human resources. The meeting emphasized four main priorities for the future, including creating a digital state, developing a digital payment system, supporting start-ups and a digital ecosystem, and developing digital skills to generate revenue for the national budget and support socio-economic growth. The meeting also included a productive exchange of ideas to shape solutions for the future. (Main image by Peter Dazeley/Getty Images; DNR insignia courtesy State of Iowa) An Iowa Department of Natural Resources officer fired for unprofessional conduct and using a confidential state database to screen potential dates is now suing the department, alleging shes the victim of post-traumatic stress disorder. State records indicate Angela Jansen of Central City worked for the DNR as a conservation officer from October 2018 to August 2023, when she was fired for conduct unbecoming a state employee and for the unauthorized personal use of a DNR database. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jansen recently filed a lawsuit against the DNR in Polk County District Court, alleging the department violated her civil rights when it fired her as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by fatalities she encountered at work. In her lawsuit, Jansen says she witnessed multiple critical incidents involving the tragic deaths of others, including a 2018 incident during her field training when a pickup truck become engulfed in flames and the occupant was unable to escape the vehicle. In 2019, the lawsuit alleges, Jansen witnessed a second catastrophic vehicle accident at work where she was unable to assist the victims. After witnessing these horrific events, Jansen was not offered any counseling or other services, in violation of department policy, the lawsuit claims. As a result, her mental health began to deteriorate. In May 2023, Jansen alleges, she was involved in an on-duty incident where a person drowned and again, the department failed to follow its critical incident policy by requiring her to attend mandatory counseling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jansen alleges that on the evening of June 14, 2023, while off duty in Ankeny, she consumed alcohol as a mechanism to cope with her mental health struggles. Officers from the Ankeny Police Department provided Jansen with a ride home later that same evening, the lawsuit claims. On June 28, 2023, Jansen was informed by the DNR that she was suspended pending an investigation into her conduct. A month later, Jansens medical provider diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder and she requested a leave of absence from the department, proposing the department pause its personnel investigation into her conduct on June 14, 2023, so that she could first obtain treatment. On Aug. 2, Jansen was fired. State alleges unprofessional conduct Jansens lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for disability discrimination, failure to accommodate a disability, retaliation, and violations of the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The state has yet to file a response to the lawsuit. However, it did challenge Jansens claim for unemployment benefits after her dismissal. In that case, the state alleged that during the June 14, 2023, incident, Jansen was off duty and on a date while carrying her service weapon in her purse. At some point in the evening, Jansen called an ex-boyfriend to come pick her up from her date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ex-boyfriend is a felon, according to state records, and while he and Jansen were in his car the two began arguing. The argument escalated to the point where the ex-boyfriends Apple watch determined there was an emergency of some kind and dialed 911 without the two realizing it. Ankeny police arrived on the scene and began investigating the matter. The DNRs law enforcement bureau chief, Craig Cutts, later testified that he reviewed the officers body-camera footage and saw video of Jansen telling the responding officers she had a gun in her purse. When asked why she had a gun, Jansen reportedly identified herself as a DNR officer. During the discussion with police, Jansen allegedly asked one of the officers if he dated older women and referred to him as Officer Hot Stuff, the DNR later alleged. In addition, she reportedly admitted more than once that it was likely that she was drunk at the time, then informed the officers she had used a state database maintained by the DNR to determine the marital status of at least one person she was considering dating. Ankeny police did not arrest Jansen or issue any citations, but they did confiscate the purse with the gun in it and drove Jansen home where they returned the items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly thereafter, Jansen reported some details of the incident to Cutts. Jansens direct supervisor, Capt. Deb Vitko, then contacted Cutts and allegedly told him she had heard about the incident over the police radio and there was more to the story than what Jansen had self-reported. She reportedly told Cutts about the firearm and said there appeared to be some question as to whether the ex-boyfriend had been held against his will. Cutts then initiated an investigation and reviewed the body-camera footage and police reports. The department ultimately concluded Jansen had acted in a manner unbecoming of a state employee and that she had improperly accessed and then used information from the DNR database. Jansens application for jobless benefits was later decided by Administrative Law Judge Alexis Rowe who ruled that Jansens off-duty behavior was disqualifying job-related misconduct. Jansen acted inappropriately with a police officer, asking him if he dated older women and calling him Officer Hot Stuff, Rowe stated. The judge added that Jansen also admitted more than once that it was likely she was drunk. These actions were objectively harmful to the employers interests in maintaining the reputation of professionalism for its officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to state records, Jansen had one previous disciplinary warning for conduct unbecoming a state employee. That warning, which was coupled with a suspension, was issued in June 2021 after Jansen was arrested for drunken driving in Linn County where tests showed she had a blood-alcohol level of .172 percent more than twice the legal limit. In that case, Jansen was convicted of first-offense drunken driving and sentenced to 48 hours in jail to be served on weekends. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated as Kent County reports its first measles case in over a decade. The Kent County Health Department announced Tuesday that an adult had been diagnosed with measles. Its the first case here since 2013. The adults age was not released. In 2000, the World Health Organization declared measles eradicated in the United States because of the effectiveness of the vaccine. But outbreaks have popped up in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It concerns me were putting our community at risk when theres ways to prevent them from getting sick, said Cathy Armstrong, a communicable disease supervisor for the Kent County Health Department. We would like to see everybody get vaccinated for measles if its possible because it does reduce the risk of disease in the community for those high-risk people who could be truly affected by it. Kent County records first measles case in 12 years The recent case in Kent County isnt a surprise to health experts. We have enough susceptible people out there now and its circulating enough both in the world and the U.S. that it was a matter of time, said Dr. Andrew Jameson, an infectious diseases physician with Trinity Health Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the states second case this year. There are about 500 cases now across 20 states, already more than last year. Nearly all of the cases are reportedly among people who are unvaccinated. The Kent County Health Department would not say whether the adult was vaccinated, citing patient confidentiality. But we would expect more people who are unvaccinated to get the disease than people who are vaccinated because its so effective, Armstrong said. Armstrong said the MMR shot is actually the best vaccine we have. It is the best way to prevent the spread of measles, and we know measles can cause severe illness in a lot of different people, especially young children, immunocompromised people, pregnant women, Armstrong said. We want to make sure were not spreading it amongst the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health experts say the measles vaccine is 97% effective with two doses at preventing the disease entirely. Its a little bit different than some of our other vaccines we talk about a lot like COVID and flu, where the vaccine helps you from getting severe disease but maybe is not perfect at preventing it, Jameson said. The measles vaccine is a slam dunk at preventing it. It provides lifelong immunity, so youre still covered if you got the shot a long time ago. Once you get the vaccine, it takes about two weeks to kick in. The vaccine has been tested more times than most other things, Armstrong said. All of the data there is on the vaccine shows that it is safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know as measles spreads, 5 states report active outbreaks Measles is considered one of the most contagious infectious diseases out there. Jameson said the virus is believed to remain in the air for hours. People who are unvaccinated who are truly exposed to measles, 90% of them get measles from an exposure, Armstrong said. That means 9 out of 10 people will get sick. Jameson said on average, one infected person can spread it to 18 susceptible people. COVID, at its worst, was doing one person to two to three, he said. Because measles is so contagious, the Kent County Health Department released a list of recent places the adult had visited: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Kentwood March 25 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Gerald R. Ford International Airport March 25 from 11:20 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Delta Sky Club near Gate A68 March 27-28 6:45 p.m. to midnight | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport March 27-28 10:40 p.m. to 1 a.m. | Gerald R. Ford International Airport March 28 1:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. | Corewell Health Family Medicine on Wealthy Street in East Grand Rapids If you were at any those places at those times, health experts say youre likely fine if youre vaccinated. If youre not, talk to your doctor and look out for various symptoms which can begin seven to 14 days after exposure. They can also surface as late as 21 days after. People infected with the disease may have a high fever; cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; tiny white spots on inner cheeks, gums and roof of mouth two to three days after symptoms begin; rash that is red, raised and blotchy that usually starts on the face and spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after the onset of symptoms, according to the Kent County Health Department. If you are experiencing these symptoms, the health department urges you to call your healthcare provider before going in-person to prevent spread. To check your immunization status, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website. The health department urges vaccination, especially if you have international travel plans or are going somewhere with an active measles outbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. The acting inspector general for the Department of Defense said Thursday that hes opened an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths use of messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive military operations. The action comes a week after a reporter for The Atlantic disclosed that hed been inadvertently added to a group chat with Trump administration officials where they discussed sensitive details about an upcoming bombing campaign in Yemen. Hegseth was notified via a memorandum from acting Inspector General Steven A. Stebbins, who said he was following through on a request from the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The objective of this evaluation is to determine the extent to which the Secretary of Defense and other DoD personnel complied with DoD policies and procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business. Stebbins said his office will also review whether the DoDs use of the app complies with classification and records retention requirements. The White House has repeatedly claimed that no classified information was shared in the war plan group chat, an assertion former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called truly astounding. Hagel told CNN information of that sort would ordinarily be classified for obvious reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, details of a strike a war strike thats going to kill people, do damage. Thats the intent of it. I think that is classified information, he added. On Thursday, the scandal claimed its first jobs after President Donald Trump fired several senior members of the National Security Council at the advice of Laura Loomer. In an Oval Office meeting the day prior, the far-right conspiracy theorist reportedly told Trump she believed the group text fiasco that began with Trumps national security adviser Mike Waltz was somehow actually a foreign operation orchestrated by China. Read the memo in full below: Related... The Pentagons inspector general has launched an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths use of the Signal messaging app to discuss U.S. military operations in Yemen with other national security officials. The inquiry follows calls from Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and ranking member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) for the agencys watchdog to look into Hegseths messages and participation in the chat. National security adviser Mike Waltz set up the now infamous chat in March to coordinate the Trump administrations plans for strikes against the Houthis and accidentally invited a journalist to it. The objective of this evaluation is to determine the extent to which the Secretary of Defense and other DOD personnel complied with DOD policies and procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business, acting Pentagon Inspector General Steven Stebbins said Thursday in a memo sent to Hegseth and his deputy, Stephen Feinberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stebbins said the watchdog agency would also look at whether Hegseth complied with the Pentagons rules for communicating classified information over proper channels and followed federal laws on retaining records. The group's Signal messages were set to delete in up to four weeks. Hegseth, in messages seen by The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg, conveyed information about the exact launch times of U.S. fighter jets, enemy targets, and munitions that would normally be classified. The move worried national security officials, although Hegseth has repeatedly said he did not share war plans or classified information. Several House and Senate Democrats have demanded the Pentagon chiefs ouster, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). The White House insists it has ended any further investigation into the episode, although POLITICO reported Wednesday that Waltz set up as many as 20 group chats to coordinate the Trump administrations foreign policy. MESA COUNTY, Colorado (WJW) A dog traveling to the Colorado National Monument with its owner had quite the adventure. According to the Mesa County Sheriffs Office, when the owner drove up on Wednesday, the dog leapt out of the vehicle and dashed towards the ledge. Mini dachshund evades capture more than a year on remote island Unfortunately, she didnt understand the concept of the canyon and found herself falling over 100 feet off the edge, the sheriffs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dog fell onto a rock shelf, so they called in a rescue team. Mesa County Search & Rescue Mesa County Search & Rescue Mesa County Search & Rescue Dropped doughnut contributes to 3-car crash on Rock Creek Road in Thompson: OSHP Mesa County Search & Rescue said the dog only had minor scrapes and bumps, which was later confirmed by a veterinarian. The dog was up and walking as soon as they got her back to safety, they 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. After surviving the Los Angeles wildfires, a stray dog named Jackie was rescued from a local shelter, where she faced possible euthanasia, and flown to Juneau, Alaska. But just one day after arriving at her new home, the German shepherd-husky mix slipped her collar and disappeared into the forest. For nearly two months now, Jackie has avoided traps, some even baited with chicken and cheeseburgers, as animal control officers try desperately to bring her to safety. According to Juneau Animal Control, the biggest concern is that bears are starting to emerge from hibernation and could threaten Jackie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers have now stopped putting out food to avoid attracting bears, but this is making their traps less effective in hopefully catching Jackie. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOSTON (WWLP) An eight-month-old dog seized from a Sturbridge farm following an animal cruelty investigation involving dozens of dead animals is now being cared for at MSPCA-Angell in hopes of finding a new, loving home. On March 25, the Australian Cattle dog, named Foxy, was seized by authorities from Andrew Sebastiano of Marlborough, who was arraigned in court after law enforcement found 96 dead animals on the Sturbridge property he rented. Marlborough man arraigned after nearly 100 dead animals found on property Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foxy was surrendered to MSCPCA-Angell on Tuesday, the day Sebastiano was found dangerous by a judge during a hearing. He is being held without bail and is due back in Dudley District Court on April 23. We commend the judge on his decision to continue holding this person without bail, said MSPCA Law Enforcement Director, Chris Schindler. Animal cruelty should be a factor in determining the risks an individual poses to the community, and this decision reflects that. (MSPCA-Angell) (MSPCA-Angell) (MSPCA-Angell) Among the nearly 100 dead ducks, chickens, pigs, rabbits, and geese discovered, Foxy was the only living animal seized from Sebastianos property. MSPCA-Angell said that although Foxy still needs time to adjust, she will likely be available for adoption at the organizations Nevins Farm Adoption Center during the week of April 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foxy hasnt been in our care for very long, so were still getting to know her, but shes doing really well, Schindler said. Shell need a spay surgery and to work with our behavior team a bit before shell be ready for a new family. MSPCA-Angell plans to share updates on Foxys condition and status on its social media platforms. 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. Layoffs driven by Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts to the federal workforce totaled 275,240 in March, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the third-highest monthly amount ever recorded by the outplacement firm. The firm said the government sector accounted for 216,215 layoffs last month. The Trump administration has cut 279,445 federal jobs since the president started his second term in office, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, compared 36,195 cuts to the federal workforce announced in the first quarter of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Job cut announcements were dominated last month by Department of Government Efficiency plans to eliminate positions in the federal government. It would have otherwise been a fairly quiet month for layoffs, said Andrew Challenger, senior vice president and workplace expert for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, in a statement. The firms Challenger Report found that East region recorded 355,993 layoffs so far this year, a 277 percent year-over-year increase. In the first three months of 2025, the District of Columbia had 278,711 layoffs, compared to 34,120 in the first quarter of 2024. The White House Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget directed agencies across the government to turn over plans for widespread layoffs for federal employees by March 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Job cuts also occurred at independent agencies including U.S. Agency for International Development and U.S. Institute of Peace. Lawsuits have temporarily halted plans to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the mass reduction slated for the Department of Education. Additional rulings required the Trump administration to reinstate some workers who judges say were wrongfully terminated. The Challenger Report highlighted its attempt to track rescinded layoffs and found 3,972, which were included in the report. However, they said it was unclear if all workers who were recalled returned to their positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Challenger did include probationary federal employee cuts in its totals. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) Police officers investigated a weapons call in Kalihi Thursday morning. HPD said they responded to reports of an armed male in the area of Dole Middle School and Kaewai Elementary but, according to a later social media post, did not find firearms or weapons. Fence held up by wooden posts at OCCC raises concerns The school was put on lock down due to the incident, according to HPD, and was reopened a short time later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10 things Hawaii needs to know about tsunamis, Japans megaquake warning DOE said students and staff remained safe during the incident. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You HPD initially said they detained possible suspects while they investigated. In a later social media update, HPD said the suspects were identified and addressed for truancy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley speaks during a press conference following the end of a three-day trial on April 4, 2025, in Pierre. Behind him, from left, are South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation agent Trevor Swanson, prosecutor Nolan Welker and Division of Criminal Investigation agent Matt Glenn. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) PIERRE South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said Thursday that a womans conviction for stealing $1.8 million from the state should send a message. Dont do that, Jackley said during a press conference after the announcement of the verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of a three-day trial and an hour of deliberation, a Hughes County jury found 68-year-old Lonna Carroll guilty on two felony counts of grand theft. Shell be sentenced later. Jackley said he also hopes the case sends a message to potential whistleblowers. That they can come forth to us, that we will take action on it, and we will do everything that we can to protect those employees that are doing the right thing, he said. Carrolls conviction is the highest-profile outcome in a recent wave of white-collar prosecutions in South Dakota state government, which have also spurred reforms and increased scrutiny on departmental financial controls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, Jackleys prosecution team laid out a paper trail illustrating Carrolls scheme, played her recorded confession, and showed a document she signed saying she committed the crimes. Carroll formerly worked as an administrative assistant for Child Protection Services in the Department of Social Services. Her crimes were discovered by a department employee after Carroll had retired and moved to Algona, Iowa. Lonna Carroll is escorted by Detention Lt. Jared Hall into the Hughes County Courthouse in Pierre on Apr. 3, 2025. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) Carroll was found guilty of submitting fraudulent financial requests on behalf of children no longer in the states care, depositing the funds into accounts opened under their names, and withdrawing the money in cash for herself. Prosecutors said she did that 215 times between 2010 and 2023, stealing a total of $1,777,665.73. She faces up to 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine for one count of aggravated grand theft, and 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine for the other count. Defense makes its case Carrolls defense attorney, Timothy Whalen, argued the state bore responsibility due to lax oversight. He also contended that the statute of limitations should have prevented the prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whalen had Logan Aukes, who manages Williams & Company CPAs in Sioux Falls, testify as an expert auditor. He said the compartmentalized nature of responsibilities within the state department created an environment where employees could look around and say, Im not really being looked at in anything I do. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Prior testimony explained that Child Protection Services has three tiers of approval for payment requests, and Carroll was authorized for all three levels. Whalen said that because my client was authorized, the charges dont fit the behavior. Jackley called that absurd. He said there is no question the department left the door open for Carroll. But he said that leaving a door unlocked does not give someone the right to go through it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterward, when asked why the case went to trial, Whalen said Carroll exercised her constitutional right after plea discussions failed to result in a resolution. Asked whether an agreement was ever close, Whalen responded that there were plea offers back and forth, for pleading to one count, two counts, different recommendations of sentence. My client made the decision, Whalen said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SOFIA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The first no-confidence motion against Bulgaria's coalition government, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, failed on Thursday. The government has been in office for two and a half months. The motion, initiated on March 26 by three opposition parliamentary groups, accused the government of failures in the area of foreign policy. However, only 54 members of the 240-seat National Assembly supported the motion, while 150 voted against it. The 36-seat parliamentary group "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria," the second largest in the legislature, chose not to participate in the vote. Boyko Borissov, leader of the GERB party and head of the 66-seat GERB-UDF parliamentary group, said on Wednesday that foreign policy was not currently a problem for the government. "What the Zhelyazkov cabinet is doing is what we think as a party -- firm European support, friendship with Euro-Atlantic partners, and cooperation in military-industrial projects," Borissov said. The government took office on Jan. 16 with the backing of 125 legislators. Former Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham, speaking to the House Education Policy Committee in the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama. Todd was the first openly gay representative in Alabama. She was opposing HB 244, sponsored by Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, at a public hearing on April 2. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) Legislation that would expand the states Dont Say Gay law and extend legal protections to those who misgender other people drew a large number of opponents to an Alabama House committee meeting Wednesday. HB 244, sponsored by Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, would prohibit public school teachers at all grade levels from teaching or discussing gender identity or sexuality. The legislation also prohibits the display of pride flags and insignia in the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law currently bans such discussions from kindergarten to fifth grade, but Butler said the expansion aligns with President Donald Trumps agenda and executive order. This simply is in line with President Trumps executive order, and I would encourage you guys to pass it as is, he said. The committee also held a public hearing for HB 246, sponsored by Rep. Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle, that would give public educators legal immunity and students immunity from discipline for using a persons legal name and pronouns aligned with their reproductive organs, instead of the name and gender with which they identify. Opponents, many of whom identified as transgender or nonbinary, significantly outnumbered supporters 10-2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susan Stewart of Huntsville, a critic of the legislation who is cisgender and heterosexual, said the Dont Say Gay expansion was unconstitutional. Youre going to tell that teacher that they have to use words that they know will harm their student? Youre actually going to tell a teacher that if students ask questions about a classmate with two mommies, they have to drag students aside for private conversations, creating an atmosphere of shame and confusion in their own classroom? Stewart said Wednesday. Becky Gerritson, executive director of Eagle Forum, a conservative organization, said schools should be neutral in their curriculum. Schools should be places of learning, not activism, and this provision ensures that classrooms remain neutral and focused on education, Gerritson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham, the co-chair of Alabama Equality, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group and the first openly gay person elected to the Alabama Legislature and testified that seeing a Pride flag or hearing about other gay people did not make her gay. It was a feeling of the heart, Todd said. Were here. Were not going away. Were going to continue to be loud and proud. Butler claimed a small minority of teachers were pushing gender ideology on their students. He would not name schools where that is happening. Ive talked to a student in my county talking about one teacher that cannot teach the curriculum without spending all their time focused on gender ideology, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation bans discussion of gender ideology in instructional time. Rep. Jeanna Ross, R-Guntersville, said that does not apply to private conversations between a student and a teacher, fellow student or nurse. A student could still have a conversation with the teacher, she said. Stadthagens bill would require students to get a permission slip signed by their guardian for teachers to call them by a different name. Opponents said it would create an unnecessary burden for teachers. Allison Montgomery, a member of Alabama Trans Rights Action Coalition (ALTRAC), said the bill could require students with non-English names that go by a nickname for ease of pronunciation to get a permission slip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill would prevent teachers from calling them by their nickname, because it is not a derivative thereof, even with the permission slip, Montgomery said. This would place an undue burden on teachers to keep track of who has the permissions lit and who doesnt. Paige Gant, a former math professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, said the legislation was a solution in search of a problem. In my eight years of teaching I have not come across a single situation in which a lawsuit wouldve been appropriate against a university regarding what pronouns someone did or did not use, she said. Gerritson said she did not want to be forced to go against her own moral and religious beliefs to adhere to somebody elses life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one should be forced to speak or act in a way that violates their conscience, especially within our schools and universities, Gerritson said. Montgomery said the bill would not protect parents rights, but instead protect people with bad intentions. Theres a narrative about things like these that theyre trying to protect kids. But how does it protect kids to require teachers to know what genitals their students have? she said. Only a certain type of person would want this, and we dont want to empower those types of people. The committee did not vote on either bill on Wednesday. Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, the chair of the committee, said they would return soon. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Donald George Wood, Sr., 94 of Austintown, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 1, 2025. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Lee Wood and Maude (Wigle) Wood on April 13, 1930. Find obituaries from your high school He was a 1949 graduate of Jackson-Milton High School. He went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force. He was certified as an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic, working on early fighter jets and with trainers on the F-84, F-94, and T-33, and because of this, he was often called on to ride in the back seat of the early 2-seated jets during post maintenance test flights. During his time in the military, Don would earn the Occupation Medal and the Soldiers Medal, which is the highest honor awarded for an act of valor in a non-combat situation and left the Air Force with the rank of Tech Sergeant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his time in the military, Donald went on to become a machinist for United Engineering/Wean United, from which he would retire and was also a bus driver for Austintown School System. Donald married the love of his life, the late Elizabeth Betty Wood, on October 30,1954 with whom he would raise four children and spend 70 years together, creating a life full of love and memories before her passing on December 25, 2024. Donald enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Betty, having visited all 50 states, spending time at the cottage on the lake in Canada which was built by his father-in-law, George Cox. Don and Betty would take afternoon drives in order to explore Ohio and had no destination in mind. Don would also earn his private pilot license and would fly from Youngstown Elser Airport in the 60s and take his children for rides. The adventure of flying was caught by two of his sons who later would also earn their private pilot license and would fly from the same airport. Donalds memory will be carried on by his four children, Don (Kathy) of Salem, Ohio, Dan (Mimi) of Ravenna, Ohio, Ed of Austintown and Dee of Stow, Ohio; his grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Lillian (Jake Emery), Isaac, Phoebe and Allison and great-grandchildren, Ruth and Remi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his brothers, Wilfred (Woody), Lee (Bud) and William and sisters, Phyllis (Dugan) and Marjorie (Kish). Family and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. on Monday, April 7 at Lane Family Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, with a service to follow. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald George Wood, Sr., please visit our floral store. A television tribute will air Friday, April 4 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. Several senior members of the council that advises President Donald Trump on matters of national security and foreign policy have been fired, apparently on the advice of far-right conspiracist Laura Loomer. Sources told The New York Times Loomer met with Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday, where she implored him to fire a number of National Security Council staffers she believed to be disloyal. Trump appeared to follow through on the advice Thursday and fired at least three senior officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to CNN, the three officials include Brian Walsh, a director for intelligence and former staffer for now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Thomas Boodry, a senior director for legislative affairs; and David Feith, a senior director overseeing technology and national security. An unnamed source confirmed the firings to Axios and described it as a bloodbath, with potentially up to 10 senior staffers being fired. The staffers boss, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, also attended the meeting on Wednesday, where he was usurped by Loomer. Waltz was already in a tenuous position with Trump, having mistakenly added the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic to a group chat where highly senior members of the Trump administration discussed upcoming plans to bomb Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loomer attempted to excuse Waltz from the group text fiasco during the meeting by blaming the senior national security staffers, per the Times, who she claimed did it on purpose as part of a foreign opp to embarrass the Trump administration on behalf of China. Former Trump White House press aide Sarah Matthews said last year that Loomer is as fringe as fringe gets. The conspiratorial podcast host has previously described herself as a proud Islamophobe and pro-white nationalism. Her presence alongside Trump on the campaign trail last year raised alarm among Republicans, including former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway and even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). Loomer was in Trumps posse on Sept. 11, 2024 despite sharing a video that claimed 9/11 was an Inside Job! Shes also previously claimed that the 2018 Parkland High School shooting victims were crisis actors. Related... Originally appeared on E! Online Not even the penguins are exempt from Donald Trumps tariffs. On April 3, the president announced a new plan that implements a universal 10 percent tariff on imports to the U.S., as well as higher tariffs for dozens of select countries. Among the places that will be facing the plans new import taxes include Australian territories Heard Island and McDonald Islands, which are near the Arctics. But these islandswhich currently contain active volcanoesare completely uninhabited by humans. In fact, it takes a two-week journey by boat from Perth to even access the islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Since the first landing on Heard Island in 1855, there have been only approximately 240 shore-based visits to the island, notes the Australian Antarctic Program website, and only two landings on McDonald Island (in 1971 and 1980). And with the value of all items imported by the U.S. in 2024 adding up to zero, the 10 percent tariff will seemingly only affect the penguins and seals that call the small territories home. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, these islands arent the only nearly barren lands that are facing Trumps tariffs. Jan Mayen Island, which has a population of zero, is facing the same circumstances. But in this case, the Norwegian volcanic islands polar bears will, er, bear witness to the new plan. Meanwhile, the Falkland Islands, which is a British overseas territory in the Atlantic, has a population of 3,200 people and around one million penguins. Now, the remote archipelago is facing tariffs of 41 percent. Meanwhile, Britain itself only faces 10 percent tariffs. VWPics/imageBROKER/Shutterstock Norfolk Island, which is another Australian territory that has just over 2,000 inhabitants, is also facing exponentially higher tariffs than its mainland with a whopping 29 percent. Im not sure what Norfolk Islands major exports are to the United States and why its been singled out, but it has, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters after Trumps announcement, per CBS News. Im not quite sure that Norfolk Island, with respect to it, is a trade competitor with the giant economy of the United States, but that just shows and exemplifies the fact that nowhere on Earth is safe from this. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App LONDON (Reuters) -Donald Trump must pay over 626,000 pounds (about $821,500) in legal fees to a private investigations firm the U.S. president sued over a dossier which alleged ties between his 2016 election campaign and Russia, a London judge ruled on Thursday. Trump brought a data protection lawsuit against Orbis Business Intelligence over allegations in a dossier written by its co-founder, former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, but Trump's claim was thrown out last year. The so-called Steele dossier alleged ties between Trump's 2016 election campaign and Russia as well as other salacious accusations, all of which Trump strenously denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had been ordered to make a payment of around 290,000 pounds towards Orbis' legal fees but failed to do so, Orbis' lawyers said at a previous hearing in January. This meant Trump was barred from being represented at a further hearing this week to consider Orbis' total legal bill and whether its costs were reasonable. Paul Arter, a costs lawyer for Orbis, said that Trump had very strong negotiating skills and was paying one of his own lawyers 750 pounds an hour. Arter said the case was very important to both parties, with Orbis having concerns about its survival should it lose, while Trump was seeking to protect his reputation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faced with an opponent renowned as an aggressive litigator who has a history of pursuing vendettas, certainly legally, it justified the rates Orbis were paying for their lawyers, Arter said. Judge Jason Rowley ruled that Trump owed Orbis 530,615 pounds, less than the more than 680,000 pounds Orbis had sought, but more than the 452,000 Orbis offered to accept. He also said Trump should pay another 95,000 pounds relating to the dispute over costs, making a total of just over 626,000 pounds. ($1 = 0.7621 pounds) (Reporting by Sam Tobin and Michael Holden; editing by Mark Heinrich) Donald Trump drew mockery on Wednesday for including two remote islands near Antarctica on his list of countries (even though they are not countries) that will now be hit with steep, new tariffs as part of his so-called Liberation Day. The president slapped a 10% tariff on all products that are imported from the mostly barren, volcanic Heard and McDonald Islands. They are uninhabited by humans, take days to travel to (only by boat) from Australia and are home to penguins and seals, though the area has a fishery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSNBCs Rachel Maddow poked fun at the news by noting how the islands which, per The Guardian, exported only about $1.4 million worth of products to the U.S. in 2022 are only reachable by boat and it takes two weeks by sea to get there from Australia. Theyre totally uninhabited. Both of them, she continued. Theyre also active volcanoes so, even if you wanted to move there, even the penguins might caution you, right? #BREAKING: Legendary #Maddow: "The UNINHABITED and Arctic volcanoes of Heard and McDonald Islands were just slapped by Donald Trump today with a steep 10% #tariff." pic.twitter.com/8zZAbC0qsX Emoluments Clause (@Emolclause) April 3, 2025 I will say those volcanoes and the penguins and seals who live there, they will never menace the American economy again, as they have in the past, by flooding us with their cheap exports of what? Like, fresh air, cool breezes, a waft of eau de penguin, I dont know. What do they send us? Maddow snarked. Are you tired of all the winning, America? she asked. Can you just feel the practical economic benefits that MAGA leadership is bringing to us at last? Isnt it a relief? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, on social media, former Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.) sarcastically wrote: The Heard Island and McDonald penguins have been taking advantage of us for too long its about time we stood up to them! Other critics followed suit. The Heard and McDonald Islands are completely uninhabited. Population zero. I guess we're going to tariff the seagulls? It kind of feels like a White House intern went through Wikipedia's list of countries and just generated this list off of that with no further research. https://t.co/UpTgcICbg1 Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) April 2, 2025 My working theory on Trumps tariff on penguins is that they in some way interfered with a golf outing he had somewhere. Developing Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 3, 2025 I just want one reporter to ask karoline leavitt why trump place tariffs on islands only inhabited by penguins....I want to hear how she spins that one. Covie (@covie_93) April 3, 2025 Trump admin officials coming up with the tariff rate for uninhabited islands pic.twitter.com/UCawrXr34l OSINT Gorilla (@GorillaOSINT) April 2, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration has put a 10 percent tariff on the Heard and McDonald Islands. which has a population of 0 people and is inhabited only by penguins. pic.twitter.com/oSx7LyU0b3 MaineWonk (@TheMaineWonk) April 2, 2025 This is a bizarre pair of inclusions on Trump's tariff list - the British Indian Ocean Territory, which is basically the Diego Garcia air base, and the uninhabited (!) Heard & McDonald Islands in the Antarctic. What possible imports could exist from there? pic.twitter.com/loTY4lnVBI ChrisO_wiki (@ChrisO_wiki) April 2, 2025 Taking on America's real enemies--a bunch of islands you've never heard of. pic.twitter.com/Hn1Fzm3Evn Brendan Duke (@Brendan_Duke) April 2, 2025 Blimey. What have Reunion and Norfolk Island done to annoy the Mango Mussolini? #TrumpTariffspic.twitter.com/hmhf0rqJiq anthony vickers (@untypicalboro) April 2, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm gonna start a business that routes Norwegian goods through Svalbard and Jan Mayen in order to get a five percent discount. Who's in? We're gonna see so many polar bears! pic.twitter.com/8HMn1P4nfv Alan Cole (@AlanMCole) April 2, 2025 Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the year the Heard and McDonald Islands exported about $1.4 million in products to the U.S.; it was in 2022. Related... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) In the summer of 2023, Janie Rock and her husband experienced every parents worst fear when their unborn son Gabriel was diagnosed with a terminal illness and would not survive outside of the womb. The Rock family decided to turn their misfortune into someone elses miracle. We thought the best option was to donate life and help somebody else in their time of need to help give us the comfort knowing that we can help somebody else in their time of need while we were hurting, shared Janie Rock, Gabriels mother. April is National Donate Life Month, in which organ donors, recipients, and the community come together to highlight the critical need for life-saving donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baby Gabriel died 10 hours after he was born. He gave the gift of life by donating his eyes and heart valves. Gabriel also helped launch the birth tissue program at Presbyterian by donating the hospitals very first placenta. It in a way gives us a comfort, it gives us peace knowing that theres help out there for families that need it, continued Rock. Through donation, the tissues that are typically discarded after birth can be safely used for patients in need, promoting healing, treating burns and, in some cases, saving lives. So, theres a lot of people who need a transplant or benefit from a transplant, but no transplant is possible without donors. So living donors coming forward and generously giving credit themselves is an amazing gift, explained Dr. Shelly Wilson, Transplant Surgical Director at Presbyterian Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donate Life America reports that in the united states more than 100,000 people, including 600 New Mexicans, are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, making donors essential. And anyone can register to be an organ donor, regardless of age. Yeah, so it is, honestly, as simple as designating it on your drivers license, continued Wilson. The organization says one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 75 more through tissue donation. Presbyterian Hospital says New Mexico leads the nation with 56 percent of the population registered as donors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Utah Supreme Court Justice Matthew Durrant speaks to a joint session of the House and Senate at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) A bipartisan coalition of Utah lawmakers are calling on Congress to resume and expand a program that pays people sickened by nuclear weapons testing, which expired nearly one year ago and has hung in limbo ever since. On Tuesday, 41 lawmakers, mostly from the Utah House of Representatives, signed a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to revive the now defunct Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, or RECA, which compensates people who lived downwind from nuclear weapons testing in the 1950s and early 1960s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Known as downwinders, an untold number of people in the West were diagnosed with cancer from Cold War-era nuclear weapons testing and development. In 1990, decades later, Utah GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch successfully sponsored RECA. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX But in June, the program expired after Congress failed to renew it, meaning any claim postmarked after June 10 was not considered. And in the year since, downwinders have been lobbying for some kind of action, with support from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a number of members of Congress and dozens of advocacy groups. We support efforts to expand compensation for those affected by the nuclear testing that occurred throughout the West, Cox said in a statement to Utah News Dispatch last year. Its the right thing to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their letter addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Utah lawmakers echoed the governor. Our state legislature has a long history of nearly unanimous, bipartisan support for related legislation, as shown in previous resolutions passed by this body. Our states tragic history of past uranium mining and downwind exposure from nuclear tests has compelled us to fight for Utahns who have been harmed, as well as to support those in other parts of the country who have similarly suffered, the letter reads. We agree with the governor: reauthorizing and expanding RECA is simply the right thing to do. Since it expired in June, several versions of a RECA expansion have been proposed that includes a bill from Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley that would increase the compensation for downwinders, expand eligibility for certain uranium workers, and widen the current definition of an affected area to include all of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and Guam. It would also cover parts of Hawleys district near St. Louis, where creek water was contaminated by radiation during nuclear weapons development. The original version of RECA only covered a handful of counties in Utah, Arizona and Nevada, despite ample evidence that all of Utah and other states in the West were downwind from nuclear weapons testing. Cold-war era uranium workers in 11 Western states were also included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawleys bill passed the Senate in March 2024, but it stalled in the House, with some Republicans concerned it was too broad and expensive. In the letter, Utah lawmakers called Hawleys bill significant progress. Unfortunately, Speaker Johnson refused to bring up this bill for a vote, the letter reads. Hawley has worked on a compromise, but there hasnt yet been a vote. Last week, The Hill reported that Hawley would not vote to raise the debt limit if there wasnt some kind of RECA reauthorization and expansion attached. In the letter, Utah lawmakers say the states congressional delegation is on board with some kind of compromise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are gratified that through negotiations and discussions with our congressional coalition throughout the year and in response to constituent concerns, the Utah delegation is now in support of these efforts and put forward a compromise in late December. Negotiations on the expansion details continue, the letter reads. Efforts to pass RECA legislation are ongoing in 2025, and we urge the Senate and House leadership to act without delay. We request that legislation reauthorizing and improving RECA be included in the next viable legislative vehicle. The letter was signed by the Utah Senates six Democrats, and Republican Sens. David Hinkins of Orangeville, Ron Winterton of Roosevelt, and Derrin Owens of Fountain Green. In the House, all 14 Democrats and 18 Republicans signed the letter. Those 18 Republican representatives are: Carl Albrecht of Richfield Ryan Wilcox of Ogden Casey Snider of Paradise Joseph Elison of Toquerville Troy Shelley of Ephraim Logan Monson of Blanding Lisa Shepherd of Provo Colin Jack of St. George Jill Koford of Ogden Raymond Ward of Bountiful Rex Shipp of Cedar City Stewart Barlow of Fruit Heights Steve Eliason of Sandy Karianne Lisonbee of Clearfield Jefferson Burton of Salem Cory Malloy of Lehi Tyler Clancy of Provo Tracy Miller of South Jordan SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LAMAR COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) The Lamar County School District Board of Trustees announced Dr. Wesley Quick was appointed as the next superintendent of schools. Quick will officially assume the position on July 1, 2025, following the retirement of current superintendent Dr. Steven Hampton. According to the district, Quick began his career as a high school science teacher in the Clinton Public School District, later serving as an assistant principal in both the Hinds County and Madison County school districts. In 2019, he was named principal of Germantown High School in Madison Countya school of 1,400 students, and one of the largest high schools in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anna Clarissa Jones named 2025 Mississippi Parent of the Year Quick moved into district-level administration, first as Dean of Students and currently as the Director of High School Services, Safety, and Security for Madison County Schools. It is an incredible honor to be named the next superintendent of Lamar County School District. I have long admired the districts commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student-centered leadership. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated educators, staff, board members, families, and community partners to build on the districts strong foundation and lead it to even greater heights, he said. Dr. Quick holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education from Mississippi College and a Specialist and Doctorate in Education Administration from William Carey University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Groton Come Friday, Electric Boat management could be seeing red. Thats the color the Marine Draftsmens Associations bargaining committee has asked the unions 2,500 members draftsmen, designers and technical and office workers to wear to work Friday, the day the unions current contract with the submarine-builder expires at midnight. Talks on a new contract have bogged down, according to the union, MDA-UAW Local 571, whose president, Bill Louis, has been posting frequent Bargaining Updates on the unions website and Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louis communication Tuesday called for solidarity and action, and asked members to proudly wear union stickers and buttons to work Thursday. And on Friday, as we negotiate furiously up to contract expiration, we need all members to wear red in solidarity, the post says. ... If management fails to get serious about members reasonable needs ... we have more actions planned for next week. While Louis didnt elaborate on what's planned, nearly 85% of those members who responded to a March 10 survey posted on the website indicated they would support a strike. At issue, from the unions perspective, are the restoration of pensions for all members, a new system for ensuring cost-of-living adjustments in wages, profit sharing and significant wage increases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2010, some 1,850 members of the union have been without pensions, according to the union, raising members concerns about retirement security. The companys initial contract proposal offered annual wage increases of 4%, 3%, 3%, 2% and 2% over the next five years, Louis said in a video statement posted on the website. On Tuesday, Louis wrote, the Company finally called us to the bargaining table and gave us their answer: NO, NO, NO, and NO. No pension for all, no COLA, no profit sharing and mediocre wage increases. Louis said 1% of EBs profits would cover all of the contract benefits the union is seeking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In four years, the company has paid their top five executives $188 million, he wrote. Five people at the top are grabbing their excessive share and its more than enough money to pay for a fair contract for 2,500 workers who build the ships. This is unsustainable and wrong. Louis did not immediately respond Wednesday to messages seeking further comment. An EB spokeswoman said the company had no comment on the contract negotiations. Another EB union, the more than 3,400-member Metal Trades Council, ratified a five-year contract in October 2023 that granted members a 21.4% increase in wages over the life of the deal. b.hallenbeck@theday.com JUBA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni arrived in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, on Thursday afternoon to help de-escalate the political tensions in the country. Museveni will discuss with his South Sudanese counterpart, Salva Kiir, the current political developments in the country, the presidency said in a statement. "The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations between Juba and Kampala, besides the current political developments in the country," the presidency said. The Ugandan leader later confirmed his arrival via a post on the social media platform X. "I have arrived in South Sudan at the invitation of His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit. I look forward to our discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between our two nations," Museveni said. Museveni's visit followed a mission by Raila Odinga, Kenya's special envoy to South Sudan, who held talks with Kiir in Juba and Museveni in Uganda last week. Sources said Museveni will shore up the ongoing mediation efforts by the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development, an East Africa bloc, to help de-escalate political tensions in South Sudan, which emerged from a brutal five-year civil war in 2018. The 2018 peace deal ended the fighting and established a unity government. But the relations between Kiir and South Sudanese First Vice President Riek Machar remain strained. The clashes and latest political tensions between the two leaders have unsettled many citizens and the international community. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The owners of Plaza District bar Good For A Few were greeted by shattered glass and debris lying everywhere Tuesday morning. It was quite a shock to wake up to, said Co-owner Jordan Harris. On security footage shared with News 4 from the Plaza District, a car is seen driving into the front of the local bar at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. Co-owner Tyler Maune said they werent notified of the incident until 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Final damage estimates for March fires in Oklahoma County Photo of the damage done to Good For A Few. (KFOR) The Oklahoma City Police Department is still trying to find the person who was behind the wheel. Well, my first thought was, we are thankful that nobody got hurt and nobody was in the building. It wasnt occupied. It was in the middle of the night, said Maune. The bar has been in business for a little over a year, stationed next door to New State Burgers & Spirits that has been open for six years, also owned by Harris and Maune. Charlie Alvarado, the bars Director of Operations, said he initially thought the incident was an April Fools joke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he quickly realized the incident wasnt a prank, and reality settled in quickly. Photo of Good For A Few. (KFOR) Sure enough, I got on the camera and checked, and our wall was completely destroyed, said Alvarado. The past 24 hours have felt like chaos, but the owners say incidents like these come with being in the restaurant and bar industry. Were used to surprises, were used to things breaking. Were used to fixing broken things, said Harris. For now, they have a temporary wall up, and repairs will come later. Were not going to let this get us down, and ultimately, if we are truly to be a neighborhood bar, you have to be here for your community. And were doing the best that we can to make sure that nobody misses a beat, said Alvarado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good For A Few is open Wednesday during normal business hours from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Staff members said they are grateful for the Plaza District community, as workers and residents helped get things cleaned up. If youd like to help them with repairs, 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Drugs, cellphones, cigarettes, and more- thats what the Fulton County Sheriff says was headed for the Fulton County Jail in a drone drop. But investigators stopped it before liftoff and made some arrests. Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said his investigators recovered a drone Tuesday night and much, much more that investigators believe was headed into the jail, where it couldve caused big problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is one of the largest contraband interdictions that we have had in the last four years, Labat told Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne. Labat said his team grounded a drone smuggling operation Tuesday night before it could deliver a stunning array of contraband, ranging from drugs to nine cellphones to cigarettes. How valuable is tobacco in the jail? Winne asked Labat. Well, thats thousands of dollars, Labat told Winne. Natalie Ammons with the sheriffs office said the sheriffs criminal investigations division got a tip and sheriffs FAST Unit investigator Jermaine Moore happened to be in the area he needed to be to do a traffic stop on a car where he saw a drone, a drone controller and more inside Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatd you find in the car with a drone? Winne asked Moore. TRENDING STORIES: Marijuana, cell phone chargers, nine cell phones, oxycodone, various pills, cord, like 550 cord which is used to make the drops using the drone, and the packaging materials, Moore said. Moore said they also found 48 packages of cigarettes and over 100 loose cigarettes and suspected oxycodone. The sheriffs office said that Jeffery Jenkins and Richard Redding have been charged with a long list of crimes relating to the drone and where the sheriffs office suspects it was intended to deliver contraband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their car was stopped within a mile of the jail. Ammons said similar packaging leads investigators to suspect the same drone operation may have been behind a drop of McDonalds Chicken Sandwiches, suspected oxycodone and more that was discovered stuck in jail fencing this past weekend, as if it got stuck there during an attempted drone drop. We are combating technology with technology and good old-fashioned detective work. And so, as we continue to investigate, we continue be really cognizant of the fact that this is a new trend, Labat said. Winne questioned the men accused in the drone drop. Were you involved with any drone drop operation? Winne asked Redding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was just the driver, Redding said. Did you know what they were gonna do? How much were you paid? Winne asked him. Chump change, Redding said. Especially compared to the time youre now facing if youre convicted of it? Winne asked Redding. Yessir, but I didnt do anything, Redding said. As for Jenkins, he said he had no comment other than he was innocent. The sheriff told Winne that he believes more than half the contraband that comes into the jail comes via drone and that cellphones and tobacco are illegal to have within the Fulton County Jail. He said he has reached out to other sheriffs and the Georgia Department of Corrections to see if there are similarities to what they are seeing. Duke Energy is monitoring forecasts and preparing for severe weather that has the potential to produce damaging winds and flooding in its Indiana service territory later today. "A critical part of being safe in severe weather is being prepared," said Clint Carnahan, general manager of emergency preparedness at Duke Energy. "We do regular storm planning throughout the year, and we want our customers to be prepared as well so they can react quickly during a storm." Be prepared Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ensure mobile phones remain charged and you have an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods and medicines. If someone in your home has special needs or relies on electric-powered life support equipment, determine the actions youd take in the event of an extended power outage, including alternate shelter arrangements. Outage reporting and status updates Duke Energy customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways: Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply). Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visit duke-energy.com/outages on a desktop computer or mobile device. Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON (800.343.3525). Receive the most up-to-date information about restoration efforts by enrolling in Outage Alerts. Visit Duke Energys interactive outage map on the companys website to find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration. Electrical safety guidelines for floods Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed electrical lines. Don't drive over and don't stand near downed electrical lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands, or while standing on a wet or damp surface. More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety. WASHINGTON Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Thursday harshly criticized President Donald Trumps sweeping new tariffs, saying they will translate to deep economic pain for millions of families and businesses nationwide. He also signaled that Democrats are ready to go on offense, casting themselves as the party fighting for everyday Americans as Trump wrecks the stock market and Republicans tee up a budget measure that benefits billionaires. The GOP, for one of the first times in the second Trump era, is on the back foot politically and divided on how to respond. Yesterday, the president made one of the dumbest decisions in history, one that will negatively impact every single American family, every single one, Schumer charged in a press conference, flanked by other Democratic senators. Hes walking us into the dumbest and most avoidable recession, probably in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their press event comes a day after Trump announced his across-the-board tariffs on all U.S. trading partners. The presidents actions have sent global markets into a tailspin, and by the start of U.S. trading on Thursday, hed erased roughly $2.5 trillion from the S&P 500. Stock market has plummeted. Retirement savings are tanking. Consumer confidence is falling. Consumer expectations for the future are historically low, Schumer said. The average American family is going to pay more for everything: for food, for gas, for cars, for groceries, for clothing, for beer, for you name it. It makes no sense. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, called Trumps tariffs economic poison for farmers, families and small businesses. It is poison that is going to spread across the land, Wyden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In comparison, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (S-N.D.) on Thursday dodged questions about the tariffs on Capitol Hill, referring to the presidents track record on the economy rather than defending his specific actions. We will give them the benefit of the doubt and see how it goes, he told CNN. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is putting the blame on Senate Republicans for the financial pain that Americans will feel as a result of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. AP/GETTY The same day Trumps new tariffs went into effect, the Senate passed a resolution disapproving of the tariffs he placed on Canada earlier this year, with four Republicans Sens. Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine joining all 47 Senate Democrats to vote for the bill. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat who was the lead sponsor of the resolution, planned to introduce a similar resolution to overturn the tariffs Trump put in place on Tuesday. And in a debate set to go for hours on Friday, the party also plans to introduce amendments to the Senates budget proposal designed to highlight the GOPs support for the unpopular measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Republicans are still standing by Trumps tariffs, if quietly. But there are signs that some are starting to break. Early Thursday, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced a bill with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to reestablish limits on a presidents ability to impose unilateral tariffs without congressional approval. For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch, Grassley said in a statement. Im joining Senator Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reassert Congress constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy. Other Republicans also seemed nervous about the tariffs impact. Speaking to CBS News, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), a staunch ally of the president, wasnt willing to directly defend the policy. I dont have the presidents strongly held belief [that] this absolutely has to be done, Johnson said. But hes president, Im not, he ran on this, and I hope hes absolutely right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In polling conducted before the formal rollout of the tariffs on Wednesday, skepticism of restricting free trade was growing. A March survey conducted by Gallup found a record 81% of Americans thought foreign trade was an opportunity for economic growth for the United States, while a record low of 14% thought it was a threat to the economy. And a Marquette Law School poll released this week found just 28% of Americans thought tariffs helped the U.S. economy, while 58% thought they hurt the economy. Even among white men who didnt go to college typically Trumps strongest supporters only 44% thought the tariffs would help the economy. Democrats are particularly hopeful attacking Trumps tariffs provide a route back to winning working-class voters, a group they have famously struggled with since the 2016 election. A projection from The Budget Lab at Yale University found the average American family would pay $3,000 more a year because of the tariffs, eating up nearly 3% of the yearly disposable income. And working-class families could suffer more: Trumps tariffs would eat up 4% of the income of poorer households, while only 1.6% of the income of richer families. Grassleys decision to introduce a bill reasserting Congress power over tariffs caught the attention of some back in his state. On a Thursday call with reporters organized by Fairness for Iowa, a local grassroots campaign, small business owners shared concerns about how they would be hurt by Trumps tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even Republicans like Chuck Grassley know how incredibly unpopular these tariffs are, said Shawn Phetteplace of Main Street Alliance, a network of roughly 30,000 small business owners that support left-of-center policies. Mike Draper, the founder and owner of RAYGUN, a Des Moines-based T-shirt company, said hes worried about how his company will be impacted, even as it uses U.S.-made products. You take something as simple as a T-shirt, Draper said. One of our shirts, you could say, comes from Mexico. And theres a 6% tariff now on it. So costs might go up 6%. But the fabric for that shirt actually comes from the U.S. Its made with American cotton. Its milled here, so it crosses into Mexico. So if Mexico wants to retaliate, they can add a cost. Well, now the cost of the fabric has gone up. And thats not all. Though T-shirts are generally made with cotton and polyester, which is oil-based, he said, if tariffs make the input costs go up for making those two commodities, for things like pesticides or production equipment, that means the costs go up again for RAYGUN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do we pass that on to customers? No, said Draper. We fear losing market share above all else. So we will just absorb costs and become less profitable, and pay other people what we need to pay to get products forward. He said the constant uncertainty around Trumps tariffs is what makes it especially hard to prepare for financial pain ahead. Theres no long term strategy, said Draper. Its just erratic behavior that we will ride out as if this is another pandemic. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) As major flooding continues to inundate Harney County and the Burns Paiute Reservation, officials are warning community members of an E. coli contamination detected in the floodwaters. Historic levels of rainfall and snowmelt caused the flood, which began March 14 in Harney County and nearby areas, which has overwhelmed rivers, streams and wastewater systems, according to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. Our primary concern is the safety of our community. Our city, county and state agencies are working around the clock to provide the necessary resources and support to those affected by the flooding. We recognize the flooding has impacted peoples lives in significant ways, Harney County Sheriff Dan Jenkins said in a statement Wednesday. We appreciate everyones patience as we continue to work to mitigate issues, and we are grateful for your support of one another and your first responders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon is doling out $11M in unclaimed funds. Heres how to find out if youre owed money Harney County Sheriffs Office is urging community members to avoid the floodwater unless necessary after water collection samples found harmful bacteria in the floodwaters, including E. coli and Coliform. Residents are advised to keep children and pets away from the floodwater, and if individuals must enter the water, they should wear personal protective equipment such as rubber boots, goggles, gloves and waders, HCSO said, reminding community members to decontaminate after exiting the water by washing clothing and not wearing shoes exposed to the floodwater indoors. The warning from the sheriffs office comes after Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency for the area on Monday because of overflowing waterways, which damaged homes and businesses and created obstacles for emergency services to reach people in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest The State of Emergency declaration also directed the Oregon Office of Emergency Management to activate the states Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan to coordinate the response across several state agencies. Floodwaters have inundated roadways, damaged critical infrastructure, and introduced environmental and public health risks, including contamination of waterways and disruption to essential services, OEM said Wednesday. Amid response efforts, the Harney County Sheriffs Office said crews have completed sandbagging work on Dike D a levee running from Foley Drive to Silvies River noting that the Army Corps of Engineers is continuing to reinforce Dike D. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon Department of Education ends math, literacy programs after federal funding cuts Its been incredibly inspiring to witness the swift coordination of federal, state, local, and Tribal resources coming together to support communities in need, said Stephen Richardson, Emergency Coordination Center manager. A powerful example of that collaboration was the rapid repair of a compromised dikean urgent fix that helped prevent further impacts and protect lives and property. Completed work like this is essential, HCSO said, as weather forecasters expect additional runoff from snowmelt early next week as temperatures rise in the region over the weekend. With sandbagging operations ongoing, HCSO warns that the City of Burns sewer system remains overwhelmed, noting crews are working around the clock to resolve utility issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon leaders say ham-fisted Trump tariffs could put lives at risk Meanwhile, HCSO said the citys drinking water is safe and has not been impacted by the flooding. According to the sheriffs office, 18 people are using publicly available shelter spaces, as an emergency shelter opened in the Memorial Building at the Harney County Fairgrounds, along with an RV shelter at Hines City Park. The Oregon Health Authority is also working to address drinking water concerns, and immunization needs such as tetanus prevention and is working to identify individuals with medical conditions who may need extra support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Harney County is the most severely affected area, state agencies are continuing to monitor flood conditions statewide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The city of Albuquerque is cracking down on e-scooter companies impounding improperly parked e-scooters and charging the companies to reclaim them. Growing pains, thats how some of the E-scooter companies have described the citys crackdown. They are now trying to work with the city to find a better solution regarding improperly parked E-scooters across the metro. So, there is no forgiveness on any fines or fees that are occurred by the pickup of the illegally parked e-scooters, and so the vendors will be required to pay those fines, said Jeremy Keiser Deputy Director for the City of Albuquerque. Thats what the city code enforcement deputy director told KRQE News 13 on Monday after the city started to crack down on improperly parked E-scooters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some companies argue they werent given enough time to fix the issue since the city started to collect the e-scooters within minutes of a ride ending. A rider took a ride, improperly parked the vehicle, and within two minutes, they were impounded. That is, thats a standard that cant be kept up with. We cant properly move vehicles within you know 120 seconds, said David Sedbrook said vice president of public policy, Beam mobility. Those impounded scooters come with a cost as the city charges $100 for pickup per scooter and an additional $200 for every day they have them in the lot. Beam and Lime, which are two of the three operators of e-scooters in Albuquerque, say they are happy to be in the city but hope they can work together to find a solution. It would be very helpful if there was some more detail coming from the enforcement team, said Sedbrook. At the core, I think really that this issue was really down to just an unfortunate miscommunication that weve had with the city, which were looking to fix, said Charlie Mastoloni, Senior manager, Government Relations, Lime U.S. West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city said in a statement. Every single vendor acknowledged and signed the Shared Active Transportation Program Permit and Agreement (SATP Agreement) that contains important safety clauses to protect the public. Section XI.E of the signed SATP Agreement states, The City shall have the right, but no obligation, to remove any abandoned, unattended, or improperly placed Small Vehicle that is, in the sole opinion of the City, a safety hazard or an impediment to access ensured by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The City may charge the Operator a removal and storage fee for any Small Vehicle removed for these reasons. In addition, X.B.1. states, a pedestrian travel space to a width of at least four (4) feet must be maintained on all sidewalks. Those two specific terms are being enforced by the City to protect the public by removing safety hazards, maintain ADA access, and incentivize the vendors to diligently prevent improper parking as they promised they would. Tim Walsh, City of Albuquerque Planning Department But the companies said they are committed to working with the city to work out the kinks in the E-scooter rollout. So we can get to any improperly parked device in 24 hours, which is what our contract stipulates, said Mastoloni. Both Lime and Beam said they are looking to add more foot patrols to Albuquerque. Lime said its looking to educate riders on where to park. The company is also eyeing fees for people who continuously park the e-scooter in improper areas Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) The state legislature is now at the halfway point in the 2025 legislative session and as the end swiftly approaches, lawmakers in Tallahassee are pushing for more immigration reform. Before the legislative session began, lawmakers met for three special sessions on immigration. A key debate in those sessions was whether or not the state needed to strengthen the process to verify workers citizenship through the federal system E-Verify. Now, that conversation continues. Governor Ron DeSantis, Republicans, and even some Democrats in the statehouse have all pushed for tougher worker citizenship eligibility requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several bills have been filed on the issue, including from Senators Jason Pizzo (D-Sunny Isles Beach), Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill), and Representative Berny Jacques (R-Seminole). This week, for the first time, one of them started to move. Berny Jacques House bill to require all private employers to use E-Verify passed out of its first committee stop. But before receiving majority support, lawmakers and members of the public shared concerns with the legislation, saying it puts unnecessary red tape up for small businesses. Im looking at specifically in my district on both sides of the Bay, small businesses who may not have knowledge of that, who may not get this. How are we going to not be punished? said Representative Michele Rayner, (D- St. Petersburg). Would you be open to a grace period of education? How do we make sure that people who would probably want to do the right thing arent going to necessarily be penalized for maybe just not knowing the law? The bill would allow for a 30-day non-compliance window if the employer fails to use the E-Verify system. If businesses continue to not comply fines will start to stack up. I just think theres a better way of doing this. I think to Rep Rayners point, if we could postpone this and do more education on the front end so that folks dont have to face these massive fines and fees just because they dont know, said Angela Nixon (D- Jacksonville). $1000 a day, $1000 can put a business under, a small business under. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Democrats say there is a better way of doing this, Republicans argue these requirements are needed to ensure that Florida jobs go to American workers not to those who violate immigration labor laws. They can go and be a green card holder. They can have a work visa, they can be here in some sort of status. So, its not just because youre an immigrant, youre not allowed to work. This is about the unauthorized aliens, those that dont meet any of these statuses that I just talked about, operating and lurking here in our state, it is an issue, said Rep. Jacques. It is an issue because if one of these individuals slip through the cracks and commits either a crime or an accident, and harms one of our own. That is an issue because it is a preventable death. It is a preventable accident if we had just simply enforced our laws. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Descendants of Edward Pearce Hayes from the U.S., including Susan (the granddaughter) and her three family members, arrived in Guling in China's Fuzhou. This marked their first visit to the place where their ancestors once lived. #GLOBALink LA may be becoming a bagel town. PopUp Bagels, the viral East Coast bagel chain known for its rip-and-dip serving method and rotating selection of spreads, is now making its way to Southern California. The brand plans to open 35 new locations across Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County in the coming years, according to a statement from PopUp Bagels. Founded in 2020 by Adam Goldberg, PopUp Bagels began as an at-home hobby before opening its first standalone store in New York in 2021. The chain has since grown to operate multiple locations across New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. PopUps unique offering centers around its signature "rip-and-dip" method, where bagels are served with small tubs of whipped spreads for customers to dip their bagel in. Along with classic options like plain and scallion cream cheeses, the shop offers unique spreads each week. Past flavors have included a Guinness-infused cream cheese for St. Patricks Day. As for the bagels themselves, there are five: everything, sesame, salt, plain, and poppyseed. Keeping with this simple approach, PopUp doesn't cut or toast their bagels, nor do they offer sandwiches. PopUp joins the growing presence of East Coast style bagels in Los Angeles. Earlier this year, the legendary New York-based H&H Bagels opened a location in Santa Monica. For the Southern California expansion, PopUp has teamed up with industry figures James Marzouk of Sweetzer Capital, who will handle the opening of 25 locations across Los Angeles and Orange County, as well as with Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall of Bagel Boyz, who will manage 10 locations in San Diego. PopUp's expansion to the West Coast is part of their mission to select locations in "high-traffic" urban and suburban areas, according to the statement. Were hyper-focused on targeting locations that enhance the brands momentum and deliver the volume and vibe that have defined its presence in New York. Were looking to plant roots in communities that want to be a part of the story this is just the start," said Marzouk. Goodman is optimistic that the PopUp Bagels brand will resonate with Angelenos. Whether grabbing a dozen to share with neighbors or bringing a few bagels to the beach with friends, PopUp Bagels is here to fuel connections and create moments that bring communities together," said Goodman. This expansion is part of PopUp's broader goal to be available in cities across the U.S., with a South Florida location slated to open this summer, according to Miami New Times. The first PopUp Bagels locations in Southern California are set to open later this year. Never Miss a Beat! Subscribe to Los Angeles Magazines The Daily Brief for daily updates delivered straight to your inbox. Join below or by clicking here. Apr. 2EAST GRAND FORKS The East Grand Forks approved the city's local cannabis business fees during its meeting Tuesday night. Even though cannabis has been legal in the state since 2023, the process of setting up registration, rules and the establishment Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has been slow. The OCM only recently published its registration fee schedule for what it will charge the 13 different types of cannabis businesses allowed in Minnesota. With that, the city can then set its local fee schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're getting a lot of questions on when we're going to open our registration process after these fees are formally set," East Grand Forks City Administrator Reid Huttunen told the Herald. "There's still no defined timeline for when the state is going to start issuing those." The City Council set the fees at the maximum allowed for cities. Most businesses will pay between $250 and $500 for an initial registration fee. Microbusinesses, growing up to 5,000 square feet of plant canopy indoors, do not have an initial registration fee and low-potency hemp edible retailers pay $125 per location. Most businesses also pay a $1,000 renewal fee, but those with lower costs for an initial license will have local renewal fees between $125 and $500. The OCM sent its proposed rules to an administrative law judge for approval last week. If the judge accepts those rules, a first batch of social equity applicants who passed a review in fall 2024 would be among the first non-tribal businesses to operate. Licenses could begin to be issued as soon as the end of April. A moratorium on cannabis businesses within city limits expired at the end of 2024. However, the city hasn't been notified by the OCM about any new business license holders coming into the city. While the city has gotten more information in the past six months from the OCM about local rules the city has expressed frustration with the lack of communication and the lack of local control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They never officially sent (the local government guide). It just was all of a sudden on their website," Huttunen told the Herald in November 2024. "I had been doing periodic check-ins to see what was going on so I could have my group planning meetings with our staff and then one day, 'by the way, here's your local government guide.' " In other news, the council: * Approved buying a playground for the Griggs Park Trailhead. The cost of construction is around $82,600 to be funded with a mix of donations, funds from the American Crystal Sugar pollution fine and Altru Partnership Funds. * Approved a special event permit for the East Grand Forks High School prom. The approval allows for the closure of the restaurant row parking lot on May 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. RUSK COUNTY, Texas (KETK)- With impending bad weather coming to East Texas this week, it is essential for residents to know when severe weather is heading their way. Oncor: All power restored in Tyler after transformer failure Rusk County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator, Patrick Dooley wants to make sure all East Texans are being informed about impending severe weather. We want to make sure that were doing everything we can to help push pertinent, timely information out there to them so they get that information, Dooley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However rural areas across East Texas counties staying informed during severe storms can look different. There can be spotty cell phone service and not all areas have tornado sirens. Weve looked at them, Dooley said. Theyre just very cost prohibitive right now. Dooley said like most updates these days they get the word out to as many people as possible on social media. We use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Dooley said. Rusk also uses Rave/Smart 9-1-1 which is a notification system paid by the East Texas council of Government that allows officials to share important messages and emergency alerts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You would have full access as far as emergency notifications, whether they be locally state or national, Dooley said. Smith County is also using the same system currently. The way people can opt into this system is by going online to their counties website, but when the internet and service go down, theyll go back to the original form of communication. It uses a national weather service algorithm. and when the national weather service issues a weather statement, it triggers that alert and anyone signed up gets the alert, Smith County emergency management coordinator Brandon Moore said. UT Tyler volleyball star signs professionally with Finland team Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dooley emphasized the importance for everyone to do their own due diligence and stay weather aware. Listen to the weather, find different ways, whether it be, you know, the radio, tv, whatever it may be, Dooley 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. TEXARKANA, Texas (KETK) An East Texas man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for selling fentanyl pills that led to a fatal overdose. Henry Wayne Milligan pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Schroeder sentenced him to 240 months, or 20 years, in prison. East Texas man charged with murder after shooting victim during sons drop-off Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to information presented in court, Milligan pleaded guilty to selling the victim what were purported to be prescription pills, after which the victim was found dead in his home of what an autopsy later determined to be a fentanyl overdose, the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Texas said. The pills sold by Milligan were tested and were allegedly found to contain fentanyl. Fentanyl, according to the DAs office, is a synthetic opioid used for analgesic or anesthetic purposes. It is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. PRCA rodeo coming to East Texas State Fair this year Following his initial arrest, Milligan provided a voluntary statement in which he reportedly confessed. The case was investigated by the Texarkana, Texas, Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Eastern German leaders said on Thursday that stripping back bureaucracy was key to a prosperous future, as talks were held about how to help a region which lags the rest of reunified Germany in terms of wealth and opportunities. February's national parliamentary election revealed continuing divisions in Germany, 35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) performing strongly in areas which formerly made up East Germany. At a conference of the premiers of the six eastern German states in Berlin, Thuringia Premier Mario Voigt said the federal government should learn from the experience of eastern Germany after reunification to guide the whole country's economic recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A boost for Germany must start now, with low taxes, less bureaucracy," Voigt said. "Much of the experience we have gained in the east in the past 35 years, in transformation, in change, can play a major role." In addition to Thuringia, the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are also involved, along with the current commissioner for eastern Germany, Carsten Schneider. His government job is to advocate for the region. The five eastern states, as well as eastern Berlin, were formerly part of East Germany, which fused with West Germany in 1990 and saw an at-times rocky transition from a communist planned economy to the Western-style free market. Business representatives were also invited to the meeting, including the president of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Eastern Thuringia, Ralf-Uwe Bauer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bauer said eastern Germany has seen an "extremely positive economic development" since reunification, but problems remain, such as excessive bureaucracy and high energy costs. The meeting on Thursday came as Germany awaits the formation of a new government in Berlin, with the conservative CDU/CSU bloc - made up of Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union - negotiating with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) over a coalition. Concerns have been raised that only two of the 19 representatives in the parties' central negotiating teams are from the former East Germany. The premiers of the five states in eastern Germany are meeting in Berlin on Thursday to discuss the future of the region, which still lags economically behind the former West Germany. February's parliamentary elections also showed a huge lurch to the far-right Alternative for Germany party among eastern Germans. A paper published last month which will serve as a basis for the talks calls for investment into research, less bureaucracy, lower energy costs and a "strong voice" for the former East Germany in the new federal government in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conference of the eastern German premiers will be chaired by the premier of Thuringia, Mario Voigt. In addition to Thuringia, the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are also involved, along with the current commissioner for eastern Germany, Carsten Schneider. Representatives from the business world have also been invited to the meeting at the Thuringian state representation in Berlin, including the president of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Eastern Thuringia in Gera, Ralf-Uwe Bauer. The five eastern states were formerly part of East Germany, which fused with West Germany in 1990 and saw an at-times rocky transition from a communist command economy to a Western market economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voigt said in advance that eastern Germany is already a key business location and a centre for innovation. "Our goal is to set the economic, infrastructural and social course in such a way that the east not only catches up but leads the way," Voigt explained. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Patrick De Haan, an oil industry analyst with GasBuddy, said much of our oil is imported from Canada and Mexico, but until U.S. tariffs are activated against those neighbors, they will not necessarily cause a price increase at the pump. De Haan thinks the tariff package announced this week would actually cause our gas prices to decrease. Gas prices could actually decline because of the extensiveness of the tariffs, De Haan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if Canadian and Mexican energy tariffs go into place, De Haan believes a rise in gas prices would then be offset by the overall negative economic impact of the tariffs. If the economy slows down, oil and gasoline demand slow down and that causes prices to decline, De Haan said. So, were kind of at an intersection here where conventional wisdom may suggest tariffs would boost prices and they could potentially very slightly. But theres a huge underlying concern about the state of the U.S. economy. Several OPEC producers are expected to announce an acceleration of oil output. More oil on the market will further lower the price throughout the next couple of weeks. So, I know it seems like a very backwards approach, but really, to sum it up, as goes the economy, as go gas prices, De Haan explained. If the economy is expected to significantly slow down, that will likely contribute to a major slowdown or decline in gas prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We saw a similar gas price decrease when the COVID pandemic slowed down our economy. So, this actually could be a net decrease to gas prices, but its not for great reasons, he said. We have gas price comparisons for the region on our 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 WAVY.com. In the end, the leadership of the Chicago Teachers Union accepted a contract that largely mirrored what Chicago Public Schools leadership had offered for months. The spin, of course, from CTU and Mayor Brandon Johnson depicts this four-year labor deal as transformative for Chicagos beleaguered public school system. This is a complete transformation and a move away from school privatization, layoffs, closures, the mayor said Tuesday at a news conference. Hardly. A move away from layoffs and closures? For now. But the future doesnt look bright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CPS bargaining team, led by CEO Pedro Martinez, agreed to add 800 to 900 new positions rather than the thousands of new union jobs CTU demanded. CTU demanded annual raises of 9%, an absurd request but still one the union maintained over months. The union got annual raises between 4% and 5%, essentially the same amount Martinez offered last summer. There were minor concessions regarding more preparation time for elementary school teachers and pay increases for veteran teachers at the top of the CPS wage scale. Importantly, Martinezs team rebuffed CTUs efforts to constrain principals from being able to run their schools. Its reasonable to conclude Martinez did the best he could to give CPS a fighting chance to maintain solvency over the course of this contract. But there are serious questions as to whether this deal, which will cost an estimated $1.5 billion over four years, will be affordable after the current school year ends. CPS faces a deficit of at least $500 million for the 2025-26 school year and must produce a budget by the end of August. Martinez is leaving as CEO at the end of June; next year will be his successors problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That person could be left with no choice but to resort to furlough days or layoffs to balance the books. If that comes to pass, how much talk of transformation will we hear? Theres nothing in this contract protecting these teachers from such future cutbacks. And the wage gains theyve won may well make such steps more likely. The average CPS teacher will surpass $110,000 in salary by the end of the contract. Can CPS really afford that? Well find out. The current 21-member school board, made up of 10 elected members and 11 appointed by the mayor, voted last month to require Martinezs successor to hold a school superintendents license. The idea is to ensure that whoever next is running the nations fourth-largest public school system has academic chops instead of just a financial background. We understand the desire to focus more on what schools are supposed to do educate children rather than how to afford to keep them running. But given the challenges ahead, financial and budgeting expertise are likely to be at a premium. The next leader of Chicago Public Schools will confront a brutal situation thanks to a mayor who refuses to acknowledge the urgent need to rationalize a bloated system with far too many schools for the number of students its serving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking of the mayor, the victory lap he took on this labor deal belied reality. He boasted of being the first mayor in 15 years to secure a CTU labor pact without a strike. Given his former employment at CTU and the millions the union spent to propel him to electoral victory, averting a strike was hardly a triumph. Not that Johnson didnt do everything in his power to advantage CTU in these negotiations. He demanded Martinez resign last year; Martinez refused. He pressured his original school board to fire Martinez; they resigned en masse rather than do his bidding. The next board he appointed followed the mayors orders and fired Martinez but felt legally compelled to honor a provision in Martinezs contract giving him six months notice before removal. Martinez then obtained a judges order barring the board from finalizing a CTU contract without his approval. That left CTU in the position of having to strike a deal with Martinez whether they liked it or not. For Johnson, what an abdication of duty to the taxpayers of this city. Over a year ago, this page called on the mayor to recuse himself from this contract negotiation given his obvious conflict of interest. His subsequent fealty to his former employer showed exactly why he should have done so. And the mayor has paid a significant price in his public standing for failing to stand up for taxpayers and leaving that job to Martinez, who admirably did so in the face of grossly unfair attacks, with Johnson now polling at lower levels than any mayor of Chicago before him. And CTUs leadership has managed to take a union that rode substantial public approval to a victorious strike against Mayor Rahm Emanuels administration in 2012 to an approval rating below 30%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez did all he could and deserves the publics thanks. It will be up to new leaders, on the school board and eventually at CPS headquarters, to continue to play the bad hand the unholy Johnson-CTU alliance has dealt them. _____ The World Trade Center Health Program, providing essential medical care to the heroes and the victims of 9/11, was spared a 20% Trump administration budget cut in February only when Republican members of Congress from New York fought back and saved the WTCHP. Those members must now ride to the rescue again. GOP Reps. Andrew Garbarino, Nick LaLota, Mike Lawler, Elise Stefanik, Nick Langworthy and Claudia Tenney have to reverse the firing of the head of the WTCHP and all of its doctors by the supremely unqualified Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Of course, all the Democratic House members from New York and Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand will also object to the sacking of WTC Program Administrator Dr. John Howard and his colleagues, but it is the Republicans who will have the sway to get President Donald Trump and Kennedy to revoke the firings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, Howard has been director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which lives within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That was until this week, when Kennedy wiped out NIOSH, firing Howard and all of the doctors at NIOSH, who also served as the expert medical staff of the WTCHP. Gone are the epidemiologists who identified what cancers stemmed from exposure to the toxins at Ground Zero and the physicians who have to certify each person being monitored or treated (currently 90,000) by the WTCHP. So now theres a health program for the 9/11 responders and survivors without any doctors and with no one in charge. Way to go RFK Jr.! Howard was re-appointed to a six year term atop NIOSH by Trump during his first administration and has done double duty (for a single salary) leading the WTCHP since it was established by Congress in 2011 after years of strenuous advocacy by sickened and dying FDNY firefighters and others (including this editorial page). NIOSH does much more than backstop the WTCHP by establishing nationwide workplace safety rules, such as protecting construction workers from hazards and miners from black lung disease. The Firefighter Fatality and Investigation Program is now completely gone as the WTCHP is being decapitated and stripped of its medical professionals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact everything at NIOSH was eliminated save for the WTCHP, but the swinging ax also loped off the head of the WTCHP, crippling it. NIOSH was not alone in getting gutted by RFK, the vaccine and science denier quack, who also cut deep into the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, claiming to Make America Healthy Again. Kennedy must have been under orders from the White House to leave the WTCHP alone (as messing with 9/11 heroes is off limits) but he failed the instructions by offing Dr. Howard and the other doctors. Trump is loath to admit mistakes. He made one in cutting the WTCHP funding and had to retreat. Now he has to retreat again. He can blame Kennedy if that helps, but the WTCHP has to be restored and Congress has to finally fully and permanently fund it. ___ Police vehicles are deployed to block the roads near the constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea, April 4, 2025. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. After considering factors such as maintaining order and security concerns for the president, the president has decided not to attend tomorrow's impeachment verdict, Yoon's legal representatives said Thursday, adding that the representative team will be present. The constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against Yoon on Friday. If impeached, Yoon will be immediately removed, and a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. If the impeachment is dismissed, he will resume his duties. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) SEOUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. After considering factors such as maintaining order and security concerns for the president, the president has decided not to attend tomorrow's impeachment verdict, Yoon's legal representatives said Thursday, adding that the representative team will be present. The constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against Yoon on Friday. If impeached, Yoon will be immediately removed, and a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. If the impeachment is dismissed, he will resume his duties. Police are on duty near the constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea, April 4, 2025. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. After considering factors such as maintaining order and security concerns for the president, the president has decided not to attend tomorrow's impeachment verdict, Yoon's legal representatives said Thursday, adding that the representative team will be present. The constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against Yoon on Friday. If impeached, Yoon will be immediately removed, and a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. If the impeachment is dismissed, he will resume his duties. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Edmonds PD is now investigating a break-in at the home of MLB pitcher Blake Snell. It happened in the early hours of March 26 in the typically quiet Woodway community. Edmonds Police Commander Josh McClure says no one was home at the time of the break-in. Theres some indication that there was at least more than one suspect. A burglary had occurred, a broken-out window... glass had been kind of strewn through the house. But with the main victim not home and able to account for specific items, other family members werent exactly sure, so were still working through that, said McClure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The break-in happened a day before the Shorewood High grad won his debut game for the Los Angeles Dodgers. And just a few days before, thieves broke into the Maple Valley home of former Seahawks star Richard Sherman. Woodways kind of hard to find, so you either have to be really lost or know where youre going. We immediately started thinking this could be potentially related to the other, and detectives are really good about sharing information when they have similar types of cases, and were doing that now, said McClure. Police say they are going over home security video for any clues that will help them find those responsible. Logansport grad serves as intern Myah Yax, a junior at Purdue University and a 2023 graduate of Logansport High School, has been interning with State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) in the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2025 legislative session. As a legislative intern, Yax corresponds with constituents through phone calls, letters and emails while also staffing committee hearings and floor proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have loved getting firsthand experience with lawmakers and the legislative process, Yax said. I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. Myah is doing impactful work as a legislative intern at the Statehouse this session, Manning said. Her contributions are incredibly helpful to both our members and constituents, and this experience will serve her well in her career aspirations. Yax, a Logansport High School graduate, is the daughter of Kara and Ryan Yax. Shes majoring in psychology and political science. At the start of each year, the House of Representatives offers paid internship opportunities to college students, law-school students, graduate students and recent college graduates for the duration of the annual legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visit indianahouserepublicans.com/internship for more information about the House Republican internship program. Kitchell finalist for award Gracie Kitchell, a sophomore in the Jacobs School of Music at IU and a 2023 graduate of Logansport High School, is a top three finalist for the Up-and-Coming Student Leader of the Year award. The award ceremony will take place on April 10 in Bloomington. LHS yearbook up for award The Logansport High School yearbook, The Tattler, was recognized by the Indiana High School Press Association as a finalist for the Hoosier Star Award. The award recognizes the best student-run newspapers and yearbooks in Indiana. The honor was for the 2024 edition of The Tattler which was advised by Beth Meyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caston students win scholarships Two Caston High School students were among five winners of a Beacon Credit Union 2025 scholarship. Madelynn Sprow and Cora Burns were both awarded $2,500 scholarships. Students were asked to submit essays which then went through four rounds of judging. The competition was open to high school seniors who would be attending college in the fall. One hundred and eleven students participated. Celebrating Cass County Teachers Lindsey Miller has been teaching for eight years, working with first, fourth, and fifth graders. She has taught at Eastlawn Elementary School and is currently a part of the Pioneer Elementary community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What she loves most about Pioneer is how the school and community come together to support families in times of need. She finds it truly inspiring to see such care and collaboration in action. Her main goal for students is to ensure they walk into her classroom feeling supported, valued and appreciated each day. For her, teaching isnt just about academic success; its also about helping students grow emotionally and socially. She strives to see them improve in behavior and emotional regulation while excelling in their studies. One of her favorite memories of teaching is when her class began reading Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream this year in fifth grade. Students were silently reading the summary for an act/scene that was a dramatic turning point in the play. The classroom sounded like a bag of popcorn popping, with students making audible gasps at various times as they read the dramatic events. Students were instantly hooked on the story. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) In a letter to state education leaders, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the Department of Education would no longer fund COVID-era grants. Extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Departments priorities, McMahon said in the letter. Because of the letter, several state Departments of Education said they would lose money some of it already spent, waiting to be reimbursed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marylands Department of Education said it could lose out on $400 million. Michigans said its at risk of losing $40 million. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said his state had $85 million taken away. COVID is over. States and school districts can no longer claim they are spending their emergency pandemic funds on COVID relief when there are numerous documented examples of misuse, said Madi Biedermann, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications for the Department of Education. The Department will consider extensions on an individual project-specific basis where it can be demonstrated that funds are being used to directly mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on student learning. House Democrats met with McMahon at the Department of Education on Wednesday. No matter what nice words they may put on it, at the end of the day, it feels like theyre going to take our kids money, Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) said after the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats said they asked about President Donald Trumps plan to close the Department of Education. They said Sec. McMahon told them the Small Business Administration could handle student loans. But they said theyre worried about who would handle the Civil Rights complaints and programs for students with disabilities if the department closed. Sec. McMahon appeared at the Democrats press conference after the meeting. Funding from the United States government will continue through the programs that have already been established, she said. McMahon promised to keep an open dialogue with lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biedermanns full statement is below: COVID is over. States and school districts can no longer claim they are spending their emergency pandemic funds on COVID relief when there are numerous documented examples of misuse. The Biden Administration established an irresponsible precedent by extending the deadline for spending the COVID money far beyond the intended purpose of the funds, and it is past time for the money to be returned to the peoples bank account. The Department will consider extensions on an individual project-specific basis where it can be demonstrated that funds are being used to directly mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on student learning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) The acting chief of the top federal agency for protecting worker rights has signaled a pivot toward prioritizing President Donald Trump's campaign to stamp out diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the private and public sectors. The initial steps taken by Andrea Lucas, acting chief of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, have earned her strong backing from the Trump administration, which has moved against DEI through embattled executive orders that dismantled programs at federal agencies and threatened investigations and stiff financial penalties for federal contractors that engage in illegal diversity-related practices. Trump recently nominated Lucas, who has long been an outspoken critic DEI practices she argues result in discriminatory employment preferences, to a new five-year term as commissioner. But former Democratic EEOC officials and prominent civil rights groups have accused Lucas of taking shortcuts that supersede her authority and they have urged employers to be wary of her directives and guidance, if not altogether ignore them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent flashpoint involves two technical assistance documents issued by the EEOC along with the Department of Justice attempting to clarify what might constitute DEI-related Discrimination at Work" and providing guidance on how workers can file complaints over such concerns. The documents take broad aim at practices such as training, employee resource groups and fellowship programs, warning such programs depending on how they're constructed could run afoul of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race and gender. The documents followed letters that Lucas sent to 20 prominent law firms demanding information about diversity fellowships and other programs she claimed could be evidence of discriminatory practices. A group of 10 former Democratic commissioners and counsels released its own letter Thursday warning the legal community the DEI documents give the misleading impression that common programs are fraught with legal peril" and dismissed them as reflecting Lucas's personal opinion. The letter offered counter-guidance on how employers should continue implementing training and other practices that EEOC policy documents encourage to prevent discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, seven of the same former EEOC officials sent Lucas a letter warning that she appeared to exceed her authority with her demands for information from the 20 law firms without first launching a formal investigation. A group of prominent civil rights organizations went a step further in their own letter to Lucas, urging the law firms to ignore her demands because they have no legal obligation to reply. This isnt how the EEOC works. No single commissioner not even the Chair has the authority to send threatening letters demanding private information from employers," said Noreen Farrell, director of Equal Rights Advocates, one of the civil rights organizations that signed onto the response led by the National Women's Law Center. "The EEOC Chair cant just rewrite decades of settled civil rights law with a hastily written memo. Jenny Yang, a former EEOC commissioner under former President Barack Obama, said Lucas letters to the 20 law firms were without precedent at the EEOC, which initiates most investigations in response to complaints filed by workers. In very rare cases, a commissioner can file their own charge against an employer but it wouldnt be made public and would require the commissioner to provide evidence of possible discrimination under penalty of perjury, Yang said. Law firms including some of the 20 targeted by Lucas are already coming under pressure to change their approach to diversity and inclusion in response to separate Trump executive orders designed to punish them for taking on the presidents rivals as clients and other actions that have angered him. For example, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom recently learned that the president intended to issue an order targeting it over its pro bono legal work and its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The firm has consequently agreed to review its hiring practices, among other things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 20 law firms targeted in Lucas letters did not respond to questions from The Associated Press about whether they intended to respond to her demands. Lucas did not respond to request for comment on the DEI technical assistance documents, and the EEOC declined to say whether the law firms have any legal obligation to respond to her letters or whether they would face any penalty for not doing so. But Lucas, a Republican who was first appointed to the EEOC in 2020, has long argued that she is not reinterpreting civil rights laws but rather sounding the alarm that many companies have adopted DEI practices that cross the line into discrimination. Lucas has argued the EEOC has turned a blind eye to risky company practices, which she said proliferated especially after the 2020 racial justice protests that followed the police killing of George Floyd. Far too many employers defend certain types of race or sex preferences as good, provided they are motivated by business interests in diversity, equity, or inclusion., Lucas said in a statement announcing the new technical assistance on DEI. Many employers are likely to take heed of her warnings as the EEOC signals that it will be become a powerful ally to workers claiming discrimination stemming from DEI practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anuradha Hebbar, president of CEO Action for Inclusion & Diversity, an arm of the influential Society for Human Resource Management, said the EEOC has especially makes clear that companies should avoid fellowships, internships and other programs that are only open to women or certain racial groups. Stefan Padfield of conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research praised the EEOC's the shift as a much-needed course correction that will open the floodgates for complaints against DEI practices that should be deemed illegal. Lucas has acknowledged that she cannot unilaterally change some of the agency's guidelines and policies that may contradict Trump's slew of executive orders, though the EEOC has already moved to drop seven lawsuits alleging discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people in response to a presidential order declaring the government would only recognize the male and female genders. Changing such policies including the EEOC's five-year strategic enforcement plan that pledges support for DEI would require a majority vote by the agency's five commissioners. But Trump recently fired two of those commissioners both Democrats before their terms expired in a move that upended 60 years of precedent for an agency established by Congress as independent and bipartisan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their letter Thursday, the former EEOC officials accused Lucas of cherry-picking rare instances of discrimination to convey the message that training and other DEI practices are inherently risky when in fact most are legally sound. Our federal civil rights offices and officials should not be intimidating or discouraging employers who are working to advance these goals, the letter said. ________ The Associated Press women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. The tornado that touched down east of Brownsburg in Hendricks County on Wednesday night was an EF2, the National Weather Service confirmed. National Weather Service (NWS) Indianapolis said their survey team is in northeast Hendricks County and will have more detailed information once the survey is complete. An EF2 tornado can have windspeeds between 111-135 mph, which can cause an entire house to shift off its foundation and large sections of a roof structure to be removed. These same winds caused a Sur Le Table warehouse to be destroyed when the tornado ripped through it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That is where the strongest winds have been found," NWS Indianapolis meteorologist Andrew White told IndyStar. Latest forecast, damage reports Live Indiana weather updates after unconfirmed tornadoes. Photos and video from the storm's aftermath show homes and businesses in the Brownsburg area suffered extensive damage. Brownsburg Fire Territory PIO Kamrick Holding said in an initial report that two people were missing and located by other employees in the warehouse. The two missing individuals were located by other employees, where one of them was transported to a nearby hospital. The entrapped individual was awake and alert throughout the entire rescue efforts," Holding said. "She was successfully extricated and taken to a trauma hospital in downtown Indianapolis." Our survey team continues in NE Hendricks County. They have confirmed EF2 damage just east of Brownsburg. We will have more detailed information later this afternoon once their survey is complete. #INwx #indy NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) April 3, 2025 VIDEO: Drone video shows extent of storm damage Brownsburg, Indiana, Sur La Table warehouse Two tornadoes in Indiana, one person injured As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service said two tornadoes causing significant damage has been confirmed across Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first EF1 tornado, with a peak wind of 110 mph, traveled a little over 3 miles from near Oak Grove in Starke County to just north of Donaldson in Marshall County. This caused damage to Ancilla College before overturning a mobile home, injuring the person inside. Barns were also flattened, in addition to numerous trees snapped or uprooted. The second EF1 tornado occurred in Noble County, IN between Ege and LaOtto, doing damage to numerous large trees and a barn in the area. The tornado had peak winds of 90 mph and was on the ground for 2 minutes. NWS Indianapolis has not yet confirmed a tornado in Carmel and is surveying to make the determination. How the Enhanced Fujita scale measures tornadoes Tornadoes are classified on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which ranges from 0 to 5. It takes into account estimated wind speeds, observed damage and damage verified in weather service surveys after tornadoes. Wind speeds determine the rating of each tornado: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EF0 .....63 to 97 mph: Can cause a loss of roof covering materials, gutters, awnings, vinyl and or metal siding EF1 .....79 to 116 mph: Causes broken glass from windows, uplifts a roof deck with significant loss of roof coverings, collapse of chimneys and garage doors EF2 .....103 to 145 mph: An entire house shifts off its foundation. Large sections of roof structure is removed with most walls standing EF3 .....127 to 178 mph: Most walls collapse except small interior rooms EF4 .....142 to 198 mph: All walls collapsed EF5.....165 to 220 mph: Destruction of engineered and/or well-constructed residence. The slab is swept clean. Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NWS Indianapolis: An EF2 tornado touched down near Brownsburg When Democrats attacked the Trump administration for the gargantuan price of eggs, the administration responded by importing vast quantities from Turkey and South Koreatwo countries that were hit hard by the tariffs imposed on Wednesday. When asked about the issue, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had no definitive answer on whether those imported eggs would be tariffed, reinforcing the multiple contradictions at the center of Trumps isolationist trade war in the process. President Trump yesterday gave you much praise talking about the job youve done in the last month and a half. I wanna talk about what youve done with eggs, Fox Businesss Maria Bartiromo asked Rollins on Thursday. National egg prices have declined 9 percent from last week, now averaging $3 a dozen, according to the USDA. Secretary are eggs gonna be tariffed? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, so, yeah lets pivot to eggs. Listen, we rolled out a very bold plan about a month ago. Obviously its his vision were effectuating. The market reacted very favorably to it, [it] included some short-term imports but also included helping our poultry farmers in America, Rollins answered, avoiding the question. So as we repopulate our chicken farms and our egg-laying farms, I think well see the price coming down even more. Only good news on the egg front, and hopefully it will hold. "Yes, I mean, all to be determined, we're all in negotiations, but yes, that's a possibility" -- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins can't definitively answer a question about whether imported eggs are being tariffed pic.twitter.com/DeQf55p14J Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 3, 2025 So where are the eggs coming from that youre importing? Bartiromo asked. Well, were importing from Turkey, were importing from South Korea, to a few other countries right now, Rollins responded. But again, at the end of the day. once our farms are repopulated then well go back to pretty much using all American-lain eggs. So then that means that eggs will be tariffed, if youre taking them from Turkey, right? Thats part of the tariff plan, Bartiromo pushed. There will be a 10 percent tariff on Turkey, according to Trumps Liberation Day announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, yes, all to be determined, Rollins replied, refusing to commit. Were all at negotiations, but yes, thats a possibility. Lower grocery pricesand lower prices in generalwere a central theme of Trumps campaign. Trump himself riffed on it at his Liberation Day announcement. But the new tariffs go directly against those promises, and even his inner circle are struggling to find a way to explain themselves. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) An El Paso man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after killing another man during a shootout at a bar parking lot nearly four years ago in South-Central El Paso, according to the El Paso County District Attorneys Office. The DAs Office says Daniel Torres, 42, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon last Thursday, March 27, and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. On Oct. 15, 2021, El Paso Police were dispatched to the 3500 block of Durazno Ave., which was the parking lot of Cazadores Cantina, in response to a shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation determined that Torres shot and killed Alfredo Morales, 28, after Morales produced a handgun and shot another person during an argument, the DAs office said. Torres, who fled the scene, had twice been convicted of felony theft and had been sentenced to four years in prison each time, the DAs office said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. UPDATE 8:30 AM 04/03/2025 According to police, one-year-old Clyde Armstrong has been found. ORIGINAL STORY EL RENO, Okla. (KFOR) According to the El Reno Police Department, police are searching for a one-year-old believed to have been abducted by a non-custodial parent. Clyde Armstrong. Image courtesy El Reno Police. LOCAL NEWS: Driver on the run after slamming into Plaza District bar Officials say one-year-old Clyde Armstrong was taken by his non-custodial parent Shanea Bell in a tan/gold Chevy SUV with a Wyoming license plate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with more information is asked to contact El Reno Police at 405-262-2121. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Its a funny old world. One day Britain agrees to pay for an Indian Ocean base for the US military at a cost of 90m a year for the next 99 years, and the next America slaps a random 10 per cent tariff on everything we sell, rising to 25 per cent for cars and steel. The proposed leasing of Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos archipelago, quickly caught the attention of Dame Priti Patel, the shadow Foreign Secretary. It is like handing your house over to someone else, then paying to rent it out, she wrote in The Telegraph. Put simply, this deal is madness. And so it is. Dame Priti may not have meant it this way but, in the new world of realpolitik and great power competition, smaller nations need to play their cards carefully. The danger in folding so quickly goes beyond the prospect of becoming a vassal, a lapdog or a gimp. For liberal democracies, the threat is existential. As the Canadians say, elbows up!. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So how should Britain play its hand over its prospective 99 year lease on Diego Garcia? And might it be used to get Donald Trump to back down on the tariffs he has unjustly slapped on Britain PLC? First, lets drop the magical thinking. As has been evident for at least six years now, the chances of retaining sovereignty over the Chagos Islands are all but non-existent. As Derrick Wyatt, KC, a retired Oxford law Professor with a specialism in international law says, the problem is not that the judges of International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 2019 that the UK had no title to the Islands. Its that almost every other country on the planet including almost all our Nato allies agree with them. In his first term as President, Trump led a UK/US diplomatic offensive in the UN in support of the UKs title to the Chagos Islands but it failed. Only Israel, Hungary and Scott Morrisons Australia voted in support of the US/UK position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countries abstaining on the vote, but conspicuously not supporting the UK and US line on the Chagos Islands, included Canada, New Zealand, virtually the whole of Nato, and Indo-Pacific allies Japan and the Republic of Korea, notes Mr Wyatt. Given these circumstances and the fact that the Johnson, Truss and Sunak governments agreed negotiations to surrender our sovereignty of the Chagos we should focus on what is within our grasp. And that is a 99-year lease over Diego Garcia, the jewel in the crown of the archipelago and home to a vast and strategically important military base that the US desperately needs to hold on to. The fact that China would love to have it, not to mention India, Pakistan and several wealthy middle eastern powers, only adds to its very considerable rentable value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK has long considered the island an asset. In 1966 we leased it to the US for 50 years (later extending it to 2036) in return for a $14m discount on the purchase of Polaris missiles for our so-called independent nuclear deterrent. During this Cold War period it made sense not to charge the US through the nose for it. At the time, America was a reliable ally, jointly committed to the defence of Europe. Extending Dame Pritis analogy, we leased the island to the Americans unfurnished, and over the decades they have very much made it their own. Its airbase and deep water ports were built by them and they have thousands of military personnel based there. In the years following 9/11 and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the CIA is said to have run black sites from Diego Garcia for waterboarding and whatnot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And on February 21, 2008, the then UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband admitted that two US extraordinary rendition flights refuelled in Diego Garcia in 2002 on their way to the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. The UK only has a few dozen military administrators on the Island and they had not spotted our US tenant doing anything untoward. Mr Miliband told Parliament he was very sorry that his governments earlier denials of wrongdoing were now having to be corrected. Diego Garcias value stems from its isolated position in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It is the perfect stopover for bombers, ships and troops headed to the Far East, Middle East and Australasia (or vice versa). Even as I write, the US has six B-2 stealth bombers there, ready for possible deployment against the Houthis in Yemen or their paymasters in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which brings us back to President Trump, his tariffs and the new world of realpolitik. Why, if Britain is to secure a 99 year lease on Diego Garcia as we give up sovereignty over the Chagos, should we pay for it? We dont use the Island ourselves, so shouldnt we demand that the rent is covered in full by whoever does? And if the tenant is to continue to be the US, shouldnt we demand that its President treat us fairly on trade, dropping his ridiculous tariffs on British goods altogether? After all, 90m a year for 99 years is a lot of money, and right now we need every penny we can get. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) An 80-year-old man was arrested on March 30 after he allegedly admitted to sexually assaulting two children in his 18-wheeler. Mugshot of Randall Tee Tidwell, courtesy of Henderson County Jail According to the arrest affidavit obtained through the Henderson County Sheriffs Office, on Jan. 14 deputies requested investigators to interview a suspect who sexually assaulted a five and eight-year-old more than once over a period of time. East Texas man gets 20 years in prison for selling fentanyl causing fatal overdose Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 18, investigators interviewed the suspect, Randall Tee Tidwell, 80 of Kemp, at the Henderson County help center office in Athens and advised Tidwell he was free to leave and was not under arrest. During the interview, Tidwell reportedly said he used whipped cream to aid in the sexual assault of a five-year-old and eight-year-old more than once in his 18-wheeler he drives for work. Man accused of sexually assaulting child family member multiple times a week for almost 2 years in Rusk County Tidwell said he was sorry for doing this and it never happened with any other child, the document stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tidwell was arrested for continuous sex abuse of a young child on March 30 and released the same day from Henderson County Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. THE HAGUE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A car exploded and caught fire on Dam Square in central Amsterdam on Thursday, police said. "We have closed off the Dam Square due to a burning vehicle. The fire department is on site," city police announced on the social media platform X. The driver, a 50-year-old Dutch man from North Holland, was injured and taken into custody. Police said they suspect he caused the fire himself. "Detectives are keeping all scenarios open, but have strong suspicions that the man intended to take his own life. He is suspected of arson," police said. Authorities added that the investigation at the scene was nearly complete and the vehicle was being towed away. The incident follows a stabbing near the square last week that left five people injured. (Reuters) - Eleven more Ukrainian children have been brought home from parts of Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine where they had been taken without permission, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff said on Wednesday. "Today we have one more piece of good news," Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff, wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "Within the framework of the president of Ukraine's Bring Kids Back UA initiative, another 11 Ukrainian children were brought back from temporarily occupied areas (of Ukraine) and the territory of the Russian Federation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the children, Yermak said, were brothers aged 10 and 12 whose father died after being tortured for expressing pro-Ukrainian views. Also brought home, Yermak wrote, was a pregnant mother who had been prevented from leaving occupied Ukraine because she had refused to take out Russian identity papers and her 2-year-old toddler. The mother gave birth to another child in Ukrainian-held territory. Yermak thanked the office of Ukraine's ombudsman for its help in arranging the return of the children. There was no immediate comment from Russian authorities. Ukraine says more than 19,500 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territory without the consent of family or guardians during the war, calling the abductions a war crime that meets the U.N. treaty definition of genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Criminal Court issued warrants in 2023 for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin on war crimes charges related to the abduction of Ukrainian children. The Kremlin rejects the allegations and says the children were taken out of war zones for their own protection. (Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Leslie Adler) HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) An Ellington man pled guilty Thursday to defrauding the state of Connecticut of more than $1.2 million in a scheme that involved his tobacco wholesaler business. Khawar M. Khokhar, 36, operated Smokin Wholesale LLC, a Connecticut-licensed tobacco wholesale business that acquired smokeless tobacco and other tobacco products from out-of-state distributors, including businesses in Pennsylvania and Illinois, and sold the products to retail merchants in Connecticut. Police: Man arrested after Norwich smoke shop search Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court testimony and evidence, between approximately May 2017 and June 2019, Khokhar and Smokin Wholesale purchased about $2 million in tobacco products from the distributors, but failed to report accurately to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services the value of the products imported into the state, and failed to pay to the state the tobacco-related taxes owed. Through this scheme, Khokhar and others caused Connecticut to suffer a tax loss of more than $1.2. Khokhar pleaded guilty to conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of five years in prison. He also agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $1,201,701.13, and to forfeit $60,707 seized during the investigation. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3. Khokhar is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. A lawsuit filed earlier this week accuses tech billionaire Elon Musk and his super PAC of failing to pay canvassers who helped President Trumps 2024 presidential campaign. Musk and America PAC pledged $100 to registered voters in battleground states who signed a petition and said it would give the individual another $100 for every additional voter they convinced to sign the free speech and gun rights petition. A man from the Philadelphia suburbs, who anonymously filed the lawsuit out of fear of retribution, said Musk and the PAC owe him $20,000 for gathering the signatures in the lead-up to the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit was first reported by CNN. The mans attorney, Shannon Liss-Riordan, told the outlet that the lawsuit is about keeping promises. He was expecting to be able to pay his bills because of this promise, she said. He was pounding the pavement during the campaign because Elon Musk asked him to. He believed in Elon Musk. The lawsuit argues the individual was paid his hourly rate for canvassing and some referrals for the petition sign-ups, but the man said he was not paid the $20,000 he estimated for the number of referral signatures he obtained. The man said he has made repeated attempts to contact the PAC, looking to receive the full payment, but to no avail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America PAC spokesperson Andrew Romeo denied wrongdoing and said the organization is committed to paying for every legitimate petition signature, which is evidenced by the tens of millions the PAC has paid organizers. While we dont yet know who this John Doe plaintiff is and cant speak to their specific circumstances, we can say that we are also committed to rooting out fraud and have the right to withhold payments to fraudsters, Romeo said in a statement to The Hill. Shortly after the election, it was reported that Musk, who now leads the Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency, spent around $200 million to help elect Trump. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (NewsNation) Political commentator Bill OReilly believes that while Elon Musk has been largely successful as a political change agent, the South African tech entrepreneur is becoming an unnecessary distraction for the Trump administration. He did a good job exposing the government waste, OReilly told NewsNations CUOMO on Wednesday. But now, the technicians should take over. I think hell remain a Trump adviser, but I do think hell go back to the private sector. Musk has been a leading figure in Donald Trumps White House, serving as the public face of its Department of Government Efficiency and spending millions of his own money campaigning for Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel in Tuesdays Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Trumps math is wrong, tariffs will blow up in his face: Geraldo Schimel ultimately lost the race to Susan Crawford, the Democratic Party-backed candidate, while many of DOGEs initiatives to cut back on government spending have been challenged in court and remain in limbo. Both Schimels defeat and DOGEs stalled momentum have brought increased scrutiny to Musks role in Washington and the GOP at large. While OReilly doesnt blame Musk for the GOPs loss in Wisconsin, he agreed with the idea that Musk has overstayed his welcome in Washington. As I said very early on, Musk is a short-timer, OReilly said. Its just too hot. You just cant have a guy that hot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News on Thursday that Elon Musk is not even close to done with the Department of Government Efficiency, even as the Tesla CEO approaches the end of his official stint advising the Trump administration. The vice president, during an interview with Lawrence B. Jones on Fox & Friends, said Musk agreed to formally help the White House for roughly six months; Musk signed a 130-day contract to work as a special government employee, following President Trumps inauguration in January. But even after he departs his official role, Musk is going to remain a friend and an advisor, Vance said. Of course hes going to continue to be an advisor, he reiterated. And by the way, the work of DOGE is not even close to done the work of Elon is not even close to done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vances comments come a day after Politico reported insiders and many outside allies have become frustrated with his unpredictability and view Musk as a political liability. Politico added that President Trump has been telling insiders that Musk would be stepping back soon. The VP even scoffed at that report on Thursday, calling it total fake news. DOGE has got a lot of work to do, and yeah, that work is going to continue after Elon leaves, Vance said. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also pushed back on Politicos report on Wednesday. Leavitt said Musk will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has been spearheading DOGE for President Trump as the new department has went on a cost-cutting spree within the federal government. He has repeatedly said he is aiming to cut $1 trillion from the annual budget which is about 15% of what the government spent in 2024. The Tesla and SpaceX boss has been criticized by several Democratic politicians, including Elizabeth Warren, Hillary Clinton and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who called Musk not smart for his push to cut the bureaucracy. Musk, during an interview with Bret Baier on Fox News last week, said he does not expect his official role within the Trump administration to extend beyond his 130-day contract. I think we will have accomplished most of the work required to reduce the deficit by $1 trillion within that timeframe, he noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOGE website estimates it has cut $140 billion from the federal bureaucracy to date. You can watch Vances full interview, above. The post Elon Musk Not Even Close to Done With DOGE, JD Vance Says appeared first on TheWrap. By Trevor Hunnicutt ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) - President Donald Trump gave billionaire adviser Elon Musk a fresh endorsement on Thursday amid criticism of Musk's government reduction project and said he can stay "as long as he likes" but will eventually return to his businesses. "Elon is fantastic," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew to Florida for a long weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, head of Tesla and SpaceX, has drawn fire for overseeing a U.S. bureaucracy overhaul that has triggered the firing of thousands of government employees. Some recent news reports have suggested Musk could soon leave Trump's side, although it was not clear if Musk would leave before his 130-day mandate as a special government employee expires around late May. Trump said Musk can stay "as long as he likes." "He's going to stay a certain period of time and then he's going to get back to his businesses full time. But he's doing a fantastic job," Trump said. Asked how long he would be staying, Trump said "I would think a few months." (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Steve Holland; Editing by Sandra Maler) Elon Musk is continuing to defend the work of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, recently claiming in an interview with Fox News that his initiative is the most transparent organization in government ever. The billionaire SpaceX founder was slammed online after he made the stunning claim during a Tuesday appearance on The Five when host Jessica Tarlov pressed him about any conflicts of interest he may have in his role with DOGE and as a close adviser to President Donald Trump. Musks companies have received billions of dollars in federal government contracts over the years. Both Trump and Musk have been strongly criticized by voters and elected officials for a lack of transparency in DOGEs devastating methods for ostensibly reducing waste, fraud and abuse in government despite Musk who was not elected to office by American voters repeatedly insisting that DOGE has been transparent with its conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE has proposed major cuts in government, causing mass layoffs and the dismantling of federal agencies since Trump took office in January. And Trump and Musk have left many feeling uncertain about their futures with mixed messaging on the administrations crusade against benefit programs like Social Security, which Musk has described as a Ponzi scheme. Hes also spewed several unfounded claims of widespread fraud within the agency. Among the many uncertainties that have surrounded DOGEs operations are questions about staffers and their qualifications, their access to sensitive data and even Musks official title within the initiative, to name a few. DOGE has faced several lawsuits, court orders and overall scrutiny surrounding the transparency of its activities and Musks chainsaw-wielding approach to making cuts. Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled that DOGE should likely be subject to public disclosure laws like the Freedom of Information Act after watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington sued DOGE, as well as the Office of Management and Budget, last month to disclose its records. Erik C. Nisbet, Owen L. Coon endowed professor of policy analysis and communication in the School of Communication at Northwestern University, told HuffPost that while its not exactly unique for an administration Democrat or Republican to not like being completely transparent with government records or providing access to inside information, he believes that Musk himself doesnt have a good track record when it comes to transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for DOGE, Nisbet, who is the director of the Center for Communication & Public Policy at Northwestern, said that the initiative has been disruptive by making painful cuts and that more transparency would give the initiative more legitimacy. When an organization, when a process is not transparent, people are less likely to feel [its] legitimate, he said. And when decisions are made and the process is not transparent, or the reasons are not transparent, then people are less willing to accept those decisions especially if it goes against their own self-interest or favor. He added that he thinks DOGEs actions have been very, very harmful almost extragovernmental. The claims of transparency do not match up to reality, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read on to hear more from Nisbet on the effects of DOGEs actions and why democracies rely on transparency. DOGEs operations have been disruptive and without consideration for short- and long-term consequences, Nisbet said. Nisbet addressed DOGEs purging of federal employees across agencies, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Veteran Affairs, pointing out that some fired employees had even received positive performance reviews prior to losing their jobs. This has been ... literally a chainsaw to a lot of government agencies that do great work both domestically and internationally, without consideration to both the short-term and long-term consequences. Its very disruptive, he said. Theyre basically a broke Humpty Dumpty, he said about the destruction caused by DOGE, adding that he doesnt know how things will be able to be put back together again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of these will have long-term consequences that will extend well past either Trump or Musk, he said. Musks claims about transparency are definitely overstated, Nisbet said. Nisbet said that growing concerns about Musks potential conflicts of interest within his work for DOGE are a key thing. I think there is opportunity for corruption when there isnt transparency, he said. Musks rocket company SpaceX, which operates the satellite-based internet company Starlink, could benefit from changes to federal grant programs aimed at expanding high-speed internet to remote areas of the country, Nisbet explained. Musk has such a large ... range of enterprises that intersect with the government. Not having accountability and transparency about how the relationship between his business interests and what DOGE is doing ... it undercuts confidence in our government institutions, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: Whether its real or imagined it might not be so but even just the imagination or the taint can undercut confidence in our government ... which is problematic. Nisbet said that theres a perception that Musk had bought access to our government via the millions of dollars hes spent on campaigns for Trump and other Republicans. And while Musk often touts the transparency of DOGEs website which states dollar amounts the group claims it has saved taxpayers due to grant cancellations, workforce reductions and other methods Nisbet pointed out that investigations into the DOGEs findings have found discrepancies and a lack of information to verify its findings. He later said that DOGE could be more transparent by providing more documentation and by giving the public a clearer understanding of the reasoning behind its decision-making like shutting down programs that have been doing great work for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, its important to remember that transparency is one of the reasons democracy flourishes so well, Nisbet said, adding, One of the key advantages of democracy over authoritarianism, or other forms of government, is the idea of accountability and transparency. Related... The News Democrats are going all-in against President Donald Trumps new global tariffs, seeing a chance to keep driving a wedge in the Republican Party after four GOP senators defied Trump on his Canada tariffs. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told Semafor on Thursday that hes drafting a plan to force a vote on nixing the national emergency Trump declared Wednesday, which would effectively scrap the across-the-board tariffs set to kick in Saturday. Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., says he plans to lead a related effort to force a vote in the House. Its not yet clear whether Kaine and Meeks would get even equivalent support to the quartet of Republicans who backed the Virginians similar resolution against Canada tariffs on Wednesday night. But one senior congressional Republican is conspicuously on the record with his own tariff rebuke: Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, joined Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., to release a new bill that would require lawmakers to sign off on all new tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And most urgently, Democrats are plotting to force votes on tariff-related amendments to the Senate Republicans budget resolution as soon as Friday. Its safe to say that we have a vote-a-rama coming up. And you can only imagine, deadpanned Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev. I think what happened yesterday might be part of the upcoming amendments. Its a treacherous new front in the Trump administrations so-far-successful push to align Republican lawmakers typically staunch advocates of less restrictive trade behind the presidents aggressive tariffs as the stock market tanks, business groups revolt, and other countries plot retaliation. Democrats are hoping to build on Wednesdays Canada vote, which attracted support from GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were pleased that for the first time since Trump was sworn in we actually defeated some sort of policy measure that he put forward, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., told Semafor of the Kaine measure, which is unlikely to get a vote in the GOP-controlled House. It was sort of an important moment, and I think we will certainly be learning from that, she added. Kaine told Semafor his new legislation would focus on Trumps most recent emergency declaration because existing law allows him to bypass Republican leadership to secure a vote on the Senate floor rejecting it. He used the same mechanism to advance the Canada measure Wednesday. My team is going through all the things that the president did yesterday to see which might be subject to the tool that I used yesterday, Kaine said. Any of the tariffs that were imposed pursuant to [the International Emergency Economic Powers Act] and I think that is the basis for the 10 percent across the board youll see us challenge it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that because Trumps separate reciprocal tariffs, which take effect April 9, dont hinge on his emergency declaration, we have to dig in on how to target those: You dont necessarily get the guaranteed vote. The Grassley-Cantwell proposal to let Congress review new tariffs could be even tougher to get to the floor, requiring GOP leaderships support; still, the addition of the sponsorship of the former Senate Finance chairman is certainly notable. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said on Thursday that he supports it and wants a vote. We think Congress should reassert its role and have those policies come before Congress, Cantwell said. Know More Trump announced Wednesday that he would impose a 10 percent tariff on imports on all countries and even higher tariffs on imports from a select few nations, including China and the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours later, four Republicans joined Democratic colleagues to advance Kaines resolution, which would be subject to a Trump veto even if it did manage to clear the House. Stock markets dropped precipitously Thursday in reaction to the latest round of tariffs. And Democrats are seizing on the opportunity to pick at the tension among the Republican Partys free traders and populists. What he did yesterday I want to be real clear on it is economic poison, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., told Semafor. He added that he plans to have a longer-term effort ready to go here shortly. Still, Republican leaders seem intent on limiting potential defectors in the coming days. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D, a free-trader, acknowledged the swoon in the stock market but said hes watching how the administration reacts and what the ultimate, permanent policy might look like. He also said he wants to give the president space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, the number of Republicans who might join with Democrats in the coming days to curb the tariffs looks to be small. Most people want to give [Trump] a chance. He ran on this. Its not as if hes springing this this is arguably the thing hes talked about the longest in politics, ever, said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. But a few GOP senators are emerging to call for Congress to have more power over tariffs: In addition to Tillis, Murkowski told Semafor on Thursday that shed support the Grassley-Cantwell bill. Eleanor and Burgess View As Slotkin points out, Wednesdays win was a big deal. Four Senate Republicans willing to break from Trump, despite his best efforts to pressure them, is no small thing in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its hard to see whether that vote amounts to a tipping point or even portends deeper fault lines down the road especially given how united GOP lawmakers were on a host of issues following closed-door meetings with Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week. As one GOP lawmaker put it, most in the Republican Party are willing to give him a pretty long leash right now. Were skeptical that the president has reached the end of it. Its also important to keep in mind that House Republicans have so far been far less willing to step out of line than their counterparts in the upper chamber, making it highly unlikely either way that any legislation makes it off the Hill. Of course, its April. If those tariffs are still around six months from now, we may be having a different discussion. Room for Disagreement Theres some GOP concern over the tariffs short-term impact for Democrats to try to amplify. But many Republicans say its not clear what the long-term impacts or ramifications of the tariffs will be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre all just WAGs. Theyre wild-assed guesses. Nobody knows, were in uncharted water, said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. Tariffs are more art than science. Tariffs are a little like whiskey: A little whiskey under the right circumstances will refresh you. Too much whiskey under the wrong circumstances will make you drunk as a skunk. Notable CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) Severe weather swept through Central Illinois counties Wednesday evening, breaking tree limbs, bringing down powerlines and even destroying several sheds. Coles County In Coles County, the EMA said theres been several reports of trees down throughout the county. Most of the damage happened around 550N and 1000E in the southern parts of the county, south of the airport. A tree was also reported to have fallen on top of a house, but there was little damage to the home. In Ashmore, several trees and lines were reported to have been knocked down. The Coles County EMA added that most of the damage reported has been minor. Cumberland County The Cumberland County EMA said several different areas around Cumberland County are reporting damage. In Jewett, there have been reports of trees and powerlines down. The Cumberland County EMA said the area was hit with strong winds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Greenup, a tree feel on top of a home. Luckily, the Cumberland County EMA said the owner was not home at the time, and was unharmed. There have been reports of trees and powerlines throughout the entire county as well, according to the Cumberland County EMA. Clark County In Clark County, the Sheriffs Office said they received reports of cars being blown off the road. WCIA reached out to Illinois State Police for more information. State Police said two semi-trucks rolled over Wednesday night on Interstate 70 westbound near milepost 150. The trucks were not blocking the highway, and no injuries were reported. Several powerlines were reported to have been knocked down around IL-49 near Casey. Trees were also reported to have fallen or been damaged throughout the county. Severe weather causes a tree to fall in Westfield. Photo courtesy of Dave Colman. Effingham County The Effingham County EMA said that in the southeastern parts of Altamont, two outdoor sheds were destroyed or damaged. One of the sheds was completely destroyed, anothers roof was damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between Altamont and Effingham, tree limbs and power lines were also reported down. Macon County The Macon County EMA said that as of around 6 p.m., not much damage had been reported. So far, powerlines were reported down around Washington Street and Argenta Road. Tree limbs have also been reported down. Are you seeing damage in your county? Send us pictures or information at news@wcia.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 WCIA.com. A bill to limit the potential damages under the 2023 Child Victims Act heads to the full House of Delegates with less than a week in the 2025 session. (File photo by Bruce DePuyt/Maryland Matters) A committee hearing on a bill to limit the states financial liabilities in sex abuse lawsuits ended in an emotional vote Wednesday with one member walking out in anger and another casting a vote in tears. Lawmakers are scrambling in the final days of the session to pass legislation that could tame potentially crushing payouts to thousands of people who allege they were sexually assaulted as children in state facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think this is perhaps a responsible way of dealing with it it is a reasonable compromise, said Del. Jon Cardin (D-Baltimore County). The bill was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee along mostly party lines, and could be before the full House possibly as soon as Thursday. The Senate has yet to take up the bill. Just five days remain in the 2025 session. Currently, sexual abuse lawsuits filed under the Child Victims Act of 2023 are capped at $890,000 for claims against government agencies and $1.5 million for claims against private institutions. The bill approved in committee Wednesday would lower the maximum payouts for cases filed after May 31 to $400,000 against governments and $700,000 against private institutions. Additionally, the bill says one payout would cover all abuse incidents involving the same claimant and abuser. The 2023 law leaves open the potential that a court or jury would apply the maximum compensation amount to each instance of abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes also cap fees for attorneys at 20% for cases that settle out of court and 25% for cases that result from a court judgment. The bill wold alter 2023 Child Victims Act, which eliminated restrictions on when a survivor could file a lawsuit, opening the door to claims for abuse that happened decades ago. At the time that law passed, most of the focus was on institutional abuse allegations connected to the Catholic Church. But the law also lifted restrictions on suing government agencies. Thousands of claims have since been made against Maryland state government. Those claims raised concerns about the potential for billions in payouts an amount some, including Del. C.T. Wilson (D-Charles), who sponsored the 2023 law, feared could bankrupt a state already facing a budget crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Del. Robin L. Grammer (R-Baltimore County) said he believed the state shouldnt be allowed to evade its responsibility to compensate those abused while in state custody, but added he is skeptical of the reported high dollar costs of such cases. So the governors slogan is leave nobody behind, and I think today, were leaving victims behind. We were told the solution to this problem is to pass the legislation, Grammer said. Now, when were surprised by the liability of the state, were told its to minimize the liability, and its not about the money. Del. Lauren Arikan (R-Harford) called the bill offensive to victims. She later walked out of the committee meeting before casting her vote. During a floor speech Wednesday evening, Arikan counted herself among those who have been abused. In an exchange with a reporter, she said she had been molested as a young child, and said that experience was part of what ultimately caused her to walk out of the Judiciary Committee earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arikans statement came during floor debate on a bill to create a state reparations commission to study inequities faced by African descendants in Maryland. Arikan had offered an amendment, which ultimately failed, to create a panel to look at appropriate compensation for survivors of sexual abuse while in state custody. Arikan said that while Wilson who has said he, too, suffered physical and sexual abuse as a child has repeatedly said his efforts with the 2023 law were never about financial compensation for survivors, I think its offensive to think that one victim speaks for all victims. A number of Democrats who voted for the bill in committee said it was a tough decision, but expressed concerns about the potential costs to the state. Del. David Moon (D-Montgomery) said the state does not have the option of bankruptcy to run from our obligations the way our private counterparts do. Moon voted to move the bill out of committee with great regret and apologies to the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some, it was an emotional vote. Im a yes because I know we have to do something, said Del. Nicole Williams (D-Prince Georges), who began sobbing as she attempted to explain her decision to support the bill. During her explanation, and after, members of the committee attempted to console her. Despite the lowered caps for private institutions that was included in the bill, it did not garner support from the Maryland Catholic Conference. In a statement, it criticized the bill for being rammed through in the late days of the session with little time for careful debate or necessary revisions. The conference the public policy arm of the archdioceses of Baltimore, Washington and Wilmington noted that the state is making the change after thousands of claims were made against the state under the law. In fact, the Maryland state government now appears to be the largest employer of child sex abusers in the state, the Catholic Conference statement said. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, plants a tree during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Xi and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for pooling strength in the building of a Beautiful China and making the country even greener through afforestation efforts. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when attending a voluntary tree planting activity in Beijing on Thursday. Xi and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District in the morning and planted trees with officials and local people. At the planting site, Xi waved to the crowd to extend his greetings before picking up a shovel to join the activity. He planted saplings of multiple types of trees. While planting the trees, he also asked the children at the site about their studies, life and participation in labor and sports. He stressed that a good life comes from hard work, encouraging young children to develop a love for labor and nature, and to actively participate in afforestation and other public welfare activities. During the event, Xi also talked with officials and local people on site. He noted that the current forest coverage rate in China has surpassed 25 percent, and the country contributes about a quarter of the world's newly increased afforestation areas. The ecological environment keeps improving, a fact that has been directly and tangibly felt by the people, he said. Xi noted that in the meantime, the total forest and grassland resources in China are still insufficient, urging efforts to effectively address prominent issues and to do even better year on year in this regard. Xi emphasized the importance of forest management and improvement of the ecological quality of grasslands, and called for efforts to boost the forestry and grassland-related industries. Afforestation should deliver more benefits to the people, he stressed. He added that voluntary tree planting is a nationwide initiative that must be carried on for generations. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, plants a tree during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Xi and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (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, waters a tree with children during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Xi and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (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, talks with the crowd on site during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Xi and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with the crowd on site during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Xi and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Li Qiang plants a tree during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Zhao Leji plants a tree during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Wang Huning plants a tree during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Cai Qi plants a tree during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Ding Xuexiang plants a tree during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Li Xi plants a tree during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Han Zheng plants a tree during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District of Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2025. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at the tree planting site on the bank of a river in Fengtai District on Thursday morning and planted trees with officials and local people. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) After going weeks without being paid, Interval Coffee employees closed the coffee shop's Bay View and east side locations. The shops could reopen when the owner returns from a trip abroad. Signs appeared on the doors of both locations on March 28 stating that the cafes were closed and employees were not being paid. The signs also shared employee Venmo accounts and Instagram pages, asking the public to support them. Interval Coffee, 1600 N. Jackson St., sits closed on April 1, 2025. It closed after employees had gone unpaid for weeks. Ashley Pappalardo, a barista trainer at Interval, said staff received their last paycheck on March 7 and their March 21 paycheck never came. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think we are all in shock," she said. Employees decided to close the coffee shop a week after missing their paycheck. Pappalardo said the door signs were posted to let customers know Interval would be closed temporarily, but they were not intended to imply that Interval would be closed permanently. She said they were waiting to learn more information from the owner. Owner Ryan Hoban told the Journal Sentinel via email that he was in Honduras sourcing coffee. He said the cafes are closed while he is out of the country, but he plans to reopen them once he returns. PRF Honduras, a coffee sourcing trip in Honduras on March 27 and 28, listed Hoban as an attendee, promoting his other business, Neighborly Coffee subscription. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pappalardo said that some employees have moved on, especially those who rely on Interval for a majority of their income. But Pappalardo, who currently works for the company part time, said she would return if the payment issue was resolved and changes were made to ensure it didn't happen again. "Most of us work there for the people who work there. All of my best friends that I've made since I've moved back to Milwaukee after school have been through the Interval community," she said. "I can't speak for everyone, but many of us do hope that Interval reopens. This is an unfortunate moment, regardless." Aside from the latest incident, public records show that Interval Coffee has had a slew of financial troubles in the last few years. The departments of Revenue and Workforce Development have filed a total of 37 complaints against Interval Inc. since 2019 for tax delinquency, according to Wisconsin court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaints prior to 2024 have been satisfied, but the two state entities have filed 15 complaints since March 2024, totaling more than $75,000 in delinquencies that have not been satisfied, according to records. The Department of Workforce Development additionally had filed six cases against Hoban for tax delinquencies on unemployment compensation from 2021 to 2023. He satisfied all that debt, totaling $18,616, as of July 2024. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Employees close Interval Coffee after going unpaid for weeks More than a year after its planned introduction, an environmental ordinance that aims to address decades of discriminatory planning, zoning and land-use policies in Chicago will finally be brought before the City Council. But some community activists are blasting city officials for not making the ordinance available to the public beforehand a move they call alienating after a mostly collaborative partnership with Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration. The ordinance would be the next step after the 2023 release of a cumulative impact assessment that analyzed how exposure to toxins, socioeconomic factors and health conditions vary throughout Chicago. That report was part of a voluntary compliance agreement negotiated with the federal government following a two-year federal investigation that found the city culpable of steering heavy industry away from white communities and into Black and Latino communities. The report is also a tool that will be used to inform future policies, officials have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive asked for the full ordinance. I never got it. I asked some of the aldermen that are sitting here around the tables: Have you seen it? No. Its hush-hush, said Theresa Reyes McNamara, chair of the Southwest Environmental Alliance, at a Wednesday public meeting of the City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy. She has previously protested the presence of the Sims Metal scrap metal shredder, which has a history of air pollution violations in the Pilsen neighborhood. The city renewed the facilitys operating permit in December. We, the people on the outside, are fighting, she told the group of around a dozen City Council members, her voice rising, but we need you on the inside to be pushing. According to a spokesperson for the mayor, city ordinances are not made public before their introduction, but Chicagoans will be able to review the ordinance in its entirety and engage in public comment and debate once it is introduced on the council floor, likely on April 16. The review process could take months. But some community activists say they are being left out of one of the final stages after investing heavily in a lengthy process that was not without disagreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other community activists are more concerned with first getting the ordinance passed. Together we stand, divided we fall, said Cheryl Johnson, executive director of the nonprofit People for Community Recovery and the daughter of Hazel M. Johnson known as the mother of the environmental justice movement for her activism in Chicago more than 40 years ago after whom the ordinance will be named. It took a lot to get here and we can continue to build on the framework in the ordinance and add teeth. My mother worked too hard for us to not make progress on this. Id rather have a start than nothing at all. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Department of Environment said in a statement that the city remained committed to advancing environmental justice and ensuring that all communities, particularly those most impacted by industrial pollution, have a voice in shaping policies that affect their health and environment. The ordinance is a critical step toward addressing inequities while strengthening regulatory oversight, the spokesperson said. Despite inaccurate claims, the City has prioritized co-governance throughout this process to ensure that local frontline leaders and City leaders work side by side from the design of the analysis through ordinance implementation, the statement said. We will continue to work collaboratively with frontline leaders, community residents, advocates, and leaders across all sectors to implement this important policy and build a healthier, more equitable Chicago. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For starters, the ordinance would require health assessments to be carried out at the beginning of the permitting process for new developments or existing facility expansions. Respiratory and cardiac disease are disproportionately prevalent in communities of color where residents live in industrial zones or areas with heavy traffic. Ensuring these public health protections before a project is approved is a desperately needed first step toward environmental justice, said Oscar Sanchez, co-executive director of the Southeast Environmental Task Force and part of an environmental equity working group of community members convened by the city to share feedback and ideas as the Department of Law drafted the ordinance. Its not the final step, Ill say that, Sanchez said. Right now, we need something when everything else is failing us. Ill be more explicit: When every other level of government is failing us, we have the city meeting with us. This comes as President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency overhaul and slash federal government funds and workforce, Sanchez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin is attempting to roll back regulations that have reduced emissions of mercury, lead, soot and cancer-causing chemicals, among other things. Sanchez said Chicago has in the ordinance an opportunity to set an example for the state and the nation on moving forward without sacrificing vulnerable communities. The nitty-gritty of its implementation will be the next step. But its precisely not knowing the specifics of the ordinance and its enforcement mechanisms that dissatisfied activists say has put them on edge. What we really want (is) an ordinance that is going to protect the people, not the industry or corporations, said Baltazar Enriquez, president of the Little Village Community Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southeast Side resident Anne Holcomb emphasized a sense of urgency as worries grow in her community about the environmental impacts of a PsiQuantum computing facility that will be built in the area. We need the Hazel Johnson ordinance to be a real ordinance, she said, not a paper tiger, and not a pacifier thrown to the community to say, Oh, we did our jobs. Everything is great. Your environment is safe. And we know its not. Without downplaying or undermining the frustrations many Chicagoans, including himself, have felt with the legislative process, Sanchez emphasized the need for community advocates to continue actively participating in it at such a pivotal stage. We need to be aligned and working together to be creating these protections, to be part of this now, he said. What are we doing to ensure that this is going to pass within the City Council? What are we going to get done right now? adperez@chicagotribune.com CHICAGO More than a year after its planned introduction, an environmental ordinance that aims to address decades of discriminatory planning, zoning and land-use policies in Chicago will finally be brought before the City Council. But some community activists are blasting city officials for not making the ordinance available to the public beforehand a move they call alienating after a mostly collaborative partnership with Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration. The ordinance would be the next step after the 2023 release of a cumulative impact assessment that analyzed how exposure to toxins, socioeconomic factors and health conditions vary throughout Chicago. That report was part of a voluntary compliance agreement negotiated with the federal government following a two-year federal investigation that found the city culpable of steering heavy industry away from white communities and into Black and Latino communities. The report is also a tool that will be used to inform future policies, officials have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive asked for the full ordinance. I never got it. I asked some of the aldermen that are sitting here around the tables: Have you seen it? No. Its hush-hush, said Theresa Reyes McNamara, chair of the Southwest Environmental Alliance, at a Wednesday public meeting of the City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy. She has previously protested the presence of the Sims Metal scrap metal shredder, which has a history of air pollution violations in the Pilsen neighborhood. The city renewed the facilitys operating permit in December. We, the people on the outside, are fighting, she told the group of around a dozen City Council members, her voice rising, but we need you on the inside to be pushing. According to a spokesperson for the mayor, city ordinances are not made public before their introduction, but Chicagoans will be able to review the ordinance in its entirety and engage in public comment and debate once it is brought to the council floor, likely on April 16. The review process could take months. But some community activists say they are being left out of one of the final stages after investing heavily in a lengthy process that was not without disagreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other community activists are more concerned with first getting the ordinance passed. Together we stand, divided we fall, said Cheryl Johnson, executive director of the nonprofit People for Community Recovery and the daughter of Hazel M. Johnson known as the mother of the environmental justice movement for her activism in Chicago more than 40 years ago after whom the ordinance will be named. It took a lot to get here and we can continue to build on the framework in the ordinance and add teeth. My mother worked too hard for us to not make progress on this. Id rather have a start than nothing at all. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Department of Environment said in a statement that the city remained committed to advancing environmental justice and ensuring that all communities, particularly those most impacted by industrial pollution, have a voice in shaping policies that affect their health and environment. The ordinance is a critical step toward addressing inequities while strengthening regulatory oversight, the spokesperson said. Despite inaccurate claims, the City has prioritized co-governance throughout this process to ensure that local frontline leaders and City leaders work side by side from the design of the analysis through ordinance implementation, the statement said. We will continue to work collaboratively with frontline leaders, community residents, advocates, and leaders across all sectors to implement this important policy and build a healthier, more equitable Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For starters, the ordinance would require health assessments to be carried out at the beginning of the permitting process for new developments or existing facility expansions. Respiratory and cardiac disease are disproportionately prevalent in communities of color where residents live in industrial zones or areas with heavy traffic. Ensuring these public health protections before a project is approved is a desperately needed first step toward environmental justice, said Oscar Sanchez, co-executive director of the Southeast Environmental Task Force and part of an environmental equity working group of community members convened by the city to share feedback and ideas as the Department of Law drafted the ordinance. Its not the final step, Ill say that, Sanchez said. Right now, we need something when everything else is failing us. Ill be more explicit: When every other level of government is failing us, we have the city meeting with us. This comes as President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency overhaul and slash federal government funds and workforce, Sanchez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin is attempting to roll back regulations that have reduced emissions of mercury, lead, soot and cancer-causing chemicals, among other things. Sanchez said Chicago has in the ordinance an opportunity to set an example for the state and the nation on moving forward without sacrificing vulnerable communities. The nitty-gritty of its implementation will be the next step. But its precisely not knowing the specifics of the ordinance and its enforcement mechanisms that dissatisfied activists say has put them on edge. What we really want (is) an ordinance that is going to protect the people, not the industry or corporations, said Baltazar Enriquez, president of the Little Village Community Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southeast Side resident Anne Holcomb emphasized a sense of urgency as worries grow in her community about the environmental impacts of a PsiQuantum computing facility that will be built in the area. We need the Hazel Johnson ordinance to be a real ordinance, she said, not a paper tiger, and not a pacifier thrown to the community to say, Oh, we did our jobs. Everything is great. Your environment is safe. And we know its not. Without downplaying or undermining the frustrations many Chicagoans, including himself, have felt with the legislative process, Sanchez emphasized the need for community advocates to continue actively participating in it at such a pivotal stage. We need to be aligned and working together to be creating these protections, to be part of this now, he said. What are we doing to ensure that this is going to pass within the City Council? What are we going to get done right now? ____ Mayor Adams waved off concerns at a Thursday candidate forum that his decision to seek reelection as an independent could wind up giving a boost to Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa in this falls general election by fracturing the Democratic vote. Adams, asked at the packed Midtown forum whether hes concerned his move could benefit Sliwa, argued New Yorkers arent looking for the type of buffoonery offered by the Republican, whos the founder of the Guardian Angels and a perennial political candidate. If we had 20 people in the race, it would never help Curtis Sliwa be mayor, Adams said in what marked his first mayoral candidate forum appearance of the 2025 cycle. Lets be clear: Its going to be running on real issues, Curtis does not have any platform, there is no polling that will ever show that buffoonery is what people want in electoral politics, so Curtis is not an issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sliwa, for his part, scoffed at that criticism and said he can benefit from Adams decision to run as an independent. The cat-loving candidate, who netted about 28% support in the 2021 mayoral election against Adams, argued the incumbent and the eventual Democratic nominee are going to end up fighting with each other. Its going to be a bloodbath and I think a lot of Democrats are not going to be happy with that and opt for Curtis Sliwa instead, who knows more about this city than all of them combined, Sliwa told the Daily News. Adams announcement hell run as an independent has sent shockwaves through the Democratic mayoral primary field, which is currently being dominated by ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whos polling as the front-runner. In Thursdays forum, hosted by the Rev. Al Sharptons National Action Network, Cuomo committed to serving a full term as mayor should he be elected, saying the only instance he wouldnt is if i die. The question has come up amid speculation that Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual misconduct accusations he denies, could mount a bid for his old job in the 2026 gubernatorial race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also looming large over Thursdays forum was President Trump, whose federal spending cuts and campaign against migrants and DEI measures have come under sharp criticism in New York. Cuomo vowed to fight the president after being asked by Sharpton how hell push back on his administrations efforts to roll back equity, diversity and inclusion efforts nationwide. I think the existential threat for New York and for this country is Donald Trump, Cuomo said. I dont think you can fight him hard enough. Adams, on the other hand, has said he wont criticize Trump in public. It was Trumps Justice Department that pressed for a dismissal of Adams corruption charges in a way that many believed left him beholden to Trump and his policies. Those charges were dismissed Wednesday. Adams has denied any quid pro quo, but acknowledged Thursday he opted to run as an independent due to the long shadow his indictment cast over the Democratic primary. Adams response to the Trump pushback issue was more oblique in its criticism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im going to fight any White House that is not going to benefit our city, including the previous one that cost us $7 billion for dealing with the migrant and asylum seeker crisis that should not have came off of our backs, Adams said, swiping at President Biden over what he sees as a lack of federal support under his tenure. Oher candidates at the forum slammed Trump actions as well, with many specifically calling out his actions around DEI. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, a newcomer to the mayoral race, pointed out in her forum appearance she has put in a resolution to condemn Trumps stance on DEI, while Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani called the presidents actions on the programs an attack. With Adams out of the primary, some attention is already turning to Novembers general mayoral election. Unlike the primary, which uses a ranked-choice voting system, the general election uses a traditional system making it possible votes could be split between candidates. Adams will be facing the winner of the Democratic primary, Sliwa, fellow independent Jim Walden and potentially a yet-to-be-determined Working Families Party candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani, a democratic socialist surging in the polls, called the mayors independent switch a betrayal. I do think that were going to have a new mayor in this city, and I do not think that mayor is going to be either Eric Adams or Curtis Sliwa, Mamdani said outside the forum. Adams independent flip also gave pause to Brooklyn Rev. Herbert Daughtry, an influential civil rights leader who Adams refers to as his lifelong mentor father. In an interview outside the forum, Daughtry said hes not sure whether hell support Adams reelection effort now that hes not running as a Democrat. If thats his decision, then I wish him well, but in terms of what Im going to do, that requires time and Ive got to consult with my family, but I will always wish him well, Daughtry, who has been a steadfast Adams supporter for decades, told The News. NEW YORK Mayor Eric Adams is opting out of New York Citys Democratic primary and running for reelection as an independent embarking on a narrow path as he further isolates himself from the citys dominant political party. The mayor confirmed his plans exclusively to POLITICO. In an interview Monday, Adams said he would mount a real independent campaign that relies on a solid base of people outside Manhattan, with an emphasis on ethnic minorities who boosted him to victory four years ago. He lamented how the bribery charges federal prosecutors hit him with in September which a judge dismissed Wednesday handcuffed him, and he promised to be uninhibited on the campaign trail. I have been this racehorse that has been held back, he added. This is so unnatural for me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result is likely to be a chaotic spectacle in the nation's largest city, which shifted slightly to the right last November: A showdown between a pugnacious mayor who has irrevocable ties to President Donald Trump, and the winner of the Democratic primary, which Andrew Cuomo is leading. Adams plans to submit the requisite 3,750 signatures due May 27 to secure a November ballot spot on a public safety-focused line, he and an aide told POLITICO. On Thursday hes releasing a campaign video in which he discusses his personal trials, expresses regret for lapses in judgment and derides his opponents as soft on crime. Adams spoke optimistically of his plan, despite the enormous challenges: persuading New Yorkers who typically pick Democrats to select a politically unaffiliated incumbent with a 20 percent approval rating, defending a record of criticizing his own party more than he has Trump and running at a financial disadvantage after being denied more than $4 million in public matching funds. Im in the race to the end. Im not running on the Democratic line. Its just not realistic to turn around my numbers and to run a good campaign (from) where we are right now, he told POLITICO. It hurts like hell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maneuver offers Adams more time to recover from the reputational fallout tied to corruption charges that Trumps Department of Justice moved to drop. It gives the mayor a chance to connect with the citys growing population of unaffiliated voters and avoid what polls show would be a resounding defeat in the June 24 primary. And Adams said he would go to court if need be and fight for our matching funds, which are controlled by the citys Campaign Finance Board and are all but essential to running a successful race. He also believes this liberates him to sell himself to voters as he has long wished: a former police captain dialed into public safety; a political enigma who doesnt neatly fit into either major party. The federal case against him, he told POLITICO, has been personally and financially painful but is now part of a biography he will lean on to connect with voters who have struggled in their own lives. My life story is what is my most potent weapon, he said. It is all a huge gambit. Absent extraordinary circumstances like the crime wave of the 1990s that lifted Republican Rudy Giuliani, a former prosecutor, to office, or the Sept. 11 terror attacks that elevated self-funded billionaire Mike Bloomberg in 2001 New Yorkers generally elect Democrats to lead their city. Republicans will likely have their own candidate. That leaves Adams with seven months to reach less engaged voters he believes he will resonate with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While hes short on funds and friends, Adams has the advantages afforded to incumbents and all the free media attention that comes with it, as well as charm and retail political chops. Now I need this runway until November to redefine and remind people: This is why you elected me in the first place, he said. New York City is home to 3.3 million registered Democrats, 1.1 million independents and 558,778 Republicans. Though Democrats enjoy a major advantage, 220,346 more voters have enrolled as independents over the last eight years. Adams and his team are counting on the Democratic nominee winning by a small margin a safe bet given the crowded field and the nature of ranked choice voting. Theyre assuming Adams can appeal to some of the Democratic voters who won't have backed the eventual nominee a riskier gamble given his apparent approval of much of Trumps agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Privately, some allies acknowledge he likely stands his best chance against Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, rather than moderate Andrew Cuomo. No matter what, the specter of national politics looms. New Yorkers rejected Trump by a 68-30 margin and are clamoring for someone to stand up to him, according to research shared by rival campaigns. And while the mayor said he will not change his party registration, he is more inclined to criticize the left flank of his own party and Joe Bidens White House than he is the Trump administration. He told POLITICO he seriously considered suing the Biden administration over the financial burden placed on New York City by an influx of migrants before his City Hall staff advised against it on political grounds. He said he has finger-wagged city commissioners who were silent on Bidens border policy but are quick to criticize Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In remarks after learning his case was cleared Wednesday, he held up a book lambasting the deep state authored by FBI Director Kash Patel, one of Trumps lightning rod appointments. Adams said he found the rationale behind his case in the book, Government Gangsters, which warns of a politicized justice system and is rife with MAGA talking points. Read it and understand how we can never allow this to happen to another innocent American, he said. Nevertheless, Adams said hes sick of political extremes in both parties and believes this election will vindicate that perspective. The mayors going to set forth policy he believes is right (and) hes going to do it with authenticity, regardless of whether its coming from the Trump administration (or) coming from traditional Democratic leadership, his close friend and adviser Frank Carone said in an interview. He is the mayor of New York City, not the mayor of the Democratic Party. Carone called himself the titular head of the campaign and said a staff is being assembled. It does not appear that team will include two top aides from his 2021 race consultants Evan Thies and Nathan Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carone and the mayor emphasized the successes they believe have been drowned out by a period of chaos and scandal at City Hall: a drop in crime, more housing construction and private-sector jobs, improved tourism numbers. They proactively tout the mayors decision to cut municipal services an unpopular move at the time as evidence Adams is courageous and sensible, given the citys strong bond ratings. New York is just objectively in a better place today than it was Jan. 1, 2022, when the Adams administration began, Carone said. When the people of New York focus on that and not the rest of the noise then I think youre going to see a different tone coming out of the voting public. Adams unloaded on his rivals during the interview, namechecking Cuomo for signing into law changes to state bail measures that the mayor blames for a Covid-era rise in crime. Look at bail reform thats Andrew, Adams said. He cant say, Im going to save the city from the far left when he surrendered to the far left. Cuomo recently defended his approval of cashless bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bail reform righted a terrible social wrong. We were putting people in Rikers, in jail, who hadnt been found guilty of anything, just because they couldn't make bail, he said. It shouldnt be that because youre wealthy, then you can make bail and youre released, but if you cant make bail then you stay in jail even though you havent been found guilty of anything yet. Adams also laced into Cuomo for resigning in 2021 amid accusations of sexual misconduct that Cuomo continues to vehemently deny. I never put my personal challenges in the way of delivering for New Yorkers, he said. What happens the next time he has a personal crisis? Is he going to abandon the city? Adams, whose corruption case coincided with at least six top aides being embroiled in their own scandals, prides himself on giving no consideration to calls for his resignation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so the man who says God chose him to be mayor of the nations largest city, who hates backing down from a fight, is embarking on this untrodden path. It is a remarkable turn for someone who declared himself the face of the new Democratic Party four years ago. On Monday, seated inside an ornate room in the official mayoral residence of Gracie Mansion with no aides present, the typically resolute Adams wavered when asked what still draws him to the Democratic Party. I think there are good people in the party, he said, adding, I think there are good people in all of these parties. Asked whether Democrats can reclaim voters in the working class, the self-avowed blue-collar mayor lamented extreme views on both sides, noted Trump fairly won the election and decried hypocrisy among those disturbed by Trump pushing to drop his case, but not by Biden pardoning his son, Hunter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked again, he underscored his own intent to appeal to working-class voters before pivoting to an unprompted critique of Democrats who compared Trump to Adolf Hitler. He did allow a few areas of disagreement with the White House when pressed: He reiterated his administrations lawsuit over the Trump administrations clawback of $80 million in federal funds from a municipal bank account, and he insisted he would refuse to cooperate in any civil immigration enforcement that may come. The challenges before him are vast, but Adams is adamant about writing his next chapter even if it is his last. If Im able to come back, with all that I went through, he said, people were celebrating my demise, and Im able to come back and be elected again as mayor, no citizen in this city will ever give up. NEW YORK New York City Mayor Eric Adams yoked himself closer to President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement during a Thursday press briefing, even as he touted a historic drop in crime and burnished his new image as an independent candidate on a circuitous path to reelection. Hours after POLITICO first reported Adams would be dropping out of the Democratic primary for mayor and running as an independent, the mayor faced another round of questions over plugging a book by Trumps FBI director Kash Patel a memoir full of theories about the deep state and its attacks on the GOP Adams declined to disavow any of Patels arguments, dodging several questions about whether he agreed with the authors assertion the committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot was a sham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors embrace of GOP orthodoxy comes as he tries to win back his Democratic base by highlighting decreased crime on his watch. Over the first three months of the year, he announced Thursday, the city recorded the fewest first-quarter shootings in history, with murders at their second lowest since the city began tracking crime statistics. Subway crime which federal officials have cited in threats to pull transit funding was at its lowest level in 27 years over the same time period. The numbers don't lie, Adams said at NYPD headquarters, recalling his public safety-focused mayoral campaign in 2021. Go back and look at what I ran on, what were my promises on the campaign trail, and then go look at what we've done. There's no way youre walking away saying that Eric didn't live up to what he ran on. Adams remarks came on the same day he announced his exit from the Democratic primary and roughly 24 hours after a federal judge tossed his five-count bribery case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday morning, POLITICO first reported how Adams emerged from the legal cocoon of his seven-month criminal case a wholly changed candidate: Unencumbered by a pending criminal trial, the mayor plans to skip the Democratic primary currently being dominated by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and run as an independent in the November general election. Adams said he is still a registered Democrat and cited public safety progress as one of the ways he will win back the party loyalists who made up his base. But at the same crime briefing, he refused to distance himself from any of the political theories contained in Patel's book, Government Gangsters," which he has encouraged New Yorkers to read. People should read the book and other books and see if it's factually correct or incorrect, he said while declining to answer for a third time whether he agrees with Patel's view of the Jan. 6 riot. And I believe that the book pointed out some real concerning and alarming issues. Adams has said Patels book which argues liberal deep state actors have sought to undermine Trump, the America First movement and the GOP writ large sheds light onto his own run-in with the Department of Justice. The mayor has alleged he was targeted by deep state actors who ginned up a five-count bribery case as payback for breaking with former President Joe Biden on immigration. His assertion, however, is undermined by the timeline of the probe and the political persuasion of one of its ardent defenders in the Department of Justice. Prior to Wednesdays court decision, Adams spent months courting Trump and others in the presidents inner circle and has appeared elsewhere within the GOP firmament. He sat for a chummy interview with Tucker Carlson and, on the same day his case was thrown out, criticized Trump Derangement Syndrome and attended Newsmaxs party to celebrate the media organizations initial public offering. New York City Mayor Eric Adams will skip the Democratic primary and run as an independent, according to a new report. Adams, whose legal troubles have evaporated after he appeared to cozy up to President Donald Trump, told Politico that he plans to mount a real independent campaign that relies on a solid base of people outside of Manhattan. Adams said he plans to submit the required 3,750 signatures on May 27 to secure his November ballot spot. He told Politico his campaign will focus primarily on public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, Adams was charged with multiple felony corruption charges, but on Wednesday a judge dismissed the case. Adams has faced allegations that his legal team sought to help President Donald Trumps administration implement its immigration policies in exchange for having his charges dropped. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said in February that despite the allegations against Adams, she would not remove him from office, citing what she called the will of the voters. Adams told Politico that the charges have handcuffed him. I have been this racehorse that has been held back, he told the publication. This is so unnatural for me. A March poll from Quinnipiac University found Adams approval rating has hit a staggering low of 20%, with 56% of voters saying Adams should resign. Its the lowest job approval rating of any New York City mayor in the nearly 30 years since the university began its polling. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Two new counties are now included in the Crime Stoppers tip line, solving crime services. Im extremely proud. Crime Stoppers has been in Bay County for 42 years. We have never had a tipster identified and we have a very close knit working network with all the law enforcement. We have just expanded Crime Stoppers to include Washington and Holmes County, Crime Stoppers Media Director Debra Peel said. The more you can push it out, more and more information you get back to the citizens, the better off we all are. You know, thats what its all about. Is getting information out to the people who can get the information back to you, Holmes County Sheriff John Tate said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Tate and Sheriff Crews are pleased to further the collaboration between neighboring law enforcement agencies. Highway 90 closed in Mossy Head due to active incident at Dollar General The program is proven, the program works in each one of these communities. To generate those calls and to help involve the communities and for those people to, you know, to remain anonymous, you know, and to help clean those communities up and help catch the bad guys. So were happy to be a part of it, Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews said. Volunteers highlighted the success story of Jameela, a human trafficking victim who was rescued, after a citizen in another state called them with a tip. Washington and Holmes County sheriffs werent the only special guests at Wednesdays crime stoppers event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why I got involved, because of the things that I was exposed to as a police man in Indiana. And thats why Im involved in Internet Crimes against Children. But the crime stoppers organization here in Panama City, its a wonderful, wonderful organization. And they do the job, they do the thing, Actor Erik Estrada said. Estrada shared his unique background with the audience recounting his transition from playing a cop to being a real cop. And while many snagged a selfie with the CHiPs star, it wasnt the only exciting part of the day. We were able to donate $10,000 to Crime Stoppers today to help them pay for tips. And the ironic thing about that is that money came from seized drug proceeds, so the drug dealers are paying for tips on themselves that we get, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. Crime Stoppers relies on diligent volunteers and donations. To learn more or to make a donation, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS (Reuters) -European Union countries negotiating changes to the EU's gas storage targets could approve them in time to ease them before the upcoming winter, EU diplomats told Reuters. The gas storage rules were introduced in 2022 after Russia slashed deliveries following its invasion of Ukraine, to ensure EU countries had a buffer of stored fuel during winter. They set binding targets for storage levels in February, May, July and September, leading up to a target of having storage filled to 90% capacity by November 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Changes being considered for 2026 and 2027 would include replacing the binding November 1 deadline with an aim to hit 90% at any time between October 1 and December 1, while making the targets for earlier months voluntary. The changes could apply to this year's November 1 target if the rules are finalised and published before that date, the EU diplomats said. One said that this was likely to be the case, although it was probably unlikely that the changes would be enacted in time to affect targets for earlier months this year. EU countries aim to agree their joint position on the rules next week, after which they must negotiate the final law with the European Parliament. Member states want to be allowed to deviate by up to 5 percentage points from the 90% target in case of "unfavourable" market conditions, according to a document released this week by Poland, which supervises negotiations as holder of the EU's rotating presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU diplomats said some countries, including Germany, are seeking a bigger 10 percentage-point deviation from the target. The European Commission had initially wanted to extend the existing binding targets for two more years, but met resistance from governments including Germany, France and the Netherlands. Countries are concerned the targets can inflate gas prices by indicating to the market when European buyers must buy large volumes. (Reporting by Kate Abnett in BrusselsEditing by Nia Williams and Peter Graff) European countries have already committed more than 50% of the 5-billion-euro ($5.5 billion) package for 2 million ammunition rounds requested by Ukraine, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said on April 3 in comments reported by Reuters. Kallas's statement comes after EU leaders decided at a summit in Brussels on March 20 to help cover Ukraine's ammunition needs through aid packages announced by individual countries over the past month. Addressing the summit online, President Volodymyr Zelensky asked for "European support of at least 5 billion euros as soon as possible" for the purchase of 2 million ammunition rounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These things are moving very well," Kallas said ahead of the EU defense ministers' summit in Warsaw. "We need to get the help to Ukraine as fast as possible. President Zelensky has said that they need 5 billion (euros) to have at least two million rounds." "I'm glad to see that we already have different proposals or different countries are coming with their input to this, so we have already over 50% of what is needed," she added. Kallas initially proposed a 40-billion-euro ($43 billion) defense initiative for Ukraine, but European leaders have yet to reach an agreement. The sum of 5 billion euros for purchasing 2 million large-caliber ammunition rounds is seen as a first step that could be achieved before a possible consensus on the more significant tranche. EU officials have been discussing ways to move the bigger package forward, including basing contributions on consent to avoid a likely veto by Hungary, the bloc's most Russian-friendly country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Its a trap Trumps US minerals deal threatens Ukraines EU membership Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. QUITO, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's main export industry group warned Wednesday that new U.S. tariffs will significantly affect the country's exports of agricultural goods, notably banana, shrimp and cocoa. The Trump administration's plan to impose a 10 percent tariff on imports from over 180 countries starting April 5 threatens Ecuador's key exports, which currently enter the United States tariff-free, said the Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (Fedexpor). The group said the impact is compounded by Ecuador's lack of a trade agreement with the United States, which is a gap that leaves Ecuador at a competitive disadvantage compared to regional exporters with preferential access. "The absence of a trade deal with the U.S. puts Ecuadorian exports in a weaker position under this new tariff regime," it said in a statement. Fedexpor and the Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce said they have opened diplomatic and technical discussions with U.S. trade officials to explore options to limit the damage. The United States is Ecuador's top trading partner and the leading destination for its non-oil exports. Fedexpor estimates that the lack of a trade agreement has already cost the country up to 300 million U.S. dollars in potential exports. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union member states are set to vote on Wednesday April 9 on countermeasures to the United States' steel and aluminum tariffs, a senior EU official, said on Thursday. The Commission's proposal will be passed as long as it is not opposed by a qualified majority of 15 member states representing 65% of EU population. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsip, Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten) The conviction of one of the most powerful figures of the European far right for embezzling EU Parliament funds has sent shockwaves around the continent and beyond. But Marine Le Pen's case is just one example of transparency problems that have plagued the legislature. From Budapest to Washington, Le Pens political allies cried foul over this week's French court-mandated five-year ban on seeking political office that could block her chances of securing France's presidency in 2027. The longtime leader of the National Rally party and former EU lawmaker is one of 24 people convicted in Monday's ruling in Paris for redirecting millions of euros earmarked for EU political work to serve the party's domestic interests. The party employed staffers who were declared as EU parliamentary assistants but instead had other duties, including Le Pen's bodyguard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transparency advocates say the case underlines broader issues related to lack of oversight of spending at the EU legislature affecting members across the political spectrum. Other corruption scandals Revelations of an alleged cash-for-influence scheme dubbed Qatargate, involving high-profile center-left EU lawmakers, assistants, lobbyists and their relatives, emerged in 2022. Qatari and Moroccan officials are alleged to have paid bribes to influence decision-making. Both countries deny involvement. No one has been convicted or is in pretrial detention. Prospects for a trial are unclear. Last month, several people were arrested in a probe linked to the Chinese company Huawei, which is suspected of bribing EU lawmakers. Huawei said it took the allegations seriously and had a zero tolerance policy towards corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the aide of prominent far-right EU lawmaker Maximilian Krah was arrested in a separate case. German prosecutors alleged the aide was a Chinese agent. Krah, who has since switched to the federal legislature of his native Germany, denied all knowledge of the suspicions against his former employee. What EU parliamentary assistants do and what rules apply The EU parliaments 720 lawmakers benefit from a pot worth around $250 million a year to pay their assistants for political work like administration, speech-writing, or studying and drafting legal proposals. Critics have long warned that the fund is ripe for financial and political abuse. Lawmakers have often been probed by the EU anti-fraud office, OLAF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some parliamentarians have no assistants. Most have around five or six. At the time Le Pen was implicated, some members had dozens. Her 29-year-old protege Jordan Bardella who could replace her on the French presidential ballot in 2027 has three assistants. Some carry out parliamentary work in the Belgian and EU capital Brussels or the French city Strasbourg, where the legislature convenes. Others work in a parliament member's home country. Only two rules seem to apply: Family members cannot be hired, and assistants should focus on EU business and not work against the legislatures interest. But the assembly has no clear system for enforcing the rules. What Le Pens allies say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Le Pen and her allies seek to frame her as the martyr of a politically motivated trial. Even her opponents have questioned whether it was right for the Paris court to potentially bar her from running to become the next French president. An appeals trial is expected next year that could uphold the ban, overturn it or reinforce it ahead of the 2027 election. This is not an isolated case of MEPs misusing their allowances, Nick Aiossa, a campaigner from the EU office of advocacy group Transparency International, told The Associated Press. The only exceptional thing about this case is perhaps the sheer scope of the embezzlement scheme and that ultimately there was justice and accountability at the end of the process. Aiossa said the convictions handed down to National Rally members and associates many of whom were also barred from running for office did not appear to be lawfare'' as Le Pen's allies allege. I think what we see is an independent judiciary ruling on a very extensive, almost decades-long investigation into pretty latent embezzlement, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How the European Parliament polices itself The European Parliament relies on national judiciaries, principally in Belgium, and EU agency OLAF to investigate irregularities. OLAF cannot prosecute, only investigate and issue recommendations for action. In 2023, OLAF issued five recommendations linked to the EU parliament. Once the ball passes to member states, prosecution is rare. The European Parliament issues recovery orders for money it suspects was diverted. It did so in 2016, when it instructed UKIP and its partners to repay tens of thousands of euros it believed had been misspent. A top EU court later dismissed that order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the legislature tightened transparency rules somewhat in the wake of the Qatar scandal, it has repeatedly voted against significantly stepping up oversight. The launch of a new EU ethics body imposing common standards has stalled amid opposition from the largest parliamentary group, the center-right European Peoples Party. ___ Associated Press writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed. Another Washington Post staffer is ditching the paper over owner Jeff Bezos recent changes to its coverage. Eugene Robinson, the longtime political columnist, told staff on Thursday he is leaving WaPo after 45 years due to the significant shift Bezos recently implemented, where the opinion section will focus on the two pillars of personal liberties and free markets. I wanted to let you know that Ive decided to leave The Post. The announced significant shift in our sections mission has spurred me to decide that its time for my next chapter, Robinson said in an email to staff that was obtained by The New York Times, the first outlet to report the news. I wish nothing but the very best for the paper and for all of you. I wont be a stranger, and Ill be reading your unparalleled work every single day. Robinson is the third WaPo staffer to leave the paper since Bezos made the change in late February. Ex-opinion editor David Shipley quit as soon as Bezos announced his revamp, and veteran WaPo columnist Ruth Marcus left in March, after she said publisher Will Lewis spiked a column expressing concern over owner Bezos new direction for the opinion section. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our sincerest congratulations to beloved Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson on his retirement, a Washington Post spokesperson told TheWrap. For 45 years, his reporting and commentary spanned continents and beats, earning countless recognitions, including a Pulitzer Prize. Eugenes strong perspective and impeccable integrity have regularly shaped our public discourse, cementing his legacy as a leading voice in American journalism. Beyond his work at WaPo, Robinson is routinely seen on NBC News and MSNBC, where he is a chief political analyst. Robinson joined The Post in 1980 and started writing for the Op-Ed section in 2005. He has been one of the papers most vocal critics of President Trump, calling him a weak, narcissistic man in 2017 and, more recently in February, said he tramples the Constitution, vandalizes the federal government and trashes our vital international alliances. His exit comes as a number of WaPo staffers have been upset with Bezos for steering his paper towards a more centrist position. The billionaire was criticized by many journalists, including former executive editor Marty Baron, for blocking WaPos editorial board from endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Bezos in December said it was the right decision because endorsing Harris would have added a perception of bias to their coverage. We just decided that, you know, it wasnt going to help, Bezos said. It wasnt going to influence the election either way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, others have complimented Bezos for the changes at WaPo. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt last month said she would like to commend Bezos for revamping his newsroom and WaPos approach to opinion pieces. It appears that the mainstream media, including The Post, is finally learning that having disdain for more than half of the country who supports this president does not help you sell newspapers. Its not a very good business model, she said. The post Eugene Robinson Leaves the Washington Post After Jeff Bezos Significant Shift to Opinion Section appeared first on TheWrap. The European Union is preparing countermeasures to US President Donald Trumps announcement of 20% tariffs on imports from the bloc, which it called a major blow to the world economy. The EU is a major US trading partner. Last year, it was the largest single market for US goods exports, ahead of Americas neighbors Canada and Mexico, based on figures from the United States Census Bureau. President Trumps announcement of universal tariffs on the whole world including the European Union is a major blow to the world economy. I deeply regret this choice, Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Unions executive arm, said on Thursday, adding the tariffs will be felt immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Wednesday launched a historic global trade war, announcing sweeping global tariffs on dozens of nations, from Nicaragua to Cambodia. The tariffs come on top of previously imposed taxes on imports of steel, aluminum and cars. Lets be clear-eyed about the immense consequences. The global economy will massively suffer. Uncertainty will spiral and trigger the rise of further protectionism, von der Leyen said in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where she is attending the EU-Central Asia Summit. All businesses, big and small, will suffer from day 1, from big uncertainty to the disruption of supply chains, to burdensome bureaucracy. The costs of doing business with the United States will drastically increase, she said. While the European Union would prefer to work with the US to reduce trade barriers, von der Leyen said Europe is ready to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are already finalizing the first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel, and we are now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail, she added. Last month, the EU responded to Trumps steel and aluminum tariffs by unveiling countermeasures on up to 26 billion euros ($28 billion) worth of exports of American goods, including tariffs on boats, bourbon and motorbikes. Both Europe and the US have a lot at stake in the escalating trade dispute. In 2024, America was the biggest buyer of European goods, with imports ranging from pharmaceutical products and cars to alcoholic drinks and telecommunications equipment, according to official EU data. The EU, meanwhile, was Americas biggest source of goods imports last year, the US figures showed. In the past 80 years trade between the European Union and the United States has created millions of jobs, von der Leyen said on Thursday. Consumers across the Atlantic have benefitted from reduced prices. Businesses have benefitted from huge opportunities, leading to unprecedented growth and prosperity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, she said the global trading system has serious deficiencies. I agree with President Trump that others are taking unfair advantage of the current rules and I am ready to support any efforts to make the global trading system fit for the realities of the global economy, von der Leyen said. Reaching for tariffs as your first and last tool will not fix it. She stressed that the European Union is ready to negotiate with the US, but Europe must stand up for itself. I know that many of you feel let down by our oldest ally. Yes, we must brace for the impact that this will inevitably have. Europe has everything it needs to make it through the storm. We are in this together. If you take on one of us, you take on all of us. CNNs Olesya Dmitracova contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump imposed a 20% tariff on all imports from the Europe Union. While the EU aims to strike a deal with the U.S., the bloc has a secret weapon up its sleeve called the Anti-Coercion Instrument. If enacted, the instrument could impose significant economic sanctions on U.S.-based companies within Europe. President Donald Trump implemented a 20% all-encompassing tariff on the European Union Wednesday, but the bloc has a strong plan in its back pocket to pressure the U.S. On "Liberation Day," Trump imposed a minimum 10% tariff on numerous countries to make America wealthy again. Trump also revealed a sweeping 20% tariff on all imports from the EU. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has previously said she is confident in the blocs ability to stand up for itself, and hopes to strike a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe has not started this confrontation, von der Leyen said during a speech Tuesday in the European Parliament. We do not necessarily want to retaliate, but if it is necessary, we have a strong plan to retaliate and we will use it. That plan could involve the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), allowing the bloc to place market limitations on service companies that could hit American tech or Wall Street. Put in place in 2023, the ACI allows the bloc to respond to coercion through diplomatic means by any retaliatory measure necessary like import or export restrictions or limitations on access to the European market. Its called the big bazooka, Fabrizio Pagani, a partner at the investment bank Vitale and a former top economic official in Italy, told DealBook. I personally think the big bazooka should be used first of all as a deterrent. So put it on the table, and lets negotiate, Pagani said. According to a preliminary plan obtained by DealBook, in response to tariffs, the EU officials have brought up the possibility of implementing ACI to limit American banks ability to access the blocs public procurements market, essentially barring banks from projects worth $2.18 trillion each year. Additionally, the plan suggested targeting the roughly $327.02 billion annual flow of European investment into American companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its more the nuclear option, global economist for ING Carsten Brzeski told the New York Times. Use of the instrument could escalate the trade war and some experts believe this would further impact consumers. Tariffs on services, just like tariffs on goods, hit consumers and businesses directly, Joachim Klement, the head of strategy at the investment bank Panmure Liberum told DealBook. You are just putting fuel on the stagflationary fire, he said. While the EU seeks to find a solution to Trumps tariffs, the bloc has yet to publicly get the president to the negotiating table. We have the largest single market in the world, von der Leyen said. We have the strength to negotiate. We have the power to push back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All instruments are on the table. The possibility of enacting the ACI has been a common refrain from EU officials amid the ongoing trade war between the EU and U.S as both a point of leverage and as a way to gird against Trumps trade policies. We have an Anti-Coercion Instrument, and we will have to use it, Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen told Politico in Paris, France, following Trumps comments about the EU being created to screw America. Meanwhile European Commission trade minister Maros Sefcovic, has named ACI as an option to protect the EU market. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com European defence companies are seeking to club together to form a rival to Elon Musks SpaceX within months, the head of the Italian manufacturing giant Leonardo has said. Roberto Cingolani told CNBC that emergency times called for regulators to approve an alliance that would combine the satellite divisions of Leonardo and French aerospace groups Airbus and Thales. It comes as European politicians grow increasingly uneasy about the blocs reliance on SpaceX and its internet subsidiary Starlink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns are fuelled by Mr Musks closeness to Donald Trump, who on Wednesday announced sweeping tariffs on countries around the world, including close allies. Airbus, Thales and Leonardo have held early discussions with competition regulators about merging their satellite businesses, which would consolidate much of Europes manufacturing expertise into one venture. The three companies have been in discussions for months over creating a satellite version of MBDA, the missile joint venture between Airbus, Leonardo and Britains BAE Systems. Airbus is also a major shareholder in Arianespace, Europes biggest rocket company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar proposal was opposed by EU regulators in 2019, but the companies hope that a renewed focus on European sovereignty amid the war in Ukraine and fraying relations with the US might have changed attitudes. Roberto Cingolani, the boss of Leonardo, said European defence giants were actively working toward developing an alternative to Starlink - Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images At the moment, we are working together and trying to find whether there is possible good synergy, whether this is convenient from a market point of view and, of course, also whether this is acceptable from the anti-trust point of view, Mr Cingolani said. The most relevant [thing] at the moment is to guarantee deterrence and security, global security content, more than the best price for a tank, he added. He said a deal in months was a more reasonable timeframe than years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussions around the deal come as European governments seek an alternative to Starlink, SpaceXs satellite internet business. Starlink has been a crucial part of Ukraines defence against Russia but Mr Musk has mused about turning it off. Eutelsat, the French satellite company partly owned by the British government, has said its OneWeb system could help replace Starlink. Airbus will manufacture Starlinks second generation of satellites, which is likely to make up part of a European satellite network known as Iris2. Talks between Starlink and Italy over a $1.6bn (1.2bn) deal to provide internet services to the countrys military are believed to have stalled in recent weeks amid growing European concerns, despite a close relationship between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Mr Musk. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The European Parliament on Thursday cleared the way, as expected, for a delay to the European supply chain law. A broad majority of lawmakers in Strasbourg voted in favour of postponing the implementation of the first regulations of the controversial project by one year. Now the EU member states only need to approve the step for the amendment to be published in the EU's Official Journal. But this is seen as a formality, as EU member states last week backed the delay, following a proposal from the EU Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aim of the original proposal is to enhance human rights globally by making large companies accountable for profiting from human rights violations, such as the use of child or forced labour. Business has been critical, seeing excessive regulation that would impose a large bureaucratic burden and reduce the bloc's competitiveness. Companies and conservative lawmakers have called for cutting red tape. But more liberal-leaning lawmakers have argued that it is important that corporate liability not be weakened. A delay was therefore seen as a solid compromise by most parties. The 58th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution demanding Israel to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip. #XinhuaNews Editors note: This story contains graphic images. War leaves behind more than ruins and destroyed cities it carves an invisible mark in the form of the missing and the dead. One of the most painful and challenging aspects of war is the fate of fallen soldiers, whose bodies remain on the battlefield, in trenches, on minefields, or in occupied territories. According to Ukrainian officials, at least 55,000 people were considered missing as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war as of September 2024. At least 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian photographer Viacheslav Ratynskyi joined Platsdarm (Bridgehead in Ukrainian) Organization for several missions to recover fallen soldiers in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts in October 2024 and January 2025. Platsdarm is a group of volunteers founded by Oleksii Yukov in 2014, when Russia launched its initial invasion of Ukraine. Since the beginning of Moscows full-scale war, Platsdarm has found the bodies of more than 3,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers. Platsdarm also recovers the bodies of Russian soldiers which are later exchanged by the Ukrainian government. "My goal is to lift the veil on this hidden process and document the journey of the fallen." This is a visual exploration of one of the wars most taboo subjects one that rarely makes headlines: the reality of death and how Ukrainians honor their fallen. My goal is to lift the veil on this hidden process and document the journey of the fallen from the mine-laden forests to black body bags, from refrigerated trucks to forensic examination tables and DNA labs, and finally, to their eternal resting place in the soil, Ratynskyi says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every mission begins at the place of death whether on the active front line, where search teams work under relentless shelling, or former battlefields, where they painstakingly collect scattered remains from minefields. Every finding can be a crucial key to identification. These traces may be small torn uniforms, dog tags, personal belongings, bones, teeth, or even DNA remnants that help establish a soldiers identity. Once remains are recovered, they are carefully packaged and transported to specialized laboratories for genetic analysis. The identification process is incredibly complex, as remains are often found in a severely deteriorated state burned, damaged, or scattered. If the remains can be identified, they are returned to the soldiers family, offering them a final chance to grieve and lay their loved one to rest. This is one of the most agonizing moments, when families receive the opportunity to bury their relatives with dignity and honor them properly and yet it also gives clarity and allows them to finally find a semblance of peace. Members of the "Platsdarm" volunteer organization search for fallen Ukrainian soldiers' remains near Sulyhivka, Kharkiv Oblast, on Oct. 22, 2024. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi) Oleksii Yukov, head of the search organization "Platsdarm," holds a perforated helmet belonging to an unidentified soldier in a forest near the village of Mazanivka, Donetsk Oblast, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi) Members of the "Platsdarm" search organization carry bags containing the remains of unidentified soldiers in a forest near the village of Mazanivka, Donetsk Oblast, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the "Platsdarm" search organization pose for a photo in a forest near Mazanivka, Donetsk Oblast, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A "Platsdarm" search team member carries a bag containing the skull of an unidentified soldier in a forest near the village of Mazanivka, Donetsk Oblast, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi) A DNA lab worker holds a fragment of a jawbone in Dnipro, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, on Feb. 11, 2025. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi) A DNA lab worker examines the remains of unidentified soldiers in Dnipro, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, on Feb. 11, 2025. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serhii Levchenko, 26, a soldier from the Civil-Military Cooperation unit of the 81st Air Assault Brigade, waits for the arrival of bodies of fallen soldiers in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, on Jan. 16, 2025. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi) The family of fallen Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Rastorhuev, 39, sees his body for the first time since he died in the village of Rokytne, Kharkiv Oblast, on Jan. 22, 2025. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi) Graves of temporarily unidentified Ukrainian soldiers at Krasnopilske Cemetery in Dnipro, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, on Feb. 12, 2025. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi) This project was developed through UAPP's annual grant program for documentary photographers, supported by the International Press Institute. Read also: Alone: Photo project shows wives of fallen soldiers coping with loss, shattered dreams (Photos) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A 50-year-old man broke into his ex-girlfriends home and stole her chicken named Polly in Washington, deputies said. The woman called 911 on Saturday, March 29, from her home in Port Orchard, the Kitsap County Sheriffs Office said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. She told authorities her ex kicked down her door, yelled Ive got Polly and fled with her chicken, deputies said. Deputies found the man in a wooded area. The moment was recorded on a body-worn camera. On Patrol Deputies recover an abducted chicken. pic.twitter.com/t7Z5ado8ag Kitsap Sheriff (@KitsapCoSheriff) April 1, 2025 The man is heard saying dont hurt my chicken when deputies approach him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not going to hurt your chicken, the deputy says in the video. He put the chicken in a patrol vehicle and deputies detained him. He was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary and violating a protection order. Deputies said he had been released from jail about 2.5 hours before he broke into the home. Polly the chicken was unharmed, according to deputies, and reunited with her family. Port Orchard is about 15 miles from Seattle with a ferry ride. Pet tigers taken from NV property amid legal battle, officials say. Breaks my heart Driver follows man home after he honked, beats him in racist attack, MA officials say Life-size sculptures of a possible priestess and her husband found at Pompeii SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) Former Costa Rica President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Oscar Arias says the U.S. governments unexplained cancelation of his visa wont stop his public criticism. Arias, 84, told the AP Wednesday that he received an email from the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, notifying him of the decision. The brief email said that the decision is based on the fact that subsequent to visa issuance, information has come to light that you may be ineligible for your visa. It said that if Arias wanted to travel to the U.S. he would have to re-apply. The U.S. State Department did not explain the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He spoke shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a wave of tariffs against dozens of its trading partners around the world, including a 10% duty on imports from Costa Rica. It made no sense coming from the country that pushed free trade around the world and signed dozens of free-trade treaties, Arias said. History proves it. You can empirically analyze that those countries with more open economies and more free trade are the ones that have grown more and have been able to improve in little time, he said. Arias was the biggest promoter of the free trade agreement that the U.S. signed with Central America. Arias says he doesnt know why his visa was revoked, but acknowledged that Washington may not have liked his comments on the war in Ukraine, the U.S. commercial conflict with China or the situation in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another of the big issues has been disarmament, spending less on weapons and soldiers to free up resources, he said. To give them to education, healthcare and protecting the environment and so many other priorities there are in the world to benefit humankind. The decision to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development, which addressed basic human needs around the world, confounds Arias. What it all shows is that the priorities are all mistaken and the priorities are all mistaken because the ethical values are mistaken, Arias said. Arias said he isnt losing sleep over the decision. The United States already gave me 93 honorary degrees, he said. They arent going to give me any more. The main reason for my trips (to the U.S.) was to receive those doctorates. I would have preferred this didnt happen because I admire that country, I admire its people. FALL RIVER Former Fall River Police Chief Paul Gauvin has been fired after an external investigation found he stored three firearms not registered to him in his station locker and left threatening items in his desk for the person who succeeded him in the job. According to several interviews conducted throughout the investigation by Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting LLC, Gauvin was accused of creating a hostile work environment one of harassment and intimidation. Mayor Paul Coogan confirmed that as of Monday, April 1, Gauvin was terminated following an investigation that began Dec. 16, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gauvin, who was named chief in 2022, left the position in September 2024 and was returned to his prior rank of captain. Earlier in September, the two police unions representing officers in the department, the Fall River Police Superior Officers Association and the Fall River Police Patrolmans Association, had taken votes of no confidence in his leadership. Former Fall River police chief Paul Gauvin is seen in this February 2023 file photo. Paul Gauvin out as FRPD chief: Unions had voted no confidence in leadership 'Threatening message' found in new chief's desk According to the report, when interim Police Chief Kelly Furtado took over the top cop position on Oct. 15, 2024, Lt. Matthew Mendes of the department's Office of Professional Standards and a sergeant escorted Furtado into her new office, Gauvin's former office. "Lieutenant Mendes opened a desk drawer and immediately noticed a bullet and a knife," the report states. "He perceived this as a threatening message for Chief Furtado. Lieutenant Mendes brought this to Chief Furtado's attention, and she felt that it was a threatening message." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an interview conducted by investigators, Gauvin denied leaving the objects there on purpose, and said "every desk that I've ever been to, there's always been something along those lines in there." He told interviewers that he thought the knife had been in the drawer when he first occupied the desk himself, and that finding such objects in the drawers of a police officer's desk "wasn't uncommon." "It wasn't a big deal that you saw one these things. Certainly not something that would frighten any Fall River police officer who's worth a salt," Gauvin told investigators. He told investigators any attempt to perceive the objects as a message is "clearly a political slant." Captain Kelly Furtado speaks during her appointment as Fall River's interim police chief Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at Government Center. 'We promote the best': Kelly Furtado becomes Fall River's first female police chief Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Furtado, interviewed by investigators, noted that other drawers in the desk contained typical office supply clutter including paper clips and push pins, but the drawer containing the knife and bullet were otherwise empty and clean. "You're a backstabber. You're going to get a bullet. That's what I took it as," Furtado told investigators. Mendes told interviewers that he found the bullet and knife "odd because, for transparency here, there had been some turbulence within the transition" from Gauvin to Furtado as chief. Previous police chief Jeffrey Cardoza, interviewed by investigators, was unable to remember the objects he'd left behind in his desk and if one was a knife. However, he told investigators, "I'm a thousand percent certain I didn't leave a bullet behind, and it's not common for me to leave bullets behind. ... Kind of an absurd statement, to be honest with you, I wouldn't leave a bullet in a drawer." Former Fall River Police Chief Paul Gauvin is seen in this 2023 file photo.. Three firearms not belonging to former chief found in locker According to the report, three firearms not registered to Gauvin were found in his locker: pistols by Beretta, Davis and Harrington & Richardson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report states that Gauvin called them "antique firearms which he was planning to turn in at the next gun buyback." He said they were turned over to him by someone whose father had died at least 10 years earlier. Mendes noted to interviewers that when the firearms were discovered in Gauvin's locker, Gauvin told him they should be returned to his house and that checking their registrations was unnecessary. When Mendes told him he was required to check their status, Gauvin changed his position and indicated they should be kept at the station since they were to be destroyed. The report notes that "proper paperwork must be filed with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts when a firearm is transferred from one individual to another," and that ownership and registration needed to be ascertained even if the firearms were intended to be destroyed. Investigators spoke with the guns' initial owner, whose name is redacted in the report; "he stated that he initially asked Former Chief Gauvin to hold onto the guns until his nephew was old enough to possess the guns," but later asked him to turn them into the buyback program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report notes Gauvin's "inability to provide consistent and truthful information about the firearms," saying his claim "that he simply forgot about the guns for over a decade, while they were stored in his locker, is illogical." In this file photo, then acting Fall River Police Chief Paul Gauvin looks over statistics from a statewide report and analysis of traffic stops made by Massachusetts police for most of 2020. Report also includes harassment, compensation violations The report also documents allegations of workplace harassment and intimidation, "unduly compensating himself for time worked," and other FRPD policy and ethics violations. Several allegations, including allegations of retaliation and improperly compensating himself for hours accrued under a so-called group seven clause entitling him to an additional day off for every three weeks worked, were not sustained. Allegations regarding the "threatening" objects left in his drawer and the improper storage of firearms were sustained. "This is conduct unbecoming of a Chief and of any member of the Fall River Police Department," noted the report, which recommended Gauvin's termination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mendes said that given Gauvins former chief status, Coogan is the authority on employment decisions, and he moved to terminate him, and the department followed accordingly listening to the city, and closed the case. Mendes said the complaints were sent the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, or POST, and the state entity would conduct its own analysis of the report's findings. The POST Commission was created as part of a sweeping law enforcement reform effort in Massachusetts. The commission certifies police officers, and can decertify them or suspend their certification. We wish him the best in his future endeavors, said Mendes. FRPD Patrolmen and Superior Officers union representatives did not yet respond to requests for comment. Gauvin has not yet responded to a request for comment. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Former Fall River police chief Gauvin fired; accused of harassment RIDGEVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) A former inmate at Lieber Correctional Institution is facing a slew of charges after extorting $27,000 from a victim while being held at the Ridgeville prison. Christopher Lewis Dendy, Jr., 27, is charged with blackmail/extortion, money laundering, possession of a cell phone by a prisoner, and violating the Computer Crime Act. Warrants provided by the South Carolina Department of Corrections said Dendy used a contraband cell phone to create a fake female profile on a dating app, which he matched with a victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A conversation began between the two, which led to the exchange of images deemed sexual between the victim and a person he thought was a legal-aged female. Dendy is accused of then contacting the victim and claiming the female was a minor and threatened him with criminal exploitation charges unless he paid. The victim suffered a financial loss of over $27,000 through a series of Cash App payments made by two accounts, arrest warrants said. The victim lived in another state. Dendy was serving a 10-year sentence at the prison for voluntary manslaughter, armed robbery, and drug charges. He was scheduled to be released on April 1 to community supervision in Greenville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, he was released to the custody of the Dorchester County Detention Center, where he was served with criminal charges. SCDC officials said his bond was set at $120,000 cash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Whether or not Elon Musk does step down as chainsawer-in-chief in the weeks ahead, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may be on the way to spoiling a perfect record of having sent out benefit checks every month since the very first one on Aug. 14, 1935. The Trump co-presidency is gutting this agency, former SSA Administrator Martin OMalley told the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee on Tuesday. It is breaking it from within, and it ultimately will lead to cascading failures, interruptions and system shutdowns that will eventually and I think within the next couple of months lead to benefit interruptions for the first time in 90 years. OMalley, also a former Maryland governor and Baltimore mayor, happened to be addressing the committee the same day as a Wisconsin state Supreme Court election that was the most expensive judicial race in state history. Musk was seeking to buy it with record campaign cash while peddling some of the very falsehoods that OMalley feels are aimed at wrecking the agency he headed until four months ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OMalley noted that at a pre-election rally in Green Bay on Sunday night, Musk and a crony had strutted on stage with a huge American flag in the background, a scene right out of the eponymous movie about the World War II general George Patton. Musk also had a series of outsized charts to show a surge in immigration in recent years. Elon Musks speech in Wisconsin (left) bore a striking similarity to a scene from the 1970 film OMalley had watched video of the event and he reported to the committee that the crowd had audibly gasped when told that the millions of immigrants had received Social Security numbers. Musk failed to tell them that the first Trump administration had instituted a system by which newly arrived immigrants eligible to work were automatically mailed a Social Security card to their home. Musk also neglected to say that only citizens and people officially authorized to work can receive Social Security benefits. But everybody pays taxes into the SSA fund. The big lie ... that illegal immigrants steal your Social Security benefits and are going to bankrupt the system, when the truth is people working here outside of legal status, illegal immigrants, so called, are prohibited by law from receiving any Social Security benefits, although they pay in $22 billion for the rest of us, OMalley told the committee on Tuesday. And Musk and his minion had made the big lie even bigger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said this was all part of a blue state plan to give illegal immigrants the right to vote so that we [will be in] a blue state in perpetuity, from which none of us will ever be able to escape. OMalley added. In what was either a deliberate falsehood or just a misunderstanding, Musk also said that 40 percent of calls to SSA are fraudsters seeking to steal direct deposit checks. Musk may have been confused; 40 percent of fraud attempts are by phone, but that is only a small fraction of the total calls. OMalley later said, Truth: 8 million people a month call SSAs 1-800 number. Only 1 out of every 3,100 is a successful attempt at direct deposit fraud. We thwart 4 for every on that gets through. In other words, 0.000322581% percent are a successful over the phone direct deposit fraud attempt. The total amount last year was $133 million, represents 0.000095 percent of the 1.4 trillion paid out in benefits. OMalley added, The crime of impersonating a beneficiary to hijack/redirect their direct deposit is typically discovered by the beneficiary the first month they bounce their own automatic withdrawal to a nursing home or their rent check bounces. Additionally, we mail paper notices within two weeks to beneficiaries telling them their direct deposit was changed and if it wasnt them, go to a field office with their ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He further noted, We were about to implement electronic notification to anyone that had a myssa account. But Im guessing they didnt move forward once the election happened. OMalley could have also told the committee that Musk had gone so far as to claim that the reason people are burning Teslas is the Democrats fear that DOGE is going to cut off social security payments to illegals. But for all Musks bucks and balderdash, the candidate bankrolled by this would-be-Patton was vanquished at the polls. A muted Musk claimed on X that he had won what he said was the really important issue: a measure incorporating a voter ID requirement into the state constitution. Never mind that Wisconsin voters had been required to show ID since 2011. But the bigger-than-big lies, and the damage to the SSA will persist, even after Musk is expected to leave Washington and self-DOGE in the weeks ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OMalley cannot help but fear that an agency he came to love has been deliberately damaged beyond repair. When he was appointed by President Joe Biden in late 2023, OMalley discovered that the SSA operated with heroic dedication in extremely difficult circumstances. They were sprinting up a downward-moving escalator, OMalley said. And what was moving it downward at such an increased velocity was the greater numbers of people every single day that they were serving due to Baby Boomers. Every single day was a new record high, and after 10 years of staffing reductions imposed by House Republicans, their staffing was at a 5- year low. OMalley instituted SecurityStat, a variation on Compstat, the data-driven performance management system developed by the late, great NYPD Deputy Commissioner Jack Maple. Compstat has been rightly credited with reducing crime from record highs to a record low in the 1990s. Compstat is largely why crime remains low in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In SecurityStat, the various departments of SSA would rotate to bi-monthly meetings aimed at improving their performance. The session would be live-streamed to leadership in the nine national divisions. Democrats and Republicans on the congressional oversight committee were invited to attend virtually. Elon Musk listens to President Donald Trump during a cabinet meeting. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Images So they could see what we were wrestling with, OMalley told the Daily Beast on Tuesday. It was a degree of openness, transparency and performance management thats never been created before in the history of our federal government. At the time OMalley had to depart the SSA and DOGE arrived, the agency had a payment accuracy rate of over 99 percent. Less than 1 percent of social security payments were fraudulent, considerably less than experienced by credit card companies. And SSA had an overhead of just 1.2 percentmarkedly lower than any private insurance companywhile maintaining customer service that long made it the most popular government agency. DOGE began by demanding unrestricted access to the databases, which include the new identities of mob informants and spies and others in the witness protection program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The supposed computer geniuses then either misinterpreted or embellished what they saw. They falsely claimed that tens of millions of dead people over 100 years old were receiving benefits. The truth is that only 0.1 percent of SAA recipients are over 100 years old. Payments are automatically stopped by age 115. At the same time, Musk talked of massive waste. DOGE spoke of closing dozens of branch offices and reducing the workforce from 57,000 to 50,000, either through retirements or buyouts. If you want to find wasted Social Security today, look at the cash payments of our money and beneficiaries money in earning their benefits, look at the cash that they are burning by paying experienced, if overworked men and women to leave the agency; some of them theyre paying for the entire year, OMalley said. Elderly recipients who would have otherwise been able to straighten out problems with SSA by phone will be forced to make their way to whatever offices remain open, which will be staffed by fewer people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems that what theyre trying to do, even as they threaten to close offices, is to jam them up and give people the worst possible experience they can have, OMalley told the committee. So then, after wrecking it, they can rob it. And there is a $2.7 trillion surplus. This agency should be able to function for another 90 years, because it is a pay-as-you-go system, OMalley said. Americans who worked last year paid in $1.3 billion, and we paid out to the people in beneficiary status $1.4 billion The difference was taken from that $2.7 trillion surplus intentionally built up to cover the lifespan of the baby boomers. So the long term viability of this agency should not be in question. Its only in question now because of the chainsaw that is gutting this agency and destroying its ability to function as designed. And what do the SSA haters want to do with a surplus that dwarfs even what the richest man in the world has amassed? I cannot tell you, OMalley continued. But I can see that theyre trying to wreck this agency, and the people of the United States who are in this benefit need to stand up right now. I truly believe only an aroused democracy can stop them from doing what theyre already 90 percent of the way to doing. By Stephanie van den Berg and Anthony Deutsch THE HAGUE (Reuters) - U.N. investigators examining allegations of sexual misconduct by International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan are also looking into alleged retaliation for the accusations, five sources briefed on the matter have told Reuters. The allegations being examined are that Khan retaliated against staff who reported allegations of sexual misconduct towards a female lawyer reporting to him or were critical of his handling of the matter, said three sources with direct knowledge of the U.N. investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five sources, all of whom asked not to be named due to concerns of reprisals, said Khan, who is British, had demoted at least four staff in his office. In a written statement, Khan's attorneys rejected all allegations of wrongdoing and said he "looks forward to cooperating fully and transparently with the external investigation". "We refer you to what our client has said previously in this regard, including his firm denials. You will appreciate that our client cannot be expected to provide a running commentary on these matters," law firm Carter-Ruck said. "He has not engaged in sexual misconduct of any kind and nor, to be clear, has he engaged in any 'retaliatory behaviour' as alleged." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter-Ruck did not comment on whether the U.N. probe included examining allegations of retaliatory conduct. Khan has vowed to continue working while cooperating with the inquiry, and said that the original allegations, made last October, coincided with a campaign of misinformation against his office. ICC prosecutors are investigating several high-profile figures including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin on suspicion of deporting children from Ukraine, and for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Neither country is a member of the court and both deny the accusations and reject ICC jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC's investigation into Israel's conduct led the U.S. to impose sanctions on Khan, which the ICC president says have put the court itself at risk. Khan has not yet been questioned for the inquiry, which is being conducted by the U.N.'s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the sources said. The ICC and an OIOS official declined to comment on the inquiry into Khan. The court's governing body, which commissioned the U.N. inquiry, declined to comment on its scope, saying that further information could only be shared once the investigation was finished. The ICC is a permanent court that can prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression in member states or by their nationals. Its 125 members include all European Union countries, Japan, Britain, Canada and Brazil, but not the United States, China or Russia. (Reporting by Anthony Deutsch and Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Kevin Liffey) By Jonathan Landay and Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Termination notices sent by billionaire Elon Musk's cost-cutting team to U.S. Agency for International Development staff were so rife with errors that corrected versions are being issued to avoid affecting pensions and pay, according to five sources familiar with the issue. The Department of Government Efficiency "did this so quickly that they screwed lots of stuff up," said a U.S. official, who requested anonymity, as did all of those who spoke to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department, which is assuming some of USAID's functions under the Trump administration's plan to cut U.S. foreign aid, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. USAID's human resources staff, most of whom have been on paid administrative leave and face termination, have been brought back to the office to send out accurate notices, said the U.S. official and a person familiar with the matter. "My letter was completely wrong," one USAID worker told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "The only thing correct was my name." It is not the first time that inaccurate termination notices have upended the lives of USAID workers since U.S. President Donald Trump and Musk began in February to dismember America's main conduit of foreign aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A first round set April 21 as the final employment day for most personnel and May 30 for those tapped to help shutter the agency. Those dates were reset to July 1 or September 2 in the notices sent to some 3,500 USAID workers last Friday, two sources and workers said. Other errors included inaccurate start dates, lengths of service and salaries, according to the person familiar with the matter, the U.S. official, two former senior USAID officials, a congressional aide and four workers who received notices. Unless fixed, those mistakes could result in reduced or canceled pensions or inaccurate severance pay, the sources said. Several of the sources pointed to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's retirement website that says federal workers' annual pension annuity is based on their lengths of service and three highest average annual salaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters could not learn how many USAID personnel were issued faulty notices last Friday. SOME STAFF RECEIVED THREE INACCURATE NOTICES Several workers told Reuters that they and other colleagues received a third termination letter on Monday night still containing inaccurate information on promotions, tenure and other data. One worker said the total federal service listed in their notice on Friday was short by three years and by six years in the notice they received on Monday. "I actually have federal service dating to June 2008," said the worker. "There doesn't seem to be any logic to the RIF (reduction in force) process." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've got people who have served for 25 years and their notices are showing they served for only three," said the U.S. official. "It affects their severance. It affects their future ability to retire." Trump assigned Musk, a major contributor to his 2024 election campaign whose companies have federal contracts worth billions of dollars, and DOGE to ferret out waste and fraud across the U.S. government. According to its website, the only official window into its operations, DOGE estimates it has saved U.S. taxpayers $140 billion as of April 2 through a series of actions including massive workforce cuts, asset sales, and contract cancellations. Its savings total is unverifiable and its calculations have contained errors and corrections. Musk has said DOGE will correct mistakes when it finds them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since February, most USAID staff have been put on administrative leave, hundreds of contractors were fired and more than 5,000 programs terminated, disrupting global humanitarian aid operations on which millions depend. Some termination notices sent on Friday to USAID personnel did not account for requests to waive the July 1 termination date, including from overseas staff whose children still would be in school, according to three sources. Others had applied for waivers because they need more time to pack their homes and relocate to the U.S., the sources said. "Some people have the wrong dates. Others have the wrong information," said the person with knowledge of the matter, adding that people given the wrong termination date "can't return home" unless their notices are reissued with the correct date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person said that the error-filled notices were sent under the supervision of USAID acting administrators Jeremy Lewin, a DOGE operative, and Kenneth Jackson, who have been overseeing the agency's dismantlement. They report to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who Trump tapped as acting USAID administrator. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay and Patricia Zengerle; Additional reporting by Timothy Reid; Editing by Don Durfee and Christopher Cushing) COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) An executive order signed by President Donald Trump aims to shrink the federal government by eliminating funding for several agencies. This includes the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which could put several library programs at risk. The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries use federal funding to provide resources for thousands in the community. However, officials say they would have to make difficult cuts without IMLS funding. WRBL sat down with the Director of Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, Alan Harkness, to discuss the possible impact. He said services such as internet access, the state-wide courier, and services for the blind and print disabled could all be impacted by federal funding cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He specifically referenced the childrens program, which could suffer. When the schools are closed, were open and our summer reading program is a big popular program and were very lucky that we have that program here, said Harkness. And a lot of kids participate throughout the community. Every year, thousands of children participate in these summer reading programs. The executive order is part of a broader effort to cut government spending and eliminate agencies deemed non-essential. Without this funding, libraries may have to scale back essential services, including free internet access that thousands rely on for job applications and government resources. Harkness says internet connectivity is one of their most vital services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People use our computers every day, Harkness says. Tens of thousands of people a year come into our libraries to use the Internet to get access to email. Many dont even have email, and they set up their first account. Georgias public libraries receive about $5 million annually from federal funds. Without that support, library systems across the state will have to find alternatives or make cuts. The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries website says, As a vital public service, we are already facing rising costs locally, including a recent $481,000 increase in employee health benefits. Without IMLS funding, we will be forced to make difficult cuts that could limit access to the very resources our community depends on, especially connectivity. While local library jobs wont be affected immediately, the loss of funding could have long-term consequences for access to information and essential services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Library officials say now is the time to speak up before these cuts take effect. They encourage community members to contact their lawmakers and advocate for library funding. Any time people think that theres something important to them, especially with regards to federal funding, they should let their elected representatives know what, whats vital to them, whats critical, said Harkness. And so, you know. Contact your senators, contact your representatives, and let them know that libraries are important to you. Community members looking to help can visit Chattahoochee Valley Libraries website for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. The News in Brief Thursday, April 3, 2025 The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on Georgian judges Levan Murusidze and Mikheil Chinchaladze, citing reasonable grounds to suspect their involvement in serious corruption. The UK government announced the sanctions, stating that both individuals have been implicated in corrupt activities related to their judicial roles.According to the UK government, Mikheil Chinchaladze, as Chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeal, allegedly received financial rewards for improperly performing his duties. The statement claims that Chinchaladze used his position to influence judicial appointments and decisions in favor of the ruling Georgian Dream Party, undermining the integrity of the judicial system.Similarly, Levan Murusidze, a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, is accused of using his influence to ensure that judicial appointments and decisions benefitted the Georgian Dream Party. As a foreign public official, Murusidze allegedly received financial advantages in exchange for misusing his judicial authority.The sanctions are being imposed under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations, which allow for the freezing of assets and economic resources of individuals involved in significant corruption. The UK's move underscores ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for corrupt practices, particularly those who exploit their public offices for personal gain.Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the Lelo - Strong Georgia party, was granted a 50,000 GEL bail as a preventive measure after he failed to comply with a request from the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Georgian Parliament.The decision was made by Tbilisi City Court Judge Arsen Kalatozishvili, who set a 30-day deadline for Khazaradze to submit the bail amount.The trial focused on whether a preventive measure should be imposed on Khazaradze. The state prosecution requested a 50,000 GEL bail, while Khazaradze's defense team argued for his release without any preventive measure. Khazaradze was present at the hearing.Khazaradze was summoned to appear before the Temporary Investigative Commission on March 25 for an explanation, but he did not attend. Following this, he testified before a magistrate judge.He faces charges under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to "failure to comply with the request of the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Parliament of Georgia." The charge carries penalties ranging from a fine to imprisonment of up to one year, or a ban on holding public office or engaging in certain activities for up to three years. The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) YANGON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies dispatched by the Chinese government arrived at Yangon International Airport in Myanmar on Thursday. The second batch of aid supplies includes 800 tents, 2,000 blankets, 3,000 boxes of biscuits, 2,000 boxes of mineral water and other urgently needed supplies. The supplies were transported to Yangon by a chartered flight from China. The first batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies dispatched by the Chinese government for earthquake disaster relief arrived in Myanmar on March 31. Li Ming, spokesperson for China International Development Cooperation Agency, said that China is willing to continue providing assistance to the people in the disaster-stricken areas based on Myanmar's needs, supporting their efforts to overcome the disaster as soon as possible. He expressed confidence that with the joint efforts of China and the international community, the people of Myanmar will surely be able to overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes at an early date. The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies for earthquake disaster relief dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. The second batch of aid supplies includes 800 tents, 2,000 blankets, 3,000 boxes of biscuits, 2,000 boxes of mineral water and other urgently needed supplies. The supplies were transported to Yangon by a chartered flight from China. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies for earthquake disaster relief dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. The second batch of aid supplies includes 800 tents, 2,000 blankets, 3,000 boxes of biscuits, 2,000 boxes of mineral water and other urgently needed supplies. The supplies were transported to Yangon by a chartered flight from China. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies for earthquake disaster relief dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. The second batch of aid supplies includes 800 tents, 2,000 blankets, 3,000 boxes of biscuits, 2,000 boxes of mineral water and other urgently needed supplies. The supplies were transported to Yangon by a chartered flight from China. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) The second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies for earthquake disaster relief dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. The second batch of aid supplies includes 800 tents, 2,000 blankets, 3,000 boxes of biscuits, 2,000 boxes of mineral water and other urgently needed supplies. The supplies were transported to Yangon by a chartered flight from China. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the United States and higher duties on some of the country's biggest trading partners, a move that could escalate a trade war and upend the global economy. Here are latest reactions from company executives, trade and labour associations: COMPANIES On Holding "We've taken note of the announced tariffs and are constantly monitoring the evolving situation and continuing policy changes. Our global value and supply chain are well-positioned." GERMANY'S FRESENIUS "We ... strongly support pharmaceuticals not being included in the reciprocal tariff proposal, as a blanket tariff would potentially risk shortages of essential medicines for American patients." STEEL GROUP APERAM "Regarding the limited volumes we export from the EU to the U.S., we will explore on a case by case basis the feasibility of relocating some of our production." "Unfortunately, the current lack of regulatory predictability creates an unfavorable business environment on both sides of the Atlantic." STELLANTIS The carmaker said it would temporarily pause production at some of its Canadian and Mexican assembly plants, such as its Windsor assembly plant in Canada. ANTONIO BARAVALLE, CEO, LAVAZZA "We had already planned to increase (local production in the U.S.) to 100%." "We are ready to go ... but now there is this other element that is to be investigated, the duties for Brasil ... If they put a 10% duty on Brazil, the duty (of 20%) is somehow already halved." The coffee maker currently produces around 50% of what it sells in the U.S. locally. FERRARI "Purchase contracts for Ferraris have clear and standard clauses allowing the company to adjust prices in case trade conditions change before the vehicle's delivery." New tariffs will also apply to Ferrari cars ordered months ago but not yet delivered to the U.S., a company spokesperson said. MOTOFUMI SHITARA, CEO, YAMAHA MOTOR "Our exports would certainly be impacted. If these tariffs continue long-term, including for vehicles, we will need to respond by raising prices or reducing costs." MAERSK "We generally expect customers to be a bit more cautious about their inventory levels. In the very short term, we're likely to see some rush air freight orders in the U.S. ahead of the announced tariffs going into effect. It is also likely we will see an increase in demand for bonded storage as customers will want to hold off clearing goods while they get more certainty." CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. (DC News Now) History in what is now West Virginias eastern panhandle is brilliantly captured in the Jefferson County Museum. The museum, located on 200 East Washington Street, is gearing up for a Friday night reception to debut a special exhibit. The exhibit features artifacts from when George Washington and Thomas Jefferson had a presence in the former colony of Virginia, pre-dating the Revolutionary War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jefferson County Museum leads tour of John Brown history in Charles Town Featured are original documents signed by both Jefferson and Washington. We have a land grant signed by Thomas Jefferson, explains Museum Director Lori Wysong. This is the first time we have had that on display. And our exhibit includes a letter written by George Washington after his brother, Charles, died; Charles, for whom Charles Town was named. The debut of this exhibit is really going to be special. The weekend exhibit also marks the museums 60th anniversary. And, for kids, the museum is sponsoring a reading in the public library Saturday morning just upstairs from the museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information on the event can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County is offering the community a chance to experience different cultural foods this spring with its Taste of Market Dinner series. While CCE Broome is renovating its kitchen, the Taste of Market Dinner series is serving up delicious foods as a replacement for the annual Fresh Food Face-Off. There will be three separate events this spring: one in April, one in May, and one in June. Each will showcase food from a different part of the world with a chef-curated menu offering an authentic taste from each represented culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement April 22 will be a Taste of Pakistan, featuring food from Zaiqa Halal Food Cart in Binghamton. Taste of Korea will take place May 15, courtesy of Seoulful Foods on Front Street. The finale, taking place June 17, will showcase Despinas Mediterranean Restaurant in Taste of Greece. The Taste of Market Dinner Series is a way to highlight the incredible chefs and food entrepreneurs who have built their businesses through the Broome County Regional Farmers Market and CCE Broomes commercial kitchen. Their success is a testament to the strength of our local food scene, as well as the mission of CCE Broome County to support small businesses in pursuit of economic vitality, Beth Roberts, CCE Broome County Executive Director said. Each dinner will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Broome County Regional Farmers Market. CCE says to get your tickets early, as these types of events have sold out quickly in the past due to limited seating. Individual event tickets and full-series passes are available for purchase at bit.ly/tasteofmarket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. Sushi lovers in northeast Modesto will be bowled over with a fresh new option for lunch and dinner. My husband was really into boba teas, and I was into poke bowls, so when this opportunity popped up, it just seemed perfect, said Navjot Kaur. She and her husband, Harpreet Singh, operate the newly opened Pokemoto, located in Village One Plaza. Kaur said she got the idea for the business in 2023 when looking for dining options as an expectant mother. I was craving sushi, but knowing you should not eat raw fish while pregnant, I tried a poke bowl with chicken instead, she said. I was obsessed it was all the flavor of sushi without the risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short time later, Kaur said, she was served a Facebook ad for Pokemoto franchise opportunities and it felt like a sign. Husband and wife team Navjot Kaur, left, and Harpreet Singh own Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke restaurant in Village One Plaza. Within a few months, Kaur and Singh were scouting locations in Modesto. Kaur said customers have told her they are excited to have this option on the east side of town. People have been coming in and trying this instead of something fried or with oil, she said. Theyre saying, This is something healthy and delicious that we needed. Pokemoto specializes in Hawaiian-style poke bowls, which usually are pieces of raw tuna and salmon served over sushi rice with an assortment of toppings, from avocado to seaweed and many umami things in between. Bowls range from $14.99 to $16.99, and higher if you add extras. The bowls are fully customizable, but if building your own seems too daunting, there are five signature bowls on the menu. For those unsure about uncooked proteins, bowls can be made with chicken, shrimp, Spam, and tofu. Kaur said the bowls are generous, and they offer salad instead of rice, if preferred, or a bowl made into a poke burrito, which is similar to a large sushi roll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singh recommends a boba drink to accompany your bowl. Pokemoto offers about a dozen types of iced boba tea, with or without milk and tapioca pearls, in flavors including mango, taro, watermelon, matcha and lychee. Teas start at $4.99 for a regular, up to $5.99 for a large. Kaur said they offer a happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. daily, featuring boba teas at half price. The restaurant also offers a variety of cold salads, including seaweed, lobster, and kani. There are also miso soup and Spam musubi made fresh to order. Thomas Nguyen, the founder and owner of the Pokemoto franchise, was at the opening to support Kaur and Singh. After living in Hawaii, he started the company in Connecticut in 2017 when he found little to no poke restaurants in the New England area. In just eight years, Pokemoto now has over 40 locations nationwide. In California, there was only one Pokemoto, in Petaluma. The Modesto store is the second location in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaur and Singh said they hope to add more locations in the Central Valley over the next few years and already are looking to expand in Manteca and Ceres. We think the concept is unique because it offers something for adults and kids, fresh food and sweet drinks, said Kaur. Other poke places are more focused on just the poke, but this one is focused not only on the older generation but the younger generation, too. The store had a two-day soft opening and then a three-day grand opening that started on March 28. Pokemoto is at 3020 Floyd Ave, Suite 103. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offers online ordering and delivery service through GrubHub. Salmon and tofu poke burrito made with a seaweed wrap at the new Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke restaurant in Village One Plaza in Modesto, Friday, March 28, 2025. Jermel Cosido eats a poke bowl at the new Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke restaurant in Village One Plaza in Modesto, Friday, March 28, 2025. Project Summary: This story is part of KXANs Preventing Disaster investigation, which initially published on May 15, 2024. The project follows a fatal car crash into an Austin hospitals emergency room earlier that year. Our team took a broader look at safety concerns with that crash and hundreds of others across the nation including whether medical sites had security barriers known as bollards at their entrances. Experts say those could stop crashes from happening. AUSTIN (KXAN) St. Davids North Austin Medical Center is using an absurd legal defense to try to blunt a $1 million lawsuit filed by a family of four who were injured when a car drove into the ER lobby, according to an attorney with more than 40 years of experience who reviewed the public case records. Next month marks one year since the Bernard family filed the lawsuit, accusing St. Davids HealthCare of gross negligence for not having safety bollards at the time. Experts say that security feature could have stopped the crash that killed the driver, who had a blood-alcohol level between three and four times the legal limit to drive at the time, toxicology results showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EXPLORE Preventing Disaster: KXAN investigation uncovers 300+ crashes at medical buildings Fighting for accountability Beyond the broken bones, surgeries and rehab, are the scars that are harder to heal. I wasnt in our house for almost a month after the accident, Nadia recalled, talking about her rehab and road to recovery last year. Levi and Nadia Bernard with their toddlers, Sunny and Rio, left, before being run over by a car in the lobby of St. Davids North Austin Medical Center. (Source: Austin Police Department) On Feb. 13, 2024, Nadia, her husband Levi, and their two toddlers were run over by a car while looking at a fish tank inside the hospitals lobby. Their youngest went through the sedans windshield. He was saying, Boom, owie. Boom, owie,' Levi said their toddler would shout after the crash when he saw other cars. Which is crazy. Hes not even two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical bills and the lingering emotional toll are the center of the familys lawsuit against St. Davids HealthCare. In court filings, the hospital system makes no mention of why it had no safety bollards outside its ER. However, it does argue that because Nadia was a patient that day getting a CT scan, her injuries should be treated as health care liability claims despite being in the lobby at the time, not an exam room, and having already been seen by doctors. All four members of the Bernard family were hurt when a car crashed into a hospital ER in February (Courtesy Bernard Family, Diane Warmoth) St. Davids HealthCare said it does not comment on pending litigation. A health care liability defense Attorney Kay Van Wey at the Texas Capitol (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant) Dallas medical malpractice attorney Kay Van Wey has worked with KXAN Investigates before. In 2022, Van Wey, who represented victims of the notorious Texas neurosurgeon dubbed Dr. Death, helped push for a law change to reform the Texas Medical Board and make physician discipline records more transparent. It was a direct response to our investigations exposing doctors coming to Texas to escape their problematic pasts. The law takes full effect this year. Van Wey has no connection to the Bernards lawsuit but agreed to review the public court records for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre doing what lawyers do, she told KXAN during a recent visit to the Capitol to meet with lawmakers. Theyre trying to work the loophole. Theyre representing their clients. Nadia at St. Davids Round Rock Medical Center (Courtesy Bernard family) Van Wey said treating Nadias pain and suffering claim as medical malpractice, because she was a patient that day, is a complete perversion of the law. She believes it is an extreme example of how much power and privilege hospitals in Texas have and how unfair the system can be to patients. I think the average person can look at a situation like this and say: What does a car crashing through the ER door have anything to do with medical malpractice? Van Wey said. The legal strategy goes back to 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 20 years ago, state lawmakers passed the Texas Medical Liability Act to curb what Texans for Lawsuit Reform called lottery-style windfalls for a few plaintiffs or their lawyers. Nadia at St. Davids Round Rock Medical Center (Courtesy Bernard family) The law capped pain and suffering damages in medical liability cases at $250,000. Injured family files lawsuit in fatal Austin hospital crash I think the hospital is seizing upon the opportunity to limit its liability, said Van Wey, referring to St. Davids current defense strategy. Under the law, which St. Davids attorneys cite in its defense, medical liability claims relate to the treatment or lack of treatment a patient received, or anything that goes against the accepted standards of care, or health care, or safety directly related to health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latter component of the law referring to safety is what St. Davids attorneys believe should cover the allegation it failed in its duty to protect Nadia, its patient, with bollards. If, as Ms. Bernard contents, NAMC has an enhanced duty to protect patients on its premises by virtue of the fact that it is a hospital and health care provider, then the alleged failure to protect the safety of its patients can be nothing but a health care liability claim. Attorneys for St. Davids HealthCare That is a stretch, Van Wey said, since bollards are not related to health care. There are safety issues that are related to health care [like the] maintenance of an MRI machine that malfunctioned, or something like that, Van Wey said. But, the safety issue must be related to health care. St. Davids HealthCare wants the safety portion of the Texas Medical Liability Act to apply to the Feb. 13, 2024 car crash. (Courtesy Travis County court records) St. Davids North Austin Medical Center added a dozen bollards outside its ER after the fatal crash on Feb. 13. (Courtesy Howry, Breen & Herman) In this case, she added, one would have to look long and hard to find evidence that a car running through the doors of an ER has anything to do with the provision of health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Davids attorneys concede their motion to treat Nadias case as medical liability would only apply to her. The rest of her familys ordeal would be treated as personal injury and not subject to caps on non-economic damages. If a judge agrees, that would limit the amount of money the hospital system might have to pay out for Nadias pain and suffering compared to that of her husband and their two toddlers. The notion that hospital patients can have fewer rights than visitors, in terms of bringing a claim, should concern all Texans, Van Wey said. Any reasonable human being would step back from this and say: This is a legal absurdity, she said. The law wasnt intended for this purpose. The Austin-based attorney for the Bernard family, Sean Breen, is taking depositions from hospital officials in an attempt to find out why St. Davids had bollards at some of its Central Texas locations but not others, like NAMC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bollards were installed after the fact, but the hospital system will not say if they are crash-rated to stop another incident. KXANs ongoing investigation sparked a new Austin ordinance requiring crash-rated security bollards at new hospitals, urgent care clinics and stand-alone ERs along with existing ones that expand. It also directly led to Senate Bill 660, which aims to expand that safety step statewide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A pollution event in a Northern Ireland river has left thousands of fish dead, some of which were endangered. The extent of the damage is not yet clear, but what has already been observed represents a significant ecological crisis. What's happening? The Glenmornan River runs through the village of Artigarvan in Northern Ireland. It's home to an array of aquatic life, including the European eel, which the IUCN Red List classifies as critically endangered. A shocking number of the river's inhabitants were found dead by fishery officers conducting a routine survey in mid-February. "Over 2,000 dead fish have been collected so far, including Atlantic salmon, brown trout, European eel, lamprey, flounder, stickleback and Stoneloach," the Loughs Agency, an environmental organization, told the BBC. "Additionally, the discovery of more than 20 dead frogs suggests the presence of a highly potent pollutant." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps most alarming was the discovery of 500 dead European eels. Already vulnerable, the population of the species has dropped a shocking 97% since 1980. Unfortunately, these are only early figures, and the death count is expected to rise as the investigation continues. While the source of the pollution is currently known to officials, the extent of its impact on the river is not. Why is protecting our rivers important? It's heartbreaking to learn that thousands of animals lost their lives, most likely due to human activity, and this grim outcome is just one of the dangers of river pollution. On top of the beautiful, diverse ecosystems they contain, rivers worldwide provide huge numbers of people with drinking water. In certain areas, they're also crucial thoroughfares for transportation and trade. Many rivers also offer opportunities for boating, swimming, and other recreation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protecting these critical aspects of our society is important not only for the environment but also the economy. What's being done about river pollution? The investigation into the pollution of the Glenmornan River is still ongoing, but there are already many instances of people stepping up to protect rivers elsewhere. A federal lawsuit aimed at improving the water quality standards in the Delaware River may be the thing that saves the Atlantic sturgeon from extinction. In California, conservationists and Indigenous Tribal leaders have been fighting for decades to save the Eel River. They recently got a lot closer to seeing that dream realized, thanks to an agreement that will result in the removal of two key dams. 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. LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) Scammers are using AI generators to create fake images of your favorite celebrities and influencers advertising their products to trick you into thinking you are supporting your favorite figures. Kathryn Mobley, Better Business Bureau of Acadiana CEO, said the video appears to be posted by the celebrity, influencing you to buy their latest product or another companys product. All of our social media is tailored to you, Mobley said. You see a video, and you think its a celebrity selling a product, but it ends up being fake AI scamming you for a product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either the product does not exist or its a real product, just not affiliated with the celebrity they claim to be with. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Mobley said a popular example of this is keto gummy bears advertised to be from Oprah Winfrey. When the customer received their order, the candies were from a company that had no affiliation with Oprah, even though the ad they saw was a video of Oprah explaining the product and her special discount. In another version of this AI celebrity ad scam, they steal real videos you may have seen posted by the celebrity. However, they add text on screen to prompt you to click on the ad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No matter how they get you to click their link, it brings you to the scammers website. Whenever you click on that link, if its in a text or social media, thats where the problems start to happen, Mobley said. They can take your payment information. They can do malware. They take the payment, but you never get it. Or you get a product, but you dont know what it is. So, theres multiple layers there. Heres how you can avoid AI ad scams: Understand how AI works. AI generators allow you to type in a few words describing the image you want to create. Dont assume a photo is proof something is real or trustworthy. Know scammers often impersonate celebrities. Always verify the photo came from an official source before purchasing a product. Only do business with companies you trust. Google search the business followed by scam. Read reviews on the BBB scam tracker. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Houthi PC Small Group was apparently not the only group chat Mike Waltz was cooking up on Signal. Donald Trumps national security adviser has made at least 20 chats on the commercial messaging app to discuss sensitive issues, Politico reported Wednesday. Waltz and his team have apparently been regularly setting up Signal chats to discuss topics like Ukraine, Gaza, China, Africa, Europe, and Middle Eastern policy, four sources, some who had been added to the chats, revealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the sources said that they were either in or had direct knowledge of the existence of at least 20 Signal chats, while all four claimed that they had seen sensitive information being discussed on them. They notably were unsure if what was sent could have been considered classified. National Security advisor Mike Waltz speaks as he sits with U.S. President Donald Trump during an Ambassador Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House on March 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Win McNamee/Getty Images Waltz built the entire NSC communications process on Signal, one source told Politico. It was commonplace to stand up chats on any given national security topic, another added, noting that the groups typically included high-level staff and Cabinet members. Waltzs spokesperson did not deny any of the report but claimed no classified information was involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the National Security Council (NSC), Brian Hughes, told Politico, Any claim of use for classified information is 100 percent untrue. The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg speaks during the opening night of the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University's McAlister Auditorium on March 27, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. / Skip Bolen/Getty Images In a statement to the Daily Beast, Hughes said that Signal is an approved, encrypted messaging app and any claim NSC officials sending classified information over these channels is false. It can be used for unclassified messaging and a user has the responsibility to preserve any official record created, he continued. Using Signal to send unclassified information is appropriate and these same facts have been reported multiple times in the last few days. Hughes also claimed that reports on Waltzs Signal usage are a clear attempt by some in media and the Democrats to obscure the simple truth of his and the presidents success in delivering for the nation by confronting our adversaries and standing with our allies to bring peace through strength. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politicos report sheds light on how extensively Signal has been used within the Trump administration, despite nonprofit groups and security officials warning of its danger and potential violation of federal record-keeping laws as messages and chats can be deleted. Waltzs use of Signal was placed in intense focus last week after The Atlantics editor in chief Jeffrey Goldberg revealed that he had been added to a group chat discussing military operations in Yemen by the NSC adviser. Though Waltz has tried to tiptoe around how Goldberg was inadvertently added to the chat, even going so far as to suggest that his number was sucked in his phone during an interview with Laura Ingraham last week, that still hasnt stopped White House officials from reportedly berating him behind closed doors. Everyone in the White House can agree on one thing, a source close to the White House told Politico last week. Mike Waltz is a f---ing idiot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another explosive revelation, The Washington Post reported Monday that Waltz and a top aide were also sharing potentially sensitive information on military positions and systems over their personal Gmail accounts. The email service is less secure than Signal. Hughes told the Daily Beast that Waltz did not use his Gmail to share classified information and rendered the report another attempt to distract the American people from President Trumps successful national security agenda thats protecting our nation. The Federal Aviation Administration has announced extra support for air traffic controllers at Ronald Reagan National Airport following a series of incidents, including an alleged fight between two team members. Damon Marsalis Gaines, 39, was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department and charged with assault and battery after the incident on Thursday. The airport authority runs National Airport and Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Now the agency says it will send a critical incident stress management team to the airport to offer confidential support for staff following stressful events, increase operational supervisor staffing from six to eight, review airport certified professional controller staffing numbers and the arrival rate of aircraft per hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the agency intends to conduct regular wellness checks at the facility. The FAA said Gaines, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, remains on administrative leave as officials investigate the matter. A commercial airplane taking off from Ronald Reagan International Airport passes a memorial near the airport in February 2025 (AFP via Getty Images) The agency is in the middle of a campaign to recruit air traffic controllers after several aviation disasters this year put the national shortage in the spotlight. The country needs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers and there are currently around 10,800. In January, National Airport suffered a fatal incident when an American Airlines plane collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, killing 67 people. A National Transportation Safety Board preliminary investigation found the airport had experienced 15,000 near-misses from October 2021 to December 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the airport had another near-miss incident when a Delta Air Lines flight came close to a US Air Force T-3 jet around 3 p.m. as the military jet flew over the east bank of the river for a flyover ceremony at nearby Arlington National Cemetery. Following the fatal crash, the FAA imposed restrictions on non-commercial traffic flying over the river, with exceptions for emergency, presidential and vice-presidential operations. VIENTIANE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Laos has emphasized the urgent need for global action to address the Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) issue during an event marking the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, which will fall on April 4. According to a report issued by the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector (NRA) on Thursday, the event, themed "Safe Futures Start Here," was attended by Lao government officials, representatives of international organizations, and students. Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing the UXO issue in Laos, calling for continued support to ensure safety and advance the country's development. Since 2010, Laos has identified and cleared 2,367 square kilometers of hazardous land, destroying over 2 million pieces of unexploded ordnance. The Lao government aims to clear 65,000 hectares of land by 2025 to boost agriculture, food security and economic development. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Thursday it would launch an investigation after the crew on a United Airlines Boeing 737 flight from Key West, Florida to Newark, New Jersey, reported a fire in the cabin. The airplane diverted and landed safely at Washington's Dulles airport around 4:45 p.m. ET (2045 GMT) on Thursday, the FAA said in a statement. United said the diversion was prompted by light smoke venting from a galley oven. All passengers deplaned normally at the gate and the airline arranged for a different aircraft to take passengers to Newark on Thursday evening, United added. The plane had 98 passengers and five crew on board. (Reporting by Costas Pitas and David Shepardson; Editing by Ryan Patrick Jones and Jamie Freed) Claim: U.S. President Donald Trump placed reciprocal tariffs on a group of uninhabited islands occupied only by penguins and other wildlife. Rating: Rating: True Context: Penguins are the most abundant birds on the Heard Island and McDonald Islands group. The islands are also home to other animals including seals, flying birds and invertebrates but no humans. Following U.S. President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs announcement on April 2, 2025, a claim (archived) circulated that the countries hit by Trump's reciprocal tariffs included an island inhabited only by penguins. The Trump administration has put a 10 percent tariff on the Heard Island and McDonald which has a population of 0 people and is inhabited only by penguins. pic.twitter.com/KCmb9nBIYD WarMonitor (@WarMonitor3) April 2, 2025 One X user wrote: "The Trump administration has put a 10 percent tariff on the Heard Island and McDonald which has a population of 0 people and is inhabited only by penguins." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim spread across Facebook (archived), X (archived), Threads (archived), Bluesky (archived) and Reddit (archived). The claim pertained to the Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI), an uninhabited island group that is part of the external territory of Australia and located near Antarctica. The islands are home to penguins, seals and, according to the CIA World Factbook and the Australian government, no humans. The Trump administration's tariffs list (archived), posted on the White House X account, did indeed include the "Heard and McDonald Islands," which were hit with 10% "discounted reciprocal" tariffs. Therefore, we rate this claim true. We reached out to the White House to ask why an island group with no human inhabitants was included on its tariffs list. We also asked why HIMI was listed separately from Australia, given the island group's classification as Australian territory and the fact that "mainland" Australia and HIMI were hit with the same 10% tariffs. We await the White House's reply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also reached out to the Australian Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet for its latest comment on the HIMI tariffs and await a reply. According to UNESCO, which includes the island group on its World Heritage List of locations with "outstanding universal value": The distinctive conservation value of Heard and McDonald one of the world's rare pristine island ecosystems lies in the complete absence of alien plants and animals, as well as human impact. The Australian government also highlighted the care taken to minimize human impact on the island group. According to the government website: Since the first landing on Heard Island in 1855, there have been only approximately 240 shore-based visits to the island, and only two landings on McDonald Island (in 1971 and 1980). In lieu of humans, the island's inhabitants include flying birds, penguins, seals and invertebrates. Penguins are the most abundant birds on the islands. Despite this, import and export figures from the World Bank reported by the Guardian appeared to show that the U.S. imported $1.4 million worth of goods from HIMI in 2022. Almost all of the imported goods were classed as "mach and electric." It was not clear from the World Bank figures what specific products were imported by the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs list included more than 180 countries and territories. The tariffs were due to take effect immediately after they were announced on April 2, 2025. Snopes keeps a running tracker of the Trump administration tariffs. Our previous reporting on claims related to the Trump administration's tariffs can be found under the Tariffs tag on our website. Sources: Animals Australian Antarctic Program. 4 July 2024, https://www.antarctica.gov.au/antarctic-operations/stations/other-locations/heard-island/nature/animals/. Bohannon, Molly, and Antonio Pequeno IV. "Here's The Full List Of Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs Announced Wednesday." Forbes, 2 Apr. 2025, https://archive.ph/M0JER#selection-3463.0-3463.14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Heard and McDonald Islands." UNESCO World Heritage Centre, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/577/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025. Heard Island and McDonald Islands Australian Antarctic Program. 9 July 2024, https://www.antarctica.gov.au/antarctic-operations/stations/other-locations/heard-island/. Human Activities Heard and McDonald Islands Australian Antarctic Program. 28 Feb. 2005, https://www.antarctica.gov.au/antarctic-operations/stations/other-locations/heard-island/human-activities/. Lyons, Kate, and Nick Evershed. "'Nowhere on Earth Is Safe': Trump Imposes Tariffs on Uninhabited Islands near Antarctica." The Guardian, 3 Apr. 2025. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/03/donald-trump-tariffs-antarctica-uninhabited-heard-mcdonald-islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits." The White House, 2 Apr. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/regulating-imports-with-a-reciprocal-tariff-to-rectify-trade-practices-that-contribute-to-large-and-persistent-annual-united-states-goods-trade-deficits/. United States Product Exports and Imports to Heard Island and McDonald Isla 2022 | WITS Data. https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/USA/Year/2022/TradeFlow/EXPIMP/Partner/HMD/Product/all-groups. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025. @WhiteHouse. X, 2 Apr. 2025, https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1907536535450218896. SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea is bracing for a potentially violent public reaction to a Constitutional Court ruling on Friday on whether to remove impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office or reinstate him amid the country's worst political crisis in decades. The following are some of the security measures being taken in and around the Constitutional Court in central Seoul and elsewhere in the capital. THE COURT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 150-metre (164-yard) stretch of a four-lane street in front of the court will be closed to cars and pedestrians, with several layers of police buses parked bumper to bumper along both sides of the road and their wheels chained. A 1.85 km (1.15 mile) radius around the court has been declared a no-fly zone for Friday with equipment deployed to disable drones. The eight justices of the court already have security protection and the acting president has directed the police to step up protection for them. POLICE The police have warned of zero tolerance for any illegal activities related to the court decision, following a mob rampage at another court after it approved a warrant for Yoon's detention on January 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities were also caught off guard by the violent protest following the ruling ousting former President Park Geun-hye in 2017, when four Park supporters were killed and scores injured, including police. More than 14,000 police officers will be mobilised throughout Seoul. They have been authorised to use pepper spray and batons if needed. South Korean police have unofficially stopped using tear gas and water cannon for crowd control after deaths in past protests. CLOSURES The 11 schools and kindergartens within a 1 km radius of the court will be closed all day on Friday. National museums near the court and three royal palaces that are popular tourist destinations including the Gyeongbokgung and the UNESCO World Heritage Changdeokgung will be closed to the public on Friday and possibly other days if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. embassy in South Korea said routine consular operations such as visa interviews would be cancelled on Friday and advised Americans to exercise caution around crowds and rallies. TRAFFIC, CROWDS In parts of Seoul and elsewhere in the country hundreds of thousands of people are expected to turn out for opposing rallies. Authorities say some of central Seoul's main thoroughfares may be closed to traffic. The Seoul subway's Anguk station, which is near the court, will be closed all day and trains will not stop there. (Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Ed Davies and Kate Mayberry) (Reuters) -Governments around the world pledged counter measures on the U.S. after President Donald Trump unveiled on Wednesday a new baseline 10% tariff on goods from all countries plus reciprocal tariffs on those that his administration says have high barriers to U.S. imports. Here is what some governments said about what they would - and would not - do in response. European Union European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is finalising a package of measures in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and is "now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail". Trump targeted the EU with a 20% reciprocal tariff. China China's commerce ministry said Beijing "firmly opposes" the reciprocal tariffs and "will take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests," after Trump imposed a 34% reciprocal tariff on the country. Japan Japanese Trade Minister Yoji Muto called the reciprocal tariffs "extremely regrettable" and said Tokyo would urge the U.S. to exempt Japan from tariff measures. Tokyo faces a 24% reciprocal tariff. South Korea Acting President Han Duck-soo ordered emergency support measures for affected businesses, including automobiles, the industry ministry said, after Trump's tariff announcement included a 25% rate on South Korea. Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada was "going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures" and would "act with purpose and with force." Goods from Canada and Mexico are not currently subject to reciprocal tariffs because Trump's prior 25% fentanyl-related duties remain in place on their goods, along with 10% for Canadian energy and potash. A tariff exemption for goods compliant with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade will continue indefinitely. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that Mexico would not pursue a "tit-for-tat on tariffs" but would rather announce a "comprehensive program" on Thursday. United Kingdom Prime minister Keir Starmer said Britain would continue to work on a trade deal with the U.S. and that a trade war was "not in our national interest." He added, however, that he would only strike a deal if it was the right one and that "nothing is off the table" for Britain's response. Britain faces the lowest levy rate on imports of 10%. Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia would seek to negotiate with the U.S. to remove the tariffs without resorting to a dispute resolution mechanism in the two countries' Free Trade Agreement. By Nqobile Dludla and Nellie Peyton JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - President Donald Trump has moved to impose sweeping tariffs on most goods imported to the United States, including from African countries that benefit from a U.S. flagship trade programme for the continent. Analysts say the new tariffs suggest that the renewal of the initiative, known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), is extremely unlikely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some key facts about the trade accord: WHAT IS AGOA? AGOA is a U.S. trade initiative passed in 2000 under former President Bill Clinton to deepen trade ties with Sub-Saharan Africa and help African countries develop their economies. It provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for thousands of products including motor vehicles and parts, textiles and clothing, minerals and metals, agricultural products and chemicals exported by eligible African countries. It has been renewed twice and is due to expire in September 2025. WHO BENEFITS? About 35 African countries are currently eligible. Countries can lose and regain eligibility based on criteria including economic policies and protection of human rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A number of countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar and Ethiopia have successfully used AGOA to boost exports to the U.S., drive industrialization and create jobs, especially in textiles, automotives and minerals including crude oil. The United States benefits by furthering its interests on the continent. It also gains access to critical minerals and investment opportunities. Countries that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests are not eligible for AGOA. U.S. lawmakers view it as an important soft power tool, particularly as a counter to Chinese influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sectors such as South Africa's automotive industry as well as Kenya and Lesotho's clothing sectors would be hit hardest from a sudden rise in tariffs or non-renewal of AGOA. WHAT DO CRITICS SAY? Many analysts have said that AGOA is under-utilized. Only about half of eligible countries have developed national AGOA utilization strategies, and the majority of exports come from just a few of them. While the apparel sector and automotive industry have been the programme's biggest success stories, other industries have lagged. U.S. imports from AGOA beneficiaries peaked in 2008 at $82 billion and had fallen to $29.1 billion in 2024, according to the AGOA website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some analysts say AGOA has had a positive impact but that it needs to be updated and improved to include newer industries such as technology and digital services. WHAT HAPPENS NOW? African countries want a 10-year extension, but economists say that the Trump administration's protectionist trade policies mean AGOA's renewal is unlikely. The new tariffs have heightened the risk that AGOA may be scrapped altogether even before it expires, unless the region presents strong bargaining chips to keep it in place, analysts say. Government officials from South Africa and Madagascar said they were waiting for clarity on whether the reciprocal tariffs announced by Trump will be applied to goods that are exported under AGOA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AGOA's extension requires a decision of the U.S. Congress and is thereafter signed into law by the U.S. President. (Reporting by Nqobile Dludla and Nellie Peyton; Editing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo and Gareth Jones) By Leah Douglas (Reuters) - Groups representing U.S. farmers and food processors were mostly critical of President Donald Trump's announcement on Wednesday of sweeping tariffs on imports, which have sparked threats of retaliation and which analysts say will hike prices for consumers. Here is what some farm trade and lobby groups said about the tariffs: FARMER GROUPS The American Farm Bureau Federation, the leading farm lobby, said the tariffs threaten U.S. farmers' competitiveness and could cause long-term damage by eroding market share. "We share the administration's goal of leveling the playing field with our international partners, but increased tariffs threaten the economic sustainability of farmers who have lost money on most major crops for the past three years," Zippy Duvall, the president of the group, said in a statement. The National Farmers Union also criticized the plan, saying it puts farmers at risk during a period of economic strain. "One thing is certain: American family farmers and ranchers will bear the brunt of this global trade war," Rob Larew, the NFU's president, said in a statement. "Without meaningful support and a commitment to fair trade policies, we will lose even more family farms, weaken rural economies, and ultimately drive up costs and limit choices for consumers at the grocery store," he said. DAIRY AND PRODUCE Groups that represent dairy processors and fresh produce growers and retailers said the tariffs risked higher prices for U.S. consumers and smaller markets for farmers. "Broad and prolonged tariffs on our top trading partners and growing markets will risk undermining our investments, raising costs for American businesses and consumers, and creating uncertainty for American dairy farmers and rural communities," Becky Rasdall Vargas, senior vice president of trade and workforce policy at the International Dairy Foods Association, said in a statement. The International Fresh Produce Association said it appreciated that Trump exempted fruits and vegetables covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) from tariffs, but added that it was concerned about tariffs on other trading partners. "The global trade of fresh produce is essential to the health and well-being of people in every nation," Cathy Burns, the CEO of the association, said in a statement. BEEF AND SEAFOOD The few positive reactions came from beef and seafood groups, who said they have been disadvantaged in the global market and see the tariffs as an opportunity for growth. FAIR GROVE, Mo The Fair Grove Police Department announced on social media that it has hired Mark Riggin as the new Police Chief. It has been a frustrating few years of trying to find a long-term solution to Fair Groves highest ranking law enforcement position. Riggin will be the next person to try and bring some continuity to the department. Chief Riggin has a background in the military, graduating from the US Army Military Police School in 1989. He also has service experience in the New Jersey and Missouri Army National Guard. In addition to that, Riggin served the Springfield Police Department for over 24 years, as well as Chief of Police for the Willard School Police agency most recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the department posted the job on its social media pages with a base salary of $70,000 a year. Previous Chief Roy Howell had a brief stint as Chief, taking the job in early 2024, but resigning in January after being placed on administrative leave. Fair Grove Mayor Thomas Voorhis could not disclose his reason for leaving, citing it as a personnel issue he could not discuss. Prior to that, Chief Jim Ewbank resigned which caused a mass exodus of officers from the department. A former officer for the department told Ozarks First in 2024 some officers were treated unfairly. The departure of several officers resulted in the Greene County Sheriffs Office took over patrols for a brief time. In a social media post Wednesday, Mayor Voorhis said, We believe Chief Riggin will be a tremendous asset to the Fair Grove community, and we look forward to his leadership in fostering a safe environment for all residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, a fake doctor from Queens, NY, left one of his patients brain-dead after a botched attempt to remove her butt implants in his illegal home clinic. According to court documents released on Wednesday (April 2), the 31-year-old woman visited Hoyos-Forondas unlicensed place of business on 35th Street near 20th Road in Ditmars-Steinway to have her implants removed around 1 p.m. on Friday. Hoyos-Foronda, 38 who claimed to be a doctor in Colombia administered lidocaine to the victim through a syringe during the procedure, which caused her to go into cardiac arrest. A complaint was later filed in Queens Criminal Court. He left the woman clinging to life, according to New York Post. Exterior photo of Hoyos-Forondas illegal practice She was rushed to Mount Sinai Queens hospital and was listed in critical condition, with Hoyos-Foronda fleeing the scene. The woman was intubated with no brain activity, and appeared to show signs of lidocaine toxicity, per the complaint, which quoted the doctor assigned to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When her friend went back to the illegal clinic to pick up her belongings, the landlord explained what happened and the local authorities were called. Upon arrival, the landlord gave NYPD Hoyos-Forondas photo and they tracked down his car that was headed towards JFK. Authorities say he had a ticket for a flight to Colombia. He was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and unauthorized practice of a profession. He was held without bail during his Sunday arraignment, and is set to reappear in court Thursday morning. Per CBS News, the house is now under a partial vacate order, which states, first apartment operating as a medical office with medical exam table, cosmetic injectable syringes, exam lights. The victim was still unconscious as of Wednesday, and NYPD issued a photo of him via Crime Stoppers in hopes that more victims or anyone with information will come forward. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A New York man was arrested for allegedly illegally performing plastic surgery procedures that left one client brain dead, a New York Police Department spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE. Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, 38, was arrested on Friday, March 28, after medics responded to his call to his home on 35th St. near 20th Road in Astoria, Queens. He was charged with assault in the second degree and unauthorized practice of profession, the NYPD said. Hoyos-Foronda called EMS and then fled the scene, police said, per CBS News. Upon the EMS team's arrival, Fire Department New York medics found a 31-year-old woman in cardiac arrest. She was allegedly administered lidocaine injections, which are commonly used as a local anesthetic to numb specific areas, per the Mayo Clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First responders discovered Hoyos-Forondas makeshift doctors office in his home, and then requested that the police respond to the scene. Hoyos-Foronda's landlord provided detectives with Hoyos-Foronda's information and picture. The city's license plate reader system received a notification on his vehicle, which was on the Van Wyck Expressway near John F. Kennedy International Airport, per CBS News. He was arrested by the Port Authority Police Department inside the airport after he went through security. He reportedly told authorities he was a licensed doctor in Colombia, according to police sources, per the New York Daily News. He had a ticket for a flight to Colombia, police said, per CBS News. Related: Doctor Accused of Injecting Mother's Partner with Flesh Eating Bacteria Under Guise of COVID Shot Getty Stock image of a syringe Stock image of a syringe The woman was transported to Mount Sinai Queens. She is believed to have suffered from lidocaine toxicity, according to prosecutors, per the Daily News. The proposed condition occurs when excessive amounts of the anesthetic enter the bloodstream, and can cause dizziness, agitation and cardiovascular or respiratory failure, per Medical News Today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman has no brain activity and is intubated at the hospital. She is not expected to survive, per the Daily News. Hoyos-Foronda's home is now under a partial vacate order. "[The] first apartment operating as a medical office with medical exam table, cosmetic injectables syringes, exam lights, the order states, per CBS News. Hoyos-Foronda pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail during his arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, PIX11 reports. His next court appearance is on Thursday, April 3, at 9:00 a.m., per court documents obtained by PEOPLE. Related: California Doctor Arrested After Hidden Camera 'Pointed Directly at the Toilet' Is Allegedly Discovered in Clinic Getty stock photo of a NYPD police patrol car stock photo of a NYPD police patrol car Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential. 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. Representatives for the FDNY and Queens District Attorney did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Wednesday. Read the original article on People FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) Former Fall River Police Chief Paul Gauvin has been fired after an outside investigation determined he left threatening items in his desk and unregistered firearms in his locker, Target 12 has learned. Mayor Paul Coogan confirmed Gauvin was fired Monday after an outside investigative firm submitted a report that found Gauvin committed 15 department violations and recommended he be terminated. Coogan said the report has also been forwarded to the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office and the Massachusetts POST Commission, which oversees police officer standards. No criminal charges have been filed. Former Chief Gauvin is responsible for intimidation, workplace harassment, storing unregistered firearms in the FRPD, unduly compensating himself for time worked, and several other FRPD policies, procedures, and code of ethics, wrote investigators from Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting LLC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firms partners include former Massachusetts Public Safety Secretary Daniel Bennett and former Massachusetts State Police Col. Kerry Gilpin. This is conduct unbecoming of a chief and any member of the Fall River Police Department, they wrote. Gauvin responded to the report in a statement, pushing back at the findings and expressing dismay with how this is affecting his reputation. It is with a heavy heart that I address the public today following my unjust dismissal as a civil service employee for the city of Fall River, Gauvin said. The allegations levied against me regarding policy violations are completely unfounded. This investigation was a smear campaign dressed up as due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 90-page report included interviews with more than a dozen police officers and other city officials. Among the most alarming findings included when Gauvin left a bullet and a knife inside his otherwise clean desk when he stepped down in the fall. He returned to his previous rank of captain amid internal strife with police unions, and his successor Police Chief Kelly Furtado took the bullet and knife as a threat. She described her relationship with Gauvin as tumultuous and had filed a harassment complaint against him earlier in her career, according to he report. I was like, Are you kidding me? You know what that means?' Furtado told investigators. Youre a backstabber. Youre going to get a bullet.' Gauvin, who declined through his statement to address the specific allegations, said throughout his career hes upheld the highest standards of integrity, transparency and service to this community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My commitment has always been to the public safety and the well-being of the people I swore to protect, he added. It is disheartening to see my reputation tarnished by those who prioritize their own agendas over the truth. ALSO READ: Family of man killed by Fall River police sues city, officers In an interview with investigators, he attempted to downplay the meaning of the knife and bullet, telling investigators it was mistakenly left behind and it wasnt uncommon for officers to leave behind items for their successors. Gauvin also took a shot at Furtado and anyone else who found them to be threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were always dealing with guns and knives and ammunition, Gauvin told investigators. It wasnt a big deal that you saw one of these things. Certainly not something that would frighten any Fall River police officer whos worth a salt. Investigators asked other officers including Gauvins predecessor former Chief Jeffrey Cardoza if theyd ever left any weapons or ammunition for other officers after stepping down. They said it wouldnt happen because loose ammunition wasnt allowed in desks under departmental policy. Cardoza said he was 1000% sure he didnt leave any ammunition for Gauvin when he stepped down in 2022, adding that he felt Gauvin was attempting to shift culpability to him. Investigators didnt buy Gauvins version of events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is worth noting that Former Chief Gauvin was not leaving these items for a friend, they wrote. Former Chief Gauvins action of leaving a bullet and a knife in the desk drawer was clearly an attempt to threaten, intimidate, and harass Chief Furtado. Furtado who is the first woman to serve as police chief in Fall River has not responded to multiple request for comment for this report. I thought I had taken care of it The other major violations outlined in the report included the discovery of unregistered firearms found in Gauvins locker. Officers said the three firearms were improperly stored in the locker room and they were found when clearing it out. The three weapons not registered to Gauvin were a 25-caliber Beretta, a 380-caliber Davis Industries and an antique Harrington & Richardson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gauvin was interviewed about the weapons by both Fall River police officers and the outside investigators. The report found the former chiefs stories related to the history of the guns were inconsistent. Lt. Matthew Mendes told investigators Gauvin initially reached out to him asking when his personal items would be returned to him, and he became somewhat defensive when he was told they had to run queries on the unregistered guns. Mendes told investigators Gauvin said he should just deliver them to him without without doing any further queries on the firearms, according to the report. After Mendes said that wasnt possible, Gauvin said his friend gave him the weapons so that he could submit them to a gun buyback program, according to the report. Gauvin later told investigators he was given the guns about 15 years ago and had just forgotten to get rid of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought I had taken care of it, Gauvin told investigators. I forgot they were even there. I thought I must have done it. It was never even in my head that I had these things in the locker. When Captain William Platt was investigating the history of the guns, however, he interviewed the man who transferred them to Gauvin and he initially said it was sometime this year. I just cant imagine you dont remember when you gave somebody a firearm or how many firearms you gave somebody, Platt later told investigators. It just seemed disingenuous. TARGET 12: The ultimate conman gets 4 1/2 years for Ponzi scheme Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When investigators later interviewed the same man as part of their report, his story shifted. He told them hed previously misstated information on the timeline of the gun transfer because he was nervous about police. And then he echoed Gauvins previously provided timeframe of 10 to 15 years ago. He also acknowledged Gauvin had called when leaving as chief, saying officers had discovered the guns and he wanted to know whether he should still submit the weapons to a buyback program, according to a report, and the man consented. A concerning aspect of Former Chief Gauvins behavior is his inability to provide consistent and truthful information about the firearms, investigators wrote in the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Chief Gauvins claim that he simply forgot about the guns for over a decade, while they were stored in his locker, is illogical, they added. This dropped in my lap Other violations sustained in the report included allegations that Gauvin took items that didnt belong to him, such as a photo of the Braga Bridge that hung in the department. Investigators also found he cashed out on 40 hours of compensation over a three-year period, even though he claimed it was a mistake and that hed returned all overpaid on-call hours. His claim that he never received payment for these hours was also not truthful, investigators wrote. In a more favorable section of the report to Gauvin, he was cleared of allegations that he took other types of cash-out payments, made harmful and untruthful comments to the media and retaliated against Patrolmans Union President John Ferreira. Gauvin criticized other officers, including those in the unions, for pushing out leaders and trying to drag them down. Because thats Fall River politics, thats Fall River Police Department culture, he told investigators, explaining how the unions voted no-confidence in his predecessor ever after hed left the department. They want to just grind you. It doesnt matter that they succeeded and that they got you out. Mayor Coogan hired the outside investigative firm in December after he said union officials came to him with a list of allegations against Gauvin. Coogan said he hired the firm because he didnt want it to look like he was trying to protect Gauvin, who he considers a longtime friend. This dropped in my lap, Coogan told Target 12 on Wednesday. I asked for none of it, but I got to deal with it. After reviewing the report and handing it over to his personnel team to conduct employment hearings, the mayor said the firearms inside the former chiefs locker made him uncomfortable. I did not like the fact that the police chief would have unregistered handguns in his personal locker, he said. Coogan also said he didnt initially think much of the knife and bullet left in the chiefs desk, offering that it wasnt uncommon during his previous career at Durfee High School to confiscate a knife from a student and toss it into your desk. But the mayor said his feelings shifted after he saw how the items were placed with so much purpose inside the otherwise spotless desk. It was so stark,' he said. Gauvin joined the department in 1997 and became chief in May 2022, taking over an agency thats been roiled in scandals, lawsuits and excessive force cases over the past decade. Gauvin took over as chief from Cardoza, who went out on leave in late 2021 and eventually retired in March 2022. Cardoza succeeded former Police Chief Albert Dupere, who stepped down after a Target 12 investigation discovered he and his subordinate officers would regularly drink alcohol during work hours at a local pub. Coogan, who was first elected to mayor in 2019, said public safety has been the biggest challenge for his administration since he took the helm at Fall River Government Center. He said the position of police chief is especially tough. Thats a brutal job, he said. Youre responsible for the safety of 95,000 people. Everything you do right is taken as part of your job. Everything you do wrong is magnified to an extent that it wears on people and people make mistakes. Gauvin said in his statement that eventually the truth will prevail. I am grateful for the incredible and steadfast support from my family, colleagues, and the many members of this community who know my true character, he said. Editors Note: This story has been updated to include statements from former Police Chief Paul Gauvin. Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook. Tim White (twhite@wpri.com) is Target 12 managing editor and chief investigative reporter and host of Newsmakers for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military's latest two-day joint exercises around Taiwan Island and in the middle and southern areas of the Taiwan Strait have sent an unmistakable message. As both government and military spokespersons have emphasized, the drills served as a stern warning in the face of Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's secessionist attempts. No sovereign nation turns a blind eye to attempts of territorial division. China is no exception. Its response to such provocations underscores a fundamental principle: safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity is imperative. Since taking office less than a year ago, Lai has stubbornly adhered to a separatist stance, openly promoting the new "two states" theory and attempting to seek independence by force and with external support. Lately, the Taiwan leader put forward 17 strategies to counter so-called threats from the mainland, coupled with rhetoric portraying the mainland as a "hostile external force." Among the strategies are measures to restrict mutual visits by Taiwan and mainland residents, investigate Taiwan residents who hold mainland identity documents, expand the scope of scrutiny over Taiwan artists' remarks and behaviors, and establish a review system targeting cross-Strait exchanges in religion, culture and education. People who oppose "Taiwan independence" and call for improving cross-Strait relations were harassed by the Lai authorities. Three mainland spouses of Taiwan residents were expelled from the island for openly voicing support for reunification. Lai's actions fully confirm that he is nothing short of a troublemaker, a risk creator, and a war instigator. Faced with these provocations, the mainland must take resolute countermeasures. Failure to respond would constitute a glaring appeasement of secession, risking the legitimacy of the Chinese government and the support of its people, with peace across the Taiwan Strait hanging in the balance. In this sense, the drills demonstrate the mainland's consistent efforts to uphold peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard the safety and well-being of compatriots in Taiwan. The more forcefully the mainland counters and punishes the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, the more promising the prospects for peaceful reunification will be. China's position has always been clear and firm: it is committed to pursuing the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost effort. However, if "Taiwan independence" separatist forces provoke or attempt to cross the red line, the mainland will be left with no choice but to take resolute action. China's determination to achieve national reunification is as firm as a rock. Should Lai and his secessionist clique go further down the path of separatism, it will only lead to their own demise. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The Columbus fire union said the Columbus Division of Fire is facing a critical vehicle shortage, but the city Fleet Administrator said theres no such issue. NBC4 Investigates sat down with Fleet Administrator Kelly Reagan to discuss Columbus Division of Fire (CFD) vehicle concerns. Reagan said there is a lack of funds, but called the shortage a false narrative, saying CFD has enough trucks for its needs. However, fire union statements and internal CFD emails show the division is having to make tough choices because there are not enough vehicles, including possibly undertraining the current recruit class. Yes, its aging. Is it aging beyond use? No, Reagan said. Is there enough equipment that they can do training? Yes. So I think its important to understand that the narrative just needs to be corrected a bit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio libraries could lose millions in federal funding Emails dated last week show members of CFD leadership debated delaying the 122 Classs April 11 graduation or placing recruits on the streets without standard vehicle training. Union President Steve Stein called both choices unacceptable, and last Thursdays training had to be canceled due to a lack of usable vehicles. NBC4 Investigates asked about these documented concerns, but Reagan maintained there is no shortage. Courtesy photo Courtesy photo Courtesy photo Courtesy photo Courtesy photo Courtesy photo Reagan took on the role managing the citys fleet of vehicles 18 years ago, and he said there was no fire vehicle replacement standard when he took the helm. He said he worked with CFD to establish a conservative replacement standard. Using these replacement standards, a 2024 CFD Fleet Analysis found 66% of the current fleet is past its life expectancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC4 Investigates showed Reagan the 2024 Fleet Analysis to ask about these replacement concerns. He said it may have used data from the Fleet division, but said he had never seen the document before. Both Stein and Reagan said vehicular concerns are more pressing because of increased costs and wait times after COVID-19. Manufacturing that used to take 12 months now requires up to four or five years of waiting, so replacements must be ordered years in advance. With these delays, the fleet analysis found 65 of a total 198 CFD vehicles need replaced immediately, and 13 more should be replaced soon. City fleet maintenance records obtained by NBC4 Investigates show vehicles were out of service a total of 409 days in March 2016. This average has increased, and 2025 records show a monthly average of 584 days vehicles are out of service. Reagan said he thought those numbers didnt mean as much, saying repair turnaround times are a better gage of fleet maintenance. How Trumps liberation day tariffs could affect Ohioans Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reagan said last month, his department opened 151 work orders for CFD equipment, 125 of which they closed within 24 hours. However, city maintenance records obtained by NBC4 only list 12 of 45 total work orders as taking less than one week to complete. The data may not include work orders closed within a few hours, but it does include orders that only took one day to complete. Not having enough equipment is absolutely a false narrative, Reagan said. I would put our apparatus and our age of our apparatus up against any other city in the state of Ohio, much less than the Midwest. Our fleet is in excellent condition. Columbus is growing more quickly than any other Ohio city, and is the second-fastest growing Midwest city. Stein said this rapid growth is contributing to increased wear and tear on vehicles. Stein said this situation is not about placing blame, but the union is asking the city to come to the table to figure out a solution. Both the union and Reagan agreed that the fleet needs more funding. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther gave NBC4 the following statement about fleet concerns: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I share the Division of Fires commitment to protecting Columbus residents through timely, high-quality emergency services. As such, I find it important to reiterate that there are presently zero gaps in in Columbus Fires response capability. Today, every Columbus Fire Station has a vehicle to meet its service needs. Columbus taxpayers have spent nearly $46 million on fire and EMS vehicles since 2020. As we have invested considerably, we and cities across the country have been challenged by equipment inflation of up to 50% and significant supply chain delays. This means that even our generous resources dont go as far, or deliver results as quickly, as they used to. While our fleet is in good working order, our first responders deserve the best. I will use our 2025 Capital Budget and work alongside the Departments of Finance and Public Safety to continue to ensure that every fire station has the quality and quantity of equipment they need to serve every neighborhood. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For families with sick kids, the rise of vaccine hesitancy could be life-threatening Colleen Thomas' son was born missing a part of his immune system. The Indiana mother didn't know that immediately, but there were signs. The little boy was always sickconstant congestion and respiratory infections. Thomas had to hold a breathing mask over her son's face as he slept and wheezed. "That was just for a cold," Thomas recalled. "It was horrible." Thomas' son was 3 when he was diagnosed with an immunodeficiency that made him susceptible to severe illness if he was exposed to respiratory infections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Once he was diagnosed by an immunologist, it all became very clear that he'd been really lucky, that he had only caught mild viruses and coldseven though it wasn't mild for him," she said. "He's very lucky he didn't come into contact with something like measles or pertussis." "There was a point at which the doctor looked at me and said, 'I don't know if he would survive those,'" Thomas added. "That is scary." Even before his diagnosis, Thomas' son got all his childhood vaccinations, The 19th reports. Now, with the news of a measles outbreak in Texascoupled with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, becoming head of the nation's health departmentThomas worries about the future of vaccine research, messaging and hesitancy in the country. For parents of kids and adult children with immunocompromised systems, the consequences of fewer people vaccinating themselves and their children could be life-threateningparticularly for young children, children and adults with medically complex needs and disabilities, and older Americans. Often the people advocating most on their behalf are parents, or members of the sandwich generation who have young children and also care for aging parents. Many of them are women, who are credited with making family health decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas' son, who is now 12 and much healthier, for a long time relied on the chance that enough people around himat places like school, the park, and even the grocery storewere vaccinated. High rates of vaccination can achieve herd immunity, the indirect protection of a community from an infectious disease. It can also be achieved through natural infection, but it leads to more severe illness and even death. Medical experts worry about the impact on herd immunity if more people decline vaccinations. The percentage of people who need to be immune from a disease varies, but herd immunity for measles needs to be about 95 percent. "The good news is that the vast majority of adults in the U.S. are vaccinated," said Dr. Elizabeth Jacobs, a cancer and nutritional epidemiologist who has studied vaccine hesitancy, in an email. "Over time, however, as vaccination coverage continues to drop, we can expect to see more outbreaks of diseases that are preventable." Herd immunity protects not just people with weakened immune systems, but also people who can't get vaccinated yet like newborns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are already issues that we've been working to address by creating herd immunity, so it protects those people that need this most because of whatever reasons they can't get a vaccine," said Dr. Regina Davis Moss, who advocates for equitable health outcomes through In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda. She previously worked for the federal health department, Kaiser Health and the American Public Health Association. "The beauty of living in the United States is that we do have freedom, we do have choice," she said. "But that doesn't mean it doesn't have consequencesthat doesn't mean that other people don't get hurt." Concerns about vaccine hesitancy come as childhood vaccination rates are declining, and there is a rise in the so-called "medical freedom" movement, which essentially rejects government interference in health choices. "I feel like what gets lost in this discussion is parents who also want to make sure that their communities and their child's school are healthy," said Rekha Lakshmanan, chief strategic officer at The Immunization Partnership, a Texas-based nonprofit that educates the public and state lawmakers on the importance of vaccinations. "Those parents, too, have a right to make sure that we're living in a society and in a community that is free from disease. Their rights are getting lost in all this discussion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas said the population of people who are anti-vaccinemeaning they will not accept medical science on the safety of vaccinesis smaller than people realize. "Most people are not that way," she said. "But that tiny group is very loud, and so I have to be the counter voice." Pennsylvania resident Erica Finkelstein-Parker's adult son, Djino, was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2021 at the age of 15. He received oncology treatments for a year, which culminated with a liver transplant. Today, the 19-year-old is on immunosuppressant medication that has weakened his immune system and makes him more susceptible to severe illness. Finkelstein-Parker makes sure her family is up to date on vaccines. But it won't be enough for her son if there are increasing instances of widespread infection among unvaccinated people. The measles outbreak in Texasamong mostly childrenis in a county with one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can't tell you how angry I get when I hear people say, 'It's my right to not vaccinate,'" she said. "It's not somebody's right to endanger somebody else." Childhood vaccination rates have been declining since around the start of the pandemic, a period of rising disinformation and misinformation about vaccine safety that experts contend influenced some parents to be more skeptical about vaccines. (The nation's vaccines are safe, effective and highly regulated.) "Refusing vaccines is withdrawing from the community health bank without depositing anything back into it," Jacobs said. "A lot of people think that choosing not to vaccinate will only affect their own children, but this is not true." During the pandemic, an anti-vaccine nonprofit that Kennedy founded was linked to widespread messaging against the COVID-19 vaccines, according to an investigation by The Associated Press. At the height of the pandemic, the same group asked the federal government to rescind approval of the COVID-19 vaccines, claiming the health risks outweighed the benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who are anti-vaccine consciously challenge the safety of vaccines despite research that confirms they are safe. Then there are people who lack enough information about existing vaccine safety data, but are willing to change their minds. Lakshmanan said that the public should not equate these groups as the same, since the latter is open to changing their minds. "They're just genuinely trying to decipher and swim through the vast amount of information to help inform them as to how they want to approach vaccines for their children," she said. Keesha Middlemass is a political science professor at Howard University who has examined the history of racist medical research, misinformation and its impact on vaccine hesitancy among Black people. Middlemass said it's important to acknowledge that American society is facing a fractured media ecosystem that will make vaccine education more difficult moving forward. "People don't trust government," she said. "The lack of trust in government, plus the disinformation in this echo chamber of information, leads to vaccine hesitancy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his Senate confirmation hearings, Kennedy was repeatedly asked about his history of anti-vaccine activism and related views. He refused to say that vaccines don't cause autism. (They do not.) Kennedy also claimed support for the measles vaccine and the polio vaccine. During one of his first remarks as secretary, Kennedy indicated an interest in reviewing the childhood vaccine schedule in order to address chronic disease. As HHS secretary, Kennedy oversees the research and approval of vaccines but does not have authority to revoke vaccine mandates that were put in place by statehouses around the country. But some legislatures and state officials have begun to dismantle that safety net. In Louisiana, the surgeon general there announced this month that the state would stop promoting mass vaccination. Lawmakers in several states have filed bills aimed at expanding the types of reasons that parents can use to exempt their children from vaccines. Now with RFK Jr. as HHS secretary, Lakshmanan said she won't be surprised if vaccine hesitancy gets more air time on social media and other mediums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's going to just create even more confusion for parents," she said. Lakshmanan said it's important that people call out bad faith messaging on vaccines, including from medical professionals and doctors within the halls of state legislatures. "We should hold lawmakers, policymakers and decisionmakers accountable when they try to normalize misinformation about vaccines," she said. "At the end of the day, it's about protecting kids and putting kids over the politics around this issue." Middlemass said the way forward will be a vaccine education, but it can't be a one-size-fits-all approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Vaccine education needs to be culturally relevant. A single campaign for everybody is not appropriate," she said. "There's got to be a huge push for vaccine education through a public health lens that connects with different communities. You need credible messengers. You need to be able to approach parents where they are, versus telling them what they must do." Finkelstein-Parker is observing all of this with frustration. She promotes vaccines through a social media account, writes to her congressional leaders and plans on getting more politically involved locally. For her, it's personal. She adopted a child, a daughter named Emmalee, in 2005. Emmalee died in 2011 at age 8 from complications related to a measles infection she contracted prior to her adoption, in her home country of India. Finkelstein-Parker's daughter's case was rare, but emerging measles outbreaks in the United States shows what's at stake for other families. "I am a vaccine advocate because for people walking around unvaccinated, if they get measles as an adult, they're going to be really sorry. If their kids get it, they land in the hospital," she said. Today, Thomas said her son is thriving after years of surgeries and treatment. She volunteers for an Indiana vaccine advocacy organization that does outreach to parents and lawmakers. Thomas wonders about the families and friends in her community whose children are as vulnerable as her son was as a toddler and young child. She implored mothers in particular to seek science-based information. "If they're not going to take the time to go to the doctor and really listen and ask questions, then they're going to run with this misinformation," she said. "And they're not doing it because they're trying to be negligent or hurt their kids. They're trying to do the very best they can for their kids, and we're just victims of this manipulation." This story was produced by The 19th and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. The American children of a British couple held captive by Afghanistan's ruling Taliban regime appealed Wednesday to President Trump in a video, asking for his help in securing their release. Britons Peter and Barbie Reynolds, both in their 70s, were detained by the Taliban on Feb. 1 this year alongside their American friend, Faye Hall, and their Afghan interpreter, as they traveled to the British couple's home in Afghanistan's central Bamiyan province, the Reynolds family told CBS News. Faye Hall, an American citizen, was released last Saturday into the custody of Qatari officials who helped broker her release and return to the U.S., just as the Reynolds family marked eight weeks of their parents being in Taliban captivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's ambassador in Qatar, told CBS News that Hall was released as a "goodwill gesture" and that they "want to have positive relations with (the) U.S. and other countries." Peter and Barbie Reynolds have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, where they run a registered organization that provides teacher training to local schools and education reform that integrates Islamic values, their family told CBS News. They have Afghan passports that allow them to travel freely in and out of the country, and their work is known and supported by local Afghan elders and police, the family said. After the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the Reynolds were invited to present their work to senior leaders, and Barbie was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation, believed to be the first such award ever given to a woman by the Taliban, the family said. "We are overjoyed that Faye Hall has been released after eight weeks in an Afghan prison. She endured an unimaginable ordeal. We are in close contact with her and deeply grateful she's safe," the Reynolds' children said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But their parents continue to be held without being charged. "Each week, they are promised a court date that never materializes," the family said. "Our father's health is rapidly deteriorating. He's run out of vital medication," the family also said. "Our mother is also weak and desperately in need of iron supplements. Their physical condition is worsening by the day." In a video filmed by the family outside the White House on Wednesday, the Reynolds' American son, Jonathan, with his daughter Annabelle by his side, appealed to President Trump. "We are continuously told that (our parents) have done nothing wrong, they have committed no crime, and they will be released shortly. But still they remain in jail. Last week, you were somehow able to get Faye Hall out," Jonathan states in the video, addressing Mr. Trump directly. "We have been told by the British government that they're doing everything they can to see my parents released. Yetas a (Briton) by birth, American by choiceI'm standing here appealing to you to help get my parents out of that jail. I love this country. I've lived here for 26 years, and I'm standing here with my youngest daughter and the youngest grandchild of Peter and Barbie Reynolds. They have 13 American citizen grandkids, great grandkids and children, and we are appealing to you to do everything that you can to get them out of that jail and out of their country," Jonathan also said in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Please get my grandparents out. I just want to see them again, please. I know you can, and I really want you to. Please," Anabelle said in the video. "My whole family13 American citizensare appealing to you, Mr. Trump, as one leader that we believe can actually do this," Jonathan said at the end of the video. Peter and Barbie have four children, 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, of whom two sons, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild are American citizens, their daughter Susie Romer told CBS News. Their sons, including Jonathan, live in Chicago, and Susie, who is a green card holder, lives in California. Friends detained together Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter and Barbie Reynolds were detained by Taliban authorities along with Faye Hall in Bamiyan province, central Afghanistan on Feb. 1. Hall, an American citizen from California and friend of the Reynolds, had traveled to Afghanistan to visit the couple and help them with their humanitarian work, according to the Reynolds family. Just one day after Hall arrived in the country, the three traveled from Kabul to central Bamiyan province, where the Reynolds' Afghan home is located, and were arrested along with their Afghan interpreter. After eight weeks of imprisonment, Barbie Reynolds and Faye Hall were summoned by Taliban authorities to the gate of their prison compound last Thursday, according to the Reynolds family, who have been granted permission by the Taliban to speak with their parents by phone. Both women then insisted that all four detainees should be released together, but the Taliban authorities forcibly separated Hall from Barbie Reynolds and took her away. The Reynolds family told CBS News that Hall had again pleaded for the release of the other three, but was told by Taliban authorities, "We are only dealing with you." Hall was then released to Qatari officials shortly after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter and Barbie are still being held in separate wings of the same Kabul prison, in "harsh and degrading conditions", the Reynolds family said, with no consular access or legal representation. The U.S. and U.K. suspended embassy operations in Kabul when the capital fell to the Taliban in August 2021. The Taliban have repeatedly denied written requests by Peter and Barbie to see each other, the family said. The family has told CBS News that the Taliban had given prior assurances that the case of all four detainees would be resolved as a group. The family also told CBS News that they're not aware of any coordination by both the U.K. and U.S. governments towards trying to get all three hostages out at once prior to Faye Hall's release. A U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Spokesperson said in a statement, "We are supporting the family of two British nationals who are detained in Afghanistan." A U.K. official also told CBS News, "We do not comment on specific cases. Our travel advice is clear that individuals should not travel to Afghanistan. There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained and the Government's ability to help those in need of consular support is extremely limited". On Hall's release, the State Department said in a statement, Monday, "We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Qatar for its support of American citizens in need and we thank the European Union delegation in Kabul for their assistance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's former special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, confirmed Hall's release via a post on X on Saturday. Khalilzad accompanied Adam Boehler, whom the White House has told CBS News is a "special government employee for hostage negotiations", to meet Taliban authorities in Kabul last month. The visit was the first by U.S. officials since the 2021 Taliban takeover. American George Glezmann was released after that visit, in what Trump's former envoy for Afghanistan also described as a "goodwill" gesture by the Taliban. President Trump intends to withdraw his nomination of Adam Boehler for the official State Department role of Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, two sources told CBS News last month, so that Boehler can avoid divesting from his own business interests. "Adam Boehler will continue to serve President Trump as a special government employee focused on hostage negotiations," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told CBS News. The Taliban have arbitrarily detained many U.S., British and other Western nationals in the past three years in what appears to be a deliberate effort to use them to secure concessions from the West. In January, Americans Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty were freed in a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and the Taliban, for Khan Mohammed, an Afghan serving a life sentence in a federal prison in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authors of "Autism Out Loud" on motherhood, diagnosis and growth on the spectrum Democratic-backed candidate wins record-breaking Wisconsin Supreme Court seat Highlights from Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement and early reactions BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A mother has filed a lawsuit against Freds Bar & Grill and others after a fight at the popular Tigerland bar in March 2024 led to the death of Devin Repath, the father of her two children. Sheylli Pantoja, on behalf of her minor children, alleges that the bar, its insurance company, and several employees failed to protect their patrons from foreseeable harm. The lawsuit claims that an altercation in the bar turned into a violent fight outside, which led to Repaths death. Repath, 26, died days after the altercation at Freds Bar. According to the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroners Office, he suffered blunt force trauma to the head, and his death was ruled a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities arrested Matthew Marsiglia, 21, charging him with manslaughter in connection with the incident. The lawsuit also names Vincent Leco as a defendant, alleging he was involved in the fight. The lawsuit claims Freds Bar staff did not intervene quickly enough to remove either Repath and Leco, when they knew or should have known their level of inebriation and potential for causing harm. Pantojas lawsuit says her children, who are Wrongful Death beneficiaries, seek all damages and claims in their fathers death, including loss of his love, companionship, financial support and funeral expenses. Bar fight leads to Repaths death According to arrest documents, officers arrived at Freds Bar on March 23 and found Repath lying on his back with serious head injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance footage showed two groups of men speaking to each other. Repath reportedly walked behind several of his friends and punched a person in the head. One person charged at him but was restrained by his friends, and the groups were separated. The situation escalated outside. Arrest documents said Repath, seen exchanging words with Marsiglia and another person, attempted to strike Marsiglia in the parking lot but missed. Marsiglia shoved Repath with both hands, causing him to fall backward and hit his head on the pavement. Witnesses told police they saw Repath and Marsiglia arguing but did not hear what was said. Repaths friends attempted to get help from the authorities nearby. The lawsuit claims that the bar and its staff could have stopped Repaths death by getting involved before the fight got worse outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Marsiglia pleaded not guilty. According to court records, his motion hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo. A tornado near Potosi destroyed two homes along Highway 185 on Wednesday. Teacher Jenna Long was at home with three kids when her husband called, saying he saw a tornado headed her way. I then got into our cellar that we made for a storm cellar, and we were not even in there for seconds and we could hear everything crashing above us and our house being blown away, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News What she saw next, she said, was surreal. I just remember looking out of stairwell and it was just sunlight. There was no roof and no house and thats when I realized how bad and how devastating it was to our home, Long said. Her roof is missing and the whole back of the house is gone. The farm the Longs live on is littered with downed trees and debris. Fire Chief Roger LaChance said his crew spent hours clearing trees from roads so they could rescue three people trapped in their homes. Id like to thank the public because they came out and supported us and helped get the people out. Theres a lot of people with chainsaws. A couple of guys brought their skid steers out, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When and where the flooding rain is expected near St. Louis The long family built their home themselves, thankfully with a storm cellar. As they look to rebuild, they are warning others to take tornado warnings seriously. Take it seriously and get into a safe place. I honestly hesitated at first and Im happy I went ahead and went down when I did, as quickly as I did, because we probably would not be here right now, Long said. Ameren crews were out on Highway 185 Thursday afternoon, restoring downed power lines. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DES MOINES, Iowa A fan-favorite donut vendor wont be returning to the Iowa State Fair in 2025. Iowa familys shoe store celebrating a century in business Peacheys Baking Co. and their sought after glazed donuts made their debut at the fair in 2023. After two successful years the company announced it would not be returning to the fair in 2025. According to the company, the decision to cut back on their event schedule was made so they could focus on opening a donut shop in their home city of Sarasota, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing and weather during the Iowa State Fair were not ideal for our operations. We will miss being there! the company said in a statement. The donut company will still travel across the U.S. this summer, with the closest stop to Iowa being in Minnesota. Iowa News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Rising temperatures have fueled a disease outbreak that threatens Nigeria's ginger industry. What's happening? Nigeria is renowned for the superior quality of its ginger, making it one of the world's largest producers. A ginger blight outbreak has led to a devastating 74% drop in Nigerian ginger exports, according to Ingredients Network. Fungal infections and high production costs have left Nigeria's ginger industry on the brink of collapse, affecting the global supply chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nigerian farmers reported losses of up to 90%. Despite the government allocating $1 million in support, many growers are struggling due to rising costs and surging seed prices. Why is Nigerian ginger blight important? Ginger is used as a spice in foods and beverages, and medicinally for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Nigerian ginger is known for its intense flavor and aroma, making it a preferred choice for importers. However, the outbreak has forced buyers to turn to other sources, like China, India, and Peru, for lower-priced ginger. The loss of market share has forced some Nigerian farmers to abandon growing ginger in favor of turmeric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rising temperatures have triggered extreme flooding in Nigeria, costing human lives and spreading illnesses. This same extreme weather has been linked to the fungal outbreak. Flash floods, drought, and heat waves are plant stressors that increase the risk of fungal infestations. Extreme flooding and rising water temperatures provide further aid to plant pathogens. In Nigeria, 51% of farming areas are at risk of flooding. "We are witnessing the clear and present existential threats of climate change and its impact on our local food systems. Climate change is real," said Aliyu Abdullahi, Nigerian Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, per BusinessDay. Extreme weather is a threat to global food security. When crops fail, food prices rise, and governments foot the bill for millions in losses. It's not just ginger, fungal disease threatens wheat production. Bad weather has caused potato yields to drop in Europe. What's being done about Nigerian ginger blight? Nigerian farmers are adapting to ward off diseases. Experts are looking to adopt sustainable farming practices and adjust planting timing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nigerian government established a task force to contain the spread. This includes research into disease-resistant ginger varieties and services to educate farmers on disease management best practices. Scientists are working to secure food sources as our planet warms. Researchers are developing plants with flood-resistant roots. Progress has been made to combat fungus with an alternative to chemical sprays. Some farmers have chosen to adapt by growing safer crops. "Building a sustainable agricultural future that guarantees sufficient and affordable food for all requires an innovative shift in our conventional farm practices," said Benjamin Echor of Nigeria's Eco-farms and Agro-services to Premium Times. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. ATHENS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people died after their boat sank on Thursday off the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece's coast guard told Xinhua. The boat carrying refugees and migrants capsized under unclear circumstances off the northern coast of the island early Thursday morning. So far, 23 people have been rescued, while search efforts continue. It was not immediately known how many people may have been on the boat. A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway on both land and sea. The mission involves three Greek coast guard patrol vessels, one passing ship, and three vehicles. A helicopter is also assisting in the effort to locate missing persons, according to Greek public broadcaster ERT. Apr. 2MITCHELL With another spring planting season approaching, farmers in Mitchell and the surrounding areas are again training their eyes skyward in the hopes more precipitation is on the way to help ease the effects of a widespread drought across the state. It is probably the first and foremost thought on the minds of producers as they gear up for planting, which is expected to get underway in the next several weeks to a month. "Farmers really care about their moisture," David Klingberg, executive director of the Davison County Farm Service Agency, told the Mitchell Republic. "It is definitely dry, and most guys are concerned about the future. Many of us understand by now that the weather is just one of the many things that we can't control, and so while we complain about it, we're just resolved that we're not going to fix it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a different scene across the state than it was at this time in 2024. According to the United States Drought Monitor, the entire state of South Dakota is currently under some level of drought conditions. The worst conditions as of March 25 were in the southwest portion of the state, much of which registered as level D3, which indicates extreme drought. The rest of the state is better, but still dry. Much of the north central, northeastern, central and south central portion of the state is under a D2 level, meaning severe drought. The remainder of the state is under D1, or moderate drought conditions. At this time in 2024, only about 50% of the state was experiencing drought conditions. The area received a hard soaking mid-summer last year, but since then precipitation in the form of rain or snow has been relatively scarce. Several surrounding states are experiencing similar conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States Department of Agriculture reported March 31 that South Dakota topsoil moisture supplies rated at 52% very short, 37% short, 11% adequate and 0% surplus. On subsoil moisture, figures were 51% very short, 38% short, 11% adequate and 0% surplus. "In June of 2024, we got 11 inches in three days, so were we okay before that? Yeah. After that? Yeah. But in July and August it turned hot and dry and we didn't get a whole lot after that, so (the dry conditions) started way back in June," Klingberg said. "We just didn't get any substantial moisture after that." There isn't much producers can do to counteract Mother Nature, Klingberg said. There are always challenges associated with planting and harvest, with farmers wrestling with crop choices based on potential prices or using particular strains of seeds that do better in certain conditions. Adding drought conditions only throws more questions into the mix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The problem with farming is the variables, there are just too many to consider. At one point in time some guys were saying they were going away from soybeans because there were too many soybeans produced and the price would drop. Others were conflicting that because everybody thought that others were going in the opposite direction," Klingberg said. "It's a mind game where we try to figure out what will make us the most money. Then throw the drought in there." Farmers could tailor their seeds to variants that are drought resistant, a common practice depending on conditions. Dry conditions could also elevate the danger of field fires, something that producers will have to keep an eye on. Spring is not an uncommon time for landowners to burn their CRP acres, but with winds and dry conditions there could be less of that in 2025. On the plus side, there should be little need to avoid low spots in the field, as there is little standing water as tractors are prepared to head out and plant. It's a chance for farmers to go fence line to fence line with their planters, but without timely rain in the future, the results could be moot, Klingeberg said. "I would think that if they have a wish list and they could get what they want, I would say a couple of inches this week and a couple inches next week. I think they would take a few inches of rain to make up for the drought until they really want to hit the field hard and then hold off," Klingberg said. "And then a couple of inches every week." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temperatures for the next couple of weeks are expected to see highs ranging from the mid-40s this week to as high as the mid-70s later in April. Dry planting conditions also mean dry conditions for livestock, something else producers will be keeping an eye on, Klingberg said. "Guys are heavy into calving, if not all the way through it. Some stock dams are low. Those calves don't have the immune system built up and when it's dry and dusty it gets in their lungs and causes problems, so they're concerned about that," Klingberg said. "Everybody is busy, and everyone is getting ready for the next thing, either fixing fences or picking rocks or getting ready for fertilizing and tillage. Everybody seems to be busy." The United States Department of Agriculture is predicting a rise in corn acres and a drop in soybean acres in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the latest survey from the National Agricultural Statistics Service, a division of the USDA, South Dakota producers intend to plant about 6.3 million acres of corn this year, which is a 7% bump from 2024. Less soybeans are expected to be planted, however, with about 5.10 million acres expected, a drop of 6% from last year. Hay acreage is also expected to be down, with 2.7 million acres predicted, also down about 6% from last year. Winter wheat seeded in the fall of 2024 is estimated at 800,000 acres, down 7% from last year. Other spring wheat planting intentions are at 660,000 acres, unchanged from last year. Stock.adobe.com photo by Jim. Program Open Space has done an extraordinary job in conserving Marylands most valuable natural lands and providing funding for local recreational facilities, playgrounds and parks. However, in the history of Program Open Space and the land conservation and recreation programs funded under its umbrella, the funds have been diverted several times to fund critical state needs during times of budget crises. Heres how to be sure they dont disappear forever in this budget crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revenues that fund POS and a host of other conservation and recreation projects are generated by a one-half of 1% transfer tax on the sale of homes. When the program began in 1969, it was thought that the funds would be sufficient to protect 10% of Marylands open spaces. Since then, the revenues have exceeded the wildest expectations of the governors, legislative leaders and agency staff who were the architects of the program. Your opinion matters Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org. We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates. Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Views of writers are their own. Maryland has now protected 30% of its open space lands and has expanded the Program Open Space to include a host of other valuable preservation programs including the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, the Rural Legacy program, capital maintenance of state park facilities and increased development of recreational facilities at the local level. But the success of Program Open Space and its related conservation programs has made its funding source a fat target when lean times come around. This is not an unexpected outcome for special funds or state trust funds to be the first place that the executive and legislative branches look for relief when budget crises arise. In the history of Program Open Space some or all the transfer tax revenues were diverted from 2002-2006 and again from 2009-2016, even in spite of legislation requiring the funds to be reimbursed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fast forward to the present day. The state is facing a structural deficit of more than $3 billion, and this does not take into consideration the yet-to-be-determined losses of state and local revenues from Trump administration cuts to budget and personnel. Maryland is particularly at risk because of the high proportion of federal workers who reside and work in the state. What does this mean for the current budget and the future of land conservation in Maryland? There are a few lessons from history to guide present deliberations. This isnt the first time and it wont be the last time that budget crises will make Program Open Space vulnerable. Yes, it is likely that the governor and legislature will take some or all the POS revenues. There needs to be strong, unified public pressure on the executive and legislative branches to restore the funding by a date-certain, and to renew the call for the restoration of funds each year. In previous diversions of POS funding, a very vocal and effective coalition formed to focus on tracking the diversions and calling for restoration of funding. The present diversions should be a wake-up call to revitalize this very effective coalition. The strength of the original Partners for Open Space Coalition was in its diversity and unity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A simple, unified message needs to resonate among advocates to the legislature and governor: Restore the funds! In previous diversions, the POS coalition was successful in gaining a promise to return full funding to Program Open Space History has shown that annually taking all the POS revenues is a bad idea. In times of past diversions, unique opportunities to protect extremely valuable and important natural resource lands and waters, scenic resources and agricultural lands were lost because the state was unable to act in sufficient time to conserve the resource. The simple message here is: Dont take all the funds each year. Homebuyers, rural and urban communities, farmers and landowners will suffer a true loss when these funds are diverted. By taking these funds from their dedicated purpose, Marylanders will have fewer parks, fewer protected lands, less ability to adapt to climate change and sea level rise, and in effect, will pay a tax for a service that is never delivered to them or their communities. These are lean times that we are entering, and we dont know how mean they will be or how long they will last. We do know that Program Open Space has immeasurably enriched Maryland. History shows us that we can weather the storm and still sustain the best of what this conservation program has brought us by restoring it to full productivity when the crisis is over. Father Richard Estrada, a leading figure in the immigrant rights movement who was known for opening Los Angeles first shelter for homeless migrant youth and dedicating his life to advocating for the downtrodden, died Monday at the age of 83. Estrada was hospitalized in March for pneumonia after contracting COVID-19, and he died from COVID-related complications, according to Angie Jimenez, a family friend. Estrada, the son of Mexican immigrants, was born in Los Angeles on March 1, 1942. His father worked as a welder and his mother cleaned office buildings. He devoted his adult years to championing the causes of people he believed were treated as second-class citizens, including immigrants, farmworkers, women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estrada was a tireless advocate for migrants who crossed into the U.S. illegally to flee violence and poverty, find work and provide for their families. Over 30 years of activism, he helped deliver thousands of gallons of water to migrants traversing the desert along the border, offered his church as sanctuary for people threatened with deportation, and mortgaged his home to raise money for Jovenes Inc., the nonprofit migrant youth organization he founded. From 1977 to 2014, Estrada served as an associate pastor at Our Lady Queen of Angels, a Catholic church known as La Placita, before leaving to join the Episcopal Church, saying he felt its tenets better aligned with his values. Father Richard Estrada was a visionary, Andrea Marchetti, executive director of Jovenes, said. His sense of humanity and his unconditional commitment and love for the most vulnerable were the guiding principles for all the actions he led, no matter the challenges he faced in his later years. Jovenes Inc. began organically as Estrada, in the late 1980s, started seeing young migrants showing up at his church on Olvera Street without parents or support. He opened his home in East Los Angeles to many of them before founding Jovenes in 1989. With Estrada's support, the operation has flourished and expanded over the years into a vibrant Boyle Heights campus offering a continuum of services spanning housing, healthcare, education and career development for 700 young people, ages 18 to 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2015 profile, he told The Times that he was guided by the concept of la posada meaning inn or lodging. Im into giving shelter, he told reporter Kate Linthicum. Read more: Great Read: Activist L.A. priest follows religion of acceptance At La Placita, he opened the churchs doors to shelter migrant youth during a time of tense discourse about immigration, and federal officials accused him of promoting illegal behavior. He handcuffed himself to a federal building to bring attention to the plight of immigrants in detention, the first of about a dozen times he would be arrested for civil disobedience, Jimenez said. His last arrest happened in 2023, at age 81, as he marched for workers' rights. He also opened his La Placita church to weekly HIV testing, working with Richard Zaldivar, founder of The Wall Las Memorias Project, at a time when the Catholic Church was not welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Zaldivar remembers asking Estrada if he was worried about getting in trouble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was like a shooting star; he didn't give a damn, Zaldivar recalled. He inspired so many people to believe that you could change the community and change systems by raising your voice and organizing. He also inspired people to believe in their faith faith in God, but also the faith in yourself that you can create a better community. In the 1970s, Estrada organized for farmworker rights alongside Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, participating in marches for the United Farm Workers and organizing grape boycotts in East Los Angeles. He was a key figure in the Chicano movement, lending his stature as a religious leader to advocate for underserved communities. When he advocated to open the first shelter for undocumented youth, hundreds of people showed up in opposition, recalled state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, who represents central and East L.A. He remained calm, understanding their fears, but reminding everyone about our humanity. Actor Edward James Olmos said he got to know Estrada through their shared interests in immigrant rights and speaking to incarcerated youth. Over the years, Estrada leaned on Olmos to support various causes, and Olmos often answered that call. OK, Father, were on our way, he would tell Estrada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olmos said he remembers Estrada voicing frustrations as it grew clear that ranking members of the Catholic Church had covered up sexual abuse of children, an episode that contributed to his decision to leave the institution and another example of his conviction to speak his mind. He was one of the greatest human beings that Ive run across in my lifetime, Olmos said. As a minister at the Church of the Epiphany, an Episcopal church in Lincoln Heights, Estrada baptized Jimenez when she was a child, and later baptized her two daughters. He was present through difficult moments, she said, including her sisters death, offering comfort and guidance. It was almost like you were next to a saint. When you were around him it was one of the most comforting feelings, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estrada remained an active presence at Jovenes as board president until early this year. Just after his birthday on March 1, he fell ill and was diagnosed with COVID-19 and pneumonia, Jimenez said. He died on Cesar Chavez Day. 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) The FBI has arrested a high-ranking MS-13 leader based in Las Vegas who is accused of orchestrating 11 murders, federal officials said. Joel Vargas-Escobar faces charges, including racketeering, for several murders, federal officials said. In 2018, the federal government deported Vargas-Escobar to El Salvador, but he illegally re-entered the country. Vargas-Escobar allegedly co-led MS-13s activities in Nevada and California, specifically in the Las Vegas valley, officials said, adding they believe he personally ordered two murders. MS-13 is a national and transnational gang with an estimated 10,000 members across 10 states and the District of Columbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MS-13 operates through the use of intimidation and violence, including murder, and enriching members and associates through criminal activities, including breaking into houses and stealing firearms, jewelry, cash, and other items of value, and selling narcotics, federal officials said. MS-13 is organized by subsets known as cliques, and each clique typically has one or more leaders, commonly referred to as shot callers. A federal indictment was first filed against Vargas-Escobar in 2021, records said. Federal agents arrested Vargas-Escobar on Tuesday in Long Island, New York, they said. The indictment charges members of the Parkview clique of MS-13 with committing 11 murders over about a year in Nevada and California, officials said in a news release. According to the indictment, many of the victims were allegedly kidnapped by MS-13 members and taken to remote locations in the mountains and desert where they were tortured and killed. The American people are safer following the arrest of yet another MS-13 leader thanks to the Department of Justices Criminal Division and Joint Task Force Vulcan, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a news release. This terrorist entered our country illegally and is accused of orchestrating 11 murders under President Trumps leadership, we will not rest until this terrorist organization is completely dismantled and its members are behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI is fully dedicated to utilizing all available resources to partner with local, state, and federal agencies in disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations that pose a threat to the communities we serve, FBI Las Vegas Special Agent In Charge Spencer Evans said. Every family has the right to reside in a community free from fear and gang violence. We encourage the public to provide information that can assist us in this critical mission. Do not suffer in silence; law enforcement is prepared to support victims and promote safer communities for everyone. Vargas-Escobar will be returned to Nevada to face a federal judge in the coming weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 now fear Britain is heading for open sectarian conflict, possibly war, and theres nothing we can do to stop it. Heres a snapshot of what Im hearing. On one night in Westminster, I met someone who argued for voluntary repatriation, two generations back; a Labour activist told me we must re-educate Muslims; and Jacob Rees-Mogg, debating me on GB News, said Britain should take zero refugees. I spluttered a reply about the good Samaritan and staggered off to bed, confused and depressed. For two decades Ive argued for controlling immigration, and successive governments, including Jacobs, increased it. Suddenly Ive woken up in a land where everyone manically wants to reduce or even reverse it, and theyve leapfrogged me into a pool of dark resentment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nigel Farage is mocked as a dhimmi for appointing a Muslim to chair his party; he looks nervous of his own supporters. Even Labour has turned on the Sentencing Council, which, for all its faults, was trying to fix a genuine racial disparity (its black people who tend to get longer sentences than whites, not the other way around). On that last saga, so much hinges. It goes to the heart of how a society kills itself with kindness. Nearly 200,000 YouTubers have watched an interview given to Louise Perry by David Betz, a professor of conflict studies at Kings, London. Betz argues that the conditions for a failed state we ordinarily apply overseas are now found here: frayed social contract, falling trust, polarisation. Into this mix Britain injected multiculturalism, encouraging millions to move here without expecting integration. If you think fear of the other is a human instinct, the policy was mad to begin with. Combine it with economic decline and you invite ethnic competition over services and jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Implicit in the Sentencing Councils guidance is the belief that when you operate a multicultural society packed with groups with different values and experiences, advantages and handicaps the only way to achieve equal outcomes is to treat people differently. In this spirit, says Betz, the modern state acts like an imperial administrator, promoting the interests of preferred minorities while trying to avoid a riot. I grew up in a post-colonial world where we said I dont see race and honestly, if naively, meant it. Over the past 30 years, liberal institutions have taught us to see race again by stressing the wonders of diversity so persistently that some white people feel the state has actively taken a side against them. Ancient, binding concepts, such as equality before the law ring hollow. The latest Police Race Action Plan openly rejects the principle of treating everyone the same in favour of equality of police outcomes. A situation in which millions believe cops are not impartial public servants but an occupying force is the headline metric of state failure. Mainland Britain has become Ulster. It isnt an endorsement of white resentment to acknowledge that its real and growing, that beyond the curated Question Time audience, millions have evolved from irony to nihilism to something more disturbing. Just read the comments beneath the Betz video. As a 28-year-old, fighting-age male, I am ready to lay down my life for Mother England and the survival of my folk. Viewers refer in code to Rotherham to avoid being muted in the forum and the grooming scandal that suggested the authorities were willing to cover up rape to maintain the peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK is a tinder box waiting to explode, writes an unhappy reviewer, which is also the worry of Canadian officials. In 2024, its police force produced a report warning their nation might be further buffeted by inequality, climate change and paranoid populism. Separately, a government think tank warned of civil war in the United States as a potential underanticipated disruption. In fact, the low level insurgency has already begun. Ireland has seen arson at asylum hotels. Last year, Britain had riots. Why did No10 insist that so many be thrown into jail? Betz notes that while Islamist terrorism is more lethal than far-Right extremism, there are only 4 million Muslims whereas there are around 50 million whites. Were the latter group radicalised, things might go south very fast, hence some in the security forces clearly regard white Britons as the emergent threat. Well, when a formerly dominant social majority fears it is in danger of losing that dominance, to quote Betz, it doesnt surrender its position quietly and yet this is what elites constantly tell the white working-class they must do, while refusing to abandon their own privileges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labour, the party of racial and gender equality, has never seen fit to elect a non-white or a woman as leader. Neither is it willing to revive the economy with free market capitalism; nor to revive solidarity with socialism. Instead it tries to knit the country back together with petty cash thrown at potholes or a roundtable on the spectre of white male violence. Centrist dad redux. Labours instinct is to lean into multiculturalism, flirting with laws against islamophobia: the worst response imaginable. In that vein, what moron thought it would be clever to ban Marine Le Pen from running for office? Every conspiracy theory is confirmed, and without a democratic outlet for anger seeing their aspirations limited and being too poor to emigrate where else will a militant faction of angry whites go but to violence? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reform is a vehicle for dissent but offers no programme for change. The Tories lack imagination, and the world they exist to preserve is dead. We have no national culture to reunite us; no universalising religion to appeal to. When I saw a Tory MP tell GB News that the Sentencing Council evinced a bias against white Christian defendants, I laughed at the innocence. If someones in the dock for murder or rape, they probably dont go to Evensong. Betz sees no solution, so suggests we prepare for anarchy. Im more concerned about fascism. Were not far away from a politician running for office as explicitly anti-Muslim, and to those who say authoritarianism cannot happen here, I reply: lockdown. Did you ever think the state could imprison us in our homes? And if it can isolate the diseased from the healthy, the vaxed from the unvaxed, do you think it cant, or wont, someday separate us based on race or religion? We are literally debating the legalisation of euthanasia, a favourite tool of tyrants. As my companion on that horrid evening spoke of repatriation, I imagined foreign-made parts of me being politely invited to leave and floating off through the window, an arm to Ireland, a foot to France. What remained prayed silently that if this country does go mad, I wont lose my head. 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. An Alpharetta man made his first appearance in federal court on Thursday after being arrested in what is being hailed as the largest fentanyl bust in state history. Antwuan Brown, 39, has been charged with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. He was arrested on March 21, 2025, as part of a drug trafficking investigation that led authorities to a Sandy Springs apartment. Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne broke this story last week during Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m. after police found enough suspected fentanyl to kill 2.5 million people inside Browns car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was shocking when we found that amount of fentanyl in our city. You can compare it to killing our entire population of the city of Sandy Springs, Maj. Forrest Bohannon from the Sandy Springs Police Department said. We found two weapons in this apartment complex where we found these fentanyl pills. There are children and adults and several innocent people that live in that area. In two suitcases, we found approximately 240,000 pills, which we believe to contain fentanyl. TRENDING STORIES: The haul also included smaller amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, and PCP, but most of what investigators found is suspected to be fentanyl, which kills about 70,000 Americans a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DEA told Winne at the time that the counterfeit pills were made to look like oxycodone, a painkiller that is one of the most abused drugs here and elsewhere. DEA said the drugs were likely tied to cartels. Someone with this quantity of fentanyl has direct connections to one of three cartels: Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation, or Cjng, or Nuevo La Familia Cartel. And were confident that well be able to track this down to one of those cartels, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jae Chung said. Chung believes most of the powdered suspected fentanyl and the pills wouldve been bound for metro Atlanta streets. The suspect had a lengthy criminal history to include violent offenses with a firearm, drug trafficking and also, he was wanted in two different states, Chung said. NEW YORK A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed sweeping public corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams with prejudice, blasting the Trump administrations bid to potentially revive them while leveraging the mayors help in hardline immigration enforcement as a disturbing bargain. While the judgment caps a monthslong legal saga by letting Adams off the hook, Manhattan Federal Judge Dale Hos decision was not based on the merits of the case against him or a belief of whether he was innocent or guilty. It served as a searing condemnation of the Justice Departments position that it could drop the case to secure the mayors cooperation on immigration matters, which he called disturbing in its breadth. DOJs immigration enforcement rationale is both unprecedented and breathtaking in its sweep. DOJ cites no examples, and the Court is unable to find any, of the government dismissing charges against an elected official because doing so would enable the official to facilitate federal policy goals, Ho wrote in his 78-page decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And DOJs assertion that it has virtually unreviewable license to dismiss charges on this basis is disturbing in its breadth, implying that public officials may receive special dispensation if they are compliant with the incumbent administrations policy priorities. That suggestion is fundamentally incompatible with the basic promise of equal justice under law. Less than a month after Trump took office, Emil Bove Trumps former criminal defense attorney turned top Justice Department official on Feb. 14 asked Ho to dismiss the case without prejudice, which would have meant federal authorities could bring it again, a provision Adams agreed to. Bove argued that the case had national security implications by restricting Adamss ability to cooperate with the feds on immigration matters, interfered with the mayors ability to govern, and was improperly filed within nine months of the mayoral primary. Bove declined to comment on Hos decision when reached by the Daily News on Wednesday. Ho rejected assertions that the timing of the case was improper as not just thin, but pretextual, finding it was entirely consistent with previous public corruption prosecutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His ruling was in line with the findings of an independent lawyer, Paul Clement, who he appointed to advise him on the matter. The former solicitor general under President George W. Bush recommended that the judge dismiss the case for good. Clement found that the possibility of the mayor feeling indebted to the president rather than New Yorkers out of fear that he could be reindicted was deeply troubling. In light of DOJs rationales, dismissing the case without prejudice would create the unavoidable perception that the Mayors freedom depends on his ability to carry out the immigration enforcement priorities of the administration, and that he might be more beholden to the demands of the federal government than to the wishes of his own constituents, Ho wrote. (After) DOJ decided to seek dismissal of his case, the Mayor took at least one new immigration-related action consistent with the preferences of the new administration. Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the Indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions, the judge later added, referencing Adamss decision to let ICE operate on Rikers, which he said appeared to be contrary to New York City law. In addition to the governments motion, Ho had to consider a separate request from the embattled Democratic mayor to toss the charges permanently and arguments from former federal judges and prosecutors, which urged him to scrutinize the terms behind the dismissal deal closely and consider appointing a special prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ho found that even if he were to deny the bid to dismiss the case, it would almost certainly be futile, with prosecutors able to run out the clock by delaying the trial that was set to start this month by more than 70 days, which would lead to a dismissal. (A)bsent a sudden change of heart at DOJ, such a denial would produce only a staring contest, Ho wrote. In a brief appearance outside his Gracie Mansion residence after Hos order, Adams said hes happy that our city can finally close the book on his indictment and railed against the press and his critics for spreading what he called false information about his criminal case. Throughout his opinion on Wednesday, Ho, a Biden appointee, noted it was not based on the cases merits. He entirely rejected parts of the DOJ and the mayors claims that the prosecutors who were trying the case before the Trump administration intervened had political motivations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both sides also lobbed accusations at former Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, accusing him of bringing the prosecution that stemmed from an investigation that began before Adams won the 2021 mayoral election for personal gain. Williams declined to comment when reached by The News Wednesday. (The) Southern District of New York prosecutors who worked on this case followed all appropriate Justice Department guidelines. There is no evidencezerothat they had any improper motives, the judge wrote. The mayor faced scathing criticism for agreeing to the terms laid out by the Trump administration and saw calls for his removal amid concerns he was sacrificing New York Citys immigrant communities to save his own skin. Those criticisms reached a fever pitch when Adams appeared on Fox & Friends with Trumps border czar Tom Homan, who said hed be up (the mayors) butt if he didnt play ball with the Trump administration as it sought to carry out deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bove filed the dismissal bid after the interim head of the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office, Danielle Sassoon a veteran prosecutor and registered Republican whom Trump had installed in the senior role on his first full day in office quit rather than obey the order to wind down the case, in which Adams faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted. Sassoon wrote to Trumps new Attorney General Pam Bondi before resigning, saying she had been preparing to sign off on more charges accusing the mayor of attempting to conceal his crimes from the FBI and ordering others to do the same. She said the proposed arrangement amounted to a quid pro quo between Adams and the Trump administration, indicating that Adams would be in a position to assist with the Departments enforcement priorities only if the indictment were dismissed. The prosecutor was one of at least eight Justice Department staffers to resign over the controversy, including one of the lead prosecutors handling the case, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten. In his resignation letter, Scotten, a U.S. Army vet who clerked for conservative Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, told Bove hed have to find another fool to ask the court to throw out the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Any) assistant U.S. attorney would know that our laws and traditions do not allow using the prosecutorial power to influence other citizens, much less elected officials, in this way, Scotten wrote. If no lawyer within earshot of the President is willing to give him that advice, then I expect you will eventually find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion. But it was never going to be me. When Adams filed his separate dismissal bid seeking to get rid of the case for good, he claimed the widely reported letters by Sassoon and Scotten had destroyed whatever presumption of innocence he had left. The indictment handed up by a federal grand jury in September, the first against a sitting New York City mayor in modern history, accused Adams of bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and two counts of soliciting contributions from foreign nationals for allegedly putting a price on his political influence starting more than a decade ago when he was Brooklyn borough president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case alleged that Adams accepted luxury travel and hotel stays worldwide from wealthy Turkish officials and businessmen and solicited illicit campaign donations from his foreign benefactors, which were funneled through U.S. citizens and maximized through the citys public matching funds program. Prosecutors secured a guilty plea from Brooklyn real estate magnate Erden Arkan in January, who was expected to testify at the trial, in which he admitted organizing illegal donations for Adams in spring 2021 on the orders of the then-mayoral candidate. A former senior aide to the mayor, Mohamed Bahi, had also agreed to plead guilty to related charges before Trumps Justice Department intervened. The feds said trial evidence would have proven how Adams partly repaid the bribes by forcing former FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro to disregard safety concerns by prematurely opening a skyscraper in Midtown housing Turkeys consulate in time for a visit by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. ------------- A federal judge in Boston on Thursday is slated to hold a hearing after a Tufts University doctoral student from Turkey was detained by immigration authorities last week and rushed out of Massachusetts. Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, was surrounded by six masked ICE agents as she walked along a street in Somerville on Tuesday, March 25, and taken into custody. Were the police, members of the group could be heard saying in a video of her arrest. A nearby man is also heard asking, Why are you hiding your faces? In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., Tuesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo) In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., Tuesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo) In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., Tuesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo) In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., Tuesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., Tuesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo) In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., Tuesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo) In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., Tuesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo) In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., Tuesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., Tuesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo) Ozturk was taken to New Hampshire within an hour of her arrest, then Vermont, before she was put on a plane the next day and moved to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Basile, Louisiana. In a filing earlier this week, the government claimed that Ozturk was moved out of Massachusetts before U.S. District Judge Denise Casper ordered authorities to keep her in the Bay State. Casper, responding to a petition filed last week by Ozturks lawyers, issued a ruling on March 28 that Ozturk cant be removed from the United States until further order of this court. Lawyers for the Justice Department have argued that Judge Casper lacks jurisdiction to decide Ozturks case. They said the case should be dismissed or transferred to Louisiana and that any challenge belongs in the immigration court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozturks lawyers have said her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process. They asked the judge to order that she be immediately returned to Massachusetts and released from custody. This contributed photo shows Rumeysa Ozturk on an apple-picking trip in 2021. (AP Photo) Students at Tufts University continue to rally support for the Turkish national. They say she has a right to free speech and worry shes being deported for an op-ed she co-authored, supporting Palestine. Federal authorities have alleged that she engaged in activities supporting the terrorist group Hamas, and a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the termination of Ozturks visa. Ozturk is still being held in a Louisiana jail. She is expected to face an immigration judge on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A federal judge will temporarily block President Donald Trumps administration from cutting billions in federal dollars that support COVID-19 initiatives and public health projects throughout the country. U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy, appointed by Trump in 2019 but first nominated by former President Barack Obama, in Rhode Island said Thursday that she plans to grant the court order sought by 23 states and the District of Columbia. They make a case, a strong case, for the fact that they will succeed on the merits, so Im going to grant the temporary restraining order, said McElroy, who plans to issue a written ruling later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Attorney General Letitia James tweeted about the judges decision immediately after the hearing, saying: Were going to continue our lawsuit and fight to ensure states can provide the medical services Americans need." Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Kane objected to the temporary restraining order in court but she said she was limited in the argument she could make against it, adding that her office was unable to thoroughly review the thousands of documents under the time limitation. The states lawsuit, filed Tuesday, sought to immediately stop the $11 billion in cuts. The money was allocated by Congress during the pandemic and mostly used for COVID-related initiatives, as well as for mental health and substance use efforts. The lawsuit said losing the money would devastate U.S. public health infrastructure, putting states at greater risk for future pandemics and the spread of otherwise preventable disease and cutting off vital public health services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has defended the decision, saying that the money was being wasted since the pandemic is over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State and local public health departments already have laid off people, including nearly 200 employees at the Minnesota Department of Health. North Carolina says it stands to lose about $230 million, and California officials put their potential losses at $1 billion. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is also part of the lawsuit, said half a billion dollars in public health grants that support long-term care for the elderly and immunizations for children were at stake in his state. As a result of taking the Administration to court, these dollars will now start flowing again, he wrote on X. The temporary block on chopping health funding is the latest legal setback for the Trump administration, which is facing some 150 lawsuits on issues ranging from immigration to deep financial and job cuts at federal agencies to transgender rights. Federal judges have issued dozens of orders slowing at least for now the presidents ambitious conservative agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ AP reporter Lindsay Whitehurst in Washington contributed to this report. ___ 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. VIENTIANE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A delegation from the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, led by Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Lao president, paid their respects to former Lao President Khamtay Siphandone. Thongloun signed the official message expressing his deepest condolences on the passing of the former president, who was also former chairman of the LPRP. Thongloun stated that Khamtay's passing is a profound loss for the Party, state, armed forces, and the multi-ethnic Lao people. He emphasized that Khamtay was a courageous and outstanding revolutionary and national leader who dedicated his life to the cause of national liberation, protection, and development, contributing to the prosperity of the Lao nation. The Party Central Committee extended its deepest respect and heartfelt condolences to the Siphandone family. "Our nation and people will forever remember and honor the virtues, contributions, and selfless dedication that Khamtay devoted to the motherland and its people," said Thongloun. Khamtay Siphandone passed away at the age of 102 at 10:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday due to old age, according to the LPRP Central Committee. A federal judge will temporarily block President Donald Trumps administration from cutting billions in federal dollars that support COVID-19 initiatives and public health projects throughout the country, including Pennsylvania. U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy in Rhode Island said Thursday that she plans to grant the court order sought by 23 states and the District of Columbia. They make a case, a strong case, for the fact that they will succeed on the merits, so Im going to grant the temporary restraining order, said McElroy, who was appointed by Trump in 2019. McElroy said she would issue a written ruling later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who joined the lawsuit earlier this week, released a statement on Thursday afternoon in response to the ruling. We just won in court to stop the Trump Administrations illegal cuts of more than half a billion dollars in public health grants owed to Pennsylvania, said Shapiro. These dollars have been committed to us for critical priorities like mitigating HPAI and measles, providing long-term care for older adults, and ensuring access to immunizations for children. As a result of taking the Administration to court, these dollars will now start flowing again. Ill keep standing up to defend Pennsylvania taxpayers, permanently reverse these unlawful cuts, and hold the federal government to the commitments it has made to our Commonwealth. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Kane objected to the temporary restraining order in court, but she said she was limited in the argument she could make against it, adding that her office was unable to thoroughly review the thousands of documents under the time limitation. The states lawsuit, filed Tuesday, sought to immediately stop the $11 billion in cuts. It said the loss of money which was allocated by Congress during the pandemic and mostly used for COVID-related initiatives, as well as for mental health and substance use efforts will devastate U.S. public health infrastructure, putting states at greater risk for future pandemics and the spread of otherwise preventable disease and cutting off vital public health services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Health and Human Services Department has defended the decision, saying that the money was being wasted since the pandemic is over. State and local public health departments already have laid off people, including nearly 200 employees at the Minnesota Department of Health. North Carolina says it stands to lose about $230 million, and California officials put their potential losses at $1 billion. The temporary block on chopping health funding is the latest in a series of legal setbacks for the Trump administration, which is facing some 150 lawsuits on issues ranging from immigration to deep financial and job cuts at federal agencies to transgender rights. Federal judges have issued dozens of orders slowing at least for now the presidents ambitious conservative agenda. ___ AP reporter Lindsay Whitehurst in Washington contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A federal judge will temporarily block President Donald Trumps administration from cutting billions in federal dollars that support COVID-19 initiatives and public health projects throughout the country. U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy, appointed by Trump in 2019 but first nominated by former President Barack Obama, in Rhode Island said Thursday that she plans to grant the court order sought by 23 states and the District of Columbia. They make a case, a strong case, for the fact that they will succeed on the merits, so Im going to grant the temporary restraining order, said McElroy, who plans to issue a written ruling later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Attorney General Letitia James tweeted about the judges decision immediately after the hearing, saying: Were going to continue our lawsuit and fight to ensure states can provide the medical services Americans need. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Kane objected to the temporary restraining order in court but she said she was limited in the argument she could make against it, adding that her office was unable to thoroughly review the thousands of documents under the time limitation. The states lawsuit, filed Tuesday, sought to immediately stop the $11 billion in cuts. The money was allocated by Congress during the pandemic and mostly used for COVID-related initiatives, as well as for mental health and substance use efforts. The lawsuit said losing the money would devastate U.S. public health infrastructure, putting states at greater risk for future pandemics and the spread of otherwise preventable disease and cutting off vital public health services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has defended the decision, saying that the money was being wasted since the pandemic is over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State and local public health departments already have laid off people, including nearly 200 employees at the Minnesota Department of Health. North Carolina says it stands to lose about $230 million, and California officials put their potential losses at $1 billion. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is also part of the lawsuit, said half a billion dollars in public health grants that support long-term care for the elderly and immunizations for children were at stake in his state. As a result of taking the Administration to court, these dollars will now start flowing again, he wrote on X. The temporary block on chopping health funding is the latest legal setback for the Trump administration, which is facing some 150 lawsuits on issues ranging from immigration to deep financial and job cuts at federal agencies to transgender rights. Federal judges have issued dozens of orders slowing at least for now the presidents ambitious conservative agenda. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) Two FedEx workers in Pennsylvania and seven others were arrested in a large cellphone scheme, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced. Lahneir McBride, 25 (Office of Attorney General) According to Sunday, the organized crime unit investigated and arrested Lahneir McBride and Cahron Wilmore, both 25, who worked at a FedEx facility in Delaware County. The duo allegedly engineered a scheme to steal at least 181 cellphones and sell them. Seven others who sold the stolen phones on numerous occasions have also been charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seven charged co-conspirators are: Latoria McBride (Lahneirs mother), Albert Payne, Lamiyah Young, Janiya Monae Wilmore, Ciani Wilmore, Danasia Jackson, and Lamarr Taylor. All nine defendants are in custody, Sunday confirmed. Cahron Wilmore, 25 (Office of Attorney General) According to the Office of Attorney General investigation, McBride and Wilmore stole at least 181 phones worth around $173,000 and recruited others to sell them at EcoATM stations. Sales netted the group $57,000 in profit. The sellers were paid $200-$300 for each phone, Sunday added. Our Organized Crime Unit continues to disband sophisticated rings that defraud unsuspecting consumers and cause market price increases due to losses sustained by companies, Sunday wrote. This criminal enterprise involved thefts of high-priced smartphones and the recruitment of dozens of sellers, who executed the transactions while the two ringleaders watched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said that McBride and Wilmore were hired by FedEx last summer and soon began the scheme, running from late June until September 2024. EcoATM machines can be used to sell and dispose of cell phones in an eco-friendly way. When using the machines, they record sales with documentation and also photograph the person selling the phone. Investigators traced the transactions back to a Linwood warehouse where McBride and Wilmore worked, Sunday said. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney Generals Organized Crime Section. Criminal charges and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment for its plan to gather and remove more than 3,000 wild horses from a checkerboarded region of Wyoming that covers around 2 million acres. Those roundups would start in July, and they would be the first step toward permanently removing two herds and a portion of a third herd in the southwestern part of the state near Rock Springs. The roundups could be delayed, however, as the legal battle over Southwest Wyomings free-roaming horse herds goes back more than a decade. The BLM now finds itself trying to balance conflicting mandates for wild horse management while simultaneously defending its plan from legal challenges. The updated plan for the BLMs Rock Springs and Rawlings Field Offices was first announced by the agency in a 2023 Record of Decision. In that announcement, the agency said the amended plan was spurred by a 2013 settlement with a local grazing group, and that it sought to resolve conflicts between public and private land sections within the checkerboarded area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The key amendments to the plan focused on four Herd Management Areas that fall within the checkerboard and are overseen by the two field offices. HMAs are designated areas where the BLM tries to manage a sustainable number of horses and burros while keeping rangelands healthy for other uses, like recreation and grazing. This map of the project area shows the four HMAs, which are spread across a checkerboard landscape of private and public lands. Map by BLM Under the new plan, the Salt Wells Creek and Great Divide Basin HMAs would be eliminated and managed for zero horses going forward. The Adobe Town HMA would be allowed to persist, but with a much smaller population goal of around 225 to 450 horses. The current populations of the three HMAs is at least 2,755 around 1,125 in Salt Wells Creek, 894 in Great Divide Basin, and 736 in Adobe Town. But these are minimum population estimates, according to BLM public affairs specialist Jacqueline Alderman, and the overall number of horses to be removed could surpass that low-end estimate. It is likely that gather operations will involve multiple attempts over multiple years before all excess wild horses are removed from the area. Any wild horses not initially removed from the project area would continue to reproduce, growing the remaining population by approximately 20% annually, Alderman explained in an email to Outdoor Life. Overall, the BLM anticipates that approximately 3,371 wild horses would be removed from these former HMAs once all gather operations are completed and all wild horses are removed from the project area. However, this number could be as low as 2,500 or as high as 5,000. The new plan also mentions the White Mountain HMA, which would be managed as a non-reproducing herd going forward, with a target population of 205 wild horses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A coalition of wild-horse advocacy groups filed two lawsuits against the BLM in response to its 2023 ROD. A U.S. District Court Judge ruled in the BLMs favor in August 2024, but the groups appealed that decision. Their appeal is still pending in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, according to WyoFile. This is just the latest lawsuit in a 12 or more year legal battle to save these horses. Weve litigated four or five times about this issue, Suzanne Roy, executive director of American Wild Horse, told the Wyoming news outlet Tuesday. Roy said she was optimistic about their appeal, since they have prevailed in the 10th Circuit previously on this issue. Roy added that if the BLMs plan does move forward, it would be the first time the agency removed wild horses or burros from a landscape without demonstrating ecological reasons for the roundups. (Competition with native wildlife, damages to vegetation, and other negative impacts to local ecosystems are often cited as the primary reasons for removing the non-native grazers.) She claimed it could also set a dangerous precedent across the West by allowing private landowners to dictate the presence of free-roaming horses on a shared landscape. Alderman countered Roys claims, saying the excess wild horses in the checkerboard region must be removed to maintain a thriving natural ecological balance and [the] multiple-use relationship in that area. Conflicting Interests in the Checkerboard Wild horse management is inherently controversial in the West. But the issue that Roy alludes to is complicated further by the unique checkerboard landscape in Southwest Wyoming, where public and private parcels interlock in a checkerboard pattern, and by the BLMs conflicting management mandates under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act. The BLM typically uses helicopters to gather herds. The agency says helicopter drive trapping will be the primary method for gathering horses under the new plan. Photo by BLM Section 3 of the Act directs the BLM to protect and properly manage wild, free-roaming horses and burros on public lands where they were present at the time the Act became law. While Section 4 requires the BLM to remove wild, free-roaming horses and burros that stray onto private land at the landowners request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This dual mandate is difficult to implement in the checkerboard where every other section of land is private, and wild horses constantly drift between private and public land, the BLM explained in the ROD. Read Next: Beasts of Burden: Wild Horses and Burros Are Dying Hard Deaths in the West In the past, the BLM was able to manage wild horses on the aforementioned HMAs because the Rock Springs Grazing Association allowed the horses to be there. As the largest private landowner in the checkerboard area, the local ranching group consented to the presence of up to 500 horses when the HMAs were first established. But in 2010, the RSGA withdrew that consent, citing the unchecked growth of horse populations as the primary reason, according to the BLM. Wild horses at one of the BLMs corrals in eastern Oregon. Photo by Greg Shine / BLM The RSGA subsequently sued the agency in 2011 for failing to remove the wild horses quickly enough. This led to a 2013 settlement, or consent decree, requiring the BLM to amend its management plan within the checkerboard, which spurred the creation of the current plan that is now accepting public comment. That comment period closes April 30. A clarification was made on April 4, 2025: A previous version of this article misstated the estimated free-roaming horse populations in the Great Divide Basin and Adobe Town HMAs. It has been updated with the correct population estimates, along with comments from the BLM. LEBANON, Va. (WJHL) A local food bank partnered with Food Lion Feeds and Russell County Emergency Management to distribute hundreds of boxes of food. On Thursday, Feeding Southwest Virginia worked with Food Lion and the EMA to feed hundreds of families at the Lebanon, Virginia government center. Roughly 600 food boxes and bags of fresh produce were distributed. USDA cancels shipments to Tri-Cities food banks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pamela Irvine, the president and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia, told News Channel 11 there is no shortage of food insecure people in the region. Food insecurity numbers are as high as what they were down here in 2008, Irvine said. I mean, we have several counties down here in Southwest Virginia [where] food insecurity is 20% and higher. And so we know how challenged [the area is] economically, but also with disasters recently here in Russell County, Lebanon and Southwest Virginia, people are suffering. Irvine credited the resilience and generosity of Southwest Virginians who help make events like Thursdays food distribution possible. Sometimes people just need good news and hope, and by providing something as simple as a bag of groceries and a box of food, it just enables people to go another day to have another meal, Irvine said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thirty Food Lion volunteers assisted in the food distribution. Food Lion Feeds manager Kevin Durkee said the grocery chain has been committed to nourishing neighbors since its founding in 1957. We believe that no one should have to choose between paying their rent or gas and groceries, Durkee said. So if we can take away some of that uncertainty and the difficult decisions that people have to make, then thats what were here to do. Feeding Southwest Virginia was one of many food banks nationwide to be impacted by canceled shipments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to Irvine, a shipment with $513,000 worth of food from the USDA was canceled. We need the food, Irvine said. We have been like a lot of organizations, kind of watching to see funding opportunities. Are we going to continue to get funded? So we lost $513,000 worth of food from April to June in funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irvine said help from groups like Food Lion Feeds has been encouraging amid the federal uncertainty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) An Owensboro convicted felon is now facing charges in Evansville for the same case after serving his prison sentence in Kentucky. Charges for Jose Gomez-Alvarez include neglect of a dependent causing death and failure to report a dead body. 2 plead guilty to abuse of a corpse 2 years after their arrests In September 2022, deputies were investigating a missing girl when they searched a storage unit in Owensboro and found human remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daviess County Coroner Jeff Jones says those remains were identified as 9-year-old Alianna Gomez-Alvarez. Evansville Police say the child was abused before her death at a home on Kentucky Avenue. He took a plea deal in Daviess County and was given five years in prison. The other woman involved, Chyanne Porter, was sentenced to seven years and is still serving her sentence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. For the past several months, pick-me gazillionaire Elon Musk has been firing tens of thousands of federal workers in the most cartoonishly evil ways possiblegutting things like NIH cancer research and HIV prevention programs while bragging about feeding entire agencies of dedicated civil servants into the wood chipper. The backlash has already started to hit him where it hurts, as Tesla Takedown protests have turned his once edgy cars into pricey pariah boxes for toxic losers. But Tuesdays Wisconsin state Supreme Court election might be Musks most delicious comeuppance yet. Musk made the race his personal mission, saying that it will be important for the future of civilization and spending $22 million in support of Republican Brad Schimel, turning it into the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. That Schimel got trounced by Democrat Susan Crawford tells us a few things about the limits of money in American politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither Musk nor anyone in his orbit nor in the state GOP seemed to understand, before Tuesday night, that his presence in the race was having the opposite of its intended effect. I thought he was going to be an asset for this race, the Outagamie County GOP chair told Politico in an instantly memeable quote. Maybe I have blinders on. She wasnt alone. Unfortunately for Wisconsin Republicans and their plot to stay in power forever through aggressive court-approved gerrymandering, Musk did not just quietly write checks to his favorite political action committees, like the most effective billionaire reactionaries have been doing since the Supreme Court unleashed Citizens United on the country. Instead, he decided to make himself the face of the Schimel campaign, planting himself in the Badger State, headlining rallies, and writing million-dollar checks to well-connected Republican supportersa seeming display of flagrant vote-buying that the state attorney general challenged (though, as in Pennsylvania last year, Musk found a way to carry out the stunt without it being deemed an illegal lottery). Musk has probably received undue credit for Republicans stunning but extremely narrow victories in the November 2024 elections, and Donald Trump is reportedly already reconsidering his role in the administration. But one of the first and most obvious lessons to draw from Musks Wisconsin fiasco is that there are real, tangible limits to the influence that money can buy in American politics. The GOPs victory last fall happened, after all, despite the partys being outspent by the Harris campaign and its affiliated super PACs. Its not even clear that the hundreds of millions of dollars that Musk himself poured into the election were a net positive for the GOP at all, since the party tended to do worse in states where Trump mounted a visible campaign than where he and his movement were mostly background noise and could more credibly pretend they werent going to do all the horrific things they are now doing. You also dont need multiple regression models to see that the big spender has lost two of the four postCitizens United presidential elections. That doesnt make the orgiastic frenzy of millionaire and billionaire spending in those elections good for the country or really anything but an embarrassing stain on American democracy. While political science research suggests that campaign spending can drive turnout in generally lower-profile judicial races, Musks face-plant in Wisconsin suggests that, happily, there are real limits to what can be accomplished by throwing stacks of cash at random Midwestern Republicans. It also helped that Crawford was not exactly a pauper and got only marginally outspent in a race that saw over $107 million in expenditures. According to political scientists John Sides, Daron Shaw, and Matt Grossman in Campaigns and Elections, in local races, a better-funded candidate can totally eclipse a relatively impoverished opponent, and that just isnt what happened here. One obvious caveat, though, is that the current Democratic coalition (a group that includes high-propensity college-educated voters as a key bloc) seems to have a turnout advantage in midterm, off-year, and special elections that it has had trouble replicating in presidential elections over the past decade. In this case, at least, the outcome was not attributable to differential turnout, which was high across the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that his approval ratings are even worse than Trumps, Musk was always going to be a net negative in this contest. But he didnt help his case with his over-the-top rhetoric and actions. On X, his wild-eyed gibberish about, for example, how only the far-right Alternative for Germany party can save the country is signal-boosted by his algorithms and lauded mindlessly by his army of clout-chasing reply guys. Massively overpaying to acquire Twitter has given him a platform that reliably amplifies his incessant lies and feeds his porcelain ego. In the real world, though, Musk unintentionally highlighted his own absurdity to people who may have previously paid him little mind. His extravagant efforts to boost turnout forced people who arent terminally online to ask themselves why the worlds richest dude wants Brad Schimel to be on the state Supreme Court so badly hes willing to risk legal action. One negative result hardly spells the end of Elon Musks threat to American democracy, nor should it give Democrats false confidence that they have somehow cracked the MAGA code and can bank on retaking the House in 2026. Republicans did, after all, manage to get Wisconsin voters to enshrine into the state constitution a requirement to show a photo ID when voting, a referendum that Musk has bragged about. But Musks flop in Wisconsin should serve as a reminder of two things. First and most important, the MAGA-era GOP is not some unstoppable godlike force, despite recent capitulations from craven bootlickers at law firms like Paul Weiss and universities like Columbia. The nations political thermostat is not broken, and Susan Crawford didnt need to join the pile-on against trans folks or clap while Trumps goon squads disappear immigrants who are here legally into Salvadoran gulags in order to win this election. Political gravity did a lot of the work here, and it is still very real. The second is that the utility of both Musks infinite bullshit machine and his towering piles of money is not limitless. Even Trump now seems to realize that Musk is dragging his administration down with him. And while it isnt happening as quickly as many Democrats would hope, given the administrations constant and shocking abrogations of the constitutional order, many Americans seem to be slowly realizing that the government they unwisely elected in November isnt invested in their well-being after all. There are some things even Elon Musk cant buy his way out of. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Between the November tornadoes and March wildfires, hundreds of homes and businesses in Oklahoma County were damaged or destroyed. Fortunately, property taxes are being reduced to provide some financial help for Oklahomans impacted by the recent natural disasters. I dont remember winds that strong, said Larry Stein, the Oklahoma County Assessor. Stein said hell never forget the wildfires that burned through Oklahoma on March 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where it looked like the gates of hell with the sky being red and all that wind. It was a phenomenal natural occurrence, said Stein. Shortly after, assessors looked at the damage left behind, like at the Mayhues home. They were raising six kids inside, before it burned to the ground. I was very surprised that it was my house out of all houses, said Demetrius Mayhue. The assessment numbers are in. In Oklahoma County alone, 24 properties were damaged by the wildfires, resulting in $6.5 million in damages. The City of Owasso reveals aftermath of Tuesdays storm The infernos arent the only natural disasters Oklahoma has powered through recently. There were also the November tornadoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unusual that we have a late system tornado and then having huge windstorms with fires, wildfires, destroying properties across the county, said Stein. The twisters damaged more than 380 properties, causing $44 million in destruction. It sounds like a huge amount of damage, and it is, but we have a mechanism where we can reduce the value of the property which will reduce their property taxes, said Stein. If the structures gone, well take off the value of the structure and then leave the value of the land. After the natural disasters, the assessors office is able to reduce the taxes $356,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its nice to know theres a quick way that we can get the information gathered and calculated and get their taxes reduced, because their home is no longer livable, said Stein. The Oklahoma County Assessor said its vital for property owners to report damage to get an accurate final count. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Of the more than 270 nominations, five educators in Springfield Public Schools have been named finalists for Teacher of the Year. The winner, to be announced May 2 as part of the Celebrate SPS banquet, will serve during the 2025-26 year. At the event, the top reading teacher and librarian will also be honored. Superintendent Grenita Lathan recently surprised the five teachers in their classrooms or other workspaces. Rachelle Peak, a communication arts teacher who is part of Launch Virtual Learning, was named a finalist for Springfield Teacher of the Year. The winner announced at the banquet hosted by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools will compete for the Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year. That winner will advance to the Missouri Teacher of the Year competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the finalists: Amanda Brown , third grade teacher at Sunshine Elementary. "I knew I wanted to teach elementary because I believe that elementary teachers have the power to help shape how students will approach learning for the rest of their lives." Danielle O'Neil , physical education teacher at Sherwood Elementary. "Teaching is more than just a profession for me it's a calling. At the end of the day, if I can be the light for just one student, then I know I'm exactly where I'm meant to be." Rachelle Peak , a communications arts teacher with Launch Virtual Learning. "I believe the greatest commodity in any classroom is the students and their creativity. Ask for their ideas. Implement what you can. Give them credit." Tanner Schmidt , second grade teacher, Jeffries Elementary. "My core belief about teaching and learning is that every student has the ability to learn, and it's my job to find the best way to help them do so." Heidi Stagner, art teacher at Field Elementary. "It is my hope that students experience joy in my classroom and leave it with a passion for making things as lifelong artists and learners." Tanner Schmidt, second grade teacher, Jeffries Elementary, was named a finalist for Springfield Teacher of the Year. At the banquet, the Linda Luke Librarian of the Year also will be named. More: SPS board agrees to build new Pershing Middle School on same campus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luke's legacy endures through her unwavering dedication to her students, colleagues, and the district. "Librarians are teachers, too!" was a sentiment she often shared. It is in this spirit of dedication and advocacy that the Linda Luke Fund was established, seeking to support future librarians who embody her commitment to students and the broader educational community. The finalists for that award include: David Stockton , McBride Elementary Morgan Johnson , Mann Elementary Lara Garrett, Gray Elementary Heidi Stagner, art teacher at Field Elementary, was named a finalist for Springfield Teacher of the Year. Established by the Turner family, the Turner Reading Teacher of the Year award specifically honors teachers who demonstrate excellence in the critical area of reading instruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The core purpose of the award is to reward those who impart essential reading skills and ignite a lifelong passion for reading within their students. The finalists for that award include: Janice Smith , Campbell Early Childhood Center Jennifer Montgomery , Rountree Elementary Manden Matz, Pittman Elementary Danielle O'Neil, physical education teacher at Sherwood Elementary, was named a finalist for Springfield Teacher of the Year. Tickets to the banquet, sponsored by CoxHealth, are available online at SupportSPS.org/CelebrateSPS. There will also be a silent auction. At the event, Liberty Games will be celebrated at the foundation's Corporate Partner of the Year. Amanda Brown, third grade teacher at Sunshine Elementary, has been named a finalist for Springfield Teacher of the Year. The Queen City Free Runners will be honored as the Advocate for Education Award in recognition of their dedication to improving educational opportunities within our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This award honors those who go above and beyond, championing the needs of students and educators alike. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield Public Schools names 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a message to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, extending his deep condolences over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, former president of Laos and former chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended profound condolences to the LPRP, the Lao government and people over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, and expressed sincere sympathies to his family on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and people, and in his own name. In the message to Thongloun, also General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, Xi hailed Comrade Khamtay as a steadfast communist, outstanding leader of the older generation of the Lao party and state, and close comrade and friend of the CPC and the Chinese people. Xi also said Khamtay had devoted his life to Laos' reform and socialist development, making significant contributions to the development of relations between the two parties and two countries, adding that the Chinese people will always cherish his memory. Noting that China and Laos are socialist neighbors linked by the same mountains and rivers, Xi said the two countries are not only good neighbors, but also good friends, good comrades and good partners. He noted that China attaches great importance to consolidating and carrying forward the traditional friendship between the two parties and two countries, and stands ready to work with Laos to promote the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future and the continuous progress of their respective socialist causes. Xi also expressed the hope that under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the LPRP headed by General Secretary Thongloun, Laos would continue to make new and greater achievements in the cause of building the party and the country. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Wednesday swore in newly elected Florida Reps. Jimmy Patronis (R) and Randy Fine (R). The two won special elections Tuesday, and their quick entry to the House gives Johnson some additional room to navigate the GOPs razor-thin margin. The House now stands at 220 Republicans and 213 Democrats, meaning Johnson can lose three GOP votes and still pass a party-line bill. At one point this year, that margin stood at one vote. The two lawmakers, who were both endorsed by President Trump, paid tribute to the president in their first floor speeches as representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the Republican majority here in Congress, President Trump and the White House, we have the opportunity of a lifetime to fix this country, Patronis said. Fine invoked the first assassination attempt on Trump in his address, saying he believes Trumps life was saved in Butler, Pa., so he could save the world. Patronis defeated Democrat Gay Valimont in the special election to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) in the 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, while Fine bested Democrat Josh Weil in the race to replace national security adviser Mike Waltz in the 6th Congressional District. Both of the districts are Republican strongholds that Trump won by more than 30 points in November, but Democrats were notably able to narrow those margins Tuesday. Fine and Patronis won the districts by roughly 14 points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans are looking to pass a package that would combine border security, tax legislation, and energy and defense spending, and the process they are using requires near-unanimity among the GOP. The loss of one or both seats would have made that even more difficult. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Ill. (WMBD) An early morning fire Thursday heavily damaged a building at a local car dealership, according to an official with the El Paso Fire Protection District. In a Facebook post, Mounce Automotive said We are heartbroken to share that our sales building was lost in a fire late last night. While this is a devastating loss, we are incredibly grateful that no one was injured and that the house behind our building was spared, with the family safely evacuated. The fire started just before 1 a.m. and was brought under control by 2 a.m. No one was injuries in the blaze which lit up the sky in the area and resulted in several different departments offering help. Macey Sipes of El Paso said she lives near the dealership and was trying to put her 7-month-old back to sleep when she heard loud pops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sounded like gunshots or fireworks. I thought it was a gunshot and that it was odd so I got up. and peered out my window. I saw a red hue, she said. Then I walked over and opened my door, and saw (the business) was on fire. After calling 911, she stayed up, watching the fire and reaching out to friends of the business. Investigators with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal are working on finding a cause to the fire which all but destroyed a building at the car dealership. Among the departments who assisted in fighting the fire were Gridley, Minonk, Secor, Eureka-Goodfield and Congerville. Also on scene were Woodford County Sheriffs deputies as well as El Paso police department, according to the districts Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mounce Automotive said on their Facebook page that they were truly touched by the outpouring of kindness and support from our communityit means more than we can say. Other locations, one nearby in El Paso and one in Lexington, will remain open, the business said, *Please note that all locations remain open to serve your automotive repair and sales needs, as we have set up a temporary sales office in the El Paso service 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 CIProud.com. Apr. 2LIMA The Lima Fire Department estimates $100,000 in damage to a Pebble Creek Drive apartment that caught fire Tuesday afternoon. The fire department dispatched to the residence at 1284 Pebble Creek Drive at 4:10 p.m. The first engine arrived on the scene three minutes later, according to a report by battallion Chief Dale Schultheis. The fire caused an estimated $100,000 damage to the apartment and another $25,000 in damage to furniture and other contents inside the home, but no injuries were reported. The American Red Cross is assisting the resident. The fire remains under investigation but is believed to be accidental. Featured Local Savings Christopher Krcmarik blinked back tears as he listened to people share about his ex-boyfriend, Marcus Freiberger. He held a pink candle, the soft yellow light illuminating his face before he blew it out. Smoke from small, rainbow-colored candles drifted into the chilly air as people who had gathered to celebrate Freiberger's life followed Krcmarik's lead one by one. The small yard at Royale Kitchen + Cocktails in downtown Phoenix was flooded with people clutching candles, cupcakes and cocktails, a testament to Freiberger's impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The candlelight vigil on April 2 was anything but somber instead, it was a celebration of life, reflecting Freiberger's bright and outgoing personality. Freiberger, 45, was a light to all who knew him, many said. He was a beloved yoga instructor and Phoenix transplant. He brightened people's days through a smile and conversation. "You'll always be that firecracker in our hearts," Krcmarik said as he fondly remembered Freiberger. Freiberger was found dead more than three weeks after planning to meet a date in a downtown Phoenix parking garage. What happened between his date and when he was found was under investigation by Phoenix police. 'We loved him for who he was' Electronic house music pumped through the small courtyard at the bar as people milled about and chatted. Some sat quietly; others let loose a sharp laugh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vigil was more than a remembrance of Freiberger it was a party. "Let's be real," Krcmarik said with a smile. "Marcus wasn't just the light in the room. He was a damn spotlight." Sniffles and laughter were the background soundtrack to people speaking about Freiberger. They spoke of the happy memories they had with him, each story bringing to life his radiance, joy and passion for helping others. "Even when life got heavy, he somehow managed to be this glowing, positive force," said Krcmarik. "It was like he refused to let the darkness in." People remembered Freiberger by his kindness and empathy, many saying that he had overcome a lot on his journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freiberger was a staple in the Valley's LGBTQ+ community and worked at Melrose Yoga. He loved his dog, Thomas, who was routinely featured on his Instagram. He was known by his compassion and genuine love for people. He had an "undeniable Marcus energy," Krcmarik said. "It's obvious that you all knew what Marcus was like and that you loved him for he who was," said Freiberger's stepfather, Dutch Freiberger. "We loved him for he was." 'It's very strange' Freiberger's disappearance and death raised many questions that were still under investigation by police. He was last seen on Feb. 21 at a parking garage in downtown Phoenix, waiting for a blind date. It was unknown if he ever met his date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends and family reported him missing after realizing he left Thomas alone in his apartment, something they said he would never do. However, a missing persons report wasn't filed until three weeks later on March 14, Phoenix police said. Phoenix police said at the time that they did not believe he was in imminent danger. Police found his body on March 19 at a rock quarry near 15th Avenue and Broadway Road after responding to a call. No further details were released about the call. "We just want to know what happened," said his father, Rodger Freiberger. "I don't know if he had any issues going on, not sure what led to the disappearance. It's very strange." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The manner and cause of death were still under investigation by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office. The medical examiner listed his date of death as March 19, the day he was found. There was no suspect in custody in connection with Freiberger's death, Phoenix police said. Investigators said they were awaiting results from the medical examiner and, in the meantime, were pursuing leads. Detectives urged anyone with information about his disappearance to call CrimeStop at 602-262-6151 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Candlelight vigil held for Phoenix yoga instructor Marcus Freiberger A group of Chicago firefighters have accused the city and the Chicago Fire Department of violating their Fourth and 14th Amendment rights during a set of vehicle searches in late February. In a federal lawsuit filed Friday, 23 firefighters alleged that Fire Department investigators went through firefighters personal vehicles for guns and weapons on Feb. 27 and 28 at Engine 86s fire station in the Dunning neighborhood on the Northwest Side. The firefighters, engineers, paramedics and lieutenants were being represented in court by attorneys from their union, the International Association of Firefighters. The lawsuit alleges that fire officials called all firefighters working to the floor of the Dunning fire station, located at 3918 N. Harlem Ave., told them of the search and encouraged them to speak up if they had a gun or a weapon in their vehicles. Officials searched vehicles at that station because theyd received an anonymous tip, the complaint stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs allegedly had to stand next to their cars with their keys as officials searched the vehicles. Two sets of searches occurred over two days, according to the complaint. The lawsuit alleges that officials threatened the firefighters with disciplinary action if they did not cooperate in the searches. Fire Department rules prohibit weapons in or around department facilities. City rules prohibit public workers from bringing firearms into city-owned buildings or vehicles along with residential buildings. The city may search for weapons on its property with probable cause or reasonable suspicion. The complaint notes that the firefighters union has been negotiating a contract for almost four years. It does not allege that the city was retaliating against the firefighters over union matters, but states that the alleged searches took place against (the) backdrop of those negotiations and that the suit was intended in part to prevent the city from using the threat of future searches and seizures while (the union) and Chicago continue to negotiate a contract. The suit, whose plaintiffs work in the Dunning fire station, seeks a ban on future searches of firefighters personal property, as well as compensatory and punitive damages. It lists an assistant commissioner with the Fire Department and an internal affairs investigator as defendants along with the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fire Department referred a request for comment to the citys law department. The city had not yet been served with the complaint Tuesday and does not comment on pending legal matters, a spokesperson said. According to the complaint, no firearms were found in the searches. No hearing dates have been set in the case. TWINSBURG, Ohio (WJW) Lightning is believed to be responsible for a large fire at a home in Twinsburg. Firefighters said neighbors reported hearing a large, thunderous crack of lightning around 1:30 p.m. as severe weather rolled through the area. Witnesses sent video to FOX 8 that shows thick smoke coming from the house located along the 2000 block of Meadowood Boulevard. Power outages mostly resolved in Northeast Ohio Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twinsburg firefighters quickly responded and got the blaze under control with backup from Streetsboro firefighters before the flames could jump to neighboring houses or the adjacent woods. Once the smoke cleared, a massive hole could be seen on the left side of the house. Thankfully, firefighters said everyone inside of the house at the time of the lightning strike and fire made it out safely. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOSTON (SHNS) Most legislative committees are still getting organized and have not yet held their first hearing of the new two-year session. But for House members of the Committee on Public Health, the clock is already ticking on one of the most controversial matters that perennially comes before them. Under new rules adopted by the House this term, bills filed by representatives (or filed in the House by others) must be acted on by the committee of jurisdiction not later than 60 calendar days after the matter is heard. By scheduling a hearing Wednesday on legislation to give certain terminally-ill patients the legal option to end their lives with a doctors prescription, the Committee on Public Health gave its House members a June 1 deadline to decide how to handle the controversial matter. The issue of physician-assisted death has lingered on Beacon Hill for years and advocates have hailed recent progress as the legislation has scored favorable reports from the Public Health Committee each of the last three sessions (after five straight terms of meeting an early dead end) and for the first time got a favorable report from the Health Care Financing Committee last term. Recent polls have shown support for the idea among Bay State adults, and proponents said Wednesday theyre heartened by the early hearing this time around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill be brief, because Ive testified in support of this bill on multiple occasions, Sen. Dylan Fernandes said. He added, Itd be great to be able to get this bill done. And Im so encouraged by this committee holding this hearing so early in the session. The legislation (H 2505 / S 1486) filed by Rep. James ODay of West Boylston and Sen. Jo Comerford of Northampton would allow mentally-sound adults with a prognosis of six months or less left to live to voluntarily make an oral request for medical aid in dying and a prescription for medication that the patient can choose to self-administer to bring about a peaceful death. It has been cosponsored by 22 senators, a majority of that branch, and by 52 representatives in the 160-seat House, Comerford said. Sen. William Brownsberger testified in support of the measure Wednesday, saying that his thoughts on it were shaped by the perspective his father, a psychiatrist who spent years working in hospice. This bill is really about people being able to live out their last days without fear of suffering. It gives them the option to break the glass and exit if the pain associated with their terminal illness becomes too extreme. Most of the time, theyre not going to exercise it. But knowing that they have that option, in his view, really allows them to endure those last days without without fear, Brownsberger said. The fear is not of death, the fear is of suffering. And this gives them a way to know, Im not going to have to suffer if I have a way out.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A University of Massachusetts Amherst/WCVB poll released in June found that 44% of Bay Staters strongly support so-called physician-assisted death while another 23 percent said they somewhat support the idea. Eleven percent were somewhat or strongly opposed and 22 percent said they neither support nor oppose it. Massachusetts voters spoke directly to the issue in 2012, when they rejected a ballot question with 51% opposed and 49% in favor, a margin of 67,891 votes. Gov. Maura Healey has voiced support for the concept of medical aid in dying with proper guardrails in place. The topic has generated lengthy, emotional hearings at the State House. Opponents, including some disability advocacy groups, argue that allowing medical aid in dying could expose patients to coercion and abuse. Disability advocacy groups warn of a slippery slope arguing that authorizing assisted death for terminally-ill patients is an incremental step towards making non-terminal disabled people eligible as has happened in Canada and parts of Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kris Correira of Charlton, who said she has been a physician assistant in Worcester for over 30 years, testified in opposition to the bill Wednesday. She said it was the fourth time she presented testimony on the issue to the Public Health Committee. Safeguards have already been removed and more legal challenges aim at expanding the law. Waiting periods, terminal illness, self-ingestion: these [requirements] will all be gone in due time, Correira said. She added, Legalization is only the beginning. Anyone assuring us the law is safe is misleading us, unfamiliar with the trajectory of [medical aid in dying] everywhere else. Predicting death in six months is about as accurate as flipping a coin. This is why a lot of people remain on hospice beyond six months. Comerford contended that the bill she and ODay filed (they are identical) is known as the strongest, by far, hands down, bill in the nation and she described the litany of steps a person would have to go through before being able to end their life. To be prescribed a fatal dose of medication, a person would need to make an oral request to their attending physician (if that physician chooses to participate in medical aid in dying prescribing) and also a written request in the presence of two witnesses. One of those witnesses would have to be someone who is not related to the terminally-ill patient, who is not financially responsible for the patient, and who is not entitled to any portion of the patients estate upon death at the time of the request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attending physician would then have to certify that the patient is a resident of Massachusetts, is terminally ill, is mentally capable to make the request for a fatal dose, and has voluntarily made the required oral and written requests for medical aid in dying. They would also need to refer the patient to a consulting physician to medically confirm the diagnosis and prognosis and to determine that the patient is mentally capable and acting voluntarily. They also have to refer the patient to counseling to review for psychiatric or psychological disorders or depression causing impaired judgement. The attending physician must offer the patient an opportunity to rescind their request for the medication before it is prescribed, talk with the patient about treatment alternatives, and must also counsel the patient about having another person present when self-administering the fatal dose and about only doing so in a private place. The bill also contains language that seeks to frame how deaths that take place as a result of any aid in dying law are viewed in other contexts. It declares that medical aid-in-dying deaths shall not constitute suicide or have an effect upon any life, health or accident insurance or annuity policy, and that any person, health care provider or health care entity shall not be subject to criminal liability, licensing sanctions or other professional disciplinary action for actions taken in good-faith compliance with the law. It also forbids the state from referring to the practice as suicide or assisted suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if a person brings about the end of their life in a public place, the bill allows any government entity that incurs a cost as a result to submit a claim against the estate of the patient to recover costs and reasonable attorney fees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The first OA-1K light attack aircraft recently officially named Skyraider II has been delivered to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). While the command welcomed the militarized derivative of the popular Air Tractor AT-802 crop duster, there remains serious questions about how the Air Force will actually make use of the OA-1K, as the service increasingly prepares for future high-end contingencies. AFSOC announced today that it had officially received a first missionized OA-1K at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The handover ceremony was attended by Special Operations Command representatives, AFSOC leadership, elected officials, and community leaders. Also in attendance was retired Lt. Col. Bill Buice, an A-1 Skyraider pilot and Vietnam War veteran. In this previous story, you can read how the name of the original Skyraider was passed over to the OA-1K. U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Gunnell, left, 492nd Special Operations Wing command chief, and U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Wnetrzak, right, 492nd SOW commander, pose for a photo holding an American flag that was presented to the 492nd SOW leadership team to signify the handover of the OA-1K at Hurlburt Field, Florida, on April 3, 2025. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli As we have discussed in the past, the two-seat, turboprop-powered OA-1K can carry up to 6,000 pounds of munitions and other stores, including precision-guided missiles and bombs and podded sensor systems, on up to eight underwing pylons. According to the manufacturer, the OA-1K can fly out to an area up to 200 miles away and loiter there for up to six hours with a typical combat load. Once there, it can conduct its mission aided by a robust suite of radios and datalinks providing multiple means for line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a media release, AFSOC described todays delivery as marking the start of a new era in aircraft modularity. The command noted that the OA-1K can adapt capabilities for required mission sets, be it close air support, precision strike, or armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Its flexibility ensures AFSOC can meet the needs set forth by the Secretary of Defense and the President. Skyraider II represents not just a new platform, but a modular solution to our national security needs, added Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, AFSOC commander, speaking at the ceremony today. It will redefine how we approach joint campaigning, crisis response, and the evolving landscape of modern warfare. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, AFSOC commander, steps from the OA-1K as part of a delivery ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, on April 3, 2025. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli AFSOCs release pointed to the fact that the OA-1K is based on a proven aircraft platform, the AT-802, and that it requires a much smaller maintenance package and provides lower operating costs than other conventional or special operations aircraft. The command also made efforts to stress the relevance of the OA-1K in missions other than counterinsurgency and other low-intensity warfare scenarios that it was originally envisaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Skyraider II is a dynamic aircraft that will allow operators to adjust effects quickly for required missions and create dilemmas for our adversaries across the spectrum of armed conflict, the command said. The Skyraider II aims at delivering options in a new era of strategic competition, which requires adaptiveness, it added. While its not exactly clear how the OA-1K will be used for a broader range of missions across the spectrum of armed conflict, theres no doubt that the utility of the aircraft is already being discussed at the highest levels. A head-on view of the OA-1K Skyraider II. U.S. Air Force The OA-1K was discussed specifically today before the Senate Armed Services Committee, which included Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command. Addressing Langley, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona identified what he said was a close air support gap in the AFRICOM area of responsibility, amid an uptick in activities by violent extremist organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As our focus continues towards large-scale combat operations in INDOPACOM and in Europe, Im concerned that our defense modernization and optimization will trend towards those theaters, but away from other issues that we cant ignore [including] the real threat of terrorism and gray-zone operations, especially in Africa, Kelly said. Kelly then asked Langley whether the OA-1K could fill a particular armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) requirement for AFRICOM. Another view of the OA-1K Skyraider II. U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force Every combat commander needs more ISR in support of our operations, Langley said. I would take any additional ISR and any enhanced technologies that would add to the credibility and the lethality of our forces. Questions about the viability of an armed ISR platform in the class of the OA-1K are by no means new. Indeed, they have accompanied the development of this aircraft as well as various progenitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This long, drawn-out process involved roughly two decades of mainly abortive light attack aircraft projects under different names, as well as combat experiments conducted across the U.S. military, in particular during the course of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the process, the Air Force stepped away from the light attack initiative, and it then fell exclusively within SOCOM, as you can read more about here. Throughout these years of lower-intensity operations, there was interest in the potential of cheaper alternatives to existing tactical platforms in the U.S. inventory to carry out missions such as close air support, armed overwatch, and ISR support, in permissive airspace. As well as being cheaper, aircraft in this class also promised to have smaller operating footprints, allowing them to be flown in and out of more austere sites closer to operating areas. At the same time, by having low-cost, fixed-wing light attack platforms fly these kinds of missions, expensive-to-operate tactical warplanes could be held back for more challenging missions, reducing fatigue on these airframes. An OA-1K pilot conducts a walkaround on the flightline at Hurlburt Field, Florida, on Jan. 28, 2025. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli By the time of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, these kinds of concepts were looking far less relevant, although they didnt disappear altogether: the decision to procure the OA-1K was made after U.S. troops left Afghanistan in 2022. Since then, the Pentagon has been busy considering how best to prepare for a future high-end fight, especially one fought against China in the Indo-Pacific region. Against this backdrop, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), in a 2023 report, criticized SOCOM since it had not reevaluated its needs [for the OA-1K] despite changes to operational missions (such as the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan) and force structure reductions under consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another concern has been SOCOMs planned withdrawal of special operations U-28A Draco and Beechcraft King Air-based ISR aircraft while introducing the OA-1K. While funds from these divestments will help to procure the new platform, the command admits that the OA-1K will not be a direct replacement for either and that new intelligence-gathering platforms will still be required. AFSOC hosts the delivery ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, April 3, 2025, to mark the arrival of the commands first missionized OA-1K. An AC-130W Stinger II and a Beechcraft King Air-based ISR aircraft are seen in the background. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli Some would say this leaves the OA-1K as an aircraft increasingly in search of a role. Todays media release from AFSOC would seem to support that, with its vague descriptions of the OA-1Ks potential to be used across the spectrum of armed conflict. When the OA-1K received its Skyraider II name earlier this year, Air Force Brig. Gen. Craig Prather, AFSOCs director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements, highlighted the aircrafts potential to take on missions along the southwest border with Mexico in addition to operations across Africa. Again, this speaks to the command looking to find relevant missions for its new charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a media roundtable on the sidelines of the Air & Space Forces Associations main annual conference last September, Conley told TWZ that some thought was already being given to using the OA-1K for novel mission sets, such as signals intelligence or electronic intelligence, although he admitted that this was not anything weve committed to yet. Conley makes remarks during the delivery ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, on April 3, 2025. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli Exactly how and where the OA-1K might be used in an operational context remains to be seen, especially as the focus of the current Trump administration seems to be much less on Africa and other areas of lower-intensity conflict. However, the delivery of the first missionized OA-1K to Hurlburt Field today is an important milestone. Further examples of the 75 aircraft now on order will go to Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, in the coming months, to equip the formal training unit. From when OA-1K was conceptualized and decided on until now, the worlds changed a little bit, Conley told TWZ last September. AFSOC will now hope that its new Skyraider II can keep pace with those changes. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com By Kevin Yao BEIJING (Reuters) - Global ratings agency Fitch on Thursday downgraded China's sovereign credit rating, citing rapidly rising government debt and risks to public finances, as policymakers gear up to shield the economy from rising U.S. tariffs. The downgrade came a day after President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on imports from U.S. trading partners, with China among the hardest hit, though Fitch said his move had not yet been incorporated into its forecasts. Fitch cut China's long-term foreign currency rating by one notch to "A" from "A+", one year after it downgraded its outlook on China's credit rating. "The downgrade reflects our expectations of a continued weakening of China's public finances and a rapidly rising public debt trajectory during the country's economic transition," Fitch said in a statement. "We expect the government debt/GDP to continue its sharp upward trend over the next few years, driven by these high deficits, ongoing crystallisation of contingent liabilities and subdued nominal GDP growth." In April 2024, Fitch cut its outlook on China's sovereign credit rating to negative, citing risks to public finances as the economy faces increasing uncertainty in its shift to new growth models. Fitch expects China's explicit local and central government debt to rise to 68.3% of GDP in 2025 and 74.2% in 2026, up from 60.9% in 2024 - a clear deterioration from 37.9% in 2019, and the general government deficit to rise to 8.4% of GDP in 2025, from 6.5% in 2024. China's move in November to allow local governments to issue 10 trillion yuan ($1.37 trillion) in bonds to swap for hidden debt will help reduce fiscal constraints and lower financing costs, but will not alleviate the overall local debt burden, Fitch added. China will have to sustain fiscal stimulus to support growth amid subdued domestic demand, rising tariffs and deflationary pressures, which will keep fiscal gaps high, it said. In March, China unveiled fiscal measures, including a rise in its annual budget deficit, to help hit an economic growth target of around 5% this year, which analysts have described as ambitious. Officials have flagged more fiscal and monetary stimulus to cope with rising headwinds. In late 2023, Moody's slapped a downgrade warning on China's credit rating, saying costs to bail out local governments and state firms and control its property crisis would weigh on the world's second-largest economy. Fitch forecasts China's economic growth to slow to 4.4% in 2025 from 5.0% in 2024, dragged by a property downturn, weak household confidence and rising external risks. NEW DELHI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- One pilot was killed and another critically injured after a Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a night mission in India's western state of Gujarat, officials said Thursday. The fighter aircraft caught fire following the crash Wednesday night in an open field at Suvarda village of Jamnagar district, about 334 km west of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat. Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar, the IAF said in a statement. The IAF has ordered an inquiry into the crash. A bipartisan bill cosponsored by Bucks County Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick seeks to stop an executive order ending collective bargaining agreements from over a dozen federal departments. The March 27 order from President Donald Trump stripping hundreds of thousands of federal workers of their ability to negotiate working conditions would weaken national security, Fitzpatrick and other lawmakers say. Improving government efficiency is essential but sweeping exclusions from collective bargaining are a blunt instrument that risk weakening the very stability and performance we aim to strengthen, Fitzpatrick said in a news release Tuesday. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-8 We can defend our national security without silencing those who serve it. Efficiency and fairness are not mutually exclusive and this legislation ensures we uphold both, Fitzpatrick added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Middletown legislator representing Pennsylvanias 1st Congressional District joined Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, of Maine, to introduce the Protect Americas Workforce Act to reverse the Trump order currently being challenged in court by a union representing more than 150,000 government employees. The order impacted roughly 67% of the federal workforce across the Departments of Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice and Energy and certain employees in the Departments of Homeland Security, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Interior and Agriculture, the release says. The same day Trump signed the order, eight federal agencies filed lawsuits against dozens of local union affiliates to invalidate existing contracts. In a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon, Fitzpatrick joined seven other Republican congressmen from across the county, including Reps. Rob Bresnahan Jr., PA-8, and Chris Smith, NJ-4, urging Trump to reconsider the executive order. Chris Ullery can be reached at cullery@couriertimes.com This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Republicans urge Trump to reconsider union bargaining executive order Just days after one of his students was detained without warning by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Minnesota State University-Mankato President Edward Inch announced Wednesday that five international students have had their visas canceled by the Department of Homeland Security. Inch said neither the students nor the university had been informed that their student visa statuses had been terminated on the Student Exchange Visitor Information System, with the university only discovered it when it ran a status check. The university is providing support to the impacted students, connecting them with immigration attorneys, while also taking steps to inform other international students of their rights, and is seeking answers from DHS and the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are troubling times, and this situation is unlike any we have navigated before," Inch said in an email to the student body. "I am asking for your help. These are difficult situations with many folks working diligently to respond to inquiries, support one another and our students, and advocate where possible." "I ask all of you to please be sensitive to the fact that most information about the students cannot be shared due to student privacy laws. Speculation and sharing rumors is not helpful and causes additional distress and confusion." Jameel Haque, the director of MSU-Mankato's Kessel Peace Institute, told the Star Tribune that the five students are not in ICE custody but have been told to self-deport within 60 days. Credit: Xavier, Flickr NAFSA: Association of International Educators says that terminating an international student's SEVIS record gives ICE agents the authority to investigate to confirm the student has left the country. Students also cannot re-enter the U.S. on a terminated SEVIS record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes amid a flurry of incidents of students being taken into custody by plain-clothed government agents in states across the country, in several cases the detainments being related to students' involvement in pro-Palestine activism over the past 18 months. A Turkish national attending the University of Minnesota as an international student was detained by ICE last week, though ICE has claimed it was due to a previous DWI conviction rather than political activism. Few details have been released about the MSU-Mankato student detained by ICE this past week. Taylor Crittenden still feels righteous rage when she thinks about her experiences at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crittenden, a nurse at a hospital in Texas, remembers staffing shortages, limitations on personal protective equipment like heavy-duty masks, and long hours as health facilities were being overrun with COVID patients. I was impacted by seeing all these people lose their lives, Crittenden said. I was also feeling frustrated and quite mad. We just needed more help on the floor. We were the ones in the rooms having these conversations with patients. We were their emotional support and their physical support. And managers and supervisors and directors were nowhere in sight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years later, Crittenden was among the hundreds of nurses at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin who voted to unionize. It was a snapshot of the worker power brewing within the health care industry led in part by nurses, a workforce dominated by women that received nearly daily public recognition of its crucial role in keeping people healthy and safe while grappling with realities like reduced resources, increasing burnout and health risks. Now, as nurses mark the five-year anniversary of the first wave of the pandemic, theyre reflecting on their victories in securing protections but also new emerging challenges. Members of National Nurses United (NNU), the nations largest union for registered nurses, spoke with The 19th about their ongoing push for worker protections. What we saw during COVID-19, which we still see at this moment, is a radicalization of this workforce they have to fight not only for the public, but really to protect their very lives, said Michelle Mahon, director of nursing practice for National Nurses United. Its difficult to estimate unionization numbers within the nursing industry, but there were nearly 500,000 hospital nurses represented by unions in 2019. Six years later, that number has jumped to nearly 590,000, according to survey data from the American Hospital Association and internal data shared by NNU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NNU added that among its membership, at least 10,000 nurses have unionized at more than two dozen health care facilities since March 2020. Kelly Coward, a nurse at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, helped unionize her workplace in September 2020. It was considered North Carolinas first private sector hospital to unionize. The momentum to organize preceded the start of COVID, when HCA Healthcare, a major company with facilities around the country, bought the hospital in 2019. Staff and residents reported a decline in care, according to NNU, that was exacerbated by the pandemic. Coward said she and her colleagues faced long hours and diminished resources. She still remembers the chemical smell of the N95 masks that were sterilized and returned to her because there were not enough new ones. Empty pairs of shoes honor nurses who died of COVID-19 during a National Nurses United demonstration in Washington, D.C., on May 7, 2020. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) We did not have what we needed at the beginning of COVID, and during this time, when were trying to figure COVID out, nurses are leaving. Theyre leaving the bedside, Coward said. Some nurses retired early. Some nurses left us to go travel because they could make more money. So we were dealing with all of that, dealing with not enough supplies, not knowing what to do with these patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union vote brought clarity to the nurses on how they could fight back. Its helped us in multiple ways to stand up to this huge corporation and say, Thats not right. Were not going to do that, she said. The pandemic laid bare simmering tensions within the nursing workforce about frustrations over low pay, the length of work shifts, growing patient loads and general workplace violence issues that NNU and others have been sounding the alarm on for years. They were being asked to work harder and longer hours, and move from patient to patient, without providing the kind of care that they wanted, said Kate L. Bronfenbrenner, director of labor education research at the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Then you have COVID, where nurses were literally dying, and also dealing with much more acute conditions and understaffing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liz Wade has a distinct memory of this. The long-time nurse worked at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California, when the pandemic began. Despite reports of health care workers getting sick, management at the time pointed to existing federal guidelines that allowed less protective masks. Several nurses who demanded N95 masks before they would treat a COVID patient were suspended. Wade, a nurse rep for the union, was at home when her colleagues called about the suspensions. She rushed to the hospital, where she said security attempted to stop her. Management eventually reinstated the nurses amid demands from the union. For me, it was an ultimate test of our union to mobilize and shut down the employers narrative that we didnt need PPE, Wade said. We did it swiftly, with no deviation from our goal to provide every nurse at the bedside with the best PPE available. In the years following the first wave of the pandemic, headlines began to emerge of new unionization efforts among nurses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2022, nurses at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas, voted to unionize. Months later in early 2023, so did nurses at a nearby affiliated hospital. In late 2023, nurses at University Medical Center in New Orleans voted to unionize, making them the first to unionize a private sector hospital in Louisiana. Jessa Lingel is associate professor of communication and director of the gender, sexuality and womens studies program at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2022, she co-published research on the gendered assumptions of the nursing profession and its impact on unionization efforts. Lingel said the imagery of who is a union worker in America is changing. It is one led by women, though data shows men still make up more union members. For a long time, images of union members in this country have been dudes. Its been men steel workers, dock workers, truck drivers male-dominated professions, she said. But with nurses, you see strategic unionization efforts that are tied to a womans profession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lingel said thats important because any uptick in union membership in recent years has been tied to professions that have more women. That includes service workers within hotels and customer service posts. It makes me hopeful for an example of labor activism that is more explicitly feminist but also more attuned to issues of women, issues of people of color, issues of immigrants, she said. Lingels research was co-written with her sister, Kim Branciforte, a pediatric nurse in Oakland. When hospitals in the area tried at the height of the pandemic to temporarily roll back its minimum nurse-to-patient ratios California is the only state with that staffing requirement the union fought back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was one way that the union really showed up. It was also really helpful to educate newer nurses who have only worked in California and dont know that the rest of the nation doesnt have this protection. When people say, Well, what do my dues get me? Im like, They got you these patient ratios, she said. Branciforte said its only now, several years into nursing that she feels confident in her work, which includes part-time teaching. She said its important that every nurse feels that gradual confidence, which also benefits patients. Without workplace protections, more nurses leave the workforce. That creates staffing shortages, less experienced nurses and worse patient care. Who do you want taking care of your child? Somebody who started two years ago, or somebody whos been doing this for 20 years? she said. The union recognition wins have not come without challenges. In several instances, employers have stretched negotiations over initial contracts that can take more than a year. As a result, Crittendens colleagues in Austin participated in a historic strike, and then a second, in 2023. Nurses also agreed to strike at Cowards hospital in the fall of 2024. The unions in Texas and North Carolina have since reached contract agreements with their employers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has taken steps to weaken the labor movement both in private and public workplaces. In January, Trump fired a member of the National Labor Relations Board, the independent federal agency that resolves labor disputes around the country. In March, a federal judge ruled the firing was unlawful, though the board members job remains in question. Trump also fired the boards general counsel, another Biden appointee. Bronfenbrenner said private sector employees, including nurses, will need to learn how to advocate for themselves outside of the regular labor board process. That might mean getting their employers to voluntarily recognize future union shops and finding independent arbiters to hold elections. They have to make the cost of not recognizing the union greater than the cost of recognizing the union, she said, adding that nurses remain widely popular. And if they have density in an industry, thats easier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Trump administration is setting up new roadblocks for federal unions that organizers say could have a ripple effect on them. In March, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would cancel a union contract with Transportation Security Administration workers who oversee passenger safety at airports. The move, which impacted at least 45,000 transportation security officers, is being challenged in court. Last week, Trump signed an executive order aimed at canceling collective bargaining rights from a larger swath of federal employees at more than 30 agencies, including nurses at the Department of Veterans Affairs. At least one union representing federal workers has sued to challenge the executive order. All of this is playing out amid the backdrop of potential congressional budget cuts to Medicaid, a major health insurance program for low-income Americans. We just dont know the shape of that, but that inevitably is going to mean layoffs, because a lot of health care is funded by Medicaid, Bronfenbrenner added. Despite the federal landscape for the labor movement, Branciforte is cautiously optimistic about the future of organizing. She said COVID was a wake-up for a lot of newer nurses to join or form unions, and the months and years ahead could crystallize that. The union has been the only effective tool that we have had to get significant change for our patients, for ourselves, and for our families, she said. The post Five years after the height of COVID, nurses are still fighting for their rights appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Tillman Robinson, a flight attendant with American Airlines, was assaulted by a passenger on a flight from Charlotte to Las Vegas on December 31, 2023. Robinson, who had worked for American Airlines for 25 years, was attacked by a 25-year-old passenger during the flight. The passenger was cited for assault and later completed anger management, which resulted in his record being wiped clean. He starts putting his finger in my face; he starts yelling expletives; then he pushes me, and then he starts taking swings, Robinson recounted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the incident, Robinson was suspended by American Airlines and subsequently fired ten months later. He expressed shock at the decision, stating, Very shocked, very shocked. Something goes wrong: American Airlines flight diverted to Eglin Air Force Base due to flap issue Robinsons union has been working to get him rehired, but so far, efforts have not been successful. Robinson believes he was penalized for defending himself during the altercation. It starts with asking people to step back, move away, turn around, and walk away when they are trying to strike at you, Robinson explained, emphasizing that he used the training provided by the airline to protect himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson also voiced concerns about his future employment prospects, saying, Now Im worried about how Im going to keep my house at 51; at 51, whos going to hire me? American Airlines released a statement regarding the incident, saying: We take these matters incredibly seriously. After conducting a thorough internal investigation, it was determined the former team member acted in a manner inconsistent with our expectations and defined policies prior to the altercation and throughout. VIDEO: American Airlines flight diverted to Eglin Air Force Base due to flap issue A "floating crew" of correction officers is being sent to the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, to bolster staffing. (Photo: Tennessee Department of Correction) A "floating crew" of correction officers is being sent to the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, to bolster staffing. (Photo: Tennessee Department of Correction) Despite a major increase in prison officer salaries, the Tennessee Department of Correction is hitting personnel shortages, forcing it to bring in a floating security crew at state facilities. A five-person group of correctional officers volunteered to assist staff in March at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, which has capacity for 1,776 male inmates, including juvenile offenders convicted as adults, the department confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is hiring 20 more correctional officers to serve on the floating security crew, and depending on experience their pay could range from $4,675 to $5,300 a month, up to $63,600 a year, about 20% more than the average pay for officers, according to the department. Officers on the crew travel to locations where they are needed based on staffing levels, and applications for the job are available on the Department of Corrections website. The department wouldnt say whether Northwest Correctional had suffered any security breakdowns or major incidents because of the staffing shortage. Shortages come at a time the state is requiring inmates to serve longer terms because of the so-called truth and sentencing law and support for a constitutional amendment that would enable judges to deny bail to more offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. Ed Jackson of Jackson, chairman of a legislative committee on prisons, said Northwest Correctional has a history of correctional officer vacancies. Its just hard to get people in that part of the state to go in as correctional officers. I know theyve struggled up there quite a bit over the last three or four years, Jackson said. The state increased officer salaries and held recruiting events in West Tennessee to hire more officers, but couldnt keep the staffing level up to standards, Jackson added. He was uncertain whether additional pay increases would solve the problem. Its just hard to get people in that part of the state to serve as correction officers, said Sen. Ed Jackson, a Jackson Republican. (Photo: John Partipilo) The department announced in January it was putting $37 million more into salary increases for correctional officers and security personnel, effective Feb. 16, raising starting salaries to $51,204 with additional increases that would bump pay to $60,720 after 18 months. Current staff was to see a 10% increase or be brought up to the new base salary, according to the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pay increase came on the heels of a 35% pay booster two years ago. Correction Commissioner Frank Strada told lawmakers in February state-run prisons have a 26% vacancy rate for correction officers compared to 33.7% at Trousdale Turner, a facility run by the states private contractor, CoreCivic. The Trousdale prison remains under a civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. This investment in our people recognizes the value of correctional professionals and demonstrates the support we have received from the Governors Office and the General Assembly, Strada said in a January letter to employees. Strada said in the letter the pay increase would make the Department of Correction one of the highest-paying correctional agencies in the Southeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessee State Employees Association called the raises an important step toward dealing with the challenge of recruiting and keeping employees at state prisons. The department is requesting a $6.8 million contract increase for its private prison operator even though it penalized the company $44.78 million since 2022 for contractual shortfalls, $15 million the last month alone, mainly for personnel shortages. CoreCivic refuses to disclose what it pays officers, and similarly to the state, it brings personnel from other states to boost staff when it has shortages. Trousdale Turner sustained a 146% turnover rate in 2023. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the West Canada Creek at Kast Bridge. On Thursday, April 3, the National Weather Service in Albany issued the warning until further notice. At 11:15 am on Thursday, the National Weather Service measured the water at 5.8 feet. Minor flooding occurs at that particular part of the creek at six feet. The National Weather Service is expecting the West Canada Creek to rise above flood stage late Thursday afternoon, rising to a crest of 6.3 feet just after midnight. They are also expecting the creek to rise to a level of 6.6 feet on the morning of Sunday, April 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the current stage, minor flooding especially in low-lying areas is expected. The area of the warning zone also covers the village of German Flatts. For more information on how to keep yourself safe during a flood, the National Weather Service has prepared a link, here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) With storms rolling into Mid-Michigan tonight, multiple roads in Eaton County are seeing flooding-related closures. Authorities are advising drivers to seek alternate routes. Five Point Highway in Eaton County between Maurer Road and Matthews Road has been closed due to flooding. Additionally, Long Highway between Canfield Rd. and Royston Rd. is closed due to a washout. This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it comes into our newsroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Just as a simmering feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican House leaders was boiling over Wednesday, the House and Senate advanced budgets with large gaps in a variety of spending areas, including taxes, education, health care and more. The House spending plan is almost $113 billion, about $5.6 billion less than the current budget and $4.4 billion lower than the Senates proposal. The massive difference mainly comes from the $5 billion cut to the sales tax the House is pushing forward, something the Senate plan doesnt include. DeSantis has said he prefers lawmakers to move forward with property tax cuts instead of the Houses sales tax cut plan. But his proposal to cut $1,000 rebate checks to homestead property owners by eliminating the state portion of property taxes this year isnt part of either chambers budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in remarks to supporters at the Governors mansion Monday evening, DeSantis aired a series of grievances against House GOP leadership for not advancing conservative policies. DeSantis unloads on House GOP: 'Giving a lifeline to the left' Bills to allow open carry of guns arent moving, while bills on carbon sequestration, eliminating the Lieutenant Governors position and bills supported by the trial bar lobby are advancing, indulging Democrats, he said. What Ive seen so far out of the Florida House of Representatives, theyre not trying to step on the lefts throat, DeSantis said. Theyre giving a lifeline to the Democratic Party. Theyre giving a lifeline to the left. The House budget takes aim at some DeSantis priorities, as well as programs pushed by Senate leaders in recent years to address affordable housing and health care worker shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, has stressed the need to hold the line on spending, lest lawmakers run into the $7 billion shortfall projected by state economists in two years under current spending trends. The Legislature often solves problems by passing a bill with a fancy name and promising to spend a lot of money. Well members, we have done exactly that, said House budget chief Rep. Lawrence McClure, R-Dover. McClure also said he was deeply frustrated over the lack of answers to budget oversight questions from several agencies led by DeSantis. His House Budget Committee voted Wednesday to send letters to those agencies demanding answers to questions about how state money was spent. In the meantime, Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, is championing priorities to inject more than $200 million to revitalize rural areas across a spectrum of government services, including schools and health care facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The massive gaps in budgets and the increasingly sharp barbs thrown between Republican leaders add up to an uncertain path to a final budget, and likely tense talks in the weeks to come. Lawmakers are poised to pass the budgets off the floor in each chamber next week, setting the stage for formal negotiations between the House and Senate. A deal on a spending plan must be reached by April 29 to meet the constitutions required 72-hour cooling off period for the budget to be public before receiving a vote to end the 60-day legislative session on time. BOMBSHELL: At the @FloridaGOP meeting at the Governors Mansion, @GovRonDeSantis unleashed hell on FL's Republican supermajority tearing into them for FAILING to deliver his agenda. Taxes Gun Rights Fiscal Policy This wasnt criticism it was a full-blown verbal beatdown. https://t.co/WgtQ42WXHs pic.twitter.com/NLE0Vk7yQz Luis Valdes (@RealFLGunLobby) April 2, 2025 Heres a look at the major differences in the House and Senate budgets: Taxes The House Ways and Means Committee on Monday unanimously approved a bill to cut Floridas sales from 6% to 5.25%, saving consumers about $5 billion per year. But it will cost state coffers nearly $4.9 billion and local governments $540 million next fiscal year, according to a House staff analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate doesnt include the sales tax cut in its budget, and is one of the biggest gaps between the chambers in their overall spending plans. DeSantis has prodded lawmakers to cut property taxes instead of sales taxes, arguing that focusing on homesteaded property cuts would target Floridians for relief, whereas slashing the sales tax will benefit tourists and foreigners who flock to the Sunshine State. But bills to increase homestead exemptions by placing an amendment on the 2026 ballot havent gained traction in the Legislature. Speaker of the House Danny Perez addresses the media during a press conference with Senate President Ben Albritton and Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Education The Senate plan includes $29.6 billion in K-12 schools funding, about $985 million more than the current year and $237 million more than the House budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the main differences is increases in funding for teacher salaries. Under the Senate budget, $1.5 billion would be put toward teacher pay increases, $248 million more than the current year and $147 million more than the House plan. The chambers also differ on how to handle public school funding in light of declining enrollment in many districts. The House Budget Committee passed a bill (HB 5101) that would eliminate a fund used to prevent cuts to school districts with declining enrollment, known as the Educational Enrollment Stabilization Fund. At the same time, the Senate is moving forward with legislation (SB 7030) to expand the fund to also pay for more taxpayer funded scholarships to private schools. Republicans in the Florida House are dismissing the urgency of property tax relief. They are focused on... taking away office space from U.S. Senator Ashley Moody and regulating parking spaces at the state capitol building. This pettiness is an embarrassment to the State of pic.twitter.com/1RDaxsv2xd Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 1, 2025 Environment For Everglades restoration projects, the Senate includes $750.4 million, about $55 million less than what DeSantis recommended. The House has $357 million for Everglades restoration projects in its plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House also wants to repeal a bill passed last year that dedicates funding from gambling revenue for land buying programs, and water quality improvements projects. Under the current law, $834.2 million is set aside for those programs, but the House plan would sweep those funds into general revenue, the main pot of money that funds state government operations. The Senate plan keeps the distribution of the gambling revenue in place. Transportation/tourism/economic development In the House, many of DeSantis priorities on transportation and jobs funding are cut or eliminated completely. The biggest cut is $2 billion for Moving Florida Forward, an effort championed by DeSantis to speed up several road and infrastructure projects throughout the state to ease congestion on major state arteries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate plan includes the funding; the Houses plan doesnt. And for the Job Growth Grant Fund, a pot of money used by DeSantis to award funding to infrastructure and job training projects, the House zeroes out spending. The Senate budget includes $25 million. DeSantis asked lawmakers for $75 million in his budget recommendations. 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: Budget battle 2025: DeSantis fumes at House as spending gaps loom A deputy in Floridas Panhandle has died after being shot in the line of duty. It happened Wednesday in Walton County. Investigators say the deputy was responding to a trespassing call at a store. At some point, Deputy Will May and the suspect both opened fire on each other. May and the suspect both died after the deputy-involved shooting. Gov. Ron DeSantis released a statement on social media saying, Casey DeSantis and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Walton County Sheriffs Deputy Will May, who was killed yesterday in the line of duty. He died a hero protecting others and stopping a dangerous assailant. We pray for his wife and children and remember him for his bravery and service. May is survived by a wife and two kids. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. DAMASCUS/JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Nine civilians were killed, and several others wounded in an Israeli airstrike late Wednesday targeting Syria's southern Daraa province, the state-run SANA news agency reported. In a report on Thursday, SANA said the airstrike hit the Jubailiyah Forest area between the cities of Nawa and Tseel. It also reported heightened public anger and widespread mobilization in response to what it called a "massacre," as Israeli forces penetrated deeper than ever before into Syrian territory. The attack came amid a series of coordinated Israeli airstrikes overnight that targeted several military sites across Syria, which, according to official sources, led to the near-total destruction of Hama Military Airport and injuries among both civilians and military personnel. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Israeli strikes on the Jubailiyah Forest, designated as a national park, and the surrounding Tel al-Jumou area, killed at least nine local fighters who attempted to repel the Israeli incursion. The monitoring group said more deaths were likely as several others sustained critical injuries. Earlier Wednesday evening, Israeli ground forces, backed by dozens of armored vehicles, reportedly pushed into the Jubailiyah Forest area and took up positions. The move sparked speculation over whether Israel intends to establish a permanent military post in the area. In a strongly worded statement, Syria's Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as "a wave of Israeli aggression," calling it a blatant violation of international law and Syrian sovereignty. "These repeated assaults aim to normalize violence inside the country and undermine Syria's post-war recovery efforts," the statement read. It urged the international community to take a firm stance and pressure Israel to end its aggression, abide by international law, and honor its commitments under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday warned Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa that Israel would not tolerate the entry of hostile forces into Syria or threats to Israeli security. In remarks to Defense Ministry employees, Katz said the latest overnight raid and airstrikes across Syria, including in the capital Damascus, were "a clear message and a warning for the future." "I warn the Syrian ruler: if you allow forces hostile to Israel to enter Syria and endanger Israeli security interests -- you will pay a very heavy price," Katz said. He added that Israeli forces would remain deployed on the peak of Mount Hermon and in the buffer zone in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights "to defend the communities of the Golan Heights and Galilee from any threat." According to a statement from the Israeli military, the operation aimed to seize weapons and destroy militant infrastructure. During the raid, several armed individuals opened fire on Israeli forces, who returned fire from the ground and the air, killing "several" gunmen, the military said. According to Katz, the troops opened fire because the militants "posed a threat to our forces." The Observatory said at least four members of Syria's Ministry of Defense were killed and 12 others wounded in the attack. WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Walton County Sheriffs Office announced the death of Deputy William May who was involved in a shooting in Mossy Head on Wednesday afternoon. Deputy May was not supposed to be working, but volunteered for an overtime shift. He was responding to a call at a Dollar General on Lancelot Road, about a block north of Highway 90. DeSantis announces support as Florida Senate takes up chemtrails bill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Mike Atkinson stated Deputy May had a brief 10 to 15 second discussion, with the suspect. He says the suspect exited the store with Deputy May walking behind him. The suspect then drew a gun and fired a number of times at May. Deputy May was able to draw his gun and return fire. The suspect died on scene. Deputy May was able to call for assistance. Walton County Fire Rescue, and EMT responded to the scene and transported May to North Okaloosa Medical Center. Atkinson says surgeons and doctors worked on May for 4 hours but May succumbed to the gun shot wounds. Atkinson confirmed Deputy May was wearing a ballistic vest which stopped several of the rounds. But the Sheriff says one round went underneath the vest, which was the shot that reportedly killed May. Sheriff Atkinson says he will be working to provide support for Deputy Mays family during this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. A Walton County Sheriff's deputy shot outside a Dollar General has died, according to Sheriff Michael Adkinson Jr. In a press conference Wednesday night, Adkinson said that Deputy Will May died after sustaining life-threatening injuries after responding to a disturbance/trespassing call that came into the dispatch center at approximately 2 p.m. on April 2. "Deputy William May. End of Watch April 2, 2025," the sheriff's office posted on Facebook Wednesday night. Walton County Sheriff's Office Deputy William May died after a shooting at a Dollar General Wednesday,. April 2, 2025. According to data from the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive, 88 law enforcement officers have been killed or injured nationwide in the line of duty so far this year, not counting May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know. How did Walton County Sheriff's Office Deputy Will May die? On Wednesday, May, 38, responded to a call for a person causing a disturbance at a Dollar Store on Highway 90 in Mossy Head, Adkinson said. May briefly talked to the suspect inside the store before escorting the person out, with May walking behind. The suspect then drew a gun and fired multiple rounds at May, the sheriff said, who was able to return fire. At least 18 rounds were fired during the shootout, Adkinson said. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. According to Adkinson, it took two minutes for another Walton County Sheriff's deputy to arrive on the scene. Other deputies, including members of the Florida Highway Patrol and Walton County Fire Rescue, also tended to May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airlifting May proved impossible due to windy conditions, so he was transported to North Okaloosa Medical Center in Crestview, a little more than 17 miles away, where Adkinson said the medical staff worked for nearly four hours to save May's life. "Will fought the entire time. From returning fire on scene to fighting for his own life," said Adkinson. "At 7:10 this evening, Deputy Will May succumbed to gunshot wounds." Who shot Deputy Will May? The suspect has not been identified by the Walton County Sheriff's office. Adkinson said the suspect's history did not indicate violent behavior, and the only interactions between the suspect and law enforcement were welfare checks. The suspect, who had been living in the area for several years, was also a concealed carry license holder, and Adkinson believes that his weapon was bought and carried legally. The sheriff said other weapons were found in the man's home. Was Deputy Will May wearing body armor? "Deputy May was wearing a ballistic vest," Adkinson said. "That vest did stop multiple rounds from the suspect. One of the rounds went underneath the vest, which ultimately caused his death." Who is Walton County Sheriff's Office Deputy Will May? May started at the Walton County Sheriff's Office as a communications officer in 2014, Adkinson said. In 2019, he became a deputy sheriff and has been a field training officer since 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adkinson said May's father is a retired assistant fire chief for the county and his mother is a former dispatcher. To make matters worse, the sheriff said May wasn't supposed to be working Wednesday and his wife had asked him not to work that day, but he volunteered to get overtime and help out. At the time of the incident, May was on his way home, answering the last call for the day. May leaves behind his wife and two teenage children. Where is Mossy Head, Florida? Mossy Head is an unincorporated community in Walton County in the Florida Panhandle, about 12 miles west of DeFuniak Springs, about 75 miles northwest of Panama City and about 132 miles west of Tallahassee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area is at the head of Mossy Head Branch, a tributary of the Shoal River, and was previously an interchange point for a railroad between the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and Eglin Air Force Base This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida deputy shot and killed, suspect dead in Dollar Store shootout Those gathering and submitting petitions to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot will face a series of new requirements under a bill passed by the House on Thursday. Under the legislation (HB 1205), groups sponsoring a ballot initiative would be required to put up a $1 million bond with the Division of Elections, and face fines of up to $50,000 if they hire someone who isnt a U.S. citizen to collect petitions for the proposal. The petition gatherers would have to undergo background checks and be Florida residents. Petitions must be sent to local Supervisors of Elections within 10 days, instead of the 30 days in current law, and fines for late submissions are increased from $50 to up to $2,500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill passed on a 76-31 vote along mostly partisan lines. Two Republicans Reps. Susan Valdes of Tampa and Kim Kendall of St. Augustine joined Democrats voting against it. Valdes was a Democrat until she changed parties shortly after the November election. Supporters of the bill argue its needed to clamp down on the fraud cited in a report from the Office of Election Crimes and Security in January. It included reports of complaints of petition gatherers signing a voters name to petitions, stealing personal information to fill out petition forms and submitting the names of dead people. The report includes instances of fraud going back to the 2022 cycle, but cited many allegations for those gathering petitions for Amendment 4 on the 2024 ballot that would have expanded abortion rights in the state. The measure received 57% support from voters, but failed because it didnt get the required 60% needed to pass into law. The initiative process is broken. We have a duty to fix it, said Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers. State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka listens to public comment during a special meeting to rediscuss a memorandum of agreement between United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Fort Myers Police Department at Fort Myers City Hall in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, March 21, 2025. But Democrats and critics of the measure say its simply a way to close off the amendment process available to everyday citizens to push for policies ignored by the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When our politicians fail us, we still have some power in the state through citizens' initiatives, said Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville. Your politicians are afraid that you get to have some control over your lives and your futures. Gov. Ron DeSantis has prodded lawmakers to pass the new restrictions on the citizen initiative process after he campaigned heavily against Amendment 4 and Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana, last year. He used taxpayer money on public service announcements to combat the measures, drawing the ire of supporters of the amendments. The Senate version of the bill (SB 7016) includes a provision prohibiting the use of taxpayer dollars to influence ballot measures in the future, but that provision isnt in the House version. The Senate bill is up for a vote in its final committee next week before heading to the floor in that chamber. 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: Rules for ballot petition drives would be tightened under House bill Florida lawmakers are looking to make medical marijuana more affordable, but at the same time, theyre also scrapping any hope of home grow or recreational marijuana and cracking down on hemp. A bill that sought to allow medical marijuana patients to grow their own plants and legalize marijuana for recreational use was heavily watered down in its first hearing in the Florida House Thursday. Now, the legislation solely focuses on reducing costs for patients by requiring them to renew their cards every two years, instead of every year, and entirely waiving the $75 renewal fee for veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It certainly does help in the medical marijuana space, and it certainly helps veterans, State Representative Michelle Salzman (R-Cantonment) said in the bills first committee hearing. Read: Florida Republicans sponsoring marijuana expansion bills, including home grow The bill has the support of marijuana advocates like Jodi James with the Florida Cannabis Action Network. When youre talking about every other cost going up, were really excited about making medicine more available to people on a fixed income and particularly our veterans, James said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] But James argued other bills making their way through the legislative process this year threaten to increase costs on the closest products to recreational marijuana currently available to Floridians - hemp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A duo of bills moving in the House would create new regulations for and impose a 60 percent wholesale tax on hemp products, the same rate levied on tobacco products. The only way for us to pay for the program, the regulation, the enforcement is to have some sort of money coming in for that, Salzman, who is sponsoring the hemp bills, said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] James argued, while shes happy to see costs cut for medical patients, ignoring recreational and cracking down on hemp sends the message lawmakers arent listening to the 56 percent of Florida voters who supported the effort to legalize recreational marijuana this past November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As opposed to giving us legalization, theyve actually given us prohibition 2.0, James said. The Florida Senate has not yet made any moves in the marijuana space, but a bill imposing new regulations on hemp products is teed up for a vote on the chamber floor. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Photo courtesy of Florida Skywatchers Facebook page A proposal to ban weather-modification projects that have been denounced by some conspiracy theorists as chemtrails has been approved by the Florida Senate. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any person or corporation who conducts such geoengineering or weather modification activity would be subject to a third-degree felony charge, with fines up to $100,000. If an aircraft operator or controller commits a third-degree felony, they could be subject to a fine up to $5,000 and up to five years in prison. There is a lot of unauthorized activity that is currently not regulated both at a federal and a state level, and this is where we wanted to start, Garcia told members of the Senate. This is how we are trying to create a method to the madness by creating a reporting mechanism that starts with complaints to the Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] with complaints and concerns and then also at our local state airports. In questions on the Senate floor, Broward County Democrat Tina Polsky asked Garcia how could the DEP accurately investigate such a complaint if the trail dissipates in the atmosphere? Garcia replied that the DEP could coordinate with other agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and based on certain concerns or certain complaints or certain criteria could decide what was worthy of following up on a more scientific basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Miami Republican acknowledged that there were conspiracy theories regarding the issue, and said that while she didnt want to get political, concerns about geoengineering had accelerated under former President Joe Biden. The previous administration sort of opened up that area of allowing, I would say, apprentices to a certain extent based on a lot of the research that Id seen or just various companies, various corporations from across the world, to come into our atmosphere and start experimenting with, whether its rock weathering, whether its solar radiation modification, whether its cloud seeding something as simple as sending up a $30 balloon that you can buy on Amazon with specific chemicals so that you can alter the weather or solar radiation, she said. It seems very concerning to me. I have a problem with people spraying perfume next to me sometimes. Dont you have a problem with people spraying things into the atmosphere that really have no type of empirical data? The measure passed the Senate on a 28-9 vote. Great piece of legislation Following the vote, Senate President Ben Albritton praised Garcia for producing a great piece of legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healthy skepticism is important, he said in a written statement. People have a right to know what is happening. Theres a lot we dont know in this field of science and people are rightfully concerned. Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on social media a video announcing his support for Garcias bill, but slammed the House version (HB 477), sponsored by Pasco County Republican Kevin Steele, saying that its gutted Garcias measure. They would actually codify the practice of geoengineering and weather modification, DeSantis said. People got a lot of kooky ideas that they can get in and put things in the atmosphere to block the sun and save us from climate change. Were not playing that game in Florida. Steeles bill has one more committee to get through before making it to the floor of the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a social media post that banning geoengineering is a movement every MAHA needs to support. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Florida Senate passed the Officer Jason Raynor Act on Thursday. The measure was postponed last week after some lawmakers took issue with the language in the bill. Ormond Beach Republican Tom Leek returned to the Senate floor with an amendment that addressed his colleagues concerns. Raynor was working in uniform for the Daytona Beach Police Department when he was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation will enhance penalties for people found guilty of killing a police officer. The bill will now go to the House floor for a vote. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China's judicial and relevant authorities will strictly, and in accordance with the law, handle a case of suspected espionage activities conducted by Philippine nationals in China, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday. China's state security authorities said earlier in the day that it had recently discovered a case of suspected espionage, prompting the arrest of three Philippine nationals on spying charges. When asked to comment on the case, Guo said that China's judicial and relevant authorities will strictly handle the case in accordance with the law, and protect the lawful rights and interests of those involved. He said that recently the Philippines had concocted a series of so-called Chinese spy cases. "This is a typical act of stigmatization and politicization based on presumption of guilt in the absence of clear evidence. We firmly oppose that, and has lodged protests against the Philippines more than once," Guo said. China urges the Philippines to stop shadow-chasing and making false accusations, handle the cases concerning Chinese citizens in a just manner and in accordance with the law, and effectively protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines, he said. Senators convene in the Senate chamber on March 4, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Florida high schoolers would not need to pass algebra or English final exams to graduate under a bill the Florida Senate unanimously passed Thursday. That proposal is part of SB 166, which its sponsor, Sen. Cory Simon, a Republican representing 13 counties in the Panhandle and Big Bend, called public school deregulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would remove a state requirement that students pass the Algebra I and 10th grade English finals. Students would still have to pass the classes notwithstanding a failing test score. (The test would count toward 30% of the course grade.) As we focus on providing parents with the choice in education, school districts must be given the chance to compete, Simon said on the Senate floor Thursday. Last year, under Speaker Paul Renner, the House rejected removing the testing requirements. ExcelinEd, former Gov. Jeb Bushs education think tank, opposed the idea then and now. In office, Bush established the A+ Plan for education, which put in place school grades based on student test scores and the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Several school districts lobbied in support of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would expand eligibility for teachers professional certificates, looks to enhance teacher recruitment, and would remove requirements for schools to have internal auditors. Third-graders who score a 1 out of 5 on their third and final reading progress monitoring tests could advance to fourth grade if they scored a 2 on the first two progress-monitoring tests. A score of 3 is considered on grade level. Reading scores among Floridas fourth graders on the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress dropped to the lowest mark since 2003, the Phoenix reported in February. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Students testing like robots Simon said adding progress monitoring has allowed teachers to understand in real time how to shape instruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, 55% of third graders could read at grade level. In 2023, that level was 50%. A few years ago, when we passed the universal school choice bill, we made an obligation to parents that we were going to fund students and we were going to fund their choice to choose the school that is best suited for them. Well, 75-to-80% of our parents are choosing our public schools, and it is part of the choice. Its not the default, Simon said. Focusing on test scores only can turn students into robots, Simon said. We all learn differently, but we take a test that doesnt focus on all of our strengths, and so its important for us to continue to do this work, making sure that our kids leave our schools, and theyre not defeated, theyre encouraged. Theyre emboldened to take on their future, Simon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill looks to level the playing field amid other school choice options, Senate President Ben Albritton said in a news release. None of this bill decreases the rigor of what our schools are doing. What were saying is, what theyve done all should add up to something, Simon told reporters following the vote. The bill does not have a companion in the House, which will have to pass it before the governor could sign it into law. Thank you for your leadership and continued work on education and helping our public schools to have an environment where those that are running and trying to create policy to manage the district gets a little relief from all of the things that we mandate on them on the state level, as well as being focused on our children and helping them to learn and grow without overburdening them, Sen. Rosalind Osgood, a Democrat representing part of Broward County said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WASHINGTON (DC News Now) New pop-up food distribution sites are coming to the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region to help current and former workers impacted by the recent reductions in the federal workforce and funding. Starting Saturday, April 5, the Capital Area Food Bank said workers could pick up food boxes with shelf-stable groceries and fresh produce. The distributions will be held twice a week through June, on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., or while supplies last each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Takoma Park bookstore hosts Fed Fridays with free coffee, books for fired federal workers The pop-ups will be found in the parking lots at the following retail locations: The Capital Area Food Bank noted that people in need of more immediate food assistance can find additional food distributions on its Get Help page. For more information, their Hunger Lifeline is also available at 202-644-9807. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more details on the pop-ups, 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A local nonprofit organization is cautioning people about false information being shared about one of its events on Facebook. Officials with the Food Bank of Siouxland say that comments shared on multiple Siouxland Food Festival-related posts say that vendors are currently being accepted for the food banks upcoming festival and urge readers to message the person making the posts directly to receive a vendor application. Sioux City detective honored with award Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit says those comments are false and not connected with the Food Bank of Siouxland. Vendors for the upcoming food festival will be contacted directly by the food bank. Courtesy: Food Bank of Siouxland Officials say to not buy resale tickets as they are non-transferable. The organization says the best way to purchase tickets is by going to siouxlandfoodbank.org. Those tickets will be waiting at the pre-purchased line on the day of the event. People will also be able to buy tickets at the door. The Siouxland Food Festival takes place on June 7 at the South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront event center from 11 a.m to 3 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Automotive giant Ford announced it will be offering employee pricing to all of its shoppers in the wake of President Trumps new sweeping tariff package. Ford is kicking off its From America, For America campaign Thursday. The effort, which Ford calls the handshake deal with every American, will be advertised on social media, in TV ads and in newspapers. We understand that these are uncertain times for many Americans. Whether its navigating the complexities of a changing economy or simply needing a reliable vehicle for your family, we want to help, said Rob Kaffl, Fords director for U.S. sales and dealer relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dearborn, Mich.-based automobile manufacturer is proposing its employee-pricing plan to customers for a variety of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and diesel Ford 2024 and 2025 models. It will last through June 2. The companys Raptors, specialty Mustang and Bronco vehicles, 2025 Expedition and Navigator SUVs will be excluded from the promotion, according to Ford. For those looking to purchase an electric vehicle, the offer will be active until June 30, with a complimentary home charger included. Kaffl said in the announcement that the initiative is a testament to our commitment to assembling where we sell. Its a way for us to give back to the communities that have supported us for generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campaign comes as Trump has rolled out a fresh package of tariffs, impacting nearly every country in the world. The baseline was set at 10 percent, with higher tariffs up to 54 percent for specific nations. Mexico and Canada, the U.S.s primary trade partners, were exempt from this round of tariffs as a 25 percent duty was imposed earlier this year. A 25 percent tariff on foreign vehicles went into effect Thursday. Trump said Wednesday during the unveiling that the U.S. and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but its not going to happen anymore. Trump and his allies have argued that tariffs will eventually lead to a stronger economy and improve national security, adding that imports have undercut the U.S. automotive industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ford was not the only major auto manufacturer to announce adjustments in light of Trumps new wave of tariffs. Stellantis notified workers Thursday that it will temporarily halt production of vehicles at its assembly plants in Mexico and Canada, The Hill reported. Those actions will impact some employees at several of our U.S. powertrain and stamping facilities that support those operations, Stellantiss chief operating officer for the Americas said in an email to employees. These are actions that we do not take lightly, but they are necessary given the current market dynamics. General Motors said Thursday that it will bolster production of trucks in its Fort Wayne, Ind., factory, Reuters reported Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When reached for comment, Ford referred The Hill to its campaign announcement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former President Bidens chief of staff, Ron Klain, blames the senior aides for the poor debate performance last summer against then-candidate Donald Trump. Klain, who was interviewed for a new book, was highlighted in an article by The Guardian recalling his time helping Biden prep for last Junes debate, where his poor performance sparked calls for him to withdraw from the campaign. The Guardians piece said Klains retelling paints a devastating picture of Bidens ability, noting that the former president didnt know what Trump had been saying and couldnt keep up with the back and forth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Klain clarified to Politico that he thought the framing of the article was wrong. My point wasnt that the president lacked mental acuity He was out of it because he had been [sidelined], not because he lacked capacity, Klain told Politico over text. Klain was Bidens former chief of staff for two years. He criticized Bidens White House team for not keeping the then-president focused on Americans who were losing support for his agenda and the economy. He has been isolated from domestic politics by a WH team unplugged from hill Dems, Klain said, arguing that Biden was solely focused on foreign affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Klain did not specify which of Bidens aides he was holding responsible for the lack of focus which led to the poor debate performance, Politico reported. Klains interview with The Guardian was for his feature in writer Chris Whipples forthcoming book, Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History. Bidens debate performance was seen as a turning point in the 2024 presidential election. After he failed to produce an energized argument against Trump and prove to an unconvinced public that he was up for serving another four years, the calls for him to step aside and allow a new generation to run flooded in. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was in the running as the Democratic Partys nominee just weeks later. Whipples book analyzing the debate performance and 2024 campaign is just one of many being released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hills political correspondent Amie Parnes and NBC News senior national politics reporter Jonathan Allen, in a new book, Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House, show how Trump may have been concerned about bullying Biden on stage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Its been two years since former Boise City Council Member Lisa Sanchez lost her seat after she inadvertently moved outside of her district, but shes still fighting. Sanchez filed an appeal in her lawsuit to the Idaho Supreme Court in November 2023, not long after she lost her case in lower court, and she appeared Wednesday morning for oral arguments in front of the states five justices. The former official is asking the Supreme Court to reverse 4th District Judge Derrick ONeills ruling that elected representatives have to keep their residence in their district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez doesnt expect to get her seat back council elections have taken place since her term would have ended but she is seeking compensation for lost wages and benefits, according to her attorney, Wendy Olson. Olson did not specify an amount. Sanchezs argument hinges on Idaho statute 59-901, an 1890 law passed by the Legislature that mandates under what conditions an elected officials seat should be considered vacant. Among others including death, resignation and commission of a felony one of the listed reasons for vacancy is an official ceasing to be a resident of the state, district or county in which the duties of his office are to be exercised, or for which he may have been elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez was elected in 2021 as a Boise council member for District 3, which covered the North End and part of Northwest Boise. Sanchez said her 2022 lease in the North End was not renewed, so she moved to a new rental that wound up being two blocks outside of District 3 at the end of the year, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting. The city sent Sanchez a letter in January 2023 informing her that she had essentially vacated her seat by moving outside of her elected district. When she learned she had inadvertently moved outside of District 3, she immediately moved back, Olson said. She intended at all times to serve her two-year term. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean then chose Latonia Haney Keith, the board chair of Boises urban renewal agency, to fill the seat. McLean said she did not appoint Sanchez because she did not believe there was enough support from other council members, who had to approve the mayors choice, the Statesman previously reported. Attorneys argue over legislative intent Olson argued Wednesday that when Idaho legislators wrote in 1890 that you must be a resident of the state, district or county, they were not referring to a city council district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does not apply to cities, because city council districts did not exist when (Idaho statute) 59-901 was passed, Olson said. The Supreme Court justices questioned Olson on this position, asking why she was not addressing the statutes use of the words every elective civil office, and whether Olson was arguing that a resident of one city could serve on the council of another city. Olson said she thought it was possible that under the current state law, a nonresident could serve on the council of another city. She pointed to the statutes lack of the word city as evidence for her argument. In making sure that someone lived within the geographic boundaries of the place that they were going to serve, they chose not to include cities, Olson said. And their intent was not to include cities because they specifically did not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Williams, attorney for the city of Boise, argued that Olson was making the statute much more complicated than necessary. This Court has said time and again, just because lawyers may disagree and promote different readings of the statute, that doesnt mean the statute is ambiguous, Williams said. In fact, its hard for me to imagine a statute on this subject being any clearer, because it simply says every elective office shall be vacant upon the happening of the following events. Williams acknowledged that Sanchez simply made an error in moving, but maintained that taking residence elsewhere, even for a short period of time, legally meant she had vacated her seat. Theres no question that former City Council Member Sanchez had no intent to negate her office, and it was an unfortunate kind of combination of mistakes that led her to cease to be a resident of her district, Williams said. But from the citys point of view, we cant rewrite the statute and make an exception. The Idaho Supreme Court said it would take the matter under advisement and issue a decision at a later date. (NewsNation) Former Hamas hostage Keith Siegel has revealed more about his time being held captive by the terrorist group. Siegel was kidnapped Oct. 7, 2023, and held captive for 484 days before being released Feb. 1 with two other hostages. He was the first American to be freed. Siegel lost 110 pounds during his captivity. Siegel joined NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas Reports on Wednesday night to to talk about how he and other hostages were denied food, saying it was important that the truth about Hamas is known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas was eating to their hearts content, Siegel said. Their decision was to keep me captive and deny me of basic human rights, deny me of my freedom. Israel has previously accused Hamas of purposefully withholding food and other aid from going into Gaza, and disputed claims of using starvation. Middle East latest: Israel prepares to move deeper into Gaza and orders Rafah evacuated When asked about how hes feeling following his released and being back in the U.S., Siegel said hes lucky to have been returned alive, and thanked President Donald Trump for his efforts to bring him and the other hostages back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siegel said hes now working to be part of the release of the remaining 59 hostages left in Gaza, including 21-year-old Israeli-American Edan Alexander. I think about them and I worry about them every day, Siegel 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 NewsNation. CLEVELAND (WJW) Since it closed in the 1990s, the site of the former National Acme plant on Clevelands east side has sat vacant, decaying, and has been considered an eyesore. Once partially demolished, its a site that would need major renovations before another company could build on it. Near record cold for Cleveland Guardians home opener A partnership between the city of Cleveland and nonprofits the Cuyahoga Land Bank and the Site Readiness For Good Jobs Fund is now moving forward on eliminating the cleanup portion for any company around the world that wants to invest in Cleveland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Justin Bibb said at a news conference that the best way to attract new companies and jobs is to have sites that are shovel-ready. So, thats what theyre doing. Its a symbol of hope, a symbol of opportunity, and a symbol of progress of what can happen in Cleveland when we have partners working together that prioritize investing back in the urban core of our great city, Bibb said. Bibb and the Site Readiness For Good Jobs Fund also announced that theyre now under contract to clean up the 22 acres just south of the National Acme property, which means theyre cleaning up 37 acres in total. It was called the largest developable land in the city of Cleveland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speed cameras banned in Ohio counties, townships Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel attended the news conference and spoke about how this is a move Gov. Mike DeWine supports clearing up underutilized brownfield sites across the state like the National Acme site. Tressel said the project needs to be a home run to ensure a better future for the workforce in Cleveland. Its got to bring hope back to our center city, its got to make sure that we help prepare a workforce that will help us attract todays new whether its manufacturing, the IT areas or AI, you name it, Tressel said. Councilmen Michael Polensek, Ward 8, and Anthony Hairston, Ward 10, both spoke at the news conference about their push for this project to help revitalize the neighborhoods they represent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site falls within Polenseks Ward 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Former U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) employees are sounding the alarm over what they call illegal firings by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Much of the 300-person staff was fired by DOGE on March 28, and former employees say they plan to fight back in court. Employees claim they were given fifteen-minute time slots to gather their belongings from the building and leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former USIP Employee and Veteran Chris Bosley explained how he felt during the process. A little bit of shock, described Bosley. A little bit of resignation. A little bit of anger. These employees argue their firings are illegal because USIP is not a government agency but a non-profit funded by Congress to resolve conflict overseas. We are a private, independent, nonprofit corporation under the D.C. jurisdiction so we thought that would give us protection, said Bosley. It did not so we are angry. We are confused.. Former USIP President George Moose tried to block DOGE employees from entering the building. Moose was later fired, and DOGE employees gained access to the USIP on Monday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what this administration is facing, said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Its a resistance from bureaucrats who dont want to see change in this city. President Trump was elected on an overwhelming mandate to seek change and implement change, and this is unacceptable behavior. A hearing on the fate of USIP in the U.S. District Court revealed the USIP building was also transferred to the General Services Administration. We still have great faith and hope that the courts will decide and recognize our status as an independent institution, emphasized Mary Speck, a former USIP employee. They couldve done it the right way if they wanted to. They did not. Former employees say they have been given until April 7 to clear their desks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the overseas staff have been given until April 9 to return to the U.S. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. BRASILIA, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian government on Wednesday criticized the United States for imposing an additional 10 percent tariff on all Brazilian exports, saying that the move violates Washington's commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The U.S. trade surplus with Brazil in 2024 amounted to approximately 7 billion U.S. dollars in goods alone, and the surplus reached 28.6 billion dollars last year when goods and services are combined, Brazil's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, noting that "this represents the third-largest trade surplus for the United States worldwide." Given that the United States has recorded recurring and significant trade surpluses of 410 billion dollars in goods and services with Brazil over the past 15 years, the unilateral imposition of an additional 10 percent tariff on Brazil under the justification of restoring balance and ensuring "trade reciprocity" does not reflect reality, the ministry said. "In defending Brazilian workers and businesses, and in line with its strong commitment to the multilateral trading system, the Brazilian government will consult with domestic industries to protect their interests and seek dialogue with the U.S. government," it said. While the government remains open to advancing the dialogue it has established in recent weeks with the United States, Brazil "is evaluating all possible courses of action to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the WTO, in defense of Brazil's legitimate national interests," it added. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," imposing a 10 percent "minimum baseline tariff" and higher rates on certain trading partners. April 3 (UPI) -- The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum announced Thursday that it has will award its 2025 Profile in Courage Award to former Vice President Mike Pence for certifying former President Joe Biden election as the U.S. Capitol was under attack on Jan 6, 2021. Presented each year to public servants who make courageous decisions "of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences," the award will be presented to Pence at the institution in Boston on May 4. In a statement released by the library, Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg said that "Despite our political differences, it is hard to imagine an act of greater consequence than Vice President Pence's decision to certify the 2020 presidential election during an attack on the U.S. Capitol," and that "Upholding his oath to the Constitution and following his conscience, the vice president put his life, career and political future on the line." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schlossberg also posted on X Thursday about Pence, that he showed "grace under pressure, defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger," and that "Vice President Pence is a profile in courage, putting country first, he may have saved our republic." Pence also released a statement, in which he said that he is "deeply humbled and honored to be the recipient of the Kennedy Profile in Courage Award." He added that he has "been inspired by the life and words of President John F. Kennedy since my youth and am honored to join the company of so many distinguished Americans who have received this recognition in the past." Previous recipients include former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney and former U.S. Sen. John McCain. DENVER (KDVR) A popular podcast coming to Denver chose a decades-old cold case from Fort Collins to highlight on their tour. At each tour stop for the Life Rule #10 Tour, the Crime Junkie podcast is highlighting the same cold case, and the case chosen is the 1987 murder of Peggy Hettrick thats still unsolved. With more than 5 million listeners per episode and 1.5 billion downloads, this case is now gaining some major attention. Global Tastemakers Awards: DIA among best US airports for food and drink Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talking about a cold case on the tour was important to the hosts, Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. It was important to us to choose cases where we can use our platform to make change happen and this felt like a good case to do that with, Prawat said. Peggy Hettrick was murdered on Feb 11, 1987, in Fort Collins. She was found stabbed in the back in an open field along Landings Drive. The case was handled by Fort Collins police and prosecuted by the 8th Judicial District. Its been said the case was mishandled and investigators had tunnel vision for their suspect. Immediately, the main suspect was a 15-year-old kid named Tim Masters who didnt have a lot of evidence against him, but eventually by the mid-90s the district attorney thought he had enough and took him to trial and he was convicted, Prawat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Masters spent nearly 10 years in prison before his conviction was overturned in 2008 thanks to new DNA evidence. The case was turned over to the Attorney Generals office after the wrongful conviction. A new investigation was launched, but even then, it didnt produce any new leads. Thats why Flowers and Prawat felt Peggys case was perfect for their tour. She was a woman who had dreams and ambitions and goals and people who loved her and people she loved. By humanizing victims in the way that we like to do it makes our listenership more passionate. Youre able to see your mom, see yourself, see your sister, see your loved ones in that victim, Prawat said. This Colorado company is considered one of Fortunes best places to work in 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But their efforts are going a step further. At the end of each show, they have a QR code that sends a letter directly to Attorney General Phil Weisers office urging him to reopen the case. Weisers office sent FOX31 the following statement in regard to the case and the podcasts efforts. Peggy Hettrick was murdered on February 11, 1987. The case was originally investigated by the Fort Collins Police and prosecuted by the District Attorneys Office in the 8th Judicial District. New DNA evidence led to the exoneration of the person who was convicted of the murder. In 2008, then-Governor Ritter assigned the investigation and any new prosecution to a former attorney general. A team of experienced investigators and prosecutors opened a statewide grand jury and conducted a thorough investigation. Regretfully, the new investigation that began in 2008 did not develop into a chargeable case. Justice for Peggy Hettrick, and her family and friends, continues to be important to the attorney generals office. This is now considered a cold case but remains an open investigation. As a result, in would be inappropriate to comment further. Attorney General Phil Weisers Office The tour stops at the Bellco Theatre this Sunday and there are still tickets available online. FOX31's Denver Guide Events, things to do, FAQs about living in Denver Read more from The Denver Guide Flowers and Prawats only goal is to get answers and bring some justice for her family. My ultimate goal is that the case is reopened and that people are investigated. We get a charge and eventually a conviction. Thats the closest thing to justice that Peggy will ever get and she and her family deserve that. Brit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who has new, credible information about Peggy Hettricks murder may report that information via email to hettrickinvestigator@coag.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. FORT GREENE, Brooklyn (PIX11) Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn is facing a controversial redesign that has left the community divided over plans to remove 78 trees. The $24 million project aims to improve accessibility and environmental sustainability, but many residents worry about how these changes might affect the park they cherish. More Local News The redesign includes replacing invasive Norway maples with over 200 native trees, addressing infrastructure issues, and adding ADA-compliant entrances. Officials from the Fort Greene Park Conservancy clarified that 30 of the trees slated for removal are unhealthy, 24 are invasive species harming native ecosystems, and the remaining 24 pose risks to infrastructure, such as penetrating water drainage pipes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Rosaland Fletcher, Executive Director of The Fort Greene Parks Conservancy emphasized that the upgrades would ensure long-term sustainability, With new infrastructure, ADA-compliant entrances, attention to maintaining the natural diversity and health of the landscape, and greater recreational amenities, these improvements are a vital investment in the parks environmental health and will ensure that the park remains accessible and serves the community for generations to come. Some locals fear that losing mature trees will alter the parks character. We really love the trees here in Fort Greene Park; thats kind of the whole point. Getting rid of 78 feels like a lot unless theyre sick or theres some major issue, said one parkgoer. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Another resident added: Planting more trees is fine. I just dont want to cut something of nature; if they want to add, its good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project has faced legal opposition from Friends of Fort Greene Park since 2017. Activists argue that removing mature trees would harm air quality and shade while disrupting habitats. They also accuse NYC Parks of evading environmental reviews required by law. Construction is currently in its preparation phase and is expected to begin in early 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 PIX11. Fort Worth clergy members from various churches gathered together on Wednesday to preach a common message that cant be found in a Bible verse: Say no to school vouchers. Pastors for Texas Children hosted a town hall on Wednesday, April 2, at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church to highlight support for public schools and voice opposition against proposed school voucher programs, also known as education savings accounts. There were about 100 community members in attendance who listened to four local pastors speak out about what they say is a brewing injustice to public school children, especially the most vulnerable. Rev. Mary Spradlin, senior pastor at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church; Rev. Michael Bell, senior pastor of Greater St. Stephen First Church; Rev. Ryon Price, senior pastor of Broadway Baptist Church; and Rev. Tom Plumbley, senior pastor of First Christian Church, spoke during the town hall alongside Rev. Charles Johnson, executive director of Pastors for Texas Children. The way that you disrupt a democracy is you stop educating the people, Spradlin said. Make no mistake, that is what is behind this. Estella Williams, the President of the Fort Worth/Tarrant County NAACP, reacts to a statement from Rev. Ryon Price, the Senior Pastor of Broadway Baptist Church, during the Pastors for Texas Children Town Hall Call to Action at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church in Fort Worth on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Spradlin said her congregation advocates unapologetically for public schools. She is part of decision-making committees at Arlington Heights High and North Hi Mount Elementary, where she hears about the obstacles educators are constantly facing to meet state requirements and serve their students. Her advocacy work is rooted in speaking up for those who cant speak for themselves, she said. Spradlin called on attendees to contact their local representatives and members of the House Public Education Committee, which meets Thursday to consider related bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discussion and call to action came as Texas lawmakers in both the House and Senate have been considering legislation that would allow state dollars to be used for childrens private or home schooled education. Such proposals have been sought in the name of school choice, giving parents the option to enroll their children somewhere besides their local public school. A major focus for Gov. Greg Abbott since 2023, vouchers are now back in the spotlight in the current legislative session. Pastors for Texas Children is self-described as an independent ministry that, in part, advocates for legislation that puts the needs of Texas children, families and communities first. The organizations website advertises a statement urging clergy members to sign, which calls on lawmakers to to honor our sacred constitutional obligation to provide quality, fully-funded public education for all Texas children. The statement describes vouchers as a subsidy that infringes on religious liberty. Rev. Charles Johnson, the Executive Director of Pastors for Texas Children, speaks to attendees gathered for the Pastors for Texas Children Town Hall Call to Action at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church in Fort Worth on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. All authentic faith is voluntary. It deserves no tax support from the state of Texas, the statement reads. We urge all Texas legislators to do their sworn duty before God to support public free schools, as the Texas Constitution explicitly states and as Moral Law clearly commands. Laurie Duke, a former special education teacher of 15 years in the Arlington Independent School District, told the Star-Telegram she attended the town hall because she believes in public education wholeheartedly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that the kids I work with are going to be the ones that get hurt the most, and I refuse to let that happen under my watch. I support Pastors for Texas Childrens message, said Duke, who is now a part-time organizer with the Texas American Federation of Teachers, a statewide union. Rev. Charles Johnson, the Executive Director of Pastors for Texas Children, speaks to attendees gathered for the Pastors for Texas Children Town Hall Call to Action at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church in Fort Worth on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Price, of Broadway Baptist Church, spoke about his 14-year-old son who has autism and is thriving because of the intervention and aid provided to him by public educators. He also mentioned the late L. Clifford Davis, Tarrant Countys first elected Black judge and a civil rights lawyer who helped desegregate North Texas schools. Davis passed away in February at 100 years old. Price said we ought not to be going back after those like Davis fought the good fight. I keep hearing, Well, our public schools are dying And what I want to say is, If you take your hand off of their neck, they would live, Price said. Our legislators are killing our public schools, and then have the audacity to tell God and everybody else that they died. We are saying that they are alive and can be well. Rev. Michael Bell, the Senior pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church, speaks to the attendees during the Pastors for Texas Children Town Hall Call to Action at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church in Fort Worth on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Bell, of Greater St. Stephen First Church, said he is a graduate of Fort Worth Independent School District and a teacher who taught in Fort Worth and Longview ISDs. He called school vouchers a promise that comes with fine print no one tells you about because it doesnt cover the cost of private education, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frankly, private schools dont always want to take in students who need the most help, Bell said. They can say no to a student with special needs. They can say no to a student whos behind the grade. They can say no to a child who doesnt speak English at home. And when they do say no, where does that child go? You and I both know the answer, dont we? They go back to the same underfunded public schools now with even fewer resources because the resources that should have remained in our public classrooms serving every child are now siphoned off into a system that only serves a select few. Lake Worth ISD teacher Rebekah May bows her head in prayer with the other meeting attendees during the Pastors for Texas Children Town Hall Call to Action at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church in Fort Worth on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. At the end of the meeting, attendees stood up and joined hands in prayer led by Plumbley, of First Christian Church. We now go from this place enriched, prepared to be the people that have been called from beyond ourselves with a motivation beyond our own enrichment, he said. To make the schools of this state better, to enrich the children of our state and to make a stand for democracy Amen, the crowd responded. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. Counties across Pennsylvania are taking millions of dollars in Social Security benefits owed to kids in foster care, a practice some child advocates equate to stealing. These local agencies contend the practice is allowed under law and needed to offset the cost of care. But its often done without a childs knowledge and how some counties use the money is unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This money belongs to these kids, said state Rep. Rick Krajewski (D., Philadelphia,) who last year introduced a bipartisan bill with Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R., Cumberland) that would tighten regulations on how counties can use the money. When a child is owed Social Security benefits, federal rules mandate the money goes to their designated guardian to help support the kids care, or into a savings account they receive when they turn 18. But if the child is in foster care, child welfare agencies often take the money without telling them or their advocate. Since 2020, at least 1,300 children in Pennsylvania have had money taken from them this way, to the tune of at least $15.7 million, according to a Resolve Philly and Spotlight PA analysis of four years of data obtained from 47 counties. The statewide total could be considerably higher, as varying recordkeeping and public disclosure practices make it difficult for data obtained from the other 20 counties to be analyzed. The benefits can add up to thousands of dollars per child money that, once they age out of foster care, could ease that transition by paying for groceries, rent, tuition, or medical treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other group is being forced to pay their own way like this, said U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, (D., Ill.), who has proposed a bill that would end the practice nationwide. And this is a vulnerable population that would find a little nest egg like this life-changing. The Resolve Philly and Spotlight PA investigation also found: Nearly every county in the state took Social Security money intended for children in their care. More than a quarter of the agencies did not prove the money they received for specific children was actually spent on those kids. Only five counties in the state proved they directly notified foster care youth or their families that the county was taking the money. Across the country, efforts to stop foster care agencies from spending all the money before kids can use it themselves are gaining momentum. Arizona, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington, D.C., all have made changes in recent years to limit or end the practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local government agencies, however, argue they need the money to compensate themselves for the cost of room, board, and other services they are required to provide as foster care agencies. At least one Pennsylvania lawmaker has expressed concern about creating a windfall for kids when they age out of the system. In Philadelphia, the citys Department of Human Services says it now sends letters to notify childrens advocates that the county plans to take their Social Security benefits, following a Resolve Philly and Philadelphia Inquirer report that prompted a new law from the city council in 2022. In response to questions and findings from Spotlight PA and Resolve Philly, a spokesperson for the federal Social Security Administration (SSA) said that the agency follows a process to ensure a payee is suitable. The SSA did not have readily available data on how many Pennsylvania counties send in the required reports about how they use the money. How it works Under federal law, states must pay for foster care services, which are typically funded by a mix of state, local, and federal dollars. Children are not required to reimburse these agencies for their time in foster care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But state and county child welfare systems nationwide and throughout Pennsylvania routinely take childrens Social Security money to offset costs. Kids can be eligible for Social Security benefits for two reasons: their own disability or financial need, or if a parent or guardian has paid enough money into Social Security before retiring, becoming disabled, or dying. This survivors money, as its usually called, legally belongs to the child and is intended to help them when a parent or guardian can no longer provide for them, according to the SSA. However, until they turn 18 and can manage their own finances, the federal agency sends the money to what it calls a legal representative payee. The SSA allows foster care agencies to use that money to pay for monthly maintenance and any unmet needs, then requires whatever remains to be set aside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child advocates argue federal law places the cost of this care on states, and also point to a 2003 federal court decision that ruled children in foster care owe no debt for the services they receive. According to an expert familiar with the process, Pennsylvania, foster care agencies typically screen childrens records to find those who are eligible for Social Security benefits and then apply to become that payee. Such financial representatives are legally required to act in the best interests of the children, and to pay for any unmet needs of food, shelter, medical care, and comfort. The SSAs guidelines list family and even close friends as preferred payees for these benefits, with government agencies as a last resort. However, if the agency is listed as a legal guardian in a court order, which is often the case, the agency becomes the first choice to receive a childs benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in those cases, the SSA told the newsrooms it tries to find a willing relative or friend if one is available. But the SSA said it often cannot find them. The relatives and guardians that the SSA misses are often unaware the money is available. The end result? Nearly 75% of children in foster care who are eligible for these benefits have a child welfare agency chosen to receive the money, according to a November 2024 SSA document. Advocates have long decried this practice of harvesting money from children, calling it at best a clear conflict of interest. How can a representative payee act in a childs best interests by taking money from them for services the government pays for? said Daniel Hatcher, a professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 2020 through 2023, 44 of 47 Pennsylvania agencies reviewed by Resolve Philly and Spotlight PA collected Social Security benefits (and some other benefits) for foster youth. The amount of money received by counties varied widely: in one year, Forest County received $970 while in a different year Philadelphia received nearly $1 million. While local foster care agencies go through the SSAs process to receive these benefits, many had trouble providing details to reporters about how the funds were used. Almost a quarter of the states agencies did not provide proof to Resolve Philly and Spotlight PA that they conduct individual accounting of the benefits. Just four counties Butler, Clarion, Huntingdon, and Wayne produced the spending reports they must send to the SSA. These reports outline the total amount of money received and how much was spent on different categories like food and housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other counties, such as Adams and Allegheny, provided other detailed records showing line-item expenses for foster youth like counseling, independent living expenses, and birthday gifts. In response to Resolve Philly and Spotlight PAs findings, an Allegheny County Department of Human Services spokesperson said that the vast majority of the funds are used to pay a foster family to care for the child. In contrast, Philadelphias Department of Human Services provided only records of bulk deposits of SSA benefits into the citys $6 billion general fund. The data could not show how many children it collects money for or how it spends those funds. Via an email sent to reporters in 2023 as part of the initial investigation, a Philadelphia spokesperson said the citys collection of this money is lawful and that it goes toward the cost of care. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) The latest Wheel of Justice report includes four cases. The New Orleans Police Department provided security camera footage in each investigation. The most recent case happened a little before 9:00 in the morning on March 25 at a car wash in the 5200 block of Canal Boulevard. In the security camera footage, a man is seen breaking the door glass of the business and stealing the cash register drawer. A few days earlier, around 10:30 in the morning on March 22, police say a man entered a womans home in the 600 block of Hennessey Street. Police say the woman confronted the man and he left but stopped on the homes front porch and drank two beers that hed stolen from the womans outdoor refrigerator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NOPD searching for Person of Interest in Tesla parade damage The third case happened around 10:30 at night on March 17 in the 5200 block of Tchoupitoulas Street. Police say a man who walked with a noticeable limp kicked in the door of a business and stole its cash. The final case happened around 5:30 in the morning on March 8 at a home in the 4300 block of Saint Anthony Street. Police say a man opened a gate on the property and stole a lawn mower. Police are not saying that any of the cases are connected. No arrests yet in theft of $100k RVs in Ponchatoula To see the latest Wheel of Justice report, including security camera footage, watch the video at the top of this story. If you have information that could help police make an arrest, call CrimeStoppers at 504-822-1111. Remember, you dont have to reveal your name or testify in court, and you could be eligible to earn a cash reward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, more than 475 people have been booked after their cases rolled on the Wheel of Justice. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. Four Republicans joined every Democratic senator in a resolution Wednesday to oppose President Donald Trumps tariffs against Canada . Senators voted 51-48 to reject the national emergency Trump declared earlier this year to justify slapping 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports. The vote followed Trump announcement of his Liberation Day tariffs, a series of across-the-board levies of at least 10 percent on all nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stock futures took a tumble almost immediately after Trumps announcement. Economists fear that imposing tariffs will cause prices to spike and that it could even trigger a recession. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski was one of four Republicans who voted for a Democratic resolution to oppose Trumps tariffs (Getty Images) Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine joined Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who crafted a resolution to oppose Trumps tariffs with Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia. Theyre listening to their constituents, Kaine told The Independent. It's one thing to express a concern about terrorists, but this is a mechanism where you get to vote to stop them. Murkowski, who has occasionally split with Trump on policies and opposed his nominees, initially said before the announcement she was not sure what the resolution would encompass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you even know that they're going into play today, she asked The Independent. I dont either. So hold on tight. Murkowski and Collins hail from states that border Canada, while Paul is an idiosyncratic libertarian who opposes government intervention in markets. The vote exposed a stark divide between the more devoted Trump supporters and the more pro-business Republicans who tend to favor free trade and open markets. President Donald Trump called out Republicans who joined in support of the Democratic resolution (REUTERS) Collins, who faces re-election and has previously voiced concern about the effects of tariffs against Canada on Maines economy, said it would damage her state. Tariffs on imports like fertilizer will only hurt Maine potato growers, Collins said in a floor speech. Collins also said that many Mainers have family in Canada and that this would hurt the states tourism industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We don't want to discourage these Canadian tourists who are so vital to Maine's economy from vacationing in Maine because they are so angry at what has happened, she said. But McConnell, the former Senate majority leader who vacated his spot as the top Republican, delivered a more forceful denunciation of efforts to stage a full-on trade war. Make no mistake: goods made in America will be more expensive to manufacture and, ultimately, for consumers to purchase, with higher broad-based tariffs, he said in a statement after his vote. Specifically, McConnell said tariffs against Canada would hurt Kentuckys bourbon industry, as well as its automotive and manufacturing, a direct rebuke to Trumps claim that tariffs would return manufacturing jobs to American shores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump rebuked the Republicans for being disloyal. Why are they allowing fentanyl to pour into our Country unchecked, and without penalty? What is wrong with them, other than suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome, commonly known as TDS, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. But Collins said in her floor speech that most of the fentanyl coming into the United States comes from Mexico. Canadas former prime minister Justin Trudeau has said the country is reponsible for only 1 percent of fentanyl in the U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told The Independent during a press conference ahead of the vote that Republican support revealed that they recognize the unpopularity of the tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And once the American people say, I don't want to embrace somebody, I don't want to vote for somebody I don't want to support somebody who embraces Trump's policies, things begin to change, he told The Independent. Even Republicans who opposed the resolution said that they wanted to make sure that the Trump administration would consider all of the ramifications of the tariffs. I'm assuming worst case scenario, the likely retaliations in the way they'll affect farm country, and in my case, specifically, North Carolina, access to markets, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina told The Independent. Iowas Senator Chuck Grassley, who runs a corn and soybean farm, told The Independent he is worried about the rising cost of potash, which is used for fertilizer for crops, and said he hoped to get a waiver for potash given much of it comes from Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, most Republicans opposed the Democratic resolution. The House is almost guaranteed to not pick up the legislation from the Senate, given that House Speaker Mike Johnson is an ardent Trump loyalist and many House Republicans support the presidents agenda. Last month, the House passed a rule that included language to prevent legislation from being put forward that could repeal Trumps tariffs on Canada, Mexico or China. ANDERSON An Illinois teenager was arrested Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio on charges of murder. Rejon Shamaud Smith, 17, was arrested on preliminary charges of murder, attempted murder, reckless homicide, conspiracy to commit murder and a misdemeanor charge of child in possession of a firearm. The state was given 72 hours to file formal charges against Smith. He is the fourth teenager charged in the Feb. 2 shooting death of Dayla Swain in the 1500 block of South Madison Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Madison County Prosecutors Office previously filed murder charges against Rashawn Darrius Samuels, 18, 1200 block of West Ninth Street; Kyree M. Craver, 17, 2600 block of Meridian Street; and JoMaijze Larry, 14, 800 block of Sun Valley Drive. Swain was shot and killed on the morning of Feb. 2 while talking to a witness in a murder trial outside of Sonny Rays. According to court documents, Swain was speaking to a man in a Ford F150 pickup truck when gunfire began to strike the truck. The man told police that as the gunfire started, he fled the scene. The court documents include an allegation that Samuels is affiliated with the Mickey Cobra Nation, a criminal organization with ties originating in Chicago. The documents state that Samuels family are among the founding members of the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documents said there was a known dispute between the Mickey Cobra Nation and the man who was reportedly driving the Ford F150. Instead of killing the driver of the F150, the crossfire struck and killed Swain. The F150 driver is a witness in the case and is not named in this story, in keeping with Herald Bulletin policy. Police said Monday that the investigation of the Feb. 2 fatal shooting is ongoing and other persons of interest are being actively pursued. Smith is shown in a video recording with a handgun at the time of the incident. A witness said after the shooting, several of the suspects arrived at his residence and appeared nervous, panicked and out of breath, mentioning that someone was shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a probable cause affidavit, it was believed that Samuels and several others were attempting to kill a witness in the murder trial of Donavan Harris. Harris is charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of Jullian Craig, 15, on Nov. 24 during a drug deal. Harris is also charged with dealing in a narcotic, armed robbery and criminal confinement with a deadly weapon. He is scheduled to go on trial in Madison Circuit Court Division 1 on May 6. A Democratic senator corrected a Fox News host three times for attempting to misquote him in a shouty back and forth about the work of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. Delawares Chris Coons butted heads with Martha MacCallum on The Story With Martha MacCallum on Wednesday after the host played a clip of Musk and his slightly older DOGE goons from Bret Baiers Special Report last week. Delawares Chris Coons butted heads with a particularly riled up Martha MacCallum. / Fox News After playing the clip MacCallum said it was surprising that Coons thinks the government is functioning in an efficient way. The temperature began to rise at this point, as the senator repeatedly told the host he didnt actually say, or insinuate, that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not what I said, he snapped back. Thats not what I said... Martha, Martha, he added, trying to set the record straight as the host shook her head and rolled her eyes. There are inspector generals in every government agency... Coons said, trying to make the point that he favors a subtler approach to reforming government efficiency. His attempt at a clarification was met by withering sarcasm from MacCallum. Oh, I know, she responded. Theyve done a fantastic, bang-up job. To start the administration by firing all of them does not suggest a deep interest to these career non-partisan inspectors general about waste, Coons added, before MacCallum accused him of putting his fingers in his ears and singing blah, blah, blah. Its not happening! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then again said that was not his point and tried to tell the host what he actually meant. Let me repeat the point, Coons said. If Elon Musk says that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme and this president has fired the relevant inspectors general, who are the people most capablenot a bunch of 20-year-old software engineers with no previous government experience... MacCallum appeared particularly perturbed by his comment, almost losing her cool. She barked back: Why are they the most capable? Did you watch this interview, senator? Did you watch the interview? Did you watch the interview? Coons said he wasnt sure what interview she was talking about because the host was yelling so much. Youre yelling so much, he said with a smile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because I cant get a word in edgewise! she shot back. Im trying to ask you a question, thats my job, she added, before mischaracterizing Coons point a third time. I remember an active interest by Democrats in saying you know what? We know theres a lot of waste in our government, now youre telling me there isnt! she said. Thats not at all what I said, he responded, before adding: I agree with you that there is waste and fraud in different federal programs. Sign me up for working in a measured, bipartisan, thoughtful way. In the Special Report clip, one DOGERAram Moghaddassiclaimed he discovered that 40 percent of the calls made to the SSA are from fraud centers and lead to scams. Another claimed there are more than 15 million people that are over the age of 120 marked as alive in the Social Security system. These claims have been questioned and debunked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MacCallum asked Coons if he was shocked by the assertions in the interview. But his assertion that he didnt believe the DOGE claims turned the interview fiery. So, Martha, not only do I not believe some of what was just shared there, but the Trump administrations acting administrator of Social Security has said that less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the payments put out by the Social Security Administration are fraudulent or in error, replied Coons. I dont believe what DOGE says about virtually any federal agency, but I will believe what the GAO [Government Accountability Office] says, or the inspector general or the administrator of Social Security Why? Can I ask you why? Can I ask you why? MacCallum interrupted again, shaking her head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he has had senior DOGE members lie to his face. The pair traded pointed looks, sarcastic smiles, and eye rolls. MacCallum continued to try to interrupt her guest throughout the interview, and it reached its zenith when Coons told the host she was yelling too much. PARIS (Reuters) - Two French citizens held in Iran for almost three years have not had consular services for more than a year prompting Paris to prepare a complaint at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), France's foreign ministry said on Thursday. Cecile Kohler and her partner Jacques Paris have been held since May 2022. Iranian state television aired a video later that year with them appearing to confess to acting on behalf of French intelligence services, something categorically denied by Paris. Held in Tehran's Evin prison, France has accused Iran of keeping them in conditions akin to torture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French officials have toughened their language towards Iran, notably over the advancement of its nuclear programme and regional activities, but also the detention of European citizens in the country. Speaking after a rare cabinet meeting to broadly discuss Iran on Wednesday, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot indicated Paris would soon take the matter of violating the right to consular protection to the ICJ. "We are putting together a complaint that we will file at the ICJ," Foreign ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine told reporters at a news conference on Thursday, adding that the Kohler and Paris were being held in "shocking" conditions. Lemoine declined to say when it would be filed and acknowledged that procedures at the ICJ were long, but insisted that Tehran needed to be called out on the issue because the embassy and consulate had not had access to their citizens for more than a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's in violation of Iran's obligations," he said, citing the Vienna convention on consular relations. In recent years, Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards have arrested dozens of dual nationals and foreigners, mostly on charges related to espionage and security. Rights groups have accused Iran of trying to extract concessions from other countries through such arrests. Iran, which does not recognise dual nationality, denies taking prisoners to gain diplomatic leverage. (Reporting by John Irish, editing by Ed Osmond) At the invitation of the Chinese government, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will visit China from April 7 to 13. CCTV: On April 2 EST, the U.S. issued an executive order announcing that it will impose "reciprocal tariffs" on its major trading partners, including 34-percent tariffs on China (including Hong Kong and Macau). Whats Chinas comment? Guo Jiakun: The U.S. announced tariff hikes on imports from many countries, including China, under the pretext of reciprocity. This gravely violates WTO rules, and undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system. China firmly rejects this and will do what is necessary to defend our legitimate rights and interests. We have emphasized more than once that trade and tariff wars have no winners. Protectionism leads nowhere. We urge the U.S. to stop doing the wrong thing, and resolve trade differences with China and other countries through consultation with equality, respect and mutual benefit. CNR: We noted that the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center and the National Engineering Laboratory for Computer Virus Prevention Technology issued the Cyber Threat Report of The 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 today, which disclosed cyber attacks from countries, including the U.S., on the information systems of the Asian Winter Games and critical infrastructures in Heilongjiang, and it is highly suspected that these attacks were related to the U.S. government. What is your comment on this? Guo Jiakun: We noted the report and express grave concern over the malicious cyber activities disclosed by the report. The report shows once again that China is one of the major victims of cyber attacks globally, and the U.S. and its individual allies are the main source of cyber attacks targeting China during the 2025 Asian Winter Games. China urges the U.S. to adopt a responsible attitude and take a harder look at itself, rather than vilifying others. China will continue to do what is necessary to protect its cyber security. Beijing Daily: Its reported that during a press conference on April 1, in response to Chinas joint exercises around Taiwan Island, Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that the Japanese government has major concerns and is closely following the relevant situation. Japan has expressed its concerns to China through diplomatic channels. Whats Chinas comment? Guo Jiakun: Japans words and actions blatantly violate the one-China principle. We strongly deplore and firmly oppose that, and have lodged serious protests with Japan. Chinas joint exercises are aimed at warning and containing Taiwan independence separatist forces, and it is a legitimate and necessary action to defend Chinas national sovereignty and uphold national unity. Japan has no right to point fingers at this, still less interfere with it. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. The Taiwan question is at the core of Chinas core interests, and bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations and basic trust between the two countries. Japan committed innumerable crimes during its colonial rule over Taiwan of more than 50 years, and bears serious historical responsibilities to the Chinese people. It should act all the more prudently. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War. We urge Japan to deeply reflect on history, uphold the principles in the four political documents between China and Japan and honor its solemn commitments on the Taiwan question, immediately stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs, and abide by the one-China principle with concrete actions. Bloomberg: China has said that it has detained three Filipino nationals suspected of spying. The Ministry of State Security said that it recently discovered an espionage case and this is according to Xinhua. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm the detention of three Filipino nationals on spying charges and also perhaps give a little bit more detail? Guo Jiakun: Competent authorities have released detailed information on the espionage activities conducted by the Philippine nationals in China. Chinas judicial and relevant authorities will strictly handle the case in accordance with law, and protect the lawful rights and interests of the personnel involved. Recently the Philippines concocted a series of so-called Chinese spy cases. This is a typical act of stigmatization and politicization based on presumption of guilt in the absence of clear evidence. We firmly oppose that, and have lodged protests against the Philippines more than once. China urges the Philippines to stop shadow-chasing and making false accusations, handle the cases concerning Chinese citizens in a just manner and in accordance with law, and effectively protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines. Dragon TV: During his recent trip to the Caribbean, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that we almost all had concussions because the road built by the Chinese in Guyana was so bad, adding that he hoped the U.S. will provide alternatives to that for countries there. Do you have any comment? Guo Jiakun: According to what I learned, the road project the U.S. side referred to was not built by any Chinese companies and the Guyanese side has made clarifications on that. I wonder why Mr. Secretary of State told falsehoods like this. Theyd better do something tangible and deliver for countries in the region rather than vilify China and sow discord by distorting the facts. Bloomberg: On the tariff issue. Can you elaborate a little bit? Does China plan to negotiate with the U.S. side ahead of April 9? Is there a possibility to negotiate on the tariffs? With the latest actions, do you consider China to be the top target of President Trump under this tariff situation? Just one last point, if you will, do you see this as an opportunity in some way to come together with other blocs, whether it be ASEAN or EU, to try to perhaps discuss a common approach to U.S. tariffs? Guo Jiakun: As I just said, trade wars and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism will lead nowhere. The U.S. needs to correct its wrongdoings and resolve trade disputes with countries, including China, through consultation with equality, respect and mutual benefit. Let me stress that the U.S.s unilateral tariff hikes violate WTO rules, undermine the common interests of people of all countries, and do no help to solve its own problem. It is clear that more and more countries have come to stand against the U.S.s tariff hikes and other unilateral bullying moves. Reuters: The U.S. government has banned government personnel based in China from having romantic relationships with Chinese citizens, according to a report from the Associated Press. Do you have any comment on that? Guo Jiakun: The U.S. is in a better position to answer this question. In observance of the Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day), our press conference will be in recess on April 4 (Friday) and resume on April 7 (Monday). During the recess, you may still reach the MFA Spokespersons Office via fax, email and WeChat. LONDON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The British government and business groups on Wednesday voiced broad concern after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on all British imports, warning that the move could disrupt bilateral trade and put pressure on struggling sectors, including manufacturing and small businesses. After Trump's announcement, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the government would continue negotiations with the United States to seek a resolution. "We will always act in the best interests of UK businesses and consumers. Nobody wants a trade war," he said. Britain received the lowest tariff rate of 10 percent, lower than the 20 percent imposed on the EU and higher rates on several Asian countries. However, business groups warned that the tariffs, even at 10 percent, could weigh heavily on UK industries. "There are no winners in a trade war," said Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive of the Confederation of British Industry, adding that Trump's announcement is "deeply troubling for businesses and will have significant ramifications around the world." Echoing Newton-Smith, Stephen Phipson, CEO of the manufacturing group Make UK, called the move "devastating." Noting that the tariff could disrupt the long-standing balanced trade between the UK and the United States, Phipson said, "It is highly disappointing that the strength of this relationship, at a time of where both countries need to boost shared growth, employment opportunities and innovation options, does not extend to enhancing free trade rather the reverse, the consequences of which will immediately harm the U.S. consumer and economy too." The automotive sector faces additional pressure as vehicles have been subject to a 25 percent tariff. "These tariff costs cannot be absorbed by manufacturers," said Mike Hawes, chief executive officer of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, warning of higher costs for U.S. consumers and reduced demand for British exports. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said small exporters would be hit hard, as 59 percent of them trade with the United States. "Tariffs will cause untold damage to small businesses trying to trade their way into profit," said Tina McKenzie, the FSB's policy chair. Scotland's whisky producers also expressed disappointment, as the United States is the largest single export market for Scotch whisky. A spokesperson for the Scotch Whisky Association said the industry supported ongoing efforts by the British government to negotiate a deal, warning that higher tariffs could hurt sales and reduce competitiveness. HELSINKI (Reuters) - France or Britain should take the lead in engaging with Russia about Ukraine as part of European efforts to support Kyiv, Finland's president Alexander Stubb said on Thursday. European countries who joined a "coalition of the willing" to back Ukraine agreed at a meeting last week that at least one of their leaders should engage with Russia at some stage, Stubb told reporters in Helsinki. "My personal preference would be that our representatives of the Coalition of the Willing would be doing that. In other words France or the United Kingdom," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finland is part of the European coalition that has vowed to continue supporting Ukraine's army, in response to European concern that the U.S. no longer represents a bulwark of support for Ukraine's three-year-old fight against Russian invasion. Stubb said any effort to approach Russia should be closely coordinated. Finland, which shares a 1,300-km (800-mile) border with Russia, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine and joined the NATO military alliance in 2023 in response to Russia's 2022 invasion. Moscow at the time cast the move as a dangerous and historic mistake. The Kremlin said earlier this week that President Vladimir Putin was open to the idea of restoring relations between Finland and Russia, which it accused Helsinki of reducing to "nearly zero" by joining NATO. (Reporting by Anne Kauranen and Essi Lehto in Helsinki; Editing by Andrew Heavens) PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron called on Thursday for European companies to suspend planned investment in the United States after U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs on American imports. "Investments to come or investments announced in recent weeks should be suspended until things are clarified with the United States," Macron said during a meeting with French industry representatives. The comments come weeks after French shipping firm CMA CGM announced plans to invest $20 billion in the U.S. to build shipping logistics and terminals, a plan that was hailed by President Trump at the time, and mentioned again in his Wednesday speech unveiling the tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French electrical equipment supplier Schneider Electric said late last month it would invest $700 million in the country to support U.S. energy infrastructure to power AI growth. Neither company immediately responded to requests for comment on Macron's proposal. Macron said no response to Trump's tariffs had been ruled out yet and suggested using the anti-coercion mechanism, an EU instrument to protect the bloc's trade, and responses targeting digital services and financing mechanisms of the U.S. economy. Macron added that the response to the reciprocal tariffs would be "more powerful" than its earlier retaliation to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron called the tariffs "brutal and unfounded" and a shock for international trade, and that Europe must respond "industry by industry". (Reporting by Dominique Patton, Gus Trompiz and GV De Clercq; Editing by Makini Brice, Alexandra Hudson) COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas has a new pilot program designed to support convicted felons after they get out of prison. Called the reentry program, the goal is to provide formerly incarcerated people with the resources needed to succeed and keep them from becoming repeat offenders. You cannot ever underestimate helping one individual, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Sheryl Munson said. It helps the community, helps their family. You know, they can become role models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lancaster man facing new charges in shooting deaths of family members Munson and Stephanie Hanna, staff attorney for Judge Jeffrey Brown, said they have witnessed firsthand the challenges convicted felons face when re-entering society after completing a prison sentence. After a while, when you have so many of these roadblocks and it seems so hard to do just the basics, sometimes its easy to just revert and go back to what you know, Hanna said. They said the transition from prison back into society is critical, which is why they created the re-entry pilot program to be a support system in that transition process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the court is a place that is known for sentencing people and sending them away and we should have an active role in what happens when people are on the way out right and on the way back into our community, Hanna said. False narrative: Fleet administrator denies Columbus fire vehicle concerns Munson said the program would start when the person applied for judicial release or probation. She said the judge in charge of that persons case would make the decision if they are granted probation or not; that judge would also recommend the person for the reentry program. Munson and Hanna said they would then discuss with others like the Franklin County prosecutors office and the public defenders office to decide if that person is a good candidate. If they and other stakeholders feel that person is right for the program, it will start when that person is released on probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyll be coming in for status review in the courtroom initially twice a month to have conversations face to face with me, Munson said. They said the participants will also be linked to resources such as mental health services and help with housing. For those services, the person going through the program will be responsible for keeping up with appointments. Thats the magic because you have a whole team of people behind you rooting you on, giving you the tools that you need in their zone of genius, Hanna said. So if you need a mental health service, we have someone who specializes in that. If you need help with housing, weve got people who specialize in that, and so you just have this team of people cheering you on and believing in you and wanting you to succeed. Legislation that would restrict the use of traffic cameras heads to governors desk Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Munson and Hanna believe not only will this slow crime, but also help more people than just the person involved. Youre also creating this exponential effect, right, because theyre then maybe their children arent going to model what they see their parents doing or they have a present parent rather than an incarcerated parent and they have a parent that maybe is learned to deal with whatever, you know, generational trauma that may have led them there, Munson said, and so, you know, the effect is widespread. The women said they are currently searching for their first candidate and hope to bring back people who graduated from the program as role models to others going through it. They also hope that positive feedback about the program will spread through word of mouth and others would like to give it a shot. We believe, I believe, you know, everyone deserves a second chance, Munson said. Nobody should ever be defined by the worst thing that they ever did and everybody is valuable. And so thats what this program is meant to reflect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Munson and Hanna plan to keep this as a pilot program through the end of the year before eventually seeking certification from the Ohio Supreme Court to turn it into a special docket. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOSTON (SHNS) Sheriffs want lawmakers to consider reining in unlimited free phone calls at county jails amid bulging costs and heightened demand on correctional officers to monitor those communications. The 2023 law that gave incarcerated individuals access to no-cost calls at county and state correctional facilities has cost sheriffs offices $12.5 million so far in fiscal 2025, according to Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott. With soaring call volumes and call durations, plus a surge in electronic communications, McDermott said staff see a little bit more of an overwhelming commitment to the monitoring responsibilities. Without specifying a dollar amount, McDermott said more money is needed to pay staff for that growing workload. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While our software technology is pretty sophisticated, we still need that human touch to catch some of the things that were trying to catch in those communications, McDermott, whos president of the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association, said at a recent budget hearing. We have seen a spike in gang coordination attempts, attempts at fake account creations and even family disruptions, sometimes involving children. Rep. Steven Xiarhos asked sheriffs whether they can impose a time limit on inmate phone calls to alleviate some of the problems. Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux quickly answered theyre not allowed to under the law. Heroux, who said he supports the law overall, called unlimited phone calls unreasonable. Its important that inmates keep in contact with friends and family to facilitate reentry. Nobody disputes that, Heroux said. But whats happened is that a lot of times, inmates are now talking on the phone when they would have been doing programming. You also have a correlation with an increase in witness intimidation and increase in drug dealing coordination, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heroux urged lawmakers to update the law and impose a cap, though he didnt propose his own limit. Once inmates hit that cap, Heroux said, families could then pay for the additional communication. Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins called unlimited phone calls cost-ineffective. I understand the need for families to be in touch with their loved ones. I get that, Tompkins said. I dont get free phone calls. I just dont, and I dont think that they should either. Sheriffs have been working with the Executive Office for Administration and Finance to seek a boost from the no-cost calls trust fund, McDermott said. When the law took effect, the state spent $20 million to cover no-cost calls. In fiscal 2025, projected spending was slashed to $10 million and Gov. Maura Healey has recommended $15 million for fiscal 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another budget gap, McDermott pointed out sheriffs are adjusting to a new limit on how much correctional facilities can charge for commissary items, based on a provision that took effect in July 2024. Theres a significant loss in our commissary revenue that we typically had available to us that went directly back into programming, McDermott said. Those commissary reforms, with respect to the legislators intent, resulted in an additional $4.5 million lost in programming revenue. Heroux, a former representative, used part of his budget testimony to plead with lawmakers to give the Bristol County Sheriffs Office an extra $3 million to install locks on doors at a Dartmouth jail. Eleven out of 22 housing units dont have locks due to a decades-old Supreme Judicial Court decision that found inmates cannot be in locked cells without toilets, Heroux said. Instead of installing toilets, correction officials had previously decided to remove door locks, which Heroux said has caused a lot of problems ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You might remember about two years ago there was an uprising at my jail in the GB housing unit, Heroux said. That wasnt the first time there was an uprising there. It happened (during) the Easter riot under my predecessor, Tom Hodgson. Exact same housing unit. Projected state spending at the Bristol sheriffs office is about $61.9 million in the current fiscal year, according to state budget documents. The office received a $61.4 million appropriation in the fiscal 2025 budget, up from $58.4 million in fiscal 2024 and $57.5 million in fiscal 2023. Healey has proposed funding the Bristol Sheriffs Department at nearly $63.3 million in fiscal 2026. Heroux said his requested $3 million increase would allow his office to install toilets and locks on just three housing units. But he argued that little bit of a nudge in state funding would create a path to shutter a jail in New Bedford, and transfer incarcerated individuals there to the Dartmouth facility once locks are installed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont need to bond for this. We can just add it to our budget please do, Heroux said. You do that, Ill put locks on three housing units, and then I can close the Ash Street Jail, the oldest continuously operating jail in the country. Ill close Ash Street, bring all the inmates back from there, and the hundreds of thousands of dollars were spending every year at Ash Street, Ill reinvest that. And then well go and do the other eight housing units that need locks on doors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged European companies to stop investing in the U.S. following President Donald Trumps announcement of across-the-board tariffs on imports to America. Investments to come or investments announced in recent weeks should be suspended until things are clarified with the United States, Macron said Thursday at a meeting with representatives from French industry, Reuters reported. What message would we send by having major European players investing billions of euros in the American economy at a time when [the U.S.] is hitting us? he asked during the meeting at the Elysee palace with representatives of the sectors impacted by the tariffs, Politico noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron called for collective solidarity in response to the U.S. levies after Trump on Wednesday placed 20 percent tariffs on the EU on all exports to the U.S. China in recent weeks has also restricted companies from investing in the U.S., following Trumps earlier tariff announcements, Bloomberg reported. The country now faces a Trump levy of at least 54 percent on many goods. It invested $6.9 billion in the U.S. in 2023. Macrons comments regarding French investments follow by just weeks an announcement from French shipping company CMA CGM that it will invest $20 billion in the U.S. to construct shipping logistics systems and terminals. At the time, Trump celebrated the announcement, and he even boasted about the investment again during his speech announcing the new tariffs Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last month, Schneider Electric, the French electrical equipment supplier, announced that it would invest $700 million in the U.S. to back its energy infrastructure and to expand artificial intelligence projects. Macron warned that no option is off the table to respond to Trumps tariffs. French President Emmanuel Macron awaits the arrival of guests at the Elysee Palace on March 27, 2025, in Paris, France. He has suggested that Europe stop investing in the U.S. amid Trumps trade war (Getty Images) The French president indicated that the response to the new batch of tariffs would be more powerful than the response to previous tariffs on steel and aluminum. Macron blasted the tariffs as brutal and unfounded, and said that it would mean a shock to international trade, adding that Europe would have to respond industry by industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French presidents comments are viewed as an effort to convince French industry leaders not to attempt to make their own private deals with Trump, outside of EU trade policy. The leader of the luxury goods company LVMH, Bernard Arnault, has said that he was thinking about boosting investments in the U.S. and praised Trumps economic policies. I've just come back from the USA and I could see the wind of optimism reigning in that country. And when you come back to France, it's a bit of a cold shower, Arnault, Europes richest man, said in January. Macron said Trumps tariffs served as a confirmation that France had been correct to argue for a stricter trade policy and a more formidable defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to continue to accelerate at the European level with an agenda of trade protection, said Macron, pointing to EU levies on Chinese vehicles. We are not naive, we are going to protect ourselves, he added regarding the trade war with the U.S. A full ceasefire can end the hot phase of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine "in the coming weeks" if Western countries put sufficient pressure on Moscow, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a visit to Chernihiv on April 3. Kyiv on March 11 said it was ready to begin a complete 30-day ceasefire, proposed by the U.S., as long as Russia accepted the same terms. Russia has so far refused, only agreeing to partial ceasefires in exchange for restored access to international markets. Russia and the U.S. are continuing to hold private talks on the possibility of an unconditional ceasefire, Zelensky told a group of entrepreneurs during a working visit to Chernihiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Then in Saudi Arabia, you know, we agreed to an unconditional ceasefire," he said. "Russia has not agreed to it yet, we see that. Although we know that there are conversations between Americans and Russians on this topic. There are non-public conversations." The U.S. and Europe need to work in concert to pressure Moscow into a full ceasefire as quickly as possible, Zelensky said. "The issue now is putting pressure on the Russians to get there," he said. "I think it is possible to do this as soon as possible in the coming weeks, maybe months, or maybe in different ways: sometimes it happens at the same time. Especially with this phase of the end of the war. A full ceasefire is the right step and one that Ukraine has agreed to and supports." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev confirmed that he had arrived in Washington to hold talks with U.S. officials on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin between April 2 and 3. Dmitriev reportedly met with Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, at the White House on April 2. The content of their discussions remains unclear. Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. have agreed to a partial ceasefire covering energy infrastructure attacks and use of force in the Black Sea. Shortly after the agreement, Zelensky accused Russia of violating the terms by attacking infrastructure in Kherson. Moscow denied the accusation and has also accused Kyiv of striking the Sudzha gas metering station in Kursk Oblast a claim that Kyiv dismissed as the Kremlin's attempt to justify breaking the ceasefire terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has provided the U.S. with evidence of Russian violations of the energy ceasefire, Presidential Office Deputy Head Pavlo Palisa said on April 3. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia plans to increase grouping in Ukraine by 150,000 troops in 2025, Ukrainian official says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (WKBN) Local boards will be getting funding to help people recover from substance abuse and get safe, stable housing. Trumbull County is getting $284,426 to provide rent stipends for up to 200 residents, which will support them through their first year in recovery housing. This is through contracts with eight certified providers. Mahoning County is getting $109,678 to help 121 people in recovery by providing safe, structured sober housing options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 1,000 Ohioans through 11 alcohol, drug addiction and mental health boards will be getting a total of $1.2 million in grants. Recovery doesnt happen overnight and no one should have to take that journey alone, said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. These grants will ensure more Ohioans have the opportunity to reclaim their independence, rebuild their lives, and write a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity. The money is coming from the Community Development Block Grant Recovery Housing Program, which provides rental subsidies for low-income individuals in recovery. Funding for the Recovery Housing Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, center right, proposes partnering with Iowa nonprofit SafeNetRx to get safe, non-expired donated medications back to Nebraska. Multiple Nebraskans toured the facility Oct. 30, 2023. From left to right, Hughes' legislative aide Matt Howe, Matthew Schaefer of Mueller Robak, State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, SafeNetRx CEO Jon Rosmann, Hughes, Nebraska Pharmacists Association Haley Pertzborn and Amy Holman, and Iowa Rep. John Forbes, D-Urbandale. (Courtesy of State Sen. Jana Hughes) LINCOLN Nebraskas anticipated prescription drug donation program partnership with an Iowa nonprofit hit another wrench Wednesday as the Legislatures budget-setting committee accepted Gov. Jim Pillens recommendation to cut the programs state funding. State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, through successful 2024 and 2025 legislation, mandated that the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services identify and work with a nonprofit on such a program. The plan has been to partner with Iowas SafeNetRx for a first-in-the-nation multi-state prescription drug donation program. Hughes visited the facility in October 2023. State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward watches as the Legislature votes 34-0 to advance her personal priority bill, LB 1035, to create a prescription drug donation program with an Iowa nonprofit. Feb. 14, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The SafeNetRx program tailors its services to individuals who cant afford prescribed medication, regardless of insurance status, with an annual household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nebraska state senators approved about $530,000 annually for the program in 2024, which hadnt yet taken off because a federal law took effect last summer, tying up the partnership. Pillen suggested pulling funding in his January budget recommendations. It was one of many recent programs on the governors last in, first out suggestions list. Incredibly disappointed Lawmakers voted 46-0 on March 6 for a quick fix from Hughes to get around the federal obstacle, clearing the way for DHHS to act. The new state law, Legislative Bill 10, which Pillen approved five days after passage, included language from the Governors Office authorizing DHHS to receive and dispense donated medicines or supplies to anyone impacted by a governor-declared state of emergency. Even with the change, SafeNetRx was left in the wings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislatures Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, in a 6-0 vote with three senators not taking a position, voted to pull all funding. The same lawmakers also reworded the language authorizing the spending, stipulating that DHHS officials may identify a nonprofit for the donation program, rather than shall. The vote also prohibited DHHS from using any state funds for the purpose of approving, designating or administering the program. Hughes said she was incredibly disappointed by the language change on spending. I wasnt aware that this was a discussion going on, and they made that determination, I feel, on some misinformation, Hughes said after the vote. Previous widespread support State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha, committee vice chair, said she had a lot of questions about the program that remained unanswered. She led the vote to take away funding, joined by State Sens. Rob Clements, Myron Dorn, Loren Lippincott and Paul Strommen, all Republicans in the officially nonpartisan Legislature. State Sen. Christy Armendariz, left, talks with State Sen. Wendy DeBoer, both of Omaha, at a legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State Sens. Ashlei Spivey, Machaela Cavanaugh and Jason Prokop, all Democrats, were present, not voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All nine committee members supported Hughes bill in March. The non-freshman senators supported the 2024 legislation and funding bill, as did the predecessors for freshmen Prokop, Spivey and Strommen. Armendariz compared the medications program to when she tore down a fence and had someone take her trash away for free. She said if SafeNetRx wanted the medications, that was one thing, but she was uncertain what happened with the medications after, how the nonprofit was funded and whether SafeNetRx staff would be recirculating the medications for free. If that nonprofit is doing it for free, thats a different answer from me, Armendariz said. Without state funding, Hughes said it is unlikely the Iowa-based program would just return donated medicine to Nebraska. Nebraskans can already donate to the program, which was the status quo before Hughes laws. At least one Nebraska pharmacy, in Gretna, was already donating meds. How the program works SafeNetRx has multiple inspections to check whether meds are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sealed in tamper-evident packaging. Non-expired. Non-controlled substances. Pharmacists also confirm that donated medicines do not require refrigeration and show no signs of tampering or deterioration. To date, according to SafeNetRx, there have been zero patient safety issues. Inside SafeNetRxs facility in Grimes, Iowa, sits $20 million in donated inventory during an Oct. 30, 2023, visit. (Courtesy of State Sen. Jana Hughes) According to SafeNetRxs latest annual report, the drug donation journey is five steps: donate, process, inspect, connect with local pharmacists and change lives. Last fiscal year, 237 long-term care pharmacies, community pharmacies, medical clinics, public health agencies or other donors nationwide gave to the nonprofit, including from Nebraska. Iowas provider network currently includes in-state primary health care clinics, free clinics or charitable pharmacies, community pharmacies, specialty care clinics, behavioral health practices and federally qualified health centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the partnership goes forward, Nebraska pharmacists could be part of the provider network and have access to real-time inventory to secure necessary prescription drugs for low-income patients. By the end of fiscal year 2024, SafeNetRx had served more than 147,000 patients with medicine they couldnt otherwise afford, according to the annual report. In total, SafeNetRx has received $126 million in donated medicine that has been collected, inspected and made available through the dispensing network. Budget deficit impact Hughes legislation sailed through both years with little conversation. Armendariz said she asked questions off the floor, yet some unknowns remained. I didnt think that it would be that detrimental. It wasnt that much money, Armendariz said of why she voted for the bills each time. Were in a different financial situation now. State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The state faces a projected $457 million projected budget deficit, with preliminary cuts proposed by the Appropriations Committee bringing that down to $289 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cutting Hughes program would save just over $1 million in that cycle, while also clawing back all funds from this fiscal year that DHHS didnt spend, even after the March fix. Armendariz, defending her position, said she worked at the Open Door Mission in Omaha and understood the possible impact of people not having meds, pointing to people the organization helped. On Hughes bill, Armendariz said the unknowns led her to think it was fair game, on the table, to reevaluate whether we wanted to continue it. Show me the numbers SafeNetRx CEO Jon Rosmann, in a phone call just after the vote this year to clear the way for the program, described Hughes bill as the last hurdle. He said he and his nonprofit were pretty optimistic for what could be the first multi-state donation program nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SafeNetRx began in 2007 and has grown to be the largest in the nation, with bipartisan support. Rosmann had said that for every dollar that SafeNetRx received Iowa lawmakers this year appropriated $600,000 in state dollars it leads to $20 in donated medicine for patients. Theres just not a lot of programs and services that can offer that type of return, Rosmann said after that vote. Jon Rosmann, CEO of SafeNetRx in Iowa. (Courtesy of Jon Rosmann) Dr. Joshua Rehmann, a family medicine physician in Des Moines who has been on the SafeNetRx board of directors, said in late March that his patients have benefited from the Iowa program, and he was excited about the prospects of the Cornhusker State joining in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amount of money that saves for the system with hopefully fewer disease complications down the road has a huge impact, Rehmann said. Rosmann had said the Nebraska-Iowa partnership could be a template for future expansions to other states in a comprehensive and efficient, safe program. SafeNetRx officials did not respond to an afternoon email seeking comment on how the withdrawn funding might impact the planned partnership. Hughes, defending the value of the program, said it might take a couple of years before savings are fully realized in Nebraska, but she said the alternative is continuing to spend more than $700,000 per year on incinerating unused medications, some of which could go toward patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armendariz said the decision isnt final, but that she wants to see the numbers if there is really a return on investment. Show me the numbers, Armendariz said. Most people in government do not expect to give you an ROI. Makes no sense State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, a former hospital administrator who went to Iowa in October 2023 with Hughes to see the SafeNetRx facility, has repeatedly said the program is worthwhile. He noted that low-income patients might space out pills, cut meds in half or skip taking doses altogether to save money. Some patients, he added, choose between food or medicine. State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston. May 25, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Riepe said he was disappointed in the vote and said he hopes Hughes continues fighting and said he would be honored to be a cosponsor on a new bill, if needed. Hughes has described her easy, no-brainer legislation as her favorite bill in her three years of service. She talked with every committee member after the noon-hour vote. Clements said the decision could be reconsidered in the future if the committee reaches a balanced budget and has excess funding. Riepe and Hughes said they hope funding for the donation program can be restored this year. It just makes no sense, Riepe said. Im really disappointed that they didnt see the merits in it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BURLINGAME (KSNT) Staff members are looking for help to rebuild after a fire burned down Burlingames only restaurant and bar on Sunday. The Burlingame community has set up a GoFundMe for The Den after a catastrophic fire resulted in a total loss. The GoFundMe aims to support the building owners and business owner. It took multiple volunteer firefighters hours to get the late night fire under control. The restaurant was only in business for four months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but the owner was able to capture surveillance video that could help with the investigation. Exploring Topekas oldest businesses and their lasting legacy We are wanting to come back, head bartender Harley Dubois told 27 News. We are encouraging the owners that were all willing. Were from here, weve made very close friends here, we love everybody thats come in. The Den reported that nobody was hurt and thanked the community for its support. 27 News will continue to follow this story and update you as we get more information. You can support The Den by donating to its GoFundMe online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. A Brooklyn Park couple is receiving growing support from the community after a light aircraft crashed into their home on Saturday, destroying it. Mary Butler and Kenneth Tobacman are living at a hotel after their home burned down following the plane crash, which claimed the life of pilot Terry Dolan, a 63-year-old executive at U.S. Bancorp. Butler's daughter, Elizabeth, has launched a GoFundMe to help her parents as they deal with the aftermath, with the couple currently trying to "hunt down ways to obtain copies of destroyed identification." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The single-engine plane crash happened around 12:20 p.m. on Saturday, striking their home at 10792 Kyle Avenue, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Related: US Bank executive identified as pilot killed in Brooklyn Park plane crash KARE 11 previously reported that Butler was walking couple's dog at the time of the crash and wasn't home, while Tobacman was in the kitchen and was able to escape unharmed. Tobacman told KSTP he was sitting at their kitchen counter when "all of a sudden theres a big boom. The lights went out, and I saw a flash." The fundraiser has raised nearly $16,000 of its $30,000 goal as of Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NTSB has taken over the investigation to determine the cause of the crash, which will take into account factors such as the weather, experience of the pilot, the maintenance of the plane, and more. SAN JOSE, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Costa Rica will seek discussions with U.S. officials following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of new reciprocal tariffs, which sets to impose a 10 percent increase of levies on goods exported from Costa Rica, the country's ministry of foreign trade said Wednesday. "We are gathering more information and analyzing it carefully," the ministry said in a brief statement. "We will initiate dialogue with U.S. authorities to ensure the best possible market access for Costa Rican products." According to a list published by the White House, the new tariffs will take effect on Costa Rican exports starting April 5. The United States is Costa Rica's largest trading partner and the top destination for its exports. In 2024 Costa Rica shipped goods worth about 9.4 billion U.S. dollars to the United States, representing 47 percent of its total exports, according to data from Procomer, Costa Rica's foreign trade promotion agency. East Lyme In the corner of the bright and airy dining room inside 16-year-old Emma Frisbies home sits an easel with two unfinished paintings. Next to them is a protest sign she plans to hold Saturday at the rally she organized single-handedly. The bigger painting is of Lady Justice holding a megaphone calling out against tyranny, Frisbie said Wednesday. The other is a pretty sailboat, because I need some serenity in my life. On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people across the country are expected to participate in mass rallies protesting President Donald Trump and his administration, though Frisbie said her gathering has a decidedly gentler, but still pointed, slant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to keep things positive, not anti-Trump or anti-anything else, the East Lyme High School sophomore said. But at the same time, therere issues I am passionate about the environment, womens rights that I want to bring attention to. In eastern Connecticut, as in the rest of the U.S., a series of Hands Off! A National Day of Action gatherings are largely being marshaled by progressive grassroots groups like Indivisible and the 50501 movement, organizations with strong infrastructures that have the ability to mobilize a crowd quickly. For instance, southeastern Connecticut branches of the national Indivisible organization are hoping to attract hundreds of attendees to New London and Norwich protests on Saturday. But unlike other protests, Frisbies rally, scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Niantic Green, doesnt depend on a cadre of seasoned volunteers or a slick media campaign. Instead, Frisbie made calls to various Town Hall departments to get permission to gather before creating her own flyer that was shared by a group of social media friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just me, she said. If 10 people show up, thats a success for me. Frisbies flyer, which features an image of the Statue of Liberty crowned with the word resist, asks potential attendees to join for a protest centered on nearly a dozen issues such as clean energy, NATO, LGBTQ+ protections, free speech, science and body-related rights. Frisbie said she was motivated to act after attending a recent anti-Trump rally in New London organized by the Guardians of Democracy Indivisible group. It was my first protest and Id been feeling helpless, being a young person but not being able to vote even as Im watching my future change right before my eyes, she said. Its my future, too, with things about higher education being changed without me having a say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frisbie, a competitive public speaker and poet she is a 2024 National Endowments for the Arts Poetry Out Loud state champion who sells her artwork online and at a local studio, said while Saturday marks her foray into organized rallies, its not her first brush with protesting. Last Election Day, I had a silent protest where I sat quietly in a lawn chair outside a polling place with a sign asking people to vote for my future, she said. Waterford Bonnie Fenn Sullivan, a founding member of the Guardians group, which regularly attracts hundreds of protesters to its rallies, said she learned of Frisbies intentions from state Rep. Nick Menapace, D-East Lyme. I just think its incredibly impressive, said Sullivan, a retired civics teacher. I'm reassured that the U.S. will be in good hands as long as we have young leaders like Emma to carry on. She embodies the best attributes of Americans: courage, empathy and intelligence. And the initiative to use it all for the good of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frisbie said if Saturdays rally goes well, shell continue down the protest path. Maybe bigger protests? she said. With speakers and a march? IF YOU GO Hands Off! rallies on Saturday New London 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in front of New London Superior Court, 70 Huntington St. Niantic 3-5 p.m., Niantic Green, 231 Main St. Norwich 2-4 p.m., Chelsea Parade. The German military plans to invest in combat drones, sources in the Defence Ministry said on Thursday. Contracts are to be signed in the coming days, the sources said, adding that the military plans to initially purchase small quantities of the drones from at least two unnamed manufacturers so that troops can gain experience using them. The partly autonomous attack drones are equipped with explosives and are referred to as "loitering ammunition." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they can be employed for single attacks, they are sometimes known as kamikaze drones. In recent years, Germany has lagged well behind other countries in the field of defence technology, but a number of companies are now active in the field. Among them is Helsing, which has developed the HX-2 drone, initially for use in Ukraine. The drone uses artificial intelligence to direct explosive charges at a target and is less susceptible to jamming. Helsing recently advocated the rapid development of a credible conventional deterrent on NATO's eastern flank using new types of combat drones. The Defence Ministry believes drones have become a "real game changer" in modern warfare, similar to the development of tanks 100 years ago. The technology can be decisive in certain battles, even if the weapons cannot determine the outcome of an entire war, it said. Gangs may have been involved in a shooting inside Walmart Tuesday, police said. Three people are now behind bars, according to the Lancaster Police Department. During a news conference Thursday, officers said theyre still searching for more people involved in the shooting. Channel 9s Tina Terry was at that news conference and said police confirmed they arrested 19-year-old Zydarius Stover Wednesday night. Hes charged with failure to report a crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PAST COVERAGE: Suspects accused of shooting inside Lancaster Walmart appear in court Tuesday, they arrested 18-year-old Lareakus Cunningham and 19-year-old NaRickio Mickle. Both of them were charged with attempted murder, among other crimes. Two groups got into a dispute inside the store Tuesday and started shooting, police said. They believe the two people injured were also involved in this. Police are still investigating further and are asking for the publics help with this case. An incident like this is unacceptable. Your family shops here, our family shops here there is zero tolerance for this situation, so any info the public can give uslets work together to make sure this doesnt happen again, Lancaster Police Chief Don Roper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers said one suspect, Jayvion Wells, is still in the hospital. On Friday, officials announced that they had also arrested 18-year-old Antonio Jacquis Hayden in connection with this case. Hayden has been charged with accessory after the fact of a Class A felony and failure to report a crime. His bond was set at $25,000. They are still searching for a juvenile who they said will be charged with attempted murder. The solicitor also said hell seek to charge that juvenile as an adult. WATCH BELOW: 2 shot inside Lancaster Walmart, police say A Gary man was sentenced to six years Wednesday in a plea deal for trying to run over a couple, then pinning their friend between two vehicles. DeArieus Kindred, 39, pleaded guilty, but mentally ill to three counts of battery by means of a deadly weapon. Judge Gina Jones said after three years, if conditions are met, he has the option to file to modify his sentence and leave prison early. The case was complex with Kindreds mental health, balanced with what appeared to be inconsistencies in witness accounts of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce asked for six years in prison, saying they could provide the structure to help him. Kindred had a half-dozen felonies and needed to stop committing crimes. The three victims were not here and generally had not been cooperative with prosecutors, she said, adding they could have gone to trial without them. Koonce said there were questions if one victim helped fuel the original situation. Defense lawyer Josh Malher said it wasnt entirely a one-sided affair. Prosecutors were only left with the victims police statements in the charging documents, he said. During the case, Kindred was transported to a state mental hospital in Logansport for stabilization and returned a different man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Past cases generally were drug-related or did not address underlying mental health struggles. Prison would be a setback, he said. We are asking for a little bit of grace. Kindred thanked Jones. I still need help, he said. Jones noted Kindred was very forthcoming to probation in a presentence investigation report which is good. She acknowledged his progress since the case began. I do see that, she said. Merrillville Police were called around 5:45 a.m. Aug. 22, 2023 to the 6000 block of Tyler Place after someone called 911, then hung up. The woman claimed Kindred her drug dealer, who sold her marijuana vapes was increasingly obsessed and stalking her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told officers Dearieus, a man she met two months ago, had started sending her alarming and stalker-ish texts, according to the affidavit. It had escalated recently. He was jealous of other men and said they were soulmates, according to court documents. As the couple walked to the car, close to the curb, Kindred drove right at them in a blue Chevrolet Equinox with Alabama plates. The woman jumped out of the way. The boyfriend appeared to roll up on the hood. The friend ran to the SUV and banged on the window. Kindred put the car in park and the friend was able to open the door and restrain him. The drivers seat was reclined back. The boyfriend jumped in the back drivers side to help so the friend could get out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The friend tried to get to the womans car when Kindred hit him, rolling on the hood, then got pinned between their vehicles. As Kindred drove toward them again, the friend threw a landscaping brick at the SUV. Kindreds vehicle crashed into the retaining wall and got stuck there. Kindred then took a metal rake, then tried to fight the friend with it. Kindred ran back toward a relatives house. mcolias@post-trib.com ATLANTA (AP) A Georgia bill that would reduce sentences for those who could tie their crimes to domestic abuse is on its way to becoming law. Women nationwide are in prison for killing their abusive partners in self-defense. Others were coerced into committing crimes with their abusers. Women of color are especially likely to end up in prison for crimes tied to abuse, experts have said. House Bill 582 passed the Senate 53-1 on Thursday after the House overwhelmingly passed it last month. Once the House approves final changes, which it is expected to, it will go to Republican Gov. Brian Kemps desk for his signature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 100 women in Georgia prisons could get shorter sentences, according to the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Mary Favors, an incarcerated abuse survivor whose story the AP reported, hopes to work at a battered womens shelter if she gets out. She is in prison for killing her abusive husband. She says he jumped onto a knife she grabbed to defend herself. If Kemp signs the bill, Georgia would join Oklahoma, Illinois, New York and California in giving domestic abuse victims in prison or charged with a crime the chance to ask judges for lower sentences and present evidence to prove abuse drove their crime. The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Stan Gunter, would also make it easier for people going forward to prove their crime was driven by abuse and let them bring in more evidence. Current Georgia law is strict about what evidence of abuse people can present and under what circumstances they can present it. House Bill 582 would prevent survivors from serving long sentences for conduct needed for their own survival, said Sen. Bo Hatchett, the Republican carrying the bill. House Bill 582 would allow Georgias criminal law to catch up with societys modern understanding of domestic violence dynamics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Georgias bill, if a judge determines that family violence, dating violence or child abuse contributed to a crime with a minimum sentence of life in prison, the judge would have to impose a sentence of 10 to 30 years in prison unless prosecutors agree to a lower sentence. For other felonies, judges would not be able to sentence the defendant to more than half of the maximum sentence they could have otherwise gotten. People in prison could also request resentencing under the rules if the act ultimately becomes law. Several district attorneys originally opposed the bill and contacted their representatives to oppose it when the House voted on it. But the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council took a neutral stance after they won some changes. For example, the minimum sentence a judge could impose under the original bill if they found domestic abuse contributed to a crime was one year. Between 74% and 95% of incarcerated women nationwide have survived domestic abuse or sexual violence, according to the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We only got three dissenting votes the entire time, which sends such a strong message to survivors in our state that we take their experience seriously, we value them, that their voices are heard, that theyre safe, and the people care about seeing actual justice and healing, said Ellie Williams, legal director with the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. ___ Charlotte 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. KABUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police have arrested 62 individuals for alleged involvement in criminal activities, including selling and smuggling illicit drugs, the Ministry of Interior Affairs reported on Thursday. Counter-narcotic police have taken into custody 29 suspects involved in illegal drug trafficking and purchases on the outskirts of Kabul, the national capital of Afghanistan, the ministry said in a statement. An amount of illicit drugs, such as opium, hashish, stimulant tablets and other types of illegal narcotics, has been seized from the detained, the source added. In the meantime, the ministry said that police have recently detained 33 people for their role in criminal activities, including murder and theft, in the provinces of northern Kunduz and Takhar and eastern Kunar. The Afghan interim government has vowed to crack down on criminal elements and those involved in the business of illicit drugs to ensure law and order in the war-ravaged Asian country. Lawmakers are already largely exempted from the Open Records Act, but the proposal would go further in restricting access in a late-emerging proposal that bypassed the usual committee process. John McCosh/Georgia Recorder A late-emerging proposal in the Georgia Legislature would limit what the public can access in police reports and communications with state lawmakers. The proposed changes to Georgias Open Records Act were tacked onto another bill, Senate Bill 12, late in the day Wednesday in the gatekeeping House Rules Committee, bypassing the usual legislative committee process and shortcutting public debate on the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the new proposal, police departments would be able to shield almost all information about officers stops, arrests and incident responses, says Sarah Brewerton-Palmer, president of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. Additionally, the bill would create broad new exemptions to prevent public disclosure of the General Assemblys activities, including communication with other parts of state government, she said. Lawmakers are already largely exempted from the Open Records Act, but the proposal would go further in restricting access, adding records and data prepared for legislators to the list of off-limits information to the public. This is no time to weaken Georgias transparency laws, and it would be particularly inappropriate to do so this way by tacking lengthy amendments onto a bill in the final days of the session, with no opportunity for public comment, Brewerton-Palmer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was changed and advanced out of the House Rules Committee meeting over the objections of Democrats who questioned the sudden urgency and raised concerns about how broad the proposed changes are. Im a little bit concerned that nobody knows where this came from, and what is the urgency that brings us here on the 39th day at this hour? said House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley of Columbus during the 7 p.m. meeting. Rep. Rob Leverett, an Elberton Republican, described the changes as meant to clean up aspects of Georgias Open Records Act while there was a related bill on the move. The original bill had aimed to clarify that records requests should be filed with government agencies that created the need for the record and not private contractors or vendors a response to a Georgia Supreme Court ruling last fall. The bill was quickly sent back to the House Rules Committee but remains in play for Friday, which is the last day of the 2025 legislative session. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Mario Stinchcomb was exonerated for a 2002 murder conviction. He recently appeared at a press conference to support a formula for the wrongfully incarcerated to get compensation for lost years. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder This story was updated at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The Georgia House passed a bill Wednesday that seeks to overhaul the compensation process allowing the state to pay wrongfully convicted Georgians, a system that has long relied on individual resolutions to pay people who were locked up and later exonerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican lawmakers in the state House prevailed in a contentious 103-61 vote after legislators spliced it onto a bill aimed at allowing criminal defendants to recoup their legal costs if the prosecuting attorney in their case is disqualified for personal or professional misconduct. The original wrongful compensation bill, House Bill 533, stalled in the House on Crossover Day, March 7, passing out of the chambers Judiciary Non-Civil Committee but never appearing on the floor for a vote. Sen. Randy Robertson. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Previous versions of the bill have faced fierce opposition in the Senate, particularly by Sen. Randy Robertson, a Cataula Republican and former law enforcement officer who has repeatedly raised questions about the innocence of convicts who he says could be exonerated by the courts on a legal technicality. But attached to Senate Bill 244, which the bills lead sponsor Sen. Brandon Beach said is inspired by President Donald Trumps election interference case in Georgia, it may face a smoother path to success. The revised bill still needs the Senates approval. The Genesis of the Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act As one of only a few states without a designated statute in place to compensate wrongfully convicted citizens, Georgias wrongfully incarcerated residents face an uphill battle when attempting to secure compensation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats on top of the already complex, often yearslong process prisoners must undertake in order to get a conviction overturned. Once theyve secured their freedom, those who have been wrongfully convicted must then find a state representative who is willing to sponsor an individual compensation resolution for them and file a claim with Georgias Claims Advisory Board. For any claims over $5,000 which encompasses most, if not all wrongful conviction cases the advisory board will then make a recommendation to the legislature, which apportions compensation funds as part of the annual state budget. Certainly, this process is not meant for wrongful conviction, said Maggie Hasty, who oversees claims for the Secretary of States office. It is meant for people who have monetary claims against state agencies. Following the advisory boards recommendations, those resolutions then go through the full legislative process and must pass committees and floor votes in both the House and Senate before they can take effect. Rep. Katie Dempsey. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Advocates have criticized the current system, arguing that it results in unequal treatment between exonerees and subjects individual compensation resolutions to legislators political whims. But under the language in HB 533, sponsored by Rome Republican Rep. Katie Dempsey, the pathway would be streamlined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would establish a new process under Georgia state law for people who have been exonerated, allowing administrative law judges rather than the Claims Advisory Board to rule on wrongful conviction compensation cases. It would also award a standardized rate of $75,000 for each year of incarceration to each exoneree, with an additional $25,000 added for each year spent on death row. For Dempsey, who sponsored two individual compensation resolutions for residents of Floyd County in addition to the Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act, a wrongful conviction is unimaginable. I often put myself in those shoes because it could happen to any of us, or our children, or someone we love or care about, she said, adding, I wouldnt last 10 minutes in prison and you all know that. I would need a lot more than money to make me whole. For the five citizens hoping to seek compensation this year, however, time may already have run out this year. On Crossover Day, lawmakers combined five individual compensation resolutions into House Resolution 128, which passed overwhelmingly in the House but did not receive a hearing on the Senate side until Tuesday, after the deadline to add it to the Senate calendar had passed. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Compensation, which Robertson chairs, began its hearing at 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, ultimately concluding after more than four hours of testimony without a final vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We rush too many things through this building without having legitimate, deep-dive conversations about it, Robertson said, comparing the combined bill to a bastard son. Democrats split between aiding wrongfully convicted and President Trump For House Democrats, who have overwhelmingly supported compensating those who are wrongfully convicted in previous bienniums, the marriage between the wrongful conviction act and a bill aimed at compensating President Donald Trump presented a philosophical dilemma. The Georgia Court of Appeals has agreed to review a judges lower court ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting Donald Trump and his co-defendants in a sprawling racketeering case, despite her romantic relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade (right). Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder According to state Sen. Brandon Beach, an Alpharetta Republican and staunch Trump ally who was recently appointed by the president to serve as U.S. Treasurer, SB 244 was directly inspired by Trumps election interference case in Georgia, in which Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified after an appeals court judge found that her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade created a significant appearance of impropriety. Under SB 244, attorneys fees and other costs would come out of county prosecutors budgets, which Democrats fear could have a disproportionate impact on smaller counties with more limited budgets, and discourage prosecutors from tackling complex or high-profile cases. In a scathing minority report, state Rep. Shea Roberts, an Atlanta Democrat, condemned the combination of the two pieces of legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to believe that we were better than this, she said. I held out hope that the majority party in this chamber would not use its legislative power for blatant political retribution. And tacking the wrongfully incarcerated compensation bipartisan bill that our colleagues have worked tirelessly to pass for years onto this punitive SB 244 makes me physically sick. The bill would also directly benefit a sitting legislator: Sen. Shawn Still, a Johns Creek Republican, was indicted in the Fulton County election interference case alongside Trump and 17 other codefendants. If the bill passes, he too may be able to recoup the cost of his legal fees. But state Rep. Scott Holcomb, an Atlanta Democrat who sponsored two previous versions of the Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act, urged his colleagues to vote in favor of the bill. Rep. Scott Holcomb. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder The current compensation process has been candidly broken for a very, very long time, he said. What it leads to is inconsistent results: some people get compensation, some people dont. Some people get a certain amount of compensation, some people get less, some people get more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also highlighted the repeated issues hes faced getting the Senate to consider any form of compensation for the wrongfully convicted. Whats happened since 2022 is no resolutions have moved, period, in the Senate, he said. They havent entertained them, they havent considered them. Last year they didnt even have hearings for measures that were passed here. Though the vast majority of Democrats voted against the bill, Holcomb and Dempsey are optimistic that combining the two bills will improve their chances of establishing change by the end of the 2025 legislative session. I dont like being sideways with the majority of my caucus, Holcomb said after the bill passed on the House floor. But at the same token, when all is said and done, and when I leave this building for good, theres going to be very few things that Ive worked on that will have been incredibly consequential. This will be one of them, and so I had to continue to support it, and Ill continue to support it, and I really hope that it gets to the finish line this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation now returns to the Senate, which must agree to the amended House version before the bill can advance to the governors desk. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the vote tally in the House. SB 244 passed the House late Wednesday evening with a 103-61 vote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Georgia House has passed the latest encantation of the religious freedom bill. Some Republicans insist the bill is needed to protect people of faith, while Democrats say it only gives people a license to discriminate. Supporters of the new Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA, gathered at the capitol Tuesday for a news conference to put pressure on lawmakers to bring their bill to the floor of the house for a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acworth Republican state Sen. Ed Setzler, who wrote the bill, insists this bill is necessary to protect people of faith from, what he says is, unwarranted government intrusion. He thinks he has the votes to get it across the finish line. I think there are people in both parties that would like to support this, Setzler said. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Minority Leader Carolyn Hughley believes the bill will hurt businesses and people. If Georgia wants to remain the No. 1 state to do business, why would you do this? Because its simply a license to discriminate, and our caucus is going fight vigorously against it, Hughley said. The bill passed the Senate last week and now heads to the governors desk. In a post on X, Kemp said he has also maintained he would sign a version of RFRA. I want to congratulate those who worked for the passage of SB 36. I have always maintained that I would support and sign a version of RFRA which mirrors the language and protections provided by federal law since 1993. My commitment to that promise and to the deeply held beliefs Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) April 3, 2025 My commitment to that promise and to the deeply held beliefs of Georgians of faith remains unwavering. I also want to assure those of differing views that Georgia remains a welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family, Kemp said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, said RFRA is intended to further divide our communities and cause harm to vulnerable Georgians. As hard as these legislative defeats are, we cannot allow ourselves to fall into a state of despair that keeps us from continuing to fight; thats what this onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation hopes to accomplish, Graham said. ATLANTA (AP) Lawmakers in Georgia's House passed a controversial bill Wednesday that aims to protect people's rights to express their religion, but that critics say could lead to discrimination. Modeled after the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the bill would prevent governments from impeding on someone's religious rights in most cases and stop the enforcement of laws that conflict with someones religious expression. The Republican-led state House approved the bill 96-70. But Democrats including those who spoke about their Christian faith said that without added protections, the bill will let people discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and religious minorities. Two Republicans voted against it, while one Democrat supported it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill passed Wednesday is similar to a highly contested one that former Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed in 2016 amid widespread protests and concerns from Georgia's business community that it would hurt their ability to attract employees and tourists. The Metro Atlanta Chamber opposed this year's bill. Bill sponsor Sen. Ed Setzler, a Republican from Acworth, called Deal a hero for vetoing the earlier proposal. He said the new bill, designed in part by current Republican Gov. Brian Kemps staff, is less extreme. Every Georgian should be free to exercise their faith without unfair federal, state and local government intrusion, Setzler said at a news conference Tuesday. He said the bill "protects ordinary people from unfair state and local government intrusion. Kemp commended the bills passage in a statement and promised to sign it. The Senate passed the bill on March 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 29 states have similar laws. Opponents are concerned that the bill could lead to discrimination in a state that doesn't have a comprehensive civil rights law many states do. Opponents also say more religious protections arent necessary. When pressed during a House Judiciary committee meeting, Setzler could not name a case where someones religious liberties were violated in a way that would require the bills protections. We are swatting at imaginary flies, and Im sick of it, Atlanta Democratic Rep. Stacey Evans said Wednesday. Supporters say the bill would not override local civil rights protections imposed by a handful of Georgia municipalities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a license of private citizens to discriminate against private citizens, said Republican Rep. Tyler Paul Smith, who presented the bill in the House. This prohibits the government from burning religious exercise in our state. Two Republicans, Rep. Deborah Silcox of Sandy Springs Rep. Stan Gunter of Blairsville, joined Democrats in voting against the measure in an earlier House Judiciary committee meeting. Silcox tried to add an anti-discrimination measure to the bill but that didnt pass. She voted against the bill on the House floor, but Gunter voted for it. ___ Charlotte 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. Sen. Max Burns. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Lawmakers in the Senate concluded the 39th legislative day of the 2025 session in the early hours of Thursday morning by advancing a bill that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs or policies from all state public schools and universities. The bill, which effectively hollowed out legislation originally aimed at increasing sick days and maternity leave for public school teachers, passed in a contentious 33-21 vote, restricting the freedom educational institutions have to discuss racial justice issues even as lawmakers across the hall voted to expand First Amendment protections based on religion only hours before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 127s sponsor in the Senate, Sylvania Republican Sen. Max Burns, argued that the bill was aimed at preventing discrimination in Georgias public educational institutions. DEI is the antithesis of equality, Burns said on the Senate floor. If you believe in equality, if you believe in equal opportunity, this bill does not strip you of that. It enhances it. Democrats swiftly condemned the bill, arguing that a ban on DEI would be a return to an era of state-sponsored discrimination. They also feared it could be used to censor topics like slaverys role in the civil war and other ways that race and racism have shaped American history. I dont want to say DEI, I want to talk about diversity, equity and inclusion, said Derek Mallow, a Savannah Democrat. If there is a need to ban DEI, then what is the opposite to diversity? Well the opposite to diversity is uniformity, and to be uniform means that you lack any other options for anyone to be different, to look different, to talk different, to walk different, to be different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also proposed a total of 20 amendments the most on any individual bill in living memory but all 20 amendments were dismissed without a vote by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. This is a sad day for the Georgia state Senate, one of the saddest Ive ever been in in 10 years, quite frankly, said Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II, an Augusta Democrat. This doesnt represent the people of Georgia, he continued. Tonight was a night the Republican Party said theyre going to take Georgia backwards backwards to days when people did not have full rights. The bill now returns to the House, which must agree to the Senates amendments before the bill can advance to the governors desk. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Sabine Siebold (Reuters) - The German military will be armed with loitering munitions, or exploding drones, for the first time, two defense ministry sources said on Thursday, as Berlin tries to catch up with a technology that has shown its destructive power in Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine have fielded such single-use drones, which cruise towards their target before plummeting at velocity and detonating on impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the procurement of armed drones has been controversial in Germany, with some politicians associating them with targeted extrajudicial killings by U.S. forces in Afghanistan. It took years of heated debate before parliament agreed in 2022 to enable a large drone such as the Heron TP, which flies at much higher altitudes, to carry arms. However, military upgrades are more urgent now for Germany, amid the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine and doubts about the future of U.S. military protection. Last month, parliament approved plans for a defence spending surge worth hundreds of billions of euros. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contracts with two companies for a first batch of exploding drones will be signed in the coming days, the sources said, declining to name the companies. The army, air force and navy will test them in the following months. "The use of drones and the defence against drones is crucial for the survival of our troops on the modern battlefield, that's something we learned in Ukraine," said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Each soldier must be capable of operating drones, just as today, everybody knows how to use binoculars." Germany will aim to sign longer-term contracts by the end of the year for a larger number of drones, shortening the period for introducing new weapons which usually takes years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As drone technology evolves rapidly, the deals will specify that companies supply a limited number initially for training purposes, and that they may be asked later to supply a larger number of the latest models at short notice, if needed. "There's no use in purchasing thousands of drones ... only to realise they are outdated by the time we need them," one of the sources said. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold, editing by Andrew Gray and Bernadette Baum) US tariff "mania" could cause "massive damage worldwide," German Economy Minister Robert Habeck warned on Thursday, as Berlin awakened to a transformed global trade order. Habeck's statement came hours after US President Donald Trump's announcement of unprecedented customs duties, including blanket tariffs of 10% on all goods imported into the United States. As an exporting nation, Germany is set to be hit hard by the 20% tariff Trump has imposed on the European Union, which are due to take effect on April 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country's leading stock market index, the DAX, tumbled 2.3% shortly after opening on Thursday as investors pondered the consequences for Germany's crucial automotive and industrial sectors. But the blanket 10% tariffs on goods from all countries will have wider implications for the global economy, argued Habeck, who is also Germany's vice chancellor. The decision could "set off a spiral that could drag countries into recession" with "dire consequences for many people," the outgoing minister said in Berlin. Trade expert Lisandra Flach from the Munich-based ifo Institute said it was a "bitter day for the global economy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habeck emphasized that the EU will continue to seek negotiations with the Trump administration in the coming days. "We have always pushed for negotiations, not confrontation. That remains the right approach," he stated. If the tariffs do take effect, however, Habeck said that Germany and the European Union are ready to respond. "We have the largest single market in the world. We must utilize this strength," the minister added. Germany faces a triple threat following US President Donald Trump's sweeping new global tariffs announcement, a trade expert warned on Thursday. Lisandra Flach from the Munich-based ifo Institute said called the move - which included a blanket minimum 10% duty on all imports, and a 20% toll on goods from the European Union - a "bitter day for the global economy." Germany could initially expect a 0.3% decline in gross domestic product (GDP), Flach said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the expert warned that Europe's largest economy, which is hugely dependent on exports of goods such as cars and chemicals, is likely to be further hit in three distinct ways by the new US policy. First to suffer will be German exports to the US - the leading market for Germany's crucial automotive sector. Secondly, the tariffs' massive impact on the Chinese economy - which faces US duties of 54% after Trump's announcement - will likely lead to a significant drop in German exports to Beijing. And thirdly, German goods are likely to face massive competition from countries such as China that will be seeking new markets following their effective exclusion from the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The crucial question is how other countries will react - not just to US tariffs, but to protectionism in general," said Flach. "In the worst-case scenario, an escalation could bring trade to a standstill." Germany awoke to a radically transformed global trade order on Thursday, hours after US President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping customs duties. The United States is set to introduce blanket tariffs of at least 10% on all goods imported into the United States, and a 20% toll on imports from the European Union. As a major exporting nation, Germany is likely to be hit hard by the tariffs, which are due to take full effect on April 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country's leading stock market index, the DAX, tumbled 2.3% shortly after opening on Thursday as investors pondered the consequences for Germany's crucial automotive, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. Trade expert Lisandra Flach from the Munich-based ifo Institute said it was a "bitter day for the global economy" and warned that Germany - Europe's largest economy - faces a triple threat from the new US policy. The US was Germany's leading trade partner in 2024, and the first to suffer from the additional tariffs will likely be German exports to the US. These amounted to 161 billion ($177 billion) in 2024, forming around 10% of total German exports. Secondly, the tariffs' massive impact on the Chinese economy - which faces US duties of 54% - will likely lead to a significant drop in Beijing's purchasing power, harming German companies' prospects in the vital Chinese market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And German goods are also likely to face massive competition from countries such as China that will be seeking new markets following their effective exclusion from the US. Berlin can initially expect a 0.3% decline in gross domestic product (GDP), Flach said. Scholz denounces 'attack' on global trade order Responding to the policy shift in Berlin on Thursday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned of an "attack" on the global trade order. "The entire global economy will suffer from these ill-considered decisions - companies and consumers all over the world, including in the United States," said Scholz after a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, who is in the German capital for a conference on people with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outgoing chancellor echoed comments from Economy Minister Robert Habeck, who earlier said that US tariff "mania" could cause "massive damage worldwide." Habeck, who also serves as Germany's vice chancellor, said the impact of Trump's announcement could be directly compared to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent European energy crisis. The tariffs are the most disruptive in 90 years, and they could "set off a spiral that could drag countries into recession" with "dire consequences for many people," the minister added. Automotive industry faces 'massive burden' Particularly vulnerable to Trump's aggressive tariff policy are German carmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US tariffs of 25% on all imports of cars went into force overnight, marking a "fundamental break in trade policy," said Hildegard Muller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) trade group. "The announced measures are also a massive burden and challenge for both companies and the global supply chains of the automotive industry," she added. The United States is the most important export market for the German automotive industry, which produces iconic brands such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche. According to VDA figures, almost 450,000 German-made vehicles were exported to the US in 2024. Business leaders warn of 'open trade war' after 'American Brexit' German business leaders reacted to the tariff announcement with shock on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dirk Jandura, president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services, called the decision a "frontal assault on global trade." "With drastic tariff increases for more than 100 trading partners, the US president is plunging the world into an open trade war with an American Brexit," Jandura said. "I assume that conflict will have a significant impact on our economic growth." Wolfgang Niedermark from the Federation of German Industries said that the tariffs were "an unprecedented attack on the international world trade system, free trade and global supply chains." The move "threatens our export-oriented companies and jeopardizes prosperity, stability, jobs, innovation and investment worldwide," he added. United EU response needed European countries must react united to stand up to the new US policy, Niedermark said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The EU must now strengthen its alliances with other major trading partners and should coordinate its response with them." Similar sentiments were expressed by the outgoing chancellor, who said that the EU is still prepared to negotiate with Washington to avert the tariffs. "We are focusing on cooperation, not confrontation," said Scholz. Habeck emphasized that the EU will continue to seek negotiations with the Trump administration in the coming days. "We have always pushed for negotiations, not confrontation. That remains the right approach," he stated. If the tariffs do take effect, however, Habeck said that Germany and the European Union are ready to respond. "We have the largest single market in the world. We must utilize this strength," the minister added. SANAA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said on Thursday that the group launched fresh attacks against the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the northern Red Sea early Thursday morning, and had shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone over the Yemeni western province of Hodeidah. In a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, Sarea said several cruise missiles and drones targeted the aircraft carrier and escorting warships in response to the U.S. aggression on the group's positions across northern Yemen. "The American enemy launched a blatant aggression against our country in the past few hours with more than 36 airstrikes targeting several locations in the capital Sanaa, and Saada, resulting in human losses," he said, without providing a specified number of casualties. "We will continue to target all U.S. warships and all sources of threat in the Red Sea," he vowed. There were no comments yet from the U.S. Central Command. In an earlier statement on Thursday, Sarea said Houthis had shot down a second U.S. MQ-9 drone over the western province of Hodeidah after it intercepted one on Tuesday over the central province of Marib. On Tuesday, Houthis released footage showing an MQ-9 drone crashing after being hit by a guided missile. The U.S. military did not comment. Tensions have escalated between the Yemen-based Houthi armed group and the U.S. military since the latter resumed airstrikes on the group's positions across northern Yemen on March 15, following the Houthi rocket attacks on Israel after the Gaza ceasefire deal collapsed. Outgoing German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has said that economic security is linked to "overall security," as NATO allies meet in Brussels one day after US President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on all imports. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is attending a NATO foreign ministers meeting for the first time and his reception was expected to be frosty after Trump said Wednesday that the United States would introduce blanket tariffs of at least 10% on all imports, including a 20% toll on goods from the European Union. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he did not expect Trump's latest trade move to negatively affect the two-day meeting, which is expected to focus on bolstering the alliance's defence capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the new tariffs could impact global economic growth, which might stand in the way of Washington's push for its European allies and Canada to increase defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Baerbock, who arrived in Brussels on the heels of a visit to Ukraine and Moldova, said questions of economic security could not be separated from questions of "our own security" as evidenced by the hybrid warfare employed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Most states in this world are not just interested in fair security rules but in fair and free trade relations," she said, adding that Europe was "strongly positioned to protect itself." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday described the new US tariff policy as an "attack" on the global trade order. "The entire global economy will suffer from these ill-considered decisions - companies and consumers all over the world, including in the United States," said Scholz after a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Berlin. The comments came hours after US President Donald Trump announced a blanket 10% tariff on all US imports, with higher levies for some countries. The European Union faces a toll of 20%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU is still prepared to negotiate with Washington to avert tariffs, Scholz said. "We are focusing on cooperation, not confrontation." But if the tariffs do take effect, "Europe will react united, strongly and appropriately to the US decision," the outgoing chancellor added. Jordan's King Abdullah II (L) speaks during a joint press conference with Acting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) at the Federal Chancellery after their bilateral talks. Michael Kappeler/dpa PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Islands auditor general is sounding the alarm over what he sees as deterioration in the quality of the states financial reporting, saying unabated, it could have detrimental effects on the states finances. Auditor General David Bergantino issued the warning as part of the states annual financial audit that was submitted to lawmakers last week. The 316-page report included 28 findings issues that his office wants to flag regarding the states financial reporting during the prior fiscal year, which ended last June. He said the issues his office is seeing are worsening. Im definitely trying to point out the fact that theres been a downward trend with the quality, completeness and timeliness, and that needs to be changed, Bergantino told Target 12. It is getting worse each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The R.I. Department of Administration, which oversees financial reporting on behalf of Gov. Dan McKees administration, pushed back at the characterization. Spokesperson Karen Greco said the findings in the most recent report were consistent with past reports. However, the volume of transactions has gone up substantially in the last few years due to the pandemic-era funds, Greco said in a statement. The audit risk increases when transactions increase. As the auditor general noted in his report, much of the states finance processes use antiquated systems that dont integrate, requiring many manual procedures, which are inefficient and prone to human error. Some of the biggest red flags highlighted in the audit included the states general fund being misstated by $83.6 million, which required more than 50 adjustments to ensure accuracy. Another $10.4 million was misstated in the operations of the Surface Transportation Fund, which pays for state roads and highway infrastructure and construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also showed the state failed to record $93 million in debt for a new high school in Central Falls; understated personal income tax revenue by $43.3 million; and omitted $4.5 million from Medicaid settlements. When you miss complete transactions and you miss nearly $100 million worth of bonds, and theyre not in your financials at all, thats not serious thats a complete breakdown, Bergantino said. Additionally, the state failed to record the defunct I-195 westbound bridge as a valueless asset, meaning it had been artificially inflating the value of the states overall assets. The broken bridge hasnt been open to traffic since December 2023, and its currently being demolished. This wasnt an issue that wasnt being widely publicized, Bergantino said. If youre missing stuff like that, as an auditor, it makes you concerned about what else is being missed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bergantino acknowledged that the state audit isnt a well-understood aspect of state government. It takes teams of number-crunchers to comb through the states $14 billion budget and make sense of the esoteric nature of public financing. But Bergantino said the McKee administration needs to take financial reporting more seriously because errors put strain on his office, which he said has limited resources. Mistakes also cause delays because of the time it takes to resolve them, which both undermines lawmakers understanding of the states current budget position, and creates angst among major rating agencies like Moodys, S&P and Fitch. The Big Three rating agencies, as theyre known, have became far stricter about even issuing bond ratings for governments that dont get annual audits in on time. The dynamic has already played out at the local level in Rhode Island. Two agencies recently yanked ratings on public bonds issued by Woonsocket and Coventry, jeopardizing the communities ability to borrow money for major capital projects, such as schools, police stations and infrastructure projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contributing to the problem at both levels of government, Bergantino explained, is recent high turnover rates in financial jobs that he said were once positions that people held for their entire careers. He said the loss of institutional knowledge makes it more challenging for financial officials to catch glaring errors when spending or revenue doesnt line up in a significant way. And its left to his office to figure out what went wrong, which takes time. Bergantino said hes also concerned about a lack of set procedures for financial reporting in some departments, which are required under accounting rules but absent in some cases. Greco said the state is in the process of transitioning its system for finances, human resources, and payroll into a new IT system dubbed Enterprise Resource Planning, which she said would integrate the different systems and lead to more accurate reporting and proper controls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The auditor general cites in several places in the report that a transition to ERP would remedy most of the errors, Greco said. The ERP finance functions will be live in July 2025, just in time for the states new fiscal year, so improvements will be reflected in the FY2026 audit, which will be released in Spring 2027. The total cost of the ERP project was estimated at $91.3 million in a Senate Fiscal Office analysis released this while, while the administration put the price tag at $84.5 million in a budget amendment last month. Bergantino didnt share the optimism that the new ERP system would make things better, especially in the next couple of years. He highlighted that the state doesnt have the best track record when rolling out new technology systems, pointing to the disastrous launch of the UHIP system for social services in 2016. The UHIP system is commonly referred to as RIBridges, and international cybercriminals hacked the system last December. The cyberattack may have compromised the personal information of more than 700,000 Rhode Islanders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FULL COVERAGE: RI Data Breach Bergantino said it could be several years before ERP is operating effectively, and theres no certainty that new always means better. When the state launches any new system, things dont always get better sometimes they get worse, he said. Meanwhile, financial reporting also affects the General Assembly, which is responsible for vetting and approving the annual state budget. The McKee administration also has to defend its spending proposals to the Assembly, which can sometimes become complicated when numbers shift throughout the year. Sharon Reynolds Ferland, who heads the House Fiscal Office, raised the issue at a Feb. 5 House Finance Committee hearing. She outlined how a preliminary closing estimate for the previous budget was almost three weeks late, resulting in some dramatic shifts to final figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She described the shifts as fairly significant and quite numerous. Many of them could be avoidable if there were procedures in place, she said. If everyone is trying to set expectations, its always complicated not to have accurate information. Bergantino is scheduled to appear Thursday at a hearing of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, where hes expected to discuss the annual audit results and talk about some of his concerns with the quality of the states financial reporting. I like to see things trending in a positive direction, he told Target 12. This is one that in the last several years, its just continuing to trend downward and thats concerning to me and needs to be resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook. Ted Nesi contributed to this report. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. There are two ways to size up Tuesdays huge Wisconsin election victory by liberal Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford. One is that it was practically par for the course, the latest case of a recurring Democratic turnout edge in lower-turnout elections, a pattern that has produced almost identical double-digit liberal margins in four of the last five big court elections dating back to 2018. The other is that this contest belongs in its own exceptional category, a striking political statement at an extraordinary political moment. Never before has a judicial election anywhere in the country been so costly, so nationalized, so closely watched by the outside world, and so dominated by two outside figures, President Donald Trump and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk, who are lightning rods across much of the world. . While Crawfords 10-point margin was a close replica of liberal court victories in 2018, 2020, and 2023, far more Wisconsinites participated in this contest than in those earlier races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that sense, this wasnt just another low turnout election win for Democrats and defeat for Republicans.Roughly half the states voting-age adults voted, a turnout that obliterated the old record of 40% in 2023, which had far outstripped previous contests. More: All our reporting on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race between Susan Crawford, Brad Schimel This was far closer to a November midterm turnout than a typical spring turnout.More than 2.3 million Wisconsinites voted, which approaches the raw number of votes (2.42 million) cast in Wisconsins 2014 race for governor. At about 50% of voting-age adults, the turnout in this race exceeded the most recent fall midterm turnout in most of the 50 states, a mind-boggling level for a spring election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did that happen? Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel both attracted record vote totals Both sides showed up in record numbers, fueled by unprecedented spring spending, unprecedented organizing, unprecedented attention, unprecedented polarization over Trumps second term, and the massive political stakes in Wisconsin when it comes to control of the states highest court. Conservative candidate Brad Schimel easily blew past previous vote totals for conservative court candidates. And a really robust turnout was something Republicans expected to operate in their favor, assuming it would mean more Trump voters were casting ballots. But Crawford got far more votes than anyone ever has in a Wisconsin court race. She more than doubled the winning vote total of the liberal winner in 2018. She topped the winning liberal tally in 2023 by almost 300,000 votes. She got more votes than either major party candidate for governor did in a November midterm election a decade ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is impossible to know from the vote totals whether Crawfords victory was almost entirely the product of Democratic voters being more motivated than Republican voters, or whether it also reflects at least some Republicans and independents souring on Trump or reacting against Musk amid the tumult of this presidency. In other words, did people who voted for Democrat Kamala Harris last fall simply turn out in much larger numbers this time than people who voted for Trump because Democrats are so appalled by what Trump and Musk are doing? Or, at a time when Trumps negatives are rising in the polls, did some modest but meaningful slice of soft Trump voters cross over and vote for Crawford? The answers to those questions matter, because they go to the meaning of this election, and whether it should be viewed more narrowly as a recurring spring problem for the GOP, or an off-year turnout war that youd expect to favor the aggrieved out-party, or more broadly as some kind of barometer of public sentiment toward Musk and Trump (which would make it an even bigger alarm bell for Republicans). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either way, the combination of Musks high-profile involvement and Schimels decision to put Trumps endorsement and his support for the president at the center of his closing campaign message failed to make this race competitive. If it turned out more Trump voters, it probably turned out even more anti-Trump voters. In fact, the losing conservative margin in the high-profile court race was several points worse than the losing conservative margin in the low-profile race for state School Superintendent on the same ballot. The court result did underscore some recurring challenges for Republicans in the Trump era. One is that the party is struggling in elections where Trump is not on the ballot. Since the beginning of Trumps first term, the Republican side has lost four of five state Supreme Court elections, both contests for governor (2018 and 2022), and two of three U.S. Senate races (2018, 2024). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have immense issues of their own, led by their decline among working-class voters. But theyve won most of Wisconsins big elections over the past eight years. By contrast, Republicans and conservatives have only reached 50% of the Wisconsin vote twice since 2018 in 12 elections for president, Senate, governor and state Supreme Court. Conservative court winner Brian Hagedorn got 50.2% in 2019 and Republican Sen. Ron Johnson got 50.4% in 2022. The ceiling for the GOP has been strikingly low and the margin of error strikingly thin, including for Trump, who has never reached 50% in his three Wisconsin elections and never reached 50% approval in voluminous polling by the Marquette Law School during his two terms. A major factor in this pattern is the decline of GOP support in red, purple and blue suburbs, which was evident again on Tuesday. Then theres the collapse of conservative performance in court races, where conservatives used to prosper. The four double-digit liberal court victories have occurred in a wide range of turnouts, from 20% of voting-age adults in 2018 to roughly 50% on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump era has shaped these races in two ways. It has fueled Democratic anger and intensity and engagement. The liberal victories in 2018, 2020 and 2025 all occurred with Trump in the White House. And the victory in 2023 occurred after a conservative U.S. Supreme Court, with three Trump appointees, overturned the Roe v. Wade ruling enshrining abortion rights. Abortion figured in this race as well. The Trump era has also featured an ongoing partisan realignment. The education divide has grown, with Democrats faring better among college-educated voters and worse among working-class voters. Since the most reliable voters in lower-turnout elections tend to be college graduates, this has given Democrats a structural edge in many non-presidential contests. Trumps success in turning out sporadic voters for his elections has not carried over as well into other elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many smaller rural counties in regions like northern and western Wisconsin, there has been a steep drop-off from Trumps performance for president to the performance of conservative court candidates. Take the 12-county western Wisconsin TV market of La Crosse. Trump won it by 5 points in 2020 and 8 points in 2024. But the liberal court candidate won it by 15 points in 2018, 4.5 points in 2019, 14 points in 2020, 10 points in 2023 and by 7 points in Tuesdays election. While that drop-off wasnt quite as steep in other regions of the state Tuesday, it was significant everywhere. Schimels 2025 margin was more than 15 points worse than Trumps 2024 margin in the La Crosse region, almost 15 points worse in the Madison media market, and from 9 to 11 points worse in the Wausau market, the Green Bay market, and the Wisconsin counties that are part of the Twin Cities and Duluth Minnesota TV markets, according to a preliminary analysis of the numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While redder and more rural parts of the state were underperforming for Schimel, some blue parts of the state were delivering huge numbers for Crawford. Dane County is again a huge vote engine for Democrats As is often the case, the most striking example is Dane County, which voted for Crawford by more than 63 points (82% to 18%). That is roughly the same point margin as Dane County delivered for liberal court winner Janet Protasiewicz in 2023. But Dane turned out in even greater numbers this time, which meant that Crawfords raw vote margin was significantly larger; she won Dane by about 182,000 votes, compared to a margin of nearly 154,000 votes for Protasiewicz, which itself was unprecedented. In fact, Crawfords Dane County vote margin in this spring judicial election was slightly larger than Joe Bidens Democratic vote margin in Dane in the 2020 presidential election. It was almost as big as Kamala Harriss presidential vote margin in the county in 2024 (about 188,000 votes). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total vote in Dane Tuesday was roughly 78% of the countys 2024 presidential vote. Dane came closer to its presidential turnout than any county in Wisconsin, based on preliminary results. The next big election in Wisconsin will be the 2026 mid-term contests for governor, state Legislature and U.S. House. Court elections are not predictive of future partisan elections. The electorate will be different, and bigger, in 2026. Nationally, it will be a different political moment. Events and issues we can scarcely guess at will be in play. But the size of Crawfords Wisconsin victory Tuesday amid a highly nationalized campaign and an astounding spring turnout is a psychological boost to Democrats dismayed by the Trump presidency, and a sobering sign for the GOP. Craig Gilbert provides Wisconsin political analysis as a fellow with Marquette University Law School's Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education. Prior to the fellowship, Gilbert reported on politics for 35 years at the Journal Sentinel, the last 25 in its Washington Bureau. His column continues that independent reporting tradition and goes through the established Journal Sentinel editing process. Follow him on Twitter: @Wisvoter. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Supreme Court election delivers sobering signs for GOP AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia is hosting its inaugural Grits and Girl Scouts on May 1st from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. It will be held at Phinizy House located at 529 Greene Street in downtown Augusta featuring a breakfast menu curated by Augusta Techs culinary students. The keynote speaker is Jane Jenkins Herlong, an author, Girl Scout alum and Miss South Carolina. The proceeds from this fundraising event will go to rebuild and restore the Girl Scouts Camp Tanglewood which was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. Courtesy of: GSHG Courtesy of: GSHG Courtesy of: GSHG Courtesy of: GSHG Grits and Girl Scouts is open to everyone in the CSRA businesses, families, military personnel, troops, and friend groups; tables can be reserved in both full (eight) and half (four) quantities, single seats are also available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shawn Risher, Community Engagement Manager, at SRisher@gshg.org. Click here to register! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. [Watch in the player above: How to report a tip to U.S. Marshals] ELYRIA, Ohio (WJW) The girlfriend of Elyria fugitive Donte J. Parker II, whos been on the run now for nearly two months, has surrendered to police. Petra Pintar had been reported missing by her family out of concern for her well-being, reads a Thursday news release. She was last seen on Feb. 3 and was believed to be with her boyfriend, Parker, who escaped police custody that day and remains on the run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dad sues Madison Local Schools, claiming son was punished for Lets Go Brandon shirt Pintar voluntarily arrived unharmed at the Elyria police station on Thursday, April 3, according to the release. She was arrested on an outstanding warrant and handed over to Lorain police. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Credit: Elyria Police Department Parker is wanted on multiple felonies and a federal probation violation. Officers arrested Parker on Feb. 3 at an apartment complex along Washington Avenue. He was found hiding under a bed with a gun, authorities previously said. But he escaped while being escorted out of the home, leading to a manhunt. He remains at-large. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avenue at Warrensville Care and Rehabilitation Center nurse Amber Henderson pleads not guilty to elderly patients death Anyone with information on Parkers whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Jeb Larson at 440-326-1211 or jlarson@cityofelyria.org. Anonymous tips can also be submitted on the citys 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Inside the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) annual report for 2024, it was announced that the economic impact reached a record of $91 million. GJEP officials say for every $1 invested in GJEP, $93 of economic impact is generated. The Grand Valley has seen more than $80 million in growth over the last two years. In 2022, GJEP reported the economic impact was $10,558,889. In 2023, that number grew by $41.7 million, reaching $52,270,078 and just last year, GJEP reported that record growth rising by $38.9 million to reach $91,252,018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executive Director for GJEP Curtis Englehart says our economy has been diversified with the creation of primary jobs coming from outdoor, manufacturing, aviation and professional service sectors. Englehart also mentioned several projects that contributed to the local economy, helping it hit that record growth. A couple of big projects we saw was, GooseGear relocating from Huntington Beach, California, which will be about 49 net new jobs. We saw Amazon Last Mile Facility be built in 2024 and that was a big capital investment as well. So, overall, a number of different projects that contributed to the overall economic impact. Last year, GJEP helped create 299 new jobs. The annual salary of those jobs being over $62,000 well above the median annual earnings in Mesa County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report lists 20 major employers in Mesa County, with the top five being District 51 which employs 3,465 workers, St. Marys Intermountain Health that employs 2,846 workers, Community Hospital that employs 1,400 workers, Mesa County that has nearly 1,271 workers, and Colorado Mesa University (CMU) that employs 1,173 workers. St. Marys Intermountain Health, listed as the areas second major employer, has been on the Western Slope since 1896, and has a long history of growth. A recent study conducted by a CMU professor found the annual economic impact of St. Marys is a little under half a billion dollars. He estimated it to be $443 million, says Chief Operating Officer for St. Marys Ben Smalley. So, half a billion dollars in contribution to the community, which is really awesome. Were happy to be able to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coming after St. Marys is Community Hospital, ranked third as a major primary employer. Community has offered healthcare services since 1947 and will soon celebrate its 80th anniversary. Chief Executive Officer for Community Hospital Chris Thomas has been with the hospital for 17 years, and he says growth has been steady. A large part of our growth is in our clinics. Whether it be cardiology or oncology or orthopedics. So, right now about 60% of our employees work here at the hospital, and about 40% work in our clinics. According to the Western Healthcare Alliance, Community Hospitals total output is $285 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas is also on the board of GJEP. He talks about how information is gathered for the report. We all accumulate the data. Im sure they are looking at different data points to gather that and put in together to show, the impact of what we are as a business and how we are all working together to grow the Grand Valley. At number five of the top employers is CMU. CMU currently has an estimated 11,000 students. Its one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation. CMU President John Marshall breaks down the economic contributions of the school. We estimate something like half a billion-dollar contribution to Western Colorados economy. So, its a significant number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the annual report was given a bronze level award by the International Economic Development Council. Englehart says GJEP takes great pride in creating this report. We do this report all in-house and its something, again, we take great pride in and we are really happy to release it to the community for this last year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. World leaders arent taking to President Donald Trumps tariff regime too kindly. The White House slapped a blanket 10% tariff on all imports and additional import tax rates of up to 50% on countries with trade barriers. The stock market also had an adverse reaction to the latest slew of import duties but Trump reassured the country of a brighter, more stable future. The United States will have six or seven trillion dollars coming into our country, thanks to these import taxes, Trump told the White House press pool on Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The markets are going to boom, and the country is going to boom, Trump said, adding that other counties have taken advantage of us for many, many years. Leaders from across the world, including the European Union, China, Madagascar and Thailand, also negatively reacted to the news while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent encouraged treading forward with caution. My advice to every country right now is: Do not retaliate. Sit back, take it in, lets see how it goes, Bessent said in an appearance on Fox News Wednesday evening. Because if you retaliate, there will be escalation. If you dont retaliate, this is the high-water mark. According to the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, The top five purchasers of U.S. goods exports in 2022 were: Canada ($356.5 billion), Mexico ($324.3 billion), China ($150.4 billion), Japan ($80.2 billion), and the United Kingdom ($76.2 billion). Despite Trumps assurances of a future inflow of cash, the escalating global tensions could have devastating consequences on not only foreign businesses but homegrown American companies that are dependent on imports and exports. The sense of instability doesnt help either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres how world leaders are reacting. European Union European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called Trumps 20% tariffs on the EU a major blow to the world economy. Uncertainty will spiral and trigger the rise of further protectionism, said von der Leyen. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses a media conference at the end of an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, March 20, 2025. | Geert Vanden Wijngaert We are already finalizing a first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel. And we are now preparing for further countermeasures, to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail, she said. China A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused the U.S. of violating World Trade Organization rules, adding its a move China firmly rejects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trade and tariff wars have no winners. Protectionism leads nowhere, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun in a press briefing from Thursday. He said the Chinese government urged the Trump White House to resolve differences fairly. A man walks into a merchandise store displaying Chinese and United States' national flags, in Beijing, Thursday, April 3, 2025. | Andy Wong China has already implemented new 15% duties on U.S. agricultural imports, as the Deseret News reported. Canada Although Canada did not appear on the latest White House list of countries facing tariffs, a 25% tax on Canadian goods is already in place. Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to use this opportunity to not only become a self-sufficient country but an economic leader in the G7, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the European Union. Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with media on Parliament Hill following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Canada-U.S. Relations and National Security, in Ottawa, Thursday, March 27, 2025. | Adrian Wyld We believe in international cooperation. We believe in the free and open exchange of goods, and services and ideas, said Carney. And if the U.S. no longer wants to lead, Canada will. Last week, the new Canadian prime minister indicated that the old relationship of mutual military and economic cooperation is over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada has announced 25% tariffs on $30 billion of American products. Israel It seems no one is safe, including Israel. Ahead of Liberation Day, Israel did away with all its import duties against American goods in hopes that the U.S. would return the favor. Instead, they will bear the brunt of a 17% tariff. We were sure that the decision to completely cancel tariffs on imports from the U.S. would prevent this move, an official told local media. But it didnt happen. Japan Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also expressed disappointment with Trumps 24% reciprocal tariffs but did not indicate whether the East Asian country would retaliate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had been requesting that the U.S. government review its unilateral tariff measures at various levels and we are extremely disappointed and regret that such measures have been implemented nonetheless, Ishiba said during a press conference, as per Reuters. Mexico Mexico was also not included on the White House list from Wednesday. President Claudia Sheinbaum said she does not plan to impose import duties on its largest trading partner, the U.S. She appeared careful not to escalate the emerging global trade war in her backyard and expressed confidence in Mexicos ability to strengthen its economy independent of its North American allies. On Thursday, Sheinbaum said Mexico will release a comprehensive program, not a tit-for-tat on tariffs. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) A local dog daycare and boarding center presented a check and supply donations to the Foundation for TJO Animals. The Good Dog Spot in Chicopee raised over $1,300 for the foundation. This will help the foundation continue its mission of caring for animals in need. Dog rescued in Sturbridge animal cruelty case by MSPCA prepares for adoption The money raised and the donations collected came from the Good Dog Spots fundraising efforts last December. The foundation will be using the money to provide medical care and surgeries for the animals in their shelter. Items like food, toys, and cleaning supplies were also donated to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every dollar thats raised really is like a second chance for every animal that walks through the door at the adoption center, said Jill Carra, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Foundation for TJO Animals. So its just wonderful. Were so grateful. The Good Dog Spot hopes by supporting the well-being of all animals within the community, it will make a huge impact. The clients we see, the dogs we see on a daily basis, they live their best lives, said Elizabeth Staples, President of the Good Dog Spot. You know, they come for daycare, they get regular grooming care. Theyre just, you know, theyre loved. And we just like to be able to give to the animals who dont have that experience. This act of giving back is in celebration of Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week, which is from April 13 to 19. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Manufacturers Association of Israel (MAI) on Thursday voiced concern over U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 17 percent tariff on Israeli goods, calling it a "worrying step for Israeli exporters." Trump announced the levies Wednesday as part of his "reciprocal tariffs" policy, though Israel had lifted all tariffs on U.S. imports a day earlier. Expressing surprise in a statement, the industry body said that 99 percent of U.S. goods entering Israel were already tariff-free before the policy shift. It warned that the new policy could harm Israel's economic stability, deter foreign investment, and weaken Israeli companies' competitiveness in the U.S. market. "This worrying step could harm jobs in Israel and reduce activity in the American market," it added. The association called the decision a setback in trade and investment relations and voiced hope that the move would be short-lived. It pledged to work with Israel's finance and economy ministries to reverse the policy while exploring alternative strategies, including seeking new markets and engaging U.S. decision-makers. The two countries signed a free trade agreement in 1985, which is Washington's first such deal. The United States remains one of Israel's top trade partners, with bilateral goods trade reaching an estimated 37 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, according to the U.S. Trade Representative. [Editors note: This article has been updated to correct the number of the bill as well as the spelling of Dr. Suparna Argekar Mahalahas name.] CLEVELAND (WJW) Efforts to ban fluoride in drinking water are now trickling down in Ohio. But one local dentist said not so fast. 15-year-old arrested in connection to fatal shooting at Shaker Heights Library Efforts to remove fluoride from Ohios water systems are concerning because they put people, especially children, and those in lower-income communities and seniors, you know, at a greater risk for preventable dental disease, said Dr. Suparna Argekar Mahalaha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mahalaha is an assistant professor at Case Westerns School of Dental Medicine. She is speaking out against House Bill 182. Created by a group of Republican lawmakers, the bill would ban the state and public water systems from adding fluoride, which prevents cavities and tooth decay, saying the mineral is potentially toxic and wasteful. This is really not about fluoride in my opinion. This is about people having the choice to choose what types of things theyre ingesting and not being forced on them by the government or their neighbor, said state Rep. Levi Dean. Musk could be headed for a Washington exit after turbulent times at DOGE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dean is a co-sponsor of the bill, which comes after federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed skepticism about water fluoridation. The fluoridation of water is considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. Ohio is now the latest to join a nationwide movement to change how our water flows. Currently, Ohio law requires water systems to fluoridate water if the natural content is less than 0.8 milligrams per liter. Dean wants to eliminate that rule. He cited a recent study that suggests fluoride, also in toothpaste and mouthwash, may be linked to lower IQ in children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobodys even considered the fact that in the water, youre just swallowing the water. Its not really being topically applied, he said. Dropped doughnut contributes to 3-car crash on Rock Creek Road in Thompson: OSHP Still, some dentists say the risks of a fluoride ban are too high and hope the bill gets flushed. Without it, we could see an increase in cavities, dental infections and long-term health complications that come alone with poor oral health, unfortunately, said Mahalaha. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. From the time the Donald Trump-Elon Musk governing partnership took shape, its had an expiration date attached to it. The relationship wasnt built to last the egos were too big, the principals too mercurial, the politics surrounding the worlds richest mans efforts to reshape the federal government too radioactive. Now, POLITICOs Rachael Bade reports, its coming to an end. In the coming weeks, Musk will begin dialing back his role in Washington. Trump has told his inner circle and members of his Cabinet that both men have agreed hell be transitioning out of the administration and his polarizing role atop the DOGE initiative and stepping into a more supportive role. For Republicans, Musks departure cant come soon enough. On Tuesday, in the first big test of the national mood in the wake of Musks slashing tenure atop DOGE, persuasive evidence emerged that the tech mogul has become a political liability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt just the outcome in Wisconsin, where Democrats won a contentious swing-state Supreme Court race that functioned as a referendum on Musk. It was the results in Florida, in one of the nations most rock-ribbed Republican House districts, that suggested Musks political blast radius could be a problem for the GOP going into the 2026 midterm elections. There were two special House elections in Florida Tuesday, both in comfortably Republican districts where Democrats typically dont have a prayer. It was clear going in that Democrats were poised to overperform in each of them a result of grassroots rage toward Trump and the partys frequent advantage in special and off-year elections. The Democratic nominees in both districts indeed ran better than expected far better than in 2024 but in the end, the GOP held both seats. Yet the Republican victory in Floridas Panhandle-based 1st District obscured a troubling harbinger that appears to be connected to Musk a loss in Pensacolas Escambia County. Closer to Dallas than to Miami, Escambia is the westernmost county in the state. Like much of the states Panhandle, its politics are more Deep South than South Florida. Its the least red of the four counties that make up the district, but thats misleading given the regions general conservative orientation: Escambia, which borders Alabama, hasnt voted for a Democratic presidential nominee since 1960. Its a place that voted for Barry Goldwater in 1964, George Wallace in 1968, delivered a nearly 20-point victory to Trump in 2024 and also voted for polarizing former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz by big margins even after the sex scandal allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, however, Escambia County broke with habit and narrowly voted for Democrat Gay Valimont over Republican Jimmy Patronis. In 2024, when Valimont was also the Democratic nominee, she lost there by 14 points. In fact, across the four counties that make up the 1st District, Valimont lost by 32 points in 2024. On Tuesday, that margin was cut in half she lost by 15. While its too early to say for certain, Musks Department of Government Efficiency initiative appears to have played a material role in the changed circumstances. There are more federal workers in Floridas 1st District than in any of states 27 other congressional districts. Many of them are based in the Pensacola area known as the Cradle of Naval Aviation where the military imprint is impossible to miss. Navy installations include Pensacola Naval Air Station, Saufley Field and Corry Station. Theres also Whiting Field, about 30 miles northeast of Pensacola. The military presence is so far-reaching that a financial service center for Navy Federal Credit Union which is not a government entity but rather a credit union that serves military personnel, retirees and their families, Department of Defense civilian employees and government employees and contractors assigned to DOD installations is the largest non-governmental employer in Escambia County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In nearby Okaloosa County, Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field are the largest employers. Neighboring Santa Rosa County has many bedroom communities that serve these installations. The federal government imprint doesnt stop there park rangers have already been laid off at the regions Gulf Islands National Seashore. What the 1st District special election results suggest is that voters imposed a Musk tax on the GOP. It wasnt enough to flip a seat in a conservative House district in Florida, but it was big enough that it should be a concern in other regions with sprawling military complexes such as Hampton Roads, Virginia, or the San Diego area and in places with sizable concentrations of federal workers. Not only is Musk himself underwater in terms of his popularity, polls show DOGE/government funding to be among the least popular items on Trumps policy agenda. His departure from the scene will be welcome news to Republicans who will be on next years ballot. The question is whether its too late for those in competitive districts. A Republican congressman appalled Democrats at a congressional hearing by quoting infamous Nazi Joseph Goebbels. A direct quote from Joseph Goebbels: It is the absolute right of the state to supervise the formation of public opinion, and I think that may be what were discussing here, said Texas Keith Self. Goebbels was the minister of propaganda for the Third Reich under Adolf Hitler. His role was to convince the German people to support Hitlers regime, which he did so by spreading anti-Semitism and orchestrating the 1933 burning of un-German books in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Self, 72, referenced Goebbels words during a House subcommittee meeting aimed at determining whether a censorship industrial complex existed. The Tuesday hearing was held after Republicans claimed that Biden-era policies aimed to stifle rightwing views. Joseph Goebbels was a literal Nazi and one of Hitler's closest allies. To my Republican colleagues, it is probably best not to quote him during a congressional hearing. pic.twitter.com/qCTXbMEEUJ Congresswoman Julie Johnson (@RepJulieJohnson) April 1, 2025 Texas Democrat Rep. Julie Johnson heavily criticized Selfs remarks. When youre quoting Joseph Goebbels about... the role of state in the public debate, we have a big problem, Johnson said. I mean, thats as alarming as hell to me, when that becomes the gold standard of Hitler. She said it was concerning that he was referencing a quote associated with German atrocities during World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She later posted the clip of Self on X with the comment, Joseph Goebbels was a literal Nazi and one of Hitlers closest allies. To my Republican colleagues, it is probably best not to quote him during a congressional hearing. Self rebutted that Johnsons framing is completely misleading. He said: I was referring to the philosophy of Nina Jankowicz, the former head of Bidens Disinformation Governance Board. Probably best not to throw stones when your party supported funneling millions of dollars through Bidens State Dept. to shape public opinion. At the hearing, Jankowicz, the leader of a pro-democracy organization and former executive director of the Disinformation Governance Board, said that the premise of this hearing, the so called censorship industrial complex, is a fiction that has not only had profound impacts on my life and safety, but on our national security. She later added that the fiction is itself suppressing speech and stymieing critical research that protects our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE leader Elon Musk later called Jankowicz and her colleague evil people. Despite Selfs defense, it isnt the first time hes used Goebbel quotes. He cited the Nazi in 2010 when he was running for reelection as Collin County Judge. At the time, he tried to bite back at his opponent by saying, if you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. At the time, he claimed he was only using the widely-circulated yet unsubstantiated Goebbels quote to show that his opponent was using the method. HuffPost reported that Selfs office did not directly comment on his bizarre Nazi quotes but instead said: It is indisputable that the Biden administration weaponized its State Department to censor and suppress American citizens from their right to free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Self also recently received backlash after misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), the first openly transgender congresswoman. The outcries following Selfs Goebbels quote comes after Democrats condemned Musks gesture at the presidential inauguration, which looked like a Nazi salute. He did little to defend the move at the time but instead made Holocaust-related jokes and Nazi puns to his over 200 million X followers. Dont say Hess to Nazi accusations! Some people will Goebbels anything down! Stop Goring your enemies! His pronouns wouldve been He/Himmler! Bet you did nazi that coming Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 23, 2025 Musk also recently retweeted an X post saying that Hitler and other dictators like Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong did not murder millions of people, but their public sector workers did instead. Apr. 2OLYMPIA Gov. Bob Ferguson has not indicated whether he would support increasing the state's gas tax, Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins told reporters Wednesday. Jinkins, a Democrat from Tacoma, said while she's had frequent conversations with the governor during the session, Ferguson "hasn't expressed anything about transportation at all" and "certainly not on the revenue side." A spokesperson for Ferguson didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, House and Senate transportation leaders unveiled bipartisan budget proposals that called for billions in new revenue, including increasing the state's gas tax for the first time in nearly a decade. A package that passed the Senate over the weekend closes a roughly $1 billion budget gap in the state's transportation budget between 2025 and 2027 and raises $10.2 billion over six years. The plan includes a 6-cent increase to Washington's gas tax, increased registration fees for electric vehicles and hybrids, and shifts 0.3% of the state's sales tax, about $800 million a year, to the transportation budget. As they unveiled the package last week, the heads of the Senate Transportation Committee said projects across the state, including the North Spokane Corridor, could face delays unless the state increases revenue. House Transportation leaders also unveiled their budget last week, which calls for a 9-cent increase to the gas tax. Like in the Senate, leaders in the House said projects throughout the state could be delayed unless the state secures revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Wednesday afternoon, though, Jinkins said she had not received input on either plan. "I haven't gotten that yet; doesn't mean that we won't," she said. Jinkins, along with other Democratic leadership from both the House and Senate, were scheduled to meet with Ferguson later Wednesday afternoon. On Tuesday, Ferguson stated that he opposed the current House and Senate's operating budgets, which rely on funding from a new "wealth tax" to raise revenue, though he did not indicate his stance on an array of other tax proposals the legislature has put forth, including on increasing the cap on yearly property tax increases. "I appreciate all of the questions on different revenue sources, I'm just not going to engage in those, so I appreciate that," Ferguson said. "Those are conversations we're going to have, there's a lot of negotiations to go on, but I'm just going to get into specific proposals right now." If youve moved recently, you may know the pain of having to pay a broker fee on top of all your other moving costs. In Massachusetts, a broker fee is typically about a months rent that renters are required to pay before moving in. For a one-bedroom apartment in Massachusetts at the median rent of $2,500, brokers fees in addition to other move in costs means a renter is expected to pay nearly $10,000 up front. But Gov. Maura Healey and some members of the legislature want to end this practice. Both Healey and state Rep. Tackey Chan, D-Quincy, have filed proposals to end broker fees. What is a broker fee? A broker fee is a sum of money that brokers charge tenants for their assistance finding an apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are an upfront, one-time payment that can be as high as 15% of the annual rent. In Massachusetts, they are usually about one months rent. Brokers used to connect tenants to landlords by listing units in publications, answering questions and setting up tours. But in the age of Zillow, in most cases, brokers no longer play as large of a role in the apartment search. Supporters of broker fees say that the fees make sure that brokers are fairly compensated. If the cost is shifted onto the landlords, they say that rents may increase. However, opponents say that the fees add an undue financial burden onto renters, especially if the renters are doing most of the work to find the apartment themselves. Is Massachusetts going to ban brokers fees? In late January, Healey included a proposal in an outside section of her annual budget plan to eliminate renter-paid broker fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Broker fees are an unfair cost for renters, and they should not be on the hook to pay for someone they didnt hire, said Healey in a statement. Were proud to be proposing this change that will save renters thousands of dollars making it possible for more young people, seniors and families to stay in Massachusetts, help businesses attract the best talent, and put more money back in peoples pockets for groceries, health care, and other needs. Her proposal would require that the fee be paid by whichever party hires the broker, which is usually the landlord. State representative Chan also filed a bill in the legislature that would do the same. It uses the same language as Healeys proposal. Any fee shall only be paid by the party, lessor or tenant who originally engaged and entered into a contract with the licensed broker or salesperson, reads Bill H.335 and the governors proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healeys proposal would have to be approved by the state legislature to go though, as would the bill. Where have brokers fees been eliminated? If Massachusetts bans broker fees, they would be following the example of places like New York City. New York passed a law last December to make landlords responsible for broker fees. Its set to take effect in June. Many other major U.S. cities dont have tenant paid broker fees. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Will Massachusetts ban broker fees this year? What to know After severe weather tore through at least 41 counties across the state last night, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced he would activate the Indiana National Guard to help residents impacted by the severe weather. Hoosier Guardsmen always answer the call to serve our state and our nation, Gov. Braun said in the press release. In times like these, Im immensely grateful for the soldiers who are on the ground ensuring Hoosier safety. I am activating the @NationalGuardIN to aid in storm recovery after severe storms swept across our state last night. Our Hoosier guardsmen always answer the call to serve, and in times like these, I am immensely grateful for the soldiers who are on the ground ensuring Hoosier Governor Mike Braun (@GovBraun) April 3, 2025 The full extent of the damage to communities across Indiana remains unknown, but the Governor's Office is continuing its damage assessments and recovery operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last night, photos and videos from across the state showing damaged houses, destroyed factories and hazardous road conditions started to appear online. Daylight gave a broader view of the destruction in areas hit by tornadoes. Three tornadoes were confirmed by Thursday afternoon with the largest being an EF2 that hit near Brownsburg. The Guardsmen will send units based in Jasper, Vincennes and Seymour to help with "Operation Sandcastle," while units in Bedford, Terre Haute, Indianapolis and Chandler will remain ready if called upon. About 50 soldiers are supporting this mission, but more may be asked to help as the day continues. Last night, communities throughout Indiana were impacted by severe weather and tornados. The extent of the damage is still being assessed and our office is working with localities on any necessary next steps. During times like these, the best of our Hoosier hospitality shows in Governor Mike Braun (@GovBraun) April 3, 2025 As of Thursday, the Governor's Office is working with the Indiana National Guard, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and Indiana Department of Corrections to begin sandbagging operations in support of flood prevention of critical infrastructure and damage to civilian property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Live Indiana weather updates: Tornadoes, latest forecast, damage reports Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Gov. Braun activates Indiana National Guard to aid in storm recovery RELATED VIDEO: Whats in the Arkansas Social Media Safety Act? (April 2023) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced two bills to expand social media protections in Arkansas, following her 2025 State of the State address. Senate Bill 612 would create a private right of action against social media platforms that knowingly cause harm through their design, algorithms or features, particularly contributing to a minors suicide or attempted suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Platforms found in violation could face civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, along with damages and legal costs. Parents or guardians of minors who suffer harm from harmful online content may sue the platform responsible, with courts able to award relief, medical expenses and punitive damages. This legislation establishes a private right of action for parents whose child commits suicide or attempts suicide because of his or her exposure to toxic material on social media, allowing them to sue abusive Big Tech companies in state court, according to a press release from the Governors office. Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act passes Arkansas senate The second bill amends the Social Media Safety Act of 2023, expanding the protections provided to minors on social media. Key changes include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A broader definition of social media to cover additional platforms. A reduction in the age of minors covered by the law to include those as young as 16. A ban on social media algorithms targeting minors. A penalty for companies that fail to comply with the laws provisions. Senator Tyler Dees and Representative Jon Eubanks are the primary sponsors. These changes will apply to new accounts created after the legislation is enacted. The amendments are intended to address issues with the original Social Media Safety Act, which is currently blocked by a court injunction. Governor Sanders signed the Social Media Safety Act into law in 2023, requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts. However, its enforcement is currently on hold due to a judge striking it down on Apr. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These amendments seek to remedy those issues and allow it to go into effect, said the Governors office in a press release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Related video: First Black Republican congresswoman Mia Love dies at 49. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Flags at public and government buildings across the state will be lowered to half-staff next week, in honor of former U.S. Representative Mia Love. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox ordered flags to be lowered on Monday, April 7 at sunrise and to be returned to full staff that same evening, during which time a memorial service will be held for Love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Love, who served as Utahs fourth congressional district representative between 2015 to 2019, died on March 23 after battling with a rare form of brain cancer. Her family announced on March 3 that the cancer was no longer responding to treatments and their focus had shifted from treatment to enjoying our remaining time with her. She was 49 years old. Mia Loves family announces funeral plans Heres what to know, how to attend Gov. Cox called Love a true trailblazer and a visionary leader, as she inspired Utahns as the first Black Republican woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress. The Utah governor extended an invitation to all private citizens, businesses, and organizations to lower their flags in recognition of Love. On Sunday, April 6, Love will lie in state at the Utah State Capitol Rotunda from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. A memorial service will begin on Monday, April 7, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Institute of Religion building on the University of Utah campus. Both services are open to the public, who is invited to attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loves family has asked that in place of flowers, people donate to the Rober Preston Tisch Brain Tumor Center at the Duke University Hospital or to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) On Wednesday, Governor Stitt said that the state should get rid of the Department of Forestry, weeks after several deadly fires. Why do we even have a department of forestry? Lets get rid of the whole thing. That would save $75 million dollars for the taxpayers, said Gov. Stitt. At Wednesdays presser, the governor was asked what evidence he had that the now-former State Forester, Mark Goeller, either didnt use or delayed firefighting resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes a week after he announced the firing of Goeller. That came with a lot of blowback and dissenting voices from many fire departments and fire crews. Governor Stitt told News 4 in a statement earlier this week, At the forestry directors direction, firefighting resources were delayed, unused, or even called back during critical moments. Nothing was held back: Former state forester speaks out after firing But Goeller disagreed and posted on Facebook that, I have been falsely accused of not performing the duties necessary to protect life and property promptly. The Agency to which I dedicated over 40 years of my life was said to have performed poorly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the governor once again had no evidence that Goeller delayed or didnt use firefighting resources. Ill have to get back to you on that, said Gov. Stitt when asked for the evidence. He also announced that he wanted to look into cutting the Department of Forestry and said that it would save the taxpayers $75 million. However, the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry received $72 million last year for appropriations and has asked for around 40% less this year. That was asked, even though the Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur, told lawmakers that getting funding for firefighting resources is always a challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4 sent an email Wednesday morning and asked why the state is requesting so much less this year, even though funding for firefighting resources is a challenge. And I think if all the resources were spent, we get it. There were just a lot of fires going on, but that wasnt the case, said Gov. Stitt on Wednesday. Stitt also vetoed Senate Bill 453, which had the potential to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. Furthermore, the fact that we cant get answers about where their assets were around the state is further proof that this is a deep-seated bureaucracy that are trying to protect their actions. We cant, we still havent been able to figure out where they were during that thing. So they were there in Stillwater asking for more resources, said Stitt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor has had years to beef up the firefighting resources in the state, but when asked where the blame lies, he said he isnt blaming anyone. Im not blaming anyone. Im questioning, and what Im frustrated with, like most Oklahomans, is this was a time to save property and save lives. And if we didnt have all of our resources there on those fires, thats frustrating, said Stitt. The governor also said that he is putting a task force together to see what the state couldve done better in response to the fires. The Oklahoma Public Employees Association sent KFOR this response to Stitts proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing threat of dismantling state agencies demonstrates a clear lack of prioritization for state employees and their families. Reducing state jobs diminishes the quality of state services which only hurts Oklahoma communities. State employees should not have to live under the umbrella of job insecurity based on the shifts in political climate. This is Oklahoma not Washington D.C. When a person thinks of not receiving their next pay check then it creates a major burden for a family that reaches to the children, how does this create a strong workforce? The timing of these comments to shut down the Department of Forestry is particularly concerning, given that we havent yet reached the hottest part of the year and are recovering from numerous wildfire emergencies across the state. Will Oklahoma Insurance rates sky rocket due to the major loss of the certified trained firefighters being removed along with the entire Department of Forestry? We will not forget that we are currently dealing with the loss of the highly respected Forestry leader Mark Goeller. While anti-state employee rhetoric seems prevalent, the states monthly loss of hundreds of state employees is a clear signal that workers are not happy about how they are treated. It cost thousands of dollars to train a replacement employee which underscores the significant loss of institutional knowledge and experience leaving state service. Instead of more cuts to cause greater burdens upon the existing workforce we should recognize the current front line workers who are out fighting fires risking their lives for us all, those who have served Oklahoma citizens, especially during the most vulnerable times. The dedicated workforce of the Oklahoma Forestry Service, supports hundreds of volunteer departments throughout the state, with many of those firefighters being state employees volunteering their time and effort to support their communities without seeking recognition. They all deserve our support and respect. The Oklahoma Public Employees Association stands with the Department of Forestry and its many dedicated state employees, and their families. Gene Blankenship, Deputy Director, Oklahoma Public Employees Association. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A person pays tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Jurong, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Zhong Xueman/Xinhua) Railway workers pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Suifenhe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Qu Yiwei/Xinhua) A teacher pays tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Gong Zujin/Xinhua) A man visits Shanghai Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial in east China's Shanghai, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) An aerial drone photo taken on April 3, 2025 shows students paying tribute to martyrs in Yongzhou, central China's Hunan Province. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Jiang Keqing/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Linyi, east China's Shandong Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Wang Yanbing/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Suihua, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Liu Huapeng/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Qin Tingfu/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Sun Wentan/Xinhua) People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Zhao Jun/Xinhua) Police officers pay tribute to martyrs on an inspection boat in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Zou Xunyong/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Hengyang County, central China's Hunan Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Liu Xinrong/Xinhua) Students visit Shanghai Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial in east China's Shanghai, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Linyi, east China's Shandong Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Wu Jiquan/Xinhua) A person pays tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Liang Zidong/Xinhua) A drone photo shows students paying tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2025. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Zhou Shegen/Xinhua) People pay tribute to a memorial monument to martyrs in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Bei He) An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows students paying tribute to martyrs in front of a monument in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by He Wuchang/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Jiyuan City of central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Duan Erping/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Zaozhuang City of east China's Shandong Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Liu Ming/Xinhua) People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua) People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Yuan Yong/Xinhua) People pay tribute to martyrs in Hengyang, central China's Hunan Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Cao Zhengping/Xinhua) Students pay tribute to martyrs in front of a monument in Yongzhou City, central China's Hunan Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Jiang Keqing/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows students paying tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Zunhua City, north China's Hebei Province. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) People pay tribute to a memorial monument to martyrs in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Bei He) Students pay tribute to martyrs in Jiamusi City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Photo by Chen Zhiguo/Xinhua) The honor guards pay tribute to a memorial monument to martyrs in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. People across the country attend tomb-sweeping activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year. (Xinhua/Bei He) For generations, Noblesville's historic Midland Railroad Bridge connected communities in Indiana. Now, after partnering with Conner Prairie to preserve this structure, a recurring obstacle stands in the way of commonsense rehabilitation. When we were planning the new Pleasant Street extension in Noblesville, a few crucial factors forced our hand in relocating this bridge. The neglected structure faced escalating maintenance costs, extensive deterioration and was subject to frustrating regulatory constraints. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources which enforces state and federal floodplain regulations mandated removal of the bridge to meet hydraulic requirements and prevent upstream flooding. Thats when Conner Prairie stepped up as a great community partner for reuse, offering to incorporate it into its future expansion plans. While this arrangement initially seemed ideal, changing circumstances have created an opportunity to reconsider the bridge's future. With a number of new trail segments planned in the past five years, and more than 150 acres of parks coming online in the next five, we have considerable opportunities to reinstall the bridge right here in Noblesville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main obstacle? The mountain of regulations in place, which helped lead to its disrepair and prevent us, or make it cost-prohibitive, from rebuilding the bridge. Earlier this year, I addressed how regulatory burdens, not just taxes, increasingly constrain our local communities. The situation with this bridge perfectly illustrates the challenge. For instance, the regulatory framework currently in place forces local taxpayers to shoulder the costs of extensively studying alternatives. Another particularly egregious burden dictates how bridges like this, which have weathered the elements for years, should be stored while awaiting final approval for reuse. The Midland Bride in Noblesville. This is bureaucracy at its worst prioritizing rigid adherence to one-size-fits-all rules over practical, community-driven solutions. While federal and state regulations were likely created with good intentions, perhaps to protect waterways, preserve heritage or ensure structural integrity, in practice, they force assets like this into disrepair long before communities have the funds identified to repurpose the structures. Heres the truth: our community doesn't need Washington to tell us how to manage a bridge that served Noblesville for generations. We have qualified engineers, careful planners, and dedicated staff who understand the bridge's structural requirements and historical significance. What we need is regulatory flexibility that acknowledges local expertise and respects community priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Briggs: Fishers' attack on investor-owned homes will lock out families This is not about circumventing safety or environmental protections. It's about recognizing that regulations should serve as guardrails, not roadblocks. It's about understanding that local governments are capable and have proven they can make responsible decisions to preserve and enhance local assets. As an executive entrusted by my community to responsibly allocate tax dollars, I believe there's a more effective approach. First, Congress should cut through this red tape, provide reasonable exceptions, and provide more streamlined completion paths for projects like ours. Next, lets find a way to practically reduce the financial burden necessary to rehabilitate structures like this. Instead of state and federal leaders spending money to enforce arbitrary regulations and restricting communities, why dont they provide grants to communities like ours to reduce the substantial costs of rehabilitating historic structures? By replacing rigid regulatory barriers with more flexible, common-sense frameworks, communities across the country would regain control over their own priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To our residents: Your voice matters in this discussion. Contact our state and federal representatives. Tell them that Noblesville should have the right to determine the best use for our own priorities, like this historic bridge. In the meantime, we will continue exploring every avenue to overcome this challenge. Because that's what we do in Noblesville we find solutions, build bridges and move forward together even when federal regulations try to stand in our way. Chris Jensen, a Republican, is the mayor of Noblesville. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Midland Bridge is ready for reuse with one problem | Opinion As the fallout from the Signal group chat continues, a broader question comes to mind: What are the approved methods for communicating sensitive and classified material that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and the others on the chat should have been using instead? Are these networks, devices, and applications approved by the U.S. government up to the task of communicating on the move in the 21st century, or are they clunky relics from a bygone era? In fact, classified communications within the government are having a golden age of innovation and convenience, thanks in large part to investments and programs started when the COVID pandemic dictated the need for quick changes in how information could be shared securely. There are now myriad tools available to employees across the government, including modern portable electronic devices. These devices are often specially configured versions of common consumer gadgets, such as iPhones and Android phones. They come equipped with messaging software that is essentially a secure version of commercial off-the-shelf products such as the Microsoft Office suite. These tools require a secure network on which to operate, and the government provides multiple classified networks that cater to different classification levels and uses. The two most widely used networks are the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) for classified communication at the secret level and the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) for communications at the top secret level. JWICS is the U.S. governments most secure network known to the general public. Encryption, segmentation, and authentication. Imagine you and a colleague are at a conference and want to discuss something private. Do you find a quiet corner in which to chat? What if someone is listening in? Do you speak in code? What if youve only previously met this colleague virtually? How can you be sure they are who they say they are? Classified electronic communications present the same challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government addresses these challenges in three main ways. First, data is encrypted. This is the equivalent of speaking in code to your colleague. If someone intercepts your messages or overhears your conversation, they would need to crack your code in order to understand what you were saying. Second, data is segmented or separated from unclassified data. Even when connected remotely through a public access point like a cell phone tower, a classified device will create a separate encrypted tunnel through which to transit its data. This would be like you and your colleague entering a locked room at the conference center before starting your sensitive conversation. Even if someone was in the building trying to eavesdrop, theyd be locked out of your room. Third, the government authenticates the identity of all parties using the encrypted, segmented communications channels. This is akin to the conference organizers vetting all attendees and issuing badges for entry. Seeing your colleague with a badge gives you reasonable confidence they are not an impostor who slipped in from off the street. While the commercial messaging app Signal uses encryption, it lacks segmentation, as its data travels over unclassified commercial networks. Additionally, user authentication is weakjust a phone number suffices to create an account. In contrast, gaining access to a classified government network requires rigorous verification as well as a security clearance. Are official classified communications methods accessible and convenient? Shortly after news of the Signal group chat became public, the Pentagon issued an advisory warning the app was being targeted by Russian hacking groups. Regardless of its shortcomings, a commercial app like Signal, installed on an iPhone, is extremely accessible and convenient to use. Can the same be said for government-approved communications tools? While no government-issued device offers the same level of availability and ease of use as a widely available commercial product, the secure solutions that are available for officials needing to keep their communications private come far closer to the phone in your pocket than you might think. Devices that run on the higher-classification levels supported by the JWICS network are generally less mobile than their SIPRNet counterparts. Traditionally, top secret communications could be conducted only from desktop computers connected to physically separate cables, and all within highly secure physical facilities such as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). Tapping into this network from a remote location presents challenges, and while the government may never put full access in the palm of a senior leaders hand, several programs are underway to increase accessibility. Last year, airmen from the Pacific Air Force Headquarters deployed a new tool that can be set up nearly anywhere to access the JWICS network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the secret level, the number of available tools increases exponentially. The National Security Agency (NSA) sets most protocols for secure communications in accordance with a Reagan-era executive order to safeguard national security information. The NSAs Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) program provides a range of tech that complies with the stringent requirements for accessing classified information. Over at the Department of Defense, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) maintains a cadre of commercial smartphones and tabletsunder a program called DoD Mobility Classified Capability-SECRET (DDMCC-S)that allows for secure phone calls and protects data being transmitted. These devices come equipped with modern communications tools that would be familiar to a typical commercial user, such as Outlook app capabilities for SIPRNet access. Another available solution is the Windows Data-At-Rest for Secret (WINDAR-S) program, which provides users with a Windows 10-based remote SIPRNet capability, effectively creating a mobile experience that is identical to a traditional desktop access point. DISA continues to push for the classified deployment of additional commercial products that are widely used on unclassified and public networks. In a conversation with Federal News Network in 2023, Carissa Landymore, the program manager for DISAs Defense Enterprise Office Solution, confirmed that a classified rollout of the Microsoft 365 suite would retain the same functionality as its commercial counterpart. As of February 2024, DOD365-Sec supported over 257,000 accounts, allowing users to collaborate securely via Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and other Microsoft tools. How well does the government manage its own classified communications methods? In December 2024, the Inspector General for the DoD released the results of a recent audit specifically addressing the cybersecurity of DoD classified mobile devices. The results? Forty recommendations to address findings within the report. While several of the findings and recommendations are themselves classified, the report does share a few unclassified insights into the overall health and history of the classified mobile device landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From a user management perspective, the IG report chastises the DoD for two main weaknesses. First, many devices appeared to be unused, or in the hands of employees who no longer had a valid need to possess a classified mobile device. The second finding addressed the need for a more robust user training program. One particularly damning line from page 24 of the audit: DoD Components Were Not Prepared for the Increased Demand for Classified Mobile Devices or Enforcing Policy for Senior Officials. What should the Signal group have been using? Using a commercial messaging app for classified discussions was a clear violation of security protocols. Hegseth and Waltz likely had access to DMCC-S devices, which would have allowed them to communicate securely via a classified version of Microsoft Teams. Such a device would have offered the same convenience as Signal while ensuring compliance with classified communication requirements. Had they utilized the approved tools at their disposal, their conversations would have remained secureand its all but impossible that a journalist would have been inadvertently added to the conversation. While anyone can be invited to a Signal chat, the DoD does not grant access to classified networks to private citizens. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Mobile police arrested a Grand Bay man on Wednesday on human trafficking and child sexual abuse material charges. UPDATE: Driver suffers minor injuries after crashing into Mobile DMV, police say According to a Mobile Police Department spokesperson, officers with the Child Abuse Detail, SWAT and K-9 Unit executed a search warrant Wednesday morning around 6:30 at 10326 Fernland Road in Grand Bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The executed warrant led to the arrest of Keigh Hodges, 34. Police said he was arrested without incident, and no injuries were reported. Keigh Hodges. (Mobile County Sheriffs Office Jail Management System) According to MPD, the Mobile County District Attorneys Office is charging Hodges with five counts of child sexual abuse material production, five counts of child sexual abuse material possession, one count of disseminating child sexual abuse material and one count of first-degree human trafficking. Pensacola woman arrested after ShotSpotter recognizes shooting: police This is a developing story. News 5 will provide updates as more information becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. COURTESY HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT Keoni Peter Tosie Brown 1 /2 COURTESY HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT Keoni Peter Tosie Brown JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD According to police, the driveway of this Olu Street home in Hilo was where the homeowner, 81-year-old Lola Loebl, was stabbed to death Saturday morning. 2 /2 JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD According to police, the driveway of this Olu Street home in Hilo was where the homeowner, 81-year-old Lola Loebl, was stabbed to death Saturday morning. COURTESY HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT Keoni Peter Tosie Brown JOHN BURNETT / HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD According to police, the driveway of this Olu Street home in Hilo was where the homeowner, 81-year-old Lola Loebl, was stabbed to death Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Hawaii County grand jury Wednesday indicted Keoni Peter Tosie Brown of Hilo on charges of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his 81-year-old neighbor and first-degree terroristic threatening of a 38-year-old woman who confronted him. The 30-year-old man, if convicted, could be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Brown could be subject to an extended term of imprisonment in two different ways, the indictment shows. On Count 1, second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his 81-year-old neighbor Lola Loebl, Brown could be sentenced as an offender against the elderly in that the victim is 60 years of age or older, according to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 707. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An extended term for second-degree murder, which has a term of life with the possibility of parole, could be extended to life without the possibility of parole. If convicted of murder and first-degree terroristic threatening, he also could be subject to an extended term for two or more felonies, according to HRS Sec. 706-662 (4 ). Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown appeared, cuffed and shackled in orange prison garb, in Hilo District Court for a 2 p.m. preliminary hearing, but the hearing was not required due to the indictment. Brown, already in custody, was served with the grand jury bench warrant, which set bail at $2.02 million and ordered him to have no contact with the witness and remain more than 100 yards from the witness and Loebls homes. Brown was arrested 7 :30 p.m. Saturday after the 38-year-old neighbor called 911. Samantha Iopa said she witnessed the stabbing of Loebl, who lived across the street from her at 257 Olu St., at about 7 :15 a.m. Saturday, court documents indicate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she saw Brown hold Loebl with one arm and stab her in the mouth, leaving the knife there. Iopa said she ran to confront Brown, who then fled to the garage on the property next door to Loebls home. When the 38-year-old woman went back outside, Brown had removed the knife from Loebls mouth and threatened her, she told police. She noted Brown had changed his clothes, which were later found on the property where he lives. Police also recovered a knife. Brown lives in a shipping container on the property at 261 Olu St. CLEVELAND (WJW) The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, along with many across the country, has been very concerned about sustainability in the food supply after the government proposed cuts in areas that canceled food deliveries planned for later this year. Those worries have been put to bed after the USDA identified additional funds to make food purchases, providing stability in the face of food insecurity. Police: Toddler shot in Akron, appears unintentional Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were pleased to know that, starting in June, there will be additional food coming, including fresh and processed fruit, vegetables and nuts, Director of Communications Karen Pozna said in a press release. The relationship between food banks and the USDA is a long-standing one that is critical to meeting the needs of people facing hunger. We appreciate the USDAs continued support of both farmers and food banks. Twenty percent of the Greater Cleveland Food Banks supply comes from the USDA, with a growing number of people facing food insecurity. Last year the Food Bank served 424,000 people over six counties in Northeast Ohio. Pozna said rumors about food being wasted when the cancellations were announced are not true. Dropped doughnut contributes to 3-car crash on Rock Creek Road in Thompson: OSHP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truckloads of food that were canceled were scheduled to be delivered between April July 2025, she explained. No truckloads of donations were turned around. Food that had already been purchased by CCC is still being delivered. To our knowledge, no food is rotting or going to waste. Pozna said food banks across the State still have the opportunity to advocate for the restoration of funding that has been reduced in the State of Ohio budget as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. ATHENS, Greece Greece will spend 25 billion euros ($27 billion) over the next decade to adapt its military to evolving high-tech warfare technologies, officials announced Wednesday. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias told parliament the overhaul will be built around a planned air defense system called Achilles Shield, primarily aimed at addressing tensions with neighboring Turkey. The two NATO members have long-standing disputes over boundaries in the Aegean Sea and eastern Mediterranean that have brought them close to war several times in recent decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dendias said Greece plans to shift from traditional defense systems to a high-tech, networked strategy centered on mobile, AI-powered missile systems, drone technologies and advanced command units reducing reliance on conventional fleets. The plan also includes new programs such as next-generation soldier gear equipped with sensors and communication systems, and the development of dedicated satellite capabilities to ensure secure communications during conflict. What we are proposing is an existential issue for the country a complete shift in our defense approach, a total change in doctrine, Dendias said. Were moving away from the traditional thinking that the Aegean is defended solely by the fleet. The overhaul, which will be presented to lawmakers behind closed doors in the coming weeks, also involves greater inclusion of local tech start-ups and a major personnel reorganization merging units, closing underused bases and addressing a top-heavy command structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative comes as European countries ramp up military spending in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and indications that the Trump administration wants to reduce the United States commitment to European defense. Greeces modernization drive launched after years of defense cuts during the 20102018 financial crisis already includes all branches of the armed forces and focuses on cooperation with France, Israel, and the United States. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met in Israel on Sunday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli defense officials. On Wednesday, Mitsotakis dismissed calls by some opposition parties to abandon plans to buy U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets in favor of a European alternative, describing the program as an important long-term investment. Denmarks prime minister vowed she would not surrender Greenland to the US as she visited the autonomous Danish territory that Donald Trump wants to take over. Speaking in English and addressing Mr Trump directly, Mette Frederiksen said, you cannot annex another country. Tensions between the United States and Denmark have soared after Trump repeatedly said he wanted to take control of the Arctic island for security reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Frederiksen was cheered on Wednesday as she arrived for a three-day visit that has been characterised as a show of solidarity in the face of repeated US take-over threats. One resident, shouting from a window, said: Hey Mette! Thanks for being here, according to Danish public broadcaster DR. Footage of the prime minister descending the steps of her aeroplane shows two people embracing her. Ms Frederiksen walks with Mr Egede through the streets of Nuuk - EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Ms Frederiksen greeted people on the streets - Juliette Pavy The scenes marked a stark contrast from the arrival of JD Vance, the US vice-president, and his wife at a US airbase on the island on March 24, when no official representatives from Greenland or Denmark came to greet them. It is clear that with the pressure put on Greenland by the Americans, in terms of sovereignty, borders and the future, we need to stay united, Ms Frederiksen said after arriving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her visit is timed to reassure the islands 57,000 residents, the vast majority of whom want to become independent from Denmark but do not wish to become part of the United States, polls show. Donald Trump has repeatedly said the US should take over Greenland for security reasons and has not ruled out the possibility of using military force to do so, causing relations with Denmark to sour. The vice-president and his wife were widely mocked when the second ladys plans for a solo visit to the island were jettisoned after locals refused to greet her. Holy Cow! Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen just sent a very stern, serious and condemning message to Donald Trump about his attempts to annex Greenland! "When you ask our businesses to invest into the US. They do. When you ask us to spend more on defense. We do. And pic.twitter.com/YkIVqYh8oy Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) April 3, 2025 Mrs Vance had originally been slated to visit the territory with one of her sons to watch the Avannaata Qimussersu dog-sled race in the city of Sisimiut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the programme was reorganised amid diplomatic backlash, with Mr Vance announcing he would join his wife at the last minute. Reports later emerged that US representatives had spent a week canvassing door-to-door in Nuuk ahead of the diplomatic sojourn to sound out if residents would welcome a visit from Mrs Vance. The US advances were shot down by Greenlandic residents, according to TV 2 reporter Jesper Steinmetz, who said the Americans charm offensive mission has failed. During the visit, which lasted only a matter of hours, Mr Vance addressed US troops at a Pituffik military base, where he criticised Denmark for not having done a good job by the people of Greenland by underinvesting in security. JD Vance and Usha Vance on their visit to greenland - JIM WATSON Mr Vance declared that the US could no longer bury our head in the snow and ignore Chinas attempts to establish itself in the semi-autonomous territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also explicitly urged Greenlanders to vote for independence from Denmark, urging its citizens to join the USs security umbrella in comments that caused outrage in Copenhagen. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Greenlands foreign minister, responded in a post on social media that we are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which its being delivered. Meeting on the sidelines of a Nato summit in Brussels on Thursday, Marco Rubio, the US state secretary, reassured Mr Rasmussen of the strong ties between the countries. According to The Washington Post, the White House is currently estimating the cost for the US federal government to control Greenland, and the potential revenues it could derive from exploiting its largely untapped natural resources. 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. ASHLAND Several groups in the region are planning a protest on Saturday about a variety of concerns in the United States. One will be at the Taco Bell parking lot in Russell and its being organized by the Greenup County Democratic Women. Patricia Metz Stevens, president of the group, said several issues will be highlighted, including the dismantling of the government, the Department of Education, SNAP programs, unions, Medicaid and closing government facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its about things that concern our people right here in our area, Stevens said. One of those concerns: The proposed closure of the Social Security Administration office in Portsmouth, Ohio, which the Department of Government Efficiency claims will save $92,317. Also on the list of Social Security offices to close are the ones in Hazard, Ky.; Mansfield, Ohio; and in Logan, W.Va. Democracy as we know it is being jeopardized, Stevens said. Its frightening. ... Everything we have been reading is what were concerned about. Stevens said anyone with concerns about the government is welcome to join the demonstration, planned for 1 to 3 p.m. Many will carry signs expressing the concern thats most pressing to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grassroots protests also are planned for Louisville, Morehead, Danville, Lexington, Frankfort, Florence, Paducah, Franklin and Owensboro in Kentucky; Huntington, Charleston, Charles Town, Wheeling and Lewisburg in West Virginia; and at least 24 cities in Ohio. In fact, cities all over the world will be sites for protests. Hundreds of rallies, marches and protests from Alaska to Hawaii to Northern Maine to Southeast Florida plus four overseas will bring hundreds of thousands into the streets to, as organizers put it, Stop the MAGA Assault on our country and our Constitution. Some of the organizers are the Womens March, Public Citizen, the Progressive Democrats of America, Indivisible and local unions. The Greenup event is part of Hands Off! Mass Mobilization. The website is handsoff2025.com. Progressive Democrats of America chief Alan Minsky said protests will continue. One is planned for Tuesday, when Trump Education Secretary Linda McMahon, a GOP donor whos been given the assignment to destroy her department, visits San Diego three days later. We need a progressive force inside the Democratic Party to take it over and take control from the D.C.-based corporate Democrats, their campaign consultants and their lobbyists, Minsky told 450 activists on a Zoom call this week. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes the U.S. "reciprocal tariffs" and will resolutely adopt countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. The comments came after the United States announced on Wednesday that it would impose "reciprocal tariffs" on its trading partners. History shows that increasing tariffs cannot solve the United States' own problems. It harms U.S. interests and endangers global economic development as well as industrial and supply chain stability, according to the spokesperson. "There is no winner in a trade war, and protectionism leads nowhere," the spokesperson said. China urges the United States to immediately cancel its unilateral tariff measures and properly resolve differences with its trading partners through equal dialogue, the spokesperson said. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright has taken a leave of absence according to Spartanburg County leaders, but the reason for that leave has not been disclosed. We reached out to the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office for more information, but they referred us to the countys statement released Tuesday night. Statement from Spartanburg County County leaders also said it would be inappropriate for them to speculate why Wright is on leave. They said Chief Deputy Billy Parris would take over for the time being. South Carolina Senator Josh Kimbrell said Spartanburg County residents can be rest assured that the sheriffs office will continue to operate as normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriff is not the only law enforcement officer, Kimbrell said. I mean youve got the chief deputy. The way this works right now in the sheriffs absence is the chief deputy is number two in charge. This individual is running the sheriffs office. Every sheriffs deputy is out there on duty like they normally would be. Another looming question is how long will Wrights leave be? That answer has not been given. Wright has served at the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office for more than 30 years. He became a deputy in 1986 and was elected sheriff in 2004. This is not all about me, Wright said in a 2005 interview. This is about me taking us in a different direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then he has continued to gain support from county residents. He was reelected sheriff again last November. However, some said they believe his leave comes at an unusual time, but it would be mere speculation to assume why. I share the concerns that the public have, Kimbrell said. Certainly, there has been ongoing ethics investigations that we all have been concerned about but at the same time there may be insinuating circumstances we dont know about. Wright said in an interview last year over in the past 20 years he had not received one phone call from the South Carolina Ethics Commission. That was until last July when he was being investigated for allegations of nepotism for the hiring of his son at the sheriffs office, who he said was not hired by him but is qualified for the part-time position he was given. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright said the investigation was politically motivated. Two months ago, the sheriffs office and Wright were also sued by a former lieutenant who claims he was wrongfully discharged from the department after he expressed concerns over the hiring of Wrights son. We previously asked Wright about the lawsuit which he called a non-issue. In addition, Wright was under fire last month for allegations he spent taxpayer dollars on a private credit card, without justification. I dont want folks to do one of two things, A decide that they have already presumed guilt and run away with wild conclusions or B decide that the sheriffs office isnt properly functioning or that he is somehow above the law, Kimbrell said. Neither is true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With news of Wrights leave, many have remained silent, but Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis issued a statement in support of Wright. We are praying for Sheriff Wright and his family and look forward to him being healthy again. Were here to help in any way possible, said Lewis. We are still working to find out the details of Sheriff Wrights leave and will update you as more information becomes available. South Carolina Senator Josh Kimbrell said he is also praying for Wright and his family during this time. The FBI said in relation to Wrights leave it is Unable to comment as DOJ and FBI policy prohibits the confirmation or denial of potential investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Its been one year since Greenville man, Jonas Michael Fucito, allegedly shot Greenville Police Department Master Police Officer Jeremiah Lovelace. Greenville police officers responded to reports about a domestic violence situation on Glendale Drive on April 2, 2024. Fucito was allegedly drunk and assaulted his girlfriend, forcing her to stay in their bedroom with their nine month old baby. The girlfriend was able to flee and call 911. Once officers arrived, she told them that Fucito was inside with a gun. Officers attempted to contact Fucito and knocked on his front door, to which Fucito pointed his gun in their direction and fired, hitting Officer Lovelace. Fucito hid himself inside the home with his nine month old and refused to leave. Officers talked to him for hours trying to get Fucito to turn himself in. After many hours, an EMS team was able to enter the building through the wall of a neighboring apartment and Fucito was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fucito pled guilty to attempted murder Wednesday, receiving a sentence of 238-298 months in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) More than two years after a man was shot and killed outside a Grand Rapids nightclub, police are asking for the communitys help to solve the case. Police said Jontell White, 30, was shot and killed around 1:45 a.m. on Jan. 14, 2023. According to video from that morning, it happened just seconds after White left Metro Grand Rapids, which is located on Division Avenue north of Burton Street. Video shows deadly shooting outside Grand Rapids nightclub Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, the Grand Rapids Police Department asked the community to share any possible leads. Weve talked to many people who were outside the Metro Grand Rapids bar that night, but we believe there are still additional witnesses out there, said Detective Brandon Romero in a statement. We are asking anyone who may have information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Help us get justice for Jontell and closure for his family and loved ones. If you know anything, youre asked to contact detectives at 616.456.3380 or submit anonymous tips through Silent Observer at 616.774.2345. Citing state police reports, Target 8 previously reported that there was a chase in Grand Rapids not long after the shooting. State police believed the driver and passenger could have been linked to the deadly shooting, according to the report. News 8 has no indication that charges have been filed in Whites death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In brazen killing, reckless getaway snagged potential suspect White, a father of two young girls, was remembered by loved ones as a good person who people could rely on. Loved ones mourn the loss of Jontell White at a vigil on Jan. 15, 2023. White was shot and killed in Grand Rapids. An undated courtesy photo of Jontell White. At vigil, family mourns man with loving heart killed in GR Anything I needed, he would give it to me, Zaniya, Whites 11-year-old daughter, said in 2023. He was just a good person to me. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Brooklyn jury on Thursday found a woman guilty of executing her longtime friend in front of a group of people, after a surprise witness at her trial testified the killers brother helped throw cops off the suspects trail. Murder victim Delia Johnsons mother said she can finally mourn with a semblance of peace after the Brooklyn Supreme Court jury found Claudia Banton, 46, guilty of her daughters Aug. 4, 2021 slaying. Its hard for me to express it, but they came back with a guilty verdict, something I needed to hear. This has been a hard road, a very hard road, Johnsons mother, Delia Berry, said outside the courtroom Thursday. It broke me down. It broke my body down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson and Banton had spoken at a neighborhood funeral the night of her death, and Johnson was chatting with a group of people by a stoop on Franklin Ave. at Prospect Place in Crown Heights when a blonde woman in a black outfit walked out of a double-parked white Mercedes, shot her in the head, then fired again after she hit the ground. In the chaos that followed, police got a bad description from a woman at the scene who told them the killer was a man in a white shirt and blue jeans. The officers pulled over the getaway car, but when they saw a woman behind the wheel, they let her go. They realized their mistake a couple of hours later after seeing footage of the killing. Detectives linked the Mercedes license plate to a Claudia Williams in Georgia, one of the names and addresses Banton uses. Cops tracked Banton down three months later in Jacksonville, Fla. Her lawyer, Jonathan Strauss, maintained that police arrested the wrong woman. But midway through the trial, investigators found the woman who gave the bad ID at the scene, and hauled her in to testify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman took the stand Monday and said Bantons brother was on the scene and told her the killer was a man, and she repeated that information to cops, News 12 reported. Strauss, who objected to bringing in the late witness, described her as a lifelong member of the Bloods who couldnt be trusted. Strauss said he hopes to appeal the verdict. Theres certainly issues here that need to be addressed. Jurors watched chilling video of the shooting, and of police officers frantically trying to revive Johnson as she gasped for breath and blood poured from her head. They also saw bodycam footage of police pulling over the shooter and letting her go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motive for the killing remains unclear. Banton was a longtime friend of Johnsons family, and Berry treated her as another daughter. My daughters gone, and she will never be able to come back, she said. Claudias gone the difference is that she can call her children, or they can call her, whatever they do. Banton, who remains held without bail, faces a possible 25 years to life when shes sentenced May 1. Ghost guns on display in Pennsylvania. (File photo by Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Untraceable firearms are a growing problem in Rhode Island even as overall crimes are trending downward, according to a newly published report from state Attorney General Peter Neronha. The latest Gun Crimes Report released Thursday notes that state prosecutors charged and disposed of 751 cases involving illegal firearms in 2024. That represents a nearly 10% decrease from the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the decline, the AG is still sounding the alarm over the number of illegally-possessed firearms in the state. The data provided in this years report supports what we know to be true: Rhode Island has a gun problem, Neronha wrote in the report submitted to Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. Our communities continue to be inundated with firearms, and as you are aware, more guns in the hands of criminals means more gun violence and death. Thats been especially true regarding cases in recent years surrounding so-called ghost guns, firearms that are crafted at home using a 3D printer or a mail-order kit. Legislation passed in 2020 prohibits the possession, sale and manufacturing of these kinds of weapons. In 2022, Rhode Island saw 66 cases involving ghost guns but over the past two years that number has jumped. In 2023 there were 99 cases and last year, there were100 cases. Most of the guns were produced with parts from Polymer80, one of the countrys largest manufacturers of ghost gun kits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the states ban on ghost guns, the AG reports ongoing violations of the law prohibiting gun magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The law was enacted in 2022 and was upheld by a federal appeals court last March following a challenge from a group of gun owners who said the legislation violated the Second Amendment. Prosecutors last year charged 246 cases involving magazines with capacity between 11 and 30 bullets down 16% from 2023. Cases where someone owned magazines with the capacity for over 30 bullets rose 5%, according to the AGs office. Neronha touted that his office is working tirelessly to address illegally-owned firearms through enforcement of existing laws and advocating for new ones such as last years mandate that all firearms not in use by the owner or another authorized user be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant lock. The AG, along with Gov. Dan McKee and other general officers, are pushing lawmakers to ban assault-style weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combatting gun violence is, and will always be, a top priority for my office, Neronha wrote. Rhode Islanders deserve to live long, happy lives free from the threat of gun violence, and we intend to continue doing everything we can to keep them safe. Reached for comment on the latest data, spokespeople for the House and Senate said Shekarchi and Ruggerio had not yet reviewed the report. The same applies to Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz, a North Smithfield Republican who has been a staunch opponent of the states gun safety laws. One thing that is glaringly clear handguns are overwhelmingly the weapon of choice by those who intend to commit crimes, not so-called assault weapons,' de la Cruz said in a statement to Rhode Island Current. The House Minority Office did not respond to immediate request for comment. This story was updated to include comment from Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Thousands of protesters clashed with police in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday as they denounced a surge in gang violence and demanded that the government keep them safe. (AP/Pierre Luxama) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Gun rights advocates spoke Wednesday against proposed legislation meant to keep weapons away from people experiencing a mental health crisis. Its a murky area of Nevada law that even makes some police officers uncomfortable. The situation can come up when a person is threatening suicide. Thats not a crime, and so police dont do the same things they do when a person is being placed under arrest. Senate Bill 347 (SB347) would allow police to confiscate guns from people who could be a threat to themselves or family members. Police could hold the firearm for up to 30 days. The bill is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Melanie Scheible, who represents District 9 in the southwest Las Vegas valley. Democratic State Sen. Melanie Scheible. (Courtesy: Nevada State Legislature) A mental health crisis hold comes at kind of this intersection, Scheible said. The persons not being arrested, so they are not losing the same constitutional rights that they would lose if they were going to be incarcerated. And so, a law enforcement officer does not have the same ability to simply remove a firearm the way they would if someone was being arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB347 would also set requirements for how the person gets a gun back after police take it away. Scheible and John Abel of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association presented the bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, and indicated they are willing to work with others to get those procedures right. But any changes are unlikely to satisfy the National Rifle Association or the Independent American Party. Both were among the bills opponents. The Nevada state director for the NRA, Keely Hopkins, said the bill violates due process, allowing seizure of a weapon without a conviction, an actual finding of mental illness, without even a hearing. She called it a very weak evidentiary standard. Listen, most cops like myself believe the Second Amendment, Abel said. We dont want to infringe upon those rights, but we also want to make sure that the person in the mental health crisis and their families are protected until such time that person is well enough to own their firearm. John Abel of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association. (Courtesy: Nevada State Legislature) Abel said the bill actually grew out of police officers concerns over the rights of people in Legal 2000 the term often given for a mental health crisis hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had officers who respond to these mental health crises where somebody has threatened suicide. Were able to luckily get them out and get them to the hospital where they go, and then were left with having to confiscate this firearm for safekeeping, Abel said. And a lot of officers have called us and said, Were not comfortable. We feel like its a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Thats literally where this bill came from, Abel said. When someone is arrested, police need a warrant to take property. The Fourth Amendment provides protections in such cases. Confiscating a weapon when theres not even a criminal charge is a gap in Nevada law that SB347 seeks to fill. Modifications are likely ahead as the bills sponsors work with the Clark County Public Defenders Office and others to craft language that might satisfy some who currently oppose SB347. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) The leader of Haitis transitional presidential council tried to allay surging alarm among Haitians over rampant gang violence by acknowledging Thursday that the country has become hell for everyone and promising new measures to stop the bloodshed. Fritz Alphonse Jean spoke a day after gunfire erupted in the capital, Port-au-Prince, as thousands of protesters demanding an end to gang violence clashed with police outside the offices of the council and the prime minister. It was the biggest protest held since the council was installed a year ago. Haitian people, youve spoken, and weve heard you, Jean said. We understand your misery. We know your pain and your suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 4,200 people have been reported killed across Haiti from July to February, and another 1,356 were injured, according to the U.N. Recent gang violence also left more than 60,000 people homeless in one month alone, according to the U.N.s International Organization for Migration. This national address comes at a decisive moment for the transitional government, said Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group. Protesters from various parts of the capital deliberately marched toward key government buildings to express their frustration. He noted that Jeans address marked the first anniversary of the political agreement that established the new transitional governments structure and objectives. Since then, cohesion between political parties involved in creating that government has now largely collapsed, Da Rin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The groups that originally supported this government are now calling for a change in leadership, he noted. The council has not addressed those concerns, which also have been voiced by the international community. During his public address, Jean rattled off a list of neighborhoods that gangs have recently attacked. You lost your homes, you lost your businesses, you lost your jobs, they raped you, they raped your kids. The criminal gangs killed a lot of people, he said. The fight against the darkness is not insignificant. But we are not insignificant ourselves Its nothing compared with the battle we fought to get out of slavery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean referenced how Haiti became the worlds first free Black republic in a bid to rally support from Haitians, asking them to help law enforcement officials and eschew efforts by gangs to recruit people, especially children. Dont let people profit from your distress and drag you in bad directions, he said. Jean said the council would take important measures to help quell the persistent violence, including setting aside a special budget and incorporating agents from an armed state environmental group known as BSAP. The council asks the prime minister and the police to take these measures without delay, Jean said. We are telling everyone in this government that we are at war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean did not provide further details, including how much money would be set aside for the budget and how many BSAP agents would join the fight against gangs. Jean also said that the electoral council is working so that Haiti can have new leadership once the transitional presidential councils term ends on Feb. 7 next year. He added that officials are taking steps so that the diaspora can vote in what would be Haiti's first general elections held in almost a decade. Haiti has not had a president since former President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021, with gangs becoming increasingly powerful in the aftermath. Last year, a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti to help local authorities quell gang violence, but the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean's speech did not appear to resonate with those most affected by gang violence. Mario Jean-Pierre, a 53-year-old street vendor who sells used clothes that he carries on his back, said he wasnt impressed by the public address. Gang violence recently forced him and his two children to move into a makeshift shelter in the yard of Haitis Ministry of Public Works. Flying bullets are coming at you in different directions, he said. Ive seen a few people in this camp who were hit by bullets as they slept. He worries constantly about his childrens safety and said he didnt believe Jeans pledge to improve security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This speech is not any different from other speeches, he said. They keep making promises and dont accomplish any of the promises theyve made. Da Rin noted that throughout his speech, Jean emphasized the transnational dimension of Haitis security crisis, stressing that the gang issue is part of a broader problem involving money laundering and arms and drugs trafficking that spans several countries. By framing Haitis gang problem as a matter of transnational crime that goes beyond Haitis borders, the president seems to be seeking to rally international support for further security assistance that matches the escalating threats, he said. ___ Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. CONCORD, N.H. (AP) Four-term Congressman Chris Pappas of New Hampshire announced his bid Thursday to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a fellow Democrat, next year. "Im running for Senate because our economy, our democracy, and our way of life are on the line, and New Hampshire deserves a senator who is grounded in the people, places, and values of this state, Pappas said in a video announcement. He added: "Like Senator Shaheen, Ill always put New Hampshire first. You can count on me to lead the charge to confront this administration, self-dealing billionaires, and extreme politicians who threaten our future and our ability to get things done for New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pappas, 44, emerged as the most likely Democrat to succeed Shaheen, who turned 78 in January. She was the first woman elected to serve as both governor and senator in the United States. Shaheen, serving her third term in the Senate, announced in March that she would not seek reelection. Pappas could potentially face a formidable Republican opponent. Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is considering a run. The popular governor decided not to seek a fifth, two-year term last year. Last year, Pappas defeated Republican former state Sen. Russell Prescott to win New Hampshire's 1st District, which covers the eastern half the state and includes its largest city, Manchester. Pappas is from there. The district was once quite politically volatile, with party control flipping five times in six election cycles from 2006 to 2016. Pappas, who considers himself a pragmatic voice in Washington, touted his support from women, veterans and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during the campaign. He made abortion rights a top issue, calling Prescott radically out of step and accusing him of distrusting women to make health care decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Pappas defeated Republican candidate Karoline Leavitt, now White House press secretary. During that race, Leavitt said she believed the 2020 election was stolen from President Donald Trump. Pappas said she continues to double-down on the big lie. He made history in 2018 by becoming the states first openly gay member of Congress. Pappas has helped run his familys restaurant in Manchester and was part of a state council that approves spending contracts. HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) Community leaders in Hampton are coming together Thursday night following recent gun violence in the historic Aberdeen area. On Sunday, March 30, three boys, ages 14, 15 and 16, were shot on Jordan Drive just before 6:20 p.m. Police have yet to release any suspect information in connection with the maiming. Police: 3 teen boys shot in Hampton Multiple community leaders are planning to meet from 5-7 p.m. at 89 Jordan Drive in historic Aberdeen to discuss gun violence within their neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family-friendly event is set to include food, music, live interviews and more. 10 On Your Sides Markeshia Jackson will be in attendance and will provide updates throughout the day. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. KATHMANDU, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Nepal is projected to see its poverty rate decline further to 5.6 percent in 2025 based on a per-day income of 3.65 U.S. dollars, the World Bank said on Thursday. Lauding the South Asian country's progress in poverty reduction over the past decade, the bank noted that it has made further progress by cutting the poverty rate from 7.5 percent in 2022. "Extreme poverty (2.15 dollars per day) has nearly disappeared," the multilateral lender said in its latest "Nepal Development Update" report, highlighting the central role of migration and remittances in reducing poverty. According to the report, overall living standards in Nepal have improved across multiple dimensions, as evidenced by increased access to electricity, shorter distances to public hospitals and more extensive paved road networks. "However, challenges persist, including high youth unemployment rates, spatial inequalities and vulnerabilities to economic and climate shocks, which threaten to reverse these gains," the report cautioned. The drastic cut in poverty, however, does not match the tally of the Nepali government. According to the fourth Nepal Living Standards Survey 2022-23 released by the National Statistics Office last year, 20.27 percent of the population lived below the poverty line in 2023 based on spending of 1.9 dollars per day for daily essentials. "We use a consumption-based approach, but the World Bank's modality might be different from ours," said Dhundi Raj Lamichhane, spokesperson for the statistics office. CARMEL For nearly 50 years, Ritron, a Carmel manufacturing company, has operated without drawing too much attention, despite the business making common devices Hoosiers use every day, such as two-way radios. But on Thursday morning, the business in Midtown on Carmel Drive was turning heads after extreme winds and a tornado blew through the area, dismantling the front of the warehouse. The front wall was completely ripped off with shattered glass spread all over the parking lot, and two letters missing from the sign on the building. Workers could be seen collecting personal items and family photos from the wreckage. Owner Steve Rice said he was figuratively "running on steroids" as he drove to Ritron to see the possible damage late Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unless you've been through it, you think 'Oh, that won't affect me. It's just a thing I observe," Rice said. "It's a harsh reality." The National Weather Service said Carmel sustained EF1 tornado damage, meaning speeds ranged from 86 to 110 miles per hour. The Hamilton County storm was one of as many as four suspected tornadoes that ripped through Central Indiana late Wednesday night, leaving various degrees of destruction in their path. At least one person died in Hendricks County during the storms. Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam declared a state of emergency for the city early Thursday afternoon, allowing public safety departments to operate at full force to respond to neighbors' needs. The Carmel City Council also voted in an emergency meeting to allocate up to $250,000 from the city's general fund to pay for damage and cleanup, in addition to up to $50,000 to be directed to a parks fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: See path of unconfirmed tornado that tore through Carmel, Hamilton County When the morning sun broke in Midtown Carmel Thursday, a string of business owners showed up to work to find ripped-off roofs and overturned trees. At one gym, equipment had flown nearly 50 feet into the adjacent Monon Trail. Nearby, drywall of a warehouse hung in the trees. Dozens of neighbors roamed the streets early Thursday morning, snapping pictures of the visible damage. The area of severe damage appeared to be relatively narrow and at times random along Third Ave SW between Carmel and Gradle Drive. Roads a block away were clear of debris and damage. There are no known deaths, and one minor injury related to the storms in Carmel. Employees look at storm damage at Ozwell Fitness, Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Carmel. Part of the roofing and side doors were torn off as well as some of the windows damaged in this part of the facility. Storms hit across the the central U.S. overnight. At Ozwell Fitness, a glass dome had been blown out, with equipment flying into the nearby ditch and Monon Trail overnight. Manager Grace Huber arrived at 5:45 a.m. to see the damage with her own eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was checking the weather off and on, and once the security cameras went out, I was like, I have to get there before we open just to assess," Huber said. "The wind just came and blew everything out." While the gym was closed, members showed up early Thursday morning to help clean up instead of work out. Several building inspectors and insurance representatives were out in the area inspecting damage. Most businesses along the street did not have power. Rebecca Harden clutched a cup of coffee as she walked through the parking lot next to Ozwell, dodging rogue tree branches and a downed light pole. Harden said she works at a construction company across the street and came in this morning to make sure the building was still standing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thank God we even have an office to go back to," she said, looking at the banged-up structures all around her. Hendricks County: Trees toppled, warehouses wrecked as Brownsburg assesses tornado damage A sea of pink insulation is spread nearby a Kirby Property Group building Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Carmel. This building was where the Prana Play was housed. No one was hurt. Storms hit across the the central U.S. overnight. Mandy Dickey of Anderson and Bonnie Meredith of Middletown pulled over to the side of the road to stop and take a picture of the damage at the Carmel Old Town Antique Mall, where the south end of the building was gone. The building's insulation hung in trees nearby. The sisters drove to work like normal Thursday. On their commute, they didn't see too much out of the ordinary besides the occasional tree down on the side of the road, until they turned the corner and saw the antique shop and its surrounding businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've never seen anything like this," Dickey said. Though it's unclear how much the damage will cost his business, Ritron owner Rice was grateful that the storm hit overnight, and no one was in the building at the time. He said he would "chalk it up to God's favor." Rice believes the tornado path on the north side went directly over the building based on visible damage and news reports. Early reports from Rice's structural engineers were a relief. The offices got hit the hardest, and expensive circuit equipment and ready-to-go products were safe from water damage. Roger Moore, a production manager at Ritron, collects family photos for a coworker from her office in the building following a severe storm Wednesday evening Thursday, April 3, 2025, along West Carmel Drive in Carmel. On Thursday morning, the biggest thing on his mind was the number of people who showed up before the sun rose to survey the damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm really just grateful for these relationships you build up over the years that are little jobs and repairs and then you have something like this, and that trusted vendor is here at 8 in the morning," Rice said, growing emotional. "I don't want to take them for granted." Storm information in Carmel Residents whose homes received structural damage from the storm should report it to the Street Department, and Carmel City Building Inspectors will schedule an assessment, city officials said. To contact the Street Department, email street@carmel.in.gov or call 317-733-2001 (This story was updated to add new information.) Contact IndyStar reporter Alysa Guffey at amguffey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Carmel residents face aftermath of unconfirmed tornado on north side Apr. 2The Morgan County Sheriff's Office charged a Hartselle man Tuesday with drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a controlled substance after a search warrant uncovered large quantities of THC products and drug paraphernalia at his residence, according to a police affidavit. Grant Thomas Gaines, 27, remained in the Morgan County Jail on Wednesday, according to jail records, in lieu of an $11,000 bond. The affidavit said agents with the Morgan County Drug Enforcement Unit served a narcotics search warrant at Gaines' apartment in the 1500 block of Rustic Lane S.W. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Upon searching the residence, agents recovered approximately 2.3 pounds of marijuana, 2.4 pounds of THC edibles, and about 100 THC vape pens," the affidavit said. "Agents also recovered mushrooms and drug paraphernalia." Gaines faces Class A and Class D felony charges. Under Alabama law, manufacturing or distributing THC products including vape pens and edibles is a Class B felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $30,000. The manufacture, sale, or distribution of psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms) is a Class A felony in Alabama, punishable by up to life in prison. wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on Thursday dismissed the possibility of China retaliating to tariffs imposed this week by cutting off U.S. pharmaceutical supplies. During an interview on Fox News' "The Story with Martha MacCallum," Hassett was asked if he had any concern that China would cut off supplies to pharmaceuticals as a result of 34% tariffs on Chinese goods announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. "There are lots of other places to get pharmaceuticals. The problem is there aren't a lot of pharmaceutical plants here in the U.S. and that's why we have this policy to fix that," Hassett said. "And so I don't think people need to be worried about that and I don't think that they would do that." (Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Caitlin Webber) BANGKOK (AP) The head of Myanmars military government arrived in Thailand on Thursday for a regional summit, making a rare international trip as his country recovers from a devastating earthquake that killed thousands. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has been shunned by much of the West for overthrowing the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and subsequent brutal repression. He has not been allowed to participate in meetings of another regional organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, since the army seized of power in February 2021 and began violently suppressing opposition. He is one of several regional leaders visiting Bangkok for a three-day summit of nations in the Bay of Bengal region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was Min Aung Hlaing's first to a country other than his governments main supporters and backers China, Russia and Russian ally Belarus since he attended a regional meeting in Indonesia in 2021. He was greeted upon arrival at the airport by Thai Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and later attended an official dinner for leaders of the seven-member Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC, which includes Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The meeting comes as Myanmar is still searching for survivors in the rubble left by a massive earthquake last week. The magnitude 7.7 quake toppled thousands of buildings, collapsed bridges and buckled roads. The death toll rose to 3,085 on Thursday, with more than 4,700 people injured and over 300 missing, the military said in a statement. It worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis due to Myanmars civil war. More than 3 million people had been displaced from their homes and nearly 20 million were in need even before it hit, according to the United Nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said BIMSTEC members discussed disaster management during ministerial meetings on Thursday. Thailand postponed the meeting from last year after then-prime minister Srettha Thavisin was suddenly removed from his post by a court. The earthquake killed at least 22 people in Bangkok, mostly due to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction. The generals visit drew condemnation and criticisms from his opponents. The shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, established by elected lawmakers who were barred from taking their seats, said it strongly condemed the inclusion of Min Aung Hlaing at the summit. It said he doesn't have the legitimacy to represent Myanmar. The NUG said it urges BIMSTEC to "immediately revoke the military juntas participation in the summit and related meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Activist group Justice for Myanmar said in a statement that the invitation for Min Aung Hlaing to attend the meeting legitimises and emboldens a military junta that the people of Myanmar have been resisting for over four years, and tarnishes BIMSTECs reputation as a regional body. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied Thursday that the invitation had tarnished Thailands reputation. I think the inverse would occur if we dont adhere to what the charter says and enshrined in the charter it says that Thailand has the responsibility to invite the leaders of all BIMSTEC leaders, said ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura. Among other leaders attending the summit are Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to the Bangladesh government, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The number of measles cases in Oklahoma has increased to 10. (Getty Images) (This photo cannot be republished without a Getty subscription.) OKLAHOMA CITY As the number of measles cases increased to 10, state health officials warned that some people may have been exposed to the disease at an Oklahoma City childrens hospital and a Weatherford restaurant. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported this week that people may have been exposed at the OU Healths Childrens Hospital on March 23 from 6:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the facilitys emergency department, atrium and elevators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People may have been exposed to the virus at Luigis Italian Restaurant and Lounge in Weatherford between 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m on March 19. Officials said if people were not at the listed locations during those timeframes, there is no risk of exposure, but those who were should exclude themselves from public setting for 21 days if they are not vaccinated or have not previously had the infection. Theyre also urged to report suspected exposure to state health officials. Oklahoma health officials reported the first cases of measles in the state last month. All 10 patients are unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown, according to data released this week by health officials. The initial cases were reported in Owasso and Claremore areas. They were linked to an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, which has sickened over 470 people and killed two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health officials said two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine are 97% effective at preventing the disease while one dose is about 93% effective. Measles is contagious four days before the onset of the rash and until five days after the rash appears, according to the Health Department website. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HAMMOND, Ind. Family is devastated after a 59-year-old woman, who was known for being so caring, was gunned down at a Hammond bar on Sunday during an alleged rampage. Lorraine Reyna was a hard worker and enjoyed spending time with friends at Portside Pub as a regular. On Sunday morning at around 7 a.m., Lulu Adams, her younger sister, received a call nobody would ever want that her sister was dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To get that call was very very heartbreaking, Adams said. Me and my sister were close, to get that call after someone was angry because you lost money at a casino to get that call, it was devastating. Lorraine and Lulu, courtesy family A few hours earlier at 4 a.m., Hammond police responded to Portside Pub, located in 1500 block of Indianapolis Boulevard. Court documents outline an alleged rampage by Caprice Cashaw, 31, of Merrillville. He admitted to police that he lost at least $7,000 at Horseshoe Casino just before the shooting. Cashaw then allegedly starting beating his girlfriend as they were driving and stopped at random in front of the bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside, Reyna, the mother of three and grandmother of five known for her cooking, was sitting at the bar. Paul Olivares, who she was friends with, was bartending with two other patrons at the bar. Get inside: Slain bartender tried to save woman in Hammond shooting; suspect lost thousands at casino prior Police allege Cashaw was beating his girlfriend outside of the bar for approximately six minutes after blaming her for the gambling losses. Reyna and Olivares went to investigate and walked up to the vehicle after noticing the alleged beating. Moments later, rounds rang out and five people in total were shot Reyna, Olivares, Cashaws girlfriend and the two patrons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reyna and Olivares, who were trying to save the girlfriend, lost their lives. Lorraine Reyna, courtesy family It doesnt surprise me at all because she was always making sure you were okay. We got very close after the death of my son, Adams said. She was always making sure I was okay. She helped others, she helped people in different situations. Around the Hammond community, she was known for her love of cooking, feeding everyone and always had big barbeques with friends and family over. Her staples were empanadas, Puerto Rican rice and potato salad, Adams said. The 59-year-old was born and raised on the Southeast Side of Chicago and went to St. Francis de Sales High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our prayers and love to the family, friends and loved ones of former De Sales student Lorraine Reyna, who tragically lost her life this past weekend in an act of senseless gun violence. We grieve for all those in our community and beyond, who are similarly victims of such needless and devastating violence, the school posted on social media. Adams told WGN News the family is beyond devastated but were touched by the outpouring of community support. A large balloon release and vigil was held in honor of Reyna and Olivares. When you had her in your corner, she was in your corner. Her heart was bigger than her, Adams said. To see how many people loved her the outpouring is amazing. Lorraine Reyna, courtesy family Hammond mayor Thomas McDermott blasted the Lake County judicial system after the shooting. According to the mayor, the shooting was a preventable one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDermott said Cashaw was arrested in 2022 after allegedly attempting to run over an Indiana gaming commission agent at an East Chicago casino and the case has been continued ten times without resolution. Cashaw should have been sitting in jail last night, for the attempted murder of that gaming agent, instead of killing people in a Hammond bar, he wrote. We can keep arresting these guys, but then the Justice system fails us, endangering us all. Court records indicate there is not a resolution yet after his case was opened on Oct. 25, 2022. Family said they will be attending court hearings of Cashaw as they hope Reynas and Olivares loss will provide a change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His next court hearing is scheduled for April 9 and he is being held without bail. A GoFundMe has raised nearly $14,500 at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Apr. 2Dayton police are asking for the public's help in a homicide investigation where a woman was found shot in her home with her 2-year-old daughter. Michaela Carpenter's family found her dead in her East Hudson Avenue home Monday afternoon. A woman told 911 dispatchers she hadn't heard from Carpenter in three days, so she went to check on her, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She's been here for a couple of days, and this is like day three," she said. "She normally calls every day." Carpenter's daughter was also at the home. Dayton police Maj. Brian Johns said the girl is in good condition. Police believe Carpenter was shot and killed in the home sometime over the weekend. "Unfortunately, her 2-year-old daughter was inside the home with her when she was murdered," Johns said. There were signs of forced entry, but Johns declined to elaborate further. Investigators have spoken with Carpenter's family about possible suspects. Johns said Carpenter did have at least one protection order out against someone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are asking for anyone with security cameras in the 100 block of East Hudson Avenue, North Main Street or Riverside Drive to check their footage for anything suspicious. "We have canvassed the area, looked for witnesses and looked for cameras, but we do need the community's help to solve this case," John said. He said the department solves most of their cases with good tips from the community. "This case involved a young a girl, a younger mother," Johns said. "My heart goes out and our prayers go out to the mother and the family and everyone involved in this case. It's definitely a tough one and it's one that weighs heavy on our hearts and minds, and we're doing everything we can to solve this case." U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, seen during a rally at CS Wind in Pueblo on Nov. 29, 2023, has voted in favor of the Trump administration's agenda with unexpected frequency. (Mike Sweeney for Colorado Newsline) Last week, as the U.S. Senate voted to approve President Donald Trumps pick to head the Food and Drug Administration, Colorados junior senator agonized over what to do, he told a reporter. He voted no, but during a committee hearing he had previously voted in favor of nominee Martin Makary, and he could have easily gone back and voted yes during the floor vote, he said. This episode helps illustrate why Sen. John Hickenlooper, who is up for reelection next year, is supremely vulnerable to a primary challenge, despite the Democrats long record of success in Colorado politics. In the Trump era, when many left-leaning voters in blue states like Colorado are terrified of the federal government and furious about Americas transition to authoritarianism, Hickenlooper has failed to adopt the resistance spirit that the states left-leaning residents increasingly demand of officeholders and candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, he has supported Trumps agenda more than any other Democratic senator in Washington as measured against home-state presidential vote share. Primary candidates in the U.S. Senate race in Colorado, no matter their other qualifications, will start their campaigns with a powerful political argument against the incumbent. And thats just one reason we should expect Hickenlooper to face a robust contest for his seat in 2026. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By the time Makarys Senate vote arrived, it was clear that the Trump administration was embarked on an aggressive campaign to reshape the federal government as an anti-democratic, anti-constitutional operation that would strip Americans of the services and support they had come to rely on and serve only Trumps friends and loyal oligarchs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of their Colorado constituents were looking to Hickenlooper and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet to obstruct everything, since they viewed the entirety of the Trump agenda as so fundamentally destructive. Within a week, Makary proved the wisdom of the obstruct-everything posture. His very first major act as Trumps FDA commissioner was to approve the firing of the agencys respected longtime top vaccine official, fueling fears that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s Health and Human Services Department is basing national policy on vaccine conspiracy theories. And on Tuesday, the department began firing thousands of workers, including 2,500 under Makarys leadership, which critics say will hurt the well-being of Americans. But Hickenlooper had been voting to confirm odious Trump nominees since the beginning of the administration. They include Secretary of State Marco Rubio (champion of free speech-suppressing arrests of students and politically-based deportation of activists), Energy Secretary Chris Wright (a climate arsonist), and CIA director John Ratcliffe (participant in the infamous national security breach on a Signal chat who then lied to Congress about the contents of the chat). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hickenloopers votes in the Senate on lower-level appointees, procedural motions and legislation have also contributed to the charge that he is failing to meet the moment. Even when hes back home in Colorado talking to constituents, Hickenlooper can appear oblivious to the threats that face the country. During a meeting in Aurora last month with veterans, who complained to Hickenlooper that Trump administration funding cuts and layoffs have adversely affected their health care access, the Democrat talked about his good relationship with Republican senators and suggested that as soon as they heard the vets stories theyd be unhappy as if the adverse effects would be news to them despite widespread coverage of the consequences of such cuts. As if congressional Republicans in the majority had not all but ceded their power to the executive branch under Trump. As if there was any appetite among left-leaning Colorado for Hickenloopers collegiality with members of a party thats effectively a personality cult. Hickenlooper so far will face two Democratic candidates in 2026, according to Federal Election Commission records. They are Boulder university student Nichole Miner and attorney and professor Karen Breslin, who also challenged Bennet in 2022. There is still time for other Democrats to join the race and establish strong campaigns. Hickenloopers misalignment with the electorate is hardly the only reason for someone to mount a primary challenge. He will be 74 years old by the time of next years election, and another six-year term will see him reach 80. President Joe Biden, whose apparent age-related decline forced him out of the presidential race last year only months before the election, undercut his successors chance to mount a convincing challenge to Trump and demonstrated in catastrophic fashion the hazards of politicians overextending their service. Many Coloradans would be grateful to Hickenlooper if he simply retired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also a basic democratic value to consider. No elected official in America notwithstanding recent MAGA rhetoric, such as about a third term for Trump is entitled to their office. Every elected official should be challenged at every opportunity, especially at election time, to justify their status as wielders of public power. Politicians work for the people, and they are obliged on a routine basis to make an honest case to the people for their fitness as representatives in government. A primary contest is the best way to get Hickenlooper to answer for his performance. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SINGAPORE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong warned that new U.S. tariffs risk triggering a global economic slowdown, calling it a "lose-lose outcome." Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Gan, who also serves as minister for trade and industry, expressed concerns over the broader impact of the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order introducing a 10-percent "minimum baseline tariff" on all imports, including those from Singapore, with higher rates applied to certain trading partners. While Singaporean exports to the United States now face this immediate cost, Gan said that the bigger concern lies in the medium- and long-term effects on global trade and investment. When other trade partners are imposed with tariffs, they may begin to slow down production and trade, which will slow down investments, Gan explained. "Similarly, once the whole global situation responds to this and investments globally slow down, trade globally slows down." As an open economy heavily reliant on global trade, Singapore could feel the ripple effects. "No one will benefit from this exercise," Gan said. "In the end, it'll be a lose-lose outcome." The deputy prime minister also cautioned that retaliatory tariffs worldwide could escalate into a "global trade war," disrupting supply chains, undermining business and consumer confidence, and deterring investments. "We are naturally disappointed," he said, pointing out that U.S. exports to Singapore have enjoyed zero tariffs for over two decades, with the United States running a 30 billion U.S. dollar trade surplus with the city-state. With economic uncertainty looming, he advised businesses and households to brace for "rough waters ahead of us." "From Singapore's perspective, we will have to double down on our efforts to continue to keep our economy open, continue to uphold this open, fair, free trade among like-minded countries," he said. By Mrinalika Roy (Reuters) - Contemplating smoking your way out of the tariff gloom? Think again. Sweeping tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday are set to increase prices of cannabis products in the country, as many firms rely on Asia for manufacturing. The latest levies will stack up on any duties imposed earlier on countries like China, Canada, Mexico and the EU. Items such as tins, vape hardware and specialized glass remain difficult to source domestically, and companies remain largely dependent on Asia particularly China, analysts and executives said. "Those relying on exports from nations with tariffs, such as China, will need to take a serious look at how they might absorb the extra costs or alter partnerships," said Bryan Gerber, CEO of Hara Supply, the world's largest manufacturer of cones and combustibles. Shares of cannabis firms such as Tilray Brands, Canopy Growth, Organigram and Terrascend were trading down between 5% and 10% on Thursday. Most of these tariff costs will be passed to consumers. The higher costs will likely drive more consumers to the illicit market, further denting margins for legal cannabis firms. "Most cannabis businesses don't have the margin flexibility to absorb a 10%-15% increase," said Mike Forenza, managing partner at AE Global, which makes packaging products for cannabis firms. Higher costs have already hit demand. "Manufacturers are passing these tariff cost down the line and it will ultimately impact our customers. We are starting to see a softening in the market and inbound order rates starting to slow," said Brad Wasserstrom, president of Wasserstrom Co, a supply chain firm working with cannabis companies. The ongoing North America trade spat could exacerbate problems. Things used to grow cannabis crop including compost and peat are imported from Canada and tariffs will make them costlier. "We work with a manufacturer who imports their glass from China, the wood is imported from Canada, and it's put together in Mexico all before it's distributed in U.S. How is that getting taxed?" said Wasserstrom. "That's a challenge for everyone and ultimately it will come down to the consumer level." (Reporting by Mrinalika Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh and Alan Barona) A staff member at an Ohio high school is accused of trying to hire a student to kill her husband for $2,000, according to a criminal complaint. Stephanie Demetrius, 44, was charged with felony conspiracy for allegedly asking a juvenile at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School in Columbus to commit the murder, according to the probable cause affidavit. Demetrius allegedly approached the student on March 26 and paid $250 cash "as a down payment for the job," the affidavit stated. PHOTO: Stephanie Demetrius appears during her arraignment in Franklin County, Ohio, April 3, 2025. (WSYX) Police obtained a recording of a phone call between the student and Demetrius during which she "confirmed the remaining payment was not a worry," the affidavit stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She noted when the kids would be out of the ex-husband's house and that ... he worked from home. When asked if neighbors would hear the gunfire, she advised that they don't care about her neighbors," the affidavit stated. MORE: Man charged with hiring ex-bodyguard to murder his husband During her arraignment on Thursday, her public defender said Demetrius denied the allegations and "says this is being fabricated." Her attorney added that Demetrius looks forward to her day in court. The prosecutor, Parker Schwartz, asked for a high bond "given the alarming allegations here." He said Demetrius is in a "recent or pending divorce or separation" and has a protection order against her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense said Demetrius has four children while asking for a reasonable bond. PHOTO: Stephanie Demetrius appears during her arraignment in Franklin County, Ohio, April 3, 2025. (WSYX) The judge set Demetrius' bond at $150,000 and ordered that she comply with the terms of the protection order filed against her as well as stay away from the juvenile involved in the case as part of her bond conditions. When asked if she had any questions, Demetrius responded, "Who is the juvenile involved in this case?" She has not yet entered a plea to the charge. MORE: Rapper Lil Durk arrested in murder-for-hire plot ABC News has reached out to Demetrius' public defender for comment and has not yet received a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 11. Demetrius was a literacy enrichment instructor at the school, a spokesperson told ABC News. She was immediately fired, the school said in a statement on Friday. "The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority," the Academy for Urban Scholars High School said in the statement. "We remain committed to maintaining a secure, focused learning environment where students can thrive academically and personally." The school said it is cooperating with authorities and is "offering counseling and resources to the student directly impacted, his family, and are also making these services available to any other students or families who may need them." High school staffer allegedly asked student to kill her husband for $2,000 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com For nearly four decades, Texans have pushed for a bullet train to connect the states largest cities. With its vast size, traveling between Texas' major cities can take hours. Even the 35-mile drive from Dallas to Fort Worth can become a frustratingly long journey on its worst days. In late 2023, the dream of high-speed rail seemed closer to reality when former President Joe Biden announced $8.2 billion in new grants as part of a broader nationwide rail initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, however, that vision is facing major setbacks as the company behind the project reveals challenges with land acquisition and new ownership, Chron.com reported. What is the high-speed railway project? High-speed railway transportation, also known as bullet trains, can travel at speeds of up to 200 mph. In Texas, the initiative would connect the state's two largest cities, Dallas and Houston, shortening the travel time from hours to 90 minutes. Nearly 100,000 residents travel the 240-mile journey between the two cities each week and some even more frequently, according to a 2012 study conducted by NYU's Rudin Center for Transportation. With stations planned at The Cedars neighborhood near Downtown Dallas and the Northwest Mall site in Houston, the train would depart every 30 minutes during peak periods each day and hourly during off-peak periods, according to Texas Central, a Dallas-based company that devised the plan. The train would also make one stop along the route in Grimes County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Travis County Judge wants Austin included in planned Houston-Dallas bullet train project How much will the Texas bullet train cost? According to an estimate from the Reason Foundation, the project is expected to cost at least $33.6 billion. What are the biggest challenges? During a House committee hearing this week, Texas Central the private company behind the high-speed rail project confirmed that it has bought out its Japanese investors. Company representative Andy Gent stated that Texas Central is now backed by Texas investor John Kleinheinz. The hearing also revealed that the company has secured only about one-quarter of the land needed for the 240-mile rail line, having acquired roughly 1,600 land parcels, including around 500 single-family homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bullet train project has been debated for decades, drawing controversy from the start. In 2022, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that Texas Central qualifies as a public interurban electric railway company, granting it the power of eminent domain. This ruling allows the company to acquire private land for construction, including residential properties, farms, and ranches. One Dallas-area farmer told CNBC last year that he struggles to sleep at night, fearing the high-speed rail could cut through his property. Despite the ongoing disputes, Gent attributed project delays to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also stated that Texas Central now needs more time to figure out if we can put the bigger transaction together with the Trump administration and the state of Texas. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Will Texas bullet train between Dallas and Houston ever come true? The old political adage that "where you stand depends upon where you sit" has been getting aired out in Washington. Republicans and conservatives used to celebrate judges' issuance of nationwide court injunctions to block Biden policies or progressive government programs. Now that nationwide court injunctions are being used to block Trump policies, however, onetime fans of the practice have decided that it's unconstitutional and illegal and needs to be outlawed. National injunctions are equal opportunity offenders. Law professors Nicholas Bagley and Samuel Bray Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When a single district court judge halts a law or policy across the entire country," Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, wrote his colleagues on Monday, "it can undermine the federal policymaking process and erode the ability of popularly elected officials to serve their constituents." That's not untrue. But I couldn't find evidence that Jordan ever made this point before Trump came into office. I asked his committee staff to identify any such reference, but haven't heard back. The issue of nationwide injunctions in which federal judges apply their rulings beyond the specific plaintiffs who have brought suits in their courthouses dovetails with another widely decried abuse of the judicial process. That's "judge-shopping," through which litigants connive to bring their cases before judges they assume will rule in their favor, typically by filing lawsuits in judicial divisions staffed by only a single judge whose predilections are known. The combination of these schemes allowed conservative judges in remote federal courthouses to block major policy initiatives by President Biden, such as his efforts to enact student debt relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges also took aim at longer-standing progressive programs, as when Judge Reed O'Connor of Fort Worth, a George W. Bush appointee, declared the entire Affordable Care Act unconstitutional in 2018. The Supreme Court decisively slapped O'Connor down with a 7-2 ruling upholding the ACA's constitutionality in 2021. Read more: Hiltzik: These are the legal obstacles that could stop Trump's assault on government in its tracks Ignoring the Supreme Court's signal, O'Connor subsequently ruled that the ACA's provision for no-cost preventive services was also unconstitutional. Parts of that ruling were overturned by an appeals court, but parts are now before the Supreme Court, which will hear the case this year. Then there's federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of Amarillo, Texas, who last year overturned the Food and Drug Administration's long-standing approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. The Supreme Court unanimously threw out that case in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Biden administration, a serial abuser of the judge-shopping process was Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton. According to a 2023 analysis by Steve Vladeck of Georgetown law school, in the first two years of Biden's term, Texas filed 29 challenges to Biden initiatives. Not a single case was filed in Austin, where the attorney general's office is but where a lawsuit had only a 50-50 chance of drawing a Republican judge. Nor were any cases filed in the big cities of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio or El Paso. Instead, they were filed in the court's single-judge Victoria, Midland and Galveston divisions, where the state had a 100% chance of drawing a judge appointed by Trump; in Amarillo, where the chance was 95%; and Lubbock, where it was 67%. Republicans and conservatives raised no fuss about judge-shopping and nationwide injunctions when they targeted Biden or Obama policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now they're screaming bloody murder about "rogue judges," suggesting the judges are exceeding their authority simply because they have ruled against Trump and applied their rulings nationwide. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Bonsall), for example, has introduced what he calls the No Rogue Rulings Act, which would bar nationwide injunctions. It's true that "national injunctions are equal opportunity offenders," as Nicholas Bagley of the University of Michigan and Samuel Bray of Notre Dame wrote in 2018. "Before courts entered national injunctions against the Trump administration, they used them to thwart the Obama administrations rule for overtime pay and its signature immigration policy, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals." They were referring to injunctions issued against President Trump during his first term, but the pace has quickened during the current term. That's not necessarily because judges have become more roguish, but because Trump has given them more to ponder. In his first 65 days in office, Vladeck reported in a recent post, Trump issued 100 executive orders, besting the record set by Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first hundred days, when he issued 99. Biden issued only 37 executive orders in his first 65 days, and Trump only 17 in the same span during his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Hiltzik: A Trump judge dropped his unwavering support for birthright citizenship to conform to Trump's view Those orders and other Trump actions have triggered more than 67 lawsuits seeking preliminary injunctions or temporary restraining orders, Vladeck calculated; federal judges have granted some relief in 46 of those cases. There are some important differences from the litigation style of Biden's partisan opponents, however. For one thing, Trump's challengers haven't engaged in judge-shopping. With one short-lived exception, none of the 67 cases was filed in a single-judge division. The majority of cases in Vladeck's database were filed in courts where the chance of drawing a specific judge was less than 15%. The cases were filed in 14 different courts, with a plurality (31 of the 67) filed in the Washington, D.C., judicial district not a surprise, since that's the customary venue for lawsuits challenging a government action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge-shopping isn't illegal, but even conservatives have found it to be sleazy. Last year, the Judicial Council of the United States, a policy guidance body headed by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., stated that any lawsuit seeking a nationwide or statewide injunction against the government should be randomly assigned to a judge in the federal district where it's filed. The guidance, which wasn't binding, won wide support in the federal judiciary except in the Northern District of Texas, home to the Amarillo, Fort Worth and Lubbock divisions. There the chief judge said he wouldn't agree. During a recent appearance on Fox News, Jordan was asked by the conservative anchor Mark Levin whether Democrats are "forum-shopping" to get cases before judges appointed by Democratic presidents. Jordan assented enthusiastically, grousing: "You have a judge in Timbuktu, California, who can do some order and some injunction" to obstruct Trump. Jordan's reference was to U.S. District Judge William Alsup, who on Feb, 28 issued a temporary restraining order requiring Trump to cease the wholesale firing of federal employees at six agencies and return the workers to their jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A couple of things about that. First, I've been to the real Timbuktu, which is a desert outpost in Mali. San Francisco is possibly the one city in America least likely to be mistaken for that Timbuktu. San Francisco is a city of more than 800,000 residents, nestled within a metropolitan area of 7.5 million. Amarillo, where Kacsmaryk presides, is a community of about 202,000, within a metro area of 270,000. As for judge-shopping, Jordan might want to bring his concerns to the Trump administration itself. On March 27, the administration filed a federal lawsuit to terminate collective bargaining agreements reached by eight federal agencies. Read more: Hiltzik: Trump-friendly billionaires are taking aim at the federal agencies that protect workers and consumers The White House filed the case not in northern Virginia, the District of Columbia or any other jurisdiction where large numbers of affected federal workers probably live and work, but in Waco, Texas, a courthouse with a single federal judge, a Trump appointee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its the height of irony that the only judge-shopping were seeing in Trump-related cases is from Trump," Vladeck observes. One might be tempted to give the Republicans the benefit of the doubt on their crusade against "rogue" judges, except for a couple of factors. One is their silence about nationwide injunctions when the results meshed with their anti-Biden ideology. The other is that their objections to nationwide injunctions has been couched within a broader attack on the independent judiciary. Republicans have advocated impeaching judges for rulings against Trump, a stance that drew a rare public pushback from Chief Justice Roberts. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also raised the prospect of shutting down courts that flout Republican initiatives. "We can eliminate an entire district court. We have power of funding over the courts and all these other things, he told reporters last week. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and Congress is going to act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All that makes their position look less like a principled stand against judicial activism, and more like partisan hypocrisy. Get the latest from Michael Hiltzik Commentary on economics and more from a Pulitzer Prize winner. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) A historic bill was signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey, giving teachers and state employees more time at home with their newest additions to the family, without taking a hit to their bank accounts. On Wednesday, the governor signed the Alabama Public Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025 into law. Teachers and state employees will now be offered up to eight weeks of maternity leave and two weeks of paternity leave after the birth, stillbirth, or miscarriage of a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adoptive parents of a three or younger child will also be eligible for eight weeks for one parent and two weeks for the other. The parents will make this choice at their discretion. This new law reflects our values. No parent should have to choose between their paycheck and spending time with their newly welcomed child. Today, Alabama sends a clear message: We value families, and we value our workforce, said Gov Ivey. This new law also includes a return-to-work provision. This requires employees to return to work for at least eight weeks after taking leave, except in circumstances such as serious health conditions. Sen. Vivian Figures and Rep. Ginny Shaver sponsored the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paid leave is an essential tool for workforce and economic growth, providing education and state employees with the opportunity to care for their newborn or newly adopted child without worrying about unnecessary financial strain, said Sen. Figures. The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. SEDAN, Kan. (KSNW) Signs of Kansas history have gone missing. At least three historical trail markers commemorating the Cherokee Trails path through Chautauqua County have been stolen in recent weeks, according to the Chautauqua County Sheriffs Department in Sedan. The missing signs were posted in the Hale area of the county, according to a social post from the sheriffs office. The trail markers served as educational landmarks, honoring the route thousands of Cherokee and other emigrants traveled during the California Gold Rush era. Peabody man comes home after two decades, plans triathlon to wipe out school lunch debt Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cherokee Trail, established in 1849, ran over 900 miles from the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma to Fort Bridger in Wyoming, passing through Kansas. It served as an important route during westward expansion for travelers heading to Californias gold fields. The Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office is investigating and seeks public assistance. If you have information, please call 620-725-3108. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBANY, N.Y. (WROC) Theres a proposal in Governor Hochuls proposed budget that addresses masks in public. Some are calling it a mask ban, but Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, a Democrat, says thats not what this is. (In the proposal) you can wear a mask for medical reasons, you can wear a mask for religious reasons, because its cold outside, because it looks fancy with your dress, because you live with someone who is immuno-compromised, Lunsford said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lunsford says it was concern over anti-semitism and unrest surrounding some anti-Israel protests that prompted Hochul to pitch the change. Lunsford says it focuses solely on those who might try to use a mask to intimidate others or hide their identity while intimidating others, especially the Jewish community. The only thing the proposal does in the Governors budget is create a violation level crime to wear a mask with the intent to harass someone or wearing a mask with the intent to harass and assault someone, thats it, Lunsford said. Some lawmakers, including a group of Democrats, though, question how intent to harass would be defined. Hochul addressed that a couple weeks ago by saying, Theres a way to define this that will be worked on in legislation as this goes forth. But Lunsford is one of those pushing for a different approach, saying the current proposal could be misused. Not only could it apply too broadly to a group of people, but what does harassment necessarily mean? If someone doesnt like the content of your protest and youre wearing a mask, is that harassing or does that begin to impact free speech? Thats a real concern, and as an attorney, I share that concern, Lunsford said. It remains unclear whether Hochuls proposal will make it into the final budget. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Holyoke Community College is hosting a free, four-week program to help students gain experience for clean energy sector jobs. Melonie R. Jackson named Chief People Officer at Baystate Health The Green Construction, Electricity, and Clean Energy Systems Program is expected to run from July 7th through August 1st. The program will offer 80 hours of hands-on training, teach students the basics of green construction, and how to properly use power tools. The skills students can gain through this program can help them better prepare for blue-collar job opportunities. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Police are looking for a gunman who killed a homeless man in Venice Beach during an argument. Los Angeles police were alerted to a shooting at the Westminster Dog Park about 10:20 p.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, they found 28-year-old Zackery Melton dead. Melton, who was unhoused but staying in the area, witnessed a couple arguing and tried to step in, said a woman at the park Thursday who said she was Melton's girlfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[Zack] was such a protector," said the woman, Cheyene, who only provided her first name to protect her privacy. "He got shot defending a homegirl." After the shooting, the gunman ran into a nearby building that police surrounded, witnesses said. The scene was chaotic, said Kristen Schonert, a resident who watched the scene unfold the previous night. Though police eventually went into the building, they did not find the shooter. Police said the gunman is still outstanding. Read more: Mother and daughter killed in drive-by shooting in Compton Since the shooting, a makeshift memorial for Melton has started to grow at the park. Flowers were splayed out on a parking spot where the altercation occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schonert, who is a regular at the dog park, said the people who live in the park are nice and hopes the victim is remembered for more than this incident. "People are going to see the homelessness of it all and not the human side of it," Schonert said. Times staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Ethiopian Airlines' freighter B777F (Flight ET3483) is greeted with a water salute when departing from Macao International Airport in Macao, south China, April 3, 2025. It marks the official launch of the "Macao-Madrid" cargo charter route. (Xinhua) MACAO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Airlines' freighter B777F (Flight ET3483) departed from Macao International Airport on Thursday morning, marking the official launch of the "Macao-Madrid" cargo charter route. According to the schedule, the new cargo route will initially operate twice a week. The airline told the press that the main exports include e-commerce items such as toys, small appliances, furniture, electronics, auto parts, apparel, and cosmetics. The new route was projected to bring over 20,000 tons of cross-border cargo throughput to Macao annually. The representative of Macao International Airport expressed hope that the new route will create greater opportunities for trade and economic exchanges among the Greater Bay Area, Europe, and South America. Ethiopian Airlines has launched cargo routes in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Its country director for China, Aman Wole Gurmu, expressed excitement about the new route, noting its potential to strengthen collaboration with e-commerce supply chains in the Greater Bay Area. Ethiopian Airlines' freighter B777F (Flight ET3483) is pictured at Macao International Airport in Macao, south China, April 3, 2025. It marks the official launch of the "Macao-Madrid" cargo charter route. (Xinhua) WILLIMANTIC To honor those who served during the Vietnam war era, a ceremony was held Monday night at Windham Middle School. Each year, National Vietnam Veterans Day is observed on March 29 to honor nearly three million U.S. service members who served in Vietnam. More than 60,000 state residents served during the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, which is more than one-third of Connecticut veterans, according to an analysis of U.S. Census data. An introduction was made by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and remarks were given by Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo and State Rep. Susan Johnson. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) A Midland man has been arrested and charged with Aggravated Kidnapping, a first-degree felony, after allegedly holding his mother hostage during a violent domestic disturbance earlier this week. Credit: MCSO Records According to an arrest affidavit filed by the Midland Police Department, 20-year-old Ethan Zubiate was taken into custody on Monday, April 1, after officers responded to a home shortly before 1:00 a.m. following a 911 call from the victim. Dispatch records showed that the woman, Zubiates mother, whispered to the call taker that her son was holding her hostage inside the home and did not know she had contacted emergency services. She stated she was hiding in a back bedroom and asked that officers arrive without lights or sirens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police arrived at the scene, they were able to safely escort the woman from the residence. She told officers that an argument with Zubiate earlier in the evening escalated into a physical confrontation after she asked him to leave. According to the report, Zubiate allegedly grabbed his mother by the arms, restraining her so tightly that it caused pain and broke one of her fingernails. The woman also stated that Zubiate blocked the front door, preventing her from leaving or seeking help from neighbors, and that he threatened to end her lifethreats she believed to be real and credible. Officers searched the home but were initially unable to locate Zubiate. He was later found a block away and taken into custody without incident. Police said the woman was visibly emotional and expressed fear for her life during the interview. She requested to press charges and asked for a protective order against her son. Zubiate was transported to the Midland County Jail, where he was booked and released to jail staff. His bond was set at $250,000. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text BEGIN to 88788, or visit thehotline.org for confidential resources and support. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. State Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, filibusters a report from the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee Wednesday afternoon to block the appointment of a former Senate colleague (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). A Republican state senator spent hours Wednesday trying to block the appointment of his former colleague to a county office over a grudge that goes back more than seven years. Shortly after 1 a.m., the filibuster sputtered and the appointment was confirmed by the Missouri Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, sought to prevent former Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz from being confirmed to a spot on the Franklin County Commission. Former Senate President Pro-Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan (photo courtesy of Missouri Senate Communications). Schatz was appointed to the job earlier this year by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe. Moon said he tried to work behind the scenes to express his distaste for the appointment. But he said no one listened, so he chose to force the issue. Ive tried, Moon said on the Senate floor. My words and my thoughts were not well taken. He began his filibuster Wednesday afternoon, laying out grievances against Schatz and reading emails from people he said were residents of Franklin County who wanted the Senate to support another candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the end, the one-man filibuster only lasted until soon after midnight, when Moon began offering procedural motions that were repeatedly defeated by his GOP colleagues. After numerous failed attempts to set the appointment aside, the Senate confirmed Schatz around 1 a.m., briefly adjourned and returned to approve its journal and head home for the week. The Moon-Schatz rivalry dates back to 2018, when Schatz added a provision to a bill that placed a gas tax increase on ballots statewide. Moon joined a conservative activist in an unsuccessful lawsuit, saying the amendment was beyond the bills original scope. The Missouri Constitution states that: No bill shall contain more than one subject which shall be clearly expressed in its title. Moon is a stickler for keeping bills to a single subject, sometimes voting against conservative legislation to send a message to abide by the states foundational document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Schatzs last year in the legislature, he booted Moon from his committee assignments after Moon wore overalls on the Senate floor. Schatz had told Moon to change earlier in the day, but he pushed back. If someone comes to me and threatens me with infractions, or ramifications, for me just coming to the chamber, and doing the duty that I was called to do, thats unacceptable, Moon said at the time. Schatz at the time called Moons reaction childlike. It is rare for a senator to lose committee assignments, though it happened last year when Missouri Freedom Caucus members slowed the Senate to halt. A House member lost her spots on committee in 2021 after being indicted on federal medical fraud charges and another was censured after lying about a relationship with an intern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moon, who is prone to procedural skirmishes with Senate leadership, led a faction in 2021 that hoped to override then-Gov. Mike Parsons veto and reimburse owners of wedding venues for legal fees in their fight with the Department of Revenue. He hoped to buck tradition and call for a vote to override the veto, something that is traditionally done by the budget chair. Kehoe, who was lieutenant governor at the time, didnt recognize Moon for the motion. Schatz became the intermediary, eventually ruling in favor of Kehoe. For Moon, it was another sign of the chasm between Republican Senate leadership and the chambers conservative caucus. Moon said he was standing up for Franklin County residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You think Im here to prove something else, he said. Im not. Moon, seasoned in filibustering, held the floor for multiple hours Wednesday with periodic quorum calls approximately every 20 minutes to bring fellow senators back to the chamber. Some senators offices received calls in support of Moon, asking them to turn down the nomination. Moon read emails from Franklin County residents opposing Schatz. Many asked for Franklin County Clerk Tim Baker to be nominated instead. The Franklin County Republican Central Committee wrote letters in February asking Kehoe to pick Baker. How many more emails until you wake up and do the will of the people, Moon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facebook pages, such as Patriot Mama Bears and Liberty Link Missouri PAC, posted requests for followers to email Moon. Schatz did not comment on Moons filibuster. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Texas House Public Education Committee on Thursday voted in favor of a $1 billion spending cap for the first two years of a potential school voucher program and increasing by $395 the base amount of money public school districts receive for each student. The changes to House Bill 2, the public school funding bill, and Senate Bill 2, the voucher proposal, will now go to the full House for further consideration. All Democrats on the committee voted against the voucher legislation. Lawmakers revealed updated versions of both bills Monday, after days of public testimony last month. The committee was slated to discuss them Tuesday, but the panel rescheduled the meeting to Thursday, hours after the release of the new versions. Rep. Brad Buckley, the Republican chair of the committee, said he postponed it to give members additional time to review how the proposed school funding changes would affect their local districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While several TV stations broadcast the meeting, the committee did not stream it, drawing criticism from House Democrats. House rules this session require the streaming of public hearings but not formal meetings, which generally do not include public testimony. [School choice, vouchers and the future of Texas education] Democrats argued that because of the significant interest in and potential impact of both bills, the public deserved the option to view Thursdays meeting online if they could not make it in person. Hundreds of Texans showed up at the Capitol last month to testify on the voucher legislation, with the hearing going almost 24 hours. Most speakers at that hearing said they opposed the program. The Houses proposed changes to the voucher plan went into Senate Bill 2, which passed the Senate in February. The Houses decision to propose the changes in the Senates bill and not its own proposal could potentially speed up communication between the chambers and bring about a final vote more quickly. If the revised bill passes the House and the Senate agrees with the changes the measure would go to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk for his signature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House and Senates voucher proposals differ when it comes to how much money students would receive, which applicants should take priority and how the program should accommodate students with disabilities though lawmakers in both chambers have expressed support for one anothers efforts. Abbott on Thursday thanked both for their tireless work and said he looked forward to signing SB 2 into law. Current state budget proposals set aside $1 billion for vouchers, which would allow parents to use taxpayer dollars to fund their childrens private school tuition. If final legislation creating vouchers includes the $1 billion cap, the state by law could not spend more money on the program even if more is available. The cap proposal comes after critics raised concerns that lawmakers are downplaying the amount of money the state could spend on vouchers during the initial rollout. A budget analysis shows costs reaching nearly $5 billion by 2030. When you look at a bill that is projected to take billions and billions of more billions this biennium that we could use on our public school students, said Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, and billions more in the future when our schools are so far behind and school districts are having to make tough decisions of closing schools, this just makes no sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers on the committee also approved a change to the bill that would allow only U.S. citizens or people lawfully in the country to receive vouchers, a decision that could draw scrutiny as the proposal makes its way through the rest of the Legislature. Every student in the U.S. is entitled to a public education regardless of their immigration status and the potential voucher program would rely on public dollars. In addition, the new proposal would limit funding for students without disabilities or from wealthier households a family of four making about $156,000 or greater to only 20% of the programs total budget until after the 2026-27 school year. It would also prioritize students who exit public schools over those who are already enrolled in private schools. Those changes, however, still would not require private schools to accept certain students, which has raised concerns among public education advocates. In other states, voucher programs like the one Texas is proposing primarily benefit wealthier families who had already enrolled their children in private schools. [Texas officials claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal money] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers also advanced a new version of House Bill 2, the school funding measure. The initial proposal sought to increase the base amount of money districts receive to educate each student by $220. The updated version approved Thursday would increase that amount, referred to as the basic allotment, by $395. The bill would automatically increase the allotment every two years by tying it to property value growth, according to the committees summary of the potential changes. HB 2s potential changes could increase the states basic allotment to $6,555 in total for each student, with 40% directed to salaries for school staff. Higher salary increases would go to teachers with more than a decade of classroom experience. The base funding per student has been at $6,160 since 2019. School districts say raising their base funding would offer them flexibility to address the unique needs of their campuses, as opposed to funds they can only use for specific purposes. The bulk of it flows toward salaries for educators and support staff. Districts also use the money to pay for essential services and goods, like electricity, insurance and water. Leftover money may fund other necessities like school supplies and building maintenance. The bill also proposes the elimination of a 2023 hold harmless provision, which provides financial relief to school districts that lose funding due to state property tax cuts, a major source of revenue for public schools. Buckley, the chair, described phasing out the provision as a way to address inequity between property-wealthy districts and those that arent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The provision has resulted in a small number of districts with high property values receiving significantly more money than others, added Paul Colbert, who chaired the Texas Houses Public Education Subcommittee on Budget and Oversight during the 1980s, in an interview with The Texas Tribune. But John Bryant, D-Dallas, called the change in the bill a matter of great distress for some districts and sought assurance from Buckley that he would work to resolve the concern. Buckley said the committee would soon begin work to get the bill right and onto the House floor for debate. Changes to House Bill 2 which seeks to reduce the number of untrained teachers in Texas classrooms also include increasing the runway districts have to get their teachers certified. All teachers in core classes would have to earn their certification by fall 2029. Additionally, the revised bill would waive some of the fees that teachers have to pay for certain certificate programs. But it nixed a provision that would have offered financial incentives to teachers who enter high-quality training programs. We cant wait to welcome you to the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin. Step inside the conversations shaping the future of education, the economy, health care, energy, technology, public safety, culture, the arts and so much more. Hear from our CEO, Sonal Shah, on TribFest 2025. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. Get the data and visuals that accompany this story Rep. Brad Barrett introduces a bill in the Senate health committee on March 26, 2025. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) A bill that would tighten Medicaid eligibility and add work requirements for certain programs was amended and passed out of the Ways and Means Committee in just under an hour on Wednesday, moving on a party-line vote. Earlier that day, a separate committee advanced two other bills impacting the states low-income health coverage program, with one seeking to establish a diversion program to the states fastest-growing expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 2, authored by Sen. Ryan Mishler, would quadruple the administrative workload of the Family and Social Services Administration by requiring quarterly eligibility checks, a concern for some committee members. Rep. Peggy Mayfield, R-Martinsville, asks a question on Feb. 6, 2025. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Those dollars that were putting toward administrative costs could be applied to services, said Rep. Peggy Mayfield, R-Martinsville. House sponsor Rep. Brad Barrett, R-Richmond, assured his colleagues that FSSA was comfortable with the workload increase, swaying Mayfield. I feel comfortable that you feel comfortable that the agency has its authority already to make adjustments on its own with the legislation, Mayfield said, speaking to a later, related amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That wasnt enough for all committee members, particularly Democrats. Rep. Tonya Pfaff, of Terre Haute, pointed to her rural constituents. Rural Hoosiers make up a significant chunk of Hoosiers on Medicaid who may not have the tools to comply with quarterly reviews. A lot of my community is rural and doesnt have access to broadband, said Pfaff. Sixteen Republicans voted in favor, overcoming the opposing votes from seven committee Democrats. The amended bill As it arrived in the House, the proposal already allowed for eleven exceptions to the work requirement, including pregnant Hoosiers and those seeking treatment for substance abuse. The language applies to just the Healthy Indiana Plan, which primarily covers working-age Hoosiers with low-to-moderate incomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disabled and elderly Hoosiers would not be impacted. But a large amendment added one more exception for full-time students while also clarifying that someone who worked and volunteered for a combined 20 hours a week would also meet the minimum requirements. Barrett also focused tweaks to a prohibition on advertising the program, allowing the agency discretion to reimplement advertising in the future, as well as presumptive eligibility. Presumptive eligibility, Barrett said, meant intake at hospitals have the ability to run a quick screen and determine whether or not that patient seeking services has eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We found that theres a high risk a high rate of error in that, Barrett continued. He said lawmakers worked with stakeholders to use retroactive eligibility instead, meaning that patients found to be eligible will then have their services for the last 30 days paid for once theyre accepted. The newly amended bill will also now has an expanded definition of caregiver, after the committee accepted a suggestion from Rep. Ed Clere, R-New Albany. Now caregivers will also include spouses in addition to parents. The amended language also explicitly protects Medicaid coverage for Hoosiers receiving caregiving under other state programs. But Republicans rejected three edits put forth by Democrats, not including two that were voluntarily withdrawn. The amendments, all authored by Rep. Greg Porter, would have removed work requirements entirely, eliminated the advertising prohibition and reduced eligibility determinations to twice annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Cherrish Pryor, also an Indianapolis Democrat, urged caution when it came to rescinding health coverage for Medicaid enrollees. Its better safe than sorry, Pryor said. Because we are talking about the health of Hoosiers. Republicans pointed to dual benefits of the bill: reducing state expenses and preserving the program for deserving Hoosiers. I think its going to make a significant difference on the cost side, as well as helping people out, so Im actually hopeful, said Rep. Jack Jordan, R-Bremen. The previous version of the bill included a cap on 500,000 Hoosiers, below the 700,000-plus receiving coverage now, as well as a three-year limit. Both provisions have been stripped from the bill though it gives FSSA the latitude to limit enrollment on its own. Other health bills Clere, who proposed the caregiver amendment on Senate Bill 2, had two other bills up in committee earlier on Wednesday: one that sought to add a caregiving tier to a program for children with complex medical needs and another concerning a Medicaid diversion program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, FSSA opted to limit a state attendant care program after an unanticipated surge in demand from parent caregivers to medically complex children. The lack of guardrails on the program meant that some families made triple-figure incomes and reportedly worked 90-plus hours weekly. Nearly all families have now moved from the attendant care program to Structured Family Caregiving, meaning they no longer receive payments based on an hourly wage. The latter program utilizes three tiers of daily stipends aligned with the level of care needed. House Bill 1689 requires FSSA to work with the (Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services) Advisory Council to refine and develop plans for serving individuals requiring extraordinary care, said Clere. Jennifer Dewitt, left, with her 17-year-old son Jackson on April 2, 2025. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Jennifer Dewitt is the mother of Jackson, a 17-year-old with complex medical needs. She notes that other states have also created programs for complex care assistants, under which parents can certify and be paid through a nursing agency for their caregiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt replacing a nurse, its going to be limited to family members in many cases, this provides care when no nurses are available, said Dewitt, part of the Indiana Families United 4 Care group representing parents. We have data that shows that when parents are paid caregivers, hospitalization rates go down, saving the state significant amounts of money, and the reimbursement rate would be substantially less expensive than (registered nurse) services. Like many other families, Dewitt said she couldnt secure a nurse to meet all of her Medicaid-approved hours. Jackson is on a ventilator and also has seizures, meaning she can easily work in excess of 120 hours a week on his care, she said. The bill also adds an ombudsman position to FSSA for individuals receiving disability services and requires FSSA to report annually on Medicaid home- and community-based waiver services. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1391, on the other hand, would allow for a study to potentially realign coverage areas for senior care agencies, known as Area Agencies on Aging and allow certain service providers under the CHOICE program to not be Medicaid approved. I think we all agree that someone whos doing pest control services, for example, probably doesnt need to be a Medicaid provider, said Clere. But the bill also positions the CHOICE program, which stands for Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled, as a Medicaid diversion program. CHOICE predated the (Medicaid) waiver. But ever since theres been a waiver, I would argue CHOICE has been effectively a Medicaid diversion program, Clere said. This bill formalizes that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal creates a pilot program for CHOICE recipients served by senior care organizations to explicitly keep Hoosiers from needing Medicaid funding. That can include stopping falls and preventing medication mix-ups, the two biggest reasons Hoosiers enter long-term care. Both of Cleres amended bills moved out of a Senate health committee unanimously, though the latter will also need approval from the Senate Appropriations Committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (NewsNation) House Democrats who met with Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Wednesday say she could not provide answers to their questions and theyre still concerned about the plan to dismantle her department. In a press conference afterward, they said there is no plan for oversight of the money Trump wants sent to the states, nor any plan on how McMahon would dismantle the agency while fulfilling its legally mandated support for students. McMahon, who joined the press conference briefly, said, I welcome the fact that these folks came today and expressed their concerns and shared, in an open, collegial format, their concerns and how we can lead now to work more together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happens if the Department of Education is abolished? Several Congress members said they were grateful for the meeting and pointed out that its the first time a Cabinet secretary has met with House Democrats despite numerous requests. Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., said it was refreshing that McMahon indicated that before she moves the functions of the Department elsewhere, she is looking at the statute to see what she can do. Despite the presidents executive order, only Congress can eliminate the department. But thats where the niceties ended. Takano said in the meeting they demanded, but were not given, a timeline for closing the Education Department, asked how civil rights would be enforced, and wanted more information on contract cancellations and employee terminations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas teen runs his own business selling eggs Im afraid that all these firings at the Office of Civil Rights means that students with disabilities, students that are facing discrimination because of antisemitism or islamophobia, students who are facing discrimination based on race or gender or sexual orientation, arent going to have the Office of Civil Rights able to enforce their rights against discrimination around this country, said Takano. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, was concerned some governors might not use the money the federal government sends to the states for education if the department doesnt oversee it. Escobar also cautioned that some governors may send it to politically friendly districts while underfunding districts that arent as supportive. The Democrats also did not think it was appropriate to compare closing a government agency with reorganizing a business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our children are not a corporate enterprise, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., said. Suspected Tren de Aragua members arrested during FBI raid in Texas McMahon said this was about the children of America and that funding from the United States government will continue through the programs that have already been established. Todays meeting came after at least 75 Democratic House members sent McMahon a letter requesting a meeting to discuss the firing of about 1,300 department staffers. There will be additional meetings with McMahon and other members who signed the letter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Speaker Mike Johnson has grand ambitions to finalize a budget plan next week and launch Republicans on a final sprint toward passing their big, beautiful domestic policy bill. One problem: He doesn't appear to have control of the House floor. An internal GOP fight over whether new parents serving in the House should be able to cast votes by proxy has metastasized into a battle of wills between competing factions of Republicans. The showdown culminated in a stunning vote Tuesday where nine Republicans joined with Democrats to reject Johnsons move to block the proxy-voting proposal. Johnson responded by sending lawmakers home for the week, skipping planned votes on election integrity, judicial overreach and other key GOP priorities. Now he is scrambling to find an off-ramp as he pledges to finish work next week on a fiscal blueprint for their sprawling party-line agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Publicly, he doubled down Wednesday on his opposition to Rep. Anna Paulina Lunas proxy-voting effort. The Florida Republican recruited several GOP colleagues to sign a discharge petition, successfully circumventing Johnson to force a floor vote. Behind the scenes, however, he has been in frequent contact with Luna negotiating other potential legislative options in an attempt to unjam the House floor, according to two people granted anonymity to discuss the private conversations. Johnson said Wednesday he was actively working on every possible accommodation to make Congressional service simpler for young mothers. By evening, he suggested a breakthrough was close. I think there may be a path through this, Johnson told reporters. We're trying to work through and resolve it in a way that satisfies everybody. So I think we can do that. He said he was considering accommodations for new moms such as a nursing room off the House floor and an expansion of travel policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At stake is not only Johnsons control of the House floor, but also the GOPs tight timeline for advancing their closely watched megabill. Senate Republicans on Wednesday released a revised budget blueprint a key intermediate step and planned to work into the weekend to approve it. Johnson reiterated in a separate interview he wants the House to give it final approval next week. But first he needs to find a way to accommodate both Luna and her group of GOP allies, who have so far been intent on pushing through their proxy-voting proposal, and a similarly strong-willed group of Republican hard-liners, who have threatened to hold up House business themselves if Lunas proposal isnt sent to the dustbin. So far Luna has not indicated she is willing to budge on her demand for a vote on her bill. She holds a trump card: With the discharge petition now complete and ripe for consideration, she could potentially call the measure up as soon as the House comes back into session. And if Johnson makes another attempt to stifle the vote, Luna and several of her GOP allies insist they will again join with Democrats and reject it. They include a geographically and ideologically diverse group of GOP members who mostly arent known as rebels, including Reps. Kevin Kiley of California, Mike Lawler of New York, Max Miller of Ohio and Greg Steube of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnsons tough stand against allowing new parents to vote by proxy might seem puzzling to House outsiders and its puzzling to many inside the House, too. But it is at least partly rooted in the venomous partisanship that developed between the two parties during the Covid pandemic. Democrats under Speaker Nancy Pelosi instituted widespread proxy voting less than three months into the national emergency over the objections of the Republican minority, which sued unsuccessfully to stop it. It stayed in place for nearly three years, until the GOP regained the majority and undid it in 2023. Johnson alluded to those hard feelings in a statement he posted to social media Wednesday: Nancy Pelosi experimented with proxy voting during the 117th Congress, and it was quickly abused, he wrote, adding that he had responsibility to defend and uphold the Constitution and the integrity of this institution and cannot allow it again. Pelosi responded to Johnson, noting that the Supreme Court declined to hear a lawsuit brought by GOP leaders challenging the practice and that Johnson himself voted by proxy 39 times. Its just another shameful case of Republicans rules for thee, not for me, she wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson also has political reasons to oppose proxy voting: If he doesnt try to kill Lunas petition, according to his fellow GOP leaders, House Freedom Caucus hard-liners who fiercely oppose proxy voting will themselves defeat any attempt to get House business moving as usual. The Catch-22 Johnson now finds himself in is especially notable given that he has racked up a series of narrow and significant wins this year after struggling to wrangle the House during his first year as speaker. That success has largely been due to Trump, who has helped strong-arm votes on key budget and spending measures. Trump has not expressed any opinion on the proxy-voting fight, and he has long enjoyed close ties with Luna. But some House leaders are openly warning Luna and the eight Republicans who voted alongside her Tuesday to stand down. I wouldn't want to be one of the nine people that stand in front of the Trump agenda, said Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan, the No. 4 House Republican, who didnt rule out potential presidential intervention in a brief interview Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'd rather be able to clean up our own house and deal with it internally and not have the president weigh in, she added. But the president is pretty focused on his agenda, and if he needs to weigh in, I think he will. Speaking on NewsNation Wednesday night, Luna said she had spoken to Trump. "The president assured that this would get resolved," she said. Del. Aletheia McCaskill (D-Baltimore County) receives a hug April 2 from Del. Bernice Mireku-North (D-Montgomery) after the House of Delegates voted to create a Reparations Commission. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Its done. The House of Delegates gave final approval Wednesday evening to a bill that would create a Maryland Reparations Commission, sending the measure to the governor for his signature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 101-36 party-line vote would make Maryland one of the few states in the nation with a statewide body to study the inequality endured by African descendants. California became the first state in 2020 to pass legislation; then Illinois in 2021 and New York in 2023. If approved, the commission would assess specific federal, state and local policies from 1877 to 1965, the post-Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras. Those years have led to economic disparities based on race, including housing segregation and discrimination, redlining, restrictive covenants, and tax policies, according to the bill. The commission would also examine how public and private institutions may have benefited from those policies, and would recommend appropriate reparations, which could include statements of apology, monetary compensation, social service assistance, business incentives and child care costs. Passage Wednesday followed 90 minutes of sometimes emotional debate and attempts to amend the bill, which could have blocked its passage with just five days left in the General Assembly session. Del. Lauran Arikan (R-Harford) presents an amendment April 2 on a bill to create a Reparations Commission. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Del. Lauren Arikan (R-Harford) tried to amend the bill to have the commission study the impact of government policies on those who endured child sexual abuse and those as minors in the care and custody of the State. Arikan, who identified heraself as a victim of abuse, emphasized her point by reading out about three dozen names of child abuse victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will stand up again on any bill I can continue to read the names of victims that our states harmed today, said Arikan, who told a reporter she had been molested as a young child. That is what reparations is, paying back the aggrieved and the injured, she said. So dont wait 200 years to help the families of these victims who we have harmed today. Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-Prince Georges and Anne Arundel), said that she used to work as a child-neglect lawyer in Washington, D.C., and that she understands Arikans passion for children. But Pena-Melnyk, the chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee, told her colleagues to reject Arikans amendment because it rewrites the measure and changes the purpose of the bill. Theyre very different issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House appeared to agree, rejecting the amendment 101-34. Delegates also rejected two amendments from House Minority Leader Jason Buckel (R-Allegany), one that would have limited reparations to Maryland residents and another that would have required the commission to estimate the fiscal impact to the state of any of its recommendations. We will have people come from all over [the] 50 states and try to find ways to receive those payments, justifiable or not, however you feel about it, Buckel said of his proposed residency restriction\. That is what will happen. Pena-Melnyk said the commission will assess and determine eligibility requirements. In addition, she said the commission must submit a preliminary report of recommendations by Jan. 1, 2027, to explain its findings, and a final report by Nov. 1 of that year. Del. Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk (D-Prince Georges and Anne Arundel) speaks on the House floor April 2 on a bill to create a Reparations Commission. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) The House rejected the residency amendment 101-38. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the fiscal reporting requirement, Pena-Melnyk noted that the bill already requires the commissions final report include an estimate of costs associated with awarding any type of reparations recommended. So you see my friend, its already in the bill and its not needed, Pena-Melnyk said. That amendment failed 100-37. Reparation tax The all-volunteer commission would consist of nearly two dozen people, including two employees from the states four historically Black colleges and universities with expertise in the history of slavery; a representative from the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and the state archivist or a designee from that office. Although the House passed Senate Bill 587, sponsored by Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince Georges), many delegates hugged, smiled and even shed a few tears with Del. Aletheia McCaskill (D-Baltimore County). McCaskill sponsored the House version that didnt advance out the Health and Government Operations Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats fine with her. Its about ushering the purpose and the plan. I work very well behind the scenes, and so its OK, she said to two reporters after Wednesday evenings debate. I would love to give Sen. Muse the glory for accepting to be my cross-filer [bill]. Because in prior years, we did not have a cross-filer. So finally, we made it through. It also helped that, for the first time, the Legislative Black Caucus made the bill one of its top priorities for the 90-day session that ends Monday. A hearing on the Senate version was first held Feb. 27 and then approved by the full chamber March 14. Critics, like Del. Matthew Morgan (R-St. Marys), called the measure divisive and said it would amount to a reparation tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE I think its disgraceful that were going to set up a reparation tax that might tax one race and give to another race, he said. It is the year 2025. Are you kidding me? All in the name of equity? Equity is a Marxist term. Splits people up and divides it. But Del. Stephanie Smith (D-Baltimore City), noted that Black Marylanders in the 1900s paid taxes but did not receive the benefits from them. There were roads they paid for, they could not drive them. There were schools they paid for, they could not enter, she said. We are offering just a conversation and a commission to acknowledge that they were here, that they lived, that they contributed, and I think they merit our time because they lived, they died and guess what? They were taxpayers that never got what they invested in. The bill would go into effect July 1 and remain in effect until June 30, 2028. Reporter Bryan P. Sears contributed to this report. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been on a media blitz defending President Donald Trumps new tariffs, which are slamming markets and set to impact most major countries. A common thread? His love of American beef. The European Union wont take chicken from America. They wont take lobsters from America. They hate our beef because our beef is beautiful and theirs is weak, Lutnick told Fox News (FOXA) on Wednesday evening. Its unbelievable. Stop saying that we cant sell our corn to India. Stop saying that we cant sell our beef anywhere, Lutnick added in an appearance on CNBCs (CMCSA) Squakbox on Thursday, calling on countries to reexamine their trade policies. He made similar comments a few hours later in an interview with CNN (WBD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So whats the beef? The European Union has banned American beef made with growth hormones since 1989, when a prohibition on the production and importation of meat from animals treated with such hormones went into effect. In 2003, the E.U. banned treating farm animals with the hormone estradiol-17. In 2015, the E.U. lifted a ban on U.S. beef that had been in place for 15 years over concerns about the spread of mad cow disease. In 2019, the E.U. voted to expand its quota for hormone-free beef imports from 18,500 metric tons to 35,000 metric tons by 2026. Since 2015, the U.S. has sent $234.5 million worth of beef and beef products to the E.U., making it the eighth-largest market overall, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweden in 2016 asked the E.U. to ban imports of live American lobster because theyre an invasive species, although it didnt come to pass. In 2020, the E.U. ended its tariffs on lobster imports. As for Lutnicks complaints about chicken exports, the E.U. restricted imports of American poultry because its legal to wash butchered chicken in chlorinated water in the U.S. Although the United Kingdom is no longer in the union, the country has kept that standard, which officials have said wont be changing. The U.K. maintains non-science-based standards that severely restrict U.S. exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products, the White House said in a fact sheet explaining its tariffs. Trump also took aim at beef exports on Wednesday but instead targeted Australia, which banned imports from the U.S. in 2003 over fears of mad cow disease. The U.S. Trade Representative last week named Australias beef import ban as an unjustified trade barrier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australia bans and theyre wonderful people but they ban American beef, Trump said. Yet we imported $3 billion of Australian beef from them just last year alone. They wont take any of our beef, the president added. They dont want it because they dont want it to affect their farmers and, you know, I dont blame them, but were doing the same thing right now, starting at midnight tonight. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Nazrin Abdul Read more The recent visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to Azerbaijan marks an important milestone in the growing relationship between these two countries. Germany has long been one of Azerbaijan's most vital political and economic partners in Europe, and this high-level visit serves as a reflection of the expanding scope of bilateral ties, especially in areas of trade, energy, and regional peace-building. The discussions between President Steinmeier and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev underscore the evolving nature of this strategic partnership and its broader implications for regional and global cooperation. Strengthening economic ties: A natural evolution The economic ties between Germany and Azerbaijan have been on an upward trajectory in recent years. President Aliyevs remarks during the visit highlighted the impressive increase in trade turnover between the two countries, which saw a nearly threefold expansion in the first two months of this year. This is not only a testament to the effectiveness of Azerbaijans economic policies but also an indicator of the growing economic integration between Azerbaijan and one of the EU's largest and most influential economies. Azerbaijans economic diversification strategy, which has historically been reliant on its oil and gas exports, has increasingly focused on sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. Germanys economic expertise, particularly in sustainable industries, is a natural complement to Azerbaijans ambitions to modernize and diversify its economic base. The renewed emphasis on green energy cooperation, as articulated by both leaders during their talks, is a prime example of this alignment. Azerbaijan's significant strides in diversifying its energy mix are becoming increasingly apparent. Despite being traditionally an oil and gas powerhouse, Azerbaijan is now positioning itself as a key player in the global shift towards renewable energy. President Aliyevs announcement that Azerbaijan plans to increase its renewable energy capacity to 6 gigawatts by 2030 reflects the country's commitment to becoming a regional leader in green energy. This ambitious target presents numerous opportunities for collaboration, particularly with Germany, which has long been a trailblazer in the global transition to clean energy. Germanys experience in solar and wind energy, as well as its leadership in energy efficiency and climate policies, offers Azerbaijan an invaluable opportunity for technology transfer and expertise. Furthermore, the ongoing projects to establish green energy corridors linking Azerbaijan to Europe and Central Asia including the energy cable passing through the Caspian Sea and under the Black Sea will not only strengthen energy security for all involved but also position Azerbaijan as a crucial player in the future of European energy markets. These initiatives are in line with the global trend of rapidly increasing investments in renewable energy, projected by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to account for 80% of global electricity production capacity by 2030. The convergence of Azerbaijani and German energy strategies presents a unique opportunity to address two critical global challenges: sustainable energy and regional geopolitical stability. As President Aliyev rightly pointed out, successful implementation of these projects requires robust cooperation not just between Azerbaijan and Germany, but also among neighboring countries. This approach embodies the core principle of energy diplomacy that regional cooperation in energy development can promote mutual benefits and pave the way for broader regional integration. Azerbaijans pursuit of peace: Germanys support in regional stability and diplomacy In his speech, President Ilham Aliyev also highlighted the productive cooperation between Azerbaijan and Germany during the COP29 climate conference, which Azerbaijan hosted last year. He emphasized the active collaboration with Germany in the context of the conference, noting that over 77,000 participants from 197 countries registered for the event. President Aliyev characterized the conference as a significant success, reflecting the joint efforts to address global climate challenges. However, he also expressed regret that Armenia was the only country to boycott such an important international event. "This naturally causes regret," President Aliyev remarked, adding that the boycott was particularly puzzling given the positive momentum in the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He pointed out that, especially in the current context, it was incomprehensible for Armenia to refuse participation in such a globally significant gathering. The President also made it clear that Azerbaijan had conveyed its concerns about this issue to the German side. The head of state further reflected on the historical context of the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, noting that Azerbaijan had endured 30 years of occupation and ethnic cleansing, with over a million Azerbaijanis displaced and nearly 20 percent of the countrys territory under occupation. He lamented that international organizations had not taken substantial steps to address this issue. However, Azerbaijan itself resolved the conflict, both on the battlefield and at the political level, marking a historic victory that paved the way for peace negotiations. President Aliyev expressed confidence that the positions of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the pursuit of peace were now much closer than before, highlighting the constructive steps taken by both sides. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in turn, acknowledged the importance of the peace process, praising the significant progress made over the past year. "As an outside observer, I can say that this has impressed us greatly," Steinmeier stated, commending the steps taken by both Azerbaijan and Armenia. He congratulated both countries on the agreement reached on March 13 regarding the peace agreement text. Steinmeier expressed hope that this moment would serve as a turning point, leading to the signing of a lasting peace agreement in the near future. He emphasized that although challenges remained, the political will for compromises was crucial to ensuring the success of the peace process. Moreover, President Steinmeier pointed out that the conclusion of a peace agreement would not only stabilize the region but also open up new economic opportunities. "Your country plays a critical role in our trade relations, not just with Central Asia, but also with the Far East, Southwest Asia, and China. The existing trade routes are currently limited, but the role of the Central Corridor passing through Azerbaijan is crucial for the German economy. This presents a promising prospect for both countries," he said. Steinmeier further stressed that a more stable South Caucasus would present a significant opportunity for economic growth and cooperation, contrasting the current situation with the unstable relations of the past. In conclusion, the remarks of both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining momentum in the peace process. Should both sides, particularly Armenia, be willing to engage in peace efforts, it would not only benefit Azerbaijan and Armenia but also contribute to the stability and prosperity of the entire region. As Germanys support for the peace process continues, the potential for long-term regional development and cooperation in energy, trade, and security becomes increasingly apparent. People lay flowers at the tombstone of a Chinese expert at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 2, 2025. China and Tanzania held a wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery, honoring 70 Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives while constructing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman) DAR ES SALAAM, April 2 (Xinhua) -- China and Tanzania held a wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, honoring 70 Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives while constructing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the 1970s. The commemoration coincided with the Qingming Festival, a traditional Chinese occasion for paying tribute to the deceased and remembering ancestors. Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, the Tanzanian government, various sectors of society, and the Chinese community attended the event. Under a drizzling sky, the participants in dark suits solemnly reflected on the sacrifices by the Chinese experts and their lasting contributions to the economic and social development of Tanzania and Zambia. "The governments of Tanzania and Zambia will forever remember the utmost sacrifice that the Chinese people gave during the construction of this railway line," said Tanzanian Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile, noting that the project was fraught with challenges and dangers, requiring heroism and ingenuity from both Chinese and local Tanzanian and Zambian workers. Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) Managing Director Bruno Ching'andu lauded the dedication of the Chinese experts, saying that their commitment made the railway's construction possible. "Their spirit endures in every train that runs. Their spirit endures in every ton of cargo moved," said Ching'andu. Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese embassy in Tanzania Wang Yong described the fallen experts as heroes whose legacy continues to symbolize China-Tanzania and China-Africa friendship. They will live forever in the hearts of the Chinese and Tanzanian people, just as the TAZARA railway stands as a testament to their efforts, he said. Wang emphasized that the TAZARA spirit embodies the essence of China-Africa relation and the common aspiration of the Chinese and African people, serving as a driving force for deepening China-Africa cooperation. The TAZARA railway, known as the "Uhuru Railway" or "Independent Railway," was constructed as a turnkey project between 1970 and 1975 through an interest-free loan from China. Commercial operations started in July 1976, covering 1,860 km from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. Tanzanian Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile speaks at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 2, 2025. China and Tanzania held a wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery, honoring 70 Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives while constructing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman) People attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 2, 2025. China and Tanzania held a wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery, honoring 70 Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives while constructing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman) Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese embassy in Tanzania Wang Yong (1st R) and Tanzanian Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile (2nd R) lay wreaths at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 2, 2025. China and Tanzania held a wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery, honoring 70 Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives while constructing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Hua Hongli) Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) Managing Director Bruno Ching'andu speaks at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 2, 2025. China and Tanzania held a wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery, honoring 70 Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives while constructing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman) When it comes to commerce secretaries, it seems fair to say that no news is good news. By which I mean: If a presidents commerce secretary is constantly named in headlines in particular, eyebrow-raising headlines thats almost never positive for the administration. President Donald Trumps commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, is a prime example, as he seems incapable of avoiding controversy and mockery. He was widely denounced for suggesting recently that only fraudsters would worry about missing a Social Security check. And on Wednesday, he gave a bizarre diatribe on Fox News that was intended to tout Trumps tariffs on nations around the world (which have sent the stock market reeling). Lutnick decried the fact that Europe wont take imports of certain meats from America, something he chalked up in part to jealousy: I mean, European Union wont take chicken from America! They wont take lobsters from America. They hate our beef because our beef is beautiful and theirs is weak. Its unbelievable! Watch the clip here: As writer Charlie Nash explained in an article for Mediaite, there are some pretty justifiable reasons why European countries have rejected many American meats. He noted the E.U.s ban on meat from animals treated with hormones and added: The European Union has also restricted imports of American poultry due to its tendency to be washed with chlorine a banned practice in both Europe and the U.K. while in 2016, Sweden asked the E.U. to ban imports of live American lobster due to concerns over them being an invasive species. So Lutnick seems to think the growth hormones used by some American farmers are making our cows big, strong and desirable, which I suppose may provide a boost of confidence to any cows that happened to have caught his Fox News appearance. But even the American Cancer Society says there isnt consensus on the human health risks posed by the hormones, noting: Some early studies found a possible link between blood levels of IGF-1 and the development of prostate, breast, colorectal, and other cancers, but later studies have failed to confirm these reports or have found weaker relationships. While there may be a link between IGF-1 blood levels and cancer, the exact nature of this link remains unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for chlorinated chicken, its widely opposed in the United Kingdom and has remained a worrisome issue among its residents for years, with critics claiming the use of chlorine to wash chickens allows American sellers to, as The New York Times put it, let hygiene slide during feeding, growing, and slaughtering, and then make up for lapses at the end with a good disinfectant. Trump, nonetheless, is trying to make the U.K. accept chlorinated chicken as a condition for tariff relief, but a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told The Independent on Thursday that the countrys position on the matter is unchanged. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com HIGH POINT A group of High Point University students will take their concerns about safe drinking water in communities across the country to Capitol Hill next week. The students will travel to Washington, D.C., on April 9 to promote their proposed Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Act, legislation that would provide grants to communities with inferior water supplies. The visit will include meetings with members of the House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. We want the federal government to offer communities with contaminated drinking water grants to help replace their water distribution systems, said Kyle Brierley, a senior from Boston and one of the students involved in the campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students cite figures on health-related violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act that affect 7% to 8% of the community water systems in the United States in any given year due to deteriorating infrastructure. No one in the worlds richest country should have to drink contaminated drinking water, said Elizabeth Thomas, a senior from Raleigh. The HPU delegation will involve about 20 students, said Haley Gediman, a senior from Boston. The students will break into four groups to visit 12 congressional offices. The goal is to get the students proposed legislation introduced as a bill, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HPU Associate Professor of Political Science Brandon Lenoir said the students organized the safe drinking water campaign. The students picked their own issue, researched it, researched members of the U.S. House of Representatives and are traveling to Washington, D.C., to advocate for safe drinking water, Lenoir said. What started as a class project has turned into a project of passion for the students. They are advocating for an issue they feel will make a difference. pjohnson@hpenews.com | 336-888-3528 | @HPEpaul TOPEKA (KSNT) Humanities Kansas future funding for grants, programs and operations are at risk after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) suspended funding at the national level. According to Humanities Kansas, DOGE suspended funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). As a result, the agency said it will have to make significant cuts. Since 1972, Humanities Kansas, in partnership with NEH, has supported HKs Humanities For All and Action grants, Speakers Bureau, TALK book discussions, community oral history projects, preservation projects, Smithsonian exhibition tours, veterans initiatives, and other one-of-a-kind grassroots projects, Humanities Kansas wrote in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humanities Kansas said it is still open but is now offering limited resources. Kansans love history, literature, culture the humanities, shared Julie Mulvihill, executive director of Humanities Kansas. And what I think they love most is the opportunity to make connections between people and places across generations. Humanities Kansas, with funding from NEH, teams up with local museums and libraries, historians, and artists to bring these stories to life. A great state, like a great nation, invests in the stories of its history and people. Its really that simple. We should be doing more of this work, not less. Democracy depends on it. According to the Humanities Kansas website, the agency impacted one in five Kansans in 2024 through its grants, partnerships and community support. The agency reported that it impacted 126 communities in Kansas and awarded $389,164 in Culture Preservation, Humanities for All and action grants in 2024. Cutting NEH funding directly harms communities in every state and contributes to the destruction of our shared cultural heritage, the National Humanities Alliance wrote on April 1. Cutting NEH staff who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their positions guts the NEH itself. This puts unnecessary barriers in the way of the agencys mission to distribute federal dollars to American communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exploring Topekas oldest businesses and their lasting legacy On April 3, Oklahoma Humanities wrote that all 56 state, jurisdictional, and territorial humanities councils, including Oklahoma Humanities, received notices from the NEH that operational support grants had been terminated. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Protesters rally outside of the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building headquarters of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management on Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) At least 700 former federal workers have applied for Pennsylvania government jobs following massive reductions in the U.S. government workforce by the Trump administration, according to a public employee union leader. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order last month to attract federal employees to work for the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The whole intent is that federal workers, or anyone with federal government experience can get a quick idea of how the application hiring process works in state government, and then see where their experience will help them fit with us, Miranda Martin, director of talent management for the Office of Administration, said. The office has directed social media and other digital advertising to federal workers and created a landing page on the state employment website where they can learn about the application process, benefits and see highlighted positions in specialized, hard-to-fill roles, Martin said. Martin and Philip Glover, national vice president for District 3 of the American Federation of Government Employees, testified about the impacts of unprecedented federal job cuts in a hearing before the House Democratic Policy Committee. AFGE represents about 31,000 federal employees in Pennsylvania. Since President Donald Trumps inauguration, the Department of Government Efficiency headed by tech billionaire and Republican megadonor Elon Musk, has indiscriminately fired more than 120,000 workers in massive downsizing and dismantling of federal agencies, CNN reported, citing federal agencies, the Office of Personnel Managment and other news organizations. The layoffs are part of an initiative to cut government spending President Donald Trump initiated on his inauguration day, creating the department by executive order and appointing Musk to lead it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been through six administrations and I can only say that I have never, ever seen the onslaught against workers, against the union and, frankly, against the services that we provide to the American public, Glover said. Pennsylvania has been hit hard and will continue to see impacts of federal downsizing, Glover said. The Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense are all major Pennsylvania employers. The Trump administration also has eliminated union protection for hundreds of thousands of workers, which unions are fighting, Glover said. In addition to helping fired federal workers find state jobs, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has activated its rapid response program to assist workers in applying for unemployment benefits. More than 500 members of the AFGE have applied, Glover said, noting that as the unions have sued to challenge layoffs some workers have been placed back on the federal payroll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) asked whether the federal workers who remain in agencies like the Social Security Administration and Veterans Administration would be able to continue to deliver services to people who rely on them. Glover said programs and workers are being eliminated without regard for the void they will leave. They are getting rid of grant programs, willy-nilly, like without any concept of what those programs do for the states, our people are in chaos, he said. Using the VA as an example, Glover said veterans who returned from Iraq and Afghanistan with missing limbs will still require prosthetics that the agency may not be able to provide. The crux of this is that Pennsylvania, in my mind, is either going to have to pick up these services in some way, which is going to affect your budgets, or those services are just going to not be there for the public, he said. Close to 150 protestors gathered outside a Tesla dealership at 1200 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, on Saturday targeting Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his involvement with President Donald Trumps administration and the Department of Government Efficiency. The protest was held in tandem with other protests at Tesla dealerships and showrooms across the country, which organizers dubbed a Tesla Takedown for a National Day of Action, according to the Northbrook protests organizer, Robert Drewry of Wilmette. Similar protests have taken place in other suburbs, as well as Chicago. Much of Musks estimated $340 billion net worth is tied to the electronic vehicle company, according to the Associated Press. Tesla has experienced a slump in sales of used cars, for at least a month, according to reporting from the Chicago Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not here to protest (electric vehicles) in general, Drewry said. Its because of the person who is running the company, and his connection to the U.S. government and his organization that is tearing out all of the things that we take for granted in a functioning government. Thats really what the anger is about. In the first two months of Trumps second term, DOGE officials have embarked on a sweeping push to downsize the U.S. government, from cutting thousands of federal job to initiating the dismantling of federal agencies. Drewry said he has been protesting for three weeks at the Northbrook location. He said while he hasnt arranged any official partnerships with other groups, members from other grassroots organizations, including Indivisible Chicago, Indivisible Skokie, Lake County Democrats and the Womens Club of Wilmette have joined the protests over time. Tesla Takedowns have also occurred at a Tesla dealership in Libertyville, per previous reporting. Despite the wealth and affluence thats here, theres a lot of people who are very, very frustrated with the way things are going with government right now, Drewry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Tesla dealerships in the U.S. have been the victim of physical attacks, unlike Northbrooks relatively docile demonstration. I dont think theres really a connectionbetween the protesters here and someone doing vandalism to the dealerships, Drewry said. Sarah Mohr, a first-time protestor for any cause, explained why she participated in the protest. Im very frustrated that Elon Musk has got as much power as he does with our government, because nobody elected him. And I just think, I think a lot of the things that hes doing are extremely detrimental to our country. By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Mahmoud Issa CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) -Hundreds of thousands of fleeing Gazans sought shelter on Thursday in one of the biggest mass displacements of the war, as Israeli forces advanced into the ruins of the city of Rafah, part of a newly announced "security zone" they intend to seize. A day after declaring their intention to capture large swathes of the crowded enclave, Israeli forces pushed into the city on Gaza's southern edge which had served as a last refuge for people fleeing other areas for much of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza's health ministry reported at least 97 people killed in Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours, including at least 20 killed in an airstrike around dawn in Shejaia, a suburb of Gaza City in the north. Later on Thursday, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 27 Palestinians, including women and children, inside a school building that served as a shelter for displaced families in Gaza City, local health authorities said. The Israeli military said the attack hit key Palestinian "terrorists." Medics said three missiles slammed into the Dar Al-Arqam school building in Tuffah neighbourhood in Gaza City, and the Israeli military said it struck a command centre that had been used by militants to plan and execute attacks against Israeli civilians and army troops. Rafah "is gone, it is being wiped out," a father of seven among the hundreds of thousands who had fled from Rafah to neighbouring Khan Younis, told Reuters via a chat app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are knocking down what is left standing of houses and property," said the man who declined to be identified for fear of repercussions. The assault to capture Rafah is a major escalation in the war, which Israel restarted last month after effectively abandoning a ceasefire in place since January. In Shejaia in the north, one of the districts where Israel has ordered the population to leave, hundreds of residents streamed out on Thursday, some carrying their belongings as they walked, others on donkey carts and bikes or in vans. "I want to die. Let them kill us and free us from this life. Were not living, were dead," said Umm Aaed Bardaa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Khan Younis, where several people were killed by a strike, Adel Abu Fakher was checking the damage to his tent: "Theres nothing left for us. Were being killed while asleep," he said. GAZANS FEAR PERMANENT DEPOPULATION Israel has not spelled out its long-term aims for the security zone its troops are now seizing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said troops were taking an area he called the "Morag Axis", a reference to an abandoned former Israeli settlement between Rafah and Khan Younis. Gazans who had returned to homes in the ruins during the ceasefire have now been ordered to flee communities on the northern and southern edges of the strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They fear Israel's intention is to depopulate those areas indefinitely, leaving many hundreds of thousands of people permanently homeless while Israel seizes some of Gaza's last agricultural land and critical water infrastructure. Since the first phase of the ceasefire expired at the start of March with no agreement to prolong it, Israel has imposed a total blockade on all goods for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, recreating what international organisations call a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel's military said on Thursday it was conducting an investigation into the deaths of 15 Palestinian aid workers found buried in a shallow grave in March near Red Crescent vehicles, an incident that caused global alarm. The military said troops fired on the cars believing they carried fighters. Israel's stated goal since the start of the war has been the destruction of the Hamas militant group which ran Gaza for nearly two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with no effort made to establish an alternative administration, Hamas returned to control during the ceasefire. Fighters still hold 59 dead and living hostages Israel says must be handed over to extend the truce temporarily; Hamas says it will free them only under a deal that permanently ends the war. Israeli leaders say they have been encouraged by signs of protest in Gaza against Hamas, with hundreds of people demonstrating in north Gaza's Beit Lahiya on Wednesday. Hamas calls the protesters collaborators and says Israel is behind them. The war began with a Hamas attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023 with gunmen killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies. Israel's campaign has so far killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, Gaza health authorities say. Rafah residents said most of the local population had followed Israel's order to leave, as Israeli strikes toppled buildings there. But a strike on the main road between Khan Younis and Rafah stopped most movement between the two cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Movement of people and traffic along the western coastal road near Morag was also limited by bombardment. "Others stayed because they don't know where to go, or got fed up of being displaced several times. We are afraid they might be killed or at best detained," said Basem, a resident of Rafah who declined to give a second name. (Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi in CairoAdditional reporting by Hatem Khaled and Mahmoud Issa in GazaEditing by Peter Graff, William Maclean) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban backed his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu over an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and said on Thursday his country would withdraw from the organization. "This court has been degraded to a tool of politics," Orban said in a joint press statement with Netanyahu after the Israeli premier flew to Budapest for a meeting. Orban added that the court had a biased stance, which was evident in its decisions regarding Israel. Hungary, he said, would not participate any longer as he refused to arrest his guest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He confirmed that his country was therefore withdrawing from the Rome Statute, the founding document of the ICC. Netanyahu thanked Orban for the support Israel receives from Hungary. With Hungary's announced withdrawal from the ICC, Orban has shown a "brave and principled stance," said Netanyahu. The ICC issued an international arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza War. Netanyahu rejects the accusations and claims that the international court seeks to challenge Israel's right to self-defence in its fight against the Palestinian Islamist militia Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minister of the Chancellery Gergely Gulyas told the state news agency MTI that the Hungarian government intends to initiate the withdrawal process on Thursday. He added that the country is acting in accordance with its own constitution and international law. Netanyahu's arrival in Budapest was his first trip to Europe since the ICC arrest warrant was issued. Orban welcomed Netanyahu with full honours, according to state broadcaster MTV. Israel welcomed Hungary's announcement of its intention to leave the ICC. "The so-called 'International Criminal Court' lost its moral authority after trampling the fundamental principles of international law in its zest for harming Israel's right to self-defense," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar wrote on X. ICC rules say Hungary must still comply with warrant The founding treaty of the ICC stipulates that withdrawal becomes effective one year after the written notification is submitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC reminded Hungary of its commitments. "The court reiterates that Hungary remains obligated to cooperate with the ICC," a spokesperson said. The Rome Statute requires the 125-member states to implement the court's orders. This includes executing arrest warrants if a wanted individual is on their territory. However, the court has few enforcement mechanisms, so the consequences for Hungary are set to be limited. If a state does not fulfil its contractual obligations, the court can refer the matter to the Assembly of States Parties. This body can then decide on further measures against the state, but significant repercussions are unlikely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC's authority is at stake since ignoring its orders undermines the court's credibility. Hungary not alone Hungary's refusal to arrest Netanyahu is not a total outlier, as France, Italy and Poland have also indicated that they would not enforce the arrest warrant. Friedrich Merz, the likely future German chancellor, has also stated his intention to invite Netanyahu to Germany, adding that he would find ways to ensure Netanyahu would not be arrested during his visit. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday said he could "not imagine" an arrest warrant being executed against Netanyahu during a potential visit to Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungary's move was, however, criticized by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. On the sidelines of a NATO summit in Brussels, Baerbock said it was "a bad day for international criminal law." "In Europe, no one is above the law, and that applies to all areas of law," she added. Orban and Netanyahu share a world view Orban unreservedly supports the Netanyahu governments actions in the Gaza conflict. As a member of the European Union, Hungary has repeatedly blocked EU resolutions calling for ceasefires and greater consideration for the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza. Netanyahu and Orban share similar views on maximizing government power. Due to violations of the rule of law, the EU has withheld or frozen part of the European funding allocated to Hungary. Hungary has announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Budapest for his first trip to Europe since the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him, Hungarian state media reported on April 3. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent an invitation to Netanyahu last November, the day after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Hungarian Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky met Netanyahu at the Budapest airport around 2:30 a.m. local time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few hours later, Gergely Gulyas, Orban's chief of cabinet, said the government was going to withdraw from the court in The Hague, confirming what diplomatic sources in Hungary had told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) earlier this week. "Hungary will exit the International Criminal Court," Gulyas said. "The government will start the exit procedure on Thursday (April 3) by the constitutional and international legal framework." The withdrawal from the ICC is expected to take up to a year, as the Hungarian parliament has yet to approve such a step. As an ICC member, Hungary is obliged to arrest Netanyahu, but has not done so. Since the ICC has no police force, it cannot enforce its decisions and relies on other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2023 for the forcible transfer of children from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. In September 2024, Putin visited Mongolia at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, which marked Putins first trip to an ICC member country since the court issued an arrest warrant for him. Mongolia did not arrest Putin, citing energy dependence as a reason for not executing the warrant and implying that their hands were tied. Read also: Its a trap Trumps US minerals deal threatens Ukraines EU membership Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Hungarys populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced Thursday that his country will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived to red carpet treatment in the countrys capital despite an ICC warrant for his arrest. (AP video by: Bela Szandelszky) What would your life look like if you didnt have to pay income tax simply because youre a mother of two or more children? Thats not a theoretical question in Hungaryits policy. Since 2020, Hungary has granted a full personal income tax exemption to mothers raising four or more children. In a February 2025 address, Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that exemption was expanded to include mothers with two or more childrenfirst to mothers with three children starting in October 2025, and then to mothers with two children beginning in January 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once in effect, these measures will allow eligible mothers to keep 100% of their income tax-free. Its a bold, family-first move designed to make parenthood more economically sustainableand its sparking conversations around the world. Additionally, mothers with one child will be exempt from income tax until the age of 30. Prime Minister Orban described the entire tax reformspanning moms of one, two, and three or more childrenas the largest tax cut in Europe and the entire Western world. He framed the expansion as the beginning of a new era for Hungarys economy, built on the foundation of family. 2025 is the year of the breakthrough! We are launching the largest tax reduction program in Europe. We are introducing full, lifelong income tax exemption for mothers with two and three children. Thereas nothing like this in the whole world! pic.twitter.com/W69TY2w3io OrbAn Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) February 23, 2025 Related: The UK just gave moms miscarriage leavewhy doesnt the U.S. do the same? Hungarys tax exemption isnt just about economics; its about acknowledging the value of motherhood. Its about recognizing that raising children is workand that work contributes to a nations future. By easing the tax burden, Hungary is offering moms what so many say they need most: breathing room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breathing room that could mean covering the cost of daycare without sacrificing retirement savings. The ability to buy a reliable family car or build an emergency fund without stress. It could mean finally feeling like theres enoughenough to provide, enough to plan, enough to exhale. Mothers who work will be eligible for this benefit no matter their income level, age, or how old their children are. Its not a short-term measure, eitherthe exemption remains in place for as long as a mother is raising her children. Prime Minister Orban also noted that the family tax allowanceranging from 10,000 HUF (about $26) to 165,000 HUF (roughly $430) monthly, depending on how many children are in the homeis available to fathers, too. Of course, Hungarys approach isnt perfect. But its still a rare example of a government putting money where its values are when it comes to families. Hungary has made family support a cornerstone of its national strategy, responding to a shrinking population with bold policy shifts. Its newest tax reformexempting mothers of two or more children from income tax for lifeis the most sweeping yet. Framed as a step toward becoming the worlds first family-centered economy, the policy complements a broader set of initiatives, from housing subsidies and free education to expanded social servicesall aimed at making it easier to raise children in a financially stable environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The urgency behind these reforms is real. In 2024, Hungary recorded its lowest birth rate since 1949, with just 77,500 birthsa 9.1% drop from the previous year, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. Whether or not you agree with all of Hungarys motivations, one thing is clear: These policies reflect a deep belief that supporting mothers is not just a moral imperativeits a national investment in the future. What would it look like to center mothers in U.S. tax policy? In the U.S., weve seen glimmers of possibilitythe expanded Child Tax Credit of 2021 cut child poverty nearly in half before it expired. But most of our family support systems are temporary, conditional, or income-limited, leaving many middle-class families stuck in the squeeze. A policy like Hungarys asks us to rethink the framework entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What if motherhood itselfindependent of marital status or incomewas grounds for real financial relief? What if raising children was seen not just as a personal choice but a public good? What if we treated tax policy as a tool for care? Mothers are not a special interest group. We are the majority. We know what mothers need. We talk about it in pediatric waiting rooms, in office Slack channels, and during 2 a.m. feedings. We need better leave policies, affordable childcare, and recognition that caregiving is labor. So lets ask the question: If Hungary can do it, why not us? Its time to take these conversations out of the margins and into the mainstreaminto the places where policy is made, and where reform begins. Because American moms arent asking for handouts. Were asking for systems that recognize what were already doingand finally have our backs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: What parents need to know about the Child Tax Credit this year Source: VALLETTA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Malta will host the sixth Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Ministerial Meeting on Employment and Labour on Oct. 13-14, 2025, the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, and Employment announced Thursday. Held under the UfM Co-Presidency of the European Union (EU) and Jordan, the summit will bring together 43 member countries to discuss the future of work, with a focus on skills, talent development, and boosting opportunities for youth and women. Just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), arrived in Budapest on Thursday, Hungary said it plans to withdraw from the ICC. Minister of the Chancellery Gergely Gulyas told the state news agency MTI that the Hungarian government intends to initiate the withdrawal process on Thursday. He added that the country is acting in accordance with its own constitution and international law. The announcement came shortly after Netanyahu arrived in Budapest for his first trip to Europe since the ICC arrest warrant was issued in November. The court accuses the Israeli leader of crimes against humanity and war crimes during the Gaza war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban welcomed Netanyahu with full honours in the Hungarian capital, according to state broadcaster MTV. The Israeli leader is also scheduled to Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok on Thursday. Israel quickly welcomed Hungary's announcement of its intention to leave the ICC. "The so-called 'International Criminal Court' lost its moral authority after trampling the fundamental principles of international law in its zest for harming Israel's right to self-defense," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar wrote on X. ICC rules state Hungary must still comply with warrant The founding treaty of the ICC stipulates that withdrawal becomes effective one year after the written notification is submitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC reminded Hungary of its commitments. "The court reiterates that Hungary remains obligated to cooperate with the ICC," a spokesperson said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had already disregarded the court's mandate when issuing invitation to the Israeli leader. Orban has made it clear that he does not feel bound by the ICC's requirements for its members, especially after the international arrest warrant was issued against Netanyahu. ICC says arrest is required The founding treaty, known as the Rome Statute, requires its 125-member states to implement the court's orders. This includes executing arrest warrants if a wanted individual is on their territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since a withdrawl from the court only takes effect one year after it is made, Hungary's announcement does not release it from the obligation to execute the arrest warrant against Netanyahu. Additionally, obligations undertaken by a member state during its membership remain valid even after withdrawal. This means Hungary would still need to cooperate with the court on investigations initiated before the withdrawal. However, the court has few enforcement mechanisms, so the consequences for Hungary are likely to be limited. If a state does not fulfil its contractual obligations, the court can refer the matter to the Assembly of States Parties. This body can then decide on further measures against the state, but significant repercussions are unlikely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC's authority is at stake since ignoring its orders undermines the court's credibility. Hungary not alone Hungary's refusal to arrest Netanyahu is not a total outlier, as France, Italy and Poland have also indicated that they would not enforce the arrest warrant. Friedrich Merz, the likely future German chancellor, has stated his intention to invite Netanyahu to Germany, adding that he would find ways to ensure Netanyahu would not be arrested during his visit. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday said he could "not imagine" an arrest warrant being executed against Netanyahu during a potential visit to Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can't imagine that there will be an arrest in Germany," the outgoing chancellor said. Hungary's move was however criticized by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. On the sidelines of a NATO summit in Brussels, Baerbock said it was "a bad day for international criminal law." "In Europe, no one is above the law, and that applies to all areas of law," she added. Orban and Netanyahu share a world view Orban unreservedly supports the Netanyahu governments actions in the Gaza conflict. As a member of the European Union, Hungary has repeatedly blocked EU resolutions calling for ceasefires and greater consideration for the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu and Orban share similar views on maximizing government power with minimal hindrance from checks and balances. They also regard an independent judiciary, an open society and free, critical media as obstacles to their political ambitions. Due to violations of the rule of law, the EU has also withheld or frozen part of the European funding allocated to Hungary. Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), its government said Wednesday, as the countrys Prime Minister Viktor Orban welcomed Israeli Prime Minister and ICC fugitive Benjamin Netanyahu to Budapest. Speaking alongside Netanyahu in Budapest, Orban said his government decided to leave the court because it has become a political tool. This very important court has been diminished to a political tool and Hungary wishes to play no role in it, Orban told reporters during the joint news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu praised the decision as bold and principled, praising Hungary for its proud support for Israel. This is important not just for us, but for all democracies its important to stand up to this corrupt organization, he said. The Israeli PM said he expects Hungary to be the first, but not last country to walk away from the court. The leaders delivered their short statements without taking any questions. Netanyahus visit to Hungary marked the first time the Israeli leader stepped foot on European soil since the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as against three top officials of Hamas, in November 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court said it had reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu bears criminal responsibility for war crimes including starvation as a method of warfare and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. Netanyahu dismissed the warrant as absurd and antisemitic. Israel utterly rejects the absurd and false actions and accusations against it by the International Criminal Court, which is a politically biased and discriminatory body, his office said at the time. The ICC doesnt have its own law enforcement powers, so it relies on its member states to make arrests and transfer suspects to the Hague. As a signatory of the Rome Statute, which established the court in 2002, Hungary is obliged to arrest Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But instead, Netanyahu got a warm welcome in the Hungarian capital where he is on a four-day visit. A welcoming ceremony at the Lions Court of the imposing Buda Castle saw him walk down a red carpet with Orban on Thursday, before the two leaders held talks. Hungary is one of Israels strongest European allies and many Hungarians hold a strong pro-Israel sentiment. Stickers and posters commemorating the victims of the October 7 terror attack against Israel are a common sign across Budapest. A Holocaust memorial on the bank of the River Danube just outside the Hungarian Parliament has been adorned with yellow ribbons, signaling the support for the hostages held in Gaza. A Holocaust memorial on the bank of the Danube River in Budapest has been adorned with yellow ribbons in support of Israel. - Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images Hungarys State Secretary for International Communication and Relations Zoltan Kovacs said the country will begin the withdrawal process on Thursday, in line with Hungarys constitutional and international legal obligations. The ICC said it would issue a statement on the announcement later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it goes through with the withdrawal, Hungary will become the only European Union country not to be part of the ICC. The bloc has been split in its reaction to the arrest warrants. Some countries, like Ireland and Spain, said they would arrest Netanyahu if he was to visit their territory. Others, including France and Germany, gave a more cautious responses and questioned whether the ICC has jurisdiction over Israel as the country is not a member of the court. More than 120 countries have signed up to the Rome Statute, but there are some notable exceptions: the United States, China, Russia and Saudi Arabia are not members. Arrest warrant When the ICC issued the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant last year, it marked the first time the ICC targeted the top leader of a close ally of the United States. It put Netanyahu in the company of the Russian President Vladimir Putin, for whom the ICC issued an arrest warrant over Moscows war on Ukraine, and the Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi, who was facing an arrest warrant from the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity at the time of his capture and killing in October 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US under both the former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump criticized the court for issuing the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. Trump went as far as taking steps against the court imposing economic and travel sanctions on people working on ICC investigations into citizens of the US and its allies. At the same time, it also issued warrants for three top leaders of Hamas: its leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Al Qassem Brigades, the groups armed wing Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, better known as Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas political leader. All three have been killed by Israel in the course of the war. CNNs Stephanie Halasz contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (This April 3 story has been corrected to change the source to the ICC's Presidency of the Assembly of State Parties, not the ICC Presidency, in paragraph 10) By Anita Komuves and Maayan Lubell BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu applauded Hungary for its "bold and principled" decision to leave the International Criminal Court as he visited Budapest on Thursday, a rare trip abroad in defiance of an ICC arrest warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu, invited by Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, faces the ICC arrest warrant over allegations of war crimes in Gaza as Israel has expanded its military operation in the Palestinian enclave. Hungary has rejected the idea of arresting the Israeli prime minister and has called the warrant "brazen." In an announcement timed with Netanyahu's visit on Thursday, Orban said Hungary would withdraw completely from the ICC, an organisation set up more than two decades ago to prosecute those accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. "This is no longer an impartial court, a rule-of-law court, but rather a political court. This has become the clearest in light of its decisions on Israel," Orban said at a news conference with Netanyahu where they did not take questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu's office said he and Orban spoke on Thursday with U.S. President Donald Trump about Hungary's decision to withdraw from the ICC and discussed "the next steps that can be taken on this issue." Orban invited his Israeli counterpart to Budapest in November, a day after the arrest warrant was issued over Israel's offensive in Gaza, launched after an attack by the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas on southern Israel. Israel has rejected the ICC accusations, saying they are politically motivated and fuelled by antisemitism. It says the ICC has lost all legitimacy by issuing the warrants against a democratically elected leader of a country exercising its right to self defence. "You stand with us at the EU, you stand with us at the UN and you've just taken a bold and principled position on the ICC... it's important for all democracies to stand up to this corrupt organisation," Netanyahu told Orban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC's Presidency of the Assembly of State Parties expressed concern about Hungary's decision, urging it in a letter to continue to be a resolute party to the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, it said in a statement. EU SPLIT The visit to Hungary was Netanyahu's second trip abroad since the ICC announced the warrants, following a visit to Washington in February. As a founding member of the ICC, Hungary is obliged to arrest and hand over anyone subject to a warrant from the court. Hungary ratified the ICC's founding document in 2001, but the law has not been promulgated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp of the Netherlands, which hosts the ICC, said on Thursday that until its withdrawal from the ICC was complete, which he said takes about a year, Hungary must still meet its duties. European Union countries have been split on the ICC warrant. Some said last year they would meet their ICC commitments, while Italy has said there were legal doubts, and France has said it believed Netanyahu had immunity to ICC actions. Germany's next chancellor Friedrich Merz said in February he would find a way for Netanyahu to visit without being arrested. The ICC had also issued an arrest warrant against a Hamas leader Mohammed Deif whose death was confirmed after the warrant was issued. Prosecutors had also sought to arrest Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. Both were killed before the request was approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies, with 59 still held in Gaza. The Israeli reprisals following that attack have killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, health authorities in Gaza say. Hamas, designated a terrorist group by Israel and the West, condemned Hungary's decision to leave the ICC. (Reporting by Anita Komuves, Gergely Szakacs, and Maayan Lubell; Additional reporting by Bart Meijer, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Anthony Deutsch and Stephanie van den Berg in Amsterdam, James Mackenzie in Jerusalem; Writing by Jason Hovet and Gergely Szakacs; Editing by Alison Williams, Philippa Fletcher and Bernadette Baum) The News Hungary said it would withdraw from the International Criminal Court as it welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes. Budapests announcement on Thursday represents a blow to the court, which had appeared to be growing in confidence, as one foreign policy scholar put it, with attempted prosecutions in recent years of Netanyahu over his countrys actions in Gaza, as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine war. Because the ICC lacks enforcement powers, it relies on member states to act on its behalf. Yet, as The New York Times noted, instead of arresting Mr. Netanyahu upon his arrival in Budapest Hungary rolled out the red carpet. Hungary announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, the world's first and only permanent tribunal for war crimes and genocide, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest for a four-day visit. The ICC issued an arrest warrant last November for Netanyahu and former Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. At the time, the ICC said there were "reasonable grounds" to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant committed war crimes in Gaza, and added that Israel's acceptance of the court's jurisdiction is not required. Israel is not a member of the ICC. PHOTO: The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, March 14, 2025. (Nicolas Tucat/AFP via Getty Images, FILE) MORE: 'Hit job': ICC prosecutor seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders is 'absurd,' Netanyahu says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a member of the ICC, Hungary would be obligated to arrest Netanyahu when he visited. Netanyahu was accused of being responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare, of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts from at least Oct. 8, 2023, until at least May 20, 2024, according to the ICC. Netanyahu has rejected the ICC's arrest warrant and said the actions and charges are "absurd and false." Gallant also rejected the warrant and said it was an "attempt to deny the State of Israel the right to defend herself." Hungary will initiate its withdrawal from the ICC on Thursday, Gergely Gulyas, the Hungarian prime minister's chief of staff, said in a post on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am convinced that this otherwise important international judicial forum has been degraded into a political tool, with which we cannot and do not want to engage," Orban said Thursday at a press conference after welcoming Netanyahu, according to The Associated Press. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban first extended an invitation to Netanyahu in November after the ICC issued its arrest warrant, according to The Associated Press. The divisive Orban has been the leader of Hungary since 2010, and previously served in the same role from 1998 to 2002. The conservative nationalist leader has close ties to Russia and has been celebrated by Donald Trump. Hungary joined the ICC in November 2001 during Orban's first term as prime minister. PHOTO: Palestinians carry their belongings as they evacuate the Shijaiyah neighborhood following evacuation warnings issued by the Israeli army, in Gaza City, April 3, 2025. (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands alongside Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister, as he speaks during a news conference, April 3, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary. (Janos Kummer/Getty Images) MORE: Why are conservatives welcoming Hungary's divisive Viktor Orban at CPAC? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 125 states that recognize the ICC -- including France, Germany and the United Kingdom -- are obliged to arrest anyone with an outstanding arrest warrant who enters their territory. The Presidency of the of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, which leads the ICC and is currently composed of the president, Finland's Paivi Kaukoranta, and vice presidents, Poland's Margareta Kassangana and Sierra Leon's Michael Kanu, said it "expresses concern" at Hungary's decision to remove itself from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC. "When a State Party withdraws from the Rome Statute, it clouds our shared quest for justice and weakens our resolve to fight impunity," the presidency said in a statement. "The ICC is at the centre of the global commitment to accountability, and in order to maintain its strength, it is imperative that the international community support it without reservation. Justice requires our unity." The White House also rejected the court's decision to issue warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. Since taking office, Trump has issued sanctions against the ICC claiming the court has "engaged in illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel." PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference alongside Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister, April 3, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary. (Janos Kummer/Getty Images) The ICC granted membership to the state of Palestine in 2015, giving the court territorial jurisdiction over crimes committed in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. A pretrial chamber affirmed the ratification in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ratification laid the groundwork for the arrest warrant issued by the court against Netanyahu and Gallant in November 2024. At the same time, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, though the mastermind of Hamas' Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel was believed to have been killed in an Israeli airstrike several months before the warrant was issued. Hamas confirmed in January that Deif had been killed last August. Hungary to withdraw from International Criminal Court as Israeli PM Netanyahu visits originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Hungary announced it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), as Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted for war crimes, arrived in the country on Thursday. Viktor Orban, Hungarys prime minister, had vowed to ignore the two ICC warrants against Mr Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Budapest is a signatory to the ICC 1998 treaty, which means it is required to arrest and hand over anyone subject to a warrant from the court if they enter its territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zoltan Kovacs, Mr Orbans international press spokesman said: The withdrawal process will begin on Thursday, in line with Hungarys constitutional and international legal obligations. Israel is not a signatory to the ICC, and neither is the US, which imposed sanctions on the Hague-based court after it issued the warrants against Mr Netanyahu. In November, Mr Orban, an ally of Mr Trump, responded to the ICC arrest warrants issued over Israels war in Gaza by inviting Mr Netanyahu to make an official visit to Hungary. Mr Orban said: The ICC has become a political tribunal, evident in its witch-hunt against prime minister Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will not support a court that targets democracies like Israel for political gain. Hungary defends the rule of law. Hungary stands with Israel. Agnes Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International, said: Prime Minister Orban is harbouring a wanted ICC fugitive. By welcoming Netanyahu, Hungary is effectively giving a giving a seal of approval to Israels genocide, namely the physical destruction of the Palestinian people in whole or in part in Gaza. The decision to withdraw from the ICC comes after Mr Orban, a conservative nationalist, criticised a French court for banning Marine Le Pen from running in the next presidential elections in France. Figures in the Trump administration have likened the ban on Ms Le Pen to the lawfare the weaponisation of the legal system that saw the US president pursued and convicted in the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli prime ministers visit is expected to last until Sunday. He was due to arrive on Wednesday evening but his arrival was delayed until Thursday morning. Mr Netanyahu travelled to the US in February and met Mr Trump, who signed an executive order to impose sanctions on the ICC. The Israeli leader has visited the US several times since the war against Hamas but his trip to Hungary marks his first travel to an ICC signatory country since that conflict began. Mr Netanyahu and his wife Sara with the Hungarian prime minister, and his wife Aniko Levai, at a welcome ceremony in Budapest - ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP Hungary is a member of the EU and all of its 27 states are signatories to the ICC. However enforcement of the warrants is divisive, especially when it comes to Israel. Friedrich Merz, Germanys Chancellor-in-waiting, said last month that he would try and find a way for Mr Netanyahu to visit Germany without being arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poland had also considered whether he could attend the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in January. Other states including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Finland have said they would arrest Mr Netanyahu if he set foot on their territory. Earlier this week, the European Commission was asked about Mr Netanyahus visit to Hungary. Brussels has clashed repeatedly with Budapest over accusations of Mr Orban weakening the rule of law and democratic standards. A commission spokesperson said all member states should ensure full cooperation with the courts including by the prompt execution of outstanding arrest warrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Orban was criticised in July last year for travelling to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin, who is also wanted by the ICC. The year before he had met the Russian leader in Beijing, which is not a signatory to the court. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Portlanders are sounding off on a proposed measure that would ban the use of AI to fix rent prices. The Department of Justice and several states, including Oregon, launched a lawsuit in August that accused software firm RealPage of using its algorithm to help property owners drive up rent costs. The complaint, which was amended to include the nations largest landlords in January, is what sparked the Portland City Council policy that could prohibit the act at the local level. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Portland is currently $1800 per month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon gas pumps ranked 5th most expensive in the US as West Coast prices rise I want to note for my colleagues that the Department of Justice does not bring things forward unless there is serious evidence, District 3 Councilor Angelita Morillo, who co-introduced the ordinance, said. This is going to be hurting everybody: renters, small housing providers and small businesses and small landlords, because people arent investing their money in the economy. Morillo serves the citys Homelessness and Housing Committee, which has addressed the proposal twice this year. The committee voted to move the discussion to the remainder of city council just last week. When the policy was re-introduced at Wednesdays meeting, city leaders were met with testimony from people on both sides of the debate. Although proponents have argued that the ordinance would benefit Portland mom-and-pop landlords and renters, with renters accounting for about 47% of the population, opponents fear that the ordinance could exacerbate the ongoing housing crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six Oregon James Beard contenders advance to final round, six semifinalists passed over Joe Gardner, a self-described lifelong renter in the Portland area who testified on behalf of RealPage, claimed that rent costs have significantly dropped in the markets served by the software firm. This ordinance will not help marginalized populations, as some proponents have claimed, Gardner added. In reality, part of the impetus for the software was to reduce the importance of face-to-face bargaining in renting a process thats subject to severe implicit bias effects based on race, gender, English language skills and other factors. City council will hear additional comments on the ordinance on Thursday. But the discussion of banning rental price-fixing algorithms reaches far beyond Portland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon Department of Education ends math, literacy programs after federal funding cuts San Francisco, Philadelphia and Minneapolis are among the cities that have approved or proposed similar policies. Oregons Senate Bill 722 could ban rent-fixing software at the state level as well. If the Portland ordinance is approved, those who violate it could be charged up to $1,000 per violation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ADEN, Yemen, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Fierce clashes erupted between Houthi fighters and pro-government forces in Yemen's southern Dhalea province early Thursday, leaving casualties on both sides, a military official said. The fighting broke out in the Batar area, north of Dhalea, after Houthi forces attempted to infiltrate government-controlled positions, the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. "Government troops repelled the attack, forcing the militias to retreat and inflicting casualties," the source said. Two government soldiers and three Houthi fighters were killed. The clashes came a day after a government official said combat readiness had been raised across multiple fronts, including in the south. On Saturday, Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council chief, Rashad Al-Alimi, said in an Eid al-Fitr address that government forces were preparing to retake the capital, Sanaa, and other Houthi-held areas, calling the goal "closer than ever." The escalation comes as U.S. military operations against the Iran-aligned Houthis expand. The group controls Sanaa and large parts of northern and central Yemen. The Houthis seized Sanaa in late 2014, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene militarily in 2015 to restore the government. The conflict has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with widespread famine, displacement, and infrastructure destruction. There is nothing like a dose of reality to shake the politically idealistic out of their fanciful notions. Take Glasgow, for example. The SNP administration in Scotlands largest city wants the minister responsible for asylum to consider a pause to the asylum dispersal scheme. This sees large numbers of applicants for refugee status arriving there every year. This, according to Councillor Allan Casey, Glasgow City Councils convener for homelessness, is damaging social cohesion and placing unbearable pressure on the citys social housing supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its quite the reversal for a party that has dined out for years on its claim to be progressive and welcoming of immigration to Scotland. Indeed, one of the major planks of the independence project is the claim that Scots are far more tolerant of diversity and multiculturalism than their counterparts south of the border. Being Scottish doesnt just mean being angry all the time it means being a better person. Better than the English, anyway. Yet here we are, with an SNP-controlled local authority suddenly being forced to confront the consequences of its own policies. Thats what happens when you succeed in your electoral aims: you discover that governing, even at a local level, isnt quite as easy as it looks from the opposition benches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the nationalist councillors of Glasgow have learned much by the example of their colleagues in the Scottish Parliament. It was often claimed that governing would mould the SNP into a more realistic party that accepted the limitations imposed on it by the responsibilities of office. That hasnt quite worked out in Scotland, where every difficulty besetting the SNP government is quickly blamed on big bad Westminster, the source of all of Scotlands woes (and also much of its money, but thats another story). Similarly, Councillor Casey, rather than accept any responsibility for the difficulties his administration has created for the people its supposed to represent, has fired off a letter to the minister, Angela Eagle, criticising the system you are presiding over. You see what he did there? The problems associated with being a welcoming place for asylum seekers did not begin with this administration, which has only been in office since 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It started with its well-intentioned Labour predecessor at the end of the last century, when Glasgow volunteered to become the only Scottish local authority willingly taking part in the Home Offices asylum seeker dispersal programme. This was aimed at reducing the pressure on scarce accommodation and local services in the south east of England. Despite the SNPs insistence that it welcomed asylum seekers in principle some of its best friends were asylum seekers, no doubt no SNP-council chose to follow Glasgows lead. And they can hardly be blamed. There were positive consequences of the new arrivals on the city: their children proved hard-working and motivated, and in many areas school exam results improved after asylum seekers arrived in their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the down sides were more rarely discussed. While the city received extra money from the government to pay for accommodation, the cost in other areas had to be funded by existing council tax-payers. The costs of translation services, for example, rocketed along with the workloads of already under-pressure social workers. In November 2023, Glasgow City Council declared a housing emergency as applications for accommodation outstripped the number of homes available. The council stated: In these circumstances, if accommodation is required then what will be provided will be temporary and is unlikely to be of the type or in the location requested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added: Regrettably, this means that even people in great need often face a delay of a several years before they get a permanent house or flat. In this context, its little wonder that councillors fear for the integrity of social cohesion from the continuing flow of asylum seekers into the city, where 4100 of the 6735 available bed spaces are currently occupied by those awaiting asylum decisions. There is another layer to the SNPs blatant hypocrisy on this issue. In May 2021, police and immigration enforcement officers were physically prevented from removing two illegal immigrants living in Glasgow: a mob surrounded the van containing the two arrested men, who were subsequently released. SNP ministers at the time welcomed this example of mob rule, implying that no one should be removed from the country just because they have no legal right to be here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councillor Casey might consider becoming a trailblazer for his party by actually considering the consequences of the SNPs bluster and virtue-signalling. He might perhaps replace it with a hard-nosed acceptance that immigration rules need to be enforced, and that declaring that all refugees are welcome has real-life consequences for the lives and wallets of everyone else in the community. 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. CHICAGO (WGN) A man trying to give his brother a life-saving kidney transplant is set to be released after spending the last month in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Attorneys received a call on Wednesday morning informing them that 43-year-old Jose Gregorio Gonzalez would be released from custody after spending the last month at the Clay County Detention Center in Brazil, Ind., just west of Indianapolis. Gonzalez had been detained by ICE after he accompanied his brother, Jose Alfredo Gonzalez, to a kidney dialysis appointment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An administrative error sent a Maryland man to an El Salvador prison, ICE says Gonzalez had served as his brothers caregiver since coming to the U.S. from Venezuela one year ago and was being monitored by immigration officials after being released on humanitarian parole. The brothers had upcoming appointments at the University of Illinois Hospital to discuss the next steps in the transplant process. Even if he was not a match for his brother, Gonzalez could donate his kidney to someone else through an organ-swap program, and his brother could move up the list to get an organ in return. After being detained last month, lawyers filed for a stay of removal, which was denied. (Photos of Jose Gregorio Gonzalez and Jose Alfredo Gonzalez are shared courtesy of The Resurrection Project) On Monday, advocates rallied on his behalf, holding a vigil calling for his release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates with the Resurrection Project also said Gonzalez is willing to return to Venezuela after the life-saving operation and are grateful that he will be able to stay in the country for now. The result that were seeing is because of community, its because of organizing, its because people came together to demand what is right, what is just, that a man can save his brothers life and live safely with his family and thats the power of what we can do when we come together as a community, Tovia Siegel, director of organizing and leadership for immigrant justice for the Resurrection Project, said. Trump administration says it deported 17 more violent criminals to El Salvador ICE did not provide details on the terms or length of the release, only that it is an alternative to detention, meaning Gonzalez will likely be under some kind of monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys on Wednesday said they do not know exactly when Gonzalez would be released, but they expected it in the coming days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO A man who is trying to get his brother a life-saving transplant will soon be released after spending the last month in ICE custody. Attorneys received a call on Wednesday morning informing them that 43-year-old Jose Gregorio Gonzalez would be released from custody after spending the last month at the Clay County Detention Center in Brazil, Indiana, located just west of Indianapolis. Gonzalez had been detained by ICE after he accompanied his brother, Jose Alfredo Gonzalez, to a kidney dialysis appointment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Gonzalez had served as his brothers caregiver since coming to the US from Venezuela one year ago and was being monitored by immigration officials after being released on humanitarian parole. The brothers had upcoming appointments at the University of Illinois Hospital to discuss the next steps in the transplant process. If he was not a match for his brother, Gonzalez could donate his kidney to someone else through a swap program, and his brother would move up the list to get an organ in return. After being detained last month, lawyers filed for a stay of removal, which was denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, advocates rallied on his behalf, holding a vigil calling for his release. Advocates with the Resurrection Project say Gonzalez is willing to return to Venezuela after the life-saving operation and are grateful that he will be able to stay in the country for now. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland The result that were seeing is because of community, its because of organizing, its because people came together to demand what is right, what is just, that a man can save his brothers life and live safely with his family and thats the power of what we can do when we come together as a community, Tovia Siegel, Director of Organizing & Leadership for Immigrant Justice for the Resurrection Project, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE did not provide details on the terms or length of the release, only that it is an alternative to detention, meaning Gonzalez will likely be on some kind of monitoring. Attorneys said they do not know exactly when he will be let out, but say it should be in the coming days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO (WGN) A man trying to give his brother a life-saving kidney transplant will soon be released after spending the last month in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Attorneys received a call on Wednesday morning informing them that 43-year-old Jose Gregorio Gonzalez would be released from custody after spending the last month at the Clay County Detention Center in Brazil, Indiana, located just west of Indianapolis. Gonzalez had been detained by ICE after he accompanied his brother, Jose Alfredo Gonzalez, to a kidney dialysis appointment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An administrative error sent a Maryland man to an El Salvador prison, ICE says Gonzalez had served as his brothers caregiver since coming to the U.S. from Venezuela one year ago and was being monitored by immigration officials after being released on humanitarian parole. The brothers had upcoming appointments at the University of Illinois Hospital to discuss the next steps in the transplant process. Even if he was not a match for his brother, Gonzalez could donate his kidney to someone else through an organ-swap program, and his brother could move up the list to get an organ in return. After being detained last month, lawyers filed for a stay of removal, which was denied. (Photos of Jose Gregorio Gonzalez and Jose Alfredo Gonzalez are shared courtesy of The Resurrection Project) On Monday, advocates rallied on his behalf, holding a vigil calling for his release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates with the Resurrection Project also said Gonzalez is willing to return to Venezuela after the life-saving operation and are grateful that he will be able to stay in the country for now. The result that were seeing is because of community, its because of organizing, its because people came together to demand what is right, what is just, that a man can save his brothers life and live safely with his family and thats the power of what we can do when we come together as a community, Tovia Siegel, Director of Organizing & Leadership for Immigrant Justice for the Resurrection Project, said. Trump administration says it deported 17 more violent criminals to El Salvador ICE did not provide details on the terms or length of the release, only that it is an alternative to detention, meaning Gonzalez will likely be under some kind of monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys on Wednesday said they do not know exactly when Gonzalez would be released, but they expected it in the coming days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 post Iced Earths Jon Schaffer Gives First Interview Since Arrest for 2021 Capitol Insurrection appeared first on Consequence. Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer has given his first interview since being arrested for his role in the 2021 US Capitol riot. Schaffer was interviewed by the church-affiliated podcast It Is Later Than You Think in a video titled Jon Schaffer Finally Free. In the nearly two-and-a-half-hour conversation, Schaffer opened up about his involvement in the insurrection, his newfound Christian faith, and the possibility of returning to music as a means to glorify God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schaffer initially faced numerous charges and was arrested and detained for three months after he was spotted on security camera footage storming an entrance to the Capitol building on January 6th, 2021. Authorities had connected him to the far-right militia group the Oath Keepers, a fact disputed by the Oath Keepers themselves, and Schaffer reportedly assisted law enforcement in their investigation. Schaffers cooperation led him to striking a plea bargain, with guilty pleas of obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress, and trespassing on restricted grounds of the Capitol while armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon (bear spray). In October 2024, he was eventually sentenced to three years probation, ordered to pay $2,200 in restitution, and serve 120 hours of community service. President Donald Trump went on to pardon the Capitol rioters in a controversial move earlier this year. After his sentencing, Schaffer released a statement expressing regret for his action on the day of riot, and in his first interview since, he reflected upon his decision to join the protests that eventually led to the January 6th riot (as transcribed by The PRP): I want people to be free. I want people to be able to be free to speak their minds, to worship, to live, to prosper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what weve been told our whole lives thats what our country stands for. We realize how much weve been lied to, but the fact is thats what it was founded upon. And they have demonized everything about our history to the point that if we dont bring common sense back into this discussion, it will be unrecognizable. Now I realize my behavior wasnt the greatest behavior and wasnt the smartest thing that I ever did, but it was entrapment one hundred percent. I mean, theres no doubt. The truth is gonna come out about this. The bad thing is I know better. But I let my emotions get a whole handle on me, and I think there was a force at work there, which I cant really put into words. Schaffer then gave his recollections of the riot and storming of the Capitol itself, describing a scene of pandemonium and that he just went kind of in a straight line, following a flow of insurrectionists into the building. Schaffer attempted to describe himself as simply being caught up in the chaos and that he was surprised by the violence unfolding: So Im, like, getting more charged up, like, Whats going on? I didnt know what was going on. I did not expect that patriots were setting off flash bangs or concussion grenades or whatever I was hearing. It doesnt make sense because thats not what the movements about. Its not a violent movement. You could see that. Its a very family-oriented movement. I would say that most of the people are just freedom loving, probably a lot of Christians and a lot of of good-hearted Americans And so destroying property, thats not what we do. Thats not our thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guitarist also said he believed that he and the rest of the J6ers, as theyre called, were treated unfairly, despite them all receiving a pardon, including the ones who committed violent crimes against Capitol police officers: I think the J6ers, besides our president, have gone through possibly the worst political persecution, probably the worst political persecution in the history of the country. And the damage thats done, some of its never gonna be repaired. And it doesnt matter if we win a lawsuit against the federal government for all the abuses of our rights. I mean, thats money, man. Thats not gonna get back. Youre not gonna get your reputation back. Some people died, some people killed themselves, man, because of the pressure It is just horrible what went on. Since the riot, Schaffer said he has turned to Christianity, inspired by the faith of others on his cellblock during his brief jail stint, and he views his baptism as a rebirth of sorts. The Iced Earth founder even teased a return to music to reflect his newfound faith: Theres a few releases that Ive got up my sleeve that were gonna be working on. In terms of new material, Im gonna give that a little bit of time. I need to know that theres clear artistic direction and not something thats manufactured by me. And so whatever I would do going forward, I only wanna do something thats gonna be great. I dont want anything to be forced. And I want it to glorify God. And I think theres just so much, from a creative standpoint Theres actually been some biblical stuff throughout my catalog anyway, but from the eyes of a Christian now, like, man, theres so much inspiration there that hopefully would have a good effect on people. So I hope that comes back to me. I hope that its, like, Okay, its time. Activate. But I dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can watch the full interview with Schaffer below. Iced Earths Jon Schaffer Gives First Interview Since Arrest for 2021 Capitol Insurrection Jon Hadusek Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. Members of the public and Idaho officials wait for the governor to arrive to give the annual State of the State address on Jan. 6, 2025, in the House chambers of the Idaho Capitol in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) In what appears to be the near end of this years Idaho legislative session, Idaho Republican legislative leaders are backing and quickly approving a bill to let ivermectin be sold as an over-the-counter medicine. Typically used to treat parasites in humans, ivermectin has drawn interest since the COVID pandemic after largely conservative activists, doctors and politicians touted it as an alternative medicine. But the U.S. Food and Drug and Administration, or FDA, hasnt approved ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19, saying the federal agency finds that existing clinical trial data dont show ivermectin is effective against COVID 19 in humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idahos Senate Bill 1211 would let ivermectin be sold over-the-counter, without a prescription or consultation with a health care professional. On Monday, it was introduced. On Wednesday, it passed by a Senate committee. On Thursday, it passed the Senate. All that happened without public input from medical professionals. Dr. Sky Blue, who works with ivermectin in his practice as infectious disease doctor in Idaho, told the Idaho Capital Sun that the bill is part of a broader trend to promote unproven medical remedies and disregard their risks over more proven treatments. We have had very well done, well executed and favorable clinical trials showing that paxlovid, molnupiravir and remdesivir have positive effects (as anti-viral COVID treatments), Blue said in a Tuesday interview. And all the studies with ivermectin have not shown to have benefit, adding that severe toxicities have been found in ivermectins COVID use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Many Idaho Republican senators tap into ivermectin cure-all rhetoric conflicting with medical guidance When he pitched the bill in committee on Wednesday, bill cosponsor Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon, R-Rupert, appeared to tap into the broader national rhetoric, saying ivermectin has been called a wonder drug. Idaho Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon, R-Rupert, makes an announcement from the Senate floor on Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) This is a drug that has had really immeasurable impacts on improving the lives of billions and billions of people throughout the world since it was discovered. Its been called, in many places, a wonder drug, Anthon, the top Idaho Senate Republican, told lawmakers in committee. Its been able to serve in treating and in many ways curing human diseases treating parasites, worms in humans. And in most countries, it is legal over the counter. The Senate passed the bill on a 25-9 vote Thursday, sending the bill to the House. Five of the Senates six Democrats opposed the bill, joined by four Republicans; Democratic Sen. Ali Rabe, from Boise, was absent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill now heads to the House. To become law, Idaho bills must pass the House and Senate, and avoid the governors veto. If Idahos ivermectin deregulation bill becomes law, it would take effect immediately through an emergency clause. The bill is cosponsored by the top Republicans in the Idaho House and Senate Anthon and House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star along with two other lawmakers: Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, and Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur dAlene. A mirror reflects Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, as he answers a reporters question during a press conference on Jan. 6, 2025, at the Statehouse in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Sen. Tammy Nichols touts ivermectin as cureall. Doctors, FDA disagree. On Thursday, Republican lawmakers who debated in favor of the bill the Idaho Senate also tapped into the national cure-all rhetoric around ivermectin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In opening arguments for the bill on the Senate floor, Nichols spoke for about seven minutes out of the roughly 35-minute debate. Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, works 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) She listed a range of ailments people have used ivermectin for. Some people will use it like taking vitamins, Nichols told lawmakers. The FDA warns that large doses of ivermectin can be dangerous. Overdoses can risk death, the federal regulators website says, and human-appropriate doses can interact with other medications, such as blood thinners. Anthon has said the bill would mean people arent turning to veterinarian sources to find the drug, arguing patients could use it more safely with better dosing information. Idaho state Sen. Kevin Cook, R-Idaho Falls, works from the Senate floor before legislative action begins on Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Stressing he wasnt a doctor or pharmacist, Sen. Kevin Cook, R-Idaho Falls, said the doctors and pharmacists hed talked with say making ivermectin available without a prescription is not a good idea because there is no testing yet. We dont know all the benefits or the faults of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Usually, the FDA handles whether drugs should be made available over-the-counter, a process that uses data on safety and effectiveness. Debating in favor of the bill, Sen. Carl Bjerke, R-Coeur dAlene, incorrectly claimed the FDA never fully approved a COVID vaccine. If were using the FDA as the benchmark for whats approved or not approved, if you trust that, I believe that I dont think the COVID shot ever got out of emergency use authorization. That was never approved by the FDA, as far as Im concerned, Bjerke told the Senate. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US In 2021, the FDA approved Pfizer-BioNTechs mRNA vaccine which was the first COVID vaccine to advance past emergency use authorization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two states allow ivermectin to be sold over-the-counter, according to local news reports: Arkansas passed a law this year, and Tennessee passed a law three years ago. North Carolina is considering a similar bill. Some committee members worried about lack of doctor input The lack of input from medical experts drew consternation from some lawmakers on the Senate State Affairs Committee, which spent about a half hour considering the bill on Wednesday. Sen. Carl Bjerke, R-Coeur dAlene, presents a bill from the Senate floor on March 10, 2025, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. Also pictured is Sen. Treg Bernt, R-Meridian. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) In committee, Sen. Treg Bernt, R-Meridian, said he wanted to talk to a couple doctors about the bill. But he repeatedly suggested the bills risk wasnt high. Im not a tin-hat-wearing legislator. Im not a conspiracy theorist. I think were going to be OK with ivermectin, he said. Im not certainly wouldnt be against it, I guess. But I just want to know more about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Bernt voted for the bill on the Senate floor. The committees only Democrat, Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, said hed oppose the bill. He said the drug is being politicized. Political reasons are not a good basis for making a decision to make a prescription drug an over-the-counter drug, Ruchti said in committee. That decision should be driven by the science. It should be driven by data and research. And we have none of that in front of us. Sen. Jim Guthrie, R, McCammon, at the Idaho Capitol on April 6, 2021. (Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun) The committees chairman, Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCannon, said hed oppose the bill in committee but he might change his mind later. His younger brother took ivermectin when he got COVID, and he thought he was going to die, Guthrie told the committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, was that the ivermectin or advanced COVID? Who knows. But he felt like it could have very, very well been the ivermectin. Did he think that if a littles good, a lot will do better? Possibly. And maybe thats the risk you take when you dont have that consultation, Guthrie said. Guthrie opposed the bill on the Senate floor, joined by three other Republican lawmakers: Sens. Van Burtenshaw, from Terreton; Cook; and Dave Lent, from Idaho Falls. What the committee heard: Opposition from pharmacy industry representative, and support from attorney Only two people testified on the bill: Brian Festa, an attorney who is the co-founder of the nonprofit Caldwell-based public interest law firm We The Patriots USA. Saying he represented himself, Festa testified briefly in support of the bill. He referenced a lawsuit his law firm was involved in over a Minnesota patients struggle to get ivermectin as a need for the bill. And Pam Eaton, the CEO of the Idaho Retailers Association which represents Idaho pharmacies. In the past eight hours, she told the committee shed heard from more pharmacists than shed heard from throughout this years Idaho legislative session, adding that 99% of people shed heard from were opposed to the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eaton said without an over-the-counter label, pharmacies cant sell ivermectin over-the-counter. Some might be able to, but she said most are saying they cant. Throughout her testimony, Eaton stressed she is not a pharmacist. But she relayed patient safety concerns she said shed heard from a pharmacist about ivermectin. It has serious interactions with five medications, and requires close monitoring with 51 medications, including commonly used antibiotics, cholesterol, heart medications and other (over-the-counter) antihistamines, Eaton said. Thats the sort of information that would be on an over-the-counter medication label, she added. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CANBERRA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leaders, on the campaign trail for the nation's general election have widely condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariffs. Trade barriers on Thursday became a dominant issue in Australia's election campaign after Trump announced in Washington a baseline 10 percent tariff on imports on Wednesday afternoon local time. Delivering an immediate response to Trump's announcement on the sixth day of campaigning for the general election on May 3, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the tariffs have "no basis in logic" and were "not the act of a friend." He announced that the government would provide one billion Australian dollars (629.4 million U.S. dollars) in zero-interest loans to help businesses impacted by the tariffs capitalize on new export opportunities, strengthen anti-dumping laws to protect local aluminum and steel manufacturers and establish a strategic reserve of minerals. "Our government will always stand up for Australian jobs, Australian industry, Australian consumers and Australian values," he said. Opposition leader Peter Dutton described the tariffs as a "bad day" for Australia, but criticized Albanese and his Labor Party government for failing to secure an exemption. Dutton, who has previously drawn comparisons to Trump and in February described the president as "shrewd" and a "big thinker," said that Australia's critical minerals and defense manufacturing could have been leveraged to negotiate an exemption from the tariffs. "We have enormous capacity to contribute to the United States in a very uncertain time, and provide assurances in relation to their surface fleet and subsurface fleet -- all that is something that Australia brings to the table," Dutton told reporters in Western Australia. Campaigning in South Australia, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said that he has asked the Treasury to update modeling about the impact of the tariffs on the nation's economy. He said that the United States represents about five percent of Australia's export market, but that the economy would not be "immune" to the global impacts of the tariffs. "These escalating trade tensions, these tariffs announced by the Trump administration in Washington DC, are self-defeating, they are self-sabotaging, and in a time when there's not a lot of growth in the global economy, this will slow global growth and it will push priors higher as well around the world," Chalmers said. If neither Labor nor Dutton's Coalition wins a clear majority of the 150 seats in the lower house of Australia's parliament, the House of Representatives, at the general election, both major parties will enter negotiations with minor parties and independents for their support to form a minority government. In such an eventuality, known as a hung parliament, the left-wing Greens party, which currently holds four lower house seats, could hold the balance of power. Adam Bandt, the leader of the Greens who previously ruled out supporting Dutton and the Coalition to form a minority government, responded to the new tariffs with a call to "end" the AUKUS security partnership. "Forget Trump's 'Liberation Day', today should be Australia's liberation day -- when we finally liberate ourselves from being shackled too closely to Trump," he posted on social media. "Let's cancel AUKUS and set our own independent foreign policy." In 2021, leaders of Australia, the United States and Britain formed the AUKUS pact, which aimed to deepen cooperation among the three countries in defense and security. The state of Idaho recently passed a bill that was signed into law that would expand the death penalty to pedophiles. It also became the first state in the union to make a firing squad its preferred method of execution in modern times. The bill, HB380, now grants a judge or jury the ability to factor in the death penalty when crimes involving lewd conduct to a child under the age of 12 are proven in a trial. State law initially only allowed the death penalty in first-degree murder cases with aggravating circumstances. A mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years imprisonment, with a possible maximum term of life, may be imposed if the defendant is found guilty of kidnapping the victim or participating in human trafficking during the commission of or to accomplish the lewd conduct, according to the bills language, strengthening punishments for other convictions where obscene behavior against a minor aged 16 and younger was confirmed but didnt meet death penalty eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Idaho Legislature nearly passed the bill unanimously. Only five senators opposed it during its bill cycle. Cosponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, and House Assistant Majority Leader Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, in the bills statement of purpose, the lawmakers stated that Idaho is too lenient in terms of penalizing convicted child molesters. Skaug said in a House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee meeting that HB380 establishes a strong deterrent, making it clear Idaho will not tolerate these offenses. Idaho Gov. Brad Little agreed. After signing the bill into law last week, Little issued a detailed statement on Tuesday regarding his reasons for approving HB380. Just like capital murder destroys lives, aggravated sexual abuse of a young child devastates victims and families for generations. The sexual abuse of children is sickening and evil, and perpetrators convicted of these crimes deserve the ultimate punishment, he said, expressing gratitude to the Legislature for strengthening Idahos already powerful tough on crime reputation among the states. Idaho expects legal challenges In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled out the death sentence for child rape in a 5-4 decision. The justices concluded that it was not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child and that it violated the Eighth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment, as former Justice Anthony Kennedy stated, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision stemmed from the case Kennedy v. Louisiana, where a Louisiana court found Patrick Kennedy guilty of raping his 8-year-old stepdaughter. The state Supreme Court upheld the district court decision to pursue the death penalty, ultimately leading Kennedy to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, where its decision was made. In the past two years, both Tennessee and Florida have passed death penalty laws involving child rape cases. Rep. Skaug told lawmakers during a committee meeting that he believes the U.S. Supreme Court would rule differently today if the constitutionality of HB380 was brought before them, per Idaho Capital Sun. 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 said. Thats my professional opinion. Thats the opinion of many other attorneys. Is firing squad common? There are currently eight men and one woman on death row in Idaho, and only three executions have taken place in the state since 1977. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Utah are the only states that authorize firing squads as a form of capital punishment. Idahos recent change in laws to establish a firing squad as its primary execution method occurred less than a week after three volunteer prison employees in South Carolina executed Brad Sigmon, 67, for the 2001 murders of his girlfriends parents marking the first use of a firing squad in 15 years. Until Sigmons death, Utah was the last to perform capital punishment by gunfire in 2010 Ronnie Lee Gardner was executed for shooting and killing an attorney while trying to escape from a Salt Lake City courthouse. He became the third death by firing squad in the state since a nationwide moratorium on the death penalty was lifted in 1976. Death by shooting as a form of capital punishment has been the fate of more than 140 inmates since 1608, though its unclear how many were firing squads, according to The New York Times. Of those, 40 occurred in Utah, more than any other state. The two bodies found in the landing gear of a JetBlue plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in January have been identified, deputies confirmed Thursday. Broward Sheriff Airport District deputies and fire rescue were called about the two bodies about 11:30 p.m. Jan. 6. They were discovered during the routine post-flight maintenance inspect, a JetBlue spokesperson said in a statement at the time. The Sheriffs Office on Thursday said after extensive DNA testing, they were identified as Jeik Aniluz Lusi, 18, and Elvis Borques Castillo, 16. The statement did not provide further information about the investigation or say where the two were from or where and how they got onto the plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives traveled to the Dominican Republic earlier this year, the Sheriffs Office previously said, and met with investigators and possible family members of the two there. Lusis and Castillos mothers told WTVJ-Ch. 6 in late January that they had met with BSO detectives to confirm their identities. Castillos mother, Ironelis Castillo, had earlier told Ch. 6 that a driver took her son to the airport on Jan. 4 in the Dominican Republic, and she had not heard from him since. The flight arrived in Fort Lauderdale from New Yorks JFK Airport about 20 minutes before their bodies were found, the JetBlue spokesperson previously told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. WASHINGTON (WTVO) National Foster Care Advocate and Illinois resident James McIntyres charges were dropped in Federal court after he was accused of assaulting U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.). Mace accused McIntyre of attacking her during a reception at the Rayburn House Office Building that was celebrating the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Foster Care Independence Act on Dec. 10. Mace claimed in court she was assaulted for wanting to stop transgender women from using womens bathrooms on federal property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 1st, D.C. Superior Court records showed the misdemeanor charges of assault were dropped. D.C. Prosecutors did not say why the charges were dropped in court documents. Mace said the ruling sends an appalling message. When a man can physically assault a woman in the halls of Congress, with impunity, it sends an appalling message to every woman in America, she said. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere. I was injured, intentionally, and I am still in pain, she said. I filed charges, and they were inexplicably ignored. But I will not be. I will not back down. I will not be intimidated, and I sure as hell wont stay silent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses claimed the incident appeared to be a normal handshake. Police reported she declined medical treatment but was seen the next day in the capitol with her arm in a sling. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. CHICAGO (WGN) The State of Illinois and the City of Chicago are bracing for the economic effects of President Donald Trumps new tariffs. Local Democrats slammed the presidents reciprocal tariffs before he even officially unveiled them. On Wednesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson worked to strengthen ties with Canada while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker ended a tour of Mexico. Before Trumps announcement, local leaders expressed dismay, suggesting that they dont think the tariffs will bring back manufacturing jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk could be headed for a Washington exit after turbulent times at DOGE Any slowdown in trade threatens our citys economy, and of course it threatens our jobs, said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who attended a virtual meeting of mayors of Great Lakes U.S. and Canadian cities on Wednesday. The leaders vowed to support each other no matter Washingtons tariff policy. These disruptions are a great threat to the economic stability of Chicago, the Great Lakes region, and the livelihood of thousands of hardworking people across our two great nations, Johnson added. The Business Data Lab, a Canadian trade site, ranked U.S. metro areas that export the most to Canada. The top three areas on the list were San Antonio, Detroit, and Kansas City. The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area came in seventh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While in Mexico, leading the call for state officials and business leaders on a trade mission, Pritzker signed a non-binding cooperation agreement between Illinois and Mexico. Tariffs are really attacks on working families, Pritzker said. On his trip, Pritzker learned U.S. manufacturers and farmers are not the only people on edge. Mexican companies are worried, too. Speaking on a call with reporters, Pritzker said hes gotten an earful about President Trumps tariffs. Results for key races in suburban elections Here in Mexico, there is deep concern. Lets start with just the concern that the tariffs seem so broad-based and not well negotiated or thought out that they will potentially destroy some businesses in Mexico that U.S. companies rely upon, Pritzker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker pitched 50 major Mexican companies about doing business with 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 WGN-TV. Two days before Tuesdays local elections, the Illinois Republican Party sent out an email to supporters declaring it to be a do or die moment for us. The email was just another in a series of fundraising solicitations. But it may have more accurately captured the importance of the election, which featured wide-ranging Democratic victories in the suburbs critical for rebuilding a state GOP already on the verge of irrelevance in Illinois politics and reflected voter angst over the early tumultuous months of Republican President Donald Trumps second presidency. There was a broad rejection of what Donald Trump and the Republican Party stands for, and Illinois Democrats had perhaps one of the best nights weve ever had, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said on an unrelated press call Wednesday from Mexico, where he is leading a state trade mission. Statewide, the Illinois Democratic Party said it backed 280 candidates in Tuesdays election and 222, or 79% of them, were victorious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor attributed the results in Illinois to both organization among state Democrats and broader national pushback against Trump administration policies and government cuts being spearheaded by Trump-aligned billionaire Elon Musk. The anger is felt in Illinois, as it is across the entire country, and that did play a role, theres no doubt, in turnout and in the actual results, he said of the government-cutting actions of Trump and Musks Department of Government Efficiency. Two-term Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, a Republican, was defeated by Democrat-backed John Laesch to lead the states second largest city. In Orland Park, two-term Mayor Keith Pekau, a supporter of far-right elements of the state GOP, was ousted by more moderate Republican Jim Dodge. Both Irvin and Pekau, building off their past municipal election successes, had previously sought higher office Irvin as a candidate for the GOP nomination for governor and Pekau seeking a congressional seat only to be defeated in those bids before losing Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the real devastation came in dozens of township elections across the suburbs that saw Democrats flip power from Republicans, raising the question of whether the state GOP has fallen so low on the political depth chart that it will prevent any short-term rise to competitiveness in Illinois in a Trump 2.0 era. Democratic victories in the eastern side of DuPage County tell much of the tale. Addison Township which includes suburbs such as Addison, Wood Dale, Bensenville and Itasca once had one of the most powerful vote-getting operations in the region. Home to past U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde and former Illinois Senate President James Pate Philip, Addison Township was flipped from Republican to Democrat in Tuesdays elections, including the ousting of GOP Supervisor Dennis Reboletti, a former state lawmaker, according to unofficial results. In neighboring York Township, home to former one-term Illinois House speaker and longtime GOP leader Lee Daniels of Elmhurst, the GOP lost the race for township supervisor and highway commissioner as well as trustees. Further west in DuPages Milton Township, home to the county seat and the once-conservative bastion of Wheaton, voters swapped out the Republican leadership for Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These results mark a seismic shift in local politics. Several townships in DuPage County that had never before elected a Democrat will now be represented by Democratic leadership a testament to the partys deepening connection with voters and its commitment to delivering for working families, DuPage County Democrats said in a statement. The countys Democratic chair, Reid McCollum, called the voting a profound statement, adding that he expects Democrats will win all 49 contested township races across the county. The GOP also faltered in local Naperville races, where five candidates for the City Council and park board backed by DuPage GOP Chairman Kevin Coynes political action committee, Safe Suburbs USA, were headed toward defeat in unofficial returns. Instead, the council and park board candidates heading to victory were backed by Democratic U.S. Reps. Bill Foster and Lauren Underwood, both of Naperville. Two mayors also backed by Coynes PAC, Auroras Irvin and Lisle Mayor Christopher Pecak, also were defeated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coyne said it was obviously a very disappointing night and that Republicans faced a perfect storm trying to navigate campaigns in the era of Trump, Pritzkers spending on Democratic infrastructure and the Democrats longtime advantage in delivering mail-in voting, which Trump has criticized and Republicans have been slow to adopt. Were not going to give up. Were going to continue to look at how we are doing things and work toward rebuilding, Coyne said. I think nights like Tuesday night are going to be every election cycle until we narrow that gap on mail-in voting and get more Republicans registered to permanently receive mail-in ballots. The Democratic wins werent limited to DuPage County. In Elk Grove Township, for example, Republicans werent challenged for supervisor, clerk or assessor, but four Democrats defeated the incumbent Republicans on the township board of supervisors. James Marter, a former Kendall County GOP chairman, was defeated for reelection to the Oswego Public Library District and also lost a bid for the local school board. Marter, who has already announced a GOP bid against Underwood for 2026, has run unsuccessfully for Congress since 2018 and lost a GOP primary for U.S. Senate in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Homer Glen in Will County, Village Board candidates backed by the Homer Township ReSet slate also were headed to victory. The ReSet slate defeated the more conservative GOP organization run by controversial Township Supervisor Steve Balich in Februarys primary. Aaron Del Mar, who won reelection as Palatine Township highway commissioner, said attitudes toward Trump and Musk and their efforts to dismantle government in searching for waste, were primary factors for Tuesdays Democratic victories. Republicans on a national level are very happy correctly or incorrectly about the state of affairs that are happening. But the Democrats are incredibly upset. The Democrats came out because theyre so upset and they all came out voting, Del Mar said. Republicans sat at home. Theyre like, Yeah, were good. Were tearing the government down. And so they didnt come out. There was no incentive. Del Mar, who is eyeing a potential 2026 GOP bid for governor, said he was criticized by some fellow Republicans for fielding a township slate that included a Democratic trustee. He said he views the results as a kind of vindication for his actions, which kept Palatine Township in Republican control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pat Brady, a former state GOP chairman and Republican National Committee member who has opposed Trumps takeover of the party, said he still believed there was an opportunity for a Republican to win statewide in Illinois if they were in the socially moderate, fiscally conservative mode of the late Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka and former U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk. But the Trump nonsense does not work in Illinois, certainly not statewide, Brady said. The guy at the top, hes just out of control with tariffs, incorporating Greenland, everything. I think theres a lot of insecurity and fear, quite honestly, about what this presidents going to do, he said. And that translates to how the Republican brand has been so diminished by him. Im not sure if it can be fixed, but it cant be by a Trumpian candidate based in Illinois. Chicago Tribunes Dan Petrella, Jeremy Gorner and Olivia Olander, and the Naperville Suns Tess Kenny, contributed. CHICAGO Two days before Tuesdays local elections, the Illinois Republican Party sent out an email to supporters declaring it to be a do or die moment for us. The email was just another in a series of fundraising solicitations. But it may have more accurately captured the importance of the election, which featured wide-ranging Democratic victories in the suburbs critical for rebuilding a state GOP already on the verge of irrelevance in Illinois politics and reflected voter angst over the early tumultuous months of Republican President Donald Trumps second presidency. There was a broad rejection of what Donald Trump and the Republican Party stands for, and Illinois Democrats had perhaps one of the best nights weve ever had, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said on an unrelated press call Wednesday from Mexico, where he is leading a state trade mission. Statewide, the Illinois Democratic Party said it backed 280 candidates in Tuesdays election and 222, or 79% of them, were victorious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor attributed the results in Illinois to both organization among state Democrats and broader national pushback against Trump administration policies and government cuts being spearheaded by Trump-aligned billionaire Elon Musk. The anger is felt in Illinois, as it is across the entire country, and that did play a role, theres no doubt, in turnout and in the actual results, he said of the government-cutting actions of Trump and Musks Department of Government Efficiency. Two-term Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, a Republican, was defeated by Democrat-backed John Laesch to lead the states second largest city. In Orland Park, two-term Mayor Keith Pekau, a supporter of far-right elements of the state GOP, was ousted by more moderate Republican Jim Dodge. Both Irvin and Pekau, building off their past municipal election successes, had previously sought higher office Irvin as a candidate for the GOP nomination for governor and Pekau seeking a congressional seat only to be defeated in those bids before losing Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the real devastation came in dozens of township elections across the suburbs that saw Democrats flip power from Republicans, raising the question of whether the state GOP has fallen so low on the political depth chart that it will prevent any short-term rise to competitiveness in Illinois in a Trump 2.0 era. Democratic victories in the eastern side of DuPage County tell much of the tale. Addison Township which includes suburbs such as Addison, Wood Dale, Bensenville and Itasca once had one of the most powerful vote-getting operations in the region. Home to past U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde and former Illinois Senate President James Pate Philip, Addison Township was flipped from Republican to Democrat in Tuesdays elections, including the ousting of GOP Supervisor Dennis Reboletti, a former state lawmaker, according to unofficial results. In neighboring York Township, home to former one-term Illinois House speaker and longtime GOP leader Lee Daniels of Elmhurst, the GOP lost the race for township supervisor and highway commissioner as well as trustees. Further west in DuPages Milton Township, home to the county seat and the once-conservative bastion of Wheaton, voters swapped out the Republican leadership for Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These results mark a seismic shift in local politics. Several townships in DuPage County that had never before elected a Democrat will now be represented by Democratic leadership a testament to the partys deepening connection with voters and its commitment to delivering for working families, DuPage County Democrats said in a statement. The countys Democratic chair, Reid McCollum, called the voting a profound statement, adding that he expects Democrats will win all 49 contested township races across the county. The GOP also faltered in local Naperville races, where five candidates for the City Council and park board backed by DuPage GOP Chairman Kevin Coynes political action committee, Safe Suburbs USA, were headed toward defeat in unofficial returns. Instead, the council and park board candidates heading to victory were backed by Democratic U.S. Reps. Bill Foster and Lauren Underwood, both of Naperville. Two mayors also backed by Coynes PAC, Auroras Irvin and Lisle Mayor Christopher Pecak, also were defeated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coyne said it was obviously a very disappointing night and that Republicans faced a perfect storm trying to navigate campaigns in the era of Trump, Pritzkers spending on Democratic infrastructure and the Democrats longtime advantage in delivering mail-in voting, which Trump has criticized and Republicans have been slow to adopt. Were not going to give up. Were going to continue to look at how we are doing things and work toward rebuilding, Coyne said. I think nights like Tuesday night are going to be every election cycle until we narrow that gap on mail-in voting and get more Republicans registered to permanently receive mail-in ballots. The Democratic wins werent limited to DuPage County. In Elk Grove Township, for example, Republicans werent challenged for supervisor, clerk or assessor, but four Democrats defeated the incumbent Republicans on the township board of supervisors. James Marter, a former Kendall County GOP chairman, was defeated for reelection to the Oswego Public Library District and also lost a bid for the local school board. Marter, who has already announced a GOP bid against Underwood for 2026, has run unsuccessfully for Congress since 2018 and lost a GOP primary for U.S. Senate in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Homer Glen in Will County, Village Board candidates backed by the Homer Township ReSet slate also were headed to victory. The ReSet slate defeated the more conservative GOP organization run by controversial Township Supervisor Steve Balich in Februarys primary. Aaron Del Mar, who won reelection as Palatine Township highway commissioner, said attitudes toward Trump and Musk and their efforts to dismantle government in searching for waste, were primary factors for Tuesdays Democratic victories. Republicans on a national level are very happy correctly or incorrectly about the state of affairs that are happening. But the Democrats are incredibly upset. The Democrats came out because theyre so upset and they all came out voting, Del Mar said. Republicans sat at home. Theyre like, Yeah, were good. Were tearing the government down. And so they didnt come out. There was no incentive. Del Mar, who is eyeing a potential 2026 GOP bid for governor, said he was criticized by some fellow Republicans for fielding a township slate that included a Democratic trustee. He said he views the results as a kind of vindication for his actions, which kept Palatine Township in Republican control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pat Brady, a former state GOP chairman and Republican National Committee member who has opposed Trumps takeover of the party, said he still believed there was an opportunity for a Republican to win statewide in Illinois if they were in the socially moderate, fiscally conservative mode of the late Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka and former U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk. But the Trump nonsense does not work in Illinois, certainly not statewide, Brady said. The guy at the top, hes just out of control with tariffs, incorporating Greenland, everything. I think theres a lot of insecurity and fear, quite honestly, about what this presidents going to do, he said. And that translates to how the Republican brand has been so diminished by him. Im not sure if it can be fixed, but it cant be by a Trumpian candidate based in Illinois. _______ (Chicago Tribunes Dan Petrella, Jeremy Gorner and Olivia Olander, and the Naperville Suns Tess Kenny, contributed.) _____ WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) An Illinois man is jailed in the Wichita County Law Enforcement Center for allegedly attempting to have sex with a child. Adam Christopher Holik was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 1, on one count of online solicitation of a minor and one count of online solicitation of a minor for sexual conduct. Special agents with the Texas Department of Public Safety began an online undercover investigation on Discord on Sunday, January 26, to find adults who were talking with children under the age of 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said one of their agents posed as a 14-year-old girl and made contact with Holik. They said he asked to meet the fake teen in person to have sex. After DPS agents got a grand jury subpoena for Holiks Discord account and information, they got a copy of a 2012 police report from the OFallon Police Department in Illinois, naming Holik as a suspect in the sexual exploitation of a child and harassment of a 14-year-old girl. Authorities there said Holik traveled to the female childs home, asked to see her breasts, and when the girl declined, Holik allegedly exposed himself to the child. Agents said they also received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in which Holik was identified as a user who was allegedly talking with a 12-year-old girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, February 10, agents identified four other chats with individuals saying they were under the age of 17, where Holik allegedly asked for nude photos of underage girls. Holik remains jailed on bonds totaling $175,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (WTVO) An Illinois middle school teacher is refusing to accept an apology after a student stole her wallet and racked up hundreds of dollars in charges to Shein and DoorDash. According to KMOV, teacher Tammy Huggins said a 13-year-old student stole her wallet in March and then bragged to classmates about stealing the wallet and making the purchases. I saw there was a $220 charge for Shein and immediately, I went to check my purse. I was like oh, Shein. I know who did this, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Huggins said it was further action from the schools principal that really upset her. The principal said, The family wants to make you whole. She wants to apologize, and he gave me the one credit card, Huggins said. She did not receive the wallet, other credit cards, or the $200 she had inside it, she said. Im a teacher. I live paycheck to paycheck, and $200 to a principal maybe is nothing, but $200 is is the difference between me buying the sticker for my car and not buying the sticker for my car, and he just blew it off, Huggins said. In a statement, the school district said, We take all reports of lost or missing property seriously and address them in accordance with our policies and procedures. Our priority is to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment for all students and staff. While we cannot comment on specific situations, we remain committed to fostering a culture of integrity and responsibility within our schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Alanys Ortiz reads Josephine Seneks cues before she speaks. Josephine, who lives with a rare and debilitating genetic condition, fidgets her fingers when shes tired and bites the air when something hurts. Josephine, 16, has been diagnosed with tetrasomy 8p mosaicism, severe autism, severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, among other conditions, which will require constant assistance and supervision for the rest of her life. Ortiz, 25, is Josephines caregiver. A Venezuelan immigrant, Ortiz helps Josephine eat, bathe, and perform other daily tasks that the teen cannot do alone at her home in West Orange, New Jersey. Over the past 2 years, Ortiz said, she has developed an instinct for spotting potential triggers before they escalate. She closes doors and peels barcode stickers off apples to ease Josephines anxiety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Ortizs ability to work in the U.S. has been thrown into doubt by the Trump administration, which ordered an end to the temporary protected status program for some Venezuelans on April 7. The order is tied up in the courts. If the termination goes through, Ortiz would have to leave the country or risk detention and deportation. Ortiz has been Josephine Seneks caregiver for more than two years.. Our family would be gutted beyond belief, said Krysta Senek, Josephines mother, who has been trying to win a reprieve for Ortiz. Americans depend on many such foreign-born workers to help care for family members who are older, injured, or disabled and cannot care for themselves. Nearly 6 million people receive personal care in a private home or a group home, and about 2 million people use these services in a nursing home or other long-term care institution, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis. Increasingly, the workers who provide that care are immigrants such as Ortiz. The foreign-born share of nursing home workers rose three percentage points from 2007 to 2021, to about 18%, according to an analysis of census data by the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University in Houston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And foreign-born workers make up a high share of other direct care providers. More than 40% of home health aides, 28% of personal care workers, and 21% of nursing assistants were foreign-born in 2022, compared with 18% of workers overall that year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That workforce is in jeopardy amid an immigration crackdown President Donald Trump launched on his first day back in office. He signed executive orders that expanded the use of deportations without a court hearing, suspended refugee resettlements, and more recently ended humanitarian parole programs for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. In invoking the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans and attempting to revoke legal permanent residency for others, the Trump administration has sparked fear that even those who have followed the nations immigration rules could be targeted. Theres just a general anxiety about what this could all mean, even if somebody is here legally, said Katie Smith Sloan, president of LeadingAge, a nonprofit representing more than 5,000 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other services for aging patients. Theres concern about unfair targeting, unfair activity that could just create trauma, even if they dont ultimately end up being deported, and thats disruptive to a health care environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shutting down pathways for immigrants to work in the United States, Smith Sloan said, also means many other foreign workers may go instead to countries where they are welcomed and needed. We are in competition for the same pool of workers, she said. I might not mean anything to someone who supports deportations, says Alanys Ortiz, left, caregiver to Josephine Senek. I know I'm important to three people who need me." Growing demand as labor pool likely to shrink Demand for caregivers is predicted to surge in the U.S. as the youngest baby boomers reach retirement age, with the need for home health and personal care aides projected to grow about 21% over a decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those 820,000 additional positions represent the most of any occupation. The need for nursing assistants and orderlies also is projected to grow, by about 65,000 positions. Caregiving is often low-paying and physically demanding work that doesnt attract enough native-born Americans. The median pay ranges from about $34,000 to $38,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies have long struggled with high turnover rates and staffing shortages, Smith Sloan said, and they now fear that Trumps immigration policies will choke off a key source of workers, leaving many older and disabled Americans without someone to help them eat, dress, and perform daily activities. With the Trump administration reorganizing the Administration for Community Living, which runs programs supporting older adults and people with disabilities, and Congress considering deep cuts to Medicaid, the largest payer for long-term care in the nation, the presidents anti-immigration policies are creating a perfect storm for a sector that has not recovered from the covid-19 pandemic, said Leslie Frane, an executive vice president of the Service Employees International Union, which represents nursing facility workers and home health aides. The relationships caregivers build with their clients can take years to develop, Frane said, and replacements are already hard to find. Alanys Ortiz helps Josephine Senek with daily homework, such as her My Daily Calendar chart. In September, LeadingAge called for the federal government to help the industry meet staffing needs by raising caps on work-related immigration visas, expanding refugee status to more people, and allowing immigrants to test for professional licenses in their native language, among other recommendations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, Smith Sloan said, Theres not a lot of appetite for our message right now. The White House did not respond to questions about how the administration would address the need for workers in long-term care. Spokesperson Kush Desai said the president was given a resounding mandate from the American people to enforce our immigration laws and put Americans first while building on the progress made during the first Trump presidency to bolster our healthcare workforce and increase healthcare affordability. Refugees fill nursing home jobs in Wisconsin Until Trump suspended the refugee resettlement program, some nursing homes in Wisconsin had partnered with local churches and job placement programs to hire foreign-born workers, said Robin Wolzenburg, a senior vice president for LeadingAge Wisconsin. Many work in food service and housekeeping, roles that free up nurses and nursing assistants to work directly with patients. Wolzenburg said many immigrants are interested in direct care roles but take on ancillary roles because they cannot speak English fluently or lack U.S. certification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through a partnership with the Wisconsin health department and local schools, Wolzenburg said, nursing homes have begun to offer training in English, Spanish, and Hmong for immigrant workers to become direct care professionals. Wolzenburg said the group planned to roll out training in Swahili soon for Congolese women in the state. Over the past 2 years, she said, the partnership helped Wisconsin nursing homes fill more than two dozen jobs. Because refugee admissions are suspended, Wolzenburg said, resettlement agencies arent taking on new candidates and have paused job placements to nursing homes. Many older and disabled immigrants who are permanent residents rely on foreign-born caregivers who speak their native language and know their customs. Frane with the SEIU noted that many members of San Franciscos large Chinese American community want their aging parents to be cared for at home, preferably by someone who can speak the language. In California alone, we have members who speak 12 different languages, Frane said. That skill translates into a kind of care and connection with consumers that will be very difficult to replicate if the supply of immigrant caregivers is diminished. The ecosystem a caregiver supports Caregiving is the kind of work that makes other work possible, Frane said. Without outside caregivers, the lives of the patient and their loved ones become more difficult logistically and economically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Think of it like pulling out a Jenga stick from a Jenga pile, and the thing starts to topple, she said. Thanks to the one-on-one care from Ortiz, Josephine has learned to communicate when shes hungry or needs help. She now picks up her clothes and is learning to do her own hair. With her anxiety more under control, the violent meltdowns that once marked her weeks have become far less frequent, Ortiz said. We live in Josephines world, Ortiz said in Spanish. I try to help her find her voice and communicate her feelings. Ortiz moved to New Jersey from Venezuela in 2022 as part of an au pair program that connects foreign-born workers with people who are older or children with disabilities who need a caregiver at home. Fearing political unrest and crime in her home country, she got temporary protected status when her visa expired last year to keep her authorization to work in the United States and stay with Josephine. Alanys Ortiz moved to New Jersey from Venezuela in 2022 as part of an au pair program that connects foreign-born workers with people who are older or children with disabilities who need caregivers at home. Losing Ortiz would upend Josephines progress, Senek said. The teen would lose not only a caregiver, but also a sister and her best friend. The emotional impact would be devastating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have no way to explain to her, Oh, Alanys is being kicked out of the country, and she cant come back, she said. Its not just Josephine: Senek and her husband depend on Ortiz so they can work full-time jobs and take care of themselves and their marriage. Shes not just an au pair, Senek said. The family has called its congressional representatives for help. Even a relative who voted for Trump sent a letter to the president asking him to reconsider his decision. In a March 31 court order, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen wrote that canceling the protection could inflict irreparable harm on hundreds of thousands of persons whose lives, families, and livelihoods will be severely disrupted. Doing the work that their own people dont want to do News of immigration dragnets that sweep up lawfully present immigrants and mass deportations are causing a lot of stress, even for those who have followed the rules, said Nelly Prieto, 62, who cares for an 88-year-old man with Alzheimers disease and a man in his 30s with Down syndrome in Yakima County, Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in Mexico, she immigrated to the United States at age 12 and became a U.S. citizen under a law authorized by President Ronald Reagan that made any immigrant who entered the country before 1982 eligible for amnesty. So, shes not worried for herself. But, she said, some of her co-workers working under H-2B visas are very afraid. Nelly Prieto works eight hours a day, three days a week, caring for an 88-year-old man with Alzheimers disease who lives alone in Yakima County, Wash. It kills me to see them when they talk to me about things like that, the fear in their faces, she said. They even have letters, notarized letters, ready in case something like that happens, saying where their kids can go. Foreign-born home health workers feel they are contributing a valuable service to American society by caring for its most vulnerable, Prieto said. But their efforts are overshadowed by rhetoric and policies that make immigrants feel as if they dont belong. If they cannot appreciate our work, if they cannot appreciate us taking care of their own parents, their own grandparents, their own children, then what else do they want? she said. Were only doing the work that their own people dont want to do. Ortiz is scheduled to lose her authorization to work in the U.S. on Monday under a Trump administration order that is tied up in the courts. In New Jersey, Ortiz said life has not been the same since she received the news that her TPS authorization was slated to end soon. When she walks outside, she fears that immigration agents will detain her just because shes from Venezuela. Shes become extra cautious, always carrying proof that shes authorized to work and live in the U.S. Ortiz worries that shell end up in a detention center. But even if the U.S. now feels less welcoming, she said, going back to Venezuela is not a safe option. I might not mean anything to someone who supports deportations, Ortiz said. I know Im important to three people who need me. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com MOSCOW, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday that the sweeping new tariffs imposed by the United States on almost all nations plunged the global trade system into a highly challenging situation. "The consequences will be global in scale," Medvedev wrote on Telegram, adding that "old trade chains will be broken, but new ones will emerge." "We will impose reciprocal tariffs on goods from the United States," Medvedev said. He also said that Russia has maintained robust development despite sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe over the Ukraine crisis. "Russia's economy will grow by 3 percent in the first quarter of 2025," Medvedev said. BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) Federal immigration agents arrested 37 people Wednesday during a raid at a roofing business in northern Washington. Officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations unit and Customs and Border Protection arrived at Mt. Baker Roofings warehouse around 7:30 a.m. in Bellingham, a city near the Canadian border. They (law enforcement) arrived wielding their guns like they were going to shoot us, like we were criminals, Tomas Fuerte told Cascadia Daily News, speaking in Spanish. They corralled us into a room in the back of the building. They had a list and pictures of everyone who was undocumented and took them away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people detained were taken away in two buses, Fuerte said, adding that he has never seen such a raid in his 12 years at the company. ICE spokesperson David Yost said in a statement that the officers executed a federal search warrant based on an ongoing criminal investigation into the unlawful employment of aliens without legal work authorization in violation of federal law. The 37 people who were arrested had fraudulently represented their immigration status and submitted fraudulent documents and/or information to seek employment, Yost said. Mt. Baker Roofing said in an afternoon statement that it was fully cooperating with the authorities while also ensuring that our employees are treated fairly and respectfully under the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE says it made 32,809 arrests in President Donald Trumps first 50 days in office. That was a daily average of 656, up from 311 during the 12-month period that ended Sept. 30. Such numbers, while higher than those seen during the Biden administration, are far from the mass deportations that Trump campaigned on. So far the president has avoided the large-scale factory and office raids that characterized his first term and that of a Republican predecessor, George W. Bush, but there have been scattered and smaller operations. Criminal charges against business owners are extremely rare, though fines are common. FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking to hire more people as public swim spots open Memorial Day weekend. The Indiana DNR is looking to hire and certify lifeguards for multiple state parks across Indiana. The current parks looking for lifeguards are: the beach at Indiana Dunes State Park pool at Brown County State Park pool at Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber State Recreation Area) pool at Clifty Falls State Park pool at McCormicks Creek State Park aquatic center at OBannon Woods State Park aquatic center at Prophetstown State Park pool at Shakamak State Park pool at Spring Mill State Park pool at Turkey Run State Park pool at Versailles State Park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the pools listed above will be open Saturday through Monday, May 24-26, Saturday and Sunday May 31- June 1, and then daily June 7- Aug 1. The beach at the Indiana Dunes State Park will follow the same schedule. Positions are open to anyone 15 or older. If interested, contact the closest park near you listed above to see when a certification course is available. Phone numbers for the different properties can be found here under find a park, and more information can be found here. All other beaches will be open for swimming on Memorial Day weekend and will remain open through Labor Day weekend. Those beaches are: Brookville Lake/Whitewater Memorial State Park, Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber SRA), Cecil M. Harden (Raccoon SRA), Chain OLakes State Park, Deam Lake SRA, Ferdinand State Forest, Hardy Lake, Mississinewa Lake, Monroe Lake, Ouabache State Park, Patoka Lake, Pokagon State Park, Potato Creek State Park, Salamonie Lake, Starve Hollow SRA, Summit Lake State Park. The Beach at Lincoln State Park will close after the 4th of July weekend due to lake levels being down for dam maintenance. The aquatic center at Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County State Park and the pools at Clifty Inn, Potawatomi Inn, and Turkey Run Inn will continue to welcome guests. Beginning August 1, the pools and beach at Indiana Dunes State Park will likely return to weekends only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. Indianapolis and parts of central Indiana could remain under a flood watch through Sunday as more rain and storms are in the weekend forecast. Storms Wednesday night dumped up to three inches of rain on Indianapolis creating flash flood warnings across the metro area. Mike Ryan, meteorologist at the National Weather Service, said multiple waves of rain are expected to drop another 3-5 inches by the end of the weekend, which has the potential to cause more flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The highest amounts will be south of Indianapolis, more down in south central Indiana, but still, that is going to be a sizable amount of rainfall on top of what we already have occurring last night, Ryan said. Isolated showers were expected to begin again Thursday afternoon with thunderstorms and heavier rainfall is expcted early Friday morning. Rains will last through Sunday with 90-100% chances for Indianapolis. The city remains under a flood watch through 8 a.m. Sunday. That watch highlights the concerns NWS has about the amount of rainfall they are anticipating, Ryan said. Those rains could bring more flooding and impacts to roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The excessive rain could result rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying spots in Indy and surrounding areas seeing flooding, according to an NWS report. Extensive street flooding is also possible. Anyone living in low-lying and flood-prone areas should be prepared to act accordingly. If Indy residents notice flooding in their area, they should reach out to Citizens Energy Group to report what they see. Call them at 317-924-3311. Ben Easley, with Citizens Energy, said crews work around the clock to address issues and area prepared to handle this weeks storms. We always recommend people take the time before the rain happens to make sure their local stormwater drains are free of debris or obstructions, Easley said. Its easy to get out and see if anything washed into the drain or is covering it. Be proactive and make sure those drains are doing their job. Indianapolis experiences atmospheric river event Experts at Indiana University say the storm Wednesday was an atmospheric river event, akin to those associated with storms on the Pacific Coast. Atmospheric rivers occur when there is a high amount of moisture in the air that meets a strong front and gets a bit of uplift, said Travis O'Brien, associate professor at IU's Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences,. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm last night and the rain still to come could likely end up being a historic event. "Our best guess right now between yesterday's storm and through Sunday is six to nine inches, which is quite a lot of rain to fall over a several day period," O'Brien said. Some regions may get as much as 15 (inches), so the wording that National Weather Service is using is this going to be a "generational storm." These generational storms may increase in both the amount of rainfall as well as how frequently the occur due to a warming climate, O'Brien said. "If we had this same event 30 years from now when the global climate is maybe a degree warmer, there could be something like 7% more rain coming out of a storm like this," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While 7% may not seem like a big increase in rainfall, if these events happen more frequently it can add up. Dangerous weather continues across Indiana Forecasters in Evansville are also predicting more storms through the weekend. The Courier & Press reported a potential for another 6-8 inches of rain by Friday with flash floods certain to occur. Flood watches remain in effect in Bloomington through Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Multiple rounds of heavy rain are expected to hit the area. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on BlueSky @karlstartswithk.bsky.social This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis storms to last through Sunday with potential for floods Police say an Indianapolis man had a serious crash out over not being able to see his son and took his anger out on the childs mother outside the babys daycare. The horrifying scene led him to meet his fate under the law. Orlando Mitchell, 36, was sentenced Tuesday, April 1 in connection to a 2022 shooting that occurred outside Charity Child Care located in Marion County, Ind. Police say Mitchell staked out the daycare waiting for his girlfriend, Krystal Walton, to arrive. Police said he then ambushed the woman, shot her multiple times with a semi-automatic rifle and left her for dead. The two shared a 1-year-old son, which was allegedly their point of contention. Mitchells mother told police she cut off communication with her son because the last time they spoke, he allegedly threatened to kill Walton and himself in a murder-suicide, per court documents obtained by WTHR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he couldnt see his son, she wasnt gonna be in his life either, she allegedly told the police, per court documents. Mitchells mother then gave the police the description of his car, leading to his arrest hours later, the report says. Officers body cameras captured the chaotic scene as they tried to detain him. Mitchell allegedly shouted, I shot that b***h in the face! while being examined by EMS, per court documents. The shooting appeared to be the grand finale of a long line of domestic disputes between the two: At the time of the incident, police say Mitchell had an active warrant for his arrest after violating the protection order Walton filed against him. Prior to the incident, he was accused of forcing himself into Waltons home after she refused to let him pick up his son a day early than they planned, per the report. That day, Walton told the cops Mitchell threatened her saying, If you call the police, it will be the last thing you do, per the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before that, Mitchell pleaded guilty to domestic battery for strangling Walton while she was still pregnant, the report says. Tuesday, the court decided to put away Mitchell (almost) for good, sentencing him to 66 years in prison for murder, per Law&Crime. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Apr. 2Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to a house fire Wednesday morning that was reportedly started from a camp-style fire in a tote on the main level of the home. Firefighters were dispatched at about 7 a.m. to 809 W. Clark St. for a reported house fire. Employees of Jim and Dude's noticed smoke coming from the building and called 911. Fire crews arrived on scene and found smoke coming from the house on all three levels. One person was in the house at the time of the fire and that person was exiting upon the arrival of firefighters. According to a press release, the person had started a camp-style fire in a tote on the main level to stay warm. The fire burned through the tote and floor, then dropped into the basement, where it started other materials in the area on fire. The fire extended into an outside wall and worked its way up to the second floor and attic space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire crews worked on the scene for about two hours checking for fire extension. There were no injuries. Albert Lea Fire Rescue reminds residents that starting a wood or other type fire in a house can be deadly. Not only can people lose control like in this situation, but the fire produces dangerous gases. The Albert Lea Police Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted Fire Rescue on the scene. The Albert Lea City Council at its meeting last week voted to demolish the house, and it was previously placarded as unfit for human habitation. Albert Lea police stated the owner had approved the person being in the house. No citations were expected to be filed. A U.S. Army unit used a combination of radio frequency emitters pumping out false signals and inflatable decoy artillery pieces to lure their opponents into attacking and revealing their positions in an exercise earlier this year. This underscores the importance of the services efforts to introduce new and improved electronic warfare capabilities, as well as expand its ability to defend against enemy forces doing the same, as part of its larger modernization efforts. Col. Josh Glonek, head of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, talked about using the emitters and decoys, as well as other developments, with Defense Ones Lauren Williams last week. The interview was streamed virtually as part of the outlets State of Defense 2025: Army virtual conference. 3/10th Mountain, which wrapped up a deployment to multiple locations in Europe in March, is one of three brigades the Army is using as testbeds for its Transforming in Contact modernization initiative. Members of the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division train in Germany in January 2025. US Army So it is something that we as an Army are trying to adapt to. as well, to learn more about, to employ more electronic warfare systems down at the brigade level and below, Glonek said. We employed these during our JMRC rotation, where we had electronic warfare teams that were out detecting the enemy. But we also used electronic warfare to help deceive the OPFOR that we fought against. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OPFOR here stands for Opposing Force, which refers to the mock enemy forces in training exercises. The JMRC is the Armys Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Germany. So one of the important efforts that we conducted during the exercise was a deception effort where we placed electromagnetic emitters that would project a signal that we knew the enemy was looking for with their EW equipment, and we placed these adjacent to inflatable artillery guns, Glonek continued. And so the idea there was, rather than be able to target a real artillery [piece] that were hidden quite well, we had decoys that were offset. Glonek did not provide further details about the emitters or decoys used in the exercise. The U.S. military has a variety of signal emitters in service now, many of which are used to replicate threats during training, as well as for test and evaluation purposes. Passive electronic support measures systems (ESM) can pick up these signals and geolocate them. Existing signal emitters are often paired with mock targets to add additional fidelity for testing and training purposes. Modern decoys, as well as surrogate targets, can also include built-in features to replicate electromagnetic signals and infrared signatures to make them more representative of the real thing. Members of the 10th Mountain Division train with a signal emitter at Fort Drum, New York, in 2023. Whether or not this was among the emitter types 3/10th Mountain used during the recent JMRC rotation is unknown. US Army A stock picture of an inflatable decoy made in the Czech Republic representing a U.S. M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System. MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images MICHAL CIZEK As the enemy detected those signals, they then were able to confirm the presence [of artillery] with either a drone or a ground scout, and on three occasions over the course of our rotation they actually fired at our decoys, he added. This, of course, [was] what we wanted to happen. So we had our radars in position to detect their rounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its worth noting here that this highlights the ever-increasing use of drones on the battlefield, often in cooperation with electronic warfare systems and other capabilities like counter-battery radars, to find and positively identify targets, as well as provide improved overall situational awareness. In this case, the 3/10th Mountain subsequently destroyed the OPFOR artillery with simulated return fire. The use of decoys to bait enemy forces, including artillery, into wasting time and resources on fake targets and exposing themselves as a result is not new. Deception leveraging the electromagnetic spectrum is also a well-established tactic. However, Gloneks anecdote does still highlight the importance of electronic warfare to the U.S. military, as well as ever-growing threats in the electromagnetic spectrum. Observations from the ongoing war in Ukraine have also reinforced just how critical dominating in the electronic warfare realm is to succeeding in modern warfare. Ukrainian forces are making significant use of often high-fidelity physical decoys, as well. Ukrainian decoy IRIS-T system with AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar system, obviously of very high quality. It is suspected that one of these decoys was destroyed by a Russian strike (third video) in Kharkiv Oblast. The system was placed right in the middle of a known air defence base pic.twitter.com/nFIJVBWXm7 WarTranslated (@wartranslated) February 1, 2024 This is a remarkably good decoy M777 from the Ukrainians. I wonder how many fakes are on the @oryxspioenkop list. pic.twitter.com/MydcsNwL40 C Os (@CalibreObscura) February 22, 2023 Its an example of whats happening out there on the battlefield today in Ukraine and other places where electronic warfare is becoming a very critical part of the battle, the commander of 3/10th Mountain said of the use of signal emitters and decoys during the JMRC rotation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are paying a lot of attention to how the electromagnetic environment is being impacted in Ukraine. And one of the things that anyone who studies that conflict closely sees is that its changing very rapidly, he added. So drones that might work well one week might not even be able to fly the next week, because really the EW atmosphere is iterating at such a fast pace. What seems to be happening today, because technology is evolving so rapidly, [is] that these cycles of action and counter action are occurring on a weekly or even a daily basis, and that probably isnt happening anywhere faster than [it is with] electronic warfare, he continued. At the same time, Gloneks comments raise questions about the degree to which the Army continues to lag in modernizing its electronic warfare capabilities, which largely eroded following the collapse of the Soviet Union, as well as its ability to protect against threats in the electromagnetic spectrum. Well before Russia launched its all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Army was aware that electronic emissions signatures create serious vulnerabilities for its units that are only set to grow as they integrate ever-more networking and other electronic capabilities. Concealment will help you stay alive a little longer in the close fight, then-Army Col. Scott Woodward wrote in a social media post back in 2020. What does your EW footprint look like is the larger question. If I can see you like this, it doesnt matter how much camo you have. These were taken at the National Training Center, in California. Concealment will help you stay alive a little longer in the close fight. What does your EW footprint look like is the larger question. If I can see you like this, it doesn't matter how much camo you have pic.twitter.com/EihBe4nEG3 LXVIII RCO (@theRealBH6) May 8, 2020 The post included an annotated satellite image showing the electronic emissions signature of a battalion-sized element and supporting forces during an exercise at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin in California. At the time, Woodward was commander of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the NTCs dedicated OPFOR unit, which you can read more about here. He has since been promoted to the rank of brigadier general and is currently Deputy Commanding General-Support for the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. The 11th Cavalry Regiment has a fleet of visually modified (VISMOD) vehicles, some of which are seen here, to act as surrogates for foreign types during training exercises. US Army Since 2020, the Army has been working to integrate a growing number of electronic warfare suites, many of which are mobile, being mounted on both unarmored and armored vehicles. Systems that individual personnel can carry on their backs are also becoming increasingly more widespread within the service, as well as elsewhere across the U.S. military. The Tactical Electronic Warfare System-Infantry, which is mounted on the 44 Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), is one of the Armys newest electronic warfare systems. US Army The same kinds of questions about the Armys pace of modernization extend to other global battlefield trends, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than the traditional way of having a forward observer move across the battlefield to kind of get eyes [on] and identify a target, call for fire, what were seeing is the mass use of drones to rapidly fly around the battlefield, and to get eyes on those targets, and to enable a call for fire, which is very, very different from how weve done it in the past, Col. Glonek also told Defense Ones Lauren Williams last week. We tried to replicate some of this at our Joint Multinational Readiness Center rotation that we conducted up in Germany, and the Army fielded us a very high density of drones on this deployment to get us ready for this exercise, to really test this out. We had over 150 of them going into the rotation. And as we fought is a new Transform[ing in Contact] brigade for the Army, 90% of the fire missions that we directed, were all called and observed by a drone. So thats a big change there thats allowing us to really kind of saturate the battlefield with sensors, he added. A member of 3/10th Mountain with an Anduril Ghost drone helicopter at the JMRC in January 2025. US Army Staff Sgt. Tristan Peete Gloneks remarks here are notable given that various tiers of drones, including smaller hand-launched types, have now been in Army inventory for decades. The service has also been very publicly working through multiple efforts for years now to expand the use of uncrewed aerial systems even among small units. Both sides of the conflict in Ukraine drones for spotting artillery fire on a daily basis, something the commander of 3/10th Mountain also noted that the OPFOR was doing in the recent JMRC rotation. That this is still apparently novel even for one of the Armys three modernization testbed units is significant. The Army clearly understands the significance of growing its electronic warfare capabilities, as well as its other modernization efforts, as is underscored by 3/10th Mountains forces deceiving the OPFOR during the recent exercise in Germany. At the same time, there is still much work to be done. Contact the author: joe@twz.com Note: graphic content ahead including stories of murder, death, and cannibalism. 1.Earlier this month, a human head and hands were found in the freezer of a home that was sold recently in Grand Junction, Colorado. The new homeowners were in the process of cleaning out belongings left behind when they discovered a bag with the human remains inside. FOX31 Denver / Via youtube.com It is unknown at this time who the remains belong to, and the case is being investigated as a possible homicide. The Sheriff's office commented, "Our hope is to positively identify the victim while remaining respectful of the victim and the victims family. Advertisement Advertisement 2.In 2012, Mao Sugiyama, an artist who identifies as asexual, cooked and served up his own genitals full penis, testes, and scrotum to five diners for $250 a plate. Gins Wang / Getty Images According to the Huffington Post, "Just days after Sugiyama's 22nd birthday, the artist underwent elective genital-removal surgery, divvied up the severed penis shaft, testicles, and scrotal skin between five people, and garnished it with button mushrooms and Italian parsley." Despite reports from "concerned locals," there wasn't much authorities could do about the event because cannibalism is not illegal in Japan. 3.A few months ago, a woman in San Jose, California had to have all her limbs amputated, and almost died, after contracting a flesh-eating bacterial infection that likely came from eating undercooked fish. KRON 4 / Via youtube.com The woman, Laura Barajas, consumed tilapia purchased from a local market in July and then fell ill right away. She was diagnosed with vibrio vulnificus. Advertisement Advertisement Barajas's friend, Anna Messina, told KRON 4, "They put her into a medically induced coma. Her fingers were black, her feet were black, her bottom lip was black. She had complete sepsis, and her kidneys were failing. 4.In 2010, officials in Tokyo went to congratulate the city's "oldest living man," Sogen Kato, on his 111th birthday. However, when they arrived, they discovered he'd actually been dead for 30 years. What they found was his "uncovered mummified skeletal remains" lying in bed. Bernersteven / Getty Images/iStockphoto As the family had been collecting a widower's pension payments via Kato's bank account, they were investigated on fraud charges and eventually charged and sentenced. 5.The existence of a deep sea creature called a "bobbit worm," which can range in size from four inches to TEN FEET long. This nightmarish thing basically burrows into the ocean floor, hiding its whole body, before striking prey with his sharp multiple mouth parts. Advertisement Advertisement Kanyhun / Imazins / Getty Images/ImaZinS RF, Velvetfish / Getty Images Apparently, their jaws are so strong they can actually snap a fish in half. 6.In 2013, Dr. Farid Fata, an oncologist in Michigan, was arrested for administering chemotherapy to hundreds of patients who did not need it. His crimes became one of the largest healthcare frauds in US history. ABC News / Via youtube.com According to ABC News, a least 553 victims were identified, with Fata often prescribing treatments for cancer they didnt have. Fata was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy charges. Advertisement Advertisement 7.A 14-year-old boy fell to his death after "subway surfing" on a train in Brooklyn, New York earlier in January. According to witnesses, the boy had climbed on top of the subway car and then fell to the tracks where he was then struck by an oncoming train. David Dee Delgado / Getty Images NBC New York reported, "The death marked the fourth related to the subway surfing trend of the year as of July 5, that's according to the MTA." 8.In January, an elderly couple was found dead in their South Carolina home during a wellness check. When authorities arrived, they said that the home's heater had reached 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. WBTV News - Charlotte / Via youtube.com According to CBS News, "When medics went to obtain the victims' body temperatures, [they were] recorded each at over 106 degrees Fahrenheit the highest [their] devices would register." Advertisement Advertisement No foul play was suspected, however, after speaking with the victims' family members, investigators found that there had been issues with the hot water heater and the heater had been "out," and the family members had "fiddled" with the hot water heater (in an attempt to help). 9.Eighteen months after having a cesarean birth, a "dinner plate-sized" surgical tool was found inside a woman's abdomen in Auckland, New Zealand. Westend61 / Getty Images/Westend61 According to CNN, "An Alexis retractor, or AWR, which can measure 17 centimeters (6 inches) in diameter, was left inside the mothers body following the birth of her baby at Auckland City Hospital in 2020. The woman suffered months of chronic pain and went for several checkups to find out what was wrong, including X-rays that showed no sign of the device. The pain got so severe that she visited the hospitals emergency department and the device was discovered on an abdominal CT scan and removed immediately in 2021." Advertisement Advertisement 10.Back in November 2023, an 83-year-old woman in South Carolina died after falling 48 feet down a hidden well shaft that was beneath the floor of her daughter's 100-year-old home. WYFF News 4 / Via youtube.com According to Live 5 WCSC, the elderly woman, Dorothy Louise Downey, had been visiting to assist her daughter in moving, but "as she was walking in the kitchen, Downey stepped onto the weakened floor and fell through into a well shaft. Downeys daughter crawled under the house to try and locate her mother, but she could not find her." The fire department and emergency services were eventually able to extricate the woman. 11.Also in November, it's estimated that 450 patients at a hospital in Salem, Massachusetts were potentially exposed to HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C because IV medications were administered improperly. Richard Bailey / Getty Images According to NBC News, the possible exposures happened over a period of about two years and affected patients who needed an endoscopy. However, the hospital assured patients that the likelihood that they were actually infected was "extremely small." Patients were notified via the hospital's online portal, and as of November, no patients had reported infections. Advertisement Advertisement 12.Meanwhile, in Medford, Oregon, as many as 10 people may have died back in December 2023 because a nurse switched medication with tap water. KGW News / Via youtube.com According to NBC News, "Multiple sources say an Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center nurse injected multiple patients with tap water in an attempt to cover up their misuse of the hospitals supply of pain medication, specifically fentanyl. [...] The tap water, which is not sterile, led to multiple infections of pseudomonas." 13.The fact that the youngest person ever executed in the United States was a 12-year-old Native American girl named Hannah Ocuish. She was hanged in New London, Connecticut on Dec. 20, 1786. Duncan1890 / Getty Images Ocuish had been accused of murdering a 6-year-old girl named Eunice Bolles. However, because Ocuish apparently suffered from a mental disability, it was questioned whether she was "fit" to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement 14.A man in Southern California was ejected from a fast-moving RV, onto a busy freeway, after his wife had fallen asleep behind the wheel. The man, Cordell Patrick, was severely injured, suffering multiple broken bones, lacerations, and a dislocated shoulder, but survived the ordeal. KTLA 5 / Via youtube.com Patrick told KTLA 5, "I had just unbuckled my seat belt. It was only unbuckled for five seconds. I noticed my wife had dozed off, so instead of going straight, we were headed toward the median. I tried grabbing the steering wheel, but before I could grab it, we already had impact." The RV crashed into the center medium, which caused Patrick to go flying out through the driver's side window. He managed to drag himself closer to the median where a good samaritan stopped and helped. 15.The reason that there are no skeletons at the wreck of the Titanic is basically because once the flesh of their bodies were eaten, the remaining bones dissolved. Placebo365 / Getty Images In an interview with NPR, deep-sea voyager Robert Ballard explained, "The water in the deep sea is under-saturated in calcium carbonate, which is mostly, you know, what bones are made of. For example, on the Titanic and on the Bismarck, those ships are below the calcium carbonate compensation depth, so once the critters eat their flesh and expose the bones, the bones dissolve." Advertisement Advertisement 16.In 2008, a woman, Dianne Odell, who had spent nearly 60 years in an iron lung, died when a power outage shut off electricity in her home and stopped the pump drawing air into her lungs. Kansas City Star / Via youtube.com According to the Spokesman-Review, "Family members were unable to get an emergency generator working after a power failure knocked out electricity to the Odell familys residence near Jackson, Tennessee." Odell had contracted polio when she was 3 years old, and lived with her parents, who had an emergency generator. However, "for some reason," according to her brother-in-law, it did not work. 17.During a trip to Mexico for elective cosmetic surgery, a woman from Washington, Kimberly McCormick, woke up with breast implants and a butt lift that she never asked for. FOX 13 Seattle / Via youtube.com McCormick had previously had a positive experience at the same clinic with weight-loss surgery. So, she went back for a breast lift and to have excess skin removed. However, what she received instead was breast implants and a Brazilian butt lift. The surgeon, meanwhile, never removed any excess skin, as requested. On top of this, McCormick developed a severe infection and was allegedly bullied into paying an additional $2,500. She is currently undergoing treatment from local doctors back home. 18.This horrifying video of a fish latched onto a woman's butt, which makes me never want to go in the ocean ever again. ubal0xh / Via reddit.com 19.Although Shakespeare is famously buried at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, England (his hometown), his head is actually missing. It is believed his skull was stolen sometime in the 18th century. Edward Palm / Getty Images/iStockphoto, Erik Von Weber / Getty Images Back in 2016, what was only a "tale" was confirmed when a radar scan of his tomb was done, confirming the skull was missing. It was also revealed that there was a "change of material" in the burial, which suggests there was damage and a repair job done to the grave. 20.It was recently discovered that bottled water, the kind you literally just buy in stores, contains thousands of nanoplastics that are so small they can invade your body's cells. In fact, these particles are so small they cannot be seen under a microscope. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images The concern is that because these plastics are so small they can migrate through tissue and potentially distribute "harmful synthetic chemicals throughout the body." 21.Just a couple of weeks ago, a TV station in Ecuador was attacked on air by masked gunmen, members of a criminal gang. In a terrifying video that you can watch here, staff are seen being forced to the floor during the terrifying attack. CBS News / Via youtube.com The event occurred after a 60-day state of emergency had already been in place in Ecuador, and 13 arrests were made after the attack. 22.Back in 2021, a 6-year-old girl died on a drop ride at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Colorado because ride operators didn't properly check her seatbelt. ABC News / Via youtube.com According to the Denver Post, "Investigators found the girl, Wongel Estifanos, was sitting on the two seatbelts instead of wearing them across her lap, and the rides two newly hired operators never noticed even though they made seatbelt checks. An alarm system warned of a problem, but the two workers werent trained well enough to know what to do about it, so one of them reset the system and sent the ride on its way. Estifanos died of multiple blunt force trauma from the fall, according to the Garfield County coroner. She was found at the bottom of the rides mine shaft." 23.A woman in Thousand Oaks, California, Bryn Spejcher, fatally stabbed her boyfriend over 100 times, as well as stabbed herself, in an apparent "cannabis-induced" psychosis. According to CBS News, "Police officers who responded to the apartment found O'Melia [Spejcher's boyfriend] lying in a pool of blood with Spejcher 'screaming hysterically with a knife still in her hands.' Before the officers could disarm her, Spejcher plunged the weapon, a long-serrated bread knife, into her own neck." Spejcher was ultimately convicted by a jury of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 100 hours of community service. 24.Finally, this image of a hospital bill for $1,629 that someone received when they were simply a victim of gun violence. They Reddit user joked, "My reward for being an innocent gun violence victim." DHAKA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A head-on collision between a bus and a microbus killed 10 people in southeastern Bangladesh on Wednesday, a local police official said. Arifur Rahman, a senior police official in Bangladesh's Chattogram district, told journalists that the deadly crash happened at around 7:15 a.m. in Chattogram district, some 242 km away from the capital Dhaka, when a bus collided with a microbus bound for Cox's Bazar. According to the official, two other people were injured in the accident. He said the ill-fated passengers were all relatives who were going to the seaside town of Cox's Bazar to enjoy the Eid holiday. Apart from frequent accidents mainly caused by reckless driving, as in previous years, run-down roads in parts of the country became a grave concern for the Eid holiday travelers this year. ALBANY The start of a new education program for entrepreneurs launched its first cohort March 20. The Launch Room, a project supported by the Atlanta-based Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, provides a 10-week course designed to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources needed to move forward with business ideas. The projects pilot cohort is made up of 12 people with diverse ideas from food and beverage to technology to nonprofit work. The Launch Room is just one of four pilot projects supported by PIN across the southeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This project is to provide additional or improve services for early-stage entrepreneurs in the Albany-Dougherty County community and to better position Albany as a hub for southwest Georgia in the economic development as well as the entrepreneurial ecosystem space, Jamal Lewis, PINs economic opportunity manager, said. Jud Savelle, the Launch Rooms president, said the idea for the program began about one year ago after he and others attended a PIN leadership program in Atlanta. One of PINs missions is to develop innovation opportunities for rural areas. Savelle said developing a program unique to Albany involved exploring what was missing from Albanys entrepreneurial ecosystem. He said that while Albany has a network of entrepreneurial support organizations, it lacked one that focused specifically on early-stage businesses. A lot of businesses dont know where to start, Savelle said. Theyre not big enough to join the Chamber of Commerce, so they may not have access to a bigger network. We wanted to expand their access to business, learning and support opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next thing missing was diversification and innovation. Savelle said 60% of the areas smaller businesses were clustered in about five sectors. As a community, we really need to be more diverse because that will help entrepreneurs grow, he said. If everybodys doing the same thing, theyre all competing with each other. Creators of the Launch Room also revealed an equity gap between small businesses in Albany and small businesses across the state. Albany business owners were operating at about 75% of the equity level of statewide businesses. Through innovation and diversification, we felt like we could start to close that gap, Savelle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 10-week course is broken up into three-hour classes each week. Classes consist of lessons on financial management, accessing capital and how to find customers and then meet the needs of those customers, and more. The entrepreneurs then complete field work and a homework assignment such as interviewing potential customers. Theyre all in class together, giving them the opportunity to network. They absolutely function as a team where theyre helping each other grow, Savelle said. Theyre not competing with each other. Theyre leaning on each other. Savelle said the goal is that by the end of the course, entrepreneurs are able to move into a broader network of support within the Albany community, able to engage with organizations like the MicroBusiness Enterprise Center or Downtown Development manager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to drive innovation, he said. I think oftentimes the business community, especially industry, thinks that they have to look outside of all the need to access innovative or creative solutions for their business or their employees. But our hope is that theyll be able to start looking in the community and finding those really kind of neat and innovative businesses right here. One of those innovative business ideas comes from cohort member Jonita Coleman. The 47-year-old is an Albany native and a creative with a couple of business pursuits from her home-based craft business to truck driving. Coleman applied to be a part of the first cohort of the Launch Room with an idea for a freight dispatching brokerage business. She and her husband currently operate a trucking company together. Both have CDL licenses from Albany Technical College. At about 5 feet tall, Coleman drives semi-trucks while also completing administrative work for the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being behind the scenes, I was like I can do this for other drivers, she said. It sparked something in me, and thats where the idea of wanting to get into the brokerage and freight side of things for other truckers. After five years in the trucking business, she wants to expand her company to not only moving freight but also linking carriers with shippers outside of her business. She said she applied to the Launch Room in hopes that it would help jump-start this business venture. She said she believes her business idea stands out because its not every day you see a female minority stepping into the trucking and freight field. About two weeks into the program, she said shes already benefited. It has really been transformative to my mindset of how I want to do business and identifying some things that I may have done wrong in the beginning and changes I need to make things better, Coleman said. Its exceeded my expectations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the program breaks starting businesses down into digestible pieces. Anytime youre thinking about stepping out and starting a business, regardless of how small it is its very daunting, but I think that what the Launch Room provides is those smaller pieces so that you can fully understand the process of how to get from point A to point B with your business, Coleman said. She said the Launch Room has also allowed her to step out of her comfort zone, networking with other businesses and resources in the Albany area. I am so thankful that I was chosen to be a part of this, this first cohort, and I am really looking forward to what this will bring to our area and what businesses will be birthed out of this, she said. Think about how many people have an idea, but just dont know how to bring it to fruition. Theres going to be a lot of great things thats going to come out of this a lot of relationships that are going to extend beyond this chapter. The Launch Rooms pilot cohort will graduate May 22. Savelle said it will open applications for a new cohort in the fall. By the end of 2025, the Launch Room will have a brick-and-mortar space on Front Street in downtown Albany. Itll be the location for classes as well as a space for networking and collaboration among Albany and Dougherty Countys entrepreneurs. The coastline in Steinhatchee remains covered in debris on Oct. 3, 2024, following Hurricane Helene. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Testimony from the author of the 2022 report detailing how Florida property insurers gave millions to shareholders and billions to out-of-state affiliates while claiming financial ruin left some lawmakers on a House panel Thursday feeling like insurance regulators had lied to them. The report at issue has prompted legislators to seek greater oversight over the flow of money from insurers to affiliates. House members have also questioned former and sitting insurance commissioners, who struggled to explain why they didnt bring attention to the reports findings in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jan Moenck, who wrote the report for Risk & Regulatory Consulting, told the Insurance & Banking Subcommittee Thursday that the firm submitted to the Office of Insurance Regulation its final draft on April 1, 2022, and didnt receive any feedback or requests for changes, so RRC considered its work done. That statement from Moenck prompted more questions from committee members, who heard testimony in March from OIRs former and sitting heads that the report hadnt been published because it was a draft and needed further review before release. Youre at your final draft, so it is inaccurate for them to have said you were not finished. So either they werent telling us the truth or you werent telling the truth. Which one was that? Riverview Republican Rep. Danny Alvarez asked Moenck. In our mind, we had our final draft, Moenck responded under oath. House wants to dig deeper The report sat until a Tampa Bay Times article brought it to the surface, highlighting how property insurers claimed losses following hurricanes Irma in 2017 and Michael in 2018, yet had paid $680 million in dividends to shareholders and billions in fees to affiliated companies for basic services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel signaled that it would try to get more answers from OIR, with the subcommittee chair, Port Richey Republican Rep. Brad Yeager, telling reporters that the lack of communication from the regulating office after RRC submitted the final draft was telling. The House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee hears testimony on April 3, 2025, from the author of the 2022 report about property insurers financial practices. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix) Additionally, Yeager said, House Speaker Daniel Perez had authorized the subcommittee to find a firm to investigate shortcomings in the way regulators monitor insurer-affiliate relationships. Tampa Democratic Rep. Dianne Hart, during the Thursday meeting, asked whether there would be more testimony from OIR. What is being revealed basically says they lied to us. They had a completed report and did not let us know that it was completed, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not all lawmakers are convinced the Legislature should continue delving into the affiliate relationships. Delray Beach Republican Rep. Mike Caruso, a close ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, used air quotes when talking about the investigation House Speaker Daniel Perez called for the subcommittee to carry out. Caruso said some of the insurance companies that appeared to siphon money to their affiliates were paying them to do all of the claims processing. What is OIR saying? But OIR Commissioner Michael Yaworsky, who assumed the role in early 2023, rejected the notion in a phone interview with the Phoenix that he lied to lawmakers. He told the panel on March 14 that OIR in 2022 was dealing with the insolvency of several companies and investigating other insurers. If theres a thought out there that OIR, or an OIR employee, or myself lied to them, thats just not accurate, Yawaorsky said. I think what were getting caught up in is the mechanics of how projects such as these are completed, typically. Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworksy (Photo credit OIR) The commissioner maintains that the report doesnt provide a full picture because several insurers didnt provide any or all information required for the analysis, which he emphasized wasnt Moencks fault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was extensive back and forth between the office and Moenck up to a certain point, and I think it seemed like it was the point that the market was collapsing that that communication stopped, he said. It did seem to stop at a point with no additional follow-ups. David Altmaier, OIR commissioner in 2022, echoed Yaworskys sentiment about the frenzy in the industry at the time the office received the report. Hindsight being 20/20, theres probably some opportunities where I could have poked a little bit to make sure that this work was continuing. But, as the commissioner said, we were dealing with a lot, Altmaier told lawmakers last month. Months after the office had the report, the Legislature met for a special session in December that resulted in changes making it harder for policyholders to sue insurers, who claimed frivolous lawsuits drove up insurance premiums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers in the Insurance & Banking Subcommittee advanced a proposal, HB 881, that would require insurers to demonstrate that fees, commissions, and other payments to affiliates are fair and reasonable. The statutory lack of definition of fair and reasonable fees has also been at the center of discussions in the Legislature this year. The bill approved Thursday states that when weighing whether a fee or commission is fair and reasonable, OIR must look at the actual cost of the service the affiliate provided to the insurer, the financial condition of both companies, the level of debt, the amount and purpose of payments and dividends, whether the contract benefits the insurer, and other information the office needs to made the determination. However, similar bills appear stalled in the Senate at the midway point of the session. Yaworsky said the office would have a difficult time complying with a legislative demand to produce a similar report with more recent data. Were a pretty cash-strapped agency, and the House currently has us set to lose 20 full-time employees in their budget, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Three suspects have been arrested following a residential burglary that occurred in a Weddington neighborhood. On February 2, deputies responded to a call regarding an active break-in at a residence within the Highgate neighborhood. The suspects, however, managed to flee the scene before deputies arrived. UCSO detectives, working in close collaboration with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the York County Sheriffs Office, the Huntersville Police Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, successfully identified three individuals connected to the crime and arrested the individuals Tuesday, April 1 in Columbia, South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three individuals taken into custody have been identified as Joiner Jhosuet Cortes Morales, Terry Stiven Cajamarca-Grijalba, and Cristian Hernan Pirajan-Rivera, all of whom are foreign nationals from Colombia. Each suspect has a criminal history spanning multiple states and is wanted for numerous burglary-related offenses across the United States. CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY All three are currently being held at the York County Detention Center in South Carolina under secured bonds of $300,000 each. In addition to their local charges, they are also being held on detainers issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and each offender will face extradition to other jurisdictions where they are wanted for additional crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities determined that these individuals are part of a well-organized, transnational criminal enterprise commonly referred to as the South American Theft Group. This group, which operates throughout the United States, is composed primarily of individuals who enter the country illegally with the intent to commit property crimes, primarily high-end residential burglaries. The group is believed to be responsible for countless burglaries nationwide, including more than ten break-ins across the southeastern United States in recent months. In the wake of these arrests, UCSO detectives and law enforcement partners continue to investigate this burglary and similar crimes that have occurred in the area over the past two to three years. Additional arrests and charges in connection to this case and others like it are expected. We will not allow organized crime groups to target our communities, and we will continue pursuing justice for every victim impacted by these offenses. Sheriff Eddie Cathey The Union County Sheriffs Office urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents is encouraged to contact the UCSO Main Office at 704-283-3789 or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600. Anonymous crime tips can also be submitted through the free UCSO smartphone application, available in app 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 Queen City News. SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Interpol has denied a Bosnian court's request for a wanted alert for Bosnian Serb separatist leader Milorad Dodik, who is accused of attacking the constitutional order and went abroad in defiance, according to the court and a Serbian minister. Interpol declined to comment, but Bosnia's state court confirmed to Reuters that a Red Notice, an alert typically issued for international fugitives, had not come into effect. "All other circumstances and information are considered to be of confidential character so the court cannot comment on detailed reasons for the Interpol's decision," the court said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dispute, which pits Dodik and his allies Russia and Serbia against the United States and the European Union, is one of the biggest threats to peace in the Balkans since the 1990s conflicts that followed socialist Yugoslavia's collapse. It began after Dodik, the president of Bosnia's autonomous Serb Republic, defied rulings by the international envoy to Bosnia, whose role is to prevent the multi-ethnic Balkan state from slipping back into conflict. Dodik was sentenced in February to a year in jail and banned from politics for six years over ignoring the envoy's rulings, a verdict Dodik can appeal against. A Bosnian court last week ordered an international arrest warrant be issued for Dodik and his aide over attacking the constitutional order, after the two went abroad in defiance of an internal arrest warrant. "We are informed that Interpol General Secretariat has evaluated, based on our protest note and explanation by the Interpol Belgrade, that the request is not aligned with the Article 3 of the Statute and that the terms for issuing warrants have not been met," the office of Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said in a statement late on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With this, Interpol has proven that it firmly sticks to the principles of neutrality and of not interfering in internal political matters of its member states," the statement said. Dodik welcomed the news, saying Interpol's decision was proof that the warrant was politically motivated. On Wednesday, Dodik returned to Bosnia after a diplomatic tour of Serbia, Israel and Russia where he lobbied for support for his political moves, which undermine the fragile structure of the Balkan state. Bosnia comprises two highly autonomous regions, the Serb Republic and the Bosniak-Croat Federation. A long-time advocate of secession from Bosnia, Dodik had initiated legislation barring the state judiciary and police from operating in the Serb region, but Bosnia's constitutional court temporarily suspended that. (Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic, additional reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic and Bart Meijer; Editing by William Maclean) DENVER (KDVR) An invasive fungus has been detected in bats at Rocky Mountain National Park. In a Thursday press release from the national park, tests done by the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the fungus known as Pseudogymnoascus destructans, or Pd, has been detected in bats in the Holzwarth Historic Site on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. According to the park, this is the first confirmed detection of the fungus in Grand County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pd is described as an invasive fungus that causes white-nose syndrome a deadly and infectious disease that impacts bats. Any new detection of Pd is worrisome because bats are vital for healthy ecosystems. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to nine known species of bats, five of which have been found living in areas above 11,000 feet, said Rocky Mountain National Park in a press release. How much snow will fall in the high country this weekend? While white-nose syndrome does not pose a risk to humans, people can spread the disease. Following the detection, Rocky Mountain National Park has provided protection tips to visitors. The park asks people to report dead or injured bats to park personnel. The park also said people should never touch a bat, because they could carry other dangerous diseases aside from white-nose syndrome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you do visit a cave or bat habitat, Rocky Mountain National Park recommends you properly decontaminate gear and outerwear. The national park said white-nose syndrome was first confirmed in 2022 in southeastern Colorado, it has also been confirmed in Larimer County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has issued a warning that your genetic data may soon be at risk if you ever used 23andMe. The company recently filed for bankruptcy, announcing that a large number of its assets will be sold off, according to the release from Birds office. These sales mean that some companies could purchase or receive data that was collected by 23andMe. As 23AndMe goes bankrupt, Iowans should know how to keep their DNA off the market, said Attorney General Bird. Iowans have the ability to download and delete their data, destroy their test samples, and revoke permission for their data to be used for research. The power is in Iowans hands to keep their unique and valuable genetic information safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can request that your date be deleted by going to their website here. They also recommend that you access your 23andMe account and revoke permissions allowing your data be used for search, request your samples be destroyed, and your data be permanently deleted. California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a similar warning in March. Kids under 16 no longer allowed at Southern Hills Mall unsupervised You can find the step-by-step guide to avoid risk provided by Birds office below. To Delete Your 23andMe Data: File a request to delete your 23andMe account here: https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/212170688-Requesting-23andMe-Account-Closure. To Download Your 23andMe Data Before Deletion: Log into your 23andMe account on the company website. Go to the Settings section of your profile. Scroll to a section labeled 23andMe Data at the bottom of the page. Click View next to 23andMe Data. Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding. Delete Data at the very bottom of the page where it says, Permanently Delete Data. To Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample: Iowans who chose to let 23andMe store their saliva sample and DNA but have since changed their mind can switch their preference on the account settings page under Preferences. Click Edit Scroll down to the Sample Storage section and click Permanently discard samples To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research: Iowans who previously allowed 23andMe and third-party researchers to use their genetic data and sample for research may withdraw their consent on the account settings page, under Research and Product Consents. Click Edit Click change consent and scroll down to bottom of the page and check boxes to either give consent or to not give consent. Then submit your selection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have any other questions, the AGs office suggests contacting them at 1-888-777-4590 or filing a complaint on their 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. IOWA (KCAU) The Iowa Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, Task Force met for the first time Wednesday. One of the members of the task force is Ryan Schaap, the chief information officer at Wells Enterprises. A full list of task force members and their affiliation is below. Emily Schmitt Sukup Manufacturing Co. Nick Bowdish Elite Octane Brianne Schulte Vermeer Adam Keune University of Iowa Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Craig Dozark Crawford County Board of Supervisors ReNae Arnold Dallas County Recorder Terry Lutz McClure Engineering Beth Tinsman Twin State Technical Services Kathy Kay Principal Financial Group Ryan Schaap Well Enterprises Dave Mulcahy MABSCO Investments David Spalding Iowa State University College of Business Reynolds Cramer Fareway Joe Murphy Iowa Business Council Hans Wilz (ex-Officio Member) Iowa House of Representatives Dan Dawson (ex-Officio Member) Iowa Senate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stated goals for the task force include maximizing return on taxpayer investment and further refining the workforce and job training program. The group now has 180 days to submit a report to the governor. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Office said she attended and spoke at the meeting. She provided the following statement after the meeting. Advocates lobby for legislation that aids Iowans struggling with mental illnesses I was honored to speak today at the first meeting of our Iowa DOGE Task Force. This task force is yet another opportunity to apply Iowas proven formula of asking tough questions and making bold, transformative changes. I couldnt have more confidence in the talented members of this group, under Emily Schmitts leadership, to build on our strong foundation and chart the course for more efficient government at all levels for Iowans. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds After the meeting, Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner (Iowa City) issued a statement criticizing the task force for not including any public employees while including corporations and Republicans in the group. Read here full statement below. Its obvious that tackling government waste and inefficiency is not Gov. Reynolds priority with her new task force. Representation on behalf of the minority party is nowhere to be found on this task force. Where are the public employees who could provide real, actionable advice? Is it the governors position that only corporate entities and elected Republicans can spot waste and inefficiency? The governor plans to run budget deficits for each of the next five years, her executive departments are actively withholding critical budget and oversight information from the Legislature, and Iowa taxpayers are paying hundreds of millions of dollars for families who already send their kids to private schools. If the governor wants to address government waste and inefficiency, she should start at home. Sen. Janice Weiner (D-Iowa City) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. BUFFALO CENTER, Iowa At first glance, the somewhat unassuming storefront of Weavers Leather Store looks like another family-owned business in a small central Iowa community. But this store has been around for nearly 100 years and one family member has worked here for about 80 of those years. LeRoy Weaver took over the store in his late teens after his father passed away. Hes worked there ever since except for a couple years away after being drafted to serve in the Korean War. Now, Weaver is 95 years old. While technically retired, he still pops in to help sew or with other business needs. His infectious smile greets all as he stares over his sewing machine in his typical chair near the store entrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More stories: Gabe on the Go Weaver has seen plenty of change in the shoe business over the years. Once, several shoe stores were found in Buffalo Center. Now, someone looking for a custom shoe store would need to travel dozens of miles to find one. Weaver says people are the highlight of what Weavers Leather Store does. A devoted customer base which spreads about an 80-mile radius around the store keeps business strong. Its not uncommon for the store to also have shoes shipped in to be worked on from all over the country. Several years ago, LeRoy formally passed the business along to his son Tim. Now, Tims family takes the lead at the store, including two of his sons. Tim hopes to pass the reigns down to them someday, which would be the fourth generation of Weavers running the store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tim says working with family can have its challenges just as anyone would expect. But he emphasizes the importance of calmly working out issues and having an attitude that every issue and be solved and worked out. Tim feels the last hundred years of business prove that sitting down and talking things out leads to good results. As for LeRoys secret to longevity? Drink the right kind of beer, he says, moderately. Weavers Leather Store is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturdays. You can find more information on the Facebook page. The Weaver family will officially celebrate the stores 100th anniversary on May 3rd. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Iran has ordered military personnel to leave Yemen, abandoning its Houthi allies as the US escalates an air strike campaign against the rebel group. A senior Iranian official said the move aimed to avoid direct confrontation with the US if an Iranian soldier was killed. The official said Iran was also scaling back its strategy of supporting a network of regional proxies to focus on the direct threats from the US instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tehrans primary concern, the source said, was Trump and how to deal with him. Every meeting is dominated by discussions about him, and none of the regional groups we previously supported are being discussed, the source said. There have been near-daily attacks on the Houthis from the US since group chat messages from senior Trump officials discussing the strikes were leaked to the media last month. The strikes, which Donald Trump described as unbelievably successful, have destroyed important military targets and killed commanders. A Pentagon spokesman said more warplanes would be sent to the region but did not provide specific details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However the USs 124th Fighter Wing announced late last month it was sending multiple A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-attack aircraft and 300 airmen to the Middle East. A Russian military expert in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, is also believed to be advising the Houthis on how to carry out their attacks while preventing them from targeting Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has bombarded Houthi forces in Yemen since intervening in its civil war in 2015, and has hosted high-level talks between the US and Russia over a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. The Houthi rebels have said they have been attacking US warships in the Red Sea, including the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman, which has been leading efforts to strike the rebel group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No ships have been hit yet, but the US Navy said the Houthi fire was the heaviest its sailors have faced since World War II. The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, currently in Asia, is also on its way to the Middle East to support Truman. The regime source in Iran said: The view here is that the Houthis will not be able to survive and are living their final months or even days, so there is no point in keeping them on our list. They were part of a chain that relied on Nasrallah [the former secretary-general of Hezbollah] and Assad, and keeping only one part of that chain for the future makes no sense. Houthi rebels have said US air strikes have hit the Water Management building in Mansouriya, Yemen - AFP Mr Trump has been ratcheting up pressure on Iran to come to the table and discuss limiting its nuclear programme. Last week Mr Trump moved stealth B-2 bombers to the US-UK Diego Garcia military base in the Chagos Islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US position on Iran and the Middle East has radically shifted since Mr Trump came into power. Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at the Chatham House International Affairs Think Tank, said the increase in US strikes on Yemen was the Trump administrations attempt to distance itself from the previous administration. Joe Biden removed the Houthis designation as a terror organisation in 2021 a decision Mr Trump reversed in January. Trump is trying to prove that he is more effective at ending and solving conflicts than the Biden administration was, said Ms Vakil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The strikes are] connected to the maximum pressure campaign that he has endorsed and he wants to simultaneously send a message to Iran and to the axis of resistance that his administration is going to take a bolder approach to destabilising regional activities. Aircraft launching from USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea before air strikes against Yemen - AP Mahmoud Shehrah, a former Yemeni diplomat and current associate fellow at the Chatham House, said the US had a defensive strategy against the Houthis during Joe Bidens time in office. From Amman, Jordans capital city, Mr Shehrah told The Telegraph: The previous miscalculation about the Houthis in the US had made Trump carry heavier strikes against them now and [the US] have started to target individuals and key actors of them. He said weapons the Houthis possess are more sophisticated, which makes them more powerful than other non-state actors in Irans proxy groups across the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Shehrah added: After the collapse of Hezbollah and Assads regime, the Houthis are now on the front line and they have been conducting very intensive attacks they are escalating and taking adventure because it makes their political life longer in Yemen, according to their own calculation. They get missiles and drones from Iran and rebrand them with Houthi names because they dont want to show they have links with Iran because of domestic propaganda. Israels successes against Hamas and Hezbollah, key nodes in Irans network of proxies, have created an opportunity to weaken the Islamic regimes influence. Analysts also believe Irans failed missile strikes on Israel last year have damaged Irans ability to present a credible deterrence against external attacks, and also weakened the morale of its allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels military has destroyed much of Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, and inflicted heavy losses on Hezbollah in Lebanon. A protester holds a picture of Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi at a rally to denounce US air strikes - Khaled Abdullah/Reuters Iran also failed to protect Bashar al-Assad, the former Syrian president and a key ally, against a rapid rebel offensive that overthrew the dictator in December. With Hezbollahs influence diminished, the Houthis have tried to take its place in leading the fight against Israel. Since the Hamas-led Oct 7 attacks on Israel in 2023, the Houthis have improved their tactics and missile capabilities and built a strong public image. They control Sanaa, print money, collect taxes, divert aid, smuggle drugs, sell weapons to terror groups in Africa and disrupt international shipping routes in the Red Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also have a geographic advantage. Yemens mountainous terrain, similar to Afghanistan, helps them hide stockpiles of missiles and drones in caves and underground. Mr Shehrah said: They are not experienced like Hezbollah but are more aggressive and more dangerous at the same time Abdul Malik al-Houthi has an ambition of leading the axis of resistance. Yemeni streets are full of anger the Houthis are not paying salaries and have absolute taxation with zero representation so the social base for the Houthis is not very strong, thats why they rely on the Gaza war. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. DAR ES SALAAM, April 2 (Xinhua) -- China Railway Engineering Corporation's East Africa branch on Tuesday handed over a landmark commercial complex in Tanzania's port city of Dar es Salaam to its own property operation department. The Peninsula Noble Center, independently invested by China Railway Jianchang Engineering Company (CRJE) (East Africa) Limited, with a total investment of approximately 40 million U.S. dollars, marks a significant milestone in urban commercial development. According to project details provided by the contractors, the Peninsula Noble Center spans 5,412 square meters, with a total building area of 26,000 square meters, and offers 260 indoor and outdoor parking spaces. It is designed to provide a one-stop commercial service experience for the local community. The complex will enhance the commercial vibrancy of Dar es Salaam's Peninsula area, injecting new momentum into the city's development and fostering high-quality growth in the modern service industry, the company said. Jiang Yuntao, chairman of CRJE (East Africa) Limited, said the project's completion represents a step forward in strengthening the local economy and enhancing the city's image. "In the future, the Peninsula Noble Center is set to become a new commercial landmark in Dar es Salaam, attracting more international resources, boosting local economic growth and employment, and contributing significantly to the commercial development of Tanzania and the East African region," said Jiang. TikTok is facing a 500m (422m) fine for illegally sending European users data to China. In the latest crackdown on the video app and its Beijing-based owner, Irelands data protection commissioner (DPC) is expected to hit TikTok with the fine as soon as next week concluding a four-year investigation. It would be one of the largest fines handed out under Europes strict GDPR data laws and the second imposed on TikTok in less than two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DPC has been investigating TikTok since 2021 over claims that staff in Beijing were able to access users personal data. The company has admitted that user data can be accessed from China in certain circumstances, but denied that information is routinely sent to the country. TikTok is owned by Chinas ByteDance, with the issue deemed a national security risk by many Western nations because Beijings security laws require companies to give up information when asked. The risks have led to TikTok being banned on government devices in various countries. The Irish DPC, TikToks primary privacy regulator in Europe, has been consulting with counterparts in other countries about the fine in recent weeks. The final sum will be more than 500m, according to Bloomberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok was fined 345m in 2023 by the DPC over the way it handled childrens user data, including failing to introduce adequate age verification. Its British counterpart, the Information Commissioners Office, fined the company 12.7m over similar issues in the same year. The company has said it is investing 12bn in European data security, storing users data in Norway and Ireland and using British cybersecurity company NCC to monitor traffic. The DPC declined to comment, while TikTok did not respond to a request for comment. The development comes as Donald Trump prepares to announce a deal for ByteDance to sell off its US operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has been brokering an agreement between US investors and ByteDance under a national security law passed last year. A string of late bidders have emerged for the business, including Amazon and Tim Stokely, the founder of a start-up run by OnlyFans . A bid involving investment firms Blackstone and Silver Lake and supported by tech giant Oracle is believed to be the frontrunner, although it is unclear if China will sanction any sale. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Israeli Air Force carried out more strikes on Syrian air bases on Wednesday, including on an airfield in central Syria that Turkey may take over. The attacks will make it harder for Ankara to deliver troops, air defenses and other equipment and to operate the facilities in general, should it attempt to do so. We recently reported on growing tensions between Turkey and Israel over Syria and on the formers potential plans to setup shop at T4 airfield, which could become very problematic for Israeli air operations over the country. In the past hours, the IDF struck military capabilities that remained at the Syrian bases of Hama and T4, along with additional remaining military infrastructure sites in the area of Damascus, the IDF declared on Telegram. The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat to Israeli civilians. "": T4 #_ pic.twitter.com/wyfv2YWyp3 (@AlHadath) April 2, 2025 Syrian media report at least 11 Israeli airstrikes targeted the Hama military airport. Additional reports of simultaneous strikes on the Scientific Research Building in Damascus and the T4 airbase in the Homs countryside. Israel appears to be sending a clear message to Turkey. https://t.co/XWwxCDeCyG pic.twitter.com/YeKDTxVc5b Ariel Oseran (@ariel_oseran) April 2, 2025 Turkey intends to convert the T4 base into a drone facility, The Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday, citing a Western intelligence source. Ankara is considering the temporary deployment of S-400 air defense systems to T4 or Palmyra to secure the airspace during reconstruction efforts, the Middle East Eye reported on Tuesday, citing a source. However, no final decision has been made and Russia would need to give its approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Low-resolution satellite images show that previous Israeli airstrikes have created two large crater areas in T4s runway, making it virtually impossible for any heavy-lift transport planes to land. The main taxiway is also cut into three parts. The images were taken today and on March 19, so the runway was cratered within that timeframe. While it is too early to get a battle damage assessment on todays attack, it would have created additional damage. T4 air base in Syria as seen today after being hit by Israel on March 21. PHOTO 2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION This image, taken March 19, is how the base looked before the recent wave of Israeli attacks. PHOTO 2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION The facility is located 140 miles south of the Turkey-Syria border, making any overland supply, especially of delicate weaponry like drones and advanced air defense systems, a challenging and dangerous option. Turkey and its local proxies are still fighting the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The T4 air base is about halfway between Turkey and Israel. (Google Earth) As we previously reported, the strikes come amid concerns that Turkey will move aircraft, air defense systems and troops there. Ankara is negotiating a security agreement with the new government in Damascus, sparking concerns about a confrontation between Israel and Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The establishment of a Turkish Air Force base in Palmyra, Syria, could heighten regional tensions and increase the risk of conflict with Israel, a senior IDF official told The War Zone last week. Given Israels ongoing efforts to prevent hostile military entrenchment in Syria, any significant Turkish military presence, especially in strategic locations like Palmyra, could be perceived as a threat to Israeli security interests. The growing friction between Israel and Turkey is taking place as both sides are seeking to satisfy their own territorial ambitions in the wake of the fall of long-time dictator Bashar Al Assad in December. The new government established by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led anti-Assad forces with a great deal of support from Turkey, has yet to gain full control over the country. In that vacuum, Jerusalem and Ankara have been seeking to expand their spheres of influence there. For Israel, its more about being able to operate its combat aircraft freely over the country. If Turkey sets up advanced air defenses, ones that could act on behalf of the sitting government, it would greatly complicate Israeli access to the airspace. It could also result in a sudden escalation between Turkey and Israel, which are taking increasingly hostile positions toward each other. The strikes were seen as a message to Ankara, according to the Jerusalem Post. Do not establish a military base in Syria and do not interfere with Israeli activity in the countrys skies, was the message, explained the Post, citing an official. An Israeli analyst offered a similar take last week after previous strikes on the base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given whats at stake, one Israeli analyst told us that todays attack on T4 wont be the last. It is highly likely we will see more such incidents in the future, as part of the Turkish efforts to establish themselves in Syria, suggested Boaz Shapira of Israels Alma Center. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The Israeli military is conducting an investigation into an incident in Gaza in which a number of emergency and aid workers were killed, a military spokesperson said on Thursday, rejecting a description of the incident as an "execution". Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said the military's Southern Command had transferred the investigation to a general staff mechanism outside the chain of command to establish what happened and "hold accountable people if we need to". Last month, the bodies of 15 workers from the Red Crescent, Palestinian Civil Defense and United Nations were found buried in a shallow grave at the southern end of the Gaza Strip, close to their wrecked vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has not directly addressed the accusation that its forces deliberately killed health workers but the military has described an incident on March 23, when it said its troops fired on vehicles bearing Red Crescent markings near Rafah, killing nine members of militant groups. "Our initial investigation found that there were terrorists in these cars, using those Red Crescent cars," Shoshani told a briefing with journalists. Asked how the troops knew that there were militants in the cars, he said: "It is based on different ways of intelligence and also based on the information gathered on the ground at the time of the event". He said troops later also fired on other unmarked vehicles that approached without emergency lights or prior coordination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can't go into the reasoning and what they did because this is under investigation," Shoshani said. "We will investigate this incident and once we have the answers, we'll put them out clearly and communicate everything we know and everything we've found," he said. The Palestinian Red Crescent, which said eight of its staff had been killed in the incident, said Israel had targeted the group and called for those responsible to be held accountable. The medical team had been sent into Rafah as Israeli forces were advancing into the area after resuming operations in Gaza on March 18, following a two month-long truce, UN officials have said. When the bodies were found, they were still in their medical uniforms and wearing gloves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher said the people had been killed by Israeli forces and demanded "answers and justice." Shoshani denied reports that some bodies in the grave had been found with hands tied, and rejected the term "execution" to describe what happened during what he called "an operational event". "Not an execution," he said. (Reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Alison Williams, Peter Graff and Daniel Wallis) BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungary will begin the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, an official said Thursday, just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived to red carpet treatment in the countrys capital despite an arrest warrant from the worlds only permanent global tribunal for war crimes and genocide. Prime Minister Viktor Orban gave the Israeli leader a welcome with full military honors in Budapests Castle District. The two close allies stood side by side as a military band played and an elaborate procession of soldiers on horseback and carrying swords and bayoneted rifles marched by. As the ceremony unfolded, Orbans chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, released a brief statement saying that the government will initiate the withdrawal procedure for leaving the court, which could take a year or more to complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban later said that he believes the ICC is a political court. Netanyahu makes second trip abroad since warrant Netanyahus visit to Hungary, which is scheduled to last until Sunday, was only his second foreign trip since the ICC issued the warrant against him in November. The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, said when issuing its warrant that there was reason to believe Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had committed crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages, most of whom have since been released in ceasefire agreements and other deals. Israel rescued eight living hostages and has recovered dozens of bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC also issued arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders who were later killed. Israels offensive in Gaza has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave's Health Ministry, which doesnt say whether those killed are civilians or combatants. Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants, without providing evidence, and resumed its campaign last month, shattering a ceasefire. After the ICC issued the warrant, Orban invited Netanyahu to Budapest, and accused the court of interfering in an ongoing conflict for political purposes. That invitation was in open defiance of the courts ruling and contradicted Hungarys obligations as a signatory to arrest any suspects facing a warrant if they set foot on their soil. All countries in the 27-member European Union, including Hungary, are signatories, but the court relies on member countries to enforce its rulings. Hungary joined the court in 2001 during Orbans first term as prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No longer an impartial court At a news conference following their meeting, Orban said that he believes the ICC is no longer an impartial court, not a court of law, but a political court. And this was most clearly shown by the decisions regarding Israel. I am convinced that this otherwise important international judicial forum has been degraded into a political tool, with which we cannot and do not want to engage, Orban said. The Hungarian leader, regarded by critics as the EUs most intransigent spoiler in the blocs decision-making, is seen as using some of the tactics that Netanyahu has been accused of employing in Israel: subjugation of the judiciary, antagonism toward the EU and cracking down on civil society and human rights groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the news conference, where journalists weren't permitted to ask questions, Netanyahu praised Hungarys decision, thanking Orban for taking a bold and principled decision. The ICC directs its actions against us fighting a just war with just means, Netanyahu said, calling Hungary "the first state that walks out of this corruption and this rottenness, and I think itll be deeply appreciated, not only in Israel but in many, many countries around the world. ICC has criticized Hungary Netanyahus visit to Hungary was his second opportunity to travel abroad following the issuance of the warrant the first was when he met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington in February. It was also a chance to project an image of statesmanship while he faces mounting discontent at home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has faced mass protests by Israelis who fear his decision to resume the war in Gaza endangers the lives of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. He has also sparked anger by trying to fire or sideline top officials in what critics view as a power grab and an attack on state institutions. Along with resuming its offensive in Gaza last month, Israel halted all imports of food, fuel and humanitarian aid to the territorys 2 million Palestinians to pressure Hamas to release more hostages and accept proposed changes to the truce agreement. The ICC has criticized Hungarys decision to defy its warrant for Netanyahu, with the court's spokesperson, Fadi El Abdallah, saying on Thursday that the court recalls that Hungary remains under a duty to cooperate with the ICC. Hamas said in a statement that it considers the move by Hungary an immoral stance that shows collusion with a war criminal who is running away from justice. The militant group called on Hungary to reverse its decision and hand Netanyahu over to the ICC to stand trial. ___ Molly Quell in Amsterdam and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report. Italy's right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni considers the introduction of new tariffs by US President Donald Trump to be a "wrong" measure that benefits neither the United States nor Europe. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Meloni said her government would work to reach an agreement with the US to prevent escalating tensions that could weaken the West against global competitors. She also stated that Italy would coordinate with European partners to protect its economic interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced new blanket tariffs of 10% on most US imports, with higher penalties based on trade deficits. Imports from the European Union will face a 20% tariff. Meloni, who has previously warned of a possible trade war, is seen as Trump's key European ally. She has positioned herself as a mediator between Washington and Brussels in the past. NEWPORT, Ark. The Jackson County Humane Society is seeking to find homes for dogs in the shelter as it prepares for potential flooding during this weeks storms. The dog shelter posted on social media asking people in the community to consider taking a dog in fear that the pets will have no home if the shelter does flood. We are begging for help the pound has the potential of flooding and the dogs will have [nowhere] to go can anybody consider taking one in. Jackson County Humane Society Jackson County is one of 22 counties that saw damage Wednesday. Tornadoes, winds, flooding and hail: Arkansas wakes up to disastrous severe storm damage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arkansas Storm Team has issued an Alert Day for Thursday as storms have a possibility of turning severe during the afternoon and evening hours. Alert Days have also been issued for Friday and Saturday. Rain will continue Thursday and Friday, but heavy rain and flash flooding will be a concern Saturday. Craighead County sheriff confirms at least 8 injuries after storms A flood watch is in effect until Sunday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JACKSONVILLE Krychelle Smith, executive director of 2nd Chance, Inc., leads the organizations mission to provide shelter and support for victims of domestic violence across multiple counties. Speaking to the Jacksonville Exchange Club on Thursday, March 27, Smith highlighted 2nd Chance, which was founded in 1988 and serves domestic violence victims in Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah and Talladega counties. It is one of only 15 domestic violence organizations in Alabama. Smith distributed brochures and the organizations 2024 annual report. She noted that 2nd Chance is primarily funded through federal grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, 2nd Chance received 1,018 crisis line calls and provided emergency shelter to 82 victims and their children. Additionally, 208 clients received support through counseling, rapid rehousing, and outreach case management. We have the emergency shelter so people seeking safety have a place to go, Smith said. We provide case management to every client we help, whether they are in the shelter or receiving outreach services. She detailed services such as safety planning, trauma-informed counseling, and financial assistance. In 2023, 157 clients received counseling, while 51 clients benefited from the rapid rehousing program, which provided more than $34,856 in direct financial assistance. Smith praised the collaborative nonprofit efforts in Calhoun County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are very fortunate to have a number of nonprofits here that are committed to helping people, she said. If we cannot meet a specific need, we refer clients to partner organizations throughout the community. Despite the shelter being closed for renovations for half of last year, 2nd Chance still provided 2,609 safe bed nights. Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure environment for survivors. She also addressed broader definitions of domestic violence, including elder abuse and financial exploitation. Elder abuse is on the rise as we have a growing aging population, Smith said. Abuse can take many forms, including financial abuse, where a victims money is taken, or technological abuse, which restricts access to resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a background in community service, Smith previously served as programs director for the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center from 2016 to 2023. In this role, she led the Leadership Calhoun County and Youth Leadership programs, founded the Matt Clonts Youth Leadership Pickleball Tournament and helped 400 high school juniors and seniors secure job-shadowing opportunities. Beyond her professional work, Smith has been actively involved in various community initiatives. She served as a board member-at-large for the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association from 2019 to 2021, reviewed grants for the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, and has been a dedicated member of the Jacksonville State University Alumni Engagement Committee since 2019. Smith has earned accolades for her work, which include being a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders Fellow and the Community Foundations Volunteer of the Year in 2021. She recently was nominated for the 2025 Alabama Nonprofit Employee of the Year Award. She said 2nd Chance remains committed to empowering survivors through direct assistance, advocacy, and partnerships. Our goal, Smith said, is to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors finds safety, support, and a path toward healing. PARIS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) will impose retaliatory tariffs on all goods and services from the United States by the end of April and is ready for a trade war, French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said on Thursday. Speaking to broadcaster RTL, Primas noted that the EU's first response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum would be implemented around mid-April. The second response of the EU would target all American products and services, and it should probably be ready by the end of April, she said, adding that the EU members are deciding which products to target. Primas told RTL that the EU would also impose tariffs on American online services, such as services provided by the Big Tech. The EU has not yet taxed those services, she said. Admitting that a trade war would harm French and European economies, Primas said the trade war would also be "very bad" for the American economy. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday made good on his threat by signing an executive order imposing 20 percent tariffs on all imported goods from Europe. WACO, Texas (FOX 44) Baylor guard Jalen Celestine is on the move for the second time in his collegiate career, entering the transfer portal after just one season with the Bears following three seasons at the University of California. Celestine immediately served as one of the most crucial players for the Bears off the bench to start his Baylor career but grew in importance due to injuries, starting 11 out of his 31 games played in the 2024-25 season. Celestine averaged 7.1 points per game, shooting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc while in the Green and Gold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. Japan on Thursday said new blanket tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on US imports were "extremely regrettable," adding that the government in Tokyo has urged Washington to rescind the measures. "It's extremely regrettable that the US government announced its decision to impose reciprocal tariffs even though we have conveyed our concern at various levels and urged [the US] not to take unilateral measures," government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told Japanese journalists. "We are seriously concerned about whether the tariff measure is consistent with WTO rules and the Japan-US trade agreement," the spokesman added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Wednesday announced new blanket tariffs of 10% on most imports to the United States, with higher penalties based on trade deficits for many countries. In Japan's case, these amount to 24%. According to local media, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has instructed his ministers to thoroughly examine the possible effects of the new tariffs on the country. Meanwhile, Trade Minister Yoji Muto told US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick that the US customs package would make it more difficult for Japanese companies to invest in the US market and would harm the world's largest economy. When asked by the domestic press about the possibility of retaliatory measures, Muto only said that Japan would have to do what is in the national interest without going into specifics. MANILA, Philippines Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has clinched a deal to develop new long-range, precision-guided missiles in a 32 billion yen ($216 million) contract for the Japan Self-Defense Force. The Ministry of Defense indicated in a news release April 1 that the contract is part of plans to boost standoff missile capabilities as the Asian nation faces multiple regional threats. The contract with MHI to develop new ground-to-ground and ground-to-ship precision-guided missiles will last until 2028. The ministry expects the new missiles to be completed in 2032. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missiles will be used to prevent and eliminate invading troops, the Ministry of Defense said. The ministry has not released any additional information about the missiles but included in the press release a few diagrams showing its expected capabilities. The long-range missiles could target vulnerable parts of ships and traverse Japans mountainous terrains to hit land-based targets with particularly high accuracy. Since 2022, Japan has been beefing up its capabilities as part of its three white papers, the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Japan has allocated approximately 939 billion yen for standoff defense capabilities. The budget includes allocations for Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles (16.8 billion yen, or $112.6 million); submarine-launched guided missiles (3 billion yen, or $20.1 million); and high-velocity gliding missiles for island defense (29.3 billion yen, or $160.2 million). The Asian nation also plans to acquire joint strike missiles to be installed on its F-35As and joint air-to-surface stand-off missile for its upgraded F-15 aircraft. Last year, Japan signed a deal to purchase 400 additional Tomahawk missiles from the United States and declared plans to deploy a year earlier than planned some Tomahawks and Type 12 surface-to-ship truck-mounted missiles this year. Earlier this week, the countrys defense ministry also announced its latest missile co-production project with the U.S. to develop AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles during U.S. defense secretary Pete Hegseths visit to Japan. During the visit, Hegseth called Japan an indispensable partner in deterring Communist Chinese military aggression. By Satoshi Sugiyama and Kantaro Komiya TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Thursday he was disappointed that his country did not win an exemption from President Donald Trump's new tariffs and promised measures to help domestic industry deal with the fallout. Japanese officials gave no indication on possible retaliation but questioned whether the tariffs were consistent with World Trade Organisation agreements and whether some of the U.S. calculations about Japan's own tariffs were accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nikkei share average fell 2.77% to close at an eight-month low after the announcement, wiping out 18.7 trillion yen ($127 billion) of market value. Daiwa Institute of Research estimated that Trump's 24% reciprocal tariffs on Japan could lower its real gross domestic product by 0.6% this year, after scant growth of 0.1% in 2024. "We had been requesting that the U.S. government review its unilateral tariff measures at various levels and we are extremely disappointed and regret that such measures have been implemented nonetheless," Ishiba told reporters. Despite weeks of diplomatic efforts to change Trump's mind, Japan woke up on Thursday to news that it would be subject to a reciprocal tariff based on what the U.S. said amounted to a 46% trade imbalance with its key ally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A previously announced 25% tariff on all car imports took effect as scheduled on Thursday in the U.S., dealing a major blow to the Japanese auto industry which accounts for roughly 3% of GDP. "We will continue to strongly urge the U.S. to review its measures," Ishiba said, adding that he would speak directly to Trump if and when it was appropriate. The government will also roll out support measures including making it easier for small businesses to receive state-backed loans, he said. Trade Minister Yoji Muto said his ministry set up a task force on Thursday to analyse the tariffs' impact, after his last-ditch plea to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shortly before Trump's Rose Garden announcement came up empty-handed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether Japan would retaliate, Muto said: "We need to decide what is best for Japan, and most effective, in a careful but bold and speedy manner." The Financial Services Agency said it has called on banks to ensure smooth financing for firms affected by U.S. auto tariffs. Trump also singled out Japan's rice market, which he said imposed a 700% tariff - a figure that Japanese Agriculture Minister Taku Eto said was "illogical". "You can't arrive at the figure through any calculation. It's incomprehensible," Eto said. Under the WTO's minimum access framework, Japan has a tariff-free rice import quota of about 770,000 metric tons a year and levies 341 yen per kg on anything over that amount. ($1 = 147.2500 yen) (Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama, Kantaro Komiya, Mariko Katsumura and Kaori Kaneko; Writing by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Edmund Klamann) Colombias new fighter will be the Saab Gripen E/F, the countrys president has confirmed. The acquisition of the Swedish-made combat aircraft will finally allow for the retirement of the veteran IAI Kfir with the Colombian Air Force. The development is also of major significance for Saab. Other than Brazil, which co-produces the Gripen E/F, the company has previously failed to achieve any export sales of the jet. Thailand has provisionally selected the Gripen E/F but not yet placed an order. Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to X to confirm the countrys decision to buy Gripen fighters: Following the letter of intent signed by the government of the Kingdom of Sweden, and the approval of the countrys strategic air defense as a priority project, I report: the fleet of aircraft to be acquired is completely new, with the latest technology, already implemented in Brazil, and will be of the Saab 39 Gripen type. Despues de la carta de intencion firmada por el gobierno del Reino de Suecia, y de aprobar la defensa aerea estrategica del pais como proyecto priorizado informo: Los flota de aviones que se adquirira, es completamente nueva, ultima tecnologia, ya implementada en Brasil, y son Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) April 2, 2025 In a statement, Mattias Radstrom, Saabs head of media relations, told TWZ: It is very positive for Saab and Sweden that Colombias President Petro has announced his intention to acquire the Gripen E/F advanced multirole fighter. Saab has the most comprehensive offer for Colombia, and we are convinced that Gripen E/F is the best choice for the long-term defense, security, and prosperity of Colombia. Although no contract is yet in place, we look forward to finalizing negotiations with Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, its unclear how many Gripens Colombia wants to acquire and how much they might cost. The delivery timeline has also not been publicized. In the past, however, Colombia has reportedly been looking to buy between 15 and 24 new or secondhand fighters to replace its Kfirs, as a matter of urgency. Colombia will likely acquire a certain number of two-seat Gripen Fs to operate alongside Gripen E single-seaters, although this too is unconfirmed. The Gripen E/F, which you can read more about here, has often been pitched as a more affordable, albeit less capable, alternative to fifth-generation combat capabilities, such as those embodied in the F-35, against which the Swedish fighter has repeatedly lost out in various international competitions. The first serial production standard Gripen E, which first flew in November 2019. Jamie Hunter Smaller than many of its contemporaries, the Gripen E/F was developed from the earlier legacy Gripen that was designed to meet a very specific Swedish requirement. However, the Gripen E/F variant includes features that would otherwise be more commonly found on larger and more complex fighters. Compared with the older Gripen C/D, the Gripen E/F has a bigger fuselage that accommodates approximately 30 percent more fuel and has a more powerful General Electric F414 engine, plus a total of 10 hardpoints for weapons and other stores. The cockpit is entirely revised, and the pilot is provided with a single Wide Area Display (WAD), replacing the three separate displays in the Gripen C/D. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gripen E/F can carry up to seven MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles. It features the Leonardo ES-05 Raven active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the Leonardo Skyward G infrared search and track (IRST) sensor. It also includes a new Saab Electronic Warfare System (EWS), featuring a 360-degree spherical Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS). Reflecting its Swedish roots, the Gripen E/F is designed specifically to operate in austere environments with very high reliability and minimal support infrastructure, attributes that might make it especially attractive to South American operators. Less obvious is the Gripen E/Fs avionics architecture, which is designed to enable the rapid insertion of new hardware and updated software applications to take on new missions. Customers are also able to design and develop their own software, to introduce new technologies and systems to keep pace with ever-evolving threats. Despite Saab winning many plaudits for packing an impressive amount of high-end capabilities into a relatively small and easy-to-maintain airframe, the Gripen E/F has, so far, been a less-than-stellar performer on the export market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brazil is the first, and to date, only export customer for the Gripen E/F, with its decision to buy the fighter influenced to a significant degree by the opportunity to establish a domestic production line. This will assemble 15 of the 36 aircraft currently contracted to the Brazilian Air Force. A Brazilian Gripen E known locally as the F-39 in flight. Saab Meanwhile, Sweden is buying 60 single-seat Gripen Es for its own requirements. Last August, the Royal Thai Air Force identified the Gripen E/F as its preferred next fighter. However, the government is yet to sign off on the purchase and a deal with Sweden hasnt been signed so far. Ultimately, the increased concerns about the political stability of American arms exports could boost Gripen export sales, although the fighter will still face stiff competition from other European and non-U.S. combat aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Colombia, the selection of a new fighter has been a long time coming. For more than a decade, Colombia has wrestled with the problem of replacing its Kfir fleet, which was determined to reach the end of its viable service life in 2023. An upgraded Colombian Air Force Kfir C10, photographed in 2020. Photo by RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty Images RAUL ARBOLEDA To keep the Kfirs operational until then, Colombia instigated an upgrade program, known as Colosseum. This saw surviving Kfirs brought up to C10/ C12 standard, which added a new Elta EL/M-2032 multi-mode fire-control radar, electronic countermeasures, Rafael Derby beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, Rafael Python 5 infrared-guided air-to-air missiles, and Elbits Display and Sight Helmet (DASH) system. The upgraded Kfirs also received Rafael Spice 1000 precision-guided bombs. By the time the Kfir upgrade work was completed in 2017, Colombia had short-listed the F-16 Block 70, Gripen E/F, and Eurofighter Typhoon for its new fighter requirement. While a decision was stalled by budget constraints and the COVID pandemic, the option of secondhand Danish F-16s was raised ultimately, this was the route that Argentina took to procure new fighters, as you can read about here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, in 2022, when Petro took office, the Dassault Rafale was reported to have emerged as the most likely candidate for the Colombian Air Force, with suggestions that 16 examples might be acquired. A two-seat Dassault Rafale. Dassault Aviation www.twz.com However, the Gripen E/F offer finally won out, perhaps a reflection of Saabs determination to secure further orders in South America, which it has long identified as a key battleground for the aircraft. Unconfirmed reports from the Colombian media suggest that, while at least some elements of the Colombian Air Force preferred the Rafale, the Gripen E/F was chosen due to its versatility and technical benefits. It is a very important market to us, and we need to show our capabilities and have a supply chain in place, Saab CEO Micael Johansson told AirForces Monthly in 2023, about the South American market. We are working to achieve that and have done a fantastic job transferring technology to Brazil. To get the development center and production capabilities set up at Gaviao Peixoto, where we even have a structures component factory. It means we could fulfill more technology transfers to the likes of Colombia. It can be supported from Brazil and would benefit the whole continent. A Brazilian Air Force Gripen over Rio de Janeiro. Saab Linus Svensson @Saab At this stage, its unclear to what degree the Brazilian factory at Gaviao Peixoto, in the state of Sao Paulo, will support the Colombian deal, although theres potential for significant involvement. As well as the final assembly of 15 of the aircraft ordered for Brazil, the plant builds tail units and front fuselages for Gripen Es, as well as wing boxes and front fuselage sections for the Gripen F. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, Johansson has said the plan is for the Gaviao Peixoto facility to manufacture any future Gripen orders for Brazil, as well as for other countries. We want the country to become an export center for Latin America and potentially other regions. As for the Kfir, Colombias almost four-decade relationship with this fighter now looks to be coming to an end. During the long conflict with the guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (better known by the Spanish acronym FARC), the Kfirs saw a good deal of combat. Colombian Air Force Kfirs prepare for a mission during Red Flag 12-4, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in July 2012. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. William P. Coleman Staff Sgt. William P. Coleman However, the fleet suffered from some high-profile accidents, and finding spare parts has become increasingly costly and complicated. The situation has gotten worse after Petros government broke off diplomatic relations with Israel, in protest against the conflict in the Gaza Strip. This renders the Israeli maintenance contract for the Kfirs obsolete and makes their replacement all the more urgent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains to be seen how many Gripen E/Fs will be procured to replace the Kfirs, or when they might start to arrive, but we now finally have confirmation of Colombias chosen replacement for these hard-worked jets. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) schooled Attorney General Pam Bondi with a lesson on free speech Wednesday after Bondi demanded the congresswoman to cool it with her criticism of billionaire Elon Musk. To have her go on Fox News and to then decide that she wanted to send a threat to me, it was wrong, Crockett said at a House judiciary committee hearing on Wednesday. She is the highest law enforcement agent in this country, and people are watching, and they are consuming this information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crockett continued, And they are believing that simply because I decided that I wanted to exercise my right to free speech, which I am not abridged from doing, that she then wanted to then politicize something that should not be politicized. I dont like Elon Musk, Im going to say it 50,000 times. Bondi took to Fox News last week to tell Crockett that she needs to tread very carefully after the congresswoman, during a livestream event hosted by a group protesting Musks Tesla company, revealed that her birthday wish was for Elon to be taken down. Crockett was encouraging peaceful protests like the Tesla Takedown movement. But in some instances, Tesla dealerships have been the target of vandalism. Bondi falsely suggested that Crockett was calling for physical attacks aimed at Musk who has backed federal spending cuts and firings under President Donald Trump and stressed that the congresswoman should apologize to Tesla shareholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Crockett said the rest of us cant get whatever federal contracts we want, get protection from federal law enforcement and get their businesses protected by the federal government like Musk. That is somebody who is operating above the law, she said. Crockett said she was happy to see peaceful protests on her birthday, March 29, around the world against Musk before turning her attention back to Bondi. She knew good and well if she watched the entire thing that I specifically told protesters to make sure you consult with lawyers, just like I told protesters over and over and over in the history of me advising people to go out and exercise their constitutional right, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that there are other sitting members that have received letters of threat from this new DOJ tells me that they are about retribution, and they are not about following the law. Jasmine Crockett responds to Pam Bondi: pic.twitter.com/c2fEXY0Di0 Acyn (@Acyn) April 2, 2025 Related... Vice President JD Vance said Elon Musk will remain a key voice for the White House. "He's going to continue to be an advisor," Vance said, adding, "work of DOGE is not even close to done." The White House said Musk would leave the administration "when his work is complete." Vice President JD Vance on Thursday said that Elon Musk will always have a place in President Donald Trump's orbit. "Of course, he's going to continue to be an advisor," Vance told "Fox and Friends" Thursday morning of Musk's status. "And by the way, the work of DOGE is not even close to done. The work of Elon is not even close to done." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speculation has swirled over Musk's future, given his central role in Republicans' failure to elect a conservative judge to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Musk and his super PAC spent at least $20 million on the race, which the billionaire said was central to the survival of "Western civilization." Some Republican lawmakers have also chafed at the White House DOGE office's sweeping firings amid pushback from their constituents. Musk is considered to be the DOGE office's de facto leader. Vance's comments underline how central Musk has become to Trump's orbit. The world's richest man spent over $291 million on Republican candidates ahead of the 2024 election, mostly focused on helping Trump reclaim the White House. Musk also owns X, which has positioned itself as the leading social media platform for conservatives. Musk also reportedly pushed Trump to pick Vance, who has a background in venture capital, as his running mate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Fundamentally, Elon is going to remain a friend and an advisor of both me and the president, and he has done a lot of good things," Vance said. Musk, Vance said, signed up for a roughly six-month commitment. It's unclear what the vice president meant, given that Musk faces a 130-day deadline as a special government employee. The 130-day period would end in either late May or early June, though there's little teeth to the actual deadline beyond the possibility of a lawsuit. On Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed a Politico report that said Trump had told members of his inner circle that Musk would leave the administration soon. Musk also called the report "fake news." "Elon Musk and President Trump have both publicly stated that Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete," Leavitt wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's executive order setting up the DOGE office envisioned it ending by the 250th anniversary of US independence, July 4, 2026. In the past, the White House has also been murky about the 130-day timeline. Telsa shares went up after the Politico report, illustrating hopes that Musk will return his focus to the automaker, which has borne the brunt of the backlash to the billionaire's time in the Trump administration. Read the original article on Business Insider Vice President JD Vance continued to bash the character of a Maryland man deported in error last month to a brutal prison in El Salvador, telling Fox & Friends on Thursday that he was hardly father of the year. The man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers outside a Home Depot about six years ago while looking for work. ICE officers accused him of being part of MS-13, a violent gang, citing an accusation from a confidential informant and the fact he was wearing a Chicago Bulls hat and hoodie, according to court documents. Back in 2019, an immigration judge looked at all the evidence, looked at all the data, and concluded that this allegedly innocent person that we sent to El Salvador was actually a member of an MS-13 gang, said Vance, who added that a judge found he had zero right to be in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But thats not what happened, according to court records. After a two-day hearing in September 2019, an immigration judge granted Abrego Garcias request for withholding of removal status, finding that he was likely to face persecution if he were to be sent back to El Salvador. He had entered the United States as an undocumented teen seeking to join his brother, a U.S. citizen, in Maryland. Withholding of removal status means that immigration officials cannot deport an individual unless a judge rescinds that status. Vance went on: He had also committed some traffic violations, he had not shown up for some court dates. This is not exactly father of the year here. This is a person that we dont think should be in our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia shares a 5-year-old nonverbal son with his wife, a U.S. citizen, and had worked full time as a sheetmetal apprentice. He was picking up the boy from his grandmothers house last month when immigration officials detained him, telling him that his status had been changed, according to court documents. His lawyers say he does not have a criminal record in any country. Abrego Garcias wife eventually recognized him in news coverage of the deportation flights President Donald Trump ordered under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 a law used only three other times in history. In a court filing, a government representative admitted Abrego Garcias deportation was done in error, as ICE had made reference to his withholding of removal status on internal documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was an oversight, read a court document, which maintained that the mistake had nevertheless been made in good faith. Vance was mocked on social media earlier this week for linking to a record about Abrego Garcia that did not back up his claim that the man was a convicted gang member. During Abrego Garcias initial arrest in 2019, he was denied bail due to law enforcements allegation that he was a gang member. He was not convicted. Related... BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday rejected Japan's so-called concerns over China's joint exercises around the Taiwan Island, saying Japan's words and actions blatantly violate the one-China principle. The drills conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command are aimed at warning and containing "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and it is a legitimate and necessary action to defend China's national sovereignty and uphold national unity, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing. "Japan has no right to point fingers at this, still less interfere with it," he said in response to media reports that the Japanese side had expressed its concerns to China through diplomatic channels over the drills. Guo said the Chinese side expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition and had lodged serious protests with the Japanese side. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations and basic trust between the two countries. The spokesperson pointed out that Japan committed innumerable crimes during its colonial rule over Taiwan of 50 years, and bears serious historical responsibilities to the Chinese people. "It should act all the more prudently." This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War. "We urge Japan to deeply reflect on history, uphold the principles in the four political documents between China and Japan and honor its solemn commitments on the Taiwan question, immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and abide by the one-China principle with concrete actions," Guo said. JEJU ISLAND, South Korea, April 3 (UPI) -- South Korea's Jeju Island collectively mourned the deaths of tens of thousands killed nearly eight decades ago during an early Cold War massacre on Thursday, as the southern resort island tries to heal old wounds reopened by President Yoon Suk-yeol's short-lived declaration of martial law. Thousands, many in their 70s and older, attended the 77th annual Jeju 4.3 Memorial Ceremony at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, just north of Jeju City, where they honored the estimated 30,000 Jeju Islanders killed mostly by South Korea's counterinsurgency forces between 1947 and 1954 in an attempt to put down a leftist uprising. An estimated 10% of the island's population was culled and hundreds of villages were razed during the Jeju Massacre, known as the Jeju April 3 Incident in Korean. Survivors were prohibited from speaking of their trauma until the 2000s due to fear of government reprisals and societal stigma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event on Thursday began at 10 a.m. local time with a moment of silence followed by remarks from acting President Han Duck-soo. "I deeply engrave in my heart the innocent sacrifices of the victims and bow my head in sincere remembrance," he said. "I extend my deepest condolences to the surviving victims and bereaved families who have endured years of pain and sorrow." A woman bows to stone slabs etched with the names of those killed during the Jeju Massacre but whose bodies were never found during the 77th annual Jeju 4.3 Memorial Ceremony at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, Jeju City, South Korea, on April 3, 2025. Photo by Darryl Coote/UPI It was not clear until early Thursday that Han would speak at the event, despite having attended the last two Jeju 4.3 memorial ceremonies as prime minister, with the anniversary falling amid a period of political turmoil in South Korea. On Friday, the verdict in Yoon's impeachment trial is set to be announced by South Korea's Constitutional Court, where he is being tried for declaring martial law on the night of Dec. 3. A man looks at stone slabs etched with the names of those killed during the Jeju Massacre but whose bodies were never found during the 77th annual Jeju 4.3 Memorial Ceremony at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, Jeju City, South Korea, on April 3, 2025. Photo by Darryl Coote/UPI Angered by staunch resistance to his policies from the opposition party, Yoon, a conservative, declared martial law, accusing his opponents of being North Korean sympathizers and conducting unspecified anti-state activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though aborted hours later by the National Assembly and impeached later that month, the declaration of martial law resurrected decades-old nightmares on Jeju of government forces skulking through the island's mountain region and killing anyone they saw on sight. A woman reads the names of those killed during the Jeju Massacre but whose bodies were never found during the 77th annual Jeju 4.3 Memorial Ceremony at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, Jeju City, South Korea, on April 3, 2025. Photo by Darryl Coote/UPI "It felt like the sky was collapsing. My heart ached. I was so angry and terrified," Ahn Young-ran, 55, told UPI, recounting how she felt the night martial law was declared. She was attending the memorial ceremony with her husband, Yang In-seop, 52, and were performing Jaesa memorial rites for his grandparents, who were killed during the massacre under martial law. Acting President Han Duck-soo gives his remarks during the 77th annual Jeju 4.3 Memorial Ceremony at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, Jeju City, South Korea, on April 3, 2025. Photo by Darryl Coote/UPI "Because we know what that meant, we couldn't sleep that night, fearing we were returning to the past." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martial law was first declared in South Korea in October 1948 to put down an armed mutiny by a regiment of the South Korean Army resisting deployment to Jeju to suppress the communist uprising. A man holds a sign that reads "impeach Yoon Suk-yeol" during Jeju 4.3 Memorial Ceremony at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, Jeju City, South Korea, on April 3, 2025. Photo by Darryl Coote/UPI The next month, President Syngman Rhee again declared martial law -- this time for all of Jeju, legitimizing the military operation that had already begun and would continue despite the declaration's revocation in December. Though the Jeju Massacre lasted until September 1954, the majority of the killings occurred that winter of 1948-49. A man protests during acting President Han Duck-han's speech during the 77th Jeju 4.3 Memorial Ceremony at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, Jeju City, South Korea, on April 3, 2025. Photo by Darryl Coote/UPI The symbol of the Jeju Massacre -- a red camellia flower, which blooms on the island in early spring -- has been adopted by the protest movement against Yoon. When National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik signed the articles of impeachment against the president on Dec. 14, a red camellia pin adorned his lapel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acting president briefly mentioned the political crisis during his remarks on Thursday, acknowledging that "our nation is facing various challenges, both domestically and internationally." A man is removed from the audience for protesting acting President Han Duck-han's speech during the 77th annual Jeju 4.3 Memorial Ceremony at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, Jeju City, South Korea, on April 3, 2025. Photo by Darryl Coote/UPI "National unity is more urgent than ever," he said. "If we fail to overcome ideological, generational, regional and class conflicts, it will be difficult to overcome the current crisis and sustainable growth for Korea will not be possible. Crows fly among the tombstones in the Tombstone Park for the Missing during the 77th annual Jeju 4.3 Memorial Ceremony at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, Jeju City, South Korea, on April 3, 2025. Photo by Darryl Coote/UPI "The spirit of Jeju 4.3 teaches us the invaluable lessons of reconciliation and coexistence, which are more important now than ever." At least one person was forcibly removed from the crowd for protesting during Han's speech, while a few others called for Yoon to be impeached and the acting president to step down. "Impeachment must happen, no matter what," Ahn told UPI. "If not, something like this will happen again." NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) In spite of the pain and anguish she endured at the age of 14, this young woman says she did not want to wear a victims badge. Instead, I decided to fight for my rights and pursue the justice so many called impossible, said Francesca Mani. More Local News Mani, a 16-year-old student at Westfield High School, has been a champion of what is now a State law against AI deepfake pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are going to create a non-consensual deepfake, if you are going to solicit one, and if you are going to distribute it, you are now going to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, said NJ Attorney General Matt Platkin. Youll face up to five years in prison. On Wednesday in Newark, Governor Phil Murphy signed the bipartisan legislation into law. This is a historic day, said Murphy (D-NJ). I want to thank Francesca, especially, her mom, for standing up so strongly, for being so determined. It was the summer of 2023 when someone generated a sexually explicit deepfake image of Francesca Mani. She says the person behind it only got a one-day suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I pressed administration, why not enforce your own code of conduct? They shrugged and said, there are no AI laws, so we cant. My response? Then Ill bring you a law,' said Mani. Well, Westfield High School, this ones for you. Westfield public schools Superintendent, Dr. Raymond Gonzalez, told PIX11 news in a statement: We welcome the new legislation regarding AI deep fakes. Alongside the districts updated policies and student code of conduct, this legislation offers important safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence. We remain committed to protecting and educating our students in an increasingly complex digital world. The Mani familys work will not end here in New Jersey; they say it will continue in Washington, where a similar bill is now at the federal level. Hopefully it will pass without any changes and well have a federal law as well, said Dorota Mani, Francescas mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A New Jersey woman who drowned her two children last year for "religious reasons" was found not guilty by reason of insanity, a court ruled this week. Naomi Elkins, 27, was charged with killing her daughters, ages 1 and 3, after she drowned them in her bathtub on June 25 at her home on Shenandoah Drive in Lakewood, New Jersey. Prosecutors said Elkins admitted to police that she killed the girls for "religious reasons," NBC Philadelphia reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She thought that if she destroyed her children, she would be destroying all the evil in the world," psychologist Gianni Pirelli testified Tuesday, according to the Asbury Park Press. Police responded to the report in June of two children suffering from cardiac arrest and found emergency responders from a volunteer ambulance program trying to save them. Police respond at the home of Naomi Elkins in Lakewood, N.J. The toddlers were pronounced dead at the scene. The younger child had been stabbed in the chest, according to the prosecutor's office. Pirelli also testified that Elkins was described as "emotionless" after the incident and that her statements included similar "religious themes," such as the idea of being the Messiah, the Press reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was undoubtedly psychotic at that time," Pirelli said. Defense attorneys confirmed Elkins has a history of mental illness, NBC Philadelphia reported. After she confessed to police, Elkins was given an opportunity to write a letter, which Pirelli read in court. She writes, You are evil. Im deserving of death and destruction. I dont know what I was. I loved my children, but I loved you more,'" as if it were written to God, the Press reported. Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan concluded Elkins was responsible for the deaths of her children but ruled Tuesday that she was not guilty owing to insanity. Ryan ordered Elkins to be committed to a psychiatric hospital for two lifetimes, according to the Press. Under state law, each life sentence is 75 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan also quoted from Elkins' letter, reading: "I put me before my kids. How could a Jewish mother do that? How? How is it possible?" Defense attorney Mitchell Ansell said Elkins will be periodically evaluated by the court and remain in a psychiatric institution, unless she reaches a point of being no longer considered a danger to others or herself, according to the Press. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Seasoned attorney Joe Tacopina has confirmed that he will represent Wendy Williams amid her quest to end her guardianship. The former talk show host and her family have not relented in their battle to discontinue her guardianship, which began in 2022. The latest development adds to recent positives for Williams, who has been living in an assisted living facility in New York. Joe Tacopina Says He Is Wendy Williams' Lawyer Steven Hirsch - Pool via CNP / MEGA On Wednesday, Tacopina appeared on NewsNation's "Banfield" and shared details about the recent development in Williams' fight to end her guardianship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the case, he told the show's host Ashleigh Banfield, "I am, yes, I am representing her, I'm a personal attorney right now." Although Tacopina confirmed he will represent Williams, he noted that some things must be ironed out before it becomes official. He said, "I will be entering the guardianship case one way or another, but it's a convoluted process. The judge has to approve guardianship attorneys." Tacopina maintained his usual confidence, saying, "The last thing they want to do is see my face in that courtroom, so, yes, I will be representing her, I am her lawyer right now." Wendy Williams Wanted Joe Tacopina On Her Case ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Tacopina's revelation will please Williams' fans, given that she wanted him as her attorney ahead of her guardianship trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Tacopina appeared on the "2 Angry Men" podcast with Harvey Levin and Mark Geragos and revealed Williams reached out to him to represent her. The attorney expressed his rage after watching TMZ's Tubi documentary, "Saving Wendy," and described her situation as "true injustice." Tacopina, who was displeased with how Williams was treated at the New York facility, said murderers had more freedom than she did. Wendy Williams 'Excited' Ahead Of Jury Trial MEGA Tacopina is a famed lawyer and has represented notable people including Alex Rodriguez, Michael Jackson, and President Donald Trump. He has a track record of success, with his latest legal victory being rapper A$AP Rocky's acquittal in his high-profile criminal case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hence, his presence in Williams' legal team will boost her confidence ahead of a yet-to-be-scheduled jury trial to decide her guardianship. Last month, the former television personality's healthcare advocate, Ginalisa Monterroso, told PEOPLE Magazine that she is "excited" for a jury to decide her fate. Monterroso explained that Williams wants to prove that she is not mentally incapacitated. She said, "This is something that she's been wanting to say, and she just can't wait to get her story out." The health advocate continued, "And at the end of the day, she's going to have a trial by jury, and it will be the jury who will be making the decision." Williams Undergoes Welfare Check From New York Agencies News Licensing / MEGA The positives continue to come for Williams, who was the subject of a welfare check from New York agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visit came after Monterroso called 911 and wrote a letter to Adult Protective Services on March 10. After the welfare check, Williams was led out of the building and taken to a local hospital for evaluation. The 60-year-old revealed she passed the mental capacity evaluation during a phone call appearance on "Good Day New York" on March 11. Williams said, "I passed with flying colors!" Afterward, she asked Monterroso to "elaborate on everything," and the latter added, "She had those tests, she's been deemed she is not incapacitated. I think it's great news, and its public, and everybody knows factually that Wendy's not incapacitated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Williams was asked if she was satisfied with the mental evaluation tests, she responded, "Absolutely," before adding, "That is what I want, and that is what I got." Williams Reportedly Has To Wait On A New Evaluation At Her Guardian's Discretion News Licensing / MEGA Despite passing her mental capacity evaluation, Wendy Williams has to wait for a new cognitive evaluation over which her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, has some level of control. Sources revealed that Williams "has been told she has to be patient, which is hard but she's staying positive." Another insider revealed Williams continues to hang on and is fully committed to regaining total control of her life. A source told In Touch, "The outpouring of support from fans and from her family who are working tirelessly to get her out of that hell hole has given her a real jolt in the arm." BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Author John Green will be visiting UABs Alys Stephens Center in June to discuss his recent book, Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection. This event is presented by the Alys Stephens Center and Thank You Books. Green is the award-winning author of several books, including Looking for Alaska, The Fault in Our Stars, Turtles All the Way Down and The Anthropocene Reviewed. Hes also known for his online content, including the vlogbrothers YouTube Channel and the educational series Crash Course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything is Tuberculosis was released on March 18, 2025. In 2019, John Green met Henry, a young tuberculosis patient at Lakka Government Hospital in Sierra Leone while traveling with Partners in Health, the books synopsis states. John became fast friends with Henry, a boy with spindly legs and a big, goofy smile. In the years since that first visit to Lakka, Green has become a vocal and dynamic advocate for increased access to treatment and wider awareness of the healthcare inequities that allow this curable, treatable infectious disease to also be the deadliest, killing 1.5 million people every year. The book follows Henrys journey with tuberculosis, intertwining it with the scientific and social histories of the disease. WATCH: Video shows Alireza Doroudi being detained by ICE officers at his apartment near the University of Alabama Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green, alongside Dr. David Kimberlin of Childrens of Alabama, will discuss the content of the book and answer audience questions. Pre-signed copies of Everything is Tuberculosis are included with ticket purchases. Kimberlin is the Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research and Co-Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UAB. He has also served as the AAP Red Book liaison to the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices since 2007. This event is taking place on Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Alys Stephens Centers website. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to Childrens of Alabama. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) chief of staff has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges he acquired the same night President Trump delivered his joint address to Congress. Hayden Haynes, 35, appeared before D.C. Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann via a video call, The Washington Post reported. Haynes was arrested by Capitol Police on allegations that he drove while under the influence in early March. Authorities say he backed into a parked vehicle around 11:40 p.m. on March 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The responding officer said the staffer was unsteady when he exited the car. Haynes told the police he had four drinks within a four-hour period, the Post reported. The judge gave Haynes the ability to remain on release while his charges were pending, but the staffer was required to submit to a drug test and drug and alcohol assessment. The prosecution is being handled by D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb, who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration and the presidents efforts to slash federal spending and overhaul the workforce through mass layoffs. Hayness next court date is set for May 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of his chief of staffs arrest, Johnsons office said it was aware of the incident but believed in the staff members ability to lead the office. The Speaker has known and worked closely with Hayden for nearly a decade and trusted him to serve as his Chief of Staff for his entire tenure in Congress, Taylor Haulsee, a spokesperson for Johnsons office, said in a statement after the arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) A bill giving the Johnson City Commission the power to set its own alcohol sale hours in the downtown area has been passed by lawmakers. On Monday, the Tennessee House of Representatives voted to pass the bill with 83 in favor, six against and six not voting. Amended bill would give Johnson City power to set alcohol sale hours The bill was approved almost unanimously by the Tennessee Senate on March 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Rebecca Alexander and state Sen. Rusty Crowe filed the bill after the Johnson City Commission approved a resolution to ask state leaders to give it the ability to set alcohol sale hours downtown separate from the statewide hours. On Monday, Alexander presented the bill to the House. It passed with ease and no discussion. This bill is nothing but a Johnson City bill to allow them to put in the ability to have a premier resort area in downtown Johnson City so that they can control the hours of the alcohol sales, Alexander told representatives on Monday. This had to do with the amount of fighting and really bad things that are happening in that section of our downtown area. It is nothing but a Johnson City request. The bill only applies to Johnson City and is limited to the downtown district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Johnson City Commission passed the resolution in a February meeting, multiple downtown business owners attended to voice their opposition. Business owners claimed that changing the alcohol sale hours would negatively impact the citys economy. Johnson City City Manager Cathy Ball gave a presentation at that February meeting, emphasizing that safety and better use of police resources were the main drivers in asking for the legislation. The Johnson City Commission meets on Thursday evening. The meetings agenda does not include any discussion of the recently passed bill. The bill will have to be signed by the governor to become law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Johnson County Sheriffs Office is warning Kansas residents of a scam call thats been circulating. The sheriffs office said a caller is posing as Deputy Lewis and has been leaving messages on voicemails, urging citizens to return a call regarding legal matters. If you get a call from the phone number 660-242-5181, be advised that this number is not associated with the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you receive such a call and feel its suspicious, please hang up immediately, the sheriffs office said. If youre not sure whether its genuinely law enforcement reaching out, you can call the sheriffs office dispatch line at 660-747-5511 to verify if a deputy is trying to contact you. Remember, law enforcement will never ask for money. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An aerial drone photo taken on April 3, 2025 shows a ceremony honoring anti-Japanese aviation heroes at the Nanjing Memorial Cemetery to the Anti-Japanese Aviator Martyrs in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. China on Thursday released its second revised list of Chinese aviation martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, expanding it to 1,470 names, according to the Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs Memorial Hall in east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Mao Jun) NANJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday released its second revised list of Chinese aviation martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, expanding it to 1,470 names, according to the Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs Memorial Hall in east China's Jiangsu Province. The latest update adds the information of two newly verified heroes while correcting and supplementing details -- including names, hometowns, birth and death dates for 12 martyrs. The updates followed last year's release of information about 1,468 verified Chinese anti-Japanese aviation heroes, which was met with widespread attention and support. "After receiving the application of inscription and information about martyrs, the memorial hall conducted verification of materials, finally inscribed the name of two martyrs," said Dou Ruoqi, a staff member of the memorial hall. "The addition and correction aims to better the list of anti-Japanese aviation heroes. It is not only a deep memory of the heroes, but also respect and inheritance of history," said Dou. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Also on Thursday, a solemn ceremony honoring anti-Japanese aviation heroes was held, one day before Qingming Festival, a Chinese traditional festival to mourn ancestors and heroes. Cao Zhiqin is a relative of an aviation martyr. His grand-uncle Cao Xugui lost his life during a training mission in the United States at the age of 21 on Nov. 24, 1944 and was buried there. "Our family found his resting place after decades of relentless efforts. Since then, we longed to see his name honored among China's anti-Japanese aviation heroes. Today, that decades-old yearning is fulfilled," Cao said, after bowed to the monument where the name of his grand-uncle had been newly inscribed. The Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs Memorial Hall houses a rich collection of historical materials documenting the joint efforts of air forces of China, the Soviet Union, the United States, and other countries during World War II to fight the invading Japanese troops. The names of 4299 Chinese and foreign anti-Japanese aviation martyrs have been engraved on the monument in the memorial hall. People from all walks of life attend a ceremony honoring anti-Japanese aviation heroes at the Nanjing Memorial Cemetery to the Anti-Japanese Aviator Martyrs in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 3, 2025. China on Thursday released its second revised list of Chinese aviation martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, expanding it to 1,470 names, according to the Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs Memorial Hall in east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Mao Jun) BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The co-owner of the popular downtown Birmingham cocktail bar, Adios, has been honored as a finalist by one of the most prestigious culinary institutions in the world. Jose Medina Camacho, who serves as beverage director and operating partner for the bar, has been named a James Beard Award finalist in the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category. Camacho is one of five people from across the country to receive the honor, as well as the only one from the Southeast. Top five in the US, and it is an honor to have him bring his magic right here to Birmingham, the bar announced on social media Tuesday. Lets celebrate him and this thrilling accomplishment ahead of the awards ceremony in Chicago this June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally from Michoacan, Mexico, Medina Camacho came to the United States with his family in 1993 before ultimately settling in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he began working in his familys restaurant. Focusing on mixology and drinks, Medina Camacho handled the drink menus for local establishments like the Little Donkey, Octane, The Marble Ring and Automatic Seafood & Oysters. Medina Camacho and his business partner, Jesus Mendez, opened Adios in 2022. Birmingham has had several restauranteurs, chefs and workers honored by the organization over the years, such as renowned Bottega owner Frank Stitt, Adam Evans of Automatic, Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club and The Bright Star in Bessemer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winners will be revealed at the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards ceremony on June 16 in Chicago. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) Jean-Jacques Asperges once relished returning home after a long day working at a radio station in one of the worlds most dangerous places for journalists. He had a roof and four walls for protection, but gang violence forced him and his family to flee their home twice. Now, Asperges, 58, his wife and their two children are forced to sleep on the floor of a soiled and overcrowded makeshift shelter with thousands of other Haitians also left homeless by gang violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bullets fall here all the time, he said. Having lost all his work equipment, Asperges relies solely on his phone, but he remains undeterred like dozens of other journalists in Haiti who are under attack like never before. They are dodging bullets, defying censorship and setting personal struggles aside as they document the downfall of Haitis capital and the surge in violence blamed on powerful gangs that control 85% of Port-au-Prince. Heavily armed gangs attacked at least three TV and radio stations in March. Two of the buildings were already abandoned because of previous violence, but gunmen stole equipment that had been left behind. Its a message: You dont operate without our permission, and you dont operate at all in our turf, said David C. Adams, an expert on press freedom issues in Haiti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gangs sent an even deadlier message on Christmas Eve, when they opened fire on journalists covering the failed reopening of Haitis largest public hospital, saying they had not authorized its reopening. Two journalists were killed and at least seven others were injured, including Asperges, who was shot in the stomach. It was the worst attack on reporters in Haiti in recent history. Everyone is threatened. Everyone is under pressure, said Max Chauvet, director of operations at Le Nouvelliste, Haitis oldest independent newspaper. You feel in danger doing your job Donning a bulletproof vest emblazoned with PRESS on it is now a dangerous move in Haiti. What used to serve as a symbolic and physical shield has become a target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 10 journalists covering a major March protest were attacked, including Jephte Bazil, a videographer who runs his own media company, Machann Zen Haiti. He was threading his way through a protest in the Canape-Vert neighborhood of Port-au-Prince when three men dressed in black and with their faces covered called him over. What the hell are you doing around here? Bazil recalled them asking. They searched his bag, took away his cellphone and demanded multiple forms of ID. Bazil handed over only his passport, keeping his ID card hidden because it stated he was from Martissant, a community that gangs seized several years ago. He was too scared to show it and possibly be accused of being a gang member or a sympathizer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe I could have been killed, Bazil said. After an interrogation that lasted at least half an hour, Bazil said the men released him. As he walked away, one followed him with a machete to see if he was headed where he said he was going. Once he reached his destination, Bazil said the man told him: If you had made any other turn, I would havecut your head off. It was not the first time Bazil feared for his life. He was injured in Decembers hospital attack and, in February, while covering a confrontation between police and gangs, his motorcycle was shot but he was spared. Journalists are targets now, whether police or gangs, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haitians increasingly distrust the media, accusing local journalists of working for gangs. Meanwhile, gang members have taken to social media to threaten journalists. One gang leader said he would kidnap radio reporters and ensure they wont ever talk into a microphone again, while another threatened a talk show host based outside of Haiti, saying that if he ever set foot in the country, it would be the last time he would do so. As a result, Haitis Online Media Collective has advised that journalists not cover incidents involving armed groups. Its not just journalists who are the victims, its press freedom itself, said Obest Dimanche, the collectives spokesperson. But given the persistent attacks by heavily armed gangs in the capital and beyond, most journalists disregard that advice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They travel in packs and zoom around on motorcycles through Port-au-Princes hilly neighborhoods, ducking in unison when shots are fired. At the end of the day, they check in on each other to ensure everyone returned safely home. Those who lost their homes to gang violence like Asperges go back to a shelter while others sleep on the floor of their media company. You feel in danger doing your job nowadays, said Jean Daniel Senat, a journalist at Le Nouvelliste and Magik9 radio station. He lamented how journalists no longer have access to many neighborhoods in the capital because of gang violence: If you cant talk to the peopleyou wont be able to report. The violence also has forced media companies to close, lay off reporters or stop printing, as was the case for Le Nouvelliste when gunmen attacked and occupied its offices last year. Since then, the newspaper has operated solely online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Killings and impunity On March 13, Haitis prime minister condemned the attack on the building that once housed Radio et Television Caraibes, the countrys oldest radio station, and pledged to protect media institutions. Located on Rue Chavannes, the stations former headquarters were considered a heritage monument, said journalist Richecarde Celestin, who works for the station. Founded in 1949, the station has reported on Haitis tumultuous history: its coups, dictatorships and first democratic elections. Considered one of Haitis most influential radio stations, it was a blow to many to see smoke and flames rising from the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every employee has a story with the space, said journalist Denel Sainton, who described the former headquarters as the soul of Radio et Television Caraibes, which has been forced to move twice because of gang violence. Also attacked that week was radio station Melodie FM and TV station Tele Pluriel. What were seeing now, kind of the wholesale targeting of the media, is different, said Adams, the expert on press freedom issues in Haiti. In the old days, individual journalists were targeted. According to UNESCO, at least 21 journalists were reported killed from 2000 to 2022 in Haiti, with nine killed in 2022, the deadliest year for Haitian journalism in recent history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists reported one journalist killed in 2023 and two more in 2024. Investigative journalist Gardy Saint-Louis recently told Telegramme360, an online news site, that he planned to go into hiding. Saint-Louis was quoted as saying that he began receiving anonymous calls in September 2024, and that death threats escalated into an attack in February, when armed men opened fire on his house. Other journalists have fled Haiti, where attacks and killings are rarely solved. Haiti ranks first globally as the country most likely to let journalists murders go unpunished, according to a 2024 CPJ report. Since 2019, seven killings remain unsolved, including that of Garry Tesse, a radio host whose mutilated body appeared six days after he vanished in 2022. Shortly before his death, Tesse accused a powerful prosecutor of plotting to kill him. ___ Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america A federal judge in Arkansas permanently blocked a law requiring age verification for social media accounts, deeming it unconstitutional. The law was stopped by U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks of the Western District of Arkansas. In a Monday ruling, the judge said the law, known as Act 689, would violate the First Amendment rights of Arkansans because it is a content-based restriction on speech rights and the restriction isnt narrowly tailored for a government interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arkansas law would require people under 18 to only access certain sites with parental permission. Companies would verify the ages of those in the state looking to make an account and ensure minors have parental permission. NetChoice, the nonprofit for tech companies that brought the suit against the state, celebrated the judges decision. The court confirms what we have been arguing from the start: laws restricting access to protected speech violate the First Amendment, NetChoice Litigation Center Director Chris Marchese said in a statement. And while we are grateful that this law has been permanently struck down and free speech online preserved, we remain open to working with Arkansas policymakers to advance legislation that protects minors without violating the Constitution. Marchese argued the judges ruling protects Americans from handing over their IDs for biometric data to access online content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It reaffirms that parents not politicians or bureaucrats should decide whats appropriate for their children, he said. NetChoice argued that the law was vague, since some apps such as Metas Facebook and Instagram, along with TikTok and X, were included, but others such as YouTube were not. The 2023 law was a big push of Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) in her first year in office, the Arkansas Advocate reported. Several other states have sought to implement age-verification laws after Arkansas passed its own. While the act passed in 2023, it has not been implemented due to the ongoing court procedures. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin (R) told the Advocate that he respects the judges decision, and his office is evaluating its options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Lawyers for Donald Trumps administration are refusing to answer who gave the order to ignore a federal judges ruling that blocked the government from deporting dozens of immigrants under the presidents use of the Alien Enemies Act. District Judge James Boasberg grilled government lawyers at a hearing in Washington, D.C., on Thursday to determine whether the government intentionally defied his court orders to turn planes around before they were emptied out into a notorious prison in El Salvador last month. The administration appeared to be acting in bad faith after his court orders, Boasberg said. Judge James Boasberg is deciding whether to hold contempt hearings after the Trump administration defied court orders that paused Alien Enemies Act removals (AFP via Getty Images) If you believed everything you did was legal, I cant believe you would have operated the way you did that day, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy assistant attorney general Drew Ensign repeatedly said his conversations with administration officials about Boasbergs orders were subject to attorney-client privilege. Ensign said he messaged officials at the State Department and Department of Homeland Security as well as the Department of Justice, believing the judges orders would be circulated to the relevant people. Who made the decision to continue with the flights, Boasberg asked. I dont know, Ensign replied. You really don't know? Im interested in finding that out, Boasberg said. If I find theres probable cause for contempt ... then theres a good chance well have hearings, he added. I will review the material and issue an order and I will determine if I have found that probable cause exists to believe that contempt has occurred, and if so, how to proceed from there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge also noted the case of a wrongly deported Salvadoran man, who was among dozens of immigrants on planes bound for El Salvador, to suggest that the administration rushed their removal to evade the courts scrutiny. Boasberg also noted eight women and one Nicaraguan man were returned to the United States after the Salvadoran government refused them, arguing that the Trump administration operationally could have brought people back if it wanted to. The Trump administration is also refusing to answer questions about the flights under a state secrets privilege to prevent the release of evidence that could compromise national security. Ensign said the State Department fears diplomatic consequences. Images from the Salvadoran government shows immigrants removed from the United States entering a notorious prison after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to remove alleged Tren de Aragua gang members (via REUTERS) Flights were in the air on March 15 when Boasberg ordered the administration to turn the planes around after a lawsuit from the ACLU challenging their clients removal. The judge wants to know when government lawyers relayed his verbal and written orders to administration officials and who, if anyone, gave the flights a greenlight despite the orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Boasberg is weighing the possibility of sanctions against the administration, government lawyers are calling on the Supreme Court to allow Trump to resume removing immigrants from the United States under the Alien Enemies Act, a centuries-old wartime law invoked for the fourth time in U.S. history to target alleged member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. This case presents fundamental questions about who decides how to conduct sensitive national-security-related operations in this country, according to the administrations filing with the nations highest court last week. The Constitution supplies a clear answer: the President. The republic cannot afford a different choice, the petition states. The request follows a federal appeals courts rejection of the presidents attempt to throw out Boasbergs ruling that is temporarily blocking the administration from deporting immigrants under the act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps proclamation states that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of [Tren de Aragua], are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies. But the administration has since admitted in court filings that many of the people sent to El Salvador did not have criminal records, and attorneys and family members say their clients and relatives some of whom were in the country with legal permission and have upcoming court hearings on their asylum claims have nothing to do with Tren de Aragua. Young Thug on Oct. 1, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. - Credit: Derek White/WireImage An Atlanta judge declined to revoke Young Thugs probation after prosecutors pushed to send the rapper back to prison for re-sharing a viral tweet criticizing an investigator in the district attorneys office. In an order Thursday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker cautioned the artist, born Jeffery Williams, over his use of social media. While the Court does not find that the cited social media post rises to the level of a violation of Defendants probation, it may be prudent for Defendant to exercise restraint regarding certain topics, Whitaker said in a footnote, per the Associated Press. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Thursday, Williams legal team blasted the move by Atlanta prosecutors to revoke the rappers probation. The post in question included a photo of Fulton County District Attorney investigator Marissa Viverito, who had served as a witness during Williamss criminal trial, and called her a liar. When Williams pleaded guilty to drug, gang, and gun charges last October, he was sentenced on the spot to time served, 15 years of probation, and a backloaded consecutive sentence of 20 years that would only kick in if he violated probation. On Wednesday, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis claimed that the retweet violated the terms of agreement by allegedly threatening the safety of a prosecution witness. In a response filed Thursday, Williams lead lawyer said his client did not step out of line. The prosecutions motion to revoke Mr. Williams probation fails, on its face, to allege any conduct by Mr. Williams that would rise to a violation of the probationary sentence, defense lawyer Brian Steel said. There is no violation of Mr. Williams probation by reposting an image on social media and opining that Investigator Viverito is untruthful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams had been in jail for more than two years awaiting the outcome of his racketeering trial when he agreed to his open plea last October. It was non-negotiated, meaning his sentence was up to the judge. It was a risky move, considering he was facing up to more than 100 years in prison on the states charges. The judge let him walk out of custody that day, but with strict terms to his probation. His remaining co-defendants in the trial were later acquitted. Williams took to X following news of prosecutors motion to revoke his probation, writing, I dont make treats to people Im a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone. He added, Im all about peace and love. The rapper, 33 is scheduled to co-headline Summer Smash Festival with Don Toliver x Yeat, and Future in June, which will be his first performance since being released. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. CARTHAGE, Mo. A Cole County Judge rules against embattled former mayor Dan Rife in his request to be immediately reinstated as the mayor of Carthage. PREVIOUS: Hearing underway to decide fate of embattled Carthage mayor The civil suit was a request to review the City of Carthages impeachment of, then-Mayor, Rife and to immediately reinstate him. Rifes primary argument was that the Carthage City Council did not have enough votes to impeach him. At the time of the impeachment hearing, there were only eight seated city council members. Two of the seats were vacant due to resignations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the beginning of the impeachment hearing, Rifes attorney objected to Mayor Pro Tem Alan Snows ruling that six votes were enough to get rid of Rife. All of the council members were present and participated in the hearing. The six council members who voted for impeachment signed the Articles of Impeachment. In todays ruling, Judge Cotton Walker said that Rife did not ask the entire council to weigh in on whether they agreed with Snows ruling on the number of votes they needed to impeach him and therefore, had waived his right to have that issue reviewed by a court. CONFUSED COUNCIL MEMBERS Christopher Thornton, Rifes attorney, has made the number of votes used to impeach his client as his central argument. He also objected to the issue at the beginning of the impeachment trial. Before we begin I would like to make a couple things on the record, if I could. One is, I noted that you made a ruling that six votes will be required tonight by the Board of Impeachment to convict. I want to renew my objection to that. As briefed, we believe that the correct number is seven, and I would like to make that objection on the record. Christopher Thornton Impeachment Trial of Dan Rife Paul Martin, the councils impeachment attorney, said today that Rife had the obligation to ask all of the council members to weigh in on whether they agreed with Snows ruling about the number of votes needed for impeachment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today we spoke with a few council members about Judge Cottons ruling and asked whether they understood Rife had an obligation to ask every member of the council. I didnt know, Snow said. I was advised on hearing procedures by the hearing officer, Mr. Engelmeyer. I didnt know that any other procedure was necessary. City council member Lori Leece was equally confused by todays ruling. She echoed Snows response and said they had already received a legal opinion on the matter. I didnt think I had to [weigh in] because the City Attorney, Jon Gold, advised Alan Snow about how many votes were needed to impeach, Leece said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting as a juror in the impeachment hearing, this wasnt in the rules given to us as a Council. We raised that question, and so did the citys attorney, said council member Chris Taylor. The citys attorney told them they needed at least seven votes. He testified to that at the hearing. Lori and I voted no because we knew they needed at least seven votes to impeach. I wish the judge would have ruled based on case law and precedence, not on his own interpretation, Leece said. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT Neither Martin or Thornton were completely clear as to what happens next based on Judge Cottons ruling from today. Both said they needed time to review the 15-page order, but they both thought todays ruling was only in reference to Rifes request for Summary Judgment. While Thornton and Rife are trying to determine what happens next, Rife had one thing to say about todays ruling Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not done. Im not quitting. You can read the judgment document in its entirety, below. Rife-v-Carthage-Summary-Judgment_FINALDownload How Did We Get Here? This tense power struggle within Carthage city government first emerged in mid-2023, when Mayor Dan Rife fired all the board members of the city-owned Carthage Water and Electric Plant because they failed to comply with his request for financial details. The City Council immediately reinstated the members of the board, drawing a battle line that pitted former City Administrator Greg Dagnan, Mayor Dan Rife, and former City Attorney Nate Dally against the council and backers of the CWEP board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was followed by criminal charges of embezzlement against former Parks & Recreation Director Mark Peterson, after Dagnan reportedly found money missing when preparing the city budget. After a forensic audit, Peterson is facing felony charges of money laundering and stealing. Backers of CWEPs board, dotted with powerful people, including some elected officials, formed a political action committee, Carthage Citizens United, to promote candidates for the City Council who would fire Dagnan and impeach Rife. That slate of Jana Schramm, Tom Barlow, Dustin Edge, and Derek Peterson son of the accused former Parks & Recreation director was elected April 2, and immediately fired Dagnan and started the impeachment of Rife, who had blocked the firing. The city attorney, the administrative assistant, the fire chief, and a few other city employees resigned. Dagnan has sued the City for wrongful termination and defamation, and against CCU for tortious interference with his contract, and Rife had sued to stop his impeachment because of due process. All of this has led to legal missteps, illegally closed meetings, and rebuke by the state attorney generals office. Dustin Edge resigned from the council. Tiffany Cossey lost her council seat after a large majority of voters from Ward 5 said yes to a recall question on the November 2024 ballot (see updated information in the links below). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city also received a letter from its insurer warning that coverage could be lost or diminished because terminations by the council were not following employment law. | The Latest From Carthage City Council: (Story Date: April 1, 2024 April 30, 2024) (Story Date: May 1, 2024 May 31, 2024) (Story Date: June 1, 2024 June 30, 2024) (Story Date: July 1, 2024 August 31, 2024) (Story Date: September 1, 2024 October 31, 2024) (Story Date: November 1, 2024 December 31, 2024) (Story Date: January 1, 2025 Present) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. By Jonathan Stempel and Sarah N. Lynch NEW YORK (Reuters) -A federal judge agreed to let the U.S. Department of Justice end its prosecution of two former Cognizant Technology Solutions executives, the first time the department publicly abandoned a foreign bribery case since President Donald Trump halted enforcement of a key anti-bribery law. U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz in Newark, New Jersey, on Thursday dismissed the case against Gordon Coburn and Steven Schwartz, which began during Trump's first White House term, with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dismissal came two days after Alina Habba, the acting U.S. Attorney in New Jersey, said the case should be dropped. Habba, who also represented Trump in private practice, said her request followed consultation with Attorney General Pam Bondi's office, and reflected a "recent assessment" of Trump's executive order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"). Last month, Farbiarz rejected a request by Habba's predecessor John Giordano to delay the case by 180 days, and scheduled an April 7 trial. The judge cited the defendants' right to a speedy trial in the six-year-old case. Cognizant is a Teaneck, New Jersey-based information technology and outsourcing company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. authorities charged Coburn and Schwartz in February 2019 with authorizing a $2 million bribe to an Indian official for help obtaining a construction permit for a new Cognizant office campus in Chennai. Coburn and Schwartz pleaded not guilty. Cognizant agreed to pay $25.2 million to settle a related Securities and Exchange Commission civil case, which included an accusation the company authorized two additional bribes totaling $1.64 million. James Loonam, a lawyer for Coburn, said in a statement: "We are grateful that we were able to convince DOJ of what we have long known: that this case never should have been brought." Lawrence Lustberg, a lawyer for Schwartz, in a statement referring to his client said: "As we have maintained all along, he is innocent, and these charges should never have been brought." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enacted in 1977, the FCPA prohibits companies that operate in the United States from bribing foreign officials. Trump has called the FCPA a "horrible law," and when signing his executive order said ending enforcement would "mean a lot more business for America." (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York and Sarah N. Lynch in Washington, D.C.Editing by Marguerita Choy) Nearly three weeks after President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to remove more than 200 alleged migrant gang members to El Salvador with little-to-no due process, a federal judge will consider whether the Trump administration defied his court order by deporting the men. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said at a hearing Thursday that he is contemplating initiating "contempt proceedings" against the government in the event he finds probable cause they deliberately defied his March 15 order that barred removals under the Alien Enemies Act and directed two flights carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members be returned to the United States. Boasberg questioned DOJ attorney Drew Ensign over the best way to proceed in the case in the event he determines the government violated his verbal order that the flights be returned to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Meet 5 of the alleged gang members the Trump administration sent to an El Salvadoran mega-prison "If I don't agree, I don't find your legal arguments convincing, and I believe there is probable cause to find contempt, what I'm asking is how -- how should I determine who [is at fault]?" Boasberg asked. Boasberg repeatedly pressed Ensign for more information on which parties might have been involved in potentially defying his order. Ensign cited various privileges that might apply to the specific information, but when pressed by Boasberg he said he was not prepared to give specific answers. Judge Boasberg said he would look to issue a ruling sometime next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge began the hearing by dressing down Ensign after the DOJ lawyer insisted that the Trump administration complied with Boasberg's court order. "It seems to me, there is a fair likelihood that that is not correct," Judge Boasberg said in response to the argument that the Trump administration complied with the order. "In fact, the government acted in bad faith throughout that day. You really believed everything you did that day was legal and could survive a court challenge. I can't believe you ever would have operated in the way you did." 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. (Presidency Of El Salvador/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) When the judge pressed the government about whether his oral directive to turn around the planes was communicated to the officials managing the deportation flights, DOJ attorney Drew Ensign declined to answer, citing attorney-client privilege. Regardless, Judge Boasberg suggested the Trump administration acted irresponsibly and rushed the deportation flights while the lawsuit played out. "Why wouldn't the prudent thing be to say, 'Let's slow down here. Let's see what the judge says. He's already enjoined the removal of five people, certainly in the realm of possibility that he would enjoin further removal. Let's see what he says, and if he doesn't enjoy it, we can go ahead. But surely better to be safe and risk violating the order,'" Judge Boasberg said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boasberg used his opening line of questioning to ensure Ensign corrected the record amid public attacks by President Trump and other senior members of the administration who have accused him of supporting terrorist gang members or singlehandedly obstructing the administration's immigration agenda. Ensign said it was correct to say that Boasberg's initial temporary restraining order on March 15 never barred the administration from conducting deportations in the normal course of legal proceedings, and also said it would be incorrect to say that Boasberg ever ordered any TdA members in the administration's custody to be released. MORE: Judge temporarily restores funding for legal aid for migrant children Thursday's hearing could present the most consequential face-off yet between the executive and judicial branches of government since Trump took office in January, as Trump attempts to unilaterally implement parts of his agenda amid a flood of litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do," Trump said in a social media post last month after Judge Boasberg issued his order blocking the deportations. Trump last month invoked the Alien Enemies Act -- a wartime authority used to deport noncitizens with little-to-no due process -- by arguing that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is a "hybrid criminal state" that is invading the United States. An official with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has acknowledged that "many" of the men lack criminal records in the United States -- but said 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." Lawyers representing the class of migrants covered by the president's Alien Enemies Act proclamation have argued that the Trump administration violated the court's "unequivocal oral order" to return to the U.S. two flights carrying alleged Tren de Aragua gang members to El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to flight data reviewed by ABC News, both flights carrying the migrants had not yet landed when Judge Boasberg directed the flights be turned around, and Justice Department lawyers, when questioned by Judge Boasberg, confirmed that the directive was promptly communicated to federal officials overseeing the flights. MORE: Meet 5 of the alleged gang members the Trump administration sent to an El Salvadoran mega-prison "Defendants admit they never attempted to return the individuals on the planes to the United States, despite having both notice and the ability to do so," the attorneys argued. Lawyers with the Department of Justice have insisted that the Trump administration "complied with the law" while questioning the legitimacy of Judge Boasberg's order. According to the DOJ, Judge Boasberg's oral instructions directing the flight to be returned were defective, and his subsequent written order lacked the necessary explanation to be enforced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers with the ACLU and Democracy Forward Foundation responded that "The government's arguments are also unsupportable on their own terms -- as a matter of basic textual analysis, of common sense, and in view of foundational separation-of-powers principles." The Justice Department has also argued that the president acted within his authority when he removed the noncitizens -- which the Trump administration has alleged are dangerous gang members -- and that the government should not have to explain itself to the court because the matter concerns national security. "Even without the challenged Proclamation, the President doubtlessly acts within his constitutional prerogative by declining to transport foreign terrorists into the country," the Justice Department argued. The Justice Department recently invoked the rarely-used state secrets privilege to avoid disclosing further details about the flights on the grounds that it could harm national security, so it's unclear how DOJ attorneys will respond to Boasberg's lines of inquiry. Judge Boasberg says he's contemplating 'contempt proceedings' over Trump deportations originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A major legal victory has reaffirmed the power of New York City's pension funds to prioritize smart, forward-thinking investments. As Pensions & Investments detailed, the New York State appeals court has upheld a ruling dismissing a lawsuit that challenged the city's decision to divest from dirty fuels marking another win for long-term financial security in an evolving economy. The case was brought by four current and former city employees who claimed that the pension funds representing teachers, public employees, and Board of Education staff violated their fiduciary duties by shifting away from dirty fuel investments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in a unanimous 5-0 ruling, the appellate division of the New York State Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit, stating "the plaintiffs' arguments are speculative" and lacked evidence of financial harm. New York City's pension funds control $208 billion of the city's total $284.3 billion retirement assets, making them some of the largest public pension funds in the nation. Their decision to divest from dirty fuels aligns with a growing recognition that these investments are no longer as reliable as they once seemed. While oil and gas companies have historically been profitable, long-term trends indicate that they're struggling to compete with clean energy alternatives that continue to grow in market value. By focusing on sustainability-driven investments, NYC's pension funds are protecting retirees' savings from the financial risks associated with outdated energy sectors. As the global economy shifts toward clean energy, investments in dirty fuels could become liabilities rather than assets. Clean energy stocks have outperformed traditional energy markets in recent years, signalling a promising future for funds that embrace this transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Comptroller Brad Lander praised the court's decision, calling it "another important victory for fiduciaries tasked with safeguarding pension assets." Lander also emphasized the dangers of efforts to derail responsible investing, adding, "These dangerous and misguided attempts by anti-ESG forces threaten the long-term financial security of pensioners for generations to come." This ruling reinforces that pension fund trustees who are accountable to the public have the power to make investment decisions that reflect economic realities. With dirty fuels on shaky financial ground and renewables continuing to expand, NYC's move away from planet-harming investments is both environmentally conscious and a sound financial strategy. With more institutions following suit, it's clear the clean energy transition isn't just about sustainability. It's also about smart economics and future-proofing financial systems for generations to come. 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. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including Azerbaijan. Under this new policy, a minimum customs duty of 10% has been set for Azerbaijani exports. While the move is aimed at addressing trade imbalances and protecting U.S. industries, it also raises important questions: How will these tariffs impact Azerbaijans trade with the U.S.? Will they slow down the countrys growing non-oil and gas exports? Azerbaijans trade relationship with the United States has seen significant changes in recent years, particularly with the sharp rise in non-oil exports over the past two years period. Despite a negative trade balance, the country has been expanding its exports to the U.S., and the new tariffs could introduce challenges for Azerbaijani businesses. Azerbaijani MP Vugar Bayramov shared his perspective with Azernews: "Despite the increase in trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the United States in recent years, our country imports more goods from the other side of the ocean. Thus, in 2024, Azerbaijan imported goods worth $1 billion 617 million from the United States, while our exports to the United States amounted to only $135 million 30 thousand. This means that we have a negative balance of $1 billion 482 million in foreign trade with the United States." He noted that while Azerbaijans exports to the U.S. remain small, their growth rate is notable: "Last year, compared to the previous year, our imports from the United States increased by 1.8 times, and our exports to the United States by 8.4 times. In other words, despite our low exports, the growth dynamics are very high. This means that the United States has become a new export destination for our businessmen." The new tariffs, however, will have a greater impact on non-oil and gas products. "In 2024, our exports to the United States on non-oil and gas products amounted to $134 million 663 thousand. Exports of non-oil and gas products of Azerbaijani origin reached $55 million 949 thousand. Considering that in 2024 our total exports of non-oil and gas products were $3 billion 356 million, and total exports of non-oil and gas products of Azerbaijani origin were $2 billion 883 million, our cooperation with the United States in this area does not have a high share." Despite their relatively small volume, Azerbaijans exports to the U.S. are quite diverse: "In 2024, we exported to the country with the world's strongest economy $6 million 508 thousand in other substances in primary forms resulting from polymerization, $593 thousand in animal intestines, bladders and stomachs, $410 thousand in tropical and other fruit juices, $279 thousand in sturgeon caviar, $242 thousand in unrefined, excellent first-pressed olive oil, $177 thousand in fruit jams, fruit jellies and marmalades, fruit purees and pastes, and other products." The lawmaker emphasized that while the tariffs may not drastically affect Azerbaijans export volume, they could influence growth trends: "As can be seen, Azerbaijan's non-oil and gas exports to the United States, although not in large amounts, are diversified by commodity groups. Therefore, even if Washington's tariffs do not seriously affect Azerbaijan's exports to the United States, they may affect the overall growth dynamics. Of course, in all cases, a new tariff means new costs." Looking ahead, the introduction of reciprocal tariffs marks a new phase in global trade, with potential consequences for Azerbaijans expanding export markets. "That is, it is not excluded that the growth rate of our total exports to the United States will decrease. At the same time, since the products we send to the United States are more specific, a 10 percent tariff may not affect the market position of those products. But in any case, the new tariffs will mean the beginning of a new phase in the world economy." JOHANNESBURG, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Economic and trade experts on Thursday warned of the widespread impact of the 30 percent tariffs imposed on South African exports by the Trump administration, cautioning that multiple economic sectors would be affected. They urged South Africa to diversify its export markets, particularly within the BRICS bloc. "We have to diversify, move towards BRICS nations, and restructure our economy urgently," economist Duma Gqubule told Xinhua in a telephone interview. The call for diversification was echoed by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, who highlighted the growing prevalence of neo-mercantilism trade policies in global markets. Speaking at an investment conference in Johannesburg, Tau warned that "uncertainty caused by unilateral trade tariffs, which undermine WTO rules," would have "significant implications" for South Africa's economy. "Diversifying trade relations is absolutely critical," he stressed. With the agricultural, automotive, and manufacturing sectors expected to be the hardest hit, analysts also noted that the tariffs effectively signaled the end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the 2002 trade pact that granted duty-free access to U.S. markets for South Africa and other African economies. "We must accept that this is effectively the end of AGOA," Gqubule noted. "AGOA ended last night. If it were still in place, these tariffs would not have been imposed on South Africa. That is the reality we must live with," he added. Matthew Parks, parliamentary coordinator for the Congress of South African Trade Unions, also warned of the tariffs' severe consequences for businesses and workers. "If these tariffs are implemented, that would mean the end of AGOA," he said. "A 50 percent tariff increase would make exports unsustainable, forcing businesses to seek alternative markets. However, a trade war would be detrimental, not only for Africa but also for countries like China, Brazil, and India. If other countries respond with retaliatory tariffs, we could end up in a damaging economic standoff," he emphasized. Reacting to Trump's tariff announcement, independent economic analyst Bonke Dumisa said the move was unsurprising, noting that South Africa was being specifically targeted. While the government has raised concerns and plans to engage with Washington, Dumisa argued that Pretoria has little leverage to change Trump's stance. Dumisa pointed out that the tariffs largely target vehicles and vehicle parts, complicating the situation since some cars manufactured in South Africa and exported to the United States are American brands. "These cars are built here because it makes economic sense," he said. Parks added that the automotive industry would be particularly hard-hit, as about 37 percent of South Africa's vehicle exports go to the United States. The impact would also be felt in agriculture, which sends 70 percent of its exports to the United States, along with chemicals, jewelry, and other goods. He urged affected countries to use the World Trade Organization to address trade disputes rather than resort to tit-for-tat measures. The Trump Justice Department was at times squirrely, at times withholding and at times quick to whip out attorney-client privilege Thursday as a federal judge tried to discern who exactly in the administration may have violated his orders. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, in his Washington D.C. courtroom, pressed Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign on who exactly told planes carrying Venezuelan detainees deported under the Alien Enemies Act not to turn around, even after hed ordered that those detainees not be removed from U.S. custody. Youve said that it was perfectly appropriate for the government to act as it did, so who made that perfectly appropriate decision? Boasberg asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your honor, I dont know that, Ensign replied. Boasberg, chuckling, asked: Were you told? Your honor, I havent been told, Ensign said. So you, standing here, have no idea who made the decision to not bring the planes back, or have passengers not disembark upon arrival? Boasberg asked incredulously. Your honor, I do not know those operational details, Ensign replied. Boasberg then asked the government how it wanted to proceed, as hed need names of people to hold in contempt of court, should he make that finding. The lawyer for the detainees, in his comparatively brief conversation with the judge, advocated for some kind of sworn evidence, preferably hearings or depositions, as he argued that the government hadnt been forthcoming in its written declarations so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boasberg went far deeper than in previous hearings towards trying to learn who in the government knew about his order, when they knew it and who specifically chose to potentially disregard him. His questioning of Ensign, the government lawyer, took up nearly the entire span of the 45-minute hearing. At times, Ensign was visibly uncomfortable, particularly as Boasberg sought to learn which government officials listened in to the critical March hearing at which he ordered the planes turned around. The hearing itself is several steps short of any real consequence that Boasberg might impose on the Trump administration for potentially flouting his order. Boasberg issued no ruling on Thursday, though he did suggest that he was feeling out a potential contempt process. For now, he will rule on whether to find probable cause to begin contempt proceedings. From there, Boasberg could use the contempt process to haul in senior officials and, as the judge put it at a hearing last month, get to the bottom of who decided that the planes would continue on to El Salvador after the court ordered their reversal. Boasberg drilled for much of the hearing, which was open to the public, into whether the Trump administration had structured the entire Alien Enemies Act removal process so as to avoid judicial scrutiny and deprive the deported of whatever chance they may have had to file legal challenges to the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TPM covered the Trump administrations efforts to circumvent judicial oversight in detail, tracing the paths of several deportees as ICE moved them swiftly across the country and staged them near a Texas airport from which they could be removed. Boasberg focused on the issue, saying at one point that ICE clearly knew about this proclamation before 3:53 p.m. while expressing disbelief that the Trump administration could have moved three planeloads of people to El Salvador without extensive preparations. There continue to be lingering questions over how and when the proclamation itself was signed. The White House has said that it was issued on Friday, March 14; it didnt go into legal effect until it was posted online at 3:53 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. As Boasberg noted on Thursday, his March 15 hearing began at 5 p.m.; by that point, planes were already in the air. He remarked at one point that one could infer that ICE had begun working on this long before the Alien Enemies Act invocation was publicly proclaimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Ensign agreed, Boasberg followed up: What other inference could you draw from that? Ensign squirmed as Boasberg hammered the point. There was a fair likelihood that the government acted in bad faith throughout that day, the judge said. If you really believed everything you did that day was legal and could survive a court challenge, I cant believe you ever would have operated the way you did. Boasberg tallied the human cost of such haste, pointing out that at least one person that we know of shouldnt have been deported at all, referring to the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who had been granted protection by a judge from being deported and was in the United States on a work permit. Meanwhile, the case is continuing on the merits. Boasberg will gather the parties again next week for a hearing on the detainees motion for a preliminary injunction, a more permanent ban on Trumps deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. Judge James Boasberg thinks Stephen Miller, Tom Homan, and the rest of the Trump administration acted in bad faith when they invoked the Alien Enemies Act to extrajudicially deport 200 Venezuelan men to a megaprison in El Salvador on March 15. Judge Boasbergwhose restraining order to halt the deportation plans was defied by the administrationnoted that he is considering contempt for the administrations actions. And if he does, he wants to know who to blame. If I dont agree, I dont find your legal arguments convincing, and I believe there is probable cause to find contempt, what Im asking is howhow should I determine who [is at fault]? Judge Boasberg raised, wanting to know who exactly decided to disobey his order to turn planes carrying deportees around. The Trump administration insists that it somehow complied with the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems to me, there is a fair likelihood that that is not correct, Judge Boasberg responded. In fact, the government acted in bad faith throughout that day. You really believed everything you did that day was legal and could survive a court challenge? I cant believe you ever would have operated in the way you did. Why wouldnt the prudent thing be to say, Lets slow down here. Lets see what the judge says. Hes already enjoined the removal of five people; certainly in the realm of possibility that he would enjoin further removal. Lets see what he says, and if he doesnt enjoin it, we can go ahead. But surely better to be safe than risk violating the order, Boasberg asked the Justice Department lawyers. The Justice Department also invoked the state secrets privilege to avoid having to give Judge Boasberg any more information about the deportation flights, which Boasberg called pretty sketchy-looking. The Justice Department insisted that revealing the information could have diplomatic consequences. Like what? Judge Boasberg replied, noting that he has discussed confidential matters in closed sessions before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration insists that all 200 of these men are dangerous, hardened members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, hence the wartime Alien Enemies Act. This is completely false. Now innocent people are sitting in one of the most brutal prisons in the world. Judge Boasberg plans to issue a ruling this week. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) D.C. Federal Judge James Boasberg suggested he may hold a member of the Trump administration in contempt over concerns they violated his order about three deportation flights last month. Court records show the deportation flights left South Texas and took deportees to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The Trump administration said everybody who was on that flight was part of a Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The Trump administration said the Alien Enemies Act gave President Donald Trump the authority to deport them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We truly believe everybody who was on that flight was a public safety threat, national security threat, and a terrorist, said Tom Homan, the White House border czar. The ACLU disputed that claim, arguing in court the people deported didnt get a chance to challenge ICEs assessment they were terrorists. Judge Boasberg issued an order last month for the Trump administration to turn the planes around. The administration did not. Three airplanes landed in El Salvador on March 15. The government acted in bad faith throughout the day, Boasberg said in court on Thursday. Boasberg probed Department of Justice Attorney Drew Ensign about the timeline on March 15. He asked Ensign who at the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice and the Trump administration he told about the order on March 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge indicated he may hold hearings to determine whether anybody in the administration should be held in contempt. We are not going to tolerate foreign terrorists wreaking havoc on American communities, period, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday. Rep. Vincente Gonzalez (D-Texas) said he supports the administration removing gang members in the country illegally, but said the administration needs to follow the law. We cannot come to the day where we ignore and do not abide by federal judges orders, Gonzalez said. Boasberg has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting people based solely on the Alien Enemies Act. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld his decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court for permission to resume deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On March 27, 2022, on the heels of a weekend marked by dozens of gang-related murders, El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele and his legislature plunged the country into a regimen de excepcion a state of exception and declared war against the gangs. The state of exception suspended fundamental rights like freedom of assembly and association, the right to legal representation, and the right to see a judge within 72 hours of detention. The age of criminal responsibility was lowered to 12. The crackdown that ensued saw tens of thousands of arrests of suspected gang members, who were tried en masse and disappeared into the nations prison system without even the illusion of due process. Allegations of torture, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights abuses abounded and still do. Bukele is serving a second term despite a constitutional prohibition against it. The state of exception originally a 30-day decree has been extended 37 times. Over the course of three years, human rights in El Salvador have crumbled under its boot. Its here that President Donald Trump hopes to find a workable model for his own immigration crackdown, and the potential eradication of opposition to his nativist, right-wing agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the Trump administration sent three plane loads of primarily Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, where they were greeted by professional camera crews, blinding lights, and soldiers clad in military fatigues who manhandled them as they were frogmarched, shaved, and transported into the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) a massive prison that functions as both a detention center, and a propaganda soundstage for the Bukele government. The planes landed in El Salvador despite a court order from a federal judge blocking the administration from deporting the detained migrants to a third nation without appropriate due process. The Trump administration paid El Salvador at least $6 million for the stunt, and the migrants have been thrust into a legal void that few manage to escape. The Venezuelans have been sent to basically a judicial black hole, says Noah Bullock, executive director of Cristosal, a leading human rights organization that has represented victims and the families of those internally displaced and disappeared in Central America for more than 20 years. Theres already tens of thousands of El Salvadorans who are in it, who have not been able to exercise a defense, who have been subjected to systematic torture. Hundreds probably more like thousands have been killed. Ruth Lopez, a renowned Salvadoran human rights lawyer who works as a chief legal officer at Cristosal, says the organization has been contacted by roughly 70 relatives and families of individuals caught in the deportation stunt, including migrants without a prior criminal record, people who were detained on the street or upon entering the United States, others who had previously applied through the CPB One app or had existing formal asylum processes. Lopez says its often Cristosals job to explain to families who in these cases live primarily outside of El Salvador the reality of what the detained person will face, and the challenges of fighting for their release. Here in Salvador, between March 27, 2022, and December 31, 2024, there have been over 7,200 writs of habeas corpus submitted just to the Supreme Court. We can estimate that the rulings in favor of the people on those cases dont surpass one percent, she says. These cases are also unique because these are not Salvadoran citizens, and additionally the government of El Salvador is being paid to hold them in an irregular situation an unconstitutional situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Salvadors state of exception billed as a necessary measure to eliminate crime and corruption has led to the imprisonment of thousands of innocents alongside dozens of community leaders, union leaders, and human rights defenders. The situation in El Salvador may seem like a far cry from the institutions of the United States, which for decades have been revered as the global gold standard for democratic governance. But the erosion of individual rights, and the Trump administrations willingness to recreate even partially the Bukele model at home, should be a warning and a wake up call for Americans. America constantly talks about corruption elsewhere, this assumption that American institutions are incorruptible, Bullock says. In the end, human rights, corruption, autocracy from an American exceptionalist mindset is for the third world, and it makes it hard for people to see when its playing out in front of their faces. In the aftermath of the Salvadoran Civil War a more than decade-long conflict made exponentially worse by the meddling of the United States the country struggled to create a new egalitarian state, at the the same time that the American government began deporting undocumented migrants with criminal convictions from California back to Central America. The result was the rapid entrenchment and growth of criminal groups within an already unstable El Salvador, and the nation quickly became one of the worlds most dangerous countries. When Bukele entered office in 2019, the murder rate in El Salvador was 38 per 100,000 people, and gangs outright controlled parts of rural El Salvador. While its undeniable that the Bukele crackdown has reduced violent crime in the nation, the extent of its success is a matter of debate, as crime statistics are controlled by the Bukele government. Allegations have also persisted that Bukele negotiated a backdoor truce between some of the nations most powerful gangs. At the same time, over two percent of the nations population is now incarcerated the highest percentage in the world and reports of state-sponsored violence and human rights abuses have skyrocketed. Of course we were on board with neutralizing the gangs and the criminal elements, but that wasnt the only thing the state of exception was for, says Samuel Ramirez, founder of Movimiento de Victimas del Regimen (Movement of Victims of the Regime), a protest and advocacy group that works with thousands of individuals and families affected by the state of exception. Bukele used the gangs to create a spectacle, to command the attention of the world he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While polling consistently shows that Bukele is quite popular in El Salvador, surveys also show a steady increase in fear of public criticism of the government to degrees that sometimes match the presidents approval rating. Theres a sector of the population that feels better, because its true that we perceive more security, were no longer afraid of the gangs. Now were afraid of the regime, says Ramirez. We see soldiers everywhere, police everywhere, patrol cars, and theyre arresting people. Ramirez notes that on top of Bukeles control of all three branches of government, and repression of the free press, families and activists he works with fear retaliation or arrest if they speak out against abuses or advocate for their imprisoned relatives. The murder rate a statistic provided by the Bukele government is down, but doesnt include those who die in custody of the prison system or are killed by police. El Salvadors prisons have long been a hotbed of arbitrary detention and abuse, but the Bukele regime has operated under new levels of impunity. Officers are reportedly given daily arrest quotas, transfers to other prisons are frequent, and the government closely guards information about detainees from families, attorneys, and their advocates. The state of exception means little more is needed than the suspicion of an arresting officer to secure a lengthy stay in prison. Detainees are tried en masse, with no opportunity to present counter evidence or even access to the evidence against them and are often handed decades-long prison sentences. People [are] being held for now three full years [since the state of exception was imposed], in some cases, without even going to trial, Bullock says. As the Trump administration looks to crack down on undocumented immigration using the specter of crime, gang violence, and terrorism as the justification for their dismissal of established law their playbook is looking increasingly similar to Bukele. Over the weekend, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) obtained a copy of a Validation Guide, used by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to determine if a Venezuelan detainee was a member of the Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang, and subject to removal under the Alien Enemies Act an 18th century law that allows the government to arrest, detain, and deport men over the age of 14 who are citizens of an enemy nation during times of war. Citing this infamous law which was used to justify the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II is a major stretch. The United States is not at war with Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guide included a points system through which suspected members are graded on their degree of suspected affiliation with the gang (scoring anything above a five is potentially enough to be declared an alien enemy). Criteria include tattoos and other symbolism; residing with someone declared a member of TDA; group photos featuring two or more known TDA members; and any form of communication with alleged members of TDA. The administrations guide does not require due process; the supposed links between the detainee and a criminal group are not presented as evidence before a judge at a deportation hearing. The arresting officer has discretion, much like in El Salvador. Following the deportations in March, the Trump administration resisted releasing information regarding the identities of those arrested, and any evidence against them. The names of the more than 200 men deported were not made public until CBS News obtained the full list from an anonymous source last month. The Trump administration admitted in court documents that many of those sent to El Salvador did not have criminal records. As more information about those deported was unearthed, it became clear that some of the evidence against them was as absurd as a tattoo of a Real Madrid CF logo, or an autism awareness tattoo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the Alien Enemies Act, they have no recourse to challenge their removal, especially when theyre sent into a third countrys penal system as part of a financial agreement to hold prisoners. The videos produced by Bukeles government in CECOT make clear the prison is also a propaganda casting department. Inmates are more often than not shirtless, displaying large tattoos and body art supposedly indicating their affiliations with transnational gangs. Its an image both Bukele and the Trump administration are actively searching for when they make arrests even though, for years now, gangs have been increasingly reluctant to brand members with clearly identifying, permanent symbols and tattoos as governments crack down on organized crime. More often than not, arrests in El Salvador are based on anonymous tips to police, or social and geographic proximity to someone previously arrested. On Tuesday, a report from The Atlantic revealed that in one court filing, the Trump administration admitted it had wrongfully deported a man with protected status to El Salvador. The man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, previously won a legal battle against the Trump administration after being accused in 2019 of being a member of the gang MS-13, and was granted protected status that should have prevented his removal to El Salvador. While the Trump administration acknowledged that Abrego Garcia had been deported due to an administrative error, they claimed neither they nor the court had standing to order the U.S. government to secure his return, as he was in the custody of El Salvador and outside of their jurisdiction. Despite that logic, the Trump and Bukele administrations last week inked a memorandum of cooperation in which the two countries agreed to work together to deport fugitives who are wanted in El Salvador back to the Central American nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem thanked Bukele for his partnership in a video filmed inside CECOT late last month. Before a backdrop of shirtless prisoners crowded into cage-like cells, Noem sporting a $50,000 Rolex Daytona watch warned that CECOT is one of the tools in our toolkit that we will use if you commit crimes against the American people. Bullock, of Cristosal, notes that the Trump administration sending people without convictions to El Salvador with no chance to defend themselves constitutes a forced disappearance, a violation of international human rights law. It also violates another principle of international law, which is called non-refoulement, he says. Non-refoulement is an established tenant of international human rights law that prohibits nations from deporting or removing individuals under their control regardless of their immigration status into a situation where they are likely to face imminent harm. Bullock continues: [Bukele] brags about the ways that they use cruel and inhumane treatment in CECOT and our organization has documented amply systematic practices of torture generally in the prison system. So the United States, in doing this, is generating a point of inflection for the international human rights system. The outcome of this is basically the creation of this transnational penal colony where a president, a head of state, can make a deal with President Bukele and disappear undesirables indefinitely. Disappeared is an apt description for the state of those in El Salvadors prisons. Cristosal and other advocacy groups working with the families of the detained say that CECOT is just the public face of a much larger system of prisons in El Salvador holding the vast majority of those arrested under the state of exception. The Bukele administration makes it nearly impossible to track the whereabouts of an arrestee once theyve entered the system. Family members are not allowed contact with inmates, and are given little information on their condition and location. Release papers, if they manage to secure them, are often ignored. We do work with hundreds of families of people, innocent people have been detained, and they dont even know for sure if theyre alive. Bullock says. They bring monthly packages [of basic goods] to the prisons out of fear that their loved ones dont think theyve been forgotten, but they have no guarantees or assurances that theyre even there or they ever received the packages. (In many Latin American countries, prisons do not provide basic goods for inmates, whose families are expected to collect and deliver them to detention centers on a monthly basis.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Cristosal published a report detailing alleged torture within El Salvadors prison system, unreported deaths of inmates, and the systematic dissappearances of those arrested. The organization has received thousands of complaints, investigated over 1,000 specific cases of alleged abuse, and documented the deaths in custody of over 200 prisoners. Cristosal provided Rolling Stone with recorded testimony from a former inmate named Oscar who said he and other detainees are often forced to sign confessions by arresting officers, crammed into cells with over 250 other inmates, and regularly beaten by guards. Oscar describes witnessing food deprivation, denial of medical treatment, frequent transfers (he spent time at several prisons in El Salvador), deaths of inmates due to illness or abuse, and burials in mass graves. In a 2023 report examining in-custody deaths investigated by the state-run Institute of Legal Medicine (IML), Cristosal was able to corroborate that the institute has investigated at least 28 deaths within prisons that were likely caused by torture. The actual number is estimated to be at least in the hundreds. Deaths in custody are often reported to be the result of chronic disease or natural causes, despite inmates families claiming they had no known conditions before being arrested. In the case of a 30-year-old man whose IML reports were obtained by Cristosal, the forensic medical examination of the IML stated that he had died as a result of mechanical asphyxia by strangulation. The corpse presented a kind of protuberance at the level of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and hematomas, possibly perpetrated with a rigid object. That is to say, he could have been strangled with a stick, club, or tonfa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One 24-year-old man, whose family spoke to Cristosal, died of a burst intestine theorized to have been caused by a severe beating. After an initial hospitalization due to malnutrition after seven months in prison, he was granted special release by a judge who told him that the good news was that a polygraph determined he was innocent but the bad news was that he had terminal renal insufficiency. He told a relative shortly before he died that at Mariona Prison the water is hot and tastes like chlorine and they hardly give us food, we get fed once a day, they dont give us breakfast or lunch only dinner we wait in line in a large court and everyone who gets food receives two hard blows on the back so I stopped going out to eat so they wouldnt hit me, because those blows hurt. One man previously incarcerated at Mariona testified to Cristosal that at one point, guards showed up with a bucket of food. We arrived on a Thursday (and it was Monday), the guard asked, Are you hungry? When we answered yes, the guard threw the food on the floor, which was full of mud and other dirt, and said, You are only going to pick the food up with your mouth and if you grab it with your hands I will take you out and I will beat you, and gave them five seconds to pick up the food with their mouths. Luisa a woman whose daughter was arrested by the regime wondered in an interview with Cristosal why her daughter was being held prisoner. I would like for someone to come to me and say, Look, here is [the evidence against your daughter] I can prove it, but Ive always said were not of a dual-morality. Luisa notes that since her daughter, who was the primary source of the familys income, was arrested, she now spends around $120 a month on supplies her daughter needs, taking them to the prison with only the vaguest assurance that they will actually reach her daughter. Thousands of families whose loved ones are lost in the system are now forced to carry a similar financial burden. Many of them already have a letter of release, they know they are innocent, why dont they let them go? Luisa asks. Its into this system that the United States is now sending migrants without trial, with the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment being part of the systems appeal. The families of those deported from the United States cannot deliver life-saving subsistence packages to inmates. They may not even know where they are. And they will face the additional challenge of having to contend with two hostile governments one of which is their own as they work to extricate their loved ones from a foreign penitentiary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the changes ushered in by the Trump administration are quickly eroding support services in El Salvador. Cristosal has had to downsize its operations significantly in the wake of Trump and billionaire Elon Musks purge of international aid and financial assistance programs. The cuts to their operations are also taking place alongside a wave of government retaliation against activists and advocates in El Salvador. The capacity of the human rights community in El Salvador to respond is significantly diminished, Bullock says. The biggest challenge, Bullock explains, is helping the families of those who are detained or missing navigate a system in El Salvador that is increasingly serving the interests of the president rather than the people a pattern he says mirrors the changes rapidly taking place in the United States. Bukele often talked about his popularity and his electoral victories as a source of legitimacy that makes any institution or norm that doesnt align with him, illegitimate, he says. You hear that same language with President Trump. The public dialogue taking place between Bukele and the Trump administration is undeniable. In the aftermath of U.S. District Court Judge James Boasbergs attempt to block the deportation flights, Bukele echoed Republican complaints of obstruction and claimed that the U.S. was facing a judicial coup on social media. Bukele would know all about it, given that one of his first actions upon gaining control of the legislature in 2021 was to launch a judicial coup within El Salvador. Five Supreme Court justices and the attorney general who had ruled against Bukeles attempts at overreach were removed from their positions via votes by the legislature, and replaced by Bukele loyalists. From Lopezs perspective in El Salvador, the similarities between the two men and the manner in which they approach power is clear. One has to understand that the limits [placed on power] are for the population, she says. Checks and balances are often explained as a mechanism to prevent discord between branches of a government, or resolve disputes, but Lopez argues that their primary function is the protection of the population from government abuses and overreach. When those protective systems are attacked and dismantled the population ends up suffering those consequences. Trump is currently testing the limits of the United States checks and balances, seizing power for the executive through initiatives like he and Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), daring the courts to defy him, and threatening consequences if they do. El Salvadors state of exception has only been in place for three years ages for those in it, a blink in the timeline of global politics but its been long enough for democratic norms to crumble virtually unopposed. In a 2023 speech before the United Nations General Assembly, Bukele defended his attacks against El Salvadors judiciary, telling the international community that if his party had left the same general prosecutor as before, if we had left the magistrates of the previous chamber, if we had left the judges, who many protected and who even issued convictions when we removed them, we would still be the murder capital of the world. If we had listened to them, we would still be losing thousands of Salvadorans to terrorists. Bukele made similar statements during a decidedly Trumpian speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland last year. He received raucous applause after telling the audience that in order to cleanse our society, his government embraced the unthinkable and removed corrupt judges, and corrupt attorneys, and prosecutors, who according to him were practically supportive of the violent criminals he sought to thwart. Trumps inauguration earlier this year brought with it a purge of career prosecutors and federal attorneys who the president deemed disloyal to the cause, and now threats of impeachment or investigation against jurists who dont let him have his way. Foreign student activists opposing American policies toward Israel and Gaza have been arrested, stripped of their visas, and deported. Its the classic authoritarian proposition that I as the leader am uniquely equipped to solve this crisis and everyone else needs to get out of my way, says Bullock. Leaders constantly need emergencies in order to justify the concentration of power, the capture of the state itself, and also they need to create the image of an internal enemy, Bullock explains. Trump has centered his political career around a drumbeat of fear mongering over invasions by criminal gangs and undocumented migrants, positioning himself as the only one who can combat them. The beat grew especially intense down the stretch of his most recent presidential campaign. In October, just weeks before the election, Trump drew widespread backlash after repeatedly stating that he intended to squash the threat of the enemy from within. One of his first actions upon assuming office in January was to sign an executive order declaring a national emergency at the southern border, and hes since used this imaginary war against immigrants as a predicate for a fascist crackdown one many Americans never thought theyd see. This deceptive bargain between security and rights will only take the American people down a pathway of loss of rights for all people, Bullock adds. A leader who offers that bargain to their population doesnt do it out of a concern for security, rather to concentrate power and to capture institutions. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A grape farm in New York has recalled a pumpkin wine juice sold to wineries in a dozen states, including Michigan, because it contains a toxin that could be deadly. Walkers Wine Juice, which sells juice to at-home winemakers and commercial wineries, has recalled its pumpkin juice, according to a notice posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations website. The pumpkin juice was sold to a limited number of commercial wineries in 12 states, including in Michigan, the notice says. It was also sold in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and in the Walkers Wine Juice retail store in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The juices pH is too high and a potential contamination can cause botulism, a form of food poisoning that can be fatal, the notice says. Symptoms of botulism include weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble speaking or swallowing. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, botulism is rare and can also cause difficulty breathing and muscle paralysis. It is caused when the botulinum toxin attacks the bodys nerves, the CDC says. The toxin can grow in improperly preserved or fermented foods. Those who have purchased the pumpkin juice from Walkers Wine Juice should contact the company about disposal and other steps to take. A notice on the companys website asks consumers to call 716.679.1292 with your name and contact information. Leave the product alone, and we will get in contact with additional details and next steps, the website says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. KANSAS CITY, Mo The family of fallen Army Sergeant Joel Murray was gifted a new, mortgage-free home in Lawrence, Kansas. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation gave them the home in honor of Gold Star Spouses Day which honors the spouses of military members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Sgt. Murray and three members of his unit were killed on Sept. 4, 2007, when an improvised explosive device (IED) hit their Humvee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was on his second tour in Iraq and was just 26 years old. Sgt. Murray came from a military family. His grandfather was a World War II veteran, and his father was a Vietnam War veteran. In February 2002, months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Murray enlisted in the Army. His first deployment was to Seoul, South Korea, where he met his wife, Maricel. Joel was my soulmate, his wife, Maricel Murray, said. He was a good man and provided not only for me and our son but for my family as well. He had a heart of gold. Murray is survived by his wife, Maricel, and their son, Jerry, a pre-med student who graduated in the top 1% of his class. Maricel said Jerry always tried to excel in school to honor his fathers legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed seven bills she said were aimed at improving government efficiency. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed seven bipartisan bills focused on technical changes, such as modifying definitions and streamlining processes. I am always looking for ways to make our government more efficient for the people of Kansas, Kelly said. Im pleased to sign bills into law that do just that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly signed the following: Senate Bill 104: Provides flexibility to the Shawnee County board of county commissioners to create a citizens commission on local government. Senate Bill 77: Streamlines processes by removing state agencies that no longer exist from Kansas Administrative Regulations and establishing standards for public notice for the repeal of certain regulations. Senate Bill 13: Reduces requirements for filings, registrations and licenses that certain businesses and organizations must submit to the Secretary of State. House Bill 2222: Requires ignition interlock device manufacturers to compensate the state for the administration of the ignition interlock program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 2221: Transfers the alcohol and drug abuse treatment fund from the Department of Corrections to the Department for Aging and Disability Services. House Bill 2215: Modifies the definition of public-private partnership to increase the allowable cost-share for certain Department of Corrections projects, letting the Career Campus project to move forward. House Bill 2110: Facilitates the State 911 Boards transition to a state agency by establishing necessary budget funds and providing flexibility to ensure the agency can provide sufficient grant funding to public safety partners. TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) The state is promoting the creation of public art in rural places. On Wednesday, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced a new round of rural mural funding, providing $125,000 for projects in rural Kansas communities. Public art is a powerful tool for rural revitalization and bringing vitality and prosperity to all regions of our state, David Toland, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce, said in a news release. He added that investments in public art improve the attractiveness of our smaller communities, engage residents and visitors alike, and help stimulate the local economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New grant aims to brighten Kansas downtowns with better signage The initiative aims to revitalize vacant spaces through the arts, promoting community engagement with local history and culture. In 2024, 12 mural projects were completed in small communities across Kansas. The state is accepting new applications for rural murals until May 16. The maximum grant is $7,500, requiring a 100% match with at least 25% in cash and up to 75% in-kind contributions. To qualify for funding, applicants must be from communities of 15,000 residents or fewer. Projects must be completed by Dec. 31 of this year. An application webinar is offered on April 7 at 4 p.m. Register here for funding details and the application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. TOPEKA (KSNT) The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is working to get back $22.6 million in federal funding it was set to receive over the coming year. That money was earmarked to help students recover from learning gaps experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, April 3, KSDE Communications and Recognition Programs director Denise Kahler announced in a news release that Education Secretary Linda McMahon had informed state education chiefs on Friday, March 28 that the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE) was ending the liquidation period for the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF), effective immediately. The ESF is an investment of over $276 billion into state and institutional COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding efforts, managed by the U.S. DOE to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus impacts on education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topeka Fire Department to host camp for young women Last year, the KSDE secured an extension to utilize its remaining ESF resources through March 28, 2026. The agency was set to use the remaining funds for training a programs aimed at accelerating student learning recovery from the pandemic. Kahler said the KSDE is seeking reinstatement of that fund. In the meantime, KSDE has directed its contracted service providers to pause all tasks related to contracts that would incur additional costs. To date, Kansas has spent nearly $1.96 billion in ESF funding. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Children are seen at a temporary shelter for quake-affected people in Mandalay, Myanmar, on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) The death toll from last week's 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar rose to 3,145 on Thursday, with 4,589 people injured and 221 missing, the Myanmar Radio and Television reported. UNITED NATIONS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for more international funding and rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to Myanmar, as the country continues rescue and reconstruction after a powerful earthquake caused massive casualties and widespread destruction. "Myanmar today is the scene of utter devastation and desperation," Guterres said at a press conference. "This disaster has laid bare the deeper vulnerabilities facing people throughout the country." Even before the earthquake, Myanmar was beset by political and humanitarian crises, he said, adding that the earthquake has supercharged the suffering of the people, with the monsoon season just around the corner. The UN chief appealed to the international community to immediately step up vitally needed funding to match the scale of the crisis, and called for rapid, safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to reach those most in need across the country. He welcomed the announcements of temporary ceasefires from Myanmar's authorities, and called the move "essential to help aid flow and let rescuers do their jobs." Quake-affected people rest at a temporary shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, on April 3, 2025. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) Guterres said he is sending Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher to Myanmar. And Julie Bishop, the UN secretary-general's special envoy for Myanmar, will visit the country in the coming days to reinforce efforts for peace and dialogue. "The United Nations will keep pushing for peace and lifesaving support for the people of Myanmar in their hour of need," he said. The death toll from last week's 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar rose to 3,145 on Thursday, with 4,589 people injured and 221 missing, the Myanmar Radio and Television reported. TOPEKA (KSNT) Rachelle Banwart, executive director of corporate engagement and Emily Garwood, associate director of corporate engagement joined 27 News to discuss a new office thats opening up. K-State will be opening a new office, the Office of Corporate Engagement. The focus is to make things as easy as possible for partners to work with the university. According to K-States website, Kansas State University is strengthening its culture of entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development with the launch of the new Office of Corporate Engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exploring Topekas oldest businesses and their lasting legacy 27 News asked if businesses outside of Manhattan can work with K-State, and the answer was yes. If you have a business and are interested in learning more or getting involved, you can contact their corporate engagement team at corporateengagement@k-state.edu. To learn more about the new launch, you can watch the interview above. To learn more about the Office for Corporate Engagement, click here. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. ELGIN, Ill. (WGN) The family of Karen Schepers released a statement Wednesday in the aftermath of a major breakthrough that brought her remains home after going missing nearly 43 years ago. While the Elgin Police Department continues to work towards closure of Schepers cold case, police said her family expressed they wanted to release a statement to the surrounding community about this case. We would like to thank the Elgin Police Department especially Chief Lalley, Detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian and retired Officer Mike Gough for their dedication to the Cold Case program that brought Karen back to us after so many years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we each heard the news that her car was found, time stopped while we drew an audible gasp. When it started back up again, our lives took a new path that finally included the answer to Where is Karen? This question has been haunting all who knew Karen for many years. She was a young, independent, accomplished trailblazer with a very bright future. She has been missed and will continue to be missed by those of us who loved her. We believe she has been watching as Gods hand guided all of the events of her coming home. An incredible miracle happened through the skills, intelligence, and compassion of all involved. We also want to extend a special thank you to the team of Chaos Divers: Jacob, Lindsay, and Mike. Their expertise enabled such a complete recovery of Karen and her personal effects that very likely could have been lost to the river if the recovery had been completed any other way. Thank you to the listeners of the Somebody Knows Something podcast, those whove connected with Karens story, and everyone behind the scenes of both the investigation and recovery. Words cannot begin to convey how grateful we are to everyone involved. We hope for continued success on each and every cold case. Miracles do happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our family, especially our mother, Liz, is overwhelmed by the care and concern of so many thousands that have followed this case. We very much appreciate the love of friends and family and the prayers for our beloved Karen. The Schepers Family Karen Schepers Cold Case *The section below is excerpted from a previous story on wgntv.com. The full length of that story can be read by clicking here. Schepers and her Toyota Celica went missing around 1 a.m. on April 16, 1983, after leaving a Carpentersville bar named P.M. Bentleys in the Meadowdale Shopping Center following a night out with co-workers in the northwest suburbs. After initial leads dried up and no new information came in during the original investigation into Schepers disappearance, her case was moved to inactive. Over the decades, new looks were taken by other law enforcement agencies as time went by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois State Police revisited Schepers case in the late 1980s. Years later, EPD said advancements in forensic science led to another review of her case in 2010but againthe investigation dried up. Schepers case wasnt revisited for another 14 years. In May 2024, EPD created their Cold Case Unit and five months later, they reopened Schepers missing persons case. It was shortly after this point EPD Chief Ana Lalley empowered detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian to launch Somebody Knows Something: The Elgin Police Cold Case Podcast. Their first episode debuted on Jan. 20 of this year, hoping to renew interest and spark new leads as they documented their investigation into Schepers decades-old disappearance case. In the podcasts introductory episode, Houghton and Vartanian laid out six theories they planned to investigate, with a search of local bodies of water being the final theory they planned to dive into as they revisited Schepers disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As their investigation progressed and podcast episodes dropped, searching local waterways became an increasingly pivotal part of their look into Schepers case. Research done on the Fox River at the time showed the river was flooded and water levels in the Elgin area were unusually high around the time Schepers went missing. This gave credence to the idea Schepers 1980 Toyota Celica may be submerged somewhere along the Fox River and led EPD to bump up a water search strategy ahead of other theories they previously planned to explore. Enter Chaos Divers. EPD partnered with the non-profit organization to search an extensive swath of the Fox Riveran area from the Kimball Street Dam in Elgin, north to Williams Place in East Dundee. On March 24 near the Slade Avenue boat launch, divers were able to locate a vehicle submerged in the river with a license plate that read, XP8919, which matched the license plate of Schepers Celica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day later, emergency crews removed the vehicle from the Fox River and transported it to the Kane County Coroners Office for further examination. On Wednesday, March 26, KCCO confirmed there were human remains inside the car pulled from the Fox River in connection to Schepers case. On Thursday, March 27, they confirmed the human remains inside the vehicle were identified as Schepers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Kansas City cancer survivor is heading to Washington D.C. next week to meet with lawmakers. Shes fighting for research funding and access to life-saving medications. Patt Papenfuhs considers herself lucky to have had early detection, responding to a flyer in the mail about body scans. It came back clean except for the little spot in my lung, and thats how it started, Papenfuhs said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vernon County tornado leaves residents stunned: Keep us in your prayers After it calcified, she began chemo in October of 2023 and had surgery in 2024 to remove the lower lobe of her right lung. Shell be on a medication for the next three years that started out just as a general cancer drug. The more they studied it and the more research they realized that this drug targeted the gene mutation I have, she said. After that, the future is unclear. Shell be one of the more than one million Missouri residents living with lung disease. If lung cancer comes back, it tends to migrate to the brain, so Im hoping theres more research going forward. So that if and when it comes back and this drug doesnt work, I have a next step. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shell head to Washington D.C. next week to speak to Missouris Senators and her congressman Sam Graves or their staff, along with more than 40 other lung force heroes as part of the American Lung Associations Advocacy Day on April 9. 100 Hy-Vee grocery stores offer free A1C testing in April Tuesday, mass layoffs began in the Department of Health and Human Services, which contains both the CDC and National of Institute of Health, which participate in cancer research. I think its a concern for anyone who has lung cancer, any kind of cancer or any type of illness thats chronic because research is what we are all counting on, Papenfuhs said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Convincing Missouris Republican delegation to try to curb CDC NIH or Medicaid cuts could be an uphill climb. But thats something the lung cancer survivor is used to, now quite literally. Exactly one month ago and a year removed from her surgery, the 72-year-old completed her first Fight for Air Climb, climbing 42 floors to the top of Kansas Citys tallest building. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Jackson County prosecutors have filed charges against a Kansas City man who is accused of breaking into a Brookside wine bar over the weekend. Evan Werts is charged with second-degree burglary, first-degree property damage and two misdemeanor counts of stealing in connection to the March 30 incident at Vitas Place, located in the Crestwood Shops near East 55th and Oak streets. Kansas City police were called to Vitas Place around 9:30 a.m. after the business owner found that a window in the front door was broken, according to charging documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A security camera captured the break-in on video. It showed what appeared to be a male trying to kick in the back door after midnight. It then showed the same person going through the front door around 1:50 a.m. and leaving the business minutes later. Juice sold in Kansas wineries, other states recalled over potentially toxin Two bottles of wine worth $200, a $100 bottle of whiskey and $485 from the cash register were taken from the wine bar. According to the charging documents, multiple people reached out with tips after photos of the suspect were shared on the Stolen KC Facebook page. Those individuals said they recognized the suspect as Werts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police compared the images with the Missouri Department of Revenue and a recent booking photo and identified the suspect as Werts. In a news release Thursday, the prosecutors office said that Werts was out on bond at the time of the wine bar break-in. Werts was previously charged last year with two counts of second-degree property damage for a separate incident. The prosecutors office said Werts had been complying with a GPS monitoring system and special conditions of his bond for months but recently had those conditions modified by the court. Prosecutors allege that Werts turned off his GPS monitoring device right before the March 30 break-in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court has now ordered that no bond be allowed in Wertss case. A court date has not yet been scheduled. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Kan. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is continuing to ask the public for help in locating a 39-year-old man who hasnt been seen in nearly two weeks. KCKPD said Brandon Anfinson went missing on Friday, March 21, sometime between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. from his home in the area of S. 35th Street and Powell Avenue in the Argentine neighborhood. SUV crashes into home in northeast Kansas City; driver taken to hospital The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is seeking the publics help in finding missing Kansas City father, Brandon Anfinson, 39. As of Wednesday, April 2, KCKPD tells FOX4 there have been no new developments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anfinson is described as standing 511 and weighs 160 pounds. He has brown hair, blue eyes and multiple tattoos. On his forearm, he has a tattoo of a baby girl with the words Gods gift, as well as another tattoo of a baby girl with two doves. On his right forearm, police said he has a tattoo of a baby boy with a clock and again the words Gods Gift. The family believes he may have been wearing a long-sleeved, black thermal shirt with an imprint of the logo A1 on the front. KCKPD said family and authorities are concerned for Anfinsons well-being as he left behind personal items, including vital prescription medication. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KCKPD detectives are asking anyone that may have seen Anfinson on or since March 21 or has any information regarding his disappearance to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The Kern County Sheriffs Office warned the community of a phone scam targeting individuals in Kern County on Wednesday. According to KCSO, residents are continuing to receive phone calls from someone claiming to be sheriffs office personnel. Residents reported the person on the phone asked for payment regarding a warrant, urgent legal matter, a missed grand jury duty subpoena, failure to show up in court as an expert witness, contempt of court and other issues, KCSO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing jury duty scam calls on the rise: Kern County Superior Court The caller is reportedly asking for electronic payment in the form of gift cards, bitcoin or other avenues, according to KCSO. The caller allegedly threatens arrest if payment is not received. There are also reports of the caller telling the victim they must come into the sheriffs office for a service such as signature comparison or to receive documents once the victim pays, KCSO said. According to KCSO, these scam callers use spoofing apps to make the callback number appear as the same number as the sheriffs offices. KCSO said they do not ask for money, banking or payment information over the phone or accept payment for fees, tickets or fines. KCSO will not call if there is a warrant out for ones arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage Residents also told KCSO the caller refused to let them hang up. KCSO said this urgency is a red flag and advised the public to end the call immediately if the call seems suspicious. If a suspected scam caller calls, KCSO said the call recipient can also ask the caller for their name, employee identification number, callback number and a reference number for the matter they are talking about. This kind of information can be used to figure out if the call is valid by asking the organization directly. If anyone receives suspicious phone calls believed to be a scam, they are urged to report the incident to KCSO at 661-861-3110 or their local law enforcement agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) Race days have been pushed back at Keeneland due to a dangerous forecast for the horses. Keeneland announced Tuesday that it had notified the Kentucky division of the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association that the races on Friday and Saturday have been pushed back to Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The safety of our equine and human participants, as well as of our fans, is at the core of every decision we make at Keeneland, said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. Our team has spent months preparing for opening weekend, and we recognize the significant impact of rescheduling our two biggest race days. While we have navigated challenging weather in the past, the conditions being forecast for the region are unprecedented for Keeneland. Ultimately, ensuring the safety of everyone involved is our top priority. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keeneland said it is still monitoring Sunday and will make a decision about those races at a later time. Severe weather is expected across the region. Latest central Kentucky weather forecast Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of the first round of severe storms expected to hit in the evening on 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 FOX 56 News. Attorney General Ken Paxton has spent much of his career, which has taken him to the heights of Republican politics, trailed by a raft of criminal and civil accusations. But in the final days of the Biden administration, The Associated Press reported Thursday, the Justice Department defused the most serious legal threat he faced a federal criminal probe into allegations of corruption by declining to prosecute and effectively ending the investigation. With the investigation over, Paxton has nearly cleared his crowded slate of career-threatening legal battles, just as he gears up for a likely 2026 primary run against U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The end of this investigation is both politically and personally a huge boon for Ken Paxton, said Matthew Wilson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University. Paxton can point to that and say, You see, even under a Democratic administration, they didnt feel that there was anything there that merited moving forward. The development extends a multi-year string of legal victories vindicating the once-embattled Republican. It underscores Paxtons durability through all manner of political, personal and legal troubles, and helps burnish his reputation among the right wing of his party as a fighter who, like President Donald Trump, has defied numerous efforts by his detractors to take him down. That doesnt mean that there was never anything there, or that it was entirely politically motivated, Wilson said. But it does bolster his claims that, even if there was smoke here, there was definitely no fire. Paxtons attorney Dan Cogdell said he learned of the outcome from the AP because the Justice Department never notified him of its decision not to prosecute. But there was little concern that the case would continue under the Trump administrations Justice Department, given Paxtons close alliance with the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that they declined prosecution is not a surprise, Cogdell said. I dont really think they ever had a case to begin with. In January, the Texas Supreme Court tossed the State Bar of Texas lawsuit against Paxton over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election won by President Joe Biden. Prosecutors last year dropped felony securities fraud charges against Paxton just three weeks before he was set to face trial, after he agreed to perform 100 hours of community service, take 15 hours of legal ethics courses and pay $271,000 in restitution to those he was accused of defrauding more than a decade ago. The deal ended a nearly nine-year-old felony case that had dogged Paxton since his early days in office. And when the state Legislature sought to impeach him for the same allegations of corruption that spurred the federal investigation, the Texas Senate acquitted him of 16 charges of bribery, abuse of office and obstruction that more than 70% of his own party had supported in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxtons last outstanding legal battle is a whistleblower lawsuit filed against him by four of the former senior aides who reported him to the FBI, who allege that he fired them improperly after they spoke out. The Texas Supreme Court said in November that Paxton would not have to sit for a deposition in the lawsuit another win for the attorney general, who has managed to avoid testifying about the corruption allegations through the civil lawsuit, his impeachment trial and the federal investigation. On Thursday, Paxton referenced the end of the investigation to take a swing at Cornyn, who has been critical of Paxtons legal controversies and steadfast in his bid for reelection. This former TX Supreme Court Justice and TX Attorney General ignored the rule of law, the Constitution, and innocent until proven guilty while standing with the corrupt Biden DOJ cheering on the bogus witch hunts against both me and President Trump, Paxton posted on social media in reference to Cornyn, adding, Care to comment now, John? In response to an attempt by Paxton to tag Cornyn as insufficiently conservative and supportive of Trump, Cornyn had said, Hard to run from prison, Ken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The likely match-up could prove to be Cornyns toughest primary battle yet as Texas Republican primary voters lurch toward the right and his popularity among GOP voters drops from 2020 highs. The end of the federal investigation, especially if decided under the Biden administration as the AP reported, helps de-fang the legal and personal controversies trailing Paxton as he looks to challenge Cornyn for Senate, and ties him closer to Trump, who similarly claims to have been unfairly and politically targeted by the justice system, Wilson said. It really sets up those parallels to Trump that will play very well among the Republican primary electorate, Wilson said. Paxton is a political survivor. People have written his obituary a couple of times, and he has really forged this loyal base among the grassroots activists in the Republican Party. Among Republican-identifying voters, according to polling by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, Cornyn has a 49% approval rating, compared to Paxtons 62% approval rating. Texas other senator, Ted Cruz, meanwhile, has an approval rating of 78% among Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no question that over the last year and a half, hes had almost an uninterrupted streak of legal successes, Matt Mackowiak, a Republican strategist and the former Travis County GOP chair, said of Paxton. Still, Cornyn, who has trounced past challengers, is a prodigious fundraiser and wields widespread influence as a senior senator. He has also worked to smooth over his relationship with the hard-right in Texas and tout his work in the Senate in support of Trump. On Thursday, Cornyn declined to comment on Paxton or the Justice Department deciding not to prosecute, saying he was not going to have any comments about that until hes an announced candidate. Then Ill have a lot to say. His campaign, meanwhile, sent an endorsement from the National Border Patrol Council that was announced Thursday in response to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruz declined to comment. Fundamentally, hes a fighter, and hes also a risk-taker, Mackowiak said of how Paxton looked with the end of the federal investigation. What I think this whole episode taught him is, trust your instincts and never quit. The psychology of that has to be very powerful for him in approaching this race. Disclosure: Southern Methodist University, State Bar of Texas and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Tickets are on sale now for the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin. Get tickets before May 1 and save big! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. Last week, Jackie Griffith showed up at her office at the Collin County Health Care Clinic in north Texas ready to start her day answering emails from local doctors before heading to a nearby high school to go over the latest vaccine record requirements. Instead, the 60-year-old registered nurse was called into her directors office and told to pack up her belongings. The federal government had yanked funding, she learned, and her position supporting vaccination efforts for uninsured children through a network of more than 60 providers was gone. Across the country in New Hampshire, Kayla Hogan, 27, was hearing the same. She worked for the states Department of Health and Human Services, onboarding clinics and hospitals into a data system that would help them administer free childhood vaccines. Now that project was in jeopardy, threatening the process of getting children vaccinated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cuts that ensnared Griffith, Hogan and many others whose work touches vaccines in dozens of states were part of $11.4 billion in funds that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s Department of Health and Human Services pulled back from state and community health departments last week, included in the larger slashing of federal government under Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. More than $2 billion was taken from Immunization and Vaccines for Children grants, which support the delivery of vaccines to children whose families may not be able to afford them, according to a list HHS published. Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine activist with a well-documented history of promoting misinformation, promised ahead of his confirmation as HHS secretary that he would not take away vaccines. Since taking office, however, he has repeatedly downplayed the severity of measles currently sweeping the country outbreaks that have hospitalized scores of children and left at least two dead. He has publicly pushed unproven treatments, including vitamin A regimens that have reportedly sickened children, and offered limp public support for vaccines themselves despite vaccines offering the safest, most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases. Under his leadership, HHS has overseen mass firings across federal health agencies, including staff responsible for outbreak response and vaccine access; canceled or postponed meetings of independent vaccine advisory committees; and ended vaccine education campaigns. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during his Senate confirmation hearing Jan. 30. The funding cuts under his watch go further, turning his rhetoric into reality and weakening the systems that deliver lifesaving preventative care. Through sweeping reductions to state and local health agencies, the new administration is quietly dismantling the fragile, interconnected infrastructure that moves childhood vaccines from the federal government to providers and, ultimately, to children. The cuts have hit health departments and medical providers, the data systems that track immunizations and the nonprofit coalitions that make the whole system run. They come at a moment when public health officials and advocates say that despite federal assurances, childhood vaccines are under attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will impact every aspect of immunization: community outreach, education, health fairs, mobile clinics and public health nurses, said Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers. Its catastrophic. Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C., sued HHS and Kennedy this week over the funding takebacks. A federal judge blocked the cuts on Thursday, citing voluminous harms to the health departments. A hearing is scheduled for April 16. HHS did not respond to a request for comment. Ostensibly, the federal cuts were aimed at Covid-era projects that were no longer necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The COVID-19 pandemic is over, and HHS will no longer waste billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a non-existent pandemic that Americans moved on from years ago, the departments director of communications, Andrew Nixon, said last week. A nurse administers a pediatric dose of a Covid vaccine in Los Angeles on Jan. 19, 2022. While an early wave of Covid funding focused on testing, vaccines and addressing health disparities, as the pandemic waned, state health departments were allowed to shift that money to other underfunded programs including grants that support childhood vaccinations. Those grants supplement Vaccines for Children, a federal entitlement program established by Congress in 1994 in response to a deadly measles epidemic, which remains intact. But its successful operation relies on the Immunization and Vaccines for Children funding, which received a temporary boost from reallocated Covid dollars until that money was pulled back last week. Now, the cuts have forced public health departments across the country to lay off staff, cancel vaccine clinics, shut down education and outreach programs, and halt critical physical and virtual infrastructure upgrades, according to news reports, declarations filed in the federal lawsuit against HHS and results from a survey conducted by the National Association of County and City Health Officials and shared with NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Dallas County, Texas, the health director said the cuts compelled the cancellation of 50 community vaccination events including many in schools with low measles vaccination rates amid a rising outbreak. In Minnesota, the Health Department announced it would lay off 170 employees after losing more than $220 million in federal funds. Among the casualties is the states immunization registry, which will no longer be upgraded leaving Minnesota with one of the most outdated tracking systems in the country. In California, the Health Department said in a federal filing that it would be unable to provide childhood vaccines, including for measles, to millions of children, roughly half of the states youth. And in Washington state, the Health Department announced that in response to $20 million in grant cuts targeting immunization programs, it would furlough or lay off 46 workers and suspend its mobile clinic operation, known as the Care-a-Van. The 104 canceled clinics were expected to administer 2,000 vaccines to vulnerable kids, including those in rural areas and homeless populations. Washington state suspended Care-a-Van, its mobile health clinic, because of the federal funding cuts. Were just going to have to think strategically about how we reach those really difficult-to-reach populations, Lacy Fehrenbach, Washingtons chief of prevention, said at a media briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Association of County and City Health Officials survey captured further impacts: A department in Ohio said it plans to halt training on vaccine hesitancy. One in Indiana will lose two nurses who travel to schools to vaccinate children, so parents dont have to miss work. A Texas agency will not be able to replace old equipment as planned. The cuts also threaten a less visible but critical part of the vaccine infrastructure: the data systems that public health departments use to record and share immunizations. Vaccines for Children relies on these systems to order doses, approve and track distribution, and monitor safety. Health departments in Pennsylvania and elsewhere said in declarations filed in the federal case that the cuts would prevent them from operating or upgrading these systems, forcing states to rely on outdated, cumbersome platforms. Poor data systems can leave parents and providers without access to vaccination records and increase the risk of missed or duplicate doses. Rebecca Coyle, executive director of the American Immunization Registry Association, noted that these systems were born out of a measles outbreak that claimed the lives of 89 children in the early 1990s, including an 11-year-old girl who died after being denied a vaccine despite her fathers efforts to get her immunized because the clinic couldnt locate the right records. People wait in line to receive a dose of a Covid vaccine in San Jose, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2021. While much attention is given to parents who hesitate or outright refuse to vaccinate, it is the children without access to vaccines who offer the clearest path to closing immunity gaps, said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way we get from 60% of our population vaccinated to over 95% is by focusing on people who, for a variety of reasons, have difficulty getting vaccinated, he said. That includes the homeless, low-income individuals, and people without a primary care provider. These funding cuts, Benjamin said, degraded the ability to reach those populations literally overnight. Immunization coalitions nonprofits that connect public health departments with communities to improve vaccination rates play a key role, too. Now their work mostly supported by state and federal dollars is at risk. The cuts caused immense damage to Indianas Immunization Coalition, according to its executive director, Lisa Robertson, who said in a statement that its budget funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via the state Health Department was slashed entirely for this year and reduced by 75% for the next fiscal year. The clawback of funds will have real-life consequences, Robertson said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Zhao Xiaona, Zhao Xiuzhi, Larry Neild LONDON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff policy, including a 10 percent levy on UK goods and 25 percent on foreign automobiles, has drawn sharp criticism from British economists and industry leaders. While framed by Trump as a move toward "fair" and "reciprocal" trade, experts warn the measures risk reigniting global protectionism and inflicting lasting harm on both international trade flows and domestic industries. DISRUPTION TO GLOBAL TRADE ORDER Announced under the banner of "reciprocity," the new tariffs are calculated based on bilateral trade deficits rather than existing tariff levels. Though the UK faces a comparatively lower 10 percent rate, economists argue the policy marks a dangerous departure from multilateral trade norms and sound economic principles. Iain Begg, a professor from the London School of Economics and Political Science, said there is broad agreement among economists that Trump's tariff escalation will likely weaken global growth. "There is a broad consensus that this kind of tariff onslaught will slow the global economy -- especially if it triggers retaliation and escalation," Begg told Xinhua. He added that Trump's actions reflect a zero-sum understanding of trade, which stands in contrast to long-standing economic theory. "The idea that trade is a zero-sum game, when two hundred years of economic analysis signals gains from trade, could slowly be revived," he said. Begg also noted that while the UK may have avoided the highest tariff rates, it is not immune to broader consequences. "A reasonable expectation would be that the UK would engage in trade talks with other partners aimed at avoiding separate trade wars," he said. According to estimates from the UK's Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), a worst-case scenario involving a global trade war could reduce Britain's gross domestic product (GDP) peak by as much as one percent. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has warned that a global tariff regime of 10 percent could stall UK growth entirely, while 20 percent tariffs could tip the country into recession. UK INDUSTRIES FACE HIGHER COSTS, LOWER DEMAND Despite avoiding the steepest tariff hikes, UK exporters are bracing for significant disruption. The U.S. is the UK's largest single trading partner, with 58.7 billion pounds (76.99 billion U.S. dollars) worth of goods exported in 2024, accounting for over 16 percent of total UK goods exports. Key sectors, such as automotive, whisky, and pharmaceuticals, face heightened pressure. The automotive industry is among the hardest-hit. The U.S. accounted for 6.4 billion pounds in UK car exports last year. With a 25 percent tariff now applied to foreign-made vehicles, British manufacturers such as Jaguar, Land Rover, and Rolls-Royce face a potential decline in sales and output. Steve Nolan, senior lecturer in economics at Liverpool John Moores University, told Xinhua that the impact would be uneven but substantial. "You can't absorb a 25 percent tariff without passing the cost on to consumers or cutting production. Either way, someone pays," he said. High-end products such as Scotch whisky are also vulnerable. The Scotch Whisky Association reported over 1 billion pounds in annual exports to the U.S., and warned that even a 10 percent tariff could dampen demand. "These are heritage goods, but they are still price-sensitive in competitive markets," Nolan added. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) warned that nearly 60 percent of small UK exporters trade with the U.S., many without the financial flexibility to withstand sudden tariff increases. "Tariffs will cause untold damage to small firms trying to stay profitable," said FSB policy chair Tina McKenzie. "This could lead to job losses and permanent market exits." Beyond direct costs, experts also fear trade diversion effects. Products blocked from the U.S. could be redirected to the UK, intensifying competition and driving down prices. "If the U.S. closes its doors, those goods will look for new markets. The UK is an obvious target, but also a vulnerable one," said Nolan. GROWING CONCERN FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS Business leaders across the UK have responded with growing concern. Make UK, the national manufacturing federation, called the tariffs "highly disappointing," especially given the longstanding balance in UK-U.S. trade. Chief Executive Stephen Phipson noted that the strength of the bilateral relationship should have encouraged more -- not less -- market openness. "These tariffs are a setback for industries on both sides of the Atlantic. UK exporters will suffer, and American consumers will face reduced choice and higher prices," Phipson said. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) echoed this sentiment, stating that a 25 percent tariff on British cars is "deeply damaging" to a sector already facing multiple global headwinds. "The U.S. is a vital export destination. These tariffs hit at the heart of our competitive advantage," said CEO Mike Hawes. John Bryson, a professor and expert in enterprise at the University of Birmingham, emphasized that the UK's 10 percent rate should not be mistaken for immunity. "Some might view this as a Brexit benefit, but that's misleading. We're still exposed, and we're a smaller player negotiating without the leverage of a major trading bloc," he told Xinhua. Bryson warned that retaliatory trade behavior could spiral quickly. "If countries begin redirecting their exports to smaller markets like the UK, we may see rising pressure on domestic producers, job losses, and calls for further protectionism -- a classic downward cycle." In response, the UK government has launched a four-week consultation with businesses to assess the implications of potential retaliatory tariffs, while continuing trade talks with Washington. British Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Parliament that the UK remains committed to reaching a deal, but stands ready to defend its economic interests. "We have a range of tools at our disposal and we will not hesitate to act," Reynolds said. (1 British pound = 1.31 U.S. dollar) Editors note: Details of the story may be disturbing to some readers. BOURBON COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) Court documents have shed light on what happened in the early morning hours of Thursday, leading to the deaths of two people in Bourbon County. Around 11:30 a.m. on April 3, Kentucky State Police announced troopers were investigating a double murder in Bourbon County. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents filed on Friday show that around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, 19-year-old Christopher Taulbee allegedly killed the mother of his child and her boyfriend. Taulbee reportedly shot Dixieana Brainard in the forehead, per court documents, and allegedly stabbed Brainards boyfriend in the throat and hit him with a baseball bat. Afterward, Taulbee allegedly told someone what hed allegedly done, picked them up, and brought them to the scene. Court documents state that the witness told authorities when theyd returned, Brianards boyfriend was still alive, so Taulbee reportedly hit him in the head multiple times with the baseball bat. His identity has not been released at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news Troopers said Taulbee was taken into custody later that morning near the Rowan and Carter County line. Hes since been charged with two counts of murder and is being held at the Bourbon County Detention Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) For the 65th year, the Kiwanis Club of Panama City will be cooking up flapjacks in support of area children during their annual Pancake Days. Volunteers with the club were on the grill this morning, but there are still a few more opportunities to come out and satisfy your stomach. For just $7 a person, you can fill your plate with as many pancakes and sausages as you like while drinking as much coffee and orange juice as your heart desires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The club also provides you with the option to sit down to enjoy your meal or take it with you on the go. Gulf Coast State College hosts senior night for high schoolers All the proceeds from the pancake days will benefit Bay County children in a number of different ways. The primary focus of Kiwanis is youth, and obviously we support the key clubs in the high schools, probably a lot of former key club clubs out there watching, said Kiwanis Club of Panama City Lieutenant Governor Jake Cook. Then we have our mini grant program. So any organization that benefits the children of Bay County they can put in a mini grant to us. Its a one-page form, takes 5 minutes, and we give out grants up to $500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kiwanis Club of Panama City will be dishing out pancakes at Forest Park Church on Friday, April 4th between 6 and 9 a.m., and from 7 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 5th. You can also enter a raffle for an electric bike when you show up on Friday or Saturday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. The Trump administration has set off a legal and ethical firestorm by targeting international students at U.S. colleges for deportation, including some whom the government alleges participated in pro-Palestinian protests or activities on campuses. The Trump administration has claimed without presenting evidence that some of those students support the terrorist organization Hamas, while the students say the White House is treading on their constitutional right to free speech and the longstanding tradition of participating in campus demonstrations. Since President Trump's Jan. 30 executive order to "combat the explosion of anti-Semitism on our campuses and streets" in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, the State Department has revoked around 300 visas so far, many of them held by college students alleged to have participated in pro-Palestinian activities on the nation's campuses, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. PHOTO: Protesters march as they rally for Gaza and demand the release of detained Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, March 18, 2025, in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images) "If you apply for a visa to enter the United States and be a student, and you tell us the reason you are coming to the United States is not just because you want to write op-eds, but because you want to participate in movements that are involved in doing things like vandalizing universities, harassing students, taking over buildings, creating a ruckus we're not going to give you a visa," Rubio said, adding, "Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visa." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know and don't know about some of the more high-profile cases involving foreign students who have had their visas revoked, who have been detained, or who have self-deported after being targeted by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Mahmoud Khalil Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old Columbia University international affairs graduate student of Palestinian descent, was arrested on March 8 when ICE agents appeared at his student apartment building, despite him being a legal permanent U.S. resident in possession of a green card. Khalil is married to an American citizen, who is pregnant with their first child. The Trump administration accused Khalil, a Palestinian activist, of supporting Hamas and distributing "pro-Hamas propaganda," though it has provided no evidence to support that claim. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed on March 11 that Khalil distributed "pro-Hamas propaganda fliers with the logo of Hamas," but declined to provide details. Ramzi Kassem, the director of CLEAR, a group representing Khalil, called Leavitt's claim "nonsense" and said there is "no truth to it whatsoever." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a pro-Palestinian student protest at Columbia University last spring, Khalil served as a negotiator when students bargained with school officials over a tent encampment they established on campus. During the days-long demonstration, some protestors also occupied the school's Hamilton Hall and defied orders to disperse, prompting the university to write a letter formally allowing the New York Police Department to enter the campus and break up the protest, during which time they made dozens of arrests. Khalil was not among those arrested, according to the NYPD, who confirmed to ABC News that "there are no arrests on file" for Khalil. "His one and only goal was to get Columbia University to divest from its complicity with Israeli government crimes in Gaza and the West Bank," Kassem said of Khalil's involvement in the protests. 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 Gaza, in New York City, June 1, 2024. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters) Khalil is being held at an ICE detention facility in Louisiana and has filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government's attempt to deport him. He has not been charged with a crime, although the government alleges he intentionally misrepresented information on his green card application and therefore is inadmissible to the United States. According to recent court filings, the Trump administration said Khalil failed to disclose when applying for his green card last year that his employment by the Syria Office at the British Embassy in Beirut went "beyond 2022" and that he was a "political affairs officer" for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA) from June to November 2023. PHOTO: Student protesters gather inside their encampment on the Columbia University campus, April 29, 2024, in New York. (Stefan Jeremiah/AP) In arresting Khalil, the government invoked a rarely used provision of immigration law that they said allows the secretary of state to revoke the legal status of people whose presence in the country could have "adverse foreign policy consequences." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter he released from the detention facility in which he's being held, Khalil described himself as a "political prisoner." "My arrest was a direct consequence of exercising my right to free speech as I advocated for a free Palestine and an end to the genocide in Gaza, which resumed in full force Monday night," Khalil wrote in the March 18 letter, referring to the renewed attacks on Gaza after the collapse of the ceasefire. A federal judge in New Jersey on April 2 retained Khalil's case, rejecting the governments request to move it to Louisiana or dismiss it altogether. The opinion, unless appealed by the government, would clear the way for the judge to decide the more substantive issues of Khalil's continued confinement. Khalil is scheduled to appear before an immigration judge for a removal hearing on April 8. Ranjani Srinivasan An urban planning doctoral student at Columbia University, Ranjani Srinivasan, a citizen of India who was in the country on an F-1 student visa, used the U.S. Customs and Border Protection home app to self-deport on March 11, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Srinivasan was involved in activities supporting Hamas, a terrorist organization," Noem said in a March 14 statement, which did not include evidence to support the allegation against Srinivasan. "I am not a terrorist sympathizer so I just kind of find it absurd," Srinivasan said during a CBC interview March 19. "I'm a Ph.D. student who actually rarely left the office because I was busy working or grading my students' papers." In a March 22 statement, the group Student Workers of Columbia of which Srinivasan is a member, the union confirmed in response to an ABC News request for comment said Srinivasan was notified on March 6 that her student visa had been revoked and that on March 8, ICE agents went to her Columbia housing apartment seeking entry, allegedly without a warrant, but did not arrest or detain anyone. Srinivasan was subsequently informed by the university's International Students and Scholars Office that she was being disenrolled by the university and ordered to vacate her student housing, according to the Student Workers of Columbia statement. "With no housing or visa and a continued stream of threats from ICE to detain her, Ranjani made the difficult decision to leave the country for Canada," according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Srinivasan has not been charged with a crime. The Student Workers of Columbia has been circulating a petition asking Columbia to re-enroll Srinivasan and for the government to reinstate her visa. Leqaa Kordia A Palestinian from the West Bank, Leqaa Kordia was arrested on March 13 by the Department of Homeland Security. According to DHS, Kordia was arrested for allegedly overstaying her expired visa, which the agency said terminated on Jan. 26, 2022. In a March 14 statement, DHS said that Kordia's student visa was terminated for lack of class attendance. She was previously arrested in April 2024 for her alleged involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia, according to the DHS statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbia has no record of this individual being registered as a current or former student at the University," a spokesperson for the university said in response to an ABC News request for comment. "It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States of America. When you advocate for violence and terrorism that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country," DHS Secretary Noem said in a statement following Kordia's arrest. Multiple attempts to determine the current status of Kordia's case and whether she is currently being detained, including repeated ABC News inquiries to ICE and DHS, were not immediately successful. Yunseo Chung Yunseo Chung, a junior at Columbia University, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after ICE agents went to her residence on March 13 looking for her, one day after an ICE official signed an administrative arrest warrant for her, according to her lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to her lawsuit, Chung was born in South Korea but is a lawful permanent U.S. resident who has lived in the United States since she was 7 years old. "This action challenges the government's shocking overreach in seeking to deport a college student, Plaintiff-Petitioner Yunseo Chung, who is a lawful permanent resident of this country, because of her protected free speech," according to Chung's lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. "The government's actions are an unprecedented and unjustifiable assault on First Amendment and other rights, one that cannot stand basic legal scrutiny." The lawsuit contends, "Simply put, immigration enforcement here, immigration detention and threatened deportation may not be used as a tool to punish noncitizen speakers who express political views disfavored by the current administration." According to her lawsuit, Chung has participated since 2023 in student protests on the Columbia campus related to Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip. On March 5, Chung was among a group of students arrested by the New York Police Department for holding a sit-in at an academic building at Barnard College, according to her lawsuit. She was given a desk appearance ticket accusing her of obstruction of governmental administration, her lawsuit claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security said in a March 25 statement that Chung had engaged in "concerning conduct" and cited her prior arrest during a protest at Barnard College, which DHS described as a "pro-Hamas" protest. "ICE HSI will investigate individuals engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization," the DHS statement said. "Ms. Chung has felt moved to join efforts to advocate for Palestinian human rights," the lawsuit states, under a heading titled Ms. Chungs Exercise of Free Speech Rights in Support of Palestinians. "Ms. Chung has also felt compelled to criticize Columbia for its handling of student protests supporting Palestinian human rights, including the punitive measures imposed on certain students," according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chung's lawsuit also states that some opponents of pro-Palestinian protest activities "frequently mischaracterize" them as "inherently supportive of Hamas or terrorism and anti-Semitic." A federal judge in New York issued a temporary restraining order on March 25 blocking federal agents from detaining Chung. Rumeysa Ozturk A Ph.D. student at Tufts University in Massachusetts, Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish national with a valid F-1 visa, was arrested by ICE agents on March 25 near her home in the Boston suburb of Somerville, Massachusetts. In a statement to ABC News, a DHS spokesperson said: "Rumeysa Ozturk is a Turkish national and Tufts University graduate student, granted the privilege to be in this country on a visa. DHS and ICE investigations found Ozturk engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization that relishes the killing of Americans." The DHS statement did not specify the activities in which Ozturk is alleged to have participated. "A visa is a privilege not a right. Glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be terminated," the DHS statement further said. PHOTO: Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University in Somerville, Massachusetts, poses in an undated photograph (Courtesy Of The Ozturk Family/via Reuters) On March 26, 2024, Ozturk, a Fulbright scholar, was one of four Tufts students who wrote an op-ed published in the school student newspaper, The Tufts Daily, asking the university to agree to resolutions passed by the Tufts Community Senate to divest from companies with direct or indirect ties to Israel. "Credible accusations against Israel include accounts of deliberate starvation and indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinian civilians and plausible genocide," the op-ed said, in part. It's unknown whether the editorial played a part in Ozturk's arrest. "Rumeysa has not been accused of committing any crime. It appears the only thing she is being targeted for is her right to free speech," Mahsa Khanbabai, an attorney representing Ozturk, said in a statement provided to ABC News. A statement in support of Ozturk, dated April 1 and signed by Tufts President Sunil Kumar, acknowledges the March 26 editorial, and further states that the university "has no information to support the allegations that [Ozturk] was engaged in activities at Tufts that warrant her arrest and detention," and that it "has no further information suggesting that she has acted in a manner that would constitute a violation of the University's understanding of the Immigration and Naturalization Act." Ozturk is currently listed in the ICE database as "in custody" and appears to be held at an ICE processing center in Basile, Louisiana. On March 25, a federal judge in Boston ruled that Ozturk cannot be deported until the judge determines whether the court has jurisdiction to decide whether Ozturk was lawfully taken into custody. PHOTO: In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., March 25, 2025. (via AP) Judge Denise Casper said in her ruling that Ozturk "shall not be removed from the United States until further Order by this Court." Following an April 3 hearing, Judge Casper did not issue a ruling and said she will first decide whether she has jurisdiction before other motions in the lawsuit can be considered. Alireza Doroudi Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian citizen and a doctoral student studying mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama, was arrested at his home on March 25. The Department of Homeland Security said Doroudis student visa was revoked and he was subsequently arrested because he "posed significant national security concerns." But Doroudi's attorney, David Rozas, told ABC News that he has "not been informed of any allegations concerning significant national security issues." Rozas said Doroudi has "not been arrested for any crime, nor has he participated in any anti-government protests." PHOTO: Alireza Doroudi is shown in this undated photo. (LinkedIn) Doroudi was initially held in a county jail in Alabama but has since been transferred to ICE's Jena-LaSalle Detention Facility in Louisiana, according to the ICE website. "He is legally present in the U.S., pursuing his American dream by working towards his doctorate in mechanical engineering," Rozas said. "He is also in the early stages of applying for an EB-1/Adjustment of Status as a researcher with extraordinary ability." Rozas said Doroudi is studying at the University of Alabama on active I-20/SEVIS status, referring to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Momodou Taal A Ph.D. student of Africana studies at Cornell University, Momodou Taal filed a federal lawsuit on March 15 seeking to block the enforcement of Trump executive orders that he feared could lead to his deportation. But six days after filing the lawsuit, the 31-year-old citizen of the U.K. and Gambia was asked to voluntarily surrender to ICE agents, according to his attorneys. In its court filing, the Department of Justice said Taal's student visa was revoked before he filed his lawsuit but ICE agents had trouble locating him. The revocation is based on Taal's alleged involvement in disruptive protests, disregarding university policies and creating a hostile environment for Jewish students, the government said. According to court records, Taal was temporarily suspended from Cornell for a second time last fall after a group of pro-Palestinian activists disrupted a campus career fair. He has limited access to the upstate New York campus as he continues his studies remotely, according to his attorneys. "If the First Amendment does not protect the right to attend a demonstration, what's left? Not much," said Taal's attorney, Eric Lee. On March 27, a federal judge denied Taal's bid to prevent his deportation and his challenge of two Trump executive orders that have been used to target other pro-Palestinian students. Taal announced on Monday that he has exited the United States and is "safe" in an undisclosed country. "Today I took the decision to leave the United States, free and with my head held high," Taal said in a social media post. While his lawyers planned to make another legal argument for a temporary restraining order, Taal wrote in his post: "Given what we have seen across the United States, I have lost faith that a favorable ruling from the courts would guarantee my personal safety and ability to express my beliefs." "I have lost faith I could walk the streets without being abducted. Weighing up these options, I took the decision to leave on my own terms," Taal's post continued. "This is of course not the outcome I had wanted going into this, but we are facing a government that has no respect for the judiciary or for the rule of law." Badar Khan Suri A visiting scholar from India and a researcher at Georgetown University, Badar Khan Suri was detained on March 17 outside his Washington, D.C.- area apartment. The Department of Homeland Security alleged that Suri was "actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media." The department also alleged he had close connections to a "known or suspected terrorist" who is a senior adviser to Hamas. Suri, who is married to Mapheze Saleh, a U.S. citizen of Palestinian descent, was sent to an ICE detention facility in Louisiana, according to his attorney. PHOTO: Badar Khan Suri (Georgetown University) A lawsuit filed by Suri's attorneys said the Trump administration appeared to be targeting the Georgetown University fellow due to his wife's identity as a Palestinian and her constitutionally protected speech. "This was done pursuant to a policy to retaliate against and punish noncitizens like Mr. Suri solely for their family ties to those who may have either expressed criticism of U.S. foreign policy as it relates to Israel," attorneys representing Suri said in a complaint. In a sworn declaration filed March 20 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Mapheze Saleh said that following the Oct. 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, she "shared posts on a daily basis" about subsequent events in Gaza, "including posts that expressed sorrow for the deaths of Gazan people." Because of this, Saleh said, and because her father previously served in the government of Gaza until 2010, "multiple articles were published about me and my family, and eventually about my husband. A website claimed falsely that my husband and I have 'ties to Hamas.'" Nermeen Arastu, one of Suri's attorneys, told ABC News that Suri's detainment happened because "President Trump wants to silence anyone he suspects to hold a political opinion contrary to his." Suri has not been accused of a crime, his lawyers said. Georgetown University said Suri was granted a visa to enter the United States to continue his doctoral research on peacebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan. ABC News' Ely Brown, Lucien Bruggeman, Nadine El-Bawab, Armando Garcia, James Hill and Laura Romero contributed to this report. What we know about the foreign college students targeted for deportation originally appeared on abcnews.go.com On April 2, 2025, multiple news outlets reported that anonymous White House insiders told them U.S. President Donald Trump had privately announced Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and Trump adviser, would step back from his role in the coming weeks or months. Musk, Vice President JD Vance and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have called these reports "fake news." The White House has confirmed that Musk is a special government employee meaning he is limited to working 130 days per year, according to federal law. Depending on when he received that role, his term should in theory end in late May or early June. In on-the-record statements, Trump, Musk, Vance and White House spokespeople have so far refrained from naming an exact end date to Musk's tenure in the federal government or confirming that he will leave after 130 days. Instead, they have insisted that Musk will step down when his work with the administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative ends. In late March and early April 2025, rumors swirled online that Elon Musk, the tech billionaire who serves as an adviser in U.S. President Donald Trump's second administration, was planning to step down from his role in government. Snopes readers searched our website for information about the claim, examples of which appeared on social media platforms including X (archived), Bluesky (archived) and Facebook (archived). (X user @rawsalerts) In short, as of this writing, neither Musk nor the White House had offered any concrete timeline for when Musk might step down, although the White House has confirmed his status as a special government employee. According to federal law, Musk can only hold that role for 130 days per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, insiders including Trump and Musk have indicated that Musk will only step down when his work with Trump's flagship, cost-cutting initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), comes to a close without giving a specific timeline for when that might happen. According to Trump's Jan. 20 executive order establishing it, the president's "18-month DOGE agenda" is not supposed to "terminate" until July 4, 2026. We reached out to the White House to ask for details about the administration's timeline for Musk's role as a special government employee. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields responded by email that he had no comment beyond what he and press secretary Karoline Leavitt had already said to other outlets and on social media. Below, we'll walk you through what we know and what we don't about rumors that Musk is planning to step down from his role in the Trump administration. What is a special government employee? Much of the discourse about Musk's role in the government has focused on the billionaire's status as a special government employee a status Leavitt confirmed to reporters outside the White House on Feb. 3., as can be seen around the 2:05 mark in the video embedded below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Title 18, section 202 of the U.S. Code, special government employees can only work for the federal government 130 days per year. As Politico reported on Feb. 2, a 2024 U.S. Office of Government Ethics legal advisory notes that special government employees can, in "unforeseen circumstances," exceed that limit without risking their eligibility in future years. What that means in practice is not certain. It's also not clear exactly when Musk officially became a special government employee, so his 130-day term could end anywhere between May 30 (130 days after Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration) and June 13 (130 days after Leavitt confirmed Musk's special government employee status on Feb. 3). Those estimates, it's worth pointing out, assume that Musk has performed work as a special government employee every day since he received the designation, including weekends and holidays. Although we have not been able to confirm that Musk has really worked on behalf of the Trump administration each of those days, his own messaging implies he has. For example, in a Feb. 2 X post (archived), he said, "DOGE is working 120 hour [sic] a week" equivalent to seven 17-hour days per week. And in a March 27 interview with Fox News' Bret Baier, Musk claimed around the 02:15 mark in the below video that he and his DOGE team had been working "every day, seven days a week." What are the rumors about Musk leaving? On April 2, multiple national news outlets independently reported that unnamed White House sources had told them Musk would reduce or leave his role in the government sometime in the coming weeks or months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an article published that morning, Politico's Capitol Bureau Chief Rachael Bade reported that "three Trump insiders" none of whom agreed to be identified by name told her that Trump had on March 24 announced to his "inner circle, including members of his Cabinet" that Musk would be "stepping back in the coming weeks." One of Bade's anonymous sources, whom she described as a "senior administration official," told her that Musk was not likely to fully remove himself from Trump's orbit, but would likely "retain an informal role as an adviser and continue to be an occasional face around the White House grounds." Bade's reporting suggested that Musk's imminent departure was partly due to the fact that his 130-day stint as a special government employee would end "in late May or early June" but also at least partly the result of worsening tensions between Musk and other individuals in the administration, whom Bade said increasingly saw Musk as a liability. The same day, ABC News reported that "sources familiar with the matter" independently confirmed to them that Trump privately "indicated to top advisers that Elon Musk could be taking a step back from his current role in the administration." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on April 2, NBC News reported that a "senior White House official" told the organization Musk would "be leaving his government role in the coming months." NBC News' source reportedly noted that Trump shared the information in a cabinet meeting during the week of March 24, echoing what Politico's sources told Bade. What has the White House said publicly? Although White House officials have emphasized Musk's status as a special government employee in public statements, none of them has yet given a specific date on which Musk is expected to step down. For example, during a Feb. 25 press briefing, Leavitt responded to a reporter who asked if the White House was planning to extend Musk's term as a special government employee by saying, starting around the 25:18 mark in the video below, "So, today is February 25th, so I think we've been here about 35 days, roughly, so ask me in another 100 days." Around a month later, while signing an executive order in the Oval Office on March 31, Trump responded to a reporter who asked about Musk's 130-day limit by saying Musk would be going back to running his companies "at some point," but that he'd "keep him" as long as he could. In the same question-and-answer session, Trump also said that some DOGE employees might remain in their positions even after Musk leaves, but that "at a certain point it will end." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's comments about Musk's term begin around the 31:54 mark below. In the April 2 Politico article, Bade reported that Fields, the White House spokesperson, similarly refused to name a date for the end of Musk's role in the White House when she contacted him, instead saying, "Elon has been instrumental in executing the President's agenda, and will continue this good work until the President says otherwise." Shortly after the Politico article went live, Leavitt reposted (archived) Bade's X post sharing the story, adding her own commentary: This "scoop" is garbage. Elon Musk and President Trump have both *publicly* stated that Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete. In an appearance on "Fox and Friends" the morning of April 3, Vice President JD Vance echoed Leavitt's words by calling reports that Trump was sidelining Musk "total fake news." The relevant section starts around the 6:44 mark of the interview. Vance also said that the administration and Musk both had always expected his DOGE role to last "about six months," and that "that's what Elon signed up for" but also noted that "the work of DOGE is not even close to done. The work of Elon is not even close to done." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance did not give a specific date for when Musk would leave DOGE, but said that when he does, "Of course he's going to continue to be an adviser" to Trump. What has Musk said? Musk has largely echoed the official White House messaging about the length of his stint in the federal government. In a March 27 interview, around the 01:41 mark of the video below, Fox News' Bret Baier asked about the 130-day special government employee limit, saying, "You are supposed to be 130 days. Are you going to continue past that or do you think that's the what are you going to do?" Again without naming a specific date, Musk responded, "I think we will have accomplished most of the work required to reduce the deficit by a trillion dollars within that time frame." On April 2, reposting Leavitt's rebuttal to the Politico story's implication that he was being pushed out by other members of the administration, Musk wrote (archived) on his official X account, "Yeah, fake news." In sum Both the White House and Musk himself have been largely consistent but vague in their on-the-record messaging about Musk's eventual departure from his role as a special government employee in the Trump administration. Rather than giving an exact date, Trump, Leavitt, Fields and Musk have all maintained that Musk will return to the private sphere when his work with DOGE is finished, without specifying when that might be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Vance's April 3 "Fox and Friends" statements implied that Musk would continue to advise Trump even after he leaves DOGE something Bade, in her Politico article, also reported her anonymous sources told her. In other words, even if Musk indeed steps down from DOGE when his 130-day stint as a special government employee is expected to come to an end in late May or early June, as numerous reporters and internet users have speculated, there's reason to believe he might continue to work with the Trump administration in another capacity. Sources: 18 USC 202: Definitions. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:18%20section:202%20edition:prelim). Accessed 3 Apr. 2025. Bade, Rachael. "Trump Tells Inner Circle That Musk Will Leave Soon." Politico, 2 Apr. 2025, https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/04/02/trump-musk-leaving-political-liability-00265784. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Establishing And Implementing The President's 'Department Of Government Efficiency.'" The White House, 21 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/establishing-and-implementing-the-presidents-department-of-government-efficiency/. Gedeon, Joseph. "Elon Musk Reportedly to Step down from Lead Trump Role as Service Limit Nears." The Guardian, 2 Apr. 2025. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/02/elon-musk-trump-doge. Hernandez, Joe. "Trump Hired Musk as a 'special Government Employee.' Here's What That Means." NPR, 13 Feb. 2025. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2025/02/13/nx-s1-5293124/special-government-employee-trump-musk-doge. "JD Vance Fires Back at Critics of Trump Tariffs, Addresses Elon Musk's DOGE Future | Fox News Video." Fox News, 3 Apr. 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6370975230112. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News, A. B. C. "Trump Privately Indicates Musk to Step Back from Administration after Government Employee Status Expires: Sources." ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-privately-elon-musk-step-back-current-role/story?id=120415238. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025. Salamy, Elissa. "Elon Musk Stepping down? Here's When Tesla CEO Could Leave DOGE." FOX 5 DC, 2 Apr. 2025, https://www.fox5dc.com/news/elon-musk-stepping-down-heres-when-tesla-ceo-could-leave-doge. "Source: Trump Told Cabinet That Musk Will Leave Government Role in Coming Months." NBC News, https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/source-trump-told-cabinet-that-musk-will-leave-government-role-in-coming-months-236265029638. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025. The White House Says Elon Musk Is a "Special Government Employee." Here's What That Means. - CBS News. 6 Feb. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elon-musk-special-government-employee-what-does-that-mean/. Traylor, Jake, and Dasha Burns. "What 130-Day Cap? Musk Is 'Here to Stay' in the Trump Admin, Adviser Says." Politico, 28 Feb. 2025, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/28/elon-musk-doge-work-limit-023375. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Speaks to Reporters | Video | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/white-house-press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-speaks-to-reporters/655306. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025. President Donald Trump called the punishing tariffs he announced on Wednesday reciprocal, claiming that the new levies on imports from pretty much every nationincluding some that are longtime allies and others that are literally uninhabitedare in response to foreign tariffs levied against imports from the U.S. and other forms of cheating. But in reality, several social media users realized, the numbers the White House released on a chart under the label Tariffs Charged to the U.S.A. Including Currency Manipulation and Trade Barriers could be calculated much more simply: by dividing the U.S. trade deficit with a country by the U.S. imports from that country. Trumps Discounted Reciprocal Tariffs are that result, halvedor at least 10%, whichever is higher. Economists have warned that the burden of these new taxes will be passed to American consumers, and foreign nations have been quick to react, some promising countermeasures that could negate any competitive benefit for American manufacturing and exports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what to know about the countries and territories facing the biggest reciprocal tariffs from the U.S. Lesotho - 50% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $237.3 million worth of goods from Lesotho last year, while Lesotho imported $2.8 million worth from the U.S., according to 2024 figures from the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. What to know: Lesotho is mainly an export-driven economy, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA), with garments, diamonds, water, electricity, wool, and mohair as its major exports. Saint Pierre and Miquelon - 50% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $3.4 million worth of goods from Saint Pierre and Miquelon last year, while Saint Pierre and Miquelon imported $100,000 worth from the U.S., according to 2024 figures from U.S. Census Bureau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know: The French overseas territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, which has a population of about 5,000, is a high-income economy which relies on fishing exports, according to the CIA Factbook. Cambodia - 49% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $12.7 billion worth of goods from Cambodia last year, while Cambodia imported $321.6 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The U.S. is Cambodias largest single-country export destination, with approximately 40% of Cambodias total exports going to the U.S., mainly apparel, footwear, and travel goods, according to the ITA. Laos - 48% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $803.3 million worth of goods from Laos last year, while Laos imported $40.4 million worth from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know: The top U.S. imports from Laos are in the electronics industry, including telecommunications equipment, cellphones and other household goods, and television and video equipment. Madagascar - 47% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $733.2 million worth of goods from Madagascar last year, while Madagascar imported $53.4 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The United States is Madagascars second biggest export market. Its key exports to the U.S. include apparel, vanilla, titanium, cobalt, and nickelaltogether accounting for around 15% of the countrys total exports, according to the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar. Vietnam - 46% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $136.6 billion worth of goods from Vietnam last year, while Vietnam imported $13.1 billion worth from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know: Vietnam is a significant exporter of high-tech goods and textiles to the U.S., and has benefited from the U.S.-China trade war after many companies began investing in the Southeast Asian country for its cheap manufacturing abilities. Vietnam tried to shield itself from Trumps reciprocal tariffs by announcing a cut on duties on U.S. imports of fossil fuel and automobile products. A White House fact sheet criticized the country, alongside Brazil, Ecuador, and Argentina, because they restrict or prohibit the importation of remanufactured goods, which the White House claimed restricts market access for U.S. exporters. Myanmar - 44% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $656.5 million worth of goods from Myanmar, while Myanmar imported $77 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The U.S. has sanctioned Myanmar following a military coup in February 2021, including restrictions on exporting jet fuel and specific aircraft supplies to the countrys military and the suspension of a 2013 trade and investment agreement. Trade between the two countries has declined since, and much of trade has been carried out through border crossings, both legal and illegal, according to the ITA. Sri Lanka - 44% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $3 billion worth of goods from Sri Lanka last year, while Sri Lanka imported $368.2 million worth from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know: The South Asian country, for which top exports to the U.S. include apparel, is still recovering from a severe financial crisis. The U.S. has provided Sri Lanka $2 billion in assistance since 1948. Falkland Islands - 41% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $22.8 million worth of goods from the Falkland Islands last year, while the Falkland Islands imported $4.1 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The Falkland Islands is a British overseas territory in the Atlantic with a population around 3,600. Its economy relies on sheep farming. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, its main exports are food products, particularly shellfish and fish. Syria - 41% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $10.7 million worth of goods from Syria last year, while Syria imported $2 million worth from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know: Since 2004, Syria has been subject to economic sanctions from the U.S. that broadly restrict transactional dealings involving Syrias government. Mauritius - 40% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $234.5 million worth of goods from Mauritius last year, while Mauritius imported $48 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The U.S. exports agricultural and industrial machinery and optical/medical instruments to Mauritius, while among the top U.S. imports from Mauritius are textiles and garments, precious stones and jewelry, processed fish, and primates, according to the ITA. Iraq - 39% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $7.4 billion worth of goods from Iraq last year, while Iraq imported $1.7 billion worth from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know: Iraqs main export to the U.S. is crude oil, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity. Guyana - 38% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $5.375 billion worth of goods from Guyana last year, while Guyana imported $1.32 million worth from the U.S. What to know: The South American countrys main export to the U.S. in 2023 was crude petroleum, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity. Bangladesh - 37% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $8.4 billion worth of goods from Bangladesh last year, while Bangladesh imported $2.2 billion worth from the U.S. What to know: Bangladesh specializes in ready-made garment exports and has identified the U.S. as one of its major foreign markets. Botswana - 37% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $405.1 million worth of goods from Botswana last year, while Botswana imported $104.3 million worth from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know: Botswana, an African nation with high rates of poverty and unemployment, has a trade balance that hinges largely on its diamond exports. Liechtenstein - 37% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $243.7 million worth of goods from Liechtenstein last year, while Liechtenstein imported $66 million worth from the U.S. What to know: According to the Embassy of the Principality of Liechtenstein in Washington, D.C., the European country is export-oriented. The Embassy says that Liechtenstein companies play key roles in the supply chain of goods in specific U.S. sectors such as construction, automotive, dentistry, agriculture, audio-visual and coating. Reunion - 37% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $44.1 million worth of goods from Reunion last year, while Reunion imported $11.9 million worth from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know: Food products make up the primary exports of the French overseas territory that has a population of around 890,000. Serbia - 37% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $814.4 million worth of goods from Serbia last year, while Serbia imported $209.9 million worth from the U.S. What to know: FIAT automobiles are a major U.S. import from Serbia, according to the ITA. Serbia also mainly exports rubber tires, frozen fruits and nuts, hunting rifles, and ammunition to the U.S. American exports to Serbia primarily include aviation parts and machines, as well as pharmaceutical and medical supplies. Thailand - 36% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $63.3 billion worth of goods from Thailand last year, while Thailand imported $17.7 billion worth from the U.S. What to know: Thailand, an export-dependent economy, has had a robust trade alliance with the U.S., and the Southeast Asian country is currently the 18th largest goods trading partner for the U.S. Its main export to the U.S. is machine parts. The Southeast Asian country tried to avoid Trump tariffs by narrowing the trade deficit through imports of American corn and soybeans as well as petroleum products. Bosnia and Herzegovina - 35% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $179.1 million worth of goods from Bosnia and Herzegovina last year, while Bosnia and Herzegovina imported $53 million worth from the U.S. What to know: According to the ITA, the southeastern European countrys primary exports to the U.S. are leather products, apparel manufacturing products, and furniture, while the U.S. mainly exports agricultural products, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals and mineral fuels to Bosnia and Herzegovina. China - 34% Balance of trade: The U.S. imported $438.9 billion worth of goods from China last yearmore than any other country outside North Americawhile China imported $143.5 billion worth from the U.S. What to know: China is the worlds second-largest economy and leading exporter of goods. The country has been engaged in a trade war with the U.S. since Trumps first term. The latest Liberation Day tariffs bring the total U.S. blanket tariffs on Chinese goods to 54%, while some specific industries face even higher tariffs. Economists expect the average tariff on Chinese imports to go as high as 65%, Bloomberg reported, while others estimate it could even hit 76%. Contact us at letters@time.com. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Open burning is officially prohibited across Wichita and much of Kansas in April, as part of the states annual burn ban aimed at protecting air quality and public health. The ban, now in effect through the end of the month, affects 16 counties, including Sedgwick County. This burn ban started a little over 15 years ago, Bradley Crisp, Fire Marshal with Sedgwick County Fire District #1, told KSN. The state wanted to give farmers and ranchers an opportunity to do agricultural burns like in the Flint Hills and try to minimize the impact that it has on air quality in counties like Sedgwick County and Johnson County and some of the more populated areas. The Wichita Fire Department is suspending all burn permits in April and will not issue new ones until at least May 1. Restrictions cover brush, yard waste, and non-essential fires, but agricultural burning for pasture management is allowed under regulations if guidelines are followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restrictions come from the Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, aimed at preventing agricultural burn smoke from raising ozone levels in urban areas like Wichita and Kansas City. High ozone levels can harm health, especially for those with respiratory issues, and may lead to expensive EPA nonattainment designations. Man charged with stealing from Kansas Catholic school So during that timeframe, we ask residents of Wichita, Sedgwick County, and the surrounding communities and counties to minimize or eliminate their unnecessary burning, Crisp said. Dont burn brush piles and dont burn leaves and grass and let the farmers and ranchers do what they need to do to keep their pastures healthy and their cattle fed. Crisp acknowledged that violations still occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It happens every day. As much as we try to communicate with folks about the burn ban, there are still gaps in communication, and some people just dont know, he said. We try to educate first, and if it becomes a problem, we have other remedies that can include a citation. First times a freebie we give them a warning. Education is usually key, he added. Once they know, theyre like, Oh, I didnt know. I wont do that again. Residents should also be aware that local regulations vary when it comes to outdoor recreational fires. Outdoor fire pits and chimineas kind of depend on the city that you live in each city has their own rules, Crisp said. As a rule of thumb, you can use things to cook food on, but youre not supposed to burn things that are just emitting smoke, like chimineas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each community is a little different, so you need to check the rules in the community that you live in, he continued. If weather conditions allow, burn permits may resume starting May 1. However, Crisp cautioned that wind speed remains a factor. If the winds are over 15 miles an hour, were not going to allow burning of any kind, so it just kind of depends on the weather. For more information on the burn ban or to check your citys specific fire regulations, contact your local fire department or visit the City of Wichitas 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 KSN-TV. Question : Please say when there will be another gun buyback. We are slowly cleaning out our parents property now that they have both passed away and there is a lot of stuff we need to get rid of, including some guns that I have no information on. Answer : Hawaiis Department of Law Enforcement is scheduled to host a gun buyback event on April 12, offering Foodland gift cards for unloaded firearms, no questions asked. All firearms that are turned in will be checked to see if they were reported stolen or were used in crimes ; those that are cleared will be destroyed, according to an email from the department. Here are details about the upcoming event :Drop off firearms from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12 (a Saturday ) at the Aloha Stadium Lower Parking lot, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd. Enter at Gate 4.Firearm must be unloaded and stored in a container or box in the vehicles trunk. The person turning in the gun will stay in the car while an official retrieves the weapon from the trunk.No questions will be asked and no ID will be required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA.Working or nonworking firearms will be accepted.Ammunition will not be accepted.Foodland gift cards worth $200 will be given for automatic firearms of any type, semi-automatic rifles and ghost guns. Foodland gift cards worth $100 will be given for handguns, rifles, shotguns, bump stocks and Glock switches.A person can turn in an unlimited number of firearms, but receive a maximum of three gift cards.Once a firearm is turned in, it will not be returned.Licensed gun dealers and active and retired law enforcement officers are not eligible to drop off guns.Officials on-site reserve the right to refuse acceptance of firearms or disburse gift cards.Gun locks will be given away (free ) at the event.After the event, firearms not reported stolen or used in a crime will be destroyed following ATF guidelines. ATF is the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. For information about its destruction guidelines, see atf.gov. Q : What happened to the 200-plus opihi that were confiscated from the two men illegally gathering them in the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District ? Are they thrown back in the ocean ? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A : If the specimens are viable and have a chance of living theyre returned to the ocean. Dead ones are disposed of. They cannot be used for human consumption, Dan Dennison, a spokesperson for the state Department of Natural Resources said in an email. Two men were cited March 26 by DLNRs Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement after an anonymous tipster reported seeing them picking opihi at the southern end of the Pupukea MLCD on Oahus North Shore. Officers inspected their catch, which included 235 pieces of opihi. While they were of legal size, taking any mollusk from the MLCD is prohibited and this includes seashells and opihi, according to a DLNR news release. The men, both Oahu residents, were cited for an alleged violation of Rule 13-34-2 (1 ) of Hawai i Administrative Rules relating to Prohibited Activities within the Pupukea MLCD and are scheduled to appear on petty misdemeanor charges in Wahiawa District Court on May 13, the news release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signs are posted at the Pupukea MLCD, which was established in 1983, warning of the restrictions, which protect fish and marine life so that aquatic resources can flourish and produce more offspring, which can spill over to adjacent areas outside the conservation zone. The Pupukea MLCD extends from the south end of Waimea Bay northward past Sharks Cove, the news release said. Meanwhile, in incidents that occurred Saturday on the island of Hawaii, three men were cited under a different administrative rule for allegedly picking undersized opihi along the Alii Drive shoreline in Kailua-Kona. The total of 300 opihi collected in those incidents were alive and therefore returned to tide pools along the shoreline, where they had a chance of reattaching and surviving, according to a DLNR news release about those three cases.------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------ The Government has overruled the advice of planning officials to wave through the expansion of Luton airport. Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, approved the move to almost double the capacity of Luton on Thursday. Passenger numbers will rise to 32m by 2043 thanks to the creation of a new terminal. The increase will almost double the 16.7m passengers that passed through Luton in 2024. Ms Alexander has given the green light to the expansion despite the Planning Inspectorate urging her to reject it on environmental grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A government source said the decision to increase the size of Britains fifth-busiest airport illustrated that ministers will stop at nothing to deliver economic growth and new infrastructure. The source said Ms Alexander had overruled objections to the proposals, which included concerns that more flights would disturb the tranquillity of the Chilterns and harm a veteran tree. It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously encouraged Heathrow airport to resubmit a bid for a third runway, despite opposition from many MPs within her party. This forms a key part of her scramble to improve growth across Britain, as she hopes that deregulation and new infrastructure projects will kickstart the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since coming to power, the Labour Government has also signed off on the expansion of London City airport despite opposition from the local council. It is also minded to approve Gatwicks plans to increase its capacity to 75m by making use of its second runway, although a decision on the proposal was recently delayed until October. Dangerous gamble Lutons plans would create almost 11,000 new jobs and boost the UK economy by 1.5bn a year, the airport said, while also delivering a cash boost to the local council which owns the site. Expansion plans include the construction of support buildings and improvements in surface access - Luton Rising Karim Fateh, chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the decision and said it would reinforce Londons position as a global business hub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Aviation Environment Federation campaign group said it represented a dangerous gamble that ignored advice from the Climate Change Committee and would jeopardise net zero while bringing more noise misery to the area. The granting of a development consent order to Luton includes permission for new terminal capacity and taxiways, the construction of support buildings and improvements in surface access. The decision was also welcomed by Unite, the union, which said it will help drive growth and create jobs in the local area. Luton airport, which is run by a consortium led by Aena, the worlds largest airport operator, said it will now finalise a commercial agreement with the sites council owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wizz Air is currently its biggest carrier, with EasyJet and Ryanair also major operators. 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. SOFIA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev on Thursday said his country supports Jordan's efforts to end the crisis in the Gaza Strip peacefully. Radev made the remarks at a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, who was on an official visit to Bulgaria. "Rumen Radev expressed Bulgaria's support for Jordan, as well as for the personal efforts of King Abdullah II to end the bloodshed and destruction in the Gaza Strip, to overcome the severe humanitarian crisis and to find a peaceful solution through diplomacy," the Press Secretariat of the Bulgarian President said. During the meeting, Radev stressed that Bulgaria remains firm in its position that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the only way to achieve sustainable and lasting peace in the region. Radev also said that Jordan has a leading role in the Arab world, and is a recognized factor in stability in the Middle East region. Meanwhile, Bulgaria, as a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO, is making active efforts to strengthen trust, cooperation and good neighborliness in the Balkans and in Europe. "The responsibility of our two countries towards security issues in these two key regions makes us very close and allows us to work together and seek common solutions not only at the bilateral level, but also within all international organizations and initiatives," Radev noted. Before the meeting, Radev welcomed King Abdullah II with an official ceremony at St Alexander Nevsky Square, and the Jordanian king paid tribute at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. On Friday, Radev and King Abdullah II will host a high-level meeting in Sofia within the framework of the Aqaba Process Initiative, which will be focused on the Balkans. The Aqaba Process Initiative is a series of international meetings launched by King Abdullah in 2015. Its aim is to maintain international and regional coordination and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremist ideologies and radicalization through a comprehensive approach. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Pennsylvania is trying to match laid-off federal workers with open state jobs that meet their experiences. The District 3 American Federation of Government Employees says 700 federal workers in Pennsylvania have already applied for state jobs. The House Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing on Wednesday about support for federal workers. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta asked the Pennsylvania Office of Administration how federal workers are being encouraged to move to Pennsylvania. Director of Talent Management Miranda Martin answered that what sets Pennsylvania above other states is Gov. Josh Shapiros recent executive order that allows federal government work experience to count as state work experience. This is a really unique opportunity to leverage the talent thats out there with like experience and fill our critical positions at the same time, Martin says. Get the latest Pennsylvania politics and election news with abc27 newsletters! Martin says open positions include nurses at veterans centers, state hospitals and state correctional centers. She says people are needed to fill IT, financial and engineering jobs. Entry level positions are also available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Vice President of the District 3 American Federation of Government Employees Philip Glover says federal employees who are already in the state may want to stay here. Lets say the Social Security office over here on Second Street and they get fired from there, I think theyd much rather come to work here at the at the state where theyre in the same city, dont have to move, Glover says. However, in response to Gov. Shapiros executive order, House Republican Leader Jesse Topper issued a statement. When a job becomes vacant in Pennsylvanias administrative apparatus, the question should first be asked if it is truly needed rather than how quickly it can be filled, Rep. Topper says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta says the federal layoffs impact local economies. I think during the budget conversation, were going to have to look at whether or not the state is going to have to backfill some of the things that we used to be able to depend on the federal government to do, says Rep. Kenyatta. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices This is and this didnt just end the other day when they fired those workers. We think theres a lot more coming, Glover says. Recruitment efforts are already being implemented under governor shapiros recent executive order and theres a website for former federal workers to get information about the available state jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. California is only halfway through the rain year, and in Redding's case, the rainfall and snowfall amounts exceed what the area typically receives in total precipitation, making 2025 one of the wettest years since 2019. As of March 31, the city recorded about 36 inches of rain and snow, about 8 inches more than its historic average for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service. "If it didn't rain another drop, you'd still end up about 4 inches above normal for the entire year, said meteorologist Bill Rasch at the weather service's Sacramento branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rain year starts Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30. Wet winter storms left waters in Californias largest reservoir, Lake Shasta, less than 16 feet from the top on Tuesday. Precipitation in March pushed the lake level more than 18 feet, according to data from the California Department of Water Resources, boosting the top almost as high as Shasta Dam was after torrential rains in early February. It is expected the lake may be full by end of May. On Tuesday, the lake contained 113% of the water it usually does on that date. At 90% full, with a few more light April showers in the forecast and runoff from rain and snow on the ground, the lake could fill by May, historic data shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All this is mostly good news for firefighters and businesses relying on boating and other recreation this summer, as the area heads out of the rainy season and into drier weather this month. While wet seasons mean more vegetation growing that can dry out a burn, Rasch said, wet years usually mean calmer fire seasons. That's because well-hydrated plants just don't burn as fast. The view of Lake Shasta near Shasta Dam. The lake has gone up nearly 15 feet in March 2025. Lake Shasta water levels go up Lake Shasta waters went up approximately a foot per day since last Saturday, boosted by late March thunderstorms, according to state data. Lake levels were 15.8 feet from the reservoirs top by Tuesday: About half a foot below the lake's highest point in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lake was highest on Feb. 7, reaching 15.2 feet from the top. That happened three days after a wet storm broke Redding's February rain record. Lake Shasta was filling so fast on Feb. 4, state water officials increased dam releases up to 28 times what they were by Feb. 8. By then, Lake Shasta was 90% full, with at least another month of rain in the forecast. Note to readers: If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. How Redding's 2025 water year compares to past years Redding already got more precipitation (36 inches) in six months than it got during the last water year, according to weather service data. The city received 32.15 inches of rain between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024. That's slightly above the historic average. "Last year was about as normal as it gets," Rasch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The year prior (2022-2023) was a wet one, with 41 inches of precipitation. Halfway through that year, Redding had logged 35 inches of precipitation, and inch less than now. It's possible 2024-2025 could be even wetter than two years ago, according to Rasch. Three years of normal to wet seasons helped the North State recover from effects of the three prior years of drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the last patches of unusually dry areas were wiped away this winter. More: Parts of California severely dry while others are drought free for first time since 2019 April brings dryer weather, forecasters say While its tricky to predict what spring skies will do a month in advance, long-term forecasts from AccuWeather and the weather service suggest Redding's April 1 thunderstorms mark the end of heavy rain this spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exception is a possible storm around April 21, and a few scattered April showers throughout the month. While it's shaping up to be a wet year overall, the rainy season was anything but consistent. Redding got 4.9 inches of precipitation in March, slightly more than its average (4.6 inches). December and February were much wetter than average: with 50% to twice their rain averages. October and January got less than a third their usual averages. How much snow did Shasta County get this year? Not all of Redding's winter precipitation was rain. A cold winter storm on March 14 dropped snow on the Sacramento Valley floor as low as Redding. As much as 4 inches of snow fell in parts of the Redding area since Oct. 1, 2024: Mostly in the north, and to the west near Whiskeytown, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Up to 1.5 feet of snow fell in the foothills near Shasta Lake in the same 6-month period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are snow totals in Shasta County mountain towns: Castella, just south of the Siskiyou County line: 19 feet Burney in northeastern Shasta County: 10.6 feet Shingletown, 30 miles east of downtown Redding: 2.25 feet or more For snow totals by zip code, see the Snowfall Tracker at data.redding.com/projects/snowfall-accumulation-tracker. Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Lake Shasta level goes up 18 feet in March after strong rain year LAKE ST. LOUIS, Mo. Police in Lake St. Louis are investigating three separate burglaries over the weekend at the same apartment complex off Interstate 64. Investigators say a burglar broke into the apartments while the victims were asleep inside. It was midnight hours, between midnight and 4 a.m., we had three burglaries in one of our apartment complexes, and all three came in through a sliding glass door that was unsecured, Chief Chris DiGiuseppi, Lake St. Louis Police Department, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DiGiuseppi said it is alarming because people were inside sleeping during the burglaries. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News We want people to be vigilante, we certainly dont want people coming into peoples homes, especially when it is occupied, he said. We dont want them coming in their homes at all, but especially when it is occupied, it just adds to that increased element of danger. The chief said the victims are missing purses, wallets, credit cards, and even car keys. The burglaries highlight the importance of keeping sliding doors secure, he said. I know it is easy to just flip the lock. We have seen where people can pop those, that didnt happen in this case. Theyre just looking for things that are unsecure. But it is just a lot safer if you do put a bar in, DiGiuseppi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. An Eden couple have pleaded not guilty to charges that they billed Vermonts Medicaid program for thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges. Stephen Maskell, 65, was arraigned Wednesday in Vermont Superior Court in Lamoille County. He is accused of providing care to a Medicaid patient he was not authorized to treat. Prosecutors say that allowed his wife, Julie Maskell, 66, to submit claims for payment to Vermont Medicaid for care she did not provide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julie Maskell pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on February 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Gov. Ned Lamont announced Thursday that 37 municipalities across Connecticut will be awarded state grants for conserving neglected cemeteries. The grants, released under the states Neglected Cemetery Account Grant Program, total $8,000 each. Gov. Ned Lamont pushes for more money for program aimed at getting disconnected youth back into school The grants can be used for maintenance such as clearing weeds, briars, bushes, moving lawns, repairs, restoring memorial stones, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These municipalities were chosen to receive the grant: Andover Berlin Bethel Bloomfield Branford Canaan Canterbury Chester Darien Eastford Easton Glastonbury Granby Greenwich Groton Guilford Haddam Harwinton Ledyard Marlborough Middlefield New Canaan New Milford Newington Plymouth Redding Ridgefield Roxbury Salisbury Seymour Southington Stonington Thompson Tolland Union Vernon Waterford Cemeteries are solemn places, and taking care of them is essential to respecting those who have passed and preserving the heritage of our communities, Lamont said in a written statement. Our local cemeteries are the final resting places of veterans, local leaders, and ancestors of current town residents. Maintaining them helps to ensure that the deceased are remembered in a respectful manner. The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) A Lancaster man accused of killing two family members and injuring a third in February is facing a new set of charges. Kyle Varney, 26, was formally indicted on 18 felony charges in connection with the Feb. 25 shooting, according to Ohio Attorney General David Yost. Those charges all of which include a firearm specification are: 2 counts of aggravated murder (unclassified felony) 4 counts of murder (unclassified felony) 1 count of attempted aggravated murder (first-degree felony) 2 counts of attempted murder (first-degree felony) 6 counts of felonious assault (second-degree felony) 3 counts of improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation or in a school safety zone (second-degree felony) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Varney was initially arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated murder and six counts of felonious assault. The other charges were announced on Wednesday. Varney is accused of shooting and killing both his father and grandfather, and shooting and wounding his mother at the familys home on the 1200 block of North Broad Street. When Lancaster police arrived at the scene, one of the officers fired their gun at Varney, who suffered from a gunshot wound. Officials never said if the officer was responsible for injuring Varney or if the injury happened before the officer arrived. Body camera footage released by Lancaster police showed Varney eventually came out from behind the home and was ordered to crawl to officers before being taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Varney remains in custody; a preliminary hearing originally scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled. A separate Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) into the officer shooting remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander is calling on a major real estate firm to pull the plug on its bid to develop a casino on Manhattans west side, saying the plan would pose a burden on the High Line and fall short when it comes to affordable housing. The bid, submitted by Related Companies in coordination with Nevada-based gambling giant Wynn Resorts, proposes to erect an 80-story tower in the Hudson Yards thatd house a luxe casino and hotel. The plan has an estimated price-tag of $12 billion, covering the casino complex as well as office space, a 5.6 acre park and residential units baked into the blueprint. In a statement shared exclusively with the Daily News, Lander said the Related-Wynn plan would disrupt the High Line, the iconic 1.5-mile elevated greenway spanning through the old train yards. Lander said hes even more concerned the latest version of the Related-Wynn plan drops the number of housing units from 5,700 to 1,500 that theyd have to build in the surrounding area in exchange for getting to operate the casino. Just 324 of those units would be affordable under the plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal to rezone Hudson Yards would undermine one of New Yorks greatest urban transformation stories of recent years and, even worse, dramatically decrease the amount of housing that was agreed upon there, amidst a grave housing affordability crisis, said Lander, a progressive whos running for mayor in Junes Democratic primary. I call on the developer to withdraw their current proposal, and to work with the community on one that delivers more housing and access to open space, not less. His position makes him the first citywide elected official to put a finger on the scale in New Yorks high-stakes gambling license competition, which will come to a head this year. Other Democratic mayoral candidates have spoken out on the issue, including state Sen. Jessica Ramos, who has been vocal in opposing Mets owner Steve Cohens casino plan for the Citi Field area. Related is a Manhattan-based firm whose chairman, Stephen Ross, is a big donor to President Trump and other Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, a rep for the joint Related-Wynn venture behind the casino bid suggested Landers complaint about a lack of housing is counterintuitive, as the units that got dropped from the plan would have been luxury apartments priced at $4,000 per square foot. Additionally, the rep said Related and Wynn have worked with local stakeholders to address complaints about disruption to the High Line, including by rotating the design of the tower in order to ensure an unobstructed view along the promenade. This is an economically viable plan that builds on the success of Hudson Yards which the comptroller has previously acknowledged and creates more than 1,500 new homes in our city, including maintaining the entirety of the original affordable housing commitment, the rep said. We will continue to work with local leaders to improve the plan. Gov. Hochuls administration is expected to by the end of 2025 award three new licenses for casinos to operate in the greater New York City area. The casinos are expected to generate significant tax revenue for the state and each of the three license winners must also fork over a $500 million permit fee upon being picked. Lander doesnt have any formal role in the states selection process, but the city government must approve accompanying rezoning proposals for the bidders before they can get gambling licenses. In his capacity as comptroller, Lander could exert sway over that process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the new licenses are widely expected to be given to existing racinos in Yonkers and Queens, which are currently only offering slots. With permits, theyd be able to host table games such as poker and blackjack. That means theres likely just one license up for grabs for an entirely new casino. That has set off a frenzy from developers and gambling powerhouses looking to cash in on the highly lucrative opportunity to operate one of the Big Apples first-ever casinos. Including the Wynn-Related and the Citi Field bids, 11 different casino bids are under consideration. That includes a proposal from SL Green and rap star Jay-Z to build a casino in Times Square, a plan that has received backing from a top aide to Mayor Adams, who has so far stayed on the sidelines in the gambling license battle amid his federal indictment and surrounding scandals. Even before Landers announcement, the Wynn-Related plan has faced obstacles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manhattans Community Board 4 earlier this year unanimously advised against the proposal, as did Borough President Mark Levine, citing similar concerns to Lander. The plan is currently pending before the Department of City Planning, which will provide its own advice before the City Council must vote on whether to grant the underlying rezoning proposal that Wynn and Related would need to build the casino. Friends of the High Line executive director Alan van Capelle, whose group has mounted a grassroots push against the Wynn-Related plan, thanked Lander for opposing the proposal. The High Line is a cherished public space for the community and Related should abandon this flawed proposal that has generated overwhelming community opposition, he said. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) U.S. Customs and Border Protection is investigating a use of force incident during a vehicle pursuit on Wednesday, April 2, in Las Cruces, the agency said in a statement. According to CBP, at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, a Border Patrol agent assigned to the Las Cruces Station was assisting the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) with a suspected stolen vehicle. The vehicle failed to yield and was then pursued by both NMSP and the Border Patrol agent, according to CBP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the agency, the agent was then involved in what they called a use of force incident. The driver of the vehicle and another person were taken into custody by the NMSP, according to CBP. The incident is under investigation by CBP, Office of Professional Responsibility, according to the agency. The NMSP is the lead agency in the stolen vehicle investigation, according to CBP. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A woman carjacked by a man police wanted for murder told a dispatcher she was able to track him because her phone was in her stolen car, according to 911 calls 8 News Now obtained Wednesday. The calls, lasting a combined 34 minutes, detail what played out as a 19-year-old led Las Vegas Metro police officers on a chase throughout the Las Vegas valley on Thursday, March 27. Aerion Warmsley faces 28 counts, including murder and robbery, for the events that day, records said. The crime spree started when Warmsley allegedly shot and killed Naonche Osborne, 23, inside the Aliante Casino and Hotel around 2:30 a.m.. Osborne is the son of former Nevada State Sen. Pat Spearman, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warmsley left the casino in a stolen car, which he later crashed near Spring Mountain Road and Interstate 15, police said. Aerion Warmsley, 19, appears in North Las Vegas Justice Court on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (KLAS) While investigating that crash, another person was carjacked, police said. Metro police used license plate readers to follow that stolen car through downtown Las Vegas. Officers then found the car and began following it. Police chased Warmsley toward Boulder Highway when a second carjacking occurred in a fast-food drive-thru, they said. The victim of that carjacking called police, telling a dispatcher her phone was in the car and she was able to track Warmsleys movements. The guy took my phone in my car, so I have his location, the woman said, adding at the time it appeared Warmsley was in Henderson. I want my car and phone back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warmsley later crashed into a bus stop at Boulder Highway and Tropicana Avenue, police said. Two people at a bus stop were hurt in the crash. You need fire, paramedics, everything, a 911 caller told a dispatcher after that crash. Theres been a major crash at Tropicana and Bulder Highway it hit the bus stop. I think there were people there. Police estimated Warmsley drove more than 105 mph on Boulder Highway. He then carjacked a third person, police said. During that chase, police rammed the vehicle and arrested Warmsley around 9 a.m. more than an hour after the chase began. Theres a guy thats being chased by the cops, another caller told a dispatcher. Im on Tropicana and Boulder. The guy crashed into another car pretty badly and then took out the bus stop, and it looks like somebodys just lying on the rocks. I think he might have hit that person while fleeing from the cops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warmsley remained in custody Wednesday after a judge denied setting bail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A combination of technology, DNA evidence and around-the-clock detective work led Las Vegas police and the FBI to the man accused of firebombing vehicles at a Tesla collision center last month, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Thursday. Las Vegas Metro police arrested Paul Kim, 36, on Wednesday, March 26, on charges including arson and possessing an explosive device, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. U.S. Marshals later took Kim into custody on federal charges. On Monday, a federal judge ordered him jailed pending trial. The fires happened Tuesday, March 18, around 2:45 a.m. at the Tesla center located at 6260 West Badura Avenue near Jones Boulevard and Warm Springs Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement License plate readers, cameras, social media tools, DNA and other technology directly led to Kim, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said during a news conference last week. Kim arrived in a car, which he parked near the collision center, LVMPD Asst. Sheriff Dori Koren said last week. Kim then, armed with a rifle, shot at surveillance cameras outside of the business. He then spray-painted the word resist on the front doors. Kim then shot at least five vehicles and set fires with Molotov cocktails, Koren said. Kim then drove off in his car, which police later located while canvassing video from more than 700 locations across the Las Vegas valley. Investigators swabbed DNA from the rim of an unexploded Molotov cocktail as well as from a bag attached to the bottle, documents said. Kim allegedly built some of his homemade explosive devices using wine bottles and an unknown accelerant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to surveillance video from the collision center, police obtained video from two Teslas, however there was nothing pertinent found on them, documents said. Officials tracked the car from the collision center to Kims apartment in the southwest valley, documents said. While license plate readers aided police in tracking the car, Kim removed his actual license plate from the vehicle, police said. However, the cars distinctive tail lights and rims helped in the tracking. Flock Safety collaborates with Metro police on the license-plate-reading technology. The companys CEO previously explained that every car has a fingerprint, and that the technology creates a search engine for investigators to find cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives located previous videos of a car, which at the time of those recordings, had a license plate registered to Kim, documents said. Police also obtained warrants for information inside Kims vehicle as well as from his phone, which showed the car in the area of the collision center at the time of the fires, documents said. Kim reported his vehicle missing to his insurance company in the hours after the fires, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. Police later located the car at a different collision center where employees said Kim told them his car was stolen and damaged, documents said. In federal court, Kims attorneys have described his alleged actions as causing property damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim did not appear in court Tuesday on his state charges. A hearing was scheduled for later this month to determine a trial date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KIGALI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Delegates at the Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit on Africa have emphasized the urgent need for strategic investments to accelerate AI adoption and AI-driven economic growth. They made these remarks on Thursday at the opening of the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, Rwanda. "Together, we can ensure Africa not only participates in the AI revolution but helps lead it, creating solutions that respond to African priorities while establishing models the world can learn from. AI has tremendous potential for developing countries to leapfrog barriers and unlock new paths for development," said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union. However, to fully realize these benefits, she emphasized that AI must be handled in a trustworthy manner, guided by clear values, inclusive governance, and human-centered design. "For Africans to benefit equally from the AI revolution, we need to close connectivity gaps across the continent, invest in digital infrastructure, and develop the capacity to close the skills gap," Bogdan-Martin added. Speaking on key policy interventions, Jeremy Jurgens, managing director of the World Economic Forum, highlighted four critical areas for investment, namely talent development to address the AI workforce shortage, computing power to enhance data processing capabilities, local language datasets to improve AI solutions, and energy to support data centers. James Mwangi, group managing director and group chief executive officer of Equity Group Holdings Plc, underscored AI's potential in financial inclusion, particularly through AI-driven digital banking. "What will truly transform the landscape is AI adoption by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as it enhances business intelligence, streamlines value chains, improves customer targeting, and strengthens SMEs' participation in e-commerce," he added. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria's minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, stressed the importance of African nations defining their AI objectives before engaging in international collaborations. "African countries need to have clarity on what they want to do with AI and what they bring to the table before discussing partnerships without compromising sovereignty," he said. Crystal Rugege, managing director at the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda, pointed out that AI could unlock 2.9 trillion U.S. dollars for Africa's economy by 2030, but achieving this potential requires "bold, decisive leadership and collective action." Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called for greater investment in Africa's energy sector to support AI advancements. "We need to rethink how we attract investments in solar, wind, and hydro energy to make it affordable and accessible. Strengthening the energy sector is key to unlocking AI-driven growth," he said, urging the continent to coordinate efforts and invest in capacity building. The summit, themed "AI and Africa's Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa's Workforce," has gathered over 1,000 participants from 90 countries, including more than 100 African AI enterprises. The event runs from Thursday to Friday, featuring an investment roundtable, a research colloquium, and discussions aimed at positioning Africa as a leading force in AI development and ethical deployment. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A woman initially known as Jane Doe now has a name and is facing charges of trying to kill another woman during a fight involving a knife. Roshell Davidson-Smith, 26, faces charges of attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon and battery with the use of a deadly weapon. Davidson-Smith was identified in court documents as Jane Doe because when Las Vegas Metropolitan police arrived at the fight scene, she was unconscious from a stab wound to her thigh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stabbing occurred outside a bar located on Tropicana Avenue, east of Decatur Boulevard, on Sunday, March 30, around 9:10 p.m. A witness called police to report multiple people involved in a fight and a woman lying on the ground bleeding out, according to court documents. Davidson-Smith was transported to a hospital for emergency surgery to stop the bleeding. She is currently at the Clark County Detention Center. Davidson-Smith is accused of stabbing another woman in the hand. That woman had left the scene but returned and told officers, She stabbed me. The woman was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for prostitution related charges. The documents stated video from the nearby businesses showed Davidson-Smith pull a knife from her purse and begin slashing at another woman, and then accidentally stabbed herself and fell to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary hearing for Davidson-Smith was scheduled for April 16. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Heres a moral conundrum. Would you cheat in an exam by getting outside help if no-one knew you were doing it? No? Well, would you cheat in an exam if you were nearly sure that everyone else was cheating and, by being honest, youd put yourself at a disadvantage? Thats a tougher ask. And if the difference between a stellar result and a middling one might have an effect on your career, wouldnt that be the point when youd think: to hell with it? If your answer is no to all the above, I salute you. But youre probably outnumbered by the rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt an abstract question. Its the position that many universities, including the top ones, are putting their students in. Two academic assessment experts, Philip Newton and Michael Draper, at Swansea university used Freedom of Information requests to find out if, five years since Covid, universities were still using online remote exams. And the thing about remote exams is that no one knows if you get your brainy room-mate or your mother or your old teacher to help you do the work. Of the 119 universities that responded, 78 per cent used this model. Thats nearly 100 institutions. Whats more, they included almost all the elite Russell Group universities, apart from Imperial College. Birmingham didnt respond. Sothats 22 out of 24. To make matters worse, three quarters of them did not use any invigilation service; only ten said they used remote supervision of candidates for all online exams. Not surprisingly, the academics observed in their report that widespread lack of invigilation should raise concerns about the validity of these examinations as an assessment format and the quality assurance of degrees relying on them. They noted too that ChatGPT made it worse. Id go further. The results based on remote exams arent worth having. Employers shouldnt take them seriously. Universities are issuing degrees based on results that they know are probably obtained by fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worse, students have a perverse incentive to cheat. As Prof Newton put it: Students are forced to choose do they cheat, or risk getting lower marks than peers who did cheat, with consequences for employability? Any exam that isnt based on supervised work, preferably pen and paper at a desk in an exam hall, under the nose of an alert invigilator, is useless; unless its an oral exam where the candidate can be questioned. Anything else isnt worth having. The same goes for any kind of coursework, unless its art, craft or technology which is essentially practical. To put it another way, any examination that allows the candidates parents, friends or helpers to contribute is an incentive to cheat. Its not just university degrees that are affected by remote working. My daughter is doing English A level and an eighth of her marks are awarded for an essay done outside school. Lots of peoples parents are helping them, she observed. I bet they are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The middle-class parents especially will make sure that their childs university place isnt compromised by sub-par coursework. I can see the point of an extended essay, but whats wrong with doing it on school premises? This is serious. The integrity of British degrees is being blatantly compromised by universities and its time the minister responsible for higher education, Jacqui Smith, issued a statement on whats being done about it. If universities cant be bothered to conduct fair examinations, then they shouldnt be in business. As Prof. Newton told me: the simple solution to this is for the Office for Students and/or the Quality Assurance Agency to make a statement that these sorts of exams are not valid under the terms of registration/accreditation. Universities would cease to use them immediately. So, Jacqui Smithwhats stopping you? 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. SCHUYLER COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM) Distracted driving is the most common contributing factor in vehicle crashes in New York State. April is distracted driving awareness month and law enforcement is cracking down on distracted driving. According to Schuyler County Sheriff Kevin Rumsey, distracted driving in 2025 has to do more with electronics than anything else. An example would be scrolling through Facebook or Instagram or Snapchat any kind of social media while youre driving. That is just completely a distraction to what you should be doing while you are driving a vehicle that could possibly harm or hurt somebody when youre not paying attention, said Rumsey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers and deputies look for a number of things when they try to catch distracted drivers, including a cars speed in traffic. Sometimes the deputies will actually see them on an electronic device like their phone or something in their hand as theyre driving and theyre looking down and you know they start to veer off the road or anything like that, added Rumsey. Although you may be tempted to do other things while youre driving, Sheriff Rumsey says there are ways to avoid it like putting your devices away where you cant see them. Its very easy to set your phone down, turn the ringer off, turn everything off, or completely hook it to your vehicle. I mean, all the vehicles now are very much wired in so you can access them through Bluetooth or whatever however it may be, do everything hands-free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Increased patrols will be out all over New York State from April 7th through April 14th as part of the statewide distracted driving campaign. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Update: Colorado Bureau of Investigation said the teen has been safely found. A modified story follows. RIFLE, Colo. (KREX) The Rifle Police Department was asking for the communitys help in locating a missing teenager. According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the 14-year-old was last seen Tuesday, leaving in an unknown vehicle from the 1100 block of East Eighth Street in Rifle. He was also seen with Aaliyah Quintanilla, 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their last known location was near Santa Fe Drive and West Seventh Avenue in Denver around 2:30 p.m., Wednesday. CBI said law enforcement is concerned for his safety. The teen was described as having brown hair and eyes, 510 and 140 pounds. Quintanilla has green eyes and black or multicolored hair and is listed as 58 and 160 pounds. Quintanilla has an active felony warrant, according to the Rifle Police Department. Law enforcement said if anyone sees them, do not approach them and instead call 911 or Rifle PD at 970-625-8095. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (David Espejo/Stock photo via Getty Images) Democratic state Sen. Dina Neal wants to put some guardrails around artificial intelligence companies setting up in Nevada and prevent some professions such as police officers and teachers from misusing the technology. Senate Bill 199, heard Wednesday by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, would establish a process for AI companies to register with the Bureau of Consumer Protection within the Attorney Generals Office. The legislation would require AI companies to develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures and protocols to prevent hate speech, bullying, bias, fraud and the dissemination of misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the language in the bill was based on principles outlined by the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development, a global policy network, and included language similar to a definition that is used in 44 countries, including the United States, Neal said. She also used language found in Colorado legislation that passed in 2024 and established AI regulations. Business groups, including the Vegas Chamber and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, opposed the legislation arguing it would stifle economic growth by deterring tech companies from moving to the state. The unfettered movement of AI without guardrails is not the intent and not the direction I seek to move, Neal said. We should know how data is being used within an AI system. We should be able to consent to when and how our information is used in an AI system There should be some accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 199, if passed, would also prohibit law enforcement from using AI to generate police reports or teachers from using software to create lesson plans. The Associated Press reported last year that Oklahoma City was using AI chatbots to generate crime reports from recordings picked up by body cameras and police radios. Neal was shocked by the story and realized we really need to deal with this to ensure there were guardrails that are associated with police reporting. I wanted to make sure that it was something we were proactively considering, Neal said, expressing alarm at the possibility that a person is actually going to be affected negatively by the police reporting that may not have been done by (police), but by an AI chatbot. Law enforcement groups, including Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Washoe County Sheriffs Office, opposed the section. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Walker, a lobbyist for the Washoe County Sheriffs office, said there are many advantageous uses of AI in the law enforcement profession. He didnt specify what specifically about the prohibition on using AI to generate police reports he was against. In addition to preventing teachers from creating AI-generated lesson plans, the bill creates a working group on the use of artificial intelligence systems in the education system to develop further recommendations and guidelines. Two Clark High School students who worked on sections of the bill regarding education presented the legislation alongside Neal on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They cited a recent incident in which five students in a business class turned in nearly identical AI generated assignments with the same spelling mistakes. Celine Chang warned lawmakers that unregulated AI use is affecting students, teachers and the learning environment but the state lacks standardized regulations. Clark student Karen Wu, said AI isnt just a tool to supplement learning but to replace it. We acknowledge that AI is not going away, but the way we integrate it into education will determine whether it becomes a tool for enrichment or a shortcut that erodes learning, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would also prevent landlords and property management groups from using AI from determining rent prices. Republican state Sen. John Steinbeck questioned if that provision would hurt the housing market. Its my understanding that apartment operations utilize AI software to assist with filling apartments, he said. It helps them with the market analysis and may actually help lower some housing costs. The provision, Neal said, was to prevent price fixing by real estate software companies such as Real Page, which has faced numerous lawsuits for artificially raising the price of rents. RealPage has denied wrongdoing in these cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neal specifically highlighted the North Carolina case where the state attorney general sued six companies for colluding to raise rent instead of competing in the fair market using AI tools. They exploited landlord sensitive information to create a price fixing algorithm, or pricing algorithm that violated antitrust laws, she said. The legislation would also require the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation to estimate the number and types of Nevada jobs at risk of being lost due to AI. We have seen reports that within five years, theres going to be a serious shedding of traditional jobs as a result of AI, Neal said. At the end of the day, the state is responsible if their citizens are out of work. Other than the bills presenters Neal and the students no one testified in support of the legislation. The committee took no action on the bill. A proposal by State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln would expand home visits by nurses for new mothers. (Stock photo by SDI Productions/Getty Images) LINCOLN Nebraska lawmakers overwhelmingly approved legislation Thursday morning to require state officials to seek federal matching funds for targeted nurse home visitation services. Legislative Bill 22, from State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, passed 47-0. It expands on Dungans Nebraska Prenatal Plus Program in 2024 that offers services to Medicaid-eligible mothers to help prevent low birth weights, preterm births and adverse birth outcomes. Dungan said the bill represents another step forward in ensuring that we have healthy moms and healthy babies in Nebraska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This program will give an opportunity, do those who want it, to have nurse visiting to ensure postpartum care and reduce adverse birth outcomes all across the state, Dungan said. People should have access to this care no matter their background or where they live in the state. State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln. July 29, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Dungans 2025 legislation, which heads to Gov. Jim Pillen, would expand care to include voluntary targeted case management for evidence-based nurse home visitation services, similar to the Family Connects program in Lincoln and Lancaster County and now being piloted in Omaha. The goal is to expand the program statewide, deploying a nurse to the homes of eligible postpartum mothers and children six months of age or younger for one-on-one services. Families would be allowed to decline home visitation services at any time. Defining home visitations LB 22 also passed with LB 104 from State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, which helps define home visitations and what they cover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LB 104 lays the groundwork for a potentially more expansive visitation program in the future, primarily in the homes of families with one or more children, who are 5 years old or younger, or expecting parents. Rayboulds language requires the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to only fund a program if it includes periodic home visits meant to improve the health, well-being and self-sufficiency of parents and their children. Such a program could include nurses, social workers or other early childhood and health professionals. State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln talks with State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue during debate on her priority bill to alter voter-approved annual increases to the states minimum wage. March 31, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The approved home visitation program would need to accomplish at least one of the following: Improve maternal, infant or child health outcomes, including reducing preterm births. Promote positive parenting practices. Build healthy parent and child relationships. Enhance social and emotional development. Support cognitive development. Improve the health and well-being of the family. Empower families toward economic self-sufficiency. Reduce child maltreatment and injury. Increase school readiness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To receive state or federal funding, programs must be founded on a clear and consistent methodology, associated with or certified by a credible organization, have comprehensive standards to ensure high quality and continuous services and employ well-trained and culturally competent staff, among others. DHHS would be required to submit three related annual reports, beginning Feb. 15, 2026. They give confidence to a lot of new parents and they have evidence-based support showing that they do make a difference in helping families get adjusted to being new parents an being the best parents that you can possibly be, Raybould, a former member of the Lincoln City Council and Lancaster Board of Commissioners, said. 340B Contract Pharmacy Protection Act LB 168, from State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering, also passed 42-5 on Thursday. It would prohibit 340B Program drug manufacturers from interfering with or denying sales of such drugs to hospitals, clinics or pharmacies that manufacturers contract with. The federal program requires drug manufacturers to provide discounts to eligible entities caring for uninsured or low-income patients in exchange for their participation in Medicaid and Medicare. No federal or state tax dollars are used for the program. State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering. Jan. 9, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Hardins bill, and others like it in other states, was criticized by a political action committee backed by Trump adviser Elon Musk. Republican lawmakers were criticized as undermining Trump and funding gender transitions for kids, abortion procedures and health care for illegals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardin, who chairs the Legislatures Health and Human Services Committee, has said the claims have no truth. Nebraska lawmakers prohibited gender transition surgeries for minors, restricted gender transition medications and limited abortion procedures in 2023, with Hardins approval. Hardin thanked his fellow senators for valuing the life-saving work from the 58 hospitals in the state that benefit from the congressional program, which he said is paid for by Big Pharma. Hospitals from Kimball to UNMC [the University of Nebraska Medical Center] greatly benefit from this program! Hardin said in a text. Good for Nebraska!! Other passed legislation Among other bills passed Thursday: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LB 7, from State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, would clarify that Native American tribes are not foreign governments for purposes of the Foreign-Owned Real-Estate National Security Act. DeKay passed the law in 2024, at Pillens request, to prohibit foreign adversaries from purchasing land in the state. Approved 47-0. LB 41, from State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, would expand blood testing for pregnant women to check for syphilis from one screening during the first trimester to also include testing in the third trimester and at birth. Testing would be voluntary. Approved 47-0. LB 143, from State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, would require that military families be able to get preliminary or advanced enrollment for their children regardless if they have an individualized education program, individualized family service plan or Section 504 special accommodations, or receive special education. Approved 47-0. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LB 195, from State Sen. Glen Meyer of Pender, would provide health professionals immunity for the prescription, administration or dispensing of any generic opioid overdose reversal medications, not just Naloxone. Approved 47-0. LB 248, from State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, would exempt child care programs on a military base or federal property or a facility licensed by a branch of the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Coast Guard from needing to be separately licensed in Nebraska. Approved 47-0. LB 312, from State Sen. Paul Strommen of Sidney, would allow nurse anesthetists to qualify for student loans or student loan repayment under the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act. Approved 46-1. LB 501, also by Meyer, would expand a state program that allows properties to be reassessed after they are destroyed (such as after a natural disaster) for property tax purposes to include all damages not caused by the owner. Property owners could apply for a reassessment if damage meets or exceeds 20% of the lands assessed value and is before July 1 of the same year. The current law, from former State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, passed in 2019. Approved 47-0. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday suggests elimination of the Oklahoma Forestry Service, criticizing its response to historic wildfires that swept across the state last month. His remarks were made during his weekly briefing with reporters in the Blue Room at the Capitol. (Photo by Barbara Hoberock/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Legislative leaders on Thursday panned Gov. Kevin Stitts proposal to eliminate the state Forestry Service after the Republican criticized its response to wildfires last month. The legislative remarks came a day after Stitt told reporters he wanted to axe the agency amid frustrations about its response to wind-fueled wildfires that ripped through parts of the state, damaging or destroying over 400 homes. Stitt said he lost a ranch in the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later fired Mark Goeller, the head of the Oklahoma Forestry Service. Goeller has said nothing was held back after Stitt criticized his agencys response. The agency is responsible for preserving the states forests and is the primary state body responsible for wildland fire detection, prevention and suppression. Several firefighters have defended how Goeller handled the historic wave of fires that swept across the state. Stitt on Wednesday said officials cant get answers about where the resources were and questioned why the state had the agency, which takes up 33% of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestrys budget to the tune of $75 million a year. He suggested getting rid of it or giving a portion of the funds directly to local fire departments. Republican lawmakers on Thursday criticized the suggestion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sounds like a really bad idea to me, said Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, a longtime volunteer fire firefighter. Paxton said the Legislature created the Forestry Service, adding that it is a useful tool for the state. He said he has had no conversation with Stitt about abolishing it. It would have been a more prudent course of action to issue a burn ban earlier, Paxton said. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said elimination of forestry services is unacceptable. Hilbert said he and other lawmakers are hearing from firefighters in their districts who are frankly furious about what has happened and the insult not only to the Department of Forestry but also to the fire service in general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state needs to fully fund and staff the positions in the Oklahoma Forestry Service, Hilbert said. The mid-March fires left four dead and injured 200 people, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. A state of emergency was declared for 12 counties. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) On every Jan. 2, Meriden police hold a ceremony to honor a baby they named David Paul. That is the day back in 1988 when he was found at the base of a tree. He had been left by a troubled mother. We will never forget. We made a promise, said former Meriden Police Chief Robert Kosienski. Well never forget. We did adopt him and hes ours. Kosienski was the police chief at the time and he would later testify at hearings about the Safe Haven Law which was passed in 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Haven police reconnect father and daughter who was kidnapped decades ago I told them all about David Paul. How the baby was found. How it never should have happened and if they had that law in place the baby would have been alive and safe, said the former chief. Its a shame it wasnt in place at the time and a woman didnt know what to do. The law allows mothers of a newborn baby to drop the baby off at a hospital emergency room anonymously without punishment. So often I hear well this legislation may save lives. Guess what. This one does, said State Rep. Tim Ackert. 59 as a matter of fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each year, lawmakers hold a press conference to remind people of the law and the choice for mothers who may be in distress. The person who drops off the baby is given a matching wrist band so if they decide within the next 30 days that they would like to reunify with the baby they go back and it would be through DCF, explained former State Rep. Pam Sawyer. Some Republican lawmakers are hoping to expand the law by bringing so-called baby boxes to Connecticut. This provides an opportunity to leave an infant enclosed attached to a hospital or other facility, said State Sen. Heather Somers. Right now the baby is handed to a nurse or staff member in an emergency room but some say some mothers may be too fearful to do that in person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im open to exploring ways to improve the law but I love Connecticuts law because of the warm transfer, said Carl Schiessl with the Connecticut Hospital Association. This is just another opportunity to have an added measure of protection and safety for those in a really vulnerable position, said Somers. The bill which would provide for the so-called baby boxes did not make it out of the public safety committee but may be re-introduced later. The Safe Haven Law has been expanded over the years. It is now taught to students in school because sometimes teenagers are affected. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump recently slashed $1 billion in federal food aid and is now canceling another $500 million from the Emergency Food Assistance Program, drawing mixed reactions from lawmakers. Future funding for food banks is on the chopping block, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, (D-N.Y.), said the cuts will deeply affect her constituents. Cuts to these food programs are going to affect New Yorkers deeply. And I think voters will be very angry about it, Gillibrand said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She expressed concern over how the funding reductions could negatively impact those who rely on the program. New York receives nearly $30 million in annual TEFAP funding, and the additional $500 million has now been cut, she said. Gillibrand sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins urging the administration to reconsider the cuts, which help fund food banks, partner soup kitchens and pantries. These changes are harming a lot of families who work really hard every day and just want to feed their hungry kids, she said. Sen. Josh Hawley, (R-Mo.), defended the administrations move, saying it was necessary to curb government waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have so much waste and fraud across our government, Hawley said. It will all depend on how its administered. And itll depend on whether this is waste and fraud that is identified and is cut out in order to get more aid to the people who deserve it. A U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesperson said in a statement that the agency will continue to support both producers and consumers. The department will continue to use its procurement authority to support producers and consumers where appropriate, and with 16 nutrition programs under its purview, ensure families continue to have access to affordable and abundant food, the spokesperson 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) There was a strong display of bipartisan support at a hearing in Washington on Wednesday that involved money for the Washington Bridge. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse started his remarks by recognizing the teamwork of his Republican colleague, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia, who chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee, and also Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. I want to start by thanking Chair Capito and her staff for helping unstick previously awarded funding for Rhode Islands essential Washington Bridge project. Madam chair, thank you, Whitehouse said. Secretary Duffy, I also want to thank you for your teams work delivering the funding for a number of discretionary grants for the past week, including those Washington Bridge funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IN-DEPTH: RI nails down $220M in federal funding for Washington Bridge rebuild Last week, Rhode Island signed a federal grant agreement with Sec. Duffy to nail down $220 million in federal funding for the Washington Bridge rebuild. Gov. Dan McKee sent a letter to Sec. Duffy earlier this month stressing the importance and urgency of releasing the funding. I think that Senator Capito has talked more about your projects than her own projects in West Virginia, and its evident that you all work together in a bipartisan fashion, and I appreciate that because I think infrastructure is bipartisan, Sec. Duffy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Sen. Whitehouse had the floor, he also showed Sec. Duffy a photo of the 100-year-old Mt. Hope Bridge to remind him of the previously awarded funding for bridges like that. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. GENEVA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, expressed deep concern on Thursday over the decline in global trade and the potential for an escalating tariff war, sparked by U.S. tariff measures. Iweala said in a statement that the U.S. tariff measures will have "substantial implications for global trade and economic growth prospects." The WTO estimates that the new measures, coupled with those introduced since the beginning of the year, could lead to an overall contraction of around 1 percent in global merchandise trade volumes in 2025. This represents a drop of nearly four percentage points from previous projections. "The WTO Secretariat is closely monitoring and analyzing the measures announced by the United States on April 2, 2025," Iweala said, adding that "Many members have reached out to us and we are actively engaging with them in response to their questions about the potential impact on their economies and the global trading system." The director-general stressed that the vast majority of global trade still flows under the WTO's Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) terms, though the share has now shrunk to 74 percent from around 80 percent at the start of the year. Warning of the potential for significant trade diversion effects resulting from the recent trade measures, Iweala called on WTO members to prevent escalating trade tensions, engage constructively and seek cooperative solutions. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new set of levies, imposing a 10 percent baseline tariff on all imports starting on April 5 and slapping individualized reciprocal higher rates on those trading partners with which the United States "has the largest trade deficits," which will kick in on April 9. State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair kneels to talk with State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue. Hansen is the lead sponsor on a 2025 bill to help give structure to the state's new medical cannabis laws. Holdcroft is the chair of the General Affairs Committee considering his bill. March 25, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN The path forward for a medical cannabis bill in the Nebraska Legislature appears more uncertain after a committee chair tasked his members with deciding what medical conditions would qualify for access in the state and which forms of medical cannabis would be allowed. State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, chair of the Legislatures General Affairs Committee, described that task to his seven fellow committee members Wednesday. He provided them lists to choose a handful from the debilitating medical conditions approved in neighboring Iowa, as well as what he said were the 42 conditions approved across the 38 other states with medical cannabis laws. State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, center. March 10, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Holdcroft described the comprehensive list as everything but the kitchen sink in talking with the Nebraska Examiner, explaining that the people were silent on what medical conditions would apply when they overwhelmingly adopted legalizing medical cannabis in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We make it legal for anything and everything, its essentially recreational marijuana at that point, Holdcroft said, a stance advocates of the ballot measure argue is wrong. Legislative Bill 677, from State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, an effort aiming to flesh out a state regulatory scheme for medical cannabis, already faced an uphill climb to get out of committee among conservatives. Hansen, a Republican with a more Libertarian bent, said he still hopes to get his bill out of committee as clean and popular as we can. Some advocates who championed the 2024 ballot measure say their support of the bill could be in jeopardy if Holdcrofts more limited approach is taken up. They and Hansen continue to hunt for a path forward that remains closer to voters intent. Its almost like whatever we kick out of committee is going to be the bill that I would like to see, that the industry would like to see, that the people who voted for it would like to see, Hansen said. And that the Legislature can live with, at least 33 people can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holdcroft voiced his goal to get an amended version of LB 677 advanced by the end of next week. Any version would need at least five votes. The people have spoken Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana and 2024 campaign manager for the ballot measure, said the task that Holdcroft gave to his committee is disrespectful and that those concessions, among others, should be off the table. She said advocates didnt work so hard, gathering petition signatures and stories of pain and suffering from Nebraskans, to let a few senators decide who should be helped. Eggers has advocated on behalf of her youngest son, Colton, and said shed never tell someone one childs life was more worthy than someone elses. Shame on them for trying to do that, Eggers said. Crista Eggers of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, center, leads a news conference urging legislative support for bills to help implement a safe, fully regulated medical cannabis system. March 3, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Eggers thanked Hansen for all his work in hearing from supporters, respecting ballot language and helping advocates. But she said the time for other lawmakers to voice opinions on what is right is long overdue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers had their chance, but they repeatedly pushed supporters away, Eggers explained, and essentially shut the door on our face each and every time until the ballot was the only option. The measure to legalize up to 5 ounces of medical cannabis with a health care practitioners recommendation passed with more than 71% of the vote, including majority support in all 49 legislative districts. A second measure, to set up the regulatory scheme through a new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, passed with 67%. It got majority support in 46 legislative districts. Eggers said that while the campaign thought companion legislation to clarify the states regulatory approach could be a best scenario to help enact the will of the people, she said some lawmakers had gone too far. We are not in a position any longer, now that the people have spoken, to let our initiative be gutted into something that is not at all what the people passed, Eggers said. Keep it small, keep it restricted Holdcroft said he would like his committee to wade through the lists and identify about six conditions that would qualify for access to medical cannabis, though he said he wouldnt object to the Iowa list of: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cancer, if the underlying condition or treatment produces severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, or cachexia or severe wasting. Seizures, including epilepsy. Multiple sclerosis with severe or persistent muscle spasms. AIDS or HIV. Crohns disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrigs disease. Any terminal illness, with a probable life expectancy of under one year, if the illness or its treatment produces severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, or cachexia or severe wasting. Parkinsons disease. Chronic pain. Post-traumatic stress disorder. Severe, intractable autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors (including pediatric). Ulcerative colitis. Corticobasal degeneration. Iowa state law also creates a path to expanding conditions via a recommendation by the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board and later adoption by the Iowa Board of Medicine. I think the approach should be: Keep it small, keep it restricted and do floor amendments if they want to expand it, Holdcroft said. State Sen. Jared Storm of David City, center. March 26, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) According to Holdcrofts second list, cancer, epilepsy or seizures and HIV or AIDS are listed in every state; multiple sclerosis is listed in nearly all states; chronic pain, PTSD and Chrohns disease or inflammatory bowel disease are listed in most states; and Parkinsons disease, glaucoma or ALS are listed in many states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other conditions on Holdcrofts lists range from sleep apnea, menstrual pain, sickle cell disease, tinnitus or any condition for which a physician would otherwise prescribe an opioid to Lewy body disease, Alzheimers, addiction recovery, hepatitis C or Huntingtons disease. Conditions like severe nausea, cachexia/wasting syndrome and terminal illness are also frequently included, Holdcrofts handouts state. Holdcroft said three conditions are likely must-haves: childhood epilepsy, terminal cancer and lifelong chronic pain. Part of that is because children with debilitating seizures were the face of the campaign, as moms and dads led the charge for more than 11 years at the statehouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One condition that Holdcroft cast doubt on and said would need to be more specific: PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Holdcroft said the lists are not final, or even preliminary, but should serve as a starting point. Do as little as necessary State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, committee vice chair, said lawmakers should do as little as needed to give structure to voters wishes but not undermine or walk back their will. He noted voters purposefully approved up to 5 ounces of cannabis and no specific conditions. Edison McDonald, executive director of the Arc of Nebraska, said during the bills hearing not to limit the conditions to prevent needing annual bills to expand the list. State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, center, meets with State Sens. Ashlei Spivey of Omaha, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln and Terrell McKinney of Omaha, from left. March 26, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Cavanaugh said the arbitrary deliberations could exclude voters who specifically supported the measures for themselves or loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think when you start picking arbitrary numbers of maladies that will qualify, that is a disservice, he said. Cavanaugh said he always thinks of one of his constituents alongside marijuana regulations. He described her as somebodys grandma in a fancy house in the Dundee neighborhood in Omaha, not somebody you would necessarily think of as an advocate for legal cannabis. She was, he said, for her husband who had stomach cancer and had tried many drugs to help. Cavanaughs district in midtown Omaha had the highest support for the regulatory measure. My approach would be to do as little as necessary to make sure that people are going to be able to access this safely and legally, Cavanaugh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He suggested delegating authority to put together or research qualifying conditions to the new Medical Cannabis Commission. What senators can live with Hansen said he is working hard with committee members to see what they can live with, but if those changes differ with what he or advocates can live with, then the bill will be adjusted during debate. However, as recent filibuster-plagued sessions have shown, opponents can use legislative rules to block how many amendments can be added, further complicating the bills path toward securing the 33 votes it would need to become law. Under the Nebraska Constitution, amending voter-approved laws requires two-thirds of the 49-member Legislature. State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, left, leans in to listen to State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln at a legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Hansen said it may be necessary to get something passed first, to set up the rules and regulations and get the framework established, and not eat the whole apple in one setting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansen repeated the importance of getting something passed in 2025 as the voter-approved regulatory law is set to take effect in less than three months, making it virtually impossible for the new Medical Cannabis Commission which has taken zero steps toward regulations to have formal guidance in place by July 1. State licensing is supposed to begin by Oct. 1. The Attorney Generals Office has threatened to sue if the cannabis commission begins licensing. Holdcroft said the bill being considered would delay both the regulatory and licensing deadlines by at least three months. The law legalizing medical cannabis with a written doctors note took effect Dec. 12, in all forms and for all conditions. However, with no guidance from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, many advocates have told the Nebraska Examiner that doctors are refusing to recommend the drug that would need to be purchased out of state. Holdcroft has suggested lowering the 5-ounce authorization, starting negotiations at 300 milligrams (0.21% of the current limit) that freshman State Sen. Jared Storm of David City proposed via LB 483. Holdcroft said that is probably too low but he wants a conversation. The committee chair has also suggested delivery methods start with pills or tinctures, as outlined in Storms bill, and expand from there. Smoking as a permissible form of use is a roadblock for a majority of the committee. Supporters of medical cannabis helped two measures reach the 2024 general election ballot, Initiatives 437 and 438. Some spoke during a public hearing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on Oct. 25, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Recreational marijuana Much of the hesitation revolves around fear of legalizing recreational marijuana, which Hansen noted many on the committee vehemently oppose as do Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., who are urging the Legislature to pass no cannabis-related laws this spring. Hansen said avoidance could risk potential legal challenges or public backlash, one of the fastest ways he said to get voters to consider recreational marijuana. One of the fastest tracks of that happening in Nebraska is not doing what the people voted for or cutting this way too short or restricting it too much, or not passing something at all, Hansen said. Hansen said that if that did happen, he wouldnt be surprised if come November 2026, voters are left weighing whether to approve recreational marijuana. The Blair senator has described the path ahead, with no law change, where the commission could continue to have no funds and no way to do its job, as the Wild West. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) As Republican State Treasurer Curtis Loftis resists pressure to step down over a $1.8 billion accounting error, lawmakers are now trying to force him out of office. A Senate panel investigating the error called for Loftis to be ousted from his post for his involvement in the error and then failing to report the problem to the General Assembly, a recommendation Loftis blasted as politically motivated grandstanding. In a lengthy report released last month, senators said Loftis willfully neglected his statutory and fiduciary duties and that allowing him to continue as treasurer would put the states financial future at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It came after an outside forensic audit of the states finances found much of the $1.8 billion never existed. The audit determined that $1.6 billion was the result of accounting errors during a bank conversion process, and the remaining $200 million was cash that belonged to the General Fund. Loftis has staunchly denied any wrongdoing and refused to resign, setting the stage for a hearing later this month to determine whether he keeps his job. That so-called removal on address hearing is scheduled for April 21. Heres how the process works: The process for removing executive or judicial officers outside of impeachment is spelled out in Article XV, Section 3 of the South Carolina Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clause allows the governor to remove an officer for willful neglect of duty, or other reasonable causes that do not meet the serious crimes or misconduct standard for impeachment. Once the process is invoked, a hearing is scheduled in which members of the General Assembly present their case against the officer, who then may offer a defense on his own, by his attorney, or both. Separate hearings are held in each chamber, followed by a roll call vote. If two-thirds of the House and Senate vote against the officer, the constitution stipulates that the governor must remove them. Is it likely Loftis will be removed? No constitutional officer has been removed from South Carolina in the states history, and senators acknowledged in their final report it would mark an extraordinary step. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a necessarily rare occurrence and one that must never be taken lightly, they wrote. The resolutions future is more uncertain in the House, where no Republicans have come out to forcefully call for the treasurers removal, according to the Associated Press. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Nana Watson, the former head of the Columbus NAACP, has filed a lawsuit in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court to stop the agency from holding an election to install a new president. The court also granted her a temporary restraining order. As a result, the branch elections scheduled for Wednesday were put on pause. Watson was originally running against local attorney Sean Walton in the November branch election, which was rescheduled for Wednesday, but a ballot sent to members in March, only listed Waltons name as eligible to receive votes for president. When asked about the lawsuit, Walton said he had no comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watson served as president of the Columbus branch for 10 years. She has been involved in an ongoing battle with NAACP leadership after being removed as president of the local chapter in January. A cease-and-desist letter sent to Watson by national leadership alleges she mishandled membership dues, refused to work with other organizations, and made false statements regarding correspondence with the national office. Watsons lawsuit states the allegations against her are unsubstantiated. It also provides copies of the letters she said the national branch sent her. The lawsuit claims the elections should not take place until the allegations against her are resolved. It states Watson had a hearing in February with the national organization and was told the boards decision would be announced in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit claims the NAACP breached its contract with Watson and as a direct result shes suffered and will continue to suffer irreparable harm. Watsons lawsuit says, The NAACPs attempt to remove her from her position and conduct an election with following proper procedures is not supported by either the facts or the NAACPs own constitution and bylaws. NBC4 reached out to Watson and her attorney, along with Joel King, who has been serving as the Columbus chapters acting president, and has yet to hear back. Read Watsons lawsuit below. NANA-WATSON-LAWSUIT_1975411515Download Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting its 195th annual general conference this weekend, a tradition it has kept since the religions birth in 1830. While the conference itself has taken place nearly every year for just shy of two centuries, the days, locations, and purpose have morphed over the decades. The conferences evolving purpose The church was founded on April 6, 1830, and within a few months, church leaders hosted a conference with 27 members present. Matthew Godfrey, senior managing historian for church history outreach, told ABC4 that while general conference has always been important to the church there have been different purposes for it over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the early years especially during Joseph Smiths era, Brigham Youngs era general conference really was a time to conduct church business. This was especially the case when the church was smaller and didnt have a lot of members, Godfrey said. Photo from the 1897 October General Conference. (Courtesy of the Church History Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Godfrey said in the beginning, the meetings focused on mission calls or voting on whether certain scriptures should be accepted, but there was always an element of spiritual instruction, something that has increased in importance over time. Its become primarily a place for our leaders to give us instruction in how we should live and explaining more about the gospel to us, Godfrey said. General conference was only canceled twice In its 195-year history, general conference has only been canceled twice. First, in 1846 when the church moved across the United States via handcarts to Utah, and again in October 1957 when there was the Asian flu pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were other times when the conference was postponed, like in 1919 due to the Spanish Flu pandemic, or altered, like in 2020 when it went online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some conferences also looked different in the 1940s with limited attendees due to World War II. It takes many hands: LDS Church shares behind-the-scenes look at making general conference How conference has changed over the years In the early years of the church, there was no set structure or dates for the conference, with it sometimes being held on a quarterly basis or just as needed, according to Godfrey. That changed in the late 1840s when the church stationed itself in Nauvoo, Illinois. Thats when you kind of see them going to more of a twice-a-year type thing, and a lot of times in October or in April, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conference also used to span multiple days, often set over April 6, the date the church was founded. In 1977, general conference was standardized to two days in April and October each year, according to the church. General Conference audience in the Tabernacle in 1912. (Courtesy of the Church History Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) Godfrey noted some other changes, such as the gradual move away from non-church officials speaking at the conference or specialty sessions being replaced by more general instruction. For example, Godfrey said there used to be sessions dedicated to the welfare program, priesthood holders, or women of the church. As of 2021, the specific sessions were changed to another general session that is open to everyone, rather than intended for any particular demographic or leadership group, according to a church announcement. It certainly is something that I miss, Godfrey said. I miss being able to do that with my family and with my sons and my brothers and my dad. So, I think thats probably the biggest change that Ive seen over my lifetime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is the Latter-day Saint general conference? Finally, the way the church announces new temples has morphed over the years. Godfrey said that sometimes the church used to announce new temples in press releases during the year, but now it is a core part of general conference weekend. Thats kind of developed over time as well, and I think its been a more recent development and some of that really depends too on who is president of the church at the time, he said. That really has become a special part of General Conference. The 2023 October General conference in Salt Lake City. (Credit: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) 2025 April General Conference This years April General Conference will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6. Typically, more than 100,000 members attend the Salt Lake City conference in person with millions of others tuning in virtually worldwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah officials recommend public transit as some downtown roads will be shut down before and after the sessions. Many UTA services will be free with a ticket to general conference. Spencer Mahon contributed to this reporting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Former Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court Steven W. Taylor will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from Leadership Oklahoma, according to a media release. Taylor, former mayor of McAlester, will be recognized for decades of dedicated service to Oklahoma, according to the release. Taylor has made a lasting impact through his judicial leadership and commitment to civic engagement, the release states. The Excellence in Leadership Gala is an opportunity to celebrate those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and service across Oklahoma, said Jodi Lewis, President & CEO of Leadership Oklahoma. These honorees have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also dedicated themselves to strengthening communities and inspiring others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor is one of four honorees at the 2025 Excellence in Leadership Gala on April 26 in Oklahoma City: Distinguished Graduate Award: Alison Anthony (Class XXIII & Lifetime Member), Tulsa A Leadership Oklahoma alumna who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in her professional and philanthropic endeavors, making a lasting difference in her community. Statewide Community Award: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Honored for its outstanding contributions to the betterment of Oklahoma communities through economic development, cultural preservation, and community outreach. Business Leadership Award: Dillingham Insurance, Enid Recognized for their commitment to ethical business practices, innovation, and their positive impact on the Oklahoma business landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2025 Gala, to be held at the Skirvin Hotel, will be will include a formal dinner, award presentations, and an opportunity to connect with leaders from across the state, the release states. Sponsorship opportunities and ticket information are available by visiting www.leadershipoklahoma.com or contacting Vivian Le at vivian@leadershipoklahoma.com. Off the coast of Nigeria, one of the worlds largest oil production ships, called the Bonga, was taking oil from a field on the ocean floor and transferring it to a tanker ship. Such transfers are routine in the offshore oil industry, but something went wrong on the Bonga, owned by energy giant Shell. A major leak began in one of the lines that connected the two vessels. Over the next three hours, the crew detected that more oil was being pumped from the ship than the tanker was receiving. Another hour passed before an oily sheen was spotted on the water. An hour after that, the crew member in charge of the fueling shut off the flow. By then, about 40,000 barrels of oil had escaped into the Atlantic Ocean, according to an English High Court evaluation, making the December 2011 incident one of Nigerias worst spills in a decade. At the height of the spill, an oil slick spread over 685 square miles (1,776 square kilometers), twice the size of New York City. Nigerian regulators later fined the subsidiary Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) $3.6 billion, an amount being appealed today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now a confidential review of Shells fleet of production ships, obtained by The Associated Press, plus internal company safety surveys and interviews with two whistleblowers, show that as recently as three years ago almost 11 years after the Bonga spill there were safety issues with the fleet, including the Bonga. The 2022 review found fault with the same systems involved in the Bonga spill. The whistleblowers said the problems risk another Bonga-type disaster. Problems flagged with the Bonga Oil production ships like the Bonga are a critical part of the offshore oil industry. Often permanently moored in one location, they take oil from wells on the ocean floor and transfer it to tankers. The 2022 review of the Bonga was an attempt to address maintenance and safety problems in Shells oil production ship flotilla. It was authored by Shell senior maritime auditor Zubair Ali Khan. It found issues on several ships, ranging from corrosion to bad upkeep and poor firefighting systems, and cited a lack of clear and established standards and processes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the report noted continuously deficient" systems for oil transfer and firefighting and lifesaving equipment. Oil transfer systems are what had failed in the massive 2011 spill, and in 2022, the problems on the Bonga with oil transfer systems were deemed high risk. Replying to a LinkedIn message, Khan declined to comment. Tony Cox, an accident investigator with decades of experience in the offshore oil industry, said it was concerning that transfer problems persisted on the Bonga 11 years after the giant spill given that transfers are a recognized hazard and well known to be a potential point of spillage. A Shell spokesman said by email that the company's safety record was continuously improving. Serious accidents aboard this ship have gone down from one per year on average to zero since 2018, Shell said, with less serious incidents reduced by 70% and spills by 90% since 2020. A total of 369 pieces of critical safety equipment were not in satisfactory condition in 2014, the spokesman said, dropping to two last year. Shell did not respond when asked if all the recommendations in the report were adopted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The review cited problems with other ships Beyond the Bonga ship, the 2022 internal safety report said there were other recurring incidents. The report described severe corrosion in pipes and protective barriers around oil tanks in the vessel Fluminense, off Brazil. Two workers were left with moderate to severe burns after an incident on a vessel off the U.S. coast in 2016. There were degraded facilities on the gas-producing ship Prelude anchored off Australia, where fire broke out in 2021. In 2023, more than a year after the safety report, problems on the Prelude persisted, according to Australian regulators who found health and safety violations related to exposure to chemicals and risk of an explosion. They ordered improvements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of the Prelude, Shell said a dedicated local team of safety engineers and experts looked after the vessel but didn't provide more details. Other incidents have been reported by regulators or in the press. For example, another Shell ship off Nigeria, the Sea Eagle, began to take on seawater in 2022 and needed urgent repairs, something Cox said was highly unusual for floating production vessels. The company is currently in the midst of a wrongful dismissal lawsuit with a former employee, a safety engineer from London, whom Shell said was fired for poor performance. An interim court ruling leaned toward Shell's argument and a Shell spokesman said the company is clear about the merits of our case." The former employee, Irina Woodhead, advised on safety standards aboard the Prelude. She said that in the 2021 fire incident off Australia, safety systems didnt activate. Seven people had to seek medical treatment for heat exhaustion, Shell said. Woodhead said she blew the whistle on safety failings and was fired for doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One mistake can cost a lot of lives, Woodhead said, and a future disaster is absolutely possible. If you dont maintain that equipment, thats when the fires happen, thats when the explosions happen. Regarding the Fluminense, off Brazil, a Shell spokesman said it identified problems, shut down production and took the vessel out of service. In the case of the Sea Eagle, off Nigeria, the spokesman said Nigerian regulators were promptly informed of the leak and it was swiftly repaired. The incident that left two workers with burns off the coast of the U.S. in 2016 isn't reflective of the company's overall safety culture, he said. Internal surveys show concern about safety at Shell Similar issues were raised in safety surveys carried out by statistician Caroline Dennett, a former Shell consultant. Beginning in 2012, she surveyed thousands of Shell workers on the company's safety culture. She quit in 2022 over Shell's climate policies and became an activist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surveys measured employees' perception of performance in 10 areas, including maintenance, communication and safety awareness. Surveys obtained by AP of 97, 159 and 128 workers on the Bonga, done in 2012, 2014 and 2021 respectively, show that employees' views of company performance overall dropped in nine categories. The Bonga was problematic from day one," said Dennett, citing a lack of manpower, difficulty getting spare parts and falling standards. The fear was getting more severe over time as skilled personnel were not replaced, she added. The surveys also invited workers aboard the vessel to make their own comments. Based on these, in 2014, Dennett was concerned enough to write to a Shell manager, flagging worker fears that Bonga was a keg of gunpowder and in impending peril, with everyone on it at risk. The manager promised to act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next year, a leaked memo by the operational safety team for Nigeria said the need for drastic improvements was shown by the 2012 survey. They were also worried by the thought provoking 2014 survey, which had worse results. In an email, Shell said safety has improved on the Bonga since the 2012 and 2014 surveys, when a worker described it as a powder keg. Still, as recently as 2021, some 59% of workers on the Bonga thought maintenance needed either a lot of or some improvement. Another 3% said it was failing outright. Only 28% of team leaders felt positively about the levels of maintenance the company performed on its equipment. A majority, 57%, were concerned about the level of resources and expertise on the vessel. In response, the company noted that more than 90% of those surveyed in 2021 felt positive about another category measured, the Bongas safety processes, and the overwhelming majority felt comfortable speaking out about problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Internal emails seen by AP show Shell safety experts and lawyers had agreed that if 10% of workers thought a safety category was failing or needed considerable improvement, it would be considered legally critical. The issue would then need to be resolved within 18 months. If that figure hit 20%, it would be urgent with a one-year deadline. The negative responses about the Bonga more than passed these thresholds. But the company later eliminated these commitments, according to an email seen by AP. This steer comes from legal, Shell health and safety advisor Bradd McCaslin wrote to another Shell safety manager in 2018. After that date, the thresholds disappeared from surveys reviewed by AP. Safety reviews dont work if people dont make the suggested improvements, said safety expert Cox. McCaslin did not respond to LinkedIn messages from AP seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In internal correspondence from 2012, also seen by AP, Shells U.S. operations chose not to use the surveys at all after a lawyer raised legal liability concerns. The company said its common practice for legal teams to advise on processes, and it doesn't fall to just one team to direct how risk is managed. Rich Howe, Shell's vice president for deep water operations, said a relentless focus on safety was deeply ingrained in the Shell culture, and its standards are widely recognized across the sector. These documents are evidence of that culture," said Howe, speaking of the surveys and safety report. A company which is continually looking to strengthen safety performance by proactively seeking out problems or concerns that can then be addressed. ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org Body camera footage shows Tennessee troopers, McNairy County deputies, Selmer Police officers and firefighters searching the debris of a home for trapped or hurt survivors after severe storms battered West Tennessee in the early morning hours of April 3, 2025. (Photo: Tennessee Highway Patrol) A chain of severe storms and a possible tornado killed at least five people across West Tennessee early Thursday. The storms left a path of major damage in Fayette, Hardeman and McNairy counties, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). An EF-3 tornado struck the town of Selmer, Tennessee, according to preliminary surveys from crews deployed by the National Weather Service Memphis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of West and Middle Tennessee received multiple severe storm, tornado and flood warnings throughout Wednesday night into the early morning hours Thursday. The National Weather Service issued more than 70 severe thunderstorm warnings, more than 50 tornado warnings and 21 flash flood warnings in the last 24 hours, TEMA reported Thursday afternoon. NWS received reports of observed tornadoes and damage for seven of those tornado-warned storms. State officials warn that generational flooding flooding so severe it happens once a generation or once a lifetime continues to pose a threat to multiple counties in Middle and West Tennessee as multiple rounds of heavy rain are forecast to stretch into Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rain totals could reach at least 10 inches in areas of West Tennessee north of Interstate 40 by the end of the weekend, according to National Weather Service Memphis. The northwest corner of the state could see up to 15 total inches of rain. Gov. Bill Lee requested an Emergency Declaration for Tennessee and TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan issued a State of Emergency Wednesday evening in anticipation of the severe storms and flooding. Lees request includes federal assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance. President Donald Trump approved Lees request around 11 a.m. Thursday, making FEMA assistance available to all 95 Tennessee counties. Under the declaration, FEMA can provide equipment and resources to support emergency response, and direct federal assistance under the public assistance program will be provided at 75% federal funding, according to the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state remains under a level 3 State of Emergency status, which allows state resources to support local requests for assistance following severe weather while continuing to provide support for ongoing Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts in East Tennessee. Five deaths, multiple injuries reported At least five people have been reported dead, state and local officials confirmed. The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed one death each in McNairy County, Obion County and Carroll County. A 48-year-old man was pronounced dead in Fayette County around 2 a.m. Thursday after the Fayette County Sheriffs Office responded to a call reporting a tornado had overturned a modular home, according to the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four other family members were transported to a nearby hospital, two in critical condition and two in stable condition. The mans 16-year-old daughter later died at the hospital, the Fayette County Sheriffs Office confirmed. Tornado damage assessments begin NWS Memphis does not yet have an exact number of confirmed tornadoes from Thursday mornings severe weather event. Teams are assessing tornado damage in Selmer, Tennessee and Lake City, Arkansas to confirm and classify the strength of tornadoes, according to NWS Memphis. Selmer saw an EF-3 tornado with peak winds estimated at 160 miles per hour, according to preliminary survey results released by NWS Memphis Thursday afternoon. The agency suspended further surveys of the area out of concern for surveyors safety in ongoing storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Arkansas, the preliminary survey shows Lake City also saw an EF-3 tornado with top winds around 150 miles per hour. Ratings could change after surveys are complete, NWS Memphis stated. The agency received additional reports of tornados in the region from spotters and radar but crews have not yet been able to survey damage or confirm. Tennessee Highway Patrol deployed a strike team to McNairy County to support local officials, according to TEMA. My heart breaks for our city and county at this time, Selmer Mayor Sherry Inman stated in a social media post expressing gratitude for those who have offered assistance or prayers. Please continue to pray for all the families and homes that have been lost. State officials report power outages, roads blocked by water or debris About 9,700 power outage reports remained active statewide as of 11:30 a.m. Thursday, according to TEMA. This is down from more than 15,400 outages reported as of 4 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Communications systems are experiencing problems in McNairy County and TEMA is working with local officials to remedy the situation. Customers served by the Grand Junction Water Department in Hardeman County do not have water. The Henderson Water Department in Chester County is under a boil water advisory. Multiple roads throughout Middle and West Tennessee have been impacted by downed trees and power lines and flooding, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Crews are working to clean up debris. Excessive rainfall to come Excessive rainfall is expected to continue Thursday with the bullseye of enhanced risk storms encompassing most of West Tennessee from Memphis to Clarksville along Interstate 40. Widespread flash floods are expected, according to NWS Memphis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most areas of Middle and West Tennessee have seen between 3-5 inches of rain over the last 18 hours, with some areas nearing 7 inches, according to TEMA. Another 3-4 inches are forecast for Thursday evening, and 5-7 inches are projected on Saturday. Severe weather forecasts also include continued tornado, large hail and damaging wind threats in addition to flood risks. This is a developing story. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Deadly tornadoes and severe storms tore across the Central U.S. Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least six people and knocking out power for more than 195,000 customers across seven states. Multiple deaths in Tennessee, Indiana, and Missouri were reported, including a father and daughter whose house was damaged near Moscow in Tennessees Fayette County, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office told FOX 13. The station reported that several others in the home were injured, and that other deaths had been confirmed in the hard-hit McNairy and Hardeman counties. In bordering Missouri, Whitewater Fire Protection District Chief Garry Moore died Wednesday night, according to KFVS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While details about how Moore died have not been confirmed, Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Clark Parrott told the station that it was possible the 68-year-old was stopping to help a stranded driver. A severe storm damaged homes, destroying the roofs and knocked down power lines, trees and fences. At least six people have been killed (AP) "Our thoughts and prayers go out (to) the Whitewater Fire Protection District as well as the family and friends of Fire Chief Garry Moore, as he made the ultimate sacrifice while serving during storms last night," the Perryville Fire Department wrote on social media. An Indiana man died after coming into contact with down power lines as storms moved through the area, police said, according to WTHR-TV. Injuries were also reported in Kentucky, where four people were injured while sheltering in a vehicle under a church carport, the states emergency management office in Ballard County said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two workers were injured Wednesday when the roof and a wall collapsed at a Sur La Table distribution center in Brownsburg, Indiana. It was just heavy debris that had fallen on top of her, Brownsburg Fire Department spokesperson Kamrick Holding told WTHR-TV. She happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The woman was conscious and talking during the rescue, but her condition was not immediately known. Crews were working Thursday to search through the wreckage and assess the damage as the threat of tornadoes continued and shifted into Kentucky and West Virginia. Dozens of tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued from Texas to West Virginia and about 2.5 million people were in a rarely called high-risk zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Storms have knocked out power for more than 195,000 customers in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, according to outage tracker PowerOutage.US. Cameron Tate, the mayor of Lake City, Arkansas, stated on a Facebook post that residents were also without water. Several governors declared states of emergency ahead of impending impacts. The threat of flash flooding was expected to continue in Tennessee, where forecasters said as many as 15 inches of rain could fall through the weekend. We would say good morning, but last night was not good. Our hearts go out to all the communities who were affected and will awake to decimated towns and cities. Unfortunately, we are not done yet. More severe weather is in the forecast later today, the National Weather Services Memphis office wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Areas that have already felt the effects of intense downpours were expected to get hit again, leading to significant to extreme rainfall totals over increasingly saturated soils. More impacts from severe weather are expected through the weekend as generational flooding is forecast for some parts of the U.S. (AP) Tens of millions of people are anticipated to feel the effects of the generational flooding event and associated storms, which have stretched from Texas to the northern border. Additional rounds in Texas, the Mississippi Valley and the Ohio Valley could even sweep cars away. A High Risk of Excessive Rainfall (level 4/4) is in effect Thursday from southwestern Kentucky into western Tennessee and northeastern Arkansas where the greatest threat for numerous instances of life-threatening flash flooding exists following heavy rainfall over the same areas Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. With reporting from The Associated Press CAIRO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The intensive Israeli air and ground attacks across Syria on Wednesday evening have been widely condemned in the Middle East as violating international law and Syria's national sovereignty. In what marks one of the most extensive escalations in recent months, the Israeli military launched a wave of some 25 airstrikes targeting military sites across Syria late Wednesday, which reportedly killed at least four members of Syria's defense authorities and wounded 12 others. Syria's official sources said the airstrikes injured both civilians and military personnel and led to the near-total destruction of the Hama Military Airport in the central Hama province. Meanwhile, Syria's state-run SANA news agency reported that one of the Israeli airstrikes hit the Jubailiyah Forest area between the city of Nawa and the town of Tasil in the southern Daraa Province, killing nine civilians and wounding several others. The wave of bombardment across Syria also targeted the T4 Airbase and its surroundings in the central Homs province and the Scientific Research Center in the Barzeh district of the capital Damascus. On the ground, Israeli forces shelled the Harsh Sadd Tasil area, known locally as the "National Park," and the vicinity of Tal Al-Jumou between Nawa and Tasil. They also reportedly pushed into the Jubailiyah Forest area and took up positions. In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry of Jordan, one of Syria's neighboring countries, denounced the Israeli attacks as "a blatant violation of international law, an infringement on Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a dangerous escalation" that threatens to fuel further conflicts in the region. The ministry's spokesperson, Sufian Qudah, reaffirmed Jordan's unequivocal rejection of Israel's repeated assaults on Syrian territory, urging the international community to compel Israel to halt its "provocative and unlawful aggression" against Syria and end its occupation of Syrian land. Egypt also condemned the Israeli attacks on Thursday in the strongest terms, labeling them as "a blatant violation of international law" and an affront to Syria's sovereignty, unity, and independence. In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry criticized Israel for exploiting Syria's internal challenges and urged key international actors to take decisive action. "Egypt calls on the active international parties to take their responsibilities regarding the repeated Israeli violations and to obligate Israel to end its occupation of the Syrian land," it said. Meanwhile, Iraq, another neighbor of Syria, said Israeli attacks as such demonstrate its "aggressive expansionist approach" and represent a "flagrant violation of international law and the national sovereignty of states." The Iraqi Foreign Ministry affirmed in a statement the country's full solidarity with the Syrian people and called on the international community to shoulder its responsibility to halt these violations, protect civilians, and safeguard people's right to live in security and peace. Also on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the attacks highlighted Israel's repeated violations of Syrian territory by targeting vital defense assets and civilian infrastructures, as well as by occupying strategic areas in Syria. Baghaei added that Iran has always stressed the importance of preserving Syria's territorial integrity and national sovereignty, urging the international community, particularly regional countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to take immediate and effective measures to halt Israeli violations. In a statement released Thursday, Hezbollah condemned the "barbaric aggression" carried out by Israel and the United States targeting regional countries, including Syria, which it said attempts to destabilize the region, violate sovereignty, and impose foreign hegemony. The repeated airstrikes and incursions into Syria aim to weaken the country, it said, reaffirming its solidarity with Syria and urging immediate global action. Saudi Arabia on Thursday reiterated its firm rejection of the Israeli actions, which threaten the security and stability of Syria and the wider region through clear violations of international law. The Kingdom emphasized the need for the international community, particularly the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, to fulfill their responsibilities by taking a firm stand against these ongoing Israeli violations. Secretary General of Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said Thursday that these violent strikes "represent a continuation of efforts by the Israeli occupation forces to undermine regional and international security." He emphasized the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity while calling for concrete steps to halt such actions for regional peace and security. (NewsNation) President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs will bring about an era of price stability and higher wages, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday on NewsNations Morning in America. Theres not going to be any pain for American-owned companies and American workers, because their jobs are going to come back home, Leavitt said. Measles vaccination clinics hit by funding cuts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Liberation Day, Trump tacked on tariffs to a plethora of foreign nations. Trump promises tariffs will bring golden age of America Roughly 60 countries are being singled out for the reciprocal tariffs, the majority of which are set at half of the tariff those countries place on U.S. goods. There is also a 10% baseline tariff on all countries where reciprocal tariffs are not specified. Trump has promised the levies will bring about the golden age of America, but economists warn the tariffs could spur a recession. This is a proven economic formula that works, and the American people should trust in Trump. Thats why they elected him back to the White House, Leavitt said. White House claims Trumps first-term tariffs strengthened economy White House officials in a Wednesday press release pointed to Trumps first-term tariffs as proof that the levies work to strengthen the U.S. economy, citing positive study results from the U.S. International Trade Commission, Economic Policy Institute and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NYC Mayor Eric Adams to run as independent in mayoral election But some lawmakers warn that Wednesdays tariffs are too broad to have the same benefits. Four Republicans Sens. Rand Paul, Ky.; Susan Collins, Maine; Lisa Murkowski, Alaska; and Mitch McConnell, Ky. voted with Democrats on Wednesday for a resolution to undo President Trumps 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. In general, one of my biggest concerns is we should be distinguishing between allies and our adversaries and not treating them the same way, Murkowski said. Trumps Alien Enemies Act of 1798 deportation flights Trump officials are due in court Thursday afternoon for another hearing on the March deportation flights of alleged Tren de Aragua gang members. Judge James Boasberg, who attempted to prevent the flights and says the Trump administration ignored his order, has repeatedly asked for flight details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maggie Haberman: Trump advisers tired of Musks presence Boasberg is set to ask for more information on the people who were deported. When asked whether the White House is prepared to hand over that information, Leavitt said she defers to the Department of Justice. We maintain our position that violent foreign terrorists need to be deported from our nations interior, Leavitt told NewsNation. Alleged MS-13 gang member wrongly deported Trumps Justice Department on Tuesday admitted it wrongly deported a Salvadorian national living in Maryland who had received protection from removal, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. An alleged member of MS 13, Abrego Garcia, was not convicted of gang-related crimes. He was accused in court and granted asylum in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Abrego Garcia was found removable, the immigration judge granted him withholding of removal to El Salvador in an order dated October 10, 2019, the Justice Department stated in its filing. Gold is surging as Trumps tariffs stoke economic uncertainty Leavitt doubled down on the administrations stance, telling NewsNation: We have always maintained that this was an individual who was on the deportation list and should have been deported, and the Department of Justice has maintained that position as well. Karoline Leavitt denies Politico reporting that Elon Musk is being pushed out Politico reported that the Trump administrations frustration with Elon Musk could lead to his White House departure sooner rather than later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet cited outside allies and administration insiders alike who reportedly have become frustrated with his unpredictability and view Musk as a political liability. Its a report that Trump officials have strongly pushed against since the article came out, with the Department of Government Efficiency head himself calling it fake news. White House denies reports that Elon Musk is being pushed out This is a non-story. The president and Elon have both said publicly that Elon will leave when the mission of DOGE is complete, when he feels his work is over, Leavitt said. Special government employees like Musk can only work for a 130-day period, which ends next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kellie Meyer, Taylor Delandro, Anna Kooiman, Alicia Nieves and Kevin Bohn contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Photo illustration by Getty Images. Energy and tech are colliding as the Montana Legislature grapples with cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and data centers. This session, lawmakers are taking up bills that could impact the high-tech industry in Montana for years to come, from ones that ease oversight and taxes for data centers to another that would help legislators grasp complex new technology on the landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data centers are the digital infrastructure backbone for many advancements, including blockchain technology, but use significant amounts of energy. House Bill 877, brought by Rep. John Fitzpatrick, R-Anaconda, is called the Montana Data Center Development Act, and seeks to block the Public Service Commission from preventing a utility from serving large customers in a way the agency itself opposes. It strips away PSC oversight. Its a deregulation bill, said PSC President Brad Molnar, in the House Energy, Technology and Government Relations Committee. Call it what you want to, its a deregulation bill. Proponents included NorthWestern Energy, which argued it would be able to produce enough electricity to meet new demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 330, brought by Sen. Gayle Lammers, R-Hardin, seeks to build legislative capacity for understanding blockchain and digital innovation as well as seeks inroads with companies engaged in blockchain and digital finance. It was sent to Gov. Greg Gianfortes desk on an 81-18 margin on Monday afternoon. It really is going to be a big educational bill, and thats whats neat about it, Lammers said in an interview with the Daily Montanan. And it kind of solves the problem that everybody has with it. They say, Oh, I just dont understand, and I dont know, and thats why I brought this bill. Two other bills seeing movement also touch on the business, technology and power. House Bill 424, brought by Rep. Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, seeks to revise taxes for Class 17 properties, which include data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, has brought Senate Bill 265, which seeks to revise cryptocurrency laws in the state. It would affect so-called network tokens and would formally regulate businesses using blockchain technology. Network tokens are used in payments as an alternative to a payment card number. The energy question Underneath all the technology bills is an underlying question as to whether Montana has the energy capacity to serve both its residential and industrial customers. Cold is a major worry theres a lot of demand for energy when winter hits, and brownouts, when theres a reduction of power in a specific area, are a major concern for some in the Legislature. NorthWestern customers recently had to pay an extra $39 million following a cold snap because the utility had to buy power on the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to make sure that the power thats going to satisfy these larger loads doesnt become a critical and potentially problematic factor when were at 20 below zero, and weve already experienced that, Sen. Chris Pope, D-Bozeman, told the Daily Montanan. In December 2024, NorthWestern Energy announced an expectation to serve up to 450 MW of power to data centers, according to Jo Dee Black, a spokesperson for the company, in an email to the Daily Montanan. Black added the utility owns 1,065 MW of production capacity, but it would be wrong to state that all that generation, or all generation from an owned-generation resource, would serve a single class of customers. NorthWestern is also adding to its capacity, both at the coal-fired plant in Colstrip, and its new methane-fired plant in Laurel. But Molnar said data center businesses will put permanent pressure on energy providers. Data centers, they dont scale up or down, Molnar said. They are a constant run of their computers storing and generating data. They do not ramp up and down based on how much electricity is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, NorthWestern was producing about 1,600 MW of electricity. Peak demand in 2023, according to the utility, was about 2,000 MW. During the hearing for Fitzpatricks bill, Alan Olson, who was lobbying for NorthWestern, was asked if the utility could provide enough base load energy to meet customer demands. Today, we are short, Olson said to the committee. This session has seen a push to bring nuclear power to Montana, cited by tech companies as a way to ramp up domestic power production. Fitzpatricks bill brought the need for more production and whether or not the utility can serve all of its customers to the forefront. NorthWestern believes it will have enough generation capacity to follow through on the commitments it makes to businesses drawing large amounts of power, such as data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, the PSC seems to have developed a novel interpretation of the law, which suggests that they get to decide whether or not NorthWestern can serve a new industrial load, Fitzpatrick said on Monday in House Energy. This bill simply says no, its not within the purview of the PSC authority to tell NorthWestern who it cannot serve as long as the proposed new customers can demonstrate that the services received does not harm existing customers. The bill says the PSCs role does not extend to prohibiting large electric customers from obtaining service from certain public utilities. Fitzpatrick is a former NorthWestern lobbyist. Theres been frustration from some Democrats with NorthWestern as well. NorthWestern Energy says, Oh, we can absolutely provide this energy, Minority Leader Katie Sullivan said in an interview with the Daily Montanan. And at the same time, they come to us and say, We have an energy crisis, and we cant supply energy to homes anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currency mining is one the purposes of data centers, an industry some legislators want to grow in Montana. Currency mining, or proofing, is an energy-intensive process that essentially involves a computer solving complex math problems. The more computers and larger the system, the faster it can process those problems, and miners can receive cryptocurrency as a reward for doing so. In 2022, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported cryptocurrency mining probably represents from 0.6% to 2.3% of U.S. electricity consumption. To put it in perspective, one estimate out of Columbia Universitys Climate School had cryptocurrency worldwide uses as much electricity as the country of Argentina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More computers means more energy consumption. This was at the heart of disputes in Missoula County several years ago, which eventually led the county to develop zoning regulations for cryptocurrency. Essentially, the county forced mining companies to source clean power for their operations. A bill in 2023 SB 178, brought by Sen. Zolnikov took away a municipalitys ability to pass certain laws regarding cryptocurrency mining. Task Force Blockchain While energy usage is an important discussion point on data centers and new technology, Montanas economy is too. As Bozeman continues to develop as a tech hub and Montana remains an attractive place to live, legislators say some foresight will likely be needed to guide future laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lammers bill, SB 330, will do just that. A new task force created by his bill will be made up of a handful of legislators as well appointees of the governor, Senate and House leadership. The Attorney Generals office and State Auditor will also have representatives on the task force. Their goal will be to provide recommendations that will shape future laws, as well as to attract businesses to the state. The businesses aim to bring include energy-intensive data centers, a focus this session, but a major debate across the state for about a decade. Lammers bill specifically deals with blockchain technology. The blockchain is a type of ledger that records information transferred between entities. Cryptocurrency a decentralized, digital currency has been most commonly associated with blockchain, but its not the only application. Advocates, including Lammers, point to potential in medical records, uses in agriculture, and tracking supply chains. Proponents of the technology, including IBM, say its more secure its stored on a network rather than on one server and reduces the risk of fraud as blockchain records cannot be altered. Medical records, for example, are either stored electronically or as physical copies. The idea is technology like blockchain can make accessing records easier and quicker. Additionally, blockchain technology does not require a third-party to approve a transaction, keeping things between two entities. The bill was heard in the House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee on March 19 and had several proponents, including the Montana Bankers Association and the Satoshi Action Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for Bitcoin, a type of cryptocurrency. We believe that Bitcoin and Bitcoin mining have the potential to positively impact our environment, our grid, our economy, and society as a whole, the Satoshi Action Fund states on its website. However, a 2023 United Nations study pointed to serious environmental concerns with Bitcoin, which it said is highly dependent on fossil fuels. Reputation problems Not all of the pushback against blockchain technology and the data centers needed to run them involve energy. A controversy in Butte over CryptoWatt, a cryptomining company, involved a majority owner who was indicted in a $722 million Ponzi scheme. Some legislators are wondering if this new technology has staying power or is the right industry for Montana to embrace. I think a lot of the problems with the reputation of cryptocurrency now was it was oversold and became a pretty easy Ponzi scheme to get into and scam, you know, pump and dump, Rep. Kelly Kortum, D-Bozeman, said in an interview with the Daily Montanan. There are legitimate uses of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin, but its been so abused by so many bad actors that theyve lost a lot of credibility on their practical, real world uses. Legislators also discussed the makeup of the task force, a minor controversy. Theres also the question of what type of businesses Montana wants, an idea that doesnt exactly hold to partisan lines. For example, Senate President Matt Reiger, R-Kalispell, said he likes small businesses in Montana and the rural feel. You can make great money just being in the trades, Reiger said during a media presser. You dont need a tech job. You probably make more being a plumber, honestly. New regulations Senate Bill 265, brought by Sen. Zolnikov and co-sponsored by Rep. Zolnikov, a married couple, has yet to hit the House floor, but had a hearing in the House Energy, Technology and Government Relations Committee the same day Lammers SB 330 was heard there. The legislation is regulatory in nature, Sen. Zolnikov said during the hearing. Were trying to attract these very on-the-leading-edge technology companies to our state and give them a framework in which they can live and play within without worrying about being thrown out or breaking a law they didnt know theyre breaking, Zolnikov said. The legislation would also make it law that a governing authority cant disallow a business from taking digital assets or currency as a form of payment. It also formally allows the operation of businesses either using or developing software for blockchain operations. Theres also a securities exemption, which Zolnikov said would clear up ambiguities in the law. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requires, Every offer and sale of securities must either be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or have an exemption. This bill, with the help of the auditors office and other individuals, creates a clear pathway for entities who want to be in America, who are legitimate, Sen. Zolnikov said. To be sure these companies dont get bogged down with federal U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requirements, the bill also offers an exemption, which Sen. Zolnikov said would clear up ambiguities about whether they need to register. House Bill 424, brought by Rep. Zolnikov, seeks to make the business climate more friendly and stable for businesses utilizing data centers. The bill does this by creating incentives for on-site energy production at data centers and extending the timeframe in which those businesses can be built. Some regulations surrounding the data centers sunset in 2027, she said during a floor debate on March 24. That bill included an amendment from Rep. Fitzpatrick dealing with the price of power and taxation. Data centers would only be able to sell excess power for cost of production, in an effort to prevent price gouging during electrical emergencies. The amendment also revises the tax rate on power production, putting it in class 13 the power plant class after a period of 10 years. The property tax rate for data centers is 0.9%, while power plants pay a 6% property tax rate. Power generation facilities at data centers would slowly have their rate increased over time, treating it as an introductory rate. Lastly, the amendment would also not exempt data centers from paying into tax increment financing districts. Class 17 property regarding data centers currently exist in state law, Rep. Zolnikov said during a floor session on March 24. What were doing in this bill is were expanding this class to include power generation behind the meter, and this is whats key to supporting grid resiliency and benefiting Montana in times of electrical emergencies. Blockchain Task Force Some representatives took issue with who would be on the task force created by SB 330. The amendments made some people feel more at ease with the legislation, Lammers said. The amendments put six legislators on the task force, as well as the state auditor and attorney general or their designees. The governor also gets to pick five people to put on the task force and those individuals who would need to have experience with blockchain, cryptocurrency, financial technology or digital innovation technology. The majority leaders in both the House and Senate also get to pick four other members each who do not have to be in the legislature. Minority leaders in both chambers get to pick one representative each. Im worried that some of the members selected could not necessarily be experts, but be marketing experts, Kortum said. And thats something were seeing nationwide. You've been liberated from feeling good about your stock portfolio and meeting your household budget! It's Liberation Day, can't you feel it? Or at least that's what President Donald Trump wants you to believe. In reality, today is going to be a terrible bloodbath. Globally, markets have tumbled. Domestically, they will probably tank. I hope you didn't have any big purchases you wanted to makelike, everbecause shopping is over for now. Yesterday evening, the president imposed universal tariffs that he calls reciprocal, supposedly based on the amount each country tariffs our imports. Vietnamese imports will now be hit with a 46 percent tariff. E.U. goods face a 20 percent one, Japanese goods a 24 percent one, and Chinese imports a 34 percent onebut it's looking like that's on top of the previous 20 percent tariff, so it's 54 percent total. (The White House press secretary has confirmed this.) The baseline 10 percent tariffs go into effect Saturday, and all higher tariffs go into effect April 9. Trump has so far made exceptions for a few categories of productsemiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and lumberbut that's not because he wants them to remain exempt; it's because he's still in the process of drafting up his plan for how those goods ought to be taxed. Full list here. There are roughly 60 countries on this list distributed by the White House that are being hit with reciprocal tariffs. (The others have a 10% baseline tariff.) pic.twitter.com/MxFusLaBF1 Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) April 2, 2025 "If you want your tariff rate to be zero, then you build your product right here in America," said Trump. If he actually wants American manufacturing to be revitalized, it will take a very long time for such factories to be operational. And supply chains are global and interconnected; even American-made cars (previously the target of tariffs) source tons of parts from elsewhere. It will be very hard to fully produce every product right here in America, and it will be very costly, and it will be very painful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps the most wild thing about all this is that these rates do not appear to have been grabbed out of thin air. The administration has claimed that they're discounted versions, proportional to the taxes levied on our imports to each country. But some Twitter sleuths have discovered thatthose countries aren't in fact levying such high rates on us. The first column is not "tariffs charged to the U.S.A."; it's the trade deficit divided by imports. A White House official rebuts thisbut offers a formula that corroborates this theory. See for yourself. Holy crap. Appears the left column isn't tariff rates at all. It's simply the trade deficit/imports. It has literally 0 to do with tariff rates of those countries. So why are they listing it as "tariffs charged"???? https://t.co/v79anX58cd AG (@AGHamilton29) April 2, 2025 So for example for South Korea: Listed tariff rate: 50% Actual tariff rate 0.79% Imports: 131.5 Billion Exports: 65.5 Billion Trade Deficit: 66 billion So what they want isn't reciprocal tariffs, but exactly equal trade values. AG (@AGHamilton29) April 2, 2025 It's a shockingly stupid approach. WH has now confirmed: this is insane https://t.co/Ozj8O4r7jY pic.twitter.com/JTJxC8L6rO Scott Lincicome (@scottlincicome) April 3, 2025 Trump, in his address announcing these tariffs, called it our "declaration of economic independence." Oren Cass, an anti-free trade policy wonk, said these policies "confirm the end of the disastrous [World Trade Organization] era and lay the groundwork for a new set of arrangements in the international economy that prioritize the national interest and the flourishing of the nation's working families." Yeah, well my working family doesn't feel so great about how to make ends meet, contra Cass. This will make it harder for all of us to afford food, clothing, cars, and household goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, it's possible that they're essentially stunt tariffs, that they're made to be temporary, and that the economic pain will be more short-term than we fear. A good point by journalist Tim Carney: This is key. The tariffs cannot cultivate domestic manufacturing, because they were made to be contingent, temporary, negotiablebecause for our Quid Pro Quo President, everything is always on the table. https://t.co/RG6rUoLFlt Tim Carney (@TPCarney) April 3, 2025 Some of the administration's logic appears to be rooted in the president's personal disdain for trade deficits. "Trump's idea about using tariffs to reduce America's trade deficit with other countries" is terribly misguided, writes Reason's Eric Boehm. "To understand why, think about the transactions that occur between your household and your favorite grocery store. You buy lots of goods from the grocery store, but it never purchases anything from youtherefore, you're running a sizable trade deficit. Tariffs are nothing more than a tax on those transactions. Trump's logic says that you could be wealthy if you mailed $25 to the U.S. Treasury for every $100 in groceries that you purchase. That's ridiculous. You'd be poorer, and the trade deficit with the store would still exist." More Boehm on how American exporters will also be affected: "America exports a lot of orange juice to Canadabecause we have an obvious comparative advantage when it comes to growing citrus fruit. In 2023, Canada bought $281 million worth of fruit juice from the United States. In Trump's flawed way of looking at trade, that would mean America is somehow ripping Canada off, but this is actually a great deal for everyone involved. Canadians get orange juice that they can't produce on their own.The impact of tariffs on exports is less direct than on imports, but no less serious. It happens in multiple ways. American industrieslike orange farmers, to continue that metaphorwill face higher prices for inputs, such as farm equipment and fertilizer (much of which comes from Canada). Those same industries will have to deal with smaller export markets and less demand for their goods. Higher costs on the front end, lower prices on the back end." (The fact that American exporters will have a harder time makes "correcting" the trade deficitthe one that so bothers Trumpeven tougher.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is all just very, very, very bad. I don't know any other way to say it. Here's something to cleanse your palate: How it feels to have bought my PC two days ago pic.twitter.com/sAFqc1oIs4 santos-inistas (@JDabknee) April 2, 2025 Scenes from New York: I've never heard of a politician more obsequious than New York City Mayor Eric Adams. QUICK HITS Watch this explosive, highly contentious episode of Just Asking Questionsfeaturing Batya Ungar-Sargon, who describes herself as a "MAGA leftist"on tariffs, deportations, and whether the Trump administration is actually a gift to the working class. There was a lot of conflict. Here's Ungar-Sargon on Piers Morgan, for a sampling of the pro-tariff view: I really enjoyed this New York Times interview with Megyn Kelly, in which the conservative media star really appears to complicate the interviewer's worldview and view of journalism. "President Donald Trump committed during a closed-door meeting Wednesday to publicly support Senate Republicans in their efforts to massively reduce the deficitand directly engage with them in a legislative process for clawing back federal funds," reports Politico. This is very welcome news. Amazon has submitted a bid to purchase TikTok from its Chinese parent company, Byte Dance. "The company sent its proposal in a letter to Vice President JD Vance, who's heading efforts to help facilitate a sale of the US operations of the video platform ahead of a deadline later this week, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick," a source told The New York Times, as reported by Bloomberg. The administration is not seriously considering the offer, though, for reasons unclear. The post Liberation Day appeared first on Reason.com. SACRAMENTO, California President Donald Trumps trade wars are putting California farmers and ranchers, happy with his promises to deliver more water, back into financial and political limbo. Trump announced a universal tariff of 10 percent on imported goods today, with higher rates for some of the United States' top trade partners, including 20 percent on European Union goods. Looming retaliatory tariffs could hit California farmers hard, with a cost ranging from hundreds of millions of dollars to the billions, according to one University of California, Davis study potentially surpassing the cost of Californias last bigdrought in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californias agricultural industry, the largest in the nation, has lobbied Congress and the White House to avoid harm from tariffs, just like other business groups. But its treading carefully to not appear ungrateful for the White Houses promises on water. Theres some anxiety around presentation, said Western Growers Association Chair Stuart Woolf, who grows almonds, agave and other crops in the San Joaquin Valley. Its a unique thing. How do you thread this needle and not sound like a whiner? Take, for example, almonds, which are California's most valuable food export, making up roughly 20 percent of the state's $23.6 billion in agricultural sales abroad (followed by dairy products, pistachios, wine and walnuts) and 2.5 percent of Californias overall exports. The Golden State produces 80 percent of the worlds supply and exports most of the almonds it grows. The California Almond Alliance told Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in a March letter that retaliatory tariffs would hurt American profits and cede more market share to competitors, like Australia. Its main ask: a smooth government bailout if retaliatory tariffs cant be avoided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a sense of deja vu: Farmers remember Trumps trade wars during his first term, when China, the top destination of California almonds at the time, imposed a 55 percent retaliatory tariff that cost the state's industry hundreds of millions of dollars. The federal government provided relief funds to growers, but California nuts werent eligible at first. They're focused on soothing their top export markets, which are now the European Union, India and then China. Developing strategic responses to counteract and mitigate the impact of retaliatory measures taken by key trading partners will be crucial in maintaining market stability and growth, wrote Alexi Rodriguez, the president of the Almond Alliance, in the March letter. Almonds do have a few things going for them. They have an ally on the inside: Trump last month named former Almond Alliance president Aubrey Bettencourt to lead the Natural Resource Conservation Service, a USDA agency focused on soils. Also, Californias nut growers are just finishing up selling last years almonds at a good price, after rebounding from a market glut. But that may be only a short reprieve: Theyre also anticipating a bumper crop this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are plenty of almond growers, I guarantee you, that are worried about what are they going to do with them next November when they've harvested them, unless this tariff fiasco ends fairly soon and whatever retaliation happens is settled before this new and almost surely larger crop comes on board, said Dan Sumner, a professor of agricultural economics at UC Davis. Chinas already raised tariffs 10 percent on U.S. fruit, nuts and vegetables. The EU, India and others could soon follow. Woolf's planning a trip to D.C. next month to talk to Congress and federal officials, while other farmers are still counting their blessings. We're just hopeful that this thing somehow straightens up so we don't get affected, said Joe Del Bosque, a melon and almond farmer on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. Trump has been positive for us in water That's why a lot of farmers supported Trump. Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICOs California Climate newsletter. Librarians have a bone to pick with President Donald Trump. On Monday, the Institute of Museum and Library Services placed its entire staff on administrative leave at the Trump administrations behest a move that comes two weeks after the president proposed eliminating the IMLS as part of his ongoing efforts to slash the federal governments workforce and funding. That matters to local librarians because the majority of libraries federal funding comes from the IMLS. Of the agencys $290 million budget, about $160 million goes directly to the nations libraries, where its used to develop literacy programs, workforce training and civic engagement initiatives. Museums and archives get a cut of IMLS funding, too. Advertisement Advertisement As The New York Times reports, the IMLS which employs roughly 70 people also provides competitive grants directly to libraries of various type: Recently, thats included things like $250,000 to the Seattle Public Library to support teen mental health and $150,000 to the University of South Florida to develop library resources for autistic patrons. The American Library Association called the proposed budget cuts short-sighted and an assault by the Trump administration that would be deeply felt throughout local communities. By eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Trump administrations executive order is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer, it said. Shortly after issuing the executive order, Trump appointed Keith E. Sonderling as acting director of IMLS. Sonderling said that, under his leadership, the agency will be in lockstep with this Administration to promote American exceptionalism and restore focus on patriotism. Advertisement Advertisement Nancy Schram, a public librarian in Ventura, California, is among the librarians deeply troubled by the attack on IMLS and what she sees as the administrations ongoing efforts to censor literature. Make no mistake about it, the elimination of funding for libraries is a political assault on First Amendment rights, access to information, and the freedom to read, Schram told HuffPost. The attack on public libraries is another example of how Trump has never had to rely on government services and finds no value in them, Schram said. It is a stark reminder of how easy it is for someone who has apparently never utilized the services that libraries provide, to deprive those who desperately need those services from accessing them, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Amanda Jones, a school librarian in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, is livid about the efforts to dismantle the IMLS as well as the Department of Education. Jones works in the school system in Louisiana, and reduced funding from IMLS could have a devastating impact for public libraries across her state, as is true for many states. In 2024 alone, IMLS provided $2,726,161 to public libraries in Louisiana to help them expand access to information, improve library services and foster community engagement. Without this funding, patrons and students in the most rural of areas, and those of lower socioeconomic status will be the ones who suffer the most, she said. Its only going to further the divide between the haves and the have-nots. Libraries provide so much more than books to communities. Marco VDM / Getty Images Alana Phelan, a former librarian in New Jersey whos a full-time author now, spoke to the essential services libraries provide to communities. Advertisement Advertisement For people without cars, without printers, without computers, a library can be the closest and most inexpensive way to take care of so many needs, all this while maintaining patron confidentiality, Phelan said. Reference can help finding aid for almost any situation. Online services help those who are homebound. For students, libraries offer summer reading programs, early literacy development and grade-level reading programs. For job seekers and returning veterans, theres employment assistance. For those with visual impairments, collections of Braille and talking books are invaluable. I think many people in this country dont realize what happens at their local library beyond taking out books and story time, Phelan said. I have former co-workers who have created makerspaces and taught kids how to code. Its more than just books. After years of right-wing pressure campaigns to ban books, theres a predictability to the Trump White House targeting libraries, said Chelsea Heinbach, a teaching and learning librarian in Las Vegas and one of the creators of the resource site The Librarian Parlor. Advertisement Advertisement We tend to take them for granted, but theres something quietly radical about even the idea of a library and the intellectual freedom these local institutions inspire, she said. Public libraries are critical cornerstones of democracy, equipping people with critical thinking and information literacy skills while ensuring equitable access to information and education. Providing these services with no upfront cost to all citizens regardless of their race, gender, citizenship status, or other demographic has become an inherently radical act, and it is for that reason that libraries are being targeted, Heinbach said. Librarians we spoke to were also peeved that the Trump administration has tried to claim theres never been a right-wing book ban push. Over the past few years, local news channels have broadcast the heated rhetoric at community meetings where parents and school boards lobby to censor and control decisions on library materials. Advertisement Advertisement Since 2022, the American Library Association has seen an unprecedented number of book bans and challenges of books, including classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird, books about the Holocaust like Maus, picture books about diverse families, and more. In February, the Department of Defense circulated a memo to parents of students at DOD-operated schools that said it was examining library books potentially related to gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology topics. Even Freckleface Strawberry may not be immune. The actor Julianne Moore claimed that her 2007 childrens book about a girl who learns to stop hating her freckles had been targeted for the potential ban at schools serving U.S. military families. Jones knows that these banning efforts are happening; she and her fellow librarians have been personally targeted and harassed as part of such campaigns. Jones even received death threats for speaking out against such censorship. Advertisement Advertisement As a school librarian who was already reeling from these book bans, it feels completely like gaslighting to have the U.S. Department of Education put out that social media post about the ending of the alleged Biden Book Ban Hoax, she said. The public needs to wake up before our libraries are gone, she added. Heres what you can do to help your local library. Courtney Hale / Getty Images The librarians we spoke with encouraged people to rally for their local libraries. Patron numbers matter, so if you dont already have a library card, consider getting one. Libraries are free you pay for them through your taxes, and theres bound to be a service thats useful to you, even beyond book checkouts. Advertisement Advertisement Get a library card, tell your friend, your family to get library cards. Visit the library, said Mychal Threets, a librarian in Northern California and the current resident librarian for PBS. Once you have a card, you can also use digital services to borrow material. You absolutely are helping the library by using things like Hoopla Digital, Libby, and Kanopy, the video streaming service, Threets said. Email and call your local leaders and state leaders and tell them how much your local library means to you. Attend school board and library board meetings and voice your opposition to cuts and book bans there, Jones said. On social media, follow the work of PEN America, Authors Against Book Bans, EveryLibrary, and the American Library Association for more ways to help within your own community. Advertisement Advertisement Dont let local and national politicians use librarians and libraries as political pawns to further their own agendas agendas that go against the best interests of their constituents, like you, Jones said. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Lichens are true pioneers, setting themselves up in environments so harsh as to be considered virtually barren. Given time, they can lay the foundations for whole fields of stone, sand, or even rooftops to transform into diverse ecosystems. So why not Mars? A team of biologists from Jagiellonian University in Poland and the Polish Academy of Sciences investigated just that in an experiment conducted inside the Polish Academy of Sciences' Space Research Center. They wanted to know which physical and biochemical properties might help lichens survive Mars-like conditions while remaining metabolically active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our study is the first to demonstrate that the metabolism of the fungal partner in lichen symbiosis remained active while being in an environment resembling the surface of Mars," says lead author Kaja Skubala, a botanist from Jagiellonian University in Poland. "These findings expand our understanding of biological processes under simulated Martian conditions and reveal how hydrated organisms respond to ionizing radiation one of the most critical challenges for survival and habitability on Mars." Lichens are bizarre structures in which a fungus and an algae or cyanobacteria partner up to form a colony that can survive conditions they never would on their own. They can enter a state of dormancy when times are tough, reviving on contact with water to feed and grow once more. Like the tardigrades that sometimes inhabit their nooks and crannies their ability to survive Earth's harshest conditions makes them prime candidates for extraterrestrial study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the fungi-algae duos are fundamentally reliant upon one another, each kind of lichen is still named as if it is a single species. The two species entered in this Mars simulation were the crusty, pale, and bulbous Diploschistes muscorum, and the dark, branching, seaweed-like Cetraria aculeata. Each lichen was awoken with a light misting of water before being placed inside a vacuum chamber for five hours, with the first two hours set to a Martian daytime surface temperature of 18 degrees Celsius (about 64 degrees Fahrenheit), dropping gradually into a two-hour-long Martian night at -26 degrees Celsius. The Mars simulator. (Skubala et al., IMA Fungus, 2025) Gas consisting of 95 percent carbon dioxide was pumped into the tank to simulate a Martian atmosphere at ground level, with humidity ranging from an extremely arid 8 to 32 percent. The pressure was set to a very low 5 to 7 millibars, which is more than 1000 millibars lower than the pressure of Earth's atmosphere at sea level. How lichens cope with Martian levels of UV radiation and other harsh conditions has already been studied extensively, so Skubala and team were focused instead on the ionizing power of X-rays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lichens were zapped with a 50-gray dose of X-ray radiation, comparable to what the surface of Mars can receive in a year via energetic Solar particles and flares. The red planet has a thin atmosphere and no global magnetic field; two factors that protect us Earthlings from the solar onslaught. Only one of the species survived these conditions: D. muscorum. The researchers think its heavy crust, laced with calcium oxalate crystals inside and out, might have protected it from radiation damage. "While calcium oxalate has a relatively low atomic number, which makes it less effective at absorbing X-rays than heavier elements, the dense crystal deposits on the [lichen's] surface could allow calcium atoms to interact with low-energy X-rays, absorbing part of their energy," the authors write. The other species, C. aculeata, did not fare so well, though it was selected for its ability to survive extreme Earth environments in the Arctic and Antarctic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scientists knew the melanin pigments that give this lichen its dark brown to black colour would protect it from unbridled Martian sunburn, since the coloration can filter radiation in the UVB and UVA spectrum. But melanin is also a powerful antioxidant, which the team thought may help it withstand ionizing radiation. Yet, C. aculeata experienced high levels of stress from the X-rays, which showed up as damaged membranes, failing enzymes, and hydrogen peroxide build-up. Notably, this lichen has no calcium oxalate, which may be a deciding factor in Mars survival. Of course, whether we should introduce new species to unknown environments to achieve our goals is a different question one we humans don't exactly have the best track record with. That's if it's even possible: a simulation like this provides just a small taste of the harsh realities of the red planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ultimately, this research deepens our knowledge of lichen adaptation and their potential for colonizing extraterrestrial environments," Skubala says. This research was published in IMA Fungus. Related News VADUZ, Liechtenstein (AP) Tiny Liechtenstein's public radio broadcaster is to disappear from the airwaves on Thursday after voters decided to pull state funding and the government was unable to find a way to privatize it. Radio Liechtenstein said on its website that it would cease broadcasting at 6 p.m. Thursday. After nearly 30 years as a radio station in the principality, the voice of Liechtenstein is bowing out of the ether, it said. In a referendum in October, 55.4% of those who voted decided to scrap legislation that granted state funding to Radio Liechtenstein at the end of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative came from a small opposition party, which argued that the station was swallowing more than 70% of state funding for the media, giving it an unjustified advantage against private media, and that it should be privatized. It had been slated to get public funding totaling 3.95 million Swiss francs (nearly $4.5 million) over a four-year period. The government, which had argued before the referendum that the chances of privatization were questionable because a private radio station in the tiny country would struggle to generate enough advertising income, said on Tuesday it had become clear that it was not feasible to privatize the station by the end of the year. There was no concrete takeover offer from private investors with all the associated commitments, it said, and no political agreement to extend the deadline for the end of public funding, so the station would likely have to close in the year's first half. Radio Liechtenstein had an average 11,400 daily listeners in 2021, the last year for which figures were available. Liechtenstein is a principality of about 39,000 people that borders Switzerland and Austria. LINCOLN, Ark. (KNWA/FOX24) Lincoln Consolidated School District was one of the districts to adopt the four-day school week in 2023, and Lincoln High School disapproves of Arkansas House Bill 1864, which attempts to revert schedules back to a traditional five-day week. The bill claims to be an attempt to improve efficiency in student instruction, but Lincoln principal Stan Karber says since switching to the four-day week, their student and faculty has been more efficient than before. Our attendance is through the roof. Our student discipline is through the roof. We dont have to deal with a lot of the things. Again, our kids are here four days a week. I feel like that extra day has mentally prepared them for a lot of the stuff, Karber said. Its created a culture that you cannot put a cap on, you cant really put a price tag on. What we see, the teachers that are wanting to stay here are healthy and happy because of that extra day off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New bill could alter four-day school weeks for Arkansas schools Karber also added that he feels personally attacked by the bill, claiming that the bill was created to aid big school districts while leaving small, rural ones like Lincoln forgotten about. I just find it incredibly disheartening and discouraging that a group of people in Little Rock and Jake Oliva and the Arkansas Department of Education seem to be fighting harder against small schools than they are fighting for small schools and the teachers that we represent and the students that we represent, Karber said. KNWA/FOX24 reached out to the Arkansas Department of Education but has not received a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. STORY: :: Lithuania pays tribute to four U.S. soldiers found dead after their vehicle sank in a peat bog :: April 3, 2025 :: Vilnius, Lithuania People lined the streets near Vilnius Cathedral to see a priest bless hearses carrying the soldiers' bodies, which were then taken to the capital's airport for repatriation. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said he was proud that Lithuanians had helped as much as possible when the four soldiers were first reported missing last week. Rescuers had spent days digging to recover the M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle the soldiers were using as part of an exercise at the Pabrade training ground, where U.S. units have been rotating since 2019. JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said on Thursday it has entered a "new stage" of its offensive in Gaza, escalating operations that have killed over 250 people it identified as militants or Hamas-affiliated individuals since mid-March, while Palestinian health officials reported a higher death toll. Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Effie Defrin stated that Israeli forces had conducted more than 600 strikes in Gaza since resuming operations on March 18, following the collapse of a ceasefire. "The plan serves the objectives of the war -- the return of the hostages and the dismantling of Hamas' military and governmental capabilities," Defrin said in a press briefing. The health authorities in Gaza, which do not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties, said on Thursday that 1,163 people had been killed and 2,735 injured since the offensive resumed. Defrin declined to outline specifics of the military's strategy, citing "operational ambiguity" to "surprise the enemy and achieve significant gains." He vowed operations would continue "until we bring back the 59 hostages, both the living and the fallen." Late Thursday, Israel's military said its air defenses intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza, triggering sirens in the border community of Nahal Oz. No injuries were reported. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have launched sporadic rocket attacks since fighting resumed, though none have caused casualties in Israel. The renewed violence followed the collapse of a three-phase ceasefire agreement brokered in January, which had paused 17 months of conflict in the Palestinian enclave. The initial phase included a 42-day truce, the release of 33 Israeli hostages, and the freeing of around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations to extend the deal failed when Israel resumed strikes instead of advancing to a second phase, which envisioned a permanent ceasefire and further hostage releases. Efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to revive talks have yet to yield a breakthrough. Video courtesy of LRT VILNIUS, Lithuania (WSAV) On Thursday, Lithuanian television network LRT aired the procession ceremony of the four U.S. soldiers who died during training in March. Members of the U.S. and Lithuanian military, along with Lithuanian citizens many of them holding American flags lined the streets of Vilnius to pay their respects. The solemn procession made its way past the Lithuanian capitals Cathedral Square before taking the bodies to the airport and returning to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A program at Good Earth State Park near Sioux Falls is teaching young children about all things nature. The morning rain wasnt enough to stop nearly a dozen families from making their way to Good Earth State Park for Little Acorns. 3% value cap isnt for individual homes in SD Little Acorns, in a nutshell, is our preschool program that we offer each month throughout the year during the school year at Good Earth and its geared for ages 3-5, we do a different topic each month about nature and the park, park naturalist Jen Stahl said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frogs and toads were the stars of Wednesdays show. We usually start with a story and then have a little role play back and forth, we learn about the animal itself, and then theres usually an activity and we do a craft, and sometimes at the end we wrap up with a game, Stahl said. That variety and the early time slot make Little Acorns popular among parents. Little kids are around on Wednesday mornings, theyre not in school just yet, so its a great time for moms and dads to bring out their kiddos and have some interaction and something for them to do in the morning, Stahl said. Its a different class every month, its really educational, my daughter is just about to turn four and she just really enjoys connecting with nature and learning about all the different animals in South Dakota, Sioux Falls resident Jamie Siorek said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siorek has been bringing her 3-year-old daughter Lily to Little Acorns since last fall, but only one of them was looking forward to frogs and toads. Shes going to be very brave and touch one and I told her I did not want to do that, so its just such a positive experience and Jen is really great with the kids so weve really enjoyed every class weve been to, Siorek said. Whether the topic is frogs and toads, beavers, butterflies, or snakes, Stahl says its all about getting kids hooked on nature. I hope they change a thumbs down to that critter to a thumbs up and they change their perspective and they have some fun and they learn a little something, Stahl said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little Acorns wont happen in May as its field trip season at Good Earth State Park, but will return on a weekly basis in June and July, every Thursday morning at 10. The program is always free to attend, but registration is required. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. President Trump stood firm on his sweeping tariffs despite the stock market taking a sharp tumble Thursday. The markets are going to boom, he told reporters outside the White House. The country is going to boom. The aggressive move affects nearly every nation exporting products to the U.S, which Trump has argued will restore the countrys manufacturing economy while making trade relationships fairer and boosting government revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tariffs, fulfilling a Trump campaign promise, impose a 10-percent base tax on all goods coming into the U.S. But several countries are being hit with steeper taxes, with some as high as 50 percent. Long-time partners Mexico and Canada are exempted from Wednesdays announcement as they have already been targeted with 25 percent tariffs since Trump returned to the White House. Countries across the globe have threatened to retaliate while others have made calls for the U.S. to come to the negotiating table. And in Washington, the move has been met with fury from Democrats. And on Thursday, the Trump administration fired several National Security Council staffers in the wake of the Signal chat leak last month. The removals come after Trump met with far-right influencer Laura Loomer, who encouraged the administration to take action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Senate Republicans are charging forward to pass a budget resolution to further advance the Trump agenda. But divisions in the conference could derail the effort as a vote on the measure is expected later this week. Follow along for the latest updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) Warren Mayor Doug Franklin and city leaders addressed the media Thursday to discuss what is happening with Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Read next: Local pizza owner wins big at international pizza competition Franklin said that Insight has been transparent with him on what is happening and puts the blame for the pause in services and layoffs on bankrupt Steward Health for not releasing payments to keep operations going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a surprising chain of events, services at Insight facilities, which it acquired from bankrupt Steward Health, have been paused and employees have been laid off after Steward Health stopped funding certain services, even as government authorities requested guaranteed weekly payments to ensure continuity of care. Franklin said the crisis surrounds the transition service agreement (TSA) between Insight and Steward, which has to do with medical payments and billing. Truly a travesty for Trumbull and Hillside to be on total diversion. The community needs both hospitals to be open and workers need to be paid, Franklin said. Franklin said that those at Insight have a plan, but they are being blocked by Steward from fulfilling that plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They cant do it without funding being held by Steward, Franklin said. They owe Insight a lot of money. If they had paid for the services they billed for, we wouldnt be sitting here today. This is almost extortion. The nurses union at the hospital is frustrated with the blame being put solely on Steward at the peril of his members. AFSCME Local 2026 President Tom Connelly said that Insight blindsided them and that their members have not been treated fairly. He implored Insight officials to be more open and communicative with union employees. This blaming Stewardwhile its very good for them to soothe their conscience, my members dont have a place in that. Were there to take care of the patients, and thats what weve done. We expect reimbursement so we can take care of our families, Connelly said. The union leader has stern words for Insight and pledges to stand behind his members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we are not part of the solution, we are going to be part of the problem, Connelly said. There were a lot of mistakes by Insight as part of the process, Franklin said. Franklin promised to work with Insight to be more transparent with workers. Franklin called upon the Valleys federal delegation to step in and provide support for Insight in its dealings with Steward and even went as far as to call for a criminal investigation. Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy is also calling for action. He says he personally met with the hospitals president and Insight founder Dr. Jawad Shah. Malloy says Dr. Shah believes theres a path to success, but Insight needs to get the money it is owed from Steward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They need to get paid for the services they provided, the bankruptcy judge needs to intervene, the Attorney General of the United States needs to intervene and make sure that this money is paid to the people that earned it and not absorbed to pay for past debts to a company thats bankrupt, Malloy said. Malloy said commissioners have reached out to Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted and Congressman Dave Joyce and Michael Rulli asking for their help too. Employees said they were blindsided by the layoffs, and a class action lawsuit has been filed against Insight asking for 60 days pay and ERISA benefits, as well as the repayment of money deducted from wages for fringe benefits and compensation for accrued but unpaid vacation time. A representative from TCAP said that they are holding an event on April 16 to help laid-off workers. Sessions are set for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to temporarily assist them with rent, utilities and other services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Franklin said that some pleas for back payments have somewhat answered but not all. These hospitals deserve to receive their full payments to make payroll so they can bring services and employees back, 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 WKBN.com. (WHTM) Three Mile Island is at the center of a new civil lawsuit amid plans to restart the facility. Local activist Gene Stilp filed the civil action against the Dauphin County Commissioners and the public safety department. The suit claims they are using tax money to promote the restart of the Unit 1 reactor, and directed several school districts and private schools to spend money to support the restart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Constellation Energy teamed up with Microsoft and bought the rights to use energy from the plant for 20 years. Microsoft wants to use that energy to help power data centers with carbon-free energy. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Livestream Alerts The announcement was made on the fifth anniversary of TMI shutting down the Unit 1 reactor for economic reasons. In addition to getting the reactor up and running, officials also want to open the Crane Clean Energy Center (CCEC). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) President Trumps new tariff plans are already pushing some San Diego County business owners to make immediate adjustments. But others are choosing to hold off, instead hoping for clarity on future economic policies. These sweeping tariffs on 60 nations are set to take effect April 9, next Wednesday, and will impact a variety of products likely driven up costs for consumers. The vast majority of items inside Nicholas Trans family-owned store in City Heights are imported from Asia. That part of the world is in the cross hairs of a growing trade war with the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Markets plunge in reaction to Trump Liberation Day tariffs Tran, the co-owner of World Foods Supermarket, said, For our store, its going to be a lot more pain because we mainly deal with the countries involved: Vietnam, China, Thailand, Japan. On top of a 10% universal tariff announced by President Trump on Wednesday, some nations will have it worse than others. Chinese goods will face reciprocal 34% tariffs in addition to the existing 20% levies. Cambodia is in for 49% duties, while Vietnam isnt far behind at 46% tariffs. In my store, about 70% of the items will be affected, Tran told FOX 5/KUSI. Some items will be affected 34-35%. Other items will be affected 50%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the local business owner says hes not seeing vendors change prices yet, others are. I am seeing across the board price increases from a lot of the people that I buy from: Canada and China, said Kimberly Nabours, owner of Replay Toys in North Park. RELATED: Trump announces sweeping reciprocal tariffs Customers are paying more but shes trying to avoid passing down higher costs where she can. She said, When things get to be a price that I dont feel comfortable selling it for, Im not carrying it anymore. And shes also trying to stay proactive, stating, I put in huge orders to help keep my backstop full. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when it comes to food, Tran says theres only so much hoarding he can do. Hes not raising prices right now and is waiting to see how tariffs shake out, as well as what changes if any hell make. We do what we can, said Tran. We got to stay calm, and I think that things will work its way out. Its unclear exactly how much increased costs could be passed down to consumers, with some estimates ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 per family. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This story mentions child abuse, which some readers may find distressing. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) During a media event Wednesday to bring awareness to National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Montgomery County honored one woman for her efforts in saving a child who had been hit and dragged by an alleged drunk driver. April Littleton was honored as the 2025 Champion of Children Award recipient for her actions on July 22, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 9-year-old girl out with her family on Clover Street was pinned under the vehicle of an alleged drunk driver and dragged along Wayne Street for over half a mile before being dislodged. Driving on Keowee Street, Littleton saw the incident and called 911. She then made a U-turn and followed the vehicle on Wayne Avenue. She didnt just leave, said Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. in presenting the award. She didnt just call 911, but she made a U-turn. Good call, making that U-turn. When the girl became dislodged from his truck, she pulled over and helped her to safety. She stayed with her on the side of the road, comforting her as they waited for first responders to take her to Dayton Childrens Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a horrific scene, its just unimaginable, said Heck during Wednesdays event. And when you hear the injuries and what happened to this little girl, its just unbelievable of what she endured. But April stayed with her until she was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Heck later expanded his gratitude in a press release. I want to express my heartfelt thanks for Aprils caring kindness to a grievously injured 9-year-old child at the worst imaginable time, he wrote. April is definitely a Champion of Children! During Wednesdays event, Heck emphasized that anyone can help to reduce child abuse, injuries and deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its quite simple: Speak up, said Heck. See something? Say something, and then do something. If you suspect a child is being abused, call local police or Montgomery County Children Services. One call can make all the all the difference. In 2024, the countys Child Advocacy Center the CARE House saw 1,117 children, including 649 for sexual assault investigation and 377 for physical assault. Heck announced a donation to the Kinship Navigator Program, the Womens Centers of Ohio, Catholic Social Services and Moms and Babies First. This donation is of car/booster seats, nightlights, snack cups, infant feeding spoons, teething rings and diapers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car seats were donated by the Even-Flo Corporation, and Matthew 25 Ministries donated two pallets of diaper. Larry Taylor, from Beau Townsend Ford in Vandalia, made a large monetary donation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For Trejsa Stewart, the Head Start program wasnt just a help, it was vital. Her eldest son had been hurt at a daycare to the point of warranting a Child Protective Services investigation. Head Start helped her find a new place to care for her kids. I wouldnt have gotten through that without the family support. They walked me through the process, and they helped me enroll somewhere safe, Steward. Because of the program, shes gotten help and the needed therapies for two of her childrens learning disabilities that required individualized learning plans. Between those plans, and now a third kid needing daycare while Stewart finishes her graduate degree, she couldnt afford the care without Head Start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard on us because as a college student, if this gets cut, so does my education, Stewart said. Head Start is a program that grants money for lower-income preschool, childcare, and kindergarten seats. Washington State Head Start and ECAEP director Joel Ryan says it also helps adults with housing and job placement 15% of the families have experienced homelessness, and another 18% of the children have developmental delays or disabilities. Head start helps that family become stable through case management, Ryan said. Its a multigenerational intervention program that supports the entire family. Thats not something that can be made up in another place. This week, six federal Head Start workers in Seattle were told they were on administrative leave until June, at which point they would be fired, according to the Executive Director of the Washington State Head Start and ECEAP program, Joel Ryan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan was in communication with the employees when they couldnt get into their office in Columbia Center in Downtown Seattle. The regional staff were trying to get into the office and were denied access, Ryan said. The cuts are part of 200 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services employees laid off, according to Senator Patty Murrays office. Last week, HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. announced the department will be reduced by 20,000 employees. As part of President Trumps DOGE workforce reduction initiative, were going to streamline HHS to make our agency more efficient and more effective, Kennedy said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy said the cuts would help return HHS to its original commitment to public health in the post, saying there were too many bureaucratic positions and not enough scientists and front-line health workers. Every day I wake up and think, am I going to be able to drop them off today? Are the doors going to be locked? Am I going to wake up to that email saying Hey, were sorry for the inconvenience, but Head Start is no longer. That is a daily worry, Stewart said. Ryan says he knows Head Start programs that are waiting on grants for facility improvements around food storage and allowing kids to play on the playground. Stewarts childcare has been waiting on a grant for sensory toys and other toys for kids with disabilities. Now that its closed, we dont get anything? Stewart wondered, That not only affects the center, that affects me. Both of my children who go there have disabilities. That isnt fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KIRO 7 News reached out to HHS several times for comment on Tuesday, asking to clarify how grants will be renewed, awarded, and administered to the 70 programs that rely on them across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. The agency did not reply by the time of this posting. Ryan says the best-case scenario, one that he sees as unlikely, is that the federal office will pick up the slack. In the worst-case scenario, delays in grants or a lack of grant money altogether, programs would shutter completely. Youll see more people experiencing homelessness, youll see more people experiencing joblessness and unemployment because many people rely on Head Start, Ryan said, Its affordable childcare to help parents go to work. If you pull the rug from under parents, especially single parents who need Head Start, that makes it harder for them to be able to go to work. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, and one local organization is making sure individuals have resources available for people here in western Massachusetts. This day promotes appreciation and understanding for those with autism. Here in the local community, Sunshine Village is helping to make that difference. Every April, organizations like Sunshine Village celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. Bradley International Airport becomes first to earn Autism Double-Checked certification Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This day serves as a platform to encourage conversations about autism, foster acceptance, and support those through every stage of life. Sometimes people who are on the autism spectrum arent given the recognition that they deserve for all the work that they do to support their community, to be part of our community, said Gina Kos, Executive Director of Sunshine Village. And at Sunshine Village, they are showing their appreciation for those with autism. We are gifting our first responders with handmade goods from the folks that we serve, Kos said. Were celebrating their artwork at local libraries. Were doing all kinds of things to really celebrate people on the autism spectrum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will be extending their appreciation efforts throughout the month of April, which is recognized as World Autism Month. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. According to the CDC, nearly 75 million people have autism spectrum disorder, which is 1% of the worlds population. Kos said people on the autism spectrum can absolutely be meaningful members of society and can contribute in so many ways, like through employment. Sunshine Village has helped many secure jobs. We bring a group of individuals into a local business with a supervisor so that work can be completed, or if an individual wants to have their own job, well help them secure their own job and maintain their own job, Kos said. People with disabilities make great employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also help provide other services like day programs and community engagement initiatives to continue to meet the needs of people with other intellectual disabilities. For more information, visit sunshine.us. More resources and services in the area can be found at mass.gov. 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. UNITED NATIONS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A UN envoy on Thursday condemned Israel's latest air and ground attacks on Syria, and denounced such moves undermine efforts toward peace and destabilize the country. In a statement, Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, condemned the repeated and intensifying military escalations by Israel in Syria, including airstrikes that have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties. "Such actions undermine efforts to build a new Syria at peace with itself and the region, and destabilize Syria at a sensitive time," he said. The special envoy called on Israel to cease these attacks which could amount to serious violations of international law and respect Syria's sovereignty and existing agreements, and also to cease unilateral actions on the ground. He urges all parties to prioritize diplomatic solutions and dialogue to address security concerns and prevent further escalation. The Israeli military launched a wave of some 25 airstrikes targeting military sites across Syria late Wednesday, which reportedly killed at least four members of Syria's defense authorities and wounded 12 others. Syria's state-run SANA news agency reported that one of the Israeli airstrikes hit the Jubailiyah Forest area between the city of Nawa and the town of Tasil in the southern Daraa Province, killing nine civilians and wounding several others. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The Mahoning County Prosecutor has objected to the release of a man who is serving a sentence for a 1999 murder. Read next: Local mastermind of murder-for-hire up for parole Barry Goodwin has served nearly 27 years of his sentence of 18 years to life in prison for the murder of Wesley Moore, according to a news release from the Prosecutors Office. The press release states that Goodwin was found guilty of shooting Moore in the head following an argument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said that Goodwin confessed to the murder before claiming that the confession was coerced. Goodwin was found guilty of murder and a firearm specification. Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro cited public safety threat concerns as the reason she opposes parole for Goodwin. She says Goodwin has accumulated over 100 disciplinary infractions, including acts of violence, sexual harassment and defiance of prison staff during his incarceration. The press release says that nearly 60 of these infractions have occurred in the past decade, with 20 violations that were recorded in the last two years alone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The Veterans Affairs layoffs have started with congressional members reporting at least 2,400 VA employees out of work as of Monday. Now, VA employees are bracing for another round of cuts, with 80,000 VA workers expected to be given their walking papers. A recent report that VA is going to either privatize or going to eliminate and replace the call centers, said Mike Levin, a congressman from the 49th District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levin fears older vets, without the ability to navigate automated systems, might fall through the cracks. It will be a lot more difficult if there are not actual human beings on the other end of the line at the VA, Levin said. The Trump administration through Elon Musk and the Doge team says they are trying to find waste fraud and abuse all over the government and the VA has not been an exception. The local San Diego group Veterans for Peace are not taking the proposed cuts lightly. This is going to affect people who have been suffering from agent orange in the Vietnam era. This is also going to affect people from my own post 9/11 era who have been exposed to toxic burn pits like there were on the base where I was at Bagram, said Ian Mooney, an Afghanistan Army Vet and President of Veterans for Peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Army Vet Ian Mooney spent 14 months in Afghanistan and says the VA has been a wonderful resource after the war and vets fear expected VA cuts. Anger mobilizes people and we have seen an upsurge in recruitment and we are marching with it, Mooney said. The promise is that when you are done serving the country youre going to get great healthcare and we are going to all we can to serve you as just as well you served us and we are never going to live up to altogether, but we are going to do our best to try, Levin said. Veterans for Peace is planning a rally at waterfront park in downtown San Diego Saturday at noon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) Teachers from four Alabama elementary schools were chosen to attend an all-expense paid training at the Ron Clark Academy experience in Atlanta, Georgia. The two-day training focused on immersive workshops that educators could use in their own classrooms, classroom observations and opportunities to engage with both staff and students of the Ron Clark Academy. The teachers included Ashley Douglas and Shannon Cochran from C.E. Hanna Elementary School in Oxford; Raygan Chism and Hannah McCloud from Florence B. Mathis Elementary School in Foley; Sharron Dickinson and MaryEllen Prophet from Kelly Springs Elementary School in Dothan; and Kortni Daniels and Samantha Moccia from Pick Elementary School in Auburn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trip was sponsored by the SONIC Foundation, which supports local education through their Limeades for Learning Initiative. This marks our second year sponsoring hundreds of teachers to attend the Ron Clark Academy Experience, and were honored to support public education through this meaningful initiative, said Stuart Brown, Executive Director of the SONIC Foundation. Our commitment to education is vital, and Ron Clarks groundbreaking methods equip teachers with fresh strategies to energize their classrooms and captivate and inspire students nationwide. The Ron Clark Academy is an acclaimed, non-profit middle school in southeast Atlanta that doubles as a demonstration school, where visiting educators can engage in professional development experiences by observing best practices in action before participating in hands-on workshops. The SONIC Foundation and our academy share a commitment to supporting educators across the country, said Ron Clark, co-founder of the Ron Clark Academy. Our goal is to create a revolution in education through transformative teaching methods that can be shared and replicated everywhere including at home and this partnership brings us closer to that vision! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) A police officer who has been arrested four times has been fired from the New London Police Department, Mayor Michael Passero announced on Thursday. Julio Gil-Martinez, 29, was placed on leave from the department after an arrest in November. He was later charged with two counts of violation of protective order one from March 14 and the other from March 15. It is effective immediately for several off-duty incidents that have resulted in criminal charges and egregious violations of the New London Police Departments General Duty Manual, Passero said. The city took these actions after completing two extensive internal investigations into the former police officers recent off-duty conduct and his untruthfulness during the investigations, in compliance with state labor laws, city policies, and the collective bargaining agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Middletown man charged in 2024 homicide case, police say Gil-Martinez was first arrested in November 2024 for domestic violence charges and again in January for violating a protective order. Unfortunately, these off-duty actions demonstrated an apparent disregard for his oath of office and the standards of conduct expected of police professionals, both on and off duty, Passero said. It was that conduct that compromised the integrity of the police department and fostered alarm, distrust, and misgivings within the New London community, thereby undermining the authority of the dedicated and hardworking men and women of the New London Police Department. Gil-Martinez has denied the allegations of abuse or violating the protective order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is scheduled to appear in court on June 4. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. Ed Setzler holds a RFRA rally the day before his bill passed the House. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder On the penultimate day of the 2025 legislative session, some religious Georgians had their prayers answered. A so-called religious freedom bill is on Gov. Brian Kemps desk after the House approved it 96-70 along mostly party lines late Wednesday night. A Georgia religious freedom restoration act, or RFRA bill, has been a goal of the Georgia GOP since shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 36 by Acworth Republican Sen. Ed Setzler places restrictions on state and local governments ability to substantially burden a persons exercise of religion unless it is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest and even then only if they use the least restrictive means of furthering such compelling governmental interest. Cedartown Republican Rep. Trey Kelley said that means religious Georgians will have their rights protected from state and local governments the same way they are protected from the federal government under the First Amendment. A federal version passed in 1993. What this measure simply looks to do is codify the same balancing test for our exercise of religious freedom that the other four First Amendment rights have, he said. This should be something that we can agree to. We got a lot we can fight about. This should be something we can agree to. Democrats largely disagreed. Rep. Ruwa Romman argues against the RFRA bill. Ross Williams/Georgia Opponents like Duluth Democratic Rep. Ruwa Romman say the bill would amount to a license to discriminate against those religious minorities and LGBTQ Georgians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think a lot about what if a Muslim woman who wears a headscarf is in a workplace and her boss decides to fire her because it offends his faith? said Romman, who is Muslim. What if, for example, somebody is praying, takes five minutes to pray during the day, and their boss says, you know what, you dont believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and Im going to fire you. It is my business, I should be able to do that. And to some extent, there are already allowances for that to begin with. To me, the negatives far outweigh any potential benefits Democrats attempted to add an amendment to the effect that the law could not be used to discriminate but Republicans rejected it. The states only currently-serving Jewish lawmaker, Sandy Springs Democratic Rep. Esther Panitch, said the law could allow discrimination against Jews if it came from a sincere religious belief. Rep. Esther Panitch debates the RFRA bill. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Panitch said determining the motivation of antisemitic acts would mean more work for courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each case will require an extensive analysis of whether antisemitic expression is truly motivated by sincere religious beliefs, she said. The result is that secular antisemitism faces consequences while religiously motivated antisemitism receives protections. Both Romman and Panitch predicted RFRA could mean religious carveouts to the states abortion law. Panitch said Jews believe life begins at birth rather than at conception as state law says, and Romman said Islam prioritizes saving the life of a mother and the RFRA bill would make it impossible to live out that mandate. Avondale Estates Democratic Rep. Karla Drenner, who became the Legislatures first openly-LGBTQ member when she took office in 2001, read from the speech she read opposing a RFRA bill in 2016. I must note that the irony of debating the bill that licenses prejudice against my community in the city too busy to hate is not lost on me, she said. I oppose back then it was House Bill 757, today its Senate Bill 36 I oppose it for any number of reasons. It says that my rights under the constitution, under the law and under God are not inalienable but rather are subject to the opinions of others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a surprise move, Republican Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed that years RFRA bill. Rep. Karla Drenner speaks against the RFRA bill. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Drenner also took a swipe at a slate of red meat bills she suggested were signs of weakness in the GOP. This year, we have let the other chamber thats running for governor run our chamber over here, from my perspective, she said. Weve done all these terrible bills, from my perspective. Republican representatives took the opposite view. I got a little frustrated over there when I was listening, this is dealing with government burdening the free exercise of religion in this state, said Bremen Republican Rep. Tyler Paul Smith. This is not a license for a private citizen to use this against another private citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dawsonville Republican Rep. Will Wade said the measure will reaffirm Georgians bedrock religious freedoms. Senate Bill 36 simply gives people of all faiths, all faiths, their day in court if they believe the government has overreached, he said. Over half of the states weve heard it today, 39 now, we can be the 40th It is time that Georgia provide the same safeguards that 39 other states in our country have for their citizens. We are a state very rich in diversity, I think thats what makes it better. Kemp has 40 days from Friday to sign, and has indicated he will do so. I want to congratulate those who worked for the passage of SB 36, he said in a statement. I have always maintained that I would support and sign a version of RFRA which mirrors the language and protections provided by federal law since 1993. My commitment to that promise and to the deeply held beliefs of Georgians of faith remains unwavering. I also want to assure those of differing views that Georgia remains a welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE War drives innovation and political change. In Ukraine we have seen how the weaponisation of drones has revolutionised the conventional battle space. Many nations are following these lessons. What we wait to see, however, is the impact the war will have on the politics of both Russia and Ukraine, as both countries suffer the stress of such a high-cost conflict. Like dry rot eating away at the edifice of the state, there will come a point where the centre will no longer hold. Collapse could strike either side and without much warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines allies still have the means to keep the nation standing. Russias support from China, important as it is, does not amount to full regime insurance. Ukraine was easily bullied into agreeing to a ceasefire. In spite of the speed at which it has developed its own armaments industry and digitised the battlefield, its daily dependence on Americas tactical intelligence remains indispensable. Without this backing, provided through the US military team in Wiesbaden, Ukraine could not hold back the sheer weight of Russias deep military resources. The Ukrainian ability to strike crucial targets far back into the Russian hinterland has prevented the Russians from building up sufficiently to create a strategic breakthrough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, when Donald Trump did briefly switch off the intelligence supply, after the now infamous White House bust-up with Volodymyr Zelensky, the impact on the battlefield was almost immediate with the Russians moving fast to recapture territory in the Kursk offensive. Ukraines ability to replicate this US coverage is years away nor can Ukraines European allies replace it. Ukraine has no fall back. It is putty in the hands of the Trump administration hence the dreadful mineral deal which Zelensky must bite his tongue about and mostly accept. Russia cannot be manipulated in this way. There is no evidence yet that Putin thinks he too needs a ceasefire though the reality that he will may be closer than he realises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far Putins historical view of Ukraine as having no legitimate claim to sovereign identity remains unmodified, and his war aim to remake Ukraine as a Russian vassal state is intact. Therefore he has no motive to accept a ceasefire, and saying yes maybe to Trump means an indefinite series of delays unless something significant were to change. Such change could come from inside Russia or forced on it by American pressure. Putins Russian vulnerabilities are his own leadership and his relationship with his kleptocracy; the state of the economy; and the staying power of the military. Absolute power also means absolute responsibility, and it is hard to escape the conclusion that the war is undermining Putins power base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When his regime starts failing to deliver the expected rewards to his gang of cronies, as is beginning to happen, then his leadership will be, and probably is already being, questioned; and as the economy stumbles and Russias cash reserves are close to exhaustion, the likelihood of a severe countrywide shock will rise inexorably. Finally Russias military capability will peak this year, after which the informed prediction is that it will then be gradually but markedly on a downward trajectory less available manpower, less ammunition, less armour and therefore less motivation to fight. Trumps ability to exert pressure rests on two options: to enhance military support to the Ukrainians as Russia approaches its military tipping point, or to ramp up sanctions, particularly secondary sanctions on countries that are sustaining Russias faltering economy by buying its oil and gas. Neither option will deliver a result which will match Trumps impatience to achieve a ceasefire and a pause in the catastrophic casualty and death rate on the battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, secondary sanctions that would hit China in particular are a powerful, if slow burn, weapon. There is no quick way yet of getting Putin to accept some sort of armistice line of division which slices off the de facto territorial gains he has already made. He still wants much more. Putins flaw is his historical obsession to be the new Tsar of all the Russias. Therein lies the seeds of his own destruction. Trump should understand and accept his responsibility to the free world and not sell out Ukraine to Putin for the sake of a quick deal before Putins own fate catches up with him. Strategic success so often boils down to issue of timing. It is crucial that Trump should get his timing right and should he do so the Nobel Peace Prize might then be his for the asking. Even his critics might celebrate the award. 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. Carl Kuttler, St. Petersburg Colleges fifth and longest-serving president, died Wednesday, according to family and colleagues. He was 85. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Kuttler was appointed president in 1978 after working at the school as assistant vice president for administration and dean of administrative affairs. He was a determined and transformative figure on campus who attracted both praise and criticism for his bold ideas and direct managerial style. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a doer and got things accomplished, said Deveron Gibbons, who served on the schools board of trustees during Kuttlers presidency. Anyone like that isnt going to please everybody. Friends and colleagues described Kuttler as quirky, eccentric and a legendary cheapskate, according to a 2002 profile in the St. Petersburg Times. He nurtured a decades-long friendship with Vladimir Putin and claimed to have sent more than 1,000 birthday cards every year. Kuttler was also known for his quirky sense of humor and dead-on Donald Duck impression. His oldest daughter, Cindy Mercer, recalled he once greeted a young man, who arrived to take her on a first date, decked out in a full-sized costume of the cartoon duck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Kuttlers colorful tendencies, he was regarded as a dynamic leader who oversaw a near tripling of enrollment during his 31-year tenure. If you look at the incredible impact that St. Pete College has on the entire Tampa Bay region the nursing school, the Palladium Carl was the driving force, said Terry Brett, who served as chairperson of the schools board of trustees when Kuttler retired. SPC was the first Florida college to offer bachelors degrees, offering more than 20 four-year programs by 2009. Kuttler directed the schools expansion to campuses in Seminole and St. Petersburgs Melrose neighborhood and helped launch the schools nursing program. In 1999, Kuttler landed the then-largest donation to a Florida community college. He acquired millions of dollars of fine art from Tarpon Springs artist Allen Leepa, which he used to establish the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. (In a classic example of his frugality, he had his son Carl III rent a U-Haul to drive the priceless artwork, including pieces by Chagall and Picasso, down from New York.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kuttler was a controversial choice to lead the school, then called St. Petersburg Junior College, when he took charge in April 1978. Students and faculty withheld applause when he narrowly won approval from the schools board of trustees, and complaints followed after he took charge. Faculty described him as overbearing and formally censured him in the 1980s for pushing back against a unionization effort. Kuttler stepped down in 2009 due to friction with the schools board of trustees, he told the Times in 2011. He planned to work less, sort out his future plans and deal with problems in his first marriage, he said. The year before his retirement, Kuttler fended off allegations that he showed favoritism to a female employee of the college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kuttler denied the allegations at the time, but two years later, he married the employee, more than 30 years his junior, the Times reported. They remained together until his death. Kuttler is survived by his wife, Violetta, and daughters Cindy Mercer and Erika Kuttler Shannon. He was preceded in death by his son Carl III. Editors note: A previous version of this story misstated the number of St. Petersburg College presidents that preceded Kuttler. This version has been corrected. Apr. 2MORGANTOWN Wednesday was Crossover Day at the Legislature: Day 50 of the 60-day session, the deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin and cross the Capitol to the other chamber. As it happens every year, many of the bills we follow and report on are left to die without floor action. Here's a look at some we've called attention to. House bills HB 2033 says a foster or adoptive family's sincerely held religious or moral beliefs on sexual orientation or gender identity may not serve as a condition for eligibility to foster or adopt. The Department of Human services may not deny a current or prospective family eligibility based on those beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the state may not use the family's beliefs that a particular placement is not in the best interests of the child. A House Health subcommittee approved the bill but the full committee never took it up. HB 2376, saying DHS may not require a foster child to be immunized if the foster family objects to immunization based on religious or moral convictions, suffered the same fate. HB 2139 was an attempt to end the tax on income derived from tips. A House Finance subcommittee approved it but it died in the full committee. The House of Delegates and Senate tried advancing bills to require each public school including charters to have on campus a wearable panic alarm system. Each employee would be trained how to wear and use the alarm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 2394 was approved by the House Education Committee but died in Finance. SB 434 was similarly approved in Senate Education but died in Senate Finance. Senate bills Another tax bill, SB 610, to exempt overtime pay from personal income tax, was approved by a Senate Finance subcommittee but likewise died in the full committee. SB 751, to ban making, selling or distributing lab-grown meat, passed out of Senate Agriculture but died in Judiciary. SB 439 was aimed at raising the property tax on windmills. It passed out of Senate Energy but died in Finance. SB 448 aimed to allow coal companies to take a severance tax credit for road improvements and purchases of production equipment. Senate Energy approved it but Finance let it die. Credit: ENRIQUE CASTRO/AFP/Getty Images; Jeremy Woodhouse/Getty Images Los Alegres del Barranco are breaking their silence after the United States State Department revoked the band members visas for displaying a visual of a cartel kingpin during a recent show. On Wednesday night, the Sinaloa band apologized for the incident, saying that it will be more careful with their show narratives in the future. Through this message, Los Alegres del Barranco would like to offer our sincerest apologies for what happened, the band wrote of the Guadalajara show. As a musical group, it was never our intention to create controversy, much less to offend. We acknowledge that, as artists, we have a great responsibility to our audiences, especially to the new generations who follow our music. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During their March 29 show at Auditorio TelMex, Los Alegres video backdrop displayed a mugshot of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, a.k.a. El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, as they played their song, El Del Palenque, about the kingpin. The drug cartel organization was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in February. We deeply regret that part of the show was perceived as offensive or inappropriate. We reaffirm that our music is inspired by telling popular stories within Mexican music, the band wrote in their statement. We will take more rigorous measures regarding the visual and narrative content of our performances. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau announced on X that the State Department had revoked the bands work and tourism visas for glorifying El Mencho by displaying him on screen. In the Trump Administration, we take seriously our responsibility over foreigners access to our country. The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists, Landau wrote in his post. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum also condemned the performance earlier this week, saying things like these should not occur, and urged for an investigation. We have to see the connotation but There can be no apology for violent, criminal groups, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Los Alegres case comes as Mexican music, including narcocorridos, have seen exponential growth in the United States. Just last week, the CEO of Del Records was found guilty of conspiracy to transact with a cartel, along with 10 other counts related to the Kingpin Act, over performances with the CJNG. Mexican songs telling stories about the drug trade and the leaders behind it date back decades, and bands like Alegres have sung their tunes, including Mencho-mentioning El Del Palenque, without issue. Fellow Sinaloa band Maximo Grado addressed some of the conversations about the controversial lyrics about drug trafficking and the idolization of narcos in a recent Rolling Stone interview. Stopping narcocorridos is not the main solution to ending violence and drug trafficking issues that have affected the country for so long, frontman Christian Felix said. Censoring free speech is never the solution to any problem. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco spoke out for the first time on Wednesday (April 2) about the controversial concert where they projected images of the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, in an auditorium at the University of Guadalajara last weekend. The incident caused the United States to cancel the work and tourist visas of the groups members. In a statement and video posted on their social media, the Sinaloan group offered an apology for the events that occurred on Saturday (March 29) during their performance at the Telmex Auditorium, and stated that, as a group, it was never our intention to create controversy, much less cause offense. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The band who has released some songs with clear references to narcoculture reaffirms that their music is inspired by telling popular stories within Mexican music. We will take more rigorous measures on the visual and narrative content of our shows, he added. The statement from the corrido group who perform in a genre that has occasionally made clear references to narco-culture and famous cartel leaders since its origins over a century ago came a day after U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed on Tuesday (April 1) in a post on X that the government of that country had canceled the visas of the members of the Mexican group following the projection of images that glorify drug traffickers. In the Trump Administration, we take our responsibility regarding the access of foreigners to our country very seriously. We are not going to roll out the red carpet for those who glorify criminals and terrorists, Landau stated in both English and Spanish. The incident, which has caused great controversy and outrage in Mexico, was condemned on Monday (March 31) by Mexicos President, Claudia Sheinbaum, and prompted the Jalisco State Prosecutors Office to launch an investigation for advocating crime. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on February 20 the designation of eight cartels including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and transnational organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, stated in a message on X that his government supports the measures taken by the University of Guadalajara to prevent concerts from glorifying criminal acts, such as what occurred over the weekend at the Telmex Auditorium. Videos show the moment when attendees at the concert titled Los Senores del Corrido (The Lords of Corridos) erupted in jubilation as images of the drug lord were projected, further fueling controversy and outrage in Mexico. In a statement, the Telmex Auditorium distanced itself from the events, explaining that the venue, has no involvement in the selection of the repertoire, speeches, or audiovisual material that the artists choose to share with their audience. However, it acknowledged that the images of the drug lord could be considered as advocating crime. The controversy over the alleged homage to the drug trafficker comes after the debate over the way in which the cartel founded in that western Mexican state allegedly uses clandestine ranches to recruit people to the criminal group through deceitful job offers. As reported by federal authorities and the media, a raid by authorities at Rancho Izaguirre in the municipality of Teuchitlan revealed the spot where acts of torture and murders were allegedly committed, actions denounced in March by the Guerreros Buscadores collective, a civilian corps focused on finding missing and disappeared loved ones. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. OSLO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday delivered a direct rebuke to the United States, saying that attempts to pressure Denmark into relinquishing control over Greenland are unacceptable and in violation of international law. "You cannot annex other countries -- not even under the pretext of international security," Frederiksen said at a press conference in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, emphasizing that national borders, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are fundamental principles rooted in international law. "These principles were established after World War II so that small countries would not have to fear large ones," she added. Kim Delaney, best known for her roles in NYPD Blue and All My Children and her husband James Morgan will not be immediately prosecuted in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident that led to their arrest in Marina del Rey over the weekend. Delaney and her husband James Morgan were taken into custody by L.A. County Sheriffs deputies following an incident Saturday around 10:15 p.m. at their Marina Del Rey home, according to police officials. Delaney was arrested on suspicion of felony assault and Morgan on suspicion of a misdemeanor. Two weeks ago, Delaney posted an Instagram photo with Morgan captioned "true love." Right now, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has said no criminal charges have been filed against either, despite reports of a violent altercation between the two, who have been married for roughly two and a half years. Based on a review of the evidence to date, the District Attorneys Office has not filed charges against Kim Delaney or James Morgan. Should additional evidence or witnesses emerge during the course of the investigation, this decision may be reconsidered," according to a statement from Hochman's office. TMZ reported that Morgan told LASD deputies that the actress, who has had run-ins with the law before, tried to mow him down with her vehicle. She was taken into custody but released Tuesday morning after Hochman declined to prosecute. After several hours in custody, Morgan was let go on a $20,000 bond hours after the couple's Saturday morning arrest. Get the latest news delivered to your inbox daily! Sign up for Los Angeles Magazines The Daily Brief below or click here. BATON ROUGE, La. (WGMB/WVLA) A crowd of students and community members gathered at LSU to witness the emotional return of a bald eagle to its natural habitat, marking the release of one of twelve eagles rehabilitated by the LSU Wildlife Hospital. The eagle, a symbol of national pride, had been receiving medical care after suffering severe injuries, including a gunshot wound. Mark Mitchell, a veterinarian at LSUs Wildlife Hospital, explained that many eagles they treat arrive with traumatic injuries, often due to human interaction. A lot of times they come in with really severe injuries, Mitchell said. Unfortunately, like this one, a gunshot or theyre hit by a vehicle. Sometimes during mating season, bald eagles will battle with each other and injure one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LSU football coach Brian Kelly releases bald eagle treated by vet school back into wild The eagles injury occurred in the metacarpus, a part of the wing similar to a human hand. Mitchell noted the severity of the open and contaminated wound. However, the team at LSU was able to stabilize the bird, and it has since recovered enough to be released back into the wild. It was open and contaminated, but we were able to get him back out, which is terrific, Mitchell said. With 32 years of wildlife experience, Mitchell has been instrumental in treating injured animals and mentoring the next generation of veterinarians at LSU. His role at the Wildlife Hospital is about healing animals and teaching veterinary students the skills necessary to care for wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things that makes us special is the ability to give these animals another chance at life, Mitchell explained. These bald eagles, they dont want anything to do with us. If we werent wearing protective gear, they could potentially cause serious injury. Despite the success stories like this one, Mitchell expressed concern over the increasing number of bald eagles brought to the LSU hospital. As the national symbol of the United States, the eagles population is growing, which brings new challenges for wildlife rehabilitation. Its going to be important that we keep a close eye, especially now that theyre finally the national symbol officially, Mitchell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitchells passion for wildlife conservation is evident in his work with animals and his dedication to mentoring future veterinarians. Angola Prison Rodeo spring shows: How to get tickets For me, its being able to teach and mentor veterinary students, knowing that theyre going out there, bringing this skill set with them to make a difference. As the bald eagle soared back into the skies, those in attendance celebrated the birds recovery and the hope that more eaglesand other animalswill continue to benefit from LSUs expertise and care. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser spoke to a group dedicated to helping our state recover after natural disasters at the Emergency Disaster Volunteer Summit held at the Capitol Park Museum. Local News Helix Community Schools to help manage and operate 2 Baker schools He and his panel of funders at the summit are stressing the importance of having an emergency plan before a natural disaster strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baton Rouge resident Julia Hunsucker says she and other friends she knows are well aware of the threat of flooding in our area and remain prepared. Im on high ground, so Im in pretty good shape. I dont have to worry about it, but I do have flood insurance just in case, said Hunsucker. Michelin Guide expands to Southern US, includes Louisiana Hunsucker says that after the 2016 flood in Baton Rouge, she knew people who had to get new homes and one friend who had a long road to recovery. She had to have everything taken out of her main floor, Hunsucker mentioned. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and panelists at the summit who provide disaster response say building community connections and relationships now before you need them is key. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I sat in meetings day in and day out, through five hurricanes and the oil spill, and learned first-hand all the people behind the scenes, from GOHSEP for instance they do incredible work to make things right in Louisiana, Nungesser mentioned. The summit brought together people who give money after floods and hurricanes, from organizations like The Baton Rouge Area Foundation, United Way, Louisiana Blue, and the Red Cross. It was an effort to connect those in charge of allocating funds, and these leaders say they want you to do the same at the local level. The speakers stressed the importance of building relationships and community connections before natural disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say it is crucial to figure out ahead of time who can connect you to someone who can assist with funding and resources in these cases. The panelists also say communication and storytelling are key to their survival after a disaster, so they know where to give money. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LUBBOCK Katherine Wells was tapping her phone. It was the last week of January, and the director for the Lubbock Health Department had a jam-packed schedule. She was working with her team to put in place the new community health plan. Flu cases were on the rise. She had media interviews lined up to talk about stopping the spread. She refreshed her email again. And there it was confirmation that someone in nearby Gaines County had tested positive for measles. It was the first for the region in 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She took a deep breath. Two months later, with more than 400 cases across Texas, Wells is the first to admit things feel eerily similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. And just like then when police guarded her home after she received death threats Wells work is facing questions from skeptics. People accuse me of creating the measles outbreak to make the health department look more important, Wells said. She laughed as if she was used to it. [West Texans, Mennonites at center of measles outbreak choose medical freedom over vaccine mandates] The reputations of public health institutions have taken a beating in the last five years as the pandemic became a political flashpoint. Some people saw public health leaders as heroes for urging people to wear masks, stay away from big crowds and get the vaccine. Others saw them as villains bent on robbing Americans of their freedoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wells has served as the public health director for 10 years. Long before the measles outbreak and COVID, she navigated situations like Lubbocks high sexually transmited infections and teen pregnancy rates. Lubbock is the largest city in Texas South Plains, with nearly 267,000 residents. Its also largely conservative. More than 69% of Lubbock County voted for President Donald Trump last November. Lubbock also stands as a critical medical hub for the South Plains, and Wells is the leader. With a dearth of rural hospitals, physicians, and limited care at clinics, people from all over the region flock to Lubbock for health care. This is how Lubbock became entangled in the measles outbreak. Most of the cases have been recorded in nearby rural Gaines County, where 280 cases have been identified. Patients have sought medical care in Lubbock. Like many public health directors, most people didnt know Wells until March 2020, when the city and the rest of the country was upended by the COVID pandemic. As she led the city through the crisis, she became a household name for better or worse. Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, said public health directors work behind the scenes to stop bad situations from happening. They are invisible shields, he said, which can make their work challenging when its suddenly pushed into the public eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When something really bad happens, like with COVID, the fundamental trust wasnt there, Benjamin said. They didnt have a relationship with the community. Misinformation has played a large role in eroding trust in public health institutions. Most adults are uncertain whether health misinformation they have heard is true or false, according to a recent KFF survey. Another KFF survey found that between 81% and 84% of Republicans trusted only four people to make the right health recommendations their doctor, Trump, Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trumps pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Wells job is not likely to get easier any time soon. A Lubbocks children hospital is now treating children with severe measles who also suffer from vitamin A toxicity. This comes after Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update the measles guidance to promote the vitamins use, which most health experts object to. The Trump administration is eliminating pandemic-era grants that were used to boost the departments response to the measles outbreak, including paying for employees. And Wells is navigating what could arguably be an even more delicate line than COVID managing the outbreak of an eradicated, preventable disease, with a worn-out staff and a growing distrust from the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant fix public health overnight, Wells said. Its not like the fire department. I cant run in, put the fire out and theyre all proud of me. Its totally different. 'Part of the community' Since the first measles case, Wells life has a new daily routine. First, she meets with the state health department. Then she meets with other public health leaders from around the state. Later her staff about new cases or exposures. Unlike during the pandemic, however, the health departments other work isnt on hold. Wells and her team have pulled double duty, also working on STI rates, waning flu cases and substance use prevention. Wells herself is working seven days a week. Its given Wells, and her family, deja vu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My daughters been so sad lately and I asked her what was wrong, Wells said. She finally told me, Mommy, this measles thing feels like COVID again. I dont get to see you. Wells work and sacrifices are driven by a belief that everyone deserves good health. Public health should be part of the community, Wells said. Public health is all about talking to community members and figuring out what we need to do to make things better. Wells has served as the public health director for 10 years. Long before the measles outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Credit: Mark Rogers for The Texas Tribune Before moving to Lubbock, Wells lived in Austin and worked at the state health department for 14 years. She moved to Lubbock in 2012, still working for the state health office, with the goal of rebuilding the citys public health system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite her passion, Wells work has been far from easy. When Wells started in 2015, she had 10 staff members and an underfunded department. She created a strong team one that started preparing for COVID two months before it was detected in the U.S. By 2020, Wells had the support of city leaders. She appeared in weekly virtual COVID briefings for the media and public alongside former Mayor Dan Pope and other Lubbock officials. They worked quickly with first responders to create the vaccine clinic in the citys civic center. By 2024, the atmosphere was different. There were new faces on the City Council, including a new mayor, Mark McBrayer. As the health department was preparing to open a new facility, McBrayer was working on a no-new-tax revenue rate for the citys budget. He was considering cuts to the health departments budget, among others, to achieve this. Amid the threats and public outrage, the grand opening attracted a major crowd more than were at Wells wedding, she said. The health departments budget wasnt cut, but there have been other bumps in the road. More recently, Wells faced pushback over the Community Health Improvement Plan, a report that provides the city with recommendations to improve the health of its residents. It focused on improving accessibility to health care, educating the community, and strengthening coordination among servicers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some members of the new council hesitated to approve it, calling the plan an excuse to justify expanding government spending on health care. It led to a long meeting with hours of public comment. David Glasheen, one of the council members against it, said it was redundant because hospitals are mandated to provide indigent care. Council member Tim Collins said part of the plan would help the department become nationally accredited, which would help the city get more grants in the future. Council member and Mayor Pro-tem Christy Martinez-Garcia supported approving the plan. She told The Texas Tribune some of the members were misinterpreting the plans purpose. Once they understood why this was so important for future opportunities and grants, it helped, Martinez-Garcia said. But, its something were going to have to face moving forward again, because of the political environment of our society. Martinez-Garcias view of Wells has come a long way since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Martinez-Garcia is the owner and publisher of Latino Lubbock Magazine, one of only two media outlets along with El Editor that cater to Lubbocks Hispanic community. About 38% of Lubbocks population is Hispanic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the weekly press conferences, Martinez-Garcia would press Wells about getting information out in Spanish. It was important, but also personal for Martinez-Garcia. She lost seven family members to COVID-19, because she says a plan wasnt in place to help the community. Martinez-Garcia said Wells was receptive to the criticism and made changes. She placed vaccine stations in East and North Lubbock, making it accessible to impoverished and out-of-reach communities. She was trying to make it as equitable as possible for everybody, Martinez-Garcia said. Last month, Wells prepared an article about measles from the health department for Latino Lubbock Magazine. It was written in English and Spanish. The community health plan was eventually approved, with Glasheen being the lone vote against it. Wells said she didnt know where the pushback was coming from, but blamed herself for it. She said she didnt do enough to reach out to the newer members and explain what her department does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It looks like well have some opportunities in the future to explain that, Wells said. 'Behind the eight ball' As the health department in a major medical hub, Wells has a responsibility to support the smaller health departments. Her team has worked with the South Plains Public Health District, a multi-county health department that provides vaccines, STI treatments and other basic health care. It includes Gaines County, the epicenter of the measles outbreak. Wells and her team have helped craft news releases, providing staffing and information as needed. Wells said their duty is to talk about the measles to the public and calm fears. She also said their job is to talk about what we need to do to respond, whos at risk and put the vaccinated people at ease. Wells looks through one of the refrigeration units that store vaccines. Credit: Mark Rogers for The Texas Tribune Misinformation has inflamed the outbreak. Benjamin, from the American Public Health Association, said vitamin A has no role in preventing measles, and public health leaders have to try and correct the misinformation. Covenant Childrens Hospital in Lubbock said they admitted fewer than 10 pediatric patients who were initially hospitalized due to measles complications but also have elevated levels of vitamin A. This is causing abnormal liver function for patients. Its a therapy if youre already vitamin deficient, Benjamin said. It has to be given carefully, and its something doctors do in the hospital because these are very sick people. Its not something at the grocery store. Wells doesnt see the measles slowing down anytime soon. After researching other measles outbreaks, Wells thinks this one could go on for a year. We identified this outbreak with two children in the hospital, Wells said. Which means there was measles circulating in certain pockets. So we were behind the eight ball in the initial response. Vaccination is the most effective way to stop the disease from spreading, but Wells knows its a choice people have to make. The city arranged several drive-up vaccine clinics quickly after the first case was identified. She says public healths role is to counter the messaging around why people are scared of vaccines. Now Wells is concerned about what else could come back. The measles outbreak shows the potential other diseases such as mumps and polio could have on unvaccinated populations. You see measles first because its the most infectious, Wells said. It doesnt mean were not going to see outbreaks of other childhood viruses. As these public health crises have unfolded, Wells has been quietly working on her doctorate. It could be what sets Lubbock apart during the next pandemic. And last week, she successfully defended her dissertation on building public health systems in Texas, and is now Dr. Wells. Tickets are on sale now for the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin. Get tickets before May 1 and save big! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) Lufkin Independent School District plans to open doors at a new alternative campus following the withdrawal from Stubblefield Learning Center Cooperative. San Antonio superintendent worries his district could potentially close amid Department of Education cuts The campus is set to open for the 2025-2026 school year, and Lufkin ISDs goal is to provide support to all students. Our alternative education campus will provide tailored, individual pathways that meet each students expectations academically, emotionally, socially and in any other capacity the student may need, a Lufkin ISD representative said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill to block high-speed rail from altering Texas roads heads to subcommittee Current Stubblefield students who are not graduating in the spring will not return to Panther Academy or Lufkin High School; they will continue their education at Hackney School. The alternative campus staff will be current Lufkin ISD employees, ensuring no additional cost to the district. We will remain focused on meeting the needs of each student providing the necessary resources and support to ensure their academic success, Lufkin ISD 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 bodies of four US Army soldiers were recovered from a peat bog in a training area in Lithuania. They went missing during a training exercise while operating an M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle. Submerged in 20 feet of water and mud, the bodies and the 70-ton vehicle were recovered this week. The remains of four missing US Army soldiers were found in a bog in Lithuania following a weeklong recovery effort. During a training exercise on March 25, the soldiers were reported missing while towing an immobilized tactical vehicle using an M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The training exercise involving the 70-ton vehicle aimed to prepare troops for the challenges of retrieving heavy assets, like Abrams tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and artillery getting them combat-ready again. A 'highly complex' recovery operation US Army and Lithuanian soldiers and emergency services personnel remove mud and water during rescue efforts to find the miss four US soldiers. Spc. Trevor Wilson US Army and Lithuanian armed forces, as well as authorities, located the missing armored recovery vehicle the next day submerged in a bog under nearly 20 feet of water and thick layers of mud, clay, and sediment. These bogs sometimes run deep, but the depth can be easy to misjudge. Hundreds of rescue personnel took part in the "highly complex" recovery operation, including a specialized US Navy dive crew able to navigate the murky waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 30 tons of gravel and a large-capacity pump were used to help drain the swamp-like terrain, which could not support the weight of heavy equipment like excavators and cranes needed to tow the 70-ton vehicle to the surface. "Not only are we dealing with the terrain, a lot of mud that is over top of the vehicle, but also the fact that it's 70 tons that we're trying to recover out of a swamp or bog," Brig. Gen. John Lloyd, commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division, explained in a statement. Battlefield recovery and maintenance Tow trucks carry M88 recovery vehicles from Twentynine Palms, California. US Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin Evans So what is the M88 that sank? The M88 recovery vehicle has been a vital asset to the US military since the Vietnam War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recovery vehicle's primary role is to tow, extricate, and repair damaged or immobilized tanks and fighting vehicles while under fire. It can also lift and repair damaged turrets and other heavy artillery and clear obstacles during operations on complex terrain, like the peat bog where the American soldiers were found. After the first M88 was introduced in the early 1960s, the vehicle underwent several upgrades, including a new diesel engine, improved armor, and stronger lifting capabilities. Introduced in 1997, the third variant, the M88A2 Hercules, is one of the largest armored recovery vehicles used by the US military. The Hercules was designed with a stronger hoist and increased winching power, allowing it to recover heavier combat vehicles up to 70 tons, like the powerful US-made M1 Abrams tank, which was too heavy for previous M88 models to tow effectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workhorse armored vehicle US Army soldiers guide an M88 towing a heavy tactical truck during military exercises in Norway. US Army photo by Spc. Sar Paw Designated as a "heavy recovery vehicle," the new Hercules weighs a whopping 70 tons about 14 tons heavier than the M88 and M88A1, which were considered "medium recovery vehicles." The Hercules' steel hull was designed to protect personnel from mines, artillery fragments, and small arms fire. The armored recovery vehicle is also equipped with mounted 12.7 mm heavy machine guns with 1,300 rounds. Powered by a twin-turbo diesel engine with 1,050 horsepower, the M88A2 can reach speeds of up to 30 mph on varied terrain and on uneven surfaces. Like a tank, it has a tracked chassis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Global defense company BAE Systems manufactures the M88A2 Hercules, which stands for Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System. BAE Systems is also developing the fourth M88 variant, the M88A3 Hercules, intended to eliminate the need for two M88A2 vehicles when recovering heavier modern Abrams tanks. With upgraded powertrain and suspension units, the modernized heavy recovery vehicle features improved cross-country mobility and maneuverability, as well as an increased towing capacity of up to 80 tons. Last year, the Army began testing the new M88A3's capabilities at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Deployed to Eastern Europe An M88A2 recovery vehicle drives through brush and saplings in an open field. US Marine Corps photo taken by Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released Amid rising tensions with a belligerent Russia, the US delivered M88s to NATO allies in Eastern Europe, including the Baltic states and Poland, to support real-world operations and joint exercises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US soldiers who died during the recent training exercise were stationed in Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which is a US contingency operation that's aimed at deterring Russian aggression by strengthening NATO forces in the region. The training area where the four soldiers went missing is located roughly six miles west of the border with Belarus, a close Russian ally. Maintaining Ukraine's mechanized fleet An M88 Hercules Recovery Vehicle tows an M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank during fire and maneuver training. US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander Sturdivant While Abrams tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and Stryker armored vehicles significantly bolster Ukraine's ground forces, one US Army workhorse ensures these armored vehicles and heavy assets stay combat-ready: the M88 armored recovery vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October 2022, the US sent eight M88s to Ukraine as part of its military aid package, and in February 2023, the Biden administration sent an additional six unspecified tactical recovery vehicles. The recovery vehicles play a key role in maintaining Ukraine's mechanized force. They allowed Ukrainian troops to quickly retrieve and repair damaged assets and equipment from the battlefield, making ARVs "high-value targets" for Russian forces, according to UK defense officials. A piece of US history Former Master Gunnery Sgt. Leon C. Lambert stands in front of the M88A2 Hercules that was used to topple the statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad. Nathan Hanks/US Marine Corps Logistics Command The M88s were also involved in US-led operations in the Middle East, including Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ARVs recovered Abrams and Bradleys, often navigating harsh desert conditions and rugged, mountainous terrain in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. One M88A2, now on display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia, was notably used to topple the statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad in 2003. Read the original article on Business Insider TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A U.S. Army Intelligence Officer assigned to MacDill Air Force Base was arrested Wednesday after he was accused of sexual battery, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. Deputies said that in December they received a report that David McGillivray, 37, forcefully restrained a woman and sexually battered her at his home. After an investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office arrested McGillivray at MacDill Air Force Base and he has been charged with multiple counts of sexual battery and aggravated stalking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. The Mackinac Bridge in northern Michigan finally reopened at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday after it was closed due to the threat of falling ice. High winds of 35-49 mph are requiring escorts for high-profile vehicles, which can only travel at a max of 20 mph. High-profile vehicles include pickups with campers, cars with small boats, bicycles or luggage attached to the roof, Ryder or U-Haul trucks, any vehicle pulling a boat, semi-tractor with enclosed trailers and all trailers with side walls over 2 feet in height. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mackinac Bridge Authority does not expect additional falling ice closures since most of it cleared overnight, the agency posted on X. The bridge has closed intermittently this week after a severe ice storm hit the northern part of the state, including the Straits region. The latest closure started at 2:33 a.m. Wednesday and ended at 8:35 a.m. Thursday. It lasted just over 30 hours, which was a new record closure for the structure. The previous record was 20 hours and 15 minutes. In total this week, the bridge was closed for 42 hours and 13 minutes, according to the Mackinac Bridge Authority. Bridge workers have called the amount of ice unprecedented, according to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, which is continuing the monitor dramatically changing conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dangerous ice sheets, spears and chunks have been falling from the bridge, sometimes from hundreds of feet. Winds have also shaken the suspended cables and knocked ice loose. Mackinac Bridge Director Kim Nowack in a news release Wednesday urged travelers to avoid coming to the area since local emergency and relief services are strained, many businesses are closed and power outages remain. Nowack also warned travelers not to go to the Straits area expecting to cross the bridge. More: Mackinac Bridge closed again Wednesday for falling ice: Don't expect to cross "Given the amount of ice that remains on the cables and towers, any falling ice closures are likely to be lengthy, and could start and stop at any time," Nowack said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For updates on the Mackinac Bridge closures, check condition reports online at MackinacBridge.org, on X at @MackinacBridge or by signing up for text alerts by texting "MacBridge" to 67283. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mackinac Bridge reopens after record 30-hour closure By Laman Ismayilova Seymur Fataliyev, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Secretary-General of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO, has been awarded by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Azernews reports citing the post shared by the National Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO on X. The post reads that S.Fataliyev has been awarded for his services in strengthening the unity of the Turkic World and in preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage. In its turn, the National Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO expressed gratitude to the head of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation for the award. "We express our sincere gratitude to the President of the Foundation, Honourable Aktoty Raimkulova, for this prestigious award. This recognition is a clear testament to the importance attached to the shared values of the TurkicWorld." WASHINGTON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Defense Department's acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins said on Thursday he is beginning an "evaluation" of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal messaging app to discuss military operations, according to a memorandum. The objective of this evaluation is to determine the extent to which the defense secretary and other Defense Department personnel complied with the department's policies and procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business, the memorandum said. "Additionally, we will review compliance with classification and records retention requirements," it continued. The evaluation is in response to a March 26 letter from the chairman and the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, requesting an inquiry into recent public reports on the defense secretary's use of an "unclassified commercially available messaging application" to discuss information related to military actions in Yemen earlier in March, according to the memorandum. In an article titled "The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans" published on March 24, The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg detailed how senior U.S. national security officials inadvertently shared information with him about a military strike on Houthi forces in Yemen. Goldberg said that on March 11, he received a connection request on the Signal messaging app from a user named Michael Waltz, which is the name of the U.S. national security advisor. Two days later, Goldberg received a notification that he would be added to a group chat called "Houthi PC Small Group." Goldberg said that on March 15, the account labeled "Pete Hegseth," matching the name of the defense secretary, sent a message in the chat with operational details of forthcoming strikes on Yemen, scheduled to take place in two hours. The message included information about "targets, weapons the U.S. would be deploying, and attack sequencing." Goldberg did not release the specific details of Hegseth's message at that time, saying that "information contained in them, if they had been read by an adversary of the United States, could conceivably have been used to harm American military and intelligence personnel." In another article on March 26, Goldberg and his colleague Shane Harris fully disclosed the details after U.S. President Donald Trump and several high-ranking officials claimed the group chat did not contain classified information. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concern that the tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump will significantly impact the European economy. Macron denounced in Paris on Thursday what he termed "a brutal and unfounded decision" by Trump. Of the goods worth 500 billion ($552 billion) that Europeans export to the United States, more than 70% are affected by the tariffs. "This decision will affect all sectors of our economies," Macron said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He mentioned that while France is less affected than other countries, the impact on some sectors is substantial. "This is a scale that is certainly new," he added. Macron also highlighted that the negative impacts will primarily affect the US economy. He stated that with the decisions made by Trump on Wednesday, "the scale and the negative character [of the new tariffs will affect] above all the US economy ... The economy and the Americans, whether businesses or citizens, will emerge weaker and poorer." He emphasized that the impacts on the US economy are immediate, whereas they will only become noticeable in European economies after several years. If Donald Trump hoped that his campaign against prominent Big Law would lead some firms to submit before the White House even threw a punch, the president had to be pleased with the latest developments. The New York Times reported: Another big law firm has reached an agreement with the Trump administration over the kind of free legal services its lawyers can provide to head off an executive order that could impair its business. President Donald J. Trump announced on Truth Social that Milbank had agreed to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services to causes supported by his administration and the law firm, including helping veterans, active members of the military and people who are victims of inequities in the criminal justice system. As part of the agreement with the White House, the firm agreed not to engage in illegal DEI discrimination, which was odd, since there are no laws against private businesses prioritizing diverse workplaces. Nevertheless, as the presidents broader efforts against the legal profession continue, its worth pausing to acknowledge the divisions within the industry. Some have noted that there are now two categories firms that are putting up resistance vs. firms that arent but thats ultimately incomplete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some firms have chosen to fight: After Trump targeted Perkins Coie, it fought back, suing the administration in response to an executive order. Soon after, two more firms WilmerHale and Jenner & Block announced that they, too, were responding to Trumps offensive against them by fighting back. Some firms have chosen appeasement: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison was the first to back down to the White House in response to a presidential executive order, sparking immediate criticisms from much of the legal industry and many legal scholars. That didnt stop another prominent firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom from also reaching a deal in response to a Trump offensive. Some firms have chosen pre-emptive appeasement: Willkie Farr & Gallagher learned that the president was likely to punish the firm, prompting it to cave before Trump threw a punch. This week, Milbank did the same thing. One firm is still weighing its options: Covington & Burling, Im looking in your direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no reason to believe this list wont grow. Indeed, Trump also recently signed an executive order that effectively threatened to punish any law firms that, from his perspective, challenge his administration in ways he considers unreasonable. It bears repeating that the circumstances remain utterly bonkers: There is no precedent in the American tradition of a White House punishing private law firms because their work bothered a president. This is not the sort of thing that is supposed to happen in a healthy and free democratic country. Trump has justified his campaign by claiming that the firms did bad things and attacked him ruthlessly, violently, illegally. That was bonkers there is no evidence of the firms having been violent or committing crimes in cases related to Trump but he apparently expects the public to go along with the bizarre claims anyway. When pressed, the Republican has said he simply wants law firms to behave themselves. As to what that means in practice, he apparently means that firms will have nothing to worry about just so long as they hire lawyers the White House approves of, take cases the White House approves of, adopt employment practices the White House approves of, and avoid litigation the White House might not like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this sounds like how the legal system might work in an authoritarian system, its not your imagination. Theres no great mystery behind the motivation. The single great obstacle between Trump and his radical goals is not Congress. Its not public opinion. Its not norms or traditional institutional constraints. Its not shame or fear of embarrassment. Its the courts or more to the point, opponents of his agenda whove filed suit and brought their concerns to the courts, where the White House has been losing a lot over the last several weeks. In response, the president, his team and their allies have launched an extraordinary political offensive intended to smear judges and undermine the integrity of the federal judiciary, but that campaign is only half of the equation. The other half is focused on bringing some of the nations largest law firms to heel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deborah Pearlstein, a visiting professor of law and public affairs at Princeton and the director of the universitys Program in Law and Public Policy, wrote for The New York Times, Of all of the American legal institutions now facing sustained attack, none would seem better positioned to push back against Mr. Trumps strongman tactics than this class of wealthy and politically connected firms, known collectively as Big Law. Counsel to the worlds most powerful corporations, they are engaged in every sector of the marketplace and central to ensuring that the United States and global economy continue to spin. Yet where many ordinary judges, law school deans and public interest attorneys of both political parties have found the courage to push back against Mr. Trumps anti-constitutional histrionics, Big Law has largely stayed silent or worse. Its not too late for firms to pick a side. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A couple of weeks ago, Donald Trumps controversial commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, appeared on a conservative podcast and reflected on Social Security beneficiaries. As he quickly discovered, that wasnt a good idea. Lets say Social Security didnt send out their checks this month, the billionaire said. My mother-in-law whos 94, she wouldnt call and complain. She just wouldnt. Shed think something got messed up, and shell get it next month. A fraudster always makes the loudest noise, screaming, yelling and complaining. It was offensive and wrong for a variety of reasons, and common sense suggested that members of the White House team would exercise far more caution on the subject going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that was the idea, however, it didnt last. A week later, the presidents top campaign donor, Elon Musk, declared at a campaign event: One interesting statistic was that 40% of the calls into Social Security were fraudulent, meaning that it was someone trying to get a Social Security payment that was going to a senior instead to go to a fraud ring. This week, JD Vance made his latest Fox News appearance, and the vice president echoed the line. Referring to Musk and the Department of Government Operation, the Ohio Republican said: You look at all of the fraudulent grants they found, you look at people who are 150 years old fraudulently collecting Social Security payments, you see our Social Security system, 40% of the people who are calling in are actually committing fraud. That means the 60% who need their Social Security checks are waiting in line. For now, lets put aside the fact that DOGE has not, in reality, uncovered a flood of fraudulent grants. Also, lets not dwell on the fact that the claims about 150-year-old Social Security beneficiaries have already been discredited, as Vance really ought to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets instead focus on the idea that 40% of people calling into the Social Security hotline are fraudsters. Is that true? The New York Times published a fact-check report noting that the claim is rooted in a misunderstood statistic from the Social Security Administration. The agency recently estimated that 40 percent of direct deposit fraud, one specific type of fraud, occurred via calls to the agency. That is not the same thing as 40 percent of all telephone calls being fraudulent. ... It is unclear what percentage of calls are requests for information or forms and what percentage are requests for services that directly affect benefits. But there is no evidence that 40 percent of answered calls, or 20 million to 24 million annually, fraudulently reroute benefits. When Musk got this wrong, he at least had a plausible excuse: The Republican megadonor has no real background in government or public policy, so it was easy to understand why he would peddle a bogus claim about a system he failed to understand. But Vance is a former senator and now an elected national officeholder. Its hardly unreasonable to think he should know better. The larger question, though, is whether he does know better. Last fall, as Election Day approached, Vance lied about Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio. When he was pressed to explain why he said things that were untrue about a community in his own state, Vance said that he was willing to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of which leaves us with a familiar question about the reality-challenged vice president: Was he simply wrong about the 40% claim, or was this an instance in which Vance was simply creating stories in pursuit of a political goal? This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A few days after the White Houses Signal chat scandal erupted, it became clear that Congress Republican majority would not launch any oversight investigations, but some key lawmakers voiced support for a different kind of probe. For example, the top two members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Republican Chairman Roger Wicker and Democratic Ranking Member Jack Reed, formally requested that the acting inspector general at the Department of Defense open an inquiry into the potential use of unclassified networks to discuss sensitive and classified information, as well as the sharing of such information with those who do not have proper clearance and need to know. Soon after, Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma appeared on CNNs State of the Union and rejected the suggestion that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth needed to resign, but added that its entirely appropriate for the Pentagons inspector general to take a closer look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it turns out, officials at the Department of Defense agreed. NBC News reported: The Pentagon Office of the Inspector General just announced a subject evaluation into allegations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used an unclassified commercially available messaging app Signal to discuss classified information about military actions in Yemen. ... In addition to looking at whether Hegseth complied with rules governing classified information, the inspector general will also look at whether rules about record retention were followed. Time will tell what, if anything, the IGs scrutiny produces, but theres no denying that the publicly available information clearly paints an unflattering portrait of the beleaguered amateur Pentagon chief. By now, the basic elements of the controversy are probably familiar: Top members of Donald Trumps national security team participated in an unsecured group chat about sensitive operational details of a foreign military strike and they accidentally included a journalist, The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg, in their online conversation. The final paragraph of Goldbergs piece read, All along, members of the Signal group were aware of the need for secrecy and operations security. In his text detailing aspects of the forthcoming attack on Houthi targets, Hegseth wrote to the group which, at the time, included me We are currently clean on OPSEC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OPSEC referred to operations security. In other words, the defense secretary was certain that he and his colleagues while chatting on a free platform that has never been approved for chats about national security and classified intelligence had locked everything down and created a secure channel of communications. Of course, we now know that Team Trump was most certainly not clean on OPSEC, Hegseths embarrassing boast notwithstanding. Whats more, while there was some discussion about whether the discussion included classified information, theres no denying the online chat included highly sensitive information about times and targets, much of which was put there by Hegseth himself. 1215et: F-18s LAUNCH (1st strike package), Hegseth told his colleagues in the chat. 1345: Trigger Based F-18 1st Strike Window Starts (Target Terrorist is @ his Known Location so SHOULD BE ON TIME) also, Strike Drones Launch (MQ-9s). At one point, the defense secretary literally wrote, THIS IS WHEN THE FIRST BOMBS WILL DEFINITELY DROP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this comes against a backdrop of other damaging headlines about the former Fox News personality, including reports this week that he gave an important Pentagon job to his unqualified younger brother and included his wife in meetings in which sensitive information was discussed, despite her lack of a security clearance. Earlier this week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declared, in reference to the Signalgate fiasco, that this case has been closed. It appears that the Pentagons inspector general just opened it back up. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In short order, Donald Trump has done extraordinary harm to the relationship between the United States and Canada. There are plenty of lawmakers on Capitol Hill in both parties who believe the president is on the wrong track, especially when it comes to trade tariffs on our allies north of the border. With this in mind, Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia has championed a privileged resolution that would terminate the presidents Feb. 1 emergency declaration, which the White House used to issue tariffs on Canada. It would also, of course, eliminate the need for Canadas retaliatory tariffs on American products. The question has long been whether Kaine, whose measure was co-authored with Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Mark Warner of Virginia, could pick up a handful of Republican supporters to clear the upper chamber. That question now has an answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate voted 51-48 to pass the resolution, with four Republicans Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine joining all 47 Democrats in support. The outcome is striking, though its not altogether surprising. Paul, for example, is a longtime tariff critic and co-sponsor of Kaines resolution, while Collins and Murkowski signaled their support for the Democratic measure ahead of the floor vote. Of particular interest, though, was McConnell, who is retiring next year and has become an occasional thorn in the White Houses side, and whos likely to face another round of hysterical criticisms from the Oval Office. As a practical matter, the fact that Kaines resolution passed wont have any immediate policy implications: The measure will now head to the GOP-led House, where it will very likely go ignored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, as a Politico report summarized it, losing this vote represents the most significant rebuke to Trump that congressional Republicans have yet mustered in his second term. Its precisely why Trump recently began lobbying aggressively against Kaines resolution, publishing an item to his social media platform that said a Senate vote in support of the measure would be devastating for the Republican Party. In a follow-up item, the president wrote that GOP senators should fight the Democrats wild and flagrant push to not penalize Canada for the sale, into our Country, of large amounts of Fentanyl, by Tariffing the value of this horrible and deadly drug in order to make it more costly to distribute and buy. The missive suggested that Trump was under the impression that hes imposing tariffs on fentanyl, which doesnt make any sense. He went on to write, Why are they allowing Fentanyl to pour into our Country unchecked, and without penalty. What is wrong with them, other than suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome, commonly known as TDS? Who can want this to happen to our beautiful families, and why? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the extent that reality still has any relevance in the debate, the idea that fentanyl is pouring into the United States is rather silly. In fact, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, only 43 pounds of fentanyl were found crossing the northern border in 2024 as opposed to 21,100 pounds seized at the southern border. Fighting a trade war with a trusted ally and neighbor over fentanyl that could fit in a single suitcase is absurd. The president might not understand this, but a bipartisan majority of the Senate got it right. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Todays installment of campaign-related news items from across the country. * New York City Mayor Eric Adams was a Republican; then he was a Democrat; and now hes running for a second term as an independent. Adams announced the partisan switch the day after the federal corruption charges against him were dismissed in court under highly controversial circumstances. * In New Hampshire, Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas confirmed weeks of rumors and launched a U.S. Senate campaign. If elected, the congressman would be the first openly gay man to serve in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * In Wisconsin, former Republican Gov. Scott Walker explained his partys failure in a state Supreme Court race this week by arguing that GOP voters just historically dont vote in spring elections. But thats not what happened: Turnout was high, and Republicans met their targets. They lost anyway because Democratic turnout was better. * Speaking of Wisconsin, a Democratic-backed candidate in the race for state school superintendent also won this week. * One day after Republicans won two congressional special elections in Florida, Reps. Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine were sworn in to office, creating a new balance of power in the U.S. House: There are now 220 Republicans and 213 Democrats. * In Aurora, Illinois, the citys incumbent mayor, Republican Richard Irvin, lost his re-election bid this week, coming up short against John Laesch, who enjoyed the support of several prominent Democratic leaders in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * In California, theres still plenty of speculation about whether former Vice President Kamala Harris will run for governor next year, but in the meantime, Xavier Becerra isnt waiting: The former health and human services secretary kicked off his statewide bid this week. * And in Michigan, a high-profile state senator, Mallory McMorrow, launched a Democratic U.S. Senate campaign this week. The 38-year-old lawmaker is the first major candidate to jump into the race, though the Democratic primary is expected to be quite crowded. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A month into Donald Trumps second term, the president hosted a White House event for the National Governors Association, which didnt quite go as planned. The Republican picked a fight with Maines Democratic governor, Janet Mills, over transgender student-athletes, apparently hoping to bully her into submission. It didnt work. See you in court, the governor told him. Ideally, at this point, the dispute would be handled responsibly through a legal process. But as The Washington Post reported, the Trump administration appears to have settled on a different kind of course. When the acting head of the Social Security Administration ordered the termination of two data collection contracts with Maine in late February, a senior official on his leadership team warned him that the move would increase fraud. That didnt matter, the agency chief responded. It was more important to punish Maines Democratic governor Janet Mills. In an email first obtained by The Washington Post, Leland Dudek, the acting Social Security Administration chief, wrote that Mills was disrespectful and unprofessional toward Trump. Dudek added that canceling the contracts would lead to an increase in the number of improper payments, but he directed officials to do it anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please cancel the contracts. While our improper payments will go up, and fraudsters may compromise identities, no money will go from the public trust to a petulant child, Dudek wrote, referring to Mills. The move was ultimately reversed, but the fact that this happened at all led Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, to urge Dudek to resign. Complicating matters is that the retaliatory campaign was not limited to the Social Security Administration. Trumps Department of Education, for example, launched an inquiry against Maine last week, and this week, as The New York Times reported, Trumps Department of Agriculture said that it had frozen federal funding for education programs in Maine, the latest in a barrage of actions targeting the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In case that weren't quite enough, after Trump clashed with Mills, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sent a letter to Maine cancelling funding for Maine Sea Grant. These developments come on the heels of the president publishing an item to his social media platform in which he demanded that governor issue a full throated apology, adding, Im sure she will be able to do that quite easily. For the record, Mills told Trump that her state would follow the law. This, evidently, sparked a retaliatory campaign against her home state. Such tactics are plainly indefensible, though theyre no doubt intended to send an authoritarian-style message to every state: If your governor makes Trump unhappy, you might be next. This isnt how the United States is supposed to operate and its not how United States operated before Trump came along. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) When many order food delivery service, they expect to see their order show up on their front step, not in the hands of law enforcement. However, this was the case for one woman in Madison. Really, really bad: 16 cats rescued from abandoned home in Guntersville For Lydia Allison, Wednesday was a typical morning. Shes a nursing student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and was running out the door before a shift at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I ordered my DoorDash because I was in, like, a super hurry, Lydia said. Lydia said she got a notification that her food was delivered but was confused when she couldnt find it. I checked the front porch wasnt there, she said. So I go back, look on the app, and there was no picture where it was delivered. Check the mailbox, check the side door, because I was like Where could he have left it?' Athens Police: Couple in their 70s charged with 38 counts each of animal cruelty So Lydia figured the food must not be coming. She disputed the charge with DoorDash and got her money back. However, right before she left for work, she took her dog out and met her surprise delivery driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was standing there in the front yard, Lydia said. We live down in a cul-de-sac and here comes a cop coming down my street, and Im like, wheres he going, and then he stopped in front of my house, which freaked me out a little more. Thats when Madison Police Officer Hayden Walton got out of his car with a Chick-fil-A bag in hand. He was like Did you order door dash? and I was like Yeah, yeah I did,' she said. He was like Well uh, your driver got arrested, I just thought I would bring it to you, and he walked over and gave me my door dash. Officer Walton told News 19 that the man he arrested was concerned his dasher rating would go down if the delivery was not completed, so Walton agreed to help him out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox. The fact that you went out of his way to do that for me when its not part of the job I mean, he couldve easily just left it in the car, thrown it away, she said. Lydia said the special delivery gave her more than just a laugh. What he didnt know though, was that was what I was going to eat before the hospital, so he gave me the chance to eat when I was not going to for hours, she said. Madison Police Chief Johnny Gandy said he wasnt shocked to learn of Officer Waltons actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its exactly why he got into this job, Officer Walton, he enjoys public service, said Chief Gandy. Hes an outstanding young officer, and he just felt like why should she be punished for something someone else did, so he took that extra step where she paid for something, he delivered it to her. Officer Walton did not want to do an on-camera interview to talk about his heroic effort, but that goes on to show how humble he is! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The MAGAverse raged at former Vice President Mike Pence after he blasted President Donald Trumps tariffs as the largest peacetime tax in U.S. history. These tariffs are nearly 10 times the size of those imposed during the Trump-Pence administration and will cost American families over $3,500 per year, he wrote in a social media post that highlighted research from the Advancing American Freedom Foundation. That increase will easily erase three years worth of pay raises for most American families, the document said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Trump announced universal tariffs, a type of import tax paid by U.S. companies with the costs typically passed on to consumers. The president said he was imposing a baseline 10 percent tax on imports from all countries, with higher rates of up to 49 percent applied to products from about 60 countries. The Trump Tariff Tax is the largest peacetime tax hike in U.S. history. These Tariffs are nearly 10x the size of those imposed during the Trump-Pence Administration and will cost American families over $3,500 per year. Check OutSpoiling Americas Golden Age@AmericanFreedom pic.twitter.com/2NghyDc8c1 Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) April 2, 2025 But according to a recent Fox News poll, 69 percent of respondents thought tariffs would make the products they buy more expensive. That 69 percent was right, Pence said in separate post. In response to criticism, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnickwho over the past few months has reportedly been pushing Trump to impose more and more aggressive tariffs, even as the likelihood of recession growsaccused Pence of being bitter. These tariffs are the definition of America First, which is a concept he doesnt understand, Lutnick wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio told CNNs Kaitlan Collins that career politicians like Pence were part of the problem and did nothing for decades while our industrial sector was gutted. Mike Pence is just bitter. These tariffs are the definition of America First, which is a concept he doesnt understand. https://t.co/tpQR4XfS84 Howard Lutnick (@howardlutnick) April 3, 2025 The comments on Pences post were also full of MAGA diehards saying Pence needed to re-evaluate his loyalties and asking when he became a Democrat. Dude we all rejected you, MAGA influencer Michael J. Morrison wrote. You dont need to keep proving us right. Dude we all rejected you . You dont need to keep proving us right. Michael J. Morrison (@OfficeOfMike) April 3, 2025 Trump has labeled the new duties reciprocal tariffs and claimed they were based on the tariffs that other countries charge on U.S. products. Financial journalists have calculated that theyre based on the trade deficits between the U.S. and other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stocks plunged in after-hours trading as investors recoiled at Trumps move, which threatened to upend the global economic order and spark broader trade wars. This just seems like the president having his own sort of school of economics thats different from everybody else, said Steve Liesman, CNBCs senior economics reporter, after the tariffs were announced. KIEV, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Thursday that he discussed ongoing peace efforts with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Brussels, Belgium. "Ukraine is fully committed to peace and has taken concrete unconditional steps to achieve it, whereas Russia continues to drag its feet. I also informed my counterpart about Russia's recent violations of the energy ceasefire," Sybiha wrote on social media platform X after the talks. He also reaffirmed Ukraine's interest in developing mutually beneficial investments and mineral resource cooperation with the United States. The foreign minister said he also discussed with Rubio the next Ukraine-U.S. contacts. Sybiha arrived in Brussels earlier Thursday to attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, according to local media reports. Apr. 3There was no obvious evidence of a crime or any other violation. No call for help. No victim. Not even a broken taillight. It was only fear that gave Jose Luis Matute-Duarte away. According to court records, he was standing outside a Brownville convenience store on March 10 when a uniformed Border Patrol agent pulled up in an unmarked car. The agent noted the way Matute-Duarte "immediately looked down at the ground and avoided eye contact," and how another man in a nearby work truck appeared to be trying to hide his face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agent had recently gotten tips about utility crews out of New York that might have hired undocumented workers the previous year. The truck had N.Y. plates. That was all the probable cause he needed to approach the men and start asking questions. Matute-Duarte, a Honduran citizen, is now in federal custody and faces removal and criminal charges for illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported in 2015. In the wake of high-profile arrests in Maine and beyond, advocates say many immigrants including those with visas or green cards are wary of being plucked off the street and pulled into an unmarked Border Patrol or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle. Local leaders say that with each new arrest, more and more families are choosing to stay home from work or school, hidden away from law enforcement and distrusted neighbors. "It's everybody who is an immigrant because you don't know who they're after," said Claude Rwaganje, executive director of ProsperityMe, a nonprofit that provides financial education and other services to immigrants. "It's hard to know if you are safe or not." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates in Maine believe the chaos is intentional and that the new administration's goal is to make immigrants question their place in America. While President Donald Trump's campaign promise to conduct mass deportations remains unrealized to this point, a rise in more aggressive tactics, like making plainclothes arrests on the street or tracking down immigrants at court appearances for minor traffic infractions, has left some Mainers feeling wary of law enforcement, including local police, whose role in the immigration system is often opaque. Legal immigration status "doesn't feel like protection anymore," said Mufalo Chitam, executive director of the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition. "You're walking on glass." A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond to multiple interview requests. Maine's highest-ranking Border Patrol official, Chief Patrol Agent Juan Bernal, was not available for an interview. DEPORTATIONS DOWN, FEAR UP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the hallmarks of Trump's campaign last year was his promise to carry out the mass deportation of immigrants. On his first day in office, he signed several executive orders aimed at shutting down the border, rolling back temporary immigration programs and ending birthright citizenship. Still, both documented and many undocumented immigrants have legal rights that can make it difficult and time-consuming for the government to deport them, particularly if an immigrant believes they could face violence if they return to their home country. Anna Welch, director of the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic at the University of Maine School of Law, said the administration lacks the tools or resources to actually detain and deport the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants who live in the U.S. ICE reported an average of 661 daily removals nationwide during the first six weeks of the Trump presidency 10% fewer than the 2024 average under President Joe Biden, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a data collection nonprofit affiliated with Syracuse University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We completely understand why we're all so fearful, but the numbers are not adding up," Welch said. That doesn't mean Trump's tough talk is hollow. By fostering a culture of fear and distrust, she said, the administration hopes to encourage immigrants to leave of their own accord. "There have been a lot of changes that have created, sort of intentionally, shock and awe among the community," Welch said. She pointed to several high-profile steps that have drawn the attention of immigrant groups, including opening a detention center on Guantanamo Bay, deporting 238 Venezuelans to an El Salvadoran prison known for civil rights abuses and revoking the visas of student protesters who have been critical of America's role in the war in Gaza. While deportations remain down, other immigration enforcement metrics are up since Trump took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE detentions nationwide have doubled, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse. Criminal prosecutions of undocumented immigrants mostly for illegal reentry after previously being deported have increased in Maine after the U.S. attorney general classified the cases as a priority of the administration, Maine's acting U.S. Attorney Craig Wolff said in an interview last week. More of the state's jail cells are being used to hold ICE and Border Patrol detainees. Though it has proven difficult for this administration to meet, let alone exceed, the highest deportation rates of the Biden era, Trump's team has succeeded in making life uncomfortable enough for some immigrants to consider packing up and leaving, according to several community leaders in southern Maine. "One thing that, as activists, we're all struggling with is the lack of transparency on contracts between law enforcement and ICE," said Keyko Torres, community health and wellness director at Presente! Maine. "Who are the people making those decisions? Where are those calls being made?" A HAZY LOCAL PICTURE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police arrest someone or run their license number, they might come across a detainer request, which flags a person as having possibly entered the country illegally and asks that the local agency notify ICE before releasing that person from custody. What happens next varies greatly by department. Portland police say they take a hands-off approach. Chief Mark Dubois said in an interview last week that his officers don't contact ICE for any reason, even if they see a detainer request. If a person is arrested after committing a more serious crime, Dubois said, his team leaves it to the jail or the courts to handle the immigration enforcement process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the other end of the spectrum, the Wells Police Department is now working on a formal agreement with ICE that would allow its officers to enforce certain federal immigration laws. It's the only department in Maine with either an approved or pending application to the program, according to ICE's website. Several police departments said that while they cannot enforce federal immigration law, they sometimes assist agencies like ICE. But many Maine law enforcement agencies don't have written policies detailing exactly how officers are supposed to respond when they encounter a person suspected of being undocumented. Federal court records show that since January, the Old Orchard Beach Police Department has called Border Patrol at least three times following traffic stops for minor violations, each resulting in the arrest of an undocumented immigrant. The department did not respond to multiple media requests over the last week about its policies and practices regarding working with federal agencies. In February, a federal official detained four men in Wiscasset after a local officer pulled them over for failing to clear snow off their car and found they couldn't speak English or provide valid IDs, according to court records. About two weeks earlier, a Brunswick officer called Border Patrol after a man he pulled over for not wearing a seat belt couldn't speak English to confirm his identity, though he did have a Massachusetts license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent detentions in Lewiston and Waldo County, both involving local law enforcement aiding federal officials, have garnered attention from news outlets and social media. Each case makes it more difficult for advocates like Welch to convince immigrants living in the U.S. that they do have rights that can protect them, as long as they don't give up and leave the country voluntarily. THE FADING AMERICAN DREAM In 2016, during Trump's first term, Abdi Nor Iftin had been in Maine for two years on a green card. He remembers feeling uneasy about his status given Trump's rhetoric at the time, especially about immigrants from predominantly Muslim countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though he's been a naturalized U.S. citizen since 2020, Iftin feels worse now because he doesn't see anyone pushing back against the president's policies. "It feels like the Trump administration this time is sort of testing the waters to see what it can get away with," said Iftin, a native of Somalia. He knows many members of Maine's immigrant community, particularly those who are awaiting disposition of their asylum cases, are terrified. "I've had a lot of conversations with people who are laying low because they know they could face trouble if they speak up," he said. "So, it's a very loud silence, if that makes sense." Many asylum seekers in the U.S. have fled home countries where war, crime or authoritarian regimes made every day uncertain. Several community leaders told the Press Herald that the Trump administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement has been retraumatizing for those who thought they had found a new life of stability. Torres, from Presente! Maine, said that she's been moved by the dozens of volunteers who show up each month to help run the group's mobile food pantry. "It's so easy to feel so powerless when there's executive order after executive order and you actually are seeing enforcement," she said. "But there are nonprofits and community-based organizations that are on the ground doing the work." Still, she said the current culture of fear and chaos has already made life untenable for some community members who have decided to leave the country with their American citizen children rather than risk being separated from their families. Iftin grew up in war-torn Somalia with the dream of immigrating to America. He learned to speak English by listening to western music and watching movies and TV. He worries that the current administration is making it less likely that people like him will want to follow. "I felt like my life was shaped by the idea of America," he said. "What I see now is that door is shut." Staff Writer Eric Russell contributed to this story. Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less Apr. 3A record number of Maine homes sold for over $1 million last year, and with 2025 shaping up to be equally lucrative, lawmakers are weighing whether to cash in on some of those sales to fund a slew of affordable housing programs. A bill proposed by Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, would increase the real estate transfer tax a tax when a property changes hands from $2.20 to $5 per every $500 over $1,000,000. That cost is usually split between the buyer and seller. Currently, a $1.5 million home would carry a tax of $6,600. If the bill becomes law, the tax would be roughly $9,400 or an additional $1,400 for each party. "This is an infinitely small difference for such a significant transaction," Fecteau said when presenting the bill Thursday to the Committee on Taxation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the pandemic, Maine was producing about 250 units of affordable housing annually, just one-quarter of the 1,000-unit target. But during the pandemic, thanks to an infusion of federal dollars, the state invested in affordable housing production and began to eclipse that target, Fecteau said. "Now, as those federal dollars phase out, we need to find a way to maintain our momentum so that housing production does not fall back to a rate that will fail to meet our state's housing needs," he said. By adjusting the real estate transfer tax for properties selling for over $1 million, "it was clear that this could be a way to unlock a sustainable funding source for the creation of new multi-family and single-family housing," he added. This bill also seeks to give first-time homebuyers a leg up in the competitive market by exempting from the tax those homebuyers (and therefore sellers) who use the Maine State Housing Authority's first-time homebuyer mortgage loan programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If approved, it would be the biggest tax relief for first-time homebuyers in the history of our state," Fecteau said. The bill directs "the amount necessary and sufficient" to meet the bond obligations under the Maine Energy, Housing and Economic Recovery Program, which is designed to help MaineHousing build or rehabilitate energy-efficient affordable rental housing. The bill divvies up the bulk of the remaining balance between the Housing First Fund and the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund both of which the tax already supports as well as the state's affordable housing income tax credit program and MaineHousing's rural affordable rental program and affordable homeownership program. Any leftover money would go to the General Fund, which already receives a portion of the tax. MORE SELLING FOR MILLIONS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine's real estate transfer tax has been stagnant since 1993, when the state's median home sale price was under $100,000, according to Greg Payne, senior adviser on housing policy in the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. Legislators have proposed an increase several times in the intervening 30 years, but the measures have consistently been defeated. Fecteau believes that the state finally has the right conditions a booming luxury market, a dire affordability crisis and a vice-like inventory squeeze to make the case. Maine's luxury real estate market had a record year in 2024, with more than 1,100 properties selling for more than $1 million and 21 properties for more than $5 million, according to data from Elise Kiely, a real estate agent at Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only were the 1,146 high-end properties sold last year a record, the number was roughly quadruple the 307 sold in 2019. The trend held for homes over $2 million increasing from 59 to 237 over five years and $5 million, going from just five homes to 21. Luxury properties are taking up a larger share of the market, jumping from about 1.5% of annual sales to 7% in just five years. Meanwhile, Maine's traditional single-family home market also saw a substantial jump, going from a median sale price of $225,000 in 2019 to $390,000 last year, a 73% increase. In some southern and coastal counties, the median is over $500,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are concerned that high-end home purchases are distorting Maine's housing markets in unprecedented ways, making it that much more difficult for first-time homebuyers and others of modest means to gain access to the ladder of economic opportunity and wealth-building that homeownership can represent," Payne said. "It is important that we get this reform right, and that we be forward-looking in an environment of rapidly escalating home prices." Fecteau noted that last year, MaineHousing's first-time homebuyer program financed 925 loans, meaning the population receiving tax relief would be almost equal to the population being taxed more. 'EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS' Brian Eng, a real estate investor who has helped build units through the rural affordable rental program, said the tax change is a "no brainer," given that the cost to meet the state's affordable housing needs is "in the billions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The additional tax on luxury properties is unlikely to affect fluidity in the market or whether transactions will close, he said, while the tax relief for middle-income Mainers would be impactful. "At the lower end, every dollar counts," he said. Eric Burmeister, a retired Saco resident with a background in real estate development, said a stable source of funding for some of the state's affordable housing programs is key to builder and developer confidence. "As we take a look at a sustainable and permanent source of funding for these programs year after year, we can in good faith ask our developers and our builders to continue to put time and effort into projects ... knowing that when it comes time to close, the funds that the state provides for affordable housing (will) be available," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while the bill was broadly supported by affordable housing advocates and agencies, others were not on board. Aaron Bolster, a real estate agent testifying on behalf of the Maine Association of Realtors, said the tax would only compound housing availability and affordability challenges. "This tax unfairly shifts the cost of addressing Maine's housing needs disproportionately on those purchasing and selling real estate and creates distortions in the market that have ripple effects on properties," he said. While the legislation largely appears to be a "millionaires tax" or a "mansion tax," he noted that it does not distinguish between residential and commercial property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "An impact will be felt much more broadly than intended," Bolster said. Because many multi-family building purchases are over $1 million, "the increased costs would not only impact the buyers and sellers, but would be passed down to tenants as rental properties become more expensive to purchase," he said. Sen. Bruce Bickford, R-Auburn, meanwhile, said that if Maine wants economic growth and for people with money to move into the state, "I'm really trying to understand why you want to attack the people that we want to attract." Copy the Story Link Apr. 3Maine's public defense agency says it will redirect several employees at its central office who oversee billing and training to instead work on finding lawyers for criminal defendants who have spent weeks or months waiting for an attorney. Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy had given the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services one month to share how it can increase representation after finding the state agency was violating Mainers' Sixth Amendment rights to representation as part of a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. (The ACLU said it's still waiting to see if Murphy will find the entire state liable.) Murphy suggested last month that the state's new public defenders, particularly those who are more experienced, should take on more cases. She also criticized the commission for relying on a messy spreadsheet compiled by court clerks, instead of tracking criminal defendants itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday, there were approximately 400 pre-trial criminal defendants who needed an attorney, according to a list maintained by the courts. Roughly 140 had been on the list for more than two months. And at least 70 were in jail, with about 25 having been in custody for more than two weeks. View this document on Scribd The commission agreed Thursday to reassign some administrative staff to focus on tracking and finding counsel for the state's unrepresented cases. As a result, some training will be placed on hold and staff will "adjust the level of scrutiny given to vouchers" submitted by attorneys seeking reimbursement for public defense work. The new plan also suggested offering new incentives for private attorneys to join the commission's rosters, and emergency discussions on altering "perceived barriers" to the application process. (Some observers, including Gov. Janet Mills, have criticized the commission's caseload limits and eligibility requirements. The commission has previously said these are not to blame.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the plan included only short-term commitments as the commission hopes to get more funding so it can increase its public defense presence throughout Maine, a state that relied exclusively on private, court-appointed lawyers until 2022. Today, four of the state's five criminal public defense offices are less than a year old and still ramping up. Several counties in the Midcoast and southern Maine still don't have public defenders. RELEASE, DISMISSAL DEADLINES The commission wrote in court records that the number of defendants who need attorneys continues to drop, demonstrating their attention to the crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 7, when Murphy issued her last order, there were 85 defendants who were in jail and needed lawyers. A month later, only six of those defendants are still in jail without an attorney, the commission stated. The reduction "resulted from the continuing efforts" of staff and public defenders to representing their clients, the commission wrote. The filing also contains several exhibits, including letters to prosecutors requesting they reevaluate some of the cases that have been languishing the longest, and the commission's budget requests. The plan submitted Thursday was part of a larger order issued by Murphy last month. It includes an April 7 hearing, for the judge to lay out her process for releasing anyone from jail who has been unrepresented for at least 14 days, unless the state can find them an attorney within the following week. She said she would drop charges against anyone who has waited more than 60 days for a lawyer (charges could be re-filed when an attorney is available.) The potential release of those defendants has frightened victims' rights advocates, lawmakers and the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civil rights advocates who have been following Maine's crisis from other states say Murphy's deadlines aren't unusual, and similar timelines have been ordered in Oregon and Missouri. "It's not just about funding lawyers to help guilty people get free it's about funding our system so that the system works in as fair and accurate a way as possible. And that benefits all of us," said Daniel Medwed, a former public defender and professor at Northeastern University's School of Law. EMERGENCY LEGISLATION Meanwhile, lawmakers agreed Thursday afternoon to advance emergency legislation attempting to address the crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LD 1101 would allow judges to appoint and pay an attorney who hasn't been approved by the commission but only if no approved lawyers are available. Lawmakers made several changes to the bill Thursday to address concerns the commission's director raised last month, questioning how these lawyers could be held accountable or paid accurately. The commission's director, Jim Billings, said it would be premature for him to comment on the bill before the rest of the Legislature votes on it. The bill now comes with a Feb. 1, 2026, sunset, and also clarifies that these non-rostered lawyers still have to have three years of related experience. Judges also can't appoint and pay anyone who has previously been disqualified by the commission and these attorneys have to use the same reimbursement voucher process as everyone else doing public defense. The same bill includes more than $3 million for the commission to hire five new public defenders and additional support staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the bill's bipartisan support it was introduced by Democrats and endorsed by Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart the governor has not weighed in on the latest version and has previously opposed the commission's requests for more funding until the organization rolls back its eligibility requirements and caseload limits. The governor's office didn't respond to an email seeking her reaction to the amended version of the bill. Copy the Story Link With Airport Director Ted Kitchens scheduled for an on-time departure this week, Mayor Jay Ruais announced that Tom Malafronte will serve as the acting airport director at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Malafronte has been serving as deputy director of MHT since 2015. Kitchens announced in March that he would be leaving his post as director of aviation on April 4. Ruais said Malafronte has been with MHT for 35 years, serving in seven different roles. In addition to deputy director, Malafronte has served as manager of the airport operations and facilities, assistant director of air service development, marketing and public relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As deputy airport director, Tom has overseen the day-to-day administrative and operational functions, including the direct supervision of four assistant airport directors, Ruais said. Hes also involved with the oversight of the airports various contractual agreements, which include law enforcement, aircraft, rescue, firefighting, security, environmental insurance and other professional services. Tom is truly an aviation professional with broad knowledge of the industry, and Im confident he is the right person to lead MHT at this time. Kitchens guided the airport through the pandemic and helped draw new airlines to Manchester in recent years. I have accomplished the goals that I had when I arrived six years ago: the airport is financially stable; we have been able to attract new air service for the airport, as exemplified by the recent commitment made by JetBlue; and to build organizational resiliency that enabled us to not only survive the pandemic, but to come out of the period in a stronger situation, Kitchens said in his resignation letter to city officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kitchens was the highest-paid city employee, earning nearly $250,000 in Fiscal Year 2023. That same year Malafronte was paid $158,993. Ruais praised what Kitchens has accomplished for Manchester. JetBlue Airport Directror Ted Kitchens speaks at an event celebratingthe inaugural JetBlue flight out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport on Jan. 23, 2025. Kitchens has attracted five airlines, constructed a 64,000-square-foot cargo warehouse used by Amazon that created 300 full-time jobs for Manchester residents, tripled the amount of federal funding for capital development projects, diversified airport revenue streams, and restructured 70% of its long-term debt, the mayor said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His tenure will be most remembered for bringing JetBlue to the airport, along with its $48 million investment, Ruais said. Kitchens said he plans to pursue new horizons and turn the airport over to new management to build upon the sound foundation that exists. New leadership can bring a new vision and strategies that will continue the Airport on its current positive trajectory, Kitchens wrote. Federal prosecutors dropped their charges against a man accused of assaulting South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) Tuesday. Mace accused James McIntyre, a national foster care advocate, of assaulting her during an event in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill Dec. 10, claiming that he shook her hand in an exaggerated, aggressive manner. A Tuesday filing in D.C. Superior Court revealed that the misdemeanor charges against McIntyre, who pleaded not guilty, would not be pursued any further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Carolina Republican told police that the Chicago man came up to her and began aggressively shaking her hand in what she claimed was an act of tr*ns violence. I was physically accosted at the Capitol tonight by a pro-tr*ns man, Mace posted on X. One new brace for my wrist and some ice for my arm and itll heal just fine. I was physically accosted at the Capitol tonight by a pro-tr*ns man. One new brace for my wrist and some ice for my arm and itll heal just fine. The Capitol police arrested the guy. Your tr*ns violence and threats on my life will only make me double down. FAFO. #HoldTheLine Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) December 11, 2024 Mace told News 2 Tuesday that the dismissal of McIntyres charges sends an appalling message. When a man can physically assault a woman in the halls of Congress, with impunity, it sends an appalling message to every woman in America, she said. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to bystanders, the handshake did not appear to be aggressive. Elliott Hinkle, an advocate for LGBTQ rights from Wyoming, told The Imprint that McIntyre simply shook Maces hand and made a comment about transgender youth in foster care, telling Mace that they need your support. From what I saw, it was a normal handshake and interaction that I would expect any legislator to expect from anyone as a constituent, said Hinkle. Mace said in a video statement to News 2 a day after the incident that witnesses were lying about what happened. These activists are organized and theyre also dangerous, but I am not going to stop. she said. I am injuredI will survive like I always have, but its also not going to stop me. Im going to continue to fight for women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the incident, Mace was spotted around Capitol Hill wearing a sling while complaining of pain in her back, arm, and wrist, according to her spokesperson. The South Carolina congresswoman gained attention in November when she proposed a resolution that would prevent transgender House employees and lawmakers from using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex in federal buildings. According to Mace, this bill was absolutely directed at Delaware Democrat Sarah McBride, who had just become the first transgender person to be elected to Congress. Sarah McBride doesnt get a say, she said. I mean, this is a biological man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not going to stand for a man, you know someone with a penis in the womens locker room thats not okay, she added. I never thought we would need a sign for this, but women's restrooms are for BIOLOGICAL women. Not men. pic.twitter.com/42lOMhqHFT Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) November 19, 2024 Government attorneys have not yet provided a reason for deciding to not prosecute the case. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A Youngstown man will remain jailed on a $150,000 bond after appearing in court on new charges. Read next: Local mastermind of murder-for-hire up for parole Larry Burgess was back in Common Pleas Court Thursday morning. Last month, prosecutors filed two additional charges against Burgess after discovering another alleged victim in the case. Authorities say he coerced seven women into prostitution in exchange for drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He faces 26 counts, including rape, drug trafficking and compelling prostitution. Gerry Ricciutti contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The man accused of raping a metro Lyft driver in Del City will have his trial heard before a jury. Andre Hunter made an appearance before Judge Heather Coyle on Wednesday at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. He was expected to enter a blind plea but in the final hours changed his mind. Hunters attorney told the judge he wanted the case to go to a jury trial, which would prolong the case until August 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was surrounded by loved ones and was expected to make a statement during Wednesdays hearing. Its not only frustrating for our office, but its also very frustrating for the victim once again, said Vicki Behenna, Oklahoma County District Attorney. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting Lyft driver in Del City Hunter was arrested April 22, 2024, after Del City Police said he kidnapped and raped a 54-year-old Lyft driver. He reportedly told the woman he would shoot her if she did not comply with his demands. Hunter forced the driver to take him to a nearby park where he allegedly raped her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then abandoned her in a northeast Oklahoma City neighborhood before stealing her car and phone. He was later arrested at Langston University after an app on the drivers phone helped to track him down. Oklahoma County Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Watkins will represent the State at trial. She said the victim was extremely upset about the last-minute decision. Shes trying to heal and move forward from it, said Watkins. To have to keep going back and talking about it and then finally think youre going to be over, now youre going to actually talk about this in front of a judge and a bunch of strangers. Hunter has been locked up in the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a $1 million bond. Attorneys will have a status conference on the case in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man was arrested Saturday after police said he pointed a laser inside a South Portland Tesla dealership, giving vision problems to the employees inside. According to court documents, police responded to a call from a Tesla dealership at 4330 South Macadam Avenue after the caller reported there were protesters outside of the building, with one of them pointing green lasers at people inside. Oregon gas pumps ranked 5th most expensive in the US as West Coast prices rise Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on a video an officer received showing the suspect shining the laser into the dealership, officers arrested 27-year-old Davis Nafshun while he was riding his bike away from the scene. After stopping him, court documents say they found a green laser pointer on his person. As Nafshun was being arrested, multiple protesters approached the officers, showing concern about the police intervention. But after officers showed them the footage of Nafshun shining the laser into the dealership, court documents say the protesters told police Nafshuns actions were not okay and were supportive of [his] removal. Court documents further noted that during the investigation, officers learned two employees had the laser shined in their eyes, causing discomfort and vision problems, and a third employee who had a laser shined in his eyes in a prior incident which gave him vision problems had the leave the showroom. ODOT reaches $465K settlement with whistleblower who reported issues with payroll system Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, after an officer inspected the laser found on Nafshun, it had a sticker with a warning label stating banned direct eyes. Nafshun is currently facing charges including two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of second-degree attempted assault, two counts of menacing and two counts of reckless endangerment. He was taken to jail, but was released on his own recognizance the same day. Nafshun is scheduled to be arraigned on April 22. This marks the latest in a string of incidents involving Tesla dealerships. On March 13, shots were fired for the second time in one week at a Tigard dealership, damaging windows and cars, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then on Thursday, the man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at a Salem Tesla dealership on Jan. 20 is expected to face a federal judge. Court papers showed the vehicles were torched, windows shattered and damage is estimated at half a million dollars. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ASTORIA, Queens (PIX11) A man accused of running an illegal plastic surgery clinic out of his Queens home allegedly injected a woman with a likely lethal dose of lidocaine, according to authorities. Police said Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, 38, was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Friday. He is accused of using a syringe to inject a 31-year-old woman with the numbing agent in his apartment on 35th Street in Astoria, according to authorities. A man accused of running an illegal plastic surgery clinic out of his Queens home, officials say. (Credit: NYC Department of Buildings) A man accused of running an illegal plastic surgery clinic out of his Queens home, officials say. (Credit: NYC Department of Buildings) A man accused of running an illegal plastic surgery clinic out of his Queens home, officials say. (Credit: NYC Department of Buildings) A man accused of running an illegal plastic surgery clinic out of his Queens home, officials say. (Credit: NYC Department of Buildings) A man accused of running an illegal plastic surgery clinic out of his Queens home, officials say. (Credit: NYC Department of Buildings) A man accused of running an illegal plastic surgery clinic out of his Queens home, officials say. (Credit: NYC Department of Buildings) A man accused of running an illegal plastic surgery clinic out of his Queens home, officials say. (Credit: NYC Department of Buildings) A man accused of running an illegal plastic surgery clinic out of his Queens home, officials say. (Credit: NYC Department of Buildings) A man accused of running an illegal plastic surgery clinic out of his Queens home, officials say. (Credit: NYC Department of Buildings) The woman went into cardiac arrest, and shes now intubated, has no brain activity and is likely to die, prosecutors said. The procedure being performed on the woman was to remove buttocks implants, according to sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors told PIX11 News that Hoyos-Foronda claimed he had been a doctor in Colombia, where hes originally from. More Local News A medical exam chair and table, syringes, injectable botox and filler products and more were all found inside the home, according to the New York City Department of Buildings. A patient was being treated when DOB inspectors arrived at the home, officials said. Hoyos-Foronda was charged with assault and unauthorized practice of a profession. He pleaded not guilty and was held without bail, officials said. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. LA PAZ, April 3 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed on Thursday due to a confrontation between members of mining cooperatives in Bolivia's western department of La Paz, local authorities said. The conflict began early Thursday in the community of Yani of the Sorata municipality, after members of the Senor de Mayo cooperative attacked members of another cooperative, Hijos del Ingenio, with explosives, which unleashed a series of violent acts. Gunther Agudo, commander of the La Paz Police, told local media that an explosion occurred during the confrontation. Jhonny Silva, legal advisor of the Hijos de Ingenio cooperative, told Bolivia TV that the "criminal attack" caused the death of six members of the organization. "They have blown up machinery using dynamite. There was a diesel tank there in the mining camp that exploded and there are still people missing," Silva said. At least six people were reported missing, according to local media reports. The Senor de Mayo cooperative has been identified as a generator of conflicts in the region due to disputes over territorial mining control, according to local authorities. LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) A Pennsylvania man was sentenced Thursday following his arrest during a sex sting. Wesley Theberge, 30, of Allison Park, was sentenced to 13.5 years in prison on multiple counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person. He was also designated a Tier II sexual offender, according to Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino. Theberge was arrested by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force after he answered an online ad for prostitution posted by undercover agents. When he arrived at the agreed-upon location to engage in sexual acts, Theberge was arrested. During a search of his computer and phone, investigators found child sexual assault material, according to the Columbiana County Prosecutors Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laurel Stone contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) A man was arrested Wednesday after he was accused of killing someone and leaving their body in a cooler at a Miami bar. According to WTVJ, on Friday Miami-Dade deputies responded to reports at the Chicagoan Bar located at 10702 Northwest 7th Avenue, after a body was found in a Reddy Ice cooler at the back of the business. The Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office said that the inside of the cooler as well as the body of the victim were covered in blood. Credit: Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office The Miami-Dade Medical Examiners Office told reporters that an autopsy revealed the cause of death to be homicidal violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The identity of the victim has not been released. Deputies said they identified Oscar Rivera-Peraza through fraudulent identification credentials that were left at the scene. The Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office arrested Rivera-Peraza and charged him with second-degree murder. According to them, during initial questioning, Rivera-Peraza confessed to the crime and provided details of the victims murder. Deputies said Rivera-Peraza told them he struck the victim several times with a metal pipe and placed him in the cooler. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) A Topeka man is being charged as an adult in connection to a homicide that took place in October 2023. Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay has filed adult charges against Reginald Mortez Rucker-Plakio for his alleged connection to the homicide of RaJuan Spicer on Oct. 11, 2023. On Wednesday, April 2, Kagay announced Rucker-Plakio is now formally charged, as an adult with the following seven crimes: (1) Murder in the First Degree (Premeditation) Off-Grid Felony. Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Level 8 Felony. Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Level 8 Felony. Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Level 8 Felony. Interference with Law Enforcement, Official Duty Level 9 Felony. Unlawful Use of A Communication Facility Level 8 Felony. Distribute or Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana Less than 25 grams Level 4 Drug Felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 11, 2023, the Topeka Police Department (TPD) responded to the 1200 block of Southwest Clay Street on reports of a shooting. Officers got to the scene and located a man dead from an apparent gunshot wound. TPD later identified the deceased as Spicer. On Nov. 21, 2023, officers found a suspect, Rucker-Plakio, of Topeka; he was 17 at the time of this arrest. Police arrested him on criminal charges related to the homicide. For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PLYMOUTH A Jackson man is facing new charges after prosecutors said he stalked Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her wife, Plymouth City Commissioner Alanna Maguire. The mans attorney argues his client needs help, not prosecution, and calls the case a miscarriage of justice. Christopher Dean Baldwin, 42, was arraigned March 27 in Plymouths 35th District Court on two felony counts of aggravated stalking. The charges stem from a February 2025 incident involving use of Nessel and Maguire's address and come after he was charged last year with stalking under similar circumstances but found incompetent to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy issued a statement March 28, saying, We are alleging once again that the defendant in this case continues to harass our State Attorney General and her wife. This is criminal behavior and cannot be tolerated. Nessel's office declined comment and Maguire did not immediately return a request for comment. The latest charges against Baldwin stem from a Feb. 27 incident when he is accused of using Nessel and Maguires home address and Nessels phone number without permission to obtain court documents from Jackson Countys 12th District Court. As a result, he was charged with two counts of aggravated stalking. Baldwins attorney, Joshua Hadley, said he believes the new charges amount to a miscarriage of justice and that prosecutors are improperly pursuing a case against someone who has already been ruled incompetent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of things went wrong in this case, and the prosecution simply cant do what theyre attempting to do, Hadley said. I do believe firmly thatif this matter moves forward, it can be supported by the evidence. Hadley said his client's motive was not personal, but that Baldwin believed he had business with the state. He was trying to make contact with the attorney general in her capacity as the attorney general, he said. He's been found not mentally competent...he was attempting to solicit and make communications with his elected official, albeit not the way the rest of us would do it. Hadley said he does not believe Baldwin to be dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of helping him, theyve elected to try to prosecute him. I do not see any legal theory where this individual can be criminally charged under the states own findings, he said. Baldwins bond was set at $200,000 cash or surety. If released, he must wear a tether. A probable cause conference is scheduled for April 4 followed by an April 11 preliminary exam. Baldwin was previously charged with two misdemeanor counts of stalking after two incidents last year: On March 4, 2024, he attended a Plymouth City Commission meeting where Maguire was present. The next morning, at approximately 8:34 a.m., prosecutors said he showed up at the couples Plymouth home, rang the doorbell, and sat on the front porch. According to prosecutors, Baldwin had also attempted unsolicited contact with Nessel in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plymouth police arrested Baldwin at the home, but he was later found incompetent to stand trial. Under Michigan law, if a defendant remains incompetent for one-third of the maximum sentence - four months, in this instance - the case must be dismissed unless the person regains competency. Since Baldwin remained incompetent beyond that period, his case was dismissed, and he was placed under the jurisdiction of the Wayne County Probate Court. He is currently housed in a secure facility. If he is deemed competent in the future, the criminal case could be reinstated. Contact reporter Laura Colvin at lcolvin@hometownlife.com This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Man charged again with stalking Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Guatemalan man involved in a controversial traffic stop in Rochester is facing a federal charge for being in the U.S. illegally. On March 25, Homeland Security Investigations Special agents conducted surveillance on an Orange Street home in Rochester that targeted 25-year-old Wilson Oswaldo Galvan-Lope. According to prosecutors, Galvan-Lope was an illegal-alien at the time and was under investigation for entering the U.S. after being deported in May 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a truck exited the driveway of the home, prosecutors said agents determined that Galvan-Lope and two passengers were in the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Whitney Street and Lyell Avenue. They were aggressive: Wife details moments husband, stepsons were detained by ICE, RPD Following routine questioning, prosecutors said that all three individuals inside the vehicle did not have immigration status in the United States. All three were arrested, and Galvan-Lope was charged with illegal re-entry. The traffic stop gained a lot of attention Wednesday, when Mayor Malik Evans and Chief Smith claimed an RPD officer violated city policy during the arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was followed with several responses from local and federal leaders as well as union representatives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. A New York man has been arrested and charged after an at-home plastic surgery procedure went awry, People reported. Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, 38, was arrested on March 28 after he summoned police to his home in Astoria, Queens. He has been charged with assault in the second degree and unauthorized practice of profession, a New York Police Department spokesperson told the outlet. Hoyos-Foronda allegedly called police to the house and then fled the location. When FDNY medics arrived, they found an unidentified 31-year-old woman in the throes of cardiac arrest. After a preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the victim had been given lidocaine injections, which are often used as a local anesthetic in plastic surgery procedures. Investigators also discovered a makeshift doctor's office in the suspects home. Related: Authorities Release Cause of Death for Brett Gardner's Son "[The] first apartment operating as a medical office with [a] medical exam table, cosmetic injectables syringes, exam lights," states a vacate order on the building, via CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was apprehended later that day at John F. Kennedy Airport shortly after passing through security. Hoyos-Forondo allegedly claimed he was a legally accredited doctor in Colombia; he also was in possession of a plane ticket to the country, the New York Daily News reported. Related: Mission Impossible Star Makes Prediction About Franchises Future Tragically, the victim is not expected to survive. She was transported to Mount Sinai Queens for treatment and intubated, but doctors reported that she has no brain activity. Its believed that she is suffering from lidocaine toxicity, which is when large amounts of the anesthetic enter the bloodstream, potentially causing dizziness, agitation, and cardiovascular or respiratory failure. Hoyos-Foronda has pleaded not guilty. He is being held without bail in Queens Criminal Court ahead of his next court appearance on April 3. WILLIMANTIC A resident of Maine was arrested after Willimantic Police launched an investigation into the allegations of a man and two minor victims. The investigation was launched on October 18 and involved Brandon Morris, 29, of Maine. Police said the investigation developed over several months, which resulted in Morriss arrest warrant. A Willimantic Police detective contacted Morris, who turned himself into Willimantic Police Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morris has been charged with aggravated sexual assault in the first degree, two counts of illegal sexual contact with a minor and two counts of sexual assault in the fourth degree. He is being held on a court-set cash/surety bond of $375,000. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A preliminary hearing was held Wednesday for a man accused of shooting someone up to seven times, leaving them a quadriplegic, the Shelby County District Attorneys Office says. Devontae Matthews, 20, was charged with criminal attempt first-degree murder and employment of a firearm with the intent to commit a dangerous felony. On February 6, Memphis police officers responded to a shooting in the 700 block of Vaal Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ORIGINAL: Man accused of South Memphis shooting that injured 1 According to police, a male victim was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. The Shelby County District Attorneys Office said Matthews is accused of shooting the victim six to seven times. Police said a man known as D-Boy was seen talking to the victim before pulling out a gun and firing shots at him. June hearing set for woman charged in Pastor Ricky Floyds death D-Boy was later identified as Matthews, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Prosecutors said the courageous testimony of an eyewitness, who was just feet away from the incident, and the victims father, who shared that his son is now a quadriplegic, were pivotal in ensuring the case was held to state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthews is being held in jail on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HAYS, Kan. (KSNW) A former employee of a Kansas Catholic school has been charged with stealing nearly $20,000 from the school. Joseph Roth, 31, of Hays, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of theft of property or services; value $1,500 to $25,000. Prosecutors allege that sometime around Feb. 5, he transferred $19,153.05 from accounts belonging to Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School to his own accounts. Hays AMC closing today after final showing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Roths LinkedIn profile, he previously served as the schools development coordinator from 2022 to 2024. He was released from jail on a $2,500 bond and is due again in court on April 8. Overseen by the Salina Diocese, Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School is the largest Catholic high school in the diocese and is the only one in western Kansas. KSN contacted the superintendent of the Salina Diocese, who declined to comment for this story. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Tyler Lee, 38, has been found guilty of Second Degree Murder for the 2017 shooting death of Christopher Peters in Loves Park. According to the Winnebago County States Attorneys Office, Lee shot Peters during a physical fight between the two men on May 20th, 2017, in the 5700 block of Park Ridge Road. A neighbor said that he found Peters outside his front door following the shooting, where he was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee was a resident of the home where the shooting took place, and was initially arrested on charges of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and cocaine and for possession of marijuana plants. Tyler Lee. Photo: Winnebago County Jail While Lee was out on bond, he was involved in a deadly wrong-way car crash in Iowa that killed 23-year-old David Nguyen. Lee later pleaded guilty to Homicide by Vehicle and Operating while Intoxicated for the 2021 crash, in which he crossed into oncoming lanes and crashed a 2019 Ford F-150 into a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 with four occupants inside. Nguyen was pronounced dead at the scene, and the others were seriously injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee is due back in Winnebago County court on June 20th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. PARIS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday expressed his concerns to his visiting Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar over the resumption of Israeli military operations in Gaza. In a press release published after their meeting, France's foreign ministry said that the two ministers held talks about the situation in Gaza. "The minister expressed his concerns over the resumption of Israeli military operations, which have caused many civilian casualties, and condemned the attacks that have hit humanitarian staff," the French ministry said. Barrot reaffirmed France's commitment to a renewed ceasefire, the release of all the hostages, and negotiations with a view to a credible plan for the "day after." The French foreign minister also stressed that the two-state solution is the only one that can guarantee peace, justice and security to both Israelis and Palestinians. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reported 1,066 Palestinians killed and 2,597 wounded since Israel's renewed offensive on March 18, bringing the total death toll to 50,423, with 114,638 injured, since the war began in October 2023. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) A man convicted of arson is back in jail for allegedly removing his electronic monitoring device. According to the arrest warrant, Daniel Gilbreath is charged with tampering with an electronic monitoring device and violating parole. Gilbreath pleaded guilty but was found incompetent to stand trial. Suspect in 2024 Wichita County hit and run arrested His sentence was suspended, and he was placed under community supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 7, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice reported that the Gilbreaths ankle monitor sent an alert, notifying authorities that the device had been removed. Subsequently, it was found in a dumpster. According to court documents, Gilbreaths arson conviction stems from an incident in May 2018 where Wichita County deputies were sent to Peterson Road to investigate someone trying to burn down a barn with somebody in it. Gilbreath is being held without bond. The victim told deputies that Gilbreath had knocked on his door, asking for a cigarette. When he declined to give him one, Gilbreath said he was going to burn the barn down with the victim inside. Gilbreath attempted to set some grass near the barn on fire using an accelerant, but due to recent rain, the fire burned out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that morning, Gilbreath returned and asked for a cigarette. When the victim told him he did not have any, Gilbreath threatened to burn the barn down again. The victim said he saw Gilbreath pouring what appeared to be charcoal fluid on wood inside the barn, but the wood was wet, and the fire went out. Investigators found an empty bottle of charcoal fluid, a gas can, and some burned papers that had been used to start the fire. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Police in Fairfax County are investigating after a dispute escalated to a deadly shooting in Woodlawn early Thursday morning. According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the shooting happened in the 8400 block of Madge Lane. This is where the Mallard Court Apartments are located. When police arrived at the apartment complex, they found two men who had been shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal Aviation Administration to increase oversight, evaluate arrival rates at DCA following deadly midair collision One man died at the scene, and the other was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Their preliminary investigation revealed that the men were involved in an argument and shot each other. We had resources in the area prior to the dispute. We were able to respond quickly and gather that evidence, said Captain Jesse Katzman in a post on social media. He said detectives are working to determine what led up to the argument. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. A Marlborough man facing animal cruelty charges after nearly 100 animals found dead on a rented Sturbridge property, is being held without bail according to officials. Andrew Sebastiano was found dangerous by a judge during an April 1st hearing and held without bail, according to a release issued by MSPCA Law Enforcement. Andrew Sebastiano was charged with 96 counts of animal cruelty, subsequent offense, and 96 charges of animal cruelty by custodian, subsequent offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to MSPCA Law Enforcement, 96 dead animals, including chickens, geese, pigs, ducks, and rabbits, were discovered at a property Sebastiano was renting in Sturbridge on March 19. Pictures of the property show makeshift pens and cages in a wooded area. MSPCA Law Enforcement Director, Chris Schindler commended the judges decision in holding Sebastiano without bail. Animal cruelty should be a factor in determining the risks an individual poses to the community, and this decision reflects that, Schindler said. As a part of the investigation into this case, a roughly eight-month-old Australian cattle dog named Foxy was seized on March 25th from Sebastiano. On April 1, Foxy was surrendered to MSPCA-Angell, according to officials. A dog by the name of Foxy was surrendered to MSPCA-Angell following its seizure during an investigation into animal cruelty in Sturbridge. (PHOTO CREDIT: MSPCA-Angell) A dog by the name of Foxy was surrendered to MSPCA-Angell following its seizure during an investigation into animal cruelty in Sturbridge. (PHOTO CREDIT: MSPCA-Angell) A dog by the name of Foxy was surrendered to MSPCA-Angell following its seizure during an investigation into animal cruelty in Sturbridge. (PHOTO CREDIT: MSPCA-Angell) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foxy is now in the process of getting ready to be adopted. The team at MSPCA-Angell will do a spay surgery, as well as have Foxy work with a behavior team, according to Schindler. Foxy is expected to be ready for adoption the week of April 7th, MSPCA-Angell says. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: [Man facing charges after nearly 100 dead animals found on rented Sturbridge property, officials say] Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The man fatally shot by San Diego police last month during a standoff in a neighborhood near Scripps Ranch was identified by authorities on Thursday. Eric Kulakow, a 59-year-old resident of San Diego, was named as the suspect who was fatally shot in the incident in the 11600 block of Angelique Street on March 25. His name had initially been withheld as authorities notified his family. According to the sheriffs office, SDPD officers had been dispatched to the area around noon after receiving a report of a man pointing a firearm at pest control workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man killed while working on box truck: SDPD Upon arrival, officers found Kulakow outside a home with a semi-automatic pistol in his hand and one pest control worker barricaded inside the back of his work truck. Shortly after the shooting, the sheriffs office said the man was also armed with a knife. As SDPDs SWAT team worked to evacuate the pest worker and nearby residents, the suspect walked toward police, who had been directing him to drop his firearm. Authorities said he was shot by two SWAT snipers after pointing the firearm towards officers, striking his upper body. Kulakow was pronounced dead at the scene from the injuries sustained in the shooting. No other injuries were reported to officers or civilians as a result of the standoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers who fired their weapons were later identified by the sheriffs office, who is handling the investigation as part of the countys protocol on officer-involved shootings, as Chris Lingenhol and Brandon Jordan. Lingenhol has been with the department for 10 years and is a SWAT sniper currently assigned to SDPDs Mid-City Division, the sheriffs office said. Jordan has been with the department for 17 years and is a SWAT sniper currently assigned to Central Division Patrol. Additional details regarding the incident remain under investigation by the sheriffs Homicide Unit. As part of the countys procedures on shootings involving law enforcement, the San Diego County District Attorneys Office will review the investigations findings to determine whether the officers bear any criminal liability for their actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arsonist sentenced to 13 years for starting string of brush fires SDPD is also conducting an administrative investigation into the officers discharge of their weapons. Authorities are asking anyone with information on the incident that could aid in these investigations to contact the sheriffs Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330, call the after hours line at 858-868-3200 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. The shooting is the second notable incident in the area in the last 10 years. Back in 2015, local sportscaster Kyle Kraska was shot multiple times in the neighborhood by an aggrieved house painter who he had contracted for a job that ultimately fell through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) A man who was found fatally shot in a west Birmingham home was identified Thursday morning. Officer Truman Fitzgerald with the Birmingham Police Department said that around 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, police received a call of a person shot inside what is believed to be an abandoned house in the 3200 block of Avenue S. At the scene, officers found a man shot inside the house. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene. Alabama actor who shared screen with Val Kilmer in Tombstone calls late actor one of the best of his generation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitzgerald said according to a preliminary investigation, there was a fight inside the house between the victim and the suspect. Police think the suspect shot the victim. Fitzgerald said there may have been criminal activity taking place inside the house before the shooting. The Jefferson County Coroners identified the man killed as 42-year-old Brandon Luvine Cunningham. Those with information on the shooting are asked to call the BPD at 205-254-1764 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A man will spend up to four decades in prison for murdering an eight-month-old in York County, the District Attorneys Office announced. Sean Deibert Jr., 21, of York, was sentenced to spend between 20 and 40 years in state prison last Wednesday, March 26, the District Attorneys Office said in a Facebook post. He will then spend seven years on probation following his release. He previously entered a Nolo Contendere plea to one count of murder of the third degree and one count of endangering the welfare of children before being sentenced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This outcome is a credit to the tireless efforts of the York City Police Department, First Deputy District Attorney Taylor Katherman, and District Attorney Tim Barker, the post state. Well done. Deibert was charged following a lengthy investigation into the babys death. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter The childs injuries that Deibert caused was by means of forceful, repeated, and severe shaking, impact, compression, and loading, and that the cumulative effect, the Grand Jurys Presentment found. The Presentment details the infant had devasting and pervasive injuries to their brain, skull, scalp, brainstem, neck, cervical cord, spinal cord and back that were caused by Deibert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) A Reading, Pa. man was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and heroin into Connecticut. Israel Mendoza, 45, also known as Israel Mandosa and D-Nice, became the subject of an investigation in 2018 after the U.S. Postal Inspection Services Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force started looking into a Hartford-area narcotics trafficking operation that involved the use of the U.S. Mail to ship parcels of drugs and drug proceeds. Montville man sentenced to 1 year in prison for selling illegal firearms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court testimony and evidence, the investigation determined that Mendoza was supplying Michael Copeland, of Bloomfield, with large quantities of cocaine. Copeland, at Mendozas direction, mailed packages containing cash to people in California. In September and October of 2018, U.S. Postal Inspectors in California intercepted two packages, each containing approximately $13,000 in cash, that Copeland sent from Connecticut to the Fresno area. Investigators were able to connect additional packages connected to the drug trafficking network via postal records. In February 2019, investigators seized a package with nearly 500 grams of cocaine that had been mailed from California to a Bloomfield residence connected to Copeland. Mendoza worked with others to distribute cocaine and heroin in the Hartford area, including Neliobet DeJesus and Danny Rhodes. After DeJesus moved to Orlando, Fla., investigators discovered a package that had been mailed to DeJesus that contained about 500 grams of cocaine and five grams of fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 31, 2019, a Hartford grand jury indicted Mendoza, Copeland, DeJesus and Rhodes with narcotics trafficking offenses. Mendoza remained a fugitive until his arrest on Aug. 14, 2023, in California. On Oct. 1, 2024, Mendoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and cocaine. He has been detained since his arrest. Copeland, DeJesus and Rhodes previously pleaded guilty. On Dec. 8, 2021, Rhodes was sentenced to 87 months in prison; on Dec. 16, 2021, Copeland was sentenced to 30 months in prison, and on March 7, 2022, DeJesus was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) Six good Samaritans, who came to the aid of a driver ejected from his truck in a fiery crash last month, were honored on Wednesday for their actions. The most powerful salute to the hometown heroes was delivered by the man they rescued. In ceremonies at the Concord Township Fire Department, Chief Matthew Sabo spoke to the honorees and the audience. We extend our deepest gratitude and commendation to Ralph Gamber, Meredith Homerick, Shaun Laubis, Janel Micsky, Jessica Pressley and Meggan Dwyer, Sabo said. Their actions remind us that heroes walk among us every day and that courage isnt about a uniform or a title. Its about stepping up when it matters the most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio libraries could lose millions in federal funding It was on the night of March 12 that a pick-up truck spun out of control on Interstate 90 in Lake County and rolled over several times, ejecting the driver. The truck landed in the median and burst into flames. The driver, 65-year-old Mario Talarico, was lying unconscious in the grass and dangerously close to the burning wreckage. Despite the threat of an explosion, six brave Ohioans, including two nurses, a corrections officer, the owner of a tire shop and a truck driver, jumped out of their vehicles and ran to help Talarico. They carried him a safe distance away and began rendering first aid until paramedics arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had a wonderful team, never knew these people before. Everybody clicked, everybody wanted to help Mario, everybody was all in. Everybody was working as fast as they could work to get him away from that burning truck, said Gamber. Talarico has no memory of the crash and it was only after he began to recover at the hospital that he was able to comprehend the severity of the accident and the lifesaving actions of his guardian angels. Monument planned to honor Superman as Clevelands own Even though he is still suffering from the effects of injuries that include head lacerations, a cracked sternum, bruised lungs and broken ribs, he wanted to attend the ceremony to give a heartfelt thank you to his hometown heroes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no words, theres no words. I think they were all put there for a reason, man. Its like a team was put together at that time for a reason, he told FOX 8. The rescuers said seeing Talarico smile is their greatest reward. I am so relieved to see how good hes doing. He looks amazing. I really wasnt sure the day of the accident how things were going to turn out, so its really nice to see hes up and hes with his daughters and his family and hes doing well, said Dwyer. Talarico said the images from that night are a reminder of how close he came to losing his life, and how six strangers showed courage in the face of fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All those people, they were amazing, he said. Ive never witnessed anything like that before. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating a Wednesday shooting that left a man dead. Jayqon Bethley, 19, was shot multiple times around 12:10 p.m. in the 900 block of Rosenwald Road. BRPD said they believe an argument involving two unidentified individuals led to the shooting in a parking lot. As Bethley and a passenger attempted to leave the area, one of the subjects fired multiple shots into his vehicle, according to BRPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bethley drove himself to a hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained in the shooting. If anyone has information about this shooting, call the Violent Crimes Unit at 225-389-4869 or Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867. Denham Springs man charged after pedestrian hurt in hit-and-run Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A man working on a box truck outside of a business in Miramar Wednesday was killed when the vehicle fell on him, authorities said. The incident happened around 5:43 p.m. in the 7800 block of Trade Street, the San Diego Police Department confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI. No other vehicles were involved. Authorities are investigating the incident. Check back for updates on this developing story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. People are seen at a school-turned shelter after an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, on April 4, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Dar Al-Arqam school, east of Gaza City, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said on Thursday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 29 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Dar Al-Arqam school, east of Gaza City, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said on Thursday. The office stated that among the dead were 18 children, women, and elderly people. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense, told Xinhua that "the school had been sheltering displaced families seeking refuge from continuous Israeli bombardment." "The army attacked it while it was sheltering many displaced people," he said, adding that emergency teams rushed to the scene, pulling bodies from the rubble and treating the wounded amid the destruction. Locals said the Israeli army attacked the school with three missiles. "The blast was massive. Many were killed instantly, and others are still trapped under the debris," said Mohammed Alaa, a local resident. Also on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed in a statement that it struck prominent militants in a Hamas command and control center in the area of Gaza City. The center had been used by the militants to plan and execute attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops, according to the statement. Israel ended a two-month ceasefire on March 18 and resumed deadly air and ground assaults on the Palestinian enclave. The renewed Israeli attacks have so far killed 1,163 Palestinians and injured 2,735 others, Gaza health authorities said on Thursday. Also on Thursday, Israel's military spokesman Effie Defrin said the army had entered "a new stage" in its offensive in Gaza, adding that it had carried out more than 600 attacks on the enclave since March 18. People are seen at a school-turned shelter after an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, on April 4, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Dar Al-Arqam school, east of Gaza City, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said on Thursday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) People are seen at a school-turned shelter after an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, on April 4, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Dar Al-Arqam school, east of Gaza City, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said on Thursday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) People are seen at a school-turned shelter after an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, on April 4, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Dar Al-Arqam school, east of Gaza City, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said on Thursday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) People are seen at a school-turned shelter after an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, on April 4, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Dar Al-Arqam school, east of Gaza City, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said on Thursday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) People search among the rubble of a school-turned shelter after an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, on April 4, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Dar Al-Arqam school, east of Gaza City, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said on Thursday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) People are seen at a school-turned shelter after an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, on April 4, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Dar Al-Arqam school, east of Gaza City, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said on Thursday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GRAY, Maine (AP) A passenger in a car in Maine fatally shot his mother before shooting at passing vehicles, killing another motorist and injuring two others, then died by suicide, state police said Thursday. The shootings happened in the central Maine town of Sabattus late Wednesday afternoon, police said. The 29-year-old shooter was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his mother, Christine Smith, 47, of Sabattus, police said in a news release. The shooter, James Davis III of Sabattus, shot and killed Smith and exited the vehicle after it came to a stop, at which point he started shooting at passing vehicles, police said. The shootings killed Katherine Williams, 53, of Sabattus, and injured Tyson Turner, 19, of Jay, and David Wilson, 35, of Hartford, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, Davis was acting erratically at his father's house, Maine State Police Col. William Ross said. Davis was armed with a .357 revolver, an AK-style rifle and, authorities believe, one or two other guns, Ross said. Family members have indicated Davis was experiencing a mental health crisis Wednesday, but it's unclear if he was suffering from a longer-term mental health condition, Ross said. Throughout the day, family members attempted to get in touch with Smith, who was the primary caregiver to Davis and was usually able to calm him down during erratic episodes, Ross said. Smith and Davis also lived together, he said. Davis met up with his mother later in the day and Davis shot Smith with the revolver while she was driving, Ross said. A very dynamic scene involving a mother and an adult child. So it has a domestic undertone to it, Ross said. Then you have random acts of violence at people that James Davis III did not know and did not have contact prior to shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After shooting his mother, Davis opened fire at other vehicles with the rifle, Ross said. Those shootings killed Williams, who had no known association with Davis, he said. Williams was the sole occupant of her vehicle, police said. Williams, who went by Kay, was the kitchen manager at two schools in Litchfield, where she had a remarkable ability to build strong connections with students and staff, Superintendent Katherine Grondin said in an email. Her kindness and dedication made a lasting impact on our school community, and she will be deeply missed, Grondin said. Our hearts go out to her family as they navigate this loss. It has been a difficult day for all of us as we mourn the passing of a valued and beloved member of our school family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis shot and killed himself after the shootings, police said. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Williams was brought to Central Maine Medical Center after the shooting and pronounced dead, police said. Turner and Wilson were brought to Central Maine Medical Center and are expected to survive, police said. They were traveling in separate cars and were the sole occupants of their vehicles, they said. Police said the shootings remained under investigation Thursday. State police said they had no history of prior contact with Davis. The three deceased individuals were transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where autopsies will be performed, said Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for Maine State Police. ___ Associated Press writer Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Roman Richmond, 30, has pleaded guilty to murder for killing Daniel Johnson, 29, during a drug deal at a Toyota dealership in Loves Park. According to court records, Johnson was an employee of Anderson Toyota, at 4100 N. Perryville Road, on April 7th, 2022, when the murder occurred. Court records showed that Richmond arrived at the dealership after agreeing to pay another employee $1,000 for a pound of marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 4:45 that day, Richmond attempted to rob the employee of the drugs while meeting inside a car in the parking lot. Johnson, who was armed and in another car, pointed a gun at Richmond and ordered him to leave, but Richmond shot first, hitting Johnson in the chest, records show. Richmond was later captured by police in the area of the Rockford Bicycle Company, at 4169 N. Perryville Road. Responding officers found Johnson dead in the parking lot of the dealership. Richmond pleaded guilty to the charge of First Degree Murder as part of a plea deal in court on Thursday. Charges of Armed Habitual Criminal and Armed Robbery were dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was sentenced to spend 29 years in prison, with credit for the 3 already served. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A man pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court Wednesday to trafficking wholesale quantities of narcotics into the District, according to the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia (USADC). The USADC said 69-year-old Ronnie Rogers pleaded guilty to: Three counts of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and 100 grams or more of heroin Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and cocaine base Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Choppa City street crew members sentenced for armored truck robberies According to the plea agreement, Rogers worked with co-conspirators to traffic fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and more into the District between July 2021 and November 2023. Drugs included: Over 12 kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil (100 times more potent than fentanyl) Over 1967 grams of fentanyl analog (more lethal than fentanyl) Over 236 grams of heroin, over 500 grams of cocaine Less than 28 grams of cocaine base. The USADC stated that on Nov. 29, 2023, officers executed search warrants for Rogers homes. Federal Aviation Administration to increase oversight, evaluate arrival rates at DCA following deadly midair collision Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Rogers apartment in the 1200 block of Massachusetts Avenue NW, the following was seized: A baggie containing a mixture of 494.8 grams of a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil A baggie with 704.8 grams of carfentanil An envelope containing 115.91 grams of fentanyl A baggie containing 201 grams of fentanyl Baggies containing 1,785 grams of acetaminophen and 18 grams of fentanyl. A Smith & Wesson SD-40 firearm A Glock 43 pistol and a Rugar LCP pistol $23,000 in cash Drug packaging materials and scales. The USADC noted that in Rogers home in the 6500 block of Gateway Boulevard, in District Heights, Md., officers also found: Two baggies of 151 grams of fentanyl Plastic bags containing 2.4 grams of xylazine and 1.8 grams of heroin Baggies holding bundles of smaller bags containing 7.7 grams of fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, 1.4 grams of carfentanil, and 2.8 grams of acetaminophen 20 small baggies containing 5.1 grams of fentanyl, heroin, and xylazine Bags containing 97.3 grams of heroin and fentanyl, 45.4 grams of cocaine base, and 14.2 grams of fentanyl with xylazine. A Smith &Wesson .357 revolver A Springfield XD 9mm firearm A Canik TP9 pistol with assorted ammunition and magazines $1,524 in cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announces sweeping reciprocal tariffs At another one of Rogers homes located in the 2100 block of Pineview Court, Waldorf, Md., officers also seized a FedEx parcel containing 1,013 grams of fentanyl. The operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, which dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. Rogers faces up to life in prison for his crimes. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 21, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. (FOX40.COM) A boyfriend and girlfriend pair were arrested following a robbery in southern Sacramento County that occurred earlier this year, the Sacramento Sheriffs Office said. Video Above: What happens when you call 911? According to the sheriffs office, on February 19, the suspects followed a man home from work and parked around the corner from his residence. When the victim exited the vehicle, one of the suspects approached the victim and revealed a gun, the sheriffs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officer shoots dog after being attacked in West Sacramento According to the sheriffs office, the suspect then took the mans wallet and left in a car driven by his girlfriend. The victims credit cards were then used at a gas station and a liquor store. The sheriffs office said detectives investigated the robbery and obtained warrants for the couples arrest. The male suspect was arrested on March 25 and is being held on $100,000 bail at the Sacramento County Main Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 9. The female suspect turned herself in on Wednesday morning and posted the $50,000 bail. She is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. (KRON) The Napa Police Department is seeking the communitys assistance in locating a man who was convicted of multiple counts of assault of a minor with intent to commit rape. Antonio Roman-Vega fled in November while awaiting sentencing on a 25-year term, authorities announced Thursday. Authorities released a photo of Roman-Vega, who is wanted by the Napa County Probation Department. Antonio Roman-Vega (Napa Police Department) The 39-year-old convict had a GPS monitoring device last detected on November 8 in Earlimart, just north of Delano, Napa police said. When the Tulare County Sheriffs Office searched the area, he was not found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His GPS device was believed to be in the middle of a retaining pond, said authorities. Second arrest made in Napa County child pornography case According to Napa PD, Roman-Vega has a black 2004 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with the California license plate 68482E1. The truck was last seen in Delano on March 10. Anyone with information on Roman-Vegas whereabouts is asked to contact the Napa Police Department at 707-257-9223. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Apr. 2A 27-year-old man who brutally beat a woman in an unprovoked downtown Spokane attack and then killed an Eastern State Hospital patient six months later was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Martay L. Ellis pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder in the death of Daniel Zellmer and the first-degree assault of Tiffany Turner, according to court documents. Spokane County Superior Court Judge Michelle Szambelan then sentenced Ellis to 215 months in prison. In September 2021, Ellis was walking near Second Avenue and Jefferson Street when Turner drove up in her car beside him, according to court documents. Street cameras show Ellis made some type of gesture to her, so she got out of her car to speak to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he approached her, he threw a punch and tackled her to the ground, according to court records. The two struggled in the street as Ellis repeatedly punched Turner in the head until she stopped moving. Ellis stood up and stomped on her head multiple times, court records said, then ran away. Turner was taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where she was intubated due to "significant head trauma." She has since been released. Ellis was civilly committed at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake after the assault. In March 2022, while at Eastern State, Ellis punched, kicked and stomped Zellmer multiple times in a common area of their ward, killing him. The charges were dismissed because Ellis was found incompetent to stand trial, but later refiled after he was taken to a less restrictive area of a state hospital. Ellis will serve three years of probation when he's released from prison. COLFAX COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) A Georgia man has been sentenced to prison for a deadly stabbing at a New Mexico rest area in 2024. Dorien Ray will serve over 30 years behind bars for murdering 79-year-old David Adams. The investigation began about a year ago. Agents discovered Ray stabbed Adams at the Tinaja rest area. Ray then stole the vehicle owned by Adams and his wife. Officers found the vehicle, then took Ray into custody after a pursuit. Ray was charged with an open count of murder, armed robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Ray pled guilty to second-degree murder and armed robbery on Feb. 6. The plea agreement includes his 15-year sentence for murdering Adams, as well as a five-year enhancement, and nine years for the armed robbery charge. An additional seven years and six months will be served due to charges from the pursuit. Those include aggravated fleeing, aggravated assault on a peace officer, criminal damage to property, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, Rays sentence is 36 years and six months. Police say Ray was also a suspect in a different case where he took out a knife and stole a vehicle in Aurora, Colorado. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A man set himself and his car on fire on Amsterdams Dam Square on Thursday, police said. Images posted by local media and online show a small red car pulling up to the National Monument located near the squares south-eastern corner. A small explosion followed shortly afterwards, with flames shooting out of the vehicle. Camera images show that the fire on the Dam was sparked after an explosion in a car, Amsterdam police confirmed on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that moment, there were a lot of people close to the vehicle, but as far as we know, no bystanders were injured, police added. Passers-by can be seen scattering, with several police vehicles quickly surrounding the burning car. The fire was believed to have been deliberately started by the cars driver who was injured in the process, police said. The driver stumbled from the car with his clothes on fire, quickly extinguished by police. The injured man was taken to hospital and was under police arrest. He was later identified as a 50-year-old Dutch national from the North Netherlands province. Police did not release his name. The square in the heart of the city remained largely cordoned off - Dingena Mol/AFP Police and explosives officers probed the burnt-out vehicle - Michel Van Bergen/Shutterstock Detectives are keeping all scenarios open, but have strong suspicions that the man wanted to take his own life. He is suspected of arson, the police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An AFP reporter on the scene saw police and explosives officers probing the burnt-out vehicle, while the square in the heart of the city remained largely cordoned off. A witness told the local AT5 television station she heard a small pop, not even a real explosion on the square and saw people running away. Then suddenly there was a loud bang and lots of black smoke. After that, I saw the man. Suddenly he was on fire. It was unreal, she said. The latest incident came days after a Ukrainian man last week stabbed five people at random in the streets around the square, located in the heart of the Dutch capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dutch prosecutors said on Tuesday the man acted with terrorist intent. 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. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) A man who was previously shot by his twin brother, has been transported to Muscogee County Jail on drug possession charges. According to the Columbus Police Department, on April 2, 2025, Royce Foster was transported to the Muscogee County Jail and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Cocaine. Previously, on March 24, police officers responded to 10th St., near Veterans Pkwy., and found Foster with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional for treatment. During treatment, narcotics was found in Fosters possession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His twin brother, Roy Foster, was previously charged with shooting him on the day of the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. GAZA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 31 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others wounded on Thursday when an Israeli airstrike hit a school sheltering displaced persons in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, according to the Civil Defense in Gaza. Mahmoud Basal, a Civil Defense spokesman, told Xinhua that rescue teams recovered the bodies of 31 victims, including 18 children and an elderly woman, from the rubble of Dar Al-Arqam school, which had been struck by multiple Israeli missiles. "The situation is catastrophic. There are remains of children everywhere, and dozens of people are still trapped under the debris," Basal said, adding that emergency workers face severe shortages of equipment and resources. He noted that most of the victims were women and children who had sought refuge at the school after fleeing airstrikes on their homes in other parts of Gaza. According to Basal, six individuals remain missing, including a pregnant woman expecting twins, her husband, and their children. "The explosion was massive. Many people were killed instantly, and some others are still buried under the rubble," Mohammed Alaa, a local resident, told Xinhua. Following the strike, Israeli warplanes also targeted two nearby schools, Shaaban al-Rayes and Fahd Al-Sabah. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, rescue teams continued efforts to locate survivors and retrieve bodies. Early in the morning, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on the Shuja'iyya neighborhood, also in the eastern part of Gaza City, killing at least 20, said the Gaza-based health authorities. "The entire area is under attack. People are afraid to leave their homes, and the situation is becoming unbearable," Ahmed Saeed, a resident of Shuja'iyya, told Xinhua. Hamas denounced the attack on the school-turned shelter as part of "a systematic policy to destroy Gaza and displace its residents." The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed in a statement that it struck prominent militants in a Hamas command and control center in the area of Gaza City. The center had been used by the militants to plan and execute attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops, according to the statement. Also on Thursday, Israel's military spokesman Effie Defrin said the army had entered "a new stage" in its offensive in Gaza, adding that it had carried out more than 600 attacks on the enclave since resuming operations on March 18. The renewed Israeli attacks have so far killed over 1,160 Palestinians, according to the Gaza-based health authorities. Meanwhile, Gaza's healthcare system faces near-total collapse due to dwindling resources. "The number of wounded is rising rapidly, and we are running out of essential medical supplies. Many patients are dying due to the lack of proper treatment," said Fadel Naim, director of the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, urging the opening of border crossings to facilitate medical aid delivery and civilian evacuations. The Gaza-based health authorities also reported a severe shortage of medicines, electricity, and safe shelters for patients. The United Nations and international organizations have warned of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where thousands of civilians remain trapped amid the ongoing violence. Human rights groups have also urged an independent investigation into the Israeli airstrikes and their impact on civilians. "We are struggling to provide assistance to those in need, but the situation is dire. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is reaching a breaking point," Adnan Abu Hasna, media advisor of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, told Xinhua. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Niagara Falls man suffered non-life threatening injuries Wednesday evening after he drove into the Niagara Gorge, according to New York State Park Police. Police said 42-year-old Mark Heugan drove a vehicle through a fence near the Whirlpool Bridge and into the gorge. The incident occurred in the area of Depot Avenue. Officers said they responded to a medical call just before 6:30 p.m. Heugan was able to extract himself from the vehicle and walk out of the gorge, police said. He was treated at the scene, then transported to ECMC for non-life threatening injuries. No other individuals were involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident, as well as a means of removing the vehicle from the gorge, remain under investigation. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. A man wanted for a 2019 Kentucky murder has been arrested after breaking his leg while trying to flee from U.S. Marshals in North Carolina, officials said Wednesday. Charles Ray Blevins, 38, allegedly shot and killed a man in South Williamson, Kentucky on July 6, 2019, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service. Blevins was out on parole at the time, having previously been convicted of second-degree murder in West Virginia. A warrant was issued for his arrest on July 11. He was listed as a major case fugitive by the U.S. Marshals Service, and was being considered for elevation to the agency's 15 Most Wanted fugitives listed, the USMS said in a news release. In addition to being wanted for first-degree murder in Kentucky, he was also wanted on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a parole violation charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blevins was a danger to the public, the USMS said. He was known to carry firearms and had access to firearms. He had also made statements indicating that he would "engage in violence with any law enforcement officers who attempted to arrest him" rather than going back to prison. Recently, West Virginia and Kentucky investigators learned that Blevins had traveled to South Carolina, the U.S. Marshals Service said. They tipped off the USMS Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. That agency was able to learn that Blevins was frequenting a house in Gaffney, South Carolina. Investigators began surveilling the home. The USMS Special Operations Group prepares to arrest Blevins. / Credit: U.S. Marshals Service On March 31, the task force and deputies from the U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group moved to apprehend Blevins. He attempted to flee through the back of the house but fell and broke his leg. He was taken into custody without further incident, the USMS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Given the seriousness of Mr. Blevins' alleged crimes, the threat he posed to the public, and his ability to avoid capture, it was critical that we bring him into custody swiftly and safely," said Acting U.S. Marshals Service Director Mark Pittella in the news release. Blevins was brought to an area hospital for treatment. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, the agency said. He will be extradited to Kentucky to face charges. Authors of "Autism Out Loud" on motherhood, diagnosis and growth on the spectrum Democratic-backed candidate wins record-breaking Wisconsin Supreme Court seat Trump addresses reporters as markets fall in wake of tariff announcement ATLANTA (WRBL) Governor Brian P. Kemp announced a major new manufacturing facility opening in Smyrna. Georgia-headquartered Flock Safety, a license plate recognition and technology solutions provider, will open a 97,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the production of the companys public safety tools, including Drone as First Responder technology as well as refurbishing damaged devices and assembling solar panels. According to the company, the facility will create an estimated 210 new jobs over the next three years and represents an investment of approximately $10 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Georgia, we foster a business environment where innovative companies can get off the ground and grow into leaders in their industry while operating in safe communities, said Governor Brian Kemp. Flock Safety is a great example of the success that approach has created, and were proud to celebrate this milestone with them. We look forward to many years of partnership with Flock Safety in their efforts to help keep Georgians safe. Hiring for the new facility is underway now, with projections to meet full operations in 2027. Interested individuals can learn more about working at Flock Safety and apply at www.flocksafety.com/careers. Smyrnas convenient location and diverse talent pool make the city an ideal environment for corporate innovation opportunities, said Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton. We appreciate Flocks confidence in Smyrna and welcome them to our community. Founded in Georgia in 2017, the company currently supports more than 250 jobs in the state. Flock Safety launched its Drone as First Responder system last year upon the acquisition of Aerodome, a company that specializes in rapid response drones for public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Israel has announced it will establish a new security corridor in Gaza that will result in the city of Rafah being cut off from the rest of Gaza. In a major expansion of its military operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will seize the Morag Axis, a reference to a former Israeli settlement located between Rafah and Khan Younis in the south of Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said on Wednesday. We are now dividing the Strip and we are increasing pressure step by step so they will give us our hostages, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel resumed its bombing of Gaza on March 18 after two months of peace when its ceasefire deal with Hamas fell apart. The Palestinian terror group on Wednesday said it had rejected Israels latest proposal for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza, accusing Mr Netanyahu of trying to derail any agreement. Israel has insisted that military pressure is the only way to force Hamas to release the remaining 60 hostages. The first phase of the truce, which began on Jan 19, led to the return of 33 Israeli hostages, eight of whom were dead, in exchange for the release of approximately 1,800 Palestinian detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expansion of Israels operation will cut off Rafah from Khan Younis, giving the military control of a third corridor in addition to the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the border with Egypt, and the Netzarim Corridor near Gaza City in the north. It came as Israeli troops completed their encirclement of the Tel al-Sultan area near Rafah, killing dozens of Hamas fighters, as the IDF operation showed no signs of letting up. Eyal Zamir, an Israeli lieutenant general, said the fighting would continue at a deliberate and determined pace. The only thing that can halt our further advance is the release of our hostages, he said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not clear exactly how much additional land Israel intends to seize or whether the establishment of a new corridor represents a permanent annexation of territory. The Israeli military had already issued evacuation warnings to Gazans living in some southern districts and Palestinian radio reported that the area around Rafah was almost completely empty following the evacuation orders. One Hamas official told AFP that last weeks Egyptian-Qatari proposal included a 50-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release five Israeli soldiers, including one who holds US citizenship. In exchange, Israel would release 200 prisoners, including 150 serving life sentences, as well as 2,000 Palestinians captured since October 7. The proposal would also include the withdrawal of the Israeli army from areas of Gaza where it had redeployed since March 18. An Israeli soldier conducts military operations in Tel al-Sultan on Wednesday - Reuters As of today, 64 per cent of Gaza is under active forced displacement orders or falling within the so-called buffer zone, said Jonathan Whittall, the top UN aid official for Gaza and the West Bank. Nowhere and no one is safe in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move has reinforced Palestinian fears that Israel could take full control of the coastal enclave in the wake of Donald Trump announcing his plans for Gaza. Israeli officials have said they would facilitate the voluntary departure of Palestinians after Mr Trump called for it to be permanently evacuated and redeveloped under US control. Israeli politicians have also been encouraged following protests by Palestinians living in Gaza, which has been controlled by Hamas since 2007. I call on the residents of Gaza to act now to eliminate Hamas and return all the kidnapped, Israel Katz, the defence minister, said in his statement. This is the only way to end the war. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. COLUMBUS, Ohio APRIL 20: A man with a hat depicting a cannabis leaf joins supporters of legalized marijuana gathered to smoke products containing CBD and other cannabis related items, April 20, 2023, outside the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.) Seventy percent of Americans, including majorities of both Democratic and Republican voters, say that marijuana should be legal. Yet far too often, lawmakers choose to either ignore this constituency or treat them with outright hostility. In Republican-led states like Nebraska, Ohio, and Texas, elected officials are making it clear that election outcomes legalizing marijuana no longer matter to them. And in Democratic-led states like Maryland, Michigan, and New Jersey, lawmakers are seeking to undermine existing legalization markets by drastically hiking marijuana-related taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all cases, elected officials are treating cannabis consumers as targets, not constituents. Earlier this year, Republican lawmakers in South Dakota sought to repeal the states medical cannabis access law, despite 70% of voters having approved it. The effort failed, but only by a single vote. In Nebraska, lawmakers are also considering legislation to roll back the states voter-approved medical marijuana law and Republican Attorney General Mike Hilgers has urged lawmakers to ignore the election results altogether. In Ohio, GOP lawmakers in the Senate recently approved legislation to rescind many of the legalization provisions approved by 57% of voters in 2023. Changes advanced by lawmakers include limiting home-cultivation rights and creating new crimes for adults who share cannabis with one another or purchase legal cannabis products from out of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued several cities, including Dallas, for implementing voter-approved ordinances decriminalizing marijuana possession. As a result, local lawmakers in various cities including Lockhart and Bastrop are ignoring voters decisions to amend their municipal marijuana policies rather than face costly litigation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In Idaho, Republican Gov. Brad Little signed mandatory minimum penalties into law for low-level marijuana possession. And GOP lawmakers have approved a constitutional amendment forbidding voters from weighing in on any future ballot measure to legalize marijuana. And in Florida, where a 2024 marijuana legalization narrowly failed it received majority support but less than the 60% threshold required under the state law Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is leading the charge to make it harder for future petitions to qualify for the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These concerted attacks are an explicit reminder that the war on cannabis and its consumers remains ongoing and in some cases is even escalating. Blue states havent made moves to roll back legalization or reverse election results. But several Democratic governors are looking to balance their budget deficits on the backs of consumers. For instance, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has proposed raising the states marijuana-related taxes nearly five-fold. A Maryland budget proposal seeks to nearly double the special sales tax consumers pay on retail marijuana purchases. And in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proposed an additional 32% wholesale tax on cannabis. If enacted, these proposed increases will not only lighten consumers wallets, but they will also hurt state-licensed businesses. As lawmakers push marijuana prices artificially higher, many consumers will exit the legal market and begin patronizing the unregulated marketplace, undermining one of the primary goals of legalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of whether you live in a red or blue state, or in a jurisdiction where cannabis is legal or illicit, its time for legalization advocates to stand up and assert themselves. Cannabis consumers are neither criminals nor ATMs. Theyre hard-working responsible adults. And they vote. Now is not the time to become complacent or presume that marijuana will somehow legalize itself. Change only occurs when advocates agitate for it and when elected officials fear political consequences for failing to abide by voters demands. Those who support legalizing marijuana arent part of the ideological fringe. Theyre the majority. Its time for advocates to act like it and for lawmakers to treat cannabis consumers with the respect they deserve. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE When U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, makes a pronouncement, I brace for impact the same way Id prepare for a car or train wreck. Her bombastic style might be popular with MAGA voters, but its frequently a distraction from Republican governing priorities. Occasionally, even the loudest voices land on a truth worth considering. This time, shes right the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) should be eliminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, conservatives have argued that taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund media CPB outlets like National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) because of their politically biased programming and leadership. To date, Congress has largely avoided those arguments as yet another round of culture war bickering. NPR's past statements show clear partisanship In recent testimony before Congress, NPRs CEO Katherine Maher admitted concern when confronted with the allegation that 100% of her editorial board 87 members are registered Democrats. Notably, she did not dispute the allegation. Regrettably, Mahers prior public comments have become a political lightning rod. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, she lamented Hillary Clintons use of the terms boy and girl as erasing language for non-binary people. In 2020, Maher referred to President Donald Trump as a deranged racist sociopath. In a 2022 TED Talk, she infamously stated, our reverence for the truth might be a distraction thats getting in the way of finding common ground and getting things done. Mahers political views are quite liberal and particularly well established in spite of her apparent amnesia about the same during her congressional testimony. What is that deranged racist sociopath ranting about today? I truly do not understand. Katherine Maher (@krmaher) May 14, 2020 It doesnt matter. American CEOs with political hot takes are a dime a dozen. The main difference between Maher and her executive peers is that most CEOs run companies which arent funded by the American taxpayer. When the person leading a publicly funded media entity openly speaks like a political activist, the premise that NPR offers an unbiased, fair approach to programming doesnt hold water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shockingly, that doesnt really matter either. Broadcast landscape has changed as consumer habits have The CPB shouldnt exist at all. The First Amendment enshrines a free press to hold government power accountable. A government-funded media apparatus, no matter how unbiased it claims to be, cannot credibly serve that end because political masters hold the financial reins. Government must be able to communicate to the public, but CPB is inherently state programming masquerading as a typical media outlet. Defenders of NPR and PBS will argue that CPB provides essential programming that wouldnt otherwise survive in a purely commercial media landscape. That might have been the case in the era of three television networks and a handful of AM radio stations, but the world has changed. The explosion of digital media has shattered any legitimate claim that we need government-funded television or radio to ensure diverse perspectives and high-quality journalism. Americans today have more media choices than ever before. Streaming services, podcasts, YouTube channels, and independent news sites provide content precisely tailored to every conceivable interest and ideology. If a viewpoint or niche deserves an audience, it can and will find one without taxpayer dollars propping it up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Testifying with Maher, Alaska Public Medias Ed Ulman claimed public media may be the only option for rural emergency broadcasts. "We provide potentially life-saving warnings and alerts that are crucial for Alaskans who face threats ranging from extreme weather to earthquakes, landslides and even volcanoes," he said. While such communications are indeed essential, we have countless ways of providing them which dont justify the existence of a federal media bureaucracy. Elon Musks Starlink comes immediately to mind as a radically more efficient solution for emergency communications than CPBs $500 million annual cost. NPR and PBS can survive without the government's dime Others will contend that NPR and PBS produce valuable content beyond public communications, such as educational programming and cultural shows. The reality is that PBS doesnt own most of its iconic programs. It secures the rights to run them through acquisition deals. If these programs are truly valuable, the content-hungry modern media marketplace would certainly air them. Take "Sesame Street," once the flagship defense of public broadcasting, for example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, HBO secured rights to first-runs of the popular childrens program with episodes running on PBS several months later. At the end of 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of HBO, opted not to renew the Sesame Street deal. One of the most memorable shows of my childhood is presently homeless. If PBSs most venerated show cant find market traction, what does that say about how much Americans value CPB content? The uncomfortable reality is that NPR and PBS have long since outlived their utility. Now the federal government is simply paying for content whether taxpayers support it or not. Pulling the plug on CPB funding wouldnt silence NPR or PBS. They could continue to operate with private donations, subscription models, or sponsorships just like every other media outlet struggling today. Cameron Smith, columnist for The Tennessean and the USA TODAY Network Tennessee In a free society, the press should hold the government accountable, not be an extension of it. Thats the principle that matters here. And its why, despite the messenger, Greenes argument to eliminate the CPB merits strong consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAY Network Tennessee Columnist Cameron Smith is a Memphis-born, Brentwood-raised recovering political attorney raising four boys in Nolensville, Tenn., with his particularly patient wife, Justine. Direct outrage or agreement to smith.david.cameron@gmail.com or @DCameronSmith on Twitter. Agree or disagree? Send a letter to the editor to letters@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Public broadcasting should no longer get government funding | Opinion A Marlboro man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to possessing and distributing child pornography, the U.S. Attorney said. Larry Stephen, 46, pleaded guilty on March 25 to one count each of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement on Wednesday. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for June 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2023, Stephen was indicted by a federal grand jury. He was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on July 18, 2023. According to the charging documents, Authorities identified Stephen as a man using a social media platform to receive and post child pornography, according to the charging documents. On June 7, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Stephens home in Marlboro, where Stephens cell phone was seized. A preliminary examination of the cell phone revealed the presence of child pornography, prosecutors said. Stephen repeatedly posted images and videos of child pornography videos on a social media platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For each of the two charges, possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography, Stephen faces a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW by Xinhua writer Hua Hongli DAR ES SALAAM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Buried in Tanzania, their names never fade. On a rainy April morning in Dar es Salaam, two men stood silently on the cemetery's edge. Neither flinched as the drizzle soaked their shirts nor shifted as the national anthems of China and Tanzania rose into the sky. It was the start of a solemn ceremony to honor 70 Chinese engineers, technicians, and workers who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and now rest far from home, beneath Tanzanian soil. Saidi Omari Mpauka and Msafiri Omari are caretakers of the Chinese expert cemetery, employed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) East Africa Ltd. "To these fallen heroes, honor," said Mpauka, laying a wreath before one of the graves. "May your souls rest in eternal peace." "Let today not only be about remembrance, but about renewing our promise to carry forward the spirit of Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA)," said Omari. Besides Mpauka and Omari, staff from the Chinese embassy, Tanzanian officials, members of the Chinese community, and local citizens stood nearby. The gathering also coincided with the Qingming Festival, a traditional Chinese occasion for paying tribute to the deceased and remembering ancestors. Before the wreaths were laid, Yang Ting, a CCECC East Africa staff member, stepped forward, recounting the stories of those fallen heroes. "The youngest among the martyrs, Jin Chengwei, was not yet 22 when he died," said the soft-spoken Yang, her voice trembling. "Li Jingpu, a tunnel team leader, passed away just after receiving a pair of cloth shoes mailed by his wife, but he never got to wear them. He left nine handwritten letters from Africa to his family back home." At that moment, emotion transcended language and life, as it flowed across the cemetery's stillness and into the rhythm of the falling rain. Yang's speech continued as the drizzle lingered. In the silence, it was as if the distant sound of a train echoed through the earth, a low, steady memory of steel and sacrifice. The line they built still runs, and their legacy remains. Zhang Xiaozhen, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam, was among those who placed white flowers on the tombstones. "Careful," she whispered to a student volunteer beside her. "Don't step on the grass." She bowed down to place a flower at one grave, her fingers resting lightly on the cold stone. Her lips moved, but nothing was said aloud, only a silent "thank you." Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese embassy in Tanzania Wang Yong and Tanzanian Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile bore the same quiet expression as the drizzle continued. "TAZARA is more than a railway," Kihenzile said. "It is a monument of true friendship between China, Tanzania, and Zambia. This was the first overseas project of its kind, and we must ensure its story lives on." Wang echoed the sentiment. "The fallen experts as heroes," he said. "Their legacy continues to symbolize China-Tanzania and China-Africa friendship. They will live forever in the hearts of the Chinese and Tanzanian people, just as the TAZARA railway stands as a testament to their efforts." Bruno Ching'andu, managing director of TAZARA, reminded the crowd that the line was completed in 1975, after five years of toil under some of the harshest conditions imaginable. "We see their spirit in every train that runs, in every ton of cargo moved, in every journey made possible by their sacrifice." Five decades later, the memory remains alive. "They overcame natural obstacles, shortages, and disease," said Wang Lei, deputy general manager of CCECC East Africa. "They built something greater than infrastructure. They built trust, with sweat, and in some cases, with their lives." The TAZARA railway, known as the "Uhuru Railway" or "Independent Railway," was constructed as a turnkey project between 1970 and 1975 through an interest-free loan from China. Commercial operations started in July 1976, covering 1,860 km from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. "This isn't just history," Msafiri, the cemetery keeper, concluded. "This is a promise that we remember and continue." The rain kept falling, echoing the quiet vow made by all who live. The journey once paved in sweat and sacrifice would never be forgotten. An Arkansas couple vacationing at a Scottsdale, Arizona, Airbnb say they enjoyed an intimate moment on their first evening in the home, only to discover a hidden camera above the bed the following morning, according to a gut-wrenching federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent . Eliot and Nancy Young, whose teenage children were staying in the next room, subsequently found a memory card in the spy cam that contained videos of past renters dating back to 2020, the suit contends. It claims the pair also located devices that [they] believed could livestream what had transpired the night before, prompting them to contact local police. Attorney Joseph Brown, who is representing the Youngs, told The Independent that he has reached out to Airbnb and the homeowner multiple times, but is yet to receive any response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its horrible, he said of his clients experience. You go away on vacation and you dont expect to be violated. The whole purpose of renting a house is to have the freedom of being in a home and not a hotel room, and not to think that somebody is using you for their own personal gratification. Its scary. Guests at Airbnb properties across the globe have gone public with their own horror stories about surveillance cameras capturing their most personal moments. In 2023, a pair of newlyweds honeymooning at an Airbnb in Malaysia notified law enforcement after allegedly spotting a camera hidden in a wall socket . That same year, a man staying at an Airbnb in Wales discovered a secret webcam tucked between two sofa cushions , surveilling the entire living room. In another shocking violation, a New Zealand family staying at an Airbnb in Ireland found their every move being broadcast on a livestream, via multiple cameras concealed throughout the home. The Young family traveled to Scottsdale from their home in Arkansas, for a five-day stay (AFP via Getty Images) In March 2024, Airbnb banned the use of indoor security cameras at all of its listings, worldwide. Privacy advocates hailed the move as a win for travelers, with one deeming the widespread availability of hidden cameras, which can be purchased online for as little as $20, as ripe for abuse. On Thursday, an Airbnb spokesperson told The Independent, Hidden cameras have always been and will always be banned on Airbnb, and issues are exceptionally rare. We supported the guest and suspended the host from the platform last year, and we stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation into this allegation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Youngs booked an Airbnb in Scottsdale last year, they planned on staying there for five days, according to their lawsuit. After paying nearly $2,800 to rent the 6-bed, 5-bath house in the citys Paradise Heights section, the family of four arrived at around 4:30 p.m. on March 15, the suit says. After some time in the home, Plaintiffs Eliot and Nancy Young went to bed in the primary room and the minor children went to different bedrooms, the suit goes on. While in the primary room, Plaintiffs Eliot and [Nancy] Young enjoyed an intimate moment. While lying in bed the next morning, Eliot, 50, noticed a smoke detector oddly placed directly above the bed, the suit continues. As he laid there [he] became more puzzled by the location of the smoke detector and decided to investigate further. Eliot and Nancy Young were concerned not only that their "intimate moment" had been caught on camera, but that their teenage children had also been filmed (AFP via Getty Images) Thats when Eliot realized the smoke detector was in fact a disguised WiFi-enabled camera with remote access, according to the suit, which says the device boasted night-vision capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He immediately became very concerned because he and his wife had been intimate and was worried that pictures or video of him and his wife had been captured without their consent, the lawsuit states. It says Eliot removed the cameras SD card and discovered several videos containing recordings involving several different individuals, taken over the previous four years. Nancy, 46, immediately contacted Airbnb customer support about the concealed camera, and she and Eliot also reported it to the Scottsdale Police Department, the suit says. Not only were they worried about their own activities having been recorded, they were concerned their kids movements had been, too. The two quickly set out to find alternative lodging for the remainder of their trip, and checked out the following day, according to the suit. (A source with knowledge of the case said Airbnb was never contacted by law enforcement about the incident.) Airbnb had a duty to ensure that hidden cameras were not installed at any of the properties listed on its platform, according to Eliot and Nancy Youngs lawsuit (AFP via Getty Images) Over the past 10 years, Airbnb opened some 35,000 customer support tickets for guest complaints about surveillance devices, the suit states. It slams Airbnb for having failed to investigate these complaints, and claims the company failed to notify law enforcement about the hidden cameras, which severely hinders criminal investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon information and belief, despite this knowledge, the Airbnb Defendants did nothing to ensure that hosts did not install video recording devices inside homes, including bedrooms and bathrooms, the lawsuit alleges. Airbnb had a duty to ensure that such devices were not being used at rentals listed on the Airbnb website. The Youngs were forced to shell out additional funds to rent another home, plus travel expenses, expenses in moving from the residence to another location, and other monetary expenditures, according to the suit. They are seeking financial judgment, in an amount to be determined by the court, for economic damages, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment during their vacation, and embarrassment. Apr. 2MITCHELL A local developer is seeking to build a multi-million dollar senior living facility north of Lake Mitchell, but he says the Mitchell Area Development Corporation is unwilling to back installation of the infrastructure needed to make it happen. "All I really ask for is getting sewer to the location," Justin Thiesse told the Mitchell Republic. "The development corporation has not been able to give me one dime." Mitchell Mayor Jordan Hanson, during his state of the city address, said that Thiesse hopes to open a $20 million senior living center development at Lake Mitchell west of the South Dakota National Guard Armory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mitchell Area Development Corporation (MADC) started on a grant for sewer, but stalled out, according to Thiesse. Communication from MADC has been lackluster, according to Thiesse. "We don't have cash to give. That's the reason we work with our partners," MADC CEO Mike Lauritsen told the Mitchell Republic. Lauritsen, who has worked for MADC since 2023, could not think of a time when MADC has done a cash infusion for anyone. Instead, MADC is focused on a new industrial park and was awarded a USDA Rural Economic Development Loan for the project, with backing by Central Electric Cooperative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to recruit more businesses into the community, according to Lauritsen. "To apply for that, we had to show we have the financial capacity to actually do that development, and so most of our funding is wrapped up in doing our own development park," Lauritsen said. The majority of infrastructure needed to start the lakeshore development is on city property. Hanson estimated that sewer infrastructure will cost between $250,000 to $1.7 million "just to flush the toilet," with the high-end cost including a lift station to pump sewer uphill. The Mitchell Public Works Department will have to determine which option is best for the lakeshore development, according to Hanson. The lakeshore development community plans include a gas station, senior living center, apartments, a wedding venue, duplexes and a marina. The proposed 25-acre development will have 98 individual units for housing, not counting the three-story senior living center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Obviously, that's something that's going to be years out, but there's really good things coming to Mitchell," Hanson said during the state of the city address. The plot of land sold for $355,000 in December 2021, according to the Davison County property records. The location borders North Ohlman Street on the east, North Harmon on the south and west, and a nearly 40-acre plot to the north. "I want to build in Mitchell because it's my hometown. And I want to grow Mitchell," Thiesse said. Hanson was at a MADC board meeting the day after the state of the city address. The board sought more information about the Thiesse's proposed development and hoped to learn what Thiesse is asking of MADC. However, Thiesse was out of town during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A majority of them said this was the first time they ever heard of it," Hanson said. The development has been in the works for the past six months. Thiesse said he shared a map of the proposed development with Lauritsen in December. The $20 million senior living center, as part of the 25-acre development, will be run by a South Dakota-based care-giving business. Thiesse estimated 50 jobs could be created in Mitchell with a $3 million payroll through the senior living center. Thiesse sits on the board for the Chamber of Commerce. MADC and the chamber have different boards of directors, but share staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are other methods in which developers can utilize tax breaks and incentives to help complete a project. This includes tax increment financing (TIF), in which a city government, not a development corporation, sets aside property tax revenue from a certain geographical area near a proposed development in order to aid developers to pay off their loans over a 20-year period. The senior living center could be built through a TIF, but there would not be enough monies generated through a TIF to cover bringing the sewer to the property, according to Thiesse. Securing the sewer needs to come before seeking the TIF, and if secured, Thiesse will break ground this fall. "The city supports it. I just feel like I'm not getting help from the development (corporation)," Thiesse said. "They have a 10-person team. I hope this would be a priority for them." Other towns in South Dakota are offering free land and free infrastructure, and are hungry for new jobs and new growth, according to Thiesse. A senior living center would secure jobs for nursing program graduates from Mitchell Technical College and Dakota Wesleyan University, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thiesse is seeking a commitment from the city or development board. "I've talked with the council, they are very supportive of it. The problem is we're trying to use the (MADC), and I think they're supportive, they just don't have anything to offer," Thiesse said. "I can see why Mitchell's not growing." MADC maintains an advisory role when educating business owners, Lauritsen explained. MADC guides businesses through paths for low-interest loans through the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development, offering a one-time-only 4% rebate program for equipment purchases, sales tax incentives, apprenticeship funding to add employees, and by making businesses aware of other financing options, including TIFs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our goal is always to help businesses," Lauritsen said. A typical meeting, according to Lauritsen, includes the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development, and Dakota Business Finance, which is a U.S. Small Business Administration-certified development company that seeks loans from local lenders on behalf of small businesses. Depending on the project, low-interest loans are sought through Dakota Business Finance or from the state. MADC leaders also help prospective business owners go through the TIF process. "Usually when they come to us is when they can't make the project go on their own, or sometimes they're just wondering whether there's low-interest loans or grants out there. There are really very few grants," Lauritsen said. Infrastructure for the industrial park will cost $3.1 million and includes water, sewer, electrical, and roads. Once a business buys a lot within the park, MADC will be able to start paying off the loan, which is a $1 million loan for 10 years at 0 percent interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Mitchell subsidizes MADC activities each year. During budgetary proceedings for the 2025 fiscal year, the city allocated $182,000 to MADC. Hanson credited Thiesse with bringing small businesses to Mitchell at Commerce Park, a business park of about 40 businesses located north of Eighth Avenue and along North Ohlman Street, which Thiesse developed after buying storage units in that area. Commerce Park is a "a nice incubator," which was built without incentives or tax increment financing, according to Thiesse. "I brought businesses to town. I have given them a place to rent. I have taken considerable rent cuts to make it work for new businesses," Thiesse told the Mitchell Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Thiesse's business park renters outgrow the space they are in and expand. Echo Electric Supply started in one of Thiesse's smaller units and then expanded to two units. It later moved to two bigger units. "They're the ones that are building on 15th (Avenue) right now," Thiesse said. Kaiser Heating and Cooling expanded to Mitchell and is located at Commerce Park. Kaiser hired six people, according to Thiesse. Thiesse's latest renter is a start-up business with five new batting cages in an indoor facility. "They couldn't find a place to go. And I ended up giving them a cut on rent, so they could make it work," Thiesse said. The News A new biography of Mary, Queen of Scots taps into a freshly decoded trove of letters from the imprisoned monarch that reveal her complicity in a number of cloak-and-dagger schemes meant to win her freedom. Jade Scotts is a unique success, Allan Massie wrote in The Wall Street Journal, in that, as far as 16th century biographies go, it breaks genuinely new ground: Marys letters demonstrate far deeper involvement in espionage than was previously known. And unlike other treatments, it is fair to both her and Queen Elizabeth, whose spymaster implicated Mary in a plot to kill the English monarch, thereby sealing her execution. A horrible business, Massie wrote. But thats high politics. A Maryland bill to create a commission to study and recommend future reparations for slavery and racial discrimination is heading to Gov. Wes Moores (D) desk for consideration. The bill, a top priority of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, passed in a 101-36 vote in the states House on Wednesday. The legislation outlines a host of potential reparations, including official statements of apology, financial compensation, assistance with making a down payment on a home, debt forgiveness and tuition payment waivers for higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore the states first Black governor and the nations only sitting Black governor has said he will consider the bill but pointed to the states budget concerns. The state currently faces a $3.3 billion deficit, and the nonpartisan Maryland Department of Legislative Services calculates the proposal for the study could cost a the state a total of $54,500 extra for the 2026 fiscal year. There is no estimate yet on how much reparations would cost as a study has not been conducted to determine how much descendants of slavery would be awarded. If passed, the commission would assess federal, state and local policies from the post-Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras. According to the bill, that time frame led to economic disparities based on race, including housing segregation and discrimination, redlining, restrictive covenants, and tax policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission would also study how both public and private institutions may have benefited from discriminatory policies and suggest reparations those institutions should offer. Maryland now joins California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois in efforts to pass reparations. Californias reparations proposal remains the most ambitious, having recommended that eligible recipients receive up to $1.2 million each. Though lawmakers on Capitol Hill have also introduced legislation to study reparations, no federal commission exists yet. Updated at 1 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Maryland lawmakers voted Wednesday to create a commission to study and recommend potential reparations for slavery and the lingering effects of racial discrimination in the state. The 101-36 vote in the Maryland House sends the bill to Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat who says he will consider the legislation. Potential reparations outlined in the bill include official statements of apology, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, social service assistance, as well as licensing and permit fee waivers and reimbursement. Reparations also could include assistance with making a down payment on a home, business incentives, child care, debt forgiveness, and tuition payment waivers for higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure was a top priority of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, which has 66 members and is the largest Black caucus in the nation's state legislatures. The commission will carefully examine and evaluate a range of reparations proposals that will not only consider financial restitution, but will also explore strategies to support and uplift vulnerable communities that continue to suffer the lingering and evasive effects of discriminatory practices rooted in systematic racism, Del. Aletheia McCaskill, a Baltimore County Democrat, said when the caucus outlined its priorities for the legislative session in January. Moore, who is the state's first Black governor and nation's only Black governor currently in office, has declined to say whether he will sign the measure, noting the lingering impact of racism while also acknowledging the state's difficult budget conditions. I have said and long stated that the history of racism in this state is real, the governor told reporters, adding that the impacts "are still very much being felt and theyve been structurally felt within the state of Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore also noted the state's fiscal constraints in a tough budget year, saying he's viewing legislation through the lens of growing Maryland's economy, making the state more business-friendly and investing in the state's people. Last year, California lawmakers passed some of the nations most ambitious legislation aimed at atoning for a legacy of racist policies that drove racial disparities for Black people. None of the bills provided widespread direct payments to Black Americans. Instead, California lawmakers approved the return of land or compensation to families whose property was unjustly seized by the government, and issuing a formal apology. New York City lawmakers approved legislation last year to study the citys significant role in slavery and consider reparations to descendants of enslaved people. MARYLAND (DC News Now) A Waldorf man pleaded guilty Thursday to committing an armed robbery, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) District of Maryland. The USAO said that 45-year-old Daniel Michael Harris was accused of armed robbery while using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Harris entered a guilty plea stating that he and others committed armed robberies at two Prince Georges County businesses, one Charles County business and one Montgomery County business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A news release from the USAO said that on March 23 and 28, 2023, Harris and others stole cash and cigarettes from two convenience stores in Prince Georges County. The USAO said that Harris had a pistol-grip shotgun in both incidents. Man dead, another injured after dispute in Fairfax County led to shooting, police say The next robbery happened in Charles County on April 5, 2023. The group stole cash from a convenience stores register and an employees wallet and phone. The USAO said that Harris had the same shotgun during the robbery, he held the employee at gunpoint and pinned a customer against a wall. The last robbery happened in Montgomery County on the very next day. Harris and others once again stole cash from the register and an employees purse and phone. Harris had the same shotgun once again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 12, 2023, a Prince Georges County Police Department officer saw the car that the group used as a getaway vehicle in two of the robberies and initiated a traffic stop. The individuals in the car escaped, but investigators were able to get a match between Harris and a DNA sample from a bottle in the vehicle. On Nov. 9, 2023, Charles County Sheriffs Office detectives executed a search warrant for Harris storage unit. There, they found clothes that Harris wore during the robberies as well as the aforementioned pistol-grip shotgun. If the court accepts Harris plea agreement, he faces 13 to 17 years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for July 18. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Maryland Task Force 1 (MDTF-1) deployed on Thursday to assist families impacted by tornadoes and severe storms in Lexington, Ky. Overnight, tornadoes and violent winds flattened homes and tore through buildings in the South and Midwest areas of the U.S. The strong winds and tornadoes resulted in the deaths of at least six people in western Tennessee and multiple injuries in Kentucky, according to the Associated Press. Montgomery County police conduct nearly 300 traffic stops along Route 29 corridor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the MDTF-1s Urban Search and Rescue Team was placed on standby on Wednesday. Immediately, crews began preparing for their trip by packing caravans with equipment and supplies. In an update on Thursday afternoon, the task forces Urban Search & Rescue team was activated, and the team left Maryland to travel to Kentucky. The 45-member team includes first responders from D.C. and Maryland. It is unclear how long the task force will remain deployed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. On the eve of a legislative hearing on her surtax surplus plan, Gov. Maura Healey submitted another spending bill for the Legislatures review, filing a $756 million supplemental budget she said would address time-sensitive deficiencies in state government accounts. The proposal Healey filed Wednesday afternoon (HD 4540) includes $134.5 million for supplemental payments to safety-net hospitals, $60 million for direct care for older adults, $240 million for state employee health care costs through the Group Insurance Commission, and more. It would carry a net state cost of $544 million after federal reimbursements, she said. Healeys office pitched the $190 million the bill includes for a child care financial assistance program as a way to support Massachusetts residents at a time of rising costs. Another $43 million would go toward the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program that offers aid to families facing potential eviction, which has faced increasing demand during a period of housing strain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation additionally includes $15 million for grants and marketing related to the American Revolution 250th anniversary celebration, and $15.5 million for more secure electronic benefits transfer cards that Healey said would help combat food benefit theft. This budget bill proposes targeted investments that improve quality of life in Massachusetts, such as ensuring access to health care, supporting families with child care costs, and making sure veterans get their benefits, Healey said in a statement alongside the bill. Weve also heard clearly from local officials and medical professionals across the state, especially in communities impacted by Steward Health Cares closures, that they need more support. Thats why were proposing significant funding for EMS providers that have faced extraordinary costs. Our administration remains committed to maintaining a responsible state budget that tangibly benefits the people of Massachusetts. Other sections of the 25-page bill would ratify collective bargaining agreements with public employees, raise procurement thresholds under public construction laws, and allow Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency vehicles to use red and blue lights when responding to emergencies. The Legislatures Joint Committee on Ways and Means is partway through a series of hearings about Healeys $62 billion fiscal 2026 state budget, and the panel will meet Thursday to consider Healeys separate $1.3 billion proposal (H 55) to spend surplus surtax revenue. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BOSTON (WWLP) A healthcare company executive has been sentenced to prison in a health benefit program fraud case. In a news release from the Department of Justice in Boston, 42-year-old Miguel Saravia of Hanson pleaded guilty to six counts of healthcare fraud in federal court. Saravia is the CEO of Dana Group Associates and also the former COO of Prime Behavioral Health. Massachusetts pizza chain owner sentenced for defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say that from 2017-2022, Saravia had persons with no billing or medical training enter Current Procedural Terminology codes (CPT) for therapy services that were not provided and to upcode CPT codes used for psychotherapy visits. He submitted, or directed the submission of, false claims for treatment that was not provided or for more complex and expensive treatment than was provided. Last week, Saravia was sentenced to three and a half months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay $561,141.89 in restitution. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. NAIROBI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A Kenyan government official said Thursday that a new tariff imposed on the country's exports to the United States will hurt local businesses. Lee Kinyanjui, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, that the 10 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the U.S. government on Kenyan imports will raise costs for local businesses. "Supply chain adjustments will now be necessary, such as expanding production to meet new demand. This will require investment in infrastructure, technology, and skills development," he said. Kinyanjui noted that Kenya will seek to explore opportunities that come with the imposition of the tariff. He said the country would strive to diversify its exports by producing goods that are more expensive from countries with higher tariffs, including apparel and leather, to sell in the U.S. market. Kenya sold goods worth 72.96 billion Kenyan shillings (about 563 million U.S. dollars) to the United States in 2024, an increase of 23 percent from the previous year, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. BOSTON (WWLP) A man from Westwood was sentenced to prison for submitting false information to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to obtain a loan on behalf of a business he no longer owned. In a news release from the Department of Justice in Boston, 50-year-old Stavros Papantoniadis, who owned Stashs Pizza, was charged with making false statements. They say he applied for an economic injury disaster loan from the Small Business Administration even though he had already sold his business. Dog rescued in Sturbridge animal cruelty case by MSPCA prepares for adoption Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Papantoniadis sold one of his pizzerias in Randolph in April 2021; however, between November 2021 and January 2022, he applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the SBA. He falsely stated that he still owned and operated the pizzeria in Randolph, even claiming that he then had 18 employees at the location. The loan was approved for $499,900. Stavros Papantoniadis, the owner of Stashs Pizza, was convicted Friday, June 7, 2024, of forced labor charges following a nine-day jury trial. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, File) In March 2023, he was arrested and charged with a single count of forced labor, following allegations that he had intentionally hired workers without immigration status so he could subject them to unfair working conditions. In June 2024, Papantoniadis was convicted by a federal jury of three counts of forced labor and three counts of attempted forced labor. Based on evidence introduced at trial, Papantoniadis forced or attempted to force five men and one woman to work for him through violent physical abuse, threats of abuse and repeated threats to report victims to immigration authorities to have them deported. In October 2024, he was sentenced to over eight years in prison after being convicted on forced labor charges. While in custody, Papantoniadis pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging one count of false statements. He has remained in custody since his arrest in March 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Papantoniadis was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, and was also ordered to pay $534,462.01 in restitution. Papantoniadis owned and operated Stashs Pizza, a chain with locations in Dorchester and Roslindale, and had operated previous pizzeria locations in Norwood. 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. DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WWLP) A woman from Dartmouth was sentenced to prison in connection with embezzling money from multiple employers. According to the Department of Justice in Boston, 42-year-old Jasmyne Botelho allegedly stole at least $280,000 from her employer between September 2017 and April 2020. To hide her scheme, Botelho falsified her employers books and records to make it appear that payments had been sent to vendors rather than to Botelho. She also allegedly inflated her payroll from another employer by more than $160,000 between May 2022 and December 2023. To hide this scheme, she manipulated her employers payroll and accounting software to hide her inflated payroll as well as phony reimbursements she paid herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Botelho pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and was sentenced to 20 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture orders of $443,122.59. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Portland-area massage therapist is facing sexual abuse charges after several victims came forward saying he touched them inappropriately. According to Portland police, on Jan. 9, officers spoke with a woman about an incident at Flydream Massage on Southeast Woodstock Boulevard. The woman told police that in October 2024, a therapist who introduced himself as Lucas touched her inappropriately during a massage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman seriously injured in dog attack outside NE Portland FedEx Ten days after the first report, police said they spoke with another woman who reported the same thing happening at Flydream Massage in October. Another victim, although this time in Washington County, came forward with a similar story involving a man named Lucas. After an investigation, police said they learned that Lucas was actually Feng Chen, 59, and on March 30, McMinnville Police arrested Chen. Chen was transferred to Multnomah County Detention Center, and police said he faces three counts of third-degree sexual abuse. Authorities said they are also seeking additional victims, and anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Portland police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the United States needs to reinforce our allies when asked why he voted to undo President Trumps tariffs against Canada. Four GOP senators, including McConnell, voted with Democrats on Wednesday for a resolution to undo Trumps 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports. McConnell, the former Senate Republican leader, said hes long warned that tariffs are a bad idea. At a time when Americans are tightening their belts, we would do well to avoid policies that heap on the pain, McConnell said in a statement Wednesday after the vote. We ought to strengthen our friendships abroad, and reinforce our allies as pillars of American prosperity and security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McConnell was joined by Republican Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.), Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) in voting for the resolution, allowing it to pass. It dealt an embarrassing blow to Trump on another tariff announcement day, which he dubbed Liberation Day. With so much at stake globally, the last thing we need is to pick fights with the very friend with whom we should be working with to protect against Chinas predatory and unfair trade practices, McConnells statement said. That includes what we do on trade. The group of senators voted against Trump just hours after he announced hed impose a 10 percent tariff on all imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post before the vote, Trump slammed McConnell and the other three senators, saying they hopefully will join the GOP and fight Democrats wild and flagrant push not to penalize Canada. The Trump administration has sought to frame the tariffs on the countrys northern neighbor as a way to crack down on the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. McConnell has already noted the impact his state has felt from the Canadian tariffs, as companies have pulled Kentucky-distilled bourbon from Canadian shelves. In Kentucky, broad-based tariffs could even have long-term consequences right in our backyard, his Wednesday statement said. Consider our states 69,000 family farms that sell their crops around the globe, or the hardworking Kentuckians who craft 95 percent of the worlds bourbon, or our automotive and manufacturing industries that rely on global supply chains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake: goods made in America will be more expensive to manufacture and, ultimately, for consumers to purchase, with higher broad-based tariffs, McConnell continued. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) In the ahupuaa of Waikiki, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oahu, stands a street named in honor of a Hawaii Supreme Court Justice. We are speaking of McCully St. Lawrence McCully was born a New York in 1831 and is said to have moved to Hawaii at 23 shortly following King Kamehameha IIIs passing. The Father of Baseball was influential in Hawaii Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quickly becoming a Police Justice in Hilo, McCully would lead a life of public service to the Hawaiian Kingdom. From serving positions such as House Representative, Speaker of the House, Interpreter, Clerk and Deputy Attorney General, McCully was then inaugurated to the Supreme Court in 1877 as 2nd Associate Justice followed by 1st Associate Justice. He eventually acquired approximately 120 acres in Honolulu. Today, the neighborhood of McCully is named in his honor. Lawrence McCully created a name for himself, but dont get the Judge confused with the Governor of a similar name. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Lawrence McCully Judd was a different influential gentleman who was a descendant of public servants and was the 3rd generation of the distinguished Judd family in Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His grandfather was medical missionary Dr. Gerrit Judd, and his father was Supreme Court Chief Justice Albert Francis Judd. After graduating from Oahu College, Judd became a successful businessman and high-ranking military officer. Judd was most known for his role in the infamous Massie Trail, commuting the sentence of Joseph Kahahawais killers. Check out more news from around Hawaii He was appointed Governor of the Territory of Hawaii in 1929, then becoming Governor of American Samoa in 1953. Did you know? Now you do! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) Four law enforcement agencies in McLean County reaffirmed their commitment to the 10 shared principles at a special event Wednesday at the Bloomington Public Library. The principles were developed in 2015 by the Illinois Association of the Chiefs of Police and the NAACP Illinois State Conference and officially adopted in 2018. Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington, McLean County Sheriff Matt Lane, Normal Police Chief Steve Petrilli, and Illinois State University Police Chief Aaron Woodruff were the four to officially sign their commitment to the principles, which range from treating people with dignity and respect to emphasizing the importance of de-escalation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its purpose is to build trust between the police and the community. Kenny Winslow is the executive director of the Illinois Association of the Chiefs of Police, and said the reaffirmation happens every few years. Many of them had already signed on to the principles four or five years ago. But there are changes in leadership. And as change in leadership goes, we want to make sure that this is a sustainable program that is woven into the culture of the police department and into the community, he said. Winslow himself has experience in law enforcement, previously working 27 years at the Springfield Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said officers should always treat people with respect even when arresting people. He described it by saying an arrest doesnt define a person as good or bad, and if an officer treats a person with respect in that scenario, they will most likely feel better about it. The event featured questions and answers between officers and event facilitators, questioning if the different departments prioritize the principles in their training. Winslow believes its important for officers and community members to talk with each other, as hopefully they can reach some common ground. Sometimes youre going to hear things as a chief or an officer that maybe you were unaware of and maybe its hard to hear. Its the same with communities. They may not like the fact that sometimes its a reality that officers have to use force, and all use of force is ugly. But just because it looks awful doesnt mean its not lawful, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hopes forums like this can lead to more positive interactions between the community and the police. According to Winslow, traffic stops are not often the best place for positive interactions to occur. Through community policing efforts like attending barbecues and other fun things, positive change can happen. A dialogue will hopefully lead to respect. Respect will hopefully lead to a relationship. A relationship will hopefully lead to a partnership. Thats how we reduce crime in our communities, he said. The principles are: We value the life of every person and consider life to be the highest value. All persons should be treated with dignity and respect. We reject discrimination toward any person that is based on race, ethnicity, religion, color, nationality, immigrant status, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or familial status. We endorse the six pillars in the report of the Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The first pillar is to build and rebuild trust through procedural justice, transparency, accountability, and honest recognition of past and present obstacles. We endorse the four pillars of procedural justice, which are fairness, voice (i.e., an opportunity for citizens and police to believe they are heard), transparency, and impartiality. We endorse the values inherent in community policing, which includes community partnerships involving law enforcement, engagement of police officers with residents outside of interaction specific to enforcement of laws, and problem-solving that is collaborative, not one-sided. We believe that developing strong ongoing relationships between law enforcement and communities of color at the leadership level and street level will be the keys to diminishing and eliminating racial tension. We believe that law enforcement and community leaders have a mutual responsibility to encourage all citizens to gain a better understanding and knowledge of the law to assist them in their interactions with law enforcement officers. We support diversity in police departments and in the law enforcement profession. Law enforcement and communities have a mutual responsibility and should work together to make a concerted effort to recruit diverse police departments. We believe de-escalation training should be required to ensure the safety of community members and officers. We endorse using de-escalation tactics to reduce the potential for confrontations that endanger law enforcement officers and community members; and the principle that human life should be taken only as a last resort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) The McLean County Museum of History announced its winners for the next class of history makers. Every year, the History Makers Gala recognizes McLean County residents who have made lifelong contributions to McLean County. This year, theyre honoring Sally Rudolph, who served on the McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals for 25 years, former president of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Robert Fazzini and father Douglas Hennessy, whos had a large presence in the county for the past 50 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fazzini said its a massive honor to be thought of as someone whos made history in McLean County. I didnt do that for that reason. I did that because it was the right thing to do, and it was helping make this place what it is and to be recognized as somebody whos helped do that. And thats pretty damn special, said Fazzini. The History Makers Gala will be held on June 18th at Illinois State Universitys Brown Ballroom. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Medical aid in dying bill discussed at legislature, powerful testimony presented in Las Vegas LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Nevada Legislature considered a bill Wednesday that would allow doctors to prescribe a pill to help a terminally ill person end their own life. Assembly Bill 346, sponsored by Democratic Assem. Joe Dalia and Republican Assem. Danielle Gallant would make it legal for a terminally ill patient to request medication to end their own life under certain circumstances. This follows a similar bill passed through the legislature in 2023 that Republican Governor Joe Lombardo later vetoed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patient must be at least 18 years old. Patient has been diagnosed with a terminal condition by at least two practitioners. Patient has made an informed and voluntary decision to end his or her own life. Patient is mentally capable of making such a decision. Patient is not requesting the medication because of coercion, deception or undue influence. I believe the time is now for us to fix this, Assemblymember Dalia said in his proposal. And to allow terminally ill patients to choose their own ending. Many for and against the proposal provided testimony in Carson City and Las Vegas. This legislation empowers terminally ill people to preserve their dignity and autonomy, Tia Smith, attorney for ACLU Nevada, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those behind it believe it gives people who are dying the power to choose and stops suffering. Death doula Melissa Chanselle-Hary shared her experience, speaking to lawmakers in Carson City. For those in favor, Chanselle-Hary said. It is because they have lived through or are currently living through an excruciating experience. Those against the legislation said it could go against a doctors Hippocratic oath to administer this kind of medication. Many said they also worry someone could opt for it before their health ultimately improves. Christiane Mersch explained her stance to 8 News Now after Wednesdays hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not going to be the solution for our patients, Mersch said. What we do need is more support for hospice, medical care. There were passionate pleas from both sides in this latest motion for change. Medical aid in dying is currently legal in ten states and the District of Columbia. To view the entire committee discussion, 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 KLAS. Oklahoma has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, one that dates back to 1910. That's a matter of fact. Oklahoma's Legislature and its governor, Kevin Stitt, are conservative Republicans and are considered by many to have zero interest in making that law less restrictive. That's a pretty solid assumption. What is less certain is whether the current state law actually reflects the wishes of the state's population as a whole, and not just those of a small number of elected officials. About 1.3 million people vote in Oklahoma, roughly 690,000 women and 640,000 men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What would Oklahomans say if given a chance to vote in a direct citizens' initiative? More: Bad bill alert Senate proposal would undermine direct voice for the people | Opinion Opinions differ on how Oklahomans feel about reproductive care Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, is the author of what arguably would have been an even more restrictive law than the 1910 statute on the books if it hadn't been ruled unconstitutional by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. "We face the specter of a state question that would have Oklahomans amend their state constitution to allow for abortion up to the time of birth. That's not what I think Oklahomans believe," Daniels said in a recent interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, House Minority Leader Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, said numerous polls show that Oklahomans don't like the extreme restrictions placed on abortion. "A majority of Oklahomans don't like the extreme bans we have in our state," she said. "And there are voters who are holding Republicans accountable. Janet Levit and her organization, repro46, plan a series of meetings throughout the state to talk to potential voters and determine whether a direct vote of the people would alter the status quo on abortion restrictions in Oklahoma. What Oklahomans really do believe is something that Janet Levit and her organization, repro46, will be exploring in the coming months. They plan a series of meetings throughout the state to talk to potential voters and determine whether a direct vote of the people would alter the status quo. Levit is the group's designated "executive consultant," and brings to the group an extensive background both in the legal world and as an educator. Now a law professor at the University of Tulsa, she served as dean of the school's College of Law and was for a time its provost and interim president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Every Oklahoman should have the freedom to make personal decisions that are best for our lives, our families and our futures free from political interference that threatens our health," Levit said in announcing formation of the new group. "Repro46 is here to unite everyday Oklahomans across political divides to foster understanding, share experiences and knowledge, and build an Oklahoma that supports reproductive freedom." Q: Could you share a little of your background? A: I grew up north of Chicago, went to high school in Highland Park and then to Princeton, where I studied international affairs. But one ritual at college was watching the TV series "LA Law," and that's how I found my way to Yale Law School, where I met my husband, Ken. (Editors' note: Ken Levit was president of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa from 2001-2006 and in 2024 was appointed by Stitt to the State Regents for Higher Education) Q: What were your first impressions of Oklahoma? A: I joined the University of Oklahoma faculty in 1995. Oklahoma felt like home. What I love about Oklahoma is that there is a sense of community that I didn't feel as much in Chicago. In Oklahoma you can get involved and make a difference. Q: What drew you to this organization? A: I am the vice chair of the board of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is a national organization that has litigated some of the nation's most significant reproductive rights cases, Casey and Dobbs included. Repro46 is a sister organization to We are Rising, which was founded about a year ago. They asked me to help get the new organization set up. Repro46 is a 501-C3 organization, and donations are tax deductible. We have been working since last May developing a strategic plan and engaging with some of our national partners who are helping us. Our target is very much the persuadable middle in Oklahoma Democrats and Republicans. What would be the best way to reach them? So our official launch was in January. We had one launch in Oklahoma City and one in Tulsa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had several speakers, including one woman who was a survivor. She had an obstetric emergency where she was not able to access abortion care in Oklahoma. We also had an OB-GYN physician speak about really how difficult it is to be practicing medicine in a state where treatment that is medically indicated is legally questionable. "Every Oklahoman should have the freedom to make personal decisions that are best for our lives, our families and our futures free from political interference that threatens our health," said Janet Levit, "executive consultant" for the organization repro46. Q: As part of your planning have you done any polling to determine what the opinions were among women in Oklahoma and what limits they were thinking of placing on abortion? A: We don't do polling ourselves. But polls have been done, and they show consistently that the majority of Oklahomans support broader access to abortion care than the laws permit. An even bigger majority believe that the politicians have overstepped and are trespassing on the freedom and autonomy of Oklahomans. And regardless of what Oklahomans believe about abortion, they have a pretty strong belief that the government should be kept out of our business. Q: Is one of your goals to take the politics out of the issue? A: Reproductive care is a health issue and should never be political. It is an issue of freedom and autonomy. It's just not the place for politicians to make decisions that belong to women, their families, their doctors and their faith. Politicians have gone way too far, and they're threatening the health of all Oklahomans, not members of one party. They're scaring physicians and residents away from the state. Physicians involved in obstetrics and emergency room care are afraid to practice here because they might cross the wrong side of the line in our abortion laws. Many rural counties are now obstetric deserts. But in addition to being a health issue, it's also an economic development issue because of the brain drain from states with abortion bans like Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article has been edited for length and clarity. William C. Wertz is deputy Viewpoints editor. You can reach him with comments and story ideas at wwertz@oklahoman.com. Send him a note if you have any suggestions about others in the community our readers should "get to know." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma abortion law doesn't reflect majority opinion, advocate says KHARTOUM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 89 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on villages south of Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, volunteer groups said on Thursday. The RSF's attacks on 15 villages in the Al-Jamouiya area involved "indiscriminate shelling, direct gunfire, and armed clashes," the Sudanese Emergency Lawyers Initiative said in a statement. The group condemned the attacks as "horrific massacres" and "a blatant violation of human rights and international law." It called for an immediate halt to the raids, extrajudicial killings, looting, and forced displacement, while urging the opening of safe corridors to evacuate civilians, particularly the wounded, women, and children. Meanwhile, the Coordination of the Resistance Committees in Karari locality said the RSF's attacks on the Al-Jamouiya villages have been ongoing for seven days. The Khartoum State government said they have evacuated some residents of the Al-Jamouiya villages to safe areas in Omdurman. "The militia attacked the defenseless residents of Al-Jamouiya, killed a large number of them, and engaged in looting and displacement as part of its ongoing crimes against civilians," Ahmed Osman Hamza, governor of Khartoum State, was quoted as saying. The escalation comes after the RSF repositioned its forces in Omdurman in late March, following advances by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The Sudanese army recently recaptured key strategic locations in Khartoum, including the presidential palace, Khartoum International Airport, and the RSF's last stronghold in southern Khartoum. Meanwhile, the RSF on Thursday said they shot down a Sudanese army air force plane near El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Sudan. The RSF accused the Sudanese army air force of conducting aerial attacks on villages, residential neighborhoods, and unarmed civilians, while emphasizing the ability of its air defense unit to counter any aerial threats that endanger civilian lives. A source, speaking to Xinhua on condition of anonymity, said that the plane's crew, consisting of five officers and four soldiers, died in the crash. Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which has claimed at least 29,683 lives, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a crisis monitoring group cited by the United Nations. The conflict has displaced over 15 million people, both inside and outside Sudan, according to estimates from the International Organization for Migration. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Baystate Health has announced the appointment of Melonie R. Jackson as its new Chief People Officer (CPO). Jackson will be responsible for shaping the organizations human resources strategy with a focus on attracting, developing, and retaining top healthcare talent. In her new role, Jackson will oversee leadership development, talent acquisition, employee engagement, workforce wellness, and labor relations. She will also play a central role in promoting a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement throughout Baystate Health, one of the largest employers and healthcare providers in western Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Springfield opens new downtown parking garage with over 800 spaces Melonies dynamic leadership and commitment to innovation in human resources will be invaluable as we work to build a clinically driven, physician-led health system, said Dean Sanpei, Baystate Healths Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. Her experience in leading HR within large, integrated health systems and health plans will further strengthen our ability to serve our caregivers and help drive future growth. Jackson joins Baystate Health with more than two decades of experience in human resources across healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where she oversaw HR strategy for nine hospitals across Pennsylvania and New York. There, she led several initiatives that transformed workforce operations, improved employee engagement, and strengthened organizational culture. Her previous leadership experience includes roles at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health System), Capital One, Methodist Health System, and Regions Bank. Jacksons background in workforce analytics and strategic planning is expected to bolster Baystate Healths ongoing efforts to be a premier destination for healthcare professionals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson earned her Bachelor of Arts from Southeast Missouri State University and an MBA from Texas Womans University. She also holds a certificate in Executive Compensation from the Wharton Executive Education program at the University of Pennsylvania. 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. BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) Two men pleaded guilty in separate cases, both on child exploitation charges. On March 25, James Woodby pleaded guilty to Second Degree, Exploitation of a Minor in Superior Court, according to the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office. He was arrested on August 21 after detectives investigated a cyber tip, provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrens Network. Woodby received 36 months probation and is required to register with the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Binder pleaded guilty on March 26 to Second Degree, Exploitation of a Minor in Superior Court, deputies said. Binder was arrested on May 1 after detectives investigated a tip that was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrens Network. Binder received 36 months probation and is required to register with the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry, deputies 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Lawyers for Erik and Lyle Menendez urged a judge to block an effort from Los Angeles Countys top prosecutor to withdraw his offices support for reducing the brothers sentences of life without the possibility of parole for the 1989 shotgun killings of their parents. The reasons Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman presented for the withdrawal either are patently meritless or were considered and rejected by Hochmans predecessor, George Gascon, the brothers' lawyers argued in an 88-page filing. Gascon, who was voted out of office in November, described the brothers as exceptional inmates and supported resentencing them to 50 years to life in prison, which would have made them eligible for parole immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Hochman said he had withdrawn that recommendation because the brothers, now 54 and 57, had not fully acknowledged more than a dozen lies they told about the murders, including that they killed their parents in self-defense. In looking at whether the Menendez brothers have exhibited full insight and complete responsibility for their crimes, they have not, Hochman said last month. A judge will ultimately determine whether the brothers should be resentenced. The brothers have said they fatally shot their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, after Lyle confronted his father about alleged sex abuse and Jose Menendez appeared to threaten him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors have described the murders as cold-blooded and financially motivated. The brothers' 1993 trial, which was televised and captured national attention, ended with a hung jury. They were convicted of first-degree murder in their second trial. Many of the brothers' relatives, including their mother's sister, have spoken out in support of releasing them. In the filing, the brothers attorneys attacked Hochman for underplaying the rehabilitation efforts they have undertaken in the Southern California prison where they are incarcerated, including educational and work-related achievements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the day they were convicted, and as they matured in prison over the many years since trial, in both court filings and public interviews, they have both taken responsibility for the shooting and expressed deep remorse, the filing says. "From a rhetorical perspective, Erik and Lyle certainly understand the District Attorney's continued focus on falsehoods they told in the aftermath of the crime and even during their 1993 and 1996 trials," the filing says. "But case law makes clear that this conduct is of relatively little importance to the question of current dangerousness." The district attorney's office did not immediately comment in response to the filing. Resentencing is only one path the brothers have relied on in their effort to get out of prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, they filed a petition seeking to overturn their conviction that cites what their defense has described as new evidence that supports their claims of sexual abuse. They also filed a clemency request with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Both efforts are ongoing. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com RUSSELL COUNTY, Ala (WRBL) The Alabama Department of Corrections reports more than 4,600 inmates have been diagnosed with mental impairment. Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor says this is a hard problem to tackle as a correctional facility. This started 15 years ago when the state was cutting back on in-house treatment for mental health people, Taylor says. They went to an outpatient treatment facility, and they started treating mental health patients outpatient wise, and it just hasnt worked. This is due to patients not staying on their medication, Taylor explains. Patients start self-medicating with street drugs ultimately landing them behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell County Probate Judge Belinda Strickland says this is an issue for the whole state. They did a lot of cutbacks. They shut facilities down, they decreased bed sizes. So, I mean, at this point in time, its a huge struggle, Strickland says. When we get a phone call about someone who might be mentally unstable and we have the sheriffs go out and evaluate them at that point in time, those deputies actually taken to a local clinic here on Highway 431, and them sit there with them until an actual bed is open, Strickland explains. She adds, Theres three counties being serviced by Integra. So, were fighting over very few beds, less than ten in order to get room for them to be put in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting more beds would be of great assistance to us because were shuffling consistently between three counties trying to get people in certain spots, Strickland says. Taylor says patients need to be in a mental health institution where they can get the help that they need versus in a county jail. We will never be a mental health facility. Were not even a prison, so were not intended to be long term care or mental health care, but thats what its turned into. Taylor says. Taylor explained that the county correctional facility is responsible for short term holds on people who are waiting to go to trial or plead and be sent to the state prison system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor says his office is working to accommodate those with mental health issues like the implementation of a psychiatrist, the installation of padded holding cells and training officers to recognize mental health episodes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Its too soon to know exactly how the tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday will impact everyday items like groceries. However, local business owners told Channel 2s Tom Regan that there will be some type of ripple effect. At the West View Corner Grocery, one of the owners said the tariffs are going to hit him, and his customers, pretty hard. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The shop is a neighborhood grocery that carries lots of imported foods, wines and other items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owner Matt Garbett told Regan that many of the items in his store have already started to see price increases, while others will soon. Its confusing, Garbett said. Will our price go up? Yes. RELATED STORIES: Garbett told Channel 2 Action News that it was just like with the automotive industry, the grocery business is globally integrated with many parts coming from many places used to produce and package food products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is the aluminum for the beer we sell going to go up? Garbett asked. Beer, wine, maple syrup, produce, everything, just about everything is going to be impacted. He said its unclear how much distributors will absorb from tariff-caused price hikes, but if he could make a guess on the average increase, it would be in the double digits. I would expect across the board, 10%, easily, Garbett said. As much as Garbett said hed like to eat some of those price hikes, as a small grocer, he said it would make him risk going out of business from the costs. We have to pass this on to our customers, thats it, theres now way getting around, Garbett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the store has a lot of loyal customers, who he says will support him, even if it means paying a little more for their groceries. I think that means that we wont buy what we would like and just focus on the essentials, he said. Channel 2 Action News reached out to the Georgia Food Industry Association for comment about how the tariffs will impact food prices. They said they are still assessing the situation. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] KANSAS CITY, Mo. A man from Lees Summit was arrested Thursday in an indictment for receiving and possessing child pornography and transferring obscene material to a minor, the US Department of Justice says. The DOJ says that Matthew Taylor, 42, is being charged with one count of receiving child porn, one count of possessing child porn and three counts of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. The charges in the five-count indictment range from 2022 to 2025. Warrensburg man sentenced to 25 years in prison on child porn charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show that Taylor is accused of engaging in sexual communication with someone who he believed was 14 years old. Hes also accused of receiving multiple images of an adult man engaged in sexual acts with a minor. Now, Taylor could face up to seventy years in federal prison without parole, with the minimum being five years. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) A Mexican citizen was found guilty of federal firearms charges, according to the United States Attorney of the Western District of Louisiana. On August 4, 2024, Jose Imael Ramirez-Gonzalez, 37, of Mexico, was arrested by Shreveport Police Officers who were called to the 400 block of Commerce Street regarding an armed person. Ramirez-Gonzalez was intoxicated and had pointed a loaded Ruger pistol at a woman with whom he had a confrontation in a parking lot. ICE detains, deports seven immigrants at Louisiana Truck Stop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramirez-Gonzales was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and without a drivers license. Evidence presented during the trial proved that Ramirez-Gonzalez is a citizen of Mexico and was in the United States illegally after six prior deportations between 2008 and 2018. He could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms conviction. He also faces up to two years in prison for illegally re-entering the United States. Getting guns out of the hands of criminals is an essential element of the fight against violent crime and securing our neighborhoods, said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. The sentence imposed today sends a message to the community that illegal aliens possessing firearms will be held accountable as we work to keep our neighborhoods safe, as a top priority to ensure public safety for ATF. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) A Mexican national pleaded guilty Wednesday to persuading a 10-year-old Norfolk girl to produce child sexual abuse material. According to court documents, Isidro Axtel Magana-Calderon, 25, contacted and communicated with the 10-year-old victim through TikTok. Magana-Calderon identified himself as Axel and the victim identified herself as MV1. The girls mother in Norfolk reported to police that her daughter was communicating with someone on TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Docs: Chicago man accused of having Norfolk 5th grader send sexual abuse images on TikTok Isidro Axtel Magana-Calderon (Courtesy: Department of Justice) MV1 provided her cellphone number to Magana-Calderon, and they began communicating through text messages. Magana-Calderon suggested a desire to engage in inappropriate contact and began requesting nude images of MV1. MV1 initially rejected Magana-Calderons advances but eventually relented as he continued to ask that she provide nude pictures of herself. Magana-Calderon also sent videos of sexual content to MV1. Further investigation determined that Magana-Calderon engaged in sexually explicit conversations with at least one other minor living out of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magana-Calderon is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15. He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. ALGIERS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Algerian security forces seized 41 kilograms of cocaine and confiscated a utility vehicle in the southwestern province of Adrar, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday. The operation was carried out by a joint unit of the army, customs, and police, the ministry said in a statement. Authorities vowed to step up efforts against drug trafficking networks across the country. Algeria, a key transit point for drugs bound for Europe, has strengthened cross-agency coordination and border surveillance in recent years to curb smuggling operations. On Jan. 23, police in the western city of Oran seized 130 kg of cocaine in an operation targeting a trafficking network allegedly operating from Morocco. Attorney General Raul Torrez announces a lawsuit against a Las Cruces-based consulting business allegedly defrauding veterans on Thursday, April 3, 2025. (Photo by Leah Romero / Source NM) Attorney General Raul Torrez is seeking restitution for veterans he alleges were defrauded by a consulting company based in Las Cruces. Torrez filed a civil suit against Disabled Veterans Consultants, Inc. Thursday claiming the company violated the Unfair Practices Act by using unfair and deceptive trade practices and unconscionable trade practices. During a press conference in Las Cruces, Torrez said the company offers consulting services to veterans to help access their benefits. However, the company is not accredited with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as they are required to be to charge for services. And such services are provided to veterans for free through various agencies, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torrez described the company as a claimshark, or organizations who prey upon our veterans in their moment of need when theyre trying to access the disability benefits that theyre entitled to as a result of their service to our country. He said such companies often offer to process claims on behalf of veterans for large fees or percentages of the persons benefits. Sadly, this country has not invested enough in supporting our veterans. This country, indeed, this state, has not invested enough in supporting our veterans, Torrez said. We have men and women who have honorably served this country who have disabilities as a result of their service who dont realize or may not have access to free services to help. Court documents also state that payments the company received from veterans were not made to the company itself, but to Zeplin Global Group, LLC; MJJL Holdings, LLC; and GTM Bookkeeping, LLC codefendants in the suit and all based out of Chula Vista, California. Torrez is asking the court to grant an injunction to prohibit the company from continuing to operate in such a manner. According to court documents, Torrez is asking that the company issue full refunds to the impacted veterans, cancel all contracts and pay fines of up to $5,000 per violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The action that we have taken today is intended to send a very clear signal to claimsharks, both in this community in Las Cruces, but around the state, that this kind of conduct will not be tolerated by my office, Torrez said. We will be aggressively investigating anyone who is engaged in this conduct. Brian Ravak, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, told members of the media during Thursdays press conference that state and federal legislation should be passed to further protect veterans from bad actors. The VFW, along with the American Legion and [Disabled American Veterans], have actively urged Congress to pass legislation that would prohibit the exploitation of veterans and survivors of unscrupulous claimsharks and strengthen the accreditation system, Ravak said. Each of our organizations have accredited veteran service officers who file VA claims for free not one dime of a veterans benefits goes to a veteran service organization. He also mentioned House Bill 245, legislation introduced during the recent session that died in the House Judiciary Committee, which would have prohibited companies or individuals from asking for payment for helping a veteran obtain their benefits, unless they were permitted to ask for compensation under federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ravak said he will demand the bill be reintroduced in a future legislative session. At least three states have passed such legislation, while Louisiana passed a law last year that would allow consulting companies to charge veterans up to $12,500 in fees for benefit services. Torrez said the case against the Las Cruces company is still in the early stages and it is unclear at this point how many veterans may have been taken advantage of. I can tell you that while this is the first action that weve taken against a claimshark in this space, it almost certainly wont be the last, he said. He added that the state and federal government have expanded eligibility for benefit claims, but have not increased capacity for processing the higher number of claims, creating an opportunity for businesses like this, and unethical and unscrupulous people, to step into that space and take advantage of folks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torrez said veterans are encouraged to reach out to his office if they have a complaint about how their benefits were processed, particularly if they were asked to sign over a portion of their benefits to a consultant. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexico celebrated Thursday having dodged the latest round of tariffs from the White House taking aim at dozens of U.S. trading partners around the world, but was also quickly reminded that in a global economy the effects of uncertainty cant be entirely avoided. President Claudia Sheinbaum said the free-trade agreement signed by Mexico, Canada and the U.S. during Trumps first administration had shielded Mexico. Now her government will focus on the existing 25% U.S. tariffs on imported autos, steel and aluminum, while accelerating domestic production to safeguard jobs and reduce imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During my last call with President Trump, I said that, in the case of reciprocal tariffs, my understanding was that there wouldnt be tariffs (on Mexico), because Mexico doesnt place tariffs on the United States," Sheinbaum said. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard noted that despite having free-trade agreements with the U.S., many countries were targeted by the tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday on what he dubbed Liberation Day. Trump framed the tariffs as a way to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. Noting that Mexico escaped the latest round of tariffs, Ebrard said swaths of Mexican exports including agricultural products like avocados, clothing and electronics will continue to enter the U.S. without import duties. Ebrard said it wasn't a given that the free-trade agreement would be preserved, because in a new commercial order based on tariffs it's very hard for a free-trade agreement to survive. The fact that it did, puts Mexico at a competitive advantage, because it's going to be cheaper to produce in Mexico than in any other part of the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oscar Ocampo, a specialist in foreign trade at the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness, a think tank, said the United States is closing off to the rest of the world and in relative terms closing off less with Mexico and that is an opportunity. Sheinbaum is seeking to use that opportunity to encourage companies producing in Mexico who had not been exporting under the free-trade agreement for various reasons to take the necessary steps to qualify. She cited major German auto producers as an example. Qualifying for the free-trade agreement could involve anything from doing paperwork to making adjustments to the sourcing of a product. Despite Trump's latest tariffs not being imposed on Mexico, the uncertainty they created and the interconnectedness of the North American auto supply chains meant it didnt take long for the effects to touch Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stellantis, maker of auto brands including Dodge and Jeep, announced that it would pause production at its assembly plant in Toluca west of Mexico City for the month of April while it assesses the tariffs' impact on its operations. The company has more than 15,000 employees in Mexico. A similar temporary production halt was scheduled for an assembly plant in Canada and some 900 workers were to be temporarily laid off across several plants in the United States. That uncertainty is part of the reasons why Sheinbaum is pushing Plan Mexico, an initiative to promote and cultivate more domestic production. As an example, she cited a collaboration between her government, local universities and Mexican companies Megaflux and Dina to produce electric buses for public transportation. Ebrard said recently that the buses represent not only a technological advance in Mexico, but also a strategic decision in favor of Mexicos industrial sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a factory in Mexico City, the electric buses called Taruk trail-runner in the Indigenous Yaqui language are already in production. Megaflux Director General Roberto Gottfried said the company hopes to deliver some 200 by year's end. He noted that some 70% of the Taruk's components are produced in Mexico, including its motor, but the lithium batteries that power them come from China. In a country where one out of every three people use public transportation every day, developing this sector domestically is critical, Gottfried said. Despite the global economic challenges presented by the uncertainty caused by tariffs, he said, Mexicos large internal market gives the initiative a competitive advantage to develop and weather the storm. Quality control expert inspecting milk in the laboratory. (Getty Images) Veterinary experts nationwide have a variety of hypotheses for new and puzzling test results from cow milk being analyzed for avian influenza including in New Mexico. March marked one year since officials first reported Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 among dairy cattle. Since then, bird flu has infected 996 herds across the country, including 19 cases in the last month in California and Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico reported nine dairy herds in Curry County tested positive last April, and began milk testing its cattle in February following the rollout of a federal program. The most recent results from milk-testing programs revealed that while more than 95% of the 93 cow herds in the state tested negative, a small set of inconsistent positives all from three Curry County herds infected last year remain, according to New Mexico State Veterinarian Samantha Holeck. Enter the mystery: The cows themselves do not test positive, nor do they demonstrate the symptoms documented in the earlier avian flu outbreak, she said, such as huge drops in milk production. Its been a real challenge to try to understand how it continues to circulate in some of these herds, Holeck said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico is partnering up with veterinarians in the U.S. Department of Agriculture to research the viral fragments found in the milk and sent samples to the federal National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. I know were a year into this situation now, Holeck said, but it seems like theres still just so much to try to understand. New Mexico isnt alone in experiencing the viral fragments, said Michael Payne, a food animal veterinarian at University of California, Davis, who noted there have been reports of similar persistent positives in quarantined herds there. I wouldnt diminish the importance of it being small, Payne said. Yes, were talking about low levels of virus and yes, were talking about cows not getting sick, but its important that were not exactly sure where its coming from, and that in and of itself merits examination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said more than $2 million dollars of research is being conducted in California on avian flu transmission across a dozen projects; including examining if its transmitted by flies; blowing in from dust storms; or carried by birds outside of waterfowl. It will be critical that we figure out how the disease is moving and how its changing, Payne said. Science is still very much in its infancy While scientists need to perform more research, Payne posited some possibilities for the detection of viral fragments: they could signify a different and less potent version of the virus; cooler weather might allow more viral fragments to survive in the bulk tanks, compared to the triple-digit temperatures in the fall; cows may have developed herd immunity against the virus. It could be that much smaller numbers of cattle are being exposed and are becoming infected, which has resulted in a much, much lower level of virus thats being detected inside the bulk tanks, Payne said. Its an area of active research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterinarian Andrew Bowman, a molecular epidemiologist at Ohio State University, said laboratory tests sensitivity could also be a factor: They may be picking up positives from environmental contamination in the tanks or on the farms. It doesnt take much; were talking a few copies of the viral genome to be present in a sample to send it positive, Bowman said. We can pick up a positive thats likely not a viable virus. Since the development of HPAI in cows is so new, as is the method of transmission where the virus replicates in the mammary glands that produce milk he said the basic questions of the interactions between the virus, the host and the environment still need answers. Science is still very much in the infancy of what we know about avian influenza in cattle, Bowman said. Offering reassurances While scientists say its important to unravel the mystery of the viral fragments to better understand how the virus might change or spread in dairy cows, they also emphasize that risk to the public from avian influenza remains low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports transmission of avian flu can occur from contact with milk from infected cows; eating, drinking or inhaling droplets contaminated with live virus; touching the live or dead bodies of infected animals. Thus far, the CDC has no documented human-to-human transmission. As of April 1, 70 people had contracted H5N1, mostly California farmworkers. Most milk sold in the U.S. is heated to a temperature to kill bacteria and viruses, called pasteurization. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tested milk products in 17 states and, finding no live viruses, reported that pasteurization is effective at inactivating H5N1, and that the commercial, pasteurized milk supply is safe. Federal officials, however, warn that unpasteurized milk, also called raw milk, is unsafe to drink. Research from the National Institutes of Health in June using infected raw milk from New Mexico found that the H5N1 virus had survived for at least five weeks in refrigerated conditions. Further, mice that consumed the raw milk showed signs of illness, which researchers suggest indicates drinking raw milk can transmit the virus to other organisms. Holeck emphasized that New Mexico milk is safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For dairies, its standard routine if they have sick cows for any reason, not just [avian flu], that milk is always diverted out from the milk supply, it doesnt enter commerce, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LONDON (AP) Britains Tate Modern art museum on Thursday unveiled one of the most significant gifts it has received in years a masterpiece by an American abstract expressionist that hung for years on a bedroom wall in Miami. Joan Mitchells painting Iva is the centerpiece of a major donation from Florida-based philanthropists Jorge M. Perez and Darlene Perez that also will help Tate expand its collection of works by Latin American and African artists. The 20 foot-long (6 meter-long) triptych featuring bold strokes of purple, red, yellow and white painted in 1973 and named for Mitchells much-loved German Shepherd went on public display Thursday next to a roomful of murals by U.S. artist Mark Rothko that is one of Tate Moderns biggest draws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tate director Maria Balshaw said the big, bold Rothko canvasses are among the museums crown jewels, and Mitchells spectacular painting will truly shine in their company. Balshaw said Mitchell like many female artists underappreciated during her lifetime should take her rightful place alongside her male peers. Prices for Mitchells work have soared since her death in 1992, with an untitled painting selling at Christies auction house in 2023 for $29 million. Such prices put her works beyond the reach of most public art museums. Tate a group of British galleries with its origins in the late 19th-century is working to rebalance a collection long dominated by white male artists. It has purchased more works by women than men in every year since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Perez donation includes works by artists from Africa and the African diaspora, to be given to Tate over the coming years, and a multimillion-dollar endowment that will fund curators for African and Latin American art at Tate Modern. Jorge Perez, an Argentina-born real estate developer, said its important that art from Africa and Latin America get the exposure in great museums, in great cities of the world, which they havent had. The Perez family has given more than $100 million to Miamis public art museum, now called the Perez Art Museum Miami. Iva hung for years on the bedroom wall in the couple's Miami home, and Jorge Perez said parting with it was wrenching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It went on display the morning after President Donald Trump announced tariffs on U.S. trading partners, with global divisions on many minds. Jorge Perez, a former friend of Trump who has criticized the presidents policies, said the importance of art is that it connects people." It connects people of all types, and makes people understand cultures that are not theirs, and see not only the differences, but the similarities between cultures, he said. And I think thats beautiful. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Michelin Guide announced plans on Wednesday to expand into the Southern region of the United States. With a trove of anonymous experts sampling across the Southeast, it raises the question: What Birmingham establishments would be up for distinction? Here are a few that might be under consideration: Bottega and Chez Fonfon Perhaps the chief force behind Birminghams emergence as a culinary destination, Chef Frank Stitt has been championing fine-dining for over 40 years in the Magic City. His first venture, Highlands Bar & Grill, opened in 1982 and was quickly followed by Bottega in 1988. In 2000, Chez Fonfon was opened to offer a more casual experience opposite Highlands. Stitt received a James Beard award in 2001 for his achievements as a chef. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Highlands has remained dormant for several years, Bottega and Chez Fonfon still garner buzz as fine-dining destinations. Stitts longevity and reputation in Birmingham will likely make his restaurants the first stop for Michelins reviewers. Gianmarcos Its not every day you find a classic, white-tablecloth Italian restaurant nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood. This unlikely discovery would make GianMarcos notable, but the reputation it has garnered since opening in 2003 may also draw Michelins attention. The intimate setting and unrelenting demand (often booking out weeks in advance) has anchored Gianmarcos into the pantheon of dining in Birmingham. Automatic Seafood and Oysters Opened in 2019 and spearheaded by Chef Adam Evans, Automatic offers seafood primarily sourced from the Gulf. Evans received a James Beard award in 2022 for best chef in the South. The building was once Automatic Sprinkler factory in Lakeview, giving the restaurant its name. Cafe Dupont Cafe Dupont is housed in a building dating from the 1870s on 20th St. in Birmingham. As a purveyor of the slow food movement, they seek to source local produce for their menu, which changes daily. The atmosphere and care put into the menu will not go unnoticed by Michelin. Helen Owned by Chef Rob McDaniel, a finalist for the 2024 James Beard award, Helen was inspired by McDaniels memories of his grandmothers cooking. A carefully-crafted dining space and a locally-sourced menu will make Helen a contender for the coveted star. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did we miss any? Send us a message on Facebook or email us with your suggestions! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson speaks at a get out the vote event at Solidarity House in Detroit on Nov. 1 2024, days before the presidential election. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Votebeat is a nonprofit news organization reporting on voting access and election administration across the U.S. Sign up for Votebeat Michigans free newsletter here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A review by the Michigan Secretary of States Office found 15 additional people who may have voted in the 2024 general election despite not being U.S. citizensa significant increase from previous reports. The newly identified voters are scattered across Michigan, with no immediate indication of any broader coordinated effort, officials said. The information comes as lawmakers at both the state and federal level consider requiring documentary proof of citizenship before voters are able to register. The results of the review, first reported by The Detroit News, are in addition to the single reported instance of noncitizen voting: Haoxiang Gao, a University of Michigan student who allegedly cast a vote in Ann Arbor last year despite not being a U.S. citizen. Gao faces felony charges for the accused crime and is expected in court later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the 15 potential noncitizen voters represent a tiny fraction of the more than 5.7 million ballots cast in the 2024 general election, Michigan Republicans pointed to the findings as justification for their recent proposed constitutional amendment, which would require new voters to prove their citizenship at the time they register. The amendment leaves it to future Legislatures to define what qualifies as valid proof. Voters already registered could also be forced to prove their citizenship as the proposal requires the state to run continual citizenship checks on the voting rolls. First it was 1, now its 15, Rep. Bryan Posthumus, a Republican from Rockford and the primary author of the proposal, said in a social media post shortly after news broke. The truth is, we have no idea how many. And now that everyone knows the loophole exists, how many more if we dont close it! Angela Benander, spokesperson for the Secretary of States Office, said the state began cross-checking Michigan drivers license records with the Qualified Voter File the states official list of more than 8.1 million registered voters late last year. Noncitizens can legally obtain Michigan drivers licenses and state IDs, so the comparison focused on individuals listed as noncitizens in licensing records who also voted in the general election. Officials noted that newly naturalized citizens dont always immediately update the state, instead opting to show their new citizenship when they next renew their license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of 15 new potential cases, 13 were referred to Attorney General Dana Nessels office for investigation. One of the 15 people has died since voting. The final person is being investigated for other potentially fraudulent voter activity, SOS spokesperson Angela Benander told Votebeat. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, in an emailed statement to Votebeat, said that noncitizen voting was a serious issue but one that required a scalpel, not a sledgehammer. Our careful review confirms what we already knew that this illegal activity is very rare. While we take all violations of election law very seriously, this tiny fraction of potential cases in Michigan and at the national level do not justify recent efforts to pass laws we know would block tens of thousands of Michigan citizens from voting in future elections, said Benson, a Democrat who is running for governor. Instead of those failed policies, we will continue to work with lawmakers on reasonable, data-driven efforts to improve security while ensuring that eligible citizens can always make their voice heard. Nessels office confirmed it was reviewing the cases, saying it would announce charges if they were filed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Nessel is, of course, disappointed to learn any number of non-citizens were able to cast ballots in our recent elections, and Michiganders should be assured that those criminally responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, Nessel spokesperson Danny Wimmer said. Benander said Michigans findings are consistent with other states. In Georgia, for instance, officials last year found that about 20 noncitizens on the states voter rolls of more than 8.2 million registered voters. Benander said the state will do similar analyses in the future to ensure only citizens are voting in the states elections. Benson has acknowledged noncitizen voting as a legitimate concern, but argues that requiring broad documentary proof would not solve the issue. Benson said in February that she would instead work with Democrats in the legislature to close loopholes that make noncitizen voting possible, although no such legislation has been introduced yet. The proposed constitutional amendment, known as House Joint Resolution B, passed out of the House Election Integrity Committee last month and is now before the full Michigan House, where it has the support of a Republican majority. But even if it passes the House, it faces slim odds in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A parallel citizen-led effort may move the proposal forward instead. Prove It, Michigan, the group backing a ballot initiative to require proof-of-citizenship, is scheduled to appear before the Board of State Canvassers as soon as this month to confirm their proposed ballot language. If approved, they could immediately begin collecting the more than 446,000 signatures required to be on the ballot. Hayley Harding is a reporter for Votebeat based in Michigan. Contact Hayley at hharding@votebeat.org. Votebeat is a nonprofit news organization covering local election integrity and voting access. Sign up for their newsletters here. The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at April 2, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from April 2 drawing Midday: 3-5-0 Evening: 5-7-7 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from April 2 drawing Midday: 8-4-4-8 Evening: 0-0-3-8 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from April 2 drawing 18-22-35-36-43, Lucky Ball: 08 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from April 2 drawing AC-AD-3H-4H-5H Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 2 drawing 11-18-23-32-38 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 03-08-09-15-27 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from April 2 drawing 01-05-06-13-19-23-24-28-38-40-41-49-53-60-66-67-70-72-74-75-77-80 Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Classic Lotto 47 numbers from April 2 drawing 09-30-32-38-40-45 Check Classic Lotto 47 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from April 2 drawing 15-16-22-34-35-44 Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices. To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Lottery Attn: Claim Center 101 E. Hillsdale P.O. Box 30023 Lansing, MI 48909 For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2. If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325 Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325 Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325 Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325 Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325 Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325 For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page. When are Michigan Lottery drawings held? Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m. Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form. Our News Automation and AI team would love to hear from you. Take this survey and share your thoughts with us. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for April 2, 2025 The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that the smell of marijuana alone is no longer sufficient probable cause for police to search a vehicle in light of the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state in 2018. In a 5-1 decision, the court overturned a 25-year-old precedent. "The appropriate rule is that the smell of marijuana is one factor that may play a role in the probable-cause determination," Justice Megan Cavanagh wrote for the majority. The Democratic-nominated Cavanagh was joined by fellow Democratic-nominated justices Richard Bernstein, Elizabeth Welch and Kyra Harris Bolden, along with Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement, a Republican appointee. Jars filled with recreational marijuana flower are on the shelves of the House of Dank dispensary in Detroit. "A warrantless search must be based on probable cause and the smell of marijuana is insufficient to support probable cause," Cavanagh wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, several police officers were conducting parole compliance checks in Detroit. One of those police officers observed a Jeep Cherokee parked on the side of the street, and said she smelled the scent of burning marijuana coming from the vehicle as she drove by. The police officer asked the two occupants of the vehicle if they had been smoking marijuana in the vehicle, which they denied, and then asked them to get out of the vehicle. At that point, another police officer observed a handgun under the front passenger seat. The defendant was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The court ruled that because the general intent of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, which voters passed in 2018, is to decriminalize the use and possession of marijuana in Michigan, the smell of marijuana no longer indicates the criminal possession, use or transportation of marijuana. Now, the smell of marijuana could indicate that the person possesses a legal amount of marijuana, recently used marijuana legally or was in the presence of someone else who used marijuana. However, Cavanagh wrote that marijuana use and possession are still not legal under all circumstances. Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana remains a crime and smoking marijuana in public is a civil infraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thus, although the smell of marijuana is no longer sufficiently indicative of the presence of contraband or illegal activity, that does not mean that the smell of marijuana is irrelevant to developing probable cause concerning illegal activity," Cavanagh wrote. More on Michigan's cannabis industry: As Michigan cannabis prices fall, business owners point to other threats to their survival More on the state of the industry: Recreational marijuana prices drop again in Michigan: What it means for the industry Republican-nominated Justice Brian Zahra wrote the dissenting opinion and argued that the lower courts erred by failing to consider whether the handgun could have been discovered in plain view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The lower courts errors leave open the possibility that the smell of marijuana was not the only valid evidence supporting probable cause," he wrote. Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Supreme Court: Marijuana smell alone doesn't justify search Former Vice President Mike Pence is this years recipient of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for putting his life and career on the line in overseeing the certification of the 2020 presidential election results, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation announced Thursday. Despite our political differences, it is hard to imagine an act of greater consequence than Vice President Pences decision to certify the 2020 presidential election during an attack on the U.S. Capitol, the Foundations Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg said in a statement. Upholding his oath to the Constitution and following his conscience, the Vice President put his life, career, and political future on the line, the pair continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award, created in 1989, is presented to public servants who have made courageous decisions of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences. The former Republican vice president said hes deeply humbled and honored to be the recipient of the award, which hell be presented with in May. I have been inspired by the life and words of President John F. Kennedy since my youth and am honored to join the company of so many distinguished Americans who have received this recognition in the past, Pence said in a statement. Pence broke with his boss President Donald Trump in his decision to not overturn the 2020 election results while he was ceremonially overseeing Congress certification of Joe Bidens win on January 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pence later said Trumps reckless words that day, when a mob of the presidents supporters violently breached the US Capitol, endangered his family and others at the US Capitol. He ran against Trump in the 2024 GOP primary and continued defending his actions on January 6. Past recipients of the award have been tied to protecting democracy against the efforts to overturn the election results, including Republican former Rep. Liz Cheney, Michigan Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, former Arizona Republican House Speaker Rusty Bowers and Fulton County, Georgia, election worker Wandrea Shaye Moss. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President of the Republic of Tunisia Kais Saied has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan With the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan, I am pleased to extend to Your Excellency my sincere congratulations and best wishes, praying to God Almighty to grant you continued protection, good health and well-being, and bestow further goodness, growth, and prosperity upon the brotherly people of Azerbaijan. I am also pleased to reiterate to Your Excellency our firm resolve to continue working together to further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and enhance the existing cooperation relations between our two countries, elevating them to the highest levels for the benefit and interest of our two brotherly peoples. I pray to God Almighty to bring us and the entire Islamic nation many more occasions like this one with goodness, blessings, and prosperity. Kais Saied President of the Republic of Tunisia KIGALI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- African leaders and technology experts have called for greater innovation, improved digital connectivity, and equitable access to artificial intelligence (AI) at the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa, which opened on Thursday in Kigali, the Rwandan capital. Speaking at the summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized Africa's immense potential for innovation and creativity, which can be amplified by AI. He urged African countries to take proactive steps to fully harness AI's benefits. "Our strategy should be to go back to the drawing board and build a strong foundation for connectivity," Kagame said. "Let's continue working together and driving AI to reduce inequality, allowing more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver to all of us." Kagame said that AI is revolutionizing industries by improving productivity, enhancing decision-making, and reducing human error. However, he cautioned that Africa risks being left behind if it does not adapt, cooperate, and compete in AI development. Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe echoed similar concerns, stressing the need to ensure AI serves all Africans. He warned that without deliberate efforts, AI could benefit only urban and educated elites, widening existing inequalities. "We have to be careful. AI should not only serve a connected urban minority while leaving out informal workers and young people in rural areas who lack access to technology," Gnassingbe said. He emphasized that Africa must identify strategic sectors, such as health, education, and agriculture, where AI can have the most significant impact. Rwandan Minister of Information and Communications Technology and Innovation Paula Ingabire stressed the importance of balancing AI innovation and regulation. "For us, these two things must coexist. It's not about choosing one or the other." She highlighted Rwanda's national AI policy, which includes ethical guidelines to ensure AI solutions, are deployed fairly while addressing potential biases in data training. Under the theme "AI and Africa's Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa's Workforce," the Global AI Summit on Africa, which runs through Friday, aims to bolster Africa's AI capabilities and define its role in the global AI ecosystem. The event features more than 100 African AI enterprises, an investment roundtable, and a research colloquium to foster collaboration and attract funding. It brings together over 1,000 participants from more than 90 countries. Originally appeared on E! Online Costa Rican officials have shared new details regarding Miller Gardners tragic death. Nearly two weeks after the son of New York Yankees alum Brett Gardner was found dead during a family vacation, authorities confirmed that the 14-year-old died from exposure to poisonous gases including carbon monoxide. In the carboxyhemoglobin test, a saturation level of 64 percent was found, general director of the countrys Judicial Investigation Agency Randall Zuniga Lopez in an April 2 statement, per NBC News. In such cases, when concentrations exceed 50 percent carboxyhemoglobin, it is considered lethal. In this particular case, with a saturation of 64 percent, the level is clearly well above that lethal threshold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noting that additional tests, including drug screenings, came back negative, Zuniga shared officials are considering the case practically closed. During the autopsy, the organs of young Gardner showed a very specific layer that forms when a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning or gas inhalation, he continued. That emphysema was both visible and very noticeable during the autopsy. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The update in Millers case came just three days after authorities initially expressed their suspicions that the teen may have died from inhaling carbon monoxide. During a March 31 press conference, Zuniga shared that a specialized machine was located next door to the familys hotel room, creating the possibility that some form of contamination may have reached the guest rooms. "Nonetheless, the initial investigative findings indicate that the incident was due to this contamination, with levels as high as 600 parts per million detected, he said, when the appropriate level in this case should be zero. The Costa Rica hotel where Miller died reiterated its condolences, making it clear it was complying with all investigations. Yankees / X We are heartbroken by the tragic loss that recently occurred on our premises due to causes that have not yet been confirmed, a spokesperson from the Arenas Del Mar Resort said in a statement to NBC News. We are diligently cooperating with the Costa Rican judicial authorities, who have taken over the investigation. We trust that the forensic process will objectively, clearly, and conclusively clarify the causes of this unfortunate incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She alleged authorities made an error in this initial reporting. We understand the concern has grown and to clarify the high levels of carbon monoxide were in a mechanical room that guests do not occupy," Dana told People April 1. "The levels in the hotel room were non-existent and non-lethal." For more details surrounding Miller Gardners death, keep reading. (E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) Miller and his brother Hunter were raised in South Carolina. Despite Brett Gardner spending his entire MLB career as a member of the New York Yankees, the outfielder and his wife Jessica Clendenin Gardnerwho tied the knot in 2007kept their sons Hunter and Miller largely out of the public eye in South Carolina. Still, they occasionally stepped out in support of their dads career, attending the CCandy Children's Clothing Line Launch at MLB Fan Cave in New York in 2013. Miller was known to live "life to the fullest every single day. In a statement announcing his tragic death, Millers family described the 14-year-old as having an infectious smile and someone who lived life to the fullest every single day. He was similarly remembered by the New York Yankees in a March 2025 statement, who emphasized Millers outgoing and feisty personality. Miller was following his father Bretts footsteps. Like his dad, Miller was athletic, though in addition to baseball, he also took up football, golf, fishing and hunting. In a TikTok post he shared earlier this year, he emphasized his love for football by sharing photos of himself on the field, adding, "Miss it." Miller made an impact on the New York Yankees. In a March 2025 statement by the Yankees confirming Millers death, the organizationfor whom Brett played from 2008 to 2021remembered the teen for the "spark in his eyes" as well as a "warm and loving nature. The team continued in their statement, "It wasn't just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 yearsso did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gardner family is still looking for answers after Millers sudden death. In a statement shared by Bretts former team, the outfielder and his family shared that after Miller and others had fallen ill while on vacation, the 14-year-old passed "peacefully in his sleep the morning of Friday, March 21." "Miller was a beloved son and brother, they wrote, and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile." And amid their grief, the Gardner family expressed how they are still trying to determine what happened. As they added in their statement, "We have so many questions and so few answers at this point." U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica confirms why the Gardner family was in the country. The day after Brett and Jessica revealed that Miller had died, the U.S. Embassy of Costa Rica told Inside Edition that the family was vacationing in the Central American country for spring break at the time of his death. The Embassy also confirmed that it was in discussions with the Gardner family about transporting Millers body back to the U.S. Costa Rican officials release Miller's preliminary cause of death. One day after Brett and Jessica announced the sudden passing of Miller, Costa Rican officials said the teenager likely died from suffocation after possibly ingesting a toxic substance. Preliminarily, apparently the manner of death would be by asphyxia after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food, an Organismo de Investigacion Judicial spokesperson told NBC News in a statement translated from Spanish. At the moment it is a death under investigation and is awaiting the results of the autopsy, as well as the analysis of the Toxicology Section, to determine the exact cause of death. Miller's cause of death as suffocation is ruled out. However, authorities soon ruled out suffocation as his cause of death, because they did not find any obstruction in his airways. They shared instead that Milleras well as his parents and siblinghad fallen ill on March 20 after returning to their hotel from a restaurant, agency spokesperson Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia told NBC News March 25. Hotel medical staffers treated all four family members before Miller's body was found in his room the next morning. The investigation is ongoing and pending medical test results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resort where Miller died releases a statement. Two days after the Gardner family announced Miller's death, the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort where the family was vacationing in Costa Rica shared their condolences. We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time, a representative for the hotel said in a March 25 statement to People. The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown, and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate. The resort added, We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy of those affected. The hotel also denied responsibility for the Gardner family getting sick at a nearby restaurant hours before Millers death. "The family did not eat at any of Arenas Del Mars restaurants for lunch or dinner the previous day, the resorts rep continued. Additionally, on March 14th, we had an inspection by the Health Ministry in which the hotel passed with a 98.5 out of 100. A Costa Rican official provides multiple major updates. The day after the resort where the Gardner family was staying spoke out, Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, a spokesperson for Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency (JIA), confirmed that Miller's autopsy results will be delayed by months due to high crime in the area. We're having a hike in homicides as these drug gangs battle for territory, he told DailyMail.com, and every one of them needs an autopsy. He added, I can confirm that an autopsy has been carried out on Miller, but the full analysis and results, as in every one of them, will take at least two to three months due to these constant killings causing a backlog of cases. That's the reality. Alvarado Garcia did confirm, though, that there was no indication Miller's death was a result of recreational drugs or alcohol. Though the results will be delayed, the official explained that, since all the samples necessary had been taken for Millers autopsy, his body can be repatriated to the United States, however, the Gardner family has been held up by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Ricas processing of their request. New York Yankees pay tribute to Miller. During their Opening Day 2025 festivities March 27, Brett's former team took a moment of silence to honor Miller. During the tribute, players stood with their hats removed along the edge of the baseball diamond at Yankee Stadium while a picture of Miller smiling was shown on the big screen. Accompanying the snap were the words Remembering Miller Gardner. Investigators discover another possible cause of death. Miller "may have died from inhaling" carbon monoxide, according to the general director of Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency Randall Zuniga, who said in a March 31 press conference that "high levels of carbon monoxide contamination" were found within the family's hotel room. Noting that a "specialized machine" was located next door, Zuniga said authorities believe "some form of contamination may have reached the guest rooms, potentially causing the incident." "Nonetheless, the initial investigative findings indicate that the incident was due to this contamination, with levels as high as 600 parts per million detectedwhen the appropriate level in this case should be zero," he continued, adding that officials will "wait for the final results from forensic toxicology" before releasing Miller's cause of death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) From inmate medical needs to staffing, the Minnehaha County Sheriffs Office has plenty to monitor as they work to improve operations at the Minnehaha County Jail. Members of the sheriffs office discussed whats going well and areas that need improvement during the Minnehaha County Commissioners meeting Tuesday. During Mike Milsteads time as Minnehaha County Sheriff, the current Jail was built and renovated, which gives Milstead unique insight for the Prison Project Reset task force launched by Governor Rhoden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court Docs: Police shooting suspect stole guns It will be interesting to see, having gone through two major projects moving from an old, poorly designed facility into modern, efficient design and heavily utilizing technology, to see how that matches up at all with what we start working on with the prison reset group, Milstead said. Another topic discussed by the sheriffs office was the high demand on the jails medical staff. The medical need at the jail is historically high. That continues. With the population that comes in into the jail, theres not a whole lot of preventative care that goes on prior to coming to jail. While I say preventative care, theres really not a lot of care at all that goes on on the streets prior to coming to jail, Minnehaha County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeff Gromer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While discussing the needs for people inside the jail, the sheriffs office also talked about what theyre doing to keep people out of custody. Between our 24/7 program and our Pretrial Services Program today, were monitoring more people outside of custody than we have in the county jail, Milstead said. Minnehaha County Jail sees rise in violence Weve done a really good job of developing and implementing programs that help us keep people out on the streets, so people that we can safely monitor and work through the system on the streets are not coming to jail, Gromer said. They can continue to work, support their family, support the community, pay their taxes, Milstead said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milstead also says the number of inmates in jail is similar to what it was a year ago. In addition, the sheriffs office hired 43 new employees for the jail in 2024 with 38 of them still employed with them now. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. As the Trump administration makes good on its promise to cut federal school funding, Milwaukee and its suburban districts are working to unravel the way cuts will impact their budgets, staffing and programs. Each year, school districts in the Milwaukee area rely on federal funding for anywhere between 2% and 20% of their budgets, according to information recently published by state's Department of Public Instruction. Statewide, cuts to the U.S. departments of Education and Agriculture jeopardize $842 million in federal funds, equivalent to 8% of school funding in Wisconsin and equating to over 6,100 educator jobs, according to DPI data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money goes to a variety of programs covering student mental health, homeless student support, English language learning, special education service, Head Start early learning programs, and school meals, according to the DPI. How much of MPS funding comes from the federal government and could be in jeopardy? Within the last several weeks, school districts across the nation have received a letters from the U.S. Department of Education, directing them to eliminate diversity initiatives and allow parents to view students "gender identity" records or risk losing federal funding. But how much federal funding do school districts get? Since the letters, Wisconsins DPI has released several resources to show the impact of federal funding on each district. The data includes only federal funding that flows through the DPI, such as Department of Education allocations and Agriculture Department reimbursements, according to the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This school year, Milwaukee Public Schools is set to receive around $195 million from the federal government, which employs 1,640 full time educators, per DPI data. That amounts to 20% of the district's revenue limit, or the total revenue it could receive in 2025. How much of suburban school district funding comes from the federal funding and could be jeopardized? Heres how much select Milwaukee-area school districts receive in federal funding, and what that would equate to in staffing, according to the DPI: Arrowhead $584,227 or 2% of the district's total funding 5 full-time educators Cudahy $2,804,712 or 10% of the district's total funding 17 full-time educators Elmbrook $2,760,675 or 3% of the district's total funding 26 full-time educators Franklin $1,782,843 or 3% of the district's total funding 14 full-time educators Lake Country $256,546 or 6% of the district's total funding 2 full-time educators Shorewood $758,942 or 3% of the district's total funding 6 full-time educators Waukesha $8,103,884 or 6% of the district's total funding 59 full-time educators West Allis-West Milwaukee $9,882,391 or 10% of the district's total funding 64 full-time educators Milwaukee schools much more reliant on federal money than those in the suburbs Milwaukee's 20% revenue limit far exceeds most of the nearby school districts in its environs, according to the DPI data, meaning the school district is much more reliant on federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is likely due to the city's higher population and higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students, according to the nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum report on Milwaukee schools. Many of the programs funded by federal money support students who are economically disadvantaged or need extra support, per the DPI informational materials. Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How much could Milwaukee schools lose from federal funding cuts? A 19-year-old Milwaukee man was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for two armed carjackings last year. James Poole pleaded guilty to two armed carjackings that took place in late January 2024, including one where he stole a car in downtown Milwaukee and led police on a high-speed chase before he crashed, according to a federal press release on the charges. Poole was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on three counts, two of motor vehicle robbery, and a third count for use of a firearm. Following his release from federal prison, Poole will face three years of supervision, according to court records. He is also ordered to pay over $25,000 in penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Individuals who engage in violent crimes like these armed carjackings not only endanger the lives and well-being of their victims but also can shatter the confidence of all residents that our cities are safe places in which to live and work, said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling in the press release announcing the sentencing. The charges against Poole stem from carjackings on Jan. 29, 2024, and Jan. 30, 2024. The first, the release says, occurred in the 2400 block of North Farwell Avenue, and Poole stole a black Mercedes-Benz. Court records show police later recovered the vehicle and, upon doing this, found Poole's ID on the ground. The second, when Poole carjacked a silver Infiniti, led to a police chase through the city. The 6-mile chase reached speeds up to 91 mph and ended when the vehicle crashed into a pole and the occupants were injured. Five people, including Poole, were inside the stolen vehicle, according to state and federal court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a subsequent interview with police, Poole admitted he was the gunman in the Infiniti carjacking and participated in the carjacking of the Mercedes-Benz. The federal court documents note both vehicles were manufactured outside Wisconsin and were "therefore traveled in interstate commerce." Jabari Griffin, 21, who worked with Poole on the carjacking of the Infiniti, was sentenced on Feb. 27, according to the release. He was sentenced to six years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Multiple state charges of armed robbery and first-degree reckless injury against Poole were dropped in June, upon the federal indictment, according to Wisconsin online court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poole is still facing six felony first-degree recklessly endangering safety charges in a separate case related to the Jan. 30, 2024, carjacking. A status conference in that case is scheduled for Friday. 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: Milwaukee man, 19, sentenced to 11 years in prison for two carjackings A key mining hub in the Democratic Republic of Congo only has enough essential medicines to last for two weeks after being seized by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Sources in Walikale, which was captured by the M23 on March 19, say the town is no longer safely accessible by road or air because of ongoing clashes between the army and rebels involving gunfire, drone strikes and explosions. As a result, reserves of supplies and critical drugs including antibiotics, painkillers, and HIV drugs needed to treat hundreds of people seeking refuge in the town, are about to run out, they told The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last delivery we received of essential medicines and supplies was January 17, said Marco Doneda, head of Medicines Sans Frontiers programmes in North Kivu. If things do not change, we estimate that in two weeks we will run out of critical medications, including antibiotics. An MSF-supported hospital in the centre of the town is currently sheltering more than 700 civilians, who have fled their homes amid the near-constant gunfire and explosions that have rattled the area since the rebels launched their assault on the town. A picture circulating on social media shows M23 rebels in Walikale, following the towns capture on March 19 - REUTERS This is creating a situation that, from a point of view of hygiene, is not ideal at all, especially for a medical facility. Its impossible to get supplies, because there is no viable road to reach Walikale, Mr Doneda said. We are also at risk because our hospital is not fortified or protected, its in the middle of town and is totally exposed. On the first day of fighting, we came out of the facility to find gunfire had damaged our cars, and bullets had come through the gates, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walikale sits atop large deposits of gold and tin, which is used as a protective coating for other metals and in industries including food packing and electronics. Walikale is the Western-most town to fall to the M23 since they launched an offensive on the eastern DRC in January. The group has also captured the two major cities in the region, Goma and Bukavu. More than 7,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands more displaced in the DRC since January in the latest escalation in conflict between the armed forces and the M23, which was formed in 2012 and has roots in the 1998 Rwandan genocide. The group promised to withdraw from Walikale last week as a gesture of peace, but heavy fighting has continued in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These past days, the situation continues to deteriorate. The violence has severely impacted access to healthcare, as 80 per cent of the population has fled the city hearing artillery fire and fearing hostilities, a spokesperson for the charity said. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A view of the Capitol dome on March 6, 2025. Photo by A.J. Olmscheid/Senate Media Services. Minnesota Senate Democrats are proposing a first-in-the-nation tax on large social media companies that collect data on Minnesota consumers. The bill, chief authored by Senate Taxes Committee Chair Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, would impose a tax on social media companies based on the number of monthly active Minnesota consumers from whom the company collects data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota is facing a looming multi-billion dollar budget deficit, and lawmakers are working to cut spending and generate new revenue to offset the imbalance. In an interview, Rest said taxing social media companies is a solution that doesnt hurt Minnesotans it doesnt cut critical social services or increase their taxes. We know were going to see some cuts, but I also felt it was my job to look for some fair ways to provide the revenue, Rest said. Were talking about folks like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Weve been giving to them for years and years, and now were going to ask those social media businesses to participate in solving Minnesotas budget challenges. Under the bill (SF 3197), if a social media company has fewer than 100,000 monthly consumers from Minnesota, it wouldnt be taxed. If the social media company has between 500,000 and 1 million Minnesota consumers, the tax per month would be $40,000 plus 25 cents times the number of consumers over 500,000. For the largest social media companies those that have over 1 million Minnesota consumers the tax per month would be $165,000 plus 50 cents times the number of consumers over 1 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Revenue estimates that the tax would apply to 15 social media companies. The tax, which would begin in January 2026, would generate around $46 million in the first fiscal year, $92 million in the second and about $100 million annually after that. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, reported $62 billion in profit in 2024, on $164 billion in revenue. Even as the companies make hundreds of billions of profit, social scientists are sounding the alarm on the widespread use of the apps, especially by young people. Republicans this year have said that they will not support any new taxes on Minnesotans, so lawmakers have been looking for areas to cut spending. When asked whether House Republicans would support a tax on social media companies, a spokesperson said no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our position is no tax increases, a House GOP caucus spokesperson said. New York since 2021 has proposed taxing social media companies for data collection, or data mining, and a similar bill is again being considered by the New York Legislature this year. Rest said that she hopes Minnesotas legislation can be regarded as a model for other states that are experiencing budget shortfalls. The bill will be heard in the Senate Taxes Committee on Wednesday, and Rest said House Taxes co-chair Rep. Aisha Gomez, DFL-Minneapolis, will be introducing the House version soon. AUSTIN (KXAN) A man who was reported missing last week in Llano was found dead near the Llano River Wednesday morning, according to the Llano County Sheriffs Office. Bradley Ty Tribble, 31, was reported missing by family members around noon March 29, police said in a news release Thursday. That is when the Llano Police Department issued a missing persons report, including a description of Tribble. Police seek public help to find missing man in Llano Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, family, friends, multiple law enforcement agencies and first responders went to the last known location in Llano to find Tribble, located near the Highway 16 bridge down Llano River to the east. The responding agencies included LCSO, LPD, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, Texas Highway Patrol and the Llano Volunteer Fire Department, according to LCSO. Family, friends, and LVFD searched the riverbed, railroad tracks, and surrounding area, LCSO said. Searches included a TPWD K9 team, TPWD and LCSO drones, and a TPWD helicopter. All search efforts were unsuccessful. According to LCSO, law enforcement continued following leads, as well as reports of sightings of Tribble at various locations in the surrounding area. It wasnt until Wednesday around 9 a.m. that search teams from Texas Equusearch, a nonprofit organization, started a second search of the Llano River when a volunteer with the nonprofit found a dead body on the north side of the river, according to LCSO. The body was identified as Tribble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials with LCSO and LPD responded to the scene, and the Justice of the Peace and district attorneys office were notified. Justice of the Peace Judge Lisa Simpson conducted an inquest investigation and ordered an autopsy to be performed by the Travis County Medical Examiners Office, LCSO said. LCSO said the next of kin was notified after Tribbles body was found. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Tribble Family and family friends, LCSO said. The case remained under investigation Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. STATESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A woman has been found safe after she went missing in Iredell County, according to the NC Center for Missing Persons and Iredell County Sheriffs Office. Mary Jane Phillips, 73, was last seen walking away from the Meadow Lakes of Statesville, a memory care facility located on Eufola Road near Buffalo Shoals Road. It is unclear when exactly she wandered off; however, officials first reported her disappearance just before 1 a.m. on Thursday, April 3. ICSO: Mary Jane Phillips found safe The Sheriffs Office said they were using drones and bloodhounds to look for Ms. Phillips. Around 9 a.m. on Thursday, deputies said Ms. Phillips had been found safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. WINDHOEK, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's regulatory framework must reflect its specific economic realities rather than copying policies from more advanced economies, Bank of Namibia Governor Johannes Gawaxab said on Thursday. Speaking at a high-level roundtable engagement on smart regulation, Gawaxab emphasized the need for a flexible and progressive regulatory approach to address the country's unique socio-economic challenges. The governor also cautioned against excessive regulation, which he said could stifle innovation, deter investment, and push businesses into the informal sector. According to a statement released by the central bank after the event, the roundtable discussion focused on smart regulation and adaptive, outcome-based policies that reduce compliance burdens while safeguarding consumers. Experts in attendance discussed key economic challenges, including Namibia's high unemployment rate of 36.9 percent, while exploring how regulatory reforms could address these issues by promoting job creation and economic diversification. Participants agreed on the need for a more agile regulatory framework that adapts to market changes, strengthens cooperation between regulators and industry stakeholders, and enhances public-private partnerships, said the central bank. They also pledged to engage policymakers to advocate for reforms that support Namibia's economic priorities in agriculture, industry, and enterprise development, it added. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Mississippis budget didnt make it out of the Legislative Session this year. Now, lawmakers are waiting to see when Gov. Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) could call a special session. Since hes been in public office, Reeves said this was at least the third time a session ended without a budget being passed. He did not give a date on when he would call a special session. The governor reassured Mississippians that theres plenty of time for negotiations and a government shutdown is unlikely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality is that Mississippi is not only still standing, we are thriving. So everybody, I encourage you to calm down, relax and pay no attention to any headlines proclaiming any sort of crisis, Reeves said. Hes confident the House and the Senate can work together to finish the budget. The Legislature has until July 1 to pass a budget for the next fiscal year. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Sandra Sandy Hemme spent 43 years in prison for a murder she didnt commit. She was released in July 2024 (Emily Curiel/Kansas City Star). The first thing Sandra Sandy Hemme did after walking out of prison in July 2024 after spending 43 years behind bars was visit her father. He was in the hospital battling kidney failure. Ten days later, he was gone. Hemme, now 65, had been held for a crime she said she didnt commit the 1980 murder of a woman in St. Joseph, about an hour north of Kansas City. In June 2024, a judge agreed. By then, she had lost decades with her parents, siblings and a young child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article was published in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system, and The Kansas City Star. Sign up for The Marshall Projects newsletters, and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and Facebook. Compounding the loss were the formidable obstacles Hemme faced while seeking to clear her name in Missouri, a state where legal and political systems often resist admitting error even in the face of overwhelming evidence. Missouri is unique in that it only allows direct innocence claims for those serving a death sentence. Even after the judges order freeing Hemme, officials from the Missouri Attorney Generals office known for aggressively opposing exonerations fought to keep her imprisoned. Advocates say the states top leadership has been hesitant to meaningfully reform the systems that kept her behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Hemme took solace in being present for her fathers final days. It was a relief, Hemme told The Marshall Project-St. Louis in her only interview so far since being released. A burden was lifted. She wishes shed had more days with him. Patricia Jeschke, a library secretary, was discovered bound and asphyxiated on her bedroom floor in St. Joseph on Nov. 13, 1980. On Nov. 28, then-St. Joseph Police Department detective Steven Fueston visited Hemme at a state hospital where she was on antipsychotic medication, court documents show. Her name surfaced while he was investigating an unrelated disturbance. Hemme told Fueston she thought she caught a ride from Jeschke after leaving the hospital on Nov. 12 from a previous stay. Eventually, Fueston testified, he stopped questioning Hemme that day because she didnt seem totally coherent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He returned a half a dozen more times. Each time, her story changed. Fueston said he stopped pursuing Hemme as a lead because he felt he would not get the truth from her. During an eighth interrogation with a different officer, Hemme confessed. Meanwhile, evidence surfaced implicating another person who attempted to use a credit card belonging to Jeschke and was found with a pair of earrings that belonged to her. But that investigation came to a halt. Many close to the case believed it was because it was Michael Holman a St. Joseph Police Department officer. The police chief at the time even removed an investigator from the case after he concluded Holman, not Hemme, committed the killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge sentenced Hemme to life without parole after she pleaded guilty to killing Jeschke in April 1981. A new trial was ordered after Hemme withdrew her initial guilty plea, but she was convicted in a 1985 trial. This time, she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for at least 50 years. Hemme began contacting the Innocence Project around 2006. Officials said the organization took her case in 2018. In 2023, her lawyers filed a 147-page petition in Livingston County Circuit Court detailing how they built their case. They were able to retrieve documents from the Jeschke murder case and on Holman from the St. Joseph Police Department that had not been previously disclosed. No physical evidence ever connected Hemme to the crime. Psychiatrist Judith Edersheim concluded in an evaluation that Hemme was at high risk for falsely confessing due to her serious mental illness and the antipsychotic medication she had been put on, which likely disrupted her cognitive thinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sean OBrien, a Kansas City-based attorney who represented Hemme alongside Innocence Project attorneys, called her case a failure of everything, including the St. Joseph police steering the investigation away from one of their own. Because of the states stance that only those on death row can bring innocence claims before a court, Hemmes attorneys alleged constitutional violations including that police hid evidence of Holman as a better suspect and that her previous attorneys were ineffective. It worked. A court exhibit photo showed the home where Patricia Jeschke, the victim, lived and was found (Livingston County Circuit Court). Its not a claim that they can raise if they received any other sentence, life without parole or anything else, Bay Scoggin, a state policy advocate with the Innocence Project, said of the states mandate that those seeking to be freed must be on death row to receive another trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The loophole dates back to 2003 when OBrien was representing Joe Amrine, who was on death row. He was exonerated after the Missouri Supreme Court found clear and convincing evidence of his innocence. Subsequent cases were mostly denied if they lacked a death sentence, until a 2021 law allowed prosecutors to file motions when they believed someone was wrongfully convicted. Changing the death penalty requirement could happen through action by the state Legislature or the Missouri Supreme Court, said former Chief Justice Michael Wolff, who spent 13 years on the court before retiring in 2011. The question was not brought before the court during his time, Wolff said. Bipartisan bills proposed this year in Missouris General Assembly would allow someone in prison to bring an innocence claim before a judge, who would have the authority to vacate a conviction if convincing evidence supports a persons innocence. During a joint hearing on the measures, officials from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Baileys office voiced opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill undermines the rule of law and is a miscarriage of justice, Assistant Attorney General Jay Atkins said during heated testimony in February before the Judiciary Committee. And whats worse is, its doing it on the backs of victims. State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat, asked if reviewing some cases that turned out to be frivolous was worth it if the bill freed an innocent person. You represent the attorney general, and youre talking about people who could potentially be innocent, and youre coming in here in almost a hostile manner talking about miscarriage of justice, Smith said. Frankly, I find thats disgusting, especially if theres people who are actually innocent. Hemme faced similar resistance by the Attorney Generals Office throughout her case. But in June 2024, Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman declared in a 118-page order that she was the victim of a manifest injustice. He added that the evidence directly tied Holman, who died in 2015, to the murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horsman ordered her release on July 9. She walked free 10 days later, delayed by interference from the Attorney Generals Office, including officials unsuccessfully filing paperwork to deny the decision and calling the warden to block her release. The attorney generals resistance to Hemmes innocence case did not come as a surprise to many on the opposing side. The office has a track record of disputing wrongful conviction claims, even when evidence casts serious doubt on a verdict. That stance has endured under previous leaders from both political parties. A spokesman for the office said Bailey and assistant attorneys general who worked on Hemmes case were not available for an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Megan Crane, co-director of the MacArthur Justice Center, a nonprofit civil rights firm, said it seems like the Missouri Attorney Generals Office prioritizes finality over fairness. Nicole Gorovsky, a St. Louis attorney who worked in the offices appellate division from 2001 to 2003 under Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, said she took the special rules for prosecutors seriously. The underlying principles are prosecutors are to seek justice, not a win, she said. But she agrees that more recent attorneys general in Missouri have fought innocence claims across the board. Quinn OBrien, an investigator who worked on Hemmes case with the Innocence Project, said she believes the perspective in the Attorney Generals Office really is that it is OK to keep an innocent person in prison or execute an innocent person because theyre protecting the rule of law. Questions about the guilt of a man on death row came to a head during court proceedings in St. Louis County in 2024. Marcellus Khaliifah Williams argued that his DNA was not on the knife used in a 1998 murder. When local prosecutors intervened on his behalf and pushed to have him re-sentenced to life without parole, officials from the attorney generals office stepped in to block the deal. Williams was executed on Sept. 24. Bailey was elected to a second term in November. Since then, he has continued fighting wrongful convictions, including an open appeal in Christopher Dunns case asking the Missouri Supreme Court whether the attorney generals office can fight the decision that vacated Dunns 1991 conviction. His release in 2024, like Hemmes, was temporarily delayed after Baileys office intervened to block it. Hemme recalled walking out of Chillicothe Correctional Center in northwest Missouri. I tell you what, I was so lightheaded. I felt so light that it was hard to explain, she told The Marshall Project St. Louis. I felt like I was flying through air. It was so great. She said she spent her first months home catching up with relatives and taking life slow and easy. She also continued fighting her case. In October, she made the trip to Kansas City for a Court of Appeals case brought by the attorney generals office. Attorneys alleged the judge who set Hemme free had exceeded his authority. She calmly watched from the gallery as the judges listened to the evidence. The panel struck down the appeal, clearing the path for Hemmes official exoneration, which came in December. Despite all that she has lost, Hemme quips that she is blessed by the best and not tripping on the rest. For now, she has been living with her sister and brother-in-law in Higginsville, a town of about 5,000 people about 45 minutes east of Kansas City. Eventually, she wants a place of her own. Hemme has been living with her sister and brother-in-law in Higginsville, a town of about 5,000 people in north-central Missouri (Emily Curiel/Kansas City Star). She is ineligible for Social Security, having spent the majority of her working years in prison. A law signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe on March 26 makes her eligible for $176 for every day of wrongful incarceration. It repeals a provision that only those who prove their innocence through DNA testing qualify for payment. Under the new law, Hemme would have to give up her right to sue the state for damages and, because payments are capped at $65,000 a year, she would have to live into her 100s to recoup what she would be owed. Hemme has been able to enjoy normal, everyday facets of life: celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas, cheering on her Kansas City Chiefs and attending church on Sundays. Her faith, she said, is something that has always been important to her. She has also savored time with her mom, who lives a couple of towns over, and playing with her familys dog, Lucky. The colder winter months were more difficult because she was often stuck inside. She likes being outside and being able to take little walks. It feels good to get out there and stretch, she said, adding that even going outdoors while in custody was stressful because so many people were always around. Shes becoming acquainted with new technology like her smartphone, tablet and email and making new friends during activities like bingo at the local senior center. On a recent Tuesday, participants marked off their cards as they chatted about families around town and local restaurants, some of which were unfamiliar to Hemme. She was pleased when she got to go up to a table of prizes after winning a round, picking out a small blue and white checkered quilt. In late February, she turned 65. For many, its a milestone that signifies the end of a career. Hemme, though, is in the throes of quiet beginnings. She spent the day with a friend she made from the senior center, and her sister baked an angel food cake that evening. That weekend, her adult granddaughter took her out to eat. Hemme enjoyed a hamburger and onion rings. One thing that still weighs on her: Other potentially innocent women remaining in prison. Hemme is one of 56 people who have been exonerated in Missouri since 1991, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. They lost upwards of 780 years of freedom collectively. I hope people keep fighting for them, she said. House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, speaks Thursday at a news conference on the Missouri state budget. Deaton was joined, from left, by state Reps. Bishop Davidson of Republic, Wendy Hausman of St. Peters and John Voss of Cape Girardeau (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent). The Missouri House sent the state Senate a budget of almost $48 billion to fund state agency operations in the coming fiscal year, a spending plan almost certain to grow as the upper chamber adds more money for public schools and child care. The 13 spending bills use about $2.1 billion less overall and $800 million less in general revenue than recommended by Gov. Mike Kehoe when he presented his budget plan in January. More than half of the general revenue savings are cuts to Medicaid spending based on newer estimates of enrollment in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the other reductions are due to paring back state employee pay raises, cutting spending lines where no money is actually available and shifting incomplete projects to a reappropriation bill that is not included on the bottom line. The budget plan didnt just cut money from Kehoes proposal. There were several small additions for state agencies, like $28 million for deferred maintenance on college campuses; extra pay raises for Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and commercial vehicle inspectors at a cost of $8.4 million; and 20 new holistic defense social workers in the Office of Public Defender at a cost of $1.2 million. There are also 105 earmarked items with a total cost of $170 million, including $142.7 million in general revenue. The projects range in size from $25,000 for a road project in St. Joseph to $19 million for a new state park in the district of House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel. Were proud to have found savings and efficiencies across state government, Deaton said at a news conference after the House action. We also continue to have a really historic surplus, although it is being drawn down, but still leaving $2 billion on the bottom line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Del Taylor, a St. Louis Democrat, said talking about how much was cut doesnt impress him. We dont measure ourselves in dollars saved and oh, I cut $100 million out of this budget and that budget, he said. What we really need to be measuring ourselves on is, are we addressing the needs of our people with funding for those non-profit organizations that our state has partnered with. State Rep. Del Taylor, a St. Louis Democrat, is surrounded by other members of the Democratic caucus as a Thursday news conference about the Missouri state budget (Rudi Keller/Missouri Indepenent). The state had a balance of $3.8 billion in the general revenue fund as of Monday, down from historic high of about $5.7 billion set in 2023. The budget on its way to the Senate spends $14.4 billion in general revenue, which would require about $900 million from the accumulated surplus if revenue meets expectations. Democrats found a lot to like in the budget, even if they were not pleased with the outcome on school funding and child care subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Democrats were able to make a number of changes to the budget for the betterment of their communities and the state, and it was a refreshing change from what weve endured in recent years, said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune of Kansas City. Most of the 13 bills passed with fewer than 10 votes against them. The largest number of opposition votes came on the bills funding the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and elected officials, where $50 million for private school tuition scholarship program called MOScholars is appropriated. There is new anti-diversity, equity and inclusion language in the bill funding the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development as well as long-standing language denying in-state tuition to undocumented immigrant students who live in the state. However, despite raising objections on the floor, many Democrats supported the bill as it passed 117-17. State Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, said Democrats had a tough choice on whether to support the higher education spending bill. The votes in favor of it were not traded for earmarks, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no price act, no amount of money that would make the House Democrats sacrifice our values, our morals and our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion in the state, she said. My calculation was, and always will be, how do I bring home the most investments to the most Missourians without sacrificing the values of the House Democratic Caucus? There is almost $500 million tied up in budget lines that are sure to get a lot of attention during Senate deliberations. The largest is $300 million for the school foundation formula. Under the calculation establishing how much should be spent on public schools, the basic rate for state aid, called the state adequacy target, is $7,145 per pupil. The House budget plan only funds an adequacy target of $6,760 per student. Kehoe did not include the increase in his budget and neither did the House. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough of Springfield has said he will find the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One item Democrats wanted to eliminate is the $50 million appropriation for the MOScholars program. The program, expanded last year, has not attracted the donations expected and is the first time the state is making grants of tax dollars to pay tuition at private and parochial schools. Hough has also said he intends to restore a cut to Kehoes budget for child care subsidies. Kehoe asked lawmakers to use $107 million of new federal funding for child care to revise how providers are paid. Instead of being paid based on attendance at the end of a month, providers would get their money at the beginning of the month based on the number of children enrolled. The child care money isnt in the budget, Deaton said, because it could become a cost to the general revenue fund. I really never even got to the point of, is this good public policy? Is this bad? Is this a better idea? Is this a better way to do it, or not? Deaton said We really never even got past the fiscal concerns of can we make this work year in and year out? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problems with the current program, plagued by late or missed payments since the launch of a new computer processing system, make the changes proposed by Kehoe essential, Fogle said. We sat in that budget hearing room for countless hours, Fogle said, listening to people cry and scream and express their frustration about our inability to do our job as a General Assembly and the department to get those dollars out the door. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE KANSAS CITY, Mo. Some people are saying the will of the people or the vote of the people isnt being followed in Missouri. From the time that we decided to move forward with the ballot initiative, through the implementation of Amendment 3, every single piece has been met with some sort of dramatic barrier, Emily Wales, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, says. And now, we are in the fourth month of implementation, and we are still fighting with the attorney general about what strict scrutiny means, about whether or not Missourians should have access to medication abortion, which is the most common type of abortion access in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abortion facility licensing requirement lifted by Missouri judge Wales says that Missouri voters were clear on what they wanted. And still, we are fighting out every single piece of this conversation about abortion access. Procedural abortion access has been restored, but medication abortion is still not allowed. Kansas City was the first to restore access. We started the day after we got an injunction in February. We were able to restore access in Columbia in March. St. Louis had its first day of procedural care just last week, Wales shared. What we want is for patients to make that choice. Not for the State of Missouri. Not for politicians to make that choice, and right now, its not up to Missourians and its not up to the medical providers who offer care. Currently, it is in the states hands because they have provided so many barriers and roadblocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wales says theres no answer for whats happening beyond politics. Its about undermining the will of the people. Its about believing that politicians know better than Missourians and we are seeing that reflected in the legislature as well. Missourians have a constitutional right right now in this state that they cannot realize in large numbers because of politics. That never should have happened. It is happening not only in this context, but we are seeing this play out for sick leave. We are seeing the legislature make plans to undermine Amendment 3 or directly contradict and send something else back to the voters. Tuesday, a Missouri judge ruled that Platte County Commissioners will not have to implement a child services tax, even though voters approved it. In December, county commissioners referred to the way state law is worded in their decision not to implement the tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand the frustration from the people that worked hard to get the signatures (and) to get the measure on the ballot, Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker of Platte County says. The state statute says that, once the ballot measure is approved, the commission may authorize the tax, Presiding Platte County Commissioner Scott Fricker said. The case is very simple. This is in regards to the Platte County Child Services tax; an incentive to help child mental health services. Missouri lawmakers are going after voter-approved abortion rights. Voters will likely reelect them Fricker says enough money from the taxpayers is already going to mental health services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Platte County didnt need another six million dollars of mental health money. The commission, made up of myself and two others, were unanimous in our view, that the Platte County taxpayers are already spending enough in mental health in Platte County, Fricker shared. Very few people will benefit from six million dollars every year. Its too much money. Fricker says three million is already spent yearly for mental health services in Platte County. There is absolutely no correlation between more tax dollars and improved mental health; thats a connection that they were never able to make. They didnt even try to negotiate with us. They knew that we were not in favor of a tax without a sunset, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They should have known because they knew all along that we didnt support this. FOX4 reached out to a party in favor of the tax, they declined to comment on the story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. MEMPHIS, Tenn. As storms rolled through Wednesday night, power flickered out for thousands in the Memphis area through Thursday morning. Memphis Light, Gas, and Water says that from Wednesday to Thursday morning, a total of 21,020 of their customers were without power for more than 5 minutes. The company says that around 2:45 a.m., a maximum of 8,514 customers were affected at one time. However, they have worked to restore power to over 15,000 customers, with 6,132 still suffering from the outage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most outages are due to overhead fusses. They say more storms could slow down the speed of restoration times, though. The company says they have over 200 crews ready to complete damage assessments, make repairs, and restore power as safely and quickly as possible. Tips for if your power goes out: Check to see if the lights are out in neighboring homes if so, its likely a larger outage. Access the MLGW outage map via mlgw.com or the MLGW app. Report the outage on the MLGW app or call 544-6500. For more tools, visit here. Tips for if a powerline is knocked down: Stay away and call MLGW at 528-4465. Assume the line is energized and stay away and warn others to do the same. Do not remove fallen tree limbs or other debris from power lines. (Tree limbs and other objects can conduct electricity that can shock anyone coming in contact with them.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check the latest forecasts from WREG Weather This story will be updated 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 WREG.com. THOMASVILLE Actor Donald Gray will perform a one-man skit, Set Free, at the MLK Peace Conference, which will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at 108 Salem St., Thomasville. The event, presented by the Martin Luther King Social Action Committee, is being held in commemoration of the anniversary of Kings assassination on April 4, 1968. The event will also include music by psalmist Kiera Whitaker and a speech by Sophia Stevens, winner of the 2025 MLK Oratorical Contest. Admission is free. For more information, call 336-476-7218 or visit www.mlksac.com. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) An investigation into a murder-for-hire conspiracy led to four shootings, five arrests and one intended victim. As testimony indicated, it was a coordinated effort to commit a revenge killing. WCSO deputy killed in line of duty during shooting in Mossy Head John Fitzgerald McCarroll Jr., 31, Darrius Dwayne Rowser, 21, and Lyteria Isheeia Hollis, 31, each of Mobile, have been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of a murder-for-hire conspiracy in October 2024, according to a press release from the Southern District of Alabamas United States Attorneys Office. The release stated court documents and evidence presented during the three-week trial showed a coordinated effort to commit a revenge killing against a specific target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the murder plot, McCarroll hired several shooters who attempted but failed to kill the intended target of the plot during multiple nightclub shootings, the release stated. According to testimony, McCarroll gave a gun to Reginald Fluker, who fired into the Bank Nightlife club in Mobile. Investigators reported that Fluker shot the wrong person, who later died. Hollis allegedly paid Fluker before and after the failed Bank Nightlife shooting. Fluker pleaded guilty to conspiracy and will serve 30 years in prison. In November 2022, investigators said McCarroll provided Rowser with an illegal machine gun to shoot the target inside the Paparazzi Lounge in downtown Mobile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rowser missed the intended target but hit four other people, paralyzing one of the victims. Just two months before, investigators said McCarroll told Rowser to go to Mississippi to steal a car that they would use in the murder plot. Prosecutors said Rowser shot and killed a victim during the carjacking in DIberville. Rowser and his accomplice, Karmelo Derks, then traveled back to Mobile to burn the stolen vehicle. Derks pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of a stolen car and was sentenced to seven years in prison. Prosecutors said that McCarroll instructed Rowser, Derks, and 21-year-old Jimaurice Pierce in December 2022 to go to the Walmart off I-65 Service Road South in Mobile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were told to purchase a GPS tracker that would eventually be put on the targets vehicle. Orange Beach businesses face uncertain future with proposed beach-based business ban Both Rowser and Pierce brought into the Walmart modified machine guns and fired into the self-checkout area, resulting in hurting two victims. Pierce pleaded guilty to the murder-for-the-hire conspiracy, but he has not yet been sentenced. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Apr. 3When John Geary learned that Fox Run Mobile Home Park in Lewiston was for sale, he feared an out-of-state investor would swoop in, raise the lot rents and leave the primarily senior residents of the small community "high and dry." Geary, 78, a retired lawyer, has lived in the park for seven years, and last fall helped mobilize his fellow residents to form the Fox Run Community Cooperative in an attempt to buy the park. The group offered $2.64 million, but after a competitive counteroffer with difficult terms for the co-op to meet under a tight deadline, the sellers ultimately accepted the lower offer of $2.6 million from BoaVida, a California investment firm. They closed March 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, residents of the park's 40 lots wait to see what happens. "Their single mission is to get profits for their investors, so we've been very nervous," Geary said. "We've got an investment here and we really have no protections whatsoever." While Fox Run ultimately wasn't successful, Geary and other mobile homeowners are backing a bill that they say gives "teeth" to an existing law and levels the playing field between investors and residents. Opponents, however, argue the bill infringes on private property rights and creates onerous, expensive and potentially impossible barriers for sellers and buyers. The bill had a public hearing Tuesday before the Legislature's Housing and Economic Development Committee. A 'POISON PILL' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mobile home parks in Maine and across the county are increasingly being purchased by out-of-state investors who raise the monthly lot rents or even turn parks into a condominium communities, displacing residents who can't afford to then buy the land their house sits on. Several bills in the Legislature aim to get ahead of the problem and help communities purchase their parks before investors can. So far, two communities have successfully purchased parks, and another is under contract. But more than twice as many, including Fox Run, have tried and failed. A bill proposed by Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, would give residents the "right of first refusal" to purchase their park when it goes up for sale. It also would require the owner or buyer to notify residents if it intends to make a change of use in the park and to facilitate the relocation of the residents within a 25-mile radius, at the owner's expense. Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut all have right-of-first-refusal laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the Legislature passed a law that requires park owners to give residents at least 60 days' notice if they plan to sell, giving the community members the chance to purchase it themselves. The park owner isn't required to accept the offer, but must negotiate "in good faith." Nangle's bill would also extend the deadline to 90 days. For Fox Run, a 90-day notice would have given the group more time to get its financing in order, which could have made the difference, Geary said. But it's the relocation stipulation that gives Geary the most comfort. If the park were to change use to a condominium development, for example, he doesn't think he could afford the roughly $65,000 to buy his lot, nor could he afford $2,000 a month to rent an apartment. "My wife and I have been collecting Social Security for almost 15 years, we've got nowhere to go," he said. "(The provision) would make the statute real instead of a fig leaf as it is right now ... That's enough of a poison pill so that it would not be viable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nora Gosselin, director of resident acquisitions at the Cooperative Development Institute, said she's worked with nine different communities that tried to purchase their parks since the "opportunity to purchase" law was passed. Of the ones that failed, every offer was greater than the offer from the capital equity firm. It's proof, she said, that the law needs to be strengthened. "Here you have a mobilized group of residents advocating for themselves, connecting with their electeds to put interest in lenders with support systems like CDI, and under the current (opportunity to purchase) statute, their efforts can still be rejected in favor of a third party out-of-state company," she said. "The law doesn't have to be an 'us vs. them,' 'park owners vs. residents.' It's simply recognizing that the residents have lived in these communities for 20, 30, 40 years, and they have their biggest asset on this land and they deserve a meaningful shot at a cooperative purchase." OTHER AVENUES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a bill proposed by Sen. Dick Bradstreet, R-Vassalboro, the former executive director of the Manufactured Housing Association of Maine, seeks to tighten the requirements for co-op purchases. Current law requires that sellers consider an offer from residents as long as at least 51% of homeowners have signed a petition saying they're on board with buying the park. Bradstreet's bill, "An Act to Improve the Process for Mobile Home Owners to Purchase their Mobile Home Park," would increase that to 60% and prohibit residents from contacting other mobile home owners more than three times about purchasing the park. He argued that organizing should require more buy-in from the community than a simple majority and said it would protect the many seniors who live in mobile home parks from being "harassed and antagonized" about joining the effort. Bradstreet is a former manufactured and modular home retailer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last month, lawmakers also heard testimony on a bill by Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol, that would attach a $10,000 per-lot fee to the purchase of a manufactured housing community on top of the purchase price, to be paid to MaineHousing. Resident-owned co-ops or affordable housing groups would be exempt from the fee. The money would help replenish the existing program's coffers and take pressure off the state to fund the program through the budget. "Structuring the fee in this way encourages the continuation of mobile home park ownership as the purview of small business or residents themselves," Reny said. "It will also cause large wealthy national corporations to chip in for a beneficial fund if they decide to buy the land underneath our people's homes for profit." Greg Payne, the governor's senior housing policy adviser, told the committee that many other states are grappling with how to protect people from what he called "predatory behavior" and said the bill "may be the single most effective tool in the country if we choose to pass it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But mobile home dealers and park owners railed against the bill, calling it "anti-American" and a restriction of free trade that could ultimately do more harm than good by passing the costs down to residents. Samantha Beers, who owns three parks in the Midcoast, said the bill would unfairly target residents who do not wish to purchase the park, "while also creating an unfair penalty for Maine families that have worked through generations to build a park that they may now wish to sell." Copy the Story Link ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Abilene mother, Cassie Simmons, has now removed her kindergarten-aged son, Harley, who has autism, from the Texas Leadership Charter Academy (TLCA) Elementary School in Abilene. Simmons said her son was subjected to an unacceptable disciplinary practice by his Kindergarten Teacher, in which other students were instructed to chant shameful at him as he walked around the classroom. That incident informed her decision, as well as another in which she claims her son was made to eat at a lunchroom table by himself on a stage in front of everyone else because he would not sit still at lunchtime. All three kindergarten teachers at Abilenes TLCA fired due to unacceptable discipline practice Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the beginning, he wanted to go to school And then, all of the sudden, he didnt want to be there. He kept asking me to stay home I mean, yeah, hes gonna change his attitude, but its never been this bad where he comes home and hes just angry. Angry about just everything, Simmons said. Simmons said she had noticed a shift in her normally energetic and outgoing childs attitude around December of this school year. It wasnt until she spoke with his cousin, a fellow TLCA student, and a few other students, that alarm bells began to ring in her head. He was stood in front of the whole class, and they were all just telling him that he was being shamefulI understand. Kids need to be disciplined in certain ways, I understand that, but Kindergarteners are just learningIts mocking my child, and its not acceptable, Said Simmons. On Friday, March 28, TLCA Administration sent an email to parents and the public stating that they were made aware of a concerning situation by a staff member. It was reported that a kindergarten teacher had a student walk in a circle around the classroom while other students chanted, shameful, shameful, shameful.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That email goes on to state that the administration acted swiftly to investigate the matter, discovering that the disciplinary practice had unfortunately been used by all three Kindergarten teachers. The administration says that this type of practice is completely unacceptable at TLCA, under any circumstances. Simmons says she has not had any other issues with the school outside of this disciplinary practice, and while she is glad to hear that action has been taken, the damage to her child has been done. Harleys older Brother, Aidyn Holder, felt compelled to speak out as well. Hes autistic, so he just doesnt know everything, and then for them to treat him like hes like an outcast and a horrible kid is just crazy to me, said Holder. Its heartbreaking knowing that I cant protect him all the timePutting my son in the middle of the classroom where he can be shamed. And he dont understandHow would these teachers feel if their kids were being shamed like this? Simmons added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simmons has taken her son out of the school and enrolled him in another local elementary school. She hopes that by sharing her familys experience, others who have been affected will also speak out. Additionally, she wants the school administration to pay closer attention to the teaching staff and the disciplinary practices they use. I wanna make sure that these teachers are gonna be treating them correctly and not like theyre no one, said Simmons. KTAB/KRBC reached out to TLCA Elementary staff for comment on this story, but no response has yet been received. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Quake-affected people rest at a temporary shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. The death toll from a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 3,145, with 4,589 people injured and 221 missing, the Myanmar Radio and Television reported on Thursday. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) YANGON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 3,145, with 4,589 people injured and 221 missing, the Myanmar Radio and Television reported on Thursday. The Myanmar Fire Services Department, in collaboration with international rescue teams, has been carrying out search and rescue operations, the report said. So far, they have saved 653 people trapped under debris and recovered 626 bodies, it added. As of Thursday morning, Myanmar has experienced 66 aftershocks ranging from magnitudes 2.8 to 7.5, according to the country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. This photo taken on April 3, 2025 shows a temporary shelter for quake-affected people in Mandalay, Myanmar. The death toll from a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 3,145, with 4,589 people injured and 221 missing, the Myanmar Radio and Television reported on Thursday. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) Quake-affected people rest at a temporary shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. The death toll from a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 3,145, with 4,589 people injured and 221 missing, the Myanmar Radio and Television reported on Thursday. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) Quake-affected people rest at a temporary shelter in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. The death toll from a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 3,145, with 4,589 people injured and 221 missing, the Myanmar Radio and Television reported on Thursday. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) Children are seen at a temporary shelter for quake-affected people in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 3, 2025. The death toll from a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 3,145, with 4,589 people injured and 221 missing, the Myanmar Radio and Television reported on Thursday. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) President and CEO of Mon Health and Davis Health Systems David Goldberg attended Wednesdays Harrison County Commission meeting to publicly share plans regarding a new Mon Health hospital coming to Harrison County. In 2022, Mon Health announced it was approved for a Certificate of Need to build a small format hospital, which Goldberg says will be very similar to the Mon Health Marion Neighborhood Hospital in White Hall. Thisll be a 10-bed medical hospital with an eight-bay emergency room, said Goldberg. Itll have on-site radiology, cat scan, MRI, have the ability for x-ray. Itll have all the medical services that you would have in a medical hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goldberg told 12 News that Mon Health is planning to break ground on construction this coming Monday, April 7 as theyve attained the necessary building permit from the City of Bridgeport. The hospital will be in the Charles Pointe plaza, adjacent to the Menards hardware store, and is expected to be complete in the next year to year-and-a-half. Many Bridgeport workers sign petition supporting city manager Our project is about a little over a $30-million budget to be able to build the building, said Goldberg. Itll be two stories: first story will be the hospital, second story will be a shelled in space for us to use in the future for further clinical or administrative duties. Mon Health conducted a needs analysis a couple of years ago, and Goldberg said the results showed that Harrison County has grown significantly and continues to do do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The local emergency room, as well as our Mon Marion Neighborhood Hospital emergency room has seen more and room Harrison County residents needing service, he added. Goldberg describes himself as a West Virginian by choice, stating that he moved to West Virginia for undergrad and has remained in the Mountain State, bringing his family here. Its personal to me, no patient should have to wait for care, said Goldberg. A patients urgency or emergency is our urgency or emergency. So we wanna make sure we have the resources in place that can be financially viable, meet community need, provide services the community needs and grow with the community as they need us to. Goldberg said that Mon Health see upwards of 15,000 emergency room visits at its Marion County facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were keeping patients there, we monitor those beds for cardiac care. Well do the same here in Harrison County, he added. Goldberg said that they expect the Mon Health Harrison Neighborhood Hospital to get busy very quickly because its a growing community that deserves to have choice in healthcare. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A program that helps low-income Minnesotans afford their energy bills could face funding delays after the Trump administration fired all the federal workers that distribute the funding. The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota (CUB), a nonprofit advocate group, has issued a statement after reports that the Trump administration had laid off the entire staff at the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program office within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program provides energy assistance to 130,000 Minnesota households, according to CUB. The majority of households are outside of the Twin Cities metro area, and the most common recipients are over the age of 60. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CUB says that the state is currently waiting on the final 10% of federal funding for the program this year, comprising around $12 million that is earmarked for around 10,000 households. The recent layoffs mean funding could be paused, CUB says. "Energy Assistance is a vital and extremely popular program," CUB executive director Annie Levenson-Falk said in a statement. "Even a delay in funding will mean that eligible Minnesotans risk utility shutoffs or being unable to refill empty propane or fuel oil tanks." A spokeswoman for the Minnesota Department of Commerce told the Star Tribune that the state could run out of money to help new applicants apply to the program by mid-April. The spokesperson also said the department was "deeply concerned" about delays following news of the layoffs. LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO) A new Mongolian grill is planning to move into the former Hardees location in Loves Park. Super Bowl Mongolian Grill is expected to move into the space at 1550 E. Riverside Blvd, according to the City of Loves Park. Mongolian grill-style restaurants offer Asian-fusion stir-fry cuisine. Rockford was once home to a BDs Mongolian Grill location at 7310 Walton Street, but it closed in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearby, a new Mexican restaurant, Tacos El Jefe Mexican Grill, is expected to open in the former Fuji Cancun building at 6566 E. Riverside. And, the city announced that Tahinis, which will offer Middle Eastern cuisine, will open at Loves Park Crossings at 1521 E. Riverside Blvd. No opening dates were announced. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. MONTVILLE, Conn. (WTNH) A Montville man was sentenced to one year in prison for illegally selling firearms, according to the Department of Justice. Montville man accused of illegally selling, manufacturing firearms Nicholas DeFelice, 33, sold more than 200 firearms without a license to do so through his business called DeFelice Defense. He sold his firearms to individual customers and licensed firearms dealers, and placed them on consignment at various commercial firearm dealers throughout Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A February 2022 search of DeFelices home found two short barrel rifles, 67 other firearms, a silencer with no serial number and more than 28 high-capacity magazines. He was arrested in July 2023. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Montville A 33-year-old local man, who authorities said operated an illegal firearms factory and then sold the guns, was sentenced Wednesday. Nicholas DeFelice was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Marc Silverman said in a news release. In October, DeFelice pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered firearms after being arrested in July 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A February 2022 search of DeFelice's home found two short barrel rifles and 67 other guns, a silencer with no serial number, more than 28 high-capacity magazines and other firearms parts. The U.S. Attorney said DeFelice made and sold more than 200 firearms without a license beginning in 2013 through a business titled DeFelice Defense, selling the guns to individuals and licensed firearms dealers. He also placed them on consignment with dealers throughout Connecticut. Undercover agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives bought a firearm from DeFelice that he manufactured at their request. Del. Nicholaus R. Kipke (R-Anne Arundel) tells the House on Wednesday that "information got to me late" on why he introduced a bill with less than a week left in the legislative session April 7. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Republicans did not suggest that Gov. Wes Moore (D) had done anything illegal by being the featured speaker at a political action committee fundraiser Wednesday during the legislative session, when fundraising is generally prohibited but they said it didnt pass the smell test. Thats why GOP lawmakers in both the House and the Senate tried to introduce emergency bills Wednesday to prohibit such an appearance in no uncertain terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have laws prohibiting all state lawmakers and the governor from fundraising during the legislative session. These laws were established for one simple reason, and thats to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, said Sen. Jason C. Gallion (R-Harford and Cecil), who introduced a bill in the Senate. Del. Nicholaus Kipke (R-Allegany) introduced a companion bill in the House. Some political consultants and PAC leaders theyll say its legal, he said of Moores appearance. But at least, it does not live up to the spirit of our law. And it definitely does not pass the smell test, especially in the last week of our legislative session. Sen. Jason C. Gallion (R-Harford and Cecil). Photo by Bryan P. Sears). But with just days left in the session, Democrats said there was not enough time to consider the bills, particularly with more pressing issues like the budget and energy reform still hanging. We have a lot of major issues to take on, this would not even apply in the next five days, said Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) in response to a move to fast-track Gallions bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills were a response to Moores appearance Wednesday as the featured speaker at a fundraiser held by Unity First PAC, which was created in April 2024, largely to campaign against former Gov. Larry Hogans (R) efforts to win a U.S. Senate seat in 2024. Hogan lost to now-Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D), but the PAC is still doing business. Maryland laws prohibit legislators, the governor and other state officials from fundraising during the legislative sessions, and while Republican lawmakers feel that would also prohibit Moores activities Wednesday evening, the emergency legislation would lay it out explicitly. Gallion introduced a bill to prohibit legislators or statewide elected officials like the governor from taking part in a fundraising event as a featured guest or speaker or in another role intended to increase attendance at or the amount of contributions resulting from the event if its held during a legislative session. Late-filled bills are supposed to go the House or Senate Rules committees, which decide if they are allowed to be assigned to a committee to being the process of jumping through the usual legislative hurdles of committee hearings and floor discussion on the way to becoming law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the 2025 General Assembly scheduled to ende at midnight Monday, Gallion hoped to convince senators to bypass the Rules Committee so his bill could go straight to committee hearings. The overall issue is something that I know everyone in this room take very seriously, Gallion said, arguing that the dark money loophole needs to be closed immediately. Democratic senators agreed the issue needs to be looked at but said Gallions bill was too late to get through the process, and too late to do anything about the Wednesday PAC event. Even if we went through the trouble of hearing this bill, its too late, the fundraiser is already planned, Finance Chair Pamela Beidle (D-Anne Arundel) said. I think this can wait until next year when we arent so busy. Were just swamped with still getting bills out for a vote. I just dont think we need this interruption that we cant fix immediately. Majority Leader Stephen S. Hershey (R-Upper Shore) argued the bill is not necessarily focused on the Unity First PAC event but would put a stop to similar events down the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal or not, it certainly appears to be unethical, Hershey said. This makes sure that we are holding the governor to the same standard that we are that youre not fundraising during session. That is something that just doesnt look appropriate. The move to bypass Rules for Gallions bill failed 12-34. The House also sent Kipkes version of the bill to the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee Wednesday. Kipke was not hopeful Wednesday. I dont anticipate the legislature taking it up because of how short a time we have left, Kipke said. I would like to get a hearing, and I will be seeking a hearing from the leaders of the General Assembly. Ill be talking to them throughout the course of the day. I do think its something that has bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if that doesnt work, he plans to push the issue again next year. If it doesnt pass this session, Ill be introducing it next year, Kipke said. The legislature should embrace the blanket prohibition because its just the right thing to do. Workers fill food orders at a restaurant in San Rafael, Calif. Republicans looking to cut federal spending on Medicaid are eyeing work requirements as one possible option. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Under an emerging Republican plan to require some Medicaid recipients to work, between 4.6 million and 5.2 million adults ages 19 to 55 could lose their health care coverage, according to a new analysis. The study, conducted by Urban Institute researchers with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, calculated that up to 39% of the 13.3 million adults in that age group who became eligible for Medicaid when their states expanded the program under the Affordable Care Act would lose coverage if Congress required states to impose work rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report suggests that most of those people would lose coverage not because they arent complying with the rules, but because they would struggle to report their compliance to the state. Most adults who would lose eligibility for federal Medicaid funding are working, engaged in work-related activities, or could qualify for exemptions not readily identifiable through state databases but could still face disenrollment because of the reporting requirements, it states. The study identified several barriers to reporting, including lack of broadband access and lack of transportation. Forty states plus the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Overall, nearly 72 million people, about a fifth of Americans, are enrolled in the program for low-income people, which is funded jointly by the federal government and the states. Traditional Medicaid insurance was mainly available to children and their caregivers, people with disabilities and pregnant women. But the ACA, commonly known as Obamacare, allowed states to extend coverage to adults making up to 138% of the federal poverty level about $21,000 a year for a single person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, more than 21 million people with low incomes have health insurance because of expanded Medicaid eligibility. U.S. House Republicans in February pushed through a budget plan, now under consideration in the Senate, that would require about $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid over the next decade to help cover the cost of $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. The budget doesnt contain specifics on how that target would be met. But work requirements are a likely money-saving option: A 2023 analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that imposing work rules on Medicaid recipients ages 19 to 55 who are not parents or caregivers would cut federal spending by an estimated $109 billion over the next 10 years. The Congressional Budget Office based that projection on a plan the GOP-controlled U.S. House approved in 2023. That bill, the likely blueprint for the work requirements Republicans are considering now, would have required adults ages 19-55 to work, participate in a job training program or perform community service for at least 80 hours per month for three or more months in a calendar year. Parents and caretakers of dependent children, and those unable to work because of a health condition, would have been exempt. Many Republican-led states are eager to impose work requirements on able-bodied Medicaid recipients. Thirteen states received permission to impose work rules on at least some Medicaid enrollees during the first Trump administration. Nine additional states requested permission to enact Medicaid work requirements during Trumps earlier term but had not won approval by the time it ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Biden administration came into office, it rescinded all the approvals. Supporters say requiring Medicaid recipients to work, study or train for a career gives them a boost toward self-sufficiency and financial stability. Critics, however, say such rules end up hurting far more people than they help. The researchers from the Urban Institute mostly based their analysis on the experience of Arkansas, which in June 2018 became the first state to require some Medicaid recipients to work, volunteer, go to school or participate in job training to receive benefits. By the time a federal judge halted the policy in April 2019, 18,000 adults had lost coverage. The researchers also looked at New Hampshire, which began implementing a work requirement but halted the program in July 2019 before suspending anyones coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was found in a lot of qualitative research on the previous work requirement programs is that a lot of people were unaware of the policy, or they didnt understand the policy, said Michael Karpman, an Urban Institute researcher who co-authored the study. People who need coverage the most would do the most to try to maintain it. On the other hand, those people could also face the most difficulty with the administrative barriers, Karpman said. In a 2020 study examining how Arkansas last experience with work requirements played out, researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found no evidence that the policy succeeded in its stated goal of promoting work and instead found substantial evidence of harm to health care coverage and access. Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced in January that she would ask the federal government for permission to institute work requirements, regardless of what Congress decides. The state submitted the request last week. Especially for a rural state like Arkansas, work requirements fail to take into account a lot of the realities that people may face. Christin Harper, policy director for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families Arkansas Republican state Rep. Aaron Pilkington, who serves on the health committee in his chamber, said lawmakers learned our lesson from the last go-round. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pilkington said that under the new proposal, the state will only pause coverage instead of canceling it, giving recipients an opportunity to prove they are complying. And, he said, the online portal for reporting will be a lot more user-friendly. I think its a reasonable thing to ask for able-bodied people to look for work, or try to obtain work, Pilkington said. But Christin Harper, policy director for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, said even the new version would be a challenge for many enrollees. Many people on Medicaid are juggling multiple jobs, and having to report to the state every month would be a significant burden. Especially for a rural state like Arkansas, work requirements fail to take into account a lot of the realities that people may face, Harper said. She added that with the overall job market, job opportunities may or may not be available in some of these rural towns. This story is republished from Stateline, a sister publication to the Kentucky Lantern and part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Workers fill food orders at a restaurant in San Rafael, Calif. Republicans looking to cut federal spending on Medicaid are eyeing work requirements as one possible option. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Under an emerging Republican plan to require some Medicaid recipients to work, between 4.6 million and 5.2 million adults ages 19 to 55 could lose their health care coverage, according to a new analysis. The study, conducted by Urban Institute researchers with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, calculated that up to 39% of the 13.3 million adults in that age group who became eligible for Medicaid when their states expanded the program under the Affordable Care Act would lose coverage if Congress required states to impose work rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report suggests that most of those people would lose coverage not because they arent complying with the rules, but because they would struggle to report their compliance to the state. Most adults who would lose eligibility for federal Medicaid funding are working, engaged in work-related activities, or could qualify for exemptions not readily identifiable through state databases but could still face disenrollment because of the reporting requirements, it states. The study identified several barriers to reporting, including lack of broadband access and lack of transportation. Forty states plus the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Overall, nearly 72 million people, about a fifth of Americans, are enrolled in the program for low-income people, which is funded jointly by the federal government and the states. Traditional Medicaid insurance was mainly available to children and their caregivers, people with disabilities and pregnant women. But the ACA, commonly known as Obamacare, allowed states to extend coverage to adults making up to 138% of the federal poverty level about $21,000 a year for a single person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, more than 21 million people with low incomes have health insurance because of expanded Medicaid eligibility. U.S. House Republicans in February pushed through a budget plan, now under consideration in the Senate, that would require about $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid over the next decade to help cover the cost of $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. The budget doesnt contain specifics on how that target would be met. But work requirements are a likely money-saving option: A 2023 analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that imposing work rules on Medicaid recipients ages 19 to 55 who are not parents or caregivers would cut federal spending by an estimated $109 billion over the next 10 years. The Congressional Budget Office based that projection on a plan the GOP-controlled U.S. House approved in 2023. That bill, the likely blueprint for the work requirements Republicans are considering now, would have required adults ages 19-55 to work, participate in a job training program or perform community service for at least 80 hours per month for three or more months in a calendar year. Parents and caretakers of dependent children, and those unable to work because of a health condition, would have been exempt. Many Republican-led states are eager to impose work requirements on able-bodied Medicaid recipients. Thirteen states, including Maine, received permission to impose work rules on at least some Medicaid enrollees during the first Trump administration. Nine additional states requested permission to enact Medicaid work requirements during Trumps earlier term but had not won approval by the time it ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Biden administration came into office, it rescinded all the approvals. Supporters say requiring Medicaid recipients to work, study or train for a career gives them a boost toward self-sufficiency and financial stability. Critics, however, say such rules end up hurting far more people than they help. The researchers from the Urban Institute mostly based their analysis on the experience of Arkansas, which in June 2018 became the first state to require some Medicaid recipients to work, volunteer, go to school or participate in job training to receive benefits. By the time a federal judge halted the policy in April 2019, 18,000 adults had lost coverage. The researchers also looked at New Hampshire, which began implementing a work requirement but halted the program in July 2019 before suspending anyones coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was found in a lot of qualitative research on the previous work requirement programs is that a lot of people were unaware of the policy, or they didnt understand the policy, said Michael Karpman, an Urban Institute researcher who co-authored the study. People who need coverage the most would do the most to try to maintain it. On the other hand, those people could also face the most difficulty with the administrative barriers, Karpman said. In a 2020 study examining how Arkansas last experience with work requirements played out, researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found no evidence that the policy succeeded in its stated goal of promoting work and instead found substantial evidence of harm to health care coverage and access. Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced in January that she would ask the federal government for permission to institute work requirements, regardless of what Congress decides. The state submitted the request last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Especially for a rural state like Arkansas, work requirements fail to take into account a lot of the realities that people may face. Christin Harper, policy director for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families Arkansas Republican state Rep. Aaron Pilkington, who serves on the health committee in his chamber, said lawmakers learned our lesson from the last go-round. Pilkington said that under the new proposal, the state will only pause coverage instead of canceling it, giving recipients an opportunity to prove they are complying. And, he said, the online portal for reporting will be a lot more user-friendly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its a reasonable thing to ask for able-bodied people to look for work, or try to obtain work, Pilkington said. But Christin Harper, policy director for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, said even the new version would be a challenge for many enrollees. Many people on Medicaid are juggling multiple jobs, and having to report to the state every month would be a significant burden. Especially for a rural state like Arkansas, work requirements fail to take into account a lot of the realities that people may face, Harper said. She added that with the overall job market, job opportunities may or may not be available in some of these rural towns. This story was originally published by Stateline. Like Maine Morning Star, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Greater Cincinnati was thrashed by severe weather Wednesday night and into the early morning hours Thursday, but emerged largely unscathed compared with the deadly storms that swept across the central U.S. causing widespread damage. The storms locally toppled trees, damaged homes and knocked out power for tens of thousands of the regions Duke Energy customers, many of whom awoke in the dark Thursday morning. Even after severe storms this week and last weekend put residents on high alert, the potential for inclement weather isnt over just yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service says the Cincinnati area is due for another round of heavy rain and thunderstorms Thursday evening and Friday morning, accompanied by a risk of flooding and damaging winds. The weather service said a flood watch will remain in place for the region until at least Sunday morning. Multiple bouts of rain will occur into the weekend, with the heaviest rain expected Saturday into Saturday night. Severe storms bring damaging winds, widespread power outages overnight Eastward-moving thunderstorms arrived in the Cincinnati area late Wednesday and the weather service issued a tornado watch for virtually all of Greater Cincinnati. As of noon Thursday, the weather service confirmed a tornado touched down in northern Brown County and traveled into southeast Clinton County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A radar-confirmed tornado hit in northeastern Clinton County before moving into Fayette County. Radar-confirmed tornadoes are not official until the NWS surveys damage on the scene. Highland County dispatchers confirm the Lynchburg area has a lot of damage, according to Enquirer media partner Fox19. They said around 2:30 a.m. they were slammed with calls requesting emergency service or reporting storm damage, including wires and trees down. Strong winds downed power lines and trees across Greater Cincinnati, causing widespread power outages and, in some cases, significant property damage. In Loveland, a city of more than 13,000 residents roughly 25 miles northeast of downtown Cincinnati, the storm sent a large tree crashing into a home on Cedar Drive, splitting the residence in two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large tree also fell into a house on Division Street in Erlanger, Kentucky, while three people were still inside. Two of the people inside the home escaped on their own, but the third person was trapped inside, officials said. First responders were able to free the trapped individual. Duke Energy crews were out Thursday morning to inspect and work on the damaged powerlines, but some school districts were forced to close amid power outages. Others went on a two-hour delay. Nearly 48,000 Duke customers remained without power early Thursday, although that number had dropped to more than 32,000 late in the morning. Bad weather follows severe weekend storms Severe storms this past weekend brought four tornadoes to Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the tornadoes both rated as an EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale touched down in Butler County. One of the tornadoes landed just north of New Miami, while the other tornado touched down near West Chester before crossing eastbound into Warren County and dissipating just west of Morrow County, according to the NWS. The third tornado touched down near the city of Corwin in Warren County. It was also rated as an EF0, which is the weakest rating for a tornado on the EF Scale with winds between 65 and 85 mph. The fourth tornado, confirmed by NWS Monday night, was rated as an EF1 that touched down in Fayette County in Jeffersonville, also in southwest Ohio. The twister reached a peak wind gust of 90 miles per hour, and it traveled for nearly four miles over about four minutes before dissipating, the NWS said. An EF1 tornado can reach wind gust speeds between 86 and 110 mph. Ryan Ferris cuts down a tree that fell from a neighbors yard onto his 2018 Ford Fiesta in Loveland on Thursday after severe storms swept through Greater Cincinnati. Tornadoes reported across central U.S.; storm-related deaths in Tennessee, Missouri Deadly storms caused widespread damage across the central U.S. and were still bearing down on much of the country Thursday, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and putting millions under tornado watches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of tornadoes were reported across Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri on Wednesday and overnight, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. Images show widespread damage, with roofs collapsed, vehicles overturned and trees snapped and uprooted. Storm-related deaths were reported in Missouri and in Tennessee, where the state highway patrol said several strike teams are in areas impacted by tornadoes that swept across the state Wednesday night and early Thursday. The state agency released video on social media of troopers responding to tornado reports, searching through the wreckage of a flattened home near Selmer, a small city just north of Mississippi, which took a direct hit. Over 30 million people from Texas to Ohio were still at risk Thursday of powerful tornadoes and major flooding, which is only expected to worsen over the coming days as some parts of the country receive upwards of 15 inches of rain. Whats next for Cincinnati weather? Friday: Showers and a possible thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., with showers and a thunderstorm possible after 2 p.m. High near 67 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 90% and new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 61 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 80% and new rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch are possible. Saturday: Showers and a possible thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., with showers and a thunderstorm possible after 2 p.m. High near 73 degrees. Southwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90% and new rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch are possible. Saturday night: Showers and thunderstorms are possible. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 47 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 100% and new rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible. Sunday: Showers, mainly before 2 p.m. High near 53. The chance of precipitation is 80%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday night: A chance of showers before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Enquirer photojournalists Sam Greene and Liz Dufour contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Greater Cincinnati to get more bad weather after storms thrash region SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) University of Utah researchers are finding dust from Salt Lake City is more contaminated than whats found in the Great Salt Lake. A study team was led by University of Utah atmospheric scientist Kevin Perry and Jeff Munroe, a geology professor at Middlebury College. Jackie and Shadows bald eagle chicks officially have names Sunny and Gizmo The samples that we collected, the analyses we did, reinforced the idea that the urban dust there in Salt Lake, in Provo, is different from natural dust. It has components in it, which do have sources in an urban landscape, the things we would expect to find in a place where there is a lot of development, Munroe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hazardous elements in the air researchers looked for include copper, lead, cobalt, and arsenic. These can be traced to mining vehicle emissions and heavy industry, researchers say. Its a concern along the Wasatch front and back, where over 80% of Utahs population lives and where air can get trapped between mountains, unable to flow through like they may in great plains, Munroe explained. The concern is dust from a drying lake mixing in the air with dust coming from Utah cities, making the air more potent, which may make you cough more or need an inhaler. The problem is that there are lots of dust sources in the urban area, and when its windy and its picking up dust from Great Salt Lake and other places upstream, it gets mixed in with this local dust that has a lot more junk in it, Perry said. So if we think about the contaminants of concern in Great Salt Lake dust, and then you add in additional contaminants from the local dust, it just makes it that much more potent, and not in a good way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Flash: Second batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies by Chinese gov't arrives in Myanmar The longest-serving member of the Georgia House of Representatives has received a new honor for his decades of service. On Thursday, Morehouse School of Medicine dedicated a new building to former State Rep. Calvin Smyre, who has supported the institution since it started. Channel 2s Karyn Greer was there as Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens cut the ribbon for the dedication of the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having a building that houses our future generation of doctors named after you is a wild moment, Smyre said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Smyre was 26 in 1974 when he was first elected to the Georgia State House where he served for 48 years before stepping down in 2023 at the age of 74. Now decades later, Smyres contributions to the state is literally being etched in stone. To be involved in this process and to have been involved with the Morehouse School of Medicine since 1975, and its 2025, thats 50 years. And to see these young students, you know, it just brings joy to you, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kemp said hes proud to have closely worked with Smyre for so many years. Calvin Smyre is just a great American, a great Georgian, great member of the House of Representatives and somebody that Ive worked very closely with, the governor said. And I think you saw that, saw the affection he had for our past governors and how closely he worked with them and appreciated them. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First Lady Marty Kemp says she has a special relationship with Smyre, who served in the State House with her father, Bob Argo. When Brian did his first day at the state, they let me sit in dads seat, and I turned around, and [Smyre] was like, Thats Mr. Bobs seat. And it just meant so much, she said. Building the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center took three years and $14.5 million. Morehouse School of Medicine President Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice says she proud of the work that went into it, and to get to recognize Smyre. This is a special day, this is a three-year dream come true. And it is the culmination of really acknowledging the work of someone whos been our champion, Dr. Montgomery-Rice said. Smyre is still a board member emeritus at the school and continues to tout the work theyve done to legislators and community leaders. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Apr. 2MORGANTOWN Morgantown City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution opposing the Stop Chinese Communist Prying by Vindicating Intellectual Safeguards in Academia Act also known as the Stop CCP VISAs Act. Technically, the resolution is in support of a letter penned to the bill's author, U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, by Liz Finklea and Sarah Barnes, respectively the chair and vice chair of the Morgantown Sister Cities Commission. Moore, R-W.Va., represents the district encompassing northern West Virginia. The letter expresses the commission's "strong opposition " to the legislation, which would bar Chinese students from studying in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finklea and Barnes contend such legislation would unfairly presume guilt and treat all Chinese students as potential spies, undermine the principle of academic freedom, damage interpersonal relationships that serve as the underpinning of diplomatic goodwill and contradict America's tradition of openness and opportunity. "We respectfully urge you to reconsider your support for this legislation and instead work toward more nuanced approaches to addressing security concerns approaches that do not sacrifice our values of openness, fairness and international cooperation." The cities of Morgantown and Xuzhou, a metropolis of nine million people that serves as the gateway to eastern China, have fostered a relationship dating back to a "Friendship City " agreement in 2012. They officially became sister cities in 2016 via the Sister Cities program founded by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A scroll commemorating the relationship was delivered by former Xuzhou Vice Mayor Chen Hui in 2017 and hangs in Morgantown City Hall. In 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic, the city received a delivery of 20, 000 disposable masks, 500 medical gowns and 300 pairs of goggles from Xuzhou to be distributed to area agencies. In 2021, Morgantown City Council approved $15, 000 to design a portion of a new eco-park in Xuzhou representing Morgantown and West Virginia. "So, between trade mission issues and education issues, we've covered quite a bit with our partner city in China, and I'm saddened that this is a possibility not having Chinese students here. I think they're one of the largest groups on campus, " Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin said. "If there's some problem in particular, I would much rather that our government handle a problem in particular rather than as an entire group. So, I'm glad that we're doing this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilor Bill Kawecki agreed, explaining, "I am disappointed with the congressman for even considering this kind of legislation." In their letter, Finklea and Barnes said the proposed legislation undermines the stated mission of the Sister Cities Commission and all other efforts at citizen diplomacy, concluding, "In Morgantown, we take this mission seriously." The CEO of a southern California-based home mortgage lending company was arrested on Tuesday and accused of attacking a fellow cruise passenger who insulted his wife because she asked him to stop dancing barefoot. First American Financial Corporation CEO Kenneth DeGiorgio, 53, was charged with assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States following the heated confrontation on a Virgin Voyages cruise ship on Monday, according to a federal complaint obtained by HuffPost. An outside view of Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady cruise ship docked at PortMiami on Sept. 28, 2021. Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images DeGiorgios wife told FBI agents that the incident began when she confronted a passenger who was dancing barefoot on the dance floor of the On The Rocks bar, saying, Look we are all grown-ups here, can you put your shoes on? according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the wifes testimony, the man responded by saying, Shut up, you fucking bitch. Surveillance footage cited in the complaint shows the man dancing, before displaying a middle finger to DeGiorgios wife. Moments later, DeGiorgio comes into frame and places his hands on the victims neck and begins choking him, according to the complaint. The victim stumbles and falls while being choked by DeGiorgio. The victim told FBI agents that he felt as if his throat was going to be ripped out, according to the complaint. He recalled DeGiorgio stating, I am going to fucking kill you. DeGiorgio declined to answer the FBI agents questions about the incident without a lawyer, though his wife told agents that she should not have told the victim to put his shoes on, and that he never touched her, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for DeGiorgios legal team told HuffPost he responded to the actions of an individual who harassed his wife, making her feel threatened and intimidated. Although charged with a simple misdemeanor, Mr. DeGiorgio looks forward to being absolved of any wrongdoing, the spokesperson said. Related... Russian Presidential Envoy for International Cooperation Kirill Dmitriev has confirmed that he is in the United States, holding meetings with representatives of President Donald Trumps administration. Source: Dmitriev on Telegram Quote: "On 2-3 April, on the orders of President of the Russian Federation V. Putin, I am holding meetings in Washington with representatives of President Donald Trumps administration." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Dmitriev stated that the dialogue between Russia and the US was "completely destroyed under the Biden administration". "Restoring dialogue is a complex and gradual process. But every meeting, every open conversation allows progress to be made," he wrote. Dmitriev added that "a real understanding of Russias position opens new opportunities for constructive cooperation, including in the investment and economic sphere". Background: Dmitriev met with Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, in Washington. The meeting marked the first visit by a high-ranking Russian official since the beginning of the full-scale war. CNN reported that US authorities had temporarily lifted sanctions on Dmitriev, allowing the State Department to issue him a visa to enter the United States. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The Taylor County Agricultural Extension Office hosted a seminar on pest control to educate participants about pesticides and the insects that spread disease. The agriculture industry is facing many challenges. While weather and the lack of moisture play a large factor in those challenges right now, farmers and ranchers concerns also encompass pest insects and their effect on the wellness of their crops and livestock. Because of this, the Taylor County Ag Extension Office hosted experts from around the state to give a Vector Control Workshop. Big Country cotton industry faces closures amid shrinking profits, labor shortages + more Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vector control describes a strategy to eradicate pest animals or insects to prevent the spread of the diseases they carry. City officials, forest service workers, and even private individuals came from across the state to learn the ins and outs of pest population control, and Professor of Extension Entomologist at Texas A&M University, Dr. Sonja Swiger, spoke about this workshops main focus. We want them to be knowledgeable when it comes to using their pesticides, and thats why theyre here, mostly so that they can be trained properly in that. But we also want them to be educated in what theyre trying to approach with the pesticide usage, Swiger shared. We try to make sure that theyre aware of why theyre doing their job, why theyre out there controlling those mosquitoes, and why thats important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the workshop discusses a wide variety of pest insects, such as fleas, ticks, and certain fly species, the participants say their main concerns are mosquitoes, and Swiger highlights the key diseases they are most concerned with. West Nile is always our issue. That is an annual thing. Since it arrived, its been every year, but we also watch other viruses. The Dengue virus is one that comes up through the tropics. That can be a concern in the United States. A couple of years ago, Malaria was a concern as well. So, we watch all of them, but West Nile is our main focus, Swiger explained. Big Country mosquito season: Why you might get fewer bites this year The workshop also provides certification for individuals in the use of specific pesticides to combat these insects. Representatives from various city municipalities attended, and the hours spent in these classes contribute to maintaining their certifications for handling these pesticides. However, these certifications are not solely for those who operate within a large organization or governing agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monty Moeller is a farmer in the northern region of Big Country who utilizes this class as a cost-saving strategy. Moeller explains that due to the drought conditions faced by farmers in recent years, they have been struggling to cover expenses, such as hiring third-party services to apply specialized pesticides in their fields. To counter these rising costs, Moeller has obtained the necessary certifications to use certain pesticides himself, eliminating the need to outsource this task at a higher price. I have a private applicators license where I can apply chemicals that are restricted use to the farm and ranch. Its been tough. Its been really tough. So, they have to cut corners where they can. So, if they can apply their own chemicals, that saves them some money, Moeller said. Noticing more mosquitoes? Abilene expert explains how to keep them away Due to those same drought conditions, the Big Country will likely see a delay in the mosquito season, but Swiger went on to say that when it does eventually hit, measures like spraying pesticides will still need to be taken in order to fight the risks these disease-carrying insects can spread throughout our area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. A majority of Americans oppose deporting migrants who have not been convicted to El Salvador without due process, according to a new survey, as the Trump administration defends its deportation efforts amid broad scrutiny. Six in 10 respondents in a YouGov survey released Wednesday said they did not support deporting immigrants without criminal convictions to El Salvador to be imprisoned, without letting them challenge the deportation in court. That included 46 percent who strongly opposed such deportations. Meanwhile, 26 percent of respondents said they were in favor of such deportations, and another 13 percent were unsure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has recently used the Alien Enemies Act and immigration authorities to send hundreds of migrants it has alleged are gang members to a Salvadoran prison. But critics have called for outside oversight, with civil liberty advocates warning the administration is rushing to deport individuals without offering full evidence to support allegations of gang affiliation. The Trump administration on Monday acknowledged in a filing in court that it accidentally deported someone protected from removal, sending the man to the Salvadoran prison where they said they could not secure his return. Although ICE was aware of his protection from removal to El Salvador, Abrego Garcia was removed to El Salvador because of an administrative error, the Justice Department said in the court filing, using an abbreviation for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, 51 percent of respondents in the YouGov survey also said they did not back deporting international students who participated in pro-Palestinian campus protests, while 31 percent said they did support such a move. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that a minimum of 300 foreign students had their visas revoked amid the Trump administrations crackdown on foreign students who protested against Israel amid its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The YouGov poll was conducted March 28 to April 1, featuring 1,095 people and a 3.8 percentage point margin of error. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A mother and son have learned their punishment after their dogs killed a 73-year-old Ohio woman last year, according to our media partner WBNS-10 TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Susan and Adam Withers will each spend at least 14 years in prison for the death of Jo Echelbarger. As previously reported by News Center 7, they were each found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of confining, restraining, and debarking dogs in February. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pickaway County Prosecutor Jayme Fountain said the pair got 11 to 16.5 years for involuntary manslaughter, 18 months for failure to keep vicious dogs under reasonable control and 18 months for confining and restraining dogs. Todays sentencing of Adam and Susan Withers brings a measure of justice to the Echelbarger family. For months, they grieved the loss of Jo Ann while hoping the criminal justice system would hold the Withers accountable for their role in this horrific tragedy. That accountability came today, and the family is grateful, law firm Cooper Elliot said on behalf of the Echelbarger family. Echelbarger was attacked by two dogs while working in her flower beds in front of her home in Ashville on Oct. 17, 2024. She suffered serious injuries from the attack and went into cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital, according to a previous News Center 7 report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital. An officer shot and killed one of the dogs after it became aggressive toward him. The other dog ran away and later attacked and killed a dog near a school. It was also later killed. Echelbargers family filed a lawsuit, stating that her death was preventable. Just after the attack, WBNS-10 learned that the dogs had a history of violence but were never taken and several cases against their owners were previously dropped. The lawsuit said the county dog warden, Preston Schumacher, and the condo association are partly at fault because they didnt remove the dogs when they were previously violent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WBNS-10 reported that Echelbargers children hope their mothers death will help prevent someone else from being hurt. My mom lost her life. It needs to mean something. Something good has to come of that and what that is is change, Earline Romine, Echelbargers daughter, said. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) Police are searching for a man who led officers on a chase through multiple towns on Wednesday. Woonsocket Chief Thomas Oates told 12 News that police were called to Social Street for a report of a man who was violating a no-contact order. When officers tried to stop him, he fled on a motorcycle, according to Oates. ALSO READ: Woonsocket woman sentenced for trafficking drugs hidden in childrens toys Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers pursued the rider through city streets into Cumberland and onto I-295, where they lost sight of him. Dashcam video provided to 12 News showed the motorcycle traveling the wrong way on the highway at one point. As of Thursday morning, the suspect had not been found. Police said the suspect is also wanted on a felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault out of Massachusetts. Massachusetts State Police is leading the investigation, according to Oates. More Blackstone Valley news Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. The West Virginia Senate voted to ban hormone treatment for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria on March 6, 2025. The bill has moved to the House of Delegates for consideration. (Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography) The freedom to make your own choices is part of being an American. West Virginians take this seriously. We believe in individual freedoms and self-reliance. Its baked into our state motto: Mountaineers are always free. In practice, freedom in our state doesnt apply to everyone. For years, the leaders in our state government have sent a clear message: Some Mountaineers are free they have the freedom to live their lives the way they see fit. Others have to play by our rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have decided to have an abortion, you cant do that here. If you have decided to help your kid get the health care they need to be themselves, you cant do that here, either. And with persistently high poverty, falling investments in public education, and a crisis in affordable child care, too many Mountaineers are trapped in generational hardship, working multiple jobs to scrape by. Every year, our Legislature gets just eight weeks to address the concerns of hardworking West Virginians. But too often, these sessions are dominated by political agendas that create more problems than solutions for our most vulnerable, and just as often, any attempt to resolve structural challenges to our communities is pushed to the side by culture wars that just cause more harm. A clear example of these twisted priorities is abortion. Abortion is completely banned for nearly every person who lives in West Virginia. The Legislature made sure of that by enacting a near-total ban three years ago. And yet lawmakers continue to attack this care, advancing a bill this year that targets out-of-state providers of abortion care by threatening them with a prison sentence. Theyve also kept up their attacks on gender-affirming health care. This year, lawmakers are working to eliminate an essential, life-saving mental health exception to the current ban on this care an exception used by only a handful of young people who live here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thing is, these politicians are counting on us to sit on the sidelines. They would prefer that their constituents stay home and let them make all the decisions, no matter the cost. And if we let them get away with that, then we have truly lost our way as Mountaineers as people who fight for our right to live without the government telling us what we can and cannot do. New bills are introduced week by week that seek to strip us of what little reproductive rights remain, and if we allow our lawmakers to act unchecked, they will just continue to take them from us and ignore the real issues that affect us. Our resistance is essential. Thats why, this Friday, April 4, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic is hosting a Reproductive Resistance Advocacy Day at the state legislature to provide Mountaineers from across the state an opportunity to show up, speak their mind, learn more about the state of their rights, and find community amongst life-minded advocates in this fight for accessible reproductive care. Im a lifelong West Virginian and proud to be. I cherish my neighbors, my community, and, regardless of our differences, all of my fellow Mountaineers. We take care of one another. But its time we hold our lawmakers to that same principle and apply that care to our reproductive health as well. We cant afford inaction or ignorance our futures depend on it. UPDATE 4/4: The city of Senatobia will be conducting tornado warning siren tests at 10 a.m. on Friday. The city says a loud siren will be heard throughout the area, but this is just a test. No action is required. *** MEMPHIS, Tenn. The city of Senatobia, Mississippi said on Thursday that early warning sirens in the city did not function overnight due to possible weather-related interference. Severe storms tracked across the Mid-South overnight and into Thursday Morning, but now, residents in Senatobia, Miss. are expressing their concerns after they say the warning sirens never sounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 weather-related fatalities confirmed after severe storms in West TN In a press release, the city says they tried to activate the sirens, which did not function due to what they believe could have been weather-related interference. The city of Senatobia is currently working to repair the sirens. The City of Senatobia understands the critical importance of early warning systems in ensuring public safety. We want to reassure residents that city personnel are actively working to identify the cause of the disruption and implement the necessary repairs as quickly as possible, said the city. They are encouraging citizens to stay informed through multiple sources of emergency alerts like local media, the National Weather Service, and by signing up for Code Red alerts, which deliver important messages to your phone through text. Text MyTateCounty to 99411 to sign up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The safety and well-being of our residents remains a top priority. The City of Senatobia will continue to collaborate with all available resources to ensure our community stays informed and protected, said the city. We appreciate your understanding as we resolve this technical issue and thank you for your continued trust. You can also download the WREG weather app for real-time updates in your area. Check the latest forecasts from WREG Weather Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLOMBO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka is planning to negotiate a tariff reduction with the United States before April 9, when the new tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump take effect, said a minister on Thursday. Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha said in a video statement that the government had anticipated a tariff hike from the U.S. and already consulted with scholars, entrepreneurs, and experts on dealing with possible tariff increases. Jayantha said while Sri Lanka maintains a favorable trade balance with the U.S., exporting goods worth around 3 billion U.S. dollars and importing only about 370 million dollars, it is still a country under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, navigating a gradual path toward economic stability. He said the government would continue to pursue avenues for alleviating the potential impact. If the U.S. does not adjust its tariff policies, Sri Lanka may turn to the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) concessions to sustain its exports. Trump announced on Wednesday that he is imposing the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" on U.S. trading partners, and Sri Lanka now faces a 44 percent tariff. An eight-month-old pup rescued from an animal cruelty situation in Sturbridge on March 25 is nearly ready for adoption. Foxy, the Australian Cattle dog, was surrendered to the MSPCA-Angell on Tuesday. She will be available for adoption sometime the week of April 7 at the MSPCAs Nevins Farm Adoption Center. Foxy hasnt been in our care for very long, so were still getting to know her, but shes doing really well, MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler said. Shell need a spay surgery and to work with our behavior team a bit before shell be ready for a new family. A dog by the name of Foxy was surrendered to MSPCA-Angell following its seizure during an investigation into animal cruelty in Sturbridge. (PHOTO CREDIT: MSPCA-Angell) A dog by the name of Foxy was surrendered to MSPCA-Angell following its seizure during an investigation into animal cruelty in Sturbridge. (PHOTO CREDIT: MSPCA-Angell) A dog by the name of Foxy was surrendered to MSPCA-Angell following its seizure during an investigation into animal cruelty in Sturbridge. (PHOTO CREDIT: MSPCA-Angell) Foxy was initially seized after being found on a Sturbridge property with nearly 100 dead animals. Andrew Sebastiano of Marlborough was charged with nearly 200 counts related to animal cruelty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a dangerousness hearing on April 1, he was ordered held without bail. Sebastiano will return to Dudley District Court on April 26. We commend the judge on his decision to continue holding this person without bail, said Schindler. Animal cruelty should be a factor in determining the risks an individual poses to the community, and this decision reflects that. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) With severe weather threatening Middle Tennessee, Mt. Juliet officials urge residents to have a plan in place. One month after the city remembered the lives lost in the 2020 tornado, the community is bracing for a round of severe weather that will start Wednesday, April 2 and is expected to last through the rest of the week. Since 2020, there was a lot more storm readiness out there in the community, said Richard Frankich, administrative services manager for the Mt. Juliet Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tornado Watch until midnight for west Mid TN/west KY Frankich said dozens of homeowners have invested in storm shelters since the 2020 tornado. Theyre very stable, very secure, very difficult for the storm to break through, so its a great place for the families to take cover during a storm situation, Frankich said. Considering they have become more popular, Frankich has been asking families to register their storm shelters with MJPD. He said this information is critical for first responders. Then we know also that we can start looking and Okay, this home is registered with us. We need to know right where we can go and look for that storm shelter, how we can get into that storm shelter and start looking for those individuals, Frankich said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee School Closings & Delays: April 3, 2025 In the aftermath of the 2020 tornado, Frankish said Mt. Juliet realized the need for a community storm shelter. Hypothetically, had that storm tracked even just a mile further north, it would have wiped out our current police headquarters, which would have taken out our dispatch center, Frankich said. While a new police headquarters is still under construction, Frankich said a tornado bunker for the department and the community will be part of the facility. At that point, when storms blow through the area, if folks need a place to come shelter temporarily during the storms, our doors will be open to them, let them come in and take cover, Frankich said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to get alerts for your community Make sure you text MJ to 67283 to subscribe to the text alert program so you can stay prepared and alert. Dont forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker 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 WKRN News 2. After another round of storms swept through Maury County on Wednesday evening, emergency workers continue assessing damages and if attendees will endure a soggier-than-usual Mule Day this year. In Maury County, several church shelters opened for those seeking refuge from the storm Wednesday, which brought high winds, heavy rain and a tornado warning. The storm follows two tornadoes that touched down in Maury County just days before on March 31, destroying a home in Mt. Pleasant in Maury County. Coy Flowers leads the mule train in Maury County, Tenn., on April 2, 2025. More: Maury Co. farmers continue cleanup after Sunday tornado, 'It was like a freight train' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Three Tennessee storm deaths reported in McNairy, Obion, Fayette counties The Mule Train prepares to turn onto HWY 412 in Maury County, Tenn. on April 2, 2025. As of Thursday morning, Mule Day events have not been affected by Wednesday's storms, Mule Day PR Director Louise Mills said. "Everything is coming off normal, and we are prepared to open the park today at 10 a.m.," Mills told The Daily Herald on Thursday morning. "Everything is good here, and we don't have any wet ground. It didn't rain much here at all. We heard the wind a little bit, but it was all good." More: Things to do: Mules, markets, First Fridays, CAB Festival, Clean Comedy at Packard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual Mule Day Wagon Train also reached Maury County Park without a hitch after a few days of travel by mule-drawn wagons throughout counties in Southern Middle Tennessee. The mule train had a fabulous week traveling and arrived at the park about 4 p.m. Wednesday, Mills said. "I think they had three very nice days on their wagon train." Coy Flowers makes his way down South Bridges Road in Maury County, Tenn. on April 2, 2025. Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder posted to social media on Wednesday stating that safety during Mule Day is the city's number one priority. "Mule Day emergency preparedness and oversight is one of the most sophisticated operations we handle," Molder stated. "The latest predictions show a 'break' in the bad weather for Friday thru Sunday afternoon. As far as events, most events will be inside the park and OEM and the Maury County Sheriffs Department have EOC set up at the [Ridley] 4-H center to monitor events. CPD will assist with any requests for help." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com. This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Columbia Mule Day on track, Wagon Train arrives despite bad weather WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police are investigating a stabbing that happened in Northeast D.C. on Thursday afternoon, leaving multiple people hurt. In a social media post made at 3:45 p.m., the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said the incident happened in the area of Montello Avenue and Simms Place NE. Police search for Maryland woman suspected of making bomb threats against Prince William County elementary school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four women and two men were taken to nearby hospitals and were in stable condition as of 5:15 p.m. MPD Chief Pamela Smith called the assault senseless. Police said they found the suspect lying on the ground nearby and took him into custody without incident. The knife believed to be used in the stabbing was found near the suspect. She said the suspect seemed to be in an altered mental state from an unknown substance. While walking down the street, he reportedly started stabbing himself and then stabbed a female acquaintance, as well as other people standing outside on the block. Two people tried intervening and were also stabbed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will say this, even though were grateful for their intervention, we would ask that individuals who see incidents such as this not intervene, Smith urged. 2 people charged for defacing Teslas in DC with political hate speech She said among the victims was a grandmother and her granddaughters. The following roads were closed due to police activity: Montello Avenue between Mt. Olivet Road and Holbrook Terrace NE West Virginia Avenue between Mt. Olivet Road and Holbrook Terrace NE Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks to the Alaska Legislature on Thursday, March 20, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Alaskas two U.S. senators split Wednesday on a vote against President Donald Trumps economic tariffs against Canada. The U.S. Senate voted 51-48 to approve a resolution that would end the presidentially declared emergency that allowed Trump to impose tariffs on Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote was largely symbolic because the resolution has almost no chance of passing the U.S. House, where the Speaker of the House has already taken action to prevent the emergency from ending. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, joined Senate Democrats and three other Republicans in voting to end the presidential emergency. The other Republicans were Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Paul co-sponsored the resolution. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, joined all other Republicans in voting to oppose the resolution and support Trumps decision. Murkowskis vote had been expected; in the days preceding the vote, Trump issued a statement asking her and other Republicans to get on the Republican bandwagon, for a change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After her vote, Murkowski explained her reasoning in a statement on social media. While not all Canadian trade practices are fair, Im keenly aware of the negative impacts in store for Alaskan families and businesses should tariffs drive up the costs of essential goods, she wrote. In Alaska, this relationship matters. We share more than 1,538 miles of border with Canada some of our communities share schools and churches. Our best-known road is the Alcan (Alaska-Canada) Highway. We are friends, neighbors, partners, and allies when it comes to our economies, our mutual defense, our cultures, and, yes, our trade. In enacting the tariffs, Trump cited the flow of illegal drugs from Canada to the United States. Statistics published by the Canadian and U.S. governments show 0.2% of the illegal fentanyl sold in the United States comes from Canada. More fentanyl flows from the United States to Canada than vice versa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like any relationship, there are certainly areas for improvement. I support the Presidents efforts to block the flow of fentanyl in our country, but we should remember the old saying that the U.S. and Canada are neighbors by geography, and friends by choice. In that same spirit, Im certain we can find a better way to mutually secure our borders and address fentanyl trafficking than by starting a trade war, Murkowski wrote. Sullivans office, in a statement released after his vote, said, Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized enough fentanyl crossing the northern border to kill more than 9 million Americans. Senator Sullivan believes that we should not accept any amount of deadly fentanyl coming in from either our Southern or Northern border, said the emailed statement. For the last two years in a row, Alaska has experienced the largest increase in drug overdose death rates of any state in the country. Senator Sullivan believes we need to do everything we can to stop the poisoning of Alaskans and Americans, including using tariffs as leverage to get Canada, Mexico and China to put more resources into stopping this deadly drug from coming into our country. The senator doesnt believe the Presidents goal is to have these particular tariffs in place forever, but rather they should drive our nations toward greater cooperation on this critical challenge. The senator will be evaluating the results of this strategy and its impact on Alaskans in the weeks and months ahead. In response to Trumps policies, British Columbias government has introduced legislation to permit the province to levy a toll on vehicles traveling from the Lower 48 to Alaska. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sixth graders in Muscatine got an opportunity to learn about agricultural safety on Wednesday. Kids split into groups and went through several stations where they learned about chemical safety, fire safety, hand safety, electrical safety, animal safety, and more. This was the 11th annual Ag Safety Day at the Muscatine Ag Learning Center and around 400 kids attended. According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, agriculture is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. Proper safety training can help farmers to avoid serious or fatal accidents and use chemical pesticides and fertilizers safely for themselves and others. Between 2021 and 2022 there were 21,020 injuries in agricultural production requiring those injured to take days away from work. Fatal injury rates of agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry were 18.6 deaths per 100,000 full time workers according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC.) The leading cause of death for the farmers was transportation incidents. Others leading causes of fatalities were violence by a person or animal and contact with objects and equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students learned about safe practices when handling different animals such as cows, horses, goats, and sheep. Many of the stations went beyond the farm and taught kids about handling situations that may come up in everyday life. The fire safety lessons are something that kids will be able to take with them wherever they go. Students got to practice using a fire extinguisher on a real fire so that they have experience in case of an emergency. They also ran a fire safety drill in a mobile simulator so that they can be prepared to escape through a window in case of fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vehicle safety was also highlighted with a car crash simulation. Students also practiced pulling a rope out of a grain bin. Roger Gibson, the Muscatine site manager at Bayer, which helped to put on the event, told Our Quad Cities News that learning early can help prevent a lot of accidents. Learn about safety young because its easy on a farm to be taking shortcuts and if you dont have that message of safety then its easy to go down the wrong path and get hurt, he said. Safety can easily be overlooked. I grew up on a farm and knew a lot of farmers who got injured over the years, and a lot of our other employees grew up on farms. So emphasizing the importance of safety is something we can do for the farming community. Muscatine Ag Learning Center (photos and video by Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) The Muscatine Ag Learning Center is a facility that allows kids to participate in farm related activities. The facility helps Muscatines FFA chapter to thrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muscatine Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter President Elsie Lewis says the safety lessons go beyond the farm. Safety is very important. Even just being in the house you dont have to be operating large equipment, she said. Students will learn that certain gases can be dangerous to their house and can catch on fire. Our fire house is very important in case of emergency for a fire, you never know when one may spark up, so students learn how to exit a window safely and properly. About Bayer and its products Bayer is a German pharmaceutical and biomedical company that produces agricultural chemicals and seeds. It produces fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides to help with the growth of crops. Among these is Roundup, for which the company is currently under scrutiny in Iowa after legislation was introduced that some say could shield the company from lawsuits related to the cancer risk of the product. Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) Muscatine Ag Learning Center (Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) To learn about agriculture safety from the Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDC, click here. NIFA, click here. To learn about the Muscatine Ag Learning Center, 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Vice President Vance said Thursday that billionaire Elon Musk will remain a friend and an adviser to the White House after Musk departs from his role as a special government employee next month. Musk is leading the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to shrink the size and scope of the federal government, but his special government employee status will expire at the end of May. Vance made clear that Musk would not exit President Trumps orbit once he leaves his official government role, however. Of course he is going to continue being an adviser. And by the way, the work of DOGE is not even close to done. The work of Elon is not even close to done, Vance told Fox & Friends co-host Lawrence Jones in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE has got a lot of work to do. And yeah, that work is going to continue after Elon leaves, Vance continued. But fundamentally, Elon is going to remain a friend and an adviser of both me and the president. And hes done a lot of good things. People dont realize how vast and uncontrolled the bureaucracy was. Weve started to chip away at it, but theres a lot of work to do. Its not going to happen all in six months, its going to take a long and committed effort. White House officials have dismissed a Politico report stating Trump has told close advisers that Musks time in the government will be winding down. Trump earlier in the week said as much, acknowledging Musk would eventually leave to run his companies. Musk has been a close adviser to Trump dating back to his election victory last November. He is a regular presence at the White House, and the Tesla CEO flies with Trump on Air Force One. Trump has publicly praised Musk as a patriot and has tried to boost Tesla, including by purchasing one of the companys cars at the White House. But some Trump administration officials, including Cabinet members, have been frustrated by Musks outsized influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has come under intense scrutiny from Democrats and critics who view him as an unelected official with significant conflicts of interest through his businesses who is making sweeping cuts to the 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 The Hill. Despite billionaire Elon Musks repeated warnings that Western Civilization was at stake if the conservative candidate in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race lost, the Tesla CEO and senior adviser to President Donald Trump downplayed Tuesday's major election defeat, writing in an overnight post that he expected to lose. The billionaire, who has dominated headlines since joining Trumps administration as the aggressive head of the Department of Government Efficiency, had gone all-in on the race. His political groups spent more than $20 million in an effort to push conservative candidate Brad Schimel across the finish line -- flooding the airwaves with television ads and saturating Google and Facebook with digital spots. He deployed a ground team across the state to turn out voters, and personally handed out two $1 million checks at a rally where he appeared onstage wearing a cheesehead hat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Democratic-backed Crawford wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race over Musk-backed Schimel But it wasnt enough. PHOTO: Elon Musk looks on during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House Mar, 24, 2025 in Washington. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Schimel lost by what could be a double-digit margin, handing the worlds richest man a significant political setback and prompting questions about how eager Republicans will be to embrace Musks involvement in future races, including the midterms. But despite Tuesdays result, Musk remains undeterred in his political ambitions. According to people familiar with his operation, he still plans to play a major role in helping Republicans retain control of the House in future races, including the 2026 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources said Musk and his team entered the Wisconsin race knowing it would be an uphill battle. Part of the calculation, according to people close to the effort, was that Democrats in Wisconsin would likely make Musk the face of their attacks regardless, so it was better to confront them directly and make the case to voters rather than let those attacks go unanswered. MORE: Trump privately indicates Musk to step back from administration after government employee status expires: Sources Musks political team had seen warning signs in the final stretch. A memo from one of his groups obtained by ABC News showed that Schimel had been trailing liberal candidate Susan Crawford by double digits earlier in the race and his numbers improved after a wave of negative advertising. But in the days leading up to Tuesday, Musks team saw Schimels numbers tank, prompting the billionaire to go on a media blitz that included multiple livestream events and an interview on Fox News. Now, Democrats are working quickly to capitalize on Crawfords victory and portray Musk as a liability for Trump and the Republican Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Schimels loss was a referendum on Musk. MORE: Trump privately indicates Elon Musk could step back from current role: Sources Wisconsin voters sent a decisive message to Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and DOGE by rejecting an extreme Republican for their Supreme Court: our Democracy is not for sale, Schumer wrote on X. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a billionaire himself who donated more than $1 million to the Democratic Party of Wisconsin ahead of the race, wrote on X late Tuesday night, Elon Musk is not good at this. Patrick Guarasci, a Wisconsin-based political operative who served as a senior adviser for Susan Crawford's campaign, echoed that view. He said one of the key takeaways for Democrats nationally is the importance of confronting Musks political efforts directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We didn't back down from a fight when Elon Musk got into this race. We didn't go looking for that fight, but we didn't back down from it. And I think that's probably one of the lessons learned, Guarasci told ABC News in an interview on Wednesday. Still, Musks supporters note that the billionaire also played a central role in Trumps 2024 presidential win, particularly focusing on Pennsylvania with similar tactics. [Musk] journeyed to Pennsylvania where he spent a month and a half campaigning for me ... and hes a popular guy, Trump said at a rally after his election win. He knows those computers better than anybody. All those computers, those vote-counting computers, and we ended up winning Pennsylvania like in a landslide. So, it was pretty good, it was pretty good. So, thank you to Elon. Musk still plans a major role in midterm elections despite loss in Wisconsin: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com CANBERRA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The peak body representing Australia's agriculture industry has expressed "profound disappointment" in new U.S. tariffs of 10 percent on all imports from Australia. The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) on Thursday said it is "unwavering" in its commitment to free and fair trade following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs in Washington on Wednesday local time. David Jochinke, president of the Canberra-based NFF, described Trump's decision to impose tariffs of at least 10 percent on all imports, including from Australia, as a "disappointing step backward" for the global economy. The NFF said that Jochinke spoke with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday morning and outlined the industry's support for the PM's decision not to impose reciprocal tariffs. "The NFF has long championed free and fair trade, not just for agriculture but all industries, recognizing its role in global economic growth and stability. Australian agriculture is unwavering in its commitment to this," Jochinke said. Responding to the new tariffs earlier on Thursday, Albanese said they were "unwarranted" and "not the act of a friend." Albanese announced 50 million Australian dollars (31.3 million U.S. dollars) in government funding for affected industries to seek new export markets. He said the funding would be delivered through peak bodies, including the NFF. According to government data, Australian agricultural exports to the U.S. were worth 7.1 billion Australian dollars (4.4 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023-24 and 5.2 billion Australian dollars (3.2 billion U.S. dollars) in the first six months of 2024-25, making it the second-most valuable export market for the industry behind only China. BANGKOK (Reuters) - Extreme heat and heavy rain in Myanmar could cause disease outbreaks among earthquake survivors camping in the open, global aid bodies warned on Thursday, complicating rescue efforts made difficult by a civil war, as the death toll surpassed 3,000. Last Friday's 7.7-magnitude quake, one of Myanmar's strongest in a century, jolted a region home to 28 million, toppling buildings such as hospitals, flattening communities and leaving many without food, water and shelter. Deaths rose to 3,085 on Thursday, with 4,715 injured and 341 missing, the ruling junta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The World Health Organization flagged a rising risk of cholera and other diseases in the worst-affected areas, such as Mandalay, Sagaing and the capital of Naypyitaw, while it prepared $1 million of relief supplies, including body bags. "Cholera remains a particular concern for all of us," said Elena Vuolo, the deputy head of its Myanmar office, pointing to an outbreak last year in Mandalay. The risk was worsened by damage to about half of healthcare facilities in the quake-hit areas, including hospitals destroyed by the quake in Mandalay and Naypyitaw, she added. People were camping outdoors in temperatures of 38C (100F) because they were too scared to go home, and many hospitals were also setting up temporary facilities there, Vuolo told Reuters from Naypyitaw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skin disease, malaria and dengue were among the diseases that could result from prolonged crises, such as in Myanmar, she said. But conditions could get even tougher for the huge relief effort, after weather officials warned that unseasonal rain from Sunday to April 11 could threaten the areas hardest-hit by the quake. "I've heard that in the next day or two there are rains (expected)," Titon Mitra, the Myanmar representative of the United Nations Development Programme told Reuters by telephone, during a visit to Sagaing. "If that hits, we've got people, lots of people now, in temporary shelters, makeshift camps out on the streets, and that's going to be a real problem," he said, also flagging the UN's concerns about an outbreak of waterborne disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the devastation, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing will leave his disaster-stricken country on Thursday for a rare trip to a regional summit in Bangkok, state television said. It is an uncommon foreign visit for a general regarded as a pariah by many countries and the subject of Western sanctions and an International Criminal Court investigation. CEASEFIRE The weather extremes will add to the challenges faced by aid and rescue groups, which have called for access to all affected areas despite the strife of civil war. The military has struggled to run Myanmar since its return to power in a 2021 coup that unseated the elected civilian government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The generals have been internationally isolated since the takeover and Myanmar's economy and basic services, including healthcare, have been reduced to tatters amid the strife. On Wednesday state-run MRTV said a unilateral government ceasefire would take immediate effect for 20 days, to support relief efforts after the quake, but warned authorities would "respond accordingly" if rebels launched attacks. The move came after a major rebel alliance declared a ceasefire on Tuesday to assist the humanitarian effort. Nearly a week after the quake, searchers in neighbouring Thailand hunting for survivors combed a mountain of debris left after a skyscraper in the capital, Bangkok, collapsed while under construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescuers are using mechanical diggers and bulldozers to break up 100 tons of concrete to locate any still alive after the disaster that killed 15 people, with 72 still missing. Thailand's nationwide toll stands at 22. (Reporting by Bangkok Bureau, Shoon Naing; Writing by John Mair; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) April 3 (UPI) -- Myanmar's ruling military junta declared a three-week-long unilateral cease-fire to aid the humanitarian and rebuilding effort five days after a devastating earthquake that killed at least 3,085 people and left the country's second-largest city in ruins. The government's State Administration Council said in a statement Wednesday it would pause its military offensive against rebel groups through April 22. "For paying sympathy to the victims of the earthquake across the country, for providing the effective rescue operation and rehabilitation," state-run television reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country's military rulers extended the olive branch after international condemnation of its decision to continue airstrikes on rebel targets, including in Sagaing Province where the epicenter of Friday's 7.7 magnitude quake was located, and calls by China for all sides to "prioritize earthquake relief efforts." The Chinese Foreign Ministry made the appeal Wednesday hours after Myanmar government forces opened fire on a convoy of Chinese Red Cross vehicles delivering disaster relief equipment and supplies in Shan State in the east of the country. The ministry said none of the rescue personnel were hurt and their mission went ahead unhindered following the incident. Ta'ang National Liberation Army rebels said junta troops opened fire with machine guns on the nine-vehicle convoy as it was en route to Mandalay on Tuesday -- but the government said it was all a misunderstanding and insisted troops fired their weapons in the air and only after the convoy ignored orders to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A government spokesman appeared to blame the Chinese Red Cross contingent for failing to inform the government of its movements, saying that international organizations must notify Naypyidaw of their presence. The rebels who were providing security for the convoy insisted they had provided the military council with advance notice of the route being taken to Mandalay. The country's military leader Min Aung Hlaing was due to meet Thursday with regional leaders at a summit 800 miles away in Bangkok, Thailand, which is still recovering from the impact of the quake in the capital where at least 22 people were killed, 15 of them construction workers caught in the collapse of an unfinished skyscraper. It was unclear if Min would be seeking assistance from his counterparts at the seven-nation summit amid United Nations reports that more than 1.7 million people in Mandalay were without power or running water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Severe diarrhea and heat-related disease were on the rise amid humanitarian efforts that were being hampered by ongoing aftershocks and an acute shortage of resources, according to the United Nations. Medecins Sans Frontieres told CNN that severe shortages of clean water were a particular problem, both in quantity and in quality, in earthquake-impacted areas but also country-wide. "The lack of water is creating an issue in terms of immediate survival, but could also create an issue in terms epidemics in the future that we definitely want to avoid," said MSF Field Coordinator Mikhael De Souza. Secretary-General Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday that 45,000 people in and around Naypyitaw were receiving deliveries of drinking water after water-trucking operations began in the capital region, but that the assistance was only reaching a fraction of the more 300,000 who needed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disaster struck when Myanmar is very poorly placed to cope, mired as it is in deep crisis due to an ongoing civil war ignited after the military overthrew the elected government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, in a military coup in February 2021. Four years of fighting has displaced huge numbers of people with the number in desperate need of humanitarian assistance standing at more than three million even before the earthquake, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Italian auteur Nanni Moretti suffered a heart attack on Wednesday and is reportedly in intensive care in stable condition, according to Italian news reports. The 71-year-old idiosyncratic director, actor and screenwriter, who won the 2001 Palme DOr at the Cannes Film Festival for The Sons Room, was rushed in the afternoon to Romes San Camillo hospital where he underwent surgery. Italian news agency Ansa reported that he was in stable condition. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moretti previously suffered a mild heart attack in October last year. Known as an acerbic moralist and social commentator, Moretti most recently competed in Cannes in 2023 with high-concept meta-comedy A Brighter Tomorrow, in which he stars as a Roman director who is shooting a period piece set in Rome in 1956. Before being hospitalized he was in pre-production on a new film, details of which are not known. Moretti has often constructed his films around his own persona, appearing as the central character, starting with his 1976 Super-8 debut Io Sono unAutarchico and its follow-up, Ecce Bombo, which humorously captured the discontent gripping Italy in the bleak 1970s, and, of course, the autobiografical Caro Diario, 1994, which marked his international breakthrough. Subsequent standout works comprise scathing 2006 Silvio Berlusconi satire The Caiman and We Have a Pope in which he depicted a Pontiffs crisis of faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moretti last month attended a retrospective of his work at the Bari International Film & TV Festival in southern Italy. He was celebrated in 2024 with a Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival for the restaured version of Ecce Bombo which screened in the Venice Classics section. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Fishing Point Healthcare's original clinic in Portsmouth opened in 2024. It's since opened one in Newport News, with plans for further expansion. (Photo by Laura Philion/WHRO) By Ryan Murphy/WHRO The Nansemond Indian Nation is accusing the state of Virginia of undermining its sovereign rights and violating federal law by refusing to pay out $1.7 million in Medicaid claims. The tribe alleges in a new federal lawsuit that state agencies and officials are trying to shift the blame for Virginias financial mistakes and coerce Fishing Point Healthcare, a clinic operated by the tribe, into a new structure to compete less with other private providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than partnering with a federally recognized Tribal Nation to improve health-care access for low-income families and stabilize Virginias own faltering healthcare infrastructure, Virginia officials have instead weaponized the Commonwealths administrative machinery to punish a Tribal Health Program that dared to step into the breach, reads the lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday. The filing says Virginia appears to have thought Fishing Point would only be serving tribal members. The suit says state agencies likely claimed an incorrect amount for Medicaid payments for non-Native American patients than allowed, thereby creating a substantial risk that the federal government would reclaim millions of dollars from the state. The tribe says the state argued after the fact that some of the services Fishing Point was providing were not authorized for Medicaid reimbursement so they could shift any repayment obligation onto the Nansemond. The state also pushed the tribe to rework its clinic structure, away from the federally-recognized Tribal Health Program and to a model similar to private companies contracted with the state. The tribe argues the states pressure was intended to limit Fishing Points competition with other private providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing alleges the state has refused to pay out any Medicaid reimbursements for some services since October, and as of March 31stall of Fishing Points Medicaid claims were frozen a total of 7,650 worth about $1.7 million thereby weaponizing the billing process to coerce Plaintiffs into capitulating to Defendants demands. Efforts to reach Virginias Department of Medical Assistance Services, which manages Medicaid in the state and is named as one of the defendants in the filing, received no response Wednesday. Fishing Point says its continuing to provide care to both tribal members and non-Native American patients, but the funding freeze represents a financial chokehold that threatens to cripple Fishing Points ability to sustain operations, according to the lawsuit. The Suffolk-based tribe started Fishing Point Healthcare in 2023, five years after it was federally recognized. Federal recognition allows tribal nations to provide health care to its members and serve anyone using federal healthcare assistance like Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system started with a clinic in Portsmouth and Fishing point just opened its second clinic in Newport News . Fishing Point CEO Lance Johnson told WHRO earlier this year the health system has plans for expansion to other cities over the next few years, including a Norfolk clinic already in the works. This story was originally published by WHRO Public Media, the Hampton Roads regions largest media company. NASA astronaut Suni Williams released a video of her reunion with her two dogs after spending nine months onboard the International Space Station. Williams posted the video Sunday on social platform X with the caption, Best homecoming ever! The footage, which has received more than 330,000 views, shows Williams greeting her happy dogs. One gets so excited that it picks up a stick and trots around the front yard, wagging its tail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams and NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, along with two other astronauts, returned to Earth on March 18. The astronauts flew to the ISS in June 2024 as part of a test flight for Boeings Starliner capsule. They had been expected to return just a week or so later. However, many problems cropped up on the way to the space station, and NASA eventually sent the Starliner back empty and transferred the test pilots to a SpaceX capsule, pushing their homecoming to February. Then, issues with the return mission added another months delay. The astronauts returned to Earth in a capsule that splashed down off the coast of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Astronomers have gotten a glimpse of the "city-killer" asteroid before it disappears until 2028, according to NASA. The space rock, called 2024 YR4, was previously given up to a 3.1% chance of striking Earth in December 2032, but astronomers have since eliminated the possibility of a strike at that time based on further observations. MORE: 3.5 billion-year-old crater created by meteorite impact found in Australia, scientists say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Astronomers are watching 2024 YR4 closely, trying to learn everything they can before it disappears from view by mid-April, Kelly Fast, a planetary defense officer at NASA, told ABC News earlier this year. Its unique elongated orbit takes the asteroid around the sun and into Earth's vicinity before it ventures far out between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter and out of sight, Fast said. NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies used the James Webb Space Telescope -- the largest, most powerful telescope ever launched into space -- to capture photos of the asteroid, the space agency announced on Wednesday. PHOTO: This image provided by the European Space Agency, April 2, 2025, captured by NASA's Webb telescope, shows the asteroid 2024 YR4. (European Space Agency via AP) New infrared observations indicate that the asteroid measures between 174 feet and 220 feet in diameter -- about the size of the 10-story building, according to NASA. While it is not forecast to strike Earth in 2032, the asteroid now has a 1.7% probability of hitting the moon at that time, the space agency said. The space rock was first discovered on Dec. 27 by astronomers monitoring the ATLAS telescope at the University of Hawaii, Fast said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Chance of asteroid striking Earth in the next decade rises to 3.1%, NASA says In the past, even when the asteroid passed through the inner solar system, it didn't always come close to where Earth was at the time, which is why it was only recently discovered, Fast said. The asteroid has been dubbed a "city-killer" due to its size and potential to cause major destruction. It is large enough to cause localized damage were it to strike a populated city, Fast said. PHOTO: Graphic of the possible locations represented by yellow points of asteroid 2024 YR4 on Dec. 22, 2032, as of Apr. 2, 2025. (NASA) In 1908, the similarly sized Tunguska asteroid flattened trees over an area of about 1,250 miles after it exploded in the skies over Siberia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA has been tasked by Congress with locating asteroids larger than 450 feet in length, which are large enough to do "regional" damage in the event of a strike, Fast said. MORE: There's a small chance an asteroid could hit Earth within the next decade, says NASA The asteroid currently has a 1.1% chance of striking Earth on Dec. 22, 2047, according to NASA. More than a 2% chance of an asteroid strike is "uncommon," Davide Farnocchia, a navigation engineer with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told ABC News in February. But astronomers will continue to monitor the asteroid closely. "We don't want to take any chances," Farnocchia said. NASA catches a glimpse of 'city-killer' asteroid before it disappears until 2028 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) NASA is going back to the moon, and it is looking for help from Connecticut manufacturers. NASA and its prime contractors are looking for local partners in their ambitious space exploration projects. NASAs not building all this themselves. We need businesses just like you, said Dr. Sharon Cobb, a NASA Associate Program Manager. Theres a number of you who are already involved in the Artemis program. NASA astronauts speak out after returning to Earth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that to dozens of Connecticut companies gathered at the University of Hartford to hear what role they can play in things like the Artemis mission. In about a year, Artemis II will put four astronauts in orbit around the moon. In the following years, they hope to land and build permanent structures on the moon, put a space station in moon orbit and more. Its about having a long-term, sustainable exploration program for humans to Mars and beyond, eventually, Cobb said. Everyone knows that is going to take a lot of people and a lot of work. I think space exploration is incredibly important in terms of science, Gov. Ned Lamont (D-CT) told the gathering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 40 Connecticut businesses are already involved in making things for the Artemis project. NASA is looking for partners in the aerospace sector, as well. Faster, more efficient planes will hopefully be made with components from Connecticut manufacturers. Our member companies are united by a single goal, which is to be the global leader in delivering aerospace components of unsurpassed quality at competitive prices and on time, said Jessica Taylor, the Executive Director of the Aerospace Components Manufacturers group. The idea behind bringing all these companies together is so they can connect with each other and with folks from NASA. Its incredibly exciting, and its incredibly rewarding, so this is an opportunity you are really going to want to take advantage of, said Ron Angelo, president and CEOof the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, which helps companies become part of things like NASA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA is actively seeking out business partners. The state of Connecticut is actively encouraging local businesses to work with NASA. To find out more about CCAT, go to: https://www.ccat.us/ For more information about the needs of NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center, go to: doingbusiness.msfc.nasa.gov To reach out to the Kennedy Space Center, email: ksc-smallbusiness.mail.nasa.gov To reach out the Johnson Space Center, email: jsc-smallbusiness.mail.nasa.gov Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. This story has been updated to reflect changes in road conditions. Intense storms ripped through Middle Tennessee on Wednesday night, bringing heavy rains that have started to flood some roadways. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has reported several road closures along major interstates and traffic corridors in Middle Tennessee just as Thursday morning dawned and the rain continued to fall. Flash flooding is the biggest worry for TDOT and Nashville road and emergency crews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the continuing storms and high winds are creating hazardous road conditions for anyone traveling in the area. Emergency workers warn people to not drive around any barriers they may see on roads or if there is standing water on roadways. We have a number of areas that are flooding right now. Flash flood waters can rise suddenly make sure not to drive around barriers or through low lying areas. Our field responders are currently out in multiple areas where water is rising. #WeatherUpdate pic.twitter.com/kpghLNfPqq Nashville EOC/OEM (@NashvilleEOC) April 3, 2025 Here's a look at where roads are closed due to flooding or other hazards and where to find the latest road conditions for Middle Tennessee. Morning commute conditions: 1-65 closed for flooding, 1-40 closed for wreck The northbound lane of Interstate 65 around mile marker 80 has been shut down due to flooding in the area. DAVIDSON CO: I-65 NB at mm 80 is CLOSED due to flooding. Check https://t.co/t9iBu1nSka for the latest traffic updates - pic.twitter.com/qf2CNEkY0G ErinTDOT (@ErinTDOT) April 3, 2025 I-40 eastbound at mile marker 194 is also closed due to a tractor trailer overturned in a construction zone, Erin Zeigler, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Transportation said. It is estimated to be cleared by 8 a.m., Zeigler reported. Wilson County officials close roads as waters rise Officials in Wilson County announced road closures in multiple areas of the county due to not just flooding but also downed power lines and trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roads affected include: Trees and power lines down at the 300 block and 900 block of Eastover Road. Downed trees and power lines are in the 1600 block of Smith Road. Flooding in the 1300 block of Mays Chapel Road. On Thursday morning, emergency officials announced several road closures due to flooding at South Harpeth Road, Chester Road, Forest Glen and Sleepy Hollow Road between Pinewood Road and I-840. South Harpeth Road between Pinewood Road and I-840 is closed because of high water. Seek alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/K7ZCw2ecmB Williamson County Emergency Management Agency (@WCTNEMA) April 3, 2025 Mt. Juliet road closes due to high water Mt. Juliet police have reported one road closure along Old Lebanon Dirt Road between Page Drive and Kelsey Glen Drive due to high water. TDOT SmartWay map: Take a look before you travel If you do have to go out during this storm, you can check the road conditions of your exact travel route on TDOT's SmartWay map at smartway.tn.gov. Tennessee traffic cams: See live road conditions in Nashville, Middle TN TDOT has traffic cameras set up on major roads across the state. You can keep an eye on how roads are doing with TDOT's Smartway cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kristen Fiscus contributed to this report. This story was updated to add a video and gallery. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville area road conditions: See major road closures in Middle TN NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) The case involving Nathan Carman, a Middletown, Connecticut, native who was accused of killing his mother off the Rhode Island coast in 2016, is being featured in ABCs 20/20 this week. The new special, Family Lies, premieres at 9 p.m. Friday, April 4, on News 8. Carman, who lived in Vernon, Vermont, was charged with first-degree murder and fraud in the death of his mother, 54-year-old Linda Carman, on a fishing trip off Block Island in September 2016. She was never seen again and is presumed dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Carman died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial. Middletown woman presumed lost at sea has been declared dead 7 years later According to the trailer posted on social media, the episode will feature never-before-seen police interrogation videos and new details and interviews about the case. The episode will also discuss the death of Carmans grandfather, John Chakalos, a wealthy real estate developer, who was shot at his home in Windsor in December 2013. Carman was never charged in his grandfathers death, and he had denied any involvement in the two deaths. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Boston will soon require third-party delivery apps to apply for new permits and prove all their drivers have liability insurance. Boston City Council voted 11-2 Wednesday to approve the ordinance created by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu with some revisions. The measure, which now needs to be signed by Mayor Wu, will also require large food delivery platforms, such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, to provide quarterly data on where their deliverers are picking up food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That data will go to the Boston Transportation Department to help look for problem areas. City officials said the information will be used to ease congestion caused by delivery drivers clustering at restaurants. This nation-leading ordinance will help us make our streets safer for everyone while supporting our local restaurants, said a statement from Mayor Wu. By holding large, national delivery companies accountable and ensuring insurance coverage for delivery drivers, we will help pedestrians and drivers move around our neighborhoods more safely in this changing economy. The Boston Transportation Department and Boston Police were visibly cracking down on double parked vehicles, many of them delivery drivers, in Bostons Back Bay on Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors have been complaining for years about idled vehicles clogging up an entire lane of traffic on Boylston Street outside fast-food favorites like Chick-fil-A. The constant sight of delivery drivers zipping through bike lanes on scooters and mopeds has also been a frequent source of concern. Theyre zipping through here and down the sidewalks very fast. Its dangerous!, said Jennifer Leblanc. Companies will be required to renew their permits every year, and those that violate the ordinance or operate without a permit will face a fine of $300 per day for each restaurant the company facilities a delivery from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston 25 News received the following statement from a Grubhub spokesperson: Grubhub appreciates the Councils collaboration to improve this ordinance, and we are particularly pleased by the removal of the delivery tax that would have devastated couriers and restaurants throughout Boston. While we still have concerns about the ordinances approach to street safety and its potential impact on delivery costs, we remain committed to working with lawmakers on comprehensive solutions to better serve communities throughout the Commonwealth. That statement refers to a controversial 15 cent tax per order proposed in Mayor Wus first ordinance that was scrapped by the Boston City Council A DoorDash spokesperson issued the following statement to Boston 25 News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of Boston customers, Dashers, and merchants made their voices heard loud and clear about some of the consequences that this ordinance could have had, and were glad the Council listened to their warning. That spokesperson expressed concerns that the delivery platforms are still required to share detailed information about customers orders with the city, essentially making it public for competing restaurants to view what could be sensitive information. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Police vehicles are stationed near the constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea, April 3, 2025. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his country are at a turning point as the country's constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against the president on Friday. Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) SEOUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his country are at a turning point as the country's constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against the president on Friday. It took the court more than 100 days to make a decision after the impeachment motion was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, 2024. WILL YOON BE REMOVED? The unusually long deliberation period has fueled speculations about divisions in the constitutional court. Kyung Hee University Law School Professor Jung Taeho told local newspaper Chosun Ilbo that he expected a unanimous ruling to uphold the impeachment to prevent future presidents from abusing emergency powers during political crises. However, some analysts believed the impeachment could be dismissed if fewer than six judges vote in favor, allowing Yoon to return to the presidential office. Local daily Hankyoreh cited a former senior judge who speculated that the delay in the constitutional court might indicate insufficient support for impeachment. The ruling and opposition parties remain sharply divided, while a March 28 poll showed 60 percent of South Koreans support impeachment, with 34 percent opposed. If the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will be immediately removed, and a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. If the impeachment is dismissed or rejected, he will resume his duties. WHAT TOOK SO LONG? Local media reports suggested that the complexity of procedural disputes and disagreements among the judges may be the main reasons. The details of the judges' discussions remained confidential, but legal experts believed that they may have had extensive debates over key procedural issues. Speculations suggested that the eight judges may have sought a unanimous decision to minimize public division, which required more time. The local daily Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that intense legal debates among the judges may have influenced both the timing and content of the ruling. There were also reports indicating that handling multiple impeachment cases simultaneously may have slowed the constitutional court in the process. IMPACT ON SOCIETY Large-scale protests have been held by both supporters and opponents of Yoon for days, heightening tensions. Regardless of the outcome, political polarization is expected to worsen in South Korea, with deepening social divisions unlikely to heal soon. The prolonged uncertainty has intensified conflicts between conservative and progressive factions, making street protests a daily occurrence and further fracturing society, said Lee Jaemook, a professor at the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. A report by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs released in March found that public perception of "social conflict" reached its highest level since 2018, with the most severe divide between progressives and conservatives. The Dong-A Ilbo observed that ideological conflicts, more than regional or wealth disparities, have become a major obstacle to South Korea's social unity. Police are on duty near the constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea, April 3, 2025. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his country are at a turning point as the country's constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against the president on Friday. Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Police are on duty near the constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea, April 3, 2025. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his country are at a turning point as the country's constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against the president on Friday. Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) Police conduct traffic control near the constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea, April 3, 2025. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his country are at a turning point as the country's constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against the president on Friday. Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) This photo taken on April 3, 2025 shows barbed wire atop the walls of the constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his country are at a turning point as the country's constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against the president on Friday. Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) Police conduct traffic control near the constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea, April 3, 2025. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his country are at a turning point as the country's constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against the president on Friday. Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Police vehicles are stationed near the constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea, April 3, 2025. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his country are at a turning point as the country's constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against the president on Friday. Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Police conduct traffic control near the constitutional court in Seoul, South Korea, April 3, 2025. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his country are at a turning point as the country's constitutional court has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the impeachment against the president on Friday. Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to attend the constitutional court's ruling on his impeachment scheduled for Friday. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) We recall the critical discussion about herd immunity a few years ago, when COVID-19 swept the country with lethal force, and the prospects of developing an effective vaccine were still uncertain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Herd immunity means that enough people in a group or area have achieved immunity (protection) against a virus or other infectious agent to make it very difficult for the infection to spread. The pathogen that is rapidly spreading throughout our cherished legal system is a different type of virus, but one where the principle of herd immunity is important to consider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders (EOs) aimed at specific law firms that he claims weaponize the legal system, engage in partisan representations, and abuse their practices of providing free legal services to organizations. The EOs were directed at specific law firms where former or current attorneys participated in cases that Trump did not like, given that his personal interests and potential legal jeopardy were brought to judges for resolution. The announced penalties were severe, including immediately stripping all named law firm employees of their security clearances, requiring government contractors to disclose their attorney-client relationships, and restricting the ability of these employees to enter federal buildings, engage with federal employees, and obtain federal employment. Some law firms are caving in, while others are fighting back Yet the prominent law firm Paul Weiss quickly cut a deal instead of facing Trumps wrath, which included a Trump requirement that the firm undertake $40 million in pro bono work for causes supported by the White House. Even though another firm, Perkins Coie, already had obtained a federal court temporary restraining order, Paul Weiss indicated that it had no choice but to cave in since it faced an existential threat of financial ruin if it also mounted a legal challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skadden Arps, also a Big Law behemoth, thought it best to get ahead of the storm clouds it perceived before any executive order was issued against it. But by then, the price for cooperation had more than doubled; now $100 million in pro bono services was agreed upon to support legal representation priorities of the Trump administration. And on April 1, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP which has more than 1,200 attorneys and where Doug Emhoff, husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, is a partner announced it will provide at least $100 million in legal services to causes favored by the White House and end diversity programs. Trump clearly recognizes that he hit a raw nerve in our legal system, and it seems likely that other law firms are on the target list. Some, like Skadden Arps, also may be willing to capitulate if they offer wholly unjustified massive concessions in advance. The president has been gleefully boastful in his reaction. Theyre all bending and saying, Sir, thank you very much Where do I sign? Where do I sign? In addition to Perkins Coie, two other major law firms, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale, now have successfully challenged Trump executive orders punishing them. This means three federal judges to date have prohibited their effects for now, with further proceedings in motion to determine whether there will be more lasting injunctions put in place. Lawyers should fight for our nation's justice system Bar associations need to be on the front lines. To its credit, the American Bar Association, along with 50 other legal groups, already have sounded a powerful collective warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We reject efforts to undermine the courts and the profession. We will 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. Words and actions matter," according to the ABA. Stuart Brotman In short, along with litigation, legal herd immunity can be a potent force to raise public awareness of and massive opposition to any attempts to undermine our nations cherished legal system. Stuart N. Brotman is a professor of media law at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is the author of The First Amendment Lives On. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Trump's executive orders against law firms go too far | Opinion April 3 (UPI) -- Several National Security Council senior staffers have been fired, with more to come, after a President Donald Trump meeting with far-right podcaster Laura Loomer, according to multiple media reports Thursday. The New York Times, CBS News, The Hill and Axios, all citing unnamed sources familiar with the situation, reported the multiple NSC firings after Trump's meeting at the White House with Loomer. Loomer has spread conspiracy theories, including that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job carried out by the U.S. government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Axios reported it could not confirm whether the firings were directly linked to Loomer pressing Trump to fire the NSC officials, but added Loomer was furious that so-called "neocons" were on the NSC staff. Citing a source familiar with the situation, Axios said as many as 10 staffers, including senior directors, were fired. The Times reported six NSC staffers were fired after Loomer excoriated them during a meeting in the Oval Office as being disloyal to Trump. It allegedly happened in front of National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, who was not fired. The Times cited interviews with eight people with knowledge of the meeting and firings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS News reported that among those fired were Brian Walsh, Thomas Boodry and David Feith, all senior NSC staffers. NSC spokesman Brian Hughes refused comment when contacted by CBS. The far-right conspiracy theorist with zero national security experience accused the fired NSC staffers of not being loyal enough to Trump as she attacked them during the meeting. She later posted on X, "I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of, and the necessity of STRONG VETTING, for the sake of protecting the President of the United States of America, and our national security." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the media reports Loomer used the word "neocons" as she presented what amounted to opposition research on the NSC staffers. According to The Hill, senior NSC adviser Ivan Kanapathy was also targeted by Loomer. She cited Kanapathy's ties to a firm that also employed former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and former CIA Director Michael Morell. Multiple staff members on the White House National Security Council were fired Thursday following a meeting President Trump had with far-right activist Laura Loomer where she raised questions about their loyalty. A source familiar with the firing told Kellie Meyer of NewsNation, The Hills sister network, that three senior officials and at least two junior officials were let go. The three senior officials were Brian Walsh, senior director of intelligence, Thomas Boodry, senior director of legislative affairs and David Geuth, senior director of technology and national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump met with Loomer in the Oval Office on Wednesday, where she made the case that several staffers in the building were not sufficiently committed to his agenda, sources confirmed to The Hill. Other senior staff were in the room, including chief of staff Susie Wiles and national security adviser Mike Waltz. Axios first reported that several members of Trumps National Security Council were fired Thursday. Boodry worked as a staffer for Waltz in Congress. Feith served in the State Department during Trumps first term. NSC doesnt comment on personnel matters, spokesperson Brian Hughes said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loomer confirmed the meeting with Trump in a post on the social platform X but said she would not share any details about it out of respect for [President Trump] and the privacy of the Oval Office. It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings, Loomer posted. I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of, and the necessity of STRONG VETTING, for the sake of protecting the President of the United States of America, and our national security. Loomer also raised concerns on social media about Ivan Kanapathy, who serves as senior director for Asia at the National Security Council. Kanapathy worked at the NSC during Trumps first term, but Loomer cited his ties to a firm that also employed former Defense Secretary Leon Pannetta and former CIA Director Michael Morell. Some Trump allies have also targeted deputy national security adviser Alex Wong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear if either Kanapathy or Wong were part of Thursdays firings. Waltz at the outset of Trumps second term ordered a full review of personnel at the National Security Council to weed out those not aligned with Trumps agenda. Waltz has been at the center of the controversy around a Signal app group chat he created where administration officials discussed plans for a military strike against the Houthis. Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to the chat. Some conservatives have called for Waltz to be fired over the mishap, calling the Signal controversy sloppy and questioning why he had Goldbergs number to begin with. Others have pointed to his past policy disagreements with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the Signal story broke, The Washington Post reported that Waltz also used his personal Gmail for government communications. Sources told The Hill that Trump has been reluctant to fire Waltz over the Signal controversy in part because he does not want to be seen as giving in to media and the Democrats who have called for someone to be ousted over the scandal. Updated 2:18 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. (WFRV) A flood warning for the Wolf River has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) of Green Bay, affecting three northeast Wisconsin counties. According to the NWS, the flood warning for Wolf River will be in effect until next Wednesday, April 9, and is near Shiocton but will affect areas within Outagamie, Shawano, and Waupaca Counties. The Shawano County Sheriffs Office posted on its Facebook page about the warning, reminding residents to be safe and avoid flooded roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oshkosh residents should expect chlorine taste/smell in drinking water Deputies noted that the boat landing in Shioction is currently under water, while also reporting some lowland flooding around Shioction. The Wolf River is expected to crest at 11.8 feet early Saturday, April 5. Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely, officials with NWS stated. Additional information can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Laina G. Stebbins Following the Michigan Court of Appeals decision to uphold a key permit for Enbridges Line 5 tunnel project, members of four Native American Tribes and three environmental organizations are asking the Michigan Supreme Court to review the lower courts decision, arguing it violates the public trust doctrine, alongside the state constitution and the Michigan Environmental Protection Act. On Wednesday, the Great Lakes advocacy organization For Love of Water or FLOW announced it had filed an application for leave to appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court. The Bay Mills Indian Community, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi also filed a separate application for leave to appeal alongside the Environmental Law and Policy Center and the Michigan Climate Action Network. Carrie La Seur, Legal Director of For Love of Water speaks at a press conference after arguing an appeal against a permit for Enbridges controversial Line 5 Tunnel Project on Jan. 14, 2025. | Kyle Davidson For many years, Native American tribes and environmental advocates have called for a shutdown to the pipeline, which transports more than 22 million gallons of crude oil and light synthetic crude daily from northern Wisconsin through the Upper and Lower Peninsula into Sarnia, Ontario. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About four miles of the 645-mile long pipeline runs through the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet. The pipelines opponents have repeatedly warned that a spill into the Great Lakes would be catastrophic with a University of Michigan study finding the Straits would be the worst possible place for a Great Lakes oil spill, quickly contaminating nearby shorelines, with another study finding a spill could bring more than $6 billion in damage to the environment and local economies. Additionally, a 2018 anchor strike which dented the pipeline in three places generated further concerns of a spill, with Enbridge later agreeing to replace the dual pipelines running through the Straits with a new segment inside a concrete-lined tunnel located beneath the lakebed in hopes of containing any spills. In order to move forward, the project must receive permits from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Michigan Public Service Commission, the states energy regulator. Attorneys representing the tribes and environmental organizations argued the Commission had blocked them from presenting evidence challenging the publics need for petroleum products transported by Line 5 and detailing the scope of the projects environmental impact, and that the commission failed to consider the pipelines impacts on climate change and greenhouse gasses alongside evidence supporting alternatives to the tunnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the three judge panel hearing the case determined there was no basis to reverse or remand the commissions permitting decision. In its request to the Michigan Supreme Court, attorneys representing the tribes argue the Public Service Commission failed to properly consider the risk of oil spills when approving the project, violating the state constitution and state laws requiring agencies to protect the states natural resources from pollution and destruction. Even if the public has been misled into believing this tunnel project is safe, the truth is that it is not, Whitney Gravelle, president of the Bay Mills Indian Community said in a statement. Enbridges track record speaks for itselfcatastrophic spills, environmental destruction, and a complete disregard for tribal sovereignty and the rights of future generations, Gravelle said. The Straits of Mackinac are not just a waterway; they are the heart of creation for Anishinaabe people and a vital source of life for all who depend on the Great Lakes. An oil spill here would be devastating, not only to our way of life but to the entire region. Whitney Gravelle speaks at Enbridge eviction celebration, Conkling Park, Mackinaw City | Laina G. Stebbins The Michigan Climate Action Network and the Environmental Law & Policy Center argued the Court of Appeals decision does not follow the Michigan Environmental Protection Acts requirement of rigorous, independent determinations of all likely environmental effects of Enbridges proposed tunnel project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are asking the Michigan Supreme Court to accept this appeal so that it can provide much needed guidance on the proper interpretation and application of Michigans Environmental Protection Act, said David Scott, a senior attorney for the environmental law and policy center. We hope that the Supreme Court will review this case because it involves important environmental, health, and welfare issues for the people of Michigan, and important legal issues for Michigan courts to properly and consistently fulfill their responsibility under the Environmental Protection Act. In its own brief, FLOW argues the commission is obligated to follow the public trust doctrine under common law, which requires the state to manage natural resources for the benefit of the public. The Great Lakes are a public resource of incalculable value, FLOWs Legal Director Carrie La Seur said in a statement. The MPSC has a fundamental responsibility to protect these waters, and its decision-making must be guided by the public trust doctrine. The Court of Appeals ruling dangerously undermines that responsibility. Enbridge spokesperson Ryan Duffy told the Michigan Advance in an email that the Court of Appeals correctly affirmed the Commissions permitting decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Michigan Court of Appeals concluded that the MPSC appropriately examined the location of the Line 5 replacement segment within the Great Lakes Tunnel, consistent with Michigan law, Duffy said. As we proceed with this modernization project, we remain committed to operating Line 5 responsibly with enhanced safety measures in the Straits that protect Michigans natural resources and infrastructure in the Straits, he said. While the tunnel project has also received permits from EGLE, the Department is currently reviewing two applications, one to redo its Wetlands Protection and Great Lakes Bottomlands permits and another for its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, which is intended to protect water quality by limiting the amount of pollutants that can be discharged into a body of water. The United States Army Corps of Engineers is still working to develop a draft environmental impact statement for the project, after announcing in March 2023 that it would extend its environmental review of the effort. The Corps is expected to issue the draft state this spring, though environmentalists and tribal nations have raised concerns that the Corps could fast track its consideration of the project following an executive order from President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government is bending over backwards to fast track required permits in support of a Canadian companys fossil fuel project that provides minimal benefit to domestic energy production, said David Gover, managing attorney for the Native American Rights Fund. But today, its up to Michigans courts and elected leadership to be responsible public stewards for clean water, for Tribal rights, and for every community along the Great Lakes. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Russia has seen around 900,000 troop casualties since unleashing its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, a senior NATO official said on Thursday. Up to 250,000 soldiers have been killed in the conflict which started on February 24, 2022, according to NATO. Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian onslaught with broad support from Western allies. After Kiev's forces were able to recapture some territory following Russia's initial advance, both sides have been locked in a war of attrition for months, with the Russians making incremental gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to NATO's assessment, the "situation on the battlefield remains very difficult." "While we don't expect a major breakdown of Ukraine's defensive lines in the next couple of months, even if Moscow continues to advance, we do believe that Russia will continue to increase the pressure along the front lines and on Ukraine in general," the official said on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels. Noting recent territorial gains by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, including in Torezk and near Pokrovsk, the official said Russia continues its strategy of "high losses in exchange for slow gains." In February of this year alone, Russia suffered 35,140 casualties, according to the official. Russia has seen around 900,000 troop casualties since unleashing its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, a senior NATO official said on Thursday. Up to 250,000 soldiers have been killed in the conflict which started on February 24, 2022, according to NATO. Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian onslaught with broad support from Western allies. After Kiev's forces were able to recapture some territory following Russia's initial advance, both sides have been locked in a war of attrition for months, with the Russians making incremental gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to NATO's assessment, the "situation on the battlefield remains very difficult." "While we don't expect a major breakdown of Ukraine's defensive lines in the next couple of months, even if Moscow continues to advance, we do believe that Russia will continue to increase the pressure along the front lines and on Ukraine in general," the official said on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels. Noting recent territorial gains by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, including in Torezk and near Pokrovsk, the official said Russia continues its strategy of "high losses in exchange for slow gains." In February of this year alone, Russia suffered 35,140 casualties, according to the official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he views last year's surprise advance into enemy territory as a success despite a general retreat of his troops from Russia's Kursk region, Kiev decided to turn the tables on Moscow by launching its own limited invasion in August. "It is absolutely fair to move the war to where it came from," Zelensky said in a video address. Zelensky recorded the video in the Ukrainian border region of Sumy, from where Ukrainian forces advanced into Russian territory. He said he had discussed with commanders of the units still fighting in Kursk what equipment and support they needed. "We are working on protecting our positions," Zelensky said. Only a few square kilometres of the Russian Kursk region remain under Ukrainian control. NATO can play a key role in assisting the proposed European military mission to guarantee a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 3, citing unnamed officials. The proposal for an international peacekeeping force has gained traction recently as European nations prepare to take a more prominent role in Ukraine's defense amid the unpredictability of further American support. NATO's command and control structures could be used to deploy a so-called "reassurance force" to Ukraine under one proposal being discussed in French-led talks with the U.K., five officials briefed on the plans and told the FT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposal, the forces would also use the alliance's joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. According to officials, this proposal is one of many options under discussion and may be subject to change before a final agreement. Proponents of the initiative also see NATO's involvement in indirectly engaging the U.S. and gaining Washington's support. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump refused to participate in any European-led mission directly, but U.S. military capabilities in Europe are integral to all NATO operations. "If we are going to deploy assets from dozens of countries (to Ukraine), then NATO is really the only (command and control) option that we can use," said one of the officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 31, President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed plans to meet in Ukraine this week with military representatives from the "coalition of the willing." Thus far, the coalition has met in other European countries or virtually. The coalition is a group of countries that have pledged peacekeeping troops and other security guarantees for Ukraine in a potential ceasefire. The "coalition of the willing" has met repeatedly to determine security guarantees and a peacekeeping force for Ukraine. Leaders of 31 nations met in Paris on March 27 at a summit for the coalition. Several countries, including France and the U.K., which lead the coalition, have pledged to send troops to enforce a potential ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. has been holding separate meetings for ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, most recently meeting Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia on March 25. Read also: As Russian troops retake settlements in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine launches attack on adjacent Russian region Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Intelligence gathered by the North Atlantic Alliance indicates that Russia continues to produce a significant number of missiles, suggesting that they are being stockpiled for future attacks despite a relative lull in missile strikes. Source: a senior NATO official speaking to European Pravda during a ministerial meeting in Brussels Details: The NATO representative said that Russia is stockpiling missiles for new attacks. He acknowledged that the aggressor state no longer needs to use missiles as frequently as before, as drone strikes have become a substitute. He explained that the Russians had significantly improved their use of kamikaze drones and were deploying them more effectively, which had reduced the need for large-scale missile strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the official said Russias need to resume missile strikes remained unchanged. He added that the current pattern mirrored past behaviour, where Russia would slow down long-range aerial strikes while building up stockpiles, only to later unleash them in large-scale attacks. The official said that such large-scale strikes have considerable military significance and affect morale and if carried out every couple of weeks, they have an impact. He suggested that tactical reserves were being built up for future use in large-scale strikes. He stressed that Russia was undoubtedly continuing to manufacture a large number of missiles, including ballistic ones, and was also purchasing additional supplies from North Korea. He noted that intelligence data confirmed this ongoing production and accumulation. Background: On 25 March, during talks in Saudi Arabia, the US, Ukraine and Russia agreed to work on a ceasefire in the Black Sea and a ban on attacks against energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov said that additional technical consultations were required to implement the agreements. Russia has issued a list of demands as a condition for agreeing to a ceasefire in the Black Sea, which was discussed during the meeting between representatives of Russia, the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on 23-25 March. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte believes the sweeping raft of US tariffs announced by President Donald Trump will not negatively impact a meeting of the western defence alliance's foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday. Asked what kind of reception US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will get from European allies and Canada, who have been targeted by the new import duties, Rutte said he thinks it would be "very positive." "The focus here of all 32 [NATO members] is how to defend NATO territory against the Russians, our long-term threat, which will be there even after, I hope there will be a deal on Ukraine," Rutte told journalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Trump announced new blanket tariffs of 10% on most imports to the United States, with higher penalties based on trade deficits for many countries. According to Trump, imports from the EU will face new tariffs of 20%. Asked whether he believes that the US is still a trustworthy ally, Rutte said: "Absolutely, they are." He pointed out Trump's continued commitment to Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which states as an attack on a member of the alliance must be treated like an attack on them all. He also noted Washington's expectation for European allies and Canada to spend more on defence, which would be discussed during the two-day meeting. This photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows damaged buildings in the ancient city of Ava, Myanmar. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) This photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows damaged buildings in the ancient city of Ava, Myanmar. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) This photo shows damaged houses in Tada-U Town of Mandalay, Myanmar, April 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) This photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows a damaged pagoda in the ancient city of Ava, Myanmar. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) People distribute food in the ancient city of Ava, Myanmar, April 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) This photo shows a damaged pagoda in Tada-U Town of Mandalay, Myanmar, April 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) This photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows damaged buildings in the ancient city of Ava, Myanmar. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) This photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows a damaged pagoda in the ancient city of Ava, Myanmar. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) People queue to receive supplies in the ancient city of Ava, Myanmar, April 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) This photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows a damaged pagoda in the ancient city of Ava, Myanmar. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) People queue to receive supplies in the ancient city of Ava, Myanmar, April 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) This photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows a damaged pagoda in the ancient city of Ava, Myanmar. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) NATO foreign ministers gather in Brussels on Thursday to discuss strengthening the alliance's defence capabilities, as European allies face increasing pressure from the US to raise spending while dealing with the threat posed by Russia. Speaking ahead of the two-day meeting, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that the gathering comes at "a particularly crucial time for our shared security, with challenges too great for any of us to bear alone." He noted that while allies had already pledged over 20 billion ($21.6 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine in 2025, "the threat we face from Russia remains." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO allies have been determined to present a united front in the light of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but those efforts have been undermined by the administration of US President Donald Trump in recent weeks. In search of a quick peace deal, Washington has suggested that Ukraine might have to give up on its ambition to join NATO and make territorial concessions, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to echo this stance at the meeting in Brussels. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and NATO's Indo-Pacific partners are also expected to attend. At a NATO leaders' summit in June the alliance is expected to decide on raising its defence spending target from its current minimum of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has urged allies to increase defence expenditure to 5% of GDP, accusing European NATO countries of "freeloading" on Washington's massive defence budget. Rutte on Wednesday reiterated that allies would have to raise spending to "considerably north of 3%." During the first three months of 2025, NATO member states provided Ukraine with military assistance totalling more than US$20 billion. Source: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at a media briefing before the North Atlantic Council meeting at the level of foreign ministers in Brussels on 3 April Details: Rutte reiterated that NATO Allies provided Ukraine with more than US$20 billion in the first three months of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We have seen the latest numbers coming in that overall, NATO Allies have provided in the first three months over US$20 billion in support to Ukraine to make sure they can stay in the fight as long as it continues." Details: Addressing US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Rutte thanked him for "tireless diplomacy". "Over the last couple of months, you have traveled the whole world. I also want to thank you for what you did before as a senator supporting NATO and we will have a lot to discuss over the coming two days," he said. Regarding Ukraine, Rutte said that US President Donald Trump and his team "broke the deadlock". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You started a process of negotiations with our full support to bring the Ukraine war to a lasting and durable peace. And in the meantime, the Europeans are stepping up and providing a lot of military support to Ukraine," Rutte said. Background: Earlier in the day, Rutte said that the Russian threat to NATO territory would not disappear after the conclusion of peace with Ukraine. The day before, the NATO Secretary General commented for the first time on the Pentagon's leak that the US would not defend Europe. Mark Rutte also predicted that NATO members' defence spending requirements would increase by more than 1.5 times. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A local naval officer is fearlessly facing his multiple sclerosis diagnosis, using his creativity and entrepreneurial skills to fight back and raise awareness. I was diagnosed in December of last year, said Donald Banks III, a chief warrant officer in the Navy. During an operations screening last year, doctors noticed a problem. Theyre like, somethings not right with your eye, Bank said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His vision was blurry, but several MRIs and blood tests the doctor discovered something else that was concerning. He noticed that I had lesions on my brain, and the eye blindness, there was nerve damage to it, he said. Thats when the doctor told Banks he has multiple sclerosis. It was a bit overwhelming, but my mother has multiple sclerosis, Banks said. Banks was a young boy when his mom was diagnosed nearly 40 years ago, and though science shows MS is not hereditary, there is an increased risk for the children of those with the condition. As Banks thinks of his own three children, he is also focused on his current naval career of 22 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I enjoy it, Banks said. I love it. Its a passion of mine, and continuing service was my question. This food service officer said his superiors are very supportive and have done everything possible to accommodate him while he goes through treatment. They want me to get better, he said. They want me to continue my path to this therapy that Im on. So theres no restrictions to it. If anything, theyre more receptive and open arms as I allow them and let them know what my condition is. Banks is also on a mission to raise funds to help find a cure. He owns a business creating hats. We call officers that were once enlisted and become a commissioned officer Mustangs, so I named the hat line Stang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first hat is filled with symbols of multiple sclerosis. It is adorned with pops of orange, the word hope and a monarch butterfly. The butterfly symbolizes hope as well as the dots (on the butterflys wings), which represents the lesions on the brain and the brain activity, he said. When you get your MRI, it kind of looks like a butterfly. The monarch butterfly also represents transformation and hope for those living with Multiple Sclerosis. There is also an even greater purpose behind the hat designed by Banks. One-hundred percent of the proceeds with the hat, and these bracelets, are going to get donated at the April 6 walk here in Virginia Beach, Banks said. I have a big check. Were going to take some pictures, and Ill donate all the proceeds from the hat that I created. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This weekend will be the first Walk MS event Banks has attended. If you would like to purchase one of Bankss hats to raise awareness, and funds, for Multiple Sclerosis, click here. If you would like to join Banks, and the WAVY Warriors at Walk MS in Virginia Beach this Sunday afternoon, click here for details. If you would like details about Walk MS in Newport News this Saturday morning, 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 WAVY.com. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined a lawsuit Tuesday to prevent the federal governments termination of more than $230 million in health care funding for the state, his office said. The lawsuit was filed in United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. According to the Office of the North Carolina Attorney General, the lawsuit was filed in response to the DHHS announcing it was immediately terminating $11 billion in health care funding across the country, including more than $230 million in funding for North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state attorney generals office argues the federal governments actions are unlawful because the DHHS is required to pay out funds Congress appropriated and because the federal government has failed to follow the legal process for ending funds. These funding cuts will cause immediate and dire harm to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, local public health departments across the state, and community-based organizations, the North Carolina Attorney Generals office said in a statement. Health departments may need to end public health programs and lay off staff, ultimately making it harder for North Carolinians to get the health care they need. According to the state attorney generals office, the loss of more than $230 million in health care funding for North Carolina would result in a loss of funding to: Local health programs in at least 77 of North Carolinas 86 health departments, particularly in the rural counties Community-based organizations and community health workers providing care and resources to people impacted by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina County-based nurses investigating disease outbreaks Collection and analysis of infection control data for people and North Carolinas farming economy and livestock industry EMS programs in six counties (Davie, Durham, Gaston, Surry, Orange, and Cumberland counties) Response to outbreaks of infectious disease in high-risk places such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, where North Carolinas older population is at risk Effective control and prevention of the spread of infections, such as the flu Substance use disorder treatment programs, especially in rural areas, and the loss of behavioral health therapists and substance use treatment specialists Collegiate substance misuse recovery programs that operate in 14 North Carolina colleges and universities (Appalachian State University, Elizabeth City State University, East Carolina University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A&T State University, NC State University, North Carolina Central University, UNC Asheville, UNC Charlotte, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke, UNC Wilmington, and Winston-Salem State University) (Office of the North Carolina Attorney General) My job is to be a shield for the people of North Carolina and that includes protecting their health care, Jackson said in a statement. The federal government cant just cancel nearly a quarter billion dollars that have already been congressionally allocated to our state. Its unlawful and dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That money supports rural hospitals, health care workers, emergency services, and public health programs that protect seniors and families across North Carolina, Jackson continued in his statement. There are legal ways to improve how tax dollars are used, but this wasnt one of them. Immediately halting critical health care programs across the state without legal authority isnt just wrongit puts lives at risk. Thats why were going to court. Jackson is joined in the lawsuit by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C., and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The full lawsuit can be viewed below: DHHS, RFK Jr. lawsuitDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Photo: Getty Images Two North Carolina Senate committees have advanced a bill repealing the states certificate of need law that requires new health care services and facilities go through an approval process to determine their necessity. Whether the General Assembly passes the bill, known as Senate Bill 370, may ultimately be a moot point. The state courts are currently considering a case that could also bring an end to certificate of need laws in North Carolina at the direction of the state Supreme Court, which in October wrote that the lawsuits allegations could render the Certificate of Need law unconstitutional in all its applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, 35 states require health care providers to complete the certificate of need process before creating certain new offerings. In North Carolina, that process is overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services with the aim of restricting unnecessary increases in health care costs and unnecessary health services and facilities based on geographic, demographic and economic consideration. The North Carolina Healthcare Association, which represents hospitals, supports the practice, writing in a 2024 policy brief that the program ensures that hospitals and health systems maintain the resources to provide high-value care to all. Proponents of certificate of need laws say they prevent unnecessary expenses on new medical facilities and services that would be underutilized and whose costs would ultimately be passed down to patients. Opponents say that in practice, the program impedes vital health care expansion and forces patients to shoulder the cost of millions in consulting and legal fees that hospitals pay to navigate the certificate of need process. Sen. Benton Sawrey (R-Johnston), one of the repeal bills primary sponsors, criticized the certificate of need process as anticompetitive, arguing that by allowing the market to decide where new facilities and services are necessary, patients will be better off and will be able to pay less for medical services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, a government program originally aimed at reducing health care prices is likely inflating them, at least in some situations, Sawrey said. I think we can be proactive about this decision, but it requires a willingness to have that discussion rather than fall back time and again on the same entrenched positions that dont work, dont control costs, and dont let innovation occur in North Carolinas healthcare space. Sen. Jim Burgin (R-Harnett), a longtime hospital board member, called the change long overdue and said in his experience, the process to receive a certificate of need takes a minimum of two years and $500,000 in legal fees. We could do not any cancer treatments in Harnett County up until this past year, Burgin said. We went through the CON process in the years, but it took six years really eight, if you add the work-up to it from the time we started talking about it. Tim Rogers, CEO of the Association for Home and Hospice Care of North Carolina, said during public comment that his group believes the certificate of need law plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity, quality, and accessibility of this vital service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CON process helps prevent fraud, waste, and abuse by ensuring that new providers entering into North Carolina meet rigorous regulatory and financial standards before entering the market, Rogers said. This screening reduces the risk of bad actors, exploiting Medicare and Medicaid, safeguarding taxpayer dollars while ethical business practices are held. Cody Hand, a lobbyist with the North Carolina Radiation Oncology Society, said that linear accelerators, like those Burgin said were held up by the CON process in Harnett County, require such careful review because they emit ionizing radiation and so are classified as nuclear technology. They require strict safety protocols that in this state dont exist outside of the CON process, Hand said. The CON process serves as a critical checkpoint in both the safety and the staffing, not necessarily for cost control and not necessarily for planning, but for safety and accountability. After passing the Health Care committee Wednesday, the bill received a favorable recommendation from the Senate Rules Committee Thursday morning. It has not yet been scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor. HOWELL COUNTY, Mo. Nearly 1,200 homes and businesses are in the dark in Howell County as the West Plains area gets hit with a second round of severe storms this afternoon. According to the Missouri Association of Electric Cooperatives, 1,198 customers are without power as of 4:30 p.m. on April 2. More than 100 people are also without power in neighboring Texas County contributing to the 3,510 Electric Cooperative members without power Wednesday afternoon as severe weather sweeps across Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can send photos of storm damage to our newsroom by emailing News@OzarksFirst.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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Nebraska nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn speaks during a 2024 rally at a union hall talking about how he will fight to preserve Social Security. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Former Nebraska U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn decided Thursday to explore another run for the Senate, this time against Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts in the midterms. The former Omaha labor leaders announcement of a second possible Senate run comes after his populist bid against U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., in 2024 made national headlines for turning an expected safe race into a potential upset. He attracted an extraordinary fundraising haul for a nonpartisan federal candidate in Nebraska of $14 million, including some late money from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee once they saw his momentum. He lost by about six percentage points. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., speaks to supporters during his campaign kickoff event Aug. 23, 2023, in Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Osborn told the Nebraska Examiner last month that he had expanded his scope for his next political office run last month after initially thinking about running against Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon in the Omaha-based 2nd District or running for governor against GOP Gov. Jim Pillen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The steamfitter who made his name by leading the Kelloggs strike in Omaha in 2021 and made waves by choosing to pay himself in 2024 with campaign funds chose the race that offered the clearest contrast. Multi-billionaire Pete Ricketts is Nebraskas other Senator. Hes up next year, Osborn said. We could replace a billionaire with a mechanic. Ricketts served two terms as governor before Pillen. He was the most established figure in the Nebraska Republican Party until some in the partys base revolted against the leadership team loyal to Ricketts. As the eldest son of a billionaire businessman who founded TD Ameritrade and whose family now owns the Chicago Cubs, Ricketts has a significant political war chest and has used his own money to influence Nebraska politics. Populisms rise But populism, whether Osborns approach or Trumps, is the driving force in modern politics, as voters lose faith in institutions and seek alternatives. The same working-class-focused rhetoric that drove President Donald Trumps victory gives someone like Osborn an opening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typical political wisdom would suggest risk to the incumbent party during midterm elections, which could help Osborn, but Democrats bucked that trend and gained a firmer grip in the Senate in 2022. After losing to Fischer, Osborn launched a political action committee to support working-class candidates and encourage more plumbers, carpenters, teachers, nurses and factory workers to run for office. While populism is on Osborns side, Ricketts has the dominant political operation in the state. Republicans who crossed him have lost seats, and his endorsement holds weight. His endorsed candidate for governor, Pillen, defeated a Trump-endorsed candidate in 2022, Charles Herbster. Even Chuck Schumers $4 million wasnt enough to sell Nebraskans on Dan Osborn being anything other than a liberal Democrat, a political spokeswoman for Ricketts said. Voters will reject Dan Osborn again because they know he will oppose the America First agenda and side with the coastal elites bankrolling his campaigns. Partisan questions Nebraska Republicans, including Fischer, have called Osborn a Democrat in sheeps clothing. Several joked Thursday about him tweeting a fundraising link from ActBlue, a key fundraising tool of used by many Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Osborn said on the podcast of his former campaign manager, the Dan Parsons Show, that he did not want to play spoiler in a potential three-way race in the 2nd District. Democrats havent yet announced a candidate for the congressional district, but have signaled they will. The potentially crowded 2nd District field contributed to Osborn choosing a different path. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb told the Nebraska Examiner on Thursday that the party had made no final decisions on the 2026 U.S. Senate race. Dan is a mechanic who has the credibility to bring together an alliance of voters across party lines, Kleeb said. Nebraskas all-GOP federal delegation rallied to support Ricketts on Thursday. U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., said Osborn refused to support Trump in the 2024 presidential election and would stand with Senate Democrats to stop Trump on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike Dan Osborn, Pete Ricketts has nothing to hide. Hes honest, hardworking, and represents Nebraskas values, Fischer said on X. Mark Elworth Jr. told the Examiner he also plans a Senate bid under the Legal Marijuana Now Party. He and some other third party leaders complained last time Osborn ran for Senate that his supporters had taken over their party and cleared a path for him to face fewer names on the ballot. Republicans have almost complete power in Americas heartland, a region once known for its prairie progressivism. If Osborn were able to unseat any of Nebraskas federal delegation, it would be the first time a non-Republican had represented Nebraska in Congress since Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford upset Republican U.S. Rep. Lee Terry in the 2nd District in 2014. The last non-Republican governor was Ben Nelson in the late 1990s. We could have a chance to win, Osborn said. We could take on this illness, the billionaire class, directly. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 11 Investigates has learned that teenagers were found in an apartment in a Pittsburgh neighborhood during a SWAT raid early Monday morning. It was the second time in four days that SWAT responded to the same street in the citys Manchester neighborhood. It was quite scary because I just seen police cars pulling up and putting on gear and pulling out rifles and stuff and they just took off down the street, said Glenda Russell, whos lived on North Franklin Street for a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were some anxious moments for neighbors on North Franklin Street in Manchester not once, but twice. On Friday evening, Pittsburgh SWAT responded to North Franklin for the first time for a man barricaded inside a home. He was eventually taken into custody on a domestic violence charge. Then, just three days later, on Monday morning, SWAT was back on the same street but at a different apartment, searching for a man wanted for assault and strangulation. He had been on the run since February. Pittsburgh Police had information that he was inside an apartment on North Franklin Street. SWAT set off flash bangs in an effort to get him outside and then took him into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, police found multiple teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 inside the apartment along with drugs and eight guns, including a rifle and pistols. Oh my, see, I did not hear too much about it. It was scary, said Russell. Neighbors said this area is normally pretty quiet. The guns and teens were found in an apartment just down the street from Manchester Elementary School. These streets are just getting so bad, and you just have to be careful. You have to be very vigilant, Russell said. No charges have been filed yet in connection with the drugs and guns, but police tell Channel 11 the investigation is ongoing and they expect charges to be filed soon. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Hungary early on Thursday, Israeli media reported. This is Netanyahu's first trip to Europe since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him. His return to Israel is planned for Sunday. The ICC last November accused the Israeli leader of crimes against humanity and war crimes during the Gaza war. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban, according to Netanyahu's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban extended the invitation to Netanyahu shortly after the arrest warrant was issued, making it clear that the Israeli prime minister would not face arrest by Hungarian authorities. Although Hungary has ratified the relevant ICC statute, it does not consider itself bound by its provisions. Contrary to usual practice in Israel, no details about the visit were disclosed in advance. The Hungarian prime minister's press office also declined to comment when asked. Observers attribute the secrecy to the sensitive nature of the visit, given the arrest warrant against Netanyahu. According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu will meet with Orban and Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok on Thursday. KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A Malaysian research house said Thursday that Malaysia's trade risks loom as U.S. tariffs add external headwinds. Kenanga Research said in a note that Malaysia will be affected by the tariffs, with a 24 percent duty imposed on its exports to the United States. "Notably, key U.S. trading partners, including the European Union, and Canada, have signaled upcoming potential retaliatory measures. These developments could heighten trade tensions and disrupt global supply chains, posing downside risks to external-oriented economies like Malaysia if tensions escalate," the research house noted. On April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a series of tariffs aimed at countering what he perceives as "unfair trade practices" by other trading partners. Kenanga highlighted that risks in Malaysia's manufacturing sector are rising amid growing uncertainty surrounding Trump's latest trade policies. According to the research house, Malaysia's manufacturing sector contributed 23.2 percent to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, valued at 381.9 billion ringgit (239.38 billion U.S. dollars). A significant portion came from export-oriented industries, notably electrical and electronics (E&E), petroleum, chemicals, rubber, and plastic products. Despite rising external uncertainty, Kenanga maintains its 2025 GDP growth forecast for Malaysia at 4.8 percent, as it believes growth will be supported by domestic-oriented sectors, led by services, construction, and manufacturing sectors, and resilient domestic demand underpinned by higher household incomes and rising tourist arrivals. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office is once again ensnared in scandal after police arrested two of his close associates this week on suspicion of accepting money from Qatar to promote a positive image of the Gulf Arab state in Israel. The affair has gripped Israelis because Qatar, a country that many view as a patron of Hamas, and which has no formal diplomatic ties to Israel, appears to have penetrated the highest corridors of power. Qatar, which is a key mediator for Hamas in its ceasefire negotiations with Israel, denies backing the militant group. Netanyahu has given a statement to police on the matter but is not a suspect in the case, which he says is baseless and meant to topple his rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is just the latest scandal to roil Netanyahu, who is the subject of a long-running corruption trial and regularly rails against a deep state that is out to get him. Critics say Netanyahu, the countrys longest-serving prime minister, has worked in recent years to undermine Israel's state institutions, including its judiciary. Most recently, they point to his attempt to dismiss the head of Israel's domestic security agency, which is also investigating his office's alleged links to Qatar. Netanyahu advisers allegedly promoted Qatari interests Dubbed Qatargate by Israeli media, the investigation centers on accusations that two close advisers to Netanyahu longtime media consultant Jonatan Urich, and former spokesman Eli Feldstein were hired to run a public-relations campaign to improve Qatar's image among Israelis while it was negotiating on behalf of Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza. Payments were allegedly funneled through an American lobbyist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a court document, the American lobbyist and Urich struck a business connection to positively promote Qatar and spread negative messages about Egypt, another important mediator in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations. Feldstein was allegedly paid to pass on those messages to journalists. He and Urich could face charges of contact with a foreign agent, money laundering, bribery, fraud and breach of trust, according to Israeli media. Other than financial gain, any other possible motives are unclear. One Israeli journalist questioned in the case is Zvika Klein, the editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, an English-language daily. According to a report this week in the Post, Klein visited Qatar at the invitation of its government last year and subsequently wrote a series of articles about his impressions, one of which laid out Qatar's case against Israeli claims that it backs the militant group. The newspaper said Klein, who could not be reached for comment, is currently barred from speaking to journalists. Lawyers for Urich and Feldstein did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu has slammed the probe as a political witch hunt and accused police of holding his advisers as hostages wording that angered many in Israel because Hamas is still holding dozens captive inside Gaza after its Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. A judge on Tuesday extended the detentions of Urich and Feldstein, who has been indicted in a separate case involving the leak of classified information to a German tabloid. If the new allegations are substantiated, its an abuse of the office, said Tomer Naor, of the Movement of Quality Government in Israel. What's particularly worrying, he said, is how easily outside actors appear to have gained access to the prime minister's inner circle and that the advisers allegedly promoted Qatari talking points to journalists while giving the impression that the messaging was coming from the prime minister's office. Qatar is a key mediator on Gaza with ties to Hamas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nearly 18-monthlong war in Gaza rages on after last month's collapse of a 42-day ceasefire that Qatar played a key role in helping secure. Among Israelis, the gas-rich emirate is best known for sending money to Gaza beginning in 2018 an effort meant to help poor families. But analysts and former officials say some of the money dispatched with Netanyahu's blessing made its way to Hamas military wing and helped it prepare for the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. Israelis are also suspicious of Qatar's intentions because it is the homebase for Hamas' political leaders, and its broadcaster Al Jazeera is seen by Israel as a mouthpiece for Hamas, allegations the network denies. Qatar says it provided humanitarian aid to Gaza in full coordination with the Israeli government. When reached by the AP, a Qatari government official did not directly respond to the alleged links to Netanyahu's advisers. He said mediation efforts on Gaza would continue. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the target of a regional blockade over its alleged ties to Islamist extremist groups and Iran, Qatar has long sought to be seen as an influential regional player and as a trusted conflict mediator. But throughout the war in Gaza, many in Israel, including Netanyahu, have expressed anger that Qatar wasn't doing enough to pressure Hamas to meet Israel's terms for a ceasefire. Qatars aim in the alleged public-relations campaign in Israel may have been to quell those accusations and make sure they didnt influence the U.S., with whom it has close security ties, said Yoel Guzansky, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, a Tel Aviv think tank. He said any effort to besmirch Egypt, a longtime mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, may have been a way to improve Qatar's own regional standing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatar brings up a lot of emotions in Israel because it is viewed as having played a key role in bolstering Hamas ahead of its Oct. 7 attack, Guzansky said. Before the war, Netanyahu had approved the transfer of funds from Qatar to Gaza as part of a strategy to contain Hamas, he explained. Qatar is contemptible. But we should check ourselves first, he said. We not only allowed, we encouraged Qatar to invest in Gaza. The affair is the latest scandal to dog Netanyahu It's not clear what, if anything, Netanyahu knew about his advisers' alleged wrongdoing. Previous aides who got into trouble with the law have turned state witness against Netanyahu in his corruption trial. Netanyahu's testimony in that trial was halted after Urich and Feldstein's arrest this week; he was summoned to give police a statement about the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu is under immense public pressure to accept responsibility for his role in failing to prevent the Oct. 7 attack, including allowing the transfer of Qatari cash to Gaza. Mass protests erupted in recent weeks over Netanyahu's decision to end the Gaza ceasefire that had facilitated the release of dozens of hostages, and over his moves to fire the head of the country's domestic security agency and its attorney general. The attempt to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar came as the agency was running its own probe into the Qatar links. That prompted accusations that Netanyahu was trying to snuff out the investigation. Netanyahu has suggested, with little evidence, that the probe was a result of collusion between Bar and the attorney general as a way to thwart the domestic security chiefs dismissal. A court froze Bar's dismissal pending further hearings. That hasn't stopped Netanyahu from trying to appoint his replacement. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Netflix may never see the more than $11 million the streamer & the feds say Carl Rinsch owes them, but they will see the director in court later this year. In a hearing Thursday in federal court NYC Carl Rinsch entered a not guilty plea and Judge Jed S. Rakoff put a September 8, 2025 trial start date on the calendar. Indicted by the Department of Justice on March 18 for fraud, and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, Rinsch is out on a $100,000 bond that he posted earlier this month. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The director of the never completed and never to be seen android drama series White Horse/Conquest, the 47-year-old Rinsch could be incarcerated for the rest of his life if found guilty by a jury. Netflix wrote off its entire $55 million investment in the series in late 2020, but were awarded $11.8 million in mid-2024 out of arbitration proceedings with the 47 Ronin filmmaker. Rinsch is due on the West Coast later this month for a debtors examination in L.A. Superior Court. Having spent millions on credit cards, lawyers, five Rolls-Royces and one Ferrari, luxury hotels, watches and antiques, Rinsch now claims to be totally broke. Netflixs outside attorneys want a through inventory of his assets and belongings to see if they can squeeze any of the cash they are owned from the Rinsch stone. Contacted this afternoon by Deadline, Netflix reps had no comment on the hearing in the Big Apple earlier Thursday. Director Carl Erik Rinsch on September 23, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for Team One, Saatchi LA) Arrested in the City of Angels by the feds and cops on March 18, Rinsch is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and five counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorneys office for the Southern District of New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coming off the flop of 2013s 47 Ronin but armed with the friendship and backing of Keanu Reeves, once prominent commercial director Rinsch found himself and the show then known as White Horse in the middle of a bidding war in 2018. Then Netflix exec Cindy Holland yanked the project out of the hands of Amazon with a $61 million deal. Any sunshine and rainbows that came out of that soon turned dark as Rinsch blew through millions and millions with nothing to show for it. Essentially getting money for nothing ($44 million, to be exact) final-cut holding, Rinsch asked and received another $11 million from the company in 2020. The director, who may have some mental health issues according to court filings, said the funds were for various and pre-and post-production needs to complete the series. That never happened. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Neuqua Valley High School teacher was arrested Thursday on charges he had sexual contact with a student, Naperville police said. William Schaub, 56, of the first block of North Stone Avenue in La Grange, was taken into custody during a traffic stop near his home on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of grooming, all felony charges, according to a police department news release. An investigation was launched March 7 after school officials received an anonymous tip about an inappropriate relationship between Schaub and a student and contacted police, the release said. Conducted in collaboration with the Will County Child Advocacy Center, investigators discovered electronic messages between Schaub and the student sent between November 2024 and March 2025 as well as evidence physical contact in December 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schaub has been taken to the Will County jail, the release said. Police did not disclose if the student attended Neuqua Valley in Naperville, and no information was provided on what subject teaches or how long hes been employed by Indian Prairie School District 204. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Pro-choice and pro-life supporters in Nevada are reacting to a federal judges ruling that requires minors to notify their parents before receiving an abortion. In 1985, Nevada lawmakers passed Senate Bill 510, which requires physicians to notify the parent or guardian of a woman seeking an abortion. Soon after, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, essentially freezing the law. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit later issued a similar ruling in 1991. Following the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs ruling, which removed the nationwide right to an abortion, several Nevada district attorneys sued to remove the injunction, citing the change in federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her ruling, District Court Judge Anne Traum, whom former President Joe Biden, a Democrat, appointed in 2022, said that the change in law itself governed her decision. Leaders on both sides of the abortion issue had differing opinions Wednesday. This is a step backwards, said Erin Bilbray, the executive director of the Silver State Hope Fund, a pro-choice organization. This law is definitely a step in the right direction, said Melissa Clement, the executive director of Nevada Right to Life, a pro-life organization. State law allows a woman in Nevada to have an abortion up to 24 weeks into her pregnancy or if a womans life is at risk. Last November, voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure to enshrine that right into the state constitution. The measure will appear again on the November 2026 ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are absolutely ecstatic, Clement said about Mondays ruling. Parents should be involved in all of their childrens medical decisions, especially something as critical and life-changing as abortion. I think this law is absolutely devastating, Bilbray said. This just puts one more restriction on people trying to access an abortion. Were talking about people who are the most vulnerable. People that are maybe being abused by their own family member, maybe are homeless. People that need these healthcare services and are not going to able to get them. Clement believes the law protects victims. We live in Nevada, and this is sadly a hub for child sex trafficking, she said. We know that traffickers use abortion to hide their crimes, as do child abusers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others added that there was no clear direction for Nevada following the ruling. I think Nevada itself wants to position itself as being a pro-abortion state, but we kind of continue to live in this middle ground where we dont tend to be pro a lot of things, but at the same time we allow access where other states dont, said Macy Haverda, the executive director for the Wild West Fund, a resource for women looking for abortion care. The law will go into effect on April 30. A spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said they were working to repeal the law, calling it unconstitutional. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Among those riding out the storms in Vernon County yesterday students from across the nation. I should have been lying in bed and had my roof fall on top of me, so definitely feeling lucky, definitely going to buy a lottery ticket later, said Boston Smith, a Nevada welding student. Several students from the Nevada Welding Institute called the Nevada Oaks on Austin Boulevard home. That building was one of those devastated by the EF1 tornado. When the sirens soundedseveral of the students sought shelter togetherand got the warning out to others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith tells us if it wasnt for someone warning himthings may have turned out differently. Once there was no noise, we walked out, saw the damage, checked on everybody else around here to make sure everyone was alright, that no one was trapped, then made some phone calls around, made sure everyone was alright, and then got a ride back to school. Im now getting moved into new housing, because this housing is obviously destroyed, said Bryce Ervin, Nevada Welding Student. Administrators with the Nevada Welding Institute told us all of their impacted students have been moved to new housing. There were 43 people staying at the Nevada Oaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only minor injuries were reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. President Donald Trumps widespread tariffs could significantly impact Californias exports, such as automobiles, computer equipment and semiconductors, according to a study from the Public Policy Institute of California. About 16% of Californias GDP in 2024 $675 billion came from the trade of physical goods, according to the report. Manufactured goods account for 87% of Californias total exports, valued at $159 billion. The top sectors include computer equipment, semiconductors, aerospace products and instruments. The state also leads the U.S. in agricultural exports, totaling $15 billion. The top products include nuts, processed fruits and vegetables, and fresh produce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fear that Trump tariffs will spark recession wipes out $2 trillion in value from US stock values California exports 37% of its goods to Canada, Mexico and China and imports 41% from those countries. Tariffs on imported goods may have direct effects on consumers, producers, and exporters in the state, wrote Daniel Payares-Montoya, a research associate for the institute. A 10% tariff on imports from U.S. trading partners begins Saturday, while additional duties on about 60 countries will start April 9. While speaking at the White House, Trump held up a chart showing that the United States would charge a 34% tax on imports from China, a 20% tax on imports from the European Union, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan and 32% on Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico and Canada are exempt from Trumps latest tariffs, but the 25% tariffs that Trump levied on both countries last month will remain intact. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, tariffs on Canadian lumber could increase prices or even cause shortages of toilet paper and paper towels. A key product used to make toilet paper and paper towels, northern bleached softwood kraft pulp, is primarily sourced from Canada and doesnt have an American substitute. Jeffries hammers Trump: Its recession day, not liberation day Clothing and textiles will also be affected, according to the Yale Budget Lab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homebuilders are also warned that tariffs could make financing and completing projects even more challenging, especially as officials focus on rebuilding Altadena, Malibu and Pacific Palisades after Januarys deadly wildfires. The tariffs are meant to crack down on other countries for unfair trade practices, but Wall Street firms are now forecasting a 50% chance of a recession on the horizon. These estimates are likely to change soon, reflecting the ongoing economic uncertainty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Reuters) - The United Nations on Thursday named 54 officials from Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's government who it said are responsible for serious human rights violations and crimes, in what was described as a "tightly coordinated system of repression." The officials cited include military officers and members of the ruling party. In a 234-page report, the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua revealed structures of systematic repression that quelled anti-government protests that erupted in 2018 and left at least 350 dead and hundreds detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officials named "played key roles in arbitrary detentions, torture, extrajudicial executions, persecution of civil society and the media, denationalization campaigns, and the confiscation of private property," a statement accompanying the report said. The UN experts also underscored how Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, who serves as Nicaragua's co-president after a recent constitutional reform, have built a centralized and repressive regime that has co-opted all branches of government and blurred the boundaries between party and state. "What we uncovered is a tightly coordinated system of repression, extending from the presidency down to local officials," Ariela Peralta, one of the experts, said in the statement. "These are not random or isolated incidents they are part of a deliberate and well-orchestrated state policy carried out by identifiable actors through defined chains of command." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those mentioned in the report are the head of the army, Julio Cesar Aviles; the police national director, Francisco Diaz; presidential security adviser, Nestor Moncada; and the attorney general, Ana Julia Guido. Murillo did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. The army and attorney general's office also did not respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Reuters staff; Editing by Leslie Adler) WATERLOO, N.Y. (WROC) It was 2:20 a.m. Tuesday when Steven Lindon heard a knock on the door that only his family knew. I opened and unlocked the door, and he just shoved his way in, Lindon explained to News 8 Wednesday. Hes 6 4, 350 pounds. So, he knocked me out of the way and ran into the house, and I had a rifle in my living room in a clip full of bullets. He grabbed that first, and then he told me he wanted my debit card. Once the man made his purchase, Lindon said the man got the rifle, put the clip in it, loaded a bullet in, and shot it towards Lindons feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gun went off. Scared my cats. I knew he was losing his mind, you know, just a crazy guy. Hes so big I couldnt I was defenseless against him, Lindon said. NYSP: Suspect fires at police during Waterloo standoff, homeowner injured Afterwards, the man demanded the pin numbers to Lindons gun safe. He wanted my PIN numbers for my gun safe, and I gave him the wrong one, and he tried it, and it wouldnt open, Lindon explained. He came over, hed already pushed me down into the kitchen floor, so he came over and started hammering on my face with his big fists, and I gave him a different password, and that didnt work. You know, he gave him two bogus passwords, and after that didnt unlock it, he came back over and pounded on me some more, and I had a gun in my pocket, and I thought, Well, Im not going to shoot somebody anyway. The third time I gave him the correct password, the gun safe unlocked, and I ran out the front door just to get out. I knew he was dangerous. So, I got out of the house and one, two or three trailers down and hid behind their trailers. After Linton got to safety, he was taken to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id already been brought to the hospital, I found out that there was an active shooter situation at my trailer, and he went into his own trailer and then he went next door to the trailer next to me, and he forced that guy to use his telephone, and he wanted money from that guy. That guy didnt have any money, you know, so he came back to my house, and thats when the gunfire started erupting, Lindon said. Security camera footage provided by Lindon shows the moments Randy Mark Davis Jr. shot at officers Tuesday morning during the armed standoff. This, according to New York State Police. Davis Jr. barricaded himself in a home with his family until officers used gas to get him out. No first responders were injured. Davis Jr. was taken into custody. While that was happening, Lindon was getting evaluated at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did a CAT scan, they said I had a bleed on both sides of my brain, and they said I had two fractures on my nose, he said. As well as broken ribs, and bruising on the arms from the impact of the punches. He just kept, kept hammering me in the face. You know, Im lucky to have my left eye. You know, it looks pretty bad, Lindon said. It looks awful, but I think its going to heal. Its just going to take time, you know, yeah, I think I got a couple broken ribs thats hurting me more than anything. The broken ribs are painful. But how did Davis Jr. know the knock only family would recognize? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He must have been familiar with my son knocking on the door. You know, hes been in my house. I cant get rid of him. You know, sometimes he just comes over and wants to drink with me, Lindon said. Lindon told News 8 he and Davis Jr. have a years-long relationship. Lindon explained he helped Davis Jr. out during hard times. Its just a nightmare. I didnt think hed ever do that. I knew he was kind of nuts. But I mean, after spending four years supporting his whole family, Lindon started to explain. And while Lindon waits for his body to repair, he has to think about his house as well. All my windows are shot out my doors. Theres glass all over my floor. All throughout the house is damaged, you know, he pulled my fridge out from the wall to have a place to hide from the police bullets, and he tipped my dining table over like that was going to stop a bullet, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help, Lindons daughter set up a GoFundMe to help with the restoration costs for Lindons home, as well as the medical bills. He said the support from the community is overwhelming. I got a contractor willing to replace all my windows and doors and clean up all the broken glass inside my house, and the GoFundMe cash will buy the windows and doors that I need, Lindon said. Ive got a local restaurant offering to feed me for 10 days. A lot of the people I see donating, I dont even know them, you know, theyre just out of the kindness of their heart. Just makes me want to cry. Hes keeping up a positive attitude and is determined to get over this and get his house rebuilt. Today Ive spent recuperating. My skin is all ripped up on my arms from blocking punches, Lindon said. I dont care to see him ever again. I may go to his hearing and show him my eye. Im sure it wont be healed by the time he goes to court. I want to go there and let him know what he did to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said Davis Jr. is a two-time convicted felon and has no right to own or process firearms in New York State. Davis Jr. will be charged with three counts of attempted aggravated assault on a police officer and three counts of menacing a police officer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. NILES, Ohio (WKBN) A local dance teacher in Niles is still smiling ear-to-ear, tapped to be one of just a handful of fans featured in a newly-released Lady Gaga video. Read next: Local pizza owner wins big at international pizza competition The video showcases fans in a choreographed dance. Victoria Collins has waited for weeks to break her silence, but now she can finally talk about it. Keeping the secret was the hardest thing, Collins said. I was waiting and waiting and waiting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins was one of 32 fans hand-picked for a recreation of Lady Gagas Abracadabra music video, a cut from her new album Mayhem. Collins was picked thanks to a video she submitted on TikTok. I was here in this room and I screamed. My video ended up going viral, and Lady Gaga commented on it reposted, Collins said. Gaga choreographed her Mayhem era to connect directly with her fans, even handing the stage over to her Little Monsters in the latest recreation. First thing I saw was her doing her intro, and they pan out, and Im in the front row. You can see me right there. I was just tears flowing. It was a beautiful moment, Collins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a moment that left Collins dancing for joy. One that she savored with her students shes spent so much time with. I think that was something that was super important for my dancers to see because here at Steppin Out, we always tell the dancers, no matter who you are, what you look like, you can do anything, she said. The video is part of a campaign for a credit card company to win a Priceless Experience. For Victoria, its a prize that shell always treasure. My younger, 16-17-year-old self felt healing in that moment, Collins said. I was just thinking about all of the times that Ive ever wanted this, being 16, 17, graduating high school and still being a dancer and wanting some sort of success like this. I was just thinking of all those times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. SYDNEY, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the new U.S. tariffs on imports from the nation as "unwarranted" and "not the act of a friend." Albanese on Thursday morning said that U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 10-percent tariff on all imports from Australia did not come as a "surprise" to the government but said they have "no basis in logic." "The administration's tariffs have no basis in logic and they go against the basis of our two nations' partnership," Albanese told reporters in Melbourne, shortly after Trump revealed the sweeping new tariffs in Washington on Wednesday local time. "This is not the act of a friend," Albanese said. He confirmed that Australia would not impose reciprocal tariffs on the United States, instead threatening to use "dispute resolution mechanisms" contained in the free trade agreement between the nations. "The Australian people have every right to view this action by the Trump administration as undermining our free and fair trading relationship and counter to the shared values that have always been at the heart of our two nations' longstanding friendship. This will have consequences for how Australians see this relationship," he said. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on Wednesday that Albanese's government was preparing to take the United States to the World Trade Organization to accuse it of breaching the free trade agreement. Announcing the new tariffs, Trump singled out Australia's ban on importing fresh beef from the United States as a non-tariff trade barrier. Importing fresh beef from the United States has been prohibited under Australia's biosecurity laws since 2003. According to United Nations COMTRADE data, beef was Australia's most valuable export to the United States in 2024 at 4.03 billion U.S. dollars. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Nine people were arrested Wednesday night across San Francisco during a coordinated multi-agency narcotics operation, the San Francisco Police Department announced. More than 1.15 pounds of narcotics were seized in the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center operation involving the SFPD, San Francisco Sheriffs Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to authorities. The illegal drugs recovered from multiple areas of the city included fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine salt and heroin. Ongoing push to reopen Market Street in San Francisco for cars Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Francisco police said six men, two women and one boy were arrested and booked into jail for illegal narcotics sales. We will continue to prioritize efforts to address the drug crisis in our city by taking wanted suspects off our streets and holding individuals who sell illegal narcotics accountable, SFPD wrote in a news release. Wednesdays operation comes weeks after San Francisco police officers and sheriffs deputies swept an open-air drug market at Van Ness Avenue and Market Street. In that incident, authorities arrested 41 people for drug-related offenses and warrants. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Following layoffs at Morgantowns NIOSH location this week, organizations are speaking out to let the public know of the effects it will have in different industries, including coal mining. NIOSHs Morgantown location is responsible specifically for the respiratory disease division that monitors coal dust and silica research, manages the lung x-ray program, and oversees the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). With the loss of jobs in this department, coal miners across the state worry about what their futures may look like. Its statistically proven that Appalachian coal miners are more likely than coal miners in general to be diagnosed with black lung due to the harder and more narrow rock, which leads to more silica dust exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With NIOSHs research and monitoring programs, both active and retired coal miners could receive the screening and treatment needed to reduce the number of deaths caused by this preventable disease. We pushed so hard to have a silica standard, and then, of course, the second that the silica standard gets approved and gets passed and funded, they decide to shut down the offices that are supposed to be helping to enforce it, United Mine Workers of Americas (UMWA) communication director, Erin Bates said in an interview with 12 News. Fairmont Novelis plant closure is major loss after more than 100 years in community Without these programs, people in the mining industry and researchers are scrambling to find what else can be done to serve coal miners in our region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats done is done. NIOSH has closed its offices and let go of its employees, that is going to hurt the job market in West Virginia to not have this facility. If the plan is to open up another facility, you know, cut costs and then rebuild, we would be in support of that, but to eliminate these jobs and not have anything in place is going to put a lapse in care for these miners, Bates said. The future of MSHA is also up in the air right now, as Bates said 34 locations may not renew their leases, which would leave coal mines abandoned by the agency that enforces mandatory safety regulations and inspections of mine disasters. I would be hard pressed to find someone in West Virginia that doesnt have some connection to coal. This is affecting their neighbors, this is affecting their family, this is affecting their friends, this is affecting their community. Without NIOSH, they are not able to monitor and maintain a living that these miners deserve. Without NIOSH, they are not able to do the research and the monitoring that is necessary in order to fight black lung cases in West Virginia, said Bates. With so many questions still left unanswered for NIOSH employees, coal miners, and countless other organizations affected by the agencys closing, you can be sure that we will keep you updated on these developing stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. A child wearing a top hat advertises registration for New Mexico National History Day Contest, an event supported by the New Mexico Humanities Council. The council learned late Wednesday that it would have to close due to cuts at the National Endowment for the Humanities. (Photo Courtesy NMHC website) An organization that provides small grants to uplift and explain New Mexico culture and history will have to close its doors, following deep cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities and local humanities councils across the country. The New Mexico Humanities Council has been around since 1972 and has provided schools, tribes, colleges, cultural centers, libraries and others grants to engage New Mexicans with history, culture and humanities topics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent events that credit the council include a Taos exhibition honoring Hispanic stories of northern New Mexico; a youth history competition; and virtual learning experiences at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces. Those will essentially go away, said Brandon Johnson, executive director of the humanities council, in a phone interview Thursday with Source New Mexico. Johnson received two letters around 11 p.m. Wednesday from Michael McDonald, the acting director of the National Endowment for the Humanities, related to two NEH grants the council received. About $500,000 had not been awarded to the council, Johnson said, from what online records show were initially $11.3 million contracts. NEH has reasonable cause to terminate your grant in light of the fact that the NEH is repurposing its funding allocations in a new direction in furtherance of the Presidents agenda, McDonald wrote in the letter dated April 2, citing a February Trump executive order seeking to reduce the federal bureaucracy. Your grants immediate termination is necessary to safeguard the interests of the federal government, including its fiscal priorities. The termination of your grant represents an urgent priority for the administration, McDonald wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter goes on to note that an audit may still occur, even though the grants were terminated, and provides a Microsoft email address to contact with only urgent questions. An unnamed official told NPR that McDonald recently told senior staff of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency team that he wants to claw back $175 million in grant money that has not been disbursed. A large number of NEH employees will soon be fired, as well, according to the New York Times. Johnson said the news came as a shock and called the cuts very disappointing, though he acknowledged hed withheld much stronger words he wanted to say about the abrupt cancellation of the program. He noted that the NEH has enjoyed bipartisan support for decades and that the council here has done great work across the state. Thats money that wont go to our New Mexico communities, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement from the National Alliance for the Humanities, an advocacy group, called on members of the public to fight back against the cuts, noting that the spending was already approved by Congress. We condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms, the alliance wrote. We support the mission of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the agency staff who make that mission possible, and we call upon Members of Congress to ensure that this crucial government agency fulfills the mandate set by Congress. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) for D.C. announced Thursday that there was not enough evidence to pursue federal or D.C. charges against officers involved in a deadly shootout in January of 2025. Around 4:40 a.m., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were called to the i5 Union Market in the 300 block of Florida Ave. NE after a 9-1-1 call for a man armed with a gun. The USAO said that MPD officers learned that a resident in the building was armed and had fired a shot at a building employee. Officers found the man later identified as 45-year-old Derrick Williams near an elevator. According to USAO evidence, he pointed a handgun at police before going into an elevator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: MPD identifies man killed during shooting that left 3 DC police officers injured The USAO said that Williams left the elevator a few minutes later with the gun in his pocket. Officers tried to stop him, but a struggle started. MPD previously reported that Williams pulled out his gun and fired it, injuring three officers. MPD officers fired their weapons, striking Williams and killing him. The USAO reviewed a variety of evidence, including accounts from law enforcement and civilians, security camera footage, body-worn camera footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, autopsy results and MPD reports. After reviewing the evidence, the USAO said that federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers willfully violated D.W.s [Williams] rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. In late March 2025, an audio clip purportedly featuring the voices of tech billionaire Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump circulated widely on social media. The allegedly leaked clip appeared to show Musk expressing concern over Tesla motors future, saying, "Tesla is going down," with Trump allegedly offering reassurance, saying, "Soon everybody will be buying again." Musk is CEO of the electric vehicle company, which has come under attack after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led mass federal government layoffs in early 2025, among other controversies. Despite being prominently positioned as the public face of DOGE, Musk is technically a White House Office employee, serving in an advisory role to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several readers contacted Snopes to ask about the audio clip and whether Musk was actually crying or sobbing to Trump in the Oval Office about Tesla's stock. One March 31, 2025, X post (archived) shared by @YourAnonCentral (Anonymous) account featuring the audio clip, as of this writing, reached over 1.4 million views. The user shared the clip as a quote tweet of an earlier post from March 12, which read: "So it turns out Musk was audibly sobbing at the Oval Office which may have triggered the bizarre Tesla Whitehouse promo." By connecting the two posts, the account appeared to imply that the allegedly leaked audio served as possible evidence supporting the earlier claim that Musk had cried during a meeting with Trump. The March 12 post likely referred to an event held one day earlier, where Trump and Musk showcased Tesla vehicles in front of the White House. The claim about Musk sobbing in the Oval Office circulated on other platforms at the time, including Threads and TikTok. The audio clip allegedly featuring Musk expressing concern about Tesla, with Trump offering reassurance, spread on Instagram, X, YouTube, Threads, and TikTok, and Reddit. Some social media users claimed the clip captured Musk crying to Trump in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there was no credible evidence that such a conversation ever took place, or that Musk was sobbing in the Oval Office. Moreover, no reputable news outlets have reported on any such leak, and the audio itself lacked verifiable context or evidence to support its authenticity. AI-detection tools suggested with high confidence that the clip was generated using artificial intelligence. We've contacted the Trump administration to confirm the audio was artificially generated and to clarify if such a conversation ever occurred. What we know about the audio clip The in-question audio clip featured an exchange between two male speakers, allegedly Trump and Musk (transcription ours): Voice 1 (allegedly Trump): It's okay. It's okay. Voice 2 (allegedly Musk): It's not okay. Because Tesla is going down and it's, it's, it's not good. Voice 1: You're a smart guy. You can do this. Voice 2: It's bad. It's really bad. Voice 1: Everything's going to be okay. It's all going to come out in the wash, as they say. Soon everybody will be buying again. Voice 2: I hope so. However, no reputable media outlets or credible sources have reported on the existence of this purported leaked audio or any similar recorded conversation between Trump and Musk. Given the high profiles of both individuals, any authentic leaked conversation involving them would almost certainly have attracted significant attention from mainstream news organizations or investigative journalists. Instead, the audio in question appears to have initially surfaced and spread on TikTok, before being reposted across other platforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The widely circulated clip included a TikTok watermark with the handle @elonmuskarmy3, suggesting it was originally posted by that user. (X user @YourAnonCentral) A version of the post was partially archived on March 27, 2025, via the Wayback Machine internet archive tool, showing it had been shared 16 hours earlier with the caption, "Leaked audio from meeting between Trump and Musk." However, as of this writing, the TikTok account @elonmuskarmy3 no longer existed. Some social media posts spreading the clip linked to the Instagram account @rindoamaestarte, with one use writing: "Real or fake, WE DO NOT HAVE CONFIRMATION YET' HOWEVER THE PERSON I'VE SEEN UPLOADING THESE AUDIO CLIPS HAS BEEN GETTING SUPPRESSED." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audio clip in question, shared by a user with the same @rindoamaestarte handle, was also stitched into several TikTok posts, which led us to a partially archived version dated March 23, 2025 the earliest known instance of the clip being shared. It was captioned: "Repost! We do not have confirmation if this is AI or real there is a mole on Tik tok uploading these clips if we can try and get confirmation we may better understand the relationship at play in the White House." (Wayback Machine) As of this writing, the account no longer existed on either Instagram or TikTok. All in all, the exact origin of the clip remained uncertain, with no credible evidence confirming its authenticity. It's highly likely the audio clip was AI-generated The DeepFake-o-meter tool developed by the University at Buffalo Media Forensic Lab, which combines several detection models, assessed the audio as highly likely AI-generated, placing the probability between 98.8% and 100% (see screenshot below). (DeepFake-o-meter) Similarly, the Deepfake Total tool developed by Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security indicated the likelihood of being a deepfake with probability 87.4%. (Deepfake Total) Hiya Deepfake Voice Detector, however, reported its "models are uncertain about this voice," indicating ambiguity regarding its authenticity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lead Stories, a fact-checking organization, also investigated this video. In March 2025 we investigated a similarly fake audio clip allegedly featuring U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticizing Musk. We have also debunked a fake podcast episode in which Donald Trump Jr. allegedly said, "I truly can't understand why anyone in their right mind would choose Ukraine as an ally when Russia is the alternative. The U.S. should have been supplying weapons to Russia instead." Sources: Christensen, Laerke. "No Evidence Clip of Vance Criticizing Musk Is Authentic." Snopes, 24 Mar. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/vance-musk-audio/. Deepfake Total. https://deepfake-total.com/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deepfake Voice Detector. https://www.hiya.com/products/deepfake-voice-detector. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025. DeepFake-o-Meter. https://www.buffalo.edu/digital-scholarship-studio-network/projects/faculty-projects/DeepFake-o-meter.html. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025. Fact Check: Audio Of Elon Musk Telling President Trump "Tesla Is Going Down" Is NOT Real | Lead Stories. 31 Mar. 2025, https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2025/03/fact-check-audio-elon-telling-trump-tesla-is-going-down-is-not-real.html. Fraunhofer AISEC - Fraunhofer AISEC. https://www.aisec.fraunhofer.de/en.html. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025. TikTok - Make Your Day. 23 Mar. 2025, https://web.archive.org/web/20250323173325/https://www.tiktok.com/@rindoameastarte/video/7484969680659156255. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ---. 27 Mar. 2025, https://web.archive.org/web/20250327203240/https://www.tiktok.com/@elonmuskarmy3/video/7486340779212934443. Wrona, Aleksandra. "Fake Video Claims Trump Jr. Said US Should Have Sent Weapons to Russia, Not Ukraine." Snopes, 27 Feb. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/donald-trump-jr-russia-ukaine/. BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden has worked her way from intern to executive director of the Renesting Project, a non-profit community furniture bank. The organization gathers and distributes gently used furniture and household items for those in need in Northwest Louisiana. I really believe in the dignity of the human spirit and the collective power of community, Manchester-Sanden shared. Those are the things I try to live my life thinking about, and those are things we believe in at Renesting. She loves what she does. She doesnt do it to be recognized, said her husband, Cory Sanden. She will make sure someone living on the street is more taken care of than she is. She loves everyone. It doesnt matter who they are. Shell put them before her 100% of the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meet the 2025 Remarkable Women Finalists That extends outside of work. Emily Jo volunteers for several other organizations, including Keep Bossier Beautiful, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for children in need, and the Barksdale Spouses Club, which supports military families. In addition to being married to an airman, Emily Jo grew up in a military family and moved around a lot as a child before attending a Catholic university, which required community service each year. Its been kind of these building blocks in my life of meeting diverse people, realizing that not everybody had the privilege that I have and wanting to serve my community, said Manchester-Sanden. Bobbie Jane Livers nominated her sister as a Remarkable Woman finalist, inspired by all she does for those in need. Livers said she has learned so much from her sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That its okay to be vulnerable and help people, shared Livers. Ive never been one to volunteer, and shes definitely brought that out of me. Shes just like my built-in friend, and I thank God for her. Emily Jo says everyone has something to give. Just spending time with someone, that ministry of presence, being a presence with somebody can make a huge difference, explained Manchester-Sanden. Were nothing without each other. It takes a village to do any good, and Im just proud to be a part of that village. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An Oklahoma nonprofit already involved in multiple lawsuits against state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has added another, alleging violations of open meeting and public records laws by Walters and the agency he leads, the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Oklahoma County District Court by the Tulsa-based Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, alleges violations of the Open Meeting Act related to the creation and operation of the Library Media Advisory Committee, a public body tasked with reviewing school library materials. The lawsuit also contends the state agency has failed to comply with the Open Records Act by withholding requested public documents regarding the formation, membership selection and activities of the library committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case has been assigned to District Judge Anthony Bonner. No hearing dates have been set. During a meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education in January 2024, Walters disclosed the formation of the committee, a panel he said would include Chaya Raichik, the woman behind the conservative Libs of TikTok social media account. Raichik also is named as a defendant in the lawsuit. She and Walters often trade congratulatory social media posts, and a video of her praising Walters for the library committees formation was shown during that state board meeting. Also named as defendants were the state education board, that board's current members and former member Kendra Wesson, and the library committee. "This lawsuit is nothing more than a politically motivated attack by a radical, Soros-funded organization determined to obstruct the work being done in Oklahoma," Walters said. "These extremists are using the legal system to harass and obstruct progress in an effort to push their radical agenda. OSDE will not be bullied by extremist organizations trying to weaponize the courts and remains committed to transparency and compliance with all legal requirements." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters' claim about Oklahoma Appleseed being funded by liberal billionaire George Soros is false. Walters is, or has been, a defendant in at least 20 state and federal lawsuits filed since he took office in January 2023. Despite multiple open records requests from multiple media outlets, Walters and the state agency have steadfastly declined to identify any other members of the library committee, which appears to be a public committee, given its work for a state agency. The state Education Department has said the committee is a volunteer advisory board appointed by Walters and is made up of parents, current or retired librarians, and English literature teachers. Oklahoma Appleseed says despite repeated requests, the agency has not provided information on how library committee members specifically Raichik were appointed and how the committee conducts its business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit claims the state agency and the library committee have violated the Open Meeting Act by failing to hold public meetings, post agendas or conduct public votes. Although the committee was publicly announced as a government advisory body, it has never met in compliance with the law, effectively operating in secrecy, according to the lawsuit. Oklahoma Appleseed also said it has yet to have a June 28 open records request, seeking information about the library committee, filled by the state Education Department. An Oklahoma nonprofit has sued state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, alleging violations of the Oklahoma Open Records Act and the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act. Walters, agency have refused to reveal membership of library committee Open records provided to The Oklahoman last year gave a glimpse into how the committee was formed and some of its work, but did not include its membership list, which has been requested multiple times by the newspaper. The committee has not been mentioned publicly by Walters since an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision effectively voided a handful of the agencys administrative rules pushed by Walters and approved by the state Board of Education including one giving the agency the authority to determine what books could be in the libraries of individual school districts. That decision stemmed from a lawsuit originally filed by Edmond Public Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court ruled that to be a decision reserved to local school boards, not any state agency or board. Oklahoma Appleseed seeks a court order compelling the Education Department to release all requested public records and requiring the library committee to comply with Open Meetings Act requirements. Brent Rowland, the legal director of Oklahoma Appleseed, said the lawsuit filed Tuesday was about government transparency and accountability. The public has a right to know who is making decisions affecting its public schools, Rowland said. Oklahomans have a right to expect that their government will follow the law regarding open records and open meetings. In this instance, the state Department of Education has formed a Library Media Advisory Committee to make decisions about students access to books when our state Supreme Court has determined those decisions should be made by local school boards. State officials cannot hide behind closed doors and avoid public accountability, and why would they want to? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma Appleseed is a party to at least two other lawsuits involving Walters, one in the Oklahoma Supreme Court regarding his Bible mandate and one thats been appealed to the same court. That case was filed by a Moore Public Schools student seeking to change their pronouns in school records. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Nonprofit sues Ryan Walters over open records, Libs of TikTok hire It's been a long time since we've heard from Ruben Vardanyan's family, and now it's clear why. The family was preparing a new theatrical performance, this time in the genre of a fairy tale about the Christian martyr St. Rubik. Vardanyan's son David gave another interview to a French magazine, in which he presented a new work. Vardanyan Jr. outlined the image of his father as a sufferer, a true Christian, who is being held by almost Azerbaijani Islamists. And then he gave out a beautiful one: Saint Ruben MUST be saved... by Donald Trump! According to Vardanyan Jr., Trump simply has to do this, because he is also a Christian, and Armenians are Christians, and in general, they say, Trump does not like Iran. Aren't you stupid? Stupid. Well, yes, but how else? Isn't that what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount? "Blessed are those who hide money offshore, for they will inherit the Kingdom of heaven! Blessed are the robbers of the occupied territories, for Donald Trump himself will save them!" It is even more unclear what they are counting on. Trump's reaction? Seriously? Now he will drop the issue of Ukraine, Iran, China, his duties - and will deal exclusively with Rubik, yeah. Make America Great Again - But Ruben First? BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government dispatched the second batch of emergency humanitarian earthquake relief supplies to Myanmar from Beijing Capital International Airport on Thursday morning, according to the China International Development Cooperation Agency. The second batch of aid supplies includes 800 tents, 2,000 blankets, 3,000 boxes of biscuits, 2,000 boxes of mineral water and other urgently needed supplies. The supplies are being transported to Yangon by a chartered flight from China. The first batch of emergency humanitarian aid for earthquake disaster relief arrived in Myanmar on March 31. Li Ming, spokesperson for China International Development Cooperation Agency, said that China is willing to continue providing assistance to the people in the disaster-stricken areas based on Myanmar's needs, supporting their efforts to overcome the disaster as soon as possible. He expressed confidence that with the joint efforts of China and the international community, the people of Myanmar will surely be able to overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes at an early date. Luna Reyna Underscore Native News + ICT On March 18, the Nooksack Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Nooksack Indian Housing Authority moving forward in the eviction of the late Olive Oshiro, a disenrolled Nooksack citizen who died last June at 88, from the home she lived in for more than two decades. Oshiros family had hoped to honor her wishes and keep the home in the family. The family was ordered to vacate Oshiros home by April 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olive Oshiro died before the four-year legal battle with Nooksack Indian Tribe to keep her home was over. Five days after Oshiro passed away, Charles Hurt, an attorney representing the Nooksack government, submitted notice to the court of her death and suggested that her death automatically terminates the lease and renders her appeal moot. But, according to state law, if a person dies while in a lease-to-own contract, their estate or heirs will inherit the rights and obligations, including the option to purchase the property. If a person dies while renting, the lease agreement typically transfers to their estate or next of kin, who become responsible for fulfilling the remaining lease terms, including rent payments, until the lease expires or is terminated. Regardless of the scenario, probate court, which oversees the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate, was necessary in this case. Oshiro was one of 306 Nooksack citizens who were disenrolled in 2016. In December 2021, Nooksack Indian Tribe began working to evict the families under a new policy change that required the tenants in Nooksack housing to be a Native family, defined as a family whose Head of Household or spouse is a currently enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Nooksack relatives, including the 306 disenrollees, belong to the First Nations Shxwha:y Village in Canada with ties to Nooksack and to the Nooksack nation in the U.S. In fact, the Nooksack tribe was considered a Canadian tribe until U.S. federal recognition in 1973. Although they are enrolled Shxwha:y Native families, they were no longer citizens of a U.S.-recognized Native nation, so didnt qualify as a Native family. Oshiros daughter Elizabeth became her power of attorney in 2016, after her father died and Elizabeth became her caregiver. At a hearing in August 2024, a panel of three judges postponed Oshiros case for four months so that her family could obtain legal representation. Olive Oshiro, disenrolled Nooksack citizen, enrolled First Nations Shxwha:y Village citizen, sits on the right side of a chair surrounded by her children, grandchildren and extended family. Oshiro died last June at 88 before the four-year legal battle with Nooksack Indian Tribe to keep her home was over. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Oshiro. Before she left us here on Earth, she said, Don't give up the fight. Keep fighting, Elizabeth Oshiro told Underscore + ICT. By Jan. 7 of this year, Oshiros family still hadnt been able to obtain representation from a licensed attorney. According to Gabe Galanda, a citizen of the Round Valley Indian Tribes and founder of Indigenous rights law firm Galanda Broadman who previously represented Nooksack disenrollees, no other attorneys will risk their livelihood to represent the family at Nooksack after his experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nooksack Tribal Court disbarred Galanda from practicing law within the Nooksack system. Galanda had represented Oshiro and her family and successfully blocked Nooksack courts from disenrolling the family from 2012 to 2016 until he was disbarred. They saw what happened to me and my firm, Galanda told Underscore Native News + ICT. The Nooksack judiciary is widely considered illegitimate. I don't know of any firm that's even tried to get licensed at Nooksack since 2016 because of it all. We were barred without process and had our livelihoods threatened by Nooksack, Galanda continued, fired or passed over by other tribal clients, maligned by colleagues and now so-called Nooksack judges, and blacklisted from tribal lawyer circles, all as a result of our advocacy for the 306. According to Galanda, Michelle Roberts, who is Olive Oshiros granddaughter and her familys spokesperson, contacted other firms and couldn't find anybody to help them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges have refused to contend with this reality, instead pretending the family can just hire another lawyer," Galanda said. Nooksack Indian Tribe has not responded to requests for comment. The family was unable to obtain an attorney by the next hearing on Feb. 14 and couldnt provide arguments of evidence. The Nooksack Tribal Court of Appeals decided to proceed with eviction even after the Pierce County Superior Court on Jan. 23 ordered the transfer of Olive Oshiros estate, including the deed to her home, to her children, Elizabeth Oshiro, Roma Oshiro and Matthew Oshiro. According to court documents and Peter Kram, an attorney with the law firm Kram and Rooster, who filed the petition to have Elizabeth Oshiro handle her mother Olive Oshiros estate, notice was given to Nooksack Indian Tribe, Nooksack Indian Housing Authority and Raymond James, a Florida-based tax credit investor in a limited liability partnership with Nooksack, to appear at probate court on Sept. 24, 2024. Nobody from Nooksack or Raymond James appeared at the hearing; four months later the court ordered the deed transfer to Oshiros children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They made no opposition to it, Kram told Underscore Native News + ICT. Raymond James finances Nooksack housing in exchange for federal income tax credits and holds the title to the tribes Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) homes, as well 99% ownership of the homes during a 15-30 year tax credit compliance period. The tribe, NIHA and Raymond James had every opportunity to show up before the state court to contest the estate's claim to the home, Galanda said. Without any contest to the probate, the state court did what every other probate court would do in that instance by allowing everything in Ollie's estate to pass to Liz and her siblings. Nooksack Housing Authority argued in the Nooksack Tribal Court of Appeals that Olive Oshiro never owned the home so ownership couldnt be transferred to her children. To be able to determine if there was an ownership stake in the house, there needed to be someone to represent Oshiros estate after she died, so probate court was necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Nooksack Tribal Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Nooksack attorney Charles Hurt, who argued that the Superior Court of Washington does not have the jurisdiction over Nooksack Indian Tribe to adjudicate its interest in the property and went a step further in claiming the Oshiros may have committed an act of fraud against the Pierce County Superior Court. We presented the state court order to the appeals court and they said we committed a fraud, Roberts said in her statement during the March 18 hearing. That is wrong. How disrespectful. We did exactly what the appeals court told [Elizabeth Oshiro] to do. We are not the fraud in this situation. Our family has at all times followed the rules. The court rules. The membership rules. The housing rules. We followed all the rules. The Tribe did not. We are not the frauds. Olive Oshiro with I belong written along her right hand, a message during the Nooksack Indian Tribe's disenrollment of her and 305 of her family members, that she belongs. Oshiro is also a First Nations Shxwha:y Village citizen. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Oshiro. The issue, according to Galanda and Kram, is that the Nooksack Indian Tribe does not have a probate code to pass assets down to next of kin after someone dies. Considering that, and because the Oshiros are American citizens, they are entitled to the protections of Washington law and therefore went to state probate court. Kram, the 2023 Washington State Bar Association 2023 APEX (Acknowledging Professional Excellence) Professionalism Awardee, dismissed Hurts fraud claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fraud is something that [Nooksack Indian Tribe] have invented in this appellate process, that they have to cover their own butts because that's not fraud, Kram said. [State probate court] is exactly how you seek relief by transferring property from one generation to the next. Eventual tenant ownership The seven households facing eviction by NIHA since 2021 for no longer being enrolled citizens were supported by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Native American housing dollars, as well as federal LIHTC assistance. LIHTC was meant to create a pathway to homeownership for Native people across Washington state in which, after 15 years, they could receive the deed to their home under the Eventual Tenant Ownership (ETO) program with LIHTC. At Nooksack, one dollar of nominal consideration was all that was needed for a conveyance or transfer of these homes, according to transfer plan documents. The evictions at housing projects managed by Nooksack Indian Tribe raised concerns about tenant purchase options and, more widely, the LIHTC program managed by the state Housing Finance Commission. This prompted an audit that examined the commissions oversight of housing projects in Native nations across Washington state that offer tenant purchase options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Washington State Auditors Nov. 19, 2024 audit of the Housing Finance Commission, 135 homes in Native country were eligible for ownership by 2023, including homes at Nooksack, but none of them had begun the process of ownership transfer, largely due to a lack of management of the program by the commission. Commission agreements required tribal housing authorities to submit an update on their progress toward fulfilling tenant purchase options no less than once every five years, at the commission's request. The first update request should have occurred in 2010 but didnt happen until 2022. The commission claims a lack of policies and procedures is to blame. It has since updated and begun implementing new policies and procedures. The belated actions fail to remedy the consequences already caused by the lack of oversight in cases like Olive Oshiro, who may have owned her home in 2020 if there had been proper oversight. Oshiros home has been an LIHTC home since 2005, so she could have owned her home after 15 years. We empathize with the Oshiro family and are relieved they have another housing option, Margret Graham, communications director for the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, told Underscore + ICT. The fact is that the Nooksack Indian Housing Authority (NIHA) is within its rights to set tribal membership as both a condition of tenancy in their rental homes and a condition for purchasing the homes when/if offered for sale. The disenrollment in 2013 is the legal crux of this unfortunate situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But disenrollment didnt happen until 2016 and citizenship of Nooksack Indian Tribe was not a requirement for the LIHTC housing until 2021 after a NIHA policy change. "It's really frustrating and it's hurtful, Oshiro said about the HFC's lack of action for her mothers potential homeownership. They just turn the other cheek and just let Nooksack do whatever they want to do." Housing justice As the legal battle over Olive Oshiro's home came to an end, Roberts made clear that this fight was not just about property it was about justice, recognition and the rights of Indigenous families within a system that is often stacked against them. In the years leading up to her death, Oshiro fought tirelessly to stay in the home she had built a life in, a home that could have passed to her children under the terms of the LIHTC program. "I hate to see my mom's house go, Oshiro said. She loved that house. She's gone now. I guess we all have to pick up and move on, move forward, start a new chapter in our life." Elizabeth Oshiro, disenrolled Nooksack citizen, enrolled First Nations Shxwha:y Village citizen, center of middle row with her siblings, their spouses, and their children. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Oshiro. For the Oshiros, their case is not only a reflection of one family's fight but also a stark reminder of the larger challenges facing Native communities struggles for sovereignty, justice and the right to housing. We are the direct lineal descendants of Annie George and her daughters the Three Sisters Elizabeth, Emma and Louisa, Roberts said in a Nov. 25 statement. Our ancestors did not survive residential schools or the genocide attempt to destroy Indigenous people in both the U.S. and Canada, in order to witness our familys erasure from Nooksack. Elizabeth Oshiro and the other elders evicted from Nooksack are also citizens of First Nations Shxwha:y Village, which has ties to Nooksack Indian Tribe, and have moved to Nooksack, Washington into houses owned by the First Nations Shxwha:y Village. "It's just been a long journey, tiring, but the only reason why my mom told me to keep fighting is because we know who we are, Elizabeth Oshiro said. We know that we're true Nooksacks, and they can't take that away from us... We know where we belong." This story is co-published by Underscore.news and ICT, a news partnership that covers Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest. Funding is provided in part by Meyer Memorial Trust. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter. NORFOLK A 74-year-old Norfolk man was found guilty Wednesday of second-degree murder for fatally shooting a man whod knocked on his apartment door. Jurors also convicted Leroy Frank King of using a firearm to commit a felony. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11. The shooting happened around 5:30 p.m. June 20, 2023 on Pleasant Avenue, in the Ocean View area. According to prosecutors, Albert Patrick Johnson, 38, had mistakenly knocked on Kings door earlier that day, thinking it was someone elses apartment. When Johnson knocked on his door again, King shouted at him, came outside and shot Johnson in his neck and torso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, and King was arrested shortly afterwards. Kings attorney, Matthew Barbero, however, said his client shot Johnson in self-defense. The two men lived in the same apartment complex but didnt know each other, the defense lawyer said. King testified in his own defense at trial. King was playing Scrabble with his wife in the kitchen when Johnson knocked, Barbero said. When King asked Johnson what he wanted through the door, Johnson replied, To kick your (expletive), Barbero said. King told the younger man to go away, went to get his gun for protection, and then opened the door and brandished it at Johnson in an effort to scare him away, Barbero said. Johnson then threw some mulch at Kings face, temporarily blinding him, and continued to move toward King as King told him to get away, the defense lawyer said. Thats when King fired, Barbero said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King had been allowed to remain free on bond while his case was pending, but he was taken into custody Wednesday, according to a spokeswoman for the Norfolk Commonwealths Attorneys Office. Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com Colby Braun, director of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Heart River Correctional Center on April 2, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) The rehabilitation of female inmates in North Dakota took a large step forward Wednesday as state officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the first prison in state history designed to house women. The new Heart River Correctional Center in Mandan will be more than 191,500 square feet and includes space for 304 beds. The project is expected to cost $166.8 million and be complete in fall of 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kelly Armstong and other state officials joined Colby Braun, director of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and Warden Connie Hackman Rivinius for an event that included women who are in custody. Today, we take another step toward a justice system that not only ensures public safety, but also provides opportunities for rehabilitation and second chances, Hackman Rivinius said. This project represents more than just walls and infrastructure. It symbolizes the commitment to dignity, safety and the possibility of change. In 2021, the department shifted some inmates from the primary womens prison in New England to the Heart River campus in Mandan. More than 50 women now occupy two residence cottages at the site, which also houses a separate juvenile detention center. The new facility will give female inmates access to more employment and educational services, Braun said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its about making sure they are supported to leave so they dont come back again, Braun said. This is that beginning stage. Lucila Madrigal, an inmate at the Heart River Correctional Center, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new womens prison in Mandan on April 3, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) Lucila Madrigal, one of the women at Heart River, said having staff take an interest in her has made her a better person. It makes me want to follow the example they lead, strive to be the best version of myself, be a working member of society and hopefully be a role model for others like me one day, Madrigal said. The new womens prison has been the subject of discussion and division among lawmakers during the legislative session. A bill that would allow the department to begin developing policies for female inmates to have their newborn babies live with them for up to 18 months passed the Senate on a 28-18 vote and the House on a 48-42 vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armstrong announced Wednesday he signed that bill, leading to cheers from the female inmates of Heart River Correctional Center in attendance. Being tough on crime doesnt work, he said. Armstrong added holding serious offenders accountable is important, but funding for rehabilitation and addressing overcrowding is also a priority. He said it is the states solemn responsibility to give the best care and rehabilitation possible to inmates under their care so they can be better citizens once they leave. A good criminal justice system holds people accountable, but it gives them grace and it gives them hope, said Armstrong, a former criminal defense attorney. We dont criminalize people. We criminalize conduct and that is why lady justice is blind. That is why facilities like this matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braun said many inmates have been through traumatic events, battle addiction issues or may deal with mental health concerns, which is why he believes the prison needs to be a place of restoration. Its about the vocational piece. Its about learning those skills and its all the services around, Braun said. Really, this is so much more than just a bed. He added the road to the new womens prison has taken about 40 years, beginning with a single female unit at the State Penitentiary in the 1980s. Prior to that unit, North Dakota contracted with other states to house female inmates. Later women were housed on a floor of the James River Correctional Center in Jamestown. Lawmakers decided in the 2003 session that female prisoners needed a dedicated facility, which led to the department renovating the former St. Marys Catholic School in New England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just turned some doors into locked prison doors and beyond that it was really just using that exact same foundation that was laid out for kids, said Braun, who was the warden in New England from 2004 to 2010. The New England facility is still the primary intake point for female inmates. After the new complex opens, the site may shift its focus more toward rehabilitation and minimum security beds, Braun said. During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers approved $131.2 million for the Heart River Correctional Center. The remaining $35.6 million is under consideration by the House Appropriations Committee after passing the Senate unanimously in February. Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Rugby, said female inmates needed to be closer to services that they couldnt get in rural southwestern North Dakota. The women will be able to use some of the same services that men receive at the State Penitentiary, which lawmakers hope will lead to better outcomes and lower recidivism, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New England did the job that it was intended to do, Nelson said. Treatment is such a big part of the rehabilitation process and finding treatment personnel in that region is difficult. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Attorney General Drew Wrigley, center, listens March 24, 2025, to testimony on a bill he supports related to criminal sentences. Law enforcement attended the hearing in support of the bill. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor) A divisive prison sentencing bill introduced by Attorney General Drew Wrigleys office failed in the House Thursday after more than 90 minutes of debate by lawmakers. Senate Bill 2128 sought to make sure inmates in the state prison system spend most of their sentence behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This included a requirement that inmates spend at least half of their sentence in prisons before they can be eligible for a transitional center or parole. It also contained provisions that would have established steeper penalties for fleeing and assaulting law enforcement. Earlier this week, the House Judiciary Committee voted 9-5 to forward the bill to House Floor with a do-not-pass recommendation. The House on Thursday rejected an amendment proposed by the committee, which included language giving lawmakers the option to study parole and the state corrections during the upcoming interim session. This bill is trying to make too many sweeping changes too quickly, said Rep. Nels Christianson, R-Grand Forks, who carried the bill on the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of the bill, which included the head of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, have said Wrigleys proposal would further encumber the states already overcrowded prisons. They also said it would have prevented inmates from accessing programs that reduce recidivism and help them prepare for life outside of prison. The Attorney General and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation fundamentally disagree on the facts and the solutions, and we shouldnt rush to make these sweeping changes to policy with far reaching consequences without having all the facts, Christianson said. Proponents of the bill said the proposals would best serve the interests of the public, as well as crime victims. Were talking about the victim here, and the responsibility of the people in blue and brown, said Rep. Bill Tveit, R-Hazen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original bill was estimated to cost the state $22.7 million in the 2025-2027 biennium and another $21.3 million for the 2027-2029 budget cycle. The Senate in February passed the proposal by a 28-18 vote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A North Dakota lawmaker votes no on a bill. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor) The North Dakota House of Representatives on Thursday voted 15-78 against a bill to give a tax cut to prison industries, sustaining Gov. Kelly Armstrongs first veto in office. Senate Bill 2261 would have provided businesses tax credits when they buy goods or services from Rough Rider Industries, a state agency that sells various products made by prison inmates. The tax credit would be equal to up to 10% of the cost of the purchase. The bill cleared the Senate with nearly unanimous support, and passed the House with about 63% support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armstrong issued the veto March 21, calling the tax incentive anti-competitive. This bill creates an uneven playing field by giving Rough Rider Industries an unfair competitive advantage over out-of-state manufacturers, he wrote in the letter, which is addressed to Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, who is president of the Senate. The Senate a few days later voted 45-2 to override the veto. The only thing this bill suggested was that if youre an in-state manufacturer and looking for somebody to subcontract some of your equipment, some of your parts, that Rough Rider could be the folks you want to go to, Sen. Jerry Klein, R-Fessenden said on the Senate floor. Not only will that keep the folks at Rough Rider busy, but once again its training, giving those inmates valuable experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Emily OBrien, R-Grand Forks, spoke against the bill on the Floor on Thursday. She said Rough Rider Industries didnt ask for the tax credit and that the business is already successful. It will not bring in any new business, she said. All well do is give a tax credit to companies that are already doing business with Rough Rider Industries, and it will not address our workforce shortages that we are seeing continually. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rep. Nico Rios, R-Williston, speaks in favor of a resolution that would make public officials mandatory reporters of child abuse at an April 3, 2025, hearing. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) A House committee on Thursday advanced a resolution that advises the 2027 Legislature to make lawmakers mandatory reporters of child abuse. The proposal is sponsored by Rep. Nico Rios, R-Williston, and was drafted by the North Dakota Young Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rios said the organization is bringing the proposal, House Concurrent Resolution 3037, in light of news surrounding former Republican Sen. Ray Holmbergs prison sentence. A federal judge last week sentenced Holmberg to 10 years in prison after the former senator pleaded guilty to traveling abroad with the intent to have commercial sex with minors. Holmberg served in the state Legislature for more than four decades and held the powerful position of Senate Appropriations Committee chair. Rios said the Young Republicans were particularly struck by a sentencing memo filed by a federal prosecutor last month that alleged Holmberg had a pattern of exploiting boys and young men. Mark Friese, Holmbergs defense attorney, denied many of the allegations in the memo and said theres no evidence Holmberg had sex with minors. Rios said that he gets questions from constituents asking whether other public officials in state government knew about Holmbergs conduct but stayed quiet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is why we need mandatory reporting, we should be held to a higher standard, Rios told the House Political Subdivisions Committee on Thursday morning. Current mandatory reporters of child abuse include medical professionals, social workers, law enforcement and teachers, according to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services website. The resolution also urges lawmakers to seek additional ways for the state to root out crimes against children by public officials, including by establishing new penalties. The North Dakota Young Republicans suggest that the Legislature consider studying the issue during the upcoming interim session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe this study can begin to answer the question so many in our state are asking: How did this happen, and more importantly, how can we prevent it from ever happening again? Derek Turbide, national committeeman for the North Dakota Young Republicans, said in testimony in support of the proposal. The proposal originally contained verses from the Bible, which committee members voted to remove. Some lawmakers also expressed concerns that the resolution ignores systems the state already has in place to combat child exploitation and neglect. I would support the study to make legislators mandatory reporters, but I think the rest is unnecessary, said Rep. Jonathan Warrey, R-Casselton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee gave the resolution a do-pass recommendation. The proposal is headed to the House floor for a vote. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, speaks on the Senate floor during debate on a property tax bill on April 3, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) The North Dakota Senate unanimously passed a property tax bill Thursday, but adopted major amendments that could set up a conference committee showdown between the House and Senate. Amendments to House Bill 1176 reduce the maximum primary residence credit from the $1,450 approved by the House to $1,250. Gov. Kelly Armstrong, who backs the original bill, had proposed a credit of up to $1,550 for homeowners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate also adopted what Senate Majority Leader David Hogue called a skin-in-the-game amendment that would limit the credit to 75% of the property owners total tax liability. Homeowners would get a minimum tax credit of $500, the same level approved by lawmakers in 2023. Another amendment includes language urging lawmakers in the 2027 session to consider reducing property taxes for other property types, such as agricultural and commercial. Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, said she worries about excluding agricultural property from the tax credit when about 40% of the Legislature represents rural areas. She added rural areas depend more on property taxes than urban areas and excluding agricultural land from the bill puts a greater burden on those taxpayers. The Senate version of the bill would provide an estimated $478 million in tax relief for citizens for 2025-27, Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kelly Armstrong said he is still advocating for the House version of the bill, but hes shifting his focus to the conference committee. I think if the original version was on the floor of the Senate it would pass, Armstrong said. I think there is plenty of room to get it back to where it was. The bill will now be sent back to the House for approval of the amendments. If the House does not concur with the Senates changes, a conference committee made up of three members from each chamber will be appointed to iron out the differences. Hogue, R-Minot, who advocated for the amendments, said its possible the conference committee wont be able to agree on how to reconcile the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee still has two property tax bills, House Bill 1575 and House Bill 1168, under consideration. Both of those bills would reduce taxes for other property types, while House Bill 1176 only affects primary residences. There may be no compromise and so well go onto some other form of tax relief for North Dakotans, Hogue said. The Senate consensus is that what we passed today reflects the will of the Senate. Armstrong said the Senate may have property tax measures in reserve, but they still need to clear both chambers. Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, primary sponsor of the bill, said the House supports the version of the bill with a $1,450 primary residence credit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the No. 1 issue coming into this session and people have spoken loud and clear, and thats whats so disappointing about these amendments being kept on and reducing the benefits, Nathe said. I dont understand why they did what they did. Sen. Mark Weber, R-Casselton, chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee, said if the bill gets to a conference committee, there will be some haggling over the primary residence credit that could go on for multiple days. He added the two property tax bills in his committee could be used to provide technical corrections for House Bill 1176 depending on what happens during the conference committee. Weve come a long ways and now well begin the third period, Weber said. I think the governor obviously wanted the bill to come out as is so he could quickly sign it and get it out there, which is a noble thing. But there was a little difference in thinking on some of this and thats why we have the Senate and the House. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Apr. 2BISMARCK A plan to create "impact zones" around military installations and a committee to give consideration to developments that could impact missions cleared one more legislative step on Wednesday. The North Dakota Senate voted 46-1 to concur on the final version of Senate Bill 2398, intended to create more collaboration, conversation and oversight for projects planned near Air Force bases at Minot and Grand Forks, as well as Camp Grafton and the Cavalier Space Force Station in northeast North Dakota. The Senate's decision to concur after the chamber voted 47-0 on Feb. 19 to pass an earlier version and after Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement the House passed the new version last week means SB 2398 now will head to the desk of Gov. Kelly Armstrong. The only dissenting vote on Wednesday was from Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg. During a committee hearing in early March , Sen. Jeff Barta, R-Grand Forks, said the intent of SB 2398 is to get various stakeholders "seated around a table to say 'this is what has to be done in order for you to operate here.' " Originally, as previously reported by the Grand Forks Herald, SB 2398 included predetermined "impact zones" that stretched 25 miles in each direction from the Air Force bases in Grand Forks and Minot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That led to initial hesitation from the Grand Forks City Council , whose members were concerned that the long reach of the impact zone could jeopardize future development in and around the city. Grand Forks Air Force Base is about 18 miles from downtown Grand Forks. The size of the impact zones was amended, now to be " established by an assessment in a compatible use study and contingent upon the missions of each military base ." The committee's makeup also changed over the past two months. Originally, it included the governor among its members; now, members include the state agriculture commissioner, as well as a representative from each county within the boundaries of a zone, to be selected by local county commissions; a township representative, to be selected by the boards of township supervisors; a city representative, to be selected by affected city councils; and, on a voluntary basis, the commander of each military installation, or a designee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During comments on the Senate floor Wednesday, Barta said "the way it originally was written the concern was, given the areas that this might encompass, that there would be too many people at the table." Barta said the goal was to create a committee that would be "stealthy enough" but still able to make important decisions. The House passed the amended version on Thursday, March 27, in a 73-19 vote, pushing SB 2398 back to the Senate for its members to concur. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A North Park street will soon have a new name after thousands of people appealed city leaders for the change to honor a beloved neighborhood restaurant owner who passed away last year. Lucky Wong was a pillar of the uptown community for just about five decades, serving up breakfast plates at his restaurant, Luckys Golden Phoenix, until his death in December at the age of 86. The hotspot, located at the corner of Grim Avenue and North Park Way, was an institution of the community, known for its no-frills diner fare and sincere hospitality that made generations of customers feel like family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Diego once had an extensive streetcar network. Can it make a comeback? The restaurant closed a few weeks prior to Wongs death. As the sole operator of the diner, some had speculated he had planned to retire and allow another proprietor to lease the space. When his family announced Wongs passing, there was an immediate outpouring from the community, remembering him for his humility, kindness and dedication to North Park work that helped transform the neighborhood into the vibrant community it is now. This love evolved into a petition to forever dedicate the block of Grim Avenue where Luckys Golden Phoenix sat in his honor with the new name, Lucky Lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The petition, organized by Tribute Pizza owner Matthew Lyons, collected thousands of signatures in a matter of days, calling on City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents North Park, to use one of the two honorary street names he is afforded for the tribute. On Thursday, flanked by Lyons, Wongs daughter June and the head of North Park Main Street, Whitburn announced he would be doing just that. Lucky Wongs dedication to this neighborhood went far beyond his business. He built relationships, supported his community and became a beloved figure here in North Park. His presence made this area feel like home to so many people, Whitburn said. Now, North Park is giving something back to him. Whitburn says he plans to bring a resolution to officially give the 3800 block of Grim Avenue the honorary name of Lucky Lane before the city council when they return from their legislative recess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Diego police honor two officers killed in line of duty a century ago This is the pinnacle of my dads journey. This is the biggest honor he ever had, June said. Hes a symbol for goodness and someone thats very hard-working, perseveres I hope that other people are inspired and [it] gives some hope that they can do that too. Lyons added there will also be a community-led fundraiser to cover the cost of the new street signs, as well as create a memorial scholarship fund to support underprivileged students in San Diego who want to pursue a career in the culinary arts. This corner has always belonged to Lucky, but now the name finally matches it, Lyons said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) During a time where house prices are sky rocketing, Utah based general contractor Nilson Homes says they are seeing a spike in thefts at its construction sites. Security video from March 30 shows a suspect stealing lumber and metal scraps from an area between Farr West and Plain city in Weber county. This video has been watched over 100,000 times on social media. People can think that, Oh, its just some lumber. It cant cost that much money. Then they fill their truck with lumber and its $5,000 or $10,000 and theyre facing a felony, Jed Nilson of Nilson Homes told ABC4.com. He says watching these videos makes him angry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plain city is also the place where the first completed starter homes were built under Gov. Spencer Coxs starter home initiative. But Nilson says over the last year while they were under construction, this site has seen a lot of theft. How Utah is working toward increasing more affordable housing Its gotten to be slightly comical but a little bit sad. Youre thinking, Okay, why did this person just think that they could just help themselves to somebody elses stuff, but also why did they not realize that in 2025 there is a camera everywhere you turn, Nilson added. Nilson tells us one of his contractors has a one hundred percent success rate at finding the people he catches on camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) A member of the China international search and rescue team carries out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) Members of the China international search and rescue team carry out search and rescue operation at a hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. The China international search and rescue team has continued its rescue efforts in several areas of Mandalay, central Myanmar. On Tuesday, eight operational groups conducted comprehensive inspections and reconnaissance at five key locations, covering a total of 30 buildings, with disinfection of an area of around 2,000 square meters. (China international search and rescue team/Handout via Xinhua) CHICAGO Many medical facilities face challenges when it comes to recruitment and retention of doctors especially those in underserved neighborhoods. Instead of relying on third-party staffing, a Chicago hospital took a traditional path and its paying off. Dr Romeen Lavani is the chief medical officer at Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago. There is something about this hospital that people immediately take to and warm up to and they stay forever. I was supposed to be here three years and this is my 21st year, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doors have been open since 1898. Saint Anthonys stands on the citys Southwest Side between Little Village and Lawndale. Dr Monica Cholewinski is the Assistant Medical Director for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Saint Anthony Hospital. Its predominantly Hispanic. Its very tight knit, she said. These folks have been here for generations. About 80 to 100 patients visit the independent hospitals emergency room each day. We do not turn anyone away. We do have patients who are uninsured or underinsured. We do not even ask the question, Lavani said. But Dr Lavani does ask one question of prospective emergency department staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are telling them up front, You are going to face these challenges. Are you ready for it? he said. And were ok if they say no. Dr Cholewinski said yes. I was looking for something that would feel a little bit more meaningful, more impactful, she said. The emergency medicine specialist actually lives in the neighborhood. It felt like a really natural fit for me to be doing that kind of work, especially for my neighbors, she said. Their heart is in the right place. They are willing to serve the underserved and they are willing to face the day to day challenges that come with that, Lavani said. And its hard to get that with a third party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Coverage: WGNs Medical Watch While about two-thirds of hospitals outsource emergency medicine specialists, Saint Anthonys administrators added seven full-time ER docs and several physician assistants to the staff, a move they hope will build a culture of camaraderie and compassion. It was very hard to make a third-party team understand what we are trying to do for the community, Lavani said. They were professionals, they were doing a good job, but they didnt feel the need to immerse themselves completely into this mission. Its actually our neighborhood hospital, which is great its two minutes from our house so its just a come and go, Martha Cortez said. My daughter had a febrile seizure as soon as we came in. I requested help in the front and they immediately brought my daughter back. And now were back again with my second child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe that a patient here should get the same care they would have gotten on Michigan Avenue, Lavani said. While the pay may not be the same, there are other perks, including help with loan repayments for medical staff. What we can offer is the work experience, right? The experience is very gratifying, and some people want that, most people want that, Lavani said. The team has made a difference. In the last year, the number of patients who left without being treated dropped from about 4.77 percent to less than 2 percent. Weve gotten really creative in terms of what were able to do and how we can circumnavigate the challenges, Cholewinski said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes down to that desire, that will to do good by your patient that is very important, Lavani said. The hospitals patient satisfaction rating has improved since the staffing transition. The ER team says they are hopeful even more positives will come as a result. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) Louisville Mayor Craig Greenburg has declared a state of emergency after the city sustained extensive damage overnight and prepares for the severe weather to come. Were not out of the woods yet, Greenburg affirmed. Gov. Beshear focuses on severe weather safety, public health in Team Kentucky update The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Jefferson County, near the Interstate 64/265 interchange, just after midnight on April 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffersontown has been devastated. We have many, many buildings that have been totally destroyed, Jeffersontown Mayor Carol Pike said. We are lucky because no one has lost any lives or had any injury here. We have a wood veneer business that has been here for many, many years thats active every day, nobody was here, but their business has been ruined, Greenberg emphasized, motioning to where the JSCO Wood Products Inc. once operated behind him. Their roof is gone, their product is wood, and when the wood gets wet, its ruined. Also devastated was a daycare center neighboring JSCO. JSCO Wood Products Inc. and a daycare center were destroyed in Jeffersontown, KY (Mayor Craig Greenberg) Just behind where were speaking is a childcare facility. You can see that is devastated. The roof is gone, the back wall is gone, all of the toys are thrown everywhere around the building, and we are very fortunate this happened in the middle of the night and not at noon when kids would have been in the building, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Thursday afternoon press conference, officials emphasized they face a unique situation as severe weather conditions are expected to persist through Sunday, April 6. This is a unique situation over the next several days because were recovering from incidents like this but were also preparing and responding to other weather emergencies that are gonna come over the next three to four days, Jody Meiman, emergency management director, said. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Greenberg said damage assessments have begun, and FEMA representatives have arrived. Now, the focus shifts to preparing for whats to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the expectation of very significant rainfall that we expect to start soon and continue off and on in the coming days through this weekend, which puts us at the risk of very significant flooding, he said. As a precaution, two floodgates are being installed ahead of the expected flooding. The Ohio River is expected to rise over the coming days, cresting is expected between Friday and Sunday, Greenberg said, emphasizing more information on what to expect is to come. He urged residents to continue taking the weather event seriously, to beware of any standing water, report downed powerlines, and call 311 to report any damage. The city is working on debris drop-off and collection, but rainfall will cause delays in cleanup efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. With a single speech on the White House lawn, Donald Trump launched the biggest revolution in global trade for a century. Today there is no point re-litigating the wisdom of his decision. Anyone who believes in the wealth-creating power of enterprise and free trade will be filled with foreboding but whats done is done. Now there is only one question: will Sir Keir Starmer rise to the moment and seize the opportunities that lie before a sovereign Britain? To paraphrase another American president, ask not whether Trump was right or wrong, ask how Britain can benefit from Trumps new trading order. Alas our Prime Minister is not a leader who instinctively grasps that a tide in world affairs could, taken at the flood, lead on to fortune. He is a natural lingerer in shallows and miseries, either missing the tide or being swept along heedlessly, past one opportunity after another. The best Sir Keir could do yesterday was to say: We have a range of levers at our disposal and we will continue our work with businesses across the country to discuss their assessment of the options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, we have more levers at our disposal than any of the 27 members of the EU thanks to our sovereign control over trade policy. And some options are already there for the taking. Britain now faces half the US tariff imposed on the EU: 10 per cent versus 20 per cent. At a stroke, this country has become a more attractive destination for any company seeking an export base to crack Americas gigantic market. The Government should launch a new drive for inward investment based on that unique selling point. Sir Keir says that economic growth is one of his missions. So what is he waiting for? True to form, Jonathan Reynolds, our woefully uninspiring Business Secretary, spoke yesterday of options for retaliatory action. It would be hard to imagine anything more wrongheaded. Retaliation would almost certainly hurt Britain more than the US. Worse, it would reduce our response to a pale imitation of the EUs at exactly the moment when we ought to be differentiating ourselves. Sir Keir should have the breadth of vision to see that Mr Trumps announcement could give Britain a new opportunity to attract inward investment and thereby spur economic growth. Outside the EU, the Government has all the tools we need. The Prime Minister must seize the chance. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The deadline to complete Rhode Islands statewide education survey is on Friday, April 4. The R.I. Department of Education (RIDE) is encouraging all students, families and educators to weigh in on the public education system. Engaging and listening to the community members we serve is critical to our continuous improvement of Rhode Island schools, Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: Smiley floats new proposal for shuttered elementary school In 2024, RIDE said it received a record 130,000 responses. So far this year, 120,000 people have taken the survey. You can take the survey here. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. PENFIELD, N.Y. (WROC) Elvio Fernandes wanted a place to marry his passions: music, coffee, and good food And after months of work, Elvios on Empire Boulevard is open for business. Fernandes calls this a family affair: his brother cooks up a menu drawing on their Portuguese heritage. There are smoothies and pastries as well. For the coffee, Fernandes wanted to serve up both single-origin drip coffee and European-style espresso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The design, led by one the co-owners, Charles Cipolla, reflects the feel of the Fernandes ROC Star Academy space and some Nashville bars, with a stage in the center. Fernandes says live music is set to be a feature at Elvios. Its not just going to be exclusive for academy kids, but I do want to focus on young emerging artists, Fernandes said. (Artists) who are looking for a place where they dont feel judged and can work on their craft and figure out who they are as artists before they go out there playing bars. Elvios is open every day, with later hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. The police officer who shot and killed a 13-year-old in upstate New York during a robbery investigation last summer has been cleared by state investigators of criminal wrongdoing. New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess office released an investigative report Wednesday concluding that Utica Police Officer Patrick Husnay should not be charged with a crime for killing teen Nyah Mway on June 28, 2024. Mway and another unidentified teen were stopped by three police officers in Utica, NY, as the pair fit the description of two people wanted in an armed robbery in the area the night before, the report stated. New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess office released an investigative report Wednesday concluding that Utica Police Officer Patrick Husnay should not be charged with a crime for killing teen Nyah Mway (pictured) on June 28, 2024. Nyah Mway family Bodycam footage of the incident shows the 13-year-old running away from the officers setting off a chase that would ultimately end in his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he was fleeing, Mway pointed what appeared to be a black handgun but was really a pellet gun at the pursuing Utica Police Officer Bryce Patterson. The officer said he could see the black barrel of the object pointing at his chest and believed that he was going to be shot and killed, the report stated. While at a full sprint, Patterson tackled Mway to the ground and struggled for the weapon, at which time officers Husnay and Andrew Citriniti caught up to the ongoing fight for what they believed was a handgun, the report stated. Officer Husney then leaned over and fired a single shot into the chest of Mway at close range, according to the report and bodycam footage. Mway and another unidentified teen were stopped by three police officers in Utica, NY, as the pair fit the description of two people wanted in an armed robbery in the area the night before, the report stated. Utica Police The young teen was taken to Wynn Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney general also released a recording of a bystanders TikTok of the chase and shooting as part of the report, which shows the dramatic moment Mway is tackled and shot by the UPD officers. Additionally, James shared information on two armed robberies that the officers were investigating in which victims said two Asian teenagers robbed them at gunpoint. The officer said he could see the black barrel of the object pointing at his chest and believed that he was going to be shot and killed, the report stated. Utica Police Video from a June 12, 2024 robbery shows two apparent males in hoodies and face masks approach an unsuspecting victim on the street, with a person in a red sweatshirt whipping out what appears to be a handgun. The victim in that case was robbed of all his belongings and told cops the assailants were about 55 and that he could tell they were Asian because of their facial features, mainly the eyes, according to the report. A second incident on June 27, 2024, saw two people fitting the same description robbing another victim using what appeared to be a handgun just a few blocks away from the previous incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mway and the other unidentified minor fit the description of the two perps wanted for the June 27 incident, according to James report. While at a full sprint, Patterson tackled Mway to the ground and struggled for the weapon, at which time officers Husnay and Andrew Citriniti caught up to the ongoing fight for what they believed was a handgun, the report stated. Utica Police During the police interaction on the fateful night, cops said Mway kept his hoodie over his head and was instructed by officers twice to keep his hands out of his pockets. The 13-year-old also sparked cops suspicions by apparently pinning his arm to his waistband, in an apparent attempt to conceal the pellet gun, according to the report. Mway was carrying a hyper-realistic pellet gun replica of a Glock 17 that featured the words Officially Licensed Product of Glock with a company logo on the side of the piece, the report stated. James found that the cops were justified in using deadly force in the incident as it was reasonable for the officers to believe that their lives were threatened with a firearm. NEW YORK Eric Adams announced Thursday that he wont seek the Democratic nomination for mayor and instead run as an independent in this falls general election a move that drastically reshapes the dynamic of the race. Adams, who just earlier this week claimed he would vie for the Democratic nod, attributed his abrupt shift to Wednesdays dismissal of his federal corruption indictment, a decision that still left him severely politically vulnerable. The dismissal of the bogus case against me dragged on too long, making it impossible to mount a primary campaign while these false accusations were held over me, but Im not a quitter, he said in a pre-recorded video released by his campaign. I am a New Yorker, and that is why today, although I am still a Democrat, I am announcing that I will forego the Democratic primary for mayor and appeal directly to all New Yorkers as an independent candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement rolled out the same day petitions were due to qualify for Junes Democratic mayoral primary comes as the embattled Adams faces serious challenges. His approval ratings have plummeted to historic lows, his fundraising has all but screeched to a halt, he has little visible campaign infrastructure, ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo is seen as a favorite to replace him, and critics and former allies alike have raised concerns that hes beholden to President Donald Trump because of his administrations successful bid to drop his indictment. Adams, a onetime registered Republican, is also staring down growing outrage in the city over his warming relationship with Trump, whose Justice Department secured the dismissal of his indictment after informing the mayor it expects him to play a larger role in assisting the president with targeting immigrant New Yorkers for deportations. In turn, Adams has pledged to let ICE on Rikers Island and committed to not publicly criticize Trump, while cozying up to the presidents inner circle, including by attending his inauguration in January after a last-minute invite. The judge who dismissed Adams case said the law left him no choice except to kill the indictment that charged him with orchestrating a sweeping bribery and campaign finance fraud scheme involving Turkish government operatives. But the judge also defended the merits of the case and slammed the Trump DOJs disturbing effort to secure immigration enforcement assistance from Adams, writing, Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the Indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his video announcement, Adams maintained he has done nothing wrong, but for one of the first times expressed regret in the context of his indictment, the first against a sitting New York City mayor in modern history. I know that the accusations leveled against me may have shaken your confidence in me and that you may rightly have questions about my conduct, and let me be clear: Although the charges against me were false, I trusted people I should not have, and I regret that, he said. Adams new campaign, which is expected to be led by his longtime confidant Frank Carone, will focus on pressing the message that his criminal case and other corruption scandals engulfing his administration distracted from accomplishments, like drops in some crime categories and an uptick in some forms of affordable housing construction, Carone told the Daily News on Thursday. Adams will need to submit another set of petitions by May 27 in order to qualify to run as an independent in the Nov. 4 general election. Carone said he will do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The switch to an independent run, first reported by Politico, comes after Adams has fared poorly for months in polls of the Democratic mayoral primary set for June 24, typically placing third or fourth in most surveys, a low ranking for an incumbent. Running as an independent will give him more time to build up his campaign coffers and convince voters to support him in the November election. He has about $3 million in his political war chest and says he will try to overturn the Campaign Finance Boards decision to deny him public matching funds now that his indictment is undone. But Adams campaign switch also sets up a four-way general election between him, whoever clinches the Democratic nomination, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and fellow independent Jim Walden. New York Citys deep blue politically, and in recent decades, winners of Democratic mayoral primaries typically go on to become the head of City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Candidates running on independent ballot lines have historically not fared well in local citywide elections. In his video, Adams, a moderate Democrat who was elected in 2021 on a pro-police platform, quoted John Lindsey, one of the only mayors in recent memory who won a general election as an independent. As Mayor Lindsey said when he successfully ran as an independent candidate for mayor, I have made mistakes, and I am saying to you my fellow New Yorkers: So did I, he said before listing actions he explained he didnt regret, including focusing on fighting crime. And it wasnt a mistake to put politics aside, defy my party when needed and speak with a voice of working New Yorkers, Adams added, a reference to his persistent criticism of President Joe Bidens handling of the migrant crisis, a stance that drew ire from many fellow Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment accusations he denies, has consistently polled as the front-runner to win the Democratic primary. But there are more than a half dozen other candidates vying for the nomination, too, including Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, City Comptroller Brad Lander and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Just one day after a slimy deal from Donald Trump got his corruption charges dropped, Eric Adams has officially left the Democratic party, Mamdani, a democratic socialist who has polled as the runner-up to Cuomo in many recent surveys, said after Adams move. The irony is, there is nothing independent about Eric Adams, who is completely beholden to real estate moguls, billionaires, and the far-right. Even before Thursdays announcement, many of Adams top allies, including Brooklyn Democratic Party boss Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, defected from him to endorse Cuomo for mayor instead. To date, Adams doesnt tout any prominent endorsement for his reelection. In his video, Adams didnt call out any of his opponents by name, but slammed some for advocating against more police and fighting the pro-growth strategies of our administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I humbly put my record up against any of these other candidates, he said. According to sources familiar with the matter, Adams and his team have for weeks privately weighed the possibility of running as an independent amid his legal woes and narrow chances of prevailing in the Democratic primary. But in public, he has insisted hes running as a Democrat. That includes this past Tuesday, when Adams said in a radio appearance: Im going to be a Democrat, Im going to run as a Democrat, and Ive said that over and over again. Adams has switched party affiliation before. In the mid-1990s, he became a Republican, only to flip back to Democrat in the early 2000s before running successfully for his first elected position as a state senator representing central Brooklyn. There is not a liberal or conservative way to fix New York, Adams said in Thursdays video, but there is a right way and a wrong way, and true leaders dont just know the right path, they have the guts to take it. NEW YORK (PIX11) Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, is planning to run as an independent in the 2025 mayoral election, he announced on Thursday. And when New Yorkers worry about their bills at the kitchen table, or feeling safe on the subway platform, they dont expect their political party to help, Adams said in an announcement video. They want leadership from a person who understands their struggle and their story. There isnt a liberal or conservative way to fix New York, but there is a right way. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams said he is skipping the Democratic primary, despite still considering himself a Democrat, to appeal directly to all New Yorkers as an independent candidate in the general election. I have always put New Yorks people before politics and party and I always will. I am running for mayor in the general election because our city needs independent leadership that understands working people, he wrote on X. The announcement comes a day after the corruption charges against him were dropped. Judge Dale Ho ordered the case to be dropped with prejudice, which means the charges against Adams cannot be brought up again. Mayor Eric Adams questions rival Andrew Cuomos leadership style Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams spoke after his charges were dropped outside of Gracie Mansion on Wednesday, saying the charges never should have been brought against him. As Ive said all along, this case should have never been brought, and I did nothing wrong, he said. I also want to apologize to New Yorkers for having to go through this with me. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. JAKARTA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government is taking strategic steps and intensifying diplomatic efforts to mitigate the impact of the U.S. 32 percent tariff on key exports, according to a press release from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs on Thursday. The tariff, set to take effect on April 9, is expected to affect Indonesia's exports of electronics, textiles, footwear, palm oil, rubber, and fisheries to the U.S. market. In response, the Indonesian government has begun assessing the potential economic impact and is preparing measures to mitigate risks. Susiwijono Moegiarso, secretary of the coordinating ministry for economic affairs, said that the Indonesian government remains committed to stabilizing Government Securities yields amid global financial market uncertainty following the announcement of the U.S. tariffs. "Together with Bank Indonesia, the government is ensuring the stability of the Rupiah exchange rate and maintaining foreign exchange liquidity to support business needs and overall economic stability," he said in the press release. Beyond economic measures, Susiwijono said Indonesia is ramping up diplomatic efforts to address trade concerns. He noted that President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the cabinet to implement structural reforms and streamline regulations, particularly those related to Non-Tariff Measures, to enhance Indonesia's trade competitiveness. Indonesia is also working with Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to formulate a regional response, as all 10 ASEAN members will face similar U.S. tariffs, he added. NEW YORK (WPIX) New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, is planning to run as an independent in the 2025 mayoral election, he announced on Thursday. When New Yorkers worry about their bills at the kitchen table or feeling safe on the subway platform, they dont expect their political party to help, Adams said in an announcement video. They want leadership from a person who understands their struggle and their story. There isnt a liberal or conservative way to fix New York, but there is a right way. Adams said he is skipping the Democratic primary, despite still considering himself a Democrat, to appeal directly to all New Yorkers as an independent candidate in the general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have always put New Yorks people before politics and party and I always will. I am running for mayor in the general election because our city needs independent leadership that understands working people, he wrote on X. Mayor Eric Adams questions rival Andrew Cuomos leadership style The announcement comes a day after the corruption charges against him were dropped. Judge Dale Ho ordered the case to be dropped with prejudice, which means the charges against Adams cannot be brought up again. The charges, brought last year during former President Joe Bidens administration, accused Adams of accepting illegal campaign contributions and travel discounts from a Turkish official and others, in exchange for helping Turkey open a diplomatic building without passing fire inspections, among other things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor pleaded not guilty and was set for a trial in April, but the case was upended after President Donald Trumps Justice Department moved to drop the charges so Adams could assist with the presidents immigration agenda, while leaving open the possibility that the case could be revived. The highly unusual move set off a firestorm of criticism and resignations, while throwing Adams mayoralty in doubt, with many political figures in New York questioning whether Adams was now beholden to the Trump administration. Adams spoke outside of Gracie Mansion on Wednesday after the charges were dropped, saying the charges never should have been brought against him. As Ive said all along, this case should have never been brought, and I did nothing wrong, he said. I also want to apologize to New Yorkers for having to go through this with me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Shootings dropped to record levels in New York City during the first three months of this year although both shooters and victims are getting younger, NYPD officials said Thursday. The city saw a 23% drop in shootings for the first three months of the year compared to the same period last year, from 182 incidents down to 140. The 140 shootings left roughly 165 people wounded, cops said. Of that number, 17%, or 28, of the victims were under age 18 a drastic increase when compared to the numbers in 2018, when state lawmakers enacted the Raise the Age law that ensured 16- and 17-year-olds would no longer be charged as adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, 18% of those arrested for shootings or identified as triggermen were younger than 18, NYPD Chief of Crime Control Strategies Michael Lipetri said. For the first month and a half [of this year], 20% of all shooting victims were under the age of 18. Back in 2018, that number wasnt even close, Lipetri said. Crime in the subway system has dropped by 18%, helped by a massive influx of police officers to patrol trains and subway platforms. This was the first time in the last seven years that there have been no murders in the subway in the first three months of the year. The number of shootings citywide between January and March has not been this low since the CompStat era began in the 1990s and cops began to diligently track crimes, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tisch credits the NYPDs precision policing model, in which officers are sent to areas with the highest concentrations of crime. In the first quarter, major crime in these zones dropped 25% compared to the same period last year, cops said. This is not just the best first quarter, but the best quarter ever, Tisch said. Thats lives saved. The crime reductions we are seeing right now are historic. Overall, major crime has dropped citywide by 10% for the first three months of the year, from 29,169 crimes last year to 25,987 this year. Our precision policing strategies arent just working theyre delivering historic results and making New York City the safest big city in the nation, Tisch said during a press conference at NYPD Headquarters at One Police Plaza in lower Manhattan Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drop in shootings began in January when gunfire in the city fell by 21% compared to January 2024. The sharp decline was bolstered by a five-day streak with no shooting victims, officials said. Murders citywide have dropped by 34% in the first three months of the year compared to the same period last year. For the first three months of the year, NYPD detectives investigated 63 murders compared to 99 during that same time frame last year. Of the murders committed, 75% of them either have seen an arrest or identification by police of the person accused of committing the crime, Lipetri said. Cops also investigated 465 crimes in the New York City subway as of March 31, cops said. By contrast, by this time last year, police had investigated 568 incidents. This years crime numbers are the second lowest on the rails in 27 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our subways are safer than theyve been in nearly a decade, Tisch said. The only major crime category to see an uptick citywide was rape, which jumped from 370 incidents between January and March last year to 447 this year. The NYPD said that a large number of this years rape cases are incidents that happened in past years. Recent legislative reforms that have broadened the definition of sexual assault have also played a role in the increase, cops said. In a concerning trend, over the last three months, the NYPD has seen a 94% increase in juveniles under age 18 being arrested with firearms, Lipetri said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you get arrested for a gun and you are under the age of 18, within two years of that gun arrest, 25% of that population will be involved in a shooting, Lipetri said. Prior to 2018 that number was less than 7%. Weve seen a substantial uptick in youths being arrested for violent crimes, he said. Mayor Adams said the sharp increase can be directly related to the Raise the Age law, although supporters of the law have repeatedly said there is no correlation. We are fixing the problems they created with Raise the Age, Adams said. It has a clear impact on the number of young people who are the victims of crime and those participating in crime. Theres a clear correlation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a directive by Gov. Hochul, the NYPD began putting police on every overnight subway train in January to bolster the visibility of law enforcement officers on city mass transit. Officials said the initiative, which flooded an additional 750 officers into stations and onto platforms, came at a cost of $154 million in overtime. People want to see police officers on the trains and in the stations, Hochul said in January. The mayor celebrated the drop in crime, calling it part of a larger trend. We have seen five straight quarters of declining crime, including the past six months, Adams said. Thanks to the tens of thousands of brave men and women of the NYPD, New York City remains the safest big city in America, and we are only getting safer. NEW YORK (PIX11) For the first time in nearly a decade, there were no murders in New York City subways for the first three months of the year, officials said. The first time thats happened since 2018, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press briefing Thursday. More Local News Crime fell almost 20 percent in the citys transit system from January 2025 through March 2025 compared to the same time last year, the second-lowest level in 27 years when record keeping began, according to Tisch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioner said the uptick in NYPD patrols on the subways 24 hours a day has spear-headed the decline, with a focus on the subway stations and platforms where nearly 80 percent of the crime happens. We promised real results and boy did we got them, Tisch said. The increased patrols led to 67 percent less shootings, a 25 precent drop in subway robberies, and 23 percent reduction in major thefts in the first quarter of the year, police said. NYPD officers have also been enforcing more petty crimes in the subway station in Brooklyn and Queens, like smoking, drinking, and taking up multiple seats, leading to hundreds of suspects being sought for other crimes, according to Tisch. More than 30 precent were convicted felons and had 16,000 priors combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar transit violations have gone mostly unchecked in the past decade, Tisch said. This is not harassment this is a response to New Yorkers telling us that unchecked disorders make them feel less safe on the train, she said. Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. NEW YORK (PIX11) The signal system keeps the subways running, but its old and complicated, contributing to many delays. The light you see from the platform is part of the signal system that keeps the trains properly spaced on the tracks and prevents crashes. More Local News Inside NYC Transit Signal School, crews are trained on the system. Its located underground in a station complex under 14th Street in Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signal crews are in training for about five months in the classroom and in the field. Signal maintainers learn how the mechanism works, how it operates, and what can go wrong. Most of the signal technology is about a century old, and some of the parts are 60 to 70 years old. NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow started with the MTA 28 years ago as a signal man. He celebrated his anniversary with a visit to the training center on Wednesday. He spoke with class members and discussed the challenges of the system. Its never just the bulb in the field. Its a complicated system of old relays and track wires that tie into them. They dont know whats causing a failure. We have different crafts to identify the problem and get the right tools there, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NYC Transit stages response teams in busy areas or places with complex operations. In 2009, signal technology was introduced along the L line. Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) is also installed currently along the 7 line. The upgrades allow more trains to run. Maintainers and signal crews are trained in the old and new systems. Projects to install the new signals along the Culver Line in Brooklyn and along the Queens Boulevard line have been funded. More than $5 billion of the next $68 billion capital improvement plan would be spent on new, upgraded signal technology. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. The NYPD is beefing up security at synagogues ahead of Passover, citing alarming data that revealed 62% of all hate crimes in the city target Jews leading Commissioner Jessica Tisch to ensure that no one should feel afraid to worship. As always, we are increasing patrols around synagogues, so you can expect to see uniformed deployments at dedicated houses of worship, the top cop said at a press conference with Mayor Eric Adams and other officials Wednesday ahead of the Jewish holiday that begins on April 12 and continues through April 20. No one should feel afraid to worship. No community should feel like a target. NYPD officer in front of the Bialystoker Synagogue on Manhattans Lower East Side last year before the first anniversary of Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel. William Farrington The shocking uptick in anti-Jewish crimes jump off the page as the single largest category of hate, at an astounding 62% of the total, Deputy Inspector Gary Marcus, commanding officer of NYPDs Hate Crimes Task Force, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well over half of all hate crimes in New York City are perpetrated against Jews, he added. The trend of antisemitic hate crimes rose 7% year-over-year in 2024 with 345 anti-Jewish incidents reported, according to NYPD data. Those numbers indicated Jews were targeted in 54% of all hate crimes in 2024. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch speaking at the community briefing on Wednesday. William C Lopez/New York Post A Jewish Columbia University student was the victim of two anti-Jewish attacks in 2024 most recently in December, when anti-Israel protester Tarek Bazrouk allegedly punched him in the face and called him a Nazi outside the Morningside Heights school. In September, a Jewish barber in Yonkers was allegedly stabbed with his own scissors after raging about the war in Gaza, shouting, I want to kill you, you fking Jew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 17, a vandal scrawled a swastika on the Second Avenue Deli, writing, Israeli pride underneath. Mayor Adams also spoke on Wednesday of the rise in hate crimes against Jews since the October 7th, 2023 attacks. This is an important time for the Jewish community Oct. 7, when we saw probably a second holocaust that impacted the Jewish community, Adams said at the press conference. We want to let you know loudly and clearly, just as we do at every Passover, we want to have the police that are there, but we need you to be our eyes and ears. If you see something, say something, do something, Hizzoner added. Its imperative that we continue the partnership of how we combine ourselves with more enforcing community, with community that we support, to serve and protect. ALBANY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) The New York State Department of Health issued a travel advisory on Wednesday, April 2, urging all New Yorkers to make sure theyre fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to an area experiencing an outbreak nationally or internationally. Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever. What to know as measles spreads, 5 states report active outbreaks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 483 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. as of March 26, 2025. So far, the total number of measles cases in the U.S. in 2025 has already surpassed the total number of measles cases in all of 2024. Measles can be a serious disease. It is not just a rash; it can cause pneumonia, hospitalization and even death, said Dr. James McDonald, the State Health Commissioner. Protect yourself and your family against measles and make sure you are up-to-date on immunization with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Photo Illustration by George Frey/Getty Images. There have been four total cases of measles reported in New York State so far this year: three in New York City and one in Suffolk County. None of the cases this year are related to the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. The risk of measles to New Yorkers from these outbreaks is low. The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. You should plan to be fully vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before traveling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department recommends that you receive two doses of immunization. If the trip is less than two weeks away and youre not immunized, the Department recommends that you still get one dose of MMR. One dose provides 93% protection. Two doses provide 97% protection. After travel, individuals should watch for symptoms for three weeks upon return and avoid contact with others who are sick. Symptoms for measles can include the following: High fever (may spike to more than 104 F) Cough Runny nose (coryza) Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis or pink eye) Rash (3-5 days after symptoms begin) If youre unsure if youre up to date on your vaccines, you can reach out to your healthcare provider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can visit this link to find out more information about measles and immunization data. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Work has officially started on changing exits along State Route 690 and Interstate 690 from consecutive numbers to mile-based numbers. It comes after the New York State Department of Transportation announced the project back in June of 2024. The projects goal is to give drivers a better idea of how many miles they need to travel in order to reach their destinations. The NYSDOT is also aiming to improve traffic management and enhance safety and emergency response. Drivers can expect to see the following changes: Signs along SR 690 in the Town of Van Buren SR 370/SR 31 E Baldwinsville, converted to Exit 1, to existing Exit 8 (Hiawatha Blvd) Exit 9 (Bear St) through Exit 17 (Bridge St/E Syracuse) will be converted as part of the ongoing work on the I-81 Viaduct Project Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central New York is the first region in Upstate New York to make the conversion to mile-based exits along I-81. The plan is to eventually update all exit signs along the interstate from the border with Pennsylvania to the border with Canada. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A $60 million project is putting construction crew to work on I-490 in Perinton. Because of this the New York State Department of Transportation has implemented a zipper merging system. Josh Heller with the DOT told News 8 Wednesday that this is different than the traditional merge, which is referred to as the early merge where you merge over as soon as you can. In the zipper merge, you want to stay in your lane until you get to where the actual lane is closed rather than going in early. So that way you keep two lanes of traffic for basically the entire time until the lane closure. He goes onto say this system has been successful in other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 8 spoke to a man who frequents I-490, as he is a Victor resident who said he plans to avoid it as a whole. We spoke to one man who frequents I-490 who said it caused an inconvenience for him This is very unsafe. I mean, I wouldnt even drive this section of 490 anymore until its finished because its just too, its too crazy. said Tom Burke. He notes that it nearly triples his commute time by taking back roads. Im retired, so I can pretty much have a leisurely day, but most people, its just, its not convenient and its really unsafe. If anyone has questions or wants to learn more about the zipper merge, you can visit the DOTs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. CANTON, N.Y. (WWTI) A 31-year-old Canton man is facing charges after being arrested by New York State Police. According to state troopers, they arrested Stephen Kocienski on charges of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. Three arrested in alleged stolen trailer case in St. Lawrence County These charges stemmed from an incident that was reported in March 2024 involving an 11-year-old victim at a residence in the town of Canton in St. Lawrence County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A thorough investigation led to Kocienskis arrest. He was processed at the state police headquarters in Canton and subsequently arraigned in the Town of Canton Court. He was remanded to St. Lawrence County Jail with bail set at $30,000 cash, $60,000 bond, and a partially secured bond of $100,000. State police were assisted by the St. Lawrence County District Attorneys Office and St. Lawrence County Child Protective Services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) What goes up must come down. And if its a rocket booster, preferably it comes down in a controlled descent, landing intact, ready for reuse. But sometimes things go wrong, resulting in a fiery display of debris making for a spectacular light show in the sky, culminating in a debris field of space junk on earth. So who ya gonna call? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) comes to the rescue, not for the clean-up but for the investigation. When a mishap occurs, the space agency involved isnt automatically green-lighted to move forward with additional launchesan investigation must take place first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On January 16, Blue Origins New Glenn 1 reached orbit on its debut flight. The launch was a success, but the rocket lost its lower stage in the descent. That same day, SpaceX launched its very own gigantic starship rocket (at 400 feet tall, the largest rocket ever to fly), which exploded over the Caribbean. New workforce training facility at Hickory Airport to be named after Dale Earnhardt The FAA is required to investigate and suggest corrective actions through its mishap response program. In these cases, the agency oversaw investigations conducted internally by both Blue Origin and SpaceX. The FAA accepted their findings, approving corrective actions to be taken, allowing the space companies to move forward. No property damage resulted from the Blue Origin mishap. The SpaceX debris damage was limited to a vehicle on Turks and Caicos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With so much space junk, what are the odds of someone on Earth being hit? According to the European Space Agency, the lifetime risk of being hit is less than a billion-to-one chance a human will get hit with space debris. For reference, the odds of getting struck by lightning in the US clock in at around 1 in 15,000 while the probability of a shark attack is about 1 in 11.5 million.. Online gambling guide casino.ca has found that there were a total of 182,018 UFO sightings reported across America since 1974, putting the risk of getting taken by ET around 1 in 1,833 (0.0545%)surprisingly more common than one might think. Notable space junk incidents In 1996, Lottie Williams of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was hit in the shoulder while outside exercising by a piece of a Delta 2 rocket in 1996. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most famous fall from the sky was the ill-fated Skylab space station that fell to earth in July 1979. The station, the size of a house, mostly burnt up on reentrybut part fell in W. Australia. NASA was fined for littering. A piece of the International Space Station (ISS) fell onto the roof of a Naples home. After Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart over Texas in 2003, a dentist found a metal bracket that crashed through the roof. Wreckage from a Chinese rocket damaged a village in 2020. It is estimated that a large object re-enters the atmosphere about once per week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. TOKYO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Japanese police said crimes committed by visiting foreign nationals are on the rise, with the figures up for a second straight year, local media reported Thursday. According to the National Police Agency, foreign visitors committed 21,794 criminal offenses last year, which included theft and immigration law violations, with a total of 12,170 foreign nationals suspected of involvement, public broadcaster NHK reported. The figures, meanwhile, are significantly lower than the peaks of 47,865 cases in 2005 and 21,842 offenders in 2004. Theft accounted for the majority of the crimes with 9,103 offenses, including 2,252 cases of shoplifting. The police have confirmed cases in which perpetrators get together through social media, steal large quantities of items from drugstores and clothing stores, and send them to their home countries, the report said. Police are strengthening their crackdown on crimes by groups of foreigners, while urging businesses to take further anti-shoplifting measures. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A former Oregon Department of Transportation employee has reached a settlement with the agency after accusing it of wrongfully terminating him for being a whistleblower. On Wednesday, HKM Employment Attorneys LLP reported that ODOT agreed to pay its ex-Chief Information Officer Mark Sauer $465,000. Court documents show that both parties reached the settlement in mid-February, and the plaintiff filed his initial complaint against the department in March 2024. University of Oregon international students visa terminated by Homeland Security Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawsuit, Sauer was one of two transportation employees tasked with rolling out the states modernized payroll system. He alleged he repeatedly expressed concerns related to the new system, such as mismanagement and the lack of testing. The plaintiff claimed that a presentation from October 2022 indicated that ODOT was ready to go live with the system, although the agency hadnt yet signed off. Another slide showed the risks of not going live, which included additional costs, project fatigue, morale, and political reasons such as a new governor and legislative session, the complaint reads. The risks not mentioned were the likelihood of employees being paid improperly or not paid at all. These are some of the risks that Mr. Sauer repeatedly reported, but his concerns went unheeded. Following the rollout of the payroll system, KOIN 6 reported that several Oregon workers filed a $25 million class action lawsuit against the state in early 2023 alleging they had either hadnt been paid or they were overpaid and their employers were asking them to return the additional funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sauers complaint said nearly 9,500 workers were impacted by this change from January 2023 to March 2023. That month, he claimed his supervisor informed him that two other state employees would no longer work with him due to his multiple reports about the new system and the project team. Portland named among Food & Wines top coffee cities, but absent from other categories Sauer was then told it was time for new leadership at the Information Services Branch, when he was terminated in early April, according to the lawsuit. In a statement, an ODOT spokesperson said employees are encouraged to bring forward ideas for increased efficiency or concerns with current practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. MIDVALE, Utah (ABC4) On Saturday, March 22, a 17-year-old driver was killed after crashing into a parked semi-truck while attempting to avoid another driver. Now, police are seeking the publics help in the investigation. The driver identified as a student at Hillcrest High School was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, a 19-year-old, was taken to a local hospital and was last known to be in critical condition, according to officials. On April 2, the Unified Police Department posted on social media to ask for help in identifying the driver or owner of a black Tesla that was in the area around the time of the crash. The crash happened near 750 East Fort Union Blvd, just after 12:45 p.m. on March 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUSLY: 17-year-old driver dead after crashing into parked semi-truck trailer, passenger in critical condition Courtesy: Unified Police Department Courtesy: Unified Police Department We believe the driver and/or vehicle may have information that could assist with the investigation of this tragic accident, UPD said. A spokesperson with the department told ABC4.com that the driver is being sought because officials are hoping to get potential footage of the crash from the Teslas cameras. The Tesla was seen exiting the ARI Diamonds driveway and turning westbound on Fort Union Blvd shortly before or after the incident, UPD said. The vehicle appears to have a temporary tag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the initial investigation, UPD said it appears that the teenage driver swerved to miss another vehicle and lost control on the wet roads, after which the teenagers SUV crashed into a parked semi-truck trailer. The driver of the Tesla (or anyone with information) has been asked to call UPD at 801-840-4000 and reference case number CO25-23754. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Apr. 3A new Ohio House bill would require parental permission before public schools could begin addressing students by any name or pronouns that don't correspond to their birth certificate or biological sex. The proposed House Bill 190 is jointly-sponsored by Rep. Johnathan Newman, a Republican pastor from Troy who told this outlet that he's hoping to crack down on schools "socially transitioning" students. "This bill seeks to say that employees at school cannot use a name other than the child's given name on their birth certificate that aligns with their sex at birth," said Newman, who now has several bills aimed at expanding parental rights. "A name like that can't be used unless the parents agree and give permission, written permission, that they're aware of it and they condone their child transitioning." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill goes further than just regulating teachers' ability to use a child's preferred name. As proposed, it would also: Prohibit addressing a student by any name other than their given name or a derivative thereof without parental consent; Prohibit addressing a student by "a pronoun or title that is inconsistent with the student's biological sex" without parental consent; Block faculty or contractors from informing students about their own preferred pronouns or titles if they are "inconsistent with the employee's or contractor's biological sex;" Bar faculty or school contractors from asking students for their preferred pronouns or names; Bar faculty or school contractors from penalizing a student for failing to respond to a request for preferred name or pronoun; Require faculty and school contractors to report any students' request to be addressed by a preferred pronoun or name to the school administrator, who is then required to report that request to the student's parents. H.B. 190 would also set up a parental complaint system with the state if they believe school faculty have been using different pronouns or names for their child without their consent. Under the bill, that complaint would prompt a investigation from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce into the alleged incident, which Newman said could involve parents, faculty or the students themselves. Asked if he had reservations about a student potentially being swept into a state investigation, Newman said it was "a great concern." "But the greater concern is that this would happen to a student (without parental consent)," Newman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the bill, if the state determines a school or employee violated the law, the state would be required to "withhold ten per cent of the school's state foundation aid ... each month until such time that the school is confirmed by the director to be in compliance with this section," H.B. 190 reads. "We're not trying to hurt the schools, we're not trying to take funding from the schools," said Newman. "But it's enough, it's a message, that this is a serious matter that parents take seriously." The bill has not yet had a hearing in the Ohio House Education Committee, but leading public school lobbying organization the Ohio Education Association told this outlet that it flatly opposes the bill. "House Bill 190 does nothing to support Ohio's public school students or to address any of the real issues facing our schools," OEA President Scott DiMauro said in a statement. "The Ohio Education Association urges lawmakers to reject this latest attempt to distract and divide Ohioans, so they can focus on the important work of ensuring our students have the resources and funding they actually need to succeed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dara Adkison, who serves as the executive director of an advocacy group called TransOhio, called the bill "bad legislation" in an interview with this outlet. "(H.B.) 190 is going to ask teachers and staff to misgender trans students and if they themselves are transgender, ask them to misgender themselves all at the risk of losing a percentage of state funding," Adkison said. Adkison denied the notion that schools are "socially transitioning" students. They argued H.B. 190 would damage teacher-student relationships, which are "based off of trust and acceptance to help garner and foster (a student's) ability to receive an education." Ultimately, Adkison framed H.B. 190 as another legislative attempt to remove transgender Ohioans from public spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That is unabashedly the goal," Adkison said. "We have seen our legislatures and public spaces talk about how they would like it if trans people did not exist at all." When this outlet asked Newman if he thought K-12 students were capable of determining if they truly wanted to be called by a different name or different pronouns without their parents' consent, he denied that anyone could be transgender and called it a case of "confusion." "I don't think there is such a thing as transgender," Newman said. "That's not reality. A boy never, ever becomes a girl. A girl never, ever becomes a boy. That's not reality. That cannot happen." Newman told this outlet that H.B. 190 would actually help students, if it became law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to see children who have confusion like this, we want to see them get the help that they really need to address the confusion," Newman said. "I think the message is affirming the confusion is the wrong direction. We want to see them get the help they need to address the confusion." Newman's views are antithetical to those held by an array of leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association. In 2024, the American Psychological Association published a resolution that criticized states' attempts to take away access to gender-affirming care. ------ For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... The Ohio Chamber of Commerce building in downtown Columbus. (Photo by David DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal.) As Ohio legislators were working to finish the Houses draft of the state operating budget for the next two years, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce held its Childcare Policy Summit across the street with advocates and business leaders stressing the importance of child care to workers and business. We cant just warehouse kids, we cant just provide custodial child care to kids, said David Smith, executive director of Horizon Education Centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chamber held the summit for the second time in two years as it leans in to the issue. Its senior vice president of government affairs, Rick Carfagna, said it is the largest workforce throttle that we have at the moment. We have an entire demographic of Ohioans that are skilled, they are college educated, they are creative, they are hard-working people, men and women alike, and they are simply not looking for work at all, Carfagna told the Capital Journal. Before the summit even began, he spoke to lawmakers in the House Children and Human Services Committee, supporting bills to address the cost of child care and the building up of the child care workforce. The House budget proposals Language from the bills the committee was considering when Carfagna met with them now appear in the Houses version of the state budget. House Bill 2 aimed to establish the Child Care Cred Program, to split the cost of child care three ways: funding from the state, a share from employers, and the rest from employees who are eligible for the child care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another part of the new draft budget is a Child Care Recruitment and Mentorship Grant Program to help increase the number of licensed child care providers in Ohio and assist recruited entities and individuals, according to the budget language released this week. It contains a $3.2 million appropriation in fiscal year 2026 for child care provider recruitment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Smith was part of a panel discussion about the workforce behind the workforce, child care workers who take care of children so their parents can go to school or maintain their place in the workforce. Meanwhile, Ohioans have been having trouble staying in the workforce because of the lack of affordable child care and lack of access to any child care at all in some regions of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates in and out of Tuesdays summit have said raising the eligibility level for Publicly Funded Child Care and reimbursement rates for child care workers should be top of mind for lawmakers if they want to help the situation. In the Ohio Houses version of the budget, the Publicly Funded Child Care eligibility remained at the current level of 145% of the federal poverty line, rather than the governors proposal and the one child care advocates hoped for of 200%. In Ohio, the federal poverty level for a family of four is $32,150 a year. Carfagna said the chamber hoped the federal poverty level would be increased, but that alone isnt good enough. As a former lawmaker whos gone through the budget process, Carfagna said he understands there are numerous priorities being dealt with in the budget, and that legislators have to weigh them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of big price-tag issues that all just kind of hit you from different corners, so legislators, probably rightfully so, need to be careful to not overpromise, he said. One big item that has been widely supported by child advocates all over the state was a proposal by Gov. Mike DeWine in his executive budget to create a refundable income tax credit of up to $1,000 for Ohio children up to age 6. That provision did not make it to the House draft. The Child Care Voucher Program, a previously existing program that subsidizes some childrens admission into qualified child care centers, did have its eligibility brought to 200% of the federal poverty line in the House budget draft. According to the budget document, however, the voucher program would have a budget of $50 million for each year of the biennium, rather than the previous proposal of $75 million in fiscal year 2026, and $150 million in 2027. Workforce help In addition to a lack of affordability and access is a problem in which the staffing needed to take care of young children is just not there, advocates said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tami Lunan, organizing director for the Ohio-based CEO Project, was not part of the summit but has been testifying in favor of child care measures at the Statehouse as part of the the budget process. She said new money for the child care sector should go directly to providers. We want to see something transformational, and I think looking to our workforce is a big part of that, Lunan said. Lunan said the industry already has low wages and high turnover, and continuing to underfund the staff maintains the narrative that the workforce is not as important as in other professions. I think thats by design that were not investing in it, Lunan said. Because we dont see those businesses as viable, we dont see those workers as professionals. They look to them more as babysitters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a 2024 analysis by Policy Matters Ohio, Black Ohioans are more likely to be child care workers, making up 18.8% of the industrys workforce, despite only making up 12.5% of the state population that year. The Ohio legislature has heard testimony from several child care workers, advocates, and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce about the need to incentivize work in the child care sector, and improve pay and benefits for those workers. Traditional business solutions wont work for child care providers, said Chris Angellatta, CEO of the Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association. We have challenges that are very different, Angellatta said. We cant just compete in the labor market and continue to pay people more and just expect families to continue to pay more. Its already expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help care providers, the House budget draft has a provision to calculate Publicly Funded Child Care based on a childs enrollment with a provider, rather than basing it on the childs attendance. Thats something Angellatta said would be critical for both families and providers. We all know that just because someone is not in attendance doesnt mean that spot isnt saved for them, he said. An Early Childhood Education Grant Program to invest in Ohios early learning and development programs including licensed child care centers, licensed family child care homes, and licensed preschools is included in the House budget draft as well. Eligibility goes up to 200% of the federal poverty line. Discussions about child care in Ohio come down to one primary theme: It cant be fixed by one bill or one source of funding. Instead, the state and everyone involved in decision making have to implement multi-step strategies to improve the start of childrens education and the building of a new workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you really want to do this, you have to do it in a three-dimensional manner, Carfagna said. You have to attack it from the eligibility standpoint, the capacity side of it, and we need people to staff our child care centers. For Lunan, the problem can be looked at very simply by those who hold the states funding decisions in their hands. We literally can not have a thriving economy without child care, she said. The House budget will now move to the Ohio Senate, which will draft its own budget. The two drafts will need to be reconciled before the end of June, when a budget must be sent to DeWine for his signature. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.) After weeks of hammering out a pair of sweeping energy bills, Ohio lawmakers are taking a bit of breather to settle differences between the House and Senate proposals. Negotiators from both chambers are optimistic theyll have a finished product soon. But with the House finalizing its version of the two-year operating budget, lawmakers attention could be spread thin. Where the bills align and differ SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The core of both proposals is the same encourage new companies to build power plants with a mix of tax incentives and market protections to maintain a level playing field. Most notable, the bills prohibit monopoly utilities from participating in the energy generation marketplace. Both bills push utilities to open their books through the traditional ratemaking process instead of nickel-and-diming customers with repeated surcharges. Among those, lawmakers voted to repeal a subsidy for aging coal plants that was approved as part of 2019s House Bill 6. That rider has already cost Ohio ratepayers more than $455 million. In exchange for those changes, utilities will see much faster regulatory decisions and a three-year rate setting horizon. Still, there are differences remaining between the House and Senate bills. The Senates tax breaks are more generous than those offered by the House. Both bills also come with secondary programs. The House proposes a pilot program for communities to chip in on small scale power generation to defray their bills. The Senate offers a plan to loan schools money for rooftop solar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Consumers Counsel Maureen Willis, whose office advocates on behalf of ratepayers, has been mostly supportive of the changes. Willis argued eliminating utility bill riders and repealing the coal plant bailout are major positives. She also praised a provision in the House bill giving state regulators a formal role in reviewing transmission projects. Under current law, those improvements arent evaluated for reasonableness or prudence. Critics argue its a backdoor to bill customers for costly or unnecessary projects. Willis office has filed a complaint with federal regulators criticizing the lack of oversight. Willis continued to voice concerns about the idea of setting rates on a three-year basis. The figures are supposed to get trued-up annually as in, adjusted to meet reality. But she warns utilities will do their best to ensure rates only ever go up, and lawmakers need to make sure adjustments go up and down. Still, she said, We are encouraged by the energy legislation proposed by both chambers of the General Assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These efforts set Ohio on a path toward meaningful regulatory reform, Willis added. We look forward to continuing our discussions on these important issues with members. Reasons for optimism Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman downplayed negotiations. There are very small differences, he said, and voiced little concern about juggling the energy and budget bills at once. We could have that, Huffman allowed. You know, its passed overwhelmingly in both houses, so that wouldnt take up a lot of time at a session next week, so it could happen. State Rep. Adam Holmes, R-Nashport, who heads up the House Energy Committee, was also quick to accentuate the positives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were so closely aligned, he said, I dont even know if theres disagreements, just differences things they inserted and things that we didnt. So, were just going to try to streamline that (Thursday) and then start running with the bill. In the Senate, leaders sang from the same hymnal. I wouldnt say theres a lot of (differences), the bills sponsor, Sen. Bill Reineke, R-Tiffin explained, but there are some. Well continue to work on those and hopefully have some kind of a resolution soon. Senate President Rob McColley predicted negotiations would play out over the next week or two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe by the end of the month, maybe beginning of May, well have some sort of final vote on it, he added. Maybe even sooner, if we can find a solution quicker. Settling differences Holmes said hes keeping an open mind about tax rates. While the Senate eliminates tangible personal property taxes on new power facilities, the House reduced the rate from 25% to 7%. I think the 7%, were concerned about ensuring that communities that have new generation are equipped to support it correctly with that tax money, Holmes explained. Holmes added that he wants to go back over some of the late additions to the bill. There are concepts in there that havent been vetted as well, he said. Were gonna sit down and do that again the whole multi-year rate plan like make sure we have all the controls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reineke doesnt see any of the disagreements between proposals as make or break, but said he doesnt know yet whether its more likely differences stay in or get stripped out. Either way, Reineke doesnt believe the budget process will be a distraction for energy bill negotiations. I think that this is kind of just a conclusion for a lot of work thats already been done, he said. I guess I would look at it the opposite (way). We need to finalize it now while its all fresh in our mind and (we) know what the key points are. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Many public libraries are now in limbo after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle several agencies including the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Libraries in Ohio could lose millions of dollars in federal funding, which is used to support programs and initiatives that provide accessibility to all communities throughout the state. Were surprised and disappointed by the executive order, said Mandy Knapp, executive director of the state library of Ohio. Traditionally, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has bipartisan support. Everybody loves libraries. We put on our front doors that we are open to all you know. So, anyone from any walk of life is welcome at the library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experience the Titanics romance, history with special event in Columbus Knapp explained the federal funding they receive is nearly half of their annual budget. She expressed public libraries in Westerville, Bexley and all around the Columbus area will be impacted from these cuts. Without this funding, it would be catastrophic, Knapp said. Our operating budget is around $12 million and $5.4 million of that is federal funds. So, it would absolutely. The state library, this grant program, these initiatives we do to support, you know, libraries and children and communities, that would all stop. Though libraries are partially funded through state and local taxes, the federal funding is used to provide a myriad of resources to public libraries throughout the state. Like programs that bring audio books to the visually impaired and disabled, and making sure high-speed internet is in every public library. Knapp is still hopeful that they can move forward and continue the work they provide if these cuts take effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were just a bunch of nice people trying to make the world a better place and in a very quiet, you know, literary way, trying to bring together through a shared love of books and knowledge and understanding, Knapp said. Since Monday, all the Institute of Museum and Library Services staff have been placed on administrative leave in compliance with the executive order. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A man from Middletown pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a toddler in Snapchat videos, according to the United States Attorneys Office of the Southern District of Ohio. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 32-year-old Daveion Wright was formally charged by a grand jury in March 2024. Wrights plea agreement suggests a sentencing of 25-30 years in prison. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright sexually exploited a 2-year-old and uploaded the videos of it, and shared one video on Snapchat, according to the US Attorneys Office. Wright will be sentenced at a future court hearing, the US Attorneys Office says. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The Ohio State University Police Divisions (OSUPD) cruisers are now equipped with some additional lights with the hopes theyll make the vehicles easier to see. This was something where folks could see police cruisers out and about so if they needed a cruiser theyd know where theyre at, OSUPD Chief Dennis Jeffrey said. Blue light strips have been added near the back of each side on each cruiser. They are on constantly during nighttime patrols, even when the traditional emergency lights are not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its definitely more noticeable to have that type of light especially at night and theres usually a lot of people out, and just like so much movement so I feel like having that will definitely make it a lot easier to spot, Ohio State sophomore Sarah Kabbani said. The blue lights were added to all of OSUPDs cruisers a couple months ago. The idea was first brought to Jeffrey last year by a member of student government, according to the chief. He said the division researched other police departments which use the lights, then added them at OSUPD to make the cruisers more visible. Its just a way in a very sometimes, very hectic overpopulated area which we are on campus that its just a way for that car to stick out, sometimes its hard, even now with a lot of cars or SUVs like our cruisers a lot of times people wont know thats a cruiser, Jeffrey said. They might want to flag it down, so this is just another way for them if they needed to flag that cruiser down, just gives them that instant notification with the blue light that its a cruiser. Aidan Barker, a first-year student at Ohio State, had not seen or heard about the new lights until NBC4 talked with him about them. He said they make a lot of sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus is obviously, like, a city, so anything that police can do to up the safety is definitely good, he said. Some studies have shown the lights can deter crime, according to OSUPD. They are dimmer than the emergency lights on the cruisers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ohio teen Paisley Tuel has opinions about health care and AI, and now she's got the ear of state legislators. Tuel, a 19-year-old at Case Western Reserve University, said her alarm bells first went off she heard that insurance companies UnitedHealth and Cigna were being sued for allegedly improperly denying patient claims using algorithms. As a pre-law student, Tuel said she was curious about how different states protect patients against the misuse of AI. She soon found that Ohio wasn't on the list of states that regulate how insurance companies, hospitals and others use AI. Ohio teen Paisley Tuel, right, with Allison Russo, center, Minority Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives, and Sabrina Soto, fellow student at Case Western. Tuel believes Ohio should regulate AI in health care. "A lot of states are at the forefront of creating policies and committees," said Tuel. "Ohio hasn't done anything like that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuel, who mostly grew up in Ohio and spent her last year of high school living in Cincinnati's Pleasant Ridge neighborhood, thought this was an issue. So Tuel, along with Sabrina Soto, her co-editor-in-chief of the Case Western Reserve University Law Journal, spent six months researching and writing a 50-page paper about "the need for AI-specific regulations in healthcare in Ohio." The paper, which will be published in the school's undergraduate law journal in March, explored the gaps between the rapidly evolving technology of AI and regulations that frequently lag behind it. While in Massachusetts, AI tools used to provide mental health services must be approved by licensing boards before being used, and Illinois requires bias testing to prevent discrimination when AI is used on patients of different backgrounds, Ohio lacks similar legislation, said Tuel. And it wasn't until January 2024 that the state established an Artificial Intelligence Council to govern Ohio's use of generative AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuel and Soto's efforts paid off in February when they traveled to Columbus to present their findings to Allison Russo, Minority Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives. After the meeting, Russo invited them to help draft a house bill on the topic. The goals of the bill are to ensure transparency, safety and efficacy of AI used in health settings. "We want AI tools to be tested and monitored for widespread use in Ohio hospitals because that has not happened yet," said Tuel. Making sure patients can consent or refuse medical decisions that are AI-driven is equally as important. "We want patients to know when AI is involved in their healthcare decisions." This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio teen tapped to help draft legislation on health care and AI A nearly 2-year-old was hurt after being shot in Akron Wednesday afternoon. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Akron police were called to the 1500 block of Hyde Park Avenue for a shooting, according to CBS-affaliate WOIO. When officers arrived, they found that a nearly 2-year-old boy had been shot in the abdomen. A 17-year-old was detained by police. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moments after the shooting, another 17-year-old showed up at a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg. Police believe both shootings are related. Deputy Chief Michael Miller said preliminary evidence shows the shooting may have been unintentional. Police did not know the condition of the toddler. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, is interviewed at the Hannover Messe in Hannover, Germany, on March 31, 2025. Hartung has reaffirmed the German industrial giant's long-term commitment to China, calling the country a vital hub for innovation amid a shifting global industrial landscape. (Xinhua/Tai Sicong) By Xinhua writer Li Hanlin HANNOVER, Germany, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, has reaffirmed the German industrial giant's long-term commitment to China, calling the country a vital hub for innovation amid a shifting global industrial landscape. In an exclusive interview with Xinhua at the Hannover Messe, Hartung highlighted China's leadership in green transition and intelligent manufacturing, underscoring its increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of global industry. At the same time, he warned that rising trade tensions could disrupt supply chains and hinder technological advancement, stressing the importance of free and fair trade. He noted China's rapid progress in industrial automation, battery technology, and electric vehicles - fields that closely align with Bosch's global priorities. Bosch is also deepening its investment in electrification, responding to rising demand for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. "Electrification is the biggest shift in the automotive sector today, and Bosch is deeply engaged - especially in China," Hartung added. Preliminary data for 2024 shows Bosch generated 142.8 billion yuan (about 19.99 billion U.S. dollars) in sales revenue in China, marking a 2.7 percent year-on-year increase. "China is not only one of our largest markets globally, but also home to our biggest workforce outside Germany," he said. With a strong local presence, Bosch is witnessing firsthand China's rapid strides in artificial intelligence, digitalization, green tech, and manufacturing innovation. "These developments are not only transforming China's industrial landscape, but also having a global impact," Hartung said. At Hannover Messe 2025, Bosch announced the launch of component production for electrolyzers, reinforcing its commitment to the hydrogen economy. The company expects its hydrogen business to generate billions of euros in revenue by 2030. "To tackle climate change, we need alternatives to fossil fuels. Green hydrogen, produced with renewable energy, will play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions across industry, transport, and energy. Electrolysis is at the core of this transformation, and Bosch's Hybrion stack is a key enabler of the technology," Hartung said. He noted that China's focus on high-quality development - particularly in areas such as digitalization and sustainability - aligns closely with Bosch's expertise. "China is no longer just a manufacturing center; it is a global innovation powerhouse," Hartung said. "Bosch supports fair trade and minimizing barriers," he said. "Higher tariffs often lead to retaliatory measures, which increase costs and slow down innovation." Bosch has developed a robust regional production network. "Our localization strategy ensures that we can manufacture and innovate within key markets like China," Hartung said. "But global cooperation remains essential, certain technologies should not be developed in isolation." Looking ahead, Hartung reaffirmed Bosch's long-term investment strategy. "We are investing at a high level and will continue to do so, ensuring a smart allocation of resources. Balancing local-for-local production with global synergies is key, and Bosch will optimize its footprint to maintain a competitive edge." MIAMI, Okla. The state agency responsible for issuing air permits, listens to public comments on a proposed poultry bio-processing facility in Ottawa County. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality held a public meeting Wednesday night (4/2) in Miami. The state agency will decide whether to issue an air quality permit to Argo Development Partners. The permit would open the door for the company to build a facility in Ottawa County that would use chicken waste to produce a methane-based gas and fertilizer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the meeting, Ottawa County residents provided input on the proposed facility and commented on the permit application, which Argo filed last summer. Argo representatives were also at the meeting to answer questions and address concerns. According to the Oklahoma DEQ, there are about 400 public comments so far, which is the largest its ever received for issuance of an air permit. Its really important for the public to feel engaged, to know that theyre being heard and for us to get those comments. Thats an important part of the public process. We want to be responsive to the community and we want to hear their concerns, said Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Communications Director, Erin Hatfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People need to know, people here in the community. This is our home and why they want new business, and that kind of thing, but they have to be very selective on the kind of business that they bring in, said Grace Goodeagle, a member of the Quapaw Tribe. The Oklahoma DEQ will continue reading through the public comments and concerns. No word on when a decision will be made regarding the air permit application. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. One of 10 Most Wanted list arrested in Texas, says AG Drummond OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond this week announced the arrest of 10 Most Wanted list Michael Marlow in Texas. Marlow is now in custody, says Drummonds office. Noting, Marlow was wanted for causing a deadly collision while under the influence of methamphetamine. Two officers shot in Logan Co. investigation, suspect dead 10 Most Wanted Michael Marlow captured in Texas, Image courtesy Oklahoma Attorney General Office This arrest demonstrates our commitment to bringing dangerous offenders to justice, no matter where they attempt to hide, said Drummond. I commend our investigators and our law enforcement partners in Texas for their exceptional collaboration in locating and apprehending this fugitive who fled our state to escape accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Drummond office, investigators from the AGs office traced Marlow to a residential address in Fort Worth, Texas. To learn more about the other fugitives still at large and potential reward click here. The list is updated periodically as fugitives are captured, says Drummond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Who is next out of the door? That is the question being asked at the White House as a major vibe change in the political landscape was being felt all the way from Washington D.C. to the Great Lakes and way beyond. Not to Greenland. Not yet. But the tectonic shift overnight has shaken up everything before it. For the first time in almost five months, the Democratic Party is smiling again, Donald Trumps hibernating Republican opponents are waking from their slumber, the DOGE wrecking ball is whiffing, and Emperor Elon Musk is about to be out on his own and fumbling for his clothes.Who would have thought that an Upper Midwest state famous for beer and cheese would cause such a cataclysm in American politics? Trump faced the first headwinds of his second presidency, delivered in dramatic fashion by the voters of two Florida districts and Wisconsin. / Leah Millis / REUTERS The winds of change were already gathering after the two-month Trump tornado that will leave the nation irrevocably changed, whatever happens next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges were balking, DOGE math wasnt adding up, and folks around the country were realizing that they were the ones losing their jobs. But a 10-point thumping in a race between two candidates nobody outside Wisconsins judicial system had ever heard of in a battleground state that Trump had appeared to have conquered has caught everybodys attention. Including President Trump. Trump and Musk both stuck their necks out to make the failed case for conservative Judge Brian Schimel, but only one got the chop. Musk splashed out $25 million of his own cash and took a Badger State weekend break only to return to Washington and find he was dispensable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One night can be a lifetime when the vibe shifts. The president had a ready-made fall guy in his chainsaw slasher. Nobody ever thought the partnership would last, not even Trump and Musk. Elon Musk holds a chainsaw reading But while much of the media was playing Wisconsin as Musks mea culpa, the truth was quite different. The importance of Wisconsins state Supreme Court election was illustrated by the $100 million spent to try and bamboozle the electorate to pick the right (or left) side. The Democratic Party focused on demonizing Musk. Hed lost people jobs, he wore T-shirts in the Oval Office, he drove a Tesla, and, worst of all, he was as rich as Croesus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republicans, on the other hand, campaigned on Trump as the hero of change who would make America wealthy again and hand people the cash to buy as much beer and dairy as their hearts desired. Red caps were de rigueur. The Dems clearly wounded Musk, perhaps even fatally, as a political force. But the Republicans also hurt the president. Voters didnt drink the MAGA Kool-Aid and it was suddenly very clear for the world to see. Musk arrived to a Green Bay town hall wearing a cheesehead hat. / Scott Olson/Getty Images. Trump was vulnerable. It is a message that reverberated across the sleeping Democratic Party giant on Wednesday. Even two Democratic House losses in Florida were sufficiently benign to celebrate with a glass or two of warm champagne. It was deep, deep red state. The losses were not so bad that the losers couldnt claim a moral victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fresh from his November election victory, Trump had little reason to fear the consequences when he picked Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Mike Waltz as national security adviser. Both had safe seats. Two months later, it wasnt looking like such a great idea: it took a couple of days to work out he was on to a loser with Gaetz, who quickly dropped out in a welter of bad publicity. The Democrats outspent Trumper Republican Randy Fine to cut the majority in Waltzs old seat by half, even if Jimmy Patronis took Gaetzs place with relative ease. It wasnt the cakewalk the GOP expected. Trump was already trying to plug the cracks by forcing Elise Stefanik to drop her UN plans and defend her House seat. The hint of chaos ahead was beginning to feel more like Trump 1.0 shambleswhere an unending revolving door became a feature, not a bugrather than the controlled aggression of the 2.0 administration. Trump 1.0's revolving door of chaos swept up many of his closest aides, including Hope Hicks, who resigned as communications director after her boyfriend, staff secretary Rob Porter, was forced out when it was revealed he had assaulted both his ex-wives. / CARLOS BARRIA / REUTERS His first term was marked by one scandal after another. Author Michael Wolff sat and listened in the White House and soon had enough crazy content for a best seller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the relentless destruction of his second go around, Trump and Musk directed their troops with a focused energy. If there was any resistance, it was contained. For two months. But the vibe feels different now. Cory Booker set a record for the longest Senate speech in history, talking for 25 hours without a bathroom break. That was 25 hours of trash-talking Trumpand suddenly buoying up Democrats. All this happened while Wisconsins people were voting their discontent. The gleeful comeback feeling among Democrats was summed up by a meme from The Wire. MAGA has made we are so back a meme; Democrats now found their own. Cory Booker and Susan Crawford to Democrats today pic.twitter.com/tHMKsG2l3R Mike Nellis (@MikeNellis) April 2, 2025 Trumps control on the Capitol was loosening. His power couldnt stop Booker any more than he could force voters in Wisconsin to bend to his will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A money man to his core, the president cant control the markets either. His tariff plan will hold him hostage to fortune. He cant sign an executive order and make stocks rise. Uncertainty is kryptonite to Wall Street. The changing vibe is being felt there, too. Liberation Day is all well and good but you tend to feel a little less free when your 401k is in the toilet. In Washington on Wednesday morning, the deficit hawks in the House were spreading their wings and biting back at Mike Johnsons (and Trumps) spending bill. Stop the tax cuts, they told the president. What about the deficit? They felt emboldened. They felt the vibe. Trump feels it, too. And you can be sure he doesnt like it. So whos next out the door? As the impacts of President Trumps tariff continue to play out, lawmakers here in Georgia are worried they could hit Georgia farmers. However, one grower told Channel 2s Richard Elliot that he thinks the tariffs dont go far enough. State Sen. Russ Goodman is one of a number of farmers and growers here in the Georgia legislature. He told Elliot on Thursday that he not only supports the new tariffs but wishes they went even further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think there could be some short-term pain with that, Goodman said. Goodman is the chair of the Senate Agricultural Committee, but he got that job because hes also a grower. On his farm between Valdosta and Waycross, he grows blueberries- the crop, he says, is spotty this year. Goodman said he fully supports President Donald Trumps new tariffs on goods from other countries, but he thinks they didnt go far enough - particularly on Mexico. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a produce farmer in Georgia, if what Im hearing is correct, Im disappointed were not going to have any tariffs on Mexican produce, Goodman said. Trump announced wide-ranging reciprocal tariffs in addition to a 25% tariff on cars coming into the US. Since the Port of Brunswick is the busiest roll-on/roll-off automobile port in the US, there are worries that any slowdown could affect jobs there. Elliot asked Gov. Brian Kemp about any concerns he may have about the tariffs impact on the Georgia economy. He said he needs to see more details. I still want to see kind of what the devil is in the details and see how this shakes out. I still think theres a lot of unknowns, and were down to the last two days of the legislative season, so thats been my focus, Kemp said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elliot also spoke with Georgias Democratic US Sen. Jon Ossoff who said the tariffs are nothing short of reckless. I think this has been quite recklessly done, and Im seriously concerned about the potential economic impact on Georgia, Ossoff said. Ossoff also expressed worries about the impact on the auto industry and auto import industry. Im hearing from Georgia farmers, Georgia manufacturers and think whats lacking is any clear sense from the administration of what exactly they are trying to achieve, Ossoff said. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) We are learning new details about a fire in northeast Albuquerque that left two people injured and one person dead early Thursday morning. Story continues below According to Albuquerque Fire and Rescue Spokesman Lt. Jason Fejer, all three people were removed from the burning structure at 8500 Marquette N.E. in under ten minutes by Station 5. One person was pronounced dead. Two people were taken to the hospital, where they are currently in critical condition. Photo from AFR This could have been a triple fatality. Fejer told KRQE. We are really hoping that those other two people can pull through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fejer says the structure is considered an abandoned board-up. Entry was made through a rear window. I do want to highlight the work these crews did by making entry into an uninhabited structure, said Fejer. Its boarded up. Making access isnt always easy. The propertys first floor is significantly damaged. There is no indication as to how the fire started. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. DARKE COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) One person was badly injured after a rollover crash in Darke County. According to the Darke County Sheriffs Office, deputies and medics were called to the 1700 block of Preble County-Butler Township Road for a one-vehicle rollover crash. This occurred around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Investigation shows a GMC S15 was traveling northbound when it drove off the right side of the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver reportedly over corrected and then traveled off of the left side of the road and rolled over. Deputies say the driver was partially ejected. The 16-year-old driver was airlifted to Kettering Health Main Campus for his injuries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. President Donald Trumps allies and adversaries battled over the best ways to improve the U.S. health care system at POLITICOs Health Care Summit on Wednesday, highlighting deep divides over the upheaval the administration has unleashed. The partisans sparred after Trump dismissed thousands of health agency employees, launched a massive restructuring of the nations health agencies, and proposed stripping billions from university research budgets. Perhaps the most polarizing speaker was Calley Means, a fixture in HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s Make America Healthy Again movement. Means defended the Trump administrations deep cuts and attacked the medical establishment which he said is filled with industry lobbyists conspiring to keep Americans sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fundamentally, what Bobby has done is taken over a department that has utterly failed, Means said. Some in the audience of Washington health policy wonks gasped and booed, prompting a rebuke from Means. Means, the founder of a company focused on healthy living, met Kennedy last year and bonded with him during Kennedys presidential campaign, then encouraged Kennedy to ally with Trump. I would truly ask for. a little bit of humility about what the voters were trying to say by putting Bobby Kennedy Jr. in this position of power, he said. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, speaking soon after, blasted Means for negating the accomplishments that science and government have achieved in improving health care over the decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think what we just heard explains and crystallizes the arrogance of these bros that have descended on Washington, D.C., the Massachusetts Democrat said. Back in the Bay State, the Harvard graduates alma mater seeks to stave off $9 billion in cuts in federal funding which Trump threatens to pull over alleged antisemitism on campus. Referencing the measles outbreak that began spreading shortly before the Senate confirmed Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services in February, Auchincloss issued a withering reproach: These professional podcasters stand in front of a bunch of career scientists and say What has science ever done? I dont know, science eradicated measles until two months ago. The two speakers passion was emblematic of a divide that ran through the days panels and of the polarization between Democrats and Republicans broadly over the causes of Americans health problems and the governments role in combating them. While Trump loyalists at the summit painted a picture of a health care system mired in fraud, waste and abuse and in need of dismantling Democrats warned that the Trump administrations gutting of health agencies would decimate access to care for patients and move the federal government away from science-backed health care solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican summit speakers argued that the massive cuts to Medicaid, the government insurer of low-income Americans, as well as billions in slashed agency and university research funding, would be relatively painless because the GOP was only targeting waste. Means denied any cuts to research funding, claiming the administration was solely targeting administrative and overhead costs even as major research universities like Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia worked to forestall billions in threatened grants. More money will be flowing to actual researchers, not university bureaucrats, not government bureaucrats actual researchers. Not one dollar of services has been cut, he insisted. Vern Buchanan, the Florida Republican who leads the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, said he opposed cuts to Medicaid which Republicans are considering as a way to pay for tax cuts and thought Republicans could find major savings by rooting out inefficiencies in the program. Given the size of the budget deficit, he deemed it a necessity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado, the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, said it was a pipe dream to think Republicans can find the $880 billion in savings they seek without reducing Medicaid benefits. We just simply don't have that much money, said DeGette. We realized all the rest of the spending in the Energy and Commerce Committee, all the rest of it is $500 billion. So if you zeroed out everything else that we do, youd still be $330 billion short. Democrats painted Trumps unprecedented cost-cutting as an existential threat to Americans health as well as that of people across the globe. "You're stopping a plane in mid-air. You're firing the crew, and then you're expecting that there will not be a catastrophe," said Dr. Atul Gawande, who led global health programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development in the Biden administration. USAID oversaw food and medical assistance to the worlds poorest countries before Trump shut it down as part of Elon Musks government efficiency initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Republicans defended cuts to health programs, saying they were larded with waste and the money could be better spent. Ben Carson, secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the first Trump administration, defended Trumps cuts to university research and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Carson made his name as a surgeon at Johns Hopkins, a university in Trumps crosshairs thats laying off thousands of workers in response to lost federal funding. Carson shrugged off its plight. Some research conducted by universities is suspect, he said. Carson said that research focused on issues like the social determinants of health buzzwords among progressive researchers concerned about wide disparities in health outcomes among groups isnt evidence-based and exacerbates racial divisions. Some of the things theyre studying are not conducive to furthering the health of the population, Carson said. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) For some time now, downtown San Franciscos Market Street has been off limits to private vehicles and rideshare vehicles. But now, theres renewed talk about opening it back up again. Since the beginning of 2020, Market Street in downtown San Francisco has been home to public transit, taxis and commercial vehicles. But now, theres a push among Market Street businesses to allow private vehicles and rideshare companies to return to Market. Jennifer Bielstein is the executive director of American Conservatory Theater. ACTs Strand Theater is located on Market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would love to have Market Street reopen to cars, Bielstein said. SF once again named healthiest in America: study Property developer Joy Ou agrees, the so-called car-free Market Street is making it more difficult for people to return to the area and for businesses to rebound post COVID-19. If you have to get dropped off on the back side of the theater, you have to walk around the block, Ou said. These are areas right now its becoming difficult and unsafe because there is not enough of people, traffic, so we need to bring them back. In February, Ou was part of a group that met with Mayor Daniel Lurie to encourage him to embrace not only cars on Market but also improve public safety and create tax incentives as part of an overall plan to revitalize Mid-Market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Christopher White with the San Francisco Bike Coalition says putting cars back on Market Street is not the answer. We need to make it a better place for people to come and walk to sit to linger. We dont need to reintroduce cars, White said. Prior to cars being removed from Market Street, it was not safe for people riding bikes or riding scooters, but it was also not safe for people walking, people taking transit. KRON4 reached out to the mayors office for comment, but they said they had nothing to offer at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. The family of an Orange County woman is suing a retirement community in Winter Park. What we feared most happened, it was devastating, said Suzette Woten, daughter of 80-year-old Carol Webeking. In 2017, Carol moved to Westminster Winter Park. At the time, she lived as an independent resident, which meant she could manage her life on her own, and even drive her own vehicle. But then her health started to deteriorate. Initially, you notice things repeating the same story, things like that, said Woten. But over time, she wasnt able to manage her medicine. She couldnt use the phone. By 2023, Carol had been diagnosed with dementia. Medical records obtained by Channel 9 show the woman was hospitalized at AdventHealth in June of 2023; they also show she had memory and judgment impairment. Following doctors visits, the family claims they asked the facility to move the 80-year-old to assisted living, where she would be monitored and would not be allowed to drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records from the retirement facility, signed by one of their nurses in May of 2023, confirm that Carol had cognitive issues at the time, only being aware of who she was but unaware of the time and place. This facility knew that this was a patient who not only needed to be living in assisted living based on her cognitive decline, but certainly knew she never should have been driving, said Scott Mitchell Fischer, Attorney at Gordon & Partners. The issue of dementia patients operating motor vehicles is definitely an issue of public concern for all of us in the state of Florida, and I would like to hope that with a situation like this that hopefully can call attention to the problem and a disaster like this can be prevented in the future. The family says Carol was given her car keys, despite her medical condition. On July 28th, 2023, Carol was involved in a car crash at a plaza in Winter Park. Police records show that Carol sped up against the curb and hit a concrete wall. The woman was taken to the hospital in serious condition and died two days later. You do you blame for this?, Channel 9s Geovany Dias asked Carols daughter. The executive director who gave her keys back, knowing that she shouldnt drive, Woten said. The family now wants the facility to be held responsible for the incident and says they hope her mothers story doesnt happen to other families. I want them to be responsible and to change the practice so that this doesnt happen to other you know, to other people. Channel 9 reached out to Westminster Winter Park for comment. Via email, the company said, Due to the pending litigation, we are unable to provide comments or a statement. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) The Opelika Police Department needs the publics assistance in identifying two subjects wanted for theft. On Oct. 4, 2024 at 6:45 p.m., two males entered the Lowes at 1701 Frederick Rd. and allegedly took over $2,000 worth of items, before leaving the store. The suspects left in a black 2016 Dodge Dart. If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspects, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP, or their website, www.215STOP.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 WRBL. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte (R) and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet the press during a NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, April 3, 2025. Rubio reaffirmed Washington's commitment to NATO during his first meeting with the alliance's foreign ministers, while emphasizing the need for more defense spending in Europe.(Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) BRUSSELS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) during his first meeting with the alliance's foreign ministers, while emphasizing the need for more defense spending in Europe. "President Trump has made it clear he supports NATO. We are going to remain in NATO," Rubio told reporters Thursday in Brussels. "The only way NATO can get stronger and more viable is if our partners - the nation-states that comprise this important alliance - have more capability." Rubio said he hoped to leave the meeting with a clear pledge from allies to raise defense spending to 5 percent of their gross domestic product. That figure would more than double NATO's current target of 2 percent, a benchmark some member states have yet to meet. Rubio acknowledged that the proposed 5 percent goal could not be achieved "in one year or two," but said that the U.S. now demanded a real path forward from its allies to build a stronger NATO capable of defending its territories. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that Europe and Canada have made the largest defense spending increases since the Cold War, but echoed Rubio's call for further efforts. Speaking on his way to the meeting, Rutte said he believed defense spendings by European and Canadian allies would need to exceed 3 percent of GDP to meet future security challenges. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WKBN) A Pennsylvania man caught up in a federal drug investigation has been sentenced. Keith Hurst, of Tarentum, was sentenced to six years in prison for cocaine trafficking. Hurst was one of several people in Pennsylvania and Ohio caught up in the drug investigation called Operation Lake Effect. According to investigators, Hurst conspired from August 2022 to March 2023 to traffic cocaine in the Western District of Pennsylvania. He was caught on a federal wiretap obtaining the drugs and distributing them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-five residents of Pennsylvania and Ohio were named in the initial indictment. During the investigation, investigators seized more than 673 pounds of fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills, over 400 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 16 pounds each of fentanyl powder and cocaine, over $600,000 in cash, nine vehicles and 47 firearms. Bill Shannon contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The U.S. Department of Justice has announced the next phase of a multi-year initiative to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Operation Not Forgotten, which assigns FBI personnel to key offices serving Native communities, was started in 2023 as part of the governments Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives, also known as Operation Lady Justice. The task force was established by an executive order in 2019 during President Donald Trumps first term. This years deployment will be the FBIs longest and most intensive to date to address the MMIP epidemic, according to the agency. The FBI will rotate 60 people to field offices in 10 cities, including Phoenix and Albuquerque, for 90-day temporary duty assignments over six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI staff will provide extra hands to address major crimes in Indian Country. The agency will also partner with the Missing and Murdered Unit of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as well as tribal law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions. This deployment will help push things along to help us be better and more effective, and help close cases better and sooner, said Jose A. Perez, special agent in charge of the FBIs Phoenix field office. The agency will also collect and analyze more data to help identify trouble spots where more resources can be directed. The task force will bring 11 agents over a six-month period to Arizona, supplying additional staffing resources, the latest forensic evidence processing technology and analytical expertise, he said. The U.S. Attorneys Offices are also part of the task force and will aggressively prosecute Indian Country cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Searching: FBI releases names of 170 missing Indigenous people in New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation One MMIP case success: Jamie Yazzie One recent MMIP case that the FBI helped solve involved a 32-year-old Navajo woman named Jamie Yazzie, who had been reported missing from her Navajo Nation home in 2019. Two years later, her remains were found on neighboring Hopi Tribe lands. Yazzies family pursued justice for another three years before an arrest was made. In 2023, Tre C. James was convicted of her murder. But while MMIP activists celebrated that conviction, more cases are awaiting justice. And some want to remind the federal government to respect tribal sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valaura Imus-Nahsonhoya, a victim advocate and MMIP coordinator for Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, said while she is excited for the new devotion of resources, it is important for the federal government to continue to respect the authority of tribal jurisdictions. The family of Jamie Yazzie put up this billboard on Leupp Road near Flagstaff when they were trying to find the young woman. Her remains were discovered in November. I hope that with the increase of these agents coming into Arizona, we will have the manpower and the capacity to be able to help these families, she said. But we also need to ensure that they are working cooperatively with tribes, with our county, our city municipalities. Imus-Nahsonhoya said communication between Indian Country and federal authorities is not perfect and the FBI could improve the dialogue by keeping families up to date on investigations. Our families want some kind of a response, she said Even if it's just we are continuing to investigate. We currently don't have any updates, but as soon as we know, we will notify you. Sometimes that's all they're asking for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a renewed focus on responding to cold cases, Imus-Nahsonhoya said it's important not to lose sight of the need for preventative measures promoting education and awareness, providing people with jobs and housing so these tragedies are less likely to occur in the first place. We've made some small moves to where some agencies have made some amendments or modifications to the language of criteria funding criteria to include prevention, she said. However, it's still not where we would want it to be. Raising voices: Death of Apache teen Emily Pike creating resurgence in missing Indigenous people movement FBI: 'We'll be on the ground and talk to communities' Perez said the FBI is part of the Safe Trails Task Forces, which includes federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners investigating crimes in roughly 200 tribal communities nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operation Not Forgotten will also include a victim-centered approach to cases using victim service programs. We will be providing resources to families and victims, Perez said. This and other such task forces and interagency partnerships are sorely needed. The BIA's Office of Justice Services estimated that some 4,200 missing and murdered cases are currently unsolved. The FBI said that, as of October 2025, its Indian Country program was dealing with about 4,300 open investigations including more than 900 death cases, 1,000 incidents of child abuse and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations. That number is likely to rise as task force personnel fan out to tribal communities to gather data on stagnant cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many tribes dont have the capacity to report cases, Perez said. Also, Perez said the task force hopes that adding agents and analysts to FBI offices even temporarily will help free up capacity to work on the agencys heavy caseload and bring more cases to closure and perpetrators to justice. Were putting our money where our mouth is. Debra Krol reports on Indigenous communities at the confluence of climate, culture and commerce in Arizona and the Intermountain West. Reach Krol at debra.krol@azcentral.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @debkrol. Coverage of Indigenous issues at the intersection of climate, culture and commerce is supported by the Catena Foundation. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Justice Department expands help for missing and murdered Indigenous People It would be easy to let a seemingly inane technical immigration policy change get lost in the sea of heart wrenching and searing headlines. In the past days and weeks we have seen the disturbing images of close to 300 Venezuelans removed from the United States to a notorious Salvadoran prison, including asylum seekers removed before their day in court. Weve seen the video of plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arresting Turkish graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk in Boston on her way home from breaking her fast. She was disappeared to a detention center in Louisiana, ostensibly for co-authoring an op-ed. We have read about countless individuals, including doctors, farmworker union leaders and activists, a Canadian actress, and so many others arrested and put into ICE detention as detention numbers skyrocket. We have watched as the Trump administration issues executive orders targeting law firms and immigration lawyers who stand up against these policies and fight for immigrants rights. There is quite literally something new every day, deepening the fear and unease with which noncitizens move through their daily lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But last week, the Trump administration paused processing for green card (permanent resident) applications from asylees and refugees. This administrative move, a quiet pause is nefarious, xenophobic and deeply political. Asylees are individuals who have been granted asylum protection for individuals who fear persecution or have been persecuted in their countries of origin on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. After one year with asylee status in the U.S., asylees have the right to apply for permanent residence. Bear in mind that these folks have often been waiting for years to have their claims for protection adjudicated, given a million cases in the backlog before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services asylum office and over 3.5 million cases in the backlog in the immigration courts. This means that individuals granted asylum have already waited for years for the adjudication of their claims for protection. In order to be granted asylum, they first through extensive background checks and vetting. Indeed, many of the asylees with pending green card applications today will have been vetted and granted asylum during the first Trump administration. To say that the second Trump administration does not trust the first Trump administrations vetting is ridiculous, and thats because this is not about national security or any threat to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If these individuals posed any threat to the U.S., they would not have been granted asylum. No, this is about lengthening the path to citizenship so that naturalized immigrants cannot vote, presumably, against Trump and his supporters. Four years after receiving permanent residence, asylees and refugees can apply to naturalize and become U.S. citizens. This is also about the xenophobic sentiments and views held by those high up in the Trump administration, including Stephen Miller, now White House deputy chief of staff, who has been publicly quoted to say he would be happy if not a single refugee foot touched U.S. soil again. All of this is a continuation of what began under Trumps first administration a constellation of targeted attacks against our refugee and asylum systems, undermining our domestic and international legal obligations to ensure that those fleeing persecution, torture and harm would never again be turned away from our shores. Just like asylees, refugees have undergone intense vetting and scrutiny, but for refugees that occurs before they ever arrive in the U.S. If these individuals, seeking a safe haven from violence and persecution, posed any threat, they would not have been issued refugee status. Further, refugees are quite literally required to apply for permanent residence one year after arrival. And now, their cases are on hold, indefinitely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is worth noting that even without a pause, processing times for asylee and refugee adjustments can be lengthy. Currently, Citizenship and Immigration Services own case processing website shares that the average processing time for an asylee adjustment of status is 15-and-a-half months and 14 months for a refugee adjustment. That said, under the first Trump administration, the average case processing time for an asylee adjustment was at one point five years. An asylee, whose case I recently closed, wrote to me in a thank you card, Thank you for giving me a sense of permanence/home for the first time. This is not something I will ever forget. I check my green card almost every day because I cant believe that I have it. It wasnt until this young woman had secured permanent residence that she started to feel safe, like she was home. The message is being sent, loud and clear, from the Trump administration that immigrants are not welcome here. We, the half of the U.S. citizens and voters who did not vote this president into office, must take a stand and speak out, over, and over again. Neither that young woman nor other asylees, refugees and non-citizens are going to feel safe or comfortable speaking out about this change in policy. We must do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the first actions of the second Trump administration was to indefinitely suspend the U.S. refugee resettlement program. That was quickly challenged and a court enjoined that executive order. I hope to see a similar lawsuit challenging this pause. The Trump administration should resume processing of these applications immediately. When it doesnt resume processing without a court order, support the lawyers and organizations who bring litigation forcing it to do so. Pausing adjudication of adjustment of status is morally wrong, xenophobic and harmful to the refugees and asylees we welcomed into the U.S. in the last decade. Lindsay Muir Harris is a Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco School of Law. She is a proud immigrant from the United Kingdom. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The first big stadium tour of 2025 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is on! Dubbed the Fighting Oligarchy Tour, it features the fab duo playing all their greatest hits, with plenty of great merch on sale. Its coming to an arena, outdoor grounds or stadium near you dont forget to contribute generously. After laying a bit low in the final year of the Biden administration, Sanders is back doing what he loves most: soaking up praise and adulation from his fans like the rockstar he imagines himself to be. Dissipate some of the marijuana haze (but not all of it) and it all looks like the endless touring of the Grateful Dead, with Sanders as the late icon Jerry Garcia plus a shower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like the Dead, Sanders trots out the same act, a repetitious medley of his old hits. Just as the Dead were stuck in the 60s along with their fans, Sanders is stuck in his own eat the rich time loop. There is nothing new with Sanders beyond his people versus billionaires rap, except to tepidly embrace whatever is in vogue within the leftist cultural zeitgeist. He does have the foresight to freshen up the show, bringing in Ocasio-Cortez. She has everything: shes good-looking, young (relative to the current geriatric political class) and one of those handy three-letter initializations that are all the rage (AOC, MBS, RFK). Even better, she wont upstage Sanders, as she herself has little new to say. In another echo of The Dead, Sanders was a pioneer early on. He tapped into a strain of American economic populism that has been around for nearly two centuries. Sanders opposed the Washington Consensus and the free trade agreements of the 1990s and early 2000s. But just like his rock-and-roll doppelgangers, Sanders lost control of the message and relevance. Economic populism turned into economic nationalism, with President Trump at the helm. Sanders could have had more than a moment if he had had the political dexterity to break away from toxic identity politics and dysfunctional progressive culture. But he was too obsessed with his own old message and too attached to the progressive label to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, just like the Dead, Sanders has today lost much of his national relevance. He can still fill rallies, raise money and get publicity, but there is no sign he is truly influencing what the Democratic Party will look like in the coming years or how it will regain power. But this is really where Sanders has always lived. His acolytes in parts of the media and Hollywood have been deluding themselves for years that Sanders is a true national leader a potential president only held down by the tentacles of the establishment. The fact is, Bernie Sanders has performed very poorly on the Democratic primary ballot. His strength is in caucuses and geographically, where there is a premium on organizing and participation is dominated by activists. But when you get into primaries, Sanders notably flops. In 2016, of the 22 states Sanders won (including his home state, next-door New Hampshire, tiny Rhode Island and nearby Maine), 12 were caucuses. Its worth noting that Sanderss totals were propped up by the fact that he was the only real opposition to the unctuous, ham-handed Hillary Clinton. With the Democratic establishment firmly in Clintons camp, disgruntled anti-establishment progressives only had one protest option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, facing a crowded field with no Clinton to kick around, Bernie tanked. If Sanders had just held on to his voters from 2016, he would have been in a position to keep up his fight to the convention. But he went backward. The Democratic Party pushed most states away from caucuses to primaries a disaster for Sanders. Of the 12 caucus states he won in 2016, he carried only three in primaries. His strong start was a chimera. Once the field had narrowed to him and Biden, Sanders won only four primaries. In some states, he didnt carry a single county. Just as there are not enough Deadheads today for a No.1 record, there are no longer enough Sandernistas to nominate a president. Bernie may be back, but its just for his own ego. He is selling tickets and merch, getting rapturous applause and encores. Meanwhile, his liberal colleagues are stuck in the Senate and House trying to figure out a way to combat Trump. In statehouses and party meetings, Democrats are casting about for a new message and a way forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But all that work is not for Bernie. The life of a rockstar is too much fun. Keith Naughton is co-founder of Silent Majority Strategies, a public and regulatory affairs consulting firm, and a former Pennsylvania political campaign consultant. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Trump administration is sending a message to everyone in America: If you dare to disagree with the president, you will be punished. That was clear when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents illegally arrested and detained Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and recent graduate student at New Yorks Columbia University, in retaliation for his advocacy for Palestinian human rights. The federal government separated Khalil from his wife, an American citizen, who is nine months pregnant, and shipped him from New York to New Jersey and then Louisiana. A judge recently ruled his case should be heard in New Jersey. Mr. Khalil has never been accused, charged or convicted of any crime. He was ripped from his home, detained and threatened with deportation in retaliation for his political beliefs. His case represents a clear attempt by the Trump administration to silence dissent, intimidate our universities and attack our freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalil is not the only target of this crackdown. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims hes revoked hundreds of visas of students and visitors for similar reasons. If this administration is not reined in, the paper-thin legal theory it is using to justify detaining and deporting Mr. Khalil could be wielded to deport anyone who opposes Trump on any issue. That would embolden a president who is already laying siege to academic freedom, the free exchange of ideas and open debate. It would put everyone citizen and noncitizen alike in danger. Thats why the New York Civil Liberties Union is representing Mr. Khalil in court, alongside our colleagues at the ACLU of New Jersey and the national ACLU (Mr. Khalil is also being represented by City University of New Yorks CLEAR clinic, the Center for Constitutional Rights, Alina Das of Washington Square Legal Services, Van Der Hout LLP and Amy Greer of Dratel + Lewis). Central to our case is the fact that the Constitutions right to free speech covers everyone in the U.S., regardless of their citizenship status. The administration is trying to get around these protections by abusing a rarely used aspect of U.S. immigration law to punish protected speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is relying on an obscure provision in the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act that says the government may deport people if there are reasonable grounds to believe their presence in the country would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. The provision was tested once before 30 years ago, when the U.S. government tried to deport a former assistant attorney general of Mexico, Mario Ruiz Massieu, who faced criminal charges in his home country. In that case, the late federal Judge Maryanne Trump Barry Trumps older sister ruled the law was unconstitutional. But unlike Massieu, Mr. Khalil is not accused of any crime. Instead, the government claims that all advocacy on behalf of Palestine and Palestinian people would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences. This is untrue and unconstitutional. The Trump administration claims falsely that any criticism of Israel is antisemitic. Antisemitism is a very real and serious problem and some in Trumps orbit, including billionaire Elon Musk, have trafficked in it. What the president and his team are doing wont curtail antisemitism, and doing so isnt their real goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the federal government is attempting to weaponize false charges of antisemitism to vastly expand presidential power and launch the most extreme threat to free speech since the Red Scare nearly 80 years ago. During the Cold War, lawmakers and government officials stoked fear of Russia and the Red Menace to justify a witch hunt and purge the federal government, and every aspect of American life, of so-called communists. They abused their power to paint anyone who disagreed with them as a communist or communist sympathizer. U.S. officials revoked passports of prominent activists, denied dissidents visas and deported noncitizens whose ideas they didnt like. Sound familiar? In fact, the Immigration and Naturalization Act the administration is using to try to deport our clients is a relic of the Red Scare, and was used to deny entry to many European Jews. No matter what your views on Israel and Palestine are, none of us should be eager to return to that dark period in our nations history. This Red Scare redux is playing out not just with individuals, but with universities across the country. Columbia University, where Mr. Khalil studied, recently capitulated to a slew of government demands including implementing a mask ban, giving dozens of campus officers new arrest powers and placing two departments under academic receivership. In exchange for its surrender of academic freedom, all Columbia got was the mere possibility that the Trump administration would restore $400 million in federal funding. Columbia was just the first target. Harvard and Princeton are now in danger of similar treatment. This is a full-scale attack on the system of free inquiry, discussion and debate that is at the core of higher education, which is so crucial to the strength of our democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of us should want our country to be a place where our government deports people for their beliefs, whether on foreign policy or anything else. No one, not even the president, has the power to deport someone for saying something the government doesnt like. The Trump administration has put Mr. Khalil and the people he loves through immense pain, and he should be freed as soon as possible. Everyone who believes in democracy should stand up and speak out against this power grab and demand freedom for Mr. Khalil and too many others wrongfully abducted and detained in Trumps deportation machine. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com I recently spent a weekend in Chicago, where the Michelin Guide has recommended restaurants for 14 years. While I was there, I had the opportunity to dine at a restaurant I had never been to before: Esme. Esme is a hybrid art gallery-restaurant. The line between the two is seamless and not at all disconcerting. The cuisine is chef-driven, as much as it is inspired by the artists whose works are on display, but it is without ego and full of empathy. The kitchen had worked together to create a special black truffle and freekeh course for me, inspired by one artists struggles with ADHD, being on the spectrum and being bipolar. My own manic episode had kept me off the plane to go to Esme a year ago, and I had the distinct embarrassment at the time of explaining all of this in an Instagram DM to the chef. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I visited, the tears that the service captain shared with me when she said the earthiness of the dish was meant to make me feel safe and grounded, were genuine. The flavors were bold, the plating colorful and the wine pairings inspired. It was the best restaurant experience I have had in ages. The Michelin Guide, which rates restaurants between one and three stars with most restaurants not receiving even a starless mention rates Esme but one single star. Black truffle and freekeh at Esme, a Chicago restaurant with one Michelin star. Is Charlotte ready for Michelin stars? Charlotte, pause for a moment to consider this and perhaps noodle on the notion that were just not ready for the Michelin Guide. The Queen Citys food cognoscenti, ever the active rumor mill, can also now predict the future. With news that Michelin is indeed coming to the American South, inclusive of North Carolina, Michelin inspectors could even be sitting at the table next to you when you go out for dinner tonight. I couldnt think of anything worse, to be honest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I say this with a modest bit of authority. I am a former judge for the Worlds 50 Best Restaurant awards, and I have eaten at over 20 three-star restaurants, perhaps twice as many two-star restaurants and countless one-star restaurants. I once ate at every starred establishment in Singapore. On top of which, I have won two North Carolina Press Association awards for my food writing and restaurant criticism. I have the waistline to prove this. A dish at Zen, a restaurant in Singapore with three Michelin stars. Despite what people may think of me as a food critic, though, I do genuinely want Charlotte restaurants to succeed. Based on what Ive experienced so far since moving to the Queen City in 2020, I think so too should Charlotte restaurants want Michelin to stay far away. For now. Consider a distribution curve and that restaurants in Charlotte today fall into one of three categories: Category A belongs to the very small handful of restaurants that could be ready, with some seemingly created ready. Category B is for 90% of restaurants in town, neither here nor meh. They are the starless mentions, if anything at all. On the low end, these restaurants are stuck in the past, overrun by ego, are possibly trapped within the tight grip of unscrupulous influencers, or all of the above. They could be restaurants that serve gigantic portions of otherwise satisfactory food for the sole purpose of being extra. On the high end, these are popular crowd pleasers with good food that is sometimes great, that just seem to be missing that certain je ne sais quoi. Category C restaurants are the opposite of A, with no hope of ever being in a Guide. Think: chain restaurants and bad bar food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the state of Charlotte restaurants thusly presented, an America South Michelin Guide in which the Queen City makes an appearance, in my opinion, would be nothing more than a disservice, both to our restaurants and to diners. Keep in mind that the Michelin Guide purportedly only gives stars out based on food, but most savvy, experienced Michelin diners know that not to be the case. There are intangibles like chefs vision, more objective criteria like consistency of quality and even the rumored white tablecloth-factor. (Do only restaurants with white tablecloths get stars? Maybe, who knows?) And, of course, theres always the front of house service to consider, as nobody tastes food in a vacuum. Lets all agree that good ol Southern hospitality generally means that most restaurants seeking Michelin validation here in Charlotte have strong front-of-house service. Lets also agree that restaurants with white tablecloths arent that common, and therefore any white tablecloth-factor is equally awash amongst our restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putting these two factors aside, then, were left with the consistency of the quality of the food and chefs vision to make up what sets a particular restaurant up for recognition in that little red book. Therein lies the problem the two factors that create the wide chasm between Category A and Category C restaurants in Charlotte. Our B restaurants are generic to a fault or so full of chefs egos that diners pleasure seems secondary. Or they serve otherwise good food, but they seem to be resting on their laurels. Many of these restaurants dont think very highly of us Charlotteans in that they copy their concepts from other restaurants in the U.S. or around the world, thinking that no one is going to notice. But in this Instagram age when the camera eats first, it would be easy for anyone to go to the pages of the worlds best restaurants and duplicate a dish or two. Who would know? Ive seen that one Category B restaurant recently even copied a dish from the ingredients to the presentation from a restaurant in Charlotte. It was good, but it was also good at the OG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [WHAT ELSE IS HOT? The ultimate list of new restaurants, bars and cafes coming to Charlotte in 2025.] Charlotte, lets pause for a moment to consider whether we deserve better. I think we do. We dont deserve restaurants where food that costs a car payment leaves us full of nothing but regret. We dont deserve to have a night out only to realize that our pleasure and enjoyment are secondary to chefs pontificating on ingredient provenance. We dont deserve, here in 2025, food that is still stuck in 1995. There are times and places for that, of course, but not in restaurants wanting to be included in the Michelin Guide. These, in case it werent already clear, are the Bs that should be Cs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that wide B chasm, though, are restaurants so close to glory, so close to being in that A group. The Michelin Guide demands and so too do we deserve excellence, but excellence that has a personality. Michelin inspectors do not reward group efforts. The chefs vision must be clear, and that vision is whats missing from some otherwise fantastic restaurants in town. Take us to church, dear Charlotte chefs, one might say, while you sharpen your knives. Charlottes potential Charlotte restaurants want stars? Then I want to see them reach for those stars. In that Group A, I would argue, there are no more than five. Possibly only one of those will receive a star, and the rest perhaps a Bib Gourmand, a runner-up prize given by Michelin to restaurants whose excellent food is also a good value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only one star does not a guidebook make. Or shouldnt. Dallas may have eked out one star, but that was for an all-Texas guide. So consider that proposition. The Queen City eking out one star in a regional America South guide? Its embarrassing at best, and at worst well, at that point, doesnt the entire Michelin enterprise seem to have become a money grab? The point is not to have anxiety over optics or to shoehorn in restaurants that are not yet ready. The point of the guide is to be able to find restaurants that will offer experiences like that one I had at Esme in Chicago. Only one star in Charlotte? I guarantee it. A course at the one-Michelin star restaurant Esme in Chicago. A Michelin star in Paris should have the same weight and meaning as a star in Tokyo, as a star in Copenhagen, as a star in Chicago. This is to say nothing of two or three stars, neither of which will be given to any restaurant in Charlotte. To dole them out to the mid or altogether unworthy would mean to dilute everything that Michelin is supposed to represent, and then what are we left with? A little red book of ho hum. One star in Charlotte? I guarantee it would go to LOstrica or Omakase Experience by Prime Fish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? The food at LOstrica is unlike any other at a restaurant in Charlotte. Chef Eric Ferguson borrows from New American, European and Asian traditions to create food that is elegant, accessible and delicious. The Sunday Suppers and daily sandwich specials have been particularly successful, especially when it comes to bringing people together. LOstrica is a first-class restaurant with a real neighborhood feel, with back and front of house working together to create an experience that is both upscale and relaxed. LOstrica offers 10-course tasting menus. Omakase Experience by Prime Fish, on the other hand, will be inaccessible to most given the price point ($300 per person before tax, service and drinks). But, unlike some of those B and C category restaurants, you will see where all the money goes. Chef Robin Anthony sources the very best ingredients available to create pristine, luxurious dishes, all in an intimate omakase setting. This restaurant is classic Michelin bait, designed for and created to win a star (or two), and I think it is a reasonable assumption that it will happen at some point. Omakase Experience By Prime Fish off of Providence Road is one of Charlottes only Edomae-style omakase restaurants. [READ MORE: Omakase is popping up all over Charlotte. Heres where you can try out the experience.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I am also not a betting man. So, Charlotte, I ask you to pause, to reflect, to think with your stomachs and your brains, and for all of you to say it together with me: Dear Michelin Guide, yes we are the America South and proud of it. But, please do not come here. We are not ready. Yet. Recently, the Trump administration released an executive order titled: Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities. As executive director of the national association dedicated to engaging families, schools and communities, I naturally took great interest. The focus of the executive order, though, was more troubling than its title: It directed the secretary of education to facilitate the closure of the U.S. Department of Education. Many have written, including here at The 74, about concerns with the orders implications for our education system, especially for the most vulnerable students. I share many of those concerns. Eliminating expertise and capacity within the department will not magically enable states to do a better job to improve education, as those in states often count on federal support and guidance to enhance quality. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The orders explicit acknowledgement of parents and communities compelled me to write this commentary. Our work at the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement advances policies, practices, and research to promote family-school partnerships that support student achievement. Family and community engagement is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, improving the degree to which education institutions partner with families and communities creates conditions that improve other factors like teacher recruitment and retention, family and community well-being, and overall school improvement. Despite its importance, high-quality family and community engagement is usually an afterthought in many policy conversations. In general, there are not enough resources to carry out this work. More is needed to bolster everything from teacher preparation for family engagement to training and services directly to families. Related Dismantling Ed Dept. Will Harm More Than 26 Million Kids and Americas Future Many of the most important programs that foster authentic family and community engagement come directly from the federal government. For example, Title 1 provides funding to low-income schools in both rural and urban communities and includes funds specifically dedicated to family engagement. Full-Service Community Schools grants support active family and community engagement as one of the four requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal grants fund Statewide Family Engagement Centers in 19 states and Parent Training and Information Centers in all states, programs that have been crucial in elevating statewide work that better links schools to families and their communities. These programs are prime examples of initiatives that should not only be sustained but expanded. Although I am relieved they have not yet been defunded, initiatives such as these now face a huge amount of uncertainty. There is a nonpartisan and common desire to better connect schools, families, and communities in authentic ways based on shared power, trust, and accountability. It is also widely agreed that schools, and the education system more broadly, can do a lot more to support these relationships. However, in some cases, exclusionary practices are draped in the cloak of family engagement or parents rights, which pit families against each other and against schools or otherwise inappropriately frame family engagement as a watchdog exercise resulting in censorship and fear of retribution. These narratives misrepresent family engagement. Instead, prioritizing deeply-rooted connections among the various stakeholders would go a long way to building a system where all students are better served. All this being said, I am not naive. As aptly identified by many others, threats to a department focused on ensuring quality education for all students leave me apprehensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The orders proponents argue that these programs can be easily administered outside the Department of Education. However, it is doubtful that shifting administrative responsibility for education programs to other downsized departments will be smooth and more efficient. Related In Bid to Close Ed Department, Trump Rehouses Student Loan, Special Ed Programs Worse still, theres not yet a clearly articulated plan to develop the necessary knowledge or infrastructure to ensure these programs could continue to succeed outside of the Education Department, especially considering that resources, capacity and staff expertise have recently been substantially reduced. The lack of concrete details and the growing uncertainty around these changes leaves more questions than answers.It is my hope that the orders title is not made up of hollow words and instead reflects an increased focus on family and community engagement in education, especially as it translates into funding, policies, and programs that support this work. While I acknowledge much of the responsibility for education lies with state and local governments, we have a collective responsibility as a country to guarantee that all studentsfrom urban Miami to rural Montanahave access to a high-quality public education. That is what the Department of Education was founded on, and what we must ensure remains a priority moving forward. At a recent talk about his new book Abundance, Ezra Klein derided the anti-monopoly movement for a monomaniacal focus on antitrust, faulting anti-monopolists for purportedly trying to explain too many problems through the lens of corporate power. His co-author Derek Thompson elaborated that in the abundance worldview, government must be pro-business, because it is business that will build the housing and clean energy needed to solve our nations supply problems. As he put it, to have the progressive outcomes were rooting for and to root against companies is to have fully divorced the world that you want from the means to get there. For their part, anti-monopolists have also expressed skepticism about Klein and Thompsons approach. In her review of their book, Zephyr Teachout wondered whether the abundance agenda was something fairly small-bore and correct (we need zoning reform) or nontrivial and deeply regressive (we need deregulation). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, pitting pro-growth supply-side economics and anti-monopolists against each other is a false choice. Pro-competition and pro-building policies should be complements, not jealous competitors. Effective progressive governance requires pursuing both in tandem not treating them as alternatives or as separate, divorced lanes. As the Democratic Party searches for ways to win back the American people and craft an economic vision that can deliver for the public, theyd be smarter to team up than to face off. Take, for instance, one of the biggest supply problems Klein and Thompson highlight: our countrys housing shortage, which relentlessly drives up costs for Americans. Klein and Thompson are undoubtedly right that onerous zoning and permitting requirements are a serious obstacle to building the millions of housing units we need to fill our supply gap and lower prices. But Im unaware of any disagreement with that from the anti-monopolist crowd (as Teachout underscores). Meanwhile, if policymakers were to focus only on solving this (undoubtedly important) aspect of our housing crisis, they will fail to build the kind of housing supply that actually benefits working Americans. And the anti-monopoly movement does have something to say about that. For example, there is growing evidence (and bipartisan concern) that mega corporate investors institutional investors that own over 1,000 single-family homes are becoming major players in local housing markets, and that this emerging consolidation problem has increased home prices and rents. Such institutional investors first emerged on the scene following the 2008 financial crisis, when the federal government encouraged the formation of investment vehicles to acquire distressed single-family properties. We should learn from that mistake. An abundance policy that turns a blind eye to the market structure of who owns the supply of housing in our country may produce a housing market dominated by distant and greedy corporate Wall Street landlords an outcome unlikely to yield more affordable housing for the rest of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Klein dismisses private investors as currently a mere drop in the bucket, but housing markets are local, not national, and it is in these local markets where we are starting to see price effects from corporate ownership. More importantly, we need to address problems before they become full-blown crises. A desire to get ahead of this corporate consolidation problem doesnt mean we cant do zoning and permitting reform, too. Similarly, there is an even larger body of evidence that many landlords are turning to algorithmic price-fixing software to drive up rents. In this algorithmic collusion, landlords who would otherwise compete to undercut each other on rents instead use common software and data to drive up rents including in some cases by holding back supply. If a pro-abundance policy succeeds in building millions of new housing units but landlords use common software to ensure those new units arent in price competition, working Americans will see no benefit. Another main focus for Klein and Thompson is energy, and they rightly trumpet our countrys need to rapidly increase the supply of clean energy to fuel the next century of innovation, lower costs for American families, and curtail climate change. But here too, a strategy for building more supply will not succeed or at least it will cost significantly more and produce fewer benefits for ordinary people unless it also accounts for anticompetitive market dynamics. For example, in 11 states, incumbent utilities have rights of first refusal to build and connect new energy transmission lines. This allows incumbents to block new entrants like clean power innovators. It also incentivizes the incumbents to inflate, rather than reduce, their construction costs costs that they can then turn around and charge to their captive ratepayer customers, generally with little meaningful oversight. One study found that using competitive bidding could lower energy construction costs by 20 to 30 percent, saving ratepayers billions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pro-abundance approach that ignores these competition problems with the dominant utility incumbents would forgo the many benefits of new entry by innovative disruptors and could actually increase consumers energy costs not reduce them. And while Klein and Thompson seem to assume that deregulation is the way to clear the path for abundance, in this instance a regulation could readily solve the problem: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has authority to issue rules preempting (i.e., eliminating) incumbent rights of first refusal. Thinking of policymaking in purely binary fashion as either pro-regulatory or deregulatory is overly simplistic and outdated. Its also worth stating that Klein and Thompson are wrong to assume that competition policy has nothing to say about the zoning and permitting restrictions that most concern them. To the contrary, these restrictions are what competition policy experts call barriers to entry, and lowering barriers to entry is in fact a tried-and-true way to increase competition and lower costs. Klein and Thompson can and should fully embrace pro-competition economics alongside their abundance thesis not deride it as some pet project of a near-sighted anti-monopoly or anti-business movement. Klein and Thompson are absolutely right that America must build more to increase supply and lower costs, and yes, it is the private sector who will do most of that building. But to deliver actual results for working Americans, we have to consider the market structure and market dynamics of the firms who will build and own what we create. An abundance underpinned by healthy competition among firms will be more cost-efficient and innovative and will deliver real results. The alternative a liberalism that builds, builds, builds without simultaneously tackling issues of corporate power and accountability will fare no better than the failed political projects of the past. The breadth of President Trumps onslaught of executive orders is wearying even to the most experienced officials, journalists and analysts likely by design. Although many of the proposals contained in Project 2025 have yet to be implemented, the White Houses initiatives go far beyond even that capacious document. Indeed, dramatic changes in long-accepted policies and institutions are emerging from the Oval Office daily. It is difficult to generalize about such a wide range of initiatives, but a few patterns have emerged. Recognizing these patterns can allow us to better assess what we are seeing and target our attention appropriately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, although the Trump administration often begins an initiative with one or more executive orders, few of the orders themselves merit close examination. With a few exceptions such as the orders purporting to terminate birthright citizenship, invoking the Alien Enemies Act and eliminating federal employees unions the orders are peppered with language directing subordinates to follow the law. This does not mean that these initiatives are empty or harmless. Instead, the lawlessness is carried out by underlings relying on often-absurd interpretations of law to justify their actions. For example, the executive orders against particular agencies the first of which attacked the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation and the United States Institute of Peace state that the administration is only eliminating the agencies non-statutory components and functions of the agencies. This might sound reasonable. Who could object to stopping the Department of Agriculture from building aircraft carriers? But the administrations interpretations of what are statutory functions is indefensible. With the Inter-American Foundation, the administration contends that the statute requires the foundation only to have a president, a board and an office. This ignores a substantial list of purposes that statute directs the Foundation shall carry out through its activities to say nothing of appropriations for a far more robust agency, including one that Trump himself recently signed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus, the illegality generally arises not in the executive orders themselves but in their implementation. These orders are trumpets rallying the presidents base. They should put us on guard that a new aspect of the government is slated for destruction or politicization. But they are rarely worth scrutinizing much in themselves. Various scorecards about how many executive orders have been enjoined by courts miss this point. Second, the Trump administration has made clear that its primary agenda is not these specific changes but rather a radical expansion of presidential power. Many things it has done unlawfully could have been done within the law with very little effort. The administration has impounded funds for numerous programs, violating many permanent authorizing statutes as well as annual appropriations. The president likely could have accomplished the same thing through a request that Congress rescind the money under the Impoundment Control Act. Republicans control both houses of Congress, and that law prohibits filibusters of presidential rescission requests. Similarly, the fork in the road email, which offered seven months paid leave for federal employees who resigned, was unlawful. Among other reasons, statutes limit administrative leave to two weeks per year and cap buy-outs at $25,000. Moreover, the Office of Personnel Management, which sent the emails, had no authority to commit the various departments that employed the federal workers affected. Agencies may, however, prepare buy-out plans identifying overstaffed functions; upon OPMs approval, the administration could have implemented a more thoughtful and targeted version of staffing reduction. Here again, the administration seemed more interested in asserting the presidents ability to disregard federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same could be said for the presidents invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. If the administration actually had evidence that the individuals deported were Venezuelan gang members, regular immigration law provides a plethora of powerful weapons. But the point was not to deport these individuals, but rather to establish that the president can issue a completely preposterous finding that gang members presence in the U.S. is an invasion conducted by the Venezuelan government and make it stick. The third pattern concerns the Trump administrations remarkable disdain for court orders. Shortly after the administration announced a broad freeze on federal funding, a federal district court entered a temporary restraining order that it shall not pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate [its] compliance with awards and obligations to provide federal financial assistance. In numerous instances, federal agencies continued to withhold funds; in some, they newly froze funds after the temporary restraining order. When called on this noncompliance, administration officials said that they are just trying to root out fraud with these continued freezes a complete non sequitur given the terms of the order. The court accordingly found the administration in violation of its order. Similarly, a federal district court promptly enjoined the administration from suspending, pausing, or otherwise preventing the obligation or disbursement of appropriated foreign-assistance funds. A week later, the court found that the administration had continued their blanket suspension of funds pending review of agreements, the very action that the TRO enjoined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Administration officials asserted that they have been making good faith efforts to comply. They also asserted that they could continue the enjoined freeze on other grounds, what the court characterized as an impermissible search for post-hoc rationalization for the enjoined agency action. Repeated additional orders to comply with the prior orders and resume funding have been largely ineffective. Many nonprofits in impoverished areas around the world have collapsed due to the lack of funding. Whether or not one agrees with particular actions the administration has taken, this rampant disregard for duly-enacted statutes and court orders cannot be reconciled with the checks and balances at the heart of our constitutional order. Trump won the last election after disavowing the radicalism of Project 2025. He has no mandate for this lawlessness. You cant make America great again by rejecting the core values that have held the country together for almost 250 years. David A. Super teaches at Georgetown Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MADRID, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday announced a package of measures worth 14.1 billion euros (15.6 billion U.S. dollars) to counter the impact of the 20 percent tariffs imposed on European Union (EU) goods by U.S. President Donald Trump. Sanchez emphasized that "our values are not for sale," describing the measures as both an "immediate safety net" and a strategy to relaunch affected sectors. "They will focus on reorienting our productive capacity and relaunching our economy in the new global context," he said. The Spanish leader called for unity within the bloc. "If we want to overcome this challenge, we must all work together," Sanchez said. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo called the tariffs "unfair" and "unjustified," warning that American citizens and companies would be the first to feel their impact. Over time, he said, they would contribute to a more fragmented and poorer world. Cuerpo expressed hope for a "negotiated solution" but warned that Spain would be prepared to "respond" if there was no room for dialogue. Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the main opposition People's Party, said the U.S. tariffs had set the world back "a century in economic relations and decades in international relations." (1 euro = 1.11 U.S. dollar) As a former assistant chief counsel with ICE, I have experienced how three different administrations have wielded immigration authority. Mahmoud Khalils case is different. Not because his arrest was authorized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio finding that Khalils presence or activities in the U.S. would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy effect, but because the American people are watching. People watched as ICE agents went inside Khalils home on March 8, 2025, to arrest him, at first disclosing that his visa was being revoked, only to switch the charge when they discovered that he was a lawful permanent resident. The acting field office director, William P. Joyce, even submitted a sworn affidavit stating that Khalil was arrested in front of the residence, only to amend it the next day to state Khalil was arrested in the front foyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These contradictions arent anomalies but symptoms of an agency that has been afforded the presumption of reliability for too long. In immigration proceedings, judges are instructed to believe ICE officers over non-citizens, reinforcing a system where ICEs statements are presumed truthful, even when they contradict themselves. Meanwhile, non-citizens enter the courtroom with a presumption of guilt, forced to prove their credibility in an already biased system. Yet Khalil is one of the lucky ones. His lawyer, Amy E. Greer, worked through the night to file an emergency request to the District Court of the Southern District of New York to stop his transfer. But even with legal intervention, Khalil disappeared into the ICE transfer machine. ICE didnt disclose to Khalils lawyer, or to his pregnant wife, that he would be transferred to New Jersey and then 1,000 miles away to Louisiana. The transfer of non-citizens from facility to facility is a policy that has been in place since at least 2012. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) expressed concern in August 2022 when at least 65 detainees from the county jail in Goshen, N.Y., were sent more than 1,300 miles away to Mississippi. ICE gave no notice to their family members for the simple reason that they are under no obligation to do so. Under ICE policy, they are also not required to inform a detainees counsel until 24 hours after the transfer. The government argues that transfers are a logistical necessity, but critics argue that it is a deliberate strategy designed to bypass the immigration court system altogether. By placing detainees in facilities notorious for human rights abuses, like those in Louisiana, the government exploits inhumane conditions to pressure non-citizens into accepting voluntary departure rather than enduring months or even years in detention while their cases are pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government manufactures deportation outcomes by shackling detainees for lengthy periods of time in painful positions, giving them filthy drinking water and food contaminated by rat feces to force them to give up on their cases and leave the U.S. The government uses civil detention as a tool to force non-citizens to fight their cases while being detained. Through policy and case law, the government preemptively denies access to bond hearings, effectively forcing non-citizens to fight their cases behind bars. While Congress can legislate categories of detainees ineligible for bond, as with the Laken Riley Act, its another thing entirely for the president to achieve the same outcome through executive action through his Attorney General. Yet, during Trumps first term, Attorney General William Barr eliminated bond for every asylum seeker who entered the country through a port of entry. That decision haunts immigration practitioners today and accounts for more than half of the detainee population, who lack a criminal record but can never request release by an immigration judge. For those eligible for release from ICE custody, detainees must convince immigration judges that they are neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community a standard that varies widely depending on jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply by moving a detainee to a different jurisdiction, ICE can increase the likelihood of deportation. In Louisiana, bond is denied in more than 80 percent of cases. There is no parole in Louisiana, stated a study conducted by a coalition of human rights organizations; judges routinely categorize detainees as flight risks or public dangers, even for minor immigration violations. As Khalils case shows, this shuffling of detainees also offers the government a shield against federal oversight. The government wants Judge Jesse Furman in Manhattan to dismiss Khalils case, arguing that when his attorney filed the habeas petition on Sunday morning at 4:41 a.m. in New York, Khalil was already in New Jersey. Yet the governments jurisdictional gaming did not work this time. A skeptical Furman noted in a packed courtroom that exceptions such as bad faith or to deprive the court of jurisdiction could apply. And nearly one month after Khalils immigration arrest, District Court Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that his case would continue in New Jersey. But for many others, ICEs ability to relocate detainees thousands of miles away from their communities, legal counsel and support systems is one of the most dystopian aspects of the immigration system. Studies show that detained immigrants are far less likely to have legal counsel. Frequent transfers sever attorney-client communication, making it harder for lawyers to track clients, gather evidence and build a defense. The ICE Online Detainee Locator System is unreliable, and by the time a lawyer locates a transferred client, critical deadlines may have passed. Without an attorney, detainees are left to navigate the complexities of immigration law alone, in a language they may not fully understand, against government attorneys trained to remove them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result? Higher deportation rates, not because the cases lack merit, but because ICE has designed the system to make winning nearly impossible. A transfer isnt a logistical move; its a strategic blow against due process, ensuring that detention is not just a punishment, but a fast-track to deportation. We cant expect positive change to come from policy shifts, but there is hope that it will come from public pressure. Khalils case has captured national media attention, and 800,000 people have petitioned for his release. While he remains detained in Louisiana, a federal judge moved his case to New Jersey. Will public outrage not politics finally force reform? Veronica Cardenas is a former prosecutor with the Department of Homeland Security. She is the founder of Humanigration, a digital platform serving immigrants and their legal advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The judicial establishment is angry. President Trump has called for the impeachment and removal of Judge James Boasberg, who halted the administrations deportation of Venezuelan gang members. J. Michael Luttig, a former federal judge and a Never-Trumper, warned that the presidents complaints about the judiciary threaten a constitutional crisis. Chief Justice John Roberts added his voice with a lecture on the appellate process: 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Americans nod in agreement, remembering their high school civics lessons on how judges should be insulated from popular opinion and political pressure. But is this correct? Should unelected federal officials exercising immense power be immune from censure? The anti-federalists, critics of the proposed Constitution of 1787, saw danger in total judicial independence. Writing in the New York Journal, the anti-federalist known as Brutus protested that federal judges are independent of the people, of the legislature, and of every power under heaven. Men placed in this situation will generally soon feel themselves independent of heaven itself. Brutus knew that judicial service during good behavior was seen as essential to British liberty. Good behavior, a very low bar, means proper and peaceable conduct expected of law-abiding citizens. Indeed, the colonists in the Declaration of Independence complained that colonial judges served at the pleasure of the king rather than during good behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the American situation after 1776 was different. In Britain, a hereditary monarch headed the executive branch and was considered the fount of all justice. Judges were executive branch agents. James I, for example, instructed royal judges to refrain from deciding cases dealing with the kings prerogative until they had consulted with him or his advisors. In addition, the House of Lords a branch of the British parliament served as the highest court in the land. If a judge issued an erroneous opinion, this could be appealed to the Lords, who could overturn or correct the decision. Brutus reminded his readers that the proposed Constitution provided for no appeal to the legislature. Unelected judges serving for good behavior would, as a practical matter, have the final say on the Constitution, statutes and most disputes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brutus explained that under the principles of the American Revolution, all government officers were agents of the people. Agency is a fiduciary relationship in which the principal appoints an agent to conduct designated business. The agent is subject to the principals ultimate control and must account for his actions. The principal, then, is superior to the agent. Brutus questioned whether the people could really be superior to their agents in the judiciary under the structure of the federal Constitution. Impeachment, despite Robertss contention, is the only mechanism whereby the peoples agents in the judiciary can be held accountable. Since 1805, in the words of Thomas Jefferson, impeachment has not even been a scarecrow. This is because of the botched impeachment of Justice Samuel Chase, who habitually gave political harangues from the bench and was unfair toward defendants who did not share his political leanings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impeachment trial was handled by John Randolph of Roanoke, who had no legal training. Randolph made a wreck of the presentation and the Senate did not convict. But that was over 200 years ago. If impeachment of judges is off the table, as Luttig and Roberts believe it should be, then what recourse do the people have when their agents in the judiciary abuse power? Must they wait for the judge to die and hope that a future president has better luck with the next appointment? This sounds like the same recourse the people of England had in medieval times: wait for a wicked king to die and hope providence provided a wise successor. And what good is appellate review if the problem is the Supreme Court itself? What are the people to do with a court whose majority, say, declares that the millennia-old definition of marriage is contrary to a constitution that mentions nothing about marriage? I do not necessarily agree with Trump that Boasberg should be impeached. I have not reviewed his career nor his interpretation of the Alien Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But considering the power of Brutuss warnings about a lack of judicial accountability and our faulty constitutional structure in this matter, we must not take judicial impeachment off the table. Without this scarecrow, there is nothing (absent resort to revolutionary principles) to protect the people from those unelected and unaccountable persons ensconced in the judiciary. William J. Watkins Jr. is a research fellow at the Independent Institute and the author of Crossroads for Liberty: Recovering the Anti-Federalist Values of Americas First Constitution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Trump administrations K-12 education policy prescriptions typically focus on ways to provide financial support for private schools, including federal vouchers and tax-credit scholarships. These programs require congressional action through new K-12 legislation or modifications to the U.S. tax code. However, the administration has an additional opportunity to provide families with more K-12 education choices that has received far less attention. This involves existing federal programs, administrative guidance and regulatory shifts that would not require new legislation. Doing this would create more choices for families, give educators more options to work in different learning environments and unlock more educational opportunities for K-12 students nationwide. This approach is consistent with the January 29 executive order that focused on helping parents escape the geographically based school assignments that constrain choosing and directing the upbringing and education of their children. The order requires the secretary of education to issue guidance on how states can use federal formula and discretionary grant programs to do this, consistent with the administrations desire to return education authority to the states Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related As Trump Moves to Shutter Education Dept., GOP Clamors for Funding Flexibility Here are five ways the administration should advance K-12 public school choice using existing grant programs and legal authorities. Charter Schools. Charter schools serve nearly 3.8 million students across 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. They operate with more flexibility than traditional district schools and are governed by independent boards. The federal Charter Schools Program already provides competitive grants in several categories, with a fiscal year 2025 budget of $450 million. The Trump administration could make this program the center of its efforts to expand K-12 public school choice. It could increase funding for this program, streamline grant processes and create incentives for states to remove caps on charter growth, among other things. The executive order specifies that federal funds for Department of Defense and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools should also be used to support the expansion of K-12 charter schools. Magnet Schools. Magnet schools are schools of choice that offer themed curricula from arts to STEM to language immersion and serve over 3.5 million students. They promote voluntary desegregation and provide rich learning environments within traditional districts. The federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program has a Fiscal Year 2025 budget of $139 million to help districts replicate successful models. The administration could also investigate how to incentivize states to create magnet schools for low-income, gifted students with high but untapped potential, as recommended by the National Working Group on Advanced Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New School Models. The pandemic led parents to seek new learning environments for their children, including microschools and learning pods. Microschools are a modernized version of the one-room schoolhouse, offering intimate, personalized learning environments. Around 6% of microschools receive public school funding. Learning pods are small groups of children typically, organized by parents and teachers, who come together to learn and socialize. Consistent with the executive order, the Department of Education could allow states and local districts to utilize existing programs, such as Title I dollars for low-income students, special education dollars under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or other funding sources, to support these new school models. Open and Dual Enrollment. Forty-three states allow some form of open enrollment, enabling students to attend public schools outside their assigned zones. Nearly 1 in 3 high school students participates in dual enrollment, taking a college-level course before graduation. The administration could use discretionary grant funding to incentivize states to adopt exemplary, transparent, open- and dual-enrollment programs, including stronger coordination between K-12 and higher education systems. They could also allow states and local districts to use Title I, IDEA funds and other programs to follow students to whichever open and dual enrollment program they attend, in the way public dollars follow charter school students to the school they choose to attend. Related Trump Order Boosts School Choice, But Theres Little Evidence Vouchers Lead to Smarter Students, Better Educational Outcomes Career Pathways Programs. High school students deserve more than a one-size-fits-all college preparation track. Pathway education and training programs enable them to select and earn credentials for high-demand jobs that typically do not require a college degree. These programs are often accompanied by services such as career counseling and flexible entry and exit points. They offer a variety of course choices and work-based learning options, including apprenticeships, internships, career and technical education, career academies, boot camps for acquiring specific skills and staffing, placement and other support services for those seeking employment. The administration could coordinate the Department of Educations Perkins Career and Technical Education Act and Labor Department funds to expand these public school career pathways programs. This approach is consistent with the executive order, which directs the secretaries of labor and education to create a plan utilizing discretionary grant programs to expand educational freedom for Americas families and teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One additional suggestion: Giving families and young people K-12 choices without some quality assurance is a false promise. The administration should promote rigorous transparency, data reporting and accountability for all public school options. This would ensure that parents can make informed decisions and that innovative models deliver strong learning results for young people. This would include maintaining the annual testing requirements now part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress and reinventing the Department of Educations Institute of Education Sciences and its mission, dating to 1867, to show the condition and progress of education. Watch ICE Detains Students, Calling Them Illegal Aliens; Community Demands Their Return K-12 public school choice isnt an abstract idea. Its a set of real, growing options that parents, students and educators are already embracing. These offer not only freedom but also pathways to stronger outcomes and customized learning. The Trump administration has an opportunity to champion these choices and it doesnt need Congress to get started. By reorienting federal support and reducing bureaucratic barriers, it can provide states and local districts with more options for utilizing current K-12 funds and unlock the full potential of public education in America. If the goal is to put families first and expand opportunity, then K-12 public school choice deserves a central spot on the administrations education agenda. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I took on the issue of professional military education. It may not have garnered many headlines, but education was viewed as critical from the top echelons of the Pentagon to the remote operating bases I visited in Iraq and Afghanistan. We sharpen our warriors effectiveness when we develop their skills in critical thinking, languages, cultures and history. But we are now going dangerously backwards. The New York Times reported that the U.S. Naval Academy is identifying books in the schools Nimitz Library that may be pulled from circulation because they relate to so-called diversity, equity and inclusion. Among the 900 potential offenders: a biography of Jackie Robinson, The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr. and Einstein on Race and Racism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese military is expanding. Russia is threatening Europe. But you can sleep better tonight knowing that the Navy is keeping its men and women safe from Jackie Robinson. The move is part of the Trump administrations campaign to purge its way through federal museums, concert halls and now the military. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth who might want to focus on threats closer to home, like how he communicates war plans ordered the review. Im guessing his own book, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, wont make the cut list. Its an interesting title, because the act of banning history books in a naval library is a betrayal of the men and women who keep us free. The irony in this move is rich. In the name of freedom, we mustnt let our future leaders do things like, oh, read what they want to read. We must treat them like snowflakes, so brittle and sensitive that they must be protected from the offensive views of Robinson, King, Einstein and whoever else is on the blacklist of the Navy Blue and Gold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our warriors need body armor, not censorship. The best of them want to build their intellectual resilience. When I visited them in Iraq, Afghanistan and our military academies at home, many consistently told me that they fought better when they had time not only to drill, but to learn. To read. During a visit to Iraq, I remember asking Gen. Ray Odierno what he needed when he commanded the Third Infantry Battalion in Iraq. Whenever I asked that question, military leaders usually answered with a list of hardware and weapons of war. Odiernos answer surprised me: more people who speak foreign languages, understand other cultures and had the skills to deal with various factions trapped in conflict zones. It was a Marine who later explained to me why military education was so important: If you know how to think, you realize you dont have to kick in the door and start shooting; sometimes, you can find a safer way for yourself. I also spoke to a soldier stationed on a remote operating base near a village called Musa Qala. His unit was preparing to assault a Taliban stronghold the next day. Amidst the maps and heavy weapons surrounding him, he said, Anyone whos ever studied how war is fought in Afghanistan knows one thing: Well take the village tomorrow, and the Taliban will retake it when we leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is exactly what happened across Afghanistan. Instead of supporting our warriors with libraries that will give them an unvarnished telling of history, the Pentagon has decided to whitewash it. Instead of encouraging critical thinking skills, the Navy has decided to dull them. In a world of volatile, complex military threats; of cyberwarfare and an artificial intelligence arms race; of existential enemies like Iran nearing imminent development of a nuclear warhead; the Hegseth doctrine suggests that there is nothing to fear but ink on pages, bound on the shelves in the Navy library. In the war on so-called cancel culture, the U.S. military is canceling history. The brave men and women of our armed forces should receive all the training, resources, technology and weaponry they need to protect our country books included. Our military leaders should be focused on keeping us safe from Vladimir Putin, not Jackie Robinson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth should reflect further on the title of his book. In the story of the betrayal of the men who keep us free, he is the one doing the betraying. Steve Israel represented New York in the House of Representatives for eight terms and was chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee from 2011 to 2015. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In recent weeks, the notion of Donald Trump serving a third term in office has reentered the national conversation not necessarily because its likely to happen, but because we are in such uncharted territory now that the implausible is starting to feel plausible. On Sunday, Trump himself made it clear he believes he might be able to run again. While its tough to predict exactly how a third Trump term might unfold, a few potential paths emerge when factoring in a political climate defined by strained norms and faltering institutions. Legally, the 22nd Amendment prohibits any president from being elected more than twice, yet there are potential loopholes and gray areas that could be exploited, especially in an increasingly fragile American democratic system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two scenarios come to mind. In the first, potentially less dire scenario, Trump might orchestrate his return to the White House through a series of technicalities. Rather than abandoning the Constitution altogether, he and his supporters would attempt a legal end-run around it. With Republicans controlling the levers of government, Trump could remain a dominant political force in 2028 by endorsing a loyalist GOP ticket for president and vice president, winning back the House, and becoming Speaker. If the president and vice president were to then step down, Trump could ascend to the presidency through the line of succession, without directly violating the 22nd Amendment. Trump could also test out the legality of a run for vice president, making the argument that he is not constitutionally ineligible to the office of president but rather simply prevented by the Constitutions language from being elected to a third term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlikely? Yes. Impossible? No. This version of events, while troubling, would still operate within a recognizable if deeply degraded democratic framework. The public would have gone to the polls, albeit for a sham election structured to produce a predetermined result. Protests and court challenges would inevitably follow, but as this maneuver would likely have been telegraphed ahead of time, the illusion of procedural legitimacy might endure. What would this look like in practice? We could expect further destabilization and escalation of current policy trends: harsh immigration enforcement, isolationist foreign policy, evisceration of federal agencies, restrictions on universities and crackdowns on dissent. Daily life for most Americans, however, might not at first seem radically different. This scenario represents a continued erosion of democratic norms a slow slide, rather than a sudden collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second scenario is orders of magnitude more alarming. What if Trump refuses to accept his removal from power, as he in 2020? Or what if he indefinitely postpones or cancels the 2028 election, under the pretense of a national emergency? This would entail a complete break with constitutional order and a coordinated effort to block the peaceful transfer of power. Whether it takes the form of martial law or a military coup, the implications are chilling. In this event, Trump would no longer govern within even the token bounds of legality or popular mandate. The press could be barred from publishing, courts ignored or co-opted, and outspoken critics of the regime, including U.S. citizens, jailed or shipped overseas. In other words, the threat wouldnt just be to our institutions; it would reverberate across everyday life. As is often the case in autocratic states, there would likely be a brain-drain as doctors, researchers and academics depart for more stable countries. A democratic breakdown like this would also likely trigger severe international sanctions, with trade partners like the EU, Canada and Japan suspending ties, leading to a prolonged scarcity of medical supplies, spiking food prices and prohibitive costs for automotive and tech products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, I dont think either of these scenarios is probable. While Trump may be serious about the idea of a third term, the hubbub surrounding it now is mostly a useful diversion to deflect attention from pesky issues like court rulings, cuts to Medicare or delayed Social Security checks. More conceivable is that he handpicks a successor, plays kingmaker, and retains some measure of control from the sidelines. This preserves his influence while allowing him to appear magnanimous, even as he continues to shape the Republican agenda. Still, the fact that we are even entertaining these scenarios reveals something dark about our present political moment and is itself a sign of just how far weve already drifted from democratic norms. Threats to due process, unchecked executive authority and political attacks on co-equal branches of government are happening now. The third-term question may be hypothetical. The democratic backsliding, unfortunately, is not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phil Chen is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Denver. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A certainty of the media marketplace is that if there is content consumers truly want, money to produce and support that content will somehow show up. Supporters of public broadcasting outlets PBS and NPR should start pondering how much demand there really is for the content those entities produce. If there is sufficient demand, funding mechanisms will emerge to keep them functioning, even without taxpayer dollars provided by the government. And if the demand is not there, then PBS and NPR should disappear. It doesnt take a genius to read the smoke signals coming out of the recent congressional hearing about government funding of public broadcasting. A Republican-controlled Congress seems determined to slash government spending, and funding for PBS and NPR is an easy target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the hearing focused on charges of journalistic bias by the public broadcasting entities. Thats hardly a revelation. Its a water is wet statement to say PBS and NPR have leaned decidedly to the left for some time. The AllSides Media Bias Chart acknowledges that reality. The Media Research Center, a right-leaning organization to be sure, has pointed out public broadcasting bias for years, but also has the research data to support its allegations. Long-time NPR editor Uri Berliner let all the cats out of the bag last year with a blistering essay detailing his organizations journalistic corruption. Despite the preponderance of evidence to the contrary, however, NPR CEO Katherine Maher and PBS President Paula Kerger showed up at the hearing determined to defend their organizations editorial objectivity. They came off as tellers of tall tales and lost their credibility in the process. The better argument for Maher and Kerger would have been to own their journalistic activism and simply point out that the First Amendment allows for it, which it surely does. Maher and Kerger went into the hearings with few objectivity cards to play. Their non-coverage of the Hunter Biden laptop story before the 2020 election was difficult to rationalize. Maher, in particular, gave up the ghost in 2022 when she blurted out that reverence for the truth might be a distraction. That relativistic statement might fit perfectly fine in Mahers worldview, but it comes off as tone deaf to most Americans and seems contrary to the vision of any sensible journalism outlet. The establishment media, of course, rallied to the defense of NPR and PBS. The National Press Club issued a statement complimenting the outlets as high-quality, unbiased networks that have won awards from the Press Club. Given the low credibility ratings of the broader journalism industry, this kind of exuberant praise probably doesnt help in the eyes of news consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real issue is whether any government money should be used to support independent journalism. When governments use taxpayer money to disseminate content, its not so much news as a sort of propaganda. Even with Corporation for Public Broadcasting structures in place to provide a sense of semi-autonomy, government money taints the process. No wonder conservative lawmakers in Congress question the use of public money to push agendas of any kind. The broadcasting landscape was quite different when NPR and PBS were founded in the late 1960s. A case could be made then for providing a non-commercial, government-funded broadcasting service to fill the many gaps found in traditional, for-profit radio and television. But nobody today can argue with a straight face that NPR and PBS provide essential content that cannot be found otherwise in an internet world. If there is a role for the kind of programming carried on NPR and PBS and there probably is the niche audiences who absorb that content should step up to fund it. That would include progressive minded corporations and organizations, which could surely pony up some dollars to keep these non-profit broadcasting entities functioning. Surely, one of many deep-pocketed philanthropists such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffet and so on could individually become the white knight of public broadcasting if they believed these entities had to survive. Proponents of public broadcasting push back against critics of federal funding by pointing out how small the government appropriations actually are in comparison to the entirety of the CPB budget. But thats a minor point in the greater scheme of things. The concern is whether the government should have any interest in funding the rhetoric of the news and cultural marketplace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best strategy for public broadcasters would be to take their own decisive steps to ditch federal funding and move on. That way, NPR and PBS, or whatever they might be called in a new version, would never have to answer to lawmakers accusations again. The organizations could then do journalism with as much activism as they like, with the full protection of the First Amendment behind them. Jeffrey M. McCall is a media critic and professor of communication at DePauw University. He has worked as a radio news director, a newspaper reporter and as a political media consultant. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Something about Washington loves a good scandal: big or small, true or false, verifiable or unreliable. Like rumors, scandals come in all shapes and sizes. Like rumors, most have some basis in fact, but then increasingly transmogrify by sprouting new appendages, all depending on who is telling the tale. At the first scent of scandal, the media buzzards start circling and the political grackles start cackling. Its an almost electric phenomenon that excites the city as rumors grow and take on new life. This whole phenomenon surfaced again recently with, Signalgate after an internal executive branch national security conversation among principals over the commercial messaging app, Signal, came to light when a journalist was inadvertently included on the thread. The transcript included details on when airstrikes on Houthi militants in Yemen would occur, and what type of aircraft and munitions were being used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suffix -gate has often been appended to scandals ever since the Nixon-era Watergate scandal of the 1970s. (The Watergate was the name of the office complex housing Democratic headquarters where President Richard Nixons operatives, aka the plumbers, were planting listening devices.) The foregoing light treatment of the term scandal is not meant to diminish the often serious nature of scandals that do occur. Rather it is intended to caution the curious to tread carefully in analyzing scandals. In the case of Signalgate, three disturbing conclusions emerge. First, if an adversary had had access to the detailed action plans in the conversation in advance of the actual strikes, the lives of American service personnel involved would surely have been jeopardized. Second, the confidence of our European allies in our commitment to that continent was surely undermined by the tone and slant of the conversation. And third, Americans faith in the competence of our national security apparatus has been shaken considerably. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) observed last Sunday that the administration officials participating in the Signal conversation have all been singing from the same hymnal that President Trump has been using since his days as a real estate tycoon. It all gets down to two words, Christie said: deny and deflect. Deny the incident ever happened or is even significant. If that doesnt work, deflect attention to another topic or person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The denial is evident in the groups unified chant that vital classified information was not disclosed, despite outside intelligence experts consensus that the exchange should have been labeled, top secret. Those caught in a scandal often blame the messenger for the message. In this instance it is Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg, into whose lap the unsolicited thread was dropped. He has become the target of the administrations defenders. The presidents press secretary accused him of perpetrating a hoax, and the president dismissed him as a sleazebag. Never mind that Goldberg was simply conveying the verbatim transcript of the chat conversation, unaltered. He didnt even publish sensitive portions until after the strikes had concluded and administration officials had insisted the action plan was not classified material. Another typical deflection tactic used by those caught up in a scandal is to resort to the passive voice: Mistakes were made. Shakespeare called out such attempts to shift blame to mysterious external forces: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest surprise about this whole brouhaha is that even experienced Washington hands did not expect the Signalgate scandal to have legs for long. After all, how many Americans know who the Houthis are, where Yemen is, or why the militants activities affect U.S. interests halfway around the globe? And yet the sheer incompetence of the key players and their repeated denials that classified information was compromised was enough to cause attentive Americans to sit up and take notice of such peculiar behavior. People did not accept that this was a hoax or fake news. You can only fool some of the people some of the time. The Watergate scandal demonstrated how serial lying and denial leads to an eventual total collapse of trust after a gradual erosion. Nixon ultimately had to resign from office rather than face certain impeachment and forcible removal from office by Congress. Signalgate is nowhere close to Watergate, but it is a reminder of how such incidents can escalate as additional evidence is uncovered displacing clever denials and deflections. Some Democrats in Congress are calling for scalps in the form of firings or resignations. But the fact that some Republicans are calling for a full accounting through investigations is a sign that this is no mere game of partisan dodgeball. This is the real deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don Wolfensberger is a 28-year congressional staff veteran culminating as chief-of-staff of the House Rules Committee in 1995. He is author of, Congress and the People: Deliberative Democracy on Trial (2000), and. Changing Cultures in Congress: From Fair Play to Power Plays (2018). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Team Trump is losing two world wars. The first is the one Russian President Vladimir Putin declared against the West when he invaded Ukraine. The second one is metaphorical the one President Trump himself is now waging against U.S. allies. This self-defeating approach certainly will not make America great again. To the contrary, if left unchecked, it could result in the partial or complete destruction of U.S. global economic and military power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No country can survive being at war with everyone. The U.S. is confronted by a resurgent Russia in Europe, an emerging co-equal in China, by rogue regimes in Iran and North Korea intent on wielding nuclear weapons, and now by Houthi rebels intent on shutting down commercial and military shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Yet instead of rallying U.S. allies to this cause of defending democracy, Team Trump is starting trade wars, hinting that Washington may no longer fully back NATO. Some including Vice President JD Vance are arguing that the European Union should be left to its own defense on the continent and in the Red Sea. What we are seeing here is an inversion of the normal use of the instruments of national power diplomacy, information, military and economy or DIME whereby the White House, wittingly or not, is weakening the U.S. on a global scale. Consider Trumps ill-advised approach to Putin in Ukraine. He made concession after concession to Russia, including partial ceasefires against energy targets in Russia and naval targets in the Black Sea to get Putin to the negotiating table in Jeddah. Yet Moscow declared Tuesday that it rejects Trumps ceasefire deal in its current form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we warned last week, Putin is just playing Trump for time. Why? Because Putin is preparing a new multi-front offensive in the Donbas. Indeed, on Monday the Kremlin announced that one of the largest rounds of conscription to Russias military for several years is underway, Moscow is calling up 160,000 raw recruits 10,000 more than in all of last year. Conscription in Russia is always prickly, so it is noteworthy that Putin is increasing numbers year-over-year. He would not do so without a purpose. Putin is also playing proxy wars in the Middle East against Team Trump. As we warned, the Houthis in Yemen and Al-Shabaab in Somalia are not operating in vacuums. Russia is supplying ballistic missiles to Iran and Tehran is supplying both militant groups, which are threatening U.S. maritime shipping and naval forces in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and off the Horn of Africa. Moscow is also attempting to run interference for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his nuclear weapons program. On Tuesday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that there would be catastrophic results if Trump bombs Tehrans nuclear facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, in the Indo-Pacific, Chinese President Xi Jinping is taking full advantage of Team Trumps global missteps and the geopolitical vacuums they are creating across the region. To back its growing military power, Beijing announced in March it is increasing its defense budget by 7.2 percent in 2025. Xis moves are just not on paper. The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy is increasingly conducting highly visible military exercises to demonstrate its growing footprint across the Indo-Pacific. This included conducting live-fire naval exercises off of the coast of Australia. A show of naval force in the Tasman Sea a body of water that separates U.S. allies Australia and New Zealand. Continued harassment of Filipino shipping in the South China Sea. And, according to retired U.S. Air Force Col. Ray Powell, an intrusive [Chinese Coast Guard] patrol to assert Chinese sovereignty in Indonesias internationally recognized exclusive economic zone in the North Natuna Sea. Most ominous are Xis large-scale military exercises last week, which were designed to practice blockading and invading Taiwan. The drill, which involved nearly 100 Chinese vessels, carried out precision strikes on simulated targets such as ports and energy facilities. Simulated targets included ports and energy facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin, in this vein, is not only playing Team Trump for time in Ukraine, but he is also giving Xi time and space to harass Taipei and to seed doubt whether a White House that is questioning its NATO commitments can be relied upon to protect its allies in the Indo-Pacific including Taiwan, Japan and Australia. Far from separating Russia and China, Team Trump is bringing them closer together on a truly far-reaching global scale. Given this growing kinetic Axis of Evil threat against the U.S., Team Trump should be reaching out to key allies to build a combined and united response. Yet, the White House arguably dangerously wearing economic blinders is doing just the opposite of that, declaring April 2 as Liberation Day. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, warned Trump, We have everything we need to protect our people and our prosperity. We have the strength to negotiate, we have the power to push back. She is right. Combined, the EU is larger as a market than the U.S. economy as a whole. In the defense industry, European allies are turning to South Korea and France to meet their weapons requirements, accounting for 6.5 percent of NATOs European arms imports in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nor is Xi ignoring the opening Team Trump is creating with the EU. China announced in late March that they were willing to work with Brussels to thwart Trumps tariffs against the EU and Beijing. Far from dividing Putin and Xi, they are solidifying their deepening No Limits Partnership. Likewise, far from intimidating Brussels, Team Trump is driving the EU back into closer economic ties with China that would come at the expense of U.S. industry. If so, then Beijing through its Belt and Road Initiative would dominate trade in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. U.S. corporations and businesses would often find themselves on the outside looking in. DIME is what typically wins U.S. wars, not loses them. Yet Trump is risking doing just that if he does not reverse course and stop squandering them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alienating your allies is a bad course of action. As the African proverb suggests, If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. World War III can yet be won. Team Trump still holds all of the winning cards. It is time Trump collectively harnessed them again to advance U.S. national security interests and to deter Russia, China, Iran and the Axis of Evil. Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan E. Sweet served 30 years as an Army intelligence officer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Trumps telephone calls with Vladimir Putin hearken back to Franklin Roosevelts way of handling Joseph Stalin. In January 1943, Roosevelt had an opportunity to save the nations of Central and Eastern Europe from Soviet tyranny by ordering his forces to attack and defeat the Germans occupying those nations by approaching them from the south through the Balkans. The idea was to get there before the Red Army could arrive from the east. Notably, this strategy was also advocated by King George VI, Winston Churchill, the two top British generals in the Mediterranean theater and American Gen. Mark Clark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a meeting in the Oval Office, a brilliant and prophetic strategist named William Bullitt warned the president that if he did not act now, the war would end with a divided Europe. Roosevelt responded, Bill, I dont dispute the logic of your reasoning. I just have a hunch that Stalin is not that kind of a man, adding, I think if I give him everything I possibly can and ask nothing from him in return, noblesse oblige, he wont try to annex anything and will work with me for a world of democracy and peace. Bullitt, who had served as the first ambassador to the Soviet Union (1933-36), informed Roosevelt that there was absolutely no evidence that Stalin would work with him after the war to democratize the nations in Central and Eastern Europe. He bluntly told the president that his view was the product of the fatal vice in foreign affairs the vice of wishful thinking, which in his case was nothing more than a hunch. Nevertheless, Roosevelt rejected Bullitts advice. At the Yalta Conference in 1945, Stalin made a mockery of the Declaration of Liberated Europe by refusing to allow the nations of Central and Eastern Europe enjoy the rights of self-determination and free elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roosevelt lamented that It was the best [he] could do, but the fact is, he did almost nothing to democratize Poland or the other Soviet satellite states. Like Roosevelts delusion that Stalin would be his friend and work with him for democracy and peace, Trump believes that Putin, the ex-KGB officer, is in fact his trusted friend. Indeed, Putin has reciprocated by claiming that he prayed with his priest at a church after Trump survived the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, not because Trump was a presidential candidate at the time, but because he was Putins so-called friend. While the two of them trumpet their friendship, thus far, the readouts of Trumps conversations with Putin and reports of lower-level talks indicate that Putin is in no hurry to agree on a partial 30-day cease-fire, let alone a comprehensive cease-fire. In fact, according to the Washington Post, a Moscow think tank predicts that a peaceful resolution will not take place until 2026 when Volodymyr Zelensky is replaced and Ukraines government has been reformed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, after Putin criticized Zelensky and the proposed peace deal the previous week, Trump told NBC that he was angry and might impose secondary tariffs on businesses that bought Russian oil. Instead of responding directly, Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, changed the subject. In a conference call with reporters, Peskov said that Putins team is continuing to work on building bilateral relations and ideas related to the Ukraine settlement, however, so far there are no specifics. He called the discussions a time-consuming process due to its complexity. Note the terms, ideas, no specifics, time-consuming and complexity. These delay tactics are part of the Russian-Soviet playbook that has been deployed by their negotiators for decades. The Kremlins leisurely pace reminds this historian of Stalins strategy of drift and delay with respect to the restoration of Europe after the war. This attitude caused Secretary of State George Marshall to famously warn the American people in 1947 that the patient is sinking while the doctors deliberate. Action must be taken without delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, Ukraine is the sinking patient. Putin is slow walking negotiations. He has laid down conditions that Zelensky will not accept. Putins aim is regime change. Time is on his side. Given Russias weak economy, Trump has leverage, but because he is afflicted with the vice of wishful thinking, it is doubtful that he will change and get really tough with Putin. Rather, it is likely that Trump will give in, allow regime change and blame it on Zelensky. It is becoming clear that Trumps attempt to quickly negotiate a peace deal will come to naught. David L. Roll is the author of George Marshall: Defender of the Republic (2019) and, more recently, Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelts Shadow and Remade the World, which was rated as one of Foreign Affairs best books of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. On Oct. 30, 2008, just days before the presidential election, Barack Obama stood before a crowd in Columbia, Missouri, and uttered the line that sent Republicans into a frenzy: We are five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America. To conservatives, that line wasnt just annoying it was something akin to blasphemy. Transform America? Change who we are and what we stand for? The outrage came fast and furious. Republicans lined up to say, We dont need fundamental change. We dont need to tear down what makes this country great. Those were the days when principles were still something people claimed to care about, the key word being claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fast forward to now, and weve got another president who wants to fundamentally transform America. Only this time, its not the guy who campaigned on hope and change. Its the one who sues pollsters whose numbers he doesnt like, sues news networks whose coverage he doesnt like and wants to impeach federal judges whose rulings he doesnt like. He has even gone after law firms that had the audacity to offend our president because they represented clients he didnt like. If he had his way, Canada would be our 51st state. NATO? Out the window. Allies? Alienated. Chaos? Right here at home, courtesy of the commander-in-chief. And yet, this time around, the same people who gasped for air over Obamas transformative language are how do I say this gently? eerily silent. The same party that once warned us against changing the fundamental fabric of the country is now applauding the president who is changing the fabric of the country. The double standard isnt just obvious its embarrassing. Meanwhile, Democrats who once gave Obama a standing ovation for his grand vision are now warning us that President Trump is a fascist for trying to do the exact same thing. So yes, if youre keeping score at home, the party that once loved transformation now hates it, and the party that once hated it now cant get enough. Let me know when your head stops spinning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this isnt really about Obama or Trump. Its about something deeper, something weve lost along the way: principles. Ive written about this before, and Ill keep writing about it, because its the story of our political era. We dont argue ideas anymore we just root for the color of the uniform. Red jerseys versus blue jerseys. Thats what politics has become. And to paraphrase that great line from The Treasure of the Sierra Madre We dont need no stinking principles. Sure, politics has always been divisive. Nothing new about that. But what is new is the complete and utter collapse of consistency. If your guy does it, its fine. If the other guy does it, its tyranny. If your team wins, its democracy in action. If the other team wins, its the end of the republic. I guess its possible that Im making too much of this. Maybe the hypocrisy has always been there and it just feels worse now because of social media, cable news and the 24/7 outrage machine. But I dont think so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think weve crossed a line where principles no longer guide our politics only blind loyalty to our team does. And when blind loyalty becomes the only principle, dont be surprised when the whole thing starts to fall apart. So no, this isnt just about Obama in 2008 or Trump in 2025. Its about what were willing to tolerate and what were willing to ignore and whether we still believe in anything bigger than winning. Because if we dont, then were not only transforming America were unraveling it. Bernard Goldberg is an Emmy and an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University award-winning writer and journalist. He is the author of five books and publishes exclusive weekly columns, audio commentaries and Q&As on his Substack page. Follow him @BernardGoldberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China and the European Union (EU) have agreed to promptly resume their negotiations on a price commitment plan regarding the anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. The remarks were made by ministry spokesperson He Yadong at a press conference. He noted that the resumption of talks is part of efforts to foster a stable environment for investment and industrial collaboration between Chinese and EU enterprises. Modern liberalism is losing its hold in geopolitical affairs. Britain and Brussels are feeling the effects. A new refrain has emerged in the geopolitics of global affairs. Numerous articles bear witness to its reality, which is that of a changing world order. What has been overlooked is that it is already upon us and is strengthening into a critical mass. We are witnessing something historic a profoundly different way to engage in international affairs. The decline of unipolarity, long predicted, has begun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. leaders, since the advent of the post-Cold War era, have been strong advocates (along with Britain and Brussels) for liberal globalism. Under President Trump, however, realpolitik has reemerged, driven by transactional pragmatism rather than ideology. Thus, the new leadership has ceased trying to delay the inevitable shift towards a multipolar world. This pivot is a full structural break with the past. In weeks, the U.S. has gone from resisting the idea of a multipolar order to an attempt to dominate it on new terms. Less moralism, more realism; less ideology, more pragmatism. Trumps pivot has broad and lasting implications. The worlds most powerful actor seems to have abandoned the guardianship of liberal globalism and embraced pragmatic engagement through great power interests. The language of human rights and democracy promotion has been replaced with America First, not just domestically, but in foreign policy as well. U.S. foreign policy is now about interests, not ideologies. Trumps interest in Canada and Greenland, for example, is about protecting America by securing its strategic interests in the Arctic. Multipolarity is no longer hypothetical. Trump has reoriented the U.S. from a defender of the idea of unipolarity to a player seeking advantage in a multipolar world. His doctrine of great power interests aligns more with the realist tradition than with the post-Cold War liberal globalism that has dominated Washington for decades. The era of liberal internationalism is over. Trump has defunded USAID, slashed democracy promotion budgets and shown a willingness to work with regimes of all types, so long as it serves American interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a departure from the binary moral frameworks of the past. Under Trump, the White House no longer seeks to export liberalism, but to negotiate power in the pursuit of strategic interests. The U.S. now prioritizes national interests over globalist commitments. What remains is a fractured West, split between nationalist-led governments like Trumps (Orban in Hungary, Fico in Slovakia, Vucic in Serbia, Georgescu in Romania) and the liberal globalist bastions in Britain, Brussels, Paris and Berlin. The internal clash between these two visions, nationalism versus globalism, is now the defining political struggle in the West. As the West fractures, the majority world, an informal coalition of nations outside the Western bloc, grows stronger, more confident. Although not a formal alliance, it has a shared political perspective: sovereignty over submission, trade over ideology, multipolarity over hegemony. BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and other regional formats are maturing into genuine alternatives to Western-led institutions. The Global South is no longer at the periphery, its a stage upon which multipolarity will play out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are witnessing the formation of a new Big Three the U.S., China, and Russia. India will join them as it continues to develop its own (non-Western but not anti-Western) economic and military independence. These are not ideological allies, but civilizational powers, each pursuing its own destiny, its own interests. Their relations are transactional, not ideological. China has managed a delicate balance during the Ukraine war, maintaining a strategic partnership with Moscow while safeguarding access to Western markets. This is not a betrayal of values. Its sound diplomacy, intended to preclude conflict or worse, nuclear holocaust. In a multipolar world, every player understands the interests of others. China, Russia and India respect that. It seems the U.S. under Trumps leadership gets that as well. Britain and Europe, on the other hand, remain ensconced in a Cold War mentality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europes short-sightedness is predicated upon the European Unions need for an enemy. Russia is its convenient scapegoat to hold its union together, against the reality of a nonexistent threat from a country that has neither the interest nor the capability of prevailing in a conflict against them or against NATO. Russia, meanwhile, has emerged from the last two years more self-reliant and self-confident. The war in Ukraine and the resilience of Russias economy, society and military have altered global perceptions of it. It is no longer just a declining superpower in geopolitical affairs. This shift is visible not only in international diplomacy, but in global logistics, including new Eurasian trade corridors, expanded BRICS cooperation, increasing use of national currencies in trade and the potential for significant economic commerce with and investment from Americas private sector. The U.S., for its part, may have pivoted to realism, but it remains a competitor regarding its strategic interests. If Russia is to remain a player in a multipolar world, it must continue its efforts toward a closer relationship with the U.S., built on economic and political cooperation, not intransigence. It will need to deepen ties with Asia and the Global South and pursue a foreign policy anchored in pragmatism, not nostalgia for what once was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscows relations with Britain and Western European countries are becoming increasingly strained, especially against the backdrop of its current dialogue with Washington. Multipolarity is already here. We have moved beyond theory. Now its about relative position within that order. The world has become multipolar not because anyone willed it, but because power dynamics required it. The center of gravity shifted. Trump merely accelerated the process. The U.S., China, Russia and India need not attempt to demonstrate what is already a fait accompli. The old order is slipping into irrelevance. The objective now is to claim ones place in the new multipolar world. F. Andrew Wolf Jr. is the director of The Fulcrum Institute, an organization of current and former scholars in the humanities, arts and sciences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Utahs history is written in water. From the early pioneers who channeled mountain runoff into life-giving irrigation ditches to todays precision agriculture, water has always meant survival in this arid land. Now, as the Colorado River faces unprecedented challenges, two critical organizations, the Utah Farm Bureau and the Colorado River Authority of Utah, are working together to ensure that agriculture, conservation and smart water management go hand in hand. Its no secret that the West is grappling with water scarcity, but the narrative too often turns against agriculture, as if growing food is an indulgence rather than a necessity. The reality is far different. Utahs farmers are not only essential to feeding our state and beyond, but they are also leading the charge in water efficiency, conservation and innovation. Instead of pointing fingers, its time to recognize our shared interests and the hard work already being done to optimize water use for the benefit of all. The unbreakable bond between farming and water Agriculture in Utah isnt just an economic sector it is a way of life that sustains communities, preserves open spaces and keeps the rural backbone of the state strong. The Utah Farm Bureau represents thousands of farm families who, quite literally, make Utahs landscape productive. Meanwhile, the Colorado River Authority of Utah is charged with securing Utahs rightful share of the rivers water and ensuring it is used wisely. Together, these organizations understand a fundamental truth: If agriculture fails, so does Utahs water future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some would have you believe that Utahs farmers are reckless water consumers, but this ignores history and reality. Utah farmers have always been innovators. As early as the 1850s, pioneers built some of the first large-scale irrigation systems in the West, ensuring that communities could grow food in an otherwise unforgiving landscape. Todays farmers are no different, using advanced irrigation technologies, soil moisture monitoring and crop rotation strategies to stretch every drop of water. The myth of the wasteful farmer One of the most persistent and misleading criticisms of Utah agriculture is that crops like alfalfa are a waste of water. Critics claim that alfalfa uses too much water, and that Utah should shift away from producing it. This argument, however, is built on flawed assumptions and ignores the real importance of this crop. First, alfalfa is a critical component of Utahs agricultural economy. It feeds the dairy and beef industries, both of which are essential to Utahs food supply. Without it, livestock producers would have to import feed from other states, using just as much water but at a higher cost, both financially and environmentally. Second, alfalfa is not a villain in water conservation. It is a perennial crop, meaning it doesnt require annual tilling and replanting like other crops, which helps prevent soil erosion and improves soil health. It also improves soil health by capturing nitrogen from the air and fixing it into the soil. It acts as a natural carbon sink, helping reduce environmental impacts. Most importantly, alfalfa is incredibly resilient and can go dormant during drought conditions, allowing farmers to adjust their water use in dry years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality is that every crop requires water, and the choice of what to grow must be based on economic, ecological and practical considerations, not on knee-jerk reactions from those who may not understand agriculture. Agricultural optimization and conservation The Utah Farm Bureau and the Colorado River Authority of Utah are not in opposition to conservation; they are leading it. Utah farmers are implementing water-saving technologies at an unprecedented rate, from drip irrigation to laser-leveling fields to reduce water demand. Many farms are now equipped with advanced soil moisture sensors, ensuring that water is applied only when necessary. In addition, water banking and temporary rotational programs are being explored as ways to balance agricultural production with the need to reduce water consumption. These programs and others allow farmers to temporarily lease water rights for conservation efforts without permanently giving up their ability to farm. This kind of innovative thinking is exactly what is needed to ensure both agricultural sustainability and water security. A balanced future Utahs agricultural sector and water policymakers are not adversaries. They are partners with a shared interest in making the best use of our precious water resources. Rather than vilifying agriculture, lets notice the incredible strides Utahs farmers are making in conservation, efficiency and water stewardship and their relentless commitment to keep improving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next time you drive past a green alfalfa field or see cattle grazing in Utahs valleys, remember that this is part of a larger strategy to keep Utah thriving. The Utah Farm Bureau and the Colorado River Authority of Utah are working together to ensure that our water is managed wisely, our farms remain productive and our states future water and food supplies remain secure. In the end, the question isnt whether Utah should continue farming. The real question is: Can Utah afford not to? ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WKRG) From oceanside picnic setups to sandcastle building lessons, beach businesses are everywhere in Orange Beach. But under a proposed city ordinance, the tides may be turning. The ordinance would prohibit commercial activity on, in or around the beaches, waterways, shorelines or water access points within the citys corporate limits or police jurisdiction, according to a city council meeting agenda. Auburn Tigers arrive in San Antonio ahead of Final Four Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal is leaving business owners like Angel Bennett behind the concierge service, The Beach Moms, scrambling for answers. That definitely caught my attention. I was like, Wait a minute, whats this mean?' Bennett said. The beach is everything to my business. I was shocked, she added. Beach weddings and picnics are a significant part of our revenue, and I live here in Orange Beach. I have for the last 10 years. This is how I make my living. The future is just as murky for Sand Castle University owner Janel Hawkins. I was concerned. Im frustrated. I cleared my schedule for today. This is my plan A, B, C and D, Hawkins said. I want to make sure that I can still do business here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials said their goal is to protect the natural beauty of Orange Beach and ensure the shorelines dont become overcrowded with commercial activity. As the number of citizens and visitors within the City grows, so does the number of requests to operate businesses, including businesses operating from our beaches, shorelines and waterways, an excerpt from the proposed ordinance reads. The City desires to protect our natural resources and maintain the high aesthetic values which current citizens, visitors and business owners expect and enjoy. Allowing the operation of businesses from our beaches, shorelines and waterways would negatively impact the quiet enjoyment of the natural environment, and would create health and safety concerns as these businesses attempt to operate in waters and shorelines already crowded with tourists and residents enjoying the beauty of the area, the ordinance continues. I really, really do want to protect our beaches and do everything in our power to do that, but I want them to know if they are not careful about how they write this, that it would negatively impact many, many businesses, Hawkins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gulf Shores senior beats cancer, commits to play college football at University of North Alabama Both business owners told WKRG News 5 theyre hoping to get clarification soon on how this proposal could impact the future of their business. The Orange Beach City Council is expected to discuss the ordinance at Wednesdays council meeting, but they dont plan on voting on it just yet. The ordinance will be up for further discussion and open to public comments before any final decisions are made in the upcoming weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. ORANGE CITY, Iowa (KCAU) An upcoming exhibit in Siouxland will display the works of artists from three different states. Orange City Arts announced in a release Wednesday that the 2025 Regional Art Exhibition will run from Saturday, April 5 through Saturday, May 3 at the DeWitt Theatre Arts Center in Orange City. Twenty-nine artists from Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota will be represented, with 34 works to be displayed in total. ACME Comics throwing 30th-anniversary celebration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years optional show theme is Stewards of Creation. According to the release, this theme encourages artists to reflect on themes of responsibility, care, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. The show will be free and open to the public. During the closing reception on May 3 at 6:30 p.m., Best in Show and Honorable Mention recipients will be announced and will receive cash prizes. During its run, the exhibit will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has backed his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in rejecting an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). "This court has been degraded to a tool of politics," Orban said in a joint press statement with Netanyahu in Budapest. He added that its biased stance was evident in its decisions regarding Israel. Hungary, he said, would not participate in this. He confirmed that his country was withdrawing from the Rome Statute, the founding document of the ICC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu thanked Orban for the support Israel receives from Hungary. With Hungary's announced withdrawal from the ICC, Orban has shown a "brave and principled stance," said Netanyahu. The ICC issued an international arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza War. Netanyahu rejects the accusations and claims that the international court seeks to challenge Israel's right to self-defence in its fight against the terrorist militia Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Oregon lawmakers are considering more violence prevention training for health care workers. (Photo by Alan Cohen/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Patrick Hennessy, a registered nurse, remembers being attacked by a patient while working at a homeless shelter in Maryland. The shelter was understaffed and he was the only medical provider present. After he declined to provide nutritional supplements to a patient who was not directed to take them, the patient got increasingly aggressive and attacked Hennessy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No matter what I did, he just became angrier and angrier, to the point that he shoved me and I stumbled backwards and hit my back against the door, he said. Hennessys experience is part of a growing trend of violence toward health care workers injuries from workplace violence in hospitals nearly doubled in the last decade and 92% of nurses reported experiencing violence last year in an Oregon Nurses Association survey. After trying and failing to pass a law that criminalized workplace violence last year, lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 537 to fund prevention work in hospitals across the state, include union representatives in safety committees, increase training minimums and mandate health care providers track and report violent incidents to the state. A committee vote on the bill is scheduled for Thursday. Expanding protections Senate Bill 537 would expand existing protections against assault to all cases of workplace violence, including threats of physical violence, harassment, intimidation and verbal abuse. It would also extend protections from only hospitals and ambulatory centers to also home hospice programs and home health agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed, health care employers would have to implement a prevention and response plan that includes procedures for investigating violence and a protocol for victims to access medical care and trauma counseling. They would also have to compile data about each incident and submit yearly reports to the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, including near-miss incidents, to gather information about the root causes of workplace violence in health care. The bill would also create a grant program to fund metal detectors, violence prevention training and other safety measures. Lawmakers have yet to set a specific amount to be allocated for the grants. If passed, health care employees would also have the right to present identification badges with only their first name, to protect their privacy. Most health care associations, including the Oregon Nurses Association and the Oregon Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, support the measure. I personally have called the police for real violence on more than one occasion and received minimal assistance. At no point was a police report written, Craig Rudy, former president of the emergency physicians group, said in written testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hospital Association of Oregon opposes the bill, and a representative testified that it has not had sufficient stakeholder agreement. Getting a lot worse Hennessy, now a nurse at Oregon Health and Science University Hospital in Portland, advocates for the bill as the chair of the Health Policy Cabinet at the Oregon Nurses Association, a group that represents over 15,000 nurses and health care employees statewide. He said the bill resulted from nurses and other health care workers recognizing that workplace violence is untenable and getting worse. Health care is the leading industry where employees have to miss work due to workplace violence, followed by education. In March, a patient was arrested for allegedly knocking a nurse to the ground and punching her repeatedly in Connecticut and another patient allegedly brutally attacked a nurse at Palm Beach County Hospital in Florida. In 2023, a security guard at Legacy Health in Portland was shot to death while protecting a maternity ward from an intruder. Hennessy thinks current prevention efforts are insufficient and there is very little research on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we can really get more information on the problem, then we can actually help prevent it, he said. He also believes that workplace violence in health care may be underreported and professionals often fear retaliation or job loss if they speak out about their experiences. Weve been conditioned to feel like this is just part of the job, that these things happen and you need to be a stronger person and just brush it off, he said. Last year, the Legislature failed to pass a bill that would have made attacking a health care worker a felony. Some advocacy groups, including Disability Rights Oregon and the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, publicly opposed the bill, arguing that it punished those with mental illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 537 exclusively addresses prevention and not punishment, but lawmakers are considering a bill similar to last years to punish violence toward health care workers. Senate Bill 170 passed the Senate unanimously and awaits a hearing in the House. State Rep. Travis Nelson, D-Portland, said he has been working to prevent workplace violence in health care for years, including as chief sponsor of last years violence prevention bill. Senate Bill 537 differs from last years as it addresses the root causes of workplace violence and is not approached as broadly, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) President Donald Trump delivered on his promise to impose new tariffs on foreign countries in a televised announcement Wednesday afternoon, and Pacific Northwest leaders are already pushing back. The tariffs include a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries along with even higher rates on certain countries that have tariffs on goods from the United States a decision Trump referred to as a reciprocal tax. READ MORE: Trump announces sweeping reciprocal tariffs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These higher tariffs include a 34% tax on imports from China, 20% from the European Union, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan and 32% on Taiwan. Trump held a chart with the forthcoming rates during his speech. Congressional leaders in Oregon say these tariffs could have a devastating impact on the U.S. and state economies. Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-6) said the taxes mean working Americans will be footing the bill. Whether youre a winemaker in the Willamette Valley or a busy mom in the Fred Meyer checkout line, working Americans not foreign countries will be footing the bill for President Trumps recklessness, Salinas said. Trumps announcement moved forward without approval from Congress with the use of the 1977 International Emergency Powers Act, which grants the president the authority to regulate economic transactions after declaring a national emergency. Trump declared an emergency earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress must take action to reclaim the power of the purse as outlined in the Constitution, Salinas said. It is the legislative branchs job to set tax and trade policies, not the presidents and we must use every tool at our disposal to protect American workers and families from these disastrous tariffs. Oregon is doling out $11M in unclaimed funds. Heres how to find out if youre owed money Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-5) said the tariffs have the potential to raise consumer prices while crashing the countrys economy and stock market. Our families cant afford to pay more for groceries, gas, repairs to their cars, or any other everyday item, Bynum said. Todays announcement is yet another reckless decision by a reckless Administration that is making it extremely clear they dont give a rats a** about the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Washington state, Sen. Patty Murray said these tariffs could have a devastating impact on the states economy, which she noted is one of the most trade-dependent economies in the country with 40% of jobs that are tied to international commerce. Murray said Washington could also lose key trading partners, namely Canada, on goods for which the state is the top U.S. producer, including apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries. India has already imposed a 20% tariff on apples, causing shipments to reduce by roughly 99%. Hurting everybody: Portland City Council, tenants sound off on proposed AI rent-fixing software ban A full statement from Sen. Murray is available below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps ham-fisted, utterly pointless tariffs are a tax that families in Washington state will pay on nearly everything they buywhether at the grocery store, the car dealership, or your neighborhood coffee shop. We have all the data in the world that tells us exactly how these tariffs will hurt American businesses and push up pricesthats not an opinion, its a fact. Trump and his cabinet are choosing to ignore the mountains of evidence we have that tariffs do not work and push ahead because they simply dont care. They dont care if small businesses have to close their doors, if farmers lose access to markets, or if prices go upbecause it wont affect Trump and his cabinet full of billionaires. Trumps trade war is an especially deep cut to farmers, fishers, and producers in Washington stateIve talked to so many who are absolutely furious that Trump is putting their livelihoods at risk because he cannot seem to grasp the basic fact that they actually rely on international markets to sell their goods. Trump doesnt have a clueand businesses in Washington state are already paying the price for his ignorance. Today I will vote for Senator Kaines resolution to reverse Trumps disastrous tariffs on Washington states largest trading partner, CanadaTrumps trade war has already forced businesses in Washington state who rely on imported materials and business from Canada to lay off employees and close their doors, and is upending supply chains across the Pacific Northwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps refusal to accept basic economic realities or listen to the desperate pleas of American businesses, farmers, and families who cant afford his costly tariffs is risking serious economic catastrophe and pushing our country toward a Republican recession. One local economist added that consumers can get ready for some inflation as a result. The idea is to make foreign goods more expensive so that we, see domestically produced goods become more competitive in the market. And so inherently, that means that, that what we pay or sort of the opportunities for finding lower-priced goods are going to be fewer, said Damon Runberg with Business Oregon. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. NEW YORK (PIX11) Going to college can be very expensive, but now public school students across New York City are getting some needed financial help thanks to a program. There was a huge celebration about the alumnis contributions to that fund near City Hall, as a quarter of a million NYC students have college funds to help make their dreams happen. More Local News PIX11s Monica Morales first met Debra-Ellen Glickstein, the Founding Executive Director of NYC Kids Rise, in February 2021 at the Astoria Houses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, thanks to Glicksteins hard work, what started in one school district has blossomed. The program has grown to more than 280,000 New York City elementary school students with NYC Scholarships, with $42 million accumulated for their futures. The idea is simple but revolutionary. Every kid gets an initial $100, and then families can take some additional steps to earn additional rewards into the scholarship account. Superintendent Jennifer Joynt of Community School District 8 says the program is a game changer. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Last year, NYC public elementary school alumni started a new special effort called the NYC Public School Alumni Community Scholarship to help raise money for students currently attending their school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are already nearly 100 Alumni who have led campaigns and sent messages of support to students, and as a result, nearly 6,000 third graders across 79 school communities will be receiving a NYC Public School Alumni Community Scholarship. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A nonprofit group is suing Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), and controversial social media influencer Chaya Raichik, accusing them of violating Oklahomas Open Records Act and Open Meeting Act. The Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice filed the lawsuit in Oklahoma County on Tuesday after the center says OSDE ignored its requests for public records related to Raichiks appointment to an OSDE advisory. Walters created the board in January 2020, he said, to review content in books available in public school libraries. It was January 2024 when Walters began the months State Board of Education, announcing he had chosen Chaya Raichik, the New York woman behind a controversial Twitter account called Libs of TikTok, to serve on the new advisory board. OSBE meeting postponed last second after almost breaking the law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do have a video message I want to play for everyone, Walters said to begin the meeting. This is a special message from our newly appointed member of our advisory council, Chaya Raichik. We are going to take back our schools, Raichik said in a video Walters played. Her appointment was part of Walters crusade against so-called pornography he claimed had been plaguing school libraries in the state. Were gonna remove pornography and inappropriate material and liberal indoctrination from schools, Chaya Raichik said. [Raichik] been very helpful to us, Ryan Walters later said in January 2024. That announcement did not sit right with a large number of people, who argued Walters had never shown any evidence to validate his claims of porn being available in Oklahoma school libraries, and Raichik posed a danger to Oklahoma schools. Protect our kids! a woman shouted during the January 2024 meeting. On her social media, Raichik has gained millions of followers by reposting TikTok content, often from teachers, while making her own far-right commentary on it. In 2023, she posted about a Union Public Schools librarian. Walters shared the post while commenting, Woke ideology is real and I am here to stop it! After that, Union Public Schools campuses received a slew of bomb threats. You can associate her platform, Libs of TikTok, with 225 bombing threats across the United States, then-Oklahoma State Rep. Mark McBride told News 4 in January 2024. My kid better not get a bomb threat at their school because of this! another woman shouted at the Jan. 2024 meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supt. Walters settles ethics complaint, still faces separate investigation It was really confusing to all Oklahoma advocates that work in education because she doesnt have anything to do with education or books or anything like that, said Coleen McCarty, an attorney with the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. [Raichik] refers to herself as a stochastic terrorist essentially someone who terrorizes other people intentionally on an intellectual basis. The people that follow her account call in bomb threats on the person. They, they stalk that person, they dox that person. Its intentionally cruel and intentionally supposed to quell peoples speech about their beliefs or about things that they disagree with. McCarty wanted to know more about how Walters came to his decision to add Raichik to that library committee. We put in some Open Records Act requests to find out why she was added to it, who else is on the advisory council, what meetings they have had, and what decisions they have made, McCarty said. That was more than a year ago. OSDE sent her group a confirmation email letting them know the request had been received. But beyond that. Weve never gotten any responses, Coleen McCarty said. They still do not have any of the records they requested. Their months-long wait has raised eyebrows for former assistant Oklahoma Attorney General Tim Gilpin. The Open Records Act here in Oklahoma requires a reasonable time to respond, Tim Gilpin said. It expects the government official to use expedited and normal means to respond in a timely fashion. He says at this point, theres really only one course of action to take. Typically, that the individual or the entity seeking the records goes to the courts and essentially argues that theyre not responding, said Tim Gilpin. Thats why Oklahoma Appleseed filed that lawsuit against Walters, Raichik, and OSDE in Oklahoma County District Court on Tuesday. Weve alleged both open records and open meetings, act violations, McCarty said. This is not a party issue. This is a government transparency issue. We felt like Oklahomans deserve to know why something this sort of bombastic would be a part of our state governments decision-making processes. News 4 reached out to OSDE with several questions for Walters. Walters did not answer them, but instead, he issued a statement calling the lawsuit politically motivated and saying, in part, OSDE remains committed to transparency and compliance with all legal requirements. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. ISTANBUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed on Thursday when a boat carrying illegal migrants capsized on the Aegean Sea off the coast of Canakkale province in northwestern Turkiye, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The Coast Guard North Aegean Group Command was notified about the sinking of the rubber boat near Ayvacik district, the agency said. Upon arriving at the scene, rescue teams saved 25 people and transferred them to hospitals in the Balikesir and Canakkale provinces, Anadolu reported, adding that search efforts are ongoing for potential missing individuals. According to the latest statistics published on the Coast Guard Command's website, 13 migrants have died in Turkiye's waters this year, while 4,880 migrants were intercepted, and 101 people who had engaged in human trafficking were arrested. The Aegean Sea has long been a key route for migrants attempting to reach Europe via Turkiye. As one of the world's leading destinations for refugees, Turkiye currently hosts over 4 million migrants, the majority of whom are Syrians, the Presidential Directorate of Communications said. OTLEY, Iowa One resident has expressed concerns about management and safety following a co-op fire in Otley that burned a fertilizer building. On Monday, a fire broke out at a fertilizer building at the Two Rivers co-op in Otley. The fire smoldered for hours, possibly releasing several dangerous toxins into the air. A voluntary evacuation order was issued on Tuesday, with several families choosing to stay in hotels. Most of my neighbors, all thought this was safe. Having knowledge of farm chemicals, I knew that was untrue, said Patty Van Haaften. My son, who even though hes an adult, is asthmatic. Im like, we are not staying here. Were going to get a hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday, Two Rivers crews were able to put out the smoke and then covered the fertilizer building in lime hoping to preserve what was left. Shortly after, Marion County Emergency Management set up air quality tests to determine if it was safe for residents to return to the area. Griff II on a mission to feed central Iowa pets Van Haaften says handling the fire and figuring out what to do has been made more difficult due to lack of communication by Marion County Emergency Management. Twenty-four hours later before we were told, oh, maybe we should evacuate. So, that was Tuesday. No conversation, no information. Whats happening? When is it safe? Today, more than 24-hours before your next notice from emergency management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marion Emergency Management sent a crew to Van Haaftens home Wednesday for a sulfur oxide air quality search. Van Haaften says even with the results of the air quality test, she has concerns about returning home. I dont know if my house is safe. This also does not tell me if my animals are safe, if my dog can be out. This isnt just somebody spreading too much, you know, fertilizer somewhere. This is a long-term effect. This was in the wind. This is smoke. This is not one thing. Marion County Emergency Services expects to release the results of the tests Thursday morning. Anyone with concerns about air quality or home safety should contact Marion County Emergency Management at (641) 828-2256, extension 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two otters escaped from a Green Bay, Wisconsin, zoo for nearly two weeks, and residents have been keeping an eye out for them. Luckily, one of the otters, Ophelia, was found on March 28th, though the search continues for the second otter. ABC News reported on Wednesday, April 2nd that Ophelia had been found, and fans of the zoo found the news bittersweet. The otter had been spotted and was "safely secured by a trap" before being returned to the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park in Suamico, Wisconsin. She received a comprehensive veterinary exam on Monday, and the zoo shared that she is "in perfect health," though napping more than usual. ABC News reported, "Despite the joyous news of Ophelia's return, the zoo said the search continues for her partner-in-crime, Louie." The zoo remains hopeful that the otter will be found, "This is otter breeding season and we expect that, as a male otter, Louie is likely ranging a bit further from home than Ophelia did, but it's still likely that he's not all that far away." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The zoo also added that otters are "territorial and prefer to stay close to what's comfortable and known to them." Good news about the missing otter. Related: 2 Otters Bust Out of Green Bay Zoo During Winter Storm Like Escape Convicts Commenters Reaction to Ophilia the Otter's Safe Return to the Zoo Commenters were both relieved that Ophelia was back home safe and sound and concerned about Louie's whereabouts. @Nidhi Singh shared, "The community likely feels a mix of joy for Ophelia's safe return and concern for the other otter. The zoo will provide updates to keep everyone informed about the search efforts. Another commenter was glad to hear that Louie was still on the lam, "Probably living his best life." @Rhonda Jean agreed, "I hope Louie finds a new girlfriend and freedom!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @Tameka Elliot was skeptical, "They escaped, and no one has seen them anywhere around? They are river otters and escaped on land?" River otters make their homes near lakes, rivers, swamps, and estuaries. He could be anywhere! Louie is quite capable of living in and around icy water and snow; his thick fur helps him thrive in freezing cold environments. Otters also have a second layer of fur that allows them to maintain a layer of warm air close to their bodies. In short, it acts as a natural winter coat. I'm concerned that Louie's used to being fed and may not know how to hunt for himself. I hope the zoo finds Louie safe and sound soon and that he enjoys his big adventure. OVID, N.Y. (WSYR) After watching apartments and businesses succumb to the flames of a devastating fire on Jan. 21, the Ovid community continues to rally together on the long road to recovery. On that frigid, fateful night, the fire started in an apartment above the Big M Supermarket and raged for hours, destroying several homes and beloved businesses downtown. It just kept going and going and we couldnt gain access to it and we couldnt slow it down and then all the challenges that we had that we struggled to overcometo see the whole block go like that was just devastatingdevastating to everyone in the community, Fire Chief Timothy Westlake said. More than two months later, the fire department continues to see an overwhelming response from surrounding communities. On Tuesday, the Ovid Fire Department accepted a $10,000 donation from NextEra Energy to go towards the department and the Ovid Fire Relief Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just an honor to be able to give a donation of any size to help the people rebuild the town, Alex Wallace, a developer for NextEra Energy, said. The department hopes the funds will help the town on its journey to rebuild essential businesses, like the communitys only grocery store. People are finding ways to still make it happen, but when you lose something like thatthe majority of this community walked to the grocery store, and now there is no grocery store to walk to, Chief Westlake said. Theyre having to travel outside of the area to get their normal daily goods! Clean-up for the remaining debris is scheduled to begin mid-April, according to Chief Westlake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once we get to the point where that clean up is done and we get the thumbs up that things can move forwardthats when youre going to see the turn, he said. Until then, Chief Westlake said the community continues to express its appreciation for the ongoing support of friends across New York State. Its a very strong community, and its not just our community. Its people from outside our community that want to see this community recover, he said. The Ovid Fire Department continues to accept donations and support. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Many small business owners are filled with anxiety as President Donald Trump announced a slew of new tariffs on foreign imports. Terror is what was really going through our head for the past few weeks and trying to get a grasp on it, what does it mean? Is there any way to stock up or pre-buy or reserve, said Diane Gross, owner of Cork Wine Bar and Market, who was waiting on the policy announcement Wednesday afternoon. Later that dayon what the president deemed Liberation DayTrump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on foreign products. The plan includes a baseline 10% tariff on all foreign goods, with higher rates set for certain countries, including a 20% tariff on goods imported from the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reciprocal, they do it to us, we do it to them, said Trump. He also announced a 25% tariff on all foreign automobiles and auto parts. DC Council advances changes to Emergency Rental Assistance Program Though lower than the threatened 200% tariff on European wine and spirits, Gross said itll still have an impact. Its really this up and down of uncertainty which really puts small businesses in jeopardy, she said. Gross and her husband, Khalid Pitts, have been operating their wine bar for nearly 18 years and specialize in selling European wine. One of the things we built a reputation on is having high-quality wine at value prices, said Pitts, who explained any tariff, regardless of the amount, will drive up prices. A tariff is a tax. Its an increased cost for that good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic lawmakers have criticized the tariffs, claiming they will lead to a trade war and increased costs for middle-class America. The term Liberation Day really does strike me as so hypocritical. I dont know who is being liberated, said Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). I havent seen how middle-class families will benefit from any of the policies of this administration. In response, Alsobrooks introduced the Tariff Transparency Act, which aims to get more information on the impact of the presidents trade policies. What were asking is the International Trade Administration to give us the facts. To tell us the impact of these tariffs on every part of our society, she said. We want businesses to know what the impact will be to them and to consumers. We know many of the taxes will be passed off to the consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A Pamplico man is in the Florence County jail after deputies said he shot an intimate partner in the neck during a domestic dispute inside a vehicle on Wednesday. Danny Deon Person, 37, is charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The shooting happened inside a vehicle while it was stopped on North Schlitz Drive, according to the Florence County Sheriffs Office. Deputies were initially told the shooting was an accident and that it was self-inflicted, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival, Investigators determined that the victim driver of the vehicle had been shot by an intimate partner, who was a passenger in the vehicle, the news release said. Investigators allege that Danny Deon Person shot the victim in the neck during a domestic dispute while the vehicle was stopped. The driver was taken to an area hospital, but no information was available about their condition. Person is being held at the Florence County Detention Center while pending a bond hearing. * * * 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. UPDATE: State Route 37 has been re-opened as of just after 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon. TOWN OF PAMELIA, N.Y. (WWTI) A downed electrical pole has caused State Route 37 to be closed in both directions. State Route 37 is closed in both directions at County Route 16 due to a downed pole. According to the 511NY.org website, the pole was first reported to be down just before 6 a.m. Thursday. A check of the National Grid outage map shows a total of around 265 people the general area are without power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC50 will provide updates as soon as we get new 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 WWTI - InformNNY.com. Passengers on an American Airlines regional jet scrambled onto the plane's wing during an evacuation after smoke was seen in the cabin. A video taken by Sean OConor, a passenger on the flight, who had just evacuated the CRJ-900 aircraft showed passengers leaving the plane via the emergency exit doors and stepping out onto the plane wing after landing in Augusta, Georgia on Tuesday. People could be seen hopping off the wing onto the tarmac, with some passengers and crew helping others down. One passenger was seen leaving the plane with a dog in his arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The camera panned to the front of the jet, where the captain was standing at the top of the built-in stairs, which deploy from the door, talking to someone in a high-vis jacket. A crowd of people who appeared to have already evacuated were standing far away from the jet. Heres our flight into Augusta and weve evacuated and climbed out onto the wing, Mr OConor can be heard saying in the video. Smelled like the brakes were burning or something, the cabin was filled with smoke. Looks like everybodys safe, and, uh, welcome to Augusta. The American Airlines brand American Eagle flight 5406, operated by PSA Airlines, departed Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina for a 55-minute flight on Tuesday, 1 April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, shortly after landing at Augusta Regional Airport in Georgia at around 9.50am, the plane was evacuated. American Airlines said the plane experienced a "maintenance issue after landing safely in Augusta. All passengers deplaned and were escorted to the airport terminal, the airline said in a statement. The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we apologize for the inconvenience. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it was investigating the incident. No injuries were reported. The incident comes three weeks after another American Airlines flight had to evacuate its passengers via the wing after clouds of smoke surrounded the aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight from Colorado to Dallas had to divert mid-journey to Denver, landing safely after the crew reported engine vibrations. While taxiing to the gate, an engine on the Boeing 737-800 caught fire, the FAA said. After the 172 passengers and six crew members were evacuated, 12 people were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Donald Trumps unconstitutional assault on the biggest law firms has roiled the entire legal industry. The news from just Wednesday has one more big firm, Milbank, caving to Trumps nasty leverage campaign, and ferocious criticism from law school deans, bar associations, and lawyers from the capitulating law firms, some of whom have quit in protest. The turmoil is completely predictable, and it will continue. Trumps attacks have forced firms to make the most pitched decisions between raw profit and the broader ideals of the legal profession that all lawyers have been exhorted to honor since their first year in law school. And the high-profile surrenders of now four of the countrys most profitable firms lay bare their true priorities. Conversely, the decisions to fight back by three prominent firmsPerkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and WilmerHalealong with the public call to arms by Keker, Van Nest & Peters, led by legendary trial lawyer John Keker, stand as testaments to courage and principle under pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terms of surrender for the various capitulating firms varied somewhat, but in general they agreed to pony up from $40 to $100 million in pro bono legal services supporting Trump-favored causes, and to alter or discontinue their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. And the price has been rising. All of which delights our tyrant-in-chief, who gloated that the firmswhich have been chosen for reasons having to do with Trumps endless campaign of reprisal against perceived opponentsare all bending and saying, Sir, thank you very much. Where do I sign? Notably, the firms that waved the white flag are among the most profitable in the country, better-heeled than all of the ones that dug in. They take in from about $4 million to $7.5 million per partner per year, with individual big rainmaker partners reportedly making up to $100 million. Its another bitter lesson in the greater vulnerability to Trumps pressure on the part of the institutions that have ample financial wherewithal to resist. Thats the same dynamic that led to the knee-buckling of the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and CBS and now has begun to be in play in the richest and most prestigious private universities, beginning with Columbia, which recently acceded to Trumps demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was Paul, Weisss surrender, personally negotiated at the Oval Office by firm chair Brad Karp, that set the crisis, and obloquy within the profession, in motion. It was in some ways the most craven because had the firm held the line, it would have made it that much harder for Trump to bring the others to their knees. And once they caved, that made it far easier for others to follow suit: It enabled Trump to divide and conquer. The next big firm to yield was Skadden, Arps. Jeremy London, Skaddens executive partner, wrote a convoluted email to the lawyers in the firm attempting to justify the decision. He explained that when the firm got wind of Trumps intent to issue an executive order targeting Skadden over its pro bono work and DEI initiatives, we were thoughtful and deliberate in determining the steps we might take. As we considered our options, we were guided by our determination to uphold the significant commitments and responsibilities we have to our clients, our people, and to the broader communities and society we serve. Defending the decision to play ball, London then wrote, We entered into the agreement the president announced today because, when faced with the alternatives, it became clear that it was the best path to protect our clients, our people, and our firm. Notice a missing element? Londons justification omitted any mention of the broader communities and society we serve. Thats no surprise, because it was precisely those broader interests that Skadden sold out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of this has been lost on Skaddens attorneys, several of whom have left the firm in protest. Announcing her departure on LinkedIn, Brenna Trout Frey laid into Londons email, which she disparaged as an attempt to convince some of the best minds in the legal profession that he did us a solid by capitulating to the Trump administrations demands for fealty and protection money. Most recently, Thomas Sipp, 27, quit the firm. His goodbye email to his colleagues said, Skadden is on the wrong side of history. I could no longer stay knowing that someday I would have to explain why I stayed. That perspectivethe day that we have to hope will come, and work for, when Trumps authoritarian project has been defeatedis whats completely lost on the capitulating firms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, they are basically betting on Trumps success in smothering the legal system as we know it. Thats the operating condition that will make their spineless wager pay off. Thats not to say that the firms that are standing up for the rule of law will necessarily come out ahead. One of the most vicious aspects of Trumps assault on civil society (as well as sectors of the federal workforce) is that it will impose great costs on the objects of his petty vengeance, however things turn out. Thus, Perkins Coie, the first firm to fight back in court, is almost certain to prevail. The judge hearing the case already opined that Trumps protection-money demand sends little chills down my spine. She added, I am sure that many in the profession are watching in horror at what Perkins Coie is going through. But while the firm is likely to win in court, that wont remove the scarlet letter Trump has planted on its forehead. Large clients are still likely to pause before retaining them for any matter involving the government, knowing of Trumps animus. Trumps enmity100 percent undeserved and unrelated to any vaguely legitimate governmental purposeimposes an existential crisis on the firm, notwithstanding its patent illegality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that just underscores Perkinssand Jenners and Wilmersguts and dedication to principle. They are making the financial sacrifice that richer firms are petrified to make, and giving meaning to the chestnuts about the rule of law and dedication to the Constitution that the Paul, Weisses of the world recite but abandon when the pressure is on. The legal industry is imperiled by a collective action problem. As John Keker, imploring law firms nationwide to stand with the firms and lawyers who resist Trumps lawless assaults, wrote, If we stand together and fight, we will win. But each fat-cat firm that caves in response to Trumps demands makes the next capitulation that much easier, and puts the whole industry more firmly under Trumps thumb. And to the extent our democracy depends on a functional legal industry, that afflicts us all. Former Vice President Mike Pence will receive the 2025 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his role in certifying the 2020 presidential election despite facing grave personal and political risk. The JFK Library Foundation, which presents the honor each year, announced Thursday the 2025 award will go to Pence for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on January 6, 2021. Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg the late presidents daughter and grandson, respectively will present Pence with the award at the JFK Library and Museum in Boston on May 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy and Schlossberg, who both sit on the bipartisan committee that selects the awards recipients, issued a joint statement praising Pence for putting country first, and not backing down. Despite our political differences, it is hard to imagine an act of greater consequence than Vice President Pences decision to certify the 2020 presidential election during an attack on the U.S. Capitol, they wrote in the statement. Upholding his oath to the Constitution and following his conscience, the Vice President put his life, career, and political future on the line. His decision is an example of President Kennedys belief that an act of political courage can change the course of history, they added. In the aftermath of President Trumps 2020 election loss, Pence faced pressure to use his ceremonial role in counting the certified electoral votes as vice president to overturn the results of the election. Pence refused, noting he did not have the authority to do so, and he was targeted by Trump supporters, some of whom built a makeshift gallows at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and called for his hanging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pence said in a statement he is honored to receive the award. I am deeply humbled and honored to be the recipient of the Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, Pence said in a statement. I have been inspired by the life and words of President John F. Kennedy since my youth and am honored to join the company of so many distinguished Americans who have received this recognition in the past. The award has been granted in recent years to public figures including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), former Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams (S), South Carolina state senators, and leaders of South Korea and Japan, among others. The award is named for the late presidents 1957 Pulitzer-Prize winning book, Profiles in Courage, which highlights eight senators who risked their careers, incurring the wrath of constituents or powerful interest groups, by taking principled stands for unpopular positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Vice President Mike Pence will receive the 2025 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for certifying the 2020 election results, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation announced Thursday. Pence presided over the certification of Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 election, even as Donald Trump pressured him to overturn the results while the presidents supporters waged an angry attack on the U.S. Capitol. In a statement announcing the foundations decision to present Pence with the award, Caroline Kennedy the daughter of the former president and Jack Schlossberg Caroline Kennedys son wrote that Pences decision on Jan. 6, 2020, was an example of President Kennedys belief that an act of political courage can change the course of history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy and Schlossberg are set to present Pence with the award on May 4 at the Kennedy Library in Boston. Despite our political differences, it is hard to imagine an act of greater consequence than Vice President Pences decision to certify the 2020 presidential election during an attack on the U.S. Capitol, they wrote. Upholding his oath to the Constitution and following his conscience, the Vice President put his life, career, and political future on the line. Pence in the same release said that he was deeply humbled and honored to receive the award. The statement from the two Kennedy descendants also pointedly noted political courage is not outdated in the United States, at a time when Trump continues wielding the power of his office to pressure entities from academic institutions to foreign governments into bending to his will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundation has presented the Profile in Courage award annually since 1989 to public servants who have made courageous decisions of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences. Last years recipient was Republican Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, who was awarded for expanding voting rights and standing up for free and fair elections despite party opposition. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (WHTM) Two Pennsylvania FedEx workers and seven co-conspirators were arrested after the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office said they stopped an organized crime group stealing cell phones. The alleged ringleaders Lahneir McBride and Cahron Wilmore, both 25 and employees of FedEx since last summer are charged with felony counts of corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, criminal solicitation, and related offenses. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Seven other individuals who allegedly sold the stolen phones on numerous occasions are charged with similar offenses. According to Attorney General Dave Sunday, McBride and Wilmore allegedly stole at least 181 phones worth approximately $173,000 and recruited people to see them at EcoATM stations. Post Malone stops by Lancaster County pizza shop Sales of the phones netted $57,000 in profit, and the alleged sellers were paid about $200-300 per phone. The alleged theft ring ran from late June through September 2024. Our Organized Crime Unit continues to disband sophisticated rings that defraud unsuspecting consumers and cause market price increases due to losses sustained by companies, Attorney General Dave Sunday said. This criminal enterprise involved thefts of high-priced smartphones and the recruitment of dozens of sellers, who executed the transactions while the two ringleaders watched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do not answer calls from these area codes The seven charged co-conspirators are: Latoria McBride (Lahneirs mother), Albert Payne, Lamiyah Young, Janiya Monae Wilmore, Ciani Wilmore, Danasia Jackson, and Lamarr Taylor. This case will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney Generals Organized Crime Section. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The News The Pentagons Inspector General office has opened an investigation into US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over his use of a commercial messaging app to share sensitive information about American military strikes on Houthi militants in Yemen. Hegseths use of Signal to communicate with senior Trump officials about the attack emerged after the editor of The Atlantic was added to the group chat. The investigation will evaluate whether Hegseth complied with the Pentagons classification requirements. Hegseth has repeatedly said the information he shared was not classified. The probe comes after three National Security Council officials were reportedly fired Thursday; the Trump administration has come under significant pressure, including from Republicans, to account for the Signal debacle, which many analysts and military experts have said represents a serious national security lapse. The Defense Departments (DOD) internal watchdog is investigating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths use of the messaging app Signal to discuss highly sensitive military information, according to a newly released memo. The probe, launched by acting inspector general Steven Stebbins, will look at whether Hegseth complied with DOD policies when he used a group chat to discuss details of a strike against Houthi militants in Yemen last month. In addition to other Trump administration officials, the group accidentally included a prominent journalist. In a letter to Hegseth, Stebbins said he will also review whether Hegseth violated any rules regarding classified information. Critics have alleged the details he shared included classified material, which Hegseth denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stebbins also indicated that Hegseth will likely have to turn over materials for the IG to review. The watchdog opened the probe after a request from leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who became concerned after the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic reported last month that he had been invited to the Signal group chat where Hegseth relayed sensitive details regarding strikes against the Houthis, including the timing of the attack and what types of aircraft and weapons would be used. After Sec. Hegseth jeopardized national security in the group chat, Trump [White House] tried to declare case closed. I worked on bipartisan basis to ensure an independent investigation. Today, case opened, committee ranking member Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) posted to the social media platform X after news of the watchdog case broke. The administration has acknowledged the chat was legitimate, but has pushed back at assertions the information was classified. Hegseth, who shared the information with the group which included the Vice President Vance and national security advisor Michael Waltz, has staunchly denied any classified information was shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the IG investigation, President Trump told journalists on Thursday: Dont bring that up again. Its such a wasted story. Stebbins previously served as the Pentagons deputy inspector general, but took the lead role after Trump fired Robert Storch in a purge of more than a dozen inspectors general across the federal government when he first took office. He said that the IG evaluation will take place both in Washington, D.C., and at U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Fla. Updated at 5:26 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The acting Inspector General of the Defense Department will review Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths use of Signal in a group chat with other key national security officials to discuss military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen last month, the IGs office announced on Thursday. In a letter to Hegseth, Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins wrote that the objective of the IGs evaluation is to determine whether Hegseth and other Pentagon personnel complied with DoD policies and procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business. The probe will also examine whether Hegseth complied with classification and records retention requirements, the letter says. The review will take place both in Washington, DC and at US Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida, it adds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee requested that Stebbins conduct a review after The Atlantic magazine reported last month that Hegseth and other senior national security officials used the messaging app Signal to discuss military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. The information Hegseth disclosed in the Signal chat, including the exact timing of strikes against the Houthis and the kinds of aircraft and weapons systems that would be used, was highly classified at the time he wrote it, CNN has reported. Hegseth shared the information with the group, which included the vice president and the national security adviser, 30 minutes before the operation began, the texts released by The Atlantic showed. Top US officials have said the information shared in the text messages was not classified, and Hegseths spokesperson Sean Parnell also denied that any classified information was shared. These additional Signal chat messages confirm there were no classified materials or war plans shared, Parnell said last week. The Secretary was merely updating the group on a plan that was underway and had already been briefed through official channels. The American people see through the Atlantics pathetic attempts to distract from President Trumps national security agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the investigation, Stebbins indicated that Hegseth will likely have to turn over materials for the IG to review. Stebbins, who previously served as the Pentagons deputy inspector general, was appointed acting IG after Trump fired Robert Storch, who was fired by Trump along with more than a dozen other inspectors general at federal agencies in the first few weeks of the Trump administration. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com An American danger tourist who models himself on Tintin faces up to five years in prison after illegally sailing to a remote island and leaving a can of Coke for the worlds most dangerous and isolated tribe. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, from North Goldwater, Arizona, tried to make contact with the reclusive indigenous inhabitants of North Sentinel Island, part of an Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, which is off limits to visitors to protect the islanders way of life. Indian police said Mr Polyakov travelled to the island in the early hours of Saturday morning using a makeshift craft to cross a 25-mile strait from Kurma Dera beach on South Andaman Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is it. The last uncontracted tribe. The last mystery. If they see me, will they attack? Or will they accept me? his Go-Pro camera microphone recorded him whispering as he approached the forbidden island. Indian police said Mr Polyakov crossed a 25-mile strait from Kurma Dera beach on South Andaman Island After landing, he briefly stepped out of the boat, left a can of Coca-Cola and a coconut as offerings, collected some sand samples, and then departed. He returned to Kurma Dera Beach at 7pm, where fishermen spotted him and alerted the police. He was arrested and remains in custody. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, director general of Andaman and Nicobar Police, said.If found guilty, he may face three to five years in prison for breaching the law that prohibits unauthorised entry into the areas inhabited by protected tribes of North Sentinel Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was not Mr Polyakovs first attempt to reach the Sentinelese, a pre-Neolithic people who have rebuffed all contact with the outside world, shooting arrows at passing helicopters and killing those landing ashore. The Sentinelese, a pre-Neolithic people, have rebuffed all contact with the modern world In October 2024, he prepared a reconnaissance mission using an inflatable kayak but was stopped by hotel staff before he could launch. In the same month, he posted a cryptic image on his YouTube channel captioned A little Columbus Day teaser for the fans. The image, a cartoon in the style of The Adventures of Tintin, showed a boy with a dog aboard a motorboat approaching an island resembling the one home to the Sentinelese. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Polyakovs YouTube channel, called Neo-Orientalist, revealed other risky adventures including exploring an abandoned US military base in Afghanistan. In another video taken during a three-week road trip in the Taliban-controlled country, he is seen brandishing an assault rifle alongside Islamist militants. In January, he returned to the Andaman archipelago, staying in the city of Port Blair while attempting to procure an outboard motor for a boat to make the illicit crossing. Around this time, he visited Baratang Island, where he illegally filmed the semi-nomadic Jarawa tribe before departing on January 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, he returned to Port Blair. After fitting the motor to his boat at a workshop, he purchased fuel and checked into the Andaman Sunset View Resort. Over the following days, he meticulously studied sea conditions, tides and landing sites for the journey. On March 29, he launched his boat under the cover of darkness, carrying the coconut and Coca-Cola can he intended to give to the islands inhabitants. After nine hours at sea, he reached its northeastern shore. Using binoculars, he scanned the area but saw no signs of life. He then filmed himself wading onto the beach and placing his offerings on the sand. Authorities said Mr Polyakovs journey was meticulously planned The video, later recovered by police, captures him exclaiming: I have landed here. I am a solo traveller. No one has landed here before. This is anti-climactic. No one has done this before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He remained offshore for an hour blowing a whistle in an attempt to attract attention, but received no response. After three hours, he began his return journey, reaching Kurma Dera beach by 7pm where he was spotted by fishermen. Authorities said he used GPS to navigate seas around the island, they said. After his arrest on March 31, authorities confiscated Mr Polyakovs passport, mobile phone and Go-Pro camera. The unauthorised entry into the North Sentinel Island is not just a breach of Indian law, but a serious threat to the safety of the both Sentinelese and the individuals involved, Mr Dhaliwal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any unlawful attempt to enter restricted tribal areas will be met with strict legal consequences, he added. Mr Polyakov told police that he was drawn to the island due to his passion for adventure and his desire to undertake extreme challenges, as well as by the allure of the mysterious Sentinelese. 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. Bologna book fair offers global platform for Chinese literature for young readers Xinhua) 08:46, April 03, 2025 Exhibitors talk at the Chinese exhibition area during the 62nd Bologna International Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, April 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) A Chinese delegation is participating in the event under the theme "Reading China." BOLOGNA, Italy, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The 62nd Bologna International Children's Book Fair opened on Monday in the Italian city of Bologna, with China hosting a series of events to promote its literature for young readers on the global stage. A delegation of more than 40 Chinese publishing houses, led by the China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Corporation (CNPIEC), is participating under the theme "Reading China." The delegation has brought over 2,500 titles, including more than 1,100 foreign-language editions, and is organizing a range of cultural exchange activities to showcase the creativity and international reach of Chinese children's publishing. People read books at the Chinese exhibition area during the 62nd Bologna International Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, April 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) For the first time, the Chinese delegation has also set up a "Comprehensive Exhibition Area" at BolognaBookPlus, the professional summit and exhibition held alongside the fair. This section, connected to the children's book area, features a broad selection of publications spanning politics, economics, culture, philosophy, social sciences, natural sciences, literature, and geography. Also on display are works by emerging Chinese illustrators, many inspired by traditional cultural motifs. The initiative is aimed at expanding copyright cooperation and fostering academic and cultural exchange between China and the international community. People read books at the Chinese exhibition area during the 62nd Bologna International Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, March 31, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bologna Children's Book Fair Director Elena Pasoli highlighted the significance of the Chinese exhibition area, calling it a vital part of the fair. She noted that children's books offer a powerful way for the world to better understand China's traditional culture. Recognized as one of the world's largest and most influential children's book fairs, this year's edition has drawn more than 1,500 exhibitors from over 90 countries and regions. The fair is expected to welcome more than 20,000 visitors. People look at the works of Chinese illustrators during the 62nd Bologna International Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, April 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) By Akbar Novruz During a trial at the Baku Military Court on April 3, David Ishkhanyan, a defendant in the ongoing case related to war crimes committed during the First Garabagh War, testified about his involvement in military operations against Azerbaijani forces. Ishkhanyan, responding to questions from state prosecutors, confirmed that he was subordinate to Monte Melkonyan, a key Armenian military commander, during the war. He admitted to fighting against Azerbaijani soldiers in multiple regions, including Agdere, Khojavend, Kalbajar, and Agdam. There were 8 battalions in Khojavend, and I was the commander of one of them. Eight battalions were subordinate to the defense line of the region, whose leader was Monte Melkonyan, and the commander of the army was Samvel Babayan, Ishkhanyan said in court. The trial is part of broader proceedings against Armenian citizens accused of committing crimes during the war, including war crimes, genocide, and violations of international law. The accused individuals face charges related to the preparation and conduct of a war of aggression, terrorism, and other serious offenses. The case continues as Azerbaijan seeks accountability for those responsible for military aggression against its citizens. OTTAWA, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that Canada will fight U.S. tariffs with countermeasures. The prime minister promised to act with purpose and force to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's auto tariffs and bring in support for impacted workers. "In a crisis, it's important to come together and it's essential to act with purpose and with force," Carney said, adding that Canada's strategic sectors, like pharmaceuticals, lumber and semiconductors, are facing the U.S. potential threat. Carney said that he will speak with provincial and territorial premiers Thursday morning and detailed countermeasures are expected to be announced then. Canada escaped Trump's reciprocal global tariffs, but a 25 percent tariff on foreign-made cars and light trucks will come into effect at midnight. Duties on several Canadian goods, including non-compliant CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) products, aluminum and steel, remain in place. Dan Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said on the social platform X that U.S. tariffs on Canada are "as clear as mud." "I can't believe the whole world is trying to learn where their economies are headed by straining to see a stupid chart held by the President," Kelly said. According to a new survey by his organization, the widespread business disruption caused by U.S.-Canada tariffs is leading Canadian small business owners to shift their suppliers and investments to domestic and international markets other than the United States. The survey found that a third of business owners have already shifted to suppliers or markets within Canada, 27 percent plan to increase their investment in Canada, and the other third intend to reduce efforts in the United States over the next six months. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association and a member of the Prime Minister's Council on Canada-U.S. Relations, said the auto tariff package will shut down the auto sector in the United States and Canada. "Canadians sighing with relief for not being on this list should remember we still have border tariffs of 25 percent, auto tariffs of 25 percent and steel and aluminum tariffs of 25 percent. Like dodging a bullet into the path of a tank," Volpe said on his X account. Drew Dilkens, mayor of Windsor, the auto capital of Canada in the province of Ontario, said that with thousands and thousands of jobs at stake, he's worried about how hard his city could be hit. "It could be catastrophic," said Dilkens in an interview with local media. "The economic fallout will stretch far beyond Windsor. It would ripple all the way through Ontario. It would ripple all the way through Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky." Calling Trump "an arsonist," Canada's New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh was quoted by local media as saying that the U.S. president is "setting fire to the economy, his own economy, and ours as well." RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) A family is looking for answers after their loved one was struck and killed along Interstate 40 in Raleigh while changing a tire. Jose Vasquez was working on his car on the shoulder of the highway early Monday morning when Raleigh police say he was struck and killed. My husband was an angel, his wife, Yoelissa, said. My daughters are not going to have anyone to call dad anymore, she said emotionally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous story: Man killed after hit by car while changing tire on I-40 in Raleigh, police say Early Monday morning, Vasquez was on his way to work in Durham when he pulled over to change a tire. While working on his car, RPD says an unknown driver struck and killed him before driving off. We have a family, we need answers, Joses brother, Marco, said. Who killed my brother? Now his family is desperately looking for justice. We just cant perceive that he was just left on the side of the road like an animal, said Rosanna Vasquez, Joses sister-in-law who has been a mother figure for him. The family says Jose was a great father of two young daughters, as well as loving husband. The family moved to North Carolina in 2023 in search for a better life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was someone who broke many barriers moving here. Theyre all from New York. He left his whole family to come here, to give his daughter a better life, because he didnt want them to live in the Bronx, his brother explained. He was the pillar of this home, his wife added. Raleigh police say theres no new information to share as this investigation continues. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Editors note: A previous version of this story inaccurately said Plummer was behind by a number of votes before absentee ballots came in. The error has been fixed. PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WROC) On March 18, Pittsford Village held its mayoral election, as New York villages are often off-cycle. Several trustee candidates were on the ballot, as well as the mayor. Incumbent Alysa Plummer faced a challenge from trustee Lisa Cove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the vote is still being certified by the Monroe County Board of Elections, Plummer and Cove (in a Facebook post) say the vote was decided by one. Extraordinary turnout and I was happy for that level of civic engagement, Plummer said. Plummer adds that close elections with their small sample size are not uncommon, though one vote was unusual. Initially, Plummer was up by 12 ballots, but then absentee ballots came in, closing the lead to one. There was a recount last Friday, and the results stayed the same. Plummer attributes the closeness to the race to changing, younger demographics. According to a Facebook video, Cove ran on a campaign of responsive and responsible government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plummer adds that she ran on a campaign of financial responsibility, adding that the village is in better fiscal standing now that the legal fees for 75 Monroe are currently off the books. She and her team are investigating other potential funding streams for the village, as well as their economic engines. For us, that would be our commercial districts, on Main Street, and then we have Schoen Place, which is a wonderful part of the historic part of our village on the Erie canal, she said. So really trying to stabilize those areas and support our business community. News 8 reached out to Cove on Wednesday, and she said in a statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im hopeful that we recognize that our community is split equally, and working together as a team is in the best interest of our residents. Cove added in a Facebook post that she is grateful for the campaign, and will continue to work as a trustee. Mayor Plummer will serve a four-year term. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. No mitigating factors for you if youre white, straight, or Christian, or indeed part of the British majority On the latest Planet Normal podcast, which you can listen to using the audio player above, columnists Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson discuss the concerns raised by the Shadow Justice Secretary regarding sentencing guidelines. Britains justice system and police force are under scrutiny, with concerns about a two-tier legal framework and a crackdown on free speech. Allison condemned the Sentencing Councils now-withdrawn proposal for special considerations, This council was basically about to destroy equality before the law introducing special consideration by judges for certain protected characteristics. And that meant that they were going to ask for pre-sentencing reports if a defendant was from an ethnic minority group or a particular religious or sexual group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In regards to the police Liam believes the College of Policing should be abolished, It is insane what the police are doing with taxpayers money, spending their time ticking little boxes saying theyve solved crimes because they have called people out on social media. Our police do get quite a hard time from the media, I think sometimes they deserve it, but I think regular rank and file coppers are decent people. What are cops saying in private when theyre sitting in their cars, outside peoples houses whove been a bit fruity on social media, going into them, maybe even arresting them. They must be sitting there saying to each other, this is mad. Elsewhere Allison speaks to Ray Connolly about the sentencing of his wife Lucy, for a tweet she briefly posted on the day of the Southport murders. Planet Normal, a weekly Telegraph podcast featuring news and views from beyond the bubble. Listen on the audio player above or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred podcast app. 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. Planned Parenthood clinic in Marquette, the only abortion care clinic in the U.P., on Dec. 9, 2021 | Allison R. Donahue Updated at 5:25 p.m. Planned Parenthood of Michigan announced Wednesday that it will be closing its health centers in Jackson, Petoskey and Marquette at the end of the month and consolidating the two health centers in Ann Arbor into one location after the Trump administration cut millions of dollars in federal funding for family planning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to ensure long-term sustainability amid funding cuts and expected future restrictions on reproductive health care enacted by President Donald Trumps administration, Planned Parenthood of Michigan, or PPMI said in a news release that it is eliminating some clinics and cutting its staffing by 10 percent. Our decision to restructure reflects months of strategic planning and careful financial analysis, Paula Thornton Greear, President and CEO of PPMI said in a news release. These necessary changes strengthen PPMIs ability to adapt quickly in a challenging political landscape. While implementing difficult decisions is never easy, they are essential to protect our long-term capacity to fulfill our mission and serve Michigan communities for generations to come. Trump himself for years has articulated his interest in defunding Planned Parenthood for providing abortion care, and the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS announced this week that it is placing a freeze on millions of dollars to a federal program dedicated to family planning for low-income patients known as Title X. Nine Planned Parenthood state affiliates that receive federal money from the 55-year-old Title X family planning program got notices Monday, informing them that their funding is being temporarily withheld. The notice pointed to possible violations of federal civil rights law and President Donald Trumps executive orders including prohibitions on promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion and taxpayer subsidization of open borders. The cut comes as a devastating blow to health care providers like PPMI, Thornton Greear said in the news release. And though PPMI plans on expanding hours for its Virtual Health Center for telehealth services like birth control, medicated abortions and gender affirming health care, the current administrations attitude towards reproductive health care has PPMI preparing for further challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in the coming weeks and months, additional attacks against sexual and reproductive health care providers are expected, including restricting access to medication abortion, restricting Medicaid coverage of Planned Parenthood health services, further restrictions on Title X funding, or even ending the program altogether, as the administration has already done to so many other lifesaving Federal funding streams and agencies, Thornton Greear said. With the Marquette and Petoskey locations set to be permanently closed by the end of April, Michigans Upper Peninsula and much of Northern Michigan will be more than 100 miles from a Planned Parenthood, with the next closest Planned Parenthood clinic to Marquette nearly five hours away, in Traverse City. The closures are good news for Michigan women, Right to Life of Michigan President Amber Roseboom said in a news release Thursday, condemning bills that were signed into law in 2023 easing restrictions on facilities in Michigan that provide abortions. These four closures demonstrate Planned Parenthoods inability to meet the needs of women, while they continue to advocate a radical political agenda and an abortion-only response to women facing unplanned pregnancies. While abortion is legal until the moment of birth in Michigan, women are increasingly interested in life-affirming options, Roseboom said in the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Marquette County Democratic Party said the closing of the Marquette clinic is a sad affair, adding in a news release Thursday that the group stands ready to advocate for those in the Upper Peninsula to continue to receive the services they had been accessing through the Planned Parenthood clinic. We are outraged by the partisan Republican federal funding freeze that caused the loss of the local clinic. Planned Parenthood has long put into practice values that Democrats hold dear, such as personal autonomy, womens rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and affordable access to health care services, the party said in a news release. This story was updated with comment from Right to Life of Michigan. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Plans for a British mega-farm that would have housed 14,000 pigs have suffered a major setback after they were blocked by local officials. On Thursday, councillors in Norfolk unanimously rejected the controversial Cranswick farm, which would have seen thousands of pigs housed on a former RAF base amid concerns over its impact on the environment and animal welfare. Cranswick, which makes sausages and bacon for supermarkets including Sainsburys, wanted to expand the site near the villages of Methwold and Feltwell to house the animals and to rear more 700,000 hens indoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, on Thursday, planning officers for the council recommended rejecting the plans because of its potential impact on the environment and nearby protected sites. They said Cranswick had not provided enough information on this, a claim denied by the company. Blight the lives of local people The US-style industrial farm has already faced significant opposition since plans were first lodged in 2022. Terry Jeremy, the Labour MP for the area, on Thursday said the development would blight the lives of local people and the environment for many years to come. Liz Truss, the areas former MP and former prime minister, has also raised concerns over the farm and around 12,600 objections have been lodged with Kings Lynn and West Norfolk council alongside an anti-farm petition with 42,133 signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans have already undergone three rounds of public consultation because of concerns over its impact on residents. Residents in nearby town of Methwold were concerned about the environmental impact of Cranswicks expansion plans - David Rose Rebutting the claim, Cranswick managing director Barry Lock said the expanded farm would improve the nations food security by reducing its reliance on imports, citing that half of the pork and 70pc of the chicken consumed domestically is produced in the UK. He said many of the objections were not local and had come from as far afield as Rome, Lisbon, Calgary and California. If we want to reduce carbon emissions, we must reduce meat imports from abroad, he said. At a time when were seeing food prices increasing, empty supermarket shelves, escalating trade wars and global uncertainty, we must do everything we can to enhance, not limit, our domestic food supply ... It is essential that we ensure we are able to supply the food this country needs. A bad day for British meat Those supporting Cranswick plans include the British Meat Processors Association and the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matters flagged by locals, charities and campaigners against the scheme include odour, animal welfare, pollution, flood risk, health, traffic and impact on the local economy. Mr Lock said it was unlikely the plans would have any significant environmental effects. Cranswick, which is listed on the London stock exchange, can appeal the decision with the Governments planning inspectors. A Cranswick spokesman said the company was incredibly disappointed. This a bad day for the sustainable production of British meat. Well now take time to review the decision and consider the options available to us, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A council spokesman said: Our role in determining this application is to ensure that the planning process is conducted professionally, objectively and thoroughly, and we are confident that this is what has happened today. 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. (KRON) Police in Pleasanton arrested a man on Tuesday who told them he had killed his 71-year-old mother. According to the Pleasanton Police Department, Malcolm Tilley, a Pleasanton resident, walked into the police stations lobby at 4:45 p.m. Tilley, 31, told police hed killed his mother following a dispute. Officers were dispatched to his residence on the 4000 block of Alvarado Street where they found a deceased individual with multiple knife wounds. Brazen sledgehammer smash-and-grab of Lafayette consignment store caught on video Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several kitchen knives were found near the victim, police said. Tilley is currently being held in Santa Rita Jail for homicide. Police say there is no threat to the community at the time and department records indicate no prior incidents at the residence. The investigation, according to police, is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Poland has supplied Ukraine with an additional 5,000 Starlink Enterprise items to ensure stable communications for the military and critical infrastructure. Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation on social media Details: The ministry reports that these Starlinks will help restore communication in the liberated regions and ensure the operation of schools and medical and social institutions, as well as power engineers and military facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Ukrainians will stay connected even in the direst conditions." More details: The ministry says that thanks to the support of international partners, it has secured more than 50,000 terminals for Ukraine, with the largest number 29,500 coming from Poland. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, stated that Starlinks will enable residents in frontline areas to stay connected: they will be able to call their families, contact emergency services and access news, as regular communication is unavailable in the liberated territories due to Russian attacks and the destruction of base stations. The ministry expressed gratitude to the governments of Poland and Germany, as well as other partners, "for their steadfast and unwavering support". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For reference: Starlink Enterprise is a new generation of Starlink terminals featuring powerful antennas that provide faster and more stable internet connections. This system can support a large number of users simultaneously without experiencing a drop in speed. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland wants to spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence in 2026, Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Thursday after a European Union defence ministers meeting in Warsaw. Galvanised by Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine three years ago, Poland now spends a higher proportion of GDP on defence than any other NATO member, including the United States. It plans for this year's spending to hit 4.7% of GDP. During the summit, ministers discussed a "White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030," aimed at providing a framework for the ReArm Europe Plan and to outline a new defence strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All ministers... emphasized the importance of this document, the White Paper," Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters. "We must be ready for the most difficult scenarios and we must be strong enough to prevent war from breaking out... This is an action to make us so strong that it would not be profitable for any country to attack the European Union or NATO." (Reporting by Barbara Erling; writing by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Alan Charlish, Alexandra Hudson) BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Several suspects were arrested after a months-long investigation involving law enforcement agencies in neighboring parishes. The Baton Rouge Police Department said the group of suspects have occasionally identified themselves as Shiesty Gang Kartel, or SGK. Heres what we know about the arrests made in connection to a fatal Baton Rouge shooting and separate crimes. Four suspects charged in deadly Baton Rouge shooting Police arrested four people in connection to a fatal February shooting: Dakhire Matthews, 18 Steven Hackett, 18 Christian Hardesty, 17 Female juvenile Dakhire Matthews (Baton Rouge Police) Steven Hackett (Baton Rouge Police) Christian Hardesty (Baton Rouge Police) All four were charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, simple criminal damage to property and eight counts of aggravated criminal damage to property in connection to the death of Trevor Harrison, 27, on Feb. 15 in the 4600 block of Fairfields Avenue in Baton Rouge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthews and Hardesty were apprehended in Livingston Parish and are in custody in that parish. Hackett was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. The juvenile was booked into the East Baton Rouge Juvenile Detention Center. Mayor-President Sid Edwards released a statement after the arrests were announced, reiterating that Baton Rouge wont tolerate senseless violence. Read his full statement below. Today, we commend the hard work and dedication of the Baton Rouge Police Department in bringing to justice the individuals responsible for the tragic killing of 27-year-old Trevor Harrison. Trevor was an innocent bystander, simply doing his job when his life was taken far too soon at 4660 Fairfields Avenue. Our hearts are with Trevors family, friends, and colleagues as they continue to grieve this unimaginable loss. While no arrest can ever replace the presence of a loved one, we hope this development brings some measure of peace to the community, and to those who knew and cared for him. This case is a solemn reminder of the tireless efforts our law enforcement officers put in every daynot just in this instance, but in every investigation that leads to justice being served. Their commitment to keeping our community safe and holding criminals accountable is unwavering, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Baton Rouge will not tolerate senseless violence. We will continue working alongside law enforcement, community leaders, and residents to ensure that justice is served, and that every person in our city feels safe where they live and work. EBR Mayor-President Sid Edwards Suspects charged linked to crimes in, near Baton Rouge Multiple arrests were made after a joint investigation with law enforcement agencies in nearby parishes. Suspects face charges in connection to different crimes, including a series of car thefts and burglaries. Investigating agencies: Baton Rouge Police Department East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office Louisiana State Police U.S. Marshals Taskforce ATF Baton Rouge Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators seized guns, fentanyl, a homemade gun suppressor and spent shell casing during search warrants. An investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible. Suspects accused of multiple crimes in the Baton Rouge area: Christian Hardesty, 17 Charged with two counts of simple burglary in Livingston Parish. Khristian McManus, 17 Charged with theft of a motor vehicle in Baton Rouge. Dakhire Matthews, 18 Charged with simple burglary, theft of a firearm and theft of a motor vehicle in Baton Rouge. Charged with five counts each of simple burglary, trespassing and criminal damage to property and two counts of theft of a motor vehicle in Ascension Parish. Charged with two counts of vehicle burglary in Livingston Parish. Police noted that Matthews was previously convicted of possession of a machine gun. Steven Hackett, 18 Police noted Hackett was previously arrested on a charge of theft of a firearm. Deonta White, 24 Charged with violation of a protective order, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm with CDS in Baton Rouge. Chance Hebrard, 23 Charged with six counts of theft of a motor vehicle and one count of obstruction of justice in Baton Rouge. Charged with simple burglary of a vehicle, criminal trespass, simple criminal damage to property and theft of a motor vehicle over $25K in Ascension Parish. Police noted Hebrard is in jail in Georgia. Khristian McManus, Chance Hebrard, Dakhire Matthews, Christian Hardesty, Deonta White, Steven Hackett (Baton Rouge Police Department) Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Police have identified the victim after a deadly shooting in northwest Oklahoma City Wednesday night. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to an apartment complex near Classen Blvd. and NW 16th St. around 9 p.m. ORIGINAL STORY: Police investigating homicide in northwest Oklahoma City Upon arrival, officers found the victim, 21-year-old Malik Wilson, who had been shot. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not sure on the number of suspects yet, like I said, there were people outside so were still trying to piece together witness statements and other things to conclude what kind of suspect information we may have. said OKCPD. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Tip Line at 405-297-1200. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of new reciprocal tariffs on imports from all trading partners has drawn backlash from countries around the world, with countermeasures already pledged by some. The universal tariffs imposed by the United States -- a 10-percent "minimum baseline tariff" to be imposed on all imports -- will take effect on April 5, and the "individualized reciprocal higher tariff" on the countries and regions with which the United States "has the largest trade deficits" will take effect on April 9, according to a White House document. "RESENTMENT DAY" On social media platform X, Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Lukas Vlcek called Trump's new tariffs a "mistake." Also, Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People's Party and a member of the European Parliament, called April 2 -- the new tariff announcement day dubbed by Trump as "liberation day" for the United States -- as "resentment day." "Donald Trump's tariffs don't defend fair trade: They attack it out of fear and hurt both sides of the Atlantic," he said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday expressed deep regret over the U.S. move in a statement, calling it "a major blow to the world economy," and warned against a devastating impact. "The global economy will massively suffer," she said. "Uncertainty will spiral and trigger the rise of further protectionism. The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe." Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo on Thursday said the United States' new tariffs are "unfair and unjustified" in an interview with radio station RNE, adding that the Spanish government will take action to protect companies and consumers from the effects of the tariffs. Speaking to local media on Thursday morning, British Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said he is "disappointed" by the additional tariffs imposed on Britain, noting the 10-percent tariff is not a "fair reflection of how we currently trade." In Asia, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday expressed "serious concern" about the U.S. decision to impose reciprocal tariffs, saying the new tariffs could have a "big negative impact" on the global economy and the multilateral trade system. South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is serving as acting president following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, told an emergency meeting on economic security in Seoul: "As the global tariff war is coming to a reality, the government should pour out all of its capabilities to overcome a trade crisis." The German Institute for Economic Research in a statement issued on Wednesday ahead of Trump's new tariffs announcement warned that the United States has made a significant departure from multilateralism in its trade policy. The introduction of new, extensive tariffs poses a serious threat to global supply chains. GRAVE CONCERNS AMONG BUSINESSES Business leaders in Britain voiced concerns on Wednesday that the new tariffs on their exports, even at 10 percent, could weigh heavily on British industries. Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said: "There are no winners in a trade war. Today's announcements are deeply troubling for businesses and will have significant ramifications around the world." The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) believed small exporters in the country would be hard hit, as 59 percent of them trade with the United States. "Tariffs will cause untold damage to small businesses trying to trade their way into profit," said Tina McKenzie, the FSB's policy chair. The Manufacturers Association of Israel (MAI) said in a statement Thursday that the United States imposing a 17-percent tariff on imports from Israel is worrying. "The decision of the U.S. President to apply the tariff policy to Israel could harm Israel's economic stability, deter foreign investment in the economy, and weaken the competitiveness of Israeli companies in the U.S. market," it said in a statement. On Tuesday, Israel announced the lifting of all tariffs imposed on imports from the United States, but the move failed to avert the new tariffs imposed by the United States. COUNTERMEASURES PLEDGED In Paris, French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said on Thursday the European Union (EU) is ready for a trade war, with retaliatory tariffs to be imposed on all goods and service products from the United States by the end of April. The initial levies in retaliation to the U.S. tariffs on EU steel and aluminum products would be put in place around mid-April, and the tariffs targeting all American imports are expected to be ready probably by the end of April, she said when speaking to the broadcaster RTL on Wednesday. In response to the U.S. tariffs, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer told business leaders gathering at 10 Downing Street on Thursday morning that the close ally of the United States is "prepared." "Decisions we take in the coming days and weeks will be guided only by our national interest. In the interest of our economy," Starmer said. On Wednesday before Trump's announcement of the new tariffs, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated her call for negotiations to avoid a trade war with the United States, while signaling a shift away from her previous opposition to European retaliatory tariffs. "We must work in every way to avert a trade war," she said during a cultural event. "But this obviously does not rule out considering appropriate responses to defend our industries if necessary." In Brazil, the National Congress passed legislation allowing the South American country to impose reciprocal trade and environmental measures in response to foreign restrictions, on Wednesday just hours after Trump's announcement of the sweeping tariffs. GALENA, Ill. (WTVO) The subject of a manhunt in Galena has been arrested. According to the Jo Daviess County Sheriff, deputies went to the home of Enrique Silva, 53, at 11:41 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2nd, to remove firearms from the residence. The order was part of a domestic investigation on Settler Lane, where both the victim and Silva are said to reside. When the first deputy arrived on the scene, Silva was seen to be working on a truck in a lot across from the home, police said. He then fled, with police believing Silva went inside the house by means of a rear entrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite all attempts to contact him, police were unable to confirm Silvas whereabouts and remained outside the house throughout the day and night while waiting for a search warrant to be served. Around 6:31 p.m. on Thursday, police received a tip that led them to the Eagle Ridge Country Store, at 109 Eagle Ridge Drive. When deputies arrived, Silva took off running but was captured a short time later, police said. He has been charged with Resisting Arrest and Possession of a Firearm without a Valid FOID card. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Police in several California cities want drivers to be on alert that thieves are targeting public parking meters on major streets with fake QR code stickers. Quick Response codes, or QR codes, are everywhere these days. From television commercials to restaurant menus to peer-to-peer payment systems, these codes have been widely adopted as an easy way to access online services by simply opening the camera on your phone. Lately, this has also included parking meters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities and counties across the nation are working with app developers to create online payment portals for what used to be an old-fashioned coin-operated service. Police in several Los Angeles area beach cities have recently issued warnings over a surge in fake QR code stickers found on parking meters. A fraudulent QR code on a parking meter in Manhattan Beach, California. (MBPD) The stickers are made to appear as if you could pay for the parking space via an external website, Manhattan Beach police warned on social media after removing 14 stickers. What happens, of course, is that drivers are not directed to a legitimate payment service but, instead, to a convincing but fraudulent site that steals your personal information and money. The U.S. Postal Service calls it quishing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manhattan Beach doesnt use QR codes for parking meter payments, but many others do. In neighboring Redondo Beach, police found fake QR code stickers on approximately 150 parking meters, on top of or near the legitimate payment stickers. Since mobile payment is the new norm, experts say consumers need to be educated and skeptical. The convenience of being able to point and pay is enticing and often outweighs good cyber security practices, says Sharon Polsky, a technology and privacy consultant based in Canada. As well, the placement of the stickers is often enough to lend a misleading air of legitimacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polsky argues that its impossible to know where any QR points are, so its safer to simply search for the payment site or enter the web address directly into your phones browser. However, if you are going to rely on a QR code, she recommends the following advice: If the edges of each line and character arent sharp and crystal precise, it might be a fake. Run a fingernail across the sticker onto the surface its stuck on. There should be no discernible edge or detectable thickness to the sticker. If there is, it might be hiding another sticker that will be slightly smaller, so its edges wont be visible. Try to lift a corner or edge of the sticker. If it does lift away from the surface of the parking meter, dont use the QR code. Jeff Le, a government affairs consultant and founder of 100 Mile Strategies, argues that municipalities must take a more proactive approach to educating and protecting drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could be done with public awareness collateral in key parking garages, public safety/law enforcement partners, the local DMV, and other local government service areas, Le told KTLA 5 News. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A Maine man fatally shot his mother as she drove him along a road in Sabattus, then began shooting at other drivers traveling along the roadway, killing one and injuring two others, before shooting and killing himself, state police said Thursday. James Davis III, 29, of Sabattus was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his mother, Christine Smith, 47, of Sabattus, when he fatally shot her on Wednesday afternoon before opening fire on other drivers randomly, state police said. A news conference is planned for 3 p.m. Thursday at the Maine State Police barracks in Gray, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fatal shootings happened at approximately 4:14 p.m. Wednesday in the 800 block of Middle Road, or Route 9, in Sabattus, state police said Thursday. While traveling on King Road at the intersection of Middle Road, Route 9, James Davis shot his mother. She was pronounced dead on scene, state police said. The vehicle traveled across Middle Road before coming to a stop, at which point James Davis exited the car and began shooting at passing vehicles. Driver Katherine Williams, 53, of Sabattus, was traveling on Middle Road at the time of the incident when she was struck by gunfire. She was taken by ambulance to Central Maine Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other drivers, Tyson Turner, 19, of Jay and David Wilson, 35, of Hartford were also shot. They were traveling in separate cars and were the sole occupants in their vehicles. Both Turner and Wilson were taken by ambulance to Central Maine Medical Center and are expected to survive, state police said. James Davis then shot and killed himself. Autopsies will be performed on James Davis, Christine Smith, and Williams, state police said. Detectives and Evidence Response Technicians with Major Crimes Unit South remained on scene throughout the night, processing evidence and conducting witness interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lisbon Police, Sabattus Police, and the Androscoggin County Sheriffs Office assisted on scene. Sabattus is a small town in Maine, east of Lewiston and northwest of Bowdoin. The towns population was 5,044 at the 2020 census. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW NORWICH, Con, (WTNH) A Jewett City man was arrested after an investigation at a smoke shop on Monday. Police say 47-year-old Darric Profit was arrested after Norwich detectives and Connecticut state police searched Uptown Smoke & Vape shop on Jewett City Road in Taftville. Darric Profit, 47 Norwalk smoke shop raided, New Haven man arrested, police say The search revealed 243 grams of cocaine, 30 pressed fentanyl pills, eight grams of fentanyl, products containing the equivalent of 60 pounds of marijuana, $3,435 in cash and packaging materials. Items seized from Uptown Smoke & Vape Shop Profit is the owner of Uptown Smoke & Vape shop, and police say he has a previous arrest history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Profit was charged with five counts of sale of a narcotic substance, five counts of possession of a controlled substance and operating a drug factory. He was held on $350,000 bond and is awaiting arraignment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Police in Cobb County say a dispute inside a pet store led to a shooting in the parking lot. It happened in Austell on Veterans Memorial Highway. Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell was at the shop, AniMart Pets, where the customer and accused shooter Marcus Smith came back three times, guns in hand. To really paint a picture of how dangerous it was, customers from other businesses and witnesses said they saw numerous shell casings, both from a pistol and a shotgun, in the parking lot. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police told Newell that Smith and his girlfriend were looking at reptiles inside the pet store before they got into an argument with employees and were kicked out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curtis Coleman, who has a business in the same Austell shopping plaza, has welcomed customers there for a year. You come in with a concept, we can make it happen, Coleman said. We are in it because we like what we do. TRENDING STORIES: Coleman told Channel 2 Action News that he was working on a design when he heard a sound hed never heard in that area. I heard the shots and when I heard them, I stopped what I was doing, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then he walked outside. We heard that somebody was shooting and they was like dont stand right there, thats where the shell casings were, Coleman said. Police told Newell that the shooting happened after Smith and his girlfriend were kicked out of AniMart. According to a warrant, Smith fired six shots from a pistol near the business and while people were around. Then, police said he came back with a shotgun and fired a round into the air. Officers said they intentionally hid in plain sight to safely arrest Smith when he came back a third with, again with a gun. Coleman told Channel 2 Action News that he was thankful nobody got hurt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it happened all the time, it would be a problem, Coleman said. Police told Newell that an employee who literally kicked Smith out of the store and caused him to fall to the ground pulled a gun out on him after he saw Smith reach for his weapon. They said Smith and his girlfriend are known to come to the store and cause problems. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) Champaign Police officers responded to a car versus bicyclist accident on Bradley Avenue and 6th Street around 5 p.m. on Wednesday. A spokesperson for the Champaign Police Department said the biker was taken to the hospital to be evaluated for injuries, but they are expected to be okay. Champaign Co. Crime Stoppers awards $10K for tips in March Three units responded to the scene, and police officers were able to clear the area before 5:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, investigators are working to determine who was at fault in the accident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. April 3 (UPI) -- A Western Australian school bus driver says injury claims made by Epstein-accuser Virginia Giuffre are exaggerated, and a local police report would seem to agree. School bus driver Ross Munns says Giuffre's claims of suffering "life-threatening injuries" during a recent accident involving a school bus in Perth are "blown out of proportion" and were possibly caused elsewhere. Giuffre, 41, lives in Perth and on Tuesday posted photos on social media showing her laying in a hospital bed with a badly bruised face and chest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She claimed to have "four days to live" and said a bus traveling 68 mph struck a vehicle in which she was a passenger. The accident caused life-threatening kidney renal failure, Giuffre said. A West Australian police report of the accident says a "minor" collision occurred between a bus and car after 3 p.m. local time on March 24 in Neergabby, which is 12 miles north of Perth. "The collision was reported by the bus driver the following day. The car sustained approximately $2,000 worth of damage," a police spokesperson said. "There were no reported injuries as a result of the crash." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Munns had 16 years of bus-driving experience and disputes Giuffre's claim. He said the bus was traveling at about 46 mph with 29 school children aboard when he tried to pass a slow-moving vehicle driven by a 71-year-old woman. As he began overtaking the slow vehicle, Munns said the driver suddenly turned into his path. His bus clipped the vehicle and damaged its taillight, Munns said, so he stopped and exchanged information with the elderly woman, who confirmed she was unhurt. Munns said he thought the accident was suspicious and reported it the next day despite not being required to do so. He also called the elderly driver, and she told him a passenger in her car suffered a black eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Munns said he did not know a passenger was in the vehicle and was shocked to see Giuffre's post on social media. "I didn't see her in the car," Munns told media. "The driver basically pulled out in front of me. I made sure she was alright." He said the two talked briefly and parted ways, adding, "It wasn't a major crash." Giuffre is a mother of three and previously accused financier Jeffrey Epstein of sex trafficking and said England's Prince Andrew had sex with her while she was a teen. She is scheduled to appear in Joondalup Magistrates Court on Wednesday for allegedly violating a family violence restraining order. The alleged offense occurred on Feb. 2 in the Ocean Reef suburb of northern Perth. PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) The Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) said it is searching for a Maryland woman accused of making threats against an elementary school on Wednesday morning. PWCPD said officers responded to Covington-Harper Elementary School in Dumfries just before 10 a.m. to investigate a phone threat. There, investigators learned that a woman called the school and made threats. School officials contacted the police, who identified the suspect as 32-year-old Nidera Fortune of Fairmont, Md. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treasury, hotel evacuated after suspicious package reported near White House They determined she was not in the immediate area and that there was no active threat to the school, students or staff. PWCPD charged her with threats to bomb and threats by phone. However, their efforts to locate her have not been successful. Covington-Harper Elementary School parents received a letter about the incident on Thursday. Principal Ivania Siero said there is no reason to believe anyone is in danger. The full letter read: Dear Covington-Harper Parents and Guardians: I am writing to inform you about an incident that occurred yesterday. An unknown caller made a threat against our school. We immediately contacted the police, and now that their investigation is complete, I want to let you know that the individual has been identified and will be charged with threats to bomb and threats by phone. We had additional security on site yesterday while the investigation was being conducted. Police have determined the individual is not in the area and there is no active threat to the school. We have no reason to believe anyone is any danger. Please know I will promptly notify you if and when there is any reason for concern. The safety of our students and staff remain our top priority. Sincerely, Ivania Sieiro Principal Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Police are asking the public to help them identify a suspect after a woman was found dead in her home this weekend. The Dayton Police Department is requesting residents around the area of East Hudson Avenue, Riverside Drive and North Main Street check their security cameras for any suspicious activity. Officials say they found 29-year-old Michaela Carpenter dead on Monday around 1:30 p.m. in her home. They believe she was shot sometime over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carpenters 2-year-old daughter was also found in the home. She was taken to Dayton Childrens for treatment and is said to be in good condition. If you have surveillance footage or know anything about this incident, you are asked to contact Dayton PD. We solve most of our cases from getting information from our citizens who care, said Major Brian Johns, DPD. This case involves a young girl, a young mother, and my heart goes out and our prayers go out to the mother and the family. Everyone involved in this case, its just definitely a tough one. To contact Dayton police, call 937-333-6977 or contact CrimeStoppers at 937-222-7867. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. SYDNEY, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The new U.S. tariffs represent "particularly bad news" for Australia, one of the nation's largest business groups has warned. The Australian Industry (AI) Group, a peak body representing over 60,000 businesses employing more than 1 million people, on Thursday said that U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariffs of at least 10 percent on all imports would "spark retaliation" and have an outsized impact on the Australian economy. "It is particularly bad news for our nation, because we rely on trade for our economic prosperity more than any other economy on earth, with one in four jobs dependent on trade," Innes Willox, chief executive of the group, said in a statement. Willox, who served as chief of staff to Australia's foreign minister from 2004 to 2006 and as Australia's consul-general in Los Angeles from 2006 to 2008, said the new tariffs were disappointing but not unexpected "as we deal with an American administration hellbent on remaking the international economic order." He warned that Trump's announcement in Washington on Wednesday local time would "undoubtedly spark retaliation," driving up costs for businesses and consumers. Responding to the new tariffs earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Melbourne that they were "unwarranted" and had "no basis in logic," but ruled out reciprocal tariffs. Willox said the AI Group was particularly concerned about the impact of the tariffs on Australia's advanced manufacturing sector because of "very deep ties" with the U.S. and global supply chains that cannot be quickly rejigged. "Our advanced manufacturers will face profound disruption as global supply chains adjust around the new U.S. tariff wall," he said. The AI Group has called for the government to introduce a transparent and robust anti-dumping system and internationally competitive policy settings on issues like tax, deregulation and energy. [Watch in the player above: Understanding common gun terms] AKRON, Ohio (WJW) Akron police said a 2-year-old boy was shot in the abdomen on Wednesday afternoon in what appeared to be an unintentional shooting. Police were called to the 1500 block of Hyde Park Avenue at about 3 p.m., according to a Facebook post from the department. Dropped doughnut contributes to 3-car crash on Rock Creek Road in Thompson: OSHP The toddler was transported to a hospital, where he is now undergoing surgery, according to the post. His condition is unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A police spokesperson told FOX 8 News a teenager was handling the gun when it went off, striking the child. Preliminary information suggests the shooting was unintentional, but that could change as the investigation progresses, the spokesperson said. 15-year-old arrested in connection to fatal shooting at Shaker Heights Library A 17-year-old boy was detained by police. Another 17-year-old boy with a leg injury was transported to the hospital by a private vehicle. Police believe the injury to be related. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Police are looking for the driver of a van involved in a crash that left one man dead. The crash occurred on Wednesday around 5:40 p.m. on Rainbow Boulevard and Laredo Street, just south of Sahara Avenue. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan police, the driver of the van ran a stop sign and collided with an Audi TT driving on Rainbow. The crash caused the van to spin around and hit a man crossing the street. The 62-year-old man died at the scene. Pedestrian dead after central Las Vegas valley crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the driver of the Chevrolet Express Van ran away from the crash scene. The Audis driver, a 38-year-old woman, was not injured and showed no signs of impairment. The Clark County Coroners office will release the mans identity. He is the 48th traffic-related fatality in Metros jurisdiction for 2025. Police urge anyone with information on the crash to contact Metros Collision Investigation Section at (702) 828-3786, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) A woman was arrested in Wisconsin after a County Sheriffs Office requested another Police Departments assistance on Wednesday afternoon. The Madison Police Department said they received a request from Dodge County to arrest somebody who had an active warrant for reckless homicide. Highly intoxicated man taken into custody after De Pere standoff near Patriot Park On Wednesday, officers quickly responded to an address in the 2400 block of Camden Square, contacting the suspect in question, Janelle Hill, around 12:48 p.m. She was arrested without incident and taken to the Dane County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional details on the case 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. FOXBORO, Mass. (WPRI) A woman was arrested Thursday after she allegedly fled from police and crashed into three cruisers, all while she had a child in the vehicle. Foxboro police said the incident started with a report to Norton police about a stolen vehicle that may have a child inside. Norton officers spotted the vehicle and tried to stop it, but the suspect took off, according to police. She hit three Foxboro cruisers during the pursuit, causing damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: Motorcyclist rode wrong way on I-295 during pursuit The woman eventually drove over tire-deflation devices put down by Massachusetts State Police, which disabled her vehicle and led to her arrest. Police said the woman and child were both taken to the hospital as a precaution. No officers were injured. The relationship between the woman and child is unknown at this time. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Breaking News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Embattled Democrats have new reason to hope. The party has spent the early months of the year soul-searching the causes of a bitter election defeat and fighting internally over how best to counter President Trump and his fierce effort to dismantle the traditional workings of Washington. But Democrats this week have watched the political pendulum swing into their favor. In Wisconsin, they easily won a hard-fought battle for a coveted seat on the state Supreme Court, despite a massive spending push by Elon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Florida, they put a dent in the Republicans comfortable edge in two deep-red House districts, despite a late intervention from the president. In Washington, Trumps approval rating fell to a new low amid rising prices and sinking consumer confidence even before new tariffs unveiled Wednesday are expected to exacerbate those menacing trends. And on Capitol Hill, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) captured Democrats attention with a record-breaking, 25-hour speech railing against Trumps policies, while Republican divisions in the House surfaced in stark fashion when a group of GOP rebels bucked Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) over proxy voting for new parents an aggressive show of resistance that forced GOP leaders to cancel votes for the rest of the week. To be sure, the party is still in an exceedingly difficult position, unable to effectively fight back against a Republican trifecta in Washington and facing widespread frustration from its voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the combination of events this week has given a boost to beleaguered Democrats, who are united heading into the next big fight in the Capitol over Trumps domestic priorities, and have new reason to believe theyre entering a season when the sharpest clashes will pit Republicans against one another. Theyre on the run on the economy. Theyre on the run legislatively yesterday they got out of town before sundown, because they have no agenda to make life better for the American people. And theyre on the run politically, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told reporters Wednesday in the Capitol. Just a few weeks ago, Democrats werent flying so high. The March battle over a Republican spending bill had badly divided Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill, where Jeffries and House Democrats fought to sink the proposal only to watch in frustration as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) helped usher the legislation to Trumps desk. The disagreement was over tactics, not policy, but the debate eroded trust between the chambers; undermined the Democrats claims of unity in the face of Trump; and infuriated liberals, some of whom called for Schumer to give up his leadership post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Democrats have also clashed internally over the most effective strategy for pushing back against Trump in the early months of his second term, which have been defined by aggressive efforts to gut the federal government, fire federal workers and use the levers of the executive branch to punish political enemies. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), for instance, generated countless headlines last month when he heckled Trump during the presidents speech before Congress. The protest was cheered by some liberals but infuriated more centrist lawmakers wary that the in-your-face demonstration could alienate moderate Republicans and independents in their battleground districts. Such debates have posed a huge challenge for Jeffries and his leadership team, who have sought to strike a balance between those Democrats advocating for party leaders to counter Trump more aggressively and those calling for a tactical pause to give Republicans the space to wage their own civil war over the more unpopular elements of Trumps domestic wishlist. [R]oll over and play dead, James Carville, the prominent Democratic strategist, advised his party recently in The New York Times. Allow the Republicans to crumble beneath their own weight and make the American people miss us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whos said to be eyeing a presidential bid in 2028, has been even harsher in his assessment of his fellow Democrats, saying recently that the partys brand is toxic and its a self-inflicted wound. We talk down to people. We talk past people, he said last week in an interview on Real Time With Bill Maher. A series of events since then have challenged Republicans, bolstered the Democrats image and heightened the confidence from party leaders that theyll flip control of the House in next years midterm elections. The Wisconsin Supreme Court victory was the most notable development. Musk had spent millions of dollars on the race, warning that a Democratic win would spell doom for the country. But voters rejected that message in resounding numbers, giving the Democrat a 10-point victory in a state that Trump carried less than five months earlier an outcome that will have an outsized impact on the Badger States abortion policies and House map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mark Pocan (D), a Wisconsin liberal, said the result is a clear sign that Democratic voters are animated and activated by the threat they see in Trump. [Voters] want us to fight. They dont like whats happening, and they certainly came to the fight by turning out to vote, Pocan said Wednesday. Right now, the good news is, the people are leading. Now we just need the leaders to follow. The special elections to fill vacant seats in Florida didnt flip any seats to Democrats. But the party was able to close the gap significantly in districts Trump had won by more than 30 points in November, and Democratic leaders said the results should be a warning bell for battleground Republicans across the country. These are deeply Republican districts. Why in the world were they even competitive? Jeffries asked. There are 60 House Republicans who hold districts right now that Donald Trump won by 15 points or less in November. Every single one of those Republicans should be concerned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have dismissed the Democrats optimism surrounding those races. And the GOPs campaign army quickly took a victory lap, saying Democrats had frittered away tens of millions of dollars that would have been better spent on more competitive districts. Floridas resounding Republican victories send a clear message: Americans are fired up to elect leaders who will fight for President Trumps agenda and reject the Democrats failed policies, Mike Marinella, spokesperson for the National Republican Campaign Committee, said in a statement. While Democrats set their cash ablaze, House Republicans will keep hammering them for being out of touch and well crush them again in 2026. Still, Trump wont be on the ticket in the midterms, which will likely deflate GOP turnout. And some election observers say the environment feels similar to that in the early stages of Trumps first term, when Democrats seized control of the House in the 2018 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more short-term [signal] is that the trends we saw in 2017 are repeating in 2025 and that, in it of itself, is positive for Democrats, said Kyle Kondik, the managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball, an independent election handicapper based at the University of Virginia. Pretty clearly, theyre showing up in a way thats already familiar to what we saw in 2017. Caroline Vakil contributed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. After only two years, Peachey's Baking Company is calling it quits on the Iowa State Fair. In those two years, the vendor known for its homemade donuts and light blue trailer. Long lines weren't uncommon as Iowans waited for the giant treats along Rock Island Avenue. The vendor is still stopping at the Minnesota State Fair, though, along with 8 others. Here's why it's skipping Iowa. Peachey's Baking prepares to open Florida shop Peachey's Baking Co. makes these giant Amish glazed doughnuts at the Iowa State Fair. The Florida-based business has been traveling the country during the summers and selling from its food truck in Sarasota, Florida, in the off-season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peachey's told the Register that it is preparing to open a brick-and-mortar location and is cutting back on events. The company said that the weather and timing of the Iowa State Fair weren't ideal for its operations, but it will miss attending. Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why won't Peachey's sell its donuts at the 2025 Iowa State Fair? Portland City Council to study social housing amid dire affordable housing need PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Amid the homelessness and housing affordability crises, Portland City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Wednesday which could help bring an additional housing model to the city. The resolution, introduced by Councilors Mitch Green (District 4) and Candace Avalos (District 1), directs the City Administrator to study social housing and submit a report on the housing model with recommendations to City Council by May 31, 2026. Social housing is owned and managed by the public or non-profits with a focus on affordability and community benefit as opposed to traditional public housing in the United States, which is reserved for low-income tenants in spaces managed by federally granted housing agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon is doling out $11M in unclaimed funds. Heres how to find out if youre owed money To put it simply, it is housing that is non-market, and is permanently affordable, Portland Housing Bureau Director Helmi Hisserich previously testified during a Homelessness and Housing Committee hearing in late March noting the model exists in cities from Seattle, Washington and Montgomery County, Maryland to Vienna, Austria. Often, it is described or developed as mixed-income communities, where people of all incomes live together, Hisserich said. Under the resolution, Hisserich would lead the study bringing her near-two-year experience studying Viennas social housing model. DONT MISS: Why Portland Housing Bureau Director Hisserich is focused on Viennas housing The resolution points to an October 2022 resolution passed by Portland City Council that states the need for more than 20,000 affordable housing units in the city after accounting for the 4,200 units that were planned for the years following the resolutions adoption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing American Community Survey data, the resolution also notes more than 50% of Portland households were cost burdened in 2023, with 25% of Portland households spending 50% or more of their income on rent. This resolution finally puts Portland on a path to address the root causes of housing unaffordability and homelessness, Councilor Green said. Portland is in a housing crisis that demands bold solutions and systems change. We have been responding as a reaction to the scarcity of affordable housing in this city for a long time. The intention of this resolution is to empower the Portland Housing Bureau to unlock its expertise and have the explicit direction to go out and study new ways of doing housing production, in particular social housing. Councilor Avalos added, As the Chair of the Homelessness and Housing Committee Im more aware than most of the dire situation that our city is in when it comes to providing housing to meet everyones needs. We have spent the majority of our time since the housing crisis was declared over 10 years ago responding haphazardly without a unified vision for how we solve homelessness. Im excited to see the results of this study because I believe that social housing can be an important piece of the housing solutions that we are seeking. The resolution was co-sponsored by Councilors Sameer Kanal (District 2) and Tiffany Koyama Lane (District 3). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. LISBON (Reuters) - Portuguese police on Thursday raided the offices of several public institutions in a corruption probe involving the acquisition of information technology services, including at the Bank of Portugal, which confirmed the searches. Police said in a statement they were carrying out 75 searches in Lisbon, Porto and Braga at homes, accounting firms, company headquarters, and public institutions, targeting employees rather than any high-ranking public officials. The Bank of Portugal confirmed in a statement it was one of the entities targeted by the searches and that it was fully collaborating with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police said the searches were related to IT services contracts of several public entities and by a private company in 2017-2025, over suspicions of active and passive corruption, document forgery, fraud, influence peddling and other crimes. They said the targets of the investigation were "a group of individuals who, through joint efforts and in a premeditated manner, tainted dozens of public and private contracting procedures, for a global value of no less than 17 million euros ($19 million)". "These searches are intended to gather information related to employees of these services and were not aimed at political decision-makers," the police said. ($1 = 0.9050 euros) (Reporting by Sergio Goncalves.; Editing by Mark Potter) BANGKOK (AP) Temporary ceasefires announced by warring groups in Myanmar in the wake of last weeks devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake represent a rare de-escalation of a conflict that since 2021 has taken thousands of lives and uprooted more than 3 million people. Experts suggest that if the ceasefires -- announced first by the opponents of military rule and then matched by the army -- can hold, they could provide an opportunity to work toward peacemaking. A report released Wednesday by the Institute for Strategy and Policy Myanmar said that the disaster could act as "a catalyst to foster cooperation among adversaries, reduce conflict, and lay the groundwork for peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the very least, if theres agreement to tactically de-escalate the conflict and cease hostilities, it could be regarded as a positive precedent," said the Thailand-based think tank. But already on Thursday there were reports of fresh fighting. Who are the contending forces? Myanmars military seized power in 2021 from the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking an armed opposition movement and a civil war. Despite a big advantage in numbers and weaponry, the military government of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has lost control of much of the country to pro-democracy fighters and ethnic minority guerrillas, who have been fighting for autonomy for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shadow National Unity Government on Saturday said its armed wing, the Peoples Defense Force, would not conduct offensive operations for two weeks in quake-affected areas to facilitate relief activities. The force mostly comprises local units engaged in defensive operations and ambushes. The Three Brotherhood Alliance, made up of three powerful ethnic guerrilla armies, on Tuesday announced its own one-month ceasefire. Its groups control significant swaths of territory in northeastern and western Myanmar, and the ceasefire gives them an opportunity to consolidate their grip. On Wednesday night, the army, which has been widely reported to have continued aerial bombings even after the earthquake, announced a similar unilateral ceasefire to help carry out rescue and recovery operations, to last until April 22. All sides reserved the right to act in self-defense. Another ethnic minority group battling the army, the Kachin Independence Organization, announced its own ceasefire on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why did the army declare its own ceasefire? Its announcement came as it also confirmed Min Aung Hlaing would attend a conference in Thailand this week of nations from the Bay of Bengal region. Prior to the quake, his appearance at the conference was seen a win in his bid for international legitimacy. He and other senior members of his government are shunned and sanctioned by many Western countries for their 2021 takeover and human rights abuses. It is Min Aung Hlaings first visit to a country other than his governments main backers China, Russia and Russia ally Belarus since he attended another regional meeting in Indonesia in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the resistance forces seized the moral high ground by declaring ceasefires, his high-profile trip to Bangkok would have cast an even darker shadow on his government if it did not match them. The militarys critics were still protesting his participation in the meeting after his arrival on Thursday. What are the chances for peace? The Institute for Strategy and Policys report suggested outcomes from the earthquake could include a continuation of the civil war, and even increased social upheaval. At the same time, a tactical de-escalation could result in a cessation of hostilities (that) would aid earthquake relief logistics, safeguard civilians, ensure the flow of both domestic and international aid, and display a commitment to humanitarian spirit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A "strategic de-escalation would require a ceasefire to be accompanied by confidence-building measures aimed at long-term political resolutions, including creating safe zones, establishing humanitarian corridors for aid delivery and facilitating joint management of aid by opposing groups, the report said. The chances seem slim. The military had tightened control and increased repression in the aftermath of past natural disasters, notably Cyclone Nargis in 2008, which killed more than 130,000 people, and Cyclone Mocha in 2023. Disaster diplomacy has, so far, rarely shown any successes, between countries and within countries," Ilan Kelman, professor of disasters and health at University College London, told The Associated Press in an email interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Philippines always experiences a slew of disasters, some of which led to temporary ceasefires and none of which led to resolutions of the internal violent conflicts," he noted. After the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, a peace deal was reached in Indonesia's Aceh province involving Islamic separatists, but due to ongoing negotiations grasping the opportunity rather than the catastrophe creating new peace, he stressed. Many lasting peace deals emerge through international pressure or mediation, rather than from disasters or work to avoid disasters, Kelman said. Disaster diplomacys lessons for now are that many governments do not prioritize peace or its citizens wellbeing. New vehicles are on display at a Ford dealership in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on April 3, 2025. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Thursday Canada will be responding by matching the U.S. approach with 25 percent tariffs on all vehicles imported from the United States that are not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) OTTAWA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Thursday Canada will be responding by matching the U.S. approach with 25 percent tariffs on all vehicles imported from the United States that are not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The prime minister said his government will also impose the tariff on non-Canadian content of any CUSMA-compliant vehicles from the U.S., adding that Mexico won't be impacted. Carney said that the global economy "is fundamentally different today than it was yesterday." "Yesterday's actions by the U.S. administration, while not specifically targeting Canada, will rupture the global economy and adversely impact global economic growth," he said. "Our old relationship of steadily deepening integration with the United States is over. The 80-year period when the United States embraced the mantle of global economic leadership is over," said Carney. Carney also said his government has gone to the World Trade Organization to argue the tariffs violate international trade law. Canada was spared from the 10 percent baseline tariffs, but a 25 per cent U.S. tariff on imported autos went into effect at midnight. New vehicles are on display at a Ford dealership in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on April 3, 2025. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Thursday Canada will be responding by matching the U.S. approach with 25 percent tariffs on all vehicles imported from the United States that are not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) New vehicles are on display at a car dealership in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on April 3, 2025. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Thursday Canada will be responding by matching the U.S. approach with 25 percent tariffs on all vehicles imported from the United States that are not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) One of the citys most influential unions, 32BJ, will endorse Keith Powers for Manhattan borough president. Housing is a critical issue for members of 32BJ SEIU and all New Yorkers, 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich said in a statement. Throughout his time on the City Council, Council Member Keith Powers has been a consistent champion for building more affordable housing in New York. Pastreich said Powers support of the Adams administrations City of Yes for Housing Opportunity citywide zoning plan and advocating for union jobs were reasons to put the unions weight behind the current Council member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union represents thousands of service industry workers. Im grateful to have the support of 32BJ SEIU, a union dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of working New Yorkers, Powers said. Im proud to stand alongside organized labor in this campaign and make the needs of working-class New Yorkers a centerpiece of my platform. As borough president, Ill continue to work with unions like 32BJ for more equitable wages and better workplace protections. Powers is running against State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal in the Democratic primary election for Manhattan borough president. Current Borough President Mark Levine is running to be the citys comptroller. (PUEBLO, Colo.) A two-time Pueblo Safe Streets Featured Criminal has been arrested in Pueblo after police found him unconscious in a car with a gun visible in the passenger seat. According to the Pueblo Police Department (PPD), officers responded around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1 after receiving a report of an unconscious man behind the wheel of a sedan at the intersection of 7th Street and Greenwood Avenue, in Downtown Pueblo. The report stated that a gun was visible in the passenger seat of the sedan. PPD said officers surrounded the car to immobilize it, before instructing the suspect to come out. The suspect initially tried to evade officers, but PPD said he eventually surrendered without incident. Once the suspect was in custody, officers found a stolen gun and drug paraphernalia in his possession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jordan Aldaz, was previously featured on PPDs Safe Streets Wanted Criminal list twice, PPD said. He was wanted on an active felony warrant for contempt of court which included numerous offenses: Possession of a Controlled Substance Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute Possession of a Controlled Substance Scheduled I,II,III,VI,V, and Possession of a Controlled Substance Fentanyl Courtesy: Pueblo Police Department Aldaz is now facing new charges of vehicular eluding, reckless driving, driving a vehicle as a habitual traffic offender, possession of a weapon by a previous offender (POWPO), restraining order violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft. Aldaz has been booked into the Pueblo County Detention Center and is due in court on April 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. The Trump administration is facing global blowback after announcing a dramatic series of tariffs on countries around the world, with U.S. adversaries and allies alike promising crushing responses that could devastate the American economy. Stocks plummeted at the market's close Thursday, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones industrial average and Nasdaq Composite all reaching their lowest one-day drops since the economy tanked at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Trump shook off the reaction, predicting that markets and the U.S. economy "are going to boom." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think it's going very well," Trump said to reporters Thursday, asked about the market reaction on the way to a golf tournament. Countries the world over, he added, "have taken advantage of us for many, many years." Trump also indicated that future tariffs on pharmaceuticals and chips are expected and suggested they may be used as a bargaining chip with other countries. "We put ourselves in the driver's seat," he said. "If we would have asked these countries to do us a favor, they would have said no. Now they will do anything for us. Read more: Dow drops 1,600 as U.S. stocks lead worldwide sell-off after Trumps tariffs cause a COVID-like shock At a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House on Wednesday, Trump announced a 10% base rate hike on nearly all foreign imports. Still other countries and trading blocs, including China, the European Union, South Korea and Japan, were hit with higher rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already, China the world's largest trading nation that Trump slapped with additional tariffs, totaling 54% has vowed to retaliate, urging the United States to reverse course. In a news conference Thursday morning, officials with China's Ministry of Commerce slammed American "protectionism," while stressing the importance of investing in South Korea, Japan and the European Union, according to the South China Morning Post. A spokesman said that China would continue talks with the United States over trade agreements, the newspaper reported. Trump again floated the idea Thursday afternoon of tying a sale of TikTok, from the Chinese-owned ByteDance company, to a deal to reduce tariffs. We're now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said in remarks late Wednesday evening from Uzbekistan, calling Trump's announcement a major blow to the world economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Paris, French officials said they were also pushing the rest of the European Union to agree on a response that would target U.S. digital businesses, particularly Big Tech firms, core to the U.S. and California economies. "A two-phase European response is now underway," a French official told The Times. By mid-April, the official said the European Union would unveil its initial response on U.S. steel and aluminum exports, followed by a more comprehensive, "sector-by-sector" response rolled out by the end of the month. "Nothing should be off the table," the official said, including "responses in the digital services sector." And the British trade secretary said the United Kingdom, one of Americas closest allies with strong ties to the Trump administration, would work over the next month to see whether it could negotiate an exemption from U.S. tariffs, or otherwise deliver retaliatory taxes. The U.K. government published a webpage asking businesses for input on identifying which American products London should implement tariffs on, with the most minimal impact on the British economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is what I see, that Donald Trump will buckle under pressure, that he will correct his announcements under pressure, Robert Habeck, Germany's economy minister, told reporters Thursday, but the logical consequence is that he then also needs to feel the pressure. Read more: Trump declares 'Liberation Day,' announces sweeping global tariffs on 'friend and foe alike' The Trump administration initially said it was imposing reciprocal tariffs in direct response to each countrys taxes on imported U.S. goods: They do it to us, and we do it to them, Trump said. Very simple. But the rates put forward by the White House show the administration's rates have little to do with foreign tariffs at all. Instead, the administration used a calculation factoring in a country's trade deficit with the United States and its exports to the U.S. market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lead-up to the tariffs announcement Wednesday, which Trump dubbed "Liberation Day," caused tremendous volatility in the stock market in recent weeks, especially after the administration repeatedly established and then paused tariffs against Canada and Mexico. Those countries escaped Wednesday's tariffs announcement, but continue to endure previous import taxes that Trump placed on them. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNN Thursday that this round of tariffs is made to last. "I don't think there's any chance that President Trump's going to back off his tariff. This is the reordering of global trade," he said Thursday. "The world should stop exploiting the United States of America." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a CNN interview Wednesday evening that other countries should sit back, take a deep breath, dont immediately retaliate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House officials have acknowledged they expect initial turbulence from the new policy, but Trump has said the disruptions will be worth it when jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country. Trumps Agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins, acknowledged that pain was coming to U.S. farmers and agricultural businesses, already strapped before the tariff announcement and now facing lower prices for their goods and higher prices for their equipment and raw materials. There will be a short time of uncertainty, and then we'll move back to the prosperity that this president has envisioned, Rollins said to reporters at the White House on Thursday. Already, American consumers have begun tightening their purse strings as they brace for the tariffs' economic impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumer sentiment which measures American expectations for their personal finances, business conditions, unemployment and inflation fell for a third consecutive month in March, according to the University of Michigan. U.S. consumers have a grim outlook for the economy this year, with nearly two-thirds of respondents saying they expect unemployment to rise the highest such percentage since 2009, the report noted. The report also found that more consumers are anticipating a rise in inflation. One of their main causes for concern? Tariffs. Joanne Hsu, director of the surveys of consumers at the University of Michigan, said that without confidence in a reliable income or high asset wealth, consumers are more likely to cut spending. That, in turn, can cause the economy to shrink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When people don't feel good about the economy, they pull back," Hsu said. "They're not willing to go on the vacations, they're not willing to start new businesses. They're not willing to take risks or to spend a lot," she said. Consumers pulling back on spending becomes problematic, she added, "because if they don't spend and businesses don't make money, then businesses will need to start laying people off, and it can become a cascading problem. The reason why sentiment matters is because people are making decisions based on that." Read more: Even in O.C. Trump country, some worry about how tariffs will hit their pocketbooks Democrats have balked at the extent of the tariffs. Late Wednesday, the Senate delivered a rare rebuke to Trump's tariffs agenda when the body passed a resolution that would end the national emergency on the fentanyl crisis, which Trump declared to substantiate his tariffs against Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four Republicans Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Rand Paul of Kentucky joined with all Democrats to pass the resolution, which next goes to the House, where it has little chance of passing the Republican-led chamber. The stock market is down since the beginning of the year, the cost of everything from groceries to housing continues to rise. Americans' retirement funds have shrunk, and the chances of a recession is up, said Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) from the Senate floor Wednesday. That sure doesn't feel like a liberation to me. 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. Gerry Bradley, left, the University of Louisville's new president, and board chair Diane Medley speak to media, March 26, 2025, after a special meeting of the trustees named Bradley president. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) LOUISVILLE After a week as president of the University of Louisville, Gerry Bradley on Wednesday fielded questions from faculty members about his surprise installment and his plans going forward, including how he will handle a new state ban on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on Kentuckys public campuses. Bradley, along with Board of Trustees Chair Diane Medley and Faculty Senate Chair Eugene Mueller, answered questions during the UofL Faculty Senates Wednesday meeting about the events leading up to the sudden departure of former President Kim Schatzel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the board named Bradley as president and accepted Schatzels resignation in a special-called meeting. By doing so, the board decided to forgo a national search to name the next president. Our journey is not changing at all, Bradley told the faculty. The same strong leadership team thats been in place and has been built over the last several years is still here and we are still aligned and functioning (toward) the same goals. Medley, the board chair, told reporters last week that the goals of Schatzel and the board had changed. She further clarified her comment while addressing the faculty representatives. I didnt mean different policy. It was just a different direction of choices of career, position, etc., Medley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that the board knew it was a fairly quick process, but we had multiple meetings. There were several meetings that were as a group with some discussions because we took it so seriously. In recent years, DEI initiatives have been a Republican target. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has amped up anti-DEI pressure on government and educational institutions. Trump has issued executive orders against such programs in the federal government. The U.S. Justice Department has launched investigations into allegations that universities, including the University of Kentucky, have violated civil rights laws by promoting diversity among faculty. Kentucky Republicans passed a law in the state legislature House Bill 4 last week to prohibit DEI programs at the states public universities. Were going to comply with the law, but theres a lot of unknowns in there and contradictory language thats still unclear to a lot of folks because we do not have a regulatory body around House Bill 4, Bradley said. Bradley said UofL would be reviewing the law with all general counsels of Kentucky public universities and the office of Attorney General Russell Coleman to determine what exactly are the provisions of this bill and what are the carve outs and where is the crossing the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradley was asked if he would have accepted an interim position. He said that would largely be a question for the board, but said from his perspective the university is facing so many challenges right now, such as securing government funding, that taking a year or two under an interim president to conduct a presidential search would have put the university at a disadvantage. Bradley was poised to leave Louisville, having accepted the University of Cincinnatis offer to become its executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. The day before Bradley was named Louisville president, the University of Cincinnati announced that Bradley had changed his mind and is pursuing other opportunities. The Redbook, UofLs governing document, says the board shall consult with a faculty committee to appoint a new president, which did not happen because of the lack of search. State law gives the Board of Trustees the power to appoint a president; it also says the board must enforce obedience to the bylaws. Mueller, who represents the faculty on the Board of Trustees, said toward the end of the meeting the board received legal advice that Kentucky state statute trumps Redbook and gives the board the authority to appoint a president. Mueller told senators he was aware of shock and dismay over the presidential appointment process and he shared those feelings. Mueller, however, did underscore that the board was limited in what it could publicly say about the Schatzels departure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know theres some sense that my fellow trustees and I are hiding behind the legal requirement that we cant talk. That is not how I view it all. I view it as shackles. I think it would be much easier for all of us if we could tell everything that happened and explain why we did what we did. Mueller did address some rumors that Schatzels departure had to do with supporting or opposing DEI limits from politicians. He said no legislation was discussed during conversations about the change in president. Toward the end of the discussion, Marc Murphy, a law professor who is not part of the Faculty Senate, pressed the speakers to give clearer answers about the reasons for Schaztels departure, as the situation has gained the attention, not only of the campus but also politicians in Frankfort, including Gov. Andy Beshear, who told reporters he thinks universities should hire presidents through national searches. Before we can move forward, we have to have our feet on the ground looking backward, Murphy said. No one knows what happened. You havent answered a single question about what happened and youve relied on the fact that youre not allowed to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mueller told Murphy he did wish I could tell you. You are not the university counsel, Mueller said. Youre not the one issuing legal advice to us. Before being named president, Bradley was UofLs executive vice president and university provost for three years. He joined UofL as dean of the School of Dentistry in 2016. Bradley, the 20th president of the university, said he plans to continue following its strategic plan and begin work on the next guiding plan. Schatzel was UofLs president for about two years. This story has been updated to add clarity about how state law affects the universitys governance. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The Trump Administration has put tariffs on many goods from many countries, and according to an Iowa economics professor, thats going to come back on consumers. Tariffs are a tax and its a tax thats collected by the importer, said Bryce Kanago, an economics professor with the University of Northern Iowa. So, for example, with a Kia dealership in Iowa, some place wanted to purchase Kia cars to put on its lot. When those cars got to the United States, the Kia dealer would pay for that, would pay the tariff. HHS fires entire staff of program that helps low-income people afford heat and air conditioning Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a new 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles, Kanago is expecting fewer people to be interested in imported vehicles. Because U.S. consumers will have to pay more for foreign automobiles, they wont be willing to buy as many, he said. So demand will go down for those who are in automobiles. So that will make the price received by foreign producers go down. Exporters and foreign countries get less, and consumers in the U.S. pay more. Currently, the Trump Administration has put 20% tariffs on Chinese imports, 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% on Canadian energy imports, as well as 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum. With the new foreign-made vehicles tariffs on top of already established tariffs, Kanago says its all very complicated. You have tariffs on automobile parts and also tariffs on autos, and some of the automobile parts are used to build autos, he said. And so that passes on an extra cost, reducing autos. Tariffs on aluminum and steel, those are important things like washing machines, and so thats an increase in the cost of production that will get passed on largely to consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also announced plans for reciprocal tariffs on other countries. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) commented on the imposed tariffs, saying he plans to wait and see how the negotiations play out. Highway 75 railroad crossing construction to affect Merrill businesses [Trump] views boosting domestic manufacturing as part of his electoral mandate by putting on reciprocal tariffs, Senator Grassley said. President Trump hopes to increase U.S. manufacturing and simultaneously bring other countries tariffs down. While the president takes this approach, you can count on Chuck Grassley to keep an eye on how these tariffs impact our state and in particular, how they impact the family farmer. On top of the automobile tariffs, Trump announced a baseline tariff on other countries of 10% and further, which will go into effect on April 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO) Loves Park autoworkers expressed their concerns after President Donald Trumps new tariffs were announced. The president launched a 25% tariff on automobile imports in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. This raised concerns from the auto industry all across the country, including locally, at Tuffy Tire and Auto Service Center in Loves Park. Owner and General Manager Jim Heim said he was anticipating the tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prices are going to increase [by] 25%, which of course, well have to pass on to our guests because we need to cover our costs, Heim said. More guests are going to be in a hard spot choosing between food and fixing the car. A 25% tariff on automobile parts will go into effect on May 3rd. This directly affects Heim and his business, as he said over 50% of the parts he gets are from overseas. This is my livelihood, Heim said. If our guests cant afford to repair their cars, I dont have an income. Its that simple. The tariff applies to the vast majority of cars on U-S roads, including American brands with foreign-made parts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More and more of our guests are taking advantage of our payment plans because they dont have the unexpected money to do a repair that they didnt plan for. So its just going to get worse in that respect. A baseline tariff of 10% is expected to go into effect on Saturday. CEO of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Angela Kay Larson said she is anticipating a growing concern from local businesses across the area. Talk to your accountant, talk to your operations people, talk to the people purchasing goods and materials for your business, Larson encourages. Get everybody together and discuss it and come up with a plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larson said the Chamber will be hosting a table discussion on tariffs for businesses worried about their future. Despite his concerns, Heim said he thinks the tariffs could be beneficial long term. I think in the long run, its actually going to be good, Heim said. Hopefully, manufacturing will come back to this country. Thats what this country was built on, was manufacturing. We need to have the ability in this country to manufacture the stuff that we need. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. DENVER (KDVR) Several groups are pressuring Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to veto a measure that adds regulations for semiautomatic firearms and bans the sale or purchase of any rapid-fire conversion devices, like bump stocks. The bill advanced through the Colorado Senate on Friday to land on the governors desk. When the measure passed the Colorado House, the governors office provided a statement about the matter but hasnt commented since. He also hasnt signed it. Governors desk final hurdle for bill regulating semiautomatic firearms, rapid-fire conversion devices Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Polis appreciates the sponsors working with our administration on amendments to help make Colorado safer while upholding our freedom and Colorados rich hunting and sport shooting culture and will review the final version of the bill, a Colorado Governors Office spokesperson said on March 24. Governor Polis remains focused on improving public safety including gun safety, additional funding for law enforcement and safer streets, and tougher penalties against theft of guns. On Thursday morning, the Colorado State Shooting Association, which is the official state association of the National Rifle Association, plans to deliver more than 25,000 signatures demanding Polis veto the bill. Gun rights advocates have called the measure an attack on Second Amendment rights and an undue burden on gun owners. Senate Bill 3 is a direct assault on our constitutional right to keep and bear arms, said Huey Laugesen, executive director of CSSA, in a release on Wednesday. It turns a fundamental freedom into a privilege, prices out many Coloradans who need protection most, invades our privacy with a state registry of gun owners, and burdens taxpayers with costs we cant afford. These 25,000 signatures are a clear message to Governor Polis: veto this bill, or face the consequences. The bill would require anyone in Colorado after Aug. 1, 2026, to have a permit and complete firearm safety training to purchase semiautomatic firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill also prevents the sale of rapid-fire conversion devices, which allow the user of a semiautomatic gun to treat it more like a fully automatic weapon. These devices include bump stocks and binary triggers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The training would need to be supported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and county sheriffs offices, which opponents say would cost millions of dollars to implement. Supporters of the measure say the bill will not impact shotguns, common hunting rifles, semiautomatic weapons with fixed magazines and almost all handguns. The bill would prevent sales of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns but does not impact recoil-operated handguns, according to sponsors. The bill also does not impact the possession of currently owned firearms. NRA sues to stop ammunition, firearm excise tax approved by Colorado voters Polis is also facing pressure from Republican U.S. Reps. Jeff Crank, Jeff Hurd, Gabe Evans and Lauren Boebert. The group sent a letter to Polis on Wednesday saying that the bill specifically targets firearms that are commonly owned by Coloradans and allows for arbitrary enforcement against law-abiding individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said the measure would be one of the most restrictive gun ownership bills in the U.S., noting that Coloradans who want to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine must take the training and must obtain an eligibility card from their county sheriffs office to enroll. (A) sheriff has the discretion to deny if they have a reasonable belief the individual is danger to themself or others,' the representatives letter said. Not only does this new scheme come with additional fees and time commitments that no criminal will ever participate in, but it also gives any sheriff hostile to the individual or semi-automatic firearms in general carte blanche authority to block the enrollment. The group also took issue with Coloradans personal information being stored in a de facto gun owner registry maintained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. They called on Polis to listen to law enforcement who have voiced opinions against the bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Channel 9 learned that a K-9 named Blitz was shot and killed by a police officer during a police chase with the Wadesboro Police Department earlier this week. Blitz was a retired drug dog donated to the Wadesboro Police Department by dog breeder Josh Harrington in January. The K-9 was trained in narcotics and tracking, not in apprehension, said Harrington. PAST COVERAGE: Wadesboro mourns K-9 officer killed during traffic stop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was sweet, Harrington said. My wife loved him to death. She would go and sit in the kennels with him and play with him. Blitz joined the department when it was rebooting its K-9 unit. They were not interested in bite work, Harrington said. They were not interested in apprehension, and I said, Perfect. Harrington said Blitz was the perfect fit and was only to be used as a drug and tracking dog. Everybody understood that the dog was not to be used in apprehension, Harrington said. However, Wadesboro police said Blitz and his handler were trying to catch a suspect. Blitz grabbed hold of the suspect, causing injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moments later, Blitz was killed in the line of duty. Channel 9 learned that a Wadesboro police officer was the one who shot Blitz. We are still working to verify what exactly happened in the moments leading up to the K-9s death. Gross negligence from the top to the bottom, Harrington said. He claims the handler and Blitz were not certified as a team, which is not required in the state but is highly recommended. They had the dog for 60-something days, Harrington said. They did not have enough time to even go through a training course. Harrington remembers Blitz as a stellar dog and companion and wants transparency on what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am upset that they tried to pin this on an innocent dog that was put into a situation that he should have never been in, Harrington said. Blitz should have never been put in this situation from the start. Blitz did nothing wrong. Harrington said Blitz was a successful drug dog at his previous agency in another state, helping to get drugs off the street and saving lives. Channel 9 left two voicemails for Wadesboro Interim Police Chief Jason Eschert and emailed him to try to get his side of things and ask if that handler had any training with Blitz or if there was an investigation into this. As of late Thursday afternoon, we havent heard back. VIDEO: Wadesboro mourns K-9 officer killed during traffic stop Apr. 2Priceville police charged an Athens man early Wednesday morning with trafficking dangerous drugs after he was allegedly found with a quantity of narcotics and paraphernalia, according to the Priceville Police Department. Shortly after midnight, police said officers noticed a motorcycle stopped on the left shoulder of Interstate 65 near the Tennessee River bridge. They said the driver, Charles Ellie Oden Jr., 52, displayed nervous behavior and they noticed two characters of his license plate were covered by black electrical tape. Police also said they could smell marijuana on him. A field investigation followed, according to police, and the department's K-9 Unit responded to the scene and gave a positive alert for narcotics. Police said they found a quantity of a methamphetamine and fentanyl mixture, marijuana, an assortment of drug paraphernalia, and brass knuckles in Oden's possession after a search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to trafficking dangerous drugs, police said Oden was charged with second-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of brass knuckles. He remained in the Morgan County Jail on Wednesday afternoon in lieu of a $240,000 bond, according to jail records. wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442. TORONTO (AP) Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that Canada will match U.S. President Donald Trumps 25% auto tariffs with a tariff on vehicles imported from the United States. Trump's previously announced 25% tariffs on auto imports took effect Thursday. The prime minister said he told Trump last week in a phone call that he would be retaliating for those tariffs. "We take these measures reluctantly. And we take them in ways that is intended and will cause maximum impact in the United States and minimum impact in Canada, Carney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney said Canada won't put tariffs on auto parts as Trump has done, because he said Canadians know the benefits of the integrated auto sector. The parts can go back and forth across the Canada-U.S. border several times before being fully assembled in Ontario or Michigan. Carney said Canadians are already seeing the impact. Automaker Stellantis said it shut down its assembly plant in Windsor, Canada, for two weeks from April 7, the local union said late Wednesday. The president of Unifor Local 444, James Stewart, said more scheduling changes were expected in coming weeks. Carney said that will impact 3,600 auto workers that he met with last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autos are Canadas second-largest export and the sector employs 125,000 Canadians directly and almost another 500,000 in related industries. Carney announced last week a CA$2 billion ($1.4 billion) strategic response fund that will protect Canadian auto jobs affected by Trumps tariffs. Trump previously placed 25% tariffs on Canadas steel and aluminum. And Carney said Canada can expects further tariffs on pharmaceuticals, lumber and semi-conductors. Given the prospective damage to their own people the American administration should eventually change course, Carney said. Although their policy will hurt American families, until that pain becomes impossible to ignore, I do not believe they will change direction, so the road to that point may indeed be long. And will be hard on Canadians just as it will be on other partners of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney, a former two-time central banker in Canada and the U.K, said Trumps actions will reverberate in Canada and across the world. They are all unjustified and unwarranted and in our judgement misguided, Carney said. Canadas initial $30 billion Canadian (US$21 billion) worth of retaliatory tariffs remain in place, having been applied on items like American orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, appliances, footwear, cosmetics, motorcycles and certain pulp and paper products. Carney suspended his election campaign to return to Ottawa to deal with Trump's tariffs. Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said he would remove the federal tax on Canadian made vehicles. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province has the bulk of Canadas auto industry, called Canadas latest tariffs a measured response. Stocks have been off to a rough start due to DeepSeek fears and tariff concerns. A bunch of stocks plunged in March, but some of those drops present long-term buying opportunities. Read More: Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway Bought Over $73 Million in Shares of This Tech Company Heres Why Find Out: 6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From in Retirement However, just because a stock is down by more than 10% doesnt warrant rushing to buy shares. Some stocks that fell in March can lose a lot more value over the next few months. Some of them present buying opportunities, while others are worth selling. These are the five stocks to monitor in April. Nvidia (NVDA) Nvidia has multiplied wealth more than most stocks, but past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The stock has been off to a rocky start, but many analysts are optimistic about the stock staging a comeback. Natasha McPherson, CLTC, managing director of Hall Wealth Management and owner of Medicare Rocks, explains the buying opportunity around Nvidia stock. Nvidias had a 5.7% drop due to fears over stricter regulations on its Chinese-made chips along with a negative outlook on data-center spending. Heightened scrutiny and restrictions have raised concerns about Nvidias future in the Chinese market, McPherson said. She also highlighted the long-term trends that should benefit Nvidia. Although you should still be open to buying due to its dominance within the AI market, it has strong financials and plans for growth. Theyre also expanding into the automotive, omniverse, and networking sectors. What I would keep in mind before you buy is supply chain disruptions and regulation within the sector. Discover Next: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: 5 Stocks You Shouldnt Sell Robinhood (HOOD) Robinhood surged after a strong earnings report but has since given up those gains. McPherson explained the stocks long-term buying opportunity. Robinhood had a significant stock decline, dropping nearly 20% on March 10. The drop was influenced by broad market sell-offs due to recession fears and a $26 million fine imposed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority for violations related to anti-money laundering practices and inadequate disclosures, she said. Robinhood will always have an allure to a broad base of people due to low cost, access to robo advisors, and theyre marketing to younger individuals. I would keep in mind the fact that they do have regulatory scrutiny on them right now. If they arent doing things by the book, that could turn out very bad. By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - Prince Harry said on Thursday he hoped Britain's charity regulator would "unveil the truth" after it opened a compliance case into his charity Sentebale following accusations from its chair that he was guilty of "bullying at scale". Harry, the younger son of King Charles, co-founded Sentebale in 2006 to help young people with HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. It was set up in honour of his mother Princess Diana, who died in a Paris crash in 1997. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho said in a joint statement that they, along with the board of trustees, were stepping down from the charity because of a dispute with board chair Sophie Chandauka. Chandauka responded by accusing Harry and the trustees of bullying, misogyny and racism. Britain's Charity Commission said it had now opened a regulatory compliance case, which allows it to gather evidence and make findings, and to help trustees address any failings, an action short of a formal statutory inquiry. "The regulator's focus, in line with its statutory remit, will be to determine whether the charitys current and former trustees, including its chair, have fulfilled their duties and responsibilities under charity law," it said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welcoming the move, Harry said in a statement: "We (the former patrons and trustees) fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign. We remain hopeful this will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately, for the sake of the communities we serve." Chandauka also welcomed the news, saying she hoped it would provide "comfort that Sentebale and its new Board of Trustees are acting appropriately to demonstrate and ensure good governance and a healthy culture". The dispute, with its accusations of bullying, racism and misogyny, is particularly painful for Harry who has accused some royal aides and tabloid newspapers in the past of similar behaviour against his American wife Meghan. It also involves a charity close to his heart because it was founded in tribute to his mother's legacy. Sentebale means "forget-me-not" in the local language of Lesotho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness...," Harry said in his statement. Harry, who lives in California with Meghan and their two children, stopped working as a member of the British royal family in 2020. He has been involved in charitable causes in Africa for many years and visited Nigeria last year. (Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Gareth Jones) Prince Harry's feud with Sentebale chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka is set to take a new turn as the UK Charity Commission launches a compliance review into the charity. This follows the Duke of Sussexes resignation, citing a breakdown with the chairwoman, who has welcomed the investigation and emphasized efforts for better governance. Dr. Sophie Chandauka also criticized Prince Harry for attempting to remove her and described Sentebale as a "vanity project." Prince Harry And Dr. Sophie Chandauka Face Off Amid Charity Investigation MEGA The British royal accused the chair of his charity, Dr. Chandauka, of spreading "blatant lies" as the UK's charity regulator launched an investigation into the charity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Charity Commission's compliance review comes just one week after Harry resigned as patron of Sentebale and called for Dr. Chandauka to step down. In response, Dr. Chandauka has taken legal action to retain her role and raised her concerns with the Commission. The Charity Commission confirmed today that it notified Sentebale the previous day about opening a regulatory compliance case to address concerns surrounding the charity. According to the Daily Mail, both Dr. Chandauka and Harry have expressed support for the investigation into the organization. While distinct from a full statutory inquiry, the compliance review will allow the Commission to gather evidence and assess whether the charity and its trustees, past and present, have fulfilled their legal duties and responsibilities under charity law. Dr. Chandauka 'Welcomes' The Charity Commission's Investigation Into Their Affairs MEGA In a statement released to the news outlet on her behalf, Dr. Chandauka expressed her support for the Charity Commission's decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She stated: "I welcome the Charity Commission's decision to proceed with a regulatory compliance case to consider the various governance, administration and management matters I first reported in February 2025." The Oxford-educated Zimbabwean lawyer added: "For completeness, I should mention that we initiated an internal governance review last year, the findings of which we will share with the Charity Commission." Dr. Chandauka emphasized that "these actions will give the general public, our colleagues, partners, supporters, donors, and the communities we serve comfort that Sentebale and its new Board of Trustees are acting appropriately to demonstrate and ensure good governance and a healthy culture for Sentebale to thrive." She reassured that the charity's Executive team and operational staff remain focused on the daily activities of the organization, continuing its mission to support its communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Chandauka concluded by expressing gratitude for the patience and unwavering support Sentebale has received from current and potential partners, and she looks forward to collaborating as the charity moves toward a more "ambitious future." Prince Harry Calls Out 'Blatant Lies' That Have 'Hurt' Him And Other Trustees MEGA The ongoing investigation into Sentebale follows Harry's resignation from the charity he founded in 2006 in honor of his mother, Princess Diana. In a letter, he cited an irreparable breakdown in his relationship with the chairwoman, a situation he said left him "truly heartbroken." The Duke of Sussex hinted at the boardroom dispute at Sentebale, expressing his disappointment at the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared mission. No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself," Harry said. He reaffirmed the core mission of the charity, explaining: "From the inception of Sentebale nearly 20 years ago, Prince Seeiso and I have had a clear goal: to support the children and young people in Southern Africa in memory of our mothers." Prince Harry Expects 'The Truth' To Be Unveiled After The Investigation MEGA In a statement on behalf of former trustees and patrons, Harry expressed relief that the Charity Commission had confirmed a thorough inquiry into the matter. The Prince said, "We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry concluded with optimism, hoping the inquiry would facilitate a leadership change that would better serve the charity's mission, He added, "We remain hopeful this will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately for the sake of the communities we serve." Dr. Sophie Chandauka Accused The Duke Of Harassment And Disruptions At Sentebale Charity Event MEGA Since Harry's resignation, Dr. Chandauka has labeled the Sussexes' brand as "toxic" and accused the Duke of engaging in "harassment and bullying at scale," a claim that has been firmly denied. She described Sentebale as a "vanity project" for Harry, positioning herself as a whistle-blower while accusing the organization of "poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir and the cover-up that ensued." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Chandauka further asserted that Harry had been attempting to remove her from the organization for months, stating, "Really, what Prince Harry wanted to do was to eject me from the organisation and this went on for months. I have documentation." The Zimbabwean lawyer also shed light on a dispute regarding a Miami polo event held last April to raise funds for Sentebale. Dr. Chandauka claimed the event was disrupted by Harry's insistence on bringing a Netflix film crew to film scenes for his documentary on polo, which she believed led to the charity losing the venue. Sources close to Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have since countered Dr. Chandauka's claims, saying her account of the debacle surrounding last year's polo match in Miami was "highly misleading." They also stated that the original venue had already changed its terms, which resulted in the rise in cost contrary to the Netflix angle being pushed by the Sentebale chair. Britain's charity watchdog said Thursday that it was launching an investigation into Sentebale, the charity Prince Harry set up in memory of his mother, Princess Diana. The Charity Commission said in a statement that it would try to determine whether Sentebale's "current and former trustees, including its chair, have fulfilled their duties and responsibilities. It added that it was in direct contact with the parties who initially raised concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry welcomed the investigation, saying that, along with his fellow trustees and patrons, he was relieved that The Charity Commission confirmed they will be conducting a robust inquiry. We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign, he said in a statement. Prince Harry arrives at a Sentebale event at the Pointmain Health Facility last year. The Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho co-founded the charity in 2006 in honor of their mothers, Diana and Lesothos Queen Mamohato. Sentebale aimed to tackle health issues such as HIV and AIDS, as well as wealth inequity and climate resilience, among young people in the southern African nations of Lesotho and Botswana. The two princes quit Sentebale last week after a dispute between the trustees and the board chair, Sophie Chandauka. In a joint statement, they said they planned to raise concerns with the Charity Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did not name Chandauka directly, but said the charity's trustees had asked her to step down without elaborating why. Chandauka had sued Sentebale to remain in this voluntary position, further underscoring the broken relationship, they added. Chandauka subsequently accused Harry of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir and the cover-up that ensued. In a follow-up interview Sunday with the British broadcaster Sky News, she again accused Harry of harassment and bullying at scale, and his unleashing of the Sussex machine against her and the organizations employees. (Sky News is owned by Comcast, the parent company of NBC News.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the same interview, she said that her experience with Harry himself had been fantastic, actually, and that they had a great relationship. Some people on the charitys board, she added, completely disrupted my meetings because they thought that they could get away with mistreating a woman. Chandauka, in a statement released after the Charity Commission announced its investigation, said Sentebale welcomed the clarity this process will bring. Transparency and accountability are central to how we operate, she said, adding, We will also continue to work closely with the chair and the new board of trustees to ensure the smooth running of the organization, keeping our focus firmly on delivering for the young people and communities we serve. Harry, who stepped down as a working member of Britains royal family in 2020, now lives in California with his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and their two children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its statement Thursday, the Charity Commission said that it was not an adjudicator or mediator, but was instead guided by the principle of ensuring that trustees fulfill their primary duty to the charity. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com After passing by golden temples and crossing the gates into the Old Town, I hand my helmet back to my driver and check in for my massage appointment. As I sip on my iced coffee in the shade, Im grateful for the mist from the courtyards waterfall, and the restaurants mango sticky rice has left a sweet taste in my mouth. It feels like a normal morning in Chiang Mai until I spot the wardens uniform. Thats when I remember that I am sitting in the middle of a prison. When its time for my massage, I am led into a dim room full of beds. Like many vocational schools in Thailand, no one is given a private room and everyone is clothed. They give me a locker to put my phone, wallet, and other valuables inalong with a key to hold onto. My masseuse is kind and quiet except when she whispers to make sure that the pressure of the massage is okay. I surrender to the flow of the massage, and easily forget that I am in a big roompart of the prison. The experience is relaxing and luxurious, but it is even more rewarding to learn that this exceptional service offers a unique way support incarcerated women in Thailand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chiang Mai Womens Correctional Center is a womens prison that offers a Thai massage and spa training program. his vocational program, also called Naree Spa, allows non-violent prisoners to receive massage training, and each treatment helps women earn their certification as traditional Thai massage therapists. Prisoners live in a different part of the city but are transported in every day with wardens and other officials to do their training. Today, travelers can also enjoy the restaurant, boutique, and beauty salonsall of which hire prisoners and allow them to get hands-on work experience. For those who are curious to learn more and are desperate for air conditioning, there is also a museum with information about the program on site. (Related: 6 ways to explore Chiang Mai through its burgeoning craft scene, from ceramics to silver jewelery.) Historical importance of the traditional Thai massage Nuad Thai, or Thai massage, is incredibly important to the countrys traditions and history, which is why it has earned UNESCO recognition on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In traditional Thai villages, those who practiced Thai massage were seen as healers, which is why spa certification, in the form of certificates, is still regulated by the Thai Ministry of Public Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The standard curriculum for those looking to practice Thai massage is an 800-hour course that has to take place over more than two years. Like all massage students in Thailand, prisoners at the Chiang Mai Womens Correctional Center must learn philosophy, anatomy, and other physiology courses. They must also do 300 hours of professional experience training, which is where massages like mine come into play. This makes these women true experts of their craft and incredibly knowledgeable of the human body. During my massage, my masseuse could tell something was wrong with me after briefly touching a small muscle on my ankle. After just a moment, she knew I was walking too much and advised me to stretch the muscle and rest it when I could. Vocational massage training used to change womens lives Receiving spa certificates are a bright light in the otherwise dark reality of female incarceration in Thailand. According to the latest comparative statistics published by the Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research, Thailand has the worlds second highest incarceration rate of women. Andrea Giorgetta, the Asia Desk Director at the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) says, Women in Thailand tend to encounter greater difficulties and discrimination than men within the legal system due to a combination of factors, including poverty, a lack of legal knowledge, and inadequate legal assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These social and economic factors result in women receiving longer sentences that are disproportionate to their offensesespecially when you consider womens caregiving obligations or the role of abuse and coercion. After serving their time in prison, women may face difficulties when it comes to finding jobs, which is why reoffending rates for women are between 14 percent (who are detained a second time) and 20 percent (who are detained up to a fifth time). (Related: Some of the best cheese in the world is in Thailandhere's where to try it.) Massage centers offer ex-prisoners hope and dignity Luckily for the women of Chiang Mai Womens Correctional Centerthey are not alone. Thunyanun Yajom worked in the prison as an officer for more than 15 years before opening the Dignity Network, a certified massage center for vocational graduates from the womens prison. Each of the masseuses have gone through the programs outlined by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, but they still faced prejudice when attempting to find jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yajom says that before her spa, It was not easy for my ladies to find jobs after getting out of prison if some places know you are ex-prisoners, they will leave you out of a job. Nobody cared about them. In 2014, she opened her first center with only three ex-prisoners, and it quickly became internationally appreciated by tourists and locals alike. Since then, they have expanded into five massage centers around Chiang Mai, and they have given more than 500 ex-prisoners jobs over the past decade. This steady employment gives women the chance to be financially independent, provide for their families, and give back to their communities. Yajom says, We work together like family. When customers come into my shop, they feel the same because we take very good care of them. There are thousands of spas in Thailand, but the Dignity Network centers and the womens prison give travelers the chance to make their massages something more. These treatments provide an opportunity to play a small role in a much bigger movement towards womens liberation and independence in Thailand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Related: UNESCO recognizes more than just historical siteshere are 5 protected health customs.) How to get the best massage in Thailand The Womens Correctional Center is located in Chiang Mais old town (on Ratvithi Road in the Mueang Chiang Mai District) and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the weekends. In order to get a massage, visitors must make a same-day appointment in person. Visitors should get there as early as possible because their appointments tend to book up quickly. The spa is occasionally closed for holidays, so be sure to check their Facebook page for any announcements. Anyone is welcome to get a massage, but they ask you to indicate if you have heart problems, allergies, or any other conditions they should know about. They offer one-hour traditional Thai massages (250 Baht/about $7.36), two-hour Thai massages (500 Baht/$14.73), and one-hour foot massages (250 Baht/about $7.36). For your massage, visitors should wear loose clothing that they can easily move around in. As mentioned before, there are five Dignity Network centers around Chiang Mai, and its usually easier to get appointments at these spas. Each location has different hours that you can find on their website. As with most Thai spas, reservations are made in person, and they can accommodate guests fairly quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Related: How to plan a food tour around northern Thailand, from Chiang Mai to Phrae.) Acacia Gabriel is a freelance journalist who covers responsible ecotourism, cultural experiences, and the intersection of outdoor adventure and luxury. Follow along on her website and Instagram. Nevada Department of Corrections Director James Dzurenda. (Legislative stream screengrab) The Nevada Department of Corrections is racking up $60 million in overtime a year because of the need to shift correction officers from one post to another to address staffing shortages, resulting in a $50 million dollar budgeting shortfall that took lawmakers by surprise during a hearing Thursday of the Interim Finance Committee. NDOC Director James Dzurenda told lawmakers he was instructed by the Governors Finance Office last year that the departments personnel shortage could not be addressed until a staffing study initiated in 2024 is completed in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dzurenda testified the department is usually about $60 million short on day one of a biennium because of overtime demands. He predicted the study will be devastating and reveal a biennial shortfall of over $100 million. So youre saying that your agency told the governors office hey, were going to run into huge deficits. Were going to overspend like nobodys business in overtime, and they were aware of this, and they just didnt bring it to our attention until March? an incredulous Sen. Rochelle Nguyen asked Dzurenda. I dont know when they brought it to your attention, but these discussions have been happening since I got here in 23, Dzurenda responded. We knew we were going to be short, and Im telling you, were going to be short next time, too. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo did not respond to a request for comment. The governor, when asked about economic concerns in recent months, has repeatedly referred to triaging the state through any fiscal storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Triaging in the state prison department amounts to reducing visitation and shifting in-person educational programming to correspondence courses. Athar Haseebullah, executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, says Dzurendas testimony shows extreme mismanagement of correctional facilities by the state, adding Lombardos refusal to address personnel services until the staffing study is complete seems like a weird instruction to give that puts us at a $50 million budget shortfall when the economy is already in a precarious position. The overtime problem, Dzurenda said, is complicated and involves a number of variables, such as delays in obtaining a staffing study to substantiate the need for additional positions; unbudgeted costs such as transporting prisoners; staffing NDOCs training academy; and the cost of overtime provisions included in a collective bargaining agreement negotiated in 2023 for correction officers. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro told Dzurenda if he was aware of a regular, ongoing use of overtime monies, a request should have been made for a reserve of X amount of dollars that we believe we are going to have to pay overtime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, she argued Lombardos administration turned a blind eye to it, leaving lawmakers halfway through a legislative session, to figure out how to fill that hole. One corrections officer has racked up 1,600 hours of overtime since the fiscal year began, which puts you on track to work 80-hour weeks, Nguyen said, adding she was incredibly disappointed and branded the episode a failure on so many levels. NDOCs current solution, she added, cuts the education programs that from what weve heard from you, Director, over and over and over again, actually make those prisons safer for your correction officers and safer for the people that are incarcerated in there. Is that my understanding? Yes, Dzurenda replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Assemblymember Danielle Monroe Moreno, a former corrections officer, voiced a need to apologize to Dzurenda, adding she didnt know if the governor or the Legislature had put him in a situation that is not winnable. We have a responsibility to make sure that you get what you need for your staff to be safe and the inmates in our charge to be safe, she said, and directed NDOC to seek additional funding during the legislative interim. In other IFC developments, Monroe Moreno warned agencies with projects funded by American Rescue Plan funds, which will revert to the federal government if not spent by the end of next year, that because of President Donald Trumps tariffs, increasing costs of construction and goods could jeopardize their timely completion. (FOX40.COM) A convicted felon was arrested after police conducted a probation search, according to the Citrus Heights Police Department. Video Above: What is a ghost gun Police said officers attempted to conduct a probation search at 7000 Rollingwood Boulevard, but the residents were uncooperative. Once police were able to get inside the home, multiple people were detained. Student arrested for making threats towards Live Oak Waldorf School Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CHPD said they found three guns and several rounds of ammunition in a convicted felons bedroom. The person was arrested on multiple charges including possession of firearms as a felon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) President Trump declared a national emergency, allowing him the ability to regulate imports and issue a new round of tariffs. The president said there will be a 10% baseline tariff on all countries that will go into effect on April 5, as well as reciprocal tariffs on what he calls the worst offenders that will go into effect on April 9. Dr. Andrew Butters, assistant professor at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business was interviewed on Eyewitness News First at Four to provide a better idea on how these new tariffs could impact the economy and the prices we pay at the store. You can view his full interview in the video player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). NEW YORK (PIX11) Michelle Lopez doesnt, for one moment, take for granted the privilege of being a loving mother to her two sons, 5-year-old Melo and 4-month-old Blu. Thats because, toward the end of last years pregnancy, and with no family support, Michelle found herself on the brink of losing Melo to New York Citys foster care system, and just as importantly, the opportunity to raise her two little heartbeats together. Community CloseUp: Were in your neighborhood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They werent giving clear answers on where he was going. I was fighting to keep custody of my son to prevent that, said Michelle. That fight ended with Michelles embrace of a new safety net called Foundation Place, a first-of-its-kind facility located in Brooklyn, where she was able to temporarily leave her son in good hands, without subjecting her family to the separation, scrutiny, and red tape that often comes with intervention from a social worker. More Stories: Our Community, Your Voice It was like a lot of help, said Michelle. Foundation Place, operated by the nonprofit Rising Ground, is free of charge to parents citywide, runs 24/7 with an accompanying emergency hotline, and can host children from birth up to 14 years old for up to 21 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sue Sampogna is Rising Grounds chief programming officer. The respite center is often the last resort we try to ensure theres a continuity in the childs life during that time, so that even during a time of disruption and crisis, they do have some normalcy, said Sampogna. This short-term service, filling a void in an underserved community, where options are limited for in-crisis parents of children who are more than a month old. Children like 3-year-old Kyng Royal Foster. His grandmother stood outside SUNY Downstate Hospital in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, where the boys mother dropped off his body at the emergency room and took off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From tragedy to hope, Rising Ground, the nonprofit, is working to bolster the community safety net by rolling out a full-court press of family services, including the grand opening of The Yard enrichment center, also nestled in the heart of Flatbush. From a childrens library to computer access and resume assistance, a laundry area, to use of a community kitchen, Rising Grounds CEO, Alan Mucatel, says this new community hub is designed to meet families where theyre at. And if that means a food pantry, a cooking class, or a group of mothers getting together to discuss how theyre raising their children, were going to make it happen, said Mucatel. Back at Foundation Place, little Melo easily fell right back into the groove during a visit, proof positive of the love, care, and help this family found in this place when they needed it the most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a support another support outlet for mothers, said Michelle. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mergers and acquisitions in financial services are set to stay strong in 2025. After a year of big-money deals in 2024, companies are still looking for ways to grow, stay competitive, and adapt to market shifts. While economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions remain, financial firms are using M&A to keep up with new technologies, changing customer expectations, and regulatory changes. Many banks and financial institutions are eyeing fintech acquisitions to stay ahead in the digital space while selling off underperforming parts of their business to free up capital for high-growth opportunities. Larger deals are becoming more common, especially as potential financial deregulation in the US could shake up global markets. According to Morgan Stanley, capital markets are making a big comeback in 2025, strengthened by lower interest rates, easing inflation, and steady economic growth. After a period of uncertainty, companies and investors are finally feeling confident enough to jump back into mergers, acquisitions, and major spending. With more cash flowing into the market, demand for private credit and infrastructure investments, especially in AI, is on the rise. Private credit is also having a moment, offering companies more flexible financing options. It is growing fast, with assets under management expected to double in the next few years. Many businesses are using private markets to refinance debt and fuel expansion. 2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for strategic deals, leveraged buyouts, and capital raising. Financial stocks had a great run in 2024, jumping over 30% by mid-December and outpacing the broader market. Fidelity noted that concerns about bank failures faded as the economy stayed strong, and improving fundamentals kept the sector on track. With the Fed cutting rates for the first time since the pandemic, lower borrowing costs could boost economic activity, even if they squeeze bank profit margins a bit. There are still risks, like commercial real estate exposure and loan defaults, but the post-election landscape looks favorable, with lighter regulations and more deal-making. Heading into 2025, financial stocks have solid momentum and plenty of tailwinds. This shift is creating fresh opportunities across the financial sector, from capital markets to private credit. We recently published a list of 10 Best Financial Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires . In this article, we are going to take a look at where The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) stands against other best financial stocks to invest in. Story continues Some of the wealthiest billionaires have built some of the worlds largest financial firms or continue to hold major ownership positions in them. These companies specialize in asset management, financial data services, and cryptocurrency trading. Take Warren Buffett, for instance. Investors around the world look to his portfolio for guidance. His investment strategy heavily favors financial stocks, with significant holdings in banks, payment technology firms, and insurance companies. By the end of 2024, he had committed over $100 billion to the financial sector, representing a substantial share of his estimated $267 billion portfolio. Like Buffett, there are lots of billionaire portfolios to watch out for. So, lets dive into the best financial stocks that Wall Street moguls are backing. The Allstate Corporation (ALL): One of the Best Financial Stocks Billionaires are Investing In A financial advisor giving advice to a couple, illustrating the personal finance and insurance products the company offers. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkeys database of billionaires stock holdings and picked the top 10 companies operating in the financial services industry with the highest number of billionaire investors in Q4 of 2024. The stocks are ranked in ascending order based on the number of billionaire investors. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here). The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) Number of Billionaire Investors: 19 The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is an Illinois-based provider of auto, home, and commercial insurance across the United States and Canada, selling through agents, call centers, and online. It also offers roadside assistance, identity protection, and insurance for health, life, and disability. It is one of the best financial stocks to buy, given it holds the interest of 19 billionaire investors and 71 hedge funds in total as of Q4 2024. On January 30, The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) disclosed that it is selling its Group Health business to Nationwide for $1.25 billion in cash, pending regulatory approval. In the first nine months of 2024, the business brought in $608 million in revenue and $69 million in profit. The sale is part of Allstates plan to focus on its core strengths, following a separate $2 billion deal to sell its Employer Voluntary Benefits division. The company is still deciding whether to keep or sell its Individual Health business. The sale will boost capital by $0.9 billion and result in a $450 million gain. The deal is expected to close in 2025. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) raised its quarterly dividend by 8.7% to $1.00 per share on February 26. The dividend is payable on April 1, 2025, to shareholders on record as of March 10. The company also approved a $1.5 billion share buyback program running through September 2026. On February 5, The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) announced that its Q4 revenue rose 11% to $16.5 billion, and its net income grew 30% to $1.9 billion. Strong performance in auto, homeowners insurance, and protection services drove an adjusted net income of $4.9 billion for the year. Investment income rose 25% to $3.1 billion in 2024, while homeowners insurance earned $1.3 billion despite $3.7 billion in catastrophe losses. Allstate minimized wildfire losses through reinsurance and reduced market exposure. The company expanded Property-Liability, grew Protection Plans revenue to nearly $2 billion for the year, and increased policies by 60% since 2019. It sold two Health and Benefits businesses for $3.25 billion and expects auto insurance growth in 2025. Overall, ALL ranks 7th on our list of the best financial stocks to buy according to billionaires. While we acknowledge the potential of ALL to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that certain AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ALL but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. More than 80 national and local progressive groups are warning that the country is facing an unprecedented constitutional danger over recent attacks against judges by President Trump and his backers on Capitol Hill. The 81 groups said in a Thursday letter that Trump and his allies have threatened judges and law firms, along with introducing legislation to undercut and intimidate the judicial branch. As organizations representing millions of Americans, we are profoundly concerned by these sweeping proposals and the actions of President Trump, his administration, and his congressional allies to intimidate the judiciary, dismantle the rule of law, and weaponize the executive branch, the groups wrote in the four-page letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administrations authoritarian actions threaten a system of checks and balances that has safeguarded our democracy for nearly 250 years, they said. The progressive organizations pointed to public statements from the administration, including Vice President Vance writing on social platform X in early February that judges arent allowed to control the executives legitimate power. The groups also highlighted previous calls by Trump to impeach U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who issued a ruling that barred the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants. Efforts to delegitimize court orders, threaten judges, and erode constitutional safeguards fundamentally threaten American democracy, the groups wrote in the letter. Even more disturbing, congressional allies are now attempting to codify these authoritarian power grabs through legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organizations emphasized three House bills that in their view should be rejected: a bill to make it easier for executive branch officials to move cases against them from state to federal courts, one granting the president authority to boost the number of lifetime district court judges, and a measure that limits the power of district judges to impose nationwide injunctions. A large majority of Americans, 70 percent, said they oppose impeaching judges who rule against the administrations wishes, a new Marquette Law School poll found. Some organizations that penned the letter included Accountable.US, Democracy Forward, Human Rights Campaign and Public Citizen. We urge Congress to stand firm against the assaults on our democracy by rejecting the JUDGES Act, the PEPPER Act, and the NORRA Act, the organizations wrote, referring to the proposed legislation. We urge legal professionals to speak out against these unjust attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, we must strengthen judicial independence and reinforce the separation of powers, they added. We demand that the president, his administration, and Congress cease attacks on judges and lawyers and reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Artist's rendering of the $85 million medical school proposed at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (Courtesy of University of Nebraska at Kearney) Nebraskas healthcare system is deeply interconnected, with rural hospitals relying on partnerships with academic medical centers and tertiary hospitals in Omaha and Lincoln. While rural hospitals serve as the frontline of care for their communities, they depend on our urban medical centers for advanced specialty care, training and research. This collaboration ensures that patients statewide have access to vital local care backed by nation-leading facilities and specialists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past two decades, the University of Nebraska Medical Center has strategically expanded its rural initiatives through medical education, research and clinical care in partnership with Nebraska Medicine. This includes innovative facilities like the Davis Global Center, with world-class clinical simulation training and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, which advances life-saving research and treatment. These institutions have revolutionized training and care for infectious disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Now, UNMC is taking its next step forward with Project Health, a landmark public-private partnership that will have a transformative impact on Nebraska. This project, the largest to date for the University of Nebraska System, will create a new $2.19 billion health care facility at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine that will serve as a clinical learning center to educate and train the next generation of health care providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biomedical scientists will conduct world-class medical research and provide clinical trials to hone prevention and treatment methods for all Nebraskans and beyond. Our state has tremendous needs when it comes to healthcare. Many counties in western and central Nebraska have no or few primary care physicians. And projections show that Nebraska will experience a workforce shortage of over 5,000 nurses this year alone. Its vital for Nebraska to have a robust long-term training pipeline for doctors, nurses and other health professionals, and Project Health addresses that need. Project Health will expand enrollment across UNMCs educational programs to meet workforce demands. It also will notably support UNMCs partnership with the University of Nebraska at Kearney Health Sciences Education Complex, where over 300 nursing, allied health and public health students soon will train alongside medical students and physicians at the new Rural Health Education Building. Additionally, Project Health will expand rural clinical rotations and medical education, ensuring that health professionals are prepared in rural hospitals and clinics a key indicator of a physician practicing in a rural community after their residency training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of Project Healths construction through 2033, Nebraska will see a projected economic impact of $3.2 billion. Once complete, the initiatives annual contribution to Nebraskas economy is expected to exceed $1.5 billion. Project Health is the first step of several within a larger initiative Project NExT, short for Nebraska Transformation. In 2020, our Legislature voted to support Project NExT to address Nebraskas healthcare workforce shortage. Now, the University of Nebraska is ready to move forward with key steps to bring this vision into reality. For a transformative project of this scale, public and private support are vital. Project Health is supported through a partnership that includes funding from state appropriations, private philanthropy, local government support and institutional investments. This wide-ranging support shows broad consensus for strengthening Nebraskas future healthcare capability. By supporting the states investment in Project Health, the Unicameral helps ensure that Nebraskans, no matter where they live, have access to high-quality, affordable care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Project Health is the first step, but the vision for Project NExT is much broader it will create a thriving and ever-changing workforce pipeline that meets the evolving needs of our state. Project Health serves multiple statewide goals as a commitment to the well-being of Nebraskans, a driver of economic development and an investment returning benefits to the state for generations. After all, strong rural health makes for a strong rural Nebraska, ensuring communities remain vibrant and sustainable. UNMC is ready to move forward with next steps, in a spirit of innovation and dedication, to serve all of Nebraska and its healthcare needs. Jed Hansen is the executive director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association. He has been an advanced practice provider with CHI Health and has a Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Project Prison Reset, the group of lawmakers and other leaders taking a new look at how and where to build a new mens prison in South Dakota, has met for the first time. Wednesday, the task force visited a rural section of Lincoln County between Canton and Harrisburg where the state was planning to put a new mens prison until a bill to appropriate money to build the facility failed in February. SFSD cell phone survey results are in The group also toured the current state penitentiary in Sioux Falls Wednesday, and Minnehaha County States Attorney Daniel Haggar was not mincing words on what he saw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think everyone would agree, walking through those facilities this morning, we have a lot of people in there, said Haggar, who is on the task force. We have a lot of people packed in there. Its not safe. Republican state Sen. Ernie Otten, whos also on the task force, lives around 10 miles from the Lincoln County site. One thing I think is a given, no matter where you try to put this, youre going to have resistance from folks, Otten said. Nobody wants a prison next door to them. And hes heard a lot from people who live nearby. Theyre not happy, Otten said. Even though the state had focused on putting a new mens prison at the Lincoln County site, South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden said anything is possible when announcing the task forces creation. Otten wants to hear about other spots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to find out what were the other sites that they looked at, and so well take a peek at those, Otten said. After all, in more ways than one, the new look at a familiar question is about what comes next: not only for the state and its Department of Corrections, but for the people behind bars, wherever that might eventually be. We need to have a plan to address how were going to incarcerate folks safely, but also that other big component, have the spaces for rehabilitation, for preparing for reentry, said Republican Sen. Chris Karr of Sioux Falls, who sits on the task force. The group will gather at the Military Heritage Alliance in Sioux Falls Thursday for discussion, presentations and public commentary. KELOLAND News will have a camera there so viewers can watch the afternoon session live on our website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Caddo Parish School Board announced plans to close and consolidate several schools. The Buildings and Grounds Committee has recommended to the Board that Blanchard Elementary School close and students transfer to Donnie Bickham Middle School to make it a Pre-K through 8th grade campus. Queensborough Elementary will also be closed, and students will be transferred to JS Clark Academy. Eighty-First Street ECE will also be closed to transfer students to Atkins Elementary. The buildings would be sold, and the proceeds would be dedicated to the future construction of institutional facilities. The changes would take effect in the 2025 2026 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want to know how schools spend money? New tool launched in Louisiana will help with that We want everyone to know there will be a very easy transfer process for to go to our JS Clark Academy. Were very excited about adding 6th grade to that campus. That will allow every student, even those graduating from JS Clark, to keep those families and siblings together, said Keith Burton, Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools. Certified teachers would be transferred along with the students, while the process for non-certified teachers would be different. The school board will vote on closing and consolidating these schools during its next meeting on April 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students of Blanchard would have the opportunity to leave an aging building and come to something that is brand new and dedicated for the future growth of that community, said Charles Smith, Director of the Caddo Parish Buildings and Grounds Committee. Gov. Jeff Landry orders hiring freeze for state government to save $20M The district staff said it presented a series of proposals to modernize facilities, enhance student opportunities, and leverage district assets to support long-term planning. These recommendations reflect our responsibility to plan with purpose for our current students and future generations. By aligning our facilities with enrollment trends, modern instructional goals, and the strength of our community partnerships, were creating opportunities that place students at the center of every decision. At the same time, were ensuring that our resources are being used wisely and efficiently in a way that honors the trust of our families and taxpayers across Caddo Parish. This is about building a stronger, more sustainable future for all of Caddo, Burton said. Caddo Schools details for proposed school closures and consolidations Queensborough Elementary to be consolidated to J.S. Clark Academy this fall: Staff is recommending the closure of Queensborough Elementary at the end of the 2024-25 school year, with students rezoned to J.S. Clark Academy. The proposed consolidation aligns with existing middle school attendance zones, boosts enrollment at J.S. Clark and expands student access to career exploration and enrichment programs. In addition, Willis Knighton Health System has expressed interest in purchasing the Queensborough property, creating an opportunity that allows a long-time community leader and partner of Caddo Schools to further enhance healthcare access in Shreveport and Caddo Parish. This move not only supports academic and operational goals but also prevents the site from sitting vacant, ensuring continued service to the community. Should the Board approve the recommendation, the district would list the Queensborough site at its appraised value and dedicate proceeds from the sale to a fund for future instructional facility construction. Blanchard Elementary to consolidate with Donnie Bickham Middle in 2026: To better serve the growing population in north Caddo and provide a more seamless educational experience for students, staff is recommending the consolidation of Blanchard Elementary with Donnie Bickham Middle School to establish a PreK-8 campus. Under the proposal, Blanchard Elementary would close at the end of the 2025-26 school year, and its PreK-3 students would transition to an expanded Donnie Bickham campus, which currently serves grades 4-8. This plan includes the construction of a new PreK-2 wing to accommodate younger learners and the addition of a school-based health clinic, ensuring access to comprehensive support services for students and families. By bringing all grade levels together on one campus, the district aims to create a more cohesive academic environment and reduce the number of school transitions for students. The consolidation also allows for expanded enrichment programs and more efficient use of district resources maximizing the educational and operational benefits for the entire school community. This long-term investment supports not only student success but also the continued needs of the Blanchard community. 81st Street Early Childhood Center proposed consolidation with Atkins Elementary in 2026: Students currently served at 81st Street would be reassigned to Atkins Elementary beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The move aims to boost enrollment at Atkins and redirect resources to other district needs. The property would be appraised and advertised for sale, with funds going toward future facility construction. Sale of Norris Ferry Road property: Originally purchased in 2002, the 20-acre Norris Ferry Road property recently appraised at over $3.6 million is now being proposed for sale due to no plans for future construction in the area. Revenue from the sale would also go toward future facility construction as determined by the Board. Caddo Schools campus enhancements for consideration Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle: Modifications to accommodate increased enrollment. Broadmoor STEM Academy: Facade upgrades and improvements J.S. Clark K-8 Academy: Facade upgrades and improvements to the auxiliary gym and health clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Little Rock pharmacist Brittany Sanders (left), Arkansas Pharmacists Association CEO John Vinson (second from right) and Rep. Jeremiah Moore (right), R-Clarendon, present House Bill 1150 to the House Committee on Insurance and Commerce on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) A House panel Wednesday approved a bill aimed at preventing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from holding a permit to operate a drug store in Arkansas. Opponents outnumbered supporters in the public comment period of the House Insurance and Commerce Committee meeting, but a majority of the panels 21 members voted to send House Bill 1150 to the full House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PBMs negotiate prescription benefits among drug manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies and health insurance providers, and they rank prescription drugs with the highest-tiered products costing consumers the lowest out-of-pocket costs. The Federal Trade Commission released an interim report in July 2024 saying these conglomerates are eliminating competition and increasing drug prices at the expense of patients. Pharmacy benefit managers are gaming the system to line their own pockets with taxpayers and patients money, said HB 1150 sponsor Rep. Jeremiah Moore, R-Clarendon. He decried the patently false statements circulating about the potential impact of HB 1150 from those who oppose it, such as the idea that 2.7 million Arkansans would lose access to health care. HB 1150 has faced a marketing campaign against it in the two and a half months since it was filed, and Moore said the opposition has primarily come from PBMs. Some of Wednesdays opponents of HB 1150 represented corporate health care organizations, including Russell Harper, a government relations executive with the Navitus Health Solutions PBM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harper said the bill will result in lots of unintended consequences that will bring patient disruption, patient confusion and patient access issues to important drug treatments, not just in the commercial market, but in Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare. He claimed a wide swath of Arkansas pharmacies, including 23 within CVS and 26 within Kroger, would be at risk of closing if HB 1150 passes. John Vinson, CEO of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, denied the allegation that HB 1150 would force pharmacies to close by taking PBMs out of the competitive pharmacy market. It gives pharmacies a choice of whether they want to be a PBM or a pharmacy, Vinson said. [They would] pick one or the other. Debate Several PBMs are affiliated with interstate mail-order pharmacy operations, and House Bill 1150 includes mail-order pharmacy permits among those that PBMs would be prohibited from holding. Vinson said Wednesday that some PBMs force consumers to receive their medications via mail, which costs more than receiving them over the counter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Castleberry claimed HB 1150 would reduce mail-order pharmacies presence in Arkansas to the point that patients would not be able to access necessary medication. Castleberry is chief revenue officer at Consociate Health, which represents self-funded employers in Arkansas, and he said many pharmacies can only afford to provide specialty drugs if they use mail-order operations. The first phone call that yall are going to get from your constituents [if HB 1150 passes] is someone whos on a specialty drug, he said. Randy Zook, president of the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, said lawmakers should not make laws that attack vertical integration in business, but Vinson and Moore both said PBMs vertical integration is unique because they set their competitors prices. OptumRX, Express Scripts and CVS Caremark the three largest PBMs are each owned by much larger corporations that each also own a top-10 health insurer. Together they control about 80% of the U.S. prescription market, according to last years Federal Trade Commission report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CVS Caremark is a subsidiary of CVS Health, and District Leader of Pharmacy Operations Ashley Ellis expressed opposition to HB 1150 on Wednesday. Ellis said pharmacists that work for PBM-owned and corporate pharmacies are still members of their local communities, and they have access to the medications and equipment that serve people with complex health needs while independent pharmacies do not necessarily have these things. Rep. Richard McGrew, R-Hot Springs, said he received several emails from constituents who ostensibly opposed HB 1150 but said they knew nothing about this when he contacted them. He alleged that the emails came from lobbyists against HB 1150 who received his constituents personal information from CVS, where they told him they receive prescription drugs. McGrew questioned Ellis about this breach of integrity, and Ellis said she was not aware of this. Past legislative action Navitus Chief Pharmacy Officer Sharon Faust said Arkansas has been a frontrunner on regulating prescription drug access and prices, but HB 1150 would be a step too far, a step further where youre actually limiting patient choice [and] reducing competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vinson and Moore said PBMs routinely reimburse their affiliate pharmacies at a higher rate than their competitors, locally-owned independent pharmacies. This practice is outlawed in Arkansas by Act 1 and Act 3 of 2018, which became law after a special legislative session. Arkansas lawmakers have been attempting to regulate PBMs for the past decade, starting with Act 900 of 2015, which required PBMs to pay pharmacies at least as much as the national average of what drugstores pay wholesalers for drugs. Despite this, pharmacies sent the Arkansas Insurance Department (AID) roughly 3,000 complaints in 2024, claiming PBMs either illegally paid them below this national average or paid them at or just above this amount, AIDs general counsel told lawmakers last year. Independent pharmacists made similar claims in September, saying they were struggling to stay open in rural areas with limited healthcare resources. The Arkansas Legislative Council approved a rule in December to require PBMs to include dispensing fees in their reimbursements for prescription drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Removing PBM-affiliated pharmacies from the market would require the employee benefits division of the Arkansas government to reevaluate and restructure their pharmacy networks and implement new compliance measures, according to an actuarial statement measuring the fiscal impact of HB 1150. There could be minor cost or saving[s] to the plan from excluding certain retail pharmacies from their network, such as CVS Caremark, according to the statement. Such a change would require a significant number of EBD members to transfer their prescriptions to an in-network pharmacy and may reduce pharmacy network access. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Democratic Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch during a hearing on paid family and medical leave. (Legislative stream screengrab) Nevada lawmakers are considering vastly expanding access to paid family and medical leave, though the proposal faces harsh opposition from business and industry groups. Democratic Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatchs Assembly Bill 388 would require private employers with more than 50 workers, as well as all public employers, to provide paid family and medical leave. The bill was heard by the Assembly Committee on Revenue on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only 4% of businesses employ more than 50 workers, according to La Rue Hatch, who attributed the figure to research by the Legislative Counsel Bureau, but that 4% of businesses employ nearly 1 million Nevadans more than 60% of the states workforce. In 2023, the Legislature established paid family and medical leave for state employees. La Rue Hatch described this years AB388, as a natural next step to ensure nearly a million Nevadans are able to address their own and their familys medical needs. Twelve assemblymembers and one state senator have signed on as additional sponsors. La Rue Hatch, a public school teacher in Northern Nevada, shared with the committee that in November she had jaw surgery that required six weeks of recovery. Public school teachers are not covered by the states existing mandated paid family and medical leave law, so she relied on a union-negotiated program where members can donate their paid time off to others who need it. Most Nevada workers dont have access to an option like that, she added, and instead are left with options that lead to financial hardship. They return to work prematurely after giving birth, leave the workforce entirely to provide unpaid care to elderly parents, wrack up additional debt during extensive cancer treatments, or forgo needed medical procedures because they know they cant afford not to work while recovering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States is one of only six countries that does not have a national guaranteed, comprehensive paid leave program. Thirteen states have comprehensive, mandatory state paid family and medical leave. Most offer the benefit through pooled payroll taxes paid by employers and/or employees, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. La Rue Hatch told the committee she didnt believe Nevada was open to that approach. Under her bill, Nevada employers would be required to offer it as a benefit after 90 days of employment. The leave would be available for specific purposes, such as the birth or adoption of a child, treatment of a serious illness, or caring for a family member who is seriously ill. There are also specific provisions for victims of domestic abuse and families dealing with military deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers who earn up to 110% of the states average weekly wage about $1,200 per week or $57,000 annually would receive 100% of their paycheck for up to 12 weeks. Workers who earn more than that would receive 60% of their wage or 60% of 150% of the states average weekly wage, whichever is less. (That 150% threshold currently translates to workers who make about $1,600 a week or $78,000 annually.) La Rue Hatch said the sliding scale and cap acknowledges that the lowest wage earners may not be able to survive off only part of their paycheck. AB388 is supported by numerous unions and worker advocacy groups, including the Communication Workers, SEIU, AFSCME, Washoe Education Association and Make It Work Nevada. Employees and workers are people, said Erika Washington, executive director of Make it Work Nevada. They are human beings We believe that being able to support, advocate, love and support our families is indeed a human right and a reproductive justice issue. Everyone has somebody they would drop everything for, and its our responsibility to care for our families and each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben Challinor with the Alzheimers Association testified that paid family and medical leave could benefit the estimated 84,000 Nevadans who provide unpaid care for someone living with Alzheimers or dementia. Business groups, including the Vegas Chamber, Nevada Resort Association, Retail Association of Nevada, and several chambers of commerce, are opposed to the bill, arguing they oppose mandates that force solutions that need to be addressed business by business. They also claimed it will drive up costs for business. If the government of the State of Nevada believes it is important to pay people in this state to not work for three months, then the State of Nevada can pay for that, said Tray Abney, Nevada state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued: Bills with incredibly large fiscal notes or impacts to the state budget have a very hard time getting passed out of here. We dont always seem to have the same concern for the fiscal notes that affect private sector job creators. In her closing remarks, La Rue Hatch argued that paid family and medical leave is an economic benefit that pays itself off in increased productivity and less turnover at business. Ikea offers 16 weeks of paid family and medical leave, she said. CitiBank, 16 weeks. Bank of America, 16 weeks. Google, 18 weeks paid leave after 90 days of employment. Huge corporations making significant profits have figured out how to take care of workers. It is not mutually exclusive. a map of the North Carolina section of the Transco Pipeline This map -- produced by the group Appalachian Voices and republished in the 7 Directions of Service/Sierra Club report "Overburdened and Overlooked: Communities Harmed by Transco's Southeast Supply Enhancement Project" -- shows the North Carolina segment of the Transco pipeline. Areas of North Carolina surrounding a proposed pipeline project would suffer from further environmental pollution, according to a report released this week by the Sierra Club. The Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) to the Williams Companys Transco Pipeline system is a pipeline running from Virginia to Alabama that would move up to 1.5 billion cubic feet of methane gas each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an expansion of an existing pipeline that runs from the Gulf Coast to New York, transporting about a third of the gas used in the country. SSEP is the largest new pipeline project on the East Coast since the Mountain Valley Pipeline and the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, both of which were started in 2014. Williams proposed SSEP to provide more energy reliability in the region. The pipeline would add the enough natural gas to serve approximately 9.8 million homes, according to Williams website. The project would have detrimental effects on North Carolina, especially for low-income residents and communities of color, which would be disproportionately affected, environmental leaders said at a press conference on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are already overburdened by industrial pollution, said Crystal Cavalier-Keck, director and co-founder of 7 Directions of Service, an indigenous-led collective focusing on environmental justice. These communities are treated as sacrifice zones for fossil fuel expansion with little to no say in the decision-making process. Cavalier-Keck, a citizen of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, said she lives in a frontline community of the kind that are highly exposed to the impacts of environmental hazards and climate change. Emissions from gas transported by the pipeline would be incompatible with meeting North Carolinas climate goals, the report found. SSEP includes a section called the Salem Loop, which would add 24 miles of 42-wide pipeline in Guilford, Forsyth, and Davidson counties in North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another expansion, known as the Eden Loop, brings about an additional 31 miles of 42-wide pipeline, primarily in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, but crossing into Rockingham County, North Carolina. Thats 55 miles of new pipeline total that would be located largely alongside existing pipeline, Alison Kirsch, senior energy campaigns analyst for the Sierra Club, said. Air pollution is already bad in the areas where Transco is proposing to build SSEP, including in low-income- and communities of color. North Carolinas Department of Environmental Quality will need to consider air and water quality permit applications for SSEP. Environmentalists are urging DEQ to factor in the threats that the project poses to the air and water sources of local communities. The Sierra Club encouraged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to conduct a more nuanced environmental justice analysis than Transco did, including considering an environmental impact statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aminah Ghaffar-Fulp, policy director for 7 Directions of Service, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the real communities that will be impacted by the project regardless of any economic or monetary benefits. This is a dangerous project is going to cause a lot of harm in communities that already have a bunch of polluters, particularly Black, indigenous and low-income communities, and theres nothing that can change the negative environmental impact that this is going to have, she said. Regardless of how much money it might look like its going to bring to the state, it is really just going to line the pockets of certain companies the overall impact is not worth the sacrifice. Prosecutors this week decided not to pursue an assault charge against a man whom Rep. Nancy Mace accused of having "physically accosted" her at the U.S. Capitol in December. According to a filing Tuesday with D.C. Superior Court, prosecutors dropped the lone charge against James McIntyre, a foster care advocate. Mace, R-S.C., had accused McIntyre of "aggressively" shaking her arm up and down at a Dec. 10 event celebrating 25 years of the Foster Care Independence Act. He had pleaded not guilty, court filings showed. The U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C., which was prosecuting the case, did not respond to a request for comment on why it decided to drop the charge of assaulting a government official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The youth- and family-focused news site The Imprint first reported on dismissal of the case. Follow live politics coverage here A spokesperson for Maces office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday night, but Mace repeated her assault claims in a statement Thursday morning. When a man can physically assault a woman in the halls of Congress, with impunity, it sends an appalling message to every woman in America. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere, Mace said. I filed charges, and they were inexplicably ignored. But I will not be. I will not back down. I will not be intimidated. And I sure as hell wont stay silent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An attorney for McIntyre declined to comment. McIntyre said in a statement through Illinois state Rep. Kelly Cassidy that he is "pleased but not surprised that these baseless charges have been dropped." By falsely accusing me of a violent crime and having me jailed, Congresswoman Mace demonstrated her desire to criminalize anyone who advocates for the needs of our trans youth," McIntyre said. "Her actions are fundamentally connected to the broader effort by the Trump administration to criminalize protected speech and create an environment of fear among advocates," McIntyre added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An incident report said Mace told officers after the encounter that McIntyre began to aggressively and in an exaggerated manner shake her arm up and down in a hand shaking motion" that left her arm flailing for three to five seconds. The report noted that Mace described to officers feeling "intimidated and unable to pull away when she tried. Elliott Hinkle, an eyewitness who attended the event, had disputed Maces account, saying the two shook hands and James says, Trans youth are also foster youth, and they need your support. And then sat down. Mace denied help from paramedics when it was offered, according to the incident report. She said later that night on X that she was physically accosted" at the Capitol by "a pro-tr*ns man. The next day, Mace shared an image of herself with her right arm in a sling. She repeated the allegations against McIntyre on X in January, saying she was "assaulted by a pro tr*ns man a few weeks ago and am still in physical therapy for my injuries. I know firsthand how the Left is capable of doing real physical harm." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mace has a record of using anti-trans rhetoric. In November, she introduced a measure to bar lawmakers and House employees from using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex. She said the legislation was a direct response to the election of Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., as the first openly transgender member of Congress. Im absolutely 100% going to stand in the way of any man who wants to be in a womens restroom, in our locker rooms, in our changing rooms," Mace told reporters at the time. "I will be there fighting you every step of the way. The House this year, under Republican control, prohibited transgender people from using single-sex facilities that align with their gender identities in the House chamber and halls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charge against McIntyre was dismissed by prosecutors in interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. Ed Martin's office. Martin was recently nominated by Trump to serve in the role permanently, which would require Senate confirmation. Martin has already demoted federal prosecutors who supervised the prosecutions of Jan. 6 defendants, some of whom Martin defended as an attorney. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Fulton County District Attorneys Office has requested that Young Thugs probation be revoked, according to a motion filed on Wednesday (April 3). Thug (whose real name is Jeffery Williams) ended a lengthy criminal trial in October 2024 when he pleaded guilty to charges leveled against him. The case, built around Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) law, claimed that Thug and his alleged YSL gang had committed murders, carjackings, drug dealing and many other crimes. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the conclusion of the trial, Thug was sentenced to 40 years with five to be served in prison commuted to time served. As a result, he was given 15 years probation, with a further 20 to be commuted if successfully completed. However, a new motion has been filed in Fulton County Superior Court which has seen the State of Georgia request Whitaker revoke Thugs probation, alleging that his continued presence in the community under probationary supervision presents a clear and present danger to public safety and undermines the rule of law. Per Channel 2 Action News, the crux of the filing revolves around what prosecutors have labelled escalating threats and witness intimidation. They note that Fulton County Investigator Marissa Viverito is in the process of testifying in a multi-defendant gang murder preliminary hearing which has seen the Court order witnesses not to be shown on television while testifying. However, a user on social media posted an image of Viverito online with a caption stating, She doesnt want to be shown on screen? Well, here she is. On Tuesday (April 1), Thug is alleged to have shared a since-deleted repost the image, pairing it with a caption claiming Marissa Viverito is the biggest liar in the DAs office. According to the filing, the post quickly went viral, resulting in over two million views, and resulting in direct threats to Investigator Viverito and her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing also claims that as a result of Thug sharing the post, the home addresses of Vivirito and her parents were distributed online, with one post reportedly sharing an image of Viviritos mothers house and stating, If the hate is really real then pull up on her mama crib. Another post is alleged to have been shared later which threatened the assassination of District Attorney Fani Willis. The escalation from targeting a testifying witness to making a direct death threat against the elected District Attorney of Fulton County is a grave and unprecedented attack on the justice system, the filing stated. In response to the probation revocation request, Thug shared a statement on his X (formerly Twitter), writing, I dont make treats to people Im a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone. Im all about peace and love. The filing alleges that the behavior is a calculated campaign of intimidation, harassment, and misinformation designed to undermine the legal process, and have requested the Court take swift and decisive action by revoking the Defendants probation and remanding them into custody without delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, no hearing date has been set. Meanwhile, Thug is scheduled to give his first performance following his trial in June as part of Chicagos Summer Smash Festival. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. UPDATE: Judge Reese Whitaker of Fulton County Superior Court declined to revoke Young Thugs probation on Thursday, ruling that his social media posts do not violate its terms. In the order, Whitaker wrote that the court declines to revoke Defendants probation based on the violation asserted, but noted that Thug should exercise restraint regarding certain topics. The original story follows below: More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young Thug has been accused of violating the terms of his probation as Georgia prosecutors are seeking to revoke it over his social media activity. Prosecutors filed a motion to revoke his probation earlier on Wednesday, per AJC, claiming that Thug violated it with posts on social media. The filing states that he tweeted an image of Marissa Viverito, an investigator with the Atlanta Police Department who was involved in his trial, accompanied by the caption, Biggest liar in the DA office. In doing so, prosecutors assert that he demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law, the safety of witnesses, and the integrity of judicial proceedings. According to the filing, Viverito is currently testifying in a gang murder preliminary hearing, during which the court ordered that she not be shown on TV while testifying. Prosecutors claim that a known blogger deliberately violated this order by posting her photo with the caption, She doesnt want to be shown on screen? Well, here she is. The motion states that Thugs social media post only amplified the bloggers act. As a consequence, reads the filing, Viveritos home address and her parents home address were publicly posted. Exhibits included in the filing show that one X user posted an image of her mothers home with the caption, if the hate is really real then pull up to her mama crib.., while another posted that they will personally make sure that District Attorney Fani Willis is assassinated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, took to X after the filing to apparently defend himself. I dont make treats to people Im a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone. Im all about peace and love, he wrote. Brian Steel, Thugs attorney, shared in a statement with Variety, This motion is baseless. While intimidation and threats of violence are never appropriate, Jeffery Williams has done nothing wrong. We look forward to seeking a dismissal of this petition. Thug was released from prison in Oct. 2024 after pleading guilty in his long-standing RICO case. At the time, the judge sentenced him to time served as well as 15 years of probation. He had been booked into jail in Georgia in May 2022 as part of a street gang bust and was one of 28 people named in a 56-count indictment that included violation of Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and participating in street gang activity. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. By Pratima Desai LONDON (Reuters) - Joint ventures and asset sales are expected to accelerate in the mining industry, which is ripe for consolidation due to the slowdown in manufacturing and demand growth for industrial metals, particularly in top consumer China. However, full-scale mergers and acquisitions activity among diversified miners could be hampered for now by prohibitive high costs and significant chances of eventual rejection, investors said ahead of a global gathering of the copper industry for the CESCO event in Santiago, Chile next week. Reluctance to engage at a company level is seen in LSEG data showing M&A in mining sector fell 27% in value terms to $15 billion in the first quarter compared to the same 2024 period. Since the start of 2024, BHP's shares have slumped 26% and Rio Tinto has dropped 23% while Glencore's shares have collapsed 42%. Companies such as BHP and Rio Tinto have robust balance sheets and are delivering handsome returns to shareholders, but they are approaching a period of stalled earnings growth. With no other country able to pick up the slack left by China and trade wars triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's import tariffs, miners are thinking more about creating value and strength through scale. "We are seeing more discussions about partnering, joint ventures and asset sales," said George Cheveley, Portfolio Manager at Investment Manager Ninety One. "We're more likely to see smaller deals rather than wholesale takeovers. They are easier regulation wise and an easier way of improving your asset base and derisking your portfolio." Australia-listed BHP also recently formed a joint venture - Vicuna - with Lundin Mining. Vicuna now owns the Filo copper project in Argentina and the Josemaria project in Chile. Struggling with declining ore grades BHP is planning to invest $10.8 billion over a period of 10 years in Chile starting with the Escondida operation Instead of investing for growth, some have typically opted to boost shareholder returns with dividends and share buybacks. "Our analysis suggests that valuation multiples are not responding to higher payout ratios and buybacks are no longer delivering strong returns making the pivot to growth more appealing," said James Whiteside, head of corporate for metals and mining at Wood Mackenzie. "Diversified companies seeking relevance through big payouts aren't being rewarded, but the read across from copper miners is, investing in production growth pays." HISTORICAL PRECEDENTS Americas farmers have always been among the most productive and resilient in the world. Through hard work and generations of experience, farmers provide the food and fiber that power our economy and feed millions. But modern agriculture hasnt been driven by farmers alone innovative crop management tools have reduced many of the physical burdens of harvesting crops and made it more efficient to grow corn, wheat, and other staple crops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These crop management tools are critical to sustaining high yields, with about 90% of cotton and soy acres relying on pesticides and herbicides. On top of that, they have helped lower costs for both farmers and consumers, preventing up to $10 billion in added food costs every year, a burden that would fall on households across Tennessee. Simply put, these resources have allowed farmers to grow more with less less land, less water, and lower input costs. This has made modern agriculture more efficient than ever before. Farmers access to pesticides is being threatened As a seventh generation West Tennessee farmer, the joys and challenges of farming have been passed down to me. Ad in the March 30, 2025, print edition of The Tennessean by the Modern Ag Alliance calling on new legislation to protect farmers' access to pesticides. I also had the fortune to serve three terms representing Tennesseans in Congress, where I carried those rural values to strengthen our food security, trade, and national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have not only seen how important crop management tools are to helping farmers like me meet growing demand but to ensuring that the United States agriculture industry remains self-reliant. Our farmers should not have to depend on China or other foreign adversaries for the products that keep our food system stable. However, access to pesticides and herbicides is increasingly threatened by activist-driven lawsuits in Tennessee and across the country. Counterpoint: Protect Tennesseans' rights not corporate profits on crop pesticides regulation Out-of-state trial lawyers, looking for a payout, are pushing cases that could remove key products from the market not based on science, but on scare tactics and misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If these efforts succeed, American farmers will be left with fewer options to protect crops and maintain land, forcing us to use less effective and more costly alternatives. EPA has deemed products safe State legislators in Nashville are currently considering tailored legislation (House Bill 809/Senate Bill 527) to prevent these special interests from taking advantage of our judicial system by closing loopholes and recognizing that federally approved labels are the law. It puts pragmatic steps in place to prevent abuses, preserve the rights of Tennesseans, and protect the freedom to farm in our state. We cannot afford to let opportunistic lawsuits weaken our agriculture industry. Tennessees farmers deserve certainty, not legal and regulatory chaos. They need common-sense protections to ensure they can continue to access safe, effective, and domestically produced pesticides and herbicides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For over 50 years, these products have gone through rigorous scientific review and testing under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys stringent safety standards and have consistently been deemed safe. Since the EPAs approval is the gold standard, farmers should be able to use products the EPA deems safe without fear of politically motivated interferences. Stephen Fincher, who has entered the U.S. Senate race in Tennessee, represented Tennessee's 8th Congressional District from 2011 to 2017. Ultimately, food security is national security. If we want to keep Americas farms strong, our rural communities thriving, and our food supply independent, we must stand against efforts that threaten access to these critical agricultural tools. Supporting Tennessee agriculture means supporting our farmers, and that starts with ensuring they have the tools they need to do their jobs and the representatives willing to act on their behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Fincher is a farm owner from Frog Jump in Crockett County and represented the 8th District of Tennessee in Congress from 2011-2017. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee farmers need pesticides to keep food costs down | Opinion Protesters hold large American flag Wednesday in Durham as part of a rally against proposed staffing cuts across the VA. (Photo: Greg Childress) Chris Buttitta, a veteran who served four years in the Marines and now lives in New Bern, described a Trump administration proposal to cut more than 80,000 VA jobs as the ultimate betrayal. Chris Buttitta (Photo: Greg Childress) Buttitta was one of roughly 200 veterans, VA nurses, union members and others who gathered outside the Durham VA Medical Center on Wednesday to protest the proposed cuts they contend will be catastrophic for patient care at the VA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to stop this now, Buttitta said. You cant take this sitting down. You gotta get up and get out and protest this. Write every elected representative, call them on the phone and tell them youre mad as you can be about this. This is not right, this is a betrayal. President Donald Trump used service members and veterans as props during the presidential campaign, then turned his back on them, Buttitta said. The first opportunity he [Trump] gets, he starts cutting programs, Buttitta said. They start taking their DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency] budget and slashing everything to do with the government without doing any kind of research beforehand. Big national layoffs The Trump administration has proposed massive VA layoffs as part of the presidents controversial strategy to streamline the federal government. DOGE is led by tech-billionaire Elon Musk, who weeks ago made a show of wielding a large chainsaw to demonstrate how he planned to cut away at what he contends are rampant fraud and waste in the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Asheville last month, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins was adamant that veterans health care and benefits are not being cut. He acknowledged that 14 or 15 staff members at the Asheville VA were among the 2,400 probationary employees laid off. The layoffs in Asheville included one executive assistant, interior designers and some stock clerks, Collins said. Most of that is statutory and thats not something were going to cut in the sense of whats being said, said Collins, an Iraq War veteran and former Air Force chaplain. Protesters rally outdide of the Durham VA. (Photo: Greg Childress) The proposed staffing cuts come amid recent reports by the VA Office of Inspector General which show severe existing staffing shortages in Veterans Health Administration facilities. In fiscal year 2024, 86% of such facilities reported severe occupational staffing shortages for medical officers and 82% reported severe shortages for nurses, the report said. Buyers remorse? Meanwhile, Buttitta said some Trump supporters in Craven County have begun to have buyers remorse, just months into Trumps second term. Trump handily won Craven County where Buttitta now lives. The president received 59.6% of the vote compared to 33.5% for former Vice President Kamala Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of those people [Trump supporters] are at the end of their rope and theyre starting to get pissed off because People voted for Trump and where proud of it, now its [support for the president] starting to fall apart around the edges. A lot of people are starting to have second thoughts because its starting to hit them where it hurts. At the Durham VA, on a day when pollen hung thick in the air, protesters chants competed against whirring propellers of a Duke Life Flight helicopter, screaming sirens as ambulances whisked by and the honking horns of passersby showing support for sign-toting veterans, VA staffers and union members. Like Buttitta, many service members in attendance said proposed Trump administration budget cuts felt like a betrayal. The cuts, they contend, will make it difficult for VAs across the country to adequately serve military men and women who were willing to risk it all after taking the Oath of Enlistment. Ann Marie Patterson-Powell. (Photo: Greg Childress) The wrong time for staffing cuts Ann Marie Patterson-Powell, a VA nurse and an officer with National Nurses United (NNU), the countrys largest union and professional association of registered nurses, said Trump administration cuts would reduce VA staffing to 2019 levels at a time when workloads have increased due to the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which added more than 400,000 veterans to VA health care rolls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PACT Act expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including those exposed to burn pits and Agent Orange. With the added patients, we cant survive at 2019 staffing levels, Patterson-Powell said. We cannot afford to have anyone cut from the VA because any cuts from the VA system affects patient care because were here to give care to veterans, all of us. Patterson-Powell said VA staffers were told there were about 17 probationary staffers let go from the Durham VA about two weeks ago. Remaining staffers were not told where the cuts were made, she said. NC Newsline could not independently confirm the Durham layoffs. Public information staff onsite declined to comment about Wednesdays rally or to answer questions about any cuts that might have taken place. Its almost like a secret, and they have not told us, Patterson-Powell said, when asked if she knew where the cuts were made. Patient care jeopardized Irma Westmoreland, a registered nurse and chair of Veterans Affair for NNU who lives in Augusta, Ga., said patient care will suffer if the proposed staffing cuts are made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are eroding patient care that we can provide to our veterans at a time when patient care is needed and its morally reprehensible, Westmoreland said. We must address these threats to our VA by naming the root cause Trump and Elon Musk. Irma Westmoreland (right) holding sign. (Photo: Greg Childress) Westmoreland said the VA is at a crossroads that will determine its future. On the one hand we have successfully brought care to more veterans on an almost unprecedented level, she said. On the other hand, just as the VA is struggling to meet that challenge, were faced with even deeper cuts with the proposal to lay off more workers. MaryBe McMillan, president of the North Carolina State AFL-CIO, said Americans must fight back against VA cuts and others being made across the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMillan urged protesters to fight for a system the works for we the people instead of a handful of billionaires. This is a fight for all working people because laying off thousands and thousands of federal workers and cutting essential services affects all of us, McMillan said. It impacts veterans, it endangers the safety of our air, our food and transportation systems. It impacts millions of Americans who depend on life-saving programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Only about a dozen women in history have given birth while serving in Congress, the first in the 1970s. Many lawmakers who are also new parents argue the legislative branch has not updated its family policies since then. Their proposal to provide more flexibility for voting to take care of their newborns is still moving forward despite significant pushback from U.S. House leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Mike Johnson, (R-La.), tried a procedural maneuver Tuesday to kill the legislation that would allow new parents to vote by proxy rather than in person. However, nine Republicans voted with every Democrat to defeat Johnsons effort. Thats rarely done, Johnson said after the vote. Its very unfortunate in this case. Johnson then cancelled the remainder of the Houses work week and sent lawmakers home. Why arent House Republicans here right now? Im here! House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, (D-N.Y.), said Wednesday during his weekly press conference. Its because House Republicans were embarrassed on the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson said proxy voting is unconstitutional, and those who supported his effort, including U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, (R-Kan.), argue proxy voting would weaken the process. Congress was set up to be a deliberative body, Mann said. That means that everybody needs to be here. However, those who support proxy voting, including one of the legislations sponsors, U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, (D-Colo.), stress lawmakers should not have to bring their newborns to work. It is unfathomable that in 2025 we have not modernized Congress to address these very unique challenges that members face, Pettersen said on the House floor Tuesday ahead of the vote as she held her newborn son in her arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson also blamed these lawmakers for derailing some of President Trumps priorities he planned to consider. We cant have any further action on the floor this week, Johnson said. That means we will not be voting on the SAVE Act for election integrity. The SAVE Act, a GOP bill, would require voters to prove their citizenship when registering. Jeffries said Johnson did not have to cancel the vote. We dare you to bring the SAVE Act to the floor, Jeffries said. Well have that discussion. Thats voter suppression. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. MAHANOY TOWNSHIP, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are looking for three suspects after a Schuylkill County business had been burglarized three separate times. Authorities say a gas station/convenience store on the 900 block of West Centre Street in Mahanoy Township was looted three separate times by three men. State Police say two of the three burglaries happened on March 24, while only one happened on March 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects came to the business on foot from West Market Street, Mahanoy City Borough, and also fled on foot. Husband accused of shooting wife inside home The first actor was described by PSP to be a man wearing a grey sweatshirt, black pants, and a black mask. State Police say the second actor is described to be a man wearing a black sweatshirt, black pants, white and black sneakers, and a Halloween-type mask. The third actor is described by troopers to be a man wearing grey sweatpants, a mask with sunglasses, and an orange sweatshirt with a white and black line down the sleeve. Authorities say any information leading to the arrest of the three suspects could lead to a cash reward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information should contact PSP Frackville Trooper Andrew Lynn at (570) 874-5300. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. (Photo by SDI Productions via Getty Images) A bill that gained bipartisan support in the Washington state Senate to strengthen online safety for children has failed to move forward in the House. Senate Bill 5708 came at the request of Attorney General Nick Browns office and would have prevented social media companies from pushing addictive feeds and sending notification alerts during certain hours to children under age 18. Gov. Bob Ferguson also backed the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It passed the Senate with bipartisan support, with eight Republicans joining Democrats, but failed to receive a hearing in the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee ahead of a Wednesday deadline. The bills sponsor, Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, said she knew the bill needed more work, but was disappointed it didnt receive a public hearing in the House. It felt like a pretty abrupt end, she said, adding that supporters had already compromised quite a bit on the bill. Likewise, Brown said he was disappointed the bill didnt get a House hearing, calling the proposal a commonsense step to improve youth mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compulsive social media use has demonstrably harmful impacts on young people. Its disappointing not everyone is treating this crisis with the urgency it deserves, he said. The bill was also backed by the Washington Childrens Alliance, an advocacy organization, after conversations with educators and health officials raised alarm about how social media can negatively affect children. Since the pandemic, theres been an increase in depression and anxiety among children. In a 2023 advisory, the U.S. Surgeon General recommended that policymakers pursue policies to limit childrens access to social media to reduce the risk of harm. The root cause of so much of the depression and anxiety that we see all across the nation for kids is because they all have access to phones and are getting pumped with all of these really harmful feeds that are coming at all hours of the day and night, said Stephan Blanford, executive director of the Childrens Alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of federal legislation has led to states taking action to address online safety for children and the behavioral problems it poses. California approved laws along these lines in 2022 and 2024 that industry-backed lawsuits have tied up in court. Frames bill contains similar provisions to the California legislation. However, she said that many of the criticisms around the bill were distractions and that the attorney general was aware of the lawsuits and that the bill was designed to avoid traps seen in other states. Its a complicated bill, she said, adding it was easy for the tech industry to highlight the flaws the bill initially had. Blanford said the Childrens Alliance worked with the attorney generals office to draft the legislation and ensure it was constitutional and that the bill was designed to address some of the patterns that can leave children addicted to social media feeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Technology companies have a huge incentive, financial incentive, to addict our children to their products, Blanford said. Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, the chair of the Consumer Protection and Business Committee, said concerns about the constitutionality of the bill and privacy violations for youth led to her decision not to hear it this session. It felt like it wasnt ready and thats what I kept hearing from people, Walen said. Walen rejected suggestions that her decision had to do with Microsoft being located in her district. I work for the people, Walen said. The 48th legislative district, thats who I work for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Walen said she hoped to explore the issue further and work with technology companies to see how to refine the bill ahead of the next session. Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro Wooley, one of the cosponsors, said he supported the intent of the bill but still thinks it needs more work and that lawmakers need to engage further on it with tech companies and wait until the California litigation is resolved. Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, was the only Democrat who voted against the bill when it passed the Senate. She said Tuesday that regulating technology can be a challenge. I actually think it needs to wait a year or wait until some of those other states have resolved it so we have more clear direction on where we need to go, Dhingra said. (This April 3 story has been corrected to change name of the channel to CNN, in paragraph 7) (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin's investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev said on Thursday that he saw a "positive dynamic" in relations between Moscow and Washington, though more meetings were needed to sort out differences. Dmitriev, speaking to both Russian and U.S. media outlets after talks with officials from President Donald Trump's administration, also said he saw prospects for the beginning of a solution to the more than three-year-old war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his talks in Washington had touched on matters as wide-ranging as rare metals production, cooperation in the Arctic and even crewed flight to Mars. He said work was proceeding on restoring direct air links. Dmitriev's visit to Washington follows U.S.-Russian talks in Saudi Arabia and agreement on U.S.-brokered ceasefires against energy targets and allowing problem-free navigation in the Black Sea. "Without doubt, we note a positive dynamic in our relations," Russian news agencies quoted him as telling journalists in Washington. "A series of meetings will still be needed for us to resolve all our differences. But the main thing we see a positive, creative attitude." "We see absolutely clearly that the president's administration is intent on solving questions, unlike President (Joe) Biden. They conduct themselves with great respect, ask a lot of questions, find compromises," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dmitriev told CNN that with the Trump administration, he saw prospects for a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine war. "I think (with) the Trump administration, we are now in realm of thinking about what is possible, what can really work, and how we can find a long-term solution," Dmitriev said. "I think (a) long-term solution is what is needed, because we are also thinking about global security, how to make sure that Russian security concerns are taken into account." He said progress had been helped by the talks in Saudi Arabia and by the work of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff, a Trump envoy who has taken the lead on the administration's contacts with the Kremlin, invited Dmitriev to the United States last week, U.S. officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FILLING NICHES LEFT BY EUROPEANS Dmitriev, quoted by Russian agencies, said U.S. companies were interested in Russia and "wanted to fill the niches of European companies that have left. We see that the ideological limitations which exist among European companies could well enable American companies to fill a series of niches". Talks had extended to Arctic development, rare metals and other sectors "where we can build creative and positive relations". He told Newsmax that Russia had "officially said that we would like to work with Elon Musk on a Mars mission, because we believe Russia has some nuclear technology that can be helpful". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, according to Russian agencies, Dmitriev said that "work is proceeding on restoring direct air links and we are hoping for progress on that issue". Earlier, in comments posted on the Telegram messaging app, Dmitriev had said unidentified forces were trying to sow tension between Russia and the United States. "Today, numerous forces interested in maintaining tension stand in the way of restoring constructive cooperation... These forces are deliberately distorting Russia's position, trying to disrupt any steps towards dialogue, sparing neither money nor resources for this," Dmitriev wrote. "Opponents of the rapprochement are afraid that Russia and the United States will find common ground, begin to understand each other better and build cooperation both in international affairs and in the economy," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restoring dialogue was "a difficult and gradual process. But each meeting, each frank conversation allows us to move forward". (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Gleb Stolyarov; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge, Mark Trevelyan and Ron Popeski) Vladimir Putins supporters have turned on the Kremlin over Muslim migration into Russia from Central Asia, comparing the situation with that of European cities with large minority populations. Rybar is a prominent Telegram blog with more than 1.3 million subscribers and whose founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, a former military translator, was awarded the Order of Merit of the Fatherland Second Class by Putin in 2023. Yet last month, it posted a scathing analysis of Russias changing demographics, using the Moscow suburb of Kotelniki to illustrate its point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a flashy, well-produced video, the channel pinpointed several areas where migrants had reportedly attacked residents. It also claimed that out of 8,000 local schoolchildren, only 50 per cent were ethnically Russian. The clip said terrorist recruiters were active at a Moscow junk market where weapons and Russian passports could be bought, and identified the locations of ethnic brothels and illegal mosques. It ends with the on-screen message: So, who benefits from this breeding ground of Islamic radicals, Russophobes and bandits near the Russian capital? Despite Putin criticising high levels of immigration in the West, the Kremlin has relied on migrant labour to plug the gaps in Russias workforce since its birth rate plummeted after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation has been aggravated by the war in Ukraine, with civilian workers syphoned off into the army and defence industries leading to a current record low unemployment rate of 2.3 per cent. Responding to the Rybar report, Ria Katyusha, another Russian nationalist channel, compared the situation in Kotelniki to similar stories about Paris, Hamburg or British cities. Boris Rozhin, a blogger with more than 850,000 subscribers, said the Moscow suburbs transformation was reminiscent of the minority-dominated neighbourhoods in Marseille and Paris. The town, which was previously dominated by ethnic Russians, has seen an influx of migrants from the Caucasus region and Central Asia, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin has struggled to balance bringing in the workers needed to keep the economy and the war machine going while, at the same time, easing the fear of cultural displacement among its nationalist supporter base. Long-simmering ethnic tensions boiled over after the Crocus Hall terror attack last year, in which authorities said Tajik Islamists massacred 145 people waiting to see the Soviet-era rock band Picnic. Several Islamic State gunmen burst into Crocus City Hall in Moscow and killed at least 145 people in March 2025 - Dmitry Serebryakov/AP In response, legislation was amended giving police powers to expel migrants without court orders. Reports, and footage, also circulated of police raids on migrant dormitories and mosques, as well as typical migrant workplaces such as construction sites and warehouses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the Kremlin continues to stress the need for foreign workers. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlins press secretary, told state media in November that migrants are a necessity. The fact is, we are facing a very strained demographic situation, he continued. We live in the largest country in the world, but there are very few of us. Mr Peskov attempted to draw a sharp distinction between illegal and legal migration, saying that only unlawful migration fostered conditions for religious extremism and drug abuse. But this will do little to allay fears of Russian cultural and ethnic dilution. Putin puts on multi-confessional front A poll published in May 2024 by the Moscow-based Levada Center found that 56 per cent of Russians surveyed would only allow people from Central Asia into the country temporarily, or would block their entry entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, Alexander Gorovoy, the first deputy minister of internal affairs, told the Kommersant newspaper in September that only 9 per cent of the six million foreign citizens the Kremlin says are in Russia are there illegally. Migrants, particularly those from Central Asia, also obtain citizenship in large numbers. In 2022, a reported 174,000 Tajik nationals became Russian citizens, up from 104,000 in 2021. Putin, although a critic of multiculturalism in the West, has repeatedly made efforts to present himself as the lofty imperator of a multi-confessional realm. Traditional Islam is an integral part of the Russian cultural code, and the Muslim Ummah, without any doubt, is a very important component of the multinational Russian people, he said in 2018. Vladimir Putin, pictured at the 2015 opening of the Moscow Grand Mosque alongside Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan, has for years praised Russias integration of Muslim immigrants - REUTERS/Alexei Druzhinin/RIA In Kotelniki in July 2023, both sides of an ethnic feud appealed to the Russian president to intervene in their squabble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Russian media, riot police raided an illegal mosque in a high-rise building in response to complaints raised by a Telegram channel called Russian Community Zov, which shares information about crimes committed by migrants. Three days later, the Muslims involved released a video statement addressing Putin directly, saying: Mr Putin, we appeal to you for protection. We ask you to intervene in this situation. Our congregation includes participants of the special military operation [the Ukraine war], they said. In response, Russian Community Zov released a message from Slavic Kotelniki residents in which they said: We must all understand that we cant go on living like this; were not France, not Kosovo, which continue to descend into chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flow of migrants coming into our country must stop immediately. Otherwise, theres going to be a social explosion. A week after the Kotelniki raid, a similar incident was reported in the nearby town of Dzerzhinsky. Baza, a popular Telegram channel with alleged links to the Russian security services, said police arrived at a mosque during prayers to check documents and that a dispute broke out because officers entered with their shoes still on. Footage showed police, with their faces covered and carrying assault rifles, inside the mosque as worshippers pleaded: You are stopping me from praying. Do you see a man praying?... we cant pray and then show all our documents after the prayer? Credit: Telegram/@pdmnews Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias military bloggers are a motley crew of former defence industry figures, amateurs, journalists and veterans. Often fiercely pro-war, they report from the front line and have exclusive contacts within the Russian military, providing a vivid and frequently accurate account of the war that has been cited by international media and analysts. Their gonzo style, which contrasts sharply with the Kremlins often staid and controlled coverage, has led to immense popularity in Russia, which they are able to monetise by selling advertising space on their channels. The Kremlin has tried to keep them onside with moves such as the state honours awarded to Rybars founder, but it has also introduced legislation requiring blogs with more than 10,000 followers to submit information to the Russian media regulator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, some of them have alleged that the West has a hand in Russias migration situation. Andrei Medvedev, a reporter and Moscow city councillor with nearly 200,000 subscribers, posted this month that the growing number of migrants in the Sverdlovsk and Yekaterinburg regions could be part of a Western ploy to destabilise Russia. The two regions, he said, formed Russias key logistics hub in the Urals, which would be an ideal recruiting ground for foreign intelligence services to spy on and subvert Russia. He suggested that this could be a British operation owing to its experience deceiving Russia during the Great Game in the 19th century, when the British and Russian empires competed for influence across Central Asia. This is what British and partly Turkish intelligence, which traditionally knows how to work well in Asia, is clearly paying attention to, he wrote, before claiming that British organisations and USAid had funded Russian NGOs that were promoting a positive view of migration into Russia. Russias population issues have been well chronicled, however, and Putin who has often warned about his countrys demographic problems is well aware he is facing a crisis. UN data show that Russias median age is 40.3, having risen from 23 in 1950. Its fertility rate the average number of births per woman sits at 1.5, down from almost three in 1950. The Atlantic Council, a US think tank, said last year: Vladimir Putins war has virtually guaranteed that for generations to come, Russias population will be not only smaller, but also older, more fragile and less well-educated. It will almost certainly be ethnically less Russian and more religiously diverse, it added. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russian Presidential Envoy for International Cooperation Kirill Dmitriev has met with Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, in Washington. The meeting marked the first visit by a high-ranking Russian official since the beginning of the full-scale war. Source: Reuters Quote from Reuters: "The Trump administration continues to press Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, two US officials familiar with the matter said." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Reuters said Dmitriev, a former Goldman Sachs investment banker with a Stanford education, is one of the most well-connected figures of the Russian elite in the United States, maintaining close ties with several key members of Trump's team. He became the highest-ranking Russian diplomatic representative to visit the United States on an official trip since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Dmitriev stated on X (Twitter) that the dialogue between Russia and the US, which he claims to be very important, concerns the world's prosperity. Read also: Officer Dmitriev: how a Kyiv-born financier became the main negotiator between Putin and Trump Background: On 31 March, Russian Presidential Envoy for International Cooperation Kirill Dmitriev announced the beginning of Russia-US talks on joint projects to extract rare earth metals. On 2 April, it was reported that Dmitriev, who had been removed from sanctions, was travelling to the United States for talks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) Two migrant shelters in Queens will close this June, City Council Member Robert Holden announced Thursday. The two shelters, located at Ridgewood Presbyterian Church and the Rabbinical Seminary in Maspeth, have long been the subject of community concern, Holden said. More Local News These locations should have never opened in the first place, Holden said in a statement Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Eric Adams previously announced 25 migrant shelters would close by March, with another 13 expected to close by June. These included shelters at Floyd Bennett Field, Randalls Island, and Hotel Nedia in Queens. The city is expected to close over 20% of its emergency migrant shelters, according to Adams. In January, Adams attributed the closures to a decline in migrants coming to New York City, and efforts to get people work authorization and to their preferred destination. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A.P. Moller Maersk division APM Terminals has purchased the Panama Canal Railway Company (PCRC) from Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and the Lanco Group/Mi-Jack. PCRC is a 76km railway adjacent to the Panama Canal and is part of Panamas logistics network. It offers freight and passenger services across the isthmus of Panama between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. CPKC president and CEO Keith Creel said: We are pleased to have completed this transaction with APM Terminals, a part of A.P. Moller - Maersk, a key strategic partner of CPKCs and major customer of the Panama Canal Railway Company. The sale of this non-core asset creates value for our shareholders and reflects our commitment to optimise our assets as we focus on growing our core North American rail business through our unrivalled three-nation network connecting Canada, the United States and Mexico. PCRC, established in 1998 as a joint venture between CPKC and Lanco Group/Mi-Jack, reported revenues of $77m and an EBITDA of $36m in 2024. APM Terminals CEO Keith Svendsen said: The Panama Canal Railway Company represents an attractive infrastructure investment in the region aligned to our core services of intermodal container movement. The company is highly regarded for its operational excellence and will provide a significant opportunity for us to offer a broader range of services to the global shipping customers we serve. Financial advisory services for the transaction were provided by BofA Securities and Lazard Freres, with Sullivan & Cromwell offering legal counsel. Last month, Patriot Rail and CPKC announced that they will develop a multi-commodity transload facility on CPKCs network in Denton, Texas, to enhance logistics services in the DallasFort Worth area. "APM Terminals buys Panama Canal Railway from CPKC and Lanco Group" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. A pair of bills moving through the Rhode Island General Assembly would permit patients to fill multiple months of their ADHD medications like methylphenidate, or generic Ritalin, shown here in a single visit to the pharmacy. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Legislation moving through the Rhode Island House and Senate could alleviate one pain point for parents: Filling a prescription for ADHD medications amid ongoing shortages. On Tuesday, the Rhode Island House Committee on Health and Human Services OKd an amended version of H5866, a bill led by Portsmouth Democratic Rep. Michelle McGaw that would improve patients access to prescription stimulants by allowing pharmacies to fill and dispense a 60-day supply rather than in 30-day increments as is currently allowed. The drugs are mainly used to treat ADHD and ADD, hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders, and since 2022 have consistently faced shortages nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills Senate duplicate introduced by Sen. Alana DiMario, a Narragansett Democrat was also heard in committee on Tuesday. It was held for further study, which is standard practice at a bills initial hearing, but at least one of DiMarios colleagues on the Senate Committee on Health was supportive. As someone who has to do this, yes, its very angst provoking for the provider and for the patient, said Sen. Pam Lauria, a Barringon Democrat and primary care nurse practitioner. DiMarios bill would permit a more plentiful prescription by allowing pharmacies to issue a 90-day supply in a single filling. The original version of McGaws bill also endorsed a 90-day supply before being amended on March 28 ahead of its second committee hearing. The houses legal counsel said at Tuesdays hearing that there had been comments from physicians which spurred the change but did not provide details. DiMario wrote via text message Thursday that for now, her Senate bill will retain the 90-day stipulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just had the hearing so the [Committee] Chair will review all the testimony and decide how to proceed, DiMario wrote, but to my knowledge there isnt a compelling reason to shorten the timeline to 60 days given those prescriptions can be written 90 days at a time in three separate prescriptions already. DiMario and McGaws bills are written to permit larger prescriptions for non-opioid, non-narcotic Schedule II substances. Schedule II drugs can be very habit-forming, but have at least some specific clinical applications, including prescription stimulants like mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall), Ritalin and Vyvanse, which are used to treat ADHD and ADD. Since 2007, the Drug Enforcement Administration has allowed doctors to write prescriptions for 90 days worth of Schedule II medications. But these 90-day prescriptions cannot be picked up all at once, and they cant be sent to a pharmacy at the same time. A physician must write three separate prescriptions, three months in a row. The patient will then see their doctor for another round of prescriptions, and the cycle begins anew. Multiple prescriptions may also be written for different strengths, to divvy up a larger dose and get around shortages. Democratic lawmakers Sen. Alana DiMario of Narragansett and Rep. Michelle McGaw of Portsmouth are sponsoring bills in their respective chambers that would allow for easier prescription fills of multiple months worth of ADHD medications. (Photos by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) No-brainer or bad idea? DiMario also sponsored a successful bill signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee last year that prepares state health officials to adopt a 2023 federal standard that allows for electronic transfers of ADHD prescriptions another common obstacle for patients and doctors alike, as federal prescription regulations plus continued shortages frequently complicate accessibility for patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Gregory Fox, a pediatrician speaking on behalf of the Rhode Island chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told senators Tuesday the bill was a no-brainer from a physicians perspective as well. I sat down with my two nurses today and they told me, when they arrived this morning, there were 20 refills for ADD prescriptions waiting for them, and then many, many, many come on through the day, Fox said, estimating that his office nurses spend at least three or four hours of administrative time per day on ADHD prescriptions, which DiMarios bill would slash by a third. Supportive testimonies for the legislation for DiMarios bill and McGaws original draft came from the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association as well. Dr. Howard Schulman, an internist and primary care doctor based in East Providence who said he often tried to bring a from the trenches perspective on health care to lawmakers in his public testimonies, was the lone person to submit a letter Tuesday against the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a phone call Wednesday, Schulman noted he was more comfortable with the 60-day rule over the 90-day proposal. He emphasized that he understands the motivation for the legislation, and has empathy for the lawmakers who expressed frustration at having to refill their kids medicine over and over. This bill, if we pass it, is going to make my life better, said Rep. Jennifer Boylan, a Barrington Democrat, at the initial March 18 hearing of McGaws bill. Im one of the parents that is going to the pharmacy three times a month. They cannot synchronize the prescriptions. Im calling the doctor for three different prescriptions every single month. Its ridiculous. But Schulman was not convinced it was wise to increase a patients supply of drugs that can become more habit-forming with higher doses, especially when the drugs are often shared among young people. Im always trying to minimize the amount, said Schulman of the stimulant prescriptions hes been writing for 15 years in his practice. Theres a fair number of people who are on it, [but] Im not giving it out like candy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schulman prescribes at most 60 milligrams once a day half the amount some patients say theyre taking when they arrive at his office from other prescribers. Schulman also asks his patients to read Generation Adderall, a 2016 New York Times article that detailed one womans account of dependence and eventual cessation from the popular amphetamine. Asked if filling even larger prescriptions for the drugs could exacerbate existing shortages, Schulman chuckled but didnt speculate. He said his concern was with lawmakers who arent doctors regulating something that could affect people getting addicted to it. Schulman said he hoped the Rhode Island Department of Health would have something to say about the bill. But the state health department has no position on this bill, Joseph Wendelken, an agency spokesperson, wrote via email Wednesday. The House bill will now go to a floor vote, likely the week of April 21, said House spokesperson Larry Berman in an email Thursday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) Rabbits are being targeted in a local Arlington neighborhood, and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is raising the alarm. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington found at least two rabbits struck with blow darts in the neighborhood of Lyon Park. Many of these neighbors were reporting sightings of the rabbits with darts in them, said Sgt. Spencer Murray with AWLA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arlington man charged for assaulting and attempting to disarm officers Murray explained how one rabbit was seen with a blow dart in its leg and another with a blow dart in its head on North Barton Street, I thought Arlington is a relatively safe area but seeing that someone is shooting and hurting those victims really concerns every resident, said neighbor Jasmin Jia. Murray said they were able to catch one of the rabbits, rehabilitate it at a wildlife center and release it back into the wild. Its sad, said neighbor Zehida Parveen. Very sad, you know. AWLA says this is the second time in 12 months theyve gotten calls for injured rabbits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last September, they responded to the same neighborhood for a rabbit fatally shot with a BB gun. Crazy! said Parveen. Why would you do that? AWLA put up these signs to warn residents not to harm the rabbits and inform them of other ways to keep animals off their property. They need to listen to them, said Parveen. Dont hurt the rabbit, you know, they are right. Anyone caught harming a rabbit could face charges resulting in a fine and/or jail time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. BALTIMORE It took just two days to seat a jury in the trial of the man accused in the 2023 killing of Rachel Morin, despite concerns from lawyers on both sides about pre-trial publicity and potential juror bias. The case became a political talking point in the immigration debate during the 2024 presidential race. Victor Antonio Hernandez-Martinez, 24, of El Salvador, who police say entered the United States illegally two years ago, is charged with first-degree rape and first-degree murder in the death of Morin, 37, a mother of five. Morin was found dead after disappearing in August 2023 on the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air. Family members have called her death among the most brutal and violent offenses that has ever occurred in Harford County, Maryland history. The trial took a day off Thursday and is expected to resume Friday at 9:30 a.m. with opening statements and presentation of evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffrey Frederick, a social psychologist in Virginia who specializes in analyzing jury selection and the impact that factors such as pre-trial publicity have on the process, said, in a case like this that has substantial publicity and has become a political fire point, there are a lot of red flags to look out for in potential jurors. When they go into jury selection, both sides really have to know who they do not want on the jury, he said. On the first day of jury selection, Tuesday, 124 potential jurors were questioned in a group about personal bias, whether they knew about the case and how they felt about the charges and allegations. Later, outside of public view, defense attorneys and prosecutors individually questioned them until 7:45 p.m., eliminating 59 a process Frederick said was intentionally thorough because of the cases publicity. Both sides will look for jurors who are open-minded, Frederick said, and those who think based on facts and evidence rather than beliefs and feelings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frederick said Martinez-Hernandezs defense team, composed of three public defenders, would have looked to eliminate anyone politically conservative because of the cases political ties to President Donald Trump. Martinez-Hernandez entered the United States illegally in 2023, turning the case into a political talking point about immigration policy. Katherine Canto, chief executive officer of Canto Legal Immigration Attorneys in Towson, said the biggest challenge in criminal cases involving immigrants is bias. In her experience defending immigrants in criminal cases, she said the goal is to ensure the client receives fair treatment and is judged on facts, not on their background, accent or immigration status. Thats the foundation of due process, Cantos said. Whether from juries in criminal cases or from the broader social and political environment misconceptions about immigration law, media narratives and national rhetoric can influence how immigrants are perceived, even before theyve had a chance to present their case. When questioned in a group, almost all potential jurors said they had heard about the Morin case. Frederick said lawyers likely went more in-depth with each juror during individual questioning, trying to understand where potential jurors had heard information on the case, and how they may feel about what they heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research on pre-trial publicity shows that damaging publicity does influence jurors, increases beliefs in guilt and increases conviction rates, Frederick said. He said a defense team migth use individual juror questioning to dig deeper into beliefs potential jurors have about crime and the government and an ideal juror would be one who indicates they would require the prosecution to prove their case beyond all reasonable doubt. If youre a defense attorney in this case, you want a juror who has not made up their mind and that forces the government to really prove their case, Frederick said. With a case like this, they would probably look to remove people like conservatives since they tend to be against immigrants and they may even want people who fear crime or people who have been a victim of crime. Frederick said prosecutors would seek to eliminate from the jury politically liberal individuals who are critical of immigration policy and the justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What they are looking for is to identify the red flag jurors who are critical of the government or have views that indicate bias, he said. They may want to remove people who may be critical of their case because of, say, a negative experience with law enforcement, for example. The jury panel in this case appears to be made up of 10 men and two women, including two people of color. The six alternates include four men and two women, with three being people of color. It was unclear if any member of the jury had a Latino background. Frederick said the composition of the jury is not indicative of the defense or prosecution and is mainly related to the population of Harford County. Census data indicates Harford County has about 261,000 residents 14,007 of whom are Hispanic or Latino. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre not entitled to have a jury of your peers, in the sense that each jury should mimic the population, it is just a requirement to have the venue for selection to be reflective of the area youre in, he said. ---------- DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) RAGBRAI has unveiled the full route for the 2025 ride, with part of the ride dipping into Iowas northern neighbor, Minnesota. As previously announced, the 2025 ride will begin in Orange City and end in the town of Guttenberg, located on Iowas eastern border. Major stops along the way are Milford, Estherville, Forest City, Iowa Falls, Cedar Falls, and Oelwein. A map released by RAGBRAI Thursday morning shows the detailed route, including many of the other towns that will be along the way. Map of the full RAGBRAI route courtesy of RAGBRAI An interesting detail from the map is that a small stretch of the ride between Milford and Estherville will be leaving Iowa. Roughly 15 miles of the ride will be taking riders into Minnesota. RAGBRAI told KCAU 9 that this will be the first time the ride is entering Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See the full details of the route below. Day 1: Orange City to Milford Pass-through towns: Granville, Primghar, Hartley, May City Mileage: 71.8 Elevation: 1,520 ft Theme: Tire Dip & Mile of Silence: we ride in silence to remember those weve lost on bicycles. Day 2: Milford to Estherville Pass-through towns: Wahpeton, Brown Park (MN), Superior Mileage: 41.2 miles Elevation: 1,103 ft Theme: Thin Line Appreciation Day: Show appreciation for Military, Emergency, First Responders, and all our public service professionals Day 3: Estherville to Forest City Pass-through towns: Armstrong, Swea City, Bancroft, Titonka, Woden, Crystal Lake Mileage: 73.9 miles Elevation: 1,338 ft Theme: Vintage RAGBRAI Jersey Day, Karras Century Loop: Show your RAGBRAI history. Wear your favorite vintage RAGBRAI jersey and join us on the optional century loop! Day 4: Forest City to Iowa Falls Pass-through towns: Ventura, Meservey, Alexander, Latimer, Coulter Mileage: 69.8 miles Elevation: 1,420 ft Theme: I Ride 4 Day: Do you ride for a cause? Let everyone know what organization, cause or person you are riding for today! Day 5: Iowa Falls to Cedar Falls Pass-through towns: Ackley, Aplington, Parkersburg, New Hartford Mileage: 50 miles Elevation: 1,270 ft Theme: College Jersey Day: Just like game day! Deck yourself out in your alma maters colors. Day 6: Cedar Falls to Oelwein Pass-through towns: Dunkerton, Fairbanks Mileage: 38.4 miles Elevation: 1,147 ft Theme: Hometown/State Jersey Day: Ride with pride from wear you hail. Wear your hometown or team jersey. Day 7: Oelwein to Guttenberg Pass-through towns: Stanley, Aurora, Lamont, Dundee, Edgewood, Garber Mileage: 61.6 miles Elevation: 2,340 ft Theme: Tire Dip & RAGBRAI Jersey Day: Wear your 2025 RAGBRAI Jersey while you navigate to the mighty Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Highway 75 railroad crossing construction to affect Merrill businesses Orange City is well on its way into its planning phase and they told us in January that theyre excited for a second opportunity to host RAGBRAI. This years rides theme is Take Flight. The theme symbolizes the journey that every participant embarks on, according to the RAGBRAI website. Fitting into the Take Flight theme, the beneficiary of the RAGBRAI LII community fund is the Honor Flight Network. The Honor Flight program helps veterans visit memorials in D.C. and honor those who served before them, along with them, and after them. If youre interested in signing up for the 2025 ride, click here. This years ride takes place from July 19 to July 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who was one of only four Republicans to vote against President Donald Trumps steep international tariffs Wednesday, says the policy is bad both politically and economically and has led to utter decimation for his party in the past. The constitutional conservative noted tariffs didnt work out so well for Republicans when then-Rep. William McKinley (R-Ohio) led the effort for the Tariff Act of 1890, nor when Sen. Reed Smoot (R-Utah) and Rep. Willis C. Hawley (R-Ore.) sponsored their own eponymous levies in 1930. When McKinley, most famously, put tariffs on in 1890, they lost 50% of their seats in the next election, Paul told reporters Wednesday on Capitol Hill. When [Smoot and Hawley] put on their tariff in the early 1930s, we lost the House and the Senate for 60 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump dubbed April 2 Liberation Day and announced a sweeping 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S., with levies on some countries set even higher. The European Union and China face tariffs of 20% and 54%, respectively. He has already set tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico at 25% Paul and three other Republicans reached across the aisle Wednesday and helped the effort, led by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), to oppose the Canadian tariffs, resulting in a 51-48 Senate vote in favor of terminating Trumps emergency powers to impose them. The GOP senator joined Kaine for a Fox News interview Wednesday to explain his view, stating that we should not live under emergency rule and that the U.S. Constitution specifically notes taxes, which the tariffs essentially are, are raised by Congress not the president. But on the tariffs in particular and the idea of trade, trade is proportional to wealth, Paul continued. The last 70 years of international trade has been an exponential curve upwards, and the last 70 years of prosperity has been upwards, also. GOP Sen. Rand Paul (above) reached across the aisle Wednesday to help Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine oppose President Donald Trump's emergency powers to impose Canadian tariffs. Rod Lamkey Jr./Associated Press We are richer because of trade with Canada and so is Canada, he argued. Whenever you trade with somebody, when an individual buys somebody elses product, its mutually beneficial, or you wouldnt buy it. If a trade is voluntary, its always beneficial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump previously justified his tariffs against Canada as a matter of national security, or payback for Canada allowing massive amounts of fentanyl into America. In reality, only 43 pounds of the deadly synthetic drug were seized at the U.S.-Canada border last year. There is no Canada versus the U.S., Paul told Fox News. The consumer wins when the price is the lowest price, tariffs raise prices and theyre a bad idea for the economy. Related... DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) After the safe retrieval of a previously missing 18-month-old in Trotwood, a local park ranger is receiving some well-deserved recognition. An Amber Alert was issued just after midnight on Wednesday morning for a missing baby in the Trotwood area. This stemmed from a frantic 911 call placed around 10:30 Tuesday night. A report of a stolen car launched a search for a missing 18-month-old child, who was believed to be inside of the vehicle that was taken near Drew Way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ranger Dustin Johnson was off-duty when he got the Amber Alert notification and jumped into action. Local officials say Johnson began to search the area while units from Trotwood, Moraine, Dayton and other local jurisdictions were also working to locate the vehicle. Ranger Johnson found the vehicle with the child still inside. The vehicle had been abandoned near the intersection of Churchland Avenue and Windlow Drive just five blocks away from where it was stolen. He could hear the baby crying, said Chief Mark Hess, Five Rivers MetroParks Public Safety. He went and checked on the baby, and was still in the back seat in a rear-facing child car seat. Seemed to be fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After conducting a welfare check, Johnson contacted Trotwood police. The child was taken to a local hospital as a precaution shortly after. Area officials are praising Johnson for his off-duty efforts and commitment to public service something the agency says is common for their officers. This one, it turned out the best it could be because this child was found safely, said Hess. Five Rivers MetroParks publicly recognized Ranger Johnson on social media Wednesday. We want to give a huge shout out to Ranger Johnson for his excellent work and to all our Rangers who do incredible things for the community on and off duty, Five Rivers MetroParks said in the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trotwood police say the suspect in this case is still unknown. The incident remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Some state officials are warning about overcrowding and long wait times at Department of Motor Vehicles offices across the country as the deadline approaches for airline passengers to show a Real ID to board domestic flights. Beginning May 7, travelers ages 18 and over must have Real ID-compliant identification to gain access through Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints or have valid passports. Some other forms of identification will continue to be allowed. The requirement for a Real ID came in response to a 9/11 Commission recommendation, which prompted Congress in 2005 to pass the Real ID Act. It established minimum security standards for drivers licenses and government identification cards to ensure people were who they claimed to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People can apply for a Real ID by booking an appointment at their local DMV office. Officials in some states say application rates for getting the special ID cards are lagging, even though the domestic air travel requirement was announced in 2005 and the enforcement date pushed back several times. In Pennsylvania, about 2.5 million drivers, or 26% of the states population, have Real IDs, Transportation Director Mike Carroll said Tuesday in a news conference. He warned that DMV offices in the state could experience large crowds and long wait lines as the deadline nears. Theres a lot of procrastinators out there, and our driver's license centers have real serious issues with respect to a lot of folks showing up, Carroll said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Illinois, the state added 2,500 daily appointments to its DMV schedule to help meet the expected last-minute demands. It also created a Real ID "supercenter" where people can walk in and apply. Our facilities and website have been overwhelmed with requests, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said recently. Applicants have to provide their legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and other documentation. Federal transportation officials told NBC News that they have the flexibility to phase in enforcement, but they have not said how such an approach would work. At Denver International Airport, Real ID signage has been posted around screening checkpoints, advising travelers of the coming deadline, and its website informs passengers about the change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Los Angeles International Airport, officials have been working with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to spread the word. If you dont have a flight on May 7 or the following week, then try to get an appointment, Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association, told "TODAY." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Today is the deadline for millions of Americans to have a Real ID the new standard identification card that will be required to board domestic flights or access some federal buildings. Alternative forms of ID, like a U.S. passport or tribal identification, will be accepted at security checkpoints, said Kristi Noem, Homeland Security secretary, on Tuesday. Noem told a Congressional panel that people who don't have a Real ID or an acceptable alternative will still be allowed to fly domestically, but you should give yourself plenty of time before your flight. People without a Real ID may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, Noem said. But people will be allowed to fly, she said. We will make sure its as seamless as possible. The Real ID Act is a law Congress passed in 2005 to set higher security standards for state-issued drivers licenses and identification cards in response to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The law prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The requirement was originally set to take effect in 2008, but it has been repeatedly delayed because of widespread opposition and the refusal of state governments to implement the new security standards. It was once again delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yahoo News answers some frequently asked questions about the impending requirement. When will Real ID be enforced? Starting on May 7, state and territory residents over the age of 18 traveling domestically within the United States will need to show a Real ID drivers license or identification card or another acceptable form of identification in order to board commercial flights. It will also be required to access certain federal buildings or to enter a nuclear power plant. What are other accepted forms of identification at TSA? The Transportation Security Administration provides a list of other acceptable forms of ID at the security checkpoint, including a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card and state-issued enhanced driver's license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five states currently issue Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDLs): New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington. EDLs serve as a secure form of ID for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. EDLs are an acceptable alternative to a Real ID and are identified by having an image of the American flag and the word enhanced at the top of the card. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking, and this is acceptable, according to DHS. A passport card is a wallet-size plastic card without any visa pages that provides proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. Its a cheaper alternative to the passport book and is valid for the same length of time as a passport book. It can be used by U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and some Caribbean countries and is considered Real ID-compliant. It is not valid for international travel by air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a full list of Real ID-compliant forms of identification, visit the TSA website. How do I know if my ID is already Real ID-compliant? Real ID cards will have some sort of a star marking on the top portion of the ID. Below are some examples provided by the Department of Homeland Security: Real ID examples (Source: Department of Homeland Security) What happens if I dont have a Real ID or a compliant form of ID by the deadline? Travelers will not be allowed through the security checkpoint if they dont have a Real ID or acceptable alternative identification starting May 7, 2025. In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly, the TSA website says. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening. How can I get a REAL ID? The process and what documents you must provide depend on your state. You can look up your states drivers licensing agency website for Real ID requirements through DHS before you go in person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most cases, youll need to bring the following documents, according to the Real ID website: Proof of identity. This can include a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport or a green card if you are a non-U.S. citizen. Proof of Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 tax form, a pay stub or a paycheck from your employer. Proof of residency. You can bring a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill or bank statement. Will TSA accept the temporary Real ID paper card given at the DMV? No. The TSA website says that it could take up to three weeks to receive your Real ID in the mail. TSA "will not accept the temporary paper card given at the DMV." Do kids traveling within the U.S. need a Real ID? No. TSA doesnt require children under age 18 to provide ID when traveling within the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For unaccompanied minors traveling domestically, TSA recommends to contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18. In some cases, an airline may recommend that the minor carry some sort of ID with them, like a library card or school ID. Im traveling internationally. Do I need a Real ID? No, international travelers, including international sea cruise travel, do not need a Real ID but still need a valid passport. Do I need a Real ID to drive or vote? No. You do not need a Real ID in order to do the following: Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day on Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta, as REAL ID reminders are shown on screens. Credit - Mike StewartAP Following years of extensions, the REAL ID deadline is now fast approaching, leaving many U.S. citizens and residents rushing to book appointments to update their state identification cards. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, places new regulations on the type of identification cards that will be accepted if a person wants to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. REAL ID cards are marked with a star to show compliance with the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security last extended the REAL ID deadline in December 2022, pushing back the full enforcement date and giving people two more years to obtain this type of identification card. But prior to then, the deadline had also been extended during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many times over. Heres what to know about the REAL ID requirements to make sure you are prepared. When is the REAL ID deadline? Beginning May 7, U.S. residents will need to present a REAL ID to board any domestic flight, or access a federal facility. Travelers can also present a valid passport, passport card, or Enhanced Drivers License. Other forms of valid identification are listed on the TSA site. Ahead of the looming deadline, some states have introduced efforts to meet the rush in demand of people attempting to obtain their REAL IDs. On March 4, New Jersey announced the start of REAL ID Thursday, which added thousands of appointment slots for REAL ID upgrades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last few months, weve seen a dramatic increase in demand for REAL ID from our customers, and weve repeatedly added and reallocated appointments to better meet that demand, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) acting chief administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd said in a press release. The new initiative announced today will expand access further, helping to service more customers who need or want to get a REAL ID. If you have a passport or another federally accepted ID, you may continue to use it to meet federal REAL ID requirements, or until you are able to obtain a REAL ID driver license or ID at a convenient time. What are the REAL ID requirements? In order to obtain a REAL ID, applicants must visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and present a number of valid documents that verify their address and full legal name. The documents will also help officials verify a person's lawful status in the U.S. The eligible documents may change on a state-by-state basis, so residents should verify their REAL ID requirements on their states DMV site. Generally, in order to meet said requirements, applicants must present a primary document, which includes: a valid U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, American Indian card, or Permanent resident card. Certain states, such as New Jersey, also allow people to present alternative documents including their current photo employment authorization card, un-expired foreign passport with a valid visa, and certificate of naturalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applicants need to verify their Social Security number. The REAL ID Modernization Act and DMV policy says that individuals do not have to provide their Social Security card to verify their number, but it can still be presented as part of their identity verification. A W-2 tax form or pay stub that lists the Social Security number may be presented at some state DMVs. Residents must also bring two proofs of address. Applicants can usually comply with this requirement by bringing a credit or debit card statement and a utility bill. States may have additional requirements on the documents residents need to provide. Residents should ensure that they book appointments directly on their DMV site or by calling the DMV offices directly, and avoid using any third-party means amid reports of DMV scalpers. To book an appointment at your local DMV online, you can visit the path to REAL ID readiness map on the Department of Homeland Security site, and click on the state you reside in for contact details and further information. Contact us at letters@time.com. LONDON (Reuters) - Billionaire investor Cliff Asness's AQR Capital Management finished the first quarter with positive returns in several of its funds, said a source familiar with the matter on Tuesday. The $128 billion hedge fund returned a positive 3.4% performance in March its multi-strategy fund, Apex Strategy, finishing with a 9% first quarter return. The fund posted a 9.7% return for the quarter in its AQR Delphi Long-Short Equity Strategy, with a positive 2.3% for March. AQR's Managed Futures Full Strategy posted an 8.2% return for the quarter with a 2.5% return for March. The hedge fund's Helix Strategy which uses trend following in a diverse set of harder to access markets had a positive 3% performance for the quarter and a 4.4% in March. (Reporting by Nell Mackenzie; Editing by Dhara Ranasinghe) AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) Were learning new details following an incident yesterday at Augusta Regional Airport. Several passengers were forced to evacuate a flight after a haze was seen in the cabinnow one of them is speaking out. American Eagle Flight 5406 flew into Augusta Tuesday morning from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. But, passengers werent expecting what happened as soon as they landed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was really horrifying, terrible, and scary, said Sean OConor. Video taken by OConor shows dozens being evacuated after passengers noticed a haze in the cabin. We were heading towards the terminal, and then we saw the smoke. The pilot then came on and said, Evacuate now! We all jumped out of our seats, but there was no direction from the flight attendants or the pilot. We just kind of knew what to doget out of this plane as quick as you can, said OConor. No passengers were harmed, but OConor says he and others were not satisfied with the way American Airlines handled the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a little disappointed with American Airlines. There were no representatives, nobodys reached out. Nobody at the terminal, no explanation, no apologies, no compensation, OConor said. We reached out to American Airlines to get that explanation. In a statement, they say the evacuation was required because the plane experienced a maintenance issue shortly after landing. I noticed a light haze coming into the cabin, and I could smell it was electricalIm an engineer, so I recognized the smell immediately, said OConor. We climbed out of the window onto the wing of the plane, and made our way down to the end of the wing of the plane. Then we dropped down onto the tarmac and moved away from the plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says despite this incident, he still feels safe to continue traveling in the air. I think its still a safe way to travel, but I think they need to step up their maintenance because obviously something was going on with this jet. Maybe it was an older model. I dont know what happened, but I still feel safe, OConor added. With thousands expected to fly into the Augusta area over the next few days, American Airlines and Augusta Regional Airport say customer safety is their top priority. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Residents and commuters in San Franciscos Fourth District vented their frustrations with the permanent closure of a two-mile stretch of the Great Highway in March by submitting politically charged suggestions to San Francisco Recreation and Parks Great Park Naming Contest. Records obtained by KRON4 show that citizens submitted nearly 4,300 suggestions to San Francisco Recreation and Parks park-naming contest. Responses ranged from silly to crude to thoughtful. SF to end free distribution of fentanyl paraphernalia without treatment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the thousands of entries, roughly 100 recommended some variation of Parky McParkface a reference to the United Kingdoms famous research vessel Boaty McBoatface. More than 100 other submissions criticized or supported District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio, who played a major role in the parks creation. In November, 54% of San Francisco voters approved Proposition K an Engardio-backed ordinance, which permanently shuttered the segment of the Great Highway to establish a new public park. A majority of San Francisco residents in the Great Highway area, however, opposed the measure, citing traffic concerns. The backlash from local residents and Great Highway commuters spurred a movement to recall Engardio. In December, Engardio issued a statement in response to District 4 voters cries for a recall. Many of them have told me they didnt feel heard in their objection to it being on the ballot, Engardio wrote. I take this feedback to heart because its important to me that everyone is heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announces sweeping reciprocal tariffs The frustrations of the citizens against Prop K were apparent in the names submitted to San Francisco Recreation and Parks some of which are listed below. KRON4 has edited the list of submissions down to feature some popular, funny and meaningful responses. The new, still-unnamed park officially opens April 12. Political submissions: Park Name Reasoning for Proposed Name Engardios Folly He had the audacity to go against his constituents wishes and won! Joel Engardio Park I typically do not like it when things are named after politicians, but I think this park should be an exception. I believe Joel was very instrumental in getting this park made and he sacrificed a lot of political capital to do and also had to stand up to a lot of verbal abuse. Recall Joel Engardio Park If Joel Engardio had not acted against the will of his constituents, this closure would never have happened. Engardios End Supervisor Engardio betrayed his constituency by supporting this and now he faces recall for his treachery. Point of Contention Park Point of Contention Park is the perfect name for this park as it was shoved down the throats of the citizens of San Francisco by uber-progressive loudmouths who insist on taking away every single road in the city, foot by foot and mile by mile, as part of their never-ending war on cars and roadway traffic, despite the fact cars remain the most popular and practical choice for most of the citys residents The Joel Engardio Screw You District 4 Park Many parks, buildings, and other structures are name[d] after local politicians, as should this one. The Great Scamway or The deLUXe Scamway Saying we need a park where we already have one, and the false advertising that went with that, constitutes a great scam, by the Great scammer himself, Joel Engardio (and his sidekick, Lucas Lux)! Engardio ParK As supervisor for the Sunset, Joel Engardio believed in the potential of the Upper Great Highway being converted into a park. He may even lose his position as a result of this support. Either way, naming the park after the supervisor would be a stunning and brave decision by all San Franciscans. The upper case K is a nod to Proposition K, which paved the way for the park to be created. King Joel Park Joel Engardio screwed his own constituents by acting in secret without public meeting or input or even letting us know his plans to put a proposition on the ballot that seriously impacted the lives and neighborhoods in the Outer Sunset. He acted like a king who rules without regard to his subjects. Deadly Sunset Streets Park Outer Sunset streets are more dangerous and crowded because of the closure of Great Highway and Supe Engardios lies, secrecy, and disregard of perspectives of his own constituents. Lets call this what it is. Benedict Engardio Park Recognizes how the West Side was betrayed by its supervisor. Engardios Boondoggle D4 Supervisor performed political magic by convincing voters to turn a highway into a faux park that will get minimal use. Traffic Congestion Park Will clog up traffic real bad and only people living in the Richmond and sunset will pay a price. Joel Engardio is a Sellout Park Alternatives could be Bicycle Coalition Park, YIMBY Park, or The Neighborhood Didnt Want This Park. Theres No Place to (Park) Its pretty freaking obvious if you live out here where its already almost impossible to find a place to put your car let alone with additional visitors. But I am sure Joel Engardio must have some plan for that he just hasnt shared with us yet! Joel Engardio This is to honor Joel Engardio, the supervisor of district 4 of San Francisco, in case he is recalled by a group of people who dont accept the results of our democracy election. Joel is the victim of hatred of the prop Ks opponents when the ballot result wasnt their favor. Joel P Engardio Great Highway Park It would be funny. Traitor Joel Expressway Because Joel along with all of you are traitors to the west side. This from a multi-generation sunset resident. Funny submissions: Park Name Reasoning for Proposed Name This Is Stupid, Lets Not Do It I have to find another way to commute to work. So lets not close this road. Like my justification SF? Parky McParkface In the great culture and history of the Internet, this is the only appropriate name. Really Stupid Park Its a road!!!! Worst Park Ever Its a highway. Karls Place Lets name it after Karl the Fog! The parks greenery will be sustained by Karl, Im sure. Adios Cars True and multi-cultural. Bring a Jacket Park The fog sometimes comes in unexpectedly for people, it would be good to have a reminder. No One Who Lives Here Voted for This Park It seems like only people who live nowhere near the great highway want this to be a park and everyone who uses it or lives near it wants a road. Glide of The Tiddleywinks The Great Detour Traffic Jam Gridlock Parkway Because thats what I expect to experience each time I travel from Daly City Barren Stretch of Asphalt in the Service of the Idle Non-Working Park The park will still be paved. It was created by a city-wide referendum under misleading promotion, and only the far-off eastern neighborhoods voted for it, whereas the working communities actually next to it voted to keep things as is. The major use of the park will be some guy from Noe Valley driving an SUV to it, parking, unloading his bicycle, and idling around for an hour before he packs up and drives home The Tickler This park will tickle your sensations of joy and belonging, in an outside sense. Lets all get tickled at The Tickler. Shark Park Because I like the name. Hella Hella is a word that is as San Francisco as its Cable Cars. The new park is Hella big. The new park is Hella fun ' Nowhere To Park As a long-time San Francisco native, and someone who spent my early years driving on the great highway to go to ocean beach, drive to UCSF for endocrinology appointments, and enjoy coffee in the sunset, I feel like this name encapsulates a lot about what makes this area so great. People are proud to be in the sunset and around the (former) great highway, but still have the pride to critique things they still want to change about the city they love. Daddys Little Park Daddy loves his parks. Skibbity Rizzler 9,000 Build a park for the young folks, name a park for the young folks! The UGH for upper great highway! Its how quite a few of native San Francisco residents are feeling! Miso Soup Good soup. Gary Danny Glovers Gettin Too Old for This Park Honor the amazing SF bred Danny Glover, of course. Thoughtful submissions: Park Name Reasoning for Proposed Name Playland Park by the Beach Obviously, nothing is left to really remind of these times in the citys history, yet Playland must have been an immensely memorable place for so many San Franciscans. It is completely forgot unbelievable that theres nothing left on site informing those who dont know and havent heard of it. A magical place. Forgotten. We need to hold on to our places stories a little better. This would be a great way to do so The Great Parkway Its historically been known as The Great Highway. Its becoming a park. A parkway is defined as an open landscaped highway. So calling it The Great Parkway reflects its history, its existence as a park, and its definition. Peoples Park Its a space for people instead of cars and one that allows us all to enjoy the amazing western end of the city and edge of the continent. Especially in a time when people seem to matter less than data centers and rockets, this reminds us all that were in charge. (The) Great Pacific Esplanade Its a nod to both JFK Promenade as inspiration and to Great Highway for being on the site previously. But Esplanade is a word that captures the human experience, retaking of the space for people, not cars. As a Midwest transplant, there is nothing more grand than strolling along the Pacific Ocean on a sunny afternoon. Strolling down San Franciscos Great Pacific Esplanade will feel all of that simultaneous grandeur and serenity. Yelamu Way This honors the Ohlone people who were here first, though all current SF residents are western people as the word Yelamu confers. Way is a nod to the Great HighWAY. These two words together bring all of San Franciscos history forward, honoring the past by giving this land back to the people. Fogpatch Park The sunny side of the city has the Dogpatch. The west side should have the Fogpatch. Oceanview Park The name Oceanview Park would incorporate the existing landmark of Ocean Beach and remove any reference to highway as this evokes thoughts of vehicles and noise. Oceanview Park would set a picture in the mind of local San Franciscans and tourists alike as a place to view the Pacific Ocean and access Ocean Beach. Karls Expanse Favorite place for Karl the Fog when he comes to town. Golden Sunsets Promenade This name describes how the park is used (promenade) and one of its biggest attributes (sunset viewing) and also incorporates the word golden (as in Golden State/Gate) and sunset (the neighborhood the park is in). It is a functional name that also markets the park well. Pickleweed and Snowy Plovers Park These precious sand dunes once covered most of the western expanse of San Francisco. All of us who live and work in The Outer Richmond, Richmond, and Sunset neighborhoods need only dig a few inches down in our yards to reach the built over sand dunes. These precious remaining dunes along Ocean Beach are the only remaining local natural habitat for the fragile ecosystem of the Snowy Plovers and the dunes are full of pink, white and yellow glossy floral bloom from both the Pickleweed and Ice plants that creep over the dunes so gorgeous, and such a treasure. Golden Dunes Park Golden Dunes Park references the golden sands of Ocean Beach, the proximity to Golden Gate Park, the history of the Outside Lands region as miles of sand dunes, and the adjacent Sunset Districts romantic name. The name Golden Dunes Park, somewhat romantic in itself, also evokes the transitional nature of the space between the powerful surf, golden sands, and the bustling city by the Golden Gate that we see today. Rainbow Park or Rainbow Park of the Great Highway San Francisco has always been a colorful city. People of all colors and walks of life give the city its character. Rainbow park sounds like a fun and magical park that kids can easily pronounce Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, reading legislation in the House Education Policy Committee on April 2, 2025, in the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama. HB 342, sponsored by DuBose, which would require local school boards to adopt a policy for religious instruction, failed the committee on a 4-9 vote. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) A bill that would require local school boards to adopt policies on extending academic credit for religious instruction outside the classroom failed an Alabama House committee on Wednesday. The House Education Policy Committee rejected HB 342, sponsored by Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, on a 4-9 vote despite significant amendments to the bill that gave local school boards more flexibility with the policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, the chair of the committee, said she supported the amendments but said the pushback from both sides was stronger than she expected. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX I had every superintendent around me actually reach out and ask not to, Collins said in an interview about her vote. There was just a lot of passion. The amount of people pushing both ways was extreme, more so than I thought, and that makes me hesitant. State law currently allows boards of education to extend that credit, but does not mandate released time religious instruction (RTRI), the subject of DuBoses bill, in which students can take time out of the school day for religious instruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry teaches students about the Christian Standard Bible with a focus on head, heart and hands, according to its website. In a sample curriculum, it alters the language and organization of Bible lessons so that children can understand it easily. Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, also voted against the bill, saying schools can already create religious release time policies. The Legislature passed a law allowing school boards to create a policy in 2019. I think the local authorities need to make that decision, Baker said in an interview. If they want that there in their system, then they can handle it. Collins said she wanted to see more results of the current law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My thought is, we passed it several years ago as a may. I would like to see how that works a little bit longer, she said. Rep. Tashina Morris, D-Montgomery, said the program would take away needed instructional time. The school hours havent changed, but we keep sticking things into the class time, she said. DuBose said the bill may come back next year, but start in the Senate. People had a difference of opinion. And that happens all the time, DuBose said in an interview. I dont think anything went wrong. SB 278, sponsored by Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, is identical to DuBoses bill with the amendments. It was filed Tuesday and is in the Senate Education Policy Committee. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ELGIN, Ill. (WGN) Police in Elgin, Illinois, have confirmed that remains found within a car submerged in the Fox River have been positively identified as Karen Schepers, a 23-year-old who went missing nearly 42 years ago. Schepers and her Toyota Celica went missing around 1 a.m. on April 16, 1983, after leaving a Carpentersville bar following a night out with co-workers in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. (Elgin Police Department) After initial leads dried up and no new information came in during the original investigation into Schepers disappearance, her case was moved to inactive. Over the decades, new looks were taken by other law enforcement agencies as time went by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois State Police revisited Schepers case in the late 1980s. Years later, the Elgin Police Department (EPD) said advancements in forensic science led to another review of her case in 2010 but again the investigation dried up. Schepers case wasnt revisited for another 14 years. In May 2024, EPD created their Cold Case Unit and five months later, they reopened Schepers missing persons case. Remains found in California decades ago IDd as missing New York 13-year-old It was shortly after this point EPD Chief Ana Lalley empowered detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian to launch Somebody Knows Something: The Elgin Police Cold Case Podcast. Their first episode debuted on Jan. 20 of this year, hoping to renew interest and spark new leads as they documented their investigation into Schepers decades-old disappearance case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the podcasts introductory episode, Houghton and Vartanian laid out six theories they planned to investigate, with a search of local bodies of water being the final theory they planned to dive into as they revisited Schepers disappearance. As their investigation progressed and podcast episodes dropped, searching local waterways became an increasingly pivotal part of their look into Schepers case. They also considered evidence that the Fox River flooded and water levels in the Elgin area were unusually high around the time that Schepers went missing. This gave credence to the idea Schepers 1980 Toyota Celica may be submerged somewhere along the Fox River, leading EPD to bump up a water search strategy ahead of other theories they previously planned to explore. Enter a nonprofit organization known as Chaos Divers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EPD partnered with Chaos Divers to search an extensive swath of the Fox River. On March 24 near a boat launch, divers were able to locate a vehicle submerged in the river with a license plate that read, XP8919, which matched the license plate of Schepers Celica. A day later, emergency crews removed the vehicle from the Fox River and transported it to the Kane County Coroners Office for further examination. On Wednesday, March 26, the office confirmed there were human remains inside the car pulled from the Fox River. The following day, they identified the remains as Schepers. After this breakthrough, Schepers family released a statement thanking the Elgin Police, the divers, and the investigators and listeners of the Somebody Knows Something podcast. Their full statement can be found below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would like to thank the Elgin Police Department especially Chief Lalley, Detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian and retired Officer Mike Gough for their dedication to the Cold Case program that brought Karen back to us after so many years. As we each heard the news that her car was found, time stopped while we drew an audible gasp. When it started back up again, our lives took a new path that finally included the answer to Where is Karen? This question has been haunting all who knew Karen for many years. She was a young, independent, accomplished trailblazer with a very bright future. She has been missed and will continue to be missed by those of us who loved her. We believe she has been watching as Gods hand guided all of the events of her coming home. An incredible miracle happened through the skills, intelligence, and compassion of all involved. We also want to extend a special thank you to the team of Chaos Divers: Jacob, Lindsay, and Mike. Their expertise enabled such a complete recovery of Karen and her personal effects that very likely could have been lost to the river if the recovery had been completed any other way. Thank you to the listeners of the Somebody Knows Something podcast, those whove connected with Karens story, and everyone behind the scenes of both the investigation and recovery. Words cannot begin to convey how grateful we are to everyone involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope for continued success on each and every cold case. Miracles do happen. Our family, especially our mother, Liz, is overwhelmed by the care and concern of so many thousands that have followed this case. We very much appreciate the love of friends and family and the prayers for our beloved Karen. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and House GOP leadership are at odds. The Pinellas County Republican is pushing to allow new parents the ability to vote by proxy, or remotely, for up to 12 weeks after having a baby. New bill seeks to alleviate burden on Florida citrus growers as orange groves disappear Its a push that some Republicans in the chamber dont want to see happen. GOP critics fear itll open Pandoras box and some believe its unconstitutional. Luna denies those claims since proxy voting has been used before, like during COVID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were some members threatening to shut down the House floor, completely, even if he allowed the vote to come to the floor, Luna said. The congresswoman has since left the House Freedom Caucus. Thats a group of some of the most conservative members, like Sarasota Rep. Greg Steube and gubernatorial hopeful Byron Donalds. Luna maintains her conservative values have not changed. You dont have to be a part of a group to still maintain your convictions, Luna said. When Luna felt the remote voting House Resolution for members was stalled, she then got most members of the House to sign a so-called discharge petition. Thats how you get legislation directly to the floor, bypassing committees and leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement E-Verify legislation starts to move at the statehouse, passing its first committee Within 24 hours of me being successful, they tried to say they want to put forward legislation they campaigned on, Luna said. Speaker Mike Johnson then canceled other votes for the rest of the week in the GOPs razor thin majority. That means lawmakers will wait to hear bills, like the one relating to providing proof of citizenship to be eligible to vote. The conference is having a little heartburn because you have a group of people who are no longer respecting the institutional guidelines on how you conduct legislation, Luna said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luna is also responding to critics on other issues in her district. Democrats have held, at least, two town halls in her district. It was attached to a nationwide effort to host town halls in red districts as pushback grows over President Trumps agenda. Opponents have been critical of the workforce cuts and the increasing number of tariffs. One was hosted by Lunas previous Democratic opponent, Whitney Fox and another included former Republican Rep. David Jolly. Im still meeting with residents when Im in Washington and when I cant take the meeting in-person when Im back home, I take the meeting on Zoom, Luna said. Luna is also planning a larger event to speak and hear from residents that may happen as early as next month. Im going to do a tele-town hall where I can speak to over 60,000 people. I think thats important. We can still open it up for questions, Luna said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some in Tampa Bay have been concerned about rising cost because of the overall tariffs issued by President Trump. Luna said she trusts the presidents handling of the economy and agrees with the recently announced reciprocal tariffs. If you have a country like China that puts a 100% tariff on an American import, it makes it harder for our business to sell overseas, Luna said. In the long run, from our perspective, it would actually make goods cheaper because then those countries will drop the tariffs and help bolster the economy. The congresswoman also said she is still working on helping the no tax on tips movement, along with ending FEMAs 50% rule. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Isle Royale National Park is set to open later this month. The remote park is typically one of the least visited national parks in the country, and those numbers could drop even further if some quick changes arent made. Expert: Funding cuts could spell doom for Great Lakes piping plover Bill Fink, the former park superintendent at Isle Royale, says the funding cuts proposed by the White House are the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trumps administration is reportedly pushing the National Park Service to cut payroll by 30%, putting heavy stress on park directors looking for ways to amend the budget while limiting the damage to the parks and staff. The Rock of Ages Lighthouse sits a little over 2 miles off the southwest coast of Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Measuring in at 130 feet tall, it is the tallest historic lighthouse in Michigan. (Courtesy National Park Service) IRNP doesnt have much wiggle room, and a couple of key decisions have allegedly created a major problem. According to the National Parks Traveler, the engineer and assistant engineer responsible for the largest ferry that travels to and from Isle Royale have accepted federal buyouts pushed by the White House. And, since NPS is effectively under a hiring freeze because of the budget cuts, the park cant hire anyone to replace them. Giant lava flow hiding in plain sight in Michigan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fink says without the ferry, which he called the keystone of park operations, the park will slow to a crawl. The 165-foot vessel cannot operate without a full U.S. Coast Guard licensed crew, Fink told National Parks Traveler. It carries staff and visitors, yes, but it also carries the fuel which runs generators for the developed areas; it carries the bulk of the frozen and fresh food for employees and the lodge; it carries the major freight load for projects; it carries off the refuse from the park staff and the lodge operation. In short, if the Ranger III cannot operate, Isle Royale cannot be functionally open. Trio charged with sparking 2022 wildfire on Isle Royale Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NPS is pushing back against some of those accusations. According to a statement, they currently do not anticipate disruptions to the passenger season schedule and are working to finalize scheduling for the first freight trip later this month. The Ranger III typically travels to the island twice a week between late May and early September. The trip takes approximately six hours one way. The boat leaves Houghton on Tuesdays and Fridays and returns from Isle Royale on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Three smaller ferries also service Isle Royale: one from Copper Harbor and two from Grand Portage, Minnesota. Visitors can also charter seaplanes to take them to the island. Isle Royale remains a hidden gem in parks system Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IRNP is one of the least-visited parks in the National Park System. NPS recorded 325.5 million visits in 2023. Of those, 28,695 were to Isle Royale, the fifth-lowest amount of any national park. The weather plays a key role. The park is closed from Nov. 1 through April 15 because of the frigid winters. The long trek is also why visitors like to stay longer. While the average visit at NPS national parks is four hours, the average visit at Isle Royale National Park is 3.5 days. NOTE: This story has been updated with a statement from the National Parks Service. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This story has been updated with additional information The U.S. Justice Department decided months ago not to prosecute Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to an Associated Press report published Thursday that cited two unnamed sources. The report says the decision was made "quietly" during the final few weeks of the Biden administration. Paxton's attorney, Dan Cogdill, told the Amerian-Statesman that he had no knowledge of the decision but was "glad it is over." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They never had a case to begin with," Cogdill said. Paxton, who has sent strong signals in recent months that he plans to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in next year's Republican primary, took both a victory lap and jab at the four-term incumbent on Thursday in a social media post that linked to the AP report. Paxton in his post accused Cornyn of "standing with the corrupt Biden DOJ cheering on the bogus witch hunts" directed at both him and President Donald Trump. He also resurfaced a February 2024 social media comment from Cornyn suggesting that if Paxton were to challenge the incumbent senator in the 2026 GOP primary it would be from jail, given that the attorney general was under indictment at the time. "Care to comment now, John?" Paxton asked in his post Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Texas Democrats deride AG Ken Paxton, ask DOJ for investigation into voter fraud hunt The Justice Department's decision likely ends the legal sideshow that has shadowed Paxton since before he was even elected as the state's top lawyer in 2014. During that campaign, Paxton paid a $1,000 fine for failing to register as an investment solicitor. After taking office in 2015, he was indicted on state charges of felony securities fraud. The Republican has since been re-elected twice. While steadfastly asserting his innocence, Paxton agreed one year ago to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution under a deal that came just three weeks before his trial on the state charges was set to begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, former employees at the attorney general's office filed a whistleblower lawsuit against Paxton that accused him of several ethical missteps, including using his position to help a wealthy donor and possibly receive a home remodel in exchange for favors. While insisting the whistleblower lawsuit was baseless, Paxton agreed to pay a $3.3 million settlement using state funds. However, the Legislature in 2023 declined to appropriate the settlement money. Later that year, the state House voted to impeach Paxton but he was acquitted by the Senate in a largely party-line vote. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Report: DOJ won't prosecute Texas AG Ken Paxton A new report supports ending subminimum wages in Illinois. The report, done by One Fair Wage, found financial stability for tipped restaurant workers is coming harder and harder to live off of. Here's what to know about the report. One Fair Wage One Fair Wage is a nonprofit organization with the goal to end subminimum wage, or wages for tipped workers below the state mandated minimum wages, nationally. One Fair Wage joined SIEU in the state capital to rally to raise the minimum wage for senior healthcare workers. The focus of the rally held on March 18 surrounded minimum wage workers in the senior healthcare industry and Senate Bill 120, sponsored by State Sen. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, to raise the minimum wage for senior healthcare workers from $18 to $20 an hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report released by OFW in April first highlights annual tipping rate drops, average annual earnings made by tipped employees and the impacts of cost of living increases on the dining industry. Sen. Javier Cervantes, D-Chicago, speaks to a crowd of SIEU union members pushing legislation to raise minimum wages for healthcare workers on March 18, 2025, in Springfield. Report Methodology According to OFW, analytics and report information drew on data from Federal Labor Statistics, payroll data from ADP and Toast and firsthand accounts from Illinois workers and employers. Key findings The report highlights how tipped workers, the majority of whom are women and people of color, are seeing their wages and financial stability collapse under the weight of an outdated subminimum wage system. In the state, the subminimum wage for tipped workers in Illinois is still just $9 an hour compared to the $15 minimum for other workers in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 198,000 tipped workers go to their jobs on the daily basis in Illinois, for a median income of $16,733 a year, including tips. To put that in perspective, according to the 2025 poverty guidelines, that income is 100% under the federal poverty line for a household of one. One long term impact of subminimum wage not adjusting with the times is burnout from employees leaving the workforce, and the signs are already visible. Now hiring stamped across doors to restaurants, a demand for servers and shift workers who are increasingly hard to find to fill positions. More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the State Journal-Register app Restaurant growth in fair wage states According to the report, Chicago, which is a fair wage city, research comparing fair-wage states to subminimum-wage states shows that fair-wage states have maintained strong growth rates in the number of restaurant establishments and workers. California, for example, has experienced a 12.9 percent increase in small business restaurants compared to a 5.4 percent increase in small business restaurants in Illinois from January 2020 to February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows in the short time Chicago and Washington, D.C. have started raising tipped workers wages, the number of positions in restaurants and establishments have remained consistently employed. Opposition to ending subminimum wage The Illinois Restaurant Association has announced its opposition to the legislation in Illinois and disagrees that it will increase pay for tipped workers. In a statement from 2024 when a state bill ending subminimum wage was first filed, the association said the bill will do "more harm than good." "These changes will lead to job cuts, an increase in labor costs, and ultimately force restaurant owners to make difficult decisions that will negatively impact their workers and result in higher prices for customers," IRA said. A full copy of the report can be found at onefairwage.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: New report finds tipping rates at a six-year low in Illinois ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears have headlined the race to be Virginias next governor. But as of Wednesday, five additional candidates have thrown their proverbial hats into the ring according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Two of those candidates, Donna Charles and Andrew White, are running as independents. The other three are all aiming to force a Republican primary against Earle-Sears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late-February, former state senator Amanda Chase and former delegate Dave LaRock joined fellow Republican Merle Rutledge in announcing campaigns. But the announcement is just the first piece of the puzzle in piecing together an official campaign for Virginia Governor. In order to get on the ballot, they have to obtain 10,000 signatures, 400 of which have to come from each [of the 11] congressional districts within the commonwealth of Virginia, said Aaron Van Allen, professor of Government at Liberty University. Those signatures are due by Thursday, April 3 at 5 p.m., a tall task for those candidates entering the race late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to their campaign websites, both LaRock and Chase, seen as the two primary challengers to Earle-Sears, are still working to meet the 10,000-petition threshold. West Virginia AG Patrick Morrisey wins GOP primary in bid to succeed Gov. Jim Justice Both say they entered the race in part to more closely align Virginia with the identity and policies of President Donald Trump. LaRock has expressed a desire to create a Department of Government Efficiency for Virginia, a department established by the Trump administration at the federal level. Meanwhile, the Chase campaign has tabbed the former state senator a Pro-Trump Republican, and Chase called herself Trump in heels, during her bid for governor in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But many still believe Sears has the backing of President Trump, and the bulk of the Republican party. She has been a lieutenant governor working with a quite popular governor who is limited to one term, said Dr. Karen Hult, professor of political science at Virginia Tech. Clearly thats going to help her. President Trump has been very supportive of Governor Glenn Youngkin, said Van Allen. President Trump has been very supportive of the Lieutenant Governor as well. Both Hult and Van Allen see the nomination as Sears to lose, but Hult believes the fact that the lieutenant governor is fielding challengers at all could reflect some directional dissent within the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The involvement of the other Republican nominees as possibilities does signal that as with most parties, certainly in the Republican party but also on the Democratic side, theres not perfect agreement on how to go forward strategically, said Hult. Meanwhile, Democrats are rallying their full support behind Abigail Spanberger, and Van Allen believes the party would welcome the prospect of a Republican primary. Its very clear to see that Democrats within the commonwealth want to show a unified front, said Van Allen. They very much want to see Republicans essentially bloody each other up in this primary cycle. I would imagine if Im on Spanbergers team, I really want to see a lot of money spent in the Republican primary because then thats less money that gets spent in the general election cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. LINK to images An emergent initiative dedicated to the social and environmental transformation of the Aral Sea region through art, culture, design and science debuts 4-6 April 2025. To be inaugurated during the first Global Climate Forum in Samarkand on 4th April, attended by EU and Central Asian leaders and reinforcing Uzbekistan's commitment to green development and global cooperation. A multidisciplinary programme in Nukus, Karakalpakstan (5-6 April) with global and regional experts on culture, architecture, ecology, food security and water resource management to foster dialogue and call to action. A masterplan to revitalise Istiqlol, the Summit's future headquarters - a former amusement park and one of few remaining green spaces in Nukus - will be unveiled on 5th April 2025. NUKUS, Uzbekistan, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aral Culture Summit (ACS), a cultural and environmental initiative to revitalise the Aral Sea region in Central Asia will take place from 4-6 April 2025. Organised by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), the Summit seeks to foster dialogue and action through art, culture, design, and science. Amu Darya, Aral Sea Basin. Aral Culture Summit 2025. Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan and ACDF, all rights reserved ACS will bring together leading cultural figures, policymakers, artists, and environmental experts across two cities to explore and implement sustainable solutions that address the Aral Sea crisis and global climate challenges. Aral Culture Summit 2025 will be inaugurated during the first Global Climate Forum in Samarkand (4th April), attended by regional and European heads-of-states and reinforcing Uzbekistan's commitment to the regional cooperation for environmental and social development. Programme Highlights and Themes Aral Culture Summit continues in Nukus, Karakalpakstan near the Aral Sea on 5-6 April and will host a multidisciplinary programme with panel discussions, keynotes, artistic performances, and exhibitions, addressing critical issues such as environmental regeneration, creative economy, and cultural diplomacy. On 5th April, Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF will announce a preliminary masterplan for the regeneration of Istiqlol, a former amusement park in Nukus, reimagined by Ludi Architects as a permanent cultural and ecological hub. Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF, comments: "Aral Culture Summit is a platform for change. By integrating cultural dialogue with the climate agenda, we are ensuring that the arts contribute to our collective commitment to long term sustainable development. Our participation in the first Global Climate Forum underscores the critical role of culture to drive environmental transformation." Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) said he wont apologize for telling a former federal worker who was fired that he probably deserved it because hes a clown. On Tuesday, a video went viral of Mack Schroeder, who worked for the Department of Health and Human Services, confronting Banks in a Senate hallway, asking him if hes going to stop the so-called Department of Government Efficiency from illegally cutting more government jobs that help Americans get social services. In the video, Banks tells Schroeder, You probably deserved it. Schroeder responds in disbelief: I deserved it? Wow. Yeah, thats great to hear. Why did I deserve it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because you seem like a clown, Banks responds as the elevator doors close. After the video drew criticism, Banks doubled down on Wednesday, saying in a video posted on social media that Democrats and the left-wing media have lost their minds. A clown is a clown whos chasing senators through the halls with a cellphone complaining about losing a left-wing woke job in the federal government that should have never been a job to begin with, Banks said. I wont back down. I wont apologize for it. I support President [Donald] Trump and the DOGE effort 100% to cut wasteful spending and woke jobs out of the federal government, and were just getting started. Schroeder, who worked as a budget analyst for HHS, said in an interview with FOX59/CBS4 that he was surprised by Bankss response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just really surprised me and took me aback because I know there are going to be a lot of people in the state of Indiana who are losing services as of today with these huge cuts to HHS, Schroeder said. I would hope that he would care more about his constituents to have concerns about a lot of these programs changing. Sen. Jim Banks is seen in the Senate subway in Washington, D.C., on Friday, March 14, 2025. Allison Robbert/Bloomberg via Getty Images Led by billionaire Elon Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has been causing chaos in the federal government by firing workers then sometimes rehiring them after court orders or after the administration realized how critical their roles were. In Schroeders video, he said he was fired on Feb. 14, which was when officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were told about 1,300 probationary employees were losing their jobs, according to The Associated Press. Other HHS employees received notice Tuesday that their jobs were being eliminated, according to the AP. The job cuts are expected to save the department $1.8 billion annually, which is about 0.1% of the departments $1.7 trillion budget. The cuts are wide-ranging, with impacts on medical research, programs aimed at preventing smoking and gun violence, and the office handing Freedom of Information Act requests. Related... President Trumps Liberation Day tariffs have already resulted in even more GOP infighting, according to Punchbowl News. Theres a massive disconnect between the White House and Capitol Hill Republicans on tariffs right now, Jake Sherman wrote on X. Here on the Hill, Republicans keep saying well, this is the beginning of a negotiation. The administration says that this is not a negotiation. These tariffsplaced on friend and foe alikeare certain to drive up costs for both manufacturers and consumers, especially in red, rural states that rely on foreign goods in both imports and exports. This feeble attempt to spin these tariffs into a negotiation falls flat in the face of an administration that is touting them as law. Trump has been very clear that he believes the tariffs will be so successful that they will replace the income tax and make the country wealthier than it has been at any point in its historynot that he is levying them in order to make marginally better trading deals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior Senate Republican Chuck Grassley has already moved to take action against Trump with his Trade Review Act of 2025, a bill thatwhile almost certainly dead on arrivaldemonstrates the uncomfortable decisions that many Republicans will soon be forced to make as their presidents wanton tariffs make everything more expensive for constituents already struggling. This is the second sign of internal disunity in 24 hours. On Thursday, it was reported that far-right crank Laura Loomer had an Oval Office meeting in which she convinced the president to fire multiple members of the National Security Council on the grounds that they were neocons. Loomer denies this report. The ongoing fentanyl crisis in our state is a tragedy that continues to devastate our communities, with no decisive action from the state Legislatures majority-party leaders to curb its deadly spread. Pierce County has been especially affected by this neglect by state leaders. In 2017, the county documented the fatal fentanyl overdoses of two individuals 21 and younger. By 2022, this number had risen to 19 cases. According to the Tacoma-Pierce Department of Health, more than 800 Pierce County lives were lost to overdoses between January 2021 and June 2023. Overdose is now the most common cause of preventable adult deaths in Pierce County. It outnumbers motor-vehicle collisions and firearms. Local overdose deaths are growing most quickly among people ages 18-24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Time and again, we have witnessed the catastrophic consequences of this epidemic, and yet, instead of responding with strong, decisive action, the Democrat majority in the Legislature has missed critical opportunities to get tough on those who spread this poison. The fentanyl crisis is not just a problem for Seattle or Tacoma but rather for the entire state. We are seeing its deadly consequences unfold in real time. One horrifying example is the recent arrest of Percy Levy, who is accused of being in possession of enough fentanyl to kill 278,000 people or about one-third of Snohomish County. What makes this case all the more alarming is that Levy was granted clemency by Gov. Jay Inslee in 2019 after serving 17 years in prison for robbing a drug house, and he had been celebrated as a prison-rehabilitation success story. This incident raises serious concerns about whether the state is truly prioritizing public safety and protecting our communities or if state elected officials are playing a dangerous game of identity politics and anti-law and order pandering that will endanger the lives of innocent people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We must put the political agendas aside and focus on cracking down on this deadly drug. Fentanyl has made Washington a national leader in drug-overdose deaths. In 2023 alone, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency removed 4.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl from our state. Meanwhile, 1,067 people died from fentanyl-related overdoses in King County alone, marking a staggering 47% increase in death rates compared to the year before. These statistics speak for themselves: the current approach is failing, and without swift intervention, the crisis will continue to spiral out of control. To address this, I introduced Senate Bill 5213, which would make it a class C felony to knowingly possess fentanyl, instead of a gross misdemeanor under current law. This would send a clear message that we will no longer tolerate the presence and distribution of this lethal drug on our streets, and we are willing to back it up with tough prison sentences. Republican Rep. Jim Walsh also introduced House Bill 1000, which sought to impose tougher sentences on those involved in the illegal delivery and distribution of fentanyl, as well as the precursor chemicals used to manufacture it. This bill, like mine, underscores the point that those who are creating this crisis ought to be held accountable for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, majority Democrats in the House and Senate refused to act on either bill, which reflects their distaste for measures that get tough on crime. The only fentanyl legislation that appeared to be advancing this session (Senate Bill 5071) would specifically add fentanyl to the law prohibiting endangerment with a controlled substance. Even that common-sense measure, which passed the Senate, is in doubt in the House of Representatives, where it is yet to receive a hearing. It is incredibly disheartening to see such proposals fail to receive the support they deserve. These bills would provide the necessary framework for a crackdown on fentanyl, offering not just tougher sentences but a clear path to reducing the flow of this devastating drug into our communities. The continued failure to act is not just an oversight, but a missed opportunity to protect the people of our state. Quite bluntly, it is a dereliction of the Legislatures duty. Its time for the majority party in this state to prioritize the safety of our citizens and take a stronger stance against the rapidly spreading fentanyl epidemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representative Walsh and I will continue to fight for policies aimed at tackling this issue head-on, but how much longer must we wait for action when there are lives at stake and a majority party that continues to look the other way? Sen. Jim McCune represents the 2nd Legislative District, which includes parts of Pierce and Thurston counties. The Scoop One option that Republicans are floating to bring Rep. Elise Stefanik back into their House leadership fold: an elevated version of an existing lower-profile job. As GOP leaders search for a landing spot for Stefanik after the abrupt withdrawal of her nomination as ambassador to the United Nations, two sources told Semafor that theyre considering making her chair of the Elected Leadership Committee. The ELC is a group of advisers to leadership and its chair is a speaker-appointed position that got filled for the first time in more than a decade by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Stefanik and Johnsons camps remain in active discussions about her return to leadership, and no decision has been made. But if Stefanik were to be offered the ELC job, two Republicans familiar with the conversations said it would come with more heft and teeth than the position has previously held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a possibility, Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., who replaced Stefanik as conference chair this year, told Semafor when asked if ELC chair was on the table for the New Yorker. Thats an option. ELC was revived when McCarthy tapped then-Louisiana Rep. Garret Graves, an influential ally of the former speaker, to fill the spot. Even if the role were beefed up, it would likely result in diminished significance for Stefanik. She did not seek reelection to the No. 4 leadership post that McClain won out of the expectation she would be confirmed as President Donald Trumps UN ambassador. Know More Now that Stefaniks nomination has been pulled with Trump publicly airing concerns about hanging on to her House seat in a special election the party has agreed shell return to GOP leadership. Thats where the clarity ends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., told reporters Tuesday that there would be a lot of roles presented to her. Still, the dilemma of trying to retrofit an influential member of Congress into leadership four months into the start of the term is proving tricky. We cant give her a gavel. We cant give her one of the elected positions. So we want to bring her back in to have a seat at the leadership table, McClain told Semafor, adding that leaders agree shes so valuable. Johnson also repeated his willingness to reinstall Stefanik to leadership while also acknowledging the challenges. Recognizing her talent, I said I would love to have her back immediately to the leadership table. All the leadership posts are filled at the moment, so were trying to figure out some creative role for Elise to play, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stefanik voted last Friday, a day after Trumps announcement, but did not cast a vote this week. She has served as a vocal Trump ally since his 2019 impeachment trial, a role that helped rebrand her from the moderate image she first ran on into a MAGA favorite. Stefaniks ascension to leadership followed the removal of former Rep. Liz Cheney from her post as conference chair in response to Cheneys harsh criticism of Trump. Stefanik was elected the following day. Last year, the Harvard alumna made headlines for her questioning of Ivy League college presidents for their handling of antisemitism allegations. Her work prompted a series of resignations, including one from the president of Stefaniks alma mater. Notable WASHINGTON The fallout from President Donald Trump's aggressive new tariffs has spurred Congress into action, with a growing number of Republicans joining Democrats to express interest in using their power to restrain him. After the GOP-led Senate delivered a rare rebuke to Trump on Wednesday by voting to undo his tariffs on Canada, lawmakers in both chambers are weighing additional steps to rein him in. Senators are eyeing other mechanisms to rescind Trumps existing tariffs while limiting his ability to impose new ones. And Democrats in the House are exploring ways to force a vote to revoke Canadian tariffs, putting out feelers to attract support from Republicans. These efforts have a high bar for success as any resolution to undo Trumps tariffs, or new law affecting his powers, would have to get around a presidential veto. But the level of support in Congress could affect the presidents political calculus around using taxes on imports to the U.S. as a centerpiece of his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, a Trump ally who is third in line to the presidency, introduced a bill with Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., on Thursday that would reassert Congress' authority and slap restrictions on the president's power to levy tariffs. The legislation, called the Trade Review Act of 2025, would require the president to notify Congress of new tariffs within 48 hours of imposition, while providing his reasons and an analysis of the impacts on American consumers and businesses. Then Congress would have 60 days to approve it. If it does not, the tariffs would expire after that period. For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch, Grassley said in a statement. Building on my previous efforts as Finance Committee Chairman, Im joining Senator Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reassert Congress constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., praised Grassley for the bill because he does believe that were a co-equal branch. He said hed vote for it, though it's unclear if the bill will be brought to the Senate floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I like congressional review. ... In trade, its a good example, Tillis said. Ill support Grassley if it gets a vote. The Cantwell-Grassley bill came one day after the Senate voted 51-48 to revoke Trumps tariffs on Canadian products. Joining all 47 Democrats to pass it were GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine; Lisa Murkowski of Alaska; and Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., the author of the resolution, said hes looking to build on that success with more resolutions to block Trumps tariffs, while examining his options in terms of what can move fastest. He said many more than four Republicans were interested in his resolution than ultimately voted for it, predicting that more will come aboard as the economic reality sets in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is going to be massive economic heartbreak in this country if Congress fails to undo to the tariffs, Kaine warned. Donald Trump started in office with the strongest economy in the world. He has, in two months, with the chainsaw and the tariffs turned it into one with flashing red lights and question marks. Weve got to use the tools at our disposal to get him to do a U-turn. For now, partisanship has made some Republicans leery of joining Democrats in a move their base could perceive as defying Trump. You have to do it in a neutral environment, where you have Republicans and Democrats not being forced to choose against their own partys president in office when there is a tariff in question, said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., who voted against Kaines measure and questioned whether the environment is right for Grassley's bill. Across the Capitol, senior House Democrats said they were looking to pass a resolution halting Canadian tariffs, similar to what the Senate voted on this week. Since Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is reluctant to show any daylight with Trump, Democrats are exploring an end-run around House GOP leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced Thursday he planned to file whats known as a discharge petition, a legislative tool that would allow supporters to bypass GOP leaders and force a vote on legislation if they can secure 218 signatures. "Our neighbor to the north is one of our closest allies and trading partners, yet Trump has unilaterally launched a trade war that hurts American families, manufacturers, automakers, farmers, and small businesses," Meeks said in a statement. "These tariffs are, causing needless suffering on both sides of our long-peaceful border and must be repealed." A discharge petition cannot be used on the Senate's measure, so the House would have to write its own bill perhaps an identical one. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, said in an interview that she would vote for a resolution "so we can replicate what the Senate did." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., a former co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus who is running for governor and has relationships with many Republicans, said that he is collaborating with Meeks on the discharge effort. People are struggling with high costs right now and we need to do everything we can to make their lives more affordable, Gottheimer said in a phone interview Thursday. Whacking them with tariffs on their cheese, their milk, fixing their homes, and their cars is adding insult to injury especially with one of our largest trading partners. And some Republicans who are experiencing heartburn over the Trump tariffs are signaling they could cross the aisle and sign the Democrats' discharge petition. With the GOPs thin 220-213 majority, supporters would need at least five Republicans to break with Trump and sign the discharge petition. Id likely vote yes, said moderate Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who added that Democrats have reached out to him about the issue. Discharges are the last resort. I prefer debating this in our conference and chamber first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bottom line, Bacon continued, I do think Congress should take back its tariff authorities and I think tariffs on Canada are inappropriate. They are abiding by the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement signed into law by Trump. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Editors Note: This story has been updated with new statements from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the city of Lakewood. They can be found in the last portion of the article. LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) People living near 6th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard in Lakewood are pushing to clean up a growing homeless encampment site. They say they have been dealing with the problem for years. Denver to increase downtown police presence in effort to invigorate area Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been living in this neighborhood for a little over 35 years, said Brett Charbonneau. In that time, Charbonneau has seen a lot of changes. The ones thats going on now is not good, he said. Brett Charbonneau, a Lakewood resident, is fed up with a nearby homeless encampment. (KDVR) Hes talking about the homeless encampment that is located near his neighborhood. Theyre tagging this property over here that wasnt here two weeks ago, he said. You can see that they moved in and its growing every day. He says more and more tents have been spotted. Some are placed near trees where he says fires have been started. They have set fires to the trees and if it gets started, homes are going to go down, he said. I dont know what its going to take. Somebodys home burning down, or multiple homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pressure mounts for veto on bill regulating semiautomatic firearms, rapid-fire conversion devices Earlier Wednesday afternoon FOX31 crews saw homeless navigators along with officers with Lakewood Police Departments Community Action Team trying to connect those living in the camp to resources. An encampment near 6th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard was visited by homeless navigators along with officers with Lakewood Police Departments Community Action Team on Wednesday. (KDVR) Weve had needles show up in our neighbors backyards which is concerning because thats dangerous, said Charbonneau. The amount of trash thats generated from these homeless camps obviously concerning. There is a waterway that dumps into the Platte River, so you know they are using it as a bathroom and who knows what else. Brett Charbonneau took this picture of a hypodermic needle near an encampment that is close to his home. (Courtesy Brett Charbonneau) An encampment near 6th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard was visited by homeless navigators along with officers with Lakewood Police Departments Community Action Team on Wednesday. (KDVR) An encampment near 6th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard was visited by homeless navigators along with officers with Lakewood Police Departments Community Action Team on Wednesday. (KDVR) He says he along with several neighbors have reached out to city officials about the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive gotten a hold of them maybe 10 times, he said. Charbonneau hopes the situation can be resolved sooner rather than later. The longer they let it go on, the more folks show up, he said. I understand homelessness is a problem. I dont have any ill will towards them but just the trash they generate and the needle use and going to the bathroom in this river is not good. A spokesperson with the city of Lakewood sent a statement for FOX31s story that was first published Wednesday, that said in part, The city has received many complaints about this, and both our homeless outreach team and the Lakewood Police Department have contacted the Colorado Department of Transportation about this issue because the camp is on state property. Given that, any enforcement or cleanup ultimately rests with the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, CDOT contacted FOX31 to dispute this statement from the Lakewood spokesperson. CDOT shared a copy of a letter the department gave to the city, authorizing the Lakewood Police Department to take action toward any person on any CDOT property located within Lakewood City who does not belong on the property. That is in addition to the statement shared for the original story, saying CDOT regularly works with Lakewoods Community Action Team on addressing homeless encampments. We are working to resolve the situation. FOX31 reached out to the city for a response. In an email, Lakewood police said, in part, We work regularly with CDOT to do planned enforcement and cleanup efforts. The letter you received from them was a letter related to one of those cleanup efforts for another site nearby that was going to be cleaned along with some culvert work being done. In each case though, we rely on their ability to clean the camp, and the decision to take enforcement action for trespassing or other related crimes requires their participation as the owner and victim of the crime. FOX31 will continue to look into this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31s Phil Rankin contributed to this story Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Dozens of Orange County residents shared their concerns during a public meeting in Apopka regarding the countys redistricting process. This comes after voters decided in November to add two new county commission seats, meaning lines are being redrawn, and changes could come to your district. Many people living in District 2 addressed the 15-member redistricting committee, sharing how they want to remain in District two. A proposed plan shared by Commissioner Christine Moore puts some of the district, like Pine Hills, in with Maitland and Winter Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I humbly ask you to think of whats been done. Be more caring for those of us in District Two who have no desire to go to District Six, one woman said to the committee. The plan is to redraw lines to make room for two more districts in Orange County, moving from six to eight. Once the new districts are determined, some residents will have new commissioners who are part of making decisions, such as infrastructure, public safety, and where county tax dollars are being spent. Voters we talked to say they want commissioners to remember the needs of each individual community. The incoming commissioner or whoever is going to represent this district needs to make sure everybodys demands are met. If Pine Hill has an agenda, if Maitland has an agenda, make sure the people get what theyre asking for, said Moliere Dimanshe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vicki Vargo lives in District 2 and says she loves being part of that district. She is fine with the redistricting plans but asks to be part of District 5 if her neighborhood is going to chase. We dont want to be thrown into precincts that dont have the same standards as city precincts, said Vicki Vargo. Another public meeting is in District 4 on April 10th. The committee will submit a map for consideration on July 3rd. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The RESPECT organization is hosting a helicopter egg drop in Birmingham to celebrate their 30th anniversary. The event will include an easter basket giveaway and 10,000 eggs featuring candy, money and other surprises being dropped from a helicopter. It is open to ages 2 to 12 at Legion Field at 11 a.m. For more information, 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 CBS 42. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Bob Lechtreck has crammed a lot of living into his 100 years. That was evident to anyone who attended his party at Brookdale Senior Living Wednesday afternoon. The birthday boy joined the Navy at age 17 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was at the battle of Okinawa, and his Destroyer helped guard Tokyo Bay for Imperial Japans signing of the instruments of surrender. In 1948, he joined the Kern County Fire Department and rose to the rank of fire chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both his Honor Flight buddies and representatives of the county fire department were on hand for his birthday party, along with a packed roomful of Brookdale neighbors. His son, also Bob Lechtreck, said Bob Sr. lived a remarkable life. He had a 30-year career, rising all the way to the fire chief, said the younger Lechtreck, who retired as a county battalion chief himself. He was the chief. Hes the only living person who worked with the very first fire chief, Harold Boway. Theres nobody else alive that worked with Harold Boway. Teddy slept here: 137-year-old Oleander estate hits the real estate market Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second of all, the Moreland, 1929 Moreland, is kind of a museum piece. Kern County Fire Departments very first fire engine and its kind of a Model T type fire engine, said Lechtreck. Dad is the only living person who ever actually drove it on fires. The younger Bob said 75% of the current Kern County Fire staff was not born when his father retired in 1977. County firefighters gave the long-retired chief a ride around the Brookdale parking lot in an in-service engine. He seemed to enjoy the ride. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Alimat Aliyeva The European Union is considering the introduction of trade measures against American technology giants as a response to US tariffs, Azernews reports. "Yes, we can legally apply measures not only to goods but also to services. And we know that, as the European Union, we have a trade deficit of about 100 billion euros, while the revenue of American technology giants in the EU accounts for about 30% of their global turnover. Of course, if the situation escalates, we will consider measures against these tech giants," said an EU representative when asked whether the European Parliament expects the imposition of duties on American digital technology companies like Google, Apple, and Meta in response to US tariffs. He also emphasized that Brussels still prefers to resolve the situation through negotiations. However, as a last resort, the EU is prepared to use "heavy weapons"referring to a tool designed to combat coercion. This measure would allow countermeasures against a country that imposes undue pressure on the EU, effectively balancing the scales in trade relations. In this high-stakes diplomatic dance, the EU is weighing its options carefully. While it seeks to avoid further escalation, it is also signaling that it will not shy away from using economic power to protect its interests and maintain a level playing field for European businesses. Cosmetics and beauty retailer The Body Shops operations in New Zealand have entered liquidation, resulting in the cessation of all storefront operations and the loss of 70 jobs. An announcement on The Body Shop's website confirms that all bricks-and-mortar locations have ceased operations indefinitely, and the online store has halted order fulfilment. A statement on the website reads: "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers for your unwavering support throughout the years. Your passion for our products and ethical values has meant everything to us." Official records from the New Zealand Gazette indicate that the liquidation process commenced on 27 March 2025, with Neale Jackson and Daniel Stoneman from Calibre Partners as its liquidators. The website states that: the undersigned does hereby fix 15 April 2025 as the date on or before which creditors of the company are to make their claims and to establish any priority their claims may have under section 312 of the Companies Act 1993. Signals of distress were evident in January when The Body Shop NZ engaged voluntary administrators. It disclosed that efforts to find a purchaser for the New Zealand division had been unsuccessful, leading to initiatives aimed at selling off inventory and dismantling business activities. The company maintained a network of 16 retail outlets, employing 70 full-time staff, as reported by Radio New Zealand. According to the initial liquidation report, the company's total liabilities exceed $12m. The company possessed cash assets exceeding $2m, which are subject to the final costs of administration, as reported by local news media website Stuff.co.nz. Its parent entity in the UK avoided a similar fate in September 2024 when Aurea Group acquired its 113 UK stores and assumed control over its Australian and North American holdings. The Body Shop UK business was placed into administration in February 2024. "Body Shop NZ enters liquidation with store closures and job losses" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley has been elected to serve as chief justice for the state's highest court, with Justice Jill Karofsky set to take over the top job in July. Both are members of the court's liberal wing, and will replace the conservative who currently holds the position. The move Thursday came two days after liberals held onto their 4-3 majority when Dane County Judge Susan Crawford defeated conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel in the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walsh Bradley, the longest-serving liberal justice on the court, did not run for re-election. Crawford won the seat on the court that Walsh Bradley currently holds. Justice Ann Walsh. Bradley Walsh Bradley was elected Thursday to a two-year term as chief justice starting May 1, but her term on the court ends on July 31. "I wish my colleagues all the best," Chief Justice Annette Ziegler said in a statement. "It has been my honor to serve as chief justice for the last four years." Walsh Bradley said in a statement that she would step down as chief justice on June 30, after two months in the role. That means Karofsky will take over as chief justice on July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is a tremendous honor to be elected by my colleagues as the leader of this great court," Walsh Bradley said in a statement. "It has been my life's goal to honor the rule of law, enhance access to justice, and serve the 5.9 million people who call Wisconsin home." Karofsky said she would "continue to work respectfully with every member" of the court. "The people of Wisconsin have great faith in this court, and I intend to be a chief that increases the people's confidence even further," she said in a statement. Liberals gained a 4-3 majority on the court after the 2023 spring election when Janet Protasiewicz defeated Daniel Kelly for a seat held by conservative Pat Roggensack, who retired. Three days later, the court's four liberal justices voted to limit the power of its conservative chief justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: All our reporting on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race between Susan Crawford, Brad Schimel Ziegler, a conservative, was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2007 and was re-elected unopposed in 2017. In 2021, members of the Court chose Ziegler to serve as chief justice, replacing Roggensack, who stepped down from the role. Justice Jill Karofsky Karofsky, 58, was elected to the Supreme Court in 2020, defeating incumbent Kelly. A Middleton native, Karofsky has a bachelor's degree from Duke University and master's and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1992, she started as a Dane County assistant district attorney and was later promoted to deputy district attorney. She also has worked as director of human resources and general counsel for the National Conference of Bar Examiners and as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karofsky is also an ultramarathon runner. The chief justice oversees the states court system and has broad powers over administrative matters. The position of chief justice was traditionally given to the courts longest-serving justice, but a 2015 constitutional amendment gave justices the power to elect a leader. The seven justices now vote on a chief justice every two years. Karofsky will serve in the role until April 30, 2027. Alison Dirr of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this report. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley named chief justice for end of term Almost 10 million is being staked illegally on the Grand National amid an alarming growth in black-market betting across the UK, according to industry analysis. Gamblers are turning to unregulated markets in record numbers, potentially depriving the Treasury of up to 335 million over the next five years, it is claimed. A record number of illegal bets on the Aintree showpiece is anticipated after a 522 per cent increase in traffic to unlicensed sites over three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry analysis seen by the Betting and Gaming Council shows for the Grand National alone 9.4 million will be staked illegally. This should serve as a wake-up call for Government, who must guard against overbearing regulations which risk driving punters into the arms of illegal operators, the organisation says. Influencers boasting of huge wins on social media are also helping to lure problem gamblers into joining unregulated groups on Telegram, WhatsApp or Signal. Almost 10 million will be staked illegally on the unsafe, growing gambling black market at this years Grand National, fuelling crime, undermining player protection measures, while sucking vital cash from sport and the Treasury, said Grainne Hurst, BGCs CEO. The Grand National is one of the precious few sporting events in this country with the ability to unite the entire nation around a single spectacle. It is the nations punt, and it is being subverted by illegal operators offering illicit gambling to thousands of punters, many of whom are vulnerable to harm. The Grand National is one of the biggest sporting events of the year - PA Wire/David Davies for the Jockey Club Gambling addiction awareness campaigners had lobbied hard for more Government regulation but the industry claims affordability checks are playing a part in pushing punters into illegal markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following various law changes, gamblers who lose 150 or more a month now face extra checks. Restrictions were introduced after the Government published a White Paper on gambling reform, which included proposals for a mandatory levy to fund addiction treatment, education and research. However, a report by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities shows illegal betting and related crime have boomed during the same time. The number of unique customers visiting 22 unlicensed sites taking bets on British racing had grown by 522 per cent between August 2021 and September 2024. Unique visitor traffic to 10 legal websites offering betting on horse racing had grown by only 49 per cent over the same period. Hurst, of the Betting and Gaming Council, adds: Balanced regulations and a stable tax regime are the best defences against this black-market menace, which now poses an existential threat to British racing. The growth in illegal gambling comes at a critical juncture for horse racing. Gambling Commission figures published in December showed online betting turnover on British horse racing had dropped by 1.6 billion in the last two years. Britons stake up to 4.3bn each year via illegal means In September last year, the BGC commissioned Frontier Economics to conduct a study on the size, scale and reach of the black market, which includes illegal casinos, bookmakers, betting via syndicates on WhatsApp or Telegram and illegal bookmakers online. That study found 1.5 million Britons collectively stake up to 4.3 billion on the growing, unsafe gambling black market each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report found illegal operators are aggressively targeting UK customers, significantly undermining player protections, while sucking millions from sport and the Treasury. According to the research, more than one in five 18-to-24-year-olds who bet already use the unsafe, unregulated gambling black market online, and via secure online messaging apps. Meanwhile, outfits based overseas aggressively target customers who have self-excluded from regulated betting operators. Authorities have started to clamp down on illegal platforms. Haydon Simcock, a British racehorse owner, is currently awaiting trial accused of being a senior figure in an illegal bookmaker that claims to have more than 1,000 customers, including others involved in racing. Simcock was allegedly a commercial manager for The Post Bookmakers, an unregulated firm taking bets through the messaging app WhatsApp, whose advertising material had been circulating widely through the sport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simcock, 39, of Weston Coyney, Stoke-on-Trent, is charged with providing facilities for gambling to consumers in Great Britain without holding an operating licence between October 18, 2023 to September 11, 2024, and advertising those facilities between May 26, 2023 and March 1, 2024. The Grand National at Aintree is the most popular and most watched horse race in the world. According to industry research conducted by the BGC, approximately 250 million will be staked on the main event. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, chair of the Gambling Related Harm all-party parliamentary group, said: While the gambling commission absolutely must do more to clamp down on illegal operators and the growth of the black market it is critical to underline that the vast majority of the problems that we have come from licensed UK operators. They will no doubt jump on the bandwagon yet again and claim that this is a reason not to regulate them. Lets make no mistake our gambling laws are completely outdated licensed operators in this country must be properly regulated to stop the abuses and prevent the widespread harm. 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. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A reward is being offered to anyone who helps investigators in Harrisburg solve a 1970s case of two missing children, and their murdered mother. Anyone who gives information that helps State Police solve the case of the Reinert children who went missing in 1979 will get a $5,000 reward. Their mother, Susan Reinerts body was found in an open trunk of a car in Dauphin County on June 25, 1979, according to investigators. Her children, 10-year-old Michael and 11-year-old Karen, are presumed dead and their bodies have yet to be found. Two men were convicted of the Reinert murders. Investigators said one of the men, Bill Bradfield died in his cell of heart failure in 1998 while he was serving three life sentences for the murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that cell was a photograph depicting a stone marker resembling a hooded figure, surrounded by leaves in the woods. The photo appears to be developed in 1986, investigators said. That marker has yet to be found. Over the years, investigators have followed many leads but have yet to find the children. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Susan was a teacher in Montgomery County. If anyone has information, they are urged to contact State Police at Harrisburg at 717-671-7500, or an anonymous tip can be submitted online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump at Macomb Community College on Nov. 01, 2024 in Warren, Michigan. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is coming to Utah. Kennedy along with Lee Zeldin, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be coming to Salt Lake City on Monday to hold a news conference to discuss MAHA legislation passed by the 2025 Utah Legislature, state officials announced in a news release issued Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes HB81, which made Utah the first state in the nation to ban adding fluoride to public water systems. State leaders also called out two other bills they expect to highlight Monday, including HB402, which bans public schools from serving food with certain food dyes in them and other additives, and HB403, which restricts Utahns from using SNAP benefits to purchase soda. Republican Utah lawmakers including House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, are expected to join Kennedy and Zeldin for Mondays news conference. Other lawmakers slated to attend include House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield; Sen. Brady Brammer, R-Pleasant Grove; Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Provo, and Rep. Kristen Chevrier, R-Highland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Correction: An earlier version incorrectly said HB403 would restrict Utahns from using SNAP benefits to purchase candy. It only prohibits using the benefits to purchase soda. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) R.I. House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi announced Thursday that he has tapped the states former Department of Environmental Management (DEM) director to be an informal advisor. I have known Janet for many years and there is no more knowledgeable expert in the environmental field, Shekarchi said. Her perspective will be tremendously valuable as we head into the home stretch of our legislative session. Given Janets many commitments this spring, you may not see her regularly around the State House, he continued. However, as she returns to Rhode Island from her stint in Washington, Janet is eager to help out in strengthening the policies that support healthy communities and our economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shekarchi said Coit will be assisting with legislative efforts in the environmental and energy domain. Coit served as the director of the DEM from 2011 until 2021. She left her position to work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). She served in a variety of roles at NOAA, with her most recent being director of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Shekarchi said Janet Coit will be lending expertise to House leadership on a volunteer basis throughout this legislative session. Prior to her time at the DEM, Coit headed the states chapter of The Nature Conservancy and worked on environmental policy with former Sens. John and Lincoln Chafee. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at cracking down on organized retail theft in Rhode Island. The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Leonidas Raptakis, would make organized retail theft a felony. If approved, those who are convicted of organized retail theft could face up to five years in prison, a fine of no more than $5,000, or both. Right now, organized retail theft is a misdemeanor under state law thats punishable by up to one year in prison, as well as a fine of at least $50 or two times the value of the stolen merchandise, whichever is greater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raptakis said the goal of the legislation is to send a strong message. You see them all the time individuals running into a store and stealing probably tens of thousands of dollars of merchandise in a matter of minutes, Raptakis told the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. In an effort to curb shoplifting, several retailers have resorted to locking up their merchandise to prevent it from being stolen. Raptakis said its unacceptable that shoppers nowadays need to continuously ask a clerk to unlock certain merchandise to purchase it. We now see rows and rows of products that are protected under lock and key, he said. Even Mucinex, which is about $20, is locked up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Todd Patalano, whos also a major with the Cranston Police Department, supports the legislation. He said that, although hes investigated a number of shopliftings throughout his lengthy career, organized retail theft has become much more popular in recent years. Its becoming an epidemic, Patalano said. Weve had thousands of dollars stolen by an organized ring within literally two-to-three minutes by simply distracting someone, filling up a garbage bag and running out the door. Liquor stores are among the most popular targets for organized retail theft rings. SEE ALSO: Police nab suspect accused of stealing from Route 2 liquor stores Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nick Fede Jr., director of the Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative, believes this legislation will put and end to organized retail theft once and for all. Theres high anxiety about this, he said. There was an organized retail theft ring that targeted liquor stores in the state roughly 18 months ago. In every instance that they stole, it was thousands of dollars. But the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island (ACLU) and the states Office of the Public Defender believe the punishments are too harsh and counterproductive. If two or more people conspire to steal expensive items from a store, they can be charged under the law accordingly, the ACLU said in written testimony submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee. In fact, by currently allowing a person to be sent to prison for one year for shoplifting anything, no matter how minor the value, the current statute is, in our view, already too harsh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But turning every minor piece of shoplifting into a felony simply because two young people do it together creates an abuse of the criminal law that should not be allowed, the ACLU continued. The Office of the Public Defender argued that the legislation risks criminalizing a vast number of people who have no significant role in the commission of the crime. The law would undoubtedly have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities already overrepresented in the criminal justice system, especially given that shoplifting is often driven by poverty, the Office of the Public Defender wrote in its submitted testimony. Rather than resorting to harsh penalties that contribute to overburdened prisons, we propose a focus on preventative measures, diversion programs, and community-based solutions that address the root causes of these behaviors. Raptakis argues that this legislation is about much more than shoplifting low-value merchandise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not talking about somebody shoplifting a $5 candy bar or something of very low value, he said. Were talking about organized groups of individuals. Raptakis legislation has been held for further study. Companion legislation has not yet been introduced in the R.I. House, though Raptakis told 12 News it is the process of being drafted. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Richer people should be made to fly less so poorer families can holiday without worsening Britains carbon footprint, the countrys climate tsar has claimed. Emma Pinchbeck, the new chief executive of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), said net zero meant flying should be considered a luxury, with airlines paying a price for the emissions they produce. However, she said it would be unfair to price lower income families out of air travel altogether. Instead, the Climate Change Committee wants frequent fliers to be taxed more highly than those who fly just once a year. This would discourage richer travellers from flying as much, while not punishing the poor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Pinchbeck said: What we have in our heads is the annual family holiday to somewhere sunny like Spain. Now Ive got small children, so I completely understand the need for people to go away somewhere sunny every year. So weve tried to preserve that in our advice [to ministers]. She was giving evidence to the Lords environment and climate change committee following last months publication of the CCCs latest carbon budget, which advises ministers on whats needed to reach the UKs target of net zero emissions by 2050. Ms Pinchbeck, who was appointed by Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, last November, said: Weve done some distribution impact analysis across wealthier and poorer households. Wealthier households tend to fly multiple times a year, so [would] carry more of the cost for this than poorer households. There [would be] a difference in the costs that accrue to the long haul flights, which tend to be taken by wealthier households. Weve gone for a market based approach, because polluters should pay, and that gets you an impact on demand. But we balance that with the need to still allow people to take an annual family holiday, particularly lower income households who fly less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So actually, because its a pricing mechanism, high income households would be disproportionately affected compared with lower income ones. The aim was to persuade those people taking multiple annual flights to cut down by maybe one flight, she said. More savings might be achieved by removing CO2 directly from the air or low carbon sustainable aviation fuels but such technologies are in their infancy. She said cutting emissions from aviation was one of the UKs biggest climate challenges because there were no viable alternatives to fossil fuels. The CCCs recent report said aviation accounted for 8pc of total UK emissions in 2023 but that proportion will reach 27pc by 2040 as other sectors go greener faster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CCC has proposed lessening the sectors carbon footprint through demand management, a euphemism for higher prices. Options put forward included a tax on kerosene and frequent flier levies Anti-fun police The impact on consumers could be huge. The CCCs modelling suggests the cost of a ticket to Alicante in Spain would need to rise by 150, while a return New York flight would cost an extra 300. Describing the CCCs modelling Ms Pinchbeck pointed out that many people seldom flew at all, with 53pc of the population not taking any flights in the last year. The vast majority of emissions come from the 10pc of high income households flying multiple times a year. Richard Tice, Reform UKs energy spokesman, said the CCC was turning itself into the anti-fun police, adding: Ms Pinchbeck sounds like a socialist grinch, wanting to stop people flying and tell us how we must change our behaviour. When Reform win the next election, she may want to keep her CV close to hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Bowie, a Conservative Party energy spokesman, said: The Climate Change Committees latest carbon budget proves that Labours 2050 Net Zero target will require people to make huge sacrifices and cost 319bn over the next 15 years. Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband are simply not being honest when they say they wont force people to change the way they live their lives. Ms Pinchbeck said the biggest contributions people could make to combating climate change was to switch from gas boilers to heat pumps and for petrol and diesel vehicle owners to switch to electric vehicles, with cutting meat consumption also important. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A young and rising culinary star in Southern California died in a freak accident in Hawaii, according to family, who said the tragedy occurred as she was fulfilling a long-held dream to hike to the Makaleha Falls waterfall in Kauai. Gianna Buzzetta, a 26-year-old executive pastry chef at the Jeune et Jolie restaurant in Carlsbad, was hiking the challenging waterfall trail with her boyfriend last week when disaster struck, according to a statement from her family. The Kauai Fire Department responded to a call for a hiker who was hit by a tumbling boulder while standing in the pool of the waterfall on March 23, the department said in a news release. The hiker, who was found unconscious and bleeding from a head wound, was airlifted to medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buzzetta's parents then flew to Hawaii and were able to say their goodbyes before she died in the hospital, according to reporting from ABC10. "She had told her boyfriend, Connor, that day, he had fulfilled her dreams and it was the best day of her life," her mother, Caty Buzzetta, told the station. "In a glimpse of time, she had pure bliss, no one could take that from her or us." A golf course near Kauai's Hanalei Bay in Princeville, Hawaii. A Southern California pastry chef was killed late last month while hiking on the island. (John Marshall / Associated Press) In an online fundraiser to help cover Buzzetta's medical fees and funeral expenses, her family described her as determined, tenacious, insightful and kind, with a crazy sense of humor and an infectious laugh. "As an executive pastry chef her dedication to perfection in artistry led her to master her talents at Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad," wrote the family. "She poured herself, her love and creativity into everything she brought to the table." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While working at Jeune et Jolie, Buzzetta helped the modern French restaurant achieve a Michelin star three times. "She brought such joy, intensity, passion and love to this restaurant and to our team," said the restaurant on Instagram. "Her sudden loss leaves all of us heartbroken, and searching for ways to be of help to her family." Jeune et Jolie will be holding a special dinner on Monday to honor the memory of the young pastry chef. Restaurant owner John Resnick told Fox5 News that Buzzetta's sudden death was a devastating blow for all who knew her and worked with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was a huge part of the team. Super creative, super talented, incredibly hardworking," he told the station. "Our whole team loved working alongside her." In the fundraising post, Buzzetta's family expressed their gratitude for the first responders in Hawaii and Buzzetta's boyfriend, Connor Quinton, who they say "gave heroically every last effort to save her running a great distance desperately getting her help." Updates: 3:56 p.m. April 4, 2025: This story has been updated to clarify the restaurant has received a Michelin star three times. 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. DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Two men are facing charges after a November road rage incident in the Hartsville area in which one man allegedly pulled a gun and the other impersonated a law enforcement officer, the Darlington County Sheriffs Office said. John Walters III was arrested Thursday and charged with reckless driving and breach of peace high and aggravated. He remains in the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center pending a bond hearing. Charles Mixon Jr. was arrested Wednesday and charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer. He posted a $5,000 bond and was released from jail on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged incident happened on Nov. 11 when Mixon and Walters were driving on W. Bobo Newsom Highway, arrest warrants said. Walters was driving a 2023 Indian Scout motorcycle and Mixon was driving a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. Walters drove beside Mixon and attempted to get his attention, warrants show. He then weaved from one lane to another, tailgated Mixon, and then weaved again and chased down the truck to drive alongside it. Mixon later stopped at a local business, and Walters followed him there, the sheriffs office said. The two began to argue, and Walters pulled a gun. In response, Mixon pulled out a retired law enforcement badge and verbally indicated that he was a police officer, according to an arrest warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident is being investigated by the Darlington County Sheriffs Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting. * * * 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. "We could not be more excited to build our future with Castillo Hermanos, " said Robert Mortati, President and CEO of Harvest Hill . " Founded on similar values and principles based on respect, quality, innovation, and customer and consumer centricity, Castillo Hermanos' and Harvest Hill's strategic visions are aligned. Together, we will be able to scale our businesses, enhancing the presence of our brands across the beverage marketplace." "This is a key moment in our history as we set out to meaningfully expand our reach into the U.S. Our trusted and iconic brands, combined with Harvest Hill's, offer a compelling product assortment to cater to diverse consumer needs, " said Roberto Lara, CEO of Castillo Hermanos . " We are thrilled to welcome Harvest Hill to the Castillo Hermanos family and want every one of their employees to be part of our strategy for expansion and sustained growth. We look forward to working closely with Harvest Hill's experienced leadership team to unlock key growth opportunities, leveraging their manufacturing facilities, distribution network, and understanding of the beverage category in the U.S." Juan Monge Calderon, Chairman of Castillo Hermanos , stated, " In recent years, the company has been working to open itself to the world and bring to life our goal to create global brands that ensure sustained growth and continue to strengthen our leadership. This acquisition marks a milestone in our history. We welcome the leadership team of Harvest Hill that will join our team and are confident that, together, we will continue to captivate consumers and create world-renowned brands." With over 139 years of operating expertise, Castillo Hermanos has a solid track record in over 35 countries, where it continues to captivate consumers across its brands, including Gallo Beer (known as Famosa Beer in the U.S.) as well as Del Frutal and Raptor Energy Drink. It is also the leading cereal producer in Central America. The acquisition of Harvest Hill by Castillo Hermanos, a family-owned company founded in 1886, significantly expands its U.S. presence and provides a platform to grow its existing U.S. business unit. Castillo Hermanos is partnering with private investment firm Centerview Capital, which has provided a significant investment and will be a strategic partner to help grow the U.S. beverage business. GUATEMALA CITY, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Castillo Hermanos, a multinational diversified business group, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Brynwood Partners to acquire Harvest Hill Beverage Company, a leading beverage products player in the United States, with brands such as SunnyD, Juicy Juice and Little HUG. Story Continues Reflecting on the transaction, Jim Kilts, Founding Partner of Centerview Capital, added, "We've been impressed by Castillo Hermanos' business execution and brand portfolio and Harvest Hill's commercial and operational success. Both companies have proven track records of acquiring and integrating assets and our investment underscores the potential of this transaction." The transaction will create a compelling player that is well-positioned to capitalize on the significant U.S. juice and alcoholic beverage opportunities. Harvest Hill's nationwide beverage platform and diverse portfolio of national, iconic brands, along with its strategically located manufacturing and distribution footprint, and deep relationships with retailers across grocery, mass, club and other channels, will advance Castillo Hermanos' U.S. route to market. In addition to the complementary strengths presented by this transaction, Castillo Hermanos can execute other key value levers, including expanding and introducing beverage brands from its Maravilla business unit (http://www.esdemaravilla.com/web/) to the U.S., lowering production and distribution costs by manufacturing in the U.S. as opposed to importing, and potentially introducing new brands to the U.S. market. Castillo Hermanos and Harvest Hill both recognize the importance of talent and are committed to putting people first. All of Harvest Hill's 1,000+ employees, including the management and leadership team, are expected to retain their jobs as part of the transaction, joining Castillo Hermanos' 20,000+ employee base. Citi is serving as financial advisor to Castillo Hermanos and is lead arranger and bookrunner on the acquisition financing. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal advisor to Castillo Hermanos. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals. About Castillo Hermanos Castillo Hermanos is a multinational diversified business group with over 139 years of success. Driven by a commitment to combine innovation and passion to share and celebrate life's moments with its consumers, while also fostering well-being and sustainable development, the company has presence in over 35 countries. Its portfolio, which includes more than 75 brands, has captivated consumers of all ages and preferences. Thanks to its strategic expansion, Castillo Hermanos' leadership extends across a wide range of industries, including beer, bottled water, carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, food, packaging, retail, and real estate. The company's history began in 1886 with the founding of Cerveceria Centro Americana, born from the vision of two entrepreneurial brothers: Mariano and Rafael Castillo Cordova. Castillo Hermanos has steadfastly adhered to a principle that has stood for over 139 years: delivering the highest quality products, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and building a team of exceptionally skilled professionals grounded in strong ethical values. Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, the company upholds the highest standards in quality, innovation, and talent and also inspires every member to surpass expectations. This enduring dedication extends to fostering sustainable leadership and creating shared value for the communities and society at large, working together to shape a better future. For more information on Castillo Hermanos, please visit: https://castillohermanos.global/ http://www.esdemaravilla.com/web/ About Harvest Hill Beverage Company Harvest Hill, based in Stamford, CT, was formed by Brynwood VII in July 2014 to acquire the iconic Juicy Juice brand from Nestle USA, Inc. Juicy Juice is the largest 100% juice brand in the U.S. focused on the kid's segment. The company markets Juicy Juice products in single-serve and multi-serve formats to the retail and foodservice channels. In March 2015, Harvest Hill acquired American Beverage Corporation ("ABC") from Wessanen, a publicly-traded food and beverage company based in Holland. With the ABC acquisition, the company added the Little HUG juice brand and Daily's Cocktails brand. ABC's brands are distributed to a blue-chip customer base that includes leading grocery retailers, wholesalers, supercenters and foodservice distributors. In December 2016, the company acquired the Nutrament energy drink brand from Nestle HealthCare Nutrition, Inc. Most recently, Brynwood VII acquired Sunny Delight Beverages Co. ("Sunny Delight") from a private equity firm in February 2016 and, in May 2017, merged it into Harvest Hill. The 62-year-old SunnyD brand is a leading chilled juice drink in the U.S. In addition to the SunnyD brand, the company markets the Fruit2O, Veryfine, Big Burst and Guzzler beverage brands. Sunny Delight's products are widely distributed through leading retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Harvest Hill, which currently operates six manufacturing facilities strategically located across the U.S., intends to continue to grow its branded, private label and co-manufacturing businesses both organically and through strategic add-on acquisitions. For more information on Harvest Hill, please visit www.harvesthill.com. About Centerview Capital Centerview Capital is an operationally-driven investment platform focused on the U.S. consumer sector. Its principals have collectively delivered ~$50 billion of shareholder value over the course of their careers and have helped build or revitalize some of the most recognized brands in the consumer industry. The firm was founded in 2006 and is based in Naples, FL. More information about Centerview Capital is available at https://www.centerviewcapital.com/consumer/ Media Contacts Steve Lipin / Lauren Odell Gladstone Place Partners (+1) 212-230-5930 Luis Gomez Gandara Castillo Hermanos (+502) 5553-0055 Pamela Aviles Castillo Hermanos (+502) 5202-4059 Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/castillo-hermanos-to-acquire-harvest-hill-beverage-company-owner-of-brands-such-as-sunnyd-juicy-juice-and-little-hug-302420113.html SOURCE Castillo Hermanos Apr. 2GRAND FORKS A New Rockford man was recently ordered to serve four years in prison for charges arising from a May 2024 incident during which he fled from Grand Forks County law enforcement. Kyle Kahalehili Maez-Schaack, 32, pleaded guilty to his five criminal charges Friday, March 28. Among them are three Class C felonies: reckless endangerment showing extreme indifference, fleeing a police officer and criminal mischief causing damage between $2,000 and $10,000. His remaining charges are Class A misdemeanor driving under suspension and Class B misdemeanor refusal to halt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A press release was issued by the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office following Maez-Schaack's May 23, 2024, arrest. A deputy initiated a traffic stop on a red Dodge Charger just after 4 a.m. for crossing the center line. The vehicle stopped briefly, then took off, fleeing from law enforcement at a high rate of speed, at times exceeding 100 mph, the release said. The vehicle ultimately crashed into a parked vehicle and the driver later identified as Maez-Schaack fled on foot. He was apprehended within two hours. Maez-Schaack has a lengthy record, with more than 30 arrests throughout his adult life, according to the release. At sentencing, he was deemed a habitual offender, which is a status that allows for harsher penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Class C felonies traditionally have maximum five-year sentences, Maez-Schaack was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Six years were suspended, leaving four to serve with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. After release, he will be on supervised probation for two years. If he violates any conditions during this time, he will be at risk of serving the remaining six years in prison. He has credit for 291 days served. MAYODAN. N.C. (WGHP) Two staff members at a Rockingham County school are on administrative leave. On Wednesday afternoon, Dalton McMichael High School parents like Angel Puckett received a phone call regarding two teachers. Basically, we got a phone call that they were on leave of absence because of inappropriate behavior, Puckett said. Its an accusation Puckett says her grandson had known for more than a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a statement released by Rockingham County Schools on March 21, the district was made aware of accusations involving two staff members at DMHS. Upon learning the accusations, RCS immediately removed the employees from the school and placed them on administrative leave pending a full investigation. Due to the nature of the accusations, the Rockingham County Sheriffs Office is now assisting. The school district has not revealed what the two employees are accused of, but Puckett says one of them was well-liked. Its actually a teacher thats been there for years. All of us thought so highly of them, Puckett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Puckett is glad the two staff members are suspended as the investigation continues, shes demanding transparency from the school system for parents like herself and students like her grandson. I think all the kids today are floored, Puckett said. RCS says the investigation is ongoing. A spokesperson says any employee who violates RCS policy regarding contact with students will be immediately referred to law enforcement. FOX8 has reached out to both the school system and the RCSO for more details, and they have not released any additional information about the suspended employees. The full RCS statement is provided below: On March 21, RCS was made aware of allegations involving two staff members of Dalton McMichael High School. Upon learning of the allegations, RCS immediately removed the employees from the school and placed them on administrative leave pending a full investigation. Due to the nature of the allegations, RCS promptly contacted the Rockingham County Sheriffs Office and provided all known information to assist with their investigation. As a district, we have high expectations for all employees, particularly regarding student safety, said John O. Stover, III, Superintendent of Rockingham County Schools. We want our students, parents, and community to know that we take these matters seriously. Any employee who is found to have violated RCS policy regarding conduct towards students will be immediately referred to law enforcement and held to the highest standard allowed by law. At this time, no further details can be provided due to the ongoing investigation. RCS appreciates the cooperation and understanding of the community as the situation is thoroughly reviewed. RCS Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. Rod Blagojevich has a new job: representing the interests of an ultranationalist politician known as the Bosnian Bear" who has ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The former Illinois governor, who was pardoned in February by President Donald Trump, has agreed to lobby on behalf of the Republic of Srpska, a Serb-majority territory in Bosnia and Herzegovina long mired in the bitter ethnic tensions of the region. RRB Strategies, Blagojevichs firm, will provide communications and public affairs support on behalf of the Republic of Srpska, according to the registration statement he was required to file under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bosnia and Herzegovina is held together by the Dayton Accords, a 1995 agreement that ended the Bosnian War and unified the country. Blagojevich told POLITICO on Wednesday that he hopes to use whatever ability I have to persuade the decision-makers that we need to take another look at the Dayton Agreement and bring it in line with the realities of today. As he begins the role, Blagojevich is seeking to cast himself as one in a long line of populist leaders thwarted by unelected bureaucrats who have exceeded their constitutional power, from Trump to Marine Le Pen in France and Milorad Dodik, Srpskas president I believe the weaponization that's going on in Europe right now by the European Union against certain populist political leaders they don't like started with me as a left of center Democratic governor in Illinois, Blagojevich said. I just know this. And then they took it to the next level and did it to President Trump. Dodik has long pushed for the Republic of Srpska, to secede from Bosnia and Herzegovina and join nearby Serbia. In February, he was sentenced to a year in prison for defying the countrys Constitutional Court. Dubbed "the Bosnian Bear," for his physique and crude antics, Dodik has since fled to Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio in March condemned Dodik for undermining Bosnia and Herzegovina's institutions and threatening its security and stability in a post on X. Blagojevich was pardoned by Trump in February after being convicted in 2011 on charges of extortion and for trying to sell or trade the appointment of the Senate seat that had been held by Barack Obama. Acquainted from their days on The Celebrity Apprentice, Trump commuted Blagojevichs sentence in 2020. Trump weighed tapping Blagojevich to serve as U.S. ambassador to Serbia before picking former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich for the post. Blagojevich, whose parents were Serbian, touted to POLITICO his long experience working in Balkan politics. As a Democratic House representative in 1999, he traveled to Belgrade with the Rev. Jesse Jackson to clinch a deal that freed three American prisoners of war. I believe the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska can be bastions of Judea-Christian values in the Balkans just like Israel is in the Middle East, he said. And I'd like to be able to play a role in that and am fortunate to have been brought on and be hired to do just that. ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) The 2025 Rogersville Fourth of July celebration will go on as usual, but this time under new management. Rogersvilles own John and Beth Metz will organize the annual event moving forward. This comes after Dr. Blaine Jones and Mark DeWitte stepped down earlier this year. The Metz said they want to honor the traditions that have been built while also bringing the event back to what it once was. Our goal will be to maintain, to do the best that we possibly can this year, John said. But we will definitely be focusing, you know, more long-term to try and do everything we can to get it back to where they had it at one point. So there will be a continuing effort that were already looking to and hoping for and working towards next year. But weve got 90 days to do the best that we can. So thats going to be difficult. But were up for the challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brad Paisley, Bret Michaels among Fun Fest 2025 headliners We know people are looking forward to it and want this to come off as a success. And we know its a team effort, as Blaine and Mark have always done, its not been about them. Its been about the community and the involvement, and we want to continue that tradition. As with their predecessors, sponsorship and contributions will be a big priority. Something Beth Metz said they started doing even before officially agreeing to take over the event. We started making a list of people we could contact that would either possibly sponsor, be donors or people that would volunteer to help, Metz said. And it kind of started taking a form of its own. And then we really got into talking more specifically with them and then finally just took the plunge and said, Hey, I think well do this.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawkins County Mayor Mark DeWitte has been involved in organizing the event for decades. He said he hopes the celebration will continue to be about the community. It was the one day people would come, Dewitte said. If they couldnt afford a vacation anywhere, it was free and they were all there. We had thousands of people taking a free vacation. We had thousands of people in town, adding to the economy of the town. This community needs something like that to pull everybody together. Dr. Blaine Jones told News Channel 11 that he knows the event is in good hands and that hell be there to help, should they need it. We both know them and know that if they say theyre going to do something, its going to get done, Jones said. So, immediately we got the keys and handed them over to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a phone call away, an email away and will help them keep things rolling. So it wouldnt surprise me at all that here in a few years, we have the big celebration that we once had. People can donate to Rogersvilles Fourth of July Celebration by mailing to P.O. Box 35, 37857. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) An intersection on Horizon Drive will see the start of construction of a new roundabout starting April 7. As part of the City of Grand Junctions transportation improvements, the roundabout will be at Horizon Drive and G Road. Sunroc Corporation, which was awarded the contract, is expected to complete the project by this October. Sunroc will begin staging route information and signage near Horizon Drive and G Road, according to the city. A temporary roundabout will be created as a detour for traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers can anticipate delays as lanes will be reduced to a single lane. Intermittent road closures will be implemented when necessary. The city said all business access will be maintained. This project is a significant step toward improving both safety and traffic efficiency at one of our busiest intersections. By replacing the traditional stoplights with a modern roundabout, we are reducing potential collision points and enhancing overall traffic flow. Roundabouts have been proven to lower the risk of severe accidents while also minimizing congestion, allowing vehicles to move more smoothly and efficiently, Engineering and Transportation Director Trent Prall said in a news release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BRUSSELS (AP) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administrations new envoy to NATO are seeking to reassure wary members of the U.S. commitment to the alliance. Rubio on Thursday decried hysteria and hyperbole in the media about U.S. President Donald Trumps intentions, despite persistent signals from Washington that NATO as it has existed for 75 years may no longer be relevant. Rubio and newly confirmed U.S. ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker are in Brussels for a meeting of alliance foreign ministers at which many are hoping Rubio will shed light on U.S. security plans in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States is as active in NATO as it has ever been, Rubio told reporters as he greeted NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte before the meeting began. And some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media and some domestic media in the United States about NATO is unwarranted. President Trumps made clear he supports NATO, Rubio said. Were going to remain in NATO. We want NATO to be stronger, we want NATO to be more visible and the only way NATO can get stronger, more visible is if our partners, the nation states that comprise this important alliance, have more capability, he said. Whitaker said in a statement that under President Trumps leadership, NATO will be stronger and more effective than ever before, and I believe that a robust NATO can continue to serve as a bedrock of peace and prosperity. But he added: NATOs vitality rests on every ally doing their fair share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns about US commitment to allies Despite those words, European allies and Canada are deeply concerned by Trumps readiness to draw closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sees NATO as a threat as the U.S. tries to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as his rhetorical attacks and insults against allies like Canada and Denmark. Rubio and Danish Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen met on the sidelines of the meeting. They didn't respond to a shouted question about Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark which Trump has his eye on, but they smiled and shook hands in front of U.S. and Danish flags. Trump's imposition of new global tariffs, which will affect allies, have also added to the uncertainty and unease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that NATOs unity is being tested by the decisions taken and announced yesterday (Wednesday) by President Trump." Asked about concerns among European allies about a possible U.S. troop drawdown and the importance of getting clear messages from the Trump administration, Rutte said: These issues are not new. There are no plans for them to all of a sudden draw down their presence here in Europe. Indeed, the Trump administration hasn't made its NATO allies aware any plans that it might have. But several European countries are convinced that U.S. troops and equipment will be withdrawn, and they want to find out from Rubio how many and when so they can fill any security gaps. We need to preempt a rapid retreat, but weve had nothing precise from the U.S. yet, a senior NATO diplomat said before the meeting, briefing reporters on his countrys expectations on condition that he not be named. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Washington, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee criticized mid-level leadership at the Pentagon for what he branded as a misguided plan to reduce drastically the number of U.S. troops based in Europe. The U.S. Defense Department hasn't made public any such proposal. Theyve been working to pursue a U.S. retreat from Europe and theyve often been doing so without coordinating with the secretary of defense, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, said at a hearing with U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command military leadership. It wasn't immediately clear what mid-level bureaucrats Wicker was talking about. Rutte's dilemma Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO's secretary-general is in a bind. European allies and Canada have tasked him with keeping the United States firmly in NATO. Around 100,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Europe along with the Navy's 6th Fleet and nuclear warheads. U.S. firepower ensures that NATOs ability to deter Russia is credible. This means he can't openly criticize Trump, who is commander in chief of the United States, NATOs biggest and best-equipped armed forces. What is clear is that U.S. allies must ramp up defense spending even more than they already have since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, so that they can defend Europe with less American help and keep Ukraines armed forces in the fight. The U.S expects European allies to take more responsibility for their own security, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said, which means that European NATO countries rapidly have to strengthen the European pillar of NATO and have to increase their defense spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned last month that American security priorities lie elsewhere in Asia and on the United States' own borders the Europeans have waited to learn how big a military drawdown in Europe could be and how fast it may happen. In Europe and Canada, governments are working on burden shifting plans to take over more of the load, while trying to ensure that no security vacuum is created if U.S. troops and equipment are withdrawn from the continent. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting NATO's headquarters in Brussels for a meeting of the alliance's foreign ministers, putting him on the front lines of the Trump administration's push against traditional American allies in Europe. European leaders were already bracing for a contentious gathering. President Donald Trump's decision to pull back aid from Ukraine amid its efforts to fight off Russia's invasion marked a dramatic break with other allies, while his decision to engage Moscow in direct, one-on-one negotiations has left the continent's diplomats back on their heels. But on Wednesday, shortly before Rubio was set to depart for Belgium, Trump unveiled sweeping new "reciprocal" tariffs -- including a 20% tax on imports from the European Union. PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a joint press conference held with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers' meeting at NATO Headquarters on April 03, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Omar Havana/Getty Images) So far, Rubio has declined to address the tariff issue head on, but his Canadian counterpart said the global economic shock made it difficult to focus on the meeting's pressing agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Clearly we're passing that message to our American counterparts that it's difficult to have these [NATO] conversations in the context of a trade war," Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in an interview with CNN. Rubio has also tried to skirt another topic of contention: Trump's stated desire to "get" Greenland for the United States by any means necessary. Rubio met with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on the sidelines of the NATO ministerial but didn't respond to reporters' questions asking what he would say about Greenland during the session. The State Department also made no mention of the Danish autonomous territory in its readout of the engagement. "Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the strong relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said. "They discussed shared priorities including increasing NATO defense spending and burden sharing and addressing the threats to the alliance, including those posed by Russia and China." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: What Trump's sweeping tariffs mean for the US economy and you? Rasmussen later said his meeting with Rubio was "good" but that while Greenland was not on the agenda "for many reasons," he had still taken the opportunity "to very strongly object to claims and presidential statements of a vision of acquiring Greenland." It has amounted to a situation in which it's not within the limits of international law," he said, calling it "an attack on Danish sovereignty." "We have seen these statements from the president, and we can't accept that," Rasmussen added. "And I made it very, very clear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio and Rasmussen's meeting comes just days after Vice President J.D. Vance visited Greenland alongside his wife, Usha Vance, and national security adviser Mike Waltz. PHOTO: Belgium NATO Foreign Ministers (Virginia Mayo/AP) The second lady was originally scheduled to headline the trip and spend several days on the world's largest island, taking in Greenlandic cultural sites, but the visit sparked backlash from Greenland's interim government and Danish leaders who noted an invitation was never extended. In the aftermath, the White House added the vice president to the traveling delegation and whittled down the itinerary, shortening the trip to a one-day stop at a remote American military base in northwestern Greenland. Rubio has taken a more measured approach in his comments about Greenland than the president, but he still emphasized what he said are the pressing U.S. national security concerns surrounding control of the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not a joke," Rubio said in January. "This is not about acquiring land for the purpose of acquiring land. This is in our national interest, and it needs to be solved." MORE: Trump says US will 'go as far as we have to' to get control of Greenland At NATO Headquarters on Thursday, Rubio tried to reassure allies that despite the president's mixed signals, the Trump administration still views the alliance as central to U.S. security. "President Trump's made clear he supports NATO. We're going to remain in NATO," he said. Still, Rubio pushed the administration's message that allies need to increase their defense spending -- calling on all of the alliance's members to commit to putting up to 5% of their annual GDP toward it, a sharp uptick from the previous 2% benchmark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway," he said. "That includes the United States that will have to increase its percentage." Rubio in hot seat as he faces European leaders at NATO headquarters originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Jason Merkley, CEO of Brookings Health System in rural South Dakota, says private Medicare plans jeopardized the company's finances while impeding patient care. So last year, Brookings dropped four contracts it had with Medicare Advantage companies. Photo by Robb Long for KFF Health News. Republished with permission from KFF Health News. Rural hospital leaders are questioning whether they can continue to afford to do business with Medicare Advantage companies, and some say the only way to maintain services and protect patients is to end their contracts with the private insurers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medicare Advantage plans pay hospitals lower rates than traditional Medicare, said Jason Merkley, CEO of Brookings Health System in South Dakota. Merkley worried the losses would spark staff layoffs and cuts to patient services. So last year, Brookings Health dropped all four contracts it had with major Medicare Advantage companies. Ive had lots of discussions with CEOs and executive teams across the country in regard to that, said Merkley, whose health system operates a hospital and clinics in the small city of Brookings and surrounding rural areas. Merkley and other rural hospital operators in recent years have enumerated a long list of concerns about the publicly funded, privately run health plans. In addition to the reimbursement issue, their complaints include payment delays and a resistance to authorizing patient care. But rural hospitals abandoning their Medicare Advantage contracts can leave local patients without nearby in-network providers or force them to scramble to switch coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medicare is the main federal health insurance program for people 65 or older. Participants can enroll in traditional, government-run Medicare or in a Medicare Advantage plan run by a private insurance company. In 2024, 56% of urban Medicare recipients were enrolled in a private plan, according to a report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, a federal agency that advises Congress. While just 47% of rural recipients enrolled in a private plan, Medicare Advantage has expanded more quickly in rural areas. In recent years, average Medicare Advantage reimbursements to rural hospitals were about 90% of what traditional Medicare paid, according to a new report from the American Hospital Association. And traditional Medicare already pays hospitals much less than private plans, according to a recent study by Rand Corp., a research nonprofit. Carrie Cochran-McClain, chief policy officer at the National Rural Health Association, said Medicare Advantage is particularly challenging for small rural facilities designated critical access hospitals. Traditional Medicare pays such hospitals extra, but the private insurance companies arent required to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vast majority of our rural hospitals are not in a position where they can take further cuts to payment, Cochran-McClain said. There are so many that are just really in a precarious financial spot. Nearly 200 rural hospitals have ended inpatient services or shuttered since 2005. Mehmet Oz doctor, former talk show host, and President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has promoted and worked for the private Medicare industry and called for Medicare Advantage for all. But during his recent confirmation hearing, he called for more oversight as he acknowledged bipartisan concerns about the plans cost to taxpayers and their effect on patients. Cochran-McClain said some Republican lawmakers want to address these issues while supporting Medicare Advantage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I dont think weve seen enough yet to really know what direction thats all going to take, she said. Medicare Advantage plans can offer lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs for some participants. Nearly all offer extra benefits, such as vision, hearing, and dental coverage. Many also offer perks, such as gym memberships, nutrition services, and allowances for over-the-counter health supplies. But a recent study in the Health Services Research journal found that rural patients on private plans struggled to access and afford care more often than rural enrollees on traditional Medicare and urban participants in both kinds of plans. Susan Reilly, a spokesperson for the Better Medicare Alliance, said a recent report published by her group, which promotes Medicare Advantage, found that private plans are more affordable than traditional Medicare for rural beneficiaries. That analysis was conducted by an outside firm and based on a government survey of Medicare recipients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reilly also pointed to a study in The American Journal of Managed Care that found the growth of private plans in rural areas from 2008-2019 was associated with increased financial stability for hospitals and a reduced risk of closure. Merkley said thats not what hes seeing on the ground in rural South Dakota. He said traditional Medicare reimbursed Brookings Health System 91 cents for every dollar it spent on care in 2023, while Medicare Advantage plans paid 76 cents per dollar spent. He said his staff tried negotiating better contracts with the big Medicare Advantage companies, to no avail. Patients who remain on private plans that no longer contract with their local hospitals and clinics may face higher prices unless they travel to in-network facilities, which in rural areas can be hours away. Merkley said most patients at Brookings Health switched to traditional Medicare or to regional Medicare Advantage plans that work better with the hospital system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But switching from private to traditional Medicare can be unaffordable for patients. Thats because in most states, Medigap plans supplemental plans that help people on traditional Medicare cover out-of-pocket costs can deny coverage or base their prices on patients medical history if they switch from a private plan. Some rural health systems say they no longer work with any Medicare Advantage companies. They include Great Plains Health, which serves parts of rural Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado, and Kimball Health Services, which is based in two small towns in Nebraska and Wyoming. Medicare Advantage plans often limit the providers patients can see and require referrals and prior authorization for certain services. Requesting referrals, seeking preauthorization, and appealing denials can delay treatment for patients while adding extra work for doctors and billing staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unique rural lens on that is that rural providers really tend to be pretty bare-bone shops, Cochran-McClain said. That kind of administrative burden pulls people away from really being able to focus on providing quality care to their beneficiaries. Jonathon Green, CEO of Taylor Health Care Group in rural Georgia, said his system had to set up a team to deal solely with coverage denials, mostly from Medicare Advantage companies. He said some plans frequently decline to authorize payments before treatments, refuse to cover services they already approved, and deny payment for care that shouldnt need approval. In these cases, Green said, the companies argue that the care wasnt appropriate for the patient. We hear that term constantly Its not medically necessary, he said. Thats the catchall for everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green said Taylor Health Care Group has considered dropping its Medicare Advantage contracts but is keeping them for now. Cochran-McClain said her group supports policy changes, such as a federal bill that aims to streamline prior authorization while requiring Medicare Advantage companies to share data about the process. The 2024 bill was co-sponsored by more than half of U.S. senators, but needs to be reintroduced this year. Cochran-McClain said rural-health advocates also want the government to require private plans to pay critical access hospitals and similar rural facilities as much as they would receive from traditional Medicare. Green and Merkley stressed that they arent against the concept of private Medicare plans; they just want them to be fairer to rural facilities and patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green said rural and independent hospitals dont have the leverage that urban hospitals and large chains do in negotiations with giant Medicare Advantage companies. We just dont have the ability to swing the pendulum enough, he said. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. Chile's national copper company Codelco has secured a $666m (631.83bn pesos) loan from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and a private financial institution. JBIC will provide up to $466m, while the remaining amount will come from the undisclosed commercial bank. This loan agreement aims to provide the necessary funds to securely import copper concentrates from Codelco for Japanese manufacturers amid rising global demand for copper due to decarbonisation efforts. Japan is seeking to secure long-term access to the critical metal as the demand for copper rises, driven by its use in electric vehicles, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and data centers. "Since Japan relies solely on imports for copper concentrates, it is essential to secure a long-term, stable supply of copper resources," JBIC said in a statement. The country has set a goal of achieving at least 80% self-sufficiency in base metals, including copper, by 2030 under its Seventh Strategic Energy Plan, approved in February 2025. The latest loan aligns with this policy and enhances the supply chain resilience for copper products for Japanese companies, JBIC said. JBIC and Codelco signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in November 2023 to facilitate innovation in mining. The MoU focuses on cooperation in the development of critical minerals, including copper, molybdenum, and lithium, while supporting decarbonisation efforts. Codelco intends to strengthen business relations with various Japanese companies to bolster its position in the global copper market. The Chilean copper miner has been seeking funding sources to support its multi-billion-dollar investment plan aimed at revitalising key mines and mitigating the decline in ore grades across its operations, reported Reuters. However, these projects have faced setbacks due to delays, accidents, and operational challenges. "Chiles Codelco secures $666m loan from Japans JBIC, commercial bank" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. RUSK, Texas (KETK) The Rusk Police Departments chief has been placed on leave pending an active city investigation. POLICE: Search for suspect continues after high-speed chase in Grand Saline, unclear if armed According to City Manager Bob Goldsberry, Rusks Chief of Police Scott Heagney was placed on administrative paid leave Wednesday after a complaint was filed against him. Goldsberry said Sgt. Jeremy Farmer will be in charge of day-to-day operations while investigation is active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials have not released details of the investigation, however, Goldsberry said the city will provide details once it has concluded. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine on Thursday of launching "provocative" attacks on Russian energy facilities despite a moratorium brokered by the United States. Ukraine also accuses Russia of violating the energy truce, which Washington last month persuaded both sides to accept. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said this week that Kyiv was reporting alleged Russian violations to the United States on a daily basis. Zakharova said that since the start of the moratorium, Ukraine had used Western weapons to carry out more than 30 attacks on energy infrastructure in Russia and Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure are targeted and are purely provocative and demonstrative," she told reporters. Russia has said it reserves the right to withdraw from the energy ceasefire if Ukraine violates it. (Reporting by Filipp Levedev; Writing by Gleb Stolyarov; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) Russian forces have conducted assault operations near Andriivka, Donetsk Oblast, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces are repelling the attacks, destroying Russian military equipment and killing personnel. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on social media Details: The Russians reportedly used about two platoons of personnel and armoured vehicles. The effective actions of Ukrainian soldiers resulted in confirmed Russian losses in armoured vehicles: 12 units were damaged, 7 of which were completely destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Confirmed losses in manpower of the Russian troops are as follows: 18 people were killed, 7 were wounded. It is stated that the Russian casualties are being counted. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) has been declared undesirable by Russian authorities, who have banned the organization in their country. According to a statement posted to its website, Russias prosecutor generals office made the decision to ban both the U.S.- and British-registered branches over support for LGBTQ+ rights. This means the EJAF cannot operate in the country and its staff and associates are liable for prosecution. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EJAF primarily focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention, but also advocates for LGBTQ+ people, who are routinely targeted by Russian officials. The NGO has operated in Russia for many years, primarily providing treatment programs, and John is a long-time critic of the countrys treatment of LGBTQ+ communities. The prosecutors office noted the EJAFs stated aims in its statement, but countered, writing, To a greater extent, they are focused on the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations, Western family models, and gender reassignment. The prosecutors office also said the EJAF had negative attitudes towards the policies of countries that protect traditional spiritual and moral values, and claimed that it had been participating in the Wests information campaign to denigrate Russia since the country invaded Ukraine in 2022. Furthermore, it alleged the NGO worked with other non-profit organisations designated as foreign agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John, whose life was turned into 2019 biopic Rocketman starring Taron Egerton, has sold out concerts in Russia several times in the past and in 2014 published an open letter condemning the countrys vicious anti-gay legislation, while offering to introduce Russian President Vladimir Putin to LGBT communities. Putin later called John and offered to meet, though this was back in 2015, years before the full-on invasion of Ukraine. The EJAF responded with a statement, saying it was devastated by the decision of the Prosecutor Generals Office of the Russian Federation, which will prevent the Foundation from providing lifesaving care to people living with HIV in Russia. For more than two decades, we have worked in collaboration with federal and non-governmental partners in Russia to provide hundreds of thousands of people with vital HIV services, including testing, treatment, and care. This work is urgent: in 2024, there were over 1.2 million people living with HIV in Russia, with over 430,000 not receiving treatment. Todays decision by the Russian Federation will undoubtedly endanger lives and disrupt critical HIV prevention efforts for ordinary Russian citizens. At a time when we have the tools and knowledge to defeat HIV, it is heartbreaking to be unable to support them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this setback, we will continue our work across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where the Foundation is the largest philanthropic HIV/AIDS funder. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) - While U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on allies and foes including Europe, India, Japan and China, some of the world's most heavily sanctioned countries - Russia, Belarus, Cuba and North Korea - avoided being singled out for special punitive treatment. With the world gripped by trade war, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on most goods imported to the United States. China, the biggest supplier of goods to the U.S., now faces a 54% tariff on all exports to the world's biggest consumer. "In the face of unrelenting economic warfare, the United States can no longer continue with a policy of unilateral economic surrender," Trump said as he presented the tariffs. The White House released a list of comments from people praising his tariffs. They said ordinary American workers would benefit after years of what they described as abuse from trading partners such as China. Trump said he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the United States and higher duties on dozens of countries. Russia, Cuba and North Korea did not appear on the list of countries facing higher 'reciprocal' tariffs released by the White House. U.S. intelligence agencies said in their annual threat assessment that China, Russia, Iran and North Korea were the biggest potential nation-state threats to the United States and Trump had threatened Moscow with new trade measures. Asked why Russia was not on the list, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that the United States did not trade with Russia and Belarus and that they were under sanctions. Goods trade between Russia and the United States was $3.5 billion last year, according to U.S. figures. In 2021, the year before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it was $36 billion. FUTURE UNCLEAR White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios that Russia was left off because there was no meaningful trade with it, and Cuba, Belarus and North Korea were not included because existing tariffs and sanctions on them were already so high. Russia, which is under more than 28,595 different Western sanctions, has classified trade data since the start of the war. U.S. goods imports from Russia totaled $3.0 billion in 2024, down 34.2 percent from 2023, according to the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. For Russia, though, the biggest risk is a potential slowdown in global demand from the wider tariff war - which could hit the price of oil. The Russian central bank warned officials earlier this year that the United States and OPEC have the capacity to flood the oil market and cause a repeat of the prolonged price collapse of the 1980s - which contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union. Russia has placed British musician Elton John's charity that focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and awareness on its list of "undesirable organizations" over what it called "promotion of non-traditional sexual relations," the Russian Prosecutor General's Office said on April 3. The non-profit, which was launched in 1992 and is based in the U.S. and the U.K., says it works in over 90 countries "to increase access to health care, tackle LGBTQ+ stigma, and end AIDS." In their statement, Russian prosecutors claim the charity is "focused on the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations, Western family models, and gender reassignment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move underscores Russia's increasingly harsh crackdown on the LGBT community as the country's Supreme Court declared a loosely defined "international LGBT social movement" an "extremist organization" in 2023. The Kremlin's offensive on gay rights intensified following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Russia passed legislation banning the public expression of LGBT identity in Russia in December 2022. The following year, the Russian State Duma targeted the transgender community, banning gender-affirming care in July 2023. Russia's law on "undesirable" organizations has existed since 2015. It has been used to target perceived opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin, including NGOs, independent media outlets, and human rights groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Putin issued a decree. Now, millions of Ukrainians face an impossible decision Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian state media fell for an April Fools joke that said the UK would expand the Royal Navy with a new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier called HMS Prince Andrew. RT, one of the Kremlins main propaganda outlets, mistook the parody for real news and repeated comically false claims about the non-existent vessel. Published by UK Defence Journal, the satirical article claimed HMS Prince Andrew would be painted with go-faster stripes to improve speed and morale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operation readiness would be boosted, the article explained, through an expanded crayon provision programme for the ships planning rooms and situation boards. As for armaments, HMS Prince Andrew would carry infinity-hundred aircraft and Trident nuclear missiles for deterrence purposes. UK Defence Journals parody article was mistaken for real news by RT The outlet, poking fun at the huge delays, operational issues and costs (6 billion) involved in building HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, said the third ship would cost just a modest 987.6 billion. That is, assuming no further adjustments, delays, or unexpected procurement events. The article also joked that that its unlimited aircraft would give the vessel a theoretical edge over any known carrier fleet in existence, real or imagined. It also mentioned naval typhoons, which do not currently exist, as it is a land-based fighter jet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said the new carrier would be a vital step toward revitalising British naval power on the global stage or at least making a very big splash. RTs report, headlined Britain to Expand Navy Due to Russian Threat, lifted lines from the April 1st article from made-up people and presented them as real analysis. It quoted: Bryan Robertson, a senior analyst at the DMCS think tank, called the decision to expand the fleet a waste of money and human lives He stressed that one strike would turn the carrier into a pile of scrap metal. The expert was fictional, and DMCS was in fact an acronym for the Daily Mail Comment Section. RT presented fictional lifted lines from made-up people and presented them as real analysis RT, formerly known as Russia Today, is a state-funded broadcaster accused of being a mouthpiece for the Kremlin. RT UK was banned in Britain in March 2022, following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK Defence Journal later mocked RT for what it described as poor editorial standards and a worrying lapse in basic journalistic scrutiny. The story was clearly tongue-in-cheek, packed with intentionally absurd claims designed to amuse rather than inform. It also has raised questions over whether RT deliberately reported the absurd claims to mislead the Russian public and spread disinformation to potentially discredit the Royal Navy. Britain often names its warships after members of the Royal family, however the Duke of Yorks reputation has declined after a string of scandals including accusations of sexual assault, which he has constantly denied. 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. MOSCOW (AP) Russia on Thursday discussed ways to boost military ties with the Sahel countries, promising to train their troops and supply weapons as it seeks to expand its clout in the junta-led West African countries that have expelled French forces. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after the talks with his counterparts from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger that Moscow stands ready to help strengthen their military and security forces. I emphasized Moscow's readiness to help expand the potential of the united armed forces of Sahel, strengthen the combat capability of the three countries' militaries and train their troops and law enforcement personnel, Lavrov said, adding that Russia could also provide military equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's top diplomat also accused Ukraine of destabilizing the region, declaring, without offering any evidence, that it "openly supports terrorist groups in this part of Africa while its western sponsors turn a blind eye on it. Malis Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop echoed Lavrov's comments, stating that his country views Ukraine as a terrorist state. We have common views on fighting insecurity and terrorism in our region, which is supported by foreign state sponsors and regional actors," he said. "It includes Ukraine at your doorstep here, which we consider simply a terrorist state. Malis government cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine last year over allegations that Kyiv aided an attack by armed groups in northern Mali in July, in which dozens of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers were killed by jihadis and rebels, in what some observers described as one of the largest losses for the Russian contractors in years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence said at the time that armed groups in Mali had received information from Kyiv to launch the attack. Ukraines Foreign Ministry argued, however, that Mali had cut ties without a thorough review of the situation and without providing evidence of the countrys involvement in the attack. Ties between Sahel countries and the West have become increasingly strained. Following military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in recent years, the ruling juntas have expelled French and U.S forces, and turned to Russian military contractors for security assistance. Last year, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso announced their withdrawal from the regional organization ECOWAS, which requires them to organize presidential elections and transfer power to civilians. Weakened by attacks from armed groups linked to al-Qaida, the Islamic State, or separatists, they created the Alliance of Sahel States to pool their military and diplomatic forces. Russia has capitalized on deteriorating relations between the West and coup-affected Sahel nations to send fighters and assert its influence. Russian military contractors have been active in the Sahel, the vast expanse south of the Sahara Desert, profiting from the region's mineral riches in exchange for their security services. Lavrov noted Thursday that Russia will help the Sahel countries to form a joint military force by offering consultative services, noting that a significant number of Russian military instructors have been working there already. The Russian military plans to increase its grouping in Ukraine by 150,000 soldiers in 2025, equivalent to around 15 motorized infantry divisions, Presidential Office Deputy Head Pavlo Palisa said on April 3, Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne reported. "Their formation is ongoing. The Russians have no problems with recruiting personnel now. However, it should be understood that all these formations cannot be put into action at the same time," Palisa said. This buildup comes as Russia intensifies its pressure on the front line while engaging in ceasefire consultations. According to Palisa, Moscow is not interested in peace talks except in areas concerning maritime security, where a ceasefire is more relevant to Russian interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine had agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire in U.S.-mediated talks in Jeddah on March 11, but Russia refused unless it included conditions restricting Ukraine's military capabilities. Instead, Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. reached a partial ceasefire agreement protecting energy infrastructure and the Black Sea. Since its implementation, both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the energy truce. Moscow has also linked the start of the Black Sea agreement to Western sanctions relief. Read also: Not what Ukraine needs Black Sea ceasefire favors Russia more than Ukraine, say experts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the battlefield, Russian forces continue advancing incrementally, attempting to break through specific sections of the front, Palisa said. He acknowledged some Russian tactical successes but said Ukraine is counterattacking and making its own gains. "If they do this, they will continue to stall (peace talks) to get time," he added. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 15 that Ukraine's military consists of 880,000 soldiers, tasked with defending the entire country against 600,000 Russian troops concentrated in different areas. Ukraine has faced manpower shortages, particularly in infantry units, as Russia ramped up its offensive in Donetsk Oblast in the summer of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pace of Russia's territorial gains has slowed in recent months. According to battlefield monitoring group DeepState, Russian forces captured only 133 square kilometers in March their lowest monthly total since June 2024. The slowdown has been attributed to winter conditions, effective Ukrainian drone strikes, and temporary exhaustion of Russian offensive potential. Despite this, Russian troops continue their assault, particularly around Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, where fighting intensified in late March. Read also: Its a trap Trumps US minerals deal threatens Ukraines EU membership Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Office of the President of Ukraine has reported that the Russian army plans to increase the number of soldiers by 150,000 people in 2025. Source: Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster, citing a statement by Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Details: Palisa said that according to available information, the Russian army plans to increase its grouping by 150,000 people this year, which, according to Palisa, is the equivalent of about 15 motorised infantry divisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Their formation is ongoing. The Russians have no problems with recruiting personnel now. However, it should be understood that all these formations cannot be put into action at the same time. Therefore, it is expected that in the near future, they will try to exert maximum pressure on those fronts where it is possible." Details: Palisa said that the build-up of pressure on the front line is taking place against the backdrop of consultations on a ceasefire, in which the Russians are not very interested, except perhaps in issues related to the maritime sector, where the ceasefire is more relevant to them. On the ground, the Russians continue to advance gradually, trying to push through certain sections of the front line, Palisa said. He stressed that these are partial tactical successes. Quote: "But if they can afford it, they will continue to stall. The enemy is having some success in certain parts of the front line, but we are also counterattacking and achieving results." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Chiles national copper company, Codelco, will supply copper concentrates to the Adani Group's $1.2bn (Rs102.42bn) smelter, known as Kutch Copper, in Gujarat, India, reported Reuters. The partnership was solidified during a meeting between Codelco's chairman, Maximo Pacheco, and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani at the conglomerate's headquarters in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Codelco is expected to commence supplies to the smelter this year. Kutch Copper Limited (KCL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, is developing the one million tonne per annum (mtpa) copper complex in Mundra, Gujarat, to reduce import reliance. This move comes as India's copper imports have risen sharply following the closure of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper smelter in 2018, which previously produced around 400,000 tonnes of copper annually. Currently, Hindalco Industries, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, and state-run Hindustan Copper are the only copper producers in India. The smelter, which has been operational for a year, is the biggest single-location plant of its type in the world. Last month, the smelter entered into a joint venture to manufacture wires and cables. The facility will source concentrates from Chile, among other countries, as stated by its executives to Reuters. In a separate development, Codelco has signed a preliminary agreement with Hindustan Copper to cooperate on mineral exploration and processing. The company also recently secured a loan of $666m ($630.23m) from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and a private financial institution. These funds are earmarked to ensure the secure importation of copper concentrates from Codelco to Japanese manufacturers amidst a surge in global copper demand. Codelco is reportedly also in discussions with Saudi Arabia over potential joint investments in copper. "Chiles Codelco to supply copper concentrate to Indias Adani Group" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday that threats of military strikes against its ally Iran were unacceptable and warned that attacking the Islamic Republic could lead to potentially catastrophic results if nuclear installations were bombed. U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran on Sunday with bombing and secondary tariffs if Tehran did not come to an agreement with Washington over its nuclear program, and the United States has moved additional warplanes into the region. Asked about Iran's nuclear programme and the dangers in the current situation, Russia's foreign ministry said that Moscow was committed to finding solutions to Iran's nuclear programme which respected Tehran's rights to peaceful nuclear energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The use of military force by Iran's opponents in the context of the settlement is illegal and unacceptable," Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the ministry, told reporters. "Threats from outside to bomb Iran's nuclear infrastructure facilities will inevitably lead to an irreversible global catastrophe. These threats are simply unacceptable." Western powers accuse Iran of having a clandestine agenda to develop nuclear weapons capability by enriching uranium to a high level of fissile purity, above what they say is justifiable for a civilian atomic energy program. Tehran says its nuclear program is wholly for civilian energy purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia and Iran signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership agreement" in January, though there is no mutual defence clause. Under the agreement, if one party is attacked, the other will not help the aggressor. Russia condemns U.S. threats, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Life magazine. Ryabkov said an attack on Iran could unfurl a broader open conflict in the Middle East. "The consequences of this, especially if there are strikes on the nuclear infrastructure, could be catastrophic for the entire region," Ryabkov said. (Reporting by Filipp Lebedev; Writing by Gleb Stolyarov; Editing by Mark Trevelyan/Guy Faulconbridge) Russia spent nearly 200 million euros ($220 million) to buy votes in the Moldovan presidential race and the EU referendum in 2024, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean said at a briefing on April 2, Reuters reported. Recean's statement comes after the U.K. imposed sanctions on the pro-Russian NGO "Eurasia," which is allegedly responsible for attempts to rig the referendum in Moldova and destabilize the country's democracy. According to Moldovan law enforcement agencies, fugitive pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor and his associates led the efforts to bribe voters. The U.K. Foreign Ministry said the "Eurasia" network was under Shor's control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Kremlin's agents launched a mass vote-buying campaign, spending about 200 million euros almost 1% of Moldova's GDP to destabilize our country," Recean said. Voters were almost evenly divided on Oct. 21 on a referendum to enshrine the country's path to European Union accession in the Moldovan Constitution. Pro-EU voters won by a razor-thin margin, securing 50.35% of the vote against 49.65%. In the presidential election, incumbent pro-EU President Maia Sandu won against former prosecutor Alexandr Stoianoglo on Nov. 3 by a margin of about 55.3% to 44.7% despite what she called an "unprecedented" election interference backed by Moscow. Moldovan authorities, independent observers, and officials from the EU and the U.S. pointed to a malign influence campaign involving criminal networks and political groups tied to Russia. Moldovan lawmakers claimed that Moscow spent millions of dollars backing Stoianoglo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandu has long insisted that the real opponent to her government and Moldova's European path is the Kremlin, which has been waging a hybrid war designed to push Chisinau back into Moscow's orbit in what Sandu described "a fraud of unprecedented proportions." Read also: Putin issued a decree. Now, millions of Ukrainians face an impossible decision Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Reuters) -One civilian was killed and another was injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Bryansk region, the local governor said on Friday. As a result of the attack, the two village residents had sustained shrapnel wounds, the governor, Alexander Bogomaz, wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "The injured were promptly taken to the district hospital. Unfortunately, one of the injured, a man, died," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said earlier on Friday that Russian air defence units had brought down a drone approaching the capital. "Air defence units of the Defence Ministry repelled an attack by a drone flying towards Moscow," Sobyanin wrote on Telegram. "Emergency specialists are working at the site where fragments have fallen." A representative of Rosaviatsiya, the federal transport agency, said that the capital's Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports had been ordered to temporarily close. They were reopened for departing flights several hours later. Russian air defence units downed 107 Ukrainian drones overnight, the Defence Ministry said on Friday. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Leslie Adler, Lincoln Feast and Andrew Osborn) Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russia launched a drone attack against the city of Kharkiv late at night on April 3, killing at least four civilians and injuring 35 others, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported. A Russian drone struck an apartment building in the city's Novobavarskyi district, Terekhov reported. A large fire broke out at the site following the attack. The attack killed four people and injured 35 others. A child is among the wounded, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search and rescue operation is underway for any victims who may be trapped under the rubble, Terekhov said. In the early hours of April 4, a fourth person was found killed under rubble, Terekhov reported. Kharkiv Oblast, located near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia, is a frequent target of Russian aerial bombardments. Russia regularly launches large-scale missile, drone, and glide bomb attacks against densely populated civilian districts. Russia continues to attack Ukraine's residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure amid a partial "ceasefire" that is supposed to preclude attacks on energy facilities. Kyiv has presented the U.S. with evidence that Russia has violated the energy ceasefire, Presidential Office Deputy Head Pavlo Palisa said on April 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Every finding is a key: The mission to recover Ukraines fallen soldiers (Photos) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin's investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, said on Thursday that he saw a "positive dynamic" in relations between Moscow and Washington, though more meetings were needed to sort out differences. "Without doubt, we note a positive dynamic in our relations," Russian news agencies quoted him as telling journalists in Washington after he met with Trump administration officials. "A series of meetings will still be needed for us to resolve all our differences. But the main thing we see a positive, creative attitude," he was quoted as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We see absolutely clearly that the president's administration is intent on solving questions, unlike President (Joe) Biden. They conduct themselves with great respect, ask a lot of questions, find compromises," he said. Dmitriev said among the topic discussed in Washington were cooperation in rare metals production and the Arctic. He said work was proceeding on restoring direct air links between Russia and the United States. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Leslie Adler) By Mark Trevelyan (Reuters) - A Jehovah's Witness in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk was sentenced to six years in prison on Thursday for organising the activities of an extremist group, the local interior ministry said. Maxim Khamatshin, 28, is one of 850 Jehovah's Witnesses to be prosecuted in Russia in the eight years since it was banned. During that time, according to the faith group, 588 members were added to a federal register of extremists and terrorists and 460 had spent time in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khamatshin told the court before being sentenced: "It is a great honour for me to be a Jehovah's Witness. And no persecution can make me renounce my beliefs... No ban on legal entities can prevent a person from being a believer." The interior ministry said the FSB security service, counter-extremism investigators and a special unit of the national guard had been involved in the investigation into Khamatshin. They seized computer hard drives, gadgets and handwritten notebooks with religious content, it said. "The investigation proved that in the period from 2017 to 2022, the convicted person organized and managed the activities of a banned religious organization and territorial 'cells' included in its structure," the ministry said. Religious life in Russia is dominated by the Russian Orthodox Church, which is championed by and loyal to President Vladimir Putin. Some Orthodox scholars view Jehovah's Witnesses, known for door-to-door preaching and refusing military service, as a "totalitarian sect." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Supreme Court designated the Jehovah's Witnesses as "extremist" in 2017, liquidating and banning their nearly 400 chapters across the country. The longest sentences against members of the organisation - more than eight years - were handed out last year. Last month, a 67-year-old Jehovah's Witness, Valeriy Baylo died less than a year into a 2.5-year sentence. The organisation said he had been denied medical treatment for almost a year. (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Bernadette Baum) Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev confirmed that he had arrived in Washington to meet with U.S. officials on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin between April 2 and 3. Dmitriev, who heads the state-controlled Russian Direct Investment Fund, played a role in backchannel diplomacy between Moscow and U.S. President Donald Trump when he was first elected in 2016. The official was then appointed by Putin as his representative for foreign economic relations and was involved in early U.S.-Russian negotiations in Riyadh in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dmitriev met with Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, at the White House on April 2, Reuters reported. The content of their discussions remains unclear. "The dialog between Russia and the United States crucial for the entire world has been completely destroyed under the Biden administration," Dmitriev wrote on his Telegram channel. "Restoring dialog is a difficult and gradual process. But every meeting, every frank conversation allows us to move forward," he added. Dmitriev's visit comes as Trump has threatened to impose secondary oil tariffs on Russia as he grows frustrated with the stalled ceasefire talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. president announced a 10% baseline tariff on nearly all imports into the country on April 2. Russia and Belarus were not included on the list as the White House says that any "meaningful trade" with these countries is non-existent due to existing sanctions. "Opponents of the rapprochement fear that Russia and the United States will find common ground, begin to understand each other better, and build cooperation both in international affairs and in the economy," Dmitriev said. Read also: Its a trap Trumps US minerals deal threatens Ukraines EU membership Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEW YORK Pussy Riot, the provocative, political Russian punk band, came to Washington Square Park Wednesday to deliver a stern warning: Wake up, America! Their faces hidden behind red ski masks, six members of the feminist art collective marched down Fifth Ave. and into the Greenwich Village park around 1 p.m. Standing in front of the Washington Square Arch, they unfurled two large banners bearing messages: Dont Give Up and Freedom of Speech? Two other members of the group held up a rotating collection of placards with phrases like Fever Dream, 1984 and Great Again: The Greatest Greatness But Mine Is Greater (Again). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been imprisoned in Russia, said band member Masha Alyokhina. Weve been persecuted. We are in federal wanted lists in our country. So if we appear on the border, well be immediately arrested for our anti-Putin and anti-war (a war) which he started activities. We are here now because we see the (rise) of authoritarian(ism) here. We want to call people to not be silent and we want people to remember to not to give up, even in the difficult conditions to have hope inside, to have belief. Alyokhina served 21 months in prison in Russia after the band was accused of hooliganism for performing in a Moscow cathedral in 2012. Two years later, they were attacked by Cossacks with whips and pepper spray at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In October 2016, with Donald Trump on the verge of winning his first term as U.S. president, the anti-authoritarian band released a song and video, Make America Great Again, featuring the refrain, Let other people in / Listen to your women / Stop killing Black children / Make America great again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claudia Emilyn Schwalb, 72, a visual artist and longtime Village resident who was enjoying her usual park time, said she was honored to have seen Pussy Riot, albeit briefly. I had no idea they were going to be here, she said. Im thrilled. I like everything in art thats liberal. Theyre stubborn exhibitionists. Pussy Riots park action coincides with the start of their North American tour, which kicks off Thursday in Montreal. On May 2, theyll play at The Hall at Elsewhere, in Brooklyn. _____ MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that France had "killed democracy" with the conviction of far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Le Pen was banned from running in the 2027 French presidential election after being convicted of embezzlement on Monday. Zakharova said Russia hoped Le Pen would succeed in an appeal against the judgement. Le Pen is the chief political opponent of French President Emmanuel Macron, whom Russia has fiercely criticised over his backing for Ukraine and support for sending European troops there to support Kyiv in the event of a peace deal with Moscow. (Reporting by Reuters) Russian oil and gas revenue fell by 17% year-on-year in March to 1.08 trillion rubles ($12.8 billion), as forced discounts on crude and a stronger ruble hit budget inflows, the Moscow Times reported on April 3, citing Russia's Finance Ministry data. The ministry said the government lost roughly 230 billion rubles ($2.7 billion) in tax income compared to March 2024, with oil and gas revenues accounting for one-third of the total state income. Energy revenues remain a key source of financing for the Kremlin's war against Ukraine, despite Western sanctions and a price cap designed to limit Moscow's earnings from oil exports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the second month in a row, Russia's raw material rents dropped by nearly 20%, and for the first quarter of 2025, total oil and gas tax revenues fell by 10% compared to the same period last year. The decline follows tougher U.S. sanctions imposed on Jan. 10 by former President Joe Biden, targeting Russian energy firms, oil tankers, and insurers involved in oil logistics. Due to the move, Russian crude faced difficulties in international markets. China, one of Russia's largest oil buyers, temporarily halted purchases of Russian ESPO crude as concerns over U.S. restrictions led to logistical and financial complications. Russian oil traders have since been forced to offer significant discounts to attract buyers, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump also warned on March 31 that he could impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil exports unless Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to "make a deal" to end the war in Ukraine. Although Trump has occasionally suggested additional punitive measures against Moscow, he has yet to take decisive action, while Russia shows no signs of halting its offensive. Read also: Czech ammunition initiative for Ukraine secures funding until September 2025, Czech FM says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The chairman of one of the largest global investment managers says ports are as critical to future infrastructure of the global economy as data centers and power grids. BlackRock Chairman Laurence Fink in an annual letter to investors said thats why the company spent 2024 transforming itself into a leader in private markets, the better to get a jump on what it estimates will be a $68 trillion infrastructure boom. Assets that will define the futuredata centers, ports, power grids, the worlds fastest- growing private companiesarent available to most investors, Fink wrote. Theyre in private markets, locked behind high walls, with gates that open only for the wealthiest or largest market participants. New York-based BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) in February announced it was partnering with shipping giant MSC of Geneva to acquire most of the port terminals of CK Hutchison (0000.HK) of Hong Kong in a $23 billion deal that could alter the balance of power in container shipping. But China this week blocked the sale, which includes terminals at the Panamanian ports of Cristobal and Balboa, near the Panama Canal, saying it planned a formal review. The agreement in principle covers terminals at a network of 43 ports across 23 countries, Fink said. One in every 20 shipping containers moving around the world passes through these ports each year. Fink said deficit spending is choking off infrastructure funding by governments, which will have no recourse but to tap private investment. Between 2024 and 2040, global infrastructure will require investment of $68 trillion, Fink said $2 trillion just in ports. Meanwhile, companies wont rely solely on banks for credit, he wrote. Bank lending is constrained. Instead, businesses will go to the markets. The money is already there. In fact, more capital is sitting idle today than at any point in my career. In the U.S. alone, roughly $25 trillion is parked in banks and money market funds. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Related coverage: China port fees need more nuanced strategy, shipping industry tells hearing February freight volumes mixed at Gulf Coast ports China blocks sale of Panama Canal shipping terminals to US investor: Reports Port of Savannah sets record container, rail and truck moves in February The post As China blocks terminals deal, BlackRock chief says ports will define the future appeared first on FreightWaves. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) There were some tense moments on Wednesday for some parents and students at Rutherford Middle and High School. One student reported another student had a weapon in the gymnasium on Wednesday morning. As a result, administrators placed the campus on what was described as a soft lockdown. Some students called or texted parents, who began to show-up. First-day hearing for Gulf World bankruptcy case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School resource officers, Panama City and Springfield Police, Bay County Sheriffs deputies and the Sheriffs Office helicopter all responded. Bay District Schools officials say the weapon turned out to be a pocket knife. The school district sent parents an email informing them the schools were locked-down out of an abundance of caution and that everyone was 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 mypanhandle.com. PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A new community-led initiative is diving headfirst into drowning prevention, offering local middle school students life-saving swim instruction during the April school break. The Stop Youth Drowning: Safe Swim Berkshire Initiative, set to run April 2125, is a free weeklong pilot program created in response to a rise in youth drowning incidents in Berkshire County. Healthcare workers chosen as homebuyers for Habitat for Humanity condos in Pittsfield Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Launched in partnership with the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center (GABCC), Berkshire Family YMCA (BFYMCA), and Pittsfield Public Schools (PPS), the program aims to equip students with essential water safety skills, while fostering leadership and advocacy. Inspired by the tragic drowning of a local young woman during a school trip last summer, Dulye stepped in with both personal funding and passion to develop a program in her memory. I instantly felt the need to take action, Dulye said. These are life-saving skillsand they also give young people the chance to grow as leaders and peer advocates for safety, inspiring others to shed fears and learn to swim. Held during spring break, the initiative will provide students with direct instruction from certified aquatic professionals, swimsuits, daily lunch, and a safe learning environment. But the impact is intended to go beyond basic skillsstudents will be encouraged to share what they learn with peers, spreading awareness about water safety in their communities. While we offer swim lessons year-round, weve found that teens often miss out on these critical opportunities, said Prashad Abeysinghe, Aquatics Director at GABCC, who helped shape the curriculum. This program is about changing that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program also received vital support from Pittsfield Public Schools. PE teacher Jennifer Roccabruna played a key role in coordinating outreach to families and helping recruit students. We believe no child should lose their life due to a lack of access to water safety education, Roccabruna said. This program builds the knowledge and skills to stay safe and support one another. Claire Langlois from BFYMCA also contributed to program development, working closely with instructors and community organizers to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants. As the pilot kicks off, organizers hope it will become a model for a broader community initiative aimed at eliminating youth drowning through education, accessibility, and empowerment. These are life-saving skills, said Dulye. They also give young people the chance to grow as leaders and peer advocates for safety. With additional funding and continued collaboration, the Safe Swim Berkshire Initiative could expand in the future to reach even more local youth across the region. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) In addition to mayor and city council elections, voters in the May City Elections will cast ballots for the San Angelo ISD board. Karla Cardenas is from District 2 and is running as a San Angelo ISD board candidate. Cardenas was born and raised in San Angelo. She attended SAISD from elementary, San Jacinto, all the way, graduated through Central High School, in the class of 2005. Cardenas attended Angelo State University but graduated from Midland College. Cadenas joined the health care world which led here to where she is now, district 2 of San Angelo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with KLST, Cadenas talked about how there isnt the same level of opportunity for the kids in district 2 from not just the class work but also from not having access to the same extra circular activities. I feel like there is not equal representation, theres not equal opportunity for our kids across the board from education we are not given the same opportunities as other districts are, stated Cadenas. Cardenas stated her goal is to create those opportunities for district 2. She said the closures that started happening a couple of years ago is what caught her attention. I didnt understand why the closures were happening, said Cadenas. Ive learned along the way there are a lot of different things that are not fair within district 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cardenas said her constituents will get honesty and transparency from her. She said she plans to be accessible and wants to make her district as long with the rest of the city as great place to live again. Cardenas plans to make the city great with our people. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A San Angelo man has been arrested on charges related to the possession of child pornography, according to records filed within Tom Green County. The Tom Green County Sheriffs Office jail roster showed that Benjamin Andrade, 29, was booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center at 11:59 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, one one charge of possession of child porn in an amount of less than 100 visual depictions and one charge of possession with intent to promote child porn. As of the time of publication, he remains there with no bond posted. This is not the first time Andrade has been arrested for possession of child pornography. Andrade was previously booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center in February 2023 alongside eight other people as part of a joint operation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the San Angelo Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the operation, Andrade was arrested on charges of online solicitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. RELATED: Nine arrested over weekend for crimes against children The affidavit Court documents filed within Tom Green County stated that an investigator was assigned to investigate a CyberTip, which provided information that, in November 2024, a Snapchat account had uploaded a video suspected of containing child porn. As per the records, the investigator determined it contained obvious child pornography upon review of the video. The documentation said that, through further investigation, the investigator discovered that a phone number connected to the account was associated with Andrade. Message data obtained from a search warrant submitted to Snapchat revealed that Andrade allegedly disclosed parts of his identity to others on the social media platform and told other users that he likes to smoke Meth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The message data also reportedly led to the discovery that Andrade had used Snapchat for the purposes of sending/trading gay pornography back and forth with other Snapchat users. Media files obtained through the search warrant led to the investigator locating 13 images and videos which clearly depicted Benjamin Andrade, as per the court records. The documents also stated that the investigator located four images and three videos that contained obvious child pornography. According to the records, the investigator conducted a search warrant and seized a cell phone from Andrades person and a separate phone from his residence. On the same day as the warrants execution, Andrade reportedly said in an interview with the investigator that the investigated Snapchat account was his and that he did have child pornography currently saved to a phone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) More than a century ago, a network of streetcars was a cornerstone of life in San Diego, serving as the main mode of transit in and around the citys core. The vehicles, much like those in other North American metro areas, served as a catalyst for the citys urban growth in the early 20th century, providing connection to then-largely undeveloped neighborhoods around Balboa Park, like Mission Hills, Hillcrest, North Park and East San Diego. And yet, as automobiles and buses gained popularity in the years after World War I, the streetcars appeal petered out, eventually becoming obsolete by 1949. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All that remains of the networks footprint are tracks repurposed to support the light-rail Trolley system and a few vintage cars the Metropolitan Transit System trots out on select holiday weekends but that could change. Parking rate increases takes effect in San Diego Bay waterfront A coalition of uptown advocacy groups are now banding together to advance a proposal buried in early draft documents for the 2025 regional plan from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to revive the streetcar in its historic corridors around Balboa Park. It has been something that city leaders and community advocates have talked about for some time: reincorporating electric streetcars into public transit, following the suit of cities like Seattle and Portland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2012, MTS went so far as to conduct a study to assess the feasibility of creating a Balboa Park and downtown link as the first segment of such a network, but the project never made it out of the planning stages. These discussions were all operating on the timetable of bringing some form of streetcar system online by 2050. The proposal mentioned in the draft documents for SANDAGs next regional plan update is similarly listed with this distant target. The coalition, led by Vibrant Uptown, is pressing for a little more urgency, hoping to bump the timeline up to 2030 or 2035. Things are changing in a way that makes rethinking our transportation system more appropriate now than it was years ago, said Michael Donovan, one of the founders of Vibrant Uptown. Weve talked about changes in transit for a long time But, its still not a connected network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For uptown, many of the recent transit-related changes have only really focused on bike lanes and bus routes. Outside those things, there have been other initiatives to increase short-distance options to get around, such as rental scooters and on-demand shuttles, but Donovan notes these have often been short-lived or are difficult to access. That leaves residents with fewer choices to take public transit all the way to their final destination, making it less appealing for some to ditch the car. This in turn can put further strain on parking and traffic problems as uptown communities expand. Were getting a lot of housing in the neighborhoods, very large developments, Donovan said. Not everyone can ride a bike, not everybody is able to walk everywhere, and a lot of people just are not comfortable riding buses. We need more options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he and the other advocacy groups see it, the streetcar system would be the best, most feasible way to bring that variety necessary to meet the needs of a growing urban community. In their view, streetcars would be easier to integrate into existing neighborhoods than its counterpart, light-rail: It typically uses smaller platforms and vehicles, allowing it to run alongside traffic like buses do while ferrying riders around at intervals comparable to light-rail. Its really a matter of scale, Donovan said. They ride right at the ground level It goes right down the middle of the street, so its dropping you off right in front of businesses that you want to see, or the schools or the place where you work, as opposed to finding a way to a remote station. Many of the streets along the proposed revived streetcar route like University Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard are already wide enough to support this infrastructure, he added, as the arteries were built in the early 20th century with that mode of transit in mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Jolla cityhood effort reaches milestone with more signatures Whether or not the advocacy groups will be able to convince SANDAG to bump up the timeline remains an open question, especially as several other major projects are long in the works at the planning agency like the airport transit connection that have yet to be actualized. Financing may also be an obstacle given the failure of Measure G, which would have generated funds for SANDAGs projects. Donovan said there are alternatives they can explore down the line, like creating a special property tax district similar to the one being pursued for Midway Rising. For now, Donovan says the coalitions efforts are focusing on drumming up support among uptown residents and local leaders to get the ball rolling on a potential streetcar comeback before engaging in any concrete planning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This work will include hosting a number of community forums on the topic. The first is set to take place during Vibrant Uptowns monthly meeting on Monday, April 14. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego Police will award the Police Cross to two officers who died in the line of duty a century ago. At a Thursday afternoon ceremony at its headquarters, police will present the award to the families of Sgt. Oliver Hopkins and Det. Charles Harris. A city statement said that the police department has worked with the San Diego Police Historical Association to honor fallen officers with the Police Cross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopkins died in 1915 and Harris died in 1927. According to the city, Harris is the only officers death on duty whose killer has never been identified or detained. San Diego once had an extensive streetcar network. Can it make a comeback? Hopkins joined the police force in January 1911 and served patrols and as a motorcycle officer before his promotion to sergeant on July 1, 1915. Hopkins chose to remain on motorcycle duty and was fatally struck by a drunk driver the day after. According to Officer Down Memorial Page, the crash happened at the intersection of 20th and M Streets. The suspect was later arrested and sentenced, according to the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was survived by his wife and three children, the city said. Harris joined the force in the same month as Hopkins, January 1911, and worked on the bicycle officer unit and horse-mounted unit before being promoted to detective in April 1927. Chula Vistas Sweetwater Park opens to the public According to the city, Harris and three officers were part of a stakeout in Balboa Park to detain a robber. Harris and another officer were posing as a couple in a parked car behind Roosevelt School when the suspect approached and opened fire. Harris returned fire as the suspect ran away, according to Officer Down Memorial Page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was reportedly never identified or seen again. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Video above: This FOX 5/KUSI video provides driving safety tips. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Authorities on Wednesday released a description of the suspected vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a bicyclist over the weekend in the Clairemont Mesa East neighborhood. The crash happened Saturday around 1:28 a.m. in the 6900 block of Balboa Avenue, according to the San Diego Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say a 36-year-old man was riding home from work on his e-bike westbound, when a vehicle struck him from behind and left the scene. The bicyclist was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The car is described as a gray Mercedes E-Class two-door or four-door vehicle with a missing right-side mirror, right-side front bumper and front lower grill. A photo of a vehicle similar to the one suspected of a deadly hit-and-run crash over the weekend in Clairemont Mesa East. A photo shared by authorities shows a vehicle similar to what the suspect vehicle looks like. Officials say the actual vehicle has damages, including to the windshield. San Diego County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in the case. Call SDPDs Traffic Division at 858-573-5002 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who won election in November on the pledge to crack down on the city's fentanyl crisis, announced a new public health policy Wednesday that will more forcefully push treatment on drug users seeking clean needles and other supplies tied to their addiction. The new policy, to take effect April 30, marks a dramatic shift from the strategies San Francisco has used in recent years to encourage but not pressure illicit drug users into treatment, even as overdoses topped 800 in 2023. Though overdose numbers fell last year, preliminary data for 2025 show them creeping back up. For years, San Francisco and other cities have fostered the growth of community programs that provide so-called harm reduction services. Such programs generally target homeless people struggling with addiction, sending out street workers to distribute sterile syringes and clean smoking kits foil, pipes and straws, for example with the aim of preventing transmissible diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Many such programs also distribute Narcan, a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The harm-reduction approach has staunch defenders, who say the strategy helps safeguard people with drug addictions until they are ready to commit to treatment. The strategy also has weary critics who say the notion of "meeting addicts where they are" has not proven effective enough at getting people to seek treatment or lowering death rates. During a news conference at City Hall, Lurie said the days of San Francisco handing out drug supplies without connecting people to treatment "are over," and that the overdose crisis, fueled by fentanyl, mandates a more aggressive response. "We have so much work to do in this city," Lurie said. "We are seeing people struggling with addiction. We are seeing people die of overdose. And we have to make a change." Under the new policy, city staff and nonprofits that receive city funding are barred from handing out sterile syringes and other supplies unless they actively work to connect people with treatment and counseling. The policy prohibits workers from passing out smoking supplies in streets, parks and other public spaces, instead requiring such handouts be conducted indoors or at city-sanctioned locations. It does not change the rules around distributing clean syringes in public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are really trying to get proactive here, instead of waiting, watching folks die," said Daniel Tsai, director of the San Francisco Public Health Department. The tougher restrictions follow in the wake of the Trump administration's announcement last month that it was revoking billions in federal grants that help fund mental health and addiction services across the country. The prospect of major cuts in federal funding for community-level services is particularly worrisome for San Francisco leaders, who are facing a budget deficit of nearly $1 billion starting this year. Lurie, who has generally avoided talking about Trump during his first months in office, said his administration would "focus on what we can control right now." In recent weeks, he has announced a series of policy shifts to move San Francisco away from what its critics and many voters perceive as a soft approach to deterring the open drug dealing and drug use that plague some neighborhoods, including downtown and the Tenderloin and South of Market districts. Read more: San Jose mayor proposes jailing homeless people who repeatedly refuse shelter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after taking office in January, Lurie worked with the Board of Supervisors to pass a measure giving his office more authority to bypass bureaucratic hurdles that have slowed expansion of shelter and treatment programs for homeless people, as well as more leeway to pursue private funding to finance those initiatives. He is working to open a 24/7 "stabilization center" in the heart of the Tenderloin where police can drop off people who need medical care. He is also pushing forward with a campaign promise to open 1,500 more treatment beds. Lurie's early efforts have alarmed some front-line street workers who say he is abandoning strategies that effectively prevent overdoses. Tyler TerMeer, chief executive of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, warned that the new policy could result in more people turning from smoking drugs to injecting them, raising the likelihood of people overdosing and contracting infectious diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Francisco AIDS Foundation stands firm in our knowledge that providing people with the information and resources they need to take care of themselves, including safer-use supplies and treatment and counseling services, is best for the health of people who use substances," TerMeer said. Lurie's office said the public health department will monitor overdose rates and the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C "to ensure this policy aligns with overall public health goals." Both Lurie and Tsai acknowledged the new approach will not be easy to implement. For one, the city does not have anywhere near enough treatment beds to accommodate all the people in need. And the rules stop short of forcing people into treatment. Still, Lurie said, San Francisco has to upend the status quo even as it expands capacity for treatment and interim housing. "What we are doing is not working," Lurie said. "I am not going to sit by and not take action." 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. Sara Donahue was sworn in as the newest police officer with the Norwich Police Department Wednesday. Donahue said she has always wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. I have always wanted to be in a job where I knew Id learn something new every single day, Donahue said. She hopes to climb the ranks in the Norwich Police Department and join as many specialized teams as possible. One team in particular she plans on joining is the crisis intervention team. She is also considering joining the departments K-9 division one day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Donahues appointment, the Norwich Police Department now has 16 female police officers. Norwich Police Chief Patrick Daley said his department is 11 officers shy of being fully staffed after Donahue was appointed. Sara Donahue poses for a family photo after her swearing-in ceremony at the Norwich Police Department's Headquarters Wednesday. From left to right: Kyle Baxter, Sara Donahue and Jerry Donahue. The next steps for Donahue Donahue will begin the 386th training session at the Connecticut Municipal Police Academy on April 3. She is expected to graduate from the police academy in October of this year. Upon completion of the police academy, Donahue will begin an extensive field orientation training program. After she completes the field training, Donahue will be assigned to a shift within the Norwich Police Department's patrol division. Donahue's background Donahue was born and raised in Cumberland, Rhode Island. She attended Cumberland High School where she participated in track and field before graduating in 2012. After high school, Donahue joined the 115th Military Police Academy in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where she ultimately rose to her current rank of staff sergeant. Sara Donahue (left) is sworn in as a police officer in the Norwich Police Department by City Clerk Roseanne Muscarella (right). Donahue was deployed to Afghanistan in 2020 for 11 months under Operation Resolute Support. While there, she supervised a platoon of 35 troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon returning to the U.S., Donahue received a Meritorious Service Medal for bringing all her troops home. Donahue holds a bachelors degree in justice studies from Rhode Island College and was previously employed as a security officer for the Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. She currently lives in Lisbon. This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Sara Donahue sworn in as officer with Norwich Police HONOLULU (KHON2) If you need a playful and affectionate pup, a three-year-old terrier mix is waiting for you at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Sarang stands at 20 pounds and has been awaiting an ohana since November 2024. Resilient, loving pup looking for relaxing home The Hawaiian Humane Society said this playful pup brings joy to every person she meets and has an incredibly sweet demeanor. When shes not snuggling up next to you on the couch, you can find her at her happy place: on a warm patch of grass. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Sarang loves to roll around and bask in the sunshine but she can also be found playing with her favorite toys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a Reid Krucky recipient, Sarangs adoption fees are waived. Her new ohana will also receive a special bundle of goodies to help her settle in. So if youre looking for the perfect cuddle buddy, visit Sarang at the Hawaiian Humane Societys Kosasa Family Campys at Hoopili. Check out more news from around Hawaii Families can visit her from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. More information and other adoptable pets can be found on the Hawaiian Humane Societys 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 KHON2. They want to make sure these programs are not offering some tangible benefit to one group of employees at the expense of another, said Infinito Associates CEO Kevin England, whose consulting group helps organizations start ERGs. To comply with the EEOC's interpretation, employers should ensure workplace groups are open to all employees. The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission released guidance in March which said that limiting membership in ERGs to workers covered by anti-discrimination laws, such as only women or people of a particular race, can be considered unlawful segregation. An executive order President Donald Trump signed with the goal of ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government and beyond has created additional uncertainty around the future of ERGs. Here is some information about starting, participating in or evaluating the groups at your company: Critics of ERGs have become more outspoken in arguing that such groups give participants unfair advantages and damage staff morale by splintering colleagues based on personal characteristics or beliefs. In some cases, companies have responded to complaints by revising the purpose and scope of their employee groups. Employee resource groups, which are voluntary, employer-sanctioned groups designed to enhance diversity and inclusion, began in corporate America in the 1970s to help address tensions around race, gender and sexual orientation. Over the years, the focus has expanded to recognize other affiliations and experiences, such as caring for a family member, mental health challenges, neurodiversity and generational divides. The gatherings became a safe space where employees could share their experiences, she said. The first group, for women employees, drew 500 members in three years. Jang brought in a facilitator to lead conversations on topics such as balancing family responsibilities and a career in a male-dominated industry. A group for veterans and supporting military families came next. Now based in Atlanta and working at an international elevator company, Jang launched the organization's business resource groups in North America. The gatherings offered ways for employees to find support and connect around an identity or theme. In all of the environments I was in, I was always a minority, Jang said. Coming to the States, I didnt have a road map for me. And I couldnt ask these questions to my parents, so I had to seek mentorship from elsewhere. NEW YORK (AP) After moving to the United States from South Korea at age 6, Jenny Jang found it challenging to navigate through school and her first jobs. Story Continues If an ERG offers mentorship or opportunities only to people who identify as a member of a legally protected class, "you absolutely do need to open that up, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at NYU School of Law. Some employee resource groups organized around an identity create separate email lists for members who share the identity and members who describe themselves as allies. Glasgow advises against doing that. It raises the question of what you're excluding people from, he said. The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, a conservative public interest law firm and policy organization, has received dozens of complaints from employees who felt excluded from their workplace ERGs, according to Deputy Counsel Dan Lennington. Opening employee groups to everyone will not necessarily satisfy those concerns, he said. The question is, are you treating employees differently based on race? Lennington said. Are you making employees feel uncomfortable about their race or gender or sexual identity? What benefits do employee resource groups provide? Proponents of ERGs list numerous benefits for employees and management. For participants, the groups are places to find community, develop leadership skills and create a channel for sharing their views with higher-ups. Companies often sponsor affinity groups as a tool for recruiting and retaining diverse employees. Employee engagement is great because it creates, typically, higher effort and retention, said Helena Pagano, chief people and culture officer at insurance and financial services firm Sun Life. One way that you drive engagement is making people feel like they had a voice. They had a place to express opinions and drive policies and outcomes that matter in the company. England, the consultant, was working at a bank call center when he joined and then took on a leadership role in an ERG for people who identify as LGBTQIA+. I was terrified to speak publicly, and because of that role, I had to do a lot of that, England said. I was able to develop skills that were completely unrelated to my day job." Anna Ettin co-founded Bank of Americas intergenerational employee network about a decade ago, and worked on bridging gaps between millennials and baby boomers. Now, as co-founder of Tapestry Partner Solutions, a consulting group that specializes in intergenerational dynamics and skills development, she's doing the same work with Generation Z. There are some real differences in the way theyre coming into the workplace and what their needs are, their expectations," Ettin said. Were really helping companies think through, how do you retain the incredibly talented staff you have and also be appetizing to Gen Z? If your workplace permits ERGs, how do you start one? When Ettin worked in a call center about 20 years ago, she noticed few women in management roles. There was a clear gap in the leadership pipeline for women, she said. She gathered 20 highly engaged women and they started by planning events on interviewing skills, resume writing and talks with senior female leaders about their career paths and obstacles they'd overcome. Experts recommend finding a senior leader to act as a sponsor. In Ettin's case, that meant convincing the call center manager to approve and participate in the group. Groups typically begin when 10 or 20 people find each other organically and get together for happy hours or lunches, England said. You get some momentum going, and sometimes that group of 20 people becomes 50 or 100 people, he added. Then you can tell leaders, we already have an informal collection of employees with this shared experience, and we would love to do something more with this," England said. "We think that this group of friends and colleagues could help the organization. Some ERGs are given company funds for meals, events or travel to conferences. A new group should be prepared to make a business case for a budget request. Experts also advise collecting data to show the groups impact in areas such as employee retention. It's easier to start a new ERG when an organization already has one in place because there's a road map of what worked and who supported the initial group. But if none exist at your workplace, you can start with one and build from there, Jang said. There is no perfect recipe, she said. Start small. As organizations absorb various federal directives, they're deciding which direction to take. Some have adjusted to make it clear that all are welcome. Others have shuttered their ERGs altogether, wiping out years of work, Ettin said. The underrepresented, underserved communities still need the programs, support, connectivity and advocacy that theyve needed for the last decades," Ettin added. "That hasnt changed. ___ Have you overcome an obstacle or made a profound change in your work? Send your questions and story ideas to cbussewitz@ap.org. Follow APs Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at https://apnews.com/hub/be-well. Apr. 2STERLING Our Savior Lutheran Church in rural Sterling is inviting the public to celebrate its 150th anniversary with the congregation Sunday, April 13. The Rev. Phil Heuser said the celebration begins at 9 a.m. with a special church service followed by a light lunch and cake in the basement. The Rev. Allan Buss will be the guest speaker. Buss is president of the Northern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heuser said the church, which stands at 21496 Hazel Road, was established in 1875 mostly by German immigrants who settled in the area. "The church's first leader was a German Lutheran pastor who came here from Clinton, Iowa, on horseback," Heuser said. "Most of the original sanctuary building is still intact. However, the church's steeple was replaced in 1921 after it was blown away, and we've added on a fellowship hall since then." For more information, call the church at 815-772-4345. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WETM) A Sayre man who was convicted in December for his illegal actions against a child was sentenced on Thursday and faces years in prison, according to a release from the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office. Matthew Chapman, 43, was sentenced on Thursday, April 3, to a minimum of 15 months to a maximum of seven years in prison for the repeated sexual abuse of a child, the AGs office said. As part of his sentence, Chapman must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Elmira man arrested on theft charges following investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chapman was convicted in December by a Bradford County jury of indecent assault and corruption of minors. During the trial, it was found that Chapman used the relationship he had with the victims family to get close to the child while they were asleep, assaulting them on numerous occasions. Our efforts to hold abusers of children accountable for their vile actions will never cease, said Attorney General Dave Sunday. I commend the investigators and prosecutors, and of course, the brave survivor, who helped secure this conviction and the jury for their dedication to their task throughout this disturbing case, Sunday 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Marine biologists with the South Carolina Aquarium traveled to Florida this week to complete the aquariums latest turtle release. The team hit the road with Croissant, Eggs, Hydrangea, Marmalade, and Snowdrop, five juvenile green sea turtles who were rehabilitated at the aquariums Sea Turtle Care Center after being admitted for cold stunning. Cold stunning happens when water temperatures drop suddenly, lowering a sea turtles internal body temperature to critical levels. This causes lethargy and buoyancy issues in the turtle, which, according to aquarium officials, leads to stranding ashore and needing rehab care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each chance we get to send sea turtles back out to the ocean is a proud moment for us, says Sea Turtle Care Center Manager Melissa Ranly. Its a testament to the dedication of every entity that impacted these sea turtles along their respective road trips to release: the rescuers, SCDNR-permitted transporters, staff, volunteers, and Aquarium guests. Without each of them and their shared commitment to sea turtle conservation this work wouldnt be possible! The five turtles were successfully released into the warm waters of Little Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville on Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. COLUMBIA, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) South Carolinas attorney general issued a warning to parents on Wednesday regarding a horrifying online trend in which teens are coerced to harm themselves, often on camera. Alan Wilson said online gore-seeking involves pressuring teens into committing harmful acts like cutting, child porn, bestiality, even documented suicide. Rock Hill sees growing interest in Panthers abandoned practice facility site Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I learned about it about a week, week and a half ago from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wilson told Queen City News. The field office leadership brought me and my staff into the office. We had a meeting about it, and they actually showed us what was going on around this country and whats happening here in South Carolina. South Carolina AG Alan Wilson. In many cases, Wilson added, those who are coercing victims are often teenagers themselves. Some who refuse to cooperate are usually threatened with violence or humiliation. What they showed me was very disturbing, he explained. I saw videos of young people cutting themselves, their arms, their tongue, engaging in all types of self-mutilation. The attorney general said there are warning signs to see if a teen has fallen victim to the trend: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is your teen spending hours upon hours in their bedroom or in a locked room somewhere in the house, on their device or on a computer? Do you notice mood disorders or extreme mood swings? Are you seeing signs of anxiety or depression in your teen? If you suspect your child is a victim, call local law enforcement or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) Republicans proposed an amendment to the states diversity equity and inclusion bill that essentially strips the bill and copies President Trumps executive order. Its too easy to blame Trump for this. Its too easy to blame Elon Musk for this, said Representative Chris Hart (D Richland). The amendment states, Following the leadership of the president in prioritizing merit-based policies will strengthen government institutions and reinforce South Carolinas commitment to fairness, equity, and the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump did this executive order, I think two months ago, and everythings moving along great as it relates to that, and were not going to have any kind of sky is falling. Were just making sure that were being judicious with taxpayer dollars, that were not funding ridiculous programs, said Representative Steven Long (R Spartanburg). He added, Its all about peoples merit. Thats what this bill is about. Its about protecting the taxpayers. Its about protecting students. The people who might be applying for work. But Democrats proposed several amendments of their own. One amendment said no public institutions or state agency should be restricted from discussing, researching or promoting DEI. Its ok to talk about race. There is nothing wrong with diversity, and there is nothing wrong with this state acknowledging the fact that we should be able to have these discussions, said Representative Justin Bamberg (D Bamberg). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hart said, Sad day in South Carolina that, in 2025, were here to address issues that are not new to South Carolina. There were over 20 amendments on the speakers desk before the debate started Wednesday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) A U.S. Army Sergeant was given South Carolinas highest military honor on Tuesday. U.S. Soldiers with the South Carolina Army National Guard, attend an award ceremony for Sgt. Anthony Amick, 59th Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, Apr. 1, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina.(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver) Sgt. Anthony P. Amick, 59th Troop Command, South Carolina Army National Guard was presented with the Medal of Valor after his efforts to rescue several people from a multi-car crash on July 1, 2021. According to the U.S. Army, the crash occurred on a busy highway. Fires then started as a result of the crash, trapping occupants in the cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sergeant Amicks actions that day were nothing short of heroic, said Major Dena Ogden, South Carolina National Guard deputy state training officer. He didnt hesitate to put himself in harms way to save the lives of others. His medical training proved invaluable in providing critical care under incredibly stressful circumstances. U.S. Soldiers with the South Carolina Army National Guard, attend an award ceremony for Sgt. Anthony Amick, 59th Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, Apr. 1, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. Sgt. Amick was awarded the Medal of Valor for his extraordinary bravery and selfless actions during a devastating multi-car accident on July 1st, 2021. The award recognizes Amicks quick thinking and courageous response in rescuing multiple civilians trapped in a burning vehicle. The South Carolina National Guard and the state of South Carolina are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver) Sgt. Amick, the U.S. Army said, pulled civilians out of the cars and provided them with medical assistance until emergency services arrived. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former attorney general Eric Holder joins Chris Hayes to discuss the big win for Democrats in Wisconsin, Trumps attack on the rule of law, the Trump admin targeting Big Law, and just how freaked out he is after two months of Trump 2.0. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon said the city is staring down a budget deficit of around $60 million and proposed the sale of four city-owned parking ramps as one of the ways to bridge some of that gap. Scanlon is seeking authorization from the New York State Legislature to establish a new public authority. If the Buffalo Parking Authority is established, the idea is that the current city-owned parking ramps would be sold off to the authority. The City of Buffalo owns four parking ramps, and I dont think the City of Buffalo should be in the parking business, Scanlon said. I think that associated that and accompanied by the fact that the state these ramps are in and the amount of investment theyre going to require moving forward and capital improvements its something that I dont think we should take on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id like to establish the Buffalo Parking Authority, who could purchase these ramps from us. They could bond out and purchase these from us, said Scanlon. They would bring an infusion of cash into our budget. Obviously, that does not fix the budget structurally, I know that, but it certainly can serve as a cushion over the course of the next couple of years while we address the budget structurally. Scanlon said based on initial talks, the city could be poised to make somewhere around $40 million from the sale of the ramps. He wants to use the total funds made from a potential sale over several years to address the budget structurally. It serves as a one-time shot, obviously, a huge infusion of cash, but, you know, like I said with the other authorities that we still receive revenue from, well negotiate something where we still receive revenue from it, Scanlon said. If a BCAR or something, another entity like that continues to operate them, we will make sure that we extract revenue and dont forfeit that recurring revenue thats something I wouldnt want to do. State Senator Sean Ryan, who is the candidate endorsed by the Erie County Democratic Committee for Buffalo mayor, shared this statement to WIVB News 4 in response to Scanlons plan: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As things currently stand, we havent been told exactly how big a deficit the city is facing. If the city wants the State Senate to support this plan, we need to know they have a solid handle on their fiscal situation and we need an explanation for how this bill fits into a larger plan to fix it. This appears to be yet another one-time revenue gimmick to kick the can down the road another year instead of doing the hard work to fix Buffalos structural budgetary problems. Lovejoy District Buffalo Common Council Member and President Pro Tempore Bryan Bollman said theres still more that needs to be figured out about the plan. Learning more about it is important to see if it is viable, but as a councilmember, we have to look at every single opportunity we have to generate revenue, so seriously considering this, [I] just have to learn more about it, Bollman said. We have potentially a $50 million deficit is what were hearing, so its not going to be one silver bullet that really takes care of this budget. We have to look at cuts, tax increases and other ways to generate revenue, so parking authority could be one, Bollman said. Mention the occupancy tax and I think its going to be a combination of a lot of things trying to, you know, close this budget gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scanlon said if his plan is enacted, the parking authority would set ramp parking rates, with oversight from the authoritys board. The authority would set those, said Scanlon. But, you know, like other authorities, people on there appointed by the mayor, approved by the council, and so there is some oversight there to make sure that one thing I dont want to see is a public authority come in and jack rates up. We would never stand for that. This isnt the only potential parking change in Buffalo. The Buffalo Common Council is currently reviewing a proposal to raise parking violation fines, which can be seen below. Attachment-30781Download Latest Local News Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday said he could "not imagine" an arrest warrant being executed against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a potential visit to Germany. The comments came in response to a journalist's questions following Netanyahu's arrival in Budapest - his first trip to Europe since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued the warrant in November over the Israeli government's actions in Gaza. Hungary on Thursday announced plans to withdraw from the ICC, based in the Dutch city of The Hague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference in Berlin alongside Jordan's King Abdullah II, Scholz said the German government has made its position clear on the subject of detaining Netanyahu. "I can't imagine that there will be an arrest in Germany," the outgoing chancellor said. Hungary's move was however criticized by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. On the sidelines of a NATO summit in Brussels, Baerbock said it was "a bad day for international criminal law." "In Europe, no one is above the law, and that applies to all areas of law," she added. Scholz's presumptive successor as chancellor, conservative leader Friedrich Merz, has already said he is searching for ways to receive Netanyahu in Berlin without breaking international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC's founding treaty, known as the Rome Statute, requires member states to implement the court's orders. As member states of the court, Hungary and Germany are formally required to arrest Netanyahu if he enters their territory. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)As Louisiana parents prepare for the states implementation of school choice, a new tool was announced on Wednesday to help them examine how public and charter school budgets are spent. The Louisiana School Transparency Project is a portal that will live on the Department of the Treasury website and allow residents to compare school budgets. The project was created through Act 370 and authored by Louisiana State Senator Rick Edmonds during the 2023 Regular Legislative Session to provide greater transparency into the fiscal matters of Louisiana K-12 schools. Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, M.D., and Senator Edmonds formally announced the site on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in the media room at the state capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fleming said the site is critical to help provide a pathway for parents as the LA GATOR program is poised to take shape in the 2025-2026 academic year. Gov. Jeff Landry orders hiring freeze for state government to save $20M How can you choose a school if you know nothing about it? Fleming asked. And this, as I understand it, is the most comprehensive transparency website for K through 12 schools in the country, which means that youll be able to see everything youd want to know in terms of its efficiency, in terms of payroll, administrative costs, performance, contracts, all of those things so that it can, it helps you make a better choice for school for your child. He said it is a tool meant to assist parents in navigating the modern and changing landscape of education, choice, and a potential end to the federal Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are many factors that go into choosing a school now that we have free choice of schools and as you know, the money that that goes to the schools follows now the student as a result of school choice, which is a very good thing, Fleming said. Fleming believes this will help the public understand what good schools are doing and allow schools that are not in great fiscal shape to meet necessary standards. He said transparency is necessary because when left strictly to government oversight, it just seems like that doesnt get done, but when you open it up to the parents who have a vested interest in good outcomes, I think were gonna see a lot of rapid improvement. When data from the Nations Report Card was released in January 2025, it showed that Louisiana fourth graders made significant gains in fourth and eighth-grade reading and math, and were trending upward in math nationally. Fleming highlighted those gains, calling it a rapid rise. Schools will provide detailed fiscal expenditure reporting to the treasury related to the purchase of goods and services for instruction, instructional support, legal services, audit services, general administration costs, construction, maintenance, transportation, information technology, professional services, technical services, land acquisition, supplies, and other expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CenterPoint Energy sells Louisiana facilities The new reporting tool is not limited to schools. School systems must also report all contracts, including vendor identity and purpose, contract awards, award notices, fixed-price contracts, cost, cost-plus-a-fixed-fee, or incentive type. There is also guidance for contracts related to the issuance of jobs or task orders, memoranda of understanding, cooperative endeavor agreements, and personal, professional, consulting, and social service contracts. The site went live on March 31, 2025, and Treasurer Fleming said the program is at about 93 95% compliance and says the site is a user-friendly platform. Anybody can look at it, anybody can learn from it. You dont have to be a nerd or a computer geek or anything like that, Fleming said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that while transparency is the goal, it also provides context for parents looking to secure their childs education. One of the problems we have in government today is there just isnt enough transparency with whats going on within government and without it how can you hold, politicians, bureaucrats accountable for what theyre doing and this will be really the first opportunity that people can look inside of each and every school and school districts to see how well run they are, Fleming said. The state treasurer compares the school transparency website to the actions being taken at the federal level by DOGE and could potentially expose wasteful spending or spending on things that are not necessarily germane elements of teaching and learning. He also believes it will be eye-opening and bring about more thoughtful spending practices instead of wasteful spending. Unless we make sure administrative costs are much more cost-effective and were not finding ways there so hopefully what this really does is, is not only improve the quality of education our kids are getting but it gives us opportunity to pay teachers more. So we can, again, retain good teachers. We dont wanna lose good teachers, Fleming said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click the link to access the Louisiana K-12 Transparency Project via the Louisiana Department of the Treasury website. Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming shares his views on the failure of Amendment 2 Some Louisiana residents are leery of the Unclaimed Property Program, Treasurer Fleming explains Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BERLIN (Reuters) -Continental AG expects production of light vehicles in North America to fall by around 7% in the first quarter, the German auto supplier said on Tuesday, citing "economic uncertainty" ahead of looming tariffs on the sector. In the group's automotive division, the adjusted margin on earnings before interest and tax is expected to break even in the first three months of the year, the group said in a summary of a regular call with analysts and investors ahead of quarterly results. "The current tariff situation and the development of new product launches are creating high levels of uncertainty, impacting strategic planning and market predictions," Continental said. The comments come ahead of earlier announced U.S. import tariffs on cars that come into force on April 3, with broader duties expected to be announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Continental, which is scheduled to release first-quarter results on May 6, said that first-quarter light vehicle production in China was expected to increase by a mid-to-high single digit percentage, better than previously expected. In the automotive segment, Continental's largest division by revenue, the group expects positive contributions from cost cuts in the January-March period. (Reporting by Victoria Waldersee and Christoph SteitzEditing by Tomasz Janowski) The Trump administration has ratcheted up pressure on K-12 schools in California and across the nation to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion practices by giving districts and states a deadline of 10 days to certify their compliance or risk losing all federal funding. Although federal funding for education is challenging to calculate and arrives through multiple channels, some tallies put the figure at $16.3 billion per year in California including money for school meals, students with disabilities and early education Head Start programs. The Los Angeles Unified School District has estimated that it receives about $1.26 billion a year. Trump and his appointees have repeatedly threatened state and local officials with federal funding cuts if they don't abide by his executive orders and by his administration's legal interpretations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Thursday memo follows a Feb. 14 letter in which the U.S. Department of Education told all K-12 school districts and higher education institutions to end the consideration of race in admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life. The February letter laid out a new federal anti-discrimination enforcement policy, threatening to pull federal dollars from schools that do not fall in line. Since then, many colleges and universities in California and throughout the country have eliminated diversity efforts, typically referred to as DEI, scrubbing references from their websites. The Thursday memo takes the threats to funding one step further: demanding that education leaders sign a document saying they have eliminated DEI programming. Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right, Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement. He said many schools have flouted their legal obligations, including by using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Colleges, K-12 schools ordered by Trump administration to abolish DEI or face funding cuts On Thursday morning, various state and local officials said they were assessing the memo. A spokesperson for the California Department of Education provided a preliminary reaction. While we are continuing to review this mornings letter, it appears to be yet another attempt to impose a national ideology on local schools by threatening to withhold vital resources for students," said Elizabeth Sanders. "Regardless of this or any letter, we hold firm that basic needs of our nations children must not become bargaining chips. Another comment came from Tanya Ortiz Franklin, an elected board member of the L.A. Unified School District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Instead of wasting the time ... collecting signatures, the federal government should be focused on maintaining and executing the level of support our most vulnerable students require from the country that will soon depend on their educated leadership," Franklin said. Chino Valley Unified School District board president Sonja Shaw said she supported the thrust of the memo. Read more: How Trump's fight with California could harm poor students who rely on school meals "The Trump administrations directive is a critical step in reining in the excessive politicization of our schools," Shaw said. "We need to get back to the basics of education teaching kids how to read, write, and think critically, rather than pushing divisive ideologies. This is about protecting the future of our children by ensuring their education isnt hijacked by political agendas that dont belong in the classroom." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The certification directs state and school leaders to sign a reminder of legal obligations acknowledging their federal money is conditioned on compliance with federal civil rights laws. The certification compliance form included several pages of legal analysis in support of the administration's demands, which are based, in large part, on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to ban affirmative action in college admissions through a lawsuit brought against Harvard University. Trainor quoted Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who said: "Eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it." Trainor added that, "No student should be denied opportunities or treated differently because of his or her race. We hope all State and Local Education Agencies agree and certify their compliance with this legal and constitutional principle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the administration's legal analysis, schools and states that use DEI practices can face a loss of federal money, including grants and contracts, and also can be held liable under the False Claims Act, meaning that an agency could be sanctioned with financial penalties beyond the loss of federal funding. Read more: Trump targets California ban on 'forced outing' of students' gender identity to parents The legal analysis specifically mentions Title I funding as being at risk, which sends billions of dollars a year to Americas schools to help offset the effects of poverty in the education of students. California receives about $2.1 billion in Title I funds, L.A. Unified about $460 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department ordered state education offices to sign the certification and collect certifications from school systems. The move raises questions, including: What happens if a school district agrees to comply but the state of California does not? "It's very likely that the Trump administration will set up funding directly to compliant districts," said Lance Christensen, president of California Policy Partners, which describes itself as a free-market business association. Christensen is supportive of groups that have filed complaints alleging that California education agencies are violating anti-discrimination laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The real question is how badly California is out of compliance with federal law," Christensen said. "School districts in the state should be very concerned." This threat to California's federal education funding extends to other policies advanced by the Trump administration. The administration already has issued similar threats over policies related to transgender students and sex education curriculum. Federal officials last week launched an investigation of the California Department of Education for allegedly withholding from parents information about changes to their childs gender identity, once again with billions of dollars potentially at stake. Federal officials contend that the California law violates a federal law that guarantees parents access to their childs school records. The federal law, they say, takes precedence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials responded that the California law does not violate federal statutes because it does not affect the right of parents to request and receive records. The secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture lent her support to the enforcement action threatening in a warning letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom that she would withhold from California funds under her control. The Agriculture Department funds research and the venerable 4-H youth development program, but its core school-related contribution is paying for food to feed children from low-income families while they are at school. The annual total of USDA school-related food aid for California is more than $3 billion a year. The Trump administration also is reviewing the curriculum of a sex education program in California for "medical accuracy" and "age appropriateness," a move that has raised concerns from LGBTQ+ advocates who are worried about what they see as the potential censorship of comprehensive sexual-health information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associated Press staff writer Collin Binkley and Times staff writer Jaweed Kaleem contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Bananas are one of the most widely eaten fruits in the world. They are the go-to snack in many households, a key part of daily meals, and an important crop for millions of workers. But scientists say rising global temperatures are making the future of the banana industry uncertain. What's happening? By 2080, much of Latin America and the Caribbean could be too hot to grow bananas for export, according to new research from the University of Exeter, as summarized by the researchers on Phys.org. The study, published in the journal Nature Food, estimates that around 60% of current growing regions may no longer be suitable. That's a major issue for places like Colombia and Costa Rica, where bananas aren't just a crop but a major source of income and jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers used satellite images and climate models to figure out how warming could change growing conditions. They also looked at where banana farms are located and found that many can't easily move to cooler spots. Most are near cities and ports, where infrastructure and land are already stretched. "Bananas are one of the world's most important fruits," said Professor Dan Bebber, who led the study. "It's crucial we act now to safeguard the industry against the dual threats of climate change and emerging diseases." Why does this matter for people and food systems? Bananas are a basic food for hundreds of millions of people around the world. If production starts to fall, prices could rise and supplies could shrink, hitting lower-income families and countries the hardest. Farmers are also likely to feel the pressure. Many could face shrinking profits, harder growing conditions, and more frequent crop losses. A separate study, published in Nature Climate Change, found that global agricultural productivity has already dropped by 21% due to warming temperatures. And a UN report warned that extreme weather could keep driving up food prices globally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The banana industry also has ongoing issues like pesticide use, poor working conditions, and water waste. Climate stress could make those problems worse. What's being done to protect bananas? The researchers say adaptation is still possible, and that could mean better irrigation, support for farmers, and new banana varieties that can handle more heat and drought. In Costa Rica, groups like CORBANA and the National Banana Corporation are already working on research and technical assistance to help local growers adapt to changing conditions, according to the University of Exeter. Shoppers can reduce food waste, choose fair trade bananas, and support brands using more sustainable farming methods. But the crucial fix is cutting the pollution that's heating up the planet in the first place. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. This week, in response to President Trumps ongoing cuts to scientific research and staffing at federal agencies, nearly 2,000 of the countrys leading scientists signed a letter urging the administration to cease its wholesale assault on U.S. science. We see real danger in this moment, the letter, which was signed by a number of Nobel Prize winners, stated. We hold diverse political beliefs, but we are united as researchers in wanting to protect independent scientific inquiry. We are sending this SOS to sound a clear warning: the nations scientific enterprise is being decimated. Last week, the journal Nature published a poll it conducted of more than 1,600 U.S. scientists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are you a US researcher who is considering leaving the country following the disruptions to science prompted by the Trump administration? the poll asked the group. In response, 75.3% of those polled said yes, while 24.7% said no. The poll was conducted prior to Tuesdays announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services that it was laying off 10,000 employees, including scientists from agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the National Cancer Institute, among others. The mass firing followed Trump administration cuts to research funded by the National Institutes of Health. Were scared that these blanket mandates could erase decades of progress fighting cancer, Anjee Davis, the CEO of Fight Colorectal Cancer, a patient advocacy group, told CBS News. This isnt about politics. Its about protecting the progress weve fought so hard to achieve in cancer care and research over the past two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post to social media on Tuesday, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described the job and funding cuts as a way to improve health outcomes. This overhaul is about realigning HHS with its core mission: to stop the chronic disease epidemic and Make America Healthy Again, Kennedy wrote. Its a win-win for taxpayers, and for every American we serve. Former FDA Commissioner David Kessler sharply disagreed. We are less safe today because of these cuts that have happened the last several days, Kessler said in a Wednesday interview with MSNBC. I always thought that things were fixable. You could fix things. I am very concerned that if these cuts are not rescinded, these will have an effect for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against NIH on behalf of several scientists laid off in the HHS purge. Our case is specifically addressing NIHs lawless grant terminations and their upending of the grant review process for applicants, Olga Akselrod, senior counsel at the ACLU Racial Justice Program, told NBC News. These sweeping actions have disrupted hundreds of research grants, derailed really crucial research and are upending the careers of the most promising scientists in the United States with really no clear rationale. While the Trump administration has taken a dim view of federal science spending, cutting agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the National Weather Service, a 2023 paper published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas found that government research and development funding accounted for more than one-fifth of U.S. productivity growth over the last 80 years. For over 80 years, wise investments by the US government have built up the nations research enterprise, making it the envy of the world, the letter sent this week from the nearly 2,000 scientists stated. Astoundingly, the Trump administration is destabilizing this enterprise by gutting funding for research, firing thousands of scientists, removing public access to scientific data, and pressuring researchers to alter or abandon their work on ideological grounds. (NewsNation) Former GOP Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker attributed liberal candidate Susan Crawfords victory in the state Supreme Court election to out-of-state funding rather than a rebuke of the Trump administration. The message is big money wins, Walker said Wednesday on NewsNation. The winning candidate, Susan Crawford, got about 77% of her money from out-of-state, big funders like billionaire Reid Hoffman, J.B. Pritzker, George Soros. Crawford defeated conservative Brad Schimel by 10 points in the officially nonpartisan race, cementing a liberal majority on the court until at least 2028. The election was viewed as an early test for President Trump and businessman Elon Musk, both of whom endorsed Schimel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announces 10% baseline tariff, reciprocal tariffs The former Republican governor said that while Musk was involved through his America PAC, which spent $12.5 million on the race, his contribution was nowhere near the collective amount elsewhere from liberal donors. Walker also attributed the result to Wisconsins status as the ultimate swing state, pointing out that the last 35 years, the party in power in the White House has lost the governorship in all but one election. The court is now positioned to rule on major cases, including abortion rights, union rules and potential redistricting that could shift congressional power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a conservative White House. The liberal won in this big race. It will probably swing back again in the future, he told NewsNation. NewsNation partner The Hill contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. CHICAGO Police say a child who was reportedly abducted on Wednesday has been safely located. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Police announced that the child was safely located at around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday but did not say where she was found or if any arrests were made in connection with her reported abduction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) A second suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting last month in Waikiki. 19-year-old arrested in connection to Waikiki shooting The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) reported that an 18-year-old man was taken into custody on charges of reckless endangering late last night. Hawaii ranks highest for tax burdens, #1 for this The suspect, who was 17 at the time of the shooting, was booked as a juvenile and later released pending further investigation. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The incident occurred on March 16 near the intersection of Kalakaua Avenue and Lewers Street. Police said gunfire struck a nearby business, though no injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10 tips foreign tourists need to know before visiting Hawaii amid mass travel warnings This arrest comes a week after a 19-year-old man was taken into custody and charged in the case. He is currently on house arrest. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. If I had a terrible secret, you know who I wouldnt tell? A man. They mean well, poor things, but they leak like Thames Water. Dont take it from me: this is official MI5 guidance. Or at least it was in 1945, when Charles Henry Maxwell Knight the spymaster thought to have inspired M in the James Bond books recommended that the secret services should employ more women. It is frequently alleged that women are less discreet than men, he wrote, in a memo currently on display in an exhibition about the history of MI5. My own experience has been very much to the contrary. During the present war, M.S. [a section of MI5] has investigated probably hundreds of loose talk [cases]. In by far the greater proportion of these, the offenders were men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell Knight had a theory about why men were so prone to blabbing. Indiscretions are committed from conceit, he proposed. The fragile male ego is too easily tempted by the feeling of importance that comes with revealing a juicy secret. A mans conceit will often lead him to indiscretion, in an endeavour to build himself up among his fellow men. That has the ring of truth about it, although I dont believe its an especially male weakness. The currency of gossip is nowhere more powerful than among teenage girls. Indeed, my own theory is that women are better at keeping secrets because we start young and get lots of practice. Whether for innate or cultural reasons, girls tend from an early age to have more intense, confiding friendships than boys do. Sharing secrets is an exercise in trust. When it goes wrong as it often does, because keeping a secret is hard the ensuing maelstrom of rumour, ridicule, fury and shame gives everyone concerned a hard lesson in the importance of discretion. It may take multiple betrayals by you, as well as of you but eventually you learn to master temptation. I have found that keeping a secret is like giving up smoking: whenever a craving strikes, just wait five minutes and it will pass. Each craving is weaker than the last, until eventually the longing to tell dissipates altogether. My head is stuffed with secrets that once seemed impossible to contain, but are now old and boring and covered in dust. It used to be thought that men were more discreet than women, because they tended to talk less. But being taciturn is not at all the same as being trustworthy. Precisely because of all the gossiping and confiding we do, women develop the mental muscles required to keep the important things to ourselves. We are good at winkling out secrets, but also at storing them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a neat coincidence that Maxwell Knights memo went on display in the same week as the death of Charlotte Betty Webb. Just 18 when she ditched a domestic science course to work as a secret codebreaker at Bletchley Park, Webb decoded German messages revealing the start of the Holocaust, and was later seconded to America to help decipher Japanese military code. For 30 years after the war, Webb didnt tell a soul what she had done. She worked as a school secretary, and resisted the promptings of conceit. It was, she admitted, a huge relief when the government lifted the omerta on Bletchley Park and she was finally able to talk about it. Alas, by then her parents were dead and my husband wasnt particularly interested. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) On the global stage in Brussels Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to reassure fellow NATO countries that President Donald Trump is on their side. Some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media and some domestic media in the United States about NATO is unwarranted, Rubio said. Rubios trip comes as President Trump has floated the idea of withdrawing U.S. troops and equipment from the 31 other member countries who dont meet their defense spending targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes not against NATO, Rubio said. He is against a NATO that does not have the capabilities it needs. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who met with President Trump in the Oval Office last month, said he agrees with the presidents demand. That commitment comes with an expectation, and the expectation is the European allies and Canada need to spend more, Rutte said. But this change in foreign policy has been a tougher sell on the Hill, particularly among Democrats in Congress who accuse President Trump of choosing Russia over NATO. I am stunned and angry by this president and what he is doing to us by cozying up to Putin and turning his back on our allies, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, (D-N.J.), said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Booker argues NATO is more relevant than ever since President Putin sees it as a threat. The U.S. is still trying to broker a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine, even though many lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, (R-La.), are skeptical Putin wants peace. President Putin thinks President Trump took the bullet train to Chump Town, Kennedy said. Russia was also one of few countries left off President Trumps global tariffs announced Wednesday. The White House defended its decision, arguing Russia already faces extremely high tariffs and sanctions from the U.S. in response to its war in Ukraine. A top Putin adviser also met with Trump administration officials this week in an attempt to break the stalemate in the ceasefire negotiations, becoming the highest ranking Russian official to visit Washington since the war began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The United Nations official who helps oversee emergency relief efforts demanded on Wednesday that the Security Council step up and take concrete action to protect aid workers, at a time when targeted violence against humanitarians in conflict zones is both alarmingly high and increasingly normalized. The UNSCs member states met to discuss Resolution 2730, which was adopted last year to uphold the safety and security of humanitarian staff operating in armed conflict. But almost one year and many more killings later, the UNs deputy relief chief is drilling the council to actually put actions to words and hold perpetrators to account. Let us be clear: There is no shortage of robust international legal frameworks to protect humanitarian and UN workers, Joyce Msuya told the council. Human rights law and standards, conventions relating to the UNs activities and personnel, and international humanitarian law together provide clear obligations to safeguard humanitarian personnel, assets and operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is lacking is the political will to comply. The meeting occurred just a few days after crews from the UN humanitarian agency (OCHA) and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society recovered the bodies of 15 medics and emergency responders from a mass grave in southern Gaza. Israeli forces killed the workers several days earlier while they were trying to save lives, and the OCHA team on the ground recalled witnessing Israeli soldiers shoot fleeing civilians. In a separate attack on March 19, Israeli forces killed a UN staffer and injured six others bringing the number of aid workers killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, to at least 408, which the UN says makes the Palestinian territory the most dangerous place for humanitarians ever. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims. We demand answers and call for justice, Msuya said. And since we are here today to discuss the protection of aid workers, I must ask this council: What are you going to do to help us find those answers and achieve justice, and avoid more killings? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year was the deadliest on record for humanitarians, with 377 aid workers killed across 20 countries, and many more injured, kidnapped, attacked and arbitrarily detained. About 95% of those deaths are local humanitarians who Msuya described as pillars of international relief efforts. We have become numb to this violence, Msuya said. Being shot at is not I repeat, is not part of our job. People gather around the body of Palestinian paramedic Mohamed Bahloul, who a week earlier was killed with other first responders in an Israeli attack on ambulances. AFP via Getty Images As much as international aid workers remain unprotected in conflict zones, local aid workers are even more vulnerable. On top of facing death, injury or abduction, local humanitarian staff in regions like Palestine, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo also deal with disinformation campaigns that paint them as terrorists, putting a target on their back and normalizing any violence against them, all while receiving little to no media coverage. Its an endless loop of blood, pain, death. And Gaza has become a death trap, Jonathan Whittall, OCHAs head for Palestine, told reporters on Wednesday. We cannot accept and as humanitarians, I need to emphasize this that we cannot accept that Palestinian civilians are dehumanized to the point of being somehow unworthy of survival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet today unfortunately marks one month without any supplies entering into Gaza. Thats one month of no food, no fuel, no aid, nothing. Nothing has entered, he continued. So 2.1 million people are trapped, bombed, starved and the consequences are apparent to all of us that are here. Its mostly apparent to the people that are living through this war. Msuya reminded member states that they must protect humanitarians, ensure countries are abiding by international law, and to speak out when theyre not because silence, inconsistency and selective outrage only embolden perpetrators. The UNSC also has to actually follow through on imposing consequences to those who harm humanitarians without exception, she added. The Security Council should play a key role in pushing for accountability by asking concerned governments to pursue justice and by following up with them, Msuya said. When national jurisdictions fail, the council can use international mechanisms, including by referring situations to the International Criminal Court. A string of storm systems caused havoc and devastation in Selmer on Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Selmer, along with dozens of communities in Tennessee, received multiple tornado warnings overnight. The National Weather Service tracked at least one tornado and multiple potential tornadoes near Selmer Wednesday night and early Thursday morning and it's likely what ripped through the small town located almost halfway between Memphis and Nashville. Around 12:40 a.m., the National Weather Service out of Memphis posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that there were "two very large tornadoes on the ground" in the Selmer area and warned people to seek shelter immediately. WE HAVE TWO VERY LARGE TORNADOES ON THE GROUND AS OF 12:44 AM SELMER TN, MCNAIRY COUNTY NEEDS TO BE IN SHELTER AND NORTHWEST OF INDEPENDENCE, MS TATE COUNTY NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) April 3, 2025 Several hours later, the weather service reported another one near the same community. UPDATE: 322 AM Initial tornado warned storm has passed. HOWEVER, yet another storm is heading towards Selmer, TN. REMAIN VIGILANT. https://t.co/w16m8Zq8da NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) April 3, 2025 "Another tornado is heading directly north of Selmer, TN, in 40 minutes. This is an incredibly dangerous situation," the weather service out of Memphis posted on X, formerly Twitter, around 2:30 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the morning hours, residents saw what was left of their small town. Selmar damage: Roofs ripped up, powerlines down, homes and businesses destroyed Selmer residents hunkered down as the storms raged overhead, pulling roofs from homes, downing trees and powerlines, and destroying much of what people had worked so hard to build. Paul Floyd, a Selmer resident, walked through his destroyed home on Thursday morning to survey what was left after he, his wife, and his mother-in-law hunkered down to ride out a suspected tornado the evening before. Around about 11:30, 12 pm when it came through, it sounded like a train taking off, Floyd said. When will we know the path of the Tennessee tornadoes? On Thursday, the National Weather Service out of Nashville stated that it could be several days before a full damage assessment will be done due to the nature of the event which is expected to dump upwards, or more than, 10 inches of rain in some communities in West and Middle Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the weather service out of Memphis reported on tornadoes near Selmer, there has been no information provided stating that the community was hit by one directly as of Thursday afternoon. Photos of damage in Selmer Reporters and photographers from across the USA TODAY Network converged in Selmer to take stock of what happened in the community. You can see some of the photos taken below. Where is Selmer? The small community of Selmer is located around 150 miles west of Nashville and about 94 miles east of Memphis in McNairy County. How many people live in Selmer? Selmer is a smaller community in rural Tennessee with a population of 4,446, according to data from the 2020 U.S. census. How many people have died in the Tennessee storms? Four people have been killed in the string of storms that has upended life for many Tennesseans in West and Middle Tennessee, including one that occurred in McNairy County, where Selmer is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fayette Carroll McNairy Obion No names have been released for any of the victims. Tennessee floods: West, Middle Tennessee main concern is rising waters as heavy rain continues Rain is expected to continue through the weekend with much of the region still under a flood watch until Sunday, April. 6. Some minor and moderate flooding along rivers and creeks in Middle and West Tennessee have already been recorded, as well as flash flooding in rural and metro areas. The weather service continues to caution people to not take this event lightly. "This is a catastrophic, potentially historic heavy rainfall and flash flood event," the National Weather Service said in a forecast, adding that people should prepare for "severe disruptions to daily life." Commercial Appeal photographer Chris Day contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee tornado: Selmer likely hit. Photos, videos show damage Croatian alcoholic drinks group Badel 1862 has struck a deal to acquire local wine, cheese and olive oil maker Agrolaguna and winery Vinarija Novigrad from Fortenova Group. The financial details of the transaction were undisclosed. In a joint statement, Badel 1862 said the deal would "strengthen its leadership position in the production of quality and premium wines on the Croatian market. Darko Knez, president of the management board of Badel 1862, added: Badel 1862 is the leading Croatian company in the production of spirits and wines, thats why the acquisition of Agrolaguna is a logical step in materialising our development plans and a strong incentive for the additional strengthening of the domestic production. "Having recognised the valuable achievements of Agrolaguna in the past, the high quality of its products as well as the knowledge and commitment of its employees, we believe that together we can open up a new chapter in the development of both companies. Badel 1862 already owns vineyards and wine brands in the Dalmatia region of the country and in continental Croatia. The statement said the deal makes Badel 1862 the only company in Croatia with a portfolio covering all the key wine regions. Following the deal, Badel 1862 will be the largest producer of wine grape varieties" in Croatia, with 800 hectares of vineyards, the statement read. The transaction will increase its wine production volumes from 2.5m to 6.5m litres. Fortenova said the sale was part of its strategy to focus on retail and food processing. The company offloaded its agricultural division to Croatia food and drinks group Podravka last July. Fortenova said Agrolaguna accounts for less than 1% of the company's operating profits. Fabris Perusko, the CEO of Fortenova, said: Badel 1862 is a partner that, given their experience in the industry, can secure the further development of Agrolaguna, the strengthening of its market positions and values and the preservation of jobs. Agrolaguna comes with a strong portfolio of brands that preserve the Istrian heritage and traditions, and their global quality has been acknowledged by numerous international and local awards. We believe that this transaction will provide for the development of new products that will additionally promote Croatian brands on the global scene." "Croatias Badel 1862 buys Agrolaguna, Vinarija Novigrad from Fortenova" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. SEMMES, Ala. (WKRG) Mobile County Sheriffs Office deputies are investigating after a woman allegedly stabbed her boyfriend to death during a fight. Mobile defendants sentenced to life in prison for murder-for-hire conspiracy 58-year-old Bryan Maurice Edwards died at a home on Dyson Boulevard on Wednesday, April 1, after he was stabbed in the chest. According to an MCSO news release, deputies were contacted by the Semmes Police Department on Wednesday to assist in a homicide investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies said the woman who called police to report the incident said she lived at the home and that her boyfriend had assaulted her, causing her to grab a knife and stab him in the chest during the fight. MCSO officials said the girlfriend and other people who were at the home before the stabbing were interviewed, but that no arrests have been made at this time. Officials said both parties had previously called police for domestic incidents. 5 people charged, 2 plead guilty in Prichard Water Works & Sewer Board multi-million dollar scheme The case will now go before a grand jury. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Utah Sen. John Curtis has joined a bipartisan group of 50 senators to introduce legislation that would levy sanctions against Russia and other countries supporting the aggression in Ukraine. The legislation is led by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and includes both primary and secondary sanctions. The legislation is an effort from the Senate to increase the pressure on Russia to make peace with Ukraine, Curtis said. The sanctions would be imposed in the case that Russia refuses to engage in negotiations for lasting peace with Ukraine. They would also apply if Russia initiates an effort, such as military invasion, to undermine Ukraines sovereignty after peace is negotiated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine is an ally in pursuit of Western values that align with our own. It is my hope that the United States will achieve what has eluded the world in the pastending Russian aggression against Ukraine permanently and ensuring the survivability of a free and democratic Ukraine, Curtis said in a press release. Im proud to join my colleagues on these sanctions, which the Senate is prepared to use to ramp up the pressure on Russia if it continues to be uncooperative in negotiations. The legislation would also include 500% tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products. Both senators from Utahs neighbor Colorado, John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, are a part of the group supporting the sanctions, as well as Sen. Ruben Gallego D-Ariz. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., Mike Quigley, D-IL, Joe Wilson, R-S.C., and Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. During an exchange with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Sen. John Curtis spoke about some of Utahs transportation priorities and how the state can be an example for the rest of the country. The conversation happened during an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on Wednesday, on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill. Curtis started addressing Duffy by inviting the secretary to visit Utah soon, partially to see the states FrontRunner commuter rail system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curtis spoke of expanding the FrontRunner, pointing out that the rail services 80% of the states population and that Utahs population is rapidly growing. The senator also mentioned Utahs upcoming Olympics in 2034. So wed love to have your support on that project, and love to personally show you that as well, Curtis said. Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, speaks to BYU students and faculty about "Inspiring the Next Generation of Public Servants" at the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center in Provo on Monday, March 17, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News During the exchange with Curtis, Duffy also extended condolences to the state of Utah over the death of former Utah Congresswoman Mia Love. I just want to extend my condolences to the state of Utah. You lost a lioness of a legislator and a friend of mine. And I know a friend to the great state of Utah, Mia Love, who served in our body in the House. She lost her battle with cancer. She has a wonderful family, and I know she loved Utah. And she served your state well. And our hearts are broken that you lost her, Duffy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curtis replied, And on behalf of the state, thank you for your friendship with her, too. I know she thought very highly of you. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks during a news conference following up on the issuance of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report on the mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Department of Transportation in Washington. | Jacquelyn Martin Curtis also highlighted Utahs Metropolitan Planning Organizations and how Utah is the only state in the nation where all of its MPOs work together. The senator positioned Utah as an example for other states in relation to the reauthorization bill. Im sure youll be a champion, and Ill take your lead and what we learned from the successes, and how do we improve on the successes in this new bill, Duffy said. The Senator brought up off road vehicles such as four wheelers and ATVs, pointing out that they contribute $281 million a year to the Highway Trust Fund but only receive $84 million back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Duffy that he would love to speak to him about returning more of those funds back to Utahs trails programs, as part of the bill. The two spoke about transitioning more authority to the states for transportation projects. Curtis added that projects often get done faster and more cost effectively when done under state authority compared to those done under federal authority. Following a law passed in Utahs 2025 legislative session to prohibit SNAP dollars from being spent on candy and soda, attention to how and which Americans are using food stamps continues to grow. On Monday, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., announced their proposed legislation, the SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act. The legislation would increase the requirements necessary to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and would require states to pay into the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP was designed to provide temporary relief to vulnerable people facing difficult times, not a permanent subsidy for able-bodied adults, Lee said in the bills press release. Lee continued, Work requirements are widely supported by the American public, save taxpayer dollars and will strengthen the program for families who really need it. Our legislation tackles fraud and abuse while promoting self-sufficiency, which should be the goal of all such programs. While poverty levels in the U.S. have only risen 0.2% over the past two decades, the percent of Americans on food stamps has increased over 140%, according to studies cited by the lawmakers. Meanwhile, the cost of providing food stamps has risen 600%, from $17 billion to $119 billion. How will the reforms work? First, the legislation allocates $1 million for the Bureau of the Census to determine the extent of American poverty and anti-poverty effectiveness of federal programs like food stamps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next steps come as expansions of the current law: SNAPs general work requirements would be extended to include everyone ages 16-64. It would extend hour-based work requirements from those up to 49 years old to individuals 18-64. It would also include parents of children age 6 and older. The percentage of SNAP caseloads states can exempt from work requirements would be reduced from 15% to 5%. The bill would also close the geographic waiver loophole by tightening state eligibility for federal waivers of SNAP work requirements, and it would allow married couples with children to fulfill the hour-based work requirements jointly. States required to match federal funds as a condition of their participation in the program For a state to opt into receiving SNAP benefits, they shall, as a condition of participation, be required to contribute matching funds, the bill states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This change is made as an amendment to section 4 of the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act. The match would start at 5% in 2025, and would increase every year by 5% until a 50% match between the state and federal government is reached. Increased penalties for unauthorized use of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards EBTs are cards that allow authorized recipients to transfer SNAP benefits from a federal account to a retailer account, per the USDA. Lees bill limits a card to a maximum of five registered users, including the one authorized representative. It also explicitly prohibits any individual, apart from those registered, from using the card. If the card is used incorrectly, the bill establishes a tiered penalty system: The U.S. Senate approved a bipartisan measure late Wednesday aimed at blocking tariffs on imported goods from Canada. The resolution, adopted by a 51-48 vote, would terminate President Donald Trumps Feb. 1 emergency declaration on fentanyl trafficking, which the White House used to issue duties on Canadian imports. Four Republicans joined all Democrats in the Senate in voting for the measure. The resolution passed a few hours after Trump unveiled a broad tariff plan for all U.S. trade partners on what he has referred to as Liberation Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps plan includes a baseline 10% tariff on trade partners, as well as 25% tariffs on certain imported vehicles and auto parts arriving into the U.S. The plan also calls for a 34% tax on imports from China and 20% on the European Union, among others. The U.S. currently has a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada, except products that fall under the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement. Energy and potash imports from Canada are tariffed at 10%, while a 25% levy on Canadian steel and aluminium remains in place. The Senates resolution is seen as largely symbolic. To become law, it would have to be passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and then signed by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., a co-sponsor of the resolution along with Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said Trumps tariff war against Canada is bad for the economy. Canada was ranked No. 2 for trade with the U.S. in 2024 at $761 billion, behind Mexico at $840 billion. We are richer because of trade with Canada, and so is Canada, Paul said on Fox News on Wednesday. There is no Canada versus the U.S. The post Senate adopts resolution to halt tariffs on Canadian imports appeared first on FreightWaves. Sen. Jack Bailey (R-Calvert and St. Mary's). (File photo by Bryan P. Sears) By the narrowest of margins Wednesday, the Senate voted to amend the Second Look Act, which gives long-term incarcerated individuals a second chance at life, to make it unavailable to those convicted of killing a first responder. Eleven Senate Democrats joined all 13 Republicans to pass the amendment 24-23, before giving preliminary approval to the bill. The amendment means that if House Bill 853 wins final approval in the Senate it would have to go back to the House to accept or reject the change, with only five days left in this years legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amendment by Sen. Jack Bailey (R-Calvert and St. Marys) was the only one of three in the Senate that was successful. It said a person convicted of killing a first responder in the line of duty would not be eligible to petition the court for a reduced sentence under the Second Look Act. State law defines a first responder as a person such as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician. This amendment is meant to respect the job of our public safety officers, their families, to protect the victims, to protect the surviving family members, so that they never have to relive this tragedy that they had to go through, Bailey said in the Senate Wednesday. Sen. Pamela Beidle (D-Anne Arundel), one of the Democrats who crossed the aisle to support Baileys amendment, said after the vote that a main reason she supported the amendment is because her father was a police officer. Sen. Charles Sydnor III (D-Baltimore County), who sponsored a Senate version of the bill and who served as the floor leader for the House version Wednesday, summarized parts of the legislation by noting a key factor: A judge would determine whether a person can receive a reduced sentence. Its not a get-out-of-jail-free card, supporters insist. Sen. Charles E. Sydnor III (D-Baltimore County). (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) Under the bill, some people who have served 20 or more years of a prison sentence could petition the court for a sentence reduction. According to the bill approved in the House more than two weeks ago, eligible individuals are those convicted of a crime between the ages of 18 and 25. Besides having to have served at least 20 years in prison, a personcannot have been sentenced without the possibility of parole and cannot be classified as a sex offender to be eligible Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court can assess several factors to determine whether someone incarcerated can have a reduced sentence. Those include the persons age at the time of offense, if that person completed an educational, vocational, or other programs and whether the individual has demonstrated maturity, rehabilitation, and fitness to reenter society sufficient to justify a sentence reduction. In addition, a victim or a victims representative may submit an impact statement to the court about the impact of a crime and proposed sentence reduction. Prior to the House passing the bill, supporters stressed the fact that a judge will weigh the merits in each case, and that the law would only apply to about 350 people. Sydnor also mentioned one other word during the nearly 50-minute debate Wednesday: grace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all have grace, and this bill is about grace, he said. I would hope that at some point forgiveness would overcome me, and I certainly would not oppose a judge looking at these factors to determine whether or not that individual has made good on the 20 years that they were incarcerated. Sen. William G. Folden (R-Frederick) also talked about grace when he introduced an amendment to make those convicted for killing a child under age 13 ineligible for the act. I believe in the idea of what my friend from Baltimore County says about grace, but that grace should come extended from those that lost a loved one, not an arbitrary element of adding an additional 18th look back, said Folden, who added that only the loved ones should be allowed to petition the court. His amendment was rejected 26-19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Paul D. Corderman (R-Washington and Frederick) offered an amendment to make those convicted of killing a probation officer ineligible. Corderman mentioned Davis Martinez, a 33-year-old parole agent killed last year while checking in on a parolee. He was killed doing his job, serving our state, Corderman said. The Senate rejected his amendment 25-20. The sponsor of the bill, Del. Cheryl Pasteur (D-Baltimore County), said after the House adjourned Wednesday evening that she was a bit speechless on the amendment from her bill approved by the Senate earlier. Im still trying to process it, she said. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the heart surgeon turned daytime television star, has a new job overseeing the nations largest health insurance programs. The chamber voted Thursday 53 to 45 along party lines to confirm Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Oz, who has touted controversial therapies and pushed unproven theories about Covid-19 cures including hydroxychloroquine, will make and implement major decisions impacting the insurance coverage of more than 160 million people. He will have oversight over how physicians are paid through Medicare, which often sets a standard commercial insurers follow, and he will oversee more than $1.5 trillion in federal spending across Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Acts insurance exchanges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oz will have to navigate complex regulatory issues with fewer staff than his predecessors due to a massive reorganization launched by HHS on Tuesday that saw 10,000 people lose their jobs. It remains unclear how many people are affected within CMS. Originally the agency announced 300 people were fired but the impact will be felt across numerous government programs. For instance, HHS cut staff at the Office of Minority Health and closed five regional offices that assisted states and community groups with Medicare issues. Oz hosted a popular daytime television show from 2009 through 2022, when he left to run for Pennsylvanias open Senate seat. He lost that race to Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.). Oz discussed wellness issues on the show and landed in hot water more than a decade ago for promoting misleading treatments, leading to a contentious hearing back in 2014 before a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation subcommittee. Now that he is confirmed, Oz will be the administrations front man on key issues such as Medicaid reform. House Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee are seeking $880 billion in savings for a larger spending package, and some lawmakers have their sights set on Medicaid, which they believe is bloated and rife with waste and abuse. Circle Internet Financial, a leading U.S. crypto firm that issues the stablecoin USD Coin, filed long-anticipated paperwork for an initial public offering on Tuesday. The 225-page financial disclosure includes previously unreported insights into one of the worlds largest crypto firms, illustrating Circles outsize presence in the booming stablecoin space, as well as the risk factors that might give investors pause ahead of an IPO. Founded in 2013, Circle has attempted to go public before, resulting in a failed SPAC agreement in 2022 that brought the company over $44 million in costs, according to the S-1 filing. But with the crypto industry ascendant in the U.S. thanks to the support of President Donald Trump, Circle is hoping that the second time is the charmand boasts over $1.6 billion in revenue in 2024 to attract would-be investors. Although the document does not lay out a timeline for Circles public offering plans, company shares typically begin trading within weeks of filing their S-1. Fortune previously reported that the fintechwhich plans to trade under the ticker CRCLis working with investment banks JPMorgan Chase and Citi on the IPO. Here are some key takeaways from the S-1 filing: Circle is growingbut its income depends entirely on stablecoin reserves When Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville cofounded Circle during the early days of the blockchain industry, they intended the company to disrupt the payments space, launching different products, including a crypto exchange and Venmo-type service. Around 2018, the firm began to focus entirely on stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency that is pegged to an underlying asset, such as the U.S. dollar or a commodity like gold or oil. Circles stablecoin, USDC, exploded in popularity during the last crypto bull market, rising from a market capitalization of under $1 billion in 2020 to over $50 billion in 2022. Because USDC is backed by dollar-like assets such as U.S. Treasuries, Circle earns a hefty return on the interest generated by its reserves, keeping the revenue rather than passing it on to USDC holders. Those returns still represent the vast majority of Circles revenue. According to the S-1, over 99% of Circles $1.68 billion in revenue from 2024 came from reserve income, with just $15 million coming from other sources. That means that Circle is highly dependent on a single source of revenueand one that is dependent on government-set interest rates. In the S-1, Circle estimated that just a 1% decrease in interest rates could result in a $441 million decrease in its stablecoin reserve income. However, Circle argued that a decrease in interest rates could result in a rise of USDC in circulation as investors turn to different financial strategies. Any relationship between interest rates and USDC in circulation is complex, highly uncertain, and unproven, reads the filing. The Senate has confirmed Mehmet Oz as administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), making him the head of Medicaid at a time where its funding is at risk of being severely cut. The Senate voted 53-45 along party lines to confirm Oz. The heart-surgeon-turned-celebrity-physician faced intense questioning by Democrats in the Senate Finance Committee. Oz often dodged providing specific answers, providing generalities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former Pennsylvania GOP Senate candidate notably did not say whether he supported potential GOP cuts to Medicaid. CMS provides coverage for 68 million people on Medicare and 79 million people on Medicaid. Much of what Oz said aligned with the Make America Healthy Again agenda led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Lets be aggressive in modernizing our tools to reduce fraud, waste and abuse. This will stop unscrupulous people from stealing from vulnerable Americans and extend the life of the Medicare trust fund, Oz said in his Senate hearing. As the head of CMS, Oz is also responsible for implementing the Affordable Care Act, legislation he previously said he would have opposed had been in Congress at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his previous career as a television host, Oz garnered criticism for endorsing false or misleading medical claims. In 2018, he agreed to a $5.25 million settlement over a lawsuit in which he was accused of exaggerating the benefits of weight loss supplements. His once campaign opponent, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), voted against confirming Oz to be CMS administrator, though he had maintained an openness to voting yes. If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, Im voting for the dude, Fetterman said on social media. At least one Republican had expressed reservations about confirming Oz. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) took to social media after Ozs hearing, saying he hoped the nominee had changed his stances on issues like hormone treatments for transgender children and abortion access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On his eponymous show, Oz once hosted two transgender children in what GLAAD described as a groundbreaking interview that was handled with overwhelming respect and accuracy. As a Senate candidate in 2022, Oz said he was pro-life but did not support criminal penalties for doctors or women regarding abortion. Oz had apparently reassured Hawley of his current views, as the Missouri senator said this week that Oz told him he disavows his previous support for trans surgeries & drugs for minor children and had also walked back his previous criticisms of state pro-life laws. This story was updated at 5:19 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. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) weighed in on the latest tariff announcement from President Trump, telling reporters the new taxes will come back to haunt Trump and cause prices to increase. The presidents tariffs threaten recession, but very immediately they are attacks, theyll raise prices on everything from electricity to gas to groceries, Blumenthal said Wednesday from the Capitol. The new tariff measures directed at nearly every country, according to the Connecticut Democrat, are probably the most stupid economic step taken by a president in this generation, and I think they will come back to haunt Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, They are reckless, careless, just plain dumb and also a betrayal of our relationship to Canada. Trump rolled out the new tariff policy Wednesday afternoon, slapping a 10 percent base tax on items coming into the U.S. Major trading partners Mexico and Canada were exempt from the latest iteration but are already facing a 25 percent tariff bump the president imposed earlier this year, while items covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement are exempt. A variety of countries are being targeted at a greater clip, with tariffs going up to 54 percent. Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but its not going to happen anymore, Trump said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has argued for some time that the U.S. has been engaged in unfair trade deals for far too long and that it is time to turn the tide. With the fresh tariffs, the administration contends they would benefit the economy over the long-term and bring back jobs along with bolstering manufacturing domestically. In response, some nations have vowed swift retaliation, while others are looking to negotiate soon in hopes of hammering out a better deal that would benefit both sides. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a warning Wednesday. Countries should think twice before retaliating against the U.S. and instead let the tariffs take effect and go from there, Bessent said in an interview with Fox Newss Bret Baier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My advice to every country right now is do not retaliate; sit back, take it in, lets see how it goes because if you retaliate, there will be escalation, he added. If you dont retaliate, this is the high-water mark. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A group of Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are demanding a confirmation hearing on President Donald Trumps nominee for D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, arguing that Martin has abused his position in multiple ways since being named Interim U.S. Attorney. In an April 2 letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with nine other Democrats on the panel acknowledged that although the Senate Judiciary Committee does not usually hold hearings for nominees for U.S. attorney, Mr. Martins record merits heightened scrutiny by the Committee. Democrats are, of course, in the minority in the Senate as well, and cant force Republicans on the committee to hold a hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the letter details what Democrats describe as Martins objectionable record, specifically highlighting his involvement in the Stop the Steal movement and his retaliatory actions against those involved in the January 6 persecutions and any of Trumps perceived political enemies. Prior to his appointment as interim U.S. Attorney, Mr. Martin made stunning attacks on federal prosecutors and associated himself with individuals who present a threat to our nation, the letter reads. Mr. Martin was a leader of the so-called Stop the Steal movement to illegally overturn the 2020 election. He was on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, and has repeatedly downplayed the violence perpetrated against law enforcement that day. Mr. Martin has also abused his position in multiple ways since being named Interim U.S. Attorney, they continue. Among his first official actions were to shut down the section of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) that was handling January 6 cases and terminate numerous prosecutors who were involved in prosecuting January 6 rioters. The letter also specifically notes the recent resignation of the federal prosecutor in charge of the criminal division in the Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorneys Office, Denise Cheung, who resigned from her post after refusing to follow a directive from Martin to initiate an investigation into the Biden administrations Environmental Protection Agency funding decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the apparent lack of evidence, Mr. Martin proceeded to personally apply for a seizure warrant that was subsequently rejected by a U.S. magistrate judge, who reportedly found that the application did not establish a reasonable belief that a crime had occurred, the letter said about Cheungs resignation. Wednesdays letter follows Senate Judiciary Committee member Adam Schiffs (D- CA) announcement earlier this week that he plans to place a hold on Martins nomination. Schiff said Martin has demolished the firewalls between the White House and his own office within the Department of Justice. Although senators have the authority to place a hold on a presidential nominee, the hold may only stall the nomination, but not prevent it from moving forward entirely. Vice President JD Vance took similar actions during the Biden administration when he was a senator to hold up the confirmations of several of Bidens U.S. attorney nominees. Last month too, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee called for the Justice Department Inspector General to investigate Martin. In a letter to Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, Raskin argued Martin, was using his office to illegally attack critics and perceived enemies of the Trump Administration while endangering the public safety of the citizens of and visitors to our nations capital. Just hours after President Donald Trump announced massive new tariffs on nearly all imports to the United States, a bipartisan group of senators made the first push to stop the most nonsensical part of Trump's global trade war. With a 5148 vote, the Senate approved a resolution to block Trump's tariffs on imports from Canada, which he imposed by declaring an economic emergency in early February. The measure to cancel that emergency declaration, sponsored by Sens. Tim Kaine (DVa.) and Rand Paul (RKy.), faces an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled House and a near-certain veto if it reaches Trump's deskbut it also represents a small glimmer of hope, as it is the the first serious attempt by Congress at limiting the president's ability to smash free trade. Paul was joined by three other Republicansformer Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (RKy.), as well as Sens. Susan Collins (RMaine) and Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska)and nearly all Democrats in voting to end the economic emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon, Paul outlined the many reasons for America to avoid a trade war with Canada. Perhaps the most important is also the most straightforward. "We're not at war with Canada," Paul said. "They're an ally that buys more of our stuff than almost any other country in the world." Indeed, it is quite insane to believe that the $400 billion in goods that crossed into America last year from its northern neighbor are some sort of threat. It is simply untrue that those imports constitute an emergency of some sort that demands dramatic executive action. And it's just silly to think that higher taxes on those imports will improve life on either side of the border. Even so, the resolution divided Republicans and passed despite some strong criticism that Trump delivered on social media in advance of the vote. In a post on Tuesday night, Trump accused Kaine of trying to block "our critical Tariffs on deadly Fentanyl." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In remarks on the Senate floor, Paul mocked the idea that drug dealers would pay tariffs in the first place. He also stressed the economic damage that tariffs are likely to cause for American families, businesses, farmers, and more. He pointed to the fact that the Trump administration bailed out farmers in the wake of the 2018 tariffs and called that "an acknowledgement" that tariffs create costs for Americans. He pointed to estimates showing that tariffs will increase the cost of homes, cars, and many consumer goods. "Are we going to have to bail out the car companies too? Are we going to have to bail out everybody who's going to be hurt by these tariffs? It's not a good idea," he said. "Despite arguments to the contrary, Americans know tariffs are a tax they are going to have to pay." Getting the resolution through the House will be a challenge, thanks to some changes that House Republicans pushed through last month. A bill to undo a presidentially declared national emergency is supposed to be able to be brought directly to the House floor, but new rules adopted last month will force the Senate-passed resolution to take the scenic route through the House's committee processa journey it is highly unlikely to complete anytime soon. McConnell's decision to vote for the resolution was key to its passage. As Politico noted when it broke the news that McConnell would vote for the resolution, his defection from Trump's tariff orthodoxy is not necessarily a surprise. He authored a recent op-ed in the Louisville Courier-Journal warning that Kentucky "can't afford the high cost of Trump's tariffs." Even so, the former majority leader's willingness to openly defy the president is a significant moveand one that may offer some political cover to other Republicans to do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unlikely that will be enough to undo Trump's chaotic and self-destructive trade war. Still, it's something. The post The Senate Just Passed Rand Paul's Bill To Block Trump's Tariffs on Canada appeared first on Reason.com. The Texas Senate unanimously passed a bill Thursday that would prohibit public universities and colleges from accepting gifts or donations from foreign adversary governments the state's latest effort to protect itself from potential outside interference. Foreign adversaries are governments that pose a risk to U.S. national security as defined by the commerce secretary, and currently include China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea and Venezuela. In November, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order barring all state agencies and public institutions of higher education from accepting gifts from foreign adversary countries or working with companies owned or controlled by "hostile foreign nations" to protect the state against potential interference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 1741, authored by Sen. Tan Parker, R-Bridgeport, and co-authored by Sen. Brent Hagenbuch, R-Denton, would codify the directive prohibiting higher education institutions from accepting gifts from such governments, and it would also require any faculty member, staff member or student with access to "sensitive, proprietary, or export-controlled research or information" to undergo training on foreign influence and intellectual property theft. SB 1741 would also require universities to report foreign contracts and gifts annually to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Universities currently report foreign gift and contracts to the U.S. Department of Education as per federal law. The board would also create a reporting system. Parker said public institutions are "increasingly vulnerable" to foreign interference as they become more global, thus necessitating this bill. "By adopting this committee substitute SB 1741, we can help protect the intellectual property of our universities, maintain Texas' competitive edge in research and innovation, and safeguard our national security," Parker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar bill in the House, House Bill 173 by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Grapevine, is pending in the Higher Education Committee. HB 127 by Rep. Terry Wilson, R-Georgetown, who chairs the House Higher Education Committee, would also bar public universities and colleges from accepting gifts from foreign adversaries and charge the coordinating board with reviewing and publicly posting contracts with foreign adversaries. It is pending in committee. Outside of higher education, the Senate passed SB 17 on March 19, which would restrict individuals, businesses and government entities from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from owning property in Texas, excluding U.S. citizens and green card holders. Proponents say it will safeguard Texas from external interference, but opponents argue that it would constitute discrimination and harm the Texas economy. Other foreign interference-related bills up for consideration include Mineola Republican Sen. Bryan Hughes' SB 1273, which would establish the Higher Education Research Security Council to ensure research is secure, and Bastrop Republican Rep. Stan Gerdes' HB 119, which would prohibit compensation for lobbying activities on behalf of foreign adversary governments. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Senate pass bill to ban foreign adversary gifts to universities April 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate on Wednesday night rebuked President Donald Trump's worldwide tariffs announced earlier in the day with four Republicans joining all Democrats. The Senate adopted a resolution 51-48 aimed at blocking the Trump administration's proposed tariffs on Canadian imports. Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, of Kansas, didn't vote. The four Republicans who voted with Democrats were: Rand Paul, of Kentucky, who cosponsored the resolution, along with Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Maine economy is integrated with Canada, our most important trading partner," Collins said on the Senate floor. "From home heating oil, gasoline, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products, to Maine's paper mills, forest products businesses, agricultural producers, and lobstermen, the tariffs on Canada would be detrimental to many Maine families and our local economies." Republicans hold a 53-47 edge in the Senate. The GOP majority House is not expected to take up any efforts to rebuke Trump. Rep. Greg Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Wednesday that he plans to introduce a privileged resolution to force a House vote over tariffs. It's a procedural to bypass leadership and force floor votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaine authored the resolution. "There's never been a one-sided trade war and they always retaliate when it's agriculture. It hits ag states very, very hard, which includes whiskey," Kaine said. "Craft distillers in Virginia, my craft brewers are very, very worried about this." Kentucky, which has $9 billion bourbon industry, or 95% of the world share, is facing boycotts and retaliatory tariffs from Canada. "Tariffs on Canada will threaten us with a recession. I mean, it's a terrible, terrible idea," Paul told reporters Wednesday. His Kentucky counterpart, McConnell, warned that "tariffs make it more expensive to do business in America, driving up costs for producers and consumers across the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted there are nearly 70,000 Kentucky family farms that sell crops around the world. Trump urged Republicans to vote against the measure in a post on Truth Social, naming the four Senate Republicans who later voted un favor of the resolution. "Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul, also of Kentucky, will hopefully get on the Republican bandwagon, for a change," Trump wrote. WASHINGTON (AP) Senate passes resolution to counter Trump's tariffs on Canada as some Republicans rebuke the president's plans. GOP Sens. Chip Campsen, Majority Leader Shane Massey and Stephen Goldfinch chat in the Senate chamber. The Senate passed legislation Thursday, April 3, 2025, clearing the path for a new power plant and addressing the future of energy in the rapidly growing state. (File/Mary Ann Chastain/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA The Senate passed a long-anticipated bill clearing the path for a new power plant in South Carolina and fulfilling its pledge to address future energy needs in the rapidly growing Palmetto State. The legislation, approved 41-3, saw major changes to the sweeping energy bill halted last session over criticism that proponents had fast-tracked it through the General Assembly. Backers say it strikes a balance, empowering utilities charged with meeting the states energy needs but in a way thats more palatable to consumer and environmental advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three Republicans voting no included Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey. We still have concerns but its nothing like what it would have been, said Frank Knapp, president of the states Small Business Chamber of Commerce, who advocates on behalf of small business owners in the state. The bill, sponsored by GOP House Speaker Murrell Smith of Sumter gives permission for Dominion Energy and state-owned utility company Santee Cooper to partner on a possible 2,000-megawatt natural gas plant on the site of a former coal-fired power plant along the Edisto River in Colleton County. In its original form, the legislation saw significant pushback on its sweeping regulatory changes and rollback of consumer protections passed in the wake of South Carolinas failed nuclear expansion. A nuclear failure Santee Cooper and Dominions predecessor, South Carolina Electric & Gas, abandoned an expansion of the V.C. Summer nuclear plant in Fairfield County in 2017, but not before theyd already jointly spent $9 billion. The debacle left power customers on the hook for much of that cost on a power plant that never produced a single kilowatt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angered by the failure, which was fraught with fraud and cost overruns, legislators cracked down. They fired and replaced the states utility regulators, loosened the leash on the states utility watchdog and put an extra set of eyes looking out for power customers in the states consumer protection agency. As originally proposed, the House bill would have undone some of that work, consumer groups warned. In response to those concerns, new committee-level leadership in the House made its own changes: keeping the consumer advocate in place and doing away with a proposal that would have reduced the size of the panel regulating power companies in the state. The Senate, in a debate that stretched nearly until midnight Wednesday, tweaked the House legislation further after leadership cautioned against changes that could swing the law too far in power companies favor following the nuclear fiasco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who are Santee Cooper or Dominion customers, you are paying for V.C. Summer. Youre going to be paying for V.C. Summer for the next 14 years even though youre not getting anything from it. And now the proposal is that we pay to build a new gas plant at Canadys, said Massey, R-Edgefield. That is my biggest heartburn on this. Theyre essentially going to be asking, if not forcing, customers to pay for two power plants when they only needed one, he added. The companies will still need the OK of state regulators to begin construction, as well as state and federal permits to connect to an interstate natural gas line needed to fuel the plant. The other two Republicans voting no were Sens. Shane Martin of Spartanburg County and Tom Corbin of Greenville County. Massey, who co-led a Senate investigation into the V.C. Summer debacle, voted against it over his continued disgust on the failed nuclear project and its fallout, but not before pushing for major changes. Data center demand Among those Senate changes are limitations on power-related incentives the state allows for data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massey said the amendment mirrors efforts by utility regulators in Georgia to say the cost of providing electricity to these centers, full of power-gobbling computer servers that run technologies ranging from artificial intelligence and 5G streaming of videos on mobile devices to high-speed financial trades, is borne by those companies. Utility executives have testified that the largest of these centers can use upwards of 200 megawatts each and are a driving force, over and above residential and manufacturing growth, behind the states need for more power. Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, told the Senate that power usage by data centers in South Carolina is equivalent to 65% of demand from residential customers. At the same time, Dominion brokered a discount electricity deal for a $510 million Google data center proposed near Summerville. The deal, approved by utility regulators last year, allowed the Virginia-headquartered utility to grant Google a special economic development rider rate 6 cents for every kilowatt hour, compared to 14 cents that residential customers were paying at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utilities have said, even if data centers dont come, South Carolina will need more power to meet federal regulations requiring them to eventually shut down coal-fired plants in favor of more carbon-friendly options. But if more of these center for come to the state after May 30, 2025, Massey said he wants them to pay an equivalent share of the costs for power plants built to serve them. Permitting power Still, the bill contains some wins for utility companies, too. It starts by setting time limits on the environmental permitting process, as well as lawsuits that power executives testified are often used to drag out the building of new power plants and natural gas pipelines for decades, to the point that theconstruction projects are no longer financially feasible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House took steps to limit the permitting timeline to six months. To appease environmental concerns, the Senate passed an amendment to say the clock doesnt start until regulators deem an environmental application is completely filled out. The change came after the Conservation Voters of South Carolina said its not uncommon for companies to submit these applications while theyre still missing all of the information needed to evaluate them. The Senate also added a provision urging South Carolinas court system to handle legal appeals of permitting decisions within a years time. And the bill pulls the state Appeals Court from the series of courts that hear these cases. I do think that the appellate process has been abused and and thats why I think we ought to shorten that process, Massey said. Paying for power Finally, the Senate added a section to the bill that would make it easier for utilities to raise power bills on an annual basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their pitch, utility executives testified about comments from customers made during the companys recent rate hike. Dominions South Carolina President Keller Kissam said customers asked why the utility didnt raise rates on a smaller but more frequent basis, making it easier for those on a fixed income to adjust. Dominion Energy South Carolina President Keller Kissam,left, leans in to speak with Mike Callahan, president of Duke Energys utility operations in S.C., in a crowded legislative hearing room Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) Kissam said the state uses a similar process for natural gas rates. Utilities would go before regulators annually for up to five years to seek permission to raise prices. Rate payers can still protest and regulators still have the final say so over whether expenses meet the necessary requirements for an increase. But the process is less in depth because it doesnt call into question a utility companys allowed profit margin. The process includes a cap. So, unlike the legislation that paved the way for the V.C. Summer debacle, it cant be used to pay for a major project, such as the proposed Canadys gas plant, while its still under construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumer advocates, environmental groups and businesses organizations, large and small, opposed the measure. They argued, while gradual annual increases might ease the burden for customers, power companies also would be less incentivized to hold down costs. The state would review the process after five years to determine if its working the way utilities claim. A 38-3 vote Thursday sent the roughly 70-page bill back to the House, which can choose to accept the Senate changes or vote to negotiate the matter further in conference committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Senators have introduced bipartisan legislation to grant Congress more power over instituting tariffs on other countries following President Trumps announcement of wide-ranging taxes on nearly all U.S. foreign trading partners. The bill, co-sponsored by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) both members of the Senate Finance Committee would reaffirm the role of Congress in setting and approving trade policy, according to a release from Cantwells office. If passed, the Trade Review Act of 2025 would require the president to notify lawmakers of an imposition or increase in tariffs within 48 hours, explaining the reasoning and providing analysis of the impact on American businesses and consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress would need to pass a joint resolution of approval for the new tariffs within 60 days or the additional taxes would expire, and it would also be able to end the tariffs at any time with a resolution of disapproval. Trade wars can be as devastating, which is why the Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade, Cantwell wrote in the release. This bill reasserts Congresss role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public. Arbitrarily tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses, the Washington state Democrat added. The legislations introduction came after Trump announced a 10 percent baseline tariff on global imports and a higher rate for the worst offenders on trade barriers. The 10 percent tariffs are set to go into effect Friday, while the higher reciprocal taxes on roughly 60 countries will go into effect April 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those being targeted with the reciprocal tariffs include China, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and the European Union. Grassley said in the release that Congress has for too long delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive. Building on my previous efforts as Finance Committee Chairman, Im joining Senator Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reassert Congress constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy, he said. Grassley, the president pro tempore of the Senate, has an extensive history focusing on financial issues, having served on multiple occasions as chair of the Finance Committee. He has been an advocate for free trade throughout his time in the Senate, joining other Republicans in 2018 in calling on Trump to preserve the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which Trump has lambasted as a poor deal. The Iowa Republican also touted his signing of the deal that replaced NAFTA, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, in 2020 in his capacity as president pro tempore. He noted in a release from his office that the bill is similar to the reforms that he proposed in 2019 to increase consulting and reporting requirements on the president to Congress. That legislation would have limited any tariffs that the president enacts to a set period of time unless Congress extends it. It would also require the president provide reports on national security objectives and the economic impact of their actions. Congress should take back some of this delegation of its Constitutional authority and rebalance trade powers between the two branches in a responsible way that doesnt impede a presidents ability to protect Americas national security, he said at the time. The release states the latest bill is modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires the president to notify Congress when sending troops to foreign countries without congressional approval and gives lawmakers oversight to limit actions without that approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group of four Republicans joined with all Democrats on Wednesday to pass a resolution declaring opposition to the presidents 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports. The resolution doesnt have the force of law but is still a symbolic gesture of disapproval of Trumps action. Updated at 2:35 p.m. EDT. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As markets around the world slumped and other countries plotted retaliation in reaction to President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley and Democrat Maria Cantwell introduced bipartisan legislation Thursday that would require Congress to approve new tariffs. And House Democrats are preparing to try to force a vote to terminate the tariffs. Reaction to the tariffs and their fallout was predictably split along party lines on Capitol Hill, although some Republicans said they were concerned with how the markets reacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump tariffs live updates The Senate bill would require the president to notify Congress of new tariffs within 48 hours and for Congress to act to approve those tariffs within 60 days. PHOTO: Sen. Chuck Schumer on the Senate floor at the Capitol, April 3, 2025. (U.S. Senate) Its unclear whether the bill would have the support it needs to pass. But it comes less than a day after four Republicans voted with Democrats to pass a resolution that would block Trump's tariffs on Canadian products. Cantwell said hers and Grassleys bill comes at a time when Congress should reassert itself in our constitutional duties. She said it was modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and would reestablish limits on the presidents authority, specifically in relation to imposing tariffs without Congress approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: US stocks sink in 1st trading after Trump's tariffs announcement Congress in the War Powers Act decided to reclaim its authority because they thought a president had overreached, Cantwell said. Cantwell and Grassley serve on the Senate Finance Committee. Grassley, a former chairman, has long advocated for reestablishing Congress role in trade policy. In the House, the National Emergencies Act that Trump used to impose new tariffs allows Congress to vote on a resolution of disapproval that would effectively cancel them. Congress will have to vote within 15 days after Trump notifies Congress of the new declaration, Democratic aides told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Republicans could pass a new measure to prevent Congress from stopping Trump's policies, Democrats believe Republicans would pay a greater political price. "Any rule change will be a vote supporting the President's tariffs," a senior Democratic aide told ABC News. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the tariffs one of the "dumbest" decisions Trump has made as president, "and that's saying something." "Donald Trump has singlehandedly created a financial forest fire," Schumer said on the Senate floor. MORE: 'They're ripping us off': Trump's long-standing grievance driving his risky tariffs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schumer called on Speaker Mike Johnson to call the House back into session to take up a Senate-passed resolution that would block tariffs on Canadian goods. Republicans Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul voted with Democrats on Wednesday to pass the bill that Paul co-authored with Democrat Tim Kaine. McConnell on Thursday said "trade wars with our partners hurt working people most." PHOTO: Sen. Maria Cantwell speaks at the Capitol, April 3, 2025. (U.S. Senate) Asked if Trump had made the right move, Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota said, "We'll find out." "The one thing we do know is is that the president was very clear that he thinks there should be fair trade agreements with our partners, our friends and our allies," Rounds said. "This is is his first step. Let's find out how they respond." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Dakota GOP Sen. Kevin Cramer said he was comfortable with where his constituents stood on Trump's tariffs. "My own constituents voted for this," he said. "It's not like Donald Trump is surprising anybody -- he has signaled his strong support for tariffs from the beginning, he's exercised it in the past, and with that he got 66 percent of the vote in North Dakota, so with this promise they trusted him. So, yeah, I'm comfortable with where my constituents are on it." And while he said was concerned with how markets reacted, Kramer said longer trends will be more telling. "Well, you know the market is emotional -- it always has been," Kramer said. "I never look at one day of the market and see a trend, so, you know, we'll see, but I'm hopeful that, like I said, that it finds a bottom and then it then starts finding a ceiling much later." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Rhode Island called the tariffs "insane" and said the rollout was "another thing that is incoherent, poorly planned, and will have significant consequences." Kaine said that some Republicans who voted against his resolution on Wednesday told him that he wasn't wrong, but they were going to give Trump the benefit of the doubt. Asked if he thought they might raise their voices as things play out, he said, "I do, because I think they're going to hear from their constituents louder and louder and louder. "They're going to see that it's not going to work, and when it doesn't work I can't imagine that they are going to stand by as, you know, the president pushes our economy into a recession." -ABC News' Mariam Khan and Rachel Scott contributed to this report. Senators introduce bipartisan bill to limit Trump on tariffs originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Over the long term, today's declines of Nvidia (NVDA) and Taiwan Semi (TSM) will prove to be overdone, Wedbush analyst Matt Bryson told CNBC today. However, the analyst did warn that, in the shorter term, the Trump administration's tariffs will result in "demand destruction", which will negatively affect all chip makers. Tariffs Will Not Impact NVDA, TSM Much in the Long-Term, Bryson Says Nvidia will remain the leader in AI chips and continue to face "limited competition," while TSM will still be the only company that can produce advanced chips, Bryson said. Consequently, over the longer term, the tariffs will not significantly change the companies' trajectory, he believes. Asked whether he sees the declines of their stocks today as overdone, Bryson said, "I think from a longer-term perspective, that's definitely the way to look at it." "Demand Destruction" in the Short Term In the short term, chip makers will be hurt by "demand destruction," according to Bryson. That's because, as the prices of products with chips in them go up, fewer of them will be bought, the analyst explained. On the other hand, semiconductor makers "with more exposure to large data centers" will probably be less impacted than those who obtain lower proportions of their revenue from such data centers, he theorized. While we acknowledge the potential of NVDA, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump made good on his promise to impose tariffs on nearly every nation, principality, and uninhabited island on the planetan event he dubbed "Liberation Day." The measure would place 10-percent tariffs across the board, with additional duties imposed on dozens of countries next week. Markets have plummeted in response. There is now a small but growing bipartisan movement in the U.S. Senate to narrow or undo Trump's tariffs. While encouraging, the efforts so far are much too modest, especially since the power to impose taxes and tariffs belongs to Congress in the first place. Hours after the announcement on Wednesday, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution from Sen. Rand Paul (RKy.) that would undo tariffs Trump had previously imposed on Canada. Trump justified that move at the time through an emergency declaration about "the extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl." Under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the president can unilaterally impose tariffs in order to address "any unusual and extraordinary threatto the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States, if the President declares a national emergency with respect to such threat." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul's Senate resolution would remove Canada from the declaration, as less than 1 percent of all fentanyl seized in the U.S. comes across the northern border. The resolution "faces an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled House and a near-certain veto if it reaches Trump's desk," Reason's Eric Boehm wrote, "but it also represents a small glimmer of hope, as it is the first serious attempt by Congress at limiting the president's ability to smash free trade." Sen. Tim Kaine (DVa.), who co-sponsored the measure, also told Semafor's Eleanor Mueller on Thursday that he would be drafting a motion of disapproval targeting Trump's 10-percent "across-the-board" tariffs. That same day, Sens. Chuck Grassley (RIowa) and Maria Cantwell (DWash.) introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025. The bill would amend the Trade Act of 1974 to require the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of "imposing or increasing a duty with respect to an article imported into the United States." That notification must include both "an explanation of the reasoning" and "an assessment of the potential impact of imposing or increasing the duty on United States businesses and consumers." After that point, the tariff "shall remain in effect for a period of not more than 60 days, unless there is enacted into law a joint resolution of approval." At first glance, this seems like a welcome constraint on the president. But it's ultimately a feckless gesture that concedes the president's power to unilaterally impose tariffs in direct defiance of the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one, the bill explicitly states that it applies only to the Trade Powers Act, which Trump used in his first term to impose tariffs on China and requires a review process and congressional approval. But it doesn't touch the IEEPA, which Trump has already used to assign tariffs with nothing more than a stroke of his Sharpie. Further, Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress "Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises." But over the previous century or so, Congress has repeatedly abdicated its powers to the executive branchincluding the power to impose tariffs. "Congress delegated large amounts of its international economic authority to the executive branch in 1934 and through subsequent laws, under the prevailing assumption that the president was far less likely than Congress to be influenced by parochial interests and rent-seeking lobbyists," Clark Packard and Scott Lincicome of the Cato Institute wrote in October 2024. "The only sure way to limit the risk of future unilateral tariffs therefore rests with Congress acting to reclaim some of its constitutional trade powers." The GrassleyCantwell bill would seem like it was doing just that. But a bill setting a time limit on the president's power to impose tariffs of his own is effectively conceding that the president has that power in the first place, when the Constitution explicitly said the opposite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar scenario played out more than five decades ago. In 1973, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution as an explicit check on the president's powers regarding "the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and to the continued use of such forces in hostilities or in such situations." Much like the GrassleyCantwell bill, the War Powers Resolution required that "in the absence of a declaration of war, in any case in which United States Armed Forces are introduced," the president "within 48 hours" must notify both houses of Congresses in writing, detailing why troops were deployed and "the estimated scope and duration of the hostilities or involvement." Then, absent a congressional declaration of war, the president would have 60 days before he had to begin withdrawing troops. Congress passed the resolution at the tail end of the Vietnam War, amid revelations that President Richard Nixon had bombed Cambodia without congressional approval or even notification. Nixon actually vetoed the resolution, but it became law anyway by two-thirds votes in the House and Senate. But the Constitution explicitly places the power to declare war with Congress, not the president. The War Powers Resolution implicitly affirmed the president had some authority to deploy troops even without a declaration of war, directly contradicting the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the post-Cold War world, Presidents have continued to commit U.S. Armed Forces into potential hostilities, sometimes without a specific authorization from Congress," according to a 2004 report by the Congressional Research Service. Even then, presidents can easily circumvent the 60-day limit: "From 1975 through 2003, Presidents have submitted 111 reports as the result of the War Powers Resolution, but only onecited section 4(a)(1) which triggers the time limit, and in this case the military action was completed and U.S. armed forces had disengaged from the area of conflict when the report was made." By the same token, the Trade Review Act implicitly allows the president to impose tariffs on a whim and keep them in place for 60-day increments. Senators like Paul, Kaine, Grassley, and Cantwell should be lauded for their efforts to claw back their constitutionally appropriated power of the purse. But more than that, they should be encouraged to go even further. The framers imbued taxation powers with Congress, a body currently comprised of 535 members; instilling that power in a single person clearly undercuts their intent. The post Senators Make Modest Moves To Reclaim Tariff Powers From Trump appeared first on Reason.com. DAKAR (Reuters) - Senegal's parliament has approved revisions to an amnesty law covering 2021-24 protests, paving the way for possible prosecutions over the deaths of dozens of protesters. The law was passed in March 2024 under former President Macky Sall, and offered amnesty for offences committed by both security forces and protesters during demonstrations that saw clashes involving armed riot police. The protests were triggered by concerns that Sall was trying to muzzle his opponents and cling to power past the end of his mandate, which he denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amnesty International has said at least 65 people were killed, mostly by bullets. The standoff, exacerbated by the arrest of Sall's political rival Ousmane Sonko in 2023, became one of the most violent episodes in Senegal since it gained independence from France in 1960. Current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Sonko were released from prison after the law took effect, and Sonko is now prime minister. The former government and the security forces deny wrongdoing, although witnesses at the time told Reuters that security forces fired on crowds. Rights groups and lawyers had called for the amnesty law to be repealed because it left families of the dead with no recourse for justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure that passed on Wednesday by a vote of 126-20 does not repeal the law but instead removes amnesty for specific crimes including murder, torture and forced disappearance. "Those guilty of serious crimes will be held accountable for their actions," said Oumar Sy, a member of Senegal's ruling Pastef party, during a debate over the law on Wednesday. But opposition lawmakers said the revised law shields protesters who they say were responsible for stoking violence and causing extensive damage. "The proposed amendment before us is unfair and unacceptable," opposition MP Alassane Sall said. (Reporting by Diadie Ba; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet, Aidan Lewis) DAKAR, Senegal (AP) Senegal's parliament approved revisions to a law passed under the former president that granted amnesty for offences committed during deadly opposition protests in the West African country. The law was passed in March 2024, shortly before the presidential election, and granted amnesty for offences by both security forces and protesters during violent demonstrations between 2021 and 2024. Rights group Amnesty International said at least 65 people were killed during the clashes. Rights groups and lawyers criticized the law because it prevented any prosecution of the sponsors and perpetrators of the violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protests were triggered by concerns that the president at the time, Macky Sall, was attempting to muzzle his opponents and seek a third term in office despite being prevented by the constitution. Sall denied seeking a third term. The protests were exacerbated by the arrests in 2023 of the top opposition figures Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko on charges that were largely seen as politically motivated. Faye and Sonko were released in March 2024 after the amnesty law took effect less than two weeks before the presidential election. Faye was catapulted into the presidency when Sonko who was barred from running due to a previous conviction backed the political novice and Faye easily beat the candidate backed by Sall. On Wednesday, Senegalese lawmakers adopted a revision of the law removing amnesty for specific crimes including murder, torture and forced disappearance. The measure passed by a vote of 126-20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aissata Tall Sall, the leader of the opposition coalition Takku Wallu Senegal, criticized the measure as a "law of settling scores that risks further dividing the Senegalese, instead of reconciling them. The new law does not seek revenge but justice, Ismaila Diallo, a lawmaker for the ruling PASTEF party, said. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -A U.S. judge said several companies including Walmart, Beech-Nut and Gerber must face a nationwide lawsuit claiming that toxic heavy metals contaminated their baby food, causing brain and neurodevelopmental damage to children who ate it. In a decision on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley said parents can try to prove that defective manufacturing, negligence and failure to warn about more than 600 baby food products caused their children to suffer autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents said some defendants failed to adhere to internal limits about how much arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in baby food was safe, while others never addressed the issue. Corley said this made it plausible to claim that some baby food was unsafe, if safety criteria were not followed. The San Francisco-based judge also said no "ironclad rule" required the parents to allege that toxicity crossed a particular threshold. Beech-Nut is owned by Nestle, Gerber is owned by Switzerland's Hero Group, and Walmart sold its baby food under its own name. Other brands in the case include Hain Celestial's Earth's Best Organics, Danone's Happy Baby and Happy Tot, Sun-Maid Growers of California's Plum Organics and Neptune Wellness Solutions' Sprout Organic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the defendant companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. The companies have said their baby food is safe. They also argued that heavy metals are naturally present in the environment, and parents "cannot simply allege that detectable levels of heavy metals make baby food defective." R. Brent Wisner, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said he was pleased with the decision. "Selling baby food with lead and arsenic is simply not OK, and with the court's ruling, we are one step closer to holding these companies accountable for their decades of malfeasance," Wisner said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents sued after a 2021 report by a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on economic and consumer policy said "dangerous" levels of heavy metals in some baby food could cause neurological damage. Corley dismissed Campbell's, which sold Plum Organics to Sun-Maid in 2021, as a defendant. Amazon.com and its Whole Foods unit have also been sued for selling Hain and Danone baby food. The case is In re: Baby Food Products Liability Litigation, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 24-md-03101. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot) By Erin Banco, Gram Slattery, Karen Freifeld and Andrea Shalal (Reuters) - At least six White House National Security Council officials have been fired or reassigned, according to several people familiar with the matter, in what appears to be the first significant purge of Donald Trump's second presidency. The shakeup at the NSC, which advises the president on the most important security challenges facing the country, comes at a volatile geopolitical moment, one day after the Trump administration slapped major tarrifs on almost every country in the world and as the administration struggles to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not clear exactly why the officials were let go. But three of the sources said several were told there were issues with their background vetting. One of the sources said there were also concerns about leaks to the media, while two other sources suggested the ouster was aimed broadly at officials who held views that were seen as too interventionist for the liking of Trump's allies. On Wednesday, Trump met right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who privately called on the president to fire some NSC staffers. The New York Times was the first to report their meeting, while Axios first reported on the NSC purge on Thursday. Any connection between Loomer's suggestions and the firings was not immediately clear, and two sources said some dismissals came before Loomer met with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But multiple sources said Loomer, who has a history of peddling Islamophobic conspiracy theories, did provide Trump with a list of national security staff perceived by her to be disloyal to Trump. Loomer appeared to largely confirm that on social media on Thursday. "It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings," Loomer wrote on X. Among the NSC officials who were fired were David Feith, a senior director overseeing technology and national security, Brian Walsh, a senior director overseeing intelligence matters, and Thomas Boodry, who oversees legislative affairs, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Maggie Dougherty, who oversaw international organizations at the NSC, was also let go, two sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dismissal of Dougherty, comes as the United States is dramatically rethinking how it engages with NATO amid a broader shift in America's defense posture away from Europe. Trump briefly addressed the firings on Thursday afternoon, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that some national security officials had been let go, without elaborating. He said Loomer had recommended some people to him for administration positions, but said she did not have anything to do with the ousted NSC officials. The National Security Council, which declined to comment, has been dogged by negative headlines since March, when National Security Advisor Mike Waltz inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal chat, in which top Trump officials discussed an imminent bombing campaign in Yemen. Trump had repeatedly expressed to associates in private that he was angry with Waltz, and the advisor appeared close to losing his job, according to two sources familiar with the dynamic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But one of the sources said in recent days that Waltz himself appeared to be safe for now. The precise foreign policy impacts of the national security purge, if any, were unclear, and the portfolios of the fired staffers appeared to have relatively little overlap. (Reporting by Erin Banco in New York and Karen Freifeld, Gram Slattery and Andrea Shalal in Washington; Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Jonathan Landay and Michael Martina in Washington and Trevor Hunnicutt aboard Air Force One; Editing by Michelle Nichols, Nick Zieminski and Daniel Wallis) HOWELL COUNTY, Mo. Southeastern parts of Missouri are seeing thunderstorms throughout the day and evening, creating lots of rain and wind. This comes just a couple of weeks after a strong tornado swept through the Howell County area. The Howell County Office of Emergency Management Director, Mike Coldiron, says this wave of storms wasnt nearly as bad, but over a thousand area residents went without power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We havent had any reports of damage, other than I think we had a tree across the road today. Power outages, probably some lines down, says Coldiron. EF-1 tornado causes extensive damage in Vernon County The Storm Prediction Center issued a high-risk warning for severe weather in todays storms that rolled through the Midwest. This comes after a tornado outbreak in March, which killed over 40 people across the United States. A few weeks ago, that was an EF-3 tornado that came through. It took out 30 homes, totally destroyed and it majorly damaged 25 homes, says Coldiron. Every time the Office of Emergency Management hears of a storm coming toward the area, they send out crews to prepare for anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any time were issued a tornado watch, when we get a severe thunderstorm warning in the neighboring county, we always send out our spotters, says Coldiron. Photos: Storm damage in the Ozarks This isnt the last day Howell County will be seeing lots of rainfall this week. Ozarks First meteorologists predict that 5 inches of rain will have fallen by the end of Sunday. Coldiron says they are monitoring the rain totals. Well be monitoring with our road and bridge crews to keep our low water crossings blocked off in case they start coming up, says Coldiron. Well stay in touch with MoDOT to see how the roads are, if theyre impassable or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weather radios, the smart 911 app, and social media are the best ways to stay up to date on severe weather in Howell County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. (NewsNation) Brutal storms are barraging the Midwest and South, killing at least six people, generating tornadoes and downing power across a swath of states. Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Mississippi saw dozens of tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings on Wednesday, with 2.5 million people in multiple states falling under a relatively rare high-risk category. More than 20 tornadoes have been reported across seven states, as of Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service forecasts the storms will linger across the central and southern U.S. for days, causing life-threatening, catastrophic, and potentially historic flash flooding. How the Southeast is doing six months since Hurricane Helene Tornado, storm damage across US In southeast Missouri, potential tornadoes tore through towns, ripping roofs off buildings and toppling trees. At least one person in the Ozarks area was killed during the storm, according to local reporting. EF-1 tornado damage has been identified in the area, according to NWS damage survey results. Eight train cars were also knocked off their tracks, NewsNation local affiliate KSNF reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas saw multiple tornadoes on Wednesday as a rare Tornado Emergency alert was briefly issued in the state, National Weather Service meteorologist Chelly Amin told the AP. Its definitely going to be a really horrible situation here come sunrise in the morning in those areas, Amin said. The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management on Wednesday reported at least four people were hurt, and damage has been reported across 22 counties from the storms. DOGE cuts could hinder weather forecasting NewsNations Alex Caprariello visited Brownsburg, Indiana, where a tornado barreled through the Sur La Table warehouse, as reported by NewsNation local affiliate WTTV. Nobody was killed, but emergency crews worked for hours to free a trapped employee, AP reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other damage included five overturned semi trucks on the interstate near Lowell, Ind., per state police. Four people were injured in Kentucky when a church was hit by debris from a suspected tornado, according to Ballard County Emergency Management, The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed two weather-related fatalities on Thursday. The Fayette County Emergency Management Agency confirmed another fatality a father whose mobile home was flipped with the family inside to NewsNation local affiliate WREG. Parts of the state were under a Level 3 state of emergency Wednesday. With more than a foot of rain possible over the next four days, the prolonged deluge is an event that happens once in a generation to once in a lifetime, the weather service said. Photos: Severe storms sweep across Midwest, South Lightning strikes as storms move through the area Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Ashland City, Tenn. A tree fell and knocked down power lines and blocked a street in a residential neighborhood during storms on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. Damage in Danville, Ind., after severe storms wracked the Midwest on April 2, 2025. A building collapses in Brownsburg, Ind., following severe storms on April 2, 2025. In an aerial view, a section of roofing has been removed by tornado activity at J & J Transportation on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Jeffersontown, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry) In an aerial view, a smashed truck sits under a section of collapsed warehouse wall after violent storms and tornadoes tore through the area on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Jeffersontown, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry) Warehouse workers gather at the site of a storm damaged warehouse in Brownsburg, Ind., Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) The Associated Press contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. BARBOURVILLE The Knox County Grand Jury released its return of indictments for March including charges ranging from sexual abuse involving minors to wanton endangerment and impersonation of law enforcement. Topping the list is Joshua William Cawood, 36, of Corbin, who was indicted on eight counts of first-degree sexual abuse. The charges allege he used forcible compulsion in a continuing course of conduct involving four separate minors between January 2020 and June 2024. Timothy Shane Gambrel, 35, of Cannon, was indicted on one count of first-degree sodomy and two counts of first-degree sexual abuse. The charges involve two minors under the age of 12 between December 2018 and September 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other news: Tyler Jordan John Wayne Messer, 29, of Walker, and Adalis Honeycutt, 26, of Flat Lick, were both indicted on two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment. The pair is accused of displaying manifest indifference to the value of human life by pointing and firing a gun at a vehicle occupied by three individuals last Valentines Day. Both were also charged with first-degree criminal mischief for damaging the vehicle, a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Messer is individually charged with four more counts of first-degree wanton endangerment for a similar incident the next day. Additionally, Honeycutt was indicted individually on a charge of fourth-degree assault for allegedly striking one of the vehicles passengers in the face on Feb. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles D. McDaniel, 40, of Artemus, faces several charges in connection to an Aug. 24 incident. He was indicted on one count of impersonating a peace officer, one count of third-degree assault for allegedly kicking an officer, one count of second-degree disorderly conduct for fighting and yelling with police officers in a public place, and one count of resisting arrest. McDaniel was also charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, second offense. An indictment is an accusation only and does not imply guilt or innocence. Persons are considered innocent until proven guilty under state and/or federal law. SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) The Sioux Falls School Board is looking to answer the question of whether cell phones belong in the classroom. During a Sioux Falls School Board Work Session on Wednesday, the board discussed the results of the cell phone survey that the district circulated over the month of January and what restrictions should be maintained or implemented to minimize academic distractions. Bison calving season underway in Custer State Park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No action was taken on any item at the work session. A committee of 36 people, put together by the district created a series of surveys that were emailed to middle and high schoolers, parents, teachers, and principals. The questions range from if phones should be allowed on busses, in the lunchroom, passing to another class, and in classrooms. Below you can find the results from the survey. 20250402KELO161336Download The district received a total of 12,100 responses to the survey, with 1,210 teachers across all school age groups, 5,958 students across middle and high school, 4,863 parents that have have children in every age group, and 70 principals across all school age groups Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some key results from the survey were: Should cell phones be used by middle school students during the school day? 78% Parents said no 94% of teachers said no 94% of students said yes 94% of principals said no Should cell phones be used by high school students during academic class time ? 49% of parents said no 68% of teachers said no 11% of students said no 56% of principals said no The current policy is In middle schools, phones are currently not allowed in the classroom or hallways the entire school day. The high schoolers have a more flexible policy where phones are not allowed during class periods but can be used between classes and over lunch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The School Board previously stated that the purpose of the study isnt necessarily to change the current policy, but to work out some of the existing challenges with phone use in the classroom. The recommendations from the Cell Phone Use Committee, would leave the elementary and middle school policy unchanged and would change the high schools current policy to allow the use of cell phones during lunch, in the hallways during passing time, but barring them from use classrooms for the academic periods. Assistant Superintendent for the Sioux Falls School District, Dr. Jamie Nold, said the work from the Cell Phone Use Committee will go forward into the districts discipline matrix. The changes would be that we go into our discipline matrix and would make those changes in there, Nold said. Its only if the board would like to make some sort of a change and put something into policy would we need some sort of action on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nold said they are expecting the policy to be enforced, but the course that could take could take some different forms. He added that he has also met with many area principals to discuss what enforcement could look like. Taking it away or having it turned in to a homeroom teacher several teachers started, at some of the schools, having pockets that they could drop them into in the high schools, Nold said. We did begin those discussions, we have started to rewrite it and Ive hit 2 out of the 3 meetings to go and and have them approve it and make those slight changes. SFSDs School Board President Carly Reiter, said while she was disappointed with some of the results, but she does respect the result of the survey and the feedback it offers. I think its going to be really difficult to have it in their hand and then walk into a classroom, put it away and walk out and get it back out, Reiter said. I think thats going to be harder to police. Im disappointed in the lunch aspect of it i talked a lot about the socialization and having conversations and looking your peers in the eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. By News Center Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uralo?lu met with journalists in Ankara, addressing a wide range of topics, including Turkiye's transport relations with Syria, the ultra-high-speed train project, metro and highway investments, and new social media regulations. The minister also commented on Googles recent algorithm changes. Discussing ongoing work on social media age restrictions, Uralo?lu stated that the Ministry of Family and Social Services is leading the efforts, with the Ministries of Interior and Justice also involved in discussions. "We have reached a general consensus: Social media users between 13 and 16 years old will require parental consent, while those under 13 will not be allowed to access these platforms. We expect to implement this regulation within the year," he said. Uralo?lu addressed Googles recent algorithm updates, noting that the company denies targeting specific entities or providing advantages to others. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with their response, stating: "Their explanations were not entirely convincing. While we do not have direct regulatory authority over Google, we are closely monitoring the situation as a ministry." Uralo?lu provided updates on Turkiyes transportation relations with Syria, including road, rail, aviation, maritime, and communication sectors. "While the road network is functional, it does not yet meet the desired standards. On the railway side, about 50 kilometers of track on the Syrian side have been completely destroyed. We are working on a restoration plan and, if successful, we will connect the railway all the way to Damascus," he announced. Uralo?lu reminded that Turkiye has provided technical support to restore Damascus Airport, adding: "We have already installed some systems, but additional radar systems need to be procured and installed. We prefer these to be locally produced, and ASELSAN is actively working on them. Our teams are on the ground." He also noted that Turkish Airlines' Istanbul-Damascus flights have reconnected Syria to the world, and that Pegasus and Ajet have applied to operate flights to Damascus as well. Discussing the railway project on the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Uralo?lu announced that negotiations with the World Bank have been positive: "The financing for the 120-kilometer route covering Gebze, Sabiha Gokcen Airport, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Istanbul Airport, and Halkal? is almost secured. We plan to hold the tender in the coming months." He also mentioned a revision in the Ankara Esenbo?a Airport Metro Line project. Uralo?lu highlighted congestion concerns on the Ankara-Istanbul highway, stating: "After exiting Northern Marmara Motorway, drivers find themselves almost in urban traffic. In about 10 years, we will need a new highway here." He revealed that the most feasible route will run via Sincan, Nall?han, Beypazar?, and directly to Akyaz?. Uralo?lu discussed public-private partnership projects, including the ultra-high-speed train project between Ankara and Istanbul. He stated: "Currently, three to four international companies are interested in this project." He also cited the Osmangazi Bridge as an example of successful investments, noting: "The bridge has exceeded the guaranteed traffic levels by 1.5 times, bypassing a 98-kilometer route." Canadian junior exploration company Denarius Metals has officially started mining activities at its Zancudo gold-silver project in Colombia. The first production from the project is anticipated in the second quarter of 2025 (Q2 2025). This milestone reflects the company's efforts throughout 2024 to advance the project's development and construction, secure the necessary mining licence and gain approval for the environmental impact study (EIS). In 2024, it prioritised the Zancudo and Aguablanca projects in Spain, with both expected to start operations within the next 12 months, thus providing internal cash flow. The company also announced that the European Commission has recognised Aguablanca as a strategic project. Denarius Metals has secured the long-term economics of its projects by signing offtake contracts with global companies for 100% of concentrate production. An eight-year contract with Trafigura for Zancudo's gold-silver concentrate and an agreement with Boliden Commercial for Aguablanca's nickel-copper concentrate were signed in 2024. Additionally, a prepayment agreement with Trafigura in February 2025 provided $2.5m (C3.6m) upfront, with up to $6.5m more expected as construction milestones are reached at the Zancudo project. The Zancudo project's development plan, executed by the company's mine contractor, aims to open four primary fronts within the next four to six months. Concurrently, early production activities have commenced, with mining already under way in accessible areas. The contractor is stockpiling ore on-site, with deliveries to Trafigura under an offtake contract set to begin by the end of April. All processing plant equipment has arrived and is stored at the site, with earthworks starting soon and installation of the plant scheduled over the summer. The plant is set to commence operations by Q4 2025. To mitigate the impact of permitting and licensing delays experienced in 2024, Denarius Metals improved its financial liquidity by amending the terms of its convertible debentures and selling a 29% equity interest in Rio Narcea Recursos (RNR), Aguablanca projects owner, back to the RNR Shareholder Group, retaining a 21% fully paid equity interest. In December 2023, Denarius Metals signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 50% stake in RNR for a cash consideration of 25m ($27m). "Denarius Metals commences mining at Zancudo project in Colombia" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Apr. 2Listen to "Talk-Line: Charlene Bielema and Brandon Clark on election results" on Spreaker. The TALK-LINE interview for April 2 featured Dixon Telegraph/Sterling Gazette Editor Charlene Bielema and reporter Brandon Clark from Shaw Local News discussing the recent consolidated election results, news from Sterling schools on their new superintendent, a local church anniversary and court cases. Like what you hear? Be sure to visit WIXN, part of Shaw Local Radio. We're also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Sherese Allen's parents are worried they'll never see justice, because the man accused of killing their daughter has disappeared. On the night of Oct. 17, police say 21-year-old Yuyang Sun, a Chinese national, was doing circles with his SUV in the sand, illuminated by the nearby Santa Monica Pier, when he ran over Allen, who may have been sleeping on the beach. Sun was questioned at the scene and ultimately booked on suspicion of drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter. Los Angeles County prosecutors later elevated the charge to murder, but for Allen's family, that has been little consolation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days after a relative posted Sun's $25,000 bond, releasing him from custody, authorities lost track of him and issued a warrant for his arrest. He did not turn over his passport or register for an ankle monitor as he was ordered to by the court. Authorities say he may have returned to China. "We hadn't got my daughter yet and he was already up and gone," Allen's mother, Eugenia Tate, told The Times in an interview. "He really had no consequences for what he did." It would take a monumental effort for Sun to appear back in a U.S. courtroom, said one expert familiar with the extradition process. "I don't want to sound like it's mission impossible, but that's what they're looking at," said David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor who has worked multiple extradition cases in the Southern District of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Woman fatally run over on beach in Santa Monica; driver arrested on suspicion of DUI Weinstein said getting a fugitive to return from a non-extradition country such as China would be extremely complicated and involve the work of federal agencies and foreign diplomats. The United States can ask to be alerted if a fugitive travels abroad, but there's little else that can be done, Weinstein said. Scenarios that involve Sun being expelled by China or Americans going in to arrest him to face charges in Allen's death are both unrealistic, he said. When Sun was first arraigned, prosecutors said they were concerned he could flee, so they asked for his bail to be increased to $100,000 and for the court to order him to wear an ankle monitor. But his bail was set at $25,000, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear exactly when Sun left the United States. "We will continue to seek justice for the victim and her family and work tirelessly to hold the defendant accountable," the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said in a statement. "While our office may consult and provide information as needed, after a California court issues an extradition warrant, the extradition process is handled by federal agencies." While Allen's family waits for a development on the international front, they're continuing to grieve. Sherese Moniqua Allen, or "Rese" as her family called her, was always drawn to California especially the coast, her family said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Instagram influencer charged in fatal July 4th wreck on PCH ordered to wear an ankle monitor Like so many others, she saw endless possibilities in the Golden State and found sanctuary at the beach, her father, Antron Allen, said. "She felt at ease there," he said. "She wasn't out there doing any harm to nobody. That was one of her comfortable places, out there on the beach." Before Allen was identified, police said she was homeless. But Allen's family said she lived in an apartment about two miles from the beach and worked as a customer service representative for the U.S. Postal Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her parents said they were planning to visit her last November, a combined visit for Thanksgiving and her 35th birthday. Instead, they arranged her funeral. "Some days are worse than others. We think about our daughter every single day," Eugenia Tate said as her voice broke with emotion. The parents draw strength from friends, family, their Christian faith and the knowledge that their daughter was an honest person who always tried to do the right thing. Allen was usually shy, but if she was surrounded by the right people, she would sing, dance and make jokes, her family said. When she was younger, she used to sing to her baby sister, Sha'nye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Driver rampaged through Inglewood CarMax. Injured customers sue him and the dealership One song was a particular favorite the theme song to "The Golden Girls," which includes the lyrics, "Thank you for being a friend." "Why are you singing that old lady song to a new baby?" her mother would ask. Her daughter would laugh and say, "Because it soothes her." On March 18, Allen's family attorney, Elise Sanguinetti, filed a claim against the city of Santa Monica, a precursor to a lawsuit. The family is seeking $10 million for pain and suffering, funeral costs and other expenses stemming from Allen's death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city did not respond to requests for comment. 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. Cheap clothing and products from Shein and other Chinese online retailers are among the products impacted by tariffs between the United States and China. Earlier in May, the Trump administration closed a "de minimis" loophole that previously allowed for "low value" packages valued at $800 or less entering the U.S. to be exempt from tariffs and paperwork. The move had a huge impact on foreign retailers, especially Chinese online retailers like Shein and Temu, which began to face steep duties for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the closing of the loophole, low-value packages faced a tariff of 120% or a $100 package fee. If passed on exactly to consumers, a $10 T-shirt could go up to $22 while a $200 luggage set could go up to $300. On Wednesday, the tariff on low-value packages was reduced from 120% to 54% under a temporary trade agreement announced Monday between the U.S. and China. The lowered tariffs will remain in place for 90 days while the two sides negotiate a wider trade deal. PHOTO: In this May 2, 2023, file photo, TEMU and SHEIN apps are shown on the screen of a smartphone. (Ascannio/Shutterstock, FILE) When the 120% tariff initially went into effect on May 2, Temu began adding "local" labels next to items that were already in the U.S. that wouldn't be impacted by tariffs and were being sold at lower prices until they were out of stock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to ABC News at the time, Temu said prices for U.S. customers wouldn't be changing as they switched to stocking products from local U.S. suppliers. "All sales in the U.S. are now handled by locally based sellers, with orders fulfilled from within the country," the company said then. "Temu has been actively recruiting U.S. sellers to join the platform. The move is designed to help local merchants reach more customers and grow their businesses. This shift is part of Temu's ongoing adjustments to improve service levels." The White House had announced in April that it would end the exemption on small-dollar shipments from China, which retailers like Shein and Temu have historically taken advantage of by selling super cheap products to American consumers. Trump previously extended the de minimis loophole back in February after outcry over an earlier decision to end it. The president had suspended the exemption on Feb. 1, causing widespread confusion and prompting the U.S. Postal Service to halt the delivery of packages from China and Hong Kong temporarily. Trump walked back that decision and reinstated the exemption days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wall Street reacts to Trump's sweeping new tariffs Imports from China have already been hit with a combined total of a 54% tariff rate, which could increase American households' budgets to up to $2,100, according to an April analysis by The Budget Lab at Yale, a policy research center. The use of the de minimis provision loophole skyrocketed in recent years: In 2024, more than 1.36 billion shipments entered the U.S. using the exemption, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. What's in Trump's sweeping new tariff plan? Trump originally said he imposed tariffs on China due to what he claims is its role in what he says is a national emergency on fentanyl entering the U.S., with shippers of illicit drugs and their inputs "often [avoiding] detection" by using the de minimis rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese government previously pushed back on Trump's fentanyl claims, releasing a report in March that outlined the ways in which it said it was working to tamp down the illegal fentanyl trade. "In the spirit of humanity, China assisted the U.S. in various ways. The U.S. should not meet good with evil or even impose arbitrary tariffs. No responsible major country should do that," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in March 7 press conference, according to The Associated Press. "No country should fantasize that it can suppress China and maintain a good relationship with China at the same time," he added. A Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson previously said in an April statement, following the White House's announcement of additional 34% tariffs on top of the 20% tariffs Trump previously announced, that the tariffs would "endanger global economic development and the stability of the supply chain" and urged the U.S. to "immediately cancel its unilateral tariff measures and properly resolve differences with its trading partners through equal dialogue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics of the de minimis exemption say it has harmed American businesses, like fast-fashion company Forever 21, which recently filed for bankruptcy and said in its filing that it was unable to compete with the lower prices of its foreign competitors. ABC News has reached out to Shein for comment. Editor's note: This article was updated to include comments from Temu and the most recent tariff information. Shein and Temu products impacted by tariffs: What to know originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller pose with newly sworn in Cabinet members, administration officials and their families after a Wednesday event at the State House. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters) Some have already started in an acting capacity, some have yet to get the keys to the new office, but they all gathered Wednesday on the second floor of the State House where Gov. Wes Moore (D) made it official, swearing in two new Cabinet-level secretaries and seven office leaders. The nominees had to be confirmed by the Senate before they could be sworn in. The Cabinet secretaries got the full deal one hand in the air and one on a Bible, before signing an official book. The others got their own handshake and photo op with the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Cabinet officials included Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. and Dr. Meena Seshamani, the next secretary of Health who starts Tuesday. Others included new Maryland Cannabis Administration Director Tabatha Robinson, Maryland Insurance Administrator Marie Grant, Correctional Ombudsman Yvonne Briley-Wilson, Katrina Wiggins as administrator of the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Boards and Shelly Martin as inspector general of Health. Also sworn in was new Appointments Secretary Mollie Byron, who is taking over from Tisha Edwards, who was Wednesdays ringleader, one of her last jobs in the office. During the ceremony, Moore commended his administrations newest officials for serving the state as it navigates multiple storms at once. Those storms include a business model in the state of Maryland that needed updating and knowing that the relationship between the federal government and its states has been ruptured, Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore got a laugh in his opening remarks when he said that Robinson, the new Maryland Cannabis Administration director, would light up Maryland. No pun intended, Moore said with a laugh, apologizing to his communications staff. That wasnt even in my notes. Legislation creating new abortion grants to governors desk Legislation to create new grants to fund abortion services, using untapped funds from insurance surcharges, has now won approval from both chambers and is well on its way to becoming Maryland law. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Senate approved House Bill 930, sponsored by Del. Lesley Lopez (D-Montgomery), on a largely party-line 31-15 vote Wednesday. It was unchanged from the verion the House passed 98-37 in March, meaning the bill is now off to Gov. Wes Moores (D) desk, where he is expected to sign it given his history of support for reproductive rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB930 would give the state Department of Health access to about $25 million in funds that were collected as part of the federal Affordable Care Act, but 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. Before approving the legislation, Democratic senators shot down an amendment from Minority Whip Justin Ready (R-Frederick and Carroll) to restrict the use of those funds for Maryland residents only an amendment he previously offered on the Senate version of the bill, which was rejected. This has nothing to do with the legality of abortion, the access to abortion for anyone in Maryland, Ready said. It just says were going to prioritize these Maryland ratepayer dollars for Maryland women. Sen. Dawn Gile (D-Anne Arundel), who led floor discussion on the bill, said that the uptick from out-of-state patients seeking abortion in the state was one of the leading reasons to support the legislation and those patients should not be cut out of the bill by Readys amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our health care infrastructure here is under distress. We have lots of people here from out of state, its very important that individuals have access to these funds, she said. This is about basic access to health, using funds that are available, that are sitting in these accounts. The Senate version, Senate Bill 848, is identical and has already received both House and Senate approval, so it also awaits the Governors consideration. Chromite gets ready for its closeup Its been seven years since David Shore started his fight to make chromite the official state mineral. Another seven days wont hurt. Shore, as Maryland Matters readers know, is the Montgomery County resident who first tried to win official designation for chromite at age 10. Hes back pushing it again this year, when his infectious enthusiasm and his encyclopedic knowledge of his subject have brought him followers and new converts to the cause of chromite. David Shore, 18, testifies before the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee on what else? chromite. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) Chromite as Shore will almost certainly tell you without prodding was discovered in Baltimore County in 1808 and mined throughout central Maryland for decades. Maryland was a leading supplier of the worlds chromite through the middle of the 19th century. Still mined today, though not in Maryland, it has been used in paints, pigments and metal alloys, and is a key component of stainless steel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House and Senate versions of the bill to make chromite the official state mineral passed each chamber unanimously last month. The House version was on third reader Monday in the Senate, which would have been final passage, when Sen. Craig Zucker (D-Montgomery), a sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, put the brakes on. Youre not going to believe this. Chairman Korman and I got a call from PBS, Zucker said to Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City), referring to Del. Marc Korman (D-Montgomery),who sponsored the House version of the chromite bill. It seems the public broadcaster is working on a history of the State House it sounds like Julia Louis-Dreyfus might be narrating it, Zucker told the Senate and producers thought it would be fun to make Shore a part of their story. Theyre actually coming on Monday, Sine Die, to film part of Maryland history, Zucker said. So Im going to special order it until Monday. The bill was ordered held until Sine Die, when lawmakers can give it a final OK for the cameras. If they do, chromite will join a list of 24 official state symbols, from flower and dog to dessert and folk dance, among others. Its not a joke, Im being serious. And I notified the chair, Zucker said. You cant make this up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, you cant. Be sure tune in again Monday, same chrometastic time, same chrometastic station. This story was updated on Thursday, April 3, to restore the chromite segment that was inadvertently left off the original. The Colorado State Shooting Association is set to deliver over 25,000 petition signatures to Governor Polis, urging him to veto Colorado Senate Bill 3. DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Authorities say shortly after announcing a warrant, a suspect wanted for attacking her mother and sister was arrested. Shreveport Police Department says the alleged attack happened in the 600 Block of West 68th Street in Shreveport. Shaunlexis George Stafford - ID Photo - Wanted for alleged attempted murder (Shreveport Police Department) Shreveport Police said on April 1, 2025, at approximately 3:36 PM, their suspect, Shaunlexis George Stafford, unlawfully entered her mothers residence and violently attacked her sister, striking her multiple times on various parts of her body with a hammer. Authorities also learned that Stafford assaulted her mother while she was sleeping, striking her numerous times on the right side of her head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the attack, the victims sustained severe injuries. The mother remains in a life-threatening condition in the ICU, while the sister is listed as critical but stable. Woman sought by Shreveport police for posting explicit photo without consent Stafford was found by police just before 4:30 p.m., leading them on a brief pursuit before she was brought to the Shreveport Police Investigations Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The California Highway Patrol issued a Silver Alert for an at-risk 79-year-old man out of Los Angeles County on Wednesday. The California Highway Patrol issued the alert for Anthony Delbrocco, 79, who was last seen on April 1 in Llano, a community around 20 miles east of Palmdale. He was last seen driving a white 2005 Chevrolet Silverado with a California license plate number 51140G1. Anthony Delbracco, 79 / Photo: California Highway Patrol Delbrocco is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing 125 pounds with grey hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a tan jacket and blue jeans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yankees OF Brett Gardners son died of carbon monoxide poisoning, had layer on organs, officials say The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said Delbrocco has dementia and other medical issues needing daily medication. Anyone with information on Delbroccos whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department at 323-890-5500. If you see him, call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. Charlie Javice, founder of fintech startup Frank, is awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of defrauding JPMorgan Chase to the tune of $175 million. She has been ordered to wear an ankle monitor while awaiting her sentencing, despite launching a Pilates career. Charlie Javice, the 32-year-old entrepreneur convicted of fraud in her $175 million sale of the fintech startup Frank to JPMorgan Chase, has been ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor while she awaits sentencingdespite her new Pilates career. A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that the monitoring device was necessary despite Javices legal team objecting that she was a flight risk. Her attorneys argued that the device would interfere with her primary source of incometeaching Pilates in South Florida. It would remove the possibility of the one thing she can now do, which is teach her classes, Javices attorney, Ronald Sullivan, said at a hearing on her bail terms. Prosecutors argued that Javice, who holds both U.S. and French citizenship, posed a legitimate flight risk, particularly because France does not have an extradition agreement with the United States. Judge Hellerstein, after reviewing arguments and examining photos of Javice teaching Pilates, acknowledged that the monitor could present a challenge but ultimately ruled that the risk of her fleeing was too great to ignore. With her sentencing scheduled for later this year, Javice is free on a $2 million bond, but the judge required her to be fitted with an ankle monitor before leaving the courthouse on Tuesday. She must also comply with movement restrictions that limit her to certain areas in New York and Florida. Fraud charges against Javice Javice, who appeared on Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2019, was found guilty of fabricating data to mislead JPMorgan into believing her company, Frank, had a much larger user base than it actually did. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years, and Javice will be sentenced in the coming weeks. Javice founded Frank in her mid-20s. The fintech company aimed to simplify the process of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a complex government form used by students to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. In September 2021, Javice sold the company to JPMorgan in a deal worth $175 million. Just over a year later, JPMorgan Chase accused Javice and her co-defendant, Olivier Amar, the chief growth officer of Frank, of collaborating with a data scientist to fabricate millions of fake customer accounts in an effort to deceive the bank. December 7th 1941 was a watershed in the lives of nearly everyone in Hawaii, wrote Wilfred J. Jasper Holmes in his memoir, Double-Edged Secrets. Monday dawned on a different world with different problems, different objectives, and different schedules, differently oriented than before Sundays sunrise. For Holmes, who had been medically retired from the Navy in 1936 before being recalled to active duty in June 1941 as a lieutenant and assigned to the Fourteenth Naval District intelligence staff at Pearl Harbor, that Monday after the day of infamy also dawned with a renewed purpose: revenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1st Air Fleet of Japan known as Kido Butai had not just assaulted the port at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, it had simultaneously hit every major airfield across the breadth of Oahu Ewa Mooring Mast Field, Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor, Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Wheeler Field, Hickam Field and others. In fact, Kido Butai was a truly revolutionary weapon system for its time because it embodied the conceptual leap from single-carrier to coordinated multicarrier operations, according to the U.S. Naval Institute. Kido Butais ascendancy would last only about six months before it was permanently mauled at the Battle of Midway, but during that time there was nothing else like it. For Holmes, who was present on the day of the attack, the trauma of it all remained close to his heart for most of the war. Battleship Row on Dec. 7, 1941. The sunken and burning USS Arizona (BB-39) is in the center. To the left are USS Tennessee (BB-43) and the sunken USS West Virginia (BB-48). (Naval History and Heritage Command) Holmes had come to Estimates Section of the Fleet Radio Unit Pacific (FRUPAC), or Station HYPO as it was known, via an unusual route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1922, Holmes was originally a line officer in the Navy a submariner before arthritis in the spine forced him to retire. (He noted in his memoir that at the beginning of the war he had neither a desk at which to work nor even a chair a real handicap for anyone with arthritis of the spine adding that he eventually brought his own chair from home.) Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, however, Holmes became involved in much more vital work than his prewar task of keeping track of the positions of noncombatant ships at sea in the Eastern Pacific, according to the U.S. Naval Institute. He also got his own desk. From his underground lair at HYPO, Holmes duties expanded under Cmdr. Joseph J. Rochefort and his Communications Intelligence Unit, an outfit best known for the breaking of the Japanese naval encryption code JN-25 classified as Ultra and helping to deliver an American victory at the Battle of Midway. Despite being neither a cryptologist nor an intelligence officer by training, Holmes became deeply involved in the interpretation and analysis of Japanese wireless intercepts, according to the Galveston Naval Museum. In fact, he was one of a handful of officers in Hawaii who was privy to material classified above top secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Holmes never forgot Pearl Harbor, nor his roots as a submariner. In his memoir, Holmes revealed his personal vendetta against the Japanese and the anonymous thanks he would send to U.S. submarine skippers for helping him to achieve revenge: Of the six Japanese aircraft carriers that had taken part in the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Shokaku was the fifth to be sunk. We had long since identified all the ships of the Kido Butai that had attacked Pearl Harbor, and their silhouettes were posted on the wall in the Estimates Section. It gave me an unprofessional vindictive satisfaction to check off each of those ships as it was sunk. I told Voge I would give a bottle of Scotch to any submarine skipper who sank one of them. Voge was careful to present every qualifying skipper for his bottle, but I never saw Herman J. Kossler, the captain of the Cavalla, after he sank the Shokaku. Kossler was the only submarine captain to sink a capital ship of the Kido Butai, and I still owe him a bottle of Scotch. Holmes act of thanks soon spread among the Pacific fleet. Edward L. Beach, a submariner in the Pacific whose first novel, Run Silent Run Deep, became a Hollywood blockbuster, confirmed the officers dedication to revenge. Beach recalled many years later: [Holmes] had become an intelligence officer at Pearl Harbor and, after the attack on the Day of Infamy, had taken on himself the particular and personal dedication to see the destruction of every ship that had participated in it. During the war, from time to time, commanders of submarines would receive by messenger, without explanation, a bottle of fine whiskey [scotch]. Little by little the word got around that one of the ships sunk on a recent patrol had carried special significance for someone. In this way Jasper Holmes never left out submarines. It was through him that we would receive orders to be somewhere at a certain time and on occasion there was a bottle of booze at the end of the trail. Of the six carriers, two battleships, two heavy cruisers, one light cruiser, 12 destroyers and seven auxiliary oilers of the Kido Butai only the destroyer, Ushio, survived the Pacific War. In other words, quite a lot of Scotch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the war Holmes once again retired from the Navy, returning to the University of Hawaii where he eventually became the dean of the engineering department. After more than 30 years, the existence of Ultra intelligence and Holmes Scotch-fueled revenge was finally made public. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCAU) A detective with the Sioux City Police Department is being honored for his work in a case involving a woman being victimized by her former boyfriend. Detective Chris Thomas received the Law Enforcement Victim Services Award from the U.S. Attorney from the Northern District of Iowa. The award comes during National Crime Victims Rights Week. Authorities say that for more than 36 hours, Bobby Rhoden brutalized his ex-girlfriend. She escaped and went to a neighbors house, where Rhoden fired a gun at or near her. Officials say Thomas was able to use compassion to get the woman to gain trust with him and the criminal justice system, eventually testifying during Rhodens trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Sioux City man has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after authorities said he conspired to distribute more than 10 pounds of meth in Siouxland. The U.S. Attorneys Office said in a release that Blake Putnam, 39, was sentenced Friday on one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty to the charges on Dec. 3, 2024. The release said that from January 2021 through March 2024, Putnam conspired with others to distribute about 10 pounds of meth in the Sioux City area. Law enforcement tried to make a traffic stop of Putnam on Feb. 5, 2024, but he led authorities on a chase. He was eventually taken into custody after his vehicle blew a tire and stopped after hitting a curb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A witness saw Putnam throw packages out of his vehicle during the chase. Authorities looked where the witness described Putnam throwing packages out his vehicle and found about one pound of methamphetamine in two packages, according to the release. Authorities also seized an eight-ball of methamphetamine and 50 Adderall pills on Putnam. Trial underway for Sioux City woman accused of murdering mother On March 5, authorities searched a Sioux City storage unit rented by Putnam and found about a pound of meth in a bag and an ounce of meth in a backpack. Video recordings show that Putnam took the backpack to the storage unit around March 5. A judge sentenced Putnam to 151 months (12 years and seven months) in federal prison. He will also have to serve five years of supervised release after his prison sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putnam is being kept in the custody of the U.S. Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Sioux City has received a grant worth $500,000 from the state of Iowa that will go towards improving the citys wastewater treatment plant. The money comes from the states Wastewater & Drinking Water Treatment Financial Assistance Program and will go into the Sioux City Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project. The $500,000 is part of $8 million coming from the state to support water quality improvements across Iowa. Kids under 16 no longer allowed at Southern Hills Mall unsupervised Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are grateful to be awarded this grant to support our essential projects, including the improvements at our Wastewater Treatment Plant, City of Sioux City Utilities Director Tom Pingel said in a statement. This funding is key for offsetting some of the costs associated with ensuring our wastewater infrastructure will be in top shape into the future. The City of Sioux City says its improvements project will boost the citys wastewater capacity, protect water quality in the Missouri River, and foster economic growth in the community. The city also says that upgrading the existing facility instead of building a new one will save ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Highway 75 railroad crossing construction to affect Merrill businesses Phase 1 of construction is set to begin next year, with Phase 2 beginning construction in 2030. The entire project is expected to cost around $470 million and be complete by 2033. An additional third phase worth $125 million could also be added at a later time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sioux Citys regional wastewater treatment plant was built in 1961 and, in recent years, has faced a growing list of serious operational problems. In Oct. 2024, city council members agreed to hire on a construction company for the improvements project.. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. A majority of Americans oppose some of Donald Trumps most controversial immigration-related actions like deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members to a Salvadoran mega-prison without due process, according to a new survey. However, they remain supportive of the presidents overall immigration agenda. Sixty-one percent of respondents told YouGov earlier this week they oppose or strongly oppose the hundreds of deportations to El Salvador, most of which the Trump administration has carried out using the emergency Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law that allows the government to summarily deport non-citizens. The administration has admitted not only that many of the more than 200 Venezuelans sent to El Salvadors notorious tropical gulag this month lack criminal convictions, but that some are not in fact members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang the administration is targeting using the act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics allege further problems with the El Salvador flights, including that individuals who say they have no affiliation with the gang have been targeted largely on the basis of having tattoos with relatively common motifs. The administration has admitted to accidentally sending a Salvadoran man to the prison as well, despite a court ruling explicitly barring his removal to that country over fears hed face prosecution from gangs. In a Maryland federal court filing, the administration argued that now that the individual, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, was in El Salvador, a U.S. court couldnt compel officials there to release him. Many of those sent to CECOT prison in El Salvador were removed under Alien Enemies Act, a wartime emergency law letting federal officials fast-track alleged enemies for deportation (via REUTERS) The administrations deportation flights to El Salvador have alienated some of its vocal supporters, including podcaster Joe Rogan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You've gotta get scared that people who are not criminals are getting, like, lassoed up and deported and sent to El Salvador prisons, Rogan said during an episode that aired over the weekend. The administration has bristled at such criticisms, and it accused The Independent of trying to cover for violent gang members when a reporter asked White House Press Secretary about what basis the administration had for the deportations. The YouGov poll captured a similar unease over the administrations attempts to deport non-citizen students and faculty who advocated for Palestinians during widespread campus protests. Among the 1,095 respondents polled, 51 percent opposed the effort. Overall, though, Americans are in line with the president on immigration. Majorities or near-majorities said they supported proof of citizenship requirements for voting and using tax data to find undocumented immigrants, while a separate CBS / YouGov poll found 53% of respondents approve of Trumps handling of immigration. New revelations are complicating the White House effort to close the book on the firestorm that erupted when senior administration officials were caught using the Signal messaging app to share plans about a military strike in Yemen. Congressional Democrats returned to the issue Wednesday amid media reports that national security adviser Mike Waltz, who was already under intense scrutiny for adding a journalist to the Yemen chat, had repeatedly discussed sensitive issues on apps outside the governments control. On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that Waltz and one senior unnamed aide conducted some government business over personal Gmail accounts, including exchanging messages about schedules and work documents information that can be exploited by foreign intelligence services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than 24 hours later, POLITICO reported that Waltzs team set up at least 20 Signal group chats to coordinate official work on issues including Ukraine, China and Gaza, and repeatedly discussed sensitive information. Congressional Democrats are fuming at the news, and are renewing their push for accountability by the Trump administration and a change to government communications policies. Lawmakers and experts alike have raised concerns that use of Signal and Gmail for official business may violate federal records-keeping laws. These types of publicly available apps are also easier for foreign adversaries like China and Russia to intercept compared to official government communication tools. In under 10 days, weve heard about journalists added to unclassified chats and sensitive data being shot around on personal emails, Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-Va.) posted on X Wednesday. And now were hearing theres dozens more chats. Its a never-ending parade of sloppy, reckless incompetence. These new concerns follow a week of outrage over a report published by The Atlantic, which showed messages sent between President Donald Trumps top officials, including Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussing the timing and location of U.S. airstrikes in Yemen. Waltz had mistakenly added The Atlantics editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, who later published the messages in full after Trump officials denied that classified information was shared in the chats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warners counterpart, House Intelligence Committee Chair Jim Himes (D-Conn.), argued in a statement Wednesday that Waltzs use of a Gmail account to send emails and calendar invites shows that the Signal chat debacle was not, as the Trump administration claimed, one embarrassing mistake. In actuality, its emblematic of the gross hypocrisy and incompetence of an administration, which has consistently dodged accountability for breaking the rules, Himes said. Members of Congress intensified their criticism of Waltz after POLITICO published its report on the national security advisers additional Signal group chats. House Oversight and Reform ranking member Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) tweeted Wednesday that Waltz needs to be as far away from our nations secrets as humanly possible. This is not the news that the Trump administration was hoping for after days of trying to move on from Signalgate. Gabbard and Ratcliffe were grilled for hours on their use of Signal by the House and Senate Intelligence panels during pre-scheduled hearings last week, with both asserting that they did not share classified information and that Signal was widely used in government. Administration officials involved in the Yemen Signal chat have also pointed fingers at other members of the group in an attempt to diffuse the blame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House is desperate to move on from the controversy. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday that the case has been closed here at the White House. She added that "there have been steps made to ensure that something like that can obviously never happen again, and we're moving forward. Responding to the Posts reporting, Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, called it the latest attempt to distract the American people from President Trumps successful national security agenda thats protecting our nation. Hughes did confirm that Waltz received emails and calendar invites from legacy contacts on his personal email and ccd government accounts for anything since Jan. 20 to ensure compliance with records retention. He would not comment on whether sensitive information was shared because he did not have access to the Posts messages, but he stressed that Waltz has never sent classified material over his personal email account or any unsecured platform. But the use of a personal Gmail account to discuss sensitive government information, even below the classified level, is risky, because the email server does not have the same level of robust safety features that government systems have. Users affiliated with the U.S. government have also frequently been targeted by hackers . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House keeps saying this issue is case closed but it is anything of the sort, House Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said Tuesday night, noting that Gmail is far less secure than Signal. Not only is it a security risk its another flagrant skirting of recordkeeping laws, Thompson said. Again, its amateur hour in the Trump White House. Both Signal and Gmail have relatively strong internal security features. Signal has end-to-end encryption and offers a function that allows users to delete messages within a set timeframe, while Gmail this week rolled out the ability for users to enable end-to-end encryption of emails. Still, experts say neither system is hack-proof, and more secure government communications methods exist and should be used instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Communication systems approved for government officials meet security requirements and government records management requirements, said Lorrie Cranor, a professor on security and privacy technology at Carnegie Mellon Universitys CyLab. Attackers frequently target government officials and attempt to gain access to their messages as well as break into their accounts so that they can impersonate them. So, appropriate security is important. Not all lawmakers were as concerned about the potential security vulnerabilities of using publicly available apps, and Republicans were quick to say the issue was being overblown. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committees cyber subcommittee, said Wednesday that I dont have a problem with anybody using Gmail as long as theyre not putting sensitive or classified material on it. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), chair of the House Homeland Security Committees cyber subcommittee, said in remarks at a conference Wednesday that while the use of Signal was wasnt great, he was confident the administration will be a lot more careful moving forward. Other lawmakers argued that beyond the widespread security concerns, it showed a lack of accountability by Republicans or the administration. Trump has stood by Waltz despite widespread criticism on both sides of the aisle of his handling of the Signal chat issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you think youre invincible, you just become more and more reckless, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-N.Y.), ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committees cyber subcommittee, said Wednesday. Swalwell made the case for Democrats holding administration officials accountable, even if just for future action. Were not helpless as Democrats, Swalwell said. Every week weve got different security officials, military officials testifying to Congress. We should lock them in to ask are you using Signal, are you using Gmail, are you using anything but high-side communications for transmitting classified or sensitive information. If its not a deterrent, at least if we are in the majority, it would bring future accountability, he said. A strong, spring storm will move into New Mexico Friday through Saturday, bringing widespread rain and snow along with cooler temperatures. Its a much cooler day across New Mexico Wednesday. High temperatures are as much as 10 to nearly 30 cooler compared to Tuesday. Winds have been lighter across the northern half of the state, with a few 35 to 40 mph wind gusts in southern New Mexico. Winds will settle down overnight as temperatures will get cold again by Thursday morning. High temperatures will stay cool Thursday afternoon across New Mexico. Light rain and snow will fall across western and northern parts of the state, but any accumulations will be light. Winds will get a little breezy across eastern and south-central New Mexico with gusts up to 35 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isolated rain showers will develop in southeast New Mexico Friday morning as our next storm system starts moving into the state. More isolated to scattered showers and a few thunderstorms will develop in the afternoon across eastern, northern, and western New Mexico. A few showers in eastern New Mexico could produce some locally heavier rainfall. A strong backdoor cold front will move in from the northeast late Friday night, bringing a gusty northerly wind behind it as it pushes south and west across the state. This could also bring a breezy east wind into the Rio Grande Valley and Albuquerque Metro early Saturday morning. Temperatures will be cold enough behind this front that snow will fall across northeastern New Mexico, all the way down to the I-40 corridor, including the East Mountains. A brief mx of rain and snow will also be possible around the Albuquerque Metro early Saturday morning. Scattered rain and snow showers will move across New Mexico through the day Saturday, ending Saturday night. 1-4 of snow will be possible in the lower elevations of western, northern, and northeastern New Mexico, along with the I-40 corridor in eastern New Mexico and down to the Sacramento Mountains. Up to one foot of snow will be possible in the northern mountains. Widespread rainfall accumulations are also likely in the lower elevations across the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, obtained private emails that show the acting commissioner of Social Security purposely canceled contracts the Social Security Administration holds with the state of Maine as some sort of political payback against Democratic Gov. Janet Mills. Connolly outlined the correspondence in a letter, which appears to have been originally obtained by HuffPost. The emails reportedly show that acting commissioner Leland Dudek asked Social Security staff to provide him with information on what contracts the state of Maine holds with the SSA. He made the request about one week after President Trump got into a public fight with Mills over his at the time new executive order banning trans women and girls from participating in womens and girls sports. Social Security staff reportedly told Dudek that Maine, like all states, has a contract with the Social Security Administration that allows infants to be assigned Social Security numbers at birth. The contract also aides in state death verifications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per HuffPost: According to emails obtained by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, Social Security staff informed Dudek that canceling the contracts would result in improper payments and potential for identity theft. Dudek told his staff to go for it. Please cancel the contracts. While our improper payments will go up, and fraudsters may compromise identities, no money will go from the public trust to a petulant child, Dudek wrote, referring to Mills. Canceling the vital records contracts would make it more difficult for the federal government to track births and deaths in Maine, hampering efforts to prevent fraud across government agencies, all of which use Social Security records to prevent improper payments. Dudek, you may recall, was forced to restore the contracts less than a day later, following immediate pushback when Maine announced it couldnt assign parents Social Security numbers for their newborns at hospitals in the state due to the cancelation. At the time he said it was unintentional. Connolly called on Dudek to resign in a letter on Tuesday. The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration should serve the American people, not create waste, fraud, and abuse on the taxpayers dime, Connolly wrote. He Repels People Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) continued his feud with newly elected Rep. Randy Fine (R) on Wednesday, even after the Republican state senator won the special election for national security adviser Mike Waltzs seat. DeSantis has been publicly going after Fine for weeks after it became clear that Fine was being significantly out-raised by his Democratic opponent in a district that DeSantis himself used to represent in Congress, and one that Trump won by 30 points in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The twos feud apparently dates back to 2023, when DeSantis was still running against Trump for the Republican nomination. Fine initially endorsed DeSantis for president and then flipped for Trump. Just the way he conducts himself is somebody he repels people, DeSantis said of Fine on Wednesday. More from Politico. Warnock: Booker Beat The Segregationist Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) gave the longest speech in the history of the U.S. Senate this week. The 25 hours and 5 minutes speech was in protest to the Trump administration and its relentlessly lawless actions. On Wednesday, less than a day after the record breaking speech, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) reflected on what Bookers protest meant to him in a discussion with reporters in the Senate basement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warnock detailed that while making history, Booker also created change. Now, the senator from Georgia said, when they ask about the longest speech that took place in this body, people wont have to point to a segregationist who tried and failed to stop the Civil Rights Act. They will instead talk about Booker and his legacy. I prayed for his strength, both physically and spiritually, Warnock said, reflecting on the more than a day-long speech. I prayed that his words would be informed of godly wisdom and grace and that the nation would hear not only his voice but sense the call to rise to the ideals of justice and compassion to struggling people who are being crushed in this moment. When asked about how Democrats can build from this, Warnock said, no one moment does all the work. We have to keep building on that work, he added. But Ill tell you that I looked around, talked to my colleagues and it put a fire under some folks, and people just felt inspired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emine Yucel Unanimous SCOTUS Sides With FDA Against Flavored Vapes The Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, finding that the FDA legitimately rejected applications from flavored vape companies. Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the unanimous majority, pointed out that these products, with flavors including mothers milk and cookies, pose a specific risk to young people. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a concurrence pushing back on the implication that the agency had been inconsistent in its demands. In light of the statutory text and the well-documented and serious risks flavored e-cigarette products pose to youth, it should have come as no surprise that applicants would need to submit rigorous scientific evidence showing that the benefits of their products would outweigh those risks, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case will head back to the 5th Circuit for further review. Kate Riga In Case You Missed It New episode of the Josh Marshall Podcast feat. Kate Riga: Ep. 367: Wisconsin Hates Elon The latest from Josh Kovensky: A Judge Does What He Can: Corrupt Bargain To Hang Over Eric Adams No Longer Supreme Court Hears Red State Attempt To Block Poor People From Planned Parenthood Schiff Will Place Hold On Ed Martin Nom Citing Demolished Firewalls Between WH And DOJ Yesterdays Most Read Story Inside Cory Bookers Plan To Disrupt Business As Usual On The Senate Floor What We Are Reading Hunter Biden tax informant set to control IRS criminal division McConnell breaks with party to reject Trumps Canada tariffs Waltzs team set up at least 20 Signal group chats for crises across the world Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) will release its first-quarter financial results after the closing bell on Thursday, April 3. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings at $1.70 per share, down from $2.06 per share in the year-ago period. Exxon Mobil projects quarterly revenue of $86.09 billion, compared to $83.08 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro. On Wednesday, Exxon Mobil disclosed that Karen T. McKee, president of ExxonMobil Product Solutions Company and vice president of Exxon Mobil Corporation, will retire effective May 1. The company's board named Matt Crocker president of ExxonMobil Product Solutions Company and vice president of Exxon Mobil Corporation. With the recent buzz around Exxon Mobil, some investors may be eyeing potential gains from the company's dividends, too. As of now, Exxon Mobil offers an annual dividend yield of 3.34%, which is a quarterly dividend amount of 99 cents per share ($3.96 a year). To figure out how to earn $500 monthly from Exxon Mobil, we start with the yearly target of $6,000 ($500 x 12 months). Next, we take this amount and divide it by Exxon Mobil's $3.96 dividend: $6,000 / $3.96 = 1,515 shares. So, an investor would need to own approximately $179,785 worth of Exxon Mobil, or 1,515 shares to generate a monthly dividend income of $500. Assuming a more conservative goal of $100 monthly ($1,200 annually), we do the same calculation: $1,200 / $3.96 = 303 shares, or $35,957 to generate a monthly dividend income of $100. View more earnings on XOM Note that dividend yield can change on a rolling basis, as the dividend payment and the stock price fluctuate over time. The dividend yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend payment by the current stock price. As the stock price changes, the dividend yield will also change. For example, if a stock pays an annual dividend of $2 and its current price is $50, its dividend yield would be 4%. However, if the stock price increases to $60, the dividend yield would decrease to 3.33% ($2/$60). Conversely, if the stock price decreases to $40, the dividend yield would increase to 5% ($2/$40). Further, the dividend payment itself can also change over time, which can also impact the dividend yield. If a company increases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will increase even if the stock price remains unchanged. Similarly, if a company decreases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will decrease. XOM Price Action: Shares of Exxon Mobil fell by 0.3% to close at $118.67 on Wednesday. The Trump Administrations plans to change the Social Security Administration (SSA) is leaving many seniors in The Puget Sound alarmed. While President Donald Trump has insisted that he is not touching Social Security, which has more than 70 million recipients, he is planning to realign the government by reducing jobs of several high-profile agencies, including the SSA. Weeks ago, the Social Security Administration announced plans to cut around 7,000 employees, or about 12% of its workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency has also been hit by a bevy of changes. The Social Security Administration announced last month that it would require in-person identity checks for new and existing beneficiaries, with some limited exemptions. It also announced that recipients would no longer be able to change their direct deposit and other banking information with the agency by phone, claiming it could lead to fraud. Instead, recipients will be required to use the agencys website or visit a local office. But for George Martinson, of Fircrest, whos been receiving the benefits for 17 years, he said hes now facing hurdles to get help with his concerns, including if his benefits will be delayed after the presidents announcements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were turned away right at the door, saying that you couldnt go into the office without an appointment, he said. Were concerned whats going to happen this month. Martinson said every time he calls the agency to schedule an appointment, hes on hold for hours, and often times, the phone hangs up. The Pierce County native walked KIRO 7 News through his experience. The automated operator told Martinson that he would have to wait more than two hours to speak with a representative, however, he was not given the chance to wait as the phone clicked minutes later. To be left in this vague state of affairs... Its very concerning. Its a worry. Its a concern and it scares us, he said. If we need information, we should be able to get that information and bring some stability and assurance back into our life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KIRO 7 News spoke with Republican Representative Jim Walsh about the recent federal announcements. While he believes the agency needs to be better at responding to questions, the state lawmaker said the recent job cuts can improve the government and help more seniors. The Social Security Administration has always struggled with good customer service. Thats not a new thing, he said. Were hoping that the efforts of DOGE to review the operations of government bureaucracies actually improves things like customer service like communication from a large bureaucracy like the Social Security Administration, he said. Walsh added that the job cuts would save millions of dollars, as he believes the agency has more workers than needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose of the exercise is to make large bureaucratic agencies like SSA more efficient, not less efficient, he said. But for Donna Well, a leader of Wise Elders Take Action, a Washington grassroots organization that advocates for senior benefits, she believes the changes are taking the country in the wrong direction. So upset and so concerned with all the cuts thats happening, she shared. Any cuts to Social Security would affect so many people. Social Security is something we paid into and rely on, she added. Social Security could use more people, as far as Im concerned. They could be easier to access. Relief from the weather may be difficult to find in Middle Tennessee. The forecast isn't good. "The over-arching threat is flooding, especially west of the Cumberland Plateau," said Caleb Cravens, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Nashville. The Nashville area could get 5 to 6 inches of rain by the weekend. Clarksville could get 8 to 10. Warnings for flash flooding, large hail and straight line winds could pop up through the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Live updates: Strong storms leave 4 dead; flooding risk remains And the rivers will become the focus. Officials are watching the Cumberland, Red, Duck and Buffalo rivers especially with flooding expected to peak on Friday. Stewart and Montgomery counties appear to have the greatest risk for floods. By midday Thursday, four people were reported dead in McNairy, Obion, Carroll and Fayette counties in West Tennessee. And the National Weather Service in Nashville was concerned about new supercell storm activity in Middle Tennessee throughout the day. Just before 10 a.m. Thursday, a new tornado warning was issued for Wilson County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement response efforts. A long morning The problems began Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Your phone likely buzzed with warnings. Your TV may have been on all night as you stared bleary eyed at red and green pixels wondering if those meant tornadoes. You may have had to convince your dog to hide with you in the closet or the bathroom. You may have taken your phone into the basement to watch YouTube updates from NashSevereWx. You stayed home from work, or took a new way into the office or just stayed in bed to avoid the rising risk of floods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a rowdy, rainy night in Middle Tennessee. With daylight, cars began to skid or hydroplane or float in the floodwater. Officials said that was the threat ahead as the weather system stayed in the area, that rivers would rise and low-lying roads may become treacherous with flooding. Already Thursday, parts of Interstate 65 were closed at mile marker 80 because of flooding. The weather service said the Cumberland River in Clarksville is expected to rise through the weekend as rain continues to fall. The weather service said there is a 21% chance of the Cumberland River reaching minor flood stage at 46 feet and a 7% chance the river reaches moderate flood stage at 50 feet. Red River flooding could impact Dunbar Cave Road and homes near the Wingate neighborhood, the weather service said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cumberland River in Dover is expected to crest near 66 feet, just shy of the record of 69.33 in 2019. At 66 feet, the weather service said, flooding along the river begins in Stewart County, impacting agricultural areas and adjacent tributaries, and making roads near the river impassable. Near Dover, flooding could impact portions of River Road west of Highway 79, Bellwood Branch Road and Cross Creek Road. A soaked region Richland Creek in Nashville surged several feet above normal levels Thursday morning, washing away tree limbs and debris. Tony Lance, who works at the Tennessee Wildlife Federations office off White Bridge Pike, right against the creek, estimated the creek is likely more than 10 feet above its normal height. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the highest we've seen the creek since the big flood in 2010, Lance said. It hasnt been that high since. Murky brown water reached up and dragged away several beehives belonging to a beekeeper on the other side of the creek, Lance said. Theyve been washed away, which is a shame, he said. The flood watch has been extended by the National Weather Service through Sunday. In Columbia, the severe weather couldn't stop Mule Day. In Maury County, several late-night church shelters opened for those seeking refuge from the storm Wednesday, which brought high winds, heavy rain and a tornado warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm follows two tornadoes that touched down in Maury County just days before on Monday, destroying a home in the unincorporated area of Hampshire. Meanwhile, the county's premier event of the year, Mule Day, has not been affected. The event began in 1840 to celebrate breeding, raising, caring for and working with mules. The day features a parade, music, arts and crafts, and food. All Mule Day events are on track according to Louise Mills, the event's public relations director. And the annual wagon train reached Maury County Park without a hitch after a few days of travel by mule-drawn wagons throughout counties in southern Middle Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mule train had a fabulous week traveling and arrived at the park about 4 p.m. Wednesday, Mills said, hours before the storm. It was a long night for the National Weather Service office in Nashville. Cravens said the NWS "staffed up" with extra meteorologists, and "there were plenty of sweets around." The NWS generally does storm surveys to quickly track and assess damage, but this storm will be treated a bit differently. Since staff members are spending most of their time trying to stay ahead of tornadoes, floods and other severe weather activity, and since the threat will last several days, surveys will be delayed. "We'll start Monday at the earliest," Cravens said. Homes destroyed in Selmer One of the hardest hit regions was McNairy County, where Paul Floyd rode out the storm in his hallway with his wife and mother in law. All made it through safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the damage to his home was quick and violent. Floyd said the tornado went over his house in three minutes and ripped the roof off. Wednesday morning, Floyd was collecting clothes out of his house with his son. You hear about these things, but you never thought youd have to be in one three minutes," Floyd said. "Around about when it came through, it sounded like a train taking off. We got in the hallway. Thats when everything came down on us in the hallway. We rode it out. Josh Barnes, Floyd's son, told him he recovered five suits. Thats good, as long as Ive got something, Floyd said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just hope this dont happen to nobody else, said Floyd, who had lived in Selmer for about two years and is still paying off the now roof-less home. In Fairview, a couple who had sought refuge in a storm shelter returned to their Pinecrest Court residence when a tree crashed onto their home. Winona Brewer said she and her husband were just going to bed when they heard the crashing tree. The tree damaged part of their home, and it smashed into their new car, Brewer said. Chris Day contributed to this story This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee weather: Middle TN regroups, braces for more rain, flooding LAKE CITY, Ark. (STORYFUL) At least one person was injured as multiple tornadoes caused damage to homes in northeast Arkansas on Wednesday evening, April 2. One person was injured when a tractor-trailer rolled over near Monette, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. Deadly storms slash through the South and Midwest Multiple homes were also damaged in Monette and nearby Lake City, where authorities were still assessing the situation, the paper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage by Marybeth Byrd shows a huge tornado sweeping through Lake City. Credit: Marybeth Byrd via Storyful Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nineteen-year-old Evan Spear was driving home late at night from the University of Arizona in May 2015 to visit his mother in Boulder when his car hit a black bull that had escaped from a farm south of Pueblo. Evan's mother, Julie Spear, recounted the incident during an event to raise awareness about the importance of organ donations at UCHealth Parkview Hospital on April 3. She recalled how the bull flipped onto the hood of her son's car, which was crushed by the 2,000-plus pound animal, mortally wounding Evan. He was rushed to Parkview, where staff contacted Boulder police. The Boulder Police Department tracked down his mother at around 1 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Do you have a son named Evan?,' were the last words I heard in my old life," Julie Spear said Thursday. Julie Spear, center, speaks about her late son, Evan Spear, and how his decision to donate his organs helped save others in need. At Parkview, Spear was informed that her son would not survive and that he had chosen to become an organ donor. Evan Spear donated both kidneys, his liver, and his heart. One kidney went to a pediatric patient, and "he would have loved that, he loved kids," his mother said. Twenty-three people also received tissue donations. "Someone probably received his tendon, and they can run their 100 miles a week, and that's just as meaningful," she said. "In his decision to register, he took that responsibility off of me, at a time when I could not have made that decision, and I didn't have to make one, because he did so for himself," Spear said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a pretty dark place, but when you hear someone say that your son's gift was a miracle to someone, how do you top that? I can't imagine not having that legacy to embrace." Spear said during the ceremony that through meeting with organ recipients, she was able to see the impact her son had. "They told me they had prayed for a miracle," she said. "I remember the moment I realized my son was that miracle. The pride I felt for my son is immeasurable and it has carried me." To honor her son's legacy, Spear also became a living donor herself. "I started thinking, 'I'm healthy, I have good health, and why shouldn't I share that with someone else?'" she said. "I'll tell you it was an onerous process to go through the screening process, and rightfully so, they wanted to make sure nothing would happen to me for donating a kidney, they don't want to add to the problem." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spear also started the Evan Spear Foundation a nonprofit for financial assistance for grief counseling of donor families. The nonprofit also has a mission to educate the public to raise awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation. "I know firsthand that I had to deal with that grief before I could embrace Evan's legacy in a really positive way. I want people to be able to do that regardless of anything," she said. Spear encouraged Coloradans to sign up to be an organ donor. In the last five years, 111 life-saving organ gifts were recovered and transplanted through the collaboration between UCHealth Parkview and Donor Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to saving and healing lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation in Colorado and most of Wyoming, according to a UCHealth news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seventy-one of those organs were transplanted in Colorado, and 40 were transplanted across the country, resulting in a total of 98 lives being saved through organ donation. How to sign up for organ donations in Colorado Since 2001, Coloradans have been able to sign up for the Donate Life Colorado Organ & Tissue Donor Registry through the state Division of Motor Vehicles by saying 'yes' when obtaining or renewing a driver permit, license, or state ID, according to the Colorado DMV website. You can also sign up or remove yourself at any time at donatelifecolorado.org. Those obtaining a driver license or ID card can also support the cause by donating to the Emily Keyes John W. Buckner Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These funds are used solely to educate the public about what organ and tissue donation is and how it works, so that they can make an informed decision," the DMV website says. How badly are organ donations needed? While Colorado has one of the highest rates of registered organ donors in the country at 62%, nearly 2,000 people are on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant, according to the DMV, and more than 100,000 are waiting nationwide. "Thousands more patients could benefit from lifesaving and healing eye and tissue donations," the state DMV website says. "One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal more than 75 lives through eye and tissue donation." More Pueblo health news: Health department says Pueblo South Side Walmart visitors may have been exposed to measles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formally known as Twitter, @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: How to donate organs in Colorado and why it's important Sophia Martha Franklin, the pregnant 16-year-old Beaver Dam girl who has been missing since February, was found safe Wednesday night. Sophia was found about 11:40 p.m. near Omaha following a tip of a possible sighting, according to a Beaver Dam Police Department press release. The 40-year-old man she was with, Gary Day, was taken into custody. Sophia was taken to a secure facility for re-unification with her family, according to the release. It will be the first time in about two months the Franklin family will be together, after authorities say Day, of Cabot, Arkansas, took her from their Beaver Dam home on Feb. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beaver Dam Police Department Chief of Police John Kreuziger said Sophia was taken to a hospital and healthy. Her family was on the way to Nebraska, he said. The two were found at a truck stop by a trucker who was suspicious of them, Kreuziger said. A woman trucker arrived at the truck stop and noticed Day and Sophia with another trucker parked at the stop. Finding it odd such a young pregnant girl was with Day, the woman struck up a conversation with them, he said. The woman found that conversation suspicious and returned to her truck to do "research," finding out Sophia was a missing person and she called authorities, Kreuziger said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trucker the two were with was not arrested or charged, he said. It wasn't immediately clear the circumstances of how they came to be with him, but Kreuziger said it appears he was not involved or knew about the circumstances between the two. It was not clear why the two were in Nebraska. That and other details were pending police's investigation, he said. Press ReleaseOn Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at approximately 11:40pm, the Beaver Dam Police Department was notified that... Posted by Beaver Dam Police Department on Thursday, April 3, 2025 Day is the father of Sophia's unborn child, officials say. Prior to his arrest, he was charged with two counts of child abduction and two counts of child enticement in Wisconsin. Day has a history of harming children and is on probation for endangering a child, according to Arkansas court records. Day and Sophia first met online in April, authorities previously said. After three months, he drove to Beaver Dam and took Sophia to his Arkansas home, where the two lived together until December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, authorities found Sophia while conducting a probation check on the man. Day was given a no-contact order with Sophia, but he continued to communicate with Sophia in the months that followed. Home surveillance video showed Day approaching the family's house in February, authorities said. Leah Franklin, Sophia's mom, feared she would never see her daughter again. "The whole situation scares me. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen," she previously told the Journal Sentinel. David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Sophia Franklin, the missing 16-year-old from Beaver Dam, has been found Ukrainska Pravdas informed sources in the Ukrainian government have said that nothing substantial is currently being done to prepare for potential elections in Ukraine, but some non-public preparations are underway. Among those involved in the process are Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, IT entrepreneur Oleksandr Olshanskyi, and people from the entourage of Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Source: Ukrainska Pravdas article Useful aggressor. How a quarrel with Trump changed Bankova's election strategy Details: The foreign media recently published an article stating that in the second half of March, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting at the President's Office and tasked the team with preparing for an election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UP sources in Zelenskyy's circle evade a direct answer about such a meeting but do not deny the preparation itself. Quote from an informed source on Zelenskyy's team: "Maybe there was some kind of meeting. But now no one is doing anything systematically. There is simply no person who is gathering any headquarters or large working groups, who is saying that we are doing this and that, you run here, we say this, and you take those down. And the president is clearly not up to it yet. So something is happening, but it cannot be called real preparation." Details: Another source from the ruling Servant of the People political party said that "something seems to be happening on Bankova Street [where the President's Office is located ed.], as if they are preparing for some kind of election. But no one explained anything to the MPs". However, some non-public preparations for an election are still underway. All talk of them is tied to the name of Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Most of the UP sources said that he is currently trying to carry out preparatory work, such as developing a strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from a political advisor close to the President's Office: "Misha [Mykhailo Fedorov] brought technologists from Spain, who are actually Ukrainian. He is thinking about something, looking for options. He is trying to come up with something for the party. But these are not headquarters and a regional network, it is still a search for ideas." Details: When asked by UP about preparations for elections, Fedorov himself said that he was focused on the war and was not sure that any elections were possible. Well-known IT entrepreneur Oleksandr Olshanskyi is partially involved in the political process on Bankova Street. His role includes working with sociologists. Another group involved in the search for new forces in power is Andrii Yermaks entourage, namely Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction Oleksii Kuleba and Viktor Mykyta, Deputy Head of the President's Office for Regional Policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, has been working closely with them. Oleksii Chernyshov's newly created Ministry of National Unity could become a separate major showcase project for the elections. The election process will also not happen without Oleh Tatarov. According to most of UP's sources in the government and the opposition, research is being conducted under his "general scientific supervision" on how far one can go in creating problems for, say, fifth Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko without the risk of external interference. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Through the first half of March, the Truth Hounds team embarked on an advocacy trip to South Africa to discuss two major recent reports: one on the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and the international law protection of the environment during armed conflict, and another on the torture at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and the international regulation of nuclear safety. The geopolitical reasons for choosing South Africa as the destination are clear: South Africa is the largest economy in Africa and a leading representative of the Global Majority the term preferred by non-Western countries in place of Global South. South Africa is also a founding member of BRICS, making it a potentially key mediator in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, or in any talks that may arise from an initial peace agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to visit South Africa in April, and it is always valuable for Ukrainian interests to ensure that officials in recipient countries are informed about the situation on the ground by independent, non-governmental actors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond these factors, many less obvious elements in the history and political priorities of South Africa and Ukraine make South Africa critical for advocacy on nuclear safety. South Africa is one of the few countries along with Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan that voluntarily relinquished its nuclear arsenal. Before abandoning its nuclear program in 1989 and dismantling all seven of its partially or fully completed nuclear weapons by 1994, South Africas apartheid regime saw them as an effective deterrent that could guarantee the countrys territorial integrity and sovereignty. After the end of apartheid and the countrys democratization, the perceived threats of the past no longer justified nuclear weapons. As a result, South Africa became the first country to willingly relinquish them. The same year that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the dismantling of South Africas nuclear weapons, Ukraine signed the now-infamous Budapest Memorandum, which outlined Ukraines desire to remain a nuclear weapons-free state. Having shared similar views on the deterrence power of nuclear weapons, Ukraine relied on international law and the global community as guarantors of its sovereignty. However, two decades after signing the Budapest Memorandum and 13 years after transferring its last nuclear weapons Ukraine faced aggression from a nuclear-armed nation. Russias occupation of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk not only showed that Ukraines assumptions were flawed, but also raised doubts about the effectiveness of non-nuclear deterrence. Naturally, South Africa is not indifferent to the challenges posed by international law-based deterrence strategies. In addition to its stance on nuclear weapons, South Africa is the only African country that operates a nuclear power plant, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, located about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Cape Town. This makes South Africa particularly concerned about the safety of nuclear facilities in both peacetime and during conflict. The Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, operated by Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., is seen from Melkbosstrand Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, on Nov. 25, 2020. (Dwayne Senior / Bloomberg via Getty Images) In 2009, a pan-African treaty was adopted in the city of Pelindaba, home to South Africas nuclear research facility, declaring Africa a nuclear-weapon-free zone. Despite its name, the treaty not only addresses nuclear weapons but also prohibits armed attacks on nuclear installations an absolute ban that exceeds the protections outlined in international humanitarian law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Africa has long championed stronger protections for nuclear facilities during armed conflict and should be especially concerned about the threats posed by Russian attacks on Ukrainian nuclear plants. South Africa could also serve as a voice for African nations potentially through the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCON), headquartered in Pretoria in raising concerns about nuclear safety in Ukraine and advocating for peace agreements that account for global interests in a world free from nuclear pollution. "South Africa has long championed stronger protections for nuclear facilities during armed conflict and should be especially concerned about the threats posed by Russian attacks on Ukrainian nuclear plants." Lastly, South Africa is considering expanding its nuclear energy projects, which could involve collaborating with one of the few corporations capable of building and operating nuclear power plants. One such corporation is Rosatom, the same company that illegally operates the ZNPP and has been involved in various human rights violations at the largest nuclear plant in Europe. Reports from last year indicate that Rosatom is engaged in discussions with the South African government and AllWeld Nuclear, a private company providing maintenance and project management services for nuclear facilities, about several potential initiatives in South Africa. While no decisions have been made yet, this is the perfect moment to engage with the expert community in South Africa, grassroots environmental and anti-nuclear movements, universities, and government representatives to inform them of Rosatoms questionable record on human rights and nuclear safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In conclusion, while Russias presence in Africa may seem overwhelming, there is still room to collaborate with individual countries in certain areas. South Africas role in nuclear safety is a prime example. In a world of shifting alliances, new partnership opportunities arise. Ukraine and Ukrainian civil society organizations should seize this opportunity to invest in a future shaped by global solidarity and a commitment to human rights. Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Read also: Ukraine, Russia must focus on ceasefire over peace deal Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Swedish mining equipment manufacturer Epiroc has fully acquired Radlink, an Australian company specialising in wireless connectivity solutions for mines, by acquiring the remaining shares of the company. Epiroc purchased a majority stake of 53% in Radlink in 2022 and has now taken 100% ownership. Radlink is known for designing, delivering and integrating wireless data and voice communication networks and supporting infrastructure for both surface and underground mining operations. Its wireless networks are essential for supporting mining automation, including driverless and tele-remote operations, which are key to enhancing safety and productivity in the mining industry. The company's solutions are also crucial for the digital transformation of mining operations, ensuring timely data delivery for informed decision-making. Radlink has a workforce of around 415 employees and reported revenues of approximately Skr1.33bn ($133.5m) in 2024. Epiroc President and CEO Helena Hedblom said: The innovative team at Radlink is already an integral part of Epiroc, and together we are bringing advanced connectivity solutions to mining customers. We look forward to continue providing mining companies with the right digital solutions to strengthen their operations. On 16 January 2025, Epiroc disclosed that two mining companies in Australia had placed orders for long-term evolution and digital connectivity solutions worth more than Skr250m. These Radlink-provided solutions are set to bolster safety and productivity by equipping remotely located mines with reliable, secure and high-speed bandwidth to enable automation, fleet management and real-time data applications. In January 2025, Epiroc signed a memorandum of understanding with ABB to advance collaboration on underground trolley solutions for the mining industry. "Equipment manufacturer Epiroc completes acquisition of Radlink" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. By Tim Cocks ORANIA, South Africa (Reuters) - A group of white Afrikaners was so opposed to majority Black rule when apartheid ended some three decades ago that they carved out a separatist enclave, the only town in South Africa where all residents, including menial workers, are white. Now, the residents of Orania - population, 3,000 - in the semi-arid Karoo region want U.S. President Donald Trump to help them become a state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, community leaders from Orania visited the United States seeking recognition as an autonomous entity. South African authorities acknowledge it as a town that can raise local taxes and deliver services. "We wanted to... gain recognition, with the American focus on South Africa now," Orania Movement leader Joost Strydom told Reuters, on a hill strewn with bronzes of past Afrikaner leaders, including from the era of racist white minority rule that was ended by internal resistance and international outrage. The 8,000-hectare settlement is riding an unprecedented wave of support from right-wing Americans for Afrikaner nationalists, who irrevocably lost power when apartheid ended in 1994 and Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first Black president. In New York and Washington the Orania leaders met influencers, think-tanks and low-ranking Republican politicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We told them South Africa is such a ... diverse country that it's not a good idea to try and manage it centrally," said Strydom. Three senior Orania officials interviewed by Reuters were vague about the help they sought in the U.S. They said they were not seeking handouts but wanted investment to build houses to keep up with its 15% population growth, infrastructure and energy independence that it has almost half-achieved with solar. Strydom declined to say whether his delegation had contact with the Trump administration. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. South African foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told Reuters: "(Orania's) not... a country. They are subject to the laws of South Africa and ... our constitution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Afrikaner nationalist groups have also visited the U.S. to build alliances with overwhelmingly white, Republican audiences, prompting accusations back home that such trips stoke racial tensions. The leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) last week accused Orania's leaders of "destroying the unity of this country", a charge they reject. 'START OF SOMETHING' Afrikaners are descendants of Dutch settlers who began arriving in the 1600s. They resisted the British Empire in South Africa, but once in charge of the country, they hardened racial segregation using discriminatory laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There were 17,000 laws on land alone," foreign ministry spokesperson Phiri said. "We had... to reconstruct South Africa into a country that represents all those who live in it." In 1991, as the end of apartheid neared, a group of about 300 Afrikaners acquired Orania, previously an abandoned water project on the muddy Orange River, to create a homeland exclusively for white Afrikaners. "It's the start of something," former Orania Movement leader Carel Boshoff, said of his community, comparing its desire for independence - Orania even uses its own informal currency - to that of Israel, established after World War Two despite stiff resistance from Arabs living in that territory. Boshoff, whose father founded the town and whose grandfather, Hendrick Verwoerd, is widely viewed as the architect of apartheid, dreams of a territory stretching to the west coast nearly 1,000 miles away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orania's activities are funded through local taxes and donations from supporters and residents. Its leaders were dismayed to find the only solution that anyone in the United States was interested in discussing was U.S. residency, after Trump offered in February to resettle white South African farmers and their families as refugees. "We can't be exporting our people," Boshoff told Reuters beside a framed photo of his late grandfather. "We told them ... 'help us here'," he said. Some U.S. right-wingers have sought to make common cause with Afrikaners in their opposition to diversity policies that aim to empower historically unjustly-treated non-white groups. South Africa's Black empowerment laws have been ridiculed by Trump's South African-born adviser, Elon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those laws were the reason Hanlie Pieters moved to Orania eight months ago, after 25 years of living in Johannesburg, to become head of marketing for the town's technical college. "Our children ... what opportunities will they have?" Pieters said, bemoaning quotas for Black workers, while trainee plumbers and electricians honed their skills in a shed nearby. A third of all South Africans are out of work, most of them poor Blacks. One such unemployed man, 49-year-old Bongani Zitha, said he thought "people in Orania... are doing very well" compared to many South Africans. "So many people looking for opportunities. It's a struggle," he sighed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zitha, who has lived in a corrugated shanty town in Soweto with no piped water or sewage since 1995, said at least the people of Orania have "rights to health, education, everything". And unlike himself under white minority rule, he added, Orania residents are free to live wherever they want. (Reporting by Tim Cocks; Editing by Gareth Jones) When a state inspector asked the administrator of Oasis Living Quarters last month why the 100 residents who used to live there had dwindled to fewer than 40, he said that there had been a lot of deaths, a rude nurse, renovations and challenges paying rent, according to a newly released report. He did not say that the Fort Lauderdale senior living home had evicted all of its residents with no written notice to convert into luxury apartments. Oasis now faces citations from the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration and a Broward County court injunction over its failure to give residents 45 days or any written notice to move out, records show. The inspection, released in late March, details the interactions between the AHCA inspector and the facilitys administrator, Steven Gottlieb, who repeatedly changed his answers to questions and denied knowledge of the evictions, as well as with residents and employees. One person told AHCA that Oasis tried to strike a deal with his own senior living company, offering to funnel the evicted residents there in exchange for money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AHCA has also cited Oasis for not helping residents to find a new home in a manner that did not violate their freedom of choice. Related Articles Yet for the dozens of senior residents and their families, some of whom were forced to move up to four times since May as Oasis slowly converted its facility into apartments, justice has come too late, if at all. They still have not received refunds of thousands in deposits and rent money that they paid at the beginning of March, just before Gottlieb informed them they would all be moved out for renovations. They also think Oasis should reimburse them for the thousands spent on moving and relocation fees. We want to hold them accountable, said Lillian Alfano, whose mother-in-law had a stroke after her forced move from the independent living building into assisted living under the guise of renovations in May. To just be accountable and not have these luxury apartments theyre trying to have. Its ridiculous. I want it to be hard for them. The AHCA inspection When an AHCA inspector arrived at Oasis the morning of March 10, they observed a marquee at the main entrance announcing luxury rentals, according to the report, as well as Grand Opening, Welcome and Available Now banners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the course of the day, Gottlieb, the administrator, would offer the inspector various explanations for why dozens of residents had moved out of Oasis since AHCAs last visit, including deaths, inability to pay, relocation to be closer to friends and family, and a rude nurse. The report said he also claimed that the facility was not evicting any residents and that he never attended the meeting where residents said he told them they were being evicted. The report does not name the administrator, but Oasis page on AHCAs website identifies him as Steven Gottlieb. Gottlieb did not return voicemails left at his office Thursday afternoon. That morning, the inspector, who had visited Oasis before, observed that the opening that once led to the main dining room had been walled in with a mural painted over it. A rental agent told the inspector that the entrance to Oasis was now behind a single, white, unlocked door. Both independent living and memory care residents used to have their own buildings but were forced to move out of their homes and into assisted living beginning in May 2024 due to renovations, according to residents and family members. Those homes later became apartments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when the inspector spoke to Gottlieb just before 10 a.m., he said that the company had moved the assisted living and memory care residents out of their homes and into the east side of one building so that they could provide a better continuum of care for the Residents on one side, according to the report. He did say the west section and the other buildings were now 55-plus rental apartments. When asked where the independent living residents were, Gottlieb said that they were all now in the assisted living section as well. Asked if they had separate floors, he said they are all mixed together. Gottlieb proceeded to say that the building was not being sold or ending its assisted living or memory care, despite the many reports and complaints from residents to the contrary. Property records show that the site was last purchased in October 2022 by an LLC called Lauderdale Commercial Boulevard Partners. The LLC is owned by Mark Tress, a real estate mogul based in New York who was named one of the citys worst landlords in 2024. Tress did not return a voicemail or email Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the inspector asked Gottlieb for a census of residents, he provided an old document that listed 40, compared to the previous 100. The number of residents at the building that day appeared even lower than 40, but when the inspector asked for an updated census, Gottlieb said the existing list was current. That number has continued to dwindle over the following weeks as more residents moved out. When the inspector asked about the drastic decrease in residents, Gottlieb stated it was because the facility experienced a lot of deaths, which he repeated several times during the interview, the report states. Asked if residents left for other reasons, Gottlieb stated there were Residents who moved out, but he did not know where they went because they dont tell them where, they just leave. After the inspector repeatedly pressed Gottlieb about the reason so many residents had moved out, he said it was because of a nurse who was rude and that was why they lost a lot of people. He went on to say that residents were moving out because they either couldnt afford to pay, their friends had, (redacted), their families wanted them closer to where they were, and a host of other reasons, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gottlieb continued to maintain that the building would remain an assisted living facility and that the recent moves only had to do with renovations. The inspector then spoke to several residents who said that Oasis held a mandatory meeting on March 5 during which Gottlieb told them they had to move out for the renovations and that they were given no advance warning or written notice, according to the report. One resident said Gottlieb told them there would no longer be food, buses, assisted living or memory care. The son of another said that, when Gottlieb was asked if they could come back after the renovations, he said no. Another resident said that they already didnt have transportation because the company had fired the bus driver. Both an aide and a resident told the inspector that, at the same meeting, Oasis management gave residents a choice of three other facilities to move to, but that they believed they were all under the same ownership or management company. Several residents also told the South Florida Sun Sentinel about the three other facilities being present at the meeting. A man employed at another senior living facility told AHCA in a phone interview that Oasis had told them they were closing down and asked them to send someone to meet with their residents. When they sent an employee to Oasis, he was pulled into the Administrators office and told that their facility must sign an agreement with the new LLC their company owned to pay 85% of the first months rent for every patient they got from their facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employee told them that such practice damages their industry, and he wanted nothing to do with it, according to the report. He then said he was told that Oasis would only refer patients to facilities that sign the agreement. The inspector later asked Gottlieb about whether representatives from other facilities came to the meeting and he said he was not aware of any, according to the report. Gottlieb then proceeded to say he was not at the meeting at all. He added that he was in another state attending to an ill family member but that all of the residents had in fact received a letter stating they had to move. He then went to his office and came back with a copy of the letter. The letter informed residents about improvements to their facilities, including the dining room, kitchen and corridors, to enhance their overall experience, according to the report. The letter did not tell residents that Oasis was closing, that they would have to move, or give 45 days notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather, it stated they would be enjoying a renovated facility, the report states. When the inspector told Gottlieb this, he argued that it did provide 45 days notice. The inspector asked him to review the letter and show where it said that. He did, then said nothing. When the inspector reminded him that, earlier in the day, he had said the facility was not closing at all, Gottlieb also did not respond. It remains unclear whether AHCA will take legal action against Oasis or what kind of penalties the company can receive now that it is converting into apartments. An agency spokesperson did not return an email Thursday. Injunction issued On Wednesday, a few days after the AHCA report was published, a Broward County judge held a hearing over a complaint against Oasis filed by David Comras, a lawyer and nephew of one of Oasis residents. Oasis attorneys did not attend the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge did hear from Joan Morelli, a resident who was still living at Oasis. Because management fired the bus driver, she relied on Comras to drive her to court, he said. After hearing her testimony, the judge issued the injunction against Oasis, requiring that all residents be given 45 days to move out. The injunction wont help the many residents who have moved out already, but Comras said its a win for those remaining, including his 88-year-old aunt, Rema, who is bedridden. I think its a huge benefit to those that were probably most in need, he said. Still, Comras added, even with the injunction, Oasis is likely to end up choking them out of the facility before the 45 days anyway. Theyre gonna say Im sorry, were no longer making meals, no longer doing this, no longer doing that.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comras and other family members contacted by the Sun Sentinel Thursday said they have not yet received any response from Oasis and are waiting to receive refunds of thousands in rent and deposits, as well as what they believe they are owed in moving fees. For now, however, they are happy their loved ones are in a safe place. Daniel Feliciano and Alfano said they managed to get his mother and her mother-in-law into the Preserve at Palm Aire, where they live across the hall from one another. The two were friends at Oasis. The facility, which has a hot tub, happy hours and takes residents out to restaurants once a week, reminds Feliciano of what Oasis was like 15 years ago. Its like being in black and white, he said, and all of a sudden youre exposed to color. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Koreas Constitutional Court unanimously removed Yoon Suk Yeol from office Friday, ending his tumultuous presidency and setting up a new election, four months after he threw the nation into turmoil with an ill-fated declaration of martial law. The verdict capped a dramatic fall for Yoon, a former star prosecutor who became president in 2022, just a year after he entered politics. In a nationally televised hearing, the courts acting chief Moon Hyung-bae said the eight-member bench found Yoons actions were unconstitutional and had a grave impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By declaring martial law in breach of the constitution and other laws, the defendant brought back the history of abusing state emergency decrees, shocked the people and caused confusion in the society, economy, politics, diplomacy and all other areas, Moon said. Given the negative impact on constitutional order caused by the defendants violation of laws and its ripple effects are grave, we find that the benefits of upholding the constitution by dismissing the defendant far outweigh the national losses from the dismissal of the president, the justice concluded. Protesters erupt in jubilation and sorrow Anti-Yoon protesters near the court erupted into tears and danced when the verdict was announced in the late morning. Two women wept as they hugged and an old man near them leapt to his feet and screamed with joy. The crowd later marched through Seoul streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside Yoon's official residence, many supporters cried, screamed and yelled at journalists when they saw the news of the verdict on a giant TV screen. But they quickly cooled down after their organizer pleaded for calm. We will absolutely not be shaken! a protest leader shouted on stage. Anyone who accepts this ruling and prepares for an early presidential election is our enemy. No major violence has been reported by late afternoon. Political risks related to domestic polarization and policy instability remain, Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said. But the Constitutional Courts unanimous ruling has removed a major source of uncertainty. Korean government institutions have withstood a volatile mix of legislative obstruction and executive overreach that posed the greatest challenge to democracy in a generation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Korea faces an election with deep divisions An election will be held within two months for a new president. But a festering divide over Yoons impeachment could complicate South Koreas efforts to deal with crucial issues like President Donald Trumps tariffs and other America First policies, observers say. Yoon said in a statement issued via his defense team that he deeply regrets failing to live up to the public's expectations, but stopped short of explicitly accepting the verdict. There have been fears he would incite efforts to resist his removal, as he earlier vowed to fight to the end. He added that he will pray for the country and its people. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve our nation, Yoon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoons ruling People Power Party said it would accept the decision, but one of Yoons lawyers, Yoon Kap-keun, called the ruling completely incomprehensible and a pure political decision." Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the countrys acting leader, vowed to maintain public safety and order and ensure a smooth transition to the next administration. Surveys show Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, is the early favorite to win the upcoming presidential by-election, though he faces several trials for corruption and other charges. It will be an uphill battle for the conservative party to win a snap presidential election, said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington. If Lee wins, South Koreas foreign policy will likely look very different from what the U.S. and like-minded countries have enjoyed during Yoons presidency because of the demands of the progressive base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee welcomed the ruling and credited the South Korean people for protecting our democratic republic. Crisis started with a night of chaos four months ago Martial law lasted only six hours, but left behind a political crisis, rattling financial markets and unsettling the countrys diplomatic partners. After announcing martial law late at night on Dec. 3, Yoon, a conservative, sent hundreds of soldiers to the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly, election offices and other sites. Special operations soldiers smashed windows at the assembly and scuffled with protesters, evoking traumatic memories of the country's past military rules among many South Koreans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enough lawmakers, including some from the ruling party, managed to enter the assembly to vote down Yoon's decree unanimously. Some senior military and police officers sent to the assembly testified Yoon ordered them to drag out lawmakers to block the vote on his decree or to detain his political rivals. Yoon says the troops were deployed to the assembly simply to maintain order. Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly on Dec. 14. The assembly accused him of violating the constitution and other laws by suppressing assembly activities, attempting to detain politicians, and undermining peace across the country. In his final testimony at the Constitutional Court hearing, Yoon said his decree was a desperate attempt to draw public support of his fight against the wickedness of the Democratic Party, which had obstructed his agenda, impeached top officials and slashed the governments budget bill. He earlier called the National Assembly a den of criminals and anti-state forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Constitutional Court ruled Yoon infringed upon the assembly's right to demand martial law be lifted, the freedom of political party activities and the neutrality of the military. It also said Yoons political impasse with the opposition wasnt the type of emergency situation that required martial law and that Yoons decree lacked required legal procedures such as deliberation by a formal Cabinet meeting. Yoon still faces criminal charges Yoon has been indicted on charges of rebellion in connection with his decree, a charge that carries the death penalty or a life sentence if convicted. He became the first South Korean president to be arrested or indicted while in office. Yoon was released from jail in March after a Seoul district court cancelled his arrest. That allows him to stand trial without detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His removal from office also costs Yoon the presidential immunity that protected him from most criminal prosecutions. This means he could face other criminal charges, such as abuse of power, in connection with his martial law decree, some observers say. ___ Associated Press writer Foster Klug contributed to this report. By Joyce Lee and Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted on Friday by the Constitutional Court, ushering in an election after it upheld parliament's impeachment over his imposition of martial law that sparked the nation's worst political crisis in decades. The unanimous ruling caps months of political turmoil that have overshadowed efforts to deal with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump at a time of slowing growth in Asia's fourth-largest economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision now sets in motion a race to elect the next president within 60 days as required by the constitution. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will stay on as acting president until a new leader is sworn in. Lee Jae-myung, the populist leader of the liberal Democratic Party who had lost to Yoon by a razor-thin margin in 2022, is a clear front-runner but faces legal challenges of his own under multiple trials for corruption. The conservatives have a wide-open field of candidates. "The Constitutional Court's unanimous ruling has removed a major source of uncertainty," said Professor Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha University in Seoul, noting how the next government would have to navigate challenges including North Korea's military threats, China's diplomatic pressure and Trump's trade tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae said Yoon violated his duty as president with his December 3 martial law declaration, acting beyond his constitutional powers with actions that were "a serious challenge to democracy". "(Yoon) committed a grave betrayal of the people's trust," Moon said, adding that the declaration of martial law created chaos in all areas of society, the economy and foreign policy. Human Rights Watch called the ruling a win for the country's resilience, quest for human rights and democratic values. Thousands of people at a rally calling for Yoon's ouster erupted into wild cheers on hearing the ruling, chanting "We won!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This took a long time but it's fortunate that it is a sensible outcome," Kim Han-sol, a 23-year-old student, said at a rally outside the court. Supporters of Yoon gathered near his official residence watched the ruling on a big screen in stunned silence. Some reacted in anger, with one protester arrested for smashing a police bus window, Yonhap news agency reported. Others held their heads in their hands and wept. Most rallies remained peaceful. The South Korean won gained as much as 1.6% to a five-week high, while the KOSPI stock index closed down 0.9% after briefly turning positive around the ruling. YOON PORTRAITS REMOVEDIn a message released through his lawyers, Yoon apologised to South Koreans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am so sorry and regretful that I wasn't able to live up to your expectations." Earlier, Yoon's lawyers had slammed the court's ruling. "This can only be seen as a political decision," Yoon Kab-keun told reporters. The court rejected most of Yoon's argument that he declared martial law to sound the alarm over the main opposition party's abuse of its parliamentary majority, saying there were legal avenues to address disagreements. Mobilising the military against parliament to disrupt its functions was a grave violation of Yoon's constitutional duty to safeguard the independence of the three branches of government, Moon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidential flag that flew alongside the national flag at the presidential office was lowered on Friday after the ruling. At military bases and command centres around the country, portraits of Yoon will be taken down to be shredded or burned, according to law. Kwon Young-se, interim leader of Yoon's ruling People Power Party, pledged to work with the acting president to stabilise the country. Acting President Han, speaking after the ruling, said he would do all he could to ensure an orderly election. South Korea's election commission said presidential hopefuls could register to run from Friday, while after talks with acting President Han, June 3 was being considered for the election date. Shoring up growth and formulating a response to a 25% U.S. tariff on South Korean imports are urgent priorities for the government. The finance ministry has proposed a 10 trillion won ($7 billion) supplementary budget but needs to reach a compromise with the opposition Democratic Party, whose leader Lee is targeting 30 trillion won. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 64-year-old Yoon still faces a criminal trial on insurrection charges related to the martial law proclamation, which carry a maximum sentence of death or life imprisonment. The embattled leader became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested on January 15 but was released in March after a court cancelled his arrest warrant. Oral arguments in the case start on April 14. The crisis was triggered by Yoon's surprise late-night declaration that martial law was needed in part to root out "anti-state" elements. Yoon lifted the decree six hours later after parliamentary staffers used barricades and fire extinguishers to ward off special operations soldiers who arrived by helicopter and broke windows as they sought to enter parliament, where lawmakers voted to reject martial law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ($1 = 1,434.8500 won) (Reporting by Joyce Lee, Ju-min Park, Cynthia Kim, Josh Smith, Jihoon Lee, Hyun Joo Jin, Heekyong Yang, Reuters TV; Writing by Jack Kim and Ed Davies; Editing by Kate Mayberry, Lincoln Feast and Mark Heinrich) By Francesco Guarascio and Orathai Sriring HANOI/BANGKOK (Reuters) -Southeast Asian nations reeled on Thursday as they were hit with some of President Donald Trump's heftiest tariffs, which now threaten the economies that have benefited from investment since he imposed levies on China during his first term. Vietnam, slapped with 46% tariffs, called for talks with Washington in order to reconsider "unfair" U.S. duties and Thailand's prime minister said she would pursue negotiations to try to reduce the 37% rate her country faces - far greater than the 11% it had expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both countries are heavy exporters to the U.S., having gained from the so-called China+1 strategy, whereby manufacturers, seeking to escape tariffs on China, shifted some of their Chinese production to nearby countries in the region. "We have to negotiate and get into details," Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said. "We can't let it get to where we miss our GDP target." Six of the nine Southeast Asian countries listed by Trump were slapped with much bigger-than-expected tariffs of between 32% and 49%. By comparison, the level for the European Union was 20%, Japan's was 24% and India's 27%. So far, none of the Southeast Asian nations have spoken of retaliatory tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vietnam, where companies like Apple, Nike and Samsung Electronics have large manufacturing operations, appears particularly exposed. Its exports to the United States were worth $142 billion last year, nearly 30% of its gross domestic product. Vietnam's benchmark stock index slid 6.7%, on course for its biggest one-day drop since January 2021 while its currency, the dong, lost 0.7% to hit an all-time low. Vietnam's trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien sent a diplomatic note to the United States on Thursday and said he was seeking to talk to the U.S. Trade Representative to revisit the decision he deemed unfair, according to a report on state media. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had earlier ordered up a task force to address the situation after an urgent cabinet meeting on Thursday, state media said. He noted the country's 8% growth target for this year remained unchanged. "Vietnam's export-driven growth model has been highly successful, attracting multinational companies ... However, a 46% U.S. tariff would directly challenge this model," said Leif Schneider, head of international law firm Luther in Vietnam. ING estimates that the tariffs put 5.5% of Vietnam's gross domestic product at risk. Vietnam made a number of recent concessions to Washington to avoid tariffs, including cutting duties and a pledge to import more U.S. goods, and is likely to offer more in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I expect negotiations to continue on ways to reduce or mitigate the impact of any new tariffs," said Adam Sitkoff, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi. HOPING FOR TALKS Thai Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said his government was prepared for negotiations and had high hopes they would go well, citing Thailand's good relations with the U.S. Thailand is hoping for 3% growth this year. It has lagged regional peers, growing 2.5% last year, held back by soaring household debt. The country's stock index, already having taken a battering this year due to its weak economy and last week's earthquake, slipped 1.1% while the baht fell to a one-month low. ING estimates the tariffs put 3% of the country's GDP at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malaysia, which was dealt a rate of 24%, announced it would not seek retaliatory tariffs and it said the trade ministry would be actively engaging with U.S. authorities "to seek solutions that will uphold the spirit of free and fair trade." Cambodia is facing tariffs of 49% that will hurt its garment and footwear industries and promise to crush hopes that it could attract investment relocating from other countries in the region. It is a "very, very serious situation for the economy," said a Cambodia-based investment consultant who declined to be identified. There is "nothing that Cambodia can offer as a negotiating tool, and will be at the back of a very long queue," he added. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi, Orathai Sriring in Bangkok; Additional reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng in Bangkok, Khanh Vu in Hanoi, Ashley Tang in Kuala Lumpur and Himanshi Akhand in Bengaluru; Writing by Francesco Guarascio and Kay Johnson; Editing by Edwina Gibbs, Alexandra Hudson) The proposed route of the Gorham Connector project that sought to expand suburban access to I-95. (Image via Maine Turnpike Authority) Lawmakers from southern Maine have banded together on legislation to scrap the controversial Gorham Connector project that sought to expand suburban access to I-95. While she knows the region needs a solution for traffic congestion driven by population growth, the connector is not the solution, said Sen. Stacy Brenner (D-Cumberland), lead sponsor on the bill that is set to have a public hearing before the Transportation Committee Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, the Maine Legislature passed legislation that allowed the Turnpike Authority to review traffic conditions west of Portland in Gorham, Scarborough, South Portland and Westbrook and build a five-mile connector to mitigate backups. Then-Gov. Paul LePage vetoed the bill because it was a toll access road, but lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to override his objection. When that law was passed, traffic projections were much higher than what is seen today, Brenner said. Traffic modeling assumes steady growth, she explained, but the reality depends on shifts in commuting patterns, land use and transportation choices, so its important to base infrastructure designs on the most up-to-date data. Brenner said she heard concerns from residents and key municipalities loudly on the campaign trail last summer. Opponents have said it is too large of a fix for a problem that only occurs at limited times in certain areas, according to reporting from the Portland Press Herald. And Brenner also pointed out that any route for the connector would cut through Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook, a family-owned dairy farm and valued part of the community. Preserving local businesses and working landscapes is important when planning for future transportation needs, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gorham Connector would have linked the Maine Turnpike at Exit 45 to the Gorham Bypass off Route 114. The intention was to improve the connection to the Turnpike and I-295 while reducing the commuter traffic on neighborhood roads. With an estimated cost of at least $330 million, Brenner said there should be careful consideration of the investment, especially when studies from the Turnpike Authority show a new highway would only reduce commute times by an average of four minutes. Repealing the law allows for a fresh approach to transportation planning, ensuring that any future proposals align with community needs and priorities, she said. Hundreds of constituents have contributed their time and voices into opposing this project and have asked for this bill to be brought forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LD 1020 would create that blank slate by repealing the 2017 law. It would also require the Turnpike Authority to resell any land purchased for the project back to the previous owner. If the previous owner doesnt want the property back, the bill stipulates that it would then be given to the municipality at no cost. If the municipality doesnt want the land, it would need to donate it to a local land trust. If they also dont want the land, then it can be offered for sale at a public auction. Other Democrats from that corner of the state have signed on to the bill, including Sen. Anne Carney of Cumberland County, and Reps. Drew Gattine of Westbrook, Kelly Murphy and Sophie Warren of Scarborough, as well as Eleanor Sato and Parnell Terry of Gorham. Rep. Laurie Osher (D-Orono) is also a cosponsor. Transportation officials agreed in early March to consider alternative plans for addressing traffic west of Portland. The Turnpike Authority asked the Maine Department of Transportation to do a two-year comprehensive review of the benefits and limitations of changing the existing infrastructure, as well as gather input from people affected by the traffic in that area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the landscape has evolved due to factors such as changes in post-pandemic commuting and the states housing crisis, the Turnpike Authority said there could still be a need for an innovative transportation solution for that area. Rather than expanding highways, Brenner said there should be an effort to strengthen existing urban areas, improve mobility options and support local economies. Thoughtful, data-driven planning will help ensure the best outcomes for the regions future, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY, Mo. A southern Missouri fire chief died Wednesday while responding to a search and rescue mission amid severe storms. Gary Moore, Fire Chief of the Whitewater Fire Protection District, died Wednesday while responding to a stranded car, according to a statement from Cape Girardeau County Coroner Craig Williams. Moore was in the line of duty and assisting near the Missouri communities of Advance and Delta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When and where the flooding rain is expected near St. Louis An autopsy is scheduled for Friday. Moores cause of death has not yet been determined, Williams tells FOX 2. In a statement shared Thursday on Facebook, the Perryville Fire Department expressed condolences: Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Whitewater Fire Protection District as well as the family and friends of Fire Chief Garry Moore, as he made the ultimate sacrifice while serving during storms last night. May God grant them peace and healing in this difficult time. Severe weather Wednesday triggered multiple tornado warnings across Missouri, including significant storms near Potosi, Nevada, and Cape Girardeau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. MABEN, WV (WVNS) Southern West Virginia is still in need of assistance after the devastating flooding that swept through the area in February. More than $1 million in federal disaster assistance approved in West Virginia McDowell and Wyoming counties were both hit hard by the flooding and many communities are still trying to get back to normal. The initial wave of donations consisted mostly of bottled water, cleaning supplies, canned food, and clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there are still several things these communities need. Dreama Padgett, Chief Executive Officer of MountainHeart Community Services, said there are two things these people desperately need. Manpower and those building supplies are the two things that we are seeing right now that is a must. You know, and we know thats time, and those building supplies are not cheap. So, any little thing, even if its a box of nails, a hammer, just any little thing that can help families out to rebuild, you know, their flooring and some of the lower part of the walls would be a great help, said Padgett. Padgett said drywalling supplies, flooring supplies, and plywood are some of the most needed items right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is coordinating with organizations in Wyoming and McDowell counties in order to distribute the donations to families in need. If you would like to donate, Dreama Padgett can be reached at 304-682-8271. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. As European markets navigate a challenging landscape marked by fresh U.S. trade tariffs and mixed economic signals, investors are increasingly focused on identifying resilient growth opportunities. In such an environment, companies with high insider ownership often stand out, as they suggest confidence from those closest to the business in its long-term potential. Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In Europe Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Pharma Mar (BME:PHM) 11.8% 40.8% Vow (OB:VOW) 13.1% 111.2% Elicera Therapeutics (OM:ELIC) 27.8% 97.2% Bergen Carbon Solutions (OB:BCS) 12% 50.8% Lokotech Group (OB:LOKO) 13.9% 58.1% CD Projekt (WSE:CDR) 29.7% 36.8% Elliptic Laboratories (OB:ELABS) 22.6% 88.2% Ortoma (OM:ORT B) 27.7% 68.6% Nordic Halibut (OB:NOHAL) 29.8% 56.3% Circus (XTRA:CA1) 26% 51.4% Click here to see the full list of 233 stocks from our Fast Growing European Companies With High Insider Ownership screener. Let's dive into some prime choices out of the screener. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Vastned Belgium is a public regulated real estate company (RREC) listed on Euronext Brussels, with a market capitalization of 570.44 million. Operations: Vastned Belgium generates its revenue through its operations as a regulated real estate company listed on Euronext Brussels. Insider Ownership: 39.6% Earnings Growth Forecast: 50.7% p.a. Vastned demonstrates potential as a growth company with high insider ownership, despite recent financial challenges. Its revenue and earnings are forecast to grow significantly, outpacing the Belgian market. However, past shareholder dilution and inadequate debt coverage by operating cash flow present concerns. Recent earnings showed slight declines in sales and net income, but the company maintains a reliable dividend yield of 7.85%. No substantial insider trading activity was noted over the past three months. ENXTBR:VASTB Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Apr 2025 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Gentoo Media Inc. is an iGaming technology company that offers solutions, products, and services to iGaming operators in the Nordic region, other parts of Europe, and globally, with a market cap of NOK2.69 billion. Operations: Gentoo Media generates revenue by providing technology solutions, products, and services to iGaming operators across the Nordic region, other European markets, and internationally. NEVADA, Mo. On Friday, officials released damage totals for the storms that passed through Vernon County earlier this week. The Vernon County Sheriffs Office sent out the following information on Facebook regarding structure damage: County Totals: Destroyed 55 Major 24 Minor 18 City of Nevada Totals: Destroyed 7 Major 16 Minor 27 Total: 129 The sheriffs office thanked local power companies Evergy, Barton County Electric, and Sac Osage for their assistance in getting power back to residents. NEVADA, Mo. Its been 36 hours since an EF-1 tornado passed through Nevada, leaving behind a trail of damage nearly 20 miles long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GALLERY: Southwest Missouri storm & tornado damage Power has been restored to all but about 300 customers, and help is being offered to those working on rebuilding. Damage cleanup is moving along rather rapidly, said Gary Edwards, Nevada City Manager. Edwards says thats thanks in large part to work done by property owners and city staff. We heard chainsaws up until about midnight last night. People working on their properties, cleaning up their properties, getting rid of the limbs. Edwards tells us the EF-1 tornado hopped across town. It would land, do damage, jump, go up, move on to the next site, do damage, said Edwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the substantial nature of the damage, a shelter was set up at the Nevada Community Center for those left without a home. So far we have about four, said Jenna Solomon with the American Red Cross. Vernon County tornado leaves residents stunned: Keep us in your prayers A number she expects to rise. I know a lot of people would rather go to family members and other things for shelter, and I completely understand that. I wouldnt want to sleep in a shelter, either. But were always here. Even if its not for a night, the shelter can offer a place to get out of the rain or charge devices like phones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across town, donations and volunteers are being gathered at the Vernon County Fairgrounds. Weve had major churches, weve had large organizations come in and say, How can we help? said Edwards. Much of that help arrived within hours of the storm, overwhelming city leaders with their generosity. We have pages of volunteers who want to help, and well be taking them up on that. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. By David Latona and Corina Pons MADRID (Reuters) -Spain on Thursday was one of the few major economies to offer up a concrete solution to help weather the impact of new U.S. tariffs, offering its companies a financial package of loans and direct aid worth 14.1 billion euros ($15.66 billion). The tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday have rattled markets and drew condemnation from world leaders facing an abrupt end of an era of trade liberalisation that has shaped the global order for decades. Spain, which like other European Union members was hit by U.S. tariffs of 20% imposed on imports from the bloc, is the world's top exporter of olive oil and sells important quantities of auto parts, steel and chemicals to the United States. Sanchez described Trump's actions as "terrible news for the world", "unintelligent" and "a return to 19th-century protectionism". "This tariff attack by the U.S. administration makes no distinction between friends and enemies, it doesn't discriminate based on ideology or trade balance; it's against everyone and everything," he said. Sanchez also stressed Europe's need to find new trading partners elsewhere. He is set to visit Vietnam and China next month, attempting to forge closer economic ties with the Asian countries. DIRECT AID AND SOFT LOANS Spain's aid package - which still needs to be approved by a fragmented parliament - will include 7.4 billion euros in new financing, and the rest will come from existing instruments such as soft loans, Sanchez said. He said that 5 billion euros of EU recovery funds would be repurposed to help industries hurt by the tariff shock - such as auto suppliers - reorient their productive capabilities towards other high-demand sectors. The government will also contribute with 2 billion euros' worth of credit insurance and export risk coverage. Rafael Pico, head of the Spanish Association of Olive Oil Exporters Asoliva, welcomed the measures and said the aid would help the industry invest in improving production processes and finding new markets. But he also called on the government to negotiate a reduction in the 20% tariff to align with competitors from other countries that were handed a lower rate. Spain exports 180,000 tonnes of olive oil directly to the U.S. while another 180,000 tonnes are sold to Germany, Italy, Belgium and Britain before being packaged for export to the U.S., Pico said. "We'll see how effective (the measures) are, but they don't solve the problem of tariffs in a market that is irreplaceable for us," he said. Abigail Spanbergers path to the Democratic nomination for Virginia governor is officially clear. The three-term former House member and former CIA case officer, who announced her bid to lead the state in November 2023, was confirmed as the partys nominee by the Democratic Party of Virginia on Thursday after no other prospective candidates filed to run by the state deadline. As the Democratic nominee for Governor of Virginia, I look forward to having many more meaningful conversations with all Virginians across our communities and regardless of who theyve cast their votes for in the past about the issues that matter most to them, Spanberger said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Glenn Youngkin not in the race Virginia does not allow its governors to serve consecutive terms Spanberger could match up against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the states lieutenant governor. The road to November hasnt always looked so open for Spanberger. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) publicly toyed with the idea of running as recently as February. And the former mayor of Richmond, Levar Stoney, who had the backing of former governor Terry McAuliffe, dropped his bid in April 2024 to run for lieutenant governor, seeking to avoid a messy primary fight against Spanberger. We are ready for this moment, we are ready to stand up for Virginians, and we are ready to make Abigail Spanberger our next Governor, Lamont Bagby, chair of the state Democratic party, said in a statement. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Fla.) backed Rep. Byron Donaldss (R-Fla.) bid for governor on Thursday, becoming the latest Republican to throw their support behind the congressman. Byron Donalds is a principled conservative leader who Floridians can trust as their next governor, Johnson told Politico. In Congress, Byron has been tenacious in standing up for Florida and President Trumps America First agenda. I have no doubt he will bring that same fighting spirit with him as governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donalds already has the backing of President Trump, who publicly urged him to run for governor shortly before Donalds announced his bid in February. Last month, Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) became the first member of the states congressional delegation to back the congressman for governor. Donalds formally kicked off his gubernatorial campaign last week at a launch rally in Bonita Springs, Fla. He is the first major Republican to enter the GOP primary for the governors mansion. On Tuesday, Donaldss team announced he raised $12 million in the first 35 days of his campaign. However, questions remain over whether Florida first lady Casey DeSantis will jump into the race. DeSantis and her husband, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) have repeatedly floated her as a potential candidate. According, to a poll published last month by the University of North Floridas Public Opinion Research Lab, 57 percent of registered Republicans said they had a favorable view of Casey DeSantis. Donalds had a 27 percent favorability rating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, an internal poll from Donaldss campaign pollster Fabrizio Lee and Associated released last week showed Donalds with a 34 percent to 30 percent lead over Casey DeSantis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is scrambling to break the impasse over the push to allow proxy voting for new parents, as the standoff between GOP leadership and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) hardens. A band of nine Republicans, led by Luna, joined with Democrats on Tuesday to torpedo a vote on a procedural rule that included language to thwart the proxy voting effort, halting unrelated key legislative business on the House floor and prompting leadership to send lawmakers home for the week. To reopen the floor, Johnson has to advance a procedural rule, which governs debate for legislation. First, however, he must solve the proxy voting dilemma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson said Wednesday that some Republicans are refusing to vote for rules going forward until we stop the proxy initiative. Traditionally, only the majority party votes in favor of rules, meaning just a few Republicans can continue to grind work to a halt. Raising the stakes, the House is eyeing a vote next week on adopting a compromise budget resolution to advance parts of President Trumps legislative agenda if the Senate moves ahead this week which the lower chamber will be unable to do without action on the parental proxy voting front. The path forward is shaping up to be an uphill battle as Luna digs in on her parental proxy voting push, top lawmakers remain categorically opposed to the effort and the clock ticks on the deadline for leadership to move on the resolution. As of Wednesday evening, Johnson did not have a solution to the stalemate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to find a path through this; were working on that, he told reporters. Ive talked to everybody who voted against the rule, and well work it out. So, we got time to do it and those conversations continue. The Speaker did, however, show some of his cards Wednesday, revealing in a statement on the social platform X that he is actively working on every possible accommodation to make Congressional service simpler for young mothers, a potential attempt at compromise with Luna. Asked by The Hill later what changes he is considering, he floated a room for nursing mothers right off the House floor and potentially allowing new mothers to use official funds to travel back and forth from their districts to Washington. We want to accommodate mothers who want to serve in Congress, and were the pro-family party, so well do that, Johnson said. But we cant do something that violates the Constitution or destroys the institution we serve in, and thats what Im afraid of. The proxy-vote gambit opens us a Pandoras box, and its one that Im not going to be involved in opening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear, however, if those offerings would be enough to get Luna to relent on her push for a vote on parental proxy voting. She continued pushing for the practice Wednesday night. A lot of vocal members have voted by proxy. I havent. Im just trying to ensure that the presidents agenda is delivered on, and that also female representatives truly have the ability to represent their constituents in Washington if theres an issue during childhood, Luna said on NewsNation. If Luna does not let go of her push in light of Johnsons new accommodations, which is expected, the Speaker will have to go back to the drawing board as he looks for ways to bury her effort. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) told The Hill on Wednesday that leadership is looking at bringing up another rule next week that would again include language to turn off the privilege for the parental proxy voting push something similar to the strategy that failed Tuesday, but with some differences. He would not elaborate on those changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of things being discussed, he said. Johnson huddled with Republicans on the House Rules Committee on Wednesday morning as he searched for a path forward. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), a hard-line conservative who sits on the panel, described the huddle as very good and said the ordeal would be figured out hopefully before next week but was not sure of what strategy would achieve that goal. I dont know, he said when asked how the chamber would move ahead. We like Anna. We dont like proxy voting. A source said Johnson was meeting with GOP lawmakers on the Rules Committee to figure out how to square the two contrasting sides of the debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Speaker was meeting with members to figure out a path forward that I think he earnestly is trying to figure out how to protect the institution from what is very clearly something that will damage the institution, by the vast majority view of the Republicans, and that are trying to deal with the fact that a discharge was done, which is problematic for the vast majority of Republicans, the source said. And hes trying to figure out how to square that circle by next week. One wild card in the proxy voting predicament is whether Trump will weigh in on the debate, considering his successful track record of getting House Republicans on the same page. Luna told NewsNation on Wednesday that she spoke to the president about the matter, and he assured that this would get resolved. The standoff comes after Luna successfully executed a discharge petition to force a vote on Rep. Brittany Pettersens (D-Colo.) resolution that would allow members who give birth or lawmakers whose spouses give birth to have another member vote for them for 12 weeks. Luna secured the 218 signatures needed to prompt action including from 11 other Republicans and leadership has been trying to thwart the effort ever since. The leadership-oriented House Rules Committee advanced a rule Tuesday that included language that would essentially turn off privilege, blocking Luna and her allies from forcing action on the proxy voting legislation, or any similar legislation in the future. Also included in the rule were two key GOP-led bills requiring proof of citizenship to vote and prohibiting nationwide injunctions in an attempt to dare Luna and her allies to down the rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, however, nine Republicans joined Democrats voting no. As the stalemate drags on, tensions are rising between the two sides. Luna on Wednesday accused the Speaker of being disingenuous when he said the GOP lawmakers who helped tank the rule were holding up Trumps agenda. While the failed procedural vote prevented the House from debating and voting on the two GOP-led bills under that rule, lawmakers could have brought up a different rule to move ahead with the bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote. This is just a political game here that theyre playing, Luna said on NewsNation. And if you want to look at whos playing games, I mean, you could see it. They did not have to send us home. They tried to do that to get people upset. Its just disingenuine; we couldve voted on the SAVE [Safeguard American Voter Eligibility] Act. I also want to ensure that everyone knows that were not blocking the agenda, she added. Theyre not being straight-up, and thats exactly why they got community noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson, meanwhile, is showing no signs of softening his anti-proxy-voting posture. I dont concede on something that I believe to be unconstitutional. I cant, Johnson told reporters when asked why he will not let up in his fight. I took an oath to uphold the Constitution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Apr. 2The Spokane Valley City Council voted Tuesday to reaffirm the municipality is "not a sanctuary city," in what was likely the most well-attended and raucous meeting of the year. Tuesday's meeting at Spokane Valley City Hall had two banner issues on the agenda that drew supporters and detractors from across the Inland Northwest: a public hearing on a public safety sales tax the council is considering and a vote on a resolution seeking to reiterate the city's stance on immigration for a federal audience. The latter item, approved in a 5-2 vote, replaces an invalid 2016 resolution approved by the council before state legislators passed the Keep Washington Working Act, which supporters said sought to prevent disruptions to the state's economic sectors that largely rely on immigrant labor, like agriculture. Councilman Ben Wick and Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenburg were the two "nay" votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In passing the act, the Washington Legislature determined it is not the primary purpose of law enforcement, and a misuse of local resources, to enforce federal immigration law. Local police departments and sheriff's offices are only allowed to assist or share information with federal agents in limited circumstances since the law took effect in 2019. While its previous iteration was more direct in compelling the city's police force, which is contracted from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, to assist federal forces with immigration enforcement, the resolution will not lead to any practical changes in how city staff members or sheriff's office deputies within city limits conduct their duties, said Deputy City Manager Erik Lamb and Undersheriff Dave Ellis, chief of the Spokane Valley Police Department. Instead, its purpose was to send a message to President Donald Trump that the council does not agree with the state's sanctuary law, said Councilwoman Jessica Yaeger, the board member who brought the resolution forward. "Quite frankly, it's because we put grants out there all the time, and what it means is we will not have money that comes to this city, in this state, because we are a sanctuary state," Yaeger said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yaeger said she and fellow council members Laura Padden and Mayor Pam Haley were discussing the resolution with White House officials in their advocacy visit to the nation's capital last week, and that without it, the city "will not get millions upon millions of dollars for the roads you drive on, for other grants that come to our city that actually feed hungry mouths." The majority of residents at the meeting, hailing from within Spokane Valley's borders and from neighboring towns, testified in opposition to the resolution. They voiced concerns that the measure would condone discrimination against immigrants and people of color residing and working in Spokane Valley, and is naked political posturing and could lead to a costly legal battle. Haley had to make multiple warnings that she would end public comment if decorum was not upheld as the crowd clapped, snapped and laughed, at times, during the meeting. "I can tell you that there is great fear already among the immigrants and refugees who are here legally," said Christi Armstrong, executive director of World Relief Spokane. "... World Relief wants to be a part of the solution, but I just think that putting those words that Spokane Valley is not a sanctuary city is really, really hurtful." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yaeger admonished members of the public who said or insinuated the resolution would send the wrong message to marginalized communities, stating that they were the ones who brought "skin color" up and that she was trying to protect young women and "prevent an issue like Laken Riley." The 22-year-old was murdered in Athens, Georgia, by a Venezuelan illegal immigrant, and has become the namesake of a federal law seeking to tighten detention requirements for immigrants who commit crimes. Her death has become a rallying cry among conservatives critical of the prior administration's handling of immigration and border security. Yaeger also decried those same speakers for the lack of positive statements and "standing up to thank us" for code changes the council is considering to crack down on illicit massage parlors and sex trafficking. "How can you guys say that you're defending women and defending minorities when these women are being sex-trafficked and raped every day of their lives?" Yaeger asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilman Al Merkel said while he does not support the resolution since it lacks any real teeth and is a "complete political waste of time," he heard from multiple Valley residents ahead of the meeting who desired it, so he voted in favor. "I'm saddened to hear that we were discussing this with the White House, because if this is what the White House thinks we spend our time on, that's a little disappointing," Merkel said. He added that his mother is from Honduras and said he doesn't believe racism is driving immigration policy. He said would have preferred an ordinance that allowed for more enforcement. Haley pushed back on Yaeger's characterization of the resolution's timing and purpose, saying she did not think it had "anything to do with politics," and was simply an update to the resolution to correct the sections invalidated by the Keep Washington Working Act. "It has to do with making our resolution that was passed in 2016 comply with both the federal law, which has changed, and the state law, which has also changed since then," Haley said. "This particular resolution allows us to comply with both. It doesn't give a directive to our police to do anything." This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com The Spokane Valley City Council wants voters to decide if they are willing to foot the bill for additional law enforcement positions. But the final decision wont be made for two weeks. According to the Spokane Valley City Council, the citys police department is understaffed by approximately 20 officers. The city approved its 2025 budget last November, with nearly $150 million in expenditures outpacing revenues by roughly $1.1 million, according to the citys budget and financial reports. Spokane Valleys law enforcement contract with the countys sheriffs office is expected to add another $4.7 million to the budget by 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a minimum, the city wishes to hire four patrol deputies, a behavioral health deputy, a school resource officer, and a sexual assault detective who would split time with the sheriffs office, according to The Spokesman-Review. What tax increase is the city council weighing The city is currently considering increasing property taxes, utility taxes, and business license fees in conjunction with adopting a 0.1% sales tax hike. For now, the Spokane Valley City Council voted 6-1 in favor of advancing the ordinance increasing its sales tax. They will make a final decision on April 15. If passed, the measure would be on the ballot for the Aug. 5 primary election ballot. But Several residents expressed frustration with the proposal at a Tuesday council meeting. I feel like weve shown that [police] dont have the support of the community, one resident said according to The Center Square. BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) A local organization that provides services to those with developmental disabilities, raised over $200,000 with its Day of Giving fundraiser. Springbrook held a 24-hour fundraiser last month, with the goal of raising $100,000. The campaign ended up raising $200,000 with help from a dollar-for-dollar match from the organizations board president. CEO Patricia Kennedy says the money raised goes to fund activities and trips for the people in their programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says some of the money will fund playground upgrades for Springbrooks Kids Unlimited Preschool. Kennedy says in the past, theyve taken bus trips to see Yankees games, or shows on Broadway. I had one young woman look at me and say, this was my dream. To come to New York City, to see Lion King, to be at the Hard Rock. So, those extra things that make life exciting, and fun, and things to look forward to, were gonna be able to fund that to a much larger degree than we have, says Kennedy. Kennedy says, just as important as the money raised during the event, was spreading awareness about the group and what it does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can always donate and volunteer online, by looking up SpringbrookNY.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. ENFIELD, Conn. (WWLP) Two Springfield larceny suspects were arrested during a planned police operation to address retail theft in Enfield. The Enfield Police Department states that on Wednesday, officers, along with the Connecticut State Police retail theft task force, performed a planned operation to address retail theft in Enfields shopping district. Springfield man charged with sexually assaulting minor in Somers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the operation, officers worked with loss prevention from multiple stores to identify and arrest shoplifters while they were committing the larcenies, and two people were arrested and charged. The two Springfield residents were arrested based on evidence from a previous larceny and a larceny in a separate retail store in Enfield. The items stolen and the amount it was worth are unknown at this time. Devon Arthur and Gabriella Martins (Enfield Police Department) Both 21-year-old Devon Arthur of Springfield and 20-year-old Gabriella Martins of Springfield were charged with the following: Larceny 6th degree (2 cases) Conspiracy to commit larceny 6th degree (2 cases) Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Springfield Public Schools will lose out on tens of millions of dollars as the Trump administration cuts federal funding to K-12 education in Massachusetts. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said the loss of funding will not impact education services to the citys students, but he feels like the city is being punished and he wont give up without a fight. Trump administration cuts $106M in funding for schools in Massachusetts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How do we not continue to keep our kids at the center, when right now, this is the most important time to keep it centered, said LaTonia Monroe Naylor, a Springfield school committee member. Naylor has spent her whole life in Springfield. Her children are the products of Springfield public schools. But now, the district stands to lose $47,357,654 after the Trump Administration terminated federal education funding. If I remember correctly, President Trump indicated that we got to get our kids back and teachers back, said Mayor Sarno. Thats exactly what I did here and now Im going to be punished for that. Mayor Sarnos finance and facility management team will work with the Springfield school system to fight for a fair share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If theres an issue or if theres a way to be more efficient and effective, if theres fraud, I get it. But thats not in this case here, Sarno said. Who are you affecting? Youre affecting the students and teachers of the city of Springfield. The Springfield School committee will meet next Tuesday to further discuss the budget cuts. That meeting will be open to the public. 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. As a trade war threatens U.S.-China relations and global supply chains alike, FedEx is paying no mind. The Memphis, Tenn.-based logistics giant plans to further expand its presence in China, president and CEO Raj Subramaniam told a group of international executives and trade association leaders at a roundtable hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. More from Sourcing Journal Subramaniam was one of seven executives who spoke at the event held in Beijing, where Xi made the case for foreign investment in the country in the wake of the tariffs levied against it by the Trump administration. There were 40 executives in attendance, with Subramaniam sitting alongside Pfizer CEO Albery Bourla, Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks, Blackstone chairman Stephen Schwartzman and Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio among others. FedEx, which opened a new and expanded China headquarters in Shanghai last year, already operates more than 100 retail branches and over 100 ground stations across the country, along with 3,000 vehicles. It also operates more than 300 international flights in China per week. FedEx remains committed to investing in markets that are critical to the future of global commerce, said Subramaniam. We acknowledge Chinas influential role in global trade and seek to build strong, transparent and mutually beneficial partnerships that support shared innovation and long-term success. Subramaniam did not elaborate on the specifics of FedExs investment, but the package delivery firm has recently been making more moves that will undoubtedly grow the companys footprint in the market. At the end of 2023, the company broke ground on a new south China operations center in Guangzhou that will supplement the companys Asia Pacific hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Slated to begin operating in 2027, the 440,000-square-foot facility will be able to sort up to 25,000 packages and documents per hourthree times the current FedEx Guangzhou gateway capacity. The Guangzhou gateway handles approximately 40 percent of the hubs import and export cargo volume. The expansion is designed to improve FedExs capacity and efficiency in processing import and export shipments in south China, and connect Asian customers to FedExs North American and European networks. The Asia Pacific hub also currently hosts a 155-acre, 873,000-square-foot air sorting and handling facility that could sort 36,000 packages per hour. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis couple is being sued by the U-Haul Company for staging an accident in order to claim insurance money. According to the lawsuit, Khadijah Bounds and Erion Johnson allegedly staged the accident and claimed they did not know each other despite later acknowledging they were in a relationship. The lawsuit states Bounds was allegedly driving the rented U-Haul truck to move equipment on Sept. 19, 2024, in the citys West End neighborhood on a one-way street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bound told police she did not see Johnson in a 2008 Ford F-150 while he was attempting to parallel park on Bartmer Avenue and Hamilton Avenue. Daycare responds to childs fall from second story window Bounds allegedly struck Johnsons truck, and both denied medical attention after the crash. Johnson also refused medical attention for the passenger in his Ford, who he said was his brother. Police saw damage to the drivers side of the U-Haul truck and damage to the front passenger side of the Ford. A few days later, Johnson told U-Haul he had back pain from the injury and wanted to pursue an injury claim and also stated his Ford could no longer start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told U-Haul he would only pursue treatment if it was covered. He also stated his daughter was in a car seat at the time of the crash, which contradicted his statement to police that his brother was in the passenger seat. Bounds told U-Haul later that it was her belief that Johnson was parking in the middle of the road while she was allegedly driving 25 to 30 miles per hour. Bounds again told U-Haul she did not know Johnson at the time of the crash. Bounds also told U-Haul she dropped her phone in the river shortly after the accident and lost all photos she took of the accident. After U-Haul investigated the crash, they discovered Bounds was actually going under 5 miles per hour. Bounds also admitted during the investigation that Johnson was her boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News The lawsuit said despite Bounds and Johnson previously stating they did not know each other, investigators found they had previously lived together and had tagged each other in posts on social media, including TikTok. One of the posts Bounds wrote about Johnson said, I want to say Happy 35th Birthday to My Man My Man My Man. Puerto Rico owes us not nothing. According to the lawsuit, Johnson has an extensive claim history, including previous claims of faked damage and exaggerated injury. Bounds is being sued for seven counts of breaching her rental contract with U-Haul, one count for unclean hands, and egregious misconduct. Both Bounds and Johnson are being sued for one count of fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. The St. Paul City Council has been without a seventh voting member since Feb. 5, when former Council President Mitra Jalali stepped down from her Ward 4 seat. After two months without a council member representing Hamline-Midway, Merriam Park, St. Anthony Park and portions of Como and Macalester-Groveland, many voters expected the council to appoint a temporary replacement on Wednesday. For the second week in a row, the council did not, though not for lack of trying. This process is not what I had hoped it would be, said Council President Rebecca Noecker, at the end of a lengthy and sometimes emotional discussion about the behind-the-scenes politicking and lack of transparency that derailed an appointment process now likely headed to the mayors desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all have a lot of reflecting to do, Noecker said. The decision, in this case, would go to the mayor. Deadlocked, failed votes Early in Wednesdays meeting, Noecker made a motion to suspend the rules and introduce a special resolution to sponsor Lisa Nelson as the interim Ward 4 member, but the council deadlocked, 3-3, on whether to allow the motion to move forward. Without majority support, the motion failed. Council members Anika Bowie, Cheniqua Johnson and Saura Jost voted against the motion, with Jost participating remotely from San Diego. Noecker, HwaJeong Kim and Nelsie Yang voted for the motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jost later made a motion to introduce her own resolution, under suspension of the rules, sponsoring Matt Privratsky as the interim Ward 4 council member. That motion also failed 4-2, with only Jost and Johnson voting yes. Later in the meeting, the council called a recess, and members exited the chamber for an extended period. Some returned visibly emotional. Soon after, Kim introduced yet another motion to suspend the rules and reconsider the previous vote, drawing strong remarks of frustration from Johnson. This process has been anything but the standard weve operated under, said Johnson, calling the behind-the-scenes politicking painful and embarrassing. When we left the room today before the recess, we didnt have a (majority). That discussion that happened after the recess was not transparent. After further remarks from other council members, Kims motion failed, 3-3, with Kim, Noecker and Yang voting to support it and Bowie, Johnson and Jost voting against. Mayor may have to step in Without majority support for a new council member, the seat remains empty, raising the likelihood that St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter will have to appoint someone this month to fill the Ward 4 vacancy through the Aug. 12 election. Under the city charter, the council has 30 days to fill a vacancy, and Jalali officially left city employ on March 8. The next scheduled council meeting is April 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If no one is appointed by April 7, the mayor would then have 10 days under the city charter to appoint a qualified voter of the ward. Council members acknowledged the stakes are high. The new appointee may cast tie-breaking votes on a variety of issues, including looming budget questions and whats likely to be a hot-button discussion over the future of the citys voter-approved rent control ordinance. At the mayors urging, Noecker and two other council members plan to introduce an amendment this month eliminating rent control protections for residential properties constructed after 2004. In a trade-off of sorts intended to soften the blow for renters, Johnson plans to sponsor a series of tenant protections, to be introduced around the same time. We have big votes before us, said Bowie, criticizing us playing a game of chess to fill the council vacancy. Its very important who is in this seat. A sticky process Efforts to fill the Ward 4 seat since Jalalis departure have proven procedurally sticky. Jay Willms, who was recently named chief of council operations, screened 20 applications. After conferring with city clerk Shari Moore and others at City Hall, he whittled the pool to four finalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the goal of filling the vacant seat by early April, the council interviewed the four finalists in mid-March, including Nelson, a former art conservator turned neighborhood advocate; Privratsky, a lobbyist for the clean energy industry who had previously served as Jalalis legislative aide; artist and community organizer Sean Lim; and nonprofit consultant Melissa Martinez-Sones. Jost, in a written statement this weekend, said Noecker and Kim had surveyed the council members as to their preferred candidate, ranked them and then went in a different direction, ignoring the council majority. I shared these serious concerns, Jost wrote. My feedback was dismissed. Noecker was on bereavement leave and unable to attend the meeting on March 26, when the council was initially scheduled to vote on an appointee. Over the objection of Kim and Yang, Jost took the opportunity to offer an amended resolution in favor of Privratsky, with the stated expectation the final resolution would be voted upon by the full council later that week. Instead, during a special convening of the council last Friday, Noecker withdrew the resolution from the agenda, closing the meeting in three minutes without a vote. By that time, Martinez-Sones had withdrawn her name from consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Noecker and Jost then attempted to introduce their favored candidates on Wednesday, without success. Separate from the interim appointment process, candidates also are organizing campaigns to run for the seat this summer. At least three candidates have come forward to seek the Ward 4 office, and the winner of the Aug. 12 election will serve through 2028. Related Articles Apr. 2MORGANTOWN It's a struggle of attrition. If 20 people sign up for police civil service testing, 10 might show up. Of that 10, five might pass the written and physical tests. Of that five, two might make it through the subsequent background checks, polygraph test and psychological evaluation and be offered employment with the Morgantown Police Department. Then it's off to the West Virginia State Police Academy for 20 weeks. After that, 12 weeks of field training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The end result is a police department that is treading water in terms of progress on a significant, sustained staffing shortfall. As of mid-March, the MPD had 55 officers, including two probationary officers sworn in during the March 19 Morgantown City Council meeting. MPD has two more potential officers currently in the academy and another pair slated to go later this year. The department is also aware of at least two current officers who will be leaving by year's end. Currently, more than a quarter of the department's officer positions 21 of 76 are unfilled. And that's about where the numbers have been stuck in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department has moved to 12-hour shifts in an attempt to lessen the impact of the openings, which remain despite a list of initiatives from the city, including a condensed civil service process, signing bonuses for certified officers, the purchase of the former Defense in Depth shooting range as a training center and enrollment in the national 30 30 initiative to increase female participation in law enforcement. In a continued effort to get the department's numbers up, MPD Chief Eric Powell has said he's interested in exploring a potential change in testing materials used by the city due to the high fail rate. "We're just trying to evaluate the system in all its pieces. It's supposed to be a general aptitude [test ] and I don't know that I'm 100 % sold that we're getting the results that we really want out of this test that we're giving right now, " he said during a March meeting with the Morgantown Police Review and Advisory Board. Powell said he's reached out to Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger about the testing process in place there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know they are very happy with what they've got, and their passing percentage is much higher than ours, so they have a bigger pool at the beginning of the process to work through, " Powell said, later adding, "I'll review everything as it applies to getting more people to pass the test. I want people to pass, obviously. It's unfortunate if we lose a viable candidate because of a testing process that wasn't better formatted to suit the department's and the city's needs." The department is also looking into the Ride with a Recruiter program implemented by the Portland Bureau of Police, in Oregon. That initiative utilizes a bolstered ride-along program to give potential officers a day-in-the-life look at the job and get input and advice from those in the position. While the numbers may be a bit more alarming here, the MPD is not alone in this position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2024 survey conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police indicated that more than 70 % of 1, 158 responding agencies said recruitment is more difficult now than as recently as five years ago. The overwhelming majority of survey responses were from municipalities across the country, which indicated an average staffing deficit of about 10 %. About 75 % of responding agencies said they've implemented policy and procedural changes to simplify the hiring process and relax restrictions on issues like tattoos and facial hair. The MPD had 68 of 71 officer positions filled in 2016 according to The Dominion Post archive. Rising food prices have been big news in the United States. But these increases are happening across the world, with the changing climate driving hikes on grocery staples. What's happening? Korean news outlet Chosun recently reported that food costs are soaring in South Korea. Products such as bread, cakes, tea, and beer have all increased at least 5% this year, with some prices going up by as much as 30%. There are political issues exacerbating these increases. The South Korean government is in upheaval, as its president was indicted earlier this year on insurrection charges. And the value of South Korea's currency has fallen, in part because of a trade war sparked by new U.S. tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the biggest driving force behind these increases is weather instability. For example, as Chosun reported, extreme flooding and drought conditions have hit various parts of West Africa, causing shortages in cocoa production. This has resulted in the price of cocoa tripling since 2023. Similar extreme weather conditions have caused price increases for coffee beans and wheat. Why are rising food prices important? Ask anyone who's on a budget, and they'll tell you that rising food prices are a major concern. Ask any conservationist, and they'll also voice worry. The extreme weather events that cause crop shortages, and ultimately price increases, are becoming more common. That's a byproduct of rising global temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As one expert put it, the changing climate is "basically steroids for weather" and the more polluting gases that pour into our atmosphere, the more likely we are to experience major floods, droughts, and other weather that make farming less predictable and more difficult. What can I do about rising food prices? As with most climate-related issues, staying informed and speaking up are two of the most important steps you can take. In Australia, lobbyists are pushing a misconception that more dirty fuel production will make energy cheaper, which will in turn bring down grocery prices. The reality is that the more dirty energy we use, the more extreme weather conditions will wreak havoc on crop yields. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. There are also steps you can take to combat rising prices in your own life. By growing your own food and shopping smarter at the grocery store, you can feel good about what you and your family are eating while saving a few dollars at the same time. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu. (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) The Board of Public Works approved a $3.9 million extension Wednesday of a call center contract ahead of an expected surge of calls from laid-off federal workers, despite concerns about the Frankenstein-esque growth of the contract. The five-month extension, which was requested by the Maryland Department of Labor, comes one day after thousands of workers at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services learned they had been laid off. Many of those worked at HHS offices in Maryland, and are the latest in a wave of federal job cuts by the Trump administration that are hitting Marylands economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This contract is designed to provide surge capacity to support Marylanders during this crisis, Labor Secretary Portia Wu said at Wednesdays board meeting. We must be prepared to handle a massive increase in unemployment insurance claims. The state is already seeing a rise in unemployment claims, according to Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D), who led the board meeting in place of Gov. Wes Moore (D). Over the past 12 weeks, weve seen the reckless and devastating impacts of actions by the Trump administration with the firings of tens of thousands of dedicated federal public servants, freezing billions of dollars in grants to our research institutions and dismantling the agencies that provide vital services for our state, Miller said. This has impacted Maryland in a real and substantial way, she said. Weve already begun to see an increase in unemployment insurance claims and anticipate that these figures will continue to increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu wants to extend a current call center services contract with the consulting firm, Accenture. The $3.9 million five-month extension would bring the total spent on the Accenture contract to $312.4 million since it was first awarded in April 2020. That first award was worth $19.6 million, state records show. Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) said the contract has ballooned since the Hogan administration initially approved funds to pull in call center services in 2020 to help with the anticipated needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the contract has been extended several times. This contract was started in COVID, Lierman said, noting that the Moore Administration was not in office yet, and it has now ballooned to nearly 1,500% of where it was originally its a little Frankenstein-esque. Wu agreed that the contract was costly for the state, which is why she said the department is attempting to wean itself off the Accenture contractors and recruit more state workers to staff the phone lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our goal is to ramp up the state staff, Wu said. We already have 100, we have the authority to bring on another 20, Wu said. She reported that state workers handled 9,800 this week compared to Accentures 6,900 calls. The contract extension will cover between 50-75 Accenture agents. The state pays about $55 per hour per agent to Accenture, which Wu admitted was an expensive and costly contract for the state. State Treasurer Dereck E. Davis had a different interpretation. Theyre screwing us, lets not sugarcoat it, he said, noting that $55 per hour equates to a $110,000 salary, though much of that money goes to the company as overhead and not directly to the worker answering the phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the department still needs the Accenture agents given the rapid-fire layoffs at the federal level, according to Wu. We dont know exactly what is coming our way in the next several months, but we do know that people will have a lot of questions and we want to be there to answer them, she said. Between state workers and Accenture agents, the department is handling close to 20,000 calls a week. Many of those calls are looking for basic information, such as forgetting a password or understanding how to file a claim. The contracted Accenture workers would answer those basic issues so that state Department of Labor workers would be freed up for more specialized and specific issues. Despite the numerous questions, Lierman said the board was eager to support the contract extension. I wish we didnt have to support our federal workforce in this way. Its terrible, but I want us to make sure that were supporting our federal workers and that they get this timely information, she said. But I also dont want us to use this federal-government-made disaster to raise taxpayer dollars. I think we understand the fiscal situation in the state, and so we have to make sure that we move on from contracts like this. The State Department is warning travelers about violent crime and other potential risks in a popular destination for cruise passengers and other tourists The Bahamas. The Caribbean nation was already listed at Level 2: exercise increased caution, according to the State Departments rubric for travel safety, where Level 1 means exercise normal precautions and Level 4 means do not travel. However, the destinations travel advisory was updated with additional information this week to reflect crime, swimming-related risks, and information on traveling with firearms and ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what travelers should know. Is it safe to go to The Bahamas right now? The State Department is not discouraging travel to The Bahamas, but it is urging caution. Violent crime like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults can occur anywhere in The Bahamas, according to the travel advisory, which was updated Monday. Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the Over the Hill area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents. The advisory also encourages vigilance in vacation rental properties, where there may not be private security. USA TODAY has reached out the official tourism arm of The Bahamas for comment. Make your journey safer and smarter: Sign up for USA TODAY's Travel newsletter. A lifeguard sits under an umbrella while watching people enjoy a beach in Nassau, Bahamas on April 29, 2019. What are the swimming-related risks? The State Department's travel advisory groups swimming-related risks into two categories: jet skis and boating, and beach safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the risks are reports of sexual assault by some jet ski operators as well as sexual assaults on or near downtown Nassau beaches. There are also concerns over watercraft operators who may be unlicensed or uninsured or who may ignore weather warnings. Beyond that, the guidance is similar to what would apply on any beach vacation: never swim alone, watch out for watercraft, beware of sharks. Can you have guns in The Bahamas? Firearms and ammunition are illegal including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage," the State Department warns, noting that U.S. citizens have been detained or barred from leaving The Bahamas for possession. Travelers are urged to check their bags carefully for any such items before leaving the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'Exercise increased caution': US warns travelers about crime, strict gun laws in Turks and Caicos How can you be safe when traveling? Travelers are encouraged to practice basic safety principles like being aware of their surroundings, locking their doors and windows, and not answering the door unless they know who it is. They can also sign up for the State Departments free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) when going abroad. This allows the State Department to send them real-time updates on health, safety and other urgent matters and contact them in the event of an emergency. Its worth noting the State Department has recently updated travel advisories for several other popular destinations, and other countries have also warned their citizens about visiting the U.S. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bahamas travel warning: US urges travelers to stay alert LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a student loan repayment program for nurses, which they hope will incentivize more students to join the field. The Nurse Loan Repayment Program will provide up to $300,000 in tax-free funds to successful applicants. These funds can be used to repay student debt over four years for those working at state psychiatric facilities or over up to 10 years for other eligible practice sites. The program has around $9 million available for disbursement. Nurses are the backbone of the health care system, providing essential care to patients in hospitals, clinics, schools and homes, said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. Health care facilities across the state are facing nursing shortages and this loan repayment program will help providers recruit and retain nurses to provide vital care to patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program will require successful applicants to remain employed for 2 years for a minimum of 40 hours per week for no less than 45 weeks per year. They must work at eligible non-profit practice sites or in public school settings. Applications are open now through June 4. To learn more about the program, visit the NLRP webpage 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 WLNS 6 News. NC Treasurer Brad Briner tells the House Oversight Committee about the state pension plan deficit. (Screenshot from NCGA video feed) The state pension system has a $16 billion deficit, state Treasurer Brad Briner told a legislative committee Thursday morning, and the departments investment division needs a new strategic direction. Briner used his appearance before the House Oversight Committee to talk up his proposal for changing how investment decisions are made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State and local retirees are still getting checks. The state pension system is relatively well-funded compared to its counterparts around the country, Briner told the committee. But the pension fund was in a much better financial position 20 years ago. Briner also faced pointed questions from Democrats on the committee about potential crypto investments. A bill moving through the state House, one backed by House Speaker Destin Hall, would allow the Treasurers office to invest in Bitcoin. Right now, the state Treasurer makes all the investment decisions. The office has investment advisory boards, but the Treasurer doesnt have to listen to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Briner wants the state to create a board, called the Investment Authority, that would make investment decisions. His proposal is in House Bill 506 and its Senate twin, Senate Bill 709. The Treasurer would sit on the board with appointees from the House Speaker, the Senate leader, the Governor and the Treasurer. Members would have a minimum of 10 years experience in investment management. Coincidentally, Briners committee appearance coincided with a sharp drop in stock market indexes triggered by President Donald Trumps tariffs. Today is going to be a very interesting day in U.S. capital markets history, he said. The temptation for everyone is to do something, anything, Briner said. The right answer is probably going to be to wait. For a political office holder, the temptation is greater, he said. Having an investment board would be a guard against that temptation and still provide political accountability, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina is one of three states where one person is responsible for investment decisions, he said. I think more heads are better than one when it comes to having a disciplined, long-term investment strategy, he said. I think having this kind of concentrated power in a single individual, elected or otherwise, doesnt really make sense. Former Treasurer Dale Folwell had an unorthodox approach to investing that was out of step with other large public pension funds, NC Newsline has reported. The pension fund held a far greater percentage of its money in cash than other public pension plans, which was a drag on returns. Pension investments have fallen short of the 6.5% rate of return, Briner said, and the state pension fund ranks 49th or 50th in returns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a sole fiduciary, it is easy to be overly conservative in that model, and hard to be appropriately risky in that model, because you get all of the blame, and you get none of the credit. And I understand from a human emotion perspective why youd end up where we are, and thats not a good place. Democrats on the committee asked repeated questions about investments in crypto currency. Rep. Allison Dahle (D-Wake) said constituents are wondering about it. Briner said Bitcoin is the best method to bet against the value of the U.S. dollar but its also extremely volatile. There probably is a role for them over time in a very modest proportion, he said. Update: 9:30 a.m. on April 4 ONARGA, Ill. (WCIA) New details emerged on the Onarga standoff Friday morning, revealing that the suspect had an explosive device. Sheriffs officials said in a news release that it all started with a traffic stop on West Lincoln Avenue for a suspended registration. The officer conducting the stop identified the front seat passenger as James Nelson, 39 of Onarga. Officials said Nelson was wanted on an arrest warrant charging him with felony aggravated fleeing and eluding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Nelson refused to exit the vehicle when asked, officials said. As the officer attempted to take Mr. Nelson into custody, he reached into the backseat of the vehicle and produced an object, which he claimed to be a bomb and threatened to detonate it. Nelson then fled the traffic stop on foot and went to a nearby house, which the Sheriffs Department confirmed was his home. Verbal threat made against Danvilles North Ridge Middle School Over the next 10 hours, officers from the Sheriffs Department, the Kankakee County Emergency Response Team and the East Central Illinois Bomb Squad surrounded the house and tried to get Nelson to surrender. Around 8 p.m., officers entered the home and found Nelson hiding in the attic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson was taken into custody and officials said he was transported to Iroquois Memorial Hospital for injuries he sustained during his arrest. The bomb squad subsequently conducted a sweep of the residence, at which time they located the item possessed by Mr. Nelson on the traffic stop, officials said. The item in question was confirmed to be an explosive device and was ultimately rendered safe. Nelson remains in the hospital as of 7:30 a.m. on Friday. Officials said that upon release, he faces charges of possession of an explosive device and aggravated battery of a peace officer. Update: 8:21 p.m. ONARGA, Ill. (WCIA) One male suspect has been arrested in connection to the Onarga standoff according to the Iroquois County Sheriff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former IL National Guardsman pleads guilty to child porn charges in Sangamon Co. There is no further information at this time. This is an ongoing story. WCIA will continue to update as more information is received. Update: 4:36 p.m. ONARGA, Ill. (WCIA) The active standoff in Onarga is happening in the 700 block of W. Seminary Ave. According to the Iroquois County Sheriff, the traffic stop that happened before the standoff was conducted at 10:55 a.m. on Thursday. Its approximately two blocks away from the location of the current situation. Gibson City Police investigating reports that GCMS teacher sent inappropriate messages to students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no further information at this time. This is an ongoing story. WCIA will continue to update as more information is received. ONARGA, Ill. (WCIA) Illinois State Police, Iroquois County deputies and Conservation Police are on the scene of an active standoff in Onarga. Gibson City Middle School put on E-Learning due to sewer back-up The police standoff is occurring with a wanted subject who fled on foot from a traffic stop, according to the Iroquois County Sheriff. The subject is now located in the residence where he lives, and police are currently attempting to get him to surrender peacefully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no further information at this time. This is an ongoing story. WCIA will continue to update as more information is received. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Vietnamese restaurant group Golden Gate has acquired a 99.98% stake in The Coffee House for VND270bn ($10.5m) from the retail group Seedcom. The acquisition price is a fraction of The Coffee House's previous $50m valuation, evidencing the difficulties faced by the brand since the Covid-19 pandemic. The acquisition was initially reported by DealStreetAsia in February 2025, although neither party issued an official statement at that time. Once a rapidly expanding coffee chain with 150 outlets, The Coffee House has seen a decline in both revenue and store count and now operates 93 sites, mainly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. In the latter half of 2024, all its foodservice outlets in the Can Tho and Da Nang areas were closed as a tactical decision aimed at cost-cutting and boosting sales at sites with greater customer traffic. The move was intended to enhance financial efficiency and concentrate on penetrating the market more effectively. But despite a surge in net revenue in 2022, reaching VND781bn ($30.5m), The Coffee House experienced an 11% revenue drop the following year. The brand's financial struggles have been ongoing, with no profits recorded between 2019 and 2023 and Seedcom incurring losses of VND1.17tn ($49.82m), leading to store closures. Golden Gate, established in 2005, is a leading force in Vietnam's food and beverage industry with 500 restaurants across 22 brands, including Gogi House and Kichi-Kichi. The group's revenue grew 5.5% to VND 6.63tn ($258.7m) by the end of 2024, although net profit decreased 28% to VND 100bn ($3.9m). "Golden Gate acquires 99.98% stake in The Coffee House" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. Apr. 3Ohio Republicans have introduced a plan to require parental consent before Ohioans under the age of 16 download an app after the state's first attempt at social media regulation was blocked by a federal court due to free speech concerns. Ohio's previous plan attempted to make app operators themselves (Meta, X, TikTok, YouTube and others) responsible for verifying the age of its users, notifying parents of an attempted account creation, and blocking the account creation for users under 16 if the parent did not consent. The new plan, contained in Senate Bill 167, represents a slight change in approach ultimately putting the burden of obtaining and abiding by parental consent on app stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the bill, phone and operating system manufacturers would be required to take "commercially reasonable and technically feasible steps to determine or estimate the age of the primary user of the device." From there, the bill would require app marketplaces like the Apple App Store or Google Play to obtain parental consent before any user the store operator "knows or should know is under sixteen years of age" can actually download the app. Bill sponsor Sen. Michelle Reynolds, R-Canal Winchester, told reporters Thursday that S.B. 167 is "going to be able to withstand the constitutional challenges (that) at least we believe may come up." "While the 'what' may be the same, the 'how' is different," Reynolds said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it's not clear if the "how" will be different enough to escape a federal court's concerns. In early 2024, when the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio blocked the state's first attempt, Judge Algenon L. Marbley argued that the legislation lacked the necessary elements to protect the First Amendment rights of both minors and app operators. "Foreclosing minors under sixteen from accessing all content on websites that the Act purports to cover, absent affirmative parental consent, is a breathtakingly blunt instrument for reducing social media's harm to children," Marbley wrote at the time. The lawsuit that foiled Ohio's first plan was brought by NetChoice, a tech trade association that acted on behalf of X, Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, Google and other tech giants. Bill sponsors said at least one of those industry powerhouses, Meta, is in support of this new legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bill identical to S.B. 167 will be introduced in the House by Rep. Melanie Miller, R-Brook Park. She told reporters Thursday that she believes the new approach "strikes a balance between protecting our children and upholding the First Amendment free speech rights." She called the newly proposed framework user-friendly. "When a teen tries to download an app on their smartphone, the parent would simply receive a notification on their phone to either approve or deny the download," Miller said. "The app wouldn't download on the teen's phone unless the parent approves it. This legislation will put parents, not the government, in charge of their children's online access." Like the state's first attempt, S.B. 167 would require app operators to provide tools to allow parents to manage the accounts associated with their child, manage the age-appropriateness of content, and set usage limits on their child's account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither S.B. 167 or its yet-to-be-named House counterpart have been referred to committee yet, but Miller and Reynolds said they're looking forward to the debate that's sure to come. ------ For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... ANDERSON The Madison County Prosecutors Office is seeking to move the murder trial of Carl Roy Webb Boards II to the Anderson City Court. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Hanna filed the motion to move the trial from the Madison County Government Center to the Anderson City Court, stating it would cause fewer problems than having the trial in Madison Circuit Court Division 3. Madison County Sheriff John Beeman has expressed a preference for moving the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boards is charged with the July 2022 shooting death of Elwood police officer Noah Shahnavaz. In the motion, Hanna noted the trial could take three to six weeks. The motion states seating in the Anderson City Court is approximately 120 for members of the public, compared to 38 in the courtroom. Hannas motion also states there are three secure holding cells at the city court and none in the courthouse. He said the Anderson City Court would be able to accommodate the number of lawyers involved in the case and provide additional room for the necessary court proceedings. Hanna believes there will be more than two alternate jurors selected for the trial and that the jury box in the circuit court can only seat 14 people, while the city court jury box could be arranged for more than that number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson City Court Judge Jason Jamerson has already agreed to the use of his courtroom and Anderson Police Chief Mike Lee said his department will provide any necessary support during the trial. Approximately 150 people work in the Madison County Government Center on a daily basis, the motion states. As evidenced by procedures utilized at pre-trial hearings in this cause, both courthouse staff and the general public are temporarily restricted from moving in the Madison County Government Center when the defendant is being transported. On July 31, 2022, Shahnavaz stopped a 2012 Buick LaCrosse near the intersection of Indiana 37 and County Road 1100 North. Police have not provided a reason for the traffic stop. Officers from Elwood and Madison County found the wounded Shahnavaz and administered life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shahnavaz was taken by ambulance to Ascension St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood and later flown by helicopter to an Indianapolis-area hospital, where he died. Just after 2:30 a.m., Hamilton County officers located the Buick and attempted a traffic stop. The Buick continued southbound on Indiana 37. Hamilton County sheriffs deputies pursued the Buick and deployed a tire-deflation device near the area of Indiana 37 and 146th Street. Officers took Boards into custody without further incident. Landfills are a major problem for the climate: Theyre the United States third-largest source of methane, a greenhouse gas that traps 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide in the short term. Last year, the federal government was poised to start reining in these emissions: In July, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it would release new regulations to better detect and prevent methane leaks from landfills. The Trump administration, which has announced its intention to cut the EPAs budget by 65% or more, seems unlikely to follow through on these plans or any other policy limiting landfill emissions. But in the absence of federal leadership, states like Michigan, Oregon, Colorado, and California are moving forward with their own plans. Regulatory efforts are underway among these climate leaders to implement stricter rules for landfill operators and require the use of novel technology, like drones and satellites that monitor leaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These state regulations could be hugely impactful, said Elizabeth Schroeder, the senior communications strategist at Industrious Labs, a nonprofit working to transform heavy industry. They not only have the potential to make a real dent on greenhouse gas emissions, Schroeder said, but could also set a national example for other states looking to curtail methane pollution. How states can step up regulation on landfills Currently, the EPA requires landfill operators to cover trash to minimize odor, disease risk, and fire a practice that also minimizes methane leaks. This usually looks like a layer of dirt or ash, followed by tarps. Operators of large landfills must also install extraction systems, networks of pipes that collect methane and other gases from inside the landfill. The extraction systems then pump these emissions to burn off at flares or, increasingly, to biogas energy projects. However, landfills are dynamic systems over time, as waste breaks down and shifts, cover develops holes and pipes crack. Maintenance is often imperfect. An analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund found that between 2021 and 2023, more than one-third of landfills had at least one violation of EPA standards. Operators of landfills that exceed a specific emissions threshold are supposed to conduct quarterly walking surveys for leaks. But experts say that these surveys are infrequent and often miss large portions of the landfill. States have an opportunity to step up those standards not only by lowering emissions limits but by improving the maintenance and monitoring of landfills, said Tom Frankiewicz, the waste-sector methane expert at climate-focused think tank RMI. While we would love to see all this done comprehensively in one national-level regulation, its states that are taking the lead on deployment of advanced technology and setting new best practices for landfills." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2010, California became the first state to develop standards for landfills that were stricter than federal rules. Those included a lower emissions threshold at which landfills had to install gas collection systems and a requirement that operators enclose flares so that the methane burns more efficiently. Other states, including Oregon and Washington, followed suit and in some respects even surpassed California, said Katherine Blauvelt, the circular-economy director for Industrious Labs. But despite this early progress, landfills in these states and elsewhere continue to spew methane and undermine climate goals. Now, though, Colorado has taken the lead on a new generation of landfill emissions regulations. The state is developing what some experts are calling a first-of-a-kind program for monitoring and responding to methane leaks from landfills. As part of the initiative, Colorado plans to implement remote-sensing technologies, including fly-overs and satellites, to detect methane leaks, which operators would then be required to address. Colorado would be the first state to incorporate that into a rule where, instead of relying on voluntary follow-up, there would actually be requirements around mitigating emissions that are detected, said Ellie Garland, a senior associate focusing on methane policy at RMI. A draft rule will be publicly available in April, with a final vote expected in August. In addition, Colorados Department of Public Health and Environment is considering additional requirements for landfills that include stricter rules for the maintenance of cover and a lower threshold at which landfills are required to report and control emissions, Garland said. Currently only 15 of the states about 50 active landfills do this, although Colorado began requiring 35 more landfills to begin reporting emissions starting on March 31, said Clay Clarke, the manager of the climate change program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Not all landfills are required to control emissions. Thats because smaller landfills dont generate enough gas to collect and flare. Under proposed regulations, many of these landfills would need to pipe gas to biofilters a system that uses microorganisms to digest methane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the California Air Resources Board is working to update its landfill emissions regulations. Under CARBs anticipated timeline, these will take effect in 2027. Last December, the agency held a workshop to discuss potential new rules. Those included a lower safe limit for methane emissions, limits on how long operators can turn off their gas collection systems for landfill maintenance, and stricter rules for collecting gas at closed landfills. Under current regulations, landfill operators must collect gas for only 15 years after a landfill closes even though the area can continue to leak methane for 30 years or more. The agency is also considering regulations that would require some operators to install automated well-tuning technology that monitors and adjusts the gas-extraction system in real time. One of the most promising new regulations CARB is considering is a super-emitter program for landfills, Blauvelt said. The EPA defines a super-emitter event as a plume of methane leaking at a rate of more than 100 kilograms per hour. In 2019, NASA scientists estimated that these highly concentrated leaks account for one-third of Californias methane emissions. Between 2020 and 2023, CARB partnered with the University of Arizona and the nonprofit Carbon Mapper to track down super-emitter events by flying over landfills in planes equipped with sensors that can detect methane plumes. If Carbon Mapper identified a leak, it notified CARB, which would get in touch with the landfill owner. However, operators werent required to take action. Later analyses found that operators fixed about half of the reported leaks. Updated rules could require landfill operators to swiftly respond to methane plumes. The program would be similar to the super-emitter program already in place for Californias oil and gas industry. That program requires operators to follow up with on-the-ground monitoring within five days of learning about a leak, come up with a repair plan 72 hours later, and fix the leak within two to 14 calendar days, depending on its severity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is also looking into other remote-sensing technologies, like drones and on-the-ground infrared monitors, which would provide a more continuous and finer-resolution picture of methane emissions. California emits the second largest share of greenhouse gases in the U.S. A recent Industrious Labs analysis found that if the state were to adopt these stricter regulations, it could reduce its landfill emissions 22% by 2030 and 64% by the end of the century. Will more states invest in methane-monitoring? Other states are renewing their efforts, too. In Oregon, newly proposed Senate Bill 726 would require landfill operators to deploy commercially available drones and advanced monitoring technologies (including satellite and airflight) to detect methane plumes across landfills. Meanwhile, in Michigan, a climate bill passed in 2023 contains elements that could lead to landfills adopting better monitoring and detection. Senate Bill 271, which aims to accelerate the states transition to clean energy, identifies landfill biogas as a potential low-carbon fuel. While the inclusion of recovered landfill gas as a clean energy source has come under scrutiny, there is a major silver lining, Blauvelt wrote in an email. Vital language in the bill mandates that landfill operators collecting biogas use best practices for methane gas collection and control, as determined by Michigans Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department has yet to lay out what those best practices are, but better landfill cover, automated well-tuning technology, and advanced monitoring technology are all on the table, Blauvelt said. Given that Michigan is among the top ten states for methane emission from landfills, the potential to dramatically reduce methane and other harmful co-pollutants is enormous, Blauvelt wrote in an email. A 2024 analysis by Industrious Labs projected that if every state were to adopt these best practices, it could lead to a 56% drop in landfill methane emissions by 2050. Experts hope that as these climate leaders adopt stricter rules, more states will step up. In 2010, California showed that this ripple effect is possible, Blauvelt said. The great news about this is, the solutions are known. The technology is sitting on the shelf. WASHINGTON (AP) Democratic officials in 19 states filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's attempt to reshape elections across the U.S., calling it an unconstitutional invasion of states' clear authority to run their own elections. Thursday's lawsuit is the fourth against the executive order issued just a week ago. It seeks to block key aspects of it, including new requirements that people provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote and a demand that all mail ballots be received by Election Day. The President has no power to do any of this, the state attorneys general wrote in court documents. The Elections EO is unconstitutional, antidemocratic, and un-American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Harrison Fields responded to the lawsuit Friday, calling the proof-of-citizenship requirements common sense and objections from Democrats insane. The Trump administration is standing up for free, fair, and honest elections and asking this basic question is essential to our Constitutional Republic, he said in a statement. Trump's order said the U.S. has failed to enforce basic and necessary election protection." Election officials have said recent elections have been among the most secure in U.S. history. There has been no indication of any widespread fraud, including when Trump, a Republican, lost to Joe Biden, a Democrat, in 2020. The order is the culmination of Trumps longstanding complaints about how U.S. elections are run. After his first win in 2016, Trump falsely claimed his popular vote total would have been much higher if not for millions of people who voted illegally. In 2020, Trump blamed a rigged election for his loss and falsely claimed widespread voter fraud and manipulation of voting machines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has argued his order secures the vote against illegal voting by noncitizens, though multiple studies and investigations in the states have shown that it's rare. The order has received praise from the top election officials in some Republican states who say it could inhibit instances of voter fraud and will give them access to federal data to better maintain their voter rolls. The order also requires states to exclude any mail-in or absentee ballots received after Election Day, and it puts states' federal funding at risk if election officials dont comply. Some states count ballots as long as they are postmarked by Election Day or allow voters to correct minor errors on their ballots. Forcing states to change, the suit says, would violate the broad authority the Constitution gives states to set their own election rules. It says they decide the times, places and manner of how elections are run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress has the power to make or alter election regulations, at least for federal office, but the Constitution doesnt mention any presidential authority over election administration. We are a democracy not a monarchy and this executive order is an authoritarian power grab, said New York Attorney General Letitia James. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said the Trump administration is requiring states to either comply with an unconstitutional order or lose congressionally approved funding, something he said the president has no authority to do. In one fell swoop, this president is attempting to undermine elections and sidestep the Congress, and were not going to stand for it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Trumps executive order was an attempt to impose sweeping voting restrictions across the country and disenfranchise voters. The attorney general and secretary of state in Nevada, a presidential battleground, defended their state's elections as fair, secure and transparent, and they objected to the president's attempt to interfere in how they are run. Attorney General Aaron Ford praised Nevadas automatic systems for registering voters and distributing mail ballots. While this order is on its face unconstitutional and illegal, it is also unnecessary, he said. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts by the Democratic attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other lawsuits filed over the order argue it could disenfranchise voters because millions of eligible voting-age Americans do not have the proper documents readily available. People are already required to attest to being citizens, under penalty of perjury, in order to vote. Under the order, documents acceptable to prove citizenship would be a U.S. passport, a REAL ID-compliant drivers license that indicates the applicant is a citizen," and a valid photo ID as long as it is presented with proof of citizenship. Democrats argue that millions of Americans do not have easy access to their birth certificates, about half dont have a U.S. passport, and married women would need multiple documents if they had changed their name. That was a complication for some women during recent town elections in New Hampshire, the first ones held under a new state law requiring proof of citizenship to register. Not all REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses designate U.S. citizenship. ___ Cassidy reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Tran Nguyen in Sacramento, California, Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, and Rio Yamat in Las Vegas contributed to this report. By Nqobile Dludla and Lovasoa Rabary JOHANNESBURG/ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - The U.S. government's imposition of steep tariffs on African nations signals the end of the AGOA trade deal, an initiative meant to help African economies develop through preferential access to U.S. markets, trade experts said on Thursday. Several African countries were hit by some of the highest tariffs announced by the White House on Wednesday, including levies of up to 50% on goods from Lesotho, 47% for Madagascar, 40% for Mauritius, 38% for Botswana and 31% for South Africa, the continent's biggest exporter to the U.S. Countries have reacted differently to President Donald Trump's tariffs. South Africa said it urgently wants a new trade deal with the U.S., while Kenya said the 10% tariffs it faces could give it a competitive edge in textiles over worse-hit Asian rivals. Many are already struggling with high poverty levels and debt. Madagascar faces food shortages caused by drought and exacerbated by cyclones. Tiny Lesotho has one of the world's highest HIV/AIDS infection rates. The tariffs also compound the pain from Trump's dismantling of USAID, the government agency that provided much of the continent's aid, and his administration's decision to cut bilateral assistance to South Africa. Analysts were quick to predict that the U.S. move would further bolster China's already dominant role as a trading partner and investor in Africa. "China is likely to play up its commitment to more predictable rules-based economic engagement, which could push countries even closer to its orbit," said David Omojomolo, Africa economist at Capital Economics. AGOA, which grants qualifying African nations duty-free access to the U.S. market, is due to expire in September. And the raft of tariffs suggests a renewal of the trade accord - a cornerstone of U.S. policy towards Africa since the 1990s - is now unlikely. "The reciprocal trade announcement policy will pull the AGOA rug from under our feet," said economist Adrian Saville, a professor at South Africa's Gordon Institute of Business Science. A senior official at Kenya's foreign ministry said he expected tariff exemptions under AGOA to remain valid until September. The Washington-based African Coalition for Trade, however, believed they would not. "This is obviously not a positive sign for the outlook for renewal of AGOA," the organisation said in a memo to members on Thursday. FROM VANILLA TO CAR PARTS The United States is South Africa's second-largest bilateral trading partner after China. INDIANAPOLIS Stellantis is citing President Trumps latest automotive tariffs as the reason behind the automakers decision to temporarily lay off roughly 900 U.S. employees. These temporary layoffs include Stellantis plants in Michigan as well as the Indiana Transmission Plant, Kokomo Transmission Plant and Kokomo Casting Plant. Stellantis said the latest automotive tariffs have created a challenging time for the automotive giant behind brands such as Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler. As the company weighs the medium and long-term effects of the tariffs, the decision was made to pause production at the Windsor, Canada, assembly plant for two weeks (April 7 to 14), along with a one-month pause of the Toluca, Mexico, assembly plant beginning April 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of these plants being paused, U.S. employees who work at plants that support these assembly locations (such as the Kokomo Stellantis plant) are being temporarily laid off. These are actions that we do not take lightly, but they are necessary given the current market dynamics, said Antonio Filosa, COO of Stellantis. A timeframe for the temporary layoffs for U.S. employees was not 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 WTTV CBS4Indy. The fate of a STEM event in Charlotte is in jeopardy due to federal funding cuts. A company promised the organization money and now theyre afraid the Department of Defense might take it away. Channel 9s Eli Brand spoke with Miracle Parker, a local student who has been part of the Tech Titans program at UNC Charlotte since it started in 2021. ALSO READ: Legislation could bring whole milk back to schools after 10-year ban Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parker told Channel 9s Eli Brand, It actually made me really happy. Changed my life, you know? The program teaches kids skills in technology and engineering that prepare them for their future. A new Tech Titans spring break event has been planned for next week at UNC Charlotte for months. But the founder of the organization putting it on said its now in jeopardy. The quality of the program, it will be affected somewhat based on the pieces that were used to that we no longer have, said Patrina Reddick, co-founder of PIMOSH the organization that started Tech Titans. Reddick said last week, she received a call from one of their partners, a company called Hill Park Engineering saying they wouldnt be able to send the money they promised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill Park said they get much of their funding from a contract with the Department of Defense. They said that money is currently frozen as they wait to see how much could be cut by the Trump administration in the coming months. I cant go back to them and say, oh no, we did all of this work for nothing, Reddick said. She said other sources are also unable to help the program with tuition and transportation for their McKinney-Vento students who attend. Reddick said losing all of that money is a huge issue but she plans to hold the event anyway. ALSO READ: Trump announces sweeping new tariffs to promote US manufacturing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNC Charlotte has donated space at the Cone University Center for free for Tech Titans to use. Now, Reddick said they need help with transportation, technology to gift to students, and speakers to help educate. Parker and her father, Nathan, said the program makes a huge difference and needs to continue: The kids are our future. Echoing her fathers sentiments, Miracle added, I used to be shy about meeting new people but now Im able to not be shy about meeting different people. Hill Park Engineering said theyll definitely fund future Tech Titans events if their federal contract money is secured. If you would like to help Tech Titans with donations for their upcoming conference, you can email tech-titans@pimosh.net. WATCH BELOW: Bill aims to standardize notifications over school threats in NC A 59-year-old Tacoma mans scheme to buy gas for himself and others using city credit cards defrauded the city of Gig Harbor out of $52,568 over a period of about two years, according to reports from police and the Washington State Auditors Office. The man wasnt a city employee, according to the reports. Pierce County Superior Court records show that prosecutors charged him for the gas card thefts as well as other counts including possession of stolen property, possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced March 28 to serve a 50-month sentence that includes 25 months in custody with the Department of Corrections and 25 months in supervised substance use disorder treatment. He has agreed to pay full restitution for the money spent on the stolen gas cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Gig Harbor spends about $200,000 each year using fuel cards to operate its vehicles and equipment, according to the Auditors Office accountability audit report released Monday. The fuel card program covers pretty much every vehicle the city has, including dump trucks, staff vehicles and vehicles for equipment, Gig Harbor Public Works Director Jeff Langhelm told The News Tribune Tuesday. City employees use the cards to pay for fuel they use on the job. The city notified the State Auditors Office on Nov. 3, 2023, immediately upon detecting the unauthorized transactions, in compliance with state law, according to city staff and police department personnel. Its a very, very small component of our annual budget, Gig Harbor Police Chief Kelly Busey said of the lost funds Tuesday. However big however its of ultimate importance that we spend every dime of the citys money properly, and we take that very seriously. To that regard, we appreciate the cooperation and the assistance of the State Auditors Office in this. The auditors report says the citys finance department was first alerted to the fraudulent activity during a monthly review of fuel card statements in October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immediately the cards were shut down, Gig Harbor Finance Director Dave Rodenbach told The News Tribune. Immediately the police were contacted. And ... we immediately started to wrap our minds around how big this thing is and tabulate the worksheets. Staff downloaded data from the credit card company and started investigating the aberrations they saw, working with the Public Works Department and police to identify where and when the cards were used, Rodenbach continued. The city discovered that two of the stolen credit cards, which had been located inside city operations vehicles parked in the citys Fleet Maintenance Yard, were used numerous times to buy fuel at locations throughout the state from June to November 2023, according to the police report. More fraudulent transactions made between Nov. 22, 2021 and Nov. 1, 2023 were identified in a second audit. In total, the city calculated its losses at $51,013.09, the police report said. The citys fleet maintenance yard is located off of Skansie Avenue, according to Langhelm, the Public Works director. More than half of the citys vehicles, including all of its operations vehicles, are parked in the locked and gated facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Auditors Office identified an additional loss of $1,555 and a third stolen fuel card missed in the initial police investigation. The police departments chief investigator on the case, Lt. Tray Federici, told The News Tribune that police were working against the clock to gather evidence for the investigation while working with the city finance department to get updated information as fast as humanly possible. It wasnt possible to do a complete forensic audit, like the one the State Auditors Office completed, at the time of the initial police investigation, he said. Police reports show that officers pieced together the fraud scheme by visiting gas stations in Tacoma where the credit cards were used and watching CCTV surveillance footage. The videos showed people from several vehicles, including a red H3 Hummer, a light-colored two-tone Lexus sedan and a red Mazda pickup truck, making fraudulent transactions at the fuel pumps. In one video on Oct. 21, 2023, a red Mazda truck drove up to the center fuel pump at a 7-Eleven. The driver, later identified as the primary suspect in the fuel card thefts, got out and walked over to the driver of a white truck that pulled up behind the Mazda. After the two exchanged words at the pump, the Mazda driver inserted a card at the white trucks pump and entered a PIN number. The time, 7:07 a.m., matched the citys financial records for a fraudulent charge of $96.42 on one of the stolen fuel cards. The Mazda driver then moved his truck to the other side of the pump and pumped fuel into his own vehicle. Police saw similar incidents in surveillance video from days including Oct. 23, 24 and 25, including cases where the suspect filled up gas cans, according to police reports. The investigators were able to trace a woman who appeared in the footage to her home in Tacoma, where they observed the same three vehicles parked at the residence. When they spoke with her, they learned that another man, who was living in a trailer between her home and a residence she was subletting next door, had offered to buy her and others discounted fuel on a continued basis. She agreed to pay him cash in exchange for fuel at half price, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After obtaining a search warrant for the trailer, detectives found one of the citys fuel cards on the floor inside, as well as a red and black varsity-style jacket that they matched to a suspect who appeared in gas station surveillance footage. Officers took him into custody on April 4, 2024, when the suspect was found burglarizing a different facility near the citys fleet yard, according to Federici. The primary suspect identified a possible co-defendant when talking with law enforcement, but police were unable to generate probable cause to arrest anyone else in the case, Federici said. According to the police report, the primary suspect told Gig Harbor Police that he bought one of the city fuel cards from a friend for $300. That friend confided in him that he had broken into the City of Gig Harbor Fleet Maintenance Yard and stolen two fleet fuel cards from two unlocked vehicles, then showed the suspect how to use them, the police report said. Following the incident, the city immediately changed its internal procedures for the fuel card program and created a policy for them, according to Langhelm. The changes included taking the fuel cards out of the vehicles where they were previously stored and keeping them in a locked facility indoors, and changing the cards PIN numbers, which previously matched the vehicle number identified on the card. The cards are only authorized for fuel purchases. Any other type of transaction would be denied, such as for candy bars or food, Federici confirmed. Hughes County Deputy Josh Larson guides Lonna Carroll into the courthouse in Pierre on April 2, 2025. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) PIERRE Prosecutors played a recording Wednesday of a defendant allegedly confessing to the theft of $1.8 million from the state of South Dakota. I stole some money, Lonna Carroll said while audibly crying in the recording. Meanwhile, her defense attorney continued to say the state was negligent in its oversight and the case is too old to prosecute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday was the second day of a trial expected to last three days at the Hughes County Courthouse. The state continued to present its case, after Tuesdays opening statements and jury selection. Lonna Carrolls booking photo. (Courtesy of Hughes County Jail) Carroll, a 68-year-old retiree, is charged with two felony counts of grand theft for crimes she allegedly committed from 2010 to 2023 while working as a program assistant for the Division of Child Protection Services in the state Department of Social Services. She faces up to 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine for the first count, and 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine for the second count. Once a child is placed in the states care, Child Protection Services employees can make financial requests on the childs behalf for items such as school supplies, clothing or a bed. The funds are deposited into a bank account for the child. The prosecution alleges Carroll made requests for children that were no longer in the states care, approved the requests, deposited checks into accounts for the children at American Bank and Trust in Pierre, and later withdrew the deposited amounts in cash. Carroll allegedly did that 215 times, stealing a total of $1,777,665.73 over the course of 13 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audio recording played for jurors included state Division of Criminal Investigation agent Charles Swanson walking Carroll through some evidence illustrating her involvement in the case. She verbally admitted to depositing checks at American Bank and Trust and withdrawing the funds in cash, and answered yes when asked if the situation spiraled out of control. The case is part of a rash of criminal allegations against state employees that state Attorney General Marty Jackley has filed since last year, leading not only to criminal prosecutions but also to a series of administrative and legislative reforms adopted in response. Evidence shows spending on clothing, big cash deposits Division of Criminal Investigation agent Matt Glenn led the investigation of Carroll after Department of Social Services staff contacted him on Feb. 26, 2024. A department employee had noticed discrepancies between spreadsheets and the balances in accounts that were managed by Carroll, who by that time had retired and moved to Algona, Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Glenns testimony, the prosecution presented evidence that Carroll had been spending thousands on clothing. The evidence included photos of storage unit 56 at Capital Storage in Pierre. Carrolls Wells Fargo bank statements showed she had been paying for the unit. The unit was full of totes and garbage bags full of clothes and other personal items, Glenn said, including boxes of receipts. Those receipts showed thousands of dollars spent on clothing, mostly in cash. One receipt showed $1,000 in cash spent at Als Oasis in Oacoma on clothing. It was clear she was living outside her means, Glenn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Grover, who identified as a coworker and friend of Carrolls, said during his testimony that a local boutique knew her and they would give her a call when they would get new shipments in. Carrolls court-appointed attorney Timothy Whalen asked Glenn if the statute of limitations a time limit on the prosecution of crimes was considered in his investigation. Glenn replied that the clock starts when the crime is first reported. Whalen has frequently objected to the admittance of evidence during the trial, arguing unsuccessfully that the charges were brought after the statute of limitations expired. April Pontrelli works in the Attorney Generals Office as an intelligence analyst looking into white collar crimes, typically fraud. She conducted an analysis of Carrolls personal Wells Fargo bank account, which showed cash deposits from 2010 to 2023 totaling $682,900.30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cash depositing peaked in 2016 when she deposited $79,815.13 more than three times her annual take-home pay. The analysis showed she spent $48,000 on retail goods that year. The analysis also showed she was leasing three vehicles by 2020 and had multiple apartments. Defense questions state oversight The Department of Social Services was audited while Carroll worked there. The department has an annual budget of $1.8 billion and more than 1,500 full-time positions. Kelly Mikkelsen with the state Department of Legislative Audit testified that sample batches are used to audit state departments. He said those samples did not necessarily include accounts Carroll allegedly stole from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exhibits showed during his testimony that Carroll made and approved initial requests as low as $1,500 that eventually reached over $27,000. She would then deposit those sums as separate checks into accounts, and withdraw the money soon after. Legislative Audits investigation indicated Carrolls involvement in the theft of $591,305.20 from 2019 through 2022 alone. Those years were separated out because the transactions included the entire paper trail from Carroll making and approving requests, to bank statements, slips and receipts for the cash she withdrew. Something that should have raised an eyebrow with somebody, wouldnt you agree? Whalen said. He asked Mikkelsen why internal controls to catch such behavior were not in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think those were circumvented by Lonna Carroll, Mikkelsen said. Theres always another angle. Theres always a way to circumvent them. The prosecution is expected to rest its case Thursday, after which the defense will have a chance to present its case. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Hooters of America, LLC, owner of the Hooters restaurant chain, has announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The bankruptcy filing is aimed at helping the company restructure itself so it can transition from a company-owned restaurant chain to a franchisee-owned chain. Most Read from Fast Company Heres what you need to know about Hooters bankruptcy and whether any locations will close. Hooters to transition to franchisee-owned model Most people think of Hooters as just one company, but the restaurant chain currently operates under a hybrid model. Hooters of America, LLC, owns the restaurants brand intellectual property and currently operates numerous Hooters locations in the United States and across the world. The company says it franchises and operates 410 Hooters restaurants in 38 states and 24 countries. However, Hooters of America, LLC, also licenses out its restaurants to franchisees, allowing individuals and companies to operate Hooters stores. One of the largest Hooters franchisees is Hooters Inc., the company owned by the original Hooters cofounders. Hooters Inc. owns and operates over 20 restaurants in America. Like many restaurant chains, Hooters has been struggling financially in recent years, and now the companys owner, Hooters of America, LLC, has decided that the best way forward for the brand is to restructure its business model. That restructuring will see Hooters move from a primarily company-owned model to an entirely franchisee-owned model. Hooters of America, LLC, says that the restructuring will see a group of current franchisees acquire and operate the current company-owned locations. Among those franchisees is Hooters Inc. It should be noted that the bankruptcy filing and the restructuring of the company only affect Hooters locations in America. Its worldwide locations are unaffected by the changes. Are any Hooters locations closing? If youre a fan of Hooters, then there is some good news. The company says that it currently has no definite plans to close any Hooters locations. In a press release announcing the bankruptcy filing, Hooters of America CEO Sal Melilli said, Our renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay. However, the announcement went on to leave open the possibility that some locations could close. As part of the Companys broader business transformation and planning, Hooters is evaluating the Companys operational footprint as part of its financial restructuring process to position itself to invest its resources in its strongest assets moving forward, the statement read. NORTH MIDDLETOWN, Ky. (FOX 56) A place where North Middletown residents can go can be found on Church Street, right next to the fire station and in front of the soon-to-be new fire station. The shelter is big enough to welcome nearly everyone in the town during a severe weather event, with a capacity of 605 people. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The James McFarland North Middletown Community Center opened last fall in honor of its longtime fire chief, who was the assistant chief when he passed away last November. He was the father of the current fire chief, Jeff McFarland, who also serves as mayor. I went to him and asked him, I said, You know, weve got this idea to really improve the fire station; whats your take on that? And he said, I think youd be crazy not to go for it, McFarland said. McFarland said, so far, the community center has been open for people in the winter who are without electricity and has acted as a warming center, but this week, it could be used for its first wind emergency. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well have our personnel starting to get ready, but if a tornado warning takes place, then it will be open to all who can get here. The shutters will be dropped, McFarland said. The shelter is a FEMA project, so it has several safety features. It can withstand 250 mile per hour wind; the roof is a 12-inch concrete plank, with an additional four inches of concrete on top to hold the roof down, and even has a shower if people have to stay multiple days. The supplies that they have us have on hand; rechargeable flashlights, portable radios that can talk to our dispatch center, bottled water, McFarland said. He said the plan is and always will be for the team to be ready in case a storm touches down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latest central Kentucky weather forecast Hopefully, well never have to see all the preparation, but if and when we do, we know that, you know, the millions of dollars that are spent here are gonna be worth it if we save one person, McFarland 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 FOX 56 News. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) Appalachian Power crews are working to address outages across the area to 10,000 customers on Thursday, April 3, due to thunderstorms that hit in the early morning hours. The company sent out their Storm Operations Team to the Huntington and Wheeling Districts to execute restoration efforts along with external workers to assist impacted areas. According to AEP, as of 11:15 a.m., around 2,500 customers in Virginia and 7,000 in West Virginia are without electric service. Outage numbers may increase as the storm system may bring winds up to 65 mph across AEPs service area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winds gusts and soft soil increase the chances of downed trees and power lines, said AEP. Winds of 30 mph or higher make working conditions unsafe for crews lifted by bucket trucks. Restoration time is estimated for 11 p.m. on April 3 for 90% of customers. Safety Message Customers should treat all downed lines as live power lines and avoid them. Never touch downed power lines or sparking equipment. Keep children and pets away from fallen lines and anything the lines may touch. Click here for additional safety tips. UPDATE: AEP reports less than 500 customers without power in the City of Roanoke More Information Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers can get specific information about the outages affecting their accounts via text message and/or email by subscribing to Appalachian Powers Outage Alerts. To sign up, visit Appalachian Power alerts. A snapshot of current outages is available anytime by visiting Appalachian Powers Outage Map. WFXR will release updates if information changes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Is the U.S. in a second Gilded Age? Many in the news media seem to think so: Youll find the claim in The New Yorker, NPR, Politico, and these pages. The White House, for its part, seems to think that would be a good thing: We were at our richest from 1870 to 1913, Donald Trump said days into his second presidential term, a period that coversthats rightthe Gilded Age. Although the claim was factually lacking, it was politically prophetic. Trump has governed like a late-19th-century president, with his penchant for tariffs, his unusual relationship with a major industrial titan, and his bald-faced corruption. Its widely understood that the late 19th century was an age of technological splendor and economic consolidation, and this is true enough. Thomas Scott and Cornelius Vanderbilt and Jay Gould dominated the railroads. John D. Rockefeller dominated oil. Andrew Carnegie dominated steel. J. P. Morgan dominated finance. We can see echoes here in the titans of modern industry: Jeff Bezos and the Waltons in commerce; Tim Cook and smartphones; Mark Zuckerberg and our attention; Elon Musk in space. But some of the most interesting echoes of the Gilded Age involve the governments relationship to business. In March, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump family held talks to pardon a major crypto executive who had pleaded guilty to money laundering. In exchange, they would secure a stake in his company, Binance. Similarly, in the late 19th century, which was an era of unusual grift, a range of public servantsfrom White House Cabinet members to local deputy sheriffswere unembarrassed about skimming fees and taking bribes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: The specter of American oligarchy] To understand what made the late 19th century gilded, I spoke with Richard White, the historian and author of The Republic for Which It Stands, a mammoth history of America between the end of the Civil War and the end of the 19th century. This conversation, which originally appeared on the podcast Plain English, has been truncated and edited. Derek Thompson: The driving of the golden spike at Promontory Point in 1869 marked the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. The Gilded Age begins just after and extends into the early 1900s. How did the transcontinental rail system set the stage for the Gilded Age? Richard White: At the end of the Civil War, the United States was a country of vast ambitions and relatively little money. What it wanted to do was build an infrastructure to connect California to the rest of the United States. It didnt have the money to do that, so it resorted to a series of subsidies and cooperation with private capital. The railroads were the great corporations of the United States at the core of the American economy. But the railroads depended on a system of insider dealing, corruption, and stock manipulation, in which people who accrued great wealth accrued great influence over the course of the United States. This system went on to define the Gilded Age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson: In the introduction of The Republic for Which It Stands, you write: The Gilded Age was corrupt and corruption in government and business mattered. Corruption suffused government and the economy. How? White: People described each other as friends. They werent friendly in any colloquial sense that we understand. Friendship in the 19th-century sense was a relationship devoid of any affection in which people pursued common ends by scratching each others back. The railroad businessmen were friends with politicians, friends with newspapermen, friends with bankers. It was an age of dishonest cooperation. Thompson: There are so many incredible characters from this period of American history: Rockefeller, Carnegie, J. P. Morgan. Who was John Rockefeller, and how did his style of cooperation typify this era of corrupt monopoly? White: Rockefeller created what became the model corporation: Standard Oil. What he wanted to do was to organize a system he saw as too competitive and wildly inefficient. Rockefeller realized that there was just too much oil. He realized that if you were going to get profit, you had to eliminate the number of refineries. So Rockefeller went to the railroads and said, I will give you all of my oil, but you have to kick back money to meand dont do it for my competitors. Competitors soon found they couldnt compete with Rockefeller, and so he came in and bought them out. By the 1890s, he was saying, This is a new age, an age of cooperation. And what he called cooperation, his opponents called monopoly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson: The U.S. government protected the monopolies in several ways. Steel tariffs helped Andrew Carnegie build his business, and in exchange Carnegie fed information to politicians. The government also quashed labor when it threatened big businesses in the late 19th century. Why does the state side with the monopolies again and again in this period? White: Very often, the people in office were corrupt. The big industrialists would tell congressmen and senators: When this is done, youre going to serve a term or two, then come to work for us. Or: Ill loan you a few thousand dollars to invest it in this. Or: I got a land grant from you, and in return, Ill use part of the land grant to kick back to you under a fake trustee. I mean, the industrialist Cosby Huntington wrote a letter to his associates that said: I just bought 1,000 wheels from Senator Barnum from Connecticut, because he does pretty much what I want. Thompson: What was it about the character of government or the rules and customs of the time that you think made the late 19th century so corrupt as far as government goes? White: The United States was becoming a major industrial country and a continent-spanning country. At the same time, it was incredibly averse to taxes and would not fund its necessary infrastructure and services. So it came to what scholars have called fee-based governance. In the 19th century, to get something done, youd subsidize a corporation to do it, and thats one source of corruption. The other thing is you take things like collecting the tariffs: Somebody has got to collect it, and thats why the customs house becomes one of the plum appointments you can get. The head of the customs house in New York City makes more than the president of the United States because he gets to keep a certain amount of the customs he collects. You make sheriffs and deputy marshals tax collectors, and they keep a certain proportion of the taxes. That means that theres going to be corruption from the post office all the way up to the sheriffs, to the customs houses, to people who are appointed offices. Everywhere in this system is going to get a fee, a bounty, and opportunity, which allows private profit to perform a public service. The result is corruption that is rampant throughout the whole system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson: One paradox of this era is that it was an astonishing time for material progress and also a decrepit time for human welfare. You write that men and women in this era suffered the decline of virtually every measure of physical well-being. White: By 1880, in the middle of the Gilded Age, if you lived to be 10 years old, you would die at 48, if youre an American white male, and you would be 5 feet 5 inches tall. You would lead a briefer life and be shorter than your Revolutionary ancestor. And you were one of the lucky ones, because on average, 20 percent of infants would die before age 5. Youre living in an environment where, as America urbanizes, theres no reliable sewage system. Theres no pure water. Theres no public health. Thompson: What did the Gilded Age build thats most worth remembering? White: It began to build public infrastructurewhich allowed Americans to live better and to be in better healthand transportation infrastructure. The United States, unlike Europe, is this single country without tariff barriers between states, which can use the resources of the entire country. Did we do it efficiently? No. But we did it. And in the end, it became the basic source for much of the growth that followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: The other fear of the founders] The other thing we started to do, at Edisons lab and at the Gilded Age universities, is build a way to create useful knowledge. Wed always been a nation of tinkerers and inventors, but then we began to systematize it for the public good. The final thing, and its not so popular anymore, is we begin to create a set of experts and expert organizations, which begin to take that kind of knowledge and to put it to public use. Thompson: How did the excesses of the Gilded Age set the stage for the next era of American history and government, which was the Progressive era? White: I think that the best way to understand the Progressive era is that the Progressives saw society as a machine. You dont let a machine evolve. You design a machine. When a machine breaks down, you repair the machine. When you can get a better machine, you build a better machine. So Progressives begin to think civil society is something which is going to have to be managed all the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The great advantage of Progressivism is what it did in terms of distribution and equity. But the major drawback of Progressivism, which we struggle with still today, is that in essence, it becomes undemocratic. Theres tension in a democracy between rule of experts and having a country which ostensibly is under the control of people through their votes and setting the goals. That tension appears in the Progressive era, and it has never, ever gone away. Article originally published at The Atlantic Strokes caused by an artery tear are landing five times as many Americans in the hospital these days, a new study says. Cervical artery dissection involves a small tear in the inner lining of an artery in the neck that supplies blood to the brain. Blood can clot at the site of the tear. If the clot breaks loose, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Hospitalizations for this sort of stroke have increased nearly fivefold during the past 15 years, according to findings published Wednesday in the journal Neurology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Cervical artery dissection is an important cause of stroke, especially in people under 50, so it is crucial to detect it right away," senior researcher Dr. Shadi Yaghi, a vascular neurologist at Brown University in Providence, R.I., said in a news release. "Strokes that are not fatal can lead to long-term disability, poor mental health and reduced quality of life," he said. "Our research found a dramatic increase in the number of hospitalizations for cervical artery dissection, with rates rising steadily year over year." These sort of tears in the cervical artery are most often caused by a motor vehicle crash or other accident that causes neck strain, researchers said. However, activities as simple as heavy lifting has been known to cause a cervical artery tear in some people. For the study, researchers analyzed 15 years of U.S. health data to identify more than 125,000 people hospitalized for cervical artery dissection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patients had an average age of 51, and just over half suffered a stroke from their artery tear, results show. The number of artery tears increased about 10% a year on average, rising from 11 cases per million people in 2005 to 46 cases per million in 2019, results show. Men and women were equally at risk for suffering an artery tear, but there were differences between races. Cervical artery dissections increased by 16% a year on average among Hispanic people, compared to 13% for Black people, 12% for Asian people and 8% for white people. Seniors also have become more prone to these tears, with an average annual increase of 12% among people 65 and older compared to 8% for people under 65, researchers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Possible reasons for this nearly five-fold increase over 15 years include greater awareness of cervical artery dissection by health care professionals, better access to imaging to help identify it and an overall increase in this condition for which a cause has yet to be determined," Yaghi said. "Given the rising incidence of cervical artery dissection, our study underscores the importance of finding prevention strategies as well as new treatments to reduce the risk of stroke," he added. More information The Cleveland Clinic has more on cervical artery dissection. SOURCE: American Academy of Neurology, news release, April 2, 2025 copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. A student was arrested at Midtown High School in Atlanta on Thursday, according to the school district. A spokesperson with Atlanta Public Schools shared a statement with Channel 2 Action News that the schools weapon detection system flagged a students backpack as they entered the building. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] School staff searched the backpack and found a handgun inside. Its unclear if the gun was loaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The student, who has not been identified, was arrested immediately and removed from the school. TRENDING STORIES: The statement goes on to say that the student will face criminal charges and disciplinary action with the school district. The safety and wellbeing of students and employees is of the utmost importance at Midtown and in all Atlanta Public Schools, the school districts statement says. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Spring is on its way, and the end of the school year is in sight. But in the meantime, our statewide weekly poll, Wisconsin Student of the Week, is still open. This week, instead of running a Student of the Week poll, we're putting out a call for more nominees. Here's how you can help keep the poll going. Who can be a Wisconsin Student of the Week? For Student of the Week, we feature Wisconsin high school students who stand out in some way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That doesn't just mean the highest GPAs or the most extracurriculars: Our Wisconsin Student of the Week nominees and winners stand out in many ways. We've had winners from ninth grade to 12th grade nominated for their mentorship of younger students, community engagement, mechanical skills and support of fellow students' mental health. We accept nominations from across the state and from anyone who works directly with high school students. We've featured students from public, magnet, private and virtual schools, from Milwaukee to Merrill. Our nominees have come from teachers, counselors, extracurricular advisers and members of nonprofit youth advocacy groups. Here's how you can submit a nomination for Wisconsin Student of the Week Nominations must be sent through our nomination form by someone who works directly with students. If you would like a link to the form, please reach out to Debi Young, our statewide education editor, at debi.young@jrn.com. You will need to include the student's correctly spelled name, their grade, a current photo (such as a yearbook photo), and a brief statement about why they should be nominated for Student of the Week. Each student can only be nominated once. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our weekly poll typically runs from 5 a.m. Monday through noon Thursday. We announce our winner Friday online and Sundays in print through the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Green Bay Press-Gazette and the Appleton Post-Crescent. We also mail a certificate to each winner at their school. If you don't work directly with students, you can still get involved Check out our poll each Monday, and encourage others to vote. We'd like to see your school or community represented; you can suggest that local teachers, guidance counselors, or youth organizations reach out to us to send nominations. Rebecca Loroff is a K-12 education reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. Contact her at rloroff@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Call for nominations: Wisconsin Student of the Week April 2025 We live in a state where our state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters wants to put Bibles in every classroom at a cost of $3 million. As the Oklahoma Supreme Court decides if this is even legal and the state Legislature decides if they want to fund this, I would like to give my opinion. I am a parent of three children. I live in Edmond and I am a United Methodist minister, serving Crown Heights United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. The initiative to have a Bible in every classroom is galling to me as a parent, pastor and citizen of this country. Want the latest Viewpoints? Sign up for Oklahoma's Public Square, The Oklahoman's opinion newsletter. First, having only the Bible in classrooms shows a bias toward Christianity. Every Muslim, Hindu and atheist student should question if we are pushing our faith on them. In a country where we have the freedom to practice any or no religion and we say we adhere to a separation of church and state Bibles in classrooms have no place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, I am highly biblically literate. I studied Christianity for seven years of higher education. I cannot imagine why every classroom needs a Bible. Kindergarteners? Elementary classrooms? Middle school band? High school math? Why would we pay money for a book that is not on grade level or not even remotely close to the subject material being taught? Fine, if a high school literature class wants to read a historic portion of the Bible, I don't mind that. That is one classroom in every high school! Not every classroom in every school. Parents should teach children religion, not teachers Third, I do not want public school teachers talking to my children about Christianity, faith or God. I am very careful about what my kids learn about religion and who teaches them. Teaching from the Bible is begging for teachers to cross the line into teaching matters of faith. Let parents religiously educate their own children. Opinion: Ryan Walters is the real radical danger to Oklahoma's culture Fourth, if we are banning books for having inappropriate content, I am very curious how the Bible made it past the screeners. The rape scenes in Judges 19 or 2 Samuel 13, the laws on sexual intercourse and menstruation, the dated understandings of women and slavery gosh, if John Steinbeck or Alice Walker wrote this stuff, Ryan Walters would have banned it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: I'm a Christian. Dont force educators to teach the Bible. | Opinion I am trying to say that I am one of many in this state who do not support this initiative. I so want our state to focus on what it takes to educate every child. Teach reading and math. Stop wasting time on this senseless topic. The Rev. Trina Bose North, Edmond This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma classrooms are no place for the Bible, religion | Letter BOSTON (SHNS) Faculty working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Grossly underpaid and overworked employees. Young professionals departing to join private institutions with higher pay. And an obstacle-laden bargaining system. Massachusetts public higher education leaders are painting a grim picture of the ability of their institutions and campuses to hire and retain faculty and staff, asking how the so-called education state can provide quality, affordable education to students under unsupportive educator conditions. The conversation unfolded on Tuesday, as public and private sector leaders tapped to make up the Commission on Higher Education, Quality and Affordability (CHEQA) raised concerns framed by frustration with the states collective bargaining process and validation from newly presented wage data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the issues that play[s] into the kinds of concerns we have when we talk about recruitment and retention is the length of time that negotiations take, and then from between negotiations and actually getting something all the way through, Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page said Tuesday. Its always months and months, sometimes years thats just a system that does not have to necessarily be that way, Page continued. Its an obstacle-laden system that works eventually, but has its issues. Community college leaders, like Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges President Nate Mackinnon and Massachusetts Community College Council President Claudine Barnes, spoke to their issues with reopener clauses, a process they said causes the state to shy away from renegotiating contracts mid-term, meaning higher education institutions cant address salary discrepancies as they arise. Administration & Finance Assistant Secretary Mark Fine and Office of Employee Relations Deputy Director John Langan said the state includes ratified collective bargaining agreements within the most timely legislative vehicles possible. They referred to recent Healey administration parameter adjustments for higher education employees, as well as increases for state employees within recent three-year agreements, as supportive steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary study presented Tuesday by external consultants showcased data suggesting community college and state university leadership see recruitment as a more prevalent challenge than retention, and found compensation-related factors most notable when discussing those challenges. The survey found that take-home pay for professors, instructors and lecturers at public four-year institutions in Massachusetts is insufficiently able to cover the states cost of living, unlike wages in many competitor states. At two-year institutions, findings suggested take-home pay for professors, associate professors and assistant professors lags behind most competitor states, among which Massachusetts experiences the largest gap of cost of living coverage. Even bright spots in Massachusettss offerings to employees, like paid parental leave and child care benefits, dont seem to make up for a lack of cost of living adjustments in salaries, according to the study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consultants recommended more research to straighten out some methodological issues. Several commission members, like Massachusetts Bay Community College President David Podell, said regardless, the preliminary data certainly validates what theyve been seeing for years. Seeing it in numbers, imperfect though they may be its an indication of the real problem, Podell said. The fact that we have great benefits in Massachusetts, I so much appreciate, however, that doesnt pay the rent and that doesnt pay for food. Its nice, but its certainly not sufficient to attract and retain. It doesnt compensate for the compensation issue. The challenges are exacerbated at community colleges, which have seen a significant uptick in enrollment following Massachusettss free community college rollout, Podell said. Different research, commissioned by the MTA, presented more data about faculty and staff wages across higher education entities. The Commonwealths institutions of higher education continue to be hampered by low wages for staff and faculty. And this is true in each of the three segments: our community colleges, state universities and in UMass, said Annetta Argyres, labor extension director in the Labor Resource Center at UMass Boston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its true whether you look at our wages in comparison to national averages when adjusted for cost of living whether you look at our wages in comparison to private higher education institutions in Massachusetts, where we all suffer from the same cost of living; or when you look at our wages in comparison to the living wage in the locales of our many campuses, Argyres said. Community college leaders emphasized that the pay reflected in the studies creates a dearth of full-time faculty; a forced reliance on adjuncts, who dont provide things like curriculum development; and a reality that some staff have multiple jobs to make ends meet. It, to me, is a huge disservice to the state, to the students, to the faculty, to the staff. I grew up in Massachusetts. Ive always been proud of Massachusetts being the education state and having such pride in our public education system, Barnes said. Therefore, we should not have a system where a full-time faculty member needs three jobs to keep their primary job. Not only are we grossly underpaid, were also overworked, she continued, adding that over 50% of MCCC faculty teach during the day and have to teach at night to reach sustainable compensation levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The experience public higher education institutions are able to provide for students is called into question should faculty be required to moonlight to compensate for low pay, Mackinnon said. A timeline for the commissions recommendations is unclear, but a few commissioners suggested theyll look into a foundational concern about how compensation processes are structured. As were thinking about what the recommendations would be, we have to think about something beyond the normal cycle of negotiations, because those are across the board, and they dont address some huge gaps, Page said, adding that existing compensatory parameters wont help the system address wage inequalities and inefficiencies. Board of Higher Education Chair & CHEQA Co-Chair Chris Gabrieli said the commission should try to complete recommendations by the end of April. Gabrieli said he doubts CHEQA will have any related items to recommend for the House fiscal 2026 budget by the time it likely rolls out in mid-April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Final CHEQA recommendations will cover all issues the commission has discussed since November 2024: student success, financial aid and staff recruitment and retention. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hyundai Motor (the Hyundai brand - excludes Kia) has reported a 2% year-over-year decrease in global sales for March 2025, with a total of 365,812 units sold. Sales outside of South Korea fell 2.6%, with 302,722 units sold, while the South Korean market saw a modest increase of 0.9%, totalling 63,090 units. Hyundai said its SUV models and the Genesis luxury brand remained strong in its home market, selling 22,433 and 10,592 units, respectively. Furthermore, Hyundai Motor's sales for the year-to-date (YTD) 2025 in South Korea rose 4% year-on-year to 166,360 units. However, sales outside of South Korea declined 1.6% year-on-year to 833,266 units in 2025 YTD. Overall, Hyundai Motor's global sales reached 999,626 units in 2025 YTD, down 0.7% from 1,006,706 units a year ago. In a press statement, Hyundai Motor said: Hyundai Motor will respond flexibly and with agility to the changing regional market demands through local production and sales optimisation, while also strengthening its profitability-centred business operations. Last month, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled plans to invest $21bn in the US from 2025 to 2028 to expand production capabilities, advance future technologies, and improve energy infrastructure. This decision aligns with the Trump administration's protectionist trade policies, which include additional US import tariffs aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing imports. As part of its new commitment, the automaker plans to invest $9bn in expanding its US annual production capacity to 1.2 million vehicles across its brands, including Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Genesis. "Hyundai Motor global sales dip 2% in March 2025" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) More women than men working in Africas outsourcing sector will likely see their tasks in the workplace replaced by automation and artificial intelligence by 2030, a report said Thursday. The report, released at a conference on AI in the Rwandan capital, also said that the now-surging growth of the outsourcing industry on the African continent may slow, and it urged workers to boost their skills so that they can trade up to better jobs. More than 1,000 policymakers, business leaders, and interest groups were gathered in Kigali for the first-ever Global AI Summit for Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who addressed the conference on its opening day, called for more investments, innovation and creativity. African countries should go back to the drawing board and build a strong foundation for connectivity," Kagame said. Lets continue working together, and driving AI to reduce inequality, and allow more and more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver to all of us, he said. The new report by Caribou and Genesis Analytics in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation says that tasks performed by women are on average 10% more vulnerable to automation than those by men in the same sector. This disparity will exacerbate gender-based inequalities in the sectors workforce if not proactively addressed, it said. The study finds that lower-paying jobs, which make up 68% of the workforce, are particularly at risk. It found that up to 40% of human tasks in Africas outsourcing sector could be automated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But AI experts at the summit said that with the right investments and training, women and youth could access better-paid, higher-skilled work than what the currently do. Jeremy Jurgen, managing director of the World Economic Forum, which is co-hosting the conference, said there was a shortage of AI workers and a need to invest in developing talent to address that. African leaders present called for more collaboration. African countries need to have clarity on what they want to do with AI and what theyre bringing to the table, then we can start talking about collaborating on AI without compromising our sovereignty, Nigerian Communication Minister Bosun Tijani said during the conference. Defense contractor Anduril has rolled out a new, readily deployable undersea surveillance system called Seabed Sentry, which uses networks of small and relatively low-cost modular sensor nodes. A novel sonar array with a design influenced by the extendable arms on satellites is the main sensor being paired with it now. Expanding fleets of quieter and otherwise more modern submarines, especially in Russia and China, as well as growing threats to critical undersea infrastructure, are driving demand for more and better ways to monitor what happens beneath the waves across the Western world. Anduril has already been working on various elements of Seabed Sentry for around a year. The system leverages various prior developments, including Lattice, the companys proprietary artificial intelligence-enabled autonomy software package. The Seabed Sentry name is a callback to Andurils first product, the land-based Sentry, which is designed to monitor for threats in the air and on the surface. One of the Seabed Sentry nodes. Anduril TREVOR DALTON A separate firm, Ultra Maritime, is also providing its Sea Spear sonar for use on Seabed Sentry through an exclusive partnership with Anduril. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surface and air vehicles can operate with clear lines of sight and reliable connectivity, but the ocean is vast and opaque, leaving current autonomous subsea sensing and communications technology operating slowly in silos. We need a network for real-time data exchange to reliably transmit information into action, per a press release from Anduril. Seabed Sentry fills connectivity and perception gaps, enabling maritime awareness and kill chains in ways not currently possible without high expense. With superior endurance lasting months to years, a depth rating exceeding 500 meters, a payload capacity of over 0.5 m, and a modular, reusable design, Seabed Sentry is built to surpass existing seabed surveillance solutions. It offers operators greater flexibility and capability in even the most challenging underwater environments. Unlike fixed seafloor surveillance systems which are expensive to place and maintain Seabed Sentry is a network of cable-less deep-sea nodes that sense, process, and communicate critical subsea information at the edge in real time, the release adds. It has an open systems architecture for rapid integration of first or third-party sensors and payloads customized to the commercial or defense missions including seabed survey, marine pattern of life building, port security, critical infrastructure protection, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare. At the core of the Seabed Sentry system is an array of cylindrical buoy-like nodes that are 21 inches in diameter and roughly eight feet (two and a half meters) long. Each one has a modular payload bay and an anchor to keep it in place underwater after deployment. The head of it is kind of where all the comms and compute [communications and computing capabilities] live, Dr. Shane Arnott, Senior Vice President for Engineering at Anduril and the companys maritime lead, told TWZ. And then the tail of it, which youll see, is where we can host flexible payloads. A close-up look at the head-end of the Seabed Sentry node. Anduril TREVOR DALTON A close-up look at the head section. Anduril In addition to being physically modular, Seabed Sentry is also an open-architecture system, which helps make it easier to upgrade existing capabilities and integrate hardware and software. How long a Seabed Sentry node can remain deployed will depend on its exact configuration, but Anduril says the nodes should be able to remain in place for multiple months at a time. After that, they can be recovered and reused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When its done, we can talk to it, and it says, Yep, Im ready to be recovered,' Andurils Arnott explained. The anchor will sever itself, and the system is positively buoyant, so it comes to the surface. We recover it, and then we can refit it, and then send it back on mission again, he continued. The team can either just scrape the barnacles off it, recharge it, and throw it back in, or there could be a new mission, new payload that needs to be fitted to it recharge it, new payload, and off you go again. As already noted, Ultra Maritimes Sea Spear is the premier sensor payload for Seabed Sentry at this point, though it is expected to be just one one of many options in the future. Sea Spear is similar in form and function to cable-like sonar arrays towed behind surface ships, but it uses a unique extendable trusswork to allow it to extend from and retract back into the Seabed Sentry node. The exact configuration of the sonar for use with Andurils underwater surveillance system is still being finalized, but it is expected to be tens of meters long when fully extended. A view of the trusswork developed for Sea Spear extending during a demonstration. Ultra Maritime We design and build towed arrays today for multiple reasons. For torpedo defense, for low-frequency surveillance, for different things. So it derives from that, Ultra Maritimes President & CEO Carlo Zaffanella also told TWZ. But the trusswork and the creativity behind that, actually, it takes a hint from from some work that NASA did for space, where you needed [a] very lightweight, extendable arm that could suspend in space. When we make something neutrally buoyant in the water, [there are a] very similar sort of physics involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once extended, Sea Spear functions primarily in a passive mode. However, it can be used in combination with other systems, including air-dropped sonobouys with active sonars, to provide additional functionality. Additional views, above and below, from the Sea Spear trusswork demonstration. Ultra Maritime Ultra Maritime So, you get a P-8 [Poseidon maritime patrol plane] thats flying over, it throws sonobuoys, and the array can listen for that, right? [It] can listen for reflections off of the submarine, Zaffanella explained. You could do the same off from a UUV [uncrewed underwater vehicle]. You might transmit and then receive using the, you know, the great receiving capability that Sea Spear has. A P-8 launches sonobuoys. Elbit Systems of America Getting whatever data Sea Spear and any other sensors on Seabed Sentry collect where it needs to go presents its own challenges that Anduril and Ultra Maritime have been working hard to address. If you turn your iPhone on and you start streaming a whole bunch of pixels in, if you [want to put that] data back out, well, you can sort of do that with a phone, because in the air you can transmit a whole lot of bandwidth. In the water, you cant. So, you couldnt possibly take all of that information and just constantly pump it through acoustic communications, Zaffanella noted. Instead, what we do is we use our sonar algorithms that weve been developing for many years, and using in many applications, and using modern AI and ML [artificial intelligence and machine learning], we make it possible to run them right at the tactical edge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we put processing, low power, specialized, right there and all of that sonar information is processed sort of in real time. So the only thing that you have to acoustically communicate back away from Seabed Sentry is information like a track or a detect, right? he continued. What Seabed Sentry then does is its capable of taking that data and communicating it to some other vessel. Could be another Seabed Sentry. Could be the unmanned vessel that delivered the thing in the first place. Could be a manned vessel. Could be another relay. And using Andurils Lattice framework, of course, we can then put multiple of these [nodes] together, and you can create a mesh network where you have this easily deployable, producible in volume, extendable array. This kind of onboard AI/ML-assisted processing is becoming increasingly prevalent elsewhere, even on aerial platforms, to help manage ever larger volumes of data. Some of the stuff that were bringing our magic to, if you will, is through Lattice, where weve kind of pioneered on the edge [of] acoustic processing. Like this is actually a super wicked [hard] problem, Andurils Arnott also told TWZ. So we figured out how to put Lattice on these nodes in a low power setting and optimizing when they talk to each other in order to maintain their persistence. The kind of persistence and broad area undersea surveillance coverage that Anduril, together with Ultra Maritime, is aiming for with Seabed Sentry has historically been provided by large networks of static hydrophones that are extremely costly to establish, operate, and maintain. The U.S. Navys Cold War Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) network is perhaps the best-known example of such a system. Portions of SOSUS do remain in service, but are now used more for scientific research than watching for foreign submarines. SOSUS has been largely supplanted operationally by a mix of fixed sensor arrays, surface ships towing sonar, and processing stations ashore known collectively as the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The general size and scope of undersea surveillance networks like SOSUS and IUSS can make it easier for opponents to map them out, even when it comes to underwater components that may not be publicly acknowledged. These are cabled systems. Theyre insanely expensive, like, just crazy expensive, almost impossible to upgrade, other than ripping them out, and putting new stuff in, Arnott highlighted. And with a little bit of intelligence, the threat can actually track where these nets are, because you can see these cable laying ships from space, right? Some of these cabled subsea networks are there for a reason, and you know, the host nations arent worried that the bad guys know where they are. So theres definitely purposes for these wired networks, Arnott added. This [Seabed Sentry] can actually work in conjunction with those wired networks. So we intend that this could be an extension, as well, like a wireless extension if you will, leveraging some of those networks. So its not kind of an either or, but its really a different tool in the toolkit. Anduril notably envisions Seabed Sentry nodes being emplaced and recovered using UUVs, as well as via ships on the surface. This, in turn, would allow arrays to be deployed covertly or clandestinely, and in denied or otherwise sensitive areas. This also makes the system more unpredictable overall, which is a major advantage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we can load up the Dive XL [a large UUV in Andurils larger portfolio also known as Ghost Shark] with about a dozen of these things, go and place them on the sea floor wherever you want, [and] do that completely covertly [or] clandestinely, Arnott said. If you want to lay a trip wire or set a net for threats, its a good idea for them not to know where your security cameras are, for want of better words. The first Ghost Shark for the Royal Australian Navy. Australia Defense Force Arnott further noted that Seabed Sentrys networked design and high degree of modularity means that it could also be adapted to roles far beyond just undersea surveillance in the future. The payload bay is configurable. So the vast majority of the system is this long tube, in effect, that you can fit whatever you want in there, which could be AUVs [autonomous underwater vehicles] or things that swim out of it, he explained. So you could, if you can imagine, load up these things that look the same from the outside And some of them could be comms. Some of them could be sensing. Some of them could have effectors. So AUVs that kind of swim out of, out of the payload bay, if you will. So anything that you can fit within that payload bay that then hooks up to the brain is possible with this. Seabed Sentry is inherently scalable with whatever mission sets it might be assigned, which would allow it to be employed in a very targeted manner. That could be attractive for smaller and otherwise more cost-conscious users, as well as ones interested in employing it on a much wider basis. Arnott said that the systems flexibility has already prompted interest from potential customers looking to leverage it more as a contractor-operator service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the approach that were taking, and we are in active conversations with customers at the moment, who are thinking about this even as a service, Arnott said. The whole idea is its at a cost point thats so affordable that, you know, we can be constantly re-seeding these nets, if you will, that theyre theyre placing out there, and be able to change it as well, because the bad guys may figure out, oh, theyve put one of these here, or they get dug up, or attritted for various reasons. Anduril says it cannot currently name any customers or potential customers for Seabed Sentry. Anduril TREVOR DALTON There are certainly clear demand signals for new and improved undersea surveillance capabilities, and the ability to acquire and field more of those systems at lower costs, coming from the U.S. military and the armed forces of other Western countries. In particular, American officials have been warning for years now that new Russian and Chinese submarines are increasingly harder to detect and track, and present new threats, including to the U.S. homeland, as a result. Russias expanding fleet of ultra-quiet Yasen-M class nuclear guided missile submarines, one of which made a visit to Cuba last year, are often held out as particularly concerning. UUVs are also emerging as a problem set that could outpace crewed submarines. The Russian Navys Yasen-M class submarine Kazan arrives in Havana, Cuba, on June 12, 2024. YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images The trend of approaching our coast from both Russia[n] and Chinese submarines is increasing, U.S. Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, head of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), told members of Congress during a hearing just yesterday. We need an expanded undersea detection capability to ensure that we are aware of these and can properly posture to defend against submarine launched cruise missiles or ballistic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Navy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have already been working on various new undersea surveillance capabilities, including lower-cost systems that could be employed in a distributed manner, in recent years. The underwater threat ecosystem already goes well beyond just submarines launching missiles at targets ashore and is continuing to expand in scale and scope. Incidents involving damage to undersea oil and gas pipelines and cables used to support sensor and communications networks, many of which are increasingly believed to be deliberate attacks, are on the rise, especially around Taiwan and various parts of Europe. In January, NATO went so far as to launch a named operation, Baltic Sentry, to address growing threats to critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. That same month, a related United Kingdom-led effort, Nordic Warden, also kicked off in the Baltic region. Dutch forces seen deployed in support of Baltic Sentry earlier this year. Dutch Ministry of Defense The subsea [domain] is kind of the major highway for energy and information infrastructure for the planet. Just on the information front, open source is over 500 subsea cables that are pushing information around, Arnott noted while talking to TWZ about Seabed Sentry. And, depending on who you believe, its between 95 and 99 percent of all internet traffic [that] flows over these cables. Its like 1 percent goes over space. So much of that critical [undersea] infrastructure is basically unsecured at this stage, he continued. So the greatest vulnerabilities for many nations for their energy and information needs are under the waves, and very few people are talking about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seabed Sentry is now central to Andurils pitch for a way to improve keeping tabs on submarines and other underwater threats to friendly assets ashore and below the waves. Contact the author: joe@twz.com MIDLOTHIAN, Ill. (WGN) A former suburban officer is accused of leaving the scene of a crash while driving under the influence, Midlothian police announced. On Monday, March 31, just after 2:20 p.m., Midlothian police officers responded to the parking lot of the White Castle, located at 14700 S. Cicero Ave., on the report of a hit-and-run crash. The victim told officers at the scene that a male driving a red Ford F-350 struck their vehicle. Police add that the victim provided the vehicles license plate number, the company name on the vehicles door, and a picture of the driver. Christopher Spencer Less than an hour later, around 3:10 p.m., Midlothian police officers responded to a home in the 1500 block of Kostner Avenue for a report of a vehicle crashing into a garage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival, police said officers had observed the red Ford F-350, bearing the same Illinois registration number provided by the victim from the White Castle incident, parked on the grass of someones backyard. The garage door and landscaping had sustained damage. When officers spoke to the homeowner, they informed police that they did not know the individual driving the red Ford F-350. Furthermore, the homeowner alleged that the male driver drank from a bottle of liquor while he was sitting in the vehicle. According to police, the homeowner took the keys, liquor, and cell phone from the driver and called the Midlothian police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities later identified the driver as 49-year-old Christopher Spencer of Monee. Police said officers detected a strong odor of alcohol and slurred speech. Officers took Spencer into custody after conducting a field sobriety test while on scene. Officers took Spencer into their custody. Prosecutors charged him with driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines In an update Thursday, Crestwood police said Spencer submitted his resignation before returning to duty and is no longer a Village of Crestwood employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) A Grand Strand day care is closing after more than 60 years of serving the Conway area, and some parents are panicked as they scramble to find an alternative for their children. Lovell Weekday Ministry, part of First Baptist Conway Grace Church, is closing on May 30. Youre looking on the websites, trying to find out who has a good grade with DHEC and DSS. Youre asking other parents, where does your kid go,' said parent Merritt Bury. Most of the parents you know, they already go where youre going. Unfortunately, now youre competing with them at other day cares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another parent who wanted to remain anonymous said Pastor Brian Hoffman sent a letter out Monday announcing the day cares end which could come before May 30 based on staffing. The increasing legal and financial liabilities involved in operating a childcare facility led to the decision, Hoffmans letter said. Days earlier, parents said Hoffman apologized, saying two Lovell employees were investigated by state regulators for inappropriately handling and disciplining children, they told News13. News13 reached out to Hoffman, the churchs office and Lovells director, who all declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the church is looking to grow, I do understand how that might hinder them. While selfishly us, as parents, this is hurting us, Bury said. The anonymous parent told News13 that Debra Stauffer, the day cares director, didnt want it to close, and its staff found out the same time as parents. I just hope all the teachers are able to find other resources for employment and that all of our babies are able to find people to watch them, Bury said. Hoffman told parents a town hall-style meeting is planned after services on Sunday for families to ask questions. * * * Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) A Suffolk man was arrested Tuesday in connection with the theft of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from Lowes stores around Hampton Roads. On March 31, Suffolk police were advised of a serial larceny suspect involved in stealing more than $6,000 of merchandise from Lowes by scanning barcodes of items valued at a lesser amount. Kenneth Weaver (Courtesy: Suffolk Police Department) On Tuesday, members of the Suffolk Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division obtained a search warrant for the residence of Kenneth Walker. More than $2,000 of the stolen merchandise was recovered and able to be returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walker was taken into custody for the warrants related to this incident, including felony larceny with the intent to distribute or sell. Further charges stemming from the search warrant are currently pending. Anyone with information regarding this incident, or any other crime is asked to contact the Suffolk Police Department or the Suffolk Crime Line. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. A federal grand jury in Springfield has indicted 38-year-old Tyler Kittrell from Sullivan, Missouri, for possessing 16.8 pounds of methamphetamine and 4.7 pounds of fentanyl while he was stopped by police in Joplin. The original criminal complaint was filed against Kittrell on Feb. 24, 2025. The two-count indictment Kitrrell was charged with replaces the criminal complaint. Walnut Grove man arrested for multiple wire theft Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an affidavit in the criminal complaint, police stopped Kittrell on I-44 in Joplin on Feb. 14, 2025. When officers searched Kittrells vehicle, they found multiple packages containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as $13,120 in cash. Kittrell was later arrested. The FBI and the Joplin Police Department investigate the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. DEEP RIVER, Conn. (WTNH) A library in Deep River held an event Wednesday night that drew some attention, positive and negative. The presentation was aimed at educating people on transgender misinformation. Outside the library, there was a rally of support, but hateful flyers have been circulated. Attendees said that the papers were at the bus stop, on residents driveways and on sidewalks. Its scary: Connecticut transgender community, allies advocate for stronger protections Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all have our internet town trolls, and that was to be expected, but the flyers themselves are whats considered a hate crime in Connecticut, Abby Roccapriore of Tri-Town Youth Services said. The program inside the library was filled to capacity, but people didnt leave: Instead, they chose to stand outside with their signs in unity. Police officers and a state trooper provided security and also helped with the investigation. Well, we wanted to make sure everyone felt safe and protected to come out, but also we have asked the residents if they have any Ring doorbell cameras please let us know, we assume it was a car driving around, throwing them out the window, Deep River First Selectwoman Carol Jones said. It was disturbing, Jillian Celentano, speaker at the event said. I mean, you know I didnt expect that or anything, but I am here tonight to expand peoples minds, not change peoples minds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full video in the player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. In a unanimous decision on Wednesday, the Supreme Court rejected an appeals court's conclusion that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) violated the Administrative Procedure Act by "arbitrarily and capriciously" refusing to allow continued sales of flavored nicotine solutions produced by Vapetasia and Triton Distribution. The decision effectively approves the FDA's de facto ban on nicotine vaping products in flavors other than tobacco and menthol, meaning that unfair and irrational policy will continue unless it is reversed by the Trump administration. Vapetasia, which is based in Las Vegas, and Triton Distribution, which is located in the Dallas area, complained that the FDA had improperly changed the criteria for approving their products after they sought permission to keep selling them. Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit agreed, saying the FDA "sent manufacturers of flavored e-cigarette products on a wild goose chase" by issuing guidance on which the companies relied in preparing their applications, only to discover that the agency's advice had been nullified by subsequent "regulatory switcheroos." The FDA appealed that decision, and last July the Supreme Court agreed to take up the case. It heard oral arguments in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The essence of respondents' argument," Justice Samuel Alito notes in FDA v. Wages and White Lion Investments, "is that the FDA told them in guidance documents that it would do one thing and then turned around and did something different when it reviewed their applications." But with one exception that may not have made a difference, he says, the FDA did not really change its position on what it would take for these companies to stay in business. "In respondents' view," Alito notes, "the FDA initially stated that manufacturers would not need to provide specific kinds of studies like randomized controlled trials or longitudinal cohort studies but then treated such evidence as essential." Although Vapetasia and Triton "express frustration about the lack of clear prior notice regarding the type of scientific evidence that was essential for approval of an application," he says, "we cannot agree with their argument that the FDA went back on any commitments made in the guidance it provided before ruling on respondents' applications." It is not hard to see how Vapetasia and Triton got the impression that no specific type of study was necessary. "In most situations," an FDA official said at a public meeting in October 2018, "it is likely that at least some analytical testing specific to the product would be conducted" to support an application. In addition to "randomized clinical trials," he mentioned "alternatives" such as literature reviews and "pharmacokinetic," "pharmacodynamic," "biomarker," "topography," or "focus group" studies. As Alito notes, "the official never stated that any particular type of study was necessary." To the contrary, "the FDA acknowledged that it was open to evidence besides 'new nonclinical or clinical studies.'" It also said "it would consider evidence 'bridging' new tobacco products to already marketed products whose safety was backed by 'existing clinical, nonclinical, or product information.'" But as Alito and the other justices see it, "none of this amounted to anything like a hard-and-fast commitment as to the minimum evidence the agency would require for marketing authorization." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A June 2019 guidance document "was similarly noncommittal," Alito says. The FDA "recognized that the 'relatively new entrance' of e-cigarettes 'on the U.S. market' meant that 'limited data may exist from scientific studies and analyses.'" In light of that problem, the FDA said, it would consider other "valid scientific evidence," although it warned that "nonclinical studies alone are generally not sufficient." If applicants cited "data from the published literature or government-sponsored databases," the FDA said, they should make sure that evidence was "adequately bridged to your product" based on "a scientific rationale." Manufacturers could draw on "published literature reviews," although those are "considered a less robust form of support." Applicants could "conduc[t] independent analyses of published studies," but it was important to include "critical study details" to make that information "useful in FDA's review." The gist of the FDA's message, Alito says, was that "it was not essential for manufacturers to submit evidence based on 'well-controlled investigations,' such as randomized controlled trials or longitudinal cohort studies." But "if they did not do so, they would have to provide rigorous scientific evidence that the sale of their particular products would be appropriate for the protection of the public health"the nebulous standard established by the 2009 law that authorized the FDA to regulate tobacco products. Since Vapetasia and Triton "did not submit randomized controlled trials or longitudinal cohort studies," Alito says, "the fate of their applications turned on whether they submitted 'other evidence' that met the FDA's standard of scientific rigor and relevance to their product. The FDA rejected respondents' applications because it concluded that its 'other evidence' test was not met, and the explanation in its denial orders echoed statements made at various points in its earlier guidance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That gloss is hard to reconcile with an internal FDA memo written in July 202110 months after the application deadline. In that memo, Alito concedes, the FDA took "a far less capacious view of the scientific evidence it would consider," saying "it would consider it a 'fatal flaw' if an application lacked scientific evidence about a product based on either a randomized controlled trial or a longitudinal cohort study." But the FDA insists it did not apply that rule when it rejected the applications from Vapetasia and Triton. The Supreme Court is obliged to accept that claim, Alito says, because the FDA is "entitled to a presumption of regularity" that can be overcome only by a "strong showing of bad faith or improper behavior." Vapetasia and Triton also complained that the FDA "initially gave applicants broad discretion to select appropriate comparators for their products" but later insisted they demonstrate that their e-liquids were more effective at achieving smoking cessation than tobacco-flavored alternatives. Because the FDA worried that fruit, candy, and dessert flavors appeal to teenagers, it was not enough to show that former smokers overwhelmingly prefer those flavors, that vaping products help smokers quit, and that switching to vaping dramatically reduces the health risks of their nicotine habits. Alito concedes that "the FDA did not provide this precise instruction in its predecisional guidance." But he thinks applicants should have anticipated that the FDA "might consider whether an application for a flavored product included a comparison with other products in the flavored category," especially in light of the agency's concerns about underage vaping. Those concerns, Vapetasia and Triton noted, had always been focused on cartridge-based vapes, which accounted for the vast majority of underage consumption, as opposed to the refillable "open" systems for which their liquids are designed. The latter, which are sold in vape shops that exclude minors, have never been very popular among teenagers. According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 6 percent of middle and high school students were "current" e-cigarette users, meaning they reported vaping during the previous month. Among those current users, just 7 percent said they used "tanks or mod systems." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an April 2020 guidance document, Alito notes, the FDA "said it would 'prioritize enforcement of flavored, cartridge-based' e-cigarette products 'other than tobacco- and menthol-flavored products.'" It explained that "youth overwhelmingly prefer cartridge-based" vaping products, which are "easy to conceal, can be used discreetly, may have a high nicotine content, and are manufactured on a large scale." And it said its enforcement actions "should have minimal impact on small manufacturers (e.g., vape shops) that primarily sell non-cartridge-based" products. From such statements, Vapetasia and Triton surmised that the FDA did not view their products as significant contributors to underage vaping. They were therefore surprised by the hard line it took against their nontobacco flavors. Alito concedes that "the FDA's central concern" was cartridge-based vapes. But he says "nothing in the 2020 guidance suggested the FDA would decline to take enforcement action against other products that might be appealing to the young." Although "the 2020 guidance may have led respondents to believe that the FDA was more likely to authorize their open-system products than other manufacturers' cartridge-based products," he says, "such a belief about how an agency is likely to exercise its enforcement discretion is not a 'serious reliance interes[t].'" Finally, Vapetasia and Triton complained that the FDA changed its mind about the importance of "marketing plans" aimed at minimizing underage use. "After telling manufacturers that their marketing plans were 'critical' to their applications," the 5th Circuit noted, "the FDA candidly admitted that it did not read a single word of the one million plans." The FDA said it decided to ignore those plans "for the sake of efficiency." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 5th Circuit saw that reversal as a clear change in the FDA's position, and the FDA does not contest that conclusion. But this particular "switcheroo," it argues, was "harmless." Although the 5th Circuit disagreed, Alito says the appeals court did not apply the correct test in assessing that issue, so it should try again. Although the 5th Circuit's decision allowed Vapetasia and Triton to stay in business, it was never clear how long that reprieve would last. The appeals court remanded "the matters" to the FDA, which could still reject the applications after reviewing them again. Congress gave the FDA wide discretion to block the sale of nicotine products based on a collectivist calculus that invites value judgments and entails highly uncertain predictions. And even though adolescent vaping has been declining for years, the FDA under the Biden administration saw it as a threat so grave that it overrode the interests of adult consumers and the businesses that serve them. That could change. During his 2024 campaign, President Donald Trump bragged that he "saved flavored vaping" during his first term and promised that he would "save vaping again." The post The Supreme Court Blesses the FDA's Rejection of Flavored Nicotine Vapes appeared first on Reason.com. Having the freedom to choose your own health care provider is something many Americans take for granted. But the Supreme Court is weighing whether people who rely on Medicaid for their health insurance have that right, and if they do is it enforceable by law? Thats the key question at the heart of a case, Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, that began during President Donald Trumps first term in office. Theres a right, and the right is the right to choose your doctor, said Justice Elena Kagan on April 2, 2025, during oral arguments on the case. John J. Bursch, the Alliance Defending Freedom lawyer who is representing South Carolina Director of Health and Human Services Eunice Medina, countered that none of the words in the underlying statute had what he called a rights-creating pedigree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As law professors who teach courses about health and poverty law as well as reproductive justice, we think this case could affect access to health care for 72 million Americans, including low-income people and their children and people with disabilities. Excluding Planned Parenthood The case started with Julie Edwards, who is enrolled in Medicaid and lives in South Carolina. After she struggled to get contraceptive services, she was able to receive care from a Planned Parenthood South Atlantic clinic in Columbia, South Carolina. Planned Parenthood, an array of nonprofits with roots that date back more than a century, is among the nations top providers of reproductive services. It operates two clinics in South Carolina, where Medicaid patients can get physical exams, cancer screenings, contraception and other services. It also provides same-day appointments and keeps long hours. In July 2018, however, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order that barred health care providers in South Carolina that offer abortions from reimbursement through Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That meant Planned Parenthood, a longtime target of conservatives ire, would no longer be reimbursed for any type of care for Medicaid patients, preventing Edwards from transferring all her gynecological care to that office as she had hoped to do. Planned Parenthood and Edwards sued South Carolina, claiming that the state was violating the federal Medicare and Medicaid Act, which Congress passed in 1965, by not letting Edwards obtain care from the provider of her choice. A free-choice-of-provider requirement Medicaid operates as a partnership between the federal government and the states. Congress passed the law that led to its creation based on its power under the Constitutions spending clause, which allows Congress to subject federal funds to certain requirements. Two years later, due to concerns that states were restricting which providers Medicaid recipients could choose, Congress added a free-choice-of-provider requirement to the program. It states that people enrolled in Medicaid may obtain such assistance from any institution, agency, community pharmacy, or person, qualified to perform the service or services required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This provision is at the core of this case. At issue is whether a civil rights statute provides a right for Medicaid beneficiaries to sue a state when their federal rights have been violated. Known as Section 1983, it was enacted in 1871. Bursch, backed by the Trump administration, argued before the court that the absence of words like right in the Medicaid provision that requires states to provide a free choice of provider means that neither Edwards nor Planned Parenthood has the authority to file a lawsuit to enforce this aspect of the Medicaid statute. Nicole A. Saharsky, Planned Parenthoods lawyer, argued that the creation of a right shouldnt depend on some kind of magic words test. Instead, she said it was clear that the Medicaid statute created a right to choose their own doctor because its mandatory that the state provide this option to everyone with health insurance through Medicaid. She also emphasized that Congress wanted to protect an intensely personal right to be able to choose your doctor, the person that you see when youre at your most vulnerable, facing some of the most significant challenges to your life and your health. Restricting Medicaid funds Through a federal law known as the Hyde Amendment, Medicaid cannot reimburse health care providers for the cost of abortions, with a few exceptions: when a patients life is at risk or her pregnancy is due to rape or incest. Some states do cover abortion when their laws allow it, without using any federal funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therefore, Planned Parenthood only gets federal Medicaid funds for abortions in those limited circumstances. McMaster explained that he removed abortion clinics, including Planned Parenthood, from the South Carolina Medicaid Program because he didnt want state funds to indirectly subsidize abortions. South Carolina decided that Planned Parenthood was unqualified for many reasons, chiefly because theyre the nations largest abortion provider, Bursch told the Supreme Court. But only 3% of Planned Parenthoods services nationwide last year were related to abortion. Its most common service is testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Across the nation, Planned Parenthood provides health care to more than 2 million patients per year, most of whom have low incomes. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster speaks to a crowd during an election night party on Nov. 3, 2020, in Columbia. Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images Section 1983 Because the Medicaid statute itself does not allow an individual to sue, Edwards and Planned Parenthood are relying on Section 1983. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lower courts have repeatedly upheld that the Medicaid statute provides Edwards with the right to obtain Medicaid-funded health care at her local Planned Parenthood clinic. And the Supreme Court has long recognized that Section 1983 protects an individuals ability to sue when their rights under a federal statute have been violated. In 2023, for example, the court found such a right under the Medicaid Nursing Home Reform Act. The court held that Section 1983 confers the right to sue when a statutes provisions unambiguously confer individual federal rights. Consequences beyond South Carolina The courts decision in the Medina case on whether Medicaid patients can choose their own health care provider could have consequences far beyond South Carolina. Arkansas, Missouri and Texas have already barred Planned Parenthood from getting reimbursed by Medicaid for any kind of health care. More states could follow suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, given Planned Parenthoods role in providing expansive contraceptive care, disqualifying it from Medicaid could harm access to health care and increase the already-high unintended pregnancy rate in America. The ramifications, likewise, could extend beyond the finances of Planned Parenthood. If the court rules in South Carolinas favor, states could also try to exclude providers based on other characteristics, such as whether their employees belong to unions or if they provide their patients with gender-affirming care, further restricting patients choices. Or, as Kagan observed, states could go the opposite direction and exclude providers that dont provide abortions and so forth. Whats really at stake, she said, is whether a patient is entitled to see the provider they choose regardless of what their state happens to think about contraception or abortion or gender transition treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Supreme Court rules that Edwards does have a right to get health care at a Planned Parenthood clinic, the controversy would not be over. The lower courts would then have to decide whether South Carolina appropriately removed Planned Parenthood from Medicaid as an unqualified provider. And if the Supreme Court rules in favor of South Carolina, then Planned Parenthood could still sue South Carolina over its decision to find them to be unqualified. 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: Naomi Cahn, University of Virginia and Sonia Suter, George Washington University Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Imec, a research hub in nanoelectronics, in partnership with the State Government of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, is set to launch a new chip research centre for the automotive sector. The new centre, Advanced Chip Design Accelerator (ACDA), was announced at the ongoing Hannover Trade Fair. The new centre will focus on the development of automotive chiplet technology. It is backed by a financial boost of 40m ($43.28m) from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of Baden-Wurttemberg. To be located in Baden-Wurttemberg in Southwest of Germany, the centre will support the development state-of-the-art chiplet, packaging, system integration, sensing, and (edge) AI technology. These developments are part of Imecs Automotive Chiplet Program (ACP), aimed at enhancing support for the automotive industry by derisking and expediting the manufacturing of automotive chiplets. Imec president and CEO Luc Van den hove said: To realise the region's ambitions, we will also focus on growing the talent pipeline across Europe by training engineers in close collaboration with the local ecosystem, including universities. In addition, we aim to expand the developed high-performance computing solutions to the European level, thus contributing to the acceleration of innovation in the European automotive industry with unique and distinctive building blocks. The new centre will operate for at least five years at the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence in Heilbronn. The centre aims to address the automotive industry's shift towards chiplet-based architectures, which are said to be more adaptable and energy-efficient than traditional chip technologies and are crucial for advanced automotive functions such as autonomous driving. This initiative supports the European Commission's strategic goal of launching the European Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Alliance. Additionally, the State of Baden-Wurttemberg is investing a further 5m to bolster the chip-ecosystem. State of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut said: High-performance chips are playing an important role for software-driven applications in core industries in Baden-Wurttemberg and are increasingly shaping mobility, artificial intelligence and digitalisation. With the establishment of Imec in Baden-Wurttemberg, we are creating an internationally visible centre of excellence that will significantly accelerate business-oriented research and development of chip-based innovations, particularly in the automotive industry, together with start-ups, industry and research in the region and beyond. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) On Wednesday, a major healthcare battle was in front of the Supreme Court. The justices are weighing a case that centers on whether states can block Medicaid dollars from being used at Planned Parenthood. The issue came to the Supreme Court from South Carolina, where Governor Henry McMaster is trying to prevent government health insurance money from going to clinics that provide abortions, even if they also provide other healthcare services. South Carolina stands for the right to life, and well do whatever is necessary to protect it, McMaster said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMaster was in the court alongside lawyers with the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), who argued on behalf of South Carolina. Outside of the court, competing protesters rallied on the steps. Gabriella McIntyre, legal counsel for ADF, was among those demonstrators. The American people dont want their tax dollars being used to prop up the abortion industry, McIntyre said. Its already illegal for Medicaid to pay for abortions, with rare exceptions. Molly Rivera with Planned Parenthood South Atlantic says if the court sides with South Carolina, it will hurt Medicaid patients who rely on their clinics for other critical services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is about general preventative basic healthcare, Rivera said. For a lot of people there wont be another affordable option to get primary preventative care. Dr. Ashley Jeanlus is an OBGYN who says it would be devastating for Medicaid patients to lose access to Planned Parenthood. Theyll have a harder time getting access to birth control, STI testing, pap smears, cancer screening, Jeanlus said. She warns that people on Medicaid already have limited healthcare access. Those are our most marginalized communities. Low income, people of color. They deserve to be able to pick who their providers are, Jeanlus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But McIntyre argues there are a lot of other healthcare providers that would better serve people on Medicaid. The states need to be free to direct their funding, that limited taxpayer funding to real comprehensive healthcare, McIntyre said. A decision in the case is expected by summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil and Tufts University graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk have become national symbols for the Trump administrations harsh crackdown on free speech on college campuses and on vulnerable people espousing ideas at odds with the administrations worldview. It is unclear what Khalils role was in the Columbia University protests beyond serving as a negotiator for pro-Palestinian students, or what Ozturk has done beyond co-authoring a 2024 op-ed in her school newspaper questioning Tufts Universitys refusal to divest from companies with ties to Israel. Whatever the case, the governments failure to provide Khalil, Ozturk, and other green card or student visa holders with the basic procedural safeguards of our legal system and the Trump administrations disregard for free speech should give pause to every American who cherishes freedom and democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials who arrested Khalil informed him that his student visa had been revoked. But Khalil was not at Columbia on a student visa; he is a green-card holder whose pregnant wife is an American citizen. ICE officials did not charge Khalil with any crime. They secretly transferred him to a detention facility in Louisiana. And they repeatedly denied him the opportunity to speak privately with his lawyers until a federal judge ordered the government let him to do so. The six plainclothes ICE officials who arrested Ozturk while she was on her way to break her Ramadan fast did not initially display their badges. They did not file any charges against her. Ozturk, who the Department of Homeland Security claimed engaged in activities in support of Hamas, was taken to the same Louisiana detention facility as Khalil. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned student visa holders not to create a ruckus. The story is not over, though. Khalil and Ozturks best hope going forward is to rely on a Supreme Court decision won by radical New York lawyer Carol Weiss King. King hailed from a prominent family of New York lawyers; her brother founded the New York firm Paul Weiss. King took a different path from her family. A lawyer from the 1920s to early 1950s for the International Labor Defense, the legal arm of the Communist Party USA, King assisted in saving the Scottsboro Boys, nine young Black men wrongfully convicted of raping two white women in a railroad car, from the electric chair, and Angelo Herndon, an 18-year-old Black Communist convicted for attempting to incite insurrection under an old Georgia slave insurrection statute, from 18 to 20 years on a Georgia chain gang. Crucially for the current moment, King specialized in defending radical immigrants from deportation. She had been outraged by the Palmer Raids and the Red Scare following World War I that resulted in mass deportations of radical immigrants. One of her highest-profile cases established an important Supreme Court precedent about the rights of noncitizens to due process and free speech. During the 1940s, King joined the legal team that prevented the U.S. government from deporting Harry Bridges, the Australian-born head of the International Longshoremen and Warehousemens Union. The U.S. government initially alleged that Bridges belonged to the Communist Party USA, but a hearing examiner found no proof that Bridges had officially joined the organization. Congress subsequently amended the statute to make affiliation with the Communist Party grounds for deportation. A second hearing examiner found that Bridges had joined organizations affiliated with the Communist Party, and the attorney general ordered the union leaders deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 1945 Supreme Court opinion known as Bridges v. Wixon, Justice William O. Douglas rejected that Bridges had been affiliated with the Communist Party, found that Bridges due process rights had been violated because the government had introduced unsworn testimony against him during his second hearing, and ruled that his detention had been unlawful. Most importantly for Khalil, Ozturk, and other legal residents and student visa holders who may be facing deportation because of their political beliefs, the court in Bridges v. Wixon held that noncitizens enjoyed the same First Amendments rights as everyone else. Freedom of speech and of press is accorded aliens residing in this country, Douglas wrote. So far as this record shows the literature published by Harry Bridges, the utterances made by him were entitled to that protection. They revealed a militant advocacy of the cause of trade unionism. But they did not teach or advocate or advise the subversive conduct condemned by the statute. Justice Frank Murphy went even further in his concurring opinion: The record in this case will stand forever as a monument to mans intolerance of man. Seldom if ever in the history of this nation has there been such a concentrated and relentless crusade to deport an individual because he dared to exercise the freedom that belongs to him as a human being and that is guaranteed to him by the Constitution. The courts opinions in Bridges v. Wixon built on the ideas of Justice Louis Brandeis that free speech plays an essential role in American democracy as well as the ideas of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. that free speech means freedom for the thought that we hate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is incumbent upon the nine current justices to reaffirm Bridges v. Wixon establishing due process and free speech rights for noncitizens facing deportation and to embrace Brandeis and Holmes ideas about free speech. The Roberts Courtin gutting provisions of the Voting Rights Act, denying that the 14th Amendment protects abortion rights, and outlawing affirmative actionhas often overruled or ignored precedent in high-profile cases. But the justices should think twice before erasing the legacy of Carol Weiss King and the other courageous lawyers who represented Harry Bridges and saved him from deportation. Harry Bridges lived for the rest of his life in this country and died in 1990 in San Francisco at age 88. His memory lives on through the important Supreme Court precedent that bears his name. The cases of Khali, Ozturk, and many others like them represent a fundamental challenge to our country. They are about whether the American people want a legal system that prioritizes basic procedural fairness and a democracy that tolerates unpopular ideas and protects the hard-won First Amendment rights established by Carol Weiss King in the case of Harry Bridges. In the scores of countries hit by Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs announced Wednesday, one was mysteriouslybut not surprisinglyabsent: Russia. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios Wednesday that Moscow had been spared from Trumps tariffs because U.S. sanctions already preclude any meaningful trade. Similarly, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that it wasnt necessary to place tariffs on Russia because after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, trade between the U.S. and Russia had effectively dried up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the claim that the U.S. doesnt trade with Russia isnt remotely true. In 2024, the U.S. imported $3 billion worth of goods from Russia, which was down from $4.6 billion the year before. While this number may be small in comparison to key trading partners such as Canada, which imported a whopping $412.7 billion worth of American goods in 2024, it is still significantly more trade than with other countries that Trump levied steep tariffs against. For example, Saint Pierre et Miquelon, a small French island territory off the coast of Canada, was hit with a whopping 50 percent tariff on imports to the U.S. The island, which has a population of roughly 5,000 people, imported only $100,000 worth of U.S. goods in 2024 and exported roughly $3.4 million worth of goods back. If thats not low enough, Trump even listed several uninhabited islands as receiving a 10 percent tariff on imports to the United States: Heard Island and the McDonald Islands, an Australian territory that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its complete absence of alien plants and animals, as well as human impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, a lack of trade was not an actual consideration in the Trump administrations decision to levy tariffs, though Leavitt claimed that existing sanctions were also why Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea were not included on the list. With Leavitts excuse falling flat, it seems increasingly likely that Trump has attempted to carve out a back door for Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue to do business with the U.S. as it makes an economic enemy out of every other country in the world. Canada and Mexico were also absent from the list because Trump had already hit them with 25 percent tariffs on all U.S. imports, according to Leavitt. Last month, Vice President J.D. Vance lectured European leaders about their troubling retreat from free speech, calling their actions "shocking to American ears" and a threat to democracy itself. Yet new global survey data reveal a troubling incongruity in Vance's own backyard: Despite boasting the world's strongest constitutional protections, Americans' support for free speech is eroding dramatically, particularly among younger generations. At a time when the Trump administration weaponizes power against its critics and the left increasingly equates speech with harm, America is losing its civil libertarian commitment precisely when this foundational right faces unprecedented pressures from both cultural intolerance and governmental overreach. If Americans fail to recognize and reverse this trend, the country's status as a beacon of free expression risks fading. The 2025 Future of Free Speech Index, based on surveys conducted in 33 countries, places the United States ninth globally in free speech supporta respectable but hardly exceptional position. More concerning is the trajectory: The U.S. has experienced the third-largest decline in support for free speech since our previous survey in 2021, behind only Japan and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This phenomenon is part of a broader "free speech recession" happening globally, with twice as many countries showing substantial decreases in support for free expression as showing increases. But America's retreat is particularly notable given its unique constitutional protection and self-conception as free speech's foremost defender. In fact, the strongest popular support for free speech is found in the Old World, with Norway and Denmark first and second and Sweden in the top five, along with two democratic backsliders: Hungary and Venezuela. These latter cases present a fascinating paradoxpopulations that strongly value free expression despite living under governments increasingly hostile to this right. This disconnect between "demand" for free speech and its actual "supply" suggests that citizens in these countries recognize what they're losing as their governments tighten restrictions. Perhaps the most concerning aspect of America's free speech recession is the generational divide in attitudes. Young Americans (ages 18 to 34) now show significantly less tolerance for controversial speech than their elders across every category we measured. The magnitude of these shifts since 2021 is remarkable: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support for allowing statements insulting the national flag has plummeted 28 percentage points among young adults. Willingness to tolerate speech supporting homosexual relationships has dropped 20 points. Acceptance of speech offensive to minority groups has declined 12 points. Tolerance for speech offensive to one's religion has fallen 14 points. These aren't minor fluctuationsthey represent fundamental shifts in values within a short period. While older Americans (ages 55 and over) have maintained relatively stable attitudes, showing only single-digit declines in most categories, the steep drops among younger cohorts raise profound questions about the future of free expression in America. College-educated Americans show another surprising shift. This group, traditionally associated with openness to diverse viewpoints, has markedly decreased its support for controversial speech since 2021. These shifts defy simple partisan explanations. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris voters show identical support for government criticism (89 percent) and similar tolerance for flag insults. The partisan divide appears elsewhere. Trump supporters express higher tolerance for speech offensive to minorities (76 percent vs. 54 percent) and religion (80 percent vs. 74 percent), while Harris supporters more strongly back speech supporting homosexual relationships (83 percent vs. 78 percent). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interestingly, Trump supporters show greater support than Harris voters for media publishing information that might affect national security (47 percent vs. 35 percent) or economic stability (75 percent vs. 69 percent)suggesting their commitment to free expression extends to areas where conservatives have traditionally favored restrictions. Americans' shifting free speech attitudes coincide with a technological revolution. Since ChatGPT's 2022 launch, generative AI has achieved unprecedented adoption rates. This technology is fundamentally transforming how information is created and shared. Over 80 percent of American adults reported having used AI-enabled products, with frequent usage particularly high among younger Americansthe same demographic showing the steepest declines in free speech support. This convergence presents a striking anomaly: While Americans eagerly adopt powerful new tools for expression, their tolerance for AI-generated sensitive contentsuch as deepfakes of politiciansremains low (21.5 percent), while support for government regulation of AI-generated speech is high (53 percent). Given that AI is being rapidly integrated into tools we use to interact with information and ideas (email, search, word processing, etc), government or corporate control of this technology could have profound consequences for free speech and access to information. Despite the decline in support, Americans still value free speech. But our survey findings should alarm all who share Frederick Douglass's view that free speech is the "great moral renovator of society and government". Left unchecked, the decline in support could reshape America's speech environment for generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, robust support for free speech is urgently needed in the present. President Trump and his administration intimidate media outlets with baseless lawsuits while weaponizing legitimate concerns about cancel culture and censorial Big Tech to impose government control over higher education and social media. The administration has even resorted to arresting and revoking visas and green cards based on speech otherwise protected by the First Amendment. But this isn't a time for despair. American history provides instructive examples of how surges of intolerance can be reversed by appealing to the underlying principles of the First Amendment. Just seven years after ratifying the First Amendment, America faced one of its earliest tests of free speech. The Sedition Act of 1798, pushed by the Federalist Party and President John Adams, criminalized criticism of the government. Critics, led by Democratic-Republicans Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, saw it as a betrayal of the Constitution. Despite aggressive enforcementincluding prosecutions of newspaper editors and citizensthe crackdown backfired. Republican newspapers doubled, public outrage grew, and Jefferson's election in 1800 marked a decisive rejection of government censorship. This early episode demonstrates how attempts to suppress dissent often fuel the very resistance they seek to quell. Prior to U.S. involvement in World War I, President Woodrow Wilson's warnings about "the poison of disloyalty" led to the first Red Scare, marked by mass prosecutions of peaceful dissenters. This period, however, sparked a turning point in free speech law. Harvard professor Zechariah Chafee emerged as a principled civil libertarian, influencing Supreme Court Justices Oliver Wendell Holmes and Louis Brandeis. Their powerful dissents laid the foundation for modern First Amendment jurisprudence, establishing the U.S. as a global leader in protecting political expression. This history reminds us that even in moments of intolerance, principled advocacy can reshape the legal and cultural landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America's free speech tradition stands at a critical crossroads. As political polarization deepens, social media fragments the public sphere, and AI rapidly transforms how we create and consume information, the vital benefits of free expression must once again be forcefully defended and clearly articulated. Restoring America's commitment to free speech requires intellectual humility and a willingness to course-correct across ideological divides. Those who dismiss cancel culture as a moral panic or view the First Amendment as a shield for harmful speech should reconsider how antispeech attitudes weaken the very mechanisms that empower marginalized voices. Conversely, conservatives who celebrated a Trump presidency as an antidote to left-wing censors must now confront the administration's troubling use of state power to silence critics. Protecting free speech demands a shared commitment, regardless of political loyaltiesone that prioritizes principle over partisan advantage. Future-proofing free speech in the digital age requires more than just resisting censorshipit demands redesigning online platforms to encourage context, transparency, and user control. Instead of centralized content bans or opaque algorithmic suppression, social media must empower users to make informed choices about their information environments, a policy that has been successfully implemented in Taiwan. These are just the first steps in restoring America's commitment to free speech. The challenge ahead is ensuring that free expression remains a living principlenot just a convenient sloganone that can withstand the pressures of political polarization, technological disruption, and shifting cultural tides. The post Survey: Free Speech Support Is Eroding in America appeared first on Reason.com. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) The suspect who was apprehended after an AMBER Alert last Monday made his second court appearance on April 2. Ricardo Trujillo Rojel, 29, is accused of aggravated murder and aggravated arson after attacking a mother, setting the trailer on fire, and fleeing with her two children. Ricardo Trujillo Rojel appeared in Second District Court today, where defense attorneys discussed setting a preliminary hearing for his case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rojel is accused of murdering Mayra Catalan-Dimas, 23, who was found dead in a burning Riverdale trailer on March 24. According to arrest documents, she was found with a puncture wound to the neck and severe burns. Judge Cristina Ortega spoke with Stephanie Pitcher, Rojels attorney, about his previous misdemeanor case involving property damage. After a discussion with Rojel through an interpreter, Pitcher agreed to withdraw from that case and it will now be handled by the same attorneys defending his felony murder case. The preliminary hearing date for the felony murder case has been set for May 12 at 9 a.m. PREVIOUSLY: Mother of AMBER Alert children found dead with neck wound in burning house, docs say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutors Nicholas Caine and Derek Malan then clarified an order that was signed last Friday. The order reads, Any defense investigator, mitigation specialist, or expert witness for Defense is allowed to contact the alleged victims family members. They clarified that this order did not require the family members to speak with investigators for the defense, and family members would have the right to refuse. Prosecutors also requested that the juvenile in the family not be contacted. Case background On Monday, March 24, an AMBER Alert went out, reporting that two children were in imminent danger and had been abducted by a possible homicide and arson suspect. The Riverdale Police Department described the suspect and asked the public for help. Later that evening, a caller reported seeing a truck matching the description of the suspect vehicle in Hobble Creek Canyon, and Utah County Sheriffs Office deputies responded. Rojel was taken into custody, and the two children were safely recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ NEXT: Nurse arrested after allegedly assaulting dementia patient The next day, two felony charges were filed against Rojel: Aggravated murder and aggravated arson. After an interview at the Weber County Jail, Rojel reportedly told investigators that he had been in an altercation with the mother, which had led to him harming her, setting fire to the trailer, and fleeing with the two children. The defendant further admitted that he stabbed [the victim] and threw the knife out of the window while he was driving south on the freeway, charging documents read. Rojel will appear in court on May 12 at 9 a.m. for his preliminary hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. NORTH PORT, Fla. (WFLA) A man was arrested after an investigation into a kidnapping and sexual battery following a carjacking in North Port, according to the North Port Police Department. Charlotte County detectives said that around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a report of a carjacking and sexual assault at a RaceTrac gas station located at 18999 Tamiami Trail. The North Port Police Department also responded to the scene due to the carjacking having taken place in their jurisdiction. Credit: North Port Police Department According to the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office, the victim told them that while stopped at a red light at the intersection of Tamiami Trail and Sumter Boulevard a man grabbed her shirt through her open car window asking for a ride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CCSO identified the man as Jorge Daniel Martin, 26. Deputies said that the woman declined Martins initial request but gave in after he asked again. The victim told deputies that Martin abruptly grabbed the steering wheel while she was driving before grabbing her by the throat and threatened to kill her if she did not do what he wanted. CCSO said that Martin forced the victim to drive to a secluded area and threw her phone when she attempted to call for help. Martin then demanded the victim engage in sexual activities and struck her repeatedly when she did not comply, according to detectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the alleged assault, the victim said that she was able to trick Martin into allowing her to drive them to the RaceTrac Gas Station for food. At the gas station, Martin remained in the car while the victim went inside where she was able to call 911. During the investigation, CCSO said that Martin made several statements denying sexual battery had occurred. However, a body standards search warrant was conducted and detectives were able to obtain evidence that matched the victims description of events. The North Port Police Department arrested Jorge Daniel Martin before booking him into Sarasota County Jail without bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on their investigation Martin will receive multiple charges. He will then face charges in Charlotte County including kidnapping and sexual battery, according to detectives. With April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it is imperative that we call out crimes like these when they do happen. While I am thankful that they are rare in Charlotte County, I want our community to know that we take these reports very seriously and we will hold the suspect accountable. I encourage anyone who experiences sexual violence to speak up as this woman did so it can be stopped. I also want to thank to the North Port Police Department, with whom we have been collaborating on this investigation. It serves as another example of the way all of the law enforcement entities work together to keep Southwest Florida safe, Sheriff Bill Prummel said about the arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) Officials have identified the man who is believed to have been driving an SUV that struck a motorcyclist late last month. The motorcyclist later died in the hospital. Police are searching for Erasmo Onofre-Rodriguez, who also goes by Ponciano and Toshiro, according to the West Jordan Police Department. He has several tattoos on his left forearm, with one tattoo that says Alejandro. Anyone with information about Onofre-Rodriguezs whereabouts has been asked to call the West Jordan Police Department at 801-840-4000 and reference case WJ25-15827. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the investigation is ongoing. Background The hit-and-run happened on March 25, and officials responded to the scene just after 8:30 p.m. that night. On March 26, officers received a tip about a possible sighting of the suspect vehicle in a neighborhood, and authorities identified the registered owner of the vehicle after searching in law enforcement databases. The owner of the vehicle, Sabino Lazaro, was arrested for obstruction of justice on March 27. His car was described to be a 2002 GMC Yukon, which matched the description of the SUV seen on video at the scene of the hit-and-run, according to arrest documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers recovered a portion of a motorcycle helmet from the passenger seat of the car, as well as fabric and a backpack strap from other damaged areas of the car. According to arrest documents, Lazaro was taken in for questioning on March 27 and originally told officials his car had been stolen on the day of the hit-and-run. He later told officers he was aware of the incident, and knew who was driving the car at the time of the hit-and-run. Lazaro told officers the driver his friend and co-worker, identified only as Ponciano had called him shortly after the incident and told him details of it. On the night of the incident, March 25, Lazaro said he called 911 and falsely reported his vehicle as stolen after speaking with the alleged driver. [Lazaro] also admitted to deleting phone call records from Ponciano that could have assisted detectives in their investigation, arrest documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man was indicted for the 2023 fatal shooting in Washington County, that claimed the life of 24-year-old Pedro Antonio Prieto-Lopez, authorities announced Wednesday. Dwight Deshawn Dew Jr., 28, is accused of shooting Prieto-Lopez in a parking lot near Southwest Hall Boulevard and Southwest Locust Street in the early morning of May 18, 2023. Crater Lake trail to water will close for 3 years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dew Jr. allegedly used a fully automatic handgun in the shooting and faces manslaughter and other charges after a grand jury indicted him back in January, the Washington County Sheriffs Office said. Dew Jr. was already in custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections on a separate case, having pled guilty to promoting prostitution in Washington County in August 2024, the sheriffs office said in a press release. He was returned to the Washington County Jail and has been arraigned on the new indictment. Dew Jr. is accused of first-degree manslaughter, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a machine gun. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WOOSTER, Ohio (WJW) The BCI and other law enforcement agencies are investigating after an officer-involved shooting in Wooster on Wednesday evening, the FOX 8 I-Team learned. According to the Wooster Police Department, the incident started after officers investigated a stolen license plate from a vehicle in the 600 block of Madison Avenue around 3:30 p.m. Police detectives used Flock cameras to determine the license plate was placed on a silver Honda Pilot, which was seen traveling in the northern part of the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters: Lightning strike likely caused Twinsburg house fire Officers tracked down the vehicle, and the Honda drove off, leading to a short pursuit before Wooster police called off the chase, the police department said. The vehicle was later spotted on Geyers Chapel Road, just south of Back Orrville Road. When an officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect reportedly got out and opened fire at the officer, Wooster police said. According to police, the officer returned fire, and the suspect got back in the Honda and sped off. Investigators said Wooster police didnt pursue the suspect because the police cruiser was damaged by gunfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, according to Wooster police, the Wayne County Sheriffs Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol found the vehicle, leading to a second chase. Dropped doughnut contributes to 3-car crash on Rock Creek Road in Thompson: OSHP During the pursuit, investigators said the suspect fired multiple shots at law enforcement. No officers returned fire at this time, Wooster police said. The suspect led the pursuit into Wooster, and state troopers and officers with the Dalton Police Department crashed with the Honda on the Dix Expressway exit, according to police. Credit: Ashland County Pictures Credit: Ashland County Pictures Credit: Ashland County Pictures Credit: Ashland County Pictures Credit: Ashland County Pictures The suspect, who wasnt identified in a Wednesday night release, was taken into custody and brought to Wooster Community Hospital. He was later flown to Akron General Hospital with life-threatening injuries from an apparent gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No officers were injured. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation is helping with the investigation, police sources told the I-Team. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities are searching for a suspect who fled on foot after crashing a vehicle during a police pursuit Wednesday. According to the Whitefish Bay Police Department, officers attempted to stop a vehicle suspected of being involved in a residential burglary in Whitefish Bay shortly before noon. UPDATE: Marinette County man sentenced to three years for child pornography conviction Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle fled and ultimately crashed into a utility pole at the intersection of N. 12th St. and W. Finn Pl. in Milwaukee. The suspect then ran from the scene and was unable to be located. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the suspects whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Whitefish Bay 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. By News Centre President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an stated during the meeting that cooperation between Turkiye and Russia is of key importance in resolving regional issues, that Turkiye is closely following the process initiated to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and that Turkiye is ready to provide all kinds of support, including hosting peace negotiations, to ensure an honorable and lasting peace. "The Black Sea should not turn into a conflict area" President Erdo?an stated that well-intentioned steps to be taken for the safety of commercial navigation in the Black Sea would contribute to the peace process and that Turkiye continues to do its part to prevent the Black Sea from becoming a conflict zone. President Erdo?an stated during the meeting that Turkiye attaches importance to cooperation with Russia on the Syria issue, that it is important for Turkiye and Russia to work together to ensure that Syria achieves lasting peace and stability based on its territorial integrity, and that Turkiye and Russia can work together to eliminate efforts to disrupt the unity of Syria and to fuel ethnic and sectarian discrimination, and to completely lift sanctions against Syria. Erdo?an stated that Syria's resources should be left to the Syrian administration, that Turkiye supports the dissolution of the so-called "Syrian Democratic Forces" within the central administration, and that it is of vital importance for Syria's stability that Syria is no longer a suitable area for terrorist organizations. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)Shreveport police tell NBC 6 that now that violent crime numbers are down, the department has more resources to focus on retail theft. March 2025 Blitz was a Shreveport police operation at stores like Target, Lowes, Bath and Body Works, and TJ Maxx. Police said retail theft is not considered organized crime because many of the items end up on the black market. Police PIO Chris Bordelon said, There is a market for these stolen items, and they are stealing from multiple stores, and it usually involves multiple individuals working together. SPD officers save suspects life after high speed chase, crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight people were arrested during the sting operation, including Michael Griffin, who was charged with habitual felony theft because he has 19 prior convictions for theft. Bordelon said there will be more sting operations targeting shoplifters. He went on to say, Its a large-scale operation; it involves takedown cars, undercover offices, officers watching videos, and the use of drones. Retail theft is not a victimless crime. Bordelon said, When they steal from the store, they pass that price on to the next person who legally purchases it, and thats something we are not going to allow in our city. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Two of the suspects in last months double murder in Panama City Beach Police are now in the Bay County Jail. Deputies transported 26 year old Milan McKelvey and his 62 year old mother Tangela McKelvey on Tuesday from Montgomery, Alabama to the Bay County Jail. 46 year old Marwan Gordan who is Tangela McKelveys husband and Milan McKelveys step father is still in jail in Walton County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panama City Beach Police say Milan McKelvey shot and killed two women who were step-sisters around 5:15 p.m. on March 25. The shooting happened at Sunnyside apartments where McKelvey lived with one of the women. Hed been release from jail two weeks earlier after his arrest on a domestic violence charge. Stepfather of Panama City Beach homicide suspect arrested in Walton County McKelvey allegedly shot the women, then fled the scene in his vehicle, dumped it near the Walton County line, then called Gordon to pick-it-up. Walton County deputies arrested Gordon about an hour later. Beach Police say Tangela McKelvey took her son to Montgomery, where they were arrested hours after the shooting. Shes being held on $350,000 bond for accessory after the fact to first degree murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gordon is both held without bond on the same charge. And Milan McKelvey is held without bond on first degree murder charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A homicide investigation is underway after unidentified human remains were found in a black garbage bag in Brigham City. The remains were discovered by a construction crew around the area of 2600 West Highway 13, according to the Brigham City Police Department. The contents were initially believed to be trash, but hair and bones were later discovered, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre definitely human remains, Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes told ABC4.com. It appears that theyve been here for some time, but I would say sometime less than, at least, a couple years. Officials seek to identify driver near scene of crash that killed teen in Midvale Officials arrived at the scene just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday and discovered that the bag contained human remains. Reyes said the bag with the remains was found on the surface and was not buried in the area. Reyes said it appears the remains had been in the area at least a few months or longer, and were in a state of decomposition after being discovered. The remains have been transported to the medical examiners office, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information has been asked to call the Box Elder Communications Center at 435-856-7023. Officials respond to the scene where human remains were found on April 2, 2025. (KTVX/Kade Garner) Officials respond to the scene where human remains were found on April 2, 2025. (KTVX/Kade Garner) We collected multiple pieces of evidence and will be processing those, officials said. Brigham City officials have been in contact with Cottonwood Heights police and said the remains are likely not Matthew Johnson, but that possibility is not being ruled out. Officials will be conducting an analytical search for information regarding any missing persons both at the state and national level. Brigham City Police and the Box Elder County Sheriffs Office initially responded to the scene. Officials said Weber Metro CSI and the Utah Statewide Info and Analyst Center were later called to the scene to assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kade Garner contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. KANSAS CITY, Mo. An SUV hit a house early Thursday morning in northeast Kansas City, leaving the driver hospitalized. The call came in just after 5:45 a.m. Assessment ruling could have an $18 million impact on KCPS A Kansas City Fire Department spokesman told FOX4 they were called to East Eighth Street and Gladstone Avenue, where an SUV had crashed through a fence and hit a home. The driver of the SUV was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening, according to Kansas City police dispatch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical personnel also checked on the homeowner, who did not have to be transported, according to the fire department. Kansas Citys Dangerous Buildings unit has been requested. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. President Donald Trumps global trade war is taking on some unlikely adversaries including remote islands with more penguins than people. The list of 185 places hit Wednesday with a minimum 10 percent tariff include Heard Island and the McDonald Islands, Australian territories in the vast Indian Ocean between Africa and Antarctica. Also on the list are tiny Norfolk Island in the South Pacific and an uninhabited spot in the Arctic Ocean called Jan Mayen, part of a Norwegian territory with the islands of Svalbard near the North Pole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its all led to some head-scratching around the world as leaders digest Trumps effort to punish countries that he says have taken advantage of U.S. trade policy to steal American jobs. Im not quite sure that Norfolk Island, with respect to it, is a trade competitor with the giant economy of the United States, but that just shows and exemplifies the fact that nowhere on earth is exempt from this, said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The presence of such obscure locales might seem to undercut Trumps tariff argument that other countries have been taking advantage of the U.S. and should be punished as a result. Asked about the issue, the White House told POLITICO that Norfolk, as well as the Heard and McDonald Islands, were listed because they are Australian territories. Still, the White House list left many people puzzled and rushing to the internet for answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the list was the British Indian Ocean Territory, a collection of mostly uninhabited islands with no permanent population with the exception of the joint U.S. and United Kingdom military base on the island Diego Garcia. Svalbard has a population of just under 3,000 people, and Jan Mayen is uninhabited except for 18 people temporarily working there for Norways military and meteorological service. Similarly, the island of Tokelau near New Zealand home to less than 2,000 people will also face tariffs. But literally no people on the Heard and McDonald islands will feel the effects because theres no one there. Both are considered uninhabited, home to a large population of penguins and identified by Australias government as one of the worlds least anthropogenically disturbed areas. Nonetheless, the pair were hit with the minimum penalty of 10 percent. The country that received the most severe tariffs, Lesotho, is one that nobody had ever heard of, according to Trump. The White House list said the landlocked African kingdom has its own tariffs of 99 percent and thus will face a 50 percent penalty from the U.S. Seb Starcevic contributed to this report. ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland's government on Thursday described trade tariffs imposed on the country by U.S. President Donald Trump as incomprehensible, and vowed to stay in close communication with the European Union on how they proceed. Swiss President and Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said she regretted that the U.S. was "turning further away from free trade and a rules-based trade order" but said her government was not planning retaliatory measures for now. She and Economy Minister Guy Parmelin vowed to take up their concerns with U.S. officials and both will make their case in person when they visit the United States later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keller-Sutter said she had spoken to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen early on Thursday about the tariffs, noting that there was no indication Switzerland could be affected by possible EU countermeasures. "Mrs von der Leyen and I have agreed to remain in close contact and to inform each other about any further steps," she told a press conference, noting she also aimed to participate in a meeting of EU finance ministers next week. Switzerland has abolished industrial tariffs and officials were stunned Trump imposed a 31% tariff on imports from Switzerland compared with 20% from the EU. The U.S. is Switzerland's top export market, and Switzerland is the sixth-biggest foreign investor in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parmelin said the tariffs could be counterproductive. "Just the other day, I was talking to a CEO of a major company who told me they're in the process of investing over a billion dollars in the United States," he said. "So there's also a risk this will put the brakes on certain investments." Keller Sutter also said Switzerland does not manipulate the Swiss franc to boost exports, as some critics allege. (Reporting by Dave Graham and Ariane Luthi) Switzerland will for the time being refrain from taking countermeasures against US tariffs, the government in Bern announced on Thursday. Switzerland is particularly affected compared to its trading partners, with US President Donald Trump announcing tariffs of 31% on the non-EU nation. The Swiss government said in a statement that "an increase in trade policy tensions is not in Switzerland's interest." It pointed out that Switzerland abolished all industrial tariffs in 2024, and 99% of all goods from the US can be imported into Switzerland duty-free. Authorities are investigating after at least two anti-Semitic vandalism incidents in a Norfolk County town. Franklin Police say they were notified a sign at the Temple Etz Chaim on Washington Street had been vandalized sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and 8 a.m. the Wednesday. Red paint had been smeared on a small We Stand With Israel yard sign, as well as a light and solar panel which illuminated the temples sign, according to police. The solar panel was also reportedly torn from its mounting bracket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement was notified of a second vandalism incident near the sidewalk of 43 East Central Street, where officials say a swastika symbol was painted with black spray paint on the ground. Police believe it occurred between 8 p.m. on Tuesday and 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Authorities say there is no evidence to suggest the incidents are related, although theyre not totally ruling it out. Anyone with information is asked to contact Franklin Police. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Crews were working to clean up a fuel spill that flowed into Difficult Run, a tributary of the Potomac River, after a tanker truck crashed Thursday in the Great Falls area of Fairfax County. In a post on X, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said the truck crashed into a bridge and began leaking gas into the stream, forcing several roads in the area to shut down. The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin said more than 2,500 gallons of fuel may have spilled into the stream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A hazmat crew was called to the scene, and crews began cleanup efforts at the intersection of Leigh Mill Road and Kelso Road. Man dead, another injured after dispute in Fairfax County led to shooting, police say The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which runs the Washington Aqueduct, also deployed absorbent booms along Difficult Run and at the Potomac River to protect equipment and the regional water supply. The booms are cylindrical barriers that are designed to contain and absorb oil on the waters surface and prevent it from spreading. USACE said the public water supply should not be impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials noted that first responders would be in the area throughout the morning. As a result, the following roads will be closed until further notice: Leigh Mill Road at White Chimney Lane to Leigh Mill Court Old Dominion Rd between Towlston and Falls Run Road Kelso Road from Leigh Mill Road to Brian Jack Lane The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said people who live in the area may smell gas for several days. My whole house smelled like a gas station this morning, it woke me up around 4 oclock, said neighbor Daretia Carmichael. The fire department and HazMat resources responded to the truck crash this morning that resulted in a gas spill in Difficult Run. Fortunately, booms and absorbent pads were quickly deployed to contain the spill, though we all have obvious concerns about the fallout. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has been notified and Im grateful for the swift response. My office is assisting the fire department to notify nearby homeowners and to answer questions, said Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman in a statement to DC News Now Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carmichael shared concerns about her and her neighbors well water supply, which is fed by nearby Difficult Run. My biggest concern is our well water because we drink it every day. Is the county going to tell us we shouldnt be drinking our water for a while? It would be nice if they would test our water over a period of time. It could take months, or even years, for this to seep into our well water supply, said Carmichael. As for the local private water supply, neighbors in the area told DC News Now they could be on their own in testing and determining their water supplys safety. DEQ is overseeing the cleanup by the remediation contractor on site. This contractor was hired by the responsible party and is removing the spilled fuel by placing containment booms and using a vacuum truck. DEQ will continue to monitor Difficult Run for a period of time to assist in the recovery of any remaining residual fuel. As of this time, the spill has affected a small gravel parking lot, a slope of the embankment of Difficult Run, and the surface waters of Difficult Run. DEQ has not observed any impacts to aquatic life, and there is no current evidence that indicates the spill will impact residential water wells in the area, said Virginias Department of Environmental Quality in a statement to DC News Now Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. The lawsuit says forcing such changes on the states violates the broad authority the Constitution gives states to set their own election rules. The lawsuit is the fourth against the executive order issued just a week ago. It seeks to block key aspects of it, including new requirements that people provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote and a demand that all mail ballots be received by Election Day. Democratic officials in 19 states are suing over Trumps attempt to reshape elections across the U.S., calling it an unconstitutional invasion of states clear authority to run their own elections. The IMF and World Bank will hold meetings later this month to discuss the world economic outlook and other issues. U.S. tariffs will be a part of that discussion. It is important to avoid steps that could further harm the world economy, Georgieva said in a statement. We appeal to the United States and its trading partners to work constructively to resolve trade tensions and reduce uncertainty. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the announcement of U.S. tariffs clearly represent a significant risk to the global outlook at a time of sluggish global growth. Work on the multitrillion-dollar package is coming as markets at home and abroad are on edge in the aftermath Trumps vast tariffs scheme , complicating an already difficult political and procedural undertaking. The 52-48 vote sets the stage for back-to-back Senate all-nighters spilling into Friday and the weekend. More than a month after House Republicans surprised Washington by advancing their framework for Trumps tax breaks and spending cuts package, Senate Republicans voted Thursday to start working on their version . After a long wait, the Senate is launching action on Trumps big, beautiful bill of tax breaks and spending cuts at a risky moment for the U.S. and global economy . Little was spared as fear flared globally about the potentially higher inflation and weakening economic growth that tariffs can create. Prices fell for everything from crude oil and Big Tech stocks to small companies that invest only in U.S. real estate. Financial markets around the world were reeling Thursday following President Donald Trumps latest and most severe volley of tariffs , and the U.S. stock market may be taking the worst of it. Story continues Trump has argued his order secures the vote against illegal voting by noncitizens, though multiple studies and investigations in the states have shown that its rare. Read more about the lawsuit Trump backs proposal that would allow proxy voting in the House for new parents Trump backed a bipartisan proposal from a House Republican who has been pushing to allow proxy voting, rather than voting in person, in the House for new parents. The president said he spoke with Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, of Florida, a leading proponent of the idea, about her effort and said of it: I dont know why its controversial. Trump, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, said he would defer to House Speaker Mike Johnson to make the ultimate call on those changes. But youre having a baby, I think you should be able to call in and vote, the president added. Im in favor of that. Read more about the proxy voting proposal Chiles finance mi nister says Trumps tariffs are unjustified Chilean Finance Minister Mario Marcel said Trumps tariffs are unjustified, warning they will be a shock to the global economy. Marcel said the 10% tariffs imposed on his South American nation will have a limited impact because the taxes dont apply to Chiles most crucial exports lumber and copper. Still, the tariffs could affect the competitiveness of Chiles agricultural production, he said. The U.S. is Chiles second-largest trading partner after China. Its a situation we must face calmly and intelligently, he told journalists. Trump says Loomer made personnel recommendations but says she did not have role in NSC firings Laura Loomer is a very good patriot and a very strong person, said Trump, who described the far-right activist as usually constructive. Trump acknowledged that Loomer recommended certain people for jobs during their Wednesday conversation at the White House Sometimes I listen to those recommendations, like I do with everybody, Trump said. Asked if Loomer had anything to do with aides being ousted from their jobs at the National Security Council, Trump replied, no. Trump acknowled ges some NSC staffers have been fired Always were letting go of people, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he made his way to Miami. People that we dont like or people that we dont think can do the job or people that may have loyalties to somebody else. Trump says Musk will probably leave in a few months The president told reporters aboard Air Force One that his most powerful and disruptive adviser will likely be leaving in the near future. Trump said Elon is fantastic but that he has a number of companies to run. The billionaire entrepreneur owns Tesla, Space X and X, among others. Speculation about Musks future has been swirling in Washington, and there have been growing indications that hell start winding down his work for the administration soon. Read more about what Trump said about Musk Federal judge says she will temporarily block billions in health funding cuts A federal judge plans to temporarily block Trumps administration from cutting billions in federal dollars that support COVID-19 initiatives and public health projects throughout the country. U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy in Rhode Island said she will grant the temporary restraining order sought by a coalition of attorneys general and officials from the District of Columbia and 23 states. The lawsuit said the loss of money which was allocated by Congress during the pandemic and mostly used for COVID-19 pandemic-related initiatives, as well as for mental health and substance use efforts will devastate U.S. public health infrastructure, putting states at greater risk for future pandemics and the spread of otherwise preventable disease and cutting off vital public health services. The U.S. Health and Human Services Department has defended the decision, saying that the money was being wasted since the pandemic is over. Sanders loses fight to block bomb sales to Israel Sen. Bernie Sanders led a group of senators Thursday in a failed fight to block a new multibillionaire bomb sale to Israel. Two different attempts received only 15 votes in support, with more than 80 senators opposed. As Israels main source of military aid, We are deeply complicit, Sanders told lawmakers from the Senate floor. In February, Trump bypassed normal congressional review to approve a nearly $3 billion sale to Israel with more 2,000- and 500-pound (900- and 230-kilogram) bombs and other warheads. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, pointed to what he called the twisted vision of Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move Gazas more than 2 million Palestinians out of the territory. What happened to the man who pledged to bring peace to the Middle East? Van Hollen asked. Dow drops nearly 1,680 in biggest wipeout since 2020 The S&P 500 fell 4.8% Thursday, more than other major stock markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1,679 points, and the Nasdaq composite sank 6%. Read more about the markets reaction to Trumps tariffs US supply chain leader says Trump should exempt some products from tariffs The Consumer Brands Association, which represents big food companies like Coca-Cola, General Mills, Nestle, Tyson and Del Monte as well as consumer product makers like Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive, said its companies already make the majority of their goods in the U.S. But there are critical ingredients and inputs like wood pulp for toilet paper that must be imported because of scarce domestic availability. Cinnamon is harvested from trees that cant survive in the U.S., for example. Domestic production of coffee and cocoa is also limited. We encourage President Trump and his trade advisors to fine-tune their approach and exempt key ingredients and inputs in order to protect manufacturing jobs and prevent unnecessary inflation at the grocery store, said Tom Madrecki, the associations vice president of supply chain resiliency. Argentinas president is off to Mar-a-Lago, defending Trumps tariffs Javier Milei, a libertarian who frequently showers praise on the American president, posted on X a link to the Queen song Friends will be Friends as global markets slumped and trade tensions spiked. Milei said he hopes to meet informally with Trump during Thursday nights American Patriots Gala where his office said both he and Trump will be receiving an award. Meanwhile, his spokesperson dismissed the irony of Milei defending Trumps 10% tariffs on Argentine products, even as he staunchly opposes protectionism for Argentinas long-constricted economy. Trump is not a protectionist, Manuel Adorni said. We believe his approach is pro-trade, and he raises tariffs on countries that are either protectionist or have a disproportionate level of tariffs. Trump offers first reaction to stock market drop day after tariff announcement The president commented as he left the White House for a trip to Florida, saying, I think its going very well. The markets are going to boom, the stock is going to boom and the country is going to boom, Trump said. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 1,300 points as U.S. stocks lead a worldwide sell-off after Trumps announcement of tariffs against much of the world ignited a COVID-like shock. Read more about what Trump said about the tariffs Italian premier says Trumps tariffs are not a catastrophe Giorgia Meloni told Italian state TV on Thursday that she believes Trumps decision to impose 20% tariffs on exports from Europe is wrong, but it is not the catastrophe that some are making it out to be. The U.S. market represents 10% of Italys total exports, but she argued that retaliatory tariffs could do more harm to Italys economy. She said that the government would meet next week with representatives of affected sectors to formulate proposals to present to Italys European partners. We need to open an honest discussion on the matter with the Americans, with the goal at least from my point of view of removing tariffs, not multiplying them, Meloni said. Pentagon acting inspector general announces investigation into defense secretarys use of Signal chat for Houthi attack plans The watchdog at the Pentagon said he would review Pete Hegseths use of the Signal messaging app to convey plans for a military strike against Houthi militants in Yemen. The review will also look at other defense officials use of the publicly available encrypted app, which is not able to handle classified material and is not part of the Defense Departments secure communications network. Read more about developments involving this probe of the Signal chat controversy Chinas economy would collapse if US consumers turn them back, US ambassador pick says Trumps pick as ambassador to China told lawmakers its time to stand up against unfair trade practices by the United States top trade rival. David Perdue, a wealthy businessman and former U.S. senator from Georgia, acknowledged that some sacrifices are needed, because what weve become seduced by are the cheap prices that we gave in to over the last 30 years coming out of China. If the American public says enoughs enough, what will happen to their economy? Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida asked of China. Itll collapse, Perdue answered. Republicans react to market plunge Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., brushed off the harsh reaction financial markets are having to Trumps new tariffs. Theyre all emotional. Ive invested in the stock market for years. They go up and down on whether it rains or doesnt rain, Tuberville said. Itll all turn around. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., said its ok to have concerns about the tariffs, but he has confidence in Trump, and as we move along, if we need to adjust, we adjust. Justice also said we got to give it some time in evaluating whether the tariffs are working. It is a major reset to what were doing in this country, and anything that is a major reset, the markets usually act pretty severely to it. Italian trade group predicts massive job losses without a solution to Trumps tariffs Federvini has denounced the new U.S. tariffs as a severe blow against free trade that will impact 2 billion euros($2.2 billion) in Italian exports of wine and spirits, 40,000 producers and 450,000 workers. We have been through this before, and we know the cost all too well: such measures in the past have led to a drop in exports to the United States of up to 50%, Federvini President Micaela Pallini said in a statement. Now we risk reliving that economic trauma, with devastating consequences. She warned of a looming production and employment crisis if a solution cannot be negotiated, underlining that U.S. companies that import and distribute wines will also be impacted. Frances president urges French industries to suspend US investments Emmanuel Macron said its important that future investments be suspended for a while until weve clarified things with the U.S. ... because what would be the message of having major European players investing billions of euros (dollars) in the American economy at a time when theyre hitting us? Macron met Thursday in Paris with representatives of wines and spirits, food, cosmetics, health, metals, aeronautics and other industries. He called Trumps announcement brutal and unfounded because you cant correct trade imbalances by imposing tariffs. The European Union needs to respond in the most effective way to send a very clear message that were determined to defend and protect ourselves, Macron said, noting that American tech giants now profit from digital services in Europe. Canada to match Trumps 25% tariffs by taxing US vehicles but not auto parts Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will match the U.S. presidents 25% auto tariffs with a tariff on vehicles imported from the United States but not on their parts, as Trump did with his previously announced 25% tariffs on auto imports that took effect Thursday. The prime minister said he told Trump last week in a phone call that he would be retaliating. We take these measures reluctantly. And we take them in ways that is intended and will cause maximum impact in the United States and minimum impact in Canada, Carney said. He said Canada wont tariff the parts because Canadians know the benefits of the integrated auto sector, where parts can cross the border multiple times as vehicles are assembled in Ontario or Michigan. Read more on Canadas response to Trumps auto tariffs Chuck Schumer: Why penguins and not Putin? Donald Trump is using tariffs in the dumbest way imaginable. Donald Trump slapped tariffs on penguins and not on Putin, the minority leader said on the Senate floor Thursday. Schumer was referring to Trumps 10% sanctions on the Heard and McDonald Islands, an Australian territory in the remote Antarctic. Theyre mostly barren, with active volcanoes. Vladimir Putins Russia, meanwhile, was left off Trumps list, which also includes Jan Mayen, a small Norwegian island in the Arctic that possibly has more polar bears than people. Read more on remote island tariff targets Senators introduce bipartisan bill to expand congressional authority over tariffs The legislation pushed by Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley and Washington Democrat Maria Cantwell would require presidents to justify new tariffs and secure congressional approval within 60 days, otherwise they would expire. Grassley said he was working on this long before Trump introduced sweeping global tariffs. Whether it gains traction in the Republican-controlled Congress remains to be seen. Congress already technically has authority over tariffs, but over the last century it has given much of that power to the president. This has effectively removed most of its check on executive power. Lawmakers have some standing to counter tariffs, such as nullifying a presidential emergency declaration, but such resolutions need to pass both chambers and then either be signed by the president, or have the votes to override a veto. The National Endowment for the Humanities is terminating grants, recipients say The NEH distributes hundreds of millions of dollars each year to state humanities councils, along with museums, historical sites, educational institutions and independent researchers. Now NEH grant recipients are getting termination notices, according to the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3403. Cutting NEH funding directly harms communities in every state and contributes to the destruction of our shared cultural heritage, reads a statement from the National Humanities Alliance, a nationwide coalition of humanities advocates. Brazils Congress unanimously gives its president power to retaliate against Trumps tariffs Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says his administration will take all necessary actions, based on World Trade Organization principles and a new reciprocity bill approved by Congress on Wednesday, to protect Brazils companies and workers after the U.S. imposed a 10% extra tariff on all Brazilian exports. We stand for multilateralism and free trade, and we will respond to any attempt to impose protectionism, which no longer has a place in todays world, Lula said during an official ceremony in Brasilia. The U.S. is Brazils top trade partner after China, importing Brazilian crude oil, aircraft, coffee, cellulose and beef. Americas trade surplus reached $28.6 billion in goods and services last year. Brazil has said it remains open to dialogue aimed at reversing the extra tariffs, while also considering taking the case to the WTO and imposing reciprocal tariffs. Trump has moved to fire some NSC officials after Laura Loomer presentation, sources say The president took action involving several senior White House National Security Council officials soon after he was urged by the far-right activist to purge staffers she deemed insufficiently committed to his Make America Great Again agenda, according to several people familiar with the matter Thursday. Loomer presented her research to Trump in an Oval Office meeting, making her case for the firings, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters. Vice President JD Vance, chief of staff Susie Wiles, national security adviser Mike Waltz and Serio Gor, the director of the Presidential Personnel Office, took part in the meeting, the people said. NSC spokesperson Brian Hughes declined to comment on the meeting or the firings. Read more on Trump and Loomers loyalty research Schools must sign certification against DEI to receive federal money, Trump administration says The Trump administration is ordering schools nationwide to certify that they are following federal civil rights laws and eliminating DEI practices as a condition for receiving federal money. A notice sent Thursday by the Education Department gives the nations states and schools 10 days to sign and return the certification. It marks another escalation in the Trump administrations attack on diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right, Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement. A nation Trump said nobody has ever heard of now faces 50% tariffs on exports to US Lesotho is one of the smallest countries in Africa with a population of 2.2 million people, yet exports $237.3 million worth of goods to the U.S. mostly textiles and diamonds sectors which create most of its jobs. There is no country immune from those tariff hikes he made. That means countries will have to renegotiate their positions with the USA and see how they will manage to trade in, government spokesperson Thabo Sekonyela said. The U.S. is Lesothos second biggest trade partner after South Africa. This a second blow for Lesotho after Trump withdrew foreign aid. Democrats warn that Trumps tariffs could result in a recession Democrats are blaming Trump for plunging financial markets and calling on him to rescind his tariffs. Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said the tariffs amount to the biggest tax hike on families since World War II. He spoke on the Senate floor as financial markets tanked, saying, Donald Trump has singlehandedly created a financial forest fire. President Trump should reverse course on his disastrous tariffs immediately, Schumer said. Or else, he risks plunging America into recession. US prices for some furniture could nearly double, trade association says The Home Furnishings Association, which represents more than 13,000 U.S. furniture stores, predicted that the tariffs will increase prices between 10% and 46%. Vietnam and China are the top furniture exporter to the U.S. The association said manufacturers in Asia are offsetting some of the costs by discounting their products and lowering ocean freight rates. But it still expects U.S. furniture prices to rise. Even domestically made furniture often relies on imported components, the association said. AP-NORC poll: Trumps government changes arent a clear political winner or loser yet Trumps dramatic changes to the federal government havent emerged as an obvious political winner or loser, according to a new poll that indicates some Americans may be giving him the benefit of the doubt for now on his Department of Government Efficiency. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults somewhat or strongly approve of Trumps handling of Social Security and a similar share approve of the way hes managing the federal government. Those numbers are almost identical to Trumps overall presidential approval. Marco Rubio seeks to reassure wary NATO allies of US commitment The U.S. secretary of state and U.S. ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker are in Brussels for a meeting of alliance foreign ministers. Many hope Rubio will clarify Trumps intentions amid persistent signals from Washington that NATO as it has existed for 75 years may no longer be relevant. The United States is as active in NATO as it has ever been, Rubio told reporters as he greeted NATO chief Mark Rutte. And some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media and some domestic media in the United States about NATO is unwarranted. Read more about Rubio in Europe JD Vance urges Americans to be patien t as markets slide The vice president appeared on Fox & Friends, saying it will take some time for Trumps tariffs, spending cuts and support for U.S. industries to help everyday Americans. We are not going to fix things overnight, Vance said. Americans eat fresh fruit year-round thanks to imports from the Global South The sweeping tariffs could increase prices for Americans who depend on citrus from 1,400 producers across southern Africa, said Boitshoko Ntshabele, chief executive of the Citrus Growers Association in Johannesburg. South Africa does not compete with the citrus producers of the US, Ntshabele said. In fact, quite the opposite we sustain customers interest when their local citrus is out of season, benefitting US citrus growers in the end. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Trumps 30% tariffs on U.S. imports of South African products shows the urgent need for a new bilateral trade deal. Canned peaches in the US more likely came from Greece. Trumps tariffs could reverse that Greeces exports of canned peaches to the U.S. in 2020 were worth 32 million euros ($35.3 million) and soared to 95 million euros ($105 million) in 2024. The new 20% tariff, on top of existing duties, could reverse those gains, according to Christos Giannakakis, vice president of Venus, one Greeces largest peach canning cooperatives. This creates a huge problem, Giannakakis told The Associated Press. It means reduced exports, lower revenue and shrinking production. Norways foreign minister says tariffs hurt NATO allies Norways Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the new U.S. tariffs may violate NATOs Article 2, which stresses the importance of economic cooperation among allies to avoid conflict. If you want a strong NATO, you should ensure that there is as much economic growth as possible in the NATO countries. That was the insight of those who established NATO, that economic cooperation would be good for the entire alliance, Eide said during a visit to Brussels for a NATO meeting, according to the NRK broadcaster. Eide told NRK that he will raise the tariff war with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the meeting. Polish prime minister says tariffs may shave off 0.4% of GDP Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the new U.S. tariffs many reduce Polands GDP by 0.4%. He said it was a severe and unpleasant blow, because it comes from the closest ally, but we will survive it. The Polish-U.S. friendship, he added, must also survive this test. Spanish PM announces measures to mitigate US tariffs Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Thursday that his government will implement a $15.6 billion (14.1 billion euro) spending package to mitigate the effects of U.S. tariffs on the eurozones fourth-largest economy. The Spanish leader called the tariffs 19th-century protectionism, against which the European Union and Spain had to act proactively and diversify their economic ties with the rest of the world. Sanchez also called for a negotiated solution with the U.S. Australia is puzzled by tariffs on remote islands The local government leader of Christmas Island, one of several Australian external island territories that like Australia have been assigned a 10% U.S. tariff, said his Indian Ocean atoll exported nothing to the U.S. The Australian outpost of fewer than 2,000 people 360 kilometers (225 miles) south of the Indonesian capital Jakarta has used U.S. heavy machinery to mine phosphate for decades, Christmas Island Shire President Gordon Thomson said. The uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands in the remote Antarctic are another Australian territory included in the 10% tariff. The mostly barren islands include two active volcanoes and can only be reached by sea. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia imposes no tariffs on U.S. imports. The U.S. and Australia have a free trade agreement. Hong Kong urges US to withdraw tariffs Hong Kong strongly opposed the extra tariffs announced by Trump and urged the U.S. to withdraw them. It said Hong Kong, as a free port, always practices free trade and doesnt impose tariffs on imported goods, including those from the U.S. It said the U.S. had a trade surplus of $271.5 billion with the semiautonomous Chinese territory over the past decade, the highest among its global trading partners. The U.S. imposing tariffs on Hong Kong products as so-called reciprocal tariffs defies logic, Hong Kongs government said in a statement, adding that it would take measures including filing complaints with the WTO. Hong Kong, a former British colony returned to China in 1997, has a different economic and political system from mainland China that allows it to set its own policies most of the time. India wants to expedite trade talks with US Indias Trade Ministry is assessing the latest U.S. tariffs announced by Trump. It said the Indian government strives to expedite the negotiations for a trade agreement with the U.S. to potentially garner some concessions and offset the impact of higher import taxes. We remain in touch with the Trump administration and expect to take them forward in the coming days, it said. The U.S was New Delhis biggest trading partner in 2024 with trade estimated at $129 billion. The countries have now set an ambitious target of more than doubling their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. US tariffs on goods from Vietnam among the highest on any country Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the country still hoped to reach its economic growth target of at least 8% despite the Trump administration imposing 46% tariffs on its exports. Chinh chaired a Cabinet meeting Thursday to assess the impact of the tariffs, among the highest imposed on any country, and said that Vietnam hoped that U.S. policy would be consistent with the good relations between the two countries. The tariffs will deal a severe blow to Vietnam since the U.S. is its largest export market. Exports to the U.S., valued at $142 billion, in 2021 made up a third of the countrys GDP. Ukrainian minister says her country can get better tariff conditions from US Ukraine is working to get better tariff conditions from the U.S., Ukrainian Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko posted on X. Svyrydenko says Ukrainian tariffs on U.S. goods are quite low and that Ukraine imported more goods from the U.S. in 2024 than exported to the country. She said the 10% tariff Trump imposed on Ukrainian goods will mainly impact small producers. Ukraine has something to offer the United States as a reliable ally and partner," she wrote. Both our countries will benefit from fair tariffs. Japan PM and says he is ready to negotiate with Trump Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said it was extremely regrettable that the U.S. slapped the 25% auto tariff on Japan despite its huge contribution to the U.S. economy. Japanese companies have been the worlds biggest investors in the U.S. since 2019, especially automakers, creating jobs for millions of Americans, Ishiba said. Ishiba said Japan will continue to strongly request the U.S. to reconsider its tariffs measures and that he will directly negotiate with Trump, whenever it is considered appropriate. Germanys Scholz says tariffs are an attack on global trade German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says the tariffs are an attack on a trading system that brought global prosperity and that America itself helped design. Scholz said in Berlin that this is an attack on a trading order that has created prosperity across the globe a trading order that is also to a very significant extent the result of American efforts. Fiji criticizes tariffs as 'disproportionate and unfair Among the small island nations of the South Pacific Ocean, a few were singled out for higher tariff rates than the 10% baseline. Fijis Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad on Thursday criticized as disproportionate and unfair the 32% tariffs announced on Fijis exports to the U.S. The U.S. is a major trading partner for the nation of 924,000 people, accounting for 10% of total imports and exports, Prasad said on social media. Fijis biggest export to the U.S. is bottled water, with its most famous brand Fiji Water owned by a U.S. conglomerate. The U.S. administration justified Fijis higher tariffs with a claim that the Pacific nation imposes 63% tariffs on American goods arriving on its shores. Prasad rejected that figure, telling reporters that Fiji does not impose such tariff rates on any country. There are no winners in trade wars, Chinas Foreign Ministry says A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson says there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars, and protectionism is not a way out. What the U.S. should do is to correct its wrong practices and resolve trade disputes with all countries, including China, through consultations based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. Guo Jiakun added that the tariffs violate WTO rules, harm the common interests of people of all countries, and do not help solve the problems of the U.S. itself." It is clear to everyone that more and more countries are opposing the U.S.s unilateral bullying actions, such as imposing tariffs, he said. Israeli finance minister says his office is analyzing tariff implications Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says his office is studying Trumps tariff order and analyzing its implications for the economy, in the countrys first reaction to Trumps announcement of a 17% tariff on imports from Israel. Spain's economy minister says negotiations with US are essential Spains Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said a negotiated solution with the U.S. was essential for the eurozones fourth-largest economy but that Spain was prepared to take steps to protect its companies and industries. We have a lot at stake. We have to protect the very important trade and economic relationship we have between the planets two biggest partners, Cuerpo said in an interview Thursday with the RNE radio station after the U.S. announced 20% tariffs against the European Union. German economy minister says this day will become US Inflation Day This day is not going to become Liberation Day for consumers in the U.S., but Inflation Day, said Germanys vice chancellor and economy minister, Robert Habeck. The U.S. mania for tariffs could set off a spiral that could also pull countries into recession and cause massive damage worldwide. Germanys main industry lobby group, the Federation of German Industries, said the EU must now strengthen its alliances with other major trading partners and should coordinate its reaction with them. A coordinated reaction is also necessary to counter diversionary effects in international trade. The group said the tariffs are an unprecedented attack on the international trade system, free trade and global supply chains. The reasoning for this protectionist escalation is incomprehensible. The U.S. was Germanys biggest single trading partner last year for the first time since 2015, displacing China. UK's Starmer vows to act with cool and calm heads to Trumps tariffs Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the U.K. government would react with cool and calm heads to Trumps announcement of a 10% tariff on imports from Britain. Starmer told business leaders gathered in 10 Downing St. that clearly there will be an economic impact, but that he still hoped to get tariffs lifted through a trade deal with Washington. Negotiations on an economic prosperity deal one that strengthens our existing trading relationship they continue and we will fight for the best deal for Britain, Starmer said. Nobody wins in a trade war. That is not in our national interest." Honda CEO says company will take some time to determine how to respond to tariffs Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe says the Japanese automaker will take some time to look at the market situation and other factors to determine the right way to respond to Trumps tariffs. Sudden changes like this are tough as its hard to respond speedily, he told reporters Thursday. Taiwan calls US tariffs strongly unreasonable Taiwan responded to the imposition of a 32% tariff on its high-tech economy by calling it strongly unreasonable and highly regrettable, adding it would lodge solemn representations with the United States. The proposed tax rate does not reflect the actual economic and trade situation between Taiwan and the United States (and) is unfair to Taiwan, Cabinet spokesperson Lee Hui-chih said in an official statement. Taiwans exports to the U.S. and corresponding trade surplus have risen significantly in recent years, mainly reflecting the surge in demand from U.S. customers for semiconductors and related products, especially AI products, Lee said. British officials say they will push to secure a free trade deal with US The British government says it will push to secure a free trade deal with the U.S. rather than retaliate after Trump slapped a 10% tariff on U.K. goods. Labelling the announcement a disappointment, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said, Im pleased the U.K. is in a better position than other countries, but Im not satisfied. Reynolds told Sky News that the message he was hearing from businesses was remain at the table, dont overreact. Britain says it has a broadly balanced trade relationship with the U.S. and has been negotiating with Washington on a trade deal in hope of escaping import taxes. Japans prime minister says tariffs will have a great impact on US-Japan relations Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba says the tariffs are a matter of great concern and stressed that Japans contributions to the American economy are significant both in terms of investment and jobs. He said he repeatedly made his case with the Trump administration not to move ahead with the tariffs. They will have a great impact not only on U.S.-Japanese economic relations but also on the global economy and various trade relations overall, Ishiba told reporters Thursday. We as the government will work as one to decisively protect peoples lives, jobs and industries." Thailand says it is ready to negotiate with US over trade balance The Thai prime minister says her country is ready to negotiate with the U.S. to find a fair trade balance for both sides, after Trump announced 36% tariffs on Thailand. Paetongtarn Shinawatra also said Thai exporters should look for additional markets for their products to reduce their risk of relying on one main market. Indian analysts see opportunity in supply chain realignments Indian exporters and analysts say Trumps new tariffs are a mixed bag for the country. Trump announced a reciprocal tariff of 26% for India, as compared to 34% for China, 46% for Vietnam, 37% for Bangladesh and 36% for Thailand. Observers said Thursday the move will likely impact Indian industry and pressure jobs, but that there is room for new business to come in since India is in a lower band than its Asian peers. These tariffs do present challenges, but Indias position remains comparatively favorable, said S.C Ralhan, president of the Federation of Indian Exports Organisations. Ajay Srivastava, a former Indian trade official and founder of the New Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative, said the protectionist tariff regime could be a catalyst for India to gain from global supply chain realignments. South and Southeast Asia are targeted with some of the highest tariff rates Vietnam, Sri Lanka and other countries across South and Southeast Asia are the targets of some of the highest tariff rates. Trump imposed 46% reciprocal duties on goods from Vietnam, 49% on products from Cambodia, 37% on Bangladesh and 44% on Sri Lanka. The duties will affect domestic exporters to the U.S. but also Chinese, Japanese and South Korean companies that have over the past few years shifted production to Southeast Asian nations to escape the trade frictions during Trumps first term in office. EU leader says tariffs are a major blow to the world economy European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the tariffs are a major blow to the world economy. The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe, von der Leyen said. Groceries, transport and medicines will cost more, she said, And this is hurting, in particular, the most vulnerable citizens. Von der Leyen acknowledged that the world trading system has serious deficiencies and said the EU was ready to negotiate with the U.S. The attacks on the National Institutes of Health will deprive the world of critical resources and New Jersey of health care and jobs. (Photo courtesy of National Institutes of Health) In February, health experts at Rutgers University published an alarming report: A currently available blood test for Alzheimers disease was not accurate in Black patients. The test measures the level of p-Tau217, which is a protein that indicates someone might have Alzheimers. By comparing MRI brain images to these results, researchers were able to show that the tests were mostly accurate in white patients, predicting someone having Alzheimers 87% of the time. However, that number was only 58% in Black patients, showing that these tests arent yet ready for prime time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another five to 10 years, these tests may get to the point where we can reliably use them, but right now, they are similar to some of the home COVID tests that had accuracy issues, William Hu said in a statement. Hu is director of the Rutgers Center for Healthy Aging Research and heads a cognitive neurology and Alzheimers disease clinic at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. I dont think its a stretch to say that this is important work. If doctors want to switch from testing spinal fluid, which can be expensive and painful, to an easier and cheaper blood test, they need to know those blood tests actually work for everyone by establishing ranges so that they can know if a result indicates Alzheimers in people of different racial backgrounds. Otherwise, patients will be underdiagnosed and miss out on treatments and medications that can address cognitive and behavioral symptoms early on in the progression of the disease. But this is the kind of research in the crosshairs of the current federal administration, which is using a slash-and-burn approach toward what it considers woke policies in the federal government. Apparently, creating medical tests that work for people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds is an assault on freedom, or its government waste, or its woke, or its whatever buzzword du jour right-wing pundits are using on that particular day. Not only is this attack a destabilizing move for New Jerseyans who rely on research and medical centers for jobs and medical care, but its depriving the world of critical resources, even if well never know what they could have been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies like this are targets on two fronts. First, while some of the funding for it came from Fujirebio US, a private research and development company, it was also made possible by four different grants from the National Institute on Aging. The NIA is part of the National Institutes of Health, a $47 billion, world-leading scientific organization that the Trump administration seems hell-bent on destroying. The organization gives out about 60,000 grants per year. Or did. Grants are being terminated seemingly at random, according to The Atlantic, and while a lot of the cancellations seem random (maybe done with AI), most have been focused on those that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The agency also plans to lay off between 3,400 and 5,000 people, according to STAT News, and is trying to cap indirect costs, which pay for things like lab equipment and hazard waste disposal, out of grants And over at the National Science Foundation, grants are being investigated for using words like female, and race. As such, work on creating treatments for severe bleeding and concussions has been flagged because their grants use works like trauma, according to ProPublica. The federal government is also using threats of cutting funding to bully universities to bend to their will. It has said it will cut $400 million in funding from Columbia University for alleged antisemitic harassment, $250 million of which comes from the NIH, according to Science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has said its also investigating 59 other universities, including Rutgers. This would be devastating for New Jersey, where health care and medical research is a key economic driver. Locally, the NIH invested more than $405 million in 53 New Jersey-based projects in 2024, with about $250 million going to Rutgers. While I dont know if Hus work is being affected (Rutgers did not respond to my request for comment), the paper has a DEI section. And given that this administration temporarily removed a story about Jackie Robinsons military service from the Department of Defense website (adding dei to its website url), I dont expect them to look fondly or even closely to funding that would better perfect Alzheimers blood tests if theyre going to gasp work in people who arent white. Lawsuits are still flying over all of these actions. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin is one of 22 attorneys general suing the federal government over NIH cuts, and while lawsuits about executive orders that have affected the NIH have been successful, chaos still reigns (NIH leaders and employees received terminiation notices this week). Whether or not theyll hold will play out in the courts, but its already wreaking havoc on what has been a nationwide, shining example of how the government can fund biomedical research for the good of us all. When grants are cut at someones racist, sexist, and transphobic whims, we all suffer for it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) President Donald Trumps newest round of tariffs may disrupt West Michigans local breweries, car manufacturers, pharmacies and grocery stores. While some businesses are worried, others are emphasizing the importance of shopping local as a strategy to soften the blow of potential cost increases. What you think is gonna happen is not whats necessarily going to happen, said Mike Koelzer, owner of Kay Pharmacy in Grand Rapids. I think theres a lot of scare out there. Some of it might come into fruition but drug prices are constantly in flux and I dont know how much youre gonna see, especially in the generic market from tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Michigan greenhouses navigate tariff uncertainty Koelzer also noted that generic drug prices often stay more stable compared to brand-name medications. With so much competition in the generic market, he believes that prices will remain reasonable. Grand Rapids grocery store Kingmas Market hasnt yet seen any price increases linked to recent tariffs. Since most of their products come from local suppliers, with the exception of imported produce like avocados, Hartline feels protected from many potential disruptions. He said he is monitoring the situation but has not received any updates of upcoming changes from his product partners. West Michigan breweries say aluminum tariffs could be problematic Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres lots of uncertainty before us, said Kingmas owner Alan Hartline. For now, were asking a lot of the questions because were concerned about our guests in the community so we can make sure that were holding costs down in todays economic environment. He said the most important thing to do in the face of tariffs is buy local. Local breweries and restaurants told News 8 that they rely on imported steel, aluminum and produce and say theyre keeping a close watch on prices. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) New tariffs on Wednesday from President Trump could mean a big shift in the auto industry. 28/22 News met with the owner of a local car dealership to find out how these changes will affect prices locally. In President Trumps Liberation Day address, he named a number of tariffs being put in place this month. The first to go into effect: A 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles entering the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump says these tariffs are meant to counter trade practices that threaten national security, but some business owners worry, they may also threaten business here at home. Im not sure how its gonna go. Hopefully it doesnt affect that much, but everybodys I think waiting to see whats gonna happen, said Mohamed Elkeshen, Owner of AME Motorz Auto Sales. Elkeshen opened shop five years ago along Kidder Street in Wilkes-Barre. He says theyve dealt with changes in the market before, primarily during COVID when chip shortages from China were at an all-time high. While the 25% tariff may not have as much of an effect on the pre-owned market, he says the cost of key auto parts will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going to a shop, a mechanics shop, trying to fix something small, it could become double the price just between buying parts. So that might take a big effect on everybody, Elkheshen explained. AARP PA warns residents of IRS scams ahead of tax season President Trump says until now, the US charged other countries a 2.5% tariff on exported vehicles. He defends his decision, citing the tariffs these countries impose on US manufacturers. The European Union charges us more than 10% tariffs, and they have 20% VATs, much, much higher. India charges 70%, and perhaps worst of all are the non-monetary restrictions imposed by South Korea, Japan, and very many other nations as a result of these colossal trade barriers, President Trump stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For pre-owned dealerships like AME, the tariffs may mean more business, as people steer clear of buying new, but with higher demand, usually comes higher prices. Elkeshen says while there is still a lot of uncertainty, he doesnt think people are going to stop buying cars. Consumers might keep their cars for longer, not like they used to, but I feel like the market, I think car-wise, is never going to stop, Elkeshen continued. Now, while these tariffs are set to take effect at midnight, it is unclear how long it will take for consumers to notice the effects here in the US. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. (NewsNation) President Donald Trumps tariffs will hit Americans in the wallet as everyday items are likely to become more expensive. While some products, like Crayola crayons and Dawn dish soap, are made in the U.S., and many Americans have already tried to get ahead of tariffs when it comes to big purchases like cars and appliances, most will still need items that come from overseas. Trumps tariffs wont give US workers any pain: Karoline Leavitt Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has been hit particularly hard, with the new 34% tariff coming on top of an existing 20% duty for a total 54% tariff. Trump has insisted that foreign countries pay tariffs, however, they are actually paid by U.S. importers, and economists say that the cost is usually passed on to consumers. Short-term and long-term effects of Trumps tariffs Ryan Swift, chief bond strategist at BCA Research, told Reuters, Theres an initial, one-time increase in inflation at the price level because firms have to raise prices to offset the impact of tariffs. But, over the medium term, tariffs would actually slow manufacturing activity, which means less demand and inflation will end up lower However, some analysts said that expectations of lower inflation after initial tariffs might not be accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says things are going very well as stocks slide Phoebe White, head of U.S. inflation market strategy at J.P. Morgan, told Reuters, If growth continues to chug along and you get this big supply shock coming from tariffs, the inflation impact in the near term will be larger than what the market is currently priced for Here are some things that might cost you more: Coffee Candy Clothes and shoes Beauty products Fruits Wine and scotch Meat Eggs Ikea products iPhones Barbie and Lego Coffee Waking up in the morning might get a little rougher or at least more expensive. The U.S. imports most of its coffee from Brazil and Colombia, which will be subject to 10% tariffs. While Hawaii does grow coffee, Americans drink more than 200 times the amount that can be grown on the islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Security Council staffers fired in wake of Trump meeting with Laura Loomer If youre thinking of switching to tea for your caffeine boost, youre also out of luck. The U.S. imports the majority of tea from countries receiving tariffs like Japan (24%), Argentina (10%), India (27%), China (54%) and Sri Lanka (44%). Candy Chocolate is another product that cant be grown in the U.S. outside of Hawaii. The U.S. imports 80% of its cocoa beans from Latin American countries, which are hit with a 10% tariff. If youre not a chocolate fan, vanilla will also rise in price as most of it is imported from Madagascar, with a 47% tariff, and Indonesia, with a 32% tariff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sugar wont make these price hikes any easier to swallow, with sugar imports also coming from Latin America as well as the Philippines, which will face an 18% tariff. Clothes and shoes As companies have moved away from producing clothes and shoes in China due to tensions between the two countries, they havent come back to the U.S. What are tariffs and how do they work? Many retailers, including major brands like Nike and Steve Madden, have factories in Vietnam, which will have a 46% tariff, and Bangladesh, where products will have a 37% tariff. Beauty products Shea butter and cocoa butter, two key ingredients in many beauty products, come from Latin America and Africa, where most countries face a 10% tariff, and India, which will have a 27% tariff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ingredients or products from Europe will also see a tariff of 20%. Fruits The U.S. imports a significant portion of fruits and vegetables, especially when it comes to tropical fruits, berries and out-of-season produce. Most of it comes from Mexico, where Trump has levied a 25% tariff, including 88% of all avocados (technically a fruit). Wine and scotch European-made wines from countries like France, with its long-prized vineyards, will face 20% EU tariffs, while Scotch whisky will face a 10% tariff. Tariffs a step in the right direction: Steel company president The good news is that there are American offerings to substitute, including wines from California and bourbon and whiskey from Kentucky and Tennessee (among other states). Meat Wheres the beef? Australia, apparently, which will face a 10% tariff. Luckily, imports constitute a relatively small percentage of beef consumed in the U.S., where we have plenty of homegrown cattle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beef tallow is growing in demand, but theres not enough supply Feed for those cattle (along with other livestock) is often imported from various countries, which could drive up the price of U.S. meat as well. Canada, which faces a 25% tariff, also imports meat to the U.S., including pork, which may get more expensive. Eggs The price of eggs made headlines before the election, and the Trump administration has touted lower wholesale prices. How the White House calculated reciprocal tariffs However, those prices were achieved in part by importing eggs from Turkey, which will face a 10% tariff, and Canada, which is subject to a 25% tariff. Ikea products Your go-to cheap furniture source wont be so cheap anymore. Ikea is based in Sweden, which is part of the European Union and will be subject to a 20% tariff. Stock up on your ektorps and kallax while you can. iPhones Apple makes the majority of its phones in China, where they will face a 54% tariff. Other electronics are made in countries like Vietnam, which will face a 46% tariff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parts and metals used for electronic devices also come from around the globe and will face varying tariffs. Barbie and Lego Mattel warned that its toys, which include Hot Wheels, Barbie and American Girl dolls, will go up in price due to 54% tariffs on China. Coincidence? Recession-era artists releasing new music Lego, popular with kids and adults alike, will also see a tariff of 20% since it comes from EU member Denmark. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Some economists say its possible there could be positive long-term impacts of the tariffs from the Trump administration, but they agree in the short-term, its likely to have a more negative impact. Most economists are anticipating price increases for these added costs, said UAB Assistant Professor of Economics Ben Meadows. Meadows says when tariffs are put on imported goods, consumers end up paying the price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Producers are trying to make a profit. They wont produce something if theyre not making a profit, Meadows said. So say youre a grocery store and youre importing produce and that produce is now a certain percentage more expensive, you as the producer, the grocery store, the importer, youre not going to eat that cost because you dont have that margin, so your only choice is to increase the price to cover your margin, which then gets passed on to the consumer who just walks into a grocery store and notices the price is more expensive. Some people around Birmingham say theyre concerned about the effects these tariffs will have on them, especially with the cost of living as high as it is right now. Its such an abrupt blow to everyone, and people are sidetracked, one Birmingham woman said. Supermarket, everyday stuff, everyday items, because we all buy them, we all need them. Gov. Kay Ivey gears up for Birmingham 2025 World Police and Fire Games Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, other people arent as concerned. Im sure it will come down the pipeline eventually, everything does you know? Birmingham resident Jason Miller said. But I think once I cant actually go to the grocery store, thatll probably affect it a little bit more but right now its not affecting day to day. Im a little nervous about everything thats going on, but like I said, just feel like theres something, theres a grand scheme of things kind of plan, Hueytown resident Rachel Cater said. Some economists say the U.S. has been largely in a free trade environment for a while. If a particular country is better suited to make a particular good because of where they are geographically, environment, whatever, then they should make those goods and we should make the goods that were better suited for, and if everybody does that, were all better off if its sort of a free trade environment, said Shawn Mobbs, the Associate Dean of Faculty and Research at the University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business. While the tariffs will give an advantage to domestic companies, to the degree that we all in our day-to-day lives use products that come from other countries, were going to have an impact. Its going to be a little bit more costly for us to purchase those items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some consumers are skeptical of how much domestic manufacturing the tariffs will bring. The amount of time it would take for all the industries in the United States to catch up and do something, as far as manmade or goods that are made here in the United States, a Birmingham man said. Local economists say there are still a lot of uncertainties surrounding the tariffs and their long-term effects, including how long it will be before we see those impacts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Ange Kasongo (Reuters) - The United States is in talks to invest billions of dollars in mineral-rich Congo and wants to help end a conflict raging in the country's east, President Donald Trump's senior adviser for Africa said during a visit on Thursday. Democratic Republic of Congo, which has vast reserves of cobalt, lithium and uranium among other minerals, has been fighting Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who have seized swathes of its territory this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S., which on Wednesday sent shockwaves across the world by announcing a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, said last month that it is open to exploring critical minerals partnerships with Congo after a Congolese senator contacted U.S. officials to pitch a minerals-for-security deal. "You have heard about a minerals agreement. We have reviewed the Congo's proposal, and ... the president and I have agreed on a path forward for its development," U.S. senior adviser Massad Boulos said after meeting Congo President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa. The details of any potential deal, or Congo's proposal, were not made public on Thursday. Congo's minerals, which are used in mobile phones and electric cars, are currently dominated by China and its mining companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How the U.S. will operate in Congo is unclear, but Boulos suggested that U.S. companies will be involved. "Rest assured, American companies are operating transparently and will stimulate local economies. These are multi-billion-dollar investments," he said. Joseph Bangakya, Congolese parliamentarian and president of a Congo-U.S. friendship parliamentary group, told Reuters that MPs were preparing a bill to promote the Central African country's business climate. "It is essential for our country to achieve a trade agreement with the United States," he said. Boulos added that the U.S. wants to help forge peace in the east where thousands have been killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee amid M23's advance, which has seen the group take over eastern Congo's two largest cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want a lasting peace that affirms the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC," he said. "There can be no economic prosperity without security." (This story has been refiled to attribute the quote to Massad Boulos in paragraph 11) (Writing by Edward McAllister; editing by Mark Heinrich and Portia Crowe) TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) Arresting documents reveal more details in the Taylorsville high-speed pursuit that ended with shots being fired and one man in custody. According to the documents obtained by ABC4.com, the incident started after the Salt Lake City Police Department received a call of shots being fired outside of Granite Park Junior High School. PREVIOUS: Suspect in custody after car pursuit, shots fired in Taylorsville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they reportedly found several AR-15-style shell casings nearby, corroborating witness reports of eight to 10 shots being heard. Security footage in the area reportedly showed a Subaru WRX leaving the scene. Shortly after, a Utah Highway Patrol trooper spotted a car matching the description driving at speeds over 100 miles per hour. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Carson Thain Moffitt, 40, allegedly sped away at speeds up to 130 miles per hour on I-215 before exiting to Redwood Road in Taylorsville. The Subarus license plate was tracked to a Taylorsville home where Moffitt and a SWAT Team responded. Officials said several shots were fired, including some that were aimed at troopers, but most were fired inside the home. Moffitt was later taken into custody after attempting to flee the scene, only to be stopped when a Taylorsville police officer rammed into his car, disabling it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail, where he faces second-degree felony possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, third-degree felony failure to stop, discharge of a firearm and aggravated assault, and misdemeanor reckless driving. Court records show Moffitt has been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) A teacher at an elementary school in Kanawha County was arrested and charged for a reported assault against a disabled child. According to a press release, 55-year-old Patricia Summerfield, of Charleston, was arrested and charged with one count of Battery and Assault of a disabled child. West Virginia coffee shop owner pleads guilty to child sex crime charges The press release stated that members of the West Virginia State Police South Charleston Communications Center received a call on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 about a reported assault against a 3-year-old disabled child at Holz Elementary School on Hampton Road in the Charleston area of Kanawha County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation revealed that Summerfield, a teacher at Holz Elementary School, reportedly grabbed the child and dragged her across the floor. The child received minor injuries during the incident, which two other employees at the school witnessed. According to WOWK, 59News sister-station in Charleston, the criminal complaint said the child suffered red marks and scratches from allegedly being dragged. The complaint also said the principal told authorities that another teacher allegedly stopped Summerfield before the child received further injuries, and that Summerfield was suspended with pay before being dismissed from the school. West Virginia man arrested in South Carolina for 2019 murder in Kentucky The investigation remains ongoing. Stick with 59News for updates as they become 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 WVNS. Newly-filed court records detail what federal prosecutors call a sophisticated multi-million dollar money laundering organization operating in the Miami Valley. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] This is connected to the search warrant raids at the Fuyao Glass America plant in Moraine and nearly 30 other properties around the Miami Valley that News Center 7 reported on last summer. Its part of a years-long investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >> PHOTOS: Homeland Security part of Fuyao investigation in Moraine As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, prosecutors say a group of several Chinese business owners created dozens of businesses to house, transport, and employ illegal immigrants at several factories, including the Fuyao plant in Moraine. The Department of Justice (DOJ) says those workers lived in several homes all over the Miami Valley. In court documents, federal prosecutors with the DOJ described the homes as family-style hotels that they say they connected to the money laundering organization. News Center 7 watched Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with other law enforcement agencies, raid several of those homes and the Fuyao plant in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An HSI spokesperson declined to comment on Wednesday. TRENDING STORIES: In court records, investigators described seizing bank accounts, properties, and nine large passenger vans that they say were used to take workers to and from the Fuyao plant and other factories. At the time of the raids, Fuyao told News Center 7 it did not believe the company was the focus of the investigation, saying instead Fuyao believed it involved a certain contractor and its entities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the new filing, federal prosecutors say as of this past October, at least 11 of the LLCs they named in court documents have received direct payments from Fuyao totaling more than $126 million. The DOJ says the LLC owners used at least $10 million of that money to buy things like houses, cars, and luxury items and that using illegal immigrant workers helped their LLCs make money. In court documents, investigators describe how they followed the money by connecting bank account transfers, common mailing addresses, and property purchases. As of the time of this report, no criminal charges have been filed. This is a civil case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News Center 7 reached out to Fuyao for comment Thursday afternoon. A company spokesperson said, We are unable to comment on ongoing legal matters. Fuyao Glass America has become one of the worlds largest auto glass production facilities. Its a subsidiary of the Chinese Fuyao Glass Industry Group. According to their website, General Motors, Ford, BMW, Honda, Bentley, and others use Fuyao glass in their newly manufactured automobiles. The company says it has invested $700 million in the United States and created 1,700 new jobs in the Midwest. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] LONDON (Reuters) -Lenovo said on Thursday it and Ericsson had reached an agreement on a global patent cross-licence and to settle all pending litigation, ending a worldwide legal battle. Lenovo sued Ericsson in London in 2023, one of a number of cases brought by one or other of the two companies around the world over 4G and 5G wireless technology. The pair had also sued one another in Brazil, Colombia and the United States, both in North Carolina and at the U.S. International Trade Commission. Their dispute centred on the fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms for a licence to use Lenovo and Ericsson's patents. Lenovo said on Thursday that it had reached an agreement with Ericsson, with the parties entering into binding arbitration to determine the final terms. Ericsson confirmed the settlement, saying in a statement: "Financial impacts are expected to be recognized from Q2 2025, reflecting the partial settlement." Thursday's announcement comes in the same week that Amazon and Nokia said they had settled their global patent dispute. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by David Evans) CLEVELAND (WJW) The CEO of Cleveland schools finally faced questions from the FOX 8 I-Team about big spending on travel. We recently revealed how much of your money was spent on travel, even as the Cleveland Metropolitan School District asked taxpayers for more money. Police: Toddler shot in Akron, appears unintentional The District also plans more cuts that will affect kids. For months, Dr. Warren Morgan avoided the I-Team, but he agreed to sit down with us for 15 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We found him defiant as he scolded us, You talk about fair and factual reporting. Report the facts. We reminded him, These are the facts, and asked, Shouldnt you be watching every penny? To that, Dr. Morgan replied, And, we are. Dropped doughnut contributes to 3-car crash on Rock Creek Road in Thompson: OSHP In 2024, voters approved a new levy for Cleveland schools. Yet records show in the year leading up to the vote on the levy, the School District spent more than $800,000 on travel. Teachers, administrators and even secretaries flew around the country to conferences and more. In fact, more than 100 people went to one conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The I-Team reminded Dr. Morgan, In June, more than a hundred people went to the Model Schools Conference, and November was the levy. Just making sure I have that right. He responded, Yeah, 0.06 of the budget, and that was also last years budget. And, we continue to make restrictions on that. We followed up with, When the District is saying it has no money, didnt somebody say, Well, maybe we shouldnt send 100 some people to one conference? Monument planned to honor Superman as Clevelands own The CEO said, Mr. Gallek, I want to first talk about our need for professional development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Morgan defends travel for employees to go and learn. But, he also says, now, travel has been cut in half. At the same time, the district is still struggling with money. Considering saving more money by cutting a half-hour out of every school day for a couple of dozen schools. Polly Karr, a mother and school district watchdog, spoke about the cuts in school days saying, Im very disappointed. He will save less than one penny for every dollar the school district spends, and hes taking away instructional time for it. We asked, Why are we shortening that? Parents are concerned theres less time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP lawmakers push for fluoride ban in Ohio getting pushback The CEO responded, 30 minutes in 24 schools. It costs us over $4 million. That is what we have to look at. We also took a look at the latest spending on travel. Those records show a lot less travel than before. Yet, we still saw a couple of more trips for secretaries and one for the CEO. On that we asked, Why are there six hotel rooms under your name for that conference if youre watching every penny? Dr. Morgan said, Were watching every penny. You want to know how many people went the year before that in prior years? The District faces more hard decisions on spending your money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You decide how much you agree with the CEO claiming, I think a lot has been done since the moment Ive taken office. Dr. Morgan told us, simply passing the levy last November is not enough. So, we keep watching for what cuts might be next. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An attorney for the teenager accused of raping and killing 10-year-old Lily Peters has filed a motion to move the upcoming trial outside Chippewa County. A motion hearing for Carson T. Peters-Berger, 17, has been scheduled for June 9 in Chippewa Falls, online court records show. Peters-Berger is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of first-degree sexual assault in Lily's brutal slaying nearly three years ago. He was 14 at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael R. Cohen, Peter-Berger's lawyer, last week filed a motion seeking a change of venue. He argued it was likely a fair trial couldn't be held in Chippewa County because of the intense media coverage and public commentary surrounding the case. In his filing, Cohen noted, aside from the news coverage, other images were on display in the community that could influence potential jurors, including "Justice for Lily Peters" signs, purple benches and purple porchlights in her honor. Stuffed animals, flowers, balloons and other items make up a memorial in front of Parkview Elementary School as officials continue to investigate the homicide of Iliana "Lily" Peters, 10, on April 26, 2022, in Chippewa Falls. What happened to Lily Peters? On the evening of April 24, 2022, Lilys father reported her missing; she didn't return home from a visit to her aunts house in the 400 block of North Grove Street in Chippewa Falls. Her bike was found later that night in a wooded area, less than a mile from where Lilys aunt lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lily's body was found the next day. She had been strangled, sexually assaulted and beaten to death with a large stick. Peters-Berger was arrested and held on $1 million bail. He faces a mandatory life sentence if he's convicted on the homicide charge alone. How did we get to this point? Lawyers for Peters-Berger fought unsuccessfully for several months to have the case waived into juvenile court because of his age. In January 2024, Gibbs ruled the case should remain in adult court, and the Wisconsin Court of Appeals later affirmed his decision. What is Wisconsin's law about juvenile defendants? Wisconsin is one of only three states that require all 17-year-old criminal defendants to be charged as adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State law allows for children as young as 10 to be charged as adults for certain serious crimes, at least to start the case. Those crimes include first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide and attempted first-degree intentional homicide. Attempted first-degree reckless homicide or attempted second-degree intentional homicide, and other lesser charges typically start in juvenile court. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Teen accused in Lily Peters' killing wants trial moved out of Chippewa County (KRON) An 18-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in Antioch after allegedly injuring someone with a replica firearm, according to police. The Antioch Police Department responded at 5:05 p.m. to Wightman Court on the report of several shots fired during a confrontation in front of a residence. Upon arrival, Antioch officers were assisted by the Crisis Negotiation Team, SWAT team and the Brentwood Police Department armored rescue vehicle to get the victim to safety, authorities said. Business owner has work van ransacked in driveway of Antioch home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect in the shooting, identified by police as Angel Aguilar Jiminez, surrendered to officers after an hour of de-escalation, Antioch PD said. He was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. Police said the weapon used in the shooting was a replica firearm, and the victim was shot and injured by a metal ball bearing. This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community, APD said in an incident report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. [Watch in the player above: Understanding common gun terms] AKRON, Ohio (WJW) A 17-year-old boy has been charged in the apparent unintentional shooting of a 2-year-old boy on Wednesday. Police were called just before 3 p.m. to the 1500 block of Hyde Park Avenue after the toddler was shot in the abdomen, suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to a Thursday update from police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dad sues Madison Local Schools, claiming son was punished for Lets Go Brandon shirt The toddler was transported to a hospital, where he was expected to undergo surgery, according to a Wednesday Facebook post from the police department. A police spokesperson on Wednesday told FOX 8 News a teenager was handling the gun when it went off, striking the child. A 17-year-old boy with a minor lower leg injury was transported to the hospital by a private vehicle. Police on Wednesday said they believed the injury was related. Girl, 7, struck, killed by falling boulder at Lake Tahoe ski resort Though the circumstances suggest the shooting was unintentional, the teen was charged with one count of reckless assault and two counts of negligent assault, according to the update. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teen was arrested hours after the incident and transported to the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center, after authorities obtained more information and consulted with attorneys. Police are currently withholding the juveniles names. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bobby Shermans wife has revealed that the former teen idols body is shutting down as he battles stage 4 kidney cancer. In a phone interview with Fox News Digital Wednesday, Brigitte Poublon said Sherman is terminally ill and is now at home with special care. He was doing crossword puzzles with me in the last few days. And then all of a sudden Saturday, he turned around andhes just sleeping more and his bodys not working anymore. Its not. Everythings shutting down, she continued. His last words from the hospital last night were, Brig, I just want to go home. Brigitte Poublon (L) and singer Bobby Sherman attend the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children's Foundation's 6th Annual Christmas Gala and Fundraiser at Montage Beverly Hills on December 19, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. / Jason Kempin/Getty Images for The Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children's Foundation Poublon also confirmed to Fox News Digital that Shermans cancer has spread everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 25, Poublon announced in a Facebook post that Sherman, 81, was battling cancer. As many of you know, Bobby has been retired for some time and is no longer able to participate in cameos, sign autographs, or make appearances, she wrote. It is with a heavy heart that we share Bobby has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. During this challenging time, we kindly ask for your understanding and respect for our privacy. Thank you so much for still remembering him. We really appreciate it. American pop star and teen idol Bobby Sherman performing, 1970s. / Archive Photos/Getty Images Sherman shot to fame after playing Jeremy Bolt on television series Here Come the Brides, which aired from 1968 to 1970. Along with starring in a handful of TV roles during that decade, Sherman was also widely loved for his music with tracks like Little Woman, Easy Come, Easy Go, and Julie, Do Ya Love Me soaring to top hits. He later stepped away from acting and music to pursue public service. According to the Los Angeles Times, Sherman was a volunteer paramedic, a technical reserve police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, and a reserve deputy sheriff with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Bobby Sherman performs during the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children's Foundation's 6th Annual Christmas Gala and Fundraiser at Montage Beverly Hills on December 19, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. / Jason Kempin/Getty Images for The Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children's Foundation I think its important that Bobby realizes the impact he left on the world, the music he left behind, the TV series he left behind, but mostly, too, his love for caring about people, being a paramedic, a cop, Poublon told Fox News Digital. I want to have him realize how many people he really influenced, how he touched lives. The couple married in 2010. Teen pleads guilty in 112 mph crash that killed 3 children and a mother Chase Jones, the then 18-year-old who caused the crash that killed four people and injured two others in Renton on March 19, 2024, pled guilty to four counts of vehicular homicide and two counts of vehicular assault on Thursday. Jones, now 19 years old, was driving at 112 miles per hour when he crashed into a van, killing three children and a mother. The victims were Eloise Wilcoxson, 12, Buster B. Brown, 12, and Matilda Wilcoxson, 13, and Andrea Hudson, 38. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrea Hudsons two children, Nolan and Charlotte Hudson, survived the crash but have sustained life-changing injuries, a representative from the King County Court said. There are no words to express the grief, the pain that we feel. Four bright lights are missing from the world and it feels cold and dark, said Chase Wilcoxson, the father of two children killed following the crash. The wounds that we feel will eventually heal, but the scars will remain for the rest of our lives. Jones will be sentenced on April 25, but his final sentence will be up to a judges decision. The standard minimum sentence for this category of felony is 17.5 to 23.3 years, according to the King County Courts. Wilcoxson spoke with KIRO 7 on Thursday after the plea announcement, and he said: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I take no pleasure in his or his familys pain. Taking responsibility and being held accountable is a necessary step for Chase Jones and for our community. I pray for him and invite everyone to do the same. Joness plea gave relief to community members who are still heartbroken by this tragedy. I was thankful, actually thankful that he is taking a step at owning up to what hes done, said Kelley Molinari, a close family friend of the victims. Andrea Hudsons two children, Nolan and Charlotte Hudson, survived the crash but have sustained life-changing injuries, a representative from the King County Court said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is clear accountability, but its still never gonna replace the terrible loss that those family members feel and that the community feels, said Casey McNerthney, Public Information Officer for the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. McNerthney emphasized that Joness charges are the same charges he wouldve faced in a trial. I think theres an idea and its incorrect that you know, he might get out tomorrow or he might be out now. He actually was taken into custody at the guilty plea hearing with those convictions this morning, he explained. Jones will be sentenced on April 25, but his final sentence will be up to a judges decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The standard minimum sentence for this category of felony is 17.5 to 23.3 years, according to the King County Courts. Molinari believes theres no amount of time serve that will be enough. Unfortunately we have a legal system, not a justice system, so there will never be justice, but there can be healing in many ways, she said. I think everybody is looking for peace, even Mr. Jones. And Im hoping thats why he plead guilty is because he wants to heal. In the wake of the crash, Washington lawmakers have drafted legislation to address accountability for dangerous driving. HB 1596, known as the Andrea Smith Hudson Act, passed in the House and would mandate Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) devices to regulate the speed of those with a history of speeding. The devices would limit a driver from going more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, according to a bill report. FRISCO, Texas (WJW) Police detectives are investigating after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death by another teen at a track meet in Texas Wednesday morning. According to the Frisco Police Department, the stabbing happened around 10 a.m. at a track meet at Frisco Independent School Districts David Kuykendall Stadium. Investigators said two students got into an altercation at the meet, leading one to stab the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police: Toddler shot in Akron, appears unintentional Police officers and first responders started lifesaving measures, but the victim, identified by Dallas-based FOX 4 News as Austin Metcalf, died from his injuries. He was going to turn out to be a great individual and impact this world with positivity, the victims father, Jeff Metcalf, told FOX 4 News on Wednesday. I was so proud. The suspect, identified as 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, was taken into custody, Frisco police said. Anthony is charged with murder, a felony of the first degree. No bond has been set. Gravedigger arrested after babys corpse found on West Virginia cemeterys grounds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported by People, both students attended school in the same district. The Frisco Police Department grieves with all those affected by this devastating loss and extends its deepest condolences to the victims family, students and staff who are experiencing unimaginable pain, police said in a press release. The department is collaborating with the Frisco Independent School District and will continue to provide any support they need during this incredibly difficult time. The fatal stabbing remains an ongoing investigation at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA), a business of Marsh, has acquired Arthur Hall Insurance, a Pennsylvania-based insurance agency. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. Set up in 1966, Arthur Hall offers commercial and personal lines insurance to nationwide clientele, with a focus on life sciences, information management, non-profit, craft beverage manufacturing and municipal sectors. President Jim Denham and all Arthur Hall personnel will join MMA, continuing operations from their current offices in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware. MMA East region CEO Andrew Neary said: Our clients are facing challenges on multiple fronts, and our value lies in the ability to foresee these dynamics and equip them for any scenario. We look forward to bringing the Arthur Hall teams business insurance expertise to our clients in the region, while simultaneously establishing a new presence for MMA in Delaware. Denham added: "MMA has a unique power of perspective that is unmatched in the industry. In our ongoing pursuit of enhancing client outcomes, it became clear that joining MMA was our best path forward for our clients and colleagues, providing access to a wide range of risk mitigation strategies and a network of experts for clients and resources to enhance our colleagues careers. In January this year, MMA also acquired Acumen Solutions Group, an insurance agency based in Melville, New York. MMA is known for providing business insurance, employee health and benefits, retirement and wealth, and private client insurance solutions throughout the US and Canada. "Marsh McLennan Agency buys Arthur Hall Insurance " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. Rainfall continues in southeastern New Mexico as the northeast prepared for winter storm levels of snow over the next few days. A low pressure system continues to make its way towards southwestern New Mexico this afternoon. This storm system is bringing ample amounts of upper level moisture with it. This storm system and upper level moisture are expected to last through Saturday night and into Sunday morning. The result will be widespread rain and snow over the next few days. The rain and snow showers have already begun across the state this afternoon. The bulk of this rainfall was seen in southeastern and eastern New Mexico. Cities like Roswell and Carlsbad have been seeing intermittent rain showers throughout the morning and early afternoon. Into the evening hours this rainfall will intensity across the southeast. Additionally, these rain showers will make its way towards central New Mexico late tonight. The snow chances today will remain in the higher elevations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More widespread precipitation will be moving into New Mexico Friday and Saturday. Nearly the entire state can expect precipitation of some kind between today and Sunday morning. The most severe conditions will be in northeastern New Mexico. Snowfall upwards of 12 is possible from the Northern Mountains down to I-40. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of northeastern New Mexico in anticipation of the snowfall. This watch will go into effect on Friday April 4th and remain in effect until Saturday 5th. Much of eastern New Mexico can expect minor to moderate impacts from this storm. Along with the precipitation, much colder temperatures are on its way. A strong backdoor cold front will move into the state on Saturday. The largest temperature drops are forecasted for eastern and central New Mexico. Cities across southeastern New Mexico, like Roswell, can expect to drop below 50 degrees on Saturday. Western New Mexico will see weaker temperature drops. The storm system will move out of New Mexico on Sunday. Conditions across the state will improve almost immediately. Temperatures will warm up above seasonal averages. Additionally, sunshine will once again be prominent through the middle of next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. SELMER, Tennessee She pulled Polaroid pictures from the debris pile that was once her home. Stacy Thompson sifted through the rubble in this flat, warped landscape of schrapnel and debris. She picked the pictures out of the clay mud. The tornado a preliminary an EF-3 with 160 m.p.h. winds had taken the house, which just a day before had been perched on the hill between West Cherry and Cypress avenues in downtown Selmer, a community of 4,500 people here in West Tennessee's McNairy County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The house had belonged to her mother, Lola Weatherly. It was one of at least a dozen homes completely demolished by the storm. As of Thursday morning, at least five people were confirmed dead across Tennessee, with some residents still missing. It was the second time in two years a tornado devastated a tight-knit community here in McNairy County. Nearly two years to the day, a twister tore through areas near Bethel Springs and Adamsville, leaving nine people dead. On Thursday afternoon, Thompson found her mother's pictures, one by one. Children and grandchildren at play, posing at family events, smirking mischievously at the camera. What to know: Trump approved federal assistance for Tennessee. What to know about FEMA aid Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Live updates: Tornado watch issued as flooding concerns remain in Nashville "We can lose some photos," Thompson said through tears. "I don't have to have a picture. At least she's here." The debris pile hardly resembled what was once a home. But Weatherly was by scant miracle not there during the storm. Thompson described her as a staunchly independent woman who "really did not want to go to her brother's house for the storm." A man walks through the debris of Purdy Place Apartments on New Bethel Rd. during the aftermath of tornadoes that rocked Selmer, Tennessee in the early morning on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Thompson was able to convince Weatherly to go. "She likes living by herself, you know," Thompson said. "But I told her she could have been one of those that didn't make it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weatherly is a bustling regular presence in town. She was the previous owner of the town-favorite Rockabilly Cafe for nearly 12 years and now works for the local Retro Dawgs Restaurant. "Everybody knows my Mama," Thompson said. "Everybody loves her." Thompson described the moment she heard the tornado had hit her mother's neighborhood. "I just called and called," she said. "I got ahold of her and she was just screaming. Just screaming, 'Baby, my house is gone. My home is gone.'" Thompson paused to compose herself. Josh Barnes stands in his father Paul Floyds destroyed home holding suits for Floyd after a suspected tornado tore through Selmer, Tennessee, early Thursday. "I said Mama, we can replace that stuff. But I cannot replace you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that very moment, a volunteer worker came over with a pink, water-logged Bible. Severe weather: Soggy Middle Tennessee regroups after stormy night, braces for more flooding "That's Mama's!" Thompson said, flipping through the sticking, but intact, pages. "I gave this to her for Mother's Day." The front page of the Bible? A single sentence scrawled in Lola's handwriting: "My children are my life!" Further down the hill, Jose Cabrera stood clutching his side and surveying the muddy streak of land that was once the trailer he shared with his girlfriend, Jesse Furman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cabrera said he lived in the area for about eight years after moving from California. This storm was the "worst he's ever seen." Wathon Wilbanks and Seth Davis work to clear a road of debris in Selmer, Tennessee. "It woke me up, and then it hit the trailer," he said. "It threw me up in it. I went flying. Then it slammed me into the ground." Furman said she was trying to hold onto Cabrera when the tornado struck the trailer with "one hand on the bed frame, and another on his ankle" before it flung him away. Cabrera said he flew about 50 feet in the air before plummeting to the ground. "It just whistled," he said. "It was so loud." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two found each other in the dark, barefoot, and surrounded by destruction. "Within minutes, the whole trailer just came apart," Furman said. "I woke up on the ground, covered in a wet blanket." Cabrera had blood splattered across his shirt among the mud stains. He lifted his shirt to reveal a row of staples across his abdomen, which he got at the hospital. He said it hurts, but what was really bothering him was the exhaustion. "I can't sleep," he said. "I've only had 20 minutes of sleep today. Every time I close my eyes, I hear the tornado." Still, he said, they were the lucky ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It could've been a lot worse," he said, glancing toward the wreckage of an imploded trailer nearby. The man in that trailer died, Cabrera said. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Selmer, tornado: Damage leaves devastation in rural Tennessee NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Workers at an East Tennessee plastics company who died in flooding from last year's Hurricane Helene had time to evacuate, albeit by makeshift routes, according to an investigation from the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration released on Wednesday. It was found that Impact Plastics, Inc. exercised reasonable diligence to dismiss employees and direct them to leave the site in this emergency situation, the report concludes. As the deaths of Impact Plastics, Inc. employees are not work related, no citations are recommended. Six people died in the flooding Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five employees and one contractor who cleaned the offices once a week were killed on Sept. 27 after they were washed away by floodwaters. Attorneys for their surviving family members vehemently dispute the conclusion that they were dismissed from work with time to evacuate safely. TOSHAs report ignores the testimony of multiple witnesses, critical text messages, emergency alert logs, and photographic evidence that tell the real story about Impact Plastics fatal failures," said attorney Alex Little, who represents the family of Johnny Peterson. "Were grateful that in America, juries not bureaucrats citing unnamed sources will decide the truth based on all the evidence. Peterson was one of 12 people who tried to escape the rising waters by climbing onto the bed of a semi-trailer loaded with giant spools of plastic piping that was parked outside the factory. When floodwaters eventually overwhelmed the truck, six people were able to use the piping for floatation and were later rescued. The other six drowned. TOSHA notes that its investigation was hampered by phone service disruptions, language barriers, and other challenges. It also says that the flooding destroyed the company's workplace safety records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Luke Widener, who represents the family of contractor Sibrina Barnett and other victims, alleged in a statement that many safety records, including an emergency evacuation plan, never existed. He pointed out that workers at surrounding businesses in the industrial park were able to evacuate safely. While we agree with TOSHAs suggestion that Impact Plastics should improve its emergency plans, this comes far too late for our clients, Widener said. Employees escaped by makeshift routes The TOSHA report relies on the fact that a number of Impact Plastics employees did escape the flood, despite the fact that the one road in and out of the park was already covered in water by the time they began to evacuate. Some were able to escape by driving or walking over an embankment to a nearby highway after workers at a neighboring business dismantled a fence there. Others escaped by driving over a makeshift path onto nearby railroad tracks that an employee at a neighboring business created with a tractor. Still others were able to escape by walking to the railroad tracks, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to questions about these makeshift escape routes, Chris Cannon, spokesman for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, said in an email, Evacuation by auto was not the only feasible evacuation route." He added, "TOSHA would not be able to hold an employer accountable for road conditions. A statement for the company from attorney Stephen Ross Johnson says Impact Plastics welcomes the results of the TOSHA investigation Critically, and contrary to what was reported by some in the media, Tennessee OSHA found no evidence that employees were threatened with termination or forced to work beyond a safe evacuation point, the statement reads. In addition to the TOSHA, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been probing the six deaths. That investigation is ongoing. Many in Middle Tennessee woke up Thursday to several volleys of tornado warnings, lightning, thunder and a lot of rain as round after round of severe weather blew through the region. By Thursday night, the death toll had grown to five in Tennessee, state officials confirmed, and they said the worst wasn't behind the Volunteer State. The biggest issue heading into Friday and beyond is flooding, which on Thursday stalled vehicles on Interstate 65 and caused at least one crash on Interstate 40. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storms are part of what is expected to be an active couple of days of severe weather. While West Tennessee is expected to bear the brunt of these storms, Middle Tennessee can expect significant rain, flash flooding, large hail, straight line winds and possible tornadoes. Keep up with weather updates and alerts: Download our app for the latest and get alerts delivered to your phone. Nashville is expected to get between 5-6 inches of rain, while Clarksville is expected to get between 8-10 inches by the end of the weekend. Follow here for live updates from this round of severe weather. Death toll rises to 5; Lee to residents, 'Don't let your guard down' Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday night urged Tennesseans to remain vigilant as a series of powerful storms will continue to pummel the region with more possible tornado warnings, hail and flash flooding in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This storm is going to continue, Lee said in a news conference at the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Nashville. There will be continued tornado warnings. Theres continued flooding, and theres continued dangers for Tennesseans. The main message tonight is: Dont let your guard down. Deadly storms and tornadoes have ravaged West and Middle Tennessee, bringing possible flooding in their wake, meteorologists have warned. TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan on Thursday confirmed five storm-related deaths, but the number could grow, he said. The deaths include one person each in Carroll, McNairy and Obion counties and two people in Fayette County. Lee on Thursday toured the devastation in the town of Selmer in McNairy County, where a preliminary EF-3 with 160 mph winds wiped out entire neighborhoods in the early morning hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I saw today was heartbreaking, he said. National Weather Service Meteorologist Ryan Husted said West and Middle Tennessee could see some lull in activity on Friday afternoon and evening, but another set of severe storms is expected Saturday that could bring catastrophic flooding to an already saturated ground. Saturday is the day that concerns me the most right now, he said. Saturday is a dangerous day going into Saturday night for flash flooding. Tennessee remains in a state of emergency, with the Trump Administration granting swift approval for a federal emergency declaration, Lee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor said Tennessee is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for direct assistance and will determine what additional aid is necessary. Kelly Puente, The Tennessean Current weather updates: Maury County tornado warning canceled The National Weather Service in Nashville has canceled the tornado warning for southeastern Maury County after Maury County Park was evacuated a second time during popular Mule Day festivities. Events began Thursday without interruption, organizers said. The festival is scheduled to run through April 6. Per Mule Day emergency protocol, park campers were evacuated to nearby Columbia Central High School as a precaution once severe weather warnings began to roll in Thursday, Mule Day PR Director Louise Mills said. About 1,000 campers reserved a space for Mule Day 2025 events scheduled through the weekend, Mills said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Event organizers were planning to monitor rainfall amounts overnight Thursday, Mills said. "All scheduled events took place in partly sunny weather today," she said. "Some people couldn't believe that we had sunny weather most of the day, maybe a few sprinkles. We will see how the weather goes tonight. Tomorrow will be determined by the water we get tonight." Maury County Park, Mule Day evacuated second time Thursday Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup said Maury County Park is evacuating for the second time Thursday as the department tracks a storm system from Summerton. The park is hosting popular Mule Day festivities this week. Tornado warning in Maury County A tornado warning was issued in Maury County until 7 p.m. Williamson County tornado warning canceled The tornado warning covering Williamson County has been canceled. Family loses home after lightning strike causes fire Amid the onslaught of statewide tornado and flood warnings early Thursday, a lightening strike led to the destruction of one Cheatham County family's home, officials report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene around midnight in the Eastland Estates neighborhood. They were joined by the Ashland City Fire Department, Cheatham County Emergency Medical Services and Cheatham County Emergency Management Agency. The Ashland City Fire Department posted on Facebook Thursday that crews arrived to find "the home with fire coming from the attic" after an apparent lighting strike. "I would say it's 100% a lightening strike," Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Trey Nelms said. Though the home had fire sprinklers inside, it was extensively damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The areas that are not considered livable space don't have to be sprinkled ... on our arrival, the whole attic area was on fire ... a fire that was pretty advanced on arrival," Nelms said. "It's a total loss. It burned the whole roof off." People were inside the home when the strike and subsequent fire occurred, Nelms said, noting that no injuries were reported to any civilians or firefighters and no other structures caught fire. "Everybody was able to get out, and we were able to get some personal belongings for them like medicines," he said. Katie Nixon, The Tennessean Tree damage reported at Cedars of Lebanon Tree damage at Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Lebanon from storms Thursday forced all trails to close as staff works to clean up, according to Eric Ward, of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt immediately clear how long the closure would be necessary. No injuries were reported. The Wilson County Sheriffs Office also reported storm damage in the vicinity, including downed trees, power lines and debris. Locations with damage include: Murfreesboro Road East Richmond Shop Road SE Tater Peeler Road Sparta Pike Chicken Road Cainsville Road. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean Selmer hit by EF-3 tornado, NWS preliminary report says The weather service says the City of Selmer was likely hit Wednesday by an EF-3 tornado with estimated peak wind speeds reaching 160 mph, according to a preliminary report Metro Parks closes various facilities Metro Parks and Recreation has closed various parks facilities and amenities due to flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list includes Shelby Park, where the area near Lake Sevier Dam and Spillway Road has water spilling into the roadway, and seven golf courses Ted Rhodes, Harpeth Hills, McCabe, Two Rivers, Percy Warner, Shelby and Vinny Links. The full list shared by Metro Parks Thursday afternoon also includes Bells Bend Outdoor Center, England Park, Fair Park, Fort Negley Visitors Center, Mullins Park, Mill Creek Greenway at Antioch Park (section under Blue Hole Road bridge), Peeler Park Greenway, Riverfront Park Landing, Warner Park Nature Center, West Park, Whites Creek Greenway and portions of the Stones River Greenway (at Kohls Trailhead to the boardwalk and the Percy Priest Trailhead to McCory Creek section). In addition to the various park and greenway closures, Metro Parks has also canceled Dance Division and Visual Arts classes. Beaman Park Nature Center remains open today, but hours may vary over the next three days. The list may continue to grow through the next several days. Metro Parks is encouraging Nashvillians to check the website at www.nashville.gov/parks for the latest information on closures. Austin Hornbostel Freddie O'Connell asks residents to plan As Nashville braces for more severe weather, Mayor Freddie OConnell is encouraging Nashvillians to remain vigilant for signs of dangerous flooding. The mayors office shared a video message about preparedness for a second night of severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes in Davidson County. In the video, OConnell noted that homes located in a flood plain are most at risk. Right now, our rivers and streams are manageable, OConnell said. But the smaller the stream, the larger the risk. If youre unsure whether your residence is located in a flood plain, you can find out for sure by entering your address on the Nashville.gov parcel viewer. Austin Hornbostel Latest storm updates: Tornado warnings canceled The weather service canceled the tornado warnings issued for Davidson, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson Counties. Gov. Bill Lee describes Selmer devastation Standing in front of rows of cots in the emergency shelter set up in Selmer's Civic center, Governor Bill Lee described the devastating circumstances he witnessed in the community that had been "hard hit and devastated.""There was a tornado here just a couple years ago. Once again, they're facing what is just heartbreaking circumstances," he said.He praised the consolidated efforts of local entities "all coming together to make sure the people of this community are seen and taken care of.""What's really encouraging is seeing what's going on behind us," he said. "Volunteers, non-profits, churches and people in this community coming together. In the worst of times, this is when the best of Tennessee shows up. It's happening here in McNairy County."Lee said that while he has not been in contact with President Donald Trump, the president did issue an emergency declaration for the state as a result of Lee's request made yesterday. Patrick Sheehan, director of Tennessee Emergency Management, said that six states including Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida are prepared to send swiftwater rescue assets when needed, thanks to a state mutual aid agreement. Mobilizing to help Selmer Gov. Bill Lee said that "preparations" for an expected increase in flooding over the next few days are "already underway.""There's a lot of work to do," he said. U.S. Rep. David Kustoff, R-Germantown also said: " we were here with County Mayor Smith almost 2 years to the day when this happened previously. I have been very impressed with the coordination from local leadership." Latest storm updates: Tornado warning issued A tornado warning has been issued by the weather service for Rutherford, Maury and Williamson Counties. At 3:43 p.m., severe thunderstorms capable of producing a tornado was located near Spring Hill, moving northeast at 50 mph. Severe thunderstorm warning in multiple counties A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 4:30 p.m. in south central Davidson, west central Rutherford, northeastern Maury and Williamson Counties. Hail two inches in diameter and wind gusts up to 60 mph expected. A tornado watch remains in place for Middle Tennessee until 10 p.m. Ground stop issued at Nashville International Airport The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for flights at Nashville International Airport due to thunderstorms through 4:30 p.m. Dumpster, car found in creek in Green Hills An abandoned car and dumpster were swept into a creek in Green Hills.The car was sitting under a bridge in front of the Green Hills YMCA Thursday afternoon.The blue sedan had amassed a collection of vines and brush, lost its windshield and windows and had its hood crinkled along its journey through Sugartree Creek.According to a YMCA employee directing traffic early Thursday afternoon, the vehicles owner had stopped by to see it earlier in the day.Under one bridge north of the YMCA on Hillsboro Circle, a dumpster was lodged in the rushing water. Eric Norwood, a Green Hills resident, said he had seen a dumpster travel through Sugartree Creek by his apartment early Thursday morning.The Green Hills YMCA was closed Thursday due to minor water damage. It will open Friday but its bottom floor will remain closed, the employee directing traffic said. Evan Mealins Gov. Bill Lee to survey damage in McNairy County Gov. Bill Lee will speak to the media at 3 p.m. in Selmer, Tenn., after surveying storm damage in McNairy County impacted by overnight storms. Tornado Watch issued for several Tennessee Counties A tornado watch has been issued for several counties in Middle Tennessee until 10 p.m. Thursday as severe weather continues in the state. Tennessee counties under a tornado watch include: Cheatham County Davidson County Hickman County Houston County Jackson County Maury County Montgomery County Robertson County Rutherford County Sumner County Williamson County Wilson County Green Hills man says he saw dumpster float down creek Eric Norwood thought he was hallucinating. It was shortly after sunrise, and he was watching a dumpster float through his backyard.I thought I was like hallucinating or something, Eric Norwood said. But yeah, my next door neighbor, she called me, she said, You see this?Norwood said he saw the hunk of metal drift through a bloated Sugartree Creek shortly after the sun came up Thursday.Sugartree Creek begins from a pond in Green Hills, curving behind the Green Hills Mall and empties into Richland Creek near Harding Pike and Woodmont.The portion of the creek that runs by Norwoods apartment complex rose over a bridge earlier Thursday. Plastic bags, leaves and sticks remain in the fence along the bridge marking the high water line. The rushing water also leveled a metal fence around the housing complex. Thankfully, it didnt reach his bottom-floor unit. As for the dumpster? Hes not sure where it ended up.I dont know if it came under or over (the bridge), but it was tumbling down, Norwood said. Its down there somewhere. Evan Mealins, The Tennessean Continued tornado sirens drain batteries The Nashville Office of Emergency Management's outdoor tornado warning siren system encountered issues as severe weather hit the area Thursday. Multiple siren sites were activated as the weather service issued multiple tornado warnings for Metro Nashville. The continued warnings and sirens sounding drained the batteries in the sirens and caused them to stop sounding. In power outage areas, the sirens did not start to recharge until power was restored. Siren #51 at Parmer Park on Leake Avenue had communication failure, the office of emergency management said. A repair team is working to restore the siren. There is no estimated time for when the siren will become operational. Residents are reminded that the outdoor siren system is one method to receiving alerts about severe weather conditions. The sirens are designed to be heard outdoors and not intended to be audible inside a home or building. Residents are asking community members to remain vigilant and prepared for severe weather. Sen. Marsha Blackburn urges Tennessee residents to take precaution Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn is urging Tennesseans to listen to local law enforcement and take every precaution necessary as severe weather brings, floods, tornadoes and hail to through the state. In a 28-second video posted Thursday on the senator's X account, formerly known as Twitter, Blackburn said communities are devastated following floods and tornadoes. Several roads close in Sumner County Flooding remains a concern for areas of Sumner County Thursday as city and county officials close several roads. As you get out today, please be aware of the following roads that are closed or have high water on them, the Sumner County Highway Department posted on Facebook Thursday morning. Around 13 road closures are being reported in Cottontown, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Millersville, with nearly another dozen roads reporting high water. Officials cautioned people to be safe on the roads, saying turn around, dont drown! The weather service said the City of Hendersonville received about 5 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. Flooding remains a concern in the area. We are pleased to share that no significant damage is being reported across the city from last night's storms. However, waters are rising as rain continues. Flooding is a concern, Hendersonville city officials posted on Facebook just after 9 a.m. Thursday. Officials say Drakes Creek Rd at Stop 30 Rd and Saundersville Rd from just past the roundabout to Grapevine Rd are closed, though road closures may increase as weather persists. Please use caution when traveling and do not cross standing water in in roadways or move closure barriers, Hendersonville city officials said. Katie Nixon, The Tennessean Roads closed due to flooding in Williamson County Nine roads are closed in western Williamson County as rain continues Thursday. Portions of South Harpeth Road have been impacted the most, with closures at S. Harpeth Road at Old Highway 96 and S. Harpeth Road between Pinewood Road and Interstate 840. Other roadways closed due to flooding include Chest Road, Forest Glen Road, Sleepy Hollow Road, Blazer Road at at Boyd Mill Parkway, Old Hillsboro Road at Southall, Floyd Road and Boyd Mill Parkway and Old Harding Road. Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean President Donald Trump approves emergency declaration for Tennessee FEMA announced federal disaster assistance was made available to Tennessee to supplement response efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. President Trump's approval authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts for all 95 counties. FEMA will identify, mobilize and provide the equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Under the public assistance program, 75% federal funding will be provided. Water flowing across Mill Creek Greenway Water was steadily creeping across a largely deserted stretch of the Mill Creek Greenway off Hickory Park Drive at 11 a.m. The creek was out of its banks as debris dotted the fast-moving water. As of 10:15 a.m. a river level map from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association, also known as NOAA, indicated the creek had reached a minor flood stage. Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean Storms blowing through Jackson Paul Floyd rode out the storm in his hallway with his wife and mother-in-law, all made it through safe. Was at the home with his son collecting clothes Said it went over the house in three minutes and ripped the roof off You hear about these things but you never thought youd have to be in one three minutes. Josh Barnes, his son, told him he got 5 suits Thats good, as long as Ive got something Floyd said.I just hope this dont happen to nobody else. Had lived in Selmer for about 2 years and is still paying off the home. Christopher Day, Jackson Sun Richland Creek surges Richland Creek surged several feet above normal levels Thursday morning, washing away tree limbs and debris.Tony Lance, who works at the Tennessee Wildlife Federations office off White Bridge Pike, right against the creek, estimated the creek is likely more than 10 feet above its normal height.This is the highest we've seen the creek since the big flood 2010, Lance said. It hasnt been that high since.Murky brown water reached up and drug away several beehives belonging to a beekeeper on the other side of the creek, Lance said.Theyve been washed away, which is a shame, he said. Evan Mealins, The Tennessean Franklin traffic signals losing power in Franklin Franklin Police Department is reporting several traffic signals in the Columbia Ave. area have lost power. The department is reminding the public to exercise extreme caution and treat these areas as all-way stops. MTE is currently working to restore power. Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean Cumberland, Red River expected to crest as rain continues to fall The weather service said the Cumberland River in Clarksville is expected to rise through the weekend as rain continues to fall, with rain totals expected between 5 and 8.5 inches. The weather service said there is a 21% chance of the Cumberland River reaching minor flood stage at 46 feet and a 7% chance the river reaches moderate flood stage at 50 feet. Red River flooding could impact Dunbar Cave Road and homes near the Wingate neighborhood, the weather service said. The Cumberland River in Dover is expected to crest near 66 feet, just shy of the record of 69.33 in 2019. At 66 feet, the weather service said flooding along the river begins in Stewart County, impacting agricultural areas, adjacent tributaries, and making roads near the river impassable. Near Dover, flooding could impact portions of River Road west of Highway 79, Bellwood Branch Road, Cross Creek Road. Craig Shoup, The Tennessean As intermittent rain continued around 9:30 a.m. the runoff along Nolensville Pike near Old Hickory Boulevard turned drainage ditches into small, muddy rivers. Meanwhile, cars worked their way around a few flooded lanes along Edmondson Pike. There were no obvious signs of damage from the overnight storms around the Southeast Nashville neighborhood, save for a few stray branches strewn across the parking lot outside a nearby Kroger. Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean Looking ahead at severe weather for Nashville, Middle Tennessee The rain isn't over yet. Nashville and Middle Tennessee will remain in the "slight" threat area for severe weather, while West Tennessee will be in the "enhanced" threat. The threat for severe weather will subside slightly during the day, but ramp back up into the evening hours. Damaging winds up to 70 mph, hail up to two inches, heavy rain and tornadoes are possible. The storms will continue through Sunday. A flood watch remains in place through Sunday. More: More severe weather to come for Nashville, Middle Tennessee: Flash floods, tornados and more National Weather Service issues Tornado Warning The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the following counties until 10:15 a.m. Smith Trousdale Wilson "A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located eight miles south of Lebanon, moving northeast at 45 mph," the weather service said. TEMA confirms four deaths in Tennessee Four people have died as a result of the severe storms Thursday morning. Deaths were reported in the following counties: Fayette Carroll McNairy Obion No names have been released for any of the victims. National Weather Service issues Flash Flood Warnings for Middle Tennessee The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for much of Middle Tennessee. Counties include: Cheatham: until 9:15 a.m. Davidson: until 10:30 a.m. Robertson: until 9:15 a.m. Rutherford: until 10:30 a.m. Sumner: until 10:30 a.m. Williamson: until 10:30 a.m. Wilson: until 10:30 a.m. Flooding now main concern in Middle Tennessee Road conditions will be questionable as flash flooding becomes the main concern Thursday morning. I-65 northbound near mile marker 80 was closed because of flooding, Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Zeigler said. The rain also caused at least one rollover crash on I-40 eastbound. That wreck has since been cleared. Major damage, deaths reported in Tennessee As several rounds of severe weather pummeled the region, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported major damage in Fayette, Hardeman and McNairy counties. The agency also reported one storm-related death in McNairy County where a suspected tornado ripped through Selmer and another in Obion County. The Fayette County Sheriff's Office confirmed a third death. School closures roll in across Middle Tennessee Schools in Middle Tennessee have started to cancel school Thursday as severe weather rolls through the region. School system closures include: Wilson County Schools: Closed Thursday Cheatham County Schools: closed Thursday Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools: On a two hour delay Thursday Metro Nashville Schools: Closed Thursday Robertson County Schools: Closed Thursday Sumner County Schools: Closed Thursday Williamson County Schools: Closed Thursday For more closures: Nashville public schools, Williamson and other districts close Thursday for severe weather Governor, TEMA declared State of Emergency ahead of storms The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, at the direction of Gov. Bill Lee, issued Wednesday a State of Emergency for the severe weather hitting the state. The declaration allows the state to expedite assistance, move resources around and coordinate responses across the state. The request includes federal assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville weather updates: Latest TN tornado warnings, flooding threat While Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been busy in Washington, D.C., with the Department of Government Efficiency, Austin's electric vehicle maker seems to have been losing its foothold in the auto market. The company's latest quarterly report, released this week, shows sales dropped 13% from the prior year. The highlight number was the 337,000 electric vehicles that the company delivered through March, approximately 50,000 fewer than during the same period 2024. Moreover, the report marks its lowest sales numbers in three years. This comes as the competition in the EV space is starting to catch up. Chinese brand BYD recently reported a 58% sales uptick that cements it as the highest-selling EV brand in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it stands, Musk and Tesla are contending with recalls, protests, declining sales, increased competition and looming tariffs so why is its stock rallying? Tesla protests and turbulence foreshadowed decline in sales this year After last year's presidential election, Tesla's position looked favorable as CEO Musk was getting increasingly closer to Trump, and its stock was at an all-time high, peaking at $479.86 on Dec. 17. However, since then, many have become frustrated with Musk's efforts with DOGE, and the stock has been in freefall, down 42% since its peak. Many companies have been faced with recent hits in the stock market caused by new overseas tech developments, chiefly China's Deepseek, and with tariffs affecting worldwide trade and supply chains. But most have recovered or haven't seen the type of loss that Tesla has. Highlighting this drop is the record high trade-in numbers from Tesla owners, according to an analysis by national car shopping site Edmunds. The analysis found that March represented the highest ever share it had seen for Tesla trade-ins toward new or used cars from dealerships selling other brands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sales decline comes as little surprise given the nationwide and international protests against Musk and his efforts with DOGE. In Austin, for instance, there was a protest involving over 100 people outside a Tesla showroom on Pond Springs Road near North U.S. 183. During that protest, participants shouted, "Sell your Teslas" and "No more Trump, no more Elon" at passing cars and those entering the nearby Tesla showroom, calling on them to sell their Tesla vehicles and stock. More: APD: 'Incendiary device' found at Austin Tesla showroom on North U.S. 183 On another occasion, incendiary devices were reportedly found at an Austin Tesla showroom, according to a news release from the Austin Police Department. While no harm or damage was done, the police bomb squad took the devices into custody after determining they were a possible threat. Cybertrucks are lined up at Tesla's factory outside Austin in April 2024. The company has seen its vehicle sales slump in the first quarter of this year. To make matters worse, Tesla issued its eighth, and largest, recall in relation to the Cybertruck, affecting almost all the Cybertrucks in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This included just more than 46,000, built between November 2023 and Feb. 27, 2024, that could have an exterior panel that was liable to detach during driving. Tesla stock is rallying despite tariffs and sales slide Tesla's current stock price bucks all indicators in relation to what it should be and looks to be a return to the faith-bet norm that investors have had in the company. This is because despite a 32% plunge in Tesla stock this year to date, the stick is popping 5% in trading Wednesday, after a 5% drop following the sales report and a more than 20% climb in the last two weeks of trading. However, beyond the belief that investors have in the brand, one silver lining the company can point to is that many of its parts dont need to travel through an international supply chain to yield a completed vehicle. This means that Tesla will be significantly less affected than most car brands worldwide and this will become increasingly important as Trump implements his "Liberation Day" worldwide tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, According to Cars.com, Teslas popular Model Y sources 70% of its parts from the U.S. enough for the website to designate the brand as the top American-made car. In comparison, a Ford F-150 has roughly 55% of its parts made in the U.S., according to USA Today. With Tesla stock rallying, Trump assured the public that his right-hand man, Musk, was not involved in the tariff decision process. After this, Musk himself said that Tesla is still going to feel the pressure from these tariffs. "Important to note that Tesla is NOT unscathed here," Musk said in a social media post. "The cost impact is not trivial." Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Tesla sales drop 13% in Q1 amid Elon Musk's DOGE efforts and protests Just after the one-year anniversary of the largest wildfire in Texas history the Smokehouse Creek Fire - state lawmakers are working to take steps to ensure such a fire never happens again. Lawmakers like State Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, have put forward bills that have passed out of the Texas House and are up for consideration by the Texas Senate to help shore up Texans' readiness for the next crisis and ensure a fire like Smokehouse won't happen again. Dig Deeper: One-year anniversary of Smokehouse Creek Fire highlights Texas wildfire threat Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King, who also chaired the Texas House Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires, along with now Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, released a report in mid-2024 about how the fire started. The committee also released several recommended actions for this legislative session to look at, which King has made good on with two legislative items that were approved with bipartisan support in the House on April 1. "Wildfires affect not only the Panhandle, but the entire state of Texas," Burrows said. "It is good to see Republicans and Democrats come together and support such critical, important bills for our first responders and emergency management." Committee member, Rep. Dustin Burrows questions fire investigator Kevin Pierce about cause of Smokehouse Creek Fire at Day Two of the Panhandle Wildfires Investigative Committee Hearings in Pampa. The first bill, HB 143, aims to ensure that electrical power lines serving well sites and surface facilities involved in oil and gas operations are constructed, operated, and maintained according to the National Electrical Code or relevant Texas codes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill stems from the committee's finding that there has been an increase in wildfires in the state since 2006 due to "a regulatory no-mans land that permits irresponsible oil and gas operators to neglect fuel loads and dangerous electrical safety problems on and around well site locations, where exposed wiring and other dilapidated electrical equipment make for ready ignition sources." Dig Depper: Unregulated oilfield power lines are suspected of sparking Texas wildfires Burrows said that an area deemed as no-man's land is when an electrical line off-shoots from other power lines to help power the wells and that there was some confusion on who regulates them. "The Public Utilities Commission thought it was the Railroad Commission's responsibility to regulate and inspect and make sure that those offshoot lines were actually up to par and the Railroad Commission thought it was the Public Utilities Commission," Burrows said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, after the House concluded its investigation, PUC and the commission drafted a memorandum of understanding on how to best proceed in regulating that area. Burrows said HB 143 seeks to codify the MOU into law. Others are reading: Xcel Energy confirms company's infrastructure likely started Smokehouse Creek fire There was also another realization that the committee discovered last year, which spurred the creation of HB 13. "Through hours of testimony, it became abundantly clear that the underlying problem was lack of communication," King said on the House floor on April 1. State Reps. Ken King and Rep Dustin Burrows confer Tuesday on the first day of the Panhandle Wildfire Investigative Committee hearing in Pampa. It is through HB 13 that King said the state would create the Texas Interoperability Council to help facilitate the communication between first responders in emergency events by developing the necessary infrastructure to do so, along with the council creating a statewide strategic plan to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would also task the new council with overseeing a grant that would help fund local governments' purchase of necessary emergency equipment and infrastructure to achieve this goal. According to King, the rider for the bill to fund the grant equates to $500 million every two years. Others are reading: Fairly's bill aims to make statewide database for fire depts. to better fight wildfires The council would be formed by six appointees, two each from the governor, the House speaker, and the Lt. Governor. It would not be subject to Texas open meeting laws because King said the council would handle sensitive critical infrastructure for the state. Although this bill stems from the House's investigation, Burrows said HB 13 would address issues found during another House investigation into a deadlier event three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We found some of the same issues in our investigatory committee from the Robb Elementary School shooting," Burrows said. "We have learned from that that when we have emergency situations, different departments and law enforcement agencies use different equipment, and so an emergency comes up, they cannot talk to one another." The bills now head to the Senate, where they will be debated. If passed, they will then head to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk to be signed and become effective Sept. 1, 2025. Mateo Rosiles is the Government & Public Policy reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@lubbockonline.com. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas lawmakers seek to prevent more wildfires, support emergency services With one Democrat giving Republicans the margin they needed to advance a controversial nomination, the Texas Senate narrowly confirmed the appointment of a previously indicted Austin law enforcement officer to the state agency that governs police conduct in Texas. Just reaching the two-thirds threshold, the 21-10 Senate vote Wednesday evening was a show of strength for Texas Republican leadership after Democrat Caucus members in the upper chamber sought to block Justin Berry's nomination to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, the state regulatory agency that sets standards for peace officers. Berry, an active-duty Austin Police Department senior patrol officer, was indicted alongside several colleagues in 2022 for shooting less-lethal munitions at racial justice protesters in 2020. The charges were later dropped. Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen was the sole Democratic senator to vote for Berry's appointment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock said the police union "wholeheartedly supports Officer Berry's nomination to TCOLE, sending records of Berry's commendations and performance evaluations to support the "dedicated" officer. "He has led community policing efforts, built relationships, and helped his fellow officers all across the state in times of need," Bullock wrote in an email Wednesday to the American-Statesman. But several lawmakers felt Berry's actions during the social justice protests nearly five years ago were too damning. During the Senate floor debate before the vote, Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, warned that Gov. Greg Abbott's choice to tap Berry for the commission is "evidence of a growing intolerance to dissent" in state government. "The symbolism of officer Berry's nomination is unmistakable. Of the more than 8,000 peace officers in Texas, the governor chooses officer Berry not in spite of the fact that he shot into protesters, but because he shot protesters," Eckhardt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senator invoked Abbott's recent pardon of officer Daniel Perry, who was convicted of murdering Austin racial justice protester Garrett Foster in 2020, and his support of Kyle Rittenhouse, who fatally shot two protesters in Wisconsin, in 2020, as similarly symbolic. She also cited several other allegations of excessive use of force or misconduct against Berry as reasons why another candidate would have been better suited for the role. Ultimately, Berry's charges were dropped. Sen. Borris Miles, a Houston Democrat and former police officer, drew on his commonalities with Berry to explain his opposition to the officer's appointment. "We all took an oath to protect the welfare of our citizens," Miles said on the Senate floor. "I cannot, in good conscience, support the appointment of Justin Berry to the commission ... whose motto is 'ethical law enforcement' when he has been shown to be unethical." 'A political victory' A Travis County grand jury indicted Berry in February 2022 for aggravated assault against protesters. The investigation determined that either Berry or one other officer shot a demonstrator in the face with a less-lethal munition, fracturing her jaw. The protester, wildlife biologist Christen Warkoczewski, later won $850,000 in a settlement with the city of Austin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza dropped the charges against Berry and 18 other officers who were indicted over their conduct during the May 2020 protests. Bullock, the Austin police union president, said the dismissal should have taken Berry's indictment off the table when considering his confirmation. "The fact that an incident investigated by the Austin Police Department and the Travis County District Attorney, where both said no policy or law was violated, is now being used against him for political purposes is alarming and disappointing," Bullock said. No Republicans gave remarks on Berry's confirmation during the debate. Hinojosa, the lone Democratic senator to vote for Berry, did not respond to the Statesman's requests for comment Wednesday, but he told the Texas Tribune that he felt voting against Berry's confirmation would make him a scapegoat for the officer's superiors' failures. An attorney for eight of the indicted officers, Ken Ervin, told the Statesman in 2022 that the order to use beanbag munitions came from the highest levels of APD command. I didnt feel there was any criminal behavior that would rise to the level of rejecting his nomination, Hinojosa told the Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berry has already served on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for nearly two years but had avoided confirmation until Wednesday. Abbott first appointed him in September 2022, while the officer was still under indictment, but Berry resigned in May 2023 after senators signaled he would not be confirmed before a deadline. Berry who has unsuccessfully run as a Republican candidate in two Texas House primary races then served 14 more months as a TCOLE commissioner after Abbott reappointed him in January 2024. The officers term is set to end in August 2027. Wednesday's debate touched on held-over tension over Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's decision to deny Democrats' request to question Berry during a Nominations Committee hearing, a move that Eckhardt said was unprecedented as far as she knew. "Minority senators should have the same rights and rules as majority senators," Eckhardt told her colleagues on the floor Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Austin Democrat's effort to block the nomination did not succeed, Eckhardt can still "claim this as a political victory," said Brian Smith, a St. Edwards University political science professor who specializes in Texas politics. "If you're in the minority party ... you're not going to win a lot of legislation, but you want to make sure that the other party is going to have to be held accountable for their vote," Smith said in a phone interview with the Statesman. Wednesday's vote also reflected a decision on the part of lawmakers about whether this was a hill worth dying on, Smith said. "Democrats have to look and say, Is there something that I'm going to want later in the session where I'm going to need Republican support?" Smith said. "It's a very important position, but it's not a very visible position." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post Thursday, Berry thanked Abbott, Patrick, state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, and "all the other honorable members of the Texas Senate" for their confirmation of his appointment. More: Formerly indicted APD officer Justin Berry's state Senate confirmation in jeopardy This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Senate narrowly confirms Austin cop to police watchdog agency AUSTIN (KXAN) The Texas Forestry Association (TFA) hosted Forestry Day on Wednesday at the Texas Capitol, giving away hardwood seedlings to the public. TFAs presence in the Capitol city is essential in showcasing the wood and paper industry to members of the Texas House and Senate, as well as other statewide officials, said Rob Hughes, executive director of Texas Forestry Association. The timber industry accounts for more than 172,000 jobs for Texans and manufactures more than 5,000 products we enjoy every day. The Forestry Day event included the Associations Board of Directors meeting, and a lunch where key legislators and the organization spoke about issues facing the industry. The Texas Forestry Association (TFA) hosted Forestry Day on Wednesday at the Texas Capitol, giving away hardwood seedlings to the public. (KXAN News/Ed Zavala) The Texas Forestry Association (TFA) hosted Forestry Day on Wednesday at the Texas Capitol, giving away hardwood seedlings to the public. (KXAN News/Ed Zavala) The Texas Forestry Association (TFA) hosted Forestry Day on Wednesday at the Texas Capitol, giving away hardwood seedlings to the public. (KXAN News/Ed Zavala) The Texas Forestry Association (TFA) hosted Forestry Day on Wednesday at the Texas Capitol, giving away hardwood seedlings to the public. (KXAN News/Ed Zavala) The Texas Forestry Association (TFA) hosted Forestry Day on Wednesday at the Texas Capitol, giving away hardwood seedlings to the public. (KXAN News/Ed Zavala) According to a press release, the event began to raise public awareness of tree planting efforts, which take place each winter in the forested regions of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TFA said each year, approximately 83 million seedlings are planted in Texas. This illustrates the desire of private landowners and the Texas Forest Sector to maintain sustainable forests for future generations, Hughes said. The timber industry accounts for over 172,000 jobs in Texas, according to the TFA. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A controversial bill that would outlaw all THC products in Texas has passed the Senate and is now in the hands of the House, sparking widespread concern among small business owners and medical cannabis users alike. Senate Bill 3, spearheaded by Sen. Charles Perry and backed aggressively by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, passed the Texas Senate in a 24-7 vote on March 19. The bill would ban all forms of THC, including Delta-8, Delta-9, and THC-infused beverages except products approved in the states limited medical marijuana program. Patrick has vowed to push for a special legislative session if the House fails to act, threatening to stall must-pass legislation like the state budget unless a full ban is passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while Patrick insists the legislation is about protecting children, many local business owners and health advocates argue the ban will do more harm than good, especially to elderly and medically vulnerable Texans. Most of our customers are older people. Headhunters Smoke Shop manager Cristiana Talamantes has run the Midland-based business for nearly three years. She said the proposed ban has already caused fear and confusion among regular customers, many of whom rely on THC products for chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety. Our customers come in not to get high, but because theyre hurting, she said. We have people in their 60s, 70s, one man whos burned over 80 percent of his body, who rely on tincture drops to get through the day. What are we supposed to tell them now? That we cant help them anymore? Talamantes said shes watched the debate unfold with growing frustration. Theyre taking ten steps backwards, she said. We should be moving forward as Texans. Why not offer everything and anything for everybody? Thats who we are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant manager Connor McCafferty, who works at Headhunters Kermit location, said since SB3 was introduced, the store has been flooded with phone calls from anxious customers, many of them elderly or disabled, asking whether the shop is about to close. Ive had 66-year-olds calling us in tears, saying they cant drive to another state, McCafferty said. They dont want to go back to putting 10 or 15 pills in their body every day. And now were taking that option away from them for no reason. McCafferty pointed to the economic impact as well. This isnt just about weed, he said. This industry generates $5.5 billion in revenue for Texas and supports 50,000 jobs. There are over 8,000 stores statewide, most of them mom-and-pop shops. This bill could wipe them out overnight. According to a recent economic impact study published by the Texas Hemp Coalition, the hemp industry contributes approximately $5.5 billion to the states economy and supports more than 50,000 jobs across over 8,300 retail locations. A waste of resources Beyond the financial strain, McCafferty criticized the states law enforcement priorities, calling SB3 a misuse of public safety resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of focusing on violent crime, sex trafficking, or the fentanyl crisis, were going to waste time raiding smoke shops? he said. Its outrageous. Its a step backward for Texas. He also questioned the logic behind the ban, noting that opponents often rely on outdated or misleading arguments. They say its about protecting kids. But you dont ban an entire industry because of a fear campaign. Were not in 1955 anymore. We also spoke with six other local vape shops who echoed the same fear Most of the customers we see are older, That would take so much product off our shelves All we and the elders can do, I guess, is brace for the impact. A divided legislature, a threatened industry The bill is now awaiting action in the Texas House, where a competing measure, House Bill 28, proposes tighter regulations on hemp products rather than an outright ban. With Lt. Gov. Patrick vowing not to accept anything less than a full prohibition, however, the hemp industry finds itself in political limbo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patrick has said he is willing to stall the states budget or force a special session to see SB3 passed. He made similar moves in 2017, holding up legislation to force the House into passing bills on bathrooms and property tax reform. He appears ready to take the same approach now, framing THC as a matter of life and death. Research shows THCs medical benefits While critics have dismissed THC as dangerous or recreational, decades of research support its medical use. According to a report from the National Academies of Sciences: THC-based drugs are effective in controlling nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Cannabis and cannabinoids modestly reduce chronic pain in adults. THC can help with spasticity symptoms in multiple sclerosis, especially when administered orally. There is growing evidence that THC may aid with PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, and appetite stimulation, particularly in patients with cancer or HIV/AIDS. But those who rely on THC products for relief see it differently. These products arent poison, McCafferty said. Theyre medicine. Theyve helped our veterans, our elders, and our communities, and now politicians are trying to take that away. This isnt just about weed. Senate Bill 3 threatens to eliminate an industry worth $5.5 billion in Texas, supporting over 50,000 jobs and more than 8,000 small businesses, according to a recent economic study. Most of those stores, McCafferty noted, are mom-and-pop shops run by families like his. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a culture war disguised as public safety, he said. Lt. Gov. Patrick says its about protecting kids, but wheres that same urgency on fentanyl? Wheres the crackdown on violent crime? Critics say the legislation reflects outdated ideas about cannabis and unfairly targets working-class Texans who rely on THC products for relief. Were talking about hard-working 9-to-5 people who take care of their families, of this state, McCafferty said. These arent stoners. These are people who build our infrastructure, whove served in our military, who dont want to drink or take opioids. While the future of SB3 remains uncertain, one thing is clear: if the bill becomes law, thousands of Texas residents could lose access to the only treatment that works for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. By Maggie Fick and Stine Jacobsen LONDON/COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Novo Holdings, the controlling shareholder of obesity drugmaker Novo Nordisk, nearly doubled annual income and investment returns to a record 8 billion euros ($8.66 billion) in 2024, it said on Wednesday. Fuelled by dividends from the company behind blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy and diabetes treatment Ozempic, Novo Holdings is a life sciences investment powerhouse that manages assets for the Novo Nordisk Foundation, one of the world's biggest philanthropic bodies. "2024 was a very strong year for Novo Holdings, with our investment portfolio delivering its best ever performance," CEO Kasim Kutay said in a statement. The portfolio generated returns of 18% for the year, up from 9.4% in 2023, Novo Holdings said. Kutay said the company would focus this year on expanding its presence in Asia, with the opening of an office in Mumbai after significant investments already made in India last year. It now has 205 employees globally, its 2024 annual report said, up from 178 by the end of 2023. The portfolio comprises investments in life sciences and a broad range of assets - equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure and private equity. It has controlling stakes in Novo Nordisk, in which it has 77% of voting shares, and Novonesis. In 2024 Novo Holdings invested 4.6 billion euros in life sciences targeting cancer, obesity and neurodegenerative disorders, adding 43 new companies while making 27 exits. Its biggest acquisition by far last year was of pharma manufacturing and services company Catalent for $16.5 billion, the largest healthcare buyout in 2024. It subsequently sold three Catalent manufacturing plants to Novo Nordisk for $11 billion to boost Wegovy production. However, total assets under management dropped slightly to 142 billion euros in 2024, from 149 billion in 2023, driven by a decline in Novo Nordisk's market value. Novo Nordisk's market value has roughly halved since July 2024, partly because of investor concern that it has lost its first-mover advantage in the fiercely competitive obesity drug market to U.S. rival Eli Lilly. ($1 = 0.9240 euros) (Reporting by Maggie Fick in London and Stine Jacobsen in CopenhagenEditing by Tomasz Janowski and David Goodman) TikTok is looking at a possible ban in the US. Again. But remember what happened the last time: Donald Trump simply ignored a law that said the app would be banned if it didn't have US owners. Sometimes, history really does repeat. TikTok could be banned in the US in the next few days. Or it could stay. Perhaps it will have new owners. Maybe it won't. Yes, you've heard all of this before: In January, the enormously popular video app was slated to go dark in the US and in fact, did go offline for a few hours because of a law forcing the Chinese-owned company to shut down or find new owners for its US operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Donald Trump signed an executive order pushing back the date of the ban until April 5 that's Saturday. So here we are. In the newest version of the story, the most likely outcome is a deal where a coalition of US investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Blackstone, and Silver Lake, buys a 50% stake in TikTok's US operations; in that proposal, some of the existing investors in ByteDance, TikTok's current owner, keep a stake as well. We've also heard about a flurry of last-minute bids from Amazon and other players. Vice President JD Vance says there will be some kind of deal announced before the deadline. A TikTok sale needs one big sign-off The problem with any of these would-be solutions: It's entirely unclear whether ByteDance would agree to divest its US operations, and/or whether the Chinese government would allow it. Without those sign-offs, it doesn't matter what kind of deal structure Trump and US investors would like. Trump has previously said he might convince Chinese officials to OK a deal by reducing tariffs on China. But as of Thursday, we have no idea if those negotiations are happening; Dan Primack, the well-sourced Axios finance reporter, says his sources say "they've still not heard of direct discussions between the US and Chinese governments on a particular proposal." I've asked TikTok and the White House for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So it's entirely possible that on Saturday, there still won't be an actual deal as opposed to a proposal in place to transfer majority ownership of TikTok's US operations to non-Chinese owners, which was the thrust of the law passed by Congress, signed by Joe Biden, and upheld by the Supreme Court. And If that's the case, what happens on Saturday? My hunch: Nothing. Or, to be more specific: Trump announces that the proposal he's announced is a deal, regardless of the facts. And TikTok keeps operating as normal, and the can keeps getting kicked down the road. After all, we've already seen Trump ignore a TikTok deadline in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, even before he was president, Trump was telling various technology companies to ignore the TikTok law that went into effect on January 19. And his executive order specifically instructs the US attorney general not to enforce the law "even after the expiration" of the 75-day extension Trump granted himself. And just to keep repeating this: While the existing TikTok law does allow the president to grant a one-time, 90-day extension before TikTok is banned, that's only supposed to happen if there is an actual plan to divest, and there is "evidence of significant progress" toward making that happen, and there are "relevant binding agreements" in place. But obviously none of that was happening on January 20, when Trump signed his executive order pushing the ban back. And it doesn't seem to be happening yet this time around. We're in Trump's world now In a normal, pre-Trump world, you'd expect someone perhaps a TikTok rival like Meta, perhaps a member of Congress who signed the TikTok sell-or-ban bill last year to raise serious objections to the fact that the Trump administration appears to be ignoring a law. Perhaps someone might have even challenged the White House in court. But in the world we live in today, it looks like TikTok will be in the US for some time to come. No matter who owns it. Read the original article on Business Insider TALLAHASSEE, Florida Byron Donalds wants to be Floridas next governor, but the Republican representative isnt getting in the middle of a GOP argument roiling the state Capitol. Donalds who once served in the state House touched down in Tallahassee on Thursday and spent time visiting with Republican legislators, receiving a warm reception when he appeared on the House floor. His visit which happened due to an abrupt change of schedule this week in the U.S. House comes amid a struggle between Gov. Ron DeSantis and state House GOP leaders, along with a looming legislative stalemate over taxes and spending. State House Speaker Daniel Perez is championing a plan to slash the state sales tax by $5 billion, but DeSantis has criticized the idea and instead says legislators should return $5 billion to homeowners and work on permanent cuts to property taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donalds right now is also the front-runner to become Floridas next governor, especially after President Donald Trump endorsed him earlier this year and no other significant Republicans have jumped into the race. First lady Casey DeSantis is considering her own run, but she appears unlikely to make a final decision until after Florida's legislative session ends in early May. Donalds said the No. 1 thing is to make sure that Floridians are getting relief." But he then added, I dont really want to get in the way of their negotiations because to be blunt, theres one governor at a time. Theyre going to take care of this and we move on from there. Donalds has previously said he supported trying to scale back or eliminate property taxes which has become a top focus of DeSantis' final two years in office. The back-and-forth over taxes threatens to derail Florida's legislative session; the state House and Senate so far are working on proposed budgets that are $4.4 billion apart. State Senate President Ben Albritton has urged legislators to move slowly instead of moving forward with a large tax cut proposal this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albritton on Thursday tried to downplay the ongoing disagreement, saying the plane always get landed. In recent days, DeSantis has repeatedly slammed state House Republicans, including during a Monday night Republican Party of Florida event at the governors mansion. The governor has accused House legislators of working in tandem with Democrats to oppose him. House Speaker Daniel Perez on Thursday called some of the governor's recent criticisms "mind boggling" and said DeSantis has been "emotional," although he also contended their relationship has been "cordial" in the past. Donalds noted there had been disagreements between legislators and the governor when he was in the state House, citing a rift between with then-Gov. Rick Scott over economic development programs. I think the difference now its out in the media and social media, which is probably a new wrinkle, Donalds said. I think the most unfortunate thing is now its spilling out. They are going to finish their business here. Im quite sure the governor and the House and the Senate are going to come to a resolution on lot of these issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donalds had his official kickoff rally for governor last week and has begun to round up endorsements from some members of Floridas congressional delegation, as well as legislators. When asked about his visit Thursday, Donalds said it had been a long time since Ive been on the House floor and he wanted to talk to colleagues. Donalds' visit also occurred two days after a pair of Florida special congressional elections, in which two Republicans Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis were elected by smaller margins than the GOP has seen in the past. He downplayed the significance of the elections and said Democrats were "motivated because they got beaten down in November." Donalds added that Democrats still have lower favorability marks than Republicans. He said it's a "long way" until the 2026 midterms and Trump isn't done with his agenda yet. "You have a recipe for stable and strong wealth prospects in our country going forward, that'll play well before the elections," Donalds said. The majority of students involved in a bus crash on Interstate 10 near Tucson were released from the hospital and able to go home, the Kingman Unified School District said. Two students and two staff members remained hospitalized and will stay in Tucson for treatment, according to the school district. A Kingman Unified School District bus was heading east on I-10 in Marana when an SUV driver merged into the bus, causing the bus to hit a median barrier and roll onto its side. The crash left four people seriously injured, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our thoughts remain with them and their families during this time," the school district said in an update on its website. The driver of the Volvo SUV was identified as 31-year-old Nicolas Rodriguez. He was taken into custody and accused of three counts of aggravated assault and serious physical injury, Class 3 felonies, according to the Pima County Attorney's Office. His bond was set at $100,000. Authorities closed the eastbound lanes of the interstate in response to the crash. The lanes reopened around 6 a.m. April 2, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Students from Kingman High School and Lee Williams High School were heading to Tucson for a Future Business Leaders of America conference when the crash occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Tucson and Marana hospitals, first aid responders, and their community for their exceptional support and assistance provided to our students and staff. Your help truly means the world to us!" the district wrote in a Facebook post. The Kingman Unified School District asked for gift cards, blankets, water and snacks to create get-well baskets for those involved in the crash. "Your donation not only helps with recovery but also serves as a reminder of the incredible strength and compassion in our community," the district said in the Facebook post. Donations will be accepted until 3 p.m. on April 3 at the Kingman Unified District Office. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: SUV driver faces felony charges after causing bus crash near Tucson Thousands of Haitians marched through the streets of the countrys volatile capital on Wednesday, defying tear gas and gangs as they vented their anger against the surge in gang violence and demanded the resignation of the countrys transitional authorities and the head of the Haiti National Police. During the massive protest, demonstrators brandished machetes and firearms. Others waved tree branches and red and black flags, once the symbol of the Duvalier dictatorship, but which has since become associated with other forces in Haiti. Protesters burned tires and blocked roads as they traveled down from Petion-Ville and up from Delmas to converge on the offices of Haitis Transitional Presidential Council and prime minister. Along the road, new graffiiti emerged in red: Aba Primature, Aba CPT Down with the prime ministers office and Down with the Transitional Presidential Council. Fed up with surging gang violence, thousands of Haitians took to the streets of Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 to protest against armed gangs and demand the resignation of Haitis transitional authorities. The demonstration was one of the biggest in recent years. Threatening to attack both the offices of the Council and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, the crowd at one point ripped up an aluminum billboard sign, threw it on the ground and beat it with hammers. As they got closer to the offices, however, they were met by riot police who fired tear gas and, according to journalists on the scene, live rounds. While some protesters fled, others began throwing rocks. A Haitian police spokesman did not respond to a request from the Miami Herald about the use of live ammunition to disperse protest crowds. Des images de la manifestation de ce mercredi contre la violence des gangs et pour demander aux autorites de passer de la parole aux actes contre les bandits .#RFMINFO pic.twitter.com/W27yV0NCGH Radio RFM 104.9 (@MARADIOFM) April 2, 2025 The protest was organized by a police officer who is assigned to the specialized unit inside the presidential palace, and heads a so-called citizens self-defense brigade for Canape-Vert, one of the latest Port-au-Prince neighborhoods to come under gang attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protest march, one of the largest since the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise plunged the country deeper into despair, is a warning to Haitis ruling authorities, which have been unable to bring relief amid the surge in gang attacks that led to the deaths of more than 5,600 people last year. Ahead of the demonstration, rumors circulated of pending gang attacks both in the capital and in Haitis Central Plateau region, which led police to be on the offensive and concerned residents to remain home. More protests are expected this week both in the capital and in Leogane, another city that has been hit by the violence. Wednesdays protest took place a day before the one-year anniversary of the political accord that was supposed to return stability to Haiti with the guidance of the ruling nine member presidential council. However, the power-sharing arrangement, which was created with the help of the Caribbean Community and the U.S. in Jamaica in March 2024, has not lived up to expectations. Haiti is unlikely to see a vote on a new constitutional referendum this year, or to have general elections, which were last held in 2016. The council has been engulfed in controversy amid accusations over corruption allegations involving three of its members and instead of relief from gangs, Haitians are seeing a tightening of their grip. As much as 90% of metropolitan Port-au-Prince is under the control of criminal groups, which in recent weeks have escalated their attacks. Fed up with surging gang violence, thousands of Haitians took to the streets of Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 to protest against armed gangs and demand the resignation of Haitis transitional authorities. The demonstration was one of the biggest in recent years. On Monday, the violence hit Haitis Central Plateau after gangs stormed the rural town of Mirebalais, 31 miles northeast of the capital and not far from the border with the Dominican Republic. After setting fire to part of the police substation and burning vehicles in the yard, gangs stormed the prison and freed more than 500 inmates. The incident also led to widespread looting and the burning of homes, schools and churches, the United Nations said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the mayhem, two Roman Catholic nuns were shot dead. The nuns, identified as Sister Evanette Onezaire and Sister Jeanne Voltaire, were working at the National School in Mirebalais and had taken refuge in a house along with a young girl. Armed gang members entered the house and shot the sisters to death. The young girl was shot in the chest. Her status remains unknown. The nuns killings were reported to the Vatican. A voice message on WhatsApp from a nun talking about the slaying said the incident happened around 7 p.m. and others in the house were also killed by gangs that came onto the property two hours before. Fed up with surging gang violence, thousands of Haitians took to the streets of Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 to protest against armed gangs and demand the resignation of Haitis transitional authorities. The demonstration was one of the biggest in recent years. On Tuesday, residents continued to flee the town amid more gang attacks and growing concerns that Mirebalais could fall to gangs. In a post on X, the nonprofit organization Zanmi Lasante, which runs the 350-bed University Hospital of Mirebalais, issued a plea. The brutal attacks on Mirebalais threaten one of Haitis most critical hospitals. If Mirebalais falls, Haitis health system faces collapse. Hundreds of thousands will be left without life-saving care. The world must act NOW, the organization said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the violence police have sent reinforcements to the town and replaced the head of the local police. They also confiscated an armored loader that the gangs had been using. The violence in Mirebalais and Saut dEau, which connects the Haitian capital with the center of the country, forced a total of 5,981 to flee their places of residence, the U.N. International Organization for Migrants said Wednesday The majority of displaced individuals (83%) found refuge within host communities, while 17% settled in 14 displacement sites newly established as a result of this incident, the U.N. said. The incident in Haitis center highlights how gang activity is expanding beyond the West region, where Port-au-Prince is located, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told journalists in New York on Wednesday. As protesters in Port-au-Prince divided themselves into different groups and prepared as early as 8 a.m. to march on government offices, Mirebalais continued to be under threat. Fed up with surging gang violence, thousands of Haitians took to the streets of Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 to protest against armed gangs and demand the resignation of Haitis transitional authorities. The demonstration was one of the biggest in recent years. Gunshots were reported in the city as the fight against gangs suffered another setback: a helicopter, leased from the government of Taiwan to help Haitian authorities transport police troops and members of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission to hot zones, was reported to be out of commission. The day, before armed gangs fired on the chopper, striking a police officer onboard in the arm. Countries around the globe have responded to President Trumps latest tariffs with either threats of retaliation or calls for negotiation. Trump on Wednesday imposed a 10 percent base tax on all goods coming into the U.S., with the exception of items from Mexico and Canada trading partners the administration has already targeted with 25 percent tariffs. In addition, the president signaled that some countries could see as high as 54 percent tariffs. In his announcement, Trump argued that other nations have long benefited more from trade deals than the U.S. and that it is time Washington experienced the same. He has also suggested the tariffs could bolster manufacturing domestically and bring back a variety of jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but its not going to happen anymore, Trump said Wednesday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with Fox Newss Bret Baier, said the nations affected by the tariffs should take time to assess the impact before responding. My advice to every country right now is: Do not retaliate. Sit back, take it in, lets see how it goes. Because if you retaliate, there will be escalation. If you dont retaliate, this is the high-water mark, he said. Here is how some have already responded in the wake of the presidents announcement: Japan Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks during a news conference with President Trump at the White House, Feb. 7, 2025, in Washington. (Evan Vucci, Associated Press) Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters at a press conference that Trumps 25 percent tariff on automobiles is extremely regrettable, noting the island nation has been the largest investor in the U.S. since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ishiba also questioned whether Trumps fresh tariffs are in line with the World Trade Organizations guidelines and the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, which went into effect in January 2020. He said he will speak directly with the president at a most appropriate time and method without hesitation. Asked how Japan will respond, the prime minister declined to disclose the details. The European Union European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives a press conference at the end of the first day of a EU summit in Brussels, March 21, 2024. (Kenzo Tribouillard, AFP via Getty Images) The European Union (EU) is ready to respond to Trumps 20 percent reciprocal tariff if negotiations with Washington go nowhere, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. We are prepared to respond, von der Leyen said during a Thursday livestream. We are now preparing for further countermeasures, to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU commission chief reiterated that it is not too late to address concerns through negotiations. Lets move from confrontation to negotiation. India India Prime Minister Narendra Modi listens during a news conference with President Trump in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington. The Trump administration on Wednesday hit India with a 26 percent tariff. In response, Indias commerce ministry said Thursday that it was analyzing Trumps new measures and communicating with exporters. Keeping in view the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Department is engaged with all stakeholders, including Indian industry and exporters, taking feedback of their assessment of the tariffs and assessing the situation, Indias Trade Ministry said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department is also studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in the US trade policy, it added. The Indian government noted it is looking to hammer out a bilateral, multisectoral trade deal that would strengthen supply chain integration and bolster trade between the two countries. The ongoing talks are focused on enabling both nations to grow trade, investments and technology transfers, the ministry said. We remain in touch with the Trump Administration on these issues and expect to take them forward in the coming days. China U.S. and Chinese flags are set up before a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. (Mark Schiefelbein, Associated Press pool, file) China, which appears to have been punished the worst with an additional 34 percent tariff tacked onto an existing 20 percent tariff, condemned the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trade and tariff wars have no winners. Protectionism leads nowhere, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said Wednesday in a press conference. We urge the U.S. to stop doing the wrong thing and resolve trade differences with China and other countries through consultation with equality, respect and mutual benefit, he added. Guo, like the Japanese prime minister, argued the tariffs likely violate World Trade Organization rules and harm the common interests of people of all countries, and do not help solve the problems of the U.S. itself. It is clear to everyone that more and more countries are opposing the U.S.s unilateral bullying actions, such as imposing tariffs, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response comes after China responded to Trumps initial tariff announcement earlier this year with its own reciprocal taxes and vowed to continue fighting back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) Three people are facing charges after authorities shut down alleged fentanyl trafficking in Hopkins County. The Hopkins County Sheriffs Office says detectives along with Kentucky State Police have been investigating the alleged operation. Officials say multiple controlled purchases were made from three individuals: Steve Binnix, Jakkur Stum and Jarell Liddell. All the buys reportedly tested positive for fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, detectives allegedly conducted three separate search warrants: two in the city of Madisonville and one in Hanson. All three suspects were booked into the Hopkins County Jail. Officials state suspected fentanyl powder, a handgun, cash, drug paraphernalia and marijuana were seized. Steven Binnix (Courtesy: Hopkins County Jail) Jakkur Stum (Courtesy: Hopkins County Jail) Jarell Liddell (Courtesy: Hopkins County Jail) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). TOWN OF FINE, N.Y. (WWTI) Three St. Lawrence County residents are facing criminal possession of stolen property charges after a Wednesday afternoon traffic stop. Around 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, state troopers responded to State Route 58 in the town of Fine to assist the St. Lawrence County Sheriffs Department on a traffic stop. Their investigation revealed that a 2019 Honda motor trailer had been reported stolen from the State Police barracks in Watertown. Part of State Route 37 in Pamelia closed due to downed pole Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A deputy patrolling State Route 58 observed the stolen trailer and initiated a traffic stop. Troopers arrived at the scene and interviewed the driver, 35-year-old Angela Soldo of Gouverneur, along with passengers, 47-year-old Justin Caiazzo and 48-year-old Erin Roberts. Both Caiazzo and Roberts are from Star Lake. The trio was arrested for criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. All three occupants were taken into custody and transported to state police headquarters in Gouverneur for processing. They were subsequently arraigned in the Town of Fowler Court and released on their own recognizance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) About 1 in 36 children have autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but many of them are not officially diagnosed until their teenage or adult years. That was the reality of Abbie Fikes, who is now using her voice and future career to bring awareness to those who are neurodivergent. While Fikes may seem like an average student at Abilene Christian University, her brain works differently from others. It does look very different. I am not the portrait of autism, as they say. Theres a certain look that people have associated with autism, Fikes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big Countrys 21st Annual Autism Extravaganza highlights growing awareness & support Fikes was first diagnosed as an early teen and a freshman in high school. Not having much knowledge of autism, she said she only viewed the diagnosis through exaggerated stereotypes. My parents sat me down in my room. They were just as shocked as I was, because they had always thought of me as Oh, Abbys just being Abby, and they thought of me as normal, I guess, in their eyes. But I do remember I was very confused, Fikes said. I had no idea what it was. I had never met an autistic person. I had no idea. I had to do a lot of my own research. After researching and finding others like herself, Fikes quickly realized how different autism can look in others. She says by navigating autism, shes learned that every person on the spectrum, though they may look different, has some similarities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all act differently, which is, I think, what makes it interesting and unique and sometimes confusing for the outside world because we dont all look the same. You cant put us all in a category because we dont all exhibit the traits the same way, Fikes shared. During her daily life at ACU, Fike will not be seen without her earplugs and sensory toys, which help her when she gets overstimulated. She learned how to prevent a shutdown in chaotic environments. I have to wear earplugs because I will become so overwhelmed, my brain will, Id like to say, lose its mind, Fikes said. Im also easily distracted, so whenever I have those moments, I have to remember to remove myself from the situation as soon as possible. Our disability population isnt slowing down: How the Abilene Zoo casts a wider net with sensory inclusion certification Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At ACU, students on the spectrum have immediate access to resources through the Alpha Scholars Program. Naoemi Gire, Executive Director of University Access Programs, helps bridge the gap that many students on the spectrum face. She said most of the challenges come outside of the classroom. Academically, students with autism perform well. They are well equipped academically when they get to campus. Its the acclimation to campus. Its the environment. Its the social components that are sometimes difficult for students, Gire explained. With testing centers, a sensory room, and on-campus support, Gire said they want students to find their voice through their diagnosis. The ultimate goal for us is to empower them to find who they are, what it looks like, and to accept who they are. We want them to be able to not only succeed academically, but also when they leave here. I want them to just be empowered to advocate, Gire said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fikes said she found her empowerment through meeting others like her and gaining self-love in her uniqueness. I met someone else in my senior year [of high school] as well. They really transformed the way I viewed autism because one of the girls basically seemed to view it very positively. It was like a part of who she was and not necessarily so much of a hindrance, Fikes said. Everyone has different beliefs about it. There are certainly some things that I cant do or dont want to do, but I think my view of autism has shifted, especially being in college. Hundreds march at Redbud for Abilenes 3rd Annual Walk for Autism: Theyre amazing Fikes aims to assist individuals like herself as a future speech-language pathologist and advocate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement April is National Autism Awareness Month. Big Country Spectrum will host its 4th Annual Spectrum Connection Autism Walk at Red Bud Park from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. As the end of spring break nears, officials brace for the return of Deltopia Santa Barbara County's massive unsanctioned street party, where thousands of college students flood Isla Vista for a raucous weekend of revelry that typically culminates in chaos and arrests. Deltopia's dangers are manifold and include steep coastal bluffs, drug overdoses, excessive drinking and outbreaks of violence, according to a warning issued by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. In 2023, a UC Santa Barbara junior died of a fentanyl overdose at Deltopia, and in 2013 a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student tumbled off a cliff to her death. Now, the Sheriff's Office is warning of a new risk at this weekend's upcoming festival: ticket scams targeting college students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local ordinances do not allow entry fees at any events within the Deltopia footprint, and the Sheriff's Office says it intends on shutting down any parties that violate this rule. But to make matters worse, the department also has identified several fraudulent online event listings, where scammers are advertising fake parties at the homes of unsuspecting residents. The Sheriff's Office says it is working to track down those responsible for the phony events and will be monitoring the advertised locations throughout the weekend. In another effort to deter bad behavior, the department will be suspending, throughout the course of the festivities, a diversion program that allows for certain citations to be dismissed by attending a class and completing community service. This means all citations issued this weekend will be addressed through the court process, and violations that are sustained will go on students' permanent records. Last year, law enforcement agencies issued 256 citations and made 32 arrests during Deltopia. It was an uptick from the 151 citations issued in 2023, when 23 people were arrested, and and an even bigger jump from 2022, when 34 were cited and four arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Santa Barbara County tried to shut down Deltopia parties. Crowds and arrests at Isla Vista spiked anyway In 2024, officials shut down 13 illegal parties on rooftops and bluffs due to noise ordinance violations and because tickets were being charged, according to reporting from the Santa Barbara Independent. There were also two reports of sexual assaults and one DUI arrest made after a driver hit the car in front of him while in line at a sobriety checkpoint, the paper reported. There were no fatal overdoses reported in 2024, which marked one year from the death of 21-year-old Jude Quirinale. Quirinale died after taking a fentanyl-laced pill at a Deltopia party, according to a GoFundMe post by his family. He was resuscitated by emergency services and taken to a hospital, where he was on life support for a couple of days before being taken off the respirator, according to the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the notorious weekend approaches, officials remind partygoers of California's Good Samaritan law, which exempts anyone who seeks help for someone overdosing from punishment for drug possession or being under the influence. "This law was created to encourage bystanders to assist in emergencies and is one of the communitys most powerful tools during Deltopia weekend," the Sheriff's Office said in a statement. As an additional safety precaution, the beaches in Isla Vista will be closed from 8 a.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Monday, the county of Santa Barbara announced. The county said the closure is intended to prevent a reoccurrence of the "destructive and dangerous conditions" that resulted from the 2009 Floatopia fiasco, where more than 12,000 partygoers swarmed the beach and left behind massive piles of trash. 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. We recently published a list of 10 Best Metal Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. In this article, we will look at where Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) stands against other best metal stocks to buy. When investing in the best metal stocks, the stakes are high, and the potential rewards are even higher. Metals power the modern economy, from the foundations of skyscrapers to the circuits in your smartphone. For savvy investors, these commodities offer a strategic opportunity to capitalize on global demand, fluctuating prices, and billionaire-backed bets that shape the future of the industry. As of March 2025, the U.S. stock market has been riding a wave of volatility, with the broader market reaching a record high of 6,152.87 in February, marking a 3.49% increase year-to-date. However, the index suffered a decline in March. Meanwhile, copper prices have skyrocketed to an unprecedented $5.24 per pound, largely driven by looming 25% tariffs on imports and Chinas aggressive economic stimulus measures. Investors have been quick to respond, driving up the stock prices of major mining giants. The precious metals sector has been equally dynamic. Gold futures are climbing 14%, and analysts are projecting further earnings growth of 17% in 2025 and 16% in 2026. One of the strongest signals in the metals market comes from billionaire investors. Heavyweights like Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, have a strong presence in the metals sector, with a strategic focus on silver and gold mining companies rather than direct gold ownership. Beyond U.S. borders, Buffetts investment strategy has extended into Japans massive trading conglomerates. These firms operate across multiple industries, with significant stakes in natural resources and metals, highlighting the global nature of the metals market. The rise of rare metals has also drawn significant interest, with billionaires like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos funneling $537 million into Africas rare metals sector, as reported by Business Insider. As the world shifts toward renewable energy and advanced technology, the demand for critical minerals is soaring, promising new wealth for those who control these resources. With 40% of investors planning to increase their exposure to gold and other precious metals in the next 12 months, as highlighted by the UBS Billionaire Ambitions Report 2024, the metals and mining sector remains a dynamic and lucrative space. While tech and banking CEOs dominate the headlines, eight of the worlds 100 richest individuals on the Forbes Billionaires List have built their fortunes in metals and mining. Understanding the factors driving these investments is key to making informed decisions. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration's decision on an American buyer for the short-video social media site TikTok will come before a weekend deadline, Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday. Bidders for TikTok are piling up as Saturday's deadline approaches for TikTok to secure non-Chinese ownership under threat of being banned from the United States. "It'll come out before the deadline," Vance said in an interview with Fox News. "I think that we're in a good place. We're going to keep on working at it. "We've got a couple days to continue working on it, to finalize some things and, of course, we're going to let the president announce whatever we ultimately decide," he told "Fox & Friends." U.S. officials have raised security concerns over the app's ties to China, which TikTok and owner ByteDance have denied. Trump administration officials met on Wednesday to discuss the various options for TikTok. Amazon and, separately, a consortium led by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely are the latest to throw their hats into the ring for TikTok. Any announcement on a deal will come from Trump himself, Vance and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. "The president hopes to get a deal done. He has said he reserves the right for an extension if necessary, Leavitt said in an interview with NewsNation. (Reporting by Susan Heavey, Andrea Shalal, Doina Chiacu; Editing by Alison Williams and Nick Zieminski) From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Thursday! President Donald Trump announced his long-awaited tariffs plan on Wednesday, targeting the obvious heavy economic hitters like China. But they also include remote territories such as the sub-Antarctic Heard Island and McDonald Islands. Because running trade deficits with a bunch of elephant seals and king penguins is apparently the worst. Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled sweeping tariffs on countries and territories worldwide, including several top U.S. trading partners. We will supercharge our domestic industrial base, we will pry open foreign markets and break down foreign trade barriers, Trump said in a speech announcing the tariffs, which are poised to hit both U.S. allies and competitors. The plan began at a 10 percent baseline duty for all imports but also outlined higher reciprocal tariffs on a case-by-case basis, including a 20 percent tax on all imports from the European Union and a 34 percent levy on all Chinese goods. The latter, together with two earlier rounds of 10 percent duties, means Beijing could now face a combined tariff rate of 54 percent. Several countries have already vowed to respond to the measures. Meanwhile, tariffs on foreign cars and car parts took effect at 12:01 a.m. ET today. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans on Wednesday to capture extensive territory in the Gaza Strip. The ground incursions, aimed at opening a new security corridor in the Strip, come amid Israels continued airstrikes targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure. We are now dividing the Strip and increasing the pressure step by step, so that they will release our hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said of the maneuver, which would effectively cut off the southernmost city of Rafah from the rest of the enclave. There are still 59 hostages in terrorist captivity in Gaza, 24 of whom Israel believes to be alive. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday began the conscription of 160,000 men age 18-30 into military service, the state-run news agency Tass reported. The spring draft, Russias largest call-up since 2011, is expected to replenish Moscows manpower amid mounting battlefield losses. On Saturday, the Associated Press reported that Ukrainian officials believe Russia may be preparing for large-scale offensives along multiple fronts in the coming months. The anticipated military campaign is reportedly intended to boost the Kremlins negotiating position in ceasefire talks. U.S. District Judge Dale Ho on Wednesday dropped corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The move followed the Trump Justice Departments recommendation that the case be dismissed, but instead of dropping the charges without prejudice per the administrations request, Ho dismissed them with prejudice, meaning federal prosecutors cannot re-open the case at a later date. Writing in a 78-page opinion, the judge also criticized the DOJs motivations for choosing not to prosecute Adams: Everything here smacks of a bargain: Dismissal of the indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions. President Trump announced plans on Wednesday to nominate Stanley Woodward as associate attorney general, the No. 3 post at the Justice Department. The defense attorney has represented several top Trump aides and allies in recent years, including FBI Director Kash Patel, GOP Rep. Scott Perry, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, and Walt Nautathe presidents co-defendant in a criminal case brought by former special counsel Jack Smith over Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents. If confirmed by the Senate, Woodward will oversee the DOJs civil rights, antitrust, and tax work. The Senate voted 52-45 on Tuesday to confirm Matthew Whitaker, the acting attorney general during President Trumps first term, as the U.S. ambassador to NATO. During his confirmation hearing, Whitaker told lawmakers that Trumps commitment to the military alliance was ironclad. Hes now expected to lead the administrations efforts to push other NATO members to boost their defense spending. A TikTok Ban Looms A young man holding a smartphone casts a shadow as he walks past an advertisement for social media company TikTok on September 21, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) We at TMD know better than to say that TikToks time might be upor at least we do now. But with only three days before a ban may actually take effect, wed be lying if we werent curious how everyones TikTok dances would look on our LinkedIn feeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the popular streaming apps China-based parent company, ByteDance, wants to keep its 170 million American users off of its competitors apps, it has until Saturday to sell TikToks U.S. operations or face a ban. There have been rumors of interested buyers, but so far, nothing official has materialized. As the Trump administrations deadline looms, it remains to be seen whether ByteDance will pull out a last-minute deal or be forced to exit the U.S. market. Regulation of TikTok had been discussed for years when in April 2024, Congress finally passed a bill giving ByteDance until January 19 of this year to find a buyer. ByteDance challenged the constitutionality of the law, but the Supreme Court upheld the ban two days before it was set to take effect. Then upon taking office earlier this year, President Donald Trump extended the app a lifeline, directing the attorney general not to enforce the law for 75 days to give ByteDance an opportunity to find a U.S. buyer. However, the national security concerns that led to the law in the first place remain. Chinese tech companies have basically been forced by the government to provide access [to] the data thats in their systems, and most of them have complied, Rita McGrath, the academic director in executive education at Columbia Business School, told TMD. Theres lots of sensitive information on TikTok about Americans going back years, she added. The Chinese government could use the information against Americans, including as blackmail. China could also use TikTok to manipulate what content its U.S. users see. With a flick of a switch, they could change whats coming into peoples feeds, they could send out misinformation, they could present stories that are confusing, McGrath said. And this may be already happening, as we wrote in January: A study by the Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University found that topics like the Hong Kong protests, Tibets territorial dispute with China, and the plight of the Uyghurs are noticeably under-represented on TikTok when compared to its direct competitor, Instagram Reels. The research institutes founder concluded that it was not believable that the phenomenon had happened organically. Such capabilities may be merely pernicious now, but they would be disastrous in the event of a future geopolitical confrontation involving the U.S. and China. You can imagine, China and the U.S. get into a war over Taiwan. Suddenly, TikTok is flooded with pro-China, anti-Taiwan propaganda, Alan Rozenshtein, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and a former Justice Department lawyer who worked on cybersecurity and foreign intelligence issues, told TMD. If thats organic, if thats what the users thinkthats fine, thats First Amendment-protected. But whats not protected is the Chinese government getting to manipulate that algorithm for its own geopolitical ends. In the final months of his first term, Trump tried to ban TikTok via an executive order but had a change of heart following the announcement of a deal between Walmart, Oracle, and ByteDance that fell apart soon after he left office. Recently, however, Trump has taken a much friendlier approach to the social media appperhaps in no small part because of its role in boosting his own popularity. For all of those that want to save TikTok in America, vote for Trump, he said in a September 2024 campaign video. Im now a big star on TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill passed by Congress last year attempts to put TikTok in American hands by forcing ByteDance into a qualified divestiture. Well soon know whether ByteDance really will sell its interests, but prospective buyers abound. Oracle is reportedly in talks to acquire the app, as are the private equity firm Blackstone and the venture capital group Andreessen Horowitz. Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Kevin OLeary of Shark Tank fame put in a bid in January, as did AI company Perplexity and a group of investors including YouTube sensation MrBeast. Just yesterday, Amazon reportedly made a last-minute offer of its own. ByteDance, meanwhile, continues to drag its feet on calls for it to part ways with the popular apps U.S. operationslikely at the behest of Beijing. There have been negotiations on a potential buyer, but there has been very little information that has come out, Darrell M. West, senior fellow in the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution, told TMD. We dont know what ByteDance will approve or what the Chinese government will approve. Last month, Trump tapped Vice President J.D. Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to oversee efforts to broker the apps sale to a U.S. buyer. The pairalong with Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbardmet on Wednesday to consider potential investors. Although the contours of the prospective deal remain unclear, Vance projected optimism following the meeting: There will almost certainly be a high-level agreement that I think satisfies our national security concerns, allows there to be a distinct American TikTok enterprise. But some analysts worry it could involve concessions to Beijing. China is a very transactional place. If they have to give up something really valuable, like ownership of a major company, theyre not going to do that for nothing, West said. They will ask for things in return, and the question is, what is Trump willing to give up? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has already floated ways to sweeten a TikTok deal for China. Maybe Ill give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done, he said to reporters last week. Theres also the question of whats actually for sale. While the TikTok branding and user base are certainly sought after, the apps content recommendation algorithm is arguably what made it a knockout success. Its a valuable property. I think the question is, is it as valuable without the algorithm? Because ByteDance has already very clearly said that its not giving that up, McGrath said. An American company could still acquire the user base without the algorithm, but the absence of one of TikToks main draws might make a deal less appealing to American buyers. One of the deals the Trump administration is reportedly considering keeps the algorithm intact by leasing it to a U.S. entity created by Oracle. But this solution could raise issues about how divested ByteDance truly is if TikToks algorithm is still largely its own code. TikTok itself proposed a similar deal to the Biden administration that, among other concessions, allowed Oracle to audit the apps algorithm. The Biden administration rejected the offer as insufficient to address national security concerns. If ByteDance and a U.S. company are not able to reach a deal, the app will likely be removed from app stores. But the president could always opt to extend the deadline againas he emphasized this week. But people should be concerned about this because Congress passed a very clear piece of legislation, and a president cant just nullify a law and say, Its not going into effect because I said so, West said. That sets a terrible precedent for other legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assuming Trump lets the ban take effect, U.S. firms could face a reaction from Beijing. China sometimes retaliates against American companies that are operating in China, West said. There are many U.S. companies theremany iPhones are made in Chinaso thered be a whole host of opportunities if China wanted to be tough. But amid the uncertainty, Trump remains optimistic that a deal will come through. We have a lot of enthusiasm for TikTok, for buying it. I think TikTok is good, he said. I was a great TikTok guy. Todays Must-Read Liberal Party leader Mark Carney waves to supporters outside a pub as he leaves a campaign stop in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada, on March 31, 2025. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) Kevin D. Williamson In Canada, the Conservatives are a party of market-oriented economic reformers and the Liberals are a party of big-government corporatists and nationalistshence the leftward stampede of Canadian voters in response to Donald Trumps insults, threats, and abuse. But that nationalist sentiment is not uniformly distributed throughout the Canadian population. Toeing the Company Line Elon Musk arrives for a town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin, wearing a cheesehead hat on March 30, 2025. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Politics April 2, 2025 Nick Catoggio Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will Tuesdays election results make Trump and Musk change course? President Donald Trump reacts as a United Auto Worker member speaks during a Liberation Day trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Policy April 2, 2025 Jonah Goldberg Nationalism cosplaying as patriotism isnt fooling anybody. In this aerial view, a Volkswagen automobile assembly plant is seen on March 20, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.(Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images) Economics April 2, 2025 Scott Lincicome Companies tend to overpromise and underdeliver, while higher costs and uncertainty could trigger a retreat. A gold statue of Lady Justice sits atop the Central Criminal Court on March 11, 2025, in London. (Photo by Andrew Aitchison/In pictures/Getty Images) Fact Check April 2, 2025 Peter Gattuso Assessing claims about recently proposed sentencing guidelines in England and Wales. (Photograph from Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Policy April 3, 2025 Shoshana Weissmann We need more electricians, but occupational licensing raises barriers. Illustration by Noah Hickey/The Dispatch (Mike Waltz photo by Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Concordia Summit. Pete Hegseth photo by Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images) World Events April 3, 2025 Dan Ingram What are the approved methods and means of communicating securely? REMNANT SITE THUMB (2) Podcast April 3, 2025 Jonah Goldberg Jefferson versus Hamilton forever. Advisory Opinions site HQ Podcast April 3, 2025 Sarah Isgur and David French Will SCOTUS side with religious institutions? Worth Your Time This week, Sen. Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, spoke from the Senate floor for more than 25 consecutive hours. For the New York Times, Dani Blum dug into the logistical challenges behind the longest speech in the upper chambers modern history. My body is definitely going through it right now, Mr. Booker said in an interview Wednesday evening. But my spirit is so high. The senator, who started speaking Monday evening to condemn the Trump administration and continued to talk until Tuesday night, said that before he started talking, he had not drunk water since Sunday night, so that he would not have to stop and use the bathroom. He also said that he fasted for days leading up to the speech, she wrote. Being able to deliver such a lengthy speech, without any sort of break, is an amazing physical feat, absolutely, said Dr. Santina Wheat, a family medicine doctor at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Illinois. It also goes against all the advice she gives her patients about staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest and, yes, using the bathroom when they need it. Mr. Booker, for his part, did not appear to tire. He occasionally rested on the lectern as he spoke. But even in the final minutes of his speech, he spoke loudly and clearly, gesturing with his hands to emphasize his points. Presented Without Comment Axios: Trumps Tariffs List Is Missing One Big Country: Russia President Trump unveiled tariffs of at least 10% Wednesday on virtually the entire world, with one notable exception: Russia. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios Wednesday that Russia was left off because U.S. sanctions already preclude any meaningful trade. However, the U.S. still trades more with Russia than with countries like Mauritius or Brunei that did make Trumps tariffs list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Zeitgeist In honor of the cast announcement for four Beatles biopicsone for each band memberset to hit theaters in April 2028, the legendary bands 1969 rooftop performance is worth a watch. Let Us Know What do you make of Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs? Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Thursday urged NATO allies to up the pressure on Russia, as Kiev's Western partners are looking to respond to the increasing threat posed by Moscow. "Russia remains an existential threat to Europe," Sybiha said ahead of consultations at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. While Ukraine had agreed to a US proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin "talks about demands and conditions," he said, speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia must get serious about peace," he added. "For this, it is time to increase pressure on Moscow." Russia said it has agreed to a US-brokered limited ceasefire to halt mutual attacks on energy facilities, but both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement. So far, Moscow has opposed an unconditional ceasefire. On Monday, Putin called up 160,000 young men for military service. In light of Russia's military build-up, Sybiha said the question wasn't whether it was planning to also attack the rest of Europe: "The question is only, will we be prepared or not?" "This is a historic and defining moment for the future of Ukraine and Europe," he said. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com. Your May travel plans could be in jeopardy if you dont have the proper ID to get on a plane. The REAL ID Act takes effect in about a month. Are you ready? May 7 is the deadline for having identification thats recognized by the federal government. Without it, you wont be able to get on a plane or visit many federal buildings, like courthouses or military bases. A Washington drivers license is not acceptable because our state doesnt require proof of citizenship or other information; however, the states enhanced drivers license is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had to wait about two weeks to get an appointment to get mine, and that was in January. Appointments now are running about two months out at many popular locations, which might leave you out of luck. It depends on the office location, the Department of Licensings Thomas Charlson said. Wed suggest looking at our appointments to see if there are any available in the area. I know at least with the Seattle area, appointments may be hard to come by. The best way to get a real ID You can still walk-in to any location and wait, but that will likely take a while. If youre not seeing an appointment and you waited to the last minute, you can also still walk into one of our offices, Charlson said. Id suggest there, to also plan ahead. We do have estimated wait times on our website that give you an idea of how long its going to be to get into the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best option could be standing outside the office as soon as it opens. Getting your name on that walk-in list early will likely save you several hours. Not many Washingtonians have an enhanced license Only 26% of Washington drivers have an enhanced license, but Charlson said that number has been going up. In January, more than 36,000 people were trying to upgrade, and then in February, it was more than 32,000 people trying to upgrade to an enhanced drivers license, he said. So we are, we are seeing an increase. This being said, if you have some other form of acceptable federal ID, theres no need to rush out and get an enhanced license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont have to get an enhanced drivers license if you dont want one, Charlson said. You could still get a US passport, US military ID, tribal ID, Permanent Resident Card, and all of those options work. The Real ID Act was supposed to take effect years ago. It has been delayed and postponed for a decade as states and consumers have been slow to adopt it. The act was passed in 2005 as a way to make flying safer in the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com Your May travel plans could be in jeopardy if you dont have the proper ID to get on a plane. The REAL ID Act takes effect in about a month. Are you ready? May 7 is the deadline for having identification thats recognized by the federal government. Without it, you wont be able to get on a plane or visit many federal buildings, like courthouses or military bases. A Washington drivers license is not acceptable because our state doesnt require proof of citizenship or other information; however, the states enhanced drivers license is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had to wait about two weeks to get an appointment to get mine, and that was in January. Appointments now are running about two months out at many popular locations, which might leave you out of luck. It depends on the office location, the Department of Licensings Thomas Charlson said. Wed suggest looking at our appointments to see if there are any available in the area. I know at least with the Seattle area, appointments may be hard to come by. The best way to get a real ID You can still walk-in to any location and wait, but that will likely take a while. If youre not seeing an appointment and you waited to the last minute, you can also still walk into one of our offices, Charlson said. Id suggest there, to also plan ahead. We do have estimated wait times on our website that give you an idea of how long its going to be to get into the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best option could be standing outside the office as soon as it opens. Getting your name on that walk-in list early will likely save you several hours. Not many Washingtonians have an enhanced license Only 26% of Washington drivers have an enhanced license, but Charlson said that number has been going up. In January, more than 36,000 people were trying to upgrade, and then in February, it was more than 32,000 people trying to upgrade to an enhanced drivers license, he said. So we are, we are seeing an increase. This being said, if you have some other form of acceptable federal ID, theres no need to rush out and get an enhanced license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont have to get an enhanced drivers license if you dont want one, Charlson said. You could still get a US passport, US military ID, tribal ID, Permanent Resident Card, and all of those options work. The Real ID Act was supposed to take effect years ago. It has been delayed and postponed for a decade as states and consumers have been slow to adopt it. The act was passed in 2005 as a way to make flying safer in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Will TSA actually turn you away on May 7? I had a few KIRO Newsradio listeners ask me if the TSA would really be turning people away if they didnt have an acceptable form of ID. You can imagine what the airport might look like on May 7 with thousands of flyers being turned away. I asked the Seattle TSA what to expect when the Real ID Act takes effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what the TSA sent me in an email: Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continue to remind the public that starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued drivers license, state-issued identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a commercial aircraft. nce enforcement begins, travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued credential or another acceptable form of ID can expect delays when they arrive at the TSA security checkpoint. The length of the delay will be determined by the number of other travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant credential, or another form of identification accepted by TSA for identity verification. TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry or SENTRI card; active duty and retired military ID including IDs issued to dependents; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards. REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A downtown Tipp City event has been rescheduled because of forecasted heavy weather. The Downtown Tipp City Partnership (DTCP) Eggsplore Downtown event will be moved from Saturday, April 5, to Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This choice was made out of caution for possible flash flood warnings. DTCP said this will help ensure a more enjoyable experience for families and participants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local university to host Lent art gallery Eggsplore is a free family event in which people can visit the historic downtown Tipp City, visit local small businesses and collect Easter eggs filled with prizes. Stores with an egg in their window will give out treats to kids. Free photos with the Easter Bunny can be taken at Tipp City Public Library, please bring your own phone or camera. There is a raffle for the Family Easter Basket at Topsy Turvy Toys. It was donated to DTCP Topsy Turvy Toys, Rad Candy Company and Living Simply Soap. Tipp City High School students helped with filling the eggs. DTCP thanked these students and other community supports for making the event possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Get ready for another active Atlantic hurricane season, with as many as 17 storms expected, experts from Colorado State University said in their initial forecast released Thursday morning. Of those 17 storms, researchers forecast that nine will become hurricanes. A typical year averages about 14 tropical storms, with seven of them spinning into hurricanes, based on weather records that date from 1991 to 2020. Last year, 18 storms formed, including devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expected busy season is due to the presence of unusually warm water in the Atlantic Ocean where hurricanes form, along with the predicted absence of an El Nino, which can inhibit hurricane formation. Long considered among the most respected of hurricane forecasts, the Colorado State research team led by pioneering meteorologist William Gray was the first organization to issue seasonal hurricane forecasts back in 1984; this is the team's 42nd forecast. Gray died in 2016. Colorado State University's outlook is one of several major forecasts for the hurricane season that will publish this spring. AccuWeather's forecast, which came out last week, calls for 13-18 named storms, of which 7-10 will be hurricanes. Federal forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will release their forecast in late May. More news about our planet: Sign up for USA TODAY's Climate Point newsletter. Forecasters ponder sea-surface temperature patterns "Two of the big factors that went into this forecast are the state of Atlantic and Pacific sea-surface temperatures," Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach told USA TODAY this week. Both have a major impact on the intensity and severity of the hurricane season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that overall, while the Atlantic Ocean is "thankfully not as warm as it was last year at this time," most of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic is still warmer than normal. He added that the current sea-surface temperature pattern is "pretty similar to what we see in Aprils prior to active seasons." A warm Atlantic favors an above-average season, since a hurricanes fuel source is warm ocean water. Additionally, a warm Atlantic also leads to lower atmospheric pressure and a more unstable atmosphere. Both conditions favor hurricane formation. La Nina on the way out "And in the Pacific, we have a La Nina that is likely on its last legs," Klotzbach told USA TODAY. La Nina, a natural cooling of ocean water in part of the Pacific, tends to boost Atlantic hurricane activity, while its opposite El Nino tends to suppress Atlantic storms. Once La Nina fades, "the odds of El Nino appear low for this summer/fall. For example, NOAA's latest forecast only has a 13% chance of El Nino for August-October." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus, with neither La Nina or El Nino in charge, El Nino-Southern Oscillation neutral conditions appear to be most likely during the heart of the Atlantic hurricane season. This means that ocean water isn't particularly cool or warm. "A warmer-than-normal tropical Atlantic and likely ENSO-neutral conditions typically leads to an above-normal hurricane season," Klotzbach said. A satellite image shows Hurricane Ernesto in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on Aug. 15, 2024. Will a major hurricane make landfall in the US in 2025? Colorado State researchers said there's a 51% chance of a major hurricane making landfall somewhere along the U.S. coastline. The average, based on records from 1880 to 2020, is 43%. A major hurricane has wind speeds of at least 111 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chances for a landfall are greater along the Gulf Coast (33%) than they are along the East Coast (26%). When does Atlantic hurricane season 2025 begin? Hurricane season officially begins June 1, but storms have formed in May in several recent years. The six-month season lasts until Nov. 30. What happened in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season? With more than 400 fatalities, 2024 was the nation's deadliest hurricane season since 2005, said National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan. It was also the third-costliest on record, after 2017 and 2005. With a U.S. death toll of at least 241, Hurricane Helene was the continental United States deadliest single storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when about 1,400 people died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other deadly storms in 2024 included Hurricanes Beryl and Milton, each of which killed over 40 people in the United States. In all, 18 named tropical storms and hurricanes formed in 2024, which is above the long-term average of 14. Of those 18 storms, 11 of them strengthened into hurricanes. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brace for active Atlantic hurricane season in 2025, CSU forecast says WASHINGTON (AP) The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee criticized Pentagon mid-level leadership for what he said Thursday was a misguided plan to reduce the number of U.S. troops based in Europe. The Defense Department, however, has not made public any proposal to cut force levels there. There are some who believe now is the time to reduce drastically our military footprint in Europe, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said at a hearing with U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command military leadership. Im troubled at those deeply misguided and dangerous views held by some mid-level bureaucrats within the Defense Department. His criticism and sharp questions about any potential reduction in U.S. support to NATO and Ukraine were a running theme throughout the hearing by both Republicans and Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon hasn't made any such plans public, but President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have both made it clear they want NATO to do more to defend its own region and that the U.S. is turning to focus more on China and America's own southern border. The U.S. also has dropped its leadership role in the broad effort to coordinate military support for Ukraine and given the helm to the British. Both steps have worried allies, who fear the U.S. is stepping away from its long-held commitment to Europe and NATO. It was not immediately clear what mid-level bureaucrats Wicker was talking about. But he warned that theyve been working to pursue a U.S. retreat from Europe and theyve often been doing so without coordinating with the secretary of defense. The number of U.S. troops in Europe increased by about 20,000 under Democratic President Joe Biden in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They helped with training, logistics of weapons shipments and, in general, reassured allies on NATO's eastern flank that the United States would defend them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been roughly 100,000 troops there since, including the Navys 6th Fleet, as well as nuclear warheads. U.S. firepower ensures that NATOs ability to deter Russia is credible. NATO allies have expressed concern about any reduction of American troops or support in the region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Brussels this week seeking to reassure NATO allies about the American commitment to the alliance under Trump. That military reassurance had been almost immediately put into question by Hegseth, who used his first visit to NATO and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in February to tell allies that the U.S. would be reassessing troop levels with an eye toward focusing more on China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth told allies he was there to directly and unambiguously express that stark strategic realities prevent the United States of America from being primarily focused on the security of Europe. Trump has tried to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, but so far that effort has faltered. Under questioning from senators, Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and the supreme allied commander Europe, said a potential plan by the Trump administration to relinquish the allied commander position to another nation could create problems for control over the U.S. nuclear weapons and the tens of thousands of American troops based and deployed across the continent. A U.S. general has long held the post of allied commander, a position that oversees all NATO military plans and decisions. And the U.S. is often the largest troop contributor to NATO operations. Similarly, the Pentagon has not made public any proposal to step back from the position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that would bring some challenges in terms of nuclear command and control. It would put us in a position where, in an Article Five situation, we could have for the first time since the First World War large numbers of American troops under non-U.S. command," Cavoli said, referring to NATO's Article Five collective defense pledge in which an attack against one allied nation is considered an attack against all. I think those are things that would have to be considered carefully, Cavoli said, calling any plan to give up the leadership role problematic. He also noted that NATO allies are investing in their militaries at a rate we havent seen since the end of the Cold War. A 40% increase in spending since February of 2022. He said the presence of U.S. troops in Europe has been essential to NATOs transformation and modernization efforts and is also critical to America's national defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Ukraine, Cavoli warned against any reduction in the U.S. provision of weapons or intelligence to Kyiv's war effort. It would obviously have a rapid and deleterious effect on their ability to fight, said Cavoli, adding that Ukraine depends on the U.S. for larger anti-aircraft and missile defense systems. If the Ukrainians were not able to receive intelligence from us, they would struggle to target, especially in-depth operational level targets such as command posts., logistics areas and things like that. More broadly, he said that Ukrainian forces are holding territory inside Russia in the Kursk region and that Moscow has lost about 4,000 tanks in the war which would be nearly the total of the U.S. inventory. TOPEKA (KSNT) Automakers nationally and in Topeka are seeing a rise in sales as Americans brace for new tariffs. Nationally, automakers sold more than 1.6 million vehicles in March. Toyota Motors North America says they sold 231,335 vehicles this March. A 7.7% increase from last March. Manhattan moves forward on major manufacturer deal In Topeka, Lewis Toyota says theyre noticing this trend. While theyre anticipating some increases, owner Brad Lewis says they have lots of manufacturers in the United States which helps them keep costs low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time of year, we call it selling season, Owner Brad Lewis said. Do the tariffs play a part in that? I really do think so. I think the inventory thats on our lots right now is more affordable than the inventory thats coming eventually and we definitely did see an influx in sales the last 10-15 days. On Wednesday, Democratic Governors Association chair Laura Kelly held a joint press conference with Connecticut governor Ned Lamont speaking out against the tariffs. They say cost of living is a major concern for people, and tariffs on these products could cost Americans hundreds more each month. President Trump says it will create more jobs and revenue for America. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Ron Buskirk / UCG / Universal Images Group / Getty Images KEY TAKEAWAYS Oil prices dropped Thursday amid worries about an escalating trade war from Trump's tariffs, as OPEC and its allies sped up plans to increase output and unwind supply cuts. Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate futures were recently down around 7%. OPEC+, a group led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, announced plans to add 411,000 barrels a day to the market next month, equivalent to three monthly increments. Oil prices dropped Thursday amid worries about an escalating trade war from Trump's tariffs, as OPEC and its allies sped up plans to increase output and unwind supply cuts. Brent crude futures were recently trading at $69.90 per barrel Thursday, while West Texas Intermediate futures were at about $66, both down around 7%. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+), a grouping led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, said in a statement Thursday that it would add 411,000 barrels a day to the market next month, equivalent to three monthly increments. This comprises the increment originally planned for May in addition to two monthly increments, the grouping said. In early March, the group affirmed plans to gradually increase crude production beginning in April, ending a voluntary program it started almost two years ago to prop oil prices. The group had a policy of voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day (B/D). Read the original article on Investopedia Topeka organization rallies for affordable housing TOPEKA (KSNT) A crowd of people gathered outside Topeka City Hall today, frustrated with the lack of affordable housing. Topeka JUMP is raising awareness about the issue. JUMP says 44% of renters in Shawnee County cannot afford their housing, and its time to speak up. The organization repeatedly pressed the city to use the money in its affordable housing fund, something the city still havent been able to do. But right now, the city council is looking at other housing options. Last night, city council took its final steps towards adding 250 apartments to downtown Topeka. The proposed Union Tower District has requested $7.6 million in reimbursements. The proposal was unanimously passed by the governing body to start the development of the union tower district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topeka Fire Department to host camp for young women The project would cost nearly $59 million. It is one, two and three-bedroom units. Its for mixed income, District 1 Councilwoman Karen Hiller said. So, youre going to have workforce housing. I love Topeka, and I want it to be the best place, Topeka JUMP member, Anton Ahrens said. And one way that it can be made better is for people to have safe, affordable housing. Hiller said in order to tap into the citys affordable housing fund it needs a consistent amount of money going back into it. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. This story will be updated as additional information about the storm is made available. The shriek of multiple sirens sent residents in the north Indianapolis metro area in search of shelter from a tornado late Wednesday. Update: Carmel mayor declares local state of emergency Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam declared a state of local emergency Thursday at 1 p.m. as the Hamilton County city reckons with ongoing storm damage and recovery operations. The Carmel City Council also voted in an emergency meeting to allocate up to $250,000 from the city's general fund to pay for damage and cleanup in addition to up to $50,000 to be directed to a parks fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The path of the tornado, measured at EF1 with 110-mph winds in Hamilton County, cut through the middle of the city. See more here. Read more in IndyStar's live weather blog here. Alysa Guffey Update: NWS confirms EF2 tornado touched down in Hendricks County The National Weather Service on Thursday afternoon confirmed that an EF2 tornado touched down Wednesday night just east of Brownsburg. The tornado was measured at the second level of the Enhanced Fujita Scale, meaning that it brought considerable damage and winds of 111-135 mph in its path. The weather service continues to survey the damage and said on X (Twitter) that it planned to release more detailed information Thursday afternoon. Our survey team continues in NE Hendricks County. They have confirmed EF2 damage just east of Brownsburg. We will have more detailed information later this afternoon once their survey is complete. #INwx #indy NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) April 3, 2025 Original story: Tornado causes line of damage in north Indianapolis metro area It wasn't immediately clear how powerful the tornado that National Weather Service radar spotted in Carmel shortly after 9:30 p.m. was, but its impact, and that of the severe thunderstorm it accompanied, was felt across Central Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A warehouse in Brownsburg was severely damaged as the powerful storm moved through Hendricks County. The sheared-off wall and partially collapsed roof of the Sur La Table warehouse was one of the most striking images from Wednesday night's storm damage. NWS officials had not officially confirmed the tornado by Thursday morning, but local emergency officials and eyewitnesses reported that rotating winds touched down in the Hamilton County city Wednesday night. NWS will make the official determination on the tornado's classification in the coming days. Storm damage to trees and buildings was observed by IndyStar staff in Hamilton, Marion and Hendricks counties. In west Carmel, Wednesday's heavy winds scattered white petals from recently flowered trees across the ground as rain continued to fall late into the night, leaving low-lying yards and drainage areas inundated with standing water. The storm was only getting started, though, as a NWS tornado warning for the southeast metro area, including Marion, Hancock, Johnson and Shelby counties noted rotation capable of producing a tornado at 10:27 p.m. Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IndyStar will have continued coverage of the storm and tornado Thursday, as sunlight helps with officials' damage assessments and our reporting. Here's what we know about the tornado ahead of 8 a.m. Thursday. Storm updates: Tornadoes, power outages, flooding in Indiana Was there a confirmed tornado Wednesday in Carmel, Indiana? Shortly after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service's tornado warning for Hamilton County noted a radar-indicated tornado in Zionsville, moving northeast at 65 mph. Updates to the warning later unofficially confirmed the tornado in Carmel. The city of Carmel sent a message on X (Twitter) at 9:39 p.m. stating, "a tornado is on the ground in the area. Take shelter immediately." Carmel city officials later said on social media that no injuries had been reported as a result of the storm. Carmel - a tornado is on the ground in the area. Take shelter immediately (9:38 p.m. 4/2) https://t.co/Ub2sb9CjgU City of Carmel, IN (@CityOfCarmelIn) April 3, 2025 The NWS warning included Noblesville, Fishers and areas to the northeast as the storm continued on its path. Official confirmation of the tornado and its force has yet to come from NWS officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm also prompted a flash flood warning for much of the Indianapolis metro area, as the NWS noted rainfall of 1-2 inches from the storm ahead of 10 p.m. Wednesday, with an additional 1 inch to 1.5 inches still expected from the storm. How much damage did the tornado cause in Carmel? Storm damage in Carmel was largely isolated to the direct path of the tornado. Social media posts and eyewitness accounts showed little to no storm damage in the city's northwest, while an area closer to the city center saw more intense damage. The Old Antique Mall building at 1005 Third Ave. SW sustained significant damage from Wednesday's strong winds, and residents in the area reported tree and roof damage, along with patio furniture and outdoor play structures being lifted from their yards. Thursday morning, city officials posted updated information noting one injury associated with the storm and directing people who live in the path of the tornado to place tree debris next to the roadway for removal by the city's street department. See the post below for a map highlighting eligibility. Did Wednesday's tornado touch down in Hendricks County? Damage from the storm was immediately noted in Avon and Brownsburg, though it wasn't immediately clear if the tornado touched down within Hendricks County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was a severe thunderstorm warning by NWS evolved into a tornado warning for the northwest Indianapolis metro area until 9:30 p.m., just prior to the tornado touching down in Hamilton County. What about storm damage in Marion County? IndyStar journalists witnessed downed trees and downed power lines across the metro area Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department also posted on X reports of high water and traffic lights out as a result of the storm. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Carmel Indiana tornado from Wednesday storm over Indiana The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for southcentral Wisconsin on Wednesday. A tornado warning was in effect in southeastern Columbia County and north central Dane County until 7 p.m. Locations impacted included Otsego, Morrisonville, Arlington, Doylestown, Rio, Dane, Deforest and Columbus. Tornado Warning including Arlington WI, Doylestown WI and Leeds WI until 7:00 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/uXJyLIxij0 NWS Milwaukee (@NWSMilwaukee) April 2, 2025 A previous warning included Stoughton, Edgerton and Evansville in northwestern Rock County and southeastern Dane County and was activated at 6 p.m. and expired at 6:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather service said a funnel cloud was spotted by weather observers and pea-sized hail was possible. Tornado Warning including Stoughton WI, Edgerton WI and Evansville WI until 6:30 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/orJ12LZ5mF NWS Milwaukee (@NWSMilwaukee) April 2, 2025 Flying debris was expected and there will likely be damage to roofs, windows and vehicles, the weather service said. How do you stay safe during a tornado? During a tornado, the NWS recommends: Get as low as possible. A basement below ground level or the lowest floor of a building offers the greatest safety. Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible. Avoid windows. What should you do if you're driving during a tornado warning? If you're driving, particularly on interstates or highways, do not try to outrun a tornado. If you are driving in an area with a tornado warning, you should look for ways to safely get off the road and out of your vehicle, preferably by seeking refuge in a sturdy building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a last resort, lie flat in the nearest depression, ditch or culvert and cover your head with your arms. What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning? A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is either sighted or indicated on radar, meaning there is imminent danger to life and property. If you are in the area of a tornado warning, take cover immediately in the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a vehicle or a mobile home, move to the closest sturdy shelter and take cover. A tornado watch is issued when the environment is capable of producing tornadoes. If you are located in the area of a tornado watch, the NWS recommends having a plan in place in the event a tornado forms. Be ready to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tornado warnings issued just outside of Madison MIDDLEBURY A property formerly planned as the Middleburys new town hall is up for sale. The town issued a second request for proposals on Monday for an acre of land along the Pumpkinvine at 109 Grand St., Middlebury. The land is zoned as manufacturing, but Town Manager Mary Cripe said Middlebury Redevelopment will not sell it for manufacturing but instead have the property rezoned to residential or business depending on the buyers needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could possibly be retail or some offices or something, Cripe said. The first issuance of the request came back in December, with a minimum bid of $188,000 with a submission deadline of Feb. 27. Indiana law requires municipalities to wait 30 days before re-advertising for the same property, so that second RFP came on Monday. The new minimum offering price is $1 which Cripe said is standard for a second issuance and deadlines May 22. Theyre going to look at whatever the best bid is, not necessarily the highest price, Cripe said. You just dont know what is going to come in, with regards to how theyre going to develop it, we want the best package for the fit for Middlebury. The town purchased the property back in 2019 for $156,000 with plans to build a new town hall and police department actually in the downtown area. The site also used to be the train depot and the town had hoped to pay homage to the sites history architecturally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like how they would have those long awnings where you could wait and we were going to have some type of pavilion because its right along the trail, Cripe said. We had renderings done and everything. Due to skyrocketing prices for materials, even preceding the pandemic, Cripe said, the plans had to be scrapped. Your town hall and your police department really need to be in the downtown area, Cripe said. Thats my opinion, because it is a place where people come, but were kind of out where its not even walkable or anything. Regardless, the property is now up for bids. Cripe also said that while the property is located in the downtown TIF, the infrastructure including water and sewer is already there. ONTARIO, CANADA (WROC) Wednesday morning, mayors from both Canada and the U.S. met in a virtual news conference to share their concerns on the trade war and possible implications for Canadians and Americans alike. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans was among the various city leaders invited to weigh in on behalf of both countries to discuss the projected shifts in federal trade policies ahead of President Trumps action to impose reciprocal tariffs on most imports. Were reliant on our partners to try to do what we can. I think this is another all hands on deck conversation that needs to take place. This is a conversation that not just Rochester can have alone. It also involves our Congressional delegation and our state partners. Its just not Rochesters hit. Its all of our cities across New York State. So, the conversations have to involve a wide multitude of people because we have to show this is not just going to impact one area, said Mayor Evans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Brighton Securities financial advisor Ethan Wade explained his perspective on possible impacts to the local and national economies. The ultimate root and goal, I think, is for us to have more manufacturing here in the U.S. For us to have more products that are made in the U.S. And, I think that has to be a long-term goal, which if everything works out and that goes to plan thats fantastic. The other side of that is when youre imposing tariffs, we all have to expect that in the short-term, there will be pain we have to deal with, said Wade. Saint Catherines, Ontario Mayor Mat Siscoe added the ripple effects had already been felt across the board ahead of the Presidents briefing. I would argue that a lot of the impacts have already begun. It hasnt quite rippled out into the mainstream consciousness yet, but it will. Because I think were going to see layoffs if people and businesses continue to hold on to capital and choose not to spend because of the uncertainty of what is coming, said Siscoe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news conference Tuesday, Sen. Chuck Schumer said upstate New York would be hit the hardest by Trumps imposed tariffs. The Senator estimated upwards of 30,000 workers across the Finger Lakes Region alone would see some sort of risk as a result. Stay with News 8 on this developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. A train carrying highly radioactive nuclear waste has reached its destination in southern Germany after a 17-hour journey across the country. A speaker for the GNS nuclear services company said the train, carrying seven containers filled with nuclear waste, arrived without disruption on Thursday in Worth an der Isar, in the southern state of Bavaria. The waste is to be transported to a temporary storage facility 3 kilometres away at the former Isar nuclear power plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nuclear material was left over from the reprocessing of fuel elements from decommissioned German nuclear plants at the Sellafield site in the United Kingdom. It was shipped back to Germany from the northern English port of Barrow-in-Furness, arriving in Germany early on Tuesday, where it was transferred to a train on Wednesday. While Germany phased out nuclear power after the Fukushima disaster in 2011, it still faces the question of how and where to store radioactive waste. The issue has long proved controversial across the country, with several protests being held along the route of the train's journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several environmental organizations have complained that the temporary facilities are not safe and that efforts to find a permanent storage site are not being made quickly enough. The mayor of Niederaichbach, near the Isar power plant, said he was "not happy about the situation." Seven more containers of nuclear waste are due to be sent from Sellafield and stored in Germany. A train carrying Castor containers passes the Isar nuclear power plant. The nuclear waste consists of spent fuel elements from German nuclear power plants that have been reprocessed in England. According to the Gesellschaft fur Nuklear-Service (GNS), the highly radioactive waste is set to be temporarily stored in Niederaichbach near Landshut. Sven Hoppe/dpa A transgender teacher in Texas has quit after facing harassment and vile comments from lawmakers and the public over her social media post. I had to resign from my teaching job, Rosalyn Sandri, a high school English teacher who came out as transgender about seven months ago, posted to TikTok Monday after lawmakers and social media users attacked her online. But, she promised, I will not be scared into silence. Sandris TikTok videos average about 1,000 views but one video garnered 5.8 million views after the account Libs of TikTok posted it on X in late March along with a caption claiming Sandri was a man pretending to be a woman. In the video, Sandri described the joy she felt after her students addressed her using terms to describe a woman, like maam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referring to the transwoman as he, the Libs of TikTok account asked: Would you feel comfortable with this person teaching your kid? The hate spiraled from there. The teacher started receiving hate mail on her personal and school email accounts, she said. Sandri told The Independent Wednesday that she felt she had to step down for my safety and the safety of the students. She added: It was a decision that broke my heart. It felt very defeating. But it felt it was the only thing I could do. People have sent me messages telling me to unalive myself, Sandri said in a TikTok Monday, adding that others have sent her transphobic slurs and threats to harm her. Rosalyn Sandri, an English teacher in Texas, resigned from her job after she was targeted with hate online (Courtesy of Rosalyn Sandri) Several lawmakers were among those spreading the transphobic rhetoric. South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace commented, referring to Sandri as it while Texas state Rep. Brian Harrison reposted Libs of TikToks post. Harrison, who represents Red Oak, Texas, where Sandri teaches, demanded she be immediately terminated and noted he was in touch with her school district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has reached out to a representative for Mace for comment. The Texas lawmaker told The Independent in a statement that he was glad to see that just three days after I demanded his termination, [she] will no longer be teaching students in my district. He continued: Public schools are for education, not indoctrination. Any teacher who claims to get gender euphoria from their minor students and teaches them that boys can become girls should be terminated immediately. In a TikTok posted Tuesday, Sandri clarified that she did not force the children to change her pronouns: I told them they could call me whatever they wanted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the video made viral by Libs of TikTok, Sandri posted about feeling gender euphoria, or positive feelings associated with the alignment of ones gender identity and expression, after being called maam by someone at a gas station as well as by her students. It was such a small thing to make me this happy, she said in the TikTok. After telling her sophomore students that she had changed her pronouns, the kids were completely on board, Sandri said in the video. They call me maam, they call me miss, they use my correct pronouns and know my correct name. And it is incredibly affirming. She said the small gesture of calling a trans individual by their proper pronouns could transform her entire day. But many X users took away a completely different message, calling for Sandri to be nowhere near children, claiming she suffers from a mental illness because shes trans, and suggesting parents take their kids out of public school. A grown man gets euphoria from children affirming his delusions. This is not a teacher; this is someone who belongs far away from children, one user remarked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another wrote: There is the sickness on full display. The only affirmation you should need is that your students learn what they come to school to learn. That's the job. Not to affirm your desires and sexuality. This man needs to be removed from teaching children immediately!! This is disgusting! He is a child predator! another commented. One user, Trump World, harshly said: I would rather have a literal monkey teaching students. In an email sent to school staff this week, Beth Trimble, the districts chief communications officer, underscored the social media policy. Your freedom of speech is not free of consequences if it results in a disruption of your ability to do your job, the email, obtained by NBC News, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The email sent to staff was not related to Sandri, Trimble said in a statement to The Independent, noting it was a reminder as we enter election season and is also sent at the start of the school year. Asked about the circumstances of Sandris resignation, Trimble said: In light of recent attention, Red Oak High School English teacher Sandri has resigned, effective March 31, 2025. Any other information is a personnel matter, and we are not at liberty to discuss. On Tuesday after Sandri announced her resignation, Libs of TikTok wrote on X: BIG WIN for students and parents in Texas. In the days since her resignation, Sandri said the hateful rhetoric has not died down, in part because her video was pinned to the top of Libs of TikToks page once again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she feels some fear by continuing to post on a public account, but shes vowed to not be silenced online and continues to post on TikTok. I want to speak out. Educate people, Sandri said. I am not afraid of Brian Harrison or Libs of TikTok. All theyve done is make an activist out of me. WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) Two Republican U.S. senators recently introduced a bill to abolish the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Rhode Islanders have mixed opinions on it. If it goes through, I think it could be helpful, one traveler at T.F. Green Airport told 12 News on Wednesday. Meanwhile, another said they think TSA is doing a pretty good job now. The agency was created more than 20 years ago in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills sponsors are U.S. Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama. RELATED: Why are Republicans trying to abolish TSA? The goal of the bill is to privatize airport security, which the sponsors believe would increase cost-efficiency and security. According to the bills text, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would be required to eliminate or transfer all authorities, enforcement functions, and programs of the Administration. An Office of Aviation Security Oversight would also be created within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Maybe that would be a downside to not have everything regulated the same, traveler Lisa Cato said. But again, for me, its whatever is the safest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Jack Reed disagrees with the idea of getting rid of TSA. Safety of the flying public in the United States and worldwide is issue number one, Reed said. We have to ensure that. TSA does that. Reed added that theres room to improve TSA with approaches such as investing in new technologies and developing AI solutions. The bill has since been referred to the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent encouraged countries around the world to refrain from retaliating against the U.S. in light of President Trumps reset of tariff policy Wednesday, arguing the administration is preparing the U.S. for long-term economic growth. My advice to every country right now is: Do not retaliate. Sit back, take it in, lets see how it goes. Because if you retaliate, there will be escalation. If you dont retaliate, this is the high-water mark, Bessent said during his Wednesday evening interview with Bret Baier on Fox Newss Special Report. Trump announced the new U.S. tariff policy Wednesday, imposing a minimum of 10 percent import tax on all goods coming into the country. Dozens of nations are being hit with a higher rate, ranging as high as 49 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tariffs will be determined by adding up the rate of tariffs and factors such as currency manipulation, and then dividing the sum in half, according to Trump. Mexico and Canada, the U.S.s largest trading partners alongside China, are still being hit with 25 percent tariffs, although goods under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement are exempt. The tariffs will be not a full reciprocal. I could have done that, I guess, Trump said. But it would have been tough for a lot of countries. Baier asked Bessent what message the administration has for people who are concerned about their 401(k)s in light of the tariff rollout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bret, I say that what we are doing is, were setting the stage for long-term economic growth, that we were on our way to a financial crisis, the Treasury secretary said. I used to teach a history of financial crises. And with that gigantic government spending, it was unsustainable. You look back in 1998, you look back in 2007 it looked great right before everything collapsed, Bessent added. We have taken us off that trajectory, and we are putting ourselves back onto a sound trajectory. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Ballard Brands CEO and president Peter J. Boylan will retire in April, the company said in a press release emailed to Restaurant Dive this week. Boylan will continue on in an advisory capacity. Boylan has been with Ballard Brands, the parent company of PJs Coffee of New Orleans and Wow American Eats, since 2009 when he joined the board of advisors. In 2010, he assumed the role of chief development officer, ascending to the role of president and CEO in 2016. Ballard Brands has also appointed David Mesa, current executive vice president and chief development officer, as president of the franchise development overseeing the growth of both brands. Dive Insight: Under Boylans leadership, the restaurant brands expanded into 26 states and several international markets, and boasted double-digit unit and revenue growth. It joins other coffee chains like Dutch Bros, Biggby and Caribou Coffee that have significant growth plans. Starbucks, which has had a new CEO since September, also is planning to grow its domestic store count. PJs Coffee, which has more than 180 locations, has at least 300 locations in development, according to its franchising website. In 2023, PJs Coffee opened 28 locations in nine states. Last year, the chain aimed to bring 39 new franchisees into the system that would result in over 85 licensed units, according to Nations Restaurant News. The chain has also opened a number of non-traditional locations, including shops in military bases and government agencies, healthcare facilities and airports, a strategy that has helped increase sales and improve the companys market position. Mesa has been with the company for over eight years and has expertise in franchise development and operational strategy, according to the press release. Prior to Ballard Brands, he served as president of franchise operations at Planet Beach Franchising Corporation, which he helped grow from 60 units to over 350 units. David is the right leader to continue driving growth within the franchise division, Boylan said in a statement. His deep understanding of franchising, strategic mindset and dedication to our brands make him the ideal choice to guide the team into the future. Recommended Reading As I have always warned, tariffs are bad policy, and trade wars with our partners hurt working people most. Tariffs drive up the cost of goods and services. They are a tax on everyday working Americans. Preserving the long-term prosperity of American industry and workers requires working with our allies, not against them. With so much at stake globally, the last thing we need is to pick fights with the very friends with whom we should be working with to protect against Chinas predatory and unfair trade practices. That includes what we do on trade. Tariffs make it more expensive to do business in America, driving up costs for producers and consumers across the board. In Kentucky, broad-based tariffs could even have long-term consequences right in our backyard. Consider our states 69,000 family farms that sell their crops around the globe, or the hardworking Kentuckians who craft 95% of the worlds bourbon, or our automotive and manufacturing industries that rely on global supply chains. Make no mistake: goods made in America will be more expensive to manufacture and, ultimately, for consumers to purchase, with higher broad-based tariffs. At a time when Americans are tightening their belts, we would do well to avoid policies that heap on the pain. We ought to strengthen our friendships abroad, and reinforce our allies as pillars of American prosperity and security. Senator Mitch McConnell Nicholas Barraco, then owner and manager of a Mount Greenwood pizza place, was working a Saturday-evening shift last summer, he testified Thursday, when he tried to kick out a rowdy and intoxicated group of men. That night, June 22, was his last night of work. He was hit on the head, he said, and woke up days later in a hospital with a cracked skull, the beginning of a long and incomplete recovery. Barraco, 62, took the stand Thursday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in the bench trial of four suburban men accused of violently attacking him and other workers, as well as a patron who was an off-duty Chicago police officer, outside Barracos Ristorante in the 3000 block of West 111th Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brawl at the Far Southwest Side restaurant ignited outrage in the neighborhood, where community members held a vigil for Barraco, who suffered a brain bleed. The trial opened Thursday to a packed courtroom and concluded the same day. Andrew Fedyk of La Grange Park, Frank Paris of River Forest, Harry Kenny of Glen Ellyn and John Powers IV of Oak Park face multiple felony counts of aggravated battery. Paris is also facing a felony robbery charge, accused of taking a hat from the police officer. The men were 20 at the time, drinking underage at the restaurant. They were swearing, Barraco testified. They didnt want to leave. The men elected to have their case heard by Cook County Judge Ursula Walowski rather than by a jury. In suits and ties, they watched the proceedings from a packed defense table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walowski took the case under advisement and will rule at a later date. The defense attorneys argued that the restaurant staff and off-duty officer escalated the situation, painting them as the aggressors who improperly served them alcohol and wanted to teach the younger men a lesson. The young boys acted as young boys and the adults also acted as young boys, said attorney Todd Pugh, who represents Kenny. Prosecutors showed video of the confrontation that was captured on business surveillance cameras and cell phone footage shot by a passerby. Ricky Velarde, a 46-year-old manager at Barracos, told the judge that as he tried to kick out the group, he got pulled out onto the sidewalk. They taunted him and others, he said, yelling, Come on, big boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Velarde said they took a hat from off-duty Chicago police officer Kevin Hartwig, then jumped Velarde when he tried to retrieve it for him. I saw stars, Velarde said. I fell to the ground. He grew tearful when he testified that he also saw Barraco fall. Sorry, Velarde said. Nick is like my father. After prosecutors rested their case in the afternoon, Paris took the stand to tell his side of the story, testifying that he felt threatened by Hartwig and the restaurant employees. He said Hartwig shoved him. Hartwig called the men North Side punks and told them to get out of my neighborhood, Paris said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He testified that he suffered a concussion in the fight. His attorney, Donna Rotunno, argued that the situation was unfortunate but that Paris had a right to defend himself. This is a good kid who comes from a good family, she said. Prosecutors pointed out that the defense attorneys repeatedly called their clients boys even though they are legal adults. Its clear from the video that these four men, said Assistant Cook County States Attorney Danielle Levin, stressing the word men, attacked a group of people because they were unhappy they were asked to leave. DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A woman accused of kidnapping and forcing a missing woman off a cliff in 2021 will not go on trial until December. Loretta Carr is charged with capital murder (kidnapping) in the death of Mary Isbell. DeKalb County man indicted on murder, manslaughter charges in death of child Court records show Carr will appear for a status hearing on April 30, and she will go on trial on December 8. This change came after a status hearing in the case on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is seeking the death penalty against Carr. She was originally set to go on trial in November 2024, but that was continued to August 8 prior to it being continued Tuesday. She was arrested on June 25, 2023, and indicted in May 2024. The indictment states Carr intentionally caused Isbells death by forcing her off a cliff into Little River Canyon after she had kidnapped her. Jessie Eden Kelly, Carrs daughter, is also charged with kidnapping and killing Isbell. She was extradited to Cherokee County from Pennsylvania. Kelly is set for trial on September 8. HPD: Man charged with capital murder after fatal shooting in parking lot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isbells ex-husband reported her missing to the Hartselle Police Department and DeKalb County Sheriffs Office (DCSO). She was last seen in November of 2021. Isbell reportedly had family in Hartselle but was last known to live in DeKalb County. On June 28, 2023, DCSO said remains were found at the Little River Canyon National Park by a search team. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences Huntsville Laboratory identified the remains found at the canyon as Mary Elizabeth Isbell. DCSO Chief Investigator Nick Brown said that one of the women cooperated and helped lead authorities to Isbells remains. Investigators also said they found physical evidence at Isbells home, leading to the arrests of Carr and Kelly. According to a criminal complaint filed on June 26, Carr is accused of kidnapping Mary Isbell in October 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown described what the women did to Isbell as inhuman and brutal. Carr is still being held in the DeKalb County Jail. Jessie Kelly is being held at the Cherokee County Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. PERRY COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) DNA helped investigators link a man to a theft from a Perry County church in 2023, State Police say. Brandon Droll, 32, currently at SCI Houtzdale, was charged Tuesday after State Police out of Newport said he stole laptops, hundreds of dollars in cash, and gift cards from Saint Bernard Catholic Church in May 2023. Droll was found sleeping on the floor of the sacristy by the pastor. When he left, the pastor gave him money for food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pastor reported that the church was usually unlocked to let homeless people sleep, and he never had any issues with anyone stealing, according to a criminal complaint. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Altogether, $400 in cash, $200 in Karns gift cards, and three laptops were discovered missing from the church, State Police said. State Police said the man seen on surveillance video footage from the church, matched Drolls PennDOT photo. Troopers collected a pair of shorts, headphones, a speaker and an empty protein drink bottle from the church. Those items were sent for testing, along with Drolls DNA that Troopers were able to get by swabbing his mouth at the prison he was housed at in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Results showed that Droll could not be eliminated as a suspect, the complaint states. Droll also did not want to speak regarding the theft to Troopers when they came to get his DNA. Droll faces felony charges of theft, burglary and criminal trespass. A preliminary hearing in this case has yet to be scheduled. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Labours recently announced cuts to welfare spending may be much more severe than the government is claiming, several experts have warned. The headline 4.8bn figure placed on the cuts conceal their true scale, new analysis argues, as ministers continue to rebut criticism of the measures. The reforms, which largely focused on health and disability benefits, were announced by work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall on 18 March. The following week, chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed the scale of these cuts to be 4.8bn at Labours spring statement as independently assessed by the Office for Budget Responsiblity (OBR). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Announcing the plans, Ms Reeves said: The Labour Party is the party of work. We believe that if you can work, you should work. But if you cant work, you should be properly supported. But a new report from the New Economics Foundation (NEF) has found that around 2bn in cuts has gone unstated due to how the OBR has costed the proposals. In its forecast, the spending watchdog takes 1.6bn away from the headline cuts figure to reflect Labours decision not to continue Conservative proposals to reform the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivering her spring statement in the Commons (House of Commons) (PA Media) The proposals would have seen it made harder for people to qualify for certain health benefits under the WCA, but Labour instead has decided to scrap it altogether in 2028. Calling this a saving is misleading, the NEF claims, as the change had never happened. The think tanks report says: Using this phantom policy to offset the scale and impact of actual cuts happening in the real world is akin to suggesting that you should feel better off because your boss had thought about cutting your wages but then decided against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rejecting this accounting trick allows us to gain a clearer picture of how ill and disabled people will be affected by the governments plans, the NEFs report adds. Its analysis finds that the true scale of the cuts actually sits at 6.7bn, and the amount of people that will be placed into poverty could be 350,000 around 100,000 higher than the governments own estimate. The bulk of the governments savings are set to come from changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which will effectively make it harder to qualify for. Claimed by 3.6 million people, the payment is designed to help people with extra costs incurred by their disability, whether they are working or not. An analysis by Professor Ben Baumberg Geiger of Kings College London has argued that the OBRs prediction of how people will respond to these changes only creates more misunderstanding around the scale of the reforms. Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall outlined the reforms on 18 March (Getty Images) The OBR says that while 1.5 million PIP claimants would stand to lose their entitlement to the benefit if Labours changes were introduced today, the behavioural response will reduce this to around 800,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is because, they predict, the greater incentive to score four points on the assessment will cause more people to demonstrate that they qualify and reapply if unsuccessful. The report adds that this is a highly uncertain judgement. But factoring this uncertain forecast into the headline figure, Prof Baumberg argues, creates a lack of clarity and transparency around the figures. The welfare expert said: My guess is that the OBRs estimates of behavioural effects are too high, and as a result, that the cuts even after accounting for behavioural effects are bigger [than the headline figure]. But either way, at this stage where no-one really knows, drawing attention to this assumption is really crucial. The headline figure could be as high as 9bn in cuts, Prof Baumberg adds, when also factoring in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A DWP spokesperson said: Our reforms will help people into good work and financial independence, with our record 1 billion employment support package breaking down barriers for disabled people. Were also rebalancing Universal Credit payment levels, so the benefits main rate rises permanently above inflation for the first time, in a boost for low-income families. We will continue to deliver a social security system for those with severe health conditions and we will protect the income of those who will never be able to work. (NewsNation) White House officials are looking for new countries willing to accept deported migrants from the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported this week. This is similar to something seen about two months ago in February when the Trump administration struck a one-time deal with Panama to send about 100 undocumented migrants to that country. Most of those migrants were from the Middle East. Panama worked to send them to their home countries. The Trump administration is looking to do that again with other places. It is offering financial incentives as well as political benefits to countries in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the countries the administration is in talks with have previously been flagged by the U.S. for human rights abuses, especially against migrants and detainees, according to the WSJ. However, for the Trump administration, an arrangement with the countries would make it so they dont have to negotiate with countries like Venezuela, which have been slower or even unwilling to take back migrants. Ontario premier cautiously optimistic amid Trump tariffs Border czar Tom Homan recently talked about this, saying that if one country doesnt take migrants, other countries are lining up to take people back. Officials familiar with the matter told WSJ that what happens next to the deported migrants depends on which nation they are sent to. The United States is agnostic, the officials said, on whether they would be able to ask for asylum or be deported to their own country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These developments come as some of Trumps deportation plans see legal challenges. A State Department spokesperson, in a statement to WSJ, said, Enforcing our nations immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States including ensuring the successful enforcement of final orders of removal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. The Trump administration is threatening to withhold funds from K-12 public schools that have programs the federal government deems are related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). A Thursday letter, addressed to top state education officials, said schools have 10 days to sign a document certifying its schools are in compliance with their antidiscrimination obligations, which the Trump administration has determined means no DEI initiatives. Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right, Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the Education Department, wrote in the letter. When state education commissioners accept federal funds, they agree to abide by federal antidiscrimination requirements, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, we have seen too many schools flout or outright violate these obligations, including by using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI, he added. The compliance letter is similar to a Dear Colleague letter the department sent out to universities on Feb. 14, expanding on the ruling from the 2023 affirmative action Supreme Court case. Today, the Department is taking an important step toward ensuring that states understand and comply with their existing obligations under civil rights laws and Students v. Harvard, Trainor said. The compliance letter also says institutions with DEI practices in violation of federal law will lose funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal funding makes up an average of around 10 percent of public school funding, with some states receiving more and others less. After the Dear Colleague letter to universities, officials made clear that student groups based on race or ethnicity were allowed, as long as anyone was allowed to join. The administration has been more vague, however, on programs such as classes that teach Black history. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Trump administration identified 16 sites for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers Thursday on land owned by the Department of Energy. The centers comprise rows of servers providing processing capacity for machine learning, cloud storage and AI systems that require massive amounts of electricity and computing power. The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project, and with President Trumps leadership and the innovation of our National Labs, the United States can and will win, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said in a Thursday statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With todays action, the Department of Energy is taking important steps to leverage our domestic resources to power the AI revolution, while continuing to deliver affordable, reliable and secure energy to the American people. The department said they hope to start operations at the center by the end of 2027, with input from data center developers, energy investors and the broader public. The Energy Department said the effort was spurred on by two of the presidents executive orders, focusing the governments resources on bolstering American AI and energy. The new measures to develop data centers come after a Biden administration executive order intended to curb barriers to the construction of new data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the market for AI infrastructure is deeply constrained, Navtej Dhillon, deputy director of former President Bidens White House Economic Council, told reporters on a call in January. Not only are these investments capital intensive, but power constraints and powering challenges result in long lead times to bring data centers to market. During his first days back at the White House, Trump announced a private sector investment of up to $500 billion to fund infrastructure for artificial intelligence. Trump referenced the enormous power needs during an event on Jan. 21 announcing the investments from companies including SoftBank, OpenAI and Oracle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have to produce a lot of electricity, and well make it possible for them to get that production done very easily at their own plants if they want, Trump said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Helen Reid (Reuters) -Sportswear brand Puma said on Thursday former Adidas sales chief Arthur Hoeld would take over as CEO, replacing Arne Freundt due to what the company called "differing views on strategy execution". Puma has struggled to boost sales and profitability for more than a year. Its pick for the top job marks the latest talent swap between the competing brands, two years after its CEO Bjorn Gulden jumped ship to lead Adidas through a successful turnaround. Based across the road from each other in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the companies have a rivalry going back 75 years to a feud between shoemaker brothers Adolf Dassler, founder of Adidas, and Rudolf Dassler, who started Puma. Puma said Freundt, CEO since November 2022, would step down on April 11 and Hoeld would take over as chairman and CEO effective July 1, with the board leading the company in the transition phase. "I am incredibly excited to join the PUMA family as their new CEO," Hoeld, who left Adidas in October last year, said in a statement. Adidas has enjoyed strong sales growth as it surfed a trend for its Samba and Gazelle sneakers, while Puma sales have been sluggish as it struggles to boost interest in new sneakers like the Speedcat. Puma last month warned its 2025 sales would likely be weaker than last year, and said uncertainty was denting consumer spending in the U.S., which accounts for between 20-25% of its global sales. "We expect this news to be taken positively, given ongoing investor concerns around performance and strategic execution," said Citi analyst Monique Pollard. U.S. tariffs on China, Vietnam, Indonesia and other key manufacturing hubs hit sportswear retailers, sending Puma shares down 10% on Thursday. Puma sourced 28% of its products in China last year, while Vietnam was its second-biggest sourcing country with 26%, and Cambodia was third with 16%. The share price, pummelled by slowing sales, is close to its lowest in nine years. "We are convinced that thanks to his strategic vision and focus on product and brand, Arthur will lead Puma into a new chapter of strength and growth," said Heloise Temple-Boyer, chair of the supervisory board at Puma. (Reporting by Helen Reid in London and Tristan Veyet in Gdansk, editing by Friederike Heine, David Evans and Richard Chang) The Trump administration is reviewing the curriculum of a sex education program in California for medical accuracy and age appropriateness, a move that has sparked backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates worried about queer and transgender sexual health information being censored. Last week, California was asked to submit all educational materials from its federally funded Personal Responsibility Education Program to the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to a news release from the administration. The Department of Health provides $75 million in annual funding to PREP programs across the nation. The stated goal of these programs is to prevent adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As part of our radical transparency efforts, I will ensure the curriculum students are taught is age-appropriate and medically accurate," said Andrew Gradison, ACF acting assistant secretary, in a statement on the curriculum review. Read more: Trump's rebuke to 'gender ideology' changes federal policy and sets up clash with California Jorge Reyes Salinas, spokesperson for LGBTQ+ civil rights organization Equality California, called Gradison's statement misleading. "This is not about curriculum transparency, it's about censorship, plain and simple," Salinas told The Times. "This investigation of California's PREP program appears to be politically motivated and attempts to undermine the inclusive, medically accurate sex education services that serve our most vulnerable youth." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California's PREP program provides sexual health education to youths ages 10 to 19 with a focus on reaching those who are low-income, experiencing homelessness, in foster care, in the juvenile justice system or identify as LGBTQ+, according to the California Department of Public Health. The department says California's PREP curriculum has been shown to influence youth to delay sexual activity, increase condom or contraceptive use for those who are sexually active, and to reduce the number of sexual partners. Salinas said he believes the administration's probe into the curriculum is a thinly veiled attempt to erase mentions of the transgender community, transgender healthcare and different gender identities and pronouns. "This is all part of their calculated political attack against transgender and nonbinary people," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Trump issued an executive order saying that the government would only recognize two genders, male and female, effectively erasing federal recognition of transgender people. His administration has weakened nondiscrimination protections under the Affordable Care Act, giving healthcare providers and insurers more leeway to deny services to transgender individuals. Trump has also challenged a new California law that prevents school districts from notifying parents if their child asks to use a different name or pronoun in the classroom. Read more: Trump targets California ban on 'forced outing' of students' gender identity to parents Attention was drawn to California's PREP program last week, when the Daily Mail published an article stating that its curriculum discussed role-plays "which present same-gender couples and discuss the use of sexual aids." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article was circulated by Trump Deputy Assistant Alex Pfeiffer, who said in a post on X that California is "using taxpayer money to teach kids about sex toys and role playing." The California Department of Public Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the accuracy of this claim. Salinas called the comment "ridiculous," saying that the point of California's PREP program is to provide valuable lessons on abstinence, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and healthy relationships and decision-making. 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. The nations LGBTQ research field is collapsing. In recent weeks, academics who focus on improving the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans have been subjected to waves of grant cancellations from the National Institutes of Health. More than 270 grants totaling at least $125 million of unspent funds have been eliminated, though the true sum is likely much greater, researchers told NBC News. Cancellation letters obtained by NBC News often vaguely state that the research in question no longer suits NIH priorities. Some allude to executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, including one that effectively bars recognition of transgender identities and another forbidding diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives. Other LGBTQ-focused grants have been swept up in the Trump administrations broadsides against Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. Academics fear more cancellations as the administration targets Harvard University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of researchers, many of them panicked, have watched as the system that supports their lifes work to address the myriad health disparities faced by sexual and gender minorities has been upended. Many of them suddenly face potential unemployment and a job market rendered bleak by the Trump administrations efforts to downsize funding for academic research. A medical student displays a she/her pronoun pin and a rainbow pin resembling the Harvard School of Medicine coat of arms lion. On Tuesday, mass layoffs across the Department of Health and Human Services included the gutting of programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that surveil the HIV epidemic among gay men in particular, according to a CDC official who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. The Trump administration also eliminated a lab that conducts specialized testing of and assessment for drug resistance among bacterial sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, which are especially prevalent in gay men, according to another CDC official who similarly asked to remain anonymous. This has been a devastating experience, said Brian Mustanski, a psychologist and director of the Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. Mustanski, a pioneer in LGBTQ health research, built his program into a powerhouse, with his team cultivating some of the most robust data on gay and trans Americans in history. Now, hes seen much of the institute topple in weeks and has been desperately seeking other positions for many of the half of his 120-person team who were supported by the grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NIHs new director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, said in an emailed statement Wednesday that the agency remains committed to supporting research aimed at improving the health and well-being of every American but noted that it would be shifting its priorities away from politicized DEI and gender ideology studies in accordance with the presidents executive orders. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The CDC had no comment. An incredible lack of transparency Transgender people face clear erasure from the national research agenda. As for gay people, the White Houses initial, narrow attention on trans populations in its executive orders suggested it might leave gays untouched. But the Trump administrations justification of NIH grant rejections based on what it perceives as the employment of DEI principles in academia has ensnared many research grants focused on gay populations as well. This includes research into reducing rates of HIV and other STIs. Such studies have also been canceled if they include trans people as an additional risk group. Brian Mustanski, a pioneer in LGBTQ health research, said the NIH canceled two major grants for his team. Last month, Mustanski said, the NIH canceled two major grants for his team. One supported its long-running study of the drivers of HIV acquisition, substance use and other negative health outcomes in young gay men. Last year, the study, which accrued almost 20 years of data from some participants, received a glowing assessment from the NIH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant was canceled for ostensibly engaging in DEI, according to the termination letter, which Mustanski shared with NBC News. Its unclear how DEI is even defined, he said. Thats a big problem for scientists, because science is all about precision. Mustanski said his second grant supported implementing effective means of preventing and treating HIV as part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative that the first Trump administration launched. Theres an incredible lack of transparency behind this process and whos behind it, Musanski said of the grant rejections. That is not the condition thats going to produce the best science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the prospect of both gay and trans peoples erasure from the nations research priorities, 30 editors of leading journals that focus on sex and gender research published an editorial last month in The Journal of Sex Research on this works importance. Research into sexuality and gender is vital for identifying social, cultural, and medical needs of populations, and addressing inequalities across populations, they stated. Any limiting of research and forcing specific research agendas is an infringement on academic freedom and integrity. Indeed, a clear chill has descended over many of the LGBTQ-focused researchers subjected to or fearing grant cancellations. NBC News reached out to more than 80 of them, but few responded and just seven were willing to speak on the record; the others said they were too scared of reprisals from the Trump administration. Most of my colleagues are afraid to speak out, or theyre being muzzled by their institutions, said Julia Marcus, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Harvard Medical School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what authoritarianism looks like. Fear keeps people silent, said Marcus, who lost all her NIH grant funding for a trio of HIV and STI prevention studies, and shared the rejection letters with NBC News. With the hope for future grant opportunities appearing grim, she said, she faces the end of a 20-year career spent fighting HIV and promoting LGBTQ health. Any available private funding, from pharmaceutical companies, nonprofits and foundations, could not possibly rescue this overall field, she said. A quarter-century effort Virtually all of the nations LGBTQ-focused research apparatus has been built over the past quarter century. A notable catalyst was a 2011 Institute of Medicine report that called for greater research into documenting and addressing health disparities among LGBTQ people. The report cited their poorer mental health and higher rates of smoking, substance use disorders, STIs, certain cancers and suicidality. Decades of evidence-based LGBTQ+ research has demonstrated the need for specific approaches to improve health outcomes in this community, said Dr. Philip Chan, an associate professor of medicine at Brown University, who noted he was not speaking on behalf of his employer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration placed particular emphasis on addressing the needs of sexual and gender minorities, and NIH research funds flourished accordingly. Such prioritization, researchers told NBC News, opened increasing avenues for what is known as precision public health or precision medicine, in which research identifies the specific needs of subpopulations and develops evidence-based, targeted interventions accordingly. This, researchers such as Marcus asserted, is the efficient use of public resources at its finest. NIH-funded research recently scored a landmark win by proving that taking the antibiotic doxycycline following sex slashed STI rates among gay men and trans women an intervention believed to have driven a remarkable recent turnaround in such cases. But now $7.4 million in NIH support for two follow-up studies, including one on safety monitoring for drug-resistant pathogens, has been eliminated, according to the studies lead investigators. A laboratory technician processes HIV test samples at a community center operated by LoveYourself, a nonprofit impacted by the Trump administration's freeze on foreign aid. The Adolescent Medicine Trials Network, terminated last month, was in the third year of a seven-year pair of grants totaling more than $70 million in lost funds to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV among adolescents and young adults, most centrally young gay men. As we talk about government waste and being more efficient, one thing that just really doesnt make sense is to cut studies that have already invested millions and millions of dollars in their final years, Chan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chan said he lost two NIH grants last month, totaling about $3 million in unspent funds, and he shared those termination letters with NBC News. One focused on improving the mental health of LGBTQ people negatively affected by the Covid pandemic. The second concerned a program to boost adherence to the HIV-prevention pill, called PrEP, among Black gay and bisexual men. Given the overall goal of LGBTQ+ research of not just improving, but extending the lives of LGBTQ+ Americans, the effective dissolution of this research threatens to widen health disparities related to HIV, mental health, substance use, and chronic disease, which will eventually affect everyone in our society, he said. Potential elimination from vital government surveys Ilan Meyer, a professor at the Williams Institute at UCLAs School of Law, has sounded the alarm that LGBTQ people also face potential elimination from major, ongoing federal surveys regarding health and crime victimization, as well as the census. We are about to lose knowledge about the LGBT population that has been essential for understanding policy, for providing advice to litigation, for providing evidence for courts. And to inform the public, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inclusion of questions regarding sexuality and gender identity on these surveys has been a hard-fought win for LGBTQ advocates. The resulting data has been the basis of hundreds of academic papers including some, Meyer noted, that helped persuade a judge to overturn Californias ban on same-sex marriage in 2010. Related stories: A new Williams Institute report Meyer co-authored asserted that it seems likely, to appease the Trump administration, that future cycles of federal health surveys would eliminate questions on gender identity, and possibly sexual orientation as well. The CDC, for one, announced in February that it would cease collecting data on gender identity in its surveys. The removal of such data from the public record and the loss of future data would set the United States decades backward to a time when little was known about the current demography, health, and well-being of the 14 million LGBT people in the United States, the report warns. Inside NIH: A department in turmoil Sources inside the NIH, who requested anonymity because they said they are forbidden to speak to the press and fear reprisals, described an agency thrown into turmoil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2015, the NIH formed the Sexual and Gender Minority Research Office to coordinate LGBTQ research across the agency and, for example, to establish uniform language about sex, gender and sexual orientation across research projects. The office has been a particular target of conservatives, who allege that it infuses ideological, unscientific perspectives into research. Consequently, Trumps election in November ignited fears within the NIH that the new administration would gut the office. So in December, the office was effectively dissolved, and its seven staffers were dispersed into open positions where they hoped to continue working quietly in the background, according to two NIH employees familiar with the matter. On March 4, all seven employees were placed on administrative leave. By that time, the Trump administration had already instituted sweeping layoffs of federal employees who were focused on what it characterized as DEI initiatives. NIH grantees, meanwhile, told NBC News that their designated agency program officers had been cut out of the loop from their grant cancellations. Its a bloodbath, one NIH source said of the cancellations. Demonstrators protest funding cuts outside the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, on March 8. On Wednesday, the American Public Health Association and others sued the NIH in federal court over canceled grants, including those backing HIV-prevention research. Evidence suggests, the suit asserts, that the cancellation letters were originally developed by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, and not within the HHS or the NIH. The suit states: For example, metadata associated with at least one such notice shows it was authored by JoshuaAHanley. An attorney named Joshua A. Hanley, a 2021 law school graduate, works at DOGE. Hanley did not immediately respond to an email from NBC News seeking comment. Internal guidance issued to NIH grant management staff last week was cited by the lawsuit as evidence of the agency using boilerplate notices to terminate hundreds of grants. The document provided language for communicating with grantees, including: It is the policy of the NIH not to prioritize [select one of the following: diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) research programs, gender identity, vaccine hesitancy, climate change or countries of concern, e.g., China or South Africa.] Multiple cancellation letters reviewed by NBC News have stated: Research programs based on gender identity are often unscientific, have little identifiable return on investment, and do nothing to enhance the health of many Americans. Many such studies ignore, rather than seriously examine, biological realities. It is the policy of NIH not to prioritize these research programs. Researchers noted to NBC News that only a few of the canceled grants pertain to gender transition treatments for minors, which has become a political flashpoint. Even prominent right-wing critics of the agencys approach to research related to gender identity have taken issue with the Trump administrations tack of canceling grants. Leor Sapir, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, has advocated for NIH reforms that align with Trumps orders on DEI and trans issues. However, he criticized the administration for its overly broad search-term-based cancellation of NIH grants. Its quintessential bull in a china shop Trumpesque, he said in an interview. A much more fine-tuned approach needs to happen. The prevailing question facing NIH-funded researchers is whether such a recalibration will occur now that Bhattacharya was sworn in as director Tuesday. During his confirmation hearing early last month, Bhattacharya, a health economist formerly of Stanford, was asked repeatedly whether he would return the NIH to something resembling normal functioning. I will follow the laws, he said a refrain he relied on for such questions. He added that he would make sure that researchers within and funded by the NIH, have the resources they need to make sure that they do their research. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya speaks at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on Capitol Hill on March 5. In response to questions about the grant cancellations including one about the Trump administrations intentions regarding research specific to transgender people Bhattacharyas statement Wednesday said the agency would be committed to research that improves the health of all Americans, regardless of their sexual identity, though it notably did not mention gender identity. It then noted that the agency would shift its priorities toward research aimed at preventing, treating, and curing chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and many others that cause so much suffering and deaths among all Americans, LGBTQ individuals included. The statement made no specific mention of HIV, a chronic health condition that disproportionately affects gay men and trans women. Also not mentioned was that at least 16 of the LGBTQ-focused grants that were terminated concerned cancer, diabetes or heart disease. The hard work begins Looking toward an uncertain future, Northwesterns Mustanski, for one, said he hopes for success in appealing his grant rejections. Dr. Kenneth Mayer, medical director of Fenway Health, a leading LGBTQ-focused health center in Boston, expressed hope for some victories in the courts over the grant cancellations. Noting he was not speaking on behalf of his employer, he added: But I am not in denial, so the field could collapse. Mayer and other LGBTQ-health researchers expressed concern that their field would lose a generation of academics focused on these populations through layoffs, hiring freezes and the likelihood that bright young people would eschew a newly uncertain career in academia and public health. Many veterans of this field reported suffering from what they characterize as foreboding deja vu under the Trump regime. Members of the AIDS activist group ACT-UP hang a banner across the train schedule board in New York's Grand Central Terminal on Jan. 24, 1991. Dr. Chris Beyrer, director of the Duke Global Health Institute, said the past few weeks have reminded him of the horrors he witnessed in the 1980s. When I started my career in HIV research, there were really no dedicated funds for LGBTQ-specific research, he said. Recently, he added, hes been haunted by that period in his career, four decades ago, when he cared for babies dying of AIDS. This was a time when gay men perished of the disease by the tens of thousands while then-President Ronald Reagan remained largely, and notoriously, impassive. UCLAs Meyer, however, struck an optimistic tone when he said that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans Americans are nothing if not tenacious in the face of political adversity. One thing that I tell students is LGBT people have been fighting for more than 100 years for our rights, he said. So, I think this just reminds us that we need to continue doing that. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (NewsNation) Justice Department attorneys will appear before Judge James Boasberg on Thursday for another hearing on the Trump administrations deportation flights, which transported accused gang members to El Salvador. The hearing kicking off at 3 p.m. ET will center on whether the administration defied Boasbergs order blocking the deportation of migrants under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 back in March. Prior to the hearing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down on the administrations stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leavitt: Tariffs wont give US companies, workers any pain We maintain our position that violent foreign terrorists need to be deported from our nations interior, Leavitt told NewsNation on Thursday. The temporary restraining order halting deportations under the wartime act remains in place until at least April 12. Timeline: Trumps deportation flights 5 p.m.: Boasberg convenes a hearing 5:22 p.m.: Boasberg asks Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign to see if flights are about to happen, recessing the hearing 5:26 p.m.: First flight takes off 5:45 p.m.: A second plane takes to the air 5:55 p.m.: Boasbergs hearing reconvenes, with no specifics from Ensign 6:45 p.m.: Boasberg issues a verbal order, telling Ensign: Inform your clients of this immediately, and that any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States. 7:26 p.m.: Boasberg releases a written order Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another plane took off at 7:37 p.m., though government lawyers maintain that no one on board was deported under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. All three planes landed in South America, despite Boasbergs verbal and written orders. Missouri congressman says constituents will bear tariff pain The Justice Department has withheld some information on the flights, claiming it as part of a state secret privilege. The DOJ has said no planes took off after the written order was filed, but Boasberg said his verbal order should have been enough to ground the flights. The American Civil Liberties Union says this case could set a precedent for generations: The long-term implications are staggering, that now a president would have authority to name any gang as falling under the Alien Enemies Act, round up people who he claims are associated with that gang, and send them to a Salvadorian prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump tariffs likely to spur recession: Moodys economist On Capitol Hill, some House Republicans are growing frustrated by federal judges like Boasberg, who they believe are blocking the administrations goals. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, has filed articles of impeachment against Boasberg. Nearly two dozen House Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors. Impeachment is a measure Trump has called for previously. U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public statement in response to the calls for Boasbergs removal. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 GOP senators vote with Democrats to undo Trump tariffs on Canada Several Senate Republicans have also voiced concerns with impeachment or other threats against federal judges. It would take a two-thirds vote from the Senate to remove a judge from the bench. NewsNations Anna Kutz and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. The Trump administration will resume housing detained immigrants in Glades County Detention Center, just three years after the facilitys use was limited for what the federal government said were persistent and ongoing concerns with detainees well-being. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement Wednesday that the county-operated detention facility, located just west of Lake Okeechobee, will enhance the agencys ability to manage the regions growing enforcement and removal operation by adding up to 500 additional beds. The central location streamlines logistics and helps facilitate the timely processing of illegal aliens in our custody that are subject to arrest, detention and removal from our country, said acting Miami ICE Field Office Director Juan Agudelo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to resume the use of the Central Florida facility comes as the Trump administration ramps up its mass-deportation efforts in Florida and across the country. The facility, which is operated by the Glades County Sheriffs office, is able to house immigrants on behalf of the federal government through a contract between ICE and the Glades County Board of County Commissioners. In recent years, local activists and community leaders have denounced the use of the Glades County facility, which faced numerous complaints of medical negligence, constitutional rights violations and sexual misconduct. Former detainees said that guards watched women while they showered. Other detainees also complained that a carbon monoxide leak at the facility once led to several people getting sick and being hospitalized. Protesters demonstrate in front of the ICE field office in Plantation on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Protesters urged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to release people from the Glades County detention center in Moore Haven, Florida, which has become one of the nations top 10 detention centers for positive cases of COVID-19. They also urged ICE to end its contract with the Glades County Sheriffs Office, which runs the facility, contending it is unable to provide adequate prevention or care. In response to the claims, members of Congress, led by Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, called for the Department of Homeland Security to terminate its contract with the detention facility. In 2022, the Biden administration moved to limit the use of the county facility due to persistent and ongoing concerns related to detainee medical care, and described the facility as one of limited operational significance. READ MORE: Feds will limit use of Glades migrant detention center in Florida after complaints Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear whether the Glades County facility has made changes to address the concerns that led the federal government to limit the use of the facility for several years. The Glades County Sheriffs Office did not respond to a request seeking comment. Federal authorities did not address it either in a Wednesday statement. What is missing from any decision to reopen Glades is whether they have even come close to addressing the gross deficiencies that required them to close in the first place, said Katie Blankenship, immigration attorney and co-founding partner for Sanctuary of the South. ICE knows that Glades is unsafe for people. This is a level of inhumane treatment that the government has to be held accountable for. The facilitys reopening will offer more detention capacity in Florida as state officials work to figure out ways to help the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Its space could also alleviate overcrowding conditions at Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami, one of the four ICE detention facilities in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks, Krome detainees have complained about being forced to sleep on cement floors and being left in shackles and chains on buses overnight without access to bathrooms. Public records show that about 600 people are being held there but detainees and their attorney say the population appears to be much higher, and far exceeds the facilitys capacity. Last week, hundreds of people showed up outside the facility to protest the conditions. As of March 28, county detention facilities in Florida reported they had 1,984 beds available to lease to ICE, according to a report issued by State Board of Immigration Enforcement Executive Director Larry Keefe that was sent to the Legislature. Some facilities with space available report that they are currently understaffed, are in need of major repairs or are scheduled for future expansions, according to the report, which was provided to the Herald/Times by the Florida Senate. By Jack Queen (Reuters) -New Civil Liberties Alliance, a conservative legal group, on Thursday filed what it said was the first lawsuit seeking to block Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports, saying the U.S. president overstepped his authority. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Florida, alleges that Trump lacked the legal authority to impose the sweeping tariffs unveiled on Wednesday as well as duties authorized on February 1 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. By invoking emergency power to impose an across-the-board tariff on imports from China that the statute does not authorize, President Trump has misused that power, usurped Congresss right to control tariffs, and upset the Constitutions separation of powers," NCLA senior litigation counsel Andrew Morris said in a statement. White House representatives did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. NCLA filed the lawsuit on behalf of Simplified, a Florida-based retailer of home management products. Trump on Wednesday announced that China would be hit with a 34% tariff, on top of the 20% he imposed earlier this year, bringing the total new levies to 54%. The lawsuit asks a judge to block implementation and enforcement of the tariffs and undo Trump's changes to the U.S. tariff schedule. The lawsuit says presidents can only impose tariffs with Congress' permission and under complex trade statutes spelling out how and when they can be authorized. "Such statutes require advance investigations, detailed factual findings, and a close fit between the statutory authority and a tariffs scope," the lawsuit says. The law Trump invoked has never been used to impose tariffs and only allows presidents to take actions that are necessary to address a specific emergency, the lawsuit said. Trump has declared an emergency over China's alleged complicity in the U.S. opioid epidemic, framing tariffs as a negotiating tool for ending the influx of the deadly drugs. The lawsuit says that justification is a pretext for imposing tariffs aimed at reducing U.S. trade deficits while raising tax revenue. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Kent Wetherell, a Trump appointee who had halted a key part of former President Joe Biden's immigration policy in 2023. (Reporting by Jack Queen; Editing by Leslie Adler) More than 1 million people seeking care such as contraception or testing for sexually transmitted diseases and cancer could be affected by the Trump administration withholding more than $27 million in Title X funding to Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide, according to estimates from the Guttmacher Institute. Planned Parenthood state affiliates said they were notified that the funding they receive under the Title X family-planning program would be temporarily frozen, Politico first reported Monday night. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for managing and distributing Title X funds, told States Newsroom via email that it is reviewing all Title X grant recipients to make sure they comply with federal law and President Donald Trumps executive orders. The department is concerned about the compliance of several awardees that together receive $27.5 million, according to an HHS spokesperson, who added, HHS expects all recipients of federal funding to comply with federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letters received by some affiliates detailed possible violations of federal civil rights laws and executive orders recently issued by Trump, including the administrations efforts to prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and provide care regardless of a persons immigration status. It is difficult to overstate how ridiculous it is that the administration is premising this funding freeze on a DEI review, said Amy Friedrich-Karnik, Guttmachers director of federal policy, in a statement. The entire point of the Title X program is to address disparities in access to contraception and other sexual and reproductive health care, including serving people with low incomes and those from other historically underserved communities. We need to see this for what it is a direct attack on health equity. The Title X program was established in 1970 to provide reproductive health care for anyone who needs it. Federal law prohibits use of federal funds for abortion. Planned Parenthood clinics offer a broad range of non-abortion services. No final decisions have been made regarding Title X funding for Planned Parenthood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Affiliates in Alaska, California, Idaho, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and others reported receiving the notification, representing thousands of people served at each clinic every year and millions in funds. Guttmachers data shows that 83% of people who visited Title X-funded clinics in 2023 had family incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. In Missouri and Oklahoma alone, Title X funding totals nearly $8.5 million, according to a news release from Missouri Family Health Council. Withholding these critical funds, even temporarily, threatens the essential sexual and reproductive health care communities depend on, said Michelle Trupiano, executive director of the council. Kat Mavengere, spokesperson for Maine Family Planning, said the agency also received notice of a freeze affecting $1.92 million in funds. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England is a sub-grantee of Maine Family Planning. Mavengere told States Newsroom the notice from HHS identified two items on their website related to documents that detail our commitment to health equity as reasons for the funding review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicole Clegg, CEO of the Northern New England Planned Parenthood affiliate, said it receives about $900,000 in funds between Maine and New Hampshire from the family-planning organization. If people cant seek basic reproductive health services at no cost, including wellness exams, Clegg said they go without. Weve seen that. When Planned Parenthoods leave communities, the data just speaks to increases in STI transmission, increases in unintended pregnancy there are very real consequences to a community when were no longer there, Clegg said. A recent poll conducted by Perry Undem showed 77% of respondents were opposed to the idea of the Trump administration cutting funding for services like birth control for people with low incomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his first term, Trump also cut Title X funds to clinics that provided abortions or referred people for abortions in 2019, causing one-third of participating providers to leave the program, according to KFF. The Biden administration reversed the policy two years later. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Wednesday in a case that will determine whether South Carolina government officials can remove Planned Parenthood clinics from the states Medicaid program because the organization provides abortions. If the court rules in South Carolinas favor, other states that have tried to drain the organizations funding for decades may follow suit. Anti-abortion organizations celebrated the news of the Title X freeze for some Planned Parenthood clinics on Tuesday, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which has been pushing efforts to defund Planned Parenthood in recent weeks in its fundraising emails. SBA was also involved in the drafting of the Heritage Foundations blueprint for the next conservative presidency, Project 2025, and identified this action as a priority. This is a big step in the right direction, President Marjorie Dannenfelser told States Newsroom in a statement. We thank President Trump for this bold action and urge further steps to eliminate all taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Trump administration targets Planned Parenthood grants in Oklahoma The Trump administration is already considering bailing out farmers caught in the middle of the White Houses escalating trade war thats now encompassing the rest of the world. The administration is weighing a new batch of emergency aid to farmers as trading partners push back against U.S. tariffs with their own measures, The New York Times has reported. The last time Trump was in office, his administration spent $23 billion in subsidy payments to farmers to protect them from his trade war then with China, which purchased far fewer American agricultural products. Such payments, as they did then, would now shield a vital voting base for Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China imposed retaliatory tariffs on soybeans, corn, wheat, and other imports in 2018, which resulted in the billions of dollars in aid to farmers. The money came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has a fund to partially deal with emergencies such as disagreements over trade. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins noted last week that the administration may offer emergency aid to farmers, saying that Trump had requested that she have some programs in place that would potentially mitigate any economic catastrophes that could happen amid a trade war. Rollins said Monday during a visit to Iowa that she couldn't specify how much money the USDA might need to send to "make farmers whole." But "if necessary, we are ensuring that we are set up, we have the infrastructure ready" to send assistance to farmers, she said, adding that relief will depend "on what the president announces." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, as Trump announced sweeping tariffs on all imports, including a 10 percent tariff on all countries, the president said: With today's actions, we're also standing up for our great farmers and ranchers who are brutalized by nations all over the world. A tractor fertilizes the ground on a farm in Ruthsburg, Maryland, last month. American farmers may face significant hardship amid new widespread tariffs from the Trump administration (AFP via Getty Images) Trump also announced that trading partners such as China, Japan, and Europe will face tariffs two to three times higher as the last time he was in office, and are far more widespread. That means aid to farmers may cost much more this time around. In addition, the possible retaliatory measures from trading partners may lead to more extreme, and longer-lasting, consequences. Churning out subsidies to farmers is a dramatic reversal from Trumps previous position on tariffs, when he told farmers in a social media post early last month to have fun selling more products to the American market, as the result of the tariffs on imports. Get ready to start making a lot of agricultural product to be sold INSIDE of the United States, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four people familiar with the discussions about farmer subsidies told The Times that administration officials have spoken to lobbying groups and Republicans in Congress about what a possible farmer bailout could look like. They told the newspaper that some mechanisms for doling out money to farmers may require legislation. The payout would also come as the Trump administration is cutting federal jobs for tens of thousands of other Americans, causing financial hardship for them. Trumps new tariffs are expected to hit farmers particularly hard as China has already retaliated with levies on corn, wheat, chicken, and cotton. The European Union, meanwhile, has put together a long list of agricultural and consumer products that it may target. Foreign nations are a massive market for American farm products. The president of the Corn Board of the National Corn Growers Association, Illinois farmer Kenneth Hartman, told The Times that there are concerns about a long trade war leading to U.S. producers losing market share to competitors abroad. A worse outcome includes retaliatory tariffs from longtime trading partners such as Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats probably our biggest concern right now, Hartman told The Times. USDA economists estimate that Trumps last tariff policies, beginning in 2018, led to a $27 billion loss of agricultural exports. Large parts of those losses came as part of the trade war with China. Some market relationships were permanently altered. The administration could offer farmers funding via the USDAs Commodity Credit Corporation, which supplies the funding for federal programs to back up the incomes of farms, stabilize prices, and respond to natural disasters, according to The Times. The agency can borrow as much as $30 billion from the Treasury Department. Trump announced double-digit broad tariffs on imported goods from dozens of countries. They included new levies on all goods from key trading partners like China and the European Union. These are the top goods that the US imports from countries facing some of the toughest new tariffs. President Donald Trump's slew of broad tariffs target dozens of countries, including many key US trading partners. A range of goods Americans rely on will be affected. On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order to implement broad tariffs on over 180 countries that have placed tariffs on US goods. On top of a 10% baseline tariff, the president said he'll impose additional double-digit tariffs that the administration argued were based on tariffs and other trade barriers those countries placed on the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They do it to us, and we do it to them. Very simple. Can't get any simpler than that," Trump said during his remarks. Some affected countries have already warned of retaliatory tariffs following Trump's announcement; Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said during a speech ahead of Trump's executive order that "we do not necessarily want to retaliate but, if it is necessary, we have a strong plan to retaliate and we will use it." Here are the top goods the US imports from some of the major countries hit by Trump's newest tariffs. China Trump announced a 34% tariff on goods imported from China in addition to the earlier 20% tariff he placed on them last month. The US imported $438.9 billion worth of goods from China in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Census Bureau data showed that radio and television broadcasting and wireless communications equipment were major imports from China in 2024. Computers, apparel, and footwear were among the top goods imported based on dollar value. European Union Trump announced a 20% tariff on goods imported from the European Union. The US imported $605.8 billion worth of goods from the EU in 2024. Some of the key imports from the EU based on 2024 data involve healthcare-related goods, including pharmaceutical preparations. Vietnam Trump announced a 46% tariff on goods imported from Vietnam. The US imported about $136.6 billion worth of goods from the country in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top 10 imports from Vietnam in 2024 based on dollar value included computer-related and other equipment, furniture, and semiconductors. Taiwan Trump announced a 32% tariff on goods imported from Taiwan. The US imported about $116.3 billion worth of goods from the country in 2024. The top 10 imports from Taiwan in 2024 included various kinds of electronic and computer equipment, fasteners, and semiconductors. Japan Trump announced a 24% tariff on goods imported from Japan. The US imported $148.2 billion worth of goods from the country in 2024. Vehicles, vehicle parts, and motors were among the top 10 goods imported from Japan in 2024. Read the original article on Business Insider In the ongoing litigation fallout from President Donald Trumps blanket Jan. 6 pardon, two of his federal appellate appointees just split on the scope of the clemency. While the immediate effect of the split is a ruling against one defendant, the break among Trump appointees previews an uncertain outcome if the subject reaches the Supreme Court for a decision that could have broader impact. That one defendant is Dan Wilson. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to impede or injure federal law enforcement officers on Jan. 6, 2021, as well as to firearms-related charges stemming from a search of his Kentucky home in 2022. The Justice Department initially said Trumps blanket Jan. 6 pardon didnt cover Wilsons Kentucky gun charges; he had been erroneously released after the pardon and the government sought his return to custody so he could serve out his gun sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the DOJ later changed its mind and said the pardon actually does cover the gun charges. Yet that didnt end the matter, because U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich a Trump appointee in Washington, D.C. said the pardon doesnt reach that far. As a reminder, Trumps blanket pardon was for offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. Wilson argued that this language covers his gun charges because the search warrant that led to the firearms was issued to seek evidence related to his participation in the Capitol riot. After his trial court rejection, Wilson pressed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to try to stay free. But a panel of that court rejected him Wednesday, splitting 2-1, with Judges Cornelia Pillard (appointed by Obama) and Gregory Katsas (appointed by Trump) in the majority, over dissent from Trump-appointed Judge Neomi Rao. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority said Wilson hadnt established a likelihood of success in his pardon argument that would warrant release pending appeal. The pardon doesnt apply to an offense that is only connected to January 6 by the happenstance that it was uncovered during investigation of the unrelated January 6 offenses, the majority said. In her dissent, Rao said Wilsons claim presents exceptional circumstances warranting release. He raises a novel question implicating the scope of the pardon power, which is vested exclusively in the President, she wrote. Of course, Trump can essentially override any judicial decision against defendants in these cases by issuing new pardons covering the specific charges at issue. If he were to grant a new one explicitly for Wilsons Kentucky gun charges, then the courts would have no standing to question it. But whether or not the president extends further relief to Jan. 6 defendants in this case or any others, this latest ruling shows that powerful judges are disagreeing about how far the original blanket pardon goes. So if Trump leaves it up to the courts, then people also on the hook for conduct thats arguably unrelated to Jan. 6 face an uncertain future. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com By Alexander Marrow and Darya Korsunskaya (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorised Armenian investment fund Balchug Capital to buy shares in nine major companies owned by Goldman Sachs' Russian subsidiary, a decree published on Wednesday showed. Balchug Capital and Goldman Sachs declined to comment. Balchug Capital was given the green light to purchase Goldman Sachs' subsidiary in Russia in January, according to a separate decree, paving the way for the U.S. bank to withdraw from the Russian market and extract some capital stranded there. Moscow has steadily tightened restrictions on foreign asset sales since the start of the war in Ukraine, demanding discounts of at least 60% and requiring transactions involving banks and energy companies to obtain Putin's approval. The latest decree, published on a Russian government portal, stated that Balchug Capital could buy Goldman Sachs International's shares in energy companies Gazprom, Rosneft, Novatek, Lukoil, Tatneft and Surgutneftegas, as well as in steelmaker NLMK, electricity operator InterRAO and telecoms provider Rostelecom. The value of all shares listed in the decree amounted to almost $80 million, according to Reuters calculations. The price of the proposed transaction was not disclosed. In response to Western sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine that froze around $300 billion of Russia's sovereign assets in Western jurisdictions, Moscow started diverting foreign-owned funds in Russia to special "type-C" accounts, access to which is blocked unless Moscow grants a waiver. Large Western banks with Russian subsidiaries have tried many times to get permission from the Russian authorities to sell all their clients' assets at a discount, Ararat Mkrtchian, CEO of Armenian broker Sirius Capital, told Reuters. "These (banks) were prime brokers for American and European funds and they owned Russian assets, stocks and bonds," he said. "Now that Goldman Sachs (the subsidiary) has been sold, this additional permission to sell assets the bank had essentially allows the client business to exit." Balchug Capital's CEO and founder David Amaryan oversees all investment activity. Last year, the company acquired U.S. machinery maker Caterpillar's Russian assets. (Reporting by Reuters in Moscow and Alexander Marrow and Darya Korsunskaya in London; additional reporting by Felix Light; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Jane Merriman) President Trumps approval rating slipped to its lowest point during his second White House term amid his handling of the economy and the recent Houthi Signal chat leak, according to a survey published Wednesday. The new Reuters/Ipsos poll found that the presidents approval rating was 43 percent, representing a 2-point drop since the late March iteration of the survey. After Trump took office on Jan. 20, his approval rating stood at 47 percent. In the latest poll, 37 percent of respondents approved of Trumps handling of the economy and 30 percent approved of his approach to addressing the high cost of living in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A majority of Americans, 52 percent, said that hiking tariffs on cars and auto parts will be detrimental to the people they are close with. A similar share of respondents said increasing tariffs across the board, as Trump announced he was doing on Wednesday, would make things worse, not better. Approximately a third of Republican and Republican-leaning voters said that tariffs would harm the economy, according to the poll. On Wednesday, Trump outlined the U.S.s new tariff plan, slapping a minimum 10 percent import tax on goods coming into the nation. Many countries face higher rates, led by the 54 percent tariff levied on China. The U.S.s main trading partners Mexico and Canada were exempted from the fresh tariff package. Both countries are still subject to a 25 percent duty, although items covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement have been left unscathed. The survey respondents also dinged Trump over the leaked Signal chat involving multiple members of his administration. The Atlantics top editor revealed in an article last week that he was inadvertently added to the Signal thread featuring top national security officials. Messages published by The Atlantic show the officials discussing military strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, an attack that took place in mid-March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large majority of respondents, 74 percent, including 91 percent of Democrats and 55 percent of GOP voters, stated that the officials were reckless for discussing the war plans in this manner. Twenty-two percent said it was harmless. Just more than a third of poll respondents, 34 percent, approved of Trumps foreign policy, a 3-point drop from the late-March version of the survey. Nearly half, 48 percent, were satisfied with the presidents oversight of immigration. Trumps approval rating dipped 3 points, dropping from 52 to 49 percent, in a recent Harvard CAPS/Harris poll. Forty-six percent disapproved of the commander in chief. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted from March 31 to April 2 among 1,486 U.S. adults. The margin of error was about 3 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trump is not a fan of wind energy, in part because he believes its having an adverse effect on the whales. You know, in one area, they lost two whales, like, in 20 years washed ashore, the president told reporters at the White House recently. This year they had 17 wash ashore. So theres something [that] happened out there. Theres something driving the whales a little bit loco. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many scientists dispute that wind energy had anything to do with the whales' deahts, the president is taking action to slow or even stop the development of the power source. Specifically, he has temporarily halted the new leasing of federal waters for offshore wind projects. He has also directed federal agencies to pause permits and approvals of on- and off-shore wind development, including the already approved Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho. Unfortunately, this will impact American jobs, as the offshore wind sector was expected to employ 56,000 more people by 2030, according to a report by American Clean Power. It could also affect both the reliability and cost of electricity. Research has shown that producing wind power can be a very cost-effective way of providing power. Texans, for example, are saving as much as $20 million per day thanks to wind and solar energy, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the development of wind power paused, the result could be higher energy bills. Consumers should start preparing for this possibility by taking a few key steps to help keep their utility costs down. Here are three options. Invest in energy-efficient home upgrades There are many upgrades you can make to your home that can help reduce the amount of electricity you use and, in turn, help keep your costs down. One of the best options is upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. According to Energy Star, if you choose certified appliances, you can save around $8,750 on utility bills over the life of the product, reducing the cost of running the appliance by around 30%. While the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that you can save around 10% on your utility bill by adjusting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours each day. Programmable thermostats can make this process automatic, which makes saving money even easier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other upgrades could include energy-efficient windows, adding more insulation to your home and using power strips to shut off the electricity to electronics and appliances, avoiding phantom power loss when you aren't using them. All of these steps can help you spend less on powering your home even if you have no choice but to rely on fossil fuel energy. Read more: The US stock markets fear gauge has exploded but this 1 shockproof asset is up 14% and helping American retirees stay calm. Heres how to own it ASAP Consider renewable energy at home Installing solar panels at home can be a great investment. Energy.gov reports that the payback time for most homeowners is less than 10 years. There are both state and federal incentives for installing solar power in many parts of the country, and you may be able to finance your system through a personal loan. You could also enter into a power purchase agreement, which means you wouldn't own the panels but would benefit from the clean power produced and still enjoy lower utility bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency can help you find programs in your area, and the Residential Clean Energy Credit, in effect through 2032, provides a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of installation, which can be a big savings. Shop around for your energy supplier In many parts of the country, you can also shop around for an electricity provider. Around 45 million consumers benefit from retail energy choice, and you can find out if you are one of them by visiting the website of your state's utility commission. If you live in a deregulated market and have the choice of who provides your electricity, you should compare options to see which company will charge you the least for the power you use. Many companies lock in your rate only for a limited period, so you may have to do this a few times a year but you can realize potentially significant savings. Taking these steps could help you avoid increased electricity costs that you may be faced with if a shift towards alternative energy is held up at the federal level. Regardless, it can be worth finding ways to cut your utility bills, especially if you can invest a little bit up front and enjoy reduced costs for years to come. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued preliminary numbers this week that indicate the southern border is the most secure its been in modern history. While President Joe Biden was in office, the border recorded an average of 155,000 crossings by undocumented migrants. Under President Donald Trump, the number hovered a little over 7,100 in March, 1,146 less than in February. Arrests also dropped from the previous administrations daily average encounter of 5,100 to about 230 per day, according to the CBPs latest statement. The federal agency will release finalized numbers for March in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary (Kristi) Noem, the administration has taken bold, decisive action to restore control at the border. Border Patrol agents are empowered like never before to shut down unlawful entry and protect American lives, said Pete Flores, the acting commissioner at CBP. The message is clear: the border is closed to illegal crossings, and for those still willing to test our resolve, know this you will be prosecuted, and you will be deported." The Trump White House carried out a wide-ranging crackdown on illegal immigration by sending military troops to the southern border, and by increasing arrests and deportations. Refugees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela had their status revoked while the U.S. refugee resettlement program was paused. President Trumps leadership continues to break records! said U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I started as a Border Patrol Agent in 1984, which was 41 years ago. I cannot recall a single month since then that the numbers have been that low, he said. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday praised the low number of southwest border crossings in March. Thanks to President Trumps leadership, border patrol agents are now back to doing the jobs they signed up for: securing the border, rather than serving as travel agents for illegal aliens, she said. All the border states are feeling the early impact of these policies. Border Patrol agents and members of the military look toward Tijuana, Mexico, as they stand between two border walls during a news conference on joint operations involving the military and the Border Patrol, Friday, March 21, 2025, in San Diego. | Gregory Bull California The White House amplified a recent Los Angeles Times report that states, migrant crossings have slowed to a near halt, prompting nonprofit migrant aid groups to dismantle their makeshift camps by the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol agents in the San Diego sector are now making about 30 to 40 arrests per day, the report said. Thats down from more than 1,200 per day during the height of migrant arrivals to the region in April. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs told KTAR News that she thinks the numbers are good news. What it means for border security is that our federal agents who work really hard at the border every day have now the ability to focus on the criminal elements and stopping the fentanyl and the traffickers from coming into the country, she said. But Hobbs indicated that Congress still needs to pass a comprehensive border bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is something thats been kicked down the road for decades. If our immigration policy can change at the drop of a hat, theres not consistency, theres not certainty, she said. And having comprehensive change would provide that certainty. Weve needed it for a long time. Texas Unlike the Western border states, Texas funded its own border security initiative, Operation Lone Star. The state will continue spending money on this program, per the Austin American-Statesman. Gov. Greg Abbott asked the federal government to reimburse the $11.1 billion his state spent on border fencing, construction of the border wall and personnel costs. More recently, his office suggested they see an ally in the Trump White House and displayed confidence in the administrations dedication to securing the border. New Mexico According to El Paso Times, the Trump White House is considering establishing a militarized buffer zone at the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico. Active duty troops along this section of the border will be able to catch migrants for trespassing through a military zone. This would give the federal government more flexibility over border control compared to enforcement through civilian law officials. BERLIN (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump will buckle under pressure from Germany and Europe in an escalating trade war, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said on Thursday. "That is what I see, that Donald Trump buckles under pressure, corrects his announcements under pressure, but the logical consequence is that he must also feel the pressure, and this pressure must now be exerted from Germany, from Europe," Habeck said in a news conference. (Reporting by Friederike Heine; Editing by Madeline Chambers) The Senate Foreign Relations Committee spared President Donald Trumps nominee for U.S. ambassador to China, David Perdue, some potentially awkward questions in his confirmation hearing Thursday. Lawmakers steered clear of Perdues past record of holding positions at odds with Trumps America First policies, like outsourcing U.S. jobs to Asia or his refusal to condemn crackdowns on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. Instead, they focused on issues ranging from perceptions of Chinas national security threat, the importance of allies and partners and how the dismantling of USAID undermines U.S. soft power. Its long been expected that Perdue would have a relatively easy path to confirmation. But it is notable that even the most outspoken supporters of the Trump agenda think Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla) or critics of Chinas human rights record think Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) stayed away from raising Perdues mixed record in those areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could be an indication that his attacks on Beijing in recent months have mollified China hawks on the committee, or that lawmakers seeking less fraught ties see an upside to having someone with a nuanced view of U.S.-China relations as the U.S. emissary to Beijing. The lawmakers spared Perdue a former senator from Georgia from having to speak to why he criticized as overly broad Trump's imposition of steep tariffs on items ranging from washing machines to steel in 2018. At the time, Perdue instead argued for a more targeted approach toward balancing U.S.-China trade. That gave lawmakers a natural opening to questions about Perdues view of Trumps imposition of new 54 percent tariffs on Chinese imports Wednesday. That didnt happen. Senators also did not press Perdue on his sympathy for Beijings hostility to foreign criticism of the crackdown on Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in 2019. At the time, he expressed agreement with Beijings view that the protests were an internal issue. And there was no mention of Perdues past support for offshoring U.S. jobs to countries with cheaper labor costs. The former CEO of Dollar General and a top executive at Sara Lee and Reebok, he was a strong proponent of moving jobs from the U.S. to Asia to save on manufacturing costs. Asked in 2005 about outsourcing U.S. jobs, Perdue said, I spent most of my career doing that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perdues two-hour-plus hearing instead focused mainly on his views of how China is pursuing a new kind of war against the U.S. Marxist nationalism is reshaping China, and their global ambitions threaten the current world order, he added. Those comments reflect Perdues recent moves to rebrand himself as a tough-on-China proponent of the Trump administrations moves to counter Beijings economic and military challenges to the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific. And they align with a bipartisan consensus about Chinas potential threat. Neither GOP nor Democratic committee members pushed back on his assertions. Purdue is clear-eyed about the geopolitical realities, while possessing a deep understanding for the culture and the customs of the Chinese people, said Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), in a nod to Perdues past business experience in Hong Kong and China. Colleges are increasingly worried about President Trump scaring away their international students. More than a million foreign-born scholars attend U.S. universities every year, bringing billions of dollars to the economy and a pipeline of high-value workers. But Trumps crackdown on student demonstrators, coming alongside his attacks on higher education and immigration more broadly, could have them looking elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is purportedly trying to improve the economic and business climate for U.S.-based companies, and to grow American jobs and salaries. But the apprehension now felt by countless prospective international students and their families are undermining those very important goals, said Eddie West, assistant vice president of international affairs at California State University, Fresno. In the 2023-24 academic year, there were approximately 1.1 million foreign students who contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy, according to data collected by the Association for International Educators (NAFSA) and JB International. Those numbers represent both a record and the third straight year of growth after the COVID-19 pandemic. NAFSA found that for every three international students, one U.S. job is created or supported. And U.S.-educated foreign graduates have a terrific success rate: A study by the National Foundation for American Policy in 2018 found that 1 out of every 4 billion-dollar startups in America were created by former international students who studied here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its worth remembering that its not just colleges and universities whose finances will be impacted, but their local communities will be as well. Think restaurants, accommodation providers, inbound visits by international students family members and other so-called economic multipliers, West said. Those students, who often pay far more in tuition than domestic ones, can also help fill in gaps as overall enrollment declines down 15 percent from 2010 to 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Colleges and universities are already facing reduced enrollments due to the demographic cliff and diminishing public support for higher education in some parts of the U.S., said Ruth Johnston, vice president of consulting services at NACUBO. The No. 1 exporter of students to the U.S. last year was India, which sent 331,602, a 23 percent year-over-year increase and enough to seize the top spot from China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And multiple Indian citizens have been caught up in the Trump administrations sweeping efforts to detain and deport students who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral scholar at Georgetown University, was arrested by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and told his visa was revoked. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Suri was actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media, though she offered no further details of his activity. Suris attorney, however, says he is being targeted due to the Palestinian heritage of his wife, who is a U.S. citizen, as well as his critical views of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is making use of an obscure law that allows the secretary of State to deport people he says pose a threat to U.S. foreign policy, and it has gone after students from countries also including Turkey, South Korea and Iran. Mahmoud Khalil, the first and most famous of those detained under Trump for their pro-Palestinian activism, is a legal permanent resident of the U.S. and an Algerian citizen who was born in a Syrian refugee camp. The moment Mahmoud got arrested, it sent shockwaves across the Columbia community. Hes a green card holder, Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian national and doctoral student at Columbia University who fled to Canada before she could be deported, told Al Jazeera. Thats when I realized I have no rights in this system at all. It was only a matter of time before they caught hold of me. Trump officials have argued the student demonstrations have been pro-Hamas and any noncitizen who disrupts U.S. universities does not have a right to stay in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters last week that more than 300 student visas have been revoked, saying, We do it every day. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visa. If you apply for a visa to enter the United States and be a student, and you tell us that the reason you are coming to the United States is not just because you want to write op-eds but because you want to participate in movements that are involved in doing things like vandalizing universities, harassing students, taking over buildings, creating a ruckus, we are not going to give you a visa, Rubio said. And the immigration crackdown is just one part of Trumps barrage against colleges and universities, which also includes trying to ban diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, striking protections for transgender students and openly threatening the funding of schools that fail to comply, including big names such as Columbia, Harvard and Princeton. All of those efforts could take some of the shine off Americas storied institutions of higher learning for global scholars choosing where to study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns are now increasing about international student enrollment, in part due to uncertainty about research funding, as many graduate students come to the U.S. to gain research skills and experience. International students often pay a much higher rate of tuition than U.S. students, and this loss of enrollment would only make budgeting more difficult and concerning, Johnston said. Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA, said, We cannot take for granted that international students are going to continue to come. Theres a whole world out there, and theres so many countries that see what international students can offer, and theyre actively recruiting international students and scholars, whether its Germany, whether its Japan, whether its Spain, whether its France, and the list goes on, Aw said. We cannot assume that the U.S. will continue to be that destination of choice, because parents want predictability. Students want predictability. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A judge has ordered the Trump administration to release a man whom it wrongly detained and planned to deport to El Salvador. In a brief one-page filing overnight Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera ordered that the government not only release Adrian Gil Rojas but that it buy him a ticket from Brownsville, Texas, back to New York. The Court holds that the Petitioner is a Venezuelan national with a valid Temporary Protected Status and was wrongfully detained, Olvera wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Court further holds that Respondents produced no evidence that Petitioner is a danger to the public, he added. The government had argued that it should be allowed to detain and deport Gil Rojas because his TPS was set to expire on April 2, but his lawyer insisted that he was in the process of reopening his immigration case and that there was reason to believe that the Trump administrations efforts to repeal TPS would fail. The lawyer was right: On Monday, a San Francisco judge blocked the government from revoking the protected status of about 350,000 Venezuelans. Judge Edward Chen slammed Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem for making sweeping negative generalizations about Venezuelan TPS beneficiaries. Acting on the basis of a negative group stereotype and generalizing such stereotype to the entire group is the classic example of racism, Chen said in his order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gil Rojas, who said that he was arrested in New York last month, had been one of dozens of Venezuelan nationals detained by ICE who were sneakily moved closer and closer to an airfield in Harlingen, Texas, where the government staged a mass deportation to a notorious torture prison in El Salvador. On March 14, the plane that was supposed to take Gil Rojas suffered a mechanical issue and was rescheduled for the following day, giving his lawyer enough time to get Olvera to issue an order blocking his immediate removal. Gil Rojas was spared, unlike the dozens of others for whom due process was suspended under Donald Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law he has reappropriated to aid in his mass deportation efforts. Olvera said that when Gil Rojas was returned to New York, he should be released on his own recognizance, and recommended that he wear an ankle monitor while his immigration case was pending. Earlier this week, the Trump administration admitted that it had wrongly deported Kilmer Armado Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national who had been granted protected status from being sent back to El Salvador. The government blamed an administrative error, and a judge ruled that the man could not be returned to the U.S. because the court lacked jurisdiction now that he was out of U.S. custody. Evidence that the government expedited the deportation of individuals who, as Olvera put it, were not a danger to the public only continues to mount. The government revealed that it had heavily relied on the tattoos to identify members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang the U.S. government has deemed a terrorist group, for deportation. But experts on the gang say that there are no tattoos that signify TdA affiliation. Donald Trump thinks everything is going just fine with his insane tariffs. In his lone statement about the tariffs Thursday, Trump didnt seem bothered when a reporter asked him, The markets today are way down. The worst day in years. Because of the tariffs. So, hows it going? I think its going very well. It was an operation like when a patient gets operated on, and its a big thing. I said this would be exactly the way it is. We have six or seven trillion dollars coming into our country, and weve never seen anything like it, Trump said, repeating what he said in a Truth Social post hours earlier. The markets are going to boom, the stock is going to boom, the country is going to boom, and the rest of the world wants to see, is there any way they can make a deal? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve taken advantage of us for many, many years. For many years, weve been at the wrong side of the ball, and I tell you what, I think its going to be unbelievable, Trump added. REPORTER: The markets today are way down. The worst day in years. Because of the tariffs. So, how's it going? TRUMP: I think it's going very well. It was an operation like when a patient gets operated on. pic.twitter.com/E5Gd2QQplz Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 3, 2025 Right now, international markets arent agreeing with Trumps ideas, with stock indexes plummeting everywhere. Criticism has come from fellow Republicans and former Trump administration officials, and some companies, such as automaker Stellantis, are laying off employees. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate are even working together on a bill to rein the president in, although it is unlikely to pass. And the rest of the world isnt lining up to make deals: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly rebuked the tariffs Thursday, saying that Americas economic dominance is over. Frances Emmanuel Macron has called for European companies to stop investing in America. Right now, this medical operation is crippling Americans. Red Star Yeast MILWAUKEE, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the strong belief that education is the most proven and effective means to breaking the poverty cycle, Red Star Yeast has launched a partnership with an international nonprofit organization dedicated to this mission. The organization, So They Can, focuses on communities in Kenya and Tanzania, supporting projects that create the right conditions for positive educational outcomes. Red Star Yeast contributed money that will allow several partner schools in Tanzania to produce their own food. Key educational indicators such as attendance and achievement rise when students have access to proper sustenance, said Red Star Yeast CEO Thomas Benner. We want our involvement to create a lasting impact. Overall, Red Star, along with its employees and parent company, Lesaffre, have made a significant contribution to the organization. Red Star Yeast Caption: Red Star Yeast supports Tanzanian students learning to grow produce at school farms established by So They Can, an organization that targets positive outcomes to break the poverty cycle for children in Tanzania and Kenya. This new partnership complements Red Stars ongoing support of Rise Against Hunger, a charitable organization that provides meals and other assistance for vulnerable individuals around the world. These organizations align with the companys mission to better nourish and protect the planet. So They Can is recognized around the world and is fully accredited by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Over the past 15 years, the organization has partnered with 52 schools in Tanzania and Kenya, supporting 33,000 children living in poverty. "This partnership with Red Star , a major company in the U.S. with global ties, will dramatically raise its global impact," said So They Can founder and CEO Cassandra Treadwell. Our partnership with Red Star is crucial to getting and retaining children in school in Africa, with the result of their empowerment and self-determination," Treadwell said. Red Star is leaving a legacy that will continue to benefit not only the youth of today, but the future for generations to come in Kenya and Tanzania. On March 25, 2025, this Red Star Yeast initiative was recognized with a Champions for a Better Tomorrow award by the American Bakers Association at the groups annual convention. Red Star Yeast Caption: A number of schools in Tanzania and Kenya have seen marked increases in attendance, retention and achievement in partnership with So They Can, an organization that eliminates barriers to educational outcomes. Red Star Yeast recently contributed over $100,000 to fund initiatives. This article was originally published in Chalkbeat. The U.S. Department of Education is giving state education agencies 10 days to certify that their schools do not engage in any practices that the administration believes illegally promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. In a letter sent Thursday, the Education Department told state schools chiefs that they must sign a certification that their schools are in compliance with its controversial interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and with the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those that do not sign will not receive any federal funding, officials said. Federal funding represents about 10% of all K-12 funding nationwide but makes up a larger share of local budgets in high-poverty districts. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The threat comes as many school districts are preparing their budgets for the next school year. Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right, Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement. When state education commissioners accept federal funds, they agree to abide by federal antidiscrimination requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, we have seen too many schools flout or outright violate these obligations, including by using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI. The Students for Fair Admissions decision barred the use of racial considerations in college admissions but did not address K-12 issues. But Education Department officials said in a February directive that the decision meant any consideration of race or of proxies for race in educational settings would violate civil rights law. The Trump administration has said that would extend to considering race as a factor in school admissions, hiring or promoting staff, awarding students scholarships or prizes, providing students with administrative support, and deciding how students should be sanctioned or disciplined. For example, dropping the use of test scores as an admissions criteria for a selective program with the hopes of increasing racial diversity or holding a separate graduation ceremony to recognize students of a particular ethnic group could violate the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many legal experts believe the administrations interpretation is incorrect and goes much further than the Supreme Court did. The February Dear Colleague letter generated significant confusion among school and district leaders and is being challenged in court. At the same time, conservative groups have adopted its argument to challenge initiatives that aim to address long-standing disparities, such as Chicagos recently unveiled Black student success plan. The demand that state education agencies certify compliance represents the latest attempt by the Trump administration to change local practices without engaging in lengthy investigations of individual complaints. State education departments would be responsible for ensuring school districts and charter schools comply. The administration has slashed staff in the Office for Civil Rights as part of a larger downsizing of the Education Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, even when school districts were found to be in violation of the law, the federal government has worked with them on resolution agreements rather than actually withhold funding. This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) A second Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors member has been fired at the direction of President Donald Trump. Board Chair Joe Ritchs appointment came to an end Tuesday. According to an SEC filing, his removal was at the direction of the president. The news comes just days after board member Michelle Moore was also fired by Trump. TN bill would allow districts to deny enrollment for undocumented students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the TVA bylaws, the board must have five members to meet its quorum. Without at least five members, the board can continue operations that were established while TVA did have a quorum, but does not have the authority to direct TVA into new areas of activity, to embark on new programs, or to change TVAs existing direction. Stephen Smith is the executive director at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE). He said the reduction in leadership isnt the only shakeup happening. You have a change in leadership in the sense that youve got a new CFO, and now a new CEO. You have a number of the units of TVAs nuclear fleet, about 42%, that are not operational now, so three of the nuclear plants are down. You have two Tennessee senators, Blackburn and Hagerty, who have written a very hostile op-ed, pushing TVA and challenging their leadership, Smith said. The two senators sent a joint statement to 6 News: We share the Trump administrations commitment to the long-term future of the Valley and will work together to ensure the TVA is fulfilling its potential. TVA requires bold and competent leadership to keep America at the cutting edge of energy innovation. The Trump administrations decisive actions to shake up the status quo at the TVA will allow us to confirm new board members who will champion the future of Tennessees energy needs and ensure our state leads the way in nuclear energy. We cant let this moment pass us by. -Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty Sunbright community continues to rebuild one year since tornado touched down Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Tim Burchett also chiming in, saying in a statement: This why I am pushing for more transparency at TVA. The public deserves to be informed on major staffing changes at Tennessee Valley Authority. That is also why I introduced the TVA Transparency act, and I am proud to be working closely with Senator Blackburn. Congressman Tim Burchett Smith said the lack of leadership could call TVAs power quality into question. If it persists and the board is not able to make certain decisions, then you could see that plans for building new generation may be delayed or cancelled, theyre not going to be able to finish their integrated resource plan, which is their long term planning process because they dont have the ability to make a decision on that, and that was scheduled to come up in the May board meeting, he said. In the long term, Smith said this could lead to higher costs, or unreliable power, though thats far off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the plans that could be delayed by the lack of board members is the construction of a small modular nuclear reactor in Oak Ridge. These plans have been supported by state lawmakers including Governor Bill Lee. 7 Knox County Health Department workers laid off after federal grants terminated TVA board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate. Smith expects the roles wont be filled anytime soon, if at all. In the coming weeks, were going to see, does the Trump administration move to completely change TVA? And if we start that process, how are we going to make sure that those changes lead to a better situation for customers in the Tennessee Valley? Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Ritchs departure, Bill Renick is assuming the role of board chair. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Less than 24 hours after an Oval Office meeting with Laura Loomer, during which the far-right activist and conspiracy theorist pressed for vetting of the administrations national security team, Donald Trump has fired at least three National Security Council officials, three people familiar with the matter told NBC News. Brian Walsh, a director for intelligence on the NSC, was let go, the sources told NBC News, as well as two other senior officials: Thomas Boodry, a legislative director for national security adviser Michael Waltz when he was in Congress, and David Feith, who worked for the State Department during Trumps first term. In a statement to NBC News, Loomer confirmed Wednesdays meeting, calling it an honor to present Trump with her findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of respect for President Trump and the privacy of the Oval Office, Im going to decline on divulging any details about my Oval Office meeting with President Trump, the statement read. I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of strong vetting, for the sake of protecting the President and our national security. Waltz and Vice President JD Vance were also present at Wednesdays meeting, two sources familiar with the event told NBC News. During that meeting, Waltz reportedly defended the members of his staff after Loomer pressed Trump to fire them, one of the people familiar with the meeting told NBC News. Its not clear if Loomer targeted Walsh, Boodry and Feith during the meeting. Trumps national security team has been thrust into the spotlight after journalist Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic reported that Waltz added him to a high-level group chat on Signal about U.S. military strikes in Yemen. In the wake of that scandal, some have called for Waltzs resignation. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The far-right social media influencer has targeted NSC staff publicly, accusing them of not being sufficiently loyal to the president. She has also taken aim at other Trump administration officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi. In February, she was one of many on the right to express anger over the Justice Departments rollout of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, which provided little if any new information. I hate to say it, but the American people cant trust the validity of the Epstein files released today, Loomer wrote on X. She also called Bondi a total liar and said the attorney general should resign. Loomers close relationship with the president came under fire from both Democrats and Republicans in the closing months of his 2024 campaign. Loomer has described herself as a proud Islamophobe and, in 2017, she said shes pro-white nationalism. She also pushed false conspiracy theories about the 9/11 terrorist attacks, alleging they were an inside job. Loomers remarks have been called extremely racist by another close Trump ally and conspiracy theorist, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who called out comments Loomer made about then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Although Trump aides and advisers reportedly tried to put distance between him and Loomer, they failed. In September, she traveled with Trump on his private plane to his debate against Harris in Atlanta and to 9/11 memorial services in New York the following day. No one can keep former President Donald Trump away from Laura Loomer, NBC News reported at the time. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Donald Trump reportedly fired several White House national security aides Thursday after right-wing provocateur Laura Loomer dished dirt on their supposed disloyalty despite no apparent disciplinary action for the leaked Signal group chat scandal. At least six and as many as 10 members of the National Security Council got the boot after Loomer unloaded a dossier of research about their alleged hawkish neo-conservative views in a Wednesday night Oval Office chat with Trump, The New York Times first reported. One White House aide called the firings a bloodbath, with several other NSC staffers being bounced to other government agencies in what amount to demotions, Axios reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The staffers, who were vetted by Trumps team before being hired just weeks ago, were said to be ousted over Loomers allegations that they support potential American overseas military actions and are unfriendly to Trumps foreign policies. "I will continue reiterating the importance of strong vetting, for the sake of protecting the President and our national security, Loomer said in a statement. The Loomer meeting, which came as Trumps late-day announcement of shocking tariffs stunned global markets, included national security adviser Mike Waltz, who was the boss of the fired staffers, along with Vice President JD Vance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa. Far right-wing activist Loomer has been a much less regular sight in Trumps inner circle in recent months after she was effectively banned from traveling on Trumps private plane during the campaign by chief of staff Susie Wiles. It wasnt clear how Loomer got back into the presidents good graces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A self-styled conservative blogger, Loomer has a long history of explosive and offensive remarks including claiming the Sept. 11 attacks were an inside job and deriding Americans of South Asian descent. The house-cleaning came despite the fact that neither Waltz nor anyone else has faced the music over their roles in the shocking Signal chat. Waltz set up the group chat on the commercially available app for senior Trump aides to discuss impending U.S. military strikes on pro-Iran Houthi militants in Yemen. He inadvertently added Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to the group. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth detailed the unfolding March 15 attack, including timing, weapons used and targets in real time, which national security experts have called a remarkably dangerous breach of operational security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goldberg disclosed the snafu, including mixed opinions about the strike by officials like Vance. He later published the chats verbatim after Trump officials publicly claimed they couldnt remember how specific they were. _____ Far-right activist Laura Loomer met with President Donald Trump and pressed him to fire several members of the National Security Council and reports indicate he has taken her advice. Trump fired several members of the National Security Council, including senior directors, after the meeting, Axios reports. One U.S. official told the outlet the firings are shaping up to be a bloodbath. The New York Times added that at least three senior NSC officials have been fired. This comes after the Times first reported Loomer met with Trump, Vice President JD Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and others in the Oval Office on Wednesday, armed with extensive research she believed worked against several staffers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there, she pressed Trump to fire several members she claimed were disloyal to him, and even condemned two members in front of Waltz, their boss, according to the Times. Laura Loomer met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday (Getty Images) The White House, the National Security Council and Loomer did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment. But in a post on X, Loomer complained that people in and around the West Wing were leaking details about her visit to the Oval Office. Out of respect for [Trump] and the privacy of the Oval Office, Im going to decline on divulging any details about my Oval Office meeting with President Trump, she added. I woke up this morning to learn that there are still people in and around the West Wing who are LEAKING to the hostile, left-wing media about President Trumps *confidential* and *private* meetings in the Oval Office. I want to reiterate how important it is that people who gain Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) April 3, 2025 In the wake of the Signalgate snafu, after which many questioned how tenable Waltzs position was, Loomer took to social media to claim he was somehow set up to embarrass the Trump administration by what she describes as poorly vetted hires secretly opposed to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing on X last week, she singled out two top NSC veterans who had served in the first Trump administration: Deputy National Security Alex Wong and Senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy. In one lengthy post, she refers to Wong a Harvard-educated attorney who is the son of Chinese immigrants and a veteran of Republican foreign policy circles as a Chinese Deputy National Security Adviser. She also complained that Wongs wife, a career prosecutor in the Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorneys office, is a Chinese Woman who worked at the office during the time it was pursuing legal cases against Trump supporters who were part of a violent riot at the U.S. Capitol in 2021. Why do we have a CHINESE Deputy National Security advisor who is married to a CHINESE US ATTORNEY who worked under Obama and Biden, and who helped prosecute J6ers after the stolen 2020 election? This is unacceptable, she wrote. Loomer also speculated as to whether Wong not Waltz had added the journalist to the now-infamous Signal chat as part of a foreign opp to embarrass the Trump administration on behalf of China, and called for both Wong and his wife to be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Kanapathy, another Republican foreign policy expert who served in the first Trump White House, Loomers beef with him stems from his decision to accept employment at Beacon Global Strategies, a foreign policy advisory firm that also employs prominent Democrats who signed a 2020 letter casting doubt on New York Post report about a laptop connected to former president Joe Bidens son, Hunter. Loomer wrote that his decision to work at the prominent consultancy doesnt reflect well on Ivans judgement or his loyalty to President Trump because the firm also employed former CIA Director Mike Morrell and former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta. The head of presidential personnel Sergio Gor, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and White House communications director Steven Cheung were also present for Loomers meeting with Trump, the Times reports. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz met with Loomer, Trump and other administration officials (Getty Images) Loomer, who describes herself as an investigative journalist, is a far-right MAGA loyalist and conspiracy theorist who rose to prominence during the first Trump administration when she began filming herself shouting at prominent Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since that time, she has spread a number of baseless claims, including that the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were an inside job and that Florida Governor Ron DeSantiss wife lied about having breast cancer. She has enjoyed a measure of proximity to Trump in return despite the reservations of many of his top aides. Loomer has even sparred with Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk, railing against the billionaire for supporting H-1B visas. [Musk] has removed my blue check mark on X because I dared to question his support for H1B visas, the replacement of American tech workers by Indian immigrants, and I questioned his relationship with China, Loomer posted in January. President Trump has fired six National Security Council staffers a day after meeting withfar-right troll and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer. Loomer a 9/11 conspiracy theorist known for chaining herself to the doors of Twitter after losing her account met with Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday, where according to The New York Times she reportedly presented the president with a list of individuals she deemed disloyal to the president and his agenda. Loomer reportedly bashed the employees on her shit list to the president in front of embattled National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, who defended them. CNN reported that the terminated individuals include Director for Intelligence Brian Walsh, Senior Director for Legislative Affairs Thomas Boodry, and Senior Director David Feith. All six NSC staffers were on Loomers list of targets, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loomers presence in the White House especially on the day Trump unveiled a sweeping tariffs package is surprising considering the pains the campaign took in the fall of 2024 to distance the president from the noxious conspiracy-monger. After Loomer appeared alongside Trump at an event commemorating 9/11 which she once claimed was an inside job MAGA insiders scrambled to dig a canyon between the two. Following the incident, CNN reported that Loomer had been instrumental in influencing some of Trumps most insane statements during his 2024 campaign, including claims that Haitian migrants in Ohio were eating local pets, and unfounded accusations that former Vice President Kamala Harris was misrepresenting her Black and Indian heritage. One Trump national security official says bluntly to Rolling Stone: Too many people here have feared since the [presidential] transition Laura Loomer putting your name on one of her lists. Its a possibility that is discussed way more than Id like. Shes not even on staff and calling more shots than some actual officials. Waltzs office being in Loomers comes as the national security adviser is still trying to weather the fallout over revelations last month that he inadvertently added journalist Jeffrey Golberg to a Signal chat where high-ranking members of the Trump administration discussed sensitive attack plans against Yemen. On Wednesday, Politico reported that Waltz had, over the course of the first two months of the Trump administration, set up over 20 signal chats to discuss sensitive national security information. The Trump administration has tried to spin the national security scandal as no big deal. In a statement to Rolling Stone on Thursday, Loomer said: Out of respect for President @realDonaldTrump and the privacy of the Oval Office, Im going to decline on divulging any details about my Oval Office meeting with President Trump. It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings. I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of, and the necessity of STRONG VETTING, for the sake of protecting the President of the United States of America, and our national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear what kind of vetting Loomer presented to the president, but she has placed a call on her social media for tips regarding any Biden Holdovers who are sabotaging directives of the Trump admin. Are you sitting around wondering when the Biden holdovers will be removed from their positions so we can truly make America Great Again? Time to make them famous. DM me, Loomer wrote Thursday, the day after her meeting with the president. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, whos now a Fox News host, dismissed concerns about the implications of the new tariffs President Trump announced this week. I firmly believe that its posturing, McEnany said Thursday on Outnumbered. This is the great dealmaker, the great negotiator. And hes someone who understands how to get to a good end result. Trump on Wednesday announced major tariffs on dozens of nations around the world, accusing many of them of ripping off American workers under previous trade agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps announcement sent financial markets into a tailspin on Thursday and is sparking widespread concern about the impact the new tariffs will have on consumer goods and the cost of living in America. The president, McEnany argued, knows these other countries have something to lose and will be pushed to the negotiating table. McEnany served as Trumps White House press secretary near the end of his first term and joined Fox as a host after leaving his administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The United States has imposed 30% tariffs on four EU candidate countries. This decision has been made by President Donald Trump as part of his "fair" trade policy. Sources: European Pravda Details: These countries are Moldova, Serbia, Bosnia, and North Macedonia. The tariff rate for Serbia will be 37%, for Bosnia 35%, for North Macedonia 33%, and for Moldova 31%. Thus, these four countries were included in the list of countries that the United States considers its "biggest offenders" in trade issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remaining EU candidate countries, including Ukraine, Albania, Montenegro, Georgia, Kosovo, and Turkiye, will be subject to a "basic" 10% duty. Meanwhile, the additional tariff rate for EU states will be 20%. Background: On 2 April, US President Donald Trump officially announced the start of a trade war with all countries of the world simultaneously, announcing duties of 10% to 50% on imports to the US, depending on the country of origin. Trump's announcement concerned countries from almost all over the world, with the exception of a few, including Russia. The White House said that Russia was left out because US sanctions already "make any meaningful trade impossible". US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned the countries against which the United States launched a trade war on 2 April against quick retaliatory steps by Washington. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump is executive-order happy. Here, he signs one against ticket scalping and reforming the live entertainment ticket industry. Andrew Harnik via Getty Images Outside of two Big Macs and a couple of Filet-O-Fish, there may be nothing President Donald Trump loves more than signing an executive order. In his first 100 days in office, Trump issued a record 100 executive orders on everything from defining gender to ending birthright citizenship and instituting sweeping tariffs. In his first term as president, Trump signed a total of 220 executive orders, though some of them were revoked by his successor, Joe Biden. (Naturally, Trump returned the favor when he was back in office, rescinding over a dozen Biden-era executive orders, including one that had raised the minimum wage for federal workers.) Has there ever been a president more executive order-happy? We asked Andrew Rudalevige, a professor of government at Bowdoin College and senior fellow at the Miller Center at the University of Virginia. Trumps 2025 executive order count will wind up being very high by recent standards. Previously, Franklin D. Roosevelt had the record for most executive orders 99 in his first hundred days, Rudalevige said. Historically, a lot of executive orders are focused on pretty mundane or logistical affairs: notices that government agencies will observe a holiday on a certain calendar day, for instance, or an executive order banning smoking in federal buildings. (President Bill Clinton signed that one in 1997.) But they also can have major consequences for everyday Americans; as the ACLU notes, some of the federal governments worst actions have come via executive order. FDR, for example, used an executive order to force the relocation and internment of Japanese Americans to concentration camps during World War II. Every single president from George Washington onward has issued executive orders, but their use has actually gone down in recent presidencies, according to Rudalevige. Thats partly because there are other means of unilateralism a president can use now, but also partly because things that used to require executive orders like land transfers or civil service matters are now delegated elsewhere, he said. Clearly, Trump is still very much in his issue-as-many-executive-orders-as-possible era, though. (As Rudalevige put it, President Trump loves signing executive orders because he loves ordering.) And those whove been impacted by Trumps flurry of EOs the thousands of federal employees let go from their jobs, immigrants separated from their families and sent to detention centers know these orders can have serious impact, endangering peoples lives and livelihoods. But theres still a lot of confusion about executive orders and rightly so. What is an executive order, and how do they differ from a law? When is a president actually able to carry out policy plans outlined in executive orders? Can an order be stopped, and if so, by whom? We asked legal and government experts like Rudalevige to answer all these questions and more. What exactly is an executive order? Article II of the Constitution vests the president with executive power over all executive branch officials, aka the president gets to tell officials in departments like the Treasury and Defense and in regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration how to do their jobs. (Or not do their jobs, in the case of the federal workers whove been impacted by DOGE cuts.) The Constitution says that the president has an obligation to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed. To that end, an executive order (EO) is a written directive, signed by the president (in Trumps case, in big Sharpie pen script), instructing government officials on how to implement or enforce statutory law. While the president cannot write a new statute with an EO, he can tell federal agencies how to implement an existing statute. U.S. Vice President Al Gore (left) watches as President Bill Clinton signs an executive order in the White House's Oval Office on Aug, 9, 1997. That particular executive order was designed to protect federal employees and the public from exposure to tobacco smoke in federal workplaces. Consolidated News Pictures via Getty Images But heres the thing: An executive order is only valid if it draws on authority granted to the president by the Constitution or by a law, Rudalevige explained. Now, there are plenty of laws on the books, and presidents have made a habit of scouring old laws in hopes they can give them new meaning, he told HuffPost. The Trump administration is pretty loosey-goosey with its interpretation of the law and finding new meaning. When President Trump decrees a certain scientific definition of gender or interpretation of the Civil Rights Act, that is simply his interpretation its not binding on the courts, who ultimately decide the meaning of the laws in question, Rudalevige said. When an executive order doesnt have legal basis either in laws or in the Constitution, thats when it gets challenged in the courts: A number of federal judges have slowed Trumps sweeping agenda, at least for now: For example, last month, a judge in California ordered the rehiring of thousands of federal workers let go in mass firings across several agencies. (The Trump administration is currently fighting back, asking the Supreme Court to halt the judges order.) An executive order cannot override state law, unless a federal court ultimately finds the presidents interpretation to be correct and the states to be wrong, Rudalevige said. Whats the difference between an executive order and a law? Executive orders are laws but only with respect to the executive branch, said Jodi Short, a professor who teaches constitutional law at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. They are an internal form of law, she explained, and do not bind private parties outside the government. This can be confusing for the general public, because EOs often have significant consequences for the general public, she said. If an EO tells an agency to change the way it is implementing statutory law, that change might be felt by members of the public who deal with that agency. For instance, last month Trump called for Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to cut staff and move forward with an executive order to dismantle the Education Department and send education back to the states. Congress would need to act to fully eliminate the critical agency, but Trump is still able to stop many of the agencys key functions, and many parents and students are already feeling the ripple effect of that: Parents of kids with disabilities theres 7.5 million such students in the U.S. have been especially vocal about Trumps plans to do away with the Department of Education because their kids rely on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to succeed in schools. President Donald Trump poses with U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon at the White House in March, after signing an executive order meant to dismantle the Department of Education. China News Service via Getty Images What roadblocks are there to executive orders? As we mentioned, federal courts can review executive orders and overturn them if deemed unconstitutional. Congress can also overturn an EO. And as we saw with Biden after Trumps first term, any future president can issue a new executive order that rescinds or amends a previous executive order. An administration can achieve policy change relatively quickly with an EO as the Trump White House has, but major, lasting change requires action by Congress. And at least in principle, the executive branch itself can be a check on legally questionable executive orders, Rudalevige said: Since the 1930s, theres been a presidential practice, currently codified in a 1962 executive order by President John F. Kennedy (EO 11030), that a draft order should be be approved by the director of the Office of Management and Budget and by the Justice Department. OMB has a longstanding practice of central clearance that allows a sort of peer review of an EO to make sure it is workable and helps build consensus among the agencies the order impacts, Rudalevige said. DOJ checks for form and legality. Unfortunately, theres little evidence that the Trump administration is conducting either of these reviews in any systematic way, the professor said. It is possible that the central clearance process has prevented even more extreme EOs from seeing the light of day that happened in Trumps first term, and frequently in presidential history, he said. But certainly the lawyering for many of them seems slipshod at best. President Donald Trump's signature on an executive order halting federal funds for schools and universities that impose coronavirus vaccine mandates. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images Heres why Trumps executive orders are so concerning. Many of Trumps executive orders are openly contrary to statutory law, Short said. They are not, and do not purport to be, reasonable interpretations consistent with statutory law, she explained. Rather, they assert that what the president says is the law. This is flat-out wrong, and it is deeply subversive of our Constitution and rule of law. Rudalevige thinks Americans should be worried when the president isnt bothered by ordering things that are not within their power to order, like issuing de facto amendments to the Constitution, or using executive orders to punish specific political opponents (law firms, for instance). We should also worry when other branches of government, notably Congress, refuse to use their own institutional powers to push back on presidential overreach, he said. That is a violation of their own oaths to the Constitution. The TL;DR version of all this, according to Rudalevige? Executive orders are supposed to be used to help presidents carry out their Constitutional duty to faithfully execute the law. To use them to do the opposite is hugely problematic. Related... This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Stock trading platform Robinhood seeks to dive deeper into financial services with the launch of a banking product later this year. Robinhood Banking, set to be rolled out this fall, will offer checking and savings accounts for its gold members featuring services that aim to solve some of the challenges with legacy bank accounts, said Deepak Rao, vice president and general manager of Robinhood Money. We want to have the full wallet share with customers, Rao told Banking Dive, but we wanted to do it in our style and make sure that we build something that's no longer reserved for ultra-wealthy individuals. While announcing the banking product last week, Vlad Tenev, chairman and CEO of Robinhood, also said the firm is adding two other new features, Robinhood Strategies and Cortex. Strategies is an advanced investing service that offers expert-managed goal-aligned portfolios and personalized insights with a cost cap of $250 per year for gold members and no management fees on amounts over $100K. Cortex is an upcoming artificial investment tool that will provide real-time market analysis, investment opportunity identification, and market news updates. Robinhoods credit card, rolled out last year, has around 200,000 cardholders and 3 million people on the waitlist. Following that, the fintech wanted to build an accessible product that members would use to invest and manage their wealth and handle all of their financial transactions. Bank account is still, by far, the center of gravity of most financial transactions, Rao noted. The Menlo Park, California-based fintech aims to bring a private banking experience to its members, including offering the option to apply for a bank account from the app, send money across the world in over 100 currencies and access private banking services like estate planning and professional tax advice. Robinhoods new feature of getting cash delivered to the doorstep physically within an hour will be a differentiating factor and eliminate the need for an ATM, Rao asserts, since bigger banks typically take several days to give money. The fintech plans to have an app dashboard where a customer can get a money order and have it sent to a recipient or order foreign currency to be delivered to their doorstep, the executive added. He said the banking product will be available to current Robinhood gold customers. Multiple National Security Council staffers have been fired at the behest of MAGA conspiracy theorist and Trump loyalist Laura Loomer, according to Axios and the Associated Press. The NSC, headed by Mike Waltz, made headlines after Signalgate, in which Waltz inadvertently added The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal chat where multiple Cabinet members were discussing plans to bomb Yemen. A source close to the situation told Axios that the firings were being labeled as an anti-neocon move. Waltz has been accused of being insufficiently MAGA by the farthest right of the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loomer apparently presented [Trump] with her research and evidence alleging that more traditional neoconservative foreign policy hawks were too well represented in the administration. Loomer, who Trump has described as a free spirit, is a proud Islamophobe who was pushed out of Trumps inner circle during the campaign due to numerous statements that were deemed too incendiary for MAGA. Shes stated that 9/11 was an inside job and that the White House would smell like curry if Kamala Harris, who is of Indian descent, won the election. This may be the worst time to allow a crank like Loomer back into the fold. The Signalgate controversy has already demonstrated the administrations capacity for foolishness, and relationships with the rest of the world are arguably at an all-time low, thanks to Trumps suicidal tariff regimen. Loomer has declined to share any of what she discussed in her Oval Office meeting. The litigation over the governments summary renditions of foreign nationals to an El Salvador prison, with no due process of law, is now at the Supreme Courts door. The justices will soon decide whether to relieve the Trump administration from the trial courts order halting the expulsions. Whether the government has complied with the order isnt directly before the Supreme Court. But whether the Court can trust the governments representations during such quickly unfolding litigation isand the justices have every reason not to. In this and other cases now being litigated, the government is following a playbook established during the fight over the first Trump administrations travel ban, which barred entry into the United States from several majority-Muslim countries. From that litigation, the administration learned a strategy for implementing portions of its legally dubious agenda without the Courts explicit blessing: go fast. Speed facilitates obfuscation. By pushing litigation to a breakneck paceand changing the underlying details just as quicklythe administration was able to get the Supreme Courts approval for policies without full legal scrutiny. That same approach is once again under way in the deportations case and in others now before the Court. The story of the first Trump administrations travel ban began on Friday, January 27, 2017, when the administration announced a prohibition on travel from seven majority-Muslim countries with no exceptions, including for people with ties to the United States, such as green-card or visa holders. It did so with no advance warning, which meant passengers boarded flights not knowing they wouldnt be allowed to enter the United States. The policy was sloppy, cruel, and riddled with animusso blatantly illegal that the Trump administration declined to continue defending it after lower courts invalidated it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Tom Nichols: Trumps authoritarian playbook] With the slapdash version dead, the administration came up with a (slightly) modified policy that appeared more legitimate, at least on a superficial level. The second ban, unlike the first, did not apply to visa and green-card holders. This one was also purportedly temporary: As written, it was set to last for 90 days, during which time the administration said it would conduct a formal review to determine what kind of permanent travel restrictions were warranted. Despite these nominal changes, it still reeked of illegal animus. The administration asked the Supreme Court for permission to implement the temporary ban, but it did so in a strategic way that would enable the Court to give its okay without having to decide the substantive question of whether the measure was legal. Heres how that worked: In spring 2017, the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Fourth and Ninth Circuits blocked the new ban. The government then turned to the Supreme Court, requesting emergency relief from those decisions. Curiously, the government requested expedited briefing (a rush on the papers both sides file in a case), but not expedited oral argument. In fact, it asked the Court to delay hearing the case until the fall, at which point the policy would have expired. By making its request in this way, the government was asking for an up-or-down vote on the lower courts decision, but not a full consideration of the legal merits. This gambit paid off. The Court allowed the administration to partially enforce the second travel ban for 90 days. By the end of that period, the administration had rolled out the third and final iterationso that the third ban went into effect just as the second expired. The Court heard oral argument over whether the third iteration of the policy was invalid in spring 2018, and a few months later, the Court upheld it. In effect, the second version bought the administration time to put together a policy that looked more legitimate while it enforced a less legitimate version. The administration could claim that the third ban emerged from a formal process and had undergone significant revisions, rather than being fired off on a whim and on the basis of animus. But in the meantime, the administration was able to do what it wanted anyway: suspend entry from several majority-Muslim countries into the United States. And that may have made the Court more comfortable with accepting the third version, because a ban was by that point the status quo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the reason this worked is that the administration managed to get the Court to act quickly, without a careful parsing of the facts. That was a smart move, because actually defending the policy on a factual basis would have been quite a challenge. During the oral arguments over the third ban, the justices asked the Trump administrations lawyer, Solicitor General Noel Francisco, about the waiver processthe mechanism that might allow people to show, on an individual basis, that they should be allowed to enter the United States. The solicitor general assured the Court that the process was available to people via consular officers. But after the argument, consular officials said that they had no authority or discretion to grant waivers, and that only certain officials in Washington could do so. The problem was that by then, the ban was in effect. The new Trump administration now appears to be deploying a similar strategy in much of the litigation over its policies. For example, the recent litigation over the attempted shutdown and defunding of USAID confirmed that the administration is still trying to couple speed with factual opacity. [Read: The cruel attack on USAID] In that litigation, the administration claimed to possess the outlandish authority to cancel spending items that Congress had appropriated and approvednot just for USAID, but for other agencies, grants, and contracts. Numerous federal district judges have found several of the administrations funding freezes unlawful. The relevant federal law, the Administrative Procedure Act, allows courts to block certain agency actions. Thats just what the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia did in the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition v. United States caseblock the administrations implementation of an across-the-board funding freeze at USAID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration rushed to the Supreme Court to free itself from lower-court decisions blocking its initial version of the policies. In particular, the administration requested relief via the Supreme Courts shadow docket. Again, this is right from the travel-ban playbook. The administrations lawyers asked the Court to act quickly while insisting that it wasnt possible to pay out the contracts that had been subject to the initial USAID freeze, which the district court had effectively ordered it to honor. And because the case was developing so rapidly, the governments timeline did not give the justices much chance to familiarize themselves with the details. As with the travel ban, a rushed job stood to benefit the administration by increasing the odds that the Court would take the government at its word without really looking into things deeply. In this instance, the administration did not prevail, but it certainly tried. Before the Supreme Court, the government said that it was not logistically or technically feasible for it to pay the 2,000 or so invoices ordered by the district court. The justices refused to pause the district courts ruling, instead allowing the court to determine whether a preliminary injunction was warranted, and directing it to act with with due regard for the feasibility of any compliance timelines. Left with time to develop and consider more facts, the district court pointed to a declaration by Peter Marocco, the acting director for USAID, acknowledging that prior to January 20, 2025, both USAID and the State Department could process several thousand payments a day. This temporary victory for the rule of law might not last, however; the litigation may yet head back to the Supreme Court, where the administrations rush strategy could eventually win out. If the Court accepts what the government is saying now in the summary-expulsion case, it will be risking its own credibility. In that case, the administration is asking the Court to credit, without evidence, several of its assertions. Among them is the unbelievable claim that individuals facing summary expulsion would somehow be able to challenge their prospective expulsion even though they may not know they are about to be sent to a foreign prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Court should reject the governments request to pause the lower courts decision and recognize that its rush strategy is designed to make a mockery of the rule of law, not to mention the concept of facts. As they say, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice Article originally published at The Atlantic President Trump, as part of his expansive package of new tariffs, levied taxes on a number of uninhabited or sparsely populated islands that have little-to-no exports. The announcement of new tariffs on Wednesday will hit nearly all foreign countries with a baseline tax at 10 percent. The administration also announced higher tariffs on others, ballooning up to 54 percent. Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, Trump said in his announcement from the White House, adding, but its not going to happen anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those affected are the Heard Island and McDonald Islands, situated in the southern Indian Ocean southwest of Australia. The volcanically active subantarctic islands were slapped with a 10 percent tariff. The islands, which feature two active volcanoes, are accessible only via a boat ride from Perth, Australia. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters following the announcement that the tariffs were not unexpected but totally unwarranted and claimed that nowhere on Earth is safe. In a post on social platform X, he added that the Australia government would stand up for its people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are uncertain times but all Australians can be certain of this: we will always stand up for Australian jobs, Australian industry, Australian consumers and Australian values, he wrote. Many other countries will be hit harder by todays decision than Australia and no nation is better prepared than Australia, he added later. Trumps new set of tariffs also targeted Norfolk Island, a former British penal colony with a population of just more than 2,000 people. The island, located in the South Pacific Ocean some 1,000 miles northeast of Sydney, was hit with 29 percent tariffs, a 19-point increase compared to Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norfolk Island exported $655,000 worth of items to the U.S. in 2023, according to Observatory of Economic Complexity statistics, with most of it being leather footwear, motor vehicles and surveying equipment. The islands Administrator George Plant said in an interview that he was completely confused about the tariff, telling ABC Radio Melbourne that Norfolk Island does not export anything to the United States to justify the 29 percent import tax. Another Australian territory situated in the Indian Ocean is also facing a 10 percent tariff. Christmas Island Shire President Gordon Thomson told The Associated Press that trade between the island and the U.S. is nonexistent other than the exchange of mining equipment through Tractors Singapore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The islands main economic activity is a mining of low-grade phosphate, thus, it relies on U.S. machines. The trade, if anything, is U.S. product into Christmas Island, Thomson told the AP. The only thing that we export is phosphate and that goes to Malaysia, Indonesia, maybe Thailand and a bit to the Australian mainland. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (COLORADO SPRINGS) President Donald Trump has designated April 2, 2025 as Liberation Day, as he implemented new tariffs on Americas trading partners. The new tariffs will affect 180 different countries across the world, but surprisingly Mexico and Canada are not on the list. The President said its because they renegotiated the U.S.-Mexico- Canada Agreement. A baseline tariff of 10% is set to go into affect on Saturday, but at 10 p.m. Mountain Time on Wednesday, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles. Photo by: Christopher Hernandez My fellow Americans, this is Liberation Day, weve been waiting for a long time, April 2nd, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day the American industry was reborn, said President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House is referring to the day as Liberation Day, but democrats have come up with their own name, calling it Recession Day, according to Fox News, and its echoed across party lines. They will hurt us and theres a threat of them not only tanking the stock market but theres a threat of them leading to a recession, said Senator Rand Paul, a republican senator in Kentucky. During the Presidents speech on Wednesday, he said, Its the day that we began to make America wealthy again. Car repair shops in the Pikes Peak Region are now preparing to pay more, after the President unveiled his tariff plan to repair the U.S. economy. Photo by: Christopher Hernandez It could be anything from bumpers, fenders, hoods, any glass we might see a slight delay in shipping with the tariffs, said Richard Heizer, the owner of Heizer Hail Repair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new tariffs will affect 180 countries, including China and Europe, and it could impact the prices of cars, electronics, food, and much more. The White House said the tariffs will help address trade imbalances and protect American industries. Heizer says people can expect repairs to take longer and cost more. Since Heizer owns a hail shop, most of his customers use insurance to cover their fees, but for other body shops that do not use insurance, customers might see a price increase. He also says many shops will begin to repair the broken part themselves to avoid the longer wait and expense. Thats, unfortunately, the nature of the beast sometimes when having to obtain parts from overseas, sometimes theres a backorder, and it could be like the shipping fiasco we had a few years back, that affected everybody, said Heizer. The two biggest repercussions to keep an eye on are how foreign countries could retaliate, and how the markets will react in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Economists warn U.S. companies will feel the pain from the new tariffs first followed by consumers. Last year, the U.S. imported $918 billion more in goods than it exported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Among the locations Donald Trump slapped with tariffs Wednesday are two uninhabited islands near Antarctica in the southern Indian Ocean. The Heard and McDonald Islands, which sit about halfway between Australia and South Africa and are territories of the former country, now face 10 percent tariffs, which would pose an issue if the seals and penguins that call the small landmass home were exporting anything to the U.S. That the volcanically active islands were included at all in Trumps so-called liberation day list of tariffs drew amusing responses online, in part because the White House listed them as countrieswhich they are not. The Heard Island and McDonald penguins have been taking advantage of us for too long - it's about time we stood up to them! https://t.co/oVACbhjkZQ Tom Malinowski (@Malinowski) April 2, 2025 The Heard Island and McDonald penguins have been taking advantage of us for too long - its about time we stood up to them! former New Jersey congressman Tom Malinowski joked on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a fellow at the American Immigration Council, suggested the tariff targets were found through a cursory Wikipedia search of the worlds nations, and not much else. The Heard and McDonald Islands are completely uninhabited. Population zero. I guess were going to tariff the seagulls? he wrote on X. It kind of feels like a White House intern went through Wikipedias list of countries and just generated this list off of that with no further research. Brendan Duke, senior director for federal fiscal policy at the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, reacted similarly: Taking on Americas real enemies a bunch of islands youve never heard of, he wrote on X. Later Wednesday night, MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow chimed in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those volcanoes and the penguins and seals who live there, they will never menace the American economy again as they have in the past by flooding us with their cheap exports of...what? she grinned. Fresh air, cool breezes, a waft of eau de penguin? A spokesperson for the Australian Antarctic Division, which manages the Heard and McDonald islands, confirmed the islands were uninhabited and referred the Daily Beast to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Other obscure islands the White House targeted were Norways Svalbard, Reunion Island, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, and Australias Norfolk Island, home to about 2,000 people. When Trump announced the tariffs at the White House on Wednesday afternoon, he predicted the markets would soar as a result. They promptly did the opposite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNBC Senior Economic reporter Steve Liesman, who previously criticized Trumps insane tariff-related decisions, explained the concern among investors and consumers. For all of President Trumps talk of a new golden age, this huge tax increase will inevitably result in higher prices for American families, lower growth and business investment, and diminished exports and manufacturing output, he said. So it is not a good forecast or a good look from the economists and the forecasters. Donald Trump has been ordered to pay more than 625,000 in legal costs after unsuccessfully suing a British-based company over allegations that he took part in perverted sex acts. The US president, 78, brought a data protection claim against Orbis Business Intelligence, a consultancy founded by Christopher Steele, a former MI6 officer, in 2022. Mr Steele authored the so-called Steele dossier, which contained allegations, denied by Mr Trump, that he had been compromised by the Russian security service, the FSB, and also included two memos that claimed he had taken part in sex parties in St Petersburg and engaged in golden showers with prostitutes in Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mrs Justice Steyn threw out the claim in February last year without ruling on the truth of the allegations, and ordered Mr Trump to pay Orbiss costs of the entire claim including an initial payment of 290,000, which a hearing in January was told that Mr Trump had decided not to pay. That led to him being prevented from taking part in a three-day hearing to decide the size of the total legal bill, with Costs Judge Jason Rowley ordering on Thursday that the president pay 626,058.98. The specialist judge said the figure was both reasonable and proportionate, with interest accruing daily at 12 per cent. Mr Steele previously ran the Secret Intelligence Services Russia desk. The dossier contained allegations, denied by Donald Trump, that he had been compromised by the Russian security service - Evan Vucci/AP The dossier, made up of more than a dozen memos, was produced by Orbis in 2016, before the US election that saw Mr Trump become president for the first time, and it was leaked to and published by BuzzFeed in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a hearing in October 2023, Hugh Tomlinson KC, for Mr Trump, described the allegations in the memos, which also included a claim that he had defiled a bed previously used by former president Barack Obama and his wife, as egregiously inaccurate. Mrs Justice Steyn ruled that the claim was bound to fail, but said she had not considered, or made any determination, as to the accuracy or inaccuracy of the claims in the dossier. A previous hearing in January was told that Orbis would seek all of its legal costs from the claim, which lawyers for Mr Trump described as eye-watering and absolutely outrageously high. 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. LONDON (AP) A British judge on Thursday ordered U.S. President Donald Trump to pay more than 625,000 pounds ($820,000) in legal costs to a company he unsuccessfully sued over a dossier alleging he took part in sex acts in Russia. Trump filed a claim in 2022 against Orbis Business Intelligence, a consulting firm founded by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele. Steele was paid by Democrats to compile a 2016 dossier that contained rumors and uncorroborated allegations that caused a political storm just before Trumps first inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said that Trump had been compromised by Russias security service, and included two memos that claimed Trump had taken part in sex parties in St. Petersburg and consorted with sex workers in Moscow. Trump denies all the allegations. His lawyers said the shocking and scandalous claims were false and harmed his reputation. He sued the company, saying the dossier was phony and Orbis had violated British data protection laws. In a written witness statement, Trump said the allegations were wholly untrue. Trump said he had not engaged in perverted sexual behavior including the hiring of prostitutes ... in the presidential suite of a hotel in Moscow, taken part in sex parties in St. Petersburg, bribed Russian officials, or provided them with sufficient material to blackmail me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Karen Steyn threw out the case in February 2024, without ruling on the truth of the allegations. She said the claim was bound to fail, in part because Trump had waited several years to bring the action. Steyn ordered Trump to pay Orbiss costs, which lawyers for the president alleged had been set absolutely outrageously high. After Trump failed to pay the first instalment of 290,000 pounds, a hearing was held earlier this year without him to decide the full bill. Judge Jason Rowley said Thursday that the president must pay 626,058.98 pounds, with interest accruing daily at 12%. A judge in the United Kingdom has ordered President Trump to pay more than $820,000 in legal fees to the company representing former British spy Christopher Steele after he unsuccessfully sued over a dossier. In 2022, Trump filed a claim against Orbis Business Intelligence, a firm founded by Steele, a former MI6 agent who published a 35-page dossier that featured claims about Trump ahead of the 2016 election. Trump argued the company violated British data protection laws and that he suffered a personal and reputational damage because of the claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in 2024, London Judge Karen Steyn tossed out the case because there are no compelling reasons to allow the case to go to trial. The dossier claimed Trump had been compromised by Russias security service and said the now-president took part in sex parties in Saint Petersburg, The Associated Press reported. Steyn has now ordered Trump to pay the costs for Orbiss lawyers, which the president said has been set outrageously high. Trump failed to pay the first installment, and a hearing was set to decide for him to pay the full bill. Judge Jason Rowley said Trump now must pay more than $820,000 with interest accruing daily at 12 percent, the AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump on Thursday endorsed a proposal that would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy, rather than in person. Trumps position, articulated to reporters on Air Force One on Thursday, put him at odds with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who mounted an aggressive push to kill that effort this week but was foiled by nine of his own members, along with all Democrats. Though the president said he would defer to Johnson on the operations of the House, he also said, I dont know why its controversial. Trump said he had spoken to Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the leading Republican proponent of the effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre having a baby, I think you should be able to call in and vote, Trump told reporters Thursday as he traveled to Florida. Im in favor of that. In a post late Thursday on X, Luna said Johnson called her after Trump's remarks and we discussed limiting the vote to just new moms who cannot physically travel in event of emergency etc. This is smart. Luna and Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado have led an effort that would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy for 12 weeks as they care for their newborns. It has the support of the majority of the House, with 218 lawmakers signing on to a so-called discharge petition that would force the measure on the House floor for consideration. But Johnson is an adamant opponent of casting votes by proxy, saying that doing so is an affront to the Constitution and invoked similar efforts instituted by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was quickly abused. Republicans put an end to it then, and we cannot allow it again, Johnson said in a lengthy social media post this week. The speaker says he is working on every possible accommodation aside from being able to vote by proxy to aid new mothers in Congress. Johnson attempted to squash the proxy effort in a dramatic floor vote earlier this week, but nine of his own Republicans joined all Democrats in rejecting his plan, 206-222. The speaker canceled House votes for the rest of the week while supporters of the proxy voting plan were undeterred and vowed to continue to push for it. We recently published a list of 10 Best Beaten Down Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) stands against other best beaten down stocks to buy according to analysts. JPMorgan released a market update where it highlighted the US Feds recent decision to keep the rates unchanged. Also, the US Fed decreased the growth forecasts and increased the near-term inflation expectations. The futures markets are pricing 2 interest rate cuts this year and a ~50% chance of the third cut. Jose Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers, believes that stocks are being impacted as slowdown worries continue to pressure the outlook for broader corporate earnings growth. According to him, investors continue to pile up shares in the defensive consumer staple, utilities, and healthcare segments and the real estate and energy areas. What Lies Ahead as Q1 2025 Approaches its End? Reuters reported that analysts have been turning more cautious about the US corporate earnings for Q1 2025, as Trumps policies continue to threaten to trigger a global trade war that can impact the broader economic growth. Reuters, while quoting Tajinder Dhillon (senior research analyst at LSEG), noted that S&P 500 forecasts for Q1 2025 have declined by 4.5 percentage points since January 1. Notably, this has been the largest downward revision since Q4 2023. The earnings growth for the S&P 500 companies is expected at 7.7% YoY, marking the lowest since Q3 2023 as well as a significant decline from 17.1% in Q4 2024. The worries related to the import tariffs and retaliation by US trade partners, together with the government cutbacks, can push the broader economy into recession have witnessed an increase over the past few weeks, reported Reuters. READ ALSO: 7 Best Stocks to Buy For Long-Term and 8 Cheap Jim Cramer Stocks to Invest In. Whats Next for the S&P 500? CNBC, while quoting Scott Wren (senior global market strategist at the Wells Fargo Investment Institute), stated that numerous uncertainties can negatively impact the broader stock market, such as tariffs as well as a potential rebound in inflation. Furthermore, an increase in bond yields can also pose a headwind, as per Wren. Notably, increased yields can impact the demand for US stocks. That being said, a favorable backdrop of healthy economic growth and consumer spending, together with relatively low unemployment, can help the S&P 500 to deliver ~12% in 2025. As per Wren, this would be marginally higher than the long-term historical average. The strategist thinks that the investors are required to be optimistic. President Donald Trump has long advocated for tariffs as a way to push companies to bring back production to the U.S. and create jobs. Its not so simple. Jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country, and you see it happening already, Trump said on Wednesday. We will supercharge our domestic industrial base. We will pry open foreign markets and break down trade barriers. Manufacturing employment in the U.S. has been falling for decades and major corporations have developed deep global supply chains. The U.S. doesnt have enough operational factories capable of mass-producing necessary parts, such as screws, which is set to drive up costs for manufacturers. Labor also tends to be more expensive in the U.S. than in most other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steel tariffs implemented between 2002 and 2003 by then-president George W. Bush cost 168,000 jobs per year in steel-using industries, according to CNBC (CMCSA). And a 2024 research paper found that tariffs Trump implemented during his first term didnt bring back jobs in protected sectors. Many manufacturers in the United States already operate with thin margins, National Association of Manufacturers CEO Jay Timmons said in a statement. The high costs of new tariffs threaten investment, jobs, supply chains and, in turn, Americas ability to outcompete other nations. The Trump administration has set tariff rates at about half of what it says other countries levy on American imports, and imposed a 10% base tariff on almost all nations. After all the tariffs take effect next week, importers, who are responsible for the levies, will pay much more for most goods. Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, which supports the tariffs, told Quartz that he believes the duties will help push re-shoring where companies bring back production based abroad back to their home country or near-shoring, where that production is returned to a nearby country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico and Canada, facing their own 25% tariffs, will not yet be affected by the new tariff actions, while most Latin American countries will face lower rates, according to Goldman Sachs (GS). The tariffs especially hurt Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam and Thailand, whose leaders are trying to negotiate with the White House. China is one of the countries hardest hit by the tariffs, now facing a 54% duty on all shipments to the U.S. Several products face even higher tariffs, as the past few American administrations have moved to develop trade barriers against goods like electric vehicles. If you look at the weight of the tariffs, youre likely to see some suppliers [say] they can move from Asia to the Americas, Paul said. While the U.S. wouldnt be able to absorb all of the apparel production in Asia, Paul said, there could be an opportunity for North American supply chains. There have been some new investment announcements in recent months from major firms like OpenAI, which launched a $500 billion Stargate venture. Machinery maker JCB said Thursday it will double the size of a planned factory. The $3,000 iPhone? But those plans are as yet the exception, not the rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From a supply chain perspective, were not seeing a flood of factories breaking ground, David Warrick, a Microsoft (MSFT) veteran and executive at Overhaul, a supply-chain risk management firm, told Quartz by email. Were seeing spreadsheets. Modeling. Risk assessments. Even companies that have been willing to work with the Trump administration are set to be affected. Hyundai Motor Co. (HYMTF), which is investing in a $5.8 billion in a steel plant to supply its car factories in Georgia and Alabama, will be slammed by new tariffs on vehicles and parts, as will Honda Motor Co. (HMC), which has shifted planned vehicle output to Indiana from Mexico. Apple (AAPL) plans to invest $500 billion in the U.S. across Trumps term in office, something the president often applauds. During Trumps 2018-2019 tariffs, Apple won a tariff exemption for parts used in Mac Pro computers. The tariffs on China could push the cost of the cheapest iPhone 16 model to $1,142 from $799. The $1,599 iPhone 16 Pro Max could become almost $2,300 if Apple shifts the brunt of the duties to customers, according to one estimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Apple is nonetheless unlikely to bring much production back to the U.S., as moving output to Texas or New Jersey from abroad would raise the price of an iPhone to $3,500 from $1,000, according to Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives. Making Apple products and iPhones in the US sounds great behind the microphones in the 202 area code ... but in reality, they are a fantasy, Ives said in a note on Thursday. The tariffs in their current form are a shut-off valve for U.S. consumer sales or risk prices going up to levels that are hard to digest. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. As with many of his political positions, President Trumps extraordinary new tariffs are based on the presumption that the United States is being treated unfairly by the rest of the world. He proclaims his tariffs are merely reciprocal. They do it to us, and we do it to them, Trump said. Very simple. But are the new levies on foreign goods sold in the U.S. truly reciprocal"? No, not by any commonly agreed definition of the term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reciprocal tariff is one that is equal to the tariff rate charged on our exports to them, Brad DeLong, a professor of economics at UC Berkeley, said via email. Vietnams tariff on our exports . . . averages 10%. That is not the 46% rate that Trump has imposed on Vietnam. Read more: Trump says tariffs are 'going very well' as markets plummet, countries aim to retaliate The Trump administration tariffs are not even based on the tariffs other countries impose. Instead, they are derived using a novel calculation that focuses on Americas trade deficits with other nations. And the levies Trump said he intends to impose on goods will often be much higher than the ones they charge on American imports. Heres how the Trump administration calculated the new tariffs: It took the U.S. trade deficit with individual trading partners, then divided it by U.S. imports from that partner. It then divided that total in half. Thus, Trump claims that his tariffs are not only reciprocal but "discounted." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's acknowledgment that the calculations were not based on other nations' tariffs alone is demonstrated in one of his social media posts. A chart laying out the new tariffs contends the charges by other nations include currency manipulation and trade barriers. To Trump, the new duties are "reciprocal" because they respond to another country's actions, even if the new U.S. tariffs are much higher. What the post does not acknowledge is that a substantial portion of the advantage other nations have in trade is tied to lower operating costs, particularly the lower wages and benefits that their workers earn, which are unrelated to tariffs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick insisted that the charges will pay dividends in the long run, as foreign companies stung by the tariffs decide to move their factories to the U.S. "Global governments have backed taking our factories away from us," Lutnick told Newsmax. "But what you're going to see is the most modern factories of the world come back here." Trump has insisted that by effectively raising taxes on imports from other countries, he will help drive down Americas trade deficit. Most economists polled on that notion aren't buying it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fifty-eight percent of the economists surveyed by the Kent A. Clark Center for Global Markets at the University of Chicago disagreed with the claim that Americas trade deficit would grow smaller because of the higher tariffs. Forty-one percent said they were unsure. Only 1% of economists said they thought the Trump move would improve Americas balance of trade. Read more: Car buyers in Southern California scramble to beat 25% auto tariffs Trumps view of international trade is also overly simplistic in that it attends only to the material goods the U.S. sells overseas and how much other nations sell in the U.S. without accounting for professional services that America sells in other countries, said Jesse Rothstein, another UC Berkeley economist. With many of these countries, and generally with the world, we have a trade surplus when it comes to services, Rothstein said. So they send us cheap clothing and we send them accounting services. Its a good deal. We would much rather be getting paid as accountants than getting paid as garment workers. 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. The News US President Donald Trumps unveiling of long-awaited tariffs Wednesday marked the most drastic reimagining of global trade in generations, as the stark projection of American power sparked fury abroad and sent stock markets plummeting. The US leaders announcement of 10% baseline levies on all foreign imports, plus far higher tariffs on many key trading partners, means no allies have escaped unscathed, though the impact of the levies are likely to be felt unequally. The punitive tariffs, steeper than many analysts expected, represent the culmination of Trumps decades-long desire to redress an international trading order he sees as unfair despite widespread warnings that in an escalating global trade war, America too stands to lose. SIGNALS Trumps tariffs are not a negotiating tactic Sources: BBC, Project Syndicate, Politico, Barrons Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the highest levies dont take effect until April 9, theoretically allowing time for talks, countries hoping for a speedy reprieve are likely to be disappointed: This is not a negotiation, its a national emergency, one White House official told the BBC. Whereas Trump in his first term mostly used tariffs as leverage, this administration sees them as a way to reshore supply chains, revitalize manufacturing and fund tax cuts, Eurasia Groups Ian Bremmer noted. Trump has already acknowledged tariffs will cause pain for US consumers and businesses, indicating that he is likely to stay the course even in the face of severe economic dislocation, Bremmer wrote. But companies looking to move their manufacturing to the US face a long and bumpy road, an economist argued in Barrons. Reshoring typically takes three to 10 years, she wrote, and many industries require a level of quality infrastructure and skilled labor that the US lacks. Retaliation day looms as trade war set in motion Sources: Fox News, Bloomberg, Financial Times, The Economist Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a warning to US trading partners shortly after Trumps announcement: Do not retaliate. Yet analysts believe that China, the EU and other major powers will have little choice but to respond: Retaliation day will follow liberation day, an asset manager told the Financial Times. Trumps moves could harden views in Beijing and lead to serious escalation far beyond tariffs, including further restrictions on US companies operating in China, an analyst told Bloomberg. But if countries choose to hit back with their own levies, they may find that retaliation carries a cost, and could stoke further escalation from America, The Economist wrote. In any case, many smaller Asian economies among those hardest hit by the new levies arent really in a position to retaliate, an economist told Al Jazeera. The end of globalization? Sources: The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The Conversation, Financial Times Trumps tariff blitz upends a decades-long shift toward freer global movement of goods and services, with The Economist arguing that it takes Americas trade policies back to the 19th century. The assault on key partners that Trump believes rip off the US is intended to send a clear message that the era of globalization is over, The Wall Street Journal noted, with a Morgan Stanley economist telling the outlet that untangling world supply chains will be slow, expensive, and difficult. Yet some experts believe that it is too early to call globalizations demise: One expert argued in The Conversation that deglobalizing runs contrary to the interests of US capital, which needs to expand into new territories and sectors to survive. And while protectionism cycles in and out of fashion, trade is always likely to flow wherever it can find a comparative advantage, likely leading to global ties being reshaped rather than severed: In the long run, the economic motive behind globalisation in all its forms gives it extraordinary staying power, the Financial Times argued. By Marafaele Mohloboli MASERU (Reuters) - A 50% reciprocal trade tariff on Lesotho, the highest levy on U.S. President Donald Trump's long list of target economies, will kill the tiny Southern African kingdom that Trump ridiculed last month, an economic analyst there said on Thursday. Lesotho, which Trump described in March as a country "nobody has ever heard of", is one of the world's poorest nations with a gross domestic product of just over $2 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has a large trade surplus with the United States, mostly made up of diamonds and textiles, including Levi's jeans. Its exports to the United States, which in 2024 totalled $237 million, account for more than 10% of its GDP. Trump on Wednesday imposed sweeping new tariffs on global trading partners, upending decades of rules-based trade and threatening cost increases for consumers. He said the "reciprocal" tariffs were a response to duties and other non-tariff barriers put on U.S. goods. Lesotho charges 99% tariffs on American goods, according to the U.S. administration. In Africa, the move signalled the end of the AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) trade deal that was supposed to help African economies develop through preferential access to U.S. markets, trade experts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also compounded the pain after Trump dismantled USAID, the government agency that was a major supplier of aid to the continent. "The 50% reciprocal tariff introduced by the U.S. government is going to kill the textile and apparel sector in Lesotho," Thabo Qhesi, a Maseru-based independent economic analyst, told Reuters. Oxford Economics said the textile sector, with some 40,000 workers, was Lesotho's biggest private employer and accounted for roughly 90% of manufacturing employment and exports. "Then you are having retailers who are selling food. And then you have residential property owners who are renting houses for the workers. So this means if the closure of factories were to happen, the industry is going to die and there will be multiplier effects," Qhesi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So Lesotho will be dead, so to say." The government of Lesotho, a mountainous nation of about 2 million people that is encircled by South Africa, had no immediate comment on the trade tariffs on Thursday. Its foreign minister told Reuters last month the country, which has one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in the world, was already feeling the impact of the aid cuts as its health sector had been reliant on them. The formula used to calculate the U.S. tariffs took the U.S. trade deficit in goods with each country as a proxy for alleged unfair practices, then divided it by the amount of goods imported into the United States from that country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resulting tariff equals half the ratio between the two, meaning countries import only small quantities of U.S. goods, such as Lesotho and Madagascar, have been hit with more punitive tariffs than much richer countries. That is also the case for Vietnam, Nicaragua and Cambodia, for which exports to the United States account for more than 25% of GDP, according to Oxford Economics. One corn vendor in Maseru, Sekhoane Masokela, saw Trump's announcement as a reason to seek out new markets. "His (Trump's) is not the only country, so he is giving us an opportunity to cut ties with him and look for other countries. It is evident that he no longer wants anything to do with us," Masokela said. (additional reporting by Sisipho Skweyiya and Nqobile Dludla in Johannesburg; writing by Silvia Aloisi; Editing by Hugh Lawson) The word from Washington is that Elon Musk will soon be leaving the White House and his mission as Donald Trumps cost-cutter in chief. On the surface, at least, there is no surprise there. Even if he continues to act as an adviser, as JD Vance indicated on Thursday, Musks formal Doge mandate was always slated to end after 130 days. Thats the maximum time afforded to special government employees like Musk, whose brief-but-bombastic tenure is much of the reason why Trumps second administration has already felt so messy and chaotic. Chaos and mess have always been at Musks side: his appetite for disruption is arguably one of the main reasons hes been so successful at business. It also runs in the family. In contrast to Trumps mostly scandal-averse brood, the Musk clan is full of bad-mouthers. But Musks favoured modus operandi has had mixed results in Washington. Doge claims to have saved taxpayers over $100 billion since Inauguration Day. Unlike during Trumps first term, the resistance has been surprisingly weak, both to Doge and Trump himself. But when its managed to manifest, anti-administration anger has increasingly and distractingly fallen upon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters strongly rejected Republican Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel, who lost to his Democratic challenger Susan Crawford on Monday, despite Musks more than $20 million in support. And even with an effective seat in Trumps cabinet, fellow members notably transport secretary Sean Duffy have reportedly squabbled with Musk for overstepping the mark through his Doge directives and policy proclamations. Last month, Musk derided Social Security as a Ponzi scheme, even though Trump has promised not to touch the Democrats favourite benefits programme. Such lack of discipline and discretion is why some senior White House officials, reported Politico, are particularly fed up with Musks rogue behaviour. Following Januarys announcement of Trumps $500 billion Stargate AI project, for instance, Musk publicly bashed its partner OpenAI, a major Musk rival. Musk and Trump sometimes conveyed conflicting messages - Brandon Bell/2024 Getty Images Despite all this, however, Trump will be wise enough to realise that there can be no public or rancorous split. While both Musk and his boss thrive on impulse and unpredictability, there is no whiff of disloyalty on Musks part or anger on the presidents. Trump must also understand that a Musk released into the wild could ultimately prove the most wild of all. Musk and the president are hardly equals. Trump leads the worlds wealthiest nation and, as Thursdays plunging financial markets will confirm, can upend global politics and the economy with singular impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Musks reach via X-members, Tesla-owners and untold SpaceX fanboys defies conventional qualifiers (and quantifiers). Trump, more than anyone, understands the underappreciated importance of infamy. And with 220 million X followers of his own, Musks potential to overshadow Trump if he were to return to private citizen-land with a grudge against the president cannot be discounted. True, Musk is unlikely to mount any sort of shadow opposition movement once his Doge days are over; his companies are just too reliant on federal regulatory cooperation to risk a direct confrontation. But with their overlapping audiences, Trump must know that alienating Musks base comes with its own level of risk. Back in 2018, the Democrats retook the House during that years mid-term elections and Trump is clearly concerned about a repeat performance next autumn. Schimels dismal display in Wisconsin this week has proven the potency of anti-Musk campaigning and the 2026 mid-terms could easily devolve into a referendum on Musk as much as the president. With Trump already teasing an unprecedented and, for now at least, unconstitutional third term, any Musk collateral damage must be contained before any meaningful campaigning commences. So Trump cant afford to keep Musk. But he cant really afford to lose him, either. And thats why the real news here isnt Musks potential departure, but that this presidential bromance has managed to survive so long. Survival has always been uncertain in Trump-world for all who do not share his last name. Despite the chaos and mess, Musk has retained Trumps interest far longer than most. David Christopher Kaufman is a New York Post columnist 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) President Donald Trump took executive action on Wednesday, March 4 on reciprocal tariffs. But how will this impact the economy and your wallets? According to the presidents plan, he is imposing a 10% baseline tariff, but is taxing Americas closer trading partners more. This includes countries like China, Vietnam and Japan. Trump said he looking to address the injustices of global trade all while driving economic growth. An Economics professor at Washburn told 27 News how this will impact consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre a business that doesnt rely all that much on imports, your prices shouldnt go up, you shouldnt be all that impacted to it, Washburn Economics Professor, Paul Byrne said. If youre a business thats selling imported goods, or the inputs that you need in your production process come from overseas, thats going to increase your cost, thats going to result in higher prices. Are 3D-printed homes the future for Shawnee County? Byrnes told 27 News he believes people will see prices go up right away. As for people relocating their businesses to the U.S., he said that will be a more long-term approach, but believes that will only happen if theres certainty on what these tariffs will be a couple years down the road. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. By Akash Sriram (Reuters) -Your favorite iPhone could soon become much pricier, thanks to tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a series of sweeping tariffs on countries around the world that could drastically alter the landscape of global trade, and consumer goods like iPhones could be among the hardest hit, analysts said on Thursday, with increases of 30% to 40% if the company were to pass on the cost to consumers. Most iPhones are still made in China, which was hit with a 54% tariff. If those levies persist, Apple has a tough choice: absorb the extra expense or pass it on to customers. Shares of the company closed down 9.3% on Thursday, hitting their worst day since March 2020. Apple sells more than 220 million iPhones a year; its biggest markets include the United States, China and Europe. The cheapest iPhone 16 model was launched in the U.S. with a sticker price of $799, but could cost as much as $1,142, per calculations based on projections from analysts at Rosenblatt Securities, who say the cost could rise by 43% - if Apple is able to pass that on to consumers. A more expensive iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a 6.9-inch display and 1 terabyte of storage, which currently retails at $1599, could cost nearly $2300 if a 43% increase were to pass to consumers. Trump imposed tariffs on a wide range of Chinese imports in his first term as president to pressure U.S. companies to bring manufacturing either back to the United States or to nearby countries such as Mexico, but Apple secured exemptions or waivers for several products. This time, he has not yet granted any exemptions. "This whole China tariff thing is playing out right now completely contrary to our expectation that American icon Apple would be kid-gloved, like last time," Barton Crockett, analyst at Rosenblatt Securities, said in a note. The iPhone 16e, launched in February as a cheaper entry point for Apple's suite of artificial-intelligence features, costs $599. A 43% price hike could push that cost to $856. Prices of other Apple devices could jump as well. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Many customers pay for their phones over a period of two or three years through contracts with their cellular providers. However, other analysts noted that iPhone sales have been floundering in the company's major markets, as Apple Intelligence, a suite of features that helps summarize notifications, rewrite emails and give users access to ChatGPT, has failed to enthuse buyers. Expert reviews have suggested that the features, while innovative, do not provide enough of a compelling reason to justify upgrading to newer models. BERLIN (Reuters) - The tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump will put a strain on the United States' exports as well, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday. At a press conference in Berlin, Scholz also pointed to complex supply chains: "Sometimes there are so many supply chain dependencies that some things are sent back and forth a 100 times. You cannot simply stop that." He added: "Even if Europe did nothing (in response), it would lead to economic difficulties in the U.S." (Reporting by Thomas Escritt, Kirsti Knolle) The News China was hit particularly hard by US President Donald Trumps Liberation Day trade salvo, unveiled Wednesday, with Beijing now facing 34% tariffs on top of existing 20% duties. The country vowed retaliation, saying the sweeping tariffs endanger global economic development, but did not specify how Beijing could hit back. The duties deal a further blow to China as it attempts an economic comeback in the face of a domestic housing market crisis, unemployment woes, and deflation. SIGNALS Already-fragile sectors now face further risk Sources: The Straits Times, ING Think Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tariffs strike at the heart of Chinas export economy: The US accounted for nearly 15% of the countrys total exports last year, and the forecasts arent optimistic, The Straits Times wrote. Macquarie economists estimate the tariffs could shave 15% off Chinas exports and reduce its GDP growth by 2 to 2.5%; an ING analyst noted the levies could add to deflationary pressure; and Eurasia Groups Dan Wang said the tariffs will deal a blow to employment, as they affect a labor-intensive segment of the economy. Chinese firms will also no longer be able to reroute production through other countries, since new tariffs apply to every US trade partner. The China+1 workaround is effectively closed, Wang said. Immediate focus shifts to negotiation and retaliation Sources: Sinocism, Financial Times Attention now shifts to how Beijing could respond to the duties, both in terms of retaliation and negotiation. The reaction is unlikely to be weak, and I doubt Xi [Jinping] and his team will just roll over and do nothing while trying to negotiate, China observer Bill Bishop wrote in his newsletter. Beijing now has a maturing economic coercion response toolbox that includes export controls and probes into US firms. The punishing nature of the US duties also dent the possibility of a grand bargain agreement that would thaw tensions between the superpowers, the Financial Times reported. That could lead to a hard decoupling, possibly derailing talks over a sale of TikToks US operations ahead of Saturdays deadline, analysts said. The golden opportunity for China Source: Bloomberg Despite the tariff shock, there are some silver linings for China, Bloomberg wrote. With nearly every country in the world affected by US tariffs, those nations could look to China as an alternate trading partner. The salvo incentivizes all other countries to trade with each other instead of America, a Shanghai-based professor said. China now has a golden opportunity to beat America at its own game. Leader Xi Jinping will reportedly travel to several Southeast Asian countries in the coming weeks, which have been particularly hard hit by Trumps tariffs. But that pitch could be met with skepticism in places like Europe, where officials are often quick to note that whatever their disagreements with Trump, they still have serious complaints about Chinas economic policies, one analyst said. By Aaditya GovindRao (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's policies that have rattled stocks around the world are benefiting Australian shipbuilder Austal, analysts said on Wednesday. Shares of the company, which supplies defence and commercial vessels to the Australian and U.S. navies among other clients, surged 35% in the three months ending March, clocking their best quarterly gains in nearly two years since June 2023. In contrast, the broader benchmark lost about 4% on concerns of stretched valuations among financial stocks and the fallout from U.S. tariffs. The surge in Austal's shares comes amid Trump's call asking Australia and other U.S. security allies to increase defence spending. Australia said last week it would bring forward A$1 billion in defence spending in its federal budget. "With higher defense spending and an increased sense of need for autonomy in all domains, we could see more order activity for Austal from Australia," said Dhierin-Perkash Bechai, aerospace analyst at Seeking Alpha and The Aerospace Forum. "That is also driven by a sense that China may become more aggressive in the region amidst a fallout between the U.S. and its closest allies." Austal grew its order book to a record A$14.2 billion by 2024-end, 11% growth from six months ago. The company's two shipyards in the United States insulate it from Trump's potential import tariffs, which have roiled global markets lately, further boosting Austal's allure for investors. These shipyards make smaller combat vessels, surveillance ships and modules for nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarines. "Investors are looking for companies that are able to win business in the U.S., but without tariffs and/or sacrificing growth ambitions elsewhere," said Nicholas Sundich, an equity analyst at Pitt Street Research. Recently, South Korean conglomerate Hanwha bought a 9.9% stake in Austal, nearly a year after the shipbuilder rebuffed its A$1.02 billion takeover bid. The acquisition underscores foreign interest in the company. (Reporting by Aaditya Govind Rao in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2 unleashed what he has dubbed "Liberation Day," imposing tariffs on nearly every country in the world including war-torn Ukraine. Kyiv got off lighter than most with only a 10% tariff on all Ukrainian goods, compared to 20% on the EU, and 54% on China. Nonetheless, it follows a previous round of 25% tariffs in March that thrashed Ukraine's metallurgy sector the source of its main exports to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, the U.S. did not include Russia on its tariff list as the existing sanctions "preclude any meaningful trade," White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said. Ukrainian trade with the U.S. has dropped in recent years, with only $874 million of exports and $3.4 billion of American imports last year. But the knock-on effect could be a global trade war that hits Ukraine too, Oleksandra Myronenko from the Center for Economic Strategy (CES) in Kyiv, told the Kyiv Independent. Trump claims the tariffs will strengthen the U.S. economy and lower prices for consumers by kickstarting American manufacturing, despite many economists saying the opposite. He said the U.S. had been exploited for decades by both allies and adversaries, describing the nation as having been "looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has so far downplayed the ramifications of the tariffs. Ukraines Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko called them difficult, but not critical for Ukraine's economy. The Kyiv Independent spoke with Myronenko to find out how Trumps latest tariffs will impact Ukraine. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The Kyiv Independent: What are the tariffs the U.S. has imposed on Ukraine? Oleksandra Myronenko: The U.S. imposed a 10% tariff on all Ukrainian goods, excluding goods that were already subject to tariffs, including steel, aluminum, and their products. For those it's a 25% duty. For all other goods it's 10%. The Kyiv Independent: What Ukrainian sectors will be impacted the most by this, and what was Ukraine exporting to the U.S.? Oleksandra Myronenko: Metals are the main export from Ukraine to the U.S. Exports totaled almost $363 million of pig iron and $113 million of steel pipes in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine also exports food and agricultural products. We can expect a slight decline in exports of agricultural products to the U.S., but its impact will not be very critical for Ukraine. Overall, Ukrainian exports to the U.S. make up only 2% of Ukraines total exports. The Ukrainian government will support Ukrainian businesses that will be affected by these tariffs. The Kyiv Independent: How has trade with the U.S. changed from 2021 until now? Oleksandra Myronenko: There is a slight decline in overall Ukrainian-U.S. trade especially in (Ukrainian) exports. Previously, the U.S. was in the top 10 of Ukrainian export-import partners, but in recent years it's declined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 2024, the U.S. ranked fifth for goods imported to Ukraine and sixteenth for goods exported. Technicians work at the main blast furnace at the Zaporizhstal Iron and Steel Works in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on Feb. 12, 2024. (Diego Fedele/Getty Images) The Kyiv Independent: How will these new tariffs impact Ukraine's economy? Oleksandra Myronenko: The impact of imposing these tariffs on the Ukrainian economy will not be so critical, but our partners will be impacted more. For countries in which these tariffs are bigger than Ukraine like China and the European Union it means their products will become less competitive, not only on the U.S. market, but also on the global market. The sales from these countries that export to the U.S. will drop. The European Union is already saying it can also impose some tariffs on American goods. This could lead to a trade war and this will make the global economy less effective. Because of that, the Ukrainian economy will also be in decline. The Kyiv Independent: How is Ukraine preparing for these tariffs? Oleksandra Myronenko: The Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on Facebook that Ukraine will not respond by imposing tariffs. The Ukrainian government will support Ukrainian businesses that will be affected by these tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main problem is that small businesses will be affected the most. The Economy Ministry plans to support them. I think it will provide financial support, maybe some credits or loans, and maybe some financial products. The Kyiv Independent: How does this affect the trade relations between Ukraine and Europe Oleksandra Myronenko: We supply iron ore and other metals to the European Union, and it carries out certain processing stages. It then exports these products to the U.S. Since U.S duties on goods from the European Union are higher than on goods from Ukraine, the exports from the EU to the U.S. will also fall significantly. This can reduce the demand for Ukrainian exports to the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I cannot say that our trade with the European Union will decrease. I think it will be more or less on the same level. Read also: Why Im leaving Trumps America historian Marci Shore Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (NewsNation) President Donald Trumps announcement Wednesday that hell begin imposing baseline and reciprocal tariffs on several foreign trade partners will almost certainly result in a recession, predicted Moodys Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi, who offered a couple of caveats. I dont see how we avoid recession. I really dont, Zandi told The Hill on Wednesday. He placed the odds at better than even, or more than 50%, that a recession is imminent. Zandi offered some qualifiers. He said the situation may not be as grave if countries do not respond in kind to the presidents tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump to impose 25% tariff on cars not made in US Zandi also noted that Trump pivoted in the past when economic pain was felt at home. Canada and Mexico were not included in the presidents announcement, although Trumps plan for a 25% tariff on imported autos and auto parts was still slated to take effect. Zandi estimated the overall effect is still a 20% U.S. tariff on imported goods. But again, lets see, 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 NewsNation. Fallout continues after President Donald Trump's unveiling of severe tariffs against virtually all U.S. trading partners. Thursday was the worst day for U.S. stock markets since June 2020. China struck back on Friday, announcing a 34% tariff on American goods as other foreign leaders weigh their response. Meanwhile, Trump's universal 10% levy against all countries is expected to go into effect early on Saturday. Latest Developments Apr 4, 10:30 AM Trump says China 'played it wrong' in apparent response to Beijing's retaliatory tariffs President Donald Trump appears to be responding to China's announcement of a retaliatory tariff against all U.S. goods. "CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED - THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!" Trump posted on his social media platform on Friday. PHOTO: Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during an international business meeting at The Great Hall Of The People on March 28, 2025 in Beijing, China. (Ken Ishii/Pool/Getty Images) The president has no public events on his schedule, but has been posting on his social media site frequently as backlash to his tariff plan continues. Apr 4, 10:07 AM Stock market drops further in early Friday trading The stock market fell further on Friday, with major indexes down at opening. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted 925 points, or 2.25%, while the S&P 500 dropped 2.4%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq declined 3%. The slumps come after China announced retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. overnight. PHOTO: Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, April 3, 2025. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters) Apr 4, 9:17 AM Trump tells investors his 'policies will never change' Ahead of the markets opening on Friday, President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform a message for investors. "TO THE MANY INVESTORS COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES AND INVESTING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF MONEY, MY POLICIES WILL NEVER CHANGE. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH, RICHER THAN EVER BEFORE!!!" he posted. The president did not specify which specific policies he was referring to, though the post comes as his tariff plan rattles the economy. Apr 4, 9:15 AM Rubio acknowledges 'markets are crashing' but says they'll adjust Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected the premise that economies would enter a downturn after the announcement of Trump's tariffs but acknowledged that markets are experiencing volatility as businesses realize production norms are facing changes. "So I don't think it's fair to say economies are crashing," Rubio said. "Markets are crashing because markets are based on the stock value of companies who today are embedded in modes of production that are bad for the United States." "But ultimately, the markets, as long as they know what the rules are going to be moving forward, and as long as that's set and you can sustain where you're going to be, the markets will adjust," he said. -ABC News' Chris Boccia Apr 4, 6:54 AM China to impose 34% tariff on all US goods China will impose a 34% tariff on all American goods in response to President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" measures, the country's tariff commission said on Friday. PHOTO: A drone view shows a Chinese flag on a cargo ship at the terminals at the port in Kwai Chung in Hong Kong, China, on April 3, 2025. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters) "The U.S. practice is inconsistent with international trade rules, seriously damages China's legitimate rights and interests and is a typical unilateral bullying practice," the commission said in a statement. China was hit with 34% tariffs on top of 20% tariffs Trump previously announced. In response, a Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson urged the U.S. to "immediately cancel its unilateral tariff measures and properly resolve differences with its trading partners through equal dialogue." The tariffs will "endanger global economic development and the stability of the supply chain," they added. -ABC News' Karson Yiu Apr 4, 3:19 AM Vice President Vance says tariffs will make 'booming' stock market As the stock market plunged on Thursday, Vice President JD Vance sat down with Newsmax, where he echoed President Donald Trump, saying the stock market will boom because there's reinvestment into the United States. "We're going to have a booming stock market for a long time because we're reinvesting in the United States," Vance said. PHOTO: Vice President JD Vance arrives to attend President Donald Trump's remarks on reciprocal tariffs in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 2025. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We care the most about American workers and small businesses. They're the ones who are really going to benefit from these policies," he added. Vance then suggested that there will be "some transition" that comes with the tariffs; however, pivoted to outlining the administration's goal of trying to get new investments into the United States. "Yes, there is some transition that's going to come along with this, but you're already seeing the evidence that things are getting better," Vance said. "Egg prices are lower, energy prices are lower. You've got trillions of dollars of new investment coming into the country. That's people who are building factories because they want to avoid the tariffs," he added. -ABC News' Kelsey Walsh Apr 3, 5:57 PM Trump says tariffs can be used for negotiation, including TikTok Trump was asked if he was open to speaking to any of the countries affected by the tariffs and he said it depends on what they were offering. "For instance ... we have a situation with TikTok where China will probably say, well approve a deal, but will you do something on the tariff? The tariffs give us great power to negotiate," he said. Apr 3, 5:57 PM Trump says tariffs on chips, pharmaceuticals coming soon Trump told reporters that tariffs on computer chips and pharmaceuticals are being worked on and would be on a "level that you haven't really seen before." "It's a separate category, and we'll be announcing that sometime in the near future, not too distant future. That's under review right now," he said without giving more details. Apr 3, 5:57 PM Trump brushes off market woes Trump spoke with reporters on Air Force One and was asked to chime in with disasters day for the stock market. The president claimed that he was handed "a terrible economy" alleging many manufacturing jobs were lost. "It's going to be amazing actually and we see it because we have trillions of dollars committed to come in, trillions," he claimed. Trump also alleged that more plants will be opening. Jeep maker Stellantis said on Thursday it will temporarily pause production at two plants. Apr 3, 3:41 PM Trump says things are 'going very well' as his tariff plan roils markets President Donald Trump took a single question as he left the White House on Thursday for Miami as his tariff announcement continued to rock the world economy. "Markets today are way down ... How's it going?" a reporter asked the president. "I think it's going very well," Trump responded. "It was an operation. It's like when a patient gets operated on and it's a big thing. I said this would exactly be the way it is." PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on April 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Trump continued to project confidence and said nations to be impacted are now trying to see if they can "make a deal." "The markets are going to boom, the stock is going to boom, the country is going to boom, and the rest of the world wants to see is there any way they can make a deal?" Trump said. "They've taken advantage of us for many, many years. For many years we've been at the wrong side of the ball. And I'll tell you what, I think it's going to be unbelievable." Click here to read the rest of the blog. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on most goods imported into the US yesterday, affecting over 100 countries including uninhabited territories in the middle of the ocean. It's a baffling decision that's expected to wreak havoc on the international economy, heightening existing concerns over an imminent recession. Worse, as Cointelegraph reports, there seem to be signs that the befuddling measures were cooked up by an AI chatbot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basically, Trump's tariff rates divide the trade deficit between the US and a given country by the value of the total goods imported from it, and then divide the result by two. As observers quickly noticed, chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT were prone to duplicating that calculation, suggesting that lethargic administration officials might have turned to the tech to devise the plan. "What would be an easy way to calculate the tariffs that should be imposed on other countries so that the US is on even playing fields when it comes to trade deficit. Set a minimum of ten percent," crypto trader Jordan "Cobie" Fish asked ChatGPT. The AI tool happily obliged, coming up with a strikingly similar formulation, dividing the trade deficit by total imports to calculate the tariff rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, even the chatbot warned that doing so wouldn't make much sense. "This method ignores the intricate dynamics of international trade such as elasticities, retaliatory measures, and supply chain nuances but it provides a blunt, proportional rule to 'level the playing field,'" ChatGPT wrote. "Confirmed, ChatGPT..." Journal of Public Economics editor Wojtek Kopczuk tweeted. "Exactly what the dumbest kid in the class would do, without edits." A breakdown of which country got hit hard and which was spared highlights how the new tariff rates largely ignore the greater international trade context. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I suspect his is also why countries like Iran, which we basically do not trade with, gets off so easily," another user replied. "No trade = no trade deficit!" It's not just ChatGPT. Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok gave a similar answer when given the same prompt, suggesting adjusting tariff rates "based on deficit size." Again, Grok warned about such a plan being largely illogical and potentially self-defeating. "This method assumes tariffs directly reduce imports by raising prices, but in reality, factors like demand elasticity, currency exchange rates, and global supply chains complicate the outcome," Grok wrote. "It also risks retaliation or higher costs for US consumers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For a truly 'even playing field,' youd need to consider production costs, subsidies, and labor standards abroad data thats harder to quantify simply," the chatbot added. Anthropic's Claude AI chatbot made a similar suggestion, adding the same caveats. Could the pattern be a coincidence? Sure. But the White House has already been accused of using AI to generate sloppily-written executive orders, which bore hallmarks of AI tools like ChatGPT. The administration has also made a big deal of its use of AI for governing, with Elon Musk's DOGE crowing about its use of the tech and the General Services Administration launching a chatbot last month designed to support staff at the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bottom line, though? AI or not, economists are warning that the tariffs are ill-advised and likely to devastate the global economy. The stock market is already taking a hammering this morning. "There is no economic rationale for doing this and it will cost the global economy dearly," London School of Economics professor Thomas Sampson told the BBC. More on tariffs: Trump's Tariffs Are Wreaking Havoc on the AI Industry He Claims to Support Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to deport millions of immigrants, arguing his administration would remove violent criminals other presidents never could. Since taking office, the administration has often touted the latest immigration arrests with wanted-style posters and slogans likes like Make America Safe Again. However, despite framing these arrests as key moves to protect public safety against the worst of the worst, at least half of the 72 high-profile apprehensions the administration has publicized involved people who were already in prison, according to an analysis from The Washington Post, while at least a dozen had been deported before and 17 were known to authorities and on parole or probation. The administrations rogues gallery included Jhon Gerald Urrutia, a Venezuelan man convicted of robbery and credit card fraud in Florida, detained by the Obama administration, then released from immigration custody under Trump in 2017, according to the paper, though the latest immigration arrest bulletin didnt mention that final fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another case, detectives in Kentucky said they were alarmed over the immigration arrest of Horacio Mejia, a Guatemalan immigrant who has been deported before, who is accused of raping a child. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Tennessee took credit for getting Mejia off their streets, but it was local police who arrested him, and they now worry Mejia could be deported and make his way back to the U.S. once again rather than face charges. I worry about the risk of him coming back, Sergeant Jeff Parsons of Alcoa, Tennessee, told the Post. The administration has faced continued scrutiny over immigration figures that havent matched the presidents promises to swiftly remove millions of violent criminals from the country. Trump administration has blamed foiled immigration operations on leakers and sanctuary cities (AP) The administration has admitted not only that many of the more than 200 Venezuelans sent to El Salvadors notorious tropical gulag this month lack criminal convictions, but that some are not in fact members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang the administration is targeting with the operation in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, the administration disclosed that among the 178 immigrants who were being held temporarily at the Guantanamo naval base, supposedly among the worst of the worst, nearly one-third of detainees were considered lower-threat and likely did not have any serious criminal records, according to court filings. Also that month, Caleb Vitello was removed as acting director of ICE, amid reported anger at the slower-than-desired pace of deportations and arrests. Its driving him nuts theyre not deporting more people, a White House insider told NBC News of Trumps mindset at the time. The administration has blamed leakers and members of the media for foiling immigration operations and slowing the pace of the campaign, though other factors are likely at play, including the cloud of lawsuits over the administration, the recent two-decade low in border arrests, and the decision to fire numerous immigration judges. In Trumps first six weeks in office, the administration has removed removed 27,772 people, or an average of 661 people per day, Axios reports, an 11 percent decrease from the average during the final year of the Biden administration. President Donald Trump is less than four months into his second term, and hes already thinking about a third one. The president has occasionally referred to the possibility that hell seek a third termdespite the explicit constitutional bar on itin the past. Now hes making his wishes known much more explicitly. Im not joking, Trump reportedly told NBC News last week. While he told the news network that he was focused on his second term at the moment, he also indicated that he welcomed calls for him to return after the 2028 election. The Twenty-Second Amendments two-term limit did not appear to concern him. There are methods which you could do it, he claimed about obtaining a third term. One can hardly blame him for thinking its possible. Its been less than a year since the Supreme Court wiped away a constitutional provision so Trump could run for reelection despite the Fourteenth Amendments disqualification clause for insurrectionists. The presidents approach to the judicial system is to claim as much power and immunity as possible whenever an opportunity arises. The Supreme Court has rewarded him handsomely for this strategy, and it cant be ruled out that it might do so again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are at least three ways that Trump could claim a third term in office, all but one of which would be legally and constitutionally dubious. I do not count among these scenarios the possibility that he stages some sort of coup detat in 2028 or 2029. In that event, Trump would not be holding a third term under the Constitution, but abandoning constitutional government altogether. The first presumed path would come by some sort of electoral bait and switch. The Twenty-Second Amendments relevant language is as follows: No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice, and no person who has held the office of president, or acted as president, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected president shall be elected to the office of the president more than once. This language is fairly categorical about running for a third term. A more hackish legal mindthe kind that says birthright citizenship isnt real or that presidents can commit crimes without consequencesmight note that the amendments text only deals with persons who are elected to the presidency, not to those who merely hold the office of the presidency. Election, after all, is not the only way to become president. One scenario floating around Trumpworld is that Vice President JD Vance could run as president in 2028 and select Trump as his running mate, then resign on Inauguration Day to automatically elevate Trump back to the White House. Russian President Vladimir Putin pulled off a similar trick to get around Russias constitutional limits on consecutive presidential terms by serving as prime minister from 2008 to 2012 while his close ally Dmitri Medvedev held the presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am skeptical that the American electorate would go along with something like this in a fair and free election. Beyond those practical challenges, the greatest obstacle is that the Twelfth Amendment, which revamped the way presidents and vice presidents are elected in 1804, expressly forbids it. No person constitutionally ineligible to the office of president shall be eligible to that of vice-president of the United States, it says in no uncertain terms. Another way would be through procedural chicanery. Presidential terms automatically end at the stroke of noon Eastern Time on January 20 every four years. To prevent a scenario where the presidency is completely vacant, the Twentieth Amendment designates the vice presidentelect to serve as acting president until a president-elect is chosen. If there is neither a president-elect nor a vice presidentelect by noon on January 20, then the Twentieth Amendment allows Congress to determine who holds the office instead, by legislation. Under the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, the speaker of the House of Representatives would become the acting president in such a scenario. How would this work in practice for Trump? The Electoral College would need to fail to elect a president and vice president by the deadline, something that has never even happened unintentionally before in the nations history. The House would also need to elect Trump as speaker before that happens; House rules famously do not prevent nonmembers from being elected as speaker. Trumpworld has floated the idea of electing Trump as speaker before. In 2021, as the recently defeated Republicans looked toward the prospect of retaking the House in 2022, leading MAGA figures like Matt Gaetz, Mark Meadows, and Steve Bannon all expressed support for the prospect of electing Trump as speaker if the GOP recaptured the House. House Republicans ultimately elected Kevin McCarthy instead, only to oust him from the post the following year. Mike Johnson, one of the least memorable figures in modern American public life, now holds it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem with this strategy is that it is ridiculous. To succeed, it would need a Republican presidential ticket that is willing to run for office on the premise that it will cede power to someone who is constitutionally barred from obtaining it, or a substantial Republican majority in the House and Senate that would simply refuse to count the 2028 electoral votes if a Democratic candidate wins. I suspect the American people would be unenthusiastic about the former and vote accordingly; the latter would be indistinguishable from a coup detat and risk massive civil unrest. That these schemes are far-fetched is not a reason to rule them out: Trumps plot to stay in power after losing the 2020 presidential election hinged on the nonsensical idea that the vice president could unilaterally decide the winner of a presidential election and that the Supreme Court would ultimately side with him. Indeed, all of these schemes would also require some amount of buy-in from the Supreme Court. I cant earnestly say that he wouldnt receive it after the high courts ruling in Trump v. Anderson last year. The Colorado Supreme Court had ordered Trumps exclusion from the 2024 presidential ballot as an oath-breaking insurrectionist for his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The Fourteenth Amendments disqualification clause unequivocally excluded such individuals from all public office. Nine justices on the Supreme Court did not want that to happen. So they adopted a nonsensical interpretation of the disqualification clause to ensure that it wouldnt. Even though states enforce other electoral qualifications for the presidency like age, residency, and natural-born citizenship, the justices held that Colorado (and other states) could not enforce the anti-insurrectionist requirement because they thought the Fourteenth Amendment reserved that power to Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To reach this conclusion, the justices ignored the plainest reading of the constitutional text, cherry-picked from the ratification-era debates, and engineered their preferred policy outcome. The courts unsigned majority opinion, for example, fretted that different standards in different states could lead to chaotic outcomes. An evolving electoral map could dramatically change the behavior of voters, parties, and states across the country, in different ways and at different times, they warned. This self-serving justification was blatantly ignorant of basic constitutional history. At the time of the Founding, most states didnt even allow their enfranchised citizens to vote for presidential and vice presidential electors. Ten of the 16 states during the 1798 presidential electionthe first competitive one in U.S. historychose their electors through the state legislature. South Carolinians did not vote for a presidential candidate by popular vote until after the Civil War. State legislatures retain the constitutional power to abandon the popular vote in future presidential elections, making the courts policy desires even more atextual. Five conservative justices went even further to hold that federal courts could also not enforce the disqualification clause absent permission from Congress, effectively writing it out of the Constitution. Justice Amy Coney Barrett and the courts three liberal justices pushed back on that notion, to no avail. In the event that Trump won, the five conservatives wanted to ensure that no federal court would try to enforce the disqualification clause against him, either. I bring this all up not to re-fight the disqualification battle but to emphasize the effect of the courts decision in that case on predicting future ones. If the Supreme Court was already willing to butcher the constitutional text that badly in Trumps favor to achieve its desired policy outcome, then it cant be ruled out that the justices might do it again. As I noted last year, the courts twin rulings for Trump on immunity and disqualification require us to reconsider just how far the conservative majority will go to rewrite the Constitution in his favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fourth and final way that Trump could hold a third term is by amending the Constitution. Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles has already gone to the trouble of drafting an amendment that would allow Trump to run for a third term. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms, it reads in relevant part. Ogles was so excited for the prospect of letting Trump serve as president until 2033 that he only waited three days after the inauguration before introducing the amendment. President Trumps decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the chaos, suffering, and economic decline Americans have endured over the past four years, Ogles said in an obsequious statement. He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nations decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal. The amendment stands no chance of being ratified by a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress, let alone three-quarters of the state legislatures. But it is interesting in two ways. First, it would only allow a president to seek a third term if he were elected to two nonconsecutive terms, thereby only applying to the long-dead Grover Cleveland and to Trump himself. Ogles appears to have thought this through: The language would bar former President Barack Obama from running for president again and, perhaps, defeating Trump in a landslide in 2028 if the two-term limit were scrapped altogether. Second, and perhaps more importantly, Ogless amendment is a concession that Trump cannot lawfully and constitutionally run for a third term right now. If Trump were capable of seeking or holding a third term in office, such an amendment would be unnecessary. Ogless statements also make clear that he is not rejecting the two-term tradition altogetherhis interest is solely in allowing Trump to stay in power as long as possible. The good news is that Americans have three more years before they have to really start thinking about a third term for what would be an 82-year-old Donald Trump. Other constitutional crises are far more urgent and worthy of public attention for the time being. Its also possible that all of this is just a power play by Trump to prevent the GOP from openly starting to think about his successor, and that he doesnt truly intend to seek or have a third term as president. The bad news is that, thanks to the Supreme Court, even the most well-enshrined constitutional principles are no longer sacrosant in the Trumpian age. President Donald Trump is desperate to close a deal for a U.S.-based buyer to purchase TikTok. So desperate, in fact, that he has proposed giving China relief on tariffs if its government approves a deal. That proposal has predictably been panned by Democrats and Republicans alike. After all, Trump said he was placing tariffs on China largely to try to stop fentanyl from reaching the United States. The fact hes willing to dangle a reduction in exchange for a TikTok deal shows how incoherent his talk about tariffs is and how eager he is to bring TikTok under Americas and perhaps, by extension, his administrations control. All the while, Big Tech elites and the companies they lead are circling TikTok like sharks, hoping they get their shot to sink their teeth into the app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, I wrote about how rich right-wingers, including Shark Tank co-panelist Kevin OLeary, have shown interest in a purchase. And now, Amazon has joined the list of suitors looking to buy the app. According to NBC News: Amazon has made a late bid to purchase TikTok, a person familiar with the ongoing White House-led discussions to identify a non-Chinese buyer for the social media app told NBC News. The bid, first reported by The New York Times, arrived this week, via a letter to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Given the last-minute timing, days before a Saturday deadline to stave off a ban of the app in the U.S., the bid is not being treated as serious, said the source, who was granted anonymity to share details of private negotiations. TikTok was set to be banned in January as a result of a bipartisan bill, signed last spring by President Joe Biden, that required the Chinese-owned app to be sold to an American-based owner or cease operating in the United States. The apps owners didnt meet that deadline, of course, and TikTok was briefly banned. But Trump defied the law when he took office, signing an executive order saying that he was instructing the Justice Department to not take action against TikTok for a period of 75 days, which ends Saturday. For the record, legal experts have sounded the alarm on Trumps authoritarian power grab in this case, although sadly, many TikTok fans have seemed indifferent to it as long as they can still have access to their favorite mind control device. Trumps personal involvement in the negotiations has set up a possibility that TikTok, which like other apps has occasionally been plagued by a raft of propaganda and misinformation, might be sold to a MAGA-friendly owner who is sympathetic to conservatives rage over content moderation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ownership by Amazon, the company owned by Jeff Bezos, certainly wouldnt dispel concerns mine, at least that TikTok could become even more of a boon for Trumps movement than it already has been. Amazon donated $1 million toward Trumps inauguration, Bezos appeared onstage with the gaggle of Big Tech oligarchs at Trumps inaugural ceremony, Amazon reportedly signed a sweetheart $40 million deal for the rights to distribute a documentary about with first lady Melania Trump, and Bezos changes at The Washington Post which he also owns have justifiably prompted speculation that hes transforming it to become more friendly to Trump. Beyond that, the London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue released a report in 2022 finding that Amazons recommendation algorithms were steering some people toward conspiracy theories and extremist content. To put it mildly, thats not great for a company looking to purchase what is arguably the most popular social media platform in the world. That said, there are other sharks in the water looking to sink their teeth into TikTok, and Trump is obviously champing at the bit to secure a buyer before Saturday. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com THE ELITE UNIVERSITIES, which loom large in MAGA demonology as a bastion of the left and an incubator of the woke mind virus, were bound to be a prime target for Donald Trumps political Kulturkampf in his second term. The anti-Israel protests that have rocked many campuses since late 2023often rife with aggressive behavior, extremist rhetoric, and outright hostility toward Jewish studentshave provided a convenient pretext for this attack. The Trump administrations malfeasance does not excuse the real and multiple failings of American academia. But those failings should not obscure a fundamental fact: the administrations moves against universities are part of a lawless siege against all institutions seen as hostile to Trump and Trumpism. The first volley was fired early last month at Columbia Universitya shrewdly chosen target, since the chaos at Columbia has been particularly visible. On March 7, a joint statement from the Justice Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration announced the cancellation of $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia due to inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students. A follow-up letter to the universitys leadership listed the steps required before restoration of the funding could even be discussed: toughen and centralize discipline, institute clear rules for protests (including a ban on non-health-related masking), adopt a formal definition of antisemitism, reform admissions, and place the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department under academic receivershipwhich replaces faculty governance with oversight by a school administratorfor at least five years. On March 21, Columbia issued a statement on its work to combat discrimination, harassment, and antisemitism. The document made no mention of the schools clash with the Trump administration, and some of the announced changesan effort to promote intellectual diversity among faculty, a commitment to institutional neutrality, and programs to encourage civil discourse and disagreementwere not part of the administrations demands. Still, the statement clearly came across as a de facto capitulationand a signal to the sixty other colleges being investigated by the administration on similar pretexts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next shoe didnt take long to drop. This week, the administration announced that it is reviewing Harvards $255.6 million in current contracts and $8.7 billion in multiyear grants, and that it has suspended several dozen research grants at Princetonall as part of an ostensible inquiry into campus antisemitism. Share MANY PEOPLE GENERALLY CRITICAL of the Trump administrations rampage through American institutions have nonetheless responded to the moves against universities with some ambivalence. On Tuesday, the progressive Jewish website the Forward published an op-ed warning that we should be able to critique Trumps crackdown without dismissing or downplaying the problem of antisemitism on the pro-Palestinian campus left. The article is representative of the position taken by numerous centrist commentators, including Harvard professor and president emeritus Lawrence Summers. Others further to the right have argued that the Trump administrations actions were coercive but justified; that Columbias leaders might be secretly grateful for the intervention since it gave them an excuse to rein in the campus radicals; and that the administration should use the same playbook nationwide and purge universities not only of antisemitism but also of left-wing racialism. Theres a reasonable basis for some amount of ambivalence here: Problems with antisemitism at Columbia, and on a number of other campuses, have been real and serious. The Columbia protests that began in late 2023 and intensified in spring 2024 included not only episodes of vandalism and violence, but unquestionable abuse and noxious rhetoric toward Jews, usually under the guise of imprecations against Zionists. Many of these excesses, including direct harassment of Jewish students and disparaging remarks that implicitly conflated Zionists and Jews, were documented in an August 2024 report from a task force Columbia convened to address campus antisemitism. Such a climate, Brooklyn College history professor KC Johnson pointed out in an email interview, was also clearly inimical to academic freedom, undercutting Columbias moral authority to defend it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the university took some action to curb the mayhemscores of protesters were arrested last spring, and in the fall campus access was limited to those with a university IDcritics saw little strength or firmness in the approach. (For instance, most students arrested in the spring were permitted to return to campus in the fall.) Join now Does Columbias situation warrant intervention under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in educational institutions receiving federal assistance? It mightbut certainly not the kind of intervention that the Trump administration has pursued. As explained in a statement by eighteen politically diverse constitutional scholars, federal law does not authorize unilateral summary cancellations of fundinginstead, a detailed process must be followed before federal funds can be withheld: Under Title VI, the government may not cut off funds until it has conducted a program-by-program evaluation of the alleged violations; provided recipients with notice and an opportunity for hearing; limited any funding cutoff to the particular program, or part thereof, in which . . . noncompliance has been . . . found; and submitted a report explaining its actions to the relevant committees in Congress at least thirty days before any funds can be stopped. These requirements aim to ensure that any withdrawal of funds is based on genuine misbehavior on the universitys parton illegal toleration of discriminatory conduct, not just on allowance of First Amendmentprotected expression. Naturally, such procedural niceties dont have a place in the Trump administrations shock-and-awe strategy. While the administrations letter to Columbia mentions violations of Title VI and Title VII (the latter of which covers religious discrimination), its strong-arm move against the school appears to bypass these laws altogether, instead relying on the governments authority to terminate contracts for convenience. Yet this is also likely illegal: conditions attached to federal grantsor their terminationmay not, as a matter of law, violate other constitutional provisions, including First Amendment and due process rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyler Coward, general counsel for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expressionwhich has been working on campus-speech issues since 1999finds the Trump administrations disregard for procedural norms deeply troubling, even aside from the specific actions the administration wants Columbia to take. This ad hoc We think you violated Title VI, therefore your fundings gone, and oh, by the way, heres a list of demands to start negotiatingI think thats a real problem, Coward told me in a telephone interview. FIRE board member Nadine Strossen, president of the American Civil Liberties Union from 1991 to 2008, was even more blunt: She characterized Trumps actions as illegal and unconstitutional. (I suppose that just means its another day of the week ending in y.) Keep up with all our articles, newsletters, podcasts, and livestreams: The specific demands the Trump administration made to Columbia also raise grave concerns, some of which Coward discusses in a post on FIREs website. For instance, the administrations letter strongly suggests that the schools anti-discrimination policies should incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances working definition of antisemitism. Yet that definitions own principal author has cautioned that it should not be used as a basis for speech codes, since IHRAs examples of contemporary antisemitism include political rhetoric attacking Israel. While such rhetoric obviously can be a vehicle for anti-Jewish hate, it is still protected by the First Amendment and by the principle of academic freedom (up to the point where it crosses the line into harassment). Columbias adopting the IHRAs working definition of antisemitism would risk chilling or even suppressing constitutionally protected political speech. It is also worth noting that, while both Columbia and Harvard have been credibly accused of tolerating progressive antisemitism and disruptive protests, Princetonthe latest target of the administrations crackdownfaces no such accusations. As the New York Times notes, the university quickly quashed an attempt to create a pro-Palestinian encampment last year and has managed to avoid much of the turmoil that has beleaguered other Ivy League schools. Its almost as if the Trump administrations decision to put the screws on the universities isnt actually about reining in antisemitism on campus at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Share The Bulwark THIS ISNT TO DISCOUNT hypocrisy on the other side. Condemnations of the Trump administrations assault on academic freedom often come from people who have ignored such assaults from the leftright down to the use of civil rights laws as a justification for speech restrictions, which FIRE has long decried. For all the absurdly hyperbolic claims of a quasi-Maoist woke reign of terror on college campuses, the actual cases of speech suppression in and out of the classroom are bad enough. Strossen notes that some of the measures outlined in Columbias recent statement, specifically support for intellectual diversity and civil discourse and debate, are needed reformsones that academic freedom advocates had previously urged the school to implement, to no avail. But she finds it distasteful to see such policies adopted in response to government coercion or pressure. For right-wing culture warriors, on the other hand, the use of government coercion to wrestle the academic left into submission is not a bug but a feature. But the Trump administrations move to yank the funding from noncompliant universities exists in a larger context. This context includes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list could go on, but you get the picture. If these are the trees, we can call the forest what it is: Trumps authoritarian power grab. Concerns about illiberal leftism on college campuses, and especially its antisemitic manifestations, are obviously still valid, even in this context. But no one who is genuinely concerned about either illiberalism or bigotry can see the Trump administration as a genuine ally in the fight against those things. And, regrettably, even real attempts by universities to combat them can create larger problems if they are offered as concessions in response to the administrations authoritarian bullying. Summers, who only recently criticized Harvard for inaction on antisemitism, had it right when he wrote, of Columbias surrender: I cannot judge, because I do not have many of the relevant facts, the wisdom or necessity of the steps taken. But this kind of bending of the knee by major institutions, if continued, threatens American democracy. Share Swiss-based SHL Medical has opened a new autoinjector manufacturing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, US, with a $220m investment. This 360,000ft site will help the company meet the increasing global demand for autoinjectors, particularly in the cardiometabolic sector. The facility will manufacture the autoinjectors used in medications in various therapeutic areas, including endocrine and metabolic disorders, musculoskeletal diseases, and dermatology. SHL Medical noted that the North Charleston site is poised to offer efficiency, precision, and quality drug delivery solutions, with its medical device injection moulding technology and fully automated assembly capabilities. The new facility has generated more than 300 local employment opportunities. It utilises the current final assembly, labelling, and packaging operations in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and benefits from the integration of recent acquisitions under the companys sub-group SHL Advantec, which offers automation and tooling solutions for the healthcare sector. SHL Medical stated that it is on track to deliver 1.5 billion devices to customers this year. SHL Medical chairman and CEO Ulrich Faessler said: US-based production is a major step forward in our global expansion and reinforces our position as the leader in providing end-to-end drug delivery solutions. With our established site in Taiwan and the upcoming facility in Switzerland, we will be the only autoinjector manufacturer operating across three continents, bringing us even closer to our customers. With more than 5,000 employees across Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, and the US, SHL Medical claims to leverage its in-house manufacturing offerings to deliver end-to-end services. In June 2025, Aptar Digital Health partnered with SHL Medical to improve the patient experience in injectable therapies by integrating digital health solutions with drug delivery systems. "SHL Medical opens new autoinjector manufacturing facility in US" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump's dramatic changes to the federal government haven't emerged as an obvious political winner or loser, according to a new poll that indicates some Americans may be giving him the benefit of the doubt for now on his Department of Government Efficiency. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults somewhat or strongly" approve of Trump's handling of Social Security and a similar share approve of the way hes managing the federal government. Those numbers are almost identical to Trump's overall presidential approval, suggesting that his Republican administrations moves to fire thousands of federal workers, close Social Security Administration field offices, effectively shutter entire agencies and cancel thousands of government contracts havent yet created a significant independent backlash or spurred independent support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Views of Trump and his adviser Elon Musk are still largely intertwined, despite Democrats recent focus on Musk. The two men suffered a defeat on Tuesday when the conservative candidate they had endorsed for the Wisconsin Supreme Court was defeated. Musk and the groups he backed spent more than $21 million in the race, the first major test of how voters feel about Musk's political impact. The poll, which was conducted before Tuesday's election, found that both Trump and Musk are viewed more negatively than positively and are largely rated similarly by Americans overall. Very few Americans have a positive view of one man and a negative view of the other. Trumps actions on DOGE largely mirror his overall approval Immigration emerged in the poll as a relative strength for Trump, while trade relations with other countries appeared to be a relative weakness. Unlike those issues, U.S. adults views on Trumps handling of Social Security and management of the federal government are indistinguishable from his overall approval rating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This suggests that Americans may have a less developed opinion of Trumps actions in this area, or they may be waiting to weigh the impact. There are hints in the poll that Trumps pledge to cut government spending may be resonating. Closer to half of U.S. adults approve of Trumps approach to government spending, which is slightly higher than his overall approval rating. I love DOGE, said Adam Marefka, a 42-year-old facilities maintenance specialist from Birmingham, Alabama, and a Trump supporter. Theyre cutting wasteful spending. We need a smaller government, and theres only one way to do that." Others see recklessness. Or, as Paul Vaitkus, of St. Petersburg, Florida, put it: Total craziness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not going to just trim where it needs to trim, said Vaitkus, a 66-year-old retired cardiologist. Theyre going to do huge damage to agencies, and its going to erode the ability of those agencies to provide services to American taxpayers. Trump's handling of Social Security is more popular with adults age 60 or older than with younger adults. Despite that, older adults who tend to be more conservative overall but would also be affected by cuts or changes to Social Security are no more likely to approve of how Trump is handling his job generally. Even if theres no clear backlash now, slashing popular programs like Social Security could still quickly take Trump and Musk into perilous territory. An AP-NORC poll conducted in January found that while Republicans and Democrats were divided on whether the U.S. government is spending too much or too little on the military, assistance to the poor and education, solid majorities of both said that too little was being spent on Social Security. All I want from this country is the government to help the seniors and the veterans. Not to take care of them. Help them, said George Collins, 80, a retired bagel maker living in Fort Mohave, Arizona. Its hard when you're living on Social Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins, a Trump supporter, said the president's second term is going much better than his first, and he wishes Trump's critics and the courts would get out of his way. I wish people would just give him the time, Collins said. Let him try to fix it at least. Few Americans dislike Musk and support Trump Despite Democrats attacks on Musk, the opinion of the influential billionaire remains largely indistinguishable from views on Trump. About half of U.S. adults have a somewhat or very unfavorable opinion of both Musk and Trump, according to the poll, while about 3 in 10 have a somewhat or very favorable view of both men. Only around 1 in 10 have a positive view of Trump and a negative view of Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump picked Musk to oversee a push to shrink the federal government, cull the federal workforce and slash spending on agencies disfavored by the White House, prompting a flurry of legal action. Rooting out waste is an important goal, said Julio Carmona, a 40-year-old health professional in Stratford, Connecticut. But Carmona believes Musk, the world's richest person, lacks significant government experience and is not the right person for the job. You pick a guy who has the means that he has, that part of it just doesnt sit well with me, Carmona said. There couldve been so many different qualified people that he chose, but he chose Elon Musk to do that. That sliver of Americans with distinct views of Trump and Musk appear to largely be Republicans. About half of Republicans, for example, have a very favorable view of Trump, while about 4 in 10 say that about Musk. Theyre far from a majority of people who share their party identity, though about two-thirds of Republicans have a positive view of both Trump and Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Cooper reported from Phoenix. ___ The AP-NORC poll of 1,229 adults was conducted March 20-24, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. The food day begins early for the poorest students in the Los Angeles Unified School District with breakfast available before the start of class. Then there's breakfast-for-all brought to the classroom, followed later by a snack, lunch, more snacks for after-school programs and sometimes a dinner sent home for the child. It's all free of charge. "I see some so hungry that want two breakfasts," said Stephanie Levinson, a third-grade teacher at San Fernando Elementary School. "Its a huge help with breakfast especially with the food costs." She estimated that about three-quarters of students rely on the free school lunch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 80% of L.A. Unified students qualify for a free or reduced-price school meal mainly funded by $363 million per year in federal food aid that the district receives. But this food aid appears to have become be another chess piece in the joust between California and the Trump administration's efforts to pressure state and local officials to follow its edicts. In an imprecise warning letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Trump-appointed head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture conditioned its aid to California on abiding by Trump directives and cited a federal investigation into a state law that prohibits schools from automatically notifying families about student gender-identity changes and shields teachers from retaliation for supporting transgender student rights. Read more: Trump targets California ban on 'forced outing' of students' gender identity to parents Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A state education official said the threat "flies in the face of our moral obligation to care for our countrys children. Federal officials contend that the California law violates a federal law that guarantees parents' access to their child's school records. State officials responded that the California law does not violate federal statutes because it does not affect the right of parents to request and receive records. The Agriculture Department funds research and the venerable 4-H youth development program, but its core school-related contribution is paying for food to feed children from low-income families while they are at school. The annual total of USDA school-related food aid for California is more than $3 billion a year. The USDA "at the direction of President Donald J. Trump ... is undertaking a review of its research and other education-related funding in California for compliance with the Constitution, federal laws ... and the priorities of the Trump administration," Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins wrote in her March 27 letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USDA did not respond to multiple queries from The Times requesting elaboration on the funding threat in its letter to Newsom. In an unrelated action, the department has eliminated an auxiliary food program begun after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak worth $1 billion a year nationwide. That program funded the purchase of high-quality, fresh goods from local producers. The USDA said the programs are a legacy of the pandemic and no longer supported the agencys priorities. State officials alluded to this pending cut in response to the Rollins warning letter. "Secretary Rollins is riding shotgun on a Department of Education investigation to nowhere all to distract from her disgraceful $1 billion in recent cuts to school meals, food banks, and farmers," said Izzy Gardon, director of communications for Newsom. "The USDA's actions are lowering the quality of food in our schools and taking meals away from hungry families across the Golden State and our country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: California vs. Trump: What its like to be the attorneys on the front lines In a Thursday news conference, Newsom did not specifically address issues raised in Rollins' letter, calling it more of a "press release" than an inquiry "for common ground. He also alluded to "hundreds and hundreds" of real and potential threats to the state from the federal government: "We take everything seriously." In its response, the California Department of Education made a reference to Elon Musk, who is heading a Trump-authorized budget-and-job-slashing group, the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency. Secretary Rollins and the Trump-Musk administration have already left schools and family farms scrambling after cutting the Local Food for Schools grant programs," said Liz Sanders, the state Department of Education's director of communications. "Now, they are bringing partisan politics directly to the cafeteria table, threatening our childrens food security as a mechanism to force states to comply with a national ideological agenda. This is flat-out wrong." The USDA "at the direction of President Donald J. Trump ... is undertaking a review of its research and other education-related funding in California for compliance with the Constitution, federal laws ... and the priorities of the Trump administration," Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins wrote in her March 27 letter. Above, Los Angeles students taste test cafeteria meals in 2022. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) How California feeds students The fate of school district food aid is complicated by a California law that, starting with the 2022-23 school year, guaranteed a free breakfast and lunch for all students regardless of a family's income. Newsom signed the legislation with the understanding that the federal government would be paying most of the cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current estimates are that the state will pay about $1.8 billion this year and the feds, about $2.7 billion for breakfast and lunch with other federal funds paying for additional food aid. Read more: Key points people need to understand about Trump's Education Department closure The outlook is troubling for local school district leaders such as L.A. schools Supt. Alberto Carvalho. The pending elimination of the farm-to-table program is bad enough and one concern among many, he said. "We've made huge strides over the past few years alone in terms of guaranteeing healthier food options, farm to table, more fruits and vegetables available to our kids," Carvalho said. "A deviation from that, through a cessation of that type of funding, would undermine the quality of food we currently provide. It would also have a deleterious impact on local farmers that depend on the business they have with the school district." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics say the Trump administration is intentionally sowing confusion as part of its pressure campaign to influence actions taken by school districts, colleges and states. They also accuse Trump of using children or food for poor children in this case as pawns for political leverage. Trump officials and supporters flip that analysis, saying that families and students have been harmed by a radical left-wing agenda one that also prematurely sexualizes children and indoctrinates them to change their gender. The USDA will support, Rollins wrote in her letter, "efforts to vigorously protect parents' rights and ensure that students do not fall victim to a radical transgender ideology that often leads to family alienation and irreversible medical interventions." Times staff writer Taryn Luna contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Mark John (Reuters) - Ridiculed for imposing trade tariffs on frozen islands largely inhabited by penguins, Donald Trump's formula for calculating those levies has a serious side: it is also hitting some of the world's poorest nations hardest. The math is simple: take the U.S. goods trade deficit with a country, divide it by that country's exports to the U.S. and turn it into a percentage figure; then cut that figure in half to produce the U.S. "reciprocal" tariff, with a floor of 10%. That's how the volcanic Australian territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands in the Antarctic ended up with a 10% tariff. The penguins got off lightly, you might say. But Madagascar - one of the poorest nations in the world with gross domestic product (GDP) per head of just over $500 - meanwhile faces a 47% tariff on the modest $733 million of exports of vanilla, metals and apparel that it did with the U.S. last year. "Presumably no one is buying Teslas there," John Denton, head of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), told Reuters, an ironic reference to the improbability of Madagascar being able to placate Trump by buying upmarket U.S. products. Madagascar is not alone: the bluntness of the formula as applied to economies which cannot afford to import much from the U.S. inevitably leads to a high reciprocal tally: 50% for Lesotho in Southern Africa, 49% for Cambodia in Southeast Asia. "The biggest losers are Africa and Southeast Asia," said Denton, adding the move "risks further damaging the development prospects of countries already facing worsening terms of trade". RICH NATIONS ALSO STUNG But the formula is also sowing confusion among rich countries. For the European Union it has produced a punitive tariff of 20% - four times the 5% which the World Trade Organization calculates as the EU's average tariff rate. "So, at least for us, it is a colossal inaccuracy," said Stefano Berni, General Manager of the consortium representing makers of the Grana Padano speciality cheese in Italy. "It costs us three times as much today to enter the U.S. as it does for U.S. cheeses to enter our market," he said in a statement. Asked about its methodology, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai posted on X that "we literally calculated tariff and non-tariff barriers" and included a screenshot of a White House paper setting out the algebra behind the formula. Asked on CNBC how the Trump administration came up with the formula, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick did not directly explain it but said United States Trade Representative (USTR) economists had worked for years on a metric that reflected all trade barriers set up by a given country. Many things about the Trump administration's new global tariffs make little sense. Those tariffs are a huge tax increase on American consumers and businessesone that will raise taxes by $1.8 trillion and lower incomes by over 2 percent, according to the Tax Foundation's analysis. The White House seems to have used some fuzzy math in calculating those tariff rates. Trump is also, somehow, putting tariffs on countries inhabited solely by penguinswhich has, in fairness, spurred robust growth in the manufacturing of memes. It is all very silly and largely self-destructive. Yet, even by those standards, some of these new tariffs are truly outlandish. In the interest of narrowing down the chaos into a few bite-sized morsels, here are the three country-specific tariffs that make the least sense, based on what Trump himself has said are the guiding principles behind his new trade policies. Singapore For weeks, the White House has been using the word reciprocal to describe these new tariffs. "They charge us, we charge them," is how Trump described the tariffs on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that's true, then the U.S. should be lowering its trade barriers with Singapore, which charges zero tariffs on most U.S. imports. (Indeed, Singapore's very existence is proof of the power of free trade. It has become one of the world's wealthiest nations not because it built a ton of factories or engaged in a lot of protectionist policies but by embracing low tariffs and free trade.) Instead, Trump is slapping a 10 percent tariff on imports from Singapore. So much for "reciprocity." You could say the same thing about Israel, which earlier this week decided to eliminate all tariffs on American imports in advance of Trump's tariff announcement. Did Trump respond to that move by lowering all American tariffs on imports from Israel? He did not: Israeli goods are now subject to a 17 percent tariff, per the list published Wednesday by the White House. Brazil Trump has repeatedly made the argument that higher tariffs are necessary to eliminate America's trade deficits with foreign countries. A trade deficit is the gap between the value of everything America imports from another country and the value of all goods exported to that same country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if that's the goal, then why are there new tariffs on goods imported from Brazil? America runs a trade surplus with Brazil. Last year, that trade surplus totaled $7.4 billion, and that was a 32 percent increase from 2023, according to the U.S. Trade Representative. For that matter, America also runs trade surpluses with Australia, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the United Kingdomand Trump just hiked tariffs on imports from all of those places too. So, we can safely conclude that Trump's goal with these tariffs is not the elimination of America's trade deficits. Perhaps more accurately, we can conclude that the White House has prioritized higher tariffs for the sake of higher tariffs and is misleading the public by promising that higher tariffs are meant to reduce trade deficits. Vietnam Back in the halcyon days of 2018, when Trump's trade war was focused mostly on China, one of the clear goals was forcing manufacturers to relocate out of that country. Some moved to Vietnamaccelerating a trend that was already underway, as China moved up the so-called "value chain" and lower-level manufacturing shifted to other places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imports into the U.S. from Vietnam doubled between 2018 and 2023, while U.S. imports from China were declining. Trump regarded that shift as proof that his tariffs were successful. "Many tariffed companies will be leaving China for Vietnam and other such countries in Asia," Trump claimed in May 2019, about a year after his tariffs were first imposed. "Thousands of companies are leaving because of the Tariffs." So what happened on Wednesday? Trump slapped a staggering 46 percent tariff on all goods from Vietnam. As CNBC notes, those new tariffs will hit a ton of clothing and footwear brands, including Nike, Adidas, Hoka, Timberland, Vans, Steve Madden, and more. It will also raise prices for toys and household goods. Imagine that you're running a company that relocated its supply chains out of China in the years since 2018. You tried to do what the Trump administration wanted. It didn't matter, and now you have to find yet another place to set up shopor pass along a huge price increase to your customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's the truly mind-boggling thing about the tariffs that Trump announced this week: They seem to undermine some of the very goals that Trump has claimed he wants to achieve. This isn't about reciprocity or lowering trade deficits or encouraging businesses to move supply chains away from potential adversaries. It is just pointlessly, mindlessly destructive. The post Trump's New Tariffs on These 3 Countries Look Particularly Foolish appeared first on Reason.com. Americans love foreign products, but is our indulgence in Canadian whiskey, Mexican avocados, and Brazilian coffee a bad thing? If you ask President Donald Trump, the answer is unequivocally, yes. On Wednesday, the president announced a baseline 10 percent tariff on products from 180 nations, including higher rates for certain countries the president considers bad actors. These duties will negatively affect the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on trade. Despite exporting over $175 billion worth of agricultural products (the third-highest level on record), imports outpaced exports in 2024. If history is any indicator, farmers are sure to pay for Trump's trade war. During the first Trump administration, retaliatory tariffs on American goods led to $27 billion in losses to agricultural exports, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, most of which was caused by lost trade with China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time around, the damage could be more severe. Wednesday's announcement elevated tariffs on three of America's five largest agricultural trading partnersChina (34 percent), the European Union (20 percent), and Japan (24 percent). Mexico and Canada, which are America's two largest trading partners, were exempt from the list but have faced 25 percent duties on certain products since March. Together, these five markets account for more than 60 percent of American agricultural exports and retaliatory tariffs have already been enacted by some. China has implemented a 10 percent to 15 percent tariff on American soybeans, cotton, pork, and poultry. In March, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on a number of American goods, including $5.8 billion worth of agricultural products. The European Union, meanwhile, is considering a suite of tariffs that will impact the agricultural sector. As these tariffs make it harder for American farmers to access foreign markets, thus decreasing revenue, they could also increase production costs and the price of fertilizer, which is one of the largest expenses involved in farming. Imports of the three most commonly used nutrients in fertilizerspotassium (potash), nitrogen, and phosphorustopped $10 billion in 2023, $5 billion of which came from Canada. Potash, which "is an irreplaceable component of modern agricultural production," according to the Fertilizer Institute, is sourced predominantly from Canada. Nitrogen, meanwhile, is imported mainly from Canada (the country meets 10 percent of American nitrogen needs), Russia, and Trinidad and Tobago (10 percent tariff). Trump's announcement retains the 10 percent levy on Canadian potash that doesn't comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. The president has also tapped emergency powers to increase domestic production of potash, but the move is unlikely to reduce import dependency for the mineral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With farmers facing higher production costs and imported products being taxed, consumers can expect food prices to rise. Since the bird flu outbreak, the U.S. has imported eggs from Turkey, which has already shipped 15,000 tons of eggs to America this year. Under the new tariffs, eggs imported from Turkey will face a 10 percent tax. The cost of importing bananas from Guatemala (10 percent tariff), instant coffee from Vietnam (46 percent tariff), vanilla from Madagascar (47 percent tariff), and many other goods will also rise. With grocery stores operating on low profit margins, these costs will inevitably be passed down to American shoppers. The damage that this policy will cause is not lost on the Trump administration. On Monday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told the Des Moines Register that her agency is ready to make farmers affected by tariffs "whole" through cash assistance programs. Under the first Trump administration, the Agriculture Department also hedged against its poor trade policy by issuing $28 billion in bailouts to farmers. Monetary compensation may provide farmers a reprieve, but it will be at the expense of taxpayers, who are going to have to pay more for their favorite products because of Trump's trade war. The post How Trump's New Tariffs Will Make Farming (and Food) More Expensive appeared first on Reason.com. The tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump have not included Russia, as American sanctions already "preclude any meaningful trade". However, the US continues to trade with Russia more than with countries such as Mauritius or Brunei which have been added to the list. Source: Axios news website; US Chamber of Commerce Details: White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Axios that Russia had not been included in the tariff lists because US sanctions already "preclude any meaningful trade". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the US still trades with Russia more than with countries such as Mauritius or Brunei that have been included in Trump's tariff list. Even remote island territories such as Tokelau (population 1,500) in the South Pacific and Svalbard (population 2,500) in the Arctic, belonging to New Zealand and Norway respectively, have been added to the tariff list. Leavitt noted that Cuba, Belarus and North Korea had also not been included, as the existing tariffs and sanctions on them are already too high. Among the territories subjected to Trump's tariffs are the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands, which, according to Wikipedia, is uninhabited but home to large penguin populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For reference: According to the US Chamber of Commerce, the total volume of trade in goods between the US and Russia in 2024 was approximately US$3.5 billion. US exports of goods to Russia in 2024 amounted to US$526.1 million, which is 12.3% (US$73.5 million) less than in 2023. Imports of goods from Russia to the US in 2024 reached US$3.0 billion, a decrease of 34.2% (US$1.6 billion) compared to 2023. The US trade deficit with Russia for goods amounted to US$2.5 billion in 2024, which is 37.5% (US$1.5 billion) less than in 2023. Background: On the evening of 2 April, it became known that Trump was introducing "reciprocal tariffs" against all countries worldwide. On 2 April, the United States expanded sanctions against Russian companies. Trump confirmed that his administration would introduce 25% tariffs on car imports starting from 3 April. On 3 April, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned US trade partners against retaliating against Trump's new tariffs. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! As President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff plan continues to pose a threat to Delaware's economy and forced Delaware officials to prepare for the worse, the cacophony of voices opposed to Trump's tariffs is continuing to grow. Included among those voices is "Morning Joe" co-host Joe Scarborough, who has made recent comments denouncing Trump's tariffs. What did Joe Scarborough say about Trump's tariffs? "Morning Joe" co-host Joe Scarborough is no fan of Trump's tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last summer, Scarborough reposted on social media platform X an opinion piece forecasting the loss of American jobs due to Trump's tariffs. Scarborough then warned of the impact of tariffs in September, when he said then that Trump couldn't reverse the laws of economics through tariffs, which Scarborough said would raises costs for the middle class, not foreign countries. Limes from Mexico were 59 cents each on Tues., March 4, at Wegmans in Greenville. Prices are expected to go higher as the Trump administration's tariffs take effect. In February, Scarborough suggested Trumps tariff threats were more bluster than strategy. The impact of Trump's tariffs on Delaware The effects of sweeping tariffs can fall on consumers and businesses alike. Trump has proposed tariffs against goods from major trade partners of China, Canada and the nations largest trade partner, Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tariffs are often met with retaliatory tariffs, which could impact Delaware's agricultural and high-tech manufacturing industries. Tariff wars also increases the prices of cars, groceries including champagne and wines and other common, everyday household items. When does 'Morning Joe' come on? "Morning Joe" airs on weekdays at 6 a.m. on MSNBC. Along with Joe Scarborough, "Morning Joe" features fellow co-hosts Mika Brzezinski, Willie Geist and Jonathan Lemire. Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware feels pinch from Trump's tariffs' what did Scarborough say? If you've ever played the online game Worldle, where players guess a country based on its silhouette, you'll know the frustrating experience of failing to accurately identify the day's blob that turns out to be some insignificant island territory. Frustrated Worldle players (at least American ones) can now have their revenge on these random statelets, thanks to President Donald Trump's newly unveiled tariff regime. FULL LIST: Liberation Day pic.twitter.com/ZBiRuJBCAr Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 2, 2025 Included in the White House's "Liberation Day" list of countries to be hit with "reciprocal" tariffs are a host of uninhabited islands, economic dead zones, and administrative subregions with no independent trade policy of their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heard and McDonald Islands, an uninhabited Australian territory, will now pay a 10 percent tariff on any exported goods the penguins there manage to export to the U.S. So will the British Indian Ocean Territorya U.K. overseas territory that (thanks to a mid-century ethnic cleansing) is depopulated but for military personnel and contractors at the island's British and American bases. The White House's list also includes the French overseas departments and regions of French Guiana, Reunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Mayotteall of which are legally part of France proper, and therefore have their trade policy set by the European Union. How exactly uninhabited islands and administrative regions of France ended up on the White House's tariff list isn't exactly clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All do have their own two-letter country code on the United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations (UN/LODE), which is used to facilitate trade and generate trade data. It's possible then that the White House just cut and pasted from this list to create its own tariff targets. To be sure, there are about 50 countries and territories on the UN/LODE list that don't appear on the Trump administration's tariff list. The White House's list is at least curated enough to exclude U.S. overseas territories, the Vatican, and Palestineall of which have their own UN/LODE code. Reason has written prolifically on the economic illogic of Trump's tariffs. Social media is aflame with posts pointing out the administration's ludicrous formula for calculating the "reciprocal tariffs" it will charge other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazingly, the inclusion of uninhabited territories and administrative regions of larger countries and trade blocs fails to even match the administration's own protectionist logic. If the new tariffs are supposed to equalize bilateral trade balances between the U.S. and every other country, it makes little sense that the White House also levy tariffs on places that have no economic activity. It also doesn't make a lot of sense that it would tariff European overseas regions that don't set their own trade policy. If the White House is trying to create an equal balance of exports and imports with French Guiana, as opposed to France as a whole, why not also have Paris-specific tariffs? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (E.U. law does allow for reduced taxes on locally produced products in its overseas regions, but Trump's tariffs don't reflect this. France's overseas departments get their own tariff rates, but Spain's Canary Islands, which has reduced taxes on locally produced goods but doesn't have its own UN/LODE code, don't.) The cut-first, paste-next, and ask-questions-later nature of these new tariffs is just more evidence of how Trump's global round of tariffs is not just impoverishing, but also silly and amateurish. The post Trump's Tariffs Target Uninhabited Islands, Economic Dead Zones, and Individual Regions of France appeared first on Reason.com. President Donald Trumps tariffs arent just an economic disruption. Theyre a security one. His program, if implemented as planned, could muddle global supply chains the Pentagon has spent decades creating, make American weapons more expensive, and complicate international efforts to counter China such as joint ventures to build submarines with the United Kingdom and Australia. Americas go-it-alone approach, coupled with these wider threats, may lead skeptical partners to look elsewhere for collaboration, according to a dozen diplomats, lawmakers, officials and defense industry analysts. And it will chip away at an industry that equips much of the world shredding trust and predictability from a global defense relationship that has long benefited Washington and its allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have requirements and we're going to do what makes sense for us," said a diplomat from a NATO country, who like others, was granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive political issue. Were really looking at what we need to develop at home. Trump bills his tariff plan as a transformative move to equalize trade and return lost revenue to the country. But it runs the risk of destroying his other promises to turn the U.S. into an industrial powerhouse and minimize Chinas power. The White House, in its executive order announcing the tariffs, said the U.S. needs to manufacture parts without undue reliance on imports for key inputs. But thats much easier to write in a document than to do. The Pentagon has spent decades building, funding, and nurturing a global web of suppliers and companies that now face tariffs. With no carve-outs for defense, the administration could undo much of that work while delaying American-made weapons production for the country and other buyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's going to be shortages of supplies, tit-for-tats, and our allies and other partners are going to retaliate, said Bill Greenwalt, a former Pentagon acquisition official. Some potentially vital supplies are either going to cost a whole heck of a lot more than what they did or they're just not going to be available. The global tariffs ranging from 20 percent on imports from the European Union to 10 percent on the U.K. and Australian goods are also likely to upend defense collaborations long considered successful joint ventures. Such programs include the F-35 fighter plane, which is flown by 20 nations in a unique partnership designed to give participating countries manufacturing work, along with important rocket and air defense projects with Norway and Israel. These and other projects are key to defense in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, where allies are racing to stay ahead of an unpredictable Russia and a modernizing China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The partnerships, crafted over years of meetings and agreements with Washington, are now being called into question. We count on the U.S. for the best equipment, said a European official. European industrial capacity has greatly improved and we want to be security providers, not just consumers. This means investing more in European manufacturing to lessen reliance on American parts and supplies for weapons, the person said. One especially promising Biden-era initiative, which brought Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. together to build nuclear-powered submarines and share technologies, could end if prices for parts get too high. There are all these ripple effects, Greenwalt said. Contractors can be told to eat the costs and they can try and develop lower cost domestic suppliers, but that would take years. You don't snap your fingers and the supply network readjusts itself. It takes a lot of time, effort, and a lot of money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Australian and British embassies, White House and Pentagon didnt respond to requests for comment. The administration hopes to create more domestic jobs by manufacturing foreign parts for weapons in the U.S. But companies may not have the people to do that work. The defense industry has struggled for years to attract employees due to competition from other manufacturers and the booming service industry, which often pays more and has consistent work. There are simply not enough people in the aerospace and defense sector to meet the current need, Dak Hardwick, vice president of international affairs at the Aerospace Industries Association told a meeting of American and European defense executives on Thursday. And the complexity of defense production could mean multiple tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a senior Senate Armed Services member whose state raked in more than $14.5 billion in DOD contracts last year, noted that the global supply chain is so complicated that some defense products cross borders multiple times as theyre assembled, accumulating more tariffs each time. The prices are going to go up, and the prices that DOD has to pay are going to go up, Kelly said. Our defense budget, if we want to maintain the same type of force, will get more expensive. Business groups are requesting the defense industry receive a strategic carve-out to avoid higher costs for the Pentagon, crucial supply chain disruptions and failures to meet the countrys security commitments. Our defense industrial base over decades [was] built on a global supply chain, said Keith Webster, president of the Chamber of Commerces Defense and Aerospace Council. In this case, the federal governments the consumer, so its prices will increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Republican lawmakers are also pushing for an exemption. I know that their ultimate goal is to onshore everything, said Sen. Kevin Cramer, (R-N.D.) a Defense Modernization Caucus co-chair, who is in favor of a carve-out. But even at that, the onshoring will be more expensive than non-tariff imports. The new realities are sinking in for longtime U.S. allies, who are increasingly focused on coming up with ways to increase their own defense production. We have to learn from this, one NATO official said. Now is the time. U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, told Fox News on April 2 that the United States aims to secure a full ceasefire in the ongoing war. The countries are already approaching a ceasefire point, according to Kellogg, however, both sides will need to make compromises to reach an agreement. Kellogg added that "neither side is going to get everything they want." In the meantime, Trump remains in contact with both President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he will be able to broker an agreement between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trump is frustrated with both Zelensky and Putin as well, but were going to get there, and I think what we need to do is stay focused and stay on point (in order) to get where we want to go with ceasefire. Because what we want to have is a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire. Once you get there, it will be very hard to restart the war again," Kellogg said. The U.S. and Ukraine reached an agreement on a full ceasefire on March 11, but Russia declined, agreeing only to a partial truce that excluded strikes on energy infrastructure and military activity in the Black Sea. Since then, Kyiv has accused Moscow of breaching the energy-related pause, while the status of the Black Sea ceasefire remains unclear, as Russia continues to tie its extension to the easing of Western sanctions. Although Trump has often highlighted his rapport with Vladimir Putin, he struck a more critical tone on March 30, accusing Russia of dragging out ceasefire negotiations and focusing excessively on undermining Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. has also expanded its sanctions on Russian companies on April 2 while simultaneously removing restrictions on the wife of Boris Rotenberg, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Read also: As Russian troops retake settlements in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine launches attack on adjacent Russian region Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (NewsNation) Kudos to Meghan Sussex (nee Markle). Prince Harrys wife, who is leaning into her royal title, the Duchess of Sussex (despite loathing the royal family), debuted her As Ever product line and sold out of her $28 jars of honey, $14 jams, $12 teas and $15 dried flowers within an hour Wednesday. Jennifer Lopez raising her kids in NYC; twins are insanely talented And while more products are in the works, insiders were skeptical about the limited edition selling out so fast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Limited Edition means, not many products were available it was a test drive, one industry insider told me. Its all about perception with Meghan Markle: Insider Its all about perception with her a little smoke and mirrors, my industry insider said. Like Netflix announcing a second season of her show (With Love, Meghan) when it was already shot and contractually built in. Its not like they actually re-signed her and shot a whole new season. Its the same thing here. Of course you can sell out of anything if theres scarcity of product. Its like saying the Loro Piana sweater Meghan owns sold out after she wore it on her show well they only make like five of them! Leighton Meester & Adam Brody: Together in life, together on TV There is no way of knowing how many teas, jams and honey jars were made and Markle is not letting people know which factory made them (most factories make similar products for many companies it would be embarrassing to find out, say, that Markles $14 raspberry jam in keepsake packaging was made for another company at half the price). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either way, most of the products are overpriced, even for the luxury market similar organic dried edible flowers can be found on Amazon for $5 cheaper. Meghan Markles business venture logistical nightmare: Report Thats probably where she got them from and just repackaged them and put her name on it like she did with the pretzels (on her show), the insider sniffed. Markle took heat for opening a bag of supermarket peanut butter pretzels putting them in a clear plastic bag, sealing it with a bow and putting a handwritten label on the bag for a guest. Wendy Williams adds high-profile attorney in guardianship battle Meanwhile, Netflix staffers working on the product line are starting to grumble, complaining Markles business venture is a logistical nightmare, according to the Daily Mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The buying team are having an issue as they cant work out what the demand will be, if any, the source told the Daily Mail. The PR team is in full motion, however, as The New York Times published a puff piece entitled, Inside Meghans Real Kitchen, Away From the Cameras Cooking with the Duchess of Sussex as she navigates her rebrand from recovering royal to domestic goddess, and Meghan has a slew of friends set to cover social media with her products. Netflix FILE Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, speaks during South by Southwest Conference in Austin, Texas, on March 8, 2024. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP, File) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were in New York City to accept the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award on Dec. 6, 2022. (Ted Shaffrey, Associated Press file) FILE Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pose for pictures after visiting the observatory in One World Trade in New York, Sept. 23, 2021.(AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) Meghan Markle arrives at the Paley Honors Fall Gala on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) FILE Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrives at the Invictus Games venue in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday, April 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File) BOGOTA, COLOMBIA AUGUST 15: Britains Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Responsible Digital Future forum at EAN University in Bogota, Colombia on August 15, 2024. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle land in Colombia to join Marquez in discussions with women and youth on combating discrimination and cyberbullying. (Photo by Juancho Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images) BOGOTA, COLOMBIA AUGUST 15: Britains Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Britains Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, visit Delia Zapata Art Center in Bogota, Colombia on August 15, 2024. (Photo by Juancho Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images) ABUJA, NIREGIA MAY 11: Britains Prince Harry (R), Duke of Sussex, and Britains Meghan (L), Duchess of Sussex, attend an exhibition sitting volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquered, a community-based charitable organization dedicated to aiding wounded, injured, or sick servicemembers, as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024. (Photo by Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND JUNE 03: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Pauls Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022 on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarchs 70 years of service. (Photo by Matt Dunham WPA Pool/Getty Images) I kind of hope this works out for her, said a publishing insider. Shes kind of blowing her wad all at once. The New York Times piece was a bit of a shock they normally dont glad hand like that but you can be sure: They wont do it again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welcome to The Scoop the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich. Subscribe to her newsletter here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tufts University is throwing its support behind Rumeysa Ozturk, a detained Turkish graduate student trying to fend off deportation after having her student visa revoked. The move by Tufts to intervene in Ozturks legal proceedings comes amid a wave of arrests and visa revocations of students who the Trump administration alleges have engaged in pro-Hamas activities in protest of the war in Gaza. It marks a rare instance of a university directly challenging the Trump administration amid intense scrutiny. Since the second Trump administration began, universities have faced millions of dollars in funding freezes, investigations over their diversity, equity and inclusion practices, probes into antisemitism on campus and a growing number of arrests of foreign students tied to pro-Palestinian campus protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several institutions have caved under the pressure. But Tufts, a research university located outside of Boston, is supporting Ozturk in her legal fight, filing a declaration asking a federal judge to compel her release so that she can return to complete her studies and finish her degree at Tufts University. The University has seen an outpouring of support for Ms. Ozturk over the last week from Tufts students, faculty and staff, wrote Tufts President Sunil Kumar in the declaration, which was filed earlier this week. These individuals have described Ms. Ozturk as a valued member of the community, dedicated to her academic pursuits and committed to her colleagues. A hearing in Ozturks case was scheduled for Thursday. Tufts statement to the court gives the timeline of how Ozturk was arrested by immigration officers on March 25 and how her visa was terminated. A viral video reposted by the State Department showed Ozturk being approached by officers in plainclothes near the Tufts campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before her detention, the graduate student was in good immigration standing, the university wrote, but the university received an email the following day that Ozturks student visa was revoked because her presence would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. Ozturk is one of several foreign students who the State Department said have engaged in activities in support of Hamas, as Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin wrote on X. The wave of arrests started with the detention of Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, whose case gained national attention after being identified as one of the key faces of the campus protests at Columbia University last spring. Khalil, a green card holder, was arrested and relocated to Louisiana. Two other students from Columbia then had their student visas revoked, while a researcher at Georgetown University, Badar Khan Suri, was also arrested and sent to Louisiana. Ozturk was also sent to a detention center in Louisiana. The White House and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Tufts University, Patrick Collins, said the university has no additional comment, and that the declaration speaks for itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbia University has faced perhaps the most intense pressure from the Trump administration, with the university agreeing to a list of demands that would push officers on campus to apprehend protesters. Columbia also had its second university president resign in less than a year last week. Other universities have also moved to make inroads with Republicans amid the scrutiny, with Dartmouth College hiring the Republican National Committees former chief counsel. The State Department under Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed a broad authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows for the visa revocations of those who pose a foreign policy threat to the United States. Rubio confirmed Ozturks arrest last week and said over 300 others have had their visas revoked. Every time I find one of these lunatics I take away their visa, Rubio told reporters at a press conference in Guyana. Might be more than 300 at this point. Might be more. We do it every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozturk was one of many authors on an opinion piece in the schools newspaper criticizing the university presidents response to the protests on campus. The op-ed was in full compliance with their policies and they received no complaints about it, the university president wrote in their declaration. For the record, a search of The Tufts Daily will reveal op-eds on multiple sides of the issue with opinions that were shared just as strongly as the op-ed Ms. Ozturk co-authored, Kumar wrote. The University has no further information suggesting that she has acted in a manner that would constitute a violation of the Universitys understanding of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. April 3 (UPI) -- Tufts University wants a federal judge to release Rumeysa Ozturk, the Fulbright Scholar from Turkey grabbed off the street by masked ICE agents, without delay. A hearing was being held Thursday in federal court in Boston over the apprehension. Tufts issued a statement supporting Ozturk's lawyers as she seeks release that said, "The University seeks relief so that Ms. Ozturk is released without delay so that she can return to complete her studies and finish her degree at Tufts University." Ozturk was accosted and taken by force by the armed agents, then sent to a Louisiana detention facility despite not being accused of any crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her attorneys said in a petition to the court, "Rumeysa's arrest and detention are designed to punish her speech and chill the speech of others. Indeed, her arrest and detention are part of a concerted and systemic effort by Trump administration officials to punish students and others identified with pro-Palestine activism." She was in the United States on a legal student visa. But the Trump administration, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is revoking the legal status of students it has targeted who express dissent by using First Amendment rights on campus. Demonstrators rally in support of Mahmoud Khalil, a leader of the protests at Columbia University against Israel's war in Gaza, outside the federal courthouse in New York City on March 12. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI Ozturk is a doctoral student who wrote an op-ed critical of the university's administration and in support of three Tufts Senate resolutions demanding the university acknowledge "the Palestinian genocide" and divest from Israel. The university said her op-ed didn't violate any policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tufts also said the opinion piece also did not "constitute a violation of the University's understanding of the Immigration and Naturalization Act." That act has been invoked by the Trump administration as it claims authority to make the arrests. The Trump administration has arrested other students for exercising free speech, including Columbia grad student Mahmoud Khalil. Students at Cornell and Georgetown University also have been arrested and held, and none have been criminally charged. Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian doctoral student at the University of Alabama, was arrested by ICE March 27 without giving a location of his detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other students targeted include the attempted arrest of Columbia student Yunseo Chung, who sued as she avoided arrest. A judge ordered she not be arrested as she fights deportation. Georgetown University post-doctoral fellow Badar Khan Suri was arrested in March. Cornell graduate student Momodou Taal had his student visa revoked. The "disappearing" and other aggressive actions against the students are happening amid threats from the Trump administration to slash federal funding for universities unless they tow Trump's ideological lines. A Turkish doctoral student who was grabbed off the street by plain-clothes federal agents in apparent retaliation for her op-ed criticizing Israel says her arrest and ongoing detention wont stop her from speaking out. Tufts Universitys PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk among several international students targeted for removal from the country for their Palestinian advocacy remains in detention in a Louisiana facility while her lawyers argue in court for her release. She has not been accused of a crime, and the governments only apparent evidence against her is an op-ed in a student newspaper. Attempts from Donald Trumps administration to keep her in custody will not deter me from my commitment to advocate for the rights of youth and children, she said in a statement through her attorney on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Ozturk co-authored an op-ed in The Tufts Daily newspaper calling on the university to divest from companies with direct or indirect ties to Israel in an effort to hold Israel accountable for clear violations of international law. Credible accusations against Israel include accounts of deliberate starvation and indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinian civilians and plausible genocide, says the op-ed, which was written with three other students and endorsed by 32 others. Ozturk is working towards her doctorate at the Eliot-Pearson Child Study and Human Development at Tufts Universitys Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. She received her masters degree in developmental psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University, where she was a Fulbright scholar. Tufts University doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk was arrested by ICE agents in apparent retaliation for her op-ed in a student newspaper criticizing Israel (via REUTERS) We know that injustice in the world and systemic brutality towards people of color has long-lasting negative effects on children, youth, and other communities, she said in her statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My life is committed to choosing peaceful and inclusive ways to meet the needs of children, she added. I believe the world is a more beautiful and peaceful place when we listen to each other and allow different perspectives to be in the room. Writing is one of the most peaceful ways of addressing systemic inequality. Efforts to target me because of my op-ed in the Tufts Daily calling for the equal dignity and humanity of all people will not deter me from my commitment to advocate for the rights of youth and children, Ozturk said. Protesters gather outside federal court in Boston on April 3 during a hearing with lawyers for Rumeysa Ozturk and other student activists targeted by the Trump administration (AP) Her statement followed a court hearing in Boston, where a federal judge is considering whether to transfer jurisdiction of her case to Massachusetts. Ozturks family, friends and attorneys did not know where she was being held for nearly 24 hours after her arrest. Attorneys argue that federal authorities appears to have deliberately shuffled her around to keep her whereabouts secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following her arrest, a federal judge ordered that Ozturk cannot be moved outside the state without at least 48 hours of advance notice to the court. But the day after her arrest, she was in a detention center in Louisiana. The government chose to ignore the order after secretly whisking her away and making sure no one knew where she was, ACLU of Massachusetts attorney Adriana Lafaille told District Judge Denise Casper on Thursday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter said moving Ozturk was already set in place before the order. The language of the order says do not move outside Massachusetts which does not affect a situation when the person is already outside of Massachusetts, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a rare show of support from a university at the center of the Trump administrations allegations of campus-wide antisemitism, Tufts University said there is no information to support the allegations that she was engaged in activities at Tufts that warrant her arrest and detention. The University has seen an outpouring of support for Ms. Ozturk over the last week from Tufts students, faculty and staff, according to a statement from the university. These individuals have described Ms. Ozturk as a valued member of the community, dedicated to her academic pursuits and committed to her colleagues. ACLU attorney Adriana Lafaille speaks to reporters and Rumeysa Ozturks supporters after a court hearing in Boston on April 3 (EPA) Plain-clothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested Ozturk outside her apartment on March 25 while she was on her way to an Iftar dinner to break her Ramadan fast with friends. Surveillance footage shows a man with his head covered by a black hooded sweatshirt approaching her and grabbing her wrists. Another man in a ball cap and hooded sweatshirt then walks behind her before pulling out a badge from under his hoodie and grabbing Ozturks phone from her hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other plain-clothes agents then surround her with neck gaiters covering their faces. Of the six agents who surrounded her, all but one wore masks. Her arrest and the termination of her student visa are part of an effort by the Trump administration to silence and chill speech supportive of the rights of Palestinians and critical of Israels war in Gaza, especially on university campuses, according to a filing from Ozturks attorneys. Ozturks arrest follows similar actions from federal authorities targeting student activists who joined protests against Israels war in Gaza, none of whom have been accused of committing any crime. Trump signed two executive orders that attorneys say fulfill his campaign promise of chilling speech in support of Palestinians by conflating demonstrations with antisemitism and support for Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One declares U.S. policy to ensure noncitizens do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists and other threats to our national security. A fact sheet for another executive order pledges immediate action to investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism in leftist, anti-American colleges and universities with a promise to deport Hamas sympathizers and revoke student visas. Trump and administration officials have mischaracterized such speech as inherently supportive of Hamas and antisemitic, Ozturks attorneys wrote in court filings. The Tufts University PhD student who was detained by immigration authorities last week and rushed out of Massachusetts released her first statement on Thursday. 30-year-old Rumeysa Ozturk was surrounded by six masked ICE agents as she walked along a street in Somerville on Tuesday, March 25, and taken into custody. In less than 24 hours, she was transported from Massachusetts, to New Hampshire, to Vermont, down to Basile, Louisiana, where she currently remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New court filings detail timeline of Tufts student who was detained by ICE, sent to Louisiana Federal authorities say she engaged in activities supporting the terrorist group, Hamas, and revoked her visa. Ozturks attorney, Mahsa Khanbabai of Khanbabai Immigration Law read a statement from her outside of Moakley Federal Courthouse on Thursday. My life is committed to choosing peaceful and inclusive ways to meet the needs of children, the statement read. I believe the world is a more beautiful and peaceful place when we listen to each other and allow different perspectives to be in the room. Ozturks lawyers are now fighting to get her back to the Bay State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, defense attorneys and the feds clashed over where future proceedings in this case should happen. Ozturk also had a crowd of supporters protesting outside of federal court in Boston. This is horrifying not only for the international community in the U.S., but for the international community abroad as well, said Reyyan Bilge, an assistant teaching professor of psychology at Northeastern University. If some random guy on the street was not recording her. She would have been gone for a couple of days and we wouldnt know where she was and thats really creepy. Ozturks attorneys and the ACLU argued that her ambush style detainment and secretive shuffling to four locations violates her constitutional rights. Over the course of one night, [ICE] proceeded to quickly and quietly transfer her to three different locations in three different states before flying her in an early morning flight to an ICE detention facility halfway across the country, Jessie Rossman of the ACLU of Massachusetts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly two dozen of Ozturks colleagues and Tufts University submitted letters to the court backing a request to return her to Massachusetts immediately. An attorney with the United States Department of Justice argued that federal authorities did not intend to manipulate jurisdiction by transporting her across the country, claiming there was no room for her in New England facilities. A judge has yet to make a decision on where future proceedings will happen. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) - A Tufts University student from Turkey, who was arrested last week in Massachusetts by U.S. immigration officials after advocating for Palestinians amid Israel's war in Gaza, said on Thursday that she would not be deterred. A lawyer for Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, read a statement on her behalf to reporters assembled outside the federal court in Boston shortly after a judge heard arguments over whether a lawsuit challenging her detention could remain in Massachusetts even though she is now being detained in Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozturk's arrest by masked agents on a street in the Boston suburb of Somerville was captured in a viral video that has turned her case into a high-profile example of Republican President Donald Trump's efforts to deport pro-Palestinian activists on U.S. campuses. The Trump administration has threatened to cut federal funding to universities over pro-Palestinian protests that it describes as antisemitic, sympathetic to Hamas and a foreign policy threat. Ozturk's lawyers say the arrest violated her free speech rights and was based on an opinion piece she co-authored in the university's student newspaper that criticized Tufts' response to calls by students to divest from companies with ties to Israel and to "acknowledge the Palestinian genocide." Ozturk, a PhD student and Fulbright Scholar, in a statement read by her attorney Mahsa Khanbabai said that "writing is one of the most peaceful ways of addressing systemic inequality." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Efforts to target me because of my op-ed in the Tufts Daily calling for the equal dignity and humanity of all people will not deter me from my commitment to advocate for the rights of youth and children," she said. Her attorneys in court pushed U.S. District Judge Denise Casper to reject the Trump administration's arguments that any legal challenge over her detention can only proceed in Louisiana. Adriana Lafaille, a lawyer for Ozturk with the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, said she was only in Louisiana because the government was trying to steer the case out of New England by "whisking away the petitioner to its forum of choice." Soon after Ozturk's arrest on March 25, one of her lawyers sued and secured a court order requiring her to not be removed from Massachusetts without 48 hours notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet unbeknownst to anyone, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was in the midst of driving her through Vermont. Upon learning of the court order, Lafaille said the administration could have returned her to Massachusetts yet instead plowed ahead with flying her to Louisiana the next day. "The route taken was to ignore the order and not disclose her location to counsel," Lafaille told U.S. District Judge Denise Casper. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter denied any attempt to manipulate jurisdiction by moving Ozturk to Louisiana, where court rulings are reviewed on appeal by 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, considered by many to be the most conservative appeals court. Instead, he said the move was driven by a lack of facilities in Massachusetts to house female detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casper pushed back on that assertion, citing evidence from Ozturk's lawyers showing the "timing of these moves is not routine and common." Casper, who has temporarily blocked Ozturk's deportation, did not immediately rule. But she prodded Sauter on whether the case could be alternatively heard in Vermont, where Ozturk was when the case was docketed. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot) The Trump administration has laid off tens of thousands of workers from the federal government, but the firing of just two Tennessee Valley Authority board members could jeopardize policy-making for the nation's largest public power provider. The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing the policies, long-term plans, goals and strategies for TVA, which has an expansive self-funded mission to produce power for 10 million people across seven states in the Southeast. The nine-person board ensures the utility's CEO is carrying out the mission, but its membership is down to just four leaders after President Trump directed the terminations of Michelle Moore and Chairman Joe Ritch without publicly stating why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the board has lost its quorum, it can still assure continued operations at TVA, according to the utility's bylaws. But it cannot approve new programs or change the direction of TVA until it has at least five members. "TVA will continue to operate and deliver reliable, affordable energy to the 10 million people we serve across our seven-state region," TVA spokesperson Scott Brooks said in a statement. The Trump administration is tasked with nominating members to fill the five vacant seats, though it has not announced any nominees. TVA is funded through sales of electricity to 153 local power companies and around 60 large industrial customers. It also stewards 293,000 acres of federal land, prevents around $260 million in flood damage every year and attracts businesses and jobs to the Tennessee Valley with relatively cheap electricity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike private investor-owned utilities, TVA doesn't have shareholders and isn't subject to oversight by state and federal regulators. It's governed by the TVA Act of 1933 and overseen by a part-time board chosen by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Here's what to know about the TVA board as Trump fixes his attention on the governing body. What does the TVA board do? The TVA board deliberates and votes on the policies that govern the federal utility. It holds meetings open to the public four times a year at various locations in the Tennessee Valley, including a listening session the day before the meeting at which members of the public can address the board. The board makes a range of decisions for the utility, such as how much to pay the CEO and which buildings TVA no longer needs. It also approves the annual budget and investments in new power plants and technologies, such as small modular reactors. Any changes to electricity rates must go through the board, which also selects new CEOs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don Moul will become the next president and CEO of TVA on April 9. Who can serve on TVA board? In order to serve on the TVA board, members must be U.S. citizens with management expertise at large for-profit or nonprofit entities, according to the TVA Act. They cannot otherwise be employees of TVA, but they must support the utility's public power mission. At least seven of the nine members must be legal residents of the region TVA serves. Across nearly 92 years, the TVA board has included David Lilienthal (nicknamed the "father of public power"), notable Knoxville business leaders Bill Baxter and Bill Sansom, and former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress reformed the TVA governance structure in 2005 from a general manager and a three-person, full-time board which acted more like a three-person CEO to an actual CEO and a nine-member, part-time board. The TVA Board in May 2006 included (from left) Skila Harris, Bill Baxter, Mike Duncan, Susan Richardson Williams, Bill Sansom, Dennis Bottorff, Don DePriest and Howard Thrailkill. How are TVA board members selected? The president nominates members to the TVA board and must rely on recommendations from elected officials, citizens and organizations in the Tennessee Valley, according to the TVA Act. The president is legally obligated to seek members "who reflect the diversity, including the geographical diversity, and needs of the service area," the act states. After the president nominates TVA board members, their nominations move to the U.S. Senate for confirmation. This process can take months or even years as the Senate often delays confirmation hearings and votes until the end of the congressional session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nominations to the TVA board expire when the two-year session of Congress ends, and some nominees never get the chance to be confirmed. That was the case for Patrice Robinson, a former Memphis City councilwoman nominated by President Biden in 2023. TVA board members serve five-year terms, but they can serve after their term expires until the end of the current session of Congress if a successor does not take office before. Do TVA board members get paid? Yes. The part-time members of the TVA board receive annual stipends to support the time-consuming job. Those stipends ranged from $61,100 to $68,100 in 2024, according to a report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The chair of the board and chairs of board committees receive a higher stipend. Without quorum, TVA board operates with less power Four Biden nominees remain on the TVA board after the Trump administration fired Michelle Moore on March 27 and Joe Ritch on April 1: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Renick of Mississippi, the board's new chair and former chairman the Commission on the Future of Northeast Mississippi Beth Geer of Tennessee, chief of staff for former Vice President Al Gore Bobby Klein of Tennessee, former vice president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and a longtime lineman and foreman Wade White of Kentucky, former Lyon County Judge Executive and market president at Farmers Bank & Trust With only four members, the board no longer has a quorum to conduct business. The board can still exercise powers to ensure "continuity of operations," but it does not have the power "to direct the Corporation into new areas of activity, to embark on new programs, or to change the Corporations existing direction," according to the utility's bylaws. The board is allowed to delegate certain powers to the CEO or other executives in order to ensure the utility carries out its mission. TVA will invest $16 billion over the next few years for reliability upgrades and new power plants, mostly natural gas plants, to meet growing demand for electricity. Are you a current or former federal employee with a story to tell? Contact Daniel Dassow, a growth and development reporter focused on technology and energy, at daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com or on Signal @danieldassow.24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: TVA board can't do business after President Trump firings: What to know The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has for many years been evaluating emerging nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, as part of technology innovation efforts aimed at developing the energy system of the future. TVAthe largest public power provider in the U.S., serving more than 10 million people in parts of seven statescurrently operates seven reactors at three nuclear power plants: Browns Ferry, Sequoyah, and Watts Bar. Meanwhile, its also been investing in the exploration of new nuclear technology by pursuing small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Clinch River Nuclear site in Tennessee. TVA does have a very diverse energy portfolio, including the third-largest nuclear fleet [in the U.S.], Greg Boerschig, TVAs vice president for the Clinch River project, said as a guest on The POWER Podcast. Our nuclear power plants provide about 40% of our electricity generated at TVA. So, this Clinch River project and our new nuclear program is building on a long history of excellence in nuclear at the Tennessee Valley. Clinch River Nuclear (CRN) Site TVA completed an extensive site selection process before choosing the Clinch River Nuclear (CRN) site as the preferred location for its first SMR. The CRN site was originally the site of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor project in the early 1980s. Extensive grading and excavation disturbed approximately 240 acres on the project site before the project was terminated. Upon termination of the project, the site was redressed and returned to an environmentally acceptable condition. The CRN property is approximately 1,200 acres of land located on the northern bank of the Clinch River arm of the Watts Bar Reservoir in Oak Ridge, Roane County, Tennessee (Figure 1). The property includes the CRN site, which is approximately 935 acres, and the Grassy Creek Habitat Protection Area, which is approximately 265 acres and located north of the CRN site. The property itself is owned by the federal government and is managed by TVA in accordance with the Watts Bar Land Management Plan. [caption id="attachment_231845" align="aligncenter" width="740"] 1. Potential SMR facility at Clinch River rendering. Courtesy: TVA[/caption] The CRN site has a number of significant advantages, which include two existing power lines that cross the site, easy access off of Tennessee State Route 58, and the fact that it is a brownfield site previously disturbed and characterized as a part of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor project. Furthermore, it is immediately adjacent to the U.S. Department of Energys Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR), which was established in the early 1940s as part of the Manhattan Project, a secret undertaking that produced materials for the first atomic bombs. ORR consists of approximately 37,000 acres of federally owned land, the majority of which has remained undeveloped in a relatively natural state. The Oak Ridge area is also noted to have a skilled local workforce, including many people familiar with the complexities of nuclear work. The community acceptance here is really just phenomenal, said Boerschig. The community is very educated and very well informed. TVA began exploring advanced nuclear technologies in 2010. In 2016, it submitted an application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for an Early Site Permit for one or more SMRs with a total combined generating capacity not to exceed 800 MW of electricity for the CRN site. In December 2019, TVA became the first utility in the nation to successfully obtain approval for an Early Site Permit from the NRC to potentially construct and operate SMRs at the site. While the decision to potentially build SMRs is an ongoing discussion as part of the asset strategy for TVAs future generation portfolio, significant investments have been made in the Clinch River project with the goal of moving it forward. GE Hitachi BWRX-300 Technology TVA selected GE Hitachi Nuclear Energys (GEHs) BWRX-300 SMR as the preferred technology for the CRN site. The decision to pursue GE was made about three years ago, Boerschig explained, noting that Generation IV technology still had a lot of unknowns at the time. Fuel was a significant factor behind the decision to go with GEH. Many advanced reactors require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, but the BWRX-300 does not. In 2022, the war in Ukraine had made many industry observers wary of HALEUs availability because much of the potential supply was expected to come from Russia. There was legitimate concern around how embargos and other potential complications could affect HALEU supplies in the future. The [GEH] fuel is American made. Its the same fuel assemblies as youll have in its Gen I and II counterparts, said Boerschig. In fact, its the same exact fuel assemblies that are used in TVAs Browns Ferry units. Concerning the BWRX-300, Boerschig also noted there were fewer first-of-a-kind features in the design and that the supply chain was more established. GEs supply chain is somewhere between 85% and 90% intact, he said. So, when you look at the risks of different technologies, for usand I think its important to say, for how this technology fit into our enterprise needsit was the right choice. Collaboration Reduces Risks In March 2023, GEH, TVA, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), and Synthos Green Energy (SGE) agreed to team up to advance the global deployment of the BWRX-300 SMR. Through a technical collaboration agreement that was announced in Washington, D.C., TVA, OPG, and SGE agreed to invest in the development of the BWRX-300 standard design and detailed design for key components, including the reactor pressure vessel and internals. GEH, meanwhile, said it was committed to standard design development and anticipated a total investment of about $400 million associated with the development. Each contributor said it would fund a portion of GEHs overall cost and collectively would form a Design Center Working Group with the purpose of ensuring the standard design would be deployable in multiple jurisdictions. The long-term goal is for the BWRX-300 design to be licensed and deployed in Canada, the U.S., Poland, and beyond. Notably, OPG has a BWRX-300 project well underway at its Darlington New Nuclear Project site in Clarington, Ontario, with construction expected to be complete by the end of 2028. This is expected to be the first grid-scale SMR in North America. While OPG is developing its project in parallel with the design process, TVA expects to wait for more design maturity before launching its CRN project. As far as the standard design is concerned, were at the same pace, but overall, their project is about two years in front of ours, said Boerschig. And thats by designthey are the lead plant for this effort. In the meantime, there are two primary items on TVAs to-do list. Right now, the two biggest things that we have on our list are completing the standard design work, and then the construction permit application, Boerschig said, noting the standard design is somewhere north of 75% complete and that TVAs plan is to submit the construction permit application sometime around mid-year of this year. To hear the full interview with Boerschig, which contains much more about the CRN project, the development of a domestic nuclear supply chain, the role government leaders have played in supporting advanced nuclear technology, and the importance of the project to furthering U.S. competitiveness on the world stage, listen to The POWER Podcast. Click on the SoundCloud player below to listen in your browser now or use the following links to reach the show page on your favorite podcast platform: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The POWER Podcast 187. TVAs Clinch River Nuclear Power Project: Where Things Stand Today For more power podcasts, visit The POWER Podcast archives. Aaron Larson is POWERs executive editor (@AaronL_Power, @POWERmagazine). BARRY COUNTY, Mo. Authorities have arrested two people in connection to a murder investigation in southwest Missouri. Brandy Coburn, 34, of Verona, and Jimmy Taylor, 46, of Exeter were arrested by Barry County authorities and charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, tampering with physical evidence, and abandonment of a corpse. Brandy Coburn Jimmy Taylor Officials say the two were part of an incident involving the victim, Marvin Lance McCullough, on (or around) March 11 at a residence in Verona. Investigators say Coburn and Taylor shot McCullough there and took him to the burn site in the trunk of the car, which was later set ablaze. FOUR STATES CRIME Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remains were found by law enforcement on Thursday, March 20. The two suspects remain in the Barry County Jail without bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Two people from Davenport are in the Scott County Jail after police say they hosted a drug house where crack/cocaine was used. According to the criminal complaints, the Scott County Special Operations Unit conducted a search warrant at the home of Sylvester Choate Jr., 50, Tonya Vaughn, 52, and three others on April 2. Agents found about 1.2 grams of crack/cocaine in a desk belonging to Vaughn, along with packaging and digital scales throughout the house. They also found over 15 glass pipes used for smoking crack/cocaine throughout the home. Choate was advised of his Miranda Rights and said he hosts people in the residence to play cards and smoke crack/cocaine. One of the other residents said they smoke crack/cocaine in the residence as well. Vaughn was advised of her Miranda Rights and admitted possession of the crack/cocaine, as well as supplying crack/cocaine to over five people. This was corroborated by text messages on her cell phone. Sylvester Choate Jr. (L) and Tonya Vaughn (Scott County Jail) Choate and Vaughn were arrested on April 2 and charged with a felony count of gathering where controlled substances are used. Vaughn was also charged with felony possession with intent to deliver. He is being held on a $5,000 secured bond while he waits for an initial court appearance. She is being held on a secured $15,000 bond. Both are awaiting initial court appearances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. ST. LOUIS Two St. Louis City firefighters were injured overnight Thursday morning while battling a fire at an apartment south of downtown St. Louis. The fire broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m. in a two-story apartment at the Clinton Peabody Housing Complex, located on the 1400 block Morrison Lane. When fire crews arrived on the scene, heavy smoke was seen in the front of the building and flames were visible from the back. According to Fire Department spokesperson Captain Garon Mosby, the two injured firefighters were on the first floor when they got caught in a flashover, a dangerous event where gases and smoke become so hot that they erupt into flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement STL familys prank leads to lifelong adventure for Larry the lobster Video footage captured showed the firefighters being taken away on stretchers. According to Mosby, both firefighters were taken to the hospital by ambulance, suffering from burns and other concerns but their injuries are considered minor. The apartment was occupied, but fortunately, no residents were home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Stinker Stores is selling 13 of its convenience stores in Colorado, according to an announcement from Corner Realty, which is coordinating the sale process. Most of the stores are located in the greater Denver area, according to Corner Realtys listing. Bids for the stores are due by April 30, and sales are expected to be finalized by the end of August, according to the announcement. Stinker is selling these locations as part of new "portfolio optimization efforts in which the retailer intends to sharpen its focus on core assets and capitalize on upcoming development projects, according to the announcement. Dive Insight: Colorado has become one of Stinkers largest markets since the retailer acquired 40 convenience stores in the state from Bradley Petroleum in 2017. Today, the company has more than 100 locations across the Centennial State as well as Wyoming and its home state of Idaho. The 13 stores its now selling were from the 2017 acquisition, and Stinker has made significant renovations and capital expenditures to these locations since then, according to the announcement. Stinker did not specify why its selling these 13 locations in particular. However, in Mondays announcement, Stinkers Chairman Nancy Jones suggested the divestiture which the company is calling Project Polecat might relate to the companys new food-focused, large-scale store design, which spans up to 10,000 square feet per location. The 13 locations Stinker is selling range from 375 square feet to nearly 3,500 square feet, according to Corner Realtys listing. Its unclear if these stores offer Stinkers proprietary foodservice program, Petes Eats, which is available in the retailers newest stores. Stinker Stores is determined to be the leader in our trade areas utilizing our latest store format, serving this and the next generation of food and convenience customers in the Rocky Mountains, Jones said. Project Polecat will support this strategic effort and continue to provide significant growth opportunities for our retail leaders across our network. Interested parties can buy anywhere from one location up to the entire 13 c-store batch, according to Corner Realty, which said it will also be marketing them to companies outside the c-store industry. Two international students at NC State University have left the country after their visas were terminated by the administration of President Donald Trump, the university announced Tuesday. The university learned that the visas which international students are required to obtain in order to study and enroll at U.S. colleges had been terminated on March 25, according to an unsigned statement from the universitys Office of International Services. The university did not initiate these terminations and was not directly notified of these changes, the statement read, adding that staff at the Office of International Services confirmed the terminations with federal government officials. The office contacted the students to advise them about the potential consequences of these changes and provide resources for them, per the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In consultation with their home country embassies and private immigration attorneys, both students made the decision to depart the United States, according to the university. The university did not name the students. But in a letter to the editor published in the Technician, NC States student newspaper, fourth-year student Philip Vasto wrote that both students are from Saudi Arabia, and that one of them was Sal, his roommate. A separate Technician news article about the terminations further identified that student as Saleh Al Gurad, who is studying chemical engineering. The termination of the NC State students visas comes as the Trump administration in recent weeks has increasingly targeted international university students, especially those who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio also ordering federal officials to scrutinize the social media accounts of those applying for student visas. On Friday, days after NC State learned that the two students visas had been terminated, Rubio said he had signed more than 300 letters revoking the visas of students and other visitors to the country since Trump took office in January, The New York Times reported. Why were visas revoked? But the reasoning for Al Gurad and the other, unidentified student having their visas revoked remains unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vasto, in his letter to the editor, wrote that Al Gurad never attended any protests or wrote about this issue on social media. He minded his business and studied, yet he was targeted for no other reason than that he is an Arab national, Vasto wrote. Juliette Majid, a doctoral student in chemistry and a member of the NC State chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, told The News & Observer she was not aware of either student being involved with the organization, which has been active in organizing pro-Palestinian protests. Still, the group is concerned about two fellow university students having their visas revoked. While there are no known ties between these two visa revocations to freedom of speech or pro-Palestine speech for either student, this aligns with the trends that weve been seeing about visas being revoked, citing pro-Palestine social media content and targeting Palestinian and pro-Palestinian solidarity organizers across the nation, Majid said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The termination of a visa does not automatically lead to deportation if the visa holder remains in the country, though it is a possibility, particularly if an immigration hearing determines that deportation is justified, ABC News reported. International students at NC State According to reporting from the Technician, Al Gurad arrived in his home country Sunday. Both students will be permitted to continue their coursework online, away from campus. NC State officials are deeply concerned about the lack of communication from federal agencies and the impact of these actions on our international students, the universitys statement read. We are committed to assisting these two students in any way we can, including completing the semester from abroad. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Department of State, NC State enrolled more than 3,700 international students during the 2023-24 academic year, most of whom were graduate students. NC State enrolls the most international students of any school in the public UNC System and hosts the second-most international students of any university in the state, according to federal data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NC State enrolls students from more than 100 countries, with Saudi Arabia ranking seventh in the number of students originating from that country. Our NC State international students, faculty and staff remain critically important members of our community and we deeply value the talent, ideas and insight that they bring to our campus, the universitys statement read Tuesday. Reporter Lexi Solomon contributed. Two international students at NC State University have left the country after their visas were terminated by the administration of President Donald Trump, the university announced Tuesday. The university learned that the visas which international students are required to obtain in order to study and enroll at U.S. colleges had been terminated on March 25, according to an unsigned statement from the universitys Office of International Services. The university did not initiate these terminations and was not directly notified of these changes, the statement read, adding that staff at the Office of International Services confirmed the terminations with federal government officials. The office contacted the students to advise them about the potential consequences of these changes and provide resources for them, per the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In consultation with their home country embassies and private immigration attorneys, both students made the decision to depart the United States, according to the university. The university did not name the students. But in a letter to the editor published in the Technician, NC States student newspaper, fourth-year student Philip Vasto wrote that both students are from Saudi Arabia, and that one of them was Sal, his roommate. A separate Technician news article about the terminations further identified that student as Saleh Al Gurad, who is studying chemical engineering. The termination of the NC State students visas comes as the Trump administration in recent weeks has increasingly targeted international university students, especially those who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio also ordering federal officials to scrutinize the social media accounts of those applying for student visas. On Friday, days after NC State learned that the two students visas had been terminated, Rubio said he had signed more than 300 letters revoking the visas of students and other visitors to the country since Trump took office in January, The New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The N&O contacted Al Gurad by email Wednesday, but has not yet heard back. Why were visas revoked? The reasoning for Al Gurad and the other, unidentified student having their visas revoked remains unclear. In an interview with The News & Observer, Vasto said Al Gurad had begun studying at NC State this semester. Al Gurad received a bachelors degree in electrical engineering from Central Michigan University in 2024, according to his LinkedIn profile and an online copy of the CMU commencement program. Since moving into an apartment with Vasto in December, Al Gurad had been a a very low-key guy, Vasto said. He was gainfully employed with a job on campus, Vasto said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The roommates were at their apartment when Al Gurad came out of his room with a very blank and grave look on his face and told Vasto that university officials had just informed him of the revocation. There was no reason issued to him, none whatsoever, Vasto said. Vasto, in his letter to the editor and in speaking to The N&O, said he did not know Al Gurad to attend protests or post his opinions to social media. He was never somebody to cause any problems, Vasto said. He was just a very nice guy who kept to himself, and its quite surprising this happened. Juliette Majid, a doctoral student in chemistry and a member of the NC State chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, told The News & Observer she was not aware of either student being involved with the organization, which has been active in organizing pro-Palestinian protests. Still, the group is concerned about two fellow university students having their visas revoked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are no known ties between these two visa revocations to freedom of speech or pro-Palestine speech for either student, this aligns with the trends that weve been seeing about visas being revoked, citing pro-Palestine social media content and targeting Palestinian and pro-Palestinian solidarity organizers across the nation, Majid said. Majid also expressed concerns about how the visas were revoked, which apparently occurred with little notice or communication between the federal government and university officials. In the statement from the Office of International Services, NC State officials said they are deeply concerned about the lack of communication from federal agencies and the impact of these actions on our international students. Visa revocation process Historically, student visas may have been revoked because a student is charged with an offense like driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances, according to Richard Herman, an Ohio-based attorney who has run a firm specializing in immigration law for 30 years. But the Trump administration is revoking visas in unprecedented ways, both in terms of the scale and tactics of the effort, Herman said. For instance, Herman said, the administration appears to be justifying many of the revocations by using a provision of the Immigration Act that is rarely ever used and allows the secretary of State to deny visas to anyone believed to have done something that could have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, when a students visa is terminated, they are not required to leave the country or their university, Herman said. In addition to a visa, though, international students are assigned a record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If those records are terminated as the NC State students records were, according to the university they are deemed out of status, Herman said, and subject to being placed in deportation or other removal proceedings. Herman said students who have their visas or SEVIS records revoked have the option to fight the orders, but doing so can come with hefty expenses and the outcomes of those efforts may vary depending on where the student is located or where they are detained. Herman noted that Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student who was recently detained by federal agents near Tufts University in Massachusetts, is now being held in Louisiana where court decisions could be more conservative and less friendly than those near the university. Given the resources needed to fight a visa revocation and that the federal government has nearly unlimited resources to prosecute the cases, Herman said, its not unreasonable for students who are impacted to flee the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vasto said Al Gurad decided to leave the country in part because he was concerned that he might be detained or targeted by immigration officials if he decided to stay and fight for his visa. We were thinking that literally, at any minute, these people could be knocking on our door trying to get him, Vasto said. International students at NC State Al Gurad told Vasto in a text message Monday that he had arrived back in his home country on Sunday. NC State said both students who left the country will be permitted to continue their coursework online, away from campus. We are committed to assisting these two students in any way we can, including completing the semester from abroad, the universitys statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Department of State, NC State enrolled more than 3,700 international students during the 2023-24 academic year, most of whom were graduate students. NC State enrolls the most international students of any school in the public UNC System and hosts the second-most international students of any university in the state, according to federal data. NC State enrolls students from more than 100 countries, with Saudi Arabia ranking seventh in the number of students originating from that country. Our NC State international students, faculty and staff remain critically important members of our community and we deeply value the talent, ideas and insight that they bring to our campus, the universitys statement read. Reporter Lexi Solomon contributed. CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) A woman was arrested after leading law enforcement on a car chase that resulted in injuries to officers. The Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office said Elease Williams, 46, was arrested after Blanchard police received a call for a suspected shoplifter at Elsies Truck Stop on Louisiana Highway 1, just before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. Suspected retail thieves arrested during Shreveport police sting operation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blanchard police officers who arrived at the truck stop saw the suspect enter a white SUV. When the office attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect reportedly dragged the officer, causing injuries. Caddo Parish Sheriffs Deputies located the suspect vehicle heading south on Hwy 1. They pursued it until the driver crashed into the CPSO patrol car at the intersection of Highway 1 and Interstate 49. Williams was arrested without incident and booked into the Caddo Correctional Center on aggravated second-degree battery, aggravated flight from an officer, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle upon a police officer, and aggravated obstruction of a highway or commerce. The Blanchard police officer was brought to Ochsner LSU Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The CPSO deputy who was involved in the collision with the suspect vehicle was brought to Willis Knighton North for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. The Hanover Police Department announced that they have taken two larceny suspects from New York into custody. Detectives traveled to Putnam County Correctional Facility for two members of an organized retail theft group, wanted for two separate larcenies from an Old Navy store in Hanover in the summer of 2024. Law enforcement was able to identify the individuals involved in those thefts and discovered that they had 25 active warrants from multiple Massachusetts police departments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives, alongside the Plymouth County District Attorneys Organized Retail Theft Task Force, worked together to ensure that extraditable arrest warrants were issued and entered into the National Criminal Information Center. When these two individuals were arrested in New York, the warrants were flagged in the national database and were held on the warrants until the detectives could pick them up. The two members, Tyeisha Bridges and Shatoya Renee Lewis, have been booked at the Hanover Police Department and are both being charged with: Larceny Over $1200 Larceny Under $1200 Organized Retail Crime & Conspiracy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Commenting on his political bond with the maverick tech billionaire Elon Musk last August, Donald Trump said: Like me, he says this country is in big trouble, its in tremendous danger. Eight months on, never mind the fate of the US, it appears that its the powerful political alliance between Trump and Musk that is now in big trouble. Since Trumps election victory over Kamala Harris in November, Musk has wielded enormous power heading up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has drastically reduced government spending and waste. Tens of thousands of government staff have been laid off, put on leave or left their jobs, with some federal agencies being shut down entirely. But Musks political momentum stalled on Tuesday when his attempt to use his $342 billion (264 billion) fortune to influence the election of a judge to the supreme court of a Midwest state crashed and burned. Musk and groups affiliated with the Tesla CEO spent more than $20 million (15m) in a bid to establish Republican control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, only to lose the seat by 10 percentage points. While many in the party were never confident of victory given the likelihood of strong Democratic voter turnout, that didnt include Musk who posed at an election rally with a cheese hat on his head and grandiosely declared on his X platform: This Wisconsin Supreme Court race might decide the future of America and Western Civilization! Its a big deal. At a final rally on Sunday evening, Musk handed out two $1 million (750,000) cheques to voters who had signed a petition to stop activist judges. 1000% What's at issue here is control of the US House of Representatives. This Wisconsin Supreme Court race might decide the future of America and Western Civilization! It's a big deal. https://t.co/zUuNPtFbMK Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 30, 2025 The race drew Musks attention because it is expected to hear significant cases on abortion and collective bargaining rights. It is also set to play a key role in cases relating to redrawing the boundaries of its congressional districts in a move that could give the Democrats extra seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his role in making it the most expensive judicial election in American history, Musks extravagant spending failed to replicate the success it had engineered in winning the swing states that powered Trump to victory last November. Now, many are wondering if the loss of further political capital could result in a swifter exit from the political stage for the rocket-loving business mogul than he might have envisaged. According to Politico, Musk is likely to vacate the White House and return to his businesses when his special government employee designation, which restricts him to 130 days in a one-year period in political service, ends in late May. This is contrary to earlier speculation that he would seek to prolong his political exploits. Musk has previously said that he would stay [in government] as long as it is useful and productive. Musk will be conscious that, for all the political risk he poses to Trump, his role in the US administration also appears to come with a personal, financial cost. Tesla has suffered its biggest drop in sales in more than three years, amid protests in America and Europe over Musks actions since the election. The firm delivered over 300,000 vehicles in its first three months, a 13 per cent drop from last year. Musks actions within the current administration have led to global protests - Getty Earlier this week, Trump said: I think hes amazing but I also think hes got a big company to run. At some point, hes going to be going back. But, on Wednesday, Karoline Leavitt, Trumps press secretary, described the reports of Musks planned departure as garbage, and Musk responded on X: Yeah, fake news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However Washington insiders say this weeks election setback has reinforced Musks status as a deeply unpopular political liability. Elon made himself the public face of the Wisconsin election and he lost badly, says a Republican political strategist speaking on condition of anonymity. That would have deeply vexed Trump. Even though the President himself tellingly didnt aggressively campaign for the Wisconsin seat, he has no time for losers, especially those who lose on his behalf so publicly. In some ways, the dynamic between Trump and Musk isnt all that removed from the rationale behind the new global tariffs that the President has just unveiled, the strategist adds. Substitute Musks unpopularity for the short-term economic damage and the smaller state that DOGE is seeking to deliver for the long-term economic prosperity the tariffs are anticipated to bring, and youve got similar political considerations at play. While Musks conceptual mission for DOGE to eliminate $1 trillion in cuts is broadly popular, given the size of the bloated US government, his characteristically abrasive methods and modus operandi have come under fire. The sledgehammer approach to political sacred cows such as the Department of Veteran Affairs at which 83,000 jobs were said to be at risk has been unpopular, while mistakes such as DOGE accidentally cancelling an Ebola prevention program and mixing up $8 million with $8 billion have heightened unrest. Musk demonstrated the political risk that came with his appointment from day one, when his excitement at Trumps inauguration led to him making a one-armed hand gesture that some critics compared to a Nazi salute. Theres a lot of resentment surrounding Elon Musk in the Trump administration, says leading independent political journalist Tara Palmeri, who first broke the story of discord between him and the Trump White House on her Substack The Red Letter. Elon is s---ty to everyone. He treats the cabinet secretaries like theyre messenger boys, he treats [Trumps chief of staff] Susie Wiles like a secretary, he had a fight with [Trumps secretary of state] Marco Rubio. He destroys plans in a minute. He doesnt understand how to work with people, hes not normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palmeri adds: Hes the political rights equivalent of George Soros, except when it comes to public campaigning. Soros would write a cheque but youd never see him on stage with a cheese hat. Theres growing recognition that what hes [Musk] doing doesnt always play well with regular voters. Hes already had his power clawed back a little. Trump has essentially demoted him; at the moment, hes more of an adviser. Others, however, believe that in spite of the blowback from the humiliating Midwest election and the conflicts Musk has caused in the corridors of power, the US President will continue to keep the worlds richest man at his side. Elon is a great asset to Trump, and I dont think their relationship is bound to end badly, says Ken Danieli, a Republican political analyst and former brand strategist for Pepsi. Elon is likely to continue to consult and drop in on things going forward after this month. Wisconsin was stacked against them but he showed hes willing to fight. I dont think Elon was accountable for delivering Wisconsin or that the outcome of the election reflects negatively on either of them. The pair certainly havent always been close. In July 2022, Trump called Musk a bull---- artist at a rally in Alaska after Musk had said he was leaning towards Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, when asked about his preferred candidate to replace Joe Biden as president. Musk responded to Trump on X: I dont hate the man, but its time for Trump to hang up his hat & sail into the sunset. He later added: Trump would be 82 at end of term, which is too old to be chief executive of anything, let alone the United States of America. Before the election, both Trump and Musk had been critical of one another in the past - Reuters While the pair have certainly reconciled since then, some insiders privately think that the way Musks political career is unravelling, he could be gone in as soon as a weeks time. But the political strategist says: Trump cant treat him like a typical underling and fire him tomorrow as hes his biggest political donor. With the midterm elections on the horizon, hell have to tread more carefully than he otherwise would do, and Elon sure wont go quietly into the night. But you dont need a top-drawer pollster to tell you the present situation isnt sustainable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should Elon Musk continue to be an electoral bugbear for the Trump administration, then the famed author of The Art of the Deal will surely be confronted with a uniquely tricky Art of the Departure to add to the rapidly rising number of challenges currently filling up his presidential in-tray. 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. (Reuters) -The U.S. on Wednesday asked Mexico to review whether workers at an Aludyne Automotive's auto parts factory are being denied labor rights, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in a statement on Thursday. The office said it made the request under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement regarding Aludyne Automotive's facility in Mexico City, saying it is concerned workers are being denied the right of free association and collective bargaining. (Reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones; Editing by Caitlin Webber) The U.S. State Department has revoked the visas of musicians in a popular Mexican band after the group flashed big-screen images of the notorious Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, reputed leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation cartel. The band, Los Alegres del Barranco, projected a likeness of the secretive capo during a concert Saturday at the Telmex Auditorium in Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara, triggering protests. The group portrayed images glorifying drug kingpin El Mencho head of the grotesquely violent CJNG cartel, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, wrote Tuesday on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the State Department revoked the work and tourist visas of band members, wrote Landau, who served as ambassador to Mexico during part of President Trumps first term. Im a firm believer in freedom of expression, but that doesnt mean that expression should be free of consequences, Landau wrote. In the Trump Administration, we take seriously our responsibility over foreigners' access to our country. The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists. The Trump administration has designated six Mexican cartels, including the Jalisco gang, as foreign terrorist organizations. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has offered a $15-million reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of El Mencho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The photo of a young El Mencho that flashed on the screen is among the only public images of the reputed kingpin, who is believed to be 58. He began his career as a small-time drug dealer in California. El Mencho went to prison after his 1992 arrest for selling heroin to an undercover police officer in San Francisco. After his release from a U.S. prison, he returned to Mexico, reportedly became a police officer and mob hit man, and worked his way up to become a founder of the Jalisco New Generation cartel. His son, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, known as El Menchito reportedly the cartel's former second in command to his father was sentenced to life in a U.S. prison last month after his drug-trafficking conviction in federal district court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Cartel leader's son-in-law faked death to enable 'life of luxury' in Riverside, feds say Even before Washington moved to cancel the musicians' visas, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had called for an investigation into the incident in which El Mencho's image was projected. Mexican authorities have been trying to discourage positive depictions of drug traffickers, whose exploits are often lionized by bands reciting popular corridos, or ballads, exalting the criminal life. Officials view such characterizations as de facto advertisements for Mexican organized crime groups, which are among the nation's largest employers. The concert at which the image of El Mencho appeared came a few weeks after a scandal over the discovery of a former cartel training camp in the countryside about 35 miles outside Guadalajara. Human rights activists say many cartel recruits may have been killed at the site, where searchers found hundreds of shoes and articles of clothing, along with charred bones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexican authorities have rejected the notion that the site was an "extermination camp," labeling it a training facility. Read more: Families flock to Mexican murder ranch, hoping for signs of loved ones The camp, authorities said, was one of a number of training grounds for El Menchos Jalisco New Generation cartel, which is among Mexicos largest and most violent criminal groups. The cartel has a presence in the United States and beyond. Los Alegres del Barranco, with origins the western state of Sinaloa, is a popular band both in Mexico and among immigrant communities in the United States. The band was about to embark on a U.S. tour, with performances scheduled in Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama and California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After announcement of the visa cancellation, Pavel Moreno, the bands accordion player and second vocalist, said in a TikTok video that the group was moving forward, and thanked the group's fans. 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. NAIROBI (Reuters) - Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni arrived in neighbouring South Sudan on Thursday, in the highest level mission there since clashes and the detention of the vice president triggered regional fears of a return to civil war. Museveni was met at the airport by South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, whose administration has accused First Vice President Riek Machar of stoking rebellion and put him under house arrest. The Ugandan leader, whose military was invited into South Sudan last month to help secure the capital, did not refer directly to the crisis in public remarks at the airport in Juba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visit follows mediation missions by the African Union and an East African regional body this week aimed at de-escalating the crisis. Museveni told reporters he would hold talks "aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between our two nations". Kiir said the two leaders would discuss "current political developments in the country". The standoff between Kiir and Machar, who led opposing forces in a 2013-2018 civil war that killed hundreds of thousands, has led the United Nations to warn that the world's young nation could be on the brink of all-out conflict along ethnic lines. Uganda backed Kiir's forces during the civil war and sent troops last month amid fighting between South Sudan's military and an ethnic Nuer militia in Upper Nile state in the northeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Machar's mostly Nuer forces were allied with the White Army militia during the civil war, but his party denies government accusations of ongoing links. Uganda's military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also Museveni's son, said on Tuesday he had ordered Ugandan forces to stop attacking the White Army so long as it ceases offensives against Ugandan troops. Machar's party says the Ugandan intervention is a violation of South Sudan's arms embargo. Analysts say Kiir, 73, appears to be attempting to shore up his position amid discontent within his own political camp and speculation about his succession plan. (Writing by George Obulutsa and Hereward Holland; Editing by Aaron Ross and Andrew Heavens) LONDON (Reuters) - British police on Thursday hit out at "ill-informed" criticism of the investigation and prosecution of nurse Lucy Letby whose conviction for murdering seven babies in her care has provoked global scrutiny. Letby was jailed in 2023 for the remainder of her life after being found guilty of murdering the newborns and attempting to murder eight more between June 2015 and June 2016 while working in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital in northern England. Letby, 35, Britain's worst serial child killer of modern times, has maintained her innocence throughout but has been refused permission to appeal against her convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, her lawyer Mark McDonald handed over two reports by leading international medical specialists to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which considers possible miscarriages of justice, that he said undermined the case against her. In response, Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes, the officer in charge, said the police investigation, which had taken into account the views of multiple medical experts, had been like "no other in scope, complexity and magnitude". "The investigation into the actions of Lucy Letby, the trial process and medical experts continues to face scrutiny and criticism, much of it ill-informed and based on a very partial knowledge of the facts and totality of evidence presented at court and at the Court of Appeal," Hughes said in a statement. "This case has been rigorously and fairly tested through two juries and subsequently scrutinised by two sets of appeal court judges." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonald has said the new evidence he is handing to the CCRC showed Letby's convictions were no longer safe, with one group of neonatal experts concluding no babies had been murdered. The CCRC has said it is assessing Letby's application but has not given a timeframe for any decision. Police are still investigating Letby and hospital managers, while the head of a public inquiry into the deaths has also rejected calls for her investigation to be paused. Hughes said the police would not get drawn into the "widespread commentary" online and in the media, out of respect for the families of the children. (Reporting by Michael Holden, editing by Elizabeth Piper and Ed Osmond) Stock Spirits Group has bolstered its foothold in the UK with the acquisition of The Drinks Company, a local independent spirits importer and distributor. Financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed. The deal includes all employees, premises, and contracts of The Drinks Company, Stock Spirits said. It also brings Sierra Tequilas UK distribution under the group's direct control. Stock Spirits Group CEO Jean-Christophe Coutures described the purchase as a strong strategic fit and the next logical step in achieving its ambition to build a broader European footprint. Pan-European Stock Spirits also manages its distribution in Poland, Czechia, Italy, France, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a statement, the group said the purchase facilitates its goal to establish itself as a leading spirits player in Europe by 2027. It added The Drinks Company's well-established trade connections and industry expertise provide it with an established route-to-market market entry pathway, enabling it to enhance its ability to serve UK customers". Set up in 1996, The Drinks Company, operates across the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the travel retail sector. Stock Spirits confirmed it will gain access to these markets and channels as a result of the acquisition. The Drinks Company directors Bill Oddy and Denise McArdle said: We have already worked together for several years and the full integration of the businesses is a natural progression that will surely benefit our customers, staff and consumers. Alongside the announcement, Stock Spirits also revealed its appointment of Rob Curteis as general manager of its UK operations. Curteis, who has over 20 years of experience in the global spirits industry, has previously held senior roles at William Grant & Sons, Proximo UK, and Quintessential Brands. He had been advising Stock Spirits on its UK strategy since 2024. The company said his appointment marks a key step in speeding up growth in a priority market. Stock Spirits is kicking off its expansion plan in the UK with the launch of Sierra Tequila ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and Limonce Aperitivo, with more investments planned for growing the team, brand-building, and "product innovations, it said. The Clan Cambell owner launched a range of RTD Margaritas under the Sierra Tequila brand earlier this week. The two SKUs range are being launched in Germany this month. They will also head to the UK, Czechia, Slovakia, Croatia, Poland, and the Netherlands later this year, with a third SKU exclusively being sold to Czechia. The U.K. has begun floating plans to European allies to establish a joint European military fund for the purchase of military equipment and weaponry as a means to rearm Europe, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 2. The "non-paper" proposal, which was crafted by U.K. Treasury officials and seen by FT, began circulating among European allies last week with plans to "stockpile" weaponry, as European officials fear Russia may become emboldened to attack another European country by the end of the decade. European officials have warned that Europe faces critical arms shortages needed for the defense of the continent, as Russia continues to ramp up its arm production. Russias military expenditure last year surpassed Europe's spending with Russia dishing out $462 billion, approximately $5 billion more than that of Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A newly established supranational institution would be intended to serve a "coalition of the willing" that could purchase weapons at favourable rates. A number of models of supranational institution may support increasing fiscal capacity for defence spending, the paper read, according to FT. "The institution would be designed to be classified to the rest of the world sector in the national accounts and the equipment purchased by the institution would be recorded on its own balance sheet and not the contributing countries." The proposal notes countries could more effectively purchase a long list of equipment and weaponry, including spare parts for tanks and aircraft, artillery shells, air defence missiles, explosives, and logistics aircraft. The size of the fund was not specified in the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The draft proposal notes that it does not represent official policy of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government, and a government spokesperson told FT that it did not comment on "leaks." The U.K. and France have taken a lead in presenting a united European front on military support for Ukraine, proposing a "coalition of the willing" to send peacekeepers to Ukraine, if a ceasefire is reached. Read also: Russian negotiator meets with Trump envoy in Washington, media report Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The following is the April 1, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here. Washington proudly announced on March 25 that it had brokered an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to "eliminate the use of force" in the sea after two days of talks in Saudi Arabia. Details are still missing from the ceasefire, most crucially the start date. Kyiv said it was ready to go, but Moscow demanded that some sanctions be lifted before it moved forward with any ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the uncertainty and confusion, the agreement hasnt changed the security situation for vessels in the Black Sea, Llyods List Intelligence, a maritime intelligence company, reported. Refresher. Before we get into the agreement, heres a little reminder of why the Black Sea is important. At the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia blocked Ukraines seaports, meaning it couldnt export goods through its main trade route. The UN and Turkey helped broker the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2022 so that Ukraine could at least export agricultural products through the Black Sea, as nearly 50 million people faced a food crisis. By July 2023, the initiative was falling apart, and Moscow pulled out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things looked bad until Ukraine surprisingly carved out its own trade route in September 2023 having pushed Russias fleet to the eastern end of the Black Sea. Exports have been pretty smooth since then, nearly reaching pre-war levels. So what was agreed upon this past week? Russia and Ukraine agreed to the safe passage of ships through the Black Sea (good for everyone), eliminate the use of force (good for Russias fleet, which has been depleted by Ukrainian sea drones), and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes. Here comes the controversial part, which puts Russia as the real winner of the deal. The U.S. said it would help restore Russias access to the global market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower expensive maritime insurance costs, and increase access to ports and payment systems for such transactions. Yet Ukraine wanted clear security guarantees for its three operational seaports, which are under relentless Russian attacks, and for its Mykolaiv port to be unblocked. The agreement doesnt guarantee either of those. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is definitely not what Ukraine needs, Serhiy Vovk, director of the Center for Transportation Strategies, a consultancy in Kyiv, told me last week. What is Russia demanding? Moscows main demand is lifting sanctions on the state-owned agricultural bank, Rosselkhozbank, and reconnecting financial institutions involved in agriculture to the Brussels-based SWIFT payment system. It says this will help its food and fertilizer exports, although volumes have actually increased in the last three years. Russia also wants to get rid of restrictions on European ports that have prevented its vessels from docking and wants sanctions lifted on ships flying the Russian flag. The Kremlin made the same demands back in July 2023 and says it wont implement the ceasefire until they are met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What would be the consequences? So far, the U.S. is mulling over sanctions relief and hasnt committed to anything yet. Recently, Trump has U-turned and even threatened Russia with secondary oil sanctions for heel-dragging peace negotiations. But if it does heed Moscows demands, then it would help Russias sanctioned agri-oligarchs that have profited off the war, including by stealing Ukrainian grain. Opening up a major state-owned bank would allow oligarchs to move money, get loans, and make potential investments. It could also be used to circumvent sanctions, launder money, and receive oil export revenues. It will also ramp up tensions between the U.S. and Europe. Since SWIFT is headquartered in Brussels, Washington would have to pressure the EU or SWIFT itself. Chipping away at allies unity may be another one of Putins strategies, some experts suggest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also diplomatic side effects if Washington agrees to reward Russia before it has actually committed to anything. While Trump may be looking for a quick win with a partial ceasefire, he would be showing weakness, opening up a crack that Putin could exploit down the line for more sanctions relief, even on individual oligarchs close to his regime. The idea of giving up things to Putin before getting what you want is a fool's errand, Steven Horrel, non-resident Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA, told me. Read our latest analysis of the agreement here. Minerals deal: What's the deal? Last week, we asked where the minerals deal was after Trump said it could be signed very soon. Well, we have our answer, and it does not look good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 27, Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak wrote on his popular Telegram channel that he had seen a copy of the new agreement and called it downright horrible. A copy of the supposed agreement was later published by former Ukraine Reconstruction Agency head Mustafa Nayyem. It seems the new version is far worse than the previous agreement that Zelensky was supposed to sign in Washington at the end of February before the infamous spat with Trump and Vance. Ukraine confirmed it had received a new version of the agreement on March 28 and is negotiating amendments because it is not ready yet to sign. Trump again slammed Zelensky, saying he wanted to back out of the deal and that Kyiv wants to tie the agreement to NATO membership. Ukrainian officials later confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that signing the deal is not connected to NATO accession. Why is it so bad? The previous agreement was a vague memorandum of understanding with details for a Reconstruction Fund to be ironed out down the line. This iteration seems to be the document that would govern said fund and is a hefty 55-page deal that would give the U.S. unprecedented control over Ukraine's natural resources and infrastructure through a joint investment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, there are no security guarantees from the U.S., and again, critics are slamming it as economic colonialism. So what does it propose? The agreement covers more than just natural resources. It gives the U.S. influence over investments in roads and railways, ports, mines, oil and gas, and extraction operations (although not nuclear power plants, as suggested before). Washington considers its prior aid to be its contribution to the fund, so it doesnt have to pay anything else. Ukraine would have to pay 50% of earnings from new natural resources and infrastructure projects, including both private and state mining companies, to the fund in dollars. Additionally, the U.S. gets rights to all profits with 4% interest until its contribution has been repaid. Only then will Kyiv receive earnings from the fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. gets first dibs on all future projects and prohibits the sale of critical minerals to countries deemed competitors of the U.S. This doesnt bode well for the EU, which signed its own memorandum on mineral resources with Kyiv in 2021. The fund would be registered in the U.S., with the board comprising three Americans and two Ukrainians. The Americans would reserve the right to veto decisions. The funds taxes would be paid in the U.S. In this entire architecture, Ukraine is a passive party everywhere. Formally, we are a 'partner, but without access to the steering wheel, Nayyem wrote on Telegram. Where is it now? Although Trump is ramping up the pressure to sign the deal, Kyiv is still reluctant. Ukraine sees the potential security benefits of American businesses in Ukraine, and wants a deal, just a more favorable one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I confirm that we have begun consultations with the United States on the text of the agreement. Ukraine is determined to conclude a document that would meet the interests of both countries, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on April 1. Lines at ticket windows at the railway station in Kyiv, Ukraine on March 26, 2025 due to cyberattack on online service. (Anna Donets / The Kyiv Independent). Ukrainian Railways comes under attack When an "unprecedented" cyberattack hit the computer networks of Ukrainian Railways, or Ukrzaliznytsia in Ukrainian, on March 23, the company's staff gave up any idea of getting a good night's sleep for the foreseeable future, business reporter Yana Prots writes in her latest. "Everyone is working around the clock. This is no joke," Anastasia Zolotaryova, Ukrzaliznytsia spokesperson, told the Kyiv Independent on March 26, already spending her fourth day straight at Kyiv's main train station. "Our IT workers have slept only two hours in the past day. They step out to rest when they have no strength left and then return to continue restoration efforts," she added. What was initially described as a "technical failure" was on March 24 confirmed to be a "large-scale and sophisticated cyberattack" carried out by "the enemy," according to Ukrzaliznytsia. Later on April 1, top cybersecurity official Yevheniia Nakonechna said the cyberattack was a terrorist act that employed "tactics, techniques, and procedures typical for Russian intelligence services. The company's website and app crashed, making online ticket purchases impossible and leaving anyone with only digital copies of previously bought tickets in limbo. For a country at war where commercial aviation is prohibited, disruption on such a vital travel network threatened country-wide chaos. It took "89 hours of non-stop work" to get the computer systems back online, and even now, the company's servers are struggling with demand. But if the hackers aim was to cripple Ukraine's railway network, it fell far short of success over the past four days, 96% of Ukrainian railway trains still arrived on time. Read the full story here. What else is in the news Ukraine receives $400 million tranche from IMF Ukraine has received the latest installment of the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) budget support amounting to $400 million, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on March 31. The funds represent the latest tranche of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, which will provide Kyiv with $15.6 billion in budget support over four years. With the additional $400 million in funding, the program has now distributed $10.1 billion in financing to Ukraine. US, Russia begin talks on rare earth minerals projects, Moscow claims Washington and Moscow have begun discussions on projects related to Russian rare earth minerals, said Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia published on March 31. "Rare earth metals are an important area for cooperation, and, of course, we have begun discussions about various rare earth metals and projects in Russia," said Dmitriev. EBRD approves $290 million loan for Ukraine's gas The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on March 26 approved a loan of 270 million euros ($290 million) for Ukraine's Naftogaz company to purchase gas for the next two winters, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. Norway is also allocating 140 million euros ($150 million) in grants through the EBRD, the prime minister added. "This resource will help us accumulate gas reserves in underground storage facilities for the next winter," Shmyhal said. Ukraine to dissolve gambling regulator, create new agency to oversee industry The Ukrainian Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (CRGL) will be dissolved on April 1, the Digital Transformation Ministry said on March 25. A new state agency, PlayCity, will take its place, aiming to digitize gambling business licensing and strengthen oversight of the industry. The Digital Transformation Ministry said in a statement that CRGL had failed to effectively regulate the industry, prompting the government to launch reforms. Ukraine has capacity to produce 5 million FPV drones per year, advisor says Ukrainian manufacturers have the capacity to produce over 5 million first-person-view (FPV) drones per year, presidential advisor Alexander Kamyshin said in an interview with Radio Khartia published on March 28. "Now, one manufacturer can produce 4,000 such FPV drones per day," said Kamyshin, who previously served as the strategic industries minister. "And that is just one manufacturer. There are more than 150 manufacturers in our country. Our capacity is to produce over 5 million FPV units per year." Subscribe to the Newsletter Ukraine Business Roundup Subscribe Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine is facing a $10 billion "funding gap" for reconstruction projects in 2025, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on April 2. Shmyhal's made the comments on social media after a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ukraine Donor Platform. According to Shmyhal, international donors have allocated nearly $7.4 billion for "priority recovery projects" in 2025, leaving a nearly $10 billion deficit to finance reconstruction projects in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "According to the updated RDNA4 (Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment) assessment, Ukraines total reconstruction cost is estimated at $524 billion over the next decade," Shmyhal said on Telegram. "With the support of our partners, we continue Ukraines rapid recovery program, focusing on five key priorities: energy, housing, critical and social infrastructure, humanitarian demining, and private sector support." Russia's full-scale war, which recently entered its fourth year, has sparked a deep humanitarian crisis in the country, leaving millions displaced and housing and infrastructure devastated in front-line regions. Western allies and institutions have continue to support Ukraine with international aid since the start of Russia's invasion. Despite this, Ukraine's direct losses continue to increase, reaching $176 billion at the end of December 2024 compared to $152 billion in February last year. Although gaps in funding persist, Shmyhal said that Kyiv's budgetary needs are being met through support of international donors, having given or pledged $39.3 billion to support Ukraine, according to a RDNA4 assessment by the World Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are already working on securing support for 2026. We are grateful to the G7 countries and the European Commission for supporting the ERA initiative and directing funds to Ukraine from the profits of immobilized Russian assets," Shmyhal concluded. Earlier on April 2, the World Bank announced that it would provide $432 million to Ukraine in funding to assist with the restoration of transport infrastructure damaged during the war. Read also: Ukraine needs $524 billion for recovery, reconstruction after 3 years of Russias full-scale war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine has provided the U.S. with evidence of Russian violations of the energy ceasefire, Presidential Office Deputy Head Pavlo Palisa said on April 3, Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne reported. Palisa clarified that Ukraine had not provided Washington with a list of specific infrastructure targets that would constitute a ceasefire breach if attacked by Russia. "Under no circumstances are the coordinates or complete lists of critical infrastructure facilities given to anyone," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv had agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire in U.S.-mediated talks in Jeddah on March 11, but Russia refused unless it included conditions restricting Ukraine's military capabilities, such as halting foreign military aid. Instead, Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. reached a partial ceasefire agreement covering energy infrastructure and the Black Sea. Just two days later, President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian forces of striking Kherson's energy infrastructure, calling for a response from Washington. Moscow denied the accusation, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov insisting that Russia had adhered to the agreement but "reserves the right" to abandon it if Ukraine violates the terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking the Sudzha gas metering station in Russia's Kursk Oblast, a claim that Kyiv dismissed as an attempt to justify further strikes. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on April 1 that Moscow had sent a list of alleged Ukrainian ceasefire violations to the U.S., the U.N., and OSCE. His remarks followed Zelensky's March 28 order instructing Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to provide the U.S. with proof of Russian ceasefire violations. Washington has not yet publicly responded to the claims. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's power grid since launching its full-scale invasion, while Ukraine has used long-range drones to strike Russian oil and gas facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Coalition of the Willing agrees at least one European leader should engage with Russia, Stubb says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine has not yet discussed new military aid packages with the U.S., the deputy head of the Ukrainian presidential office said, amid uncertainty about additional support from Washington for Kyiv's fight against Russia's full-scale invasion. "As for new aid packages, we have not yet had a dialogue with the American side on this topic," Pavlo Palisa said in remarks to journalists on Wednesday. Palisa, who works on national security and defence in the presidential office, was referring to discussions with U.S. representatives in meetings he attended in Saudi Arabia in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first meeting resulted in a resumption of previously approved American aid to Ukraine, after Kyiv said it was ready to support a 30-day ceasefire proposal. However, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson said in February there was "no appetite" for another funding bill for Ukraine. In late March the U.S. reached separate deals with Ukraine and Russia, which included proposals to pause their attacks at sea and against energy targets. Since then Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of continued strikes on energy facilities. Palisa said the Ukrainian side informed the Americans about Russian violations of the moratorium on energy strikes, and still considered the agreement about it with the U.S. to be valid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter, American officials in recent days discussed the likelihood that Washington would be unable to secure a Ukraine peace deal in the next few months and were drawing up new plans to pressure both Kyiv and Moscow. When asked whether Ukraine could carry on without U.S. aid, Palisa said it would be difficult "but we have no other option." He said that Ukrainian approaches to the conflict have continuously evolved throughout the war to work around a lack of resources. U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli said on Thursday that any U.S. cutoff in the provision of weapons and intelligence would be extremely harmful to Ukraine's war effort, despite Kyiv's attempts to diversify its weapons suppliers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palisa, a former commander of Ukraine's 93rd Brigade, said that on his most recent visit to the frontline, he saw that servicemen maintained their fighting spirit. "It is important that our partners understand this: we are ready to fight," he said. (Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko, Editing by William Maclean) Ukraine has received 5,000 additional Starlink terminals from Poland to support critical infrastructure and maintain communications in front-line cities, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on April 3. "Starlinks will help residents of the front-line territories to stay in touch: call relatives, call emergency services, read the news. Due to attacks and destruction of base stations in the de-occupied territories, regular communication is unavailable," Fedorov wrote on Facebook. Starlink, developed by SpaceX, is a satellite-based internet system that provides high-speed connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Fedorov, Ukraine has received over 50,000 Starlink terminals since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 through cooperation between the Digital Transformation Ministry, international partners, and donors. Poland has been the largest single supplier, providing around 29,500 terminals. "We are grateful to the Deputy Prime Minister and Digitalization Minister of Poland Krzysztof Gawkowski and the Polish government for their contribution to Ukrainian sustainability," Fedorov said. Concerns over Ukraine's continued access to Starlink have grown after Reuters reported in February that the U.S. threatened to cut the service unless Kyiv agreed to a critical minerals deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tech billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk denied these claims, and on March 9, claimed that cutting Ukraine off from Starlink would cause the country's entire front line to collapse. The dispute escalated after a tense meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 28, which led to a temporary halt in U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing as Washington sought to push Kyiv toward peace talks with Moscow. Amid growing uncertainty, Ukrainian officials have been exploring alternatives to Starlink. French satellite operator Eutelsat Communications is in talks with the EU to potentially replace the U.S.-based system in Ukraine. Read also: Coalition of the Willing agrees at least one European leader should engage with Russia, Stubb says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine successfully brought back 11 children who had been forcibly taken to Russia as well as Russian-occupied territory, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak announced on April 2. The children have been returned home under the President of Ukraines initiative, Bring Kids Back UA, according to Yermak. Since February 2022, at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted from Russian-occupied territories and sent to other Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine or to Russia itself, according to a Ukrainian national database, "Children of War." Only 1,256 children have been returned thus far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliaments Commissioner for Human Rights, estimated that Russia has unlawfully deported up to 150,000 Ukrainian children, while the Childrens Ombudswoman, Daria Herasymchuk, puts the figure at 200,000300,000. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, citing their involvement in the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children. Russia dismissed the ICC's decision as "outrageous and unacceptable." A Yale School of Public Health study published on Dec. 3 detailed Russia's systematic program of deporting and forcibly assimilating Ukrainian children. Under orders from Russian President Vladimir Putin, children were transported via military aircraft in 2022, reclassified in Russian databases as native-born, and subjected to pro-Russian re-education before being adopted into Russian families. Ukrainian children had been transported to at least 21 regions throughout Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child abductions play a key part of ongoing U.S.-Russia peace negotiations, U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Walz said earlier in March that returning kidnapped Ukrainian children is among several "confidence-building measures" being discussed. Ukrainian officials have named their return as a key condition for any future peace agreement with Russia. Read also: Putin issued a decree. Now, millions of Ukrainians face an impossible decision Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is leading negotiations on Ukrainian critical mineral resources, has announced an upcoming visit by a delegation from Kyiv. Source: Bessent in an interview with Bloomberg, as reported by European Pravda Details: Bessent shared details of the Ukrainian delegation's upcoming visit in the context of negotiations on the minerals deal. "I believe we may have a team from Ukraine coming over as soon as the end of this week or the beginning of next week," Bessent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We don't want to lose any time because we believe this deal is so important for the American people, for the Ukrainian people and for the peace process," the minister added. Background: On 1 April, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Kyiv was in consultations with the US to agree on a "mutually acceptable text" for the minerals agreement. On 28 March, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine had received a revised version of the agreement from the US. He reiterated that Ukraine was not ready to recognise the US aid provided in recent years as debt. Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump warned of "big problems" for Zelenskyy if he refused to sign the minerals deal. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Key developments on April 3: Russia plans to increase grouping in Ukraine by 150,000 troops in 2025, Ukrainian official says US defense secretary to skip Ramstein summit for the first time, media reports NATO assets may be used for peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, FT reports 'Coalition of the Willing' agrees at least one European leader should engage with Russia, Stubb says Czech ammunition initiative for Ukraine secures funding until September 2025, Czech FM says The Russian military plans to increase its grouping in Ukraine by 150,000 soldiers in 2025, equivalent to around 15 motorized infantry divisions, Presidential Office Deputy Head Pavlo Palisa said on April 3, Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their formation is ongoing. The Russians have no problems with recruiting personnel now. However, it should be understood that all these formations cannot be put into action at the same time," Palisa said. This buildup comes as Russia intensifies its pressure on the front line while engaging in ceasefire consultations. According to Palisa, Moscow is not interested in peace talks except in areas concerning maritime security, where a ceasefire is more relevant to Russian interests. Ukraine had agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire in U.S.-mediated talks in Jeddah on March 11, but Russia refused unless it included conditions restricting Ukraine's military capabilities. Instead, Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. reached a partial ceasefire agreement protecting energy infrastructure and the Black Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since its implementation, both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the energy truce. Moscow has also linked the start of the Black Sea agreement to Western sanctions relief. Read also: Not what Ukraine needs Black Sea ceasefire favors Russia more than Ukraine, say experts On the battlefield, Russian forces continue advancing incrementally, attempting to break through specific sections of the front, Palisa said. He acknowledged some Russian tactical successes but said Ukraine is counterattacking and making its own gains. "If they do this, they will continue to stall (peace talks) to get time," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 15 that Ukraine's military consists of 880,000 soldiers, tasked with defending the entire country against 600,000 Russian troops concentrated in different areas. Ukraine has faced manpower shortages, particularly in infantry units, as Russia ramped up its offensive in Donetsk Oblast in the summer of 2024. The pace of Russia's territorial gains has slowed in recent months. According to battlefield monitoring group DeepState, Russian forces captured only 133 square kilometers in March their lowest monthly total since June 2024. The slowdown has been attributed to winter conditions, effective Ukrainian drone strikes, and temporary exhaustion of Russian offensive potential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, Russian troops continue their assault, particularly around Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, where fighting intensified in late March. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us US defense secretary to skip Ramstein summit for the first time, media reports U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will not take part in the Ramstein-format meeting of Ukraine's allies next week, Defense News magazine reported on April 2, citing undisclosed official sources. This would make the April 11 summit in Brussels, co-chaired by the U.K. and Germany, the first instance when the Pentagon's chief will be absent since the format's founding in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth's predecessor, former U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, launched the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) after the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war to coordinate assistance among some 50 of Kyiv's allies. A U.S. official source told Defense News that Hegseth is not expected to join even virtually and that the Pentagon is unlikely to send any senior representatives to the summit. Since taking office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has begun scaling down U.S. presence in various international pro-Ukraine initiatives as he seeks to broker a ceasefire and a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. Hegseth attended the previous Ramstein summit on Feb. 12 but not as its chairman, a position held by Austin until then. His British counterpart, John Healey, presided over the summit instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the previous Ramstein summit, Hegseth delivered a jarring speech to Ukraine's partners, calling the country's return to pre-2014 borders and accession to NATO "unrealistic" in a major turn from the Biden administration's rhetoric. The comments signified the foreign policy pivot brought about by the Trump administration, which has yet to approve a single additional package of military aid to Ukraine. Thus far, Trump has only allowed the continued flow of assistance approved by his predecessor, briefly pausing it last month to pressure Ukraine to the negotiating table. The new U.S. leadership has also repeatedly urged Europe to boost its defense spending and increase the share of its assistance to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Putin issued a decree. Now, millions of Ukrainians face an impossible decision NATO assets may be used for peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, FT reports NATO can play a key role in assisting the proposed European military mission to guarantee a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 3, citing unnamed officials. The proposal for an international peacekeeping force has gained traction recently as European nations prepare to take a more prominent role in Ukraine's defense amid the unpredictability of further American support. NATO's command and control structures could be used to deploy a so-called "reassurance force" to Ukraine under one proposal being discussed in French-led talks with the U.K., five officials briefed on the plans and told the FT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposal, the forces would also use the alliance's joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. According to officials, this proposal is one of many options under discussion and may be subject to change before a final agreement. Proponents of the initiative also see NATO's involvement in indirectly engaging the U.S. and gaining Washington's support. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump refused to participate in any European-led mission directly, but U.S. military capabilities in Europe are integral to all NATO operations. "If we are going to deploy assets from dozens of countries (to Ukraine), then NATO is really the only (command and control) option that we can use," said one of the officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 31, President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed plans to meet in Ukraine this week with military representatives from the "coalition of the willing." Thus far, the coalition has met in other European countries or virtually. The coalition is a group of countries that have pledged peacekeeping troops and other security guarantees for Ukraine in a potential ceasefire. The "Coalition of the Willing" has met repeatedly to determine security guarantees and a peacekeeping force for Ukraine. Leaders of 31 nations met in Paris on March 27 at a summit for the coalition. Several countries, including France and the U.K., which lead the coalition, have pledged to send troops to enforce a potential ceasefire. The U.S. has been holding separate meetings for ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, most recently meeting Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia on March 25. Read also: As Russian troops retake settlements in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine launches attack on adjacent Russian region 'Coalition of the Willing' agrees at least one European leader should engage with Russia, Stubb says The "Coalition of the Willing" has agreed that at least one European leader should engage in dialogue with Russia, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on April 3. Stubb suggested that either France or the United Kingdom, as key coalition leaders, should initiate contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "In our discussion with the 'Coalition of the Willing' in Paris on Thursday (March 27), we recognized the reality that a European leader will have to reach out to Russia at some point," Stubb told reporters in Helsinki. Currently, European leaders are not engaging in negotiations with Putin. Early in the full-scale war, French President Emmanuel Macron and later German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Putin, but those discussions yielded no results. European leaders have also been excluded from recent U.S.-led ceasefire talks with Ukraine and Russia, including the latest meeting in Saudi Arabia on March 25. The coalition, which consists of countries committed to providing security guarantees and potential peacekeeping forces for Ukraine, held a summit in Paris on March 27. France and the U.K., leading the coalition, have pledged to send troops to Ukraine to enforce a potential ceasefire. Stubb also said on March 31 that Finland must prepare for the eventual restoration of relations with Russia. He told reporters that U.S. President Donald Trump asked him whether Putin could be trusted, to which he replied that he could not. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 1 that Putin was open to normalizing relations with Finland. Finland, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, joined NATO in 2023 in response to Russia's full-scale invasion. The country shares a 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia and has strengthened its defense ties with Western allies since the war began. Read also: Every finding is a key: The mission to recover Ukraines fallen soldiers (Photos) Czech ammunition initiative for Ukraine secures funding until September 2025, Czech FM says Czechia's initiative to provide Ukraine with artillery ammunition has secured funding to continue monthly deliveries until September 2025, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said on April 3, Ukrainian publication European Pravda reported. The initiative, backed by contributions from Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and other European countries, has significantly boosted Ukraine's artillery capabilities, Lipavsky claimed. The minister said the effort had reduced the effectiveness of Russian artillery "by 500%" and improved the shell ratio from 1-to-10 in Russia's favor to 1-to-2. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claim. In 2024, the Czech initiative supplied Ukraine with 1.5 million rounds of ammunition, including 500,000 large-caliber 155mm and 152mm shells. The initiative was launched amid Ukrainian shell shortages, largely caused by delays in U.S. military aid in 2024. Czechia's opposition party ANO has vowed to suspend the initiative if it wins the parliamentary elections in October 2025, opposition leader Karel Havlicek said in January. "We're not going to continue the munitions initiative. Not at all," he told the Czech media Respekt. Prague has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, supplying military aid, leading EU efforts to secure weapons, and hosting tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Czech President Petr Pavel said on March 22 that the country was also ready to contribute troops to a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Note from the author: Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, accused of high treason, is running for membership in the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), the T-Invariant academic community said on April 2. Azarov, who led the Ukrainian government under pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych between 2010 and 2014, is a candidate for the RAS membership in mining sciences. Despite this, Azarov has a zero Hirsch index, a key indicator of the quality of scientific activity. The fugitive ex-official has no academic publications, T-Invariant said, citing eLibrary, a Russian scientific electronic library integrated with the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Azarov was a corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NANU) until June 2022, when he was expelled. The Scopus database, which tracks academic article citations, also has no publications by Azarov. The Russian-born politician served as prime minister under Yanukovych's tenure before resigning amid the EuroMaidan Revolution in 2014. He now resides in Russia and makes regular anti-Ukrainian statements and promotes pro-Kremlin narratives on Russian state propaganda channels. In December 2022, Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation and the Prosecutor General's Office completed a pre-trial investigation into Yanukovych's and Azarov's high treason cases. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) pressed further treason charges against Azarov and his assistant in October 2023. Last January, the case was sent to court under the charges of "information activities" on Russia's behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Putin issued a decree. Now, millions of Ukrainians face an impossible decision Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Stonehage Fleming, a multi-family office, has appointed Bev Stewart as the head of family office in Jersey, replacing Richard Stride. Stewart reports to British Islands family office head Greg Harris. Besides, Stewart will remain an adviser to affluent international families, addressing their succession planning, governance, and complex wealth issues. She has been working at Stonehage Fleming since 2021, bringing over 20 years of experience in investment banking and private wealth management. Meanwhile, Stride will transition to the role of trustee and key adviser for many high-net-worth international clients of the firm. Stewart said: At Stonehage Fleming we pride ourselves on the wide range of services we able to provide for some of the worlds leading families and wealth creators, and I look forward to continuing Richards good work and offering top-tier family office and fiduciary services to our clients. Prior to her tenure at Stonehage Fleming, Stewart held the position of director in the investment banking division of South African financial services provider Absa. Stonehage Fleming Jersey chairman Ian Crosby said: We look forward to Bevs continued work in her new role as head of family office Jersey, and thank Richard for his years of dedication and commitment. Both are extremely valued members of Stonehage Flemings Jersey office. Moreover, Stonehage Fleming appointed Andrea Sturges as an associate director within the family office team. Sturges has 20 years of experience in the fiduciary sector, with a focus on the Middle East. In January this year, Stonehage Fleming hired Stuart Parkinson from Lombard International Group as its group CEO. "Stonehage Fleming names new family office head in Jersey" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 39 Shahed-type loitering munitions and various types of decoy drones on the night of 2-3 April. Ukrainian air defence units have shot down 28 of them. Source: Ukrainian Air Force Command on Telegram Details: The Air Force reported that as of 09:00, 28 Shahed loitering munitions and other types of drones are confirmed to have been shot down in Ukraine's north and east. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A further seven Russian decoy drones disappeared from radar (causing no adverse effects). The Russian attack has affected Kharkiv, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. The Russians launched the drones from the areas of the Russian cities of Millerovo, Kursk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. The aerial attack has been repelled by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups from the Ukrainian defence forces. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A delegation from Ukraine will arrive in the U.S. at the end of this week or early next week to discuss the minerals agreement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Bloomberg on April 2. The news comes after Washington and Kyiv reportedly discussed the draft on the expanded minerals agreement proposed by the U.S. at the end of March. Bessent said Ukraine has hired counsel and that the deal is "ready on our side." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We believe this deal so important for the American people, for the Ukrainian people, and for the peace process," Bessent said. A map showing the location of critical raw materials in Ukraine. (The Kyiv Independent) The latest version of the deal reportedly grants the U.S. unprecedented control over Ukraine's natural resources through a joint investment. The Trump administration has touted the minerals deal as an essential part of Ukraine's path to peace but has failed to offer concrete security guarantees in exchange for broad access to resources. Ukrainian media also reported that the agreement could contradict Ukraine's efforts to join the EU due to severe restrictions on the country's economic sovereignty. President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would not sign a deal endangering Ukraine's EU accession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv and Washington were set to sign a framework version of the agreement on Feb. 28, but the plan fell apart after a heated Oval Office dispute between Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance. Read also: Its a trap Trumps US minerals deal threatens Ukraines EU membership Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Ukrainian drone operator said he can text and FaceTime with manufacturers. Manufacturers want battlefield feedback and can send replacement parts in a day. He said it means Ukrainian drones are typically better fit for the fight than what is made by Western companies. A Ukrainian drone operator said that he can text and FaceTime with drone manufacturers about how to make and improve the tech, making the weapons better suited for battle. Dimko Zhluktenko, a drone operator with Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces who has operated both strike and reconnaissance drones, told Business Insider that working with Ukrainian drones "is much easier because of the communication with the manufacturers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In training, "we would send them videos, pictures, FaceTime or anything" if there were any issues, feedback, or parts that needed to be replaced, he said. Most of the drones that Ukraine's forces are using to fight back against Russia's invasion are being made in Ukraine, but drone operators are also using ones made in the West, like the US's Switchblade and Turkey's Bayraktar. Hundreds of Ukrainian companies, from bigger, government-backed operations to smaller ones working out of garages, are working on making a host of different types of drones. And there is a lot of communication with troops about what works and doesn't. It permits rapid iteration. Ukrainian soldiers control FPV drones from a shelter in Pokrovsk. Iryna Rybakova/Ukraine's 93rd Mechanized Brigade via AP Zhluktenko said that being able to talk so directly with the manufacturers in Ukraine means that he typically prefers working with Ukrainian drones over Western alternatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Normally having the Ukrainian thing is somewhat better just because you can get it to work faster much faster," he said. Ukrainian weapon systems are being built and refined for this specific conflict. He said that "it's not fair to say that all foreign stuff is crappy, but at the same time, I know that in most of the cases, if it's Ukrainian, that is somewhat battle-tested and better fit for our specific battlefield." The problem with working with big Western companies is that there is a "shitload of bureaucracy, and probably you won't get very fair results even after that." In Ukraine, there's a "short feedback loop," he said, where manufacturers start to design a new drone type, drone alteration, or new drone software, and then they work with the operators to quickly design and prototype the most suitable one. He said that drone operators get direct requests from the manufacturers asking them to fly new drone types. It provides feedback for rapid iterative development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that the drone makers will hand them the drone and the manual, tell them to fly at the range or in battle, and report back. They don't even care if it gets lost, they just want a detailed report on what could be improved so they can make a better product. It's "essentially market research," he said. Zhluktenko said that manufacturers "want to come to our places" near the battlefield "and see how we operate. They want to see what is that they can do to make our life easier." Men work at a factory producing drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Kyiv, Ukraine. Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images The close communication allows for speedy repairs and replacements too. That allows Ukraine's troops to keep training or fighting without introducing new delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhluktenko said that sometimes when they have had issues with a drone, "we called the manufacturer and said, 'Guys, we had this kind of issue and something broke off, can we just quickly patch it somehow?'" "And then they'll say, "no problem at all." A replacement part can regularly arrive from the company the next day. "The communication here is tremendously good," Zhluktenko said, noting that they don't have to go through official bureaucratic channels. "It is very direct, and they are very open to help us. They don't need a shit load of documents or anything," he said, telling BI that he hasn't had similar experiences with Western drone manufacturers. Zhluktenko said that in Ukraine, "manufacturers are acting in their best interest" because if the soldiers think the product is good, the companies "can pitch it to the government, the government can buy it, they could scale the production, and Ukraine can win. I think that is the main motivation here." A different way of making drones Different from Russia and many Western nations, the way Ukraine is making its drones comes with a host of advantages and disadvantages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It breeds innovation and creates a range of drones that Russia has to learn to defeat, but it also creates more work for operators. It is also a lot harder for any individual company to scale up production. Drones have been used more in Russia's invasion of Ukraine than in any other conflict in history. They have been used for reconnaissance, to track and hit Russian equipment and troops, damage Russian ships at sea, and hit oil refineries in Russia hundreds of miles past the border, among other missions. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine produced 2.2 million drones in 2024 and planned to increase that further in 2025. A Ukrainian drone fitted with an explosive. Paula Bronstein /Getty Images But with a smaller military and a smaller population than Russia, Ukraine still needs all the help it can get, and operators are still using Western drones, including ones purchased directly by soldiers or their supporters from other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has relied on drones as it dealt with shortages of other equipment, including turning to drones when supplies of ammunition from partners fell short. Ukraine has received billions of dollars in aid from partners, including the US and Europe, but at times that aid has been insufficient. Ukraine has increasingly made more of its own weapons as the war has continued in a bid to become more self-sufficient. Its president said 30% of the military equipment it used in 2024 was made domestically. That matters more as international partners like the US under President Donald Trump become less reliable. Its increased domestic production may not be enough though. Some experts assess Ukraine can only last a few months with no aid from the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe is boosting defense spending and many allies intend to continue supporting Ukraine, but the US was the single largest individual contributor, and some of the most powerful weaponry it was giving Ukraine has no easy replacement. Read the original article on Business Insider Ukrainian defence forces are complying with the terms of the "energy ceasefire", while Russian news outlets are airing fake news about Ukrainian strikes on energy facilities in Russia and the territories it occupies. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Details: In particular, the Russian Foreign Ministry has prepared another sham report on far-fetched attacks on a number of Russian oil, gas and electricity companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian military emphasises that the defence forces strictly adhere to the agreements reached with the partners and have not struck energy facilities either in Russia or within the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. Strikes are directed exclusively at military targets of the Russian occupation forces. Meanwhile, numerous violations of these agreements by the Russians have been recorded. For example, in the last ten days of March, the Russians repeatedly attacked Ukrainian energy facilities in Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson oblasts. Quote: "As usual, the diplomatic department of the aggressor country spreads false and groundless accusations in order to shift its own blame for the disruption of the peaceful settlement to Ukraine and continue the war of aggression against our country." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Russians have launched three mechanised assaults on the village of Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast using 17 pieces of military equipment and suffered significant losses. Source: DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts Quote: "The enemy conducted three attacks over four hours in the morning. A total of at least 17 pieces of equipment and over four dozen infantry took part. Losses amount to at least 13 pieces of equipment, while losses in manpower are being confirmed." . - 33 pic.twitter.com/sVOyjZ1l1W (@ukrpravda_news) April 3, 2025 Details: The General Staff published information on the first assault. Russian forces consisted of 12 pieces of equipment and at least 25 infantry. The 46th Airmobile Brigade and adjacent forces delivered the strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At around 06:30, a column passed through Andriivka without engaging the forward positions of Ukrainian paratroopers, hoping to break through to Oleksiivka and gain a foothold. As soon as the column left Andriivka, it came under artillery fire from the defence forces and aerial reconnaissance began working. The second assault occurred at 08:00 to the north of Andriivka, involving infantry fighting vehicles and armoured personnel carriers. The Russians deployed 10-12 troops. Both vehicles were destroyed, along with the majority of the Russian infantry. For the third time, at around 10:00, the Russians sent one tank and two infantry fighting vehicles along the route of the first column. All three pieces of equipment were destroyed on the western outskirts of the village, analysts report. The Russians managed to deploy six infantry, but they began to flee the battlefield. They were targeted during the retreat, and losses are being confirmed. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha believes that Western partners should impose new sanctions on Russia to compel it to pursue peace in Ukraine. Source: Sybiha in Brussels at a joint briefing with the NATO secretary general before the meeting of the NATOUkraine Council, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent Details: Sybiha stated that he would explain to European ministers that Russia has serious intentions to expand the war further into Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The question is not whether Russia wants to attack the rest of Europe look at how many resources it puts in its military machine. The only question is whether we will be prepared for this or not. Will we stop Russia in Ukraine and deter further aggression?" More details: The minister added that Russia can be deterred from further aggression "if pressure on Moscow is increased and Ukraine is strengthened". Quote: "Today I will discuss with allies how to put pressure on Russia to engage in real dialogue [on peace]." Background: Russia is currently demanding the opposite the lifting of sanctions as a precondition for peace talks. On 2 April, the Kremlins envoy visited Washington and held meetings there. He later said he was working on achieving a "real understanding" of Russias position by the US. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The 13th Charter Brigade of Ukraine's National Guard used dozens of drones and combat robots simultaneously against Russian forces in December 2024. This event will one day go down in history as one of the first fully robotic operations. For now, however, such operations remain the exception rather than the rule. "One of our robots got stuck in the mud during a mission, so we sent another equipped with a winch to retrieve it. In the end, the Russians destroyed the winch robot, while the one that got stuck managed to leave the area," a commander overseeing ground robotic systems (GRS) in one of the Ukrainian brigades told Ekonomichna Pravda, describing a recent incident. Another soldier recounted the following case: "We sent a kamikaze robot into an enemy dugout, but it failed to explode right at the entrance. So we had to send several first-person view (FPV) drones to blow it up". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is roughly how the process of adapting new technology unfolds in combat conditions. For now, both manufacturers and the military are still determining what ground robotic systems should look like and how to maximise their effectiveness. Despite the challenges, the Ukrainian commanders interviewed by Ekonomichna Pravda state that the robots have assisted in evacuating dozens of wounded troops, transporting tonnes of cargo, destroying Russian positions and carrying out specific tasks all without putting soldiers' lives at risk. This new type of weapon is being developed at all levels: in combat zones, frontline workshops, defence company facilities, volunteer headquarters and government offices. The main objective is to replace humans with robots in the most perilous areas of the war zone. The potential for using robots in combat is constrained only by the ingenuity of engineers. These systems are being fitted with turrets, deployed as kamikaze drones, used for cargo transport, equipped with electronic warfare devices and tasked with evacuating the wounded. These robots are also defusing and planting mines, laying barbed wire, setting Russian positions on fire and can even be kitted out with air defence systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hlib Kanevskyi, Director of the Procurement Department at Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, notes that in 2025, the government plans to supply 15,000 robots for combat use, which will mark a significant increase in production compared to last year. Promising, yet still in development The key distinction between ground drones and aerial drones lies in their payload capacity. While the largest UAVs can carry just a few dozen kilogrammes of explosives, ground drones can transport hundreds. Ground robots occupy a crucial niche the transport of equipment, supplies, wounded personnel and weapons. Why isn't Ukraine already deploying robotic platforms en masse against the Russians? The first reason is that most robots are still in the early stages of development. A reliable connection is essential, as the contours of the terrain and other obstacles can easily disrupt communication. Additionally, the robot must have all-terrain capability to prevent it from getting stuck in grass, snow, sand, or mud. On top of that, it needs to be relatively inexpensive, as it is intended to be expendable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second reason is that the military has yet to master their effective use. Ukrainian troops need to gain a better understanding of the robots' capabilities and plan their routes effectively. Currently, most units have not yet developed specific tactics or determined the key characteristics that ground robots should possess. Ukrainian troops from the 13th Charter Brigade operating a ground robot Photo: 13th Brigade The situation with mastering the technology is not consistent: in some areas, the Ukrainian military is making progress, while other areas are lagging behind significantly. Ekonomichna Pravda has interviewed three commanders of GRS units from the 13th Charter Brigade, the 108th Separate Mechanised Battalion Da Vinci Wolves and the 3rd Assault Brigade, as well as an expert from the Brave1 cluster a Government of Ukraine initiative that connects innovative companies with ideas and developments for Ukraine's defence. They were asked to assess the Ukrainian military's proficiency in each area of GRS application: logistics, small arms use, kamikaze strikes, mine clearance, evacuation and transport of special equipment. Logistics 5.5/10. Currently, cargo transport is one of the most widely used applications for ground robots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One unit can transport tonnes of supplies per month over a distance of up to 10 km," Mykola Smetaniuk, a consultant with the Come Back Alive Foundation, a Ukrainian charity organisation, told Ekonomichna Pravda. "If they didn't have robots, the guys would have had to drive pickup trucks or armoured vehicles. Every such trip by car could be fatal, as the battlefield is now infested with enemy FPV drones". "Logistics models are the most researched among all the robots, though they still lack reliability and cross-country capability on the battlefield," said Andrii, Head of the GRS Department at the 13th Charter Brigade, alias "Mathematician". "The price-to-quality balance remains an issue. It's essential that these drones have a cargo drop system, as without it, soldiers would be at risk trying to collect supplies manually." Turret robots 3/10. Although ground platforms with mounted turrets appear to be the most effective, their success in use has been limited so far. Mathematician explains that flawed communication systems and limited all-terrain capability are currently hindering ground robots from effectively using small arms. "Robots will become a good tool for suppressive fire or covering infantry once more application cases occur. Only after receiving more statistics and feedback will the manufacturer be able to make appropriate improvements," he said. Robots equipped with small arms were deployed during the robotic operation carried out by the 13th Charter Brigade in Kharkiv Oblast. One of the operation's objectives was reconnaissance by fire, which prompted the Russians to reveal their positions and firing points. Such missions are typically carried out by infantry, but that day, robots took the place of soldiers on the battlefield. Combat robot Liut (Fury). Photo: DONS, a Ukrainian tech start-up Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As far as I'm concerned, the ideal situation is when a robot handles all the risky operations while the human stays under shelter," Oleksandr Yabchanka, Head of the Robotic Systems Service at the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, told Ekonomichna Pravda. "If that's our goal, then our combat ground platforms are still at the very beginning of their journey. We've had some successful uses and have inflicted damage on the enemy, but there are still many problems. First, there's the issue of the number of people involved. An attack GRS consists of a platform, a turret and a UAV crew for signal relay and surveillance. So, at least four people are needed to operate one combat robot. There are also issues with the accuracy of the turrets. If the goal is to take out the enemy, this remains challenging. Although if the objective is to suppress the enemy with machine gun fire, forcing them to stay down and then finish them off with an FPV drone, our automatic turrets are already managing this," Oleksandr added. Kamikaze robots 5.5/10. The advent of uncrewed robots allows the military to load several tens of kilogrammes of explosives onto a platform and direct them towards the Russians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A Russian dugout was reduced to tatters. We went in with 25 kg of explosives. This is a perfect charge that can travel any distance with a lot of weight, even with an aerial bomb on board. And it's incredibly difficult to destroy," says Yabchanka. However, the use of such robots is far from being perfect at the moment due to problems with communication, terrain and unrefined tactics. Kamikaze robots and logistics models are often used as explosives carriers, dropping anti-tank mines on the ground before returning to base. Some robots can transport up to 20 landmines in a single trip. Ratel S, a robot for planting mines and reconnaissance Mine clearance 4.5/10. The Ukrainian military requires mine clearance equipment to clear roads and it must be both accurate and error-free. "A 'tad good' doesn't work in mine clearance," said Mathematician. "After the road is cleared, people will walk on it. If someone gets killed there, then there's no value in such mine clearance. We tested a Ukrainian-made ground drone fitted with a mine trawl. Out of 15 anti-personnel mines, only two exploded. The rest either scattered or ended up on the drone". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are various types of mine-clearing machines. For example, engineers from the 3rd Assault Brigade have developed a model that destroys light anti-personnel mines by moving ahead of advancing troops. It features three heavy rollers that also serve as wheels. The Moses drone at the Brave1 exhibition Photo: Bohdan Miroshnychenko Evacuation 3/10. Evacuation robots are among the most promising innovations. In the future, they could fully or partially replace personnel in evacuation teams a crucial development, as soldiers often risk injury or death while rescuing others. However, current evacuation solutions remain crude, with technology that still lacks reliability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We use robotic evacuation vehicles only as a last-ditch resort when no other options are available," says Mathematician. "We've had very few cases so far, but in each one, lives were saved. However, in one instance, the robot started stalling, which put everyone on edge especially our wounded brother-in-arms with a leg injury. Evacuation drones need to be high-end: they must have good suspension and reliable communication to prevent the wounded from being shaken, falling out and dying. Some manufacturers believe an FPV drone connection is enough, but in reality, such a basic link is too easy to lose. Many manufacturers try to combine logistics and evacuation functions in one drone. But I believe it's better to develop a dedicated evacuation platform which should be complex, expensive, with top-tier suspension, stability, comfort and a reliable communication system," Mathematician says. Evacuation robot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ground Forces "An evacuation robot is now a last-resort move, used when an evacuation team would definitely be killed while carrying out the task. Throughout the entire time, weve managed to rescue a couple of dozen people on the NCD (Non-Controlled Territory). A reliable evacuation robot must have several alternative communication channels, be enclosed, withstand explosives being dropped on it by drones, and ideally survive an FPV drone strike nearby," says Yabchanka. In the future, evacuation robots may be equipped with special medical equipment or at least provide warmth to the wounded until they are taken to hospital in order to improve their chances of survival. Transporting specialised equipment 3.5/10. Ground robots are often used to carry various types of military equipment that are usually transported manually or in pickup trucks. These may include integration of electronic warfare (EW) systems, signals intelligence (SIGINT) equipment, optical reconnaissance tools or UAV support gear. "Thanks to ground robots, we now have mobile EW stations. They can be activated remotely and deployed to any chosen point depending on the need to provide cover or respond to enemy drone activity. As a result, EW operators no longer have to run around and risk their lives ground platforms can carry out part of the task," says Mathematician. Soldiers from several different units also install equipment for deploying barbed wire on their drones. Such engineering tasks usually require a lot of time and effort, exposing troops to danger each time they go out. Ground drones help automate this process. 93- . , . , . pic.twitter.com/BzZnQhcHzv 93- (@93OMBr1) March 13, 2025 R&D in dozens of workshops Brave1s technology cluster told EP that 50 ground robots have received clearance for military use. However, only 20-30% of them are consistently used at the front, as most are not technically ready for real combat conditions or have a narrow specialisation. In total, 250 ground robot models are registered on the Brave1 platform, so many prototypes make it to the front line. "Sixty per cent of whats available on the market amounts to a raw product. Manufacturers often do not understand the specific requirements that robots must meet on the battlefield," said "Happy", the ground robot platoon commander in the Khartia unit, speaking to EP. Troops fix "raw" ground robots on their own through frontline workshops a large decentralised network of facilities where mechanics, engineers and operators independently bring robots to combat readiness, experiment with their design and generate new ideas for manufacturers. The small workshop of the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, Khartia, has been operating for around nine months. "We get a ground platform from the manufacturer and take it for field testing. There we identify its flaws and then begin working on it. We often change the communications, mechanics, wheels, controllers and motors," said Happy. New robot modifications are also developed in this workshop, and all developments are shared among soldiers from other units working in similar workshops. Ground robot workshop Photo: Bohdan Miroshnychenko In essence, R&D for Ukrainian ground robots is happening in dozens of different places at once. The future direction of ground robot technology development will largely depend on experiments taking place in these frontline "laboratories". Many brigades are now expanding their teams of ground robot operators and technical specialists who will work on developing these systems. The Khartia ground robot workshop is currently looking for communications experts, electronics engineers and IT specialists who want to become pioneers in mastering ground robot technology. Given the importance of frontline workshops in the development process, companies that maintain constant communication with troops, respond to commanders needs, quickly make improvements to designs and provide their products for free field testing will gain a competitive edge in the market. One of the most popular ground robots in the Ukrainian army is the TerMIT model developed by the company Tencore. It is also the model chosen by the Come Back Alive foundation for supplying to the military. As Tencore director Maksym Vasylenko told EP, their robot has undergone hundreds of changes since its creation most of them emerging through communication with soldiers. "Units, materials, dimensions, mounts, running gear, suspension, tracks, electronics, communications, batteries, auxiliary equipment, software. After the 300th change, we stopped counting," he says of the TerMITs evolution over the past year. TerMIT before/now Manufacturers are currently facing two key challenges: improving off-road capability and communications. The latter is considered the biggest issue. At the Defense Tech Innovations Forum 2025 exhibition, several companies showcased options featuring digital communications, Starlink and fibre optics. The manufacturer of TerMIT has focused on its modularity the robots design allows for the integration of any communication system or the simultaneous combination of several. There are already mature robot models and companies on the Ukrainian market that have earned a solid reputation among the military. The favourites of the Khartia unit and the Da Vinci Wolves are Targan, TerMIT, Gimli, Teslia, and Rys (Lynx) PRO. There are experimental models on the market that differ from others but which could still find their niche on the battlefield. For instance, Ukrainian Armor has presented the ground-based unmanned system Protector, which is significantly larger than the average robot but can carry up to a tonne of payload at speeds of up to 60 km/h, effectively replacing a pickup truck. One of the key areas of use for this robot is transporting ammunition for mortars and artillery. The product is currently undergoing codification. Protector The technological space for developing ground robots is limitless. Brave1 says that in the future, the technology will move towards greater autonomy, meaning independence from direct operator control. Developers will improve navigation and integrate artificial intelligence and battle management systems so that one person can control several robots simultaneously. A separate area of development involves automated turrets operated by a soldier under cover. The biggest challenge here is to create a stabilisation system for use on land or sea platforms, develop a high-quality targeting system and possibly adapt it for use as a short-range air defence system. There will be more robots Ground robot technology developed throughout last year, as is often the case, through the efforts of volunteers, private investors and the soldiers themselves. The state provided almost no robots to the front, so the troops had to do everything themselves. As a result, technological development was only possible in units that had enough enthusiasts, resources and competent commanders. As reported by Forbes, the state planned to deliver 10,000 robots to the front in 2024. However, it appears that this plan has not been implemented. The reason may lie in the immaturity of the technology or the militarys unpreparedness for large-scale deployment. Kaniievskyi, Director of the Procurement Department at the Ministry of Defence, revealed that the state has set a goal to supply 15,000 robots this year. Unlike the previous year, contracting is already underway. The Defence Procurement Agency told EP that in the second half of 2024, the Ministry of Defence signed six contracts for the supply of ground robots worth UAH 100 million (approx. US$2.4m). In the first quarter of 2025, 31 contracts worth UAH 6 billion (approx. US$145m) were signed. "Last year, we delivered hundreds of robots to the front. This year we plan to deliver thousands," said the director of Tencore. Kaniievskyi also said that almost all of the robots will be manufactured in Ukraine, as foreign models are significantly more expensive. Defence companies have been required to improve their products during the execution of contracts, as technologies on the battlefield are rapidly evolving and the ground robot sector is developing swiftly. Vepr ground drone production workshop What might mass deployment look like in practice? Simply look at the experience of the Third Assault Brigade: it has an R&D laboratory, in-house robot models and is about to open a training centre. The brigade has a modern organisational structure designed to integrate these technologies into as many frontline processes as possible. The speed at which a unit masters the technology directly depends on how many robots it uses during real combat missions. "The best investment in the development of ground robots is to fund their procurement for defence forces. Its the soldiers who will study each product, improve it and work on the flaws. The more robots there are on the front line, the more recommendations the military will provide, and the more competitive the manufacturer will become," said Yabchanka. The ground robot market is now following the same path as FPV drones once did: from makeshift workshops and completely improvised use to building a community of engineers, developing an industry, crafting tactics, creating specialised units and launching dedicated training centres. Khartia Brigade workshop 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine The first training centre for ground robot operators was opened at the end of 2024 with the support of the volunteer organisation Victory Drones and the Dignitas charitable foundation. EP has learned that several other similar centres are expected to open in the coming months. The Russians are also not lagging behind and are developing their own ground robot systems, paying attention to them at a high level. "The enemy is not yet very active in using ground robots, but that is only a matter of time," said Denys Dankov, staff sergeant of the third category at the Unmanned Systems Directorate of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, speaking to EP. Ukrainian troops and engineers have already gone through this with other technologies, so they are certainly capable of turning ground robots into another success of the defence industry and outpacing the Russians. To do this, maximum support is needed from all relevant institutions and Ukrainian companies. Everyone can help accelerate the development of ground robot technology today, as the state has limited resources. The more ground robots the military receives, the faster they will learn to operate them and provide feedback to manufacturers. The Da Vinci Wolves, the Third Assault Brigade, Azov and the First Separate Medical Battalion are raising funds for evacuation robots that will extract the wounded from the most critical situations. You can support the military via this link. Author: Bohdan Miroshnychenko Translation: Anastasiia Yankina, Artem Yakymyshyn Edited by: Susan McDonald By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher will arrive in earthquake devastated Myanmar on Friday, said U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as he appealed for more international funding and rapid, unimpeded aid access in the country. Guterres said his special envoy for Myanmar, Julie Bishop, will also travel to the country in the coming days "to reinforce our commitment to peace and dialogue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The earthquake has supercharged the suffering with the monsoon season just around the corner," Guterres told reporters. "I appeal for every effort to transform this tragic moment into an opportunity for the people of Myanmar." Last Friday's 7.7-magnitude quake, one of Myanmar's strongest in a century, jolted a region home to 28 million, toppling buildings such as hospitals, flattening communities and leaving many without food, water and shelter. Deaths rose to 3,085 on Thursday, with 4,715 injured and 341 missing, the ruling junta said. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York; editing by Ryan Patrick Jones) CAIRO (AP) The United Nations on Thursday condemned reports by local rights groups of extrajudicial killings taking place in Sudans capital, Khartoum, which the Sudanese military recaptured last month. Emergency Lawyers, a rights group tracking violence against civilians, on Monday said in a statement that the Sudanese army committed field executions against civilians in Khartoum and Jebel Aulia, purportedly on suspicion of collaborating with the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Volker Turk, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, said Thursday in a statement that he was appalled by such reports and urged the Sudanese army to end arbitrary deprivation of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A video posted by Emergency Lawyers captures multiple instances of individuals, some blindfolded, being fatally shot by men in uniform and others in civilian clothing. The Associated Press couldnt independently verify the contents of the video, but OHCHR cited similar footage reportedly showing armed men executing civilians in cold blood and that in some videos, perpetrators are stating that they are punishing RSF supporters. Extrajudicial killings are serious violations and their perpetrators, as well as those with command responsibility, must be held accountable, said Thameen al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The war in Sudan broke out in April 2023 between the military and its rival paramilitary RSF with battles in Khartoum and around the country. The Sudanese military has control over el-Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur, despite near-daily strikes by the RSF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango said the organization has documented a disturbing rise in online hate speech and incitement to violence that includes lists of individuals accused of collaborating with the RSF being circulated online. Emergency Lawyers condemned the social media campaign, led by activists and Sudanese army supporters, as a serious breach of local and international laws that fuel hate speech, violence and threaten social unity, leading to some settling their disputes outside the law and judicial frameworks. At least 20,000 people are thought to have been killed since the war broke out, though the number is likely far higher. The war has also driven more than 14 million people from their homes and pushed parts of the country into famine. As the Supreme Court deliberates on a case that could reshape the motor finance sector, the future of car dealers and their role in finance transactions is at a crossroads. At the heart of this appeal is whether car dealers have a fiduciary duty to consumers regarding commissions they receive from finance dealsa question that could have profound implications for the entire automotive retail sector. The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents over 4,000 franchised dealers in the UK, has been vocal in defending the current model, arguing that dealers practices are transparent and not worthy of the accusations levelled against them. The case began after the Court of Appeal ruled that car brokers might owe consumers a fiduciary duty and must secure fully informed consent before receiving commission payments from lenders. This ruling has sparked a challenge from lenders like Close Brothers and FirstRand, which argue that it could result in costly and far-reaching implications for the entire sector. The NFDA has vigorously rejected claims of misconduct. It argues that car dealers operate transparently, with consumers understanding that they are engaging with a commercial business. Dealerships sell cars and related products with a clear profit motive in mindwhether that involves the sale of vehicles, accessories, or financing options. The notion that dealers have engaged in bribery or unethical conduct, according to the NFDA, misrepresents the long-established practices of the industry. Far from being passive brokers of car finance, dealerships are commercial entities in their own right, operating with full disclosure that their profit margins include commissions from finance providers. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which has intervened in the case, has raised concerns about the broad interpretation of fiduciary duties as set out in the Court of Appeals ruling. The FCAs position, articulated in its court filings, is that applying fiduciary responsibilities to car dealers and brokers across the board could impose burdensome regulatory obligations on businesses that are not financial advisers. The financial watchdog has stressed the need for clear transparency, but it also cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach that could fundamentally alter how car dealers operate. This is a pivotal moment for the motor finance industry, valued at approximately 40 billion annually. A ruling against the industry could trigger major shifts in the way car finance deals are structured, potentially forcing brokers and dealers to disclose more about commissions upfront and seek customer consent in ways that could complicate the sales process. This could lead to a flood of consumer redress claims, with compensation payments running into billions of pounds. JACKSON, Ala. (WKRG) Jackson High School administrators are pressing charges after several people illegally came into the schools gym, leaving a broken door and trash. PWWSB crisis: Prichard seeks state and federal aid According to school principal Jackie Daffin Jr., the broken doors will no longer lock. Please be aware that the Jackson High School gym is not a public facility, and any unauthorized entry is illegal and will lead to charges of Breaking and Entering being pressed against those who are caught, read a JHS Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daffin said their camera footage has been reviewed and is being sent to the Jackson Police Department. Car crashes into Mobile County DMV office The safety and security of our students is our number one priority, and illegal break-ins leading to our facilities being destroyed and trash being left behind for our students and staff to return to will not be tolerated, Daffin 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 WKRG News 5. Piracy on the high seas sounds like something from a bygone era, but the menace of armed robbery is still a very real threat in certain parts of the world. The menace posed to cruise ships in particular hit the headlines recently when holidaymakers aboard Cunards Queen Anne were told to turn off their cabin lights and avoid outside decks as they sailed through a notorious area of the Philippines. An announcement on board, recorded and shared by TikTok user @lilydapink, said: This area is known for piracy threats, therefore we will be operating at a heightened level of security alertness. In the unlikely event of an emergency, a broadcast will be made by the bridge. In the past, cruise ships have been attacked and even boarded during one such incident, passengers tried to fight off armed pirates themselves by throwing furniture. But is the lingering danger real, and how do cruise ships prepare for it? How many cruise ships have been attacked by pirates? There have been six reported attacks on cruise ships since 2005. Le Ponant was boarded was off the coast of Somalia in 2008, as was the MSC Melody in 2009; Seabourn Spirit was fired upon in the same waters in 2005; in 2008, Nautica was fired upon in the Gulf of Aden; Sagas Spirit of Adventure was threatened when pirates closed off the coast of Tanzania in 2011; and in 2012, several small boats approached Azamara Journey off the coast of Oman. A passenger aboard The Seabourn Spirit took a photo of the pirates who shot at the vessel in 2005 - Norman J Fisher/Eyevine Has a cruise ship ever been successfully hijacked? French sailing ship Le Ponant was boarded by pirates off the coast of Somalia in 2008. The 32-cabin vessel was carrying 30 crew but no passengers. A French frigate and a helicopter from a Canadian warship were sent to track the yacht. The hostages were later released, unharmed, after the payment of a 2 million ransom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France then mounted a commando raid on the mainland to capture the kidnappers, who were put on trial in Paris. Four of the Somali pirates received sentences ranging from four to 10 years. The vessel continues to sail for Ponant. Crew members of the Ponant after their release by Somalian pirates - AP How common are attacks on ships in general? The waters off Somalia, Indonesia and the Singapore Straits became more dangerous for merchant shipping in 2024 than the previous year, contributing to the 116 piracy incidents more than two a week reported worldwide to the International Maritime Bureau. Other incidents took place in Bangladesh, the Gulf of Guinea, Colombia and Guyana. In all, 94 vessels were boarded, there were 13 attempted attacks, six vessels were hijacked and three fired upon. The number of crew taken hostage rose from 73 in 2023 to 126 last year and guns were used in 26 attacks. None of the vessels were carrying passengers and no cruise ships were involved. What is the International Maritime Bureau? Set up in 1981, initially to combat fraud at sea, the IMB now deals with international piracy from its base in Wapping, east London appropriately close to Execution Dock, where Scottish buccaneer Captain William Kidd was hanged in 1701. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The non-profit-making organisation tracks all cases of piracy (defined as being on the open seas), as well as armed robbery (in territorial waters). Threats to shipping vary from thefts from vessels in port to kidnap and ransom of crew. The bureau can also broadcast radio warnings to ships during live incidents. What happens when pirates make an attack on a cruise ship? In November 2008, Jason Gelineau was the general manager on board Oceania ship Nautica in the Gulf of Aden when he heard Mr Skylight, contact reception the lines codeword for pirate activity. Two skiffs were approaching the bow and stern of the ship, firing into the air. Captain Jurica Brajcic took immediate action by starting a zig-zag manoeuvre to create a wake that would capsize the boats if they came close. Meanwhile, security mostly ex-military personnel from India or Israel who were on a 24-hour watch, had water cannons set up on both port and starboard sides, and were setting up long-range acoustic devices installed on the bridge wings. Jason Gelineau, left, with Captain Jurica Brajcic - Jason Gelineau The captain, usually a very stoic person, was shaking, Mr Gelineau said afterwards. He told me the skiffs had come as close as 300m, then stopped and turned towards a cargo ship sailing in the opposite direction. Whats it like to be in an attack? Donna Meads-Barlow was on MSC Melody with her husband and three children off the coast of Somalia in April 2009 when the cruise director announced: We are under attack by pirates. Please stay in your cabin, keep the curtains shut and the lights out. Please dont panic, help is on its way. Mrs Meads-Barlow gathered her sleeping children from another cabin and prayed as she heard banging and shouting during the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We could hear a heck of a commotion going on outside in the corridors of our cabin, she recounted, and what was even more scary was that we didnt know if the pirates had boarded and taken control of our ship We lay there for hours and held hands so tight that we almost cut off circulation. When she and her husband Brian ventured out the next morning, they found windows shattered by bullets. People were everywhere, talking and pointing and just outside the Blue Ribard Bar, at exactly the lounge chairs we were sitting at the previous night, was a shattered window with a huge bullet hole through it. Donna Meads-Barlows son points to a bullet hole left by pirates in a window aboard the MSC Melody - Donna Meads-Barlow It transpired that eight pirates wearing balaclavas had tried to board the ship and opened fire with AK-47 rifles. Security guards fired eight shots into the air and let off two emergency flares to scare them away while some of the 1,200 passengers took matters into their own hands and hurled tables and chairs down at them. It was like war, Captain Ciro Pinto recounted the following day. A Spanish warship eventually arrived to escort MSC Melody from the area. Is there any real threat of piracy to cruise ships? Cyrus Mody, the IMBs deputy director, was surprised to read the report about Queen Anne as, even in Somalia, pirate attacks are markedly reduced compared to the worst years of 2008-2012 and 2021-22. Rather, he regards the whole of south-east Asia including Indonesia and the Philippines as of minimal risk for cruise ships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only point of access to the vessel I would visualise is from the stern and when a cruise ship is under way shes churning up a lot of water behind, so getting to her would be a task, he said. Unlike merchant vessels, cruise ships are also very well enclosed so are much more difficult for a robber to board. Then theres the sheer number of people around. To hijack a vessel you need to get command of the bridge and the pirates would have to get up 17 decks or so to get there. Plus cruise ships have their own security. What precautions do cruise ships take? The threat is now minimal, but over the last few decades, there have been various precautions that ships have taken. Rosanna Ivkovic was a hostess on Fred Olsens Black Watch during a five-month world cruise in 2014. When we were approaching the Somalia region, a specialist team came on board, she says. Barbed wire was installed around the railings of the ship, as well as water cannons, and we had armed specialists on constant watch. We spent a day at sea rehearsing how we should act if pirates came aboard with passengers being allocated safe areas in corridors away from windows and exterior doors. Sagas Spirit of Adventure In 2005, crew on Seabourn Spirit used a water hose and sonic weapon to repel pirates who fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades at the ship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six years later, hundreds of passengers on Sagas Spirit of Adventure who had just sat down to a formal dinner were ordered below deck when pirates closed in off the coast of Tanzania. What do the cruise lines say? A spokesperson for industry body CLIA said: Our members prioritise safety and security in all their operations and closely monitor planned routes, including working closely with global security experts and government authorities. Cruise lines also have the unique ability to adjust routes and itineraries if needed in the best interest of passengers and crew. Cruise lines have maintained an exceptional safety record thanks to ongoing intensive training, vigilance and response plans, which include a strong coordinated approach across the maritime sector and with international bodies. A Cunard spokesperson said of the Queen Anne story: As part of standard maritime procedures, our captains may make precautionary announcements when sailing through certain regions. There was no specific threat to the ship or its guests, and our onboard experience remained uninterrupted. 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. There was a lot going on in the Houthi PC small group chat, in which top officials of U.S. President Donald Trumps administration used the Signal messaging app to discuss imminent attacks on the Yemen-based group, while inadvertently including the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic in the chat. One thing that got lost in the scandal, however, was the sincerely held belief by the Trump administrations foreign and defense policy principals that the U.S. remains the worlds unparalleled hegemon. At one point, for instance, national security adviser Michael Waltz messaged that it will have to be the United States that reopens these shipping lanes, referring to the Red Sea approaches to the Suez Canal, where the Houthis have targeted commercial shipping to protest Israels war in Gaza. Echoing that sentiment, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth texted, [W]e are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this. Nobody else even close. Trump officials are not necessarily wrong in these beliefs. Despite ongoing debates about whether we now live in a bipolar or multipolar world, the hard data points toward persistent U.S. structural power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In theory, this should reassure those concerned about the democratic recession currently on display around the world. One of the traditional benefits of U.S. hegemony has been its ability to facilitate the spread of democracy. In Aftershocks: Great Powers and Domestic Reforms in the Twentieth Century, University of Toronto political scientist Seva Gunitsky argued that the emergence of a democratic hegemon was likely to lead to a subsequent wave of democratization elsewhere in the world. This occurred through three mechanisms. First, the hegemon could use its military to impose democratic regimes during moments when the use of force was permissible. Second, the hegemon can use networks of trade and patronage to alter the incentives of domestic coalitions in other countries. Third, a successful hegemon can inspire emulation from other states, which will attempt to adopt the tropes of the hegemons regime type in an effort to curry favor with it. As Gunitsky concluded, For better or for worse, the future of global democracy is tied to the future of American power. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. However, Gunitskys research also warned that the democratization effect could work in reverse should power shift away from a democratic hegemon. After the 1929 stock market crash, for example, U.S. power declined abruptly compared to Nazi Germany and the Stalinist Soviet Union. This resulted in a counterwave of authoritarianism over the course of the Great Depression. While the U.S. has experienced a relative decline in power over the past few decades, the key for how much of an impact such a shift has, Gunitsky explains in Aftershocks, is its abruptness. For Gunitskyindeed, for all international relations scholarsabrupt power shifts historically resulted primarily from great power wars. Financial meltdowns like the Great Depression and the global financial crisis can have a similar effect. However, there is another way there could be an abrupt shift in the system that could favor the spread of authoritarianism: if the democratic hegemon itself experiences a domestic regime change. Trump and his team are decidedly uninterested in promoting democracy. But they are very interested in promoting populist rulers. This would be an unprecedented event in world politics, but it can no longer be dismissed as a purely hypothetical question. Trumps campaign for the 2020 presidential election, as well as his behavior during the post-election transition period and his first 100 days in office, have prompted concern among political scientists that the U.S. can no longer be coded as a liberal democracy. After Trumps inauguration, the Center for Systemic Peaces Polity projecta comparative governance index of the worlds powersrevised the United States democracy score from +8 to 0, describing the U.S. as experiencing an adverse regime change. The centers homepage features a warning in red font, stating, The USA is no longer considered a democracy and lies at the cusp of autocracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the current issue of Foreign Affairs, political scientists Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way reached a similar conclusion. U.S. democracy will likely break down during the second Trump administration, in the sense that it will cease to meet standard criteria for liberal democracy: full adult suffrage, free and fair elections, and broad protection of civil liberties, they wrote. What lies ahead is not fascist or single-party dictatorship but competitive authoritarianism. In some ways, this might not seem to matter for the global spread or contraction of democracy. After all, some of Trumps supporters might counter that, contrary to the woolly-headed liberals of past administrations, his brand of transactional diplomacy is uninterested in the domestic regime type of other countries. But the data from the past two months flatly contradict such a claim. Multiple high-ranking policy principals, including senior Trump adviser Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance, have vocally expressed their opinions about other countries domestic politics. Indeed, days after Trumps inauguration, Elon Musk made a remote appearance at a campaign rally for the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party. And in February, when Vance addressed the Munich Security Conference, he barely mentioned external security threats like Russia and China, other than to say he does not worry about them. Rather, he pointed to the effort by mainstream European parties to keep the AfD and other populist, far-right and often illiberal movements from power as the greatest threat to Europes fundamental values. In other words, Vance was far more interested in European countries domestic regimes than any foreign policy matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, the closer one looks at the second Trump administrations policy moves to date, the more they begin to resemble the process sketched out by Gunitsky of how a democratic hegemon exercises influence, but in reverse. Trump and his foreign and national security team are decidedly uninterested in promoting democracy, as evidenced by their efforts to eliminate the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, as well as Voice of America, Radio Free Asia and the National Endowment of Democracy. But as Vances rhetoric made clear, they are very interested in promoting populist rulersand also eager for those leaders to foster a patrimonial relationship with the United States. Furthermore, the Trump administration appears to be relying on all three of Gunitskys mechanisms to push for regime transformations. The administration is clearly willing to leverage the reliance of others on its military hegemony to push for its preferred kind of rulers, as evidenced by Vances use of Europes foremost security conference to make his pitch. There are also reports that Trump officials have held secret talks with the Ukrainian opposition in the hopes of bolstering their chances in the next election against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. And the Trump administration has refused to rule out the use of force to expand direct U.S. control over Greenland, the Panama Canal and Canada, which would immediately shrink the map of territories coded as liberal democracies. On trade and patronage networks, the Trump administration has not been shy about playing favorites in its discussion of foreign economic policy. The occasional threat aside, Trump officials talk optimistically about opening up access to the Russian market. At the same time, the Trump White House has taken pains to punish liberal democratic allies like Canada, Mexico and Europe with tariffs. As for emulation, the number of global politicians copying Trumps brand of populist nationalism has been on full display in recent weeks. Perhaps the most obvious example is Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who has bragged on social media about his cooperation with the Trump administration in facilitating the deportation of undocumented immigrants and asylum-seekers from the U.S. to Salvadoran prisons rife with human rights abuses. According to the Washington Post, Bukele agreed to imprison more than 200 Venezuelansas well as 23 deported Salvadorans the Trump administration alleges to be gang membersin return for $6 million. While Bukeles transformation of El Salvador into a personalist autocracy preceded Trumps return to the White House, he is clearly reaping the benefits of the new administrations new priorities, while serving as a model for how other leaders stand to do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Could the Trump administration succeed in using Gunitskys mechanisms to foster a more populist and less liberal democratic order? It is possible, but it is worth noting that its efforts in this arena might be backfiring. Trumps pressure on myriad U.S. allies has not necessarily rebounded to the benefit of local populists. In Ukraine, Zelenskyys popularity rating shot up after Trump upbraided him in the Oval Office last month. Canadas Liberal Party has experienced a dramatic recovery in its political fortunes after Trump came to power, making newly inaugurated Prime Minister Mark Carney the frontrunner in snap elections he just called. The next few years will be tough for the spread of democracy. The Trump administration has made its disdain for democracy promotion abundantly clear. The signs are also there that Trumps team will be willing to use its carrots and sticks to reward like-minded leaders and parties around the world. It is possible, however, that Trump has overestimated the appeal of his brand. It turns out that for many liberal democracies, standing up to Trump is the best political medicine available. Daniel W. Drezner is distinguished professor of international politics at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. He is the author of Drezners World. The post Under Trump, the U.S. Has Adopted an Autocracy Promotion Agenda appeared first on World Politics Review. The Australian external territories of Heard and McDonald Islands - which can boast penguin colonies but no humans - were among the places targeted by sweeping US tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The sub-Antarctic island group was not the only odd inclusion in the White House's list of countries to be hit by new "reciprocal tariffs." The fellow Australian external territory of Norfolk Island in the South Pacific, with a population of just over 2,000 people, was to be hit by a 29% "discounted reciprocal tariff" - 19% more than the rest of Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not quite sure that Norfolk Island, with respect to it, is a trade competitor with the giant economy of the United States, but that just shows and exemplifies the fact that nowhere on Earth is exempt from this," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Asked about the tariffs on Norfolk, Heard and McDonald Islands, the White House told Politico that they were listed because they are Australian territories, the online political publication reported. Australia's external territory of Christmas Island was also listed, as was the British Indian Ocean Territory - an archipelago of 58 islands administered by London which is uninhabited aside from the island of Diego Garcia - used as a joint US-British base. Other remote territories listed included Tokelau in the South Pacific, a territory of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean with about 1,500 inhabitants, and the Norwegian overseas territories of Svalbard (population 2,500) and Jan Mayen (with no permanent population but with 18 personnel living there in the winter), in the Arctic Circle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Saturday, the US is set to impose a flat tariff of 10% on imports from most countries. In addition, the US government announced a complex mechanism that would see higher tariffs apply from April 9 on a number of countries based on factors including trade deficits, subsidies and currency manipulation. (NewsNation) United Airlines announced Monday that the Federal Aviation Administration approved its first Starlink-equipped aircraft type allowing passengers to have access to high-speed Wi-Fi. The first commercial flight will be on the United Express Embraer 175 scheduled for May. The Chicago-based airline plans to install Starlink into over 300 planes by the end of the year after inking a deal in September 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nintendo announces Switch 2 release date, new features in latest Direct showcase We know customers are going to love this experience, and we think it will give them yet another reason to choose United, Grant Milstead, Uniteds vice president of Digital Technology, said in a United press release. Were working closely with Starlink and the FAA to finish installs on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky to more and more people. Starlink is a satellite internet service led by Elon Musks SpaceX. The satellites, initially launched in 2019, allow broadband internet use for customers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. A University City, Missouri, man is accused of dealing meth, fentanyl, and marijuana in St. Charles County. According to the St. Charles County Regional Task Forces probable cause statement, Dashaun E. Calicutt (age not provided) was arrested six times between Aug. 1 and Oct. 2, 2024, for drug trafficking. In each arrest, police said Calicutt met with an undercover detective to sell narcotics and was arrested after completing each transaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When and where the flooding rain is expected near St. Louis Police recovered a total of $2,235 in U.S. currency, 464.2 grams of methamphetamine, 208 capsules of fentanyl, and 198.1 grams of marijuana following the arrests. Following his final arrest in October 2024, Calicutt was taken to police headquarters and interviewed. After being advised of his Miranda rights, police said Calicutt laughed at detectives, denied knowing about the narcotics in his vehicle, and told a member of the task force, You have nothing on me. The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Calicutt with eight counts of first-degree trafficking drugs, one count of second-degree trafficking drugs, and one count of delivery of a controlled substance. Calicutt posted bond on March 21. Hell be arraigned on Monday, May 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. University of Kansas students protest April 2, 2025, in response to the elimination of gender-inclusive housing assignments for the fall semester. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector) LAWRENCE The University of Kansas Housing fired scholarship hall proctor Anthony Alvarez after he spoke to the media and refused to intervene in protests against the elimination of gender-inclusive housing. Students and residents of Grace Pearson Scholarship Hall launched a new protest Wednesday in front of Strong Hall to stand in solidarity with Alvarez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alvarez expressed little regret for participating in actions that led to his termination even though he can no longer live in the hall. He intends to keep protesting KU Housings decision. I cant live in the place where I foster community, he said. I didnt do this for the money. I did this for my community. It is very, very hurtful. But I am thankful for the amount of support I have received. KU Housing did not respond to email or phone calls seeking comment. Alvarez was put on probation March 13 after a meeting with housing staff. In a letter obtained by Kansas Reflector, Emily Chellgren, KU Housing assistant director, said he violated policy by speaking to news media instead of forwarding the request to his supervisor despite knowing job expectations prohibited (him) from doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas Reflector interviewed Alvarez for a March 4 story about students protesting the decision to eliminate gender-inclusive housing. Alvarez was terminated March 14 after staff were made aware via security footage that he helped residents hang a banner outside of Grace Pearson rather than addressing the situation with residents and filing an incident report. His termination letter, also obtained by Kansas Reflector, noted he was already on probation for speaking with a reporter. I think its a bad sign that for infractions as little as this, you could get fired and kicked out and very quickly find yourself in a position where you have to find a place to live, Alvarez said. This makes it so that these undergrad students really feel the necessity to enforce policy that they may consider to be unjust or discriminatory. According to an article published by the University Daily Kansan, eight residents and proctors of Grace Pearson spoke to the press under anonymity. No other proctors have been put on probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First Amendment lawyer Max Kautsch said because theres no evidence of other proctors being put on probation for speaking to the press, KU Housing didnt violate Alvarez free speech rights. But Kautsch said the university should be cautious of how it handles the situation going forward. The First Amendments been implicated, but to the extent theres a violation, the facts right now dont necessarily lend itself to that, Kautsch said. Its the kind of thing if youre the university, you got be conscious of. The protest Wednesday brought both Grace Pearson residents and other KU students together to protest in front of Strong Hall for nearly five hours. For student Leah Johnson, protecting the Grace Pearson community is key to the trans community at KU. As a trans person myself, gender-inclusive assignments are extremely important to me, Johnson said. Removing this is clearly a targeted action against trans communities that I will not stand for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with two protests, residents have taken to using sticky notes on their windows, creating messages like GP for GIA and Keep GP Safe. Banners hung in the hall by residents continue to be taken down by staff, seen in videos posted by residents. Im choosing to protest because I think that it is a terrible decision to restrict gender inclusive assignments and to try to enforce gendered bathrooms, said Michael Wieber, hall president. I think its downright fascist, the idea of only certain people can use a bathroom, or we need to check your gender. According to the KU Housing handbook, decorations on windows should generally be directed to the interior of the room. Many residents with sticky notes in their windows were emailed this week by Housing notifying them they would be required to attend university conduct meetings in the next week. Some students plan to continue protests and make their voices heard. Unlike scholarship hall proctors, residents including Wieber do not have restrictions on speaking to the press. Were trying to get anything from KU, Wieber said. Its effectively been two months where weve gotten radio silence from KU housing. Its very clear that Grace Pearson doesnt like the messages. The University of Louisiana Monroe library, photographed from Northeast Drive. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator) The University of Louisiana at Monroe will ask the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors for permission to furlough staff to head off an approximately $5 million to $6 million budget shortfall that must be addressed by June 30. The earliest the UL Board can approve the plan is April 24, so the furloughs would start no sooner than early May, acting ULM President Nick Bruno said in an interview with the Illuminator. Because they would begin so late in the academic and fiscal year, the furlough schedule may have to be aggressive to achieve the savings necessary by June 30, the last day of the current state fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to work hard to minimize the impact on [employees], Bruno said. I will make sure [my furlough] is heavier than anyone elses. Faculty and staff layoffs are not currently being considered, Bruno said. The university is also planning to restructure, although Bruno said no specifics have yet been ironed out. Bruno, 73, previously served as ULM president from 2010-20 before he retired. The UL Board tapped him to lead the campus on an interim basis while they conduct a search for a permanent replacement for Ron Berry, who was removed ahead of his planned resignation in May. UL System Board Chairman Mark Romero said Bruno was needed to deal with the universitys budget shortfall. Berry is on administrative leave, though he is expected to return to his faculty position in the fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university instituted a hiring freeze Monday, Brunos first day as acting president. It is also looking at other cost-saving measures, including a temporary pause on travel and shutting air conditioning off at night. Gov. Jeff Landry announced a statewide hiring freeze for the executive branch Wednesday, which includes higher education. The UL Board will have to seek permission from Landrys budget chief, Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras, to fill any position, including the ULM presidency. Bruno said he would not allow the university to end the year in the red and that he does not intend to seek a handout from the system office. ULM is not alone in its fiscal crisis. The University of New Orleans faces a much larger budget deficit and has been working since last fall to address the shortfall. The Board of Regents last week recommended moving UNO back to the LSU system to address the crisis. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Because TomTex focuses on alternative leather, which requires a sequence of fewer processes than spun or woven alternative materials, McBee said its supply chain is fairly transparent. That provides it an advantage when speaking to clientsbut it also means those clients can more easily speak to their consumers about sustainability. They also want to better understand where the materials are sourcedparticularly in the face of geopolitical and economic uncertainties. As President Donald Trumps tariff regime rages on, supply chain professionals have prioritized further diversifying their sourcing hubs. But ease of use isnt the only supply chain consideration potential clients have taken an interest in, McBee noted. We worked really hard to make sure that none of the processes that we do are unfamiliar to peoplelike all the production processes are things that can happen on existing textile equipment, McBee told Harrell. TomTex, which uses shellfish and mushrooms as the base of its leather alternatives, said making it easier on manufacturers has remained a goal for the startup, which was honored by Time for creating one of its best inventions in 2024. By having a material that has the same chemistry and functionality that the leather industry is familiar with, it allows them to basically take this material and drop it directly into their tanning and retaining processes, Williamson said. Modern Meadow and TomTex both make leather alternatives, and Williamson and McBee said that their respective companies have already been able to solve one of the most major hurdles plaguing some material innovation pioneers: adaptability. That is to say, the ability for the materials made to be integrated into existing supply chains, without extra equipment. Ross McBee, co-founder and chief strategy officer of TomTex , and David Williamson, CEO of Modern Meadow , joined Alexandra Harrell, sustainability & innovation reporter at Sourcing Journal, in New York City for the Sourcing Journal Sustainability Summit to discuss the opportunities and challenges that exist along the path to the future of alternative materials. Story Continues I can tell you quite precisely, quite often, where this material came from, what we did to it and why thats important, why thats valuable, he said. Then, we can help you communicate that to the customer, as well, and be able to provide the transparency that I think a lot of people really are looking for in this space when they think about sustainability, talk about sustainability. As many brands continue toor begin tointerface with material innovation companies about introducing novel materials into their collections, sustainability isnt the only consideration anymore, Williamson said. Big brands are very interested in having a robust, sustainable material that also helps them meet their 2030, 2035 goals. The smaller brands are really looking for a beautiful, high-performing material that allows them to have a specific marketing narrative, he said, noting that now, Sustainability is viewed as a feature to the material, not the driving reason theyre adopting. For that reason, both McBee and Williamson said alternative materials need to have an attractive consumer story attached to them. They also need to have an attractive feel, touch and fit, particularly as brands transition alternative materials into mass market collections, rather than small, trial collections. Its a really interesting journey to go from both for usto go from these sort of capsule collections to being a true industry player, to being an established thing that sort of has its own category, that people know how to think about it, people know where it slots into their larger strategies. I think thats the thing that the space really needs, McBee said. As Modern Meadow, TomTex and other material innovation companies charge forth, barriers to entry still existand both McBee and Williamson said it will be paramount for legislation and consumer sentiment to further encourage the materials adoption. But many companies havent fulfilled the hopes they set out to accomplish when they began working on alternative materials, and brands know that creating such materials can be a tall order. Williamson said, even when material innovation companies bring an excellent product to the table, they still face doubts over whether their sustainable product can create a sustainable business model that can survive in the long term. One of the biggest barriers we see for adoption is not, Does the material work? [Its] not, Is it attractive and beautiful? It is, Are you going to be here in three years, and is your product going to be here in three years? Am I going to make a bet on you? Williamson said. Once brands make bigger bets on companies like TomTex and Modern Meadow, neither McBee nor Williamson anticipate traditional materialsin their cases, leatherwill disappear into the abyss. They both know the market has room for both traditional and alternative materials. I dont think this field is going to completely displace the long and beautiful history of [leather] or any other textile. I think the way to think about it is that these materials become part of the conversation, become part of the things that people understand can be in the world, and therefore, they start asking for them more and more and more, McBee said. But what Williamson believes alternative material companies can provide that traditional materials cannot is a high degree of flexibility. The cow can only innovate so much, Williamson joked. We can continue to engineer and innovate inside of our material, probably into perpetuity. Want to see two EGOT winners share their wisdom? University of Michigan alums Benj Pasek and Justin Paul will hold a master class at 4:30 p.m. Monday on campus that is free and open to the public. The celebrated songwriters, producers and bona-fide winners of four major awards the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony will be working with musical theaters students on Pasek and Paul songs at the event hosted by their former academic home, U-M's School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will take place at the Rackham Auditorium in Ann Arbor, with seating on a first-come, first served basis. Pasek and Paul landed their final letter for admission into the unofficial (but highly prestigious) EGOT club in 2024, when they won an Emmy, along with Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, for best original music and lyrics. The composition that got them the Emmy? The tongue-twisting song Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?, which Steve Martin sang in the Broadway-themed season three of Hulus Only Murders in the Building. Stars: Keegan-Michael Key will throw out first pitch at Detroit Tigers home opener Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pasek and Paul got their Oscar for the original song City of Stars from 2016s La La Land" and nabbed Grammys for the albums for Broadway shows Dear Evan Hansen in 2018 and The Greatest Showman in 2019. The Tonys came in 2017 for scoring Dear Evan Hansen" and in 2022 for producing A Strange Loop," the edgy musical from Detroiter Michael R. Jackson. Most recently, they contributed new songs to Disney's new live-action version of "Snow White."Both Pasek, who hails from Pennsylvania, and Paul, who grew up in Connecticut, have praised the University of Michigan's musical theatre department for its role in their professional lives. Almost a decade ago, Pasek told the Free Press, We feel like we went to the Hogwarts Academy of musical theater, a very magical place." Paul echoed the comment, saying, "The kind of values that they instill in that program are ones that really shaped who we are and what we care about, and we feel incredibly lucky to have been there."And they aren't the only EGOT who is a Maize-and-Blue grad. The late James Earl Jones accumulated Emmy, Grammy and Tony wins, plus an honorary Academy Award, during his illustrious stage and screen career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds at jhinds@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: EGOT winners Benj Pasek, Justin Paul coming to U-M, their alma mater LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nevadas Attorney General joined other states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., for illegally terminating billions of dollars in public health grants to the states. Nevada joined a coalition of 23 states and the District of Columbia in the lawsuit. The suit seeks a temporary restraining order to invalidate the grant terminations. Nevada stands to lose $35 million in funding, according to Attorney General Aaron D. Ford. That money paid for things like tracking diseases, giving access to vaccinations, improving emergency preparedness, providing mental health and substance abuse services, and modernizing the public health infrastructure, Ford said in a post on X. No explanation, no notice, just gone. Thats not just wrong, thats unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the suit, Kennedy terminated the grants for cause because the COVID-19 pandemic is over, but the lawsuit contends he has no legal authority to do so. Ford said agencies in Nevada have come to rely on the money for vital health services, and the cuts have caused chaos and dozens of layoffs. The HHS cuts threaten the urgent public health needs of states around the country at a time when emerging disease threatssuch as measles and bird fluare on the rise, Fords news release stated. Nevada AG sues Trump admin over Education Department changes In mid-March, Ford joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to put a halt to the dismantling of the Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Organizers set up a symbolic chair with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran's photo at the virtual town hall to express concerns over Moran's response to Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Prairie Hollow Youtube channel) Many years ago, when I interviewed Wes Jackson for a Sunflower Journeys story related to his work at The Land Institute near Salina, he referenced a book by his friend Wendell Berry The Unsettling of America. A line he told me has been going through my head lately: They didnt know what they were doing because they didnt know what they were un-doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those may not be the precise words, but thats the gist of it. It pertained to Berrys assessment of the way that industrialized agriculture historically plowed through the native prairies of the continent without bothering to understand the nature of the ecological relationships that were disrupted and destroyed. I recall this quote as I consider whats happening to the social and cultural relationships being dismantled by the wrecking crew known as DOGE, the so-called government efficiency team led by Elon Musk. They, too, dont know what theyre doing, it seems to me. More significantly, they dont care what theyre un-doing. It leaves many of us wondering what the real objective of this ongoing assault on our federal workforce and government institutions may be. Is this really an effort to reduce the federal debt and deficit or a way to bring our democratic system of government crashing down to consolidate power in the hands of oligarchs, autocrats and Christian Nationalists? Are Republicans in Congress refraining from questioning it because it suits their goals and gives them a degree of deniability while insulating them from responsibility? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Town halls have sprung up across the nation as Americans express their concern and attempt to get some answers from their congressional representatives. A number of these gatherings have taken place in Kansas over the past few weeks. As Grace Hills reported in a Kansas Reflector piece a few weeks ago, my wife, Laura Mead, spearheaded the organization of a virtual town hall directed at Sen. Jerry Moran in February. Neither he nor any of his staff responded to our invitation, so participants directed their questions and comments to an empty chair with his name and photo placed upon it. We staged this as an event on Zoom, with more than 30 participants from across Kansas joining us to deliver their comments and pose their questions to the senator. There was a mix of political affiliations, veterans of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, farmers and federal employees, as well as disability advocates, and mothers concerned about cuts to Medicaid and social services. We streamed the event live on YouTube, where more than a thousand others tuned in that Saturday afternoon for the three-hour session and where more than 13,000 have since viewed the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we ended the session, we requested that Moran provide a response to the concerns and questions directed to him. Everyone had maintained a respectful tone of civility, and no one was intent upon slandering his character. They simply wanted him to respond and acknowledge that he was listening and cognizant of their concerns. We provided the senators office with a report of what had transpired as well as with links to the recording of the event. We edited an abridged version along with a six-minute highlight reel, also providing links to those, expecting that the senator or a senior staff member would take a few minutes to view the material. We had initially decided to direct our town hall to Moran because he appears to be the only Republican representing Kansas at the federal level who might possibly be responsive. It has been more than five weeks since this town hall took place, and we have yet to receive a response of any kind from Moran or his staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, we have maintained a glimmer of hope that the senator will eventually stand up to the DOGE juggernaut. He expressed his own concerns about the impact cuts are having on Kansas farmers and veterans and voiced muted criticism of the recent debacle involving cabinet secretaries in a Signal group chat about the attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen. As President Donald Trump and his administration flood the zone with all kinds of destabilizing actions, from market-tanking tariffs to hints that the executive branch is not bound to comply with court orders, many of us are upset and angered by the dissolution of the values we have always associated with this country. A protest rally is scheduled to take place this Saturday, April 5, on the east steps of the state Capitol in Topeka. As we have seen with weekly protests in Lawrence and a recent one in Kansas City, the number of people opposed to the DOGE cuts and to the direction this administration is taking continues to grow. The turnout for Saturdays rally will be another indicator of how Kansans feel about the situation. The unsettling of America continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wonder if Moran and some of his colleagues might feel a bit unsettled, too, especially after Cory Bookers rabble-rousing address in the Senate this week. Dave Kendall served as producer and host of the Sunflower Journeys series on public television for its first 27 seasons and continues to produce documentary videos through his own company, Prairie Hollow Productions. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. NEW YORK (AP) A police officer in upstate New York will not face criminal charges in the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old boy who pointed what turned out to be a BB gun, state Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday. Nyah Mway was shot and killed after he fled from officers questioning him and another teen on a residential street in Utica on the night of June 28, 2024. Officer Patrick Husnay chased Mway, tackled him to the ground and fired a single shot into his chest. He was taken to a hospital where he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James, in releasing her office's 18-page review of the shooting, concluded prosecutors would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers actions were unjustified. Husnay and two other officers had approached Mway because he matched the description of a suspect involved in an armed robbery the previous night, she said. Mway fled when officers attempted to pat him down. He then pulled out what appeared to be a handgun and aimed it at an officer. Under New Yorks justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another, James stated. Mway, whose family name is Nyah, was a Karen refugee born in Myanmar. He had just graduated from middle school and was set to start high school in the fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His family, in an emailed statement, said it was reviewing James' report but thanked her office for investigating. Regardless of what the report concludes, we know what we lost. We know what we experienced, the statement reads. Nyah deserved to grow up. We deserve to live in a community where children like him are protected, not pursued. The family and other Karen community members had called for police to be held accountable, as Mway was already subdued and on the ground when he was shot. Body camera videos released by police in the days after the killing showed a chaotic scene. The officers scream gun! before one of them tackles him and punches him. Another officer opens fire as the two wrestle on the ground while bystanders scream at police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also released images showing the BB gun Mway pointed closely resembled a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun. They also noted it did not have an orange band on the barrel that many BB gun-makers have added in recent years to distinguish their products from real firearms. Utica Police Chief Mark Williams and Mayor Michael Galime, in a joint statement Wednesday, said they were pleased James office cleared the officers of criminal wrongdoing. They expressed hope the city could heal after the tragedy. Since that night we have tirelessly sought to build back the relationships and trust with the Burmese and Karen communities, the statement read. We feel that those connections have never been stronger than they are today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Husnay and the Utica police officers union didnt immediately respond to emails seeking comment late Wednesday. Karens are an ethnic minority warring with the military rulers of Myanmar, which was formerly known as Burma. Utica, located about 240 miles (400 kilometers) northwest of Manhattan, is home to more than 4,200 people from Myanmar. Theyre among thousands of refugees from various countries who have settled in the area in recent decades. Yamandu Orsi was sworn in as Uruguays president on March 1, heralding a return to power for his left-wing Frente Amplio, or FA, coalition after its first stint in office from 2005 to 2020. In the runoff presidential election held in November, Orsi won 52 percent of the vote, narrowly besting Alvaro Delgado, the former Cabinet chief of outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou, both from the conservative Partido Nacional, or PN. While Delgado was hurt by corruption scandals, crime and high poverty rates under Lacalle Pou, Orsi won votes by calling for cautious reform to boost growth and tackle inequality. He was also buoyed by the support of Jose Pepe Mujica, the storied ex-guerrilla and former president who served from 2010 to 2015. At his victory celebration in November, Orsi emphasized that his government would promote freedom, equality, and the fraternity that is solidarity and respect for others. Yet the FAs return to power comes at a less auspicious moment for Uruguay, both internationally and at home, than when it first governed in the early years of this century. Addressing a crowd of supporters in his inaugural speech on the 40th anniversary of the countrys return to democracy, Orsi spoke of the need to rethink the countrys role in a highly unpredictable world, in a region that needs us beyond our dimensions and size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its in the area of foreign policy that Orsi has already marked the clearest departure from his predecessor. In August, the Lacalle Pou administration formally recognized Edmundo Gonzalez as president-elect of Venezuela, after a contested election in which incumbent President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory despite evidence that he had lost. In doing so, Uruguay joined then-U.S. President Joe Biden, Argentine President Javier Milei and the European Parliament in taking a tougher line on Venezuelas descent into naked authoritarianism. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. Yet one of Orsis first acts was to rescind recognition of Gonzalez, albeit without formally recognizing Maduro either. The new stance triangulates between rival positions held by the FAs social-democratic and hard-left wings on the autocratic turn taken by the Chavista government in Caracas, and the conservative opposition was quick to criticize it. When the shift was revealed by Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin in early March, Andres Ojedathe third-place presidential candidate and Colorado Party senatorcharacterized Orsi as being servile to the Maduro regime. Despite the likely political motivations, though, Orsis stance on Venezuela also reflects a long-standing tradition in Uruguayan diplomacy of non-intervention, especially in fellow Latin American states. Still, there is a risk that perceived softness on Venezuela could irk the United States, a traditional ally and Uruguays fourth-largest trading partner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That underscores a broader challenge facing the Orsi administration: the tightrope it must walk between maintaining friendly ties with Washington while cultivating strategic investment and deeper commercial ties with Beijing. China is now Uruguays top export market, especially for its beef, and Chinese companies have invested heavily in the countrys farming and energy sectors. Orsi must walk a tightrope between maintaining friendly ties with Washington while cultivating strategic investment and deeper commercial ties with Beijing. Chinese officials have also expressed interest in developing Uruguays telecommunications infrastructure and modernizing its ports, including by building a dedicated harbor facility for Chinas South Atlantic fishing fleet. Such activity at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata basina key corridor for South American grains, minerals, meat and narcoticswould likely draw the ire of U.S. President Donald Trumps administration. Still, while Lacalle Pou had sought a free trade agreement with China independent of the regional Mercosur trade bloc, Orsi said last October that such a deal was very far away and would have to involve Montevideos Mercosur partners, lessening the geopolitical exposure of a deal involving Uruguay alone. More pressing for most Uruguayans will be a series of social challenges that have taken the shine off the continents most stable and prosperous society. A fifth of Uruguayan children now live in poverty, and the same proportion of the population as a whole is classified as living in multidimensional poverty, a measure that captures access to housing, schooling and the social safety net. Youth unemployment has also risen to above 26 percent. And amid deepening penetration by transnational cocaine cartels, the countrys jails are increasingly lawless and severely overcrowded. In polls, a third of Uruguayans say insecurity is their top worry, followed by joblessness, drug trafficking and poverty. So far, Orsi has promised only a few concrete measures to address this complex scenario. He has said he will hire 2,000 new police officers, create more jobs for young people and increase wages for low-income workers in order to tackle child poverty. With regard to prisons, the FA has proposed measures including non-custodial sentences, as well as incentives for the private sector to hire former inmates in an effort to reduce recidivism rates of 70 percent. Control of prisons may also pass from the Interior Ministry to a newly created Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of these policy initiatives will probably receive the backing of the PN and Colorado, both of which campaigned on similar pledges and together hold the remaining 14 of the Senates 30 seats. The right-wing Cabildo Abierto movementwhose leader, retired Gen. Guido Manini Rios, was once billed as Uruguays version of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonarolost its only three seats in Octobers congressional election, making governability easier for Orsi. However, there is less consensus around changes demanded by the powerful PIT-CNT labor federation, which is calling for reducing the working week from 48 to 40 hours; returning the retirement age to 60, after Lacalle Pou raised it to 65; and increasing pensions payouts. How Orsi handles such demands will be key to the performance of the economy. After GDP expanded by 3.1 percent in 2024partly reflecting recovery from the previous years droughtforecasters expect growth to slow to 2.4 percent in 2025. Orsi has tapped Gabriel Oddone, an experienced and orthodox figure, to serve as his economy and finance minister. A former Socialist Party member and professor of economic history, Oddone has repeatedly ruled out tax increases and spoken of the need to reduce bureaucracy in order to attract investment. After Novembers election, he also insisted that the retirement age will remain at 65, earning him a rebuke from Orsi, who defended Oddones right to his opinion while stipulating, Im the president. Whether Oddone is afforded the freedom to try and energize the economy will be closely watched by investors. In his favor, Orsia former history teacher and two-term governor of Canelones, the semi-rural, working-class province where he grew uphas a personable, down-to-earth manner. He has chosen not to live in the presidential palace, following an example famously set by Mujica. He has a good working relationship with the opposition, including Lacalle Pou, with whom he shared an embrace after receiving the presidential sash on March 1. He will likely benefit from an ideological affinity with the leftist leaders of Brazil, Colombia and Chile, all of whom attended his inauguration. And Orsi shares a convergence of interests with Paraguayan President Santiago Pena, a conservative who is similarly keen to implement the Mercosur-European Union trade deal inked in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, diplomatic tangles with Milei and Trump are eminently possible. In his first presidential address, Orsi spoke at length of Uruguays birth as an independent nation 200 years ago, calling it the result of regional confrontations and negotiations. There are likely to be more of both in the five years ahead. Laurence Blair is a freelance journalist covering South America and the author of Patria, an alternative history of the continent to be published in November 2024. You can follow him on Twitter at @laurieablair. The post Uruguays Orsi Faces Pitfalls at Home and Challenges Abroad appeared first on World Politics Review. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington understands that NATO allies won't be able to massively up defence spending right away, but stressed the need for a clear "pathway" to the Europeans and Canada to spend more. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded that NATO allies increase defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) to share some of the burden shouldered by the United States, and Rubio reiterated that stance at a NATO foreign ministers meeting on Thursday. "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway, to every single one of the members committing and fulfilling a promise to reach up to 5% of spending," including the US, he said on the first day of the two-day gathering in Brussels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US Department of Defense figures show that the US spent 2.7% of its GDP on defence in 2024. Rubio said Trump remains committed to NATO but sees an urgent need to bolster the alliance's capabilites. "No one expects that you're going to be able to do this in one year or two, but the pathway has to be real," Rubio said, adding that the US wants NATO to be "stronger" and "more viable." A number of NATO countries have already pledged to raise defence spending above the current target of a minimum of 2% of GDP, but for many larger members, including Germany, Trump's 5% target is considered unrealistic. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called for defence spending to be raised to "considerably north of 3%." Updated at 10:33 AM EDT Tesla shares moved lower in early Wednesday trading after the EV maker posted weaker-than-expected first-quarter deliveries amid slumping sales and coordinated protests tied to Elon Musk's political role in the White House. Tesla (TSLA) delivered 336,681 new cars in Q1, down 13% from last year's tally of 386,810 and 32% from the record 495,570 reached over the final three months of last year. Analysts' forecasts for deliveries ranged from 340,000 to around 380,000, with Visible Alpha data pegging the March-quarter target at around 373,000. However, during Tesla's extraordinary post-election rally, when investors were betting that Musk's close ties to President Donald Trump would support the group's sales, Wall Street analysts had expected a total of around 470,000 in first quarter deliveries. "This decline can be attributed to two main factors. First, Tesla has faced some level of brand damage as a result from Elons [Department of Government Efficiency] efforts," said Deepwater Asset Management analyst Gene Munster. "The Tesla brand has unintentionally become a political statement. "Second, Tesla has been retooling the Model Y, [which] has delayed the overall supply of vehicles for the quarter ...," he added. "Although we believe the rest of 2025 will improve from this quarter, it's going to be a transitional year." Elon Musk's close ties to President Donald Trump have made owning a Tesla a 'political statement,' says Deepwater's Gene Munster. Brandon Bell/Getty Images Tesla delivered 323,800 units of its Model 3 sedan and Model Y midsize SUV, as well as 12,881 of its higher-priced Model S sedan and Model X full-size SUV, the report indicated. Production fell 16.3% from last year to 362,615 vehicles, thanks in part to tight supply chains and fading demand in China. Model 3/Y production was pegged at 345,454 units with Model S/X and "other model" output at 17,161 units. Tesla sales in Europe were pummeled over the first three months of the year, with data showing deliveries in France and Sweden falling to the lowest levels in four years, and year-on-year declines of 65% in Denmark and 42% in the Netherlands in March. In China, Tesla's biggest market, sales data for Q1 show a 22% decline from year-earlier levels and an overall tally of around 172,250 units. Related: Elon Musk rides to Tesla's defense "We are concerned with recent moderating growth trends across all three key regions (US, EU, China)," said Wells Fargo analyst Colin Langan. "Few levers remain to increase volumes outside of pricing and model refreshes as the company continues to offer aggressive financing promotions to salvage deliveries." Langan, who named Tesla as a new "tactical short" in a note published Tuesday, said he was skeptical of the group's ability to execute a safe and successful launch of the self-driving Cybercab later this spring in Austin "given limited unsupervised testing & their vision-only approach." (Short sales are bets that a stock's price will decline.) US authorities arrested an alleged leader in a local MS-13 gang who had been a fugitive for nearly four years after being charged in a conspiracy linked to 11 murders, the Justice Department said on Wednesday. Joel Vargas-Escobar was arrested in Westbury, New York, late Tuesday and is being transferred to Nevada, where he was initially charged in a 2021 federal indictment. Prosecutors are seeking to put him on trial with three co-defendants, who are all alleged members of the gang, according to court documents. This terrorist entered our country illegally and is accused of orchestrating 11 murders under President Trumps leadership, we will not rest until this terrorist organization is completely dismantled and its members are behind bars, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department under the Trump administration has prioritized cases involving drug cartels and criminal gangs linked to illegal immigration. Vargas-Escobar, identified as a leader of the Parkview clique of MS-13 that operated out of Nevada and California, is facing racketeering, murder and gun charges, according to the indictment. He has not yet entered a plea. The indictment directly links Vargas-Escobar to two murders in 2017. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. government has banned American government personnel in China, as well as family members and contractors with security clearances, from any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, The Associated Press has learned. Four people with direct knowledge of the matter told the AP about the policy, which was put into effect by departing U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January shortly before he left China. The people would speak only on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a confidential new directive. Though some U.S. agencies already had strict rules on such relationships, a blanket non-fraternization policy, as it is known, has been unheard of publicly since the Cold War. Its not uncommon for American diplomats in other countries to date locals and even marry them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A more limited version of the policy was enacted last summer prohibiting U.S. personnel from romantic and sexual relations with Chinese citizens working as guards and other support staff at the U.S. Embassy and five consulates in China. But Burns, the departing ambassador, broadened it to a blanket ban on such relations with any Chinese citizen in China in January, days before President Donald Trump took office. The AP was unable to determine exactly how the policy defined the phrase romantic or sexual relationship." Two of the people with knowledge of the ban told the AP the new policy was first discussed last summer after members of Congress contacted Burns to express concern that restrictions on such relationships were not stringent enough. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party did not respond to a request for comment. The new policy covers U.S. missions in mainland China, including the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan, as well as the American consulate in the semi-autonomous territory of Hong Kong. It does not apply to U.S. personnel stationed outside China. The only exception to the policy is U.S. personnel with pre-existing relations with Chinese citizens; they can apply for exemptions. If the exemption is denied, they must end the relationship or leave their position, the people said. Anyone who violates the policy will be ordered to leave China immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy was communicated verbally and electronically to American personnel in China in January, but has not been publicly announced. The State Department said it does not comment on internal matters. The National Security Council referred questions to the State Department. Burns, the former ambassador, did not reply to an AP request sent to his email address at The Cohen Group, a consultancy that he rejoined as vice chair in February. A Cold War throwback Intelligence services across the world have long used attractive men and women to obtain sensitive information, famously during the Cold War. The State Department and other agencies with offices in China have long had stringent reporting requirements on personal relationships for American personnel stationed there, as well as rivals considered high intelligence threats such as Russia or Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Declassified State Department documents show that in 1987, the U.S. government barred personnel stationed in the Soviet bloc and China from befriending, dating or having sex with locals after a U.S. Marine in Moscow was seduced by a Soviet spy. Such restrictions were relaxed after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, according to news reports at the time. In China, a blanket ban on such relations has not been in effect for many years. Until the new ban in January, U.S. personnel in China were required to report any intimate contact with Chinese citizens to their supervisors, but were not explicitly forbidden from sexual or romantic relationships. U.S. diplomats and intelligence experts say that Beijing continues to aggressively use so-called honeypots to access American secrets. In presentations before being stationed in China, U.S. personnel are briefed on case studies where Chinese intelligence services sent attractive women to seduce American diplomats, and warned that dozens of Chinese state security agents can be assigned to monitor any individual diplomat of interest. Little is known about the U.S. governments non-fraternization policies elsewhere, as they are considered classified. It is unknown how restrictive such policies are in other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rising tensions, tighter controls In recent years, tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated over trade, technology and geopolitical competition. Peter Mattis, a former CIA analyst and president of The Jamestown Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, said there were at least two publicized cases in which Chinese agents seduced American diplomats stationed in China, though he hasnt heard of such a case in recent years. Mattis added that another issue is that Chinese state security doesnt gather intelligence just through spies, but also by pressing ordinary Chinese people for information, often through threats or intimidation. That, Mattis said, means any Chinese citizen who dates an American diplomat could be vulnerable to coercion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MSS is willing to leverage any human connection that a target has to collect intelligence, Mattis said, using an acronym referring to Chinas Ministry of State Security. This rule change suggests the MSS has gotten a lot more aggressive at trying to access the embassy and U.S. government. The Chinese foreign ministry did not comment on the ban, saying in a faxed statement that it was more appropriate to ask the U.S. about this question. China also has been tightening already strict controls on its personnel overseas, according to Chinese regulations, news reports and four people familiar with Chinas bureaucracy who spoke on condition of anonymity so they could discuss a sensitive topic. In recent years, Beijing began strictly enforcing regulations that bar promotions for Chinese civil servants with spouses who acquired foreign citizenship and restrict diplomats from spending an extended period of time in one country, forcing some to return to China. Chinas foreign ministry and many other government bodies bar their officials and staff from sexual or romantic relations with foreign citizens, while members of the Chinese military or police are generally barred from leaving China altogether without express approval from their supervisors. ___ Kang reported from Beijing. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. and Chinese military officials met in Shanghai for a series of meetings which the U.S. military said on Thursday were focused on reducing unsafe actions by Chinese military ships and planes. "Military officials from the U.S. traveled to Shanghai, China to meet for working-level talks focused on decreasing the incidences of unsafe and unprofessional PLA Navy and PLA Airforce actions," the U.S. military statement said, using an acronym for the People's Liberation Army. The semi-annual talks, known as the military maritime consultative agreement (MMCA) working group, took place this week, the statement added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States has long complained about dangerous flying and sailing by the Chinese military in the region. China's military on Wednesday concluded two-day war games around Taiwan in which it held long-range, live-fire drills in the East China Sea, marking an escalation of exercises around the island. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart, Editing by Franklin Paul) U.S. President Donald Trump has made clear he supports NATO, and the U.S. remains an active member of the alliance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on April 3 as NATO foreign ministers gather in Brussels. "As we speak right now, the United States is as active in NATO as it has ever been," Rubio said at a press briefing alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump has been a long-time critic of the U.S.'s NATO partners and said he would not defend those that fail to meet defense spending targets, directly challenging the alliance's principle of collective defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. president has accused European countries of failing to contribute their fair share to the alliance's defense needs, and his administration has signaled that its strategic focus is shifting from Europe to the Indo-Pacific region. The new administration has also repeatedly pushed for the annexation of Greenland from Denmark, a fellow NATO member. "Some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media, and some domestic media in the United States, about NATO is unwarranted," Rubio said. Republican lawmakers Mike Lee and Thomas Massi, representing a hardline wing of the party, as well as Trump's close ally Elon Musk have publicly advocated for the U.S. to leave the alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Trump has made clear he supports NATO. We're going to remain in NATO," Rubio continued, while stressing the need for each member to commit more resources and achieve the goal of 5% of GDP in defense spending. NATO members have significantly increased their defense spending since Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, with countries like Poland and the Baltic nations aiming to reach the 5% target in the coming years. "We want NATO to be more viable. And the only way NATO can get stronger and more viable is if our partners, the nation states that comprise this important alliance, have more capability," the U.S. top diplomat noted. Rubio named Russia's all-out war against Ukraine as a reminder that "hard power is still necessary as a deterrent." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In doorstep comments ahead of the conference, Rutte warned that Russia would remain a threat to the alliance "for many years to come" even if a peace deal in Ukraine is reached. The Trump administration has sought to broker a swift peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, though the White House reportedly grows increasingly frustrated with the stalled progress and positions of both parties. Read also: Putin issued a decree. Now, millions of Ukrainians face an impossible decision Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth will not take part in the Ramstein-format meeting of Ukraine's partners next week, Defense News magazine reported on April 2, citing undisclosed official sources. This would make the April 11 summit in Brussels, co-chaired by the U.K. and Germany, the first instance when the Pentagon's chief will be absent since the format's founding in 2022. Hegseth's predecessor, former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, launched the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) after the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war to coordinate assistance among some 50 of Kyiv's allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.S. official source told Defense News that Hegseth is not expected to join even virtually and that the Pentagon is unlikely to send any senior representatives to the summit. Since taking office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has begun scaling down U.S. presence in various international pro-Ukraine initiatives as he seeks to broker a ceasefire and a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. Hegseth attended the previous Ramstein summit on Feb. 12 but not as its chairman, a position held by Austin until then. His British counterpart, John Healey, presided over the summit instead. At the previous Ramstein summit, Hegseth delivered a jarring speech to Ukraine's partners, calling the country's return to pre-2014 borders and accession to NATO "unrealistic" in a major turn from the Biden administration's rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments signified the foreign policy pivot brought about by the Trump administration, which has yet to approve a single additional package of military aid to Ukraine. Thus far, Trump has only allowed the continued flow of assistance approved by his predecessor, briefly pausing it last month to pressure Ukraine to the negotiating table. The new U.S. leadership has also repeatedly urged Europe to boost its defense spending and increase the share of its assistance to Ukraine. Read also: Putin issued a decree. Now, millions of Ukrainians face an impossible decision Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. AUSTIN (Nexstar) At the tail end of a 30-minute press conference on Wednesday, U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, told reporters the House Democrats would likely sue Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over not holding a special election for House District 18. The district was represented by former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner until his death on March 5. Turners death and the death of his Democratic colleague Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Arizona, turned the U.S. House from a three-seat Republican majority to a five-seat majority. In addition, Republican replacements for former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, and former Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Florida, were elected on Tuesday and will increase the Republican majority to seven seats once the pair is sworn in. Jeffries was responding to a question about his recent comments to The New York Times about the slow nature of Turners replacement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you believe that Gov. Abbott is deliberately deciding to not call a special election to fill that seat, the reporter asked. If so, are the House Democrats planning any sort of litigation? Yes and very likely yes, Jeffries replied before thanking the media and leaving the podium. Abbott not only has the sole power to call for a special election, but has no formal deadline to schedule one. When former U.S. Rep. Shelia Lee Jackson died in office last year, Abbott announced a special election two weeks later. As of Wednesday, Turners seat has been vacant for more than four weeks. On Tuesday, the new head of the Texas Democratic Party Kendall Scudder weighed in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its pretty outrageous, Scudder told KXAN. There is an entire congressional district in the state that is primarily Black and brown folks who are being denied representation in the United States Congress, and the only reason theyre doing it is because our governor is playing politics instead of making sure that hes looking out for the people of Texas. Abbott missed the states deadline for hosting the special election during the May 3 election. The next formal election in Texas is Nov. 4. I dont know if hes just being lazy. I dont understand why he wouldnt have called it, Scudder said. Hes choosing instead to put this off, now the people in that district wont be able to have the election until November. Its 10 months that these people are going to go without representation in the United States Congress. Taxation without representation. Christian D. Menefee, a Harris County attorney whos planning to run for the seat, took to X on Wednesday to support Jeffries statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what Democrats are asking fora fight, he posted. Nearly 800,000 Houstonians are without a voice in Congress. Abbott has called emergency elections beforehe just doesnt want to do it here. Why? Because Trump and Elon are pulling his strings to keep control of Congress. Thats not leadership. Thats voter suppression. Abbotts office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but told NBC News on Wednesday, an announcement on a special election will be made at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Nate Raymond (Reuters) -A federal judge on Thursday declined at this time to block U.S. President Donald Trump's administration from requiring arts organizations to certify they will not promote "gender ideology" to obtain grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. U.S. District Judge William Smith in Providence, Rhode Island, denied a request by several arts and theater groups represented by the American Civil Liberties Union for a preliminary injunction barring the adoption of such a policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said the policy as originally announced on February 6 likely violated the NEA's governing statute and would constitute a viewpoint-based restriction on speech protected by the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. But Smith said an injunction would be premature because the NEA rescinded the policy after the lawsuit was filed pending a further review, opening the door to abandon it or adopt new criteria that strikes a "middle position." "Granting a preliminary injunction in these circumstances would impose significant hardship on the NEA with little practical benefit to plaintiffs," Smith said. The judge stressed that the plaintiffs could nonetheless return to him if the policy is reinstated. Vera Eidelman, a lawyer for the arts groups at the American Civil Liberties Union, said the ruling made clear the such a ban is unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NEA and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The NEA, a federal agency offering support and funding for arts projects, first adopted the criterion last month to implement an executive order the Republican president signed upon returning to office on January 20. The order directed the government to recognize only two sexes - male and female - and required agencies to ensure grant funds do not promote "gender ideology." Rhode Island Latino Arts, the National Queer Theater, the Theater Offensive and the Theatre Communications Group soon after sued, saying the policy would force them to self-censor to obtain funding and alter the scope of artistic projects that involve transgender characters or LGBTQ actors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the lawsuit was filed, the NEA withdrew its certification requirement pending further review, with plans to issue a new policy by April 30. The Trump administration argued the withdrawal of that policy made the case moot. But the plaintiffs' lawyers argued the case was not moot given that, in light of the commands in Trump's executive order, the NEA would likely just re-adopt the same requirement. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston and Jack Queen in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Stephen Coates) By Jack Queen (Reuters) -A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trumps administration from cutting more than $11 billion in public health grants allocated to U.S. states during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy in Rhode Island bars the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its agencies from implementing the cuts while the litigation plays out. The grant funding was used by states to track, prevent and control infectious diseases, including measles and bird flu, as well as track mental health services and fund addiction treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge McElroy ruled from the bench after an hourlong hearing and said she would follow up with a written order to include further details. The case was filed by Democratic attorneys general of Colorado, Rhode Island, New York and 19 other states and the District of Columbia. The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. New York Attorney General Letitia James said Trumps cuts were illegal and impacted vital state health funding in a social media post following the ruling. The states said in their April 1 complaint that the Trump administration lacked authority to unilaterally claw back funding the states had already built health programs around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the critical importance of these programs, HHS terminated them with the stroke of a pen and for the flimsiest of reasons, the states said, adding that the cuts caused immediate chaos and irreparable harm to their local health authorities. The slash in funding was the latest wave of cuts to be overseen by new Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The department said the funds were largely used for COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and other responses to the pandemic in announcing the termination of the grants. "The COVID-19 pandemic is over, and HHS will no longer waste billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a non-existent pandemic that Americans moved on from years ago," the department said at the time. The funding included money from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for pandemic preparedness, overdose prevention and community health programs, and from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for addiction treatment and suicide prevention. (Reporting by Jack Queen; Editing by Aurora Ellis) Three additional childcare leave days extend support to parents of children under 18 years old Part of a broader commitment to support working parents, including childcare subsidies and hybrid work options SINGAPORE, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trip.com Group has announced an expansion of its family-friendly policies, introducing an additional three days of paid childcare leave for employees with children under 18 years old. This initiative, which takes effect immediately, is expected to benefit over 10,000 employees globally, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting working parents and promoting work-life balance. Additional Support for Parents at Every Stage Being "family-friendly" is one of the four key pillars of Trip.com Group's Sustainability framework, guiding its commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture. The expansion of childcare leave is part of Trip.com Group's ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive workplace, complementing a range of existing benefits, such as childcare subsidies, hybrid work arrangements, and even on-site childcare support. The additional three days of childcare leave apply even to parents of older children, ensuring flexibility and support for employees at different stages of parenthood. Previously, employees' childcare leave entitlement varied by country, depending on local statutory benefits. The new policy provides a globally consistent enhancement, giving all eligible employees more time to care for their children without compromising their professional responsibilities. "Raising a child requires more than just financial supportit involves time, care, and a strong support system," said a spokesperson from Trip.com Group's HR team. "By enhancing our childcare leave policy, we aim to give parents the flexibility they need to be present for their children while maintaining their careers." Bingxing Zhou, an employee based in Shanghai, expressed joy when she first heard the news. "I'm really happy to hear that we now have three additional childcare days. As children grow, they actually need more quality time with their parents. I'm glad I can spend more time with my kid doing meaningful things, while still maintaining a balance with work." Others mentioned that the extra childcare leave helps parents even after the newborn stage. "There's already some focus on maternity and paternity leave locally, but this new childcare policy is a great step forward. It shows the company understands that parents need time and flexibility to care for their kids even at later stages," said Jessica Lai from the Singapore office. KINSHASA, Congo (AP) A Trump administration official said Thursday the United States is in talks with conflict-plagued Congo on developing its mineral resources under a deal the Congolese president has said could help make his country safer. U.S. President Donald Trump's senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos, did not provide details of the potential deal following talks with Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, but he said it could involve multibillion-dollar investments. You have heard about a minerals agreement. We have reviewed" the Congo's proposal, Boulos said. I am pleased to announce that the president and I have agreed on a path forward for its development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American companies would be operating transparently and would stimulate local economies," Boulos said. Congo is the worlds largest producer of cobalt, a mineral used to make lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and smartphones. It also has substantial gold, diamond and copper reserves. Tshisekedi said last month that he was open to a deal on developing critical minerals with the United States if the American involvement could help quell insurgencies and boost security in the African country. I think that the U.S. is able to use either pressure or sanctions to make sure that armed groups ... can be kept at bay, he said on U.S. TV broadcaster Fox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration also is negotiating with Ukraine over a minerals deal in that country, which originally was proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last fall in hopes of strengthening his country's hand in its conflict with Russia by tying U.S. interests to Ukraines future. Eastern Congo has been in conflict for decades with more than 100 armed groups, most of which are vying for territory in the mineral-rich region near the border with Rwanda. The conflict has created one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises with more than 7 million people displaced, including 100,000 who fled homes this year. The M23 is the most potent armed group and is backed by Congos neighbor Rwanda. In a major escalation since January, the M23 rebels have captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu and several towns in eastern Congo, prompting fears of regional war. On Thursday, M23 withdrew from Walikale, a key mining town in eastern Congo it captured last month, after weeks of fighting with Congolese forces and its allied Wazalendo militia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka said the group decided to reposition its forces from Walikale and its surrounding areas in line with a unilateral ceasefire it declared in February. Willy Mishiki, a national deputy representing Walikale, said the rebels left under pressure from the Wazalendo. Walikale resident Faustin Kamala said it's not clear where the rebels went. The Walikale area is home to the largest tin deposits in Congo and to several significant gold mines. The Bisie tin mine, around 60 kilometers (35 miles) northwest of the town, accounts for the majority of tin exports from North Kivu province. ___ Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writer Justin Kabumba in Goma, Congo, contributed to this report. By Lili Bayer and Sabine Siebold BRUSSELS (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NATO allies on Thursday that Washington remained committed to the alliance but expected them to spend far more on defence and would give them some time to do so. Rubio spoke as he met fellow NATO foreign ministers gathered in Brussels, with some European officials saying they were reassured by the renewed commitment to the alliance at a time of rising tensions over President Donald Trump's new trade tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration's words and actions over the past months have raised questions about the future of NATO, the transatlantic alliance that has been the bedrock of European security for the past 75 years. Rubio dismissed doubts about U.S. commitment to the alliance as "hysteria." "The United States is in NATO ... The United States is as active in NATO as it has ever been," he told reporters. "He is not against NATO," Rubio said of Trump. "He is against a NATO that does not have the capabilities that it needs to fulfil the obligations that the treaty imposes upon each and every member state." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said the military alliance should spend 5% of gross domestic product on defence a huge increase from the current 2% goal and a level that no NATO country, including the United States, currently reaches. Washington has also bluntly told European countries that it can no longer be primarily focused on the continents security. European allies have been anxiously seeking details on the timeframe and extent to which the U.S. aims to reduce its engagement in NATO for weeks, in order to coordinate the process of a European defence ramp-up to avoid security gaps in Europe. SPEND MORE In Brussels, Rubio brought some element of response on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway, to every single one of the members committing and fulfilling a promise to reach up to 5% of spending," he said, adding that this included the United States. "No one expects that you're going to be able to do this in one year or two. But the pathway has to be real." A European official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the meeting with Rubio was "very reassuring." "The meeting was not confrontational," the official said. "Just that allies need to do more. No bashing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, reaching 5% of GDP spending on defence would be hard for many NATO allies. According to NATO estimates, some of the continents big economies, such as Italy and Spain, are among those below the current 2% target, at around 1.5% and 1.3% respectively. Twenty-three of the alliances 32 members met or exceeded the 2% target last year. "For the time being, I think 5% is probably too high," Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel told reporters, noting that Portugal which spent 1.55% of GDP on defence last year - first needs to get to 2% and then have a plan to meet a new target the alliance will set at its next summit. (Reporting by Daphne Psadelakis, Sabine Siebold, Andrew Gray, Lili Bayer, Bart Meijer, Benoit Van Overstraeten; writing by Ingrid Melander and Andrew Gray; editing by Mark Heinrich, Alex Richardson and Deepa Babington) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. regulators should require airlines to inspect, and if necessary, replace latches on Boeing 757 airplane doors, the National Transportation Safety Board said on Thursday, citing a 2023 emergency evacuation of a FedEx flight in Tennessee. The NTSB also urged the Federal Aviation Administration to require Boeing 727 and 737 operators that use the same latch design to inspect and replace them if warranted. The agency said defective latches "could lead to delayed evacuation during an emergency should the slide become jammed." It also called on Boeing to issue new service bulletins for operators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boeing and FedEx did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FAA said it takes NTSB recommendations seriously and will respond within an appropriate timeframe. The October 2023 FedEx flight -- a 757 built in 1988 -- received an engine indication and crew alerting system message indicating a failure of the left hydraulic system shortly after takeoff from Chattanooga and returned to the airport but was unable to lower the landing gear. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to extend the gear, the crew performed an emergency gear up landing. After landing, a jumpseat occupant attempted to open the left door, which rotated halfway open but would not open fully, and the slide did not deploy. The occupant then attempted to open the right door but it lodged on the slide pack, which prompted the occupant to use force to open the door and the slide deployed normally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no injuries to flight crew members or the jumpseat occupant. The NTSB found one door latch that releases the slide pack when the door opened did not conform to the configuration of the release cable assembly. The NTSB said FedEx inspected the doors on the 97 other airplanes in its Boeing 757 fleet after the accident, finding 46 doors -- about 24% -- that were not compliant with airworthiness directives issued in 1986 and 2001. After the findings, Boeing issued an April 2024 message to operators about the issue and a non-U.S. carrier said its inspection of four 757 doors found three doors with latches not in compliance, the NTSB said. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese and David Gregorio) By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The administration of President Donald Trump said on Thursday it has identified 16 potential sites on U.S. Department of Energy lands where data centers and power plants supporting the boom in artificial intelligence can be developed. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Rapid growth in AI is leading to the first boom in U.S. power demand for two decades sending Big Tech and utility companies scrambling to build new data centers and power plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOE said the potential sites are positioned for rapid data center construction, including in-place energy infrastructure with the ability to fast-track permitting for new energy generation such as nuclear reactors. It was not immediately clear how nuclear power, which is regulated by the independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission, would be fast-tracked. KEY QUOTE "The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project, and with President Trumps leadership and the innovation of our National Labs, the United States can and will win," said Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, referring to the secret U.S. project to develop the world's first nuclear weapon during World War Two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BACKGROUND The DOE is one of the top land managers in the United States. The 16 sites include the Idaho National Laboratory, and facilities in Paducah, Kentucky and Portsmouth, Ohio, both of which produced enriched uranium for nuclear weapons and commercial reactors. The DOE said under former President Joe Biden it had identified sites across five states including Washington, Nevada and South Carolina, that could eventually host clean energy projects including solar, wind and nuclear power. That DOE land had to be cleaned up after being contaminated by development of nuclear weapons and other Cold War-era work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT'S NEXT? DOE is encouraging private-public partnerships seeking input from data center developers, energy developers, and the public. It aims to enable construction of AI infrastructure to begin operations by late 2027. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle and Marguerita Choy) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday underscored the need for NATO allies to spend more on defence, as the world was reeling from President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping new tariffs on all imports to the United States. Rubio, speaking at a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, said his administration understood that allies will not be able to massively increase defence expenditure right away, but stressed the need for a clear "pathway" for allies to hike their contributions. Trump has repeatedly demanded that NATO allies boost defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) as he accuses them of piggy-backing on the massive US defence budget, a stance Rubio reiterated at the start of the two-day gathering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway, to every single one of the members committing and fulfilling a promise to reach up to 5% of spending," including the US, he said. US Department of Defense figures show that the US spent 2.7% of its GDP on defence in 2024. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called for defence spending to be raised to "considerably north of 3%" - a decision that is expected to be taken at the next summit in June. Rubio said Trump remains committed to NATO but sees an urgent need to bolster the alliance's capabilities in light of recent events including Russia's war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No one expects that you're going to be able to do this in one year or two, but the pathway has to be real," Rubio said, adding that the US wants NATO to be "stronger" and "more viable." A number of NATO countries have already pledged to raise defence spending above the current target of at least 2% of GDP, but for many larger members, including Germany, Trump's 5% target is considered unrealistic. A new trade order? Trump's latest trade moves could negatively affect European efforts to bolster defence spending, amid fears that the US import duties could dent the global economy and thus allies' war chests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the US president announced that the United States would introduce blanket tariffs of at least 10% on all imports, including a 20% toll on goods from the European Union. While Rutte was quick to assure that the new tariffs would not negatively affect the discussions in Brussels, Trump's decision is likely to amplify the rift apparent in NATO since he took office again in January. The Trump administration has not only relentlessly been pushing NATO allies on defence spending, but also drew ire when suggesting that Ukraine will have to give up on its ambitions to join NATO in order for Russia to withdraw. Economic security matters too Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, outgoing German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noted that economic security is linked to "overall security." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baerbock, who arrived in Brussels on the heels of a visit to Ukraine and Moldova, said questions of economic security could not be separated from questions of "our own security," as evidenced by the hybrid warfare employed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Most states in this world are not just interested in fair security rules but in fair and free trade relations," she said, adding that Europe was "strongly positioned to protect itself." Asked whether the new US tariffs would impact the ability of European countries to raise defence spending, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said: "We can do it. It's not easy, but we have to do it. Because Russia is trying to destroy us." Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said it was important to remember that "if we want to build resources for a stronger defence, we need to have economic growth and protectionism will not do us any good." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He referred to Article 2 of the NATO Treaty, which states that member states should "seek to eliminate conflict in their international economic policies and will encourage economic collaboration between any or all of them." NATO allies have been determined to present a united front in light of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, but those efforts have been undermined by the Trump administration in recent weeks, not least by sidelining European members from peace talks with Moscow. NATO ministers are also discussing continued support for Ukraine, with allies already having pledged over 20 billion ($21.6 billion) in security assistance in 2025, according to Rutte. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday underscored the need for NATO allies to spend more on defence, as the world was reeling from President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping new tariffs on all imports to the United States. Rubio, speaking at a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, said his administration understood that allies will not be able to massively increase defence expenditure right away, but stressed the need for a clear "pathway" for allies to hike their contributions. Trump has repeatedly demanded that NATO allies boost defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) as he accuses them of piggy-backing on the massive US defence budget, a stance Rubio reiterated at the start of the two-day gathering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway, to every single one of the members committing and fulfilling a promise to reach up to 5% of spending," including the US, he said. US Department of Defense figures show that the US spent 2.7% of its GDP on defence in 2024. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called for defence spending to be raised to "considerably north of 3%" - a decision that is expected to be taken at the next summit in June. Rubio said Trump remains committed to NATO but sees an urgent need to bolster the alliance's capabilities in light of recent events including Russia's war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No one expects that you're going to be able to do this in one year or two, but the pathway has to be real," Rubio said, adding that the US wants NATO to be "stronger" and "more viable." A number of NATO countries have already pledged to raise defence spending above the current target of at least 2% of GDP, but for many larger members, including Germany, Trump's 5% target is considered unrealistic. A new trade order? Trump's latest trade moves could negatively affect European efforts to bolster defence spending, amid fears that the US import duties could dent the global economy and thus allies' war chests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the US president announced that the United States would introduce blanket tariffs of at least 10% on all imports, including a 20% toll on goods from the European Union. While Rutte was quick to assure that the new tariffs would not negatively affect the discussions in Brussels, Trump's decision is likely to amplify the rift apparent in NATO since he took office again in January. The Trump administration has not only relentlessly been pushing NATO allies on defence spending, but also drew ire when suggesting that Ukraine will have to give up on its ambitions to join NATO in order for Russia to withdraw. Economic security matters too Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, outgoing German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noted that economic security is linked to "overall security." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baerbock, who arrived in Brussels on the heels of a visit to Ukraine and Moldova, said questions of economic security could not be separated from questions of "our own security," as evidenced by the hybrid warfare employed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Most states in this world are not just interested in fair security rules but in fair and free trade relations," she said, adding that Europe was "strongly positioned to protect itself." Asked whether the new US tariffs would impact the ability of European countries to raise defence spending, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said: "We can do it. It's not easy, but we have to do it. Because Russia is trying to destroy us." Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said it was important to remember that "if we want to build resources for a stronger defence, we need to have economic growth and protectionism will not do us any good." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He referred to Article 2 of the NATO Treaty, which states that member states should "seek to eliminate conflict in their international economic policies and will encourage economic collaboration between any or all of them." NATO allies have been determined to present a united front in light of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, but those efforts have been undermined by the Trump administration in recent weeks, not least by sidelining European members from peace talks with Moscow. NATO ministers are also discussing continued support for Ukraine, with allies already having pledged over 20 billion ($21.6 billion) in security assistance in 2025, according to Rutte. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said it was "time to increase pressure on Russia." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia remains an existential threat to Europe," Sybiha said ahead of consultations with NATO ministers. While Ukraine had agreed to a US proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin "talks about demands and conditions," he said, speaking alongside Rutte. Russia said it has agreed to a US-brokered limited ceasefire to halt mutual attacks on energy facilities, but both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement. So far, Moscow has opposed an unconditional ceasefire. In light of Russia's military build-up, Sybiha said the question wasn't whether it was planning to also attack the rest of Europe: "The question is only, will we be prepared or not?" The United States and Russia have made "significant progress" towards a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, Kremlin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev said on April 3 following talks with officials at the White House. "Significant progress has been made on the ceasefire agreement in Ukraine," Dmitriev reported, according to the Russian state news agency TASS. Dmitriev, who heads the state-controlled Russian Direct Investment Fund, met with U.S. officials in Washington on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 2 and 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dmitriev praised the administration under U.S. President Donald Trump for its constructive and respectful dialogue with Russia and said the two nations plan to restore and deepen their ties, including with further economic cooperation. American businesses are prepared to return to Russia and fill the vacancies left after European companies withdrew in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Dmitriev said. "U.S. companies are ready to occupy the niches left by European companies that left the Russian Federation," TASS reported. The two countries are also discussing restoring direct flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other topics discussed included cooperation on rare earth metals and in the Arctic, Dmitriev told reporters in Washington, according to Reuters. Dmitriev did not disclose any details related to a potential ceasefire agreement, but said the Trump administration "is listening to the position of the Russian Federation" and will determine the date for the next round of negotiations "in the near future." President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 3 acknowledged that U.S. and Russian officials were holding private conversations on the possibility of a full ceasefire in Ukraine. Kyiv has said for weeks that it is ready to begin a complete 30-day ceasefire, in line with a proposal from Washington, as long as Russia accepts the same terms. Russia has so far refused, only agreeing to partial ceasefires on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea in exchange for restored access to international markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(I)n Saudi Arabia, you know, we agreed to an unconditional ceasefire," Zelensky said. "Russia has not agreed to it yet, we see that. Although we know that there are conversations between Americans and Russians on this topic. There are non-public conversations." Dmitriev played a role in backchannel diplomacy between Moscow and Trump when he was first elected in 2016. The official was then appointed by Putin as his representative for foreign economic relations and was involved in early U.S.-Russian negotiations in Riyadh in February. Russia was notably excluded from the sweeping tariffs the Trump administration unveiled on April 3. Read also: How Trumps tariffs will impact Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two senior lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee introduced legislation on Thursday seeking to rein in U.S. President Donald Trump's ability to impose tariffs and would require congressional approval for new levies within 60 days. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Democrat Maria Cantwell introduced legislation that would require the president to notify Congress on new tariffs with an explanation of the rationale, including an analysis of the potential impact on U.S. businesses and consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress would need to pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff within 60 days. Otherwise all new tariffs on imports would expire. "This bill reasserts Congress role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public," Cantwell said. "As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm." Trump invoked emergency authority on Wednesday to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. imports, sparking an escalating trade war that threatens to shake up global alliances. The tariffs unleashed turbulence across world markets and drew condemnation from other leaders facing the end of an era of trade liberalization that has shaped the global order for decades. The bill is modeled on the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and would reestablish limits on the presidents ability to impose unilateral tariffs without approval from Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch," Grassley said. Grassley's home state of Iowa is heavily dependent on farm crop exports, while Cantwell's Washington state is home to many export-heavy companies like Boeing. The Senate passed legislation on Wednesday that would terminate new tariffs on Canada. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Mark Porter) SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is considering a resolution that mandates the removal of remaining DEI initiatives and calls on local school districts to do the same, citing communist influences. The resolution, listed in the boards meeting agenda for Thursday, asserts that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI) are still present within schools, trainings, USBE, and auxiliary items, despite laws that were passed by the legislature for their removal. It goes on to say that DEI programs are attempting to achieve the Soviet Communist goal of actual equality and using ethnic minorities to advance communism in society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: Utah Lawmakers passed H.B. 261 during the 2024 State Legislative Session DEI at its core is 1920s Soviet Union policy for using ethnic minorities to advance the installation of Communism, the resolution reads. If passed, the measure would direct state staff and personnel to immediately disband any and all (DEI) practices and rescind any documents, training, programs, curriculum, and policies relating to DEI. In addition, the resolution would call for local districts to do the same, expecting compliance immediately, but no later than June 30. This resolution is [not] controversial, Christina Boggess (R District 8), member of the Utah State School Board, told ABC4.com. There is an overt obfuscation and blatant disregard for [H.B. 261] among many within the USBE and our Local Education Agencies. After waiting more than five years for the agency to respond to the peoples voice and ultimately comply with the code, this resolution would assert that the leaders elected by the people take this issue and agency non-compliance seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution comes after the Trump Administration gave schools a deadline to eliminate DEI programs. On Jan 20, President Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to terminate DEI programs across the federal government. The Department of Education then issued new guidelines three days later in accordance with Trumps order. Our public schools have put time and resources implementing and following the requirements of H.B. 261. This resolution is unnecessary, creates misleading narratives, fuels culture wars, and is, frankly, embarrassing, Sarah Reale (D District 5), member of the Utah State Board of Education, told ABC4.com in a statement. It is unfortunate this is how we will be spending our limited Board work time, when we could be working to support our students, teachers, and families in Utah. ABC4.com reached out to other school board members who raised concerns over the resolutions language and the impact it would have on special needs students. Many of my constituents are worried about how this resolution will affect special education students. Although special education law does not use the term inclusion, many parents see it as related to their childs educational experience in a general environment with their peers, LeAnn Wood (R District 4), member of USBE, told ABC4.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wood continued: Raising a child with special needs has its own joys and challenges, and as a Board, we should not add to their concerns with a non-binding resolution that brings more confusion than improvement. In schools where statute related to H.B. 261 is not being complied with, we should target those areas specifically. ABC4.com reached out to all 15 members of the board, and five have replied so far. Out of those who responded, four members indicated they would not be voting for the resolution, one indicated that they would. The board is set to debate and vote on this measure on April 3 during the regularly scheduled board meeting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Changes are coming to the U.S. Postal Service that will affect millions of customers across the country. The moves are designed to improve efficiency and cut costs, but some people might get certain mail slower. According to information released by USPS, the shifts will help save the organization $36 billion over a decade. Some parts of the plan have already started. The second phase of the plan is set to roll out later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to USPS, the organization relies on the sales of stamps and postage, its products and services to fund operations and usually does not get tax dollars for operating expenses. It's independent, meant to be self-financing. President Donald Trump is critical of the service, which delivers to 163 million addresses nationwide and employs 530,000 workers. The agency has seen a sharp decline in first-class mail since electronic communication became more popular. It's dropped 80% since 1997, and volumes are the lowest since 1968, according to Reuters reporting. It lost $9.5 billion in 2024. USPS is expected to lose another $6.9 billion in 2025, according to reporting from Government Executive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump aims to see it make a profit and has floated the idea of merging it with the Commerce Department. That would halt the USPS's independent status and put it under his administration. "It'll be a form of a merger, but it'll remain the Postal Service," Trump said. "And I think it'll operate a lot better than it has been over the years. It's been just a tremendous loser for this country." The Washington Post, citing postal sources, said the plan would "probably violate federal law." Here's what you need to know about confirmed changes to USPS services and mail delivery in Missouri. Postmaster strikes deal with DOGE, 10K jobs to be cut In March, then-U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said he signed a deal with the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department had been exempt from DOGE cuts, but DeJoy reportedly told Congress in a letter that USPS will cut 10,000 jobs over the next month through a voluntary early retirement program. The reduction plan was announced in January and is different than the federal employee buyout offer announced for most civilian federal employees. According to a news release from the American Postal Workers Union, workers who opt to retire early can get a one-time $15,000 incentive paid in two parts. DeJoy said the deal with DOGE and the General Services Administration will help with "identifying and achieving further efficiencies." Will Trump merge USPS? What could happen if he does? Musk has said he wants to see it privatized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has suggested that postal workers could carry out the U.S. census and handle tasks performed by Social Security employees as cost-cutting measures. Newsweek reporting said the merger, if it goes through, could close offices, slow delivery, increase costs and lead to layoffs. It also could hit rural areas hardest. Postal workers rally after DOGE threatens to dismantle USPS Thousands of people recently turned out to protest the cuts and proposals to dismantle the current system across the nation. "We had an election in November, and some people voted for President Trump, and some people voted for Vice President Harris, some people voted for other candidates," National Association of Letter Carriers President Brian Renfroe said at a rally in Los Angeles. "But you know what none of them voted for? To dismantle the Postal Service." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media posts showed rallies in several states, including major cities and Washington, D.C. Hashtags included #fightlikehell and #hellno. How will the new USPS changes affect mail in Missouri? The first round of changes started April 1. Some areas could get "2-3-day turnaround service within regions and specific local areas," according to the postal service. Some post offices could have delivery extended by a day. The information provided didn't say which ones could expect delayed mail delivery caused by changes to regional transportation schedules. "Under the new approach, while most mail will retain the same service standard, some mail will have a faster standard, and some will have a slightly slower standard. For First-Class Mail, the current service standard day range of 1-5 days is staying the same, while the day ranges for end-to-end Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services are being shortened. All Mail will benefit from more reliable service," a USPS news release reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The postal service said "all packages will benefit from more reliable service." The 2-5 day range for USPS Ground Advantage will stay the same. However, some shipping product will have a slower delivery range going forward. New standards are based on five-digit ZIP code pairs meant to streamline sorting and delivery as compared to the current standards based on three-digit pairs. USPS already has a map online that will let customers see how long it will take to deliver mail from one ZIP code to another. Customers also can look up service standards at usps.com. The postal service said even rural customers who might see a "service downgrade" for mail they are sending will benefit from the changes, particularly for mail they are receiving, such as checks and medicines, because the majority of mail and packages originates in ZIP codes that are within 50 miles of a regional processing and distribution center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Service standards will be "refined" for: First-Class Mail. Periodicals. Marketing Mail. Package Services (Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail). USPS Ground Advantage. Priority Mail. Priority Mail Express. Missouri mail delays have caused headaches Three Missouri congressmen joined two Kansas members of Congress serving constituents in the greater Kansas City area in forwarding a joint letter to the postal service in September 2024 demanding action to correct problems with missing or delayed mail and protracted periods in which no mail was delivered at all. U.S. Reps. Sam Graves and Mark Alford, both Republicans, and U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat, forwarded the letter to DeJoy. They pointed to the July federal audit of the Kansas City Postal and Distribution Center in Kansas City, Missouri, in which auditors cited deficiencies with mail clearance times, delayed mail, late cancellations and dock scanning during an inspection period in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter said all five congressional offices had received a growing number of complaints regarding inadequate mail service. The inspector general concluded USPS ought to address problems with employee staffing and recommended supervisors prepare better for staff absences in the Kansas City region. When will the next changes to the postal service happen? The next changes are set to take effect on July 1. More information will be released closer to that date. Could Trump privatize the postal service? That would require congressional approval. The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 made the postal service an independent agency under the executive branch. USPS is directed by a Board of Governors appointed by the president and approved by Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president can make nominations but doesn't have direct oversight. Contributing: George Petras, John Bacon, Phaedra Trethan, David Shepardson. Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: How USPS changes will affect mail delivery in Missouri By Ruma Paul, Uditha Jayasinghe and Dhwani Pandya DHAKA/COLOMBO/MUMBAI (Reuters) - Bangladeshi garment exporter Shahidullah Azim woke up on Thursday to the shock of U.S. President Donald Trump slapping a 37% tariff on his country's exports, endangering an apparel hub already reeling from domestic political upheaval. "We knew something was coming, but we never expected it to be this drastic ... This is terrible for our business and for thousands of workers," said Azim, whose clients include North American and European retailers. Suppliers in Bangladesh's garment industry, which counts Gap Inc and Vans parent VF Corp as clients, told Reuters they began seeking government support hours after Trump's lightning bolt. Some companies in the impoverished South Asian country are pressing government officials to negotiate further on tariffs with the U.S. to prevent foreign buyers bolting to save costs. The readymade garments industry is of existential importance to Bangladesh's economy, accounting for more than 80% of total export earnings, employing 4 million people and contributing roughly 10% to its annual GDP. Trump's global tariff barrage deals the latest and heaviest blow to the industry. Last year, garment production was disrupted by violent protests that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, casting doubt on the long-term potential of a market much sought after by Western fashion brands. Azim said his company, which employs 3,200 factory workers, was bracing for order cancellations as rising costs for buyers could spell the end of Bangladesh's competitive edge. A representative of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, which supports more than 2,500 factories, told Reuters that it approached the government on Thursday seeking support against the tariff blow, and officials said the issue was being considered seriously. Shafiqul Alam, the interim government's press secretary, said in a statement that the United States was a "close friend" and Bangladesh's largest export destination. He said Dhaka has been working with Washington on trade matters, and expects those discussions will "help address the tariff issue". ADVANTAGE FOR INDIA? Bangladesh's loss is neighbour India's gain in some ways. Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury of garment maker Evince fears India, which had been getting more queries from U.S. suppliers since last year's political crisis in Bangladesh, will now benefit even more as it faces a lower Trump tariff of 27%. Arizonans may soon feel the effects of United States Postal Service changes meant to improve efficiency and cut costs, but could also delay some deliveries. The first round of changes started this week, and a second phase was expected to start this summer. The Post Office has come under the scrutiny of President Donald Trump and his administration, as it lost $9.5 billion in 2024 and was expected to lose another $6.9 billion in 2025, according to reporting from Government Executive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said in March that he signed a deal with the Department of Government Efficiency to cut 10,000 jobs over the next month through a voluntary early retirement program. Trump has also floated the idea of merging the service with the Commerce Department, halting the USPS's independent status and putting it under his administration. However, this could violate federal law, according to sources who spoke with the Washington Post. Here's what to know about the changes to mail delivery, when they will take place and how they will affect Arizonans. How will the new changes affect mail in Arizona? The first round of changes started on April 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some areas could get "2-3-day turnaround service within regions and specific local areas," according to the postal service. Some post offices could have delivery extended by a day. The information provided didn't say which ones could expect delayed mail delivery caused by changes to regional transportation schedules. "Under the new approach, while most mail will retain the same service standard, some mail will have a faster standard, and some will have a slightly slower standard. For First-Class Mail, the current service standard day range of 1-5 days is staying the same, while the day ranges for end-to-end Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services are being shortened. All Mail will benefit from more reliable service," a USPS news release reads. The postal service said, "all packages will benefit from more reliable service." The 2-5 day range for USPS Ground Advantage will stay the same. However, some shipping products will have a slower delivery range going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five-digit zip code add-ons are meant to streamline sorting and delivery as compared to the current three-digit pairs. USPS already has a map online that will let customers see how long it will take to deliver mail from one zip code to another. Customers can also look up service standards at usps.com. Service standards will be "refined" for: First-Class Mail. Periodicals. Marketing Mail. Package Services (Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail). USPS Ground Advantage. Priority Mail. Priority Mail Express. When will the next changes to the postal service happen? Another round of changes was scheduled to take effect on July 1, with more information expected as it comes closer. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: USPS mail delivery changes: Here's what to know in Arizona SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) Local investors are accusing a real estate investment firm of fraud after the firm allegedly scammed investors out of millions in retirement funds. On Oct. 14, 2024, Liz Carlston, along with 16 other plaintiffs, filed a lawsuit against Millcreek Commercial Properties, Millrock Investment Fund, and Colliers International. The suit alleges that the companies defrauded their investors, convincing them to spend a combined $10.3 million into a commercial real estate property in South Jordan. They allege the property, South Jordan Medical, failed to maintain its largest tenant, despite a promise of a 20-year lease and 6.5% return on investment. Commercial building in South Jordan left half-vacant Building left partially vacant amid fraud lawsuit. Commercial building left partially vacant. What made it attractive is they promised no headaches, no tenant hassles. It was really a passive [income], just a check in your mailbox, Carlston told ABC4.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after their initial investment, Carlston began receiving a check for $1,630 per month, however, the payments ceased shortly after the anchor tenant went bankrupt. Vacant property scams re-emerging in Utah heres how to protect yourself Its been pretty devastating to our family, Carlston said adding that she invested part of her parents inheritance into the property. The lawsuit claims the promised anchor tenant was a healthcare company known as Neurogenex and was advertised as the nations fastest growing healthcare brand, despite never paying any rent on the South Jordan property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During ABC4s investigation, Neurogenex filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 Arizona in Jan. 2024. The suit further claims that the initial rent checks paid to investors were actually coming from the original investments. Monika Hansen, an investor from Murray, says her uncle had done business with MillCreek Commercial Properties in the past, making her feel secure about investing. Similar to Carlston, Hansen received just eight checks before the tenant went bankrupt. Its been very hard. Ive had to work extra hours. Ive had to take on a different job. Im not able to be with my grandkids like I would like to bethis has been a change, Hansen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Hansen, the failed investment has destroyed her plans to retire early and just work part-time. Statewide campaign warning public of real estate fraud The lawsuit also alleges that investor money was used to purchase the South Jordan property from Millcreek Commercial Properties for $10.3 million, despite the market value of the property being $2.6 million. Lynn Kneedy, 74, an investor from West Point, says he was promised a 6.5% return on his investment, and an increase to 9% in 10 years. It really looked good, and so they had me sign a purchase and sales agreement, Kneedy said. Shortly after, he began looking into the property and noticed that county records only valued the land at $2.3 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I brought that up to my sales agent and she informed me that the price of the building had nothing to do with the amount of money that it was purchased, Kneedy told ABC4.com. Kneedy says his sales agent cited the 20-year anchor tenant as the primary source of returns. Investors argue that the property was still accepting investments one month after Neurogenex was known to be going bankrupt. The property remains half-vacant, leaving investors fearful for the future. We arent in the business of leasing, we bought a passive investment, Carlston told ABC4.com. The case is being actively litigated in federal court. The investors are asking for $10.3 million, matching the original investment. According to Carlston, nine other lawsuits alleging similar frauds are currently navigating the court process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC4.com has reached out to Millcreek Commercial Properties, Millrock Investment Fund and Colliers International for a comment and are waiting to hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Last week, Utah became the first state to ban the display of most flags in public schools and government buildings, but a few other states might soon follow suit. A bill that only applies to flags in schools was signed in Idaho last week, per The Associated Press. But another bill is being advanced by Idaho Republicans to expand the ban to government buildings as well. Lawmakers in Florida have proposed a ban on pride flags and other flags that display political viewpoints in schools and public buildings. This bill comes after similar ones that have failed in the states past two legislative sessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other states, including Arizona, Wisconsin and Illinois, also have similar legislation working through state legislatures, per The Washington Post. Generally, these bills prohibit public entities or employees in government buildings from displaying any flags that are not specifically exempted, per The Washington Post. Some of the bills ban flags in all government buildings and some are restricted to just schools, according to the AP. Criticism against these bills has been focused on the ban of pride flags, but they also prohibit political flags supporting candidates, parties or movements. For example, flags with Trumps Make America Great Again slogan would also be banned. Those in favor of the flag bans say that the policies are meant to encourage political neutrality, according to the The Washington Post. Critics argue that the bans undermine free expression. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A Utah judge is being charged with forcible sexual abuse and several drug-related charges. William Kenneth Kendall, 54, is being charged with forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony; distribution of or arranging to distribute a controlled substance, a third-degree felony; possession or use of a controlled substance, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor. Third District Court Judge William Kenneth Kendall. (Courtesy: Utah State Courts) Kendall was originally appointed to the Third District Court in 2014 by then-Governor Gary Herbert, and he serves several counties in Utah, including Salt Lake, Tooele, and Summit, according to Utah State Courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tremonton fire chief and Box Elder judge linked in child abuse case, documents say A spokesperson with Utah courts told ABC4.com that Kendall has not been hearing cases since the middle of March, and he was officially placed on leave when charges were filed on April 2. Kendalls attorney, Greg Skordas, provided ABC4.com with a statement about his client. The full statement is below: Judge William Kendall has humbly served the people of Utah for over 25 years, first as a Deputy District Attorney, then as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and currently as Judge on Utahs Third District Court. He has undergone rigorous vetting in order to be a member of the judiciary, and until now has never been the subject of an allegation of professional misconduct. Judge Kendall is presumed innocent. Greg Skordas, attorney for Judge William Kendell The charges are traced back to an alleged incident that happened at Kendalls home on Feb. 21, 2025, according to a charging document filed in Third District Court. Kendall is accused of inappropriately touching a woman over her clothes during a gathering at his house. Kendall had reportedly been drinking alcohol and offered THC to a woman at the gathering, documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kendall is accused of touching the victims buttocks and breasts inappropriately after the pair had smoked what the victim had called a weed pen, according to charging documents. THC products were found at Kendalls home after officials executed a search warrant. Before being appointed as a judge, Kendall worked for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Utah as an assistant U.S. attorney. He had also served as a deputy district attorney for Salt Lake County. The charges were filed by the Davis County Attorneys Office on April 2. Sorina Trauntvein and Jordan Tracy contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The Mule Deer Foundation, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other sportsmens groups pledged a record $6.6 million to help restore Utah landscapes and troubled watershed areas across Utah in a daylong meeting Wednesday in Salt Lake City. The spending and projects are part of Utahs unique Watershed Restoration Initiative, which has been held up as a model for other states to engage in unique private/public partnerships to improve habitat for native wildlife. Money comes from the auctioning of tags awarded for big game hunts big money that gives hunters a chance to bag a trophy animal during the hunting season. It is also derived from other hunting associations that target wild turkeys or chukar, an upland game bird. A pair of seats were occupied by representatives of the Utah Houndsmen Association that works with state and federal agencies concerning the conservation of mountain lions, black bears and bobcats. Two men from the National Wild Turkey Federation kept jokingly chiding project presenters that they didnt see any wild turkeys in the photos. From then on, turkeys were mentioned in many of the proposed projects. A prescribed fire at Monroe Mountain at Fish Lake National Forest is undertaken as part of Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative. | Daniel Eddington, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. That organization alone on a national scale worked to conserve or enhance more than 22 million acres and opened more than 700,000 acres for hunting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The watershed initiative, while housed within the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, taps the collaboration of other partners that include the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Additionally, it relies on the sweat and boots on the ground of dozens of volunteers who help carry out the work. Tyler Thompson, director of the Watershed Restoration Initiative, said the program derives its success from these sportsmen groups and other partnerships. I think Utah has a long history of working together with partners to help improve the landscapes, and I think that history was reflected in this meeting. This group has come together and funded projects like this for almost two decades now. And I think our sportsmen care about wildlife, Thompson said. They care enough that they want to get involved, not only through funding projects like this, but they also get involved through volunteer efforts. Theyre out there on the ground, putting seedlings in the ground and fixing fences. And so it is a team effort here in Utah. Under Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative, a prescribed burn is conducted in the Cold Springs area of Carbon County. The area is home to mule deer, elk and sage grouse, and springs provide ample water to this ideal wildlife habitat. | Daniel Eddington, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The Mule Deer Foundation, for example, funded $2.5 million toward preserving and enhancing wildlife habitats across Utah, according to Greg Sheehan, the groups president and chief executive officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By working together with other conservation organizations, we are making a lasting impact on the states landscapes and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can experience thriving wildlife populations into the future, he said. Some of the projects are small, such as the $21,000 effort proposed by Austin Green of the Sageland Collaborative that wanted a fencing program to improve big game health. Fencing can serve as an impediment to big game movement if not done in the right way. One photo during many of the presentations showed the sad outcome of the carcasses of animals that had become entangled in barbed wire and left to die a slow death. Proper fencing placed strategically not only helps to avoid these deaths but also facilitates the movements of animals as they make their trek from winter ranges to summer feeding areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One graphic showed a lone antelope bounded by fencing that could not find its way out of the maze of barriers. Other projects involved much more money, such as the Wasatch Front Watersheds effort that hoped to secure a little more than $471,000. Dani Bordeaux, a wildlife biologist, said one needs to only look at the top of Millcreek Canyon to see the success of the project thus far. The Wasatch Front project is absolutely fantastic for the deer, elk and moose, she said. Primarily what were doing here is improving the habitat for (animals) by removing the conifers that are encroaching into the aspen stands and basically opening that habitat up for the big game, she said. The project also entails treating 520 acres of Myrtle spurge, an aggressive noxious plant that crowds out other vegetation. It poses a danger to people because of its caustic, latex sap, which causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. The sap can cause blindness if it gets in peoples eyes. Skin contact with sap causes redness, swelling and blisters. Under Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative, a prescribed burn is conducted in the Cold Springs area of Carbon County. The area is home to mule deer, elk and sage grouse, and springs provide ample water to this ideal wildlife habitat. | Daniel Eddington, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Giving nature a helping hand The approaches to helping restore watersheds and landscapes for native wildlife are as varied as the topography in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some involve planting of seedlings in areas that once experienced fires or rebuilding critical riparian stream corridors to facilitate the efficient movement of water. Or maybe it is building homes for beavers or relocating those who have become a nuisance. Other projects involve a method called lop and scatter to remove brush or encroaching pinion and juniper. Prescribed burns done properly help clear areas for native wildlife, like deer and elk, to have places for winter or summer ranges so they can dine on native vegetation once deterred by overgrown forests. The efforts attempt to mimic what nature would do if it were allowed to, said Tory Mathis with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, who is based in the Vernal area. The role of sportsmen and hunters is big. What they pay into the system through tags and their support helps restore wildlife. There have been enough impacts through human habitation that what is happening impacts homes, drinking water and encourages non-natives like cheat grass. If it goes on too long, it gets out of balance. Were trying to mimic the balance of what nature would do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2006, the program has focused on three core values: watershed health and biological diversity, water quality and yield, and opportunities for sustainable uses of natural resources. Since its inception, it has completed 2,842 projects covering more than 2.6 million acres with funding of nearly $414 million, along with $50 million worth of in-kind donations. Many of the projects involve the installation of guzzlers, or watering troughs, many in remote areas that necessitate they are transported in via helicopters. It is expensive work, but provides a lifeline to animals who have been the victims of a prolonged drought with inadequate snowfall. A prescribed fire at Monroe Mountain at Fish Lake National Forest is undertaken as part of Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative. | Daniel Eddington, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Of course, the groups interests are driven by their stated missions. Representatives of the National Wild Turkey Federation have an eye on hunting access and restoring habitat so the birds can thrive. There are an estimated 35,000 wild turkeys in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other projects, such as the Salina Creek effort, was on the list of funding possibilities for its placement as the No. 1 priority to help moose. Other species in some regions were experiencing population declines, so efforts were proposed to help them recover in numbers. Deer are collared to track movement and given care in the field to help with fawn survival rates, for example. There were 90 projects up for possible funding, many more than the money available. But through the Watershed Restoration Initiative, the division, other agencies, sportsmen groups, landowners and volunteers work collaboratively to do what they can in many of the most pressing areas. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Heads up, youll likely be getting an AMBER Alert on your phone tomorrow as part of a statewide test. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, AMBER Alerts will be sent out between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. The alert system is sending out the test notification to ensure it functions properly following recent upgrades. These upgrades include integrating with FEMAs Emergency Alert System, a national public warning system. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), its system uses radio, TV broadcasters, cable, and satellite operators to provide the President with the capability to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ NEXT: Suspect in AMBER Alert murder case makes second court appearance The test will appear on phones, TVs, radios, and highway signs. DPS said the purpose of the test is to verify that the recent upgrades went into effect and that the alert reaches Utahns quickly. The public does not need to take any action on the test alert. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to keep Utahs AMBER Alert system effective, DPS said. Americas Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response or AMBER Alerts are part of a nationwide system that began in 1996, developed to help authorities locate abducted children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system was first implemented in Texas by local broadcasters and law enforcement after the kidnapping and killing of Amber Hagerman. The alert system then spread to the rest of the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In Utah, authorities will send out an AMBER Alert if they believe someone under the age of 17 has been abducted and faces imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death. Authorities also need to have some sort of information available that could help the public in safely locating the victim or suspect. The system was most recently used in Utah last week to locate two children who were believed to be in imminent danger after their mother was found dead in a burning house. The children were later found safe and the suspect was taken into custody. At the time, police thanked everyone who called in tips to help locate the children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tragedy occurred tonight, Casey Warren, Riverdale Police Chief, told ABC4 that night. But we do have a win, where we were able to locate those children and get them back to their family. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Among the legendary actors slated to walk the red carpet on opening night of the Beverly Hills Film Festival Tuesday was Val Kilmer, who had planned to attend the West Coast Premiere of American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective, a biopic about his longtime friend. But before the limo could pick him up, the actor who played Batman, Jim Morrison, and a slew of other sexy bad boy characters on the big screen, was dead at age 65 from pneumonia. The iconic actor had been dealing with the lingering health issues that followed a throat cancer diagnosis over a decade ago, his daughter confirmed in a statement. It was a shock to find this out," said Nino Simone, Founder & President of the Beverly Hills Film Festival in a statement Wednesday. He was thrilled to come out in support of his friend [Madsen]. know PR was on the phone, trying to get a hold of the driver, bringing Val for his 7:30pm red carpet arrival. The story and news of his death were reported, literally at the same, exact time. Unbelievable, and so heart-breaking. Our hearts go out to his family. Kilmer was born in Los Angeles, and died in the city he loved surrounded by loved ones, his daughter Mercedes told the Associated Press. Aside from Mercedes, 33, he is also survived by son Jack Kilmer, 29. Val was married to their mother, fellow actress Joanne Whalley, from 1988 until 1996. An outpouring of grief was shared by the people who worked with and loved Kilmer, among them his one-time girlfriend Cher, who mused on social media about his brilliance and bravery. VALUS Will miss u,U Were Funny,crazy,pain in the ass,GREAT FRIEND,kidsU, BRILLIANT as Mark Twain, BRAVE here during ur sickness Cher (@cher) April 2, 2025 After his 2015 cancer diagnosis, Kilmer largely vanished from the Hollywood industry and leaned into painting. In the weeks before he died he posted a photo of his work depicting a peaceful campfire writing: "Its got that late-night glow. Cool tones with a low burn, like when the camp fire cools down but youre still wide awake." On his website, he talked about stepping back from acting because of the damage done to his voice by radiation and chemotherapy. "I've lived a magical life. For more than half a century, I have been honing my art, no matter the medium. Be it literature, movies, poetry, painting, music, or tracking exotic and beautiful wildlife in the most remote African bush, to capture ephemeral moments with a camera, I yearn to express my creative spirit," he wrote, adding: "It isn't easy to talk and be understood. I am improving all the time, but am not able to be out in the world the same way I had become accustomed. When one thing is taken, though, another is given." Right before the pandemic, Kilmer found HelMel, a community space in Hollywood, and rented what he called "a large studio. There, he wrote, "With little voice, my creative juices were boiling over and pouring out of me. I started creating again, painting, writing anything I could. I felt the art healing me." Kilmer was also a poet, and received a Grammy nomination in 2012 for Best Spoken Word, and wrote an autobiography about his prolific life in Hollywood called "I'm Your Huckleberry," which was a famous line he uttered in Tombstone. Vice President JD Vance and former Vice President Kamala Harris are seen as top contenders for the White House in 2028 by their respective parties, according to the latest Economist/YouGov poll. The poll, released Wednesday, asks Democrats and Republicans whom they would consider supporting in the 2028 presidential election and asks which person would be their ideal candidate. Respondents were told to select from a list of 10 possible contenders affiliated with their respective party. That list was generated from a separate poll that included significantly more options from which to pick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among Republicans, 69 percent say they would consider voting for Vance, while 42 percent say they would consider voting for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; 39 percent say theyd consider voting for the presidents son, Donald Trump, Jr.; 34 percent say the same for Secretary of State Marco Rubio; 33 percent say so about Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas). No more than one-quarter of Republican respondents say the same for any other name on the list. The poll did not ask whether respondents would consider voting for President Trump in 2028 since he is term-limited and would not be eligible to run for a third time. Vances popularity in his party becomes more apparent when respondents are asked to select their ideal candidate in 2028: 44 percent say Vance, 12 percent say Trump, Jr., 9 percent say DeSantis, and no other name gets more than 3 percent. On the Democratic side, Harris, the 2024 Democratic candidate, similarly emerges at the top of the pack: 58 percent say they would consider voting for her in 2028, while 39 percent say they would consider voting for former Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg, 38 percent say the same about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, 38 percent say so about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), 36 percent say so about Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and 27 percent say so about Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). No other candidate gets more than 25 percent support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked to select one candidate as their ideal choice, 29 percent of Democrats opt for Harris, 9 percent say Buttigieg, 8 percent say California Gov. Gavin Newsom, 7 percent say Ocasio-Cortez, and 6 percent say Sanders. The poll was conducted from March 30 through April 1 and included 1,626 respondents. The margin of error is 3.3 percentage points. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Trump said Friday that he will sign an executive order to extend the deadline for China-based tech company ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. buyer. ByteDance later acknowledged in a statement that it was working with the U.S. government on a sale but that an agreement had not been reached. My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days. Trump confirmed to reporters on Sunday that the administration had been close to a TikTok deal last week, but China pulled out over his tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His "Liberation Day" tariff plan instituted a 10% minimum tax on all imported goods and an additional 34% levy on imports from China. CNN reported that ByteDance representatives informed the White House the morning after the tariff plan was announced to say that China was pulling out of the TikTok deal until tariff negotiations were discussed. "We had a deal pretty much for TikTok not a deal but pretty close and then China changed the deal because of tariffs," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "If I gave a little cut in tariffs they would have approved that deal in 15 minutes, which shows the power of tariffs." The popular social media platform faced a possible ban in the United States for the second time this year if ByteDance did not strike a deal to sell partial ownership by April 5. Trump's decision to extend the deadline comes two days after Amazon and a startup run by Tim Stokely, the founder of adult content site OnlyFans, both placed last-minute bids to purchase TikTok. In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Vice President JD Vance, who is in charge of overseeing the TikTok sale with national security adviser Michael Waltz, said he believed a sale would be reached before the April 5 deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that we're in a good place," Vance said in an interview on Fox & Friends. "We're going to keep on working at it." On Jan. 19, TikTok temporarily went dark for its 170 million U.S. users, after months of fighting the federal governments demand that it separate from ByteDance due to national security concerns. But the outage lasted only a few hours before access to the app was restored, according to a message displayed to users, as a result of President Trumps efforts. In one of the first official acts of his second term in the White House, Trump signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of the TikTok ban for 75 days and proposed that the U.S. should own 50% of the platform, in what he called a joint venture. Trump speaks to reporters about the TikTok ban aboard Air Force One on March 30. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) TikToks future in the U.S. has been uncertain since April 2024, when then-President Joe Biden signed a law passed by Congress requiring the popular app to be sold or banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have argued that TikToks Chinese ownership presents a potential threat to national security, and the Supreme Court agreed, moving to uphold the ban on Jan. 17 of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear whether this latest extension of the deadline for a sale would violate the law signed by Biden. The law prohibits TikTok from operating in the U.S. if it continues to use algorithms controlled by ByteDance. However, it could be hard to challenge Trumps decision to push back the deadline again in court, since the law also grants some flexibility to the president over its enforcement, CNN reported. Is ByteDance interested in selling TikTok? TikToks parent company, ByteDance, acknowledged in a statement on Friday that it was still seeking a "potential solution" for TikTok U.S. after Trump announced he planned to extend the deadline. "ByteDance has been in discussion with the U.S. Government regarding a potential solution for TikTok U.S. An agreement has not been executed. There are key matters to be resolved. Any agreement will be subject to approval under Chinese law," the statement read. ByteDance previously said it had no plans to sell TikTok, citing in part the Chinese governments opposition to a sale. However, on Jan. 20, a spokesperson for Chinas Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, told reporters that the decision should be independently decided by companies in accordance with market principles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days later, General Atlantic CEO Bill Ford, who is a board member and a major investor in ByteDance, said at an Axios event in Davos, Switzerland, that he believed ByteDance would soon reach a deal to sell the app. "We'll get on with it, as soon as maybe the end of the week, in terms of negotiating what might work, Ford said. The Chinese government, the U.S. government and the company and the board all have to be involved in this conversation." Who has talked about buying TikTok? Multiple outlets have reported that the Oracle Corporation is the frontrunner to buy TikTok. Oracle is one of the worlds largest software companies and one of the three major backers behind Trump's $500 billion AI infrastructure investment. TikTok has worked with Oracle to store and process user data in the U.S. since 2020. When asked about the TikTok deal at a press conference on Jan. 21, Trump said, referring to Oracles cofounder and chief technology officer Larry Ellison, "I'd like Larry to buy it." But Trump clarified on Jan. 25 that he had not spoken directly to Ellison about the sale. Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison speaks about AI infrastructure in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on Jan. 21. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) Multiple American companies and entrepreneurs have also offered to buy TikTok from ByteDance, including Frank McCourt, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the founder of Project Liberty, who pulled together a group of investors in December. One of those investors was Shark Tank host Kevin OLeary, who told Yahoo Finance that the group is willing to pay up to $20 billion for the app. Project Liberty announced on Jan. 9 that it had formally submitted a proposal to ByteDance to buy TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A creator on YouTube, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, posted on Jan. 15 that he had met with several billionaires and had an offer ready to buy TikTok as well. A spokesman for Donaldson, Matthew Hiltzik, told Yahoo News on Jan. 23 that while several potential buyers are in ongoing discussions with Jimmy, he has no exclusive agreements with any of them. Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese government officials discussed selling TikTok to Elon Musk, who also owns X. However, Musk said at an economic summit in late January that he did not have an interest in buying the app. Ive not put in a bid for TikTok, and I dont have any plans for what would I do if I had TikTok, Musk said in a video released on Feb. 8 by the Welt Group, which hosted the summit. He later said that he doesn't use the platform and isnt familiar with it. I do not acquire companies in general, its quite rare, he continued, clarifying that his 2022 acquisition of X, formerly known as Twitter, was "unusual." Companies like Oracle, Walmart and Microsoft expressed interest in buying TikTok back in 2020. Trump told reporters on Jan. 27 that Microsoft was once again in talks to buy TikTok, although Microsoft never publicly commented on the matter. Back in 2021, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called the failed deal the "strangest thing I've ever worked on." By Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian corn, a key element in the country's grain sector, could benefit from the tariffs imposed by the U.S., as it is able to partially substitute for U.S. corn if retaliatory sanctions are imposed, analysts said on Thursday. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10% minimum tariff on most imports, with significantly higher duties on goods from dozens of countries including China, which is likely to prompt countermeasures potentially driving up prices and reducing demand for U.S. goods. Ukraine is a major global corn grower and exporter. "If key importers do end up imposing tariffs on U.S. corn, it will open a huge window of opportunity for alternative suppliers," ASAP Agri consultancy said in a statement. "Ukrainian corn is in a strong position here: competitive pricing, stable logistics, and close ties with the European Union and Asian markets," it added. The consultancy said Brazil is first in line, but its harvest cannot cover all the demand and that is where Ukraine can step in and claim its share. Another consultancy, Barva Invest, said Ukraine perceives the U.S. as an export competitor in the grains and oilseeds market, not a trading partner, and potential counter-restrictions by other countries on U.S. exports will have the greatest impact. It added that the EU, Australia and China are most likely to impose such measures which opens up strategic opportunities for Ukraine where it competes directly with the U.S. "First of all, this is the market for corn, soybeans and wheat, more indirectly for rapeseed, sunflower oil and barley," Barva Invest said on Telegram messenger. Ukraine produced 32 million metric tons of corn in 2023 and 26 million tons in 2024. The country exported almost 30 million tons in the 2023/24 season and is likely to ship abroad 22 million tons in 2024/25, according to the UCAB business association. Farmers are likely to increase areas sown for corn this year as corn export prices are lucrative. Ukraine also harvested a record 6.2 million tons of soybean in 2024 and around half of the volume could be exported this season. Ukraine's 2025 soybean crop could be between 5.8 and 6.2 million tons and the final volume will depend on the presence or absence of rain in May and June. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Ed Osmond) The New Jersey man who vandalized the Rutgers Islamic center last year was sentenced on Wednesday to six months in prison. Jacob Beacher, 25, was also fined $19,345 and will be placed under supervised release for one year after he gets released, reported the Central New Jersey Home News Tribune. Beacher, a North Plainfield resident, had been out on bail despite pleading guilty in October 2024 to the federal hate crime of destroying religious property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 10, 2024, the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid-al-Fitr, Beacher broke into the Center for Islamic Life on Rutgers New Brunswick campus. No one was inside the building when Beacher entered around 3 a.m., but he damaged about $40,000 worth of property inside, according to authorities. Beacher targeted several religious artifacts and items that contained holy language from the Quran, cops said. Additionally, he stole a Palestinian flag and a charity box belonging to the center. Jacob Beacher admitted he intentionally broke into the Center for Islamic Life during the holy Eid-al-Fitr holiday and damaged and destroyed religious artifacts because of the Islamic faith of those associated with the facility, then-New Jersey U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said when Beacher pleaded guilty. With News Wire Services South Korea's Constitutional Court is set to announce its ruling on Friday in the impeachment trial of suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol. The verdict, expected at 0200 GMT, will play a decisive role in shaping the country's future. If the judges reject Yoon's impeachment, the 64-year-old will immediately return to the presidency. However, if the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will lose his political power and new elections must be held within two months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On December 3, the right-wing conservative briefly declared martial law during a budget dispute with the opposition, plunging the country into crisis and leading to his impeachment by parliament. Yoon justified his drastic measure by accusing the left-wing opposition of acting against the state and being infiltrated by communists, though no evidence has been provided to support these claims. The police have already announced plans to cordon off the area around the Constitutional Court in central Seoul. A total of 14,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed on Friday to prevent violent clashes. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22 FOX44) The leader of Vermonts National Guard delivered the first State of the Guard at the statehouse Wednesday night. The address was the first of its kind, detailing the guards recent activities both locally and across the nation. Major General Gregory Knight started off his speech by thanking lawmakers in attendance, including former longtime Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife Marcelle. The leader of the Vermont national guard also offered special thanks to guard members, including three who earned Purple Hearts during missions in Iraq in 2023. The important thing is showing people who may not know a whole lot about the guard all the things weve accomplished, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nick Fazio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His colleague, Sergeant Alex Jarvis added, Its very important to get the state legislature involved in the guard so they can better understand our mission and get the word out about our recruiting issues. The Adjutant General went on to describe national efforts, including stationing 100 guards on capitol hill after January 6, 2021. He also spoke on more recent efforts such as the deployment of over 200 air guardsmen to Japan and continuing international partnerships in North Macedonia, Senegal and Austria. He also touched on state-focused activities during COVID-19 and the 2023 and 2024 floods. Our Quick Reaction Force was directly engaged in saving the lives of 19 Vermonters, and their pets, from rising flood waters. They were there with our swift water rescue teams to evacuate hundreds more, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his speech, Knight also focused on the changing culture of the guard promising a no-tolerance policy for sexual assault, noting zero reported cases this year, and focusing on mental health resources for guards. Ive encouraged those returning from deployment to seek help when needed we dont have enough providers for me to refer them to. You can help us fix that. In closing, the Major General, who also announced he would not be seeking another term, asked lawmakers for help in growing the guard which he says has been struggling with recruitment. The state of our guard is strong, but with your help we can become even stronger and grow our capabilities and our capacity, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. NEVADA, Mo. An EF-1 tornado ripped through Vernon County, Missouri, just after 7:30 on Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service confirmed that the twister touched down southwest of Moundville, then traveled northeast through Nevada, ending near the town of Walker, Missouri. In Nevada, a drive down Austin Boulevard will take you right past some of the damage. You can see inside the Nevada Oaks complex from the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a shock, said owner Eldridge Snyder. Answering your questions about President Trumps reciprocal tariffs The complex is used as student housing for folks attending the Missouri Welding Institute. Luckily, all my students were at school, so nobody got hurt here. Thats the main thing. Nevada City Manager Gary Edwards said that no one had died in the tornado, and they had only confirmed one person injured. The city is lucky, he said in a press conference on Wednesday evening. The city escaped the potential, and individuals and citizens escaped potential damage and worse. So, were thankful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards also said that more than 4800 people lost power as a result of the storm. By the evening, around 1000 people were still waiting for their power to be restored. Edwards shared that in addition to Evergys crews, 38 other electrical trucks were heading to help in Nevada. Shawna Davis stays across the street from Nevada Oaks. She was surveying the damage and was in disbelief. Its really wild to see it on TV, she said. But when its in front of your face, in your own town, thats a whole different ballgame. She glanced over at a house that had half of the roof torn off. FOX4 Forecast: A few showers tomorrow Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant stop looking at it. Its just very annoying and shocking that our town has been destroyed by this. At Nevada Oaks, they plan to repair the units but know it will take time. This is my retirement here and its been a good retirement until now so far, Snyder said. But Im sure we can get back together. So, everybody, keep us in your prayers so we can get back to business here and get the boys back in some good beds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A vet has been suspended after she prescribed pet medication for her fathers severe back pain. Anca Bucur created a fraudulent prescription for tramadol, which is intended for animal use, to help her father, whom she said could barely walk when he visited her in the UK. She sent her partner to collect the medication but the pharmacist found him to be suspicious when he got the name of the dog on the prescription wrong. They refused to dispense the medication and contacted Atherton Veterinary Centre, Dr Bucurs surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite offering a fulsome and genuine apology, Dr Bucur was suspended for two months for creating a risk for her fathers health. A Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons tribunal heard that on April 17 last year, Dr Bucur accessed the clinical record of a dog called Murphy, which belonged to a pet owner who used the surgery. It was alleged that Dr Bucur added details to the clinical records of Murphy, prescribing 60 tramadol tablets. Tramadol is a strong painkiller. The vet printed the prescription so it could be presented at a pharmacy. It was alleged that having made the prescription, she deleted all reference to it from Murphys clinical record. Dr Bucur was then said to have marked the prescription with the practices official stamp, and signed it as the prescribing veterinary surgeon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 20, her partner visited a pharmacy in Liverpool and presented the prescription. The pharmacist serving him became suspicious because he appeared to be in a rush and had given a different name of a dog to that which appeared on the prescription. The pharmacist declined to dispense the tramadol and retained the prescription, the tribunal said. Dr Bucur was distressed and agitated On April 22, the pharmacist contacted Dr Bucurs practice, which led to the clinical director reviewing the copy of the prescription. The executive saw Dr Bucurs name and recognised her signature. He checked Murphys clinical records and found no reference to the tramadol prescription, the tribunal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clinical director told the pharmacist the prescription appeared to be fraudulent, advising her not to dispense it and to contact the police if appropriate. When questioned, Dr Bucur appeared to be very distressed and agitated. The vet explained that her father had been experiencing severe back pain and at times, could barely walk. She said he had come to visit the UK with her mother and refused to seek appropriate treatment from a doctor, after suffering side effects from medication that had previously been supplied. It was heard he had previously benefitted from taking his wifes tramadol medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Dr Bucur spoke with her clinical director, she was very apologetic and kept repeating what have I done?, it was heard. The vet was said to have realised her error of judgment when the pharmacist refused the prescription. Her motivation had been to assist her father, out of concern for his health, the tribunal said. The vet was suspended and a formal disciplinary hearing took place, which resulted in her suspension. Important principles breached The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons said Dr Bucurs conduct had been dishonest and misleading. It was argued that she had directly breached a number of the most important principles of the profession, namely the promotion of human health and the responsible use of medicines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee found Dr Bucur guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect. The tribunal said: The committee found that [Dr Bucur] had acted recklessly with regard to the potential effects of a controlled, addictive drug, in the absence of proper professional qualification or full clinical information about her fathers medical history. The committee had found that [Dr Bucur] had acted dishonestly in issuing the prescription, had attempted concealment, by removing a record of prescription from the practice management system and had been reckless as to the appropriateness of the medication. The vet was described as a caring practitioner whose compassionate nature had caused her lapse in relation to the prescription in this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, the disciplinary committee said she had created a risk for her fathers health and so she was suspended for two months. 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. BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) On Thursday afternoon, Veterans Parkway will be temporarily closed for a procession escorting the remains of Pfc. Robert Lee Bryant. The southbound portion of the road will be closed from Shepard Road in Normal to Washington Street in Bloomington. Bryant was killed in action during World War II. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Bryant participated in Operation AVALANCHE, the invasion of Italy near Salerno in September 1943, while assigned to Company B, 4th Ranger Battalion, Darbys Rangers, in the Mediterranean Theater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 81 years, his remains were identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in September 2024. Soldiers remains returning to Bloomington after 81 years Bryants remains are being flown into Chicago Midway International Airport and then escorted to Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home. His family received permission to have his remains escorted by his great-great-nephew Adam Dillow, a Bloomington native who is stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas. Law enforcement is expecting the closure to last from about 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both the Bloomington Police Department and Normal Police Department ask the public to use alternate routes and to expect minor delays. Normal police said the department will update its Facebook page when the procession was closer to the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryants repatriation services are on April 12 at 1 p.m. at Park Hill Cemetery, with the processions beginning at 12:15 p.m. at the funeral home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MANHATTAN (KSNT) Serving more than two decades with the Army, Sergeant First Class John R. Thomas trained fellow soldiers around the globe before finding his forever home in the Sunflower State. Drafted into the Vietnam conflict, Thomas deployed overseas in the late 1960s. We was like a ready force, Thomas said. They would helicopter us in to an area right away looking, researching recon-ing. They sit there and watched us eat dinner. It was a regiment that wasnt looking to be found, they was hiding. When we got finished, the commander said right through there John, lets go. It lasted, I think they said 10 or 12 hours. It was a pretty good battle. Everybody had been looking for them, they was dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veteran Salute: Communicating for Kuwait combat During the conflict, Thomas was wounded in the wrist, shoulder and took shrapnel to the back of his leg. Thankfully the purple heart veteran had a swift recovery, and even saw a bit of divine intervention. If it wasnt for that dog tag on my leg, something hit it, he said. It was a good thing I had that side pocket, because it didnt go in my leg, it went into that and stayed there. The Sergeant didnt let those injuries deter him from serving. After some time stateside, he spent seven years with the 1st and 13th infantry in Germany, training U.S. and local soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were not too far from the Russian border, they kept us training all the time, Thomas said. Stay alert, you know. They warned us about the Russian could ride around freely. Dont give them no information, but report them when you see them. Training others abroad didnt stop there though. Veteran Salute: Keeping aircrafts sky bound In the summer we would go out and train the National Guard at different places, like Virginia and Puerto Rico, he said. Then we went on Reforgers. Thomas approached his leadership role with compassion, and saw himself as a father figure for the younger soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I learned from the older generation with how they treat em and everything, Thomas said. I treat em like men, not like hollering at them or anything. I was never at that level of hollering at people. I talked to them just like Im talking to you. Thomas would finish his service at Fort Riley, where he fell in love with the Manhattan community. Hes called that region home since 1989, and continues to give back nowadays by volunteering throughout the Flint Hills. For more Veteran Salute, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. LAKE CITY, Ark. (AP) Standing alongside the twisted steel tractors on his family farm in northeast Arkansas on Thursday, Danny Qualls looked on while friends and relatives helped him begin cleaning up. The home where he spent his childhood but no longer lives was flattened by one of many tornadoes that left behind destruction from Oklahoma to Indiana the first in a round of storms expected to bring historic rains and life-threatening flash floods across the nations midsection in the coming days. My husband has been extremely tearful and emotional, but he also knows that we have to do the work, Rhonda Qualls said. He was in shock last night, cried himself to sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least seven people were killed in Tennessee, Missouri and Indiana in the initial wave on Wednesday and early Thursday that spawned powerful tornadoes one of which launched light debris nearly 5 miles (8 kilometers) into the air above Arkansas. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said it was too early to know whether there were more deaths as searches persisted. The devastation is enormous. Whats most difficult about it is, you know that those are lives destroyed, Lee said in the hard-hit town of Selmer. In some cases, true life lost, but in other cases, everything people owned, up in trees. Lee said during an evening news conference that entire neighborhoods in Selmer were completely wiped out and warned people across the state not to let their guard down with more severe weather predicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who died included a Tennessee man and his teen daughter whose home was destroyed, and a man whose pickup struck downed power lines in Indiana. In Missouri, 68-year-old Garry Moore, who was chief of the Whitewater Fire Protection District, died while likely trying to help a stranded motorist, according to Highway Patrol spokesperson Sgt. Clark Parrott. Forecasters warned Thursday of catastrophic weather soon ahead. Satellite imagery showed thunderstorms lining up like freight trains taking the same tracks over communities in Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky, according to the national Weather Prediction Center in Maryland. The bull's-eye centered on a swath along the Mississippi River and included the more than 1.3 million people around Memphis, Tennessee. More than 90 million people were at risk of severe weather from Texas to Minnesota to Maine, according to the Oklahoma-based Storm Prediction Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flash flood threat looms over many states Round after round of heavy rains were expected in the central U.S. through Saturday and could produce dangerous flash floods capable of sweeping away cars. The potent storm system will bring significant, life-threatening flash flooding each day, the National Weather Service said. With more than a foot (30 centimeters) of rain possible over the next four days, the prolonged deluge is something that happens once in a generation to once in a lifetime, the weather service said. Historic rainfall totals and impacts are possible. Water rescue teams and sandbagging operations were being staged across the region, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency was ready to distribute food, water, cots and generators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Water rescues were already underway in flooded parts of Nashville, Tennessee, where the rain could persist for days after an unnerving night of tornado warnings that drained the batteries of some city sirens, the fire department said. Western Kentucky braced for record rain and flooding in places that normally do not get inundated, Gov. Andy Beshear said. At least 25 state highways were swamped, mostly in the west, according to a statement from his office. Flash flooding is particularly worrisome in rural areas of the state where water can quickly rush off the mountains into the hollows. Less than four years ago, dozens died in flooding across eastern Kentucky. Extreme flooding across the corridor that includes Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis, which have major cargo hubs, could also lead to shipping and supply chain delays, said Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forecasters attributed the violent weather to warm temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong wind shear and abundant moisture streaming from the Gulf. Tornadoes leave path of damage, and more could be coming Under darkened skies Thursday morning, the remains of a used car dealership in Selmer stood roofless and gutted, with debris scattered across the car lot and wrapped around mangled trees. Some homes were leveled to their foundations in the Tennessee town, where three tornadoes were suspected of touching down. Thank God we came out without a scratch, said Willie Barnes, who had only enough time to get into a bathroom with his wife before the storm wrecked his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessee Highway Patrol released video of lightning illuminating the sky as first responders scoured the ruins of a home, looking for anyone trapped. In neighboring Arkansas, a tornado near Blytheville lofted debris at least 25,000 feet (7.6 kilometers) high, according to weather service meteorologist Chelly Amin. The state's emergency management office reported damage in 22 counties from tornadoes, wind, hail and flash flooding. Workers on bulldozers cleared rubble along the highway that crosses through Lake City, where a tornado with winds of 150 mph (241 kph) sheared roofs off homes, collapsed brick walls and tossed cars into trees. Mississippi's governor said at least 60 homes were damaged. And in far western Kentucky, four people were injured while taking shelter in a vehicle under a church carport, according to the emergency management office in Ballard County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ This story has been updated to correct that Lake City is in northeast Arkansas, not northwest. ___ Walker IV reported from Selmer, Tennessee, and Seewer from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press writers Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee, Seth Borenstein in Washington; Isabella O'Malley in Philadelphia; Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire; Bruce Schreiner in Louisville, Kentucky; Jeff Martin in Atlanta; Hallie Golden in Seattle; and Ed White in Detroit contributed. RICHMOND The General Assembly started about two hours late at its reconvened session Wednesday because of an apparent discord over a judicial nomination for a Virginia Beach court. The drama started when the confirmations, expected to be passed in both chambers quickly, ground to a halt, apparently over conflict surrounding Aaron Kass, an attorney in Portsmouth. The General Assembly voted to confirm Junius Fulton from the Virginia Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court of Virginia, then for Virginia Beach Circuit Judge Kevin Duffan to take the appellate seat. That meant there was an opening on the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and Democratic lawmakers were putting Kass name into consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the delay dragged on, House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, told reporters he was hearing rumors that Senate Republicans were concerned, specifically, that Kass is Jewish, saying that there was already Jewish representation on the bench. Before the Senate voted to approve HR 6005, a block of judicial appointments, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell D-Fairfax said the resolution does not include election of a certain judge in Virginia Beach. Ultimately, both the House and the Senate voted to approve the resolution, with Kass off the slate of nominees. Sen. Bill DeSteph, R-Virginia Beach, said the rumor about the reasons for concern about Kass appointment is unfounded. He said he learned about Kass potential appointment Tuesday, and the rest of the delegation was similarly unaware until late in the day. DeSteph previously nominated Kass for another judgeship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Kass) is a personal friend, DeSteph said. I think the world of him, and I nominated him the last time when we brought him up here and invited him out for interviews with the entire delegation. That didnt happen this time. Half my delegation doesnt know who he is. DeSteph said the Virginia Beach Bar Association had also not yet weighed in on Kass qualifications, though it vetted him previously. Traditionally, the General Assembly seeks evaluation of potential judicial nominees by the local bar association prior to appointment, he said. Despite this well-established practice, Democrats have falsely claimed that opposition to a recent nomination for a vacancy in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court which emerged without warning just hours before the Special Session without any bar association review was based on the candidates religious background. This accusation is not only untrue but represents a regrettable attempt to politicize the process through false claims. Scott said he had heard the allegations from Jewish constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had friends from the Jewish community calling, Scott said. Im not Jewish. I dont know that. I didnt make it up. Jewish people called me and said they believed that hes being blocked because hes Jewish, because thats the history in Virginia Beach. Last year was the first time in 20 years that a Jewish judge was placed on the bench. The second year we try to put one more on, and then hes blocked. A year ago, lawmakers elected Scott Joseph Flax, who is Jewish, to a spot on the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Jewish News reported last year he was the third Jewish circuit court judge appointed in Virginia Beach. The other two Jewish judges are no longer on the bench there. Kass, 45, lives in Virginia Beach but has a law office in Portsmouth. He did not return a phone call seeking comment on Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I see becoming a Circuit Court judge as a perfect way of combining my professional experience with my desire to be engaged with my community, Kass told a joint session of the House and Senate Courts of Justice Committees on Tuesday. Kass said hes been a practicing attorney for more than 19 years, working mostly on personal injury and insurance matters in recent years. The first part of his career, he said, he handled criminal and traffic matters as a court-appointed lawyer. Outside of work, he said, he spends time with his family, serves on the boards of three-different nonprofit organizations his synagogue, a school and a summer camp. He also organizes food drives for three different bar associations, and serves on a committee for the Virginia State Bar that investigates misconduct cases against local lawyers. Kass nomination could be revisited at another time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well be back up here for special session at least one or two more times, so we have the opportunity to get it done then, and we have the opportunity to run through the process properly, DeSteph said. When the General Assemblys legislative session finally began, the House voted to lump most of Gov. Glenn Youngkins 95 vetoes into a single block. Those 82 vetoes were immediately sustained. Democrats spoke on bills that would have raised the minimum wage, banned assault firearms, and prevented the purge of voter registration records 90 days before an election, saying with each speech that Republicans were afraid to stand up to President Donald Trump. But Democrats lacked the two-thirds majority required to overturn any of vetoes, meaning all of those bills are now dead. Votes on the the governors proposed amendments were still ongoing as of press time Wednesday. Negotiations to enable US accountants to practise in the UK, and vice versa, have stalled amid disagreements, including how to evaluate the standard of American audit training, the Financial Times has reported. The proposed agreement, which would allow US accountants to practise in the UK and UK accountants to work in the US, was intended to facilitate the movement of auditors at top firms, especially when working on audits for large banks and dual-listed companies. The pilot programme, first agreed in 2018 between professional bodies in the US and Scotland, had allowed limited recognition of each others accounting qualifications. This agreement, which was extended twice while talks continued, ultimately expired in 2024. Efforts to expand the arrangement to include accountants qualified in England and Wales, and to enable Americans to undertake audit work in the UK, have faltered, people familiar with the negotiations told the FT. I would describe the process as suspended, not ended, said Bruce Cartwright, CEO of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland told the publication. The UK government had expressed support for mutual recognition agreements. The Big Four accounting firms including Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC, have also backed the idea. Cartwright remarked, We shouldnt underestimate the complexity of these big financial institutions. If there is senior audit expertise available in the US that could be brought to London and vice versa, then that would be good for everybody. A key point of contention, according to the report, has been the requirement for UK accountants to complete additional work before being able to add an audit qualification, necessary to sign off on financial accounts. Cartwright explained that while there was general agreement that US audit experience could count towards a UK qualification, it proved difficult to establish an oversight system to ensure American auditors possessed the required skills. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has expressed that, in general, US CPAs should receive the same recognition as licensed accountants from other countries, the report said. Another issue has been the US's refusal to include one of the three main UK bodies that provide audit qualifications in the negotiations. While the AICPA has been in talks with two professional bodies the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the second-largest UK body, has been excluded. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Virginia lawmakers addressed scores of legislative vetoes and amendments from Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday, including the governor's 205 revisions to the state's budget bill that were decisively nixed by the Democratic-led General Assembly. The one-day session in Richmond comes after Youngkin vetoed 158 bills that blocked Democrats attempts to reintroduce legislation nearly identical to what they proposed unsuccessfully last year. He also amended about 160 others. Many of the governor's 205 amendments to the Virginia House budget bill would have trimmed the proposed state spending provisions approved in February in favor of adding $300 million in additional funds to Virginias coffers on top of nearly $295 million already slated to be set aside over the biennium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youngkin's edits, however, were largely rejected by Democrats wielding power in both chambers, who accepted just 33 of Youngkin's proposed budget revisions and scrapped the remaining amendments. Youngkin also submitted eight line-item budget vetoes, six of which were sustained by lawmakers. Democratic House Speaker Don Scott ruled out of order Youngkins other two vetos, which would have upended funding for a manufactured home acquisition program and a mortgage assistance program. In ignoring most of Youngkin's budget amendments, Democrats cemented their budget plans to lift a spending cap for public schools support services. They also staved off Youngkin's attempts to eliminate a $15 million amendment establishing a first-time homebuyer program. Youngkin added a budget amendment authorizing the consideration of establishing Oak Hill, the home of former President James Monroe, as a state park. A House bill to that effect failed in the Senate during the session. But the House of Delegates nixed the governor's revision, effectively killing the project this budget cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not going to allow the governor to basically shift money away from the priorities that Democrats had demonstrated when we passed the budget back in February, Democratic Sen. Mamie Locke said late Wednesday to a group of reporters about the bill at large. Senate Democrat Adam Ebbin added: He may say it with a smile, but hes got the same spirit as President Trump. Those were needless amendments. Lawmakers also addressed the governor's other legislative actions, though they did not override any of Youngkin's vetoes. Democrats, who have a thin majority in both chambers, needed a two-thirds supermajority to override Youngkins vetoes. Lawmakers instead mainly spent Wednesday addressing the budget bill and amendments to other legislation, which they only needed a simple majority to act on. Now, Youngkin has about a month to review all remaining bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the next 30 days I will review and take final action on the bills and budget amendments that have been sent back to my desk, Youngkin said in a statement Wednesday. Thank you again to the General Assembly members for their work throughout this legislative session. Lawmakers rejected Youngkin's amendment to a bill requiring the state to increase oversight on pharmacy benefits managers, which set the costs for prescription drugs. Youngkin proposed the issue be studied. They also rejected his suggestion that a bill banning personal property taxes for the United Daughters of the Confederacy be taken up next year following a tax review. Still, the governor gets the final say on any legislation that arrives at his desk for a signature after Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Except in one instance: lawmakers can preemptively block Youngkin's say if they pass the bill in its original form with two-thirds support after rejecting the governor's amendments. After rejecting Youngkin's amendments, House lawmakers took up this rare move for bills creating a women's menstrual health program, implementing a study on whether infertility treatments should be supported by health insurance and seeking equal pay for midwives' services. But the Senate did not seek such action, making the House's passage moot. ___ Olivia Diaz 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. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) Eight members of Virginia Task Force 2 based out of Virginia Beach were deployed to Kentucky following severe weather in the area Tuesday. Violent storms cut through the South and Midwest, spawning tornadoes and killing 3 According to a release, the team was activated around 7 p.m. Tuesday after preparing its incident support team cache. Once the members arrived in Louisville, Kentucky Thursday morning, they were expected to meet with the FEMA incident support team and other local agencies to assist when needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10 On Your Side spoke with the team as they got there. One team member said they were currently waiting to hear what area has had the most impact to see where they will be sent. They brought two tractor trailers, a communications vehicle and a command vehicle, all to help Kentucky residents still reeling from the aftermath of weather. We heard a bunch of noises, of course, including one time when we heard something rubbing against the house, said Stephen Bolster, a Kentucky resident, speaking to WAVY sister station WDKY about the weather. We thought it was just wind pushing something by. [I] said, Gosh, we escaped another one. Were lucky. The severe weather tore through cities in the South and Midwest, bringing violent tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding. As of Thursday morning, three people were reported dead as a result of the storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. The Trump administration revoked visas for "a small number" of international students at the University of Cincinnati, the school's president said in an email Thursday evening. The university learned that the F-1 visas of those students were revoked by the Department of Homeland Security. UC President Neville Pinto said the school was not contacted by the department or given specific reasons for the students' visas being revoked. F-1 visas allow international students to study in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "UC representatives are in touch with each of our impacted students, and we are doing what we can to support them during this incredibly challenging time," Pinto said in the letter addressed to the campus community. The Enquirer has reached out to the university for more information. When asked why they revoked UC students' visas, a U.S. State Department spokesperson declined to comment to The Enquirer about their cases. The spokesperson said generally there is zero-tolerance for non-citizens who violate U.S. laws, adding that those who break the law could get their visas revoked and possibly be deported. The revocation for some students at UC comes as a handful of students at universities across the country have had their visas revoked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration issued an executive order earlier this year prompting the U.S. State Department to do a full review of all visa programs and ensure foreign nationals do not pose a threat to national security, a spokesperson for the agency told The Enquirer's network partner USA TODAY. In particular, federal officials have targeted pro-Palestine students in ongoing protests across the country. On Tuesday, UC campus police arrested a student with a Palestinian flag after they said he was impeding other demonstrators on campus. UC is home to around 4,600 international students, roughly 9 percent of its student body, according to the school's most recent enrollment numbers. This story may be updated. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Visas of University of Cincinnati international students revoked (KRON) A weeks-long disruption of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) service was due to a workers strike. Full service is now expected to resume Thursday morning, the VTA announced. VTAs Green Line service was the last transit route to be restored following the VTA strike that began in March. Service was supposed to be restored earlier, but copper wire thefts as KRON4 reported Monday caused a days-long delay for light rail service to return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Light rail service being fully restored comes after a nearly three-week strike by employees that halted all VTA operations. The strike ended on Wednesday, March 26 when a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge ordered an end to the strike. VTA workers with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 were on strike for 17 days, seeking increased pay and benefits. The county judge ruled an end to the strike after citing a no-strike ordinance clause in the unions contract with the VTA. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Days after a deadly fire at a Ceres mobile home park that lacks electricity, gas and running water, city officials gathered there to decry the living conditions and their lack of authority to do much about the issue. A fire broke out Monday night at Lazy Wheels Mobile Home Park, leaving one person dead. The blaze encompassed a shed, a car and piles of trash. The victim had not been identified as of Wednesday, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to the Ceres Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About two weeks earlier, the California Department of Housing and Community Development inspected the property but did not red-tag any homes, meaning marking them unsafe or unlivable. At a news conference held at the park Wednesday, Ceres officials questioned HCDs inspection standards and raised concerns about the living conditions there. Mayor Javier Lopez said problems at the park have persisted for years but the citys ability to intervene is limited because mobile home parks fall under state jurisdiction. Sometimes your hands are tied, but its not fair for a person to die, Lopez said. He said he has been in contact with the state in hopes the city will be given authority to clean up the site. The state recently turned over the matter to the Stanislaus County District Attorneys Office, Lopez said. Ceres Mayor Javier Lopez and Councilmember Cerina Otero, right, visit the site of a deadly fire at the Lazy Wheels mobile home park in Ceres, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. In a statement to The Bee, Kyle Krause, deputy director of codes and standards at HCD, said the agency suspended the parks permit to operate in January 2024 due to unresolved Health and Safety Code violations. The case was then referred to Stanislaus County for civil nuisance abatement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Krause confirmed that HCD was on site two weeks ago at the countys request to discuss ongoing violations, which the city and county must now address through the civil nuisance abatement process. Generally, any further action within the Park would be taken by the County and/or City, not HCD. HCD has tried to contact the city regarding the status but has not received a call back, Krause stated. Even before Mondays fire, city officials had been discussing potential cleanups, the displacement of residents and possible actions the city could take. Lopez added that they were seeking further clarification from the housing agency on the extent of their authority. I really feel that the state is being very irresponsible. Theyre not doing what should be done, and even if its their jurisdiction, it is still our backyard, Lopez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Manager Doug Dunford said Ceres role is largely limited to notifying the state about issues at the mobile home park. He added that residents lost access to running water seven years ago and have since relied on bottled water. Additionally, the Turlock Irrigation District has shut off their electricity for months. By walking through here, you cannot tell me that these homes are in perfect condition, or shouldnt be red-tagged, Dunford said. An unidentified person died in a shed fire at the Lazy Wheels mobile home park in Ceres, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Assemblyman Juan Alanis sent a letter Thursday to the director of HCD requesting a meeting to review the inspection process and discuss steps to improve safety at mobile home parks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I share the City of Ceres concerns regarding this entire tragedy, said Alanis in a statement. Specifically, I want to hear from the Department why, according to media reports and local decision makers, no homes were red-tagged, and what the Department plans to do to address the unsafe conditions at this mobile home park before further harm occurs. The status quo is clearly unacceptable, and the Department needs to be open, honest and transparent about this situation. Lt. Jeff Godfrey of the Ceres Police Department said this is the second death at the park CPD has responded to since 2020. While calls for service there are similar to other neighborhoods, he noted that jurisdictional issues make enforcement more difficult. In other areas, if officers respond to a call and find hazardous living conditions, the citys code enforcement division can step in to red-tag properties and address the issues. However, at mobile park homes, that authority falls under the state. Godfrey shared an instance where he received calls for service regarding an elderly woman with mental health issues. Her family member had allowed her to live in hazardous conditions, and she had developed bed sores and had been hospitalized for months. Because of jurisdictional issues, Godfrey couldnt do anything about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats where it really ties our hand and prevents us from really doing quality-of-life stuff, cleaning this thing up and getting services, Godfrey said. He emphasized the need for a strong partnership between law enforcement, county services and the state. While inspecting the burned shed, Ceres Councilmember Rosalinda Vierra expressed surprise that HCD did not tag it during its inspection. She also brought up how the housing crisis has driven people to purchase metal sheds as places to live, likely because they have no other options. I think thats an interesting aspect to look at, too, Vierra said. CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A Waldorf man is facing over 10 years in federal prison for several armed robberies at convenience stores across Maryland, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. In an announcement on Wednesday, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Maryland (USAO) said 45-year-old Daniel Michael Harris pleaded guilty to committing an armed robbery while using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to the guilty plea, Harris and his co-conspirators planned four armed robberies in Prince Georges, Charles County and Montgomery counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC man indicted after allegedly pushing 2-year-old down escalator The attorneys office said that between March 23 and March 28, 2023, Harris and co-conspirators robbed two convenience stores in Prince Georges County. During the robbery, Harris took out a shotgun, and the group stole cash and several packs of cigarettes. On April 5, Harris and the group robbed another convenience store in Charles County, where they took cash, a wallet and a phone from an employee. Owners of DC wine bar express concerns over new tariff policy The next day, the group robbed a convenience store in Montgomery County. During this robbery, the group also took cash and a store employees purse and phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November of 2023, the Charles County Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant at Harriss storage unit and discovered clothing and the shotgun he used in the robberies. The USAO noted that Harris and the government agreed that if the court accepted the plea agreement, he would face 13 to 17 years in prison. Harriss sentencing is scheduled for July 18. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. LATEST UPDATE: Lancaster Walmart reopens after shootout; 3 arrested, 3 more involved, possible gang links LANCASTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The Lancaster Walmart was closed for more than 24 hours following a shootout inside the stores automotive section on Tuesday afternoon. Officers have arrested at least two people in connection with the shooting. The gunmen allegedly opened fire inside the store located on SC Hwy 9 Bypass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was in shock, said Ulacey Stephenson, a shopper. I mean, Ive heard how this happens in Charlotte and big places, but in Lancaster, I cannot believe it. SC attorney general warns against gore-seeking online trend among teens Stephenson is one of several Walmart shoppers who came to the Lancaster store Wednesday afternoon, hoping to go inside. I was coming here to shop, but I got here and I asked if they were open, and they said no, she said. Instead, she was met with a nearly empty parking lot and a police car parked at the entrance. The store first closed Tuesday afternoon when law enforcement got a call about shots fired in the stores automotive section, after a fight broke out between a group of people. Lareakus Antonio Cunningham Jr. and NaRickio Laquan Mickle. (Lancaster Police Department) Lareakus Cunningham, 18, and NaRickio Mickle, 19, are both facing several charges, including attempted murder. Officers say they will arrest a third suspect once hes released from the hospital. Theyre also searching for a juvenile they say was involved, along with two other suspects, making it six in total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators told Queen City News that these suspects know each other, but they arent able to confirm what started the fight at this time. As for shoppers, many of them will think twice the next time they enter this Walmart. Its going to make me think a lot, said Stephenson. Be more cautious, more observant when Im in there, but hopefully well get back to normal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) Members of two Polk County families said they are devastated over decisions by the Trump administration that threaten to deport their loved ones back to Haiti, a war-torn, gang-controlled country. These are people. This is not stuff that were moving around. These are peoples lives, said Dawn Chappelear. Hillsborough commissioners vote to join state DOGE effort Chappelear and her husband, John, moved to Haiti in 2013 to do full-time missionary work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During their time there, they met Cabila Toussaint, a Haitian boy. Due to issues with paperwork and age restrictions, they were never able to legally adopt him but they consider each other family. Over the years, Toussaint, who is now 28 years old, said he went back and forth from the United States to Haiti on travel visas. The last time he was there, he said, he was robbed twice. I would rather get shot right away instead of going back to Haiti right now, a place where people are dying and they cannot find the body or they cannot bury them, said Toussaint. In May 2024, Toussaint was granted humanitarian parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very disturbing: Canadians flee Florida, worrying business owners He said he was recently promoted at his job at a national retail chain in Winter Haven. I was supposed to be here for two years and I love it and I want to stay longer, said Toussaint. He said he wants to keep working in the U.S. so he can send money back to his friends and family in Haiti. His status in America is in jeopardy after the Trump administration announced it is rescinding Haitis temporary protection status. A Department of Homeland Security said the program has been abused and exploited for decades. President Trump and Secretary Noem are returning TPS to its original status: temporary, read a statement from a DHS spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis slams Randy Fine after Florida election win, calls him a squish who repels people The move rescinds an 18-month extension put in place by the Biden administration. I can honestly say that I regret voting for Trump. What is happening now is not what was forecasted. Its not what was stated, said Chappelear. Toussaint, and others on humanitarian parole from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, could face deportation starting April 24. We help people. We do things to stand in the gap when people are in need and this doesnt look like that at all, said John Chappelear about American values. As a country, we gave our word to them and now were backing off of that and its disheartening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weapons continue to flow into Haiti and the people continue to be terrorized there, said Stacey Angulo. Angulo said she also supported President Trumps election and grapples with whether she would support him knowing what she knows now. The platform that I felt like I took away from his campaign was were going to go after the criminals and even maybe the illegals, said Angulo. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Angulo adopted her son Marven, who is now 15 years old. In 2023, Marvens biological mother and sister, who do not wish to be identified, were granted humanitarian parole and last year, received temporary protected status. The document granting that status said it was valid through February 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both women have jobs in the community, according to Angulo. With the Trump administration revoking Haitis temporary protected status, Marvens family members could be deported. Angulo said she is confused by the letter which states their humanitarian parole will be revoked on April 24 but other DHS announcements have stated temporary protection status recipients have until August 3. Either way were facing a potential risk of deportation into a completely war-torn country, said Angulo. If you have 211,000 Haitians that are now sent back to their country with American ties and American families, so to speak, how is that going to play out with gangs that are already notorious for kidnappings and ransoms? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The families said they are seeking help from legal counsel and a meeting with Rep. Scott Franklins office. They are also watching national lawsuits closely, including one involving Venezuelan TPS recipients. Its not just painful for our family, its painful for their work family, their neighbors, the people theyve built relationships with, the people in our church who have come to know them, said Angulo. News Channel 8 reached out to Rep. Franklins office for comment and has 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 WFLA. (Reuters) -Visa has offered Apple (AAPL) roughly $100 million to take over the tech giant's credit card partnership from Mastercard, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. Visa has made a bold push to secure the Apple Card, offering an upfront payment typically reserved for the largest card programs, WSJ reported. Visa declined to Reuters' request for comment. American Express is also trying to unseat Mastercard to win the Apple card. Amex is looking to become the card's issuer as well as the network, the report said, citing the sources. Goldman Sachs and Apple, which launched their credit card partnership in 2019 with Mastercard as the payment processor, have ended the alliance, according to a report from November 2023. Several financial firms are vying to replace Goldman as the credit card partner. Reuters reported in January that Apple was in talks with Barclays and Synchrony Financial to become the tech giant's credit card partner. JPMorgan Chase has also been in talks with Apple about the business since last year, Reuters had reported previously. Goldman entered the consumer business nearly a decade ago, aiming to broaden its revenue beyond its traditional mainstays of trading and investment banking. By late 2022, the Wall Street powerhouse decided to scale down its retail ambitions after setting aside billions of dollars to cover potential losses in the business. (Reporting by Prakhar Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas) Norwich Personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies swarmed an area on Boswell Avenue Thursday morning, fired flash bangs and arrested a man wanted on firearms charges, police said. Police arrested Tremaine Dowdel of Norwich, a man with a criminal history that most recently included a federal conviction in connection with an assault and shooting in New London in 2019, records show. Norwich police Lt. Kyle Besse said no injuries were reported in Thursdays operation and no shots were fired. Boswell Avenue, which was temporarily closed, has reopened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges against Dowdel were not immediately available. Besse said New London police and a federal agency held active warrants for Dowdels arrest. In 2021, Dowdell was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a Sept. 14, 2019 shooting at the H&T Mart on Ocean Avenue in New London. Dowdel was among four men who attacked a man outside the store and fired a shot towards the victim. During his arrest, police said he was found carrying a gun and 33 grams of crack cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Dowdel was a suspect in a separate shooting and robbery on Lake Street in Norwich the night after the New London shooting. Further details were not immediately available. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 21-year-old man turned himself in to the El Paso County Constable Office Precinct 3 on Wednesday, April 2, after he was wanted for smuggling and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, the County Constable Office said. Angel Javier Herrera, 21, contacted the County Constable Office from Juarez and said that deputies were looking for him and that he wanted to turn himself in. The County Constable Office confirmed that Herrera had an active personal recognizance bond warrant for two counts of smuggling of persons and an active criminal warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herrera was directed to turn himself in at one of the international bridges where Constable deputies would take him into custody, the County Constable Office said. Deputies were then notified through dispatch that Herrera was at the Paso Del Norte bridge and had turned himself into Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectros. A Constable sergeant then took custody of Herrera from CBP and he was booked into the El Paso County Jail with a $30,000 bond. Constable Bernal would like to remind citizens of El Paso County to stay vigilant and report crimes to law enforcement. Tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers El Paso at 915-566-8477 or online, the County Constable Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Warrensburg man was sentenced Wednesday for distributing and possessing child pornography. William Aloys Wameling, Jr., 39, was sentenced to a total of 25 years in federal prison without parole. He pleaded guilty to the charges on Aug. 27, 2024. KCK police continue search for missing 39-year-old father This is not his first offense; Wameling has a prior conviction for possession of child pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After serving his sentence, Wameling will be supervised by a probation officer. He has also been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $99,000 to the victims of his offenses. Wameling will be required to register as a sex offender after being released from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. WARSAW, N.C. (WNCT) The Warsaw Police Department are seeking help identifying a suspect who passed a counterfeit $100 bill at Warsaw Hardware. Photo curtesy of Warsaw Police Department The suspect was last seen leaving the area in a silver van-style vehicle. If you have any information that could assist in this investigation, please contact the Warsaw Police Department at (910) 293-7816 and ask to speak with a detective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) One day after President Trump introduced new tariffs, a Washington senator introduced a bipartisan bill to reassert Congress power in approving tariffs and setting trade policy. On Thursday, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025, which would reestablish limits on the presidents ability to impose unilateral tariffs without Congressional approval. The Trade Review Act would place limits on the presidents power to impose tariffs. These limits would require the president to notify Congress of a new tariff, or an increase in tariffs, within 48 hours. The notification must also include the reasoning behind the tariff along with an analysis of the potential impact the tariff could have on American businesses and consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon is doling out $11M in unclaimed funds. Heres how to find out if youre owed money The bill would also require Congress to pass a joint resolution approving new tariffs within 60 days, otherwise, all new tariffs on imports will expire after the deadline. Additionally, the bill would allow Congress to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution. Trade wars can be as devastating, which is why the Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade. This bill reasserts Congresss role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public. Arbitrarily tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses, Cantwell said. As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics Sen. Grassley added, For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch. Building on my previous efforts as Finance Committee Chairman, Im joining Senator Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reassert Congress constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy. Oregon Department of Education ends math, literacy programs after federal funding cuts The bill comes after President Trump introduced tariffs on Wednesday during a Liberation Day event at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These tariffs include a baseline 10% tariff on imports from all foreign countries, as reported by The Hill, noting around 60 countries deemed the worst offenders when it comes to trade barriers, will face a higher rate of tariffs. The 10% tariff will take effect Friday, while countries facing higher tariffs will see rates take effect on April 9. The president also announced a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles, which took effect on April 3. University of Oregon international students visa terminated by Homeland Security As reported by The Associated Press, the Trump administration declared an economic emergency to bypass Congress and impose the 10% tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in Americas history, Trump said. Its our declaration of economic independence. In the coming days, there will be complaints from the globalists, and the outsourcers, special interests, and fake news, Trump said. But never forget that every prediction our opponents made about trade for the last 30 years has been proven totally wrong. Feds crack down on illegal Portland Sunday Market selling LSD, ecstacy and mushrooms The White House emphasized that the tariffs are necessary for closing trade deficits and boosting manufacturing in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AP reports that American trade policy left a U.S. trade imbalance of $1.2 trillion in 2024, which some experts say should be addressed to ensure long-term economic strength. However, AP notes, many economists say the trade imbalances that Trump is looking to correct are based on more than countries just using high tariffs or protectionist trade practices to boost their own exports. Basing the White Houses tariff math solely on trade deficits, for instance, fails to take into account U.S. consumer demand. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Gov. Larry Rhodens Prison Project Reset task force entered its second day of meetings on Thursday. Amid prison reset, Lennox uses its $10.5 million from state The task force heard presentations from the South Dakota Department of Corrections on prison facilities and programs Thursday morning at the South Dakota Military Alliance in Sioux Falls. On Thursday morning, Ryan Brunner with Rhodens office, told the task force the state hired a new consultant Arrington Watkins for a new study on the DOC facilities. Brunner said the contract with Arrington Watkins is to not exceed $729,000 with a base contract price of $663,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be similar to how we hired DLR a few years ago, but we hired Arrington Watkins to take a fresh look at this, Brunner said. They just got their notice to proceed yesterday afternoon. KELOLAND News will have team coverage of Thursdays meeting online and in upcoming newscasts on Thursday. On Wednesday, the task force toured the proposed site in Lincoln County and the mens prison in Sioux Falls. The proposed project and proposed site has received strong resistance from opponents. The legislature did not pass funding for the proposed project. One thing I think is a given, no matter where you try to put this, youre going to have resistance from folks, task force member Republican Sen. Ernie Otten said in Wednesdays KELOLAND News story. Nobody wants a prison next door to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Otten lives around 10 miles from the Lincoln County site. The task force was created in February by Rhoden after the Legislature did not pass funding for a new mens prison in Lincoln County. The prison had a guaranteed maximum price of $825 million that expired on March 31. Rhoden said during his task force new conference that all the cards are on the table as to what a new plan could be. Rhoden selected lawmakers and other leaders for the task force. His plan for a task force also included finding a consultant to act as an advisor. Project Prison Reset next meeting in April 29 in Springfield which is the site of of the DOCs Mike Durfee prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. The Pentagons top watchdog has begun an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths use of Signal, a commercial messaging app, to plan military strikes on Yemen. Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins announced the inquiry Thursday in a letter sent to Hegseths office, asking for two points of contact within five days to help detail what information was shared and the decisions leading up to the communications. The investigation requested by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and ranking member Jack Reed, D-R.I., would be the first internal Pentagon review of Hegseths role in the group chat, made public last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In mid-March, top officials across the Trump administration used the app to plan attacks on Yemens Houthi rebels, an Iran-backed terrorist group that has targeted commercial ships transiting the Red Sea, an important route for global trade. The group mistakenly included a reporter from The Atlantic, who later published its contents after the administration argued they werent classified. Obviously classified: Experts say Hegseth chat leaks invited danger In those messages, Hegseth shared detailed information on imminent U.S. strikes, including what weapons would be used and when they would occur. Outside experts and former defense officials have argued the texts put American troops at higher risk and were almost certainly classified, something Hegseth has denied. Signal is encrypted but not permitted for sharing classified information according to Pentagon standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stebbins said the inquiry will probe whether Hegseth and others followed internal Pentagon standards for using such an app and properly handled classified material. The investigation will also cover records retention requirements for government communications. President Donald Trump thus far has dismissed calls to punish Hegseth or national security adviser Michael Waltz, who started the chat group. Hegseth has called the controversy a media distraction from the successful airstrikes in Yemen. Stebbins is serving as acting inspector general because Trump dismissed Robert Storch from the Senate-confirmed role as part of his firings of 17 inspectors general in January, less than a week after the presidential inauguration. LONDON (AP) Britains charity regulator has opened an investigation into an African charity co-founded by Prince Harry, a week after the prince and the organizations board of trustees resigned amid a dispute with the charitys chairwoman. Sentebale, which provides support for young people in Botswana and Lesotho, has been wracked by turmoil since Harry and his co-founder abruptly resigned March 26, saying the relationship between the board and its chair was beyond repair. Chair Sophie Chandauka later accused the prince of orchestrating a campaign of bullying and harassment to try to force her out. The Charity Commission said Thursday that it was in direct contact with parties on both sides to gather evidence in its compliance case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regulators focus, in line with its statutory remit, will be to determine whether the charitys current and former trustees, including its chair, have fulfilled their duties and responsibilities under charity law, the commission said in a statement. Chandauka criticized Harry in an interview with Sky News on Sunday, saying that filming for the princes latest Netflix program interfered with a scheduled fundraiser for Sentebale and an incident with his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, became a source of friction. Harry co-founded Sentebale, which means forget me not in the language of Lesotho, nearly 20 years ago in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. He said he hoped the Charity Commission would uncover the truth about what caused him to resign as patron of Sentebale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal, he said in a statement. No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself. Harrys resignation came as Chandauka made allegations of bullying, harassment, sexism and racism against unnamed board members. Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho were patrons of Sentebale but werent on the board of trustees. They said they decided to relinquish their roles as ambassadors for the charity to support the former trustees in their dispute with Chandauka. Chandauka, a corporate lawyer and businesswoman from Zimbabwe, welcomed the commissions actions and said she had reported various governance and administration issues to the agency in February. She also said Sentebale initiated its own internal review last year. We hope that, together, these actions will give the general public, our colleagues, partners, supporters, donors and the communities we serve comfort that Sentebale and its new Board of Trustees are acting appropriately to demonstrate and ensure good governance and a healthy culture for Sentebale to thrive," she said in a statement. Jakub Porzycki / NurPhoto / Getty Images Key Takeaways Walmart and Costco likely will be able to attract customers who need groceries, while negotiating competitive prices with vendors amid new tariffs, UBS analysts said. Consumers will still need essentials, which may bode well for other supermarket chains and auto-parts companies, UBS added. Off-price retailers, such as T.J. Maxx and Burlington Stores, are also relatively well-positioned for heightened tariffs, the bank said. Big retailers with grocery sections, such as Walmart (WMT) and Costco (COST), may be best positioned to withstand the latest round of tariffs, UBS analysts said. Tariffs unveiled Wednesday affect dozens of countries, which means retailers can't easily bypass import taxes by relocating their production facilities, UBS wrote in a research note Wednesday. As retailers respond by raising prices, consumers are least likely to cut back on essentials like groceries, the analysts said. Large operators, such as Walmart and Costco, will likely benefit because they have the scale needed to negotiate with vendors and offer customers competitive pricing, UBS said. "These retailers will likely be able to widen their price gaps with their competitors within categories hit by tariffs," the note said. "Ultimately, the longer that the tariffs persist, the more likely it is to drive further consolidation in retail. This will also benefit those with scale and strong positioning." Analysts Also Point to Strength in Supermarkets, Auto Parts Costco shares rose about 1% recently Thursday, while Walmart shares were off about the same amount. Other companies UBS expects to perform well include the supermarket chains Kroger (KR), Albertsons (ACI), and Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM), and companies selling auto parts that consumers need to maintain their cars, such as Autozone (AZO) and O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY). Off-price retailers Burlington Stores (BURL) and TJX Cos. (TJX), the parent company of TJ Maxx and Marshalls, may also be wise investments, UBS said, adding that these retailers will benefit if the broader industry can't move as much merchandise due to higher prices. Read the original article on Investopedia "If physicians are not trained on specific health risks that directly impact transgender patients, how can we provide adequate care? If we are not taught about racial health disparities, how will we work to combat them? If we stop prioritizing inclusion, how can we ensure equal health care for all?" (Getty Images) When the government puts legal barriers in place to strip away or prevent health care access, its not just politics its real peoples lives at stake. During the summer of 2024, countless transgender and gender expansive patients expressed to me fears about what might happen to their access to gender affirming medical care if a conservative administration were to win the White House. This worst-case scenario became reality in the first weeks of 2025, when President Donald Trump signed an executive order redefining legal gender identity as a strict binary of male and female effectively erasing recognition of nonbinary and transgender individuals and interrupting federal funding to institutions providing gender-affirming health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a transgender health program intern, I have seen providers try to reassure patients of their well-being and safety while they themselves fear how their job will be affected if the laws would drastically alter the way we practice medicine. As a gay man about to enter the medical profession, I am afraid. The recent wave of anti-trans initiatives pushed by this administration is part of a much broader effort to dismantle diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) programs across the country under the guise of restoring meritocracy and leveling the playing field. But in health care, the playing field has never been level. Minority populations continue to face disproportionate health risks and barriers to care. DEIB is the foundation of medical education. It teaches future physicians how to address these disparities and combat the structural inequities that put vulnerable patients at risk. Studies show medical students have felt unprepared to manage transgender and gender expansive patients upon graduation. One study even claimed that only 27% of students were confident in their knowledge of the health needs of transgender patients. Beyond that, they could not correctly answer questions about race-related medical history despite affirming that understanding historical context is important in medicine. This lack of education was always a problem, and efforts were underway to solve it. Eliminating DEIB would not only erode this progress but set us back behind where we were even before we started. In 2020, the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) rolled out the Structural Competency Curriculum which aims to train providers to recognize and respond to the impact of upstream, structural factors on patient health and health care. Since then, medical schools around the country have adopted the values of this curriculum and incorporated it throughout the course of their students training. Health equity is a core pillar of medical students professional development and should be embedded into the culture of patient-centric care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When DEIB is dismantled, programs like these disappear, and awareness of health disparities among marginalized patient populations fades from the culture of those whose job is to provide the proper care and treatment. If physicians are not trained on specific health risks that directly impact transgender patients, how can we provide adequate care? If we are not taught about racial health disparities, how will we work to combat them? If we stop prioritizing inclusion, how can we ensure equal health care for all? Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Legislation cannot change a persons identity, but it will change their access to health care. Medical schools need to teach this, and we as students want to learn. Future doctors like me are watching everything that is happening, and we are worried. When students apply to medical school, the number one question they are asked is, Why medicine? While the answer to this question can take many different forms, the bottom line is pretty simple: We want to help people. Medical schools can make a monumental difference in how future doctors navigate this political environment and provide care to patients. We urge medical schools to keep teaching us how to do that for all patients. At an April 2 hearing, Representative Maxine Waters criticized President Donald Trumps involvement in cryptocurrency, alleging that he is using his influence to push multiple crypto schemes, including a stablecoin backed by his familys company, World Liberty Financial (WLFI). She warned that Trump aims to integrate his USD1 stablecoin into government transactions, from Social Security payments to taxes, and called on lawmakers to block him from profiting from such ventures. With this stablecoin bill, this committee is setting an unacceptable and dangerous precedent, validating the president and his insiders efforts to write rules of the road that will enrich themselves at the expense of everyone else, Waters said. Her remarks came as the House Financial Services Committee debated the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy (STABLE) Act, introduced by Representative Bryan Steil. The bill focuses on consumer safeguards, but Waters argued that unless Congress addresses Trumps financial ties to crypto, the legislation should not advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Committee Chair French Hill, who spoke before Waters, did not mention Trump but acknowledged that the presidents involvement made discussions on stablecoin regulation more difficult. There needs to be a clear federal framework for payment stablecoins, Hill said. The committee also considered amendments to the STABLE Act and other bills related to financial regulations, including measures to combat illicit finance and prevent the government from launching a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The markup hearing was a critical step before the bills could move forward for a full vote in the House. Waters urged her colleagues not to support any stablecoin legislation that would allow Trump to profit from the industry. If there is no effort to block the President of the United States of America from owning his stablecoin business [...] I will never be able to agree on supporting this bill, and I would ask other members not to be enablers, she said. While Waters opposition was clear, Steil did not respond to her concerns about Trumps crypto involvement, instead emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight in the industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The debate highlighted growing tensions over digital asset regulation, particularly as high-profile figures like Trump become more involved. Some lawmakers believe the government should establish clearer rules, while others worry about conflicts of interest and political figures profiting from financial policies they influence. The committees discussions will determine how cryptocurrency legislation moves forward, with lawmakers weighing the risks and benefits of stablecoin adoption in the U.S. financial system. WAVERLY, Tenn. (WKRN) Ahead of heavy rains and possible tornadoes in the forecast, Humphreys County and Waverly officials are preparing for every scenario. Trace Creek was one of a couple of surrounding creeks that contributed to the 2021 deadly flood in Waverly. On Wednesday, city and county officials were out preparing for the increased risk of flooding for Wednesday night through the weekend. How to get alerts for your community Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This community is horrified when we get a forecast like weve had, Waverly mayor Buddy Frazier said. Humphreys County, along with many other Middle Tennessee counties, are under a tornado watch Wednesday night. Days of heavy rain will increase the overall flood risk in the area. Weve got a lot of creeks and rivers and weve got a lot of areas that will overflow, Humphreys County EMA Director Odell Poyner said. Poyner told News 2 they were preparing for every possible scenario. I just got off the phone with one of our churches just in case we need a shelter of some sort, Poyner said. [Ive] been talking with the Red Cross this morning. They are on standby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have only one flood monitor thats actually in operation right now, so it will be monitored, Frazier said. The main thing we do is try to keep obstructions away from our bridges. On Wednesday morning, city officials cleared debris from creekbeds. Frazier explained that if a blockage occurs at any time, crews are on standby, ready to clear the debris. If creek levels rise, it will be all hands on deck. If we need to do an evacuation, we will have law enforcement [and] fire going door-to-door in some cases, if necessary, Poyner said. Want the forecast delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for the News 2 Forecast Newsletter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An alert would also be sent out to residents in the area with information on local shelters, but Poyner added officials feel prepared to navigate all the conditions that could come their way. Its not going to surprise us; the magnitude might surprise us, but the storm is not going to surprise us, Poyner said. We are preparing for it, and we are going to be as prepared as we possibly can to try to meet the needs of our community. City and county officials told News 2 that before going to bed Wednesday night, residents should have their phones charged and ready to receive alerts. Dont forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. April 3 (UPI) -- In South Korea, opposition to the impeachment of President Yoon has spread surprisingly rapidly, with strong participation from young people in their 20s and 30s. As growing dissatisfaction with the limitations of traditional conservative forces mounts, new patriotic civic groups and university organizations with conservative leanings are emerging, seeking a path that transcends the current dysfunctional political divide. Amid this shifting landscape, Rev. Kim Jin-hong's thought leadership has been hugely influential. Rev. Kim is not merely a pastor within his denomination but a figure who has actively upheld conservative values in response to contemporary challenges, guided by Christian principles and beliefs. As a leader of the New Right movement, he has long emphasized the necessity of civic activism rooted in liberal democracy and conservative ideals. To address the crises facing South Korean society, he has put forward a conservative political philosophy that integrates faith with action. His ideas and activities extend beyond political positioning, offering profound insights into Korea's national identity and future. Rev. Kim spoke with UPI about how the convictions animating the new movement can be translated into real-world political and social change. The Challenges and Reflections of South Korean Conservatism Rev. Kim acknowledges that a healthy democracy thrives on the coexistence of both conservative and progressive forces. However, he argues that South Korea's conservative bloc has become complacent over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The conservative establishment has relied too heavily on the U.S.-South Korea alliance and corporate-led economic growth without fully embracing its own responsibilities," he asserts. According to Rev. Kim, the conservative movement has failed in five key areas: Intellectual Investment: There has been a neglect of academic research and ideological study. Complacency: Many conservatives have enjoyed the benefits of their position without making necessary sacrifices. Lack of Vigilance: Despite the presence of North Korea as a hostile regime, conservatives have failed to maintain a sense of urgency. Leadership Development: There has been an inadequate effort to nurture future leaders who uphold conservative values. Failure to Counter Leftist Expansion: While left-wing forces have successfully embedded themselves in key institutions, including the media, judiciary, and civil society, conservatives have been passive observers. The Possibility of a Conservative Revival Discussing the political shifts following President Yoon Suk-Yeol's imposition of martial law, Rev. Kim remains optimistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the patriotic conservative movement can secure strong leadership, it has the potential to shift the political landscape," he says. He highlights the growing engagement of young people and Christian communities in defending liberal democracy as a promising development. However, he warns that the conservative camp currently lacks the organizational capability and political imagination necessary to harness this momentum. Addressing these deficiencies, he argues, is the most urgent task at hand. Uniting the Conservative Movement: The Liberal Democratic Citizens' Assembly One of the most pressing challenges facing South Korean conservatism is internal fragmentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Conservative groups each have their own distinct identities, which makes unity difficult. However, rallying around a shared objective is crucial," Rev. Kim explains. To facilitate this, he has spearheaded the formation of the Liberal Democratic Citizens' Assembly, an alliance of organizations committed to liberal democracy, regardless of religious or policy differences. He outlines five core values that conservatives must champion: Political Liberal Democracy Open Market Economy Social Welfare Human Rights and Dignity Rule of Law He emphasizes that while these principles align with Christian values, the movement must not be defined by religious identity. Instead, he advocates for an inclusive approach that welcomes individuals and organizations from all backgrounds who support the fundamental principles of liberal democracy. Training the Next Generation of Leaders: The Korean Youth Political Academy Rev. Kim believes that sustaining democracy requires three essential steps: awareness, organization, and mobilization. He sees the 2030 generation as a key player in defending South Korea's democratic future. To this end, he is launching the Korean Youth Political Academy, an initiative aimed at providing systematic education for young activists committed to democratic values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "By training young leaders who have voluntarily joined the movement, we can cultivate the talent necessary to lead a unified Korea in the future," he explains. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of strengthening ties between the conservative political establishment and grassroots movements to expand political influence effectively. The Evolution of South Korea's Pro-Democracy Movement Rev. Kim traces a significant shift in South Korea's pro-democracy movement since the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. He notes that in the 1970s, democratic activism largely aimed to uphold the principles enshrined in South Korea's Constitution. However, from the 1980s onward, North Korean-aligned elements gained influence within the movement, leading to an increasing embrace of socialist and communist ideologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In 1987, pro-North Korean forces had taken control of student councils at 187 universities nationwide, facilitating the widespread dissemination of leftist ideologies across South Korean society," he explains. Meanwhile, conservatives failed to offer a compelling counter-narrative, ultimately losing political dominance. Strategic Direction for the Future of Conservatism To regain prominence, Rev. Kim insists that South Korea's conservative movement must prioritize civic political engagement over traditional party politics. "The New Right Movement attempted to foster conservative grassroots activism, but it lacked organizational sustainability," he acknowledges. This time, he is determined to establish a more durable coalition by integrating established conservative forces with younger activists. He particularly highlights the need to bridge the divide between existing conservative factions-including those centered around Rev. Kwang-Hoon Jun's Gwanghwamun movement, which has been safeguarding Gwanghwamun Square for last 7 years and the Save Korea movement, which has a strong youth and regional presence. Rather than forcing a complete merger, he advocates a strategy that allows different groups to operate autonomously while collaborating toward shared objectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rev. Kim also underscores the importance of engaging beyond traditional conservative circles, initiating dialogues with Buddhist monks, Catholic priests, and even opposition politicians to build a broader coalition. Despite South Korea's current political turbulence, Rev. Kim remains hopeful. "There is a renewed movement to protect liberal democracy and uphold the principles of the Constitution. If we systematically organize and develop this movement, a significant political shift is entirely possible," he asserts. QUICK WEATHER FORECAST: Tonight: Rain & storms, some strong to severe, low 63 Thursday: T-showers early, rain, some heavy late, high 71 Friday: Rainy day, some storms, high 61 Saturday: Rain & rumbles, high 70 Sunday: Rain showers, falling temps, high 49 FORECAST DISCUSSION: Good Wednesday Evening, After a bumpy morning with hail reports, storms, and gusty winds, we have seen a lull as expected in the activity. Temps surged back into the 70s to lower 80s in spots. We are going to continue to see instability build this evening for a period. The line of storms will move across a very favorable area in Indiana that will allow these storms to get stronger this evening. Ahead of midnight the line will push into the western portion of Ohio. This line will continue to move through our area in the early morning hours on Thursday, with the main threats being strong damaging winds, hail, and even tornadoes as well. This threat should start to weaken as the line of storms moves into a less favorable atmosphere further to the east overnight and closer to daybreak. Once this line moves out to the south, the frontal boundary will follow south, and will stall. We will have a lull again Thursday midday with temps climbing back to around 70. Later Thursday, the boundary will kick back north slowly, and will have additional moisture move up into our area. We could set up for another round of moderate to heavy rain overnight into Friday. Friday the boundary will slide south slowly, with a chance of moderate to heavy rain again, with some storms, and highs in the lower 60s. We will see warmer, moist air moving back north for the start of the weekend. This will allow temps to push back into the lower 70s, but with possible heavy rain showers around. What will be interesting on Saturday is the gradient of temps across our area, with cool readings north. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday will start with temps in the middle 50s early in the morning, and with a stronger cold front moving in, we will start above normal in the middle 40s at daybreak, and may see a slight bump into the upper 40s to near 50. Temps will fall later in the day on Sunday with drier air moving in by Sunday night. Monday, expect some clearing in the area, and brisk day with highs in the lower 50s. Colder air will work in for Tuesday, with temps running about 15+ degrees below normal under partly cloudy skies, with highs in the middle 40s. Wednesday will start off colder, with temps in the mid to upper 20s and climb to the middle 50s with sunshine. -Dave Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Keep your umbrellas handy, Greater Cincinnatians. More rounds of showers and storms, along with heavy rain and potential flooding, will continue into the weekend. The National Weather Service in Wilmington reports that a cold front will move southeast across the area Thursday. Showers and embedded storms will continue early this morning, but will taper off by mid-morning. Another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected to develop across the south Thursday afternoon, eventually spreading north. Forecasters said that severe weather chances will be low in the far south portion of the coverage area. Highs will range from the upper 60s to the lower 70s. The active weather continues! Our flood threat will increase as we go through the day today, particularly in our south. Additionally, there is another limited severe threat for counties along and south of the Ohio River. Damaging wind is the main concern. pic.twitter.com/MMLJHia1mb NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) April 3, 2025 Showers and storms will increase across the region overnight. Lows will range from the mid-40s in the north to the mid-50s in the south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Showers and storms will continue on Friday. Highs will range from the upper 50s north to the lower 70s south. Wet weather will persist with high chances for showers and storms through Saturday. Saturday night is predicted to have the heaviest widespread rainfall of the week with strong to severe storms possible. Saturday's temperatures will range from the mid-60s in the northwest to the lower 80s in the southeast. A significant cooldown is expected Sunday, with highs ranging from the mid-40s in the northwest to near 60 in the far southeast. Rain is also forecast to move southeast out of the area on Sunday. Is there still a risk of flooding this week? Most of the region will remain under a flood watch until Sunday morning. Soil remains moist and excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, forecasters said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ohio River at Cincinnati is expected to see some slight flooding, with a forecasted peak at 50.5 feet by Sunday morning. At that level, water will cover low areas of Kellogg Avenue east of Delta Avenue upstream to near Coney Island and Belterra Park. Outbuildings at Coney Island, Riverbend Music Center and parts of Humbert Avenue in the East End of Cincinnati will also be flooded. Some of Public Landing may become flooded, as well as Riverside Park off River Road. Was there a tornado in Greater Cincinnati? Severe storms and at least two radar-confirmed tornadoes tore through the Tri-State overnight, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Large trees also fell on at least two homes in Loveland and Erlanger, where one person was rescued, according to fire crews. In general, trees and wires are down all over the region, county dispatchers say. The NWS in Wilmington confirms a radar-confirmed tornado touched down in northern Brown County and went into southeast Clinton County near the village of Lynchburg in Highland County. Another one hit in northeastern Clinton County near Sabina before moving into Fayette County, according to meteorologist Christine Aiena. These radar-confirmed tornadoes are not declared official tornadoes until the NWS surveys damage on the scene later Thursday to determine whether it is from tornadoes or straight-line winds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Highland County dispatchers confirm the Lynchburg area has a lot of damage. They said around 2:30 a.m., they were slammed with calls requesting emergency service or reporting storm damage such as wires and trees down. It will be a task trying to sift through everything trying to figure what is straight-line winds and what was tornadic, Aiena said. More than 49,000 Duke Energy customers are without power in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Its unclear when power will be restored, according to the utilitys website. As the sun comes up across the area today, please send us your damage reports! You can post them in the comments here or DM us. pic.twitter.com/DthaenJWDQ NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) April 3, 2025 Detailed 7-day Cincinnati weather forecast Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 p.m. High near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low of around 53. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 6 mph in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible. Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then showers between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 a.m. High near 68. East wind 6 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch are possible. Friday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low of around 61. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch are possible. Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 74. Southwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch are possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low of around 47. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible. Sunday: Showers, mainly before 2 p.m. High near 53. The chance of precipitation is 80%. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Source: National Weather Service office in Wilmington, Ohio Enquirer media partner Fox19NOW contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati weather: More storms Thursday, flooding possible this week LITTLE ROCK, Ark. With severe storms hitting central Arkansas a North Little Rock apartment complex took on some weather damage. According to North Little Rock Fire Department officials, the storm damaged a portion of the roof at an apartment complex in the 5100 block of Velvet Ridge. Fire officials confirmed that no injuries were reported, but five families have been displaced. One displaced tenant, Ebony Brown, described coming home to the destruction in her apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come home and its a big hole in my ceiling, insulation all on the floor, you know, my living room is flooded out about maybe one or two inches of water, Brown said. This is a developing story, please check back for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. PORT ALLEN, La. (Louisiana First)Some residents and library owners in West Baton Rouge are concerned that the future of both libraries could be in jeopardy. West Baton Rouge Parish voters shoot down tax renewals for drainage, library funding Tamie Martin, Executive Director of West Baton Rouge Parish Libraries, said shes in shock after results from the March 29 elections revealed that the librarys tax renewal proposal was voted against. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wasnt expected at all. I didnt hear any questions or concerns from the community leading up to the election, she said. If they had voted yes, the library would have received up to another ten years of funding. The tax is their only source of funding. She said she believed the item was caught in the heat of other items on the ballot. Just really felt like the things at the beginning of the ballot that were statewide influenced a lot of peoples votes, she said. Louisiana voters reject all 4 proposed amendments on March 29 ballot With only two libraries in Port Allen and near Brusly, potential closure would impact thousands of people. Martin says theres heavy foot traffic in and out daily. Last year, we did over 65,000 transactions, meaning that we checked out items to own at least 65,000 occasions, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin says the library plays a critical role across the parish: schools use them, those without internet access come there, companies use their conference rooms, and more. We offer programs for children that include story time and game nights. We offer programs for adults, everything from Zumba to book club, said Martin. Martin is hopeful that another election to renew the tax will be successful. Legally, we are allowed to ask the voters three times. I really think that a second chance to get on the ballot is going to prove successful for us, said Martin. Martin said starting next January the library will receive no money if they cant get it back on the ballot for approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) West Michigan agencies are mobilizing a constantly growing response to the devastating ice storm in the northern Lower Peninsula over the weekend. As of Friday, thousands from Grayling to Mackinaw City and Petoskey to Rogers City remained without power, heat or fuel. Grand Rapids firefighters go north to help in any way The Salvation Army has served more than 3,000 meals and distributed thousands of snacks and beverages since the storm hit all coordinated by its Disaster Command Center in Grand Rapids. Because it has three locations that were caught in the storm, getting services up and running has taken a herculean effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of our pantry items there were going to spoil, so we got them to locations with power that could cook them, Disaster Services Director Chris Striebel told News 8 Thursday. Then we could bring those prepared meals back safely with time and temperature control and deliver it to the shelters that need it. Those prep kitchens in Traverse City, Cadillac and Bay City are operating sometimes hundreds of miles from where the food is eaten. The canteen drivers bringing them to the people in need have gotten a good look at just how destructive the storm was. One of our drivers is going from Bay City to Montmorency County: Its a 280-mile round trip, Striebel described. He said its 120 solid miles of consistent destruction. Every tree is broken or covered in ice. Roads that were cleared yesterday are no longer cleared the next day, or even the next trip They are going to need a lot of support for a long time to come. Results of an ice storm in Northern Michigan. (Courtesy Consumers Energy) Photos released by the Michigan Department of Transportation show damage in Gaylord caused by a weekend ice storm. (April 2, 2025) An ice-covered MDOT truck in Gaylord on April 1, 2025. (Courtesy Michigan Department of Transportation) Results of an ice storm in Northern Michigan. (Courtesy Consumers Energy) Results of an ice storm in Northern Michigan. (Courtesy Consumers Energy) A storm left Cheboygan in the northern Lowe Peninsula covered in ice on March 30, 2025. (Courtesy Lindsey Vork) A storm left Cheboygan in the northern Lowe Peninsula covered in ice on March 30, 2025. Photo credits left to right: Brenda Temple, Tim Wilkinson and Judith. To help with The Salvation Armys cleanup and recovery efforts in Northern Michigan, text Disaster to 24365. COUNTY ROAD CREWS STEP UP Road clearing crews from at least three West Michigan counties have made the trip north with equipment to remove trees, utility poles and snow and ice from roadways. The agencies are used to lending a hand close to home, but didnt hesitate to reach farther once they got the call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the farthest in the 40-plus years that Ive been here that we have sent people, Kent County Road Commission Managing Director Jerry Byrne told News 8. Its huge. Its huge. We have mutual aid pacts with people that neighbor and surround us. We dont have mutual aid pacts with these folks. But, if they call, we go help Were public servants. Its what we do. A look back at the winter of 2024-2025 in West Michigan Thirteen workers from Kent County have been sent to Emmet County with an array of snow and ice clearing trucks, loaders, dump trucks and chainsaws. They arrived early this week and got to work. Muskegon County sent 15 workers and gear to the I-75 corridor to help clear the highway on Wednesday and Ottawa County sent eight people and a fleet of dump trucks to the Alpena area on Thursday morning. Kent County crews in Northern Michigan counties assisting with road clearing after storms. (Courtesy Kent County Road Commission) Kent County crews in Northern Michigan counties assisting with road clearing after storms. (Courtesy Kent County Road Commission) Kent County crews in Northern Michigan counties assisting with road clearing after storms. (Courtesy Kent County Road Commission) Byrne said he asked for 13 volunteers and got them right away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response was great, he said. Those folks worked all day, went home and packed their bags, came back and got their trucks and went up there. (They) spent the night in Boyne and got to work. The Grand Haven Board of Light and Power said it sent a crew of three linemen to Petoskey to help with power restoration. They left Sunday and remained at work up north Friday. The ice storm is one of the most destructive events that this area has ever encountered, BLP General Manager Rob Shelley said in a statement Friday. I have not seen this level of ice accumulation on power lines in my 25 years working in this industry, Shelley added. These men are extremely dependable and will help see those communities through this devastating event and we thank them for their willingness to assist the residents of Petoskey who have gone without power for multiple days during very cold temperatures. Ice in Petoskey after a winter storm swept across the northern Lower Peninsula. (Courtesy Grand Haven Board of Light and Power) Ice in Petoskey after a winter storm swept across the northern Lower Peninsula. (Courtesy Grand Haven Board of Light and Power) Ice in Petoskey after a winter storm swept across the northern Lower Peninsula. (Courtesy Grand Haven Board of Light and Power) Once no longer needed in Petoskey, the Grand Haven crew will go to help Presque Isle Gas and Electric, which serves the northeastern part of the Lower Peninsula including Mackinaw City, Rogers City and Alpena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Michigan National Guard has also been mobilized north to help with debris removal, including units from Greenville and Battle Creek. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GHENT, WV (WVNS) A West Virginia man was arrested in South Carolina for a murder in Kentucky. According to a press release from the U.S. Marshals, 38-year-old Charles Ray Blevins, of Williamson, West Virginia, was arrested on Monday, March 31, 2025 in South Carolina for a murder in Kentucky in 2019. Greenbrier County man arrested for possession of child pornography The press release stated that Blevins was a U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) major case fugitive who was being considered to be added to the USMSs list of 15 Most Wanted Fugitives. Blevins major case status was requested by U.S. Marshals investigators with the Eastern District of Kentuckys Central Kentucky Fugitive Task Force and Southern District of West Virginia CUFFED Task Force because of the possible risks he posed. Given the seriousness of Mr. Blevins alleged crimes, the threat he posed to the public, and his ability to avoid capture, it was critical that we bring him into custody swiftly and safely. This arrest, just before he was set to be named one of our 15 Most Wanted fugitives, speaks to the dedication and coordination of our Marshals Service personnel and the many law enforcement professionals who worked together to ensure he is held accountable and brought to justice. This is what protecting our communities looks like. Mark Pittella | Acting U.S. Marshals Service Director The Kentucky State Police wanted Blevins for First-Degree Murder, as well as being a felon in possession of a gun, and Blevins was also wanted by the West Virginia Department of Corrections for a parole violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raleigh County man sentenced for role in drug trafficking organization In 2009, Blevins was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder in Cabell County, West Virginia, and was released in 2019 on parole. According to the press release, Blevins was accused of shooting and killing a man in the South Williamson area of Kentucky on July 6, 2019. On July 11, 2019, warrants were issued for Blevins arrest. The press release from the U.S. Marshals stated that Blevins was known to have access to body armor and was known to carry guns, as well as reportedly stating that he would not go back to jail and would engage in violence with any law enforcement officers who attempted to arrest him. Investigators in West Virginia and Kentucky were informed that Blevins allegedly traveled to South Carolina, and a collateral lead was sent to the USMS Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information that Blevins was at a house in Gaffney, South Carolina was gathered, and the house was put under surveillance. Members of the USMS Special Operations Group were asked to help with the arrest because of the threat Blevins presented due to prior statements and actions. According to the press release from the U.S. Marshals, Blevins tried to run through the back of the house when USMS Special Operations Group members approached. Blevins reportedly fell and broke his leg, and was arrested without further incident. Man charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder in Clay County Mr. Blevins learned what fugitives have been learning since 1789. The United States Marshals Service never grows weary in its pursuit of justice. Michael Baylous | U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia Blevins was arrested by U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, together with the Southern District of West Virginia, the Eastern District of Kentucky, the District of South Carolina, and the USMS Special Operations Group. The United States Marshals Service has proven, yet again, why we are the leaders in fugitive apprehension. The coordinated efforts with our state and local partners led to the arrest of a major fugitive. The District of South Carolina remains steadfast in our unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice, fortified by strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts. It is both a privilege and a solemn responsibility to seek justice for the victims of the senseless and tragic act of violence committed by Blevins. Chrissie C. Latimore | U.S. Marshal for the District of South Carolina This investigation is a testament to the commitment the U.S. Marshals in the Eastern District of Kentucky and Southern District of West Virginia have for finding, apprehending and bringing to justice violent fugitives. Our Deputies and support staff have tirelessly collaborated to locate and apprehend Blevins. Yesterdays arrest was a strong symbolic gesture of this commitment. Jeremy Honaker | Acting U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky South Carolina Company to pay almost $200,000 to the United States to resolve false claims allegations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press release stated that Blevins was taken to a local hospital for treatment, and will stay in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending his extradition back to Kentucky. The U.S. Marshals Service thanked the Gaffney Police Department, the Rock Hill Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriffs Office, York County Sheriffs Office, and the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division for their help and support on the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. While retailers like footwear giant Nike (NKE) and big box chain Walmart (WMT) have been prepping for months, there's no avoiding the hit from tariffs. On Wednesday afternoon, President Donald Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% for all countries, effective April 5. Another 60 countries will receive a higher rate, effective April 9. The list includes Vietnam (46%), China (34%), Indonesia (32%), and the European Union (20%). Those rates are on top of existing duties, such as the 20% duty on Chinese goods, which brings the total rate for China to 54%. Shares of retail giants like Nike, Walmart, Target (TGT), and Dollar Tree (DLTR) fell in premarket trading. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet "The comprehensiveness of the new tariff regime is more shocking, however, as are some of the very high tariff rates. What has been confirmed today is that there is no escape from tariffs. Every company that imports is going to have to deal with higher costs that result from this new way of conducting trade," GlobalData retail managing director Neil Saunders told Yahoo Finance. Jonathan Gold, vice president of supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation, said given the uncertainty leading up to this moment, retailers didn't have enough time to "really plan and prepare." Mitigation tactics, like moving production outside of China, Mexico, and Canada, are no longer effective with high rates imposed on many other major exporter countries. "The near-term impact [on retailers] would be a hit on margins because usually, tariffs are realized first before companies start to mitigate those tariff headwinds," CFRA analyst Arun Sundaram told Yahoo Finance. Retailers will try tactics like changing sources, shifting product selection, or negotiating prices, which Sundaram said Walmart and Costco (COST) have been doing. Target's chief commercial officer Rick Gomez said on the company's earnings call that it has been proactive in diversifying its supply chain, "moving things out of China to other places around the world, looking at going across Asia as well as Western Hemisphere, Guatemala, Honduras." "The market has partly priced in tariff risks, but not the full extent," Sundaram said prior to Wednesday's announcements. "Many companies in the Consumer Discretionary as well as Consumer Staples sector are still trading at a pretty sizable premium relative to historical averages." For example, Walmart is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 33.56. Anita Wolfe, a retiree of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) facility in Morgantown, W.Va., speaks against the federal employee job cuts occurring in the state during a news conference held by West Virginia labor representatives outside the House of Delegates chamber in the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., on Thursday, April 3, 2025. (Sean McCallister | Charleston Gazette-Mail photo) On the heels of a federal office in Morgantown firing dozens of employees, union representatives of West Virginias federal workforce call on the states elected leaders to speak out against what they say are reckless cuts. We need congress to ask our president to stop the reckless cuts and take a measured approach to reforming government and balancing the budget such as was done in the 1990s, said Dan Doyle, vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1995. The current actions are chaotic, disruptive, counterproductive and frankly wasteful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doyles comments came during a press conference Thursday outside the House of Delegates chamber at the West Virginia State Capitol. Since January, hundreds of thousands of federal employees have lost their jobs as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk carry out their plan to downsize the government through the Department of Government Efficiency. About 23,000 employees work at 20 federal facilities in West Virginia and 33,000 federal workers live in the state, Doyle said. The total number of West Virginia federal workers who have been laid off is difficult to say, because many are under orders not to talk about it. Doyle said West Virginians will also be affected by potential cuts to federal programs and services like Social Security and the Mine Health and Safety Administration. Instead of letting cuts be made by powerful interests to enrich the hands of a few, we came here today to ask our elected officials in Charleston and our citizens in our state, speak up together with us for the good of the families, for working people and for West Virginia, Doyle said. About 400 workers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health facility in Morgantown have lost their jobs, Cathy Tinney-Zara, president of AFGE Local 3040 said. Tinney-Zara had initially said the number was around 200. The new estimate includes 185 bargaining unit employees, nonbargaining unit employees, management, contractors and others, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have millions of dollars of research that is just sitting there, I guess, to be destroyed, she said Thursday. Tinney-Zara and other workers there are terminated as of June 7. At this point, the office is expected to close completely, she said. Altogether, a restructuring of the federal Health and Human Services will include cutting the workforce by 10,000, federal officials have said. I was [at NIOSH] 32 years, and people do not get into public health unless they care, she said. Its devastating. People are going to die. The Trump administration has said it plans to cut 80,000 employees from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Bryan Hunt, president of AFGE Local 2384, said that any cuts to staffing at the states four Veterans Affairs Medical Centers will have a negative impact on the veterans seeking care and the communities where employees live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just ask that our representatives speak that, how concerning that is, he said. And know that our veterans in West Virginia are important and the VA is important. The employees are important. Democrats in the state Legislature also called on Republican leaders to stand up for West Virginia workers as DOGE and the Trump administrations tariffs potentially lead to more job loss. Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, said since January, the states north central region has lost about 1,000 jobs. Those include cuts at NIOSH and around 200 jobs that will leave Fairmont when the Novelis facility closes after 100 years in the community. The Legislatures Republican supermajority have done nothing to mitigate those job losses, Williams said. No one is sticking up for West Virginians, he said. No one that they elected is sticking up for them. We can talk about it until were blue in the face every single day, but until Republicans start working for the people that elected them and stop trying to win MAGA member of the month, none of this is going to change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about recent job cuts for West Virginia workers during a press conference Thursday, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state should do everything it can to drive job development and pointed to some initiatives the Legislature is considering, including universal licensing reciprocity, a bill to speed up permitting processes for businesses looking to locate in the state, and legislation meant to incentivize the creation of microgrids and data centers in the state. No one wants to lose a job and certainly my heart goes out to everyone. Were going to work and fight so that theres so many jobs in West Virginia that were going to really succeed as a state, Morrisey said. I know that there have been a number of stories [about job losses] recently, but Im optimistic the long-term arc, if we do what we need to do here, is going to work out well for the people of our state. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Most West Virginians know that the pepperoni roll was created by Italian Appalachians in north central West Virginia, but the recent creation of the Pepperoni Roll Trail is bringing up some friendly debate about the specifics. The Clarksburg Visitors Bureau announced what it is calling the official pepperoni roll smackdown, a debate on the origins of the pepperoni roll. The Marion County CVB and the Clarksburg Visitors Bureau are throwing down their rolls to settle the epic debate: Where did the pepperoni roll originate? The Donut Spot Pepperoni Roll (WBOY Image) (WBOY image) Munchies pepperoni roll (WBOY image) Pepperoni roll (Marion County CBV) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the West Virginia Department of Tourism, the first commercial pepperoni roll was created by Giuseppe Argiro, an emigrant from Calabria, Italy who had worked at a Clarksburg-area coal mine, but the bakery where he sold the pepperoni rolls, what is now Country Club Bakery, is located in Fairmont. New program lets you earn prizes for trying different pepperoni rolls in West Virginia Country Club claims that it is still selling the original and best pepperoni rolls in the state of West Virginia. However, its not the only place that claims to be the first. Chicos Bakery in Morgantown claims that the recipe was originally invented by its founder Julia Chico in 1925. It widely is believed that the wives of coal miners in the area were making versions of pepperoni rolls long before Country Club started selling them, so there is no definite answer on exactly who came up with the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with some question on where they actually started, Marion County claims ownership, with a sign outside of Country Club Bakery erected by the West Virginia Humanities Council and William C. Pomeroy Foundation reading: Pepperoni Roll West Virginia delicacy created by Italian families in Fairmont to feed local coal miners, Variants now popular statewide. Now, near 100 years later, pepperoni rolls are sold at bakeries across the state, but still most prevalent in the north central region. Your favorite pepperoni roll could be illegal under new food dye ban The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Trail has 15 stops, including Country Club Bakery, where people who download an online passport can check in to win prizes. Stops are mostly in Harrison and Marion counties, but the Donut Spot in Buckhannon is also on the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. The White House has cast doubt on suggestions from Downing Street that Donald Trump applied lower tariffs on Britain because of lobbying by Sir Keir Starmer. A Downing Street source said on Wednesday that the comparatively lower charges applied to the UK vindicates our approach after weeks of intensive diplomacy with the US. However, it has since emerged that the Trump administration has simply calculated its reciprocal tariffs based on its pre-existing trade deficit with each nation, suggesting the Prime Ministers charm offensive made little difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UK goods exports to the US will be hit with 10pc tariffs under plans announced by the president, half the 20pc rate levied on the European Union (EU). A White House official told the New York Post: The numbers [for tariffs by country] have been calculated by the Council of Economic Advisers based on the concept that the trade deficit that we have with any given country is the sum of all trade practices, the sum of all cheating. The White House comments suggest that the UK has escaped the worst of Mr Trumps tariffs simply because Britain has a goods trade deficit with the US, rather than any direct lobbying from Sir Keir. Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, said: Starmer got nothing special from the White House last night. The UK is in the same band as the Congo, Costa Rica and Kosovo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brexit meant we dodged the 20pc rate but remember if Labour had [its] way wed still be in the EU. And our car markets face 25pc tariffs this morning. Its a massive Labour fail and they need to urgently get round the table and get a deal. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, credited Britains exit from the EU as the reason the UK dodged more severe punishment from Mr Trump. He told the BBCs Today programme: Dozens and dozens of countries have the 10pc tariff, which is not based on any sort of negotiating genius by the Government, it is based on the USAs assessment of our tariffs and other obstacles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course our cars, which is the largest goods sector we export, is going to be whacked with 25pc. And I would add that we are getting a lower rate than Europe because of Brexit and the fact that we can have separate tariff arrangements. He said restarting free trade talks with the US should be a priority, after the Conservatives began negotiations with Mr Trumps first administration, before Joe Biden cancelled any prospect of a deal. Mr Philp added: We said back in November the UK Government, the Starmer Government, should be getting on with negotiating with the USA, to get a free trade deal, they have been very slow to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Business Secretary said Keir Starmer only raised it with Donald Trump a month or so ago, which is far far too slow. He was elected in November. The White House officials statement contradicts Mr Trumps claims that his administration will apply charges on imports from other nations based on half the rate that each nation charges the US to sell goods to them, including tax rates such as VAT. Mr Trump said: We will calculate the combined rate of all their tariffs, non-monetary barriers and other forms of cheating but we will charge them approximately half of what they have been charging us. The presidents comments on Wednesday have attracted accusations from some critics that he used made-up numbers because the figures appeared to bear little relation to the effective tariff rates that each country charges on US goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump said China charged a 67pc rate on US goods, so he would impose a 34pc tariff rate on imports to the US from China, while he would impose a 20pc charge on goods from the EU, which he said charged 39pc on American imports. James Surowiecki, consulting editor at The Yale Review and a former columnist at The New Yorker, said on X: Its also important to understand that the tariff rates that foreign countries are supposedly charging us are just made-up numbers. South Korea, with which we have a trade agreement, is not charging a 50pc tariff on US exports. Nor is the EU charging a 39pc tariff. Mr Surowiecki said the Trump administration had calculated reciprocal tariffs based on Americas trade deficit with each country as a proportion of each respective countrys exports to the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of making calculations based on existing charges and tax rates, Mr Trump had instead calculated his reciprocal tariffs based on Americas trade deficits with each respective country, Mr Surowiecki said. Just figured out where these fake tariff rates come from. They didn't actually calculate tariff rates + non-tariff barriers, as they say they did. Instead, for every country, they just took our trade deficit with that country and divided it by the country's exports to us. So we https://t.co/PBjF8xmcuv James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) April 2, 2025 He wrote on X: Just figured out where these fake tariff rates come from. They didnt actually calculate tariff rates + non-tariff barriers, as they say they did. Instead, for every country, they just took our trade deficit with that country and divided it by the countrys exports to us. So we have a $17.9bn trade deficit with Indonesia. Its exports to us are $28bn. $17.9/$28 = 64pc, which Trump claims is the tariff rate Indonesia charges us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What extraordinary nonsense this is. Scott Lincicome, vice president of general economics at the Cato Institute, said on X: This is insane. Downing Street declined comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The White House on Thursday defended its decision to not include Russia, North Korea, Cuba or Belarus in the latest round of tariffs, which targeted dozens of global trading partners that were labeled the worst offenders when it came to trade barriers. A White House official told The Hill in a statement that the four nations are not subject to the Reciprocal Tariff Executive Order because they are already facing extremely high tariffs, and our previously imposed sanctions preclude any meaningful trade with these countries. The official added that Trump has recently threatened to impose strong sanctions on Russia to further explain leaving out Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump on Wednesday imposed a 10 percent baseline tax on goods being imported into the U.S. But many countries were targeted with even higher tariffs, including China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, India, South Korea, Thailand, Switzerland, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and the European Union. China will face the highest tariffs; the president announced a 34 percent tariff Wednesday that will be imposed on top of a previously implemented 20 percent tariff for a total 54 percent tariff on goods. Other high numbers include 46 percent on Vietnam, 32 percent on Taiwan, 32 percent on Indonesia and 49 percent on Cambodia. Trump said last month he is weighing additional sanctions and tariffs on Russia as a way to bring Moscow to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine. Russia said weeks later that it expects the U.S. to ease certain sanctions as part of an agreement for a limited ceasefire with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (The Hill) The White House on Thursday defended its decision to not include Russia, North Korea, Cuba or Belarus in the latest round of tariffs, which targeted dozens of global trading partners that were labeled the worst offenders when it came to trade barriers. A White House official told The Hill in a statement that the four nations are not subject to the Reciprocal Tariff Executive Order because they are already facing extremely high tariffs, and our previously imposed sanctions preclude any meaningful trade with these countries. The official added that President Donald Trump has recently threatened to impose strong sanctions on Russia to further explain leaving out Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Trump: Countries that rush to negotiate trade deal with US will win Trump on Wednesday imposed a 10 percent baseline tax on goods being imported into the U.S. But some countries were targeted with even higher reciprocal tariffs, including China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, India, South Korea, Thailand, Switzerland, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and the European Union. China will face the highest reciprocal tariffs after the president announced a 34 percent tariff on Wednesday that will be included on top of a previously implemented 20 percent for a total 54 percent tariff on goods. Other high reciprocal numbers include 46 percent on Vietnam, 32 percent on Taiwan, 32 percent on Indonesia and 49 percent on Cambodia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said last month that he is weighing additional sanctions and tariffs on Russia as a way to bring them to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine. Russia said weeks later that it expects the U.S. to ease certain sanctions as part of an agreement for a limited ceasefire with Ukraine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) Frustration with Elon Musk could lead to his White House departure sooner rather than later, according to Politico reporting that cites administration members who are aggravated with the Tesla billionaire. Politicos report said President Donald Trumps outside allies and administration insiders alike have become frustrated with [Musks] unpredictability and view Musk as a political liability. Elon Musk did a good job, but its time to go: OReilly Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet claims Trump has told his inner circle that Musk will soon take his leave from the White House. But administration officials are strongly pushing back on that report. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied Musk is being pushed out, telling NewsNation that any reporting suggesting that is BS. Musk himself called the reporting fake news. Trump in the Oval Office Monday said hed like to keep Musk as long as he can while acknowledging the clock is ticking. I think hes amazing, but I also think hes got a big company to run. So, at some point, hes going to be going back, Trump told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House said Musk would stop being a special government employee when his work with the Department of Government Efficiency is complete. Maggie Haberman: Trump advisers tired of Musks presence Special government employees like Musk can only work for a 130-day period, which ends next month. The White House hasnt disclosed a clear timeline for closing down DOGE, but Trump has said at a certain point, he thinks it will end. Meet the DOGE team Several DOGE employees have been shifted to various federal agencies. A federal court filing Monday showed that an official for the task force has been put in charge of the U.S. Institute of Peace, a congressionally created and funded think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The potential end of DOGE doesnt mean the administration will end its efforts, but slashes to the federal government would enter a new phase less focused on Musk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The Trump administration is racing against the clock to secure a deal that would keep TikTok operational in the United States ahead of Saturdays deadline. Vice President JD Vance assured the platforms roughly 140 million American users that the app will not be shut down. Itll happen before the deadline, Vance said Thursday on Fox News. Amazon is among the latest U.S. companies to express interest in acquiring TikTok from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. President Donald Trump said he welcomes the enthusiasm from American businesses and signaled potential tariff reductions for China if a sale is completed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a lot of enthusiasm for TikTok, for buying it, Trump said. We won the youth by 36 points, and I attribute some of that to TikTok. While details of an emerging deal remain unclear, one proposal from artificial intelligence startup Perplexity would allow ByteDance to retain partial ownership of TikTok. However, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) questioned whether such a merger would comply with U.S. law. If the algorithm that creates what you see resides in Beijing, at the end of the day, anything hes doing is a sham, Warner said. Last year, Congress overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan law requiring China to divest from TikTok or face removal from U.S. app stores. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) emphasized that the primary concern is national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to protect Americans, Hawley said. What I care about is the safety of my kids. We want them not to be tracked by China. We want them not to be spied on by China. TikTok has denied allegations of misusing American user data and has not commented on the upcoming April 5 deadline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Donald Trumps new trade crackdown had one eyebrow-raising omission: Russia. The absence of Russia on the presidents new list of countries that hell hit with steep tariffs did not go unnoticed on social media. Critics were quick to accuse Trump of kowtowing to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Trump has for years expressed his admiration of. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios the reason for Russias exclusion was that economic sanctions imposed on the country following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine already preclude any meaningful trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S.-Russia annual trade has been reduced to just $3.5 billion per year. Cuba, North Korea and top Russia ally Belarus were left off Trumps new tariffs list for the same reason, said Leavitt. Related... The UK's Government Property Agency (GPA) has selected Wates as the contractor for the Category B fit-out of the new government office at Manchester's First Street in England. The construction of the nine-storey building is progressing into its final stage, with the company responsible for the hubs fit-out to ensure it is functional for office use. This selection follows the recent completion of the Category A fit-out and the beginning of the lease. The fit-out phase commenced following the handover of the property to GPA this February, after BAM Construct UK completed works on the development. The Manchester First Street Hub, a significant part of GPA's Government Hubs Programme, is set to house approximately 2,600 civil servants from various departments. The 105m ($135m) project, backed by the Pension Insurance Corporation, is part of a broader initiative to foster growth and modernise government workspaces across the UK. Located within a short distance of the Oxford Road and Deansgate rail stations, the First Street Hub is designed to meet inclusive and accessible standards. The 12,000m building aims to support diverse working styles, promoting collaboration and community among civil servants. GPA capital projects interim director Georgina Dunn said: Appointing the Cat B contractor was the final major hurdle to overcome before the home straight of delivering this exceptional building. The hub will provide a state-of-the-art office space for thousands of civil servants and will be one of the largest cross-departmental hubs outside London. "It also has enviable sustainability credentials with the building achieving a NABERS [National Australian Built Environment Rating System] 5.5* rating - ranking it among the most sustainable buildings in the UK. Wates Smartspace managing director Scott Camp said: We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with the Government Property Agency following our work at Darlington Economic Campus and 2 Ruskin Square in Croydon. Securing the contract for the Cat B fit-out at Manchester First Street is a testament to our expertise in delivering high-quality, modern office environments. This project will provide thousands of civil servants with a state-of-the-art workspace, enabling them to foster collaboration and efficiency. "Wates chosen for Category B fit-out of First Street Hub in Manchester" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Almost no countries were spared from President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs; even small, uninhabited islands in the Indian Ocean were included in the exhaustive list. But one country was notably missing: Russia. One of the United States largest adversaries was omitted from the list of countries slapped with even the 10 percent baseline tariff a move that raised some eyebrows given Trumps previously friendly relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But other countries, including the uninhabited Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which have a population of 59 and Svalbard and Jan Mayen, islands in the Arctic Circle with approximately 2,000 people, were hit with tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News on Wednesday that Russia was exempt because the U.S. doesnt trade with them under heavy sanctions placed on the country after it invaded Ukraine in 2022. Noticeably missing from the list of countries slapped with a minimum 10 percent tariff is Russia (Getty Images) However, the U.S. Trade Office indicates the U.S. does some trade with Russia, though significantly less than it did. Last year, the total goods trade with Russia was $3.5 billion. Most of Russias exports to the U.S. are radioactive chemicals, nitrogenous fertilizers and platinum. They are the second-largest exporter of fertilizer to the U.S. That number is still higher than the number of imports from other countries hit with tariffs such as Fiji, Paraguay or Albania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bessent reminded people that other countries the U.S. has heavily sanctioned, including Belarus, Cuba and North Korea, were also excluded from the tariffs. Trump has threatened additional tariffs on Russia if a peace deal isnt agreed. (REUTERS) Trump may have left Russia off the list as some reprieve while he seeks to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Russia did ask the U.S. to lift some of those sanction during the stalled peace talks. However, president recently threatened to impose tariffs on buyers of Russian oil if Putin fails to agree to a ceasefire deal. If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russias fault which it might not be but if I think it was Russias fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia, Trump said during an NBC interview. That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you cant do business in the United States, he added. There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios that Russia could still face additional strong sanctions. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal announced new legislation on Tuesday that would slap 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium or other products. The extreme measures are an attempt to get Russia to engage in good faith negotiations, according to the Daily Mail. Other countries left off Trumps tariff list are Canada and Mexico, the U.S.s largest trading partners. Trump has already implemented tariffs on both countries for what he claims is their lack of attention to preventing fentanyl from being trafficked across the borders. The royal family is encountering an increased number of stalkers, with an 11 percent rise over the past three yearsand nearly 500 individuals identified as threats, according to The Mirror. Of those 500 flagged, 35 have been determined to pose the highest risk, the outlet reported, citing figures from the Metropolitan Polices Fixated Threat Assessment Centre. Getty Graduating officers at the Metropolitan Police service passing out parade on November 3, 2017 Graduating officers at the Metropolitan Police service passing out parade on November 3, 2017 Unfortunately, there will always be deranged individuals who want to harm the royal family, former Met royal protection chief Dai Davies told The Mirror. The difficult task is identifying those with the means and determination to act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mets Royalty and Specialist Protection Team is tasked with keeping the royal family safe, but security is always a known riskjust ask Prince Harry, who has argued for years that security and safety is an issue. Davies added that some stalkers are so passionate about reaching their royal targets that they even provide their real names and addresses when writing to them: There are probably 50 to 100 people they are currently monitoring who they feel could pose a significant risk, he said. Quite often, these people will be mentally unwell, and some will be quite unsophisticated. Stephen Pond/Getty Images Members of the royal family on Christmas Day at Sandringham in 2018 Members of the royal family on Christmas Day at Sandringham in 2018 Members of the royal family have been targeted for years; Princess Anne famously survived a kidnapping attempt in 1974, and her mother Queen Elizabeth came face-to-face with an intruder in 1982 after a man broke into her bedroom. Towards the end of her life, a man with a crossbow broke onto the grounds of Windsor Castle in 2021, and the next year an intruder dressed like a priest spent the night on the property. Just this past November, the Windsor Estate was affected yet again when masked intruders stole vehicles close to the Adelaide Cottage home of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Prince Andrews 30-room home, Royal Lodge, faced a security breach of its own when a woman wandered in the home, claiming she had a lunch date with the Duke of York. Getty Royal motorcade led by the Metropolitan Police Special Escort Group on May 11, 2021 Royal motorcade led by the Metropolitan Police Special Escort Group on May 11, 2021 Getty Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Charles at the Commonwealth Day service on March 9, 2020 Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Charles at the Commonwealth Day service on March 9, 2020 Police are clearly aware of many threats against the royal family, but Davies told The Mirror that there may be many more lurking in the shadows and that its impossible for the police to be 100 percent confident that theyve identified everyone with malintent towards the royal family. Read the original article on InStyle When Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled his plan in April 2022 to bus what would turn out to be tens of thousands of migrants who had crossed into Texas from Mexico without legal authorization to Democratic-run cities in other states, he wasn't thinking about presidential politics, the three-term Republican told a friendly audience Thursday. In an appearance at the University of Texas Law School sponsored by the Texas Law Federalist Society, Abbott acknowledged that his migrant busing program in particular and his $11 billion Operation Lone Star in general handed President Donald Trump a favorable narrative for his successful 2024 campaign to regain the White House. "Our original design was not to alter the arc of political discourse or the presidential campaign, which, in fact, it did do," Abbott told members of the conservative organization at the law school. "In the end, our goal was to provide relief to those small communities" along the border that were struggling to provide services for people who crossed the Rio Grande into Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott talks with interim University of Texas President Jim Davis during a session Thursday at the University of Texas Law School. The 45-minute conversation with interim UT President Jim Davis, who assumed his new role in February, and Texas Law Federalist Society President Jordan Lamb gave the governor an opportunity to highlight issues within his political wheelhouse. In addition to contrasting the border security polices of Democratic former President Joe Biden with his own and Trump's, Abbott talked about efforts to enhance Texas' business climate and about the criteria he uses to vet lawyers whom he has appointed to be judges in state courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott boasted about his successful push in 2023 for a special appeals court to handle business-to-business litigation that might otherwise face significant delays due to a backlog of criminal and civil cases in other venues. On the question of appointing judges, whether they'd preside over one of the hundreds of state District Courts or serve as justices to the Texas Supreme Court, Abbott said he looks for candidates who would not seek to legislate from the bench. Bobby Chesney, UT Law School dean, right, emcees as Gov. Greg Abbott, second from left, appears Thursday with interim UT President Jim Davis, left, and Texas Law Federalist Society President Jordan Lamb, second from right. "I'm an originalist. I believe that the way the Constitution is written is the way that it should be applied," said Abbott, who served on the Texas Supreme Court from 1996 until 2001. "So I'm looking for originalists, strict constructionists people who will apply conservative applications of the law. Not expanding it, but deciding on the basis of what legislators or Congress or the Constitution itself decides." One question, however, did cause the governor to pause and carefully craft his answer so as not to alienate too many Texans on a topic near to the hearts of many of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Governor, we've covered some very weighty topics today: law, policy, the future of Texas," Lamb said as the question-and-answer session was about to wrap up. "But now it's time to tackle a truly divisive issue. "Texans take their Tex-Mex seriously, and Austin has no shortage of great spots," she added. "If you had to recommend just one place in town for the best Tex-Mex, where are you sending us?" Abbott replied: "Uh oh," perhaps recognizing the need to choose wisely. "I'm an originalist. I believe that the way the Constitution is written is the way that it should be applied," Gov. Greg Abbott, who served on the Texas Supreme Court from 1996 until 2001, says Thursday. As might be expected of a former justice on the Texas Supreme Court, Abbott prefaced his decision with something of a windy setup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As governor of Texas, it's hard for me to pick among all my children," he said, drawing laughter from the audience. He began by acknowledging that the question before him was indeed controversial. Then he highlighted that Tex-Mex cuisine in Texas is unmatched. And he noted that the Tex-Mex experience could not be limited to just food, but also to the atmosphere and to the selection and quality of its beverages. "You're going to have beer, you're going to have a margarita," Abbott said. "You're going to be enjoying yourself. You're not going there to be quiet. You're not going there to study, for God's sake." Finally, after setting the parameters and laying out all the evidence, Abbott was ready to make his ruling. He settled on an Austin institution that has been in business for 73 years, starting out in a tiny venue on East First Street and now housed at a sprawling location on South Lamar Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All that boils down to one place that stands out above others," Abbott said, "and that's Matt's El Rancho." No one in the audience offered a dissenting opinion. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Gov. Abbott: Migrant bus operation help set 2024 elections tone Lets be real: We love to say were living in the modern age, but when it comes to how we treat new mothers in Congress, were stuck in the 1950s. Case in point? Representative Brittany Pettersen brought her four-week-old newborn across the country becausedespite just having given birthshe had to be physically present in Washington, D.C. to cast a vote. And all of this? Totally preventable. Welcome to the urgent case for proxy voting for parents in Congress. And this week, House Republicans are fighting against two new mom congresswomenone Democrat, one Republicans efforts to allow new parents the right to vote by proxy while recovering from birth. This place was not made for us. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Colorado mom of two (including that brand-new baby), has lived the challenge of legislating with a newborn firsthandand shes had it. There are medical reasons when youre pregnant and close to your term and you cant fly for votes and up through giving birth and recovering and taking care of your newborn and 24/7 care, she told Motherly in an interview this week. We are perfectly capable of modernizing the way that we do things to account for situations like this. Its unacceptable that we are so far behind the times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unacceptable is an understatement. When Pettersen flew with her newborn son Sam for that vote, she did it not because she wanted tobut because there was no alternative. I was devastated with the choice in front of me, she said. There was no way that I was not going to be here, but I was devastated I could not leave my newborn baby for days. Related: Why pregnant lawmakers deserve remote voting This, in a job that already requires being in two places at oncehome with your kids and at the Capitol with your colleagues. Why does this even matter? Proxy voting is a practical solution to an outdated problem. It simply allows a representative to cast their vote without being physically present. Revolutionary? Hardly. Common sense? Completely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vote Mama founder Liuba Grechen Shirley put it plainly: Our political system was designed by older, wealthy, white, land-owning men at a time when women couldnt even vote. For moms, its even hardervotes are called at unpredictable times No proxy voting means flying across the country right after giving birth to cast a vote. Shes not being hyperbolic. Thats the literal truth of how our democracy worksor doesntfor moms. The rarest club in Washington To date, only 13 voting women in the entire history of Congress have given birth while serving. Pettersen is the thirteenth. Since Americas founding, hundreds of millions of women have given birth. Yet only 13 have been serving in Congress while doing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? Because the system was made to keep mothers out. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla) was the twelfth. Now, she and Pettersen are working together across the aisle to fix it. This is reflective of when we actually get to know each other when we see each other as other human beings, Pettersen said. When we come together on issues its about being moms and going through the rare experience of being pregnant and giving birth while in Congress. They know that proxy voting is just the beginning. Its not just about votingits about changing who gets to lead So what happens when more moms do make it to Congress? We can completely reshape the policies and priorities of the United States and actually meet the needs of families, says Pettersen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liuba Grechen Shirley agrees: Legislators legislate based on their lived experience. When moms lead, they prioritize investments in families, education, and the economy in ways that actually work for people. But without structural reforms, most moms wont make it to the floorliterally. Grechen Shirley outlines a few of the policies that would change that: Paid leave for legislators (yes, even Congress doesnt have this!) On-site childcare and childcare reimbursements Changing tables and pumping rooms in government buildings Campaign funds for childcare And, of course, proxy voting These arent radical ideastheyre significant, barrier-breaking reforms, she says. There are more millionaires in Congress than moms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let that one sink in. Who doesnt want proxy voting for moms? The usual suspects defending the status quo. Were hearing arguments about unconstitutionality. Were hearing arguments like show up for work or dont run for Congress, Pettersen said. Its the same stuff weve heard as women for our existence I cant believe how many people say that women shouldnt be in Congress. Thats not just sexismits sabotage. Because when mothers are excluded from leadership, so are their priorities. Moms deserve betterand so does democracy The pandemic proved we can rethink work. It showed us that flexibility isnt a luxuryits a lifeline. And yet here we are, still forcing women to choose between healing from childbirth and casting a vote that could impact millions of lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pettersens advice? Reach out to your members of Congress and ask them to support our resolution Support other women who are running for office. Encourage other moms to step up and run. This is how were going to change things. Its time to let moms votefrom wherever they need to be. Related: Congress introduces massive bill to improve mothers health: This crisis demands urgent attention Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Overcast | Pocket Casts A couple of years ago, the conservative writer Christopher Rufo did a fellowship in Budapest, where, upon his arrival, Janos Csak, Hungarys thenminister of culture and innovation, greeted me with a strong handshake, Rufo later wrote in an essay about the trip. Hungarys population is not quite 10 million, and the country is among the poorest in the EU, yet Rufo believed that it had something to teach the U.S. The two countries, according to Rufo, were beset by the same diseases: the fraying of national culture, entrenched left-wing institutions, and the rejection of sexual difference. But unlike the U.S., Hungary had a plan. Prime Minister Viktor Orban was using muscular state policy to turn the culture back around. Among his major targets were Hungarian universities. In this episode, Radio Atlantic host Hanna Rosin talks with the education writer Adam Harris, who believes that Rufos essay can help explain the Trump administrations current attack on universities. Since Donald Trump has taken office, he has threatened to take back hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding from universities, and compiled lists of places that might not be in compliance, for various reasons: They failed to protect Jews on campus. They failed to protect womens sports. They use racial preferences and stereotypes in their programs. The administrations aim, Harris suggests, is much the same as Orbansnot just to dismantle the intellectual elite but also to build a new conservative one that better reflects its cultural values. The following is a transcript of the episode: Hanna Rosin: Universities are all of a sudden breaking news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, a video went around showing a man in a navy hoodie approaching a woman in a long, white down coat. It was still pretty cold when the video was shot outside Boston, right near Tufts University. The woman backs away, the guy grabs her hands, and then a few more people approach her from behind. The womans name is Rumeysa Ozturk, and shes a graduate student at Tufts University. The people approaching her are federal agents. They arrested her after the State Department revoked her student visa. [Sound of Rumeysa Ozturks arrest] Rosin: Just before that, ICE arrested Palestinian activist and Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil. Hed been a leader of student protests. The administration said that amounted to supporting Hamas. News anchor: They claim his student visa was revoked. Rosin: Other students targeted for deportation: a fellow at Georgetown, also arrested. News anchor: detained a grad student from India who was teaching at Georgetown University on a student visa. Rosin: Columbia was threatened with losing $400 million, and then they agreed to some demands. Harvard is now also under review for roughly $9 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are dozens more universities on a list, suspected of using racial preferences or of forcing women to compete with men in sports. President Donald Trump: Your population doesnt want men playing in womens sports, so you better comply because otherwise youre not getting any federal funding. Maine Governor Janet Mills: See you in court. Trump: Every stategood. Ill see you in court. I look forward to that. That should be a real easy one. [Music] Rosin: Im Hanna Rosin. This is Radio Atlantic. The administration tells one story about its attack on universities: that theyre protecting students against anti-Semitism, protecting traditional womens sports, going after unfair racial preferences. But our guest on the show today says that is just whats on the surface. Adam Harris, who is a senior fellow at New America and who also covered education for The Atlantic, argues that the administration has a much more ambitious, grander plan. And it starts with a pilgrimage to Hungary. [Music] Rosin: Adam, welcome to the show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Harris: Thanks for having me. Rosin: Sure. So Adam, about a year before Trump is elected, a conservative activist named Christopher Rufo decamps to Budapest, writes a dispatch called, Orbans War, referring, of course, to Hungarian PM Viktor Orban. And it turns out to be kind of a road map in a surprising way for this moment, what were seeing politically and particularly with universities. What is Rufos argument in that essay? Harris: Yeah. He argues, effectively, that one of the more significant things and the thing that wasnt necessarily understood broadly at the time was the way that Orban undertook this effort to sort of reshape institutions, both publicly and privately, to create a sort of conservative elite. Rosin: Okay. And this came, it seems like, as a revelation to conservative intellectualslike, because Hungary is not an analogous country, but it seemed like a place that you would pilgrimage to learn things. So what was revelatory about this? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris: Yeah. Well, Rufo says that theyre facing some of the same issues that conservatives in the United States are, right? The sort of rejection, as he calls it, of sexual difference, the sort of liberal creep into the more general institutions. And Rufo really finds surprising the ways that Orban was able to successfully combat that in his creation of that new sort of conservative elite in Hungary. Rosin: Its interesting because I think of conservatives in this moment of their ascendance as anti-intellectual. This is a slightly different view, where theyre viewing the university as a source of a lot of declinesay, decline of Western civilization. So instead of ignoring it or pushing it away, it sounds like the vision in this essay is, No. Take it back. Harris: Yeah. Its sort of: Take it back. Bend it to your own means. Strengthen what they believe are the sort of cultural foundations, right? He talks about family life. He talks about Christian faith. He talks about historical memory. And what a lot of conservatives feel that theyve lost is that control of historical memory, right? When you think about some of the history curriculums that have been attacked over the last several years, it has been because those curriculums are a sort of fundamental reassessment of the position of some of our most celebrated figures in American public life. Rosin: So its actually incredibly ambitious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris: In a lot of ways, yes. Were only 60-some odd years into the idea of a multicultural democracy, since the Civil Rights Act. And a lot of people feel that we lost something when we moved into that era. And so effectively, some of this is trying to reclaim that visage of that sort of pastoral past that we lost. Rosin: Ah. Okay. Okay. Im starting to understand how this fits more broadly into Make America Great and what the attack on universities is actually about. So we havent said yet: Who is Christopher Rufo, and how did these ideas start to spread? Harris: Yeah, so Christopher Rufo is a conservative activist who around 2020, not long after the murder of George Floyd, started looking into diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. And he started writing a bunch of blog posts and articles that really examined the DEI in several different areas. He would pool some of the most jarring examples and sort of use those as a way to indict the entire apparatus that has grown up out of the civil-rights movement. But by September of 2020, some of those articles, some of what he said on TV gets to President Trump during the end of his first term, and that really launches this broader interrogation that weve seen since then into diversity principles and sort of these ideas of equity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosin: Okay. So its diversity principles, but its also diversity principles as filtered through universities. Harris: Yes. Rosin: But its essentially creating an intellectual road map of all these executive orders, these things that Trump is putting togetherthere is a grand idea behind them. Harris: Yes. Theres a grand idea behind them. Rosin: And as Trump is elected and starting to pick his cabinet, you as an education expert, what did you notice? Like, what did you start to pay attention to in university news? Harris: Yeah. Well, around December, actually, there was a piece that came out in the Washington Examiner by a conservative education scholar, Max Eden, who argued that Linda McMahon could do a couple of things upon being confirmed as the education secretary in order to overhaul higher education and to ensure that institutions sort of got into line. And one of those things, he argued, was to take a prize scalp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosin: A prize scalp. Harris: A prize scalp, and thats a quote-unquote. And he said that institution would be Columbia University, that the administration should go after Columbia as hard as it can. If Columbia did not comply, it should remove its Title IV funds. If Columbia did comply, then they should find another way or they could find another way to remove funding from the institution. And so when one of the first institutions to receive a big hit on their funding, $400 million, [was] Columbia, the first thing that came to my mind was, Oh, this is a part of the playbook that they talked about in December. Rosin: So how did Columbia fit into the playbook? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris: Yeah. Well, over the last, you know, year and a half, really since October 7, when students started protesting the war in Gaza, Columbia has become the sort of poster child for the ways that higher education is doing things wrong, right? Rosin: Out of control. Harris: Out of control. You know, The student protestors are controlling the institution. The leadership doesnt really have a wrangle on its faculty. There were criticisms of the curriculumall of these things. And Columbia and most Ivy League institutions arent necessarily places where people are gonna jump to defend them, right? These are places that have multibillion-dollar endowments. When people say that they dont trust higher education, they dont mean their local community college. They dont mean the public regional down the road. They mean Harvard and Columbia because it seems like an unattainable place where the elites are developed anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so over the last two years, really, youve seen these attacks on Columbia and how theyve handled anti-Semitism on campus. Or youve seen attacks on Columbia and what theyre teaching to students. And the imperfect plaintiff nature of Columbia makes it easier to say, Well, everyone has said youre not handling this well, so lets go ahead and remove your funding. And it would be one thing if they sort of stopped at Columbia. It would be one thing if they came into office, did a long investigation into whats going onbecause thats typically what happens, right? As someone whos covered the education department for the last, you know, seven, eight years, anytime you have a Title VI investigation in cases of discrimination, those typically take months, if not years, to complete. And upon their completion, the removal of funds has never really been on the table. Rosin: Okay, so if it didnt go through the usual process, it didnt seem to be about what they said it was about. So you, as someone tracking this, what do you think it was about? Like, why remove Columbias funding? What was that first move about? Harris: Yeah. So in that piece that I mentioned from December, the argument was: You remove the funding from Columbia in order to scare other institutions into compliance. And if those institutions dont immediately comply, then they also know that, Well, I can get my funding taken away too. We have seen, now, $150 million [taken] away from Penn within days, rightat least paused at Penn within daysof launching or announcing an investigation. And so, really, these timelines just dont necessarily comport (1) with the way things are done, but they also dont comport with a proper or legitimate investigation, given the amount of staff they have now at the Department of Education. Rosin: Okay. So theyre not following the rules of a proper investigation. Theyre just trying to get universities to comply. But comply with what? Harris: Yeah, so there are a couple of variousit was interesting because the administration has gone farther than just saying, Hey. You need to get everything in check. Figure it out, Columbia. Theyve actually given them a list of things that they could do in terms of disciplinary measures for students. They said that one of the academic departments needs to be put under a sort of academic receivership, meaning that someone comes in from outside of the department to serve as the chair and look over their curriculums and things like that. So there are these sort of very specific guidelines for what can and cannot be said on campuses. And once you start restricting speech in one manner, that sort of means you can restrict speech in a lot of different spaces. So if you say, Well, you cant have these pro-Palestinian protests in a specific area, and if you do, then were going to take your funding away. There are a lot of things there that are reminiscent of the ways that Southern governors used to say that students at Alabama State couldnt have sit-ins, otherwise they were going to remove the funding from Alabama State College. Its adjudicating specific behaviors and speech that students are making, which is really a threat to all of the principles of an institution. When an administration can come into an institution and say, You have to do this very specific thing. These are the policies that you have to implement, the principles of shared governance, the principles of academic freedom, the principles of a sort of free system of higher education really go awayand those same principles that are sort of the bedrocks of our democracy, right? The First Amendment is literally about free speech. When those sorts of things go away, it becomes a very dangerous environment that limits what people can say and do. [Music] Rosin: After the break: the narrowing of the American higher-education systemand who will get left out. [Break] Rosin: You started out by saying the ultimate vision was building a conservative elite. So is the way you put this entire picture together, is that essentially: You break down, you take away their funding? I mean, now I just sound kind of paranoid and conspiratorial, but maybe this is the plan. Like, you take away fundingin this way, its a little confusing, because some of the funding is for science so, you know, its not all completely directed. But you take away the funding. You therefore shock the university into stopping behaving the way it has, and then what? Whats the ultimateI dont know what happened in Hungary, so Harris: Yeah. So that vision that Rufo discussed sort of happened in Hungary, where theyre trying to get back to the cultural traditions, the cultural values that the nation hadthose sort of ideas of Christian faith, the ideas of family life. In the same way, it sort of embodies that notion of Make America Great Again. And so the question has always been, Well, when exactly was America great? And over the last several years, there has been an argument that has built up in conservative circles that America was better off in terms of these ideas of personal liberty and the freedom of association before the Civil Rights Act was signed, that this sort of administrative state that has built up to enforce the rules of the Civil Rights Actso you think about things like race-conscious admissions, which was just voted down at the Supreme Court. You think about these reassessments of curriculums, which prior to the 1960s were legally allowed to obscure and/or omit the contributions of African Americans, of Natives, of Mexican Americans. You consider the programs that were meant to diversify the workforce more generallythose are some of the programs and things that conservatives are trying to attack in certain ways by saying that they basically discriminate against white people, that its reverse discrimination to include those policies, which is why you see a part of this, alongside that $400 million from Columbia, was that broader letter, that Dear Colleague letter that said, Heyif you use race in scholarships, in hiring, in your sort of faculty committees, in your student groups, in any of these things, then we are going to investigate you, and you are going to be in violation of Title VI. And when an institution hears youre going to be in violation of Title VI, they will start thinking, Were going to get our funding taken away in the same way that Columbia did. And so this push to eliminate the Department of Education runs alongside this broader push to get higher education under control, right? These are sort of parallel tracks that end up forming a double helix, right? They go right together. Its like if youre going to say that youre going to investigate anti-Semitism with a vigor that no one has ever investigated it with before, and you remove half of the staff at the Office for Civil Rights that actually investigates anti-Semitism, the thing to do wouldnt be to remove people who are investigating those complaints. The thing would be to beef up that staff so that they didnt have 20 to 25 cases on their load, so that they could have those five to 10 complaints they were really focusing on. Rosin: Right, because they could find examples of anti-Semitism. They could find examples of other kinds of discrimination. But its obviously not what youre actually after if youre eliminating the office. Harris: Exactly. Rosin: You know, as youre talking, whats chilling about this is that I do, in fact, associate higher education with the opening of the mind and the broadening of the views. Like, that is what I think university is for. I mean, that is what education in the U.S. does. So it would be a profound shift to think of education as inculcating a very narrow or particular set of content, you know? Harris: Yes. And you know, its interesting. Over the last several years, right, the last couple of decades, actually, theres been this argument that institutions dont teach students how to think; they teach students what to think. Rosin: Thats what conservatives say. Harris: Thats what conservatives say, yeah. It was one of the first things that Betsy DeVos said when she became the education secretary, was that colleges are teaching students what to think as opposed to how to think. And in some ways, this effort is actually trying to do that. It is trying to teach students, This other stuff is out of bounds, right? But this is the acceptable sort of curriculum for your class. These are the acceptable things that you can say. And even if theyre not saying it explicitly, institutions are taking it as such. Weve already seen some colleges, such as High Point University, when that Dear Colleague letter came out that said, Make sure youre not using race or using discriminatory language in any of these things, they sent out a letter to their faculty, to their staff and said, Remove all of these. They gave them more than 40 words and said, Remove them from everything. Get rid of them in your PowerPoint presentations. Get rid of them in your curriculums. They ended up walking that back. But you see the sort of chill that that already starts to have when administrators are thinking, I dont want to lose my funding, and so Im going to go ahead and say, Lets just get rid of all of that in our curriculum. Rosin: Now, the administration created a task force, and there is this growing list of universities that are up for investigation. Is there any criteria? Do you see any pattern in the universities? Because it does seem to include both elite and less elite. You know, big-city schools, small schools. Like, can you detect anything in what theyre looking for? Harris: So its difficult to detect a trend there. There is a way that you can sort of have a veil of legitimacy on any investigation. And so if you have received a complaint from a school of anti-Semitism, you can say that, Okay. Thats going to be the school that we are going to investigate. And knowing that all it took was 14, you know, 15 days for the administration to go ahead and remove all of $400 million of Columbias funding, those institutions may be more likely to say, Whoa. Whatever theyre saying for Columbia to do, lets go ahead and do that Rosin: So that they wont come after us. Harris: so that they wont come after us. Rosin: So merely putting a university on the listand actually, maybe even the arbitrary nature of the listactually spreads the fear more widely. Maybe this is what Im realizing now. Its a very common tactic. Harris: Exactly. Rosin: If you just put Harvard and Columbia on the list, then other places wouldnt have to worry about it. But if you spread it far and wide, then everybody follows your orders. Okay. Thats obvious. So I see now very clearly putting the pieces together, putting the bigger picture together of how theyre scaring universities. I want to know whats happening inside the universities and how theyre responding. As someone who doesnt follow higher education as closely, its not that clear to me how important this funding is or how reliant universities are on federal funding. Harris: Yeah. So for an institution that is, say, more tuition dependent, they rely on the students paying their tuition and that tuition helping them to meet payroll. Title IV funding is incredibly important because if you are not allowed to take loans from students, if youre not allowed to get Pell Grants from students, then a tuition-dependent institution is going to go out of business. For bigger institutions like Columbia, these are institutions that have federal grants from, you know, the NIH, that have federal grants from the Defense Department, that have USDA grants, that have grants from the, you know, Education Department, right? So its very varied, and their tentacles are all through the federal government. Theres this idea thats sort of been bubbling up that, Well, these institutions have big endowments. Why dont you just start using that? Theres a fundamental misunderstanding about endowments. Thats not just, like, fungible money that you can say, Oh, well, thats $50 billion. We can spend $10 billion and make up for it tomorrow, because most of that money is tied to very specific things. Say a donor made a $400 million donation to the School of Fine Arts: If you start using that for payroll generally, you can guarantee youre never gonna receive a single dollar ever again, because people cant trust you to be good stewards or faithful stewards of that money. They can also sue you. And so there are some colleges that, you know, from 30 to 40 percent of their budgets really kind of come from the federal government, but thats not to say that this is a completely foreign system. There is not a successful higher-education system in the world, really, that is not sort of subsidy driven, that doesnt receive significant government subsidies. Rosin: Thats interesting. I think of the United States as having a largely private university system and that other, you knowI am always jealous of overseas, how they have more public universities. But I never quite put together that, in fact, there is a strong interdependence between public institutions and universities of all kinds. So now I see why that makes them extremely vulnerable. Ive watched university presidentsI mean, it mostly feels like theyre scrambling. You know, Columbia was a probably terrifying example for a lot of college presidents because it does seem that even when university presidents comply or try to comply with Trump orders, they still get punished. Do you see any responses now, like, as youve watched, maybe since October 7 and then through Trumps election? What kinds of discussions are they having about how to handle this situation? Harris: So theres been a lot of sort of internal back-and-forth at institutions. You havent really seen many public responses, in part because theres a sort of keep your head down and hope that its not you, you know, some of the smaller institutions, maybe public institutions. For some of the public state institutions, theyre trying to fight things that are going on in their own states, right? Consider a place like Ohio, where they have a bill thats supposed to reform higher education. Florida, Texas, North Carolina, all of these states: Theres this big federal thing thats going on, but you also have these state reforms, whether thats to tenure, whether thats to establish a conservative center on campus, whatever it may be. Theyre also thinking about those issues, as well. And so a lot of presidents are in sort of a, Keep your head down. Try to avoid being noticed. And if its happening over there, then its not happening to us, and were already thinking about our budget for the next year, as opposed to a cohesive pushback to say, This is an attack on higher education more broadly rather than these singular institutions. Rosin: And do you think thats a realistic thing to ask of university presidents? Because it is disheartening to see them fall, one after the otherI mean, both in congressional hearings, in all sorts of ways. And then thered just be deadly silence. But theres also silence on the streets. Theres silence in a lot of places. And so I just wonder: Is that a realistic hope? Harris: It should be. Rosin: You want to hold onto it? Harris: I do, because weve seen institutions in the last few years be pushed into these policies that say they wont make public statements about political events, right? In Ohio, in that bill, it said that public colleges cant make statements about partisan or ideological statements outside of celebrations of the United States and the flaglike, really sort of jingoistic, patriotic statements. And pushing back doesnt have to look like a president being out in the streets, but it does look like reaffirming your institutional principles and living up to your institutional principles, right? Because a principles only a principle when its tested. Rosin: Right. Harris: And a belief is only, likeyou only actually have a value and make public that value when that value is under attack. And so if higher education doesnt believe in the principles that it was founded on, then institutional leaders should remain silent. But if they do, then theres a kind of obligation there. Its one of the reasons why they get paid so much. Rosin: Whoa. Okay. Harris: (Laughs.) Rosin: No. I mean, youre clear. I appreciate it. Just one final thing: We started by talking about the ultimate goal of this to be the creation of a different kind of elite in the U.S. I wonder if they have a fully fleshed imagination of what a conservative elite would look like and act like and believe. Like, is the end of the vision real? Harris: I dont know if its a fully fleshed-out view, but they have pointed to certain institutions and said, This is what it could look like. Those institutions are Hillsdale College, the College of the Ozarks. I actually went to the College of the Ozarks when Pete Hegseth was speaking, and there was this really, you know, sort of telling quote that he gave during his speech that was just like, I went to Harvard. I went to, you know, the Ivy League institution. Those places have lost their way. This is the sort of place thats doing it right. This is the future. And you look across the student bodyits majority white and not even, like, a slim majority. Its students who, when I spoke to them, talked more about the idea of it being a place where they could go and not have to have a ton of loans on the back end of going to college. But it was also a place that hasits the only college in the country with a vice president of patriotic activities. Every student is required to take a patriotic-education course, where its a mix of current events and the founding documents alongside, like, military training. And its not a military school. So I dont know that theres a fully fleshed-out idea, but I know that there are institutions that they point to as examples of what a college should be, and there are also places that they can point to, like a new college now, and how to make that happen. Rosin: What ended up happening in Hungary, by the way? Has it broadened into a vision beyond that individual college? Do they have a conservative elite? Harris: In a lot of ways, yes. And if its not a sort of fully fleshed-out one to this point, it is much further along than it was when Orban launched his assault. I think one of the other things that was really interesting about that piece that Rufo wrote was that he talks about the ways that things seemed normal Rosin: And what did he mean by normal? Harris: By normal, he talks about, Oh, people talk about it as if its, like, an economic backwater, but, you know, business goes on as usual. But theres this quiet administrative, instructional war thats going on in education, sort of reshaping things. And so its like, Make everything seem as normal as possible while also launching this assault that transforms the way that a country fundamentally operates. Rosin: And feels and what young minds accept as excellence, basically. Harris: Exactly. Rosin: Right. Well, Adam, I think the only option after this conversation is to join you in holding out hope that some group of university presidents stand up for what a university is. Thank you so much for helping us understand that. Harris: Absolutely. Thanks for having me. [Music] Rosin: This episode of Radio Atlantic was produced by Jinae West and edited by Claudine Ebeid. We had engineering support from Rob Smierciak and fact-checking by Sam Fentress. Claudine Ebeid is the executive producer of Atlantic audio, and Andrea Valdez is our managing editor. Listeners, if you like what you hear on Radio Atlantic, remember you can support our work and the work of all Atlantic journalists when you subscribe to The Atlantic at theatlantic.com/podsub. Thats theatlantic.com/podsub. Im Hanna Rosin. Thank you for listening. Article originally published at The Atlantic WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) The Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce continues its mission of economic growth by offering real estate opportunities. The city council approved the chambers receiving up to $500,000 in funding to find suitable retail site locations within city limits. The Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation will fund this expenditure. The funding is to work toward advancing the councils strategic goal of economic growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Tuesdays regular session meeting on April 1, 2025, Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO Ron Kitchens told councilors that as the community grows, so does demand. He said most of the chamber property is under contract. Adopting the resolution also includes seven findings from the 4A board for approval. Those findings include supporting primary job creation, retail availability, enhancing the citys livability, attracting new primary job industries, and growing support for Sheppard Air Force Base and its missions. Courtesy: City of Wichita Falls Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A Wichita veteran drafted during the Vietnam era spent part of his service overseas in Korea. KSN shares the veterans service, and one thing he was looking forward to returning to in Kansas. Charles Conley was born in Oklahoma but moved to Wichita at the age of 2 and has called the Air Capital home ever since. He was drafted into the army in 1968 and had a good idea of what was coming. My brother had gotten drafted a year before that, so I felt like sooner or later I would get drafted too, he said. Courtesy: Charles Conley Courtesy: Charles Conley After basic training, Conley became a chemical and biological warfare specialist while also helping train NATO troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were trained on like, mustard gas, chlorine, stuff like that. And they did experiments with VX gas, he said. Courtesy: Charles Conley Courtesy: Charles Conley Conleys next assignment was to Camp Stanley in Korea, where he ran their chemical shop. Conley says he didnt see direct combat but considered the area dangerous. He says his squadmates always had his back. There was a camaraderie that put everybody on equal standing with each other because everyone was away from home, he said. Courtesy: Charles Conley Courtesy: Charles Conley Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After two years in the army, Conley was ready to return home to friends and family, which was another comfort he missed in Wichita. The water. Fresh drinking water. The water here tastes better than water anywhere in the world as far as Im concerned, he said. After leaving the army as an E4 specialist and returning home, Conley married the love of his life and went on to have a successful career at Boeing for more than three decades, and he credits a lot of his success to the lessons learned while he served. Courtesy: Charles Conley Courtesy: Charles Conley Just be responsible. Thats the main thing. And when you say youre going to do something, you do it. Thats the whole thing, you know? Accountability, he said. If you want to nominate a veteran for our Veteran Salute, send an email to connect3news@ksn.com or fill out our online contact form! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. IROQUOIS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) Several months after a train hit and killed an IDOT snowplow driver in Iroquois County, his widow has filed a lawsuit against Canadian National Transportation (USA) Limited, Illinois Central Railroad Company, and the trains engineer and conductor. In January, WCIA reported that Aaron Pittman-Teague died after his snowplow was hit by a Canadian National freight train near the intersection of U.S. Route 45 and County Road 2300 North in Danforth. UPDATE: Paxton man arrested after threatening driver with gun in Danville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa Grimes, Pittman-Teagues widow was named the independent administrator of Pittman-Teagues estate. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed April 2 through Grimes attorneys, Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley PLLC. The East 2300 North Road Crossing where Pittman-Teague lost his life is owned by Canadian National and Illinois Central Railroad Company. It intersects East 2300 North Road at its intersection with 850 E. County Road. The lawsuit alleges that it is an improperly maintained private rail crossing. The lawsuit states that Canadian National and Illinois Central were responsible for ensuring that safety features, like crossing gates, lights, signs, and warnings were added to the crossing. It also acknowledges that the nearby rail crossing had safety features like gates and lights installed. Its disgusting: Buckley residents call on village officials to focus on water quality Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a history of several other collisions at the same gate crossing, and the lawsuit said Canadian National and Illinois Central had knowledge of the increased risk to pedestrians and vehicles. Despite this, the railroad company continued to operate the crossing without additional safety features. And, the lawsuit argues that the estimated cost to install safety devices for the multi-billion-dollar railroad was approximately $300,000, which is less than approximately 0.0005% of its net worth. Despite the lack of safety features, Pittman-Teagues death could still have been prevented. In early January, Danforth had a layer of snow on the ground and cold conditions. The lawsuit alleges that this created hazardous conditions for safely operating and stopping trains. And, the suit adds that the train was traveling around 55 mph, with a maximum speed of 60mph. Gibson City woman dead after two-car crash near Fairbury Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit alleges that all those named in the suit knew the weather conditions were unsafe, that it would be difficult to stop the train, and still allowed it to travel near the maximum allowable speed. These oversights led to Pittman-Teagues death, according to the suit. Now, Grimes is seeking damages under the Wrongful Death Act and Survival Act for the suffering that Pittman-Teague endured and the losses that Grimes is facing. In January, the Illinois Commerce Commission told WCIA that they approved a design and funding for new automatic warning devices at the County Road 2300 North crossing. But, they added that the Commission does not install the lights and gates. Instead, the responsibility falls to Illinois Central Railroad. The Commission also told WCIA that the railroad confirmed to the ICC that work on the project will be done in the spring. Former Paxton pharmacist charged with illegal possession of controlled substances Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Grieco, one of Grimes attorneys provided a statement to WCIA on the lawsuit. It reads: The filing of this lawsuit marks our first step toward justice for Aaron and accountability from Canadian National Railway and Illinois Central Railroad. The evidence weve uncovered is deeply troublingfour previous incidents at this exact crossing should have prompted safety improvements, especially considering blueprints were already drafted and the defendants knew an upgrade needed to be made since 2016. Aaron lost his life while serving the public during hazardous winter conditions, all because these companies chose not to install basic safety equipment at this crossing while protecting others nearby. As we proceed with this case, we are determined to expose the full extent of negligence that led to this preventable tragedy. This is not a one-off issue around the State of Illinois. There are many crossings the Defendants have failed to upgrade for years. While no compensation can bring Aaron back, we hope this lawsuit forces these companies to finally prioritize safety over profits and implement long-overdue protections at dangerous crossings throughout Illinois, preventing other families from experiencing our devastating loss. Michael Grieco, Counsel for the Estate. WCIA reached out to Canadian National Transportation (USA) Limited for a comment on the lawsuit and is waiting to hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The wife of a Salvadoran man Donald Trumps administration admits was mistakenly deported to that countrys notorious prison says she is very scared for her husbands safety. I've seen news of that prison, and I know they take criminals there. And my husbands not a criminal, Jennifer Vasquez Sura told CBS News. Her husband Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador on March 15, joining dozens of mostly Venezuelan immigrants on removal flights after Donald Trump secretly invoked the Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport alleged Tren de Aragua gang members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the planes were sent to El Salvador under that wartime authority, and a third plane was supposed to only be carrying immigrants with court orders for their removal. Abrego Garcia was on that plane something administration officials have called an oversight. Trump administration officials admitted in court filings that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was placed in removal proceedings due to an administrative error but are refusing to retrieve him from El Salvadors notorious prison (AP) In 2019, a judge had blocked Abrego Garcias removal after credible testimony that he fears violence and death in his home country, which he fled in 2011 when he was 16 years old. Under that order, he is allowed to remain in the United States legally, and must attend regular check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His most recent appearance was in January, according to court documents. He has no criminal record in either the United States or El Salvador, according to his attorney. He has been living in Maryland with his wife and five-year-old child, both U.S. citizens, and helping raise two children from a previous relationship. Their five-year-old son is autistic and nonverbal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia was working five days a week as a sheet metal worker while also attending college classes, Sura told CBS News. On March 12, three days before he was sent to El Salvadors prison, ICE officials told her that his legal status changed and that he would be fingerprinted and detained, she said. After he was shuffled around to different detention centers, he told her that if she didnt receive another call from him, she should assume he had been deported. He never called, she told CBS News. I waited and waited. He never made that call. She later identified him in a photograph from inside El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center shared by the Salvadoran government; masked officers were filmed dragging men in shackles into the prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I saw it, I immediately broke down cause I knew it was him, she said. I was scared for his life. Following news of the governments admission in court filings, Vice President JD Vance falsely labeled Abrego Garcia a convicted gang member. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt admitted there was a clerical error in his case, but claimed, without providing evidence, that Garcia was a leader of the MS-13 gang, and involved in human trafficking. Hes not a criminal, Sura told CBS News. My husband is an amazing person. An amazing father. In this undated photo from El Salvadors government and included in court documents, a man identified by Jennifer Vasquez Sura as her husband Kilmar Abrego Garcia is led by force by guards through El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center (AP) Despite the governments admission of an error, the Trump administration is shockingly not even trying to get him back, according to Abrego Garcias attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would be a very different case if [the administration] came before the court hat in hand, confessing error and assuring the court that remedial steps were underway, and arguing that the court should not short-circuit measures that were already in process, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg wrote in court filings on Wednesday. Instead, Defendants have already washed their hands of Plaintiff, of his U.S.-citizen wife, of his autistic nonverbal five-year-old U.S.-citizen child. Defendants proposed resolution of this state of affairs, which they caused either intentionally or at best recklessly, is nothing at all, he said. If he has no recourse, then court orders intended to protect him and immigrants like him are meaningless, and "the government can deport whomever they want, wherever they want, whenever they want, and no court can do anything about it once its done, according to Sandoval-Moshenberg. He is calling on a judge to order the Trump administration to request his return from the government of El Salvador, and at least ask them nicely to please give him back to us, Sandoval-Moshenberg wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is inexplicable that the administration has not already tried, he said. Judge Paula Xinis is scheduled to hold a hearing in the case on April 4. Meanwhile, a separate federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration from performing any other removal flights under the Alien Enemies Act, a block that was upheld by appellate court judges last week. The administration is now asking the Supreme Court to intervene and overturn the order. District Judge James Boasberg is considering whether to hold government officials in contempt after defying his court orders to stop the flights from happening in the first place. A hearing in that case is set for April 3. London-based conservationists are working to restore a vulnerable colony of endangered Darwin's frogs from halfway around the world. Launching an emergency rescue mission in a remote Chilean national park, the conservationists recently rescued 53 adult frogs from a deadly fungus plaguing the colony's native habitat. In October 2024, researchers from the Zoological Society of London rescued the frogs from Tantauco Park located on the south end of Chiloe Island in southern Chile. That's because the park is home to a deadly fungal infection called chytridiomycosis or chytrid fungus. YaleEnvironment360 explains that chytrid fungus causes a deadly infection that suppresses a frog's immune response. It first attacks the amphibian's skin, an essential barrier in frogs that aids respiration and supports overall health. As the infectious disease progresses, the frog's motor functions fail and it struggles to breathe. Eventually, the frog dies from a heart attack. Darwin's frogs are highly susceptible to the deadly fungus and often die within mere weeks of infection. Advertisement Advertisement According to The Guardian, chytrid fungus has been a problem worldwide for the last three decades, killing off at least 90 species and endangering hundreds more. Experts call it "the most devastating infectious animal disease ever documented." The Guardian reported that recent conservation monitoring found a 90% decline in the Darwin's frog population at Tantauco Park because of the fungus. "We realized the situation was really, really bad," Dr. Andres Valenzuela-Sanchez, a research fellow at the Zoological Society of London, told The Guardian. "We rapidly decided we needed to do something, We needed to do an emergency rescue." A documentary titled "A Leap of Hope" captures a portion of the team's delicate and difficult rescue. Not only were the frogs on a remote island filled with camouflaging lush vegetation, but the species is incredibly tiny. Darwin's frogs are under 3 centimeters long and weigh just .07 ounces, per London Zoo. Of the 55 frogs collected from the national park, two were infected with chytrid fungus. The remaining 53 frogs were sent on an 8,000-mile journey by plane, boat, and van to London. There, the frogs settled in a London Zoo habitat that replicated their natural environment with seasonable temperatures, regular rainfall, appropriate lighting, and familiar foliage. Advertisement Advertisement Now settled in the enclosure, 11 rescued males have released 33 young froglets into the habitat, starting a new generation of healthy frogs. Male Darwin's frogs hold young tadpoles in their vocal sacs for brooding, releasing the young frogs out of their mouth once developed. The conservationists call this new generation a "huge milestone" in their overall mission. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "We have the founders, the first adults, and now we have this first generation of offspring born at the zoo," Valenzuela-Sanchez told The Guardian. Researchers aim to breed the frogs further to help boost their population while exploring treatments and conservation options for chytrid fungus. Advertisement Advertisement The fungus appears to thrive in conditions caused by unstable global temperatures, though studies conflict on why. Some studies found that climate shifts like extreme heat and drought may weaken Darwin's frogs' immune systems, making the species more vulnerable to infection. Others have found that heat could be an antidote for deadly fungus, proposing so-called "frog saunas" small brick structures covered by miniature greenhouses and placed in the sun that could help infected frogs clear the infection. With further research and understanding, conservationists hope to develop treatments for chytrid fungus and eventually return the frogs to their native habitat. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. In 2020 Atlassian (No. 95), a U.S. software company that specializes in project management tools, implemented a distributed approach to work arrangements that it calls Team Anywhere. The policy allows the companys 12,000 employees to work from wherever it has a legal entity. As long as the time zone is compatible with their role, they have their team leaders blessing, and they have the right to work in the region. That means that instead of being limited to one of Atlassians 12 global offices, employees now clock in from over 10,000 locations around the world. Even before the pandemic, Atlassianwhose tools are frequently used by remote workerswas exploring alternative methods to traditional in-office work. We were always experimenting in this space heavily, because it sits very well with what we do for our customers, Avani Prabhakar, chief people officer at Atlassian, tells Fortune. Once COVID hit, the company committed to a fully distributed work model and never looked back. For us, it was never a thing [where] we will think about return to office one day when things get normal, Prabhakar adds. In the process of transforming into a distributed workforce, Atlassian focused on a data-driven approach. The company created Team Anywhere within its people department, which includes the Teamwork Lab, a group of behavioral scientists conducting research to solve problems and innovate how work gets done for both clients and the company itself. Prabhakar says there are four key components to Atlassians remote-first working model. The first is asynchronous communication, in which teams favor written communicationnot meetingsfor collaboration. The second is open by default, meaning that all documents or written materials should be available to everyone. Third is connection, which Prabhakar acknowledges was one of the companys biggest struggles; Atlassian holds Intentional Together Gatherings, or ITGs, at which teams congregate in person a few times a year. The fourth and final pillar to consider is timezone awareness: making sure that there is at least some time-zone overlap among employees who are working together. "The early-in-career cohort love coming into the office. They like the interaction." Atlassian has been operating a fully distributed work model for about four and a half years, and recent data shows overwhelmingly positive results with staff. Approximately 92% of employees report that the Team Anywhere policy allows them to do their best work. Similarly, 91% of employees say that flexibility is one of the primary reasons they stay at the company. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Window Depot is its name, but they do so much more than just windows; they do siding too. Homeowners can face a lot of problems if they get a siding job done on their home and it isnt done correctly. Within months of a bad job, a homeowner could start experiencing a multitude of issues because of all of the variables when it comes to installing siding. Window Depot of Youngstown takes everything into consideration when it comes to every home improvement job the team does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first is you dont want to nail it too tight. A panel with movement to it is going to cause buckling and bubbling plus many other variables when installing siding the proper way, said Begalla. So, what should homeowners know to look for when it comes to siding? Theres several variables, said Begalla. You can see all the ripples on the siding. Even when you push on it, you can see how its humped in the middle. They really want to make sure that they have expansion and contraction. It should be moving freely up and down. Its pushed out, because theres no room for it to expand and contract. Something called J Channel, which is a vinyl trim, allows the siding to move freely in and out so when it hits your home, it expands and when the cold hits it, it contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is going to cycle many times a day, said Begalla. First off, you dont want the nails to be too tight. Its not free to move and expand and contract. There can also be issues if the siding is cut too tight because it can actually hit the channel, which can cause the siding to bow. These are important variables to take into consideration, said Begalla. The temperature outside when theyre installing. In the wintertime, it is contracted. It is smaller siding. Now that the heats hitting the siding, its expanding and thats causing the ripple effect or the buckle. Siding is supposed to float, so those nails are not supposed to be nailed down tight to the wall surface so you can have that movement. Window Depot of Youngstown not only does incredible siding, but theres a lot to choose from as well with a professional team of installers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The installers in their installation experience is absolutely critical. So, understanding how tight it needs to go into the pockets, how tight it needs to be nailed, the way to cut things properly, said Begalla. I always think as a water drop. If youre starting at the top of the house and running down, is there anywhere that water can get into? And if there is, its not installed properly. A moisture barrier is also important. The first thing is you want to make sure that the subsurface behind it is watertight. Water comes in three different ways. Its solid, which is ice. Its liquid, which is going to be your water drop. And then the third thing is a vapor, said Begalla. So when you cook, you clean, you shower inside your hose, you sweat- that moisture vapor needs to escape. The barrier is to stop any water that gets behind the siding from getting into the house in the liquid or the solid form, but its woven so tight it allows the vapor to escape your home because then it allows your home to breathe. So the first thing youre going to want to do is make sure a vapor barrier is up. Siding is run from the bottom up and contains a starter strip that a piece of siding is going to hook into. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its absolutely critical that that is level and thats where a lot of siding installation goes wrong. If that starter strip- that is, the foundation is not perfectly level, the whole wall itself is not going to be level, said Begalla. After you do that, you want to start putting up the post on the corner of the house, which are called your corner posts, and then youll start running that J channel that around the perimeter of the window in certain areas where you need to have that channel going in. Another variable to consider is how the seams are staggered. You want to make sure the seams are roughly more likely two feet apart from one another, said Begalla. You want to make sure all of those scenes are staggered properly and that youre using factory edges because you have to cut pieces of siding. So you want a nice clean edge by using the factory edge on it. Absolutely critical is the factory edge of the siding and ensuring the seam goes all the way down for the ability to overlap and a nice, clean look to your siding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You might have a siding crew come in and install the siding, and when youre done, its brand new siding. It looks great. But take into consideration the water getting behind it; the expansion and contraction are the seams. Is it watertight? Do they use the proper moisture barriers? Is everything sealed up? All of our installers on this crew have years of experience. They grew up doing siding, so they know the right way to do it, and theyve all followed the industry-recommended practices as well as the manufacturing specifications. One thing you dont want with your siding is to see issues six months down the line. Window Depot of Youngstown has served thousands of satisfied customers because their consultants spent some time with them to show customers the proper way siding should be installed. Window Depot customers can always have confidence and comfort that the company is going to do the job right the first time. Once you schedule a consultation, the team will visit your home, do a measuring and inspection, and do a plan and design consultation with you. Theyll go over all the styles, colors, and options, and they even have a visualizer tool to show you the color of the siding on your house so you know youre making the right choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, Window Depot of Youngstown is featuring several great specials for customers to help save some costs on siding. For more information, visit the Window Depot of Youngstown showroom at 7123 Tiffany Boulevard in Boardman or call (330) 556-4100. You can also visit them online at WindowDepotYoungstown.com and find them on Facebook. To learn about premium bathroom and home remodeling solutions brought to you by Window Depot, call (330) 366-8659 and visit online at GoWithHomeTeam.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 WKBN.com. WISCONSIN (WFRV) Authorities in Wisconsin arrested a man and located a missing juvenile following an investigation into the possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In January 2025, the Oak Creek Police Department received a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding an Oak Creek resident allegedly in possession of CSAM. Wisconsin pregnant teen missing for 2 months found in Nebraska, man in custody Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives launched an investigation, and in March 2025, they took the suspect into custody. During an interview, the suspect confessed and provided details about the amount of CSAM in their possession. Based on the information gathered, authorities obtained and executed a search warrant at the suspects residence. A child interviewed during the investigation reported being sexually assaulted by the suspect. The Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office has charged the suspect with second-degree sexual assault of a child and six counts of possession of child pornography. While working on the CSAM case, Oak Creek police also located a missing juvenile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Wisconsin officers hospitalized after pursuit through bike trail The Oak Creek Police Department has the resources, capabilities, and dedicated personnel to hold those accountable who harm the youth of our community, the department stated. These investigations are lengthy, and we appreciate the support our community has provided us during these investigations. No further details were 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Demonstrators protest outside the KI Convention Center before the start of a town hall meeting with Elon Musk on March 30, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) It turns out Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is not so powerful after all. Musks gambit in Wisconsin dumping more than $20 million into a nominally nonpartisan Supreme Court race, blanketing the airwaves with negative ads, paying people to sign petitions against activist judges and cavorting in Green Bay wearing a cheesehead hat while handing out million-dollar checks to Republican voters didnt help, and likely hurt, his chosen candidate in an election Musk described as crucial to the course of Western civilization and the entire destiny of humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poor Brad Schimel, whose campaign Musk took over. At his victory party in the Republican stronghold of Waukesha, where he underperformed Trumps 2024 vote tally, setting up his quick downhill slide, Schimel sat strumming a guitar as the results came in showing that Susan Crawford trounced him by a whopping 10 points. After proclaiming that he got into the race because he was disgusted by the Courts partisanship, Schimel ended up promising to be a support network for Trump and stood by as Musk became his biggest donor and the public face of his campaign. At some point Tuesday evening he may have begun to regret that approach. Trump himself seems to be rethinking Musk after the debacle in Wisconsin, reportedly telling his inner circle that his billionaire adviser wont be around much longer. Other Republicans would be wise to get the message that Elon Musk is politically toxic, that he is a massive anchor that will drag Republicans to the bottom of the ocean, Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, told the Examiner during Crawfords victory party. Wisconsin voters are not alone in recoiling from Musk as he takes a chainsaw to federal health care programs and Social Security, gleefully slashing the safety net to fund giant tax breaks for a handful of super-rich people like himself. In 10 Wisconsin counties where Trump won in 2024, voters rejected Musks entreaties to support Schimel, delivering a majority of votes to Crawford. That included Republican-leaning Brown County, where Musk campaigned in his cheesehead hat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the whole country is going to know unmistakably that Musk and Trump have crossed line after line after line, and the blowback has begun, said Wikler. Wisconsin is a bellwether state. Whoever wins Wisconsin probably wins the country, and Trump and Musk just lost decisively. At this point, every Republican who hasnt yet spoken out against Elon Musk is going to have to think through whether they want to stay in public life or they want this to be their final term in office. But dont count on Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson to do any of that sort of hard thinking. Johnson told Lawrence Andrea of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Musk was net beneficial to Schimel, and that his 10-point loss might have been even bigger without Musks help. Likewise Wisconsin Right Now declared that there was no lesson to be learned from Schimels loss and chalked it up to the inevitable backlash by angry liberals to Trump and Musks bravery. That kind of analysis bodes well for Democrats. After Tuesday, the liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court is secure for another three years, just as it is poised to decide key cases on abortion, labor rights and Wisconsins gerrymandered congressional maps. Celebrating on stage with Crawford at the Park Hotel in Madison Tuesday night were the other women who make up that majority, including Justices Jill Karofsky and Janet Protasiewicz, who each won the last two Supreme Court elections by 10 points or more against a right-wing opponent, just as Crawford did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all three races a key issue was Wisconsin womens right to control their own bodies, with voters decisively rejecting candidates who embraced a dangerous near-total abortion ban. In all three races money also played an outsized role a growing threat to voters ability to make their voices heard over the din of deceptive big-money ads. If we are going to reclaim the Court from the corrupting influence of self-interested donors like Musk who is currently pursuing a lawsuit to try to overturn a Wisconsin law that prevents him from selling Teslas directly to consumers we need to put an end to the campaign finance arms race. But for now the most important lesson of the 2025 Supreme Court race is that voters can stand up to the mind-boggling spree of destruction by MAGA nihilists. Musks failure to buy a seat on the Court should encourage people across the country to believe in themselves and their ability to resist the authoritarian bullies who are targeting civil society, flouting the law, trampling our rights and trying to rule by intimidation and the sheer force of their money. It didnt work in Wisconsin. Thats a good sign. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX OMAHA, Neb. (WFRV) Sophia Franklin, a pregnant teenager from central Wisconsin who was reported missing two months ago, was found safe in Nebraska late Wednesday night, and officers say the 40-year-old man she was reportedly with was taken into custody. According to the Beaver Dam Police Department, officers were contacted by the Sarpy County Sheriffs Office in Nebraska around 11:40 p.m. on April 2. Driver accused of intentionally causing fatal motorcycle crash in Fond du Lac Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in Nebraska told Wisconsin officers they got a tip about someone seeing Sophia near Omaha, Nebraska. After law enforcement contacted the girl and the man she was with, who matched the descriptions provided in the AMBER Alert, Sophia was safely moved to a secure facility, and the man, Gary Day, was taken into custody. Day is reportedly the father of the child. Firefighters rescue cat from basement fire in Kaukauna The Beaver Dam Police Department would like to thank the Sarpy County Sheriffs Office, as well as the numerous other law enforcement agencies that put forth the time and effort to locate Sophia. We would also like to thank the community members in multiple states for their awareness and willingness to share leads to follow to help bring Sophia safely home. Beaver Dam Police Department Sophia was 16 years old at the time she went missing. Day was 40. Over the course of the two months, three states issued an AMBER Alert for Franklin and Day: Arkansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional information was provided. The AMBER Alert has been canceled. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, who said the power issues in Wisconsin mirrors current federal issues, at a press conference in December 2024. (Photo by: Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case that could determine whether a law passed in 2018 that requires approval from legislators on civil settlements violates the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches. The case Josh Kaul v. Wisconsin State Legislature is the latest in an ongoing legal struggle focused on the division of power between the Legislature and the executive branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A law passed after Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Kaul were elected in 2018, but before they took office, gave the Legislature, through the Joint Finance Committee, the ability to sign off on and decide how to spend court settlement money. That had been a power traditionally held by the attorney general. It was part of a slate of laws passed and signed by Republicans during the lame duck period just weeks before the new Democratic administration took power in 2019. The Joint Finance Committee has become the vehicle for lawmakers to maintain control over actions that agencies take outside of the legislative process, and this is not the first lawsuit the states top court has heard on the issue. The case made it to the state Supreme Court after Kaul appealed a 2024 decision by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District II that overturned a favorable decision made in 2022 by Dane County judge and now Justice-elect Susan Crawford. Kaul said at a press conference after the arguments that the actions Wisconsin Republicans have taken to strip power from the executive branch are similar to those being taken by Republicans at the federal level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we are seeing in these cases in Wisconsin in a lot of ways mirrors whats going on with the federal government right now, Kaul said. At the federal level what were seeing is the executive branch trying to pull legislative power into its own hands and making decisions about how legislation should be applied or whether it should be applied. Here in Wisconsin what we saw instead was an effort to concentrate power in the Legislature. Kaul said that checks and balances and multiple different sources of authority within the government are necessary to protect the our freedom and our liberty. Thats why we have three co-equal branches of government, Kaul said. This case is about supporting that principle and ensuring that the separation of powers remains strong here in Wisconsin. During the arguments, Assistant Attorney General Hannah Jurss argued that the executive branch has the power to execute the law and the Legislatures constitutional power is to write the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2019 case, the state Supreme Court ruled that the law was constitutional. However, in a brief, Jurrs argues that the decision was not a broad endorsement of the law, but only located a few instances where the statutes could be applied constitutionally and went no further. Jurrs argued the law is unconstitutional in part because there is no way for the executive to override a decision by the lawmakers, which has infringed on the executive branchs work. The 2018 law has led to disputes between Kauls office and lawmakers over resolving cases involving state taxpayers. Having this sword, the legislative committee sword, hanging over our head infects our decision making at every stage and every action whether to prosecute, how to prosecute. How to talk with our clients, when to pursue negotiation, and the terms, Jurrs said. Weve presented 13 cases that [the committee] as a body never even convened to consider. Jurrs called the legislative seizure of executive powers an unprecedented and unparalleled intrusion into execution of the law. She also argued that it limits the ability for the attorney general to act in multi-state lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurrs said that if the law had been in place in the 1990s when the state negotiated a tobacco resolution it would have led to a more complicated situation. Hey, 44 other states, were entering this gigantic resolution with the major tobacco companies. We know that everybody else has come to this agreement. It has to be really confidential, but excuse us, were gonna have to hold everything and we have to take this to a committee of our Legislature so that they can decide whether they want to rewrite this agreement or allow us to enter it or not, Jurrs said. Justice Rebecca Bradley expressed skepticism about Jurrs argument that the power should lie with the attorney general without the oversight of lawmakers. The Legislature in the provision that youre attacking has prescribed the powers and duties of the attorney general, which is to basically give the Legislature a check-and-balance on what the attorney general is doing and what I find frightening is that one person gets to make all of the policy decisions under your argument about what is going to be done with what is the taxpayers money, Bradley said. Its not the attorney generals money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Misha Tseytlin, the attorney representing the Legislature, argued that the statute serves as a check on the attorney generals power and lawmakers have an interest in overseeing the money. Its important to remember were talking about not the attorney generals money, not the agencys money, but the peoples money, Tseytlin said. He said an example is the $420 million opioid settlement that was reached and approved by lawmakers on the Joint Finance Committee in 2021. The settlement was submitted to the Joint Finance committee, and it was approved by The Joint Finance committee. The Legislature in carrying out its constitutional duty to balance the budget of the state had to take into account all sorts of income, including that $420 million. Justice Rebecca Dallet questioned Tseytlin on how much power he was arguing lawmakers should have over funds. Any source of income that comes into the Legislature theyve got control of, so could the Legislature appoint a committee to return tax returns to make sure they are getting the money that theyre supposed to? Dallet asked. My point in asking the question is where does this end? Every single dollar that comes in means the Legislature has total control There is no role for executive power here. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BEAVER DAM, Wis. (WTVO) A 16-year-old girl from Wisconsin has been found safe after going missing for two months, authorities said Wednesday. According to the Illinois State Police, Sofia Franklin was last seen in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin at 7:48 a.m. on Monday, February 3rd. Police say she was taken by the father of her unborn child, Gary Day, 40, of Arkansas, thought to be traveling in a black 2014 Buick LaCrosse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her family said the pair met online last April. Day reportedly took her to Arkansas without her parents knowledge in July. She was returned to Wisconsin after Arkansas police visited Days house for a probation check and found the teenager inside. An AMBER Alert was expanded to Wisconsin, Illinois, Arkansas, and Missouri. On Wednesday, authorities received a tip of a possible sighting of Franklin and Day in Omaha, Nebraska. Deputies with the Sarpy County Sheriffs Office were able to take Day into custody and move Franklin to a secure facility to await re-unification with her family. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Tift County Jail Google Maps A Georgia woman who was found unconscious after having a miscarriage was subsequently arrested as police accused her of illegally disposing of the fetus remains. The charges were later dropped. The Tifton Police Department said on March 21 that Selena Maria Chandler-Scott, 24, wassuspected of one count of concealing the death of another person and one count of throwing away or abandonment of a dead body in connection with the fetal remains found in a dumpster outside her apartment complex. She was booked into the Tift County Jail, but jail officials told HuffPost she was released March 23 on bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tift County district attorney then reviewed whether there was sufficient evidence that Chandler-Scott actually violated state law, WALB News 10 reported. After thorough examination of the facts and the law, my office has determined that continuing prosecution is not legally sustainable and not in the interest of justice, Tift County District Attorney Patrick Warren told the local outlet. This case is heartbreaking and emotionally difficult for everyone involved, but our decision must be grounded in law, not emotion or speculation. At 6 a.m. on March 20, an ambulance responded to a call regarding an unconscious woman who was bleeding, police said. When they arrived, they determined the woman had experienced a miscarriage, and she was taken to Tift Regional Medical Center for treatment. During the response, a witness told emergency responders that they saw the woman place the fetus in a bag and put it in the dumpster outside, police said. When police arrived at the scene, they recovered the dead fetus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blair Veazey, the Tift County deputy coroner, did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment but told WALB that an autopsy showed the fetus was approximately at 19 weeks of gestational age. Fetuses are generally considered viable, or able to survive outside the womb, around 23 or 24 weeks. Veazy also told WALB there were no signs of injury or trauma, and the fetus never took a breath. It was determined that the woman had a natural miscarriage. You know its just an unfortunate, sad situation, Veazey told WALB. Patrick Warren, the Tift County district attorney, was out of office when HuffPost reached out for comment, but he told WALB that there is no specific Georgia law that addresses an individuals choice to dispose of a naturally miscarried, non-viable fetus and generally, prosecution is not warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia courts have held that once a baby is born alive and has had an independent and separate existence from its mother then what happens to the child (injury or death) can be subject to criminal prosecution, Warren told WALB. Chandler-Scotts family has started a GoFundMe for those wanting to offer financial support. As of Thursday, it had raised more than $18,000. In these sensitive moments of her life, it has caused not only her but her family emotional, financial, and mental stress, the GoFundMe reads. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, reproductive rights advocates have said that more women will be arrested for alleged crimes related to pregnancy even outside of abortions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With abortion bans in half of the country, some women have also been denied care from doctors reluctant to carry out dilation and curettage procedures, or D&Cs; the procedure can also be performed to end pregnancies. At least three women in Texas have died after being denied medical treatment for miscarriages, including 32-year-old Porsha Ngumezi, who died in June 2023 when doctors refused to carry out a D&C. Medical experts said her death was preventable. Jessica Valenti, a feminist writer and author of the newsletter Abortion, Every Day, said in a video on social media that the normalization of the Georgia arrest keeps her up at night. The fact that people are treating this like business as usual, she said. It is not. And this is such a huge part of their strategy to make us numb to their extremism, to get us accustomed to the horror stories, so as more and more of those stories come out, were not reacting with outrage. Related... Atlanta police on Tuesday arrested a woman who was charged with allegedly making a false 911 call that led to a police chase during which rapper Young Scooter suffered a fatal injury, police said. The woman's 911 call, in which she reported an alleged assault and a shooting, led police to respond to a home in the south of the city last Friday evening, where a man -- later identified as Young Scooter -- exited the residence and ran from officers, according to officials. "After a brief foot chase, officers were able to locate the male and he was found to be suffering from an apparent leg injury. Atlanta police officers did not discharge their firearms," the Atlanta Police Department (APD) said in the initial incident report on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young Scooter, a 39-year-old whose legal name is Kenneth Bailey, died on Friday after he suffered "a penetrating injury of the right thigh," the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office said Tuesday. Demetria Spence, 31, was taken into custody on Tuesday, the police department said in a statement. This came after police released the audio from the 911 call in which a woman reported an alleged assault and a shooting at the home and urged the public for help in identifying her voice in the audio recording. The call was made from a 911-only phone, according to police. PHOTO: In this Aug. 18, 2018, file photo, rapper Young Scooter performs onstage during StreetzFest 2K18 at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood in Atlanta. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images, FILE) Court records show that Spence's bond was set at $7,500. Records also show that she was scheduled to appear for her first hearing on Wednesday. ABC News reached out to Spence's attorney, but requests for comment were not immediately returned. "They started shooting, but this, the house needs to be investigated," the 911 caller that police identified as Spence says in audio released by police. "They're definitely doing -- so they're doing illegal stuff over there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caller refers to an injured girl who is "bleeding profusely." "She's trying to get away, and they're holding her," the caller said. "She's being held hostage She ran outside naked, and then he was fighting her outside." The caller noted that there's "a child in danger as well because she had a baby." 2 men face federal charges after woman, teen drown in alleged smuggling attempt According to police, Spence was charged with a felony for allegedly transmitting a false public alarm that led to "serious bodily harm, or death." Under Georgia law, if she is convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine not less than $50,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of Spence's arrest, APD homicide commander Lt. Andrew Smith was asked during a press conference on Friday about the alleged assault and shooting that was reported in the 911 call. "We have not been able to substantiate any of that," Smith said. Smith noted that as police who responded to the residence worked to establish a perimeter, "two males fled out of the rear of the house. One male returned back into the house, the other male jumped two fences as he was fleeing." "When officers located him on the other side of the fence, he appeared to have suffered an injury to his leg," Smith added. "Officers rendered aid and he was transported to Grady Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The male who suffered a leg injury was later identified as Bailey by the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office, who confirmed his identity to ABC News on Saturday. It is unclear why Bailey ran from police when they responded to the residence. Since he died in police custody, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced on Saturday that it has launched a probe into Bailey's death, at the request of APD. Asked about the status of the investigation, APD and GBI told ABC News that they have no further updates. Woman charged for allegedly making false 911 call amid probe into Atlanta rapper Young Scooter's death originally appeared on abcnews.go.com SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (ABC4) The woman who was found critically injured in a Saratoga Springs home on March 28 has died, according to police. Jessica Lyman, 44, was found with an apparent gunshot wound on March 28 and was in extremely critical condition after the incident; she was flown to a local hospital for treatment. Saratoga Springs police confirmed with ABC4.com that she died on Monday, March 31. On March 30, Jessica and her son, 8-year-old Eli Painter, were identified by police as the victims who were found in the Saratoga Springs home. Painter was declared to be deceased without chance of revival at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School mourns loss of 8-year-old student found dead in Saratoga Springs home She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the profound impact she had on those around her, an obituary for Lyman reads. Her big, beautiful blue eyes were as unforgettable as her generous heart. Lyman is survived by her parents, siblings, and two of her children. GoFundMe* links were shared with ABC4.com: One fundraiser aims to raise money to help support Jessicas family after her death, and the other was created in the name of Eli to support his father and surviving family members. The Saratoga Springs Police Department said an investigation is still ongoing and detectives are making progress on the case. Background According to a March 30 press release from the Saratoga Springs Police Department, the two victims were found in a home on the 1200 block of Willowbrook Lane with apparent gunshot wounds. According to officials, a 17-year-old had just returned home and called 911 after discovering the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials were initially called to the home around 10:15 a.m. on March 28 for a medical assist call. After officers had responded to the area, the home was sealed off as a crime scene, and the area was canvassed for witnesses and checked for surveillance cameras. Officials previously said the identification of possible suspects is on-going and evidence is still being processed. Officials have said family members and those present in the home have been interviewed or will be interviewed. *ABC4.com is not affiliated with the online fundraiser or the organizers behind it. While this fundraiser is designated as donation protected by GoFundMe, ABC4.com does not guarantee that any funds donated will be used for the person(s) named as beneficiaries of the fundraiser. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) Warwick police issued a public safety warning on Thursday after a 27-year-old woman died when she unknowingly consumed cannabis laced with fentanyl. Police said the woman overdosed around 2:30 a.m. Thursday at a hotel in Warwick. The cannabis wasnt bought from a licensed dispensary, according to police. URI pharmacy professor Anita Jacobson told 12 News that even a small amount of fentanyl could be enough to cause someones breathing rate to slow down too much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They lose consciousness before they realize what is happening, Jacobson added. And that can lead to death. Jacobson said shes never seen cannabis laced with the synthetic opioid and explained that can be the danger of buying substances from somewhere that isnt licensed. You cant trust something that is not coming from a regulated, licensed facility, she continued. Dispensaries that have regulations, there is of course no risk of there fentanyl being associated with that. Jacobson also recommends everyone to both have naloxone on them and know how to administer it. URI offers free doses of the overdose-reversing medication and courses on how to use it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are now looking into where the drugs came from. As our investigation continues, we are working to determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a larger trend, Captain Daniel DiMaio said in an email to 12 News. We are sharing this preliminary information as a public service advisory to raise awareness and promote public safety. Saving a Generation: The Fentanyl Crisis If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek immediate help: Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text or chat 988 BH Link: Rhode Islanders can call 401-414-LINK (5465) Kids Link RI: Parents can call 1-855-543-5465 Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. New Zealand-based accounting solutions provider Xero has partnered with Sumday to offer carbon accounting tools, aiding small businesses in climate reporting. The collaboration aims to simplify carbon footprint tracking and reporting for small businesses, helping them comply with increasing demands from larger corporations and government entities for transparent emissions data. Xero GM of sustainability and impact Tamara Somers said: We know small businesses have a lot on their plate, and tackling emissions reporting can seem overwhelming at first, but rather than seeing it as a burden, we encourage small businesses to see it as an opportunity to discover new efficiencies and appeal to environmentally conscious customers. It could be the difference between winning or losing a contract. Our partnership with Sumday puts powerful tools in the hands of small businesses so they feel prepared and able to drive towards a more sustainable future. Sumday CEO and co-founder Jessica Richmond said: By making carbon accounting as routine and accessible as financial accounting, we're empowering small businesses to account for their impact beyond dollars and cents. Having been a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges these businesses face in making time to get across a new area. Our tools are making it easy for small businesses to understand their impact at a high level, before going deeper and helping improve the quality of their carbon accounting. Sometimes small businesses just need help and we have always believed that accountants would play a key role in that. Through this partnership with Xero, we're putting powerful carbon accounting tools in the hands of those who understand the business and want to deliver auditable accounting that generates meaningful insights as well. Through the alliance, Xero customers gain 12 months of free access to Sumday's carbon accounting tools. It is expected to enable small businesses to understand their environmental impact and take steps towards sustainability. The integration allows financial data from Xero to be directly linked into Sumday, streamlining the carbon accounting process. Additionally, Xero customers gain access to Sumday's online academy to enhance their carbon accounting skills. They can create profiles to communicate sustainability data efficiently and utilise supply chain engagement tools to share emissions data with larger clients and request information from their suppliers. This support aids compliance with expanding mandatory emissions reporting requirements. WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) Michelle Romano was as generous as anybody you could ever meet, according to her friend John Michelotti. If she had $2 and she knew I had nothing, then I would $1 and she would have $1, Michelotti explained. Romano was also a loving and devoted mother-of-two who had a heart of gold, according to Michelotti. Her children meant the world to her, he said. Romano, 56, was reported missing after she vanished without a trace last summer. Her other friend Chantal Bouthillier told 12 News Romano would never intentionally abandon her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew something was wrong immediately, she said. She would never leave her kids behind. Officers and Romanos loved ones searched for her for months before her remains were discovered in the woods off of Plainfield Pike in Foster last week. RELATED: Detectives search Warwick home in suspicious death investigation Detectives have determined that Romanos death is suspicious in nature, though its still unclear exactly how she died. She deserves justice, Michelotti said. She didnt just die and end up in the woods. Someone has to be held accountable for what happened to her. 12 News was there as detectives searched Romanos last-known address on Hazard Avenue in Warwick Tuesday night. Investigators returned to the house Wednesday and were seen photographing and collecting evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one has been arrested or charged in connection with Romanos death at this time, according to police. Its unclear if detectives have identified any potential suspects or persons of interest. Anyone with information regarding Romanos disappearance or death is asked to contact the Rhode Island State Police by calling (401) 647-8039. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) A woman who was found with a gunshot wound in Ogden late Wednesday night has died, police confirmed Thursday morning. The victim has only been identified as a 40-year-old woman. The Ogden Police Department said she was found lying in the roadway by witnesses just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2. When officers arrived, they reported finding the 40-year-old woman with a single gunshot wound to the upper left part of her chest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paid parking signs pop up unexpectedly in downtown Ogden The woman was taken to a local hospital for further care, but she unfortunately died due to her injuries. Ogden Police say an investigation is underway but it is still in the early stages. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Ogden Police Department at 801-395-8224. We appreciate the assistance witnesses provide and encourage anyone with additional information to come forward, Ogden PD 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 ABC4 Utah. A 55-year-old grandmother is facing potential charges for allegedly stealing a pickup truck in Norton and leading police on a chase through Foxborough with her 6-year-old grandson in the truck, according to authorities. Officers in Foxboro were attempting to stop her white Ford F-150 that was reported stolen out of Norton when she fled, prompting a 40-minute-long chase, according to the Foxboro Police Department. The real life drama finished in the parking lot of a Foxboro health building where police say they cornered the woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some point they popped her tires and it was a dead-end, she was trying to back out. And slammed into the wall, said Juan Vasco, who saw the end of the chase. Police say it all began in the nearby town Norton, when the grandmother stole a pickup truck right in front of its owner, a Wellesley firefighter. The owner of the pickup truck, who Boston 25 Reporter Bob Ward spoke with off-camera, says he was trying to buy a bagel when he saw the woman get into his unlocked pickup truck. He said he struggled to get her out of his pickup, but she took off, with his cellphone still inside the truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police used the cellphones signal to locate the pickup at Patriot Place on Route 1 in Foxboro. When police approached the pickup they saw the child inside. But the driver took off again, with police right behind them. Police followed the truck through the center of Foxboro and even into the Foxboro Police station parking lot. Ultimately, stop sticks were deployed. The pickups tires were flattened, and still the woman refused to stop. Finally, when she was boxed in behind the Health Center, Foxborough Police Chief Michael Grace said she still would not get out of the pickup. Still sitting in the car, shifting the car, trying to drive away, the officers closed in on the car. Doors were all locked. Couldnt get into the car, ended up having to smash the windows the number one priority was to remove the child, Chief Grace said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said during the pursuit, the woman struck three Foxborough police cruisers, causing damage. Video captured by a Boston 25 News photographer showed state and local police searching the truck after the crash. I saw her coming out of the car kicking and screaming with cops, putting up a fight, a man told Bob Ward. She was fighting the firefighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, who hasnt been identified, and the child were taken to a local hospital for precautionary reasons. There was a little boy who was taken out of the cruiser and brought to an ambulance so they could check him out, a woman told Ward. The 55-year-old grandmother is expected to face several charges and could be arraigned in Wrentham District Court as early as Friday. There were no injuries reported during the chase. An investigation is ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A Boardman woman was scammed out of $15,000 in a reported bank card scam. Read next: Woman reports losing $250,000 in scam According to a police report, a woman told officers that she was called in late February by a caller under the name Huntington Customer Service. Reports said that a man told the woman that her bank card had been compromised and that the account needed to be closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said that the man told the woman that she could get a new bank card if she provided the PIN number to her account. Police said that the woman was on the phone with the caller multiple times. Reports said that the woman was told that her personal information was safe and that her account did not have to be monitored for fraudulent activity. After a few days, reports said that the woman asked an actual employee at Huntington Bank about the card. Reports said that the employee told the woman that the new card was delivered to Detroit, Michigan. The employee also told her that there were multiple transactions where money was taken from her checking account. Police said that the total amount taken out was $14,971.50. Reports said that there was also a credit request for $48,000 to be taken out in her name, but it was rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that the woman will pursue felony theft charges once the person is identified. Reports said that the woman is working with Huntington Bank to close and secure her accounts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after police said she was attacked by a dog outside of a Northeast Portland FedEx last week. On March 27, officers responded to the area of Northeast 7th and Broadway on reports of an animal problem. Feds crack down on illegal Portland Sunday Market selling LSD, ecstacy and mushrooms Arriving on the scene, they found a woman with a severe leg injury. She told police she had been attacked by a dog as she was walking to work, and a friend had to intervene to stop the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, officials said. Officers then found the dog and its owner, and Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) took custody of the dog. Alaska Airlines flight lands, evacuates in Portland after crew detected fumes in cabin According to MCAS, the dog remains in their custody pending owner contact. Further, they will move to classify the dog as dangerous and suspend ownership. Police said no arrests have been made in this case. KOIN 6 has reached out to FedEx for further comment. This story will be updated when we hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A woman who was sexually assaulted last August while cleaning an Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale has filed a lawsuit against the company and the property owner and is still waiting to see the unidentified perpetrator arrested seven months later. The woman, who is identified in the lawsuit filed in Broward County on Wednesday only as Jane Doe, was cleaning the Airbnb at 509 SE 19th Street on Aug. 28, 2024, according to the complaint. One group of guests had just checked out and she was preparing the place for the next arrival, her attorney Kim Wald told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The complaint said an intruder broke into the house and violently assaulted and raped Jane Doe as she was doing her job with a cleaning company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fort Lauderdale Police said in a statement Wednesday that the woman was listening to music and cleaning when the man came up behind her. The unidentified man threw her onto the ground, pulled out a knife and zip tied the woman to restrain her, the police department said. She was restrained and suffering from visible injuries when officers arrived about 2 p.m. She was taken as a trauma alert to Broward Health Medical Center. The age, height and weight of the man arent known, the police department said, only his race, hair length and the color of the clothes he was wearing at the time. No one has been arrested, and the investigation is still ongoing. That is another one of the reasons that our client was brave enough to come forward to see if there is anybody out there that has information that can help her, Wald said. She doesnt want to see any other guest or traveler or worker like herself being put in this type of situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wald said there were two previous issues at the same Airbnb prior to the assault of her client, one of them happening just a week earlier. One month before the sexual assault, a customer reported their laptop was stolen while they were staying at the short-term rental. Then on Aug. 21, 2024, an unknown man broke in through a window and locked himself inside the unit after being found by guests lying in their bed, according to the complaint. There was also at least one complaint on the Airbnbs website about the lack of safety at this subject property. Fort Lauderdale Police in their statement said the suspects in the two earlier crimes have been ruled out as suspects in the sexual assault case. The owner of the property and operator of the Airbnb could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening. Court records and attorney information were not available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We take the safety of our community seriously. We are investigating the incident reported and have suspended the listing from the platform during that time, an Airbnb spokesperson said in an email Wednesday night. Authorities ask anyone with information about the sexual assault or identity of the suspect to contact Det. Sgt. Hector Martinez at 954-828-5510 or to anonymously contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477. The Minnesota Supreme Court has banned Woodbury attorney Kristi McNeilly from practicing law in the state, three years after she was convicted of theft by swindle for stealing $15,000 from a man who hired her to defend him in a drug case. The high courts opinion, rendered Wednesday, upheld a referees decision, which found that McNeilly committed a criminal act that reflected negatively on her honesty and trustworthiness, according to the opinion. She stole $15,000 from a client by telling the client that the money was needed to bribe government officials to dismiss pending drug charges. The referee recommended McNeilly, who waived her right to an evidentiary hearing, be disbarred, and the court agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Misappropriation of client funds is a breach of trust that reflects poorly on the entire legal profession and erodes the publics confidence in lawyers, the opinion states. She also was ordered to pay $900 in costs related to the case, the courts opinion said. McNeilly did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. McNeilly, a criminal defense attorney, was sentenced in Hennepin County District Court in 2022 to 180 days in the county workhouse after being convicted of theft-by-swindle two months prior. She also was ordered to pay back the $15,000 to her client. She was hired in May 2018 to represent a 39-year-old Minnetonka man suspected of keeping illegal drugs in his home. The drugs were discovered during a search by the Southwest Hennepin Drug Taskforce, according to the criminal complaint. Although the man was a suspect, Her client was not immediately charged with a crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2018, McNeilly told her client that she had spoken with the lead investigator and prosecuting attorney in his case, and that it could be resolved if her client made a payment of between $35,000 and $50,000 to a police union. McNeillys client was able to collect only $15,000, which he handed over to McNeilly. Three days later, her client changed his mind and asked McNeilly for his money back, but McNeilly said she already forwarded it to the police union, according to the complaint. After McNeillys client hired a new lawyer, police discovered that McNeilly had never been in contact with the lead investigator or the prosecutor, and that she spent a portion of her clients money on mortgage and credit-card payments, the complaint said. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility filed a petition for disciplinary action against McNeilly in connection with the case. McNeilly, who was admitted to practice law in Minnesota in 2004, had twice been previously disciplined by the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility. She was publicly reprimanded and placed on probation for three years in 2015 and admonished in 2016, the opinion states. There are generally three to six attorneys who are disbarred each year, according to statistics posted on the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibilitys website. In 1998, 15 attorneys were disbarred. The White House has warned other countries not to hit back at President Donald Trumps dramatic new tariffs. But many of the United States biggest trading partners arent listening. World leaders were still processing Trumps complex new tariff regime Thursday and few were prepared to unveil specific trade retaliation. But a number of them promised it was coming, raising the specter of an escalating tit-for-tat trade war that could devastate the global economy. We are already finalizing the first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel, and we are now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters early Thursday morning in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where she was attending a summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The E.U. was among the dozens of countries that will face a higher reciprocal tariff starting on April 9, beyond the 10 percent flat tariff the White House said will apply to all imports entering the U.S. starting April 5. Trump is adding a 20 percent tariff to all EU imports, the White House revealed Wednesday. The rates were even higher for Asian trading partners: 34 percent on China, 26 percent on India, 25 percent on South Korea and 24 percent on Japan. Speaking on Fox News Wednesday night, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had the following advice for countries hit by the tariffs: Do not retaliate. Sit back. Take it in. Because if you retaliate, there will be escalation. If you dont retaliate, this is the high water mark. China, the worlds second largest economy, still vowed to take countermeasures to combat the tariffs, although the governments statement was vague on what they would be. This gravely violates WTO rules, and undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. China firmly rejects this and will do what is necessary to defend our legitimate rights and interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vietnam, which was hit with a 46 percent tariff, set up a rapid response team to gather stakeholder input on how to respond. But other countries seemed to take Bessents advice to heart. The United Kingdom, which received the lowest tariff rate of 10 percent, is choosing not to pursue reciprocal tariffs citing Prime Minister Keir Starmer ongoing negotiations with the White House on an economic and tech partnership. Japan, another top trading partner, expressed disappointment with the tariffs but said it would push for an exemption from them. Mexico and Canada were largely spared from Trumps tariffs rolled out on Wednesday the White House said they would remain under a 25 percent tariff for all goods that do not comply with USMCA, a Trump negotiated North American trade agreement. In a press conference Thursday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum credited that decision to her relationship with Trump her response to previous rounds of U.S. tariffs this year has been muted, holding her fire until Trump paused or lowered them. While Sheinbaum said she plans to unveil an economic package, she will also continue to negotiate with the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, in contrast, objected to the existing 25 percent tariff, which Trump levied last month, and new auto tariffs that went into effect. Carney announced Thursday morning at a press conference in Ottawa that Canada would impose a 25 percent tariff on all automobiles imported from the U.S. This is a tragedy. It is also the new reality. We must respond with both purpose and force. We are a free, sovereign and ambitious country, said Carney, who faces parliamentary elections later this month. Indian food delivery company Zomato has laid off almost 600 customer support associates within a year of hiring them. The decision is attributed to the company's slowing growth in food delivery, losses in its quick commerce unit Blinkit and the adoption of AI to automate customer support tasks. The layoffs coincide with the recent launch of Nugget, Zomato's in-house AI-powered customer support platform. Developed over three years, Nugget is now handling 15 million monthly interactions and is capable of resolving up to 80% of customer queries without human intervention. According to MoneyControl, the food delivery company initiated the Zomato associate accelerator programme (ZAAP) in 2024, hiring 1,500 people in customer support roles. ZAAP promised employees opportunities to transition into company roles such as sales, operations, programme management, support, supply chain and category teams. However, many have found their contracts not renewed. Employees in Gurugram and Hyderabad were asked to resign without a formal layoff announcement. The affected workers were offered a month's salary as compensation and were terminated with no notice period. A current customer support associate stated: A majority of employees hired under Zomato's ZAAP programme last year have been let go over the last week or so without any clear explanation. This has taken place across their offices in Gurugram and Hyderabad. The atmosphere has become really tense." This is not the first major layoff at Zomato. The company previously let go of around 100 employees - close to 4% of its workforce - across product, tech, catalogue and marketing in December 2022. In 2024, Zomato launched a safety response initiative aimed at automatically identifying incidents in which its delivery partners may be involved in accidents. "Zomato cuts 600 customer support jobs amid AI adoption" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. Donald Trumps promised Liberation Day was originally planned for April 1, but the U.S. President told reporters he pushed it back by 24 hours so that it wouldnt be viewed as an April Fools joke. Nobody would believe what I said, he explained on March 21 about the delay. Perhaps he knew that his announcement on April 2 would sound a bit ridiculousbut everyone is certainly taking it seriously now. Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on imports from nearly every nation on earthallies and adversaries alikein a move that is expected to rock the U.S. economy and will upend global trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several world leaders have already pushed back against the latest tariffswhich were set at a minimum of 10% and rise as high as 50% for the hardest-hit countriessome promising swift countermeasures that could effectively force economies everywhere to become more insular, others asking for an opportunity to negotiate to avoid all-out trade war. Heres a rundown of the responses so far. Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday that Trumps tariffs have no basis in logic and they go against the basis of the diplomatic alliance between Australia and the U.S. This is not the act of a friend, Albanese said, adding that Australia does not plan to retaliate with its own tariffs against the U.S. Brazil Brazil, which was hit with a 10% tariff, passed a reciprocity bill on Wednesday allowing it to retaliate against tariffs imposed on Brazilian goods by any country or trade bloc. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva earlier said it was considering appealing to the World Trade Organization over Trumps steel tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new measure, like the tariffs already imposed on the steel, aluminum, and automobile sectors, violates the United States commitments to the World Trade Organization and will impact all Brazilian exports of goods to the United States, Brazils Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Brazilian government is evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the World Trade Organization, in defense of legitimate national interests. Cambodia The Minister of Labour and Vocational Training for Cambodia, which was slammed with one of the highest reciprocal tariff rates at 49%, said the country will be able to manage the consequences of the U.S. tariffs, despite concerns. Heng Sour said on Thursday that the tariff increase is not politically motivated nor intended as a sanction against Cambodia, adding that several other Asian countries were hit with similarly high rates. Therefore, the tariff impact on Cambodias production costs is not significantly more severe compared to other competing countries. However, by 2027, Heng Sour warned, we may face challenges if the U.S. eases tariffs on other countries, but Cambodia [does] not see such reductions. China China, which was slapped with a 34% reciprocal tariff on top of existing 20% tariffs on Chinese imports, vowed to impose its own countermeasures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China urges the U.S. to immediately revoke its unilateral tariff measures and work with trading partners to resolve differences through fair and constructive dialogue, Chinas Ministry of Commerce said in a statement in Chinese on Wednesday night. The reciprocal tariffs violate international trade rules, infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of other parties, and represent an act of unilateral bullying, the ministry added. There are no winners in a trade war, and protectionism is not a viable path forward. Colombia Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted on X on Thursday: Today, neoliberalism, which proclaimed a free trade policy across the globe, is dead. The US government now believes that by raising tariffs on its imports in general, it can increase its own production, wealth, and employment; in my opinion, this may be a big mistake. Petro added that Colombia and other Latin American countries could benefit from Trumps tariffsand that Colombia will take a nuanced approach to any potential countermeasures. Colombian businesses must know how to take advantage of opportunities. Agro-industrial and semi-industrial products from countries outside Latin America are becoming more expensive in US markets, and if we can produce these goods more cheaply, it's time to export them there, he wrote. We will only make US imports more expensive if they take away our jobs. But we wont raise tariffs if their goods help create higher-value jobs. E.U. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement on Wednesday that the European Union is finalizing a package of countermeasures in response to Trumps previously imposed 25% levy on steelwhich is exempt from additional reciprocal tariffsand is now preparing further countermeasures against Trumps 20% reciprocal tariffs on the E.U. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have always been ready to negotiate with the U.S., to remove any remaining barriers to Transatlantic trade, von der Leyen said. At the same time, we are prepared to respond to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail. Trumps universal tariffs are a major blow to the world economy, von der Leyen added. Lets be clear-eyed about the immense consequences. The global economy will massively suffer. Uncertainty will spiral and trigger the rise of further protectionism. The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe. All businessesbig and smallwill suffer from day one, von der Leyen said. From greater uncertainty to the disruption of supply chains to burdensome bureaucracy. Fiji Fijis Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad said Thursday in a statement that the tariffs are disproportionate and unfair. Fiji was hit with a 32% tariff to counter the island nations supposed 63% tariff on U.S. goodsa White House-produced figure that Prasad rejects. Prasad said 97% of U.S. imports are either duty-free or subject to a minimal 5% tariff. France France denounced Trumps tariffs, with government spokesperson Sophie Primas telling RTL radio on Thursday that Trump is behaving as though he is master of the world. Primas said, CNBC reported, that the E.U. will likely implement countermeasures as a bloc in mid-April and again in late April. Germany German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Trumps latest tariffs an attack on a trade system that has created prosperity all round the world at a news conference on Thursday. He added that the E.U. would respond proportionately if negotiations fail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The E.U. has the strongest internal market in the world with 450 million consumers, which gives us the strength to hold talks with the U.S. government to avert a trade war, Scholz said. We want cooperation, not confrontation, and will defend our interests. Europe will respond united, strong and proportionately to this decision. In a Thursday statement, the Federation of German Industries, the countrys largest industry lobby group, called on the E.U. to strengthen its alliances with other major trading partners and should coordinate its reaction with them. A coordinated reaction is also necessary to counter diversionary effects in international trade. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said on Thursday: For U.S. consumers, this will be Inflation Day, rather than Liberation Day. India Indias Commerce and Trade Ministry said in a statement Thursday that they will remain in touch with the U.S. regarding Trumps latest tariffs. India, which was hit with 26% tariffs, has a relative advantage, research firm Global Trade Research Institute told Reuters, compared with other Asian nations that were slapped with even higher levies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement added that discussions are ongoing between Indian and U.S. trade teams for the expeditious conclusion of a mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement. Ireland In a Wednesday statement, Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: We see no justification for this. More than 4.2 billion worth of goods and services are traded between the E.U. and the U.S. daily. Disrupting this deeply integrated relationship benefits no one. Tariffs drive inflation, hurt people on both sides of the Atlantic, and put jobs at risk. Martin added that he has spoken with von der Leyen and agrees that a coordinated E.U. response is crucial. Italy Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted on Facebook on Wednesday night that tariffs would hurt all parties. She added that Italy will negotiate a deal with the U.S. to prevent a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global actors. Japan Japans Trade Minister Yoji Muto said in a press conference on Thursday that he met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick just before Trumps announcement to urge Japans exemption from the tariffs. After the announcement, which did not exempt Japan, a long-standing ally of the U.S., Muto called the move extremely regrettable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if Japan would retaliate, Muto said: We need to decide what is best for Japan, and most effective, in a careful but bold and speedy manner. He added that Japans trade ministry will closely analyze the impacts of the tariffs. Malaysia Malaysia, which was hit with a 24% reciprocal tariff by Trump, has ruled out imposing retaliatory tariffs, the countrys Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry said in a Thursday statement. The countrys National Geoeconomic Command Centre, the statement said, will evaluate the impact of this recent US announcement and will consider a comprehensive and multipronged strategy to mitigate the effects of these tariffs on our economy and industries, while the country uses the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, a preexisting trade pact between the U.S. and other countries including Malaysia, to seek reciprocal trade gains and pursue a Technology Safeguards Agreement with the U.S. Malaysia strongly believes in constructive engagement for mutually beneficial economic relations, the statement added. MITI is committed to safeguarding Malaysias economic interests and maintaining strong trade relations with the U.S. New Zealand New Zealands Trade Minister Todd McClay disputed the Trump Administrations claim that it imposed 20% tariffs on U.S. imports, but McClay said New Zealand had no plans to retaliate to the new reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a low tariff country and we have benefitted from it, the countrys Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said. What we wouldnt want to do is raise prices here in New Zealand and add to inflation here in New Zealand by [imposing retaliatory tariffs]. Luxon added that while tariffs are not the way to go, New Zealand, which now faces a 10% U.S. tariff, is in a better position to trade with the U.S. relative to countries hit with harsher levies. The bigger worry, he said, will be the global impact and the wash up of the tit-for-tat trade wars that may ensue. Norway Norways Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre told broadcaster NRK on Wednesday that Trumps tariffs will have consequences for many Norwegian companies and for jobs. Norway is facing a 15% levy on exports to the U.S., which is bad news for a country that lives off exports, Stre said. Around 8% of mainland Norwegian exports go to the U.S., which is the countrys third largest export market, NRK reported. Stre said Norway is prepared to negotiate with the U.S. Singapore Hit by Trumps universal 10% tariff, Singapore was spared harsher tariffs that hit many of its neighbors. Still, the countrys Monetary Authority said on Thursday it is ready to curb excessive volatility in the Singapore dollar, and to ensure that Singapores foreign exchange and money markets continue to function in an orderly manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chua Hak Bin, co-head of macro research at Maybank, told the Straits Times that while Singapore was partly shielded by its free trade agreement with the U.S. and bilateral trade deficit, the country would still be impacted from the massive deflationary shock to demand and trade. Manufacturing and exports will likely turn lower and contract in the coming quarters. South Korea South Koreas acting President Han Duck-soo convened a meeting with top officials on Thursday to assess the tariffs, according to a statement issued by its industry ministry. As the global trade war has become a reality, the government must pour all its capabilities to overcome the trade crisis, Han told the ministers. Han added that the government will prepare emergency support measures for industries and companies affected by the tariffs and ordered the industry minister to negotiate with Washington to minimize the impact. Spain Spains Economic Minister Carlos Cuerpo said Wednesday: The European Union has the necessary tools to respond to [Trumps tariffs], and, of course, in this context, Europe will not be naive. We will always respond. Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez summoned industry leaders on Thursday to a presentation of his response plan. Sweden Swedens Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a Wednesday statement that Sweden is well prepared for whats happening now. At the same time, he underscored: We dont want growing trade barriers. We dont want a trade war. That would make our populations poorer and the world more dangerous in the long run. Free enterprise and competition have laid the foundations of the Wests success. Thats why Americans can listen to music on Swedish Spotify and we Swedes can listen to the same music on our American iPhones, Kristersson said. He added that, as part of the E.U., Sweden will take every opportunity to reverse these developments and contain the new U.S. tariffs. Switzerland Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter posted on X on Wednesday that the Swiss government will quickly determine the next steps. Switzerland was hit with a 31% tariff. The countrys long-term economic interests are paramount. Adherence to international law and free trade remain core values, she added. Economiesuisse, a business federation representing around 100,000 companies in Switzerland, also posted on X on Wednesday night that U.S. tariffs are harmful and unfounded. A further escalation of the trade conflict must be prevented, the group warned. The Federal Council and Swiss economic diplomacy are called upon to quickly find solutions at the negotiating table with the US government. Taiwan Taiwans cabinet called Trumps tariffswhich stood at 32% on Taiwanese goodsdeeply unreasonable and highly regrettable. Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee said the government would negotiate with the U.S. to ensure the interests of our nation and industries. Prior to Trumps announcement, Taiwans Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo said an economic and trade task force established last November has been working to determine what the effects of Trumps tariffs would be and how the government should respond. After the U.S. previously announced tariffs on the semiconductor industry, TSMCTaiwans largest company and the worlds largest chip producerpledged a $100 billion investment in the U.S., which appeared to mollify Trump as semiconductors are exempt from this latest round of tariffs. Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said Thailand is prepared to negotiate with the U.S. after Trump announced a 36% reciprocal tariff on its goods. The U.S. is Thailands largest export market. Shinawatra said that Thailands actual tariff rate on U.S. imports is on average 9% rather than the 72% figure the White House presented. Thailand has signaled its readiness to discuss with the U.S. government at the first opportunity to adjust the trade balance to be fair to both the parties, Shinawatra told reporters on Thursday. She said Thailand could become a friend-shoring country for the U.S. by importing agriculture products to process and re-export. Dont panic as other countries are also facing higher tariffs, Thai Chamber of Commerce chairman Poj Aramwattananont also told reporters on Thursday, though he admitted he did not expect more than a 25% tariff from the U.S. The U.S. will also have some impact from this, he added, as they still cant produce to replace the imports fast enough. U.K. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Thursday morning that the U.K. would respond to Trumps tariffs with cool and calm heads. Starmer added that the U.K., which faces the baseline 10% levy, is in a better position than a lot of other countries from what was announced last night. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News on Thursday that the U.K. will take any action we need to give ourselves the tools that we need to respond to announcements of this kind. Reynolds added that he wants negotiations with the U.S. to lead to a total removal of the tariffs on the U.K. I want them removed in terms of the 10% thats been announced. I want them removed on steel and aluminium. I dont think there is an argument, a strong argument, for those being in place, he said. I want not only to remove what has been announced so far, but to strengthen that relationship. I want more U.K. businesses with stronger market access to all parts of the U.S. Thats the prize on offer. Ukraine Ukraines Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko posted on X on Thursday that Trumps new 10% tariffs on Ukraine are complicated, but not critical. She added that in 2024 Ukraine bought $3.4 billion worth of goods from the U.S. and exported just $874 million worth of goods to the U.S. She also said Ukrainian tariffs on U.S. goods are quite lowthe rate on cars is 10%, on coal and oil0% and that Ukraines government will work to ensure better conditions for Ukraine. Ukraine has something to offer the United States as a reliable ally and partner, Svyrydenko said. Both our countries benefit from fair tariffs. Chad de Guzman contributed reporting. Contact us at letters@time.com. A woman potentially could be sued for wrongful death by the father of her unborn baby if she has an abortion under legislation moving in the Florida Legislature. Further, the bill "The Civil Liability for Wrongful Death of an Unborn Child Act" (SB 1284) has sparked fears it will increase malpractice liability for doctors. It also gives parents the ability to sue health care providers for damages for the wrongful death of an unborn child. The bill by Sen. Erin Grall, R-Fort Pierce, this week cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 64 vote. One Republican, Sen. Tom Leek, joined the panel's Democrats in voting 'no.' Leek said he worried the bill could weaponize other laws to prosecute a woman who lost a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But other Republicans on the panel questioned how courts could determine the future loss of income of a week-old embryo, and questioned its effect on malpractice insurance premiums. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples and a former Senate president, voted against a similar bill last year. She walked Grall through provisions in the bill she finds troubling, saying this is creating a huge tort. Passidomo questioned how judges and juries could compute damages based on a fetus future earnings, calling it so speculative because there is no way of knowing if a three-day embryo would become a Elon Musk or someone with a disability. Bill would put unborn children under state law provision By including unborn children under the states Wrongful Death Act, opponents including Democrats and nearly 30 members of the public said they feared the measure would further restrict abortion access. Florida law already defines an unborn child as a member of the Homo sapiens species at any state of development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grall, who sponsored last years six-week abortion ban signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, said her intent is not to strengthen an abortion ban but to protect unborn children: It is (for) when there is negligence that happens. But for that negligence, that child would be here. She added, We should have parity in the way we treat a child inside the womb and outside the womb. But the bills potential unintended consequences troubled some of the lawmakers and many of the people who filled all 170 seats available in the committee room. Gralls proposal does not authorize a wrongful death suit against a healthcare provider acting lawfully but it lacks a definition of what is lawful medical care. Senator Erin Grall sits in the audience in the Supreme Court during a hearing on the 15-week abortion ban in Florida on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Florida faces a shortage of obstetrics and gynecology since passage of the six-week abortion ban, according to media reports. And a lobbyist for physicians said Grall's bill will increase malpractice insurance premiums and further make Florida an unattractive option for OB-GYNs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors are going to make the economic decision to avoid treating high-risk pregnancies. The very life that needs the most care, the high-risk pregnancies the doctor is going to avoid because of the additional (malpractice) exposure this puts on the physician, said Mark Delegal, who represents the Doctors Company, a nationwide physician-owned medical malpractice insurer. Republican says bill could be 'weaponized' Others have echoed Leeks fears that an estranged father could weaponize the bill against a woman who lost a child. In an interview with the Florida Alligator newspaper, University of Florida constitutional law professor Danaya C. Wright said the way Grall's bill is written is troubling. Wright said granting a fetus or embryo the same legal protections as a person makes anything a woman does that could injure a fetus liable for damages: A woman goes on a walk, and she trips, and she falls, and it causes a miscarriage. Youre going to say thats manslaughter? Wright said. And abortion rights advocates said that including embryos in the Wrongful Death Act will further restrict access to reproductive healthcare. Ashe Bradley of Tampa told the committee that the bill would enable a rapist to sue a victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Would you want your child to leave a rape and then pay her rapist? Bradley asked. The bill next goes to the Rules Committee, which Passidomo chairs, before it can get to the Senate floor. Passidomo said she voted for it to give Grall time to work on her and other's concerns. And Grall committed to doing so. James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com and is on X as @CallTallahassee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Debate grows over Florida bill giving legal rights to unborn children YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) has announced the start of its Give Small Business A Lift campaign. The campaign, now in its fourth year, promotes and honors local small businesses. Twelve small businesses that exemplify the Valleys entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic will be honored and promoted. A panel of business and community leaders will choose the featured businesses from a list of nominees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WRTA is now taking nominations for the campaign. To qualify, small businesses must be located in Mahoning County, and an entry form must be completed by an owner or authorized officer/manager. Visit WRTAonline.com to nominate a business. The deadline for nominations is Monday, April 14. The winners will be notified by email and honored at the kickoff event on Wednesday, April 30 at Lariccia Community Center in Boardman Park. The winning businesses will receive promotions on WRTA buses, WRTAs digital sign downtown, on social media and in TV commercials. One business will also be selected as Small Business of the Year, earning it a free TV advertising campaign donated by WKBN and a social media campaign donated by Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WRTA encourages all small businesses in the county to apply even if the business applied previously. We cannot overstate how important small business is to our local and national economy. But starting a small business also seems to take a special sort of grit and determination that exemplifies what America is all about, said Dean Harris, WRTAs executive director. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Reuters) - The Director-General of the World Trade Organization said new tariffs announced by the U.S. along with those introduced at the start of the year could lead to a contraction of around 1% in global merchandise trade volumes in 2025. "I'm deeply concerned about this decline and the potential for escalation into a tariff war with a cycle of retaliatory measures that lead to further declines in trade," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in a statement on Thursday. She warned that the tariffs have the potential to create significant trade diversion effects. The WTO administers 74% of global trade, down from around 80% at the beginning of the year due to recent tariffs, according to the organisation. World leaders have warned of the potential negative economic consequences of the tariffs. "President Trump's announcement of universal tariffs on the whole world, including the EU, is a major blow to the world economy," European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen said. Okonjo-Iweala told member states earlier on Thursday in a letter seen by Reuters that the WTO had received many questions about the tariffs. "Many of you have been in touch about the U.S. announcement on tariffs, asking for the Secretariat to provide an economic analysis of the impact of these tariffs and any potential reaction on your trade," Okonjo-Iweala wrote. Observers say U.S. determination to double down on tariffs risks sidelining the Geneva-based WTO and its free-trade mandate. (Reporting by Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru,; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Ed Osmond) House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, stands before the House Finance Committee on March 31, 2025, as they discuss the budget bill. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography) Funding for foster care has been slashed in the House Finance Committee as members opted to ignore Gov. Patrick Morriseys proposed budget, including his $182 million request for a child welfare system in crisis. There are more than 5,800 children in foster care, and there arent enough Child Protective Services workers, in-state available beds or services to help them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houses version of the fiscal year 2026 budget, up for passage this week, would give roughly $121 million to the Department of Human Services to manage its foster care system. The governors proposed budget was still less than what the department needed. It proposed $3 million for CPS, which was less than a third of what the agency had said it needed to hire more than 100 new CPS workers. The states CPS workers are often managing overwhelming caseloads. Now, the agency could have to operate with even less. Angelica Hightower, a DoHS spokesperson, said the original $182 million requested by the governor was essential funding to meet the ongoing needs of the Bureau for Social Services, including serving children in foster care and operating critical services for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, the proposed budget reduction put forward by the House Finance Committee would significantly hinder the departments ability to deliver services effectively and respond to the pressing challenges currently facing the foster care system, Hightower said. House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, disregarded Morriseys budget, opting for the House to present its own budget bill that includes a surplus cushion, as he put it. Its our job to tell him how much money to spend, he said. Criss said his committee looked at last years foster care funding to determine what to allocate for the upcoming fiscal year. We didnt necessarily take cuts from what he did, but what we did was ignore his budget entirely and used our 25 budget to drive a 26 budget, he explained. Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, minority chair of the House Finance Committee, said that skinny budgets passed under Gov. Jim Justice meant that foster care had already been underfunded. Foster care cant be fixed without putting money into it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you have any foster kids living out of trash bags in a hotel, that is not a point in time in which you give tax breaks to the rich, he said. These programs are struggling. Morissey, when responding to a question from West Virginia Watch on Thursday, said that he put forth a common sense proposal on foster care funding. The state may need more funding to make positive changes to foster care, CPS and more, he said. My philosophy is that when you have ongoing programs, you generally try to have ongoing revenue that matches. And thats what were trying to do, Morrisey said. Kelly Allen, executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, said the Houses budget bill fell short of what was needed to truly improve child welfare outcomes. She cited more than $50 million in proposed cuts to Medicaid along with no new financial investments in public education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ability to make those investments is hindered by a stubborn commitment to keeping the budget flat, even if that leaves critical needs unfunded, she said. Without making much-needed investments in evidence-based primary supports, it will be challenging to stem the untenable flow of children into our overburdened foster care system. Kelly Allen, executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, speaks to the House Finance Committee on March 31, 2025. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography) Some line item increases for CPS and other child welfare The Houses budget bill does include a few million dollars more specifically for CPS workers than what was requested by Morrisey. It also includes $5 million for guardians ad litems, which are attorneys who represent the interests of children in child welfare court proceedings. Theres also $1.8 million allocated to Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, a volunteer program that helps abused and neglected children in the court system. Del. Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis I am glad to see we are making some investments in child welfare, specifically for our [guardian ad litems] and CASA. I can always wish that we would have received more for child welfare but these allocations shouldnt be overlooked. Any investment is a step in the right direction, said Del. Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, a foster parent who has spearheaded child welfare legislation this session. Criss said he felt confident that DoHS would be able to adequately operate the foster care system under the Houses proposed budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If not, well be back in January, [and] therell be additional supplementals at that time, he said. We know that weve got a $100 million surplus in the current year. If theres monies left over, well be able to maneuver and take care of things as things move along, and in January, well have a better picture. The Senates budget version, vetted by the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, would fund foster care at the same level requested by the governor. Morrisey said he believed that issues with foster care funding would be resolved by the end of lawmakers budget process. The legislative session is scheduled to adjourn April 12. There are some differences . Im hopeful that as time goes on, the different parties are going to get together. I think that they will, the governor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaycie Bias is the executive director of the WV Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Parents Network, which represents 1,800 families. Funding isnt the issue, from her point of view. Instead, the state needs to focus on improving the quality of the foster care system. CPS workers are failing to check on children living in foster homes, she said, and reimbursement payments to foster families are irregular. There are statues in place that arent being followed through, she said. The state is doing so little for us in terms of follow through that you are having people fall through the cracks. While the state struggles to have enough foster homes, Bias said DoHS prioritizing and communicating with those who are willing to foster which doesnt take money would likely solve that problem. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Yale Law School has fired an Iranian scholar, accusing her of refusing to cooperate as it probed allegations that she is involved with a group that the U.S. calls a sham charity for a designated terrorist organization. But Helyeh Doutaghi, an outspoken critic of Israel who worked at Yale on a visa as an associate research scholar and deputy director of the school's Law and Political Economy Project, denies being uncooperative. She believes she was fired because of her criticism of the war in Gaza, as colleges around the country face financial pressure to crack down on antisemitism from the Trump administration. The school said in a statement that Doutaghi, 30, was terminated on March 28 after refusing for several weeks to appear in person to answer questions about serious allegations that included a possible connection to the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network which the U.S. and Canada designated in October as a sham charity that serves as an international fundraiser for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yale cited a posting on Samidouns website that it says identified Doutaghi as a member of the group among the materials it was reviewing. Samidoun did not return an email message seeking comment. Doutaghi, however, said that posting was from 2022 when Samidoun wasnt designated as a terror-supporting group, and she said Yale had not produced any evidence that she was involved in such a group. Another webpage listed Doutaghi as a speaker in an online panel discussion in October 2024 sponsored by Samidoun and other groups. She said she did not take part in that event because it was canceled or postponed and Samidoun was not the main organizer of the discussion. Asked by The Associated Press if she was a member of Samidoun or affiliated with it in some other way, she would only say that she is not involved in any group that violates U.S. law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doutaghi and her lawyer, Eric Lee, said they offered to answer Yales questions about her affiliations in writing. Doutaghi said her concerns about being detained and deported were a factor in not wanting to appear in person. This has become part of the fascism that is unfolding in this country, that people who dare to speak up against genocide and the U.S. support for it and complicity in it, they have to expect to pay the price with their careers, with their livelihoods, with their jobs, students with their degrees, as weve seen at Columbia, weve seen at Cornell and elsewhere," she said in a phone interview, referring to pro-Palestinian students at those schools who have been targeted for deportation. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Yanceyville Street is closed in both directions between Lees Chapel Road and Glenside Drive due to a crash, according to a Greensboro Police Department news release. No injuries have been reported at this time. The cause of the crash is unknown. Drivers are asked to take alternate routes through the area. Police did not say what time the road will reopen. This is a developing story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. This offer is expired. Check out Yahoo's roundup of the latest available credit card welcome offers and bonuses. For a limited time, you can earn 100,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 within the first three months of opening a new Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. You'll need to act fast, though, as this offer ends at 9 a.m. EST on May 15, 2025. This new offer is one of the most valuable weve ever seen from the Chase Sapphire Preferred already one of our favorite travel rewards cards and you can use it to get more than $1,000 toward your next trip: Chase Sapphire Preferred overview Learn more Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Annual fee $95 Welcome offer Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months Rewards rate 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries 2x points on all other travel purchases 1x points on all other purchases $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit Benefits Complimentary DashPass with $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27, plus a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders Earn up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel On every account anniversary, earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year Read our full Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review Chase Sapphire Preferred limited-time offer Youll earn 100,000 bonus points after you open a new Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and spend $5,000 within the first three months. Thats a huge jump from the cards typical 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 within the first three months. And while the Sapphire Preferred has had boosted offers before, we havent seen a bonus this high since 2021. However, this offer also comes with an increased spending requirement. To spend the required $5,000 by the deadline, youll need to make at least $1,667 in purchases each month. Make sure thats within your budget before you apply; theres no benefit in taking on credit card debt just to earn a bonus no matter how valuable it is. How much is the Chase Sapphire Preferred welcome offer worth? The 100,000 bonus points youll earn from this offer can be worth different amounts depending on how you redeem them but you can get up to $1,250 toward travel when you use points to book travel through Chase. You can earn points on your purchases even if you don't spend money in bonus categories. So if you spend all $5,000 in non-bonus categories, that could add 5,000 more points to your account within the first three months. Thats 105,000 points, which you could redeem for up to $1,312.50 in travel through Chase Travel. Youll get even more if you spend the $5,000 on purchases eligible for bonus rewards. If you spend $5,000 all within the Chase Sapphire Preferreds 3x bonus categories, for example, you could earn 15,000 points within the first three months on top of the welcome bonus. That would make your total points as much as 115,000 points, worth up to $1,437.50 in Chase Travel spending. What can you get with 100,000 Chase Sapphire Preferred points? There are plenty of ways you can use Chase Ultimate Rewards points, but youre most likely to get the best value when you redeem points for travel. Here are some of the most valuable redemption options, and some examples to get you inspired for your next trip. Book travel via Chase Travel When you use Chase points to book a trip using Chase Travel, youll get 1.25 cents per point. In other words, your 100,000-point bonus is worth $1,250 in Chase Travel spending far above the 1 cent per point minimum we like to see from travel rewards. Lets say youre planning to travel to Portugal this fall and want to use your welcome bonus points toward a 10-day trip from your home near Washington, D.C. To start, you can book a nonstop Classic fare (which includes a checked bag and seat selection) on TAP Air Portugal for 91,552 points. Once you arrive, maybe you want to explore Portugals beaches and coastal towns for a few days before you head back to the city. You could rent a car after landing at the Lisbon airport for two days using a total of 6,384 additional points. After using your points for flight and car rental (total 97,936 points), youll have about 7,064 left assuming you started with 105,000 after earning both the welcome bonus and 5,000 points on non-bonus required spending. Once you return from your road trip, youll have a few days to spend in Lisbon. A stay at the Dos Reis by the Beautique Hotels for three of your remaining nights would cost $634.61. But using the rest of your available points, you could bring down that price by $88.30 cash to 7,064 points and $546.31. Dont forget: the Chase Sapphire Preferred also has up to a $50 annual hotel statement credit when you book through Chase Travel. The credit will automatically apply after you pay for a hotel stay using your card. In this case, the credit would bring your total price down to about $496.31 for the three-night stay. Youll have to spend additional cash on your remaining nights in Portugal. But even though your points dont cover everything, redeeming them for a round-trip flight, car rental, and a portion of your hotel cost on an international trip is still some major savings. Related: Amex points vs. Chase points Which is the better rewards program? Transfer to partners Another great way to spend your Chase points is by transferring them to one of Chases airline or hotel partner programs. Not only can you potentially get more value, but transferring can also help you score status benefits and other perks from loyalty programs you prefer. Say, for example, you want to book a Hawaiian getaway for two later this fall. Youre a regular Southwest Airlines flyer, so you transfer your Chase bonus points to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio. Two tickets on Wanna Get Away fare with one stop either way will cost you just 88,000 Southwest points (plus $22.40 in taxes and fees). If you were to buy the same two tickets at the same fare class using cash on Southwest, you would pay $1,235.60 today. That makes this transfer an incredibly valuable redemption you wont even need to use the full welcome bonus to book your fare. Related: How to earn elite airline status with a credit card Take advantage of bonus offers Always look out for limited-time bonus offers between Chase and its transfer partners. These can boost the value of your points when you transfer them so youll get even more value when you redeem with the airline or hotel. For example, Chase is currently offering a whopping 80% bonus on IHG One Rewards transfers. That could turn your already-high 100,000 bonus points into 180,000 IHG One points. You will need to make the transfer by April 30, which gives you a lot less time to meet the welcome bonus requirements. But if thats still within your budget, this could be a great use of points. Lets say you want to use your points for a last-minute trip to Palm Springs, California over Memorial Day weekend. You can transfer your points to IHGs Riviera Resort in Palm Springs and stay five nights for an average of 37,000 points per night or a total 185,000 points. Thats more than the 180,000 points youll get when you transfer your 100,000 bonus points with the 80% bonus. But dont forget about the minimum 5,000 points youll get by meeting the $5,000 spending requirement within your first three months. If you transfer 105,000 Chase points to IHG with an 80% bonus, youll have 189,000 IHG points to use enough to cover your full stay. If you were to pay for the same stay in cash, it would cost you $1,372.56, which makes this transfer a great use of your welcome bonus points. Of course, not every stay will offer the same value for your points, especially without a transfer bonus. But bonuses like this can be great for offsetting elevated prices when you may not have flexibility in your schedule like a last-minute trip to a popular tourist destination over a holiday weekend. It can also help you get more value from your favorite hotel loyalty program. Should you open a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card? Beyond its valuable bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of our favorite travel credit cards. It has plenty of long-term value with bonus categories for travel and everyday purchases. But you should be open to booking travel through the issuers portal to get the most from this card. Every Chase Sapphire Preferred point you earn gets a 25% boost when you book travel through Chase Travel. As you use your card to earn points over time, you can get this great redemption rate on any number of flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. A few annual benefits also help boost your value and offset the $95 annual fee. You can get the annual hotel credit worth up to $50 back on hotel bookings through Chase Travel each account anniversary, as well as annual bonus points equal to 10% of your previous years purchases. Like many rewards cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred also has solid travel and purchase protections and no foreign transaction fees. These might not be as flashy as other card benefits, but they can save you a lot of money when you need them. If the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card was already on your mind, theres never been a better time to apply. Youll get a ton of value from the limited-time bonus, but you can also maximize your spending and rewards for future travel. Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product. SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) You can still say yes to the dress, but tariffs will likely increase its cost. President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs Wednesday as part of a plan to boost U.S. manufacturing and punish other countries for what the president says are unfair trade practices. The big concern the impact on you. Trump announces sweeping reciprocal tariffs Foreign leaders have stolen our jobs, foreign cheaters have ransacked our factories, and foreign scavengers have torn apart our once-beautiful American dream, Trump said in an announcement Wednesday declaring a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries, as well as higher tariff rates on dozens of countries running trade surpluses with the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tariffs are impacting everyday life, including the biggest day of your life your wedding. One of the biggest expenses for a bride-to-be is that show-stopping dress. Allison Alderman, owner of Virginias Daughter Bridal Boutique in Suffolk, is just one of several shop owners who will be affected by Trumps tariffs, meant to boost U.S. manufacturing and punish other countries for what he calls unfair trade practices. We were just coming in this morning to take a look at some of the increases to update some of our prices, Alderman said. A lot more goes into a gown than one might think, and it all adds up, including the materials and veils, the accessories and whatnot. So we have to mark up our prices accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alderman said she may have to mark up her dresses from anywhere between $100 to $200 more to compensate for the tariffs. And while brides should budget accordingly, Alderman said she tries to work with customers on that. We were just coming in this morning to take a look at some of the increases to update some of our prices, Alderman said. A lot more goes into a gown than you might thinkthat all adds up. Including the materials and veils, the accessories and what not. So, we have to mark up our prices accordingly, she added. Alderman says she may have to mark up her dresses anywhere between $100 to $200 more to compensate for the tariffs. A bride should budget accordingly, but Alderman says they try to work with customers on that. We try to make it easier for them by offering a payment plan, Alderman said. We only require half down to order your dress, while the second half can be made with payments as we wait for it to come in. Theyre pretty much understanding. Prices are increasing everywhere. So the weddings arent the exception. Theyre increasing here too. Alderman opened in 2021 just after the pandemic so business was good. Now, the future is a little more uncertain. Shes hopeful people will be willing to pay more. I hope so, she said. Itll keep me in business. Alderman carries dresses by four designers in her shop, and only one of them is based in the U.S. She said she might be ordering more from that designer in the future. Other options for brides on a budget include local thrift or consignment 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 WAVY.com. TikToks potential ban in 2025 highlights the ongoing clash between national security concerns and digital freedom in the U.S. As one of the worlds most popular apps, TikTok has become a flashpoint in the debate over foreign influence, data privacy, and government control of tech platforms. Heres where things stand with TikTok in 2025, whats driving the push for a ban, and whether the app is truly at risk of disappearing from American phones. Is TikTok getting banned again in the US? As of now, TikTok is not officially banned in the United States, but it faces a renewed threat of prohibition if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, does not sell the platform to a U.S.-approved buyer by April 5, 2025. President Donald Trump has indicated confidence that a deal will be reached before the deadline, stating, We have a lot of potential buyers. (via USA Today) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pressure to divest TikTok comes from the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, passed in 2024. The law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a nationwide ban due to national security concerns. Trump delayed the original January deadline with an executive order, granting a 75-day extension. He has also said another extension is possible if a deal is near. Several groups are interested in buying TikTok. These include consortia led by Frank McCourt and Jesse Tinsley, as well as companies like Perplexity AI and Rumble. This renewed scrutiny follows TikToks temporary shutdown in January 2025, during which app store downloads and user access were blocked. Although service was restored after Trumps intervention, the apps future is still uncertain. Lawmakers and courts continue to support forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok. The Supreme Court upheld the ban if ByteDance does not comply. Tech companies like Apple and Google can also face steep fines for helping users access TikTok after the deadline. In conclusion, TikTok is still accessible to U.S. users, but its future remains uncertain. The apps fate depends on a successful sale or another extension from the president. Lawmakers on both sides are concerned about data privacy and national security. Unless ByteDance gives up control to a U.S.-approved buyer, a divestment or permanent ban remains likely. Trumps remarks suggest a resolution may come just in timebut uncertainty remains. The post Yes, TikTok Could Get Banned Again After April 5 appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. A few hours before President Donald Trump slapped huge new tariffs on nearly all imports to the United States, Israel preemptively dropped all its tariffs on American goods. That's what some of Trump's defenders say is the goal of this whole madcap scheme: to get foreign countries to lower their barriers to American exports. Mission accomplished, right? Apparently not. In Wednesday's announcement, Trump imposed new 17 percent tariffs on all imports from Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amusingly, that's a higher tariff rate than the president put on IranIsrael's sworn enemy and America's biggest geopolitical foe in the Middle East. The Islamic Republic got hit with a 10 percent tariff. The comparison is somewhat silly since the boatload of sanctions on Iran already makes it difficult for Americans to trade with Iranians regardless of any tariffs. However, it should also underscore the blunt and foolish way that the Trump administration is pursuing its trade policies, as well as the bad math that was used to calculate these new tariff rates. In advance of Wednesday's announcement, Trump said the new tariff rates would be based on various trade barriers that foreign countries levy against American goods. That's not what actually happened. As the White House has now confirmed, the new tariff rates announced by Trump were based on a crude calculation that merely divided America's trade deficit with each country by that country's total exports to the United States. Iran exports very little to the United States because of those sanctions. In fact, America runs a (small) trade surplus with Iran. Because that's the only thing that matters in the formula used by the Trump administration, Iranian imports got hit with the 10 percent tariff baseline and nothing else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That ought to demonstrate how completely insane the Trump administration's tariff calculations are. Calculations that have now become the baseline for a global regime of tariffs that will cost Americans an estimated $1.8 trillion over the next decade and reduce incomes by more than 2 percent. Over in Israel, the tariffs will mean hiring freezes, higher costs, and other economic disruptions, The Jerusalem Post reports. "We are all going to feel this in our pockets," Ron Tomer, president of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, said during a radio interview on Thursday, according to The Wall Street Journal. He said the tariffs felt like "abandonment by a friend." If Trump is going to treat America's geopolitical friends like thateven after they tried to play ballhe might soon find that the world contains a lot more enemies. The post Yes, Trump Really Put Higher Tariffs on Israel Than Iran appeared first on Reason.com. (Reuters) -New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Thursday that he would run for reelection as an independent, not as a Democrat as he did in his first, successful mayoral bid. The announcement came a day after a federal judge dismissed corruption charges against the former New York City police captain. The decision by the embattled mayor of the nation's most populous city means that he will not face a crowded field of nine candidates, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in June's Democratic primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have always put New Yorks people before politics and party, and I always will," said Adams, who was first elected as a Democrat, in a video message posted on X. "I will forgo the Democratic primary for mayor and appeal directly to all New Yorkers as an independent candidate." In February, the Justice Department requested that a federal judge dismiss corruption charges against the mayor because it was distracting him from helping Republican U.S. President Donald Trump step up deportations in its crackdown on illegal immigration. The request prompted eight federal prosecutors to resign over concerns the administration was violating longstanding norms by allowing political considerations to influence prosecutorial decisions. On Wednesday, a U.S. judge agreed to drop the charges, even as he said the request "smacks of a bargain" between Trump administration and Adams. He said the case was dropped with prejudice, meaning it could not be revived by the government - even if Adams fails to sufficiently cooperate on deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams was well behind in polls in recent months as likely voters said they were concerned about the overall state of affairs in the city, including the crime on the subway and affordability. Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 due to a series of sexual harassment allegations he denies, is polling favorably. He enjoys wide name recognition and occupies the same center-left political space as Adams. The winner of the Democratic primary is likely to win the November general election to lead the left-leaning city. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago;Editing by Bernadette Baum) Attorneys for Young Thug say a judge has ruled that the rapper didnt violate his probation with a social media post. District Attorney Fani Willis said Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Williams, reposted a social media post that included a photo of a district attorneys office investigator that went viral. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The states motion says the investigator is currently testifying in a gang murder hearing and that there is a court order for her face not to be shown on TV while testifying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2 Action News has obtained a copy of the court order from Judge Paige Reese Whitaker denying the district attorneys motion to revoke Williams probation. Williams Probation Revocation Order April 2025 by Jennifer Smith on Scribd Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne obtained a copy of Young Thugs response on Thursday. The rappers attorney, Brian Steel, wrote that the prosecutors allegations did not show that his client violated his probation. First, there is no suggestion that Mr. Williams knew o f the Magistrate Courts Order not to show Investigator Viverito on television while testifying. Second, the allegation asserts that Mr. Williams reposted an image and wrote a caption. This allegation does not violate the Magistrate Courts Order or Mr. Williams conditions of probation. Third, there is no violation of Mr. Williams probation by reposting an image on social media and opining that Investigator Viverito is untruthful, the motion states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion goes on to say that any comments made about the investigator on social media cannot be attributed to Mr. Williams in order to support a violation of his probationary sentence. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Rapper Young Thug will remain on probation, a judge has ruled, despite a social media post that prosecutors said identified a gang investigator. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker on Thursday declined prosecutors' request to remand the "Pushin P" artist to custody for allegedly violating the terms of his probation. The motion filed Wednesday evening accused Young Thug born Jeffery Lamar Williams of publicizing the identity of a law enforcement investigator and witness in an ongoing "multi-defendant gang murder" case via social media. "Having reviewed the terms and conditions of [Williams'] probation imposed by this Court, the Court declines to revoke [Williams'] probation based on the violation asserted," Whitaker said in the order, reviewed by The Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: YSL RICO trial ends: 2 men found not guilty of murder after Young Thug guilty plea Williams, 33, pleaded guilty to gang, drug and gun charges in October, bringing his turbulent RICO trial to an end after more than a year. At the time, a Fulton County Superior Court judge imposed a sentence of 40 years with the first five to be served in prison, but commuted to time served, followed by 15 years on probation. If he were to complete that probation without any violations, another 20 years would be commuted to time served. But if he were to violate the conditions, he would have to serve those 20 years. The judge said in October that, among other terms of his sentence, Young Thug is not allowed to associate with gang members or the victims or other defendants of the case. He also cannot promote any criminal street gang or gang activity and cant use hand signs or terminology that promotes a street gang. Prosecutors in their motion this week alleged that Williams, since his sentencing, "has engaged in conduct that directly threatens the safety of witnesses and prosecutors, compromises ongoing legal proceedings, and warrants immediate revocation of probation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the motion, the court previously ordered that the investigator "should not be shown on television while testifying." A "known blogger" allegedly violated that order and shared a social media post revealing the individual's identity and appearance, according to a screenshot included in the motion. Williams retweeted the blogger's post on Tuesday, adding in his caption the investigator "is the biggest liar in the DA's office." The motion also included a screenshot of the rapper's post. Read more: Young Thug pleads guilty to charges, is sentenced in long and winding racketeering case Prosecutors claimed the musician's since-deleted post "quickly went viral," garnering more than 2 million views and "thousands" of comments and retweets, many allegedly including "direct threats" to the witness and their family. Screenshots in the motion show that some X (formerly Twitter) users continued to spread the witness' identity and personal details, including their home address. Another social media user also threatened to "personally make sure" that a prosecutor in Young Thug's case "is assassinated," according to another screenshot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The escalation from targeting a testifying witness to making a direct death threat against the elected district attorney of Fulton County is a grave and unprecedented attack on the justice system," the motion said. Prosecutors said the latest string of social media posts is "part of a calculated campaign of intimidation, harassment and misinformation to undermine the legal process" and alleged that Young Thug's social media activities "mirror the established tactics of criminal organizations." The motion added: "[Young Thug's] probation should be immediately revoked to prevent further harm, ensure compliance with the law, and send a clear message that witness intimidation and threats against public officials will not be tolerated." Read more: Young Thug's lawyer avoids 10 weekends in jail as Georgia high court puts order on hold Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams and his legal team responded Thursday morning with a legal filing that denied the prosecutors' allegations and urged the judge to dismiss the motion with prejudice. The response, reviewed by The Times, distances Williams from the blogger's post, denies the rapper's tweet violated the court's directive or terms of his probation and asserted the threatening posts "cannot be attributed to Mr. Williams in order to support a violation of his probationary sentence." "A revocation of Mr. Williams' probation involves the loss of liberty which is a serious deprivation," the response added, before calling the motion "deficient." The "Go Crazy" rapper seemingly addressed the allegations against him on social media even before prosecutors filed their motion. "I don't make treats to people I'm a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone," he tweeted Wednesday evening, about an hour before prosecutors filed their motion. "I'm all about peace and love." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite deciding to keep Williams on probation, Whitaker said Thursday afternoon in her order that "it may be prudent for [Williams] to exercise restraint regarding certain topics." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. An aspiring YouTube influencer and self-described danger tourist was arrested by authorities in India after allegedly attempting to contact one of the worlds last uncontacted Indigenous tribes. The 24-year-old US national Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov was taken into custody on March 29 at 10am local time after returning from his overnight journey to North Sentinel Island, home to an estimated 100 Sentinelese inhabitants. His meticulously planned trip involved multiple scouting excursions and required sailing across 23 miles of notoriously dangerous Indian Ocean waters in an inflatable raft he modified with an outboard motor. Authorities said Polyakov then spent an hour floating offshore in his boat, blowing a whistle in an attempt to signal the Sentinelese. Afterwards, he landed on the beach for about five minutes to record footage on a GoPro camera, collect souvenir sand samples, and leave a coconut and a can of Coke as gifts. No one ever emerged to meet him, but this was potentially to Polyakovs benefit. He was at risk of becoming the fourth confirmed intruder killed by the Sentinelese over the past two decades. North Sentinel Island (seen above) is home to around 100 remaining members of the Sentinelese tribe. Credit: DirectGlobe via Getty Images An estimated 100200 uncontacted Indigenous tribes are believed to still exist around the world, arguably the most famous of which are the internationally protected, voluntarily isolated Sentinelese people. Around 100 inhabitants split across three main groups are thought to remain on North Sentinel Island, located about 740 miles from the Indian mainland. Part of the broader Andamenese people, the Sentinelese have lived on the Manhattan-sized island for as long as 55,000 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While reports of Sentinelese violence occasionally veer into sensationalism, its still illegal to attempt meeting them. It also can be dangerousand not just for the visitors. History and immunology has shown repeatedly that communities in isolation from one another are extremely vulnerable to unfamiliar pathogens. Its very well known by now that uncontacted peoples have no immunity to common outside diseases like flu or measles, which could completely wipe them out, Caroline Pearce, director of the nonprofit advocacy group Survival International, said in a statement. As such, any interactions are done when only necessary, with care, and with respect. Earlier this year, a member of an uncontacted Amazonian tribe voluntarily visited the rural Brazilian village of Bela Rosa. After contacting authorities, experts from Brazils Fundacao Nacional dos Povos Indigenas (National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples) arrived to escort him to a nearby hospital in order to ensure his health and safety. It beggars belief that someone could be that reckless and idiotic, Pearce continued on Wednesday. This persons actions not only endangered his own life, they put the lives of the entire Sentinelese tribe at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite current restrictions on interactions, uncontacted tribes around the world face increased threats from encroaching business interests, deforestation, and land-grabbing. Although she commended Indian authorities apprehension of Polyakov, Pearce explained the nations government poses problems for its own isolated Indigenous communities. The uncontacted Shompen of Great Nicobar Island, not far from North Sentinel, will be wiped out if India goes ahead with its plan to transform their island into the Hong Kong of India, argued Pearce, referring to controversial plans to construct a multibillion-dollar, 650,000-resident town from scratch that includes a shipping port, international airport, and power plant. The common factor in all these cases is governments refusal to abide by international law and recognize and protect uncontacted peoples territories. Its currently unclear what will ultimately happen to Petrykov, whose most recent YouTube uploads document a trip to Taliban-governed regions of Afghanistan. Not only is it illegal to contact isolated tribes in India, but its also against the law to photograph or record videos of them. If found guilty, Poryakovs latest danger tourist excursion could result in a 35 year prison sentence. Even when you know tax day is coming, the deadline has a funny way of creeping up on you. As April begins, taxpayers with a tendency to procrastinate are officially entering crunch time. April 15 is the last day to file your 2024 federal income tax return on time to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) without incurring late filing or late payment penalties. Heres what you need to know to both file and pay taxes before the clock strikes midnight. When is the tax deadline this year? Tuesday, April 15, 2025. For most taxpayers, the federal tax filing date falls either on April 15 or the next business day. This year, it falls on a Tuesday for most calendar year filers. Note that business tax return deadlines follow the fiscal year and may differ. Most state income tax deadlines mirror the federal filing deadline, but there are some exceptions so double check your states website. For instance, Louisiana gives residents until May 15 to file their state income tax returns, and Hawaiians have until April 21. Eligible taxpayers affected by natural disasters may also have received automatic federal filing extensions if they reside in a disaster area. How to file your income taxes If you're in a rush to submit your tax return before the deadline, there are several options to get your forms filed quickly and accurately. First, gather your paperwork for the tax year, including W-2s, Form 1099s, and other tax withholding documentation. IRS Free File or Direct File The IRS has several programs to help taxpayers file their personal income tax returns for free this tax season. The IRS Direct File pilot program supports filing directly with the IRS for free if youre an eligible taxpayer in one of 25 states. For some states, Direct File also allows filers to import federal filing information directly into the states filing tool. IRS Free File is a free guided tax software from IRS tax partners made available to taxpayers across the country with an annual taxable income of $84,000 or less. Tax software To complete your tax return before the due date, tax software can get the job done quickly and easily. The downside is most tax software doesnt come free, which can feel like piling on if you already owe taxes. If you have simple, straightforward returns you may be able to use one of the free or trial versions of tax software from TurboTax or H&R Block. Government tax assistance The government offers tax assistance through programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), for low- and moderate-income taxpayers, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), and MiliTax, which is free tax software offered through the Department of Defense to military members, some veterans, and their families. The IRS also runs tax assistance centers across the country. IRS staff and volunteers at Taxpayer Assistance Centers can set up a payment plan, check on your refund, and help you file your federal and state return online. Consult a tax professional While theyll be extremely busy as the tax deadline approaches, a tax professional can help you not only file a return, but also do other tax preparation work such as filing a request for a tax extension. Read more: How to file your 2024 tax return for free Preparing your tax return at the last minute? 3 things you need to know. These are not-to-miss details to double-check before filing. 1. Which tax credits and tax deductions are you eligible for? Make sure youre aware of the tax credits and deductions you or your family might be eligible for and how they work. Popular tax credits like the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit can dramatically lower your tax liability. 2. Are you taking the standard deduction or will you itemize? The work needed to itemize deductions may be tricky if youre up against important tax deadlines. But there can be financial benefits that make the hassle worth it, especially for homeowners and those with significant medical expenses. Heres how to decide whether you should itemize or choose the standard deduction. 3. What's the right tax filing status for you? In addition to your annual income, your filing status determines the rate at which youll be taxed, so its important to get it right. There are five federal filing statuses to choose from, but the most common are single or married filing jointly. Not ready? Heres how to file for an income tax extension. If youre scrambling to file your federal tax return, you can request a little extra time from the IRS. Your request must be submitted by the tax deadline and gives you an extra six months to file a return but it doesnt provide an extension for making tax payments. Thats worth saying again: Even with an extension, your estimated taxes are still due by the federal tax deadline. The six-month extension is a grace period only for filing taxes, not an exemption from paying them. If youre in a federally declared natural disaster, you may receive notice from the IRS that youve been automatically granted a filing extension. For instance, this filing season, residents impacted by California wildfires may have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file federal taxes while some victims of severe storms in Kentucky and West Virginia have until Nov. 3, 2025. How to pay your income tax bill or estimated tax payments Not sure how to pay the piper for your unpaid taxes? Fortunately, you have several options if you have taxes due. If youre using e-file tax software, you can typically just route the tax payment through your bank account. You can also go to the IRS website and use the Direct Pay e-filing portal, which lets you make an electronic payment with your debit card, credit card, or through IRS-approved vendors. Self-employed taxpayers and small businesses can also use this portal to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. If you prefer to send a check or money order via snail mail, the IRS provides instructions on including a voucher (youll file Form 1040 V) with your tax forms. Note, however, that a recent executive order seeks to phase out the use of paper checks for government payments in the near future. If you can't pay your tax bill in full by the payment deadline, the IRS offers several repayment plans. These include a short-term repayment plan (less than 180 days), a longer-term installment plan (more than 180 days), and a settlement option called offer in compromise available to some taxpayers suffering from financial hardship. Read more: Can you pay taxes with a credit card, and how much will it cost? What happens if you don't file before the tax filing deadline? Failing to file taxes before the deadline comes with a cost. The IRS typically charges taxpayers two separate penalties, one for a failure to file and another for failure to pay. The failure to file penalty is 5% of your unpaid taxes charged each month, up to 25% of your unpaid tax liability. If youre more than 60 days late filing a return, penalties can be more expensive and accrue interest. The failure to pay penalty is 0.5% of your unpaid taxes assessed each month, up to 25% of your total tax bill. Once the IRS issues you a late notice, your late payment penalty increases to 1% per month plus accrued interest. How to use your tax refund wisely If Uncle Sam owes you money, you can expect your refund to show up in your account via direct deposit a few weeks after youve filed. If you dont choose direct deposit, getting a refund check may take a bit longer. Keep in mind that per executive order, the U.S. Treasury will no longer issue refunds via paper checks after Sept. 30, 2025. While you wait for that tax refund, you can start doing a little financial planning to ensure youll use your money wisely. Most Americans opt to pay down debt, but you can also prop up an emergency fund or savings account or put the money toward college or retirement. Here are 5 ways to use your refund wisely. This embedded content is not available in your region. Tax deadline FAQs 1. Do you have to file by the deadline if you don't owe taxes? While the IRS recommends most taxpayers file an individual income tax return, there are some cases when filing isnt necessary. IRS income thresholds for mandatory filing are $13,850 for single filers, $27,700 for married couples filing jointly, and $20,800 for head-of-household filers. Taxpayers over 65 may have slightly more generous income thresholds for mandatory filing. There is no failure to file penalty if youre owed a refund. Read more: Do you pay taxes on Social Security benefits? 2. Can I file my state income taxes at the same time as federal taxes? Most states have the same or a similar deadline as federal tax returns, but there are some exceptions. You should check your state website for more information about when and how to file your state tax returns. Many filing methods and tax software options allow taxpayers to file federal and state income taxes at the same time, but some may charge an additional fee for filing in one or more states. 3. Do you have to pay taxes by the filing deadline? Tax day isnt just the filing deadline. Its also the deadline for paying taxes. Otherwise youll begin to incur penalties. Even if you get an extension to compile and complete your tax return, youll still be expected to make an estimated tax payment by the tax deadline. If youre unable to pay your taxes by the deadline, the IRS offers payment plans or installment plans for eligible taxpayers. Despite a general retreat of Ukrainian troops from Russia's Kursk region, President Volodymyr Zelensky views the surprise advance into enemy territory as a success. Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago, but Kiev decided to turn the tables on Moscow by launching its own limited invasion in August. "It is absolutely fair to move the war to where it came from," Zelensky said in a video address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky recorded the video in the Ukrainian border region of Sumy, from where Ukrainian forces advanced into Russian territory. He said he had discussed with commanders of the units still fighting in Kursk what equipment and support they needed. "We are working on protecting our positions," Zelensky said. Only a few square kilometres of the Russian Kursk region remain under Ukrainian control. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has visited Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts, where he discussed key needs and equipment supply with commanders. Source: Zelenskyys address on 3 April Details: The president stated that he visited Sumy Oblast today, describing it as "one of the directions where a lot is at stake". Zelenskyy recalled that since August last year, Ukrainian units have been conducting combat operations on the Russian territory. He described the operation in Kursk Oblast as one of Ukraines biggest achievements during this war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote:"Since August of last year, our units have been fighting on enemy territory one of Ukraines most significant achievements in this war. It is entirely fair to bring the war back to where it came from. Today, we spoke with the commanders of our units in this area discussed key needs, additional support, equipment supply, drones and operational issues. We are working to defend our positions. We know what the enemy is counting on." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stressed that Ukraine will not recognise the occupied territories as Russian and will not agree to reduce its army for the sake of establishing a just peace. Source: Zelenskyy during a meeting with the heads of Chernihiv Oblast hromadas [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Quote: "A strong army is a priority for us. Therefore, these are the red lines - no reduction in the size of our army. To be honest, we'll do everything we can to keep the army in the same condition as it is today. A large army that is three times larger than it was at the beginning of the war. An army that can only be modernised. These are the changes that can take place after the war. Staffing should be increased, modernised..." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine must receive the security guarantees it requires. He stated that Ukraine will keep the issue of future alliances with partners, including NATO, on its agenda. The Ukrainian leader also emphasised that security guarantees must include economic guarantees, which will, among other things, focus on recovery efforts in the affected regions. Zelenskyy also described the non-recognition of the occupied territories as Russian as one of the main red lines for Kyiv. Quote: "Other geopolitical things are the non-recognition of any territories occupied by Russia as Russian. These are Ukrainian territories... This is one of the most important red lines for us. Anyway, these territories are temporarily occupied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A just peace will come when all these territories are regained. But if it's possible to find a compromise so that their recovery happens over time through diplomatic means, I think that, for some territories, this will probably be the only way." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine, the United States and the European Union are fully united on the goal of achieving a ceasefire as soon as possible. He emphasised that diplomatic dialogue can only begin some time after a full ceasefire is in place. Source: Zelenskyy during a meeting with the heads of Chernihiv Oblast hromadas [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Quote: "We want the war to end as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Saudi Arabia, we agreed to an unconditional ceasefire. The Russians have not agreed to this yet we can see that. However, we know that talks between the Americans and the Russians on this issue are ongoing. They are not public, but they are happening. Today, although we may see some things differently, we are absolutely united with the Americans and Europeans even if everyone has their own interests on the issue of ending the war as quickly as possible. The issue now is putting pressure on the Russians to get there. I believe this can be achieved in the coming weeks, or perhaps months things may develop differently. This applies especially to the hot phase of the war. A full ceasefire is the right step and one that Ukraine has agreed to and supports." Details: Zelenskyy said diplomatic dialogue can be discussed only after the ceasefire is fully in place. Otherwise, he warned, it would be perceived as coercion. Background: President Zelenskyy stressed that in order to achieve a just peace, Ukraine will not recognise Russian-occupied territories and will not agree to reduce its army. President Zelenskyy believes that the Kremlin is "blatantly making a mockery" of Western efforts to stop the war that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has unleashed against Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has visited the village of Yahidne in Chernihiv Oblast, whose residents suffered during the Russian occupation in 2022. Source: Zelenskyy on Facebook on 3 April Quote: "I came to support the people of Yahidne and their efforts to preserve the memory of what happened here during the Russian occupation. I visited the school where the Russians held all the villagers for nearly a month. This was one of the most cynical Russian crimes of this war a crime specifically aimed at people and everything human and humane." Zelenskyy at the school where the Russians tortured people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Details: Zelenskyy noted that much had already been rebuilt and restored in Yahidne. Work is also underway on memorialising what people unfortunately had to endure. Zelenskyy visiting Yahidne. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine The president added that no one would ever forget or forgive Russia for what it had done. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Read more: The hunt for Russian war criminals. The year-long investigation to uncover Russian war crimes in Yahidne Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Any in-laws who move to the city of Meadville in the next few years will likely have to look harder to find a new smoke shop. Meadville City Council approved two zoning ordinance amendments Tuesday, one that limits potential future locations for smoke shops and another that allows the accessory dwelling units commonly known as mother-in-law-houses. Council members voted unanimously in favor of the smoke shop amendment and voted 3-1 in favor of the accessory dwelling unit amendment with Councilman Jim Roha opposing the measure. Deputy Mayor Larry McKnight did not attend the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to allowing mother-in-law houses separate structures that typically function as small apartments, complete with kitchen, bath and living areas the accessory dwelling unit amendment lowers the minimum square footage required for single-family residences from 960 to 648 square feet of habitable space. In contrast to the general practice in the real estate industry of measuring the area of homes based on the exterior perimeter, the zoning ordinance considers interior habitable space, which does not include hallways, bathrooms, closets and other storage areas. Under the amended ordinance, which takes effect later this month, single-family residences can, by special exception, be even smaller as small as 401 square feet of habitable living space. So-called tiny homes are typically no larger than 400 square feet. The special exception process requires applicants to demonstrate their compliance with zoning restrictions to the citys Zoning Hearing Board. The mother-in-law houses allowed by the amendment cannot be mobile homes but homes of modular construction are allowed. The common nickname is also somewhat misleading: The structures are not limited to use by relatives of the owner of the principal home on a property and can be rental properties. They will only be allowed as accessory structures to single-family homes, must be at least 401 square feet and also smaller than the principal structure, and are subject to the usual requirements for minimum setbacks. Mother-in-law homes cannot be located in a front yard. One member of the public, Carson Jones, acknowledged that trying to create housing for people that are having trouble is a very noble pursuit, but spoke in opposition to the accessory dwelling unit amendment during a public hearing held before councils regular meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing a basic principle of real estate that the neighboring structures impact the value of any given home Jones argued that allowing mother-in-law homes could negatively impact the property values of nearby homeowners. Arguing that the accessory structures would appeal particularly to low-income residents, Jones said such homes would bring with them the same sort of challenges that have plagued low-income housing such as Meadville Housing Authoritys Holland Towers complex bed bug infestations, cockroach infestations, garbage hoarding, things like that. I would anticipate that if you were to start putting up accessory dwelling units and having people move in, he said, youre going to see the same problems. The argument proved unpersuasive to council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her concluding remarks following councils regular meeting, Mayor Jaime Kinder said she took negative stereotypes of poor people personally. Citing her own mother as an example of someone with little money but who was still worthy of decent housing, she said to equate poor people with a certain standard of living is not real, its not true and its not fair. Affordable housing is not dirty housing. It does not mean property values will go down. It means real people need options, Kinder said. The people who live in this city, regardless of how much they make, are worth it. They are worth dignified living, and whatever we can do to do that is our job. The smoke shop amendment limits the location of businesses formally known as tobacconists shops that specialize in smoking- and vaping-related products. Such shops will henceforth be permitted only by special exception. Smoke shops will be limited to the citys general business and manufacturing district; the economic development corridor along French Creek; and two of the three mixed-use districts, including the portion of Chestnut Street west of Clinton Court and several blocks to the north and south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councils decision to regulate the locations allowed for smoke shops was driven primarily by concerns from small business owners in the central downtown district regarding the recent opening of a second Chestnut Street smoke shop just a few steps away from one that has been located at the intersection of Chestnut Street and Park Avenue for several years. Existing smoke shops will be grandfathered in since they were open before the amendment was approved and thus will not be affected by the limitations on where smoke shops can be located. However, their selections of signage and other advertising items will be subject to the new rules, according to attorney Tim Wachter. In addition to restrictions on locations, the amendment prohibits tube man displays, the inflatable figures often used for advertising and limits the size and number of electronic signs. Use of such signs to a stores hours of operation, which would be limited to between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Regarding Air Dancers, a popular brand of tube man, Wachter said, Grandfathering in Pennsylvania pertains to use or structures that would otherwise be prohibited by a new regulation but had existed prior. I do not believe that the law would protect Air Dancers, Wachter said. Those can be prohibited. Support Local News Reporting Journalists at the Yakima Herald-Republic bring you timely, in-depth and credible local news. Your generous donation supports their work. An Alaska Airlines plane taxis on the tarmac at the airport in Yakima, Wash., on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below. A Denver-based veterinary care clinic debuted its first location in Colorado Springs this week, with plans well underway to open a second local clinic in May. Sploot Veterinary Care, billed as a "one-stop shop" for expansive, comprehensive primary and urgent pet care, opened its doors Tuesday at 5687 Barnes Road, Suite 100, in the Powers Pointe shopping center on the city's east side. Sploot, founded in Denver in December 2021 by co-CEOs Gil Bolotin and Yoav Mordowicz, is now operating 14 clinics throughout Colorado and in Illinois, including 10 Denver locations and three in Chicago, where Sploot expanded in September 2023. The company will open another Colorado Springs clinic at 1286 Interquest Parkway, Suite 160, in the InterQuest Marketplace on the city's north side, in May. Officials plan a grand opening to celebrate both clinics next month. Sploot also plans to open two more clinics this year in Denver and in the Chicago suburbs, according to its website. "We are very excited to be in Colorado Springs," Mordowicz said, adding that the company envisions eventually opening more clinics in El Paso County. "No doubt we are growing pretty quickly, but we are still a local business." The clinic is designed to provide an exceptional veterinary experience focused on "elevated" levels of care, aiming to bridge the gaps between general practice, emergency and specialty care, said Sploot Regional Medical Director Dr. Jessica Apted. Pets can receive wellness and preventive care, urgent and emergency care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care and surgical procedures like spaying, neutering and others at Sploot. "There are a lot of general practices, and there are emergency rooms and specialty clinics, but there is a true gap there for urgent care," Apted said. "There are places that claim to be (pet) urgent cares, but they end up serving as the middleman for the ER. We wanted to make sure we had same-day availability for our clients and that we could provide an elevated level of triage, so more urgent (patients) can be seen." Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Featured Local Savings Most people call their general practice veterinarian when urgent incidents happen, like when a dog has been injured in a dogfight or hit by a car, or a cat swallows a toy string or has a uterine infection, for example. "A lot of times, they don't have adequate time, staff or equipment to treat those ailments, so they refer you to the ER," Apted said. "At the ER, it will be four to five times the cost to treat as it would be for a general practitioner to treat it themselves. ... We can take care of these things, and with our unique scheduling processes, we can get patients in (for care) on the same day." Sploot also differentiates itself from other veterinary services because it operates as a network, allowing for more collaboration between doctors, nurses and other staff, she said. Their clinics are stocked with higher-level equipment like surgical tools and lasers, and they can provide follow-up care, a service most veterinary emergency rooms don't. "So we also get that ability to build relationships as we have more urgent care visits," Apted said. "We can treat sprains, we do vaccinations, we can do dental work. That is missing from the emergency room experience." Sploot's staff is also Fear-Free certified, a program that teaches veterinary professionals how to reduce fear, anxiety and stress in pets. The company offers a membership called SplootPack to help pet owners save on veterinary care. For an annual fee, members receive three free exams, discounts on veterinary services, credits they can put toward major procedures or prescriptions, and free teletriage services, including after hours. Sploot is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. year-round. On April 8 - 9 Startup Safari Budapest returns once again, Hungary's largest startup ecosystem event. The special program line-up for this milestone event is now fully available, featuring professional lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities for all attendees over two days. This year, Startup Safari will once again bring together over 200 speakers to discuss the most relevant topics and questions in the industry. Key themes include the role of low-cost AI platforms, fintech, and medtech, as well as cryptocurrency, which will be analysed under the leadership of Dr. Rita Halasz. Burnout will be the focus of two mindfulness instructors, while Eszter Varga will explore one of the most exciting topics of recent years, space tech innovations, both individually and in a team setting. The two-day event also offers numerous programs for those new to the startup world, while industry participants will have a rich selection to choose from. One of the key partners of the conference is the EIT (European Institute of Innovation & Technology) Community Hub Hungary, which will host a discussion titled "Empower, Innovate, Transform: EIT Opportunities & Challenges," introducing visitors to the opportunities and programs within the EIT. Additionally, EIT Culture and Creativity will host a networking lunch to bring together members of the startup world and interested participants. The main partner of the event, OXO Holdings, will welcome attendees to an investment committee session where they can listen to live pitches and evaluations. Attendees will also have the chance to hear from Peter Oszko, Milan Gauder, and Petya Balogh in an exclusive discussion. At the STRT office, participants can learn about fundraising in a dedicated lecture and engage in one-on-one consultations with Petya Balogh and other experts from the company. Additional one-on-one opportunities will be offered by Blockchain Digital EDIH, MFOI, OPTEN, and Creative Europe. Individual meetings can be booked through the Startup Safari website under the "Programs" section. Throughout the day, exciting lectures, discussions, and workshops will be hosted by Techweek, Innomaker Partners, and Continest, among others. Continest will tackle one of the most pressing topics in recent years: dual-use startups, exploring both military and everyday applications. The central venue for Startup Safari remains Create26, but the nearly 150 programs will be spread across multiple locations over the two days. In collaboration with Tokeportal, the first day's (April 8) programs will be held at Puzl CowOrKing, while the second day will take place across Create26, Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Corvinus University, KAPTAR, and STRTall filled with insightful lectures, discussions, and key industry figures. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Gabor Orban (Richter), Tamas Szauer (HVG), Veronika Pistyur (Bridge Budapest), Peter Csillag (Hungarian Business Angel Network), Petya Balogh (STRT), Dr. Peter Oszko (OXO Holdings), Ilona Orbok (BDO Hungary), Milan Gauder (IzzyPay), and Albert Weittstein (Munch). International speakers include Andrei Dudoiu (SeedBlink), Sean Harrity (SXSW), and Mrs. Birgit Reiter-Braunwieser (Austrian Business Agency - ABA). The Austrian Business Agency will participate in the "Building Bridges between Innovation Ecosystems & Internationalization" panel, where Mrs. Birgit Reiter- Braunwieser will discuss opportunities in the global innovation ecosystem alongside Sean Harrity. For those who dont want to miss out on the latest updates from the startup world and Startup Safari, Startup Online will provide real-time news and insights. Tickets for Startup Safari are now available, with registration also open for limited-capacity programs and one-on-one meetings. Students can access special discounts through the Diverzum platform, with over 50% off for startup-enthusiastic students. For full-priced tickets, additional information, and the complete program schedule, visit the Startup Safari website. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here. New Delhi: Hero MotoCorp on Thursday said its total sales increased 12 per cent year-on-year to 5,49,604 units in March. The two-wheeler major had sold 4,90,415 units in March 2024. Dispatches to dealers in the domestic market stood at 5,10,086 units last month, a growth of 11 per cent over 4,59,257 units in March last year, Hero MotoCorp said in a statement. Exports rose to 39,518 units as compared with 31,158 units in the year-ago period. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the company sold 58,99,187 units as compared with 56,21,455 units in FY24. "In December 2024, the company achieved the historic milestone of retaining its market leadership for 24 consecutive years. Building on this legacy, the company has extended its leadership momentum into the 25th year," the two-wheeler major stated. Expanding its position in the electric vehicle (EV) category, the company achieved its highest-ever EV sales, growing around 200 per cent over FY24, it added. Bolstering its presence in the international markets, the company continued its strong performance in global business with over 40 per cent growth over the previous year, it said. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, is revered as both a fearless warrior and a visionary leader. Born on February 19, 1630, in Pune to Jijabai and Shahji Bhonsle, he displayed exceptional leadership abilities from an early age and established the foundations of the Maratha kingdom in 1674. Shivaji Maharaj passed away on April 3, 1680, due to health complications. Since then, April 3 has been observed as his death anniversary. His remarkable administrative abilities, military strategies, and dedication to his people have made him a legendary figure. On the 345th anniversary of his passing, lets explore some fascinating facts about this iconic ruler. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Death Anniversary: Facts About The Maratha Warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort near Junnar in Pune district. While some believe his name was inspired by Lord Shiva, scholars suggest he was actually named after Shivai, a local goddess. Shivaji Maharaj began his quest for Swaraj, with his royal seal or Mudra clearly reflecting his vision. The seal, inscribed in Sanskrit, proclaimed that the kingdom of Shivaji, son of Shahaji, would grow like the crescent moon and always prioritize the welfare of its people. He captured several key forts, including Rajgad, Torna, Kondhana, and Purandar, which formed the foundation of Swaraj. In 1656, Shivaji Maharaj took control of Javali in Satara district, an area of significant strategic importance. Later, he seized Rairi, which was renamed Raigad and became his capital. Shivaji Maharaj also captured forts in the Konkan region, such as Mahuli, Lohagad, Tunga, Tikona, Visapur, Songad, Karnala, Tala, and Ghosala. He established the Ashta Pradhan Mandal, a council of eight trusted advisors who helped him with political and other vital matters. To safeguard his ports and merchant ships, and to generate revenue from trade and customs, Shivaji Maharaj established a navy. His first naval expedition took place in 1665. A small, dedicated group oversaw Shivaji Maharaj's education, teaching him subjects like reading, writing, horse riding, martial arts, and religious studies. He also had a special instructor for military training. On June 6, 1674, he was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad by the esteemed scholar Gagabhatt. Special coins were minted for the occasion: a gold coin called hon and a copper coin called shivrai, both inscribed with the legend Shri Raja Shivachhatrapati. (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) JEE Main Admit Card 2025: The National Test Agency (NTA) has released the admit card for the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) Main 2025 for April 7, 8 and 9 today (April 03, 2025). All the candidates can now download their hall ticket from the official website i.e. jeemain.nta.nic.in. The NTA has started the JEE Main 2025 session 2 exams from 2nd April, 2025 to 9th April, 2025 and the exam will take place in two shifts, first is from 9 AM to 12 noon and second is from 3 PM to 6 PM. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains takes place twice a year which is a computer based exam. First session usually happens in January and the Second session commonly happens in April. JEE Main works as a preliminary selection round which is a very crucial step for students to take admission in their dream colleges and after clearing this exam students are eligible to sit for JEE Advance to take admission in Indian Institutes of Technology. JEE Main 2025: Steps to Download the Admit Card Step 1- Go the official website of NTA- jeemain.nta.nic.in Step 2- You will see a JEE Main 2025 Admit Card Download link, click on it. Step 3- Enter your login credentials and submit. Step 4- After submission of the details your JEE Mains hall ticket will be displayed on the screen. Step 5- Check it thoroughly and download your admit card. Step 6- Print it out for the day of the examination. JEE Main 2025: Important Instructions All the students are advised to make sure they carry their hall tickets with them to the examination hall along with the valid ID proof like Aadhar Card, PAN card, passport, etc and note that no electronic gadgets will be allowed inside the examination hall. Additionally, candidates must reach the examination center at least half an hour before the entry time. JEE Mains 2025: JoSAA Counselling As mentioned on the official JEE Advance website, counselling process for JEE Main and JEE Advance 2025 will start from 3rd June, 2025. The aim of this counselling is to allocate the seats for undergraduate engineering programmes of reputed engineering institutes like IITs, NITs, IIEST, IIITs and other GFTIs. The whole process is handled and conducted by The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) JoSAA will handle the seat allotment for 121 institutes which includes 23 IITs, 31 NITs, IIEST Shibpur, 26 IIITs and 40 other GFTIs. Previous year, there were 59,937 seats. JEE advanced ranks are considered to take admission in IITs while other colleges reflect on the ranks of JEE Mains. JEE Mains 2025: Details Mentioned on the Admit Card UPSC NDA Admit Card 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will soon release the admit card for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Exam (1), 2025. Once available, candidates can download their hall tickets from the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in or upsconline.gov.in. The NDA NA 1 Exam 2025 is scheduled to take place on April 13. The eligible candidates shall be issued an e-Admit Card on the last working day of the preceding week of the examination date. The e-Admit Card will be made available on the UPSC website (upsconline.gov.in) for being downloaded by candidates, states the UPSC official notification. The UPSC NDA NA 1 Exam 2025 registration was open from December 11, 2024, to January 1, 2025. Only unmarried male and female candidates born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009 were eligible to apply. UPSC NDA Admit Card 2025: Heres how to download Visit the official website i.e. upsc.gov.in. Click on the Admit Card tab on the homepage. Click on the link for E-Admit Cards for UPSC recruitment exams. Choose the link for NDA NA 1 Admit Card 2025, enter your credentials, and submit. Your admit card will appear on the screen. Save the admit card and take a printout for future reference. UPSC NDA Admit Card 2025: Details mentioned on admit card Name of the Candidates Examination Name Registration Number Photograph and Signature of Candidate Roll Number Father Name Examination Centre Examination Date and Time Gender Candidates must score above the cutoff marks in the written exam to move forward for the SB interview. The final UPSC NDA cutoff will be announced after the entire selection process is completed. The NDA exam includes two papers: Mathematics, which carries 300 marks, and the General Ability Test (GAT), which is worth 600 marks. The total marks for the written exam are 900. After qualifying, candidates will appear for the SSB interview, which also carries 900 marks. Jamnagar Fighter Jet Crash: At least one pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was killed and another suffered injuries after a Jaguar fighter jet crashed on Wednesday night. Following the incident, which took place in Jamnagars Suvarda village, the IAF has ordered an inquiry. In a statement on Thursday morning, the IAF said the pilots, who were on a night mission, experienced a "technical malfunction" in the aircraft before the crash on Wednesday night. "An IAF Jaguar two-seater aircraft airborne from Jamnagar airfield crashed during a night mission. The pilots faced a technical malfunction and initiated ejection, avoiding harm to the airfield and local population," the statement said. "Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar. The IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family. A court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident," it added. The fighter jet crashed at around 9.30 pm on Wednesday in an open field in Suvarda village, 12 km from Jamnagar city, and caught fire, police earlier said. While the police found one pilot in an injured state at the spot, a search operation was launched to find the second one, who went missing after the crash, Jamnagar district Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu said on Wednesday. The injured pilot was then taken to the government-run GG Hospital in the city, he said. District Collector Ketan Thakkar, who also rushed to the spot after the incident, said the blaze engulfed the open field after the crash and was later doused by firefighters. (With PTI Inputs) New Delhi, April 2, 2025 The Government of Arunachal Pradesh is proud to announce the official launch of its new tourism policy, a strategic initiative aimed at establishing the state as a preferred destination for both domestic and international travellers. Alongside this groundbreaking policy, Arunachal Pradesh Tourism has also revealed a new logo, symbolizing a transformative shift in the way the state perceives and promotes travel experiences. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Honble Minister for Tourism, Education, RWD, Library, and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh said, The prime focus of our new tourism policy is to position Arunachal Pradesh as a world-class tourism destination, preserving its pristine landscapes, rich tribal culture and unique biodiversity while promoting sustainable tourism and community empowerment. With the introduction of this policy, we expect to double domestic tourist footfalls and increase international tourist arrivals tenfold. The new tourism policy places a significant emphasis on experiential tourism with key areas of focus including Farm Tourism, Wine Tourism, Wellness and Spiritual Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Film Tourism, Ecotourism, Tribal Tourism, MICE Tourism and Border Tourism. To support this vision, the government will prioritize capacity building and skill development to foster an inclusive workforce. Skill gap assessments will be conducted to align with industry demands, in addition to providing skill training for small businesses and local guides. We will collaborate with premier institutes such as IITTM and IHM for training initiatives and introduce management courses in state institutions, shared Shri Mopi Mihu, Honble Member of Legislative Assembly and Advisor to the Minister for Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. A key component of the policy is creating a conducive environment to attract investment in the tourism sector. The government is committed to facilitating ease of doing business in the state by establishing land banks at the district level for tourism projects in collaboration with other departments. These land banks will be accessible through the state tourism website. Shri Ranphoa Ngowa, IFS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, emphasized the states proactive approach in attracting investors, stating, A dedicated facilitation cell will be established as a one-stop solution for disseminating information to investors and addressing their concerns. We are also collaborating with Invest India to conduct sustained outreach to investors in the tourism sector. To enhance Arunachal Pradeshs visibility as a premier tourist destination, a multi-pronged promotional strategy will be implemented. This strategy will include offline and digital marketing, social media engagement and event-based promotions to showcase the states diverse tourism offerings. Shri Manjunath R, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh while highlighting the importance of the states new brand identity said, Arunachal Pradesh boasts an exquisite weave of tribal traditions and cultures, each with its distinct perspective and way of life. The new branding serves as an invitation to explore an untouched and unexplored side of India that is profoundly enriching. Todays travellers seek experiential and adventurous journeys and with this new identity, we welcome the world to a tourism experience that is pristine, untarnished and life-changing - a true trek into the heart of Indias final frontier. In Arunachal Pradesh, foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) grew by 300% to 4,496 in 2023, while domestic tourist visitors (DTVs) increased 368.91% to 1.04 million over 2022. With this dynamic shift in tourism policy and branding, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh is poised to establish the state as a world-class travel destination that offers unique, sustainable and culturally rich experiences for travellers across the globe. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today disagreed with the Supreme Court order invalidating the appointment of 25,753 teachers and other staff of state-run and state-aided schools recruited by the States SSC but added that she would abide by the verdict. Banerjee also slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party for targetting her for the alleged scam. Banerjee said that while the former education minister of Bengal Partha Chatterjee was jailed for the alleged irregularities, no political leader was held accountable for the Vyapam recruitment scam in Madhya Pradesh. "How many BJP leaders were arrested in the Vyapam case," she asked. Hitting out at the BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar, Banerjee said, "Sukanta Majumdar said I'm responsible for this...Why are they targeting Bengal all the time? I was born in Bengal and I know the intention of BJP and Central Government...Our lawyers will review this matter. I know candidates are depressed. I will meet them on 7th April at Netaji Indoor Stadium. I'm with candidates on humanitarian grounds. For this step, if BJP wants to send me to jail, they can. Catch me if you are ready for that." Reacting to the Supreme Court's decision, Banerjee said that her government would explore all legal options while abiding by the verdict. "While I have the highest respect for the judiciary and judges, I cannot accept the judgement from a humanitarian point of view," Banerjee said. Earlier, the BJP demanded CM Banerjee's resignation. "The sole responsibility for this massive corruption in teacher recruitment lies with the failed Chief Minister of the state, @MamataOfficial. The Supreme Court's verdict has made it clear how, under Mamata Banerjee's rule, the merit of educated unemployed youth in West Bengal was sold in exchange for money!" said BJP president and Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar on X. Lawmakers on Monday introduced in the state Senate the legislation setting up the 2025-26 budget, which contains hundreds of millions of dollars in funding cuts, transfers and sweeps. BANGKOK: Amid reciprocal tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the world is moving to an era of self-help and every region needs to look out for itself. Addressing the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial, Jaishankar said shorter supply chains and immediate neighbours have a salience much more than before. The reality is that the world is moving to an era of self-help. Every region needs to look out for itself, whether it is in food, fuel and fertilizer supply, vaccines or speedy disaster response, the minister said. We are seeing that unfold before our very eyes. Times have indeed changed. Shorter supply chains and immediate neighbours have a salience much more than before, Jaishankar said. While Jaishankar is here to attend the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Ministerial, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan to oversee the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation at the 6th BIMSTEC summit. The minister said the BIMSTEC Summit was taking place in very uncertain and volatile times, when the global order itself is under visible churn. This should encourage us to approach BIMSTEC from a more ambitious perspective. The new order, whose outlines have only now started to become visible, is intrinsically more regional and agenda-specific, Jaishankar said. The era when a few powers underwrote the international system is now behind us. What we make of our prospects is very much dependent on ourselves. As developing nations who face a multitude of challenges, that is better done in concert with each other than individually, the minister said. Highlighting that India's north-eastern region in particular is emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC, with a myriad network of roads, railways, waterways, grids and pipelines, Jaishankar said, The completion of the Trilateral Highway will connect India's North East all the way to the Pacific Ocean, a veritable game-changer. Jaishankar also said that the nations around the Bay of Bengal have both common interests and shared concerns which emanates from history, where other priorities overrode the well-being of this region. Whether it is connectivity, trade, investment or services between the BIMSTEC members, we are performing below our real potential. Now, if we are to change that, both the past and the future are our friends, he said. Jaishankar said from India's perspective BIMSTEC represented the trifecta of three crucial initiatives the Act East Policy, the Neighbourhood First approach and the MAHA-SAGAR outlook. It is also on the pathway to our Indo-Pacific commitment. In order to promote BIMSTEC, what India is doing is to draw the best from all of them and then synergise that with our collective efforts, the minister said. On March 12, Modi had announced India's new vision for the Global South and named it 'MAHASAGAR' or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, a policy approach that came against the backdrop of China's relentless attempts to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean. The MAHASAGAR vision builds on the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy that Modi had first announced during his visit to Mauritius in 2015. In a gruesome crime, a 12-year-old mentally challenged girl was raped and brutally murdered in Jharkhand's Palamu area, officials said on Thursday. The child was found dead inside the house of the accused, Tinku Sharma, late on Wednesday night. As news spread, furious locals gathered and attacked Sharma, thrashing him before police intervened. Protests erupted in the area on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday, with residents blaming the police for inaction and demanding swift justice. The victim, a resident of Kandu Mohalla in Palamu city, was mentally challenged. On Wednesday afternoon, she went missing, prompting her family to search in nearby areas. During the search, a local resident, Tinku Sharma, told neighbours that the girl had visited him earlier, asking for mangoes, but he had sent her back home. However, suspicion arose when CCTV footage from the locality showed Sharma leading the girl away. When confronted, Sharma gave contradictory statements and attempted to evade questioning. Alarmed by his behaviour, a group of residents forced open his locked house. Inside, they saw the girls naked, mutilated body. The shocking revelation enraged locals, who immediately attacked Sharma, beating him mercilessly. The situation escalated quickly as a large crowd gathered. The police arrived at the scene and, after much effort, managed to rescue Sharma from the furious mob. He was taken into custody and admitted to Medini Rai Medical College Hospital for treatment. The crime has triggered intense anger in the community, with residents accusing the police of negligence. According to locals, the police were informed about the girls disappearance much earlier in the day, but they failed to act promptly. In protest, residents blocked roads for several hours, demanding strict punishment for the accused. Palamu SDPO Manibhushan Prasad said that the accused has been arrested and that a thorough investigation is underway. Kerala Lottery Results Thursday 03-04-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Karunya KN-567" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya KN-567, April 03, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Karunya KN-567" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KN-567 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 80 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KN-567 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 03-04-2025 April: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA PLUS KN-567 Draw LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKHS IS:PZ 345148 LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 10 LAKHS IS:PV 320050 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKHS ARE: 1) PN 593574 2) PO 258166 3) PP 107591 4) PR 192095 5) PS 304252 6) PT 278816 7) PU 533227 8) PV 318454 9) PW 327046 10) PX 299280 11) PY 927707 12) PZ 876757 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: PN 345148 PO 345148 PP 345148 PR 345148 PS 345148 PT 345148 PU 345148 PV 345148 PW 345148 PX 345148 PY 345148 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0644 1651 1781 3003 3811 4221 4566 5023 6003 7063 7184 7404 7546 7591 8362 8496 9659 9939 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0096 0198 1148 1181 1319 1377 1547 1693 2060 2686 2878 3102 3622 4127 4285 4308 4449 4655 5257 5628 6347 6980 7469 7940 8175 8353 9086 9186 9346 9390 9461 9521 9776 9810 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0115 0120 0170 0294 0521 0857 0953 1410 1493 1530 1658 1744 2008 2410 2586 2594 2662 2665 2678 2844 2876 2916 3342 3390 3560 3589 3903 3920 4092 4345 4405 4437 4517 4845 4848 5002 5094 5358 5401 5685 5964 6049 6050 6164 6269 6332 6501 6506 6616 6706 6709 6892 7036 7082 7185 7218 7275 7318 7334 7420 7521 7525 7660 7680 7856 7880 8005 8064 8151 8339 8645 8703 8998 9144 9201 9454 9459 9605 9905 9919 LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0008 0024 0080 0201 0209 0238 0335 0353 0360 0465 0494 0699 0802 1017 1187 1375 1397 1450 1457 1522 1581 1690 1731 1761 1860 1925 1929 1981 2025 2029 2079 2099 2249 2344 2384 2444 2502 2508 2547 2764 3049 3075 3122 3216 3236 3275 3295 3307 3341 3428 3504 3506 3513 3747 3751 3783 3836 3871 4050 4095 4144 4165 4323 4331 4448 4528 4557 4683 4740 4892 5128 5362 5417 5510 5524 5527 5553 5561 5760 5934 5984 6030 6116 6129 6177 6238 6472 6568 6587 6690 7104 7153 7370 7415 7476 7486 7523 7644 7705 7742 7797 7946 7958 8040 8091 8129 8202 8241 8255 8307 8400 8521 8732 8761 8777 8790 8835 8995 9012 9402 9471 9525 9592 9641 9914 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY 03-04-2025 April: KARUNYA PLUS KN-567 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 1,000 6th Prize: Rs. 500 7th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.) In a first appearance together, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus were seen sitting side by side at the dinner hosted by Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for leaders of the BIMSTEC grouping in Bangkok. According to reports, Bangladeshi officials have said that a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Md Yunus is likely. However, the India is yet to confirm the meeting on the sidelines of the sixth summit of the leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Yunus' office shared photographs of the Bangladesh Chief Adviser seated next to Modi at Hotel Shangri-La on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Since the interim government headed by Yunus stepped in following the ouster of the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, the ties between India and Bangladesh have seen a slump amid Delhi's concerns over the violence targeting Hindus and a rise of hardline Islamist forces there. During his visit to China last week, Yunus urged Beijing to extend its economic influence to Bangladesh, controversially mentioning that India's northeastern states being landlocked could prove to be an opportunity. Yunus said the seven northeastern states of India are a landlocked region and have no way to reach out to the ocean. Calling Bangladesh the only guardian of the ocean in the region, he said this could be a huge opportunity and could be an extension of the Chinese economy. The remarks didn't go down well in India and Bangladesh officials have issued clarification on Yunus' statement. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday left for Thailand to attend the sixth BIMSTEC summit, after which he will travel to Sri Lanka for his first visit to the island country since the election of its new president. In a departure statement, Modi described BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity, and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region over the past decade. He highlighted that Indias North Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC due to its geographical location. I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interests of our people in mind, he added. Over the next three days, I will be visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka to take part in various programmes aimed at boosting India's cooperation with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries. In Bangkok later today, I will be meeting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025 During the visit, Modi said he would have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a shared desire to elevate their long-standing historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought. From Thailand, he will depart for a two-day visit to Sri Lanka on April 4. This follows the highly successful visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India last December. We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future' and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives, Modi said. My visit to Sri Lanka will take place from the 4th till the 6th. This visit comes after the successful visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. We will review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka friendship and discuss newer avenues of cooperation. I look forward to the Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025 He expressed confidence that these visits would build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening the close relationships for the benefit of the people of these countries and the wider region. In a special gesture that spotlights the shared civilizational bonds underpinned by cultural, linguistic, and religious ties between India and Thailand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the holy scriptures 'The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition' by Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following their bilateral discussions in Bangkok on Thursday. The Tipitaka (in Pali) or Tripitaka (in Sanskrit) is a revered compilation of Lord Buddha's teachings, consisting of 108 volumes and regarded as the principal Buddhist scripture. The edition presented to PM Modi is a meticulously crafted version written in Pali and Thai scripts, ensuring the accurate pronunciation of over nine million syllables and highlights a significant moment of cultural and spiritual diplomacy. This special edition was published in 2016 as part of the World Tipitaka Project by the Thai government to commemorate the 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit. "PM Shinawatra just gifted me the Tipitaka and I accepted it with folded hands on behalf of Bharat, the Land of Lord Buddha. Last year, India sent the holy relics of Lord Buddha and two of his main disciples to Thailand. It is so heartwarming to know that around four million people paid their obeisance to the relics," said PM Modi. Analysts believe that the presentation of the Tipitaka to PM Modi is a testament to India's spiritual leadership and its enduring bond with Buddhist nations. According to the Thai authorities, with the Kings as upholders of Buddhism, Thailand has played long long-standing role in disseminating the Tipitaka to various countries. In 1893, the Chulachomklao of Syam-Pali Tipitaka Bangkok Era 112 Edition with Pali-Syam script was published as the first printed version of Tipitaka in book form. King Chulalongkorn presented the Pali-Syam Script Tipitaka as Royal Gifts to more than 250 institutions in 25 countries. Later on, in 2005, the World Tipitaka in Roman script edition, the first complete set in the Roman-script transliteration, was published and presented as Gifts of Dhamma to over 150 major international institutions worldwide. The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 editions were published as the world's first Tipitaka specifically designed for Sajjha-ya recitation, ensuring accurate pronunciation of the Tipitaka, maintaining the original Pali pronunciation in the era of the Lord Buddha. In 2016, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne, King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, then the Crown Prince, graciously accepted to be the Chairperson of the Publication and the foundation was bestowed to disseminate the set of 80 volumes of the World Tipitaka. The project to disseminate the World Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Recitation 2016 editions to the international community to commemorate the 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on 28th July 2024 is a collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the World Tipitaka Foundation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Thailand on Thursday for a two-day visit to attend the sixth BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit. During this visit, he will hold talks with Thailand's PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. PM Modi was received by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit and he took to the social media platform X and posted that he arrived in Bangkok, Thailand. He also wrote, "Looking forward to participating in the upcoming formal meeting and promoting cooperation between India and Thailand." Landed in Bangkok, Thailand. Looking forward to participating in the upcoming official engagements and strengthening the bonds of cooperation between India and Thailand. pic.twitter.com/cGzkyJzu8o Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025 MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X that PM Modi landed in Bangkok on an official visit. In his post, he wrote, "Warmly received by the Deputy PM and Minister of Transport Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit at the airport." "Extensive discussions with PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra @ingshin and the 6th BIMSTEC Summit lie ahead," he added. Special Maritime neighbours with shared civilizational bonds. PM @narendramodi lands in the vibrant cultural city of Bangkok on an Official Visit. Warmly received by the Deputy PM & Minister of Transport Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit at the airport. Extensive discussions pic.twitter.com/QX34Pp03Cu Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 3, 2025 Furthermore, the PM Office on X posted that the members of the Indian community in Thailand welcomed PM Modi as he arrived for his visit and shared a few glimpses. "Members of Indian community in Thailand extended a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi upon his arrival," the post read. Members of Indian community in Thailand extended a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi upon his arrival. Here are a few glimpses... pic.twitter.com/t0HjbBOhG6 PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 3, 2025 On Thursday evening, PM Modi will join the BIMSTEC leaders from Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka to oversee the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation. (with PTI inputs) Being a good person isn't just about outward actionsit's rooted in the psychological traits that guide our behaviour, decisions, and interactions with others. Psychology has long explored what makes someone "good," and the good news is that these traits can be developed and cultivated. Well dive into eight psychological traits that indicate youre a good person, according to research and expert opinions: - 1. Empathy Empathy is one of the core traits of a good person. Its the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and its essential in building strong, supportive relationships. Psychologically, empathic individuals can sense when others are in need of emotional support, and they respond appropriately by offering comfort or a listening ear. Empathy strengthens connections, creates a sense of belonging, and fosters compassion. Psychological Benefit: Empathy allows people to forge meaningful relationships and reduce conflict, as it helps you see things from another persons perspective. 2. Integrity Integrity involves having strong moral principles and consistently acting in alignment with them. Its about being honest, truthful, and maintaining consistency between your values and your actions. People with integrity are trustworthy, reliable, and respected. This trait also means being ethical in both personal and professional situations. Psychological Benefit: Integrity helps create a sense of trust and respect, making it easier for others to rely on you. It also contributes to personal satisfaction because you can be at peace with your actions and decisions. 3. Compassion Compassion goes beyond empathy by motivating individuals to take action to alleviate the suffering of others. Its about recognizing pain and actively offering help, whether thats emotional, physical, or financial support. Compassionate people are driven by the desire to make the world a better place, and theyre often involved in volunteer work or charitable causes. Psychological Benefit: Compassion boosts psychological well-being, as helping others can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It also strengthens social bonds and reduces feelings of loneliness. 4. Altruism Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others. Altruistic people engage in acts of kindness or generosity without expecting anything in return. This may include helping a neighbour, donating to charity, or supporting a friend through difficult times. Altruism is rooted in a desire to make others' lives better, often at the expense of personal gain. Psychological Benefit: Altruism increases happiness and life satisfaction. Research shows that performing acts of kindness triggers the release of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone, which improves mood and emotional health. 5. Gratitude Gratitude is the ability to appreciate the good things in life, big and small. People who practice gratitude regularly are more likely to recognize the positive aspects of their lives, including the support they receive from others. Grateful individuals express thankfulness to others, which strengthens their social relationships and enhances their well-being. Psychological Benefit: Grateful people experience increased happiness, lower levels of stress, and better physical health. It also fosters a positive outlook on life, even during challenging times. 6. Emotional Regulation Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to your emotions in a healthy way. Good people often have strong emotional regulation skills, allowing them to stay calm during stressful situations, avoid impulsive reactions, and communicate effectively with others. It involves being aware of your emotions and using strategies such as mindfulness or deep breathing to manage them. Psychological Benefit: Emotional regulation reduces feelings of anxiety, frustration, and anger. It also improves interpersonal relationships, as individuals with high emotional intelligence are better able to navigate conflicts and express themselves appropriately. 7. Humility Humility involves recognizing your strengths and accomplishments without becoming arrogant. Humble people acknowledge their weaknesses and are open to learning and self-improvement. They appreciate the contributions of others and are not overly concerned with being the center of attention. Psychological Benefit: Humility fosters personal growth and cooperation. Humble individuals tend to have better relationships because they respect others opinions and are more open to constructive criticism. 8. Accountability Accountability is about taking responsibility for your actions, whether they are positive or negative. A good person owns up to their mistakes, learns from them, and works to improve. Being accountable is essential for personal development and building trust with others. It shows maturity and a willingness to grow. Psychological Benefit: Accountability promotes self-esteem and emotional maturity. It helps individuals develop resilience and problem-solving skills, which contribute to overall life satisfaction. The traits discussed above are fundamental in creating a strong moral and emotional foundation that defines a good person, according to psychology. While these qualities are often inherent in some people, they can also be developed over time with intention and practice. By nurturing empathy, compassion, integrity, and the other traits listed above, you not only enhance your own well-being but also contribute positively to the lives of others. So, if you identify with several (or all!) of these traits, rest assuredyou're on the right track toward being a genuinely good person. The beauty of psychology is that it shows us that goodness is not a fixed trait but a set of behaviors and attitudes that can be cultivated with effort and awareness. Whether you're looking to improve your own life or contribute to the well-being of others, these traits offer a path to personal growth and meaningful connections. (The information in this article is based on general information and does not substitute for a mecical expert's advice. Zee News does not confirm this.) New Delhi: Marking a milestone anniversary of Prime Video original Panchayat, the streaming giant today announced the much-awaited Season 4 of the beloved comedy-drama. Celebrating five years since its heartwarming debut in 2020, this special occasion brings exciting news for fans Season 4 is set to premiere on July 2 on Prime Video, continuing the journey of its beloved characters and their unforgettable slice-of-life story. PANCHAYAT SEASON 4 ANNOUNCED After three award-winning and widely acclaimed seasons, Panchayat has cemented itself as a fan favourite, captivating audiences with its simple yet deeply relatable storytelling, brilliant performances, and endearing rural charm. As the journey continues, Season 4 promises more drama, laughter, and heartwarming moments from Phulera, bringing fans closer to the world they love. PANCHAYAT SEASON 4 CAST DETAILS Panchayat Season 4 will feature the much-loved returning cast, including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha. Panchayat is a comedy-drama that follows the journey of Abhishek, an engineering graduate, who, due to limited job opportunities, takes up the role of secretary at a panchayat office in a remote village of Uttar Pradesh. In the upcoming season, get ready to see Abhishek, Pradhan Ji, and the beloved villagers of Phulera navigate new challenges and embark on quirky adventures. Stay tuned for further updates! Colorado Springs residents likely expect to pay more for electric and natural gas services next year, but the average residential utility bill is expected to be less costly in January 2024 than it was in January 2023. While agricultural organizations did not succeed in their efforts to halt the reintroduction of more wolves, they found a more sympathetic ear among policymakers at the state Capitol. You are the owner of this article. Colorados independently owned liquor stores, reeling from voter-approved wine sales in grocery stores, landed a significant victory with the passage of a bill that stops more grocery stores with pharmacies from getting into the booze-selling game. Senate Bill 25-33, passed the full Colorado House of Representatives this week, 55-8, and now heads to Gov. Jared Polis desk nearly un-amended, despite significant pushback from grocers, who said any step away from wider availability of alcohol sales was a backward one. Opponents are pressing Polis to veto the measure. The bill stops at about two dozen the number of stores, such as King Soopers and Costco, that had acquired a quirky permit known as a Liquor License Drug Stores (LLDS) that allowed alcohol sales tied to a pharmacy. Independent liquor store owners said the LLDS was being used as a shortcut to licenses especially to sell spirits that was unfairly devaluing the smaller businesses and had a hand in forcing hundreds of them to close. I think thats a testament to how important this bill is to preserve and support the entire ecosystem of small Colorado businesses who rely on the independent liquor store model for their success, said Bruce Dierking, co-founder of Hazels Beverage World in Boulder and a longtime proponent of independent liquor store rights. Its true that 5 or 6 multi-billion-dollar, out-of-state corporations oppose the bill because it stands in the way of their quest for total market domination. At issue is whether independent liquor stores are able to survive the competition of grocery chains selling beer, wine and, with an LLDS, spirits, which had been the provenance of the former for decades. The liquor landscape changed significantly in 2022, when Colorado voters narrowly approved Proposition 125 that allowed grocery stores to sell wine, just a few years after they were allowed to sell full-strength beer. Until then, grocery stores were limited to selling what was known as near-beer and 3-2 beer because it could contain up to only 3.2% alcohol. Featured Local Savings But an industry compromise happened around 2016 that laid out a number of concessions, in which groceries could eventually get more and more licenses to sell alcohol without taking the issue to voters. That changed with Proposition 125, and store owners said the independent liquor industry hasnt been able to recover ever since. A Denver Gazette report in December noted that hundreds of independents were closing since Proposition 125 as a result of the competition with grocery stores, which took a turn with that industrys use of LLDS licenses. In addition to grandfathering existing licenses, SB25-33 limits to eight the number of licenses any one ownership group can hold. Currently, that number would increase to about a dozen in 2027 and then even more thereafter, all part of the original compromise. We are disappointed that the proponents of Senate Bill 33 recently rejected Colorado business owners calls for a compromise, even though a recent poll found that a plurality of voters opposed the protectionist measure, said Ray Rivera, director of Coloradans for Consumer Choice. He noted that a survey the group conducted found consumers sided with them, 43% to 36%. When Proposition 125 went into effect in March 2023, the number of stores competing to sell beer and wine literally doubled, as 1,934 outlets that sold 3.2 beer were converted. At the time, there were 1,603 licensed retail liquor stores in Colorado, state records show. We believe Colorados current system balances consumer choice, business sustainability, and safety. SB33 disrupts this balance, contradicts the will of voters, and does nothing to improve public safety. Dierking noted that the broader impact of Proposition 125 and LLDS licenses was something voters couldnt easily forsee. From the farmers who grow the grapes and grains, to the craft brewers, distillers, and wineries, to the small and medium sized distributors, to the over 1,000 Colorado families who operate independent liquor stores and our employees, to our customers and local communities, SB-33 is about doing whats right for the people of Colorado, he said. The 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday the use of force exhibited in the Sept. 14 officer-involved shooting that sent one man to the hospital was justified. In the release Wednesday, the District Attorney's Office notes the body cameras worn by the officers did not capture the shooting itself, only the scene after the fact. Both of the officers involved reported they had activated their body cameras, but later investigation revealed both cameras suffered a technical failure. Just before 10 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2024, Fountain police officers received reports of a robbery in progress at the Walgreens along 7910 Fountain Mesa Road. The reports indicated a suspect had threatened employees, and was armed with a gun and a bomb. The suspect was later identified as Brenden Burningham, 31. According to previous Gazette reporting, after taking items from the store, he then ran toward a Lowes store in the area. According to the release, two officers saw him and pursued him on foot to the parking lot of a nearby Chase Bank located in the 7700 block of Fountain Mesa Road. These officers were later identified as Cpl. William Hammill and Officer Traveion Paillette with the Fountain Police Department. During the chase, police allege Burningham ran while keeping both hands in his pockets. Even when he tripped and fell, his hands remained inside his coat pockets. Eventually, Burningham stopped to face the officers, raised his left hand in the air, kept his right hand in his pocket and stretched forward. The two officers said he did not comply with verbal commands. Featured Local Savings Hammill then shot at Burningham six times and Paillette fired seven shots. Burningham was struck twice in the chest and fell to the ground. Due to the heavy coat Burningham was wearing and his sudden motion, the district attorney's report said less-lethal options "would not have been effective in neutralizing the perceived threat." In post-shooting interviews, Paillette said he "feared for his life" when Burningham raised his arm. The officers evaluated him medically, searched him, and did not find a weapon or bomb. Other officers on the scene found pharmacy medication on his person. Burningham was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery with possession of a weapon, menacing, and theft, according to law enforcement. He has since bonded out of El Paso County jail and his next court appearance is June 6, with a jury trial scheduled for later that month. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on Wednesday announced the creation of a new police unit focused on downtown safety, a move that another official said would yield "significant changes in the crime map" for the corridor within a year and encourage people to come back. Joined by Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas and other city officials on the 16th Street Mall, Johnston said the success of the city depends on the success of downtown. Downtown Denver is not just the backbone of Denvers economy, but it's the cultural and civic heart of the Mountain West," Johnston said in a news release. These new public safety resources coupled with $570 million in economic investments through the Downtown Development Authority, the completion of construction on 16th Street, and non-stop events and attractions all summer downtown is well on its way to being the vibrant core of our city once again." Downtown Denver has struggled ever since the pandemic hit five years ago, when governments shut down businesses and limited public gatherings. Its dealing with rising office and retail vacancies, further strained by the years-long 16th Street Mall renovation construction project, homelessness, and some high-profile violent and drug crimes recently. Foot traffic has yet to fully rebound. Part of the citys Safe Downtown Action Plan, the new unit will include a 10-officer force that will patrol the area on foot, bicycles and motorcycles. In addition to the new dedicated unit, there will be 10 extra foot patrols each day, which official said would help deter crime. The Denver Police Department will also reestablish downtown as the permanent home of the citys mounted horse patrol. "Again and again, one message has been loud and clear safety must come first, said Denver City Council President Amanda Sandoval. The city's Department of Public Safety and the Denver Police Department will fund the new unit, and the Downtown Development Authority has approved $3.7 million for overtime and 10 extra patrol shifts per day within the downtown core for the next 12 months. Overtime pay is $81.90 per hour, according to the city. The city asked for funding for 3,680 hours of overtime per month. Chairman Doug Tisdale said Downtown Development Authority anticipates that within that 12 months, we will see significant changes in the crime map that we have for downtown Denver, which will encourage people to come back to downtown Denver. Downtown merchants have long expressed safety worries, arguing it has been a major factor in driving away visitors and potential customers. Featured Local Savings Derek Friedman, owner of SportsFan and Sock 'Em, said that 100% of the items he sells are discretionary jerseys, hats, and ridiculous socks. And so our stores require foot traffic from people who are just out wandering, people who are relaxed and exploring, Friedman said. And a safe environment is crucial to getting people to wander, and that's one of the reasons why I'm excited about this initiative. Three years ago, Friedman implemented a crime spike surcharge, which added a 1% fee to every transaction made at his 16th Street Mall store. "Last week, I decided to end a 1% fee that started in 2022 to address shoplifting and crime, not because of today's announcement, but because downtown had started to look and feel normal, like how it looked and felt when I bought the business more than 10 years ago," Friedman, said. "This plan for horses and bikes and foot patrols is exactly what we need, and I'm hopeful that it will bring the safety and vibrancy we deserve." DPD Police Chief Ron Thomas acknowledged that Denver has seen a spike in its 2025 crime statistics, highlighted by the deadly stabbings in January which were believed to be random. He said the numbers seem to have returned to 2024 trends. The stabbing incident rattled downtown. Last month, several Denver restaurants said they are at a boiling point with the state of downtown, expressing frustrations with the mayor and noting his promise on the campaign trail to turn the area around. Dave Query, owner of Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, said the situation has gotten worse since Johnston took over as mayor. The Boulder-based chef behind BRF Restaurant Group said downtowns traffic plan and new bike paths implemented in the last two years have taken up parking spaces and made it more difficult for customers to come to their businesses. In addition, food trucks are taking parking spots and bringing in more competition, he said. He also pointed to the stabbings on 16th Street Mall over a January weekend, when two people were killed and two injured. On Wednesday, Johnston said the city will also add three more park ranger shifts, and the Downtown Denver Partnership will fund five private security officers. Additional officers will be added on Friday and Saturday nights to handle the surge of crowds leaving the area after bars close. Beyond the increased police presence downtown, Johnston said the city will also invest additional medical and mental health substance use support for the area, including bike paramedics from Denver Health and two medical units from Denver Fire. We're committed to doing our part, Johnston said. We want to ask the city to share in doing your part by saying these businesses who have fought so hard to make this downtown vibrant are ready for you to come back, and we are as well. Denver Gazette Reporter Bernadette Berdychowski contributed to this story. The man killed in an officer-involved shooting Monday afternoon in downtown Colorado Springs has been identified by the El Paso County Coroner's Office as 38-year-old Nathaniel Altman, according to a release Thursday by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. The shooting took place in the parking lot northeast of the Nevada and Pikes Peak avenue intersection shortly after 2:21 p.m. Colorado Springs police responded to the scene after dispatch received a call about a man breaking into vehicles and threatening community members with a firearm, according to Caitlin Ford, CSPD public communications specialist. Officers tried to approach Altman, who was initially in a vehicle, and take him into custody. According to law enforcement, Altman resisted police commands. He then left the vehicle with a gun. Officers fired at least one shot, hitting him. Police administered emergency medical aid until medical personnel arrived on scene, when Altman was declared dead, Ford said. Nobody else was injured in the incident and police recovered a firearm. In accordance with state law, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office is investigating the officer-involved shooting. The incident was the third officer-involved shooting involving Colorado Springs police in 2025. SPRINGFIELD As he wrapped up a four-day trade mission to Mexico, Gov. JB Pritzker said he heard a consistent message from the country's business and political leaders: "The U.S. federal government must re-establish stability and consistency in the U.S.-Mexico relationship." "As a former business person, I get this," said Pritzker, speaking with reporters Wednesday via web conference from Mexico City. "I understand what they're saying. You can't make decisions about where and when to invest until you have an idea of what the ground rules are. Steady, reliable leadership will help our respective nations, our respective businesses and our peoples to flourish." Pritzker and a 70-person Illinois delegation traveled to Mexico with the mission of strengthening economic ties, especially in the agriculture, finance and manufacturing sectors. The trip came during a time of turmoil in the U.S.-Mexican relationship, amid President Donald Trump's broader push to impose tariffs on allies and adversaries alike in a bid to boost domestic manufacturing and penalize countries for what he believes are unfair trade practices. In a social media post, Trump declared Wednesday, the day he planned to announce a new round of tariffs, as "Liberation Day." Later that day, Trump announced the imposition of 10% tariffs on imports from all countries, besides Canada and Mexico. He also slapped additional tariffs on dozens more countries that the administration has said treat the U.S. unfairly. Trump earlier this year announced blanket 25% tariffs against Canadian and Mexican imports, but delayed their effective date. Then, in early March, he again paused tariffs on goods covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. But that is expected to be lifted. Trump has also imposed 25% tariffs on the imports of steel and aluminum. A 25% tariff on imported cars and car parts is expected to take effect this week. Pritzker, one of Trump's most pugnacious critics, has derided the tariffs as a "tax on working families." "They're not good for the economy, and these broad-based tariffs are very challenging and may lead, in fact, to a recession in the United States," Pritzker said. "Here in Mexico, there is deep concern." Elaborating, Pritzker said the tariffs could "destroy some businesses in Mexico that U.S. companies rely on," such as auto parts suppliers. "So the uncertainty that we've heard over and over again in the discussions with our Mexican counterparts is going to lead to them pulling back on making investments and potentially pulling back on providing the supply items that our U.S. businesses need," Pritzker said. "We couldn't allay those concerns, but what we could do was remind them that in Illinois, we are a stable and reliable trade partner... and that when things settle down, that it will do well for them to do business with our companies in Illinois," Pritzker continued. Pritzker, who has enacted policies aimed at attracting electric vehicle producers and parts suppliers along with supporting efforts that have led to Stellantis announcing the reopening of its Belvidere plant, acknowledged that targeted tariffs can be "useful" to boost domestic production in certain industries. But, he said they "are not something that you impose across the board," citing the price increases that could result on consumer goods like cars. Pritzker added that the "integrated" supply chain between the U.S., Canada and Mexico also makes tariffs "nearly impossible to tally." Then there's always the specter of retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-made products. RJ Scaringe, CEO of EV maker Rivian Automotive, told Bloomberg earlier this week that our production footprint may be different than what we were initially planning" depending on how "the dust settles" on the latest round of tariffs. The company currently produces all of its vehicles at its Normal plant, which it is also expanding. "I can tell you that the across-the-board taxes, the tariffs that Trump is intending to impose both on Canada and Mexico, whatever they end up being, is going to certainly have a massive negative impact on Ford," Pritzker said, referencing the auto giant's assembly plant on Chicago's South Side. "And for Stellantis, which is rebuilding and growing a plant in Belvidere, and for Rivian, which is already building cars in Normal, they will be less affected," he said. "But I can guarantee you, there are businesses in the United States that would like to see certain kinds of targeted tariffs. But this across-the-board nature of it is going to cost the average consumer." Illinois exports to Mexico totaled $13 billion in 2024, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, making it the state's second-largest export market after Canada. The state imported more than $19 billion worth of products from Mexico, making it the state's third-largest import market after Canada and China. During this week's trip, the Illinois delegation heard from Mexican manufacturing companies "who are key players in the energy supply chain" that are interested in building production facilities in Illinois, Pritzker said. Pritzker also met with site selectors to talk up the state's workforce, supply of electricity, transportation and logistics assets and its infrastructure. Before leaving Wednesday, he said he planned to sit down with Mexican financiers and venture capitalists about investing in the state's high-tech sector. "It is part of my job as governor to be the chief marketing officer for Illinois and to pitch companies and investors on why Illinois is the best state in the U.S. to do business in," Pritzker said. During his time in office, Pritzker has focused on building out the state's previously-sluggish economic development infrastructure. This "Team Illinois" approach has included a shift in focus within the state's economic development agencies to offer "white glove service" to businesses looking to expand or relocate to Illinois. The state has also enacted a boosted menu of targeting incentives and tax credits to make it more competitive. Pritzker has been hands-on in the effort, perhaps more so than any governor since Jim Thompson, a Republican who served from 1977 to 1991. Pritzker said he has "made international trade missions a central part of my economic mission," noting that he has led previous missions to Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom. Pritzker said his administration "will be working tirelessly in the coming months to track down every single lead and bring every dollar of potential investment for our communities that has resulted from this visit to Mexico." The governor and delegation of state officials and business leaders planned to return to Illinois on Wednesday. Some of those accompanying Pritzker on the trip were Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello, DCEO director Kristen Richards, Deputy Gov. Andy Manar, Intersect Illinois Chairman John Atkinson and Intersect Illinois CEO Christy George; Illinois Manufacturers Association CEO Mark Denzler; and Illinois Retail Merchants Association CEO Rob Karr. From Central Illinois, Federico Gorbea of Archer Daniels Midland Co.; Kara Demirjian Huss of TCCI Manufacturing in Decatur; Nicole Bateman of the Economic Development Corp. of Decatur & Macon County; and Patrick Hoban of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council were part of the delegation. The cost of the trip to state taxpayers will not be known until delegation members fill out and submit their paperwork, said Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough. China's innovation drive reshaping global industry, says Schneider Electric executive Xinhua) 08:53, April 03, 2025 People visit the exhibition booth of Lenovo at Hannover Messe 2025 in Hannover, Germany, on March 31, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) Fraj described China as an innovation hub that is driving the next era of industrial automation and sustainability. HANNOVER, Germany, April 2 (Xinhua) -- China's rapid advances in intelligent manufacturing, industrial AI, and green transformation are not only accelerating its own development but also reshaping global supply chains and industrial ecosystems, Ali Haj Fraj, senior vice president of Schneider Electric, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview at Hannover Messe 2025. "China is not just a manufacturing powerhouse -- it is an innovation hub that is driving the next era of industrial automation and sustainability," Fraj said, emphasizing the country's growing influence on global industrial trends. Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and industrial automation, has steadily expanded its presence in China since entering the market in 1987. From a modest beginning, the company now operates more than 30 factories and distribution centers, five research and development facilities, and an AI innovation lab across the country, employing over 18,000 people. Ali Haj Fraj, senior vice president of Schneider Electric, gives an exclusive interview with Xinhua at Hannover Messe 2025 in Hannover, Germany, April 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Tai Sicong) Fraj said China's policy focus on high-quality development, digitalization, and green transition is closely aligned with the company's global strategy. "We are investing heavily in software-defined automation, AI-powered industrial solutions, and sustainable energy management to help Chinese enterprises stay competitive globally," he said. With the Chinese government prioritizing the development of "new quality productive forces" to drive growth, Fraj sees strong momentum across both traditional industries and emerging sectors such as new energy vehicles, semiconductors, and robotics. "The scale and speed at which China is adopting digital and green technologies are unmatched," he added. Despite global uncertainties and shifting supply chains, Schneider Electric has reinforced China's role in its global operations. Under its "China Hub" strategy, the company integrates local research and development, manufacturing, and supply chain capabilities to meet both domestic and international demand. A visitor talks with a staff member at the exhibition booth of CRRC at Hannover Messe 2025 in Hannover, Germany, on March 31, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) "With around 1,600 local supplier partners and 30 manufacturing and distribution centers, China is not only a key market but a pillar of our global supply chain resilience," Fraj noted. "We are leveraging China's innovation strengths to develop solutions that can be deployed worldwide." One such example is the company's smart factory in Shanghai's Putuo District, which has used AI and digital tools to cut make-to-order time by 67 percent and boost production efficiency by 82 percent. "This is what China's new quality productive forces look like in action -- efficiency, sustainability, and innovation combined," Fraj said. As China pushes forward with its dual carbon goals -- peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 -- Schneider Electric is deepening its involvement in helping industries decarbonize. Its integrated solutions bring together automation, energy management, and AI-driven analytics to enhance both sustainability and performance. This photo taken on March 31, 2025 shows the exhibition booth of "Invest in China" at Hannover Messe 2025 in Hannover, Germany. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) "We are proving that industrial competitiveness and sustainability can go hand in hand," Fraj said, citing the Jiading Renewable Energy project in Shanghai. Schneider Electric's intelligent waste-to-energy solution there has cut operational alarms by 90 percent while enabling automated control of core systems. China is also playing a central role in the company's global industrial AI strategy. "China's leadership in AI research, industrial applications, and policy support makes it a strategic market for us," Fraj said. Despite external challenges, China has set a five percent GDP growth target for 2025, reinforcing Schneider Electric's long-term confidence. "China remains one of the most dynamic economies, with a strong industrial base and an unwavering commitment to innovation," Fraj said. People visit the exhibition booth of Huawei at Hannover Messe 2025 in Hannover, Germany, on April 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) He added that Schneider Electric is among the many multinationals scaling up investments in China amid the country's push for greater openness and improved business conditions. "China's focus on high-level opening-up and attracting foreign investment creates a favorable environment for long-term collaboration." Looking ahead, Fraj said Schneider Electric will continue to deepen partnerships with Chinese enterprises to accelerate industrial digitalization and sustainability. "China is not only shaping the future of its own industries but also influencing global industrial transformation," he said. "We are fully committed to being part of this journey." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) When the Australian National University experienced a data breach a few years ago, it was a big wake up call. The university, which comprises 4,500 academics, 10,000 undergraduates and 11,000 postgraduate students in addition to thousands of support staff, was playing wack a mole with its cybersecurity strategy and chasing every vulnerability. The data breach emphasised the need to take a more strategic approach to building network resilience, reducing its attack surface and making it harder for threat actors to impact its environment. In finding a solution, the ANU turned to Gigamon to serve as one of the core platforms to implement a Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity. The Gigamon Deep Observability Pipeline efficiently delivers the network-derived telemetry required to heighten adversary detection which the university needed to prevent future incidents and safeguard its infrastructure. According to John Giacomini, chief revenue officer at Gigamon, the disparate and increasingly hybrid architecture at institutions such as the ANU is creating a security challenge best managed with advanced cloud, security, and observability tools. The firewall is never going away but it is less effective than it was 20 years ago, Giacomini said on a recent visit to Australia. Theres an architectural shift happening and that means you now have a lot of disparate locations in an environment. You have this hybrid cloud environment, assets are internal and external and there are lot of different transport mechanisms and it takes the integration of data from multiple sources to get the transparency and visibility you need. This, says Giacomini, is where Gigamon comes in. He agrees that deep observability, the companys specialisation, is having a moment right now. The security industry, he says, hasnt been particularly good at collaborating and neither has it been sufficiently holistic in its approach to the network. Through its collaborations with its channel partners, Gigamon can integrate its advanced deep observability pipeline with existing tools and deliver a holistic view across the network. In many cases, such as at the ANU, this can mean that vulnerabilities can be proactively identified in days and weeks rather than months. Universities are organisations with issues around end point control, says Giacomini. It is an environment where people are encouraged to bring devices to the office. There are a lot of international visitors and programs which are spun up. All these things create the potential for vulnerability, so in response you need to deliver an overarching view. Some Security Operation Centres (SOCs) might detect up to a million anomalies each day. So which ones do you look at? asks Giacomini. I use the analogy of needles. Instead of one needle in a haystack well give you a stack of needles. That stack might still be too big to triage immediately, but with good processes and our ability with network-derived telemetry that includes packet, flow, and metadata we are able to provide a filter, take a lot of noise off the wire and deliver a clean stream of actionable intelligence. Giacomini was in Australia to meet with its Australian client base, which comprises some of the larger corporates and a roster of major Government clients, and to attend the Gigamon 2024 Partner Awards. The company is prioritising its partner relationships in Australia, and Prescient Solutions was named the ANZ Partner of the Year and APAC Partner of the Year. Recognition also went to MSS Data Solutions for innovation, with Rising Star awards for Matrium Technologies in Australia and Datacom in New Zealand. Gigamon also recognised the work of NEXTGEN, mcrIT and CyberCX. Pure Storage (NYSE: PSTG), the IT pioneer that delivers the worlds most advanced data storage technology and services, announced today an update to its industry-leading Portworx Enterprise platform that will help organizations achieve modern virtualization at enterprise scale. The announcement addresses virtualization concerns around cost efficiency by allowing data storage stakeholders to go at their own pace in their modernization journey. Industry relevance: Broadcoms acquisition of VMware continues to create ripples as companies seek out modern solutions that can drive virtualization efforts without subjecting the business to massive price hikes. As a result, many have turned or are expecting to turn to Kubernetes as an alternative that supports both VMs and containers. This allows enterprises to use one platform to propel their cloud-native application development and fortify their infrastructure modernization. Eighty-one percent of enterprises that participated in a 2024 survey of Kubernetes experts plan to migrate or modernize their VMs to Kubernetes. And almost two-thirds of those plan to do so within the next two years. Yet new challenges arise as enterprises increasingly move virtual machines to Kubernetes. News Highlights: With the launch of Portworx Enterprise 3.3, Pure Storage is extending its industry-leading container data management platform to support VM workloads at enterprise scale. As the industry leader in container data management, Portworx provides the performance, data resiliency, and data protection necessary for mission-critical workloads with the simplicity, flexibility, and reliability needed for production at scale. Organizations can expect a 30%-50% cost savings by choosing Kubernetes compared to alternatives and Portworx allows them to take these savings to the next level. Enterprises wont need to invest in resources to move workloads to cloud native. Instead, they can indefinitely keep their VMs on Kubernetes while refactoring or creating net-new cloud-native applications based on their existing resources and transformation timelines. High performance at scale: Portworx Enterprise 3.3 will feature RWX Block for KubeVirt VMs that are running on FlashArray or across any storage vendor. This will propel powerful read/write capabilities and drive high-performance storage for VMs running on Kubernetes. Enterprise-grade data management and protection: Enterprises can now manage their data from a single management plane, including synchronized disaster recovery for VMs running on Kubernetes with no data loss (zero RPO). Portworx also supports file-level backups for Linux VMs, allowing for more granular backup and restore of VMs running on Kubernetes. Broad ecosystem integrations to leading KubeVirt solutions: With Portworx Enterprise 3.3, customers can leverage reference architecture and partner integrations with KubeVirt platforms from SUSE, Spectro Cloud, and Kubermaticin addition to Portworxs existing collaboration with Red Hat. Executive Insights: Built for Kubernetes, Portworx offers the scalability, automation, and self-service capabilities required to support the churn and elasticity of cloud-native applications. Portworx Enterprise 3.3 addresses C-suites virtualization concerns around cost efficiency by allowing data storage stakeholders to go at their own pace in their modernization journey due to its unified platform and multiple integrations. Venkat Ramakrishnan, VP & GM Portworx, Pure Storage "Kubernetes is the dominant platform for containerized workloads of all types, from VMs to fully cloud-native applications. With Portworx 3.3, Pure Storage is bringing together a scalable data management platform with a simplified workflow across containers and VMs. That's appealing to enterprises modernizing their infrastructure, pursuing cloud-native applications, or both. Mitch Ashley, VP and Practice Lead, DevOps and Application Development at Futurum "Portworx Enterprise 3.3 represents a game-changer for organizations modernizing their virtualization environment, delivering a robust, cost-efficient platform that seamlessly supports both VMs and containers on Kubernetes. With Portworx projecting cost savings of 30-50% compared to traditional alternatives, this solution empowers enterprises to optimize their infrastructure without compromising performance or scalability, making it a robust choice for production environments at scale." Steven Dickens, CEO and Principal Analyst at HyperFRAME Research For more detailed technical specifications on the key enterprise storage and data capabilities in Portworx Enterprise 3.3, visit here. About Pure Storage Pure Storage (NYSE: PSTG) delivers the industry's most advanced data storage platform to store, manage, and protect the world's data at any scale. With Pure Storage, organizations have ultimate simplicity and flexibility, saving time, money, and energy. From AI to archive, Pure Storage delivers a cloud experience with one unified Storage as-a-Service platform across on premises, cloud, and hosted environments. Our platform is built on our Evergreen architecture that evolves with your business always getting newer and better with zero planned downtime, guaranteed. Our customers are actively increasing their capacity and processing power while significantly reducing their carbon and energy footprint. It's easy to fall in love with Pure Storage, as evidenced by the highest Net Promoter Score in the industry. For more information, visit www.purestorage.com. Pure Storage, the Pure Storage P Logo, FlashBlade, FlashBlade//S, FlashBlade//EXA, and the marks in the Pure Storage Trademark List are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pure Storage Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. The Trademark List can be found at purestorage.com/trademarks. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Data and AI leader SAS is proud to recognise the recipients of the 2025 SAS Educator Award, honouring educators who have shown exceptional dedication to their students and leadership in promoting the use of SAS software, AI and data education. "As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, the role of dedicated educators in preparing the next generation of data and AI professionals has never been more critical. These educators are bringing modern software into their classrooms, fostering innovation and adaptability in their academic communities," said Liz Moran, Director of Academic Programs and Certification at SAS. "We are proud to recognise their excellence in education and their impact on shaping the future of analytics and AI." These distinguished educators have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to integrating SAS tools into their teaching and engaging with SAS Global Academic Programs. They will be recognised for their work at SAS Innovate in Orlando in May. Their use of SAS software has not only enhanced their own teaching but has also inspired their academic communities. Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 SAS Educator Award: Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Agnieszka Kucharska from Warsaw University of Technology (Poland) is a distinguished academic specialising in information and communication technology (ICT) in the public sector. She coordinates the SAS - Warsaw University of Technology Academic Specialisation in Visual Data Analysis and was the first EMEA speaker at the SAS Powered Educators meetups. Her courses cover e-business, the digital economy and data visualisation. Carlos Poza from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Spain) is an associate professor leading the Business Analytics program and holds a Ph.D. in applied economics. With over 20 years of experience, he integrates AI into business processes and collaborates with organisations like SAS to optimise decision making. His expertise spans data science and business intelligence. Renette Julia Blignaut from the University of the Western Cape (Africa) heads the Department of Statistics and Population Studies and manages UWC's Data Science postgraduate programs. With 33 years of academic experience and over 75 peer-reviewed articles, she has received many accolades, including the 2021 SAS Thought Leader Award. Americas Krzysztof Dzieciolowski from Concordia University (Canada) is a part-time faculty member with over 30 years of experience in data science and teaching. He has developed innovative programs like the Data Intelligence Minor and the M.Sc. in Data Science. His work bridges academia and industry, fostering career opportunities for students. Vijayan Sugumaran from Oakland University (United States) is a Distinguished University Professor specialising in Big Data Management and Analytics. He oversees the SAS-Oakland University Academic Specialisation and has published over 350 peer-reviewed articles. Under his leadership, Oakland University has won consecutive SAS Hackathons. Jose Aragao from Centro Universitario Farias Brito (Brazil) is an Associate Professor teaching data science and AI in postgraduate programs. He mentors students in global competitions like The Curiosity Cup and contributes significantly to SAS education in Brazilian higher education. Asia Pacific (AP) Jacky Mo from the University of New South Wales is a Senior Lecturer specializing in Marketing and Data Analytics. His research explores behavioural decision-making using advanced analytical techniques. He provides hands-on experience in data analysis using SAS in his courses. Abdul Razak Abdul Hadi from Universiti Kuala Lumpur Business School (Malaysia) specialises in corporate finance and financial economics. He advises subject matter experts and conducts nationwide seminars on entrepreneurship and business intelligence. He has published over 90 research articles and is an active trader in Bursa Malaysia. Learn more about SAS' academic programs and efforts in AI education. Across the globe, connectivity demands are surging. In New Zealand, this demand for more bandwidth connectivity is not waning with data use continuing to skyrocket and the number of internet users increasing each year. To meet these demands, Mercury, a renewable electricity generator and multi-product utility retailer, is utilising One New Zealands (One NZ)s fibre network to improve the scalability and resiliency of its services. Working with One NZ to Support Continuous Traffic Growth One NZ has served as Mercurys backhaul provider since 2016, providing high-quality, reliable, and resilient wholesale fibre services. With multiple 100 Gb/s services across New Zealand, One NZs backhaul fibre services help connect Mercurys customers to key global internet points and reduce outage incidents. To support Mercurys growing bandwidth demands and take the customer experience to the next level, One NZ upgraded Mercurys network to support 400G between Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga. This network, provided by One NZ and enabled by Ciena technology, allows our engineers to spend more time pursuing new avenues of growth, such as adding new customers and creating innovative service offerings, rather than resolving network issues, said Michael Stevenson, ISP Team Leader, Mercury. Pursuing a Sustainable Growth Strategy One NZ has a long history collaborating with Ciena on high-speed internet solutions and were pleased to support Mercury in its growth ambitions, explained Murray Osborne, General Manager of Infrastructure Partners, One NZ. Connectivity is an essential service, and a lifeline for many, so reliability is incredibly important. We are implementing world-class solutions with Cienas leading coherent optical technology. To enable Mercury to scale its network to accommodate new broadband customer growth and bandwidth requirements, One NZ is leveraging Cienas 6500 powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e) programmable 800 Gb/s coherent technology. Cienas WL5e also improves optical network performance and optimises power utilisation. WL5e transponders with 400GE client interfaces are offered in the same physical footprint as previous generation transponders with 100GE client interfaces, helping Mercury meet its mission of moving New Zealand to a low emissions future. Data and AI analytics software company SAS has announced the recipients of its global 2025 SAS Educator Award, which includes local academic, University of New South Wales senior lecturer Jacky Mo among others across Europe, Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. Data has always been important, but with the growth of computing power and storage capabilities, along with the explosion of demand for AI, it's more important than ever. Industry is looking to educators to supply the skilled practitioners who can bring actionable insights from a company's massive troves of data, both visible and hidden. "As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, the role of dedicated educators in preparing the next generation of data and AI professionals has never been more critical. These educators are bringing modern software into their classrooms, fostering innovation and adaptability in their academic communities," said SAS director of academic programs and certification Liz Moran. "We are proud to recognise their excellence in education and their impact on shaping the future of analytics and AI." These distinguished educators have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to integrating SAS tools into their teaching and engaging with SAS Global Academic Programs. They will be recognised for their work at SAS Innovate in Orlando in May. Their use of SAS software has not only enhanced their own teaching but has also inspired their academic communities. SAS congratulates the recipients of the 2025 SAS Educator Award: Asia Pacific (AP) Jacky Mo (pictured) from the University of New South Wales is a Senior Lecturer specialising in Marketing and Data Analytics. His research explores behavioural decision-making using advanced analytical techniques. He provides hands-on experience in data analysis using SAS in his courses. Abdul Razak Abdul Hadi from Universiti Kuala Lumpur Business School (Malaysia) specialises in corporate finance and financial economics. He advises subject matter experts and conducts nationwide seminars on entrepreneurship and business intelligence. He has published over 90 research articles and is an active trader in Bursa Malaysia. Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Agnieszka Kucharska from Warsaw University of Technology (Poland) is a distinguished academic specialising in information and communication technology (ICT) in the public sector. She coordinates the SAS - Warsaw University of Technology Academic Specialisation in Visual Data Analysis and was the first EMEA speaker at the SAS Powered Educators meetups. Her courses cover e-business, the digital economy and data visualisation. Carlos Poza from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Spain) is an associate professor leading the Business Analytics program and holds a Ph.D. in applied economics. With over 20 years of experience, he integrates AI into business processes and collaborates with organisations like SAS to optimise decision making. His expertise spans data science and business intelligence. Renette Julia Blignaut from the University of the Western Cape (Africa) heads the Department of Statistics and Population Studies and manages UWC's Data Science postgraduate programs. With 33 years of academic experience and over 75 peer-reviewed articles, she has received many accolades, including the 2021 SAS Thought Leader Award. Americas Krzysztof Dzieciolowski from Concordia University (Canada) is a part-time faculty member with over 30 years of experience in data science and teaching. He has developed innovative programs like the Data Intelligence Minor and the M.Sc. in Data Science. His work bridges academia and industry, fostering career opportunities for students. With international travel roaring back into life, data-hungry Australian travellers have always needed to be cautious about their phone provider's roaming data fees - until now; Simify has hit our market with an unlimited roaming data plan that lets you ttravel with confidence you're not stuck with a hefty bill. Simify wants Aussies to travel confidently and calmly, and to keep in touch with loved ones back home for ultimate safety and peace of mind, without suffering bill shock. That's why they're bringing their unlimited roaming data plan to Australian travellers, in the form of an eSIM so it's super quick and easy to activate and access without having to fiddle with your current SIM card. Plans and pricing are listed on their web site. For example, a six month unlimited data plan for the USA is $179, or $2.98/day. There are other plans for from as few as seven days to as many as 90 days, based on your needs. Plans can be topped up, and all plans give high-speed 4G/5G access with wide coverage. As Simify uses eSIMs, activation is dead simple with no physical SIM cards to remove or install. All modern smartphones cater for eSIMs which can work in conjunction with your physical SIM. However, when you travel, you simply specify which SIM/eSIM is handling your voice and data. And, it means you can still use your regular phone number in apps like WhatsApp because it's a data-only application. According to the ABS, Australians took 11.6 million overseas trips in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Yet, modern travel requires data - not simply for doom-scrolling, but for safety and security. Flights get cancelled or rescheduled, family want to know you're safe, and, why not, share some of your most Instagrammable moments too. However, roaming data fees from your telco will break your bank balance quickly. Here's where Simify wants to help, with its super easy, seamless, unlimited data roaming plans. And, as an eSIM they can be activated in mere seconds. "eSIMs are a game-changer for travellers, offering the best of both worlds," says Simify co-founder Aidan Butler. "Rather than switching phone numbers, you can use a travel eSIM for unlimited roaming data from the likes of Simify, all while keeping your home number active for things like receiving verification codes from your bank." Traditionally, international travellers faced the stress of juggling SIM cards, switching phone numbers, rationing data and hunting for potentially insecure free Wi-Fi. As travel habits change and expectations grow, Australian travellers expect to make the most of their smartphone to stay connected at all times while abroad, Butler says. "Whether they're sharing their travel experiences in real time, or catching up on live sport from back home, mobile data has become as essential to modern travellers as their passport," he says. "You shouldn't have to use your smartphone like a dumbphone when you're overseas, just because you're terrified of chewing through your measly data cap." Recently rebranding from SimsDirect, Simify has seen a surge in demand for unlimited travel eSIM plans from Australians reigniting their passion for travel. Simify was founded in 2018 by two young Australian entrepreneurs, who were frustrated at the expensive and restrictive roaming packages offered by the major telcos. Tapping into pent-up demand for a better deal, the business has quickly grown to more than 300,000 customers. Today, Simify offers mobile coverage in more than 150 countries, providing Australian travellers peace of mind in the form of unlimited data for up to 90 days, with no need to worry about top-ups or extra roaming fees. While the major telcos tout the convenience of their daily roaming deals, the fact they're not unlimited means that it's easy for modern travellers to hit their data cap by lunchtime if they're taking advantage of Google Maps, social media, video calls and streaming services. "The big telcos will tell you, 'It's easier to just stay on our plans when travelling', but easier for who?" Butler says. "Travellers shouldn't have to stress about data limits when they're overseas, they should be able to relax and use their phone just like they do at home." Check out Simify's unlimited roaming plans online. (Photo by 123RF) The JBL Pass, not to be confused with the Japan Bus Pass, is a flat-rate bus ticket that allows holders to ride up to three express buses per day for three, five, or seven days. Short for Japan Bus Lines Pass, the JBL Pass provides access to roughly 130 routes across 35 prefectures, including popular destinations like Hida Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka. It has both an all days pass and a cheaper MonThu option, allowing travelers during those days to enjoy additional savings. With this pass, you can craft seemingly infinite itinerary options. The JBL Pass vs. the Japan Bus Pass The Japan Bus Pass is largely the same as the JBL Pass. Its most significant differences are that it is limited to Willer Express buses (while the JBL Pass covers buses across numerous operators), is slightly cheaper, and does not cover most of northern Japan (Tohoku and Hokkaido). Prices The JBL Pass price depends on the type of pass and duration. (Japan Travel) Eligibility and validity The JBL Pass is only available to people with non-Japanese passports, such as foreign tourists, foreigners living in Japan, and international students. Depending on the type of pass you purchase, it is valid for three, five, or seven days. The days do NOT have to be consecutive and must only fall within a month of the purchase date. The all days pass can be used any day, and the MonThu pass can only be used during those days. You can use the pass for a variety of routes, including: Osaka/Kyoto Tokyo USJ (Osaka) Shinjuku or Shibuya (Tokyo) Nagoya (Aichi) Shinjuku (Tokyo) Matsumoto (Nagano) Shinjuku (Tokyo) Hiroshima Osaka/Kyoto List of all available routes Should you buy it? You will need to consider your desired destinations, travel preferences, and trip duration to determine if the JBL Pass is suitable for you. (Japan Travel) Money-wise, the JBL Pass is incredibly cost-effective. For instance, a one-way shinkansen ticket (reserved seat) from Tokyo to Osaka generally costs around 20,000. In comparison, a three-day, Mon-Thu JBL Pass only costs 13,500 and covers express bus travel for three days. With 13,500, you can travel from Tokyo to Hida Takayama, Shirakawa-go to Nagoya, and then Nagoya to Osaka. Of course, one of the downsides of bus travel is that it is typically much longer than train travel. For example, shinkansen travel (Nozomi train) from Tokyo to Osaka takes about 2.5 hours, while traveling by bus can take between eight to nine hours. Purchase You can only purchase the JBL Pass online from the official website with a credit card. You must also become a member of the website (registration is free). Please note that each passenger must book their own pass. One passenger can only book multiple passes if all of the members are following the exact same route. Since you must use the pass within one month of purchase, do not purchase it sooner than a month in advance. You can purchase the pass before or after arriving in Japan. Usage (Japan Travel) The JBL Pass is a ticketless service in which all bookings are completed online. When you board the bus, please bring your booking confirmation email (printed or digital) and passport. You cannot board another bus if you miss your reserved bus, so please plan accordingly and arrive at the departure point early. You can cancel your pass and receive a full refund as long as it is unused and not expired. You can also change and cancel your bookings; however, please note that you cannot cancel a booking on the departure date. Additional resources SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Democrats are outraged at an executive order that Donald Trump issued to regulate elections. But while the president's authority in this area is limited, he's more aligned with voter sentiment than his critics. The order promotes proof of citizenship requirements and seeks to ensure all mail ballots are returned by Election Day. It also instructs the Justice Department to prioritize voter fraud and other election crimes. States that don't comply may be threatened with a loss of federal funding. Like many of Trump's initiatives, his election reform plan pushes boundaries and relies on creative legal interpretations of current law. The Constitution gives the states the power to set the "time, places and manner" of their own elections, while allowing Congress to pass election guidelines that override state legislation. The executive branch has little role in setting rules for the conduct of federal elections. Several state attorneys general said they'll contest provisions of the executive order, The New York Times reported, and many legal experts expect they are likely to prevail. The changes would certainly affect Nevada, which has few identification requirements at the polls and allows mail ballots to be counted even if they are received up to three days after Election Day. Nevada Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager issued a blistering news release on Wednesday calling the executive order "shameful" and "an affront to Nevada's voters." Yeager added that lawmakers would not even consider Trump's proposals because "the president cannot be permitted to blackmail the state into remaking its election laws to suit his personal partisan preferences and his campaign to weaken our democracy." His reaction is to be expected, but it's notable that Yeager didn't even mention the constitutional issues. And his concern about "remaking" election laws for "partisan" gain is risible, given that's precisely what state Democrats did by making permanent COVID-era reforms intended to ensure voter participation during a pandemic. In fact, rather than being an "affront to Nevada voters," it's highly likely that state residents would favor some of Trump's proposals, including voter ID requirements and a more reasonable timetable for the return of mail ballots to ensure the timely tabulation of results. A Gallup poll from late 2024 found that 84 percent of respondents favored requiring photo ID to vote and 83 percent backed laws demanding that those registering to vote provide proof of citizenship. Yet Democrats have become wholly invested in smearing Americans who embrace such common-sense reform as racist Jim Crow sympathizers. Trump's executive order faces an uphill legal battle given the explicit language of the Constitution. But the president is more in touch with public opinion on voter ID and mail ballots than Nevada Democrats, who would prefer that neither of those ideas ever make it to the ballot. (COMMENT, BELOW) Groovy Thursday. Filed that tax return yet? It was hard to tell whether Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough was angry, sad, disappointed or some combination of all three. I just read your article about Carlos Stoner, he said Wednesday morning. I didnt know about it. I wasnt around then. But I want to try and do something about it. (Pro tip: if the sheriff calls your cell, answer it. Hes a serious man.) Kimbrough wasnt alone in not knowing much about Stoner - or more precisely his death. Stoner was murdered on a greenway next to Washington Park early on the morning of May 27, 1992, following an argument at a house party. His death was the result of hate and deep-rooted racism. Stoner, a Black man, was set upon by four white men. He had been beaten, stabbed, left for dead, stabbed again and castrated. His penis was stuffed in his mouth - a grisly act reminiscent of tactics used by the Ku Klux Klan. Authorities - police and prosecutors - knew those things almost immediately. And after the ringleader, a man named Rickey Knight, was arrested the very next day, the suspect himself confirmed the racial angle by telling a detective that he didnt know what the big deal was because it was just another dead (N word.) A co-defendant did, too, when he told investigators that hed heard Knight say Ive never killed a (N word) before. I want to see what its like. And yet police, at the urging of then-District Attorney Tom Keith, tried to keep a lid on it - a move that only served to fuel a rampant rumor mill and add to a deep sense of mistrust and suspicion harbored in the Black community. Anyhow, all of that came back into view in recent days when someone used sidewalk chalk to write a pointed reminder about Stoners death and what must have felt like an intentional whitewashing of hard truth. Carlos Stoner was lynched here in 1992 Say his name Dont Erase Our History That matters today more than ever given well-documented attempts by the Trump administration to erase difficult facts by ordering institutions - the Smithsonian and the military to name two - to scrub mentions of racial history from official accounts of our collective past. That, it would seem, has motivated the sheriff to prevent that from happening here. Hes exploring ways to put up a sign or a marker near the spot where Carlos Stoner died. Kimbrough isnt alone in that, either. A group called Hate Out of Winston circulated photos of the chalk messaging before Mondays rain washed it away. And a handful of other individuals have stepped forward, too, with similar thoughts. We need to recognize that with some kind of local marker, said Heather Master Bratland, an architectural historian who has worked with historic resources commissions in Forsyth and Guilford counties. Bratland was appalled to learn what happened to Stoner, noting that she and others who attended a local anti-racism workshop where lynchings were discussed werent aware of the racial underpinnings of his killing. Nobody in that class, nobody local who was living in Winston-Salem brought it up, she said. That group would have discussed it if wed known. Any effort to erect a sign or memorial could go a lot of ways. It could be as simple as an individual taking the time and care to hammer a wooden cross in the ground similar to any number of roadside memorials. It could be more formal and go through the local historical marker program, where a committee would weigh written proposals before financing such a sign. Or would-be organizers could work through a group called the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Ala., which runs something called the Community Remembrance Project to support local efforts to memorialize documented victims of racial violence throughout history. That includes putting up narrative markers in public locations and supporting educational efforts in local high schools. The Equal Justice Institute has installed 80 such markers since 2015. Its too early to know which direction any such effort in Winston-Salem might take. There could be opposition raised by those who will argue - despite a mountain of evidence - that race wasnt the driving factor behind Stoners killing. Others may simply want to avoid a painful topic, but the head-in-sand approach never helps. But to others such as Sheriff Kimbrough, Bratland and Hate Out of Winston who believe that the only way to avoid repeating history is through honest, open discussion. We cannot afford to push our history and our present reality of racism under the rug of white comfort, Hate Out of Winston wrote on Instagram. We cannot afford to play into Trumps censorship if we are committed to keeping each other safe. We must remember, we must admit, we must commit to making a change. Whatever is said or done, researchers associated with the University of North Carolina School of Government include Carlos Stoners murder on a list of modern lynchings that have occurred in the state. The evidence that it was a hate crime is overwhelming. It was just so recent, Bratland said before she contacted the mayor and members of the City Council. It deserves to be reckoned with. Activists protest policies in parks GREENSBORO - Sometimes following rules, regulations and local ordinances is just plain absurd. Exhibit A happened Tuesday night when a group of activists beseeched members of the City Council to reverse restrictions on feeding the homeless in a public park. Take a second to digest that one. Well wait. Per The News & Record, members of groups called the Working Class and Houseless Organizing Alliance (WHOA) and the Unitarian Universalist Church banded together to host a meal in Center City Park late last month. But when they did so, Greensboro police officers showed up to politely remind them that city ordinances didnt allow such things as sleeping in parks, lying down on sidewalks or apparently providing food to the hungry. Yeah. Activist Bobby Goodrich told a colleague that police were alerted by private security guards working in the park. Officers allowed them to finish distributing food - working cops know better than most the indignities the homeless suffer - but cautioned that there were legal consequences. To their credit, they were not aggressive, Goodrich said of the police. They did say that, you know, at some point they would have to start arresting people if we didnt comply with what the security force had asked us to do. The blame doesnt belong with security or the cops. They dont make policy or write laws; they enforce them. This one belongs to elected officials. Dealing with the unhoused is indeed a thorny issue with which local governments (and the courts) have struggled to strike a balance. Public safety, sanitation and public health are legitimate concerns. But literally taking food from peoples mouths? We can do better. Reynolds American Inc. confirmed plans Thursday for creating 300 jobs as part of demonstrating its confidence in tobacco consumers shift to smokeless products. The new jobs will represent a combination of manufacturing positions at the mammoth 2-million-square-foot Reynolds Operations Center in Tobaccoville, along with trade marketing roles across the country. The workforce expansion is focused on Reynolds Velo Plus synthetic nicotine pouches product line, as was the hiring of about 500 employees in 2024. Reynolds said job applicants can go to https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/careers/ to see what job openings are listed. When the new hiring is completed, Reynolds will have increased its overall workforce in recent years to about 4,300, including more than 2,200 locally when counting Tobaccoville operations and its downtown Winston-Salem headquarters. Borgia Walker, senior vice president of Human Resources and Inclusion at Reynolds, said the majority of the recent hiring is directly related to our expanding smokeless portfolio, mainly Velo Plus, and aligning our sales force to be even more competitive in the market. The expansion of Velo Plus production comes as Reynolds and parent company British American Tobacco Plc are navigating a crossroads of a continual decline in traditional cigarette revenue with an uptick in smokeless revenue. Reynolds said it is leading the industrys transformation to potentially reduced-risk products that offer adult nicotine consumers more product choices, resulting in sustainable business performance and job creation. We have an opportunity to offer adult smokers who do not wish to quit tobacco products altogether evidence-based, innovative product choices that are potentially less risky than traditional combustible cigarettes, the manufacturer said. BAT chief executive Tadeu Marroco said in February that targeted investment in Reynolds have strengthened the business. Through our commercial actions, we started to improve our performance with sharper execution, and we are opening up untapped growth opportunities., particularly related to modern oral products. Marroco said BAT continued to make progress on its goal of becoming a predominantly smokeless business by 2035. Greater Winston-Salem Inc. cited the workforce expansion comes as Reynolds celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founding of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. RJR Tobacco Co. has had a profound impact on the growth and development of our community over time, says Mark Owens, the chambers president and chief executive. We are excited to continue to celebrate expansion and job creation from one of our citys long-established organizations. Fastest-growing tobacco product The nicotine pouch category is the fastest-growing product segment among adult U.S. nicotine consumers. Led by top-selling Zyn by Swedish Match, tobacco pouches have become increasingly popular among adult tobacco consumers, particularly those trying to lower or end their traditional or electronic cigarette consumption. Velo Plus would be marketed to adult consumers through Reynolds Modoral brand for modern oral products. It would be offered where our Velo nicotine pouch products are already available, in compliance with those states respective regulations. Rising consumption of smokeless tobacco and nicotine products also includes electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco sticks, moist snuff, and snus. Over the next decade, we anticipate a significant shift in the nicotine landscape whereby smoke-free products overtake combustibles to become the primary driver of industry growth, Goldman Sachs tobacco analyst Bonnie Herzog wrote in a deep dive investor report in March. On a volume basis, we expect this shift to occur as soon as this year. That could result in Reynolds, which has the top-selling electronic cigarette Vuse, pulling significantly closer to Philip Morris USA, home of top-selling traditional cigarette Marlboro, in terms of revenue. However, sales from unregulated imported e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches could continue to siphon off much of Reynolds potential revenue gains. The market is responding to a stunningly rapid move by consumers away from lethal cigarettes to far less harmful smokefree nicotine pouches, said David Sweanor, an adjunct law professor at the University of Ottawa and the author of several e-cigarette and health studies. The tobacco industry is fighting to stay relevant. The truly extraordinary aspect of this is that it is consumer led, with the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and major anti-tobacco groups fighting these market forces in pursuit of moralistic abstinence-only agendas on nicotine. Reynolds smokeless plans In October, Reynolds president David Waterfield emphasized the manufacturers pivotal role in those smokeless product revenue streams during BATs Capital Market investor presentation. Waterfield told investors the U.S. nicotine market represents about one-third of the global value pool. As such, Waterfield said the United States is at the forefront of industry transformation, making it the ideal market for BATs mission to build a smokeless world. Waterfield said there are about 34 million U.S. customers for traditional cigarettes, compared with 25 million for e-cigarettes. He projected e-cigarette sales will rise from a projected $11.7 billion in 2024 to $18.2 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the modern category of moist snuff, snus and nicotine pouches is projected to jump from $2.21 billion in 2024 to $9.1 billion in 2030. This significant increase in nicotine revenues is primarily a consequence of shifting adult tobacco consumer demand for new modern product formats, Waterfield said. However, Waterfield threw cold water on expectations for a Reynolds heated traditional cigarette product. In regard to heated tobacco products, we remain skeptical on whether the characteristics of the U.S. market are favorable for its development, Waterfield said. We do not see the same opportunity for headed products as we do for vapor and modern oral. Press Release April 3, 2025 EDCOM 2: P1 Billion to boost early childhood care in 328 low-income LGUs The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) lauds the signing of the Joint Circular (JC) between the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to establish Child Development Centers (CDCs) in low-income local government units (LGUs). The ceremonial signing, witnessed by His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., marks a significant step toward addressing gaps in early childhood care and development (ECCD) identified in the EDCOM II Year 2 Report, "Fixing the Foundations." The JC operationalizes the President's directive to prioritize funding for the construction of CDCs in 328 low-income LGUs. The support will be made available through the Local Government Support Fund - Financial Assistance to LGUs (LGSF-FA) under the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). This initiative directly responds to EDCOM II's findings, which highlighted the lack of access to ECCD services in 5,800 barangays nationwide. "Studies show that early childhood care and development is a critical investment that reduces dropouts in school, improves likelihood of mastering foundational skills, and even boosts achievement and income many years later in life," explained EDCOM II Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee. "This major investment signals the resolute commitment of the government in addressing our learning crisis and ensuring that no Filipino learner is left behind." EDCOM findings show that early childhood education participation is only at 21% for 3 to 4 year old children, and even less for children aged zero to two. The Commission's Year Two Report also highlighted how access to ECCD is made inequitable due to inability of lower-income LGUs to fund early childhood interventions as a result of having limited special education funds (SEF). Based on the old LGU income classification, EDCOM findings show that first class municipalities have SEF income 68 times more than their sixth class peers. Under the guidelines of the JC, LGUs must submit their funding requests which will then be evaluated and endorsed by DepEd to DBM for final approval. As counterpart, beneficiary LGUs shall provide land of at least 150 square meters for the CDCs, and take on the operation and maintenance of the CDCs, including personnel salaries of child development workers and teachers. EDCOM II Co-Chairperson Senator Sherwin Gatchalian lauded the signing, "This is a crucial step to give our children a strong foundation to succeed. By building these CDCs in low-income LGUs, we are ensuring equitable support for ECCD programs and services." Rep. Roman Romulo, also a Co-Chairperson of the Commission, agreed, saying, "It is comforting to know that no less than the President is a strong advocate for our mission to fix the foundations of our education system. Investing in the early years is one of the best steps that the government can take in ensuring that future generations thrive." The event, held at Malacanang Palace on April 3, 2025, featured a video presentation on the state of ECCD in the Philippines, followed by the JC signing and a message from the President, who reaffirmed his administration's commitment to inclusive education. "We recognize that education goes beyond what happens just inside the classroom. The government continues to find ways to support our children so they can grow and thrive, and reach their full potential. Through health and community programs, we remain committed to helping them become productive members of society," said President Marcos in his speech. EDCOM II remains steadfast in its mission to bridge gaps in the education system through evidence-based reforms. The Commission looks forward to monitoring the implementation of this initiative and its impact on early childhood development. ****** A legal challenge brought against the city of Lincoln over its ban on guns in public places made its way to the Nebraska Supreme Court on Thursday morning. "The only issue before you today is standing," City Attorney Yohance Christie said. As for the merits of the case? "That's for another time, another brief, another day," he said. The Nebraska Firearms Owners Association and four area gun owners, three Lincoln men among them, sued and contended Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird's executive order was preempted by the state's constitutional carry law passed in 2023. Texas attorney Jacob Huebert of the Liberty Justice Center, who represents them and others in a lawsuit in Douglas County over a similar ban in Omaha, argued they shouldn't have to violate the law in order to challenge it. "They don't have to subject themselves to arrest, prosecution or other enforcement actions to challenge that law is illegal or unconstitutional," he told the justices Thursday. Instead, Huebert said, it's enough for them to allege that they want to engage in the prohibited conduct and would "but for that threat of prosecution." The executive orders at issue signed by Gaylor Baird and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert aren't worded the same but essentially prohibit firearms at properties owned, leased or managed by the cities, including parks and public spaces. The mayors signed them April 25, 2023, the same day Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB77 into law, allowing Nebraskans to carry concealed handguns without a permit or taking gun-safety training classes. The law went into effect Sept. 1, 2023. That same year, the firearms owners group sought injunctions, later adding a challenge to Lincoln's park weapons ordinance, which was adopted long before LB77, as well as a city code that makes it unlawful to keep a firearm in an unlocked, unoccupied vehicle. In the Lancaster County case, four men submitted declarations in the case saying prior to the executive order they carried their firearms into city parks, on hiking and biking trails and at dog parks and now don't use those city spaces because they no longer can. Justice John Freudenberg asked Huebert if the court found they didn't have standing whether it would require an armed encounter with a law enforcement officer on city property to raise the issue. Huebert said as far as he can tell it would, and it seems "pretty undesirable" to encourage people to go violate the law. "The plaintiffs here are doing the right thing. They want to do the right thing. They don't want to be lawbreakers. So instead of going out and doing something contrary to an order or ordinance, they've gone to court," he said. Christie said the standard established by the Nebraska Supreme Court is that a plaintiff must show actual injury or a substantial threat of future injury. He said neither happened here. None of the men had brought their firearms to city parks or property and been asked to leave. Only then, potentially, could they be brought into court for trespassing, he argued. Last summer, a Lancaster County district court judge agreed, ruling the gun owners' allegations weren't enough to show a credible threat of injury to bring the case and dismissed the case. Prompting the appeal. In court Thursday, Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman asked Christie how the gun owners should go about challenging the executive order, short of violating it. Christie said there could be multiple ways, such as being asked to leave by a park manager. But that didn't happen here. Still, he acknowledged, that would be to risk prosecution. But a city ordinance has been on the books since 1930 banning weapons in city parks and on trails, so what they had done before was illegal even then. "In this case, they have for years carried firearms into parks and they have not even been threatened with prosecution. Yet they appear in front of this court and say that they have established a credible threat (of facing charges)," Christie said. Justice Jonathan Papik asked if the city had disavowed either the executive order or the older ordinance on the books, given that no one has been prosecuted under them. No, Christie said, though he submitted that wasn't a requirement. "So what do we make of that?" Papik asked him. There are ordinances on the books, an executive order from the mayor on the books, and the city won't disavow enforcing it, he said. "What are they there for?" Papik asked. The court took the case under advisement. In the meantime, the case in Douglas County remains on hold, awaiting a decision here, following a district judge there agreeing to temporarily block Omaha's city ordinance from being enforced while the case works its way through the court. A Nebraska lawmaker said he intends to bring a bill implementing a citizen-enacted medical cannabis law to the floor this session, but what that legislation will ultimately look like remains unclear. Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue told the General Affairs Committee he wanted to narrow a bill (LB677) introduced by Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair this year to carry out the provisions of two ballot initiatives passed by voters last November. "We're going to get something out of committee, but I think we should make it as tight as possible and then allow the floor to bring amendments," Holdcroft told the Journal Star. "But I would like to start with a tight bill." It could also result in a prolonged fight on the floor. Twice in the past week state lawmakers have sparred over the Legislature's role in enacting laws that change voter-passed initiatives. Hansen's bill, as introduced, would allow doctors, physician assistants or nurse practitioners to recommend cannabis to patients using their professional judgment to determine that individual has a "qualifying medical condition." The bill also has provisions regulating how those patients can access up to 5 ounces of cannabis, creates a regulatory framework for various entities in the cannabis industry, mandates routine safety testing and imposes a sales tax, directing the revenue into property tax relief. During an executive session Wednesday afternoon, Holdcroft said he would seek an amendment requiring health care professionals who recommend cannabis to their patients be licensed and practicing in Nebraska. Holdcroft also said he believed the list of conditions for qualifying patients to be recommended cannabis was too broad under Hansen's bill, adding he would prefer the committee set a list of six conditions before advancing the bill. That would be less than Iowa, which allows for patients with 11 different "debilitating medical conditions" to possess and use cannabis, including cancer patients with severe or chronic pain, nausea or wasting syndrome; multiple sclerosis; epilepsy; or other ailments. Other states have laws allowing more than 40 different conditions to be considered, including for ailments like Alzheimer's disease, hepatitis C, menstrual cramping, sleep apnea and tinnitus. The most common conditions included in medical cannabis laws, according to a handout shared by Holdcroft, include: cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma and ALS. Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said the bill brought by Hansen implements the language of both Initiative 437 and Initiative 438, both of which were supported by roughly seven out of 10 voters last fall. Lawmakers had their chance over the past decade to pass a bill with limited medical conditions included, Eggers said, but did not act, leaving it up to the grassroots campaign to conduct a petition drive. "This is what the people passed," Eggers said. "They did not pass a watered-down bill. The people knew what they voted for; they were not misled, they did not misunderstand things." Eggers said Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana and other advocates worked with Hansen to draft LB677, which she said included reasonable regulations designed around ensuring patients could access cannabis in a safe, legal way, while also protecting the broader public. That included allowing qualifying patients to smoke cannabis in their homes, Eggers said. For cancer patients with wasting syndrome, smoking may be the only way they can consume cannabis, she added. Holdcroft asked the committee to consider adopting an amendment from Sen. Jared Storm of David City limiting cannabis consumption to pills or liquid tinctures something Eggers said was a nonstarter. "This legislation doesn't need to touch and shouldn't touch who is a patient, who that practitioner should be or how that patient consumes that medicine, which is what it is," Eggers said. "We really thought what most people would want is putting some safeguards in place that make sense, and we tried in good faith to work together." The committee took no vote on Wednesday, Day 55 of the 90-day legislative session, but members indicated they were split on Holdcroft's proposal. Sen. Dan Quick of Grand Island said he supported Hansen's original bill and thought the Legislature should avoid prescribing methods Nebraskans can use to ingest medical cannabis. "If they want to smoke it, I'm on board with all of that," Quick said. Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney said he still held reservations about LB677 and was still seeking the answers on how some parts would work in practice, but said he was optimistic the committee would find a solution that worked. In particular, Clouse said he believed the word "inhale" included in the initiative did not necessarily allow for patients to smoke cannabis. He also said he wanted to ensure the regulatory commission had expanded membership to include doctors, pharmacists, law enforcement and someone from the cannabis industry. "We're just trying to navigate the strong opinions on both sides of this issue to see if we can meet in the middle," Clouse said. "It was voted on, so we also can't ever ignore that fact." Hansen, the bill's sponsor, said the Legislature had to balance several interests, many of them often in competition. The ballot initiative sponsors envisioned one set of qualifying conditions, voters may have envisioned something broader or smaller, and individual lawmakers may have all foreseen something different, he said. "Everybody has this idea of what kind of conditions should be included," Hansen said. "Whatever we find has to be something we can all say yes to or at least 33 people can say yes to." Hansen said he hopes the disagreements over LB677 can be worked out during the General Affairs Committee's deliberations in order for a "clean" bill to be advanced, rather than allow the bill to be subject to a filibuster on the floor. "I think that's what's happening now," he said. Dan Osborn, the former upstart U.S. Senate candidate who ran a closer-than-expected race against Republican Sen. Deb Fischer last year, may once again ask Nebraskans to send him to Washington in 2026. In a social media post Thursday morning, Osborn announced he is launching an exploratory committee for a potential challenge to Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, Nebraska's former governor who will seek a full term in the Senate next year. "Ill run against Pete Ricketts if the support is there," Osborn said in a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter. Osborn, a 50-year-old steamfitter, has publicly mulled another run for office in the months since his nonpartisan bid to unseat Fischer fell short but proved surprisingly competitive across Nebraska, a reliably red state where President Donald Trump won nearly 60% of the vote in November. The U.S. Navy veteran and former labor leader campaigned on his blue-collar background, drawing conservative voters that helped Osborn outperform every Democrat on Nebraska's ballot. In a state where Trump triumphed over former Vice President Kamala Harris by a 20-point margin and where Ricketts beat Democratic challenger Preston Love Jr. by more than 25 points, Fischer claimed reelection over Osborn with 53.4% of the vote, winning by fewer than 7%. Osborn's independence from either party afforded him a unique advantage as he was able to pull in donations from progressive groups from around the country while broadcasting television ads meant to appeal to Trump voters. In one such ad, Trump voters backing Osborn called Fischer "another creature of the D.C. swamp" who has more in common with Hillary Clinton than Donald Trump." But Osborn's overperformance also reflected his identity as a working-class Nebraskan, which doubled as the thesis of his campaign. A former industrial mechanic and union president who led a 77-day strike at the Kellogg's cereal plant in Omaha in 2021, Osborn cast himself as "a voice for the working class people" and repeatedly described Congress as a "country club of millionaires that work for billionaires." That message could draw an even starker contrast with Ricketts, a multi-millionaire whose father founded the stockbroker TD Ameritrade, than it did with Fischer, a former rancher and school board member who represented parts of the Sandhills in the Legislature before running for Senate in 2012. "Americans hate billionaires buying elections," Osborn wrote Thursday morning. "Upwards of 80% of us hate it. But we can't do a single thing about it. The billionaires are bipartisan. Whoever wins, they win. "This race, we could have a chance to win. We could take on this illness, the billionaire class, directly. "Just me and Pete." Familiar faces, races Ricketts, though, is deeply familiar to Nebraska voters by now. After he lost to incumbent Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson in his first bid for U.S. Senate in 2006 with less than 37% of the vote, Ricketts was elected governor with more than 57% of the vote in 2014 and reelected with 59% of the vote four years later. Days after his governorship ended in 2022, Ricketts was appointed to the Senate by his successor, Gov. Jim Pillen, whose campaign Ricketts personally helped fund. That appointment set up November's special election between Ricketts and Love Jr., in which Ricketts won more than 62% of the vote outpacing Trump to finish out the remaining two years on the Senate term he inherited from former Sen. Ben Sasse, who resigned. If Osborn does seek to unseat Ricketts next year, he will have to once again contend with the political realities of Nebraska, where a non-Republican hasn't won statewide since Nelson beat Ricketts in 2006, and with Ricketts' deep-pocketed backers. Ricketts and his family have spent at least $18.6 million on Nebraska political campaigns and causes in the past 12 years, the Flatwater Free Press reported in September. Ricketts' campaign spent $5.3 million on his Senate bid last election cycle, according to Federal Election Commission records. Osborn's campaign spent more than $15 million on his failed bid to unseat Fischer last year while outside groups backing Osborn spent another $12.5 million, according to FEC records. In a statement, Jessica Flanagain, a longtime campaign adviser to Ricketts, said: "Even Chuck Schumer's $4 million wasn't enough to sell Nebraskans on Dan Osborn being anything other than a liberal Democrat." "Voters will reject Dan Osborn again because they know he will oppose the America First agenda and side with the coastal elites bankrolling his campaigns," Flanagain said. Osborn could face another challenge in seeking to unseat Ricketts: Nebraska Democrats. The Nebraska Democratic Party did not run a candidate in last year's race that pitted Osborn, an independent who had to gather signatures to qualify for November's ballot, against Fischer, helping pave the way for a one-on-one race. Democrats were set to endorse Osborn's candidacy before he announced last May that he would not accept endorsements from any political party or politician. The move blindsided Nebraska Democratic Party leaders, who accused Osborn of privately courting their endorsement for months, ensuring the party did not put forward their own candidate. The party initially pledged to run a write-in candidate following Osborn's announcement but ultimately didn't follow through. Nationally, Democrats later came to back Osborn as polling showed the race between him and Fischer as among the closest in the country. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee donated $57,800 to Osborn's campaign on the eve of the election. It's unclear if Democrats will run a Senate candidate in Nebraska next year. A spokesman for the Nebraska Democrats said Thursday the party has "made no final decisions on the US Senate race" while praising Osborn as "a mechanic who has the credibility to bring together an alliance of voters across party lines." "Working and middle-class families need champions, not billionaires, who are always looking for a tax cut at the expense of all of us," the spokesman said in an emailed statement, adding: "We will continue to meet, train and support candidates who hold core beliefs policy is personal, freedoms are fundamental, and everyone deserves a level playing field. Our party intends to organize everywhere to win everywhere up and down the ballot. Run not a surprise Osborn has publicly deliberated which political office he might seek for months. He acknowledged to the Omaha World-Herald in February he was mulling runs for the U.S. Senate, Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District House seat and the state's governorship. In March, the Nebraska Examiner reported Osborn was also considering running for the House seat in Nebraska's 1st Congressional District, which encompasses Lincoln and where Osborn outperformed Fischer by .08% last year. Congressman Mike Food, who represents the district that hasn't sent a non-Republican to Washington since the 1960s, weighed in on news of Osborn's announcement Thursday, attacking the potential repeat Senate candidate for "refus(ing) to support President Trump in last years election." "As President Trump fights to secure the border, cut our taxes, and usher in the Golden Age of America, Dan Osborn would stand with Senate Democrats to stop him," Flood wrote in a post on X. It has been clear since November that Osborn did not intend to exit the political arena even as he returned to work as a steamfitter following his loss to Fischer. He launched a political action committee in late November focused on mobilizing working people across party lines. "Our campaign showed that candidates who are actually from the working class can unite the working class to change our politics," Osborn said then. "We need a hell of a lot more working-class people running for office." In January, Osborn's PAC, called the Working Class Heroes Fund, donated to Democratic and Republican candidates with labor roots in Omaha's city elections. The PAC had raised nearly $213,000 by the end of last year, according to FEC records. Press Release April 3, 2025 CHIZ ASKS PHL EMBASSY TO EXTEND LEGAL HELP TO PINOYS HELD BY US IMMIGRATION Senate President Francis "Chiz" G. Escudero has called on the Philippine Embassy in the United States to look into the status of all Filipinos being detained for immigration issues by American authorities and ensure that they have access to legal representation. According to the Senate President, he is concerned over reports that there are 20 Filipinos who have been arrested and detained in the United States due to the ongoing crackdown on illegal immigrants put in place by the Trump administration. "It is unclear why the Filipinos were arrested and what the nature of their violations were. We are calling on our embassy in Washington D.C. and our consulates across the US to regularly check on their status and ensure their rights are protected and that they are being treated fairly," he said. "Our government representatives in the US need to be on top of the situation and see to it that there are no illegal detentions involved. The families of the detained Filipinos should be updated about the status of their kin. We all need the assurance that they are in good condition," the veteran legislator said. The Senate chief also appealed to Filipinos staying in the US without proper documents and those who are awaiting their green cards to work with immigration lawyers if necessary to avoid arrest or detention. "Nakasisiguro ako na marami sa ating mga kababayan sa Amerika na wala pang green card o 'yung may mga kinahaharap na kaso ay nangangamba dahil sa patuloy na paghahabol ng gobyernong Amerika sa mga dayuhang illegal na nanatili doon," Senate President Escudero said. "Sundin lang natin ang mga batas doon at kusa na lumapit sa ating embahada at konsulado para malaman nila kung ano ang mga hakbang na pwede nilang gawin para maresolba ang kanilang sitwasyon." There are over four million Filipino-Americans who are productive citizens of the US and providing significant contributions in their respective fields. Government estimates also show that there are 250,000 to 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in America. PPSh-41 It now appears that the only way former American sailor Patrick "Tate" Adamiak, may get out of his undeserved 20-year prison sentence is through a presidential pardon, because federal prosecutors are now using the lies and fake evidence created by the ATF to fight an appeal filed by the 31-year-old former Navy E-6, who had just been accepted by Naval Special Warfare before his arrest. Adamiak has been in federal prison for almost 30 months. It can take up to half of a year for his court hearings. In a letter to prosecutors sent Feb. 14, Adamiak's appellant attorney pointed out that his client never possessed anything illegal. Prosecutors, unfortunately, don't seem to care. Matthew Larosiere, Esq., Counsel for Appellant Adamiak, cited United States v. Justin Bryce Brown, in a letter sent to the Clerk of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. ..... We were a team. Always had been. Always would be. We defended each other, protected each otherfrom management, from nurse bullies, from the cruel ICU doctors who thought they ruled the world. Back in the day, we had our own kind of therapy sessionslong talks over coffee, unloading the weight of twelve-hour shifts, of lives saved and lost, of the battles fought in the trenches of critical care. But life had gotten busy, and we hadnt had one of those talks in months. It was Gails birthday. That was reason enough to meet. Gail and I had worked together for years. She was a tried-and-true ICU nurse before making the switch to the coronary care unit. Now, we were both retired, but the bond remained. It was time to catch up, to celebrate, to reminisce. To talk about family, grandkids, and the unforgettable moments from the ICUsome terrifying, some triumphant. I chose a semi-elegant restaurant for brunch, a place I had always loved after my night shifts. Back then, after thirteen hours in the ICU, I was starvingphysically, mentally, emotionally. This place had been my refuge. My peace. My solitude. Gail and I sat down, and the conversation flowed effortlessly, as it always did. We talked, we laughed, we remembered. And somewhere along the way, we caught the attention of our waiter. He lingered near the table, listening in, curiosity written all over his face. Youre both nurses? he finally asked. ICU and coronary care, Gail confirmed. He hesitated, then admitted, I dont know anything about medicine and I dont mean to intrude, but Pull up a chair, I interrupted, grinning. His eyes lit up with somethingexcitement, maybe even relief. He slid into the seat beside us and asked, Why did you like ICU nursing? I smirked. Can I cuss? He laughed. Of course! You wont offend me. ADVERTISEMENT I exhaled slowly, meeting his gaze. I loved ICU because I loved how the body could get so f**ed up* His eyebrows shot up, but he was hooked. Your lungs. Your heart. Your brain, kidneys, pancreas, liverevery single system can fail, all at once, I continued. And then, piece by piece, you put that person back together again. Organ by organ. Theres something incredible about solving that puzzleabout taking a body thats completely out of sync and restoring it, like a perfect clock. Its a mystery. A challenge. A fight for life. He nodded, fascinated. Then, after a pause, he confessed, I dont know what I want to do with my life. Im twenty-eight. I feel lost. Gail and I exchanged a glance. Wed heard this beforefrom younger nurses, from med students, from people standing at a crossroads. Youve got time, I told him. If youre even thinking about medicine, start small. Take a class at a community college. Try EMT training, paramedic school. Look into nursing, respiratory therapy, radiology tech. Even if you dont become a doctor, there are a million ways to be in health care. The skys the limit, Gail added. We finished our brunch after an hour and a half, but it felt different this time. Special. This young manthis strangerhad been drawn into our world, even for just a moment. Maybe, just maybe, we had sparked something in him. A curiosity. A hunger. A sense of possibility in a field that had given us so much. As we stood to leave, he smiled at us, and in his eyes, there was something new. A spark. I could only hope it would grow. Debbie Moore-Black is a nurse who blogs at Do Not Resuscitate. An excerpt from Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?: Why Our Mental Health System Is Failing Us and What Should Be Done to Cure It. One of societys great issues is who decides what science doesthe public or science. For example, the populace has taken control and been clear that it does not want science to create human beings in a laboratory or construct computers that run the world. Once Americans became informed of these potential harms, they were alarmed and insisted, through their political representatives, that science align with their demands. The situation with medicine, however, is just the opposite. The public does not understand how abysmal its mental health care is, that medicine refuses to improve it, or that it can direct its politicians to require change. What details do Americans need to know that might activate them to seek control? First, even though mental illness is the most common health condition in the U.S., most do not know that only 25 percent of patients receive any care; compare this to 70 percent of physical disease patients receiving care. Second, their compromised mental health care results from medicine failing to train enough mental health professionals (psychiatrists conduct only 12 percent of care) and providing almost no training for the primary care clinicians who, by default, conduct over 75 percent of mental health care. U.S. citizens will be shocked to learn that only 2 percent of physicians training is devoted to mental health care. This points to the surprisingly unidentified solution to the mental health crisis: Train the doctors who provide the care and train more mental health professionals. Third, few understand why medicine would resist such obvious solutions. From the 16th- and 17th-century Scientific Revolution, the theory of the mind-body split has guided medicinethe mind, soul, and spirit the churchs domain, the physical body and its diseases from the neck down belonging to medicine. That made mental disorders and other mind issues, such as emotions, off base. Even though mental health care has long since been medicines responsibility, medicine has never shown interest in mental health and patients other psychological and social issues. Imbued with the mind-body duality, it sees no need to train physicians; as an afterthought, it trains a few psychiatrists. While guidance by the mind-body split led to massive physical health care advances in the last 75 years (life survival doubled), its exclusion of patients psychological and social lives now renders it obsolete for the countrys most common problemmental illnesses. Finally, the public does not realize that medicine flouts modern scientific principles. Only medicine, among all sciences, fails to follow modern scientific theory, a systems view of life. It requires that all parts of a problem and their interactions be considered rather than addressing just one aspect, as medicine does with its narrow disease focus. Worse yet, medicine repeatedly ignores the systems model proposed for it in the 1970s, the biopsychosocial model. This demonstrably superior, research-based model links the patients physical disease (biological) features with their psychological and social parts, fully integrating mental health care with medical care. Implementing the model would guarantee that patients access to, and quality of, mental health care matched that for physical disease care. Medicines dereliction in mental health care supports Hannah Arendts argument that the public must control science, lest the latters direction fail to meet citizens needs. An incensed citizenry has productively dealt with refractory institutions in the past. People knew little, for example, about the risks of automobiles until Unsafe at Any Speed (by Ralph Nader) made millions upon millions of Americans aware that seat belts saved lives, but that the auto industry refused to install them for financial reasons. Similarly, Rachel Carsons Silent Spring exposed the chemical industrys egregious pollution of our drinking water with DDT and its refusal to clean up the mess it created. In both instances, the laggard industry was forced to changethats why we have seat belts and clean water today. An irate population insisted its politicians enforce change. Thats what Has Medicine Lost Its Mind? intends: to create an angry populace that directs its politicians to require that medicine change and thus better meet the needs of the public it serves and that supports it. Robert C. Smith is an internal medicine physician and author of Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?: Why Our Mental Health System Is Failing Us and What Should Be Done to Cure It. When the patient arrived by ambulance, he was frail, elderly, and alone in a hospital that spoke a language he could not understand. He had been transferred from a neighboring hospital across state lines due to concerns of malnutrition and pain. The initial CT scans were alarmingmultiple lung masses, highly concerning for metastatic cancer. Yet, despite the grim prognosis, there were still barriers to giving him a definitive diagnosis, and even more barriers in simply understanding his needs. The barrier of language The most immediate challenge was communication. He did not speak English, and his daughter, who had brought him into the outside emergency department, struggled to articulate his symptoms in a way that the medical team could understand. The hospital didnt have an on-site Vietnamese translator, so they resorted to a tele-translation service via the iPad. While functional for some cases, it proved inadequate here. The patient could not hear the translator clearly, and his daughter, overwhelmed by the situation, resorted to summarizing his condition in the simplest terms: He is in pain. At first glance, this seemed reasonable. But as I stood there listening, I realized something criticalhe was not saying that he was in pain. He was saying that he was tired. Tired of the hospitalizations, the uncertainty, the slow erosion of his independence. Met qua, he said. And more than anything, he was hungry. His discomfort was not solely from cancer; it was from exhaustion, from weakness, from simply being unable to eat. However, this distinction was lost in translation, both linguistically and medically. The health care system is structured around efficiency, but in moments like these, efficiency can come at the cost of true understanding. Without the right words, without a cultural context, his suffering risked being misinterpreted. This is particularly true in rural America, where resources for non-English-speaking patients are limited. Bridging the gap I spoke to him in Vietnamese. Though I am not medically certified to practice in the language, sometimes hearing familiar words from someone who looks like you, who understands the cultural nuances of your experience, makes all the difference. A formal interpreter remained on the call, but my presence reassured him in a way that a screen never could. My Vietnamese was imperfect, tainted with the American twang of someone who grew up among refugees speaking 1970s Vietnamese while also navigating a world that did not always welcome bilingualism. I was awkward and clumsy, but his eyes opened just a fraction wider when I squatted down and said, Xin chao ong. His expression softenednot because I had said anything profound, but because in that moment, he was not entirely alone. The daughters burden While the patient grappled with his illness, his daughter faced a battle of her own. She was doing the best she could, but the strain was clear. She lived two hours away, had recently opened a nail salon, and was raising a young child as a single parent. She wanted to be present for her father, but she also had responsibilities she could not simply ignore. The weight of those obligations was evident, and I understood her unspoken strugglebalancing family and work, trying to do the right thing while feeling as though no choice would ever be enough. I knew what it was like to feel pulled in every direction without relief. As the eldest Vietnamese daughter, I am well acquainted with the cultural familial dutiesthe expectation that family should be preserved and supported above all else. But here she was, torn between the man who raised her and the child she was trying to raise. She wanted to do right by both, but that is not how the system works. An impossible choice The most heartbreaking aspect of his case, however, was the impossible situation he faced. The standard course of action required a biopsy before formally diagnosing his cancer, despite the overwhelming radiographic evidence. Once confirmed, treatment options would be discussed. But the logistics of his care created a cruel dilemma: if he pursued treatment, he would not be accepted into a nursing facility. His daughter could not provide 24/7 care, and they were not wealthy enough to afford full-time home help. And so, in the face of limited options, he began making concessions. He wanted to live with his daughter, but when he realized it was not feasible, he said, Its OK. ADVERTISEMENT He wanted treatment, but when he learned it would complicate his ability to receive care at a nursing facility, he hesitated. His daughter argued that they should continue treatment, clinging to the hope that he might be the one in a million who beats the odds. He doubted it but did not say. Insurance denied their nursing facility request. She would have to pay out-of-pocket. And when he was told he could not have bothaggressive treatment and the ability to remain in a structured care environmenthe made the choice that so many others in his position have made before him. He chose his daughters peace of mind over his own desires. Autonomy, in theory and in reality It is one thing to discuss autonomy in medicine as a principle; it is another to watch a patient relinquish their own desires for the sake of those they love. In the end, he did not choose treatment because he believed it would save him. He chose it because he did not want to burden his daughter. I left that encounter with a profound sense of unease. I could not change the outcome, nor could I alter the systemic flaws that placed him in this position. But I could advocate for him, push for faster pathology results so that he would not spend unnecessary days in a hospital bed, and ensure that he had the opportunity to make informed decisions about his care. Lingering thoughts I do not know what happened after he left our service. I can only hope that his oncology team spoke honestly with him about the reality of treatment, about how limited his time truly was, and about whether extending life by a few months was worth the immense physical toll. I still think about him. About his daughter. About the many patients who face similar dilemmas, whose voices go unheard due to language barriers, cultural differences, or bureaucratic obstacles. Medicine often emphasizes the importance of communication, yet fails to acknowledge that true understanding requires more than just wordsit requires listening, patience, and the willingness to meet patients where they are. That day, I was able to hear him. But I am left wondering: How many others never have the chance to be heard? Thanh Phuong Nguyen is a medical student. Press Release April 3, 2025 CHIZ ASKS ECONOMIC MANAGERS TO PREPARE FOR IMPACT OF 17% US TARIFF ON PHL Senate President Francis "Chiz" G. Escudero is urging the country's economic managers to prepare and plan for contingencies and a calibrated response to the 17-percent tariff that US President Donald Trump is imposing on Philippine exports to cushion its impact on the local economy. "What are the pains and what are the gains, if any, that we should expect? Will it be an economic earthquake that will shake our economy to its foundations? Or will it just be a slight tremor that will not cause any harm?" Senate President Escudero raised amid the global tariff tsunami unleashed by the United States when President Trump assumed office. "The baseline of information should be out by sundown today, so we will know, as a nation, on how to move forward," Senate chief said. The first order of business, he said, is for government to provide clarity amidst the confusion and a way forward that is a win for the Philippines, but he cautioned any "rushed retaliatory response because any tariff raised is a pass-on tax to our already overtaxed people." To illustrate his point, he cited soybeans that the Philippines imports from the US which local growers of chicken and hogs use for their feeds that could be potentially affected by the tariff hike. "Ibig sabihin nito ay tataas at magmamahal din ang bilihin because $1 in every $6 of the country's export earnings comes from our trade with the US." In 2024, the Philippines exported $14.2 billion worth of goods to the United States, while it imported $9.3 billion, or a trade gain for the Philippines of $4.9 billion. In February alone, the Philippines shipped almost $1 billion worth of goods to the US, ranking it first ahead of Japan, Hong Kong, China, and the Netherlands. "I am sure our economic managers have considered this possibility and will act accordingly with dispatch. They have my full trust and confidence on how to minimize the pain and maximize the gain," Senate President Escudero said. "Any upheaval carries opportunities, and I know that we will be able to spot it, seize it, and skillfully navigate the new economic terrain and exploit it for our gain," he added. (Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea.) Seoul Grand Park will welcome the spring season with the 2025 Cherry Blossom Festival, taking place from April 4 to April 6 under the theme Spring in Bloom, Flowers We Loved. The event promises a vibrant celebration with colorful cherry blossoms, daytime performances and experiences, and nighttime illuminations. As cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in Seoul starting April 1, visitors can look forward to a stunning 800-meter tunnel lined with blooming king cherry trees. The park boasts over 2,000 cherry blossom trees, including king cherry trees along the lake trail, double-flowered cherry trees inside the zoo, and wild cherry blossoms along the slopes of Cheonggyesan Mountain. This years festival is designed to offer a moment of healing and joy through nature. Families, friends, and couples can enjoy a peaceful stroll under the blossoms, reconnecting with moments of serenity often lost in daily life. Festival Highlights: Daytime Activities: Visitors can relax in designated rest zones, participate in various hands-on programs, and enjoy open-air performances like busking, jazz, and a cappella music. A special Spring Library zone will feature outdoor book shelves, bean bags, hammocks, and shaded seating areas under the cherry blossoms, along with picnic baskets available for rent, including books, board games, mats, and mini tables. Nighttime Events: The Spring Flower Path offers a romantic night stroll under illuminated cherry blossoms from sunset to 11 p.m. A silent DJing event will also take place using wireless headphones, allowing for a lively atmosphere without noise disturbance. Weekend Specials: On Saturday, visitors can enjoy live drawing performances using traditional Korean painting techniques during the day and interactive DJing sessions in the evening. To enhance the festival experience, Seoul Grand Park has planted 30,000 spring flowers including tulips and daffodils throughout the park. The main cherry blossom viewing areas have also been expanded with new deck roads to improve pedestrian flow and prevent crowding. Surrounding these paths, over 3,500 native trees such as elder trees have been planted. Safety remains a top priority. The park will deploy safety personnel across key areas and install ground signs to guide visitors and manage foot traffic effectively. For more details, visit the Seoul Grand Park website. Erin McGuire spent years cultivating fruits and vegetables like onions, peppers and tomatoes as a scientist and later director of a lab at the University of California-Davis. She collaborated with hundreds of people to breed drought-resistant varieties, develop new ways to cool fresh produce and find ways to make more money for small farmers at home and overseas. Then the funding stopped. Her lab, and by extension many of its overseas partners, were backed financially by the United States Agency for International Development, which Trump's administration has been dismantling. Just before it was time to collect data that was two years in the making, her team received a stop-work order. She had to lay off her whole team. Soon she was laid off, too. Its really just been devastating, she said. I dont know how you come back from this. The U.S. needs more publicly funded research and development on agriculture to offset the effects of climate change, according to a recent paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Instead, the U.S. invested less. U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows that as of 2019, the U.S. spent about a third less on agricultural research than its peak in 2002, a difference of about $2 billion. Recent freezes to funding for research on climate change and international development only added to the drop. Its a serious issue for farmers who depend on new innovations to keep their businesses afloat, the next generation of scientists and eventually consumers who buy food. This is terrible news for the U.S. agricultural sector, said Cornell associate professor Ariel Ortiz-Bobea, the lead author of the paper. Trump administration hastens funding cuts As the Trump administration pauses and shutters research programs funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, USDA and other agencies, Ortiz-Bobea and other experts saw field trials stopped, postdoctoral positions eliminated and a gap forming between the reality of climate change and the tools farmers have to deal with it. The EPA declined to comment, and the USDA and USAID did not respond to Associated Press queries. Ortiz-Bobea and his team quantified overall U.S. agricultural productivity, estimated how much it would be slowed by climate change in coming years and calculated how much money would need to be invested in research and development to counteract that slowdown. Think of it like riding a bike into a headwind, Ortiz-Bobea said. To maintain the same speed, you have to pedal harder; in this case, R&D can be that extra push. Some countries are heading in that direction. China spends almost twice as much as the U.S. on agricultural research and increased its research investments by five times since 2000, Omanjana Goswami, a scientist with the Food and Environment team at the Union of Concerned Scientists, wrote in an email. U.S. spending cutbacks also shuttered agricultural research across almost all of the Feed the Future Innovation Labs, of which McGuire's was one. Those 17 labs across 13 universities focused on food security, technical agriculture research, policy and various aspects of climate change. The stop-work orders at those labs not only disappointed researchers, but made much of their work useless. There are many, many millions of dollars of expenditure that will generate nothing now because the work couldnt be finished, said David Tschirley, a professor who was directing another one of those programs, the Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research, Capacity and Influence at Michigan State University, since 2019. Finding new funding for agricultural research Some researchers hope other sources of funding can fill the gaps. Thats where private sector could really step up, said Swati Hegde, a scientist in the Food, Land, and Water Program at the World Resources Institute. From an agricultural point of view, climate change is really scary, with larger and larger regions exposed to temperatures above healthy growing conditions for many crops, said Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer, a multinational biotechnology and pharmaceutical company that invested nearly $3 billion in agricultural research and development last year. However, private companies have their own constraints on R&D investment, and he said Bayer can't invest as much as it would like in that area. I dont think that private industry can replicate" how federal funding typically supports early stage, speculative science, he said, because the economics don't really work. He added that industry tends to be better suited to back ideas that already were validated. Goswami also expressed concerns that private research funding isn't as trackable and transparent as public funding. Others said even sizeable investments from companies don't give anywhere near enough money to match government funding. The full impact may not be apparent for many years, and the damage won't easily be repaired. Experts think it will be a blow in other countries where climate change is already decimating yields, driving hunger and conflict. I really worry that if we dont really look at the global food situation, we will have a disaster, said David Zilberman, a professor at UC Berkeley who won a Wolf Prize in 2019 for his work on agriculture. ___ Officials Demand Public Trial for Assyrian Festival Attacker The assailant behind the attack on Akitu celebrations in Duhok has been identified as a member of ISIS, according to Ashur Sliwa Niqo, a senior official in the Assyrian Democratic Movement. Niqo called for a public trial of the perpetrator, who reportedly shouted ISIS slogans during the assault. "The Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people have celebrated Akitu, the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year, for 6,775 years. Thousands from Kurdistan, Iraq, and beyond, including Europe, the US, and Russia, take part in these festivities," Niqo told Shafaq News. The attack occurred during a 30,000-strong procession that began at St. Mary's Church in Duhok. A man armed with a cleaver attacked a 75-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man, inflicting severe head injuries. Niqo stated that when security forces apprehended the suspect, he was chanting ISIS slogans and making gestures associated with the terrorist group. The Kurdistan Region Security Council later confirmed the attacker was a Syrian national and an ISIS member. Calling the incident the first of its kind since Akitu celebrations began in Duhok in 1992, Niqo urged authorities to publicly disclose the investigation's findings and not dismiss the attack as an isolated incident. He also emphasized the need to enforce laws against hate speech and extremism, warning of the threats such crimes pose to social harmony. Niqo commended security forces for swiftly arresting the attacker and reiterated demands for a transparent public trial. He also extended well wishes to the victims, calling for greater protection of cultural and religious gatherings. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) condemned the attack, stating that a thorough investigation is underway and reaffirming the Region's commitment to peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities. Kurdistan's presidency also condemned that attack, stating, "We strongly condemn the criminal assault that took place in Duhok, injuring two Christian participants." The Presidency reaffirmed the Region's commitment to peaceful coexistence, stressing that "the Region will remain a model of harmony among all communities. Any attempt to undermine this culture of tolerance will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be held accountable under the law." On 2 April US prosecutors announced charges against the alleged leader of the Ecuadorean gang Los Choneros,, alias Fito. End of preview - This article contains approximately 395 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 2 April thousands took to the streets in Haitis capital Port-au-Prince to protest against insecurity and gang violence, calling for the resignation of the nine-member transitional presidential council (TPC) and head of the police (PNdH). End of preview - This article contains approximately 402 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Police in the United States have arrested a man they believe to be the notorious Unabomber who has killed three people and maimed 23 others. The suspect, named as Theodore Kaczynski, was arrested in Montana on Wednesday. Attacks attributed to the Unabomber stretch back 18 years and span the US. The first parcel bomb was sent in May 1978 and the last which killed California Forestry Association president Gilbert Murray was in April last year. Theodore Kaczynski, 53, formerly taught mathematics at the University of California at Berkeley. He is a graduate of Harvard University and received a doctorate from the University of Michigan. Federal agents had long thought the Unabomber would have an academic background. Promising career The Unabomber tag came from a combination of the first letters of many of the targets universities and airlines. He was thought to be motivated by hatred of the capitalist system and technological advances. Mr Kaczynski gave up his promising academic career in the early 1970s and moved to a tiny, primitive shack in a remote area on the edge of the Lolo National Forest in Montana. A neighbour, Dick Lundberg, said he was considered to be a recluse. He kept to himself, never bothered anyone. He never did say anything bad about anybody. We thought he was all right, Mr Lundberg said. A tip-off from members of Theodore Kaczynskis own family is said to have led to his arrest. At the family home in Chicago they discovered notes by Mr Kaczynski which were strikingly similar to the Unabombers manifesto published by the Washington Post and New York Times newspapers last year. The family members believed to be Mr Kaczynskis mother and brother handed the notes over to the FBI. They also allowed their house to be searched during which more evidence is said to have been found. Courtesy BBC News In context In May 1998 Theodore Kaczynski was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. During his trial Kaczynski said the governments case against him was political and admitted no guilt or remorse. Despite a diagnosis of mental illness, he initially resisted using it in his defence. Kaczynski avoided the death penalty after a plea bargain deal but later tried to commit suicide. His younger brother David, who had first contacted the police, received a $1m reward. He said he would use the money to help the Unabombers victims. Up until 2020, Anna Wong had gone her entire adulthood in Los Angeles without ever facing blatantly racist abuse for being Asian. After COVID-19 hit, she was accosted twice in six months. The first time, she was browsing an aisle in Bed Bath & Beyond when a white, 30-something woman suddenly yelled: Six feet away from me, you Chinese witch! A shaken Wong left the store, the woman still yelling after her. The second time, Wong was walking her dog when a passenger in a car a young Hispanic man screamed at her Thanks for ruining the world, followed by an ethnic slur. The first, second year of the pandemic, I do distinctly remember thinking I was very nervous to go out, said Wong, who did not report the incidents to police. Am I going to draw attention to the fact that Im Asian? It seemed unfathomable she was facing such anti-Asian vitriol nearly a century after her aunt, pioneering movie star Anna May Wong, dealt with constant racial discrimination. It was five years ago that pandemic-fueled abuse of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders became so frequent reports spiked 35% from March 2020 to the end of 2021 that a reporting center was formed. Stop AAPI Hate legitimized fears of a concurrent pandemic of xenophobia. The groups data prompted national legislative action, including the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, and galvanized advocacy among young people within the Asian American community. New concerns five years on Five years later, Stop AAPI Hate is receiving fewer incident reports yearly but theyre still happening by the hundreds and are likely an undercount. Now, those still fighting anti-Asian hate are worried it will only intensify in a political climate of immigration crackdowns, English-only mandates and bans on DEI initiatives. During President Donald Trumps first term, many partially blamed him for framing COVID-19 with racist language. Trump said his remarks were not racist at all. Now, there is concern not just about hate but erasure of Asian American and Pacific Islander history and culture. For example, this month the Pentagon mistakenly took down web pages honoring Japanese American servicemen. Whats the opposite of diversity? Its segregation or re-segregation, Manjusha Kulkarni, Stop AAPI Hate co-founder, said, referring to Trumps policies so far. They want to put us people of color, women, LGBTQ sort of back in our place, which means not with access to jobs or housing or ability to celebrate our holidays. The genesis of Stop AAPI Hate Kulkarni, executive director of the AAPI Equity Alliance, Cynthia Choi of Chinese for Affirmative Action, and San Francisco State University professor Russell Jeung came together in 2020 after a Los Angeles teen of Asian descent was assaulted at school. They solicited accounts of hate acts from victims, even those not legally hate crimes. They received a barrage. We said Well, the first thing we need to know and understand is how big of a problem is this, Kulkarni said, adding that she will be eternally grateful that people responded. That helped us to know what was going on. Besides federal hate crimes legislation, Stop AAPI Hates data led to the passing of three California bills. These included expanding civil rights protection in public spaces and studying hate-driven harassment on public transit. Theyve also attempted social media campaigns like Spread AAPI Love, the opposite of their moniker. Even though the pandemic has abated, their data shows racism prevails. From March 2020 to the end of 2023, Stop AAPI Hate collected over 12,000 reports though they believe its likely an undercount. Over 700 occurred in 2023. Figures for 2024 will be released in May. Also in 2023, an AAPI Data and Associated Press-NORC poll found a third of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders say they have experienced an act of abuse based on their race or ethnicity in the last year. An FBI analysis from that year found out of 7,049 reported hate crime offenses motivated by race, ethnicity or ancestry, 6.6% involved anti-Asian bias. Kash Patel, the first person of color and Asian American to be agency director, talked about being subjected to racism during his confirmation hearing. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders activated There was a groundswell of Asian American activism after 2020, according to Stop AAPI Hate. Their 2023 report found nearly 3 in 4 Asian American and Pacific Islander adults participated in activities to reduce or resist racism. William Diep, who was 16 in 2020, was disturbed by attacks he heard about in New York City. So he started a campaign, Virus: Racism. He virtually gathered testimonies from young people about anti-Asian encounters. The project deeply affected him. I learned to stick up for people, said Diep, now a senior at Columbia University. He wonders how advocates can navigate the current political climate and if government resources such as translations or race-based census research will be eliminated. Im scared that theres no one to protect Asian Americans, Diep said. I think Asian Americans protect each other, but I question the infrastructure that exists to protect our rights and our heritage. Stop AAPI Hate does rely on some federal funding. Ideally, neither the government nor any other outside force will be able to dictate or hamper the organizations work. We hope not. I mean, were fighting as hard as we can, Kulkarni said. Now, the coalitions focus has expanded to include educating people about issues like birthright citizenship, cultural school curriculum and immigrants rights. Some Asian legal U.S. residents say they are being targeted for deportation. I hope and strongly believe that our communities are stronger, that were more equipped to handle the challenges of today, which are even more significant than they were in 2020, Kulkarni said. We were built for this and our values remain the same. TERRY TANG, MDT/AP Several associations are urging the government to take immediate action as the increasing stray dog population in Coloane poses risks to public safety and environmental hygiene. The call came after an elderly woman was bitten by a stray dog on R. Marginal da Concordia on Tuesday. She sustained a laceration on her left thigh and was transported to the hospital. Ng Chi Long, vice chairman of the Hac Sa Village Mutual Aid Association, visited the site of the attack and expressed concern over the growing number of stray dogs in the area, as cited in a Macao Daily report. He noted that the location, which is surrounded by sand and mud factories, is relatively remote, making it unclear why the dogs were present there. Ng stressed that the presence of stray dogs in the community cannot be ignored and urged authorities to implement effective measures to control their population. Residents have reported that stray dogs, once primarily found in areas such as Estr. de Cheoc Va and Estr. de Hac Sa, have spread to Seac Pai Van in recent years. According to the association, the surge in the stray dog population is believed to be linked to people feeding them, which has also led to hygiene issues and rodent infestations. Authorities have been urging residents not to feed stray animals while also relocating stray dogs to government kennels and promoting adoption. However, as the problem persists, some have suggested increasing patrols to remove leftover food from feeding sites and launching public awareness campaigns to highlight the risks of feeding stray dogs. Yesterday, the Municipal Affairs Bureau said it has removed nearly 17,000 portions of leftover animal feed, totaling over five tons, from public areas between 2024 and early 2025. Mong Ha Municipal Park alone accounted for 1.7 tons. The waste, mixed with rotting meat and kitchen scraps, has been causing foul odors. With stray animal feeding widespread, officials conduct daily cleanups but struggle with hidden feeding spots, the bureau said. Meanwhile, the Everyone Stray Dogs Macau Volunteer Group said that stray animals may attack people due to past experiences of harm, leading to conditioned defensive behavior, or they may follow humans out of hunger, mistakenly expecting food. Chairman Chan Yin Cheng hopes the government will conduct a census of the regions stray animal population, publicly release the data, and implement scientific management strategies. She also suggests establishing shelters for stray animals or installing electronic feeders in mountainous areas to encourage them to return to their natural habitat for food, aiming to balance human safety and animal welfare. Following the attack, Pui Ching Middle School (Coloane Campus) issued a notice advising parents and students to stay cautious. The school stated that it will continue working with relevant departments to ensure the safety of students and staff. Rescue crews in Myanmar pulled a 26-year-old man out alive from the rubble of the capital city hotel where he worked early yesterday, but most teams were finding only bodies five days after a massive earthquake hit the country. After using an endiscopic camera to pinpoint Naing Lin Tuns location in the rubble and confirm that he was alive, the man was gingerly pulled through a hole jackhammered through a floor and loaded on to a gurney nearly 108 hours after he was trapped in the hotel where he worked. Shirtless and covered in dust, Naing Lin Tun appeared weak but conscious in a video released by the local fire department, as he was fitted with an IV drip and taken away. State-run MRTV reported that the rescue in the city of Naypyitaw was carried out by a Turkish and local team and took more than nine hours. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit midday Friday, toppling thousands of buildings, collapsing bridges and buckling roads. So far, over 2,800 people have been reported dead and another 4,521 injured but local reports suggest much higher figures. The earthquake also rocked neighboring Thailand, causing the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok. One body was removed from the rubble early Wednesday, raising the death total in Bangkok to 22 with 34 injured, primarily at the construction site. Myanmar has been wracked by civil war and the earthquake is making a dire humanitarian crisis even worse, with more than 3 million people displaced from their homes and nearly 20 million in need even before it hit, according to the United Nations. Attack on Chinese Red Cross convoy The Three Brotherhood Alliance, one of a powerful group of militias that has taken a large swath of the country from the military, announced a unilateral one-month ceasefire on Tuesday to facilitate the humanitarian response. The shadow opposition National Unity Government had already called a ceasefire for its forces. But attacks have continued since the quake. Most recently, an opposition militia belonging to the Brotherhood Alliance reported that the military fired on a relief convoy of nine Chinese Red Cross vehicles late Tuesday on a road in the northern part of Shan state near Ohn Ma Tee village. The Taang National Liberation Army said the Chinese Red Cross was bringing supplies to Mandalay and had reported its route to the military. But Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the military regime, told state-run MRTV that the convoy had not notified authorities of its route ahead of time. While not mentioning the Red Cross, he said security forces had fired into the air to deter a convoy that refused to stop near Ohn Ma Tee village, the site of recent fighting with the TNLA. Asked about he incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun did not comment on the attack, but said relief supplies provided by the Red Cross Society of China to Myanmar have arrived in Myanmar and are on the way to Mandalay, adding that rescue personnel and supplies are safe. China is incredibly economically important to Myanmar, and also one of the militarys largest suppliers with weapons, along with Russia. On Tuesday, Tom Andrews, a monitor on rights in Myanmar commissioned by the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council, said on X that military attacks must stop to facilitate aid. The focus in Myanmar must be on saving lives, not taking them, he said. More international aid heads to Myanmar Countries have pledged millions in assistance to help Myanmar and humanitarian aid organizations with the monumental task ahead. Australia on Wednesday said it was providing another $4.5 million, in addition to $1.25 million it had already committed, and had a rapid response team on the ground. India has flown in aid and sent two Navy ships with supplies as well as providing some 200 rescue workers. Multiple other countries have sent teams, including 270 people from China, 212 from Russia and 122 from the United Arab Emirates. A three-person team from the U.S. Agency for International Development arrived Tuesday to determine how best to respond given limited U.S. resources due to the slashing of the foreign aid budget and dismantling of the agency as an independent operation. Washington said on the weekend it would provide $2 million in emergency assistance. Extent of devastation beyond major cities is still unclear Most of the details so far have come from Mandalay, Myanmars second-largest city, which was near the epicenter of the earthquake, and the capital Naypyitaw, about 270 kilometers north of Mandalay. DAVID RISING, BANGKOK, MDt/AP H ooters is going bust. The U.S. restaurant chain, known for chicken wings and its skimpy Hooters Girls wait-staff outfits, has filed for bankruptcy protection. HOA Restaurant Group filed the motion for Chapter 11 protection Monday in the North Texas Bankruptcy Court in Dallas. Its the latest legacy restaurant chain to run into financial trouble amid high food and labor prices, changing customer tastes and growing competition from newer casual chains like Shake Shack. Red Lobster, TGI Fridays and Buca di Beppo all filed for bankruptcy protection last year, while the Tex-Mex chain On the Border filed for bankruptcy protection last month. Under the Hooters bankruptcy plan, 100 company-owned U.S. restaurants would be sold to a group of Hooters franchisees. The franchisees, who include Hooters founders, currently operate 14 of the 30 highest-volume Hooters restaurants in the U.S., the company said. For many years now, the Hooters brand has been owned by private equity firms and other groups with no history or experience with the Hooters brand, Neil Kiefer, CEO of the franchise group Hooters Inc., said in a statement. As a result of these transactions, the Hooters brand will once again be in the hands of highly experienced Hooters franchisees and we will be well-positioned to return this iconic brand to its historic success. The group of buyers said yesterday [Macau time] it wouldnt comment on the deals financial terms. Hooters said franchisees or licensing partners would continue to operate all existing locations, including those outside the U.S. There are approximately 305 Hooters restaurants in 29 states and 17 countries, according to court filings. Hooters, based in Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in Clearwater, Florida, in 1983 by six businessmen with no food service experience who claimed they wanted to run a restaurant they couldnt get kicked out of. But its business strategy has faced challenges over the years, including lawsuits over hiring only Hooters Girls to serve customers. In 2017, the company tried opening a restaurant that didnt feature servers in tight tops as a test of a different approach to its original concept. Last year, Hooters agreed to pay $250,000 to settle a race and color discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. According to the lawsuit, a Hooters in North Carolina laid off 43 employees during the COVID pandemic, but recalled primarily white employees and Black employees with lighter skin tones once it began rehiring workers. The company has also been forced to scale back as its financial woes mounted. In 2019, the Hooters hotel-casino off the Las Vegas Strip was sold to an Indian hotel company and rebranded as the OYO Hotel and Casino. Last year, the company closed around 40 underperforming U.S. locations. Hooters had sponsored the No. 9 NASCAR car driven by Chase Elliott since 2017, but last year, Hendrick Motorsports ended its ties to the longtime sponsor because it was not meeting its financial commitments. ELAINE KURTENBACH, MDT/AP For the first time, the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) and its Hong Kong counterpart, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), have held a joint training program for overseas anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies. According to the CCAC, this three-day training program was presented in Brasilia, Brazils capital, in late March. The CCAC noted that the initiative was started at the ICACs invitation. The program, titled Capacity Building Programme for the Office of the Comptroller General of the Union, Brazil, included over 80 members of several Brazilian anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies. In the training program, Lei Tong Leong, head of the CCACs investigation department, introduced the trainees to Macaus corruption-fighting background, the CCACs functions, and the relevant laws. Cases solved by the CCAC and investigation measures taken were also reviewed. In addition to the views shared by the representatives of the CCAC and the ICAC, the Minister of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in the Federative Republic of Brazil, Jin Hongjun, presented at the program as a special guest and awarded course completion certificates to the trainees. During their trip to Brazil, the CCAC and ICAC representatives also visited several Brazilian agencies, such as the Federal Public Prosecutors Office of Brazil and the Federal Police of Brazil. The CCAC also said this initiative is included in the extension programs and practical exchanges with anti-corruption agencies from Portuguese-speaking countries. Stone tool discovery in China shows people in East Asia were innovating during the Middle Paleolithic, like in Europe and Middle East New technologies today often involve electronic devices that are smaller and smarter than before. During the Middle Paleolithic, when Neanderthals were modern humans neighbors, new technologies meant something quite different: new kinds of stone tools that were smaller but could be used for many tasks and lasted for a long time. Archaeologists like me are interested in the Middle Paleolithic a period spanning 250,000 to 30,000 years ago because it includes the first appearance of our species, our arrival into many parts of the world for the first time, and our invention of many new kinds of stone tools. In our study just published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a team of international collaborators and I describe our discovery in China of the first complete example of a Middle Paleolithic technology previously seen only in Europe and the Middle East. Archaeologists have thought that ancient people in East Asia completely skipped the Middle Paleolithic. Our discovery challenges the long-standing notion that while ancient people in Europe and Africa were inventing new tools during this period, people of East Asia stuck to only the most basic tools that remained unchanged for thousands of years. Quina scrapers helped hunters process kills The tool weve identified is called a Quina scraper. This type of stone tool is well known from archaeological sites in Europe and the Middle East. Quina scrapers are typically quite thick and asymmetrical, with a broad and sharp working edge that shows clear signs of being used and resharpened multiple times. This shape results in durable cutting edges, ideal for long cycles of use followed by resharpening. People used Quina scrapers to scrape and cut soft materials, such as meat and animal skins, and medium-hard materials, such as wood. We know this from tiny scratches and chips on the scrapers that match traces caused by working these materials in experiments using contemporary stone tools. European archaeologists believe that Quina scrapers were invented to meet the needs of highly mobile hunters living in cool and dry climates. These hunters were focused on seasonal migratory prey such as reindeer, giant deer, horse and bison. Quina scrapers would have helped them process their kills into food and other resources for example, to extract marrow. First find of a Quina tool in East Asia Our team, led by Hao Li of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research and Qijun Ruan of the Yunnan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, excavated Quina scrapers and related stone tools from the Longtan archaeological site in southwest China. Our colleague Bo Li at the University of Wollongong used optical luminescence dating methods on the layers of earth that contained the artifacts. This technique can identify how much time has passed since each individual sand grain was last exposed to the Sun. Dating many individual grains in a sample is important because tree roots, insects or other animals can mix younger sediments down into older ones. After we identified and removed intrusive younger grains, we found the layers containing the artifacts were 50,000 to 60,000 years old. This is roughly the same time Quina scrapers were being used in Europe at Neanderthal sites. Keliang Zhao from Chinas Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology looked at pollen grains from the Longtan excavations. He found that the Middle Paleolithic people of Longtan lived in a relatively open forest-grassland environment and a dry and cool climate. This environment is similar to that of Quina sites in Europe. Davide Delpiano, Marco Peresani and Marie-Helene Moncel, experts on European Middle Paleolithic tools, joined our team to help with the comparison of the Chinese and European specimens and confirm their similarities. Helene Monod, from Universidad Rovira i Virgili in Spain, looked at our Quina scrapers under the microscope and found traces on them from scraping and scratching bones, antlers and wood. She also found polish from using the tools on meat, hides and soft plants. Who lived in East Asia during this period? Our new discovery of Quina scrapers joins another recent find of a different kind of Middle Paleolithic technology in East Asia: Levallois tools from Guanyindong Cave in Guizhou Province in south-central China. Levallois tools result from a distinctive multistep sequence that efficiently produces lots of useful cutting tools, with minimal wasted stone. Taken together, these two finds make a strong case that Middle Paleolithic technologies were present in East Asia. But why are we only just finding this Quina tool kit now, when it has been known in Europe for such a long time? One reason is that archaeologists have been looking in Europe for longer than almost anywhere else in the world. Another reason Middle Paleolithic evidence appears rare in East Asia is because what now seem to be less typical variations of the Quina tool kit previously found in China had been overlooked, likely due to archaeologists narrow definitions based on European examples. The Quina tools at Longtan are among the earliest artifacts from that site, which makes it hard for researchers to determine the origins of this new technology. Was it introduced by visitors from Europe? Or did local people in East Asia independently invent it? To answer these questions, we hope to find more Quina scrapers at sites with deeper meaning older layers than Longtan. If older layers hold what look like the remnants of experiments in stone toolmaking that would eventually result in Quina tools, it suggests Quina tools were invented locally. If deeper layers have dissimilar tools, that suggests Quina technology was introduced from a neighboring group. We also hope future work will reveal who made these tools. Our excavations at Longtan did not find any human bone or DNA that could help us identify the toolmakers. During the Middle Paleolithic, there were multiple human species that could make tools like this. It could have been modern humans like us. But it could also have been Neanderthals. Considering that the Quina technology in Europe is directly associated with Neanderthals, this seems likely. But it could also have been Denisovans, an extinct species similar to modern humans found during this time in Siberia, the Tibetan Plateau and Laos, or even a new human species that hasnt been seen before. Whoever was making and using these Quina scrapers, they were able to be inventive and flexible with their technology, adapting to their changing environment. Ben Marwick , University of Washington, MDT/THE CONVERSATION Val Kilmer, the brooding, versatile actor who played fan favorite Iceman in Top Gun, donned a voluminous cape as Batman in Batman Forever and portrayed Jim Morrison in The Doors, has died. He was 65. Kilmer died Tuesday night (yesterday, Macau time) in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, said in an email to The Associated Press. The Times was the first to report his death. Val Kilmer died from pneumonia. He had recovered after a 2014 throat cancer diagnosis that required two tracheotomies. I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed, he says toward the end of Val, the 2021 documentary on his career. And I am blessed. Kilmer, the youngest actor ever accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School at the time he attended, experienced the ups and downs of fame more dramatically than most. His break came in 1984s spy spoof Top Secret! followed by the comedy Real Genius in 1985. Kilmer would later show his comedy chops again in films including MacGruber and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. His movie career hit its zenith in the early 1990s as he made a name for himself as a dashing leading man, starring alongside Kurt Russell and Bill Paxton in 1993s Tombstone, as Elvis ghost in True Romance and as a bank-robbing demolition expert in Michael Manns 1995 film Heat with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. While working with Val on Heat I always marvelled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Vals possessing and expressing character, director Michael Mann said in a statement yesterday. Actor Josh Brolin, a friend of Kilmer, was among others paying tribute. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker, Brolin wrote on Instagram. Theres not a lot left of those. Kilmer who took part in the Method branch of Suzuki arts training threw himself into parts. When he played Doc Holliday in Tombstone, he filled his bed with ice for the final scene to mimic the feeling of dying from tuberculosis. To play Morrison, he wore leather pants all the time, asked castmates and crew to only refer to him as Jim Morrison and blasted The Doors for a year. That intensity also gave Kilmer a reputation that he was difficult to work with, something he grudgingly agreed with later in life, but always defending himself by emphasizing art over commerce. In an unflinching attempt to empower directors, actors and other collaborators to honor the truth and essence of each project, an attempt to breathe Suzukian life into a myriad of Hollywood moments, I had been deemed difficult and alienated the head of every major studio, he wrote in his memoir, Im Your Huckleberry. One of his more iconic roles hotshot pilot Tom Iceman Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise almost didnt happen. Kilmer was courted by director Tony Scott for Top Gun but initially balked. I didnt want the part. I didnt care about the film. The story didnt interest me, he wrote in his memoir. He agreed after being promised that his role would improve from the initial script. He would reprise the role in the films 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. One career nadir was playing Batman in Joel Schumachers goofy, garish Batman Forever with Nicole Kidman and opposite Chris ODonnells Robin before George Clooney took up the mantle for 1997s Batman & Robin and after Michael Keaton played the Dark Knight in 1989s Batman and 1992s Batman Returns. Janet Maslin in The New York Times said Kilmer was hamstrung by the straight-man aspects of the role, while Roger Ebert deadpanned that he was a completely acceptable substitute for Keaton. Kilmer, who was one and done as Batman, blamed much of his performance on the suit. When youre in it, you can barely move and people have to help you stand up and sit down, Kilmer said in Val, in lines spoken by his son Jack, who voiced the part of his father in the film because of his inability to speak. You also cant hear anything and after a while people stop talking to you, its very isolating. It was a struggle for me to get a performance past the suit, and it was frustrating until I realized that my role in the film was just to show up and stand where I was told to. His next projects were the film version of the 1960s TV series The Saint fussily putting on wigs, accents and glasses and The Island of Dr. Moreau with Marlon Brando, which became one of the decades most infamously cursed productions. David Gregorys 2014 documentary Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanleys Island of Dr. Moreau, described a cursed set that included a hurricane, Kilmer bullying director Richard Stanley, the firing of Stanley via fax (who sneaked back on set as an extra with a mask on) and extensive rewrites by Kilmer and Brando. The older actor told the younger at one point: Its a job now, Val. A lark. Well get through it. I was as sad as Ive ever been on a set, Kilmer wrote in his memoir. MARK KENNEDY, LOS ANGELES, MDT/AP Donald Trumps sweeping tariff announcements have set the cat amongst the pigeons in the world market. In France, the hypocritical establishment is celebrating the sentencing of right-wing demagogue Marine Le Pen in court on flimsy charges. Meanwhile in the Middle East, the leader of the PKK has called on its Kurdish guerilla fighters to lay down their arms. Globalisation is now rapidly unravelling, with tariffs threatening to dramatically tear up supply chains internationally. But any attempt by the US or other powers to export the burden of their crisis-ridden economies through protectionism will do nothing to solve the fundamental bankruptcy of the capitalist system. Meanwhile, although the liberal establishment wax lyrical about the virtues of democracy, they have shown themselves time and again to be perfectly willing to give up on these treasured principles if it suits them. In the US, Romania and now also in France, maverick candidates outside of the traditional political elite have been targeted by legal campaigns and accusations of corruption. While we do not agree with Le Pen, communists have a duty to call out the rank hypocrisy of the liberals that accuse her and similar figures of threatening democracy. For some time, the struggle for Kurdish self-determination has inspired many on the left internationally. The PKK, the main military and political force among Kurds, however, has now been called upon by its leadership to lay down their arms. This is an utter capitulation on the part of the PKK leaders and represents a policy of capitulation to capitalism and imperialism, rather than the struggle against them. The greatest tools in a communists arsenal are our ideas. Without these it is too easy to get caught up in the constant whirlwind of events facing us in the world today. To untangle some of this weeks biggest news stories, and get to the essence of these events, Fred Weston and Hamid Alizadeh from the International Secretariat of the Revolutionary Communist International met for another episode of Against the Stream, the weekly current affairs podcast of the RCI. This episode premiered on YouTube. Tune in every Thursday at 6pm GMT, or catch up on Spotify or Apple Music. McDowell Technical Community College has plans to build a new health sciences and public safety education facility. How the building will be paid for over the next three years is still up in the air. Both the trustees of McDowell Technical Community College and the McDowell County Board of Commissioners are working together to meet the colleges needs. On Tuesday, some of the McDowell Tech trustees and commissioners held a joint meeting at the Workforce Education Center in Old Fort. During the meeting, J.W. Kelley, president of McDowell Tech, said the college has seen growth in enrollment. It is getting to the point where MTCC will need to hold three graduation ceremonies in one year to accommodate the students getting their diplomas, he said. To accommodate and continue growth, the college plans to build and expand. County governments in North Carolina are largely responsible for construction, maintenance and other upkeep for community college facilities, as dictated by N.C. General Statutes. This coming year, the college is planning to grow the trail school at the Old Fort location. This year, McDowell Tech is working on Building Five, which houses automotive systems technology. Both the roof and the HVAC systems will be fixed, Kelley said. The restrooms in the colleges older buildings need to be upgraded and the parking lots need attention as well, he said. The next fiscal year of 2025-2026, the college is asking for $1,284,950 in county money for operations and $265,000 in county money for capital needs. The college is making a special request of $25,000 for books and $25,000 for supplements for college employees. This is similar to the teacher supplements which are provided to school system instructors. We are grateful for what you do for us, he said to the commissioners. After 2025-26, the amount of county money needed will rise with the construction of a new building to house programs for health sciences and public safety education. This new facility will allow the college to expand class offerings and provide space and equipment for enhanced instruction in its basic law enforcement classes as well as public safety classes for corrections employees, emergency medical service employees, fire and rescue workers and others. Expanding health science facilities will allow the college to increase the number of students in the associate degree and practical nursing education programs to a total of 90 students per year. The demand for graduates of these programs is at all-time highs, with an equal level of student interest in the programs, according to the college. The new building will also allow for more clinical simulation, so that nursing and other health science programs can gain practical experience before entering hospital or other emergency settings working with live patients. It will also provide gymnasium space for general physical education classes and physical agility testing for law enforcement officers, according to previous stories in The McDowell News. The proposal for the new Health Sciences and Public Safety Building arose out of surveys and research for the colleges latest facilities master plan, passed by the MTCC board of trustees in March 2022. The new building was identified as a top priority, according to previous stories in The McDowell News. Beyond the health science and public safety classes to be housed in the new facility, completion of the new building will have secondary benefits for two early colleges already co-located at McDowell Tech McDowell Early College and McDowell Academy for Innovation. As health sciences and public safety programs vacate existing space and move into the new building, classrooms for each of the early colleges can become more centralized in what for them will be newer space. Currently, early college classes are scattered throughout some of the oldest buildings on campus, according to previous stories in The McDowell News. The college has set a January 2028 move in date for the new 50,000-square-foot building. In 2023, the state announced it will provide $25,250,000 for the colleges proposed building. With the cost of construction rising, there is still $10 million needed to build, Kelley said. McDowell Tech officials have met with local state lawmakers. Lawmakers are supportive of more state funding to cover the shortfall so the planned building can be built without any loss of square footage, said Michael Lavender, director of communications for the college. We are hopeful the legislature will fund some or all of that, Lavender said. In the meantime, McDowell Tech will work with the architect and the contractor to try to lower the cost for this building. McDowell Tech trustee Robert Ayers said it will be the first building when people drive onto the campus. It will be a building you can be proud of, he said. The state money will reduce the money needed from McDowell County, but the funding the college needed is expected to go up over the next three years. For the fiscal year of 2026-2027, the college is projecting a request of $1,310,649 in county money for operations and $265,000 in county money for capital needs. The college is expecting another special request of $25,000 for books and $25,000 for supplements. For the fiscal year of 2027-2028, the college is projecting a request of $1,557,432 in county money for operations and $265,000 in county money for capital needs. The college is expecting another special request of $25,000 for books and $25,000 for supplements. For the fiscal year of 2028-2029, the college is projecting $1,808,632 in county money for operations and $265,000 in county money for capital needs. The college is expecting another special request of $25,000 for books and $25,000 for supplements. The year 2028-2029 would be the full year of expenses for the new building. At the end of the meeting, both college trustees and commissioners agreed to go back to their entire boards and discuss the matter with their other members. One possibility to bring in money would be an increase of the local sales tax, but that would require a vote. County officials said a sales tax increase is unpopular with voters. Nothing has happened yet, McDowell County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tony Brown said after the meeting. It is really early in this discussion. By Sergey Sukhankin In early January 2025, operations at the uranium-producing Kazakhstan-based Joint Venture Inkai LLP (JV Inkai) were temporarily halted the venture, established in the early 1990s, has been jointly managed by Kazatomprom (which holds a 60 percent stake) and the Canadian company Cameco (with 40 percent) resulting in a brief decline in the share prices of both firms in New York and evident concern among Canadian investors. After a short interruption, activities at Inkai resumed without disruption. This event though seemingly a minor occurrence that largely escaped the attention of many analysts reflects broader and more concerning trends (particularly for the West) emerging within the global uranium market, in which Kazakhstan plays a pivotal role. Photo source: NAC Kazatomprom JSC BACKGROUND: The strategic significance of uranium extends well beyond its military applications. The rapidly increasing global interest in nuclear energyamong both economically advanced and developing countriesis contributing to uraniums emergence as a commodity of critical strategic value. According to estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA), in addition to the existing 420 nuclear reactors worldwide, 63 new reactors are currently under construction, and the operational lifespan of a further 60 reactors is being extended. As a result, uranium's importance is projected to grow steadily in the years ahead. The present and future stability of the global nuclear energy sector is therefore highly contingent upon reliable access to substantial, readily extractable uranium reserves located in politically stable and predictable nations. It is precisely in this context, however, that significant challenges begin to surface. Following the onset of Russias aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, Western access to two critical sources of both enriched and unenriched uranium has been partially obstructed. U.S. sanctions targeting Russian uranium have jeopardized U.S. access to this supply, while geopolitical instabilitymarked by a pronounced anti-Western orientationin Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Niger, has effectively severed Frances access to locally sourced unenriched uranium. Exacerbating this situation, other major African uranium producers, including Namibia and Tanzania, are increasingly inclined to cooperate with Russia and China in uranium extraction activities. This emerging alignment places them in growing opposition to Western companies and their strategic interests. At present, the already limited list of geopolitically stable, world-class uranium-producing nations has effectively narrowed to just three: Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia. Among them, Kazakhstan stands as the global leader in the production of unenriched uranium, accounting for over 40 percent of total global output, and ranks as the second-largest country in terms of uranium reserves. The primary concern lies in the fact that, despite its considerable wealth in natural resources, Kazakhstan is unable to fully leverage its vast resource potential. The country remains heavily dependent on two dominant geopolitical actorsRussia and Chinaboth of which exert significant influence over the direction and development of Kazakhstans uranium-producing sector. Most critically, these two states maintain increasingly strained relations with the West. Consequently, certain Kazakhstan-based analysts have voiced suspicions that the underlying cause of the operational halt at Inkai was pressure exerted by Russia, allegedly in response to Kazakhstans post-2022 efforts to alter the logistics of its uranium exports by decreasing reliance on Russian transit routes and instead utilizing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (commonly referred to as the Middle Corridor) as an alternative to exporting uranium through Russian territory. IMPLICATIONS: The global uranium industry is currently characterized by rapidly increasing demand alongside growing uncertainty regarding the reliability of supply, driven largely by global and regional geopolitical disruptions. Within this context, Kazakhstans role as a resource-rich and historically stable supplier of uranium has acquired a qualitatively new significance. Notably, Kazakh authorities have publicly committed to boosting uranium production in 2025 and to diversifying both their export destinations and logistical routes, aiming to reduce the country's reliance on Russia. Nevertheless, the Inkai incidentwhich allegedly represents only the visible portion of deeper structural dynamics affecting Kazakhstans uranium sectorraises three key concerns. First, can Kazakhstan successfully restructure its existing logistical routes and thereby reduce its strategic dependence on Russia? On the surface, such a shift appears feasible. According to statistics provided by Kazakh authorities, the country has made tangible progress in increasing uranium shipments through the Middle Corridor. Available data indicate that approximately 64 percent of West-bound uranium exports are now transported via this route. Moreover, Kazakhstan has also expanded its uranium exports to Western markets, with shipments destined for the United States gaining particular prominence. The reality, however, appears significantly more complex. Despite recent efforts to diversify transit routes, a substantial portion of Kazakhstans uranium exports continues to be transported through Russian territory. Furthermore, Russias state-owned corporation Rosatom maintains (in)direct control over at least five of Kazakhstans fourteen major uranium production sites, reinforcing Russias strategic influence over the sector. In addition, the Middle Corridor presents notable challenges. Geopolitically, Georgiaan essential transit country along the routeoccupies a critical position, and its political leadership has demonstrated increasing alignment with Moscow, potentially complicating matters should Russo-Western relations further deteriorate. From a logistical standpoint, representatives of the Canadian firm Cameco have expressed concerns, stating that the Middle Corridor has proven to be neither reliable nor predictable, due to the complex network of countries traversed and the numerous permits required for transit. Compounding these challenges is the apparent ambivalence within Kazakhstan regarding the exclusion of Russia from its current uranium transportation framework. Specifically, Kazakh officials have indicated that the country does not intend to significantly expand the use of the Middle Corridor for uranium exports. Additionally, many Kazakhstan-based experts express skepticism about any prospective reduction in cooperation with Rosatom (i.e., Russia). On the contrary, a prevailing view among these analysts is that bilateral collaboration in the uranium sector is likely to deepen in the future. Second, what is the actual role of China in Kazakhstans uranium industry and how will this role evolve? At present, China is the worlds second-largest consumer of uranium, following the United States, and its demand is expected to continue rising. Kazakhstan serves as Chinas primary source of uranium: according to several studies, over half of Kazakhstans uranium output is currently exported to China, with some estimates suggesting this figure may be as high as 60 percent. This situation, as noted by representatives of major Western uranium-related enterprises, raises concerns about reduced availability for Western markets, potentially exacerbating global supply constraints, a challenge that is already beginning to manifest within the industry. Rosatom-affiliated Uranium One Group recently concluded an agreement with the Chinese firm SNURDC Astana Mining Company Limited, a subsidiary of the State Nuclear Uranium Resources Development Co., Ltd. Under this arrangement, the Russian side transferred its shares in uranium-producing sites located in Northern Kazakhstan (Northern Khorasan) to its Chinese counterparts. At present, there is no consensus among experts regarding Chinas rationale for acquiring stakes in what is considered a relatively depleted and comparatively minor uranium production site. While some analysts contend that the acquisition primarily serves Chinas geoeconomic objectivesparticularly in light of projections indicating a substantial increase in the countrys uranium consumption over the coming yearsothers emphasize a more overtly geopolitical dimension to Chinas actions. Notably, Stanislav Pritchin of the Central Asia Department at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences has drawn attention to Chinas established practice of acquiring unpromising oil and natural gas deposits. In his view, such acquisitions function as instruments for expanding Chinas strategic presence within the host country. Third, what is the future role of Western companies in Kazakhstans uranium industry? Given that neither China nor Russia appears willing to reduce their involvement in the sectorthereby sustaining Kazakhstans strategic dependency on both actorsserious concerns have emerged regarding the potential marginalization or even eventual withdrawal of Western firms from the countrys uranium landscape. Indeed, some Kazakhstan-based experts have implicitly acknowledged a widely discussed notion circulating in Western policy and business circles: the ongoing bifurcation of the global uranium industry. This refers to the emergence of a distinct segmentation of uranium supply chains along geopolitical lines, with one stream aligned with the West and the other with the China-led bloc. Within this context, it is feared that Kazakhstan may ultimately be compelled to align more closely with the latter and reduce its cooperation with Western partners accordingly. Undoubtedly, such a scenario would only be likely to materialize in the event of a further deterioration in political and economic relations between China (and, under certain conditions, Russia) and their Western counterparts. While this scenario remains hypothetical at present, it is by no means implausible. CONCLUSION: Although Kazakhstan and its political leadership have expressed strong interest in expanding foreignparticularly Westernparticipation in the countrys uranium industry, the influence of external geopolitical dynamics cannot be overlooked. As uranium increasingly assumes a role in the global energy mix comparable to that historically occupied by fossil fuels, the issue of access to and supply of this resource has transcended purely economic considerations and has firmly entered the realm of geopolitics. In light of the intensifying geopolitical competition between East and West over access to emerging markets and spheres of influence, it is conceivable that China and its strategic partners may seek to curtail Western access to Kazakhstan-based uraniummirroring developments in Sub-Saharan Africa, where Western firms are increasingly being displaced from uranium-related ventures. To avert a potential supply shockakin to that experienced in the oil and natural gas sector following Russias attempt, in the aftermath of February 2022, to weaponize hydrocarbon exports as a means of exerting geopolitical pressure on the Westit is imperative that Western companies (and, arguably, governments) begin to explore alternative uranium sources to sustain their nuclear energy agendas. Given the small number of globally significant suppliers, increased attention should be directed toward Canada and Australia, which possess substantial uranium reserves and are regarded as geopolitically stable and reliable partners. AUTHOR BIO: Dr. Sergey Sukhankin is a Senior Fellow at the Jamestown Foundation and the Saratoga Foundation (both Washington DC) and a Fellow at the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (Canada). He teaches international business at MacEwan School of Business (Edmonton, Canada). Currently he is a postdoctoral fellow at the Canadian Maritime Security Network (CMSN). This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's involve progressive neuronal loss due to disease-induced damage. An enzyme known as dual leucine-zipper kinase (DLK) plays a key role in this process, telling neurons that are damaged or unhealthy when they should cut their losses and self-destruct. Hence, sparing neurons from DLK is an attractive therapeutic strategy that could slow disease progression. Past attempts to inhibit DLK's action in human patients, however, have led to unexpected side effects affecting the nervous system, suggesting that DLK also has beneficial effects on neurons and that blocking it indiscriminately is harmful. Now, in a study published in Nature Communications, a group of scientists led by Gareth Thomas, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Neural Sciences in the Center for Neural Development and Repair at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, describes a more precise way to block DLK in damaged neurons, while preserving its function in healthy neurons. The research reignites interest in DLK inhibition as a treatment strategy for neurodegenerative disease at a critical time, as cases of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other conditions associated with neurodegeneration are poised to double by 2040. "This study exemplifies the innovative spirit and collaborative strength of our research community at the Katz School of Medicine," said Amy J. Goldberg, MD, FACS, The Marjorie Joy Katz Dean of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine. "By uncovering a more precise way to protect neurons, Dr. Thomas and his team are paving the way for treatments that could truly change the trajectory of neurodegenerative diseases." In designing their breakthrough approach, Dr. Thomas's team considered the way damage affects axonsthe long, thin projections on neurons that convey impulses within the brain and spinal cord and to other regions of the body. When axons are damaged, DLK sends signals from the site of injury in the axon back to the neuron's nucleus, which triggers the self-destruction process. Previous attempts to completely block the enzymatic activity of DLK caused the development of severe sensory neuropathy in patients. "This clinical finding suggested that the conventional DLK inhibitor might be disrupting the normal structure and function of axons," explained Dr. Thomas. Confirming this idea, when his team treated cultured neurons with an existing DLK inhibitor, they indeed saw that axonal structure was rapidly disrupted. This inspired them to seek an alternative approach to more selectively block the enzyme. "From some of our previous research, we knew that DLK initiates self-destruction signals from very specific locations in neurons," Dr. Thomas said. "We thought that if we could stop DLK getting to those locations, it wouldn't be able to initiate the self-destruction process." Working with Dr. Wayne Childers at the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery in Temple's School of Pharmacy and with Dr. Margret Einarson at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Dr. Thomas's team sought to identify compounds that alter the location of DLK in cells. "We screened more than 28,000 compounds and eventually hit on two in particular that protect neurons from DLK-driven damage," Dr. Thomas said. The two compounds not only protected cultured neurons from degeneration but also reduced DLK signaling in animal models. Very importantly, they did not cause the axonal disruption that they saw with the conventional DLK inhibitor. "Our findings reveal an exciting, novel way to block DLK-dependent signals," Dr. Thomas said. Next steps involve working with medicinal chemists to make the compounds more potent and even more specific to minimize off-target effects. "The current compounds also need to be made more stable if we want to move forward and develop them as drugs. We hope that moving this class of compounds toward the clinic may yield a valuable therapy for patients in the future," he added. Other researchers who contributed to the study include Xiaotian Zhang, Heykyeong Jeong, Jingwen Niu, Sabrina M. Holland, and Brittany N. Rotanz, Center for Neural Development and Repair, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University; and John Gordon, Moulder Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmacy, Temple University. More information: Inhibiting acute, axonal DLK palmitoylation is neuroprotective and avoids deleterious effects of cell-wide DLK inhibition, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58036-6 Journal information: Nature Communications This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The longtime leader of a federal health program for 9/11 survivors and first responders has been fired, worrying many advocates and lawmakers. The program serves more than 100,000 people. Dr. John Howard, head of the World Trade Center Health Program, lost his job during a wave of government job cuts ordered by U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Trump administration says these cuts are part of efforts to reduce the size of the federal workforce. The program is run by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), where Howard also served as director. While the program's 86 full-time staff were not affected, hundreds of NIOSH employees were let goincluding many doctors and scientists who supported the program for years, The Washington Post reported. Advocates say these cuts could hurt the program's ability to care for sick responders and survivors. "It's just wrong that we are spending time and energy on this," Benjamin Chevat, an advocate for 9/11 survivors and first responders who helped create the program, told The Post. "It could have been avoided if they had spent 10 minutes calling Dr. Howard up." An HHS spokesperson did not comment directly on Howard's removal, but said the program's work will continue. "HHS' reorganization will allow the program to better serve these individuals in a more efficient way," spokesperson Vianca Rodriguez Feliciano said. Rep. Andrew Garbarino of New York met with White House officials to express concern. "They understand that this is a top priority and are treating it with a sense of urgency," Garbarino said. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York also expressed their concerns. "Slashing staff who are essential to the operation of the World Trade Center Health Program will devastate our ability to provide sick responders and survivors with the care they need," Gillibrand said. Howard led the program for more than 10 years and was seen by many as the heart of the operation. He was first appointed to NIOSH in 2002 and helped shape the government's health response after the 9/11 attacks. He was reappointed multiple times under both administrations, The Post reported. "He's the father of the program," Don Mihalek, executive vice president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation, said of Howard. Mihalek, a former Secret Service agent, has been part of the program since it started. "My hope is that this was an unforced error, and that on reflection Secretary Kennedy will say, "Wait, what did we just do," and fix it," Mihalek said to The Post. Even if it was an accident, he added, "it causes needless drama." Earlier this year, the administration reversed a decision to cut the program's funding after backlash from both parties. More information: Learn more about the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Health experts are warning that whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is making a dangerous comeback. Cases are rising across the country, and Louisiana recently reported that two infants have diedthe state's first deaths from the illness since 2018. "For infants, it's really rather terrifying," Dr. John Schieffelin, an associate professor of pediatrics at Tulane University, told CNN. "They're just coughing so much, they can't eat, they can't drink, and they often get a pneumonia, which means we have to put them on a ventilator. They just never stop coughing." Whooping cough is a contagious illness that causes long, painful coughing fits. Many have to be placed on ventilators due to pneumonia and nonstop coughing, Schieffelin added. So far this year, Louisiana has reported 110 cases of pertussis. That's close to the 154 total cases reported for all of 2024, CNN reported. The U.S. saw more than 35,000 cases last yearthe most in over 10 years. Ten people also died, including six babies under 1 year old, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Experts say that low vaccination rates and fading immunity are driving the surge. "When you start to see these outbreaks it tends to be as a result of that increased circulation of the microbe in the community, as well as populations with no immunity or reduced immunity that are susceptible to the infection," Lisa Morici, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane University School of Medicine, told CNN. Children should get the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, or DTaP, vaccine at 2, 4, 6 and 1518 months, and again at 4 to 6 years of age. A booster (Tdap) is recommended at age 11 or 12, and again every 10 years for adults, according to the CDC. Pregnant women are urged to get the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester. This helps protect babies too young to get vaccinated, according to the CDC. The CDC says this prevents 78% of cases in newborns and is 91% effective at preventing hospital stays. Schieffelin also recommends "cocooning," a tactic in which family members and caregivers get vaccinated to help protect infants. Declining vaccination rates are a big concern, experts say. Fewer kindergartners in the U.S. are getting the DTaP shots, leaving many kids at risk. Some experts also blame a lack of access to care. "Especially in a state like Louisiana, we've got a lot of poverty. We've got a lot of rural populations, and not everyone has access to regular medical care," Jennifer Herricks, founder of Louisiana Families for Vaccines, told CNN. Some are also worried about the messages about vaccination that are coming from the government. "The State of Louisiana and [Louisiana Department of Health] have historically promoted vaccines for vaccine preventable illnesses through our parish health units, community health fairs, partnerships and media campaigns," state Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham wrote in a memo. "While we encourage each patient to discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their provider, LDH will no longer promote mass vaccination." Dr. Jennifer Avegno, director of the New Orleans Health Department, warned about the consequences. "When you cast aspersions or doubt about the safety and efficacy of one vaccine, I think it really has a ripple effect for all vaccines," she noted. Abraham has since shared pertussis vaccine guidance online, but Avegno fears that it may be too late. "I've been encouraged that our state Department of Health is putting out good messaging about pertussis, but I worry that it's going to get sort of lost in the in the shuffle," Avegno said. "It's may be too little, too late." More information: The Mayo Clinic has more information on whooping cough. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dr Simone Marino with the Choir from InCasa Aged Care and Community Services. Credit: Edith Cowan University An innovative Edith Cowan University (ECU) research project is using the power of music and storytelling to support the well-being of older Italian migrants, including those living with dementia. The Comusichiamo project, led by Edith Cowan University (ECU) Post Doctoral Research Fellow Dr. Simone Marino, engages participants and their families in co-creating songs inspired by melodies from their past, while also developing life-story booklets that integrate their first language and memories. The aim of these activities, combined with group choir sessions, is to maintain cognitive function, reinforce social identity, and enhance overall well-being. Dr. Marino said music has the power to unlock deep-seated memories, especially when it is culturally meaningful. "For many Italian migrants, singing traditional songs or hearing familiar instruments evokes emotions and memories that reconnect them with their past and strengthen their sense of self." The paper is published in the Journal of Intercultural Studies. Enhancing well-being through music and storytelling The Comusichiamo program, based at InCasa, an aged care home and community center near Fremantle, involves 12 participants in individual sessions and about 30 people in group choir activities. "Co-creating culturally tailored songs and life-story booklets in participants' first language improves mood, enhances physical and social engagement, and fosters better communication," Dr. Marino said. "And singing in the choir reinforces a sense of belonging, strengthening social bonds and encouraging emotional expression, and brings laughter and joy. "This shared experience not only promotes cognitive stimulation but also restores a sense of agency, as participants actively shape their own cultural and emotional narratives." Music as a cultural anchor Dr. Marino's inspiration for Comusichiamo is both professional and personal. "I witnessed my Italian grandfather, Nonno Nino, experience cognitive decline, yet he would light up when telling stories from the war," Dr. Marino said. "This, along with my own experiences as an immigrant and researcher among Italian migrants in Australia, led me to explore how cultural engagement can play a vital role in dementia care." A fresh approach to dementia care In 2021, an estimated 472,000 Australians were living with dementia, with the number projected to increase to more than a million people by 2058. And as one in three people over 65 are born overseas, those with dementia include people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds. Dr. Marino said initiatives like Comusichiamo can provide crucial insights into how aged care can be more inclusive and responsive to diverse cultural backgrounds. "By focusing on cultural safety and identity, Comusichiamo offers a non-pharmacological approach to dementia careone that prioritizes connection, dignity, and quality of life," he said. "Too often, aged care services overlook the cultural aspects of dementia care. This research highlights the important role of music and storytelling in maintaining connection and well-being, offering an approach that is not only therapeutic but deeply meaningful." The project emerged from discussions with leading migration researcher, ECU Professor Loretta Baldassar in 2019 and was initially piloted in aged care facilities in Adelaide, before expanding to Western Australia in 2023. It's currently continuing and expanding, collaborating under the supervision of Professor Narelle Lemon at ECU's School of Education, the research is deepening its focus on well-being. More information: Simone Marino et al, Comusichiamo . First Language, Life-Soundtracks and Storytelling to Support the Cultural Wellbeing of Migrants Living with Dementia, Journal of Intercultural Studies (2024). DOI: 10.1080/07256868.2024.2418601 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain When epidemiologist Sophia Newcomer tries to evaluate how well Montana might be able to ward off the measles outbreak spreading across the U.S., she doesn't have much data to work with. A federal state-by-state survey last year showed that just over 86% of Montana's 2-year-olds had recently received the measles, mumps, and rubella immunization. That figure has decreased in recent years, according to earlier surveys, and Newcomer, an associate professor at the University of Montana, said the latest rate is "well below" the ideal 95% threshold for community protection against highly contagious diseases. But beyond that statewide estimate, information about Montana's local and regional immunization trends is hard to come by. State officials no longer collect aggregated vaccination reports from schools and childcare centers, or the included data about medical and religious exemptions. The administration of Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte discontinued the practice after he signed a 2021 bill striking the requirement. The last of the localized reports were from the 201819 school year, before the disruptions of COVID-19. Without the information, Newcomer said, local and state officials have struggled to strategically prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable disease. "State averages are helpful, but really drilling down to county level or smaller geographic levels is really what we need to assess the risk of outbreaks," she said. Montana is the only state that no longer collects immunization reports from local schools, creating a data gap for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The information shortage also affects city and county health officials who may not have their own data-sharing agreements with school districts. Supporters of the 2021 measure to stop collecting data said they were aiming to protect students' personally identifiable information and medical records and did not intend to cancel the reporting system in its entirety. "I wasn't trying to bomb the system. I was just trying to make sure children had their privacy respected," said Jennifer Carlson, a former Republican legislator and the sponsor of the bill the state health department cites as the reason for discontinuing the data collection. State lawmakers are considering a bill to undo the 2021 policy, while keeping privacy protections for individual student records. After stalling earlier this session, the Democratic-sponsored HB 364 advanced in March with bipartisan support, clearing the House with a 6631 vote. The bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Melody Cunningham has also received support from the state health department, an agency within the Gianforte administration. Republican Rep. John Fitzpatrick said that he believes the bill is good policy for the state. "It's important that public health authorities have access to aggregate information so they can track where vaccinations are not being used," he said. Montana hasn't confirmed a case of measles since 1990. But with more than 480 cases reported across Texas, New Mexico, and 17 other states, one child confirmed to have died from the disease, and another death under investigation, Newcomer said she and other disease experts are "on edge" about Montana's defenses. Three cases have been confirmed in March south of Calgary, in the Canadian province of Alberta, which shares a border with Montana. "I like to say that when vaccination rates drop in a community, it is not a question of if. It's a question of when measles is going to come, because it is so incredibly contagious," said David Higgins, a pediatrician and researcher at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Higgins used to work in Montana when the law requiring schools and state officials to share data was still in place. He said he's disappointed in the 2021 rollback, given how outbreaks begin at the hyperlocal level. "When community leaders don't have a good understanding of the local level of vaccination and community immunity, that's a significant challenge," Higgins said. "They're hamstrung without having that data readily available." Measles is one of the world's most contagious diseases, according to the World Health Organization, much more so than COVID. It can be very dangerous, especially for infants and children under 5 who have not completed the two-dose vaccination series. Infectious particles can hang in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. People carrying the virus can spread it up to four days before they begin showing symptoms. "If we do have a measles case arrive in Montana, and particularly if it arrives in a community that has low vaccination coverage, we're going to see spread over like a multi-week or even multi-month period," Newcomer said. "So an unvaccinated person can get sick simply by going into a school, store, or home where someone infected with measles recently was." The infection can have short-term and long-term consequences for people who are not immunized, including encephalitis, pneumonia, deafness, blindness, and death. State and community health departments have been advertising free MMR vaccinations at clinics throughout the state for anyone who needs them. While HB 364 is aimed at increasing data collection, other vaccine measures in the state legislature are advancing that would make it easier for children to be exempted from standard immunizations required to attend schools or child care centers. A recent version of SB 474, which has been amended several times, would create an "informed consent" exemption in which a parent or guardian could decline immunizations for school-age children without stating a reason. Supporters of the bill said that some families struggle to receive exemptions on the grounds of religious beliefs or medical causes and want broader flexibility to opt out of requisite vaccinations against measles and other infectious diseases, such as pertussis. According to Montana's most recent reporting, from the 2018-19 school year, roughly 3% of children in public schools had a religious or medical exemption. SB 474 also would strike another part of state law that allows schools and day cares to deny admission to children because they are unvaccinated, an exemption included in a 2021 law aimed at protecting unvaccinated people from discrimination. The lawmaker sponsoring the current bill called the carve-out for schools and day cares an "aberration" in Montana law. "There's no reason that they should be discriminating based on vaccine status," Republican Sen. Daniel Emrich said during a March debate on the Senate floor. Emrich and others framed the bill as enabling individual decision-making around vaccinations based on how well a parent knows their own child. "Vaccines are pretty effective," Emrich said. "If you're concerned about unvaccinated children, you have the option to get your kid a vaccine to protect them in whatever way you want. This bill is really about choice." During the debate, opponents of the bill contended that the lower Montana's overall immunization rate drops, the more at risk many community members are, including those who, because of age or medical issues, can't be vaccinated. Sen. Cora Neumann, a Democrat representing Bozeman, said that vaccinated Montanans, including children, are acting as "shields" against contagious diseases like measles and pertussis. But if vaccination rates continue to drop, Neumann said, that protection will only get weaker. "We just saw a kid die of measles [in Texas]. It's going to continue, and it is going to be scary. It is going to be deadly," Neumann said. "It feels like a luxury right now. We can choose. It is not going to be if we continue down this path." The bill passed the state Senate on a 2821 vote. It is now under consideration in the House. 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Syringes. Credit: Dr. Edward Murphy More than two-fifths of Oregon community pharmacies require a prescription to purchase syringes, even though they can be sold over the counter, creating an access barrier that could exacerbate the spread of bloodborne diseases like hepatitis C. Oregon State University researchers conducted a telephone survey of more than 400 pharmacies in Oregon and learned that 43% of them were unwilling to sell a 10-pack of syringes to someone without a prescription. The scientists say the study was the largest to date on community pharmacy syringe access, and the unwillingness to sell was somewhat surprisingly most pronounced in urban areas of the state. Beyond being an inconvenienceto patients with diabetes and other conditions requiring regular injections, to pet owners needing to administer shots to their animals, and to hobbyists who use syringes for a range of non-medical purposesthe findings have important public health implications in a state with one of the highest rates of hepatitis C infection, the scientists say. Injection drug use, fueled in large part by the ongoing opioid epidemic, is a primary means of transmission for the hepatitis C virus, notes Adriane Irwin of the OSU College of Pharmacy. Access to sterile syringes is a key to giving people with substance-use disorders a chance to stay as safe as possible as they work toward recovery, she says. In addition to hepatitis C, a condition characterized by liver inflammation that can lead to cirrhosis and cancer, non-sterile needles can also foster the spread of HIV/AIDS. "The opioid crisis is a public health disaster," said Irwin, professor of pharmacy practice. "It started with the increased use and availability of prescription painkillers and evolved to include heroin and black-market fentanyl. Expanding access to sterile syringes and other drug-use supplies for people who inject drugs is an evidence-based strategy for minimizing the negative consequences of drug use." Irwin, College of Pharmacy resident Victor Abreu and other collaborators in the college worked from a list of 455 community pharmacies obtained from the Oregon Board of Pharmacy website. The researchers chose the 10-pack of syringes because it's commonly sold at such pharmacies and more closely aligned with the needs of a person who injects drugs than the other regular size, a box of 100. Learning that more than two-fifths of the surveyed pharmacies would not sell a 10-pack without a prescription was unexpected, Abreu said. "From complementary research with Oregon community pharmacies, we knew that there was some reluctance around over-the-counter syringe sales," he said. "However, we were surprised by the extent of the reluctance. Additionally, we were surprised that it was greatest in Oregon's urban areas." The scientists point out that barriers to tools for combating the opioid crisis, such as the prescription medicine buprenorphine, have been more commonly linked to pharmacies in rural areas. In the syringe study, however, they found the opposite to be the caserural pharmacies were twice as likely to sell a syringe 10-pack over the counter than urban pharmacies. "Pharmacies are businesses, and they can set their own syringe sale policies," Irwin said. "But the Oregon Board of Pharmacy acknowledges the critical role of sterile syringes and has consistently encouraged pharmacists and pharmacies to increase syringe access as a means of mitigating the opioid crisis and disease transmission. At this point, we are really looking at a gap between an evidence-based best-practice and real-world translation." Abreu notes that the findings track with those of a similar but smaller survey conducted by other researchers that looked at 125 community pharmacies in Austin, Texas. In that study, just under 42% were unwilling to sell syringes without a prescription. That's part of a small accumulation of evidence that community pharmacies are inconsistent access points for syringes in many parts of the United States, Irwin said. "There are some areas that have pioneered safe injection practices, so I would be hesitant to extrapolate our findings nationwide," she said. "But further research is clearly needed to understand these pharmacy/syringe dynamics and help address unmet health needs for those who use drugs." Marissa McGinnis, Savannah Justen, Phuong Duong, Natalea Suchy and Dan Hartung of the OSU College of Pharmacy also contributed to the study. More information: Victor Abreu et al, Pharmacy-related syringe access barriers: an audit of Oregon community pharmacies, Harm Reduction Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12954-025-01190-3 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Algorithm flow chart (above) describing ESCARGOTs approach to strategize, create python executable code, convert to machine readable XML code, deploy the Graph of Thoughts, and return the output. Credit: Bioinformatics (2025). DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaf031 The hottest trend on the horizon for artificial intelligence (AI) is agentic AI, according to Jason Moore, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Computational Biomedicine at Cedars-Sinai. Unlike traditional AI that is primarily designed to complete a single task, agentic AI is a new generation of AI models that can independently perform multiple tasks simultaneously to achieve specific objectives. At Cedars-Sinai, Moore and colleagues are immersed in agentic AI models, creating algorithms that make faster and more accurate decisions while combing through large datasets. Moore, professor of Computational Biomedicine and Medicine, sat down with the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom to explain the potentialand recent boomin the use of agentic AI. What is agentic AI and how does it differ from existing AI models? For the past 10 years we have been developing state-of-the-art AI methods, including deep-learning algorithms and large language models for natural language processing. These methods have been designed to complete one specific taskfor example, to analyze an echocardiogram image of the heart to find defects. Agentic AI, however, assembles teams of AI specialists to complete specific tasksthen collectively brings these teams together to solve a complex problem. Using the same echocardiogram example, an agentic AI model can simultaneously analyze echocardiogram images, laboratory tests, vital signs, medication history and clinical notes to provide a comprehensive picture of a patient in a fraction of the time it would take multiple clinicians to review results. This technique mirrors the way humans solve complex problems. What makes agentic AI the next trend in AI? ChatGPT has shown we can use powerful algorithms for specific tasks. With agentic AI, algorithms are tailored to specific needs and adapts strategies independently to achieve predefined goals. It can assemble teams of AI agents to handle various tasks. In my laboratory, for example, we work with big data. So, we need people whose expertise is in cleaning data, preparing it for analysis, building computational models with the data and providing statistical analysis. We also need people who can interpret the data for us; what does the data tell us about biology, clinical care, and other things? We then need someone to summarize all of these results in written form, then prepare graphs and figures to communicate these results. Agentic AI builds teams of AI agents that handle each of these respective areas, with the end goal of providing understanding of the data and explanation of the results. The field is advancing in a way that individuals may soon use these methods at home. I expect to see many tools coming out in the next year or so that will make our lives easier. One can imagine an AI agent helping prepare your taxes, your family budget, or preparing your weekly grocery list. Is there published research happening in agentic AI? Yes, we are seeing an uptick in published research studies involving agentic AI. Our laboratory recently published a study in Bioinformatics about an agentic AI model we created called ESCARGOT (Enhanced Strategy and Cypher-driven Analysis and Reasoning using Graph Of Thoughts). The ESCARGOT model combines large language models with a dynamic "graph of thoughts" and biomedical knowledge graphsan approach that was shown to improve output reliability and reduce inaccuracies. To do this, we inputted existing data we have procured about Alzheimer's disease, then asked the agentic AI model to provide several things: genes associated with the disease, drugs and therapies that may offer the best treatments for these genetic variations, etc. We compared these findings to the responses ChatGPT produced, and not shockingly, agentic AI provided answers with 80%90% accuracy, compared to ChatGPT, which scored about 50%. We believe strongly in making our models open-access to ensure science progresses. The ESCARGOT model is public, free and available on GitHub. More information: The ESCARGOT model is public, free and available on GitHub. Nicholas Matsumoto et al, ESCARGOT: an AI agent leveraging large language models, dynamic graph of thoughts, and biomedical knowledge graphs for enhanced reasoning, Bioinformatics (2025). DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaf031 Journal information: Bioinformatics This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Nonlinear sound-sheet microscopy.The ability to excite acoustic reporters one plane at a time enables molecular ultrasound imaging at the cellular and capillary scales. (i) In NSSM, the nonlinear scattering of acoustic reporters is confined to thin sound sheets spanning 0.1 10 9 mm3. (ii) Orthogonally swept sound-sheet imaging enables the 3D visualization of gene expression in opaque organs, whereas (iii) sound-sheet localization microscopy enables deep super-resolution imaging of brain capillaries. p, pitch of the RCA. p/2 was equal to 55 m in this study. Credit: Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.ads1325 Researchers from the University of Technology Delft, the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience and Caltech have developed a microscopy technique based on ultrasound to reveal capillaries and cells across living organssomething that wasn't possible before. The research is now published in Science. Ultrasound is one of the most widely used imaging techniques in medicine, but up until recently it has hardly played a role in imaging the tiniest structures of our bodies, such as cells. "Clinical ultrasound, like the kind used for pregnancy scans, creates real-time images of body parts," first author Baptiste Heiles explains. "It allows diagnosis of various diseases, or to monitor a developing baby. However, what is going on at a microscopic level remains hidden." Imaging living cells in 3D Now, the team of scientists has managed to image specifically labeled cells in 3D with ultrasound. For the first time, they imaged living cells inside whole organs across volumes the size of a sugar cube. In comparison, current light-based microscopes often require imaging of non-living samples, Heiles says. "The sample or organ of interest has to be removed and processed, and you lose the ability to track the activity of cells over time." The present leading technology to image how living cells behave in 3D, for example, during the development of embryos, is called light sheet microscopy. This method is limited to translucent or thin specimens because light cannot penetrate deeper than 1 mm in opaque tissue. "Ultrasound can image centimeters deep in opaque mammal tissue, allowing non-invasive imaging of whole organs. This gives us information about how cells behave in their natural environment, something that light-based methods can't do in larger, living tissues," senior researcher David Maresca says. Labeling capillaries and cells with sound-reflecting probes Key to this innovation in ultrasound imaginga method called nonlinear sound sheet microscopywas the discovery of a sound-reflecting probe made in the Shapiro Lab at Caltech. Heiles explains, "This probe is a nanoscale gas-filled vesicle that lights up in ultrasound images, making cells visible. These vesicles have a protein shell and we can engineer them to tune their brightness in images. We used these gas vesicles to track cancer cells." Brain imaging In addition to revealing cells, the team used ultrasound and microbubbles as probes circulating in the bloodstream to detect brain capillaries. Heiles notes, "To our knowledge, nonlinear sound sheet microscopy is the first technique capable of observing capillaries in living brains. This breakthrough has tremendous potential to diagnose small vessel diseases in patients." Since microbubble probes are already approved for human use, this technique could be deployed in hospitals in a few years. Potential for cancer research Beyond clinical practice, sound-sheet microscopy can greatly benefit biological research and the development of new cancer treatments in particular, according to Maresca. "Our imaging technique can distinguish healthy versus cancer tissue. Furthermore, it can visualize the necrotic core of a tumor; the center of the tumor where cells start dying due to a lack of oxygen. Thus, it could assist in monitoring the progression of cancer and the response to treatment," he says. More information: Baptiste Heiles et al, Nonlinear sound-sheet microscopy: Imaging opaque organs at the capillary and cellular scale, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.ads1325. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ads1325 Journal information: Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: University of California - Berkeley It's hard to pinpoint when synesthesia, the rare neurological condition where a stimulus that affects one sense prompts a response in a different sense, was first documented. Scientific literature marks its beginning in 1812, when it appeared as an aside in a Bavarian medical student's dissertation. Toward the end, there's a small section where he detailed how he associated musical tones and letters with colors. "He enumerates the colors he sees in connection with the letters of the alphabet. A and E: vermilion, I: white, O: orange and so forth," says UC Berkeley French Professor Liesl Yamaguchi, author of the new book "On the Colors of Vowels: Thinking Through Synesthesia." Yamaguchi's book, which she'll be discussing in a Berkeley Book Chat event on April 9, investigates how the concept of synesthesia emerged in the 19th century, despite the fact that everything we know about this way of sensing suggests that it's likely "an age-old phenomenon." In fact, the word "synesthesia" was used in ancient Greece, but to describe a simultaneous feeling felt by two different people at once. The modern use of the term dates only to the late 19th century, and inquiry into its relation to ordinary sensing has only begun to be investigated in the last decade or so. In this UC Berkeley News Q&A, Yamaguchi discusses the history of synesthesia, and the unique ability of scholars in the humanities to investigate the phenomenon in ways that are methodologically impossible in the hard sciences. First, can you give a brief overview of the different types of synesthesia? Why did you decide to focus on the colors of vowels in your book? The most commonly recognized kinds of synesthesia include seeing colors in conjunction with musical sounds (instrumental timbres, keys, tones) or linguistic elements (graphemes, phonemes, words, numbers), though these days many sensory experiences are often considered under the same umbrella term. Experiencing sensations of light or color in response to certain rhythms, for example, might also be studied as a kind of synesthesia, or feeling tactile sensations when seeing others being touched ("mirror-touch synesthesia"). This last type starts to echo with Aristotle's use of the verb sunaisthanesthai to indicate a "feeling in common," simultaneously experienced by more than one person. I decided to delve into the question of vowels because I was curious about poets' tendency to describe poetic soundsusually vocalic soundsin a visual vocabulary (what is the "coloration of a rhyme," "a brighter timbre," a "dark vowel"?) I was interested in investigating the relationship between that way of talking about poetic effects and the way that synesthetes talk about seeing colors in conjunction with vowels. Why does medical student Georg Sachs' dissertation mark the start date of synesthesia? How far does the phenomenon likely go back? The Sachs dissertation of 1812 is generally acknowledged as the first document reporting synesthesia in a modern sense. It doesn't use the word "synesthesia," but it's recognized retrospectively as synesthesia because Sachs presents his sensations in a systematic way that's recognizable to modern science (it is, after all, a medical dissertation explicitly aimed at establishing the author's authority as a scientist!) Yet as anyone studying synesthesia will tell you, people have probably been sensing this way for as long as people have existed (or even, paradoxically, before, as there's little evidence to suggest that this is an exclusively human phenomenon). So the interesting question is why, according to the history of the neurosciences, we have zero documentation of this way of sensing before 1812. The longer history of synesthesia would go back to the Pythagoreans and harmony of the spheres, but to trace that history requires all sorts of philological skills that aren't cultivated in the sciences. I don't go that far back in the book, but I do try to show how more sensitive and agile readings of historical texts can allow us to see glimmers of what we now call "synesthesia." One of the big questions that emerges at the center of my book is how we decide to read literally or metaphorically, and if that distinction is always pertinent or discernible. When someone describes a vowel as "bright," it is often impossible to know if they mean that it has a relationship to luminosity or that it has a certain sound. Victorian social scientist Francis Galton published the first color plate of synesthetic visualizations, including this image, in his 1883 book "Inquiries into Human Faculty and its Development." Credit: Public domain In the 19th century, descriptions of vowels' colors suddenly appeared in discussions across a lot of other fields, from the sciences to the arts. Where do they start showing up, and how was synesthesia perceived by society? Visual descriptions of vowels turn up in experimental psychology surveys, in physical acoustics, in vocal manuals and discussions of opera, in phonetics, in Indo-European linguistics, and in poetics. The idea of seeing things that aren't objectively verifiable is highly stigmatized for most of the 19th century (descriptions are often classified under "mental disturbances," for example). Subjects generally aren't willing to give their names for fear of stigmatization, and it's clearly hard to get people to talk about it. Most of the records that we have are in diaries, letters, asides or anonymous accounts. There is a shift in how people understand synesthesia in the 20th century. Can you describe what happens and why? Scientists of the 20th century transform synesthesia into a fundable object of modern science, which requires defining it rigorously (if at times arbitrarily) and limiting its extent to the testable and falsifiable. So over the course of the 20th century, "synesthesia" becomes something that can be tested, that can offer replicable results, that can be discreetly identified as genuine or not. Over this same period, synesthesia is transformed from a mental disturbance to a sign of genius: It becomes the privileged pathology. Instead of being this embarrassing, strange condition that you should probably not tell people you have, it is associated with exceptional creativity, as this alternative way of seeing the world and organizing information that is particularly generative in the arts. Do you write about any artists who identified as synesthetes in your book? If so, can you name a few and describe them in a sentence or two? Well no, I don't, because no one in the 19th century identified as a synesthetic! The concept hadn't been codified yet. But several of the thinkers I do write aboutfor example Stephane Mallarme and Ferdinand de Saussurewrite things that might well make modern readers suspect that they experienced linguistic sounds in a way that we would call "synesthetic." You write that the specter of falsity or fakeness around synesthesia has been there from the beginning. Why has it been so hard for someone to prove they're a synesthete, and for others to believe it? Well, the basic premise of synesthesia is that certain subjects experience sensations that aren't obviously caused by something that others can observe. It wasn't until the turn of the 21st century that the advent of brain scans showing anomalous activity in sensory cortices furnished any sort of outside validation of what subjects claimed to see. Prior to that, you basically had to just believe the subject's account. And that's not great scientific practice, right? No one in the hard sciences is going to be thrilled about that as their method. The 19th century corpus is rife with the language of "pseudo-" and "false" impressions, but interestingly here the concern isn't about false reporters, as it is in the 20th century; it's actually about trying to designate these sensations as not linked to external phenomena that other people can attest to. One of the casualties of the scientific codification of synesthesia in the 20th century is the variability of the phenomenon. Narrative accounts of synesthetic experience from the 19th centuryfor example, how vowels are described as changing color depending on which consonants surround themare full of variation, and become impossible for scientific study when consistency was imposed as the gold standard test for synesthesia in the 20th century. By the early 21st century, there's finally some scientific, measurable proof that synesthesia is a real thing that people experience. What advances in technology allowed this to happen, and how did it impact research in the area? There were CT scans and fMRI in the early days of these technologies that showed aberrant activity in the visual cortex in response to sonorous stimuli. The brain scans provided a kind of verification for the scientific community. That was a very triumphant moment for synesthesia advocates. The release from this obligation to prove the reality of synesthesia has been helpful in that it has enabled scientists to be more flexible in how they study it, because they're not constantly having to convince people of its legitimacy. That flexibility has brought the scientific discourse into closer proximity to humanistic studies of the phenomenon, so I think we're at an exciting moment in which these discourses can begin to interact in more productive ways. After conducting years of research on synesthesia for your book, how do you define the term now? It's more of a cluster concept or a discussion about how humans sense in complex ways, and how the senses interact. I'm interested in the historical ways that we have talked about how we sense things, as I think the language used is often extremely revelatory. Language itself is a sort of archive, if we know how to read it. But knowing how to read it is actually really hard. I guess you could say that the book is about that: learning to read linguists, poets and scientists' discussions of vowels in a way that illuminates how we sense them. As the legal fight over a gravel pit proposed for the Elbow Lake area near Clearwater Junction stretches through its second year, lawyers on opposing sides of the issue are set to make their arguments aloud in a Missoula courtroom on Monday. The oral arguments concern whether the state of Montana, specifically the Department of Environmental Quality, violated the Montana Environmental Policy Act when the agency approved the Elbow Lake Gravel Pit and asphalt plant two years ago. A judge will subsequently rule, likely at a later date, whether the state violated the law in approving the operation. The arguments in the lawsuit, brought by nonprofit Protect the Clearwater, will take place in state District Court in Missoula in a hearing that begins at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7, in front of District Judge Leslie Halligan. The hearing will take place in the Missoula County Courthouse at 200 W. Broadway in downtown Missoula. Protect the Clearwater, a group formed to oppose the proposed pit and adjoining asphalt plant, filed the lawsuit in 2023 against DEQ, the agency that granted a permit to the operation. LHC Inc., the company behind the operation, joined the lawsuit as a defendant alongside DEQ. Protect the Clearwater scored a legal victory in summer 2023 when District Court Judge John Larson issued a preliminary injunction against DEQ and LHC Inc., ordering that work be halted on the pit and asphalt plant while Protect the Clearwater's lawsuit and separate administrative appeals with DEQ played out. In requesting the injunction, the nonprofit cited concerns that the facility would hurt the environment and that the state did not adequately assess such impacts when permitting the operation. However, last summer the Montana Supreme Court voided Larson's order. The Supreme Court did not take a stance on whether the nonprofit's arguments were worthy of halting work on the facility. Rather, the court overturned the injunction on a technicality. Larson issued the injunction in a separate lawsuit Protect the Clearwater had filed seeking a stop to the work. Any injunction in the case, the court ruled, should have come in the nonprofit's original lawsuit against DEQ. Now lawyers will have another shot at arguing over whether the proposed facility should proceed. As proposed, the 21-acre facility would remove 110,000 cubic yards of sand and gravel from the Clearwater State Forest, which is managed by the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. The area is key habitat for wildlife including large game, which are managed by the state Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Asphalt from the site was originally planned to go toward the nearby Salmon Lake Highway Reconstruction Project on Highway 83 between Clearwater Junction and Seeley Lake. The facility is proposed for a site between Elbow Lake, along the Clearwater River, and Highway 83 immediately west of the highway and northwest of Clearwater Junction. In 2021, the Montana Legislature amended the Opencut Mining Act to create a less-restrictive "dryland" permit for projects that theoretically will not affect groundwater or surface water, and that have fewer than 10 occupied dwellings within a half-mile of the project's perimeter. The DEQ issued a dryland permit to LHC for the Elbow Lake operation on April 27, 2023. In addition to suing, Protect the Clearwater also appealed DEQ's permit issuance to the state Board of Environmental Review. The BER has not ruled on the case. "This case centers around DEQs failure to provide MEPA's required 'hard look' at the environmental consequences of this mining operation located on public land and its failure to provide opportunities for public participation and public comment on its environmental assessment," Terry Martin-Denning, a Protect the Clearwater board member, wrote in a statement to the Missoulian. "If the DEQ had allowed public input, it would have learned this project is permitted in a critical wildlife corridor, both for endangered species such as grizzly bears and bull trout, but also for migratory elk and deer moving to and from wintering habitat in FWPs Blackfoot-Clearwater Game Range, which is just the across the road from the mine. The reality is that irrefutable scientific evidence in the record reflects what DEQ will not admit, that this project will cause significant long term environmental harm and Montana law requires DEQ to disclose this information to the public." Attorneys for LHC Inc., in prior statements to the Missoulian, stated their support for removal of the injunction and believed they would prevail in the ongoing case. DEQ does not comment on pending litigation. Over 500 Chinese rescuers aid Myanmar 08:58, April 03, 2025 By Yan Dongjie, Wei Xiaohao ( Chinadaily.com.cn Members of the Chinese Red Cross International Emergency Response Team work overnight in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 1, 2025. (Wei Xiaohao/chinadaily.com.cn) China's swift response to the earthquake in Myanmar and its continuous support for rescue and relief efforts, including the deployment of the largest number of rescue teams and personnel, have been widely recognized by the government and people of the Southeast Asian country. Li Ming, spokesman for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, said on Wednesday that nearly 30 Chinese rescue teams, comprising over 500 personnel, are currently assisting rescue and relief efforts in Myanmar. "We deployed rescue teams within the critical 72-hour window. Following the principle of proximity, a rescue team from Yunnan province reached Myanmar within 18 hours of the earthquake," Li said. As of Wednesday evening, Chinese teams had rescued nine survivors, according to China's Ministry of Emergency Management. The ninth survivor a man trapped under rubble in Mandalay for over 120 hours was rescued by the Chinese national rescue team and the China International Search and Rescue Team at 5:40 pm local time. He was in stable condition at the time of rescue, the ministry said. On Tuesday, Mandalay Mayor U Kyaw Hsan expressed his gratitude in person to members of the Chinese civil rescue team Ramunion. During the days-long cross-border rescue operation, the team searched 26 collapsed buildings, rescuing five survivors and recovering 12 bodies in 72 hours. Local residents spontaneously brought tea and fruit for the team as a gesture of appreciation. According to Li, despite disruptions to transportation and communication networks, the first shipment of China's emergency humanitarian aid, including 1,200 tents, 8,000 blankets, and over 40,000 first-aid kits, was delivered to Myanmar's capital, Nay Pyi Daw, on Tuesday for distribution among displaced residents. The second shipment of relief supplies from China, including 800 tents, 2,000 blankets, 3,000 boxes of biscuits and 2,000 boxes of bottled water, is scheduled to be shipped on Thursday, he said. The Red Cross Society of China has also provided 1.5 million yuan ($206,000) in cash aid, while Yunnan has donated 6.1 million yuan worth of disaster relief supplies, he added. In Mandalay, many people whose homes were destroyed in the magnitude 7.9 earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday are now living outdoors. "We need temporary shelters such as tents," said U Kyaw Kyaw, a resident who is currently sleeping on a mat on the riverbank. "I have seen the rescue teams from China working here. I want to thank them." Shen Tingchong, from the Red Cross Society of China, said that while one team is supporting rescue operations, another is preparing for the construction of temporary shelters for the displaced people, including setting up toilets and water supply facilities. "We will also carry out a disinfection drive, as post-disaster infectious diseases also need to be taken seriously," Shen added. Zhang Guangrui, leader of the Blue Sky Rescue Team from China, said his squad has been searching for two days for an 84-year-old woman trapped under a collapsed building in Mandalay. "We are sparing no efforts. As victims are scattered in different places, many civil rescue forces and volunteers are required," he said. Ma Yuehua, the victim's daughter, said the rescue team consulted with her and her family members about the building's structure before deciding on their next course of action. "I really want to see my mother as soon as possible. The Chinese rescue team has been helping us for two days. I am grateful for their tireless efforts," she added. Li Yanlin, a third-generation Chinese immigrant in Myanmar, said, "We are very grateful to all the Chinese rescue teams for coming to help us." Li Ming, from the China International Development Cooperation Agency, said that China is willing to continue supporting the people in Myanmar according to their needs. "We believe that with the joint efforts of China and the international community, the people of Myanmar will soon overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes," he said. According to Myanmar's State Administration Council, the earthquake has resulted in more than 3,000 deaths and 4,515 injuries. As of Wednesday, 649 people had been rescued and 351 were still missing. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Editor's note: Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is both one of the 24 solar terms and an important traditional holiday in China. It carries a profound cultural heritage, incorporating ancestral veneration, spring outings and the remembrance of revolutionary martyrs especially significant as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. From ancient rituals to modern practices, Qingming reflects the enduring legacy and evolving expressions of Chinese culture. Join China.org.cn as we explore the festival's traditional customs, historical roots, contemporary relevance and the red-themed memorials that honor the nation's revolutionary spirit and patriotic devotion. A fairly routine Missoula Board of Adjustment meeting last week about two large development projects turned into a tense back-and-forth between two members after one of them accused a city staffer of "unethical" behavior. At the meeting, the board narrowly approved variances requested by developers for two projects. The first was a large new Hyatt Place Hotel on Expressway in Missoula. Developers were seeking, and were granted by the board, a variance to build to a height of nearly 54 feet so the building can be four stories. The second request, which was also granted, was for a setback variance and a variance for ground-floor residential units for a mixed-use building at 4106 Weeping Willow Drive. But toward the end of the hour-and-a-half long meeting, board member Ryan Morton became upset at what he perceived was city staff members submitting input on behalf of developers. Morton had voted no, and made clear his opposition, to all the variances requested by the developers on both the projects. In both cases, city staff members assigned to review the projects had recommended the variances be granted. In Missoula, it's common for city staff members to work with developers in order to come up with requests that meet city goals and show public benefits. But Morton felt they crossed the line somehow after a discussion about why the developer of the mixed-use property needed a setback variance and a ground-floor residential variance. Morton said he didn't feel like the developer had met the requirement of having a "hardship" without the variance. "I would just admonish staff that they are not a party to this hearing," Morton said. "You know, we as a board are with the applicant. And (city staff) can provide recommendations, and thats fine, but they are not themselves a party. And Ive audited quasi-judicial hearings in multiple contexts and there are appropriate ways to go about fact-finding and developing a record. But the record has to be developed from the party. It should not be coming from the city itself, that is itself making the decision through this board. Its unethical and inappropriate." Morton then insinuated that he was somehow keeping a record of perceived "unethical" behavior. He was talking to Hope Fisher, a project manager with a local architecture firm, who was working with a city staff member on the project. Morton also said that the city of Helena doesn't allow staff members to make recommendations. "So I would just ask that it stop happening," Morton said. "And it seems to happen on a repeated basis. And Im keeping track and Im not happy about it in this instance. Ms. Fisher it sounds like youre a very nice person and I wish all the best to you, and youll probably get your variance, but in the future just know that we really have to focus on the hardship and not your intent or your goals." But John Newman, the chair of the board at that meeting, didn't appreciate Morton's accusations. "Im just going to go ahead and say that I find it pretty bold to throw the word unethical around when were talking about staff and I really bristle at that and I have a major problem with that," Newman said. "This is discussion beyond the motion, maybe we should save it for other business. I do not appreciate that, knowing how hard staff works, having been a staff member myself over a decade ago. I think you can disagree, unethical is beyond civil. And I dont appreciate that. So Im gonna just defend staff here and say Ive seen absolutely nothing that would impugn staffs ethics here." After the meeting, Newman said he would like to see any documentation from Morton. "If you feel like you've documented unethical and inappropriate behavior, I'm sure that not only this board would like to see that, but the city at large," Newman said. Morton backtracked a little bit after that. "So I was thinking generally, it is generally unethical for staff members to insert themselves into quasi-judicial proceedings," Morton said. "I was not accusing them, and if I did, that was probably not the right words. And I apologize for that. But in general, it is not appropriate or ethical for staff to be doing that. So I'm not saying that (city staff members) are doing something unethical, but there are certainly situations in the hearings where they are injecting things that the applicant did not say or contradict what the applicant said, and the board has used that for its decision." Newman pushed back on that a little. "You said during the hearing that you are keeping track and that staff is inserting themselves into the hearings and providing their own opinions, and that is unethical, and you've been keeping track," Newman said. "So I personally want to know about all these instances that you said you're keeping track of, like, I assume you've got a spreadsheet or something like that. And if you do, I would love to see it, because it's just kind of a bold thing to say to throw the word 'unethical' around. I take that very seriously. I'm an attorney. And you don't call somebody unethical without evidence. And so I want to see that evidence." Morton said the one piece of concrete evidence he has is from a previous board meeting. He said a city staff member called something a "utility easement" while the applicant "specifically said it's not a utility easement." "That's an example," Morton said. "And then you and other board members made your decision on the belief that it represented a utility easement." Morton said he "doesn't have a spreadsheet." "It's a pattern I'm noticing, let me phrase it that way," Morton said. "But those are the sorts of things that get under my skin, as a board member. And it doesn't seem to be changing even when I bring it up." He claimed he keeps asking applicants to speak directly to an issue but city staff keep intervening. At the end of the meeting, the board discussed perhaps visiting the "role that staff recommendations" play at a future board meeting. Morton apologized at the end of the meeting and Newman said he appreciated the apology. The variances will have to be approved by the full city council. Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (DHFL) was a classic case of corporate loot, as explained in the various articles published in this column. The companys promoters systematically siphoned out money through various means, while the auditors, the board, the credit rating agencies, together with the nodal regulators, National Housing Bank (NHB) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI), were mute spectators. DHFL had lakhs of public deposit-holders. Many institutions that had a significant public stake, like the various provident funds and the mutual funds, had invested in the debentures issued by the company. The company was acquired through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) process by the Piramal group in what could be considered a sweetheart deal struck with the committee of creditors (CoC). The total admitted claims in the IBC was Rs87,248 crore, while the potential liability was in excess of Rs1 trillion (tn). The settlement was struck at Rs34,730 crore. The major creditors and the details of the settlement are as below. The valuation done during the insolvency process revealed that the average of the fair value was Rs42,492.32 crore and the average of the liquidation value was Rs26,850.03 crore. The Piramal group discharged the consideration, partly upfront and significantly, deferred. Out of the upfront amount of Rs13,700 crore, about Rs3,500 crore was available as cash in the corporate debtor, thereby minimising the actual cash commitment. The deferred portion was payable over a period of ten years and carried an interest of 6.75%. Piramal group would never command a rate of 6.75% for any fund raised in the market and, hence, the value needed to be discounted. Thus, the overall number of Rs34,250 crore as the amount of settlement was itself a misnomer. The company also carried a deferred tax asset of, approximately, Rs10,000 crore in its books, reducing further the effective cost of the acquisition. It is quite possible that the actual value of the settlement, post all adjustments, would be closer to or lower than the liquidation value! The company had significant amount of transactions that were tainted as fraudulent under Section 66 of the Code, or falling under other provisions like Sections 43, Section 45, etc, that deal with undervalued and like transactions knowingly carried out to defeat the claims of the creditors. The chart below lists all such transactions. With regard to any recovery that may arise in respect of the transactions that come under Section 43, etc. the scheme provided that the creditors would be entitled to receive those. However, in an inexplicable exception, the resolution plan gave the right to receive the amounts recovered out of the fraudulent transactions under section 66, to the corporate debtor. Effectively, the Piramal group, that took over. To state the facts, this was part of the resolution plan that received an overwhelming majority of creditors approval. There was nothing clandestine about this structure. The national company law tribunal (NCLT), as the adjudicating authority, allowed this scheme and dismissed the opposition of some of the creditors, who had agreed to the plan in the voting but raised this dispute during the final stages of the implementation. When appealed, the national company law appellate tribunal (NCLAT) agreed with the contention that the recoveries of such contingent sums through proceedings under Section 66 can only accrue to the benefit of the creditors. In a further appeal to the Supreme Court, the decision rendered on All Fools Day, ruled in favour of the resolution plan approved by NCLT and reversed the decision of NCLAT. The crux of the decision is that the resolution plan was finalised by the CoC with an overwhelming majority. Even the debenture holders who filed the case had voted in favour of the resolution plan. The bench felt bound by the catena of cases which had affirmed and reaffirmed that the CoCs was the last word in a resolution plan. Once a plan secured the necessary approval, no latitude existed with the adjudicating authority or the appellate forum to interfere with it. It is a fact that the plan that Piramal signed up for provided that the Section 66 recoveries would accrue to the benefit of the corporate debtor. In a commercial sense, the CoCs decision was quite unsound and anomalous, as well. A resolution applicant typically looks at the current potential of a business in making a bid. No bidder offers the highest value in the first instance. Even in an auction situation, as no two bids are made in a similar fashion, a negotiation is a given. The same had happened in this case as well. Piramal did increase the offer from the initial one. But to attribute their increased offer to getting a potential upside on section 66-type fraud transactions is stretching ones credulity too far! Unless one combines doing lending business with buying tickets at Mahalaxmi on the weekends, building a speculative possibility that exists outside the business realm in valuing the business is abnormal, and contrary to how a business decision is made. On the contrary, the bidder may push for a discount, citing the potential for the creditors to receive such contingent payments should they succeed in uncovering the loot of the promoters. Faulting the way the court decided the issue may not be reasonable, as the court cannot be expected to divine a business deal of this complexity. Its role was to interpret the law and follow the precedents. However, the court not expressing some surprise, if not shock, on the way the CoC structured the deal is reasonable to point out as an opportunity missed to call out such questionable deals, that IBC has become notorious for, leading to abysmal recovery for the lenders. Why should the CoC shoot itself in the foot and do such deals is a trillion-dollar question that cannot be answered frankly in an article that goes into the public domain! Note- Citation of the case discussed IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA, CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION, CIVIL APPEAL NOS. 1632-1634 OF 2022. PIRAMAL CAPITAL AND HOUSING FINANCE LIMITED (FORMERLY KNOWN AS DEWAN HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION LIMITED) .APPELLANT (S) VERSUS 63 MOONS TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED & OTHERS.RESPONDENT (S) The Gurugram zonal office of the enforcement directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets worth Rs505.03 crore in two major financial fraud cases involving Three C Shelters Pvt Ltd and companies from the Lakhani group, including Lakhani India Ltd. The action, taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is linked to misappropriation of funds from homebuyers and bank fraud. Rs395 crore seized in Three C Shelters home-buyer scam In the first case, ED attached Rs395.03 crore worth of immovable properties and equity shares linked to Three C Shelters and the company promoters, including Nirmal Singh and Vidur Bharadwaj. The company was developing the Greenopolis project in Gurugram's sector 89 but failed to deliver flats, despite collecting Rs873.83 crore from home-buyers over nine years. ED's investigation found that the funds were diverted to related entities and shell companies under the guise of 'investments', leading to a loss exceeding Rs300 crore for home-buyers. The promoters also allegedly sold project inventory at artificially low prices to relatives and associates, siphoning off an additional Rs90 crore. Presently, Three C Shelters is undergoing insolvency proceedings, leaving home-buyers in financial distress. Rs110 crore seized in Lakhani Group Bank fraud case In the second case, ED attached assets worth Rs110 crore related to Lakhani India, Lakhani Rubber Udyog Pvt Ltd, Lakhani Apparel Pvt Ltd and other group entities. ED's investigation is based on multiple first information reports (FIRs) registered by the central bureau of investigation (CBI) in Delhi and Chandigarh, in 2021 and 2023. The FIRs accused the company's promoters, PD Lakhani and Suman Lakhani, of criminal conspiracy, cheating and defrauding banks. The ED probe revealed that the Lakhani group misappropriated and diverted funds from Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Allahabad Bank, causing a loss of about Rs162 crore. The company engaged in fraudulent transactions, including sales at a loss to related entities, repaying sister-concern loans, and making irregular interest payments to directors, the agency says. The attached assets include five commercial plots (spanning over 20 acres), a two-acre farmhouse and a commercial office in the NCR region. ED's crackdown on financial crimes highlights the increasing regulatory scrutiny on fraudulent business practices. Further investigations in both cases are ongoing. Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs2 lakh on Gyscoal Alloys Ltd (GAL) for failing to disclose material information on time. The company violated SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and related circulars. The violations include non-disclosure of insolvency proceedings, delayed reporting of a one-time settlement (OTS) with financial institutions and failure to disclose the arrest of its promoter, Viral Shah. In an order, Amit Kapoor, adjudicating officer (AO) of SEBI, stated, "I observe that securities appellate tribunal (SAT) has consistently held that the obligation to make a disclosure within the stipulated time is a mandatory obligation, and the penalty is imposed for non-compliance of the mandatory obligation. Hence, in view of the findings, I am convinced that Gyscoal Alloys is liable for monetary penalty under section 15A (b) of the SEBI Act for violation of provisions of LODR Regulations and SEBI circulars." SEBI received a complaint alleging that Gyscoal Alloys did not make certain disclosures in the letter of offer for its rights issue. On investigation, it was found that Gyscoal Alloys failed to inform stock exchanges about the arrest of its promoter, Viral Shah, following a first information report (FIR) dated 8 December 2021. This information, which should have been disclosed immediately under Regulation 30(6) of LODR Regulations, was only made public on 1 February 2023, over 14 months later. The delay undermined the purpose of timely dissemination of material information to investors. Additionally, SEBI found that Gyscoal Alloys failed to disclose its loan defaults and related insolvency proceedings involving multiple financial institutions. For instance, Gyscoal Alloys defaulted on repayments to the State Bank of India (SBI) in 2015, leading SBI to file an application with the national company law tribunal (NCLT) in June 2020. Although the company settled its dues in November 2020 and received a no-due certificate in July 2021, it failed to inform BSE and NSE about these key developments. Similarly, Gyscoal Alloys did not disclose insolvency proceedings related to Bajrang Refactories Pvt Ltd (BRPL). The company defaulted on a loan in 2015, an NCLT application was filed in 2018, and a one-time settlement (OTS) was reached in 2019. Despite these significant events, Gyscoal Alloys failed to provide timely disclosures to stock exchanges, violating SEBI regulations. A similar pattern of delayed disclosure was observed in Gyscoal Alloys' dealings with Omkara Asset Reconstruction Ltd. The company defaulted on a loan from UCO Bank in May 2016 which was later assigned to Omkara Asset Reconstruction. Although the default was mentioned in annual reports, it was not separately disclosed to stock exchanges. Furthermore, Gyscoal Alloys settled the loan with Omkara Asset Reconstruction in May 2022 but only informed stock exchanges in September 2022, which was 126 days later. The company also failed to provide all required details, further breaching SEBI regulations. In response, Gyscoal Alloys attributed the lapses to significant changes in its compliance team and maintained that the failures were unintentional. However, SEBI emphasised that as a listed entity, Gyscoal Alloys had a duty to ensure timely and accurate disclosures, regardless of internal challenges. Due to these repeated lapses in disclosure, SEBI imposed a monetary penalty of Rs2 lakh on the company. Managing a cooperative housing society (CHS/the Society) comes with its fair share of challengesbe it redevelopment issues, builder disputes, conflicts over commercial use of premises, or procedural irregularities. While CHSs are governed by specific bye-laws and legal provisions, misunderstandings and lack of awareness often lead to disagreements among members. In such cases, knowing your rights and the correct legal procedures is crucial to resolving disputes effectively. This week, we address some pressing concerns related to redevelopment irregularities, builder non-compliance, and the Society's opposition to commercial use of residential flats. Each of these situations underscores the importance of due diligence, adherence to legal processes and proactive decision-making to safeguard the interests of Society members. This week, we address some pressing concerns related to redevelopment irregularities, builder non-compliance, and the Society's opposition to commercial use of residential flats. Each of these situations underscores the importance of due diligence, adherence to legal processes and proactive decision-making to safeguard the interests of Society members. Irregularities with Redevelopment Process Question: We are a registered CHS in the western suburbs of Mumbai and I am the chairman. During my absence of six months, some members proceeded with the redevelopment process. These members now insist that we should appoint one elderly member as joint or vice-chairman. Since the bye-laws do not mention this position, can we appoint one? Additionally, we have not obtained a 'feasibility report' for the redevelopment and no one has raised any objections so far. Can we proceed without this? Lastly, the minutes of various meetings that took place are not in line with the usual standard practice. What should we do about this? Answer: You cannot proceed with redevelopment without the conveyance of your Society's building and land. Before any redevelopment, it is crucial to conduct a structural audit of your Society's building by a local municipality-recognised architect, as per Bye-law No. 76. If redevelopment is deemed necessary, the Society should appoint a project management consultant (PMC) firm which will include professionals such as a local municipality-recognised architect, structural engineer and auditor. A tender should be called for the redevelopment of the Society's building. Moreover, each member should be entitled to a minimum of 405sqft carpet area for a 1BHK flat if their existing flat is less than or equal to 300sqft carpet area. Given the current procedural gaps, it is advisable to file a complaint with the deputy registrar of cooperative societies (DRCS) in your area against Society members not following the proper procedures. Builder Failing To Cooperate during Redevelopment Question: My Society is undergoing redevelopment and is almost complete; we are awaiting the occupation certificate (OC). The builder has called for a meeting soon to decide the monthly charges applicable to all old existing members. I would like to know how long the builder is responsible for paying all maintenance charges, property taxes, water charges and other municipal taxes. Before redevelopment, our Society did not have the conveyance in its name and the land is owned by the builder himself. There is a concern that he may exploit members as he sees fit. Additionally, we have yet to receive 50% of the corpus fund. The builder has also defaulted on paying brokerage for the third year and has not provided the 10% increment as committed in the permanent alternate accommodation agreement (PAAA). Some promised amenities have also not been delivered in the new building. Please guide us on how to proceed. Answer: You should write to the builder, requesting the conveyance of the land and building once all members have taken possession of their new flats. If the builder does not respond or delays the process, your Society can initiate the deemed conveyance procedure. For detailed guidance on this, you can visit Moneylife Foundation's office on a convenient Wednesday after scheduling an appointment with an expert. You can call on the landline numbers of the Foundation during business hours for an appointment - 022-35131664 or 022-35036925. Regarding the unpaid brokerage and the increase in rent for the alternate temporary accommodation, it is advisable to engage a competent advocate and take the matter to the consumer court. Extension of Existing Commercial Premises into Residential Flat Question: I own a first-floor flat with an attached personal terrace in a CHS. Below my flat is an existing dental clinic and the owner is interested in purchasing my flat to expand the clinic. The clinic's patients and vendors will not use the building's staircase or lift, nor will they enter through the Society's main gate. The doctor plans to construct an external staircase from the ground floor to access the terrace and flat. This staircase will originate from an area outside the Society's premises. However, the members of the Society are not cooperating and do not want any commercial activity on the first floor. To my knowledge, dental clinics, advocates and chartered accountants are permitted to operate on the first floor and are not considered commercial activities. Please guide me on this matter. Answer: The flat on the first floor can be integrated with the ground-floor dental clinic by constructing an internal staircase and closing off the flat's existing entrance with a wall. It is advisable to consult a municipality-authorised architect to prepare a plan for this extension. Once the plan is ready, you should formally submit it to the Society for consideration. If the Society opposes the extension, you may need to file a civil case through your architect in the appropriate court. With the court's intervention, you may be able to obtain the necessary permissions to proceed with the sale and extension of the clinic. NOTE We will not be answering queries posted in the comments. Only questions sent through the Moneylife Foundation's Legal Helpline will be answered. If you want to seek guidance or ask questions to Mr Shanbhag, kindly send it through Moneylife Foundation's Free Legal Helpline. Here is the link: https://www.moneylife.in/lrc.html#ask-question Disclaimer: The guidance provided in these columns and on our Legal Helpline is on the sole basis of the facts provided by the reader/questioner and does not amount to formal legal advice in any form whatsoever. (Shirish Shanbhag has an MSc in Organic Chemistry, a Diploma in Higher Education, and a Diploma in French and has completed his LL.B. in first class in 2021. Before his retirement, he was a junior college teacher at Patkar College from July 1980 to May 2012, teaching theoretical and practical chemistry. Post-retirement in 2012, he started providing guidance and counselling to people on several issues, specifically focusing on cooperative housing society-related matters. He has over 30 years of hands-on experience in all matters about housing societies and can provide out-of-box solutions for any practical issue.) On Thursday, 2813 stocks advanced, 1169 declined and 141 remained unchanged, with an advance decline ratio of 2.40 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), indicating positive closing of stocks in broader markets. The trend of the major indices on Thursdays trading is given in the table below. On NSE, 37 securities advanced and closed at a new 52-week high whereas 24 securities sank to close at their new 52-week lows. In sectoral indices, Nifty PSU Bank, Nifty Media and Nifty Energy were among the biggest gainers. Nifty Auto and Nifty Pharma were among the biggest losers. Shilpa Medicares (+4.42%) marketing partner -- Amneal Pharmaceuticals launched BORUZU, (Bortezomib for injection3.5mg/1.4ml), a new presentation of bortezomib for ready-to-use subcutaneous administration or intravenous (IV) administration in the U.S. market This new ready-to-use oncology product reduces the compounding preparation steps typically required with administration The product has already been granted permanent J-code by U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Piramal Finance, a non-bank lender, raised over Rs2,300 crore (approximately $265 million) through an external commercial borrowing (ECB) facility. The three-year loan, led by several international banks, is priced at just under 9%, which is 15-20 basis points lower than prevailing domestic market rates. Piramal Finance may increase the loan to $300 million due to a greenshoe option. Gland Pharma (+1.59%) received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for Acetaminophen Injection, 10 mg/mL (500mg/50mL and 1000mg/100mL). The product is bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to the reference listed drug (RLD), Acetaminophen Injection, 500 mg/50 mL (10 mg/mL) and 1000 mg/100 mL (10 mg/mL), of B. Braun Medical, Inc. Alivus Life Sciences (+0.51%) entered into share purchase cum subscription shareholders agreement and power supply agreement with Torrent Urja 19 for consumption and supply of renewable energy (RE). I will acquire minimum 9.21% stake in Torrent Urja 19. Reliance Industries (-0.20%) invests in its first compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant at Kanigiri in Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh (AP). The project is being developed with a capital investment of Rs139 crore and is the first in a series of 500 projects involving a total capital outlay of Rs65,000 crore for AP. The plant will utilise Napier grass that would be developed on barren and waste lands to produce bio-gas. BLS International Services (+0.95%) subsidiary -- BLS International FZE completed the subscription of 99.99% of the share capital of BLS Worldwide Services Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. As a result of this subscription, BLS Worldwide Services Inc. is now a step-down subsidiary of the company. Bharat Electronics (BEL) (+1.81%) signed a contract with Indian Air Force valued at Rs593.22 crore for providing maintenance services for the Akash Missile System, which was supplied by BEL. Lupins (+4.28%) wholly owned subsidiary -- Lupin Healthcare (UK) acquired Renascience Pharma (Renascience), a United Kingdom (UK)-based pharmaceutical company for Rs135 crore. It is the sole UK supplier of four specialty products, including injectables for infectious diseases and treatments for ear pain and cardiovascular conditions Kirloskar Oil Engines (+3.20%) received an order from Ministry of Defence, Government of India, represented by the Indian Navy. The order is for the design and development of medium speed marine diesel engine of 6MW capacity under the Make-I scheme. The order is to be executed within 36 months. Shakti Pumps (India) (+2.83%) received letter of award (LoA) from Maharashtra Energy Department Agency (MEDA) for 445 off-grid solar photovoltaic water pumping system (SPWPS) at various locations across the State of Maharashtra under Component-B of PM-KUSUM scheme. The total amount of the work order is for around Rs12.42 crore . The said order is expected to be completed within 120 days period from the date of issue of work order. 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: In a shocking order, the central information commissioner (CIC), upheld the reply of the central public information officer (CPIO) of the Supreme Court of India, the denial of information under the Right to Information Act (RTI) pertaining to the official email addresses of the judges of this highest judicial authority. This, despite the fact that, in a landmark decision, the SC had upheld the 2009 Delhi High Court ruling that the office of the chief justice of India (CJI) qualifies as a 'public authority' under the Right to Information Act (RTI) of 2005. While this judgement made it loud and clear that transparency extends to the highest echelons of the judiciary, the CPIO of the Supreme Court, Himani Sarad denied the information although section 4 of the RTI Act clearly states under its sub-clause ix that: "a directory of its officers and employees" is a public information which must be disclosed suo motu. Hundreds of websites of public authorities have uploaded the email addresses of government employees. So why should SC be an exception? What's shocking is that CIC Heeralal Samariya, in his order dated 27 March 2025, decided in favour of the SC's CPIO and the first appellate authority (FAA) by concluding that: "Upon perusal of records of the case and hearing averments of the parties, it is noted that the Respondent has furnished reply, in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act. Considering the fact that appropriate response in terms of the provisions of the RTI Act has been provided by the Respondent and the Appellant has chosen not to contest the case, no further intervention is warranted." RTI applicant Srikanth Sreedhar, in his RTI application dated 6 September 2024, referred to the department of personnel and training (DoPT) guidelines which have made it mandatory for the proactive disclosure of contact details of officers and employees. Mr Sreedhar further highlighted that the chief justice of India's official email ( [email protected] ) is publicly available and also brought to the notice of the CPIO that the Telangana High Court has disclosed its judges' official email IDs, so the Supreme Court should not have any problem doing the same. However, the CPIO replied that the information is exempt from disclosure under Sections 8(1)(g) and 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005. These Sections, he stated, pertain to information that could endanger an individual's safety or involve unwarranted invasion of privacy. The CPIO provided the general official email for the Supreme Court: [email protected] even though the RTI applicant Sreedhar had mentioned this email in his RTI application. The FAA of the Supreme Court upheld the CPIO's decision to deny an RTI request seeking the official email addresses of all Supreme Court judges and stated that the CPIO's reasons for the denial of information was justified and so dismissed the appeal. During the second appeal hearing on 27th March, the SC's CPIO stated in writing that interpreting laws, judgements, or directing actions falls outside the scope of duties defined by the RTI Act. The CPIO stated that the request does not align with Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, which pertains to information already available in records, and thus cannot be accommodated. RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar, when contacted by Moneylife, was equally surprised by the CIC order. He stated that "the RTI applicant was seeking only the official email IDs and not personal email IDs of the judges. He was not even asking for copies of the exchange of any official emails between the judges or from or to the judges, so rightfully the CIC should have ordered the CPIO to provide all the official emails. Instead, he has put a lid on information which should be available to all without filing an RTI application." Hope the CIC looks back at this order, ponders and revises it. A composite photo shows various sessions of a sci-fi masterclass event held in Beijing, March 30, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute] More than 300 children from Beijing's Shijingshan district and other Chinese regions attended a masterclass on March 30 in China's capital, where established scientists and science fiction writers shared insights aimed at inspiring their interest in science and technology. The masterclass, part of the 2025 China Science Fiction Convention (CSFC 2025), aimed to ignite teenagers' enthusiasm for science, technology and sci-fi while nurturing their creative skills and cultivating emerging talent. It featured three distinguished guest lecturers. Among them was Wu Xiangping, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who offered a cosmological perspective on humanity's place in the universe and the limitless potential of science. He highlighted that despite the rapid advancements in modern technology, fundamental scientific theories continue to hold unsolved mysteries. Wu encouraged the young participants to remain curious and boldly venture into the unknown. Chen Tingyong, vice president of the Shenzhen International Quantum Academy, delivered a presentation titled "Quantum Technology and Computing." He discussed how quantum computers will revolutionize processing speeds, with profound implications for cryptography, new materials design and artificial intelligence. Chen also showcased the academy's latest breakthroughs in quantum computing research, captivating teenagers' interest in cutting-edge technology. Sci-fi writer Jiang Bo described science fiction as "the fusion of technology and art humanity's ultimate dreams in the technological age." Jiang stressed that sci-fi works not only entertains but also explores future possibilities born from technological innovation, prompting deeper reflection about what tomorrow might hold. The author shared his creative philosophy, urging young audiences to nurture their imagination, stay engaged with technological advancements, and create more outstanding sci-fi works. Later, the speakers participated in a Q&A session with students, addressing topics such as dark matter and the potential impact of quantum technology on fields like health care and transportation. Participants pose for a group photo during a sci-fi masterclass event in Beijing on March 30, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute] The masterclass also included the awards ceremony for the 2024 Shijingshan District Popular Science and Sci-Fi Creation and Nurture Initiative, which recognized winners in four categories: popular science articles, science fairy tales, popular science and sci-fi illustrations, and sci-fi stories. Writer Liu Cixin joined a panel discussion on youth sci-fi creation and future development, expressing high expectations for young sci-fi writers. "Their vitality and curiosity represent the future hope of science fiction literature," he said. Yin Chuanhong, deputy secretary of the Chinese Science Writers Association, highlighted the crucial role that sci-fi culture plays in developing teenagers' scientific literacy and innovative thinking. He commended the event for its focus on youth sci-fi education. The Supreme Court on Thursday took note of the ongoing deforestation at Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad and directed the Telangana government to ensure that no further felling of trees takes place at the site. Pertinently, the Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih asked the Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial) to forthwith visit the site and submit an interim status report to the top court by 3:30 pm today. "We further direct the Chief Secretary of the State of Telangana to ensure that, until further orders are passed by this Court, no tree felling shall be permitted in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area," the Court ordered while listing the matter for hearing at 3:45 pm. The Court took note of the issue after Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, who is amicus curiae in TN Godavarman matter, informed it about the news reports showing tree felling at the forest area. "The news items shows that the authorities, taking advantage of long holidays over the weekend, have rushed through in felling the trees. Additionally, the forest is said to be home to eight species of scheduled animals," the Court noted in the order. The case concerns a 400-acre parcel of land in Kancha Gachibowli village, which the State proposes to auction through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd., Hyderabad (TGIIC) to develop IT infrastructure. However, the move is being protested by some on grounds that the land comprises forest land. Those opposing the plan are arguing that the area is an eco-sensitive zone which serves as the lungs of Hyderabad city. Among those who registered strong opposition to the move were students from the nearby University of Hyderabad, who have clashed with the police over the last few days amid attempts to raze large parts of the land. According to reports, two former students were arrested as well. Pertinently, Telangana High Court is also seized of the petitions challenging the tree felling. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi will appear in the matter. "We clarify that we are not staying the proceedings before the High Court of Telangana," the top court said. Oh, whats up, man? Thats how Brandon Dean Johnson greeted police serving a search warrant at his house on March 24, according to surveillance video. Moments later, he was handcuffed outside his home at 609 S. Main St., Drexel, and within hours he was booked at the Burke County Jail under a charge of communicating a threat of mass violence at a school. The arrest came after a source told police Johnson had a manifesto on his computer detailing plans to commit a shooting at Drexel Elementary School. Johnsons family says he was set up by the source. A search warrant provides some details of the case. Tip to police Investigators interviewed a source on Jan. 21 who said they were in Johnsons bedroom looking at his laptop when they saw a tab on the screen that said Manifesto. When the source opened the tab, they said they saw plans to commit a school shooting at Drexel Elementary School and cause as many casualties as possible, the search warrant said. The source told police there were aerial plans of the school attached to the manifesto, and multiple other Burke County schools were listed. The search warrant did not say which other schools were listed. The source said Johnson became angry when he saw the source looking at the file, but eventually calmed down and began describing the plan and attempted to recruit the (source) to help with the attack, the search warrant said. The source told police the information was stored on a thumb drive in the laptop, and said Johnson had obtained AR-15-style rifles, body armor/ballistic vests and ammunition. Contact with Johnson The search warrant said Drexel Police Chief Stephen Ritchie went to Johnsons home on March 20 after learning of the tip. Johnson agreed to talk to Ritchie and walk through the home. Ritchie saw a ballistic vest in plain view when he walked through the home and a computer with storage devices that matched what the source described, according to the search warrant. He also saw an AR-15-style rifle on Johnsons bed. Ritchie picked up the rifle and removed the magazine, which was full of ammunition, the search warrant said. A few days later, police returned to Johnsons home with the search warrant on March 24 at about 2 p.m. Police seized two pistols, an AR-15, seven flash drives, two SD cards, receipts, a cellphone, two 30-round AR-15 magazines and other ammunition. Ritchie said in a statement Thursday there is no more information to release at this point. We have no further information to release at this time, except that at this point during our investigation, no information has been found that supports additional or potential threats of any kind to any of our schools, Ritchie said in a release. Weve been in contact with Burke County Schools administration and increased law enforcement presence at Drexel area schools. Family defends Johnson Johnsons sister, Kelly Boggs, said her brother has been bedbound from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and has multiple seizures a day. It can cause the dislocation of joints and joint pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Boggs said Johnson wouldnt be capable of carrying out a school shooting. Brandon is not one that would harm kids, Boggs said. He dont even go to school property. She said the bulletproof vest police found was a Christmas gift Johnson received from a cousin. She said the family had the guns to protect themselves, and the pistols belonged to Boggs and her mom. Boggs said Johnson told her he didnt do anything like what hes accused of doing. She said he told her he was falsely accused by someone who is in jail for a child sex crime. Hes been locked up for a year, Boggs said. He didnt see nothing on my brothers computer. How could he see anything? She said the police informant texted her brother swearing off their friendship. Karma is coming for you Satan, part of the text message said. She said since the news of Johnsons arrest broke on March 25, people have driven by her moms house staring and yelling out of their car windows. Brandon has no reason to harm kids, Boggs said. Hes actually lost his own kids and has been very devastated over losing his own kids. Johnson remains in jail under a $200,000 secured bond. Hes due back in court on Friday. South African designer Jessica Jane (R) and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founders of South African fashion brand Molebatsi, display their collections at the trade exhibition MODE during Shanghai Fashion Week in east China's Shanghai, March 25, 2025. [PhotoXinhua] At the ongoing 2025 Autumn/Winter Shanghai Fashion Week, 22 African fashion brands made their debut, aiming to break into the Chinese and broader Asian markets while highlighting the appeal of China's burgeoning "debut economy." Models walked the runway in Shanghai, presenting the latest collections from African designer brands, from handmade weaving to natural dyeing and environmentally friendly techniques. Themed "Innovascape," the fashion extravaganza took place from March 25 to April 1, showcasing nearly 100 runway shows and about 1,000 brands in exhibitions. Hannah Ryder, CEO of Development Reimagined, brought 22 African designer brands from 12 countries to Shanghai Fashion Week, giving them the opportunity to connect with global buyers and retailers at the trade exhibition MODE. "This is the first time that African designers have come to China as a group, and I think our main message for the Chinese market is that African fashion brands are ready to enter China," said Ryder, noting that African designer brands have immense potential in terms of creativity and sustainability and can offer something truly unique to the Chinese market. "Shanghai Fashion Week is one of the top fashion weeks in the world," Ryder said, adding that this is not only an opportunity to showcase African creativity and culture but also an excellent chance to establish connections and expand business cooperation with the Chinese fashion industry, and even the rest of Asia, including Southeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea. She noted that while African clothing is often associated with beautiful patterns and vibrant colors, African designer brands feature a much more diverse range of design languages and aesthetics. Ryder explained that while some of the brands have already entered the European market, they are still new to China and will use the exhibition and runway shows to introduce themselves, alongside launching select new collections on Chinese e-commerce platforms as a "test drive." A Chinese-style buckle and double-breasted design, featuring cuffs inspired by Hanfu yet reimagined with African geometric patterns, is paired with fabric adorned with scenes of local South African tribes. This striking ensemble is one of the latest creations from the South African fashion brand Molebatsi. South African designer Jessica Jane and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founded the brand. In 2023, Jane made a special trip to central China's Hunan Province to attend the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, followed by a visit to Beijing. During her 10-day trip to China, Jane saw traditional Chinese clothing, such as Hanfu and horse-faced skirts, for the first time. "China's long history and traditional culture fascinated me," she said. After the trip, she began brainstorming ways to combine elements of traditional Chinese clothing with traditional African clothing, ultimately bringing the new products back to China. "It's an incredibly exciting opportunity because there are so many collaborations and mutually beneficial relationships between Africa and China," said Wandile Molebatsi. "There's a huge amount of opportunity for Africans here in China, and it's very exciting." Aristide Loua, from Cote d'Ivoire, is new to the Chinese market. Through pre-promotion activities at Shanghai Fashion Week, he received cooperation invitations and engaged in in-depth negotiations with numerous buyers. "I will formulate a plan for entering the Chinese market based on their feedback," Loua said. "As we witness African designers showcasing their work at one of the world's most influential fashion weeks, we are taking an essential step toward a more inclusive and diverse global fashion industry. Through continued collaboration, investment, and market access, African brands can carve out their space in the Chinese market -- not as a niche, but as a mainstream force," said Phuti Tsipa, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai. Raphael Deray, a buyer from Printemps in Paris, went straight from the airport to the MODE exhibition to meet with designers from China, Africa, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other places. "My expectations are quite high to find good designers and good products during Shanghai Fashion Week because I know China has a lot of potential. It is a big market for fashion," Raphael Deray said. "As a trendsetter in the Asian fashion industry, Shanghai Fashion Week is an amplifier of innovative fashion. We will create a gateway for international brands to engage with the Chinese market through a more open and inclusive approach and foster a new fashion ecosystem that spans from Chinese design to global resonance," said Tong Jisheng, director of the Shanghai Fashion Week organizing committee. Recently, the "debut economy" has emerged as a key driver of consumption in China. This concept encompasses product launches, flagship store openings, new service rollouts, and the development of innovative business models and technologies. Liu Min, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, said that the "debut economy" is an important measure to expand domestic demand and boost consumption. Shanghai has enhanced policy support across multiple areas, including exhibition support, streamlined customs clearance, and financial incentives. These measures have further optimized the launch environment for global new products and provided stronger service guarantees for both domestic and international brands introducing new products in the city. "We hope more brands will establish a long-term presence in Shanghai, starting with a first launch or debut show, followed by the opening of flagship stores, and ultimately establishing headquarters here to expand globally," she added. Casamigos, the premium tequila co-founded by Hollywood actor George Clooney, is making waves in Kenyas expanding luxury spirits market. East African Breweries Limited (EABL) recently hosted a distributor event at Nairobis Sankara Hotel, marking a significant step in the brands regional expansion. This launch follows Casamigos debut at the Blankets & Wine festival in late 2024, setting the stage for broader recognition. The blue-themed event was attended by notable figures such as Jay Take A Pic, Miano Muchiri, and Ajib Gathoni. Guests fully embraced the shades of blue dress code, aligning with Casamigos sleek and stylish aesthetic. The Juke Box band provided live music, further elevating the lively atmosphere of the evening. Kenyas drinks market is increasingly shifting toward high-end imported spirits, with urban consumers and upscale venues leading the charge for premium brands. This launch is an important milestone in our strategy to position Casamigos as Kenyas top premium tequila, said Alvin Mbugua, General Manager of Spirits at EABL. Our goal is to elevate the premium spirits sector, and this event helps empower our partners as ambassadors of this vision. Founded in 2013 by Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman, Casamigos was acquired by Diageo in 2017. As the brand grows in Kenya, it joins a broader trend of international premium spirits targeting Africas emerging markets. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has addressed his attendance at President William Rutos visit to Kieni during the Presidents one-week Mt. Kenya tour. His presence at the event, which included warmly welcoming Rutos entourage and engaging in cordial conversations, took many by surprise. Kahiga, a vocal critic of the government, is allied with Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President who has been rallying support to challenge President Ruto. This unexpected gesture of hospitality raised eyebrows, particularly since Kahiga has previously distanced himself from Rutos administration. Tulikuwa tumekumiss kidogo Tuliona haukuji, tukashindwa kwani kulikuwaje? Hii serikali si ni yetu? Sasa tukae tuangalie wengine wakikula? Kahiga posed. (We missed you a bit We saw you didnt come, and we were left wondering, what happened? Isnt this government ours? Should we just watch others benefit?) Na sababu saa zingine mimi husema kama mbaya mbaya, leo nataka niseme amefanya vizuri kutuletea maendeleo.(Sometimes, I speak bluntly, but today, I want to acknowledge that the President has done well by bringing development to us) On Wednesday, Governor Kahiga also took to social media to respond to the publics reaction. He urged people not to read too much into his actions, stressing that his respect for the presidency should be clear. Kahiga emphasized that political matters should be separated from his role as a leader. Kahigas bold stance extended beyond his Kieni appearance. He declared that despite the criticism from some quarters, he would continue to welcome President Ruto on his upcoming visits to Nyeri Town and Othaya Constituency. I have noted the frenzied interest in my attendance at the Presidents functions in Kieni. Do not read too much into this photo and others shared all over. The Presidency must be respected, Kahiga wrote on his Facebook page. The Governor of Nyeri received the President of the Republic of Kenya in Nyeri, Kieni Constituency. The Governor of Nyeri will still receive the President of the Republic of Kenya on Saturday in both Nyeri Town and Othaya Constituencies. Ni lazima kutofautishana mambo! (We must differentiate things!) On April 1, 2025, during his speech in Kieni Sub-County, Kahiga reiterated that the people of Nyeri must be integrated into the government to benefit from development. He emphasized, Lazima tukuwe ndani ya serikali na tuletewe maendeleo yetu. Tunataka aje tena na tena na atuletee maendeleo, which translates to, We must be in the government for our development. We want him to keep coming and bring us progress. This development follows Kahigas absence from a crucial strategy meeting at State House on March 25, 2025, where all other Mt. Kenya governors met with Ruto ahead of the regional tour. While other governors attended, Kahiga posted on his social media that he was launching scouting programs in the area. This prompted a reaction from Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, who expressed disappointment. The government has unveiled a new plan to help Kenyans contribute to the Social Health Authority (SHA) by directly deducting payments from their M-Pesa mobile wallets. This move targets those who miss their required contributions, offering an easier way to keep up with the program. Moses Kuria, Senior Advisor in the Council of Economic Advisors to the President, made the announcement on Wednesday, April 2. The program, which introduces small daily deductions from mobile money, is aimed at supporting those who struggle with the full Ksh500 monthly contribution. Kuria confirmed that the deductions will be voluntary, aligning with the lipa mdogo mdogo (pay little by little) model, where mobile providers like M-Pesa partner with the government to facilitate the process. Kuria stressed that the deductions are intended for people who cannot afford the full Ksh500 contribution, not for those who refuse to pay. He explained that this initiative will help individuals who may not know when they will require health services, allowing them to contribute small amounts such as Ksh20 or Ksh30 daily. Its not about people refusing to pay, he said. Its about assisting those who are willing but unable to afford the full amount. In addition to the deductions, Kuria announced that Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and boda boda riders who assist others in enrolling for the SHA program will receive a Ksh20 commission for every successful enrollment. This initiative aims to boost participation and ensure that every Kenyan contributes to the program, ultimately benefiting the nations healthcare system. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vowed to tackle the powerful cartels in the miraa trade, calling on President William Ruto to delegate the responsibility to him. Kindiki made this commitment during Rutos visit to Meru County on the second day of his Mt. Kenya tour. I have one request, Mr. President. We cant allow you to shoulder all the work yet you have given us responsibilities. You have a Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, and Principal Secretaries. This war against miraa cartels, delegate it to your Deputy President, Kindiki said Wednesday. He also drew on his past experience in tackling organized crime, emphasizing his track record in fighting criminal elements. When I served as Cabinet Secretary for Interior, we faced terrorism in Lamu and banditry in the North Rift and other regions. Though I did not eliminate terrorism and banditry 100 per cent, the day you gave me the job, terrorists and bandits knew there was a true CS for Interior, Kindiki shared. He then promised that if given the task, he would quickly dismantle the miraa cartels. I therefore ask that you delegate me the assignment t to deal with miraa cartels and I assure you I will destroy the cartels very early in the morning, he vowed. President Ruto had addressed the miraa cartels, warning them that the government would take bold, decisive action to rid the region of these cartels, which have been depriving farmers of their earnings. We have made a declaration here in Maua. All cartels destroying the miraa trade should leave this country because we want this business to thrive like other agricultural sectors, Ruto said. Tunawaambia mambo yao ni matatu. Either wakome ama mambo ya pili tuwapeleke jela ama waende ile safari. (We are telling them they have three options: either stop, go to jail, or take the final journey.) This comes shortly after Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced significant increases in miraa prices. Grade 1 miraa now costs Ksh1,300, up from Ksh700, while Grade 2 prices rose to Ksh700 from Ksh350, with Alele miraa doubling to Ksh1,000. Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has vehemently denied claims that his removal from office was due to poor performance or absenteeism from Cabinet meetings. In a press briefing held on Wednesday, Muturi clarified that his dismissal was directly related to his persistent calls for the government to address serious human rights issues, particularly enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Muturi explained that his absence from some Cabinet meetings should not be viewed as neglect or defiance but rather as a result of his efforts to highlight these critical matters. Given the reasons behind my absence from Cabinet meetings, its clear that raising issues like abductions and extrajudicial killings is a highly sensitive matter for the President, Muturi said. His outspoken stance on these issues, he believes, led to growing tensions with certain individuals within the Presidents circle, who he claims had been pushing for his removal due to his firm stance. The former CS further revealed that he was invited to the Cabinet meeting on March 11 but chose not to attend deliberately. He stated that there was no indication that the agenda would cover the topics he had long advocated for, such as extrajudicial killings and abductions, which he had consistently brought to the table. In a bid to prompt action, Muturi had sent a third letter to President Ruto on March 10, urging the President to ensure that the issues were included in future discussions. Despite his repeated attempts, he claims that the President never responded or confirmed receipt of any of his letters. This clearly indicates that the matter is not a priority for the President or the Cabinet. Muturis revelations come after President Ruto, in a televised interview, asserted that the Cabinet had already discussed and resolved the issue of extrajudicial killings and abductions. This statement left Muturi both surprised and dismayed. I have regularly received Cabinet dispatches after meetings, and I can confirm that this matter has never been discussed, he said, expressing his shock that the President would make such a claim. Like many Kenyans, I was surprised to hear the President assert on live television that the Cabinet had already addressed and resolved it. The former CS also criticized President Ruto for misrepresenting the reasons behind his dismissal, noting that the growing criticism of the Presidents credibility, especially on social media, reflected public skepticism regarding the accuracy of his statements. It is evident that what the President has said regarding my absence from Cabinet meetings is untrue, Muturi remarked. This perhaps aligns with the growing perception on social media that Kenyans are questioning the accuracy of his statements. Rutos Account of Muturis Dismissal Meanwhile, in a roundtable interview with vernacular media stations, President Ruto provided his own version of events surrounding Muturis removal. According to the President, Muturi had admitted to struggling with the Attorney General role due to a lack of recent legal practice. Muturi himself informed me that he was overwhelmed by the role of Attorney General because he had not been in active legal practice for a long time, Ruto explained. I decided to reassign him to a different Cabinet portfolio due to our long-standing friendship. Ruto further stated that Muturis absence from Cabinet meetings was a sign of defiance. I persuaded him to continue working. I reassigned him to another ministry, but he refused to attend Cabinet meetings. Did I fire him, or did he fire himself? the President asked, suggesting that Muturis refusal to attend meetings ultimately led to his dismissal. In his defense, President Ruto compared Muturis situation to that of Rigathi Gachagua, noting that he has always been willing to offer second chances. I believe in second chances. Even when many leaders opposed my friend Gachagua, I still gave him a chance. The same applied to JB MuturiI gave him another opportunity despite his struggles as AG, Ruto explained. Despite defending Muturis right to a second chance, the President acknowledged that his departure from the Cabinet was inevitable. However, he reassured the public that Muturi would not face financial hardship following his exit from office. JB Muturi has a very good pension; he will not suffer or struggle, Ruto said, suggesting that Muturis financial security was guaranteed despite his dismissal. President William Ruto has issued a strong warning to miraa cartels in producing counties, declaring that their time is running out as he works to ensure farmers get the maximum benefits from the crop. Ruto pledged to take the same firm approach he used to dismantle cartels in the coffee industry, which led to better earnings for farmers. He assured miraa farmers that he would act decisively against those exploiting the sector. We have made a declaration here in Maua. All cartels destroying the miraa trade should leave this country because we want this business to thrive like other agricultural sectors, Ruto said. Tunawaambia mambo yao ni matatu. Either wakome ama mambo ya pili tuwapeleke jela ama waende ile safari. (We are telling them they have three options: either stop, go to jail, or take the final journey.) During his visit to Maua, Meru, President Ruto outlined several key government initiatives aimed at increasing miraa farmers earnings. These include officially classifying miraa as a cash crop, implementing new gazetted prices, and expanding export markets. Ruto also shared that he has been in talks with the presidents of Somaliland and Jubaland to open up new foreign markets for miraa, boosting the crops global presence. The same way we are helping tea, coffee, and sugarcane farmers find better markets, we are also supporting miraa farmers. That is why we have gazetted new prices, he stated, reaffirming his commitment to improving farmers livelihoods. On the second day of his tour of Mt. Kenya, Ruto also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining strong ties with the people of the region. He made it clear that no one would break the relationship he has nurtured with them over the past two decades. The friendship I have built with the people of the mountain for over 20 years will continue, and I will not allow anyone to break it, he emphasized, ensuring the people that their interests would be safeguarded just like those of other regions. Ruto reiterated his determination to fulfill all the promises he made. Because you voted for me, I will keep working until you are amazed, he said. Haitian gang violence continues to take a toll on Kenyan police officers deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, with two more officers suffering serious injuries in clashes over the past week. Three officers, speaking anonymously to Reuters, confirmed the latest casualties, adding to the missions growing list of wounded personnel as attacks become increasingly frequent. Kenya first sent officers to Haiti in June 2024 as part of the MSS mission, which now consists of around 1,000 security personnelnearly three-quarters of whom are Kenyan. Tasked with restoring order and making it possible for Haiti to hold elections by February 2026, the mission has struggled with low morale and uncertainty over its expansion as gang violence escalates. The dangers facing Kenyan officers in Haiti became starkly clear in February when the mission suffered its first fatality. Last week, another officer went missing, and colleagues fear he may already be dead. The latest injuries occurred during routine patrols in and around Port-au-Prince, a city largely controlled by heavily armed gangs responsible for thousands of deaths since 2021. MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka confirmed that both wounded officers had been evacuated to the Dominican Republic for medical treatment. As in any mission, casualties are sometimes unavoidable, he stated. Kenyan officers have expressed growing frustration over inadequate protective gear as attacks intensify. According to three officers on the ground, one of their colleagues was shot in the head after a bullet pierced his helmet, while another was struck in the ear when a bullet penetrated an armored vehicle. In response, personnel grounded 20 armored vehicles this past weekend, refusing to use them after a second instance of their failure to stop bullets. Concerned about the safety of its forces, an MSS delegation plans to travel to Washington this week to raise the issue with U.S. officials, according to two senior MSS officers. The United States has provided most of the funding and equipment for the mission, but securing additional contributions from other countries has been a challenge. While Kenyas government has framed its intervention in Haiti as a humanitarian effort, analysts suggest the move is also aimed at boosting Kenyas international standing and strengthening diplomatic ties with the United States. When asked about concerns over equipment quality, Ombaka maintained that MSS continues to receive increased logistical support from partners and stakeholders, with assurances that all equipment meets international standards. The U.S. State Department has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter. Police officers from Kamagambo Police Station have arrested a suspected drug trafficker and seized 401 rolls of bhang, following a tip-off from alert members of the public. The tip-off led authorities to a suspicious public service vehicle, KDM 981Z, traveling from Migori to Kisumu. Officers set up an ambush and successfully intercepted the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, officers found two bags containing a total of 401 sizable rolls of bhang, weighing 34.4 kilograms. The estimated street value of the confiscated drugs is Ksh1,032,000. Police said the driver, identified as Calvin Okoth Otieno, had been transporting a group of students, possibly hoping the presence of minors would prevent suspicion. However, his plan was foiled by the keen eyes of the public. Otieno was placed in custody at Kamagambo Police Station, where he is being processed and will soon face court charges. Police noted that this successful interception highlights the vital role of public vigilance in combating the illicit drug trade. Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activities to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Flash Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Iran would respond "swiftly and decisively" to any violation of its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or national interests, state media reported, amid heightened tensions with the United States. Araghchi issued the warning during a phone call with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, reacting to what he called "unacceptable" military threats recently made by U.S. officials, according to a statement from Iran's Foreign Ministry. The Iranian minister criticized Washington's rhetoric as a breach of the United Nations Charter and international law, warning it risked exacerbating regional instability. He urged all UN member states to uphold the global rule of law and chastised the European Union for failing to condemn the U.S. remarks, which he said endangered international peace. The call coincided with a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. The Pentagon said on Tuesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had bolstered regional capabilities with additional warplanes, though it did not disclose specifics. U.S. media reported anonymously cited officials as saying up to six B-2 stealth bombers had been deployed to Diego Garcia, a strategic Indian Ocean base, in recent days. The move follows over two weeks of U.S. airstrikes in Yemen and escalating friction with Iran. Veldkamp, during the call, voiced concern over rising tensions in West Asia and stressed the need for diplomatic solutions. He also urged Iran to help safeguard international shipping in the Red Sea, a vital trade route. The exchange comes after U.S. President Donald Trump told NBC News on Sunday he would launch "unprecedented military strikes" on Iran if it refused to negotiate over its nuclear program. "If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing like they've never seen before," Trump said, without elaborating on any ongoing talks. In early March, Trump said he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders via the United Arab Emirates proposing direct discussions on Tehran's nuclear activities. Iran later said it rejected direct negotiation with Washington but left open the possibility of indirect diplomacy. SIU chooses dean for Library Affairs by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. William H. Walters, executive director of the Mary Alice & Tom OMalley Library at Manhattan University, will become the next dean of Library Affairs at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Sheryl Tucker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, today (April 3) announced Walters appointment, effective July 1, subject to approval by the SIU Board of Trustees. Tucker said Walters is a welcome addition to the SIU family. With overwhelming support of the faculty, staff and the search committee, we are delighted he will be joining SIU, she said. His scholarly and leadership experience come at a critical time in supporting SIUs designation as a Research 1 institution. His presentation clearly indicates his ability to position the library for the next phase of our strategic plan, Imagine 2030. We fully anticipate that he will be a great partner for our research enterprise. Walters has more than 17 years experience as a library dean and director. He has been with Manhattan University in Riverdale, New York, since July 2014. Prior to that, he was dean of library services, associate professor of social sciences, and professor of library and information science at Menlo College in Atherton, California. He has also served as librarian, data manager, research consultant, accreditation liaison officer and interim director of information technology at Cornell University, St. Lawrence University, Menlo College, the City University of New York and the Providence VA Medical Center. Walters holds a doctorate in sociology (demography) from Brown University and is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. His recent research focuses on scholarly communication, bibliometrics, academic librarianship, artificial intelligence in higher education, nonprofit management and educational assessment. Right size, right blend Walters grew up in Buffalo, New York, and began his professional career at Brown and Cornell universities. After working at smaller universities for the last few years, however, he wanted to return to a more research-focused environment, but not a huge university where students can get lost in the shuffle. SIU Carbondale is the right size, and it offers the right blend of teaching and research, Walters said. The university also seems to be on a clear upward trajectory, and that really appeals to me. Walters said he is excited to move to Carbondale, noting that Buffalo is similar to many Midwestern cities and that the cultural and physical environments seem familiar to me in many ways. R1 designation is exciting Walters noted that SIU Carbondales recent designation as Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production in the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education makes it just one of three public R1 universities in Illinois. That places us in a great position for further development of the university's research capabilities, for undergraduate education with a hands-on, experiential research component, and for the kinds of specialized instruction that are not available at many other schools, he said. These are all exciting opportunities, and I'm glad to be joining SIU at this time. Library Affairs Walters will be the chief academic and administrative officer for Library Affairs, whose main units are Morris Library, Records Management, the Special Collections Research Center, Sharp Museum and SIU Press. Walters said he wants to meet with library personnel, deans and others to get a good sense of how the library can best contribute to the university. At the same time, there are four goals that Walters sees as especially important: Making sure the library promotes student success in its physical environment, policies and services. Supporting the scholarly work of faculty, students and alumni as fully as possible. Walters said he is eager to help faculty find data resources, gain external funding and maximize the impact of their research, among other things. Make good use of collaborative opportunities with other units on campus such as the Writing Center, Saluki Math Lab, Center for Learning Support Services and student government. Make effective use of technology to be aware of new technologies, to help shape their development, if possible, and to reassess existing technologies to see if they can be improved. We should always take a broad view when evaluating new technologies and new business models a view that accounts for their short- and long-term impacts on teaching and research, he said. SIUs College of Arts and Media symposium focuses on integrating AI by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondales College of Arts and Media is hosting a symposium April 11 to showcase the work of faculty, students and professionals who are using artificial intelligence in their innovative process and creative endeavors. The free, public CAM x AI: Innovating Creativity Symposium is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. in Morris Librarys John C. Guyon Auditorium, the Hall of Presidents and Chancellors, and the first-floor rotunda. The symposium will include virtual keynote and workshop presentations in the afternoon. Online registration and day-of registration are available. Advance registration is encouraged to receive the link for the afternoon virtual presentations and the complimentary lunch (it might be difficult to accommodate last-minute requests). During three-minute flash talks, SIU faculty, staff and students will discuss their current AI-related creative activity, research or teaching. There will also be an AI student showcase and competition. I'm proud of the exploration of CAM faculty, staff and students in the rapidly growing AI world, said Hong Cheng, dean of the College of Arts and Media. This symposium will showcase the CAM familys endeavors and accomplishments to date on integrating AI into creativity. It will help spark stronger interest in the opportunities and challenges AI has for arts and media. It will also strengthen our ties with the regional and national communities in these fields. The symposium is the result of a grant from Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) Innovation Participation Grant Program secured last year by Qian Jenny Huang, an associate professor in architectural studies and symposium co-chair. This symposium was created to explore AIs role in creative fields, fostering collaboration between faculty, students and industry professionals, she said. Its a great opportunity for networking, learning and showcasing AI-driven creativity. Keynote speakers Pinckney Benedict, a writer and former faculty member in SIU Carbondales creative writing program, is the morning keynote speaker at 9:15 a.m. Now a professor in the SIU School of Medicine where he is chief architect of the schools AI/AR simulation laboratory, he integrates AI into his creative work and medical education initiatives. Benedict will present Embracing Uncertainty: AI, Narrative, and Keatss Negative Capability. Benedict will explore transformative power in storytelling, examining the shift from deterministic to nondeterministic narratives and the relevance of romantic poet John Keatss notion of negative capability, or suspending judgment about a subject to learn more about it. The afternoon session includes a virtual keynote speech at 1 p.m. by Tao Huang, chair of East Tennessee State Universitys Department of Art and Design. Huang, who has more than 25 years in design research, UX (user experience) design, product design and more, will present The Last Job for You and Me. She is also a former faculty member at SIU Carbondale. At 1:30 p.m., Hector Rodriguez, a designer with more than two decades of experience in industrial design, brand building and proactive innovation and AIxCreative founder, will present a virtual workshop. Indian textiles, engineering goods, electronics, and gems and jewellery sector exporters are expected to hit hardest by the tariffs announced by Donald Trump according to experts. US President Donald Trump has announced a 26 per cent tariff on Indian imports. The decision, which was revealed on Thursday morning IST, involves Trump announcing reciprocal tariffs on many countries, including India. Ajay Bagga, a banking and international stocks expert told ANI that these tariffs are based on exaggerated calculations, which include actual customs duties, alleged currency manipulation, and GST. He described the shift in US trade policy as moving from "America First" to "America Alone." He said, "Indian domestic sectors are protected from first-level effects, but Indian textiles, engineering goods, electronics, and gems & jewellery exporters are immediately impacted. Metals are seeing a sell-off this morning, along with oil. Pharma majors are in wait-and-watch mode as sectoral tariffs will be levied on these." Bagga noted that while India's domestic sectors might not feel the immediate impact, exporters will bear the brunt of the increased costs. The sudden tariff imposition is expected to impact India's economy in multiple ways. The higher duties could lead to a decline in Indian exports, eroding margins for exporters. Additionally, investors are likely to shift funds to safer assets such as gold, the Japanese yen, the Swiss franc, and Japanese government bonds. Emerging market portfolio flows could also be affected as a result. Bagga highlighted that the stock market's initial reaction to the news was to rush towards safe-haven assets while offloading riskier ones. He warned that the certainty of economic pain could weigh heavily on markets in the coming days. He said, "Uncertainty is now converted to a certainty of economic and market pain. The first reaction is to rush into safe havens and to sell risk assets." The new tariffs could pose a significant challenge for Indian exporters, who now have to navigate increased costs and reduced competitiveness in the US market. With further economic implications expected, stakeholders across industries will be closely monitoring the situation. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], April 3: Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font started a week-long visit to India, accompanied by business leaders and authorities, who sought to increase trade and collaboration between both countries. Business associations and representatives from the agrifoods, innovation, services, and film industries met with Indian counterparts to share experiences and knowledge, with the goal of strengthening trade and cooperation. Among them was the Indian Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Forum chairman Vinod Kumar, who made a presentation about trade and collaboration opportunities between local and Chilean companies. He was followed by representatives of the states of Gujarat and Kerala, who presented opportunities in their territories. Ignacio Fernandez, director of ProChile--the country's export promotion agency, which organized the business program around the Presidential visit--said: "India offers tremendous potential for Chilean exports and is a key trade ally for Chile. We are the main provider of walnuts, which are famous for their delicious taste and nutritional value, but we are also sending more and more fresh fruits. Chile holds international prestige in the food sector and is among the top exporters of salmon, wines, cherries, and many other products, and we are confident that they will delight the Indian population as they get to taste them." He added: "We are also working to strengthen the ties between our film industries: last month, a group of Bollywood producers traveled to Chile to meet with our ecosystem, get to know the services that our companies can offer, and explore the amazing landscapes that can be used as film locations." Chile's exports to India reached a historic US$ 2.5 billion last year, with copper accounting for more than half of that value. However, non-mineral exports also hit an all-time record of nearly US$ 790 million, driven by record exports of apples, pears, kiwis, cherries, and others. In the services sector, Chile exported around US$ 3 million to India. The President's visit followed last year's Chile Summit organized by ProChile in India, when a public and private delegation came to Delhi and Mumbai for a one-week business tour. This event featured a film-industry event called "Shoot in Chile," where the country showcased its amazing locations, natural landscapes--including volcanoes, lakes, and the driest desert in the world--as well as the film-industry services it has developed. Chile has been awarded two Oscars and has expressed interest in working more closely with Bollywood. In March, Indian film producers visited three regions in Chile and met with industry professionals to learn more about their ecosystem. The business delegation that accompanied President Boric's visit also included leaders from the technology and education sectors, including climate-change-related technology and services startups, as well as edtech and healthtech. (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) NewsVoir Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 3: Chennai based Mantra Gold Coatings, a Smart Creations initiative and its flagship brand, a pioneer in 24 KT gold plating technology for temples in India and overseas, embellished the architectural heritage of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, located at Yadagirigutta, 60 kms from Hyderabad, by installing the World's largest Gold-Plated Vimana Gopuram. The golden ornate monumental tower standing 55 feet in height, 66 kilograms in weight, spreading across 10,753 square feet saved 330 kgs of gold worth Rs 300 crores for the Telangana government by using the modern environment friendly Nano Tech Golden Deposition (NTGD). Handcrafted by Indian President Awardee artisan Ravindran Stapathi, hailing from the Vishwakarma community, who have been involved and engaged in the temple work for the past 15 generations and more, along with 105 plus direct artisans, helped craft and erect the World's largest Vimana Gopuram. Close to 70 kgs of gold was used along with 11000 kgs of copper, on a solid black granite carved Vimana Gopuram and total work duration, including the copper and gold plating of the Vimana Gopuram took close to 1000 days. The golden ornate monumental tower standing 55 feet in height, 66 kilograms in weight, spreading across 10,753 square feet, was unveiled by Telangana's Chief Minister Shri A Revanth Reddy. This is considered to be Telangana's first gold plated Vimana Gopuram with 50 years warranty. Pankaj Bhandari, CEO of Mantra Gold Coatings said, "2025 is a significant year for Smart Creations, as it coincides with our celebration of 25 remarkable years of association with temples by consistently delivering Kalasams, Vimanas, Dwajasthambam , Golden chariots, Golden walls and Doors to 7800 temples, both in India and abroad, saving them gold worth Rs 4800 Crores. Today, we are greatly honoured that the Telangana Government, after a careful study of the Global Minamata convention on Mercury recommendations and Indian government's related ban on the use of mercury in gold plating process, entrusted Smart Creations with the task of crafting Telangana's first and World's largest Golden Vimana Gopuram of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Yadagirigutta." "This recognition is based on our track record of successfully executing gold plating projects using the modern Nano Tech Golden Deposition (NTGD) technology that adheres to eco-friendly practices by avoiding hazardous emissions like mercury oxide", he added. For more details, please visit: www.mantragoldcoatings.com. The Vimana Gopuram is designed with Nano Tech Golden Deposition (NTGD) technology, the same as used in NASA / ISRO defense applications and equipment, including the Chandrayaan 1,2 & 3, India's lander & rover mission to the moon. It minimizes the quantity of actual gold used in plating, which also increases the life and sheen of the gold plating. NTGD technology is used to gold plate temple domes, kalasams, gopuram & dhwajhasthambams in order to amplify the conductivity of these electromagnetic waves, making it superior. Smart Creations has done beautification work with Sashtra and traditional Designs- on Kalasam, Kodimaram , Doors, Chariots, Vahanam , Kavacham, Simhasam and much more in more than 59100 temples. Smart creations have been associated with temples and kumbhabhishekams for more than 25 years and are a pioneer in gold plating for temples. Today with the traditional knowledge of special hand-chosen artisans combined with the latest technology, Smart creations are on a mission of upgrading temples to Golden temples. With a special R & D department, supported by a fully equipped factory, Smart creations have delivered Kalasams, Vimanams, Dhwajhasthambams, Golden chariots, Golden walls, Doors to 7800 temples in India and abroad. Special customization project management methodology is followed for each temple based on the gold plating requirement in terms of its size, the shine, the specific architecture of the temple, the geographical location of the temple in terms of whether it is near the sea, etc., including the temples uniqueness, their traditional rules, which are mandatory as per the specific temple and the time of delivery and execution. Till date, Smart Creations has helped 7800 temples save gold worth Rs 4800 Crores. (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 New Delhi [India], April 3: Rajesh Joshi, Founder of Chariot Media, has been honored with the 'Big Impact Creator of the Year' award at the prestigious Big Impact Awards. This recognition highlights his contributions to the advertising and media industry, where his strategic vision and innovative approach have helped redefine brand engagement and media outreach on 360- degree media verticals. Organized by BIG FM Group, having network of 58 stations across India (brand of Reliance Group) the Big Impact awards honor professionals and organizations that have demonstrated measurable influence in their fields. Winners are selected through a combination of industry research, perceptual surveys, and business evaluations. The event brought together key figures from the media, business, and policymaking sectors, providing a platform for discussions on innovation, branding, and advertising trends shaping the industry's future. The prestigious big impact award Delhi NCR, 2025 is the 3rd season and 43rd chapter of across Indian Subcontinent around 30 individuals/ organisations were chosen by the Award jury for this award out of many nominations in varied fields. Rajesh Joshi, Chariot Media is a seasoned media strategist and entrepreneur, has over two decades of experience in the advertising and communications industry. Under his leadership, Chariot Media has emerged as a prominent player in integrated brand promotions. His expertise lies in crafting impactful marketing campaigns, media planning, and leveraging digital transformation to enhance brand visibility. Joshi's vision has been instrumental in steering Chariot Media toward sustained growth and innovation in the ever-evolving media landscape. Commenting on the award, Rajesh Joshi, Founder, Chariot Media said, "True impact is never the work of one individual--it is the collective effort of a passionate team, supportive clients, and an industry that constantly inspires innovation. This award is not just a recognition of my journey, but a celebration of the creative energy that drives Chariot Media forward. I am deeply honoured by this recognition, but more than anything, it reinforces my belief that advertising is about purpose, not just promotion. At Chariot Media, we strive to tell stories that matter, create connections that last, and build campaigns that go beyond visibility to truly make a difference". Recognition like this is humbling, and it reminds me that success is never a solo endeavour. The credit belongs to every team member, partner, and client who has trusted our vision. We remain committed to pushing boundaries, embracing new challenges, and shaping the future of advertising with integrity and creativity. He added Chariot Media, an INS accredited & IBF-registered agency, specializes in multi-platform brand promotion across television, radio, print, outdoor, and digital media. The company is headquartered in Delhi and has built a reputation for delivering data-driven advertising solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses across various industries. Over the years, the agency has worked with leading national and international brands, executing high-impact campaigns that drive brand engagement and visibility. The Big Impact Awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in media and communications, recognizing individuals and organizations that drive meaningful change. This year's event also featured expert panel discussions, case studies, and networking sessions, enabling industry professionals to exchange insights and explore new opportunities in media innovation and brand outreach. (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) India PR Distribution London [UK], April 3: Implica Global Corporation, a European-based global technology and strategy consulting consortium, has officially announced its strategic entry into the premium spirits and wine distribution sector. The company is entering the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific market, valued at approximately USD 259.2 billion, demonstrating its ambitious global strategy. This move signifies the group's commitment to further diversify and scale its operations, aiming to achieve a valuation exceeding $20 billion by 2030 in the premium consumer goods market. Implica Global plans an initial investment of $250 million specifically targeting its expansion in Asia and Europe, focusing on globally unique, ultra-premium spirits and wines, rare formulas, and locally and culturally renowned selections designed for the international market. In light of current discussions surrounding the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India, Implica Global is closely monitoring potential regulatory shifts that could reshape the premium beverage trade. Industry observers believe the FTA would significantly reduce excise duties on European liquor imports into India, opening the door to more competitive pricing and improved market access. As a strategic first-mover, Implica Global stands to benefit from this evolving trade landscape, further reinforcing its early expansion into key Asian markets. As part of phase one in 2025, Implica Global will open the distribution of exclusive rights and partner distribution networks across key regions including India, China, ASEAN countries, the European Union, and extended markets such as the United Kingdom and Ireland. According to IWSR, the demand for premium spirits in Asia is projected to grow 12% YoY through 2027. Under the visionary guidance of CEO Sarved Dhar Badgayan, Implica Global continues to demonstrate aggressive growth and strategic foresight across various sectors. "At Implica, we believe true luxury lies in provenance, story, and intention. Through our Global 30 vision, we are carefully curating rare spirits and culturally rich wines not just to distribute but to elevate. This is not simply about market presence; it is about crafting a global legacy with timeless brands that speak to taste, heritage, and elegance. We are here to bring the world something unforgettable."- Sarved Dhar Badgayan, CEO and Executive Chairman, Implica Global Corporation In addition to its expansion into premium consumer goods, Implica Global continues to support global Fortune 500 companies in supply chain management and logistics through its dedicated technology arm, ImplicaT Digital. The tech division provides advanced digital solutions and integrated services that optimize operations and streamline global logistics frameworks. Meanwhile, Implica Consulting focuses on strategic brand building and market expansion, working closely with emerging and established companies to craft impactful narratives, enhance market positioning, and accelerate international growth. The corporation plans to leverage its established global network and advanced analytical capabilities to deliver artisanal and luxury spirits and wine collections to international markets. Positioned in over 25 countries, Implica Global's entry into the spirits and wine consulting and distribution industry underscores its goal of becoming a major global player in consumer goods. Currently, the group is evaluating high-potential spirits and wine brands and has committed to launching this venture under a distinct, yet-to-be-disclosed brand name, separate from Implica, which will remain dedicated exclusively to technology, strategy consulting, and capital ventures. The forthcoming premium beverage brand will be overseen by the London division of the holding company, aligning with the group's structured approach to sector diversification and growth. Details regarding the brand and trading name will be disclosed at a later stage, underscoring Implica Global's meticulous approach to launching impactful, high-value ventures. Website - https://www.implicaglobal.com. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) You are here: World Flash Russia and Ukraine on Wednesday accused each other of hitting energy infrastructure despite a previous agreement to halt strikes on such facilities. The Russian Defense Ministry said Ukrainian forces attacked Russian energy infrastructure in the Kursk region twice over the past 24 hours. The ministry reported one drone attack on a power unit and another artillery shelling on the local electricity operator's facilities. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that a Russian drone hit a substation in the Sumy region overnight, while an artillery strike damaged a power line in Nikopol in the Dnipro region. After their separate talks with U.S. delegations in late March, Russia and Ukraine agreed to develop measures implementing a 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure. Faced with US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs, India on Thursday said that it is studying the opportunities that may arise from this new development in US trade policy. The Ministry of Commerce said in a statement that it is carefully examining the implications of the various measures and announcements made by the US administration. "The US President issued an Executive Order on Reciprocal Tariffs imposing additional ad-valorem duties ranging from 10% to 50% on imports from all trading partners. The baseline duty of 10% will be effective from April 05, 2025, and the remaining country-specific additional ad valorem duty will be effective from April 09, 2025. The additional duty on India, as per Annex I of the Executive Order, is 27%," the Ministry said. "The Department of Commerce is carefully examining the implications of the various measures/announcements made by the President of the USA. Keeping in view the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Department is engaged with all stakeholders, including the Indian industry and exporters, taking feedback of their assessment of the tariffs and assessing the situation. The Department is also studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in the US trade policy," the Ministry added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had announced 'Mission 500' on February 13, 2025, aiming to more than double bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030. "Accordingly, discussions are ongoing between Indian and US trade teams for the expeditious conclusion of a mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement," the commerce department said in its statement today. These cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including deepening supply chain integration. "The ongoing talks are focused on enabling both nations to grow trade, investments and technology transfers. We remain in touch with the Trump Administration on these issues and expect to take them forward in the coming days," the statement added. The commerce ministry said India values its Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the United States and is committed to working closely with the US to implement the India-US 'Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology' (COMPACT) for the 21st century to ensure that the trade ties remain a pillar of mutual prosperity and drive transformative change for the benefit of the people of India and the US. Since assuming office for his second term, President Trump has reiterated his stance on tariff reciprocity, emphasising that the United States will match tariffs imposed by other countries, including India, to ensure fair trade. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], April 3: Lighthouse Canton, a global investment institution, has been awarded Best Wealth Manager - Singapore and Best Wealth Manager - United Arab Emirates at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2025. This double recognition stands as a testament to the company's differentiated and institutional approach to wealth management, driven by innovation, agility, and deep local expertise across the markets it operates. For over 20 years, the Euromoney Awards has been the preeminent global awards program for the private banking and wealth management industry. The awards recognize the world's leading financial services entities that demonstrate excellence in advice, service, and solutions. "This recognition from Euromoney is a proud moment for all of us at Lighthouse Canton," said Shilpi Chowdhary, Group CEO of Lighthouse Canton. "It reflects the strength of our vision, the trust of our clients, and the dedication of our people. Over the past decade, we have built an institution grounded in purpose and driven by innovation. As we step into our next chapter, we remain focused on scaling with intention--delivering sophisticated, globally integrated solutions that help our clients navigate an increasingly complex investment landscape." Prashant Tandon, MD and CEO of Lighthouse Canton in the UAE commented, "We have extended Lighthouse Canton's legacy of innovation and excellence to the Middle East with a clear focus on delivering institutional-level wealth and asset management services. Since our inception, we have unlocked significant potential by combining our global capabilities with deep regional insight. As we look ahead, our commitment remains centered on fostering people excellence, sharpening our investment acumen, and enhancing digital agility." Established in Singapore in 2014, the global investment institution has grown rapidly, providing wealth and asset management services to a range of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporates, and some of the world's largest institutional investors. In 2018 it expanded its coverage of the Middle East and North African region with a UAE office in Dubai. Following this, the wealth management business enhanced its onshore coverage in South Asia with several offices across India. More recently, it has established a new office in London, providing investment banking services to its private clients. With over 200 highly experienced wealth management and private banking professionals globally, the collective expertise of its team has enabled it to support the complex and dynamic financial needs of multinational families and UHWNIs across key financial centers. Its growth has been underpinned by its strategic focus on three core pillars--digital agility, investment acumen, and people excellence--which continue to shape its institutional strength and drive product innovation. The company pivoted to digitalize its infrastructure and operations against the 2019 Covid backdrop. Embracing the digital future, it developed LC Vantage, its proprietary wealth technology platform. Through various iterations and enhancements, LC Vantage is now a digital-full stack private banking platform that seamlessly integrates all aspects of private banking. From onboarding to execution, the system combines AI and technology, consolidates multi-custodian statements, and provides superior portfolio analytics. Recognizing the need for integrated wealth management and private banking services, the institution enhanced its investment acumen, bolstering its capabilities to expand into a global investment institution over the years. Alongside its wealth management business, the company also has a robust asset management business, which comprises strong internal product capabilities in hedge funds, private equity, traditional fundamental analysis, investing through multiple strategies in real estate private equity, direct lending, public equities, and global macros. Lighthouse Canton's innovative mindset and forward-thinking approach have set it apart from wealth management firms across Asia and the Middle East. The Euromoney recognition adds to a growing list of industry accolades. At the Asian Private Banker Awards for Distinction 2024, it was named Best Independent Wealth Manager - Singapore and received a Highly Commended distinction for Independent Wealth Manager - India. This marked the fourth consecutive year of recognition at the APB Awards, including "Best Independent Wealth Manager - Asia Pacific" in 2022 and 2023, and earlier wins for "Wealth Planning Services" and "Investment Advisory" categories in 2021. The institution was also named Best Family Office - United Arab Emirates and Best Family Office - Middle East at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2024, further affirming its leadership in the region's evolving wealth landscape. Marking its 10th anniversary, Lighthouse Canton sees this recognition as a proud moment in a decade-long journey shaped by bold innovation, and an expanding presence in the global wealth and asset management landscape. About Lighthouse Canton: Headquartered in Singapore, Lighthouse Canton is a global investment institution with wealth and asset management capabilities. We employ over 200 experienced professionals across our offices in Singapore, Dubai, India, and London, and oversee over US$ 4 bn worth of assets under management and advisory (as of 31st December 2024). Lighthouse Canton creates value through innovative investment solutions for accredited private clients, institutional investors, and an ecosystem of founders and entrepreneurs globally. The institution's Asset Management service comprises strong internal product capabilities in hedge funds, private equity, traditional fundamental analysis, investing through multiple strategies in real estate private equity, venture capital, venture debt, direct lending, public equities, and global macros. Its Wealth Management service caters to accredited investors including corporates, ultra-high net worth individuals, families and family offices, founders, and entrepreneurs, to help with their personal and business investments, estates, and philanthropic needs, providing them tailored investment advisory, portfolio management, treasury, business & family office solutions. Lighthouse Canton Pte Ltd is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore ("MAS"). Lighthouse Canton Capital (DIFC) Pte Ltd is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA"). LC Capital India Pte Ltd is regulated by Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI"). Lighthouse Canton UK Limited is regulated by Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). For more information visit www.lighthouse-canton.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) HT Syndication New Delhi [India], April 3: As the spirit of Ramadan fills hearts with generosity and compassion, Laxmi, as part of its CSR initiative continues its commitment to support communities through its annual Rice Donation drive in partnership with ICNA Relief at 3 major locations - Chicago, New York and Dallas. In addition to this, Laxmi also sponsored the Student ICNA Party- an annual Iftar gathering brimming with South Asian food and yummy delicacies at The City College of New York (CCNY) and the Iftar Gala in Tribeca, hosted by The Citizens Foundation (TCF) USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education to underprivileged children in Pakistan. With a legacy of quality and tradition, Laxmi has not only grown alongside the South Asian community but has also fostered a shared sense of togetherness with Indian foods, sweets, and spices, and continues its mission to support social causes by giving back to the communities it serves. Through its partnership with ICNA Relief for the fourth consecutive year, Laxmi expanded its contribution and donated 6000 pounds of Extra Long Basmati rice ensuring that families have access to essential food supplies during Ramadan, a time that embodies generosity and social responsibility. Ishaq Alpar from ICNA Relief USA commended the partnership, stating, "It has been a truly wonderful experience working with Laxmi for the past 3 years. Their support has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this partnership and further strengthening our efforts together." Laxmi also sponsored the annual Iftar Gathering for the Student ICNA Party at The City College of New York (CCNY) where over 350 Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian students, far away from home break their fast with a delicious spread of South Asian food. The TCF Iftar Gala in Tribeca brought together over 300 philanthropists and community leaders to raise an impressive $350,000 for educational initiatives benefiting underprivileged children in Pakistan. These events exemplified Laxmi's commitment to supporting social causes and empowering future generations. Suhasinee Patil, VP of Marketing, stated - "Our Ramadan community drive is more than just giving--it's about strengthening communities and celebrating our shared culture during this sacred month. Beyond providing aid, we strive to create a lasting impact by fostering unity, uplifting communities, and ensuring that everyone can embrace the blessings of Ramadan with dignity and joy." Social Media Handle Links https://www.instagram.com/laxmifoodsbrand/ https://www.youtube.com/@laxmifoodsbrand https://www.facebook.com/LaxmiFoodsBrand About HOS Global Foods HOS Global Foods, formerly known as House of Spices, is the largest importer and distributor of South Asian food in North America, representing a diverse array of FMCG brands from multiple countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, Argentina, South Africa, the UAE, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, China, Turkey, and Vietnam. Laxmi, its home brand, offers a wide selection of authentic cooking ingredients and snacks for the South Asian community, delivering the traditional taste of home to communities across North America. About Laxmi Laxmi has been North America's No. 1 South Asian food brand for over four decades. Founded in 1972 by Mr. G. L. Soni, the brand was born out of the challenges faced by South Asian immigrants, especially his wife, Mrs. Shobhana Soni, who struggled to find authentic ingredients. What began as a personal journey to create a home away from home has evolved into a beloved brand that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of South Asian cuisine. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN New Delhi [India], April 3: Women have long been the backbone of families, businesses, and societies, yet their contributions often go unnoticed. On March 29th, Saturday, at Kurki House, Nirman Nagar, Jaipur, Ubuy and Shilpi Foundation came together to change that, celebrating the strength, achievements, and leadership of women from all walks of life. Held during Gangaur, a festival that has long symbolised devotion and femininity, the event carried a deeper purpose this year. More than 500 women dressed in traditional attire took part in the festivities. The event blended culture with opportunity, giving women a platform to express themselves, showcase their skills, and embrace their identity. The gathering, graced by Mr. Gopal Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan; RAS Pankaj Ojha; Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Youth Icon, Rajasthan; Mr. Upendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, Rajasthan; and other renowned dignitaries, shed light on the role of women in shaping society. Music, dance, and tradition played a key role in the event. Women participated in Ghoomar, sang folk songs, and took part in a grand Gangaur procession. There were mehendi stalls, a ramp walk, quizzes and competitions celebrating beauty, grace, and cultural heritage. Bikaner's Ms. Komal Sidh, Miss Moomal 2025, was later crowned as the Gangaur Queen, enhancing the festive spirit. The festival was more than just a gathering; it was a space where women could take pride in their roots while stepping forward with confidence. Ubuy believes in creating opportunities where women can thrive. As Hillary Clinton once said, "Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world." Recognising this, Ubuy continues to support talent and ambition, ensuring that ideas turn into action and that success is within reach. Beyond cultural celebrations, the festival also became a platform for women entrepreneurs to share their skills, ideas, and aspirations. Many showcased their work, proving that tradition and progress can go hand in hand. As part of the occasion, Mr. Dinesh Kumar, Director of Ubuy, was presented as the Guest of Honour by Ms. Shilpi Agarwal, Founder of Shilpi Foundation, recognising his dedication to advancing opportunities for women. "Empowerment begins with opportunity," said Mr. Dinesh Kumar. "At Ubuy, we believe in creating spaces where women can lead, innovate, and inspire. This isn't just a responsibility, but a necessity." The event served as a reminder that empowerment is not a distant goal concept but something that must be reflected in policies, workplaces and daily life. With every story shared, every talent recognised, and every voice amplified, the evening stood as a tribute to the women who refuse to be defined by limitations. This Gangaur, the celebration was not just about tradition but the future, one shaped by strong, fearless women. About Ubuy Ubuy is a cross-border eCommerce platform offering access to over 300 million international products worldwide. With a strong presence across multiple regions, Ubuy is committed to enhancing global shopping experiences and advancing technology in the retail sector. (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) VMPL New Delhi [India], April 3: Assurance Intl Limited is pleased to announce the partnership with General Motors (GM), the iconic American automotive company for relaunch of GM renowned aftermarket brand, ACDelco, in the Indian market. As a leading company, Assurance Intl Limited is known for its excellence in lubricants oil & automotive parts in India. This relaunch is part of strategic official partnership, leveraging Assurance Intl's expertise in reintroducing a wide range of ACDelco aftermarket products, including high-quality lubricants oil and batteries, aimed at setting new standards in the Indian automotive aftermarket. The ACDelco brand, synonymous with quality and reliability globally, is now positioned to serve the evolving demands of Indian consumers through Assurance Intl's strong distribution and retail network. This partnership aims to capture a meaningful share of the market overtime, underscoring a commitment to delivering exceptional performance and reliability in auto components across India. Assurance Intl Limited, a trusted name in automotive distribution, has a vast network and extensive experience in delivering high-quality products and services. This licensing partnership will leverage Assurance's established infrastructure, including local distribution hubs and a nationwide service network, to provide customers with superior products and comprehensive after-sales support. Sandeep Mahajan, Executive Chairman at Assurance Intl, expresses his excitement to partner with GM to relaunch ACDelco in India, stating "India is one of the most important automotive markets in the world, and with ACDelco, we are committed to providing high-performance, reliable products to Indian customers. This partnership allows us to deliver on our promise of quality, durability, and affordability, ensuring that vehicle owners across India have access to the very best in automotive care." Mahajan further emphasized ACDelco's rich legacy, stating, "With over a century of delivering world-class automotive solutions, ACDelco stands for trust, quality, and innovation. Since 1916, it has been at the forefront of automotive advancements. Bringing this heritage to India, we are confident that our collective expertise will empower vehicle owners with reliable products and set new benchmarks for quality in the Indian aftermarket." "We are thrilled to partner with GM in bringing ACDelco to Indian consumers," said Rakesh Sharma, Managing Director at Assurance Intl Limited. "This collaboration reflects our commitment to offering world-class automotive products that prioritize durability, safety, and quality." The range of products is officially launched and available to customers through distribution channels by mid- January 2025. Both companies are confident to set a new standard in the industry, delivering outstanding value and satisfaction to our customers. About Assurance Intl Limited: Assurance Intl Limited, a leading manufacturing and marketing company for automotive products such as lubricants, batteries, filters, accessories and spare parts. Assurance has a presence in multiple countries like Australia, Bhutan, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Pakistan and Bangladesh. For more information about Assurance Intl Limited, & ACDelco Lubricants and Batteries visit www.assuranceintl.com / www.acdelcoparts.in About General Motors: General Motors (NYSE: GM) is a global automotive leader known for designing, building, and selling cars, trucks, and related automotive components. Known for iconic brands such as Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac, GM is committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality transportation solutions to customers worldwide. GM has a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation in the automotive industry. For more information about General Motors, visit www.gm.com (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) NewsVoir Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 3: Numeric UPS, a leader in power backup solutions, proudly celebrates over four decades of innovation, reliability, and commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply across India. Founded in 1984 by Ramasamy G. Chellappan, Numeric was among the first to introduce high-efficiency UPS systems in India and has consistently set benchmarks in the industry, transforming power backup solutions with cutting-edge technology and a customer-centric approach. Over the years, Numeric has played a pivotal role in enhancing power reliability for businesses, industries, and households. The company's unwavering dedication to quality and innovation has positioned it as a trusted partner across multiple sectors, including critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance). Today, Numeric proudly provides power continuity to over 70% of Indian airports, more than 150 metro stations, leading hospitals, and prominent commercial enterprises. Marking this milestone, Ravindran SK, Chief Business Officer of Numeric UPS, expressed gratitude towards customers, partners, and employees. "Success for us extends beyond business growth; it is about making a meaningful impact. For 40 years, we have remained dedicated to sustainability and innovation. Our cutting-edge energy-efficient UPS solutions optimize power management while reducing carbon footprints. Coupled with a state-of-the-art Customer Excellence Centre, we have introduced Virtual Remote Assistance (VRA)--a first in the segment--enabling real-time troubleshooting, predictive maintenance, and expert guidance without the need for on-site visits. This not only enhances service efficiency but also minimizes downtime and operational costs for our customers. He further added, "As we look ahead, our focus remains on responsible corporate growth. What we have achieved in the past 40 years, we now aim to accomplish in the next 10--because the possibilities before us are infinite." Numeric's legacy is built on its pioneering contributions to the power solutions industry Moving forward, the company is advancing power continuity with high-density, energy-efficient solutions in a compact footprint. With lithium-ion integration, strategic R&D investments, new manufacturing facilities, and compliance with Legrand Group's Eco-Design guidelines, Numeric is poised to power critical applications like data centers with innovation and sustainability." As Numeric enters its next phase of growth, it remains focused on promoting a culture of innovation, excellence, and customer-centricity. Numeric is the leading UPS manufacturer that offers sustainable power solutions to users all over the globe with 2 world-class manufacturing units. With an experience of more than 40 years, the brand has succeeded in building a credible clientele base spread across different domains. Numeric is a GLOCAL company, i.e., the combination of 'global' expertise with deep 'local' market knowledge. The clean energy solutions are certified by PEP Eco Passport, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and SA 8000:2008 OHSAS 18001:2007. Numeric also has the widest service network in the industry, with more than 250 direct service centres and over 900+ technically proficient engineers, supported by a 24x7 Customer Excellence Centre. (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) Food and beverage maker Nestle India has laid the foundation stone for its upcoming factory in Khordha, Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the groundbreaking ceremony. According to a company statement Wednesday, this is slated to be Nestle India's tenth factory and first in the eastern part of the country. In its first phase, the factory is being set up with an initial investment of approximately Rs 900 crore and is slated to manufacture products from its food (prepared dishes and cooking aids) portfolio. Nestle India set up its first manufacturing facility at Moga (Punjab) in 1961, followed by its facilities at Choladi (Tamil Nadu) in 1967; Nanjangud (Karnataka) in 1989; Samalkha (Haryana) in 1992; Ponda and Bicholim (Goa) in 1995 and 1997, respectively; Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) in 2006; and Tahliwal (Himachal Pradesh) in 2012. Nestle India set up its ninth manufacturing facility at Sanand (Gujarat) in 2021. Talking at the event, Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha said that he was happy to see the progress made by Nestle India in setting up a state-of-the-art facility, with cutting-edge technology in Khordha district. He conveyed his belief that this factory would enable Nestle India to scale new heights and assured them of continued support in their endeavor." Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestle India, said, "With a steadfast adherence to 'Make in India' we had announced our tenth factory in Odisha, reaffirming the significance of India as a market. It gives me immense pleasure as we witness our planning and efforts bearing fruit." "We are confident that this upcoming factory will not only help us with our business but will also stand tall as a vibrant example of gender diversity, sustainable manufacturing, paperless, digitally managed facility with an abiding focus on the environment," Narayanan added. (ANI) BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], April 3: Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited, one of India's leading standalone health insurers, has been recognized with multiple prestigious industry recognitions in the last financial year making it one of the most awarded health insurance brands in the country. The company was recently recognized as one of the Most Trusted Brands of India at an event held in Mumbai by Team Marksmen Daily. Setting high benchmarks for performance, innovation and customer service, the company has won multiple awards across top industry platforms in the last financial year, including the top prize in Best Standalone Health Insurer category at Mint BFSI Summit & Awards 2025, "Best Health Insurance Company" at InsureNext Global Conclave & Awards 2025, "Swift & Prompt Insurer" at 11th Edition of ET NOW Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, Winner under the Category of Highest Growth- SAHI at ASSOCHAM 15th Global Insurance Summit & Awards, Best Internal Audit Innovation of the Year at the 5th edition of Audit & Risk Summit Awards 2024 and the VC Circle Awards 2025, where it was named Financial Services (Non-Lending) Company of the Year. These recognitions reflect Niva Bupa's commitment to leveraging digital transformation to offer best-in-class services and expand insurance penetration, aligning with the IRDAI's vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047'. Speaking on the achievement, Krishnan Ramachandran, MD & CEO, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, said: "At Niva Bupa, we are committed to making quality healthcare more accessible and ensuring that health insurance is simple, transparent, and relevant for every Indian. These accolades reaffirm our efforts to create industry-first innovations that bridge protection gaps and empower customers with seamless, digital-first solutions. We remain focused on delivering best-in-class service, ensuring faster claims processing, and pioneering new-age products that cater to India's evolving healthcare needs." With a 90%+ claim settlement ratio over the last three financial years, a growing hospital network of over 10,000 empaneled hospitals, and a customer base exceeding 19.8 million lives, Niva Bupa continues to be a trusted partner in India's healthcare ecosystem. The company has also been certified as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to both customer excellence and a thriving workplace culture. (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) The historical drama, which delves into the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, features a gripping courtroom showdown between Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan, highlighting the fight for justice against the British Empire. The makers of the movie, including Karan Johar also shared the trailer on their social media handles. https://www.instagram.com/p/DH-am8vSyo1/ "One man, his courage, his words - that shook the entire empire. Uncover the most shocking lie ever told. Uncover the darkest chapter of our history. Uncover the truth behind Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. #KesariChapter2 - TRAILER OUT NOW. In cinemas, April 18," the caption read. Set against the backdrop of the tragic events of April 13, 1919, the trailer introduces Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair, a courageous lawyer who challenges the British colonial regime in a legal battle for the victims of the massacre. The film's narrative unfolds with haunting visuals of the massacre, showing the devastation that followed and the ripple effects it had across India. In the courtroom, Akshay's character faces off against R Madhavan, portraying Neville McKinley, a lawyer defending the British Crown. The trailer also features Ananya Panday, a law student. Sharing her look on March 28, the makers on Instagram wrote, "Embraced by compassion, fueled by justice. Introducing Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill in Kesari - Chapter 2. In cinemas worldwide, 18th April." R Madhavan plays Neville Mckinley in the film. The film promises to shed light on the untold story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, offering a fresh perspective on a tragedy that shaped India's struggle for independence. 'Kesari Chapter 2' is set to release on April 18, 2025, following the success of its predecessor, which focused on the Battle of Saragarhi in 2019. The original Kesari film starred Parineeti Chopra and highlighted the valor of 21 Sikh soldiers in the 1897 battle. With Kesari Chapter 2, the filmmakers aim to honor the legacy of India's freedom fighters by showcasing the relentless pursuit of justice and the enduring spirit of resistance against colonial oppression. (ANI) Rajya Sabha on Thursday witnessed exchanges between CPI-M member John Brittas and MoS Tourism Suresh Gopi. Suresh Gopi said there was no pressure on makers of L2 Empuraan makers and it was the decision of the director, producers and actor to remove 17 portions from the film amid the ongoing controversy. "There was no censor pressure on the producers of Empuraan. I was the first person to call the producers and ask them to delete my name from the credit...the beginning of the film. This is the truth. I am ready to take any punishment if it is false," Suresh Gopi said. "It was the decision of the producers and the lead actor of the film, with permission from the director of the film, to remove 17 portions from the film. It was their decision. So, what is this circus going on ....defaming the party (BJP)." Amid din, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that Gopi responded after Brittas took his name. He said the CPI-M member remarked that Gopi will not win the next polls. He said Brittas "provoked" Gopi. DMK's Tiruchi Siva demanded that some remarks of Gopi should be expunged. Gopi, an actor-politician, had earlier too spoken about the controversy concerning L2 Empuraan movie. "Okay, so what is the controversy? Who has raised the controversy? It's all business. Screwing up the psyche of the people and making money. That's all," Gopi told ANI. In a show of support for 'Empuraan', Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday strongly condemned the Sangh Parivar for "unleashing communalism through widespread hate campaigns" against the Malayalam film directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. The Chief Minister, who watched the movie on Saturday said that the Sangh Parivar leaders are angered about the film because it referenced "one of the most brutal genocides the country has ever seen." "I saw the film Empuraan, which is leading the Malayalam film industry to new heights. I saw the film at a time when the Sangh Parivar is unleashing communalism through widespread hate campaigns against the film, its actors and crew," Vijayan wrote in Malayalam in a post on social media platform Facebook. "The fact that the film references one of the most brutal genocides the country has ever seen has angered the Sangh Parivar, its planners. Not only the followers, but even leaders of the BJP and RSS are raising public threats." The Chief Minister said that violent calls to destroy and ban artwork and artists are the latest manifestations of fascist attitudes. "There have even been reports that the producers are being forced to re-censor and edit the film under this pressure. This atmosphere of fear created by the Sangh Parivar is worrying. It is not a good thing for democracy for communalists to destroy a work of art and viciously attack artists just because it has taken a stand against communalism and depicted its horror," he said. Mohanlal also issued a statement acknowledging that certain aspects of the film had caused distress to some of his fans and assured that the team had decided to remove such references. (ANI) Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a message to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, extending his deep condolences over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, former president of Laos and former chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended profound condolences to the LPRP, the Lao government and people over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, and expressed sincere sympathies to his family on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and people, and in his own name. In the message to Thongloun, also General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, Xi hailed Comrade Khamtay as a steadfast communist, outstanding leader of the older generation of the Lao party and state, and close comrade and friend of the CPC and the Chinese people. Xi also said Khamtay had devoted his life to Laos' reform and socialist development, making significant contributions to the development of relations between the two parties and two countries, adding that the Chinese people will always cherish his memory. Noting that China and Laos are socialist neighbors linked by the same mountains and rivers, Xi said the two countries are not only good neighbors, but also good friends, good comrades and good partners. He noted that China attaches great importance to consolidating and carrying forward the traditional friendship between the two parties and two countries, and stands ready to work with Laos to promote the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future and the continuous progress of their respective socialist causes. Xi also expressed the hope that under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the LPRP headed by General Secretary Thongloun, Laos would continue to make new and greater achievements in the cause of building the party and the country. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar shared his inspiration for working in 'Kesari Chapter 2' and said that he wants to highlight the real history of India through his films. Akshay Kumar attended the grand trailer launch event of Kesari Chapter 2 on Thursday. He was joined by his co-stars R Madhavan and Ananya Panday. During the press conference at the trailer launch, the actor expressed his wish for a series of 'Kesari' films, as he wants to introduce the audience to the untold history of India. The actor praised Punjab's people for their bravery, loyalty, and valour and said he wants to tell their stories through films like Kesari. "Punjab comprises of brave, loyal people, and valour and I want to bring their stories to you. I want to make Kesari 3 and Kesari 4 too. There are so many chapters in Punjab and in India on which a lot can be made," said Akshay Kumar in Punjabi. The actor further claimed that history books are written from the perspective of "angrez" (Englishmen), which led to people being unaware of the true history of India. "I want to bring out the valour and things which India has done and have done it earlier which we don't know because in our history books, it is not written. Because our history books are written from the perspective of angrez (Englishmen). I wanted to bring the actual history of India through this film." Akshay Kumar said in Punjabi. The upcoming film of Akshay is a sequel to his film Kesari, which was released in 2019. In the teaser, the actor was seen saying "F**K You" on the screen for the first time. At the press conference of the film, when Akshay was asked about what made him say the curse word, the actor justified it by saying that being called a slave by the British is a much bigger abuse than what he said. "Haan maine yeh word use kiya. Lekin voh jo word usne use kiya tha (for Britishers in the teaser) 'You are still a slave!'- was that not a gaali for you? I think usse bade gaali aur kuchh ho nahi sakti (I think there can be no bigger abuse than this). I would have been happy if you had said something about using the word 'slave' rather than you talking about me saying f**k you," Akshay Kumar said. He further said that shooting Britishers for calling Indians slaves would have also been a 'less' response at that time. "Mere hisaab se agar aise time pe hum logon ne goli bhi maar di hoti na toh bhi chhota rehta. (According to me, if at that time we would have shot them, then that it would have also been a small response.)" added Akshay Kumar. As per the trailer, the movie delves into the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre which features a gripping courtroom showdown between Akshay Kumar, who portrayed Nair in the film and R Madhavan, portraying Neville McKinley, a lawyer defending the British Crown. The film's narrative unfolds with haunting visuals of the massacre, showing the devastation that followed and the ripple effects it had across India. Kesari Chapter 2 will be released in theatres on April 18, 2025. (ANI) Ketan Thakkar, Collector Jamnagar, said an aircraft of the Air Force had crashed in the district of Jamnagar. "One pilot has been rescued and shifted to the hospital. The fire team is present at the spot and has doused the fire. The Air Force team, fire team, Police and other teams are present here for the rescue...The civilian area has not been affected...The aircraft crashed in an open ground," Thakkar said. Prem Sukh Delu, SP Jamnagar, said that the operations are underway to rescue the other pilot. "There were two pilots in the (Jaguar) trainer aircraft of the Air Force. One has been rescued and taken to the hospital. Operations are underway to rescue the other pilot," Delu said. Earlier, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed in Gujarat's Jamnagar. On March 7, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed near Ambala in Haryana on Friday, with the pilot ejecting safely, IAF officials said. According to officials, the aircraft had taken off from the Ambala Air Force base for a routine evening sortie when it encountered a system malfunction and crashed. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. The IAF said that the pilot successfully maneuvered the aircraft away from inhabited areas before ejecting safely. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that there has been no violence in Manipur for the past four months, adding that the situation in the state is under control. "For the past four months, there has been no violence in Manipur...I will not say the situation in Manipur is satisfactory, but it is under control...Congress does not have that many MPs that they will move a no-confidence motion," Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha adopted a statutory resolution, confirming the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur. Earlier, Amit Shah moved the resolution for LS nod to the Presidential proclamation for the president's rule in Manipur. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor called to speak, but he asked why they took Manipur issue at 2 am. "Manipur has a rich cultural heritage, natural resources. The biggest crisis we are facing today is that there has been an erosion of public trust in the state. The president's rule was proclaimed only because of a no-confidence motion prepared by the Manipur Congress," he said. Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanimozhi slammed the central government for discussing the issue at 2 am in the night. "The opposition parties have been requesting to raise the Manipur issue so many time so many times in the House. But today is the day you have chosen after 2 am. In the middle of the night. It just shows how much regard you have for the people suffering in the Manipur," Kanimozhi said. After the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024 passed in the Lok Sabha, the House was adjourned to meet again on April 3. The situation in Manipur is disturbing, with violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities. Manipur has been under the President's rule since February after the resignation of chief minister N Biren Singh, as announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs. President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13 under Article 356 of the Constitution, five days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post. The violence in Manipur between the Meiteis and the Kukis 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) In view of saving electricity expenditure on tubewells across the state, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has directed the department of drinking water and other related departments to work on the action plan to install solar energy systems by mapping the vacant places. The Chief Secretary also directed that the groundwater level report be compulsorily obtained before installing tubewells and that the report be made available to the Drinking Water Corporation and Jal Sansthan of areas with critical drinking water. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan chaired the 12th High Powered Committee (HPC) meeting on Wednesday at the Secretariat, which was related to the World Bank-assisted Uttarakhand Water Supply Program (2018-2025) in peri-urban areas. The Chief Secretary has given instructions to maintain the continuity of good practices under the World Bank-aided Uttarakhand Water Supply Program (2018-2025) in peri-urban areas. He has given instructions for 100 percent water quality, continuous water supply, maintaining energy efficiency level in pumping to save electricity, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement in complaint redressal mechanism. In the meeting, the Chief Secretary approved the final variation in various schemes of Uttarakhand Payjal Nigam and Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan. It was informed in the meeting that the World Bank-aided Uttarakhand Water Supply Program (2018-2025) project in peri-urban areas costing Rs 1,042 crore will end on June 30, 2025. The World Bank's contribution to the project is Rs 834 crore, and the Uttarakhand government's contribution is Rs 208 crore. The program is covered in 22 cities and five districts of the state: Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. Under the project, the target is to ensure a water supply for 16 hours per day with a minimum 12-meter pressure and to benefit 4.35 lakh of the targeted population at 135 LPCD. The project provides for metering with a 100 percent volumetric tariff. Officials of the drinking water department informed that 22 schemes have been completed under the project, and 1,08,755 new connections have been given. These new connections are 24 percent more than the target of the program. The World Bank has expressed complete satisfaction with the implementation of the said project. Secretary Drinking Water, Finance, Additional Secretaries and officers of the concerned departments were present in the meeting. (ANI) A man identified as Sagar, who had been reported missing from Tilak Nagar in the national capital has been confirmed dead in Shamli in, Uttar Pradesh, leading to a full-scale investigation by the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh police. The case was initially reported at Police Station (PS) Tilak Nagar after Sagar's family informed authorities that he had left a hotel he was operating on lease but never reached home. Raising suspicion against certain individuals and fearing for his safety, the family prompted the registration of an abduction case. Multiple police teams were deployed for technical and manual surveillance, and the family remained actively involved in the probe, as the suspects were known to them. Several individuals were detained for questioning, though the main suspects remain at large. Authorities have secured non-bailable warrants against them. On March 27, 2025, a case of murder was registered at Polic Station Kandla in Shamli district for an unidentified dead body (UIDB). On the evening of April 2, 2025, it was confirmed that the deceased was Sagar. Following the confirmation, Delhi Police coordinated with their counterparts in UP, and a team from Police Station Tilak Nagar, accompanied by Sagar's family members, was dispatched to Shamli. Authorities are now actively exchanging information with UP Police to trace the accused and ensure swift action in the case. (ANI) The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police on Wednesday received a written complaint from a representative of the Shiv Sena against comedian Kunal Kamra, seeking an investigation into the funds he allegedly received from various countries through his videos, the EOW stated. According to the EOW, the complainant has urged the agency to probe the financial transactions linked to Kamra's content, following his disparaging remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his latest stand-up video, "Naya Bharat", raising concerns over the sources of his income. Earlier, the Mumbai Police issued a third notice to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, asking him to appear for clarification over his remarks, as per officials. According to the police, the stand-up artist was called to record his statement on April 5. "Mumbai Police has issued a third notice to Kunal Kamra to appear on 5th April and record his statement. Mumbai Police had called Kunal Kamra twice before for questioning, but he did not appear," said officials from Mumbai Police. The third summon notice came in response to Kamra's failure to appear before the Mumbai Police on the previous summons. Mumbai Police are investigating allegations that Kamra made satirical remarks about several other noted personalities before mocking former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This came after Kamra recently sparked a row with his "gaddar" (traitor) joke, which was allegedly aimed at Eknath Shinde. According to the police, if the investigation reveals that the stand-up artist in question has previously made satirical comments about any politician, actor, or sportsperson, then action will be taken against him. Currently, three separate cases have been filed against Kamra at the Khar Police station after his remarks about Shinde. According to the Mumbai Police, the Mayor of Jalgaon filed one complaint, while a hotelier and a businessman from Nashik filed the other two. On Wednesday, Kamra sought an apology from those who attended his show after the Mumbai Police reportedly sent notices to some of them for questioning: "I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience that attending my show has caused to you. Please email me so that I can schedule your next vacation anywhere you'd like in India." Earlier, the Madras High Court on Friday granted interim anticipatory bail to Kunal Kamra in connection with multiple FIRs lodged against him. Justice Sunder Mohan ordered interim anticipatory bail until April 7 with conditions. Kunal Kamra had approached the Madras High Court to seek transit anticipatory bail, claiming he has been receiving many threats following his recent satirical comments. (ANI) Delhi Water Minister Pravesh Verma on Wednesday addressed the public grievances over inflated water bills and water supply issues, promising corrective action and relief. Speaking to reporters, Verma targeted the former Aam Aadmi Party government over the issue, stating, "The previous government somehow did something, due to which water bills worth lakhs of rupees were sent even to houses of 25-50 yards." He noted that the issues were being investigated and the inflated price would be corrected. "We are getting this investigated. All the inflated bills will be corrected. If a bill is completely wrong, we will waive it too," Verma said, adding that discussions with the Delhi Chief Minister have paved the way for relief on fines, with an announcement expected soon. "We had a good discussion with our Chief Minister about providing relief on penalties as well, and an announcement on that will be made soon. If someone is unable to pay the bill, they should not worry," he assured. During a discussion on water shortage and sewerage blockage, Verma further criticised the past mismanagement, saying, "It is not known where the money was spent in the previous government. A pipeline worth Rs 7 crore laid four years ago showed leakages when supply started, and now it will cost Rs 5 crore to repair." He stressed the current government's financial readiness, noting, "Our Chief Minister has said we have money and a budget." Highlighting systemic neglect, Verma pointed out, "Most water pipelines in Delhi are 40 years old. The previous government had no action plan beyond fixing leaks." He outlined future steps, including a comprehensive action plan for water and sewer systems, population-based water distribution, and a goal to make Delhi "tanker-free" and assured to make the tanker system transparent with GPS installation and a command centre in the Jal Board. "We will make the tanker system transparent with GPS installation and set up a command center in the Jal Board," Verma added. (ANI) Taking to X, Kharge said his unwavering courage played a key role in India's victory in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. "Our salutations to the memory of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Fondly known as Sam Bahadur, his strategic brilliance and unwavering courage played a key role in India's decisive victory in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War," Kharge wrote on X. https://x.com/kharge/status/1907625392661516367?t=ESIG7AycM8oqjzRrku0DVg&s=08 "His illustrious career, marked by leadership in five wars, as one of India's most distinguished military commanders, stands as a testament to his selfless dedication," Kharge added. Kharge further said that Manekshaw's "unflinching, tireless service" remains deeply valued. Additionally, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute to the legend. "Remembering the Man behind India's victory against the war with Pakistan in 1971, Padma Vibhushan Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw ji on his birth anniversary," Gadkari wrote on X. Manekshaw was born on April 3, 1914, in Amritsar, and he died of pneumonia at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, on June 27, 2008, at the age of 94. Manekshaw joined the British Indian Army in 1932 and served with distinction during World War II. His career spanned over four decades and five wars, including the Indo-Pak War of 1947 and the liberation of Hyderabad in 1948. He was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. Manekshaw was also the first Indian officer to command the Gorkhas after India won Independence. He was honoured with the Military Cross on the battlefront during the Second World War. Manekshaw, fondly called 'Sam Bahadur,' led the Indian Army to victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. His legacy as one of India's finest military commanders endures, inspiring future generations. (ANI) Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, seeking an immediate discussion on the United States' decision to impose retaliatory tariffs on Indian exports. The move follows US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, citing high import duties and trade restrictions imposed by India. Gogoi, in his notice to the Lok Sabha Secretary-General, emphasised the "urgent and pressing" need to debate the economic ramifications of these tariffs. He warned that the increased tariffs would severely impact price-sensitive sectors such as textiles, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, reducing their competitiveness in the American market. "It is concerning that despite multiple rounds of trade discussions, an amicable resolution has not yet been reached. The government must take urgent diplomatic and trade countermeasures to safeguard the interests of Indian exporters and workers dependent on these industries," Gogoi stated in his motion. He mentioned that these tariffs would impact some sectors, "The move could hurt price-sensitive sectors like textiles, jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, reducing their competitiveness in the American market." Gogoi pointed out that India's reciprocal tariffs were significantly higher than those of China (67%), Japan (46.4%), and South Korea (50%), making Indian exports less competitive compared to global rivals like the European Union (20%) and the United Kingdom (10%). He warned that these measures could discourage foreign investment, slow technological progress, and push US businesses to relocate operations to alternative markets like Vietnam and Indonesia. "This issue has severe economic ramifications and requires the House's immediate attention," he urged, calling on the government to outline its strategy to mitigate the damage and protect India's trade interests. President Trump justified the tariffs as a necessary countermeasure against what he described as India's unfair trade practices, including a 70 per cent duty on motorcycles and other trade barriers. He also accused India of currency manipulation, further straining trade relations between the two nations. (ANI) Congress MP Manish Tewari has launched a fierce critique on the BJP-led Centre after the US government imposed 26 per cent 'reciprocal tariffs' on India, stating that this represents an "abject failure" of the negotiations that were taking place between these two governments. Sharpening his attacks, the Congress MP stated that this government needs to develop a 'spine' and stand up to the US. "It represents an abject failure of the negotiations that were taking place between the US and the government of India. The US has imposed tariffs, expelled our students, and cancelled visas without any provocation, and the government is absolutely silent... The government needs to develop a spine and stand up to the US," Tewari told ANI. Congress MP Randeep Surjewala also criticised the Centre and questioned the Modi government over their "silence" and "inaction" on 'reciprocal tariffs. Taking to a social media post on X, Surjewala said, "The +27% Tariffs by U.S on India are effective wednesday, April 3rd, 2025 ! Electronics & Communication, Pharmaceuticals, Machinery & Computer, Chemicals, Apparel, Yarn & Carpets, Fish, meat & Processed Sea Food, God & Jewellery and ..... many other Sectors to be impacted. Where is Modi Govt ? Where are Finance & Commerce Min.? Why is PM silent? Why are they 'missing in action' again? #USTariffWar." https://x.com/rssurjewala/status/1907640128216117739 US President Donald Trump announced new import tariffs on Wednesday (local time), outlining the rates to be imposed on countries around the world, with India facing a 26 per cent tariff. Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "great friend," Trump said that India charges the US 52 per cent, and "we charge them almost nothing." Trump's announcement came while he addressed the Make America Wealthy Again Event. At the event, Trump said, "India very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left and is a great friend of mine, but you are not treating us right. They charge us 52 per cent, and we charge them almost nothing..." Trump further said, "The United States charges other countries only a 2.4 tariff on motorcycles. Meanwhile, Thailand and others are charging much higher prices like 60%, India charges 70%, Vietnam charges 75% and others are even higher than that." The US President further said that a 25 per cent tariff would be imposed on all foreign-made automobiles. "Such horrendous imbalances have devastated our industrial base and put our national security at risk. I don't blame these other countries at all for this calamity. I blame former presidents and past leaders who weren't doing their job... Effective at midnight, we will impose a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles," Trump said. The import tariffs on other major countries are China (34 per cent), European Union (20 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), Taiwan (32 per cent), Japan (24 per cent), India (26 per cent), United Kingdom (10 per cent), Bangladesh (37 per cent), Pakistan (29 per cent), Sri Lanka (44 per cent), Israel (17 per cent). (ANI) The mortal remains of the workers from Madhya Pradesh who were killed in the Gujarat factory fire incident reached the state on Thursday morning, and their last rites were performed at Nemawar Ghat in the district, an official said. A total of 18 workers, which include 10 from Dewas and eight from Harda district, died in the incident, and their bodies were brought here with the help of ambulances. Teams from both district administrations were present on the spot and made arrangements for the cremation of the workers. Dewas Collector Rituraj Singh said, "Ambulances have been arranged to bring the dead bodies here, and the district administration has made necessary arrangements for their last rites through their family members. District administration and police teams are present on the spot. The cremation of ten bodies, who were residents of the Dewas district, is being performed here at Nemawar Ghat. Additionally, Harda district administration is also present here at the ghat and performing the last rites of people belonging to Harda." The collector further highlighted that the financial assistance announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav was provided to the deceased's next of kin. "An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each, which was announced by the CM, we have immediately provided it to the family of the deceased via means of cheques," he added. Additionally, Superintendent of Police (SP), Punit Gehlot said that last rites of the workers were being performed at Nemawar ghat and all the necessary assistance from the administration and police was being ensured. "After the tragic incident happened in Gujarat, the district administration and the police have been in constant touch with the families of those who died in the incident. We have constantly coordinated with the Harda district administration and with the Gujarat administration. Today, all the bodies have been brought to Nemawar Ghat in the district from the incident site, and proceedings of last rites are being performed. All possible help from the administration and police is being ensured," SP Gehlot said. Notably, an explosion occurred at the firecracker godown in Gujarat's Banaskantha district on Tuesday, in which a total of 21 workers died. According to officials, the explosion at the firecracker godown in the Deesa area led to the collapse of the structure, trapping several workers inside. Banaskantha Collector Mihir Pravinkumar Patel said that most of the deceased workers were residents from the Dewas and Harda districts in Madhya Pradesh. After the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and announced Rs 2 Lakh ex-gratia to the families of the workers killed in the incident and Rs 50,000 to the injured on Tuesday Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to the injured persons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh rupees to the next of kin of each deceased and 50,000 rupees to the injured. (ANI) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said that his party will discuss the US administration's imposition of a 26 percent " reciprocal tariff" on India and release a detailed statement. According to sources, the Congress party is set to raise the issue during Question Hour in Lok Sabha. ""It doesn't seem right to give a byte on this issue. Our party will release a detailed statement on it," Kharge said outside Parliament today. "... The friendship between them (US President Trump and PM Modi) and the way they embrace each other and talk and now these tarriffs. It shows that America (Donald Trump) is a businessman. 'Aur wo humara customer phas gaya'. (And our customers are getting trapped." Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said that the tariffs are "extremely detrimental" to our trade and urged the government to raise the issue. "It will be extremely detrimental to our trade. The Indian government should raise this issue with the US government immediately," Shukla said. Trump on Wednesday (local US time) announced reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India during a 'Make America Wealthy Again' Event in Washington. Calling these tariffs "discounted reciprocal tariffs," Trump said that India charges the US 52 per cent. "India very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left and is a great friend of mine, but you are not treating us right. They charge us 52 per cent and we charge them almost nothing..." the US President said at the event. The import tariffs imposed by the US on other major countries are China (34 per cent), European Union (20 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), Taiwan (32 per cent), Japan (24 per cent), United Kingdom (10 per cent), Bangladesh (37 per cent), Pakistan (29 per cent), Sri Lanka (44 per cent), Israel (17 per cent). At the event, Trump also emphasised that after decades of exploitation, the era of American taxpayers being "ripped off" was over. The US President said, "Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but it is not going to happen anymore." (ANI) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi on Thursday morning expressed disappointment over the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, saying that it was "very sad" that a bill against minorities of the country was cleared. She further objected to the time duration to discuss the Manipur issue, calling it a "burning issue." "It is very sad that a bill against the minorities of this country was passed, and after that, it is such a burning issue...they took half an hour to discuss Manipur," Kanimozhi told ANI. Her remarks come as the Rajya Sabha gears up to discuss the Waqf Amendment Bill. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, along with other DMK MLAs, wore black badges during the Assembly session on Thursday as a mark of protest against the Waqf Board Amendment Bill passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Stalin asserted that the bill, despite facing widespread opposition, was passed at 2 AM with the support of alliance parties, calling it an 'attack on Indian democracy.' Addressing the Assembly, CM Stalin said, "On March 27, we have passed a resolution unanimously, except the BJP, in the Tamil Nadu assembly to take back the Waqf board amendment bill, which is against the integrity of the Indian nation and for minorities." He further added, "Most political parties in India have opposed the bill. It is severely condemnable that this bill was passed in parliament despite much opposition. 232 parliament members voted against it, and 288 members voted in favour of it. It's not a normal thing that, despite its passing, 232 is the highest number. Numbers ( Against )would have increased. This amendment is not just to be opposed but should be fully taken back is our view. That's what we have passed a resolution in the assembly." The House sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. Speaker Om Birla later announced the result of the division. "Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal," he said. The government brought the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation which was introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995. The Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. (ANI) Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) held its General Body meeting on Thursday at the Central Hall in the Parliament in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi. During the meeting, Sonia Gandhi praised the Congress members for taking up discussions on various issues during the Budget session. "We are coming to the end of a fairly long session that has been eventful as well. The Budget has been presented and debated. So have the Finance and Appropriations Bills. Many of you have taken part in these discussions. You have all effectively highlighted the real state of the economy. You have exposed the vast gap between what the Government claims and what the overwhelming reality is in relation to price rise, unemployment and growing inequalities," she said. During the meeting, Gandhi said that the Opposition wanted discussions on various issues, including discussion on functioning of defence and external ministries and the issue of China, but all these things were not allowed to discuss. The CPP chairperson said, "However, we had also demanded a debate on a number of issues of public importance. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the ruling party had denied these too. For instance, we wanted a detailed discussion in the Lok Sabha on the working of the ministries of defence and of external affairs. Both these subjects are of critical importance given the increasingly turbulent political atmosphere in our neighborhood, but this was disallowed." "We have been asking for a discussion in both Houses on the grave challenges posed by China on our borders and the shocking clean chit given to it by the Prime Minister on June 19th, 2020. His statement adversely impacted our negotiating position, but that too was refused. Meanwhile, imports from China are booming and destroying our MSMEs that are the main job creators in the economy," she added. Gandhi reiterated the Congress' allegations that opposition members were not allowed to speak in the Parliament, whether Lok Sabha LoP or Rajya Sabha LoP. She asserted that the opposition had been trying to raise the issue of free and fair elections and the need for Parliament to debate the functioning of the Election Commission but all this was "not" allowed to discuss. She said, "We have also repeatedly been raising the issue of free and fair elections and the need for Parliament to debate the functioning of the Election Commission and its opaque rules and procedures. Some of these rules and procedures are presently under challenge in the Supreme Court. Even a short-duration discussion on this subject was also not allowed. Further, it is a matter of grave concern to our democracy that the LOP in the Lok Sabha is not permitted to speak. Similarly, time and again, the LOP in the Rajya Sabha, Khargeji is also not allowed to say what he wants to say and indeed must say. Like you, I have been witness to how the House gets adjourned not because of us but because of the protests by the Treasury Benches themselves. This is quite extraordinary and shocking designed to prevent the Opposition from raising their concerns that would put the Government on the spot." The CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led Union Government after the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha, stating that this bill is a "brazen assault" on the Constitution and is BJP's strategy to keep society in a state of "permanent polarisation." She said, "Yesterday, the Wakf Amendment Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha and today it is scheduled to come up in the Rajya Sabha. The bill was in effect bulldozed through. Our party's position is clear. The Bill is a brazen assault on the Constitution itself. It is very much part of the BJP's deliberate strategy to keep our society in a state of permanent polarization." Calling One Nation, One Election Bill a subversion of the Constitution, Gandhi said, "The One Nation, One Election Bill is another subversion of the Constitution. We strongly oppose this legislation as well. Meanwhile, our plea for the immediate implementation of the women's reservation bill passed by both Houses two years back continues to be wilfully ignored along with the other demand for one-third reservation for women belonging to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBC communities." She further stated, "In brief, whether it is education, civil rights and liberties, our federal structure or conduct of elections, the Modi government is dragging the country into an abyss where our Constitution will remain on paper and we know their intention is to demolish even that. It is vital for all of us to continue to fight for what is right and just, to expose Modi government's failing and intention to turn India into a surveillance state. Of course, we all know that the Prime Minister has rebranded, repackaged and marketed numerous initiatives taken during 2004-2014 as his own personal accomplishments. That too needs to be exposed through our own public outreach activities." The CPP chairperson further accused the BJP members of targeting Congress-led state governments, stating, "I want to raise one issue relating to our functioning in Parliament. I find BJP members aggressively target our state governments, with total falsehoods especially during Zero Hour. I think all of you should be equally aggressive and raising the failures and mis-governance in BJP-ruled states. This will mean much more pointed homework and research on our part." (ANI) Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Thursday accused the NDA government of attempting to divide the country and of sidelining a single community following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, "This bill sidelines one community... The same conditions have not been imposed on other religions as on the Waqf Board... It is not right to make people from other communities members of the Waqf Board... They (NDA) are trying to divide this country. They are trying to subdue the communities that do not vote for them by weakening them economically... They did the same to the farmers to make them accept RSS ideology..." Earlier, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led Union Government, stating that Waqf bill is a "brazen assault" on the Constitution and is BJP's strategy to keep society in a state of "permanent polarisation." At the CPP general body meeting, Sonia Gandhi said, "Yesterday, the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, was passed in the Lok Sabha, and today, it is scheduled to come up in the Rajya Sabha. The bill was, in effect, bulldozed through. Our party's position is clear. The Bill is a brazen assault on the Constitution itself. It is very much part of the BJP's deliberate strategy to keep our society in a state of permanent polarization." Union Minister JP Nadda and the BJP National President will address the Rajya Sabha regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 around 1 pm on Thursday. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha, a day after it was cleared with a majority in the Lok Sabha. The Lower House witnessed a 12-hour debate, after which the Bill was passed with 288 in its favour and 232 against it. (ANI) The Delhi High Court has agreed to advance the hearing date for Congress senior leader and former Union Minister P. Chidambaram's plea. The plea challenges the trial court's decision to take cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet in the INX Media money laundering case. Initially scheduled for August, the hearing will now take place on May 13 of this year. Senior Advocate N. Hariharan, representing Chidambaram, requested the court to advance the hearing, highlighting the trial court's scheduled commencement of arguments on charges on April 7. He further urged the High Court to direct the trial court to keep the matter in abeyance until the plea was resolved, emphasizing that proceeding with arguments and framing charges would render the petition infructuous. Justice Ravinder Dudeja, while advancing the hearing date, instructed both parties to refrain from pressing arguments on charges before the trial court. The court stated: "Considering the urgency, the matter is advanced to May 13. Meanwhile, both parties have jointly agreed not to press for arguments on charges before the trial court." In December, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate on P. Chidambaram's plea. During the arguments earlier, ED Counsel Zoheb Hossain stated that the allegations against P. Chidambaram in the ED case do not relate to the discharge of his official duties. He argued that advocating for the protection of his son's business interests cannot be considered part of his official responsibilities. Chidambaram, through a plea, stated that the trial court's order taking cognizance of the money laundering offence was issued without the Enforcement Directorate obtaining the necessary sanction under Section 197(1) of the CrPC for prosecuting him, despite him being a public servant at the time of the alleged offence. He emphasized that such a sanction is a mandatory requirement under Section 197(1) CrPC, read with Section 65 of the PMLA. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had stayed the trial court proceedings in the Aircel Maxis Case against P Chidambaram on the same ground. The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to respond to a petition filed by former Union Minister P. Chidambaram, seeking a deferment of arguments on the charges in the INX Media case. Chidambaram contends that if the CBI's assertion that the investigation is "complete" is accepted (without admitting or prejudicing the matter), the accused would be entitled to inspect the documents that were previously withheld but not relied upon. However, the CBI has opposed this request. Chidambaram has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court's order dated October 26, 2024, which dismissed his plea seeking clarification from the CBI regarding the inspection of unrelied-upon documents, as per the March 5, 2021, order in the INXMedia case. The plea notes that, according to the CBI's status report dated January 12, 2024, further investigation into "other aspects" is complete. The CBI, in its submission, states that it cannot confirm whether information obtained through execution reports related to Letters Rogatory (LRs) from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Singapore can be included as relied-upon or un-relied-upon documents in the chargesheet. This decision, the CBI maintains, can only be made after correlating these reports with those LRs that are still pending receipt. In 2022, the Delhi High Court had dismissed the CBI's petition challenging the trial court's order allowing accused persons, including Chidambaram, and their counsels to inspect documents held in the Malkhana room in the INX Mediacorruption case. The CBI had registered the case on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media Group for receiving Rs 305 crore in overseas funds in 2007, during Chidambaram's tenure as Union Finance Minister. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a money laundering case, registering a PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) case based on the CBI's FIR, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance for INX Media. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party's Tarun Chugh on Thursday said that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill,2025, will bring transparency and accountability in the board and that opposition leaders are "misleading" the community. He said leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Asaduddin Owaisi are "creating artificial fear" among the Muslim community. "Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Owaisi are only doing the work of misleading the Muslim community and creating artificial fear among them. This bill will bring transparency and accountability in Waqf," Chugh said. Additionally, JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha said that yesterday's debate has clarified the confusion. "After yesterday's debate, the confusion that was there was cleared. After Union HM Amit Shah's speech, all the confusion vanished, and those who were trying to create confusion amongst Muslims, people now understand them. Pasmanda Muslims, who are the largest population in Bihar (among the Muslim community), as we have a caste survey in the state, they weren't given a representation in the Waqf board," Jha said. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha a day after it was cleared with a majority in the Lok Sabha. The Lower House witnessed a 12-hour debate, after which the Bill was passed with 288 in its favour and 232 against it. The House sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. Speaker Om Birla later announced the division's result. "Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal," he said. The government brought the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation which was introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records. (ANI) The Delhi High Court emphasised that victims of sexual assault, especially minor children, possess independent rights under the law that cannot be dismissed simply because their parents have chosen to settle disputes among themselves. In an order passed recently, the bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma highlighted that the legal system prioritises the rights of every child, ensuring that even when parents fail to support or stand by them, the judiciary has a solemn duty to amplify their voice, safeguard their rights, and deliver justice in accordance with the law. The court was examining a POCSO case where a minor girl accused her father of sexual assault, and an FIR was filed against the mother for failing to report the incident to the authorities. Meanwhile,the mother had earlier lodged a rape complaint against her husband, which was subsequently settled between them. The Delhi High Court dismissed the father's bail plea, outright rejecting his argument that the complaint stemmed from a revengeful motive or that the mother had used her daughter to settle marital disputes or extort money. The court observed that the case highlights a deeply distressing and grave situation, where a minor victim has allegedly endured not only the trauma of her parents' ongoing disputes but also the harrowing experience of sexual assault by her own father. The court emphasised the psychological and emotional toll on the prosecutrix, noting that she was placed in a highly vulnerable position, subjected to both the discord between her parents and the alleged acts of sexual violence. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday criticised the functioning of the Waqf board, accusing them of attempting to "capture land" in Prayagraj. Yogi Adityanath's statement backed the necessity of the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, which was passed in the Lok Sabha yesterday. Yogi Adityanath said that during the Maha Kumbh, the Waqf board was making "arbitrary statements" that the land belongs to them and questioned whether the board is a "Land Mafia board." Attending a programme organised on the occasion of Nishadraj Guha Jayanti in Prayagaraj, CM Yogi Adityanath said,"Some people did not want a mythological place like Prayagraj to gain its identity because their vote bank was important for them... In the name of Waqf, they had tried to capture the land here in Prayagraj and other cities as well. When we were organising Maha Kumbh, the Waqf Board was making arbitrary statements that the land of Kumbh in Prayagraj is also Waqf land. Is it the Waqf Board or the 'Land Mafia' Board?" Yogi Adityanath thanked PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for "putting a check" on the Waqf board and said that the bill will be passed in the Rajya Sabha as well. "We have already wiped the mafia out of Uttar Pradesh... We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for putting a check on the Waqf Board and doing welfare work by passing this important act in the Lok Sabha. Today, it will be passed in the Rajya Sabha as well," Yogi Adityanath said. Union Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday moved a motion for consideration of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 and the Musalmaan Wakf (Repeal) Bill in the Rajya Sabha. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is tabled in the Rajya Sabha, a day after it was cleared with a majority in the Lok Sabha. The Lower House witnessed a 12-hour debate, after which the Bill was passed with 288 in its favour and 232 against it. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records. (ANI) A Delhi Court has acquitted 4 accused persons in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case, which was lodged by their niece due to a property dispute and later on turned hostile. Tis Hazari Court's Additional Sessions Judge Muneesh Garg acquitted 4 relatives of the complainant after suffering the trial for 4 years in an FIR which was filed in June 2021 at the statement of the mother of the victim. It was noted that just after 3 days of lodging of FIR at statement of mother of victim when the statement of victim was recorded U.S: 164 Cr.PC, the victim did not support the allegations against the accused persons and stated that no sexual assault happened. Advocate Ravi Drall appeared for all the accused persons and argued that the present case is nothing but a misuse of provisions of Law for personal vendetta. The stringent provisions of POCSO were used in the present case to settle the long-pending property dispute, as well as various other complaints between the parties. The phone of the accused person was sent to FSL in 2021 to verify the fact whether any alleged nude video of the victim was made. The FSL result of the phone came after a long delay, and no obscene video was found in the said mobile phone. The allegations of gun were also made in the FIR, which was nothing but a pressure technique to send the accused behind bars and settle the property/civil dispute. Advocate Ravi Drall argued that strict action should be taken against the mother of the victim for lodging a false FIR against the accused person, which caused mental, physical and social trauma to the innocent citizen of the country. While acquitting the accused persons Additional Sessions Judge Muneesh Garg held that the Complainant had not witnessed the incident which allegedly took place with her daughter victim TW on an unknown date and time. She merely deposed that a hot exchange of words had taken place on 13.06.2021 between her and the accused persons. A mere hot exchange of words does not constitute any offence under the law. She denied the contents of the complaint and she stated that NGO officials had recorded statements of her mother and obtained her signature on the said complaint, which were written by them as her mother-in-law was unable to sign her statement. She denied that she had prepared the abovesaid complaint. The basic principle of criminal law is that the prosecution has to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the prosecution could not pass the said test in the present case in view of the aforesaid discussion. Therefore, all accused persons are acquitted, said the court. (ANI) They were on their way to Piriyapattana when the state transport bus hit them from behind near the Tubinakere Exit. One person died on the spot, and the other three were rushed to the hospital, where they succumbed to injuries, SP of Mandya district Mallikarjun Baldandi said. He added that the driver had slowed down the car near the Tubinakere Exit to avoid the expressway toll when the incident happened. The case has been registered at the Mandya Rural police station. (ANI) The Indian Army's Mount Everest expedition, comprising 34 climbers, will follow the traditional South Col Route and will be led by Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Joshi. The joint Indo-Nepal expedition, which aims to scale Mount Kangchenjunga, will feature 12 mountaineers from the Indian Army and six from the Nepali Army. Colonel Sarfaraz Singh of the Indian Army will lead the expedition. Additionally, Colonel Amit Bisht will lead a joint NCC expedition to Mount Everest. The team consists of five girl cadets, five boy cadets, four officers, and 11 permanent instructors. Scheduled to commence this month, the teams aim to reach their respective summits by May 2025. The Defence Minister interacted with the mountaineers and commended their courage, dedication & determination. He exuded confidence that these expeditions would inspire the youth and underscore India's leadership in high-altitude mountaineering. The expeditions are designed to showcase the Armed Forces' exceptional skills, resilience, and indomitable spirit while setting new benchmarks in high-altitude mountaineering. They are expected to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams with courage, determination, and the spirit of excellence. The Indian Army organised the event, which was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Nepal's Ambassador to India Dr Shankar P Sharma, a delegation from Nepal, and other senior civil and military officials. ( The Defence Minister also addressed the Army Commanders' Conference in New Delhi today. He complimented the Army leadership for successfully taking the 'Defence and Security' vision of the Nation to new heights and lauded their approach to the infusion and absorption of cutting-edge technology. Keeping in mind the present dynamic geostrategic changes and the ongoing global security scenarios, he urged the armed forces to work on dynamic perspective planning addressing both the long-term and short-term challenges. (ANI) The South West district of Delhi Police has apprehended a Bangladeshi national residing illegally in the city and facilitated his deportation to Bangladesh through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) statement. The individual, identified as Md Sadikur Rahman, a 25-year-old resident of Masukhali Chhatak, Sunamganj, Bangladesh, was found overstaying in India after the expiry of his visa. A special drive is being conducted by the authorities to identify, detain, and repatriate individuals residing unlawfully in the area. Acting on credible intelligence received from secret informers, the police team detained Rahman in the Mahipalpur area. Upon verification, it was revealed that he had initially arrived in India on a medical visa but continued to stay illegally, shifting between several hotels in Delhi after the expiration of his visa. Following a thorough enquiry and completion of legal formalities, Rahman was placed in the deportation center at FRRO before being repatriated to Bangladesh. Earlier on March 30, Delhi Police arrested two Bangladeshi nationals, Atifa and Asma, both 24, who had allegedly been living in India illegally for years. They were found to be residing in the national capital without valid documents or permits. According to the police, the two individuals had entered India illegally via river routes near the India-Bangladesh border. They traveled to Delhi via local trains and had been staying in various locations to evade detection. The police have initiated the deportation process with the assistance of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in New Delhi. This operation is part of a broader drive launched by the East District Police on November 19, 2024, to identify and deport illegal immigrants. Since the commencement of the drive, nine illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been identified and deported, police said, adding that they are continuing their efforts to detect more illegal immigrants residing in the district. (ANI) The Rouse Avenue court on Thursday sought a report from Jail Authorities on Christian Michel James's safety and security measures taken by them. The court has issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also. During the hearing, James told the court that there was an attempt to kill him by giving him poison. The court has also allowed an application seeking a direction to jail authorities to permit him to wear shoes and pyjamas. The court asked the jail authorities to decide it as per the rule. He said that he has not been allowed to wear shoes recently. Special judge Sanjeev Aggarwal called for a status report from DG Prison on the steps taken regarding Christian Michel James's complaint. He told the court that he had filed a complaint, but no action was taken. The court has also allowed an application seeking a direction to jail authorities to permit him to wear shoes and pyjamas. The court asked the jail authorities to decide as per the rule. He said that he has not been allowed to wear shoes recently. Jail authorities have also been directed to take him to AIIMS for a follow-up of his previous surgery on April 7. Christian Michel James has moved an application seeking adequate security arrangements in jail. During the hearing, James moved an application, and he also addressed the court. He said, "ED has been saying that I am not in danger. I want to put on record that I drank some of the poison they gave me in 2019, which I threw away." He also mentioned a person named Shahnawaz, who he claimed had access to hashish (cannabis). James testified that Shahnawaz had hashish (cannabis) every night. But no action was ever taken. He went on to tell the court that he was housed in a high-security cell in Jail Number 1 while Shahnawaz was in Jail Number 6. The court said that CBI had charged you with section 467 IPC, which has a life punishment. Advocate Aljo K Joseph submitted that the extradition treaty between India and the UK has not been made into law. Treaties are on a different footing. The court called for a report on the allegation levelled by the accused of alleged attempts on his life. Thereafter Court ordered the follow-up of his surgery, which took place on 11 Feb 2025. The court said that he is having pain in his legs. He will be taken to the orthopaedic ward for a follow-up on Monday, 7 April. The court asked for a copy of the order to be sent to the DG prison. (ANI) Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala on Thursday expressed concern over the 26 per cent tariffs imposed by the US on India and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue. Speaking with ANI, Surjewala said, "The 27 per cent plus tariff imposed by India's biggest trading partner is a big matter of concern. Indian Import is going to experience an impact of Rs 26,000 cr to Rs 35,000 cr. What is the Modi government doing? Whenever the country faces danger, Modi ji become silent. PM Modi ji went to the US, then the US President called India a tariff abuser in his presence. They send our migrants back in handcuffs like animals. Now, the 27 per cent tariffs by America are a matter of concern." Surjewala further alleged that the US has been pressuring India to reduce tariffs and questioned the government's silence over this. "On the other hand, America is pressuring India to accept their agricultural export like wheat, cotton. They are pressuring India to end the import duty on Pharmaceuticals. Modi government is not answering any questions about this," he said. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi also raised the issue of US tariffs in the Lok Sabha and warned, "Our ally has suddenly decided to impose a 26 percent tariff, which will devastate our economy--our auto industry, pharmaceutical industry, and agriculture are all in line." US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India, on Wednesday (local US time) during a 'Make America Wealthy Again' Event in Washington. Calling these tariffs "discounted reciprocal tariffs," Trump said that India charges the US 52 per cent. "India very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left and is a great friend of mine, but you are not treating us right. They charge us 52 per cent, and we charge them almost nothing..." the US President said at the event. The import tariffs imposed by the US on other major countries are China (34 percent), the European Union (20 percent), Vietnam (46 percent), Taiwan (32 percent), Japan (24 percent), the United Kingdom (10 percent), Bangladesh (37 percent), Pakistan (29 percent), Sri Lanka (44 percent), and Israel (17 percent). At the event, Trump also emphasised that after decades of exploitation, the era of American taxpayers being "ripped off" was over. The US President said, "Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but it is not going to happen anymore" (ANI) The Border Security Force (BSF), in coordination with the Punjab Police, apprehended a suspected narco-smuggler with heroin after a joint ambush in the Tarn Taran district on Wednesday, according to an official statement from BSF. Punjab Frontier BSF said, "On April 2, 2025, acting on the information developed and shared by BSF intelligence wing about a suspected smuggling activity, a joint ambush by BSF in collaboration with Punjab Police was placed in the suspected area of district Tarn Taran." The BSF said that in the evening, at about 08:20 pm, the ambush party noticed suspected movement in a field. While observing the ambush party, a person suddenly started running away, the statement added. "The troops chased the suspected person and caught hold of him. During the search, one packet suspected of containing heroin with a gross weight of 554 Grams along with one mobile phone was recovered from his possession. The packet was wrapped in a yellow colour adhesive tape and a copper wire ring was found attached to the packet, indicating a drone dropping," the BSF said. The apprehended smuggler is resident of Mari Kamboke village of Tarn Taran district. This apprehension and recovery were made adjacent to Dalheri village of Tarn Taran district. The smuggler has been handed over to local Police for detailed questioning to find out the forward and backward linkages. This significant apprehension of a narco-smuggler with the recovery of a heroin consignment demonstrates the professional competence and unflinching dedication of the BSF troops and Punjab Police, who are committed to securing the nation's border and combating the cross-border smuggling activities. Earlier, the BSF and Punjab Police recovered over 548 grams of heroin from the border area of the district Tarn Taran, officials said on Wednesday. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in coordination with Punjab Police, conducted a search operation in the border areas of Tarn Taran district. During the operation, security forces recovered a DJI Mavic-3 Classic drone along with a packet of suspected heroin weighing 548 grams from the border village of Dode in the Tarn Taran district, a statement from the BSF said. The narcotics packet was wrapped in yellow adhesive tape and had a steel ring attached to it. (ANI) BJP Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut on Thursday termed the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill as "historic," crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing legal loopholes. She emphasized that no institution or individual should be above the Constitution and highlighted the government's efforts to combat corruption and inefficiencies. Speaking to mediapersons here, Ranaut attributed the significant achievement to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising his role in tackling issues of corruption and unlawful activities. "Today is a historic day. The reason we are witnessing this significant moment in our country is due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi," she stated, underscoring the importance of the moment in India's legal and political landscape. Ranaut went on to discuss how systems in the country, which once operated outside the law, had negatively impacted the nation. "Now, just think about how many such systems exist that affect the country, and yet, it is hard to believe. Can anything be above the law in this country?" she asked, highlighting the need for accountability. "If something has no legal framework, it enjoys complete immunity. Such unlawful activities have been eating away at the system like termites," Ranaut said. The BJP MP also acknowledged the significant national projects that have been completed under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, which had been previously stalled. "Before this, look at the state the country was in. The nation is now witnessing and understanding that whether it is Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, or any other region, projects that had been stalled for years are finally being completed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership," she said. "Just look at how vast the area under control is--larger than many countries--and now, all regulatory bodies, whether they are DCs, collectors, or others, will actively addressing these issues," she added, further highlighting the extent of the government's reach and its efforts to improve governance. Ranaut emphasized that the core message of the Waqf Amendment Bill was the affirmation that no individual, institution, or religious organization is above the law. "No individual, institution, or religious organization is above the law and the Constitution," she said. Ranaut offered a reflection on the broader implications of the bill, stating: "If I were to summarize the essence of this bill, it simply states that no one is above the Constitution of this country." "Today, we are fortunate to see this day, where corruption, which was eating away at the country like termites, will finally be eradicated," she said. Earlier, the Lok Sabha sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. Speaker Om Birla later announced the division's result. "Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal," he said. The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. (ANI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday slammed the BJP, questioning why Bengal is being repeatedly targeted after the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of 25,000 teachers. Addressing a press conference at Nabanna, CM Mamata Banerjee said, "SSC is an autonomous body. We, as a government, will not interfere with their work. If the Court mentioned three months (for a fresh selection process), we are with the candidates on humanitarian grounds. Sukanta Majumdar said that I'm responsible for this. Why are they targeting Bengal all the time? I was born in Bengal, and I know the intention of the BJP and the Central Government." The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel the recruitment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff by the SSC in 2016 for state-run and state-aided schools. "We find no valid ground or reason to interfere with the decision of the High Court that services of tainted candidates must be terminated", a bench led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna said while pronouncing the verdict CM Mamata Banerjee further stated that her lawyers would review the matter. "Our lawyers will review this matter. I know candidates are depressed. I will meet them on April 7 at the Netaji Indoor Stadium. I'm with candidates on humanitarian grounds. For this step, if the BJP wants to send me to jail, they can. Catch me if you are ready for that," she said. Advocate Sudipto Das Gupta welcomed the Supreme Court's decision."The Supreme Court made two observations: one highlighting institutional corruption and another stating the efforts made to cover it up. While a review of SSC or the state is technically possible, it is unlikely to yield any results. Those who were eligible for recruitment years ago may no longer qualify, and SSC and the Board have failed to present the necessary details," he said. The West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) teacher recruitment scam came to light after the arrest of Bengal BJP leader Partha Chatterjee, a Trinamool Congress leader who was the education minister in Mamata Banerjee's cabinet until his arrest on July 23, 2022. (ANI) Congress MP Manish Tewari on Thursday urged the Centre to develop "a spine" and stand up to the US, which imposed 26 per cent tariffs on goods from India. The Congress leader said that the tariffs on India represented "abject failure" of the negotiations between the two countries. "It represents an abject failure of the negotiations that were taking place between the US and the govt of India," Tewari told ANI. "The US has imposed tariffs, expelling our students, and cancelling visas without any provocation, and the govt is absolutely silent... The government needs to develop a spine and stand up to the US," he added. Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala also expressed concern and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue. Speaking with ANI, Surjewala said, "The 27 per cent plus tariff imposed by India's biggest trading partner is a big matter of concern. Indian Import is going to experience an impact of Rs 26,000 crore to Rs 35,000 crore. What is the Modi government doing? Whenever the country faces danger, Modi ji become silent. PM Modi ji went to the US, then the US President called India a tariff abuser in his presence. They send our migrants back in handcuffs like animals. Now, the 27 per cent tariffs by America are a matter of concern." Surjewala further alleged that the US has been pressuring India to reduce tariffs and questioned the government's silence over this. "On the other hand, America is pressuring India to accept their agricultural export like wheat, cotton. They are pressuring India to end the import duty on Pharmaceuticals. Modi government is not answering any questions about this," he said. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi also raised the issue of US tariffs in the Lok Sabha and warned, "Our ally has suddenly decided to impose a 26 percent tariff, which will devastate our economy--our auto industry, pharmaceutical industry, and agriculture are all in line." US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India, on Wednesday (local US time) during a 'Make America Wealthy Again' Event in Washington. Calling these tariffs "discounted reciprocal tariffs," Trump said that India charges the US 52 per cent. "India very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left and is a great friend of mine, but you are not treating us right. They charge us 52 per cent, and we charge them almost nothing..." the US President said at the event. The import tariffs imposed by the US on other major countries are China (34 per cent), the European Union (20 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), Taiwan (32 per cent), Japan (24 per cent), the United Kingdom (10 per cent), Bangladesh (37 per cent), Pakistan (29 per cent), Sri Lanka (44 per cent), and Israel (17 per cent). At the event, Trump also emphasised that after decades of exploitation, the era of American taxpayers being "ripped off" was over. The US President said, "Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but it is not going to happen anymore" (ANI) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh on Thursday said that a Third Launch Pad (TLP) will be established at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO in Sriharikota. As per an official release, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Jitendra Singh said that the project has been approved by the Union Cabinet ,and financial sanction has been obtained for a total budget outlay of Rs 3984.86 Crore. He also said that the establishment of the pad is envisaged to be completed within a four-year timeframe. "ISRO's Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which is under development is about 90 m tall with a maximum lift-off mass of approximately 1000 tonne. Existing launch pads at Sriharikota cannot launch this class of vehicles. The propellant servicing facilities and the Umbilical Tower of the existing launch pads are not designed to meet the requirements of the new propulsion system based on Liquid Methane," Singh said in his reply. "In view of very large height & size, the next generation of launch vehicles are planned with horizontal integration and transport, which are then tilted onto the launch pad along with a Tiltable Umbilical Tower (TUT). Also, TLP incorporates necessary features in terms of foundation support & servicing requirements for future augmentation towards supporting the launches of India's Crewed Lunar mission," the Union MoS said. Jitendra Singh, further emphasized that the first stage of NGLV is configured with a cluster of nine engines. "The hot testing of this stage is planned at the Launch Pad, thereby eliminating the need for establishing a huge separate facility for stage testing," Singh said in his reply in Rajya Sabha. In another reply in the Upper House, Union MoS Jitendra Singh asserted that the Space Applications Centre (SAC), a premier research and development hub of ISRO, has been at the forefront of pioneering space technology innovations since its inception in 1966. "Established by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai in Ahmedabad, SAC has played a crucial role in developing key payload technologies for Earth Observation, Communication, Navigation, and Space Exploration. From contributing to the Chandrayaan-3 mission to advancing quantum technologies and satellite-based applications for agriculture, oceanography, and disaster management, SAC continues to drive India's space vision forward," he said. "Located at Ahmedabad, SAC is spread across three campuses having multi-disciplinary activities apart from Delhi Earth Station (DES), which is located in New Delhi," Jitendra Singh said. He highlighted that SAC has state-of-the-art electronic and mechanical fabrication facilities, highly sophisticated payload integration, climatic & environmental test facilities, systems reliability area, image processing and analysis facilities and project management support group. The Union MoS pointed out that the SAC is the lead centre in the development of key payload technologies for Earth Observation, Communication, Navigation and Space Exploration. "The notable technologies that were developed by the Space Applications Centre for spacecraft payloads including S-Band SAR for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, C-Band and X-Band Microwave Radars for RISAT series, Lander/Rover Cameras, Ka Radar Altimeters, Hazard Detection and Avoidance Sensors for Lunar Landing for Chandrayaan-3, demonstration of spectrum sensing, ADS-B, GNSS-R reflectometry, Pseudolite systems for RLV, High resolution Electro-optical payloads, Ka-band payload for high throughput satellites (50 Gbps), spread-spectrum modems for Gaganyaan crew communication system, Indian Atomic clock-Indian Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (IRAFS) for NavIC and Travelling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTA) for Communication satellites," Singh highlighted. "Currently, a large number of payloads are under various stages of realization at SAC including, GSAT-7R, HRSAT Series, Resourcesat-3 series, Oceansat-3A, G20- Satellite, Indian Mauritius Joint Satellite (IMJS), GSAT-N3, IDRSS-2, payloads for Quantum Communication," the Union MoS said in written reply in Rajya Sabha. (ANI) The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday directed the Chandigarh Police to investigate the assault case of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath. The directions came on a petition by Col Pushpinder Singh, who has accused 12 Punjab Police personnel of assaulting him and his son over a parking dispute. He sought a probe by a CBI or an independent agency, "Our plea to the court was to shift the investigation from Punjab police to an independent body like CBI and this has been authorised. Now Chandigarh police will be investigating the case without the interference of Punjab police," Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath's lawyer Bisman Maan told ANI. "The specific instructions are to submit the report within four months. None of the Punjab police personnel will be a part of the investigating team... This was the final order on this petition," she added. Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath's wife Jaswinder Kaur Bath expressed satisfaction over the court's order. "I am happy with the Court's order. We had two demands - an independent investigation or CBI. The court has ordered an independent investigation in which no personnel of Punjab Police will be involved... When the CM gave assurance, I believed him, but later, he did a kind of 'comedy' with me. I did call him many times but didn't receive a single call back... I will ask Bhagwant Mann to teach basic courtesy to his officials and not to do things just to show off," she told ANI. Col Bath approached the High Court last week seeking an independent investigation into the incident. He was "assaulted by Punjab Police personnel" outside a dhaba in Patiala on the night of March 13, leading to the registration of an FIR and a police inquiry. The officer was initially taken to a civil hospital for treatment before being shifted to the military hospital. He received further treatment at the Command Hospital in Chandimandir. On March 21, an FIR has been registered at the Civil Lines police station based on the complaint lodged by Col Bath. The statement of Col Bath named the police officials who assaulted him. On March 22, four Patiala police officers were suspended and a SIT was also formed to probe the incident. (ANI) Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said that the Waqf Amendment Bill will benefit crores of people from the Muslim community and that the property under Waqf has not been properly used in the interest of the poor. Rijiju, who moved the bill for passing in Rajya Sabha, said the government had strengthened mechanisms under the bill, including tribunals. "We have included the Right to Appeal in this bill. If you don't get your right in the Tribunal, then you can file a petition in court under this Right to Appeal," he said. Rijiju said that Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will be renamed as the UMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment Efficiency and Development) Bill. Rijiju also accused the Congress-led UPA government of denotifying 123 prime properties on the eve of Lok Sabha polls in 2014 due to "vote bank politics". "Just before implementation of model code of conduct ahead of 2014 general elections, on March 5, 2014, UPA govt denotified 123 prime properties and handed them over to Delhi Waqf Board. These properties were of the Housing and Urban Affairs ministry," he said. "If you look at it, then the case was going on since 1970, and it is pending since then, you must have heard of the CGO complex, I can give the list later, they handed over prime properties," he added. The bill was passed by Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The House sat beyond midnight to pass the Bill. The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. The Bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. Parties of the INDIA bloc are opposing the bill. (ANI) A team of 10 NCC cadets is set to embark on a challenging expedition to scale Mount Everest as part of a larger mission flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from South Block in New Delhi. The expedition also includes 25 Indian Army climbers aiming to summit Mt Everest and a joint team of the Indian and Nepali Army set to conquer Mt Kangchenjunga. "Flagged-off expeditions to Mt Everest & Mt Kangchenjunga from South Block in New Delhi. 25 Indian Army climbers aim to summit Mt Everest and a Joint team of Indian Army & Nepali Army is set to scale Mt. Kangchenjunga. Also, 10 NCC cadets aim to scale Mt Everest. I wish everyone success in their mission and future endeavours," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X. https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1907710811348287649 Mount Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 meters, is the third highest mountain in the world. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Defence, the joint Indo-Nepal expedition, which aims to scale Mount Kangchenjunga, will feature 12 mountaineers from the Indian Army and six from the Nepali Army. It will be led by Colonel Sarfaraz Singh of the Indian Army. The Indian Army's Mount Everest expedition, comprising 34 climbers, will follow the traditional South Col Route and will be led by Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Joshi. Additionally, a joint NCC expedition to Mount Everest will be led by Colonel Amit Bisht. The team consists of five girl cadets, five boy cadets, four officers and 11 permanent instructors staff. Scheduled to commence this month, the teams aim to reach their respective summits by May 2025. The Defence Minister also interacted with the mountaineers, and commended their courage, dedication & determination. He exuded confidence that these expeditions would inspire the youth, and underscore India's leadership in high-altitude mountaineering. "The expeditions are designed to showcase the exceptional skills, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the Armed Forces while setting new benchmarks in the field of high-altitude mountaineering. These are expected to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams with courage, determination, and the spirit of excellence," a MoD statement said. The event, organised by the Indian Army, was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Nepal's Ambassador to India Dr Shankar P Sharma, a delegation from Nepal, and other senior civil & military officials. (ANI) Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Udhampur-Reasi Range Rayees Mohammad Bhat told ANI, "Yesterday evening, we received information that two suspects were spotted, following which we started a search operation. We are trying to locate them... This area is Kathua and Udhampur border near Ujh River...". The official emphasised that police personnel are maintaining peace in the area. "We are trying to ensure peace and security. We appeal to the people to immediately report any kind of information (about the suspicious movements)...," the DIG said. More details are awaited. Earlier on April 1, Security forces y intensified search and cordon operations following the exchange of fire with terrorists in the Panjtirthi area of Kathua a day ago. Multiple surveillance and ambushes were set up in the Panjtirthi area of Kathua based on intelligence inputs in a joint operation led by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Earlier, during the counter-terror operation 'Safiyan' in the Kathua region, four Jammu and Kashmir police personnel lost their lives in the operation, while two terrorists were gunned down. Security forces recovered war-like stores from the encounter site. The operation began on March 23, when locals reported the sighting of suspected Pakistani infiltrators in Sanyal. (ANI) West Bengal assembly Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday blamed the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the cancellation of 25,000 teachers' jobs in the state. Speaking to ANI, Adhikari said, "West Bengal government and CM Mamata Banerjee are responsible for the 25000 people who have lost their job after the SC ruling today. Her nephew (Abhishek Banerjee) has a major role to play in it." Earlier today, the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel the recruitment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff by the SSC in 2016 for state-run and state-aided schools. "We find no valid ground or reason to interfere with the decision of the High Court that services of tainted candidates must be terminated", a bench led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna said while pronouncing the verdict On the same day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the BJP, questioning why Bengal is being repeatedly targeted after the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of 25,000 teachers. Addressing a press conference at Nabanna, CM Mamata Banerjee said, "SSC is an autonomous body. We, as a government, will not interfere with their work. If the Court mentioned three months (for a fresh selection process), we are with the candidates on humanitarian grounds. Sukanta Majumdar said that I'm responsible for this. Why are they targeting Bengal all the time? I was born in Bengal, and I know the intention of the BJP and the Central Government." The West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) teacher recruitment scam came to light after the arrest of Bengal BJP leader Partha Chatterjee, a Trinamool Congress leader who was the education minister in Mamata Banerjee's cabinet until his arrest on July 23, 2022. (ANI) BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya on Thursday demanded West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation over the West Bengal SSC recruitment scam, alleging TMC's actions had ruined careers of many deserving youths'. Speaking to ANI, Samik Bhattacharya said, "TMC is responsible for this. It sold off jobs like vegetables. What is most unfortunate is that with TMC's action, even those who fought and got jobs on the basis of their merit are losing their jobs today. To protect their government and people, TMC ruined the career of so many young men and women." "We wanted those people who wrongfully got jobs to lose the job. But they snatched away 7-8 years of the lives of those who had merit and did not buy the job. They sold 40,000 jobs in West Bengal. We can see its results today. CM should take responsibility for this and resign," he added. The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel the recruitment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff by the SSC in 2016 for state-run and state-aided schools. "We find no valid ground or reason to interfere with the decision of the High Court that services of tainted candidates must be terminated", a bench led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna said while pronouncing the verdict CM Mamata Banerjee further stated that her lawyers would review the matter. "Our lawyers will review this matter. I know candidates are depressed. I will meet them on April 7 at the Netaji Indoor Stadium. I'm with candidates on humanitarian grounds. For this step, if the BJP wants to send me to jail, they can. Catch me if you are ready for that," she said. Advocate Sudipto Das Gupta welcomed the Supreme Court's decision."The Supreme Court made two observations: one highlighting institutional corruption and another stating the efforts made to cover it up. While a review of SSC or the state is technically possible, it is unlikely to yield any results. Those who were eligible for recruitment years ago may no longer qualify, and SSC and the Board have failed to present the necessary details," he said. The West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) teacher recruitment scam came to light after the arrest of Bengal BJP leader Partha Chatterjee, a Trinamool Congress leader who was the education minister in Mamata Banerjee's cabinet until his arrest on July 23, 2022. (ANI) Madhavpur, a quaint village in Gujarat's historic city of Porbandar, hosts the vibrant Madhavpur Fair. This traditional festival commences annually on the auspicious day of Ram Navami and continues for five days. The Madhavpur Ghed Fair beautifully embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat' initiative, serving as a cultural bridge that unites the rich traditions of Northeast and Western India, an official statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office said. Significantly, the Madhavpur Ghed Fair commemorates the divine wedding of Shri Krishna and Rukshmani, believed to have taken place in Madhavpur village. This vibrant festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Gujarat's rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted religious traditions, the statement said. The Madhavpur Fair shares a profound bond with Arunachal Pradesh's Mishmi tribe. As per legend, the Mishmi people trace their ancestry to the revered King Bhishmak, the father of Rukshmani ji and father-in-law of Shri Krishna. This grand festival beautifully celebrates the sacred union of Rukshmani ji and Shri Krishna, the statement added. The Madhavpur Mela, celebrating the sacred marriage of Rukshmani ji (from Arunachal Pradesh) and Dwarkadhish Shri Krishna (of coastal western India) serves as a vibrant confluence of Northeastern and Western Indian cultures. The festivities feature an array of musical, dance, and theatrical performances by artists from both regions. Northeastern performers showcase their rich musical heritage using instruments like the dhol, pepa, and flute, while Gujarati artists captivate audiences with traditional folk dances such as Garba, Dandiya, and Raas. Adding to the cultural grandeur, the fair also highlights exquisite handicrafts and authentic cuisines from both regions, transforming the five-day celebration into a true fusion of traditions. This fair celebrates the divine union of Shri Krishna and Rukshmani ji while also nurturing a spirit of unity and brotherhood, uniting people from various regions of India. Built in the 15th century, the Madhavrai Temple in Madhavpur holds profound historical and cultural significance as it is linked to the sacred wedding of Shri Krishna and Rukshmani ji. According to folklore, Shri Krishna brought Rukshmani ji to Madhavpur village, where their divine marriage took place. To honour this event, the Madhavrayji Temple was built, and to this day, a grand five-day cultural fair is held annually to commemorate their union. Beyond commemorating the wedding of Krishna and Rukshmani ji, the people of Madhavpur and nearby villages actively participate in various religious traditions. One such revered event is the 'Phuleka Yatra,' a sacred procession that travels from the Madhavrai Temple to Brahmakund. The wedding festivities begin on the second day with a grand ceremonial procession from the Madhavrayji Temple to the symbolic wedding site, with jubilant celebrations continuing late into the night, the statement said. The statement also mentioned that the Madhavpur Ghed Fair is held annually during the Chaitra month (March-April), featuring a spectacular theatrical reenactment of Shri Krishna and Rukshmani ji's divine wedding, brought to life by skilled artists through mesmerizing performances. Dignitaries such as Union Ministers from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Governor and Chief Minister of Gujarat, ministers from the Gujarat Tourism Department, and other senior officials of the state government attend the event. Governors and Chief Ministers from northeastern states also participate in the celebrations. Beyond the vibrant cultural festivities of the Madhavpur Fair, visitors can immerse themselves in the region's breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in Gujarat's Porbandar district, Madhavpur is renowned for its scenic coastline and rich historical heritage. Tourists attending the fair can also explore nearby attractions in Porbandar and Gir Somnath. The Madhavpur Fair welcomes visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in Gujarat's vibrant cultural tapestry. With its captivating traditions, sacred rituals, and diverse activities, this fair offers a unique opportunity to experience the state's rich heritage, making it a must-visit destination for tourists. (ANI) Lok Sabha passed the statutory resolution moved by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the approval of the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur on Thursday. The House also expressed its respect, sympathy, and deep sorrow for those who lost their lives in the violence in Manipur,. Shah further said that there has been no violence in Manipur for nearly four months, from December to March, and provisions for food, medicines, and medical facilities have been ensured in the camps. Introducing the resolution, Union Home Minister said that ethnic violence between two communities in Manipur had started due to a decision by the Manipur High Court regarding a reservation-related dispute. He mentioned that these are neither riots nor terrorism, but ethnic violence between two communities as a result of the interpretation of the High Court's decision, according to a statement from the Home Affairs Ministry. He said that online arrangements for technical and medical education have been made and for primary education, classes have been set up inside the camps, where arrangements for their studies have been made. Shah said that there should not be any violence and ethnic violence should not be linked to any political party. He mentioned that the opposition tried to portray a picture that ethnic violence occurred during our governance. He informed the House that between 1993 and 1998, there was a Naga-Kuki conflict in Manipur for five years, which resulted in 750 deaths, and sporadic incidents continued for a decade. He emphasized that while we believe such incidents should never happen under our rule, an unfortunate decision led to the violence, which was immediately brought under control. He said that of the 260 deaths in the violence, 80 per cent occurred in the first month, while the remaining deaths occurred in the following months. He also mentioned that in the 1997-98 Kuki-Paite conflict, more than 50 villages were destroyed, 40,000 people were displaced, 352 people were killed, hundreds were injured, and 5,000 homes were burned. He further added that during the six-month-long Meitei-Pangal conflict took place in 1993 in which over 100 deaths occurred. Union Home Minister said that the opposition is trying to portray a picture as if this is the first violence in Manipur and our governance has failed. He mentioned that three major instances of violence--spanning 10 years, 3 years, and 6 months--had occurred during the rule of the previous government. He added that after these incidents of violence, no one from the then government, including the Home Minister, visited the region. He noted that BJP came to power in 2017, and in the previous five years, Manipur was shut down for an average of 212 days per year, despite the fact that no ethnic violence occurred during that time. He mentioned that there were over 1,000 encounters, which had to be taken cognizance of by the Supreme Court. Shri Shah said that before the High Court order, there was not a single day of shutdown and blockade in Manipur and there was no violence, in the six years of BJP rule since 2017. He said that in a specific situation, when both communities interpreted a High Court decision as being against them, violence erupted within just two days. Stating that opposition has also accused the government of ignoring the violence in Manipur, he informed the House that on the very day the High Court's order was issued, security forces' companies were dispatched to the region via Air Force planes. He emphasized that everyone shares the same concern on this matter. The Home Minister appealed to all members, urging them not to politicize the issue, as the government is making every possible effort to restore peace in Manipur. He added that for every life lost in this violence, the House should hold respect, empathy, and sorrow in its heart. Shah stated that after the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur, discussions were held with both communities, and separate meetings with all organizations from both communities have taken place. He mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon convene a joint meeting and emphasised that while the government is working to find a path to end the violence, the top priority is to establish peace. He said that the situation would not be considered satisfactory until the displaced people are no longer living in camps. He further mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding a rehabilitation package for the displaced people. Union Home Minister stated that after Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation, the Governor held discussions with 37 BJP members, 6 from NPP, 5 from NPF, 1 from JD(U), and 5 from Congress. He mentioned that when most of the members stated that they were not in a position to form the government, the Cabinet recommended the imposition of President's Rule, which was accepted by the President. Shah further stated that the government wants peace to be restored in Manipur as soon as possible, along with rehabilitation efforts and healing the wounds of the affected people. (ANI) The meeting was also attended by Ministers Santosh Lad, Priyank Kharge, and M B Patil. Key decisions from the meeting include decisions on the Gig Workers' Welfare Board, Funding Mechanism and Legislation. The Karnataka government has decided to establish a Gig Workers' Welfare Board to ensure the well-being of workers employed by companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Ola, Uber, and others. A five per cent cess will be collected from concerned companies, while the remaining required funds will be provided by the state government to support welfare schemes for gig workers. A comprehensive bill covering all aspects of gig workers' welfare will be prepared and presented before the state cabinet for approval. Three gig worker representatives, Rakshitha Dev (Karnataka), Salahuddin (Hyderabad), and Nikhil Dev, were also invited to the meeting. They appreciated the government's initiative and expressed hope for better working conditions. Rahul Gandhi, who had earlier advocated for gig workers' rights during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, welcomed the eight-point proposal prepared by the Labour Department. He emphasized the need for swift implementation to safeguard gig workers' interests. The Karnataka Labour Department has already introduced three key bills--covering workers' gratuity, cinema workers' rights, and now, gig workers' welfare. The unorganised workers' sector has lauded the government's efforts and extended full support for this progressive move. (ANI) A shocking incident has surfaced in Pune where a woman gave Supari (contract to kill) to eliminate her husband-to-be to avoid marrying him, said a senior police official on Thursday. The couple had recently gotten engaged, and their families had also conducted a pre-wedding photoshoot ahead of their marriage. However, instead of peacefully calling off the wedding, the bride-to-be, a resident of Ahilyanagar near Pune, allegedly masterminded a plot to eliminate her fiance. According to the Police, "The accused, Mayuri Sunil Dangde from Shrigonda taluka in Ahilyanagar district, was engaged to Sagar Jaysing Kadam, a hotel cook from Mahi Jalgaon in Karjat taluka. Unwilling to proceed with the marriage, she, along with co-accused Sandeep Gawde, paid Rs 1.5 lakh to have Kadam attacked". Following an investigation, Yavat police from Pune Rural Police arrested five individuals linked to the case, while Mayuri Dangde remains absconding. The arrested suspects have been identified as Aditya Shankar Dangde, Sandeep Dada Gawde, Shivaji Ramdas Jare, Suraj Digambar Jadhav, and Indrabhan Sakharam Kolpe, all residents of the Ahilyanagar district. The attack took place on February 27 near a hotel in the Khangaon Phata area under the jurisdiction of Yavat police in the Daund Tehsil of the Pune district. Kadam was intercepted by a group of assailants who attacked him with wooden sticks before fleeing the scene. He later filed a complaint with the police and received treatment for his injuries at a hospital. During interrogation, Aditya Shankar Dangde confessed to orchestrating the attack along with his accomplices. Authorities have also seized a white car used in the crime. Further investigation is underway by Pune Rural Police. (ANI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday held a review meeting with elected representatives and officials in the Circuit House seminar hall. As per an official release, Chief Minister Yogi instructed that all preparations for the proposed visit of the Prime Minister should be completed on time, and preparations for the projects to be inaugurated or laid by the Prime Minister should be thoroughly completed. The Chief Minister took cognizance of the incident of land subsidence at certain places on Namo Ghat and directed a quality check, followed by immediate repairs. He also directed that a solid action plan be developed for the beautification works of the Varuna River Front and the work should proceed without delay. According to the release, CM Yogi Adityanath first visited the proposed venue for the Prime Minister's event at Raja Talab in Mehndiganj. He instructed the authorities to ensure tight security arrangements at the venue and complete all other preparations well before the event. He emphasized that the attendees should not face any inconvenience and proper arrangements for drinking water, shade, mobile toilets, ORS packets, etc., should be ensured. During the meeting, Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma presented the preparations for the Prime Minister's arrival. He also provided information on the development projects to be inaugurated or laid by the Prime Minister. The release noted that the Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal informed the CM about the police preparations during the Prime Minister's visit. He also updated the CM on various campaigns, including anti-cow smuggling, verification of illegal auto-rickshaw drivers, loudspeaker campaigns, CCTV campaigns, Operation Chakravyuh, foot patrolling, night patrols, implementation of three new laws, and cybercrime. The CM directed an increase in foot patrolling to control chain snatching, robbery, and crimes against women. He also instructed the strict prevention of cow smuggling, immediate action against incidents of love jihad and religious conversion, and quick resolution of revenue disputes based on merit. According to the release, "The CM instructed to ensure expected progress in the works at Harishchandra and Manikarnika Ghats and to complete the works before the rainy season. He also suggested increasing the use of cow dung cakes in the cremation process. He mentioned that after DPR (Detailed Project Report), unnecessary new designs and model changes should not be allowed. The CM directed to run the cleanliness program on a large scale, involving elected representatives, organizations, booth workers, and the public, to create a public movement." As per the release, CM Yogi was informed that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 211 gram panchayats in the district are now receiving drinking water supply through taps. The Chief Minister instructed to speed up the work in the remaining gram panchayats and ensure 100% drinking water connections to all households promptly. He also directed a quality check for the completed projects. The Chief Minister expressed displeasure with the Chief Engineer for not providing proper information regarding the drinking water connections and warned that future meetings should be attended with complete information. The release noted that CM emphasized the selection of an appropriate site for the expansion campus of the National Forensic University. He instructed that regular cleanliness campaigns be conducted in both urban and rural areas, ensuring the participation of the general public, and that a complete ban be imposed on single-use plastics. He instructed that this should be run as a public movement. The CM also directed swift action on road widening works in Dalmandi. He instructed the appointment of a nodal officer for each ongoing project in the district and regular verification of project progress and quality by these officers. As per the release, CM Yogi instructed the Varanasi Development Authority to facilitate the approval of commercial and residential maps for villages falling within its jurisdiction to avoid unnecessary inconvenience. He emphasized the importance of a concrete action plan for the planned development of Varanasi city. The CM directed the Municipal Corporation to ensure the supply of pure drinking water, emphasizing that there should be no issues with the water supply during the summer. According to the release, during the meeting and inspection, Stamp Minister (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal, AYUSH Minister (Independent Charge) Dr. Dayashankar Mishra 'Dayalu', District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, Mayor Ashok Tiwari, MLC Hansraj Vishwakarma, Dharmendra Rai, MLAs Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari, Dr. Sunil Patel, Saurabh Srivastava, Sushil Singh, and others were present. (ANI) In a series of joint operations, Indian Army and Assam Rifles formation, of Spear Corps, launched operations, based on information, in Churachandpur, Imphal West, Kangpokpi, Imphal East and Bishnupur districts of Manipur between March 29 to April 3, an official statement said. As per an official release, the operations were undertaken in coordination with Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF and ITBP. 24 weapons, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Grenades, ammunition and other war-like stores were recovered. According to the release, in general area Thangjing Hill, in Bishnupur district, Indian Army and Manipur Police launched a joint operation on 30 March 2025 and recovered six weapons comprising two Bolt Action Rifles, one Pistol, three Pompis, ammunition and war-like stores. The release noted that acting on specific information regarding the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Kaprang of Churachandpur district, the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF and Manipur Police launched a joint operation on 31 March 2025 and recovered two IEDs, weighing 2.3 Kgs, ammunition and war-like stores. The joint teams swiftly cordoned off the area, ensuring the safety of local residents and successfully neutralised the IEDs thus preventing any untoward incident. As per the release, on April 1, inputs indicated the presence of arms and ammunition in Sajirok of Imphal West district. Assam Rifles and Manipur Police troops swiftly launched an operation and recovered five weapons comprising one 7.62 mm Self Loading Rifle (SLR), one Single Bore Barrel Rifle (SBBL) and three Pistols. Similarly, on April 3, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police recovered five weapons comprising one 0.303 rifle, one 7.62 mm SLR, one SBBL and two Pistols, ammunition and war-like stores from S Mongpi Ridge in Kangpokpi district. Whereas, in Twichin of Imphal East district Army launched recovered eight weapons comprising one 12 Bore Single Barrel Rifle and seven improvised mortars, the release stated. According to the release, the recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police for further investigation and dispersal. These coordinated efforts by security forces highlight their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Manipur. (ANI) The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) presented their respective budgets for the fiscal year 2025-26 on Thursday. BMC Mayor Malti Rai presented a budget of Rs 3611.79 crores for financial year 2025-26 which is around Rs 300 crores more than of the previous year budget that stands at over Rs 3300 crores. The proposed income and expenses in the budget are almost equal for fiscal year 2025-26, with an estimated deficit of Rs 110.07 crore after reserving 5 percent of the income. Additionally, a 10 percent increase has been proposed for property tax, and a 15 percent increase has been proposed in the rates of consumer charges which include water rate, sewerage, and solid waste in the BMC's budget for FY 2025-26. "Today, we have presented the budget of Rs 3611,79,75,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 in which we have focused on women empowerment, development and employees of the municipal corporation in our budget. The municipal corporation is trying to make big development with the help of the government in the city, be it making immersion ghats, convention centers, auditoriums or city gates," Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai said. Speaking about the increase in property tax and water tax, the mayor said, "The amount being taken from the public will be invested among them only. According to the guidelines of the Central Government, 16 th Finance Commission and the state government, provisions have been made to increase the property tax and water tax, 10 percent and 15 percent respectively. We used to spend Rs 25 lakh in ward planning fund for development of the ward. Now, a provision of Rs 50 lakh has been proposed in the current budget so that the property tax collected from a ward will be invested in that ward for the development. We have increased the amount for the purpose." Meanwhile, Leader of Oppostion (LoP) of BMC, Shabista Zaki said that it was a defict budget and demanded that the proposed increase in the propety tax and water tax should be taken back. "This is a deficit budget and there is no account of the previous remaining budget of around Rs 711 crores, where it has been spent. We have asked for the balance sheet of the remaining budget which is being lapsed. First they should clear the account and then bring the new budget. The way property tax and water tax have been increased against the rule should be taken back. We protest against these things," said Shabista Zaki, Leader of Opposition (LoP) of Bhopal Municipal Corporation. On the other hand, Indore Mayor Pushymitra Bhargava presented the budget of around Rs 8174 crores for fiscal year 2025-26 which include various provisions of the development of the city. IMC Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said, "This budget has been prepared considering the facilities for the citizens and development of the city. A balanced budget without tax increase will give momentum to the progress of the city. A provision has been made to develop an app for garbage collection on the lines of food delivery applications in the budget." (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to take "immediate steps to review the Indo-Sri Lankan Agreement at the earliest so that the Katchatheevu Island is retrieved and the traditional fishing rights of our fishermen are permanently protected." The Chief Minister said that the Tamil Nadu Government has been steadfast in opposing the Katchatheevu agreement, which was signed between the two countries in 1974. "I am writing this letter to bring to your immediate attention to the Resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on 02.04.2025 regarding the retrieval of Katchatheevu island, to protect the traditional fishing rights of the Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay area. I would like to point out that the origin of the problem is the Indo-Sri Lankan Treaty (Katchatheevu Agreement) made between the two countries in the year 1974," Stalin said in his letter. "The Government of Tamil Nadu has been steadfast in opposing the Katchatheevu agreement right from the beginning. The Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu had strongly opposed the ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in Parliament in 1974," he claimed. The Chief Minister said that after the the signing of the Katchatheevu Agreement by the Union Government on June 28, 1974 "without the consent of the State Government," the then Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi immediately convened an all-party meeting at the Secretariat on the very next day on 29.06.1974 and "passed a resolution condemning it" and wrote a letter to the then Prime Minister on the same day. "Subsequently, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on 21.08.1974 strongly opposing the decision of Union Government on the issue of Katchatheevu. The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has passed similar resolutions on 03.10.1991, 03.05.2013 and 05.12.2014 reiterating the consistent demand of retrieving the Katchatheevu Island to protect the traditional fishing rights of our fishermen," he said. "The frequent apprehensions of our fishermen and seizure of their boats in large numbers have put the lives of coastal community in a state of permanent anxiety and distress. The livelihood of the fishermen has also become uncertain due to the arrests and seizures. I have personally brought this issue to your notice for immediate intervention, during our first meeting on 17.06.2021 after my assumption of office as Chief Minister and also reiterated our earlier requests for a permanent solution of this issue in our subsequent meetings as well. Since 2021, I have also written many letters to the Honourable Minister for External Affairs and yourself on the arrests and attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy," Stalin added. The Chief Minister pointed out that in the year 2024, 530 Indian fishermen were arrested and in the first three months of the year 2025, 147 fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. "Our fishermen are being sentenced to maximum imprisonment and are being levied hefty fines. Besides this, their boats are confiscated and put to auction. All these aggressive measures of Sri Lanka has pushed our fishermen to the brink of extreme poverty and reaffirms our repeated demand for retrieval of Katchatheevu, which is the only way to find a permanent solution to this problem," the CM said. He pointed to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly's unanimous resolution urging the Centre to take all steps to retrieve Katchatheevu Island. "In this regard, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution on 02.04.2025, urging the Union Government to immediately review the Indo- Sri Lankan Agreement and take all steps to retrieve Katchatheevu Island and also to urge the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to hold talks with the Sri Lankan Government to get all our imprisoned fishermen released along with their boats on a goodwill basis, during the upcoming official visit to Sri Lanka," the Chief Minister said. (ANI) A group of Members of Parliament (MPs) came together at an event organized by the Brave Souls Foundation at the Constitution Club of India, where they pledged their support for acid attack survivors and committed to pushing for stronger legal and financial protections, a press release stated. The MPs in attendance included Pramod Tiwari, Rajiv Shukla, Jaya Bachchan, Tiruchi Siva, Abdul Wahab, Imran Pratapgarhi, Anil Yadav Mandadi, Ashok Mittal, John Brittas, and Ayodhya Rami Reddy. Survivors shared their struggles and demanded immediate action on key issues such as justice, timely compensation, employment, and rehabilitation. The survivors emphasized that despite Supreme Court directives, acid remains easily available in the market, attacks continue unabated, and government compensation is often delayed or insufficient. Many survivors are unable to secure employment, and legal loopholes allow perpetrators to escape severe punishment. The MPs assured the survivors that their concerns would be raised in Parliament and committed to taking up the matter with the Home Minister and Law Minister in the upcoming monsoon session. They also supported the demand for the immediate enactment of the Prevention of Acid Attacks and Justice for Victims and Survivors Bill, 2024, which includes provisions for regulating acid sales, ensuring free medical treatment, and setting up fast-track courts for acid attack cases. Several MPs also made personal contributions to support the cause. Jaya Bachchan announced a donation of Rs 50 lakh to the Brave Souls Foundation, while AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal pledged free education for survivors at his institution along with Rs 5 lakh in financial aid. Other MPs pledged portions of their salaries or contributions ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. Additionally, NGOs present at the event assured continued support for survivors through legal aid and medical assistance. The MPs requested the Brave Souls Foundation to submit a formal document outlining these demands, which they promised to present to the government for immediate action. The event marked a significant step in the fight for justice, with parliamentarians, activists, and civil society uniting to demand long-overdue reforms. The MPs and activists collectively put forward the several demands to the government. Immediate Enactment of the Prevention of Acid Attacks and Justice for Victims and Survivors Bill, 2024 - A comprehensive law must be passed to regulate acid sales, strengthen rehabilitation policies, and ensure survivors receive justice. MPs demanded complete ban on retail acid sales. Acid should be classified as a controlled substance, and a strict licensing system must be implemented, with harsh penalties for illegal sales. Free and Complete Medical Treatment for Survivors - All public and private hospitals must provide full medical care, including reconstructive surgeries, without any cost to survivors. Strict penalties should be enforced against hospitals that deny treatment. Appointment of Nodal Officers Dedicated officers should be appointed in every district to ensure compliance with survivor rights and to take immediate action against hospitals that refuse treatment. Dedicated Burn Rehabilitation Centers Across India - The government must establish specialized centers to provide long-term care for survivors. Free Lifelong Travel for Medical Treatment - Survivors often require multiple surgeries across different states, and they should be provided free travel for medical care. Establishment and Expansion of Safe Homes for Survivors - The government must allocate land, buildings, and financial resources to create safe homes that provide long-term rehabilitation. Setting Up Fast-Track Courts - Special courts should be established to ensure that acid attack cases are resolved swiftly, preventing perpetrators from evading justice. Increased Compensation for Survivors - The current compensation of Rs 3-7 lakh is inadequate. It should be increased to at least Rs 50 lakh, with higher amounts for survivors who can prove additional financial loss. National Pension Scheme for Survivors - A lifelong pension scheme, similar to those in Punjab and Haryana, should be implemented to provide financial security to survivors. Additional allowances should be given to cover lifelong medical and psychological needs. Recognition of Acid Attack Survivors as Persons with Disabilities - Survivors suffer severe physical and psychological damage and should be legally recognized as persons with disabilities. Recognition of Facial Scarring as a Disability - Those with facial disfigurement should receive full affirmative action benefits under the disability framework. Reservation in Education and Employment - Survivors should be given reservation benefits similar to SC/ST/OBC categories to ensure their inclusion in education and the workforce. Establishment of Survivor-Managed Cafes, Canteens, and Kiosks - Government land should be allocated to survivors to run food kiosks, cafes, and canteens in public places to ensure their economic independence. Full Scholarships for Survivors - The government should fund full scholarships for survivors to pursue higher education in India and abroad. Formation of a Special Parliamentary Committee - A dedicated committee should be set up to review existing policies, recommend legal reforms, and oversee the implementation of measures against acid attacks. Immediate Release of NCRB Data on Acid Attacks - The National Crime Records Bureau must release updated and accurate data on acid attacks to ensure transparency and informed policymaking. Notably, AAP Rajya Sabha Sanjay Singh on March 19 raised the issue of acid attack survivors in the Rajya Sabha, demanding the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure timely justice. "These survivors endure unimaginable suffering every day, yet they are forced to wait 20 years or more for justice. The government must set up special fast-track courts to expedite their cases and ensure strict punishment for perpetrators," he said. Sanjay Singh also stated that the government should provide free medical treatment for survivors and increase compensation to Rs 50 lakh, stating that the current Rs 5 lakh compensation is grossly inadequate. Highlighting the plight of survivors, Sanjay Singh shared the case of Shaheen Malik, who has been fighting for justice for 16 years despite losing her face and one eye in an acid attack. He also spoke about two young girls from Siwan, who were attacked at the age of 14 but received justice only after 20 years. "These young girls wake up every morning, look at their faces in the mirror, and are forced to relive their trauma daily. They cannot be made to suffer further by waiting decades for justice. The government must take immediate action," Sanjay Singh said. (ANI) BJP MP Rajkumar Chahar on Thursday urged the Central government to rename roads in Delhi currently bearing Mughal names and replace them with names of Indian heroes who fought against the Mughals. BJP MP from Fatehpur Shikari (UP) and National President of the BJP Kisan Morcha, Rajkumar Chahar addressed the Lok Sabha, highlighting a matter of public importance. He pointed out that many roads in Delhi, particularly around the Lutyens' area, are named after Mughal invaders like Babur, Tughlaq Road, Akbar Road, Humayun Road, and Dara Shikoh Road. These names were given during the Congress government era." Speaking during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, Chahar said, "We are in the Lok Sabha in Delhi, and when we move around, we see roads in the Lutyens' zone named after Mughal invaders like Tughlaq Road, Akbar Road, Humayun Road, and Dara Shikoh Road." Chahar has requested that the government rename these roads after Indian heroes who fought against the Mughals, such as Maharana Sanga, Prithviraj Chauhan, Guru Gobind Singh, Maharaja Surajmal, Shivaji Maharaj, etc. "These roads have been named after them since the Congress era. Instead, we should name these roads after great men like Rana Sanga, Prithviraj Chauhan, Guru Gobind Singh, Maharaja Suraj Mal, and Shivaji Maharaj, who fought against the Mughals," Chahar said. Rajkumar Chahar emphasised that these Indian heroes are the reason for the country's existence today, making it essential to honor them by renaming the roads after them. Later in the day, the Lok Sabha passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, paving the way for a dedicated legal framework for coastal trade as the maritime sector aims to provide an economical, reliable and sustainable mode of transportation as it decongests the road and rail networks. "The Bill seeks to unlock the full potential of India's vast and strategic coastline, providing a dedicated legal framework for coastal trade," asserted Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), as he introduced the bill in the Lower House earlier in the day. The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, aims to make coastal trade easier, more competitive, and better integrated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Govt's overall transport vision- the National Logistics Policy. With its manifold forward-looking provisions, the bill provides a future ready legal framework while upgrading the dated provision of earlier legislations like the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The proposed bill introduces key provisions for licensing and regulating foreign vessels in India's coasting trade. It mandates the formulation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan and establishes a National Database for Coastal Shipping. (ANI) Assam's Bodoland region has now emerged as a 'peace model' in the country after the region witnessed a three-decade-long political movement, conflicts, and militancy, where thousands of people lost their lives, and many more were wounded. After signing of historic Bodo Peace' Accord in 2020 under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, peace now prevails in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) which is constitued five districts - Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri and Tamulpur. Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Pramod Boro who played a pro-active role in peace-building process in Bodoland said that thinking of bringing back peace and normalcy in Bodoland was started only from 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government was formed at the centre. "Before 2014, the previous government was not serious about bringing peace and normalcy back to the region. But the process was started only after 2014. After the signing of the third Bodo Accord, peace and normalcy have come to the Bodoland region," Pramod Boro told ANI. Speaking to ANI, Pramod Boro said that in the last four years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Bodoland three times, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has visited the region six times. "This part of the country can't be ignored, isolated, left undeveloped. More than 3.5 million people are living in this region. If we think about development, we must first think about restoring peace. Now, the people of this region are thinking about many things - development, economic development, good and quality education, agriculture, culture, tradition, etc. In the last three decades, people forgot all things, but now everything is possible. We must thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his love, kindness, anytime attachment with the people of Bodoland, he giving us courage thinking of beyond the limit, thinking of prosperity, developed Bodoland," Pramod Boro said. A Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was signed on 27th January 2020 with factions of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) etc. and this MoS seeks to increase the scope and power of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and to streamline its functioning; resolve issues related to Bodo people residing outside Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR); promote and protect Bodo's social, cultural, linguistic and ethnic identities; provide legislative protection for the land rights of tribals; ensure quick development of tribal areas and rehabilitate members of NDFB factions. "In the last more than three decades, the entire Bodoland region has been unrest for political movement and community conflicts many times. During the course of the movement, some of the youths from different communities took arms as a part of their revolution. Conflict between state and non-state started long back and we lost many innocent people in this region. This region became totally uncertain, and people faced lots of trouble due to insurgency, security forces operations, kidnapping, bombing, etc. But some citizens think that peace should bring back to Bodoland, I also involved in this initiative. We had no other option to bring back peace and normalcy in the Bodoland unless our future will be uncertain. After the signing of the Bodo Accord in 2003, another insurgency group, NDFB, signed a ceasefire with the Government of India, and negotiations began. We engage in the negotiation process with NDFB and both state and central government engaged. But there was no serious talks at that time," Pramod Boro said. He further said that, only after 2014 when Narendra Modi took the charge of Prime Minister of India he had taken it very seriously. "In 2014, All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) was agitating for political rights; on the other hand, dialogue with NDFB was started, and we also started a positive kind of initiative. We became very decisive that we should do something for our people. Unless we bring back peace, normalcy, we can't think about education, economic development or anything. We started talking with the Government of India," he added. Boro said that in 2020, all factions of NDFB decided that they would come to the mainstream, and ABSU was also involved. "Under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma all agreed on this agreement the third Bodo Accord 2020 and on 27 January 2020 it was signed. After that, all people became very hopeful that, yes, something could happen now. After signing the accord, our first and foremost duty was to bring back peace and normalcy and also start the reconciliation with the communities - among the communities and within the Bodo community. We formed the government in BTR in 2020 and we have started so many works including healing, reconciliation and sustain the peace," he said. "I must thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who came to Bodoland in February 2020, and he assured that there will not be any kind of killing and violence again in the Bodoland region, new doors will be opened in Bodoland. People started changing their mindset. In the last 4 years we engaged all the stakeholders, groups, institutions, organizations and continue the dialogues and sharing it among the people that peace is our primary duty, sustain the peace, we have to forget and forgive each other. Now we have seen the transformation, change Bodoland and sustainable peace in the Bodoland. People have forgotten everything, there is no more fear among the people of Bodoland," Boro said. The Chief of Bodoland Territorial Council said that, now there is no illegal weapon, anti-social activities in Bodoland. "Bodoland has now become normal as normal as any part of the country," he said. On the other hand, talking about the reduction of crime rate in the state, Pramod Boro said that, in coming years it will be coming down zero. "Only one group of ULFA is now active in Assam and they are operating from outside of the country. I request Paresh Barua (Chief of ULFA-I) that you should also join in the mainstream. For the first time in the history of Assam, the Government of India is thinking very seriously on the development of Assam and the Assam Chief Minister is very pro-active everywhere. I believe that, in coming years the crime rate in Assam will be coming down to zero," Pramod Boro said. (ANI) Congress chief and Rajya Sabha Leader of Oppositon Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday demanded an inquiry into Manipur violence and asked the central government to table a White Paper in the House. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge said that Manipur has been burning for nearly two years, and the government has failed to stop violence in the state. "For two years Manipur has been burning, and the government has failed in stopping the violence. More than 260 people have died, and over 60,000 have been displaced. Families have been torn apart, yet the BJP watched it in silence. Manipur's economy has collapsed. GST collections have fallen. The state saw the horrifying situation," Kharge said in Rajya Sabha. He further said that the then Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh should have taken the morale responsibility and should have resigned on the first day of the violence. "The BJP is working to save Prime Minister Narendra Modi but not Manipur. The Prime Minister refused to go there. What is the reason that PM Modi did not visit Manipur? Entire Manipur was burning in spite of that, but Modiji did not go there. He might have gone to a number of foreign countries during that time, but he did not step in Manipur. Rahul Gandhi visited Manipur and met the victims. Supreme Court judges and NGOs visited Manipur, but the Prime Minister did not. Unko fursat nhi haina bhai," he added. The Congress chief further claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has no plans to bring peace to Manipur. "What are you doing here, please bring the peace here (Manipur). The Prime Minister has time for election rallies but not for Manipur. He failed to bring peace. Therefore, I demand an inquiry and also to let them put a white paper on the table. So who is responsible for that? Everyone will know what is going on in Manipur. When people were crying in Manipur for food, you never responded," he said. Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister to visit Manipur at the earliest and resolve law and order situation there "Atleast Prime Minister should come here and give explanation. Why he did not give? Why he did not visited? What is his problem? If any jadugar have told to not visit, that if you visit you will loose power. I urge the Prime Minister to visit Manipur at the earliest and resolve law and order situation there," Kharge said. Rajya Sabha LoP and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge requested Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar for a discussion on Manipur to be held on Friday morning in the House. "You (Vice-President and Chairman Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar) are scared of the government...You should protect us," Kharge said. Replying to Rajya Sabha LoP and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Vice-President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar said, "...The farmer of India and his son is not scared of anyone..." Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved the resolution for Rajya Sabha nod to the Presidential proclamation for the president's rule in Manipur. "That this House approves the Proclamation issued by the President on the 13th February, 2025 under article 356(1) of the constitution in relation to the State of Manipur," Shah said. Manipur has been under the President's rule since February after the resignation of chief minister N Biren Singh, as announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs. President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13 under Article 356 of the Constitution, five days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post. The violence in Manipur between the Meiteis and the Kukis erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023. (ANI) Following US President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs, Brian Pannebecker, the founder of Auto Workers for Trump, expressed strong support for the move and said that the tariffs are going to be "great" for the American workers. On being asked if he supports Trump's tariff announcement, Pannebecker said, "Absolutely 100 per cent. It is going to be great for the American workers." Earlier, while addressing the Make America Wealthy Again Event, Pannebecker had said, "I grew up just north of Detroit, Michigan. I have watched plant after plant after plant in Detroit and in the metro Detroit area close and President Trump's policies are going to bring product back into those plants. There are gonna be new investments, there's gonna be new plants built... We support President Trump's tariff policies 100%. Within six months, we are gonna see the benefits." Trump announced new import tariffs on Wednesday (local time), outlining the rates to be imposed on countries around the world, with India facing a 26 percent tariff. At the Make America Wealthy Again Event, Trump said, "The United States charges other countries only a 2.4 tariff on motorcycles. Meanwhile, Thailand and others are charging much higher prices like 60%, India charges 70%, Vietnam charges 75% and others are even higher than that." The US President further said that a 25 per cent tariff would be imposed on all foreign-made automobiles."Such horrendous imbalances have devastated our industrial base and put our national security at risk. I don't blame these other countries at all for this calamity. I blame former presidents and past leaders who weren't doing their job... Effective at midnight, we will impose a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles," Trump said. The import tariffs on other major countries are China (34 per cent), European Union (20 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), Taiwan (32 per cent), Japan (24 per cent), India (26 per cent), United Kingdom (10 per cent), Bangladesh (37 per cent), Pakistan (29 per cent), Sri Lanka (44 per cent), Israel (17 per cent). (ANI) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes on Wednesday targeting remaining military capabilities at Syrian bases in Hama and T4, as well as additional military infrastructure sites in the Damascus area. Sharing a post on X, the IDF wrote, "The IDF struck military capabilities that remained at the Syrian bases of Hama and T4, along with additional remaining military infrastructure sites in the area of Damascus in the past few hours." It added, "We will continue to operate to remove any threat to Israeli civilians." https://x.com/IDF/status/1907521357333819550 Citing the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Al Jazeera reported that the attacks on Wednesday targeted the vicinity of the scientific research centre in the Barzeh neighbourhood of the capital, as well as the airport in the Syrian city of Hama. Since the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes across Syria. In the aftermath of al-Assad's removal on December 8, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group, reported that Israeli forces targeted the Barzeh research facility, which Israel claims was involved in the production of guided missiles and chemical weapons. Between December 8 and December 31, 2024, SOHR reported over 500 airstrikes on Syrian targets by Israel. Additionally, Israel has carried out at least 43 attacks in Syria so far this year, Al Jazeera reported. The Israeli strikes come after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the formation of a transitional government and appointed 23 ministers to a diverse new cabinet. According to Al Jazeera, the government, which was revealed on Saturday, includes Yarub Badr, an Alawite, as transport minister, while Amgad Badr from the Druze community will oversee the agriculture ministry. Since the fall of former Bashar al-Assad in December, Syria has been governed by a caretaker cabinet under al-Sharaa. After being named interim president in January, he pledged to establish an inclusive transitional government to rebuild Syria's institutions and manage the country until elections, which he estimated could take up to five years. (ANI) Beijing, Moscow hail solid ties 09:03, April 03, 2025 By Zhang Yunbi ( Chinadaily.com.cn Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. (Bai Xueqi/Xinhua) The fresh consensus and policy manifestations made by China and Russia during Foreign Minister Wang Yi's latest visit to Moscow serve as a convincing reminder of the bilateral ties' resilience as well as the two nations' capability to advance their shared policy agenda in an undisturbed and productive way, observers said. During his official visit from Monday to Wednesday, Wang met in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Highlights of the meetings include fresh plans for high-level exchanges later this year, joint celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II and pragmatic cooperation. As this year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, Putin told Wang that he looks forward to the Chinese side attending commemorative events in Russia, and Russia is making all-out preparations for the events. Moscow is ready to take this as an opportunity to bring the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination "to a new level" and the two sides should "keep sending powerful signals to the world on strengthening strategic coordination", the Russian leader said. For his part, Wang said "the advancement of China-Russia ties will not halt but lead to broader horizons", the friendship between the two countries has a long-term perspective and their cooperation "allows no disturbance from outside". Since Beijing and Moscow have aligned their plans to support each other's 80th anniversary commemorative events, the engagements between the heads of state of the two countries this year "will again write new chapters" for bilateral ties, he added. In Moscow, Wang and Lavrov talked about the Ukraine crisis, and the two sides also coordinated their positions on the current international situation, particularly developments in the Asia-Pacific region. Wang expressed China's support for all peacemaking efforts, noting that China is willing to build more international consensus through the Group of Friends for Peace and play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Lavrov said that Russia fully supports China's position on the Taiwan question, it is ready to work together to safeguard and defend a just and rational international order, and it will never allow the resurgence of Nazism, fascism and militarism. Before this Russia trip, the world has seen major changes such as signs of the thawing of ties between Moscow and Washington and the ravaging trade wars flared up by the current administration of the United States, experts noted. Dong Manyuan, a senior researcher at the China Institute of International Studies, said that Wang's visit is key because the international situation "has undergone profound and complex changes this year, making it even more necessary for China and Russia to step up and deepen their comprehensive strategic communication". "Wang's visit to Russia is not only beneficial to the development of bilateral relations, but also conducive to world peace and stability, as well as to stabilizing the situation in the Eurasian region." "Also, both China and Russia are carrying out their respective diplomatic mediation efforts on Middle East issues," he said. Wang's Russia trip marked his second meeting with Lavrov this year. The previous meeting took place in February on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry about the ministers' meeting in Moscow, the two sides agreed to "prepare solidly for exchanges at various levels within the year" and deepen practical cooperation in various fields to better underpin the entire relationship. They also pledged to enhance coordination within multinational frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, the G20, and the United Nations to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries. Xing Guangcheng, director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies, said, "There is a great deal of uncertainty in the world, but there is one great certainty and that's China-Russia relations." Xing said the ties "are in the best shape of all time", and that China-Russia cooperation in the new era "enjoys a strong, self-driven impetus". China-Russia ties do not target third parties and are not affected by them, and their good neighborly relations featuring "friendship for generations" have had a constant effect, he said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) A group of Republican senators joined Democrats on Wednesday to support a resolution aimed at reversing President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada, The Hill reported. The resolution passed by a vote of 51-48 on the same day Trump unveiled a new round of tariffs worldwide. Four Republican senators--Rand Paul (Kentucky), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), and Mitch McConnell (Kentucky)--backed the resolution. Their support came after Trump announced plans to impose a 10 per cent tariff on all imports, as well as higher tariffs on goods from several countries including China, Vietnam, and Japan. In a post on X, Murkowski wrote, "Today, I voted to terminate the emergency declaration put in place to justify higher tariffs on Canadian imports. While not all Canadian trade practices are fair, I'm keenly aware of the negative impacts in store for Alaskan families and businesses should tariffs drive up the costs of essential goods." https://x.com/lisamurkowski/status/1907582173030326620 Democrats framed the resolution as a plea for Trump to stop escalating his trade war with Canada, one of the nation's biggest trading partners. They said Trump's Canadian tariffs would impact an estimated 6.5 million jobs across the country, The Hill reported. Notably, Trump had imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Trump announced new import tariffs on Wednesday (local time), outlining the rates to be imposed on countries around the world, with India facing a 26 per cent tariff. Trump's announcement came while he addressed the Make America Wealthy Again Event. At the event, Trump said, "The United States charges other countries only a 2.4 tariff on motorcycles. Meanwhile, Thailand and others are charging much higher prices like 60%, India charges 70%, Vietnam charges 75% and others are even higher than that." The US President further said that a 25 per cent tariff would be imposed on all foreign-made automobiles. "Such horrendous imbalances have devastated our industrial base and put our national security at risk. I don't blame these other countries at all for this calamity. I blame former presidents and past leaders who weren't doing their job...Effective at midnight, we will impose a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles," Trump said. The import tariffs on other major countries are China (34 per cent), European Union (20 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), Taiwan (32 per cent), Japan (24 per cent), India (26 per cent), United Kingdom (10 per cent), Bangladesh (37 per cent), Pakistan (29 per cent), Sri Lanka (44 per cent), Israel (17 per cent). (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday morning to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which will be held on Friday. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a post on X wrote, "PM @narendramodi departs on a visit to Thailand & Sri Lanka." "PM will be paying an Official Visit to Thailand & participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Thereafter, he will proceed on a State Visit to Sri Lanka," it added. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1907600629557760198 PM Modi said that he will be in Thailand and Sri Lanka over the next three days to strengthen India's ties with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries. He also outlined his schedule, including a meeting with Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra and attending the BIMSTEC Summit. He will also meet King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand during his visit. PM Modi in a post on X wrote, "Over the next three days, I will be visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka to take part in various programmes aimed at boosting India's cooperation with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries." "In Bangkok later today, I will be meeting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and discussing the full range of India-Thailand friendship. Tomorrow, I will take part in the BIMSTEC Summit and also call on Maha Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand," the post added. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1907600708108476433?s=46 In another post on his upcoming visit to Sri Lanka, PM Modi wrote, "My visit to Sri Lanka will take place from the 4th till the 6th. This visit comes after the successful visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. We will review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka friendship and discuss newer avenues of cooperation. I look forward to the various meetings there." Notably, at the invitation of the Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, PM Modi is visiting Bangkok, Thailand from April 3 - 4 to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held on April 4, hosted by Thailand, the current BIMSTEC Chair. This will be the Prime Minister's third visit to Thailand. The MEA said that this would be the first physical meeting of the BIMSTEC Leaders since the fourth BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2018. The last i.e. fifth BIMSTEC Summit was held at Colombo, Sri Lanka in March 2022 in virtual format. The 6th Summit's theme is "BIMSTEC - Prosperous, Resilient and Open." The Leaders are expected to deliberate on ways and means to infuse greater momentum to BIMSTEC cooperation during the Summit. The leaders are also expected to discuss various institution and capacity-building measures to augment collaboration within the BIMSTEC framework. India has been taking a number of initiatives in BIMSTEC to strengthen regional cooperation and partnership, including in enhancing security; facilitating trade and investment; establishing physical, maritime and digital connectivity; collaborating in food, energy, climate and human security; promoting capacity building and skill development; and enhancing people-to-people ties. On the bilateral front, PM Modi is scheduled to meet with Shinawatra today. During the meeting, the two Prime Ministers are expected to review bilateral cooperation and chart the way for future partnership between the countries. India and Thailand are maritime neighbours with shared civilizational bonds underpinned by cultural, linguistic, and religious ties. From Thailand, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka on a State Visit from April 4 - 6, at the invitation of the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayaka. (ANI) A prominent Indian community organisation in New York has used its 75th anniversary celebration to highlight the ongoing lack of constitutional recognition for the Rajasthani language. The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) marked the milestone with a cruise event over the Hudson River attended by more than 400 guests, while using the platform to voice concerns about what they describe as a "continued injustice". RANA President Prem Bhandari expressed "strong displeasure" that Rajasthani has not been included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which lists officially recognised languages. "Despite a unanimous resolution passed by the Rajasthan State Assembly in 2003 urging its inclusion, the central government has yet to act on it," Bhandari told attendees. He noted the resolution came about following RANA's first International Convention and subsequent advocacy with then-Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, but claimed "lack of political will" had prevented progress. Bhandari, who also chairs Jaipur Foot USA, announced plans for a major artificial limb fitment camp to be held at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the American Punjab Society, was finalised after discussions with Padma Bhushan DR Mehta, founder of the Jaipur Foot organisation. A major new camp is also planned for Trinidad and Tobago, with India's High Commission securing approvals and managing logistics. The organization's 90-year-old founder, Padmabhushan DR Mehta, will travel from India to attend the event. "India's Prime Minister Modi has emerged as the foremost advocate of the ancient Sanskrit principle "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - meaning "the world is one family," Bhandari told ANI. Under Modi's leadership, the External Affairs Ministry has funded 32 international Jaipur Foot camps through its "India for Humanity" programme. These camps, operated by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, have provided free prosthetic limbs to thousands of disabled people across Asia, Africa and Latin America. The event also served as a farewell ceremony for Varun Jeph, the outgoing Deputy Consul General of India, who completed what was described as the longest-serving tenure in the role at over three years and eight months. Bhandari praised Jeph for his "round-the-clock availability" and "unwavering support" to the Indian community across the 10 states under the jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in New York. The incoming Deputy Consul General, Vishal Harsh, was welcomed alongside Indian Foreign Service officers Surender Adhana and Eldos Mathew Punnoose. The celebrations featured cultural performances, including poetry by Abhinav Shukla, with organisers highlighting significant participation from young Rajasthanis from across the tri-state area. (ANI) China's commerce ministry on Thursday said that it will take "resolute counter-measures" against the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by United States President Donald Trump on all US trade partners, Global Times reported. The ministry further urged Washington to cancel the unilateral tariff measures. "There is no winner in a trade war, and protectionism leads nowhere. China urges the US to immediately remove unilateral tariffs and resolve differences with trade partners through dialogue," a ministry spokesperson said as cited in the Chinese State-owned Global Times. Amid worldwide criticism, Trump declared a national economic emergency and announced tariffs of at least 10 per cent across all countries, with rates even higher for 60 countries. "China urges the United States to immediately cancel its unilateral tariff measures and properly resolve differences with its trading partners through equal dialogue," CNN quoted the spokesperson as saying. The tariff plan imposed high levies on many countries, including 26 per cent on India, 49 per cent on Cambodia, 46 per cent on Vietnam, 34 per cent on China, 24 per cent tariff on Japan, 20 per cent on the EU, US media reported, noting that more than 180 countries and regions will face tariffs. The US claims that it has suffered losses in international trade and is using so-called "reciprocity" as a justification to raise tariffs on all its trading partners. This approach disregards the balance of interests achieved through years of multilateral trade negotiations and ignores the fact that the US has long reaped substantial benefits from international trade, the Chinese commerce ministry (MOFCOM) spokesperson said, Global Times reported. "The so-called 'reciprocal tariffs,' determined based on unilateral and subjective assessments, violate international trade rules, severely undermine the legitimate rights and interests of relevant parties, and represent a typical act of unilateral bullying. Many trading partners have already expressed strong dissatisfaction and clear opposition to this move," the spokesperson said. History has proven that raising tariffs does not solve US' own problems -- it harms US interests while also threatening global economic growth and the stability of industrial and supply chains, the Chinese spokesperson was cited as saying in the Global Times. Trump's announcement adds 34 per cent "reciprocal" tariffs to existing 20 per cent duties on all Chinese imports to the US. Since returning to power in January, Trump had already levied two tranches of 10 per cent additional levies on all Chinese imports, which the White House said was necessary to stem the flow of illicit fentanyl from the country to the US as per a report in the CNN. Trump in his announcement as part of his 'Liberation Day' economic plan said, "I have great respect for President Xi (Jinping) of China, great respect for China, but they were taking tremendous advantage of us." "They understand exactly what's happening and ... they're going to fight." he further said in his address announcing the tarriffs. Reciprocal tariffs have been announced on India, Brazil, Japan, and the European Union among others. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he looked forward to participating in the upcoming official engagements at the BIMSTEC Leaders' Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. PM Modi was received by Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit at the airport. He shared pictures from the airport upon his arrival, in which he was seen shaking hands and interacting with the exuberant Indian community. In a post on X, he said, "Landed in Bangkok, Thailand. Looking forward to participating in the upcoming official engagements and strengthening the bonds of cooperation between India and Thailand." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1907672205171069241 Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that PM Modi is set to hold discussions with Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra alongside 6th BIMSTEC Summit. "Special Maritime neighbours with shared civilizational bonds. PM Narendra Modi lands in the vibrant cultural city of Bangkok on an Official Visit. Warmly received by the Deputy PM & Minister of Transport Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit at the airport. Extensive discussions with PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra & the 6th BIMSTEC Summit lie ahead," Jaiswal said in a post on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1907670548592865285 Members of the Indian diaspora in Thailand chanted 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jai Hind' as they awaited PM Modi's arrival at a hotel in Bangkok. At the invitation of Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, PM Modi is on an official visit to Thailand. Prime Minister Modi outlined his schedule in a post on X, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties with Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the broader BIMSTEC region. He said, "Over the next three days, I will be visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka to take part in various programmes aimed at boosting India's cooperation with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries." The 6th BIMSTEC Summit is set to take place on Friday, marking a significant regional engagement between India and its neighboring countries in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) group. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday at the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting expressed his solidarity and support towards earthquake-hit Myanmar and Thailand. Jaishankar said India is living up to its commitment of being the first responder in the situation, referring to Operation Brahma. "Let me begin by thanking the Royal Thai Government for hosting the 6th BIMSTEC Summit that starts formally tomorrow. And to the BIMSTEC Secretariat for the preparation. Before we discuss the agenda, I would also like to express our solidarity and support for Myanmar and Thailand in the face of the massive earthquake a few days ago. India is living up to its obligation as a First Responder in this situation," Jaishankar said. Jaishankar said that from India's lens, BIMSTEC represents India's Act East policy, neighbourhood first approach and the MAHA-SAGAR outlook. "Let me briefly expound on the BIMSTEC from India's perspective. This regional organization represents the trifecta of three of our crucial initiatives: the Act East policy, the Neighbourhood First approach and the MAHA-SAGAR outlook. It is also on the pathway to our Indo-Pacific commitment," he said. Jaishankar said that to promote BIMSTEC, India seeks to create a substantial connection with the member states, and this is growing as a source of strength. "In order to promote BIMSTEC, what India is doing is to draw the best from all of them and then synergize that with our collective efforts. That our bilateral relationships with individual BIMSTEC members are also strong and steadily growing is a further source of strength. At the end of the day, what we seek to create is a strong structural framework with a substantial relevance to our people," he said. Jaishankar said that BIMSTEC's agenda is to prepare for a successful summit on Friday and ensure that the Bay of Bengal emerges as a vibrant region. "The BIMSTEC has its agenda before it. Our job is to prepare for a successful Summit tomorrow where our leaders will reinforce the pillars of cooperation, witness the signing of significant agreements and declare the establishment of Centres of Excellence. I am confident that we will not only accomplish the ground work properly but set the stage for the emergence of the Bay of Bengal as a vibrant and energetic region," he said. Jaishankar said that another way of achieving the goal is to deepen collaboration among the member states by cooperating on various sectors, like power grid connections, digital infrastructure, etc. "The second line of approach would be to deepen our collaboration by directing energies towards the most visible convergences. This could be power grid connections, digital infrastructure, business activities, maritime and land transport, blue economy or health, food and energy security. Each one of us has our own experiences, and therefore, best practices to share. The creation of Centres of Excellence is one way of promoting that objective," he said. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1907649129469415575 In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to participate in the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok this morning. Expressed India's solidarity and support for Myanmar & Thailand in the face of the massive earthquake" (ANI) Wherever PM Modi goes, the display of India's religious heritage follows. PM Modi has turned every global visit into a showcase of India's rich traditions. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "A cultural connect like no other! Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand. The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1907694986872725515 During visit to Mauritius in March 2025, PM Modi visited Ganga Talao, where he offered holy water from Triveni Sangam, signifying spiritual unity between India and Mauritius. In a symbolic gesture of cultural and spiritual connection, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12 mixed the sacred waters of the Ganges, brought from the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, into the Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) at Port Louis in Mauritius. PM Modi met two Kuwaiti nationals who are renowned for translating and publishing Arabic versions of Mahabharata and Ramayana, during his visit to Kuwait in December last year. During visit to Brazil in November 2024, PM Modi was welcomed with the chanting of Mantras. In the same visit, he also witnessed a Ramayana enactment in Rio de Janeiro. In Guyana in November 2024, PM Modi witnessed soulful Ram Bhajans as well as Vedic chants by children. In Russia in October last year, PM Modi witnessed Russian nationals singing Krishna Bhajan in his welcome at Kazan. In Laos last year, PM Modi was welcomed by locals with chants of Gayatri Mantra. During the same visit, he witnessed a mesmerizing Lao Ramayana performance . During visit to Italy in 2021, community members in Rome chanted Shiva Mantra during PM's presence. (ANI) The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has announced the upcoming Third East Turkistan/Uyghur Summit, along with the Uyghur Youth Summit, scheduled to occur from May 23 to May 25, in Munich, Germany, as reported by WUC. These summits will assemble Uyghur leaders, human rights advocates, community representatives, business experts, youth activists, scholars, and politicians from 20 different nations, in addition to our allies from the Tibetan, Southern Mongolian, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong communities, according to WUC. The WUC report emphasized that these events are taking place at a pivotal moment when the global landscape is changing rapidly, presenting new challenges as well as opportunities. "We are witnessing the evolving priorities of the new Trump administration, changes in US-China and US-EU relations, and a world agenda dominated by ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the post-Assad situation in Syria. Meanwhile, China's expansionist foreign policy has further alienated its neighboring countries and NATO member states, internal opposition to Xi Jinping's regime is growing, and China's economy is facing recession. These external factors create both challenges and opportunities for the Uyghur national movement", WUC stated. "Despite the Chinese regime's ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in East Turkistan recognized by 11 parliaments worldwide and confirmed by the Uyghur Tribunal, international responses remain insufficient", it added. China's transnational repression is escalating, particularly with the advancement of AI surveillance technologies. The situation for Uyghur refugees remains one of uncertainty, dread, and unending persecution as they confront the looming threat of surveillance, detention, and forced repatriation to China, where they face the possibility of imprisonment, torture, or worse, as outlined in a WUC report. During this pivotal moment, marked by rapidly changing international dynamics and a pressing threat to our national existence, the Summit embodies the hopes of our people. The WUC seeks to bring together Uyghur leaders from various sectors, synchronize our efforts with global trends, and create a fresh strategy and roadmap for our future. This year's summit will enable direct discussions and consultations on these urgent challenges and prospects, as well as on unresolved organizational matters. The Uyghur Youth Summit will serve as a venue for young individuals, the future of our nation, to actively influence our movement, enhance cooperation, and participate in meaningful dialogue. WUC urges all Uyghurs in the diaspora to closely monitor the Third East Turkistan National/Uyghur National Summit and the Uyghur Youth Summit while providing intellectual, material, and moral support to ensure its success. (ANI) Internet services have once again been suspended in Quetta and several other areas of Balochistan, as reported by the Balochistan Post. This follows a recent pattern of disruptions, including the suspension of mobile internet services across the province. Balochistan Post reported that after internet services were restored in Khuzdar, Kalat, and Mangocher last night after a six-day outage, they were shut down again just three hours later. The continuous shutdowns have left residents frustrated, with many highlighting the severe impact on businesses, students' online education, and other critical activities. People have called on the authorities to permanently restore internet services, stressing that such disruptions are causing undue hardship for the public, the Balochistan Post reported. According to Balochistan Post, there has been no official statement from government authorities regarding the cause of the suspensions. However, Baloch activists and local reports suggest the shutdowns are linked to ongoing mass protests in Balochistan, which are demanding an end to enforced disappearances and the arrest of leaders from the Baloch Youth Congress (BYC). In today's world, internet access is crucial for economic and educational activities, and the ongoing lack of connectivity is severely affecting the daily lives of residents in Balochistan. Many citizens are urging the relevant authorities to prioritize restoring internet access to avoid further disruptions to their lives. The recent protests in Balochistan has led to the shutdown of internet services by Pakistani authorities. Balochistan has long experienced serious human rights violations, including killings and forced displacements. Despite its rich natural resources, local communities rarely benefit from them. Widespread restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly, and movement are enforced, with dissent heavily suppressed. The Baloch people endure significant suffering, yet the international community has largely overlooked their situation. Efforts to address these issues have been limited, leaving the Baloch population vulnerable and their basic rights continuously violated without sufficient global intervention or support. (ANI) Mahrang Baloch, a detained leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), wrote a letter from Huda Jail in Quetta to the organization's members where she praised her fellow activists for their steadfast dedication to justice and human rights, acknowledging the difficulties they endure, as reported by the Balochistan Post. In her description of the jail conditions, she highlighted the isolation and the complete lack of contact with the outside world. She stated, "My conscious, active, and brave companions! I know that the struggle for truth and justice is arduous and demanding. To fight for our rights and justice, we must walk on thorns rather than flowers. I take immense pride in seeing my comrades face these difficult times with courage and resilience." Despite this, she conveyed how hearing about her comrades' ongoing efforts in the movement outside brought her hope and a sense of pride, as cited by the Balochistan Post. She further expressed, "In the darkness of this prison, where there is no sense of day or night, nor any breeze from the outside world, I was uplifted when I heard that our comrades did not remain silent for even a moment after our arrest. Instead, they have continued to organize the public resistance movement across Balochistan despite the hardships. The darkness of this cell suddenly felt illuminated, and I could almost smell the fresh air of my homeland. My head rose with pride, knowing that I belong to a people who know how to sacrifice but not surrender." Baloch stressed that no force could stop them from their fight for justice and rights. She encouraged her fellow activists to remain resolute in their peaceful resistance and not let the various tactics aimed at weakening their movement provoke them, the Balochistan Post reported. She highlighted, "No power can prevent us from achieving our rights and justice. We must persist with our peaceful struggle no matter the circumstances, for our survival depends on it. Silence would mean our collective destruction. There are many plans being hatched to provoke and undermine our peaceful movement, but we must not retreat. Despite all the challenges, we must carry on because this is not just our right, but also our responsibility." She made a heartfelt appeal to ensure that the families of the forcibly disappeared are never abandoned. She said, "I urge you all to never turn your back on the families of the disappeared. You must be their strength--stand by those mothers, sisters, innocent children, and the elderly. Answer their calls, support them, and never leave them vulnerable. Instead, be a part of their struggle and raise your voices for them." According to Balochistan Post, Baloch recognized the resilience of her fellow activists, calling them the true example of steadfastness. "Who understands perseverance better than you? Despite the harshest conditions, you have not only continued your peaceful fight but have also strengthened this public movement. Your sacrifices have empowered this cause even more. Now, we must not only continue the struggle but also organize and fortify it further. The success of this movement depends on our political awareness, persistence, and sincerity, and I have complete faith in you that, with your wisdom, determination, and dedication, you will lead this struggle to triumph." In conclusion, she urged her supporters to remain patient and resilient, emphasizing that their strength lies in their collective struggle. She highlighted, "We must always remain patient, as it is our true strength. Our endurance and resolve should be as unshakeable as the mountains of Chiltan. We cannot allow despair to take root. Instead of reacting with anger, we must make decisions based on wisdom and awareness. We should not seek advice from those who aim to weaken and demoralize us, nor engage with those who sow division. Our real power lies in our collective thoughts and collective struggle. Our strength is in the courage of our people, our positive outlook, and our persistence. We must protect this strength at all costs. These prisons, chains, batons, and guns cannot break us." (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday at the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting that BIMSTEC has sent a strong message towards growth by finalising the BIMSTEC Charter last year. "By having a real commitment towards enhancing the growth of BIMSTEC. By finalizing a BIMSTEC Charter in 2024 and holding four Summits in the last decade, we are sending a strong message to that effect," he said. Jaishankar stressed that BIMSTEC is a shared endeavour with an ambitious purpose and that countries must contribute to culture, the arts, space, etc., to achieve what they aspire to. "BIMSTEC is not just a gathering of the lowest common denominator. It is a shared endeavour with an ambitious purpose. We want to not just do what we must but also do what we can or even what we aspire to. That is why our activities on culture and arts, on sports, in addressing the hopes of the youth, in exploring the potential of space, or in sharing best practices of diplomacy are important," he said. Jaishankar said that cooperation in technology is imperative, and the countries must create conducive conditions to boost tourism among themselves. "As we look at the future, technology, start-ups and innovation will play a greater role. There is much we can gain through interaction and sharing. Tourism is another domain of great potential. Indians constitute among the largest number of your tourism arrivals. Creating a conducive environment will certainly help us to develop each one of these facets to the fullest," he said. Jaishankar added that times have changed and that all governments must brace themselves for the unknown and the ripple effects of conflicts. "We all deal with the daily routine, but no Government can neglect the larger challenges that the world confronts. It could be climate change, pandemics, natural disasters or financial crises. Or as we have seen, the ripple impacts of conflicts far away. Nor can we disregard the ever-present dangers of extremism, radicalization and terrorism. The reality is that the world is moving to an era of self-help," he said. Jaishankar added that regions need to move towards self-help in all sectors--be it fertilisers, food, or even vaccines. Therefore, immediate neighbours are more important than before. "Every region needs to look out for itself, whether it is in food, fuel and fertilizer supply, vaccines or speedy disaster response. We are seeing that unfold before our very eyes. Times have indeed changed. Shorter supply chains and immediate neighbors have a salience much more than before," he said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour in Bangkok after his arrival in Thailand on Thursday for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said that the Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra warmly welcomed PM Modi at the Government House in Bangkok in a ceremonial welcome. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "A special ceremonial welcome with Guard of Honour. PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand warmly received PM Narendra Modi at the Government House in Bangkok today. The two leaders will have wide-ranging discussions for charting the way for future India-Thailand partnership." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1907726423470772722 PM Modi also held a delegation-level talk with Thai PM Shinawatra in Bangkok PM Narendra Modi earlier in the day, witnessed a mesmerising performance of Ramakien, the Thai Ramayana. It showcased the rich civilisational connect between India and Thailand. In a post on X, he said, "A cultural connect like no other! Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand. The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1907694986872725515 https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1907694516305285396 https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1907703744562868406 https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1907726155496452227 The timeless epic of Ramayana holds a very special place both in India and Thailand. It is a story of Lord Rama, the Prince of Ayodhya or Ayutthaya. In the Thai adaptation, Lord Rama becomes Phra Ram. Both versions, however, extol the same virtues of sacrifice, duty, devotion, and triumph of good over evil. This epic is an exemplar of shared cultural heritage between India and Thailand as similar values are cherished in both cultures. The Indian community in Bangkok welcomed PM Modi with chanting of prayers, showing deep-rooted cultural bond that continues to flourish. "Grateful for the warm welcome by the Indian community in Bangkok. India and Thailand share a deep-rooted cultural bond that continues to flourish through our people. Heartening to see this connection reflected so strongly here," PM Modi said. The 6th BIMSTEC Summit is set to take place on Friday, marking a significant regional engagement between India and its neighboring countries in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) group. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on a State visit to Thailand was gifted the holy scripture of 'World Tipitaka,' by his Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday. PM Modi accepting the gift with folded hands thanked PM Shinawatra for the gift on behalf of 'Buddha Bhummi' India. The scripture was brought out by the Thai government in 2016 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit of Thailand's 70-year reign. It is a compilation of Lord Buddha's teachings with accurate pronunciation of the Pali Tipitaka's over nine million syllables. Thailand's Government has presented it as a "Gift of Peace and Wisdom for All" from the Kingdom of Thailand to more than 30 countries. "PM Shinawatra gifted me Tripitaka just now. On behalf of 'Buddha Bhoomi' India, I accepted it with folded hands. Last year, holy relics of Lord Buddha were sent from India to Thailand, this is a matter of great joy that over 4 million devotees received the opportunity to have a darshan," PM Modi said. On March of 2024, the holy relics of Buddha were returned to India from Thailand after a 26 day exposition in the country. "The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, along with those of his two disciples Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, returned to India on March 19, 2024, after a poignant journey that captivated hearts across Thailand," read a statement from the Ministry of Culture. The holy relics were taken to Thailand and showcased at various locations as part of a 26-day exposition, marking a profound spiritual pilgrimage. Over four million devotees paid obeisance to the holy relics in Thailand. "Upon their return to India, the holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples were received with full state honours, a testament to their sacred significance and the successful culmination of the historic exposition," the statement added. Earlier today, PM Modi and Thai PM held a meeting to discuss bilateral relations. "A productive discussion meeting was held with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok just a short while ago. I would like to thank the Thai people and government for their warm welcome and also express solidarity with Thai people following the earthquake that occurred a few days ago," PM Modi wrote in a post on X. Further highlighting how India's "Act East" and Thailand's "Act West" policy complement each other very well, he said that the bilateral cooperation will open up opportunities for both in many areas. "India's "Act East Policy" and Thailand's "Act West Policy" complement each other very well, opening up opportunities for bilateral cooperation in many areas," the PM's post read. Earlier, the Thai government released a special stamp based on Ramayan mural paintings from the 18th century. (ANI) The US and the EU have restated their disapproval of any unilateral alterations to the "status quo" in the Taiwan Strait following China's military's recent series of joint drills around Taiwan, which concluded last night, according to a report by Taipei Times. US President Donald Trump "emphasizes the significance of upholding peace in the Taiwan Strait, advocating for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues, and reiterating our disapproval of any unilateral attempts to modify the status quo through force or coercion," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was quoted by Taipei Times. US Department of State spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told the Central News Agency that China's confrontational military actions and rhetoric "only escalate tensions and jeopardize the security of the region as well as global prosperity," as reported by Taipei Times. "The United States champions peace and stability throughout the Taiwan Strait and opposes any unilateral alterations to the status quo, particularly through force or intimidation," she stated, according to Taipei Times. In the meantime, the EU's foreign policy body, the European External Action Service (EEAS), expressed its apprehension regarding the Chinese exercises, indicating that the drills were "heightening cross-strait tensions," as reported by Taipei Times. "The EU has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral actions that shift the status quo through force or intimidation," an EEAS spokesperson was quoted by Taipei Times. "We urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, which should be settled through cross-strait dialogue," the EEAS spokesperson stated, as cited in the Taipei Times report. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday that the government has expressed its concerns to Beijing regarding a Chinese military exercise near Taiwan, according to Taipei Times. "Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are exceedingly vital to the entire global community, including our nation," the top government spokesperson remarked during a press briefing, noting that Tokyo will "employ all necessary measures for vigilance and monitoring" in light of increased Chinese military operations near Taiwan recently, as reported by Taipei Times. The Taipei Times report noted that Germany's foreign ministry on Wednesday emphasized that Taiwan's status should not be altered unless through a peaceful agreement, when questioned about China's military drills off Taiwan's coast. "We have a direct interest in maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. It should only be altered through peaceful means and mutual understanding," a ministry spokesperson mentioned during a government press briefing, as quoted by Taipei Times. (ANI) Politicians and human rights organizations have called on the European Union (EU) to suspend Pakistan's preferential tariff benefits for exports under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) until the country takes concrete steps to address widespread human rights violations and religious persecution, according to a report by Human Rights Without Frontiers(HRWF). This demand follows growing concerns over Pakistan's record on human rights, particularly the treatment of religious minorities and the alarming rise in forced child marriages. Willy Fautre, Director of Human Rights Without Frontiers, criticized the EU for its failure to hold Pakistan accountable. He stated that over the years, many parliamentary questions and resolutions have highlighted Pakistan's disregard for human rights and its lack of political will to address these violations. By failing to sanction Pakistan's non-implementation of GSP+, the EU is misusing the taxpayers' money and losing its credibility as a commercial entity guided by human values, HRWF reported. Despite the EU's long-standing awareness of human rights abuses, including the fabrication of blasphemy charges, violence against religious minorities, and the funding of schools fostering religious extremism, the situation has remained largely unchanged for over a decade, as reported by HRWF. Meanwhile, Lakhu Luhana, Secretary General of the World Sindhi Congress, voiced his concerns about the deteriorating human rights conditions in Pakistan. He lamented," The human rights situation in Pakistan, including the persecution of religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians, Ahmadis, and Sikhs, is becoming abhorrently worse. This includes their systematic marginalization, discrimination, attacks on their places of worship, and the creation of an atmosphere of hate and fear. There are also hundreds of heart-wrenching stories of young girls being forcibly abducted, converted, and married off to much older abductors. This throws them into a life of perpetual sexual slavery and severance from their families. Once gone, no one knows about their existence or well-being." He went on to call for urgent action from the EU: "We request the EU to intervene and help stop these atrocities. Despite abundant evidence from reputable international institutions, we believe sending an EU fact-finding mission would be a useful step. Most importantly, the EU must impose sanctions on Pakistan, including withdrawing its GSP+ status. This status is currently providing financial support to the perpetrators of these heinous acts." Razzak Baloch, Secretary General of Baloch American Congress also lamented the human rights abuses against the minorities in Pakistan and said, "Pakistan was created with hatred toward the Hindu religion and the forced conversion of young Hindu girls. If the West wants to pressure Pakistan, they must stop using this mercenary army. Pakistan will go bankrupt." (ANI) Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, on Thursday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the island nation significant, stating that it would add a new agenda to the bilateral relationship. Speaking about the visit, Jha told ANI, "It is a very important visit. Our relationship today is on an upswing, and Prime Minister Modi will be coming as the first foreign guest under the new government. You would recall that last year, in December, President Dissanayake visited India as his first foreign destination. So, this is a very, very important visit. We are essentially looking at taking forward existing understandings and adding a new agenda to the relationship." Discussing bilateral ties and expected outcomes, the Indian envoy said, "We are looking at a very wide-ranging agenda. When President Dissanayake visited Delhi, the Prime Minister highlighted three pillars of our partnership: connectivity, energy, and digitisation. We will have agreements in these areas. There will also be some agreements in the health sector, and we are working on a framework MoU in defence cooperation." He further noted that relations between the two nations have never been stronger. "They are in very good shape," he added. Jha briefed about PM Modi's visit schedule and said the Prime Minister will be here from April 4-6. He will have official engagements on 5th April in Colombo and will visit Anuradhapuram on April 6. (ANI) Ross John Greer MSP, the Chair of the Scottish Cross-Party Group for Tibet, along with Eleanor Jane Byrne-Rosengren, a Human Rights Professional, and Cameron E William Garrett, the Research and Policy Officer for the Scottish Green Group, paid a visit to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on April 3, as reported by the Central Tibet Administration (CTA). The group met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and members of the Standing Committee. They were joined by Representative Tsering Yangkyi from the Office of Tibet in London, according to the CTA. Upon their arrival, the Speaker welcomed the visiting delegation, recalling a past meeting with MSP Greer during his trip to Scotland. He expressed appreciation for the hospitality shown by MSP Greer. The Speaker noted that their visit to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) offered a unique chance to witness the democratic operations of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, as stated in the CTA report. The Speaker also pointed out the increased restrictions in Tibet during March, particularly on Tibetan National Uprising Day, which falls on March 10. He strongly condemned the White Paper released by China's State Council Information Office on March 28, as noted in the CTA report. The CTA's report drew attention to the document, which claimed Chinese control over the reincarnation of Tibetan lamas, promoted "development in Tibet," and accused the "Dalai clique" as well as Western countries of conspiring to detach Tibet from China. The Speaker denounced these assertions as falsehoods and a deliberate attempt to incite division. In conclusion, the Speaker expressed gratitude to the delegation for their ongoing support of the Tibetan cause and urged them to continue their advocacy, as reiterated by the CTA. The Tibet-China conflict arises from the political situation surrounding Tibet and China's governance of the region. Historically, Tibet was an independent entity but became part of China in 1951 following military occupation. Tibetans, led by the Dalai Lama, have been advocating for increased autonomy and the protection of their cultural, religious, and political rights. Conversely, the Chinese government considers Tibet an integral part of its territory. This conflict has resulted in protests, suppression of culture, and persistent tensions regarding human rights and autonomy. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Thursday during his visit to Thailand. PM Modi described him as "a great friend of India" and discussed areas of potential cooperation between India and Thailand. PM Modi shared details of the meeting in a post on X, highlighting Thaksin Shinawatra's extensive experience in governance and policymaking. PM Modi also underlined that the two leaders held deliberations on important areas such as defence, trade and culture. "It was a delight to meet Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. He has extensive experience in matters relating to governance and policy making. He is also a great friend of India and had a very warm relationship with Atal Ji. Mr. Shinawatra and I talked at length about India-Thailand cooperation and how it benefits the people of our respective countries. We deliberated on the immense potential in areas like defence, trade, culture and more", PM Modi wrote on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1907782347019493378 Earlier in the day, PM Modi also met Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss bilateral relations. "A productive discussion meeting was held with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok just a short while ago. I would like to thank the Thai people and government for their warm welcome and also express solidarity with Thai people following the earthquake that occurred a few days ago," PM Modi wrote in a post on X. Further highlighting how India's "Act East" and Thailand's "Act West" policy complement each other very well, he said that the bilateral cooperation will open up opportunities for both in many areas. PM Modi is in Thailand to participate in the sixth BIMSTEC Summit. The summit, scheduled for Friday, marks a significant regional engagement between India and its neighbouring countries in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) group. (ANI) As per police officials, the girl suffered fatal injuries after being struck by the ambulance. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries during treatment. The ambulance driver, identified as Muhammad Ali, has been taken into custody, ARY News reported. Following the accident, enraged onlookers smashed the ambulance's windows in protest. A police team, including crime scene investigators, arrived at the hospital to investigate the incident. Authorities are gathering further details and have revealed that the victim was a domestic worker, ARY News added in its report. Karachi has witnessed a troubling rise in road accidents, with 107 fatalities recorded in just the first 45 days of 2025, ARY News reported. The victims include 78 men, 14 women, 11 children, and four girls. According to the news report, in addition to the fatalities, at least 1,493 people were injured in road accidents. The injured included 1,290 men, 193 women, 42 children, and 18 girls. The traffic police revealed that most of the accidents involved heavy vehicles such as dumpers, trailers, and oil tankers. Between January and the first six days of February 2025, 32 accidents were linked to heavy traffic, ARY News stated. In response to the alarming number of road accidents, the traffic police have taken strict action, issuing 34,655 challans and arresting 490 drivers. Additionally, 532 vehicle fitness certificates have been revoked, the ARY News added. The rising number of fatalities and injuries has sparked concerns among residents and authorities, with calls for stricter road safety measures growing louder. (ANI) According to ARY news, the district administrations have notified that the curfew will remain imposed in Tank and South Waziristan districts from 6:00am to 6:00pm. People have been requested to use alternate routes and cooperate with the security agencies. ARY news reported that a partial curfew has been imposed in Dera Ismail Khan. In South Waziristan, the curfew will cover Korr Qila, Khargai and Manzai road, while Dabara Bazaar will also be closed. The Korr Qila via Gomal, Wana highway will remain open, whereas movement has been completely banned at Karri Wam and Jandola during the curfew period. The administration has said that these steps being taken to ensure protection of life and property in the region. It has also requested commuters to cooperate with the administration security agencies during the curfew hours. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra held bilateral talks on Thursday and discussed ways to further strengthen political exchanges, defence and security partnership and strategic engagement between the two countries. They also underlined the need to enhance connectivity, health, science and technology, start-up, innovation, digital, education, culture and tourism collaborations. On arrival at the Government House, the Prime Minister was received by the Thailand Prime Minister. This was their second meeting. Earlier, the two leaders had met on the sidelines of ASEAN related Summit in Vientiane in October 2024. The two leaders reviewed the entire range of bilateral cooperation between India and Thailand. "They discussed ways to further strengthen political exchanges, defence and security partnership, strategic engagement, trade and investment and people-to-people ties. While doing so, they underlined the need to enhance connectivity, health, science & technology, start-up, innovation, digital, education, culture and tourism collaborations," a MEA release said. "They also discussed ways to deepen cooperation for countering transnational organised crimes including human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, and cyber scams," it added. The two Prime Ministers exchanged views on global issues and discussed ways of forging closer cooperation in sub-regional, regional and multilateral fora, including BIMSTEC, ASEAN and Mekong Ganga Cooperation. The two leaders witnessed exchange of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of India-Thailand Strategic Partnership. They also witnessed exchange of MoUs in the fields of : handlooms and handicraft; digital technologies; Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); and maritime heritage. Both leaders also welcomed the establishment of an India-Thailand Consular Dialogue, which will further facilitate people-to-people contacts between the two countries. As a gesture of goodwill, the Thai government released a special postage stamp depicting 18th century Ramayana mural paintings to mark Prime Minister's visit. Underlining the close cultural and religious connections between the two countries, Prime Minister was presented a special edition of Buddhist holy scriptures TI-PITAKA in Pali by Prime Minister Shinawatra. As a gesture to further deepen the close civilizational ties between India and Thailand, Prime Minister offered sending Lord Buddha's Relics excavated from Gujarat to Thailand, for people to pay their respect. Last year, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and two of his disciples had travelled from India to Thailand, and over 4 million people had paid their respects. India and Thailand are maritime neighbours with shared civilizational bonds underpinned by cultural, linguistic and religious ties, including those of Ramayana and Buddhism. "India's relations with Thailand are an integral pillar of our 'Act East' Policy, Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, Vision MAHASAGAR and our vision of the Indo-Pacific," the release said. "Sustained interactions between the two countries have led to a robust and multifaceted relationship based on age-old ties and shared interests," it added. (ANI) Following Japan's condemnation of China's recent military exercises near Taiwan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry firmly rejected Japan's criticism, stating that it violated the "one-China principle" and emphasised that China's military actions were legitimate and necessary to safeguard national sovereignty. While addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, "Japan's words and actions blatantly violate the one-China principle. We strongly deplore and firmly oppose that and have lodged serious protests with Japan. China's joint exercises are aimed at warning and containing 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, and it is a legitimate and necessary action to defend China's national sovereignty and uphold national unity." He added, "Japan has no right to point fingers at this, still less interfere with it. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations and basic trust between the two countries." He further urged Japan to honor its commitments on the Taiwan issue, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and abide by the one-China principle. "Japan committed innumerable crimes during its colonial rule over Taiwan of more than 50 years, and bears serious historical responsibilities to the Chinese people. It should act all the more prudently. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War. We urge Japan to deeply reflect on history, uphold the principles in the four political documents between China and Japan and honor its solemn commitments on the Taiwan question, immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and abide by the one-China principle with concrete actions," Guo said. On Thursday, the US and the EU restated their disapproval of any unilateral alterations to the "status quo" in the Taiwan Strait following China's military's recent series of joint drills around Taiwan. US President Donald Trump "emphasises the significance of upholding peace in the Taiwan Strait, advocating for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues, and reiterating our disapproval of any unilateral attempts to modify the status quo through force or coercion," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was quoted by the Taipei Times. The EU's foreign policy body, the European External Action Service (EEAS), expressed its apprehension regarding the Chinese exercises, indicating that the drills were "heightening cross-strait tensions," Taipei Times reported. "The EU has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral actions that shift the status quo through force or intimidation," an EEAS spokesperson was quoted by Taipei Times. (ANI) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, Buddhananda, the Buddhist monk who speaks Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Pali, spoke about the cultural and historical ties between India and Sri Lanka and highlighted the relationship between the two nations. While speaking with ANI in Sanskrit, Buddhananda said, "India and Sri Lanka have had close relations for a long time. Sri Lanka went through a difficult period, and the Indian government helped us." Buddhananda also spoke about the efforts to promote Buddhism, including the development of an ndian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) centre in Sri Lanka. He added, "I went to India some time ago. PM Narendra Modi is going to do some marvelous projects to develop Buddhism. He is trying to develop Buddhism in India... An ICCR centre is being developed in Sri Lanka." On the cultural connection between India and Sri Lanka, Buddhananda said, "Sanskrit, Magadhi, and Prakrit languages are native to India and very important over there... Our language, Sinhala, has derived many words from Sanskrit, more than 70%, and also from Magadhi and English." Earlier on Thursday, in a post on X about his upcoming visit to Sri Lanka, PM Modi wrote, "My visit to Sri Lanka will take place from the 4th till the 6th. This visit comes after the successful visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. We will review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka friendship and discuss newer avenues of cooperation. I look forward to the various meetings there." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1907600738601295883 Notably, at the invitation of the Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, PM Modi is visiting Bangkok, Thailand from April 3 - 4 to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held on April 4, hosted by Thailand, the current BIMSTEC Chair. This will be the Prime Minister's third visit to Thailand. From Thailand, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka on a State Visit from April 4-6, at the invitation of the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayaka. (ANI) The Acting Inspector General (IG) of the US Department of Defence (Pentagon) will investigate Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth's use of Signal in a group chat with other national security officials to discuss military actions against the Houthis in Yemen last month, according to a letter from the IG's office on Thursday, CNN reported. In a letter to Hegseth, Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins notified him of an upcoming evaluation following a request from the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Stebbins said that the evaluation is in response to recent public reports regarding Hegseth's use of an "unclassified commercial messaging application" to discuss military actions in Yemen in March. "The purpose of this memorandum is to notify you that we are initiating the subject evaluation. We are conducting this evaluation in response to a March 26, 2025, letter I received from the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, requesting that I conduct an inquiry into recent public reporting on the Secretary of Defense's use of an unclassified commercially available messaging application to discuss information pertaining to military actions in Yemen in March 2025," the letter stated. The letter further stated, "The objective of this evaluation is to determine the extent to which the Secretary of Defense and other DoD personnel complied with DoD policies and procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business. Additionally, we will review compliance with classification and records retention requirements." Notably, a leaked Signal chat had revealed that senior Trump administration officials, including Hegseth, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe, shared details about an upcoming military strike on Yemen, The Atlantic reported. The messages, inadvertently sent to The Atlantic's editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, have raised serious concerns over operational security. The administration downplayed the incident, with officials insisting that no classified information was shared. At a Senate hearing, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that the messages contained no classified material. President Donald Trump echoed this claim, dismissing concerns over the security breach. The chat, named "Houthi PC small group," contained specific details about attack timing and logistics. A message from Hegseth at 11:44 a.m. Eastern Time on March 15 provided a real-time update on mission status, stating that weather conditions were favourable and confirming with Central Command (CENTCOM) that the operation was proceeding. He then detailed launch times for F-18 fighter jets and MQ-9 drones, along with a timeline of expected strikes. According to the message, the first bombs were set to drop at 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time. (ANI) The foreign ministers of Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar signed the agreement. In a post on X, Nepal's Foreign Affairs Minister said, "The Signing Ceremony of the Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation during the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok." https://x.com/Arzuranadeuba/status/1907619313504121045 "Attended the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, reaffirming Nepal's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation. Productive discussions on connectivity, trade, and sustainable development to advance BIMSTEC's shared vision," he said in an another post on X. https://x.com/Arzuranadeuba/status/1907620688367673459 Earlier, Deuba expressed her commitment to regional cooperation and emphasised the need for a stronger political will to "realize a Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC." She also urged for the implementation of Bangkok Vision 2030. She further called for greater cooperation on climate change and disaster preparedness, specifically welcoming India's initiative to establish the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Disaster Management. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the BIMSTEC dinner in Bangkok on Thursday evening. He was received by Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli were among other leaders present at the BIMSTEC dinner. On Thursday, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with the Thailand PM. This was the second meeting between the two leaders. PM Modi had earlier met her on the margins of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane in October last year. They reviewed the progress in the entire gamut of bilateral relations and ways to add greater momentum to the India-Thailand bilateral partnership, and also exchanged views on the regional and multilateral issues. They witnessed the signing of several bilateral documents. (ANI) According to the Indian Army's release, the medical team successfully conducted 23 surgeries, over 1,300 laboratory investigations, and 103 X-ray procedures as of Thursday evening. It further added that the Indian medical contingent continues with unwavering determination and round-the-clock efforts, to provide essential medical care and stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar during this critical time. Notably, U Wirathu, one of the prominent monks from Ma Soe Yein Tike Thit Monastery, visited the Indian Field Hospital in Mandalay, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). According to Al Jazeera, which cited the country's television report, more than 3,000 people are now confirmed dead in Myanmar as the military announced a truce amid the natural calamity. Chief Minister of Myanmar's Mandalay division, Myo Aung, on Thursday visited the Indian Army Field Hospital set up as part of the humanitarian efforts, Operation Brahma, after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake rattled the second largest city of the country. The Chief Minister extended "heartfelt gratitude" to the Indian Medical Contingent for their tireless service, acknowledging their critical role in providing round-the-clock medical care to the affected population. The Indian Army Field Hospital continues its unwavering commitment, reinforcing the humanitarian bond between India and Myanmar under Operation Brahma. India launched Operation Brahma to provide necessary support, including Search and Rescue (SAR), humanitarian aid, disaster relief and medical assistance, following the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. Being the first responder in times of crisis in the neighbourhood, Operation Brahma is a whole-of-government endeavour by India to respond to widespread destruction in Myanmar. (ANI) "Such actions undermine efforts to build a new Syria at peace with itself and the region, and destabilise Syria at a sensitive time,'' said Pedersen in a statement today. The Special Envoy called on Israel to cease these attacks, which could amount to serious violations of international law and to respect Syria's sovereignty and existing agreements, and also to cease unilateral actions on the ground. He also urged all parties to prioritise diplomatic solutions and dialogue to address security concerns and prevent further escalation. (ANI/WAM) Its too early to know how President Donald Trumps executive order to close the Department of Education could impact Lynchburg-area schools. There are currently several unknowns with the most recent presidential Executive Order regarding the dismantling of the Department of Education, Campbell County Public Schools said in a statement to The News & Advance. We are continuing to monitor and await additional information from the Virginia Department of Education. In the meantime, we will continue to focus on what is in our control and provide our students with the best education possible in a safe and caring environment. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the executive order was a history-making action by Trump. We are sending education back to the states where it so rightly belongs, McMahon said in a March 20 news release. Lynchburg City Schools Communications Supervisor Austin Journey said its still too soon to tell how the order could impact the division, and Bedford County Public Schools Communications Coordinator Kristen Eanes echoed this sentiment. It is too early for states or local school divisions to know what that transition will look like, how long it will take, or how individual states will be allowed to adapt grants and appropriations from Congress into their own states DOE, Eanes said. Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Virginia is ready to take full responsibility for K-12 education, in a March 20 news release. We welcome the federal governments shift of responsibility to the states and we are grateful that President Trumps executive order does just that, Youngkin said in the release. The EO also makes it clear that there will be no discrimination in the classrooms. We will continue to ensure every student graduates career-, college-, or military-ready. In fiscal year 2025, 0.7% of LCSs operating budget funding was from federal appropriations. Federal funds are provided to supplement the cost of providing instructional services for students in vocational, adult, special education, and programs for educationally and/or economically disadvantaged students, the budget said. In CCPS, 5.49% of revenue in its FY25 budget is from federal sources, while BCPS received 6.52% of its FY25 total budget funding from the federal government. McMahon said closing the DOE doesnt mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them. We will continue to support K-12 students, students with special needs, college student borrowers, and others who rely on essential programs, the release said. Were going to follow the law and eliminate the bureaucracy responsibly by working through Congress to ensure a lawful and orderly transition. Superintendent William Wells said at this time, Amherst County Public Schools is awaiting further guidance from state and federal authorities regarding the potential impacts of dismantling the DOE on local school divisions. Many of the duties and responsibilities that are currently housed in the U.S. Department of Education are being transferred to other federal departments, Wells said. However, we do not yet have definitive information about what may come next or how it may affect our schools. Regardless of the changes at the U.S. Department of Education, our top priority remains ensuring that we continue to provide high-quality educational opportunities for all students. Worry about orders impact Although the executive branch needs congressional approval to dismantle the DOE, experts remain worried about the potential lack of federal oversight and accountability measures, such as funding stipulations, under the order. In mid-March, the DOE cut its workforce in half, laying off hundreds of employees in the Office for Civil Rights and Institute of Education Sciences. The former protects students and teachers against discrimination, while the latter is the departments independent research arm. This leaves many wondering how these cuts will impact the departments mission to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access for students of all ages. The DOE helps bridge longstanding gaps in educational opportunity and provide critical funding and supports to students, the National Education Association, a labor union that represents public school teachers, said in a news release. One major federal K-12 program is Title I, which provides funding to school divisions for children from low-income families. Another is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides accommodations for students with disabilities. The DOE monitors state compliance with IDEA and withholds federal funding if a state isnt in compliance. It also assists families with complaints about their childs Individualized Education Program, known as IEPs, which provides them with special education services. Since access to accommodations varies by state and locality, dismantling the DOE could result in states offering different levels of protection to students with disabilities, according to the Urban Institute. Eliminating the DOE would put millions of vulnerable students at risk, including those from low-income families, English learners, homeless students and rural students, the NEA release said. It also jeopardizes more than 400,000 educator jobs; makes it impossible for the Department to ensure that federal education funding actually is spent as Congress intended; threatens support for 7.5 million students with disabilities; and leaves millions of students vulnerable to discrimination, the release said. Trump said special education will be handled by the Department of Health and Human Services moving forward. On March 24, multiple advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit to stop Trumps executive order, including the National Education Association and NAACP. The lawsuit claimed actions to dismantle the DOE exceeded the constitutional authority of the executive branch, the news release said. The American Federation of Teachers, a teachers union, also filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court against the executive order. 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. OSAKA, Apr 04 (News On Japan) - The Japanese government has decided to expand its tuition-free high school program this spring. Public high school tuition is now completely free regardless of household income, and starting next academic year, the scope of support for private schools will also be broadened. With the policy shift already in effect in Osaka, attention is now turning to how this change will influence students, families, and schools across the country. On the morning of April 3rd, a new academic year began with entrance ceremonies at schools such as Abiko Junior High School in Osaka. Meanwhile, private junior and senior high schools held a joint information session in Osakas Umeda district, attracting over 300 familiesa record turnout for the event. Parents cited the new tuition-free policy as a major factor behind their growing interest in private education. "Its very reassuring," one parent said, while another added, "With free tuition, private schools are now a real option." Since last year, Osaka Prefecture has implemented a system allowing all residentsregardless of incometo attend both public and private high schools tuition-free. This policy has fueled interest in private schools, which are often perceived to offer more personalized support from teachers. "I like that private schools provide more attentive support," said a second-year junior high school student in Osaka. "But the cost was always an issue." One father commented, "As a parent, what I want most is for my child to attend the school they truly want to go to." The national government has now followed Osakas lead. From April, all public high school tuition fees are fully waived regardless of household income. Beginning next academic year, private high schools will also be covered, with the upper limit of support raised to 457,000 yenthe national average tuition. This nationwide expansion has sparked reactions in neighboring prefectures. A mother in Hyogo Prefecture said, "Its a relief. Ultimately, its the childs choice, but private schools will definitely become part of our options." Yamauchi Tsutomu of Hyogos Hibarioka Gakuen noted increased inquiries from parents asking whether the new policy would apply by the time of enrollment. Private school popularity is also affecting cram schools. Kenoh Nakauchi, a manager at the Kyoto-based cram school network Seiki, noted increased competition among students. "The drive to study and secure admission will intensify," he said, adding that the expansion could present an opportunity to grow their student base through more seminars and information sessions. However, the trend has created challenges for public schools. Izumitottori High School in Hannan, Osakathe citys only prefectural high schoolclosed at the end of March. At the same time, the percentage of students listing private schools as their first choice reached a record high, while public high school application rates fell to a historic low average of 1.02 times the available seats. One graduate, now a parent, expressed concern: "As more public schools close, some children may find theres no school left for them." Izumitottori Principal Toshikazu Hashimoto acknowledged the difficulty of competing with private schools: "The prefecture encourages public and private schools to compete, but its tough. When it comes to facilities and appearance, we simply cant win." The expanded tuition-free policy is welcomed by many, but experts also warn of potential downsides. While reducing the financial burden on families, it could intensify competition and widen educational disparities. Increased demand for private schools may also push up entrance and facility fees. Some fear further decline in public school enrollment. This years public high school average entrance ratio was just 1.02, with nearly half of schools falling short of capacity. Consolidation may further reduce the number of public schools. One stark example is the so-called "Neyagawa Shock": a prestigious public high school in Osaka received fewer applicants than available spots, with a final application ratio of 0.94. Public schools are responding with reforms. From the 2028 academic year, Osaka will move general entrance exams earlier and allow students rejected from their first-choice schools to apply to a second. Schools are also working to differentiate themselves through specialized programs in international studies, engineering, and commerce. Makiko Nakamuro, a professor at Keio University, cautioned, "Without improvements to facilities and infrastructure, public schools can't compete. But even high-quality public schools are at risk of being phased out if evaluations rely only on appearances." Commentator Yukino Yokosuka added that with Japans declining birthrate, school consolidation will continue. "We need to maintain staffing and invest in public school infrastructure. Many regional schools have strengths in agriculture, industry, or fisheries. These unique programs should be preserved." Yokosuka also shared a story from when Osaka first implemented free private school tuition: "Some students had to work in the mornings and evenings to pay tuition. They said if they had access to free private schooling, their opportunities would have been so much broader. And they werent alone." She emphasized the importance of equity: "Expanding access is crucial. But theres growing concern that the focus will now shift to competitive junior high school admissions, potentially increasing inequality again." Anchor Shinobu Nakatani concluded, "Each policy change brings ripple effects. I hope this system will ultimately allow children to make the best educational choices possible." Source: YOMIURI A clear divide has emerged in Africas public-private partnership (PPP) landscape, with five nations, including Morocco and Egypt, establishing themselves as continental leaders while others face significant challenges in attracting and managing private investment for public infrastructure. Morocco, which is part of the leaders tier, has developed a holistic strategy centered around landmark achievements in high-speed rail and renewable energy, supported by its 2014 PPP law and investor-friendly one-stop shops. Egypt is also part of this tier with its mature PPP legislation and Asset Monetization Program, focusing on energy and transportation projects with substantial support from international financial institutions. Ghanas specialized institutions and innovative contract clauses have positioned it among the leaders, particularly in mining and urban infrastructure, while Nigeria leverages its infrastructure deficit as a catalyst for PPP growth in highways, energy, and telecommunications. South Africa rounds out the top performers with its common law advantages and transparent partnerships in healthcare, education, and energy. A second tier of emerging PPP markets includes Rwanda, which has carved out innovative niches despite lacking specific PPP legislation, highlighting its Bugesera Airport project with the African Development Bank. Cote dIvoire benefits from European support in water, energy, and public infrastructure sectors, while Burundi shows promise in mining-focused partnerships. Meanwhile, several nations continue to struggle with PPP implementation. Senegal faces limitations from rigid frameworks and poorly adapted laws. Algerias restrictive environment and distrust of foreign investors have hampered progress despite potential in energy infrastructure. The Democratic Republic of Congo battles opaque governance and insufficient institutional expertise, while Comoros remains dependent on international aid with high transaction costs. These disparities underscore the importance of tailored legal frameworks, institutional capacity, and investor-friendly environments in successful PPP implementation across the continent, with the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) playing a crucial role in supporting developing markets. President of the Andean Parliament, Gustavo Pacheco Villar, has expressed his support for Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over its Sahara, and praised the Kingdoms commitment to upholding international law. In a statement to the press following a meeting in Rabat Wednesday with Moroccos Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, the President of the Andean Parliament, highlighted the progress and development dynamics witnessed in Moroccos southern provinces. Pacheco Villar also reaffirmed his determination to promote South-South cooperation between Latin America and Morocco, which serves not only as a gateway to Africa but also to Europe. For his part, the Vice President of the Andean Parliament, Colombian MP Oscar Dario Perez, commended Moroccos development momentum under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, particularly in infrastructure, energy transition, environmental policies, poverty reduction, GDP growth, and the improvement of citizens quality of life. He emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial South-South integration, particularly in economic and social fields, calling for strengthened cooperation in trade, industry, human development, technology, culture, and services. Thanks to its economic growth and strategic geographic position, Morocco is now considered a key partner of both the European Union and the United States, Perez noted, expressing the intention of the Andean Parliaments member countries to benefit from the Kingdoms proven expertise in these areas. In this context, he stressed the crucial role that parliamentary diplomacy must play in strengthening ties between Morocco and Latin America. The Andean parliament delegation, which is paying a visit to Morocco March 31-April 4, also held meetings with members of the two chambers of the Moroccan Parliament. Speaking during these meetings, President of the Andean Parliament, Gustavo Pacheco Villar, said Morocco is a key partner for the Andean Parliament and highlighted the significant contribution of the Kingdom, as an observer member and advanced partner of the Andean Parliament, to the work of the regional legislative body. He also praised the longstanding ties between the North African kingdom and Latin America. Pacheco Villar welcomed Moroccos dynamic parliamentary diplomacy, calling it one of the most effective on the international stage, and reaffirmed the Andean Parliaments support for Moroccos territorial integrity. Expressing readiness to strengthen coordination with Moroccan legislative institutions, he said the Andean Parliament, through its university network and in partnership with Moroccan institutions, plans to launch an academic programincluding masters and doctoral degreesfocused on relations between Morocco, the Arab world, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The Andean Parliament was established on October 25, 1979 to represent the people of the five Andean States: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. The institution aims to harmonize legislation, foster cooperation between the parliaments of the Member States, support participatory democracy, and enhance the regional integration process. African Union (AU) mediators have arrived in South Sudans capital, Juba, to try to urgently address rising tensions in the country and prevent a return to civil war. The arrival of the so-called Council of the Wise follows the recent house arrest of first vice president Riek Machar, a move that has deepened the political crisis in the country. Machars detention came after weeks of violent clashes in the Upper Nile state, where government forces and the White Army militia, once allied with Machars forces during the 2013-2018 civil war, have been engaged in conflict. The AU delegation, which includes former Kenyan judge Effie Owuor and former Burundian president Domitien Ndayizeye, is tasked with de-escalating tensions and safeguarding the 2018 peace deal that ended the devastating five-year conflict. The AUs Peace and Security Council has called for Machars immediate release, warning that his detention threatens the fragile peace process. The SPLM-IO, Machars political party, welcomed the mediation efforts, underscoring the importance of dialogue in maintaining stability. However, political challenges are exacerbated by the ongoing war in neighboring Sudan, which has led to an influx of weapons and heightened regional instability. With the potential for the conflict to reignite along ethnic linesbetween Kiirs Dinka and Machars Nuer factions regional and international actors are increasingly concerned about the risk of broader regional instability. Thus far the world is largely responding with a collective sigh of resignation and indifference, says a new commentary published by the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). South Sudan faces challenges due to corrupt leadership and ethnic divisions, hindering stability, the CFR commentary points out. Policymakers are frustrated by the countrys volatility, with many exploiting social mistrust for political gain. The AUs Council of the Wise is attempting to mediate and de-escalate tensions in Juba, but doubts remain about their success, following the failure of previous efforts like Raila Odingas. The time for conflict prevention is rapidly expiring, while the potential costs of war continue to rise, the post concludes French Minister of Industry and Energy Marc Ferracci and the Special Envoy of President Emmanuel Macron for energy partnership Gerard Mestrallet will travel to Ouarzazate to take part in a major energy event scheduled for April 23 with the participation of Moroccan ministers of energy transition and Equipment, Ms. Leila Benali and Nizar Baraka. As France is the guest of honor, the French delegation will include several top executives of French companies including Veolia, Engie, RTE (French electricity transmission operator) and HDF Energy, a leading global player in the hydrogen industry. On Wednesday, Ms. Leila Benali chaired a follow-up meeting held remotely with French energy officials to discuss the electricity interconnection project between Morocco and France. The meeting reviewed progress on this powerline project between the two countries, with focus on technical and economic studies related to the ambitious cross-continental power link. Participants in the meeting pointed to the vital role of data exchange mechanisms in implementing the project, which aims to serve as a strategic lever for energy security and power system integration. They also discussed the vital importance of close institutional cooperation among stakeholders to boost the strategic partnership foundation and ensure a transparent, efficient exchange of technical information. The landmark Powerlink project is part of the strategic partnership on energy cooperation between Morocco and France signed October 28, 2024 in presence of King Mohammed VI and President Emmanuel Macron. French companies are interested in investment opportunities offered in the electricity production, transmission, and distribution as well as in green hydrogen projects to be launched in the Moroccan Sahara. French foreign minister Jean Noel Barrot reaffirmed his countrys position in support of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara territory, a few days before he heads to Algiers, in a visit announced in a joint French-Algerian statement signaling the end of a row over the fate of the former Spanish colony. Just a few months ago, we made clear our position: the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, in line with the Moroccan autonomy plan, Barrot stated during a hearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly on Wednesday. There are no other realistic or credible solutions today, he stressed, emphasizing that this is part of a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution within the framework of the United Nations, and we support UN efforts towards this dialogue. In this context, Barrot underlined that he will have the opportunity to discuss this in a few days with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in Paris. Barrot was reacting to a question by a pro-Polisario and Algerian relic within the Assembly, Jean-Paul Lecoq, who has recently expressed disapproval after the French senate updated its world maps showing Moroccos full territory, including the Sahara. Barrots statement came after Macron and Tebboune issued a joint statement announcing the end of a feud that was provoked by Algiers in reaction to Paris position on the Sahara. The statement announced an upcoming visit by Barrot and the French justice minister as the two countries agreed to immediately resume cooperation on security and migration issues, following Algerias reluctance to take its nationals deported for having violated French laws. French President Emmanuel Macron had expressed this stance in a letter to King Mohammed VI in July 2024, affirming that France considers that the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. Macron had reaffirmed the unwavering position of France on this issue of national security for the Kingdom and asserted that his country intends to act in alignment with this position both nationally and internationally. Macron had reaffirmed this position during a historic address before the Moroccan Parliament on October 29, as part of his state visit to the Kingdom. Tunisian forces intercepted 612 sub-Saharan migrants at sea, but instead of providing them with assistance, they abandoned them in the desert at the countrys borders with Algeria and Libya. The migrants were transported in buses to remote desert areas, including near Chambi National Park, and left with no resources. After several days of walking, some migrants managed to find refuge in the Algerian city of Tebessa, with others reportedly deported to Libya, where they face imprisonment and extortion. This incident is part of a larger pattern of harsh deportations that have intensified since the summer of 2023. The migrants, many of whom were injured or exhausted, shared harrowing accounts of their mistreatment during the operation. Reports indicate that Tunisian National Guard officers handcuffed some of the migrants, causing further injury, and subjected them to physical violence during transport. Additionally, many of the deported migrants, including women and children, had their personal belongings stripped from them. This form of expulsion, while not new in Tunisia, has garnered attention due to the scale and brutality of this particular operation. The incident follows a larger trend of expulsion and mistreatment of Black migrants in Tunisia, often with the complicity of European Union policies aimed at curbing irregular migration. Human rights organizations have consistently condemned the actions of Tunisian authorities, accusing them of violating migrant rights and working with the EU to deter migration flows to Europe. The EU has provided financial support to Tunisia, including millions in aid to combat irregular immigration, but these measures have been linked to a surge in deportations and human rights abuses against migrants. Libyas Internal Security Agency has taken the step of shutting down ten international organizations operating in the country, including the prominent International Relief Organization, accusing them of facilitating the settlement of illegal immigrants without the necessary permissions. The closures were announced on April 2 in a statement monitored by the Libyan Express, which highlighted concerns over the unauthorized nature of these activities. These organizations were reportedly providing essential supplies such as food, medicine, clothing, and sanitary products to migrants, in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The government has raised alarms, asserting that these humanitarian actions were carried out without oversight or formal approval from Libyan authorities. Officials have gone as far as claiming that the support provided by these groups effectively encouraged the settlement of irregular migrants, thus circumventing the countrys legal processes. This move reflects Libyas growing concerns about migration and the management of foreign aid directed towards migrant populations within its borders. While the statement from the security agency did not reveal the specific names of all the organizations impacted, it did stress the severity of the action. It remains unclear whether the closures are intended to be temporary or permanent. This decision comes as part of broader efforts by the Libyan government to assert greater control over migration management, in line with recent agreements, such as those made with Italy, to tighten security measures and regulate migration flows more effectively. The deputy leader of Sudans Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Abdel Rahim Hamdan Daglo, has threatened to invade two northern states following significant losses to the Sudanese army. In a video statement filmed in Darfur, Daglo vowed to attack the Northern State and River Nile State, claiming his forces, bolstered by 2,000 vehicles, would soon strike. This comes after the RSF was pushed out of several regions, including Khartoum, and suffered setbacks in other parts of the country. Daglos declaration follows the RSFs capture of al-Maliha in North Darfur and a brief occupation of Merowe in Northern State, but his forces were later ousted by the Sudanese army. In the video, he criticized deserters, promising death for anyone found selling weapons or ammunition, while calling for the killing of suspected regime supporters. The escalation follows horrific reports from Khartoum, where the UN rights chief, Volker Turk, condemned the execution of civilians in cold blood, allegedly for suspected ties to the RSF. These deaths highlight the brutality of the ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military, which has been ongoing since April 2023. I urge the commanders of the Sudanese Armed Forces to take immediate measures to put an end to arbitrary deprivation of life, Turk said. As violence continues to spread, both sides appear to be preparing for further bloodshed, raising fears of a prolonged and devastating conflict. The leaders of Canadas two biggest political parties are promising expansion and modernization of energy infrastructure to reduce dependence on the United States for energy exports amid U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff and sovereignty threats. Mark Carney, the Prime Minister who replaced Justin Trudeau and is leading the Liberal Party ahead of the April 28 federal election, says that Canadas principal investment imperatives include expanding and modernizing our energy infrastructure so that we are less dependent both on foreign suppliers and the United States as our main customer. The leader of the main opposition Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, vowed this week that if the Conservatives came to power after a 10-year Liberal rule, he would create a Canada First National Energy Corridor to rapidly approve and build the infrastructure Canada needs to end its energy dependence on America, so we can stand up to Trump from a position of strength. The Liberals, who were trailing Conservatives for years under former PM Trudeau, are now ahead in the opinion polls and widening the lead over Conservatives as the new Liberal leader Carney is seen as more capable than Poilievre of standing up to President Trumps threats. If the six-point lead of the Liberals holds until Election Day, Carney could be able to form Canadas first majority government in a decade. Related: One in Five Refineries Faces Shutdown Despite Rising Fuel Demand Conservative leader Poilievre, however, is more vocal than Carney in Canadas need to cut its overall trade and energy export dependence on the United States. Poilievre announced on Monday that he would create a Canada First National Energy Corridor to fast-track approvals for transmission lines, railways, pipelines, and other critical infrastructure across Canada in a pre-approved transport corridor entirely within Canada, transporting Canadian resources within Canada and to the world while bypassing the United States. The corridor will bring billions of dollars of new investment into Canadas economy, create powerful paycheques for Canadian workers, and restore our economic independence, the Conservative Party said. Poilievres plan is that all levels of government will provide legally binding commitments to approve projects, which would end the endless regulatory limbo for investors. In 2024, Canada exported 98% of its crude oil to the United States. This leaves us too dependent on the Americans, said Poilievre. Our Canada First National Energy Corridor will get us out from under Americas thumb and enable us to build the infrastructure we need to sell our natural resources to new markets, bring home jobs and dollars, and make us sovereign and self-reliant to stand up to Trump from a position of strength. The U.S. tariff threat was a wake-up call for Canadian policymakers that the federal and provincial governments may have too hastily scrapped over the past decade Alberta-to-coast pipeline projects that could have diversified Canadas oil and gas exports. Last month, the chief executives of some of the largest Canadian energy companies called on Canadas main political parties to declare a Canadian energy crisis and key projects in the national interest, which would speed up reforms, planning, and construction of new oil and gas pipelines and LNG terminals. The open letter from 14 CEOs representing the four largest pipeline companies and 10 largest oil and natural gas companies recommends five key steps to build new energy infrastructuresimplify regulation, commit to firm deadlines for project approvals, grow production, attract investments, and encourage Indigenous co-investment opportunities. On Tuesday, Poilievre committed to meeting all of the policy recommendations from Canadas energy sector to end dependence on the U.S. market and unleash Canadas economy. Poilievre challenged Carney to do the same and to repudiate his commitment to keep it in the ground. Canadas energy sector, the experts on energy growth, have told us what we need to do. Today, I am committing to meeting all of their urgent recommendations, Poilievre said. Carney, for his part, announced last week a plan to diversify Canadian trade by improving Canadas trade-enabling infrastructure. A Mark Carney-led Liberal government will inject US$3.5 billion (C$5 billion) into a new Trade Diversification Corridor Fund to accelerate projects at ports, railroads, inland terminals, airports, and highways. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oil traders are avoiding hiring tankers built in China amid concerns that port fees could be coming for Chinese vessels at U.S. ports as part of a plan by President Donald Trump to revitalize the American shipbuilding industry. Under the plan not yet finalized the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) proposes a per-port-entry fee of up to $1.5 million on Chinese-built vessels, and up to $1 million per-port-entry fee on any vessel (Chinese built or non-Chinese-built) for operators that have any Chinese-built vessels in their fleet or orderbook. The proposal is up for consultation and discussion and has already drawn criticism from many companies and business sectors, including U.S. agriculture producers and the Agriculture Transportation Coalition. Oil traders will also see an impact as chartering non-Chinese vessels where and when available could upend global supply chains at a time when trade wars begin. Now, oil traders and charterers that are booking vessels to call, load, or discharge cargoes at U.S. ports are seeking vessels not built in China, market sources told Bloomberg. When there are alternatives, the traders now prefer non-Chinese tankers, with South Korean ships being the preferred option. South Korea-built vessels are already being chartered at higher rates than the China-built ships, according to Bloombergs anonymous sources. South Korea has more oil tankers as a proportion of the global tanker fleet, but China accounts for over 70% of the number of vessels under construction, per estimates from Clarksons Research. The proposal of the port fees could backfire with threatening the survival of the U.S. cargo carriers, executives testified last month in hearings on the plan. The World Shipping Council (WSC) CEO, Joe Kramek, said at the USTR hearing, These proposals will result in increased costs for U.S. exporters and consumers as well as supply chain inefficiencies, while failing to provide China with effective incentives to alter its acts, policies, and practices. Economic impacts would reverberate throughout the economy, adversely impacting businesses, consumers, and especially farmers who export price-sensitive commodities, Kramek added. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Germany pledged additional humanitarian and stabilization funds to Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of consistent support in countering Russian aggression. Russia has opposed any deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine, while Ukraine has reported Russian attacks on its energy facilities and shared information about these violations with its US partners. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a meeting with partner states to discuss the potential deployment of foreign troops to monitor a cease-fire and contribute to Ukraine's security architecture. Western military leaders will discuss the possible deployment of troops to Ukraine who would monitor a potential cease-fire in the conflict with Russian and be part of the countrys new security structure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. This is our starting point: the Ukrainian army must be strong enough, and on this foundation, the entire security architecture is built, Zelenskyy said. A meeting will take place in just a few days -- on Friday (April 4) -- with representatives of our partner states -- these will be military representatives. Zelenskyy met in Kyiv on April 1 with outgoing German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, saying that a "narrow circle of countries" is willing to send contingents. The Ukrainian leader told a joint news conference with Baerbock that he was awaiting "more concrete" answers from allies on their readiness to participate. France and Britain have expressed a willingness to send troops as part of a so-called coalition of the willing to monitor a potential cease-fire. But Russia has strongly opposed any deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine. In his video address, Zelenskyy also said Ukraine has now shared all the necessary information regarding Russias violations in the energy sector with its US partners. He said there were strikes on April 1 in Kherson, including a Russian drone that targeted an energy facility and equipment entirely deliberately and purposefully and part of the city was left without electricity. We insist that every such violation must be documented and receive a response from our partners, he said. It is precisely these small details that add up to Russias major delays in the diplomatic process." Zelenskyy referred to an agreement between Kyiv and Moscow not to strike each other's energy facilities. The agreement was announced by the White House on March 25 along with a cease-fire to allow navigation on the Black Sea. Kyiv said the agreement on energy facilities would take effect immediately. Moscow, however, has said it would follow the partial lifting of sanctions pertaining to Russian companies and banks involved in the international food trade. Germany announced a commitment to an additional 130 million euros ($140 million) in humanitarian aid and stabilization funds during Baerbocks visit. The package will bring German assistance since the start of the Russian invasion to Ukraine to 7 billion euros, he said. Zelenskyy thanked Germany for ensuring that its support for Ukraine remains predictable and systematic. The stability of support is one of the key factors in defending against Russian aggression, he said. "It is the interruptions in supplies, disagreements between partners, and all signs of instability that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is highly counting on, he said. Russian troops launched a massive drone strike on Kharkiv on the night of April 1. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 13 Shahed drones hit in the city, and at least eight people were injured. "The consequences included the fire of two industrial buildings, and more than 10 private sector houses were damaged nearby," Terekhov said. A Russian strike earlier on April 1 in the Zaporizhzhya region hit civilian infrastructure, killing one person, regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Discussions at the NATO foreign ministers meeting focused on defense spending targets and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with uncertainties surrounding future US involvement. European allies expressed concerns about the Trump administration's approach to Russia and Ukraine, seeking clarification on US support and strategy. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed the United States' commitment to NATO and called for increased defense spending from all member nations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration is committed to remaining in the NATO and urged the military alliance's 32 members to pledge to increase spending to strengthen its defense capabilities. Speaking as he arrived at a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, Rubio said the United States was "as active as it has ever been" in the alliance as he sought to allay ally concerns that US President Donald Trump is undercutting transatlantic relations. "President Trump's made clear he supports NATO. We're going to remain in NATO," Rubio said before entering the meeting. "We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway, to every single one of the members committed and fulfilling a promise to reach up to 5 percent of spending. That includes the US." Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also tried to tamp down fears over Trump's commitment to the alliance, saying in his mind the US's dedication to NATO "is absolutely clear." "I know there has been some tough language. I know that there have been allies, for example, on this side of the pond being worried about the long-term commitment of the US to NATO," Rutte said on April 2. "I'm absolutely convinced this alliance is there to stay with the US. Their commitment is absolutely clear," he added. NATO allies have been determined to present a united front to counter Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but the European allies feel their efforts have been marginalized. In search of a quick cease-fire deal, Washington has suggested Ukraine might have to make territorial concessions and taken step to restart a dialogue with Russia. Rubio is expected to be confronted with questions from allies who are alarmed, angered, and confused by the Trump administration's moves to mend ties with Russia and its rhetorical attacks on longtime transatlantic partners. Based on what they have seen and heard since Trump took office in January, European officials have expressed deep concerns about the future US role in the alliance. Rubio likely also will be pressed to explain Trump's stated desire to make NATO ally Canada the 51st state and his push to annex Greenland, which is autonomous within the Kingdom of Denmark, another NATO ally. NATO leaders in June were expected to decide whether to raise the defense spending target for each individual member from its current minimum of 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). The Trump administration has previously floated the idea of a 5 percent of GDP spending minimum, while Rutte has been pushing for every ally to commit to spending at least 3.7 percent of GDP on defense as quickly as possible. Some European allies will be reluctant to commit too much on defense too soon given they are struggling with low growth and ballooning budget deficits. Trump's announcement of stiff tariffs on almost every country around the world -- which EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic on April 3 called "unjustified" -- have exacerbated fears that economic growth could slow even further. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will also attend the NATO meeting and is expected to provide an update on the situation on the battlefield in the war against Russia. While Ukraine's membership in NATO is off the table for now, most European allies are keen to at least get assurances that US weapons will continue to go to Ukraine and that NATO's training mission for Ukrainian soldiers continues to operate. However, the United States is no longer chairing the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, known as the Ramstein group, which coordinates military support for Kyiv. The United Kingdom chaired the last meeting of the group in February, and the next one tentatively scheduled for April 11 could be co-chaired by the UK and France. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Japans trading giant Mitsubishi Corporation could consider a potential investment in the proposed $44-billion Alaska LNG project, Mitsubishis Katsuya Nakanishi told Reuters on Thursday, as the U.S. is pitching the benefits of Alaskan energy resources to allies in Asia. Mitsubishi would need careful due diligence before taking any decision on a potential investment in the Alaska project, Nakanishi added. Mitsubishi is one of the five joint venture partners in the LNG Canada project on Canadas West Coast, which is nearing completion and set to ship out its first LNG export cargoes by the middle of 2025. Alaska LNG would also be close to Japan and other Asian markets, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy and state officials said as they toured north Asia in recent weeks to attract Asian investors in the project. State firm Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) seeks to advance the Alaska LNG project, designed to deliver North Slope natural gas to Alaskans and export LNG to U.S. allies across the Pacific. The project is strongly supported by the Trump Administration, which has also been pressing Japan and South Korea to buy more LNG as a way to reduce Americas trade deficit with its Asian allies. Last month, Governor Dunleavy said that Alaska LNG could begin exports by 2030. Also last month, Taiwans state-held oil and gas company CPC Corporation signed a letter of intent to invest in Alaska LNG and buy LNG from it, as part of a move to bolster its gas supply and energy security. Despite the signals that Asian partners are willing to discuss potential participation in Alaska LNG, Japanese companies are concerned that the costs may be too high, considering the cold weather in Alaska and the scale of the pipelines needed to bring the project on stream. Alaskan energy can power the U.S.-Japan relationship, the office of Governor Dunleavy said last week. We are uniquely positioned to supply Japan and other Indo-Pacific partners with natural gas and clean hydrogen for decades to come, the press release said. As America seeks to rebuild manufacturing capacity to compete with China, we will need to invest in strong, reliable allies like Japan. A new LNG pipeline project would help Tokyo secure this mutually beneficial investment. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com LNG Canada has received its first import cargo of liquefied gas that it will use for equipment testing as the facility nears completion, which is scheduled to take place later this year. The Greece-flagged Maran Gas Roxana tanker arrived safely in Kitimat, LNG Canada said in a news release without specifying the size of the LNG cargo. This activity is critical to our safe start-up and commissioning process in advance of our operations, and to achieving our first LNG export cargoes by the middle of 2025, the company said. LNG Canada is a joint venture between Shell, with 40%, Malaysias Petronas with 25%, Mitsubishi Corp. with 15%, Korea Gas Corp. with 5%, and PetroChina with 15%. The facility, will process 1.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas per daya significant chunk of Canadas output. Once operational, the project is expected to boost Canadian natural gas prices, as supply that previously flowed south to the U.S. gets redirected to Asian markets. LNG Canada is the countrys first project for the export of superchilled fuel, with a focus on Asian markets as the biggest demand driver. Eventually, however, Canada could potentially supply 36.2 million tons of LNG per year by 2040, according to estimates by Wood Mackenzie. Thats despite statements by the previous Canadian government that there was no business case for liquefied natural gas in the country. The statements were made in response to a request by the former German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, for potential LNG supply deals with Canada. Right now, the business case for Canadian LNG just got a massive boost from President Trumps tariffs, which hit allies and adversaries alike, prompting warnings of retaliation. Energy is one obvious target for such retaliation as already demonstrated by China, which retaliated against an earlier tariff slap by slapping back with its own tariffs on U.S. energy imports. Canadian LNG is an obvious alternative to U.S. LNG, should such an alternative become necessary. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Mexicos finance ministry has revised the countrys crude oil production rate for the year by 129,000 bpd less than previously expected. Instead of 1.8 million bpdthe target set by President Claudia SheinbaumMexico is seen producing 1.762 million bpd, Reuters reported, citing the ministry. Production next year, however, is expected to rise to 1.775 million barrels daily as a result of development of new strategic projects and the eventual incorporation of additional fields if exploration proves favorable, the finance ministry said. Mexico has been trying to stem a natural decline in its crude oil production for years now, but success has been elusive. Over the first two months of this year, state-owned Pemex, along with its partners, produced an average of 1.62 million barrels of crude daily, which was palpably lower than the Mexican presidents production target. Late last year, the companys management revised its budget down, which could prove an additional obstacle to boosting production. The cutback follows instructions from Pemexs new upstream head, Nestor Martinez, to scale back major well repairs and seismic data contracts. Instead, Pemex will focus on developing new deposits, especially in the deep waters of the Gulf. On top of the production problems, there was recently an issue with the quality of the oil that Mexico does produce. Gulf Coast refiners found some of the Mexican crude they were receiving contained a lot more water than it should, at up to 6%, which is six times higher than the maximum accepted level. Pemex chief executive Victor Rodriguez acknowledged the problem, saying complaints have been made by buyers, citing high water content and also high salt content in the crude. We don't have problems in Pemex or with oil production, these are situations that occur and have occurred historically, Rodriguez told Reuters in March. Since then, the issue has been resolved, according to official reports. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com In the latest of a series of accusations and repudiations, Russia accused Ukraine on Thursday of having launched what Moscow said were provocative attacks on energy infrastructure. The attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure are targeted and are purely provocative and demonstrative, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said on Thursday, as carried by Reuters. Last month, Russia agreed to a 30-day suspension of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in exchange for an identical halt of attacks on Russian infrastructure from the Ukrainian side. Russia has said it reserves the right to withdraw the ceasefire on attacks on energy facilities if Ukraine violates the agreement. In the past days, Ukraine has also accused Russia of violating the energy truce. Both Ukraine and Russia have said that they would be sending details of the alleged violations of the ceasefire to the United States. The U.S.-brokered talks for an end to the war in Ukraine have stalled after Russia signaled on Tuesday that it cannot accept the U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine in the current form. This came days after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was pissed off with Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Trump has also threatened more sanctions Russian oil in the form of tariffs on imports into the United States of any country buying oil from Russia. If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russias fault which it might not be but if I think it was Russias fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia, Trump told NBC in an interview on Sunday. The Trump Administration continues to press both Russia and Ukraine to reach a ceasefire as a stepping stone to negotiating a peace agreement. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russian revenues from oil and gas plunged by 17% in March from a year earlier, according to data from Russias finance ministry. Oil and gas revenues for the Kremlin fell to $13.1 billion (1.1 trillion Russian rubles) last month, while revenues for the first quarter dipped by nearly 10% on the year to $31.4 billion (2.64 trillion rubles), the official Russian data showed. Much of the decline was likely attributable to the lower oil prices in February and March, as well as the initial chaos with Russian oil trade after the U.S. sanctions from early Januarythe most aggressive sanctions on Russian oil yet. Proceeds from oil and gas sales are the most important cash stream for Russias federal budget. Going forward, Russias revenues from oil are set to be volatile due to heightened geopolitical uncertainty. The impasse in the U.S.-brokered talks on ending the war in Ukraine adds uncertainty for Russias ability to sell its oil should U.S. President Donald Trump becomes more pissed off at Putin. This weekend, President Trump threatened secondary sanctions on Russias energy industry if Washington and Moscow fail to seal a ceasefire deal for Ukraine. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of 50 U.S. Senators has prepared a plan to slap a 500% tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, and uranium if Russia refuses to engage in good-faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine. The hard-hitting sanctions on Russia are at the ready and will receive overwhelming bipartisan, bicameral support if presented to the Senate and House for a vote, the Senators said earlier this week. We share President Trumps frustration with Russia when it comes to obtaining a ceasefire, and support President Trumps desire to achieve a lasting, just and honorable peace, they added. Russia signaled on Tuesday that it cannot accept the U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine in the current form. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Nebraska Medicine began construction this week on a $36 million project to add a first-of-its-kind proton therapy to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha. While it will take two years to complete the installation, proton therapy is expected to deliver significant benefits to certain patients, particularly children, with their still-developing brains and bodies. Proton therapy, which is delivered by a beam of protons rather than the x-rays used in traditional radiation, can deliver an extremely targeted dose of radiation to tumors, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The radiation also stops at the tumor rather than continuing on. That can reduce side effects and lost time at work and school both during treatment and years down the road. Thats important because better treatments mean patients today are not only more likely to survive cancer but also to live longer after treatment. You can dramatically reduce the radiation dose to normal tissue, compared to what it is with even technologies like (intensity-modulated radiotherapy), said Dr. Charles Enke, a radiation oncologist and chairman of the radiation oncology department at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Current treatments, including IMRT, will continue to be the appropriate therapy for the majority of cancers, he said. But for some, there is a clear benefit with proton therapy. Proton therapy now is the preferred treatment for tumors in sensitive locations, such as those near the brain, spine, heart and eye. Its also considered especially beneficial for treating children. Some 80% of pediatric patients probably would benefit from proton therapy, Enke said, and that is a group we really want to help. In the past, however, traditional proton therapy systems were considered too costly and too large to be widely used. They also lacked good image guidance technology. Some 15 years ago, new facilities typically included four treatment rooms and cost close to $100 million. But a little more than a decade ago, companies began developing more compact systems. The majority of facilities being built now have a single treatment room. Currently, there are 46 proton therapy centers in the United States and six more under development, Enke said. But they are heavily concentrated east of the Mississippi River. Two have recently opened in the Kansas City area, but there are none in Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana or Colorado. Enke said Nebraska Medicine began looking at the technology in earnest about a decade ago. But a freestanding, two-room facility within sight of the cancer center still would have cost about $60 million. He twice told hospital leaders not to proceed because he felt such a facility would be a financial millstone around the health systems neck. But about two years ago, two companies began collaborating on a design that would allow patients to sit upright rather than lying down. For most patients, an upright posture works as well as a supine one. It can also offer an advantage in some cases, with gravity moving critical structures like the heart farther from the treatment area. Researchers at UNMC and Stanford provided input as the firms were finalizing their designs. Nebraska Medicine now has become the fourth center in the U.S. to sign a contract with Massachusetts-based MEVION to purchase its S250-FIT Proton Therapy System. Instead of building a separate facility, the health system will be the first to install the device in an existing facility, in its case an unfinished treatment room at the Buffett Cancer Center. This is going to revolutionize the ability to open proton therapy to larger populations, Enke said of the technology. The health system is partnering with H&H Design-Build and Kiewit Corp. to retrofit the room and install the system. The hospital expects to begin offering the therapy to patients in spring 2027. Donors are covering the majority of costs. Still, the installation is no small project. The unfinished room was built to allow for future expansion, either through the addition of another traditional system or future technology. Contractors will have to add extra shielding, about 6 inches of steel, to the ceiling of the existing room, he said. But having the device in the building means the hospital wont need to duplicate staff and facilities such as exam rooms. Enke said insurance coverage for the treatment currently depends on what the therapy is used for. But the health system plans to work with insurers in the region to show them the benefits for patients. As a National Cancer Institute-designated institution, the Buffett Cancer Center should offer proton therapy, he said. Most of the 73 designated centers nationwide already do. Researchers also will continue to study the technology with an eye to additional improvements, Enke said. UNMC researchers in 2022 began working with those at Faith Regional Health Services Carson Cancer Center in Norfolk, Nebraska, to study flash radiation therapy as part of a larger consortium led by another device-maker. Flash therapy uses standard radiation equipment thats been modified to give ultra high doses of radiation in a shorter amount of time. Evidence suggests that kills cancer cells but also reduces complications in surrounding tissue. As an early adopter of the new proton system, Nebraska Medicine will receive free equipment that also will allow researchers to do flash research with protons. While studies are in their infancy, Enke said he believes it will prove another exciting area in radiation oncology. I was a doubting Thomas on proton therapy, Enke said, but I have become a convert. file photos of Vera Pool/tobacco store BY VERA POOL Vera Pool Represents Oregon and Washington for the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. She is one of the longest serving criminal justice professionals in the Pacific Northwest, with 54 years of service. As a law enforcement veteran serving our Oregon for fifty-four years and a representative for the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, I have seen firsthand how well-intentioned policies can backfire. The push to ban flavored tobacco will cost Oregon $180 million a biennium when we are already facing fiscal pressure and possible cuts to social services. While some may claim these bans protect youth and public health, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Only two states have enacted statewide flavor bans and the strategy is failing. Massachusetts implemented one of the strictest flavored tobacco bans in the nation. Instead of reducing demand, the ban fueled an illegal market. Law enforcement has reported a surge in smuggling as consumers turned to unregulated sources. An annual report from the states multi-agency task force has documented so much contraband that authorities struggle to store it. Oregon risks repeating these mistakes. Banning flavored tobacco wont stop youth from accessing productsit will simply push sales underground. Illicit markets operate outside the law and divert law enforcement resources from more pressing public safety issues like violent crime. Illicit vapes are the real crisis threatening youth. They are manufactured in unregulated factories overseas and are deliberately marketed to teens through social media. These products are made and sold without oversight, leaving kids and adults vulnerable to health risks. Despite federal efforts to curb illicit vape imports, the problem is overwhelming enforcement agencies. If Oregon lawmakers are serious about protecting youth, they must focus on dismantling the illegal vape market instead of chasing a flawed flavored tobacco ban. This means cracking down on unlicensed distributors, increasing penalties for traffickers, and equipping law enforcement with the tools to combat illicit vape sales. It also means investing in education and prevention programs to help kids understand the dangers of illegal products. The National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice fights for equal justice for blacks and other minority communities. Our concern is that communities of color are disproportionately affected by flavor bans that lead to over-policing of marginalized communities, while failing to address the root problem. Instead of supporting community-led harm reduction strategies, bans drive economic activity into underground markets. To avoid these problems, Oregon policymakers should implement evidence-based solutions. The good news is that other states have demonstrated how targeted enforcement and prevention efforts can work. Product directories empower law enforcement and retailers by clarifying which products are legal. New York has made significant progress in disrupting illegal vape supply chains by prioritizing enforcement against traffickers, showing tangible results in reducing youth access. Oregon should follow suit with common sense approaches instead of antiquated prohibitionism. Ultimately, banning flavored tobacco is a dangerous distractiona symbolic gesture that does little to protect kids. These bans create illicit markets, encourage smuggling, and divert resources from the more urgent fight against illegal vapes. If we truly care about public health, we must focus on real solutions. Oregon leaders need to ask themselves: do they want headlines, or do they want real results? Can we afford the untold costs of a sure to fail strategy? Our communities deserve better than failed policies and misplaced priorities. Lets focus on the right fightstopping the illegal vape epidemic before its too late. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com It is one of the 10 political commandments of liberalism that religion is told to stay out of politics and government. You know the drill, the public is supposed to be quiet if taxpayer-funded art programs engage in religion bashing or that parents cannot use their school funding tax dollars to help their child attend a successful charter school if that school is a parochial institution. Now we have Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, which is a very liberal religious non-profit. It was just announced that the Trump administration is cutting their funding. Ecumenical Ministries has received $300,000 annually for immigration services for what is expected illegal migrants. If our immigration court system is currently overwhelmed, should not the funds be spent on expanding the court system as opposed to expanding the applicant pool who likely broke Federal laws? They are actually praying for government aid. The no religion in politics mantra has under liberalism, become all-liberal-religion-in-politics-all-the-time-and-taxpayer-subsidized mantra. This is what we have been witnessing under DOGE where every conceivable liberal idea has a government funding program behind it. Religious Oregonians do not like marijuana but their tax dollars pay for economic development grants to pot shops. Religious Oregonians do not like drugs but their tax dollars are spent handing out thousands of crack pipes. Religious Oregonians do not like seeing their churches vandalized by violent protesters but their tax dollars were used byteh Health and Human Services to give over $100,000 to a nonprofit that provided free food and drink to the Portland rioters. Oregonians have had their tax dollars used to host Psycho Beach Party film nights at art museums. No tax money for their student to attend one of the best schools in the state but tax money for Psycho Beach Party. Was this helpful? If so, Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The map shows population shifts from south-western to north-eastern Europe during the last cold phase of the Ice Age. Credit: PLOS ONE (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310942 A new study sheds light on how prehistoric hunter-gatherer populations in Europe coped with climate changes over 12,000 years ago. Led by scientists from the University of Cologne, a team of 25 prehistoric archaeologists from twenty European universities and research institutions revealed significant shifts in population size and density during key periods at the end of the last Ice Age, specifically during the Final Paleolithic between 14,000 and 11,600 years ago. The study has been published in PLOS One under the title "Large scale and regional demographic responses to climatic changes in Europe during the Final Palaeolithic." The results reveal that the first establishment of a larger human population in north-eastern central Europe during the Final Paleolithic was followed by a dramatic population decline during the last cold period (Greenland Stadial 1) of the Ice Age. This decline reduced the total population of Europe by half. However, the study found that some areas in central Europe show stability or even a slight increase in population size against the general trend. The team interprets this finding as evidence of human migration towards the east in response to worsening climate conditions. By compiling a comprehensive database on archaeological sites from this period and using a cutting-edge geostatistical method called the Cologne Protocol, the researchers estimated population sizes and densities of prehistoric humans across different regions of Europe. The protocol provides a standardized procedure to estimate prehistoric demographic data, allowing for diachronic comparisons. The identified shifts in regional population sizes provide new insights into how early humans responded to the environmental challenges of their time. Site distribution and modeled Core Areas for GS-1. Credit: PLOS ONE (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310942 The study focuses on two key periods: Greenland Interstadial 1d-a (GI-1d-a) and Greenland Stadial 1 (GS-1). During GI-1d-a, a warmer period of the Final Paleolithic, humans continued to repopulate and expand into northern and north-eastern central Europe, making this region the center of demographic dynamics in Europe for the first time in prehistory. Populations in south-western Europe, particularly in Spain and France, began to decline compared to population estimates for the preceding periods of the Upper Paleolithic. When the climate turned much colder during the subsequent GS-1, a climatic period known in the northern hemisphere as the "Younger Dryas," the total population of Europe decreased by half. But the new study shows that regional dynamics varied considerably: The estimates indicate an increase in population density in some areas of Europe (e.g. northern Italy, Poland and north-eastern Germany) as well as a general shift of populated areas from west to east. "These observations probably reflect the eastward movement of people in response to the very abrupt and pronounced climatic cooling during the Younger Dryas," explains Dr. Isabell Schmidt from the University of Cologne's Department of Prehistoric Archaeology. "Humans during the Final Paleolithic apparently responded by migrating to more favorable areas." The Cologne researchers are familiar with extreme population declines in prehistory, such as during the late Gravettian (29,000 to 25,000 years ago), when cooler temperatures reduced populations in western and central Europe by up to two-thirds, leading to the extinction of regional populations. Although demographic dynamics, particularly in these early phases of human prehistory, are still poorly understood, the new study adds to a growing body of evidence on how prehistoric humans responded to climate change, investigated at the University of Cologne in the framework of the Collaborative Research Center 806Our Way to Europe. More information: Isabell Schmidt et al, Large scale and regional demographic responses to climatic changes in Europe during the Final Palaeolithic, PLOS ONE (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310942 Journal information: PLoS ONE This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: ChatGPT The melting of crystals is the process by which an increase in temperature induces the disruption of the ordered crystalline lattice, leading to the disordered structure and highly fluctuating dynamic behavior of liquids. At the glass transition, where an amorphous solid (a glass) turns into a liquid, there is no obvious change in structure, and only the dynamics of the atoms change, going from strongly localized dynamics in space (in the glass state) to the highly fluctuating (diffusive) dynamics in the liquid. The search for the atomic-scale mechanism of 3D crystal melting has a long history in physics, and famous physicists such as Max Born, Neville Mott and Frederick Lindemann proposed different ways to look at it. I have always had the impression that we still do not understand the melting of 3D crystals, which is a highly complicated cooperative process involving nonlinearly coupled dynamics of a huge number of atoms. This complexity I always found very fascinating. Comparatively, the melting of 2D solids, mediated by dislocations-unbinding, is much better understood, and the theory that describes it led to the 2017 Nobel prize in physics for Kosterlitz and Thouless. In recent work with my collaborators in Germany, I discovered that the temperature at which crystals melt and the temperature at which glasses turn into liquid are both proportional to the same quantity: This is the ratio between the fragility of the supercooled liquid (which measures how steeply the viscosity increases upon decreasing the temperature of the liquid) and the thermal expansion coefficient. The latter measures how much the material dilates upon increasing the temperature, and therefore also how much farther apart two atoms move as temperature is increased. My colleagues and I discovered this fundamental law empirically by putting together experimental data for more than 100 different materials (polymers, atomic and molecular systems, metals, organic compounds). However, in spite of its simplicity, the origin of this law has remained unexplained, because it could not be derived mathematically from a theory of the underlying atomic motions. Working with my colleague Konrad Samwer at the University of Goettingen (Germany) during my Gauss visiting professorship there, I eventually managed to mathematically derive this law from the consideration of how atomic motions and interatomic interactions conspire to give the solid material its macroscopic rigidity (encoded in the shear modulus). By extending the original melting criterion introduced by Born to include atomic motions that are due to lattice defects and thermal fluctuations, and combining this with a model of viscoelastic behavior due to Maxwell, my colleague and I showed that, indeed, both the melting temperature of the crystal and the glass transition temperature are directly proportional to the degree of cooperativity of the atomic dynamics in the liquid (the fragility) and inversely proportional to the thermal expansion of the solid. Our research is published in The Journal of Chemical Physics. These findings, besides providing a solution to a fundamental problem in physics that dates back more than 100 years, can be used for the materials-by-design of phase-change materialsmaterials with tunable switching between liquid and solid, which can be useful in many technological applications, from electronics to defense. This story is part of Science X Dialog, where researchers can report findings from their published research articles. Visit this page for information about Science X Dialog and how to participate. More information: Alessio Zaccone et al, Fragility and thermal expansion control crystal melting and the glass transition, The Journal of Chemical Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1063/5.0253991. On arXiv: DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2503.13270 Bio: Alessio Zaccone received his Ph.D. from the Department of Chemistry of ETH Zurich in 2010. From 2010 till 2014 he was an Oppenheimer Research Fellow at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge. After being on the faculty of Technical University Munich (20142015) and of University of Cambridge (20152018), he has been a full professor and chair of theoretical physics in the Department of Physics at the University of Milano since 2022. Awards include the ETH Silver Medal, the 2020 Gauss Professorship of the Gottingen Academy of Sciences, the Fellowship of Queens' College Cambridge, and an ERC Consolidator grant "Multimech"). Research contributions include the analytical solution to the jamming transition problem (Zaccone & Scossa-Romano PRB 2011), the analytical solution to the random close packing problem in 2d and 3d (Zaccone PRL 2022), the theory of thermally-activated reaction rate processes in shear flows (Zaccone et al PRE 2009), the theory of crystal nucleation under shear flow (Mura & Zaccone PRE 2016), the theoretical prediction of boson-like peaks in the vibrational spectra of crystals (Milkus & Zaccone PRB 2016; Baggioli & Zaccone PRL 2019), the theory of the glass transition in polymers (Zaccone & Terentjev PRL 2013), the theoretical and computational discovery of topological defects in glasses (Baggioli, Kriuchevskyi, Sirk, Zaccone PRL 2021), and the theoretical prediction of superconductivity enhancement effects due to phonon damping (Setty, Baggioli, Zaccone PRB 2020). Research interests range from the statistical physics of disordered systems (random packings, jamming, glasses and the glass transition, colloids, nonequilibrium thermodynamics) to solid-state physics and superconductivity. Journal information: Journal of Chemical Physics , arXiv This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: On the left, modified luciferase applied to mammalian cells generates an acidity traffic light: pH 6 (red), 7 (yellow) and 8 (green); on the right, firefly discovered at UFSCar in 2006. Credit: Gabriel Pelentir and Vadim Viviani The gene encoding an enzyme from a firefly, discovered at the Sorocaba campus of the Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar) in Brazil, has given rise to a biosensor capable of detecting pH changes in mammalian cellswhich could be useful, for example, in studying diseases and assessing the toxicity of a drug candidate. The luciferase from the species Amydetes vivianii changes color from bluish-green to yellow and red as acidity decreases in fibroblasts, the most common cell type in connective tissue. It does so with great intensity and stability, something that had not been achieved with other luciferases tested by the research group. The work is published in the journal Biosensors. Luciferases are enzymes found in bioluminescent organisms that produce light by oxidizing luciferin, a compound that must also be present in the process. The luciferase now being studied comes from a species discovered in 2006 by one of the study's coordinators, Vadim Viviani, coordinator of the Biochemistry and Bioluminescent Technologies Laboratory at UFSCar. The enzyme was cloned by his research group in 2011. "Inside the cell, changes in pH can indicate processes such as homeostasis, proliferation and cell death, among others. Our technique has the potential to study diseases or drug toxicity, for example," points out Vanessa Bevilaqua, first author of the article from the School of Medical and Health Sciences of the Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paulo (PUC-SP), Sorocaba campus. The work was carried out in laboratories coordinated by Viviani at UFSCar and by Eliana Duek at PUC-SP. Other luciferases tested by the group produced reddish light that changed color less at the 36 C temperature at which mammalian cells function. "The new luciferase has been modified to be better expressed in mammalian cells. In addition to having a wider range of light color change, it has greater stability and provides a stronger glow [intensity]. The technique is non-toxic and does not depend on an external light source, as is the case with fluorescence, another way of using light to study cells," Viviani explains. In addition to capturing bioluminescence images with photodetection cameras, the group's tests also allowed the light emitted by luciferases in mammalian cells to be photographed even with a smartphone camera. The glow was intense for the first 30 minutes, and then began to fade. Although weaker, it continued for at least 12 hoursalthough it could only be detected with advanced photodetection equipment. "With this, it's possible to use the color of the light to indicate the pH inside cells, including human cells, and infer whether there's cellular stress or some other effect related to acidity. It's something unprecedented and something we developed entirely in Brazil," Viviani adds. The work is part of the project "Development of bioluminescent inputs for immunoassays, environmental analysis and bioimaging," coordinated by Viviani. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. In previous studies, the researchers had already developed the use of luciferase from another firefly, of the genus Macrolampis, to indicate the pH of bacterial cells. However, when tested in mammalian cells, the bioluminescence emitted by the Macrolampis luciferase was very reddish and varied little with changes in pH, lacking stability above 36 C and reducing the efficacy required for this cell type. During the pandemic, Viviani's group also developed an immunoassay to detect COVID-19 based on the luciferase of Amydetes vivianii, which glows when in contact with antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. With the work now completed, the laboratory led by the UFSCar professor, which already has a unique infrastructure for bioluminescence studies and applications, has also acquired the capacity to perform bioluminescent tests on mammalian cells. This will allow it to carry out both new studies with this luciferase, as well as to test others that are part of the laboratory's collection, which the researcher has collected over more than 30 years, mainly from Brazilian insects. "With this development, we've opened up a range of possibilities, from bioassays for drug and cosmetic toxicity to the effect of biomaterials on human cells, and even new ways of studying cancer cells," Bevilaqua concludes. More information: Vanessa R. Bevilaqua et al, Selection and Engineering of Novel Brighter Bioluminescent Reporter Gene and Color- Tuning Luciferase for pH-Sensing in Mammalian Cells, Biosensors (2025). DOI: 10.3390/bios15010018 Provided by FAPESP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Johann Piber from Pexels As I sprinted across the flower-rich meadow on the eastern coast of Cyprus, I could barely see my car. The air was full of tiny black dots, pelting like bullets past me. I hauled open the car door and breathed a sigh of relief once inside. I was surrounded by millions of flies, amid the most incredible migration event I have ever seen. The migration cameras my team and I use to monitor these insects counted nearly 6,000 flies per meter per minute. Being hit by a fly traveling over 25mph (helped by the wind) hurts enough to make you want shelter quickly. All of these flies had just traveled at least 60 miles (100km) across open sea from the Middle East to Cyprus. This journey forms part of their springtime migration towards northern Europe. Butterflies and dragonflies are well-known insect migrants, but not because they're the most numerous. That title is given to the flies. I have studied all of the insects migrating through Cyprus and the Pyrenees on the France-Spain border. Flies make up nearly 90% of all migrants. Yet they have been consistently overlooked by scientists and their ecological contribution has been hugely underappreciated. My colleagues and I set out to change this. We have spent months collecting written sources that mentioned fly migration from anywhere in the world. Our findings, now published in Biological Reviews, could change our perception of flies forever. Previously, nobody really knew the extent to which flies migrated, yet they are the most numerous and most ecologically important of all terrestrial migrants. Fly migration has been part of written human history for millennia. In the book of Exodus, when the pharaoh of Egypt didn't let Moses's people go, God sent a plague of flies to change his mind. Then God removed flies from the land until "not a fly remained." This last biblical quote is key. If these flies had been misidentified mayflies coming out of the river Nile, which are known to amass in huge numbers, their exhausted bodies would have remained for days. Because they all disappeared without a trace, this suggests a huge migration of flies. Egypt is on an important fly migration route. So perhaps fly migration was significant enough to be the subject of divine intervention. Flies migrate to reproduce, moving to exploit seasonal food resources. All over the world, it's mostly females that migrate. They have been recorded migrating through mountain passes high in the Himalayas, on ships hundreds of miles out to sea in the Gulf of Mexico and in their millions migrating through western Europe. Amazingly, while on fieldwork in the Maldives, I saw Forcipomyia midges use their soft foot hairs to stick to dragonfly wings to hitch a lift over the Indian Ocean. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Vital roles Flies are so important to Earth and to us. No other group of terrestrial migrants (including vertebrates such as mammals) are as ecologically diverse as flies. More than half (62%) of all migrating flies, including hoverflies, are pollinators. Without them, food crop production would decline. As they migrate, flies transport and disperse pollen between flowers. This could help plants adapt to climate change by maintaining genetic diversity. Many migratory fly species (34%) are decomposers, ensuring the planet isn't covered in rotting carcasses and animal dung. One study showed that the larvae of just 50 houseflies (Musca domestica)the very ecologically similar and equally abundant autumn housefly Musca autumnalis migrate south through the Pyrenees in their millionscan decompose up to 444kg of pig manure. The ecological roles of flies are not all positive, though. My latest study shows that monoculture crops provide lots of food for some migratory fly species (18%) that have subsequently become crop pests. Some (16%) carry diseases, such as mosquitoes that migrate huge distances and bring diseases such as malaria. But migratory flies have an overwhelmingly positive impact on Earth. Hoverfly larvae eat trillions of aphids each year in southern England. Insect migration is already known to be the most important way that the nutrients plants need to grow are moved across the land and flies make up the majority of the insects that transport the nutrients. The movement and subsequent death of trillions of migrating flies, whose bodies contain elements, such as phosphorous and nitrogen which plants need to grow, could be vital to soil health of the soils too. Migratory birds have been noted feeding on and moving at the same time as migratory flies, perhaps using them as fuel for their journeys. We're only just waking up to the significance of flies. Hopefully, it's not too late to protect them. One German study found that the number of aphid-eating migratory hoverflies declined by 97% over the last 50 years. Fewer aphid-eating hoverflies means more crop-eating aphids and also fewer pollinators. So that's a terrifying statistic that could have drastic consequences. A sunrise of hope exists, however. These brilliant migratory flies have so many young that if we improve landscape connectivity, reduce pesticide usage and provide suitable habitat, they can bounce back really quickly. We need these flies as much as we need the air we breathe. So next time you see a fly up against your window, open it and let it out. It has a long way to go and such important work to do. More information: Will L. Hawkes et al, Lords of the flies: dipteran migrants are diverse, abundant and ecologically important, Biological Reviews (2025). DOI: 10.1111/brv.70017 Journal information: Biological Reviews This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A new study posted to the SSRN preprint server by researchers from the University of Mannheim and the University of Essex shows that male and female fund managers invest in different sectorsinfluenced by their own consumption preferences. This has a significant effect on fund performance. Prof. Dr. Hans Peter Gruner and Prof. Dr. Alexandra Niessen-Ruenzi from the University of Mannheim, together with Prof. Dr. Christoph Siemroth from the University of Essex, investigated whether the gender of institutional fund managers affects their investment strategies. Their key finding: female fund managers invest their capital differently than their male colleagues. While the former group prefers to invest in sectors such as health care, male fund managers are increasingly focusing on sectors such as energy. An analysis of consumption and investment patterns from 2003 to 2019 as part of the study shows that this behavior is closely linked to private consumption preferences. These patterns have tangible consequences for private investors. The findings indicate that fund managers who cater their investments to align with usual male consumption trend tend to pursue lower-risk strategies, which in turn results in reduced returns. This analysis was carried out using a newly introduced "portfolio masculinity index," which categorizes investment funds according to their investment behaviors related to gender. The findings indicate that investment funds deemed more "masculine" according to this index tend to perform poorly. Cash flow disruption The study also sheds light on the economic impact of this imbalance. Analysis of the U.S. sample shows that only 9% of fund managers are women, and they control approximately 3% of total net fund assets. A lack of women in the fund industry causes an inconsistency between investments and the authentic desires of consumers. The findings indicate that increased female representation in the investment industry would be able to steer investments toward economic sectors that have been previously marginalized. This could promote innovation and growth in areas such as health care and technology. On the other hand, the energy and finance sectors, which thrive on investment behaviors typically associated with masculinity, might experience financial bottlenecks. More information: Gruner, Hans Peter and Niessen-Ruenzi, Alexandra and Siemroth, Christoph, A man's world? Consumption-based investment in the mutual fund industry (March 12, 2025). Available at SSRN: papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cf ?abstract_id=5175911 Provided by Universitat Mannheim This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain If you go walking in the wild, you might expect that what you're seeing is natural. All around you are trees, shrubs and grasses growing in their natural habitat. But there's something here that doesn't add up. Across the world, there are large areas of habitat which would suit native plant species just fine. But very often, they're simply absent. Our new research gauges the scale of this problem, known as "dark diversity." Our international team of 200 scientists examined plant species in thousands of sites worldwide. What we found was startling. In regions heavily affected by our activities, only about 20% of native plant species able to live there were actually present. But even in areas with very little human interference, ecosystems only contained about 33% of viable plant species. Why so few species in wilder areas? Our impact. Pollution can spread far from the original source, while conversion of habitat to farms, logging and human-caused fires have ripple effects too. Conspicuous by their absence Our activities have become a planet-shaping force, from changing the climate through our emissions to farming 44% of all habitable land. As our footprint has expanded, other species have been pushed to extinction. The rates of species loss are unprecedented in recorded history. When we think about biodiversity loss, we might think of a once-common animal species losing numbers and range as farms, cities and feral predators expand. But we are also losing species from within protected areas and national parks. To date, the accelerating loss of species has been largely observed at large scale, such as states or even whole countries. Almost 600 plant species have gone extinct since 1750and this is likely a major underestimate. Extinction hotspots include Hawaii (79 species) and South Africa's unique fynbos scrublands (37 species). But tracking the fate of our species has been difficult to do at a local scale, such as within a national park or nature reserve. Similarly, when scientists do traditional biodiversity surveys, we count the species previously recorded in an area and look for changes. But we haven't tended to consider the species that could grow therebut don't. What did we do? To get a better gauge of biodiversity losses at smaller scale, we worked alongside scientists from the international research network DarkDivNet to examine almost 5,500 sites across 119 regions worldwide. This huge body of fieldwork took years and required navigating global challenges such as COVID-19 and political and economic instability. Many plants have been declining so rapidly they are now threatened with extinction. At each 100 square meter site, our team sampled all plant species present against the species found in the surrounding region. We defined regions as areas of approximately 300 square kilometers with similar environmental conditions. Just because a species can grow somewhere doesn't mean it would. To make sure we were recording which species were genuinely missing, we looked at how often each absent species was found growing alongside the species growing at our chosen sites at other sampled sites in the region. This helped us detect species well-suited to a habitat but missing from it. We then cross-matched data on these missing species against how big the local human impact was by using the Human Footprint Index, which measures population density, land use and infrastructure. Of the eight components of this index, six had a clear influence on how many plant species were missing: human population density, electric infrastructure, railways, roads, built environments and croplands. Another component, navigable waterways, did not have a clear influence. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Interestingly, the final componentpastures kept by grazierswas not linked to fewer plant species. This could be because semi-natural grasslands are used as pasture in areas such as Central Asia, Africa's Sahel region and Argentina. Here, long-term moderate human influence can actually maintain highly diverse and well-functioning ecosystems through practices such as grazing livestock, cultural burning and hay making. Overall, though, the link between greater human presence and fewer plant species was very clear. Seemingly pristine ecosystems hundreds of kilometers from direct disturbance had been affected. These effects can come from many causes. For instance, poaching and logging often take place far from human settlements. Poaching an animal species might mean a plant species loses a key pollinator or way to disperse its seeds in the animal's dung. Over time, disruptions to the web of relationships in the natural world can erode ecosystems and result in fewer plant species. Poachers and illegal loggers also cut "ghost roads" into pristine areas. Other causes include fires started by humans, which can threaten national parks and other safe havens. Pollution can travel and settle hundreds of kilometers from its source, affecting ecosystems. Our far-reaching influence can also hinder the return of plant species, even in protected areas. As humans expand their activities, they often carve up natural areas into fragments cut off from each other. This can isolate plant populations. Similarly, the loss of seed-spreading animals can stop plants from recolonizing former habitat. What does this mean? Biodiversity loss is not just about species going extinct. It's about ecosystems quietly losing their richness, resilience and functions. Protecting land is not enough. The damage we can do can reach deep into conservation areas. Was there good news? Yes. In regions where at least a third of the landscape had minimal human disturbance, there was less of this hidden biodiversity loss. As we work to conserve nature, our work points to a need not just to preserve what's left but to bring back what's missing. Now we know what species are missing in an area but still present regionally, we can begin that work. More information: Meelis Partel, Global impoverishment of natural vegetation revealed by dark diversity, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08814-5. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08814-5 Journal information: Nature This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Cell Host & Microbe (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2025.03.005 In a growing global trend, bacteria are evolving new ways to maneuver around medical treatments for a variety of infections. The rising antibiotic resistance crisis poses a significant public health threat in hospitals and other settings, with infections resulting in millions of deaths in recent years. Scientists are now looking to bacteriophagesviruses that infect bacteriaand their potential to treat drug-resistant infections. They have begun to look deeper into an intriguing class of large bacteriophage known as "jumbo phages" that exhibit extraordinary features as possible new agents for bacterial infection treatments. A study led by University of California San Diego researchers has shed new light on the unusual ways that phages have evolved to infect bacteria. Over millions of years, viruses and bacteria have engaged in a back-and-forth arms race. Viruses develop new ways to infect bacteria, while bacteria counter by evolving a resistance mechanism. In order to fully realize the potential of jumbo phages and their promise as new therapeutics, researchers must decipher the mechanisms they employ to infect bacteria and evade the host's defenses. A new study published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe describes the first-of-its-kind discovery of a type of membrane-bound sac, or vesicle, used by jumbo phages of the Chimalliviridae family. A team that includes researchers from the Innovative Genomics Institute at UC Berkeley found that immediately after jumbo phages infect a bacterial cell, they form a structure that shields and hides valuable DNA material. Phages use this genetic material to develop a nucleus inside their bacterial hosts. The newly discovered compartment, which they named the EPI, or early phage infection vesicle, serves as a type of cloaking device that prevents triggering the bacteria's immune system. "When phages infect a bacterial cell, the EPI vesicle protects the genome of the virus during early stages of infection when it's very vulnerable," said Emily Armbruster, a UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences graduate student and co-lead author of the study. "Bacteria and viruses are often dismissed as simple organisms but they're actually capable of very sophisticated intracellular warfare and this study is a new example of that." The new findings are part of UC San Diego's advancements in developing innovative therapies using phages. Also, the university's Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH) is the first dedicated phage therapy center in North America focusing on medical solutions to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. Because most phages simply inject their DNA directly into the host, effectively announcing their arrival within the cell, the results of Chimalliviridae phage's stealth approach came as a revelation to researchers. "The discovery of this vesicle was completely surprising. The bacteria don't realize that there's a virus in there, producing things that will eventually take over," said Joe Pogliano, a professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and a senior author of the paper. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "If we have other phages that are really good at infecting bacteria, the hope is that we might be able to give them this vesicle for protection. The goal is to make phages that are better at killing bacteria so that we can have a range of phage therapy applications." Armbruster identified curious DNA "dots" within infected cells under a light microscope. Professor Elizabeth Villa's laboratory then used high-end imaging technologies to discover that these dots were tiny vesicles containing viral DNA and molecular machineries outside these vesicles. Paper co-lead author Phoolwanti Rani, a postdoctoral scholar in the Villa Lab, found that these vesicles were actually metabolically active, confirming the purpose of the molecular machines hanging outside the vesicles. "These vesicles are one-of-a-kind in bacteria," said Rani. "Not only did we show that these vesicles are making RNA, but also they are getting ready to establish infection by synthesizing genes important for nucleus formation." "A few years ago we discovered the phage nucleus that protects the replicating genomes. The question remained: how is the first genome protected?" said Villa, a professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and HHMI Investigator. "Discovering a second compartment that is metabolically active blew our minds, and will be key for therapeutic applications of phage." Crucial to the findings was the use of "CRISPR interference by antisense RNA targeting" (CRISPRi-ART), a new CRISPR-based technology recently published in Nature Microbiology from the labs of Brady Cress and Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna at the Innovative Genomics Institute (UC Berkeley). This work, co-led by postdoctoral scholar Ben Adler and Ph.D. student Muntathar Al-Shimary from the Doudna lab, describes how CRISPRi-ART targets messenger RNA and halts the production of proteins that researchers target for analysis. In the new study from UC San Diego, the researchers used CRISPRi-ART to demonstrate that the EPI and nucleus-forming stages are both necessary for the Chimalliviridae's normal life cycle and infection process. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya). Credit: Dr. Jacob Dunn, Anglia Ruskin University A new study has found that the world's finest yodelers aren't from Austria or Switzerland, but the rainforests of Latin America. Published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B and led by experts from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the University of Vienna, the research provides significant new insights into the diverse vocal sounds of non-human primates, and reveals for the first time how certain calls are produced. Apes and monkeys possess special anatomical structures in their throats called vocal membranes, which disappeared from humans through evolution to allow for more stable speech. However, the exact benefit these provide to non-human primates had previously been unclear. The new research has discovered that these vocal membranes, which are extremely thin and sit above the vocal folds in the larynx, allow monkeys to introduce "voice breaks" to their calls. A tufted capuchin call in real time and slowed down, with Dr. Christian Herbst of the University of Vienna explaining the frequency jumps made during the call. Credit: Dr. Christian Herbst, University of Vienna These voice breaks occur when the monkeys switch sound production from the vocal folds to the vocal membranes. The calls produced possess the same rapid transitions in frequency heard in Alpine yodeling, or in Tarzan's famous yell, but cover a much wider frequency range. The study involved analysis of CT scans, computer simulations and fieldwork at La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia. There, researchers recorded and studied the calls of various primate species, including the black and gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), tufted capuchin (Sapajus apella), black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis), and Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek). New World monkeys, whose range stretches from Mexico to Argentina, were found to have evolved the largest vocal membranes of all the primates, suggesting these thin ribbons of tissue play a particularly important role in their vocal production and repertoire of calls. Tufted capuchins (Sapajus apella). Credit: Dr. Jacob Dunn, Anglia Ruskin University The study also revealed that the "ultra-yodels" produced by these monkeys can involve frequency leaps up to five times larger than the frequency changes that are possible with the human voice, and while human yodels typically span one octave or less, New World monkeys are capable of exceeding three musical octaves. Senior author Dr. Jacob Dunn, Associate Professor in Evolutionary Biology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, England, said, "These results show how monkeys take advantage of an evolved feature in their larynxthe vocal membranewhich allows for a wider range of calls to be produced, including these ultra-yodels. This might be particularly important in primates, which have complex social lives and need to communicate in a variety of different ways. "It's highly likely this has evolved to enrich the animals' call repertoire, and is potentially used for attention-grabbing changes, call diversification, or identifying themselves." Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek). Credit: Dr. Jacob Dunn, Anglia Ruskin University Black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis). Credit: Dr. Jacob Dunn, Anglia Ruskin University Lead author Dr. Christian T. Herbst, of the Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology at the University of Vienna, said, "This is a fascinating example of how nature provides the means of enriching animal vocalization, despite their lack of language. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "The production of these intricate vocal patterns is mostly enabled by the way the animals' larynx is anatomically shaped, and does not require complex neural control generated by the brain." Professor Tecumseh Fitch, an expert in human vocal evolution from the University of Vienna and a co-author of the study, said, "Our study shows that vocal membranes extend the monkey's pitch range, but also destabilize its voice. They may have been lost during human evolution to promote pitch stability in singing and speech." In addition to Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Vienna, experts from Osaka University and Ritsumeikan University in Japan, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, and La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia also contributed to the research. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Rendition of the discovery where the excitons (eh pairs) interact via ripples in the magnetic structure akin to an array of spinning tops generating a wave that affects each other and couples the excitons. Credit: Visakh Menon Research by physicists at The City College of New York is being credited for a novel discovery regarding the interaction of electronic excitations via spin waves. The finding by the Laboratory for Nano and Micro Photonics (LaNMP) team headed by physicist Vinod Menon could open the door to future technologies and advanced applications such as optical modulators, all-optical logic gates, and quantum transducers. The work is reported in the journal Nature Materials. The researchers showed the emergence of interaction between electronic excitations (excitonselectron hole pairs) mediated via spin waves in atomically thin (2D) magnets. They demonstrated that the excitons can interact indirectly through magnons (spin waves), which are like ripples or waves in the 2D material's magnetic structure. "Think of magnons as tiny flip-flops of atomic magnets inside the crystal. One exciton changes the local magnetism, and that change then influences another exciton nearby. It's like two floating objects pulling toward each other by disturbing water waves around them," said Menon. To demonstrate this, the Menon group utilized a magnetic semiconductor, CrSBr, which the group had previously shown to host strong light-matter interaction. Post-doctoral fellows Biswajit Datta and Pratap Chandra Adak led the research along with graduate students Sichao Yu and Agneya Dharmapalan in collaboration with the groups at the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, University of Chemistry and TechnologyPrague, RPTUKaiserslautern, Germany and NREL, U.S. "What is especially exciting about this discovery is that the interaction between excitons can be controlled externally using a magnetic field, thanks to the tunable magnetism of 2D materials. That means we can effectively switch the interaction on or off, which is hard to do with other types of interactions," said Datta. "One particularly exciting application enabled by this discovery is in the development of quantum transducersdevices that convert quantum signals from one frequency to another, such as from microwave to optical. These are key components for building quantum computers and enabling the quantum internet." said Adak, another lead author of this work. More information: Biswajit Datta et al, Magnon-mediated excitonexciton interaction in a van der Waals antiferromagnet, Nature Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41563-025-02183-0 Journal information: Nature Materials When doctors told Shanna Sieck that her nearly 7-year-old son Mason needed to be put in hospice after his five-year-long battle with cancer, her family moved from Grinnell into a care center in Minneapolis to live out his final days. The familys move to Minnesota stemmed from Iowas lack of pediatric palliative care centers residential facilities that provide support to children and young adults with shortened life expectancies as well as their families. Sieck said they tried at home hospice, but it didnt work for their family. Iowas absence of PPCCs is not unique. Minnesotas center is one of three in the U.S., with the other two in Arizona and California. But Sieck wants to pave the way for Iowa and other states to establish more PPCCs, and lawmakers at the Iowa Capitol are considering her proposal to do just that. House File 933, named Masons Law, would create a pediatric palliative care license to establish residential care facilities for those under 21 with chronic and life-threatening illnesses who are expected to have shortened life expectancies. Under the legislation, these facilities would have 12 patient limits. Currently, no states have established licenses specifically for PPCCs. The three states with facilities create them under other licenses. During a Senate health and human services subcommittee meeting Wednesday, Sieck said the legislation would help fill the gaps between hospital care and home care as all of Iowas residential hospice facilities are for adults. These children are not expected to live to their 21st birthdays, Sieck said. I'm not sure how our family would have gotten through the end of life with our son Mason, without traveling to Minnesota to find that care and support. Siecks nonprofit Masons Light House recently secured land west of Iowa City to build a PPCC that would provide services for children, young adults and families, free of cost, including overnight respite care, family navigators, pain and symptom management, occupational therapies, sibling support, spiritual support, psychosocial and emotional support and advanced care planning. The center will be built if the bill becomes law. Under the legislation, PPCCs established with the new license would be exempt from state residential care facility requirements that dont allow facilities to provide care and services to individuals on a nonemergency basis. The bill would also exempt PPCCs from certificate of need requirements. Groups and hospitals, including the Blank Children's Hospital, the Iowa American Academy of Pediatrics and the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa, are all registered undecided on the bill. The bill, which unanimously passed the Iowa House in March, was advanced Wednesday by all three members of the Senate subcommittee Sens. Kara Warme, R-Ames; Annette Sweeney, R-Iowa Falls; and Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines. Working in the youth behavioral health space, we like to say kids are not just little adults, right? We need a different type of care and a different approach, Warme said. Some families may not want a child with terminal illness to die at home, because of what that might mean for the memories for siblings and others in the family, and so I like the thought of something new that has worked elsewhere. Trone Garriott said she supports the bill but has some questions about the logistics of the legislation. I was a pediatric hospital chaplain, and so I know that it's incredibly important to have services that are geared towards younger patients and their families, Trone Garriott said. Recruiting and retaining quality staff for these patients is a significant challenge in our state. What about this legislation is going to incentivize and draw people to our state? In a social media post this week, the City of Rapid City shared photos of a mattress, debris and bags of trash being removed from a drainage culvert on Cheyenne Boulevard. The March 27 cleanup was the first conducted this year, but it likely will not be the last. Last weeks efforts focused on every bridge along the greenway between the fairgrounds and Sioux Park. Per Rapid City municipal code, it is illegal "for any person to knowingly lodge in any public way, park, or place." "When multiple individuals congregate in these locations, there is an increased likelihood of physical assaults, sexual assaults, drug and alcohol use and other dangerous behavior," said Rapid City Fire Department Mobile Integrated Health Section Chief Ryan Marcks. "Public safety professionals have a duty to ensure the safety of all occupants of Rapid City. We are required to address the dangerous behavior or locations to ensure the safety of everyone." Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun said the city doesnt always post photos during cleanups, but he said the culvert encampment was significant. It was set up like a "studio apartment." The photos showed a television, bed and some furniture. There was a lot of cooperation with various entities, and I thought that was worthwhile. They worked very hard on it, and I think when you have a bigger one like that, I thought it was worthwhile that they would share that, Salamun said. And also just that we have good folks doing it the right way. Those involved included the Rapid City Police Department's Quality of Life Unit, the Rapid City Fire Departments Mobile Medic Unit, the Rapid City Parks Department, Rapid City Public Works, and the Pennington County IGNITE (Individual Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education) Program. In 2024, local entities gathered approximately seven times for cleanups, according to Marcks, who leads the fire departments mobile medic unit. The unit routinely works with the homeless population in Rapid City, which is at approximately 428 people, according to the South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortiums 2025 point-in-time count. The count was conducted on Jan. 28 and released on Tuesday. Our large cleanups are performed between spring and fall. The entities will not focus on specific locations; rather, inspect every bridge along Rapid Creek and other known locations that have been identified through regular patrols, Marcks told the Journal in an email. One of the locations that has been cleared out multiple times is located underneath the Interstate 190 and East Anamosa Street bridge. A week ago, 64-year-old Jerry Evans was found dead under the bridge. According to police, he suffered blunt force trauma in "an improvised outdoor camp concealed under a purposefully inconspicuous portion of the bridge." Marcks estimated that encampment was cleaned up between eight and 10 times last year. Evans' death is being investigated as a homicide. Police have not announced an arrest. Encampments are not legal in city limits, and we discourage that because its not safe for anyone, Salamun said. Its not safe for those in need, and its not safe for the community at large. Before the body was found, people sheltering under the bridge were given notice that it would be cleared out. The clear-out occurred on March 27, the same day as the culvert. As winter was coming to an end, the coalition of partners who work to provide for the safety of the citizens identified the need to clean this area again. With warming weather, the decision was made to post notice and address the issue, Marcks said. In February 2024, a severely decomposed body was found in a culvert on North LaCrosse Street near East Waterloo Street by city crews conducting routine maintenance. Months later after DNA testing, the body was identified as Lloyd Bald Eagle, a 61-year-old man who was last seen in November 2022. Police determined there was no foul play in Bald Eagle's death, although they did not release a cause of death. Although the city is required to give a 24-hour notice for an encampment to vacate public land, Marcks said the city gives three to five days notice to give people time to gather any belongings. In every instance, effort is given to ensure the individuals occupying an encampment are aware of upcoming cleanup efforts, Marcks said. If personal items such as Social Security cards, ID cards, or wallets are found, they are not disposed of, but are kept as evidence for people to retrieve. Where do people go after these encampments are cleared out? Marcks said they are encouraged to seek help through several local resources, including Volunteers Of America, Pennington County Human Services, Cornerstone Rescue Mission, Journey On or 211. Lysa Allison, executive director of Cornerstone Rescue Mission, said the mission does not normally see an uptick of people staying there after a camp is cleared out. Allison said many of the people staying in the encampments do so by their own choice, but they are welcome to stay at the mission as long as they are sober and willing to follow the rules. There will always be individuals who choose to live freely, and that is their right, but the health and safety of the community cannot be endangered, Marcks said. The Care Campus on Kansas City Street, which is run by the county, has safe beds and detox beds. Those who are intoxicated can stay there. Theres a lot of effort and a lot of dollars spent on providing resources to those in need, Salamun said. The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights has terminated a resolution agreement with Rapid City Area Schools to address what the OCR identified as significant differences in the way Native American and non-Native students are treated in the district. The district said it remains committed to providing an equitable education to all students. Following an investigation stemming from a 2010 complaint, the OCR publicized a report in May 2024 with its findings. The district then entered into a voluntary agreement to address discrepancies in the way the two groups are disciplined and in their access to advanced placement courses, in addition to truancy issues. On Tuesday, the district announced the OCR had ended that agreement, citing President Donald Trump's executive order, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, which the district noted directs federal agencies to eliminate race-based policies in education, employment and government programs. The district said it will follow the directive, but noted in a release RCAS "has invested substantial resources in complying with the terms of the agreement and will continue its efforts to support all students, ensuring that discipline policies remain fair, truancy interventions are effective and advanced learning opportunities are accessible to students." Acting Superintendent Cory Strasser gave a statement to media at the district office Tuesday afternoon, saying the decision was solely by the Office of Civil Rights. "Neither the Board of Education nor district leadership played a role in this decision," said Strasser, who noted the district, "has completed a significant portion of the work outlined in the agreement. These efforts have positively impacted all students. Any opportunity the district has to improve outcomes for students is worth doing and will not be set aside. The district's steadfast commitment to providing a safe, positive and high-quality educational experience for all students remains unchanged." In a letter dated March 27 to the district and Strasser, OCR Regional Director Bradley Burke said his office, "has determined many of the terms and conditions of the Resolution Agreement conflict with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title VI, including the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion requirements that form the foundation of the Resolution Agreement." The letter said certain terms in the agreement related to working with local law enforcement "improperly interfere with the performance of law enforcement operations." Burke said the OCR is closing its compliance review. The district sent an email to parents about the termination on Thursday. "This came as a shock to us," RCAS Board of Education member Katy Urban said. The OCR issued its report in the spring of 2024. At the time, the office said, "OCRs review found evidence indicating that (1) Native American students were being disciplined more frequently and more harshly than similarly situated white students, and (2) that Native American students were discriminated against with respect to access, referral, identification, and selection for the districts advanced learning programs and courses including honors courses and Advanced Placement courses." The agreement, signed by then-district Superintendent Nicole Swigart, didn't include an admission of noncompliance with federal Civil Rights laws, but spelled out steps the district was required to take in correcting the issue. Swigart was later fired by the school board for comments about Native students made to OCR investigators. Swigart maintains she did not make the comments. In a December 2024 interview with the Journal, Ira Taken Alive, RCAS Title VI manager, said the district has responded by compiling data to identify where we need as a district to provide the most support. In January, the district announced the hiring of a director of Positive School Climate and Culture from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. School board member Walt Swan said, "I don't want to acquiesce to the idea that we're getting rid of something. Now is the time to be active. Now is the time to stand, because otherwise everything can easily go back to the way it was, or even worse." Swan said the news was upsetting, but said there educators in the district who have worked to improve outcomes for Native students, which gives him hope for the future. "We have some really great educators in here. I'll bring up Central Principal Terry Lundeen. He's been into ceremony with some of the local members of the community, he's been out and about, he was raised near a reservation. He gets it," Swan said, adding that there are educators who understand, "'If I don't make this section of my community better, then my community isn't going to rise.'" NDN Collective founder and CEO Nick Tilsen weighed in on the recent decision in a statement to the Journal. The nonprofit organization's work includes an education component. "This decision to roll back a previous mandate to ensure the district complies with the implementation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act when it comes to the treatment of Native American students is flat out racist, unjust, discriminatory and deprioritizes Native American children in this community. In this moment we need leaders who will stand up for all the children in this community whether they be Native, Black, white, Latino, or Asian," Tilsen said. "This type of courage needs to be founded in justice, love and accountability. We must dig deep as a community and decide that racism has no place in our future." Strasser did not field questions after his statement, but during it did note, "we felt it was essential to share this update with stakeholders as part of our commitment to open and transparent communication." RCAS spokeswoman Bobbi Schaefbauer said the district will release more information on its plans and will hold press conferences on the topic in the future. The Ravalli County Behavioral Health Coalition met with the Ravalli County commissioners recently to discuss services being provided with Crisis Diversion Grant funds. Representatives from 11 counseling, housing and mental health providers packed the commissioners chambers last week to discuss the work being done by the coalition to combat mental health crises across the county. Since 2009, Ravalli County has received a consistent stream of financial support from the federal government to introduce and sustain forms of crisis intervention and jail diversion in the community. Ravalli County commissioners made their most recent approval for use of these funds in May of last year, providing the Behavioral Health Coalition $627,162 in Crisis Diversion Grant funding for the next three years. Commissioners heard from an assortment of coalition members from the Behavioral Health Coalition who summarized a variety of subjects related to crisis intervention such as veteran care, mental health, the affordable housing crisis, senior care and suicide prevention. It is my understanding that over the last 10 years you have never had any kind of presentation on what this money is being used for, said Jaime Biesiot, Behavioral Health Manager with the Ravalli County Sheriffs Office (RCSO). It used to be called the County Tribal Matching Grant and were really just trying to be good stewards with this money. We want to use it to the best of our ability for the entire county. The coalition was formed in 2022 to enhance and improve a county appropriate system of response, treatment and care to community members experiencing behavioral crisis, according to their mission statement. Members include the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office, the Hamilton Police Department, Bitterroot Health, Western Montana Mental Health Center, SAFE, West House, Olive Branch Counseling, Youth Court, Council on Aging, Ravalli County Public Health and Ravalli Services. The collaboration among the agencies is really unique, Biesiot told the Ravalli Republic. Its something weve never done before and were really hoping to develop a more streamlined system of referral to us so that we can assist people were really hoping to fill the gaps of the needs of our community members. Biesiot said the main objectives of the coalition were establishing partnerships with other agencies, providing workforce training to increase the number of first responders in the county, implement prevention initiatives in education, promote equitable access to services, and maintain the sustainability of those services. The presentation on March 25 was led by Biesiot, who told commissioners that funds from the Crisis Diversion Grant were being directly utilized by the coalition to pay for Crisis Intervention Academy training as well as employ Biesiot and Behavioral Health Community Care Coordinator Victoria Miralda. "It pays for my position and Victoria Miralda's position as the care coordinator and then what I have written into the grant like appropriate training," Biesiot said. Biesiot explained local agencies had made contributions to the coalition in order to match the grant amount. While the contributions were not direct donations, the coalition estimated their approximate value. The RSCO contributed approximately $521,700 by providing detention center behavioral health and emergency behavioral health services. The Hamilton Police Department also accounted for $27,500 by sending officers to crisis intervention training and helping staff the crisis intervention committee. Bitterroot Health helped match $70,500 of the grant by "facilitating mental health evaluations" as well as "monitor patients awaiting placement by the County Attorney," according to Biesiot's presentation. The RSCOs involvement has helped sustain and introduce initiatives such as their crisis intervention training, officer wellness programs and coordination with the community. Biesiot said they were "pretty proud" of what theyve accomplished so far. "Were really trying to reduce unnecessary law force engagement," she said. "We are getting quite a few mental health calls, and we just want to free up those resources. We also want to assess the needs of a more efficient crisis response system for our county. Part of that initiative to reduce Ravalli Countys reliance on police response involved developing a crisis intervention team with the Behavioral Health Unit at the RCSO. Detective and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) leader Dan Mendonca said that the formation of the coalition has been super beneficial. Ive been instructing CIT here for over 10 years now, said Dan Mendonca. I can say that as far as our coalition, having Jaime (Biesiot) brought over to the county has been super beneficial. I think our growth and what were able to do and where were going is very promising. Last year, the coalition hosted a training opportunity with the Crisis Intervention Academy for Ravalli County first responders. Biesiot said a similar opportunity would be available to first responders again in May of this year. Other representatives voiced support for the coalition and told commissioners the bond had allowed them to improve upon their individual efforts to better serve the community. What Im excited about with this coalition is a couple of things, said SAFE Executive Director Stacy Umhey at the meeting. One of the things the coalition brings to us is knowledge of how to respond really well. Its helping us create relationships so that we can rely on each other. I think the work Jaime is helping us to be on the forefront of is work that is super important for our future. Local law enforcement personnel present at the meeting also supported the initiatives of the coalition, some saying that some had already noticed a difference in crisis management. This coalition has done a lot in just a few short months, said Hamilton Chief of Police Steve Snavely. Were seeing a difference in people we deal with every day. County commissioners commended the agencies before them on Thursday, thanking them for their continued dedication to the community and numerous improvement projects. Putting together a team like this is no small task and keeping everybody together is an even larger task, Commissioner Greg Chilcott said. Thank you for your efforts to everybody in this room. Its a big deal and sometimes theres not a lot of thanks involved. Thank you for all you do," Commissioner Dan Huls said. "Its tremendous." While Richmonds City Hall is a public facility built and maintained at the expense of taxpayers, residents do not have unobstructed access to most of its offices or the public servants who work in them. Those limitations are perfectly legal, according to Andrew Bodoh, an attorney with Thomas H. Roberts and Associates who specializes in constitutional and public records law. The city, even though its a public entity, is the property owner and has the rights of a property owner, Bodoh said. There are secure areas where they do not invite the public into, or you need a special invitation. In the case of City Hall, those secure areas include most of the building. While the first-floor lobby is open to the public, the remaining 18 floors are only accessible to city employees with badges that scan and open elevators and stairway doors. Thats a matter of safety, according to city spokesperson Ross Catrow. After the fatal shooting at a Virginia Beach municipal building in 2019 that left 12 dead, the city of Richmond implemented new security practices at City Hall to better protect employees and visitors, Catrow said. The enhancements included the installation of a security checkpoint with metal detection at the entrance to the building. Officials were strategic in implementing those changes, Catrow added, and placed public-facing services billing, tax and parking citation payments; and licenses and permits on the first floor to make them easily accessible to the public. But while it remains relatively easy for residents to make payments to the city, the updated security protocols mean they cannot access their representatives (with City Councils offices on the third floor), visit Richmond Public Schools headquarters (located on the 17th floor), speak with code enforcement teams (located in the basement) or review public records on a walk-in basis. There are no handicap-accessible bathrooms available on the first floor. And the observation deck, situated at the very top of City Hall, remains permanently off-limits to the public. Documents provided after legal challenge The Richmond Times-Dispatch obtained City Halls security policy and contract after a legal dispute with the city over the cost of producing the records. In response to a March 4 Freedom of Information Act request, Julia Holmes, the citys FOIA officer, quoted the newspaper $285.25 for supplying the two documents. Holmes did not provide an itemized breakdown of that estimated cost upon request. On March 21, The Times-Dispatch filed a writ of mandamus a petition asking that a judge compel officials to fulfill statutory duties to contest the quote. Two days later, city officials agreed to hand over redacted versions of the documents at no cost. Meanwhile, City Councilwoman Reva Trammell, who represents the 8th District, gave The Times-Dispatch an unredacted version of the security policy. This information should be free, Trammell said. The records outline the amount the city pays for its security services, as well as the protocols its contracted security guards follow. The redacted information mostly addresses guards daily schedules and routines, the locations of light switches and emergency equipment, and proper responses to critical situations. In 2021, officials entered into an agreement with Chesterfield County-based Top Guard that would see the city pay roughly $2.2 million per year for security services across 16 different city properties, including City Hall, multiple libraries and Main Street Station, the records show. The per-year cost of security services at City Hall alone is around $674,000. That figure covers a staff of two armed guards and 10 unarmed guards during business hours. Top Guards personnel are required to follow standard operating procedures established by city officials and the company. But those procedures deal mostly with day-to-day functions such as locking doors and patrolling facilities and make little mention of citizens rights to be inside public buildings. For example, the security policy contains guidelines for ejecting a person from a building, but doesnt list specific justifications for such an ejection. The policy also instructs guards to direct issues (with) security matters to their supervisor, rather than contacting city officials, and allows managers within the private firm to determine when it is appropriate to bring the problem to (officials) attention. Unclear policies cause clashes between security, reporters The lack of clarity has led to multiple conflicts between guards and reporters. On Dec. 4, while Richmonds Board of Elections held a closed-door meeting to discuss the fate of embattled former Registrar Keith Balmer, a security guard ordered all members of the press to exit the lobby of City Halls fifth floor directly outside the room where board members were deliberating. Asked to cite a section of city code or policy that entitled officials to clear the lobby during a public meeting, officials declined. They did not answer questions regarding who ordered or approved the removal. After The Times-Dispatch contacted a spokesperson for then-Mayor Levar Stoney, the city attorneys office and multiple members of City Council, reporters were readmitted to the fifth floor. A similar incident occurred before a Jan. 8 water crisis news conference by Mayor Danny Avula when a guard expelled two photojournalists from a hallway inside the lobby of Richmonds Main Public Library. When asked to explain the removal of reporters from a public area of a public building, the guard grabbed a photojournalist by the arm and said I aint talking to you, shut up. Reporters are not alone in encountering conflict with the citys security personnel. Trammell told The Times-Dispatch that her liaison, Rick Bishop, is stopped by security all the time, despite having worked at City Hall for years. Bishop confirmed that. He said he isnt sure why it keeps happening. And Rebecca Fralin, who last year went to City Hall in an effort to get help with a nearly $7,000 water bill, said she was prevented by guards from going to the second floor to ask for a meeting with Stoney. Fralin described the guards as rude and aggressive. Representatives for Top Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment. What rights do citizens have? Not many Those interactions may not align with guidelines that order guards to be courteous and friendly but they are not necessarily illegal, according to Andrew Bodoh. Bodoh made a critical distinction between different types of public property. Bodoh said members of the public have an absolute right to access thoroughfares: areas that are designated as walkways are parkways, such as roads, sidewalks and stairways outside of entrances to public buildings. But officials are not required to allow citizens inside of public buildings, he said. So, while public facilities often (have) designated areas where the public is expected, officials are within their rights to deny entry to or even ban citizens. Bodoh said exceptions include bans motivated by discrimination against a protected class, that prevent citizens from exercising their right to attend public meetings, or that constrict First Amendment-protected speech. But otherwise, officials right to a private City Hall is much like a homeowners right to a private residence. A security protocol in place that requires a special invitation to reach (public offices) is generally considered to be acceptable, Bodoh said. Those limitations dont violate Virginias FOIA either, according to Alan Gernhardt, executive director of Virginias Freedom of Information Advisory Council a state agency that answers questions from private citizens, state and local public officials, and the media about access to public records and meetings. The states FOIA says that all public records shall be available for inspection and copying upon request. But Gernhardt said that doesnt necessarily entitle any citizen to walk into a public building and demand to pursue government documents on the spot. The government does not have to provide it immediately, Gernhardt said. They have up to five working days to respond. Taking those working days is a matter of discretion, he said and officials could simply supply records immediately but no section of FOIA compels them to do that. If officials want to take time to review and redact responsive records, they are entitled to it. But what if a citizen cant even access the person to whom a records request should be directed? Gernhardt said that, as long as officials provide alternatives to in-person submission, theyre in the clear. Both city and state offices generally provide contact information email addresses, and sometimes phone numbers for their respective FOIA officers. Thats enough to satisfy FOIAs requirements, Gernhardt said. If you went to my office across the street from City Hall in the General Assembly Building, you wouldnt be able to make your FOIA request then and there, he said. Gernhardt often works from home and even when he doesnt, his office is behind locked doors as well. Ultimately, officials are working to strike a balance between security and transparency. Thats a difficult balance to achieve, said Chuck Slemp, formerly commonwealths attorney for Wise County and deputy attorney general of Virginia. Im thinking of James Madison, Slemp said. Madison wrote a letter to Senator William Barry in which he essentially said if youre going to have a government that is by the people and for the people, well then the people have to have information and access to the government that theyre in charge of. But while Virginians generally have a right as citizens to access their electeds, that doesnt mean citizens have the run of the place. Nobody gets to walk right through the Capitol and see the speaker of the house, Slemp said. Same with the governor, same with the attorney general, same with the dog catcher in rural Virginia. There are rules for a reason, he said. Clearer regulations and additional pet friendly spaces in the works for Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen, Q.R. New pet friendly areas are being sought for Playa del Carmen residents. The number of dogs at Playa 72 in the Colosio neighborhood has seen a significant increase. Due to the increase, authorities are pushing for additional regulations as well as additional pet friendly spaces. Sergio Baintain, representative of the group Dog Beach Mexico for Playa 72, says due to the increase in dogs on the beach, tighter regulations are needed to avoid incidents between animals. He says the increase in animals makes it urgent to implement clearer municipal regulations establishing owners obligations regarding the handling, cleanliness and behavior of their pets within the public beach space. Its essential to have clear rules, not only to keep the beach in optimal condition, but also to promote healthy coexistence between the animals and their caretakers, he said. He also said that work is currently underway in coordination with municipal authorities to identify new areas that can be used as recreational spaces for pets, considering that more than half of the households in Playa del Carmen have at least one pet. Baintain did not specify if the city is looking to add another pet friendly beach to the municipal list or if they were seeking a general pet friendly area for dog owners.